CAMA Land Use Plan Update 1992-1992

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DCM COPY ' A ` DCM COPY
lease do not remove!!!!!
Division of Coastal Management Copy
Town of Cape cartereT
North Carolina
CAMA Land Use Plan
Update
1992
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The preparation of this document and/or maps, was financed In part through a
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grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through
funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended
which Is administered by the Office Of Ocean And Coastal Resource
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Management National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration.
Local Adoption: September 21, 1992
CRC Certification: September 25, 1992
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� jYWA Ken Weeden & Associates

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TOWN OF CAPE CARTERET, NORTH CAROLINA
1991 LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION
I:
ANALYSIS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS
AND PROJECT DEMAND
INTRODUCTION
1
A.
Establishment of Information Base
2
B.
Present Conditions
2
1.
Population
2
2.
Housing
3
3.
Seasonal Population
5
'
4.
Population Summary
5
5.
Economy
6
C.
Existing Land Use Analysis
8
1.
General Patterns
8
2.
Inside Town Limits
8
a. Residential
8
b. Commercial
9
c. Institutional
9
d. Industrial
e. Recreational Uses
9
10
3.
Land Uses in the ETJ
10
4.
Significant Land and Water Compatibility Problems
it
5.
Major Problems from Unplanned Development
12
6.
Areas Experiencing Likely to Experience Major
Land Use Changes
13
7.
Identification of Areas of Environmental Concern
13
a. Coastal Wetlands
14
b. Estuarine Water
15
c. Public Trust Waters
15
d. Estuarine Shorelines
16
e. Outstanding Resource Waters/Estuarine Shoreline
AEC 17
D.
Review of Current Plan, Policies and Regulations
17
E.
Constraints:
Land Suitability
20
1.
Physical Limitations
20
a. Man -Made Hazards
b. Natural Hazards
20
Areas
21
(1) Flood Hazard Areas
21
(2) Estuarine Erosion Areas
22
c. Areas with Soils Limitations
22
d. Sources and Estimated Quantity Water Supply
23
e. Slopes in Excess of Twelve (12) Percent
24
2.
Fragile Areas
24
a. Natural Resource Fragile Areas
25
b. Cultural Resources Fragile Areas
28
3.
Areas with Resource Potential
29
a. Agricultural and Forest Lands
29
b. Productive Water Bodies
29
c. Mining Lands
29
d. Public Forests and Gamelands
30
e. Privately Owned Wildlife Sanctuaries
30
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F. Constraints: Capacity of Public Facilities
30
1. Water
31
2. Sewer
31
3. Schools
32
4. Solid Waste
32
5. Police Protection
33
6. Fire Protection
34
7. Primary Roads and Bridges
34
8. Town Administration
35
G. Projected Demand
35
1. Population Forecasts
35
2. Land Use
36
3. Water
36
4. Sewer
36
5. Other Facilities and Services
36
SECTION II: POLICY STATEMENTS
PREFACE
37
A. Resource Protection
39
1.
Areas of Environmental Concern:
39
a. Coastal Wetlands
40
b. Estuarine Waters and Estuarine Shorelines
40
C. Outstanding Resource Water (ORW's)
41
d. Public Trust Areas
41
2.
Constraints to Development
41
3.
Hurricane and Flood Evacuation Needs and Plans
44
4.
Other Resource Protection Policy Areas
44
a. Protection of Potable Water Supply
44
b. Use of Package Treatment Plants
44
c. Stormwater Runoff
45
d. Marina and Floating Home Development
45
e. Industrial Impacts or Fragile Areas
45
f. Drystacking Facilities
45
g. Restrictions within Areas Susceptible to Sea Level
Rise and Wetland Loss
46
h. Upland Excavation for Marine Basins
46
i. Damage to Existing Marshes by Bulkhead Construction
46
j. Development of Sound and Estuarine Islands
46
5.
Resource Protection Policies: Implementation Strategies
46
B. Resource Production and Management Policies
47
1.
Commercial and Recreational Fisheries
47
2.
Recreational Lands and Public Access
48
3.
Residential and Commercial Land Development
48
4.
Productive Agriculture Lands
49
5.
Other Resource Production and Management Issues
49
6.
Implementation Strategies
49
C. Economic and Community Development Policies
50
1.
Community Attitude Toward Growth
50
2.
Types and Locations of Desired Industries
51
3.
Local Commitment to Service Provision
51
4.
Desired Urban Growth Patterns
51
5.
Redevelopment of Developed Areas
53
6.
Commitment to State and Federal Programs
53
7.
Assistance to Channel Maintenance
53
8.
Energy Facilities Siting
53
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9. Tourism 54
10.
Estuarine Water Beach Access
54
11.
Density of Development
54
12.
Local Community Development Issues
54
13.
Economic and Community Development:
Implementation Strategies
58
D. Continuing Public Participation
58
E. Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post Disaster Recovery
and
1.
Evacuation Plans
Effects of a Coastal Storm
59
60
a. High Winds
60
b. Flooding
60
C. Erosion
61
2.
Composite Hazards
61
a. Land Use Inventory
61
3.
Storm Hazard Mitigation Policies
61
4.
Policy to Discourage Development in the Most
Hazardous Areas
62
5.
Policy on Public Acquisition
63
6.
7.
Evacuation Plans and Policies
Post -Disaster Reconstruction
63
63
SECTION III:
LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
66
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A. General 66
B. Urban Transition 68
C. Conservation 69
D. Other Classifications 71
E. Land Classification Summary 71
SECTION IV: RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES AND LAND CLASSIFICATIONS 71
SECTION V: INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION 72
Appendix I: Review of Policies from 1987 Land Use Plan Update
Appendix II: Results of Cape Carteret's Citizen Survey, and Citizen
Participation Documentation
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CAPE CARTERET LAND USE PLAN
LIST OF TABLES AND MAPS
Table No. Page
1. Cape Carteret and Carteret County's Population: 1960-1990 2
2. Population Composition Summary 3
3. Housing Data Summary, 1990 Census 4
4. Cape Carteret, Estimated Seasonal Population 5
5. Estimated Planning Area Population 6
6. Commercial Establishments within Cape Carteret's Jurisdiction 6
7. Cape Carteret Tax Base, 1982-1990 7
S. Soil Characteristics for Cape Carteret 23-a
9. Surface Water Classification for Cape Carteret 24
10. White Oak School Enrollments 1986-1990 32
Map No.
1.
Location Map
i
2.
Existing Land Use
Attached
3.
ORW Impact Area/Estuarine Shorelines
17-a
4.
Flood Hazard Areas
22-a
5.
Estuarine Erosion Areas
22-b
6.
Soils With Severe Limitations to Development
23-b
7.
Saltwater Classification
24-a
8.
General Locations; Wetlands
28-a
9.
Archaeologically Sensitive Areas
29-a
10.
Primary Nursery Areas and Closed Shellfishing Areas
29-b
11.
Game Lands in Cape Carteret
30-a
12.
Annual Average Daily Traffic, 1990
34-a
13.
Projected Summertime Traffic, 2010
34-b
14.
Composite Hazards
61-a
15.
Land Classifications
Attached
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INTRODUCTION
According to the Planning Guidelines contained in the North Carolina
Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA), local governments in the State's
20 coastal counties must update their
land use
plans every five years.
The Town
of Cape Carteret, located in
Carteret
County in the southeast
coastal
region of North Carolina, is
required
to update its plan in
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1991.
This 1991
update of Cape Carteret's
LAMA Land
Use Plan is the third
required
update since the original
plan was developed in 1976.
Previous updates were prepared in 1981 and 1987. The purpose of
developing land use plans within the State's 20 coastal counties is to
encourage local governments to develop land management policies in
consideration of the special natural and economic resources of the
coastal region. According to the Land Use Planning Guidelines, the
major purpose of the five-year updates is to identify and analyze
newly emerging community issues and problems.
Since 1987, Cape Carteret has witnessed several significant changes
which may impact land use policies. Perhaps the most significant
occurrence since 1987 is the annexation of additional areas along NC
58 North, and the expansion of the extra -territorial jurisdiction
south and east. Other significant changes and trends will be
addressed later in the 1991 plan update.
This Update for Cape Carteret has been prepared according to the
j! requirements of the North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act,
Subchapter 7B, "Land Use Planning Guidelines".
These guidelines give the following objectives the update should meet:
* to define and refine local policies and issues;
* to examine and refine the land classification system and
the land classification map;
* to assess the effectiveness of the existing land use plan
and its implementation; to explore implementation
procedures; and,
* to promote a better understanding of the land use planning
process.
Periodic updating of the Land Use Plans also allows the local
governments the opportunity to incorporate any changes which may have
been adopted by the Coastal Resources Commission since the previous
update.
The basic format of the Cape Carteret CAMA Land Use Plan Update
consists of the following four major components:
A. Data Collection and Analysis
B. Policy Discussion and Policy Statements
C. Existing Land Use Map
tD. Land Classification Map
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A.
B.
ESTABLISHMENT OF INFORMATION BASE
The previous Land Use Plan Updates, particularly the 1987 update,
were all useful in providing information for this 1991 update.
However, in many cases, new information had to be developed. A
number of data sources were tapped during the preparation of this
plan in order to prepare updated analysis of population, housing,
economics, environmental conditions, and existing land uses.
Most of the data came from primary and secondary sources in the
form of direct contacts with representatives of the Town, Carteret
County, various state and federal agencies, and/or previously
published documents or reports. Windshield surveys were also
conducted to obtain data on existing land use patterns in certain
special areas. Interviews were conducted with various Town
officials and department heads. Efforts were made to obtain data
that was as up-to-date and accurate as possible.
The data analysis showed that in,somecases, the changes since
1987 (the last update year) have been dramatic, with new trends
appearing to emerge. For example, the 1987 Plan projected strong
population growth for the Town, with an estimated 1990 population
of 1,472. The recently reported official 1990 U.S. Census
figures, however, shows the Town's population to be only 1,008.
The official census figures represent a growth of only 64 persons
between 1980 and 1990. In other cases, changes have been marginal
or non-existent. The following section, detailing present
conditions, will discuss the changes and emerging trends.
PRESENT CONDITIONS
1. Population
The Town of Cape Carteret was incorporated in 1957, and made
its first appearance in the Census in 1960. Since its
official population of 52 in the 1960 U.S. Census, the Town
has exhibited growth for each 10-year census period. However,
if the 1990 Census figures are to be accepted, the decade of
the 1980's was a time during which the Town experienced its
slowest growth gaining a net of only 64 persons in 10 years.
(It should be noted that a September, 1991 Town -sponsored
survey resulted in a total count of 1.078 persons.) Notice
Table 1 below.
TABLE 1: Cape Carteret and Carteret County's Population:
1960-1990
Town Num.
Year Pop. Chancre %Change Carteret Co.
%Change
1960
52 ---
--- 27,438 ---
1970
616 564
1,000 31,603 15.2
1980
944 328
53.2 41,092 30.0
1990
11008 64
6.8 52,556 27.9
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Source: U.S. Census Reports, 1987 Land Use Plan
Cape Carteret's population growth rate appears to have
declined significantly between 1980 and 1990. Carteret County
as a whole, however, experienced a strong growth rate during
the same period. Again, if the 1990 Census figures are valid,
the previous growth forecasts for Cape Carteret, i.e.,
contained in the 1987 plan, will require some serious
adjustments. Additional information on population forecasts
is presented in Section G "Projected Demand".
a. Population Composition
According to the 1990 Census reports, Cape Carteret's
population is 99.3% white (1,001 persons) and only .7% (7
persons) non -white. The non -white resident's consist of
two persons classified as "American Indian, Eskimo,or
Aleut", and five persons classified as "Asian or Pacific
Islander". This pattern is basically consistent with the
1980 census. Unlike the 1980 census, however, females now
outnumber males, i.e. 52% of the total population,
compared to 48% males. Nearly half of the population
(46.8%) of Cape Carteret consists of persons 55 years or
older. In fact, the 1990 Census reports the median age to
be 52.6, indicative of the Town's growing status as a
retirement community. For example, in 1980, only 29.2% of
the population consisted of persons 55 and older.
TABLE 2: Population Composition Summary
Race
-White
-Non-White
Gender
-Male
-Female
Acre
Total: 1,008(1990) 1980/944 Total
No. % No. %
1,001 99.3 929 98.4
7 .7 15 1.6
487
521
-Under 18
163
-18-24
46
-25-54
326
-55+
472
Median age:
48.0
52.0
16.3
4.6
32.3
46.8
52.6(1990)
497
52.6
447
47.4
231
24.5
67
7.1
370
39.2
276
29.2
Source: 1990 U.S. Census Reports, State Library of NC
Housing
Although it has no direct beach frontage, Cape Carteret is a
popular coastal resort/retirement community. The housing
types, occupancy patterns, and values are reflective of such a
community. Notice Table 3, below, which provides a summary of
housing data excerpted from the 1990 Census, and compare to
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comparable data from the 1980 census.
TABLE 3: Housing Data Summary, 1990 Census
No. %
Total Housing Units 580 100.0
-Occupied 441 76.0
-Vacant 139 24.0
-Vacant Seasonal,
recreational, etc. 102 17.6
Persons per occ. unit 2.29
Tenure of Occ. Units
-Owner Occ. 383 86.8
-Renter Occ. 58 13.2
Unit Types of Total
-Cony. units 456 78.6
-Mobile homes,
or Trailers 124 21.4
Value/1990
(Specified
owner -occupied units)
320
Less than $50,000
17
$50,000 to
$99,999
160
$100,000 to
$149,999
68
$150,000 to
$199,999
46
$200,000 to
$299,999
26
$300,000 or
more
3
Median (dollars 94,800
Source: U.S. Census Reports
1980
%
420
100.0
357
85.0
61
15.0
54
12.6
2.63
299
83.8
58
16.2
339
80.7
81
19.3
5.3
50.0
21.3
14.4
8.1
1.0
As Table 3 depicts, of the 580 total housing units reported in
the 1990 Census in Cape carteret, nearly one-fourth (24%, or
139) were listed as vacant. this is a substantial increase of
78 additional vacant units since 1980. However, the total
number of units increased by 160 from 1980 to 1990. The
majority of the 1990 vacant units (102) were described as
being for "recreational, seasonal, or occasional use. This
would indicate that Cape Carteret has a significant seasonable
population. (The estimated seasonal population will be
discussed further in the following section). The number and
percent of mobile homes also increased in the Town from 1980
to 1990, according to the Census.
Also consistent with the trend toward a retirement community
is the declining average household size, i.e., from 2.63
persons in 1980, to 2.29 in 1990. This indicates fewer
children, as noted under "age" in Table 2.
The net number of rental units remained the same, but declined
as a percentage of total occupied units from 1980 to 1990.
Homeownership, Le, owner -occupied units, appears to be a
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strong trend in Cape Carteret.
3. Seasonal Population
Cape Carteret is located along NC 24, midway between
Jacksonville and Morehead City, at 'the intersection of NC
Highway 58. The Town's entire southern border is the
shoreline of the Western Bogue sound. Across the NC 58
high-rise bridge, within three short miles, is the beginning
of the southern end of Carteret County's well-known beachfront
communities --Emerald Isle. Because of its favorable location,
along with a generally pleasant year-round climate, and an
increasingly popular golf course, Cape Carteret appears to be
attracting more and more seasonal residents. To estimate the
peak seasonal population, it will be assumed that all of the
vacant units shown in the 1990 Census (139), would be occupied
at the height of the tourist season. It will be further
assumed that the average household size of the seasonal/vacant
units will be slightly higher than that of the regular
year-round population, i.e. 3.0 persons instead of 2.29. With
these assumptions, the estimated seasonal population of Cape
Carteret would be 1,425 as shown below in Table 4:
TABLE 4: Cape Carteret Estimated Seasonal Population
1990 population = 1,008 -
Total vacant units 139
Seasonal occupancy rate 3.0 persons x 139 - 417
Total seasonal population = 1,008 + 417 = 1,425
Under the assumptions shown in Table 4, Cape Carteret's
population would increase by 41% at seasonal peak occupancy,
or by a factor of about 1.4. It should be noted that there
are no motels or commercial campgrounds in Cape Carteret. The
seasonal occupancy of vacant units appears to be a reasonable
basis for projecting seasonal population in the Town.
4. Population Summary
It should be pointed out that the preceding population
discussion presented only information for the current (1990
census) corporate limits of Cape Carteret. The Town exercises
extraterritorial jurisdiction control (ETJ) over an area
beyond its Town limits which is considered a part of its
planning area. Although desired census data is not readily
available, the population in this area should also be
considered in this Land Use Plan. The majority of th ETJ
residents reside in three subdivisions all located east of the
Town limits. These are, Quail Woods, Fox Forest, and Hunting
Bay. Based on information derived from the 1987 plan, these
areas contain an estimated 110 persons.
There are also a few more residences between Taylor Notion
Road and NC 58, and several on the west side of NC 58, north
of Pettiford Creek. These areas contain an estimated 25
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persons, based on the number of dwellings and 1990 Census
average household sizes (2.29). This estimate assumes 100%
year-round occupancy. For the entire Planning area, the
estimated population is as follows in Table 5.
TABLE 5: Estimated Planning Area Population
Town limits population 1,008
Est. ETJ population 135
Total Planning Area: 1,143
Source: Ken Wee en & Associates
Note that some areas reported in the 1987 Plan as being in the
Town's ETJ, i.e. Northwest Community, SR114, SR113, and
Southwest are actually outside of the Town's official planning
area. Cedar Point, a community adjacent to Cape Carteret to
the west, on NC 24, across NC 58, became an incorporated
municipality since the Town's 1987 Plan. The four communities
cited above are actually within Cedar Point's planning
jurisdiction.
Economy
The economic base of Cape Carteret is tied directly to' its
character as primarily a residential -resort and retirement
community: There is no industrial or manufacturing base
located in the town. However, many residents among the
working age groups are employed outside of Cape Carteret,
aiding the growth of a limited services economy within the
town. The principal commercial services within Cape Carteret
consist of retail stores, restaurants (including fast foods),
automobile related services, construction contractors, and
real estate offices. There are also two banks within the
town. In addition to providing services to area residents,
these establishments also contribute significantly to the
town's tax base, i.e. ad valorem value. Table 6, below
provides a list of the commercial facilities within the town.
TABLE 6: Commercial Establishments within Cape Carteret's
Jurisdiction
Retail Stores and Services
1.
ABC Store
15.
Maxway Stores
2.
Photo Maker
16.
Kerr Drugs
3.
Piggly Wiggly
17.
McCauley Cleaners
4.
G & W Landscaping
18.
Mid Atlantic Diesel
5.
Short Stop Food Mart
19.
Coastal Tile Contractors
6.
Snak N Pak No. 4
20.
McLean Engineering Associates
7.
Cape Carteret Tire Co.
21.
Cagle Roofing and Remodeling
8.
Crystal Coast Auto Parts
22.
L.B. Page Landscaping
9.
Ron's Automotive
23.
Majestic Mufflers Car Care
10.
K & K Construction
Center

11. Naida & Company 24.
Edwin N. Holt General Con-
12. First Citizen's Bank
tractors Inc.
13. Shear Artistry 25.
Tenhagen's Barber Shop
14. Plumbing and Fiberglass 26.
First American Savings Bank
Restaurants and Misc.
27. Blackbeard's Galley 32.
Famous Pizza
28. Fairway Restaurant 33.
McDonald's Restaurant
29. Capt. Ed's Restaurant 34.
No. 27 Wheels and Keels
30. R.K. Stow's 35.
Certified Fiberglass
31. Hardee's 36.
West Carteret Medical Center
Real Estate Actencies
37. W.B. McLean Real Estate
38. Shackelford Realty
39. Realty World/Holz Realty
40. Chappell Realty
41. Goose Creek Resort Properties
42. Spell Realty
Source: Cape CarEeret Economic Profile. 1990.
Another indicator of the Town's
economic base is the change in
its tax base over a period of time. Notice Table 7, below:
TABLE 7: Cave Carteret Tax Base,
1982-1990
Year Total Tax Base
% Chancte
1986 37,945,849
---
1987 40,140,803
5.8
1988 40,247,922
0.3
1989 72,102,530* 79.1
1990 72,951,098 1.2
*Year of county wide re -valuation
Source: Town Clerk's office
The tax base of Cape Carteret has been expanding modestly,
since 1986, except for the dramatic jump in 1988, the year of
revaluations.
Retailed economic statistics on items such as income,
employment, etc., are not yet available from the 1990 Census.
The 1980 Census data revealed that at that time, only six
percent (6%) of Cape Carteret's population had incomes below
the poverty level. Also the results of a 1991 Citizen Survey
Questionnaire indicated that 53.3% of all families responding
to the survey, had incomes of more than $30,000 per year. It
is likely that 1990 census statistics, when they become
available, will reflect a similar picture.

