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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLand Use Plan Update-1991 Town of Edenton � 1991 Land Use Plan Update • 1722 Locally Approved September 8, 1992 ' September 25, 1992 CRC Certified ' 11m preparation of this document was financed in by the North Carolina part through a grant provided Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the CoastaY Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the Office of ' Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National. Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. ' Prrpamd by Howard T. Capps mod? Associates Landscape ,i chitect • Land Planner 321 North Front Street Wilmington, North Carolina Ul 1 PI.AFPIAG BOARD Gayle Gieseke, Chairwoman Preston Sisk Ross Inglis Robert Will Marshall Jordan Frank Krizan, Zoning Administrator TOWN COUNCIL Roy Harrell, Mayor Marina Crummey, Mayor Pro Tem Jimmy Alligood Livy Goodman Joe Lee Jerry Parks Jerald Perry Anne -Marie Kelly, Town Manager 1991 Edenton Land Use Plan Update Table of Contents I. Introduction II. Data Collection and Analysis (Present Conditions) A. Present Population and Economy Including Seasonal Population B. Existing Land Use 1. Existing Land Use Map Discussion Including Stream Classification, ORW Waters and Nursery Areas 2. Significant Land and Water Use Compatibility Problems 3. Major Problems Resulting from Unplanned Development with Implications for Future Land and Water Use 4. Areas Experiencing or Likely to Experience Changes in Predominant Land Use C. Current Plans, Policies and Regulations 1. Transportation Plan 2. Community Facilities Plan 3. Utility Extension Policy 4. Open Space and Recreation Policy 5. Prior Land Use Plan and Policies 6. National Flood Insurance Program 7. Zoning 8. Subdivision Regulations 9. Floodway 10. Building Code 11. Septic Tanks 12. Historic District 13. Nuisance Ordinance 14. Dune Protection 1 2 2 8 8 9 z 10 11 11 11 11 11 12 12 13 13 13 13 13 14 14 14 15. Sedimentation Ordinance 14 16. Environmental Impact Ordinances 15 17. Codes or Regulations 15 18. Storm Water Management Plans 15 19. Mobile Home Park Ordinance 15 20. Group Housing or PUD Ordinance 16 D. Constraints: Land Suitability 17 1. Physical Limitations for Development 17 a. Man-made Hazard Areas Including Airports, Tank Farms, Nuclear Power Plants or Explosive Storage Areas 17 b. Natural Hazard Areas Including Ocean Erodible Areas, Flood Hazard Areas 17 c. Areas with Soil Limitations Including Non -Compacting Soils, Shallow Soils, Poorly Drained Soils and Soils Not Suitable for Septic Tanks 17 d. Slopes Exceeding 12% 22 e. Water Supply Including Groundwater Recharge Areas, Public Water Supply Watershed and Wellfields 22 2. Fragile Areas 23 a. Coastal Wetlands 23 b. Sand Dunes Along the Outer Banks 23 c. Ocean Beach and Shorelines 23 d. Estuarine Waters and Estuarine Shorelines 23 e. Public Trust Waters. 24 f. Complex Natural Areas 25 g. Areas that Sustain Remnant Species 25 h. Areas Containing Unique Geologic Formations 25 i. Registered Natural Landmarks 25 j. Wooded Swamps 25 k. Prime Wildlife Habitats 1. Scenic and Prominent High Points m. Archeologic and Historic Sites n. Maritime Forests and 404 Wetlands o. Lands Identified Through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife National Wetlands Inventory p. Areas Identified Through NRCD's Natural Heritage Program 3. Areas with Resource Potential a. Productive and Unique Agricultural Lands b. Potentially Valuable Mineral Sites c. Publicly Owned Forests d. Parks e. Fish and Game Lands f. Non -Intensive Outdoor Recreation Lands g. Privately Owned Wildlife Sanctuaries h. Prime Farm Land (Consistent with Governor's Executive Order Number 96) E. Constraints: Carrying Capacity Analysis 1. Existing Water and Sewer Service Areas, Including Private Systems 2. Design Capacity of Existing Water Treatment Plant 3. Design Capacity of Existing Sewage Treatment Plant 4. Schools 5. Landfill 6. Police 7. Fire 8. Public Administration 9. Primary Roads and Bridges 25 25 25 26 26 26 27 27 27 28 28 28 28 28 28 30 30 30 30 30 ?1 32 32 32 32 10. Utilization Level of Water Plant, Sewage Plant, Schools, Primary Roads 23 11. Capacity of Community Facilities to Supply Existing and Future Needs Including Seasonal Population 34 F. Estimated Demand 35 1. Population and Economic Estimate for 10-Year Period Based on Department of Administration Projections 35 2. Seasonal Population 36 3. Local Objectives Concerning Growth 36 4. Foreseeable Social and Economic Change 39 5. Future Land Needs 39 6. Community Facilities Demand Including Landfill, Roads and Bridges, Water, Sewer, Schools 39 III. Policy Statements A. Resource Protection 42 1. Areas of Environmental Concern and Appropriate Land Use in AEC's 42 2. Constraints to Development Including Flood Prone Areas, Soil Suitability and Septic Tank Use 43 3. Development Density in Proximity to Designated ORW's L-3 4. Other Hazard or Fragile Land Areas 44 5. Hurricane and Flood Evacuation Needs 44 6. Protection of Potable Water Supply 44 7. Use of Package Treatment Plants 45 8. Stormwater Runoff 45 9. Marina and Floating Home Development and Dry Stack Facilities 46 10. Industrial Impact on Fragile Areas 47 11. Development of Sound and Estuarine System Islands 47 12. Restriction of Development in Areas up to Five Feet Above Mean High Water 47 13. Upland Excavation for Marina Basins 47 14. Damaging of Existing Marshes by Bulkhead Installation 47 B. Resource Production and Management 49 1. Productive Agriculture Lands 49 2. Commercial Forest Lands 49 3. Potential Mineral Production Areas 49 4. Commercial and Recreational Fisheries 49 5. Off -Road Vehicles. 50 6. Residential, Commercial and Industrial Development 50 7. Peat and Phosphate Mining 50 C. Economic and Community Development 51 1. Community Attitude Toward Growth 51 2. Types and Location of Industries Desired 51 3. Local Commitment to Providing Services 52 4. Urban Growth Patterns Desired 52 5. Redevelopment of Developed Areas Including Relocation of Structures Due to Erosion 53 6. Commitment to State and Federal Programs Including Erosion Control, Public Access, Highway Improvements, Port Facili- ties, Dredging and Military Facilities .53 7. Channel Maintenance and Beach Nourishment Projects Including Financial Aid, Providing Spoil Areas or Providing Easements 54 8. Energy Facility Siting 54 9. Inshore and Offshore.Exploration or Development Including Refineries, Storage 54 10. Tourism 55 11. Coastal and Estuarine Water Access 55 12 Type, Densities, Location, Units per Acre of Anticipated Residential Development 56 13. Recreation 56 D. Storm Hazard Mitigation and Post Disaster Reconstruction Policies with Composite Hazard Map 58 IV. Land Classification 66 A. Land Classification Definitions 66 B. Land Classification Map 70 V. Relationship of Policies and Land Classification 72 VI. Intergovernmental Coordination and Implementation 72 VII. Public Participation 72 Appendix 73 Chowan Game Land 74 Recreational Development - Soils Report 75 Wildlife Habitat - Soils Report 76 Building Site Development - Soils Report 77 Sanitary Facilities - Soils Report 79 Recreational Facilities and Open Space 80 Chowan County National Register and Study List Entries 86 Public Participation Plan 89 Public Participation Meeting - Citizen Comments 91 Flood Hazards Map - Edenton 93 Flood Hazards Map - Airport 94 Existing Land Use Map - Airport 95 Existing Land Use Map - Edenton 96 Land Classification Map 97 I. IWMODUCTIOA ' In 1974, the North Carolina General Assembly enacted the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) for the purpose of establishing a state and local program for managing coastal resources. This management ' program allows municipal governments in twenty coastal communities to prepare land use plans which establish policies to guide growth and development. The land use plans prepared under the Coastal Area Management Act form the basis for a comprehensive plan for ' protection, preservation, orderly development and management of the coastal area. CAMA regulations require an update of land use plans every five years. The Town of Edenton's 1986 Land Use Plan update was locally approved on February 10, 1987, and CRC certified on March 27, 1987. Land use plan updates are needed to insure that all current issues related to economic and physical development are reviewed and that plans for future growth in the community adequately reflect these current issues. The preparation of the Plan will help Town officials and citizens guide growth and development in a manner which will maximize benefits to all the citizens of Edenton, and at the same time protect this part of North Carolina's fragile coastal environment. This 1991 Land Use Plan update was Edenton Town Council by the Edenton 6, 1992, meeting. approved for submittal to the Planning Board at their July 1 ' II. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS (Present Conditions) The 1991 Land Use Plan Update is being prepared to help citizens ' and local officials consider how Edenton is growing and what policies need to continue or change to help direct future growth. To establish effective policy concerning future growth and ' development, a data base outlining the Town's existing conditions must first be assembled and analyzed. This section of the plan describes existing conditions such as population, economy, current land use plans, policies and regulations to serve as the basis for ' future community analysis and planning. A. Present Population and Economy Including Seasonal Population ' The graph below (Exhibit 1) reflects Edenton's population from 1970 through 1990 based on census information. The 1986 Land Use Plan discussed the 8.1% increase in population for Edenton ' between the 1970 and 1980 census. The 1990 census data reflects population of 5,268, which represents a slight drop in population since 1980. ' Exhibit 1 POPULATION CHANGE 1970 — 1990 ' 6,000 5,357 5,000 �rr��------------- 5,268 rrrrr ----------• ' 4,956rr�rrrrrr 4,000 ' 3,000 1970 1980 1990 ' Source: 1970, 1980 and 1990 Census ' Exhibit 2 reflects Edenton and Chowan County growth rates in comparison to several adjacent counties and cities using 1980 and 1990 census data. Chowan County, for example, has ' experienced a 7.5% growth rate between 1980 and 1990. During the same period, Edenton has experienced a 1.7% drop in population, or 89 fewer people in Edenton in 1990 compared to ' the 1980 census. Other areas of the region, Perquimans County, Pasquotank County, Elizabeth City and Hertford, have all experienced an increase in population during this period. ' Because Edenton serves as the center for most retail, service and job opportunities, the fact that Chowan County has grown 2 in population over the last ten years should have a positive impact on Edenton's economy by providing more potential users of community retail and service businesses. County/Municipality Chowan Edenton Bertie Windsor Craven New Bern Pasquotank Elizabeth City Perquimans Hertford STATE Exhibit 2 POPULATION: NUMBERS AND TRENDS April 1980 April 1990 12,558 13,505 5,357 5,268 21,024 20,388 2,126 2,056 71,043 81,613 14,557 17,363 28,462 31,298 13,784 14,292 9,486 10,447 1,941 2,105 5,880,095 6,657,630 Source: 1980 and 1990 Census data. Change 7.5 -1.7 -3.0 -3.2 14.9 19.3 10.0 3.5 10.1 8.4 13.2 The Economy of Edenton is tied very closely to manufacturing, tourism and retail and service businesses. Exhibit 3 reflects a steady increase in retail sales since the 1981-82.period. During this nine-year period, retail sales for Chowan County have increased by nearly twenty-one million dollars, with Edenton growing by nearly eighteen million dollars. It is worth noting that over 88% of all retail sales for Chowan County took place in Edenton during the 1989-90 period, reflecting the importance of retail business in the local economy. 3 Exhibit 3 RETAIL SALES FOR CHOWAR COUNTY AND EDENTON Year Chowan County Edenton 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 1985-86 74,163,090 66,364,925 1986-87 72,842,678 64,163,120 1987-88 74,664,601 65,967,320 1988-89 81,650,815 71,702,837 1989-90 86,089,092 76,203,860 Source: N. C. Department of Revenue Exhibit 4 reflects statistics on county labor force characteristics, including labor force numbers, union organization and average hourly earnings. The most current statewide county -by -county information available is for September 1990, showing total labor force, unemployment and the unemployment rate. As of September 1990, Chowan County's unemployment rate was 4.6%, versus the North Carolina state average of 3.3%. More current information on unemployment revealed that since January 1991, the unemployment rate for Chowan County continues to drop at a faster pace than both the State of North Carolina and the nation as reflected below: Unemployment January - March 1991 Month Chowan County North Carolina United States January 7.0% 6.0% 7.0% February 6.6% 5.7% 7.2% March 5.4% 5.7% 7.1% Source: Edenton Employment Security Commission Office 4 Exhibit 4 COUATY LABOR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS Chowan Bertie Craven Pasquotank Perquimans State (Edenton) (Windsor) (New Bern) (Elz City) (Hertford) LABOR FORCE (SEPT. 1990) Total 5,650 8,660 32,820 13,320 4,030 3,396,900 Employment 5,390 8,330 31,570 12,880 3,870 3,286,500 Unemployment 260 330 1,250 440 160 110,400 Rate 4.6 3.8 3.8 3.3 4.0 3.3 LABOR FORCE BY PLACE OF RESI- DENCE (1987) Manufact. 1,430/27.5 3,940/51.8 4,190/12.9 1,210/9.2 520/22.3 Non-Manufact. 3,170/61.0 2,500/32.9 25490/78.6 10590/80.9 1,250/53.6 Agriculture 220/4.2 520/6.8 480/1.5 250/1.9 280/12.0 Other Non-Ag 380/7.3 650/8.5 2,280/7.0 1,040/7.9 280/12.0 FULL TIME WORKERS BELOW STATE MFG WAGE 1988 1,899 2,960 9,910 3,676 1,222 MFG PLANTS ORGANIZED (1988/89) 3.6 0 2.3 0 0 MFG 1988 $8.47 $6.14 $9.99 $6.96 $4.23 Source: U. S. Department of Labor; North Carolina Employment Security Commission; North Carolina Department of Economic and Community Development Four categories of employment are shown in Exhibit 4. These are: Manufacturing, Non -Manufacturing, Agriculture, and Other Non -Agriculture. The figures are based on the labor force by place of residence, rather than place of employment. Of the 5 five compared locations in northeastern North Carolina, Bertie County has a higher percentage of people working in manufacturing than does Chowan County. In the category "percentage of manufacturing plants organized," Chowan County ranks first (3.6%), with Craven County at 2.3%. The average hourly earnings in the manufacturing category for 1988 indicates Chowan County is second only to Craven County for the five counties compared. Exhibit 5 MUSTRY EMPLOYMENT CHARACTERISTICS BY COIIHTY (1988 ANNUAL AVERAGE) Chowan Bertie Craven Pasquotank Perquimans State TOTAL EMPLOYMENT 5,460 7,520 33,310 13,100 2,350 3,303,900 MANUFACTURING Total Manufac. Number 1,510 3,660 4,620 1,150 430 876,500 28 49 14 9 18 26 Food Number 2,450 290 60 51,000 33 1 nil 2 Textiles Number 940 222,800 17 7 Lumber/Wood Number 210 420 350 420 20 37,200 4 6 1 3 1 1 Machinery Number 740 118,100 2 4 Other Number 360 790 3,240 670 410 438,400 7 11 10 5 17 13 NON -MANUFACTURING Total Non -Man. Number 3,310 2,660 25,790 10,700 1,340 2,119,100 61 35 77 82 57 64 6 Construction Number 220 100 1,400 560 40 165,100 ' % 4, 1 4 4 2 5 Trans, Comm, Pub. Util. ' Number 210 100 1,240 280 40 147,900 4 1 4 2 2 4 Trade Number 1,200 750 6,650 4,160 370 686,100 22 10 20 32 16 21 Fin., Ins., Real Estate Number 100 120 1,160 530 40 130,300 ' % 2 2 3 4 2 4 Service Number 950 490 4,680 1,720 290 526,200 ' % 17 7 14 13 12 16 Government Number 620 1,050 10,490 170 40 458,700 ' 11 14 31 26 24 14 All Other ' Non-Manufact. Number 10 50 170 40 nil nil nil nil ' All Other Non -Agriculture Number 380 600 2,350 970 260 268,600 ' % 7 8 7 7 11 8 Agriculture Number 250 600 550 280 320 48,700 ' 5 8 2 2 14 1 ' Source: Employment Security Commission of North Carolina Exhibit 5 presents the latest available data (1988) on various ' employment categories by county. With 28% of its jobs in manufacturing, Chowan County is 2% greater than the State average of 26%. It ranks second highest in manufacturing ' employment percentage among the five counties compared. The textile industry is particularly important locally, accounting for 17% in itself. ' Chowan County is below the State average in construction, financial/insurance/real estate, and government jobs, but is 7 ' at or slightly above the State in transportation/commercial/ public utilities, trade and service. It is well above the State in agricultural employment, but below neighboring ' Perquimans and Bertie Counties. Tourism is an important part of Edenton's economy, with many ' of the employment opportunities being reflected under the service category which represents 17% of the employment in Chowan County in 1988 and is second only to manufacturing at 28%. Two recently completed reports anticipate substantial ' growth in this segment of the local economy due primarily to the improving access to Edenton and the local history and charm of the community. The recently completed report by the ' Edenton Planning Board entitled "Charting a Course for Edenton's Economic Betterment" discusses in some detail the desire to expand job opportunities in both the manufacturing and tourism sectors of the economy, while working to retain the small-town charm and historic character of the community. (See page 36 of this Plan for more detailed discussion of the report.) B. 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. It also ' discusses major changes that have taken place since the 1986 Land Use Plan was prepared. Based on a windshield survey conducted in March, 1991, there was little apparent change in land use with the exception of areas in the extraterritorial planning area. As was true in 1986, the predominant land use within the Edenton town limits is residential, with most of the commercial development being concentrated in the Central Business District along Broad Street or along U.S. 17 Business near the intersection with ' N.C. 32 West and along U.S. 17 Business north of the intersection with Paradise Road. There is also some commercial development adjacent to U.S. 17 Business west of Broad Street near the Pembroke Creek Bridge and west of the ' intersection of N.C. 32 and the U.S. 17 By-pass at Mexico Road. ' Major land use changes since the 1986 plan was prepared include the Village Creek Subdivision between N.C. 32 and Queen Anne Creek on the east side of Edenton, new mobile homes along S.R. 1321 north of the intersection of Mexico Road and ' N.C. 32, Chowan Crossing Shopping Center on U.S. 17 Business and the Oak Hill Subdivision located on the south side of N.C. 32 Business on the west side of Edenton. ' Based on information from the Inspections Department, Village Creek and Oak Hill are the only subdivision developments approved and constructed since the 1986 plan was completed. The only new manufacturing facility noted during the windshield survey was Regulator Marine, Inc. west of U.S. 17 Business. It was noted that the shopping center at the intersection of U.S. 17 Business and Coke Avenue has recently been expanded. Much of the land area in the extraterritorial planning area remains in either agriculture, pasture or forest land. Much of this land is zoned Agricultural with no plans to restrict its use. The revised Coastal Area Management Guidelines now require local governments to include information on stream classifications, Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) and nursery areas to help determine if current or future land use may have any adverse impact on community waters. The June 30, 1989, report entitled "Classifications for Waters of the Chowan River Basin," prepared by the Division of Environmental Management, indicated that Edenton Bay, Pembroke Creek, Pollock Swamp and Queen Anne Creek are all nutrient sensitive waters which require limitations on nutrient inputs. In addition, Edenton Bay, Pollock Swamp and Queen Anne Creek are used for fish and wildlife propagation, secondary recreation, agriculture and other uses requiring waters of lower quality. Pembroke Creek is a primary recreation water body with fish and wildlife propagation, agriculture and other uses requiring water of lower quality. Edenton's planning jurisdiction does not have any Outstanding Resource Waters. Because of the nutrient -sensitive nature of Edenton's water, retaining existing adjacent forested areas as a natural buffer and future greenway becomes important to serve as a natural filter of upland urban and agricultural storm run-off. In summary, there are no significant land use compatibility problems within the Town's jurisdiction. Some mixed land uses are found in the older section of Town and are generally residential and neighborhood business type. This area was developed prior to the adoption of land use controls. These incompatible uses are, therefore, 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. ' There are no known significant land and water use compatibility problems other than the urban and agricultural run-off that is typical of any urban and agricultural area. During the preparation of this Land Use Plan Update, the Town has established a policy to review and consider requiring storm water detention ponds designed based on a ten-year storm. (See policy on Page 46 of Plan.) ' There are no known problems resulting from unplanned development with implications for future land and water use. 9 Again, preventing unnecessary urban and agricultural storm run-off into adjacent water bodies will help retain water quality and insure that the area will remain suitable for propagation of future fish populations. Areas experiencing or likely to experience changes in predominant land use include N.C. 32 west of the U.S. 17 By-pass. This area has been and most likely will continue to change from agricultural use to commercial uses if expansion of the Highway Commercial zone is requested and approved in the future. No problems have arisen from planned development. 