Land Use Plan 1986 Update-1987

EDENTON LAND ,USE PLAN
1986 UPDATE
DCM COPY DCM COPY
I
lease do not remove!!!!!
i
Division of Coastal Management
Prepared By
L.E. WOOTEN AND, COMPANY
ENGINEERING -PLANNING -ARCHITECTURE.
RALEIGH-GREENVILLE
-iHE PREPARATION OF THIS PLAN WAS FINANCED IN PART BY 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 RESOURCES iANAGEMENT, NATIONAL OCEANIC AND
ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION.

tLAND
USE PLAN
EDENTON, NORTH CAROLINA
PREPARED FOR:
EDENTON TOWN COUNCIL
John T: Dowd, Mayor
Steve Hampton
Marina Crummey
Herbert Hollowell
'
Allen Harless, Jr.
Pete Manning
'
William M. Privott
PREPARED BY:
EDENTON PLANNING BOARD
'
Elizabeth .Ricks
Bill Vogedes
'
Gail Giescke
Nanc Wood
Julia Small
TECHNICALASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY: L. E. WOOTEN AND COMPANY
ENGINEERING -PLANNING -ARCHITECTURE
RALEIGH-GREENVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
y
Adopted b Edenton Town Council on February 10, 1987
P
North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission Certification on
' March 27, 1987.

CONTENTS
TABLE OF
Chapter
Page
I
INTRODUCTION
'
Purpose of CAMA Land Use Plan
1
Citizen Participation I
1
II
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Existing Conditions
3
Population
3
Economy
5
Employment
5
Retail Sales
8
11
Existing Land Use
•
Land Use Summary
11
Current Plan,.Policies and Regulations
15
Plans
15
'
Airport Layout Plan Update for the Edenton Municipal
16
Airport
Community Facilities Plan
16
'
Wastewater Facilities Plan
16
Policies
16
'
Utilities Extension Policies
Regulations
16
17
Development Constraints
17
Land Suitability
17
Physical Limitations for*Development
18
'
Hazard Areas
18
Soil Limitations
18
Water Supply
20
20
Areas with Excessive Slope
Fragile Areas
20
'
Areas with Resource Potential
Capacity of Community Facilities
21
21
Water System
21
22
Sewer System
22
Schools _
'
Roads
23
Estimated Demand for Land-and.Community Facilities
23
Summary
25
III
POLICY STATEMENTS AND STRATEGIES
'
Review of 1981 Policy Statements
26
1986 Policy Statements
31
Resource Protection
32
Constraints to Development
32
Areas of Environmental Concern
33
Other Hazardous cr Fragile Lard Areas
34
Cultural and Historic Resources
35
'
Man—made Hazards
36
1

U
Page
Hurricane and Flood Evacuation -Needs and Plans
37
Protection of Potable Water Supply
37
Package Treatment Plants/Sewage Treatment Disposal
38
Storm Runoff (Agriculture, Residential Development,
38
Phosphate/Peat Mining)
Marina and Floating Home Development
39
Industrial Impacts on Fragile Areas
40
Development of Sound and Estuarine System Islands
40
Resource Production and Management Policy
40
Productive Agricultural Land
40
Commercial Forest Land
41
Commercial and Recreational Fisheries
41
Existing and Potential Mineral Production Areas
42
Off -Road Vehicles -
42
Impact of Development on Resources
42
Community and Economic Development
42
Types and Location of Industrial Development Desired
43
Local Commitment to Providing Services to Development .
44
Types and Densities.of Urban Growth.Patterns
45
Redevelopment of Older Developed Areas
46
Commitment to State and Federal Programs
47
Assistance to Channel Maintenance and Beach
47
Nourishment Projects
Energy Facility Siting and Development
48
Tourism
48
Waterfront Access j
48
Beach Access
49
Coastal and Estuarine Water Beach Access
49
Types, Densities, Location (unit per acres, etc.) of
49
Anticipated Residential Development and Services
Necessary to Support Such Development
Land Use Trends/Observations
50
Continuing Public Participation
50.
Hurricane and Storm Mitigation
52
Storm Hazard Mitigation
52
Hazard Map
53
Level of -Development in Hazard Areas
54
Types of. Risk, Severity, Monetary Value of Losses
57
Storm Mitigation Policies
59
Post -Disaster Reconstruction
60
Immediate Cleanup and Removal
61
Recovery Task Force
61
Guidelines for Post -Disaster Repair and Reconstruction
62
Implementing Agency
62
Public Utilities
63
Post -Disaster Reconstruction Policies -
63
Evacuation
64

Page
'
IV LAND CLASSIFICATION
Developed
65
'
Transition
68
Community
68
Rural
69
Conservation
69
'
Relationship of Policies and Land Classification
70
Developed and Transition
70
Community
70
'
Rural
71
Conservation
71
Intergovernmental Coordination
71
i
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1
1

1
1
A
1
'
al
1
d
M
P
1
pl
'
e
f
T
9
Purpose of CAMA Land Use Plan Update
r
Citizen Participation
The Town of Edenton realizes citizen input is needed in the CAMA
planning process to assess public perception of land development
' problems, needs, and issues. Town officials felt that it was important
to keep citizens aware of the Land Use Plan Update process and allow
' them to effectively comment and participate in the decision making
' process. During the plan preparation period, several methods were used
to encourage citizen involvement in the planning process.

1
'
A Public Education/Participation Plan was developed at the
'
beginning of the planning period to educate the public and encourage
The Plannin Commission met each month between
participation. 9
'
December and August to discuss the CAMA Land Use Update. All meetings
were open to the public and citizen input was encouraged.
'
Press releases were sent to the local newspaper to increase
public awareness of the CAMA Land Use Plan Update. Included in the
'
press release was a description of the land use planning process and
P P P 9
'
proposed agenda items.
A meeting was held with the Economic Development Advisory Board to
discuss the planning process. The Board provided valuable input.
Copies of all display maps used during the planning process were
made available to the public for comment and review. These maps
P P
- '
included an existing land use map, land classification map and a
composite hazards map. All of these maps will remain in the Town Hall
for citizen review after completion of the Plan.
Draft sections of this Plan including population and economy,
land use policies and storm hazard mitigation were all made available
P 9
to the Planning Commission and public for review. Copies of this Plan
are available in Town Hall for public dissemination.
1
1
'
-2-

i.
The 1986 Land Use Plan is an update of a previously adopted Plan
'
(1981). In order to consider and adopt effective policies concerning
future growth and development, a data base outlining the Town's
'
existing conditions and changes occurring since the last Plan must be
established and analyzed.
Existing Conditions
'
The following section describes existing conditions regarding
population, economy, land use and current plans, policies and
regulations.
Population
The Town of Edenton is situated on Edenton Bay in southern Chowan
'
County. Both Chowan County and Edenton have experienced significant
population growth since 1960 which reversed a trend of declining
Town's is 5,567.
population. The current population estimate
The Town of Edenton's 1980 census•population was 5,357 which
represented an 8.1% increase over its 1970 population See Exhibit 1).
P PP (
'
However, Chowan County experienced a growth rate of 17% over the same
period. Edenton Township experienced a population increase of 13%
compared to 40% increase for Middle Township which adjoins Edenton
Township. The large population growth rates occuring in the Edenton
and Middle Township are evidence of continued suburbanization occuring
'
around Edenton. This trend will probably continue to occur in the
future.
'
Another indicator of population increase in Edenton is the
'
increase in total housing units. The Town of Edenton's number of
housing units grew from 1,634 units in 1970 to 2,040 in 1980
'
representing an increase of 25%. The difference in the population

The 1986 Land Use Plan is an update of a previously adopted Plan
(1981). In order to consider and adopt effective policies concerning.
future growth and development, a data base outlining the Town's
existing conditions and changes occurring since the last Plan must be
established and analyzed.
Existing Conditions
The following section describes existing conditions regarding
population, economy, land use and current plans, policies and
regulations.
Population
The Town of Edenton is situated on Edenton Bay in southern Chowan
County. Both Chowan County and Edenton have experienced significant
population growth since 1960 which reversed a trend of declining
population. The Town's current population estimate is 5,567.
The Town of Edenton's 1980 census population was 5,357 which
represented an 8.1% increase over its 1970 population (See Exhibit 1).
However, Chowan County experienced a growth rate of 17 % over the same
period. Edenton Township experienced a population increase of 13%
compared to•40% increase for Middle Township which adjoins Edenton
Township.The large population growth rates occuring in the Edenton
and Middle Township are evidence of continued suburbanization occuring
around Edenton. This trend will probably continue to occur in the
future.
Another indicator of population increase in Edenton is the
increase in total housing units. The Town of Edenton's number of
housing units grew from 1,634 units in 1970 to 2,040 in 1980
representing an increase of 25%.. The difference in the population
-3-

'
EXHIBIT ,1
'
POPULATION CHANGE FROM 1970-1986
EDENTON AND CHOWAN C UNTY
r
1970-1980
1970-1986
1970 1980 Population;
1984*
1986**-
Population
'.
Population Population Change
Population
Population
Change
Edenton
-4,956 5,357 8.09%
5,497
5,567
12.32%
Chowan
10,764 12,558 16.66%
12,934
13,121
21.89%
County
Source:
North Carolina Census of Population
'
*
- 1984 Municipal
estimates provided by North
Carolina Department of Administration.
**L. E.
Wooten and Company estimate.
-4-

'
growth of 8.1% and -housing unit growth of �20% is due to a decrease in
persons per household. The average person household size in.1970 was
3.21- compared to 2.63 in 1980.
Seasonal population is an important factor in demand placed on
ublic facilities. According to the 1980 census, Edenton had only P g s, o y 5
'
vacant seasonal and migratory housing units. Most of the seasonal
- vacancies are located in developments outside of the Town's planning
jurisdiction. It appears that seasonal population will not place a
burden on the Town's public facilities.
Economy
The economy of Edenton and Chowan County has historically
centered around agricultural and coastal resources (i.e., Edenton
Bay and tributaries, and Albemarle Sound). However, it appears that
_
the economy is becoming less agricultural dependent as the area
'
continues to grow and become more diversified.
Employment. Estimates provided by the North Carolina
Employment Security Commission show significant gains in Chowan County
'
employment over the past 15 years. Exhibit 2 indicates a 27% increase
in total employment from 1970 through 1984. Even more significant is
'
the dramatic decrease in
agricultural employment. Agricultural
'
employment has decreased by 54% from 1970 to 1984 (See Exhibit 3).
In addition, the percentage of agricultural employment to
non-agricultural employment has decreased significantly. The decline
in agricultural employment is part of a nationwide trend and is a
direct result of a number of factors such as increased mechanization
and decrease in the number of small family -owned farms.
-5-

