Land Use Plan Update-1990

Tyrrell County
1�
1990 Land Use Update
and
:Town of Columbia
1990 Land Use Plan
Local Y
Adoption: May 15 1991
P
1
CRC Certification: July 26, 1991
THE PREPARATION OF THIS DOCUMENT AND/OR MAPS, WAS FINANCED IN
PART THROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CARONA COASTAL
MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, THROUGH RAM PRQVIPM.BYTHE COASTAL
ZONE MANAGEMENTACT OF 1972, AS AMENDED WHICH IS ACMINISTERED
BY THE OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOORCE MANAGEMENT NATIONAL
OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION_ .
KWA
Ken Weeden & Associates - Planning Consultants
5041.New Centre Drive Wilmington, North Carolina 28403 [phone]

1
Tyrrell County
1990 Land Use Update
and
Town of Columbia
1990 Land Use Plan
Local Adoption: May 15, 1991
CRC Certification: July 26, 1991
1
tTHE
PREPARATION OF THIS DOCUMENT
AND/OR MAPS, WAS FINANCED IN
r
PART THROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CARQUNA COASTAL
MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, THROUGH FUNDS PROVIDDED'BY:THE COASTAL
'
ZONE MANAGEMENTACT OF 1972, AS AMENDED WHICH IS -ADMINISTERED
BY THE OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT NATIONAL
OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION.
KWA
Ken Weeden & Associates - Planning Consultants
5041 New Centre Drive I Wilmington, North Carolina 28403 1 [phone]

1
SECTION I:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
TYRRELL COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
1990 LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ANALYSIS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS
AND PROJECTED DEMAND
7
Establishment of Information Base
8
Present Conditions
10
1. Population
10
a. Composition
12
b. Dispersal
17
c. Seasonal Population
17
d. Population Summary
19
2. Economic Analysis
20
a. General
20
b. Agricultural and Forestry Business
20
C. Commercial Fishing
21
d. Businesses
-22
e. Tax Base
22
f. Employment, Unemployment and
Labor Force
23
Tourism
25
Existing Land Use Analysis
27
1. General Patterns
27
a. Residential Land Uses
27
b. Commercial Land Uses
27
C. Industrial Land Uses -
27
d. Recreational Land Uses
27
e. Agricultural Land Uses
28
f. Forestry Land Uses
28
g. Water Bodies
28
h. Land Use Conversionf"
28
i. Conservation Lands ..
29
2. Significant Land Compatibility Problems
29
3. Major Problems From Unplanned Development
29
4. Areas ExperiencingLticely to Experience Major
Land Use Changes
31
5. Identification of Areas of Environmental Concern
31
a. Coastal Wetlands
31
b. Estuarine Waters and Estuarine Shorelines
32
C. Public Trust Waters
33
d. Outstanding Resource Waters (ORWs)
33
Review of Current Plans, Policies and Regulations
36
Constraints: Land Suitability
39
1. Physical Limitations
39
a. Man -Made Hazards
39
b. Natural Hazards Areas
39
1. Flood Hazard Areas
39
2. Estuarine Erosion Areas
40
C. Areas With Soils Limitations
43
PI
I
L
7
0
2

U
F
U
1
1
d. Sources and Estimated Quantity
of Water Supply
1. Groundwater
2. Surface Water
3. Stream Water Classification
4. Closed Shellfishing Areas
C. Slopes in Excess of Twelve (12) Percent
2.
Fragile Areas
a. Natural Resource Fragile Areas
1. Prime Wildlife Habitats and
Areas That Sustain Remnant Species
b. Cultural Resources Fragile Areas
1. Architectural Resources
2. Archaeological Resources
3. Underwater Archaeological Resources
3.
Areas With Resource Potential
a. Agricultural and Forest Lands
b. Productive Water Bodies
C. Nursery Areas
1. Primary Nursery Areas
2. Secondary Nursery Areas
d. Mining Lands
e. Outdoor Recreation Lands
F . Constraints: Capacity of Community Facilities
1.
Water System
2.
Sewer System
3.
Solid Waste
4.
Schools
5.
Transportation
6.
Police Protection
7.
Fire Protection
8.
Rescue Squad
9.
Library
G. Population Growth and Impacts on Community Facilities
1.
General r
2.
Water System
3.
Sewer System ...
4.
Solid Waste
5.
Schools
6.
Transportation
7.
Police Protection
8.
Fire Protection
9.
Rescue Squad
10.
Library
SECTION II: POLICY STATEMENTS
A. General Information
B . Resource Protection
1. Areas of Environmental Concern:
Development Policies
a. Coastal Wetlands
b. Estuarine Waters and Estuarine Shorelines
C. Public Trust Areas
d. Outstanding Resource Waters (ORWs)
45
45
46
46
47
47
50
50
50
50
50
52
52
53
53
53
54
54
54
55
55
58
58
58
58
58
59
59
59
60
60
62
62
62
62
62
62
63
63
63
63
63
65
66
67
67
67
67
68
68
69
3

C.
E.
.F.
2.
Development In Areas With Constraints
72
3.
Hurricane and Flood Evacuation Needs and Plans
72
4.
Other Resource Protection Policy Areas
72
a. Protection of Potable Water Supply
72
b. Use of Package Treatment Plants
72
C. Stormwater Runoff
72
d. Marina and Floating Home Development
73
e. Industrial Impacts on Fragile Areas
73
f. Man-made Hazards
73
g. Drystacking Facilities
73
h. Restrictions Within Areas That Might Be
Susceptible to Sea Level Rise and Wetlands Loss
73
i. Upland Excavation for marina Basins
74
Resource Production and Management Policies
75
1.
Agriculture
75
2.
Commercial Forestry
75
3.
Mining Resource Areas
76
4.
Commercial and Recreational Fisheries
77
5.
Off -Road Vehicles
78
6.
Residential and Commercial Land Development
78
Economic And Community Development Policies
80
1.
General Statement Toward Growth
80
2.
Attitude Towards Various Types Of Development
80
3.
Economic and Community Development Issues
80
a. Types and Locations of Industries Desired
80
1. Locations and Standards
80
b. Local Commitment to Service Provisions
82
C. Desired Urban Growth Patterns
82
d. Redevelopment and Revitalization
of Developed Areas
83
e. Commitment to State and Federal Programs
84
f. Assistance to Channel Maintenance
85
g. Energy Facilities Siting
85
h. Tourism
85
i. Coastal and Estuarine Water Beach Access
86
j . Density of Development
87
Continuing Public Participation Plans
89
1.
Policy Statement
89
Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post Disaster Recovery and
Evacuation Plans
90
1.
Storm Hazard Mitigation: Discussion
90
a. High Winds
90
b. Flooding
90
c. Wave Action
91
d. Erosion
91
e. Summary: Storm Hazard Mitigation
Considerations
92
f. Policy Statements: Storm Hazard
Mitigation
92
g. Implementation: Stone Hazard Mitigation
93
2.
Evacuation Plan and Policies
93
3.
Re -Entry
93
4.
Post -Disaster Reconstruction Plan
94
a. Appointment of a Post Disaster Recovery Team
94
b. Immediate Clean -Up and Debris Removal
95
S

1
C. Long Term Recovery/Restoration
95
1. Damage Assessment
96
2. Reconstruction Development Standards
96
3. Development Moratoria
96
4. Repair/Reconstruction Schedule
96
5. Agency Responsible for Implement
96
6. Repair and Replacement of Public
Utilities
97
SECTION III:
LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
98
A.
General
99
B .
Developed
100
C.
Urban Transition
100
D.
Limited Transition
101
E.
Community
101
F.
Rural
102
G.
Rural With Services
102
H.
Conservation
102
I.
Land Classification Summary
104
SECTION IV: RELATIONS OF POLICIES AND LAND
CLASSIFICATIONS
105
A.
General _
106
B .
Developed and Urban Transition Classes
106
'
C.
Limited Transition Class
106
D.
Community Class
106
E.
Rural Class
106
1
F.
Rural With Services Class
107
G.
Conservation Class
107
SECTION V: INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION
108
A.
General
109
APPENDICES
Appendix I:
Analysis of Policy Statements/Implementation of the 1985
'
Tyrrell County Land Use Plan Update
110
Appendix II:
Coastal Resources Commission Guidelines and Position
Statements Concerning Military Air. Space Operations
122
Appendix III:
Citizen Participation Documentation
126
1
-
1
S

1990 LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
LIST OF TABLES AND MAPS
TABLE
PAGE
1.
Tyrrell County Population: 1900-1980
With Projection to 2000
10
2.
Historical and Projected Racial Composition of
Tyrrell County
12
3.
Tyrrell County, Estimated Population,
July 1, 1988, By Age, Race, and Sex
13
4.
Tyrrell County Estimated Population,
April 1, 1990, By Age, Race and Sex
14
5.
Tyrrell County Estimated Population,
July 1, 1995, By Age, Race and Sex
15
6.
Tyrrell County Estimated Population,
April 1, 2000, By Age, Race and Sex
16
7.
Tyrrell County Township Population, 1970-90
17
8.
Peak Population Estimates for Tyrrell County -
19
9.
Earnings of the Three Largest Industries of
Tyrrell County: 1977 and 1987
20
10.
Value of Crops, Livestock and Forestry Products
21
11.
Poundage and Value of Fish Caught in
Tyrrell County: 1980-1988
21
12.
Tyrrell County Business, Employees and Payrolls
22
'
13.
Tyrrell County Tax Base By Township
23
14.
Erosion of Tax Base by Township
23
15.
Tyrrell County Labor Force and Employment,
1980 to 1988
24
,
16.
Tyrrell County Labor Force and Employment,
1987 Monthly Data
24
17.
Tyrrell County Industry Employment by
Place of Work
25
18.
Travel and Tourism Expenditures in Tyrrell County
25
19.
Existing Land Uses, 1988
29
20.
Percent of Structures Subject to Storm Damage
Factors, Tyrrell County
91
MAPS
PAGE
1.
Location Maps
11
2.
Tyrrell County Township
18
3.
Existing Land Uses
Attached
4.
National Wildlife Refuges
30
5.
Estuarine Shorelines
32-A
6.
Outstanding Resource Waters (ORWs)
35
7.
Flood Zones
41
8.
Shorelines Erosion By Reach
42
9.
Soils Suited for Urban Development
44
10.
Stream Water Classification
48
11.
Closed Shellfishing Areas
49
12.
Nursery Areas
54-A
13.
Composite Hazards
90-A
14.
Land Classifications
Attached
6

PART I
TYRRE LL COUNTY
1990 LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
r

SECTION I:
ANALYSIS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS
PROJECTED DEMAND
7

A. Batablishment of Information Base
This 1990 Land Use Plan Update for Tyrrell County and initial Land Use Plan for the Town of
Columbia have been prepared in accordance with requirements of the North Carolina Coastal Area
Management Act (CAMA). Specifically, this document complies with Subchapter 7B, "Land Use
Planning Guidelines' of the North Carolina Administrative Code as amended on October 25, 1989.
The initial Land Use Plan was prepared for Tyrrell County in 1976. The first update was done in
1980 and the second update was done in 1985. According to the 'Land Use Planning Guidelines'
the major purpose of periodically updating local land use plans is to identify and analyze newly
emerging community issues and problems. Another purpose a to re-examine the existing policies
and to decide whether these policies have been effective and whether they should be continued or
changed.
The gurdeines further give the following objectives the update should meet:
1 to further define and refine local policies and issues;
• to further examine and refine the land classification system and the land classifiction
map:
• to assess the effectiveness of the existing land use plan and its implementation;
• to further explore implementation procedures, and;
• to promote a better understanding of the land use planning process.
The 1976 Land Use Plan, along with the 1980 and 1985 updates provided much of the needed
information base for this most recent 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 analyses of population, housing, economics (including agriculture, fisheries, and
forestry), and existing land uses.
1 Most of the data came from primary and secondary soumes in the form of direct contacts with
representatives of 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.
Interviews were conducted with various County officials. Efforts were made to obtain data that
was as up-to-date and accurate as possible.
The data analysis showed in most rases the changes since 1985 (the leat update year) have not been
1 dramatic, however, some trends appear to be emerging. Some-ir ajor conclusions of the updated
land use plan are:
1. According to the state Data Center Tyrrell County and Colombia's population continued to
grow between 1980 and 1990. Population growth is projected to continue through the year 2000
with some notable shifts in age and race. The Columbia and Scuppernong Townships are
projected to receive most of this growth.
2. The economic importance of agriculture is firmly established and will remain dominant in
the County throughout the next ten years.
t3. The overall land development pattern has been fairly constant since the 1985 plan and has a
predominantly rural, scattered character. The rapid rate of clearing forest land for conversion into
1 agricultural use has virtually stopped, partially due to the 1985 Farm Bill's conservation measures.
The major land use change in the last five years has been the creation of the Pocosin Lakes
National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge converted 49,841 acres of Tyrrell County to Federally
managed and protected lands.
1 4. With a growing population and expanding labor force, it will be necessary perhaps to
pursue economic expansion in the form of industrial development.
d
8

Some of the data sources used in preparing this document include:
1. U. S. Census of Population and Housing, 1980; -U.S. Department of Commerce.
2. N.C. Office of State Budget and Management.
3. 1976 Tyrrell County CAMA Land Use Plm.
4. 1981 Tyrrell County CAMA Land Use Plan.
5. 1985 Tyrrell County CAMA Land Use Plan.
6. Soil Survey for Tyrrell County, North Carolina, U.S.D.A. Soil Conservation Service,
1985.
7. Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge Draft Environmental Assessment, U.S.
Department of the Interior.
2
1
9

B. Present Conditions
1. POPULATION:
Tyrrell Canty, located in rural Northeast North Carolina on the north side of the
Pie peninsula (see Map 1), has the smallest comity population of all of the State's one
hundred counties. This distinction has been held by the County for quite some time. Notice Table
1, below, which shows the decennial population of Tyrrell County from 1900 to 1990, with state
projections through the year 2000.
Table 1: 3)=11 County Pgpulation: 1900-1990.
With Projections to 2000
tYet Num, Chance
1900 4,980 -- --
' 1910 5,219 +239 + 4.8
1920 4,844 - 375 - 7.2
1930 5,164 +320 + 6.6
1940 5,556 +392 + 7.6
1950 5,048 - 508 - 9.1
1960 4,520 - 528 -10.5
1970 3,806 - 714 -15.8
1980 3,975 +169 + 4.4
*1985 4,134 +159 + 4.0
1990 3,856 - 278 - 6.7
1 * * 1995 4,355 +499 +12.9
* *2000 4,462 +107 + 2.5
Source: U.S. Census (Provided by Albemarle Commission)
*R*cdons by the N.C. Office of State Budget & Manage - based on 1980 Census:
**Projections based on 119891 series data, =on 1990 census.
Notice that the State estimates for 1985 show some growth between the 1980 census and 1985.
1 However, the final official 1990 census figures showy a dedine betw&d 1980 and 1990 of 119
persons. If the Census ngures are current (a matter which is questioned by County officials), then
Tyrrell CounWs population may be declining. -
1
F]
10

6 E I
TVDDCI a ...,....qp...
Scale In Miles
0 25 50 75 100
m new m m m m" m' m m m m r
MAP 1
Location Map
m = w wr m

The population trends in Tyrrell County have been erratic since the turn of the century. As
Table 1 shows, population increased between the years 1900 to 1910, but fell sharply between
1910 and 1920, rising again during the'20s and'30s, and peaking in 1940 with 5,556 persons.
' However, from 1940 to 1970, the County lost population rather dramatically, having a total decline
of 1,750 persons or 31.5% over the 30-year period. The most severe population decrease
occurred between 1960 and 1970, with a total decline of nearly sixteen percent.
1 = Beginning with the 1980 Census, the County appears to be in a gradual growth pattern.
This pattern of increased population within Tyrrell County is supported by recent projections made
by the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management. Growth, though small, continued
1 from 1980 to 1989, and is projected to continue through 2000. It is interesting to note that the
projected population of 4,462 for the year 2000 is still 508 less than the County's population at the
beginning of this century (4,980) and far below the County's 1940 peak population of 5,556
(1,094 more).
The racial composition of Tyrrell County's population has been shifting gradually since
1960. Blacks, who comprise almost all of the non -whites in Tyrrell, have been steadily declining
' in both numbers and percent of the total population. This dew is attributable, to a large extent,
to a constant out -migration of younger people who seek employment and educational opportunities
outside of Tyrrell County. This is likely to continue through the planning period, as the projections
in Table 2 show. On the other hand, the white population, except for a decline between 1960 and
1970, has increased and is projected to continue this trend throughout the forecast period.
a. Com90tion
ITable 2: Historical and Projected Racial
ComFosition of Tyrrell County_
W�lt'tg Total (%) Non -White Total (%)
Yg-
M E M E
1960
259 1,285 2,544 (56%) 995 981 1,976 (44%)
1970
1,034 1,119 2,153 (57%) 804 849 1,653 (43%)
1980
1,167 1,251 2,418 (61%) 706 851 1,557 (39%)
*1985
1,258 1,321 2,579 (62%) 702 853 1,555 (38%)
*1988
1,286 1,370 2,656 (65%) 626 813 1,439 (35%)
*1990
1,342 1,426 2,768 (66%) 620 820 1,440 (34%)
*1995
1,437 1,519 2,956 (68%) 591 808 1,399 (32%)
*2000
1,523 1,603 3,126 (70%) 557 779 1,336 (30%)
Sources: U.S. Census; NC Office of State Budget & Management
*Projections by Office of State Budget & Management
1
Tables 3 through 6 depict the projected population of Tyrrell County for 1988, 1990, 1995,
and 2000 by age, race and sex. They show that females outnumber males in the County,
and will likely continue to do so through the planning period (through 2000). This is
partially due to the somewhat longer average life -span for females than males, resulting in
more widows.
These tables also show that the overall age groups in Tyrrell County are not projected to
change significantly percentage -wise. In general, the trend appears that Tyrrell County's
older population (55 and over) is gradually declining as a percent of the total population
while the middle and perhaps more productive age groups of 20 to 54 will increase their
percentages. It is also interesting to note that from 1990 to 2000, the school -age population
in the County (from 5 to 19) is projected to remain nearly constant.
12

Table 3
TYRRELL
ESTIMATED
POPULATION► JULY 19 19881,
BY AGE►
RACE► AND
SEX
WHITE
CTHER
AGE
TCTAL
TOTAL
MALE
FEMALE
TOTAL
MALE
FEMALE
TOTAL
4095
2656
1286
1370
1439
626
813
0-4
320
195
.104
91
125
53
72
5-9
307
183
97
96
&
52
72
10-14
331
200
105
95
121
53
78
15-19
Z92
188
93
95
1C4
41
63
20-24
Z57
155
68
87
1C2
41
61
25-29
292
176
80
96
116
52
64
30-34
318
201
104
97
117
56
61
35-39
288
196
97
99
92
42
50
40-44
222
156
78
78
66
33
33
45-49
199
133
69
64
66
30
36
50-54
192
128
60
64
32
32
55-59
202
137
61
76
65
31
34
60-64
217
148
68
90 -
69
33
36
65-69
212
147
60
87
65
27
38
70-74
196
130
63
67
66
30
36
75-79
133
93
44
49
40
15
25
80-84
77
60
22
38
17
3
14
85EUP
40
30
13
17
10
2
8
PERCENT OF CCLUVN
TCTAL
0-4
7.81
7.34
8.09
6.64
8.69
8.47
8.86
5-9
7.50
6.89
7.54
6.28
9.E2
e.31
8.86
10-14
e.08
7.53
8.16
6.93
9.1C
e.47
9.59
'S-19
7.13
7.08
7.23
6.93
7.23
6.55
7.75
_J-24
E.28
5.84
5.29
6.35
7.C9
6.55
7.50
25-29
7.13
6.63
6.22
7.01
8.C6
e.31
7.37
30-34
7.77
7.57
8.09
7.08
8.13
?.95
7.50
35-39
7.03
7.38
7.54
7.23
6.39
E.71
6.15
40-44
5.4Z
5.87
6.07
5.69
4.59
5.27
4.06
45-49
4.86
5.01
5.37
4.67
4.59
4.79
4.43
50-54
4.69
4.82
4.67
4.96
4.45
5.11
3.94
55-59
4.93
5.16
4.74
5.55
4.52
4.95
4.18
60-64
R•30
5.57
5.29
5.84
4.79
5.27
4.43
65-69
5.18
5.53
4.67
6.35
4.52
4.31
4.67
70-74
4.79
4.89
4.90
4.89
4.59
4.79
4.43
75-79
2e25
3.50
3.42
3.58
2.78
2.40
3.08
80-84
1.88
2.26
1.71
Z.77
1.18
0.48
1.72
85EUP
C.98
1.13
1.01
1.24
0.69
0.32
0.98
SOURCE - NOR1H CAROLINA OFFICE OF
STATE BUDGET E rANAGEMENT.
BASED CN 70-8C CENSUS DATA
PREPARED JULY 1989
I
13

Table 4
TYRRELL
PROJECTED
POPULATION,
APRIL lr 1990t
BY AGES
RACE, AND
SEX
WHITE
OTHER
t AG`
TOTAL
TOTAL
MALE
FEMALE
TOTAL
!MALE
FEMALE
tJTAL
4208
2768
1342
1426
1440
620
220
0-4
328
205
109
96
123
52
71
1 5-9297
182
97
85
115
48
67
10-14
353
212
111
101
141
57
84
15-19
31s
208
107
101
107
42
65
229
149
66
83
30
27
53
r0-24
25-29
277
172
71
101
105
46
59
30-34
334
209
ill
98
125
61
64
5-39
328
221
110
111
107
46
61
3-44
239
171
83
38
68
37
31
45-49
211
142
77
65
69
29
40
50-54
195
130
62
63
55
34
31
t5-59
201
141
59
82
60
27
33
O-64
220
146
72
74
74,
40
34
65-69
211
151
57
94
60
21
39
70-74
207
138
66
72
69
31
38
1 75-79
142
99
49
50
43
17
26
80-84
80
61
21
40
19
3
16
�95CUP
41
31
14
17
10
2
8
PERCENT OF COLUMN
TOTAL
3-4
7.79
7.41
8.12
6.73
8.54
a-39
3.66
5-9
7.06
6.58
7.23
5.96
7.99
7.74
3.17
13-14
8.39
7.66
3.27
T.08-.
9.79
9.19
10.24
7.49
7.51
7.97
7.08
7.43
6.77
7.93
t15-19
0-24
5.44
5.38
4.92
5.82
5.56
4.35
6.46
25-29
6.58
6.Z1
5.29
7.08
7929'
7.42
30-34
7.94
7.55
8.27
6.87
948
'7.4.3
9.84
7.80
t35-39
7.79
7.98
3.20
•7,.78 : -
7.42
7.44
40-44
5.68
6.18
6.18
6-
,17
4:72
5.97
3.78
45-49
5.01
5.13
5.74
4.56
4.79
4.68
4.89
150-54
4.63
4.70
4.62
4.77
4.51
3-1.48
3.78
55-59
4.78
5.09
4.40
5.75
4.17
4.35
4.O2
60-64
5.23
5.27
5.37
5.19
5.14
6.45
4.15
5.01
5.46
4.25
6.59
4.17
3.39
4.76
f5-69
0-74
4.92
4.99
4.92
5.05
4.79
5.00
4.63
75-79
3.37
3.58
3.65
3.51
2.99
2.74
3.17
80-84
1.90
2020
1.56
2.81
1.32
0.48
1.95
t5EUP
C.97
1.12
1.04
1.19
0.69
0.32
0.98
DECADE
ESTIMATED
RATE OF
NET MIGRATION(IN
PERCENT)
to-90
1.86
13.68
15.59
11.93
-15.09
-19.48
-11.45
tOURCE - NORTH CAROLINA OFFICE OF BASED - ON 70 80 CENSUS DATA
STATE BUDGET E MANAGEMENT PREPARED JULY 19ES
14

Table 5
,
TYRRELL
PROJECTED
P.CPULATICN, JULY
1, 1995,
9y 1 ;_c",
iCE, AND
SEX
aGE
TOTAL
4H IT E
0 TNER
,
TOTAL
MALE
FEMALE
Tr -AL
HALE
FEMALE
TOTAL
4355
2956
143T
1519
139n
591
808
'
^-4
320
211
112
99
if o
46
E3
5- 4
341
223
118
105
119
4Q
69
10- 14
31e
203
106
97
IJ5
42
63
15-19
315
202
104
98
113
42
71
2r)- 24
25-79
296
237
204
166
103
78
101
90
92
69
31
25
51
44
1C- 34
298
194
83
?11
:04
44
60
35-1
340
218
114
104
12'_
60
62
4.)-44
337
225
111
114
1:?
49
64
45-45
251
179
87
92
72
40
32
50-54
?21
155
78
77
-66
'_7
39
55- 59
7.19
143
68
75
55
34
31
60- 64
194
136
55
81
58
24
34
65-61;
206
139
70
69
67
34
33
70- 74
75- 7S
178
152
131
107
51
4T
80
60
47
45
16
17
31
28
t
80-84
103
76
31
45
27
7
20
85CUP
60
42
21
21
19
5
13
PERCENT
MN
CF CGLU
T CT AL
o-4
7.35
7.14
7.70
6.52
7.79
7.78
7.80
5-9
7.63
7.54
3.21
6.91
8.41
8.19
P..54
10-1 4
7.07
6.87
7.38
6.39
7.51
7.11
7.91)
15- 15
7.23
6.83
7. 24
6.45
8.08
7.11
9.79
20-24
6.57
6.90
7.17
6.65
5.36
5.25
6.31
25-?9
5.44
5.68
5.43
5.92
4.Q3
4.22
5.45
,30-34
5.84
6.56
5.78
7.31
7.43
7.45
7.43
35-39
7.81
T.37
7.92
6.85
8.72
10.15
7.67
40- 44
7,74
7.61
7.72
7.50
3 .01
8.12
7.92
45-4 y
5.76
6.06
6.05
6.06
5.15
6.77
3.9E
50-54
5.07
5.24
5.43
5.07
4.72
4.57
4.83
55- 59
4. 78
4. 84
4.73
4.94
4.65
5.75
3.84
60-64
4.45
4.60
3.83
5.33
4.15
4.06
4.21
65-69
4.73
4.70
4.87
4.54
4.79
5.75
4.08
70- 74
4.09
4.43
3.55
5.27
3.36
2.71
3.84
,
75- 79
3.49
3.62
3.27
3.95
3.22
2.88
3.47
80-84
2.37
2.57
2.16
2.96
1.93
1.18
2.48
E 5E UP
1.38
1.42
1 .46
1.38
1.29
0.85
1.61
SOURCE -
NCRTH CARCLINA OFFICE
OF
BASED
ON
70-80 CENSUS
DATA
STATE BUDGET
C MANAGEMENT
PREPARED
JULY
1988
15

ITable 6
TYRR ELL
PROJECTED
POPULATION, APRIL
1• 20009
BY
FACE, AND
SEX
*MITE
OTHER
A:;E
TOTAL
TOTAL
VALE
FEMAL E
T( TAL
14ALE
FEMALE
,T`?T4L
4462
3126
1523
1603
►336
357.
779
3- 4
1 5- S
315
295
216
204
115
109
101
95
99
O t
42
38
57
53
111-1 4
361
245
128
117
116
46
70
1 r-i9
310
218
106
92
35
57
t)-24
275
199
.LLZ
95
94
86
26
60
5- a a
2bi
203
9y
104
58
21
37
-'-=4
?45
133
d8
95
hi
24
3A
324
219
95
123
1-)6
44
62
4
347
29-17
119
108
! 10
60
63
�.-45
346
229
112
117
117
50
67
197
99
03
73
44
29
U-3-51
224
163
71
36
61
22
3S
-64
?21
155
75
80
66
37
29
65-6y
184
128
4Q
79
56
22
34
194
133
70
63
61
28
33
1 75- 7y
145
112
43
69
33
10
23
80-84
98
76
28
48
22
5
17
�E!5&LP
62
45
20
25
17
3
14
PERCENT
CF COLUMN
TCTAL
}-4
7.06
6.91
7.55
6.30
'.41
7.54
7.32
5- S
(3.61
6. 53
7.10
5.93.
5.11
6.32
6.80
1 :- 14
8009
7.84
8.40
7`.30' '
1.68
?.26
1s--19
6.95
6.9T
'.35
6.61
a.89
6.26
7.32
�1-24
6.16
6.05
6.24
5.86
o.44
4.67
7.70
9.95
6.49
6.50
6.49
404
3.77
4.75
a--34
5.49
5.85
5.78
5,93
.4.t4
4.31
4. SE
5- 39
7.26
6.97
6.24
7.67
':93
7.90
7.56
i�-- 44
7. T9
7.26
7.81
6.T4
8.98
10.77
7.7C
45-4Q
7.75
7.33
7.35
7.30
8.76
9.98
8.60
t0- 54
5.71
5. 82
5. 84
5.80
5.46
7.90
3.72
5-5q
9,02
5.21
5.06
5.36
4.97
3.95
5.11
6.)-- 64
4.95
4.96
4.92
4.99
4.a4
6.64
3.72
.5-69
4.12
4.09
3.22
4.93
4.19
3.95
4.36
0-74
4.35
4.25
4.60
3.93
4.57
5.03
4.?4
5-79
3.25
3.58
2.82
4.30
2.47
1.80
2. S5
t? 1- 84
2.20
2.43
1.84
2.99
i .65
0.90
2.18
�56LP
1.39
1.44
1.31
1.56
1.27
0.54
1.80
DECADE
ESTIMATED
RATE CF
NET MIGRATICN(
IN PERCENT)
V00
3.10
11. 72
13.15
10.40
-1' .68
-16.11
-10.05
RfjWRCE - NORTH CARCL I NA OFFIC E� E CF BASED 0V 70-80 CENSUS DATA
STATE BUDGET 6 MANAGEMENT PREPARED JULY 1998
_ 16 -

There are five (5) Townships in Tyrrell County, as Map 2, page 18 shows. The County's
population is dispersed throughout the Townships, with the largest concentrations being in
the Columbia and Scuppernong Townships. Most of the rest of the population is
°pocketed' in nasal communities along the two major highways (U.S. 64 or N.L. 4) or
paved secondary routes m areas such as Gum Neck, Alligator, Travis, Goat Neck, and
Kilkenny. Table 7, below, shows the population within each township from 1970 to
1980.
TryWWK
a
aw
Number
ma
and %
8(/9(
Columbia
1,910
2,098
2,181
+ 83
(+ 4.O%)
-- Columbia Town
(902)
(758)
(836)
+ 78
(+ 10.2%)
Gum Neck
523
474
438
- 36
(+ 7.6%)
Scuppernong
838
864
755
- 109
(+12.6%)
South Fork
53
62
45
- 17
(-27.4%)
Sources: U.S. Census; N.C. Office of State Budget & Management
Columbia Township, which includes the Town of Columbia,according to the 1990
Census, gained 83 persons from 1980 to 1990. The township's population of 2,181
persons represents nearly 57 percent of Tyrrell County's 1990 total population.
Scuppernong Townships' 1990 population of 755 is a 12.6% decline from 1980. Both
Alligator and Gum Neck Townships also lost population from 1980 to 1990, as did the
remaining township - South Fork. The only Township experiencing growth was the
Columbia Township.
During the 1990's, however, higher grow di rates will likely shift to boor the Columbia and
Scuppernong Townships. This probable shin will occur due to the presence of water and
sewer in Col unbia and because of the increasing popularity of water front development
along the Albemarle Sound. -W
While the pad Tyrrell County Land use Plans did not indicate any significant impact from
tourism, a recent study, entitled Ch?ation of Baseline Demote Trends in the
Year -Round and Remeadonal PrnwMwo in the Albeniade-Pam1_ico Fate&= SWft ram,
indicates that tourism is beginning to have an impact on the county. The study, which was
publshed in 1989, estimated that there were 229 seasonal, or occasional use, housing units
17

" ` "
"
M �
A
f
f
v
w
ItAi M►
-
/
yr
/
r
� 1 wr. •nr ur • .,.
•ter
w r
,
I
�A'
IGA
/
A T p i
Win
r
a I
.. Ry •
j LLlMB! T
-
I
I
�
O f
LAKES
UTH
NATIOUAL
-
FC03
• i �'. WILDLIFE
T p
—
M
7
j REFUGE
.'
ft
rr
Y•
•
0--mm
1 I
..
... -
rr�rA
GUM
TWP
/
/
MAP
2
TYRRELL
COUNTY
TYRRELL COUNTY TOWNSHIPS
NORTH CAROLINA 1
Non► CAXUr" W�RTAMW a VLAW eunoN
ONdOa Gw mcww tf—ItYMO NO OiYOt WA101
' ewCr• w
Y.f OwoRaolt Cr tfM/pft/Ot
PENtAt WCofteW i
Q

in Tyrrell County in 1997. Thatwas 12.3 pesneat of the Camay's estimated 1,863
housing unit. Given an average household size of 3.3 persona, these 229 units yield a
seasonal population of 755 persons. When added to the County's State estimated 4,144
permanent residents (m 1987), this would yield a peak population of 4,899 persons in
1987. This would represent a nineteen (19) percent increase over the County's yeu round
PoPwa�-
Assuming dmt the construction. of seasonal units continues at die same pace as it did from
1980 to 1987, Ken Weeden and Associates estimated the seasonal and peak populations
sham in Table 8 below These figtm are based upon the permanent population
projections from the North Catalina State Data Center, and the 1990 Census.
Table 8: Peat P nlatdon Estimates for 'Ibrrell County
Recreational. Recreational Permanent Peak
MCK Housina Units Ezzaagm
(at 3.3 Behold)
1990 213 702 3,975 4,677
1997 229 755 4,127 4,882
1990 235 775 3,856 4,631
1995 245 808 4,355 5,163
2000 255 842 4,462 5,304
Sources: "Characterization of Baseline Demographic Trends in the Year -Round and
Populations e� test N.C. Office of State Budget and Man
Ken Weeden agement
As seen from these figures, the impact of tout m. and seasonal, housing in Tyrrell. County
Is expected to increase over the Planning period. This is partially due to some potential
hone buyers being priced out of the housing market in Daze County. Tyrrell County offers
comparable hoarse sites and vistas for a mace reasonable price which allows affordable
haaning opporhmities for a much wider income range. These homes may be used as
primary► residences as well as second homes for vacationing or retirement It should also
be noted here that migrant and seasonal wa teas, although to an unknown extent are used
both in the Coamty's seafood and agricultural activities.
TIS
The analysis of existing mad projected population in Tyrrell County suggests the following
trends.
1. A timee4e ade-okl trend of population losses which ended during the 1970's, may
be reappearing. The non -white population is projected to decline, while the white
population in the County will continue to in=ase. Females are projected to
continue to outnumber males throughout the planning period.
2. The older segment of the population (55 and over), is projected to dedine as a
percent of the total population, while the middle -age ranges (from 20 to 54) will
increase through 2000. The largest age shift appears to be in the 45 to 49 age group-
-particularly among white females. Although the elderly population is not projected
to increase substantially, there is still suggested a need for elderly care facilities.
3. There should be no major shifts in the school -age population throughout the
planning period. Therefore, there should be no need for expanded educational
facilities on the basis of increased population.
4. While past Land Use Plans did not indicate any significant seasonal population in
Tyrrell County, recent studies indicate that the County has a seasonal population of
19

11
1 z.
between 700 and 800 additicmal persons. These statistics could be skewed,
however, by the fact that Biome County re sidencb also have second homes.
Sl
The economy of Tyrrell County is dominated by three major industry groups. The last
available data (1987) indicated that these industries were farming, state and local
government and retail trade. These time industries were also the largest as far back as
1977.
The total emmingS of Pawns toyed in Tyrrell County was $10,214,000 in 1977. Total
earnings had increased at an annual rate of 3.6 percent to $14,568,000 in 1987.
Farming accounted for 32.6 percent of total 1977 earnings, but declined to 22.7 percent in
1987. Total earnings of persons employed in state and local government increased from
16.2 percent in 1977 to 22.6 percent in 1987. The last of the three largest industries, retail
trade, also increased, from 14.4 percent in 1977 to 16.4 in 1987.
Table 9: was of the Three Largest Ldustries
1 of Tyr Il County, 1977 and 1987
Emning State and Local Gov'tReW Trade All
1977
Earnings $3,329,764 $1,654,668 _ $1,470,816 $10,214,000
r1987
Earnings $3,306,936 $3,292,368 $2,389,152 $14,568,000
' % 1977
Total 32.6% 16.2% 14.4% 100%
% 1987
Total 22.7% 22.6% 16.4% 100%
Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Employment and unemployment of Tyrrell County's civilian labor farce has fluctuated over
the last twelve years from which official data is available. Employment of Tyrrell County
residents was at a peak of 1,550 in 1977, declined to 1,170 in 1982 and 1983 then recovered
somewhat before reaching a low of 1,150 in 1986.
Unemployment has likewise fluctuated over these twelve years. Unemployment peaked in
1982 with 290 of Tyrrell County's labor force participants being without jobs, for a rate of
19.9 percent. The lowest number of unemployed was in the most recent year of 1988, when
there were 150 unemployed for a rate of 10.3 percent.
b. Amicultural and Forestry Businesses
The largest components of Tyrrell County's economy is agriculture and forestry.
Agriculture is Am tlrer divided into crops and live.stock. The values of thew three sec dcros of
the economy are shown in Table 10.
The turps responsible for the largest overall portion of Tyrrell County's agricultural intone
from 1980 to 1988 has been soybeans, followed by grain corn, irish potatoes and wheat.
The largest contributors to livestock income in Tyrrell County were hogs, beef cattle, honey
20

from bees, and then lambs. Lumber accounts for the vast majority of forestry products,
followed by pulpwood. These rankings have varied from year to year, the rankings listed
represent an average standing during this nine year period. No solid trend is discernible
because agricultural yields are a factor of weather and other unstable conditions, as well as
varying market prices.
Table 10: Value of Crops. Livestock and Forestry Products
Year
C
F
'vestock
Gov't Payments
1988
$20,149,843
$2,527,579
$11,586,196
$ 718,559
1987
15,738,177
3,777,300
13,103,130
2,215,128
1986
13,011,048
2,969,000
13,685,846
1,088,742
1985
12,194,400
6,178,200
11,003,740
5,270,753
1994
16,381,091
2,143,355
11,688,825
33,759
1983
13,823,800
1,637,892
10,595,600
1,844,600
1982
12,407,700
1,642,105
12, 511,000
82,900
1981
14,435,100
1,391,703
8,512,500
61,000
1980
14,120,000
2,218,950
6,474,000
33,500
Source: Agricultural Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
C. Commercial Fishing _
Most of Tyrrell County's commercial fishing occurs in the Albemarle Sound and The
Alligator River. According to the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, the
following poundage and value of fishes were landed from 1980 to 1988. (See Table 11
below).
Table 11: Poundage and Value of Fish Caught in
Tyrrell County: 1980 - 1998
F' fish 'Shelffish Total Fish
Pounds Value Pounds Value Pound Value
1980
319,876
$116,796
656,246
$111,057 ,
' 976,122
$228,303
1981
614,010
174,423
852,173
153,532'_�
1,466,183
327,955
1982
478,357
160,075
1,057,401
20.1,284 -
1,535,758
361,359
1983
520,803
228,751
1,116,299
226,720 "'
1-637,102
455,470
1984
675,429
298,544
828,393
156,484
1:503,822
455,028
1985
615,502
219,892
1,115,871
222,819
1,731,373
442,711
1986
400,946
243,468
1,457,526
310,621
1,858,472
554,089
1987
573,611
479,185
2,150,521
451,292
2,724,132
930,477
1988
479,240
326,451
979,843
225,627.
1,459,083
552,078
Source: N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries
21

II
d. Businesses
There is a variety of businesses operating in Tyrrell County. These range from small
family owned grocery stores to the large manufacturer Flair. The number of establishments
has varied since 1980, as seen in Table 12 below, from a low of 66 firms in the recession
year of 1982 to a high of 83 in the most current data year of 1987. Most of these firms
have less than ten employees. Since 1982 there have been only eight or nine
establishments with more than ten employees. This is down from eleven and thirteen of
these larger establishments in 1981 and 1980 respectively.
Year
The County's businesses have employed a varying number of employees from year to year
as warranted by economic conditions. These firms have employed from a low of 381
persons in 1983 to a high of 484 persons in 1980. These employment figures reflect the
closing, or down scaling, of the larger firms noted above. Annual payrolls for all firms in
the County have ranged from $3,298,000 in 1982 to $5,027,000 in the most current data
year of 1987.
Table 12: Tyrrell County Businesses Employees and Payrolls
No. of Establishments Annual Payroll No. -of Employees
1987
83
$5,027,000
425
1986
69
3,564,000
395
1985*
75
3,684,000
410
1984
81
3,803,000
424
1983
75
3,474,000
381
1982
66
3,298,000
402
1981
67
3,858,000
446
1980
71
3,781,000
484
*No data available for 1985, average of 1986 and 1984 was used.
Source: County Business Patterns, U.S. Department of Census
e. Tax Base
One of the primary concerns facing Tyrrell County has been the erosion of its tax base due
to losses of large tracts of lands being dedicated to the Alligator River National Wildlife
Refugee and to the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refugee. Exemptions for the elderly -
to a much less extent - have also lowered the County's tax base.
The County's total tax base stood at slightly more than $55.9 million in 1980 as seen in
Table 13. Property was re-evaluated in 1981, at which time the County's tax base
increased 215.8 percent to almost $120.7 million. The tax base increased annually to
$134.4 million in 1985. This increase reflects the additional value of new construction that
had occurred m the County. Tyrrell County's tax base then began to decline until it reached
$128.1 million in 1988. Property was re-evaluated again in 1989. The 1989 post re-
evaluation tax base had increased 15.2 percent to $147.7 million dollars.
22

Table 13: Tyrrell County Tax Base By Towwjft
Columbia -
Columbia -
Year
Alligator
Gum Neck
Scupper ong
South Fork
Town
Remainder
Total
**1989
$14,844,540
$43,104,497
$21,347,536
$ 9,040,360
$ 9,487,577
$49,721,873
$147,689,373
1988
* 10,796,429
41,679,619
16,132,039
9,680,177
7,069,619
42,615,656
128,148,139
1987
10,736,690
41,631,006
16,511,151
9,578,451
7,262,034
43,782,780
129,502,112
1986
10,410,052
41,373,254
*16,891,412
9,802,959
*7,590,254
*45,091,425
131,159,356
1985
10,560,384
41,690,268
16,650,351
*9,894,882
7,536,343
44,334,903
*134,432,932
1984
10,334,605
*42,398,918
15,909,581
9,790,634
7,219,810
43,175,685
132,411,860
1983
10,240,909
41,838,486
15,284,326
10,303,835
6,934,420
41,449,406
129,524,168
1982
10,215,979
39,376,837
15,471,885
10,698,753
7,018,709
43,030,998
129,240,264
**1981
9,915,616
38,852,552
15,031,065
9,220,105
6,458,005
39,528,402
120,676,067
1980
3,678,491
14,709,540
8,328,599
3,998,318
4,544,623
17,551,168
55,909,777
*Peak value of tax base in township before 1989 re-evaluation.
**Re-evaluation year.
Source: Tyrrell County Tax Office.
Ignoring the 1989 re-evaluation year, the erosion of the tax base exists within all of the
townships except for the Alligator Township where the tax base has inaeased steadily
since the 1981 re-evaluation In each of the other four townships, and in the Town of
Columbia, the tax base peaked in 1984, 1985 or 1986 and has been declining since that
time. (The 1989 values were ignored in this analysis due to the difficulties involved in
comparing the 1989 post re-evaluation figures to the 1988 figures.)
As may be seen in Table 14, the Town of Columbia has experienced a 6.9 percent erosion
of its tax base, while the Township of Columbia has lost 5.5 percent. The Scuppernong
Township lost 4.5 percent of its tax base from its peak year of 1986. South Fork and Goat
Neck Townships experienced tax base erosion of 2.2 percent and 1.7 percent respectively.
Tyrrell County, as a whole, lost 4.7 percent of its tax base from its peak year of 1985.
Table 14: Erosion of Tax Base by TownshjV2
Columbia- Columbia -
Alligator Gum Neck Scuppernong South ICAM Remainder Total
N/A - 1.7% - 4.5% - 2.2% - 6.9% - 5.5% - 4.7%
*Erosion is based on the value of property in each township in the year before the last re-evaluation
(1988), versus the value of property in the same township in the year of peak evaluation..
N/A - Peak year of evaluation was the -same at 1988 (see Erosion note above).
Source: Tyrrell County Tax Office
f. F�tlplovment
Employment and unemployment of Tyrrell County's civilian labor force has fluctuated over
the last twelve years for which official data is available (see Table 15). Employment of
Tyrrell County residents was at a peak of 1,550 in 1977, declined to 1.170 in 1982 and
1983 then recovered somewhat before reaching a low of 1,150 in 1986.
Unemployment has likewise fluctuated over these twelve years (see Table 15).
23

