Land Development Plan-1976

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Division of Coastal Management Copy
.COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENTACT
LAND USE PLAN
TOWN OF CAPE CARTERET, NORTH CAROLINA

Proposed Cape Carteret
Land
Development Plan
May 18, 1976
PLANNING DEPAR-TM-,%,-4
lCARTERET COUNTY
P. O. DRAWER 630
TAXAUIrORT, N. C. 26516

NOTICE TO USERS
All major policy related maps and documents are either included within
the text or attached to the back of the plan. However, due to the expense
and technical limitations required for reprinting some illustrations may
be omitted. Complete copies are available for inspection at the N. C.
Coastal Resources Commission offices in Raleigh or at the local government
offices.
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Table of Contents
I. Introduction ................................................. %
II.. Description of Present Conditions ............................ 3
III. Public Participation Activities 3
IV. Constraints .......... ............................... ..... oZ
V. Estimated Demand .............................................. ;X
VI. Plan Description ............................................. 3 3
VII. Potential Areas of Environmental Concern .................... 4.0
VIII...:_ Summary =:.................................................. 4
IX. City -County Plan Relationship ................................ 4 9

I. Introduction
The Town of Cape Carteret has prepared this Land Development Plan in
compliance with the Coastal Area Management Act of 1974. The objectives,
policies, and standards stated in thid document represent the collective
input from the citizens of Cape Carteret. Through proper implementation
this plan will provide a solid foundation for effective land -use planning
in the future.
The Coastal Area Management Act was adopted in 1974 by the North Carolina
Legislature in order to help the local governments of eastern North Carolina
form a basis for a comprehensive plan for the protection, preservation, orderly
development, and management of the coastal areas of the state. All of the
twenty coastal counties and their respective municipalities were required by
the Act to adopt land development plans in compliance with the "Guidelines
for Planning in the Coastal Area." These guidelines were developed to aid the
local governments in the coastal area comply with the requirements of the
Coastal Area Management Act.
The Cape Carteret Land Development Plan includes many traditional aspects
of land -use planning such as an analysis of the existing population and economy
and existing land uses. The new aspects of this planning process include the
use of the State Land Classification System, the description of potential Areas
of Environmental Concern, and a greater emphasis than ever on public participa-
tion. These new aspects of planning are tools that local governments can use
to facilitate their planning efforts.
It is essential to understand the legislative goals of the Coastal Area
Management Act before reading this plan. They are:

1. To provide a'menag6ment system capable of preserving and managing
the natural ecological conditions of the estuarine system, the
barrier dune systemr, and the beaches, so as to safegurad and per-
petuate their natural productivity and their biological, econbmdc
and aesthetic values.
`�. 2. To insure that.the development or preservation of the land and
water resources of the coastal area proceeds in a manner consistent
with the capability of the ]'and and water for development, use, or
preservation based on ecological considerations.
3. To insure the orderly and balanced use and preservation of our coastal
resources on behalf of the people of North Carolina and the nation.
4. To establish policies, guidelines and standards for the conservation
of resources; the economic development of the coastal -area; -the use
of recreational lands and tourist facilities; -the wise development---:
of transportation and circulation patterns; the preservation and
enhancement of historical, cultural and scientific aspects of the
►region; and the protection of common law and public rights in the
lands and waters of the coastal area.

II. Description of Present Conditions_
In formulating a long range development plan, a close examination of
the present conditions is necessary. Thissection analyzes existing popula-
tion and economic characteristics, existing land uses and current plans,
policies and regulations of the Town of Cape Carteret. This analysis is -in-
tended to provide the necessary background material to aid the decision -making
process.
A. Population and Economy _-
1. Population - When Cape Carteret was incorporated in 1957-it had -
a year around population of about 52. Since then, the population
increased to an estimated 790 in 1975.
Population
1957 1960 1970 1975
Cape Carteret 52 52 616 790
The population chart indicates that the population of Cape Carteret
has experienced a considerable increase since 1960. This increase has
been attributed in part to the fact that many of the people that
purchased lots in Cape Carteret during the early 1960's are now re-
tiring and moving to the area. The estimated demands section of this
plan indicates that this trend will continue at an accelerated rate
during the next few years until near -total development is reached.
Note that the 1957 and 1960 population figures are the same. Since
the town was incorporated in 1957, the 1960 census figure was used as
the population at the time of incorporation.

The concentration of the population initially took place in the Cape Carteret
subdivisions which made up the original city limits. When Star Hill Golf
Club.Inc. and Bay Shore Park subdivisions were included in the city limits
the population began to_be distributed throughout the current city limits.
2. Economy - Cape Carteret is basically a residential community. The commer-
cial establithments and services offered in the city limits are designed
to take care of the basic needs of the citizens of Cape Carteret and not
to provide an economic base.
The economic base thrc`:!ghout
Carteret County and
the -adjacent -County --
of Onslow affect the Town
of Cape
Carteret.
As has
been mentioned,
a large
segment of Cape
Carteret's
population
is retired. A
large portion
of
those that are
not retired work as
civil service employees
at Camp
Lejeune
Marine Base in
Onslow County or Cherry
Point
Marine
Base in Craven
County.
An analysis of
the total
work force
for Carteret County,011
give
some idea
of the job opportunities
throughout
Carteret
County.
Carteret County
Employment Labor: -Force
Total
Non-
Public
Rate of
Avg. Wkly.
Employ- Manufac-
Manufac-
Adminis-
-Agricul-
Other
Unemploy-
Earnings
ment turing
turing
tration
tural
'ment
Per
Worker
1963
6,820 1,160
2,660
920
620
1,460
10.5%
$55.69
1964
7,070 1,140
2,930
930
500
1,570
9.7
59.94
1965
7,920 1,200
3,110
940
440
2,230
7.3
63.47
1966
8,440 1,340
3,420
990
420
2,270
7.0
62.88
1967
8,470 1,430
3,490
970
390
2,190
6.6
64.28
1968
8,840 1,440
3,680
1,150
350
2,220
6.5
74.02
1969
9,170 * 1,500
3,770
1,280
340
2,280
4.5*
79.03
1970
11,580 1,610
3,940
1,470
330
2,330
4.7
83.12
1971
11,380 1,430
4,100
1,410
330
2,320
5.3
89.80
1972
11,880 1,580
4,410
1,370
310
2,380
5.3
92.43
1973
13,140 1,740
5,050
1,470
NA
NA
4.3
97.55