EXHIBIT
2
CHOWAN COUNTY INDUSTRY
EMPLOYMENT
BY PLACE OF
WORK
Percentage Change
1970 1975
1976
1984
1970-1984
Manufacturing
1,340 1,020
1,420
1,200
.-10.4
Food
50 30
110
--
--
Textiles
840 650
630
570
-32.1
'
Lumber & Wood*
210 160
350
320
52.4
Other Manuf:**
240 180
330
310
45.8
Non -Manufacturing
2,040 2,310
2,820
3,090
51..5
Construction
180 150
160
150
-16.7
Trans., Co., &
P.'Util.
90 110
140
160
77.8
'
Trade
650 830
950
19260
93.9
Fin., Ins., &
Real Estate
80 60
70
100.
25.0
Service-
440 490
720
810
84.0
Government
500 530
630
600
20.0
Other Non-Manuf.
100 140
150
-1
-90.0
'
Source: North Carolina Department of Labor
. y
*Agricultural Services and Forestry.
**Includes Food,. Printing, Stone, Clay,
Glass, Fab.
Metals,
Nonelectric
'
Machinery, Trans.
Equipment and Misc.
Manufacturing.
'
-6-

'
EXHIBIT 3
ANNUAL AVERAGE LABOR FORCE
ESTIMATES
'
CHOWAM COUNTY
'
% Change
1970-1984 1984
1979
1975
1970
Civilian Labor Force
14% 5,230
5,070
4,550
4,580
210
360
230
Unemployment, Total
30% 300
Rate of Unemployment
1% 5.7%
• 4.1%
7.9%
5.0%
Employment, Total
13% 4,930
4,860
4,190
4,350
Agric. Employment
-54% 230
330
450
500
Nonag. Wage & Salary
24%. 3,920
3,790
3,130
3,170
Employment
All Other Nonag.
15% 780
740
610
680
Employment
_
'
Source: North Carolina
Department of Labor
'
-7-

increase, the County has
Although total employment does show an
also experienced significant decreases in manufacturing employment.
As Exhibit 2 shows, this is particularly evident in the textile
'
industry. The textile industry, like agriculture, is also experiencing
a nationwide trend of continued decrease in employment. Since North
Carolina is the leading textile employer in the United States, the
results of this trend are more significant in cities and counties
across the state.
The Town of Edenton has always been viewed as the "employment -
center" of Chowan County. This role should become even more prevalent
is to
as most of the economic growth in the County projected occur
within the Town. Edenton and Chowan County, like much of eastern North
Carolina, have many people who must commute out of the county to find
'
employment. However, according to 1980 census information, Chowan
County gains more workers from in -commuting than it looses to
'
out -commuting. It is anticipated that the Town of Edenton will become
more of a regional employment center in the future.
Retail Sales As Exhibit 4 shows retail sales have
'
experienced a steady increase over the past ten years. This steady
increase is a direct result of expansion.in the retail sector and
employment as Gross
increases in and the total economy well. retail
'
sales for the county for fiscal year 1984-85 were $74,041,631. Gross
for Edenton during the same period were $66 337 493. As
retail sales o E e g p ,
' .
shown by the above figures, almost 90% of the county's gross retail
sales receipts were in the Town of Edenton.
'
-8-

EXHIBIT 4
RETAIL SALES CHOWAN COUNTY
AND EDENTON
Dollar Volume
Year
Chowan County
Edenton*
'
- 1974
822 3475
$ 639
>
---
'
1978-79
$57,718,376
--- .
1979-80
$58,474,128
---
'
1980-81
$60,852,949
---
1981-82
$65,102,652
$58,205,083
'
1982-83
$70,885,156
$64,189,714
1983-84
$75,659,378
$67,494,982
1984-85
$74,041,631
•$66,337,493
Source: North Carolina Department of Revenue
*Analysis of Gross
Retail Sales is made on cities with
population in
excess of 5,000.
-9-

EXHIBIT 5
RETAIL SALES AND GROSS COLLECTIONS
CHOWAN AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES
'
1984-1985
'Gross*Retail
County
Gross Collections
Sales
'
Washington
$1,175,312.42
$ 67,661,646
Perquimans
468,734.96
29,373,588
'
Bertie
1,173,630.48
64,487,381
Hertford
3,399,171.83
166,839,130
Gates
432,111.38
31,518,346
(Chowan
'1,605,686.71
74,041,631
e
Source: North
Carolina Department of Revenue
'
-10-

Further evidence that Edenton is a regional trade center is
indicated in Exhibit 5. This exhibit shows Chowan County and Edenton
retail sales figures as compared to the surrounding counties of
.Washington, Perquimans, Bertie, Hertford and Gates counties. As shown,
only Hertford County has greater retail sales than Chowan County
indicating a strong economy as compared to other counties in the area.
Existing Land Use
Before effective future land use decisions can be made, an
inventory of existing land uses must be conducted. The following
section summarizes present land uses and identifies land use trends
within the planning area of Edenton.
Land Use Summary. The Edenton planning area includes the land
within the Town limits, airport area and.the land within the planning
jurisdiction (Exhibit 6). Approximately-26% of the planning area is
within the corporate limits. More than 31% of the land within the
planning area is devoted to urban purposes. The remainder of the
undeveloped land is agriculture, wet lands and forest.
There has been no significant changes in land use since the 1981
CAMA Land Use Plan was prepared. As indicated on the 1986 Existing
Land Use Maps (Exhibit 7 and 8), the predominant land use is
residential (690 acres). Residential development is concentrated in
the area south of Freemason Street to Edenton Bay. Most of the
building permits issued for new construction over the past 5 years are
scattered throughout the jurisdiction.
Commercial land use supports retail or personal services.
Predominant commercial uses are located along Broad Street which is
the traditional Central Business District area. Other commercial uses
-11-

LOCATION MAP
EDENTON, NC
A�e�Mq
R� F
SovivO
EXHIBIT 6
-rr
LEGEND
--- PLANNING JURISDICTION LIMITS
------- TOWN LIMITS
THE PREPARATION OF THIS PLAN WAS FINANCED IN PART BY A GRANT
PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGE ENT PROGRAM,
THROUGH, FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF
1972, AS AMENDED, WHICH IS Ate"INISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF
COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC
ACMINISTRATION.
p L 2 3 MILES
' L. E. WOOTEN AND COMPANY
�" ENGINEERING -PLANNING -ARCHITECTURE RALEIGH/GREENVILLE

EXHIBIT 7
ULY'86.
EXISTING LAND USE -I
EDENTON, NC
LEGEND;
RESIDENTIAL'
COMMERCIAL.
<' INDUSTRIAL
PUBLIC'
VACANT,
THE PREPARATION OF THIS PLAN WAS FINANCED IN PART BY A GRANT
PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM,
THROUGH FUNOS PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF
1972, AS AMENDED, NHiru IS ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFIC_ OF
2.
COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC
AD1iINISTRATION.
3000' 0 3000' 600d
womEd
SCALE: I = 3000 L.E. WOOTEN. AND COMPANY:
ENGINEERING—PLANNING—ARCHITECTURE_RALEIGH-GREENVILLE.

EXHIBIT
_�
EXISTING LAND USE
EDENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
NC
.: 32
.. .
NC
�•
2A ;•
,•�
•;?� '•/
LEGEND.
CAPE
COLONY
,•/
::::�:::::.INDUSTRIAL.
THE PREPARATION OF THIS PLAN WAS FINANCED IN PART BY A GRANT
PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL MfiKAGaFENT PROGRAM,
THROUGH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF
1972, AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF
.I
COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC .
:
ADMINISTRATION.
��cl
1800• 0 1800 3600'
Now
SCALE: 1"=18W
JULY 'i6 L E • WOOTEN .AND .COMPANY; .ENGINEERING —PLANNING —ARCHITECTURE '•RALEIGH—GREEI4VILLE

'
are located along U.S 17 Business, intersection of Highway 32 and
Mexico Road and Badham Road (400 acres).
'
the Town located U.S. 17
The industrial use areas of are west of
'
North. These areas are served by rail and have easy access to major
traffic arteries. In addition, the airport property is zoned
'
industrial (231 acres).
-
Approximately 12% of the land use within the Town is devoted to
'
These throughout the
public use (169 acres). uses are scattered
central business district and north of West Albemarle Street.
More than sixty-nine percent (90% - 9,588 acres) of the land
within the Town's extraterritorial planning jurisdiction is vacant.
These lands are either cleared for agricultural purposes.or are
'
is small the
forested. However, there a amount of commercial use at
'
intersection of Highway 32 and Mexico Road. In addition, residential
-
use is occurring 9 alon Mexico Road.
'
In summary there are no significant land use compatibility
problems within the Town's jurisdiction. Some mixed -land uses are
'
found in the Town
older section of and are generally residential and
neighborhood business type. This area was developed prior to the
adopt -ion of land use controls. These incom atible uses are therefore
P P
'
unplanned non -conforming land uses. This type of development will not
be permitted in the future due to enforcement of the Town's zoning
'
ordinance.
'
Current Plans, Policies, and Regulations
The followingis a list of Edenton's current plans, policies and
P �
LL '
regulations that have significant implications for land use:
Plans. The following plans have been adopted:
1
-15-