C. EXISTING LAND USE ANALYSIS
1. General Patterns
As noted in the 1987 Plan Update, the predominant land use in
Cape Carteret remains residential. The community which
officially became Cape Carteret in 1957, began as a soundside
community. Typical of the 1950;s subdivision design, it was
laid out in the familiar rectangular street pattern. The
first area to be developed was Bayshore Park, which
ironically, was not part of the original incorporated
municipality. The initially incorporated area was Old Cape
Carteret, an area located on the south side of NC Highway 24
(McLean Blvd.). Bayshore Park became part of Cape Carteret
sometime later, through annexation. The Town's jurisdiction
currently ranges on both sides of NC 24, extending northward
to Pettiford Creek and southward to the Atlantic Intracoastal
Waterway. There are several notable subdivisions and/or
neighborhoods within its boundaries. As noted previously, the
Town's jurisdiction includes both the area within its
corporate limits and its ETJ.
2. Within the Corporate Limits
a. Residential
Within the corporate limits of Cape Carteret, the majority
of the residential land is located within three major
subdivision or developments. These are briefly described
below:
1) Old Cape Carteret: This area was originally developed
in the 1940's and 501s. The grid pattern street
layout is noticeably different from the winding
streets and cul-de-sacs of more recent subdivision
design. Old Cape Carteret contains only single-family
homes. Many of these are situated on relatively small
lots. There was no zoning when the area was platted.
Many of the original lots are undersized compared to
current zoning and health department requirements.
2) Bayshore Park: Located east of Country Club Point,
Bayshore Park contains the only concentration of
mobile home units within the Town. Approximately
one-third of all dwelling units in Bayshore Park are
mobile homes, also situated on small lots.
3) Country Club Point: This development is located
across Rock Run Creek from Old Cape Carteret and
contains larger lot sizes and reflects more recent
subdivision layout and design. Only single-family,
conventional dwelling units are located in Country
Club Point.
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4) Star Hill: Star Hill, located on the north side of NC
24, is the largest single development within Cape
Carteret's corporate limits. This area, developed
around three nine -hole golf courses, is the Town's
principal residential resort neighborhood. The Star
Hill Golf and Country Club has a swimming pool, tennis
courts, and a building used for private functions. In
addition to the golf courses which meander through the
neighborhood, Star Hill has a private air strip. The
75' x 2400 runway, although unpaved, is lighted and is
operated by a private, non-profit citizens
organization.
b. Commercial
The amount of actively utilized commercial land in Cape
Carteret is relatively small having changed little since
the 1987 Land Use Plan. Most of the commercial activity
is concentrated along NC 24 near its intersection with NC
58, where a small shopping center is located. One of the
major issues noted in the 1987 plan update was the
excessive amount of land zoned as "commercial" relative to
the amount actually used or needed for that purpose. The
zoning ordinance has subsequently been revised and some
previous commercial areas were rezoned. This action
caused a slight reduction in land zoned "commercial"
within the Town limits. Because of satellite annexations
and the expansion of the ETJ since 1987, there is
presently more "commercial" areas within the Town's
extraterritorial limits than was in 1987.
Two restaurants, both located on NC 58 north of its
intersection with NC 24, were annexed as non-contiguous
annexations, i.e., by ."satellite," under NC state
annexation provisions. The Fairway Restaurant, located on
the west side of NC 58 near its intersection with Taylor
Notion Road, and Blackbeard's Galley, located a little
farther north on the east side of NC 58, were both annexed
in 1989. These two commercial annexations added to Town's
tax base.
C. Institutional
Institutional land uses consist of the Town Hall
facilities, the Cape Carteret Fire Department and Rescue
Squad, White Oak Elementary School, and two churches.
d. Industrial
There is no land zoned for industrial purposes within the
Town of Cape Carteret. A diesel repair shop, however, is
located in the ETJ area on NC 24 and may be considered a
"light" industrial facility. There is also a small manu-
facturing facility on the west side of Highway 58, north
of Pettiford Creek, which produces fiberglass boat parts.
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3.
e. Recreational Uses
The limited amount of public water access and/or
recreational lands in Cape Carteret is an ongoing issue of
debate. Cape Carteret does not own any parks or
recreational lands but had leased two tracts from the
original developer, for nominal charges. One lease
expired in December, 1989, and the other in December,
1990, but neither was negotiated for renewal. Presently,
the Town has neither public parks nor public water access,
despite its extensive waterfront.
The Town's concern over the lack of recreational lands was
reflected in a 1990 study prepared by a consultant with
assistance from a CAMA planning grant, titled: Public
Plan. This document contained a detailed analysis of
recreational and access issues along with design standards
and cost estimates for potential recreational facilities.
Citizen participation, in the form of a citizen survey and
public meetings, played a major role in the development of
the report.
A large section of recreational land is located in the
Star Hill neighborhood. The facility is open for public
use. The golf course, as noted in the 1990 Access and
Parks Plan, is the major open space resource for Cape
Carteret.
Land Uses in the Extra -territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ)
When the 1987 Land Use Plan was prepared, Cape Carteret had a
relatively small official "extra -territorial jurisdiction."
The 1987 plan addressed an expansive area as being part of the
"Planning Area." Actually, the only area beyond the Town
limits under its planning authority was the triangular shaped
area between Taylor Notion Road and Highway 58. Since the
1987 plan, however, Cape Carteret has expanded its official
extra -territorial jurisdiction significantly.
To the south, the new ETJ extends to the Bogue Sound, taking
in the two adjacent estuarine islands. On the eastern edge of
the town limits, three major residential subdivisions (as
noted briefly in the population discussions) are now within
the Town's planning and zoning authority. These are Quail
Woods, Fox Forest, and Hunting Bay. From Quail Woods, the ETJ
runs northwest to Pettiford Creek, encompassing a significant
amount of vacant land. At Pettiford Creek, the ETJ follows
the creek to the west and coincides with the town limits
before extending north to the boundary of the Mills Branch
development, over to S.R. 1111. From there the ETJ extends
north and eventually crosses to the west side of NC 58,
turning southward to include the Hopeland Road area and then
back to Pettiford Creek, crossing NC 58 to the east and
coinciding with the town limits.
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a. Residential
Most of the developed land in the ETJ is used for resi-
dential purposes. Quail Woods, Fox Forest, and Hunting
Bay are all modern low -density single-family conventional
subdivisions. There is still a significant number of
vacant undeveloped lots in all three of these develop-
ments. In the old "triangular" ETJ between NC 58 and
Taylor Notion Road, there are both single-family con-
ventional dwellings, as well as some mobile home units.
In the northwestern ETJ, i.e., the Hopeland Road area,
residential use in the form of single-family units is also
the predominant land use.
b. Commercial, Institutional and Industrial
There are very limited commercial uses in the expanded
ETJ. There is some highway frontage commercial activity
at the intersection of Hopeland Road and NC 58 (north of
Pettiford Creek). There are also several commercial es-
tablishments on NC 24 east, near the entrance to the Fox
Forest development. There are no industrial or institu-
tional land uses within the ETJ, other than the previously
mentioned diesel repair shop and fiberglass parts
facility.
c. Recreational Uses
In the ETJ, the only recreational land is an area located
at the end of Hunting Bay Drive, adjacent to Bogue Sound.
This area consists of three acres of open space currently
used as a boat access site, controlled by a local civic
recreation association.
4. significant Land and Water Use Compatibility Problems
a. Land Use Compatibility
The identification of land use incompatibilities is an
important consideration in planning for future land uses.
In the classic sense, land use compatibility problems gen-
erally occur when two or more land uses are adjacent to
each other and one use is somehow restricted or inhibited
from expansion. Conditions are present which are per-
ceived to be adverse. Examples could be mobile homes next
to stick -built units or commercial uses adjoining resi-
dential areas. This, then, discourages additional
investment by one or more of the land uses.
There were no significant land use compatibility problems
noted in the 1987 Plan. At that time, however, the amount
of land zoned commercial was an important issue. After
the 1987 Land Use Plan was adopted, some existing land
within the boundaries of Cape Carteret was rezoned from
commercial to residential. However, when the Town

5.
extended its ETJ area, some existing commercial
establishments were absorbed and areas which are not
currently developed were zoned commercial because of there
location. The Town feels, therefore, that the existing
amount of land currently zoned commercial is more than
adequate to meet its needs for the next ten years. In the
Bayshore Park area, which contains the only concentration
of mobile homes within the Town limits, there are
incidences of mobile homes being adjacent to single-family
dwellings. The majority of the area is zoned R-10, which
permits both mobile homes and single-family dwellings.
The potential does exist for incompatible land uses.
Another potential land use incompatibility exists because
of the airplane landing strip located in the middle of the
Star Hill golf course. The landing strip is also close to
several residential lots on Fairway Lane and is adjacent
to lots on both sides of Star Hill Drive near Mercury
Court. If the number of aircraft operations increase,
operational safety and the accident potential should be a
cause of concern.
An open pit located off Taylor Notion, Road, in an R-30
residential district used for burning various materials by
a building contractor is also a current land use
incompatibility problem.
b. Water Use compatibility Problem
The major water use incompatibility problem in Cape
Carteret is the lack of public water access. Many of the
Town's residents are boat owners, (over 50% according to
the 1991 Citizen Survey). The Town also has an extensive
shoreline of residential lots along the scenic Bogue
Sound. However, access to the water by the general public
is inadequate. As noted earlier, this issue was the
subject of a special study completed in 1990, i.e., The
Beautification Plan. Some of the results of this study
will be presented in the policy statements section of this
plan.
Maior Problems from Unplanned Development
Cape Carteret, from the beginning, has had some form of
planning. However, several land use problems have developed
over the years as the Town's growth continued.
a. Inadequate Public Access to Bogue Sound
This issue, discussed in more detail in item 2.b, above,
continues as a perceived major problem by Town residents.
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b. Presence of Undersized Lots
There are lots within the Town which were originally
platted for residential use but are considered too small
according to current zoning and septic tank requirements.
Relief to this situation maybe possible through a
"re -combination of adjacent small lots, the development of
centralized sewer, and to some extent, centralized water
service. The water service began in August, 1991.
c. Traffic Access and Traffic Flow
The current design capacities of NC Highways 24 and 58
have already been recognized by the NC Department of
Transportation (NCDOT) as being inadequate for current
traffic volumes. (See Section F of this report and maps
12 and 13). The problem is exacerbated during the peak
summer season when many residents have difficulty getting
onto NC 24 from residential neighborhoods. A thoroughfare
plan is currently being considered by NCDOT for Cape
Carteret and adjacent communities. Also, long-range
widening programs are currently planned for both highways.
6. Areas Likely to Experience Major Land Use Changes
Cape Carteret has a substantial amount of vacant, unplatted
land. There are also a number of vacant lots in currently
platted subdivisions. However, based on discussions with the
major landowner and developer in the Town, no major
development proposals are on the "drawing board" for this
ten-year planning period.
N 7. Identification of 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 Statutes, require special protective
consideration as far as land use planning is concerned. AECS
are further designated under two major groupings, the
Estuarine System, and Ocean Hazards AECS.
The statutorily defined Areas of Environmental Concern (AECS)
in Cape Carteret were generally described in the 1987 Plan,
and except for the impact of a new surface water
classification, "Outstanding Resource Waters" remain
essentially the same. However, these areas need to be
described again for this Update. The AECS found in the Town
of Cape Carteret all come under the Estuarine System grouping
which includes Coastal Wetlands, Estuarine Waters, Estuarine
Shorelines, and Public Trust Waters. Outstanding Resource
Waters while not technically an AEC, will also be discussed in
this section because of its close association with the
Estuarine Shoreline AEC. These areas are discussed below:
I - 13 -

a. Coastal Wetlands
These 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 water courses), but
not including hurricane or tropical storm tides. In Cape
Carteret coastal wetlands occur in the marsh areas at
Bogue Sound to the south, and at Pettiford Creek to the
north.
Wetlands are also defined as having some but not
necessarily all of the following marsh plant species:
Cord Grass (Spartina alterniflora)
Black Needlerush (Juncus roemerianus)
Glasswort (Salicornia spp.)
Salt Grass (Distichlis spicata)
Sea Lavender (Limonium spp.)
Bulrush (Scirpus spp.)
Saw Grass (Cladium jamaicense)
Cat -tail (Typa spp.)
Salt Meadow Grass (Spartina patens)
Salt Reed Grass (Spartina Cynosuroides)
Coastal wetlands are unique in supporting estuarine
productivity. Detritus (Decayed plant material) and other
nutrients are exported from the coastal marshlands to help
provide food for a variety of marine species in the
spawning or juvenile stages. The amount of exportation
and the degree of importance varies from marsh to marsh
depending upon the frequency of flooding and the
characteristics of the various plant species. Without the
marsh, the high productivity levels and complex food chain
typically found in the estuarine systems could not be
maintained.
Coastal wetlands are sometimes called "the nursery of the
deep." Estuarine dependent species of fish and shellfish
such as menhaden, shrimp, flounder, oysters, and crabs
currently make up about 90 percent of the total value of
North Carolina's commercial catch. The marshlands,
therefore, support an enormous amount of commercial and
recreational businesses along the coast.
The roots, rhizomes, stems, and seeds found in coastal
wetlands also provide good feeding and nesting materials
for waterfowl and wildlife. In addition, wetlands serve
as the first line of defense in retarding estuarine
shoreline erosion. The plant stems and leaves tend to
dissipate wave action, while the wetlands serve as
barriers against flood damage and control erosion between
the estuary and the uplands.
Marshlands also serve as nutrient and sediment traps by
slowing the water which flows over them and causing
- 14 -

suspended organic and inorganic particles to settle. In
this manner, the nutrient storehouse is maintained, and
sediment harmful to marine organisms is removed. Also,
pollutants and excessive nutrients are absorbed by the
marsh plants, giving them the function of natural water
treatment.
b. 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. In Cape
Carteret, estuarine waters include Bogue Sound on the
south and Pettiford Creek on the north i.e., up to the
Highway 58 bridge.
in
The primary significance of estuarine waters as noted
the 1987 Plan, is that they are a dominant component of
the entire estuarine system, mixing aquatic influences
from both the land and the sea. Estuaries are among the
most productive natural environments in North Carolina.
They support the valuable commercial and sports fisheries
of the coastal area which are composed of estuarine
dependent species such as menhaden, flounder, shrimp,
crabs and oysters. These species must spend all or some
part of their life cycle within the estuarine waters to
mature and reproduce. Of the ten leading species in the
commercial catch, all but one are dependent on the
estuary.
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, propel 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.
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.
c. Public Trust Waters
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
- 15 -

d.
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 from bodies of
water in which the public has rights of 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 other means. In
determining whether the public has acquired rights in
artificially created bodies of water, the following
factors shall be considered:
(1) the use of the body of water by the public,
(2) the length of time the public has used the area,
(3) the value of public resources in the body of water,
(4) whether the public resources in the body of water
are mobile to the extent that they can move into
natural bodies of water,
(5) whether the creation of the artificial body of water
required permission from the state, and
(6) the value of the body of water to the public for
navigation from one public area to another public
area.
Public Trust Areas within Cape Carteret are Bogue Sound to
the south and Pettiford Creek to the north. The
significance of the trust areas is that the public has
rights to them, including navigation and recreation. In
addition, these public areas support valuable commercial
and sports fisheries, have aesthetic value, and are
important resources for economic development.
Estuarine Shorelines
As AECs, 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
southern shores of Old Cape Carteret, Bayshore, and
Hunting Bay are designated as estuarine shorelines.
The extent of the estuarine shoreline area extends 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 and the NC Department of
Environment, Health and Natural Resources, for a distance
of 75 feet landward. However, estuarine shorelines
adjacent to ORWs extend up to 575 feet. Because of the
- 16 -

11
I
Western Bogue Sound ORW designation, the estuarine
shoreline AEC in Cape Carteret is 575 feet.
Development occurring within the estuarine shoreline could
affect the quality of estuarine life. Such development
could also be subject to the damaging processes of
shorefront erosion and flooding.
■ e. Outstanding Resource Waters/Estuarine Shoreline AEC
In 1989, the North Carolina Environmental Management
Commission designated certain waters within North Carolina
as Outstanding Resource Waters. These areas were
designated because they were considered to have
significant value as recreational and natural resource
areas. Three areas of Carteret County were designated:
(1) Western Bogue Sound, (2) Core and Back Sounds, and (3)
Southeast Pamlico Sound. Special development controls may
be imposed in each area. These controls include, but are
not necessarily limited to, increasing the estuarine
shoreline width to 575 feet. The expanded estuarine
shoreline area, or "ORW-impact area", for Cape Carteret is
shown in Map 3, p. 17-a. (The Outstanding Resource Waters
areas are shown on Map 7, p. 24-a)
Within Cape Carteret's jurisdictions, the Western Bogue
Sound ORW includes all of the waters along the Town's
southern jurisdictional limits. This includes all of the
creeks adjacent to Bogue Sound and extends the estuarine
shoreline inland to 575 feet. A substantial area of Cape
Carteret is included within the ORW estuarine
shoreline -impact area, even crossing NC 24 in the area
near White Oak School and the power substation.
D. Review of Current Plans, Policies, and Regulations
1. Local Plans and Studies
a. 1987 CAMA Land Use Plan Update
This plan represents the 1987 update of the 1981 CAMA Land
Use Plan. As a town located within one of the twenty
counties regulated by the North Carolina Coastal Area
Management Act, Cape Carteret is responsible for updating
its land use plan every five years. The 1987 CAMA Land
Use Plan Update as adopted by the Town Board of
Commissioners and as approved by the N.C. Coastal
Resources Commission serves as a general policy guide for
decisions primarily concerning the physical development of
Cape Carteret. The 1987 Plan includes analysis of the
extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) as well as the
incorporated areas of Cape Carteret. Policy statements
concerning population growth, town image, environmental
stewardship, hurricane/tornados/storm mitigation, post
disaster recovery, evacuation, residential development,
- 17 -

commercial use, growth management, public participation,
public safety, and parks and recreation were adopted.
b. Cape Carteret Public Sound Access, Parks and Recreation,
and Town Beautification Plan, 1990
This 1990 plan focuses on public sound access, parks and
recreation, and town beautification components of the 1987
CAMA Land Use Plan Update. The plan assesses the status
of policy statements concerning these areas and recommends
how each goal could be implemented. Goal statements,
objectives, implementation priorities, programming,
budgeting, and phasing of projects are discussed for
public sound access, parks and recreation, and town
beautification. This study was funded through the
Division of Coastal Management, (DCM), through the
auspices and authority established by the Coastal Area
Management Act (CAMA).
c. 1980 Shoreline Access Study
Needs and desires of the citizenry were. expressed in the
Cape Carteret Shoreline Access Study, prepared in 1980
with funding from the Division of Coastal Management.
2. State Agency Plans
a. Transportation Improvement Program, 1991-1997
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)
annually updates the Transportation Improvement Program
(TIP). The TIP includes all scheduled roadway and bridge
improvements for the State. The 1991 TIP includes two
projects that affect the Cape Carteret Planning Area as
listed below:
(1)
Twenty miles of NC 24 from Swansboro to US 70 at
Morehead City will be widened from the existing two
lane facility to a multi -lane facility. This
includes the entire length of NC 24 within Cape
Carteret. Currently, in 1991 planning, design, and
right-of-way acquisition is being done. This
construction also includes replacement of bridges at
Broad Creek and Gales Creek, which began in 1991.
(2)
The Pettiford Creek Bridge on NC 58 has been replaced
with a new bridge.
b. Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)
The
purpose of the SCORP is to compile and analyze the
existing supply and demand for recreation facilities in
the
State. The SCORP contains analysis by counties and
does
not include specific analysis or recommendations for
Cape
Carteret.
- 18 -

3. Local Regulations and Controls
a.
b.
c.
�_ m
e.
Zoning Ordinance, Adopted 1974, Revised 1989
The Zoning Ordinance consists of two components: a Zoning
Map and a Text. The Zoning Map essentially delineates the
entire town and its extraterritorial jurisdiction into
various districts. Each district only allows certain
uses; such as residential and commercial.
The Text describes the uses allowed in each district and
regulates other subjects such as parking and building
heights.
Subdivision Regulations, Adopted 1985, Revised 1989
Subdivision regulations were adopted in 1985 and revised
in 1989. The subdivision regulations are enforced within
the Town's limits as well as its extraterritorial
jurisdiction. Individuals and developers who wish to
subdivide land into two or more lots must follow the
application, review and approval process required by the
Town Planning Board and Board of Commissioners. The
subdivision plat must meet standards set forth governing
the suitability of land, layout of lots and streets,
traffic patterns, required buffer areas, screening,
building setback lines, and easements. The subdivision
ordinance allows the Town to require dedication of
suitable land, or fees in lieu of such dedication, for
community service facilities and open space if the
subdivision plat is for at least four lots. Moreover, all
subdivisions adjoining tidal waters must provide access to
the water for the residents in the immediate area of the
subdivision.
Health Regulations
The Carteret County Health Department regulates the
installation of wells and septic systems. Inspections and
code enforcement are administered by the County.
Building Regulations, Adopted 1974, Revised 1982
In 1974, the Town of Cape Carteret adopted the N.C. State
Building Code. The Town Building Inspector issues
building permits, collects fees, and inspects construction
to ensure strict compliance with all applicable codes and
regulations.
Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance Adopted 1983, Revised
1987
The Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance restricts
development in the 100-year flood plain as determined by
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Town
- 19 -

I
Building Inspector administers the Flood Damage Prevention
' Ordinance.
f. Coastal Area Management Agency Minor Development
Ordinance, 1989
An ordinance controlling development within Areas of
Environmental Concern (AEC(s)) was adopted in December
1989. This ordinance is enforced within the Town and its
extraterritorial jurisdiction areas by the Town Building
Inspector, who is the designated LAMA Permit Officer.
g. sign ordinance, 1989
A sign ordinance was adopted by Cape Carteret in 1989.
Only new signs in compliance with the ordinance are
permitted. The Town Building Inspector enforces the
ordinance.
4. State and Federal Regulations
In addition to the local ordinances and regulations described
above, there are various state and federal regulations which
may affect land development in Cape Carteret. Individuals or
developers must obtain an appropriate state permit prior to
dredging and/or filling in estuarine waters or tidelands,
constructing in an AEC which exceeds the limits of a minor
CAMA permit, or disturbing land over one contiguous acre which
will result in sedimentation or erosion. Some of the
pertinent federal permits include obtaining 11404" permits
prior to developing in wetlands and obtaining permits to
construct in navigable waters.
E. Constraints: Land Suitability
This section of the Cape Carteret Land Use Plan proposes to iden-
tify features of the land or landscape of the Town which are or
could pose serious constraints to development, such as, physical
limitations, fragile areas, and areas with resource potential.
1. Physical Limitations for Development
Certain areas of Cape Carteret have conditions which make
development costly or would cause undesirable consequences if
developed. This section focuses upon hazard areas including
man-made hazards such as the Star Hill Airport and the Bogue
Airfield Military Reservation and natural hazards such as
flood hazard areas, estuarine erosion areas, areas with soil
limitations, areas which serve as source of water supply, and
areas with excessive slope.
a. Man-made Hazards
The most significant man-made hazard directly within the
Cape Carteret Planning Area is the Star Hill Airport.
- 20 -

b.
Cave Carteret Planning Area is the Star Hill Airport.
This is a private, unpaved airstrip which caters to small
planes and is located within the Star Hill Golf Course.
This landing strip is close to some residential lots on
Fairway Lane and is adjacent to lots on both sides of Star
Hill Drive near Mercury Court. The potential hazard is
directly related to the number of aircraft takeoffs and
landings. N.C. 24, which is a strategic military highway,
connecting the Camp Lejeune Marine Base with the State
Port at Morehead City and with Bogue Airfield in between,
is also considered as a man-made hazard. The route is
constantly used in the transporting of troops, equipment,
etc. There have been accidents in previous years.
The Bogue Airfield U.S. Military Reservation, although not
directly located within the Town's Planning Area, likewise
is a potential hazard. In the event of emergencies, the
Town will continue with the County's Emergency Management
Plans.
Certain flight patterns of the Bogue Airfield are directly
over Cape Carteret. The noise impact from these flights
is not presently a major compatibility problem. Cape
Carteret is located in the 60 LDN (Day -Night Average Sound
Level) noise contour zone based on a 1981 study. This
level of noise disturbance is ranked very mild and is
clearly compatible with most residential and commercial
uses in the Town. It is normally compatible with mobile
home residences and noise -sensitive manufacturing uses.
There has been discussion between Bogue Military and Town
officials about the merits of adopting an Air Installation
Compatible Use Zones (AICUZ) Program. The purpose of the
AICUZ.is to prevent incompatible development in high noise
exposure areas (zones), to minimize public exposure to po-
tential safety hazards associated with aircraft opera-
tions, and to protect the operational capability of the
air installation. AICUZ is a planning program, not a land
acquisition or land management program and will be
considered in the updating of the Town's Zoning Ordinance.
Natural Hazard Areas
(1) Flood Hazard Areas:
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
identified flood hazard boundaries for the Town of
Cape Carteret in 1974. The Flood Insurance Rate Map
became effective in April 1977 and was revised in
October 1983 to change zone designations and base
flood elevations. The FEMA maps have not yet been
prepared for areas that lie outside Cape Carteret's
town limits. The FEMA maps have three
classifications pertinent to Cape Carteret:
- 21 -