10 C. Current Plans, Policies and Regulations The following is a list of Edenton's current plans, policies and regulations that have significant implications for land use: ' 1. Transportation Plan The Edenton Thoroughfare Plan was prepared in 1980 with a plan update by the Department of Transportation now being ' prepared. The 1980 plan addressed existing land use, population and traffic. The plan also reviewed existing streets, deficiencies and traffic operation problems and ' made recommendations on thoroughfare improvements. The updated plan scheduled for completion in 1992 will address many of the same items, with recommendations on ' improvement needs and priorities. 2. Community Facilities Plan ' The Community Facilities Plan for Edenton was completed in 1976. As discussed in the 1986 Land Use Plan, this 1976 document identified needs such as upgrading electric lines and substation capacity, a new recreation center, public ' beach, new tennis courts, and athletic field. The recreation center, athletic field, tennis courts and Queen Anne Park have been completed since 1976. Because ' this plan is over fourteen years old, it needs to be updated to reflect current needs for Edenton with related cost estimates and priority goals for implementation. There are currently no public beaches or public boat access points in Edenton. 3. Utility Extension Policy Article XV of the Edenton Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) adopted on November 14, 1989, addresses both water and sewer extension policy. Section 236 requires that ' water, sewer, electrical power, telephone or cable television lines installed and to be maintained by a public utility shall provide a dedicated easement which is ' sufficient to extend utilities to serve adjacent or nearby developments. It also requires that utility easement rights transferred to the Town of Edenton shall include provisions for the optional use of hiking, bicycling, and' ' pedestrian activities within the easement. Sections 237 and 278 require that property within 200 feet of an existing Town water and sewer line must connect to that ' line if topography will permit and it is legally possible. When a subdivision is within the Town limits, the subdivider is required to connect to the Edenton sewer ' system. 4. Open Space and Recreation Policy ' Article XIII of the Edenton Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) addresses Recreational Facilities and Open Space. ' 11 ' Section 196 of the ordinance requires the provision of miniparks in new subdivisions based on the number of persons expected to reside in the development. Minipark t size shall range from a minimum of 2,000 square feet to not more than 30,000 square feet. Section 198 provides that subdivisions of less than 25 dwelling units are t exempt from the ordinance. Section 200 of the ordinance requires dedication of open space if any portion of any lot proposed for residential development lies within an area designated on -the officially adopted Recreation ' Master Plan as a neighborhood park or part of a greenway system or bikeway system. Specific details of this open space and recreation policy can be found on pages 115 to ' 119 of the UDO. During initial public information meetings to discuss the Land Use Plan Update, the provision of greenways and open space was a major point of ' discussion. For that reason, we have included the Town's policy on recreation and open space in the Appendix of this Plan. 5. Prior Land Use Plan and Policies tEdenton's first Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) Land Use Plan was prepared in 1976. Since that time, the plan ' has been updated on two previous occasions, 1981 and 1986, as required by CAMA guidelines. A review of the 1981 plan reflects four major, issues at that time which were as follows: 1) development along U.S. 17 bypass; ' 2) waterfront and downtown development; 3) airport development; and ' 4) vacation/second home vs. permanent home site development. ' Other issues addressed in the 1981 plan included resource protection, resource production and management, and economic and community development issues. ' The 1986 CAMA plan reviewed the status of implementation of the four special issues addressed in the 1981 plan. It also addressed implementation of policy on other issues ' such as resource protection, resource production and economic and community development. ' 6. National Flood Insurance Program . The Town of Edenton is covered by the National Flood Insurance Program. Flood Insurance Rate Maps numbers ' 370062-1 through 6 dated July 3, 1985, are used to cover the Edenton Town Limits and Extraterritorial Planning Jurisdiction. Article XVI of the UDO addresses flood 1 ' 12 ' hazard areas, drainage and storm water management. 7. Zoning The Edenton Zoning Ordinance has been incorporated into the Unified Development Ordinance of Edenton adopted ' November 14, 1989. Zoning is addressed in Article IV, pages 29 through 44, and Article IX, pages 72 through 114, of the UDO. ' 8. Subdivision Regulations The Edenton Subdivision Regulations have been incorporated ' into the Unified Development Ordinance of Edenton adopted November 14, 1989. Article IV, Part II, addresses major and minor subdivisions and is found on pages 45 through 50 of the UDO. All major subdivisions of land are authorized by a conditional use permit. 9. Floodway ' Floodways for Edenton are defined in Article XVI of the UDO as the channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the crater surface elevation more than one foot. Floodways are located within areas of special flood hazard. Areas ' of special flood hazard as defined under Section 251 (3) of the UDO are the lands in the floodplain within a community subject to a one percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year. As used in Article XVI of the ' UDO, the term refers to that area designated as subject to flood from the one hundred year flood on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps prepared by the Federal Emergency ' Management Agency and dated July 3, 1985 (#370062). This area shall comprise the flood hazard overlay district established in Section 140 of the UDO. ' 10. Building Code The Town of Edenton utilizes the North Carolina State ' Building Code. 11. Septic Tanks ' Article XV of the Unified Development Ordinance of Edenton, Section 238, requires that all subdivisions inside the town limits connect to the Edenton sewer ' system. This section also indicates that every principal use and every lot within a subdivision must be served by a sewage disposal system that is adequate to accommodate the ' 13 reasonable needs of such use or subdivision lot and that complies with all applicable health regulations. Septic tanks and package treatment plants are not allowed inside the Town limits unless grandfathered. 12. Historic District ' The Edenton Historic District is located in the Central Business District and some of the adjacent residential ' areas as shown on the Town's official zoning map. The Edenton Historic District Commission is made up of six members appointed by the Edenton Town Council for four-year terms. Powers and duties of the Edenton Historic District Commission include reviewing applications for Certificates of Appropriateness for constructing, altering or demolishing buildings or structures within the designated Historic District. Additional details concerning the appointment, duties and designation of the Historic District Commission can be found on pages 25 through 28 of the UDO. 13. Nuisance Ordinance ' On February 13, 1990, the Edenton Town Council adopted an ordinance providing for the removal and disposition of abandoned, nuisance and junked motor vehicles. A copy of the ordinance is available from the Edenton Building ' Inspector. On December 11, 1990, a Noise Ordinance was adopted as ' part of the Town Code, Chapter 16, Section 17, making it unlawful to create or assist in creating any unreasonably loud, disturbing and unnecessary noise in the Town. On July 10, 1990, the Code of Ordinances for the Town of Edenton was amended to address the need for removal of weeds from property inside the Town. 14. Dune Protection Dune protection is not applicable in Edenton; therefore, no ordinance or regulation is available. 15. Sedimentation Ordinance Article XVI, Part II, of the UDO addressed drainage and erosion control. Section 266 (c) requires that all developments maintain a 25-foot vegetated buffer along each side of a stream or natural drainageway. The ' vegetated buffer is to remain undisturbed except to accommodate roads, utilities, pedestrian paths and their 1 14 ' easements and approved water -dependent uses such as marinas, docks, piers, boat ramps and bridges and as allowed by the Coastal Area Management Act or Corps of ' Engineers permit program as applicable. Erosion control plans are reviewed by State staff for compliance with State erosion control standards. ' 16. Impact Ordinance Environmental The Town of Edenton does not have an Environmental Impact ' Ordinance and is not considering adoption of such an ordinance. t17. Code and Regulations The Code of Ordinances for Edenton includes the function and responsibility of the Mayor and Board of Councilmen, ' Police Department, Fire Department and Finance and Taxation. The Code also includes the following provisions: Administration Fire Protection Planning Board Flood Damage Airport Advisory Board Traffic Animals Parks and Recreation Buildings Solid Waste Cemeteries Streets and Sidewalks ' Emergencies Utilities The Town of Edenton also has a Unified Development Ordinance dated November 14, 1989, which includes general provisions, Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, Town Council, Historic District Commission, Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance. Plans 18. Storm Water Management Section 265 of the Unified Development Ordinance approved November 14, 1989, found on pages 155 and 156, addresses storm water management requirements in Edenton. 19. Mobile Home Park Ordinance Class A manufactured homes are permitted in the RA, R-20, R-14, R-10, R-5, CD, CN and MA zones, with a zoning permit ' from the Zoning Administrator. Class B manufactured homes are allowed in the same" zones with the exception of MA, following the same permit procedure as Class A ' manufactured homes. A draft ordinance would add Section 131 Non -Conforming Mfg. Homes (Class C) and Mfg. Home Parks to the Town Ordinance. This ordinance has added skirting requirements in the R-20 Zone. 1 15 20. Group Housing or PUD Ordinance Group housing or multi -family housing is allowed in Edenton under the Town's Zoning Ordinance. Such development is allowed in the R-14, R-10, R-5, CN and OS zone by permit or as a conditional use. Apartments accessory to a commercial use are allowed in the CD, CH, CN and MA zones with a zoning permit and in the OS zone with a conditional use permit by the Town Council. PUD's or Planned Residential Developments are allowed in the R-20, R-14, R-10, R-5 and CN zones under a conditional use permit by the Town Council. 16 D. Constraints: Land Suitability The following is an analysis of the suitability of undeveloped land for future development. 1. Physical Limitations for Development a. Man -Made Hazard Areas Including Airports, Tank Farms, Nuclear Power Plants or Explosive Storage Areas Some man-made areas can be hazardous or undesirable for other future development. Edenton does not have any nuclear power plants, explosive storage areas or large-scale tank farms; however, there is a large oil storage area on the downtown waterfront in a predominantly residential area. The Edenton Municipal Airport is a man-made hazard area due to the potential for crash hazards and the adverse impact of noise from airplanes on the surounding area. In an effort to better control development adjacent to the airport, the Town of Edenton annexed the area and established zoning to control height of structures on adjacent land. ' b. Natural Hazard Areas Including Ocean Erodible Areas, Flood Hazard Areas ' Edenton does not have any Ocean Erodible Areas; however, a substantial portion of Edenton's land area is subject to flooding. The Edenton Unified ' Development Ordinance addresses development restriction in the Floodway and Flood Hazard Area as shown on the official Flood Insurance Maps. Continued enforcement of restrictions on development in these ' two areas should eliminate future problems with this natural hazard. ' c. Areas with Soil Limitations Including Non -Compacting Soils, Shallow Soils, Poorly Drained Soils and Soils Not Suitable for Septic Tanks ' The Edenton town limits and extraterritorial planning area consist of the following soil types. Each soil type has general characteristics which are outlined ' below: 1) Altavista Series (AaA) ' The Altavista series consists of moderately well drained soils that formed in loamy marine and fluvial sediments. Slopes range from 0 to 2 ' percent. The Altavista soils have loamy horizons 35 to 70 inches thick. This soil is suited for recreational uses and sites for dwellings without ' basements due to wetness. 17 E L 2) Augusta Series (At and Au) The Augusta series consists of somewhat poorly drained soils that formed in loamy marine and fluvial sediments. Slopes range from 0 to 2 percent. The Augusta soils have loamy horizons 40 to 70 inches thick. This soil is poorly suited for most urban and recreational uses due to wetness. 3) Chowan Series (Co) The Chowan series consists of very poorly drained soils that have surface mineral horizons over highly decomposed organic material. The soils are on flood plains along streams. Slopes range from 0 to 2 percent. The Chowan soils have mineral horizons 16 to 40 inches thick. The underlying organic horizon ranges to a depth of 80 inches or more. This soil is poorly suited for urban and recreational uses because of hazard of frequent flooding. 4) Conetoe Series (CtB) The Conetoe series consists of well drained soils that formed in loamy fluvial and marine sediments. Slopes range from 0 to 5 percent. The Conetoe soils have loamy Bt horizons 20 to 40 inches thick. This soil is well suited for most urban uses. 5) Dogue Series (DgA and DgB) The Dogue series consists of moderately well drained soils that formed in clayey fluvial and marine sediments. Slopes range from 0 to 6 percent. The Dogue soils have clayey Bt horizons 30 to 50 inches thick. This soil is poorly suited for urban uses because of wetness, but is suited for recreation. 6) Dorovan Series (Do) The Dorovan series consists of very poorly drained organic soils. The organic layers are more than 51 inches thick over unconsolidated fluvial sediment. Slopes are less than 1 percent. The organic materials are 51 to more than 80 inches thick. This soil is poorly suited for urban and recreational use due to frequent flooding. 7) Roanoke Series (Ro) 18 ' The Roanoke series consists of poorly drained soils that formed in clayey fluvial and marine sediments. Slopes range from 0 to 2 percent. The Roanoke soils have clayey Bt horizons 20 to 45 inches thick. This soil is poorly suited for most urban and recreational uses due to wetness and the hazard of flooding. 8) State Series (StA, StB and SuA) ' The State Series consists of well drained soils that formed in loamy marine and fluvial sediments. Slopes range from 0 to 6 percent. The State soils_ have loamy horizons that are 40 to 50 inches thick. This soil is well suited for most urban and recreational uses. t9) Tomotley Series (To) The Tomotley series consists of poorly drained ' soils that formed in loamy fluvial and marine sediments. Slopes range from 0 to 2 percent. The Tomotley soils have loamy horizons 40 to 60 inches thick. This soil is poorly suited for most urban ' uses because of flooding hazard and poorly suited for most recreational uses due to wetness. t10) Urban (Ur) The Urban series consists of soils in the ' developed portions of Edenton. 11) Wando Series (WnB) The Wando series consists of excessively drained soils that formed in sandy marine and fluvial sediments. Slopes range from 0 to 5 percent. The Wando soils have sandy horizons 80 inches or more t thick. This soil is suitable for most urban and recreational uses. ' (Source: 1986 Soil Survey of Chowan County) The Coastal Area Management guidelines require that communities look at soils in relation to limitations ' on future development. In addition to this requirement, the initial public information meeting revealed a strong desire on the part of those present ' to establish a greenway system in_or around Edenton with a long-range vision to retain existing green space for future generations. To accomplish both CAMA requirements and local open space goals, considerably ' more detailed information is being included in the 1991 Land Use Plan Update on soils than was provided ' in the 1986 plan. 1 ,9 To evaluate the general suitability of soils for buildings, sanitary facilities (septic tanks), ' recreational development, greenway use and wildlife habitat, we have used information from the 1986 Detail Soils Report (see charts in Appendix). 