Unemployment peaked in 1982 with 290 of Tyrrell County's labor farce participants being
without jobs, for a rate of 19.9 percent. The lowest number of unemployed was in the most
recent data year of 1988, when there were 150 unemployed for &rate of 10.3 percent. By
comparison the unemployment rate for State Planning Region R was 8.5 percent in 1982 and
3.7 percent in 1988. The State of North Carolina had an unemployment rate of 9.0 percent
in 1982 and 3.6 percent in 1988.
An examination of the monthly data for 1987 (see Table 16) demonstrates the employment
pattern over the course of the year. During this year, the lowest unemployment rates were in
August, September and October (harvest season) which had rates of 7.3% , 7.4% and 9.0%
respectively. North Carolina's unemployment rates for August, September and October
were 4.2, 3.5, and 3.9 percent respectively.
' The highest unemployment rates were between January (20.1%) to May (18.5%). The peak
was in 20.4% in February with a sharp decline to 17.4% in March (planting season) then an
increase to 18.8% in April. North Carolina's peak monthly unemployment rate was 5.6
percent in February. These figures demonstrate the heavy reliance of the Tyrrell County
economy upon agriculture. Relatively low unemployment rates of 10.7% and 15.1 % in
November and December (during the non -farming months) may be due to the increased
Christmas season trade employment.
' Table 15: Tyrrell County Labor Force and Employment- 1980 to 1988
1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980
Civ. Labor Force 1,450 1,430 1,380 1,420 1,510 1,450 1,460 1,450 1,450
No. Employed 1,300 1,220 1,150 1,220 1,270 1,170 1,170 1,260 1,250
No. Unemployed 150 210 230 200 240 280 290 190 200
Unempl. Rate 10.3 14.7 16.7 14.1 15.9 19.3 19.9 13.1 13.8
NC Unempl. Rate 3.6 4.5 5.3 5.4 6.8 8.9 9.0 6.4 6.5
Source: North Carolina Employment Security Commission
I - .
Table 16: Tyrrell County Labor Force and Emplo3'mentJ987 Monthly Data
' Jan Feb Mar Apr May Junes -0 July . Aug -Sep Oct Nov Dec
CIVILIAN 1,440 1,470 1,110 1,130 1,350 11350 1,490 1,510 1.480 1.440 1,490 11460
' LABOR FORCE
UNEMPLOY- 290 300 240 250 250 220 230 110 110 130 160 220
MFNT, 'TOTAL
Rate of Unempl. 20.1 20.4 17.4 18.8 18.5 16.3 15.4 73 7.4 9.0 10.7 15.1
EMPLOYMENT, 1,150 1,170 1,140 1,080 1,100 1,130 1,260 1,400 1,370 1,310 1,330 1,240
OPAL
Source: North Carolina Employment Security Commission
The labor force figures noted above represents the employment status of the residents of
Tyrrell County. The Employment Security Commission also provides figures for employment
by place of work. Place of Work means employment within the physical boundaries of
Tyrrell County. In other words the job site, plant or office lies within Tyrrell County (See
Table 12).
24

These place of work figures indicate that the number of manufacturing jobs in Tyrrell County
has ranged from a low of 120 in 1982, 1985 and 1986 to a high of 160 in 1983 and 1984.
LAewise the number of non -manufacturing jobs in Tyrrell County has ranged from a low of
440 in 1983 to a high of 510 in 1987. The two largest industry sectors within the non -
manufacturing group were government and trade. Government jobs ranged from 200 in 1983
to 230 in 1987, while trade jobs ranged from 120 in 1983 to 190 in 1987. It should be noted
that no detailed data for 1988 was available as of this writing (Summer, 1990).
Table 17:
Tyrrell
County
Industry
Employment
by
Place of
Work
1988
12AL
19M
im
1 -M
IM
1982
1981
1980
Non
MIA
140
120
120
160
160
120
140
130
Manu-facturW
Construction
N/A
510
470
490
480
440
450
480
490
Trans, Comm &
N/A
10
10
10
10
10
20
20
20
P. Utilities
N/A
30
20
20
30
30
30
20
10
Trade
Fin, Ins. &
N/A
190
160
150
130
120
140
140
160
Real Estate
N/A
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Service
Government
N/A
50
50
40
40
40
40
30
30
N/A
230
230
220
230
200
200
230
240
Other Non -
Manufacturing
N/A
0
0
50
40
40
20
40
30
Source: North Carolina Employment Security Commission
1. Includes Food; Apparel; Lumber & Wood; Chemicals; Stone, Clay & Glass
':
2. Includes Agricultural Services
N/A - Not Available
r
g. Tourism
Tyrrell County accounts for far less than one percent -of North Carolina's total travel and
tourism expenditures. To be more precise, Tyrrell County accounts for only 3 or 4 one
thousandth of one percent (0.003% or 0.004%). Recent tourism expenditures in Tyrrell
County have ranged from $134,000 in 1985 to $198,000 in
1986 as seen in Table 18
below.
Table 18: Travel and Tourism Expenditures in
Tyrrell County
1987 1986
1985 1984
Expenditures $179,000 $198,000
$134,000 $157,000
% of State Total 0 0
0 0
Tourism Related Jobs 4 4
3 N/A
Tourism Related Personal Income $ 50,000 $ 55,000
$ 37,000 N/A
Tourism Related Direct Sales Taxes $ . 7,000 $ 8,000
$ 5,000 N/A
Tourism Related Secondary Sales Taxes $ 6,000 $ 7,000
$ 5,000 N/A
Source: North Carolina Department of Commerce
25

These tourism expenditures include the dollar amounts of tourism related personal income,
direct sales taxes and secondary effect sales taxes. Also indicated in this table are the
number of jobs that are directly related to the travel and tourism industry. As the table
indicates only three or four jobs in Tyrrell County fit this definition.
I
26

C. Existing Land Use Analysis
1. GENERAL PATTERNS
The general land use pattern in Tyrrell County has changed very little since the 1985 Land
Use Plan, or even since the initial CAMA Land Use Plan in 1976 (see Map 3). Forest land
remains the overwhelming land use in the county. Another sizable portion of the county is used
for agriculture. Urban uses represent only a small percentage of the county's total land, with the
Town of Columbia being the county's only urban/built up area. Land uses in Columbia are
discussed in a separate section of this report. Land uses for Tyrrell County are summarized in
Table 19. This Table does not show the impact of the creation of the Pocosin Lakes National
Wildlife Refuge which converted 49,841 acres of the County's land to Federal Land. This impact
was not shown because it was not possible to determine with any precision, what these lands were
originally classified as in this Table.
a. Residential Land Uses '
Tyrrell County is very sparsely populated and ranked 99th out of North Carolina's 100
counties in population density in 1980 with only ten persons per square mile. With the
exception of the Town of Columbia, residential uses in Tyrrell County are scattered along t
paved secondary roads. Rural communities with concentrations of residential uses include
Gum Neck, Kilkinney, Goat Neck, Travis, Alligator, Sound Side and River Neck.
Since 1985 there has been several subdivisions of land along the Albemarle Sound '
resulting in over 200 new lots intended for residential development. Most of the
subdivisions are in the Scuppernong and Columbia Townships. '
U. Commeruial Land Uses
The majority of commercial land uses in Tyrrell County are concentrated in the Town of '
Columbia. There are small country stores located in some of the rural communities.
Various types of services (small engine repair, hair salons, etc.,.) are located in some of the
larger communities and along US 64 and NC 94. '
C. Industrial Land Uses
There is only one major industrial plant in Tyrrell County. This is Flair Apparel Company ,
which is located on US 64 just east of the Columbia Town limit. Also located in this area
are a couple of farm supply wholesale,/warehouse operations. There are several seafood
processing sites located through the County. There is a proposed industrial park on the ,
west side of NC 94 about three miles south of Columbia, but so far there has been no real
development efforts.
d. Recreational Land Uses
Recreational land uses in Tyrrell County include a recreational lot within the Town of
Columbia which has a basketball court and a tennis court and Veteran's Memorial Park on a
the west bank of the Scuppernong River near Columbia. Other recreational areas include
27

the Gum Neck Community Center and Playground, the Scuppernong Community Center,
the Sound Side Community Center and the Travis Playground.
' Water access points and facilities as noted in the 1987 Water Access Study (and elsewhere)
include the Columbia boat ramp and marina, Sawyer's Marina, Norman Smith Memorial
Beach (Legion Beach), Gum Neck Landing boat ramp, Frying Pan boat ramp, Pledger's
Landing, Grapevine Landing, Killkenney Landing and the Little Alligator River Landing.
Also, in 1990, as part of a Coastal Initiatives Project, a pedestrian boardwalk was
completed in Columbia along the Scuppernong River. The two largest areas with limited
recreational usage are the national wildlife refuges - Alligator River National Wildlife
Refuge and Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. These contain 7,500 and 49,841
acres respectively within Tyrrell County.
e. Agricultural Land Uses
Agricultural land uses include crop lands and pasture lands. Most of this land use is crop
lands that are in large commercial farms. As may be seen in Table 19, crop lands represent
the second largest land use in Tyrrell County. These farms appear to be getting larger in
size and fewer in number. The regional economic information system listed 194 farm
' proprietors in 1980, but in 1986 there were only 153 farm proprietors in Tyrrell County.
f. FEeW Land Uses
' The predominate land use in Tyrrell County is forest land, as may be seen m Table 19.
There has been little conversion of forest land to other uses since 1985 as discussed in
Section 8 below.
' g. Water Bodies
It should be noted that over thirty percent of Tyrrell County's total acreage is water. The
largest water bodies in Tyrrell County are the county's portion of the Albemarle Sound and
the Alligator River. Other notable water bodies are Alligator Creek (also called the Little
' Alligator River), Scuppernong River, the Frying Pan and a small portion of Phelps Lake.
h. Lid Use Conversion
During the 1970's and early 1980's there was widespread conversion of forest and swamp
lands to agricultural uses. This trend has generally ended due to two reasons. First, most
of the land that was suitable for agricultural use had already been converted. Second, the
1985 Farm Bill provided measures for the conservation of much of the land that had not
been converted. Violators of these conservation measures could loose federal price and
income supports, crop insurance, eligibility for Farmers Home Administration loans and
various other programs. As a result, the County's land use pattern has remained fairly
constant since the 1985 Land Use Plan.
'
28

Table 19: Existing Land Uses, 1988
DP-C Acreage
Urban Land
200
Rural Transition Land
1,800
*Federal Land
7,500
Crop Land
61,900
Forest Land
187,000
O@rer
15,519
Water
109,224
TOTAL. 383,143
*These figures do not reflect the land acquired by the Conservation Fund.
The largest and most important land use change since the 19 85 Land Use Plan has been the
conversion of 49,841 acres of land from forest lands and wetlands to create the Pocosin
Lakes National Wildlife Rifuge. These lands will maintain their current land use, but will
now have federal protection and maintenance. It should be noted that in the proposal for
this refuge, there was some discussion of peat mining in a portion of this area. The stated
purpose of this passible mining was to create a better habitat for wildlife.
The 1985 Land Use Plan Update discussed the creation of the Alligator River National
Wildlife Refuge which converted 7,500 acres of land adjacent to The Frying Pan from
wooded swamps and pocosms to federal lands. There has been a similar conversion of
land in the last couple of years in the area adjacent to Lake Phelps (see Map 4). A group
called the Conservation Fund acquired 49,841 acres in Tyrrell County and another 11,000
acres in Washington and Hyde Counties). This group has deeded this land to the federal
government for the creation of the Picosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge.
In the conventional application of the concept', there are no significant land compatibility
problems in Tyrrell County. A land compatibility problem is generally identified when two or
more land use types are adjacent to each other and one is somehow restricted from expansion
because of adverse conditions, thus discouraging additional investment. This situation simply has
not been a major problem in Tyrrell County.
The only incompatibility problem that has been noted is the establishment of small scale
businesses next to residences - sometimes within residences. Since most of these businesses are
small scale, they generate little extra traffic and therefore do not significantly detract from the
adjacent residential uses. There may also be some incompatibility problems between the areas
dedicated in 1984 as the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge adjacent to the Frying Pan and
the adjacent residential uses. Land use incompatibility problems within the Town of Columbia are
dealt with separately in the Columbia section of this report.
3. MAJOR PROBLEMS FROM UNPLANNED DEVELOPMENT
Prior to the adoption of a subdivision ordinance by the County in 1973, the major problem
from unplanned development was the propagation of uncoordinated, pooriy designed subdivisions
along the Albemarle Sound. Some of the problems associated with poor subdivision design
29

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ITYRRELL COUNTY
MAP 4
NORTH CAROLINA 1
tm� a r •
CARO'" C&AU1M M a WAMoe"TM
NATIONAL WILDLIFE
REFUGES
O%UCN a "OffM /-nafM ro MOM rmua
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30

included lack of adequate potable water supply, inadequate sanitary sewer disposal due to septic
tank placement limitations, and lack of public access to waterfront areas. The County -wide water
system has removed concerns over potable water supply and lot size requirements. The
enforcement of health regulations, have helped decrease incidences of septic tanks being placed in
unsuitable soils. As was noted in the 1980 and 1985 Plan Updates, many septic tank problems in
subdivisions were caused by small lots (prior to adoption of subdivision regulations).
The issue of providing general public access to the waterfront in subdivided areas is still a
concern. Continued residential development along the Scuppernong River and the Albemarle
Sound, which appears to be a steady trend, may lead to further public inaccessibility to waterfront
areas unless Alarming policies, or some regulatory devise are developed and implemented. The
County should ensure that the 1987 Water Access Plan is fully implemented.
4. AREAS EXPERIENCING OR LIKELY TO EXPERIENCE MAJOR LAND USE
CHANGES
The major land use changes in Tyrrell County in the past (especially during the 1970's and
early 1980's) have been the conversion of forest land into farm land. This trend was slowing prior.
to the 1985 Land Use Plan Update and has been virtually non-existent since 1985. This is partially
due to the previous conversion of the majority of the land that was suitable for farm purposes. It is
also due, in part, to the 1985 Farm Bill which proclaimed that conversion of certain lands would
result in forfeiture of various federal program benefits.
The most notable land use change has been the transfer of 49,841 acres from First Colony
Farms, Inc. to the Conservation Fund for establishment of the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife
Refuge. This created the second national wildlife refuge in Tyrrell County. The 1985 Land Use
Plan Update discussed the creation of the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge which contained
7,516 acres in Tyrrell County.
Since the 1985 Land Use Plan Update there has been substantial residential development
along the Albemarle Sound. Residential development will probably continue along the Albemarle
Sound in the Scuppernong and Columbia Townships through the planning period (1990 to 2000).
The number of commercial establishments in Tyrrell County has increased from 51 in
1980 to 60 in 1987 (the mostreceut data year). Several of these businesses have located on U.S.
64 in the County. There will probably be a further increase in the number of commercial
establishments along U.S. 64 in Tyrrell County through the year 2000. This development will
occur to meet the needs of the increased number of vehicles which are anticipated once access to
the region is made easier by the widening of U.S. 64 to four lanes.
5. IDENTOCATION OF AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN (AEC 's,)
Of the two broad categories of statutorily defined Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC's)
for coastal North Carolina. These are estuarine system AEC's and ocean hazards AEC's, only the
estuarine system AEC's are applicable to Tyrrell County. It may be useful to define these
important areas prior to listing them again in this Update.
a. Coastal Wetlands
Coastal wetlands or marshlands are defined as any salt marsh or other marsh subject to
regular or occasional flooding by tides, including wind tides (whether or not the tide waters
reach the marshland areas through natural or artificial watercourses), provided this shall not
include hurricane or tropical storm tides.
31

Coastal marshlands also contain some, but not warily all, of specific marsh plant
' species. There are ag coastal wetlands or salt marshes in Tyrrell County of any
significance. However, the general term wetlands can be used to describe most of the low
lying wooded swamp areas in the County. The wooded swamp areas are located primarily
' along the low lying land near the Alligator and Scuppernong Rivers, and minor
occurrences along the Albemarle Sound.
b. Estuarine Waters and Estuarine &QMJj=
'AU
Estuarine waters are defined in G. S. 113A-113 (b) (2) as the water of the Atlantic
Ocean within the N mdaty cf North Carolina and all, the waters of the bays, sounds, rivers
'
and tributaries thereto seaward of the dividing tine between coastal fishing waters and
inland fishing waters asset forth in an agreement adopted by the Wildlife Resources
Cron and the Departs mt of Pnviraament, Health, and Natural Resources fond in
the most current revision of the N.C. 'Fishing Regulations for Coastal Waters'. Estuarine
waters may alternatively be defined as semi-ckned coastal bodies of water than are fed by
the Atlantic Ocean and are comprised of seawater which is measurable diluted with fresh
water drained from fire adjacent land areas.
Fstuarine 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. These shorelines can be wetlands as well as dry lands. This area ordinarily
'
f
extends from the mean high water level or normal water level along the estimes
bays, and bracidsh waters as set forth is an agreement adopted by the Wildlife Resources
Commission and the Department of EavironmeM Health, and Natural Rom, for a
'
distance of seventy-five (75) feet landward. It should be noted, however, that estuarine
shorelines are only located adjacent to coastal or joint waters, and not inland waters. Since
1985, the Anigator River upstram of the U.S. 264 bridge has been designated as
'
Outstanding Resource Water (ORW) by the Division of Environmental Management and
the estuarine shoreline Jurisdiction for these shorelines is 575' landward of the normal
water level ,
'
As an AEC, estuarine shorelines, which may be either dry land or wetlands, are considered
a component of the estuarine system bemuse of the dose aseoc .."onwith the adjacent
'
estuarine waters. Estuarine waters and adjacent estuarine-shor alines make up the most
significant components of the estuarine system in County.
Tyriell
The significance of the estuarine system is that it is one of the most productive natural
environments of North Carolina. It not only supports valuable commercial and sports
fisheries, but is also utilized for commercial navigation, recreation and aesthetic purposes.
Species dependent upon estuaries include menhaden shrimp, flounder, oysters and crabs.
These species make up over ninety (90) percent of the total value of North Carolina's
commercial catch. These species must spend all or part of their life cycle in the estuary.
The preservation and protection of these areas is vitally important
' The estuarine waters and adjacent estuarine shorelines are vast in Tyrrell County, as noted
in the 1985 Plan Update are shown on Map 5 and includes the following:
' • The Albemarle Sound from the County boundary near Bull's Bay to the County
boundary m the middle of the mouth of the Alligator River off of Long Shoal Point and
northward to the mid -fine of the Albemarle Sound.
' - All man made tributaries of the Albemarle Sound.
32

• Scuppernong River to Riders Creek, 1 mile south of Columbia.
• Alligator River to Cherry Ridge Landing
• The Frying Pan
C. Public Trust Areas
Public trust areas are partially defined as all waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the lands
thereunder from the mean high wader mark to the seaward limit of state jurisdiction; all
natural bodies of water subject to measurable lunar tides and lands thereunder to the mean
high water mark, all navigable natural bogs of water and lands thereunder to the mean
high water level or mean water level, as the case may be. In other words, public trust areas
are waters and the lands thereunder, the use of which, benefits and belongs to the public.
In Tyrrell County, all of the waters listed as estuarine waters and Lake Phelps, as
well as all inland waters and the lands thereunder, are considered public trust areas.
Currently, all development and development -related activities within the designated AEC's
in Tyrrell County are regulated by the CAMA permit process and are guided by local policy
(regulations allow a local government to develop its own use standards for AEC's if they
are more restrictive than the State's).
d. Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW s)
Outstanding resource waters (ORW s) are defined as being unique and special surface
waters that are of exceptional state or national recreational or ecological significance with
exceptional water quality. ORWs should also meet the following conditions as set forth
by the Environmental Management Commission (EMC):
1. There are no significant impacts from pollution with the water quality rated as
excellent based on physical, chemical and/or biological information;
2. The chatacoeristics which make these waters unique ar4.special may not be
protected by the assigned narrative and numerical wa4quality standards.
The PMC also requires that an ORW exhibit orb or more of thin following values or uses to
demonstrate its exceptional state or national recreational or ecological significance.
1. There are outstanding fish (or commmthilly important aquatic species) habitat and
fisheries;
2. There is an unusually high level of water -based recreation or the potential for such
recreation;
3. The waters have already received some special designation such as a North Carolina
or National Wild and Scenic River, Native or Special Native Trout Waters, National
Wildlife Refuge, etc., which do not provide any water quality protection.
4. The waters represent an important component of a state or national park or forest; or
5. The waters are of special ecological or scientific significance such as habitat for rare
or endangered species or as areas for research and education.
33

In Tyrrell County the ORW designation are shown on Map 6 and includes all of the
Alligator River sou& of the U.S. 64 highway bridge. This includes the full length of the
river to its origin in Hyde County. It also includes the New Lake Fork, the Nofthwest
Fork, the Southwest Fork, Juniper (meek, Alligator Creek (also known as the Little
' Alligator River), Second Greek, Goose Creek, The Frying Pan, Grapevine Bay, and the
Intracoastal Wal erway.
The non-ORW designation of the portion of the river above the US 64 bridge resulted from
' a petition from the County Commissioners to the Dlvison of Fmironmental Management to
restrict the ORW designation to Mdude only that portion of the Alligator River south of that
badge. This was done to allow for potential marina development above the bridge in'
Tyrrell County. With the creation of the Pocasin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Lake
' Phelps may be considered for ORW designation (see item 3 under additlaoai values for
ORW s in this section).
' ORW s are a type of Area of Environmental Concern (AEC's) but impose more restrictions
on development than imposed on estuarine shorelines. ORW'a have development
restrictions which extend 575 feet landward from the mean high water lane, whereas the
' restrictions on estuarine sinorelinns extend only seventy-five feet landward
C
1
34

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MAP S
1'
'• •••
ESTUARINE SHORELINES
,
TYRRELL COUNTY
NOTE :
THERE ARE NO COASTAL
WETLANDS IN THE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
NOTE:
PUBLIC TRUST WATERS
-•�•�
ARE ALL NAVIGABLE WATERS
nom cuc3tm osncrkfgn OF MANSP A"M '
Y.i owozn . o•
ml.Y Now~ Aomodmanm
35

Review of Current Plans. Policies and Regulations
LOCAL PLANS. STUDIES AND REGULATIONS
The following local plans, studies and regulations have been adopted by Tyrrell County:
a. Tyrrell County Land Use Plan. 1976
Prepared by DNRCD under CAMA, the Plan provides a description of present conditions
of population, economy, and land use constraints to development. It discusses fragile and
hazard areas, areas of environmental concern, areas with resource potential, and
community facilities. It estimates future needs and sets policies and objectives related to
implementing those needs.
' b. Tyrrell County Land Use Plan Update, 1980
This was the first five-year update of the initial 1976 CAMA Plan and contains a re-
assessment of existing conditions and projections of population, land use and economic
conditions. Updated policy statements on various development issues and implementation
strategies are also in the Plan Update.
' C. Tyrrell County Land Use Plan Update, 1985
This was the second five-year update of the 1976 CAMA Land Use Plan. It was prepared
' by Tyrrell County and Talbert, Cox & Associates, Inc. It served to update the County's
data base and to further refine the issues, problems, goals and objectives of the County.
' d. Moving Toward the Future Together. Znrell County and The Town of
Columbia,1989
' Prepared by the Coastal Initiative Committee of the Town of Columbia and Tyrrell County.
This report is a guide for the redevebpment and revitalization of the waterfront area of
Columbia Its goals include the construction of a visitor center to display artifacts from the
' Estelle Randall ship wreck, the development of a marina, a boardwalk and general
promotion of the waterfront for use by tourist and town residents without disruptmg
everyday activities of residents.
' e. Estuarine Water Access Plan. 1987
This report was prepared by Talbert, Cox & Associates, Inc. in order to provide for better
' public access to the waterways located in the County.
f. Comprehensive Water and Sewer Stud_v, Tyrrell CountX, 1971
' Prepared by Rivers and Associates, analysis of water and sewer needs and possibilities.
g. 201 Facility Study, 1977
Prepared by Von Oesen and Associates, determined that a regional sewer facility to serve a
broad area surrounding Columbia was not feasible.
' h. Subdivision Regulations. 1973
36

The Tyrrell County Planning Board was organized in 1973 to undertake comprehensive
planning. The subdivision ordinance is administered by the Board which reviews
development proposals against standards set out therein.
i. Federal Flood Insurance Progra�ri
The Federal Flood Insurance Program which moved into the Regular Phase in 1985, is in
effect throughout the County.
j. State Building Code
The County has adopted the State Building Code. The services of an inspection officer and
a regular inspection program began in 1987.
k. Septic Tank Regulations
Septic tank regulations are administered by the Health Department
2. STATE AGENCY PLANS -
a. Transportation Improvement Program, 1990-1996
This plan, prepared by the N.C. Department of Transportation, is a statewide schedule of
highway improvements to be undertaken during the seven-year period 1990-1996. Tyrrell
County projects in this plan include the four laning of US 64 across the County, the
upgrading of the NC 94 roadway and the addition of two foot wide shoulders from
Fairfield in Hyde County to Columbia and the replacement of bridge number 88 over Bee
Tree Canal in the South Fork Township.
•ice � • i i■. • �-Y_�11 � t . .
Recommended that Tyrrell County construct a minimum level airport facility to implement
State policy of having an airport within a thirty -minute drive of ninety-five percent of the
State's population. However, because of severe military-im 'posed airspace restrictions, this
has not been feasible in Tyrrell County.
c. North Carolina Water Resources Framework Study, 1977
This study, completed by N.C. Department of Natural Resources and Economic
Development in 1977, identified water resource needs for river basins in the State. Needs
identified with Tyrrell County area were as follows:
1. Designate a floodway for Columbia,
2. Develop regional water and sewer,
3. Designate conservation of Scuppernong River corridor, Alligator River south to
Gum Neck, wooded swamp along Albemarle Sound, Lake Phelps;
4. Designate scenic use of Second Creek.
d. Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, SCORP
The purpose of the SCORP is to compile and analyze the existing supply of and demand
for recreation facilities in the State. The SCORP analysis is by regions and has no specific
analysis for each County. Tyrrell County is in Region R.
37

e. Local ReVla�t',ons
In addition to the regulations listed under Local Plans (subdivision regulations, State
Building Code, and septic tank regulations), the CAMA major and minor permit processes
are also enforced in the County. However, Tyrrell County does not have and does not
enforce other ordinances such as zoning, historic districts, nuisance, sedimentation and
erosion control, or local environmental impacts. The County adopted a local mobile home
park ordinance, in August 1986.
3. Federal and State RegWations
In addition to the local ordinances and regulations discussed above, there are also various
Federal and State regulations which could also affect land development in Tyrrell County, the most
notable being the'404' wetlands, regulated by the U.S. Army Carps of Engineers.
n
38

E. Constraints: Land Suitability
This section of the Tyrrell County Land Use Plan proposes to identify features of the land or
landscape of the County which are or could pose serious constraints to development. Under land
suitability, these constraints are considered under these broad categories: ,
1) physical limitations - hazardous areas (man-made or natural), areas with soil limitations,
steep slopes, etc.
2) fragile areas - AEC's, complex natural areas, or areas with. cultural significance
(architectural or archaeological), and
3) area with resource potential - productive or prime agricultural or forest lands, or '
potential valuable mineral sites (peat, for example).
Some of these elements were discussed in the 1980 and 1985 Land Use Plan Updates, but because '
of the implications for updating certain policies, additional discussion will be presented below.
1. PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS '
a. Man -Made Hazards
The most significant man-made hazard in Tyrrell County is a United States Air force '
bombing range located in the Albemarle Sound near the Dewey's pier (SR-1208). Another
actively used bombing range is located in both Tyrrell and a portion of Dare County.
However, the approach to the Dare County range is directly over Tyrrell County. ,
Because of these bombing ranges, nearly all of Tyrrell County, except for a ten -rile -wide
corridor in the northern portion of the County, is restricted airspace. The military expanded '
the air space restrictions over the entirety of Tyrrell County in 1985. There were
provisions for horizontal layers for commercial cross -over air traffic. There were no
provisions for descending or ascending from, or to, that layer - in effect eliminating any ,
chance for the development of an airport in the County.
The continual presence of low -flying military planes on subsonic training missions, has
been the source of many complaints by Tyrrell citizens -- particularly from farmers. There '
have been reports of shattered glass doors and wind=. vs and actual structural damage to
roofs due to the vibration from the planes. The Coun-tys perception of the military
restricted airspace, is that it inhibits agricultural growth and development because of
restrictions placed on crop dusting. It is also felt that potential industrial development, as
well as development of an airport, is also hindered by the airspace restrictions.
The other man-made hazards in Tyrrell County are all storage facilities. These facilities are ,
the Hollowell Oil Company in the Scuppernong community and Cahoon Oil and Gras
Company in Columbia and Coast Oil, Another facility -- Voliva Fuel Company in
Columbia has recently (1990) been dismantled. '
b. Natural Hazard Areas
1. Flood Hazard Areas ,
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conducted a detailed study '
of flood hazard areas and base elevations for Tyrrell County from 1982 to 1994.
This study resulted in the creation of nineteen flood insurance rate maps (FIRM's)
39
t

' for the urnineorporated poctian of the County. These maps bca= effective on
August 19, 1985.
The flood malrr = rate maps show that molt of Tyrrell CamIty is olmmflfti AR
Zone A (see Map 7). Zone A areas. are subject to inundatim by the 100-year flood.
' However, there are significant areas included is the Zone C classification, These
are area subject to minimal flooding. These areas are found mostly in pockets on
land between the lower end of the River and Bull Bay -Albemarle
Sound. Other pocloets of relatively high ground are found a few miles now and/or
a few miles east of Columbia There are also pockets scattered in the central portion
of the County.
' However, the largest and most significant area of Zone C is located in the southeast
portion of the County, from the Washington County border, eastward and
southward to the Hyde Canty border near the southernmost tip of Tyrrell County.
The rest of the County is located within the 100-year, or high hazard flood area.
' Then are no Zone V areas in Tyrrell County. These are area of 100 year coastal
flood with velocity (wave acdon). The existing land uses within the high hazard
flood area, consist mostly of residential, agricultural and forestry uses. The
' average elevation in the high hazard areas is about four feet above mean sea level (4
msl). -
2. Estuarine Ero6m Area
As discussed under the identcation of Areas of Environmental Concern (AFC's),
' Tyrrell County has a substantial area of estuarine waters and estuarine shorelines.
Erosion of the estuarine shoreline can pose possible hazards for certain waterfront
developments. Estuarine erosion areas have been determined by the Soil
Conservation Service (SCS) for 121 points along the Albemarle Sound and
' Alligator River. Average annual erosion rates were ident Med by reach area in a
1976 study by the SCS (see Map 8). This is the most current data available.
According to the SCS's district office, this data may be projected forward to this
' date (1990) and the erosion rates may be assumed to be continuing at these give
rates:
a. Shoreline in Scuppernong Township, 3.1 feet..
b. Other shoreline along Albemarle; 2.1 feet...: '
c. Little Alligator shoreline, 2.2 feet..,
d. Little Alligator to Second Creek on Alligator, 3.3 feet.
' e. Alligator to Gum Neck to Kilkenny, 1.5 feet.
' The overall average erosion rate is about 2.3 feet per year for Tyrrell County's
estuarine shorelines, or about twenty-three feet every ten years. This rate of Ion
could be greatly intensified in the event of major storms. Shoreline stabilization in
developed areas is an important candderation for Tyrrell County.
' The 1985 Tyrrell County Land Use Plan Update's sails analysis was based upon a
"Special Soil Survey Report" which was conducted by the U.S.D.A. Soil
' Conservation Service and published in 1982. Since that time a standard soil survey
book has been published. Fieldwork for this report was completed in 1984 with
approval of soil names and descriptiams in 1985. The report entitled "Soil Survey
' of Tyrrell County, North Carolina" was issued in July of 1988.
40

A
MILL
am
ab
Am
z
LAKES
NATIONAL
WILDLIFE
REFUGE
....................
.. .... ... . .
Maw
tw
am@—
j
:n r.:
MAP 6
OUTSTANDING RESOURCE
WRRELL CCU
WATERS
NORTH CAROLINA
INCLUDES ALL OF ALLIGATOR
RIVER TO ORIGIN, NEW LAKE,
NMI CAlCU"t&AffhNWCWftM4V=A"0H
NORTHWEST AND SOUTHWEST
sh'mkvm Op fmdwwws-pL*mm as lou'Am maim
FORKS, JUNIPER, ALLIGATOR,
wdmsmm��qw
U-S amummoff cp "w"wonow"
PMW*Ai l@W"WW *AWP=WaWw
SECOND, GOOSE CREEKS9 THE
FRYING PAN, GRAPEVINE BAY,
INTERCOASTAL WATERWAY
due
41

C. Areas With Soils Limitations
The report includes detailed descriptions of the soil types and properties for Tyrrell County
with discussion of the suitability for various uses such as croplands, urban development,
and rem -eaten. The most important feature or property of soils to consider in Tyrrell '
County is its drainage capability. Well -drained, stable soils can be used for a variety of
development purposes, i.e. croplands or residential (septic tank suitability).
In general, the soils in Tyrrell County have limitations for many uses because of wetness,
too rapid permeability, too slow permeability, or low strength. Of the twenty-two soil
classifications contained in the soil survey report, all except two were characterized as
being poly drained with limitations for urban development uses. Most of the soil types, '
however, are suitable for various agricultural uses if the proper drainage is provided.
Large aavages of the surface area of Tyrrell County soils consist of high decomposed
organic matter. These peat -type soils are poorly suited for agricultural use because of the
high incidence of stumps and roots in the soil profile and the depth of organic matter, t
which limit their use for cultivation.
With the recently established trend of population growth, as well as absence of centralized '
sewer facilities, a very important consideration is the extent of soil suitable for urban
development - mainly septic tank placement. As stated previously, only two soil types
were classified as well -drained and clearly suited for urban development These soil types
are Conetoe loamy sand and State sandy loam. These sails are found mostly in the
northern half of the County along ridges, particularly in the Scuppernong Township, along
the Albemarle Sound. Two other soils, Altavista loamy fine sand and Tomotley fine loam
sand have development potential with proper drainage. These soils are located mostly in
the northern half of the County. (See Map 9, which shows the general locations of soil
types most suitable for urban -type uses).
43 1

2
A4 r
all m
O
61
M lw
LAKES
NATIONAL
%-13--
WILDLIFE
REFUGE
N ► O � /
kYRRELL COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
m CAMP" WAMIMMa OF NWGMUAYM
oftue" OF ftaffwAn-ftmam Me Gomm aumm
V.3 Do""~ OF ""wormacm
fwftAL MWAIIIIm Aftommomm
sun
—no
am
L=
41
4
L
. 4r.
4willill Is,
Mr
8
MAP 8
ioe0000' SHORELINE EROSION BY REACH
<--9-71 REACH
44

Li
1.
Sources and Estimated Q mM of Water Surmly
Groundwater
'The Yorktown aquifer is the principal source of water supply in Tyrrell County. '
This aquifer consists chiefly of beds of marl, sand and consolidated coquina that are
generally separated by beds of clay or sandy clay. Yields of 5 to 20 gpm are
common in most small diameter wells in the Yorktown aquifer. Yields of 75 to 100
gpin may be obtained from carefully constructed wells of large diameter. The
aquifer is recharged directly in the area of outcrop and indirectly by seepage of
water through overlying superficial sand. The chemical quality of water from the
Yorktown aquifer varies with the lithology. The water is moderately hard to hard. ,
'Superficial sediments of Pleistocene and Recent Age comprise the non -artesian or
water table aquifer.. This aquifer is recharged directly by precipitation and surface
storage and, where it immediately overlies artesian aquifers acts as a source of
recharge to them. The water table is usually within two or three feet of the land
surface except in the swamp, where it is at the surface. Water from this shallow
aquifer is characteristically soft, irony and corrosive.' (1980 Land Use Plan ,
Update, p. 26-27)
The Tyrrell County water system is tied onto the Town of Columbia's water '
system. The Town's system, which was built in 1964, uses two wells. Raw water
from these wells is treated at the rate of 300 gpm and stored in a 250,000 gallon
elevated storage tank.
Tyrrell County has a water purchase contract with Columbia to serve users in
various unincorporated areas of the County. Phase I of the Tyrrell County water
system consisted of two 250 gpm deep wells, one 250 gpm treatment facility, and a
250,000 gallon elevated storage tank and limited distribution lines. Phase H of the
County water system, which was completed'in late 1985, expanded the distribution
system to serve some of the areas not served by Phase I of the water system. ,
As of the writing of the 1985 Land Use Plan Update the Alligator Township,
located in the northeast portion of the County could not be economically served by
the water system. Water lines are beffig extended to most of this area and are
expected to be completed by the Fall of.1990, There are still several dwellings in
the Frying Pan area which cannot be economically served. Problems from
individual wells (for users not connected to the County water system) was cited in
the Prefiminary EnQineerinE Report: Tvrrell Countv Water Svstem. Phase H.
Revised September. 1982:
"Water for homes outside of the County Water System service ,
area is presently obtained from individual wells. Most of the
existing wells are inadequate as far as capacity is concerned and
are not protected from surface contamination. Additional '
contamination is caused by flooding after excessive rainfall.
Some of the homes in the proposed service area have outdoor
privies and no water supply. ,
"Most existing wells, few of which are deeper than 48 feet,
yield from 5 to 15 gallons per minute from the superficial sands
and gravels, and near -surface sands of the water -table aquifer. '
45 1

' A few wells obtain water from sands, coquinas (a soft whitish
limestone formed of broken shells and corals) and hardened
' shell marls of the Yorktown upper aquifer. Wells in this
aquifer range from 47 to 122 feet deep," (p. 7-8).
1
The report also pointed out that most private wells pumped from the shallow, water.
table aquifer, which yields typically hard iron water. To make the water more
suitable for domestic uses (including drinking) users often must install rather
expensive water filters or softening units. Even with these mechanical devices, the
water quality is still often undesirable. (Preliminary Engineering Report, p.8).
2. Surface Water
jGenerally,
the surface water quality in Tyrrell County is good and not subject to
acute long-term pollution. There has been concern in recent years over the impact of
freshwater intrusion into the saline -concentrated estuarine waters, mainly from
'
surface runoff due to land clearings. However, no defri five studies have been
produced detailing such impacts in Tyrrell County. (Discussions with N. C.
Division of Environmental Management and Division of Marine Fisheries.)
'
3. Stream Water Classifications
The Division of Enviromental Management (DEM) of the Department of
'
Environment, Health and Natural Resources samples water bodies and classifies
them based upon water quality and recommended usage. These waters are grouped
into two general groups - the freshwater classification and the tidal salt water
classification.
The basic freshwater classifications and the allowed uses are as follows:
1
Class Q freshwaters protected for secondary recreation, fishing and
aquatic life including propogation and survival; all freshwaters are
'
classif ed to protect these uses at a minimum;
Class B: fi-eshwate s protested for primary rereation which includes
swimming on a frequent and/or organized basis and all Class C
'
uses.
The basic tidal salt water classification and the allowed uses are as follows:
Class SC; saltwaters protected for secondary recreation, fishing, and
aquatic life including propogation and survival; all saltwaters are
classified to protect these uses at a minimum;
Class SB; saltwaters protected for primary recreation which includes
swimming on a frequent and/or organized basis and all Class SC
uses'
Class SA: suitable for commercial shellfishing and all other tidal
saltwater uses.
DEM also has some supplemental classifications which are relevant to Tyrrell
County. These are swamp waters.(Sw) and Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW).
'
These water classifications are defined below-
46

Swamp waters (Sw): waters which have low velocities and other
natural which are different from adjacent streams.
Outstanding Resm= Waters (ORW): unique and special waters of
exceptional state or national recreational or ecological significance
which require special protection to maintain existing uses. (See
section on ORW s.
The water bodies in Tyrrell County are classified as shown on Map 10 and as
follows:
Alligator River (From US 64 Bridge to Northwest Fork)
SC
Sw ORW
Northwest Fork
C
Sw ORW
Jumper Creek
C
Sw ORW
Southwest Fork
C
Sw ORW
New Lake Fork
C
Sw ORW
Alligator River (From source to Northwest Fork)
C
Sw ORW
Alligator Creek (also called Little Alligator River)
SC
Sw ORW
Second Creek
SC
Sw ORW
Goose Creek
SC
Sw ORW
The Frying Pan
SC
Sw ORW
Grapevine Bay
SC
Sw ORW
Intercoastal Waterway
SC
Sw ORW
Scuppernong River (to Riders Creek)
SC
Scuppernong River (Riders Creek to Source)
C
Sw
Riders Creek
C
Sw
Bee Tree Canal (and all connecting canals)
C
Sw
4. Closed Shellfishin
As a general rule, all waters classified by the Division of Environmental
Management as SA waters are open for commercial shellfishing (see previous
section on Stream Water Classification above). All other waters are closed for
commercial shellfishing.
There are, however, some areas within genmb designated SA waters which
have been closed for shellfishing due to discharges or runoff from an accident or a
severe storm. These areas are often closed only temporarily. In other instances
portions of waters initially designated as SB or SC may have improved to the
point where some shellfishing may be permitted. For these reasons a Closed
Shellfishing Map (Map 11) has been included in addition to the Stream
Classification map (see Map 10). This map should be updated as necessary to
reflect changing water quality. When gathering shellfish, citizens should avoid
areas declared polluted and hazardous as designated by lime green signs on posts
in the area.
e. Slopes in Excess of Twelve Percent
The elevations in all of Tyrrell County are all very low and there are no steep slopes in excess
of twelve percent anywhere in the County.
u
I
47

4—
ms
. . . . . . . . . . .
V,
41F
WILDLIFE
REFUGE - „ _ i ,
CZAMMIAW
ter
•
...... .. . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .
MAP 9
SOILS SUITED FOR URBAN
ELL COUWY kYRRDEVELOPMENT (WELL DRAINED
LNORTH CAROLINA SOILS) APPROXIMATE LOCATONS
CAROM" MAW~ OF nWOPMAIM
CrftV" OP 06ONWATS—PLUGOO &,o
V.S 06*AU~ CV J&&jdrCffUNW
mmftu goof~•
48

LAKES
NATIONAL
WILDLIFE
REFUGE
..
l
yf
N
C
MAP 10
STREAM WATER CLASSIFICATIONS
TYRRELL COUNTY
F� SC
SW ORW WATERS
NORTH CAROLINA
SC
WATERS
MCWM CARCUMA WAMM" OF MUMPMAMN
arro. al.ow.lfs-wwe�a tl0 s�..a..ra
V.2 owomvm~ op -
NOTE:
SEE STREAM CLASSIFICATION
'
ROMA $@C4ftUW
SECTION ON PAGE 29 FOR .49
CLASSIFICATION OF SMALLER

2. FRAGILE AREAS
These are area which could easily be damaged or destroyed by inappropriate or poorly
planned development. Theta are several fragile areas m Tyrrell County including those areas
' previously identified and discussed as areas of environmental concern (AEC's). These fragile
areas include coastal wetlands (or marshlands); estuarine waters, estuarine shorelines, and public
trust areas. (See discussion above).
' There are other fragile area in the County which are not classified as Areas of Environmental
Concern, which due to either natural or cultural significance, are environmentally sensitive. An
example are the 404 wetlands, as designated by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. The U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have defined wetlands
as follows; 'Those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency
and duration sufficient to support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in. saturated
' soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas." These
areas are extensive in Tyrrell County and function similarly to AEC's. The 404 areas are regulated
by the Corps and not by the State.
' Additional areas will be identified and discussed below as either 'Natural Resource Fragile
Areas or "Cultural Resource Fragile Areae.
' a. Natural Resource Fragile Areas
1. Prime Wildlife Habitats and Areas that Sustain Remnant Species
Natural resource fragile areas are generally recognized to be of educational,
scientific, or cultural value because of the natural features of the particular site. These areas
include complex natural areas, areas that sustain remnant species, unique geologic
i
formations, pocosins, wooded swamps, prime wildlife habitats, or registered natural
landmarks. With the exception of unique geologic formations and registered natural
landmarks, the above -listed natural resource fragile areas tend to overlap in Tyrrell County.
Tyrrell County contains approximately 7,500 acres of the Alligator River National
Wildlife Refuge. During the summer of 1990, the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
I
was created is the southwestern and southcentral portions of the County (as well as in
portions of Hyde and Washington Counties). This refuge resulted from the acquisition of
over 60,000 acres by a group called The Conservation Fund over the last five years.
Approximately 49,841 acres of this land is within Tyrrell County.
home
These areas, as well as other portions of the County, are to a variety of
endangered, threatened, or rare plant and animal species. Among the state and federal
organizations reporting the status of plants and animals within the County are the North
Carolina Natural Heritage Program and the United States Department of the Interior. These
agencies rank species by the severity of the threat to their continued existence. The most
severely threatened species are labeled endangered. The next lower level are labeled
'
threatened, followed by species of special concern and significantly rare.
The only species of plant or animal that is listed as endangered in Tyrrell County is
' the Red Cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides Borealis). The only species of plant or animal that
is listed as threatened is the American Alligator (Alligator Miss>ssiPpiensis). The only
species of plant or animal listed as a special concern is the Black Bear (Ursus Americans).
Species that are endangered, threatened or of a special concern are protected by federal and/or
state law.
1 50