An analysis of the growth...in the White Oak Township and Carteret County
indicates the White Oak Township and the county have been increasing rapidly
since the incorporation of Cape Carteret.
White Oak Township
1950 1960 1970
White Oak
Township 1,273 1,785 2,496
This se6r% to indicate that the economic factors that are affecting
growth in the county are also affecting the growth of Cape Carteret.
The citizens of Cape Carteret are provided with essential shopping and
services within --the town limits.-- The areas- that - provide major -shopping facill- --
ties for the citizens of Cape Carteret include Morehead City in Carteret County
and Jacksonville in Onslow County.
In summary, the Amount of development and the standard of living of the
citizens is s6rrewhat dependent on the economic situation in the surrounding
area. The econ6mdc base within the town limits only provides
minimum essential services and does='snot- provide ' ,broad economic �5
base.
B. Existing Land Use
An analysis of the existing land use in the Town of Cape Carteret is
a very important part of the planning process. This section will contain
an existing Land Use Map and a discussion of all types of land used in the
Town of Cape Carteret. Particular attention will be given to significant
land use compatibility problems, major problems which haver esulted from
unplanned development and areas experiencing or likely to experience
major changes in predominate land use.
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The Town of Cape Carteret was incorporated in 1957 at whfth'.time
it was estimated that there were 52 residents. Since then the city
limits have been expanded to include three residential subdivisions.
The current population of Cape Carteret is approximately 790 residents.
Residential Land Use - There are 500 residential acres within
the city limits of Cape Carteret. As mentioned, all of these resi-
dential acres fall within the subdivisions that have been incorporated
in the city limits. The following chart will indicate the number of
lots that are in the city limits and the percent developed.
Cape Carteret —
Total Total Lots 1348
Developed Lots - 494
Undeveloped Lots 854
Percent of Lots.
Developed 40%
There are 369 housing units within the city limits of Cape Carteret.
Since there are 494 developed lots, it is obvious that many living
units occupy more than one lot.
Most of the 369 living units in Cape Carteret have been added
since 1960.. Of the total living units, there are 260 conventional
housing units, 101 mobile homes, and two condominiums. (8 units)
Conventional Housing Units Total 260
Mobile Homes Total 10
Condominium Total
369 Total Housing
Units
The location of the housing units began in the older subdivisions
including the original Cape Carteret Subdivisions and Bay Shore Park.
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Currently these two subdivisions are approximately 60 percent developed.
The Star Hill Golf and Country Club, Inc. is the most recent subdivision
• and is approximately 30 percent developed. As already mentioned,
approximately 43 percent of the total number of lots in the city limits are
developed.
There are approximately fifty acres of vacant residential land in
the city limits that are not platted. Public input indicates these areas
will most likely not be platted until the majority of existing platted lots
are developed._ '
Built-in Growth Factor
Vacant Lots 854
Vacant residential acres 50
The built-in growth factor chart indicates the ability of the Town of
Cape Carteret to grow.' Traditionally, the built-in growth factor refers
to the growth that is possible without further subdivision. Of the 845
vacant lots, it is estimated that there will be a built-in growth factor
of 640 structures. This estimate was made because many of the existing lots
are too small to meet building standards and will have to be combined in
order to support a building. The fifty vacant residential acres were added
to this chart because they will most likely be subdivided for residential
purposes within the long range estimates of this plan. (Refer to the Estimated
Demands Section of this plan for projected population growth.)
The significant residential growth in the next ten years will probably
occur in the Star Hill Golf Club Inc. area. This has been determined be-
cause these areas are the least developed and have experienced the
most rapid growth during the last few years. During
1975 eleven houses were constructed and five mobile homes moved into

the toi,n. "„ri. of the housing units ;'ere built in the Stir 4'i?1
Golf Club area.
Cornunercial Land Use - The commercial land use in the City of
Cape Carteret has been in the form of basic services and basic com-
mercial shopping. A listing of the commercial uses in the Tom of
Cape Carteret.is as follows:
Commerical Land Uses
1. AQC store
2. Food Store
3. Real Estate and Engineering Office
q Oanks
5. Retail Store
6. Boat Repair
7. Fish House
8. Bar
9. Restaurant
10. Dental Office
11. Construction Storage
12. Florist Shop
These existing commercial developments include approximately 25
acres. 'lost are located along Highway 24-. (Refer to the Existino Land
Use 'iap for Specific Identification).
Governmental and Institutional Land Use - These two categories in-
clude the municipal property and the 141lite Oak Elementary S 0 ool. The
municipal property includes approximately one acre and incl 0 es facili-
ties for the Town Hall, Rescue, and Fire Services and a service garage.
There are two buildings on this lot: one building includes the Town Hall
and Maintenance Shed. (The A"C Store is connected but is not on munici-
pal property). A building near the rear of the lot houses the Cape Carteret
Volunteer Fire and Rescue vehicles.
T The ",hite Oak School is located on approximately 30 acres on the
north side of Highway 26 near the geographic center of the town limits.

IM s cchaol contains grades 1 and has an enrolleient of 607.
Vacant Land - As mentioned, there are 845 vacant lots in the city,
limits and 50 vacant residential acres. There are also 50 vacant com
mercially zoned acres.
Vetland - Cape'Carteret is bordered on the south by Bogue Sound,
portions of the northern boundary is bordered by Pettiford Creek. These
areas contain fragile wetlands that will be specifically addressed in the
discussion of constraints on development.
Problems Related to Past Development - Basically,-Cape.Carteret.is= _.
a .•cell -planned town that is very desirable to the citizens; however, there
are some land development problems:
(1) Some of the existing lots are too small to accommodate present
building standards. Some property owners will be required to
combine two or more lots together in order to utilize a single
lot.
(2) Past development trends did not leave buffers between residential,
and commercial uses.
(3) Past development did not provide for adequate parks. (Currently,
park area for the town is leased).
(�l In some areas, lack of control or the placement of rrobile hor~es
has caused problems. In some instances, more than one rnobi 1 e
hose has been placed on a sin -le lot. In relation to t';is,
there are some robile homes that have not been properly tied dol•,n.
(5) One of the most severe problems sterns from a seemingly slight
emphasis on separation of
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water and sewer facilities on one lot from those on the ad-
jacent lot. Most home owners have proper separation of their
own well and septic tank, however.
(6) In the past, little regard was given to proper building re-
quirements in flood prone areas.
This discussion of the existing land use and land use problems
is an essential part of the planning process. The Land Use Map in
this section will aid in representing the different land uses that
have been discussed in this section.
C. Current Plans, Policies, and Regulations_ _
To fully understand the existing situation in the Town of
Cape Carteret, a listing and summary of existing plans, policies, and
regulations having significant implications for land use must :beiincluded..
(1) Zoning Ordinance 1974 - Zoning can be one of the most important
means of implementing land use objectives, policies, and standards.
In 1974, the Town of Cape Carteret adopted a zoning ordinance
that set minimum standards for development as well as helped
separate different types of land use. The zoning ordinance is
enforced by the town building inspector. The adoption, or amend-
ment to the zoning ordinance, first goes to the Cape Carteret
Planning CbrtIImssion for a recommendation and then to the Town Board
for the final decision. All final decisions on the adoption of
zoning regulations or their amendment can only occur after a public
hearing. Any appeal from a'decision of the zoning enforcement
officer (building inspector), request for a variance or request
for interpretation is taken before the Zoning Board of Adjustments.
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(2) Subdivision Regulations-1975 - The Town of Cape Carteret adopted
subdivision regulations in 1975 to assure that fur
ther subdivisions of the land in the Planning Area of Cape Car-
teret are orderly and conform -with existing-idevelop-r
ment. The Cape Carteret Subdivision Regulations require
requests for subdivisions to be.:takenrto•.the,Cape-.Carteret;Planning
Board for preliminary and final approval before the actual sub-
division of.the property can take place.
(3) N.C. State -Building Code- 1974 =---The Town of Cape Carteret adopted ----
the State Building Code when the. zoning ordinance was adopted.
Until then, Car teret,County enforced,-the-State•Building
Code within the city limits. The Cape Carteret Building Inspector
inspects all construction and enforces the code.
(4) Health Regulations - Since Cape Carteret does not have central
water and sewer services, the Carteret County Health Department
regulates the installation of wells and septic tanks. The in-
stallation of sewage- - disposal systems is governed by the "Regu-
lations Governing Design, Construction, Installation, Cleaning and
Use of Sewage Disposal Systems in Carteret County," adopted by
the Carteret County Health Department on February 13, 1974.
These regulations are expected to be updated
in the near future. (The Environmental Health Division of the
J
Carteret County Health Department inspects all installations and
enforces the ordinance).