1 Based on the Soils Report definitions, all of the soils in Edenton have severe limitations for shallow excavation due to wetness, cutbanks caving or excess ' humus. Dwellings and small commercial buildings have moderate ' limitations on the Altavista and Dogue soils, with slight limitations applying to the Conetoe and State soil types. All other Edenton soils have severe limitations for supporting residential and commercial ' structures due primarily to wetness of soils or flooding. Soils that can support local roads and streets with ' slight limitations include the Conetoe and Wando soil types. Soils with moderate limitations include the Altavista, Augusta and State. All remaining soil ' types for Edenton have severe limitations for supporting local roads and streets. ' The Conetoe soil is the only soil type in Edenton with slight limitations for septic tank use. The State soil type has moderate limitations, and all other Edenton soils have severe limitations for septic tank ' use due primarily to wetness from a high water table. All Edenton soils have severe limitations for sewage lagoons due primarily to wetness. All of the soils adjacent to Edenton's rivers and tributaries have severe limitations for paths and trails. For example, the Dorovan and Chowan soils are ' found adjacent to all rivers and tributaries with severe limitations due to wetness and ponding of water. These areas are the same areas that are ' heavily wooded with a mix of hardwoods and some pines, making them generally aesthetically ideal for pedestrian paths and trails. On closer inspection of the Recreation Development Soils Table and Soils Map, ' it is apparent that some of the soils with only slight limitations for paths and trails, camp areas, picnic areas and playgrounds are located directly adjacent to the Dorovan (Do) and Chowan (Co) soils. Based on this fact, and with closer analysis than can be accomplished in the Land Use Plan Update, it may be possible to develop a greenway system to preserve this ' natural wooded habitat by utilizing the upper reaches or outer edge of the wet soils with an occasional 1 ' 20 ' introduction of raised boardwalk areas through some of the wetter environments in compliance with all CAMA ' and Corps of Engineers requirements and permits as applicable. The Detail Soils report referred to above is available at the Soil Conservation Service office. Soils affect the kind and amount of vegetation that is available to wildlife as food and cover. The kind and abundance of wildlife depend largely on the amount and distribution of food, cover and water. Wildlife ' habitat can be created or improved by planting appropriate vegetation, by maintaining the existing plant cover, or by promoting the natural establishment tof desirable plants. Chowan County contains an abundance of excellent wildlife and fisheries habitat. That habitat is an ' excellent mix of agricultural land, woodland, stream courses, and riparian wetlands. Wildlife species reflect this habitat diversity with an abundance of ' deer, rabbits, squirrels, quail, doves, ducks and geese throughout the area. Important soils on uplands for wildlife habitat in the Edenton area are the Altavista, Augusta, Conetoe, Dogue, and State soils. Agricultural production on these soils is good. The primary crops are soybeans, ' cotton, peanuts and corn. Such wildlife as quail, rabbits and doves readily adapt to this land use if all their habitat requirements are present. Also, deer have readily adapted to these agricultural land ' uses, and their populations in the farmed areas are moderate to high where farmland is interspersed with woodland. An abundance of "edge" also favors most ' resident wildlife species. Wetlands in Chowan County are primarily wooded swamps. The dominant trees in the wooded swamps are the ' bald cypress, water tupelo, gum, swamp blackgum and willow oak. The Chowan and Dorovan soils are in the wooded swamp areas. Establishing a greenway system with natural trails and jogging and bike trails along Edenton's wooded tributaries would help preserve a major part of ' Edenton's charm, open a new opportunity for passive recreation, and add an additional amenity to be enjoyed by visitors to the community. It would also provide educational ' opportunities in getting a closer look at both upland and wetland habitat. Preserving this existing natural buffer along the Town's tributaries would also allow it to continue to serve as a natural filtering system ' for urban and agricultural runoff from adjacent upland uses, protecting the water quality for existing and future fish habitat. Good wetland and upland habitat ' 21 ' is found in the Dorovan, Chowan and State soil types which are all located along Edenton's wooded ' tributaries. d. Slopes Exceeding 12% ' Excessive slopes are defined as those areas with predominant slopes exceeding 12%. Much of Edenton's jurisdiction is flat with no areas exceeding 12% ' slopes. e. Water Supply Including Groundwater Recharge Areas, Public Water Supply Watershed and Wellfields ' Chowan County and Edenton are underlain by sedimentary deposits which range from 1,500 to 3,000 feet in thickness. However, only the uppermost beds contain ' freshwater. The depth to saltwater ranges from 400 feet in the northwestern corner of Chowan County to 100 feet in the vicinity of the sound and estuaries. ' The freshwater part of the upper sandy aquifer _ consists of sands, clays and shells. Where the depth to saltwater is greater, the aquifer can yield several hundred gallons per minute of fresh water. In the immediate vicinity of the Albemarle Sound, yields are less than 50 gallons per minute. This water source tends to be hard and contains excessive iron. 1 Edenton is drained into the Albemarle Sound by Queen Anne Creek and Pembroke Creek, and both areas serve as recharge areas. Establishment of a greenway system as ' discussed earlier would help protect this recharge area. ' The Edenton water system consists of 2 elevated water tanks with a total storage capacity of 800,000 gallons. The water treatment plant has a treatment capacity of 1,200,000 gpd. The Town's 3 wells can pump 600 gpm for treatment. Well sites are located in the following areas: 1) Freemason Plant ' 2) Old Hospital Site 3) Beaver Hill Site ' 4) Beaver Hill Well #2 with on -site treatment (future site) ' 5) Virginia Road with treatment at Freemason Plant (future site) t 22 2. Fragile Areas Fragile areas include water and land areas which are sensitive to development. The Coastal Area Management Act requires that each coastal community identify fragile areas and then consider how future development might impact on these areas when considering land use issues and policies. Some areas discussed below will be applicable ' to Edenton and some will not. a. Coastal Wetlands ' Coastal Wetlands are defined as any salt marsh or other marsh subject to regular or occasional flooding by tides, including wind tides (whether or not the tide waters reach the marshland areas through natural ' or artificial watercourses), provided this shall not include hurricane or tropical storm tides. Coastal Wetlands contain marsh plant species found in NCAC 07H .0205. Coastal Wetlands in Edenton are found in Edenton Bay, Pembroke Creek and'Queen Anne Creek. b. Sand Dunes Along the Outer Banks Sand Dunes are not applicable to Edenton. ' c. Ocean Beach and Shorelines Ocean Beach and Shorelines are not applicable to ' Edenton. d. Estuarine Waters and Estuarine Shorelines ' Estuarine waters in Edenton include Edenton Bay, Pembroke Creek and Filberts Creek up to the U.S. 17 Business bridge, and Queen Anne Creek. ' Estuarine waters transport nutrients.and plankton, control salinity, and cleanse the estuarine system of pollutants. They support a multitude of productive t habitats, such as mud flats, submerged vegetation beds, shellfish beds, and spawning areas. The estuarine waters also support boating, swimming, ' hunting, fishing and other human activities. Estuarine shorelines have a direct effect on the quality of adjacent estuarine waters and habitats. As ' the dynamic meeting point of the land and water, they are also subject to damage from flooding and erosion. They provide a buffer between development and the ' estuarine waters -- a buffer that can keep sediments 23 and pollutants from contaminating estuarine habitats and protect development from erosion. ' The Coastal Resources Commission has adopted use standards for development along estuarine shorelines. These standards apply within a 75 foot zone as measured from the mean high water line. They are designed to minimize the effects of development on the natural functions of the estuarine system and recognize the dynamic and hazardous nature of the ' shoreline itself. Any project along the estuarine shoreline which would include Edenton Bay requires a CAMA permit meeting CAMA standards. e. Public Trust Waters Public trust AEC's cover waters and submerged lands in ' the coastal region where the public has rights of use and/or ownership, including rights of navigation and recreation. These areas support valuable commercial and recreational fisheries and are important resources for economic development. The following lands and waters are public trust areas: ' all waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the lands thereunder from the mean high water mark to the seaward limit of state jurisdiction; . all natural bodies of water, and all lands thereunder, to the mean high water mark; . all navigable natural bodies of water, and all lands thereunder, except privately -owned lakes to which the public has no right of access; . all water in artificially -created bodies of water containing significant public fishing resources or other public resources which are accessible to the ' public by navigation from bodies of water in which the public has rights of navigation; and ' all waters in artificially -created bodies of water which the public has acquired rights by prescription, custom, usage, dedication, or any other means. Public trust waters for Edenton include all navigable waters of Edenton Bay, Queen Anne Creek, Pembroke ' Creek, Pollock Swamp and Filberts Creek and are subject to CAMA standards, and development within these waters requires a CAMA permit or exemption. I - 24 If. Coastal Complex Natural Areas ' Coastal complex natural areas are defined as lands that support native plant and animal communities and provide habitat qualities which have remained essentially unchanged by human activity. Such areas may be either significant components of coastal systems or especially notable habitat areas of scientific, educational or aesthetic value. They may ' be surrounded by landscape that has been modified but does not drastically alter conditions within the natural areas. Coastal complex areas are significant in that they function as a key biological component of natural systems and provide habitat suitable for ' threatened or endangered species or support plant or animal communities representative of pre -settlement conditions. Coastal complex natural areas may be ' designated as an Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC) by the Coastal Resources Commission. Reedy Point Swamp, which is discussed in more detail in Section p, Page 26, is considered a Coastal Complex Natural Area. g. Areas That Sustain Remnant Species ' Not applicable in. Edenton. h. Areas Containing Unique Geologic Formations ' Not applicable in Edenton. i. Registered Natural Landmarks Not applicable in Edenton. ' j. Wooded Swamps As discussed in the Soils section of the Land Use Plan, wooded swamps are present along portions of Queen Anne Creek and Pembroke Creek. These areas provide excellent habitat for wildlife. 1 k. Prime Wildlife Habitat Not applicable in Edenton except as noted in j. above. 1. Scenic and Prominent High Points There are no known scenic or prominent high points of State or national interest. m. Archeologic and Historic Sites The North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, Division of Archives and History, has identified six 25 II archeologic sites in Edenton; however, their specific locations are not to be published in a public document pursuant to G.S. 70-18. Based on the Division's experience in Edenton, they.feel that a great many additional archeological sites exist which have not been recorded, making continued consultation on a project -by -project basis important to protect any as of yet undiscovered sites. Edenton contains a Historic District study list. (See List in Appendix.) well-known National Register plus additional sites on the State National Register and State Study Edenton is currently being surveyed for architectural resources in addition to what is already known by Thomas Butchko who conducted an earlier architectural resource survey for Edenton. n. Maritime Forests and 404 Wetlands There are no known maritime forests within the Edenton town limits or extraterritorial planning jurisdiction. 404 Wetlands are discussed under Section o below. o. Land Identified Through the U. S. Fish and Wildlife National Wetlands Inventory The U. S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, has prepared two maps dated.1990 which reflect wetlands primarily along Pembroke Creek, Queen Anne Creek, and Filberts Creek in Edenton. Wetlands identified on the two maps are based on vegetation, visible hydrology, and geography using aerial photographs. The maps are useful in identifying areas where Corps of Engineers 404 Wetland permits may be required for any proposed development or agricultural activities. However, the maps do indicate that a site specific investigation be made to verify the information shown. p. Areas Identified Through The Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources' Natural Heritage Program ' Reedy Point Swamp is located in the extreme southwestern section of Chowan County along the Chowan River and extending east to Edenton and north to the vicinity of S.R. 1205. U.S. 17 bisects the natural ' area which covers approximately 1,850 acres. The natural area is one of the larger intact swamp forests in the Natural Heritage Program study area, covering ' approximately three square miles along six miles of riverfront. The swamp contains a rather unusual 26 Q abundance of pocosin features in the floodplain of the Chowan River, with pond pine (Pinus serotina) abundant, and the Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) formerly so. A small portion of the Chowan Sand Ridge lies along the eastern edge of the floodplain, and there are many elements of sandhills vegetation present. This area is privately owned with several owners with no protection. The North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources, Natural Heritage Program, recommends in their report that this natural area be protected from logging, especially the upland portions, most of which have already had the longleaf pines removed. Some of the swamp, as well as the uplands, should be burned on a regular basis, such as every five to 10 years, in order to restore a sample of the original vegetation before the fire -suppression era came into being a few decades ago. Much of the swamp should remain unburned. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission might be the lead agency and seek acquisition as a Game Land. If local citizens and officials were interested in ensuring future protection of this natural area, a request to the Wildlife Resources Commission might encourage action to purchase and protect this area. Areas with Resource Potential a. Productive and Unique Agricultural Lands Based on information from the Soil Conservation Service office, the following soils represent the prime farmland soils found in Edenton. . AaA, Altavista - Fine sandy loam, 0-2% slope . At*, Augusta - Fine sandy loam, 1-4% slope . BoA, Bojac - Loamy fine sand, 0-3% slope . DgA, Dogue - Fine sandy loam, 0-2% slope DgB, Dogue - Fine sandy loam, 2-6% slope MuA*, Munden - Loamy fine sand, 0-2% slope StA, State - Fine sandy loam, 0-2% slope StB, State - Fine sandy loam, 2-6% slope . YeA, Yeopim - Loam, 0-2% slope YeB, Yeopim - Loam, 2-6% slope -`Prime farmland soils with some hydric soils. b. Potentially Valuable Mineral Sites Based on information from the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources, Edenton does not contain any known valuable mineral sites. 27 c. Publicly Owned Forests t Edenton does not contain any Publicly Owned Forests. d. Parks ' There are no state or federally owned park sites in Edenton. The Town has developed Queen Anne Park and Waterfront Park land adjacent to the Town Hall and ' Filberts Creek Park at Filberts Creek. e. Fish and Game Lands ' The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has a 30-acre game land site on the northern side of U.S. 17 and on the western side of the Pembroke Creek Bridge ' .at U.S. 17. Primary game species include raccoon and waterfowl. (See Game Land Map in Appendix for location.) ' Edenton Bay and its tributaries function as spawning and nursery areas for blueback herring and alewife. Other anadromous species such as American shad, hickory shad and striped bass also utilize the areas ' as a nursery based on information from the N. C. Division of Marine Fisheries. The above -mentioned species are included in the "Threatened and Endangered ' Species Profiles of North Carolina" under Category 3 (Vulnerable) which was prepared by the North Carolina State Museum. White perch, yellow perch, catfish, spot, croaker, blue crabs and other commercially and t recreationally important species also utilize these water systems as nursery areas. ' The Division of Marine Fisheries does not have any designated primary or secondary nursery areas in Edenton's jurisdiction. However, the State is in the process of developing anadromous spawning and nursery ' areas and critical habitat designations for areas throughout the State. ' f. Non -Intensive Outdoor Recreation Lands The 30-acre Chowan Game Land discussed above is the only known non -intensive outdoor recreation land in ' Edenton. g. Privately -Owned Wildlife Sanctuaries ' There are no known privately -owned wildlife sanctuaries in Edenton. ' h. Prime Farm Land (Consistent with Governor's Executive Order Number 96) 28 t Based on the County detail soil survey the prime farmland soils are located adjacent to portions of the upper reach of Queen Anne Creek, the west side of portions of Filberts Creek and portions of Pembroke Creek. 29 E. Constraints: Carrying Capacity Analysis ' To adequately accommodate future growth, an analysis of existing community facilities must be made. This brief analysis will identify areas, if any, where facility expansion may be needed during the five- to ten-year planning period to ' accommodate future growth; or it may show that existing facilities are adequate during the planning period. 1. Existing Water and Sewer Service Areas, Including Private ' Systems As indicated in the 1986 Land Use Plan, nearly all of ' Edenton inside the corporate limits is served by the water system. The Town's water system is also connected to the Chowan County water system and can either provide or receive water. The system is served by three wells located at the Freemason Plant, Old Hospital at Virginia Road and north ' of Beaver Hill Cemetery. The three wells can pump up to 1,296,000 gpd, with a peak demand of 700,000 gpd leaving excess pumping capacity. Each well has a pumping capacity of 600 gpm or 36,000 gph (12 hour day). The Town ' currently has two elevated storage tanks with a total storage capacity of 800,000 gallons (Park Avenue 300,000; Twiddy Avenue 500,000). ' The sewage treatment facility has a treatment capacity of 1,000,000 gallons per day with a current utilization of 600,000 gpd, which leaves adequate excess capacity for ' anticipated development during the planning period. Like the water system, most of the developed area inside the Town's corporate limits is served by the system. Excess capacity can easily accommodate the projected 3% to 8% ' growth through 2000. 2. Design Capacity of Existing Water Treatment Plant tThe water treatment capacity for Edenton is 1,200,000 gpd. As discussed in Section 1, the three existing wells have a ' pumping capacity of 36,000 gph each plus the availability of County water in the event of a water emergency in Edenton. ' 3. Design Capacity of Existing Sewage Treatment Plant The sewage treatment plant has a design capacity to treat ' 1,000,000 gallons of water per day. The Town uses a lagoon system for treatment. 4. Schools ' Edenton is served by three school facilities as shown in 30 ' Exhibit 6 below. Chowan Middle School is a new school facility that will accommodate grades 6, 7 and 8 effective ' in 1991-92. Exhibit 6 ' SCHOOLS School Design Capacity Number of Students ' D. F. Walker 975 800 ' John A. Holmes High School, 725 700 Chowan Middle t School 625 590 ' D. F. Walker has recently added an Exceptional Children Facility and is presently serving 20 handicapped students. This facility and Chowan Middle School have been added to ' the school system through passage of the 1988 bond issue for schools which passed with over an 85% approval rate. ' 5. Landfill The Town of Edenton utilizes the Tri-County Landfill located in Perquimans County. Based on information from ' the Landfill director, the current landfill has approximately four years remaining with a one-year extension permit giving it a five-year life. The landfill is using vertical expansion over temporarily -capped ' landfill areas, meaning that the landfill is completely filled and capped with 12" of soil and they are now filling on top to create a "Mount Trashmore" like Virginia ' Beach. Additional one-year extension permits may be granted, which would allow continued vertical expansion over old capped landfill areas. ' The Albemarle Regional Planning District Commission (ARPDC) is presently working with a Raleigh consultant and the Tri-County Landfill to study the 10-county waste stream to determine the best waste management system to ' use in the future. Whatever final decision is made to meet the long-term landfill requirements, Edenton will continue to meet all State and federal regulations ' pertaining to landfills. 31 Edenton is currently putting into place a recycling ' program. 