Airport Layout Plan Update for the Edenton Municipal
Airport 1984: This report anticipated a6 increase in airport traffic
in conjunction with industrial development. The plan recommended the
adoption of height controls and zoning. The Town recently satellite
annexed the airport which allows the Town to apply its zoning and
subdivision regulations in the area.
Community Facilities Plan 1976: Some of the identified
needs in.this Plan are acquisition of a new landfill, upgrade the
capacity of selected electric lines and the substation, add a water
storage tank, purchase and refurbish a recreation center, provide a
'
public beach, new tennis courts and athletic field. The Town and
County were successful in purchasing the site for a landfill.
'
- Wastewater Facilities Plan 1976: The plan includes an
assessment of Edenton's existing wastewater facilities and an
rs
estimation of facilities needed by the year 2000. The facilities plan
recommended upgrading the treatment plant. The Town is in the process
i`
:t rr
of upgrading its main pump station and constructing a new wastewater
treatment plant.
a
Policies. The following land use -related policies are in
effect in Edenton;
- Utilities Extension Policies: New developments within
{
the Town limits must connect to the municipal water and sewer system.
If water and sewer are not available, the developer'is responsible for
providing utilities that meet the Town's specifications. If develop-
_ -
ment is located within the extraterritorial area, connection to
,
municipal water and sewer is required, if economically feasible. If
'
-16-

not economically -feasible, County -approved wells and septic tanks are
required.
Regulations. The Town of Edenton enforces several regulations
which have an impact on development. The Town's Building Inspector is
responsible for enforcement. Regulations currently in place are:
i
--- Zoning Ordinance 1967
--- Building Code 1968
--- Subdivision Ordinance 1972
--- Minimum Housing Code 1979
--- CAMA Regulations 1981
.Flood Zone Regulations 1985
The Town's primary regulation governing land use is its
zoning ordinance. •This ordinance was adopted in 1969 with a major
revision occuring in 1975. There are provisions for special uses,
sign.control and a historic district. The historic district is
designed to preserve and enhance the qualities of some of Edenton's
older homes. The Town also has an airport zoning district within its
ordinance. The Town recently satellite annexed the Edenton Municipal
Airport. The airport zoning district -has conditional industrial uses.
and height restrictions.
Development Constraints
All land within Edenton's planning jurisdiction is not suitable
for urban development. Some areas of land contain certain development
limitations. The following section discusses areas with constraints to
future development.
Land Suitability
The following is an analysis of the suitability of
undeveloped land for development.
-17-

Physical Limitations for Development. This section discusses
areas likely to have conditions making development costly or causing
undesirable consequences.
- Hazard Areas: Man-made and natural hazards act as
barriers to development and growth. The Edenton Municipal Airport and
Flood Hazard Areas are considered hazard areas. The land surrounding
the airport is subject to crash hazards and noise from airplanes.
Development within this area should .conform to the zoning ordinance and
Airport Master Plan. Land development within the flood -prone areas
(delineated on Flood Insurance Maps) should be monitored. All
development should comply with the flood insurance program and build-
ing restriction requirements. .
- Soil Limitations: A detailed soils analysis is available
for Chowan County. The maps contained in this analysis can be very
useful in making decisions concerning growth in Edenton and'Chowan
County. The information in the detailed analysis defines the areas of
soil classification and development limitations for each of these
classifications. The soil information provides sufficient data to
make development determinations for each soil classification. Exhibit
9 shows all areas with soil types that have severe soil limitations.
The characteristics associated with these soil types are poor
drainage, severe wetness, flood -prone characteristics and low soil
strengths for building foundations.
The Dorovan and Dorovan Muck occur in low-lying areas along
the shores of creeks, streams and wooded swamps. The Altavista soil
may accommodate urban uses such as dwellings without basements. How-
ever, limited growth and development should occur within this area.
-18-

EXHIBIT 9
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IIII I, I
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ULY'86-
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07
a
EDENTCN BAY
SOIL
JLR�S
WITH SEVERE LIMITATIONS
EDENTON, NC
LEGEND
DOROVAN,.ALTAVISTA FINE
,SANDY LOAM AND.DOROVAN.
MUCK SOILS
THE PREPARATION OF THIS PLAN WAS FINANC£:1 IN PART BY A GRANT
IIII (I; PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGE74ENT PROGP.AM,
I III / THROUGH,FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF
1972, AS {EMENDED. WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF
COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC
3000' 0 3000, 6000
SCALE: 1'l= 3000`
ADM..INISTPATION.
..L.E...WOOTEN_.AND.__COM_PANY�
ENGINEERING-PLANNING-AFiCHITECTURE- RALEIGH-GREENVILLE

- Water Supply: Almost every citizen within Edenton s
'
corporate limits.is served by water. The Town's system is also
connected to -the Chowan County Water System at two points to either
provide or receive water which may be required during an emergency.
The system's water source is from 3 wells. One is located on
�.
W. Freemason Street at the Utility Department. A second well is located
'
at the end of Granville Street at N.C. 32 and the third is located
north of Beaver Hill Cemetery. The combined storage capacity is'.
'
800,000 gallons. Average daily use is 700,000 gallons per day. Water
treatment capacity is approximately 1,200,000.gallons per day. This
indicates a surplus of 500,000 gallons.per day which could be used to
'
accommodate new development.
_
- Areas with Excessive Slope: Excessive slopes are
'
defined as those areas with predominant slopes exceeding -12 percent.
The majority of the land within the Town's jurisdiction is flat and
1
there are no areas with slopes of 12 percent or more. Therefore, land
'
with excessive slopes will not be a barr.ier to development.
- Fragile Areas: Fragile areas are water and land
'
environments which are sensitive to development. The.Town of Edenton
has identified the State designated Areas of Environmental Concern
'
(AEC's) and the wooded swamp areas east of the Edenton Bay are
'
fragile areas.
Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC) in Edenton as defined
by the Coastal Area Management Act are the public trust waters,
estuarine waters and estuarine shorelines. Estuarine shorelines are 75
feet inland from the mean high water mark. These areas are located
along Edenton Bay, Pembroke, Filberts and Queen Anne's Creeks.
1
'
-20-

Development within AEC's is limited by State regulations.
Permitted uses within these areas are utility easements, fishing piers,
'
docks, and agricultural uses permitted under the North Carolina Dredge
and Fill Act. In addition grounds and facilities for public recreation
operated on a non-profit basis are permitted . Uses that will have a
negative impact on these areas are prohibited. Uses which block
'
navigation channels, violate water quality standards and degrade
shellfish waters are strictly prohibited.
'
The Town of Edenton has also identified wooded swamp land as
fragil evironmental areas. The wooded swamp area is located south of
Filberts Creek and west of the Edenton Bay. Although not classified
as wet swamps (water does not stand for long periods'of time), they
are located in areas of extremely high water table. Wooded swamps
are thought to provide a natural filtering process for agricultural
runoff and also reduce the velocity of flood waters by acting as a
natural facility.
retention/disposal .
Y
Development within fragile areas may also be subject to the
Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 permit process. Under Section 404
' of the Clean Water Act, the Corps is responsible for regulating the
discharge of dredge and fill materials into designated wetlands. Since
' Corps -related wetlands are not mapped, a field investigation
determines if the land in question is classified as Corps -regulated
wetlands.
Areas with Resource Potential. Areas with resource potential
are defined as prime agricultural lands, mineral sites, publicly -
owned forests, parks, fish and gamelands and privately owned
' wildlife sanctuaries. Agricultural lands are located within Edenton's '
planning jurisdiction and are considered valuable resources.
-21

The total number of acres of prime agricultural land is not known.
'
However, a large amount of land within the extraterritorial areas
=:.
could be considered as having productive soils. Agriculture continues
'
to an important in Edenton Chowan County. Intensive
play role and
'
urban development should not occur on prime agricultural land.
Capacity of Community Facilities
In order to adequately project growth, an identification of
community facilities must be made.In addition, the capacity of the
'
facilities to•supply existing and future demand should be examined.
Water System. As discussed earlier under Water Supply,
the Town has a surplus .of 500,000 gallons per day. With a reported.
peak of 900,000 gallons per day, the Town is operating.at about
forty-two percent (42%) of its present capacity. The surplus capacity
can easily accommodate the residential, commercial and industrial
growth anticipated during the planning period.
Sewer
System. According to the 1976 Wastewater Facilities
'
Plan ("201'Study"), the Town sewage plant was operating at above
capacity 1 million gallons per day capacity compared to 1 0 million
P Y( 9 P Y P Y P 8 0
'
gallons per day peak flow). The major problems identified in the Plan
were due to inflow and infiltration. It was determined that treatment
'
capacity of the Town's sewage treatment plant provided a major
constraint to the location of new industries in Edenton's sewer service
area.
The Town is presently constructing`a new wastewater treatment
plant. In addition, the main lift station will be upgraded. Estimated
'
average daily use is .913 million gallons per day while present
capacity is 1.076 million gallons per day. It is projected that the
'
construction of the new treatment plant, together with further
'
-22-

1
i
-- --
reductron.: of.::inflow and ---Infiltration .will provide adequate-capac.ity- -to=
tserve
the area for at least the next 20 years. Operating at current
estimated usage rate, an additional 1600 persons can be'accommodated.on
the sewer system. Projected residential, commercial and industrial
development within Edenton can easily be accommodated.
Schools. The Chowan County School Board operates one
high school, one junior high school and two elementary schools within
Edenton. The 1978-79 school year population consisted of 2,820
'
.
compared to 2,678 for the 1979-80 school year. Present school enroll-
ment indicates a total of 2,413 students. Projections made by the
-State Deparment of Public Instruction show modest increase in school -
'
population over the planning period. Currently schools appear to be
..
operating at below capacity. School capacity provides no constraint
'
for future development within the
planning area.
Roads. The Town's primary road system is generally
-
adequate for traffic peaks. Based on Department of Transportation 1985 -
q P P P
'
Average Daily Traffic Counts, traffic volumes have increased in the -
_..
central business districts from 1980 counts. Traffic along U.S. 17
= '
Business•has decreased significantly. According to the 1980 Thorough-
fare Plan for Edenton, Granville Street between Queen and Church Street
is exceeding its design capacity. However it is expected that
projected growth could be accommodated within the present road system.
Major improvements underway in the-Town's road system are
�.'
the construction of two -interchanges located on U.S. 17 at the Paradise
Road and Albemarle Street intersections.