(5) Regional Sewer Plan - The Town of Cape Carteret is participating
in the development of the Swansboro Area 201 Regional Sewer
Man. It is hoped this plan will be approved and implemented
in the near future.
(6) State and Federal Regulations - It should be noted that State
and Federal regulations may affect development within the planning
area of Cape Carteret. A list of these ordinances is-.not°avail
able at this time, but each property owner should become aware
of these ordinances before land development occurs.
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III. Public Participation Activities
For a Land Development Plan to be effective, it must reflect
the desires of the local people. The Cape Carteret Town Board and Planning
Board have attempted to determine the desires of the local people through an
extensive public participation program that has been carried out over the past
year. The input►received from the public has been used to help determine the
major land use issues that will be faced during the planning period and to
determine -objectives, policies -and standards for_.future land development.
The following discussion will summarize the public input and relate the ob-
jectives, policies. and standards to the input that was received.
Public Input Process - Public input was solicited in three basic ways during
the past year.
(A) Questionnaires were sent to all property owners and residents of
Cape Carteret. There were 470 questionnaires distributed.and
161 were returned,- a total of. 34 percent.: , Jhe'-Jol,lowing questions
from the questionnaires were easily summarized:
1. Does Cape Carteret need:
Yes No No Opinion
a. Employment 48 57 57
b. Food stores and shopping
facilities 51 27 4
c. Industry 24 103 11
d. better garbage collection 29 79 37
e. better fire protection 52 54 22
f. better roads 87 33 28
g. better drainage of storm or
flood water 72 31 43
h. day care facilities 24 57 64
i. better police protection 59 47 26
j. better library service 52 36 55
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2. Your knowledge of planning and land use regulations is important to
us. Please rate yourself as to your knowledge of zoning and subdi-
vision regulations by checking the sentence below that best applies
to you.
(52).a. I believe t have a good idea of how zoning and subdivision
regulations work.
(53) b. I believe that I have a fair idea of how zoning and subdi-
vision regulations work.
(27) c. I believe that I have somewhat of an idea of how zoning and
subdivision regulations work.
(26) d. I have no knowledge of how zoning and subdivision regula-
tions work.
-- 3.. Are you aware_that-_the_1974 Coastal Management Act indicates that.__
the State will plan the use of land in Coastal Counties unless the
Coastal Counties indicate that planning of land use will be on a
local level? (100) Yes (48) No (8) No Opinion
F,
4. Do you feel that Cape Carteret should determine its own destiny rather>
than the State of North Carolina determining it for us?
(143) Yes (7) No (6) No Opinion
5. Do you think that your town should be planned to insure that if growth
occurs, the growth will be planned as opposed to unplanned growth?
(146) Yes (3) No (8) No Opinion
6. Do you think that your town should be planned to insure that the pre-
sent trend of development would continue?
(96) Yes (79) No (31) No Opinion
7. Do you feel that all areas of the town should be properly zoned to
provide some assurance to property owners that future development of
the town will be in an orderly fashion?
(151) Yes (3) No (3) No Opinion
8. Do you feel that the town should be part of a water and sewer authority
to provide public water and sewer service?
(85) Yes (47) No (73) No Opinion
9. Would the development or use of land next to your property concern you?
(147) Yes (7) No (3) No Opinion
10. What is your opinion concerning the quality of raods and streets in
your town? good 20 poor 17 bad 1 fair 36 need improvement 14
11. In your opinion, what is the quality of recreational facilities and
recreational areas in your town? (15) Excellent (27) Good (32) Fair
(67) Poor
l?

12. Do you believe that Cape Carteret should develop into one or more of
the following:
a.
Tourist Community
59
yes
75
no
' b.
Agricultural/Fishing
Community
61
yes
48
no
c.
Industrial Community
13
yes
88
no
' d.
Retirement Community
116
yes
22
no
e.
Urban Community
56
yes
52
no
f.
Remain Rural -no growth
37
yes
56
no
Write
In- Single Family 3
Rural growth 1
13. How do you feel about regulating the development of private property?
a. It is a must . 120 yes 16 no
b. It -is a violation of Consti-
tutional rights 23 yes 27 no
c. It is not needed 22 yes 26 no
14. Do you feel that the Planning Board should be concerned with conserving
our environment? 145 Yes 9 No
15. If you favor a balanced planned development in Cape Carteret how
would you rate your preference for: Please number 1,2,3,4,5 (note
that 1 is most desirable)
a. Tourist trade 3
b. Industrial development 5
c. Social development 2
d. Commercial development 4
e. Residential development 1
16. Below are a number of statements about economic development and en-
vironmental development and environmental protection in the Cape
Carteret Area. Pleas check whether you AGREE or DISAGREE with each
statement. Try to respond to all of them.
1. The Cape Carteret area has enough economic development
58 Agree 92 Disagree
(2. Some type of control should be placed on mobile homes
� 150 Agree 7 Disagree
3. A person should be able to do anything he wants with his land
regardless of how it affects his neighbors
5 Agree 141 Disagree
4.,, Economic development is more important than environmental pro-
tection
16 Agree 136 Disagree
5. We would be better off is we regulated growth so that is occurred
at a slow pace
117 Agree 32 Disagree
18-1

6. We have enough people living in the area.now
,50 Agree 101 Disagree
7. We must plan our development so as to leave something for future
generations
144 Agree 13 Disagree
17. Why did you choose Cape Carteret as a place to live?
a. �67� Reasonably priced house or land
b. 37 Good place to raise children
c. (31) Schools nearby
d. (30) Close to friends and relatives
e. (102) Quiet
f. (114) Pleasant surroundings
g. (20) Close to work
h. (53) Low taxes
i. (85)__.Like to live in a small town
j. (54) Retirement service facilities
K. (21) Other
The remaining questions required written responses which have
been summarized in the following analysis. Question-
naires can be viewed in the Cape Carteret Town Hall.
Those responding to the questionnaires indicated a desire to preserve the
rural nature of Cape Carteret, to increase existing services as the town grows,
to concentrate on adding water and sewer services and to develop recreational
services for all groups. A desire to minimize the effects Highway 24 has on
the coftiunity was a consistent response. Basic shopping services were desired
by most participants. The responses indicated a need to concentrate efforts
to preserve the natural environments around Cape Carteret and to adopt land use
regulations consistent with these desires.
(B) Six public meetings -were held to give interested
members of the public to put additional input in the planning process; approxi-
mately 100 individuals participated in these meetings. Concerns raised by _
the participants of these meetings included whether -the town limits should be
15

