1996 Land Use Plan Update-1997

lease do not remove!!!!!
Division of Coastal Management

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TOWN OF EMERALD ISLE
1996 LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
Adopted by the Emerald Isle Board of Commissioners: September 9, 1997
Certified by the Coastal Resources Commission: September 26, 1997
Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
Wilmington, North Carolina
The preparation of this document was financed in part through a grant provided by the North
Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management
Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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TOWN OF EMERALD ISLE, NORTH CAROLINA
FY95/96 LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
SECTION I: ANALYSIS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS
A. ESTABLISHMENT OF INFORMATION BASE .......................... 1-1
B. POPULATION AND HOUSING .................................... 1-7
1. Population............................................1-7
a. Permanent Population Growth, 1970-1994 ................ 1-7
b. Composition and Age ................................ 1-9
2. Town of Emerald Isle Seasonal Population ..................... 1-10
a. Introduction and Methodology ........................ 1-10
b. Seasonal Population ................................ 1-12
3. Housing Characteristics ................................... 1-12
4. Summary............................................I-15
IC. ECONOMY................................................1-16
D. EXISTING LAND USE.........................................I-21
1. Introduction..........................................I-21
2. Urban and Developed Land ................................ 1-21
a) Residential......................................I-22
b) Commercial. .I-28
c) Public/Semi-Public.................................
1-29
d) Utilities, Communications ............................
e) Areas of Environmental Concern
1-29
1-29
3.
Basinwide Water Quality Management ........................
1-30
4.
5.
Summary............................................1-33
Development Potential ...................................
1-33
6.
Existing Ordinances and Land Use Controls ....................
1-34
a) Emerald Isle Coastal Area Management Act Land Use
Plan Update, January 23, 1992 .......................
1-34
b) Zoning Ordinance .................................
1-35
c) Subdivision Ordinance ..............................
1-36
d) Drainage Master Plan ................................
1-37
e) Stormwater Control Ordinance ........................
1-37
f) Dunes and Vegetation Protection Ordinance ...............
1-38
g) Emerald Isle Mobile Home Park and Travel
Trailer Park Ordinance ..............................
1-38
h) Floodplain Development .............................
I-38
i) Building Code .................................... 1-38
j) Storm Hazard Mitigation and Post -Disaster
Reconstruction Plan ................................ 1-38
Ik) Emerald Isle Shoreline Access Plan ..................... 1-38