6 Police ' Based on information from the Police Chief, Edenton currently has 17 full-time officers including the Chief. The department has 11 patrol cars and is currently working to have one patrol car per officer. Seventeen full-time ' officers represents one officer per 309.8 Edenton residents, which is considered adequate. ' 7. Fire The Fire Chief for the Edenton Fire Department has seven paid staff and 18 volunteers. Equipment includes 1966 and ' 1975 Class A pumpers, a 1976 tanker, a 1956 reserve pumper and a 1987 equipment van. There is one fire station in Edenton and one station in the County with 30 volunteers. ' The 25 paid and volunteer Fire Department staff members represent one Fire Department staff person for every 210.7 people in Edenton, which is considered adequate. ' 8. Public Administration The Town's administrative offices are housed in an attractively renovated bank located on Broad Street ' adjacent to the Cupola House. Additional office space is located in the former Town Hall located on Broad Street across from the Barker House. Both of these facilities ' are well maintained and should be adequate during the five- to ten-year planning period. ' 9. Primary Roads and Bridges A Traffic Planner with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, is currently ' working on updating Edenton's Thoroughfare Plan. As part of this update, a determination must be made on current width and number of curb cuts for each section of road ' before final determination on capacity can be made. For general planning purposes in the Land Use Plan, the Department of Transportation has provided the following information: 32 10 11 Closest Raw 24-Hour Location N.C. DOT Station* Traffic, March 1991* US 17 Bypass 1 5,300 US 17 Business 21 3,650 US 17 Bypass 4 4,400 US 17 Business 10 4,150 NC 32 12 5,200 NC 32 8 11,414 'Point along roadway at which traffic count is taken. **Unadjusted traffic count in each direction. The above traffic counts are the most recent at the six locations indicated. The street inventory has not been completed to determine capacities of each road; however, as a ballpark rule -of -thumb, a two-lane (12' lanes) road with very few curb cuts can carry 10,000 to 12,000 vehicles per day at a Level of Service (LOS) D. A two- lane (9' lanes) road with a few curb cuts would likely be able to carry 7,000 to 9,000 vpd at LOS D. Until final inventory and analysis of each major road can be completed, it appears that the six sections of major roads serving Edenton should be adequate during the ten-year planning period with the exception of NC 32 at DOT Station 8 which had a 24-hour traffic count of 11,414 as of March 1991. The completion of the Thoroughfare Plan in late 1991 or early to mid 1992 will provide definitive answers on road and bridge adequacy. Utilization Level of Water Plant, Sewage Plant, Schools, Primary Roads Based on information provided for April, 1991, the water system experiences its peak use during the summer months with a peak use of 700,000 gpd. Low use of water would be in the 500,000 gpd range. With a current storage capacity of 800,000 gallons and access to County water if needed and a pumping capacity of 432,000 gallons per 12-hour day per well, the water system is below capacity. The sewage treatment plant has a 1,000,000 gpd capacity and is currently being utilized at 600,000 gpd, which is well under capacity. Existing schools should be adequate to accommodate projected future growth. 33 The Thoroughfare Plan for Edenton is currently being updated and, when completed, will include recommendations on needed road and bridge improvements. 11. Capacity of Community Facilities to Supply Existing and Future Needs Including Seasonal Population Major community facilities such as the water and sewage ' treatment facilities should be adequate to meet current and future needs including seasonal population. As discussed earlier, Edenton's utilities reach their peak utilization during the summer months which would coincide ' with seasonal population. 1 34 1 F. Estimated Demand ' 1. Population and Economic Estimate for Ten -Year Period The 1986 Land Use Plan (LUP) population projections called for a 1990 population of 5,705 and 5,843 people by 1996. ' This represented a 6.29% population growth rate between 1984 and 1996. The 1990 census for Edenton reflects a population of ' 5,268, which is 437 people below the 1986 LUP projection for 1990. Obviously the community has either not grown as rapidly as originally projected or there may be a need to verify or correct the 1990 census counts. Since the 1990 ' census information is the only current information on population available, we have used this figure to base the year 2000 projections on. Although there has been a slight decrease in population in 1990 from the 1980 census, the previous 10-year period experienced an 8.1% increase in population between 1970 and 1980. Since the 6.29% projected increase between 1984 and 1996 was obviously too large, we have elected to use three population projections for the 10-year period between 1990 ' and the year 2000. As shown in Exhibit 7, tie have reflected a 3.0% growth rate showing slow growth, 6.0% for moderate growth and 8.0% for rapid growth. Using this method, the Town can plan on a population increase of from 158 to 421 people during this 10-year period. This number ' could actually be above or below the projections depending on what action local officials and the business community take in drawing more job opportunities, tourists and ' related new businesses to Edenton during the planning period. If new job opportunities are available or existing manufacturing and service jobs expand, then the population may experience a moderate to rapid growth rate. If new ' jobs and new retirees don't come to Edenton, then only slow growth or no growth can be anticipated. ' Exhibit 7 ' 1990 - 2000 POPULATION PROJECTIONS 6,000 89 (8.0% - Rapid) ' 5,500 •.•• .584 (6.0% - Moderate) 5,357 5,268 -•-1,426 (3.0%) - Slow 5,000 4,956 ' 4,500 ' 4,000 1970 1980 1990 2000 Source: 1970, 1980, 1990 Census 2000 Howard T. Capps and Associates t 2. Seasonal Population ' A report dated February 4, 1991, prepared for the Chowan County Tourism Development Authority looked at current and future tourism impact on the Town of Edenton. The report projected increase in signed -in visitors from the 27,000 in 1989 to 85,000 by 1995-96 due to anticipated effective- ness of a planned advertising campaign. This seasonal population is spread throughout the year, and for that t reason has little impact on local facilities such as water and sewer. However, based on five-year projections, vehicular traffic may increase from a current 75 cars to ' 400 cars at peak times, and a current two busses to 6 busses per day. As this seasonal population increases local officials should monitor water and sewer use as well as parking needs, particularly in the CBD area, to accommodate this anticipated increase in visitors. An ' outlying site with a bus shuttle may be necessary as visitation increases in an effort to reduce the adverse ' impact of additional visitors on downtown Edenton and the historic district. 3. Local Objectives Concerning Growth ' The Edenton Planning Board has recently completed a study and report entitled "Charting a Course for Edenton's ' Economic Betterment.." The report briefly discusses the fact that Edenton has many attributes that make it an attractive area for both natives and newcomers to the community. The report also reflects the fact that Edenton residents wish to enjoy prosperity but not at the expense of the community's historic charm and sensitive environment. The community would like to encourage expansion of job opportunities in manufacturing, tourism ' and retirement development and the report outlines the following recommendations to bring these goals and objectives to fruition: a. Vigorously support the Chamber of Commerce's recently established Industrial Task Force in its efforts to recruit qualified new manufacturing plants into the. ' area. The competition is fierce, and with the current recession, new facility activity now is slow. Edenton/Chowan County has the population to support most manufacturing plants being located today, since ' plants tend to be smaller than in years past. And remember, industrial development is a long term effort. Some of the ways to improve the area's competitive position are: 36 i. Redouble the efforts to upgrade the technical education and skills of the present and future ' workforce to better cope with rapidly developing "factory of the future" technology. Although the area has adequate numbers of people to staff ' smaller plants where industrial skills are not a factor, technically qualified people are hard to come by locally. Everyone wants the clean high technology industries and laboratories, but other industry types are still worth competing for where compatible with local conditions. Some plants may employ mostly secondary wage earners, but the discretionary income they provide to the family unit still may be greater than an alternative in the service sector. ' ii. Promote natural gas service to the area. Many industries will not even look at a location which does not have gas. ' iii. One of the premier local site locations is the land at the airport, but there is no sewer service ' to the are.--. Work toward resolving this problem. Industrial site seekers want to see a property dedicated to their use and having all utilities and roads, "ready to go." ' iv. Have sites available that can be served with electricity by a private company (e.g., North ' Carolina Power). Many plant operators feel more comfortable with the resources of a large organization to assist them with power problems. They also may be leery of the political aspects of a municipally owned system, where some of their ' payments may be used for other than electric costs. In the case of North Carolina Power Company, their professional development organization also could help sell the area. V. Consider a speculative building. The North Carolina Department of Economic and Community ' Development in 1988 reported that a log of their telephone inquiries revealed that 83.7% required an existing building. Investigation may show that ' a multi -purpose shell building could be constructed at a risk cost that is not prohibitive to a non-profit committee or even a private ' developer. vi. Organize a strong welcoming committee, with prominent civic and business leaders available to ' meet with prospects and answer their questions. Enthusiasm and old fashioned Edenton hospitality will go far in convincing prospects that this is 37 the right place. vii. It is important to a manufacturing prospect to ' meet on a confidential basis with his peers, to learn first hand their operating experience in the community. Most local companies are willing to cooperate, but some fear they would be harmed by ' competition for labor. Try to enlist all to help for the greater good of the community; and corollary, ' viii. Encourage establishment of a manufacturers' association, where problems can be worked out, information exchanged and fears allayed. There ' are enough manufacturing plants in the area to make this a reality, and it should benefit all concerned. b. Continue to cooperate with, and to support, local industry. (Manufacturers interviewed give the Town high marks in this area.) Remember, more new jobs ' normally are created by satisfied local operations than are acquired from new employers moving in. ' c. Work toward better development of, and coordination of, recreational and tourist -related activities. i. The boating/yachting field has barely been touched in the western end of Albemarle Sound. Regattas and similar affairs would attract attention to the area, with both short and longer term consequences ' possible. ii. Schedule events in sequence, rather than simultaneously as happens in some cases, making ' them available to greater numbers of spectators. More than one event on say, a weekend, would act as a more powerful magnet for drawing people into ' the area. iii. Place the issue of liquor by the drink on the ' ballot. Restaurant owners feel that the availability of liquor by the drink is important to their financial success and the ability to attract customers. Good restaurants enhance tourism. So at least a referendum would let local ' restauranteurs--and potential future restauranteurs--know where they stand. ' d. Investigate ways to encourage orderly, conservative in -migration of retirees to the area. Such growth need not --and should not --be disruptive to local services capability and living costs. It is a growing ' market increasingly being recognized by communities having amenities such as Edenton. 38 1 e. Continue to pursue efforts for effecting efficiencies in Town/County governments. ' f. Continue to watch for opportunities to take advantage of Edenton's airport facilities. Military overflights are not considered a problem at the airport. g. Continue to work with the North Carolina Department of Economic and Community Development and any other ' development agencies wherever possible, emphasizing Edenton's attributes and efforts at overcoming deficiencies. These organizations frequently are the first contact by a prospective new facility, and while ' such organizations must remain impartial within their area of interest, remember the adage "The squeaking wheel gets the grease." ' 4. Foreseeable Social and Economic Change The desire to encourage retiree in -migration may have a very positive affect on the local economy while possibly putting upward pressure on local housing prices. If marketing efforts are made to expand tourism and new ' manufacturing facilities, these two activities could also have a major impact on the local economy during the 10-year planning period. ' 5. Future Land Needs The population projections for Edenton in the year 2000 ' reflect a range of population increase from 3.0% to a high of 8.0% over the 1990 to 2000 period. Based on 1985 information from the N. C. Department of Administration, Chowan County had 2.78 persons per household. Using this ' figure, Edenton will need to acommodate approximately 57 to 151 new housing units by the year 2000. Using the R-20 zone requirement of approximately 2.0 units ' per acre, Edenton will need approximately 28.5 to 75.5 acres of land area to accommodate this anticipated growth. If all the development takes place in the RA zone (1 unit ' per 5 acres), then a range of from 285 to 755 acres would be needed for future households. Because of the extensive undeveloped land area in Edenton, either of these possible scenarios can be accommodated during the 10-year planning ' period. ' 6. Community Facilities Demand Including Landfill, Roads, Bridges, Water, Sewer and Schools The Tri-County Landfill should be adequate to serve Edenton's needs during the 5-year planning period unless ' the federal law discussed earlier is passed. This would 1 39 make not only the Tri-County Landfill but others in the State inadequate. The Tri-County Landfill.is working with ARPDC to evaluate other waste management alternatives so they can continue to serve the waste management needs of northeastern North Carolina. An annual review of waste management facilities will be requested by local officials from the Waste Management Director. The U.S. 17 By-pass and By-pass bridge should be adequate to meet Edenton's current and future needs. The water and sewer system both have excess capacity and should be adequate to serve Edenton's needs during the planning period. As discussed earlier, if substantial increases in tourism and manufacturing take place during the planning period, local officials will need to monitor these developments and plan and budget for any needed expansion of water and sewer facilities well in advance of any future needs. Because of the recently passed school bond issue and subsequent expansion, the school facilities serving Edenton should be adequate during the 10-year planning period. 40 III. POLICY STATEMMS One of the primary purposes of this Land Use Plan Update is to develop policy statements that will help guide future land use development in Edenton over the next five to ten year planning period. The Coastal Area Management Act guidelines require that policy statements be included that address resource protection, resource production and management, economic and community development, citizen participation and storm hazard mitigation. Prior to establishing land use policy as part of the 1991 Land Use Plan Update, the Edenton Planning Board reviewed the effectiveness of policy in the 1986 Land Use Plan. Based on that review, they determined that the following policy statements were still applicable and did not require revisions in the update and have been included as they appeared in the 1986 Plan: 1. Constraints to Development Including Flood Prone Areas, Soil Suitability and Septic Tank Use 2. Other Hazards and Fragile Land Areas 3. Hurricane and Flood Evacuation Needs 4. Protection of Potable Water Supply 5. Use of Package Treatment Plants 6. Stormwater Runoff 7. Industrial Impact on Fragile Areas 8. Development of Sound and Estuarine System Islands 9. Productive Agricultural Land 10. Commercial Forest Lands 11. Potential Mineral Production Areas 12. Commercial and Recreational Fisheries 13. Off -Road Vehicles 14. Types and Locations of Industries Desired 15. Local Commitment to Providing Services 16. Urban Growth Patterns Desired 17. Redevelopment of Developed Areas Including Relocation of Structures Due to Erosion 18. Commitment to State and Federal Programs 41 ' 19. Channel Maintenance 20. Energy Facility Siting The following items address various land use issues, policy and implementation strategies recently added to the CAMA guidelines or ' needing modification since the 1986 Plan was adopted: A. Resource Protection ' 1. Areas of Environmental Concern and Appropriate Land Use in AEC's ' ISSUE: Public Trust waters include Pembroke Creek, Filberts Creek and Queen Anne Creek. Estuarine waters include Edenton Bay and the estuarine shoreline and are areas of environmental concern that 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. ' POLICY: 1) In addition to monitoring programs by CRC and COE, Edenton will 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. ' IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: 1) Guide the development of AEC's. For example, if soil conditions are poor in one area, guide development to ' another area. Consider revision to the Zoning Ordinance ? to establish a Conservation Zone in areas with hydric soils or 11404" wetlands along Pembroke Creek, Filberts ' Creek and Queen Anne Creek and encourage the development and maintenance of vegetative buffer between development and Public Trust waters. ' 2) Provide assistance to fullest extent possible to federal and State agencies in regard to water quality ' issues. 3) Edenton will permit only those water -dependent uses in Estuarine and Public Trust waters as are allowed under the 1 42 ' CAMA regulations and as allowed under the Corps of Engineers 404 Wetlands program. ' 2. Constraints to Development Including Flood Prone Areas, Soil Suitability and Septic Tank Use ISSUE: The Town of Edenton has in place a detail soils map and a Flood Hazard Boundary Map. The soils map indicates which ' soils are inappropriate for septic tanks and urban uses. The Flood Hazard Map identifies which areas are flood prone, creating the necessity for floodproofing and/or ' elevation requirements. POLICY: ' 1) The Town will permit development which is compatible with existing soils and flood prone areas. ' IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: 1) Insure that land use plan reflects consideration of soil compatibility and flood prone areas. Adopt land use ' controls which properly control development in areas not suitable (poor soils/flood prone areas) within a three- to five-year period. ' 2) Review and revise zoning ordinance, subdivision ordinance, and floodplain management ordinance within a three- to five-year period to establish a Conservation ' Zone along creeks in areas subject to flooding or with hydric soils and establish more stringent requirements for permitted land uses.. ' 3) Zoning Ordinance - Recognize constraints in establishing districts. Increase minimum lot sizes, if necessary within a three- to five-year period. t4) Subdivision Ordinance - Continue to 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. 