expanded or not. The input seemed to indicate this question could only be
answered when the growth pressures within the town become greater. Other
• desires that were stated at the public meetings involved a need for better
corfimunication with all citizens of Cape Carteret and with Carteret County in
general.
(C) Finally, public input was generated from interactions between citi-
zens and Town Board and Planning Board members. This input helped
the members of the two boards analyze'`the,overall input received.
In semmary, most citizens of Cape Carteret were pleased with their
town, and desired the basic atmosphere of the town to remain the
same as it is now.1 Due to the consistent responses at the public
meetings and relatively high return of questionnaires, the Planning
Board and Town Board feel this plan is a reflection of the desires
of the citizens of Cape Carteret. They also relize that through
continued public input can they be assured the desires of the
citizens are reflected in the town's planning progrAm:
This public input has been used in the following manner: '.the
questionnaires were summarized by the Planning Board and made avail-
able to the Town Board; the Planning Board and the Town Board mem-
bers attended the public meetings conducted by lChe planning
consultant; the boards then indicated to the consultant the
ideas they felt should be expressed in the plan in light of the public
input. After several meetings and many rough drafts, the Town Board
and Planning Board decided on the plan that is contained in this docu-
ment.
90

Land Use Issues - An integral part of any planning process is the identifica-
tion of the issues that have to be faced during the planning period. Through
careful analysis of the public input as well as the`.existing con-
ditions of Cape Carteret, land use issues have been identified. Without facing
up to these issues, land development planning will not be effective in Cape
Carteret. -
1. The impact of population and economic trends on land development in
Cape Carteret.
A: Population trends are important because they affect all aspects
of land development in Cape -Carteret:==As the population --_increased-._
it enhanced the desire to incorporate, created the
needs forfr►unicipal and private services such.
as convenience stores. As the population increased subsequent
to incorporation other -affects became noticeable:
(1) The local school system became crowded.
(2) The need for land use regulations and enforcement personnel
became needed.
(3) Local elected and appointed boards received expanded responsi-
bility, especially in terms of land development planning.
Future population trends will haveo-a. profound affect on land
development in Cape Carteret. If the population continues to expand as ex-
pected, addi tonal demands will be placed on services offered by the city and
will bring a need for additional services. This can be readily seen when one
considers there are 184 vacant residential lots in the city limits. Because
small size of many of the lots, the Planning Board estimates that 640
additional dwellings could be built on these lots. In particular, central
sewerage services will become more desirable because individual septic tanks

for the entire city area may become inadequate. Also, as population increases,
the land will become developed and pressures for expansion of town boundaries
will -probably follow. This will be one of the most important issues faced
during the planning period.
B. Economic trends will also have an impact on land development in
Cape Carteret. The amount of development in Cape Carteret is affected
by the overall economics of the county and the nation. This is
particularly true because Cape Carteret is mainly a residdntial
town, -and only encourages those businesses that supply the basic
necessities for the►residents and property owners. Employment is
dependent on the two nearby military installations and regional
shopping centers are used by most citizens. As the overall eco-
nomic situation prospers the Town of Cape Carteret will alto
grow and prosper.
To be prepared for growth, the Town of Cape Carteret
must constantly analyze the growth of surrounding areas. Past
trends have indicated amounts of construction within the city limits
were related to amounts of construction in the county in general.
This issue must be addressed because the economy affects growth in
the city limits and growth causes pressure on services as well -.as
creates desires to expand.
2. Needed municipal services
The citizens of Cape Carteret have indicated municipal services
are important to them. This is evidenced by the fact that the resi-
dential areas comprising the Town of Cape Carteret have incorporated.

Since incorporation- of the town, additional population has increased
the need for solid waste disposal, fire proteciton, rescue services, recreational
services and police protection. Recently, growth has indicated the need to
• begin planning for water and sewer services.
,If Cape Carteret is going to continue to develop, the type and level of
services provided by the town must be addressed in the land development plan.
3. The Natural Resource and Natural Environment Issue
Cape Carteret is bordered by Bogue Sound, portions
of the White Oak River.' and the Croatan National Forest --Obviously,--de
velopment in Cape Carteret may affect the estuarine waters, the wetlands
and the natural beauty of the area. Most residents of Cape Carteret value
these resources highly, and feel land development within Cape Carteret should
consider these important areas. If these:..areas are severely affected by
the development of Cape Carteret, the area will lose the appeal that att-
racted the residents to this small town. Also, one must remember these
natural areas are important to everyone.
The three basic issues included in this section must be faced squarely
during the planning process. Without proper emphasis on these issues, there
is a high probability that development will be a liability instead of an asset.
Alternatives - The issues that have been identified can be faced in many dif-
ferent ways. The citizens of Cape Carteret have had to decide whether to remain
essentially a residential area or to encourage'many types of land use. They have
had to pick out those things that they feel the city needs and those
the city does not need. The Town of Cape Carteret is like almost any other

town in Eastern North Carolina in that it could choose to develop in many
different ways. The input received during the planning process has indicated
to the Town Board and Planning Board the desires of the citizens of Cape
Carteret. These desires indicate'that,alternatives have been considered,and
decisions have been made by the people.
Objectives, Policies, and Standards
Once the major land use issues have been identified. a method of facing
these issues must be formulated. This has been done in the Cape Carteret
Land Development Plan by the identification of land use objectives, policies
and standards. These objectives, policies and standards should give the
Planning Board and Town Board a clear indication of public desires and
wishes. It is important to remember that all land use objectives are not
equally. obtainable. With this in mind, "trade-offs" must be made in order
to arrive at decisions that are consistent with the overall desires of the
residents and property owners of Cape Carteret.
The objectives, policies and standards that have been determined by
the participants in the planning process of the Cape Carteret Land Develop-
ment Plan are as fol 1 ows :
1. Continue to provide for a rural residential community that reflects
Cape Carteret's coastal nature through:
A. Land use regulations that provide for basically low density
residential uses.
B. Take all possible action to insure that any further widening of
Highway 24 beyond the present right-of-way be done in such a
manner that it does not interfere with the property rights of
the citizens of Cape Carteret.
�Y

C. Acquire a -one mile extraterritorial planning jurisdiction in areas
that may be well -suited for subsequent annexation
This expansion of planning jurisdiction should be
encouraged when growth pressures within the city limits indi-
cate a need for expansion of the planning area.
D. Adopt land use regulations that provide for the development of
basic services and basic commercial shopping. These should,
include such uses as retail food stores, service stations, dry
cleaners-,_ hardware -stores—,. banks-- and medical and dental- offices
2. Expand existing services and the development of those services re-
quired to maintain the standards desired by the citizens of Cape
Carteret, through:
A. Emphasizing the need for recreation facilities for all. age
groups.
(1) Land use regulations that preserve those areas, such as
flood plain areas, that may be well -suited for recreational
uses to facilitate this idea.
(2) Include recreational area requirement within the subdivision
regulations in the event additional land is subdivided.
(3) Initiate a study to determine the possibility of acquiring
recreational areas and the possible sources of revenue that
could be used to acquire these areas.
(4) Encouraging improved communication efforts between the
Carteret County Decreation Department and the Carteret
County Board of Education, to facilitate.theeoptimum
use of recreational facilities in the Cape Carteret area.
.2S"