E.
DEVELOPMENT
CONSTRAINTS: PUBLIC FACILITIES ..................
1-39
1.
Water Supply .........................................
1-39
2.
3.
Sewage Disposal .......................................
Drainage.............................................1-41
1-39
4.
Solid Waste Disposal ....................................
1-46
5.
6.
Schools ................. ..........................1-46
Transportation .........................................
1-48
7.
Police...............................................1-49
8.
9.
Fire................................................1-49
Emergency Services .....................................
1-49
10.
Recreation...........................................1-49
11.
12.
Electrical Distribution .....................................
Administration
1-55
1-56
.........................................
F.
DEVELOPMENT
CONSTRAINTS: LAND SUITABILITY ..................
1-57
1.
Topography/Geology....................................
1-57
2.
Flood Hazard Areas .....................................
1-57
3.
Soils................................................1-61
4.
Manmade Hazards/Restrictions .............................
1-64
5.
Marine Resources ......................................
1-68
6.
Fragile Areas ..........................................
1-69
a) Coastal Wetlands .................................
1-69
b) Estuarine Waters ................................
1-69
c) Estuarine Shorelines ................................
1-69
d) Public Trust Areas .................................
1-73
e) Ocean Hazard Areas ...............................
1-73
f) 404 Wetlands ....................................
1-74
g) Maritime Forests ..................................
h) Outstanding Resource Waters .........................
1-74
1-76
i) Slopes in Excess of 12% ............................
1-76
j) Excessive Erosion Areas .............................
k) Historic and Archaeological Sites
1-76
1-76
......................
SECTION 11:
PROJECTED LAND DEVELOPMENT ANALYSIS
A.
PROJECTED
DEMAND FOR DEVELOPMENT .........................
II-1
1.
Demographic Trends ....................................
II-1
2.
Commercial and Industrial Land Use .........................
II-4
3.
Housing Trends ........................................
II-4
4.
Public Land Use ........................................
II-5
5.
Areas Likely to Experience Major Land Use Changes ..............
II-5
6.
Summary ............................................
II-5
B.
PROJECTED
PUBLIC FACILITIES NEEDS/AVAILABILITY ................
II-6
C.
REDEVELOPMENT ISSUES .....................................
II-7
D.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION .........
II-7
SECTION III: EMERALD ISLE LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM ................ III-1 1
F,
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SECTION IV: EMERALD ISLE POLICY STATEMENTS
A. VISION STATEMENT .......................................... IV-2
B. RESOURCE PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENTS ..................... IV-2
C. MISCELLANEOUS RESOURCE PROTECTION ........................ IV-4
D. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES ............... IV-9
E. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT POLICY STATEMENTS .... IV-10
F. CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION POLICIES .................... IV-16
EMERALD ISLE STORM HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN ...................... IV-17
POST DISASTER RECONSTRUCTION PLAN AND POLICIES .................. IV-24
SECTION V: RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES AND LAND CLASSIFICATIONS
A. DEVELOPED CLASS........ ................................ V-1
B. URBAN TRANSITION CLASS ................................... V-1
C. CONSERVATION CLASS ...................................... V-1
D. SUMMARY ................................................ V-2
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TABLES
Paqe
Table 1
Town of Emerald Isle and Carteret County, NC
Summary of Year -Round Population Growth by Township and
1-8
Municipality, 1970-1994 ................. ........... .
Table 2
Population Characteristics by Age Group
Emerald Isle and Carteret County, 1980-1990 ...............
1-9
Table 3
Percentage Change in Population by Sex and Race
Emerald Isle Carteret County, 1980-1990
1-9
and ...............
Table 4
Seasonal, Permanent, and Total Peak Population, 1996
Town of Emerald Isle, NC ..............................
1-11
Table 5
Building Permits Data, Town of Emerald Isle, 1990-1995 .......
1-13
Table 6
Housing Summary: Tenure and Vacancy
Town of Emerald Isle, 1980-1990 ........................
1-14
Table 7
Housing Conditions, Town of Emerald Isle, 1990 .............
Force Status, Town Emerald Isle, 1980-1990
1-14
1-16
Table 8
Labor of
rEmerald
Table 9
Per Capita Income, 1979-1989
Isle, Carteret County, North Carolina ................
1-16
Table 10
Employed Persons 16 Years and Older by Industry
Town of Emerald Isle, 1980/1990 ........................
1-17
Table 11
Employment by Class of Worker, Town of Emerald Isle, 1990 ....
1-18
Table 12
Poverty Status, Town of Emerald Isle, 1990 ................
1-18
Table 13
Revenues and Expenditures, Town of Emerald Isle
1990-1995........................................
1-19
Table 14
Town of Emerald Isle, Approximate Land Use by Acreage .......
1-22
Table 15
Carteret County Watershed Report
Watersheds 03020106020052 and 03020106030082 ........
1-32
Table 16
Private Package Treatment and Disposal Systems in Emerald Isle ..
1-40
Table 17
Enrollment in Carteret County Schools, 1989-1995 ...........
1-47
Table 18
Town of Emerald Isle Synopses of Existing Ocean Accessway
Facilities; Synopses of Existing Sound Accessway Facilities .....
1-53
Table 19
Town of Emerald Isle Minimum Recreational Facility Needs
1-55
Table 20
Town of Emerald Soil Susceptibility to Flooding ..............
1-60
Table 21
Town of Emerald Isle Degree and Kind of Limitations for Stated Use
1-61
Table 22
Land Use Compatibility in Noise Areas .....................
1-65
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Table 23 Maritime Forest Area Definition, Function, and Management ..... 1-75
Table 24 Town of Emerald Isle and Carteret County, NC
Summary of Year -Round Population Growth by Township and
Municipality, 1990-2005 .............................. II-2
Table 25 Town of Emerald Isle Total Peak Population ................. II-3
Table 26 Town of Emerald Isle Total Population by Age and Percent Change,
1996-2005........................................ II-4
MAPS
Map 1
Town of Emerald Isle 1995 Existing Land Use ...............
1-23/25
Map 2
Noise Impacts, Bogue Field Aircraft Operations .................
1-27
Map 3
Town of Emerald Isle Storm Water Drainage Problem Areas ......
1-43/45
Map 4
Town of Emerald Isle Ocean and Sound Public Access Sites .....
1-50/52
Map 5
Emerald Isle General Delineation Flood Hazard Areas ..............
1-58
Map 6
Town of Emerald Isle General Soil Conditions ................
1-62/63
Map 7
Town of Emerald Isle Areas of Environmental Concern .........
1-70/72
Map 8
Town of Emerald Isle Land Classification Map ................
III-4/6
Map 9
Town of Emerald Flood Hazard Areas ....................
IV-18/20
APPENDICES
Appendix I Town of Emerald Isle Land Use Plan Policies Considered But Not Adopted
Appendix II Town of Emerald Isle Citizen Participation Plan