3. Development Density in Proximity to Designated ORW's ' Edenton's planning jurisdiction does not contain any Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW's); therefore, no policy is needed addressing development density in proximity to ' ORW's. 43 4. Other Hazard or Fragile Land Areas ' ISSUE: Maritime forests. None exist within the planning area; no policy needed. ISSUE: ' Freshwater swamps and marsh are located on the southern and eastern property line of the Cotton Mill property on Queen Anne Creek. In the area south of U.S. 17 Business and west of Filberts Creek, wooded swamp land also exists. ' Although not classified as wet swamps (water does not stand for long period of 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: 1) The Town will enact measures to preserve the wooded ' swamps. The Town of Edenton will continue to support the Corps of Engineers 404 Wetlands program and its effort to protect these environmentally sensitive areas. ' IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: 1) Edenton will discuss with the Wildlife Resources Commission the possible acquisition of Reedy Point Swamp ' as a gameland for control and protection. 2) Encourage local colleges and universities to continue ' study of the environmental significance of wooded swamps. 3) Areas designated as Conservation on the Land Classification Map shall be further.protected locally by ' adopting more stringent land use controls in the Zoning and Subdivision regulations within the next three to five years. ' 5. Hurricane and Flood Evacuation Needs The Town of Edenton is covered by the Chowan County ' Hurricane Evacuation Plan. Specific policies pertaining to Hurricane and Flood Evacuation will be discussed under "Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery and Evacuation Plans." 6. Protection of Potable Water Supply ' ISSUE: 1 44 1 ' 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. ' POLICY: 1) Guide development in manner which minimizes any adverse impact on the Town's water supply and support all State ' development standards adjacent to water supply areas. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: ' 1) Analyze existing land use regulations to determine impact on water supply. ' 2) The Zoning Ordinance will be used to control densities .adjacent to groundwater supply. Any revisions necessary in the Zoning Ordinance will be done during the next two - to three-year period. 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 incompatible uses. This examination will take place during the next two to three ' years. 7. Use of Package Treatment Plants No policy is necessary. Sewer expansion policies will be t discussed under economic and community development policies. ' 8. Stormwater Runoff ISSUE: ' Stormwater runoff from intensive development and 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 occurring inside and 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 1 45 ' area. ' IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: 1) Within the next 24 months, work closely with Chowan County in identifying the potential adverse impact associated with uncontrolled agricultural stormwater ' runoff and then determine if any local ordinances can be put into effect to control runoff. ' 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. 4) During the next 24 months, the Planning Board will review and consider requiring storm water ' retention/detention ponds designed based on a ten-year storm to be included in all future developments adjacent to creeks and bays. 9. Marina and Floating Home Development and Dry Stack ISSUE: Floating homes shall not be permitted in Edenton. A ' floating home or floating structure is any structure, not a boat, supported by a means of flotation, designed to be used without a permanent foundation, which is used or intended for human habitation or commerce. A structure will be considered a floating structure when it is inhabited or used for commercial purposes for more than thirty days in any one location. A boat may be deemed a ' floating structure when its means of propulsion has been removed or rendered inoperative and it contains at least 200 square feet of living area. ' Dry stack facilities shall be permitted in Edenton as a Special Use and in accordance with the Edenton Zoning Ordinance and not to exceed 35 feet in height. ' 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: ' 1) Marinas developed in accordance with the Division of Coastal Management standards and guidelines and Edenton ' Zoning shall be allowed. 46 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: ' 1) Support the Coastal Resources Commission permitting process when reviewing marina proposals. ' 2) Review plans for marinas on a case -by -case basis. 3) Ensure that the location of marinas is consistent with the Town's zoning ordinance. 4) During the next one to two years, review local ordinances for adequacy of parking, ramps, sewage pump out ' and trash disposal requirements. 10. Industrial Impact on Fragile Areas ' ISSUE: Due to the location of existing industrial sites away from fragile environmental areas, Town officials do not believe ' these sites impact on fragile areas. Edenton policy will be to use Section 149C of the Edenton UDO in identification of desired industrial uses to direct future ' industrial development. 11. Development of Sound and Estuarine System Islands ' None exist within the planning area; therefore, no policy is needed. ' 12. Restriction of Development in Areas up to Five Feet Above Mean High Water Edenton policy is to not restrict development in areas up ' to five feet above mean high water if such development meets all Zoning Ordinance, Flood Zone restrictions, CAMA requirements and Building Code requirements. ' 13. Upland Excavation for Marina Basins Edenton policy is to not restrict upland excavation for ' marina basins if such development meets all Zoning requirements and other applicable local, State and federal regulations and all required permits are obtained for such development. Other types of marina facilities are ' permissible if all local, State and federal regulations are met. ' 14. Damaging of Existing Marshes by Bulkhead Installation The Coastal Area Management Act defines a coastal wetland as any marsh subject to regular or occasional flooding by lunar or wind tides and any bulkhead construction adjacent to such areas requires a CAMA permit. Freshwater swamps and island wetlands, however, are protected by the 47 Clean Water Act and a Corps of Engineers permit is required for work in them. Edenton policy shall be to allow bulkhead installation along Edenton's waterfront areas if all necessary local, State and federal permits can be obtained following all applicable regulations in place to protect marsh areas. 48 ' B. Resource Production and Management ' 1. Productive Agriculture Lands ISSUE: Based on soil survey information, most productive ' agriculture soils are located in low areas surrounding creeks. These areas are not prime locations for ' development but the Town does feel a need to protect its agricultural land. POLICY: ' 1) Edenton will review development trends to ensure that growth does not occur in prime agricultural lands. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: 1) Planning Board review of future rezoning requests for higher density land use shall include a review for prime farm land using the County soils report. 2) Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance controls will be ' reflective of the densities desired that are consistent with the character of Edenton. ' 2. Commercial Forest Lands Commercial forest areas do not exist in Edenton. No policy is needed. Production Areas 3. .Potential Mineral There are no existing or potential mineral production ' areas within the planning jurisdiction. No policy is needed. ' 4. Commercial and Recreational Fisheries ISSUE: Public trust and estuarine waters are viewed as important assets to commercial and recreational fishing and should be protected. ' POLICY: 1) Town will 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. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: 49 ' 1) Encourage County officials to take action necessary to reduce non -point sources of pollution (such as 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. The establishment of the greenway buffer discussed in an earlier section would help protect water quality and the fisheries. ' 5. 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. ' 6. Residential, Commercial and Industrial Development The Edenton Zoning Ordinance and Map covering the corporate limits and extraterritorial planning area provides for residential, commercial and industrial development. It shall continue to be the policy of Edenton to direct future growth by use of the Land Use Plan and Town Zoning Ordinance. The greenway and ' Conservation zone discussed in earlier sections will also help protect natural resources. ' 7. Peat and Phosphate Mining There are no know peat or phosphate mining sites inside Edenton's area of planning responsibility; therefore, no policy is needed. 11 1 50 ' C. Economic and Community Development 1. Community Attitude Toward Growth Edenton citizens wish to enjoy future prosperity but not at the expense of the community's historic charm and sensitive environment. Citizens would like to see more ' job opportunities in the community to give the area's young people the opportunity to remain in Edenton to work following their education. Edenton citizens would like to ' see the economic benefits of tourism expanded but planned consciously to maintain and protect the charm of the historic district. Edenton officials and citizens would like to see balanced growth in the industrial and service ' job sector as well as promotion of the area as an excellent retirement community. Citizens have also expressed the desire to see a green belt or greenway ' established to create a natural buffer between future land uses and to serve as a passive recreation area along with a system of public parks to serve current and future ' generations. Edenton policy shall be to continue to work toward a diversified economy that includes industry, tourism, ' improved technical educational opportunities while at the same time protecting the historic charm and environment of Edenton. ' 2. Types and Locations of Industries Desired ISSUE: ' The Town, through development of increased wastewater treatment capacity, will have more alternatives for types and locations of future industry. Industrial development ' not only will create new jobs, but will also increase the .tax base and upgrade the standard of living for all of Edenton's citizens. POLICY: 1) 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 as allowed by the Zoning Ordinance. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: ' 1) Preparing an economic development strategic plan to identify economic development problems and potentials, identify appropriate 'industrial and business development ' strategies and locations and identify potential funding sources was established as a goal during the early planning process and has since been completed. 1 51 1 _ ' 2) Work closely with the Edenton Chamber of Commerce and the N.C. Department of Commerce in promoting the Town as a desirable location for prospective industries. Solicit funding for infrastructure needs or direct financial assistance (CDBG Economic Development Grants, Economic Development Administration). ' 3) Work with Chowan County officials in identifying appropriate industrial locations. ' 4) Continue to enforce existing land use controls in regulating industrial development. ' 3. Local Commitment to Providing Services ISSUE: ' If residential, industrial, commercial or institutional development choose to locate outside of existing service areas, policies for providing services should be adopted. Due to the recent completion of 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. Septic tanks and package treatment plants are allowed in the ETJ area. ' POLICY: 1) The Town adopts a policy to provide crater and sewer services only to areas that petition for voluntary annexation. If there is no petition for annexation, the developer must pay all cost for service installation. ' 4. Urban Growth Patterns Desired ISSUE: ' As discussed previously in "Growth Demand Projections," the Town of Edenton can easily accommodate all projected residential, commercial and industrial growth within the ' planning jurisdiction. POLICY: ' 1) Allow growth to occur in areas based on the Zoning Ordinance. ' IMPLEMENTATION, STRATEGIES: 52 ' 1) The Planning Board 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 Map. 5. Redevelopment of Developed Areas Including Relocation of Structures Due to Erosion ' 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, loss 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: 1) The Town will do all it can to promote the preservation ' of existing neighborhoods and the downtown business district. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: 1) Continue to actively pursue all federal and State grants that can be used to redevelop these older areas. ' 2) Continue active implementation of minimum housing code on an ongoing basis. ' 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 during the next three to five years. ' 5) Continue to use a low interest loan pool to encourage downtown business owners to rehabilitate their establishments. ' 6. Commitment to State and Federal Programs Including Erosion Control, Public Access, Highway Improvements, Port ' Facilities, Dredging and Military Facilities ISSUE: ' State and federal programs play an important part in the Town's development. Programs such as erosion control, 53 1 ' 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. Local cost sharing will be done as required and if financially feasible. 7. Channel Maintenance and Beach Nourishment Projects Including Financial Aid, Providing Spoil Areas or ' Providing Easements ISSUE: It is necessary to maintain the Edenton Bay for ' recreational and commercial purposes. Beach nourishment projects are not applicable. ' POLICY: 1) Town will work with the Corps of Engineers and CAMA office when channel maintenance is required. Assistance on locating adequate dredge spoil areas will also be provided. ' IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: 1) Identify barriers to navigation and call to the . ' attention of the Corps of Engineers. 2) Contact Corps for assistance in waterfront projects. ' 8. Energy Facility Siting 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. 9. Inshore and Offshore Exploration or Development Including Refineries, Storage Offshore exploration and development for gas or oil is not applicable to Edenton because of the community's ' geographic location; however, inshore development such as refineries and storage facilities might apply to Edenton in the future. Because Edenton's citizens wish to ' maintain the community's historic charm and attractive environment, local officials will maintain a policy of not permitting either refineries or large gas and/or oil ' storage facilities inside Edenton's corporate limits or extraterritorial planning area. 54 ' 10. Tourism ISSUE: Tourism is a relatively pollution -free industry requiring little or no on -going public investment. POLICY: 1) In an effort to take advantage of the Town's unique natural and cultural resources, the Town will promote the tourism industry while protecting the historic charm of Edenton. IMPLEMENTATION 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) Continue to implement the Tourism Development Plan of the Tourism Development Authority. Fund raising for marketing efforts will be done on an ongoing basis. Printing a brochure and establishing seasonal events and ' promotions will also be implemented. 3) Solicit all available sources of State and federal funds to assist in promotion of tourism. 11. Coastal and Estuarine Water 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 adjoin the water's edge will 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: 1) The Town of Edenton will work to provide as much waterfront access as financially feasible and will encourage the development of public access beaches, boat docks, etc. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: 1) Continue to implement the downtown development plan. I 2) Seek funding resources for waterfront development (public including CAMA's Public Access Program and ' 55 E private). 3) Prepare a recreation plan that addresses waterfront access within one to two years of Plan adoption. 12. Type, Densities, Location, Units Per Acre of Anticipated Residential Development As shown in the existing population section of the Plan, Edenton's 1990 census showed negative growth since 1980. The Existing Land Use section discussed the fact that only two major subdivisions, Village Creek and Oak Hill, have been developed since the 1986 Land Use Plan was completed. The demand section of the Plan discussed a growth rate of from 3 percent for slow growth to 8 percent for rapid growth during the next ten years, which represents an increase in population of from 158 to 421 people. Because Edenton has a substantial amount of undeveloped land suitable for future development and a relatively slow growth rate anticipated, it shall be Edenton's policy to continue to base type, density, location and units per acre of future residential growth on the Edenton Zoning Ordinance. 13. Recreation During the public participation process and during subsequent meetings with the public and Planning Board, a considerable amount of time has been spent discussing the community's desire to create and maintain a system of public parks with a 25- to 50-year plan and vision. The discussion also included the desire to establish a green belt or greenway to help buffer and manage future growth and to serve as part of the recreation system. Because of the interest shown to accomplish these two goals, Town policy shall be as follows: POLICY: 1) Edenton shall have a policy to establish a system of public parks and greenways as physically and financially feasible along major rivers and tributaries such as Queen Anne Creek, Pembroke Creek and Filberts Creek. Implementation to begin within two to three years if financially feasible. ' IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: 1) The Edenton Planning Board will review the UDO for ' existing regulations that are already in place to protect these tributaries. The Planning Board and staff will make recommendations to the Council on any needed ordinance ' changes necessary to help protect these existing natural areas on an ongoing basis. 56 N 2) Within three to five years, the Edenton Planning Board will review and consider the establishment of a Conservation Zone for the Zoning Ordinance. The Conservation Zone would include the land area within the 100-year flood zone and hydric soil areas reflected in the 1986 soil survey for Chowan County. The purpose of the new Conservation Zone would be to establish appropriate uses for this environmentally sensitive area including all uses permitted by the CAMA program and Corps of Engineers. 3) Within one to two years, Edenton will prepare a comprehensive recreation plan that includes an inventory and analysis of existing recreational facilities and establishes future recreational facilities and greenway needs for a 10-, 25-, and 50-year period based on projected population and federal and State recreational standards. The comprehensive recreation plan will also include an inventory and analysis of existing waterfront access areas and recommendations for future access improvements. 