B. Adopt a regional water and sewer plan and encourage its sub-
sequent implementation.
C. Expand rescue, fire, and police services as the population increases.
D. Expand solid waste collection services as population increases.
E. Examining the cost of services and analyzing all taxes, permits
and fees to assure the citizens using services are bearing the
major cost of the services.
3. Develop land use regulations that prevent development that has a
high likelihood of affecting estuarine waters and wetlands.
4. Improve lines of communication between the citizens of Cape Carteret
and the local officials and strive to improve the lines of com-
munication between the town and county government through:
A. Develop and support a plan for frequent review of the land
development plan that encourages a high level of public par-
ticipation during the review process.
B. Request appointed and elected officials to communicate fre-
quently with all county elected and appointed boards.
C. Emphasizing a need for the interests of Cape Carteret to be
represented on the county planning board.
-26

IV. Constraints
Land development in coastal North Carolina must consider.possible,'_`
constraints that arise fr6mr.land potential, fragile areas, 'and areas with
resource potential. Development in these areas'may be too costly or'may:.t
cause undesirable consequences.
A. Physical Limitations
1. Hazard Areas - These conditions constitute physical limitations that ---
are extremely expensive and in some cases impossible to overc6me-: The
inability to overc6me these limitations may result in severe damage
to construction. These areas ibcaude:
Excessive Erosion Areas - In the Town of Cape Carteret, this includes
sound erosion areas, areas along Bogue Sound that have a high proba-
bility of expensive erosion. In these areas, a 25 year recession line
will be used to identify the extent of the erosion areas. These areas
are included -in the -Potential Area of Environmental Concern
Section; refer to that section for a more detailed discussion of these
areas.
Flood Hazard Areas - These are areas adjacent to Bogue Sound
and Pettiford Creek that are within the 100 year flood line. Improper
development in these arras may unreasonably endanger life and property.
The flood hazard area map prepared by the Department of Housing and
Urban Development is on file in the Cape Carteret Town Hall.
2. Soil Limitations - The soil within the city limits of Cape Carteret
is capable of sustaining the anticipated growth. This can be demon-
strated by the fact that a large portion of the city is developed.
917

Because-Cape'-Carteret;is bordered '
by estuarine waters indicates there are some limitations to development.
Although it is felt that the town could continue to develop without a
sewer system, it would be very desirable to have a central sewer system
in order to prevent any unnecessary effects septic tanks may have on
the estuarine waters.
3. Water Supply Areas - Like all other areas -of Carteret County, the Castle-
Hayne Acquifer is the main supply of water in the Town of Cape Carteret.
The use of land throughout astern North Carolina and the amount the
Castle-Hayne Acquifer is used is important. The water supply has to
be managed jointly by all areas of astern North Carolina.
4. Steep Slopes - Cape Carteret is not affected by steep slopes.
B. Fragile Areas - These are areas that may be damaged or destroyed by inappro-
priate or poorly planned development. In Cape Carteret these areas include:
(1) Coastal Wetlands - Coastal wetlands are defined as "any salt marsh
or other marsh subject to regular or occasional flooding due to tides,
including wind tides (whether or not the tide waters reach the marsh-
land or artificial watercourses), provided this shall not include
hurricane or tropical storm tides.
(2) Estuarine Waters - Estuarine waters are defined as "all the waters
of the Atlantic Ocean within the boundary of North Carolina and all
the waters of the bays, sounds, rivers and tributaries thereto sea-
ward of the dividiing line between coastal fishing waters and inland
fishing waters as set forth by the Wildlife Resources Corh ission and
the Department of Conservation and Development.
(3) Areas Subject to Public Rights - Areas such as waterways and lands
aj-

C.
under or flowed by tidal wzt-ers or bavigable graters, to which the
public may have rights of access or public trust rights and areas
which the State of North Carolina may be authorized to preserve,
conserve, or protect.
Capacity of Community Facilities
Pater and Seger
The availability of public facilities is a major consideration in
land development. The absence of central vrater and sewer services is
a constraint on land development. Yith these services, more areas
could be developed with a greater- assurance -that the envi ronment 'Wou1 d -_-
be protected. Cape Carteret does not have central services at this
time, although they are in the planning stages.
Primary Roads
The Town of Cape Carteret contains two primary state.roads in -
eluding Highway 24 and 53. These roads are generally in good shape
and can handle the present volume of traffic. Roads do not seem to
be a constraint to development in Cape Carteret. The fact that Cape
Carteret is made up of residential subdivisions has been a key factor
in establishing adequate traffic patterns throughout Cape Carteret.
Schools
The ".1hite Oak Elementary School, located in Cape Carteret, is nearing
capacity. '.Without proper emphasis on relieving this problem and those
of the other schools that supplt the education needs of the people of
Cape Carteret, development may be constrained.
The White Oak School currently has an enrollment of F07, a capacity
of 545 and is served by 2^ teachers. This school provides educational
'219

services for grades K-3. The remainder of the school children of Cape
Carteret must attend other county schools. The Carteret County Board of
Education should be contacted for specific plans concerning the future
plans for educational facilities in Cape Carteret.
Police, Fire, and Rescue - These services are very important to the
people of Cape Carteret. Without these services, Cape Carteret would not
be as desirable as it is now. These facilities seem to be providing ade-
quate services to the people of Cape Carteret. In order to continue to
provide adequate -services, the Town of Cape Carteret must continually
analyze the demand on these services and plan for improvements or expan-
sion of services before the demand arises.
This section has brought out some of the characteristics of Cape
Carteret that May constrain development. Without proper understanding of
these factors, development in Cape Carteret could be costly or may cause
undesirable consequences.
30

V. Estimated Demands
To properly plan for the-future-the'estimated°demands-on the
land must be considdred and analyzed. *This section will consider the demand
for land that will stem fr6 r.the year around population and the projected
econ6W c trends of Cape Carteret. Frbmnthis analysis the future land needs
for Cape Carteret as well as-the-demandithat will be placed on community
facilities will --be analyzed.
A. Population and Economy
(1) Population - After careful consideration of the land use objectives,
policies, and standards, as well as past and present land use conditions
and trends; the following projected population conditions and trends
are expected to occur in Cape Carteret.
Estimated Population_
1960 1970 1975 1980 1985 2000 2025
Cape Carteret 52 616 790 900 1,170 2,114 3:400
These growth estimates were made by the Cape Carteret Planning
Board and the Cape Carteret Town Board. The following discussion will
indicate how these population estimates were determined.
Relationship of Long Range Projections to the Desires of the People -
The public input received during the planning process for this Land
Development Plan has indicated that Cape Carteret should continue to
develop as a basically residential comnunity. This was demonstrated
by the questionnaires and at all of the public meetings. In addition,
the public input seemed to indicate to the Planning Board and Town
Board that past growth trends were desirable and could be expected in
31