There are several species which are listed as being significantly rare. This label
means that they are at risk and an effort should be made to monitor their populations or to
seek their classification as a protected species. The significantly rare plant and animal species
in Tyrrell County are Hessel's Haiistreak (Mitoura Hesseli), Riverbank Quillwort (Isoetes
Riparia), Winged Seedbox (Ludwigia Alata) and Perennial Sundrops (Oenothera Perennis).
There are several species which are listed as being candidates for listing as a
species with need for protection. That is, these species may be at risk and are being
considered for classification as endangered, threatened or a special concern which would
legally protect the species. These candidate plant and animal species are Silver Sedge (Carex
Canescens SSP Disjuncta), Parker's Pipewort (Eriocaulon Parkeri) and White Beakrush
(Rhynchospora Alba).
As noted in the 1985 Plan Update, much of Tyrrell County could be considered as
a complex natural area. These areas are defined as "lands that support native plant and animal
communities and provide habitat conditions or characteristics that have remained essentially
unchanged by human activity." Complex natural areas are often surrounded by landscapes
that have been modified but still do not drastically alter the conditions within the natural areas
or their scientific or educational value.
The complex natural area in Tyrrell County could also include areas that sustain
remnant species, pocosins, wooded swamps and wildlife habitats. The newly designated
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge and the proposed Picosin Lakes National Wildlife
Refuge could also fit in these overlapping categories. There are no registered natural
landmarks or unique geologic formations in Tyrrell County.
b. Cultural Resource Fragile Areas
Fragile areas may be particularly important to a locale either in an aesthetic or cultural sense.
Fragile cultural resource areas are generally recognized to be of educational, scientific,
aesthetic, or cultural value because of their special importance to our understanding of past
human settlement of, and interaction with, the coastal zone. Cultural resource areas serve to
distinguish the designated areas as significant among the historic architectural or
archaeological remains in the coastal zone, and therein establish their value.
1. Architectural Resources
Although there has been no comprehensive architectural investigation of Tyrrell
County, the State Division of Archives and History has recorded several strictures
in the County that are of historical or architectional importance. These structures
include:
The Tyrrell County Courthouse. Southwest corner of Main and Broad
streets, Columbia. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church. South side of SR 1104, 0.1 mile west
of the junction with NC 94, Pleasant View vicinity. On the state study list
for future inclusion in the National Register.
Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. South side of SR 1115, east of the
junction with SR 1116, Columbia vicinity. On the state sturdy list for future
inclusion in the National Register.
1
u
51

There may be other structures of historical or architectural value within the
' County. The Division of Archives and History recommends that the County
conduct a comprehensive survey to identify and protect these structures.
2. Archaeological Reswrres
The Division of Archives and History list only ten recorded archaeological sites in
Tyrrell County. The most important of these ten sites is the Spruill homeplace.
This site is located within the Colonial Beach subdivision on Bulls Bay. This site
is though to be the homeplace of Joseph Spruill (ca. 1720 and 1750), son of
Godfrey Spruill who was the first recorded physician south of the Albemarle
Sound. This site has been investigated for inclusion in the National Register of
Historic Places.
The other nine sites are also of historical archaeological value and should likewise
by proweted and preserved. These ten known sites represent only a small fraction
of the total sites in the County. According to the Division of Archives and
History, historic and prehistom archaeological sites can be excepted to occur on
well -drained soils along streams and rivers throughout the County. It is also
possible that some sites may yet exist along the Albemarle Sound. However,
erosion along the southern shove of the sound has been severe, and has probably
' destroyed more prehistoric and early historic period sites.
The Division of Archives and History request that due to the sensitivity of
archaeological sites that the State be consulted before development is allowed in
areas that have, or may have, archaeological sites.
3. Underwater Archaeolodcal Resources
' The Division of Archives and History states that "the vast majority of the waters
lying within Tyrrell County have not been surveyed for underwater archaeological
' sites. Limited underwater archaeological investigations have been conducted in
the Scuppernong River primarily around the Columbia waterfront and the
following sites have been identified: ;
i Estelle Randall �:
Columbia Flat Barge A`
Columbia Flat Barge B
Bridge Boat
Columbia Shad Boat
Columbia Skiff
tThe Estelle Randall is considered to be the most significant of the known
underwater archaeological sites. There has been some discussion of retrieving
artifacts and/or raising the entire vessel for display in a museum. The most recent
such discussion is in conjuction with the Town of Columbia's "Waterfront
Redevelopment Plan". This plan, also known as 'Moving Toward the Future
Together, Tyrrell County and the Town of Columbia", recommends the retrival of
artifacts from the Estelle Randall for display in a proposed Visitor Center.
Other submerged areas within the Couny may hold a high potential for containing
' underwater archaeological resources based on historical research. These areas
would be those with an active maritime history, documented vessel lasses, or
1 52

3.
known hazards to navigation. Again the State should be contacted before any
development begins which may disturb known or potential underwater
archaeological resources.
Although several sites have been identified as having the potential for inclusion on the "study
list" for possible recommendation to the National Register of Historic Places, none have
actually been placed on the list.
AREAS WITH RESOURCE POTENTIAL
a. Agricultural and Forest Lands
The primary areas with resource potential to be considered in this update of the Tyrrell
County Land Use Plan are agricultural and forest lands. As discussed under existing
economic conditions, agriculture and commercial forestry are the largest income producers
for Tyrrell County. ,
In August, 1983, the Governor of North Carolina issued a formal policy declaration
(Executive Order 96) concerning the State's desire to promote the "Conservation of Prime
Agricultural and Forest Lands' in support of, and to assist with, compliance of the Federal
Farmland Protection Policy Act of 1980. The declaration of Executive Order 96 recognized
the fact that in many areas of the State, prime agricultural and forest lands are being
converted to other uses at such a significant rate that these irreversible uses may ultimately
reduce the capacity of food and fiber production.
Prime agricultural and forest lands were defined as those lands "...which possess the best
combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food, feed, fiber
(including forest products), forage, oilseed, and other agricultural products (including
livestock), without intolerable soil erosion."
The Governor directed the Secretary of the Department ofNatural Resources and
Community Development to assume the responsibility of Burying out the order. The
program proposed in the Executive Order involved the identification and mapping of prime
agricultural and forest lands by the Soil and Water Conseryation Commission through the
assistance of local Soil and Water Conservation Districts: The impact of any development
proposed on prime agricultural or forest lands would also have to be assessed beginning
January 1, 1984 by means of the existing State Clearinghouse review process.
Prime agricultural and forest lands have been identified and mapped in accordance with
Executive Order 96, in Tyrrell County. These designations are done as a part of the
County's soil survey and are listed by the most productive soil types as noted on pages 23
through 31 of the Soil Survey of Tyrrell County. North Carolina With appropriate
drainage facilities, most of the soil types in Tyrrell County yield very productive farmland.
The majority of the productive farmland is located in the northern portions of the County,
with forest lands dominating most of the rest of the County's landscape. (See Existing
Land Use Map, attached as Map 3).
b. Productive Water Bodies
Because of the significance of commercial and recreational fishing in Tyrrell County the
primary fishing areas should also be considered as an area with resource potential. As
noted in the 1980 Land Use Plan Update (p. 11), fisheries are varied in Tyrrell County and

' include pound net activity, grill net, crabbing, and eeling. Most fishing is done in the
Albemarle Sound, the Alligator River, and the Scuppernong River. Croaker, bass and
perch are primarily caught in the Sound, while herring is primarily caught in the
Scuppernong River. A brief summary of commercial fishing yields is found on page 14 of
this 1990 Update.
' Aquaculture has been emerging as a viable industry in recent years. Aquaculture involves
the cultivation of the natural produce of water bodies. Such businesses are viable economic
development alternatives. Aquaculture is a relatively non polluting industry. Aquaculture
' is a desirable industry in Tyrrell County because it will create jobs, thus generating revenue
with a relatively small chance of pollution.
' c. Nursery Areas
General nursery areas are defined as 'those areas in which, for reasons such as food cover,
' bottom type, salinity, temperature and other factors, young finfish and crustaceans spend
the major portion of the initial growing season.'
1. Primacy Nursery Arras
Primary nursery areas are defined by the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission as
'those areas in the estuarine system where initial post larval development takes place.
' These areas are usually located in the uppermost sections of a system where populations are
uniformly very early juveniles.'
A primary nursery has recently been declared for the Alligator Creek (also known as the
Little Alligator River) in the northeastern portion of Tyrrell County (see Map 2). This
declaration was made by the National Wildlife Commission. This is the fast such nursery
area declared partially due to the low salinity levels as described under the section on
' secondary nurseries. The primary reason for the lack of nursery designations is that there
has not been adequate monitoring and sampling of the water bodies in this general area of
the State. The National Wildlife Commission feels that there is a good chance that other
areas will be designated as nursery area when more detailed sampling and monitoring is
conducted.
It should be noted that all of the tributaries of the Alligator River and the Scuppernong
River function as valuable spawmng waters. These areas are critically important to the
early development of several anadromous (fresh water spawning) species. These species
include river hearing, shad, and stripped bass. Other commercially and recreationally
' important species such as spot, croaker, yellow perch, white perch, flounder, and blue
crabs are also found in these waters.
2. teary Nurs= Areas
Secondary nursery areas are defined as those areas in the estuarine system where later
juvenile development takes place. Populations are usually composed of developing sub -
adults of similar size which have migrated from an upstream primary nursery area to the
secondary nursery area located in the middle portion of the estuarine system.
' There are no permanent, nor special, secondary nursery areas in Tyrrell County as defined
by the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission. The reason for the lack of these areas
in the Albemarle Sound area is primarily due to the low salinity levels of the Albemarle
Sound which is predominately fresh waterin character. The wagers of the Albemarle
Sound typically contain between four and eight parts of salt per thousand parts of water.
54

This level is well below the technical definition of a nur=y areas as defined by the North
Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission. This low salinity level results in predominance of
fish species other than those found in more typical nursery areas.
c. Mming Lands
As discussed elsewhere in this report and extensively in the 1980 and 1985 Land Use Plan
Updates, Tyrrell County has a substantial peat reserve capable of being muted for
commercial or industrial purposes. An estimate made by Fast Colony Farms several years
ago projected that there were approximately 45,000 acres of peat reserves in Tyrrell County
(1980 Land Use Plan, p. 36). A review of detailed soil classifications maps prepared by
the U.S.D.A. Soil Conservation Service, indicates that soil types with highly decomposed
organic matter as surface layers and underlayed by decayed logs, and similar bulky
materials, may signify the presence of peat
These types of soils can be found all over the County in various pockets. The broadest
concentrations appear to be in the south, south-central, and eastern portion of the County.
A substantial portion of the potential peat lands are currently fprested. There was some
discussion is the "Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge Enviromnental Assessment"
concerning the mining of peat in this newly created refuge. The stated reason for the
mining of peat in this area was to create a better, more suitable wildlife habitat.
d. Outdoor Recreation Lands
Lands used for hunting, fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and other outdoor recreational
uses are also important resources to consider in the development of land use policies.
Because of many productive water bodies and expansive woodlands, recreational fishing
and hunting opportunities in Tyrrell County abound. The County now contains two
national wildlife refuges - the Alligator River and the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife
Refuges. These areas will provide a combined 57,000 acres of land in Tyrrell County that
is under federal protection and management which may be used for camping, hiking, and
other limited recreational uses.
55

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MAP 12
NURSERY AREAS
TYRRELL COUNTY
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PRIMARY NURSERY AREAS
NORTH CAROLINA
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Tyrrell County obtains its water from wells. The current max®um daily capacity is
480,000 gallo®s, with peak usage of only 90,000 gallons per day (18.75 percent of capacity),
This leaves excess capacity of 390,000 gallons per day during peak water usage - capacity which
could aeoomodate a significant amount of future development. The County has a storage capacity
of 250,000 gallon in elevated storage tanks.
The County is expected to complete an expansion of water lines to the Goat Neck aria by
the Fall of 1990. This expansion was financed by Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
funds at a cost of $600,000. The expansion plans include the construction of a new 250,000
gallon storage taalk-effectively doubling the County's water storage abft.
With the won of this project, and pastwater line exte sicm only a small portion of
the Alligator Township will be unseived by County water. There are also a few families ar the
Prying Fan area and a few more families near Lake Phelps who do not have County water.
Residents is these areas rely on private wells to obtain their water. Itis not pra=dy economically
feasible to extend water lines to these areas and, as such, time are currently no plans to do so.
There has been some discussion of the Lake Philp area residents receiving water from Washington
County, but no real plans have been developed.
There is no sewer system in Tyrrell County. Septic tanks are used in the majority of the
County. The Town of Columbia is served by their own sewer system. Tyrrell County and
Columbia have hired the engineering firm of McDavid and Associates to conduct coat analysis as to
the feasrbi}ity of expanding the Town's current 150,000 gallon per day sewage treatment plant to
better serve the Town and to provide services to some of the more developed parts of the County
near Cohimbia. This cost analysis is also examining the feasibility of constructing a new 300,000
gaUm per day sewage treatment plant
The general elevations of Tyrrell County are only eighteen (18) inches above mean sea
level in some places. These low elevations make the siting of a sanitary landfill virtually
impossible. Guureatly Tyrrell County has more than fifty (50) dumpsters located in various places
around the Canty. The County owns and operates two refuse compactor trucks which collect the
solid wastes for delivery to a sanitary landfill in Washington County. The County has organized a
Solid Waste Task Force to study recycling possibilities and to discuss issues such as the feasibility
of purchasing a trailer for the disposal of old tires and other hazardous items.
There are two public schools in Tyrrell County. The high school is located on Mama Street
in the Town of Columbia and houses grades seven through twelve. It is currently at capacity with
approxmmately 300 students. The elementary school is located about three blocks south of the high
school on secondary route 1300, just outside of the Columbia Town limits. The elementary school
Is also at capacity with apprommately 470 students. There are also two private parochial schools in
11

The County has recently approved a $1.8 million. bond issue to construct a media center
and a cafeteria at the high school, and to enlarge kindergarten classrooms at the elementary school.
The school board is also constructing a bus garage and maintenance shop behind the high school.
This project is being financed in part by the bond issue and in part by tax revenues. Even with
these improvements the Tyrrell County School system is pressed for space and will have serious
problems serving more students than it now has enrolled. However, population projections and
estimated school enrollments indicate that school enrollments will remain virtually constant during
the ten year Plarmin8 Pao
There are only two primary roads in Tyrrell County, U.S. Highway 64, which runs east -west and
N.C. Highway 94, which runs north -south. N.C. 94 intersects with and dead ends at U.S. 64,
giving the County a T-bone thoroughfare network. Most of the State maintained secondary routes
are located in the northern portion of Tyrrell County, with the road network being quite
undeveloped in the southern areas of the County.
Traffic volumes m Tyrrell County are never excessively heavy. The capacities of the paved roads
are more than adequate to handle projected traffic volumes. Traffic volumes on most of the roads
in Tyrrell County are less than 500 vehicles per day. Only N.C. 94 and U.S. 64 have more than
1,000 vehicles per day traveling on them. Traffic volumes on U.S. 64 range from 1700 vehicles
per day near the Alligator Community, to 3600 vehicles per day at the County line with
Washington County, to about 4800 just to the west of Columbia. Traffic volumes on N.C. 94
range from 1,000 vehicles per day near the turn off to The Frying Pan; to 1600 just south of
Columbia. Both of these roads are scheduled for improvements or widening in the N.C.
Department of Transportation Transportation Improvement Plan. 1990-1996.
Police protection for Tyrrell County and the Town of Columbia, is provided by the Tyrrell County
Sheriffs department which is located on Main Street in Columbia adjacent to the County
courthouse. The department's staff consist of the sheriff, four deputies and five radio
dispatchers/jailers. There are five patrol cars for use by the department. This is adequate to serve.
the Town and the County. This service should be adequate for the Town and County in the
foreseeable future. Large population increases may necessitate the addition of more deputies.
There is, however, a need to establish a 911 emergency phone system. Residents currently dial the
sheriff department's dispatcher at 796-2251 for fire, police and rescue services. Plans are being
developed to provide a 911 service, but no date as to implementation has been established.
7. FIRE PROTECTION
There are three fire stations in Tyrrell County - one on Main Street in Columbia, one in Gum Neck
and one in Kilkenny. The station in Columbia is jointly operated and funded by the Town of
Columbia and Tyrrell County. The other stations are county stations, but all three stations rely
heavily upon contributions from the community for financial support.
The station in Columbia is actually two separate buildings, each measuring about 3,000 square
feet. This station houses two 750 gallon per minute pumper trucks, one equipment truck, one
1400 gallon tanker truck, a 500 gallon tanker truck that also serves to carry some rescue equipment
(not a crash truck per se) and two ambulances. These last three vehicles belong to, or are shared
with the Tyrrell County rescue squad which shares this location. (See section 8 below.)
E
11
1
59

The station at Gum Neck is also housed in two separate buildings, each measuring about 1,500
' square feet. Equipment at this station includes a 1,000 gallon per minute pumper truck, and an
equipment truck. This station has the use of a non -certified tanker truck. The Tyrrell County
rescue,squad also maintains one ambulance unit at this station (see section 8 below).
' The station at Kilkenny is located at the intersection of N.C. 94 and secondary route 1321. This
station is housed in a single building measuring about 1, 500 square feet which was built in late
1988 and early 1989. It contains one 750 gallon per minute pumper truck (which was recently
donated to the County by the U.S. Forestry Service) and a 500 gallon tanker truck.
This station has experienced some difficulties in obtaining accreditation by the State and is
' currently still uncertified. The problem with accreditation lies with obtaining funding and an
adequate size staff. Currently them is a volunteer staff of only eight persons at this station. The
Gum Neck Station has a staff of eighteen and the Columbia station has forty-four.
' The fire department has access to flushing values on the County's water lines. These flushing
values are located about five miles apart, therefore a refilling water supply for the fire trucks is no
more than two and a half miles away from any area served with County water lines. These
' flushing values should be used very carefully because they are not of the same design as fire
hydrants and if used improperly they may collapse the two inch or four inch water line that feeds
them. Fire hydrants per se, are only available inside the Town limits of Columbia. The Town has
about seventy-five hydrants located about 300 yards apart.
The fire department has several pressing needs. Among these is a replacement of the equipment
' truck that serves the Town of Columbia. Even though this vehicle has passed inspection, it has
various mechanical problems and needs replacing. The department also needs to acquire an air
compressor to refill air tanks, because they are currently spending about $100 each month to rent
this service. They are currently applying for a matching grant from the State for such a purchase.
There is a need to establish a 911 emergency phone system as discussed in section 6 above.
8. RESCUE SQUAD
Tyrrell County has two rescue squad stations, both of which are housed with a fire station. One
rescue squad unit is located at the volunteer fire department on MaiwStreet. This unit consists of
' two ambulances and a tanker truck that it shares with the fire depprtmbht. This truck carries rescue
equipment but is not a crash rescue truck per -se. The second roscbe squad unit consists of a single
ambulance which is housed at the Gum Neck fire station.
' The rescue squad has thirty-two (32) volunteer emergency medical technicians (EMT's) and two
paid EMT's who work during the daytime Mondays through Fridays. The County provides
approximately half of the squad's funding and the remainder is raised in the community. The
' squad is currently dispatched by the sheriff department's dispatcher at 796-2251, but plans are
under way to provide a 911 phone system as described in section 6 above.
' 9. LIBRARY
The Tyrrell County library is located on Mains Street in the Town of Columbia. The facility was
built in 1982 and occupies approximately 5,000 square feet. This building includes a large meeting
room that is used by the Tyrrell County Board of Commissioners among other groups. The
current staff consists of a full-time librarian, a full-time assistant, and two part-time clerks.
The Town and the County is also served by a book mobile from the Pettigrew Regional Library in
Plymouth. The library is part of a regional inter -library loan program. Loan services are also
1 60

available from the library at North Carolina State University m Raleigh These library facilities
should be adequate rough the year 2000.
61

L11
G. Population Growth and Impacts on Community Facilities
1. GENERAL
As discussed m the section entitled -present Conditions - Population" (see Table 3 through 6) the
' population of Tyrrell County is expected to have increased from 3,975 in 1980 to 4,160 in 1989.
the County's population is projected to reach 4,208 in 1990, 4,355 in 1995 and 4,462 in 2000.
The State Data Center's population projections are used in this report to predict the future
' population of Tyrrell County (seeTables 3 through 6). This is viewed as the most reliable of the
two population projection methodologies - and also results in. the larger projections. It should be
noted that these projections are based upon an existing past trend. Any unexpected changes such
' as large annexations, or major developments (residential, commercial or industrial) could invalidate
these projections.
' The increasing popultion will directly result in increasing demands on community facilities and
services. The existing capacities of these community facilities, and the potentianal impact of the
projected increases in population is briefly examined below. (Seethe section entitled Constraints:
Capacity of Community Facilities above for more details on each of the community facilities and
' services.)
2. WATER SYSTEM
' Tyrrell County currently has a maximum daily capacity of 480,000 gallons. The County's peak
daily usage is only 90,000 gallons which leaves an excess capacity of 390,000 gallons per day.
' These figures indicate that Tyrrell County's peak daily water system usage is only 18.75 percent of
the County's maximum daily capacity. The remaining 81.25 percent of the maximum daily
capacity should, be more than adequate to handle any development needs which the County may
face during the ten year Pig period.
' 3. SEWER SYSTEM
t These is no County wide sewer system in Tyrrell County. There is a sewer system m the Town of
Columbia. This system currently has a capacity of 15,000 gallons per day. The peak daily usage is
120,000 gallons, which leaves an excess capacity of 30,000 gallons per day. These figures
indicate that the Town of Columbia's sewer system usage is eighty percent of the maximum daily
t capacity. The remaining twenty percent of the maximum daily capacity should be adequate to meet
the short term development needs of the Town of Columbia. It should be noted that the Town is
conducting a cost analysis as to the feasibility of expanding the Town's existing sewage treatment
' plant or perhaps building a new 300,000 gallon per day plant. Either alternative could provide
sewer services to portions of the County near the Town of Columbia.
' 4. SOLID WASTE
Tyrrell County currently has a solid waste disposal system of more than fifty dumpstem located
around the County and two refuse compactor trucks. These trucks collect the. solid waste from the
' dumpsters and transfer it to a sanitary landfill in Washington County. These services should be
adequate to meet the needs of Tyrrell County through the ten year planning period. The County
has also organized a Solid Waste Task Force to study recycling possibilities and to discuss issues
' such as the feasibility of purchasing a trailer for the disposal of old tires and other hazardous items.
5. SCHOOLS
1
62

There are two public schools in Tyrrell County. The high school is located in the Town of
Columbia and the elementary school is located several blocks south of Columbia. Both of these
schools are currently operating at capacity. The County's population projections show that the
County's school age population will remain virtually constant through the ten year planning period.
There are currently some eon plans at each school, but any notable increase in the school age
population would result in further overcrowding. Tyrrell County may need to seek further
expansion of its public school facilities. As stated previously, there ate also two private parochial
schools in the County.
Tyrrell County has a T-bone thoroughfare network which is comprised of two major roads. The
first and foremost of these roads is U.S. Highway 64 which runs east and west across the County.
The other major road is N.C. Highway 94 which runs north and south from Hyde County to its
intersection with U.S. 64 in Columbia. Traffic volumes in Tyrrell County are never excessive.
Only U.S. 64 and N.C. 94 have traffic volumes with more than one thousand vehicles per day.
The transportation system in Tyrrell County should be adequate to meet the future needs of the
County throughout the ten year planning period. It should be noted that even though the two major
highways in the County are currently more than adequate, they are both scheduled for
improvements.
7. POLICE PROTEC'ITON
Tyrrell County and the Town of Columbia are both provided with police protection by the Tyrrell
County Sheriffs Department The department is comprised of the sheriff, four deputies, five radio
dispatchers6ailers and five patrol cars. This staffing and equipment level should be adequate to
meet the needs of Tyrrell County throughout the ten year planning period. Unexpected population
increases may necessitate the addition of more deputies and patrol cats.
8. FIRE PROTECTION
There are three fire stattions in Tyrrell County - one in Columbia, one in Gum Neck and one in
Kilkenny. The fire department staff is all volunteer. The fire department has several pressing
needs such as acquiring an air compressor for refilling air tanks and tgpla ing an equipment truck.
The station in Krilkinney has not been certified primarily due to a lack'qJ funding and an adequate
size staff. Once these problems are resolved the firs depar ment should be adequate to meet the
needs of the County's projected population throughout the ten year pig period.
9. RESCUE SQUAD
Tyrrell County has two rescue squad stations. These are housed with the fire stations in Columbia
and in Gum Neck. The staff consist of thirty-tvw volunteer emergency medical technicians
(EMT"s) and two paid EMTs. The County has a total of three ambulances and a truck which
carries rescue equipment but is not a crash truck per se. A certified crash truck is needed to ensure
adequate rescue operations. This department may also need additional staff, funding and
equipment to meet the needs of a growing population during the ten year planning period.
10. LIBRARY
The Tyrrell County library is housed in a five thousand (5,000) square foot building in the Town
of Columbia The County is also served by a book mobile from the Pettigrew Regional Library in
63

' Plymouth and b an inter -library loan with North Carolina State University m Raleigh
'Meibrary staff consist of a full time librarian, a full time assistant and two part time clerks. These
' facilities should be adequate to meet the needs of Tyrrell County and the Town of Columbia
throughout the ten year pig period.
1
' 64

SECTION H:
POLICY STATEMENTS
65

A. General
The formulation of specific policies regarding growth and management objectives is perhaps the
most important part of this updated Land Use Plan. Those policies must, in some cases, strike a
delicate balance between objectives of the Coastal Resources Commission and the desires and
objectives of the citizens of Tyrrell County. Most of the trends identified in the 1985 Plan are still
continuing, so in many instances, policies set forth in the 1985 Plan will not require modification.
As the analysis of existing conditions showed, these ongoing trends include a moderatelygrowing
population and increased waterfront development.
' The Coastal Resources Commission, recognizing the diversities which exist among the Coastal
counties and communities, requires the County to specify particular development policies under
five rather broad topics. In most cases, policies developed under these topics will cover most of
the local development issues, but in some cases, they do not. In the latter case, the locality has the
flexibility to address, its own locally defined issues. The five required broad topics are:
• Resource Protection
• Resource Production and Management
• Economic and Community Development
• Continuing Public Participation
• Storm Hazard Mitigation
After an analysis of the existing conditions and trends and input from the County's citizens, the
foregoing policies were developed to provide an overall framework for guiding growth and
development in Tyrrell County throughout the 10-year planning period (1990-2000).
1
66

B . Resource Protection
1. AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN: DEVELOPMENT POLICIES:
Tyrrell County recognizes the primary concern of the Coastal Resources Commission, in
terms of protecting resources, as managing Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC's). , The
County also shares this concern for the protection and sound management of these environmentally
sensitive lands and waters. The AEC's which occur in Tyrrell County were identified in Section I
of this Plan.
Most of these areas are within the estuarine system. In terms of developing policies, the
estuarine system AEC's, which include coastal wetlands, estuarine waters, estuarine shorelines,
public trust areas, and outstanding resource waters will be treated as one uniform grouping since
they are so closely interrelated. Another reason for grouping these AEC's together is the fad that
the use of maps to detail exact on -ground location of a particular area pose serious limitations.
Tyrrell County's overall policy and management objective for the estuarine system is (as it
was in the 1985 Update) "to give the highest priority to the protection and coordinated management
of these areas, so as to safeguard and perpetuate their biological, social, economic, and aesthetic
values and to ensure that development occurring within these AEC's is cmnpatible 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, Tyrrell County will permit those land uses which
conform to the general use standards of the North Carolina Administrative Code as amended for
development within the estuarine system. Generally, only those uses which are water dependent
will be permitted. Specifically, each of the AEC's within the estuarine system is discussed below.
a. Coastal Wetlands
There are no coastal wetlands in Tyrrell County. Coastal wetlands are generally defined as
regularly flooded salt marsh areas containing, certain plant species.
b. Estuarine Waters and Estuarine Shorelines
The importance of the estuarine waters and adjacent estuarineashorelines in Tyrrell County
was discussed in Section I of this document and under,Estuarine Erosion Area. Tyrrell
County is very much aware that protection of the estuarine waters and adjacent estuarine
shorelines -- both vital components of the estuarine system -- is of paramount importance to
both commercial and recreational fishing. This was a primary factor in the creation of the
1,320 foot conservation buffer described in the County's 1985 Land Classification System.
Tyrrell County recognizes that actions within the estuarine shoreline, which is defined as
the area extending 75 feet landward of the mean high water line of the estuarine waters,
could have a substantial effect upon the quality of these waters. This area is subject to
erosion and occasional flooding, which could affect the quality of the adjacent estuarine
life, and threaten the security of personal property.
The estuarine erosion rates cited in Section I of this report indicate that certain land areas in
the County are being lost to erosion at an average rate of 2.3 feet per year. If a waterfront
lot were to be located in such an area without stabilization measures, 23 feet of the lot could
possibly be lost to erosion over ten years.
J
67

In order to promote the quality of the estuarine waters as well as minimized the likelihood
of significant property loss due to erosion or flooding, Tyrrell County will permit only
those uses which are compatible with both the dynamic nature of the estuarine shorelines
and the values of the estuarine system. Residential, recreational, and commercial uses may
be permitted within the estuarine shoreline, provided that
1. A substantial chance of pollution occurring from the development does not exist;
2. Natural barriers to erosion are preserved and not substantially weakened or
eliminated'
3. The construction of impervious surfaces and areas not allowing natural drainage is
limited only to that necessary for development;
4. Standards of the North Carolina Sedimentation Pollution Control Act 1973, and as
'
amended in 1990, are met;
5. Development does not have a significant adverse impact on estuarine resources;
'
6. Development does not significantly interfere with existing public rights or access to,
or use of, navigable waters or public resources;
1 c. Public Trust Areas
Tyrrell County recognizes that the public has certain established rights to certain land and
water areas. (For definitions and geographic locations of public trust areas Section 1).
These public areas also support valuable commercial and recreational fisheries, waterfowl
hunting, and also contain significant aesthetic value.
' Tyrrell County will promote the conservation and management of public trust areas.
Appropriate uses include those 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 trusi areas. Such uses as
navigational channels, drainage ditches, buiheads-t d "prevew erosion, piers, docks, or
marinas shall be permitted. -
' d. Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW s)
A new classification of area of environmental concern (AEC) has been created since the
1985 Update was prepared. This new classification is Outstanding Resource Waters
(ORW's). ORW's are defined as being unique and special surface waters that are of
exceptional state or national recreational or ecological significance with exceptional water
quality. ORW's should also meet the following conditions as set forth by the
' Environmental Management Commission (EMC):
1. There are no significant impacts from pollution with the water quality rated as excellent
' based on physical, chemical and/or biological information;
2. The characteristics which make these waters unique and special may not be protected by
the assigned narrative and numerical water quality standards.
1 68

The EMC also requires that an ORW exhibit one or more of the following values or uses to
demonstrate its exceptional state or national recreational or ecological significance:
1. ,'There are outstanding fish (or commercially important aquatic species) habitat and
fisheries;
2. There is an unusually high level of wader -based recreation or the potential for such
recreation;
3. The waters have already received some special designation such as a North Carolina or
National Wild and Scenic River, Native or Special Native Trout Waters, National
Wildlife Refuge, etc., which do not provide any water quality protection;
4. The waters represent an important component of a state or national park or forest; or
5. The wagers are of special ecological or scientific significance such as habitat for rare or
endangered species or as areas for research and education.
The only ORW in Tyrrell County is the Alligator River. Only the portion of the Alligator
River southward of the U.S. 64 bridge is designated as ORW. This resulted from a
petition from the County Commissioners to the Division of F&nvironmental Management to
restrict the ORW designation to include only that portion of the Alligator River south of the
U.S. 64 bridge. This was done to allow for potential marina development above the bridge
in Tyrrell County.
e. Policy Alternatives: Development in AEC's
Sections a, b, and c of this part have presented details of Tyrrell County's position on land
uses in the statutorily defined areas of environmental concern (AEC's). Policy alternatives
include:
1. Revising and strengthening the existing subdivision ordinance to impose stricter design
standards, particularly in waterfront areas, or areas with water accessibility.
2. Adopt either a County -wide zoning ordinance to establish certain zones or districts with
specified uses and restrictions, or a zoning ordinance cgverhig just those developing
areas of the County.
3. Cont- :!e to utilize the current system of the existing Subdivision Ordinance (with no
modiucations) along with Federal and State permit review processes, i.e. 404, and
CAMA to help ensure full support and protection of Outstanding Resource Waters.
f . Policy Choices
Tyrrell County will continue to utilize the current system of the existing Subdivision
Ordinance (with no modifications) along with Federal and State permit and review
processes, i.e. 404, and CAMA. This includes the restrictions placed upon land
adjacent to Outstanding Resource Waters (575 feet landward) which lie within the
1,320 foot area as defined by the County's conservation classification.
2. DEVELOPMENT IN AREAS WITH CONSTRAINT'S
The constraints to development in Tyrrell County were discussed in Section I and relate to both
L

' physical constraints and limitations of community facilities. The physical constraints include man-
made hazards such as the USAF bombing ranges, high hazard flood areas, estuarine erosion areas,
soils with limitations, natural resource fragile areas (such as the two National Wildlife refuges) and
cultural resource fragile areas.
Although the County does not favor the continued existence or expansion of the existing air space
restrictions imposed by the presence of USAF bombing ranges in the Albemarle Sound and in
southern Dare County. In October, 1985 the Tyrrell County Board of Commissioners officially
voiced their position on military air operations by adopting a resolution detailing the County's
concerns, along with an official request that operations and restrictions be reduced. In 1989 the
Coastal Resources Commission adopted a set of guidelines created by their Military Task Force
Committee and in December, 1989, developed and adopted several position statements in
' opposition to such operations. The Albemarle Commission has requested that Tyrrell County
adopt and support these guidelines.
' The high hazard flood areas are areas that are susceptible to the 100-year flood These include the
majority of Tyrrell County's land area and are designated as Zone B on Map 5. According to maps
prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency nearly all of Tyrrell County is considered
to be in the Zone A category.
' There are some poclmI3 of Zone C areas which are minimally flooded areas that are susceptible to a
500-year flood. The area with the highest risk appear to be the estuarine erosion areas
1 (particularly along the Alligator River shoreline) and interior lowland swamp areas. It is not
realistic that all development should be prohibited from these areas because most of the County is
flood prone.
Estuarine erosion areas, as a physical constraint to development, are closely related to the high
hazard flood areas. Soils with limitations for development are also a county -wide phenomenon.
Most of the soil types have limited permeability or too rapid permeability, making septic tank
1 placement a problem. The excessive spreads of muck or silt -type soils and peat -type soils, cannot
support septic tanks nor bear the construction of heavy structures. The best soils for development
are located in the northwestern quadrant of the County in ridges along the Albemarle Sound and
Scuppernong River areas.
The natural resource fragile areas are closely linked with the previously identified AEC's. Most of
the wetlands in the County consist of freshwater marsh or wooded swamp areas. These are
located in the lowlands near the Alligator and Scuppernong Rivers, with lesser occurrences along
the northeastern shorelines of the Albemarle Sound The more sensitive areas are those closest to
the water. The wooded swamps and pocosins in Tyrrell County could possible contain areas that
sustain remnant species; and wildlife habitats, all of which are important to Tyrrell County. Two
such areas have been designated as federal national wildlife refuges. These are the Alligator River
and the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuges.
The County does not believe that all land uses in these areas should be prohibited. The fast
priority of uses of land in these ares should be the allowance of uses which promote conservation
of the sensitive areas, with conservation meaning the lack of imposition of irreversible damage to
' the wetlands. Generally, uses which require water access and uses such as utility easements,
fishing piers and docks, will be allowed, but must adhere to use standards of the Coastal Area
Management Act (CAMA: 15 NCAC 7I).
The cultural resource fragile areas were discussed in " b. Estuarine Waters and Estuarine
Shorelines" above. Existing community facilities such as water, solid waste collection, etc., do
' not pose serious constraints to development.
1
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a. Policy Alternatives
Possible policy alternatives regarding managing growth and development in areas with
identified constraints include:
1. Amend subdivision regulations to include stricter design standards.
2. Develop and adopt additional regulations such as Zoning Ordinance or Flood
Damage Prevention Ordinance to regulate or prohibit all development in areas with
identified physical constraints.
3. Permit development in those areas, utilizing current state, federal and local
regulatory processes such as CAMA, the flood insurance program, current
subdivision regulations, and Corps of Engineers 404 permits, and where adequate
protective measures have been taken.
4. Support the CRC position statements or military air space restrictions and
operations. ,
5 . Require that significant cultural resource areas be protected from development by
enforcing state and federal laws which protect architectural and archaeologically
important resources.
b. Policy Choices
Tyrrell County adopts the following policies regarding development in areas with
constraints.
1. Development will be permitted in some areas subject to erosion, provided proposals
comply with provisions outlined for development within estuarine shorelines (see
page 68).
2. Tyrrell Courity realizes the inevitability of some development occurring in high
hazard flood areas, because of the lack of soils suitable for septic tank placement.
Therefore, the County will continue to participate in t if National Flood Insurance
Program and implement a full phase Hood Damage Prevention Ordinance and
promote enforcement through the County Building Inspection Program. Proposed
developments which are not otherwise damaging to AEC's may be permitted,
provided protective measures which comply with flood insurance requirements are
imposed.
3. Development in areas where soil types have limited bearing capacity will not be
encouraged.
4. In areas with possible septic tank limitations, Tyrrell County will remain committed
to decisions rendered by the Health Department's Sanitarian.
5. Tyrrell County does not favor the continued existence or expansion of the existing
air space restriction imposed by the presence of U.S.A.F. bombing ranges in the
Albemarle Sound area near the County (See Appendix B, attached). Tyrrell County
is supportive of the position statements adopted by the CRC in early 1990.
1
I
71

6 Tyrrell County reeognb= the importance of cultural resources such as significant
architectural and archaeological resources and as such will protect these areas from
' damage or destruction resulting from development.
c. Implementation Schedule
1. Beginning in 1987, Tyrrell County began a building inspection program employing
the services of a building inspector.
2. After the County's entrance into the regular phase of the Flood Insurance Program,
the subdivision ordinance was amended to require the mclusion of elevation above
mean sea level, for each lot in a subdivision plat.
These two implementation actions will restrict development in sensitive and hazardous
areas which will prevent property damage and personal injury by requiring more sound
development.
3. HURRICANE AND FLOOD EVACUATION NEEDS AND 13LANS
' 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 F.
' Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery and Evacuation Plans).
4. OTHER RESOURCE PROTECTION POLICY AREAS
' There are some additional resource protection issues which are required to be addressed by the
CAMA planning guidelines and which have lesser definition in Tyrrell County than in some other
coastal areas. These areas, along with relevant policy discussion and statements are included
' below.
a. Protection of Potable Water ftply
jAs discussed in Section I, Tynvll County's water distribution system is based on the Town
of Columbia's water system. Groundwater, drawn through a total of four wells is the
source of the system. Two wells are located in the County, about 5 miles south of
Columbia off Highway 94, and two are located within the Town of Columbia. Land uses
near groundwater sources are regulated by the North Caroline Division of Environmental
Management through N.C.A.C. Subchapter 2L and Subchapter 2C. Tyrrell County
recognizes the importance of protecting potable water supplies and therefore supports the
enforcement of these regulations.
b. Use of Package Treatment Plants
Since, as reported in Section I, the only centralized sewer service in the County is in the
Town of Columbia, it may become necessary to develop small package treatment systems
m order to accommodate certain types of development in outlying areas of the County.
This development may be residential, commercial, or industrial. It shall be the policy of
Tyrrell County to allow such package plants if they can be constructed within the overall
intent of this plan and meet other federal and state environmental regulations.
C. Stormwater Runoff Associated with Agriculture. Residential Development,
' Phosphate or Peat Mining, and Its Impact on Coastal Wetlands. Surface Waters, or
Other Fragile Areas
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Stormwater runoff is basically the same issue as surface drainage in Tyrrell County.
Policies on surface drainage are addressed in other areas of this Plan. (See "Resource
Production and Management Policies for policies relating to agriculture, residential
development, and peat mining, and discussion of related impacts. Phosphate mining is not
an issue in Tyrrell County.)
d. Marina and Floating Home Development
The development of marinas has significant commercial and recreational potential in Tyrrell
County. Therefore, the County supports the development of marinas, in compliance with
existing environmental regulations.. (Also, see "Redevelopment of Developed Areas page
83.) Both Tyrrell County and the Town of Columbia are Coastal Initiative Communities
and as such they are given special consideration for economic development especially when
development is water related such as a marina. Because of the potential economic impact of
marinas, Tyrrell County petitioned the State Environmental Management Commission to
not include the portion of the Alligator River north of the U.S. 64 bridge as ORW. Tyrrell
County recognizes the need and use of marinas as both an important recreation support
resources, and as an economic development resource. At the same time, the County does
not wish to see unnecessary degradation of its waters. Therefore, the County will
encourage the development of upland marinas where feasible, but not the total exclusion of
waterfront marinas.— All marinas, regardless of location, must comply with applicable State
and Federal regulations. The issue of floating homes has not been a major problem in
Tyrrell County. However, should they become an issue, the County would like to see
disposal.
with Health Departmrent regulations for pump -out facilities and pi trash
e. Industrial Impacts on Fragge Areas
The section of this report entitled "Types and Locations of Desired Industry", contains
specific policy statements on industry.
f. Man-made Hazards
Any proposed new development posing the potential of serious detriment to the
environment, shall provide assurance of compliance with all applicable State and Federal
environmental protection regulations and any other restrictions which may be imposed by
the County at that time. The County deems this to be necessary in order to prevent possible
irreversible damage from either air, water, or ground pollution and to help safeguard the
health of its citizens.
1
g. Drystacking Facilities
Drystaddrig facilities, like marinas, are viewed by Tyrrell County as an important support
resource for recreational boating and economic development. The County supposes the ,
development of such facilities, provided they can be located in compliance with existing
state, federal, and local sting regulations.
h. Restrictions Within Areas That Night Be Susceptible to Sea Level Rise and Wetland '
LOSS.
Tyrrell County believes that this issue is correctly not "solid" enough to propose a realistic ,
policy statement at this time, since it is one still being debated in scientific circles.
73 t

L Upland Excavation for Marina
Tyrrell County recognizes the environmental benefits of developing marinas and boat
basins in upland locations and the County supports such development where feasible and in
certain circumstances. However, upland excavated sites should not be permitted to the
complete exclusion of waterfiont basins and marinas. Such proposals must be reviewed on
a case by case basis.
74

C. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES
Appropriate management of productive resources is very important to any locality. In Tyrrell
County the productive resources are intricately tied to the predominant economic sectors of the
County winch makes the necessity of balanced management policies of paramount importance.
The major productive resources to be considered relate to agriculture, commercial forestry,
commercial and recreation fisheries, peat mining, and recreational land uses.
1. AGRICULTURE
Agriculture, as discussed under analysis of existing economic conditions, is the
unchallenged leader in Tyrrell County's economy. More of the County's income comes from this
sector than from all other major sectors combined. The importance of farming and its supportive
activities such as proper land clearing and development of adequate drainage fatalities, cannot be
overestimated in Tyrrell County.
Executive Order 96, "Conservation of Prime Agricultural and Forest Lands" called for the
identification of prime areas in both agriculture and forestry by the soil conservation. This
identification has been based upon the soil classification. Nevertheless, assuming adequate
drainage, the most productive farmlands are located in the northern half of the County and south
central on either side of N.C. Highway 94.
a. Policy Alternatives
l . Do not impose any additional land use controls or restrictions on agricultural
practices, so that needed land clearance and drainage activities can continue.
2. Adopt a County -wide zoning ordinance and zone certain lands as agricultural, with
use restrictions and limitations.
3. Support and encourage use of the U.S. Soil Conservation Service's Best
Management Practices program.
b. Policy Choate
I . Tyrrell County, in recognition of the importance of agt_'culture to the County's
economy, believes that existing federal and state permitting procedures (CAMA and
Corps of Engineers) pose enough limitations to the use of farmland in the County.
Because of the soil types and topography, the County recognizes that proper
drainage is essential and must be allowed to continue as needed if it does not result
in irreversible damage to environmentally sensitive areas. No additional limitations
or policies will be adopted. The County will support and encourage the
identification of prime farmland an Tyrrell County and use of the Best Management
Practices program.
C. Walementation Schedule
1. Leave the existing process as is.
2. Continue to support State Clearinghouse review of impact of development on prime
agricultural lands.
2. COMMERCIAL FORESTRY
1
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' Woodlands and forests cover most of Tyrrell County's landscape. Substantial amounts of
income are generated annually from forest products, mainly from saw timber. Some timberlands
are located in pocosins or wooded swamps - both of which are environmentally sensitive and need
to be protected. Prime forest lands, as defined in Executive Order 96, have been identified by sobs
maps of Tyrrell County. Productive forest lands are found in many sections of the County
(including a portion of the recently designated Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge).
a. Policv Alternatives
' 1. The County could, through the adoption and enforcement of local ordinances,
impose restrictions on timbering practices and require commercial loggers to replant
and reclaim timbered areas.
2. The County could leave current practices as they are without imposing additional
restrictions.
b. Policy Choice
1. The County believes that imposing additional restrictions are not necessary at this
time nor should be throughout the platnung period. However, Tyrrell County will
encourage reforestation whenever feasible, as a sound timber management practice.
' c. Implementation Schedule
1. Leave the existing process as is.
r2. Continue to support State clearinghouse review of the impact of development
projects on prime foresdands.
3. MINING RESOURCE AREAS
The County still has vast, virtually untapped peat reserves, noted noted in the 1980 and 1985
j Land Use Plan Updates. Proposals to develop peat mines have not amaterialized; however, the
potential is still there. If peat resources could be mined, the economioimpact upon the County
could be substantial. The ad valorem tax base could ..Verve a generoukboost, greatly needed semi-
skilled and unskilled jobs could be created, and possible spin-off support industries and
commercial facilities could develop.
' An estimated made by First Colony Farms several years ago projected that there were
approximately 45,000 acres of peat reserves in Tyrrell County (1980 Land Use Plan, p. 36). A
review of detailed soil classifications maps prepared by the U.S.D.A. Soil Conservation Service,
' indicates that soil types with highly decomposed organic matter as surface layers and underlayed
by decayed logs, etc., may signify the present of peat.
These types of soils can be found all over the County in various pockets. The broadest
' concentrations appear to be in the south, south-central, and eastern portion of the County. A
substantial portion of the potential peat lands are currently forested. There was some discussion in
the 'Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge Environmental Assessment: concerning the mining of
peat in this newly created refuge. The stated reason for the mining of peat in this area was to create
a better, more suitable wildlife habitat.
' a. Policy Alternatives
1
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1. The County could adopt local ordinances regulating the mining of peat and
requiring certain safeguards to be imposed.
2. Not develop any local ordinances at this time, but rely solely on State and Federal
regulatory enforcement such as the National Environmental Protection Act of 1969,
along with the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts enforced by the State Division of
Environmental Management, the State mining permit provisions, and the 404
wetlands permit process, enforced by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
b. Policy Choice
1. The County supports the eventual mining of peat resources in Tyrrell County and
believes that enforcement of State and Federal environmental regulations are
sufficient to mitigate possible adverse impacts upon environmentally sensitive
areas.
C. Implementation Schedule
1. Continue to rely on State and Federal enforcement provisions and activities.
4. COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL FISHERIES
The productive water bodies in and around Tyrrell County have been valuable contributors
to the local economy. These water bodies also provide many opportunities for recreational fishing.
Commercial fishing has the potential to expand in Tyrrell County. It is, therefore, very important to
protect the water quality of productive fishing areas.
In recent years, concern has been raised by commercial fishermen along North Carolina's
coast and the State Division of Marine Fisheries, that freshwater run-off (particularly from
agricultural drainage) has been detrimental to estuarine waters altering the salinity content.
Concern also has been raised because of incidence of fecal voliform, coming from septic tank
seepage. Fecal coliform has been detected in primary shell -fishing waters and has forced the
closing of such waters. Tyrrell County would lace to see water quality in all of the productive
water bodies maintained.
Aquaculture has been emerging as a viable industry in. reeent.years. Aquaculture involves
the cultivation of the natural produce of water -bodies. Such bbidnesses are viable economic
development alternatives. Aquaculture is a relatively non-polluting industry. Aquaculture is a
desirable industry in Tyrrell County because it will create jobs, thus generating revenue with a
relatively small chance of pollution.
a. Policy Alternatives
1. Seek to develop impositions, prohibiting the clearing of additional land, and thereby
reducing the extent of freshwater run-off.
2. Not impose local restrictions on additional land clearing, but rely on the 404 permit
process and enforcement of septic tank placement regulations, particularly in areas
with unsuitable soils and high erosion areas.
3. Seek funding assistance to develop artificial reefs in the Albemarle Sound to attract
fish, and thereby enhance commercial and recreational opportunities in the County.
4. Permit and suppport commercial aquacultural activities in the County, as a viable
I
77