57 ' D. Storm Hazard Mitigation and Post -Disaster Reconstruction Policies with Composite Hazard Map ' The purpose of this section of policies is to address issues and concerns relating to the potentially damaging effects of hurricanes or major coastal storms. Edenton recognizes the potential threat that hurricanes or tropical storms pose to the health and safety of its citizens. Damage from high winds, flooding in low-lying areas, and to some degree, erosion along some sections of Edenton Bay, are some of the ' potential adverse effects which need to be considered. These elements could affect both property and infrastructure. It should be noted that many elements addressed in this ' section are included in the Chowan County Hurricane Evacuation Plan, which was originally adopted in June, 1978, and periodically updated. Additional information on this plan is ' presented later in this section. Beginning below is a brief discussion of how some elements of a major storm event may affect Edenton. ' 1. Effects of a Coastal Storm a. High Winds ' High winds are major determinants of a hurricane. By definition, a hurricane is a tropical disturbance with sustained winds of at least 73 miles per hour. ' Extreme hurricanes can have winds up to 165 miles per hour, with gusts of up to 200 miles per hour. These winds circulate around the eye, or center, of the ' storm, generally, over open water. As the hurricane moves inland, although the friction or impact of the winds striking land causes ' dissipation of the full force, there is still a tremendous amount of energy left. This intensified wind energy causes damage to buildings, overturns mobile homes, fells trees and power lines, and ' destroys crops. Tornadoes can often be spawned by a hurricane's size and power. In the event of a major storm moving as far inland as Edenton, it is likely ' that all of Chowan County would be subject to the same wind velocity. ' b. Flooding Flooding, on the other hand, may not affect all areas of Edenton with equal force. The excessive amounts of ' rainfall and the storm surge which often accompany hurricanes can cause massive coastal and riverine flooding which could result in excessive property ' damage and deaths by drowning. (More deaths are caused by drowning than any other cause in 58 1 hurricanes.) Flooding is particularly a problem in oceanfront coastal areas because of the storm surge in low-lying areas. Edenton, although relatively inland, under intense conditions, could be affected by a storm surge. The Eastern N.C. Hurricane Study indicated that under Level 5 conditions, stillwater storm surge could be as high as 7.4 feet at Edenton. Areas along Filberts Creek, Pembroke Creek, Queen Anne Creek and Edenton Bay are located in the 100-year flood plain. FEMA maps show that the Zone A flood plain extends to land area adjacent to these bodies of water. c. Wave Action Damage from wave action is connected very closely to the storm surge, i.e., wind -driven water with high waves moving to vulnerable shoreline areas. Areas most likely to be affected are ocean erodible areas and estuarine shoreline areas. There are no ocean erodible areas in Edenton, but there are extensive estuarine shoreline areas (75 feet inland from the mean high water mark of estuarine waters). However, wave action damage would have the most significant impact along Edenton Bay. As the Existing Land Use Map shows, there is a significant amount of residential development in or near the estuarine shoreline area. Wave action can cause erosion as well as push possible flood waters to areas not reached by the storm surge itself. d. Erosion The final major consideration in storm hazard mitigation is severe erosion, caused by high winds, high water, and heavy wave action. Again, in Edenton, ' the area most susceptible to storm -related erosion is the estuarine shoreline AEC at Edenton Bay and Pembroke Creek south of Edenton. ' 2. Storm Hazard Mitigation Policies In order to minimize the damage potentially caused by the ' effects of a hurricane or other major storm, Edenton. proposes the following policies: a. High Winds ' Edenton will continue to support and enforce the N.C. State Building Code, particularly requirements of ' construction standards to meet wind -resistive factors such as design wind velocity. Edenton also supports provisions in the State Building Code requiring tie -downs for mobile homes, which help resist wind ' 59 Idamage. ' b. Flooding Edenton is supportive of the hazard mitigation elements of the National Flood Insurance Program as contained in Chowan County's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Edenton also supports continued enforcement of the CAMA and 404 Wetlands development permit processes in areas potentially susceptible to ' flooding. There are also special provisions in the Subdivision Ordinance relative to development densities and setbacks for waterfront development. ' c. Wave Action and Shoreline Erosion ' Edenton supports the CAMA development permit process for estuarine shoreline areas and the requisite development standards which encourage both shoreline stabilization and facilitation of proper drainage. 3. Post -Disaster Reconstruction Plan Edenton recognizes that in the event of a major storm it ' will be very important to have, at a minimum, a general recovery and reconstruction plan. However, it should be noted that Edenton provides a number of emergency ' services, including disaster management in coordination with the County. These services are coordinated by a full-time Emergency Services Coordinator. All of the County's emergency and disaster plans, including those ' dealing with the effects of a hurricane, are maintained by the Emergency Services Coordinator. The County has a comprehensive "Disaster Relief and Assistance Plan," with ' a number of very well detailed subplans, or "Annexes." For example, "Annex F" provides a detailed Damage Assessment Plan, whereas "Annex G" details the Disaster Assistance Center Plan. All of the subplans detail clearly the actions and steps to be taken in the event of an emergency, the officials and responsible personnel involved, as well as the lines of responsibility. All of ' the actions are coordinated with the Town of _Edenton. Although many elements of "Post -Disaster Recovery" are already addressed in existing plans, some useful issues ' are not addressed. This section of the Land Use Plan Update will address these issues. ' a. Appointment of a "Post -Disaster Recovery Team" Prior to a major storm having landfall in the vicinity of Edenton and Chowan County, when evacuation orders ' are issued, the evacuation "Control Group," as identified in the Evacuation Plan, shall appoint a 1 60 ' "Post -Disaster Recovery Team." This team shall consist of all of the members of the Evacuation Plan ' and listed below: 1) Chowan County Manager - Group Chief 2) Town of Edenton City Manager - Assistant Group ' Chief 3) Sheriff 4) Director of Social Services 5) Superintendent of Schools ' 6) County Health Director 7) County Finance Director 8) Chief Warning Service ' 9) County Fire Marshall 10) County Public Information Officer 11) Chief Rescue Service 12) State Highway Patrol Liaison Officer ' 13) Red Cross Liaison Officer The Emergency Preparedness Coordinator will serve as ' the Team Leader and will be responsible to the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners. The base of operations will be the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) identified in the County Evacuation Plan. The ' Disaster Recovery Team will be responsible for the following: ' 1) Establishing an overall restoration schedule. 2) Setting restoration priorities. 3) Determining requirements for outside assistance and requesting such assistance when beyond local ' capabilities. 4) Keeping the appropriate County and State official informed. ' 5) Keeping the public informed. 6) Assembling and maintaining records of actions taken and expenditures and obligations incurred. 7) Recommending to the Chairman of the Board of ' Commissioners to activate the local "state of emergency" ordinance if warranted. 8) Commencing and coordinating cleanups, debris ' removal and utility restoration which would include coordination of restoration activities undertaken by private utility companies. 9) Coordinating repair and restoration of essential ' public facilities and services in accordance with determined priorities. 10) Assisting private businesses and individual ' property owners in obtaining information on the various types.of assistance that might be available to them from federal and State agencies. ' b. Immediate Clean -Up and Debris Removal 1 61 Coordination of this activity will be the responsibility of the Disaster Recovery Team. ' c. Long Term Recovery/Restoration The Disaster Recovery Team will be responsible for ' overseeing the orderly implementation of the reconstruction process after a major storm or hurricane in accordance with the County's policies. t1) Damage Assessments Damage assessments will be necessary to determine ' as quickly as possible a realistic estimate of the amount of damage caused by a hurricane or major storm. Information such as the number of ' structures damaged, the magnitude of damage, and the estimated total dollar loss will need to be developed. As stated previously, Chowan County and Edenton already have a detailed "Damage Assessment Plan," which was prepared in accordance with guidelines provided by the N.C. Division of Emergency ' Management. In the Plan, certain personnel are assigned to the Damage Assessment Sections (DAS), broken down further into two Damage Assessment ' Teams (one for private property and one for public property). The damage assessment activities are to be coordinated by the Chowan County Tax Supervisor, ' who serves as the Damage Assessment Officer. As soon as safety conditions permit, the DAS personnel are to be notified to report to the ' County Emergency Operations Center, where they will receive their assignments and necessary supplies, i.e., standard forms, maps, etc. Written reports are to be provided to the EOC. The damage assessments will continue until all suspect areas are covered, even after the arrival of federal and ' State assistance. Also, the Plan includes a Damage Assessment Guide, which provides a rule -of -thumb for estimating damages to real property and placing the damage in ' one of the four categories below: Minor Damage - Habitable 10% damage ' Impact damage, mostly exterior surface, broken glass, minor roof damage, some shingle loss, or flood water mark not much above floor line. ' Minor Damage - Uninhabitable 30% damage Impact damage to exterior wall or walls create 1 62 openings, portion of roof open to attic, some interior damage, or flood water mark up to 3 feet above floor line. Major Damage - Uninhabitable 70% damage Impact damage is extensive to exterior and interior walls, portions of roof -and/or walls destroyed, or flood water mark 3 to 6 feet above floor line. . Destroyed - Uninhabitable 100% damage Impact damage has destroyed most of structure, roof gone, most walls destroyed, or flood water mark 8 feet above floor line. The total estimated dollar value of damages will be summarized and reported to the Disaster Recovery Team Leader for transmittal to appropriate State and/or federal officials. 2).Reconstruction Development Standards Generally, reconstruction shall be held at least to the same standards as before the storm. However, developed structures which were destroyed and which did not conform to the County's storm hazard mitigation policies, i.e., with basic measures to reduce damage by high winds, flooding, wave action or erosion, must be redeveloped according to those policies. Non -conforming uses in areas subject to the Zoning Ordinance will comply with provisions of the Ordinance. In the event the loss of property containing shoreline structures is substantial enough to prohibit the re -issuing of a septic tank permit, the County will support the relocation of construction, or no reconstruction at all. To the extent feasible, when relocation is required, such relocation will be placed in less hazardous areas. Building permits to restore destroyed or damaged structures, which were built in conformance with the State Building Code and County storm hazard mitigation policies (including the Subdivision Regulations and, where applicable, the Zoning Ordinance), shall be issued automatically. All structures suffering major damage will be repaired according to the State Building Code. All structures suffering minor damage, regardless of location, will be allowed to be rebuilt to the original condition prior to the storm. 3) Development Moratoria Residents shall be allowed to proceed with 63 redevelopment and reconstruction as soon as practical and in accordance with the various levels of State and federal disaster relief provided to them. Damage to the properties in some areas of Edenton may indicate a higher susceptibility to storm damage than other areas. If Edenton determines that some areas are more vulnerable to storm damage than others,then a development moratorium, prohibiting all redevelopment for a specified period of time may be put in place. This will allow Edenton time to assess previous damage mitigation policies for their effectiveness and possible modification. 4) Repair/Reconstruction Schedule The following schedule of activities and time frame are proposed with the realistic idea that many factors of a hurricane may render the Schedule infeasible. Activity Complete and report damage assessments Begin repairs to critical utilities and facilities T; — r-- 2 weeks after storm As soon as possible after storm Permitting of reconstruction Two weeks after activities for all damaged damage assessments structures ("minor" to pre- are complete storm original status, "major" to State building code and hazard mitigation standards 5) Repair and Replacement of Public Utilities If water lines or any component of the water system are damaged and it is determined that the facilities can be relocated to a less hazardous location, then they will be relocated during reconstruction. Damage to other utilities, such as electric lines or telephone lines, will be the responsibility of the appropriate private utility company. 4. Hurricane Evacuation Plan Edenton and Chowan County, as stated previously, have an official "Hurricane Evacuation Plan" which was adopted in June, 1978, and has been updated periodically. A review of this plan indicates that it is generally adequate for the Town's and County's needs. The plan indicates a. 64 projected evacuation time of from 6-8 hours, -which is adequate within the National Weather Service warning system guidelines. The Hurricane Evacuation Plan involves a number of County and Town of Edenton personnel and local agencies, with varying specific duties and responsibilities. There are eight shelter locations throughout the County, mostly in school facilities. During both storm threats of.1984, 1985, and 1991, people did come to the shelters, although there were no required evacuations. However, since there are no "stocked shelters," residents are encouraged to bring food to the shelter site. 5. Re -Entry Factors regarding re-entry are also included in the Hurricane Evacuation Plan. Because of the possibility of fallen power lines, or telephone lines, re-entry will be closely coordinated with the appropriate private utility companies. The Edenton and Chowan County Plan has been reviewed by the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management and meets the agency's approval. 65 IIV. LAIRD CLASSIFICATION ' A. Land Classification Definitions The Land Classification Map has been prepared based on a comprehensive review of existing land uses and after taking ' into consideration the location of AEC's and vacant land available for future development. ' By delineating land classes on a map, Edenton and its citizens can specify those areas where certain policies (local, state and federal) will apply. The land classification system is intended to be supported and ' complemented by zoning, subdivision and other local growth management tools and these local tools should be consistent with the classification system as much as possible. Although specific areas are outlined on a land classification map, it must be remembered that land classification is merely a tool to help implement policies and not, in a strict sense of the term, a regulatory mechanism. The land classification system provides a framework to be used by Edenton to identify the future use of all lands. The designation of land classes allows the Town to illustrate their policy statements as to where and to what density they want growth to occur, and where they want to conserve natural and cultural resources by guiding growth. The Land Classification Map includes the following classifications: 1. Developed a. Purpose. The purpose of the developed class is to provide for continued intensive development and redevelopment of existing cities, towns and their urban environs. b. Description and characteristics. Areas meeting the intent of the developed classification are currently urban in character where minimal undeveloped land remains and have in place, or are scheduled for the timely provision of, the usual municipal or public services. Urban in character includes mixed land uses such as residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and other uses at high to moderate densities. Services include water, sewer, recreational facilities, streets and roads, police and fire protection. In some instances an area.may not have all the traditional urban services in place, but if it otherwise has a developed character and is scheduled for the timely provision of these services, it still meets the intent of the developed 66 classification. Areas developed for predominantly residential purposes meet the intent of this classification if they exhibit: (i) a density of three or more dwelling units per acre; or (ii) a majority of lots of 15,000 square feet or less, which are provided or scheduled to be provided with the traditional urban services; and/or (iii) permanent population densities are high and seasonal populations may swell significantly. 2. Urban Transition a. Purpose. The purpose of the urban transition class is to provide for future intensive urban development on lands that are suitable and that will be provided with the necessary urban services to support intense urban development. b. Description and characteristics. Areas meeting the intent of the urban transition classification are presently being developed for urban purposes or will be developed in the next five to ten years to accommodate anticipated population and urban growth. These areas are in, or will be in, an urban "transition" state of development going from lower intensity uses to higher intensity uses and as such will eventually require urban services. Examples of areas meeting the intent of this class are lands included within municipal extraterritorial planning boundaries and areas being considered for annexation. (i) Areas classified urban transition will provide lands for intensive urban growth when lands in the developed class are not available. Urban transition lands must be able to support urban development by being generally free of physical limitations and be served or readily served by urban services. Urban development includes mixed land uses such as residential, commercial, institutional, industrial and other uses at or approaching high to moderate densities. Urban services include water, sewer, streets and roads, police and fire protection that will be made available at the time development occurs or soon thereafter. Permanent population densities in this class will be high and the seasonal population may swell significantly. (ii) In choosing land for the urban transition class, such land should not include: areas with severe 67 ' physical limitations which would make the provision of urban services difficult or impossible, lands which meet the definition of ' conservation, lands of special value'(unless no other alternative exists) such as productive and unique agricultural lands, forest lands, ' potentially valuable mineral deposits, water supply watersheds, scenic and tourist resources including archeological sites, habitat for important wildlife species, areas subject to ' frequent flooding, areas important for environmental or scientific values, lands where urban development might destroy or damage natural systems or processes of more than local concern, or lands where intense development might result in undue risk to life and property from natural or existing manmade hazards. (iii) Areas that are predominantly residential meet the -intent of this class if: ' a. they are approaching three dwelling units per acre, or ' b. a majority of the lots are 15,000 square feet or less and will be provided with essential urban services to support this high density development, or c. are contiguous to existing developed municipal ' areas. 