the future. This expectation of future growth was based on the built-
in growth factor, that many of the undeveloped lots in Cape Carteret
were sold between 15 and 20 years ago to individuals desiring to
retire in Cape Carteret. This was one of the major considerations for, -
the 10 year increase from the 1975 figure of 790 to an estimated 1985
figure of 1170. At this rate the platted lots will be approximately
90 percent developed in 25 years. The remaining growth was projected
on the basis that the 50 vacant acres would become basically resi-
N dential development. (Before that time -the possibility of annexation
will have to be given considerable thought).
The Relationship of the Capabilities of the Land and Water to Support
Projected Growth - In the determination of the estimated growth patterns,
the capability of the land and water to support the projected growth
was a major consideration. This consideration is especially important
to.all coastal areas such as Cape Carteret because of the adjacent
productive wetlands and the estuarine waters.
This determination is not easily made. Past development trends
that indicate over 40 percent of the platted areas is developed
supports-the�idea'that the estimated development can. be`
accommodated. It is assumed that with proper building requirements
and proper installation of septic tanks and wells the Town of Cape
Carteret could develop as projected without affecting the environment
adversely.
It should be noted that Cape Carteret is projecting the development
of central sewer services within the next ten years, to increase the
capability of-tha land to support growth.
32

The water supply for the Town of Cape Carteret is also expected to
become centralized The growth expected by Cape Carteret
is not expected to have significant affects on the water supply. The
water supply for Cape Carteret is dependent on the total amount used
throughout Carteret County and in fact Eastern North Carolina.
Anticipated Demands for Land - Based on the 10 year population increases,
it is anticipated that there will be a demand for approximately 160
housing units within that time. The majority;off;thisl.development•,=•
is expected to occur -in the Star Hill and Country -Club Area, Inc —because _.
of the availability of lots and recent development trends, (Ca e
Carteret is not expected to incur significant seasonal population).
(2) Economy
In addition to the demands on the land due to population increase,
there will also be additional demands for commercial land. -It should
be noted that the public input specifically indicates that essential
shopping facilities and services are needed but major commercial de-
velopment should not occur in the city limits.
approximately 25 acres of commercial land use in the city limits. It
is assured this will increase proportionally with the population. This
means that in ten years, approximately twelve additional acres (or less)
of commercial development can be expected. This demand is not expected
to place significant demands on the land and water of the area. This.
assumption is supported by the fact that the commercial uses are ex-
pected to use only a small portion of the total`developed;l.and during
the 10 year period.
33

It should be noted that this estimate would be desirable, but
the likelihood of commercial development occurring in Cape Carteret
is hard to determine.
The projected development of land in Cape Carteret will be
contingent on the overall economic stability of Carteret County.
One of the.most important elements of the economy of Carteret
County is the availability of significant civil service job
opportunities at Cherry Point and Camp Lejeune. These job oppor-
tunities are of particular importance to Cape Carteret.
In addition, the future of the tourist industry throughout
the county is important to the development of Cape Carteret. The
prop er development,of Carteret County as a tourist center will
enhance the desirability of Cape Carteret as a place to live.
B. Community Facilities Demand
The 10. year population estimate of 1,170 which will be an additional
380 people, will certainly make additional demands on the Town of Cape
Carteret for services.
'later and Sevier Services
The major demand anticipated is. -For central sewer services.
This demand is being planned for iW the Swansboro Area 201 Regional
Sewer Plan. It is hoped this plan will adquately anticipate the
10 year and the long range demands of Cape Carteret. In conjunction
with the sewer planning for Cape Carteret, central water services
will certainly be anticipated. The people of Cape Carteret are
detemining the town'v ability to finance these plans. This can
only be .done after completion -of -the plan.

Corimuni ty Services
In .addition to grater and sewer services, the 10 year esti-
mated population will place added demands on the fire and rescue
services, the solid waste disposal, recreation...and police services.
There are no specific plans for updating these services at'-
.this time. The projections within,this plan have been conveyed to
all of these departments for review. It is hoped that detailed
estimates of needs for the next 10 years will be available shortly,
along with cost estimates.
Schools
It should be noted that the White Oak Elementary School is
nearing capacity. The projection within this plan has been conveyed
to the Carteret County Board of Education for their review.
Roads
It is not anticipated that the projected growth of Cape Carteret
will place significant demandson Highway 24 and 58. The overall de-
velopment of Carteret County and Onslow County may place additional
demands on these roads.
35-

VI. Plan' -Description -
The Coastal Area Management Act requires that all of the land within
• the twenty coastal counties be classified in one of five land classifications.
This classification is an attempt to identify areas that are expected to
experience similar growth patterns and demand similar services from the
local government. The five land classes include:
1. Developed
Purpose: The Developed_ class --identifies developed lands which are
presently provided with essential public services. Consequently, it is
distinguished from areas where significant growth and/or new service
requirements will occur. Continued development and redevelopment should
be encouraged to provide for orderly growth in the area.
Description: Developed land are areas with a minimum gross popula-
tion density of 2,000 people per square mile. At a minimum, these lands
contain existing public services including water and sewer systems, edu-
cational systems "and road systems -- all of ►�rhich are able to support
the present population and its accompanying land uses including commer-
cial, industrial and institutional.
2. Transition
Purpose: The Transition class identifies lands where moderate to
high density growth is to be encouraged and where any such growth that
is to be encouraged and where any such grm-.,th that is permitted by local
regulation will be provided with the necessary public services.
34

Description: The area to be designated as Transition must be no
greater than that required to accommodate the estimated county population
growth at'a minimum gross density of 2,000 people per square mile. In
addition, the minimum services which will be required are the necessary
water and.sewer facilities, educational serviceJ, and roads. Consider-
ation must be given to the cost of public services in the Transition
area. Each local government is encouraged to estimate the
cost of providing public services where they do not already exist.
3. Community
Purpose: The Community cl ass- i denti fi es-existi rig ' and new clusters -
of low density development not requiring major public services.
Description:
1) The Community class includes existing clusters of one or more
land uses such as a rural residential subdivision or a church,
school, general store, industry, etc. (Cluster is defined as a
number of structures grouped together in association or in physi-
cal proximity - Webster's Dictionary).
2) This class will provide for all new rural growth when the lot
size is ten acres or less. Such clusters of growth may occur
in new areas, or within existing community lands.
3) New development in the Community class areas will be subject to
subdivision regulations under the Enabling Subdivision Act (G.S.
153A-330 et. seq.)
4) In every case the lot size must be large enough to safely accom-
modate on -site sewage disposal and where necessaryiwater supply
so that no public se-ier services will be required now or in the
future.
3-7

5) Limited public services'should be provided -in the Community class
such as public road access and electric power.
6) As a guide for calculating the amount of land necessary to accom-
modate new rural. community growth, a gross population density of
640 people per square mile or one person per acre should be used.
4. Rural
Purpose: The Rural class identifies lands for long-term manage-
ment for productive resource utilization and where limited public
services will be provided. Development in such areas should be
compatible--with-resource_production; --
Description: The Rural Class includes all lands not in the
Developed, Transition, Community and Conservation classes.
5. Conservation
Purpose: The Conservation class identifies land which should
be maintained essentially in its natural state and where very limited
or no public services are provided.
Description: Lands to be placed in the Conservation class are
the least desirable for development because:
1) They are too frggile to withstand development without losing
their natural value; and/or
2) They have severe or hazardous limitation to development; and/or
3) Though they are not highly fragile or hazardous, the natural
resources they represent are too valuable to endanger by de-
velopment.
All of the local governments in Carteret County have worked together in
classifying the land within their jurisdiction.