A -zone: The A -zone encompasses those areas which
would be followed by a 100-year storm but
'
not subject to wave action. In the Cape
Carteret area, lower land elevations
bordering Bogue Sound, Deer Creek, Hunting
Island Creek (Pettiford Creek), Lake Odell
Smith, and Lake Scragg is classified as
A -zone flood plains as shown on Map 4.
Development in these areas is restricted by
the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.
B-Zone: The B-zone is basically a transitional area
ranging between the 100-year flood plain and
upland areas. These areas would be flooded
by a 500-year storm. Generally, land with a
slightly higher elevation bordering A -zone
properties are classified as B-zone
properties. Sections of B-zone exist along
all the water systems in Cape Carteret.
C-Zone: The C-zone represents upland areas of
minimal flooding and these areas are not
shaded on the FEMA maps or regulated by the
Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. In Cape
Carteret, all upland areas with a higher
elevation not bordering water systems are
classified as C-zone properties which
comprises a majority of the Town's land.
(2) Estuarine Erosion Areas
The estuarine erosion natural hazard area is defined
as the non -ocean shoreline subject to erosion or
similar effects of wind and water, which is usually
the immediate estuarine shoreline. Another factor in
erosion is that which is caused by boat traffic. In
Cape Carteret these include sections along Bogue
Sound that have a high probability of excessive
erosion. Map 5 shows the Town's estuarine shoreline.
c. Areas with Soil Limitations
A soil survey for Carteret County was completed in 1987 by
the U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation
Service. The report includes detailed descriptions of the
soil types and properties for Carteret County with
discussions of the suitability for various uses such as
crop lands, urban development, septic tank placement, and
recreation.
Generally, most of the soils in Cape Carteret have
limitations for many uses because of wetness, too rapid
permeability, poor filter, flooding, ponding, seepage, or
low strength. Table 8 describes the general
characteristics and location of the 11 soil types found in
I - 22 -

d.
Cape Carteret and discusses their suitability for
dwellings without basement, septic tank absorptions, and
sanitary landfill. Of these 11 soil types, only two are
classified as having moderate limitations for dwellings
without basements and all of the soils have severe
limitations for septic tank absorption and sanitary
landfill.
Map 6 shows the general location of the Baymeade and Kureb
soils which have moderate limitations for residential
development. The shaded area consists of those soil types
which have severe limitations. As shown on the Map,'soils
with less limitations generally lie between Pettiford
Creek and NC 24.
The lack of soils generally suitable for septic tank
absorption is a major concern for Cape Carteret which
currently does not have a centralized sewer system. The
Carteret 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 such as having an
adequate distance from wells with -.lot size being
determined by local subdivision and zoning requirements.
Sources and Estimated Quantity of Water SuVRly
(1) Groundwater
As in all areas of Carteret County, the Castle Hayne
Aquifer is the main supply of water for Cape
Carteret. In fact, the Castle Hayne Aquifer is an
important source of water for much of Eastern North
Carolina. Two main water -bearing units furnish water
to wells in the planning area; the surface sands and
the underlying tertiary limestone. The surface sand
fields water flows freely to well points, supplying
water for domestic users. The groundwater table is
generally at or within 6 to 15 feet of the surface in
most areas. The surface sands water is soft and
contains enough carbon dioxide to render it too
corrosive for some users. The underlying tertiary
limestone wells have a specified gravity which varies
from 18 to 125 gpm per foot of draw down. The water
from the tertiary limestone is hard, calcium
bicarbonate water, requiring treatment prior to use.
(2) Surface Water Quality
The quality of the surface water in the Cape Carteret
area is excellent. As discussed previously in the
AEC section, Bogue Sound has been classified by state
officials as being an "Outstanding Water Resource".
The remaining water systems of Pettiford Creeks, Deer
Creek, and Hunting Island Creek are classified as
- 23 -

W M M W M W m +m " M M" W M M41111111 m us M
Table 8: Soil Characteristics for Cape Carteret
Name
General Characteristics
Dwellings without
Septic Tank Absorption
Sanitary Landfill
Basements
/qp
Arapahoe
Very poorly drained with slow runoff and rapid
Severe: Flooding,
Severe, Wetness, Poor
Wetness - Severe
permeabiity found in low flat areas
Wetness
Filter
Seepage
CH, CL
Carteret
Very poorly drained soils in tidal marshes
Severe: Flooding,
Ponding
Severe - Flooding, Poor
Filter
Severe - Seepage,
Flooding
FiB
Hobucken
Very poorly drained soils of tidal marshes
Severe: Flooding,
Ponding
Severe, Flooding,
Ponding
Severe Ponding
Ku B
Koreb
Excessively drained soils of lower coastal plain
Slight
Severe - Poor Filter
Severe - Seepage
Ly
Lynchburg
Somewhat poorly drained, moderately
Severe: Wetness
Severe: Wetness
Severe: Wetness
permeable soils of coastal plain
MA
Masontown
Very poorly drained soils located in
Severe: Flooding, Low
Severe - Flooding
Severe - Flooding
Floodplains along stream banks
Strength
Ponding
Seepage
MU
Murvilte
Nearly level, poorly drained soils on
depressions
Severe: Ponding
Severe: Ponding
Severe: Seepage,
Ponding
in coastal plain uplands
Nd
Newhan
Fine sand of moderately well and somewhat
Severe: Slope
Severe: Poor Filter
Severe: Seepage, Filter
poorly drained sand of coast
Se
Seabrook
Rapid permeability soils of nearly level
Severe: Cutbanks,
Severe: Wetness ,Poor
Severe: Seepage,
uplands of lower coastal plain
Cave, Wetness
Filter
Wetness
WaB
Wando
Well drained, rapidly permeable soils on lower
Severe: Outbanks, Cave
Severe: Poor Filter
Severe: Seepage
coastal plains
ByB
Baymeade
Nearly level to gently sloping soils on lower
Slight
Severe: Poor Filter
Severe: Seepage
coastal plain
Source: USDA Soil Conservation Service

being "SA" which is the highest water classification
for tidal salt waters. Table 9 further defines these
classifications and Map 7 shows their location.
TABLE 9: Surface Water Classification for Cape Carteret
Classification Classification Definition Water System
SA Tidal saltwaters suitable for Pettiford Creek
shellfishing for market Deer Creek
purposes, primary recreation, Hunting Island
aquatic life propagation and Creek
survival, fishing, wildlife,
and secondary recreation.
SA ORW SA definition as cited above Bogue Sound
and Outstanding Resource
Waters which are unique and
special waters of exceptional
state, or national
recreational or ecological
significance which require
special protection to maintain
existing uses.
Source: "Classifications and Water Quality Standards Assigned
to the Waters of the White Oak River Basin." N.C.
Department of Environment, Health, and Natural
Resources, November 1990.
e. Slopes in Excess of 12%
Cape Carteret lies on a gently sloping coastal plain with
elevations ranging from 10 to 35 feet above sea level.
Generally, there are no areas within the planning area
which have slopes in excess of 12 percent and which are
not suitable for development.
2. Fragile Areas
These are areas which could easily be damaged or destroyed by
inappropriate or poorly planned development. These includes
those areas previously identified and discussed as Areas of
Environmental Concern (AECs). These included estuarine
waters, public trust waters, and estuarine shorelines (see
pages 13-17 this section). However, there are other fragile
areas in Cape Carteret 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 identified and discussed below as either
"Natural Resource Fragile Areas", or "Cultural Resource
Fragile Areas".
1
I - 24 -

being "SA" which is the highest water classification
for tidal salt waters. Table 9 further defines these
classifications and Map 7 shows their
location.
TABLE 9: Surface Water Classification for Cape
Carteret
Classification Classification Definition
Water System
SA Tidal saltwaters suitable for
Pettiford Creek
shellfishing for market
Deer Creek
purposes, primary recreation,
Hunting Island
aquatic life propagation and
Creek
survival, fishing, wildlife,
and secondary recreation.
SA ORW SA definition as cited above Bogue Sound
and Outstanding Resource
Waters which are unique and
special waters of exceptional
state, or national
recreational or ecological
significance which require
special protection to maintain
existing uses.
Source: "Classifications and Water Quality Standards Assigne
to the Waters of the White Oak River Basin." N.C.
Department of Environment, Health, and Natural
Resources, November 1990.
e. Slopes in Excess of 12%
Cape Carteret lies on a gently sloping coastal plain with
elevations ranging from 10 to 35 feet above sea level.
Generally, there are no areas within the planning area
which have slopes in excess of 12 percent and which are
not suitable for development.
2. Fragile Areas
These are areas which could easily be damaged or destroyed by
inappropriate or poorly planned development. These includes
those areas previously identified and discussed as Areas of
Environmental Concern (AECs). These included estuarine
waters, public trust waters, and estuarine shorelines (see
pages 13-17 this section). However, there are other fragile
areas in Cape Carteret 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 identified and discussed below as either
"Natural Resource Fragile Areas", or "Cultural Resource
Fragile Areas".
a - 25 -

designated as an Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)
by the Coastal Resource Commission.
Hunting Island, which is undeveloped and used as a
wildlife sanctuary, may possibly be qualified as a
coastal complex natural area.
(2) Areas that Sustain Remnant Species
Coastal areas that sustain remnant species are those
areas that support native plants or animals which are
determined to be rare or endangered (synonymous with
threatened and endangered), within the coastal area.
Such places provide habitats necessary for the
survival of existing populations of rare or
endangered species within the coastal area and
preserve our natural heritage and protect natural
diversity which is related to biological stability.
There are no threatened or endangered plant or animal
species within Cape Carteret and this classification
does not apply.
(3) Unique Geological Formations
Unique coastal geological formations are defined -as
sites that contain geological formations that are
unique or otherwise significant components of coastal
systems, or that are especially notable examples of
geological formations or processes in the coastal
area.
There are no reported unique geological formations in
Cape Carteret.
(4) Registered Landmark
There are no registered natural landmarks within Cape
Carteret's Planning Area. However as previously
mentioned, there are several registered natural
landmarks nearby in the Croatan National Forest,
Cedar Point, and Huggins Island.
(5) Wooded Swamp
Wooded swamps are simply forested wetlands. Most of
the wetlands along Pettiford Creek, Deer Creek, and
Hunting Island Creek are wooded swamps.
(6) Prime Wildlife Habitats
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. Hunting Island
- 26 -

and the nearby spoil islands serve as prime wildlife
habitats for coastal birds and wildlife.
(7)
Pocosins
A Pocosin is a wetland with vegetation consisting of
scrub swamp dominated by evergreen heath and hollies
with pond pine in the canopy. Generally, pocosins
occur on acid, peats, or sandy flat soils.
Near Pettiford Creek, there is one small area of
wetlands with a PSS7C designation which may be
classified as a pocosin.
(8)
Scenic and Prominent High Points
The elevations in Cape Carteret are generally low,
with few prominent high points. Views of scenic
areas which should be protected need to be determined
by local investigation.
(9)
Maritime Forests
Maritime forests are generally located on coastal
barrier islands such as Bogue Island; consequently,
there are no maritime forests in Cape Carteret. _
(10)
404 Wetlands
Some 11404" wetlands have been identified in Cape
Carteret. Further identification of 11404" wetlands
requires specific site analysis by the Army Corp of
Engineers.
(11)
U.S. Fish and Wildlife National Wetlands Inventory
In 1974, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service mandated
that an inventory of the nation's wetlands be
conducted. The National Wetlands Inventory (NWI)
became operational in 1977. Wetland maps for Cape
Carteret were finalized in 1988 and were produced by
stereoscopically interpreting high altitude
photographs of the Town which were taken in 1983.
The information was then transferred to U.S.
Geological Survey maps. Wetlands were identified on
the photograph by vegetation, visible hydrology, and
geography. Collateral information also included U.S.
Geological Survey topographic maps and Soil
Conservation Service soil surveys.
The intent of the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI)
was to provide information concerning wetlands to
local, state, and federal officials. The NWI maps do
not define wetlands for regulatory purposes,
especially since the wetland boundaries may not be
- 27 -

b.
exact. The NWI maps serve to "red flag" an area
which may contain wetlands. Those considering land
use changes in these areas should obtain a
site -specific wetlands determination from a private
consultant or an appropriate government agency such
as the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, or the U.S. Soil
Conservation Service.
The wetlands of Cape Carteret are located generally
on land with lower elevations along Pettiford Creek,
Deer Creek, and Hunting Island Creek. Hunting Island
is mostly wetlands as well as the nearby spoil island
in Bogue Sound. Map 8 shows the general location of
the wetlands identified on the NWI maps. As shown on
the map, most of Cape Carteret is comprised of
uplands.
Within Cape Carteret there are two types of wetlands.
Hunting Island, the spoil island, and marshes along
Hunting Island Creek and Pettiford Creek typify
estuarine wetlands composed of saltmarsh communities
with cordgrass and needlerush as being the primary
vegetation. Wooded swamps in higher elevation areas
along Pettiford Creek, Hunting Island Creek, and Deer
Creek typify the Palustrine wetlands.
Cultural Resource Fragile Areas
Fragile areas may be particularly important to a locality,
either in an aesthetic or cultural sense. Fragile coastal
cultural resource areas are generally recognized to be of
educational, associative, scientific, aesthetic, or
cultural value because of their special importance to our
understanding of past human settlement of and interaction
with the coastal zone. Their importance serves to
distinguish the designated areas as significant among the
historic architectural or archaeological remains in the
coastal zone, and therein establish their value.
There are no structures listed on the National Register of
Historic Places in Cape Carteret according to the N.C.
Division of Archives and History. The Cape Carteret area
was inhabited by Indian tribes, consequently this area has
numerous archaeological sites. There are 11 recorded
prehistoric archaeological sites in the Cape Carteret
Planning Area. All of the known sites apparently have
been disturbed by modern development activities.
Additional archaeological surveys would undoubtedly
identify many more sites, particularly along upper Deer,
Hunting Island, and Pettiford Creeks, as well as along
Bogue Sound. The N.C. Division of Archives and History is
particularly concerned about the areas along these
waterways where modern development has not occurred and
which may contain undisturbed and significant
- 28 -

3.
archaeological remains. The N.C. Division of Archives and
History recommends careful review of all development plans
in these areas. Map 9 shows the archaeologically
sensitive areas.
Areas with Resource Potential
a. Agricultural and Forest Lands
Cape Carteret, being primarily a residential community,
has no major commercial agricultural or forest resources.
There are no "Prime" or "Important" farmland soils found
in the Cape Carteret Planning Area according to the USDA
Soil Conservation Service.
b. Productive Water Bodies
According to the N.C. Marine Fisheries Division, there is
one designated Primary Nursery Area (PNA) in the Cape
Carteret Planning Area. 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 and filling or by
pollution, reduces the attractiveness of the PNA.
Pettiford Creek and Bay are designated as a Primary
Nursery Areas as shown on Map 10.
Several areas have been closed for shellfishing within the
Cape Carteret Planning Areas. Both Hunting Island Creek
and Deer Creek have been closed for shellfishing.
Specifically, the following areas have been closed:
1. Old Ferry Dock at Cape Carteret. All waters within
the docking facility and extending beyond 200 feet.
2. Dolphin Street Park Dockage. All waters within
docking facility between Manatee and Dolphin Streets
and extending beyond the dock for 200 feet.
3. Bayshore Park Dockage. All waters within docking
facility and all those waters located between Yaupon
Street and Neptune Street and extending beyond 200
feet.
4. Waters east of Hunting Bay as delineated on the map.
These areas are also shown on Map 10.
c. Mining Lands
Cape Carteret does not have a substantial peat reserve
capable of being mined for commercial or industrial
purposes like several other coastal communities. There
are several sand mining operations in the Cape Carteret
vicinity, but not within the Town's jurisdiction.
- 29 -

1
d. Publicly Owned Forests and Fish and Gamelands
According to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, one
parcel of land within Cape Carteret is designated as part
of the Croatan Game Land. The location of this site is
shown on Map 11. Since no use of firearms is permitted
within the Town's limits, no hunting is permitted in this
area. There are no other publicly owned forests, fish or
gamelands within Cape Carteret.
e. Privately -Owned Wildlife Sanctuary
Hunting Island, also known as the McLean Sanctuary, is
owned and managed by the National Audubon Society. There
are no other private wildlife sanctuaries within Cape
Carteret.
F. Constraints: Public FacilitiesjCarrying Capacity Analysis
1. Water
The Town of Cape Carteret has never developed its own central-
ized water system. Individual private wells have been the
historic source of water for local residents. As noted, in
the 1987 Land Use Plan, the lack of public water and/or sewer
systems have been limiting factors in the Town's overall
growth and development. However, the availability of central-
ized water service to Cape Carteret through the West Carteret
Water Corporation became a reality in September, 1991. This
private water entity is near completion of Phase I of its
multi -year, multi -phased plan.
The company intends to serve a large area in West Carteret
County, from Cedar Point to within three miles of Morehead
City. Eventually, the company will have 74 miles (approxi-
mately 390,700 linear feet) of water lines. The capacity in
Phase I is expected to be 1 million gallons per day (mgd)
serving 3000 customers. This initial level of service will
make available about 330 gallons per day (gpd) per customer.
Phase II of the water system is projected to serve 12,000
customers with an estimated capacity of 4 mgd. A second water
tank will be added in the Cape Carteret area.
Sign-up with the water company is voluntary, since it is a
private entity. Some residents may opt to keep using their
private wells. It should be noted that the Town has no
financial involvement with the West Carteret Water
Corporation. When the system becomes operational, billings,
collections, servicing, etc., will be the responsibility of
the West Carteret Water Corporation.
The Water Corporation's temporary offices are located eight
miles east of Cape Carteret on NC 24. The company has also
constructed a 600,000 gallon elevated storage tank and
Ole

�1
treatment plant near the unincorporated community of Ocean,
about four miles east of Cape Carteret.
The provision of centralized water will aid Cape Carteret's
efforts to improve local fire protection. Newly constructed
fire hydrants at approximately 1,000 foot intervals, will be
supplied with water from the West Carteret system.
It is difficult to project future capacity and availability,
as far as Cape Carteret is concerned, because of the system's
lack of being "tested" during peak seasonal demand for the
entire service area. However, the sources of the
Corporation's water supply are deep wells located in the
nearby Croatan National Forest, drawing from the Castle Hayne
aquifer. As the new system continues to expand, the
availability of water for Cape Carteret will likely be
adequate to accommodate additional development. However, this
may depend on the future density of development in the water
service area outside of Cape Carteret's jurisdiction.
2. Sewer
The lack of centralized sewer collection and treatment
facilities in Cape Carteret is still a significant constraint
to development. The historical reliance upon private septic
tanks, because of the presence of soils limitations, (See
Section E, 1(b), "Natural hazards", under "Physical
Limitations".), imposes natural limitations on development
densities. As the 1987 plan reported, in both Old Cape
Carteret and in Bayshore Park, some lots are presently unable
to meet septic tank placement requirements. Also, high
concentrations of in -ground septic systems pose a threat to
the water quality of both private wells and nearby estuarine
waters.
In 1987, a referendum was presented to Carteret County
residents on the development of a County -wide sewer system,
based on an engineering study. This referendum was defeated.
Cape Carteret residents, however, supported the measure.
Subsequently, Carteret County appointed a Water and Sewer Task
Force to review and consider other sewage disposal options.
In late 1989, the Task Force report to the Commissioners
included proposals for development of regional or sub -regional
sewage systems. The possibility of an ocean outfall was also
proposed. The County is still considering various options.
Within Cape Carteret, there is one privately owned package
treatment plant. This plant which presently serves three
restaurants, i.e. Hardee's, MacDonald's, and R.K. Stows, has
a treatment capacity of 25,000 gpd. This system, according to
the owners, can be expanded. However, there are no immediate
plans to do so.
- 31 -

3.
4.
Schools
White Oak Elementary School, hosting grades K through 5th, is
the only public school located within Cape Carteret. The 1987
Land Use Plan reported that the facility was facing serious
capacity problems. However, since 1988, a major change has
taken place. Prior to 1988, White Oak School served grades K
through 8th (i.e.. Kindergarten through 8th grade). Although
the school had an approximate capacity of 832, in 1987 the
enrollment level reached 846. The school served many children
who lived outside of Cape Carteret.
Relief from the over -capacity problems came in 1988 with the
opening of the new Broad Creek Middle School., The new school,
located on NC 24 between Cape Carteret and Morehead City,
hosts grades 6 through 8, reducing the grade levels at White
Oak to K through 5th grade. This change, in accordance with
the Carteret County Board of Education's policy of shifting to
the Middle School concept, had an immediate impact on White
Oaks's school enrollment. Notice the following Table 10.
TABLE 10: White Oak School Enrollments 1986-1990
Year
Enrollments
Estimated Capacity
1986
799
832
1987
846
832 _
1988
575*
832
1989
547
832
1990
567
832
* First Year of Elementary Students Only
Source: Carteret County Board of Education
The 1990 census data and recently conducted survey
questionnaires indicate that there is a relatively small
school -age population in Cape Carteret. Retirees appear to
represent the largest population component. If this
population and age pattern continues, the capacity of the
White Oak Elementary School should be adequate for the
foreseeable future.
Middle school -age students of Cape Carteret are assigned to
the new Broad Creek School, located 10 miles to the east.
High School age residents are assigned to West Carteret High
School, located 18 miles from the town. Capacities at both of
these facilities are projected to be adequate during the
period covered by this Land Use Plan.
Solid Waste Disposal
The collection and disposal of solid waste in Cape Carteret is
contracted by the Town to a private sanitation company. Trash
collection occurs twice a week. The cost is included in the
Town tax collections.
- 32 -