3. Rural ' a. Purpose. The rural class is to provide for agriculture, forestry, mineral extraction and other allied uses traditionally associated with an agrarian region. Other land uses, due to their noxious or ' hazardous nature and negative impacts on adjacent uses, may also be appropriate here if sited in a ' manner that minimizes their negative effect on surrounding land uses or natural resources. Examples include energy generating plants, refining plants, airports, sewage treatment facilities, fuel storage tanks and other industrial type uses. Very low ' density dispersed residential uses on large lots with on -site water and sewer are consistent with the intent ' of the rural class. Development in this class should be as compatible with resource production as possible. b. Description and characteristics. Areas meeting the intent of this classification are appropriate for or ' presently used for agriculture, forestry, mineral extraction and other uses that, due to their hazardous m 1 or noxious nature, should be located in a relatively isolated and undeveloped area. Very low density dispersed, single family residential uses are also ' appropriate within rural areas where lot sizes are large and where densities do not require the provision of urban type services. Private septic tanks and ' wells are the primary on -site services available to support residential development, but fire, rescue squad and sheriff protection may also be available. ' Population densities will be very low. 4. Conservation ' a. Purpose. The purpose of the conservation class is to provide for the effective long-term management and protection of significant, limited, or irreplaceable areas. Management is needed due to the natural, ' cultural, recreational, scenic or natural productive values of both local and more than local concern. ' b. Description and Characteristics. Areas meeting the intent of this classification include: (i) AEC's including, but not limited to, public trust ' waters, estuarine waters, coastal wetlands, etc., as identified in 15A NCAC 7H; ' (ii) other similar lands, environmentally significant because of their natural role in the integrity of the coastal region and include but are not limited to bottom land hardwoods, pocosins, swamp forests, ' areas that are or have a high probability of providing wildlife habitat, forest lands that are essentially undeveloped and lands which otherwise ' contain significant productive, natural, scenic, cultural or recreational resources. c. Discussion. The conservation class is designated to ' illustrate the natural, productive, scenic, cultural and recreational features of the coastal zone which make the region a desirable place in which to live, work and visit. As such, the conservation class should be applied to areas that because of their unique, productive, limited, cultural or natural features should be either not developed at all ' (preserved), or if developed, done so in an extremely limited and cautious fashion. At a minimum all AEC's ' as defined in 15A NCAC 7H should be included in this class and the land use plan should so state, and the local government is strongly urged to include other similar areas protected by either other state or federal agencies. Examples include Army Corps of ' . Engineers "404 wetlands." As AEC's should be included in the conservation class, the local government should 69 acknowledge the distinctions among the various uses the Coastal Management Program permits within each AEC group. It should be understood, however, the local government may develop its own more restrictive standards as the State's are considered minimum. At a minimum each plan should include language such as: (i) coastal wetlands - These areas are the most restrictive of all AEC's and very few uses are permitted therein; the highest priority is for their preservation as they are well documented in their contribution to the natural productivity of the coastal area. (ii) estuarine shoreline AEC's - These areas are located adjacent to estuarine waters AEC's and are known for their contribution to the natural productivity of the waters close by. Many uses may be permitted as long as the 30 percent impervious rule is met and development is well managed on individual sites to ensure minimal degradation. (iii) other similar lands that are afforded some protection by another agency, such as "404 wetlands" where use and performance standards of that agency will apply. B. Land Classification dap 1. Developed The.Developed Classification land areas of Edenton include the CBD and adjacent residential and commercial areas north of Edenton Bay, east of Filberts Creek, west and east of Old Hertford Road and north of the intersection of Oakum Street and Broad Street. Outlying developed land includes the residential and commercial development adjacent to N.C. 32 and west of Pembroke Creek. Also included are the existing residential areas north and south of Albemarle Street and the industrial and commercial area north of both sides of U.S. 17 Business. All of these areas are presently served by water and sewer and all are within the Edenton corporate limits. 2. Urban Transition The Urban Transition Classification for Edenton includes those areas that are suitable for urban type development and are currently adjacent to existing water and sewer lines or are close enough to existing utilities to make extension of utilities to designated Urban Transition 70 ' areas relatively inexpensive. Land areas included in the Urban Transition classification include all undeveloped ' land between Old Hertford Road and Oakum Street that is not classified as prime farmland (see section II.D.3.a. Productive and Unique Agricultural Land), all vacant land between the U.S. 17 Bypass, Paradise Road, U.S. 17 ' Business and the industrial area on the northwest side of U.S. 17 Business. This classification also includes a portion of the undeveloped land not classified as prime ' farmland between U.S. 17 Bypass, Paradise Road, Broad Street and the existing shopping center at the U.S. 17 Bypass, all vacant land not classified as prime farmland areas north of Albemarle Street, U.S. 17 Bypass and the ' Chowan Hospital property, all vacant land between the hydric soils on the north side of Pembroke Creek and the south side of Albemarle Street not classified as prime farmland areas. The land areas zoned for industrial use ' adjacent to Paradise Road west of the U.S. 17 Bypass and portions of Mexico Road have been included in the Urban Transition Classification. 3. Rural ' The Rural Classification includes all land areas not designated as Developed, Urban Transition or Conservation. 4. Conservation The Conservation Land Classification area includes all estuarine waters, estuarine shorelines and public trust waters ' and Reedy Point Swamp. The 100-year flood zone and hydric soils along Pembroke Creek, Filberts Creek and Queen Anne Creek are also included in the Conservation zone only if not currently developed. For purposes of any State or federal ' review of future projects in Edenton, any Conservation classification that crosses an existing public road right- of-way, the Conservation zone is considered to start 50 ' feet from the public road right-of-way as measured along any creek or waterbody. The purpose is to allow extension of public utilities such as water and sewer across a ' Conservation classification. All other land uses currently allowed by the Edenton Zoning ordinance, CAMA regulations, 404 wetland regulations and Flood Insurance Program shall be allowed in the Conservation ' Classification. ' 71 V. RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES AND LARD CLASSIFICATION The 1991 Land Classification Map has included hydric soils and ' land areas subject to the 100-year flood in the Conservation Classification. The Policy section includes a policy to protect this land area from inappropriate development by also establishing ' a Conservation Zone in the Edenton Zoning Ordinance. The purpose of such action would be to refine the current Zoning Ordinance to further protect this environmentally sensitive area from ' inappropriate development. The Policy section also indicates that future residential, commercial and industrial development will be guided through use ' of the Edenton Zoning Ordinance: The Land Classification Map has been prepared to reflect developed and urban transition in areas where existing and future residential, commercial and industrial development will most likely take place, taking into consideration ' the location of prime farmland areas. VI. INTERGOVERNI(ENTAL COORDINATION AND IMPI HIMATIOR During the early part of the data collection phase of the planning process and following local adoption of the Public Participation Plan, a copy,of the meeting schedule was sent to the Chowan County ' Manager with an invitation to attend all meetings pertaining to the Plan preparation. Prior to final adoption of the Plan, a draft copy will be made available to the County for review and ' comment. VII. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ' The Public Participation Plan was presented and adopted by the Edenton Town Council on March 12, 1991,. A Public Information Workshop was held on March 26, 1991, with 5 citizens in attendance ' in addition to the Planning Board and Town Manager. After a brief introduction as to the purpose of the meeting, all in attendance were asked to take fifteen minutes to respond to the question, "What needs to be done to improve the quality of life in Edenton ' over the next 5- to 10-year period?" Citizens were then asked to share their opinions with the group with each one being recorded on a flip chart. After approximately two hours of sharing thoughts and recording each answer, all present were asked to vote for the top five suggestions or goals discussed. These responses, such as the desire to establish a greenway system, have been incorporated into the issues and policy section of the Plan. (See ' Appendix for comments from March 26, 1991, meeting.) In addition to the meeting dates shown on the Public Participation Schedule, a special meeting of the Planning Board was held on April 24 and a ' Planning Board work session was held on June 13.. Prior to final local adoption, a Public Hearing will be held to discuss the Plan and a copy will be available at the Courthouse or Library ' for public review. ' 72 CHOWAN GAME LAND N.C. Wildlife Resources Comm., Chowan Co. (30 acres) u� QI . au ot \ yrs 1 at Irai Primary game species available: Raccoon and waterfowl. Camping not permitted on site. 74 Map symbol and soil name AaA - Altavista At - Augusta Au - Augusta CO - Chowan CtB - Conetoe DgA - Dogue DgB - Dogue DO - Dorovan StA - State StB - State SuA - State To - Tomotley Ur - Urban Land Ro - Roanoke WnB - Wando RECREATIONAL DEVELOP MT (Table 13 in Soils Report) Paths and Trails Moderate: wetness. Moderate: wetness. Moderate: wetness. Severe: wetness. Slight Moderate: wetness. Moderate: wetness. Severe: ponding, excess humus. Slight Slight Slight Severe: wetness Severe: wetness. Severe: to sandy. Slight: Soil properties are generally favorable and limitations are minor and easily overcome. Moderate: Limitations can be overcome or alleviated by planning, design, or special maintenance. Severe: Soil properties are unfavorable and limitations can be offset only by costly soil reclamation, special design, intensive maintenance, limited -use, or by a combination of those measures. Paths and Trails: Hiking and horseback paths and trails should require little or no cutting and filling. The best soils are not wet, are firm after rains, are not dusty when dry, are not subject to flooding more than once a year during period of use, and they have moderate slopes. 75 VMLIFE HABITAT (Table 14 in Soils Report) Map Symbol Hardwood and Soil Name Trees AaA - Altavista Good At - Augusta Good Au - Augusta Good CO - Chowan Fair CtB - Conetoe Good DgA - Dogue Good DgB - Dogue Good DO - Dorovan Very poor Ro - Roanoke Good StA, StB - State Good SuA - State Good To - Tomotley Good Ur - Urban Land WnB - Wando Poor Wetland Openland Woodland Wetland Plants Wildlife Wildlife Wildlife Poor Good Good Poor Fair Good Good Fair Fair Good Good Fair Good Fair Fair Fair Poor Good Fair Very poor Poor Good Good Poor Poor Good Good Very poor Good Very poor Very poor Good Fair Good Good Fair Poor Fair Good Very poor Poor Fair Good Very poor Good Fair Good Good Very poor Poor Fair Very poor The potential of the soil is rated good, fair, poor, or very poor. A rating of good indicates that the element or kind of habitat is easily established, im- proved, or maintained. Few or no limitations affect management, and satisfactory results can be expected. A rating of fair indicates that the element or kind of habitat can be established, improved, or maintained in most places. Moderately intensive management is required for satisfactory results. A rating of poor indicates that limitations are severe for the designated element or kind of habitat. Habitat can be created, improved or maintained in most places, but management is difficult and must be intensive. A rating of very poor indicates that restrictions for the element or kind of habitat are very severe and that unsatisfactory results can be expected. Creating, improving, or maintaining habitat is impractical or impossible. 76 BUMIHG SITE DEVELOPISENT (Table 15 in Soils Report) Dwellings and Small Commer- Local Roads Map Symbol and Soil Name Shallow Excavations cial Buildings and Streets AaA - Altavista Severe: wetness, Moderate: Moderate: cutbanks cave. wetness. wetness. At - Augusta Severe: wetness. Severe: Moderate: wetness. low strength, wetness. Au - Augusta Severe: wetness. Severe: Moderate: wetness. low strength, wetness. CO - Chowan Severe: excess Severe: Severe: humus, wetness. flooding, low strength, wetness. wetness, flooding. CtB - Conetoe DgA - Dogue DgB - Dogue DO - Dorovan Ro - Roanoke StA - State StB - State SuA - State Ur - Urban Severe: cutbanks cave. Severe: cutbanks cave, wetness. Severe: cutbanks cave, wetness. Severe: excess humus, ponding. Severe: wetness. Severe: cutbanks cave. Severe: cutbanks cave. Severe: Cutbanks cave. Slight Slight Moderate: wetness, shrink -swell. Moderate: wetness, shrink -swell, slope. Severe: flooding, ponding, low strength. Severe: flooding, wetness. Slight Moderate: slope. Slight Severe: low strength. Severe: low strength. Severe: pond- ing, flooding. Severe: low strength, wetness. Moderate: low strength. Moderate: low strength. Moderate: low strength. 77 1 Dwellings and Small Commer- Local Roads Map Symbol and Soil Name Shallow Excavations cial Buildings and Streets To - Tomotley Severe: wetness. Severe: Severe: wetness, wetness. flooding. WnB - Wando Severe: cutbanks Slight Slight cave. Definitions: ' Slight: Soil properties and site features are generally favorable for the indicated use and limitations are minor and easily overcome. Moderate: Soil properties or site features are not favorable for the indicated ' use and special planning, design, or maintenance is needed to overcome or minimize the limitations. Severe: Soil properties or site features are so unfavorable or so difficult to overcome that special design, significant increases in construction costs, and possible increased maintenance are required. ' Shallow Excavations: Trenches or holes dug to a maximum depth of 5 or 6 feet for basements, utility lines. ' Dwellings and Small Commercial Buildings: Structures built on shallow founda- tions on undisturbed soil. Local Roads and Streets: All-weather surfaces that carry automobile and light truck traffic all year. Subgrade of cut and fill soil material, a base of gravel, crushed rock or stabilized soil material. Cuts and fills generally limited to less than 6 feet. ' Source of definitions: Chowan County Detail Soils Report C I 78 SANITARY FACILITIES (Table 16 in Soils Report) Map Symbol and Soil Name Septic Tank Absorption Fields AaA - Altavista Severe: wetness. At - Augusta Severe: wetness. Au — Augusta Severe: wetness. CO - Chowan Severe: flooding, wetness, peres slowly. CtB - Conetoe Slight DgA, DgB - Dogue Severe: wetness, peres slowly. DO - Dorovan Severe: Flooding, ponding, poor filter. Ro - Roanoke Severe: wetness, peres slowly. StA, StB - State Moderate: wetness. SuA - State Moderate: wetness. To - Tomotley Severe: wetness, peres slowly. Ur - Urban Land WnB - Wando Severe: poor filter. Definitions: Slight: Soil properties and site features are generally favorable for the indicated use and limitations are minor and easily overcome. Moderate: Soil properties or site features are not favorable for the intended use and special planning, design, or maintenance is needed to overcome or minimize the limitations. Severe: Soil properties or site features are so unfavorable or so difficult to overcome that special design, significant increases in construction costs, and possible increased maintenance are required. 79 ARTICLE XIII RECREATIONAL FACILITIES -AND OPEN SPACE Section 196 Miniparks Reouired. (a) Subject to subsection (c), all residential developments shall provide (through dedication or reservation, see Sections 199 and 200) recreational areas in the form of miniparks (as described in Section 197) in an amount equal to .0025 acres (108.9 square feet) per person expected to reside in that development (as determined in accordance with subsection (b)). Such recreational areas shall be provided in addition to the open space areas required by Section 198. (b) For purposes of this section, one -bedroom dwelling units shall be deemed to house an average of 1.4 persons, two -bedroom units 2.2 persons, three -bedroom units 3.2 persons, and units with four or more bedrooms 4.0 persons. In residential subdivisions that are not approved as architecturally integrated subdivisions, each lot that is large enough for only a single dwelling unit shall be deemed to house an average of 3.2 persons. Each lot that is large enough to accommodate more than one dwelling unit shall be deemed to house 2.2 persons for each dwelling unit that can be accommodated. (c) The Council recognizes that miniparks must be of a certain minimum size to be usable and that such miniparks will not serve the intended purpose unless properly maintained. Therefore, residential developments that are small enough so that the amount of required minipark space does not exceed 2,000 square feet ' are exempt from the provisions of this section. However, as used in the foregoing sentence, the term "development" refers to the entire project developed on a single tract or contiguous multiple tracts under common ownership, ' regardless of whether the development is constructed in phases or stages. In addition, subdivided residential developments of less than twenty-five dwelling units shall also be exempt from the provisions of this section. Section 197 Mini arks: Purpose and Standards. (a) The purpose of the minipark is to provide adequate active recreational facilities to serve the residents of the immediately surrounding neighborhood within the development. The following are illustrative of the types of facilities that shall be deemed to serve active recreational needs and therefore to count toward satisfaction of the minipark requirements of this article: tennis courts, racquetball courts, swimming pools, sauna and exercise rooms, meeting or activity rooms within clubhouses, basketball courts, swings, slides, and play apparatus. (b) Each development shall satisfy its minipark requirement by installing the types of recreational facilities that are most likely to be suited to and used by the age bracket of persons likely to reside in that development. However, unless it appears that less than five percent of the residents of any development are likely to be children under twelve, then at least fifteen percent of the minipark must be satisfied by the construction of ".tot lots" (i.e., areas equipped with imaginative play apparatus oriented to younger children as well as seating accommodations for parents). Eli t(c) The total acreage of miniparks required b Section 196 shall q Y be divided into miniparks of not less than 2,000 square feet nor more than 30,000 square ' feet. (d) Miniparks shall be attractively landscaped and shall be provided with t sufficient natural or manmade screening or buffer areas to minimize any negative impacts upon adjacent residences. (e) Each minipark shall be centrally located and easily accessible so that ' it can be conveniently and safely reached and used by those persons in the surrounding neighborhood it is designed to serve. ' (f) Each minipark shall be constructed on land that is relatively flat, dry, and capable of serving the purposes intended by this article. Section 198 Usable Open Space. (a) Except as provided in subsection (c), every residential development ' shall be developed so that at least five percent of the total area of the development remains permanently as usable open space. (b) For purposes of this section, usable open space means an area that: ' (1) Is not encumbered with any substantial structure; ' (2) Is not devoted to use as a -roadway, parking area, or sidewalk; (3) Is left in its natural or undisturbed state (as of the date ' development began), if wooded, except for the cutting of trails. for walking or jogging, or, if not wooded at the time of development, is landscaped for ballfields, picnic areas, or .similar facilities, or is properly vegetated and landscaped with ' the objective of creating a wooded area or other area that -is consistent with the objective