The Coastal Area Management Act requires that the classification of
the land within the municipalities take into consideration the needs of the.
• overall county. The classification of land throughout the county has attempted
to identify adequate amounts of all land classifications in order to accom-
modate'the anticipated demand on the land for the next ten years. This will
add to the coordination of growth patterns throughout the entire county,
and insure that all growth is planned, and provided the necessary services.
The Town of Cape Carteret has.coordinated their classification efforts with
the county and considered the needs of the county as well as the Town of
Cape Carteret.
The classification of land in Carteret County will also help coordinate
and encourage consistency between all local land use policies and those of
the state. The classification of land in the municipalities or any other
area of the county may need to be changed from time to time. If this occurs,
the needs of the entire county, as well as the local area,must be considered
with particular attention to the services that will be demanded.
Cape Carteret Land Classification
Cape Carteret is an integral part of the overall county land classifi-
cation system. The classification of land within Cape Carteret has been
based on the desires of the citizens, and will be analyzed in the following
discussion.
A. Transitional - All of the developable land within Cape Carteret has
been
35

classified transitional. The classification of land is based on the expec-
'station of moderate density and.the development of essential services in
10 years.
The estimated demands section of this plan indicates that approximately
380 of the estimated population growth in the county are expected to locate
in Cape Carteret during the next 10 years. This will increase the population
of the town from 790 to 1170. This population growth is consistent with the
desires of the people to continue to develop as a basically residential comm-
unity.
The existing conditions within Cape Carteret will help explain -the basis
for this classification. The Town of Cape Carteret contains 1348 lots; f
approximately 40% are developed. The 854 vacant lots indicate a built
in growth factor of moderate density. The population estimates indicate that
Cape Carteret will be over 50 % developed in 10 years. There are approximately
50 acres of vacant residential land within the city limits
(public desires indicate any additional subdivisions of land should
have lower density than some of the older subdivisions).
Cape Carteret is anticipating the development of central water and sewer
services to facilitate this growth. The people of Cape Carteret are currently
supporting the development of a regional sewer plan that is anticipated to be
implemented within the next 10 years. The desire to facilitate this regional
facility can be demonstrated by the recent attempts to develop a regional
organization.that will be able.to administer the system; a Metro-
politan Water District is being considered.
The land classification in Cape Carteret fits the general definitions
of Transitional which is ---Land where local governments plan to accomodate
40

moderate to high density development during the next.10 years and where
necessary public service will be provided to accomodate that growth. The
classification does not meet the minimum gross density of 2000 people per
square mile. In 10 years the population of Cape Carteret will be 1170'forr
an area greaterrthan one square mile. The fact that almost all the develop-
ment projected for Cape Carteret will be in the form of moderate density
subdivision development and water and sewer services are anticipated.,has
been the deciding factor in the classification of the land area of Cape Car-
teret as Transitional. Other land classifications were considered at public
meetings, but the nature of the development of the town indicated the need for "
a transitional classification.
2. Conservation - The Conservation classifications identifies land which should
be maintained essentially in its natural state and where very limited or no
public services are provided. In Cape Carteret there include wellands, est-
urine erosine areas, and floodways as indicated on the Land Classification
Map.
The importance of these areas have been discussed in the Constraint
Section of this plan. Basically improper development in these areas will cause
undesirable effects. It should be noted that by classifying these areas
Conservation, the Town of Cape Carteret is not indicating development should
not occur in these areas. This classification indicates these areas are
important to the town, and if development occurs,it should consider the effect
the development will have on the objectives for local planning and the effect
these areas may have on the development. Careful consideration of appropriate
development in these areas has already begun.
4I

VI I. :':, :c ;: _ ,r2=as of Env i ron.,lental Coocei- n
The Coastal Area Management Act has charged the Coastal Resources Commission
with the responsibility of identifying Areas of Environmental Concern in the
twenty coastal counties affected by the Act. The Coastal Resources Commission
has also been instructed to determine what type of uses or development are
appropriate within such areas.
Due to the importance of this responsibility, the local governments pre-
paring land development plans in compliance with the Coastal- Area Oanagement Act
have been requested to give special attention to those areas within their
jurisdiction that may become Areas of Envirorn;iental Concern. The Town of Cape
Carteret has identified the following areas as Potential Areas of Environmental
Concern. These areas were defined and discussed in the State Guidelines For
Local Planninq in Coastal Areas Under the Coastal Areas Under the Coastal Area
ISanarem,ent /Act of 1974.

Coastal !etlands - General
Coastal wetlands are defined as any salt marsh or other marsh subject
to regular or occasional flooding by tides, including wind tides (whether
or not the tide waters reach the marshland areas through natural or arti-
ficial watercourses), provided:.this shall not include hurricane or tropical
storra tides.
Coastal Wetlands Low Tidal Marshland
a. Description - Defined as marshland usually subject to inundation
by the normal rise and fall of lunar tides.
b. Significance - Low tidal -marshland serves as a critical component
in the coastal ecosystem. The marsh is the basis for the high net
yield system of the estuary through the production of partially
decomposed plant material which is the primary input source for
the food chain of the entire estuarine system.
c. Appropriate Land Uses - Appropriate land uses shall be to give
the highest priority to the perservation of low tidal marshland..
Coastal Uetlands - Other Coastal ;'ars,iland
a. Description - All other rarshland ,-,hich is not low dual %-,arshlancl.
b. Significance - This marshalnd type contriLutes to the production
of partially deco;:,posed plant material. The hig.ier .,marsh: typas
offer quality wildlife and waterfowl habitat depending on the
biological and physical conditions of the -marsh.
c. Appropriate Land 'Uses - Pipproariate land uses s;iall be to give a.
high priority to the preservation and of tae i,iars;l so
as to safeguard and perpetuate their biological, econoilic and
aesthetic values.
43

E s '6- i j ia , - i ; i - ' 'a -IL-1 --, r s
a. Description - Estuarine waters are defined as all the waters of
the Atlantic Ocean within the boundary of Ilorth Carolina and all
the waters of the bays, sounds, rivers, and tributaries thereto
seaward offithe dividing line between coastal fishing waters, as
set forth in an agreement adopted by the Wildlife Commission and
the Department of Conservation and Development.,!'
V. Significance Estuaries are among the most productive.natural
environments in North Carolina. They not only support.valuable--
conniercial and sports fisheries, but are also utilized for com-
mercial navigation, recreation, and aesthetic purposes.
C. Appropriate Land Uses 7 Appropriate uses shall be to preserve
and manage estuarine waters as to safeguard and perpetuate their
biological, econoi-iiic, and aesthetic values.