Solid waste is disposed of in Carteret County's only landfill,
located on Hibbs Road in the Newport Township. Landfill
capacity has been a continuing concern of Carteret County.
The landfill was designed as a two-phase facility and has been
in continual operation for more than 20 years. In 1984, after
the conclusion of the initial phase, the newer portion of the
landfill was opened. In 1989, monitoring wells were developed
near the site to detect ground water contamination. To date,
no ground water problems directly attributable to the landfill
have been reported.
A 20-foot vertical expansion was completed in 1990, using
borrow material for the project. Also, the concept of a
Tri-County Landfill, for Carteret, Craven and Pamlico Counties
has been studied in recent years. Currently, work is being
done on the financial feasibility and financing arrangements
for such a facility. If developed, the Tri-County landfill is
projected to meet the needs of all three counties for some
time beyond the year 2000. It should be noted here that the
Town of Cape Carteret has included the costs of recycling and
trash collections into the tax base instead of assessing
separate annual service fees. The Town plans to establish its
own recycling collection facility in order to comply with
changing state and county regulations.
5. Police Protection
Police protection for the residents within the corporate
limits of Cape Carteret is provided by the Town's Police
Department. The Department currently consists of five
full-time law -enforcement officers, including the Police
Chief. The Police Department, based in the same building as
the Town Hall, has four police cars and other law -enforcement
equipment. Radio communications allow the Cape Carteret
department to maintain contact with the Carteret County
Sheriff's Department in Beaufort, and the North Carolina
Highway Patrol. The Town also has a reciprocal protection
agreement for fire and police protection with the nearby
communities of Emerald Isle and Swansboro.
In addition to the Town's Police Department, Cape Carteret has
an active Community Watch Program which was established in
1975. This Citizen's Program has been credited with helping
to reduce the crime rate in the Town by 66% since 1975.
I (Taken from the "Cape Carteret Economic Profile", to be
published by the Regional Development Institute, East Carolina
University.)
Police protection has been adequate for the Town and should
remain so during the current Land Use Planning period.
6. Fire Protection
Fire protection and rescue service are provided by the Cape
Carteret Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. Although this
- 33 -

7.
department has been housed in a building adjacent to the Town
Hall, it is not under the authority of the Town. The
volunteer department serves Cape Carteret and several
surrounding communities. The service is funded primarily by
fire district and rescue district taxes. These taxes are paid
by all property owners living within the Fire District. Cost
of facilities and equipment are supplemented by local fund
raising activities.
The fire department currently has four fire engines, and the
rescue squad has two ambulances. The volunteer department
presently consists of 43 qualified fire fighters and rescue
squad members. The fire rating for the Town of Cape Carteret
is 9-A. However, when water from the West Carteret
Corporation begins serving the Town's fire hydrants, the fire
rating may improve.
The Volunteer Fire Department is scheduled to move its
headquarters from Cape Carteret and relocate to a new facility
under construction in Cedar Point's jurisdiction. The
building in Cape Carteret will be utilized as an annex or
auxiliary facility. Because of this and the proximity of the
relocation, (less than one mile), the level of service in Cape
Carteret should not diminish appreciably.
Primary Roads and Bridges
The primary roads serving Cape Carteret are NC highways 24
(east -west) and 58 (north -south). According to the North
Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), the general
capacity of both of these highways is adequate to support
current Non -Seasonal Average Daily Traffic volume. However,
during the peak summer season, both thoroughfares are taxed
very heavily as motorists head either east to Morehead City or
south across the high-rise Intra-coastal Waterway bridge to
the beach communities of Bogue Island. According to NCDOT
planning representatives, the basic design capacities of NC 24
and 58, range from 10,000 to 12,000 vehicles per day (VPD).
If a third lane is added for turns the capacity increases to a
range of 11,000 to 13,000 VPD. Currently, even with
non -seasonal adjustments, traffic volumes on both highways in
the vicinity of Cape Carteret, exceed the design capacities.
Notice Maps 12 and 13. The summertime traffic, according to
NCDOT increases by 30%. Also, projections for the year 2010
show traffic volumes doubling or even tripling on these
thoroughfares. Residents of Cape Carteret have complained for
quite some time about the limited accessibility onto NC 24
from adjacent neighborhoods because of heavy summer traffic.
In recent years, various proposals for alleviating the
problem, have been evaluated, including the widening of NC 24
from Fayetteville to Morehead City. The widening of NC 24
from Swansboro to Morehead City is a current NCDOT project. A
1990 draft Thoroughfare Plan for the nearby Town of Swansboro
contained a proposed NC 24 bypass around Swansboro,
- 34 -

m = m m m m m m Willwrm W
MAP 12
119901 ANNUAL AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC FROM NCDOT
(except where noted)
30 NAZIONAL
-SUMMER-TIME TRAFFIC USUALLY INCREASES
THESE NUMBERS BY APPROXIMATELY +3096
.9 11 ... CEO 1. 11.1
—t. C.—M SMS"L
c.11.1 1.1 MNLf ef.t .0 .1
4nnpurt v.
14) 100 (
00ATAN
IPOW
IWO
1314zoo
CEDAR POINT
POP. 1 79
5j4CO
C"E WTERET
POP. 944
FOREST
151000

MAP 13
PROJECTED gMM[M­TIME TRAFFIC 56 NATIONAL
(2010. MOREHEAD CITY TRAFFIC MODEL)
141000
-ASSUMES NO ADDITIONAL. ROADS FROM
WHAT CURRENTLY BaM (IN THIS AREA)
CROATm
-ASSUMES A 3RD BRIDGE BETWEEN EMERALD ISLE FOREST
AND ATI"IC BEACH IS BUILT (SOMEWHAT
RELIEVING CONGESTION ON LANGSTON BRIDGE)
a '. - — NILL
tu
r or
10 J."
Ac ... .. . .... a'
(.S;.:, "'tM'C't ­47­4
Lzm
Ar
. . . . . . .......
20,000
3310M
CAPE CARTERET
POP. 944
351-ow 7
wo
b
.7
— Z4
CEDAR POINT
POP. 479

ri
1 terminating near Cape Carteret, north of the current
intersection of NC 24 and NC 58. This proposal prompted Cape
Carteret to request that NCDOT also prepare a thoroughfare
plan study for Cape Carteret. To date, the study has not been
initiated.
S. Town Administration
The Town of Cape Carteret is governed by a mayor and
five -member Board of Commissioners. The routine
administration of the Town is handled by a Town Clerk assisted
' by a part-time employee. The Town Clerk also serves as the
Finance Officer and Tax Officer. In 1989, the Town hired a
full-time building inspector. Two full-time maintenance and
street repair personnel are also employed by the Town.
The current Town Administrative Staff is adequate to handle
the Town's current management and level of services. This is
possible because of the great number of volunteer hours
contributed by many Town and ETJ residents. The services of a
Town Manager, or Town Administrator should be considered in
the near future. This will help to achieve a more efficient
and professional level of Town Management.
G. Proiacted Demands
I. Population Forecasts
The future demand for public facilities, services, and land in
Cape Carteret is all contingent upon growth in the population.
As the population analysis showed, Cape Carteret's actual
population growth from 1980 to 1990 was significantly lower
than projections contained in the 1987 Land Use Plan. For
example, the 1987 plan predicted that the 1990 population
would be 1,472, which would have meant a 56%, or 528/persons,
jump from the 944 residents in 1980. The actual 1990 Census
figures for the Town, however, shows the population to be
' 1008, a 10-year gain of only 64 persons, or 6.8%. This rate
of growth, representing an average rate of .68%--less than 1%
per year, is indicative of a "slow growth".
In order to make future population projections, rather broad
assumptions must be made. For example, although the previous
10 years saw slow growth with the coming of centralized water
service and the continued attraction of retirees and other
immigrants, it could be assumed that the next 10 years will
witness "rapid", or at least "moderate" growth. For planning
purposes, it will be assumed that Cape Carteret's rate of
population growth during the 1990's will pick up and
substantially exceed that of the 19801s. It will be further
assumed that Cape Carteret's growth rate during the next 10
years will at least double the 1980's rate, for an estimated
average of 1.5% per year, or a total growth of 15%. Under the
conditions of these assumptions, Cape Carteret's population in
the year 2000, would stand at 1,159 year-round residents, a
- 35 -
�I

2.
10-year gain of 151 persons.
At the current average household size, i.e. 2.29, 151 persons
would mean an additional 66 dwelling units. Obviously 66
additional households would exert some additional demands on
land, community facilities, and public services. Some of
these are briefly discussed below.
Land Use
If an "urbanizing" development density of 3.0 dwellings per
acre is assumed for Cape Carteret, and the projected 66
additional households dwelt in newly constructed units, then
an additional 22 acres of land would be required for
residential use. Providing this amount of land for
residential development will not pose any problem for Cape
Carteret. As the existing Land Use Map (map 2 attached),
shows, there is a substantial number of vacant, platted
residential lots -- approximately 619 at the time of the land
use surveys. In addition, there are several large tracts of
vacant, but unplatted parcels. As noted earlier, there are
several areas of platted but "undersized" lots. However,
these should pose no constraint to accommodating future
growth. This amount of vacant, undeveloped land in Cape
Carteret is adequate to meet future demands for residential,
commercial, institutional, recreational, and other uses.
3. Water
The Town of Cape Carteret began receiving centralized water
service in 1991 for the first time in its history. If it is
assumed that the average per capita water use is 110 gallons
per day, then the projected 151 additional residents by the
year 2000 will require an additional 16,610 gallons per day.
The West Carteret Water Corporation's initial capacity and
expansion plans will be adequate to meet this demand.
4. Sewer
Unless centralized sewer service is made available during the
period covered by this plan, the additional demand for sewage
disposal will be in the form of ground absorption systems,
i.e, septic tanks. The placement of additional septic tanks,
due to the general soil conditions and requirements of the
Health Department, may become a limiting factor as far as
accommodating additional growth is concerned.
S. Other Facilities and Services
The moderately growing population
anticipated to exert a significant
and fire protection, solid waste
administration.
- 36 -
of Cape Carteret is not
impact upon schools, police
disposal services, or town

P
1
P"
J
E
SECTION II: POLICY STATEMENTS
Preface
The formulation of specific policies regardinggrowth, development,
and management objectives is perhaps the most important part of any
land use plan-- especially those prepared under the State'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 LAMA, the overriding issue is that of
growth management while protectingcoastal resources. The special
resources within Cape Carteret were identified in previous sections of
this plan. The policy statements contained in this section will both
address growth management and protection, and maintenance of these
resources.
It is important to understand the significance of local CAMA policy
statements and how they interact with the day-to-day activities of a
municipality. Three areas are affected. An explanation of these
three areas, as excerpted from the 1990 Carteret County Land Use Plan
Update, is presented below:
-- 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.
-- Establishment of local planning policy.
-- Review of proposed projects requiring state or federal
assistance or approval to determine consistency with
local policies.
For the issuance of CAMA permits within areas of environ-
mental concern, the state defines minimum acceptable use
standards which are defined by 15 NCAC 7H. A local unit of
government must adopt policies which are, at a minimum,
equal to and consistent with the state's minimum use
standards. A local unit of government may adopt policies
which are more stringent than the minimum use standards.
For example, the state standards allow marinas to be located
within primary nursery areas if some minimum conditions are
met. A local government may adopt a policy stating that
marinas will not be permitted within primary nursery areas.
If this were to occur, a CAMA permit for marina construction
in a primary nursery area would not be issued. IT IS
CRUCIAL THAT A LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT OF ITS
POLICIES WITHIN AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN."
- 37 -

"The second area of land use plan application is that of
establishing policies to guide the jurisdiction's local
planning. This may apply both within areas of environmental
concern where CAMA regulations apply and in non-CAMA regu-
lated areas of the Town. Under North Carolina legislation,
land use plans are not regulatory controls. Non-CAMA-
related recommendations must be implemented with local land
use ordinances such as zoning or subdivision ordinances. If
a land use plan recommends that the average residential den-
sity should be three dwelling units per acre within a par-
ticular area, then that density must be achieved through a
local zoning ordinance or other regulatory control. (This
should not be confused with the interaction of the land use
plan with the CAMA regulations and 15 NCAC 7H use
standards).
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 ,project with local policies could serve
as grounds for denial or revision of a project. For
example, an individual or agency may request state or
federal funding to construct a 30-unit low -to -moderate
income housing project. If the proposed location of the
project is within an area in which the land use plan states
that the residential density should not exceed two dwelling
units per acre, the project may be judged to be inconsistent
with the local land use plan." (Taken from Section IV-2-2,
of Carteret County Land Use Plan).
The Town of Cape Carteret employed several means of soliciting
meaningful citizen participation in developing policies. The first
step was the appointment of a Citizen Land Use Advisory Committee, as
a subcommittee of the Planning Board. The next step was the develop-
ment and implementation of a detailed citizen's survey questionnaire.
The survey results contained useful policy implications. Also,
several advertised "public information" meetings were held during the
planning process. Finally, the Land Use Committee met at least
monthly with the Consultant. All of these meetings were open to the
general public.
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. Although policies developed
under these topics cover most of the local development issues, in some
cases they do not. In the latter case, the locality, i.e. the Town of
Cape Carteret, has flexibility to address its own locally defined
issues. Throughout the planning process, a number of local issues
specific to Cape Carteret were identified and are addressed in this
section. The five required topics, addressed in order in this
section, are:
- 38 -

11
_=Resource Protection
Resource Production and Management
Economic and Community Development
-- Continuing Public Participation
-- Storm Hazard Mitigation
The foregoing policies were developed to provide a general framework
for guiding growth and development in Cape Carteret over the next five
years.
A. Resource Protection
1. Areas of Environmental Concern:
The Town of Cape Carteret recognizes the primary concern of
the Coastal Resources Commission, in terms of protecting
resources, as managing Areas of Environmental Concerns (AECs).
Cape Carteret shares this concern for the protection and sound
management of these environmentally sensitive lands and
waters. The AECs which occur in Cape Carteret's jurisdiction
were identified in Section I of this Plan on pages 13 through
17, all of which consist of Estuarine System AEC's. In
respect to developing policies, the Estuarine system AECs,
which include Coastal Wetlands, Estuarine Waters, Estuarine
shorelines, Public Trust areas, and because of their close
association with the Estuarine Shorelines, Outstanding
Resource Waters, (ORW's) will be addressed together since they
are so closely interrelated. Another reason for grouping
these AECs together is the fact that the effective use of maps
to detail exact on -ground location of a particular area, as
opposed to actual on -site analysis, poses serious limitations.
As noted in Section I, the Estuarine System AECs in Cape
Carteret relate primarily to Bogue Sound, Pettiford Creek and
adjacent land and shoreline areas. Also, all of Bogue Sound
area located within Cape Carteret's jurisdiction is included
in the Western Bogue Sound ORW. A significant amount of land
' area, including already developed land, is affected by the ORW
designation. Bogue Sound and adjacent creeks, and Pettiford
Creek to their "navigable" limits are also Public Trust areas.
Cape Carteret's overall policy and management objective for
the Estuarine System, consistent with the State 117-H"
Standards, is "to give the highest priority to the protection
and perpetuate their biological, social, economic, and
aesthetic values and to ensure that development occurring
within these AECs is compatible with natural characteristics
so as to minimize the likelihood of significant loss of
private property and public resources." (15 NCAC 7H. 0203)
In accordance with this overall objective, Cape Carteret will
restrict development in the Estuarine system, those lands uses
which conform to the general use standards of the North
Carolina Administrative Code (15 NCAC 7H), with several noted

exceptions. Generally, those uses which are water dependent
will be emphasized. Specific policies for each of the AECs
within the Estuarine System are presented below.
a. Coastal Wetlands: Policies
The coastal wetlands or "marsh" in Cape Carteret, as
discussed on pages 13 - 14 are most likely located
adjacent to portions of Bogue Sound and Pettiford Creek.
1. Policy Choices
a. It shall be ,the policy of the Town of Cape
Carteret to restrict land uses in coastal wetlands
to those that guarantee wetlands conservation and
which do not affect their delicate balance.
b. Cape Carteret shall permit such water dependent
uses as docks, boat ramps, piers, utility ease-
ments, and culverts, consistent with the defini-
tions and use standards of 15 NCAC 7H. Each
proposed use shall be evaluated for water
dependency.
b. Estuarine Waters and Estuarine Shorelines
1. Policy Choices
a. The Town of Cape Carteret believes that
development in Estuarine Waters and adjacent
Estuarine Shorelines should be restricted to those
activities which will not cause significant
degradation of the natural function or condition
of the estuarine waters, consistent with the
Town's Zoning Ordinance and 15 NCAC 7H.
b. The Town will support those projects which
increase the productivity and the flushing action
of tidal movements such as oyster reseeding.
c. Within the Estuarine Shoreline area, the Town of
Cape Carteret believes that certain developed uses
should be allowed to take place as defined by the
Town's building and development ordinances. This
will include the following: residential,
commercial, and recreational development if: 1)
natural barriers to erosion are not weakened or
eliminated; 2) development doesn't interfere with
present public access; 3) natural drainage is
unchanged; 4) no pollution is generated; and 5)
standards of the North Carolina Sedimentation and
Pollution Control Act of 1973, amended 1990, are
upheld.
- 40 -

r
c. Outstanding Resource Waters (ORWs)/Estuarine Shorelines
Policy Choices
Cape Carteret recognizes the significance of the Western
Bogue Sound ORW designation. In order to help maintain
the special quality of these waters, and because of the
residential nature of the shoreline, the Town's policies
for development shall be more protective than the policies
and management objectives of the State of North Carolina.
Id. Public Trust Waters
Cape Carteret recognizes that the public has certain
established rights to certain land and water areas. (For
definitions and geographic locations of public trust
areas, see pages 15 - 16, Section I). The public areas
also support valuable commercial and recreational
fisheries, tourism, and also are of significant aesthetic
value. The 1991 Citizen Survey results indicated that the
. majority of the Town residents own boats and desire public
access facilities.
Policv Choices
Cape Carteret will promote the conservation and management
of public trust waters consistent with but not more
stringent than the State's 15 NCAC 7H Use Standards.
Appropriate uses generally include those allowed in
estuarine waters, i.e., which protect public rights for
navigation and recreation. Projects which would directly
or indirectly block or impair existing navigation
channels, increase shoreline erosion, deposit spoils below
mean high tide, cause adverse water circulation patterns,
violate water quality standards, or cause degradation of
shellfish waters, shall generally not be allowed.
Allowable uses shall be those which do not cause detriment
to the physical or biological functions of public trust
areas. Such uses as navigation channels, drainage
ditches, bulkheads to prevent erosion, piers or docks,
shall be permitted.
2. Constraints to Development
The constraints to development in Cape Carteret were discussed
in Section I and relate to both physical constraints and
limitations of community facilities. The physical constraints
include man-made hazards, high hazard flood areas, estuarine
erosion areas, soils limitations, natural resource fragile
areas, and cultural resource fragile areas. Each of these is
briefly addressed again, below, with policy statements on all
of the constraints following the discussion:
I - 41 -

a.
b.
CO
d.
e.
Man -Made Hazards
The man-made hazards in Cape Carteret include the airplane
landing strip in the Star Hill development, and flyovers
by military aircraft from the nearby Bogue Airfield.
Flood Hazard Areas
A substantial amount of land area in Cape Carteret is
located in the 100-year flood zone, according to the maps
prepared by the Federal Emergency Management
Administration. Some of this area has already been
developed. The Town does enforce a Flood Damage
Prevention Ordinance which requires new building
construction to conform to special development standards
in flood hazard areas.
Areas with Soil Limitations
Cape Carteret's planning area consists of several soil
types which have severe limitations for development, i.e.,
through septic tank placement or building foundations. At
the same time, the Town does not have a'centralized sewer
system.
Natural Resource Fragile Areas
There are several Natural Resource Fragile Areas in Cape
Carteret's planning area. These include the AEC's which
were addressed above: the Primary Nursery Area on
Pettiford Creek, the sanctuary, islands in Bogue Sound,
which are also wildlife habitats, and the relatively
"pristine" water classifications of the Western Bogue
Sound. There are no other identified special natural
resource fragile areas in Cape Carteret, such as
freshwater swamps or marshes, maritime forests, pocosins,
areas that sustain remnant species, unique geologic
formations, or special shellfishing waters.
Cultural Resource Fragile Areas
The primary cultural resources in Cape Carteret relate to
identified archaeological sites. Archaeological evidence
indicates that the Cape Carteret area has hosted both
prehistoric and historic settlements. (See Map 9).
- 42 -

1
f. Policy Choices: Areas with Constraints
The following policies, regarding development in areas
' with constraints, are adopted by the Town of Cape
Carteret:
1. Cape Carteret will permit development to take place in
' noted flood hazard areas, consistent with the Town's
Zoning Ordinance and under adherence to the Town's
Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.
' 2. Residential and Commercial development, consistent
with the Town's Zoning ordinance shall be permitted in
any estuarine erosion areas in accordance with
policies on development for the Estuarine Shorelines.
3. Cape Carteret believes that, in the absence of
centralized sewer, all new and existing dwellings
should have properly installed and functioning septic
tanks. This will help minimize the likelihood of
ground water pollution from septic tanks. The town
will also continue to rely on decisions rendered by
' Carteret County regarding septic tank suitability and
distance from domestic water sources.
4. The Town will not encourage development in locations
with soil limitations for foundations.
5. Consistent with the Town's policies regarding
development within the Estuarine System, (see pg. 40,
' Policies on Coastal Wetlands, Estuarine Waters and
Estuarine Shorelines) Cape Carteret also wants to see
the currently identified Primary Nursery Area
' protected from undue encroachment, damage, or
pollution from direct water run-off. In the currently
undeveloped areas adjacent to the Primary Nursery
Area, i.e, Pettiford Creek, allowable development
' densities and lot coverage should be kept low
consistent with the current R-30 zoning
classification. Low density residential and related
uses are the only uses considered appropriate,
However, recreational and commercial uses may be
permitted in Non -Primary Nursery Area Estuarine
Shorelines.
' 6. Because of the possible presence of archaeological
resources in previously undisturbed areas, the Town of
Cape Carteret believes that all development plans in
such areas be carefully reviewed prior to approval.
Also, should any archaeological resources be
discovered, the State Division of Archives and History
should be contacted.
7. Cape Carteret believes that development densities
should be no higher than that currently allowed by the
- 43 -