' economic development alternative that will create jobs, generate tax revenue and
have little chance of polluting the environment.
b. Policy Choices
1 The County does not believe that it is necessary to limit either land clearing or
unnecessarily restrict agricultural drainage. The .404 permit process is viewed as
being sufficient in limiting the amount of land cleared.
i 2. The County will support enforcement of septic tank placement regulations by the
Health Department and the Soil Conservation Service m minimize the likelihood of
effluent from septic systems in unsuitable soils contaminating fishing waters.
' 3. Continue to enforce the County's subdivision regulations which require larger lot
sizes for residences in areas where soils are not well suited for septic tank
placement.
4. Continue to protect the integrity of surface waters by requiring a minimum buffer of
1, 320 feet on both sides of estuarine waterways. This area will also be designated
Conservation in the County's land classification system (see Section IV of this
report). This buffer does not include areas where the soils are suitable for
development. This 1,320 feet buffer applies o& to areas that are shown as
1 Dorovan Muck, Chowan Silt and Pungo Muck type soils in the Soil Survey of
IWell County, North Carolina.
' 5. The County will support aquacultural activities as an economic development
alternative.
6. The County will apply for funds through the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries'
Reef Development Program in FY '90 to develop artificial reefs in selected locations
along the Albemarle Sound. The reefs should attract fish and enhance commercial
and sports fishing in Tyrrell County.
C. Implementation Schedule
1. Continue to support enforcement of existing regulatory provisions as outlined in b.
above.
5. OFF -ROAD VEHICLES
There are no recreational beaches in Tyrrell County, therefore the conventional threat of off -
road vehicles is not relevant to Tyrrell County. Off -road vehicles are important in some sections of
Tyrrell County because of the necessity for landowners to travel in bog or swamp areas. As this
property is private and not available to the public as public beaches are, the use of these vehicles is
acceptable in these cases. No other policy discussion on this issue is deemed necessary.
' 6. RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL LAND DEVELOPMENT
Tyrrell County, as discussed under sections of this report analyzing existing population and
economic trends, is very sparsely populated and has one of the lowest per capita incomes in North
Carolina. Between the census years of 1970 and 1980 the County ended a three -decade old trend
of population losses.
1 78

Tyrrell County is not in a rapid growth situation and does not suffer from the excessive
development pressures resulting from increased residential, commercial, or industrial uses of land.
Besides the limitations presented in other policy discussions in this report (particularly those
relating to protection of sensitive natural and culture resources), Tyrrell County views itself as
being in a position to accommodate growth and development.
Additional development particularly commercial and industrial development, is regarded as
desirable because of the important local revenue and employment generating impacts. The other
policy statements regarding resource protection adequately voice the County's concerns regarding
these resources. Land development, whether far residential, commercial or industrial uses and in
conformance with existing regulatory controls will be encouraged in Tyrrell County.
A more detailed discussion of the specific types of development along with relevant policy
statements are included in the following section, "Economic and Community Development
Policies".
i
a
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11
D. Economic and Community Development Policies
1 l . General Statement Toward Growth
Generally speaking the residents and officials of Tyrrell County are in favor of growth in
the form of environmentally responsible economic and community development. There are several
factors which drive the residents and the elected and appointed officials of Tyrrell County to favor
growth. Chief among these factors are:
• The County has the smallest population and one of the lowest population densities of
any county in North Carolina.
• The County has an unusually high unemployment rate.
1• The County has a small overall rate of immigration and a large rate of net
out -migration of its black residents.
• The County has recently experienced a large drain upon its tax base as 49,841 acres of
land have been acquired by the Conservation Fund for dedication as a National
Wildlife Refuge.
' 2. Attitude Toward Various Types of Development
Tyrrell County favors all types of development as long as it does not adversely affect the
environment, especially designated critical areas. These critical areas include AEC's (areas of
environmental concern) and hazardous or fragile areas (see "Man -Made Hoazards", p.73.)
Therefore, residential development is desired if it can occur in an orderly, environmentally safe
manner in areas that are suitable for development. Here suitable includes consideration of physical
constraints and limitations of community facilities and services.
3. Economic and Community Development Issues
a. Types and Locations of Industries Desired
Tyrrell County has an intense need for increased job opportunities for many of its
unemployed and underemployed citizens. Industrial development could provide these
opportunities as well as expand the County's tax base.
Tyrrell County would like to see industry developed which could take advantage of existing
natural resources and/or expand upon the three major industries in the County. Industries
such as seafood processing, food canneries, paper and wood manufacture. and marine -
related industries would all be considered desirable as long as the integrity of
environmentally sensitive areas could be assured. Other low -pollution, light manufacturing
and/or assembly industries would also be desirable.
l . Locations and Standards
The County would prefer to see industry locate in industrial parks which could be
developed in suitable locations in the County. However, because of soils and other
limitations, individual plant sites may be more feasible. All industrial prospects will
be required to comply with general development standards that are designed to
protect environmentally sensitive areas which include:
1 80

2.
3.
4
a. Provide an assessment of the impact of the development of the industry and
require the use of the best available technology to avoid air or water
pollution during construction or operation.
b. Be located on land having stable, well -drained soils. The sites should be
located in areas adequately protected from flooding and be accessible to
existing public utilities and transportation routes.
Two potential industrial sites in Tyrrell County have been identified and targeted
for industrial prospects. These sites are on file with the Department of Economic
and Community Development in Raleigh. Some industries such as boat or ship
maintenance and repair, may need to be close to water areas, or have adequate water
access.
Policy Alternatives
Possible policy alternatives concerning industrial development in Tyrrell County
include.
a. To continue to support an active industrial recruiting program within the
County;
b. Conducting studies to see which industry types may want to locate in the
County, and assessing possible environmental impacts; and
c. Seeking funding and technical assistance to develop an industrial park or
parks within the County.
Policy Choices
As Tyrrell County recognizes the need for economic expansion and the fact that
industrial development can greatly enhance this expansion, the County hereby
adopts the following position.
a. The County will continue an active industrial recruitment program, seeking
lair -pollution, light manufacauing industries. The County Finance Officer
will coordinate this activity.
b. Tyrrell County will seek technical assistance and financial help to develop at
least one industrial park, to be located near Columbia.
C. The County believes that all industrial prospects should be given a fair, case -
by -case assessment in order to carefully compare possible economic
benefits with possible negative environmental effects. Such reviews will be
coordinated by the Tyrrell County Industrial Facilities and Pollution Control
Financing Authority.
d. The County and the Town of Columbia will provide, as much as is
locationally and economically feasible, basic support services such as water
and sewer to newly locating industries.
Implementation Schedules
The County will maintain active contact with the State's industrial development
81

,epiesezitative for the region. The Countywill activelylore funding assistance
to an industrial park near the Town of Columbia.
b. Local Commitment to Service Provisions
The major service to development currently provided by the County is water. The County
water system, connected by a purchase agreement to the Town of Columbia's system,
services the most concentrated areas of residential development in the County. The Town
'
of Columbia provides both water and sewer to the Town and to areas immediately adjacent
to the Town. A County -wide sewer system has been shown to be economically infeasible.
The economic infeasibility of serving other areas in the Columbia Township with the
Town's sewer system has also been cited.
The Columbia -Tyrrell County water system and the Columbia sewer system are currently
operating with substantial excess capacities. The excess capacities are more than adequate
to meet projected demand based on population growth trends throughout the planning
'
period (through 2000).
Both Tyrrell County and the Town of Columbia are committed to providing basis services
'
such as water and sewer (where feasible) to serve increased development in those areas
most suited for development. This is especially true of prospective industrial development:.
'
by the County
Other support facilities and services provided or within such as police and
fire protection, health services, social services, solid waste collection, and library services,
appear to be adequate throughout the planning period. As development occurs and the local
'
tax base expands accordingly, slightly higher levels of county -provided services can be
provided.
1. Policy Alternatives
a. Do not encourage the provision of services for new development in an
Iattempt
to keep things as they are.
b. Encourage extension and expansion of needed services as much as feasible,
to accommodate new residential, commercial, or industrial development.
2. Policy Choice
I
a. Tyrrell County will remain committed to providing needed services, as
economically feasible, to accommodate new residential, commercial, and
industrial development in the County.
3. Implementation Schedule
a. The County will work with the Town of Columbia throughout the period to
encourage the provision of services where needed, and as feasible, for new
development
C. Desired Urban Growth Patterns
The only urban area in Tyrrell County is the Town of Columbia.' The rest of the residential
development in the County has a pronounced rural pattern, except for some of the small
subdivisions near the Albemarle Sound in the Scuppernong Township. Future
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subdivisions will all have to meet formal development design standards in accordance with
the County Subdivision Regulations.
The rural cluster community pattern evident in communities such as Alligator, Gum Neck,
and Travis communities is usually built around a church or churches and a community
store. Some older established communities, such as Alligator, are in area with generally
unsuitable soils for urban development, or are in high hazard floor areas. In the northern
half of the County most of the developed area appear to be located in areas where the sons
are more 'suited for development.
1. Policy Alternatives
2.
a. Tyrrell County could encourage the continuation of existing rural cluster
community patterns.
b. The County could discourage a duplication and continuation of the existing
development patterns by adopting a Zoning Ordinance which could prohibit
areas with identified limitations (soils, or presence of AEC's, for example)
from developing.
Policy Choices
a. The existing rural cluster communities are a long established residential
pattern in Tyrrell County, and will not be discouraged by the County. The
County will not encourage new developments in areas with identified
limitations such as soils or proximity to AEC's, specifically, the County
will not extend water service to such areas. Redevelopment, or
rehabilitation activities are viewed as being acceptable. Water service is
being extended to address a severe health problem in portions of the
Alligator Township and should be completed by Fall, 1990.
b. The County does not deem it necessary to adopt a Zoning Ordinance at this
time.
d. Redevelopment of Developed Areas
In 1989 Tyrrell County and the Town of Columbia became one of the five North Carolina
counties selected for the Coastal Initiative Program. This program proposed redevelopment
of waterfront areas in an attempt to improve the five local economies. The result of this
program for Tyrrell County and the Town of Columbia was the production of a waterfront
redevelopment planning document. This document was entitled Moving Toward the Future
Together - Tyrrell County and the Town of Columbia
Among the items suggested by this document were the construction of a visitor center and
boardwalk and establishment of a historic gown. Also recommended were the building of a
marina, boat ramp and a mixed use waterfront inn/retail shopshrestaurant.
Some of these items have already begun to be realized. The boardwalk, for example, has
been completed. Many of these suggested items will be public -private joint ventures.
Others will be undertaken with assistance with the State or Federal Government The
recovery of artifacts from the Estelle Randall shipwreck would be an example. These
artifacts would be placed in the visitor's center and promoted to tourists.
Other redevelopment/revitalization programs in the county include the extension of water
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lines to the Goat Neck area. Tins program was funded by the Ce®muntty Devdopmcnt
Block Grant (CDBG) program and is expected to be completed by Fall, 1990.
An additional redevelopment issue which also needs addressing is the wnce"tratexi
presence of sub -standard housing conditions in the Alligator and Goat Neck communities.
' The County may wish to pursue State and/or Federal funding to establish housing
rehab9hation programs in these areas.
Ply Alternatives
a. Continue to work with the Town of Columbia in encouraging
redevelopment of the Town's waterfront and realization of the wwaterfinnt
iredevdopmentplan.
b. Encourage private sector development of the waterfront and in particular
items suggested in the waterfiont redevelopment plan through the Industrial
Development Committee's at&Mes is contacting industrial/commercial
prospects. ;
'
C. Seek finding through the State-sdminidered Small Cities Community
Development Block Grant Program to establish a housing improvements
program in the Alligator and/or Goat Neck communities.
2. is Choices
Po_
a. The County will work with the Town of Columbia to encourage
1
redevelopment of the waterfront area by the private sector.
b. Tyrrell County would like to see redevekcpmen*chabilitation activities
1
occur in such communities as Goat Neck, Alligator, and Gum Neck, where
these are caneentradam of substandard houmng conditions.
e. Clm+mitrneat to State and Federal Proms
Tyrrell County is generally receptive to State and Federal programs, particularly those
which provide improvements to the County. The County will continue to fully support
'
such programs including the new Pocosin Ikea National Wildlife Refuge. The North
Carolina Deparbnent of Transportatim road and bridge m4z a programs are very
important to Tyrrell County.
'
Fxamples of other State and Federal programs winch are important to and supported by
Tyrrell County include: drainage planning and erosion control activities curried out by the
U.S.D.A. Sell Conservation Service, winch is valuable to farmers; dredging and channel
maintenance by the U.S. Army Coup of Fngineei and Federal and State projects which
provide efficient and safe boat access for sports fishing.
All of these programs and others are important to Tyrrell County, and the County is
committed to their continued support.
Tyrrell County, as are several ether coastal counties, is quite concerned about the
expansion of, and subsequent restrictions brought on by military air operation over the
County. In December of 1989 the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission adopted
a series of position statements concerning military air space operations. These statements
generally object to these military operations because of their detrimental impacts on the
County's peels for economic development by prohibiting the development of an
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airport. These military operations also affect the everyday operations of business and life
in Tjrrrell County. These guidelines became effective in March of 1990.
1. Roba Choice
a. Tyrrell County should consider the adoption of the guidelinm and position
statements which were adopted is early 1990 by the Coastal Resources
Commission. These guidelines and position statements are concerned with
the im� of military airspace, and its adverse effects, over the
Albemarle Sound area which includes Tyrrell County. Thpese guidelines are
reproduced in Appendix I of the Tyrrell County portion of this report.
In reference to the expanding amounts of land in National Wildlife Refuge,
the County, while in suppoa t of mains, , , F of its special natural resources,
does not wish to we continual dedine in taxable real property. At the same
time, Tyrrell County hopes to be able to utilize the wildlife refuges as a
resource to attract tourists and thereby further economic development
f . Assistance to Channel Maintenance
Proper maintenance of channels is very important in Tyrrell County, mainly because of the
substantial economic impact of commercial fisheries. Commercial fishing is increasing in
the Canty. If silt or other deposits fill in the channels, this could impede efficient docking
of the commercial vessels. With adequate channel maintenance, Tyrrell County could
begin to make more udhzadm of its extensive waterways for water hansportation
p•
Since there are no railroads is the Canty, water tzansportatiau (partic�lariy along the
Intracoastal Waterway - Alligator River) could be useful for bulk dipments in the Come.
The County is quite aware of this situation. Tyrrell County provides assistance to the
Corps and State officals by either helping to obtain or providing spoil sites. The County
will remain committed to providing such assistance.
The siting of an OCS faulty is not an issue in the County. In Tyrrell County, the siting or
location of energy facilities rdat o almost solely to peat mmmg- The natxa a of peat mining
is such that there is little choice about particular extraction sites. Prat mining, like strip -coal
muhing, must be done where the mineral is located. It is always an on -site operation, yet
the conversion or processing of it can occur somewhere else.
The County believes that off -site processing should not occur in environmentally sensitive
or hazardous areas, or in any area where it is (mown that major or izreparable
e result The will resThe 1980 band Use Play Update referred to reports by
First Colony Farms that sufficient peat reserves existed in Tyrrell, Dare, Hyde, and
Washington Counties to support an electric generating plant in that regwn.
At the writing of this report, the deveioprnent of such a power plant does not appear to be a
consideration. Tyrrell County supports the acquisition of sites in the shoreline areas of the
Albemarle Sound or the Alligator and Scuppemong Rivers, if such siting will not have long-
term detrimental impacts upon the environment (p. 66, 1980 Plan Update).
h.
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I
As discussed under the economic analysis section, tourism has not historically had a
significant impact upon Tyrrell County's economy. However, throughout the planning
period, the impact of tourism may grown. Among items that may increase tourism in
Tyrrell County and the Town of Columbia are implementation of the plans established in
the waterfront redevelopment plan. These plans were discussed under the section entitled
Redevelopment of Developed Areas above. Another reason tourism may expect to increase
is because of the creation of the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. Similarly
tourism may increase as the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge becomes more
PoPula•
Improvements to the primary road system of Tyrrell County may increase accessibility to
the area. Improvements to U.S. Highway 64 and North Carolina Highway 94 are the
transportation projects with the most potential to increase tourism to Tyrrell County and
adjacent Counties such as Dare and Hyde Counties. Tyrrell County should benefit from
the pass -through tourism traffic of Dare County and to a lesser extent Hyde County. More
commercial activities may develop to capitalize on the Outer Banks beaches pass -through
traffic.
1. Policy Choices
a. Tyrrell County and the Town of Columbia should continue to implement the
waterfront redevelopment an.
b. Tyrrell County and the Town of Columbia should develop a brochure to
promote elements of the waterfront redevelopment plan and the creation of
the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge when they are realized. These
brochures could be placed in travel information centers in neighboring
counties as well as in the State's welcome centers.
i. Coastal and Estuarine Water Beach Access
Beach access is not a major problem in Tyrrell County in the conventional sense of the
1 words. There is no ocean -front shoreline in Tyrrell County and most of the shoreline
along the Albemarle Sound is not beach. Much of the shoreline area along the
Scuppernong and Alligator Rivers consists of wooded swamps. There are several State -
maintained recreation boating access points for public.use_loc,*d in various places around
the County.
As waterfront residential development continues along the Albemarle Sound and the Bull's
Bay area, concern has been raised over provision of public access to the waterfront.
Section 14 of the Tyrrell County Subdivision Ordinance, Waterfront Lots (p. 14), requires
provision of water access to lot owners whose lots do not have waterfrontage. These water
access lots can be either dedicated to the County for maintenance, or deeded to a home
owner's association. If the County elected to accept the dedicated water access lots, then
the property would be accessible to the general public. However, if the access property
were deeded to the homeowner's association it would remain private property, likely
ilimiting access to the general public.
In FY 186 Tyrrell County applied for funds through the Division of Coastal Management's
Beach Access Program to develop a sound, practical public access plan and provide an
assessment the County's public access needs. This plan did contain specific
recommendations for access site development. The County has not submitted an
' application for additional funding on these projects. No other funds have been available for
either acquisition or further development of these sites.
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1. Policy Alternatives
a. The County could establish no policies nor take any additional action, and
assume that existing boating access points are sufficient for public access.
b. The County could take additional steps, including amending its Subdivision
Ordinance, to assure better opportunities for general public waterfront
access.
C. The County should continue to seek funding assistance for the
implementation of the Beach Access Plan.
d. The County could seek donation of sines by private landowners for public
access.
2. Policy Choice
a. Tyrrell County wants to see improved waterfront access opportunities for
the general public and will take additional measures to better assure those
opportunities by seeking grants and/or land donations for access
development.
3. Implementation Schedule
In FY 190, Tyrrell County will seek financial assistance through such agencies as
the Division of Coastal Management, the Division of Marine Fisheries, the N.C.
Wildlife Commission, and the Land and Water Conservation Fund, to develop a
port of safe harbor at a designated site along the Albemarle Sound. This facility
would provide emergency docking for recreational boats during storms.
Density of Development
Overly dense development is not a problem in Tyrrell County, nor is it anticipated to
become a problem during the period covered by this plan update. With an anticipated
population growth of 254 persons between 1990 and 2000 (an increase of 6.00/6) the rate of
growth will not push densities to unacceptable levels.
As presented in other discussions in this report, the most suitable soils for residential
development are located in the northern half of the County -- particularly along ridges near
the Albemarle Sound and Scuppernong River. There are also pockets of areas classified as
Zone C which are nummally flooded areas according to the Flood Insurance Maps prepared
by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). (See Maps 7, 8, 9, attached).
Tyrrell County would like to see development continue in areas which are considered as
most feasible to accommodate growth and where support services, such as water and sewer
(including septic tank placement), are feasible and practical to provide.
The County will continue to enforce its Subdivision Ordinance, which has established
minimum lot sizes in coordination with sanitary requirements of the County Health
Department which will affect development densities. The minimum square footage for lots
without access to public water or sewer, is 20,000 S.F., and for lots with access to public
water, but not to public sewer, is 15,000 S.F. The average density of development in
these areas will range from 2.1 to 2.9 units per acre.
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As discussed earlier in this report there are no places in Tyrrell County really suited for
landfills. Tyrrell County uses a system of dumpsters located throughout the County. The
County owns and operates two refuse compactor trucks which collect solid wastes for
delivery to a sanitary landfill in Washington County.
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6JI , T I "T{I , l" .M , i W
From the beginning of the 1990 Land Use Plan Update process, both Tyrrell County and the Town
of Columbia gave full recognition to the requirements contained in the guidelines that the pl A*fty
process be conducted in the'Public Arena.' A formal 'Public Participation Plan: was developed
and adopted by the Tyrrell County Board of Commissioners. The plan, along with other
supporting dements, are contained in Appendix III of this Land Use Plan Update. Some of the
major elements in the Public Participation Plan included.
I. The demon of the Tyrrell County Planning Board, as the primary citizen baison
group for the county, and the appointment of a three -person, Planning Advisory
Committee to serve in this capacity for the Town. These groups met both jointly,
and separately with the Planning Consultant throughout the planning process.
2. A monthly meeting schedule was established In the beginning, which included
several advertised public information meetings, the first being held jointly,
February 13, 1990. The projected monthly meeting dates were then posted and
subsequently published in a later newspaper article, s)awmg dates from March
through July. Prior to the meetings, notices were published in either the S
TJ, the official newspaper of record for the County, and/or the East
c r, a local shopper tubed free to all mailboxes in Tyrrell County.
Tyrrell County and Columbia took extraordinary steps to help inform, and educate their respected
atW= that the CAMA plan was indeed being developed. At the beginning of the process, a news
release was developed and submitted to the two newspapers cited above. The release resulted in
news stories in both publications.
Meetings with the Planning Board/Advisory Committee were held on the following dates in 1989
and in 1990: December 12, 1989; February 13; March 13; April 17; May 8; June 12; July 18; and
August 15. Notices appeared in the Coastland Trmes on Febnuary 11; March 8 (accompanied by a
news article, which listed the dates and times of the rest of the proposed meetings); April 15 (the
April 10 meeting was re -scheduled to April 17); May 3; and July 10, along with a news article on
the draft in the July 18 joint meeting between the Town and County governing bodies.
Notices and/or news articles also appeared in the Eat Carolina Rcmindcr on the following dates in
L990; February 21; April 11; June 12: July I I (also notifying changd4n scheduled meeting from
July 10 to
uly that night)JJuly 18); , substantial article on the Julyy 18 presentedof the draft C plan; and plan
August 8, along with an article on the upcoming -August 15, 1990 meeting. Again, it should be
noted that the East Carolina Reminder is distributed free to every mailbox in Tyrrell County. Tlie
County and Town do behove that the media efforts described above provided adequate
opportunities for the public to become aware of the plan update process. (See Appendix IIL)
1s '1 ; M �±,J � " Alt
It shall be the policy of Tyrrell County to continue to use the local news media and public
pasted notices to inform the camens of the various opportunities for input into lanai use planning
and related policy matters.
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F. Storm Hazard Mitigation. Post -Disaster RccovenE. and Evacuation Plans
The entire North Carolina Coastal region, including Tyrrell County, faces strong threats of damage
each year from hurricanes, Northeasters, or other major storms. For nearly 20 years, there was a
marked slowdown in hurricane activity along the State's coast. Predictions are that a major storm
could strike the State at any time during the hurricane season since such a storm is long overdue.
In September,1984 Hurricane Diana, with some of the strongest sustained winds ever recorded,
' rammed into the Southeast coast near Wilmington. In subsequent years, several other storms of
varying intensities have threatened the State's coastline. Fortunately, however, little serious
damage has resulted.
The purpose of this section of the 1990 CAMA Land Use Plan Update is to assist Tyrrell County in
managing development in potentially hazardous areas through establishing policies on hazard
mitigation, post -disaster recovery, and evacuation plans. Notice the excerpt below:
"'Hazard mitigation includes any activity which reduces the probability that a
disaster will occur or minunizes the damage caused by a disaster. Hazard
mitigation includes not only managing development, but also evacuation planning
' and other measures to reduce losses of life and property. Reconstruction involves
the full range of repair activities in the wake of a disasw which seek to return the
community to a normal level of operations." (McFlyea, Brower, & Godschalk,
' Managing Development to Reduce Hurricane Damages, 1982.)
1. POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF COASTAL STORMS
iThe starting point in hazard mitigation is to identify the types of hazards (including the
relative severity and magnitude of risks) and the extent of development (including residential,
' commercial, etc.) located in storm hazard areas.
Hurricanes are extremely powerful, often unpredictable forces of nature. The two most
severe effects are fatalities and property damage, which are usually the result of four causes: high
winds, flooding, wave action, erosion, and in beach front locations, storm surge. Each of which,
except storm surge, which is not applicable in Tyrrell County are discussed briefly below: (Also a
"Composite Hazards Map" is presented as Map 13 on Page 90-A.)
a. Hi i Winds
High winds are the major determinants of a hurricane. By definition a hurricane is a
' tropical disturbance with sustained winds of at least 7 3 miles per hour. Extreme hurricanes
can have winds of 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.
1
Although the friction or impact- of the winds hitting land from the water causes some
dissipation of the full force, there is still a tremendous amount of energy left to cause
damage to buildings, overturn mobile homes, fell trees and power lines, and destroy crops.
Tornadoes can often be spawned by a hurricane's size and power, it is likely that all of
Tyrrell County would be subject to the same wind velocity in the event of a storm.
b. Flooding
Flooding, on the other hand, may not affect all areas 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 cause excessive property damage and

A
A,
I
A
a v a a
TYRRELL
NORTH C-MCXWA
low" WAM�spft
9-p -A
"
i
saw
1f
f
i
MAP 13
"COMPOSITE -
HAZARDS"
LEGEND
ZONE
A. IOOTR. FLOW AREAS
ZONE "C". miklm&LLV FLOWED
990000 ESTUARINE SHORELINES •
'

'
deaths by wrung (More dro deaths are caused b than any other cause in
Y draryvrung
hurricanes.) Flooding is particularly a problem in ocean coastal areas because of the storm
'
surge in low-lying areas.
Flooding can cause extensive damage in inland areas also since many coastal areas have
low elevations and are located in high hazard or Zone A flood areas according to the
t
Federal Emergency Management Agency Maps. Nearly all of the County is classified as
being in the 100-year high hazard flood zone (Zane A), as based on flood insurance maps
prepared for Tyrrell County. Nearly all of the County would be subject to flooding during
'
a severe hurricane because of low elevation. There are pockets of areas classified as Zone
C, i.e. in the 500-year minimally flooded area. In severe storms, Zone C areas could also
be flooded, but risks are not as severe as for Zone A areas. (See Map i
Comparing the Existing Land Use Map (Map 3) with the Flood Zone Map (Map 7) shows,
most of the development in Tyrrell County is in the high hazard Zone A areas. The highest
concentration of residential development is in Zone C areas in the northwest portion of the
'
County. These areas extend from Travis westward toward Washington County and north
toward Bull's Bay. ;
Flooding cannot only cause damage to buildings, but saltwater flooding can cause serious
damage to croplands. Saltwater flooding took place in the Albemarle region, including
Tyrrell County in 1954 and 1955 from Hurricanes Hazel, Connie, Dianne, and Ione
(McFlyea, Brower, & Godschalk, pp. 2-8, 9). Consideration of potential flood damage is
'
important to Tyrrell County's efforts to develop storm mitigation policies.
'
C. Wave Action
Damage from wave action is connected very closely to the storm surge. A storm surge is
wind -driven water with high waves moving to vulnerable shoreline areas. Areas most
'
likely to be affected are ocean erodible areas and estuarine shoreline areas. There are no
ocean erodible areas in Tyrrell County, but there are extensive estuarine shoreline areas in
the County. Estuarine shorelines extend seventy-five feet inland from the mean high water
'
mark of estuarine waters.
Wave action damage would have the most significant impact along the Albemarle Sound
shoreline. As the existing land use map (Map 3), and the estuarine shoreline map (Map 5)
show there is a significant amount of residential development in or near the estuarine
shoreline area. Wave action can cause erosion as well as push flood waters to areas not
reached by the storm surge itself.
The estuarine shorelines along Tyrrell's riverine shores (Alligator, Little Alligator,
Scuppernong,and the Frying Pan) are sufficiently inland from an open coast so that the
'
wave energy is dispersed and diffracted , mainly by the proximity to forested areas.
d. Erosion
i The final major consideration in storm hazard mitigation is severe erosion caused by high
winds, high water, and heavy wave action. In Tyrrell County the area most susceptible to
storm -related erasion is the estuarine shoreline AEC along the Albemarle Sound (see Map
' 8). This is essentially the same area potentially affected by the action of damaging waves
as described in part c above. Shoreline erosion could lead to loss of property through
portions of waterfront lots being washed into the Sound or even actual structural damage to
' buildings. Erosion potential is an important factor to consider in developing storm hazard
mitigation policies.
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e. Summarv: Storm Hazard Mitittation Considerations
In summary, four of the five major damaging forces of a hurricane, - high winds, flooding, '
wave action, and shoreline erosion (excluding Am surge) - could have a potential impact
upon Tyrrell County in the event of a major storm. The degree of susceptibility to losses
and/or damages was generally alluded to in the previous discussions. Table 20 provides a '
better projection of the percent of the County's building structures (residential, commercial,
etc.), subject to the potentially devastating effects of a major storm:
Table 20 *Percent of Structures Subject to Storm Damage Factors, Tyrrell County '
Storm Impact Percent Structures Possibly Affected
1989 Tax Value (Millions)
1. High winds 100% $147.7
2. Flooding 80% $118.2
3. Wave Action 5% $ 7.4
'
4. Shoreline Erosion 5% $ 7.4
*Based on preliminary projections derived from examination of Existing Land Use
Map. Map _prepared by Ken Weeden and Associates. Tax value provided by
County Finance Office.
The information in Table 20 above is preliminary and is not intended to convey the
'
impression that every single structure would be affected, only that the pq is
there. Knowing that the potential is there forms the bans for setting forth storm
hazard mitigation policies, keeping in mind that mitigate means actions which may
'
reduce the probability of disaster, or minimize the damage caused by a disaster
(McElyea, Brower, & Godschalk, p. iii).
,
f . Policy Statements: Storm Hazard Mitigation
In order to minimize the damage potentially caused by the effects of a hurricane or other I
major storm, Tyrrell County proposes the following policies.
1. High Winds
Tyrrell County supports enforcement of the N.C. State Building Code,
particularly requirements of constriction standards to meet wind -resistive
factors such as design wind velocity. The County will also support
provisions in the State Building Code requiring tie -downs for mobile
homes, which help resist wind damage.
2. Flooding
Tyrrell County is supportive of the hazard mitigation elements of the
National Flood Insurance Program. Tyrrell County has participated in the
regular phase of the insurance program since 1985. Tyrrell County also
supports continued enforcement of the CAMA and 404 Wetlands
development permit processes in areas potentially susceptible to flooding.
3. Wave Action and Shoreline Erosion
Tyrrell County is supportive of the CAMA development permit process for
M

Iestuarine shoreline areas and the requisite development standards which
encourage both shoreline stabilizatiem and facilitation of proper drainage.
' 4. Policy to Discourage Development in the Most Hazardous Areas
' Tyrrell County, as implicated above, does not support, and will not
encourage new development in those areas described as most hazardous.
However, the County believes that the existing regulatory controls, (state,
' federal, and local), will be effective in implementing this policy.
5. Policy on Public ApgWdtion of Land in the Most Hazardous Areas
' It shall not be the policy of Tyrrell County to seek to acquire such lands
which may correctly be in the most hazardous areas.
' g. Implementation: S
1. Tyrrell County will continue to support a county -wide building inspection
' program, with the services of a building inspector, enforcing provisions of
the N. C. State Building Code for new construction. 'These provisions will
include designing for wind resistance and mobile home tie -downs for newly
' placed mobile homes.
2. Tyrrell County will continue to participate in the Flood Damage Prevention
' Ordinance of the Regular Phase of the National Flood Insurance Program.
This ordinance requires basic floodproofing for all new construction,
including all first floor elevations being 9 or above the base flood
elevations. It will be enforced as part of the County's new building
' inspection program. The base flood elevation, as shown on the flood
insurance maps, is the elevation of the 100-year flood.
' 3. The County will continue to support enforcement of State and Federal
programs which aid in mitigation of hurricane hazards, including CAMA
and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers 404 permit process.
2. EVACUATION PLAN AND POLICIES
q
Tyrrell County has an official'avd Preparedness Hurricane Evacuation Plan" which was
' adopted in May, 1988. A review of this plan indicates that it is generally adequate for the County's
needs. Since most of the County is in the 100-year floodplain, all of the evacuation routes pass
through at least part of the flood hazard area
' The plan indicated a projected evacuation time of six to eleven (6-11) hours, which is
adequate within the National Weather Service warning system guidelines. The Civil Preparedness
Plan involves a number of County personnel and local agencies with varying specific duties and
' responsibilities. The primary shelter is Columbia High School. The County has tentatively
arranged for the school system to provide food through the cafeteria. Residents are encouraged to
bring food to the shelter site since there are no stocked shelters.
' 3. RE-ENTRY
Factors regarding re-entry are also included in the Civil Preparedness Hurricane Evacuation
Plan. Re-entry will be closely coordinated with utility companies such as North Carolina Power
1 93

because of the possibility of fallen power lines, or telephone lines.
The Plan was also reviewed by the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management,
without any substantive comments_
4 • POST DISASTER RECONSTRUCTION PLAN
Tyrrell County recognizes that in the event of a major storm, it will be very important to
have a general recovery and reconstruction plan. This section of the Land Use Plan Update will
address this issue.
The Chairman of the County Board of boners shall appoint a Post Disaster
Recovery Team before a storm occurs. This team shall consist of all of the members of the
Evacuation Plan Support Group as identified m the Tyrrell County Evacuation Plan, and
others whom the Chairman may appoint The total team may consist of the following:
1. County Finance Officer
2. Emergency Preparedness Coordinator (Team Leader)
3. County Sheriff
4. County Building Inspector
5. Director of Social Services
6. Local realtor or building coordinator.
The Emergency Preparedness Coordinator will serve as the Team Leader and will be
responsible to the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners. The base of operations will
be the Emergency Operations Center (EOP identified in the County Evacuation Plan (the
Sheriff's Department). The Disaster Recovery Team will be responsible for the following:
1. Establishing an overall restoration schedule.
2. Setting restoration priorities.
3. Determining requirements for outside assistance and requesting such
assistance when beyond local capabilities.
4. Keeping the appropriate County and State officials informed.
5. Keeping the public informed.
6. Assembling and maintaining records of actions taken and expenditures and
obligations incurred.
7. Recommending to the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners to proclaim
a local state of emergency if warranted.
8. Commencing and coordinating clean up, debris removal, and utility
restoration which would include coordination of restoration activities
undertaken by private utility companies.
9. Coordinating repair and restoration of essential public facilities and services
in accordance with determined priorities.
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10. Assisting private businesses and individual property owners in obtaining
' information on the various types of assistance that might be available to
them from federal and state agencies.
' b. Immediate Clean -Up and Debris Removal
Coordination of this activity will be the responsibility of the Disaster Recovery Team.
' c. Long Term Recovery/Restoration
The Disaster Recovery Team will be responsible for overseeing the orderly implementation
' of the reconstruction process after a major storm or hurricane in accord with the County's
policies.
Damage Assessment
Damage assessments will be necessary to determine as quickly as possible a
realistic estimate of the amount of damage caused by a hurricane or major
' storm. Information such as the number of structures damaged, the
magnitude of damage, and the estimated total dollar loss will need to be
developed.
' The Disaster Recovery Team Leader shall set up a Damage Assessment
Committee (DAC) after the clearance of major highways and paved roads in
' the County. This team shall consist of the Building Inspector, Emergency
Preparedness Coordinator, a local realtor or building contractor, and
appropriate personnel from the Tyrrell County tax department.
'
The DAC will immediately begin to make windshield surveys of damaged
structures to initially assess damages and provide a preliminary dollar value
of repairs or replacement. The following general criteria shall be utilized:
ta.
Destroyed (repairs would cost more than 80 percent of the value).
'
b. Major (repairs would oast more than 30 percent of the value).
c. Minor (repairs would cast less than 30 percent of the value, but the
structure is currently uninhabitable).
d. Habitable (some minor damage, with repairs less than 15 percent of
the value).
'
2. Reconstruction Development Standards
Generally, reconstruction shall be held at least to the same standards as
' before the storm. Structures which were destroyed and which did not
conform to the County's storm hazard mitigation policies, that is, with basic
measures to reduce damage by high winds, flooding, wave action or
' erosion, must be redeveloped according to those policies.
The County will support the decision of the Sanitarian if the loss of property
' containing shoreline structures is substantial enough to prohibit the
reissuing of a septic tank permit. This may mean relocation of construction,
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95

reissuing of a septic tank permit. This may mean relocation of construction, '
or no reconstruction at all. Such relocation will be placed in less hazardous
areas if feasible. ,
Building permits to restore destroyed or damaged structures, which were
built in conformance with the State Building Code and County storm hazard '
mitigation policies, shall be issued automatically. All structures suffering
major damage will be repaired according to the State Building Code. All
structures suffering minor damage, regardless of location, will be allowed
to be rebuilt to the original condition prior to the storm. '
3. Development Moratoria
Tyrrell County does not foresee the need to prohibit any and all '
development for any specified period of time. This is because of a lack of
densely populated areas. Residents shall be allowed to proceed with '
redevelopment and reconstruction as soon as practical and in accord with the
various levels of State and Federal disaster relief provided to them.
Damage to the properties in some areas of the County may indicate a higher
'
susceptibility to storm damage than other areas. The Board of
Commissioners may declare a development moratorium if the County
determines that some areas are more vulnerable to storm damage than
others. This would prohibit all redevelopment for a specified period of
time. This will allow the County tune to assess previous damage mitigation
policies for their effectiveness and possible modification.
'
4. Repair/Reconstruction Schedule
The following schedule of activities and time frame are proposed with the
realistic idea that many factors of a hurricane may render the schedule
'
infeasible.
Adviri Time Frame
u
a) Complete and Report Twcr'weeks
Damage Assessments - after storm
b) Begin Repairs to Critical As soon as
Utilities and Facilities possible after
'
storm
c) Permitting of Two weeks
'
Reconstruction activities after damage
for all damaged structures assessments
(minor to pre -storm are complete
,
original status, major to
State building code and
hazard mitigation
standards)
'
5. Agency Responsible for Implementation
'
96 1

The Chairman of the 'I x& County Board of Commissioners, as chief
1 elected official of the County, will serve as overall Emergency Coordinator.
The Board Chairman will delegate the oversight of the reconstruction and
recovery effort and implementation of the plan..
6. (pair and Replacement of Public Utilities
If water lines or any component of the water system are damaged and it is
debermiaed that the facilities can be relocated to a less hazardous location,
then they will be relocated during reconstruction.
97

a
SECTION III:
LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM

' A. General
' The land classification system provides a uniform way of looking at how the planned use of land
interacts with environmentally sensitive area and with the development of a County or Town It is
not a strict regulatory device in the sense of a zoning ordinance or zoning map. It represents more
' of a tool to understanding 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 classification is also useful in the staging of services necessary to
support development. The regulations for the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) state:
"The land classification system provides a 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 intensity of development will be either encouraged or discouraged A
1 brief summary of the seven broad classifications, as contained in the CAMA rules, might illustrate
this. For example:
' "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
classified as community. Agriculture, forestry, mineral extraction and other similar
low intensity uses and very low density, dispersed residential uses should be
' directed to lands classified rural. Generally, public or private water or sewer
systems will not be provided in areas classified rural as an incentive for intense
development." (7B.0204) (d)
-The Rural Services Class is to provide for very low density land uses including
residential use where limited water services are provided in order to avert an
existing or projected health problem." (713.024)(5)(A)
"The purpose of the conservation class is to provide for the effective long-term
management and protection of significant, limited, or irreplaceable areas."
t (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
development. Each of these classes applied to the community must be represented
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. Ideally, the map which depicts
these classifications should be as flexible as the policies that guide them. (See Map 13, Land
Classification Map)
The seven land use classifications, as they will be applied in Tyrrell County, are defined below.
' 99

B . Develo
' The developed class of land use provides for continued intensive development and redevelopment
of existing cities or municipalities. Areas to be classified as developed include lands currently
developed for urban purposes or approaching a density of three dwellings per acre and provided
' with the usual municipal or public services and police and fire protection. In other words, such
areas must currently be urban in character, that is have mixed land uses such as residential,
commercial, industrial and institutional or other uses at high to medium densities. The only area
' meeting this description in Tyrrell County is the Town of Columbia.
C. 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 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
severely limited for development. ;
Lands classified transition may include:
1. Lands included in municipal extraterritorial planning jurisdictions and areas being
1 considered for annexation;
2. Predominately residential areas that are approaching densities of three units per acre, or
have a majority of lots smaller than 15,000 square feet and will be provided with essential urban
services;
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 limitations for urban development.
The urban transition class should not include:. "
0
1. lands of high potential for agriculture, farestiy, 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; and;
4. lands where development will result in undue risk to life or property from natural hazards
or existing land uses.
' 5. lands that are designated as areas of environmental concern (AEC).
The areas to be classified as urban transition in Tyrrell County include the areas immediately
adjacent to the Town of Columbia which currently receive or are able to be served by the Town's
municipal services. This area extends along US 64, both to the east of the Town and to the west

for a short distance, and along secondary route 1209 to the north of the Town.
Another area which is not adjacent to Columbia but which has been developing and should also
come under this classification, is the Rider's Creek area Currently, the Rider's Creek area has
central water from the County water system. If finds become available and it becomes
economically feasible, the County would also like to see sewer service provided to this area. The
land use analysis showed that there were generally suitable soils in this area, as well as a
significant area considered minimally flooded
The relationship between the developed and urban transition classification is important in
predominantly rural counties like Tyrrell. The first class is meant to define the already developed
areas and/or those areas where public investment decisions will be required to provide the
necessary urban services. These become important areas to monitor closely. The Coastal
Resources Commission has further clarified this relationship as described below:
The Developed and Urban Transition classes should be the only lands under
active consideration by the County or municipality for intensive urban
development requiring extensive urban services such as sewage treatment
The area within these classes is where detailed local land use and public
investment planning will occur. State and Federal expenditures on projects
associated with urban development (water, sewer, urban street systems,
etc.) will be guided to these areas. Large amounts of vacant land suitable for
urban development within the Developed class should be taken into account
when calculating the amount of additional lands needed to accommodate
projected
D. Limited Transition
The purpose of the Limited Transition classification is to provide for development in areas that will
have some services, but are suitable for lower densities than those associated with the Urban
Transition classification and/or are geographically remote from existing towns and municipalities.
Lands in this classification will experience increased development pressures during the planning
period This development may necessitate some municipal type services but will be of only modest
densities. These lands are often comprised of soils unsuited for high intensity development
These lands may further be defined as lands with physical limitations or areas near valuable
estuarine waters or other fragile natural systems. These lands should not include areas which meet
the definition of Conservation Land. Lands in this classification should be predominantly
residential with densities of three units per acre or less, or with the majority of lots larger than
15,000 square feet Cluster or planned unit developments are allowed in this classification —
occasionally with closed water systems.
This land classification shall be applied to those areas along the Albemarle Sound that are within
1,320 feet of the high water line and on soils that are somewhat suitable for development These
areas are not on soils such as Donovan Much or Chowan Silt, nor are they located within the
seventy-frve (75) foot area that is included in the estuarine shorelines.
E. Commumity
The Community classification provides for clustered mixed land uses to meet housing, shopping,
employment, and public service needs within the rural areas of the County. It is usually
characterized by a small grouping of mixed land uses which are suitable and appropriate for small
clusters of rural development not requiring municipal sewer service. These areas provide residents
101