Airport. Recent improvements to the Edenton Municipal Airport
has made this facility an important economic asset to the Town. The
Airport improvements are consistent with a recently completed Airport
Master Plan Update. As such it is adequate to accommodate the needs of
'
Edenton throughout the planning period.
Other Community Facilities. The Town has also evaluated
'
the capacity of police/fire protection, public administration,
_
recreation, and solid waste disposal facilities to accommodate growth
throughout the planning period.
Estimated Demand for Land and Community Facilities
In order to effectively address policies for future growth
'
development in Edenton, it is necessary to project land and community
facility requirements for the planning period. These requirements must
'
be based on future population and economic projects and an analysis of
_
available land and capacities of existing and proposed community
facilities. Based on an examination of past trends and existing
'
policies, the Town of Edenton will experience continued growth of its
population and economy within the 10 year planning period (Exhibit 10).
'
In order for growth to occur there has to be a balance between employ-
ment opportunities, capacities of public facilities and the
'
land
availability of suitable to accommodate residential, commercial
and industrial growth. The Town of Edenton has all these factors.
-24 -

EXHIBIT 10
POPULATION PROJECTIONS
'
EDENTON
1984 - 1996
Population
t1984*
1986
1990 1996
Change
1984-1996
1985,
5,497
5,532 5,567
5,705 5,843
6.29.
Source:
Popul.ation estimates
and projections made by L.
E. Wooten and Company
North
Carolina Department of
Administration,
'
-25-

1
i
By 1996 it is projected that.the Town will grow by 276 persons bringing
the total population to 5,843. This represents an average overall
' growth rate of 6.3% (See Exhibit 10). The Town can easily accommodate
this growth. Based on 1980 census persons per household data, it is
o projected that an additional 100 houses ill be needed. This is
approximately 10 units per year. There is an adequate amount of vacant
land within the planning area to accommodate this residential growth.
The Town of Edenton is viewed as the economic center of Chowan
County. It is projected that the number of jobs will continue to
increase at a modest rate. The Town's current policies toward
economic growth and past trends in employment, labor force and retail
' sales indicate growth in several sectors.of the economy throughout the
' planning period. However, the closing of industries or -the location
of new industries could dramatically affect the growth rate. Based
on an analysis of vacant land within the planning area, there exists
adequate land to.support commercial and industrial growth associated
' with the projected economic growth.
summary
The Town of Edenton is expected to grow at a modest rate through
1996. The Town should continue to experience commercial, industrial
and residential development that can easily be accommodated within the
' planning jurisdiction. There appears to be adequate vacant land
P 9 J PP
' available to accommodate this growth. Generally, all community
facilities should be adequate to serve the community during the
planning period. The construction of the new wastewater treatment
plant and other system _improvements.will provide adequate capacity to
meet projected growth demands.
' -26-

The purpose of this section of the Land Use Plan Update is to
develop statements.of local policy on land use issues which affect the
Town of Edenton during the planning period. These policy statements
should adequately reflect the analysis of existing conditions
presented in previous sections of this Plan. These policy statements
also provide a guide for land use related decisions during the planning
period. This section provides a review of previous planning statements
and presents statements relating to resource protection, resource
production and management economic and community development, public
participation and storm mitigation, post disaster recovery and
evacuation.
Review of 1981 Policy Statements
CAMA regulations recommend that the 1986 CAMA Land Use Plan Update
include an analysis of 1981 policies._ The Planning Commission at one
of -its meetings reviewed past issues and policies and implemention
strategies where applicable. The Planning Commission also made a
determination as to whether or not the strategies have been
implemented. The following section includes a summary evaluation of
these previous policies and results:
Special Issues
The Coastal Resources Commission specified four areas to be
discussed in the 1981 plan update. They were:
--- Development along U.S. 17 Bypass
--- Waterfront/Downtown Development
--- Airport Development
--- Vacation/Second Home vs. Permanent Home Site Development
-27-

Development Along U.S. 17 Bypass.
Policy: The Town Council adopted a policy aimed at
encouraging development along the U.S. 17 Bypass, The Council
officially asked DOT to evaluate the feasibility of providing two
additional access points to the Bypass -...one at Albemarle Street and
one at Paradise Road. The Council felt that the provision of a direct
access to U.S. 17 from the existing industrial area would facilitate
truck movement and thereby enhance that area's potential for future
industrial development.
Result: Paradise Road and Albermarle Street are
scheduled for completion by DOT in the 1986 program year.
Waterfront/Downtown Development. The Town adopted a
policy of implementing its long range plan to provide maximum public
access to public waters. This is a part of a general policy of
encouraging development of the downtown area of Edenton.
Result: The Town has provided off-street parking
lots. Edenton's Historic District (several properties listed on
National Register) has given property owners in the downtown area tax
incentives to upgrade buildings. Land Use Plan amendment will allow
disposal of public waterfront property in'downtown area.
Airport.Development. No policy was considered necessary.
The Town Council adopted a Airport Layout. Plan Report and Airport Noise
Impact and Land Use Control Map. Chowan County considered adoption of
a preliminary zoning ordinance.
Result: Airport facilities underwent substantial
improvements and the airport was subsequently annexed by the Town of
Edenton and zoned industrial.
"

'
Vacation/Second Home vs. Permanent Home Site Development.
It was determined that neither vacation or second homes
existed within the planning area; therefore, no policy was adopted.
'
Standard Policy Issues - 1981
The following standard policy issues were also discussed in the
I
1981 Land Use Plan.
I
-'
Resource Protection.
r E .
- Types of Uses Appropriate Within A C s:
'
Policy: It was determined that adequate regulations
are in place to control -the type of development in AEC's. Therefore no,
policy was developed.
'
Result: Growth consistent with CAMA regulations has
occurred.
Historical and Archaelogical Resources:
Policy: It shall be the policy of the Town of
Edenton to notify the N.C. Division of.Archives and History when
,.' significant land .development proposals 'are initiated which are likely
to have a detrimental effect on archaeological or historic resources.
' Result: No significant land development proposals
have occurred. Town has historic district zoning within its zoning
ordinance. Ordinance contains provisions for the preservation of
' historic buildings and sites.
Constraints to Development:
' Policy: Policies in zoning ordinance and
subdivision regulations require new development have a beneficial
impact on the environment and areas not suitable for development
because of adverse physical conditions will not be developed.
' -29-

Result: - Lands with significant physical
limitations have not been developed.
Other Hazardous or Fragile Areas:
Policy: Wooded swamps within planning jurisdiction
will be subject to the same development restrictions as in designated
AEC's.
Result: No development has occurred in these areas.
Hurricane and Flood Evacuation Plans:
Policy: Make.use of "Chowan County's Civil
Preparedness Hurricane Evacuation Plan."
Result: The County's Disaster -Relief and Assistance
Plan (1982) is adhered to by the Town.
- Resource Production and Management:
Policy: Limit development in areas with natural
constraints to development.
Result: Development in these areas is governed by
zoning and subdivision regulations.
Local Commitment to Providing Services to Development
Subdivision regulations require that no facilities will be
extended inside or outside of the corporate limits until required
improvements have been installed or guaranteed. No -policy was
developed.
- Commitment to State and Federal Programs:
Policy: The Town will continue to vigorously pursue
State and Federal funding for local programs.
Result: The Town has applied for and received CD8G
funding.
-30-

- Tourism:
Policy: Continue policy to attract tourist and
expand policy by exploring different ways of attracting additional
tourist and promoting the Town as a "Tourist Attraction."
Result: The Town has continued to work with the
Chamber of Commerce. I
— Radaval nrmant of naval nnari Araac
Policy: Continue as funds are available to seek
Community Development Block Grants to assist in the renovation of
deteriorated areas.
• Result: The Town has continued to apply for funding.
Public Access to Public Waters:
Policy: The Town has adequate controls to provide
maximum access to public waters. Policy is not needed.
Types and Location of Industries Desired:
Policy: The Town should continue to attract
and promote industry. Industry should be encouraged to locate where
water and sewer are available and within compatible land use areas.
Result: The land north of U.S. 17 Bypass and the
Airport property are considered suitable for industrial location.
Types and Densities of Urban Growth Patterns:
Policy: Develop policies to guide growth to areas
capable of accommodating growth. Growth areas should be delineated.
-Result: Growth and density areas were delineated on
1981 Land Classification Map.
- Channel Maintenance/Dredge & Fill Projects:
Policy: Continue to work with U.S. Corps of
Enginea�s on channelization.
-31-

c
Result: No channelization projects have been
initiated.
Public Participation:
Policy: Town will actively encourage public
participation in the planning process. i
Implementation Strategy: Semi-annually the Planning
i
Commission will hold public information meetings to inform the citizens
of progress on preparation of community plan.
Result: Planning Commission met on regular basis
throughout planning period. All meetings were open to the public and
all citizens were encouraged to attend.
Summary: The Planning Commission feels that the Town has sub-
stantially complied with the adopted policy statements.
1986 Policy Statements
The development of policy statements related to growth
management is the primary purpose of the Land Use Plan Update.
Existing conditions, growth demands and development constraints have
been addressedin previous sections. Po licy-statements must be con-
sistent with these factors. Policy statements will be made in all
issues concerning growth within Edenton. According to regulations,
policy statements must address the following issues:
Resource Protection
--- Resource Production and Management
--- Economic and Community Development
--- Citizen Participation
--- Storm Hazard Mitigation
-32-

i
The following sections of this chapter of the Plan address
'
various land use issues, identifies policy alternatives, identifies
a selected alternative and presents implementation strategies.
r.
Resource Protection
to
�.
The issues relevant to resource pro ection are constraints
development, areas of environmental concern, hazardous or fragile land
areas cultural and historic resources, man-made hazards, hurricane and
flood evacuation, water supply protection, package treatment plants,
stormwater runoff, marina and floating homes industrial impacts and
'
islands.
,development of sound and estuarine system
Constraints.to Development.
Issue: The Town of Edenton has -in place a detail soils
'
map and a Flood Hazard Boundary Map. The soils map can -indicate which
soils are inappropriate for septic tanks and urban uses. The Flood
the
Hazard Map identifies which areas are flood prone creating
necessity for floodproofing and/or elevation requirements.
Pol-icy- Alternat-i.ves:-
'
1) The Town could approve future development without regard
to soil identification and flood hazard areas.
is
2) The Town will strive for development which compatible
with existing soils and flood prone areas. -
The Town of Edenton selects Policy #2 regarding development in.areas
with constraints.
Strate.gi es
1) Insure that land use plan reflects consideration of soil
compatibility and flood prone area. Adopt land use
controls which properly control development in areas not
suitable (poor soils/ flood prone areas).
' -33-

2) Review and revise zoning.ordinance, subdivision
ordinance, and floodplain management ordinance, if
necessary.
3). Zoning Ordinance - Recognize constraints in establishing
districts. Increase minimum lot sizes, if.necessary.
4) Subdivision Ordinance - Require preliminary plat review
by Health Department and soil conservation service.
5) FEMA Flood Insurance Program - Continue to participate in
regular program which establishes development controls
for flood prone areas.
6) Non -Subdivisions - Septic tanks should be allowed only in
rural, community and agriculture districts.
Areas of.Environmental Concern. (AEC's)
Issue: Public Trust Areas and Estuarine Waters (Edenton
Bay, Pembroke Creek, Filberts Creek, Queen Ann Creek) and the
estuarine shoreline all are areas of environmental concern and are very
productive natural environments. Since these areas.are all closely
interrelated, policy developed will treat these areas as one. They
form the basic support systems for commercial and sport fishing and are
utilized for navigation, recreation and aesthetic purposes. -It is felt
that these areas are important to the Town and the quality of these
areas must be preserved.
-34