3.
4.
Town Zoning Ordinance, in all residential districts
for single-family dwellings.
Hurricane and Flood Evacuation Needs and Plans
An entire section within the Policy Statement discussions
is included separately for hurricane and flood evacuation,
as well as storm mitigation and post -storm redevelopment
policies (see Part E. Storm Hazard Mitigation,
Post -Disaster Recovery and Evacuation Plans).
Other Resource Protection Policy Areas
There are some additional resource protection issues which
are required to be addressed by the CAMA planning
guidelines but which have less relevancy in Cape Carteret
than in some other coastal areas. These areas, along with
relevant policy discussion and statements are included
below:
a. Protection of Potable Water Supply
As discussed in Section I, Cape Carteret's new
centralized water service is based on groundwater
taken from several deep wells in the Croatan National
Forest. Land uses near groundwater sources are
regulated by the North Carolina Division of
Environmental Management through N.C.A.C. Subchapter
2L and Subchapter 2C. Cape Carteret recognizes the
importance of protecting its potable water supplies
and therefore supports the enforcement of these
regulations.
b. Use of Package Treatment Plants
There is no centralized sewer service in Cape
Carteret's Planning jurisdiction, although there is
one small package treatment plant. It may become
necessary to develop additional small package
treatment systems in order to accommodate certain
types of development. This development may be
residential, commercial, or institutional. It is the
policy of Cape Carteret to allow such package plants
where they are deemed necessary and if they can be
constructed within the overall intent of this plan and
meet federal and state environmental regulations. In
the absence of centralized sewer, however, package
treatment plants will be required for all new
commercial development.
- 44 -

c. Stormwater Runoff Associated with Agriculture,
Residential Development, Phosphate or Peat Mining, and
Its Impact on Coastal Wetlands, Surface Waters, or
Other Fragile Areas
' Stormwater runoff mainly from urban development as
opposed to agricultural activities, could adversely
affect the duality of the waters within Cape
Carteret's jurisdiction.
The Town of Cape Carteret will continue to support
strict enforcement of existing sedimentation and
' pollution control measures. The Town will continue to
explore the need to locally adopt, the State
Sedimentation and Erosion Control regulations.
d. Marina and Floating Home Development
1. The Town of Cape Carteret will allow marinas
(defined as docking facilities which can
accommodate more than 10 boats) which are
'
consistent with the Town's Zoning Ordinance. The
Town's Zoning Ordinance does not currently allow
marinas, but the ordinance is being reviewed and
revised through formal process as soon as
possible. The Town asks that when such revision
occurs, the State only permit those docking
facilities which are consistent with local zoning.
2. The Town of Cape Carteret will permit the
development of docking facilities to serve
' individual residential lots which are no larger
than four slips in accordance with standards of 15
NCAC 7H.
3. Floating homes, or boats used for any long-term
occupancy, are not permitted in the waters of Cape
Carteret. For temporary occupancy, the Town will
require strict adherence to Health Department
regulations for pump -out facilities and proper
trash disposal.
4. All docking facilities, regardless of location,
must comply with applicable Local, State, and
Federal regulations.
5. The Town will encourage the construction of boat
docking facilities by landowners or homeowners
associations that are constructed to service only
lots within a designated subdivision. The zoning
and other criteria set out in Policy 1 hereinabove
shall be applicable to the siting and location of
such boat docking facilities.
45 -
1

e. Industrial
Impacts on Fragile Areas
Currently,
no industrial uses appear to have direct
impact on
noted fragile areas in Cape Carteret. The
section of
this report entitled "Types and Locations
of Desired Industry", contains specific policy
'
statements
on industry for Cape Carteret. Generally,
industrial
uses will be prohibited in accord with
applicable
Town codes.
f. Drystacking
Facilities
The Town
of Cape Carteret does not permit the
'
development of such facilities within its
jurisdiction.
- 45a-

'
g. Restrictions Within Areas That Might Be susceptible to
Sea Level Rise and Wetland Loss
Cape Carteret believes that this issue is not "solid"
'
enough to propose realistic policy statements at this
time, within its jurisdiction, since it is one still
being debated in scientific circles.
h. Wand Excavation for Marina Basins
The Town of Cape Carteret opposes the construction of
commercial boat docking facilities in upland areas
adjacent to any Primary Nursery Area or ORW,
consistent with the overall intent of the Town's
resource protection policies.
'
i. Damage to Existing Marshes by Bulkhead Construction
' Cape Carteret will not permit those construction
activities which result in irreversible damage to the
existing sensitive marshes. Bulkheads, which are
water -dependent uses generally allowed under the
Town's overall development policies for the Estuarine
System, will only be permitted under State and/or
Federal regulations and where minimal damage to the
marshes result.
j. Development of Sound and Estuarine Islands
The estuarine islands located within Cape Carteret's
jurisdiction, as noted previously, are environmentally
sensitive. It is the Town's overall policy concern
that these islands not be considered for development.
5. Resource Protection Policies: Implementation Strategies
a. The Town of Cape Carteret will continue to enforce its
local land use controls which regulate development in
all of the Resource Protection areas. Currently, the
Town enforces zoning, subdivision, Building
Inspection, sedimentation and pollution control (state
guidelines), and CAMA minor permitting through the
Building Inspector.
b. The Town will continue to work closely with other
' permitting agencies, including LAMA, U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers, and the Carteret County Health
Department, to restrict and regulate development in
the coastal wetlands, estuarine waters and shorelines,
public trust areas, and ORW impact areas. Land uses
in these areas which are not consistent with the
Town's regulations and/or state and federal
' environmental protection regulations, will not be
permitted.
' - 46 -

B.
C. The Town Planning Board in FY 92-93 will review the
present density and set back provisions currently
allowed in the Zoning Ordinance, to see if they are
compatible with desired use restrictions in the ORW
impact area.
d. The Town will continue to explore means of developing
a centralized sewer system, perhaps jointly with the
Town of Cedar Point and Carteret County, in order to
minimize the continual placement of septic tanks.
e. The Town will carefully review all development
proposals in order to assess possible adverse impact,
upon any of its fragile resources. For any proposed
development in previously undisturbed areas, the Town
Building Inspector will contact the N.C. Division of
Archives and History to assess the possibility of the
presence of special archaeological resources. The
Town will cooperate with the State to ensure
protection of these valuable resources.
f. The Town will consider adopting a tree planting, or
landscaping ordinance, especially in the ORW impact
area, as part of a long-term strategy to help minimize
urban run-off.
Resource Production and Management Policies
Care and appropriate management of productive resources is vitally
important to any of North Carolina's coastal communities. In most
localities, the productive resources are intricately connected to
the economic base. Activities such as agriculture, commercial and
recreational fisheries, commercial forestry, peat or phosphate
mining, and recreational uses of land are among the possible
resources to consider. Cape Carteret contains little of the
traditional productive resources. The primary "productive"
resources requiring policy attention within the Town's
jurisdiction are commercial and recreational fisheries,
recreational uses of land and water, including public access to
the waters. Specific policy statements in these areas are
presented below:
1. Commercial and Recreational Fisheries
As discussed in Section I, all of the estuarine waters in Cape
Carteret's jurisdiction are classified as SA or SA-ORW. Also
a portion of Pettiford Creek is rated as a primary nursery
area. All of these designations make these areas important
for aesthetics, recreation, the propagation of fish and
shellfish, and contributes both to recreational and commercial
fishing.
- 47 -

a. Policies:
' 1. The Town of Cape Carteret would like to diminish the
amount of urban and/or other run-off into the
"pristine" and productive water bodies within its
jurisdiction.
' 2. The Town also generally supports the regulation of
land development within the Estuarine System which
includes the recently designated ORW-area as
' administered by CAMA, and 404 wetlands, regulated by
the US Army Corps of Engineers, and the Town's local
development ordinances.
3. Because of the sensitivity of certain soils near the
productive water bodies, and the absence of
centralized sewer, Cape Carteret believes that density
' of development and placement of septic tanks in these
areas should be carefully and strictly regulated.
4. The Town believes that adequate public access to the
Bogue Sound for recreational uses should be provided
to property owners and residents.
2. Recreational Lands and Public Access
As a waterfront community, Cape Carteret recognizes both the
need for provision of parks and open space and adequate Public
access to the water, to serve a growing population.
' a. Policies:
1. It shall be the general policy of Cape Carteret to
protect and ensure access to estuarine beach and
launching areas, consistent with the need to protect
the natural resources from overuse.
2. Cape Carteret will
continue to encourage and support
the development,
and/or expansion of parks and
recreational facilities in appropriately -sited
locations, consistent
with the Town's development
policies and the
1990 report; Public Sound Access
Parks, Recreation,
and Town Beautification Plan. The
Town will actively
seek the acquisition of lots which
cannot be used for
building, i.e., non -perking lots,
or lots which would be good for small parks, but not
desirable because location, for
of residences or
businesses.
3. Residential and
Commercial Land Development
Cape Carteret, as the population and
economic analysis showed,
is expected to
experience moderate
growth over the next 10
years. The Town, being conscious of
the need for consistent,
environmentally
compatible land use
planning, provisions of
- 48 -

4.
5.
6.
services, and improved community appearance, proposes the
following policies:
a. Policies•
1. The Town of Cape Carteret recognizes that in order to '
accommodate growth, additional land for residential,
commercial, institutional, industrial, and other
purposes will need to be developed. As a general
policy, the Town believes that all new development '
and/or redevelopment must be consistent with existing
policies on Resource Protection, Resource Production
and Management, and
Development. (Additional
on types, densities, and
contained in Part C of
Community Development".)
Economic and Community '
and more detailed policies
locations of development are
this section, "Economic and
2. Generally, the Town believes that development should
only take place when and where adequate urban
services, including transportation access, are
available to support that development.
Productive Agricultural Lands
According to the USDA Soil Conservation Service, there are no
"prime" or "important" farmlands in Cape Carteret's
jurisdiction. However, there is some agricultural activity
occurring within the Town's Planning Area. These areas will
continue to be protected through the B-30 zoning
classification.
other Resource Production and Management Issues
There are several other Resource Production and Management
policy areas which are contained in the Land Use Planning
guidelines but which have little or no relevancy in Cape
Carteret. These include: commercial forest lands; existing
and potential mineral production areas; off -road vehicles; and
peat or phosphate mining's impact on any resource. These
areas are not included in the Town's policy discussion.
Resource Production and Management: Implementation Strategies
a. Cape Carteret will continue to enforce its existing land
use controls and regulations, especially regarding
location and density of development, (see Implementation
Strategies under Resource Protection) and support permit
decisions of related state and federal regulatory
agencies.
b. The Town will continually seek to expand passive park and
recreational lands and public water access. The Town will
seek to obtain lands for recreational use through its
subdivision regulations. The Town will also locate and
- 49 -
I

1
seek to acquire and secure the use of other suitable
lands, such as the street ends located in the Old Cape
Carteret and Bayshore subdivisions. The Town will seek to
develop public boat launching facilities and surrounding
parking area.
c. The Town will apply for a CAMA Access Development grant
d. The Town also supports the development of
a new park and
recreational facility which is to be owned
and managed by
Carteret County, located in the Cedar Point
vicinity. The
proposed multi -use facility is recognized
as a valuable
outdoor recreation land area which will be accessible to
residents of Cape Carteret.
e. In recognition of the fact that many
of the Town'*s
'
residents are retirees, Cape Carteret will
seek to develop
Town -sponsored passive recreational programs,
and arts and
craft activities for Senior Citizens.
C. Economic and Community Development Policies
1. Community Attitude Toward Growth
1
I
C
1
The Town of Cape Carteret, while not in a "rapid growth"
situation, is expected to experience moderate population
growth duringthe next 10 years. Recently conducted
surveys of residents and property owners indicate that the
quiet, waterfront and golfing community has attracted many
retirees from various parts of the country. This is a
trend likely to continue, a fact which the Town
recognizes.
At the same time, however, the Town of Cape Carteret
recognizes that improperly managed growth can actually
harm or destroy the very "appeal" which attracts new
residents here in the first place. Therefore, the Town's
overall attitude toward growth is expressed in the
following comments:
a. Generally, Cape Carteret believes in managing and
directing the Town's growth and development in balance
with the availability of municipal services.
b. The Town will base population and growth guidance on:
1) the suitability of land to accommodate the use; 2)
the capacity of the environment; 3) the compatibility
with goals and objectives of the Town; 4) density; and
5) the availability of support facilities and
services.
C. To prepare for a moderate population growth, projected
to reach 1,159 permanent residents by 2000. Further,
it is the Town's intent to protect the community from
adverse developments by taking the following actions:
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2.
3.
4.
1.
To institute continuous land use planning and
r
growth direction by enforcing the relevant
ordinances.
'
2.
To guide new development away from Areas of
Environmental Concern (AECs) and other special and
sensitive areas, as reflected in policies .for
Resource Protection and Resource Production and
Management.
3.
To direct new development in accordance with soil
capacity to accommodate water and sewer needs.
4.
To guide new development away from hazardous areas
where there is a tendency toward septic tank
problems, flooding, and washover.
5.
To institute annexation proceedings in a timely
manner so as to guide growth as described in the
land use plan namely in the ETJ areas of Hunting
Bay, Fox Forest, and Quail Woods.
6. To exercise the Town's right to extend its ETJ.
7. To approve new development within the Town's
jurisdiction only when and where adequate public
facilities and services to support it are
available.
The above statements reflect the Town's general attitude
toward growth. Additional policy issues required by the
CAMA Guidelines along with locally recognized issues, are
addressed beginning below.
Types and Locations of Desired Industries
Although the Town does currently contain one "light"
industry, Cape Carteret does not view industrial
development as either desirable, or compatible with the
character and capacity of the Town.
Local Commitment to Providing Services to Development
The Town of Cape Carteret will remain committed to
providing appropriate municipal services to support
additional development. However, the provision of such
basic services as water, sewer, trash collection, police
and fire protection, etc., shall be based on the Town's
financial capacity and/or the economic feasibility of
those services, and consistency with other stated
development policies and land use regulations.
Types of Urban Growth Patterns Desired
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Generally, the Town of Cape Carteret wishes to preserve
and promote the quiet, peaceful, low -density atmosphere
and reputation of the Town. The primary urban land uses
in Cape Carteret will be for residential (housing), and
commercial development. Specific policies on these areas
are addressed below, beginning with residential
development policies:
a. Housing
It shall be the policy of Cape Carteret to continue to
encourage the development of a variety of housing
types to meet the needs and desires of existing and
future citizens through the following:
1. To maintain areas exclusively for conventional
single-family dwellings for the growing
population.
2. To provide an area for mobile homes to accommodate
permanent occupancy.
3. To encourage the development of additional areas
for one -to -two story garden -type condominiums,
patio homes, and apartments for retirees, and
other permanent residents.
4. To retain a 40 foot height limitation for
residential, commercial, and institutional
structures.
5. To enforce the requirement for new subdivisions to
provide lands for public recreation use with a
neighborhood orientation.
b. Commercial Development
Generally, the Town wishes to enhance and promote
quality commercial development through the following:
1. To encourage community oriented business -to
cluster in the existing zoned commercial district
in the northeast quadrant at NC 24 and 58.
2. To discourage strip development like that
experienced beyond the Town limits by enforcing
the several new commercial districts designed to
accommodate specific business types.
r3.
To maintain the operation of a Development
Committee for Cape Carteret.
4. To maintain and enforce standards for the control
of landscaping in commercial areas.
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S. Redevelopment of Developed Areas
There are some older, developed areas within Cape
Carteret's jurisdiction. The Town encourages and supports
redevelopment of these areas for purposes of land use
compatibility and aesthetics. However, it is the Town's
general policy that redevelopment, like new development,
be conducted according to existing development guidelines
as reflected in the Town's Zoning, Subdivision, and Flood
Damage Prevention Ordinances.
6. Commitment to State and Federal Programs
There are a number of state and federal programs which are
important to Cape Carteret. Many, such as erosion control
programs of the USDA Soil Conservation Service, NCDOT road
and bridge maintenance, repair and replacement programs;
estuarine beach and waterfront access development
programs, etc., provide valuable direct benefits to the
Town. The Town also recognizes the importance of the
presence of the military and related facilities at Bogue
Field.
The Town of Cape Carteret will continue to support federal
and state programs which provide benefits and services to
the Town and its citizens.
7. Assistance to Channel Maintenance and Beach Renourishment
This issue is not directly relevant to Cape Carteret. The
Corps of Engineers does not normally dredge or maintain
waterways within the jurisdiction of the Town. However,
Cape Carteret supports maintenance activities along the
nearby Intracoastal Waterway.
S. Energy Facilities Sitin
Currently, the Town of Cape Carteret does not host any
electric generating plants, oil refineries, or inshore
exploration facilities for gas or oil. Neither does the
Town anticipate the development of any of these facilities
within this planning period. However, should any
proposals for such energy facilities be presented, they
will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
a. The Town of Cape Carteret does not support the
development of any "heavy" industrial use, including
energy facilities, which could cause extensive or
irreversible damage to existing fragile or
environmentally sensitive areas.
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b. The Town also opposes the development of energy
facilities which would substantially increase the
amount of man-made hazards within its jurisdiction,
including the storage and/or trans -shipment of crude
oil.
9. Tourism
Travel and tourism is significant in Cape Carteret and
contributes to the Town's economic base.
Cape Carteret generally supports the development
andexpansion of travel and tourism facilities. However,
all such facilities must be consistent with policies on
Resource Protection and Resource Production and
Management.
10. Estuarine Beach Access
Cape Carteret has long recognized the importance of the
public having the right to "share" the access to the
Public Trust Waters, especially to the adjacent Bogue
Sound. Since the adoption of the 1987 CAMA Land Use Plan,
the Town has lost access to two waterfront parks along the
sound. (See Policy on .p. 45, d.l.)
The Town will continue to support the exploration,
assessment and development of estuarine access
opportunities for the public to enjoy, as described in the
1990 Public Sound Access Parks and Recreation and Town
Beautification Plan.
11. Types, Densities, and Locations of Residential Development
Policies regarding these issues are covered in items C. 3,
4, 5, in this section, i.e., Local Commitment to Provision
of Services; Type of Urban Growth Patterns Desired; and,
Redevelopment of Developed Areas. Generally the Town
supports continued residential development and growth
according to the availability of necessary basic support
services to support that development. The locations and
densities should be consistent with the Town's Zoning Map
and Ordinance. However, along the waterfront, and in
other environmentally sensitive areas, current allowable
densities shall be carefully reviewed.
12. Local Community Development Issues:
Some locally defined issues which are not necessarily
required by LAMA, but which are important to the Town are
addressed below:
a. Town Appearance and Cleanliness
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It is Cape Carteret's policy to seek to improve and
enhance the town's visual quality and attractiveness
by the following activities:
1. Continue to observe "Cape carteret Spruce -Up Week"
each spring.
2. Strengthening and enforcing town ordinances
relating to vacant and occupied residential and
commercial property clean-up with provisions for
the Town to do so at the owner's expense if not
performed by the owner after proper notification.
3. Requiring developers and construction companies to
clean up during and after building activities by
withholding inspection and occupancy permits until
clean up is satisfactory.
4. Continuing the weekly pickup of garbage in
conjunction with implementation of the recycling
program, (which began in August,.1991).
5. Create a Community Appearance Board, using
guidelines provided in the Town Beautification
Plan, 1990, page 37, to work towards improving
appearance of entire Town and to recommend that
owners of developed business properties and public
facilities add natural screening, permanent or
movable plantings, decorative fencing, etc. to
enhance the appearance of their properties.
Examples: Landowners of the EMC Substation on
Highway 24, the Carolina Telephone Co. building on
the corner of 58 and Taylor Notion Rd., and the
shopping center on the northeast side of the 58
and 24 intersection.
6. Enforcing the ban on billboards within the Town's
jurisdictional area and using the town's authority
to remove existing billboards through amortization
proceedings where applicable.
7. Controlling erosion of silt, sand, and soil from
cleared lots through administration of an erosion
control ordinance. The Town also intends to
develop an ordinance aimed at controlling the
clearing of lots prior to building.
b. Public Works and Services
It is the Town's policy to increase its capacity
proportionately to provide public works facilities and
services to growing permanent and seasonal populations
and to existing and developing residential,
commercial, and recreational areas by the following:
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1.
To maintain the Town's capabilities to keep the
Town clean and litter free. A new Town
maintenance facility was established in August,
1991.
2.
Encouraging private, civic, and service
"Cape
organizations to sponsor Carteret Spruce -up
Week" each year.
3.
Continue to support sewer system studies to
determine where and when this service should be
installed.
4.
Explore privatization of public works equipment,
facilities, and services in support of the Town
commission form of government as a means of
providing improved and more economical services.
5.
Developing an integrated plan and program for
alleviating drainage problems on a year -by -year
basis.
6.
Maintaining and improving residential streets
through year -by -year programming based . on
condition and need, traffic, and ability to pay.
7.
Providing street lighting on an incremental basis
where population concentration demands.
c. Traffic Circulation and Transportation
It is the overall policy of the Town to meet the
increasing need to move people and goods from place to
place conveniently, safely, quickly, and efficiently,
by the following:
1. Facilitating off-street parking in close proximity
to commercial establishments.
2. Modifying access to future establishments on NC
24, Taylor -Notion Road, and NC 58, by reducing the
number of curb cuts through requiring access roads
and encouraging access and egress from the
existing perpendicular streets. The Town will
enforce its ordinances on this issue.
3. Seeking to provide and maintain public sound
�. access with parking.
4. Requesting NCDOT to complete the Thoroughfare Plan
for the Town and adjacent areas.
5. Developing a plan for bikeways/sidewalks in
' strategic locations.
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6. Continue to patrol all roads for speeders and
reckless drivers.
7. Seek a solution to the traffic hazard problem on
N.C. 24.
d. Public Safety and Security
It is the Town's policy to provide the highest level
of safety possible in response to growth and
development for people and property, within the Town's
financial ability by taking the following actions:
1. Continue to encourage neighborhood Community Crime
Watch programs.
2. Continue to patrol all roads for speeders.
3. Expanding the police force as population growth
occurs in accordance with state and national
public safety standards.
4. Continue to support fire protection and rescue
services, financially and through conscientious
liaison.
e. Culture and Recreation
As a general policy, Cape Carteret will seek to
maintain an environment where cultural and
recreational activities can flourish by doing the
following:
1. Establishing a park/school relationship with White
Oak Elementary School.
2. Exploring further ways to acquire joint
recreational access to the facilities through the
Carteret County Board of Education.
3. Encouraging youth recreational programs at White
Oak School.
f. Town Administration
Cape Carteret will seek to monitor and manage growth
by monitoring staff and development service needs in
planning, engineering, and inspection to maintain and
improve quality development as growth increases. The
Town will do the following:
1. Diligently enforce state and federal regulations,
as well as local zoning and subdivision ordinances
and the Town Code.
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2. Consider hiring a Town Manager, as the Town
warrants a professional administrator.
3. Using penalties as provided by the State Building
Code for noncompliance, and require completion of
started projects within a given period.
4. Continue to consider annexing areas in the
existing ETJ, especially Hunting Bay, Fox Forest,
and Quail Woods.
5. Encourage support agreements with adjacent
communities in areas of building inspection,
public safety and security.
6. Encourage participation by local contractors in
Town projects.
7. Maintaining a program of continuing education for
Town personnel and administrators.
13. Economic and Community Development: Implementation
Strategies
a. The Town of Cape Carteret will continue to enforce its
existing regulations and controls as contained in the
Town Code.
b. Most of the activities listed in item 12, above, under
"Local Community Development Issues", will be
initiated in FY 191-92.
C. In FY 192-93, the Town will apply for Access
Development funds through LAMA, in order to help
acquire and develop a public waterfront access site
within the Town's jurisdiction.
D. continuing Public Participation Plans
From the beginning of the 1991 Land Use Plan Update process, the
Town of Cape Carteret gave full recognition to the requirements
contained in the guidelines that the planning process be conducted
in the "Public Arena." A formal Public Participation Plan was
developed and adopted by Town Board in December, 1990. The plan,
along with other supporting elements, are contained in Appendix II
of this Land Use Update. Some of the major elements in the Public
Participation Plan included:
1. The designation of a citizen Advisory Board, as a
subcommittee of the Planning Board, is the primary citizen
liaison group for the Town, proposing to conduct a town -wide
citizen's survey questionnaire. The Advisory Committee met
with the Planning Consultant throughout the planning process.
2. A monthly meeting schedule was established in the beginning,
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E.
2. A monthly meeting schedule was established in the beginning,
i.e., every first Monday. Also several advertised public
information meetings were held on December 17, 1990, April
15, and July 2, 1991. Prior to the meetings, notices were
published in the Carteret News -Times.
The Town of Cape Carteret took extraordinary steps to help inform,
and educate its citizens that the CAMA plan was indeed being
developed. At the beginning of the process, a news release was
developed and submitted to two newspapers which serve the area.
The releases resulted in several news stories.
Meetings with the Planning Advisory Committee were held on the
following dates in 1990 and in 1991: December 4th; January 7th;
February 4; March 4; April 1; April 22; May 6; May 21; June 3;
June 13; and July 2.
The most significant citizen participation effort was the Citizen
Survey Questionnaire which was conducted by mail based on taxpayer
address. The input was useful in developing final policy
statements. The survey results are shown, with other details in
Appendix II.
1. Policy Statements
It shall be the policy of the Town of Cape Carteret to
continue to promote responsible citizen participation in
planning matters through the following actions.
a. Prior advertising of Town Board and Planning Board
meetings.
b. Continue to seek -out a broad cross-section of citizens to
serve on Town boards and committees as community
volunteers.
C. Continue to conduct periodic survey questionnaires.
d. Continue to hold open Town meetings.
e. Seek to develop a system for citizens to provide input
through elected and appointed officials.
Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery, and Evacuation
Plans
The of this is
purpose section of policies to address issues and
concerns relating to the potentially damaging effects of hurri-
canes or major coastal storms. Cape Carteret, although not an
oceanfront community, recognizes the potential threat that hurri-
canes or tropical storms pose to the health and safety of its
citizens. Damage from high winds, flooding in low-lying areas,
and to some degree, erosion along some sections of the Bogue Sound
shoreline, are some of the potential adverse effects which need to
be considered. These elements could affect human life, property
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and infrastructure.
The Town of Cape Carteret supports the Carteret County Hurricane
Response Plan and is included as part of that Plan. Additional
information on this plan is presented later in this section.
Beginning below is a brief discussion of how some elements of a
major storm event may affect Cape Carteret.
1. Effects of a Coastal Storm
a. High winds
High winds are major determinants of a hurricane. By
definition a hurricane is a tropical disturbance with
sustained winds of at least 73 miles per hour. Extreme
hurricanes can have winds up to 165 miles per hour, with
gusts of up to 200 miles per hour. These winds circulate
around the eye, or center, of the storm, generally, over
open water.
As the hurricane moves inland, although the friction or
impact of the winds striking land causes dissipation of
the full force, there is still a tremendous amount of
energyleft. This intensified wind energy causes damage
to buildings, overturns mobile homes, fells trees and
power lines, and destroys crops. Tornadoes can often be
spawned by a hurricane's size and power. In the event of
a major storm moving across southern Bogue Island into the
Cape Carteret vicinity, it is likely that all of the Town
would be subject to the same wind velocity.
b. Flooding
Flooding, on the other hand, may not affect all areas of
Cape Carteret with equal rigor. The excessive amounts of
rainfall and the storm surge which often accompany
hurricanes can cause massive coastal and riverine flooding
which could result in excessive property damage and deaths
by drowning. (More deaths are caused by drowning than any
other cause in hurricanes.) Flooding is particularly a
problem in oceanfront coastal areas because of the storm
surge in low-lying areas, especially in designated
W-zones. Cape Carteret also has some V-zone areas coming
inland from the Bogue Sound.
Cape Carteret, under intense conditions, could be affected
by a storm -surge. The Eastern N.C. Hurricane Study
indicated that under Level 5 conditions, severe flooding
could affect the majority of the Town. A significant
amount of Cape Carteret's jurisdiction is also located in
the 100-year flood plain. FEMA maps show that the Zone A
flood plain extends in land from Bogue Sound and to land
areas adjacent to Deer Creek, Rocky Run Creek, and to the
north along Pettiford Creek. As the Composite Hazards Map
(Map 14, next page) shows, the high hazard flood area
encompasses a number of platted lots. Some are vacant,
but many are already developed. In the event of a major