1
I�
with a sense of a community.
This is an important classification in Tyrrell County, since most of the County's population not
residing in the areas classified previously as either Developed or Transition, live in such clusters.
There are no other incorporated municipalities in Tyrrell County, other than Columbia, but many
small communities are located along the primary roads in the County.
Areas classified as Community include: Travis, Goat Neck, Alligator, Gum Neck, Kilkenny and
Ft. Landing. The waterfront developing areas of Colonial Beach and the River Neck area should
also be considered Community. All of these areas except Alligator are currently serviced by the
County water system. County water lines should be completed to the Alligator Community by the
Fall of 1990 in an effort to mitigate potential health problems resulting from the use of relatively
shallow wells.
F.
The Rural class provides for agriculture, forest management, mineral extraction and other low
intensity uses on large sites including residences where urban services are not required and where
natural resources will not be unduly impaired. These are lands identified as appropriate locations
for resource management and allied uses; lands with high potential for agriculture, forestry or
mineral extraction; lands with one or more limitations that would make development costly and
hazardous; and land containing irreplaceable, limited or significant natural, recreatinal or scenic
resources not otherwise protected.
The majority of land within Tyrrell County falls within the Rural classification. This classification
is very important in Tyrrell County, because of the economic importance of agriculture and forestry
activities.
G . Rural with Services
The Rural With Services classification was created to provide for very low density land uses
including residential uses where limited water services are provided or will be provided in order to
avert an existing or projected health problem. Other services such as sheriff and fire protection and
rescue services may also be available.
This classification shall be applied to areas between the Town of Columbia and the various
communities that are served by County water limes. These water Imes were provided to prevent
health problems related to shallow wells, not to promote development. These areas are located
along the two major trasnportation routes in the County — NC 94 and US 64 and will extend 200
feet from the rights of way of these two highways (see Land Classifications Map 13).
This class shall also apply to the areas adjacent to secondary routes where water lines have been
provided to avoid health problems. These areas shall also extend 200 feet from the rights of ways
of these roads (see Land Classifications Map 13).
' H . Conservation
The final land use category, according to CAMA guidelines, is the Conservation class, which
provides for effective long-term management of significant, limited, or irreplaceable resources.
' This classification will at a minimum include all of the statutorily defined AEC's. Other areas
within the County with natural, cultural, recreational, productive or scenic value, may also require
similar effective long-term management.
' Examples could include major 404 wetlands (wetlands other than statutorily defined coastal
1 102

wedands); essentially undeveloped shorelines that are unique, fragile, or hazardous for
development; lands that provide necessary habitat conditions (especially for remnant species);
poc osms; or publicly owned water supply watersheds and acquifers.
The 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, there may be high ground area which are suitable for development, in which 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 should be reviewed on a case by
case basis.
The Board of Conummoncrs of Tyrrell County recognizes that additional areas of Tyrrell County
could be considered to have special features conducive to being placed in the Conservation
classification, such as significant cultural or historic sites. However, since most of these lands are
held in proviate ownership, the County does not wish to impose undue and unnecessary
restrictions on the use of private lands. The overall premise for the Conservation designation in
Tyrrell County will be to strike the delicate balance between careful long-term management of
sensitive or valuable resources and the freedom of landowners to use their properties.
Therefore, in Till County, the environmentally sensitive areas identified as Areas of
Environmental Concern (AEC's) i.e., Estuarine Waters, Estuarine Shorelines, Outstanding
Resource Waters (ORW s), and Public Trust Areas are classified as Conservation. (There are no
significant coastal wetlands, or salt marshes in Tyrrell County.) Outside of these Areas of
Environmental Concern, the primary designation of the Conservation areas in Tyrrell County will
be for the purpose of sustaining shoreline stability and protecting water quality, along the County's
estuarine waterways, i.e. the Albemarle Sound, the Alligator and Scuppernong Rivers and related
creeks and tributaries such as Alligator, Second, Goose, Juniper, and Rider's Creek the
Southwest, Northwest and New Lake forks of the Alligator River and around the Lake Phelps
shoreline.
The designated conservation areas shall include land areas. extending to 1/4 mile (1, 320 linear feet)
on either side of the banks of these waterways. Along the Albemarle Sound shoreline conservation
lands shall consist of specific soil types with known nutrient or pollutant ,filtering qualities,
specifically these sons are Dorovan Muck, and Chowan Silt (accordihlg to the Soil Survey of
Tvrrell County. 1985, prepared by the U.S.D.A. Soil Conservation 9grvice). Areas with these
soils will be so designated, when they occur within--T/4 mile_of-Af a waterway, or 1,320 linear feet
inland (see Land Classification Map). This natural riverine iloodplai i~ buffer will help sustain
shoreline stability and contribute to the protection of water quality.
Also included in this classification is the federally managed Alligator River National Wildlife
Refuge, and the recently created Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge and shorelines around
The Frying Plan The soil type Pungo Muck identified in the soil survey, is also considered to
have suitable filtering properties. This soil is found north of The Frying Pan (from Goose Creek)
and around the Frying Pan and along the southeast shoreline of the Alligator River to the
Northwest Fork. Dorovan Much, Chowan Silt and Pungo Muck all have severe limitations for any
developed use, including agriculture. The County will view any proposed use of these areas with
caution.
Since, as stated previously, Conservation does not imply "Preservation" specific allowable uses in
the Conservation class shall include:
Drainage: Adequate drainage is essential to the economic vitality of Tyrrell County;
1
103
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therefore, dramage facilities over and through these areas, but not with the intent of draining the
Conservation areas for developed purposes, will be allowed. Such facilities may include diking,
' tiling, and Piping system.
2. Low density residential development if, and as, allowed by the County Health Department
and the U.S. Soil Conservation Service. Water and sewer services will not be extended to such a
residential area merely to stimulate additional growth and development On -site services will be
required.
' 3. Water -oriented uses such as piers, docks, and marinas, if they are shown not to cause
detriment to the estuarine waters or the Conservation lands.
4. Necessary utility service lines, such as water, sewer, electrical, natural gas, etc., when it is
demonstrated that the ecological system of the Conservation estuarine area will not be significantly
altered. (As noted in Item 2 above, development of and/or extension of necessary utilities and
services will not be done merely as a stimulus for additional growth and development, only to the
extent needed).
5. Roadways, when construction of roadways can be conducted'without significantly altering
the ecological system, and in compliance with existing federal, state, and local regulations.
6. Tunber harvesting with approved management practices.
' 7. Barge landings.
8. Marinas (upon careful determination that substantial pollution will not occur).
' In conjunction with the Policy Statements section of this Plan, each a lication for development in
J bey PP Pm
the Conservation classification shall be brought before the County Planning Board. These shall be
' reviewed on a case by case basis prior to approval. The County Planning Board may recommend
modification of the Proposal.
1
I. Land Classification Summ=
The proposed classification of land for varying levels of intensity and provision of public services
in Tyrrell County were presented in parts A through G, above. These classifications related
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 the following,
Section IV.
104

e
SECTION IV:
RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES
LAND CLASSIFICATIONS
105

A. General
' As required by the Coastal Area Management Act, the Iand 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.
B. Developed and Urban Transition Classes
As mentioned in the discussion of existing conditions, most of the County's growth will occur
' around the developed municipality of Columbia. This growth will occur m both the Columbia and
Scuppernong Townships. This is the area where basic services such as water, sewer, and
community support services are available or might be feasible within the planning period. The
developed and urban transition classes were specifically designated to accommodate these more
intensively developed areas and land uses, including residential, commercial, industrial parks, and
open space, community facilities and transportation. Hazardous or offensive uses such as land
1 application systems,power plants, airports and bulk chemical storage facilities will be located away
from these classes.
C. Limited Transition Class
The Limited Transition class was created to allow some low to moderate density development with
some services. This class often applies to areas that are geographically remote from existing
municipalities and may be on soils with physical limitations or near sensitive environmental,
'. scientific, aesthetic or cultural resources. This class applies mainly to residential areas and may
include planned unit developments or clustered housing.
' The portion of Tyrrell County where this class applies along the Albemarle Sound is being
designated as a limited transition area for two reasons. First, the development should not be too
intensive in these aeas due to their proximity and potential threat to nearby estuarine, aesthetic,
recreational and commercial resources of the Albemarle Sound.
Second, this limited growth will promote economic develpment while protecting the environment.
This growth will increase the County's tax base, and may result in additional investment and
development in supportive industries such as restaurants, stores and service businesses (see
economic development and resource protection policies).
' D. Community Class
Intensive development will not be encouraged in this class due to the lack of urban services and/or
physical limitations. The general range of acceptable uses are limited to residences, isolated
general and convenience stores, churches, and other public facilities. These areas are usually
found at crossroads within the rural classification.
Most of these areas are currently served by the County water system. Because of the low density
development, these areas do not require centralized sewage collection and disposal. County water
lines will be extended to the Goat Neck community by the Fall of 1990. This will be the last major
portion of the County to be served with water lines. This service is being provided because of the
potential health threat not to promote economic development.
E. Rural Class
The rural class is the broadest of the land classes, and is designated to provide for agriculture,
forest management, mineral extraction and other low intensity uses. Residences may be located
within the rural class where urban services are not required. Some large developments may be
106

encouraged in the rural class when there is an absence of otherwise suitable land within the
developed and transition classes and/or when there is a possible threat to the urban populace. Such
large developments include airports and power plants. The County also reserves the privilege of '
allowing specific types of industrial development in the rural area if, in the opinion of the local
government there will be no harmful or advserse effects from such a location.
F . Rural with Services Class
This class provides for low density development in areas where limited wager service is available.
This service was provided to prevent health problems and not to encourage development. This ,
class does not conflict with the County's policy of preserving agrarian land for those uses.
G . Conservation Class I
The Conservation class is designed to provide for effective long-term management of significant
limited or irreplaceable areas which include areas of environmental concern (undeveloped
shorelines that are unique, fragile, or hazardous for development), and publicly owned gamelands
and parks, undeveloped forest lands and cultural and historical sites.
Development in the estuarine system should be restricted to such uses as piers, bulkheads, '
marinas, and other water -dependent uses. Policy Statements_ under Resource Protection, and
Resource Prcduction and Management in Section II of this plan address the County's intentions
under this ci-:: . Also, a more detailed discussion of the Conservation classification, along with ,
permissible LSCS, is included in the preceding Section III.
1
1
1
i
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6
SECTION V :
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION
-
108
108

A. General I
Throughout the development of this Plan, effort was made to make the policies consistent and '
compatible with other local, State and Federal requirements. Implementation of the Plan will
likewise follow the same intergovernmental concern.
A joint public information meeting was held toward the beginning of the planning process
(February 13, 1990) which involved the two appointed boards, citizens of the County and Town.
Also, the County Finance Officer and the Town manager were involved throughout the planning
process. Throughout the development of this Plan, effort was made to make the policies consistent
and compatible with other local, state and federal requirements. Implementation of the Plan will
likewise follow the same intergovennnental concern.
This plan was prepared with an unusually high amount of intergovernmental coordination, since '
this is a joint plan for Tyrrell County and the Town of Columbia. Monthly joint meetings were
held with the Tyrrell County Planning Board, the Town of Columbia Planning Advisory
Committee and the planning consultant. A second joint public information meeting was also held t
on July 18, 1990. This meeting involved members of the Tyrrell County Commissioners, the
Town of Columbia Town Council, the two appointed boards noted above, as well as citizens of the
County and Town.

APPENDIX I
ANALYSIS OF POLICY
STATEMENTS/I1SA4'LEMENTATION
'
ACTIONS OF THE 1985
TYRRELL COUNTY
�
LAND USE PLAN UPDATE

TYRRELL COUNTY
LAND USE PLAN UPDATE, 1990
ANALYSIS OF 1985 POLICY
STATEMENTS/IlAPLEMENTATION
ACTIONS,:
r

1
1
TYRRELL COUNTY LAND USE PLAN UPDATE, 1990
Analysis of 1985 Policy Statements/Implementation Actions
The CAMA Land Use Plan for coastal communities is essentially a policy document aimed at
guiding localities toward sound growth management. Because circumstances, conditions, and
issures 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 as well as to examine newly emerging trends and concerns. The Commission is also
requiring in all 1990 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 1985 Plan is being presented as an appendix to the 1990 Plan Update. A review of the current
status of 1985 policies and proposed actions also helped to identify new policy issues.
W
I. RESOURCE PROTECTION
A. AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL
1
CONCERN: DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
I . Policy: To give the highest priority to the
protection and coordinated management of
areas of environmental concern, so as to
safeguard and perpetuate their biological,
social, economic and aesthetic values and
to ensure that development occi ring
'
within AECs is compatible with natural
characteristics so as to minimize to
likelihood of significant loss of private
'
property and public resources.
2. Policy: To permit development within the
estuarine system which conforms to the
general use standards of the N.C.
Administrative Code.
B. WETLANDS
1. Policy: To allow land uses that promote
conservation of wetlands.
C. ESTUARINE WATERS AND
'
ESTUARINE SHORELINES
1. Policy: To permit only those land uses that
are compatible with the nature and value of
'
the estuarine system.
Status/Relevancv Actions
On Going Concern.
On Going Concern.
On Going Concern.
On Going Concern.
1 112

2. Polio. To permit recreational, residential On Going Concern.
and commercial land uses in the estuarine
shorelines if: (a) no substantial chance of
pollution, (b) preserve natural barriers to
erosion, (c) limit impervious surfaces to
only what is required, (d) meet standards
of N.C. Sedimentation Pollution Control
Act of 1973, no significant adverse impact
on estuarine resources and does not
interfere with existing public rights, access
or use of navigatable waters on public
resources.
D. PUBLIC TRUST AREAS
1. Policy: To promote the conservation of On Going Concern.
public trust areas.
2. Pow To continue to use the current On Going Concern.
system subdivision regulations, state and
federal permit and review procedures like
404 and LAMA.
E. DEVELOPMENT IN AREAS WITH
CONSTRAINTS
1.
Policy: To permit development in some
On Going Concern.
areas subject to erosion provided it
complies with policy in section I.C.2.
2.
Policy: To continue to participate in the
On Going Concern.
National Flood Insurance Program and
adopt a full phase Flood Damage
Prevention Ordinance to be enforced by
building inspection. (Non -AEC
developments must comply with flood
insurance program requirements.)
3.
Polic . To not encourage development
On Going Concern.
where soil type have limited bearing
capacity.
4.
' Policy: To continue to support decisions
On Going Concern.
made by the Sanitarian for areas with
septic tank limitations.
5.
Policy: To continue not to support the
On Going Concern.
expansion of military air space restrictions.
Implementation:
°
Initiate building inspection program in
Done, but not until 1987.
1985.
113

°
Amend subdivision ordinance to include
Done
elevation above mean sea level for each
'
plotted lot after adoption of regular phase
of the Flood Insurance Program.
F.
PROTECTION OF POTABLE WATER
I
SUPPLIES
I
1.
Pow To support the N.C. Division of
Environmental Management through N.C.
On Going Concern.
Administrative Code subchapters 2L and
2C.
G.
USE OF PACKAGE TREATMENT
PLANT
'
1.
Policy: To allow such plants if constructed
On going concern, not bested in past.
within overall intent of land use plan and if
1
meets federal and state environmental
regulations.
H.
MARINE AND FLOATING HOME
DEVELOPMENT
1.
Policy: To support development that is in
On Going Concern.
compliance with existing environmental
regulations.
2.
Poficv: Floating Homes are not an issue.
Not relevant, still not issue.
II.
RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND
MANAGEMENT POLICIES
A.
AGRICULTURE
1.
Policy: To continue to support existing
On Going Concern.
'
state and federal permitting procedures and
to support prime farmland identification
and use of best management practices.
implementation:
1
°
Leave existing process unchanged.
On Going Concern.
°
Encourage identification and mapping of
Done via soil survey by USDA's Soil
'
prime agricultural lands by FY '87.
Conservation Service
°
Support state review of impact of
On Going Concern.
development on prime agricultural lands.
B.
COMMERCIAL FORESTRY
1.
Policy: To encourage reforestation without
Done by state.
'
imposing additional restrictions.
114

Implementation:
° Leave existing programs unchanged.
° Encourage identification and mapping of
prime forestlands by FY ' 87.
° Support state review of impact of
development on prime foresdands.
C. MINING RESOURCE AREAS
1. Po :a: To support the mining of peat
within limits of state and federal
environmental regulations.
D. COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL
FISHERIES
l . Policy: To continue to support 404 permit
process as sufficient in controlling runoff
resulting from land clearing - to not funit
land clearing or agricultural drainage.
2. Policy: To support enforcement of septic
tank regulations by County Health
Department and Soil Conservation Service.
3. Policy: To continue support of the County
subdivision regulations and requiring
larger lot sizes where soils aren't well
suited for septic tanks.
4. Policy: To require a minimum buffer of
1, 320 feet on both sides of estuarine
waterways and to declare this land as
conservation in the land classification
system.
5. Policy: To apply for funds to create
artificial reefs along Albemarle Sound.
Implementation: To continue to enforce
existing regulations
E. OFF -ROAD VEHICLE
No action - not relevant
F. RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL
LAND DEVELOPMENT
On Going Concern.
Done via soil survey by USDA's Soil
Conservation Service.
On Going Concern.
On Going Concern.
_ On Going Concern.
On Going Concern.
On Going Concern.
On going concern, no ordinance passed or
created.
Not Implemented.
On Going Conern.
Not Relevant
115

n
1. Policy: To encourage development if it is On Going Concern.
in conformance with existing regulations.
III. ECOMONIC AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
A. TYPES AND LOCATIONS OF DESIRED
INDUSTRY
1. Policy: To require an impact assessment On going concern, no ordinance passed or
and the use of the best available technology created.
to avoid air and water pollution.
2. Policy: To require location on stable, well
drained soils in areas protection from
flood, accessible to existing public utilities
and transportation routes.
3. Polio . To develop an active industrial
recruitment program for low -pollution light
manufacturing industries.
4. Policy: To seek technical assistance and
financial help to develop at least one
industrial park near Columbia.
5. Polio . To review development proposals
on a case -by -case basis.
(
6. Policy: To provide basic support services
like water and sewer in new industries.
Implementation Develop more active contact
with the state's industrial development
representative for the region and explore
funding assistance to develop an industrial park
near Columbia.
B . LOCAL COMMITMENT TO SERVICE
PROVISION:
1. Pow To provide needed services (as
feasible) to accommodate new growth.
Implementation: Cooperate with Columbia to
encourage the provision of services where
needed (as feasible) for new development.
C. DESIRED URBAN GROWTH PATTERNS
1. Policy: To not extent water lines to, or
otherwise encourage, new development in
areas with soil limitations or close to
AEC's.
116
On Going Concern.
Done
Not Fully Implemented.
On Going Concern.
On Going Concern.
Done
r
4
On Going Concern.
On Going Concern.
On Going Concern.

2. Policy: To help redevelop or rehabilitate
needy areas and to extend water lines to
areas to address health problems (ex.
Alligator Township).
3. Policy: To not impose a zoning ordinance
on the county.
4. Polic . To draft a mobile home park
ordinance.
Implementation: Get assistance in FY ' 86 to
draft a mobile home park ordinance.
D. REDEVLEOPMENT OF DEVELOPED_
AREAS:
1. Polite To encourage redevelopment of
the County's waterfront.
2. Policy: To request channel dredging at the
mouth of the Scuppernong River.
3. Policy: To encourage
redevelopmentImhabiliation in
communities like Goat Neck, Alligator,
and Gum Neck where housing is
substandard.
Implementation: Request Corps of Engineers
or U.S. Coast Guard to snag Scuppernong
River.
E. CO TO STATE AND
FEDERAL PROGRAMS
l . Policy: To support state and federal
programs except for the expansion of
restricted military airspace over the county.
F. ASSISTANCE TO CHANNEL MAINTENANCE
1. Policy: To continue to assist the Corps of
Engineers and the state by helping them
obtain or provide spoil sites.
G. ENERGY FACILITIES SITING
1. Policy: To prevent off -site processing of
peat in environmentally sensitive or
hazardous areas.
On Going Concern.
On Going Concern. I
Dane
Done
Done, on going concern.
Not Implemented.
'
On Going Concern.
Not Implemented. '
On Going Concern.
17 I
On Going Concern. I
On Going Concern. 1
117

I
2.
Poll To acquisition of sites in
Policy: support
shoreline areas of Albemarle Sound on
I
Alligator and Scuppernong Rivers for
power plants if there is determined to be no
long term negative impacts on the
Ienvironment.
H.
TOURISM AND BEACH
WATERFRONT ACCESS
l .
Pow To improve water front access
opportunities for the general public.
Implementation:
°
Apply for funds to develop a Beach Access
Plan in FY '86.
Iof
°
Seek financial assistance to develop a port
safe harbor on Albemarle Sound.
I.
DENSITY OF DEVELOPMENT
1.
Policy: To allow development to continue
where it is most feasible.
2.
Polite To continue to enforce subdivision
regulations with minimal lot sizes of
20,000 square feet for lots without public
water and sewer and 15,000 square feet
for lots without public sewer. Average
densities of 2.1 to 2.9 units per acre.
J.
LAND USE TRENDS
1.
Policy: To continue enforcement of
'
existing local, stage and federal land use
regulations.
I
IV. CONTINUED PUBLIC
PARTICIPATION POLICIES
I.
Policy: To continue to solicit citizen input
in planning - mainly through public
hearings of the Planning Board.
V.
STORM HAZARD MITIGATION,
POST -DISASTER RECOVERY
AND EVACUATION PLANS
A.
STORM HAZARD MITIGATION:
DISCUSSION
1
On Going Concern.
On Going Concern.
Done, not fully implemented.
On going concern, not fully implemented:
On Going Concern.
On Going Concern.
On Going Concern.
On Going Concern.
' 118

L Polio. High Winds - To support
enforcement of N.C. state building codes
wind resistive construction and mobile
home tie downs.
2. Po_li L. Flooding - To support National
Flood Insurance Program, CAMA & 404
Wetland's development processes.
3. Policv: Wave Action and Shoreline
Erosion - To support CAMA permit
process for estuarine shorelines and
development standards to stabilize
shorelines and facilitate proper drainage.
Implementation:
° Establish building inspection program to
enforce N.C. Building Code (wind
resistance and mobile home tie downs) in
FY '85 - '86.
° Adopt Flood Drainage Prevention
Ordinance for regular phase of National
Flood Insurance Program in FY '86 - '87.
° Support state and federal programs like
CAMA, U.S. Corps of Engineer's 404
permit process which aid is mitigation of
hurricane hazards.
B. POST -DISASTER RECOVERY PLAN
1. Policy: To establish a post disaster
recovery team made up of the County
Finance Officer, the emergency
preparedness coordinator (team leader), the
county sheriff, the county building
inspector, the director of social services, a
local realtor or building contractor. The
base of operations will be the emergency
operation center in the Sheriffs Department.
On Going Concern.
On Going Concern.
On Going Concern.
Done, but not until 19 87.
9. -
On Going Concern.
On Going Concern.
119

'
2. Poll : To empower the disaster
—� powcr posit
recovery team with the power to: (a)
establish an overall restoration schedule,
(b) setting restoration priorities, (c)
determine needs of outside assistance and
make request, (d) keep county and state
officials informed, (e) keep public
informed, (f) maintain records of actions
taken and expenditures and obligations
incurred, (g) proclaim local state of
emergency if needed, (h) coordinate clean-
up, debris removal and utility restoration,
(i) coordinate repair of essential public
facilities and services by determined
priorities, 0) assist private businesses and
1
individuals in obtaining information on
types of assistance available from federal
and state agencies.
1. Policy: To create a Damage Assessment
' Committee (DAC) (comprised of : the
county building inspector, the emergency
preparedness coordinator, tax office
personnel, a local realtor or building
contractor) to do windshield surveys.
Policy: To allow DAC to classify
structures as: (a) destroyed if repairs are
greater than 80% of value, (b) major
damage if repairs are between 30%o and
'
80% of value, (c) minor damage is repairs
are less than 30% of value but structure is
still uninhabitable, (d) habitable if repairs
'
are less then 15% of value.
D. RECONSTRUCTION DEVELOPMENT'
STANDARDS
1. Policy: To require redevelopment to meet
the County's storm hazard mitigation
policies.
2. Poticv: To support sanitarian's decision to
deny reissuing septic tank permits if there
was substantial loss of property containing
shoreline structures and require them to
relocate to less hazardous areas.
On Going Concern.
On Going Concern.
On Going Concern.
r
k.
On Going Concern.
On Going Concern.
1 120

3 . Polio. To automatically reissue building On Going Concern.
per for structures that were destroyed
or damaged which were in compliance
with the state building code and the County
storm hazard mitigation plan.
4. Pow To require structures with major On Going Concern.
damage to be repaired to meet the state
building code.
5. Poh •v: To allow structures with minor On Going Concern.
damage to be repaired to its original
condition.
6. Pofigg To not automatically declare a
On Going Concern.
moratorium on building permits.
7. Policy: To maybe impose a moratorium if
On Going Concern.
the County Board of Commission finds
some ams are more vulnerable to storm
damage.
4 'oli •vv. To establish a repair/reconstruction
On Going Concern.
schedule that would: (a) allow two weeks
for DAC to conduct a damage assessment,
(b) begin repairs to critical public utilities
and facilities as soon as possible, (c) to
begin issuing permits for reconstruction
two weeks after the DAC survey.
9. Policy: To establish the County Board of
On Going Concern.
Commissioner as the overall emergency
coordinator and as the agency responsible
for implementation.
10. Polio. To relocate damaged water lines
On Going Concern.
and water system components to less
hazardous locations.
E. HURRICANE EVACUATION PLAN
1. Policy: To use the March 1977 "Civil
Preparedness Hurricane Evacuation Plan"
for this requirement and to establish the
Columbia High School as the primary
emergency shelter.
F. RE-ENTRY
1. Policy: To use the March 1977 "Civil
Preparedness Hurricane Evacuation Plan"
for this requirement and to coordinate re-
entry with North Carolina Power and other
utility companies.
Ongoing concern, updated 1988.
On going concern, updated 1988.
121

n
- COASTAL RESOURCES COMNIISSION GUIDELINES
_ AND POSITION STATEMENTS CONCERNING
r MILITARY AIR SPACE OPERATIONS
122

State of North Carolina
Department of Natural Resources and Community Development
Division of Coastal Management
512 North Salisbury Street • Raleigh, North Carolina 27611
James G. Martin, Governor George T. Everett
William W. Cobey, Jr., Secretary February 14, 1990 Director
M E M O R A N D U M
TO: All Interested Part' s'
FROM: George T. Everett
SUBJECT: Rules adopted by tife CR
Attached is a copy of rules which were adopted by the CRC on
Friday, December 1, 1989. These rules will be effective March 1,
1990.
Adoptions: `7H �.0603-.0604; 7M .0901-.0902; 7M .1001-.1002
Amendments: 7H .0308; 7H .1205; 7H .1904; 7J .0406
/pwr
Attachments
123
PQ Boer 276U, Ncnh CM060 27611.7W TekOwft 919-733-n293
An Equal Opmmnty A(fimmaw Action Employer

' 15A NCAC 7H .0603-.0604 have been adopted with changes as
published in 4:14 NCR 736 as follows:
.0603 MINIMUM ALTITUDES
No development involving airspace activity shall be allowed in
' any AEC which would result in violation of minimum altitude
standards adopted by the Federal Aviation Administration and
codified at 14 CFR Part 91.79. Future amendments by the Federal
Aviation Administration shall be deemed to be incorporated into
' this rule pursuant to G.S. 150E-14(c) unless the Commission
objects within 90 days of publication of the action in the
Federal Register. Upon objection by the Commission to a change,
the Commission shall initiate rule -making proceedings on
incorporation of the amendment into this rule. The amendment
will not be incorporated into this rule pending a rule -making
hearing and final action by the Commission on the proposed
amendment.
History Note: Statutory Authority G.S. 113A-107(a),(b);
Eff. March 1. 1990.
.0604 NOISE POLLUTION
Except as required for safe aircraft takeoff and landing
operations, airspace activity associated -with coastal development
' shall not impose an increase in average noise exceeding 10 dBA
above background levels. Noise measurements shall be normalized
Ldn as set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency in its
report,550/9-74-004 entitled Information on Levels of
' Environmental Noise Requisite to Protect the Public Health and
Welfare with an Adequate Margin of Safety. The maximum noise
level associated With any single -event shall not exceed 85 dBA.
' These limits shall not apply where noise -impacts are. confined to
surface areas owned or controlled by the project's proponent. Any
noise monitoring required to ensure compliance with this rule
' shall be the responsibility of the proponent.:
History Note: Statutory Authority G.S. 113A-107(a),(b);
Eff. March 1; 1990.
1
124

-3-
15A NCAC 7M .0901-.0902 have been adopted as published in 4:14
NCR 737-738 as follows:
SECTION .0900 - POLICIES ON USE OF COASTAL AIRSPACE
.0901 DECLARATION OF GAL POLICY
It is hereby declared that the use of aircraft by state,
federal and local government agencies for purposes of managing
and protecting coastal resources, detecting violations of
environmental laws and regulations and performing other functions
related to the public health, safety and welfare serves a vital
public interest. The Commission further finds that future
economic development in the coastal area and orderly management
of such development requires air access to and among coastal
communities.
History Note: Statutory Authority G.S. 113A-102(b); 113A-107;
Eff. March 1, 1990.
.0902 POLICY STATEi�NTS
(a) It is the policy of the State of North Carolina that
access corridors free of special use airspace designations shall
be preserved along the length of the barrier islands and
laterally at intervals not to exceed 25 miles to provide
unobstructed access both along the coastline and from inland
areas to the coast. Such access corridors shall extend from the
surface to an altitude of 6000 feet above sea level except where
communication and radar services allow positive aircraft control
at lower altitudes.
(b) Development of aviation -related projects and associated
airspace management practices shall, to the maximum extent
practicable, facilitate use of aircraft by local, state and
federal government agencies for purposes of- resource management,
law enforcement and other activities related to the public
health, safety and welfare. In any case, access to restricted
areas shall be provided on a periodic basis. %cr routine
enforcement flights and access shall be �,pt'bvided- on an emergency
basis when required to respond to an immediate threat to public
health and safety. -
History Note: Statutory Authority G.S. 113A-102(b); 113A-107;
Eff. March 1, 1990.
125

-4-
15A NCAC 7M .1001-.1002 have been adopted as published in 4:14
NCR 738 as follows:
SECTION .1000 - POLICIES ON WATER AND WETLAND BASED
TARGET AREAS' FOR MILITARY
TRAINING ACTIVITIES
.1001 DECLARATICN OF GENERAL POLICY
The use of water and wetland -based target areas for military
training purposes may result in adverse impacts on coastal
resources and on the exercise of public trust rights. The public
interest requires that, to the maximum extent practicable, use of
such targets not infringe on public trust rights, cause damage to
public trust resources, violate existing water quality standards
or result in public safety hazards.
History Note: Statutory Authority G.S. 113A-102(b); 113A-107;
Eff. March 1, 1990.
' .1002 POLICY STATEMENTS
(a) It is the policy of the State of North Carolina that all
public trust waters subject to surface water restrictions
pursuant to 33 USCS 3 for use in military training shall be
opened to commercial fishing at established times appropriate for
harvest of the fisheries resources within those areas.
(b) where laser weaponry is used, the area of restricted
' surface waters .shall be at least as large as the recommended
laser safety zone.
(c) water quality shall be tested periodically in the surface
' water restricted areas surrounding such targets and results of
such testing shall be reported to the Department.
History Note: Statutory Authority G.S. 113A-102(b); 113A-107;
tEff. March 1, 1990.
n
i
126

0
Citizen Participation Documentation
126-a

' Appendix III: CITIZEN PARTICIPATION DOCUMENTATION
Tyrrell County, being well aware if its responsibilities to conduct the 1990 Plan updating
' process in the public arena, took steps in the initial project stages to openly inform and educate
the public. This supplemental information will expand the information presented in Section E,
p.89 of the plan document and substantiate the validity of a process that was clearly open for
' citizen's input.
Although the technical program year for the 1990 Plan Update ran from October 1,1989
through September 30,1989, the County did not receive actual funding and contract documents
from the State until late October,1989. Administratively, the October 1st beginning date was
not possible. However, the planning contract between the State and the County was executed
by Tyrrell County on November 1,1989. At the same time, the County executed a third party
contract with a consulting firm, Ken Weeden & Associates, Inc., of Wilmington, NC.
The Consultant received a copy of the executed third party contract in late November, and
immediately scheduled a meeting with the County Planning Board at their next regularly
scheduled meeting, December 12, 1989. (See rest of Appendix III). At that meeting, an
overview of the Planning process was presented, input was received on emerging issues, and the
need for continuing citizen participation was discussed. The Consultant presented information
from CAMA documents which discussed several possible techniques for citizen involvement.
He also presented a draft "Public Participation Plan at the December 12th meeting, which
described a general plan to invite continuing citizen's input into the planning process (see p.
126-e). The initial draft participation plan called for a public information meeting to be held
in early January, 1990, at the Planning Board's regular.meeting. However, it was decided that
since notices would have to be in the newspaper during the holiday season, the public
information meeting should be held in February, 1990 instead.
Meanwhile, in late January, 1990 (January.29th),:the Gons'iltant met with the CAMA
planning representative and the County Finance Officer to review the progress of the early
stages of the planning process. At this meeting, the CAMA representative made several
suggestions, including revising the Public Participation Plan to include listing all of the proposed
dates for meetings with the Planning Board and the Town of Columbia Planning Advisory
Committee. However, the February 13, 1990 Public Information date had already been
established. The Public Participation Plan was revised, but not until after the February 13th
Public Information meeting. Therefore, the revised participation plan mentions that a public
information meeting had been conducted on February 13, 1990, and listed the remaining
scheduled meetings beginning with the March 13, 1990 meeting. (See Revised Public Partici-
pation Plan in Appendix III. p.126 j)
126 b

n
L
Throughout the planning process, news releases and notices were submitted regularly to the Coastland Times ,
and the East Carolina Reminder, concerning the Land Use Plan. All of the articles or notices invited citizen
participation. In fact, the March 8,1990 issue of the Coastal Times expanded a news release submitted by the
Consultant, and printed an article under "Tyrrell County News", with the headline "LUP Update Needs t
Public Input". Other news reports, notices, agendas and minutes of meetings are presented in the rest of
Appendix III. '
a
. I
126-c

TYRRELL COUNTY
1
Planning Board
.-.
'
BOX 449
COLUMBUL N. C. 27925
'
AGENDA
1
December 12, 1989
'Ihe
Tyrrell County Planning Board is scheduled to meet Tuesday,
'
December 12, 1989 at 7:00 p.m. in the Columbia Courthouse to act upon the
following
agenda:
1
1.
Call to order
'
2. Approval of minutes
3. Ricky Vanhorn (map)
'
4. Ken Weeden (C MA Land Use Program)
v
5. Other business
6. Adjournment
r 02
�LT
/
117
(\AN
1
2- 13 -`i0
3- i3 6.10
to-12-9a
y- 17 -'la
'1-18-010 '..1C.C.,
126—d

County of Tyrrell/Town of Columbia
1990 Land Use Plan Update
1
Public Participation Plan
(Initial Draft December, 1989)
,
Subchapter 7B of the N.C. Administration Code, Land
Use Planning Guidelines, calls for the planning process
to be conducted in the public arena. It is the responsi—
'
bility of the local government to involve, inform and educate
a cross—section of the population. There must be a structure
in place which continously reaches out and invites diversified
,
segments of the community to participate. The following
Public Participation Plan is hereby proposed:
,
The Tyrrell County Planning Board will conduct public
monthly meetings during the Planning Process. The Town of
Columbia's Planning Advisory Committee will meet jointly
with the County Planning Board occasionally. However, the
'
consultant will also conduct separate meetings with the Town
of Columbia's Advisory Committee,which will also be publicly
advertised. Progress reports on the 1990 Land Use Plan Update
will be discussed at these meetings and citizens will be
given the opportunity to provide input into the process.
. The Tyrrell County Planning Board and/or Columbia Advisory
'
Committee will publish notices in a local newspaper(s) (The
Coastland Times, e.g.) and possibly via public service
announcements on local cable television and radio stati6ns.
'
The Tyrrell County Planning Board and Columbia Advisory
Committee will conduct two (2) public information
'
meetings. the first meeting is to be held near the
beginning of the planning process, while the second is
to held after a draft report of policies and classifications
has been prepared. The tentative date for the first meeting
,
is January 1990. The date for the second public information
_
meeting will be determined later.
'
This Public Participation Plan while intended to involve,
inform, and educate the residents of both Tyrrell County and
the Town of Columbia, is viewed as being a flexible tool
,
which may be modified if it is deemend necessary.
126—e '

ri
u
NORTH CAROLINA
TYRRLLL COUNTY
December 12, 1989
Planning Board
The Tyrrell County Planning Board met Tuesday, December 12, 1989 at 7:00 pm
in the Columbia Courthouse. PResent at the meeting were the Chairman, Jacob
Parker, and members Danny Davis, L.B. Windley, and the secretary. Roy Sawyer
was unable to attend the meeting, but Laura Olds would be arriving later.
'Ihe Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:00.
Upon a motion by Mr. Windley, seconded by Mr. Davis, and carried, the
minutes of the last meeting were approved.
In business, the secretary presented the William Byrum 2-10t subdivision
plat, prepared by Ricky Vanhorn. Lot number one already has a house and septic
tank on it. Mark Landino Iwants tobuythis lot. Lot nunber two is simply to
add on to an already existing lot (the Cabin Swamp Church parsonage). The map
has set back lines, elevations, water and power lines, etc. After a
discussion, Mr. Davis made a motion to accept the plat as a final plat. Mr.
Windley seconded and the motion carried. The Chairman signed the milar copy of
the plat.
Ns. Olds arrived at this time.
Mr. Ken Weeden met with the Board to discusi the CAMA Land'Use Plan, which
has to be updated every five. years. He told -the Board that this year we will
be working with the Town of Columbia's. Planni,09cA,dvisory Conmittee. He then
discussed a proposed schedule for updating -the Plan, which will probably take
most of 1990. Mr. Weeden and the Board members discussed several changes in
the past five years which need to be considered while updating the Plan (for
instance, the increased amount of waterfront development in the county, the
possibility of four-laning highway 64,.and the fact that much of the land in
Tyrrell County is being bought by large groups who are exempt from paying
county taxes). After much discussion, Mr. Weeden informed the Board that he
would like to meet again in the regular meeting for February.
the meeting adjourned at 8:45.
126-f

v
Refuge Aides TM coAiriAND T1M y s unitar. E wmv 110IM raw to ,
�..C. TY rre I I
J'►1,1, A
�-
Public Meeting
For Land Use
• .ta_;,r_r�-,; Plan Updated
The Tyrrell Aiming Board
'" ....�� •:�t. •'l.County
k a _ ", ' • ;'l. µry and Town of Columbia Planning Ad-
;`! . •; .,., �:. '•..� ' visory Committee will conduct a
— .., .• �+ •...} publicinformation meeting on the
". 1990 up
date of tbt: Tyrrell
County/town of Columbia CAMA
Land Use Plan oo Tuesday, Feb. 13 at '
7 p.m. in the Tyrrcll County Cour-
thouse building.
All cutzcas are invited to attend.
10 hours awartls wale. lrulu loll, Miku Murat:, itt'ly
Inland Kriatoh.xuen, Fran Julliff, llerb Lowis. Warren
ry were Davis, Anne Wood, Dick Wood, Aylene Goddard,
ng for. Don ferry, Patsy 'Loll, Ken Dyar and Dui:
ceiving Sarven. (J. Hohmann photo)
He
i? 1 I

TYRRELL COUNTY
Planning Board
BOX 449
COLUMBM N. C. Z7925
AGENDA
'
February 13, 1990
The Tyrrell County Planning Hoard is scheduled to meet Tuesday, February
13, 1990 at 7:00 p.m. in the Courtroom in the Coluubia Courthouse Lo act upon
1
the following agenda:
1. Call Lo order
" 2.
Approval o1 minutes
3. Mr. Ken Weeden - Lund Use Plan UIxJate
'
4. Other business
5. Acl juuriuu�tiL
1
1
1
1
F126—h

NORTH CAROLINA February 13, 1990
TYRRE1. COUNTY Planning Board
The Tyrrell County Planning Board met Tuesday, February 13, 1990 at
7:00 p.m. in the Columbia Courthouse for a public information meeting
concerning the 1990 COMA Land Use Plan. Present at the meeting were the
Chairman, Jacob Parker, and members Danny Davis, Roy Sawyer, L.B.
Windley, Laura Olds and the secretary. Also present at the meeting were
Columbia Planning Advisory Comuittee members Irene Jones and rredell
Hassell, as well as Mr. Ken Weeden and Mr. Keith Langford of Weeden and
Associates.
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:60.
Mr. Weeden introduced Mr. John Crew with the Division of Coastal
Management. Mr. Crew explained the role that CAMA plays in preparing the
update. CAMA will evaluate our plan, and offer criticism and
suggestions. The 1990 Update will have to be approved by CAMA.
Mr. Weeden then gave his first quarter report, stating that the
update has to be given to CAMA by the end of September. He then passed
out an evaluation of population and economic trends in Tyrrell County. A
question and answer session followed, and the evaluations were discussed
at length.
The meeting was adjourned.
K
o
`, 126—i

County of Tyrrell/Torn of Columbia
' 1990 Land Use Plan Update
Public Participation Plan
(Revised February, 1990)
Subchapter 7B of the N.C. t Administration Code, Land Use Planning Guidelines, calls for the planning process to be conducted
in the public arena. It is the responsibility of the local
government ' to involve, inform and educate a cross-section of the population. There must be a structure in place which continously
reaches out and invites diversified segments of. the community to
participate. The following Public Participation Plan is.hereby
proposed:
The Tyrrell County Planning Board will conduct public
monthly meetings during the Planning Process. The Town of
Columbia's Planning Advisory Committee will meet jointly with
the County Planning Board occasionally. However, the consultant
will also conduct separate meetings with the Town of Columbia's
Advisory Committee, which will also be publicly advertised.
Progress reports on the 1990 Land Use Plan Update will be
discussed at these meetings and citizens will be given the
opportunity to provide input into the process.
The Tyrrell County Planning Board and/or Columbia Advisory
Committee will publish notices in the Coastland Times and possibly
via public service announcements on local cable television
and radio stations.
F-1
The Tyrrell County Planning Board and Columbia Advisory
Committee will conduct at least two (2) public information meetings.
The first meeting is to be held near, the: beginning of the planning
process,- while the second is to be field ' after -'a draft report
of policies and classifications has been prepared. The date for
the first meeting was February 13, 1990. The date for the second
public information meeting will be determined. later.
This Public Participation Plan while ine�!nded to involve,
inform, and educate the residents-ofboth Tyrrell County and
the Town of Columbia, is viewed as being a flexible tool which
may bemodified if it is deemed necessary. All of the meetings
are open to the public and citizens are urged to attend. Below
is a listing of the scheduled meetings; all to take place at
the Courthouse Building in Columbia.
March 13, 1990, 7 p.m.
April 10, 1990, 8 p.m.
May 8, 1990, 8 p.m.
June 12, 1990, 8 p.m.
July 10, 1990, 8 p.m.
126-j