set forth in subdivision (4); ' (4) Is capable of being used and enjoyed for purposes of informal and unstructured recreation and relaxation; and (5) Is legally and practicably accessible to the residents of the ' development out of which the required open space is taken, or to the public if dedication of the open space is required pursuant to Section 200. ' (6) Consists of land no more than twenty-five percent of which lies within an area of special flood hazard or a fl oodway as those terms are defined in Section 251. ' (c) Subdivided residential developments of less than twenty-five dwelling units are exempt from the requirements of this section unless the town agrees ' that it will accept an offer of dedication of such open space, and in that case the offer of dedication shall be made. - ' 81 1 ' Section 199 Own ership and Maintenance of Recreational Areas and Required Open Space. ' (a) Except as provided in Section 200, recreation facilities and usable open space required to be provided by the developer in accordance with this ' article shall not be dedicated to the public but shall remain under the ownership and control of the developer (or his successor) or a homeowners association or similar organization that satisfies the criteria established in Section 203. ' (b) The person or entity identified in subsection (a) as having the right of ownership and control over such recreational facilities and open space shall be responsible for the continuing upkeep and proper maintenance of the same. Section 200 Dedication of Open Space. ' (a) If any portion of any lot proposed for residential development lies within an area designated on the officially adopted recreation master plan as a neighborhood park or part of the greenway system or bikeway system, the area ' so designated (not exceeding five percent of the total lot area) shall be included as part of the area set aside to satisfy the requirement of Section 198. This area shall be dedicated to public use. ' (b) If more than five percent of a lot proposed for residential development lies within an area designated as provided in subsection (a), the town may attempt to acquire the additional land in the following manner: ' (1) The developer may be encouraged to resort to the procedures authorized in Sections 187 or 188 and to dedicate the common open ' space thereby created; or (2) The town may purchase or condemn the land. ' (c) An executed general warranty deed conveying the dedicated land -to the Town of Edenton shall be submitted to the Town within 30 working days of the approval by the Town Council of a subdivision plat or development plan. ' Section 201 Payments in Lieu of Dedication . ' (a) Any developer required to dedicate land pursuant to this article, with the approval of the Town Council, may make a payment in lieu of such dedication, or may make combination dedication and partial payment in lieu of dedication, whichever, in the opinion of the Town Council, shall be in the best interest of the citizens of the area to be served. (b) Any such payment in lieu of dedication shall be the product of the ' number of acres to be dedicated multiplied by the average fair market value of the land being subdivided at the time of the submission of the final subdivision plat or final development plan. F-, L 1 82 (c) In case of a disagreement between the town and the developer as to the fair market value, - such determination shall be made by a special appraisal committee made up of one (1) professional appraiser appointed by the Town ' Manager, one (1) professional appraiser appointed by the developer, and one (1) professional appraiser appointed by the initial two (2) committee appointees. The Committee shall view the land and hear the contentions of both the Town and the developer. The findings of the Committee shall be. by a majority vote and ' shall be certified to the Town Council in writing within thirty (30) days of the time of appointment of the third member of the Committee. The costs of all professional land appraisers shall be borne entirely by the developer. (A ' professional appraiser is an individual who can show by legal credentials and experience that he or she has a knowledge of land appraisals of a similar type.) ' (d) All monies received by the town pursuant to this section shall be used only for the acquisition or development of recreational and park sites benefitting the new development and the residents in the vicinity of the development. Section 202 Procedure for Requesting Payment in lieu of Dedication of land. ' (a) The developer shall attach to the subdivision plat, or in the case of a planned development, the preliminary development plan, a letter requesting approval to make payment in lieu of dedication of land pursuant to this article. ' In this letter, the developer shall state the proposed per acre value and include, in writing, the basis for determination of this value. ' (b) Upon receipt of the subdivision- plat, or in the case of a planned development, the preliminary development plan, the administrator shall submit a copy thereof with attached letter requesting approval to make payment in lieu of dedication to the Town Manager at least twenty (20) working days prior to the ' Town Council's next scheduled meeting. The Town Manager shall submit any and all recommendations concerning payment in lieu of dedication to the Town Council at its next scheduled meeting following review by the Town Manager. ' (c) Upon approval by the Town Council, payment in lieu of dedication shall be made at the time of final plat submittal or within one (1) year of the ' approval of the final development plan, except as otherwise approved by the Town Council. Section 203 Homeowners Associations. Homeowners associations or similar legal entities that, pursuant to Section ' 199, are responsible for the maintenance and control of common areas, including recreational facilities and open space, shall be established in such a manner that: ' (1) Provision for the establishment of the association or similar entity is made before any lot in the development is sold or any building occupied; ' (2) The association or similar legal entity has clear legal authority to maintain and exercise control over such common areas and facilities; ' 83 ' (3) The association or similar le gal entity has the power to compel contributions from residents of the development to cover their ' proportionate shares of the costs associated with the maintenance and upkeep of such common areas and facilities. ' Section 204 Flexibility in Administration Authorized. ' (a) The requirements set forth in this article concerning the amount, size, location and nature of recreational facilities and open to be space provided in connection with residential developments are established by the Council as standards that presumptively will result in the provision of that amount of ' recreational facilities and open space that is consistent with officially adopted town plans. The Council recognizes, however, that due to the particular nature of a tract of land, or the nature of the facilities proposed for installation, or other factors, the underlying objectives of this article may be achieved even ' though the standards are not adhered to with mathematical precision.. Therefore, the permit issuing body is authorized to permit minor deviations from these standards whenever it determines that: (i) the objectives underlying these ' standards can be met without strict adherence to them; and (ii) because of peculiarities in the developer's tract of land or the facilities proposed it would be unreasonable to require strict adherence to these standards. ' (b) Whenever the permit issuing board authorizes some deviation from the standards set forth in this article pursuant to subsection (a), the official record of action taken on the development application shall contain a statement ' of the reasons for allowing the deviation. - Section 205 Authority to Sell. The Town Council shall have the authority to sell land dedicated pursuant to this article with the proceeds of any such sale used solely for the ' acquisition and/or development of other recreation, park or open space sites. ' Section 206 Land Acceptance. The Town Council shall have the authority dedications to accept or reject land ' made as a requirement of this article. At the developer's request, the Town Council may accept a land dedication located elsewhere in the town's jurisdiction in lieu of a land dedication at the site of the proposed development. Sections 207 through 209 Reserved. 1 84 � ••I .` .rill r-. �� �r' •c .:r •: - ' �`� . J.' i � ,'�".�+:.• :.::- _:.;�.`'�„•. `LIB-11 _., .. _ lye. •- h- /� �•' � =•1 _'911 'll`� �I�i Ill i1i, ,'': _ 1 _ i +l rTisrf 1 _:�1�q 11 � •i'0• �•� i `I`...-''�'.' ![-� : J I :1 � ,I , 11`, 11.1') .1!, . °a��l/ .-+r-a:.• I r 1 : I tnl�•, :4.' Irll, 11 11 , � z< `•• 1 / ' i• i ..// 1 ^[ .• r. -r�':i +1• !'r'r , 11,1r,. 1r1 .�e l --� ,1' 111' _ .--- _-_I _.I__ _ _ 0 V :.1.1. _ f!q-(�• ,_ �:y �! ll ', _ a„ _T4r"lTf�'_.LLI 11.1r I - - ,._i \�...•I \��. •), < ` r l /� � it ' I'1 ' �111' !l��y 1 Irll 11,011 .. J 1 l � f �. 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'� 1+! �1�'r r, 1,11�, t., 11 l ,11!t,, ;. r,l l;l I,� 1/,'' ,r, 11;-_. /, /- ' Page No. 1 CHOWAN COUNTY NATIONAL REGISTER AND STUDY LIST ENTRIES ' 04/30/91 NR 1 Nape SL Date Location MR Date Town/vicinity ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- is County: Chowan 433 Albania 04/25/72 S. side US 17, 1 mi. W. of jct. w/NC 32 05/13/76 Edenton ------ 671 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Athol -------- 09/19/69 Down lane, S. side SR 1114, 0.1 mi. E. of jct. w/SR 1119 05/22/80 Edenton vicinity ------ 166 --------_-------------------------------------------------------------------- Barker House -------- 09/19/69 S. terminus of Broad Street on Edenton Bay 03/24/72 Edenton Bennett's Mill Pond 10/17/80 N. side SR 1222, 0.5 mi. W. of jct. w/NC 32 J / Valhalla vicinity Briols 05/06/75 SW. side NC 32, 0.3 mi. NW. of Pollock Swamp Bridge Hancock vicinity 107 Chowan County Courthouse (NHL) E. King St., at head of Courthouse Green 04/15/70 Edenton- ------ -------------------------------------------------------------------- Coke House (Beech Grove) -------- 01/10/80 On 1.2 mi. lane, HE. side SR 1100, 0.7 mi. E. of SR 1108 Sourer vicinity ------ 748 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cullins-Baker House -------- 09/20/78 W. side NC,32 at jct. w/SR 1304 04/29/82 ------ Tyner vicinity ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 106 Cupola House (NHL) -------- 09/19/69 408 S. Broad Street (W. side, just N. of Water Street) 04/15/70 Edenton ------ 287 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Edenton Historic District -------- 07/16/73 Edenton 747 Edenton Tannery Site WITHIN EDENTON HD 1287(Archaeology) Edenton 437 Greenfield Plantation 03/29/73 SE. end of SR 1109, 0.9 mi. E. of jct. w/SR 1109 05/11/76 ------ Soler -vicinity ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- E� Page No. 2 CHOWAN COUNTY NATIONAL REGISTER AND STUDY LIST ENTRIES 04/30/91 NR I Name SL Date Location NR Date ' -•---- Town/vicinity ------------- Naughton-Leary House 07/18/77 NC 37 ' - - - -Edentonvicinity 368 Hayes Plantation (NHL) E. side Edenton Bay on S. side of Queen Anne Creek - 03/ 03/ 74 ' Edenton 5 James Iredell House 09/19/69 107 E. Church Street 02/26/70 ' ------ Edenton ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Martinique -------- 05/06/75 Down 0.3 mi lane, N. side SR 1222, 1.3 mi W. of SR 1226 ------ Smalls Crossroads vicinity 438 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mulberry Hill -------- 09/19/69 Down lane, S. side SR 1114, 0.3 mi. E. of SR 1118 05/13/76 ------ Edenton vicinity -------------------------•----------------------------------------------- =-- ' 634 Peanut Factory -------- 04/25/72 E. Church Street Extension at head of Wood Avenue 09/20/79 Edenton 465 Pembroke Hall W. King Street 11/07/76 ' Edenton ------ 1025 ------ -----------•----•---------------------------------------------- Sandy Point -------- 10/17/80 End of SR 1118, 0.8 mi. S. of SR 1114 04/25/85 ' Edenton ------ 345 -vicinity -------------------------------------------------------------------- Shelton Plantation House -------- 03/29/73 Down lane, W. side NC 32, 0.9 mi. N. of jct. w/SR 1200 10/29/74 ' Edenton vicinity ' ------ 697 --------------------------------•------------------------------------------- Speight House and Cotton Gin N. side E. Church St. Extension (NC 32) at SR 1105 -------- 05/06/75 09/22/80 Edenton ------ 385 -----------------------------•-----------------------•---------------------- St. Pauls Episcopal Church and Churchyard -------- ' W. Church Street at Broad Street 05/29/75 Edenton ' ------ 670 --------------------------------------------------------•------------------- Strawberry Hill -------- 04/25/72 S. side E. Church Street Extension at SR 1105 05 22 80 Edenton ------ -------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- ' 87 Page No. 3 CHOWAN COUNTY NATIONAL REGISTER AND STUDY LIST ENTRIES 04/30/91 MR 1 Name SL Date Location MR Date Town/vicinity ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 241 Wessington House 09/19/69 120 Nest King Street 03/20/73 Edenton Wood Hall 03/29/73 Property not identified 4/91 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- �3 1991 Public Participation Plan for Edenton Land Use Plan Update The Edenton Planning Board will serve as the designated principal local board with the lead role in preparing the 1991 Land Use Plan Update. To insure adequate public participation in the planning process, the Planning Board has proposed .the following schedule of public meetings to give citizens the opportunity to be involved in the planning process. Meetings have been tentatively scheduled for the following dates, times and locations: Edenton 1991 Land Use Plan Update Public Information/Education Schedule Date Time/Location Purpose of Meeting March 26, 1991 6:00 PM/Town Hall General review of requirements to update Planning Board Land Use Plan 7:30 PM/Town Hall Public Information Workshop. Citizens' Planning Board opportunity to outline their desires for Edenton's growth including economic develop- ment, environmental protection, historic preservation, tourism, etc. April 1, 1991 7:00 PM/Town Hall Review trends in population, land use and Planning Board economy. Review identified environmental issues. Review results of public informa- tion meeting held on March 26. May 6, 1991 7:00 PM/Town Hall Discuss Land Use Plan policies, land Planning Board classification map and text. June 3, 1991 7:00 PM/Town Hall Review draft with Planning Board. Planning Board June 11, 1991 7:00 PM/Town Hall Town Council To be announced 7:00 PM/Town Hall Town Council Review final draft and obtain approval for submittal to CRC for State staff review and comment. Public Hearing for approval of revised plan. 89 ' In an effort to obtain input as much public as possible during plan pre- ' paration, the Town will place notices in local newspapers for each meeting date set to discuss the plan and its preparation. The Town will also work closely ' with local newspapers to have informational articles in the paper prior to each meeting. Town officials will also notify by direct mail local interest ' groups and individuals that might have a specific interest in the meeting dates at which the plan will be discussed. During public information meetings, ' be citizens will given the opportunity to provide input on plan preparation and ' policy issues. Information on dates, times, locations and numbers of participants at each meeting will be included in the final Land Use Plan Update Public Participation section of the Plan. ' This was adopted by the Edenton Town Council during a regular meeting held on March 12, 1991. ' t ' 90 tEDENTON LAND USE PLAN UPDATE Public Participation Meeting ' March 26, 1991 Citizen Comments and Priorities 1. 2 Encourage skills training to draw small industry. ' 2. Eliminate majority of in -town truck traffic. 3. 2 More affordable housing. ' 4. 5 Create and maintain system of public parks with a 25-50 year plan and a vision. ' S. 1 Encourage commercial development on waterfront as a catalyst for downtown and historic Edenton. ' 6. 1 Better utilization of Swain Auditorium, i.e. Albemarle concert series. ' 7. 4 Underground utilities, especially downtown. 8. 3 More public access to our waterways. ' 9. Initiate/expand community based programs to educate community on problems with drugs. 10. 3 Regular, consistent, annual special events to promote tourism ' year-round. 11. 3 Establish green belt/greenway at ETJ boundary to manage land use ' sprawl and for recreation purposes. 12. 2 Encourage more aviation use and aviation -related industrial and ' commercial use of airport. 13. 1 Increase city limits through annexation. ' 14. 1 Improve already designated areas to encourage industrial/commercial use. 15. 1 Work with County to establish County -wide sewage treatment to improve/protect Chowan River water quality. 16. 1 Establish bike trails and bike paths. ' 17. Coordinate community events to avoid conflicts, i.e. community calendars. ' 18. 2 Expanded recreation activities (indoor/outdoor). 91 19. 4 Public swimming facility, preferably indoor pool. 20. 1 Establish locally supported program to rehabilitate substandard housing. 21. 1 Re -use Barker House as "museum" to tell Edenton/Chowan history. 22. 5 Draw tourism but plan consciously to maintain charm of historic district. 23. Improve stormwater drainage in downtown/other areas to minimize _ street/property flooding. 24. Promote more restaurants to accommodate tourists. 25. 2 Develop comprehensive recycling -solid waste management facilities. 26. 1 Keep downtown commercially viable. 27. 1 Cure shopping center blight before establishing new commercial centers. 28. 1 Support construction of divided four -lane highway to service Edenton. 29. 2 Attract institution of higher learning to Edenton. 92 The preparation of this document vas financed in part N / through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which Is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal j Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 2� Administration. LEGEND CATEGORY 1 AND, 2, HURRICANES 3040' 0' 3000' 6000, SCALE: I"= 3000' i v� TOWN I U.S. IT 1 \ BUS 0 EDENTON BAY 93 FLOOD HAZARDS K" \\✓�Rl�\T/O, EDENTON, N. C. h / HOWARD T. CAPPS 0 ASSOCIATES [aadrraps.srkrars • Laed fyasec 321 N. Front Street . Wilmington. NC. 284ol . 9191763 7708 1 FLOOD HAZARDS MAP EDENTON MMCIPAL AIRPORT N CATEGORY 1 i 2 HURRICANES. HOWARD T. CAPPS d2 ASSOCIATES 1600' 0 1800' 36001 SCALE: I" = 180d 94 321 N. From Street • Wiltrir com N.C. 28401 • 919/7&3•7708 EXISTING LAND USE EDENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT 2A ,PE OLONY \Z I 0 I 3600' SCALE: i =1800 N I LOCATION MAP EDENTON, NC LEGEND .�... .:.INDUSTRIAL HOWARD T. CAPPS & ASSOCIATES L-%& ape A,rhirar • lard PA=ww 321 N. From Street • Wilmington. N.C. 28401 • g19/763.7708 95 The preparation of this document was financed in part CI V% through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Existing Land Use Map Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which Is administered by the, Office or Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. LEGEND EM Resid'ej C222L Comrdercia 0� Industrial• X CaE Public AgricultureNacant Forrested • Town Limit Extraterritorial Planning Limit 0 Ais WX 0 0 00 Z ' '•, " ernh— V4 %41 ................. 0 14 Edenton Bay iF 16600001 • • V Awl, all —4d Sok.l"-400' EDENTON Howard T. Capps T Asmates LandscaptArrhirar - Land Planner 321 North Front Sum Wilmington. North Carolina The preparation of this document wn:; financed in part through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, vshich is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal -SAWmace Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric LEGEND EM Developed P771 Urban Transition Rural Conservation ------- Town Limit monlillon Extraterritorial Planning Limit The Conservation Classification includes Public Trust Waters, Estuarine Waters and Shorelines, 100-year flood Prone area and hydric soils. Location of JOG- -Vear flood and hydric soils must be obtained from Federal ::::\ Flood Insurance' Maps or field identification for hydric soils. t 1 •t•t Land --Classificatio-iLM—ap room anowmal annumn/ ♦ ♦ t Mb am" IF '7 ':� �" Edenton Bay t a **%%V0000 0000000*0001 at 0 It 41P SR tie: N ,k-.A.=400. EDENTON. A*. 0 Howard T. Capps V Assodam L=dX4qPe,4,rhirea - Land Planner 321 North Imrit Strew Wdmfttm North Carolm