2.
3.
1
storm, these areas are the ones most susceptible to damage
from flooding.
C. Erosion
It is possible that erosion could be a considerable hazard
in Cape Carteret in the event of a major storm. There are
no extensive riverine shoreline areas which are usually
more susceptible to erosion within Cape Carteret's
jurisdiction. The entire estuarine shoreline is subject
to some erosion, especially along Rocky Run and Deer
Creeks. This erosion would not be as serious a threat to
property as that of oceanfront coastal erosion.
Composite Hazards
The following page shows the "Composite -Hazards" which must be
taken under consideration for Cape Carteret's jurisdiction.
As noted in the previous discussion, the entire area would be
subject to high winds. Flooding, on the other hand, would
have a more intense affect in V-zones and on those low-lying
areas identified as being in the 100-year flood plain. The
100-year flood plain and V-zones are shown on the composite
hazards map as the "high hazard" flood area. Also shown is an
area which might be susceptible to erosion.
a. Land Use Inventor
A comparison of the existing land use map with the
composite hazards map indicates that as of the writing of
this report there are approximately 492 lots or parcels
located within the high hazard flood area. Most of these
lots are developed with residential uses, while a few
contain commercial establishments.
The area subject to potential minor erosion problems
consists mostly of vacant and developed residential lots
along the shoreline of the Bogue Sound and Rocky Run and
Deer Creeks.
In terms of risk, more areas are subject to potential
flooding than problems from erosion.
Storm Hazard Mitigation Policies
In order to minimize the damage potentially caused by the
effects of a hurricane or other major storm, Cape Carteret
proposes the following policies.
a. High winds
Cape Carteret will continue to support and enforce the
N.C. State Building Code, particularly requirements of
construction standards to meet wind -resistive factors such
as design wind velocity. The Town also supports
provisions in the State Building Code requiring tie -downs
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4.
for mobile homes, which help resist wind damage.
b. Flooding
Cape Carteret is supportive of the hazard mitigation
elements of the National Flood Insurance Program as
contained in the Town's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.
Cape Carteret is a participant in the regular phase of the
flood insurance program. The Town also supports continued
enforcement of the LAMA and 404 Wetlands development
processes in areas potentially susceptible to flooding.
c. Wave Action and shoreline Erosion
Cape Carteret supports the CAMA development permit process
for estuarine shoreline areas and the requisite devel-
opment standards which encourage facilitation of proper
drainage.
Policy to Discourage Development in the Most Hazardous Areas
The major policy instrument relative to development in the
most hazardous areas, is the Town's Flood Damage Prevention
Ordinance. Major provisions of this ordinance include the
following:
a. restricting or prohibiting uses which are deemed dangerous
to health, safety, and/or property;
b. requiring that those uses vulnerable to flooding be
protected against flood damage at the time of initial
construction;
C. controlling all types of alternatives to natural flood
plains, stream channels, and other natural protective
barriers;
d. controlling those types of development which might
increase erosion; and
e. regulating the construction of flood barriers which will
unnaturally divert flood waters or which may increase
flood hazards to other lands.
The Town Building Inspector administers this ordinance through
a permit process which allows for special construction modes
for structures erected within a flood plain. For example, no
mobile home shall be placed in a designated flood way or
coastal high hazard area, except in an existing mobile home
park or mobile home subdivision (with the latter requiring
over -the -top ties and frame ties capable of carrying a force
of 4,800 pounds).
All requests for re -zoning and subdivision plat approvals are
made to the Town of Cape Carteret Building Inspector.
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Developers are made aware of potential hazards and the flood
damage protection ordinance. For those potentially
developable lands outside flood plains but subject to excess
flood and/or wind damage, the Building Inspector informs both
the Planning Board and the Town Board of such concerns as
development plans are submitted.
5. Policy on Public Acquisition of Land in the Most Hazardous
Areas
It shall not be the policy of Cape Carteret to seek to acquire
such lands which may currently be in the most hazardous areas.
6. Evacuation Plan and Policies
The Town of Cape Carteret is included in the Carteret County
"Hurricane Response Plan" which the Town adopted in July,
1985. The stated purpose of this Plan is to provide for an
orderly and coordinated evacuation of endangered areas to
minimize the effects of hurricanes on residents and visitors
in Carteret County. The Plan provides for the alerting of
selected officials, the evacuation of the public from danger
areas, and the designation of shelters for those evacuated.
The White Oak School is the designated shelter for the Town
and immediate vicinity. The Plan also provides for reentry
into evacuated areas when the threat to health and safety has
ended.
A major provision of the Plan includes the establishment of
two evacuation action groups: A. a control group (comprised
of elected officials from each municipality within the County
as well as the County Commissioners' Chairman) vested with the
responsibility of overseeing the evacuation operations. B. a
support group (comprised of appointed County and municipal
employees) vested with the responsibility of providing
personnel and material resources for the implementation of
pre -planned action directed by the control group.
As a matter of policy, the Town of Cape Carteret will follow
the County's Plan. The Town believes that its other land use
policies regarding development in hazardous areas are
supportive of the recommended evacuation plans. However, as
the area population increases, additional shelter locations,
i.e, in addition to White Oak School, may be needed.
7. Post Disaster Reconstruction Plan and Policies
In the after math of a major storm Cape Carteret recognizes
that the reconstruction process occurs in four periods, which
overlap, yet follow each other in sequence after a disaster
strikes. These periods are as follows:
a. emergency period: the initial days or weeks after the
disaster when social and economic activities are most
seriously disrupted and attention focuses on the dead,
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injured, missing, and homeless;
b. restoration period: the first weeks or month after the
disaster when attention focuses on debris removal and the
rapid repair of damaged utilities, housing, and commercial
structures; this period marks the transition from the
response phase to the recovery phase;
c. replacement reconstruction period: several weeks after
the disaster and possibly continuing for several years
with concentration placed on reconstruction of those
buildings and utilities which were damaged beyond repair;
and,
d.
reconstruction period: usually several years after the
disaster when attention is directed toward the memorial-
ization of the disaster and to mark the community's post
disaster improvement and/or to enhance future growth. The
actual amount of time it takes to recover from a natural
disaster depends primarily upon the extent of damages
incurred. During the restoration period, the Town staff
shall evaluate the condition of damaged or destroyed
public facilities and submit a report to the Town Board.
At that time, consideration will be given to relocating
any destroyed facilities out of high risk damage areas.
Such relocation shall occur only when more satisfactory/
lower risk locations are both feasible and readily
available. For each of these periods, additional
discussion and policy implications. are presented below:
1. Emergency Management Response To Immediate Cleanup
Public safety will be the primary concern during the
emergency period. Debris removal, securing power
lines, assessing water quality and opening lines of
transportation and communication are actions to be
taken by the County, EMC, FEMA, the NCDOT, Division of
Health Services, NC National Guard, Civil Air Patrol,
and local law enforcement agencies. These agencies,
along with assistance from the Mayor and Town staff,
will be responsible for organizing volunteers and
utilizing available resources in cleanup activities.
2. Local Long Term Reconstruction Policies
Immediately following a natural disaster, during which
substantial physical damage was incurred, the Cape
Carteret Town Board should enact a post disaster
reconstruction moratorium. This moratorium should
remain in place until heavily damaged areas can be
cleared and mapped for more detailed review. At that
time the governing board should address each of the
following questions in considering the creation of new
policies:
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3.
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a. should there be changes in land use densities,
locations, etc.?
b. are modifications needed in the local building
codes?
c. what kind of efforts and financial commitment will
it take to make the community more effective and
more attractive?
d. should there be any local compensation or special
financial assistance for private property losses?
e. how should the necessary increased local public
expenditures be financed?
f. should normal or extraordinary decision -making
mechanisms be used to guide post -disaster
recovery?
The Town Board will establish a Recovery Task Force to
assist in overseeing the reconstruction process and to
recommend such policy changes. This Task Force should
be comprised of citizens, of varied backgrounds, who
are familiar with Cape Carteret. Individual members
of the task force should be appointed by the Town
Board in manner as other advisory board members, with
special emphasis placed upon obtaining a variety of
expertise. The Task Force will consist of no less
than eight and no more than fifteen members.
Guidelines for Post Disaster Repairs and
Reconstruction
a. Timing and Completion of Damage Estimates - The
preliminary damage assessment will be completed by
the Building Inspector within the first five days
after the disaster. This assessment will be
submitted to Town Board. Damage survey reports
will be completed by the Building Inspector within
three months of the disaster.
b. Timing and Completion of Temporary Development
Moratoria - The Town Board, upon receipt of the
Building Inspector's damage assessment report,
should decide if damage was substantial enough to
warrant a temporary development moratorium. If
so, development will be suspended in affected
areas until redevelopment policy is set (within 6
months) .
c. Development Standards - Post Disaster -
Development standards for post disaster
reconstruction shall follow set State Building
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Codes and/or any other policies enacted by the
Town Board during the moratorium. Where
nonconforming structures have suffered more than
60% damage, they may be rebuilt only in
conformance with current standards.
4. Establishment of Schedule for Staging and Permitting
■
Repairs and Reconstruction
All such scheduling will depend upon the enactment of
a moratorium. Should such a moratorium not be set,
project applications and approvals shall take place
from the day following the initial disaster to three
months afterward. Project completion and final
inspections will take place from fifteen days through
two years after the disaster.
S. Policy Implementation
The Town Board shall make all policy decisions
concerning Cape Carteret and its extraterritorial
jurisdiction and will be responsible for actual
implementation and compliance checks.
6. Policies for Repair and Replacement
During the restoration period (3-10 weeks)the utility
system* shall be repaired to an operational level.
During the reconstruction period, utility
reconstruction and/or possible relocation, if feasible
and necessary, will be made.
*If at that time the Town of Cape Carteret owns and/or
manages any of its own public services, i.e. water and
sewer.
III. Land Classification
A. General
The land classification system provides a uniform way of
looking at how the planned use of land interacts with
environmentally sensitive areas and with the development of a
Town or County. It is not a strict regulatory device as is a
zoning ordinance or zoning map. It represents more of tool
to help understand relationships between various land use
categories and how these relationships help shape local
policy.
Particular attention is focused on how intensely land is
utilized and the level of services required to support that
intensity. Land classifications are also useful in the
staging of services necessary to support development. The
regulations for the Coastal Area Management Act (LAMA) state:

The land classification system provides
framework to be used by local governments 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. (7B.0204)(b)
There are seven general land use classifications under CAMA:
Developed; Urban Transition; Limited Transition; Community;
Rural; Rural with Services; and Conservation. In applying
the land classification system, each local government should
give careful consideration to how, where and when certain
types and intensities of development will be either encour-
aged or discouraged. A summary of the broad classifications,
as contained in the CAMA rules Subchapter 7B is presented
below:
Urban land uses and higher intensity uses
which presently require the traditional
urban services should be directed to lands
classified developed. Areas developing or
anticipated to develop at urban densities
which will eventually require urban services
should be directed to lands classified
transition. Low density development in
settlements which will not require sewer
services should be directed to areas clas-
sified as community. Agriculture, forestry,
mineral extraction and other similar low
intensity uses and very low density, dis-
persed residential uses should be directed
to lands classified rural.
Generally, public or private water or sewer
systems will not be provided in areas clas-
sified rural as an incentive for intense
development. (7B.0204)(5)(A)
The Rural Services Class is to provide for
very low density land uses including resi-
dential use where limited water services are
provided in order to avert an existing or
projected health problem. (7B.0204(5)(A)
The purpose of the conservation class is
to provide for the effective lone -term
management and protection of significant,
limited, or irreplaceable areas.
(7B.0204)(7)(A) Consequently, urban
services (whether public or private)
should not be provided to those areas as
an incentive to stimulate more intense
- 67 -
1

B.
development. Each of these classes that
are applied to the area must be repre-
sented on a Land Classification Map.
The seven land classifications and the Land Classification
Map are therefore intended to serve as a visual reflection of
the policies previously stated in Section II. The map which
depicts these classifications should be as flexible as the
policies that guide them. (See Map 15, Land Classification
Map)
The land classification system contained in this 1991 Update
of Cape Carteret's CAMA Land Use Plan, has been developed as
an aid to guiding the growth and development of the Town and
its extraterritorial jurisdiction. The land classification
discussion and map are expressions of the Town's desired
future growth patterns, consistent with existing land use
controls. The classifications shown on the map are of neces-
sity, general in nature and should be viewed as showing the
general character of an area rather than the specific use of
individual lots. It is hoed that -local, State, and federal
regulatory agencies will find the adopted land classification
map useful for providing the following: 1) Consistency and
coordination between local land use policies and those of the
State of North Carolina; 2) a guide for public investment, by
assisting local and State government to know in advance the
need for parks, schools, highways', etc; 3) a general
framework for budgeting and planning for the construction of
community facilities; and 4) enabling the Town to "guide"
growth and development to areas best suited to service their
needs. The land classification system serves as a vital
implementation tool for the identified community issues and
policies found in the preceding Section II. Of the seven
CAMA classifications, only two appear to be pertinent in Cape
Carteret. These two are, Urban Transition and Conservation.
Additional descriptions are provided below:
urban Transition
Urban transition land is classified as those lands providing
for future intensive urban development within the ensuing ten
years on lands that are the most suitable and that will be
able to support intensive urban development,and provided with
the necessary public utilities and services to support
intensive urban development. They may also provide for
additional growth when additional lands in the developed
class are not available or when the remaining lands in the
developed class are not available for when the remaining
lands in the developed class are severely limited for
development.
Lands classified transition may include:
1. Lands included in municipal extraterritorial planning
jurisdictions and areas being considered for annexation;
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2. Predominately residential areas that are approaching
densities of three (3) units per acre, or have a majority
of lots smaller than 15,000 square feet and will be
provided with essential urban services; or
3. Lands contiguous with existing developed municipal areas.
Urban transition lands must further:
1. be served or be readily served by public water, sewer,
and other urban services; and
2. be generally free of severe physical limitation for urban
development.
The urban transition class should not include:
1. lands of high potential for agriculture, forestry, or
mineral extraction, or;
2. lands where urban development might result in major or
irreversible damage to important environmental,
scientific, or scenic values, or
3. land where urban development might result in damage to
natural systems or processes of more than local concern;
4. lands where development will result in undue risk to life
or property from natural hazards or existing land uses.
S. lands that are designated as areas of environmental
concern (AEC).
Virtually all of the land within Cape Carteret's
jurisdiction, including its Extraterritorial Jurisdiction,
(ETJ), can be classified as Urban Transition, excluding
AEC's. Over the next 10 years, Cape Carteret anticipates
having the basic urban services to support development, i.e.,
water and sewer. All of the Town's jurisdiction is currently
zoned. The existing ordinance and map allows for a mixture
of land uses at building densities ranging from a minimum of
10,000 square feet to 40,000 square feet. With zoning,
subdivision controls, a building inspection program, Cape
Carteret believes that the Urban Transition Classification,
allowing for a mixed but compatible development pattern, is
appropriate.
C. Conservation
The final land use category, according to CAMA guidelines, is
1 the Conservation class, which provides for effective long-
term management of significant, limited, or irreplaceable
resources. This classification should, at minimum, include
all of the statutorily defined AEC's. Other areas within the
Town's jurisdiction with natural, cultural, recreational,
productive or scenic value, may also require similar
effective long-term management.
In Cape Carteret's jurisdiction, the environmentally
sensitive areas identified as areas of environmental concern
I - 69 -
I

are coastal wetlands, estuarine waters, estuarine shorelines,
(including the Western Bogue Sound ORW/Estuarine Shoreline
Area) and public trust areas. However, because of many
variables, making it difficult to locate all of these on a
small map, the complete "conservation" class is not
graphically portrayed on the Land Classification Map.
Examples of other areas which will also be considered
"conservation," include major 404 wetlands (wetlands other
than statutorily defined coastal wetlands); areas that are
unique, fragile, or hazardous for development (such as flood
hazard areas, estuarine erosion areas, or archaeologically
sensitive areas); and lands that provide necessary habitat
conditions, or primary nursery areas.
The Cape Carteret's Conservation designation should, not be
misconstrued to imply non-use, but does imply a need for
careful and cautious management of any allowable use. For
example, within a conservation area, development may already
exist as is the case with the ORW impact area for the Town,
or there may already be additional high ground areas which
are suitable for development. In the latter case development
should be allowed to take place under carefully managed
conditions. The term preservation on the other hand implies
total restriction of all uses. Within lands designated
conservation, each proposal, or application for any
development will be reviewed on case by case basis.
Since, as stated previously, conservation does not imply
preservation,specific allowable uses in the Conservation
class shall include:
1. Low density residential development if and as allowed by
the Carteret County Health Department and/or state and
federal regulations. Water and sewer services will not
be extended to a residential area in a conservation
class, merely to stimulate additional growth and
development. It should be noted that within the Town
limits, centralized water service will likely be made
available to some AEC areas. On -site services, i.e.,
septic tanks, in the absence of centralized sewer
services, may also be permitted if soils are suitable.
2. Water -oriented uses such as piers, docks, and upland
marinas, only if consistent with Resource Protection and
Production Management policies and are shown not to cause
detriment to the estuarine waters, ORW's or other
Conservation areas. In designated 404 Wetland areas, the
Town of Cape Carteret will accept the permitting
decisions of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
3. Necessary utility service lines, such as water, sewer,
electrical, natural gas, etc., when it is demonstrated
that the ecological system of the Conservation area will
not be significantly altered. As noted in Item l above,
development of and/or extension of necessary utilities
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1
and services will not be done merely as a stimulus for
additional growth and development, only to the extent
needed to meet an existing or expected health problem or
to serve existing development.
4. Roadways, when construction of roadways can be conducted
without significantly altering the ecological system, and
in compliance with existing federal, state, and local
regulations.
D. Other Classifications
Other classifications contained in the CAMA Planning
Guidelines, but which are not relevant to Cape Carteret are
Developed, Limited Transition, Community, Rural and Rural
with Services.
E. Land Classification Summary
The proposed general classification of land for varying
levels of intensity and provision of public services in Cape
Carteret's jurisdiction were presented in parts A through E
above. These classifications relate directly to the policy
statements contained in Section II of this Plan. Additional
information on the relationship between the land
classification system and policies will be presented in
Section IV.
IV. Relationship of Policies to Land Classification
As required by the Coastal Area Management Act, the land use plan
must relate the policies section to the land classification map
and provide some indication as to which land uses are appropriate
in each class.
The proposed policies for Resource Protection, Resource
Production and Management, and Economic and Community Development
are generally reflected in the proposed Land Classification
system. The proposed development densities, types, and
locations, as well as the need for basic support services were
described in the preceding discussions of the Land Classification
system. Only two classifications are proposed for Cape Carteret:
Urban Transition, and Conservation.
One notable departure from the 1987 Update, is the absence of a
graphic depiction of the "Conservation" class. Because of the
difficulty in pinpointing "on -the -ground" locations of
conservation areas, it was decided not to portray it on the map.
However, the recommended allowable uses and density issues for
each classification are presented on pages 67 72.
V. Intergovernmental Coordination
Throughout the development of this Plan, effort was made to make
- 71 -
11

the policies consistent and compatible with other local, State
and Federal requirements. Implementation of the Plan will
likewise follow the same intergovernmental concern.
A number of State, County, and Federal agencies were contacted ,
during the Plan development process. Contact was made with
representatives of the Carteret County Planning Department in
order to discuss issues of mutual concern and to obtain relevant
base data. It is anticipated that this 1991 Plan Update will
serve as an "Interactive Document", with information and
policies useful not only for Cape Carteret, but for Carteret
County.
I
- 72 - 1