126—k
I
Pry 6 — The East Carolina- -• -- - — .... • .. • ..... ' .. ' ....... .. .
Reminder. Wedneatfay, February 21, 1990 •.
.rroeiation and •a former a&oL*_jFQr --MUDH — YOUNG REPUBLICAN AT TENgS TOWN
tivitr►n. MEt:I'ING— s ps.
an TING OPh — Joshua
oek nport, 8 e nt Gov. Jim Martin for
mother Iq a Lincoln scholar, horn Y• Joshua, who's CAA Land
asked iq fip9nq his g1r1h ant presicOnt's atnhaay, Use Upd4te
Dye pay attenain9 the North Caroilaa 9ov- t
ornor's town meellnp. Joshua Iva s ludenl at Plnes Elementary for CQugfy>,
School, Plymouth; his'falher Iv Wdbllln9ton County Rep Lary CUlUiria
From Page 1 can party, chairman. io '
vtlr h+bel a.u:r..l ' ,. 1JJ0 murky the ur North Curulinu'r year
lot libernf cungrtlrrrnun., it Meeting
County ��"�'d4Rp4 to ita Lu(Id
Ur,► P1ur►, ten r Ow va out ul rtup with thu cunrer- From . Pa rP. the stater "Lai ram M lone e-
►vr n►ulnrlreum u b 1 W Area Muqu6e
ntt Curulu,u • f Curwrn merit Act(CAM-4).
Moye ,mod, I::vrry .five
yuurv, u"urding to the statd''
'! am t� hO 1,6y 141I) ul. culav r r.go rstd, wuuld provide for nwre dure• or unuther.• plannin
tvY ttl ilia trµtjltt4tl ul Guurgtl `uluutul in the statu'r rc)toole. g dultl•liner, tile wurltlur ,
•t►. 11uuNW lie and loco[ ravernrnents which
gt;►ul, and J6'ee Wihut'r gang to b• a wrrl'ul 'Sol" - ptlople want to lore have lund use ''r� "t"1't►Y vullt►b rucurd will motivation — with e a ptoower growth in the rurul areas but not plWlr we retlutgrd
act thu'e a ulct lur • • to update their prrvituts plulw.
. 1 p Muye more 1 ' e uveryb to lttl said. 7'hir your, a ,lull will rlru be pru-
'11*10mull.ptwp e, tqur• freudunt, h• Morita twtd the blunts for pollu- pared for the Towrt u1 Culuniluu qr
:Unu nlb4jujud ur nur'theurtern Martin told the group to take
port ut un uruu cannot bu placed on " �purute element.
:anal mwiugur ol• tloe old N.C. advantageg p arty ono source. 7jrrrull (:•►ant
'urtawntofNt►turul liabourcus the u Of a new opengwse in y lour cattrucwd
ppropriauons eyetem In the `You eun't, just blume Weyer. with die W1lnungwo•barud Iir ,
C:uuuuuuttY lluvvlulnuunt uf- rtute'r lug�siuwre. !le also raid y n
huuurrr or luruegulf,• he amid. of ICrn Wurdr„ nd
ut Washington duruig Gov local rertdentr could not cuntiuurlogo
•1 lour hate frorn huusehuld.ww_ g C�►ueul4 rlts t. prct µ,�
un'• lust Wrta. I I• now work' to block developolunt old should p I'lumm� • . to ru
abuandruinrunulffrumturrnsurs the 1J90 u�►data, 111ir limn will
°jI •state !'n,l,er, developer, lw wthin two nttyur culprits rn destruyu►g work closely w
prof th lIr alru w►rvus ur a rreu or u �j1tl ftlsucnlicerinune t1►e sWteL givers and streurus• Planning huurd'o the County
'urr of thtl slate ttup, blicun , •Ifyttuwantbusinessestocame Ontl 1.ewlrwn•Waudville woe appwnwdC:ulumltiggPlwlningwAd.
uuvr ta,tatuutee, to your communit mull asked Martin fur h. with V'MwY Cummlt y, you Iluve to p twg over
the noxt
provide edueuWd employees ca getting u fuut food reetuurant to raverul rtttrtths to help ideltttty
ableof p- lour town, citing the Juba it would ntlwlyemergiltlltrendssendlseuv'
dwng the job, Martin raid, provide fur toon-ugurr in this cum- which hued to lw ttuldruored in tl►e i
*Yuuulruhave W know that allbu- luunity divided by houvgly. land ore plans.
teptoy, rigrrw,r create worse ol'une kind truvelud iligltwu l 1 A
Y muJur aspect of the planning
process is the ltivvlvement of the 1 Front pCgrg I citizens
McClee . �'0/!1 Pa ti�rtutl'hrwrghout the process, 6-
se.
1
Page 1 will be encouraged to pro, ' Michelle and a grandson. to the board of commissioner vide input, primarily through a .t
is presently serving on the and perlogtped a variety ofadmi- s o c i a t i o n o f County serer of public meetings wttlt thn
County Health $curd, the matrativo tasks. fl• mut with Comm.ssioners. county planning board and the
:utive Comm ittse of the' and • worked directly under The McCleeses have three town udvirorycommittee. Notices
►ern.Alwmarle Association, supervision of the board of children and three will in publishsd.~,4,,�
iyde Count Jury count g'rundchie metlti ►twee
Y ry Cummgs• y. oommirrioners and tour dren, and he is an '�• A coercing discuse the t
clew WHYC radio rWtiun f¢miliar with all us ugunt for the planning procp,yi as pl� _' �• pecte of the F'arIn Bureau insurance
i of dire;ta_M, ym Haaul'ort• bO t'a tw wmpatdrs. umbia, 'I1rs �
-Adartin Regional patsit>;litiw, courthouse,
i Y^d thi Library McClees completed the Ina re
Nome Health Ad- County administration course at t:andi P pared statement, the All meeungs ortile eountyplan.
rd• She also serves as u the In�it44 of Cow►rnmen ex date said he believes his malt board are o to the public. t,
�esr� the Second Judi. UNC tr Mriena and training in local Questions re • Chapel Hill, and was g the pluniting
stricts Guardian ad [item Outstanding gi. government•operation• will he process or public meetingeshould
tome: ; i. - • Wn the outs g graduate helpful in carrying out the du. be addressed
. • , award by the North Carolina As. ties - ttla.AalkAR

126-1
' THS COASTLANo T WARKS, Tlt "Mm. Nardi S. low. raIta Y
� —CouTyrrell
ew
I
. Lup
Because it 6eslwnsnbt4ly of
;014e local government to involve, in.
form and educate a crowsecliun of the
'county'{ population in the land {tse
Planning process, a public participa-
ti plan has been deigned (or reai.
de of Tyrrell County and the Town
ofColumbis.
ti Meclings have been scheduled for
'he courthouse in Columbia by the
Tyrrell County Planning Hoard each
jmoalh for the next five months begin.
',"r4,'ning at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Match 13.
Although ColCommiumbia's Planning Ad•
ttee will meel.oc
"bionally on a joint basis .with the
"'unit' planning board, the Land Use
Plan consultant, Ken Weeden and As.
Update Needs.Public Input
is the IF
at least two public information meet-
ings; the first was scheduled neat the
beginning of the planning process on
Feb. 13. The second will conic after
the draft report of policies and clas-
sifications has been prepared.
The other dates for the monthly
public meetings are April 10, May tl,
June 12 and July 10. All these meet•
ings, except for the one scheduled for
March 13, begin -at 8p.m.
enior Center
Gets 'Funds For
Transportation
wcules, Wilmington, will also con. The Senior Citizens Center has been
duct separate meetings to be advertised awarded a grant to provide transports as scheduled. Progress reports on the lion Io senior citizens and medicaid
1990 Land Use Plan Update will be recipients front the N.C. Department
''discussed at these meetings, *And of TransPorlation. Bill Bateman, direc.
citizens will be given the opportunity for of the Center, stated that the now
r;lp provide input into the process. funds will allow for transportation
1a addition, the two groups conduce from the center to doctors and oth
I _
ree
insurance
analysis
Your Nationwide* auani can
now you now' all eds. Irian
lysis 01
your--,oluction needsyou. Ihan
er
medical providers in Edenton and
Plymouth and other towns if ertoupp
interest is shown.
The Center and the Tyrrell f7'
Department of Social Sen✓.
agreed to coordinate thi• t• ._' '
tltrll the Vista workef
Pon. Any intereste .1
ell. Mrs. Dave
wcea Ill a.aL
-- At this rl.
to Eden,
Obis
Medr
WANCI
Mldgett C
died Mach
A native
daughter o
Hayca Mid
les L. Cra,
the actha„
Warwilcac
Mrs. Cr
daughter,
Clyde; one
Wanchesc;
of Wanchc
A mcnw
T wiford's t
Friday, Ma
Richard Lc'
friends at l
in Wanchc;
In lieu ,
tributions
Wanchcse I
Twifurd'
is in charge
Mary
WAN C1l
Robinson,
Wedne-
Ches:
Soo
'fj" O
v 2
ems.
a •�
` � 1
Z
O
l � D

TYRRELL COUNTY
Planning Board
BOX 449
COLUMBIA. N. C. 27925
AGENDA
March 13, 1990 '
The Tyrrell County Planning Board. is scheduled to meet Tuesday,
March 13, 190 at 7:00 p.m. to act upon the following agenda: '
1. Call to order ,
2. Bobby Bray Freeman - lot expansion
3. Public information Meeting - K. Weeden '
4. Other business
5. Adjournment
t
126-m

NORTH CAROLINA Planning Board
TYRRELL COUNTY March 13, 1990
jThe Tyrrell County Planning Board met Tuesday, March 13, 1990 at 7:00 p.m.
in the Columbia Courthouse. Present at the meeting were the Chairman, Jacob
Parker, and members danny Davis, Laura Olds, and the secretary. Also present at
the meeting were Columbia Planning Advisory Committee members Irene Jones and
George Spencer.
The meeting was calledto order at 7:00 p.m.
1 Upon a motion by Mr. Davis, seconded by Ms. Olds, and carried, the minutes
of the last meeting were approved.
In regular business, Mr. Bobby B. Freeman met with the Board, presented a
plat showing his waterfront lot, and asked for permission to buy a 14 foot strip
of land to add to his already existing lot (lot number one on the plat). this
addition is for enlargment purposes only. His original lot was platted before
Tyrrell County had any subdivision regulations, and is very small. Therefore,
almost any addition would be an improvement. Upon a motion by Mr. Davis, seconded
by Ms. Olds, and carried, the Planning Board approved the addition to Mr.
Freeman's lot.
Mr. Keith Langford met with the Planning Board. -and the Columbia Planning
jAdvisory Committee to give his monthly report on the 1990,CAMA Land Use Update.
Mr. Weeden was unable to attend. Mr. Langford gave each member present a written
analysis of Tyrrell County and Columbra's ecoaairy, _hand use patterns, and
community facilities. A lengthy discussion -nf this report followed.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
11
IL
126—n

Pop • - Ilia East Carsuaa Reminder. Weds* oday. Apra 11. 1990
Ocracoke Front Pvt 1
Project& that are larger than 20
*Land bow a project of this site can
acres, have a structure that coven
be done nthout-nouselLocation
man then 60.000 quart fast ar
d the cansWl marsh and we& -
need 0144har SLAW •ar fedanl
btridM,' the Pauli said in a letter to
Mnrys a mo
at ow
at have a
DCM late February. 'Me
a
major development parse** under
Nands of Hatteras Island WI
CAMA regulauuns, according to
that the applicant has ne legal
coastal water management
right to disturb projected sub.
duldahnae.
merged Po-trde below Nw use
Other projects under CAMAS
bno.'
lunadunoa may require only aw
Mw N.C. Coastal Fadanoon
nor development permits from
had earlier, said the project would
local governments under a ling'
destroy 'smaang um' of public
run supern"d by DCM.
TTW Otromke
trust dWllAshinai. w_a`ter and
projmtalYrwdo
the approval of the US. Army
ihsr.fera MWe,. 11.* CarallrL
•anadagndattoa' water quality
C.ar9e of Engin"r* and nqW rY a
standard,
federal cir"da aad•08 parapet.
Frisads of Hatteras We" a
A rw_s report by ths,0�_rt_mou
600-aumbar ainaorvsaari group
of Ea"nasa " Managowori16
based in Brawn, iouwd the N C.
however, said the effects of Iran-
Consul Fs lanurn in adored that
nY • OmfGanAas Water quality
[Its p.najt be dsnwL-
ware not Y great as ww"liy
'We end it vary hard to under.
Houghs.
Ch urch n o tes
REMINDERS-:
ay
Each candidate ni given
Wry, comady, and a torch of r.
-ales Annual t•H livestock
approximately five minutes to
mange, uc►ate era $3 for the 1
Shaw-+n Columbia bedtnntnf at
proaent a short euuaWnc Audi•
p.m. performance to Creaws.
3 p.m. limbeeua supper from
angst will have apporwristy, to
High Auditorium.
4:30430 as Columba Are Haut.
query candidates. -
-Pabule m - Poor-Twe ca
platesana3A(leach.Aw"agur
-'NidhteraThousand Stan •
car& April 27.211. More later•
tnplum and sole of hods begins as
Washington County 1lbrary, g
CHS Band Bo dero.
7 pew. at Tyrrell Hall.
pea. Dorothy Spruill Radford will
-Apra) is National Gerd*
-Tyrralhnsan Club holding
read from the works d 7cla Neale
Month.
annual plant sale at Tyrrell Hall.
Hurstaa, oucharllo, refrYhnwinu
/
Procs*do go to community
will be Yid
prgpcW
Tyrrell County Schools nll
Titers pall be a pub' mesun
APR13L 12
conduct school bw driver's dam
of the Tynan Quincy Planner
.1% Fan Branch an T7w Rea.
on Wedn*sday and Thursday to
Board pad the Town of Calumb.
nobs, Sue& of Confederate Voter-
license adrl& with good dnvtrg
pbnntrid Adviesry Cwaouttes r
pry Camp a 1 /73-Mama 1%urr
records wba wish to rove for the
g p m, on Tymday. April Ilia tl
day in the Port of Plymouth
system. If interested, call
Tyrrell County Courthouse,
Mwwm, Pl rmnnlb w 7 pat. Per-
79fi•1121 for mare infmmatlon.
Among Na items to be dt.
urea Wunud its atuadind mn•
April 37
cueaad to a progress report on it.
&sea Jimmy Hardlaoa at
-MowAere Fast-Mystory.
19901�iwdUYPlaraUpdaW.Qt.
919.793.3816M17. Preopecttve
come{y by Van Walks presented
saw we saaauryad is awn.
members w*Iwme,
-Tmvte PofM Pantry WipA W
Oy Q well High School Drama
'•Club, 17N play tab" pines tit the
Questions, regarding the planner.
premse ar Uw public wat
tribute easerted reed Items W elia.
rite mlts u a quiet little munat
shouldbo addre-dra.1.D 11--
iWe families fraq,e e.w. Jae P.M.
tamp vnLM the stranda come of
hares. Aaari- Ofllcar Mr Tyrr.
April 14
-Sudan Temple Shnnera nil
Nowiwrs. for an evening of myr
C-ory at 796•1371.
parade through downtown Ply
mouth, T:lb give:_
1Ial1 MARM LIA /M1ta7111M
126-0

THIECOASTLAND TIMES, stuwaY, Aprd 15, lttlty. Fol. s,B
VS Public MeetingSet On Tup-ed?a";u
■
Vill
ed In
unty
1
re of the environ-
vino wet batteries
Jr place of busi-
'
flealth personnel.
utly shared with
tlospice exactly
'
re.
;er of having ex -
our most precious
dren. The lead in
y hazardous. The
: the soil in which
inly the lead, but
'
Itteries is highly
e when inhaled or
an the skin, the
nter the blood sys.
'
Inslow.
toke Home Care
The Tyrrell County Planning Board process should be addressed to J.D.
and Town of Columbia Advisory Brickhouse, finance officer for the
Committee have scheduled a public county, at 796-1371. '
meeting on Tuesday, April 17 at 8 p.m. ;
in the Tyrrell County Courthouse. ,
Among the items to be discussed Bl 1
will be the 1990 Land Use Plan update.
Citizens are encouraged to attend. 4; =ar
Questions involving the planning
1
rRlRgtt;q
OkNr
�ytttrttc = _ .
_yam,
1 � r
� OFsea
•_ ;cqr �o = _rPLOW
PA
• •IL T 7 f f 7� �' ' f • i1 My
- 126—p . __

TYRRELL COUNTY
Planning Board
BOX 449
COLUMBIA. N. C. 27925
1
AGENDA
t
April 17, 1990
The Tyrrell County s Plannin Board is scheduled to '
meet on Tuesday, April 17, 1990 at 8:00 p.m. in the
Columbia Courthouse to act upon Lhe lolluwing agenda: ,
1. Call to order
2 Approval uE minutes
3. Land Use Plan Update ,
4. Other business
I. t
S. Adjournment
t
t
o�
o
1
t
126—q

1
NORTH CAROLINA April 17, 1990 _
'IYRI%IELL COUNIY Planning Board
`r
'[lie Tyrrell County Planning board uu:t 'Tuesday, April 17, 1990 at
8:00 pm► in the Columbia Courthouse. 'Ibis was the meeting postponed from
April loth, which Ken Weeden and Asoociates were unable to attend.
Pres,:nt at the meeting were the Chairman, Jacob Parker, and members
Lindley Windley and Laura Olds. Also present -at the meeting were
1
Colunbia Planning Advisory Committee members Irene Jones and George
Spencer.
'
The meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m.
Upon a motion by Ms. Olds, seconded by Mr. llindley, and carried,
'
the minutes of the last meeting were approved.
Ken Weeden and Associates met with both Boards to give the monthly
update on the progress thus far. Each member present was given a
written detailed report. A discussion followed between the Planning
Board, the Columbia Advisory Committee and Ken Weeden and Associatescon-
cerning the report.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:15.
.k_
1
.
1
1
1-

Planning Board,
Advisory Group
To Meet Tuesday
There will be a public meeting of
the Tyrrell County Planning good and
the Town of Columbia Planning Ad-
visory Committee at 8 p.m, on Tues.
day. May 8. in the Tyrrell County
Ccunhouse. Citizens are encouraged
to attend.
Among the items to be discussed is
ux�v ute
renn'tom aYM LAW
Questions regarding the planning
Process or the public meeting should
be directed to J.D. Brickhouse, Tyrtell
Couocy Finance Officer, at 796.1371.
paa !o n ierwIS&Oit /ni
y &,14
'cif �wGtsr!
�'/, .idla�y s
49A.
e &"so nil
9
THE COASTI.AND TIMES, Ttlarsray, so
Tyrr
MMMMII Count)
Three Of Five .
n
,,

TYRRELL COUNTY
! Planning Board
FOX 449
COLUMBIA. N. C. 2792.5
ACF240A
May 8, 199U
The Tyrrell County Planning Board will meet on Tuesday,'May 8, 1990
at 8:00 p.m. in the Coluubia Courthouse to act upon the following
agenda:
1. Call to order
2. Approval of minutes
3. CMIA lend Use Plan uCxlate
4. Other business
5. Acl journu��nt
r •s
! 126—t

NORTH CAROLINA Tyrrell County Planning Board
TYRRELL COUNTY J"vx-4-21 1990
In t,. 4
The meeting was called to order by Chairman, Jacob Parker at 8:00
p.m. Members present were L.B. Windley, Danny Davis, Jacob Parker, and
Laura Olds. Member Roy Sawyer was unable to attend.
Ken Weeden Associates met with the Tyrrell County Planning Board
and the Columbia Planning Advisory Committee for further discussion on
the Tyrrell County Land Use Update Plan. The main topic was the
transportation improvement program. Also the new Wildlife Refuge being
developed on First Colony Farms was drawn on the Tyrrell County map
being drawn by Ken Weeden Associates to update the Land Use Plan.
Paperwork issued was concerning policy statallu:!ts used inthe 1985 Cama
Land Use Plan.
The Planning Board members discussed the changes concerning the
areas of environmental concern. The discussion concerned the relevancy
of the 1985 Plan, and whether or not any of the policies had. been
implemented until- 1990.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Laura Olds, Acting Secretary
126—u

I
U
1
1
Library Schedule
The only chungs in the Tyrrell
County Library summer schedule
1s that the library will close at 5
p.m. rather than a p.m., on Wed-
ausday. only.
June 12
public Meeting of the
% Tyrrell Cuunty Planning Board
f and the Tuwn of Columbia Plan.
ning Advtwry Committee. 8 pan..
7�Tre11 County Courthouse todis-
cuss progresi report on the 1990
Lund Use flan Update. Citizens
are eucuurug,d to attend; ques-
tiuna ahmild be uddressed to Tyr-
roll County Finance Olflcer at
1!)6.1371.
Crafty Critters
Agri 5.8 years old. meet Tugs*
day. June 12 at 3 p.m.
Thera is no charge, but partieip►
ants are required to register be-
fore the day of class.
Ages 9-12 meet Tuesday, June
26 at 3 p.m.
If you would like to join the
Crafty Critters crag c11163e2, call
796.3771 or go by Tyrrell County
Public l.ihm" r^ - -I---
I
--tth Annw
The East -Carolina Reminder. Wednesday. June 13. 1990 — Page 3
-
Sing Once ugain and
Ruritan Club will *ys;
riotic sing to celebt to
dance Day. Local n
be performing Vans
Everyone is invitedLi-
evening and then sgrs,
iful music. SinginQn-
p.rn tty
Senior Transpin
Due to an inert&
medical transportutty
ton, the Senior Cent
vices van has adde
tional day.
Beginning in July
go to Edenton everyi
of the month. The fir.
is scheduled for Jul)
from the Senior Ce.
Make appointmen
;0 Chil
Now taking r+
�(: SCUPPE
■ Now taking reVetra
US sa WEST
..n
craftsperson and interested in
having your crafts exhibited on a
Sunday afternoon. contact the li.
brary at 796.3771 or the Exten.
*ion office at 796.1581.
Questionaires are available to
help determine how many are
willing to participate and which
Sunday will be best.
lfyuu have meetings. civic pru.
jects, fundraisers ur other acti,-i.
ties of interest to the cummunity.
please send notices to. Rrrninder.
P. O. Bus 1788. Washington, NC.
278189 to be received qn Friday fur
the next week's publication. The
Reminder will run items prior to
the event so long as space prrmitr.
Thank You!
I offer my sincere thanks to all of
those Tyrrell County Voters who
supported me in the May 8th prim-
ary and/or the. run-off election on
June 5th.
I ask all citizens* of Tyrrell County
to support your new sheriff as he
assumes his duties.
126—v

TYRRELL COUNTY
Planning Board t
uox 449
COLUMBIA. N. C. 27925
AGENDA
June 12, 1990
The Tyrrell County Planning Board is scheduled to meet
Tuesday, June 12, 1990 at 8:00 p.m. in the Colunbia Courthouse '
to act upon the following agenda:
I. Call to order
2. Approval of minutes
3. 199E C:una Land Use Plan Update
4. Other business
S. Adjournment
i
1
r
126—w

North Carolina Planning Board
Tyrrell County
June 12, 1990
The Tyrrell County Planning Board met Tuesday, June 12, 1990 at 8:00
p.m. in the Columbia Courthouse. Present at the meeting were the
chairman, Jacob Parker, and members Danny Davis, Laura Olds, and the
secretary. Mr. George Spencer, representing the Columbia Planning
'
Advisory Committee, was -.also present.
Upon a motion by Mr. Davis, seconded by Ms. Olds, the minutes of the
'
May meeting were approved.
The secretary reminded the Board that theterms of the Chairman and
'
Mr. Sawyer would expire on June 30, 1990. The Chairman indicated that he
is willing to be reappointed for an additional three year term on the
'
Board. However, Mr. Sawyer has informed the Board that because of his
heavy work schedule, he feels he can no be an effective member of
_longer
the Isoard, and therefore does not wish to be reappointed. The Board has
contacted Mr. Robert McClees about this position, and he is interested
and willing to fill the vacancy. Mr. Davis made a motion to send a
letter to the County Commissioners
requesting that Jacob parker be
reappointed for a fourth term, and that Robert McClees be appointed to
the position being vacated by Mr. Sawyer. Ms. Olds seconded and the
motion carried.
Mr. Ken Weden and Mr. Keith Langford arrived at this time to give
their monthly report on the 1990 Cama Land use Plan. Mr. Weeden
presented the first draft of the Tyrrell County/Columbia Land Use
Policies. The Board discussed the first draft at length. The Board will
meet with the County Commissioners on July 18, 1990 to discuss the
progress of the Land Use Plan thus far. Mr. Weeden will not meet
with
the Planning Board in next months meeting but will send the secretary the
updated plan so that the Board will be familiar with it when they meet
with the Commissioners.
The meeting adjourned at 9:45.
126—z

GAL
NON[ OF f11.11110
OF APPUC4TION FOR
4 NtNOR O MIA Off
11 to N= 113A.11xtrl, The
t SoMhpq fnoem a locally
so to :wn CAMA Poo HIS w
f &VirorMrontY Co ww7k a- my
TICE 7m an June 2L **a O.
mion spoded 0w a CAMA per.
ran a Soo gallon Rra some far
of a pn.ala v rersorw flow as
1 qoaiI4 Lot T •os VI $orlon
W's Paint subimse>R trio ow
msy be Ylapeeted Al era ad -
or. FWlte owwano oceans
+slit Wra to eormardre ' Car
Will be soo.aed as con.
up to VW time of prtnN does.
lea modtticatlorra .1W roar
hanAa mole rd oan++.nra
this ;w IN dwufem Y1 the+al-
ppr� upon -Man rearwL
J. Lac" per" offt000r
Aced
0 zno
T•1o, tee
Of n1OATM CAAOLIKA
COUNTY OF CAR!
FILE No. at>• NSN
UIIaaR CO.ING
re. sR{ICL PIRA Ale COI$.
4 M INC. D"CANIF
SALE OF AM ►ROPiRW
of rm execution Issued to ill
Shone on else tells gay of
from the Clem of Supenw
alieve"Mated action s will
of Jwry. -Mat Cw o-cock
doof.- u.lm. rm
FrATW OF NOI i CAA Lsls
COUNTY OR NOt7T0A1•
IN THE OENB71Ai com OR JUSTIed
OltrrwN r OOUIIT olYtalota
c.14 Evve a seem Ina.. F1.tdlr a gaw
tIAa OR fERY1C1t PIIOCiii
aY ►VSLJC4two
To: Hannon fry rd Wok s"oen per.
Tate noises :not a ►bites of haply tW
Claim Esempt prop" lux beet 'lied in'
the above entitled w.kwL
Yes new tmmrrmty I$q acre to file a Wo•
lion to Clam Eaammpt gowTy Wdm "
Ger1t of 'uoviot Car" of HaCtord
County In Winter, Noe Caratne or pow
nary repuea. In Wnikng, a Neartrq e
ins Gen :a cis" yaw e.omp"ona.
of you tan to reegora, win r"
you ^lira b uernptlons rM 1M plat►
tiff may to "in la take any o/ ad d raw
PC" to snooty the ludo—L
'his the 1m ray of Jwme. •111111
nRtTCHM. COME a BUNCH
W. W. F'aan.eL Jr.
Attorney low Ptarntttr
/.o. Bus a
V"no or. Nana Carolina
Tat Ate 144141
r� 1a 1Ts
PUSS NtJT1Ct
The appeeadoaa of KW Ond Hula
Corrtnrnlertorw tJm11d Prvrr M&
oceenatae Comarrnmcari roe, : ne. Fku
fUOtl aro/aea.ilrq Umtted FU1nat►
Was. reward %neon Lacer aid KOM
baeaeaatm¢ Linseed Parinenil+p ell.
tow F:f brsm.deaet aaetat b oprtte on
Chains! 28/C1 IN KAI Dowd play Voritl
CaradoW flee peen eeelpnataa For aaaw
tong ty the r dow camrkowmions
C4.=r.bw The is un-Oudd
to beRaid an Sopcurre.r 4 low a ,avg
AM n Ilse officals of the federN Con.
municatlona Commission I.
Wsshinolo% QCii
The lseues to be cons"rmd d isse
hsoong an 7u foao.A
1. To dare+" WHsew owe Is a
reasonaoae poaamOday, 11r :a. Iowa
us" ra loaafaw praromd by Firms
and Lawir Ward aonatNUb a 114-1110
as nngrlor�
i to aaamWme Vide of the .14W
poem eo" on a *Woo raho b-146
beet Now ate puaAc lnoreaL
1 •TO 7a wmnm is the algRt of tne
evidence atta+ ptrauane t
t of da
d twItawry.
I yr r oil
Joint Meeting
Set To Discuss
Draft Of LUP
Tyrrell County and the Town of
Columbia will hold a joint meeting
Wednesday. July 18 at 8 p.m. in the
conference room of the Tyrrell County
orrlce Building to discuss the rust
draft of their 1990 Land Use Plan
Update.; + '
Tjlist joint meeting will include
members of the Tyrrell, County Com
missionam. the Columbia Town Coun-
cil, the Tyrrell County Planning Board
and the Town of Columbia Planning
Board
Thegm;t;ii�'will be held as a por-
tion of the regularly scheduled meeting
of the Tyrrell COudty Coatmissioncm
The regular planning board meeting.
which had been scheduled for today,
July 10 was cancelled in lieu of next
week's meeting.
Questions reguding the planning
process or the public meeting should
be addressed to J.D. Brickhouse. Tyr-
rell County Finance Officer, at
796-1371.
art a PKK�" t/.
�%
A
to III it Mdeer JMs
car n i. ont of vou.. ou will hear
...a— vv.M-o a &_*U1LJ TlMI
Legislative
Roundup
by
Rep. Vernon James
We ue in the latter days of the Ses-
recur
sion and still grappling with trying to
to be
balance the budget without doing
mem;
undue damage to needed programs.
next
Some legislators feel that toes should
to tal
be raised in order to cover some of our
Af
most pressing needs; Thert has not
out it.
been a majority of the House
willin
Democrats, Republicans and the Coali-
togett
tion agreeing to levy any tax in order
floor
to hover critical needs
Thai
After all, the Senate passed their ap.
matt
propriatioo bill about two weeks ago
Sor
and did not have a proposal to raise
budSc
taxes. They did use one-time income to
Basic
fund recurring expenses which Stan-
necdet
dard and Poors, the bond rating agency
in expenses which Standard and Pools,
service
the bond rating agency in New York.
Tot:
did not think it good business practice
—
to do this in state government. Dover-
recur
nor Martin went to New York and
S220.1
seemed to be satisfied After confer-
Afte
ring with Standard and Poor be felt the
budget
jtateg no it's�� bcM be
'�Tittn wever a governor did
r•nrwly:.
M
M

I
The East Carolina Reminder. Wednesday. July 11. low— Page 5
REMINDERS -
:.
e after the race, date 71u�da
up to each other, July' 14 . brary at 79&3771.or. the -Exton• r July 18,intheoon
• .
nd talked about Girl but Field Day, 10 Sion office at 996.1b81. tannee room dtii Tl Mll county
a.m. to 1 p.m.. Baseball field at July OfSl Building., beginning at- 8
Tyrrell Elements School. Inter- Pin.
; ,..._
Model class, the �' —On display. at Washington Members of Tyrrelh •County
second place es ested girls and adults. public in. County Library is an antique Commissioners, Tyrrell County
eking his second vited. Far more information. o�n• milking machine with bottles, n• Plannin Boar
t, left the rest of tad Shiron Pledger at 796-0196. cipes and facts about milk. _ . g d. -Town of Colum-
Crafty Critter Adult Basic Education classes bia Board of Aldermen and Town
ake and then had Forages &8, Thursday. July 19 meet from 8:30 a.in. until 12:30 Planning Advisory"Board• Meet -
in under the yel• at 3 p.m. For ages 9.1 Tuesda ing will be held as a portion ofrsg=
e race for second, July 24 at 3 p.m. Y. p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays. For ularly scheduled meeting of Tyr.
as between Greg Noe mom information, call 793-4763. cell County Commissioners; Reg.
hn Whitley. But charge but participants are i ular g
required to register before the dayplanning board meeting;
e a victim of a of the close. ✓ Joint Meeting scheduled for July_ 10. was
cep when Paul Senior Tlransportation Town of Co —Tyrrell County a a �int cancelled in lieu of this meeting, -
ld be 'addressed
i at turn Noe 4 Due to an increased, need • for meeting to discuis the first draft to JM. Brick. Questions house, finance Of.
angled with Cre• medical transportation to Eden. O th*�1990;Land�Use Flan -,Up• = fiat 796.1371.
aria and Donnie ton. the Senior CentedSocial Ser--':
vices van has addeded an adds.
' tion.l day. DINNER. -.
1 Tyrrell County Craftsperson:
The Tyrrell County Public Li-
,R CYLAcLvCw braand Extension Homemakers. July 15 1990 COLUMBIA FIRE STA.
' �. s� and Extension service are plan • 1 ,
F F) Fo Pmm
Wing to feature Tyrrell County
T c"It n_WWft.„ crattspersons on a Sunday in 11 A.M.-UNTIL PLATES =4.00 -
`��" October. 1/2 chicken, string beans-, potatoes
boil, tea, rolls.
Pip" If you: an. a Tyrrell County
ao�. trM. craftsperson- and interested- in . Dessert extfa
IPMeeue1. cr., having your traits exhibited on a Sponsored b
"""'I• M .r".a. Sunday afternoon, contact the li- Y Columbia N.S. variety Cheerleaders
hum. Woo awd
MEN
°1iwr1. Golon
C".""caft
NAPA
r..s4 c.M+.r.
n+ml. Twbe
1-
126-z

982-Y volume 9 Number 29
Seafood of Ocracoke. Fisherman
an reporting an . abundance of
crabs in all parts of Pamlico
Bound, whereas since 1984, crabs
wan confined, in the western
parts of the sound, to rivers and
bays, he said.
Evidently, the greatest influx of
crabs occurred in May and June
because landings data for the
four -month period between Janu•
ary and April show no substantial
increase in the number of crabs
caught as compared to prior years,
Hawkins said.
For northeastern North Car.
olina about 2.1 million pounds of
crabs were naught between Janu•
ary and April 1990 as compared to
about 1.7 million in 1989 and ab:
out 1.9 million in 1988. Statewide,
however, this year's crab catch for
January through April decreased
over last year. About 3.4 million
pounds of crabs were caught this
r, about 3.5 million in 1989and
million in 1988, Hawkins said.
Trudi!ionally, the majority of
-See���tRe
East Carolina
inder
Eight page.
Columbia, North Carolina, Wednesday. July is
1990
COLUMBIA—Loans Slplia, foreign exc4nge student from Kuusankosk4 Finland, acc s
A farewell gift of an American flap groin Columbia high Schgol Principal James Ballard. (Phr
wWluaiwreY w.h,PiO)
Friends to
of Hyde County's most promi•
Commissioners
clean up
nent building.
Mattamuskest Lodge, onto a
meet tonight
Mattam uskeet
pumping station to drain Matta-
muskeet Lake earlier in the can.
Tyrrell County Board of
Lodge Friday.
tury, was converted to a lodging
misaioners will meat in regular
facility by the Civilian Conger-
session at 8 pan. tonight in&he
The U.S. Flab and Wildlife
vation Corps (CCC) in the 1930's
and is on the National Register
Conference Room at Tyrall
County 011ce Building. LncId1hd
Service and the Greater Hyde
County Chamber of Commerce
of Historic Sites. The Lodge was
on the agenda is an appearance by
are sponsoring a 'Clean -Up
a well-known lodging facility for
hunters, fishermen, and nature
Jonathan Starling who will a
slide presentation; Ken W n
Day' for the Mattamuskest
Lodge on the Mattamuskest Na-
enthusiasts for several decades
will present CAMA Land se
tional Wildlife Refuge. Refuge
until it closed in 1974. Attempts
to reopen the Lodge since have
Plan and Weslay Spencer, Ducks
Unlimited, painting Tyrrell 1.
Manager Donald Temple an.
nounced tha day is sot for FridaY
been fruitless and no funding
has been available to maintain
Commissioners will discus
pain to Tyrrell Hall and a b t
beginning at 8 a.m. The refuge
and the Chambers Friends of
the building properly. Recentin-
amendment concerning School
the Mattamusiceat �e Com-
�b
tereatand concern for Cho Lodge
-
has resulted in a Fi�ienda of
Capital Outlay and o r
business.
mitt" attend an invitation to
interested businesses, orbunisa•
Mattamuskeet Lodge Commit-
In a July 6 meeting, coin s-
Lions and individuule In inin in
tau' within the Grouter Hyde._.sionsra heard Hurry Foard, diruc-
—
---- _
—tea

i
126—bb
The East Carolina Reminder, Wednesday. July 18t 1990 — Page
CLASSIFIED-CI:IASSIFIED C7.
P.L►ASSIEIED:
WOLff TAWNG BEDS THAW TO a a prol"sann"I rode dnwr♦ara
Commffiw" ome Wis. From 199M. lamps. f 1A t>af2S 000 n tun Brpia Augusl 27. tow
Loser-AwAssaws. Car Today FREE Color cox 1136M 1W n-sam rus,dwltf. tKC't
ICBWW. 1.600.22A•62* yrpen ada allot pudic gum amr tea"
REMINDEa.S /
Craflty Critters
For ages 6.11. Thuraday, July 19
at S p.m. For ages #-12, Tuesday,
July 24 at 3 p.m.
No charge but participants are
auired to register before the day
of the clans.
Senior Transportation
Due to an increased need for
medical transportation to Eden-
ton. the,Senior Center/Social Ser•
'vices van has addedea an addi-
tional day.
,Tyrrell County Crartspereons
The Tyrrell County Public
bTarY, Extension • Homemaker%.
and Extension service are plan-
ning to feature .Tyrrell County
craltaporsptis on a Sunday in
�Octaber.. ''
If you are a Tyrrell County*
craftsperson and interested In -
having your crags exhibited on a
unday afternoon, contact the li-
(Shion
rary at 796.3771 or the Ext n'-
office at 796.1581.
. Quostionairss are available to
hsln determine how many are'
tundiiy
illing to participate and which
will be but.
n800=326-0T02
' FAR4M-FAMu SUPPLY
GET YARREO N GATLNBURG. 'TN. . res eu SopanwW nq�rrod wih two t Ar
Pt oiogrWa, Aowws. music, Lmo. moon "I bu 21 refs d ay16 X6" or 7* i.
awns. arnsies. Saaw 4MM4 s wskoms. , a1r 1pn�.
C res, 1wa�r�p rod. GrWdug 34&27N eddrp H, HOME WORKER Nsededl 796.1211
Town of Columbia will hold joint
meeting to discuss the first draft
of the 1990 Land Use Plan Up.
$�t Equiprnetq
BORROW ON YOUR HOME
dater, Wednesday. July 18, in the
conference room of the Tyrrell•
t 11fi of d
a q ban Pap dad P
ems ok 81 amams (m trsA" Odl
�
;mft.i�lrrn, .
2t1' t ON PRNATEER, t SOhpEwuuaa Oou
"r. ON Ga"s"� Tra'lr, Fm
Count Office Buildi beginning
Y ng' fP g
°0"i0�i10f t r' ''"c' tea 'qN
I A0�25�1930
Swrso, v
�. �D�: OepA Fm*. Cuooy cabo
P.M.at 8
'Tyrrell
Pm
Members of County
Assume p�ypipl N n��o�rn
Assume p W � �)�'
Commissioners, Tyrrell. County
Planning Board, Town of Colum•
bia Board of Aldermen and Town
FIRE CHEFCITY OF
WHTEVLLE tt
^
Plannin AdvisoNoMry
c ry Board. Mast-
ing will be hold as a portion Grog,
,wmh%eC mb-* PoPr�
ton S,lOa Adai.ewr rd�runapa��y
wan i1GQ000 tardpat onii
'd!� .V♦Ig�llpflg q@SOn9
u WATERFRONT.
ul$rly rfheduled meeting of .Tyr•
ste"on, anWV"%
n 0e irbar mngua+on WM ka
�1600 �
09
Traw to %* pier. Pro" F9S,000� w"
tell County Commissioners. Reg
ular•• planning. board mea4pg,
�s'0sirosra
by*" mW 22 y��p""m ews ors 9 t,l tar""ampo-
iro &a
sea to
"ppr"wu. WwA�rlp ..F�a1ry. Ib6-023S
A' '"• '
scheduled- for July 10, , was
Am awmns, aadrwn"I j,ar lrrw
•" ono two now fire was WA be
Aa AA
COLL&"WA
�w'q" °•
cancelled ire Hsu of -this meeting
Questiom-should be addressed
Oqse logwad or ar Wa:t a
C+puns y`r' to • ua"s"re �'"'�'
Albare►art" So,nbT i
.{�.� W&!wh A"; ?g64 M mi;
to J.D. Brickhouse, Finar►or of.
unrry set g ; y
Hoer, 796.1371. ,.
C-=i25.5WaSU.T2o.Saneniwanw
Fbward A Jonas, Garyr u.n.0.r, PA. � 607
CANNING jOMATQES '
Fax bf c@M ►:
+"r. NC;29t72 EOE .:
�' QV the ;bushel
The Tyrrell County Public. Li..
brary has recentlyacquired a.tela
fax machine for.uae by the com-
munity to both send and receiys
materials by phone. The charge is
$2.60 for the first page and .50 for
each%dditionalpage. There v1►$1
chtt,Xa iot�riceiving•ituomipg-ln►'
?Help WfintedWsceperleQus
TY.R,Rg.Ll._,�OU
Call i daY .In' advance
&UPPtR1M Produce
.... i 7*1109 .. ..
LAITY
Vtllu
my Library is 'an antiyw L r pf t+.y1w,. Now you uur FAX it! ` a
ng machine with botLI04 r,- Susamor Baad.Lng Prograp3 Call any band booster member
cipas and facts abput milk.. Summer reading pr%,rgm at In -Columbia to order yOUf,�';�Opy: ulf Basic Education classes: Washington Cownty Library. Ply-
tt from &90'a.m. until 12:30 mouth, will have spacial gwrt
.-M-4--Mondays and Tuesdays. For magician on July 18 at 2 p.m.; and •
more infurmauon, call 793-4763. votannarign Ur. Lilley will speak Guaranteed Recharge • - --
Joint Mestin ._. -on Jul' 25 ut 10::3U - _

REMINDER
The Tyrrell County Planning Board and the Columbia Planning Advisory
Committee are scheduled to meet with the Tyrrell County Board of
Commissioners in a joint meeting on Wednesday, July 18, 1990 at 8:00 pm.
in the Conference Room at the Finance Building. 'Though the meeting
begins at 8:00, you are not on the agenda until 8:20.
Mr. Keith Lankford of Ken Weeden a►d Associates recently sent a
letter which he requested be sent on to each of you. 'This letter is
enclosed. He is also mailing each of you a copy of the CAMA Update being
presented at the meeting in order that you can be familiar with it. This
should be arrive by Monday.