1rt: �s Sidbiact to Public Rights - Certain Public T►•u� t „rn-as
A. Description - All waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the lands
thereunder from the mean high watermark to the seaward limit
of State jurisdiction; all natural.bodies of eater subject to
measurable lunar tides and lands thereunder to, the mean high
water mark; all navigable natural bodies of water and. lands
thereunder to the mean high water mark'or ordinary high water
mark as the case may be, except privately -owned lakes to which
the public has no right of access; all graters in artificially
created bodies of -water in which exists significant public .-
fishing resources or other,public resources, which are accessible
to the public by navigation from bodies of Yaater in which the
public has rights of navigation; all waters in artificially
created bodies of water in which the public has acquired rights
by prescription, custom, usage, dedication or any other means.
b. Significance - The public has rights. in these waters including
navigation and recreation. In addition, these waters support
valuable comnercial and sports fisheries, have aesthetic value,
and are important potential resources for economic development.
c. Appropriate Land Uses - Appropriate land uses shall be to protect
public rights for navigation and recreation and to preserve and
manage the public trust treaters so as to safeguard and perpetuate
their biological, economic and aesthetic value.
45—

Natural Hazard Areas -Coastal Floodplai.ns
a. Description - Coastal floodplain is defined as the land areas
adjacent to coastal sounds, estuaries"or,the ocean which are
prone to flooding from.storms with an annual probability of one
percent or greater (100 year. storm). These' areas, are analogous
to the 100 year floodplain on a river. Information.necessary to
identify these areas will be supplied by the State Geologist..
b. Significance - Coastal floodplains are those lands subject to
flooding or wave action during severe storms'or hurricanes.. -They-
are lands where uncontrolled,.incompatible, or improperly designed
building, structures, facilities, and developments can unreasonably
endanger life and property.
c. Appropriate Land Uses - Appropriate land uses shall be to insure
that all buildings, structures, facilities and developments are
properly designed and built to maintain t!,eir stability, integrity,
and safety in the event of flood surge from a 100 year storm.
4v

r
Natural ;' z__ ,1 ,^.r<_as - Excessive Erosion Areas Rivor
Erodible Areas
a. Description - Defined as the area above ordinary high water
where excessive erosion has a high probability of occurring.
In delineating the landward extent of this area a reasonable
25 year recession line shall be determined using the best avail-
able information. The information necessary to identify these
areas will be supplied by the Stat Geologist.'
b. Significance.- The estuarine and sound and river erodible areas -
are natural hazard areas especially vulnerable to erosion.
c. Appropriate Land Uses - Appropriate land uses shall be to insure
that development occurring within these areas is compatible with
the dynamic nature of the erodible lands thus minimizing the
likelihood of significant loss of property.
47

t
r
c;:.. -C J LaI'. JfLIS ; ;� i i caul e to all Areas of �r i ron,nc�ntal Concern
a. No development si-,ould be allowed in any Area of Environmental
Concern which would result in a contravention or violation of
any rules, regulations, or laws of the State of North Carolina
or of local governemnt in Which the development takes place
b. NO development should be allowed in any Area of Environmental
Concern which would have a substantial likelihood of causing
pollution of the waters of the State to the extent that such
waters would be closed to the taking of shellfish under standards
set by the CoMmission for Health Services pursuant to G.S. 130-;:
169.01.
4k

It is important. that the final designation of Areas of Environmental
Concern and. the determination of appropriate uses within these areas, receives
as much local.•.input as possible: . Proper coordination betrieen the Coastal. Re
sources Commission and' the local -governments is _the key.". -to proper ma nag
of these areas.--*:, ; L
Once these areas are adopted as final Areas of :Envirorimenaal }Concern,
_ - - .• •.� :.v r.,?, Nt s t �, •u i .;°.• ,k z-'�_" �5 -.;" T V-a...;� � 3, .".:
permit will be feouired before development-can•,occur'from *.the.Coastal Resources r
Commission or, the local government Minor�•.projects, defined as projects less
:than 2A: acres or h�hich=involve=construction of. one or-more=-structuresiiavin :`=f=` T
g
an "area less than 60,000 square feet,"wi71-be processed by the local governr�ant.`
Major. -projects, -'defined as'• projects currently' needing state permits,'' those of=
:-reater.,than 20:acres-in size, those_.that-involve drilling or..excavatin9 natural
resources on land or undervrater, and:thoseinvolving'constructionrof.:one,.or• more
structures having an area in}•.excess of .60,000 feet will require a permit from _the
Coastal Resources Commission. -

VIII. Surmary
The development of this plan has taken approximately one year. During
that year as much information as possible concerning the current land use,
the population .and economy was collected. At the same time, questionnaires
were being distributed and public meetings were being held.. The data collection
and results of the questionnaires were used at public meetings to help
participants become aware of the feelings of other citizens. Finally, the
Cape_Carteret Planning Board -and Town Board began to detect-cons-istent=-trends
in the input that was being received. They instructed the planning consultant
to incorporate the trends they had detected in a written form. After a great.
deal of discussion and debate this plan was adopted by the Town Board.
In general, this plan indicates the citizens of Cape Carteret are pleased
with'their basically residential town. Like most other eastern North Carolina
areas, Cape Carteret will certainly be subject to many growth pressures during
the planning period. It is hoped this plan will aid the Planning Board and
Town Board in making decisions that will allow the Tom of Cape Carteret main-
tain those characteristics that are important to the citizens and residents.
It is important that this plan is implemented properly. The decision making
process must be based on the desires of the citizens that are expressed in this
plan. Land development tools such as the zoning ordinance and subdivision regu-
lations should be reviewed to assure they are based on the objectives for local
planning.
The implementation of the Land Classification System will be an important
element of the planning process. Cape Carteret is an integral part of the over-
all county classification system and must continue efforts to coordinate the

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the planning of Cape Carteret with the overall planning of Carteret County.
Finally, Cape Carteret must coordinate efforts with the Coastal Resources
Commission to properly protect the areas that will be determined Areas of
Environmental Concern. This will be a difficult task, but will be vitally
important to the future of Cape Carteret and the Coastal Area of North Carolina.
rl

I
IX. City -County Plan Relationship
The Coastal Area Management Act requires that all municipal'plans are
an integral part of the county plans. This is very important to the success
of the act. The Town of Cape Carteret has attempted to insure the consistency.
of this plan with the Carteret County Plan throughout the planning process.
The fact that the Carteret County Planning Department added technical assistance
during the planning process was very helpful in insuring consistency with the
county plan. All of the township. pub.li c: meeti ngs_-for the White -Oak Township__-
and the municipal public meetings for Cape Carteret were conducted by the
Carteret County Planning Department. These meetings were attended by many of
the same people and issues concerning the county and the town were discussed
at both the county and town meetings. The final assurance that this plan for
the,Town of Cape Carteret was consistent with the county plan was made when the
Carteret County Commissioners held a public hearing to review all of the
municipal plans in the county for consistency. The results of this hearing
indicated that in the opinion of the Carteret County Commissioners and the
Cape Carteret Board of Commissioners, the county plan and the Cape Carteret
Plan are consistent.
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