'
Alternati.ves.:.
P.ol1c •
(1) Town could elect to do nothing additional concerning its
estuarine system and make use of its existing regulations and
requirements already in place. All future development within public
trust and estuarine waters will be monitored by the Coastal Resources
Commission (CRC) and the Corps of Engineers (COE).
(2) In addition to monitoring programs by CRC and COE,
Edenton could do all in its power to protect public rights for
'
navigation and recreation and to assist state and federal agencies in
maintenance, preservation and promotion of these areas.
'
The Town selects policy alternative #2.
Strate-gi es
(1) Guide the development of AEC's. For example,.if soil
'
conditions are poor in one area, guide development to
another area.
-maintenance
.(2). Encourage the development and of vegetative
buffer between development and AEC.
(3) Provide assistance to fullest extent possible to
'
federal and state agencies in regard to water quality
issues. -
i.le.Land.Areas.
Other Hazardous.or Fra
Issue:- Maritime forests. None exist within the planning
area; no policy needed.
Issue: No fresh water swamps or marshes exist in the
planning area. However, in the area south of U.S. 17 Business and west
land does Although
of Filberts Creek, wooded swamp exist. not
classified as wet swamps (water does not stand for long period of
' -35-

'
time), they are located in areas with extremely high water table.
Wooded swamps are thought to provide a natural filtering process for
'
-
agricultural runoff and reduce the velocity of flood waters by acting
'
as a natural retention/disposal facility.
Policy Alternatives:
'
1) The Town should do nothing to protect wooded swamps and
allow development to be regulated only by CAMA permit
'
requirements for AEC's.
'
(2) The Town could enact measures to preserve the wooded
swamps.
'
The Town selects Policy Alternative #2.
Strategies
'
(1) Encourage local colleges, and universities to continue
. study of the environmental Significance of wooded swamps.
(2) Consider designating the area as "conservation" in the.
'
Land Use Plan and adopt stringent land use controls
(zoning and subdivision regulations) to protect and
enhance the area.
Cultural and Historic Resources
Issue: Numerous historical and culturally significant
'
buildings are located within the planning area. The Town of Edenton is
interested in preserving its heritage'by identifying and protecting
these resources.
'
Policy Alternatives
(1) Town could do nothing to protect these resources.
'
-36-

(2) Town could establish a policy of doing all it can
protect these cultural and historical resources.
Policy Alternative #2 is selected.
Strategies
(1) Work with Chamber of Commerce and Historic Properties
Commission in promoting the value of these resources.
(2) Continue to identify, with assistance of State
Historical Preservation Office, and nominate historic
structures for placement on National Register of
Historic Places.
(3) Establish/Expand existing historic district; place on
National Register.
(4) Continue to support the Historic District Commission.
Man-made Hazards.
Issue: Man-made facilities, such as hazardous waste
disposal site's and flammable materials storage facilities pose a
potential threat to health and safety of citizens of Edenton.
Policy Alternatives
(1) Allow uncontrolled development of manmade hazards.
(2) Strive to control development of new facilities through
land use regulations and encourage existing facilities
to relocate to areas more suitable for such facilities.
The Town selects Policy #2 for its policy on man-made Hazards.
Strategies
(1) Review zoning ordinance for proper control of such
facilities.
-37-

(2) Work with existing owners to identify more suitable
sites.
Hurri cane- and- Flood - Evacuation -Needs - and Plans. The Town
of Edenton is covered by the Chowan Coun fy
Hurricane Evacuation Plan.
Specific policies pertaining to Hurricane and Flood Evacuation will be
discussed under "Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery and
Evacuation Plans." _
Protection .of Potable. -Water Supply.
Issue.: The Town of Edenton relies on groundwater
supplies for its source of water. The protection of the quality and
quantity of the Town's potable water supply is critical to the health,
safety and welfare of the citizens of Edenton and provides a basis for
future economic development.
ft-licy Alternatives
(1) Allow uncontrolled development without regard to impact
on the Town's water supply.
(2) Guide development in manner which minimizes any adverse
impact on the Town's water supply.
Policy Alternative #2 is selected to guide development near ground-
water supplies.
Strategies
(1) Analyze existing land use regulations to determine
impact on water supply.
(2) Through zoning ordinance, control densities and septic
tank utilization adjacent to groundwater supply.
�.

(3) Evaluate any proposals for a major groundwater using
development (industry - to use Town water or to be
served by private wells) to determine impact on Town's
capacity to provide water to existing and future
development.
(4) Conduct an examination of land use around the Town's
well sites to identify possible incompatiable uses.
Package-Treatment.-Plants/Sewage Treatment -Disposal.
No policy is necessary. Sewer expansion policies will be
discussed under economic and community development policies.
Stormwater- Runoff- (Agriculture,- Res-idential-Devel.opment,-
Phosphate/ Peat Mining),
Issue.: Stormwater runoff from intensive development and
- ' 0
agricultural uses can carry sediments and pollutants into wetlands
and estuarine waters contaminating and smothering habitats, blocking -
sunlight from marine plants and damaging fish and shellfish.
Policy
Stormwater runoff occuring outside the Town's planning area
can damage use of the Town's major natural and economic resources
(Edenton Bay and Creeks). The Town will take steps to discourage
excessive runoff, particularly from agricultural uses, in the
surrounding area.
Strategies
(1) Work closely with Chowan County in identifying the
potential adverse impact associated with uncontrolled
i
agricultural stormwater runoff.
-39

(2). Encourage the County to participate financially with the
Soil and Water Conservation District in the conservation
cost sharing programs.
(3) Notify the State Land Quality staff when land disturbing
activities of greater than one acre take place and
encourage Chowan County to do the same for activity
adjacent to the Bay and creeks.
- Marina and Floating Home Development*. No floating home
developments are located in Edenton. If such a development were
proposed, its location would be in compliance with the Town's zoning
ordinance.
Issue: Marinas are water -dependent projects which, if
properly developed, can -provide public access to -valuable water
resources, such as the Edenton Bay and can be an economic asset to the
community.
Policy Alternatives
(1) Marinas will not be allowed within the Edenton Planning
area.
(2) Marinas developed in accordance with the Division of
Coastal Management standards and guidelines shall be
considered.
Policy Alternative #2 is selected.
Strategies
(1) Support the Coastal Resources Commission permitting
process when reviewing marina proposals.
(2) Review plans for marinas on a case -by -case basis.
-40-

'
is,
3 Ensure that the location of marinas consistent
'
with the Town's zoning ordinance.
Industrial Impacts on Fragile Areas. The Town of Edenton
'
has determined that existing industries have no impact on fragile
environmental areas. The Town has also determined that, based on local
business
trends in industrial development and the existing national
climate, an expansion of Edenton's industrial base cannot be reliably
predicted. Therefore, no policy statement is needed at this time.
However, should a major industrial project be proposed (new location or
expansion) in the planning period, the Town will assess the
'
to
environmental impact of the development and consider an amendment
this plan to address impacts on fragile areas.
Development of Sound and Estuarine System Islands. None exist
within the planning area; therefore, no policy is needed.
Resource Production and Management Policy. Effective
to
management of valuable resources is important the citizens of
Edenton. Issues relevant to agriculture, commercial and recreational
fisheries and mineral production are discussed below.
'
Productive Agricultural Land.
Issue: Based on soil survey information; most productive
These
agriculture soils are located.in low areas surrounding creeks.
r
areas are not prime locations for development but the Town does feel a.
need to protect its agricultural land.
'
Policy Alternative
1) The Town could do nothing additional to protect its
'
and
agricultural land rely on existing regulations.
' -41-

2) Edenton could adopt a policy of reviewing its development
trends to ensure that growth does not occur in prime
agricultural lands.
'
The Town adopts Policy Alternative #2.
o
Strategies
1) Identify prime agricultural lands.
'
2) Designate prime agricultural land as conservation or
rural.
'
3) Insure that zoning and subdivision ordinances control
growth through use and density restrictions.
'
Commercial Forest Land - Commercial forest areas do not exist
in Edenton. No policy is needed.
Commerical and Recreational Fisheries.
'
Issue: Public trust and estuarine waters are viewed as
important assets to commercial and recreational fishing and should be
'
protected.
'
Policy Alternatives:
1 Allow waters to remain in present state and do nothing to
-'
enhance the quality of water.
2) Town could do everything within its power to work with
'
State, federal and local agencies to maintain and improve
water quality and to promote the image of the Bay and
its tributaries.
'
The Town selects Policy Alternative #2 as its policy for protecting
commercial and recreational fisheries.
1
1
'
-42-

Strategies
'
1) Encourage County officials to take action necessary to
reduce non -point sources of pollution (such as
e
agricultural runoff) pollution.
2) Work with the Chamber of Commerce to actively promote the
'
Edenton Bay as a viable commercial and recreational area.
.3) Work with State Division of Environmental Management,
Water quality.Section, to preserve and improve water
'
quality.
Existing and Potential Mineral Production Areas. There
are no existing and no potential mineral production areas within the
planning jurisdiction. No policy is needed.
Off -Road Vehicles. The use of off -road vehicles and their
'
impact on the environment is normally applicable to beach locations and
is not an issue in Edenton.
i
■
Impact of Development on Resources. Peat and Phosphate
mining does not currently exist within the planning area and are not.
expected to occur duringthe lannin period. Residential, industrial
planning
and commercial land development which is projected within the planning
period will not cause any significant, adverse impact on resource
production. Existing land use policies and regulations are considered
adequate; therefore, no policy is needed.
Community an d Economic Development
The following section outlines community and economic development
issues and policies that affect future growth and development of the
Edenton.
Town of
-43-