779
'
BOAgn OF COMM'SSIONBBS METING
JULY 18. 1990
The Tyrrell County Board of Coanissloneru met'ln regular session
at 8300 p. a., Wednesdays July 18. 1990 in the Conference Room.
I
.
Tyrrell County Office Building with..hairmaa
.G. Thomas Spruill
presiding
mad"Coanissloners George Dawkins, Gcrdon.Deaver mad Villle
Hunter
being Pressat. Town Board of Alderman "Bertram
Davenport, Po Braxton
Voliva, and Wilbert Simmons, Mayor George Owens,
Sr.. Town Manager,
Carlials Harrell, Tyrrell County Planning Board
members. L. B.
Vindley, Rob HcClesss Dann li -
y Davis. Jacob Parker and
-Laura Olds and
Tow& of Columbia Plaaniag Board.aoaber GAOr
g Sp cer were present for
a Joint eessioa for
presentation of the CA1(A'Laad Use Plan.
'
Upon motion by Commissioner Deaver, seconded by Commissioner
Dawkins minutes of July 5. 1900 were approved.
Ayesi Commissioners Dawkins Deaver. Hunter and Spruill
Mosul
None .
Mr. Jonathan Starling with Starling Photography wade a slide I
preseatatioa of the Images made for
the new brochure. Finance Officer
BrickhouN presented the brochure to the Commissioners.
.
>r. 1Caa Vanden, 1Caa Vsadaa . mad Asaooiat*s,
presented the_ Draft of.
-I
the CAM -land Vas•Plaa.to
the
• Hoard of Commissioners and the Town
Board of Alderman for their
review and comments. Mr. John Crew,
Coastal ](aaagament.,discussed
the importance of the plan and discussed
'
the steps for approval and the policy section.
Mr. Washy Spencer. County Chairman for Ducks
Unlimited appeared
before. the Board to propose
that members of Ducks Unlimited paint the
bottom color
of the walls at Tyrrell Hall, and place the calling
In exchange for rent of Tyrrell Hall for their Ducks Unlimited Banquet
to be held in November.
The County,would furnish the Paint.
I
The
Board Postoaed any actions until the dirt has been placed
'
on the
berms.
Mr. David Armstrong appeared before the Board to discuss the
'
air
conditioners at Tyrrell Hall. He presented a proposal for repairs of
the prevent units in the
amount of $5,328.00. The units would be
__ --126-dd

?stablished 1981
mot
tsi;arolinrT
Eight• pages Columbia,.. North ..� - ~ '
Carolina, wahmday, Jul 19t
Coun' commalimb?";y ssioners out on a .
bs
.W, �.V.wwus
I'd }trey over
Nrolxraal will
:I+t. S, but an
,d uxwy up.
Will taiie rev.
i l lie a
tw fure
stud bun
,c FAA Sys.
Branch, Air
40rn relponal
filed the up.
.s Aunl 17 on
pe. The
w r AA head.
on, where of.
head for the
ive the prop.
Volute• 9 Number 90
. down the tress on an ll.mile
twl...trrlt oC�.r•.�...-� a..-._.
commissioners
CAMA land us
BY Shlrkyao Pticips
LdItur
l.ua,l officials got, theirfirstof5.
cial look at the 1990 CAMA Land
Use Update when the Tyrrell
Count- p',urd of Commissioners,
Town .umbra Aldermen, and
meinbsas of the Planrung Board
held a *nt inesung on Wednas-
day evening.
Kan Weeden, of Kan Weedon
and ,1au,oat.s, Inc., presented
draft copier of the update, which
for the first time combines plans
for the county and the Town of
Columbia, at the meeting, dis• I
126—ee
asc
The request to cut down the
get draft
e update.
cussing briefly its contents.
Wseden, noang there war nothing
to be adopted during the Wedner-
day rught mseung, asked that it
be studied and comments pre.
vented at an August meeting.
Wooden and John Crew told
board members the plan was sche.
dulad to go to CAMA officials in
Sapteml,er and after study and
approval by various agencies,
should receive final approval by
late November or ably
Decoomber.
Wooden also noted that those
under advisement I he said.
OW
440
Local rWdents con onNd eooul tAe•cgrlsglt� c
andge" loading Into colutndla have glen clrc�J}�11
See TYRRELT., Pap 6 and recently erected thj# •Ipn aI either 0110 AI the 0,
utstanding lab .
:elj :r~. ft. P e I
T`yxr
Nard goes to .:
Armstronp
involved with the CAMA update
Tyrrell Hall in exchange for free
at b ,..
were to be commended for being-
rental ror the scheduled 1990 DU
Nis "Eastern District Public
ahead of schedule.
J.D. Hrickhouse, finance chair-
banquet. No action was taken;
commissioners agreed to wait un-
Lath Aseociada,4 LAbortttarian
man, presented commissioners
til other decisions are made con.
lion, presented itsoutatanding
the first official copies of si newly
corning repairs at the Hall.
oratorian award for 1990 to
"of
prod brochure which will be
Commissioners also discussed
tricia S. Armstrong
placed throughout the area to at-
whether to replace or repair air
umbia''
As. Armstrong to employed by
tract tourists. The brochure waa
produced by Jonathan Starling,
conditioning at Tyrrell Hall, with
repairs coati approximately
PP
irtin-Tyrrell•Washingtom
alth District and manages la•
istri
on hand to Present elides of other
images made in Columbia and
t6,000; replacement would cot
approximately i16,000.
story in Washington.
1 facilities Counties. iWa is n a•.'
MirnIli
Tyrrell County.'You can ace from.
' how hard it to
.Tessie Hillis asked commij
- atoners for a letter of interest
itheca images was
ts from Chowan College, 1962,, narrow it down to the few we were .
Iattended W.W.HddingTech•
support of grant monies to be
sought from the Z Smith Rey.
si Institute, where she Kra.
able to uss in the brochure,*said
Starling. ,,,molds
foundation. j
tied from their MLA program.
or taking the national exam,
. nm bmchurs was prepared its
9
i becamt . a. ceKtified lab*
pwtof tho rovitalimtion program
American Heart
lstant.• . .
ifs. Armskong.begao hor.aln"t
.
of Columbia and Tyrrell County.
Commissioners also heard are-
Assocsattcn
yment at the Tyrrell County.;
quit by Ducks Unlimited to paint
alth Dspartment in 1962 on as

F
784 Board=of-t•�ia,�*,+•�
------_srs . Meeti tam:
Auquar 1, 1990=
STATE Of NORTH CAROLINA
TYRRELL COUNTY
TO THE TAX COLLECTOR Of THE COUNTY Of TYRRELL
You 449 4e44by Anths4ieed. empowe4ed. aad
eoaaded to ta
Catltel ae4 Aet jY4th is 4 teo4aad4 jited as the Yjjaee the tea
t;Aj A44e44Y4 and in
t tea 4setapl4 ""ewitw detiv94ed to Van. i4
tre Aaae 400Y044 and j4Ya the idapayl4♦ takew44e
tosbtaa Ott 1o41y. Seel. laas4 s4! we4l4y dselA4ed
ii44t lien apow Ott 4eat p4Ypl4ty At 14e
• Npsetive iaape'j"a in the County at T944ell. aAd
tAa-6 0461t4 41ia14E 4s A %all
AAd 4611.talat aathS444y
t1 da4!!t. 4dg111949. Aad Caalltt Voss tY levy an and
4et1
any 4eat 04 pe44o4at p4010e4ty at •aCh taapnye44.
. jM and oa 4CCYa69 ;1496(..♦n.aCCo4da44e watt. tAw.
As V419t1. or 4484 and ojjieial •eel, t!►i4
�a/Anna. Roa d of Coaai44ionC4.6
Aj Ty44e41 CYaAty
• Attt�tt
Cte4 Roa4d o
'i Ty44ell CYYAty CYY/44t1ae44
TYRRELL COUNTY TAX fOR 1990
f I.Stt,tO).L9
The Ord scheduled a meeting with Xr. Kan Weeden to discuss the
CAM Land use
plan update for- ?:00. p. n.. Wednesday. August 15. 1990.
By general consent the board agreed to preceed with the scraping,
priain
g and painting of the wood trio and repairing the
"'agles at Tyrrell Hall. They agreed to leave the gutters over both
doors and take the other gutters cif.
Ths nesting recessed at 12110 . a.
P to meet at ?:00 P. a..
Wednesday. August 15. 1990 for the discussion of the CAXA
Pn Lend Use
Plan u
plate.
Thonad Spruili, Chairman
l.cr�
Peggy Sawyer, Clerk
126-ff

N
The East Carolina Retniod4r. Wednesday, August 8 1990 — Page 5
�im uses wetland
eat.. waste«Tater
. . . 0 _A. .01 .%..
wand. -use.._
available for public..'
Troll County will- update its
Use Plan Chia year, under
'sons of the state's Coastal
1ldanagament Art.
ary five years the counties
local governments that have
use plant am required to up -
their previous plans Musa
a plar will also be prepared
e Town of Columbia as a se-
ts element.
major aspoct of the planning
gas it the involvement of the
ns of both the county and the
.. Throughout the prwe", d.
have beer. encouraged to
'de input, primarily through
ries of public maetings with
ounry planning board and the
Planning Advisory Com-
Public notice& wets pub
d before each meeting in area
papers.
joint meeting between the
ell County Board of Commis-
rs. Columbia's town council,
Tyrrell County Planning
d and Columbia's Funning
—' wnsaon Sam o ice I U_JV im. lreo-vl1 t;,uven ]&swigs, .raven
5 P.M. Aug. 14. County Agricultural Extension
Advisory Committae was bold
July 18. Draft eopia of the 1994
land use plan update watt dilstti-
bused to all participating parties
at that time.
Tnert will be a joint meetir4 of.,
these parts& at 7 pm. Aug. 15 iA `
the Tyrrell County Administra
lion Building The purpose of the
meeting is to review commentli
and concerns orcotizens and all in-
vol ve d boards before making final
adjustments to the draft plan. A
formal public presentation of the
plan. wir be held in September.
Copies of the first draft may be
reviewed at the Tyrrell County
Administration. Building. Quem
lions regarding the planning pro.
cess or the public informadoin
meeting should be addressed to
J.D. Bnckhouae, finance officer,
Tyrrell County, at 796-1371.
We Cater
To Cowards"
FMI JM
cludr managing pond water qual- Steve Gabel. Cl owan ggncu -
icy, water quality -related stream turn] Extension Service office at
and disease, methods for predict- 919-482-8431.
LOCAL PITOR
The reminder is looking for a local editor. We are
seeking.'someone part time who lives in or near Col-
umbia, has own car, writing and reporting skills. Ex-
tensive experience not necessary.
Call Bill Coughlin
_ Washington Daily News
[phone]
or
1-8Da326-0762
U BEEN S�EEPING WITH A
PAIN IN THE
NECK
Get Rid Of It...
Apd Reap the Savings You'll Have at
LARRY'S FOOD & TACKLE, INC.
w _ w MA"PESQ, SA"S
M ■w ,sole

. Board -of Commissioners Meeting
AUgUat._ 15, 1990.
786
Carolina Benchmark appeared beer
L ore the board to rdqueot award of the
bid for installation or the water line" 1:► Gout Heck to Hendrix
lsdrnhill in the "mount of 4217,917.00. T hrea bide were received and
Opened on August 3, logo. They were Hendrix Bur Iithill. Z217, 917; Outer
114"6 Contractors, 4237,613; and Gr
eenville Paving z244,159:00.
The Board discussed having local contraetors,to do o" much of the
t work as Poawible. The di"cu
Y t+e.ad Adding.An addendum to then contract
requiring that local people be employed Dy %tbe!contractor. icr,
Calloway acted that this needed to have . been doR'a before the bide ware
Opened but reeoatw r • --
' nded that this be added to_ the tankcontracts before
they were advertised. The Board•ask(sd that this be done.
Upon motion by COmmis.aonar Dawkins, seconded by COntmis6loner
Deaver and carried the Board awarded the contract for the Coat beck
lu Hendrix Murnh►U, Ilk -.extension of the Tyrrell County Water Systota for an samount not to
exceed i217,217.00.
Ayes: Coaalssioners Cooper, P s Dawkins, Deaver, Hunter
_
and Spruill
floes: None.
.
BY general consent the Board sutherized'Xr. Calloway
$
to sign the notice to proceed for the
waterline contract. k'
Ulm Weed" appeared before tht ._
8aard.to
discuss comments and
questions frog the Board on the CAXA
'
Land Use plan Update.
Upoa action by Coaaisaioner
Coo r
pe l seconded by Cowsissioner
Denver and carried
the Board approved sending
the plan to CAAA subject
to incorporation of the
corrections sad c by the
Commissioners,
the Finance Officer and theoTa+wnta
own of Columbia.
Ayest
'
Coaalesioners Coo r Dawkins,
pe s• Deaver Hunter and Spruill
)(coal None.
Was Robin Vick appeared before the Board to
request a budget
annd�+ent for School Capital Outlay. $ t
'
Upon action by Commissioner Cooper, seconded
by Commission
Hunter the Board r
approved the
following budget amendment:
�-
Yes: Commissioners Cooper. Dawkins, Deaver, Hunter
_
and Spruill
Noeel None.

TOWN OF COLUMBIA, NORTH CAROLINA
1990 LAND USE PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
SECTION I: ANALYSIS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS
AND PROJECTED DEMAND
132
A. Establishment of Information Base
133
B . Present Conditions
134
1. Population
134
a. General
134
b. Population Projections
134
C. Racial Composition
135
d. Gender Breakdown
135
e. Age Breakdown
136
2. Economic Analysis
136
a. Businesses
136
b. Tax Base
138
C. Tourism
139
C. Existing Land Use Analysis
139
1. General Patterns
139
a. Residential Land Uses
139
b. Commercial Land Uses
139
C. Institutional Land Uses
139
d. Recreational Land Uses
139
e. Industrial Land Uses
139
2. Significant Land CompatibiW Problems
140
3. Major Problems From Unplanned Development
141
4. Areas ExperiencingLr'kely to Experience Major
Land Use Changes
141
5. Identification of Areas of Environmental Concern
141
a. Coastal Wetlands
141
b. Estuarine Waters and Estuarine Shorelines
141
C. Public TYust Waters
143
d. Outstanding Resource Waters (ORWs)
144
D. Review of Current Plans. Policies and Regulations
145
E. Constraints: Land Suitability
146
1. Physical Limitations
146
a. Man -Made Hazards
146
b. Natural Hazards Areas
147
1. Flood Hazard Areas
147
2. Estuarine Erosion Areas
147
3. Areas With Soils Limitations
147
4. Slopes In Excess of Twelve
(12) Percent
147
5. Sources and Estimated Quatity of
Water Supply
147
a. Groundwater
147
b. Surface Water
150
C. Stream Water
Classification
150
127

F.
G.
d. Qosed Shellfishing Areas
151
2.
Fragile Areas
151
a. Natural Resource Fragtie Areas
154
1. Prime Wildlife Habitats and
Areas That Sustain Remnant Species
154
b. Cultural Resources Fragile Areas
155
1. Archie Resources
155
2. Archaeological Resources
155
3. Underwater Archaeological Resources
155
3.
Areas With Resource Potential. ,
156
a. Agricultural and Forest Lands
156
b. Productive Water Bodies
157
C. Nursery Areas
157
1. Primary Nursery Areas -
157
2. Secondary Nursery Areas
157
d. Mining Lands
.158
Constraints:
Capacity of Community Facilities
_ 158
1.
Water System
158
2.
Sewer System - t ,
158
3.
Solid Waste L
--158
4.
Schools =
159
5.
Transportation
159
6.
Police Protection
159
7.
Fire Protection
160
8.
Rescue Squad
160
9.
Ii'brfuy
160
Population Growth and Impacts on Community Facilities
161
1.
General
161
2.
Water System
161
3.
Sewer System
161
4.
Solid Waste
161
5.
Schools
161
6.
Transportation
162
7.
Police Protection
162
8.
Fire Protection `,
162
9.
_
Rescue Squad j
162
10.
1.91 ry
162
SECTION II: POLICY STATEMENTS
4.
C.
General
Economic And Community Development Policies
1. Types and Locations of Desired Industries
2. Local Commitment To Service Provision
3. Desired Urban Growth Patterns
4. Redevelopment and Revitalization of Developed Areas
5. Commitment to State and Federal Programs
6. Assistance to Charmel Maintenance
7. Energy Facilities Siting
8. Tourism
9. Coastal and WatedBeach Access
10. Density of Development
11. Storm Hazard Mitigation, .Post Disaster Recovery and
Evacuation Plans
Continuing Public Participation
163
164
164
164
164
164
165
165
165
165
167
167
167
167
168
128

SECTION III: LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
169
A.
General
170
B .
Developed
171
C.
Urban Transition
171
D.
Conservation
172
E.
Land Classification Summary
173
SECTION
IV: RELATIONS OF POLICIES AND LAND
CLASSIFICATIONS
174
A.
General
175
B.
Developed and Urban Transition Classes
175
C.
Limited Transition Class
175
D.
Community Class
175
E.
Rural Class
175
F.
Rural With Services Class
175
G.
Conservation Class
175
SECTION
V: INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION
176
A.
General
177
129

TOWN OF COLUMBIA
1990 LAND USE PLAN
LIST OF TABLES AND MAPS
TABLE
1. TOWN OF COLUMBIA POPULATION, 1960-1988
2. TOWN OF COLUMBIA POPULATION PROJECTIONS,
1990-2000 ARITHMETIC METHOD
3. TOWN OF COLUMBIA POPULATION PROJECTIONS,
1990-2000 GEOMETRIC METHOD
4. POPULATION AGE DISTRIBUTION
5. TYRRELL COUNTY BUSINESSESS, EMPLOYEES
AND PAYROLLS
6. TOWN OF COLUM 3IA TAX BASE
7. TRAVEL AND TOURISM EXPENDITURE IN
TYRRELL COUNTY
8. PERCENT OF, STRUCTURES SUBJECT TO STORM
DAMAGE FACTORS
rkuaw
5 o �'Lv Co ZW1:
C-2. EXISTING LAND USES
C-3. ESTUARINE SHORELINES
C-4. FLOOD ZONES
C-5. SOILS LIMITATIONS
C-6. STREAM WATER CLASSIFICATION
C-7. CLOSED SHELLFISHING AREAS
C-9. LAND CLASSIFICATIONS
C-8. WATERFRONT REDEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN
PAGE
134
135
135
136
138
139
139
167
r PAGE
u 137
(ATTACHED)
142
148
149
152
153
(ATTACHED)
166
130

C�
a
P

0
SECTION I:
ANALYSIS OF
EXISTING CONDITIONS
132

A. Establishment of Information Base
This 1990 Land Use Plan Update for Tyrrell County and initial Land Use Plan for the Town of
Columbia have been prepared in accordance with requirements of the North Carolina Coastal Area
Management Act (CAMA). Specifically, this document complies with Subchapter 713, "Land Use
Planning Guidelines" of the North Carolina Administrative Code as amended on October 25, 1989.
The initial Land Use Plan was prepared for Tyrrell County in 1976. The fast update was done in
1980 and the second update was done in 1985. This year an individual plan was prepared for the
Town of Columbia. According to the "Land Use Planning Guidelines" the major purpose of
periodically updating local land use plans is to identify and analyze newly emerging community
issues and problems. Another purpose is to re-examine the existing policies and to decide whether
these policies have been effective and whether they should be continued or changed.
The guideines further give the following objectives the update should meet:
• to further define and refine local policies and issues;
• to further examine and refine the land classification system and the land classif ction
map;
• to assess the effectiveness of the existing land use plan and its implementation;
• to further explore implementation procedures, and;
• to promote a better understanding of the land use planning process.
The 1976 Tyrrell County Land Use Plan, along with the 1980 and 1985 updates provided much of
the needed information base for this initial plan for Columbia. However, in many cases, new
information had to be developed. A number of data sour - ere tapped during the preparation of
this plan in order to prepare updated analyses of populate.... .ousing, economics (including
agriculture, fisheries, and forestry), and existing land uses.
Most of the data came from primary and secondary sources in the form of direct contacts with
representatives of 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.
Interviews were conducted with various County and Town officials: Efforts were made to obtain
data that was as up-to-date and accurate as possible.
The data analysis showed inmost rases the changes since � 9 5 (the lajt update year) have not been
dramatic, however, some trends appear to be emerging. Some.major conclusions of the updated
land use plan are:
1. According to the state Data Center Tyrrell County and Columbia's population continued to
grow between 1980 and 1990. Population growth is projected to continue through the year 2000
with some notable shifts in age and race. The Columbia and Scuppernong Townships especially in
and around the Town of Columbia are projected to receive most of this growth.
2. The economic importance of government employment is firmly established and will remain
dominant in the Town throughout the next ten years.
3. The overall land development pattern is generally urban mixedland uses adjacent to one
another and relatively high densities. Most of the land in the Town is already developed, so
growth will probably occur in the form of annexation.
4. With a growing population and expanding labor force, it will be necessary perhaps to
pursue economic expansion in the form of waterfrorrt/tourism related development.
133

'
Some of the data sources used in preparing this document include:
'
1.
U. S. Census of Population and Housing, 1980; U.S. Department of Commerce.
2.
N.C. Office of State Budget and Management.
'
3.
1976 Tyrrell County CAMA Land Use Plan.
4.
1981 Tyrrell County CAMA Land Use Plan.
1
Use Plan.
5.
1985 Tyrrell County CAMA Land
6.
Soil Survey for Tyrrell County, North Carolina, U.S.D.A. Soil Conservation Service,
'
1985.
'
B .
Present Conditions
1.
POPULATION
General
a. _
The population of the Town of Columbia has risen from 758 in 1980 to 810 in 1988. That
'
represents an increase of 52 persons in eight years or 6.9 percent for an annual increase of
0.86 percent. This increase reverses a population decline that has been occurring since the
1950's (see Table 1). The town's 1960 population was 1,099 and declined to 902 in 1970.
'
This decline of 197 persons represented a ten year decline of 17.9 percent. The 1970's
saw Columbia's population decline another 16.0 percent (144 persons) to 758 persons in
1980.
b. fulation Projection
'
Since the North Carolina State Data Center does not make population projections for
municipalities, Ken Weeden and Associates had to form their own projections. Ken
Weeden and Associates used two methodologies to make these population projections.
'
The first methodology used was the arithmatic method (see Table 2) which is based on the
average annual numerical increase from 1980 to 1988. The second methodology used was
the simple geometric method (see Table 3) which is based upon the average amival rate of
change from 1980 to 1988. Only these eight years were observed to make population
projections because prior years showed a declining population — a trend which has now
been reversed. The more sophisticated regression analysis method was not used because of
'
the limited number of historical observations which were available.
Table 1: Town of Columbia Population: 1960-1988
Year
ftulation Numerical Change Rate Change-
1960
1,099 --- ---
1970
902 -197 -17.9%
'
1980
758 -144 -16.0%
1988
810 +52 +6.9%
Source: U.S. Census, N.C. State Data Center
'
134

Table 2: Town of Columbia Population Projections: 1990-2000
Arithmatic Method - 6.5 Persons Annually
Year Population Numerical Change Rate Change
1990 823 +13 +1.6%
1995 856 +33 +4.0%
2000 888 +32 +3.7%
Source: Ken Weeder and Associates
Table 3: Town of Columbia Population Projections: 1990-2000
Geometric
Method - 0.8625% Annually
Year
Population
Numerical Change
Rate Change
1990
824
+14
+1.7%
1995
859
+35
+6.0%
2000
894
+35
+6.0%
Source: Ken Weeden and Associates
Both methodologies indicate a continuing growth of the population of the Town of
Columbia. For projection purposes, this report will use the geometric projection method to
estimate the future population of Columbia. This method assumes that the six percent
growth rate of the past eight years (1980 to 19 88) will continue throughout the ten year
planning period. This geometric method results in a higher population projection than the
arithmetic method. Based on the geometric method, Columbia's population should be
about 824 in 1990 and will increase to 859 in 1995 and 894 in the year 2000.
The last official breakdown of the Town of Columbia's population into its racial
components was in the last U.S. Census in 1980. There were 985 persons in the Town of
Columbia in 1980. Of these 985 persons, 460 (46.7%) were white and 525 (53.3%) were
black. There were no residents of Columbia of any other race, nor were there any residents
of spanish origin reported in the 1980 Census. However, there are hispanic nA rant
workers who came to the Town for agricultural work. The racial composition of the Town
has been projected to have experienced significant outmigration of its black population
since 1980 and is expected to continue to do so through 2000. (See Table 4 and Table 6 of
the Tyrrell County section of this report).
d. Gender Breakdown
The last official breakdown of the Town of Columbia's population by gender was in the
last U.S. Census in 1980. At that time, 529 of the Town's 985 residents were female
(53.7%) and 456 residents were male (46.3%). These figures compare to a 1980 national
breakdown of 51 % female and 49% male, thus indicating a slightly more intense female
concentration in Columbia. This gender breakdown is expected to remain fairly constant
through 2000.
J
135 1

' e. Age Breakdown
The population distribution of the Town of Columbia is skewed more toward the younger
age brackets than the United States and North Carolina's populations, as may be seen in
' Table 4.
The largest age bracket is ages 15 to 24 which had 204 persons (20.7% of the total). The
next largest age group is ages 55 to 64 which had 153 persons (15.5% of the total).
Person's under the age of 35 comprised 54.9 percent of the town's total population. Two
other large age brackets were persons aged 5 to 14 years and persons aged 45 to 54 years.
' These groups represented 15.2 and 13.4 percent respectively of the Town of Columbia's
total population. The projected age breakdown of the Town of Columbia should follow
that of Tyrrell County. The older population (55 and over) is projected to decline as a
percentage of the County's and Town's total population, while the middle age groups (20
' to 54) is projected to increase.
Table 4: 1980 Population Age Distribution
' Age Bracket Number in Bracket Percent of Total
less than 5 78 7.9
' 5 to 9 76 7.7
10 to 14 74 7.5
15 to 19 101 10.3
' 20 to 24 103 10.5
25 to 29 44 4.5
30 to 34 65 6.6
' 35 to 44* 52 5.3
45 to 54* 132 13.4
55 to 59 70 7.1
60 to 64 83 8.4
65 to 74* 71 7.2
75 to 84* 22 2.2
Over 85* 14 1_4
Total 985 100.0
' *Data not available for 5 year age bracket.
Source: 1980 Census Summary Tape 3A
2. EXISTING ECONOMY
' a. Businesses
' The Town of Columbia is the commercial center for all of Tyrrell County (see Map C-1 for
location in the County. As such, the majority of the County's businesses are located within
the Town of Columbia. No precise figures are available about the location of these
' businesses, therefore County -wide data is presented below with the acknowledgement that
most of these businesses are located in the Town of Columbia.
There is a variety of businesses operating in Tyrrell County. These range from small
' family owned grocery stores to the large manufacturer Flair, Inc. The number of
establishments has varied since 1980, as seen in Table 5 below, from a low of 66 firms in
' 136

•
o
i �
V
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O
r• �
Mr
l �` ° . TOWN
OF .....
/]
• COLUMBIA —
��
•
L
%
/
f
P
i
......
.lf
`
POCOSIN`.`.'
'?:.u,wrox:
LAKES
waft"
-
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• i
WILDLIFE
REFUGECRAFMW
'• "'
.
j
mr
��IAlfirr � •�-
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i•r �
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MAP C-1
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TOWN OF
COLUMBIA
•s��~���Y`�'
LOCATION
MAP
'
"'`��' �
TYRRELL COU NTY
NORTH CAROLINA J
MOM CAlO M OSAUMW OF VANVOBA"M •
'
or*um3m co MOMwmm.pk*rMO ••a mega I OL,40
�M MOIIIwN /iM1Y�•
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137

the recession year of 1982 to a high of 83 in the most current data year of 1987. Most of
these firms have less than ten employees. Since 1982 there have been only eight or nine
' establishments with more than ten employees. This is down from eleven and thirteen of
these larger establishments in 1981 and 1980 respectively.
The County's businesses have employed a varying number of employees from year to year
as warranted by economic conditions. These firms have employed from a low of 381
persons in 1983 to a high of 484 persons in 1980. These employment figures reflect the
closing, or down scaling, of the larger firms noted above. Annual payrolls for all firms in
' the County have ranged from $3,298,000 in 1982 to $5,027,000 in the most current data
year of 1987.
Table 5: Tyrrell County Businesses. EmRloyees and Payrolls
Year No. of Establishments Arm ual RMTAo No. of Em to ees
1987
83
$5,027,000
425
1986
69
3,564,000
395
1985*
75
3,684,000
410
1984
81
3,803,000
424
'
1983
75
3,474,000
381
1982
66
3,298,000
402
1981
67
3,858,000
446
1980
71
3,781,000
494
*No data available for 1985, average of 1986 and 1984 was used.
Source: County Business Patterns, U.S. Department of Census
b. Tax Base
The value of the tax base for the Town of Columbia reached its peak in 1986 at
$7,590,254 and declined each year thereafter unti11989 when the tax base was re-evaluated
(see Table 6),. The Town's tax base then increased to $9,487, 577. It is difficult to
compare the post re-evaluation tax base figure to prior years. rTherefore no attempt was
made to compare the 1989 tax base to the other years.
The decline of the tax base from its peak in 1986 through 198&is due to several
factors. Among these are abandonment of some homes and a tax exemption for the elderly.
The Town's tax base declined 6.9 percent from its 1986 peak of $7,590,254 to $7,069,619
in 1988 (see section 4 Tax Base of the Tyrrell County portion of this report).
1 138

Table 6: Tax Base, Town of Columbia
** 1989
$9,487,577
1988
7,069,619
1987
7,262,034
* 1986
7,590,254
1985
7,536,343
1994
7,219,810
1983
6,934,420
1982
7,018,709
** 1981
6,458,005
1980
4,544,623
* Peak value of tax base in town before 1989 re-evaluation
**Re-evaluation year
Source: Tyrrell County Tax Office
C. Tourism
The Town of Columbia accounts for the majority of Tyrrell County's tourism industry.
This is due to the T6wn's central location in the County at the intersection of N.C. 94 and
U.S. 64 highways, and its monopoly of the County's commercial establishments. Tyrrell
County accounts for less than one percent of North Carolina's total travel and tourism
expenditures (0.00003% in 1987). Recent tourism expenditures in Tyrrell County have
ranged from $134,000 in 1985 to $198,000 in 1986 as seen in Table 7 below. However,
as described in the section on businesses there is no Town specific data. County -wide data
is used here with the acknowledgement that most of the County's tourism dollars and jobs
are in Tyrrell County.
Table 7: Travel and Tourism Expenditures in Tyrrell County
1987
1986
1985
1284
Expenditures
$179,000
$198,000
r $134,000
$157,000
% of State Total
0
0
W 0
0
Tourism Related Jobs
4 —
- ', 4
3
N/A
Tourism Related Personal income
$ `50.r^70
$ -. 55,000
$ 37,000
N/A
Tourism Related Direct Sales Taxes
$ `- - -. A
$ 8,000
$ 5,000
N/A
Tourism Related Secondary Sales Taxes
$ 6,000
$ 7,000
$ 5,000
N/A
These tourism expenditures include the dollar amounts of tourism related personal income,
direct sales taxes and secondary effect sales taxes. Also indicated in this table are the
number of jobs that are directly related to the travel and tourism industry. As the table
indicates only three or four jobs in Tyrrell County fit this definition.
C. Existing Land Use Analysis
1. GENERAL PATTERNS
This is the initial existing land use map (see Map C-2 attached) produced by the Town of
Columbia, therefore there is no past land use map by which trends may be noted.
II
139 1

a. Residential Land Use
Residential land uses in the Town of Columbia are divided into two distinct groups. The
majority of residential uses on the north side of US 64 bypass are single family homes on
relatively large lots. While there are about twenty mobile homes in this part of Town, they
are located mostly on the northern edge of Town, and are sited in an organized mobile
home park on adequately sized lots. The Towns two multi -family sites are located in this
area between US 64 Business and US 64 Bypass. The County's only public housing
project is located in the northeastern most part of Town and consist of seventeen (17)
duplexes and one single unit for a total of thirty-five (35) units.
The residential land uses south of US 64 Bypass, by contrast, are located on small lots and
consist of a much larger proportion of mobile homes. A serious problem with
overcrowding exist in this area It is not uncommon to find two, three or even four
housing units on a single lot that is barely adequate for one unit. This overcrowding results
in some very real threats of fire and health conditions.
b. Commercial Land Use
Commercial land uses within the Town of Columbia are concentrated along US 64 Bypass
and US 64 Business. These uses vary from banks, grocery stores, gas stations and
restaurants to dentists offices and various service facilities. Since Columbia is the only
municipality within Tyrrell County, the majority of the County's commercial uses are
located here.
Institutional Land Use
The Town of Columbia is the location of both the Columbia and Tyrrell County
government offices. Institutional uses also located in Columbia include several churches,
cemeteries, the County's high school, a combined firekescue unit, the sheriffs department
and a library.
d. Recreational Land Use
There is only one parcel within the Town of Columbia that has been set aside explicitly for
recreational uses. This parcel is located on the south side of US 64 Bypass just before the
eastern town border. This site includes a tennis court and a basketball court.
e. Industrial Land Use
There are no industrial land uses within the Town of Columbia.
2. SIGNIFICANT LAND COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS
A land compatibility problem is generally identified when two or more land use types are
adj acent to each other, and one is somehow restricted from expansion because of adverse
conditions caused by the other, thus discouraging additional investment. The major land use
incompatibility problem within the Town of Columbia is the location of single family residential
uses near commercial uses and other high traffic generators such as the County library. These high
traffic volumes create safety hazards and noise which may detract from the attractiveness of the
adjacent areas for residential uses. A similar problem exists within the Town's only park with is
located on the heavily traveled U.S. 64 Bypass and is surrounded by commercial uses. Vehicle
exhaust may make the park unsuitable for active recreational uses.
.N

3. MAJOR PROBLEMS FROM UNPLANNED DEVELOPMENT
The major problem from unplanned development in the Town of Colwnbia has been
overcrowding. This problem is wide spread in the portion of the Town south of the U.S. 64
Bypass. There is a large number of lots in this area that have two, three or even four mobile
horses and/or houses on a single lot that is barely adequate for one unit This overcrowding poses
serious fire and health hazards. This overcrowding may also cause increases in crime and litter,
may overburden water and sewer lines, and may lead to a decline in the Town's quality of life.
4. AREAS EXPERIENCING OR LIKELY TO EXPERIENCE MAJOR LAND USE
CHANGES
There is not expected to be many changes in the existing land uses within the current Town
limits of the Town of Columbia. However, there will be notable changes along the Town's
Scuppernong River waterfivnt as various goals of the "Waterfront Redevelopment Plan" are
realized. This general land use stability is partially due to most of the lots in the Town already
having been developed. The area south of the U.S. 64 Bypass is likely to be under pressure for
conversion from vacant land to residential uses. However, due to the overcrowding present in this
area and the related unpleasantries, it is unlikely that much development will occur in this area.
There may be some m-fill development of the Town such as occurred with the public housing
project (Secota Village) and with the platting of twelve lots in Gilbern Acres subdivision which is
located at the north end of Broad Street
Due to the lack of vacant lots within the Town of Columbia growth is likely to be as a result
of annexation of areas outside of the current Town limits.
5. IDENTIFICATION OF AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN (AEC'S)
Since the areas of environmental concern (AEC's) of the Town of Columbia are all
interrelated, regardless of jurisdiction, the AEC's of the Town of Columbia shall be considered
jointly with those of Tyrrell County. There are two broad categories of statutorily defined Areas of
Environmental Concern (AEC's) for coastal North Carolina. These are estuarine system AEC's
and ocean hazards AEC's - only the estuarine system AEC's (see. Map C-3) are applicable to the
Town of Columbia and Tyrrell County. It may be useful to define these important areas prior to
"sting them again in this Update. t .
a. Coastal Wetlands
Coastal wetlands or marshlands are defined w7any salt marsh or other marsh subject to
regular or occasional flooding by tides, including wind tides (whether or not the tide waters
reach the marshland areas through natural or artificial watercourses), provided this shall not
include hurricane or tropical storm tides.
Coastal marshlands also contain some, but not necessarily all, of specific marsh plant
species. There are no coastal wetlands or salt marshes in the Town of Columbia or Tyrrell
County of any significance. However, the general term wetlands can be used to describe
most of the low-lying wooded swamp areas in the County. The wooded swamp areas are
located primarily along the low-lying land near the Alligator and Scuppernong Rivers, and
minor occurrences along the Albemarle Sound.
b. Estuarine Waters and Estuarine Shorelines
Estuarine waters are defined in G. S. 113A-113 (b) (2) as "all the water of the Atlantic
Ocean within the boundary of North Carolina and all the waters of the bays, sounds, rivers
and tributaries thereto seaward of the dividing line between coastal fishing waters and
1
E
FJ
I
141

M M=1 M M M M M M M M = = = = M r M
THE NEMRATNIN Of THIS MAP WAS /INANCED IN KRT TIM40IM A GRANT -
PMnKD 611 THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM,TII01000M
no= ►NO411DED my THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF 1972, AS '
AMENDED, WHICH 13 ADMINISTERED DT TIE OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL
K/OINICE MANAGEMENT, N.O.A.A.
MAP C-3
ESTUARINE SHORELINE
NOTE: THERE ARE NO COASTAL.
\ WETLANDS IN THE TOWN
r.I NOTE: PUBLIC TRUST WATERS
o• 'O ARE ALL NAVIGABLE
w WATERS
V
' • • A.
' •� t
•
TOWN LIMITS COLUMBI A
NORTH CAROLINA
K WA Ken Wevien k As otlaw - Planning Con u mAs
1994 Eastwood Road, Wilmington, North Carolina 2803 SCALE 0 FEET

inland fishing waters as set forth in an agreement adopted by &r. Wildlife Resom= '
Commission and the Departmet of E I Health, and Natural Resources found in
the moat cu =t revision of the N.C. Fishing Regulations for Coastal Waters'. Estuarine '
waters may alternatively be defined as semi -closed coastal bodies of water than arc fed by
the Atlantic Ocean and are comprised of seawater which is measurable diluted with fah
wager drained from the adjacent land areas. '
Estuarine shorelines are those non -ocean shorelines which are especially vulnerable to
erosion, flooding, or other adverse effects of wind andwater and are intimately connected '
to the estuary. These shorelines can be wetlands as well as dry lands. This area extends
from the mean high wafter level or normal wader level along the estuaries, sounds, bays,
and brackish waters as set forth in an agreement adopted by the Wildlife Resources
Commission. and the Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources, for a
distance of seventy-five (75) feet landward It should be noted, however, that estuarine
shorelines are only located adjacent to coastal or joint waters, and not inland waters.
As an AEC, estuarine shorelines, which may be either dry land or wetlands, are considered ,
a component of the estuarine system because of the close association with the adjacent
estuarine waters. Estuarine waters and adjacent estuarine shorelines make up the moat
qpfficant components of the estuarine system m the Town of Columbia and Tyrrell ,
County. -
The significance of the estuarine system is that it is one of the most productive natural '
environments of North Carolina. It not only supports valuable coinmer+cial and sports
fisheries, but is also utilized for commercial navigation, recreation and aesthetic purposes.
Species dependent upon estuaries include menhaden shrimp, flounder, oysters and crabs. '
These species make up over ninety (90) percent of the total value of North Carolina's
commercial catch. These species must spend all or part of their life cycle m the estuary.
Tlue preservation and protection. of these stem is vitally important '
The estuarine waters and adjacent estuarine shorelines are vast in T yrmff County, as noted
in the 1985 Plan Update, and include the Mowing:
• The Albemarle Sound from the County boundary near Bull's Bay to the County
boundary in the middle of the marsh of the Alligator River off of Long Shoal Point and
northward to the mid line of the Albemarle Sound. ,
• All man made tributaries of the Albemarle Sound
• Scuppernong River to Riders Creek, 1 mile south of Columbia. 1
• Alligator River to Cherry Ridge Landing
• The Frying Pan '
The only estuarine waters within the jurisdiction of the Town of Cohumbia is the Town's
Portion of the Scuppernong River (see Map C-3). The related estuarine shorelines extend '
seventy-five (75) feet landward of the mean high water mark of these waters.
C. Public Trust Areas '
Public trust areas are defined as all water of the Atlantic Oc= and the lands thereunder
from the mean high watermark to the seaward limit of state jurisdiction; all natural bodies '
of water subject to measurable lumar tides and lands thereunder to the mean high water
mark, all navigable natural bodies of water and lands thereunder to the mean high water
143

level or mean water level, as the case may be. In other words, public trust areas are waters
and the lands thereunder, the use of which, benefits and belongs to the public.
In Tyrrell County, all of the waters listed as estuarine waters and Lake Phelps, as
well as all inland waters, are considered public trust areas.
Currently, all development and development -related activities within the designated AEC's
in the Town of Columbia and Tyrrell County are regulated by the CAMA permit process
and are guided by local policy (regulations allow a local government to develop its own use
standards for AEC's if they are more restrictive than the State's).
The only public trust areas within the Town of Columbia are those portions of the
Scuppernong River that are within the jurisdiction of the Town.
d. Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW s)
Outstanding resource waters (ORW's) are defined as being unique and special surface
waters that are of exceptional state or national recreational or ecological significance with
exceptional water quality. ORW's should also meet the following conditions as set forth
by the Environmental Management Commission (EMC):
There are no significant impacts from pollution with the water quality rated as
excellent based on physical, chemical and/or biological information;
2. The characteristics which make these waters unique and special may not be
protected by the assigned narrative and numerical water quality standards.
The EMC also requires that an ORW exhibit one or more of the following values or uses to
demonstrate its exceptional state or national recreational or ecological significance.
l . There are outstanding fish (or commercially important aquatic species) habitat and
fisheries;
2. There is an unusually high level of water -based recreation or the potential for such
recreation;
3. The waters have already received some special designation such as a North Carolina
or National Wild and Scenic River, Native or Special Native Trout Waters, National
Wildlife Refuge, etc., which do not provide any water quality protection.
4. The waters represent an important component of a state or national park or forest; or
5. The waters are of special ecological or scientific significance such as habitat for rare
or endangered species or as areas for research and education.
ORW's include an area 575' inland in which the Division of Coastal Management has
regulatory authority and in which restrictions to development may apply.
In Tyrrell County the ORW designation includes all of the Alligator River south of the U.S.
64 highway bridge. This includes the full length of the river to its origin in Hyde County.
It also includes the New Lake Fork, the Northwest Fork, the Southwest Fork, Jumper
Creek, Alligator Creek (also known as the Little Alligator River), Second Creek, Goose
Creek, The Frying Pan, Grapevine Bay, and the Intracoastal Waterway.
There are no ORW's within the jurisdiction of the Town of Columbia.
144

D. Review of Current Plans. Policies and Regulations
The following local plans, studies and regulations have been adopted by the Town of
Columbia:
l . Moving Toward the Future Together. Tyrrell County and The Town of
Columbia,1989
Prepared by the Coastal Initiative Committee of the Town of Columbia and Tyrrell County.
This report is a guide for the redevelopment and revitalization of the waterfront area of
Columbia. Its goals include the construction of a visitor center to display artifacts from the
Estelle Randall ship wreck, the development of a marina, a boardwalk and general
promotion of the waterfront for use by tourist and Town residents without disrupting
everyday activities of residents. This plan was funded through the Division of Coastal
Managements Local Government Planning and Management Grant Program.
2. Estuarine Water Access Plan, 1987
This report was prepared by Talbert, Cox & Associates, Inc. in order to provide for better
public access to the waterways located in the County.
3. Federal Flood Insurance Program
The Federal Flood Insurance Program which moved into the Regular Phase in 1985, is in
effect throughout the County.
4. State Building Code
The County has adopted the State Building Code.. The services of an inspection officer and
a regular inspection program began in 1987.
5. fttiLTank Regulations
Septic tank regulations are administered by the Health Deparanent.
6. Transportation ln=vementProgram.1990-1996
This plan, prepared by the N.C. Department of Transportation, is a statewide schedule of
highway improvements to be undertaken during the seven-year period 1990-1996. Tyrrell
County projects in this plan include the four laning of US 64 across the County, the
upgrading of the NC 94 roadway and the addition of two foot wide shoulders from
Fairfield in Hyde County to Columbia and the replacement of bridge number 88 over Bee
Tree Canal in the South Fork Township. These first two projects will improve accessibility
to Columbia and increase the prospects for economic development.
7. Federal and State Regulations
In addition to the local ordinances and regulations discussed above, there are also various
federal and state regulations which could also affect land development in Tyrrell County
and Columbia.
145

The Town of Columbia has no zoning ordinance nor subdivision regulations. It does, however,
conform to all state and federal regulations such as the State Building Code and CAMA. In
addition to these, the Town has an ordinance requiring mobile homes to be sited a minimum of 30
feet from other homes, mobile homes, and other structures. The Town works jointly with Tyrrell
County on various regulations and plans such as this Land Use Plan and the Waterfront
Redevelopment Plan.
E. Constraints: Land Suitability
' This section of the Town of Columbia Land Use Plan proposes to identify features of the land or
landscape of the Town which are or could pose serious constraints to development. Under land
suitability, these constraints are considered under these broad categories:
1) physical limitations - hazardous areas (man-made or natural) ,areas with sod
limitations, steep slopes, etc.,
2) fragile areas - AEC's, complex natural areas, or area with cultural significance
(architectural or archaeological) , and
3) areas with resource potential - productive or prime agricultural or forest lands, or
potential valuable mineral sites (peat, for example).
Some of these elements were discussed in the 1980 and 1985 Tyrrell County Land Use
' Plan Updates, but because of the implications for updating certain policies, additional
discussion will be presented below.
1. PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS
a. Man -Made Hazards
The most significant man-made hazard in Tyrrell County is a United States Air Force
bombing range located in the Albemarle Sound near the Dewey's pier (SR 1208). Another
actively used portion of Dare County. The approach to the Dare County range is directly
over Tyrrell County. The Town of Columbia is not significantly directly affected by
military aircraft. Since it is an unurbanized area, aircraft must: adhere to stricter altitude
restrictions.'
Because of these bombing ranges, nearly all of.Tyrrell County, except for a 10-mile-wide
corridor in the northern portion of the County, is restricted airspace. The military expanded
the air space restrictions over the entirety of Tyrrell County in 1985. There were
provisions for horizontal layers for commercial cross -over air traffic. There were no
provisions for descending or ascending from or to that layer - in effect eliminating any
chance for the development of an airport in the County. This affects the Town of
Columbia by supressing economic development such as industrial siting.
The only man made hazard that lies exclusively within the jurisdiction of the Town of
Columbia is Coast OR Company which is a petroleum storage tank facility located on the
south side of the U.S. 64 Bypass. Another such facility, Violiva Fuel Company, has
recently (1990) been dismantled. This facility was located north of U.S. 64 Business on
the Scuppernong River's eastern bank.
146

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Nattaal Hazard Areas
Flood Hazard Areas '
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conducted a detailed study
of flood hazard near area and base elevations for the Town of Columbia and
Tyrrell County from 1982 to 1984 (see Map C-4). This study resulted in the
creation of nineteen flood insurance rate maps (FIRM's) for the unincorporated
portion of the County and one for the Town of Columbia. These maps became
effective on August 19, 1985. '
The entire jurisdiction of the Town of Columbia is classified as Zone A. Zone A
areas are subject to inundation by the 100-year flood. The Town has a base flood
elevations of approAmately six feet above sea level. This data is derived from the
Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) which was prepared by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA). This map became effective on August 5, 1985.
Estuarine Erosion Areas '
Estuarine erosion areas have been determined by the Sail Conservation Service '
(SCS) for 121 points along the Albemarle Sound and the Alligator River. Average
annual erosion rates were identified by reach areas in a 1976 study by the SCS.
This is the most current data available. There are no identified and measured '
estuarine erosion areas within the jurisdiction of the Town of Columbia.
Areas With Soils Limitations ,
There are five dominant soil types in the Town of Columbia. These are Altavista,
Augusta, Dorovan, Perquirrans, and Tomotley. Altavista soils have moderate ,
limitations for most types of development. The other four soil types are listed as
having severe limitations for most types of development The main reason for these
limitations are wetness, flooding, and low strength. The Town's soils are shown
on Map C-5 by their general level of suitability for development
Slopes Excess of 12%Ile
There are no steep slopes any=there within the jurisdiction of the Town of
Cohuabia.
Sources and Estimated Quantity of Water Supply ,
a. Groundwater
The Town of Columbia has the principal wader supply for the entire County. '
The Tyrrell County water system is tied onto the Town of Columbia's water
system. The Town's system, which was built in 1964, uses two wells. Raw water '
from these wells is treated at the rate of 300 gpm and stored in a 250,000 gallon
elevated storage tank.
"The Yorktown aquifer is the principal source of water supply in Tyrrell ,
County. This aquifer consists chiefly of beds of marl, sand and
consolidated coquina that are generally separated by beds of clay or sandy
clay. Yields of 5 to 20 gpm are common in most small diameter wells in the '
147 1

rr r �r r� r r rr rr rr �r rr r� �r r� rr ■r r� rr it
THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART TINOUGH A GRANT
FROAM BY THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM,TIIR000H
FINDS PROVIDED 91 THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF 1972• AS JJ
AMENDED. WIIICII 13 ADMINISTERED IT TIE OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL
KSOURCC MANAGEMENT. M.O.A.A. \V7
5 / "'` MAP C-4
SOW FLOOD ZONE MAP
NOTE: ENTIRE TOWN IS
• WITHIN THE 100
• .o ,• o r.I YEAR FLOOD ZONE
u•
Ic, .fv ZONE A4—AVERAGE
•. '' b ' m.•. ELEVATION 6 FEET
I, 1001,
F .
1 .
i
TOWN LIMITS
KWA Ken Weeder & Anodata - Plann ft Cons kwu
M4 Eastwood Road, Wilmington, North Carolina 28403
1
00 1200
3GLE W FEET