1
Appendix I
Analysis of 1987
� Policy Statements
1
1:1

APPENDIX I
TOWN OF CAPE CARTERET LAND USE PLAN UPDATE, 1991
Analysis of 1987 Policy Statements/Implementation Action
The CAMA Land Use Plan for coastal communities is essentially a policy document
aimed at guiding localities toward sound growth management. Because circum-
stances, conditions, and issues change over time, the Coastal Resources
Commission, under State law, requires the local land use plans to be updated
every five years in order to take a second look at old policies for their
relevance and effectiveness as well as to examine newly emerging trends and
concerns.
The Commission is also requiring in all 1991 updates an assessment of the
previous policy statements and implementation steps taken to effectuate them.
This summary analysis of some of the major policies contained in the 1987 Plan
is being presented as an appendix to the 1991 Plan Update. A review of the
current status of 1987 policies and proposed actions also helped to identify new
policy issues.
POLICY/IMPLEMENTATION
I. RESOURCE PROTECTION
A. General
1. POLICY: To support and enforce through its local CAMA officer,
all policies and regulations in Areas of Environmental Concern,
(AECs) as set forth in Subchapter 7H of CAMA in the North Carolina
Administrative Code.
B. Estuarine System
1. POLICY: To promote the conservation and management of coastal
wetlands, estuarine waters, public trust areas, and shorelines.
2. POLICY: To evaluate permitted uses for water dependency and allow
them if they meet the standards of the Town Code and CAMA.
C. Coastal Wetlands
1. POLICY: To restrict land uses in coastal wetlands to those that
guarantee wetlands conservation and which do not affect their
delicate balance.
2. POLICY: To permit docks, boat ramps, piers, utility easements,
culverts.
D. Estuarine Waters
1. POLICY: To restrict activities to those which will not
significantly affect the natural function or condition of the
estuarine waters.

2. POLICY: To support projects which increase the productivity and
the flushing action of tidal movements such as oyster re -seeding
and dredging operations.
E. Public Trust Areas
1. POLICY: To protect the areas through conservation and management
policies and by prohibiting activities which interfere with public
rights.
F. Estuarine Shorelines
1. POLICY: To support restrictions in these areas to ensure that no
damage occurs within the shoreline area on the adjacent estuarine
waters.
r
2. POLICY: To permit residential, commercial and recreational
development if: a) natural barriers to erosion aren't weakened or
eliminated; b) development doesn't interfere with present public
access; c) natural drainage is unchanged; d) no pollution is
generated; e) standards of the North Carolina Sedimentation and
Pollution Control Act of 1973 are upheld.
G. Potable Water Supply: Siting of Wells and Septic Tanks
1. POLICY: To use the expertise of the Carteret County Environmental
Health Division and Central Permit office to site wells and septic
systems.
H. Stormwater Runoff and Sedimentation
1. POLICY: To assure that excessive runoff of surface water from
storms will not harm life and property, creeks, marshes, and
estuarine waters.
2. POLICY: To explore the need for adoption of the State
Sedimentation Code.
I. Constraints to Development
1. POLICY: To ensure that all dwellings constructed have properly
installed and functioning septic systems.
2. POLICY: To maintain densities no higher than allowed under the
zoning ordinance in all residential districts for single-family
dwellings.
J. Flood Hazards Areas
1. POLICY: To require new building construction to conform to
Federal standards of the flood line (V zone) as stated in the
insurance program - enforced by County and Town.
- 2 -

K. Industrial Impacts of Resources
1. POLICY: To prohibit industrial development as set forth in
Section 9-5065 of the Town Code.
L. Package Treatment Plants
1. POLICY: To allow the use of package treatment plants where they
are deemed necessary to protect the environment if they meet
county and state standards.
2. POLICY: To require the use of such plants for all future multiple
residential and commercial establishments.
M. Marinas and Floating Homes
1. POLICY: To exclude these from the corporate limits and the
extraterritorial jurisdiction.
N. Development of Sound Islands
Not applicable, no sound islands in jurisdiction.
STATUS: All of the Resource Protection policies are still ongoing
concerns, (i.e., items A-N). In 1991, the Town should begin receiving
centralized water services for the first time. This will reduce the
historic dependency on private wells. No additional action was taken to
reduce stormwater run-off (policy H, above). Policies restricting
industrial development and marinas were implemented (items K and M). No
additional package treatment plants were developed (item L). There are
now two sound islands within the ETJ with development essentially
prohibited.
II. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
A. Public Sound Access
1. POLICY: To protect and ensure optimum access to and recreational
opportunities at beach and launching areas consistent with public
rights, constitutionally protected rights of private property
owners and the need to protect natural resources from overuse.
2. POLICY: To acquire lands for recreational use through its
subdivision regulations and to find and secure the use of other
suitable areas.
3. POLICY: To assess the possibilities of purchasing recreational
access areas which are now leased from the private sector.
S. Commercial and Recreational Fisheries
1. POLICY: To provide access to the sound and recreational fisheries
for property owners and residents. Town leased access points at
Dolphin Street and Bayshore Drive are leased with the intent that
- 3 -

only property owners and residents use these facilities. However,
25 commercial fishing boats operated by non-residents tie up on a
24-hour basis in contradiction of the "property owner and
residents only" policy and the Town's Zoning Ordinance's
residential district designation.
C. Cultural and Historical Resources
1. POLICY: To protect significant historical and archaeological
resources as identified on the map in the land use plan and where
uncertain, to seek a determination from the NC Division of
Archives and History before issuing permits.
D. Productive Agriculture Lands
1. POLICY: Their lands are protected under the R-30 provisions of
the Town's zoning ordinance.
E. Commercial Forest Lands
1. POLICY: These lands are protected under the conservation
classification in the Town's Land Classification Map.
F. Mineral Production Areas
Not applicable, no existing and no known potential economic mineral
production areas in the planning area.
STATUS: All of the Resource Production and Management policies are still
relevant on -going concerns. The policies on provision of public water
access, however, have not been implemented. (Items IIA, and B). Boats
are moored directly adjacent to a former leased access site.
ZII. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
A. General
1. POLICY: To support and enforce state and federal programs which
pertain to economic and community development.
B. Growth and Development
1. POLICY: To manage and direct its growth to balance development
with municipal services.
2. POLICY: To protect the Town from adverse development by following
these policies:
a. Policy: To base population and growth guidance on: 1) the
suitability of land to accommodate use; 2) the capacity of the
environment; 3) the compatibility with goals and objectives of
the Town; 4) density; 5) location of use and 6) the
availability of facilities and services.

b. Policy: To prepare for a continuing population growth at the
current rate to reach 2,500 permanent residents by 2000.
c. Policy: To institute continuous land use planning and growth
direction by enforcing the relevant ordinances.
d. Policy: To guide new development away from Areas of
Environmental Concern (AECs) and other special and sensitive
areas as outlined in the land use plan.
e. Policy: To direct new development in accordance with soil
capacity to accommodate water and sewer needs.
f. Policy: To guide new development away from hazardous areas
where there is a tendency toward septic tank problems,
flooding, and washover.
g. Policy: To institute annexation proceedings in a timely
manner so as to guide growth as described in the land use plan
namely in the ETJ areas of Hunting Bay, Fox Forest, and Quail
Woods.
h. Policy: To exercise the Town's right to extend its ETJ in a
timely manner to include the Northwest, SR 113, SR 114, and
Southwest Quadrant (NC 24-58) Communities.
i. Policv: To approve new development within the Town's
jurisdiction only when and where adequate public facilities
and services to support it are available.
C. Redevelopment of Existing Areas
1. POLICY: These areas are dealt with in the Town's zoning ordinance
in the section on redevelopment.
D. Town Character
1. POLICY: To promote and preserve the quite, peaceful retirement
atmosphere and reputation of the community.
E. Housing
1. POLICY: To continue the development of a variety of housing types
to meet the needs and desires of the citizenry and future citizens
by adopting the following policies:
a. Policy: To maintain areas exclusively for conventional
single-family dwellings for the growing permanent population.
b. Policy: To provide an area for mobile homes to accommodate
permanent occupancy.
- 5 -

I
C. Policy: To monitor the needs for additional areas for
one -to -two story garden -type condominiums and apartments for
retirees and other permanent populations.
d. Policy: To evaluate the provisions of the R-10M zoning
district to include new setbacks, density, and minimum heated
floor space requirement standards.
e. Policy: To retain a 40 foot height limitation for
residential, commercial, and institutional structures.
f. Policy: To require new residential subdivisions to provide
lands for public recreation use with neighborhood orientation.
F. Appearance and Cleanliness
t1.
POLICY: To improve and enhance the Town's visual quality and
attractiveness by:
a. Policy: To celebrate "Cape Carteret Spruce - Up Week" each
Spring.
b. Policy: To strengthen and enforce town ordinances relating to
vacant and occupied residential and commercial property
clean-up with provisions for the Town to do so at the owner's
expense if not performed by the owner after proper
notification.
c. Policy: To require developers and construction companies to
clean up during and after building activities by withholding
inspection and occupancy permits until clean up is
satisfactory.
d.
Policy: To continue to pick up garbage twice each week.
e.
Policy: To establish a continuous cleanliness campaign.
f.
Policy: To create a Community Appearance Commission which
will perform the normal and standard function of such a
commission.
g.
Policy: To enforce the ban on billboards within the Town's
jurisdictional area and using the Town's authority to remove
existing billboards through amortization proceedings where
applicable.
h.
Policy: To control erosion of silt, sand, and soil from
cleaned lots through administration of an erosion control
ordinance.
G. Commercial Development
1. POLICY: To enhance and promote quality commercial development by:
- 6 -

a. Policy: To encourage community oriented business to cluster
in the existing zoned commercial district in the northeast
quadrant at NC 24 and 58.
b. Policy: To limit strip development like that experienced
beyond the Town limits by dividing the commercial zoning
district (B-10) into several new districts to accommodate
specific business types.
C. Policy: To understand that major commercial facilities and
services are already provided near Cape Carteret.
d. Policy: To encourage the formation of a business association
for Cape Carteret.
e. Policy: To encourage major tree planting and parking lot
redesign of the commercial area in the northeast quadrant of
NC 24-58.
H. Public Works and Services
1. POLICY: To increase its capacity proportionately to provide
public works facilities and services to growing permanent and
seasonal populations and to existing and developing residential,
commercial, and recreational areas by:
a. Policy: To maintain the Town's capabilities to keep the Town
clean and litter free especially during the summer.
b. Policy: To encourage private, civic, and service
organizations to sponsor "Cape Carteret Spruce -Up Week" each
year.
C. Policy: To continue water and sewer system studies to
determine where and when these services should be installed
incrementally with accompanying treatment facilities, either
by the public or private sectors.
d. Policy: To explore privatization of public work equipment,
facilities, and services in support of the Town commission
form of government as a means of providing an improved quality
of services more economically.
e. Policy: To develop an integrated plan and program for
alleviating drainage problems on a year -by -year basis.
f. Policy: To institute a means to maintain and improve
residential streets through year -by -year programing based on
condition and need, traffic, and ability to pay.
g. Policy: To prepare a plan for providing street lighting on an
incremental basis where population concentration demand.
- 7 -

I. Traffic Circulation and Transportation
1. POLICY: To meet the increasing need to move people and goods from
place to place conveniently, safely, quickly, and efficiently,
particularly during summer when traffic congestion is highest by:
a. Policy: To facilitate off-street parking in close proximity
to commercial establishments.
b. Policy: To modify access to future establishments on NC 24
and Taylor -Notion Road to cut down the number of curb cuts by
requiring access roads and encouraging access and egress from
the existing perpendicular streets.
c. Policy: To maintain public sound access with parking.
d. Policy: To maintain residential streets in accordance with
annual programming.
e. Policy: To ask DOT to expand turn signals on NC 24 at NC 58.
f. Policy: To develop a plan for bikeways/sidewalks in strategic
locations.
J. Public Safety and Security
1. POLICY: To provide the highest level of safety possible in
response to growth and development for humans and property within
financial constraints by:
a.
Policy:
To explore alternate means of
patrolling the Town
during
daylight hours.
b.
Policy: To encourage continuing neighborhood Community Crime
Watch programs.
c.
Policy:
To seek ways to expand the
police force during
seasonal fluctuations.
d.
Policy:
To continue to patrol all roads
of speeders.
e.
Policy:
To seek improved coverage by the
state highway patrol
for NC
24, NC 58, and Taylor -Notion Road.
f. Policy: To expand the police force as population growth
occurs in accordance with state and national public safety
standards.
g. Policy: To support fire protection and rescue services,
financially and through conscientious liaison.
I 8_

K. Assistance To Channel Maintenance
Not applicable, Town does not have jurisdiction in maintenance
dredging and traffic control.
L. Energy and Communication Facilities Sites
1. POLICY: To screen any such sites within the Town's jurisdiction
for aesthetic purposes.
M. Culture and Recreation
1. POLICY: To maintain an environment where cultural and
recreational activities can flourish by:
a. Policy: To establish a park/school relationship with White
Oak School.
b. Policy: To explore further ways to acquire joint recreational
access to the facilities through the Carteret County Board of
Education.
c. Policy: To encourage youth recreational programs at White Oak
School.
N. Tourism and Waterfront Access
1. POLICY: To work with commercial interest to provide services and
facilities to tourists and vacationers.
2. POLICY: To provide water access for residents and property owners
at the ends of Dolphin Street and Bayshore Drive.
STATUS: The 1987 Plan contained numerous policies under Economic and
Community Development, most of which are still on -going concerns.
However, in some cases, the context of the concern has changed because of
the change in population, land use, etc. For example, item III A and
B1-2, was based on high anticipated population growth. This growth did
not take place. Annexation of Hunting Bay, Quail Woods, and Fox Forest,
was studied but determined not feasible according to State Statutes.
Other areas mentioned in the 1987 Plan, also did not qualify for
annexation. (Items B.2-g,h).
Through its Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision regulations, the Housing
policies noted in Section El,a-f was implemented. Under "Appearance and
Cleanliness", a Cape Carteret "Spruce Up" week was implemented. However,
a Community Appearance Commission was not initiated. The ban on
billboards (Item Fl,g) was not implemented, although still a concern. A
beach access plan was developed (1990), but not implemented.
Policies on "Commercial Development" were implemented, except for the
formation of a business association and establishing a tree -planting
program. The Town did appoint, however, an Economic Development
Committee. (Item G, above.)
- 9 -

Under "Public Works and Services", a water study, as proposed, was
completed and the Town is scheduled to receive water service from the West
Carteret Water Corporation. The NCDOT was requested to expand the Town
signals on NC24 and NC58. The proposed strategy to implement a bikeways
and sidewalk plan was not carried out. A recycling facility and a
maintenance facility has been established on Town property (1991).
The Town did purchase three new patrol cars in order to expand its
patrolling capacity and is planning the expansion of its Police Station.
O. Citizen Participation
1. POLICY: To promote responsible citizen participation by:
a. Policv: To advertise Town Board and Planning Board meetings.
b. Policy: To seek -out a broad cross-section of citizens to serve on
Town boards and committees under community volunteer.
c. Policv: To conduct periodic questionnaires.
d. Policv: To hold Town meetings.
e. Policv: To develop a system for citizens to provide input through
elected and appointed officials.
STATUS:
The Citizen Participation policies were all carried out. The
Town has several citizen's committees.
P. Town Administration
1.
POLICY: To monitor and manage growth by monitoring staff and
development service needs in planning, engineering, and inspection
to maintain and improve quality development as growth increases.
2.
POLICY: To diligently enforce state and federal regulations, as
well as the local zoning and subdivision ordinances and the Town
Code.
3.
POLICY: To consider hiring a Town Building Inspector to
administer the local codes and ordinances and to serve as staff to
the Planning Board and the Board of Adjustment.
4.
POLICY: To use penalties as provided by the State Building Code
for noncompliance and require completion of started projects
within a given period.
5.
POLICY: to consider annexing areas in the existing ETJ especially
Hunting Bay, Fox Forest, and Quail Acres.
6.
POLICY: To exercise ETJ rights by increasing this area up to one
mile limit on east, northwest, and west.
- 10 -
I

7. POLICY: To ask the County to zone areas and to administer
subdivision regulations and building codes beyond the Town's ETJ
to control development.
STATUS: Although the proposed Town Administration policies remain
on -going concerns, all of the 1987 recommendations were implemented.
(Item P1-7). A Building Inspector was hired by the Town, and the Town
does impose penalties for non-compliance with the State Building Code.
Annexation feasibility studies were done for certain areas within the ETJ,
but were determined not feasible at that time. This, however, remains an
item of concern.
The ETJ boundary was extended, and the County did develop zoning controls
for areas beyond the ETJ.
Q. Commitment to State and Federal Programs
POLICY: To carry out the state and federal regulations applicable to
resource protection and production and economic and community
development.
SUMMARY: This review of 1987 policies and strategies helped lay the
foundation for formulating policies for this 1991 Plan Update.