1
'
Types and Locations of Industrial Development Desired.
Issue: The Town, through development of increased
w capacity, wastewater treatment ca acit will have more alternatives for types
'
and locations of future industry. Industrial development not only will
create new jobs, but will also increase 1he tax base and upgrade the
standard of living for all of Edenton's citizens.
Policy Alternatives
'
1 Do nothing to promote industry and allow industry to
'
locate in any area of Edenton.
2) Encourage the recruitment of agricultural and
technical -related industries to be located in areas
'
suitable for such facilities.
3 Guide all future industrial development to the airport.
4) Encourge the expansion of existing industries which are
presently located in desirable areas.
'
5) Develop an economic development program consisting of a
blend of recruitment of agricultural and
technical -related industries with expansion of existing
'
industries. New industries should be located in areas
most suited for industrial development.
Policy Alternative f5. -
The Town adopts
Strategies
1 Prepare an economic development strategic plan to
P A
'
- identify economic development problems and potentials,
identify appropriate industrial and business development
'
strategies and locations and identify potential funding
sources.
' -44-

i
' 2 Work closely with the Edenton Chamber of Commerce,
the Edenton Economic Development Council and N.C.
1
a Department of Commerce in promoting the Town as a
' desirable location for pro pective industries. Solicit
i funding for infrastructure needs or direct financial
assistance (Community Development Block Grants, Urban
Development Action Grant, Economic Development
Administration).
-t 3) Work with Chowan County economic development officials
in identifying appropriate industrial locations.
' 4) Continue to enforce existing land use controls in
' regulating industrial development.
Local Commitment to Providing Services to Development.
Issue: If residential, industrial, commercial or
institutional development choose to locate outside of existing service
' areas, policies for providing services should be adopted. Since the
Town of Edenton is undergoing a major wastewater .treatment plant
project, the planning area (with the exception of the airport area) can
' be served by the existing facility. A package wastewater treatment
plant may be a viable solution to wastewater treatment and disposal
' needs at the airport. For development covered by the subdivision
ordinance, municipal services will not be provided until required
improvements are installed, or guaranteed.
' Policy Alternatives
1) Town could choose to provide water and sewer services
' only to areas that petition for voluntary annexation.
' -45

1
2) The Town could provide water and sewer service to anyone
'
outside of service area, only if Town funds are not
involved.
'
3) The Town could provide water and sewer service to anyone
'
outside the service area. The Town will pay all costs of
extending the services. Developer has to pay for sewer
'
to site.
The Town adopts Policy Alternative-#1 as policy to provide water and
'
sewer services only to areas that petition for voluntary annexation.
If there is no petition for annexation, the developer has to pay all
cost for service installation.'
'
Types and Densities of Urban Growth Patterns.
_
Issue: As discussed previously in "Growth Demand'
.Projections," the Town of Edenton can easily accommodate all projected
'
residential, commercial and industrial growth with the planning
jurisdiction.
'
Policy Alternatives
1) The Town could continue to enforce zoning ordinance and
'
subdivision regulations within its jurisdiction and do
'
nothing additional.
2) Allow growth to occur in areas best suited for
'
development.
_
The Town adopts Policy Alternative #2.
-46-..

Strategies
1) The Planning Commission and Town Council will meet
annually to review the Land Classification Plan and
development trends to determine if any revisions are
needed to the text and official map of the zoning
ordinance.
2) Continue enforcing land use regulations in conjunction
with a review of the Land Classification Plan.
Redevelopment of Older Developed Areas.
Issue: Several older neighborhoods exist within Edenton.
These areas suffer from deteriorated or dilapidated housing conditions.
Further deterioration and dilapidation will lead to slum conditions,
doss of viable housing resources and erosion of tax base. Also, the
downtown business district is important to the Town's economic
viability and should be preserved and promoted.
Policy Alternatives
1) Take no action and allow these areas to deteriorate
further.
2). The Town will do all it can' to promote the preservation
of existing neighborhoods and the downtown business
district.
The Town adopts Policy Alternative #2.
Strategies
1) Continue to actively pursue all federal and state grants
that can be used to redevelop these older areas.
2) Consider active implementation of minimum housing code.
-47-

3) Consider intergrating downtown business development into
its economic development efforts.
4) Consider revision of downtown development plan to reflect
needed public and private improvements.
5) Consider developing a low interest loan pool to encourage
downtown business owners to rehabilitate their
establishments. '
Commitment to State and Federal Programs.
Issue: State and Federal programs play an important part
in the Town's development. Programs such as erosion control, public
access, highway improvements, park facilities, etc., require the Town's
cooperation. It has been the Town's policy in the past to provide
assistance and cooperate with state and federal officials in all
development activities. No further policy is needed.
Projects.
Issue: It is necessary to maintain the Edenton Bay
for recreational and commercial purposes. -Beach nourishment projects
are.not applicable.
Policy Alternatives:
1) No action.
2) Town could work with the Corps of Engineers when channel
maintenance is required.
The Town adopts Policy Alternative #2.
Strategies
1) Identify barriers to navigation and call to the attention
the Corps of Engineers.
-48-

'
2) Contact Corps for assistance in waterfront projects.
'
Energy Facility Siting and Development.
Issue: Presently the Town is not aware of any potential
'
for the location of energy facility sites within its jurisdiction.
The Town would support an energy generating facility if it was in
'
compliance with the zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations.
'
Tourism.
Issue: Tourism is a relatively pollution -free industry
requiring little or no on -going public investment.
Policy Alternatives:
'
1) Town could elect.to take no action.
2) In an effort to take advantage of the Town's unique
'
natural and cultural resources, the Town should promote
'
the tourism industry. '
The Town selects Policy. Alternative #2.
'
Strategies
'
1) Work closely with the Chamber of Commerce and the State
Office of Travel and. Tourism Development in promoting
'
Edenton as'a tourist attraction.
-- 2)_ Consider preparing an economic development strategy plan
'
to identify potential tourism development strategies.
3) Solicit all available sources of state and federal funds
to assist in promotion of tourism.
'
Waterfront Access.
Issue: Public waters are a major natural resource for
'
recreational activities. The Town's subdivision regulations state
"where a subdivision adjoins a waterfront, one or more lots which
-49-

' 9
adjoin the water's*ed a should be reserved to provide water access for
' owners of interior properties."
The Town also has in place a downtown development plan which
' provides sufficient public access to waters along the downtown
waterfront.
Policy Alternatives
1) The Town could elect to take no further action and make
use of its existing regulations and plans in effect with
no further expansion:
2) The Town of Edenton could elect to.provide as much
' waterfront access as financially feasible and could
encourage the development of public access beaches, boat
docks, etc. -
' The Town selects Policy Alternative #2.
Strategies
development
1) .Continue to implement the downtown plan.
'
2) Seek funding resources for waterfront development (public
including CAMA's Public Access Program and private).
Beach Access. Not applicable to the Town of Edenton. No
policy is required.
Coastal and Estuarine Water Beach Access. See Waterfront
'
Access policy. No further policy is required.
Types, Densities, Location (units per acre, etc.) of
'
Anticipated Residential Development and Services Necessary to
Support Such Development.
'
indicate
Issue: Residential development projections
development will be moderate and can easily be accommodated within the
-50-

1
.
planning area. Residential development will continue to be low -density
(single-family detached) and public facilities are adequate to serve
this anticipated growth. No further policy is needed.
'
Land Use Trends/Observations. No significant changes
have occurred in the planning area since the last update. Therefore,
'
no policy concerning land use trends is needed.
Continuing Public Participation.
'
Issue: Plans for future growth and development of the
'
Town of Edenton can best be realized if citizens are given an
opportunity to participate in the planning process and are educated on
a continuing basis about the need for and advantages of community
planning. .
'
Policy Alternatives -
'
_ 1) Since all meetings of the Planning Board and Edenton Board
of Commissioners are open to the public,.all citizens have
access to the planning process, and no further action is
'
necessary.
2) Provide ample opportunities for the citizens of Edenton to
'
provide meaningful involvement in the planning process.
3) Provide opportunities to explain and promote planning to
the citizens of Edenton.
The Town adopts as policy on Public Participation Alternatives #2 and
'
#3.
Strategies
1) Continue to publicize planning commission meetings when
land use issues are involved.
,'
-51-

'
2) Through the Chamber of Commerce, notify various public,
'
semi-public and private organizations that Planning Board
members and staff are available to provide presentations
'
on the planning process and value of sound community
planning.
- ,
NOTE: For a discussion of the public participation and
education process used in this CAMA Plan Update, refer
to Page 1.
-52-

i
HURRICANE AND STORM MITIGATION
Each year North Carolina's coastal communities face the distinct
4 possibility of extensive damage resulting from hurricanes. Since
1890, the State has experienced 23 major hurricanes. During this same
C
period, development in coastal communities has rapidly accelerated.
' Local governments, in their role of protecting the health, safety and
general welfare of their citizens, bear the responsibility of
attempting to reduce the risk of property damage, personal injury and
' possible loss of life. Local governments may also assume the
responsibility of ensuring that reconstruction following a hurricane
will occur quickly and that the community will redevelop in a manner
which will reduce the possibility of future risk.
' 'The CAMA Land Use Plan guidelines require each coastal community
to evaluate the risk associated with major -storms and to consider
' olicies for mitigating (guarding against) storm hazards post -
disaster 9 9 (9 9 9 ) c p s
' disaster recovery and evacuations. The CAMA guidelines require
consideration of mitigation, reconstruction and evacuation issues
discussed in Before the Storm: Managing'Development to Reduce
Hurricane Damage (McElyea, Brower, Godschalk). The planning process
utilized_by the Town in developing the following -policies, closely
' follows Before the Storm.
Storm Hazard Mitigation
' Storm hazard mitigation is defined as taking action to reduce the
probability of damages resulting from a major storm. Storm mitigation
' activities available to local governments in the coastal area include
zoning -regulations, subdivision regulations, building codes, and
special ordinances such as shoreline setback controls, standards for
-53-

'
erosion protection and requirements for protecting sensitive
environmental areas. Other mitigation measures may include
'
development moratoria and interim development regulations (usually
imposed following a disaster), land acquisition, transfer of develop-
ment rights, public facility siting and design, and comprehensive
planning. Each community has a unique set of development problems and
potential and storm mitigation measures selected will vary
'
accordingly. . The goal of this section of the Land Use Plan is to
establish policies which are consistent with the Town's hurricane
vulnerability. This vulnerability is based upon an analysis of a hazard
'
map, level of development in the hazard areas and severity, type of
risk and monetary value of potential losses.
Hazard -Map
The first step in the storm mitigation planning process is to
identify the areas of the Town which are most vulnerable to hurricane
'
damage. For purposes of this Land Use Plan, hazard areas are
designated as:
1. Storm Surge areas (for Sea, Lake, and Overland Surge from
Hurricane (SLOSH) Model prepared by U.S. Corps of
Engineers).
2. Flood -prone areas _(HUD _Flood -Insurance Maps).
'
3. Areas of environmental concerns (AECS - designated by CRC).
Probably the most appropriate indication of hurricane
'
vulnerability are the storm surge areas as delineated by the Corp of
Engineers (COE) SLOSH model. The SLOSH model was developed by the
'
"surge"
Corps of Engineers to to simulate the height of the storm from
'
hurricanes of varying serverity. The SLOSH model uses the five
categories of hurricanes identified by the National Weather Service.