::1 V , ;
I
IIFIII'10

11
Yorl=wn aquifer. Yields of 75 to 100 gpm may be obtained from carefully
constructed wells of large diameter. The aquifer n recharged direedy m the area
of outcrop and izidirectly by seepage of water through overlying superficial
sand. The chemical quality of water from the Yorktown aquifer varies with the
lithology. The water is moderately hard to hard.
"Superficial sediments of Pleistocene and Recent Age c omrpise the non -
artesian or water table aquifer ...This aquifer is recharged directly by
predpi�tion and surface storage and, where it immediately overlies artesian
aquifers acts as a source of recharge to them. The water table is usually
within 2 to 3 feet of the land surface except in the swamp, where it is at the
surface. Water from this shallow aquifer is characteristically soft, irony and
corrosive." (1980 Land Use Plan Update, p. 26-27)
Tyrrell County has a wager purchase contract with Colu rnbia to serve users in
various unincorporated areas of the County. Phase I of the Tyrrell County water
system consisted of two 250 gpm deep wells, one 250 gpm treatment facility, and a
250,000 gallon elevated storage tank and limited distribution lines. Phase lIof the
County water system, which was completed in late 1985, expanded the distribution
system to serve some of the area not served by Phase I of the water system.
As of the writing of the 1985 Land Use Plan Update the Alligator Township,
located in the northeast portion of the County could not be economically served by
the water system. Water lines are being extended to most of this area and are
expected to be completed by the Fall of 1990. There are still several dwellings in
the Frying Pan area which cannot be economically served.
b. Surface Water
Generally, the surface water quality m the Town of Columbia and Tyrrell
County is good and not subject to acute long-term pollution. There has been
concern m recent years over the impact of freshwater intrusion into the saline -
concentrated estuarine waters, mainly from surface runoff due to land dearings and
development. However, no definitive studies have been produced detailing such
impacts in Columbia or Tyrrell County. (Discussions with N. C. Division of
Environmental Management and Division of Marine Fisheries.)
c. Stream Water Classification
The Division of Enviromental Management (DEM) of the Departnnent of
Environment, Health and Natural Resources samples water bodies and classifies
them based upon water quality and - usage. These waters are grouped
into two general groups - the freshwater classification and the tidal salt water
classif cation.
The basic freshwater classifications and the allowed uses are as follows:
Class C: freshwaters protected for secondary
recreation, fishing and aquatic life induding
propogation and survival; all freshwaters are
classified to protect these uses at a minimum;
150

'
Class B: freshwaters protected for primary rereation
which includes swimming on a frequent and/or
organized basis and all Class C uses.
,
The basic tidal salt water classification and the allowed uses are as follows:
Class SC; saltwaters protected for secondary
'
recreation, fishing, and aquatic life including
propogation and survival; all saltwaters are classified
to protect these uses at a minimum;
Class SB; sahwaters protected for primary recreation
which includes swimming on a frequent and/or
organized basis and all Class SC uses;
'
Class SA: suitable for commercial shellfishing and all
other tidal saltwater uses.
'
The water bodies in the Town of Columbia are classified as shown on Map C-6
and as follows:
Scuppernong River (to Riders Creek) SC
'
d. Closed Shellfigshing Areas
_
As a general rule, all waters classified by the Division of Environmental
'
Management as SA waters are open for commercial shellfishing (see previous
section on Stream Water Classification above). All other waters are closed for
commercial shellfishing.
'
There are, however, some areas within generally designated SA waters which
have been closed for shellfishing due to discharges or runoff from an accident or a
severe storm. These area are often closed only temporarily. In other instances
'
portions of waters initially designated as SB or SC may have improved to the point
where some shellfishmg may be permitted. For these reasons a Closed Shellfishing
Map (Map C-7) has been included in addition to the Stream Classification map (see
t
Map C-6). This map should be updated as necessary to reflect changing water
quality. When gathering shellfish, citizens should avoid areas declared polluted and
hazardous as designated by lime green signs on posts in the area.
'
2. FRAGILE AREAS '
These are areas which could easily be damaged or destroyed by inappropriate or poorly
planned development. There are several fragile areas in the Town of Columbia including those
areas previously identified and discussed as Areas of Environmental Concern (AFC's). These '
fragile areas include coastal wetlands (or marshlands); estuarine waters, estuarine shorelines, and
public trust areas. (See previous discussion).
There are other fragile areas in the Town which are not classified as Areas of Environmental '
Concern, which due to either natural or cultural significance, are environmentally sensitive. An
example are the 404 wetlands, as designated by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. The U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have defined wetlands '
151 1

: I.: Ir 1--IN:

i i�i..•�. _ .
u.u/u//i/.i./•
•i.ii.....••ii••i
.i■•ii/...i/ii./i

' as follows; "Those arras that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency
and duration sufficient to support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated
soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas.' 'These
A reas are extensive in Tyrrell County but, logically, are not present in urbanized Columbia. The
404 areas are regulated by the Corps and not by the State.
' Additional areas will be identified and discussed below as either "Natural Resource Fragile
Areas", or "Cultural Resource Fragile Areas".
a. Natural Resource Fragtie Areas
Natural resource fragile areas are generally recognized to be of educational, scientific, or
cultural value because of the natural features of the particular site. These areas include
' complex natural areas, area that sustain remnant species, unique geologic formations,
pocosms, wooded swamps, prime wildlife habitats, or registered natural landmarks. With
' the exception of unique geologic formations and registered natural landmarks, the above -
listed natural resource fragile areas tend to overlap in Tyrrell County.
Due to the urban nature of the entire jurisdiction of the Town of Columbia there are no natural
' resource fragile areas in the Town.
1. Prime Wildlife Habitats and Areas That Sustain Remnant Spies
' These natural resource fragile areas in the County (no Town specific data is collected) are
home to a variety of endangered, threatened, or rate plant and animal species. Among the
state and federal organizations reporting the status of plants and animals within the county are
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program and the United States Department of the Interior.
These agenies rank species by the severity of the threat to their continued existence. The
most severely threatened species are fabled endangered. The next lower level are labeled
' threatened, followed by specials of special concern and significantly rare.
The only species of plant or animal that is listed as endangered_ in Tyrrell County is the Red
' Cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides Borealis). The only species of plan or animal that is listed
as threatened is the American Alligator (Alligator Mississippi is).. The only species of
plant or animal listed as a special concern is the Black Bear (Ursus Americanus). Species
that are endangered, threatened or of a special concern are protedted by federal and/or state
law. • 4 -
There are several species which are listed as being significantly rare. This label means that
' they are at risk and an effort should be made to monitor their populations or to seek their
classification as a protected species. The significantly rare plant and animal species in Tyrrell
County are Hessel's Hairstreak (Mitoura Hesseli), Riverbank Quillwort (Isoetes Riparia),
' Winged Seedbox (Ludwigia Alata) and Perennial Sundrops (Oenothera Perennias).
There are several species winch are listed as being candidates for listing as a species with
need for protection. That is, these species may be at risk and are being considered for
' classification as endangered, threatened or a special concern which would legally protect the
species. These candidate plant and animal species are Silver Sedge (Carex Canescens SSP
Disjuncta), Parker's Pipewort (Enocaulon Parked) and White Beaknxii (Rhynchospora
Alba)
Although there are three legally protected species and another seven at risk species in Tyrrell
County, the urban nature of the Town of Columbia would suggest, but not ensure, that these
' species do not exist within the Town limits.
154

b. Cultural Resource Fragile Areas
Fragile area may be particularly important to a locale either in an aesthetic or cultural sense.
Fragile cultural resource areas are generally recognized to be of educational, scientific,
aesthetic, or cultural value because of their special importance to our understanding of past
human settlement of, and interaction with, the coastal zone. Cultural resource areas serves to
distinguish the designated areas as significant among the historic architectural or
archaeological remains in the coastal zone, and therein establish their value.
1. Architectural Resources
There has been no comprehensive architectural investigation of Cohtmbia, the
State Division of Archives and History has recorded one structure in the Town that
is of historical or architectional importance. This structure is:
The Tyrrell County Courthouse. Southwest corner of Main and Broad
Streets. Columbia. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
There may be other structures of historical or architectural value within the Town.
The Division of Archives and History recommends that the Town conduct a
comprehensive survey to identify and protect these structures.
2. Archaeological Resources
The Division of Archives and History list only ten recorded archaeological sites in
Tyrrell County. All ten of these sites are located in Tyrrell County. There are
probably many more sites along the streams and rivers in the County. Most of the
possible sites in the Town have probably already been destroyed by development.
There may exist other unknown sites within the Town. The Division of Archives
and History request that due to the sensitivity of archaeological sites that the State
be consulted before development is allowed in areas that have or may have
archaeological sites.
3. Underwater Archaeolodcal Resources'
The Division of Archives and Historystates that "the vast majority of the waters
lying within Tyrrell County have not been surveyed for underwater archaeological
sites. Limited underwater archaeological investigations have been conducted in
the Scuppernong River primarily around the Columbia waterfront and the
following sites have been identified:
Estelle Randall
Columbia Flat Barge A
Columbia Flat Barge B
Bridge Boat
Columbia Shad Boat
Columbia Skiff
The Estelle Randall is considered to be the most significant of the known
underwater archaeological sites. There has been some discussion of retrieving
artifacts and/or raising the entire vessel for display in a museum. The most recent
such discussion is in conjuction with the Town of Columbia's "Waterfront
155

Redevelopment Plan". This plan, also known as "Moving Toward the Future
Together, Tyrrell County and the Town of Columbia", recoanmends the retrival of
artifacts from the Estelle Randall for display in a proposed Visitor Center.
Other submerged areas within the the Town and the County may hold a high
potential for containing underwater archaeological resources based on historical
research. These areas would be those with an active maritime history, .
documented vessel lasses, or known hazards to navigation. Again the State
should be contacted before any development begins which may disturb known or
potential underwater archaeological resources.
' Although several sites have been identified as having the potential for inclusion on the study
list for possible recommendation to the National Register of Historic Places, none have
actually been placed on the list.
' 3. AREAS WITH RESOURCE POTENTIAL
a. Agricultural and Forest Lands
The primary areas with resource potential to be considered in this update of the Tyrrell
County Land Use Plan are agricultural and forest lands. As discussed under existing
1 economic conditions, agriculture and commercial forestry are the largest income producers
for Tyrrell County.
In August, 1983, the Governor of North Carolina issued a formal policy declaration
' (Executive Order 96) concerning the State's desire to promote the "Conservation of Prime
Agricultural and Forest Lands" in support of, and to assist with, compliance of the Federal
Farmland Protection Policy Act of 1980. The declaration of Executive Order 96 recognized
the fad that in many areas of the State, prime agricultural and forest lands are being
' converted to other uses at such a significant rate that these irreversible uses may ultimately
reduce the capacity of food and fiber production.
Prime agricultural and forest lands were defined as those lands "...which possess the best
' combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food, feed, fiber
(including forest products), forage, oilseed, and other agricultural products (including
livestock), without intolerable soil erosion."
The Governor directed the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and
Community Development to assume the responsibility of carrying out the order. The
' program proposed in the Executive Order involved the identification and mapping of prime
agricultural and forest lands by the Soil and Water Conservation Commission through the
assistance of local Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The impact of any development
proposed on prime agricultural or forest lands would also have to be assessed beginning
' January 1, 1984 by means of the existing State Clearinghouse review process.
Prime agricultural and forest lands have been identified and mapped in accordance with
Executive Order 96, in Tyrrell County and Columbia. These designations are done as a
part of the County's soil survey and are listed by the most productive soil types as noted on
pages 23 through 31 of the Soil Survey of T,wrell County, North Carolina. Due to the
' urban nature of the Town of Columbia, there are no areas which are considered to have
agricultural and/or forestry resource potential.
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b. Productive Water Bodies
Because of the significance of commercial and recreational fishing in Tyrrell County and
the Town of Columbia the primary fishing areas should also be considered as an area with
resource potential. As noted in the 1980 Tyrrell County Land Use Plan Update (p. 11),
fisheries are varied in Tyrrell County and the Town of Columbia and include pound net
activity, gill net, crabbing, and eeling. Most fishing is done in the Albemarle Sound, the
Alligator River, and the Scuppernong River. Croaker, bass and perch are primarily caught
in the Sound, while herring is primarily caught in the Scuppernong River. '
Aquaculture has been emerging as a viable industry in recent years. Aquaculture involves
the cultivation of the natural produce of water bodies. Such businesses are viable economic '
development alternatives. Aquaculture is a relatively non-polluting industry. Aquaculture
is a desirable industry in Tyrrell County and the Town of Columbia because it will create
jobs, thus generating revenue, with a relatively small chance of pollution.
C. Nursery Areas
General nursery areas are defined as "those areas in which, for reasons such as food cover, '
bottom type, salinity, temperature and other factors, young finfish and crustaceans spend
the major portion of their initial growing season."
1. Primary Nursery Areas t
Primary nursery areas are defined by the North Carolina Marine Fisheries '
Commission as "those areas in the estuarine system where initial post -larval
development takes place. These areas are usually located in the uppermost
sections of a system where populations are uniformly very early juveniles."
There are no primary nursery areas within the jurisdiction of the Town of
Columbia, although one has recently been declared for the Alligator Creek
(also known as the Little Alligator River) in the northeastern portion of ,
Tyrrell County. This declaration was made by the National Wildlife
Commission. This is the first such nursery area declared partially due to the
low salinity levels as described under the section on secondary nurseries.
The primary reason for the lack of nursery designations is that there has not '
been adequate monitc-ning and sampling of the water bodies in this general
area of the State. The National Wildlife Commission feels that there is a
good chance that other area will be designated as nursery areas when more '
detailed sampling and monitoring is conducted.
It should be noted that all of the tributaries of the Alligator River and the '
Scuppernong River function as valuable spawning waters. new areas are
critically important in the early development of several anadromous (fresh
water spawning) species. These species include river hearing, chad, and
SIX ipped bass. Other commeruially and recreationally important species such '
as spot, croaker, yellow perch, white perch, flounder, and blue crabs are
also found in these waters.
2. Secondary Nursery Areas ,
Secondary nursery areas are defined as those areas in the estuarine system
where later juvenile development takes place. Populations are usually '
157 1

composed of developing sub -adults of similar size which have migrated
from an upstream primary nursery area to the secondary nursery area located
in the middle portion of the estuarine system.
There ate no permanent, nor special, secondary nursery areas in the Town
of Columbia or Tyrrell County as defined by the North Carolina Marine
Fisheries Commission. The reason for the lack of these areas in the
Albemarle Sound area (including all tributary rivers and creeks) is primarily
due to the low salinity levels of the Albemarle Sound which is
predominately fresh water in character. The waters of the Albemarle Sound
typically contain between four and eight parts of salt per thousand parts of
water. This level is well below the technical definition of a nursery areas as
defined by the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission: This low
salinity level results in predominance of fish species other than those found
in more typical nursery areas.
d. Haring Lands
There are no notable mining resources within the Town of Columbia, however, peat
resources are substantial throughout Tyrrell County. Any large scale commaermal peat
mining would result in spin off growth in and around Columbia.
' F. Constraints: Capacity of Communiity Facilities
1. WATER SYSTEM
Tyrrell County obtains its water from wells. The current maximum daily capacity is
480,000 gallons, with peak usage of only 90,000 gallons per day (18.75 percent of capacity).
' This leaves excess capacity of 390,000 gallons per day during peak water usage - capacity which
could accomodate a significant amount of future development. The County has a storage capacity
of 250,000 gallons in elevated storage tanks.
2. SEWER SYSTEM
The Town of Columbia has the only sewer system in Tyrrell County. The sewage treatment
plant is an aeration and oxidation type plant. The plant's current capacity is 150,000 gallons per
day with a peak usage of 120,000 gallons per day, or eighty percent (80%) of capacity. This
30,000 gallons per day of excess capacity should be adequate to meet short term development
' needs. Unexpected growth may necessitate the expansion of the treatment plant and its capacity.
The Town and Tyrrell County have hired the engineering firm of McDavid and Associates
to conduct a cost analysis as to the feasibility of expanding the Town's sewage treatment plant or
' perhaps the construction of a new 300,000 gallon per day plant. If either option proves feasible
and is developed, some of the excess capacity may be made available for use by nearby portions of
the County.
3. SOLID WASTE
The Town of Columbia has municipal trash pick-up services which should be adequate
t throughout the ten year planning period.
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4. SCHOOLS I
The school system is a County wide system and as such there are no in -Town schools.
There are two public schools in Tyrrell County. The high school is located on Main Street in the
Town of Columbia and houses grades seven through twelve. It is currently at capacity with
approximately 300 students. The elementary school is located about three blocks south of the high
school on secondary route 1300, just outside of the Columbia Town limits. The elementary school
is also at capacity with approximately 470 students. There are also two private parochial schools in
Tyrrell County.
The County has recently approved a $1. 8 million bond issue to construct a media center
and a cafeteria at the high school, and to enlarge kindergarten classrooms at the elementary school.
The school board is also constructing a bus garage. and maintenance shop behind the high school '
This project is being financed in part by the bond issue and in part by tax revenues. Even with
these improvements the Tyrrell County School system is pressed for space and will have serious
problems serving more students than it now has enrolled. However, population projections and
estimated school enrollments indicate that school enrollments will remain virtually constant during ,
the ten year planning period.
5. TRANSPORTATION
There are two major east -west roads and two major north -south roads serving the Town of '
Columbia. The two east -west roads are U.S. 64 Business, also called Main Street, and U.S. 64
Bypass. These roads are the only roads that run through the Town. The roads are actually one just
before the Scuppernong River west of Town. At that point they diverge and move further apart as
they move toward the center of Town, where they begin to converge and rejoin just outside the '
Town's eastern boundary.
The Town's north -south roads are Broad Street (which is the terminus of N.C. 94 on the '
south side of Town) and Road Street. Neither road crosses the entire jurisdiction of the Town, so
there is no single north -south through street in the Tvwn..Instead through traffic must turn onto
one of the east -west streets then back onto the other north -south street in order to pass through the '
Town.
The rest of the streets in the Town of Columbia function mai* to service neighborhoods
or businesses located on side streets. All of these streets begin,, e$d or cross at least one of the
four main roads discussed above. Traffic volumes leading into the Tdfwn are never excessive. The
highest traffic volumes in the County is 4,800 vehicles per day on U.S. 64 just west of the Town
of Columbia. Traffic volumes on N.C. 94 reach a peak of about 1,600 vehicles per day just south ,
of Columbia. Both of these highways are scheduled for improvements or widening in the N.C.
Department of Transportation's Transportation Improvement Plan, 1990-1996.
6. POLICE PROTECTION ,
Police protection for Tyrrell County and the Town of Columbia, is provided by the Tyrrell County t
Sheriffs department which is located on Main:Street in Columbia adjacent to the County
courthouse. The department's staff consist of the sheriff, four deputies and five radio
dispatchersljailers. There are five patrol cars for use by the department. This is adequate to serve
the Town and the County. This service should be adequate for the Town and County in the
foreseeable future. Large population increases may necessitate the addition of more deputies..
There is, however, a need to establish a 911 emergency phone system. Residents currently dial the '
159 1

sheriff department's dispatcher at 796-2251 for fire, police and rescue services. Plans are being
developed to provide a 911 service, but no date as to implementation has been established.
7. FIRE PROTECTION
There are three fire stations in Tyrrell County one on Main Street in Columbia, one in Gum Neck
and one in KlUenney. The station in Columbia is jointly operated and funded by the Town of
Columbia and Tyrrell County. The other stations are County stations, but all three stations rely
heavily upon contributions from the community for financial support.
The station in Columbia is actually two separate buildings, each measuring about 3,000 square
feet. This station houses two 750 gallon per minute pumper trucks, one equipment truck, one
' 1400 gallon tanker truck, a 300 gallon tanker truck that also serves to tarty some rescue equipment
(not a crash truck per se) and two ambulances. These last three vehicles belong to, or are shared
with the Tyrrell County rescue squad which shares this location. (See section 8 below.) Fire
hydrants per se, are only available inside the Town limits of Columbia. The Town has about
' seventy-five hydrants located about 300 yards apart.
The fire department has several pressing needs. Among these is a replacement of the equipment
' truck that serves the Town of Columbia. Even though this vehicle has passed inspection, it has
various mechanical problems and needs replacing. The department also needs to acquire an air
compressor to refill air tanks, because they are currently spending about $100 each month to rent
' this service. They are currently applying for a matching grant from the State for such a purchase.
There is a need to establish a 911 emergency phone system as discussed in section 6 above.
8. RESCUE SQUAD
Tyrrell County has two rescue squad stations, both of which are housed with a fire station. One
rescue squad unit is located at the volunteer fire department on Main Street. This unit consists of
two ambulances and a tanker truck that it shares with the fire department. This truck carries rescue
equipment but is not a crash rescue truck per se. The second rescue squad unit consists of a single
ambulance which is housed at the Gum Neck fire station.
The rescue squad has thirty-two (32) volunteer emergency medical technicians (EMT's) and two
paid EMT"s who work during the daytime Mondays through Fridays. The County provides
approximately half of the squad's funding and the remainder is raised in the community. The
' squad is currently dispatched by the sheriff department's dispatcher at 796-2251, but plans are
under way to provide a 911 phone system as described in section 6 above.
9. LIBRARY
The Tyrrell County library is located on Main Street in the Town of Columbia. The facility was
built in 1982 and occupies approximately 5,000 square feet. This building includes a large meeting
' room that is used by the Tyrrell County Board of Commissioners among other groups. The
current staff consists of a full -tune librarian, a full-time assistant, and two part-time clerks.
' The Town and the County is also served by a book mobile from the Pettigrew Regional Library in
Plymouth. The library is part of a regional inter -library loan program. Loan services are also
available from the library at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. These library facilities
should be adequate through the year 2000.
1
160

G. Population Growth and Impacts on Community Facilities _ I
1. GENERAL
As discussed in the section entitled Present Conditions - Population the population of the Town of
Columbia is expected to have increased from 758 in 1980 to 810 in 1988, the Town's population is
projected to reach 824 in 1990, 859 in 1995 and 894 in 2000. The geometric method of population
projection is used in this report to predict future population of Columbia (see Section B, Present
Conditions). This is viewed as the most reliable of the two population projection methodologies -
and also results in :he larger projections. It should be noted that these projections are based upon ,
an existing past trend. Any unexpected changes such as large annexations, or major developments
(residential, commercial or industrial) could invalidate these projections.
The increasing popultion will directly result in increasing demands on community facilities and
services. The existing capacities of these community facilities, and the potentianal impact of the
projected increases in population is briefly examined below. (See the section entitled Constraints:
Capacity of Community Facilities for more details on each of the community facility and services.) '
2. WATER SYSTEM
The Town of Columbia currently has a maximum daffy capacity of 400,000 gallons. The Town's '
peak daily usage is only 100,000 gallons which leaves an excess capacity of 300,000 gallons per
day. These figures indicate that Columbia's peak daily water system usage is only 25 percent of '
the Town's maximum daily capacity. The remaining 75 percent of the maximum daily capacity
should be more than adequate to handle any development needs which the Town may face during
the ten year planning period.
3. SEWER SYSTEM ,
The Town of Columbia has the only sewer system in Tyrrell County. This system currently has a '
capacity of 15,000 gallons per day. The peak daily usage is 120,000 gallons, which leaves an
excess capacity of 30,000 gallons per day. These figures indicate that the Town of Columbia's
sewer system ussage is operating at eighty (80) percent of the maximum daffy capacity. The
remaining twenty percent of the maximum daily capacity should be adequate to meet the shoat term .
development needs of the Town of Columbia. It should be noted that the Town is conducting a
cost analysis as to the feasibility of expanding the Town's existing sewage treatment plant or
perhaps building a new 300,000 gallon per day plant. Either alternative could provide sewer ,
services to portions of the County near the Town of Columbia.
4. SOLID WASTE I
The Town of Columbia's existing trash removal service should be adequate to meet the needs of
the Town throughout the ten year planning period. '
5. SCHOOLS
There are two public schools in Tyrrell County. The high school is located in the Town of '
Columbia and the elementary school is located several blocks south of Columbia. Both of these
schools are currently operating at capacity. The County's population projections show that the
County's school age population will remain virtually constant through the ten year planning period.
There are currently some expansion plans at each school, but any notable increase in the school age
population would result in further overcrowding. Tyrrell County may need to seek further
expansion of its public schools. There are also two private parochial schools in the County.
161 1

6. TRANSPORTATION
Tyrrell County has a T-bone thoroughfare network which is comprised of two major roads which
intersect in Columbia. The fast and foremost of these roads is U.S. Highway 64 which runs east
and west across the County and through Columbia. The other major road is N.C. Highway 94
which runs north and south from Hyde County to its intersection with U.S. 64 in Columbia.
Traffic volumes in Tyrrell County and Columbia are never excessive, but peak traffic occurs in or
around the Town of Columbia. Only U.S. 64 and N.C. '94 have traffic volumes with more than
one thousand vehicles per day.
1 The transportation system in the Town of Columbia and Tyrrell County should be adequate to meet
the future needs of the Town and County throughout the ten year planning period. It should be
' noted that even though the two major highways in the County are currently more than adequate,
they are both scheduled for improvements.
7. POLICE PROTECTION
1 Tyrrell County and the Town of Columbia are both provided with police protection by the Tyrrell
County Sheriffs Department. The department is comprised of the sheriff, four deputies, five radio
dispatchersr ailers and five patrol cats. This staffing and equipment level should be adequate to
meet the needs of Tyrrell County throughout the ten year plane ng period. Unexpected population
increases may necessitate the addition of more deputies and patrol crass.
8. FIRE PROTECTION
There are three fire stattions in Tyrrell County - one in Columbia, one in Gum Neck and one in
Kiilkenney. The fire department staff is all volunteer. The fire department has several pressing
needs such as acquiring an air compressor for refilling air tanks and replacing an equipment truck.
Once these problems are resolved the fire department should be adequate to meet the needs of the
Towifs and the County's projected population throughout the ten year planning period.
9. RESCUE SQUAD
j Tyrrell County has two rescue squad stations. These are housed with the fire stations in the Town
of Columbia and in Gum Neck. The staff consist of thirty --two volunteer emergency medical
technicians (EMT's) and two paid EMT's. The -Town has two'ambulauces and a truck which
' carries rescue equipment but is not a crash truck perk. A: certified crash truck is needed to ensure
adequate rescue operations. This department may a]sgneed additional staff, funding and
equipment to meet the needs of a growing population during'the ten year planning period.
' 10. LIBRARY
The Tyrrell County library is housed in a five thousand (5,000) square foot building in the Town
' of Columbia. The Town and the County is also served by a book mobile from the Pettigrew
Regional Library in Plymouth and by an inner -library loan program with North Carolina State
University in Raleigh. The library staff consist of a full time librarian, a full time assistant and two
' part time clerks. These facilities should be adequate to meet the needs of the Town of Columbia
and Tyrrell County throughout the ten year planning period.
' 162

SECTION II.
POLICY STATEMENTS
163

IA. GENERAL
' This is the Town of Columbia's first effort to develop a policy document such as a Land
Use Plan. Although this plan was developed under the overall auspice of Tyrrell County, the
Town of Columbia was given ample opportunity for independent input. The Town of Columbia
has worked jointly with Tyrrell County in the preparation of this 1990 Land Use Plan Update.
' Members of the Town Council, the Town Planning Advisory Committee, and Town
Administration have been actively involved in every step of the planning process.
' As such, the Town of Columbia is in agreement with the policies contained in the Tyrrell
County portion of the 1990 Iand Use Plan Update, many of which directly affect the Town of
Columbia. It is important to note that the Town of Columbia has some policy concerns which are
quite different from that of the County. Of the five (5) broad policy area which are required to be
addressed by CAMA (Resource Protection, Resource Production and Management, Economic and
Community Development, Continuing Public Partiapation,and Storm Hazard Mitigation) the
Town of Columbia believes that it should set forth its own relevant policy concerns in the area of
Economic and Conununity Development. The policy statements for the other four areas as
contained in Tyrrell County's Plan Update, are regarded as relevant a4d acceptable to the Town of
Columbia.
' B .. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
1. Types and Locations of Desired Industries
The Town of Columbia, like Tyrrell County, recognizes the need for expanded job
opportunities which industrial development could foster. The Town also recognizes that it
has very limited land resources within its jurisdiction suitable for most industrial
development. The Town shares the County's, policy concern that desirable industries would
be those that could take advantage of existing natural resources and yet maintain the
integrity of the Town's environmentally sensitive resources (see Page 51-59, Tyrrell
County 1990 Land Use Plan Update).
The Town of Columbia supports the provision of basic support services especially water
and/or sewer to support such developments, based on available capacity of those services.
2. Local Commitment to Service Provisions
As stated on page 52 of the Tyrrell County 1990 Update, both the Town's and the
County's water systems currently have substantial excess capacities. The Town of
Columbia, like the County, is committed to providing water services to support new
growth and development within its jurisdiction and in certain circumstances beyond its
jurisdiction. The Town's sewer system, however, does not currently enjoy the same excess
capacity as the water system. Nevertheless, the Town is committed to extending sewer
services to support new development, based on available capacity. The Town does
recognize the need to expand its sewer system's capacity.
3. Desired Urban Growth Patterns
As a small town which developed without the benefit of conventional land use controls,
Columbia is aware that it has, in many instances, mixed land uses (such as residential,
commercial and institutional) side by side. This pattern contributes to the Town's
character, which it does not want to see destroyed. The Town, therefore, sets forth the
fohowing policies:
164

a) The Town recognizes the need to adopt some form, of
land use control, such. as zoning, but does not want to
zone out the ament mixture of land uses.
b) The Town will encourage and support the extension
of the currentpre 1- --- by single family dwelling
draracter of Columbia.
c) For newly developing area on the fringe of the
Town's jurisdiction which request Town water
and/or sewer, Columbia will consider requiring those
areas to be annexed as a condition of receiving those
services.
In 1989 Tyrrell County and the Town of Columbia became one of the five North Carolina
communities selected for the Coastal Initiative Program. This• program proposed
rodevelopment of waterfront areas m an attempt to improve the five local economies. The
result of this program for Tyrrell County and the Town of Columbia was the production of
a waterfront redevelopment planning document. This document was entitled Moving
Toward the Ritu re Together - Tyrmll County and the Town of Columbia.
Among the items suggested by this doaimentwere the ccnstructiom of a visitor center and
boardwalk. Also recommended were the building of a marina, boat ramp and a mixed use
waterfront imnhetail shop Wrestatuant.
Some of these items have already begun to be realized. The boardwalk, for example, has
been completed. Many of these suggested items will be public -private joint ventures.
Others will be undertaken with assistance from the State or Federal Government. The
Town of Columbia steadfasdy supports the redevdopnrent projects along the downtown
waterfromt.
The Town has received two Community Development Block Grants for community
revitalization projects, aimed primEAy at rehabilitating substarxiatd housing within the
Town. The Town has also applied for as FY'90 Block Grant. The Town of Columbia
definitely supports rzdevdopmeat of its existing substandard neighborhoods.
The Town of Columbia is generally supportive of state and federal programs — especially
those which provide Improvemeata to the Town, including the Poeomn Lakes National
Wildlife Refuge. However, like Tyrrell County, the Town does not support the pavpoxd
ern of military restricted air space over the County.
The Town of Columbia supports and encourages projects aimed at maintaining the channels
and vital waterways in the County, including the Scuppernong River.
Columbia has very limited land resources available for any energy facilities. The Town is
not supportive of any such facility vA*h may result in long-term detriment to its
environmentally sensitive areas.
165

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8. Tourism
The implementation of the joint County/Town Waterfront Redevelopment Plan is expected
to increase tourism in the Town and the County. The County and the Town have recently
produced new promotional brochures and commissioned the development of a professional
slide presentation on the area's assets. One major feature of the Waterfront Redevelopment
Plan is water access - both for pedestrians, via the boardwalk, and for boats, via a new
ramp. As has been demonstrated by recent efforts, the Town of Columbia definitely
supports both tourism and waterfront access. The Town also supports the development of
marinas, according to State and Federal environmental guidelines.
9. Coastal and Water/Beach Access
The Town of Columbia supports the concept of providing water access for any newly
developing residential waterfront areas. However, to date, this has not become an issue in
the Town's jurisdiction. The Town will consider modifying its existing subdivision
regulations in order to require access provisions.
10. Density of Development
The Town of Columbia, currently without zoning, prefers the maintenance of its
predominant single family dwelling character. In FY '91 the Town including density
controls which will be consistent with the County Health Department
11. Storm Hazard Mitigation. Post -Disaster Recovery. and Evacuation Plans
The Town of Columbia and Tyrrell County work jointly in the fact of threats imposed by
hurricanes and other major stones. Section F, Part I of this document presented a thorough
discussion of the issues and policies according to the planning guidelines: The Town of
Columbia, by reference, adopts the County's policies on this important issue. In summary,
all four of the major damaging farces of a hurricane- - high winds, flooding, wave action,
and shoreline erosion - could have a potential impact upon Columbia in the event of a major
storm. Table 8 provides a better projection of the percent of the Town's structures
(residential, commerical, etc.) subject to the potentially devastatineeffects of a major storm. .
Table 8: *Percent of Structures Subject to Stoim Damage Factors
.f.
Percent §trucw'ms 1989 Tax Value
Storm Impact Possibly Affected (Millions)
1. High winds 100 percent $9.487
2. Flooding 100 percent $9.487
3. Wave action 5 percent 0.474
4. Shoreline erosion 5 percent 0.474
*Based on preliminary projections derived from examination of Fasting Land Use Map.
Map prepared by Ken Weeden & Associates. Tax value provided by Tyrrell County Tax Office.
167

11
IC. CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
From the beginning of the 1990 Land Use Plan Update process, both Tyrrell County and the Town
of Columbia gave full recognition to the requirements contained in the guidelines that the planning
process be conducted in the guidelines that the planning process be conducted in the 'Public
1 Arena.' A formal'Pubhc Participation Plan: was developed and adopted by the Tyrrell County
Board of Commissioners. The plan, along with other supporting elements, are contained in
Appendix III of this Land Use Plan Update. Some of the major elements in the Public
Participation Plan included:
1. The designation of the Tyrrell County Planning Board, as the primary citizen liaison
group for the county, and the appointment of a three -person Planning Advisory
Committee to serve in this capacity for the Town. These groups met both jointly,
and separately with the Planning Consultant throughout the planning process.
2. A monthly meeting schedule was established in the beginning, which included
several advertised public information meetings, the first being held jointly,
February 13, 1990. The projected monthly meeting dgtes were then pasted and
subsequently published in a later newspaper article, showing dates from March
through July. Prior to the meetings, notices were published in iehter the Coastland
Tunes, the official newspaper of record for the County, and/or the East Carolina
Reminder. a local shopper distributed free to all mailboxes in Tyrrell County.
' Tyrrell County and Columbia took extraordinary steps to help inform, and educate their respected
citizens that the CAMA plan was indeed being developed At the beginning of the process, a news
release was developed and submitted to the two newspapers cited above. The release resulted in
' news stories in both publications.
Meetings with the Planning Board/Advisory Committee were held on the following dates in 1989
' and in 1990: December 12, 1989; February 13; March 13; April 17; May 8; June 12; July 18; and
August 15. Notices appeared in the Coastland Tunes on February 11; March 8 (accompanied by a
news article, which listed the dates and times of the rest of the proposed meetings); April 15 (the
April 10 meeting was re -scheduled to Apra 17); May 3; and July 10, along with a news article on
the draft in the July 18 joint meeting between the Town and County governing bodies.
Notices and/or news articles also appeared in the East Carolina Reminder on the following dates in
1 1990; February 21; April 11; June 12: July I I (also notifying change in scheduled meeting from
July 10 to July 18); July 18 (notice and article, stating the consultant would present the draft plan
that night); July 25, substantial article on the July 18 presented of the draft CAMA plan; and
' August 8, along with an article on the upcoming August 15, 1990 meeting. Again, it should be
noted that the East Carolina Reminder is distributed free to every mailbox in Tyrrell County. The
County and Town do believe that the media efforts described above provided adequate
' opportunities for the public to become aware of the plan update process. (See Appendix III.)
1. POLICY STATEMENT
It shall be the policy of The Town of Columbia to continue to use the local news media and
public posted notices to inform the citizens of the various opportunities for input into land use
planning and related policy matters.
168

SECTION III:
LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
169

1 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 County or Town. It is
' not a start regulatory device in the sense of a zoning ordinance or zoning map. It represents more,
of a tool to understanding 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 classification is also useful in the staging of services necessary to
support development. The regulations for the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) state:
'The land classification system provides a 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; Conimunity; 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 intensity of development will be either encouraged or discouraged. A
brief summary of the seven broad classifications, as contained in the CAMA rules, might illustrate
Us. For example:
"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
classified as community. Agriculture, forestry, mineral extraction and other similar
low intensity uses and very low density, dispersed residential use* should be
directed to lands classified rural. Generally, public or private -water or sewer
systems will not be provided in area classified rural as an incentive for intense
development.' (713.0204) (d) .:
'"The Rural Services Class is to provide for very low density land uses including
' residential use where limited water services are provided in order to avert an existing
or projected health problem." (7B.0204)(5)(A)
'Me purpose of the conservation class is to provide for the effective long-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 development. Each of these classes applied to the
community must be represented 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 H. Ideally, the map which depicts
these classifications should be as flexible as the policies that guide them. (See Map C-8, Land
' Gas dfication Map)

Three of these land classifications are applicable to the Town of Columbia. They are Developed,
Urban Transition, and Conservation. These are discussed below and shown on the attached Map
C-8.
B . Developed
The developed class of land use provides for continued iriftsive development and redevelopment
of existing cities or municipalities. Areas to be classified as developed include lands currently
developed for urban purposes or approaching a density of three dwellings per acre and provided
with the usual municipal or public services and police and fire protection. In other woods, such
areas must currently be urban m character, that is have mixed land uses such as residential,
commercial, industrial and institutional or other uses at high to medium densities.
In the predominantly urban Town of Columbia, the enure area within the Town limits will be
classified as developed. Columbia provides all of the usual municipal services as well as water and
sewer. As discussed in Section I, the water and sewer service supply is projected to be more than
adequate throughout the ten year planning period.
C. 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 provided with the necessary public utilities and services too 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
severely limited for development
Lands classified transition may include:
1. Lands included in municipal extraterritorial planning jurisdictions and areas being ,
considered for annexation;
2. Predominately residential areas that are approaching densities of three units per acre, or
have a majority of lots smaller than 15,000 square feet and will be_provided with essential
urban services; , 2
L
3. Lands contiguous with existing developed municipal area': '
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 limitations 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 too 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; and;
171

1
4. wn Lands where development will result in undue risk to life or property fronatural hazards
1 or existing land uses.
5. Lands that are designated as areas of environmental concern (AEC).
There are no areas in the Town of Columbia's jurisdiction which are to be classified as urban
transition. If the Town gains an extraterritorial jurisdiction (EV) thew all of this ETJ area will be
classified as urban transition.
F
The relationship between the developed and urban transition classification is important in
predominantly rural counties like Tyrrell. The first class is meant to define the already developed
areas and/or those areas where public investment decisions will be required to provide the
necessary urban services. - These become important area to monitor closely . The Coastal
Resources Commission has further clarified this relationship as described below:
The Developed and Urban Transition classes would be the only lands under
active consideration by the County or municipality for inte;mve urban
development requiring extensive urban services such as sewage treatment.
The area within these classes is where deu ed local land use and public
investment planning will occur: State and Federal expenditurzs on projects
associated with urban development (water, sewer, urban street systems,
etc.) will be guided to these areas. Large amounts of vacant land suitable for
urban development within the Developed class should be taken into account
when calculating the amount of additional lands needed to accoramodate
projected growth.
D. Conservation
The final land use category, according to CAMA guidelines, is the Conservation class, which
provides for effective long-term management of significant, limited, or irreplaceable resources.
This clamif cation will at a minimum include all of the statutorily defined AEC's. Other areas
within the County with natural, cultural, recreational, productive or scenic value, may also require
similar "effective long-term managemen.
Examples could include major 404 wetlands (wetlands other than statutory defined coastal
wetlands); essentially undeveloped shorelines that are unique, fragile, or hazardous for
development; lands that provide necessary habitat conditions (especially for remnant species);
pocosins; or publicly owned water supply watersheds and acquifers.
The 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, there may be high ground areas which are suitable for development, in which 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 should be reviewed on a case by
case basis.
The Board of Commissioners of the Town of Columbia recognizes that additional areas of the
Town could be considered to have special features conducive to being placed in the Conservation
classification. However, since most of these lands are held in proviate ownership, the Town does
not wish to impose undue and unnecessary restrictions on the use of private lands. The overall
premise for the Conservation designation in Columbia will be to strike the delicate balance between
careful long-term management of sensitive or vahiable resources and the freedom of landowners to
I
172

use their properties.
Therefore, in the Town of Columbia, the environmentally sensitive areas identified as areas of ,
environmental concern (AFC's) - estuarine waters, estuarine shorelines, outstanding resource
waters (ORW s), and public trust areas - are classified as Conservation. (There are no significant
coastal wetlands, or salt marshes in Tyrrell County.) Outside of these areas of environmental
concern, the primary designation of the conservation areas in Columbia will be for the purpose of
sustaining shoreline stability and protecting water quality, along the Town estuarine waterways,
which includes the Scuppernong River and related creeks and tributaries.
The designated conservation areas shall include land areas extending seventy-five (75) feet on
either side of the banks of these waterways.
Since, as stated previously, conservation does not imply preservation specific allowable uses in the '
Conservation class shall include:
1. Drainage: Adequate drainage is essential to the economic vitality of the Town of Columbia;
therefore, drainage facilitiesover and through these areas, but not with the intent of
draining the Conservation area for developed purposes, will be allowed. Such facilities ,
may include diking, tiling, and piping systems.
2. Low density residential development if, and as, allowed by the County Health Department '
and the U.S. Soil Conservation Service. Water and sewer services will not be extended to
such a residential area merely to st'Qnulate additional growth and development. On -site
services will be required.
3. Water -oriented uses such as piers, docks, and marinas, if they ae shown not to cause ,
detriment to the estuarine waters or the Conservation lands.
4. Necessary utility service lines, such as water, sewer, electrical, natural gas, etc., when it is ,
demonstrated that the ecological system of the Conservation estuarine area will not be
significantly altered. (As noted is Item 2 above, development of and/or extension of ,
necessary utilities and services wiR not be done merely as a stimulus for additional growth
and development, only to the extent needed).
5. Roadways, when construction of roadways can be conducted without significantly altering
the ecological system, and in compliance with existing federal, state, and local regulations.
6. Marinas (upon careful determination that substantial pollution will not occur).
In conjunction with the Policy Statements section of this Plan, each application for development in
the Conservation classification shall be brought before the Town Board of Commissioners. These
shall be reviewed on a case by case basis prior to approval. The Town Board may recommend
modification of the proposal.
E. Land Classification Summary '
The proposed classification of land for varying levels of intensity and provision of public services
in the Town of Columbia was presented in parts A through D, above. These classifications related ,
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 the following
Section.
173

SECTION IV:
RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES
AND
CLASSIFICATIONS
174

A. General
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.
B. Developed and Urban Transition Classification
As mentioned in the discussion of existing conditions, most of the Town's growth will occur along
the Scuppernong River as various goals of the Waterfront Redevelopment Plan are realized. There
may also be some redevelopment of the Town as abandoned homes and stores are renovated or
demolished and reburlt. The Town will likely experience some m-fill development as vacant lots
aredeveloped. An example of this is the GM)ern Ames subdivision which was recently (1990)
plotted at the north end of Broad Street. Other growth in the Town may occur via annexation of
adjacent areas. This is the area where basic services such as water, sewer, and community support
services are available or might be feasible within the planning period.
If the Town of Columbia gain an extraterritorial jurisdiction (M, then all of this area would be
designated as Urban Transition Class. The Town does not currently have an ETJ.
The developed and urban transition classes were specifically designated to accommodate these
more intensively developed areas and land uses, including residential, commercial, industrial
parks, and open space, community facilities and transportation. Hazardous or offensive uses such
as land application systems, power plants, airports and bulk chemical storage facilities will be
located away from these classes.
C. Limited Transition Class
This classification is not relevant to the Town of Columbia.
D. Community Class
This classification is not relevant to the Town of Columbia.
E. Rural Class
This classification is not relevant to the Town of Columbia. _
F. Rural with Services Class
This classification is not relevant to the Town of Columbia.
0. Conservation Class
The Conservation class is designed to provide for effective long-term management of significant
limited or irreplaceable areas which include Areas of Environmental Concern (undeveloped
shorelines that are unique, fragile, or hazardous for development), and publicly owned gamelands
and parks, undeveloped forest lands and cultural and historical sites.
Development in the estuarine system should be restricted to such uses as piers, bulkheads,
marinas, and other water -dependent uses. Policy Statements under Resource Protection and
Resource Production and Management in Section 11 of this plan address the Town's intentions
under this class. Also, a more detailed discussion of the Conservation classification, along with
permissible uses, is included in the preceding Section.
175

A. General
Throughout the development of this Plan, effort was made to make the policies consistent and
compatible with other local, State and Federal requirements. Implementation of the Plan will
likewise follow the same intergovernmental concern.
,
A joint public information meeting was held toward the beginning of the planning process
(February 13, 1990) which involved the two appointed boards, citizens of the County and Town.
Also, the County Finance Officer and the Town manager were involved throughout the planning
process. Throughout the development of this Plan, effort was made to make the policies consistent
and compatible with other local, state and federal requirements. Implementation of the Plan will
likewise follow the same intergovernmental concern.
This plan was prepared with an unusually high amount of intergovernmental coordination since
this is a joint plan for Tyrrell County and the Town of Columbia. Monthly joint meetings were
held with the Tyrrell County Planning Board, the Town of Columbia Planning Advisory
,
Committee and the planning consultant. A second joint public information meeting was also held
on July 18, 1990. This meeting involved members of the Tyrrell County Commissioners, the
Town of Columbia Town Council, the two appointed boards noted above, as well as citizens of the
'
County and Town.
177

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MAP 13
1990 CAMA LAND CLASSIFICATION -MAP
RRELL COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
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THE PREPARATION OF TIiIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART THROUGH A GRANT
PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM,THROUGH
FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF 1972, AS
AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, N.O.A.A.