I
Appendix II
� Citizen Participation Plan
� and
� Results of
Citizen Survey
u

TOWN OF CAPE CARTERET, N.C.
1991 Land Use Plan Update
Public Participation Plan
Subchapter 7B of the N.C. Administration Code, CAMA Land Use
Planning Guidelines, requires that the plan update process be
conducted in the public arena. It is therefore the responsibility of
the local government to involve, inform and educate a broad
cross-section of the population. There should be a continuous
structure in place which both reaches out and invites diversified
segments of the community to participate within its jurisdictional
boundaries.
The Town of Cape Carteret is aware of this responsibility and
will seek to carry out this obligation throughout the updating of the
1991 CANA Land Use Plan. The following steps will be taken in order
to provide information to the public and to maintain citizen
involvement throughout the process:
1. Designation of Citizen Advisory Committee
The Town of Cape Carteret's governing body will
designate a group of citizens, who represent a cross-section
of the community, to serve in a review and advisory capacity
to the Planning Consultant. This citizen's group will be in
place throughout the Plan development process and will meet
on' a regular basis with the consultant to review draft
material, help clarify local planning issues, and provide
general input. The citizen advisory body may consist of the
Cape Carteret Planning Board, or others appointed by the
Town Board.
2. Initial Public Information Meeting
The Citizens Advisory Committee, along with the.
Planning Consultant, will conduct a publicly advertised
"Public Information Meeting" during the initial stages of
the planning process. The purpose of this meeting (which is
not a formal public hearing), will be primarily educational.
The public will receive an overall explanation of the
purpose and use of the State -required CAMA Land Use Plan,
and be informed of additional opportunities for citizen
involvement. This meeting will be scheduled for December
1990. Also, notice of the meeting will be advertised
through the local media, e.g., the Carteret News Times, The
Tideland News, and/or The Jacksonville Daily News, and radio
and television public service announcements.
KWA Ken Weeden & Associates - Planning Consultants
1994 Eastwood Road, Wilmington, North Carolina 28403
I2ev " III /,?AC I

I�L
3. Newspaper Releases
At the beginning of the plan update process, contact
will be made with the Carteret News Times, The Tideland
News, and/or The Jacksonville Daily News, and a press
release will be submitted. It is hoped that the press
release will lead to a news or feature story to be published
in the local newspaper.
Also, throughout the entire planning process,
especially prior to the public information meeting(s),
periodic releases will be developed as the planning data
t base is revised.
4. Citizens survey
In addition to the above public participation efforts,
the Town of Cape Carteret Planning Consultant will conduct a
random sample survey, using a questionnaire type format. A
number of questions will be developed seeking direct
citizen's input on land development, environmental,
economic, and public facilities issues. The survey
instrument will be developed with input from the Citizen's
Advisory Committee (or Planning Board, whichever is
designated by the Town Board).
The input from the survey results will be useful in
developing growth management policies to be contained in the
updated CAMA Land Use Plan. The size and sampling
methodology will be decided upon by the Citizen's Advisory
Committee. However, randomly selecting addresses from tax
listings or water billings for a mail out survey is one
possible technique.
S. Monthlv Meetinas with Advisory Committee
It is anticipated that the Planning Consultant will
meet at least monthly with the Advisory Committee. These
meetings will be open to the public, with adequate notices
to be published prior to each meeting. These meetings will
be conducted from January through June, 1991.
6. Additional Public Information Meetings
After initial drafts of the updated plan have been
completed, including data base development and development
of policy statements and proposed land classifications, two
additional public information meetings will be conducted.
Again, these will not be formal public hearings, but other
r
Pei

opportunities for citizens to comment on the preliminary ,
land use plan. The second such meeting should take place in
February or March, 1991. The final public meeting should be
conducted in June 1991, prior to submission of the
preliminary plan to the Coastal Resources Commission.
Notices of these meetings will be advertised through the
local media as is proposed for the Initial Public
Information meeting.
All of the above activities should provide substantial
opportunities for the Town of Cape Carteret to inform, educate, and
involve a broad cross-section of citizens in the 1991 CAMA Land Use
Plan Update process. This Public Participation Plan is hereby adopted
by the Cape Carteret Town Board.
1
1
1

ABBREVIATED VERSION: TOWN HALL COPY
SUMMARY OF CAPE CARTERET 1991 LAND USE PLAN CITIZENS SURVEY
NOTE: The following is a summary of the survey results. More detailed tabulations
are contained in a report which is available at the Town Hall during normal business
hours. For some questions, personal comments were requested. For purposes of
summary analysis, comments which were phrased differently but which expressed the
same opinion, were grouped together.
Results: (Total 216 respondents out of 700, i.e., 31%)
1. Residential Status:
a. Permanent 156/72.2%
b. Seasonal 52/24.1%
c. Non-resident Property Owner 3/ 1.4%
d. No Answer 5/ 2.3%
2. I live in . . .
Bayshore Park 29.0%
Old Cape Carteret Area 33.3%
Star Hill 25.8%
Country Club Point 9.2%
Fox Forest -0-
Hunting Bay -0-
Quail Woods .5%
Other 1.9%
3. I own--91.1% (212) or rent--O.O% my place of residence. (Four other responses not
clear)
4. My family income is approximately:
Under $10,000 2.8%
$10,000-14,999 6.5%
$15,000-19,999 5.9%
$20,000-29,999 14.8%
$30,000-49,999 27.8%
$50,000+ 25.5%
5. What do you like most about Cape Carteret?
No breakdown by Area; could give more than one answer:
1. Peacefulness, Quiet-- 85
2. Location (Near water, shopping)-- 51
3. Atmosphere/Nature of Community -- 44
4. People-- 32
5. Smallness-- 29
6. No Answer-- 22
7. Environmental/Cleanness 16
B. Climate/Weather-- 12

6. What do you dislike about Cape Carteret, if anything?
(Could give more than one answer:)
1. No Answer/Nothing-- 91
2. Favoritism/Politics-- 37
3. Lack of water access/
boat landings-- 16
4. Non -Progressive-- 12
5. Too much growth-- 11
6. Lack of commercial-- 7
7. High taxes-- 5
B. Non -Enforcement of laws-- 5
9. Tourists-- 4
10. No Post Office-- 4
7. Is the town:
Growing too slowly 18.5%
Growing at the right pace 50.5%
Growing too fast, or 7.9%
Has it grown enough? 16.2%
3.7% said too fast and enough; another 3.7% (8) did not respond to the question.
8. What type of growth should be encouraged or discouraged?
Type of Development Encourage Discourage
Permanent residential 182 5
Seasonal residential 71 78
Single family dwelling 178 8
Duplexes 35 105
Apartments 27 130
Condominiums 41 121
Mobile Homes 24 129
Shopping facilities 130 44
Motels 47 ill
Industry 52 112
Item 8--Additional comments; more than one response possible:
1. Keep atmosphere of town-- 11
2. Clean/light industry-- 8
3. Need elderly health care-- 6
4. Need more shopping facilities-- 6
5. Need condominiums for retired persons-- 5
6. Need elderly housing-- 5
7. No more mobile homes-- 4
B. Need post office-- 3
9. Discourage seasonal residents-- 3
10. Protect environment ORW's-- 3
-2-

9. Should the Town attempt to
Limits?
annex
those
developing areas adjacent
to the Town
Yes (45.5%) No (44.0%)
No Answer (10.6%)
Total (100.0%)
10. Please rate Town services
and facilities: 1=Best
and S=Worst
Best
Worst
Service 1
2
3
4
5
No Answer
Total
Town management 45
50
67
17
6
31
216
Planning 25
45
59
30
18
39
216
Zoning Protection 30
43
63
24
11
45
216
Building Inspection 51
41
49
22
14
39
216
Fire Protection 99
51
26
12
1
27
216
Police Protection 110
35
32
13
6
20
216
Rescue Service 118
42
20
9
1
26
216
Garbage/Trash Service 102
46
29
6
4
29
216
Public Sound Access 12
10
32
27
99
36
216
Sound Access Parking 27
12
30
29
83
37
216
Recreational facilities 8
21
46
36
69
36
216
Storm Drainage 20
38
68
21
30
39
216
Street Maintenance 53
75
48
8
7
25
216
Street Paving 40
73
54
12
10
27
216
Street Lighting 42
69
52
15
11
27
216
Traffic Control 45
67
49
12
7
36
216
Parking 33
62
61
10
13
37
216
Town Cleanliness 76
72
35
5
6
22
216
Town Appearance 65
67
42
12
7
23
216
11. What should Cape Carteret
do to
improve your
neighborhood?
(Could give more than
one
response; Total of
61 different
responses.)
1. OK as is/Nothing
32
2. Need water access
or marina
21
3. Keep area clean
19
4. Add street lights
12
5. Move boats, cars,
campers, junk
off yards
9
6. Need public sewage
7. Clear off vacant lots
of weeds, brush, trash
8
8
8. Better drainage
6
9. Need recreational
facilities
6
12. What can you as an individual or
family do to
improve Cape
Carteret?
No breakdown by Area;
could
give
more
than one response:
1. Be better informed/vote/public participation 53
2. Don't pollute/maintain property/clean up area 52
3. Comply with ordinances 9
4. Don't know/Nothing 8
5. Respect others/leave others alone 4
6. Recycling 4
.3-

13. As population increases, more public services and facilities could be needed in
Cape Carteret. How do you believe that these should be financed?
Property I
User I
I
I
Marked -
Service I
Assessment)
Fees I
Taxation
Bonds
No Method
Water (
24
127
13
22
3
Sewer
20
95
21
48
1
Sanitation
16
86
59
17
1
Planning
8
20
126
14
- 2
Street Maintenance
8
12
150
10
2
Street Paving
18
11
136
18
3+Powell
Rill
Funds
Street Lighting
8
15
145
8
2
Administration
9
10
143
10
2
Fire Protection (
17
14
142
8
4+ Volun-
teer
Police Protection
11 (
11
147
5
4
Building Inspection
8
81
86
5
3
Recreation/Sound Access
7 1
106
50
35
3
14. Do you want a public sewer system?
Yes (59.7%) No (36.6%) No Answer (3.7%)
15. Do you desire strict enforcement of all town ordinances and NC Statutes?
Yes (75.5%) No 14.4%) Don't Know/No Answer (10.2%)
Item 15--Additional Comments;could give more than one response:
1. With reasonable judgment/impartial 21
2. Many need revision 5
16. Taking into consideration inflation and the desire to hold taxes down, what
services and facilities, if any, would you have reduced or eliminated? Please
List.
1. Nothing 49
2. Number of police officers 16
3. City manager type administration 6
4. Inspection department 6
5. No more building projects 4
6. Number of police cars 4
17. Do you believe that Cape Carteret is prepared for emergency evacuation?
Yes (51.9%) No (13.0%) Sometimes (22.2%) No Answer (13.0%)
-4-

18. Do you and/or your family leave Cape Carteret when hurricanes approach?
Yes (26.4%) No (31.5%) Sometimes (33.3%) No Answer (8.8%)
19. Would new commercial development in Cape Carteret be positive or negative?
Positive (47.7%) Negative (46.8%) No Answer (5.6%)
Item 19--Additional Comments:
1. OK if controlled 10
2. Don't change character of town 10
3. No heavy industry 10
4. Only shopping facilities 9
5. No commercial in residential areas 5
6. Commercial only on 24 and 58 4
7. Build commercial; keep Cape Carteret
commercial spending here 4
20. Do you feel that the existing zoning ordinance is sufficient to protect your
property interests?
Yes (68.1%) No (12.5%) No Opinion (12.5%) No Answer (6.9%)
21. Should the Town take a more active role in protecting the environment?
Yes (59.3%) No (15.3%) Don't Know (19.0%) No Answer (6.5%)
22. Would you be willing to pay higher taxes in support of the suggestions you have
made in this questionnaire?
Yes (66.6%) No (30.1%) No Answer (8.3%)
23. Should the Town have a public launching facility?
Yes* (64.8%) No (29.2%) No Answer (6.0%)
*Many Yes respondents say resident only.
24. Do you own a boat?
Yes (55.1%) No (39.8%) No Answer (3.7%)
25. Does Cape Carteret need a marina (a facility for 10 or more boats)?
Yes* (44.4%) No (48.6%) No Answer (6.9%)
*Many Yes responses say for residents only.
.5-

26. If yes, should the marina be, (in character and location) residential or
commercial?
Residential (42.7%) Commercial (40.6%) Either/Both (12.5%) No Answer (4.2%)
27. Do you think that new residential and/or commercial developments, should have
direct access to Highways 24 and 58?
Yes (51.4%) No (34.3%) No Answer 12.0%)
-6-

Friday, Dec.14,1990 :?Forehead City Beaufort; N.C. „,i=JHENEW3-TIMES ..._.:.11A
Cape arteretto update
tanc.t7use
Updating Cape Carteret's land -use
plan will be the first item on the
agenda at Monday's Cape Carteret
commissioners' meeting at 7:30 p.m.
in the town hall.
Under provisions of the state's
Coastal Area Management Act, the
town will update its land -use plan in
1991. Every five years, according to
state planning guidelines, the coun-
ties and local governments which
have land -use plans are required to
Public Inforrrrtlon Meeting
Town of Cape Carteret
CAMA Land Use Plan Update
Decernber17,1990 -
The Town of Cape Carwe ei win.
hold a public Information meeting
Monday. December 17. 1 M at 7:30
pill. of the Tam Man BuIICUq.'The I
meeting will be co -hosted by the
Town Planning Board and the re-
conny designated Land Use Advl-
say Committee.
The purpose of the meeting Is to
discuss tM 1991 Update of the
Town's Coestal Area Management
Act (CAMA) Land bias Plan. The
Town has already initiated this plan-
ning process, which will be explained f
to citizens In more detail at the meet
-
Ing. A8 citizens arc urged to attend.
For additional Information contact ,
the Town Hail during normal busi-
ness hours. at 919=3-84W. D12
4w _ 1vriLS b- '
.ocumment
update those plans. ` '� '_ ..._ .,, ._ _.. A` major aspect of ' the planning
Cape Carteret has contracted with , process is the involvement of the cit-
the Wilmington -based fiirn(of Ken r,cizenry:within the town's jurisdiction
Weeden - and" Associates,,. 'planning :,(including : extraterritorial jurisdic-
Consultants, to prepare tile" 1991 up- don).
date. The firm will work closely with
a land -use advisory committee'•and Thmughout the process, citizens
the town planning board"•over 'the -:,.will be encouraged to provide input,
next several months to *help identify primarily through a series of meet -
newly emerging trends "and: issues ings with the advisory committee
that need to be addressed in the new and planning;board, and* through the
plan. - '" distribution of survey questionnaires.
Mr. WCeedea will ezpl2in the plan= "� Spring'_1991 ' 'to identify " g_ real .that
ring process at Monday's .meeting. need to be addressed in the land -use
He noted that all of the advisory'and : plan. Mr. Himlan said the town's wa-
planning board meetin"g"swill be .terwxess and recreation plan devel-
open to the public: toped;; earlier . iri •1990 would be . in-
rc eluded in the updated plan.
According to Ed . Himlan;,Cape
Carteret planning boardand land -use ; Mr: Weeden said some of the is -
committee Chairman,.this first. meet. ,�: sues to be addressed included devel-
ing will .be. to.,get kin citizens thing _ oping a, thoroughfare plan, develop -
about what, items they: want to.: see. . ; :• ment ,in extraterritorial zoning areas
addressed in the new plan. A citizens and development near 1.the Marine
advisory committee .will .: be • ap- Crops' auxiliary field at Boguel, just
pointed to work with the -planning west of town..", '•
hoard. .,:.:.Questions regarding the planning
process or public meetings may be
A series of meetings will begin in addressed to Mr. Himlan, 393-6324.

10A THE NEWS -TIMES Morehead Clty-Beaufort, N.C. a. F�lday, Dea , 1,1990
Carteret beirisCape , g -
1
By Cheryl Chaplin }l an�1.-L,,
l�e L� date-.
Staff Writer
Updating the community land -use Mr. Wecden said that beg haurig'in ' The appraisals will now be.turned
plan was the main topic at Monday's February, a series.. of meetings `:will `„� over to the planning board,. which
meeting of Cape Carteret commis- begin to identify areas that need - to : j will make a recommendation to the
sioners in the town hall. be addressed in the land -use plans In t board of commissioners: If the
Under the provisions of the state's an earlier interview, Mr. Himlan'said . I. McLean estate declines the offer, the
Coastal Area Management Act the town's water access and recre- r :; town has considered condemnation
(CAMA), the. town will update its ation plan developed earlier in*1990,'}'.i;.proceedings.
land -use plan in 1991. Every five will be included in the updated plan: : ' Another piece to the
years, according to the state s plan-
ning guidelines, the counties and lo-
Mr --Weedett said sorpie of Wc�k
puzz a is, a request submitted earlier
..in the year by the W.B. McLean es -
cal governments which have land-
jsues the. towanshoiiid5consh�i
cite to build a marina at the Dolphin
use plans are required to update their
' water=sewer concerns; ;development _;= and Manatee street basin on Bogue
previous plans.
An ETJ areas, a thoroughfare pladiind -;-A Sound. The area is zoned R-20.
development policies in general. The }
'made
Cape Carteret has contracted with
'completed plan shouldt-reflect _,the 1T�ie original request was
i the Wilmington -based firm of Ken
town's policies,for growth manage-*,:, back iri June. The board has tabled
Weeden and Associates, planning
. ment-" : '. 'r, ? , `t `" ..:�� .the issue'since, because for -profit re=
consultants, to prepare the 1991 up-
` ; .The first: draft of the7plan must- .ry creation operations are prohibited in
± date. The firm recently. completed
completed by June 19(wl > ":h ° ` .1 the R=20 zone, The proposed marina
Swansboro's plan and is working on
'„ tind'docking-facility would be oper-
i3
an update for Jacksonville.
Another. part of the p U pro- ated by StarHill Country Club, and.
Mr. Weeden was on hand Monday
-.' cess is designing a land classifi ation. ;use of the facility would be offered
night to explain the land -use plan up-
map that 'reflects• the CAM.Pi'.land % as Part of a special recreation pack-
dating process to a full house. His
.,;,.
`'use planning scheme and the tow_ firs , ;. r • age sold• through • the country -club.
firm will work closely with a land
- land management policies.... ,;. >=";`'Star Hill is owned and operated by
use advisory committee and_ the
In February; Mr.,' Weeden-. will - i. the W.B. McLean estate.
town's planning board over the next
f
present an analysis of 'the, last -five-
several months to help identify
year plan and growth projections for In order to facilitate the marina, the
newly nma�n;n r.., A. a oc
--- .�...�-..�guib—ucaaw m�u�- t: the next five years frastricuon on- for -profit. operations
that need to be addressed in the new
' ° . '"�,-Would need'to be lifted on the prop- ti
plan.
;.
.Water access will be a major con ',% ,erty, and that has upset' many Cape
sideration in the plan. Parks commis '~7 Carteret residents. •
' Mr. Weeden explained that citizen
. sioner Jerry Stroud presented ap- .,
involvement was a major component
' praisals on three tracts of land being:. McLean, estate attorney Clint Rout -
of the planning process.
considered as potential areas for wa-
son again asked commissioners to
Throughout the
g process, citizens..
•'`;,
teraccess: - _
act on the proposal during Mondays
will be encouraged to provide inpd4
The appraisals were done to`keep "i meeting Commissioners again ta-
primarily through a series of public
to step with recommendations for the..., bled the action. The planning board
meetings with the advisory commit-
-'
. 'parks and recreation plan. Two "Of '` ; I, has recommended declining the
tee and planning board, and through
i those pieces of property are parks ; .i.an I&Leestate's proposal.
the distribution of survey question-
previously. rented from the W.B.:. ?
naires.
McLean estate. Both of those leases ' :.: . Mr. Stroud said no action should
have now expired. be taken until the appraisals and
Ed Nimlan C Carteret Tannin
land -use update are considered thor-
"t— p g
board and land -use committee chair-
man, introduced Mr. Weeden and an-
nounced the names of citizens who
will serve on the advisory commit-
tee. They are Dick Lott, Ron
Johnson, Ruth Cols, Bill Stuart, Bob
Kline, Dorothy Houghtaling, Ed
Himlan and Elaine Holt, alternate
member.
Appraisals were as follows: Bay-
shore Park, $104,000; Dolphin Street
Park, $150,000; and Manatee Park,
$62,500.'
The appraisals are much lower
than Paxon Holz, executrix' for the
McLean estate, had asked for the
property. Mrs. Holz has stated that
Dolphin Street Park alone�is worili
$1 million. • ;
odghly. .
GNU."3 T�ty�e$ f
:land. -use meeting
is set for Monday
The Cape Carteret Land -Use Plar
Advisory Committee will meet Mon-
day night at 7:30 in the town hall.
•Ken Weeden, Cape Carteret's
!land -use plan consultant, will attend
`` the ' meeting to record comments
' from the public.

Citizens invited to help in
counties must have an approved
Cape Carteret is well on its way Plan-
Wilmington,
Ken Weeden of on, a
toward updating the town's land gt
use plan. planning consultant, has been hired
' by the town to assist in the process.
Used as guide for development,
the plan is mandated by North Updating of the plan must occur
Carolina's Coastal Area Manage- about every five years, according to
ment Act (CAMA). Each local gov-' Weeden•
emment in the state's 20 coastal And, to adequately produce the
updating
update, citizens must become in-
volved, he said.
"Throughout the process, citizens
will be encouraged to provide in-
put," he said. "This firm will work
cloesly with a recently appointed
land use advisory committee and
the town planning board over the
(See CITIZEN, page 3)
(Continued from front page)
"It's not my plan," he said, "it's
your plan."
next several months to help identify
To insure that involvement, the
... trends and issues which need to
planner hopes to see an active ad -
be addressed,"
visory committee.
Weeden attended the December
In addition, Weeden said public
meeting of Cape Carteret Board of
information meetings would take
Commissioners to. discuss the
place on a regular basis and these
basics of the update.
would be adequately advertised in
After a brief introduction by Ed
local newspapers.
Himlan, chairman of Cape Carteret
Hiimlan said the town was
'
Planning Board, Weeden told the
thcm..,are_three . basic., jar
fortunate to have Weeden's furp
worldng on the update.
giedie`n�si which •gai into, cupdatingr„� -.'We'" pleased to have him,", be.
the plan: studying trends, surveying
said -
land and existing uses and obtain-
The next meeting of the advisory
ing citizen input.
committee will be Feb. 5 at 7 p.m.
"All those things lead to policy,"
in town hall -
he said.
All citizens, both from in town
and the town's extraterritorial juris-
Draft due
diction, are invited to attend.
Weeden went on to say the first
draft of the plan is due to the N.C.
Coastal Resources Commission
(CRC) on June 30.
CRC officials will either approve
the plan at their following meeting
or return it with suggested im-
provements.
Citizens need to be involved with
the process. Weeden explained. be-
cause without that involvement
there might be some aspect that
wouldn't adequately reflect the
community's opinion.
TtoE LA

■r rr rr rr rr �r rr �r rr �r �r �r rr �r rr rr +r rr r
N
I
0
,MAP 2
Existing Land Uses 1 - - •°•
1991
• F
MAP SHOWING THE EXTRATERRITORIAL JUtL401CTION Of
CAPE CARTERET
NORTH CAROLINA
—�_`
�OFF 0
0
LAND USE
RESIDENTIAL (S.F.)
ISM
RESIDENTIAL M.H.
C�
RESIDENTIAL M.F.
®
COMMERCIAL
®
OFFlCE/INSTITUTIONAL
®
INDUSTRIAL
0
RECREATION
THE PREPARATION OF TNIS DOCLPIENT AW OR NAPS, WS FINANCED IN PART
tx WGN A WANT PRNIDED .T THE "TN CAROLINA COASIAL YAxFGEK-1
PROGYI. Tx.p1GN NWS FRNIDED DE THE COASTAL ENE MANAGEMENT ACT OF
1972. AS AMEWED YxICN IS AN ISTERED DT THE OFFICE OF OCEAN AW
COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT NATINAL OCEANIC AW A-SPxENIC
AOII i N IITWIN.

Sam
1 ♦ �/
Ire
,-h 1 - �'If�•
�N-- '
MAP "UIN0 THE EXTRATERRITORIAL JURt=CTIpN OF
CAPE CARTERET
NORTH CAROLINA
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I IIOAI A OUT "OIIDED By ERE Eats CAMIM COASTAL ruGEnFMi
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MAP 15
LAND GLASSIFICATIO; MAP
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URBAN TRANSITION
' CONSERVATION ,SEE NOTE BELOW
.�...- .,.•-• E T J BOUNDARY
TOWN LIMITS
'Conservation Note: All AECs are. by sratnte, classified as Conservation'.
However, these areas are best determined on a site -by -site basis, and
arenot depicted on the Land Classification Map. In addition to AECs,
other areas ate also classified as rConservation' in Cape Carteret. For
a description of other conservation areas, aee Pages 69-71. These
areas must also be Identified on a case -by -case basis.'