1
= '
Hurricanes are identified as Category 1 thru 5, depending upon their
wind speeds. A Category 1 storm has winds of 74-95 miles per hour,
-'
resulting in a surge of waterways of 4-5 feet. Damage would be
expected to be minimal. A Category 2 storm has winds of 96-110 miles
'
per hour, resulting in a surge of 6-8 felt. Damage would be moderate.
Category 3 storms have winds of 111-130 miles per hour, a storm surge
of 9-12 feet and extremely damaging. Category 4 storms have winds of
'
131-155 miles per hour, a storm surge of 13-18 feet and extreme damage.
Finally, Category 5 storms have winds in excess of 155 miles per hour,
'
•storm surge in excess of 18 feet with -catastrophic damage.
'
A map delineating the Town's SLOSH areas is provided as Exhibits
11 and 12. Areas of Edenton are expected'to be inundated by Category 1
'
and 2 storms. The areas subject to inundation are adjacent to the
-Edenton Bay, Pembroke Creek and Queen Ann.Creek. (The SLOSH model does
'
not identify any areas subject to Category 3, 4, and 5 storms.)
'
Level -of -Development -in. Hazard Areas .
During preparation of this Plan, a transparent overlay mapping
rsystem
was used by superimposing the SLOSH areas (as well as AEC's and
flood -prone areas) over an existing land use map. This overlay
-the
technique revealed that significant -development has occurred in
'
storm hazard areas. It is estimated that appr.oximately.9 percent (9Z)
of the population of Edenton lies within the hazard area.
'
Approximately 192 homes and 3 public/semi-public building are
constructed within the hazard area. In addition, 20 commercial
structures and 3-industries are located within this area. The
estimated value of these residential and non-residential areas is
$12.2 million. The estimated tax value of the property, subject to
' taxation, is $10.1 million.
' -55

EXHIBIT 11
as . ... . .
PLY: '86
SLOSH AREAS
EDENTON, NC
LEGEND.
CATEGORY. 1, AND, 2: �
HURRICANES:.
THE PREPARATION OF THIS PLAN WAS FINANCED IN PART BY A GRANT
PROVIDED BY THE NOCTH CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
THROUGH PR FUNDS OVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF
I972: AS AMENDED WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF
COASTAL' ZONE MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC
ACt!INISTRATION.
. . . L.E., WOOTEN AND. COMPANY:
ENGINEERING -PLANNING -ARCHITECTURE. RALEIGH-GREENVILLE

EXHIBIT 21
N
186,
SLOSH. AREA_
EDENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
_LEGEND'
CATEGORY 1 & 2
HURRICANES
THE PREPARATION OF THIS PLAN WAS FINANCED IN PART BY A GRANT
PROVIDED BY THE MORTH CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGEMIENT PROGRAH,
THROUGH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT Of
I472, AS AMENOED, WHICH I5 AO`MNSTERED BY THE OFFICE OF
COASTAL LONE MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC
Ao'INISTRATION.
I$00� 0 1800, 36001
SQALE:.1"=1800
L.E. WOOTEN AND COMPANY ENGINEERING -PLANNING -ARCHITECTURE. RALEIGH-GREENVILLE.

'
Type of- Ri sly, . Severity, Monetary -Value of Losses
As with any hurricane, damage may be caused by
highwinds,
'
flooding, erosion and wave action. The severity of
these risks has
'
been analyzed in Exhibit 13.
As this Exhibit indicates, the hurricane forces
would severely
'
affect the esturaine shoreline AEC. The shorelines
would be exposed
to high winds, flooding, wave action and erosion. Next
in level of
'
severity would be the SLOSH areas. These areas would
be exposed to
'
high winds, flooding, wave action and some moderate
erosion.
areas Floodprone as defined by HUD Flood Insurance
P �
Maps) would be
'
subject to high winds and flooding. The rest of the
community would be
exposed to high winds.
1
.
1
-58-

1
EXHIBIT 13
' TYPE AND SEVERITY OF RISXS ASSOCIATED
WITH HURRICANES
Exposure to Damaging Forces
Severity
High
Wave
Hazard Area
Rank
Winds
Flooding
Action
Erosion
AEC - Estuarine
1
0
•
•
•
shoreline
SLOSH Areas
2
•
•
•.
o
Flood -prone Areas
3
• _
•
-
-
Rest of Community
4
•
-
-
-

Destruction due to hurricanes is the result of high winds,
flooding, erosion and wave action. High winds and flooding from
'
excessive rain and storm surges are the most destructive. According
to the Saffir/Simpson Hurricane Scale, storm surge resulting from a
'
f
category 2 storm could be as much as 8 +t. However, damage resulting
'
from Category 1 and 2 Hurricane is anticipated to.be moderate. The
majority of the structures within the SLOSH Area were constructed in
'
accordance with the North Carolina Building Code which requires
materials and construction standards for 100 mile per hour winds.
,Storm Mitigation Policies
Based on an analysis of Edenton's vulnerability to hurricane
damage, the Town feels that sufficient development regulations are in
'
place to mitigate the hazards of storms. Development within.Edenton's
AEC's is regulated by the CRC. Development in.the flood -prone areas
'
(which encompass the SLOSH areas) is regulated by the Town's.Zoning
and Floodplain Management Ordinance. The State-wide Building Code
also regulates all new construction and substantial rehabilitation
'
(where damage exceeds 50% of building value) within the community.
In addition, providing or providing water and sewer could also be used
to guide growth and development. The Town's Zoning Ordinance has
'
sufficient provisions for non -conforming uses and structures. -
Edenton's erosion -prone areas are undeveloped and are adequately
protected'by existing development regulations. No large scale
-
commercial establishments are anticipated in these areas. At this
time, acquisition of land to protect against storm hazards is not
'
considered a cost-effective strategy.
Policy: The Town of Edenton should continue to control development
in the AEC's and flood -prone areas to protect the health,
'
safety and welfare of the citizens of Edenton.-
-60-

Implementation Strategies
L . Continue to regulate development in the flood -prone areas by
' vigorously enforcing the existing zoning and subdivision
regulations and the Building Code.
2. Review and update zoning and subdivision ordinances to insure
that all land within the Town's jurisdiction will continue to
be adequately regulated against hurricane/storm hazards.
Post -disaster Reconstruction
According to Before the Storm (McElyea, Brown & Godschalk),
community action pertaining to disasters fall into 4 categories:
mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Whereas preparedness
and response normally are handled by the County.Emergency Management
Agency, mitigation (discussed above) and recovery may be functions of
local government.
CAMA guidelines require all coastal communities to prepare a
"post -disaster reconstruction" plan which considers the storm
mitigation policies outlined above. (Post -disaster reconstruction can
be equated to.the-recovery phase of community -action.) Post -disaster
reconstruction involves rehabilitation and reconstruction activities
necessary to return the community to a normal or pre -disaster
condition. Coastal communities may also consider actions during this
phase to insure that the community will be safe from future natural
disasters. Typical post -disaster reconstruction activities include
immediate clean-up and debris removal, reconstruction over a longer
period of time, establishment of special recovery task force,
establishing guidelines and schedules for repairs and reconstruction,
designation of an implementing agency, and establishing policies for
repair/replacement of public utilities (and possible relocation of
these facilities).
-61-

Immediate Cleanup and Removal
Chowan County has adopted a Disaster Relief and Assistance Plan.
. '
The purpose of this Plan is to prevent or lessen the effect of
disasters on the people and property in Chowan County. Immediate
clean-up and removal following a natural disaster in Edenton will be
governed by this Plan. According to the Plan, if damage has occurred
reentry will be authorized by the Chairman of the County Commissioners,
Mayor of Edenton or their designated representative. Immediate clean-
up and.removal within the -corporate limits will be the responsibility
of the Town of Edenton. Clean-up and removal outside of the corporate
limits will be the responsibility of the County. Disaster damage
assessments will be made by the County Emergency Management Coordinator
'
with assistance from damage assessment teams. Reports will be issued
to the area Emergency Management Office Coordinator and the North
Carolina Management.
Office of Emergency
Recovery Task Force
In the event of a hurricane, Chowan County has developed a
'
Hurricane Evacuation Plan to provide for orderly and coordinated
evacuation to minimize the effects of hurricane on the residents of the
County. to
If a disaster should occur, coordinated efforts relevant
decision -making and use of resources is needed. For these purposes a
Control Group and a Support Group have been developed. The responsi-
bilities of the group would be to make all decisions relative to
evacuation, damage assessment and recovery. The following are members
of the respective Groups.
'
Control Group:
--- Chairman Chowan County Board of Commissioners
'
--- Mayor of Edenton
---Chowan County Civil Preparedness Coordinator
-62-

i
' Support Group:
--- Chowan County Manager Group Chief
-- Town of Edenton City Manager - Assistant Group Chief
' ---Sheriff
Director of Social Services
-- Superintendent of Schools
County Health Director
— County Finance Director
-- Chief Warning Service
{ -- County Fire Marshal
--- County Public Information Officer
-- Chief Rescue Service
State Highway Patrol Liaison Officer
- Red Cross Liaison Officer
The formation and operation of this Control Group is based on the
assumption that a hurricane would affect the entire County; therefore,
there would be no need for a separate recovery task force for the Town
' of Edenton.
Guidelines for Post -Disaster Repair and Reconstruction
According to Chowan County's Disaster Relief and Assistance Plan
-� and Emergency Management officials, guidelines 'for `repair and recovery
consist of completion of damage.assessment as soon as possible after a
., hurricane notification to State officials of level of damage and
.' coordination of disaster assistance. A -temporary development
moratorium is not anticipated and all repair and reconstruction will
meet local land use regulations and the State-wide Building Code. A
schedule or priority system for repair and reconstruction has not .been
developed.
Implementing Agency
At the present time, all decisions and actions taken in response
' to hurricanes are implemented by the County Emergency Management
Agency. All policy -related decisions are made by the Support and Con-
trol Groups described above.
' ,� -63-

Public Utilities
There are no municipal facilities located within the hurricane
'
hazard area. Therefore, flooding and high winds will have no effect
on operations.
Post -Disaster Reconstruction Policies
The following policy alternatives (with selected alternative) and
implementation strategies apply to Post -disaster reconstruction.
Policy Alternatives
1, The Town should continue to rely on Chowan County Emergency
Management plans and policies to guide post -disaster repair
'
and reconstruction activities.
'
2.. The Town of Edenton should supplement Emergency Management
Plans with policies and strategies sensitive to the
vulnerability assessment and risks previously discussed.
'
The Town selects both Policy Alternatives.
Implementation Strategies
_
�. Continue to cooperate with the Chowan County Emergency
Management Office, the County's Hurricane Evacuation Plan and
'
Disaster Relief and Assistance Plana
2. Developprograms. to increase public awareness.
P 9
' -
3. Consider appointing a Recovery Task Force to support efforts
of the Control Group. The purpose of this Task Force would
be to review damage assessment -reports following a hurricane
and determine if supplemental repair and reconstruction
'
policies and pr-ograms are necessary to protect the health,
safety and welfare of the Edenton community. The Task Force
could consider the need for temporary development moratorium,
revised land use regulations and additional construction
standards for repair and reconstruction. Since a large
number of valuable historic buildings are located in the SLOSH
'
-areas, the Historic District Commission should provide input
into post -disaster reconstruction.
4. Encourage the County to include as a part of its Support Group
'
representatives from the National Guard and State Emergency
Response Team.
5 Consider establishing the following schedule or priority
system for post -disaster repair and reconstruction:
'
-64-

First Priority: Replacement of essential public
services such as electricity, water, sewer, telephone, streets
and bridges.
'
Second Priority: Minor repairs.
Third Priority: Major repairs.
development.
Fourth Priority: New
'
Evacuation
County Hurricane Evacuation Plan provides for an
The Chowan Co ty E
'
orderly and coordinated evacuation and shelter system to minimize the
effects of hurricanes on the residents and visitors in Chowan County.
warning
This plan establishes a control group, support group, and
alerting systems, shelter locations and evacuation routes. Based on an
analysis of the County s Hurricane Evacuation Plan, evacuation can be
'
accomplished within anticipated warning times.
The County Hurricane Evacuation Plan identifies five schools under
the Edenton-Chowan County School system as evacuation shelters.
'
Based on a review of the County Hurricane Evacuation Plan and
1i
knowledge of the current shelter analysis, no policy statement
'
concerning evacuation is necessary.
i
-65-

. I
In the preceeding chapter, policies relevant to growth and
development in the Town of Edenton were developed. A land
classification system should be developed to assist in the
implementation of the policies developed. The land classification
system delineates those areas where certain local, State and federal
policies will apply. According to the CAMA regulations, the land
classification system allows local governments to identify the future
use of all land within their planning jurisdiction. It should be noted
that land classification is not a strict regulating mechanism.
However, it is a tool to assist localities in guiding future growth.
and development and the implementation of land development policies.
The CAMA land classification system contains five separate
classifications: developed, transition, community, rural and
conservation. The following discussion defines each category and
provides an analysis of their impact on land use. The relationship
between the Town's adopted policies and individual classification is
also discussed.
Developed
Areas classified as developed (Exhibits 14 and 15) are presently
developed for urban purposes and continued intensive urban development
and redevelopment. This classification includes areas developed as
urban or those areas with a density of approximately 500 dwellings per
square mile.
Most of the land within the Edenton town limits is classified as
developed. All of the land within this classification is capable of
being served by water and sewer. There are some areas in this classi—

3000' 0 3000' 6000'
SCALE: 1 = 3000
DULY '88
EXHIBIT 14
LAND CLASSIFICATION
EDENTON, NC
LEGEND,
® TRANSITION
DEVELOPED.
RURAL,
CONSERVATION
THE PREPARATION OF THIS PLAN WAS FINANCED IN PART BY A GRANT
PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
THROUGH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENTACTOF
1972, AS AMENDED, WHICH. IS ZMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF
COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC
ADMINISTRATION.
L. E. WOOTEN AND COMPANY
ENGINEERING- PLANNING -ARCHITECTURE RALEIGH-GREENVIL•LE

N
EXHIBIT 15
JULY'86.
18000 1800' 3600,
y SCALE: 1�= 1800,
LAND. CLASSIFICATION
EDENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
LEGEND.
DEVELOPED.''.'
THE PREPARATION OF THIS PLAN WAS FINANCED IN PART BY A GRANT
PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGEtENT PROGRAM.
THROUGH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE. MAN^GENENT ACi OF
1972, AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF
COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC
ADMINISTRATION.
WOOTEN AND. COMPANY:
ENGINEERING=PLANNING-ARCHITECTURE. RALEIGH-GREENVILL

i
fication do not have water and sewer. If development does occur, it
will be the developers' responsibility to provide services 'in
accordance with Town policy.
Transition
The transition classification contans land that currently has
some urban and additional land needed to�accommodate projected
• i
population and economic growth. Intensive urban development will occur
within the transition areas during the planning period. Land in this.
class will be scheduled for provision of water and sewer during the
planning period.
.The transition classification primarily includes the areas
located adjacent to U.S. 17 Bypass corridor. An additional transition
area is identified east of Coke Avenue between U.S. 17 Business and NC
Highway 32.
As indicated on the Land Classification Map, transition areas are
located adjacent to the developed area. It is projected that most
urban development during the ten year planning period will occur on
the transition lands. Transition areas are limited to areas within
the town limits or in close proximity to the town limits. This
development pattern is consistent with the Town's policies relating to
service extensions.
Community
The Community classification is characterized by a cluster of
mixed uses in rural areas which do not have municipal services. It is
considered appropriate for residences, churches, schools, and light
commercial.
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The 1981 CAMA Land Use Plan classified as Community an area
located west of Edenton adjoining Mexico Road and N.C. 32 West. Based
on an analysis of existing and projected utility data, it was
determined this area is better suited for the Transition Classifica-
tion. Therefore, no land within -the planning jurisdiction is
classified as Community.
Rural
Land classified as rural are those best suited for agricultural,
forest management, mineral extraction and low -density uses. Urban
services are not required because of the dispersion of development in*
these areas. These lands have enough limitations to make intensive
urban development uneconomically feasible.
Rural lands are located primarily in.Edenton's extraterritorial
planning area. There exists one rural area within the corporate limits
located on the east and west side of Old Hertford Road.
The Edenton'Zoning Ordinance is consistent with the areas
designated as•rural in that all areas designated rural are zoned
RA-20. This zoning district permits low -density residential uses
and has no restrictions on forest or agricultural activities.
Conservation.
Lands included in the Conservation Classification are considered
fragile or hazardous for urban development. These are also lands with
natural resources that need to be preserved. Lands within the
conservation classification may be major wetlands, undeveloped
shorelands, wildlife habitat and land that will remain undeveloped for
commercial, residential and industrial purposes.
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The areas in Edenton classified as conservation are the State -
designated Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC's) and a wooded swamp
area.
The AEC's consist of the estuarine waters of the Edenton Bay,
Pembroke Creek, Queen Anne Creek, and Filbert. Creek. (For further
discussion of AEC's, refer to Page 20.) Development in these areas
will be subject to the regulations of the State Coastal Area Management
Act (CAMA)..
The Town -has also identified a wooded swamp area south of
Filbert's Creek and west of Edenton Bay as a fragile area. (For
further discussion on wooded swamps, refer to Page 20.) The
environmental significance of this area has been the subject of study
by local colleges. Until the significance of this area is fully
understood, the Town will require that development in this area be
subject to the same requirements as CAMA-regulated AEC's.
The Town recognizes that the identified fragile areas may also be
designated as Corps of Engineers -regulated wetlands. As such,
construction within.Corps-designated wetlands is subject to regulation
by the Corps under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
Specific uses allowed in the conservation areas are primarily
governed by State and federal regulations and .include the following:
--- Docks, piers and marinas that are in compliance with local
State and federal guidelines.
Utility service lines such as water, sewer, electrical and
natural gas.

r
Relationship of Policies and Land Classification
1
The CAMA regulations indicate that each.land use.plan must discuss
how the land use policies developed apply to each land
classification. The following section discusses the relationship
1
between policies and land classifications and identifies appropriate
land uses.
'
Developed and Transition. Developed and transition land
classifications have or will have utility service appropriate to
intensive
accommodate land uses. These uses include commercial,
industrial, residential, public transportation and community
facilities. The developed andtransition p areas are the only areas
1
under consideration for intensive urban development which would
-.
require urban services. Policy statements regarding provision of
urban services, growth densities and redevelopment within these areas
1
have been delineated. ,
Community. There is no community.desiS nation within the
1
planning area.
Rural. The rural classification allows for low -intensity
-.1
uses., Residences with appropriate on -site water and sewer facilities
are allowed. In addition, agriculture forestry,.mineral extraction
'
and various other low -intensity uses are allowed. Policy statements
1
on the preservation of prime agricultural land and the prevention of
adverse impacts on these areas have been adopted.
'
`Conservation. The conservation class is intended to protect
and preserve fragile natural resources including areas of environmental
Uses within are
concern. this classification limited due to State and
i.
federal regulations. Policy statements relevant to protection of water
1
.
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quality, appropriate uses and management of areas of environmental
.concern have been made and are compatible with this classification.
Intergovernmental Coordination
The
Land Classification Map and adopted policies in the Land Use
'
Plan provide the basic tools for governmental decisions relative to
growth and development. The Land Use Plan will serve as a policy guide
'
for planning, budgeting, and for the provision and expansion of
community facilities. In order to implement the policies described in
'
the Land Use Plan, governmental coordination at the local, State and
federal level is required.
The Town of Edenton, during development of its Land Use Plan, has
'
strived to ensure compatibility between local, State and federal
policies and policies contained in its Plan. Chowan County's Land Use
'
policies were reviewed and there appeared to be no inconsistencies
between the adopted policies in both plans. The Town's policies and
'
Land Classification Map were reviewed throughout the development
-'
process for compliance and compatibility with State and federal
regulations.
'
The Town of Edenton has and will continue to work with State and
federal agencies in implementing the policies described in this Plan.
1
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