SECTION I: ANALYSIS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS
A. ESTABLISHMENT OF INFORMATION BASE
This 1996 Land Use Plan Update for the Town of Emerald Isle is prepared in accordance with
requirements of the North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). Specifically, this
document complies with Subchapter 713, "Land Use Planning Guidelines," of the North Carolina
Administrative Code, as amended, September 28, 1995.
fiThe 7B guidelines define the following intent of land use plans:
"Local governments, through the land use planning process, address issues and
adopt policies that guide the development of their community. Many decisions
affecting development are made by other levels of government, and local
policies must consider and be consistent with established state and federal
policies. Most development -related decisions, however, are primarily of local
concern. Policies which address the type of development to be encouraged, the
density and patterns of development, and the methods of providing public
access to beaches and waterfronts are examples of these local policy decisions.
By carefully and explicitly addressing development of these issues in the Land
Use Plan, other levels of government will be able to consider local policies in
their actions that affect those issues. State and federal agencies use the local
land use plan and policies in making project consistency, funding, and permit
decisions."
The land use plan shall contain the following basic elements:
1) a summary of data collection;
2) an analysis of all data collected;
3) statements of local policy on those land use planning issues which will affect
the community during the 10-year planning period;
4) a map of existing land uses and a land classification map;
5) a discussion of the relationship between the local government's adopted policies
and the land classification map;
6) a discussion of how adjacent governments' plans were considered in the
preparation of the land use plan;
., 7) a Citizen Participation Plan.
The policy section of the plan is the* most important part of the document. The 7B guidelines
dictate that policies must be included to address:
1) Resource Protection
2) Resource Production and Management
i 3) Economic and Community Development
i 4) Continuing Public Participation
5) Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery and Evacuation Plans

This land use plan provides a guide for development of the Town of Emerald Isle by addressing
issues and adopting policies that are relevant to the town. Specifically, this land use plan
provides the following:
1) an analysis of existing conditions, including a land use map;
2) a projected land development analysis;
3) a summary of public interests and participation;
4) a land classification system;
5) a detailed section on policy statements;
6) establishment of policies to deal with existing and anticipated land use issues;
7) preparation of a land classification map;
8) preparation of hurricane mitigation and post -disaster recovery plans and
policies;
9) an assessment of opportunities for participation in state and federal programs;
10) an updated Land Use Plan based on an effective citizen participation process.
Listed below are some of the sources and documents utilized during the preparation of this
Land Use Plan:
-- Carteret County 1991 Land Use Plan Update
-- Carteret County Board of Education
-- Carteret Community Action
-- Carteret County Department of Environmental Health
-- Carteret County Department of Social Services
-- Carteret County Economic Development Council, Inc.
-- Carteret County Fire Marshal
-- Carteret County Planning Department
-- Carteret County Tax Assessor's Office
-- Morehead City - Beaufort 1992 Thoroughfare Plan
-- Environmental Impact Statement, Carteret County Wastewater Treatment and
Disposal, 1988
-- Drainage Master Plan, Town of Emerald Isle, North Carolina
-- Flood Insurance Study, Town of Emerald Isle
-- Town of Emerald Isle 1991 Land Use Plan Update
-- Town of Emerald Isle 1986 Land Use Plan Update
-- Town of Emerald Isle Zoning Ordinance
-- Town of Emerald Isle Subdivision Ordinance
-- Town of Emerald Isle Mobile Home Park and Travel Trailer Park Ordinance
-- Town of Emerald Isle Ocean and Sound Public Access Plan, 1988
-- Town of Emerald Isle Storm Hazard Mitigation Plan and Post Disaster
Reconstruction Plan, 1984
-- An Assessment of Maritime Forest Resources on the North Carolina Coast,
November 1988
-- USDA, Soil Conservation Service, Carteret County
-- NCDOT, Planning and Policies Section
-- North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management
-- North Carolina Division of Archives and History
-- North Carolina Division of Community Assistance
-- North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources,
Division of Coastal Management
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-- North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources,
Division of Water Quality, Groundwater Section
-- North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources,
Division of Water Quality, Solid Waste Management Branch
-- North Carolina Department of Economic and Community Development
-- North Carolina Division of Aging
-- North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries
-- North Carolina Division of Shellfish Sanitation
-- North Carolina Division of Travel and Tourism
-- North Carolina Division of Veterans' Affairs
-- North Carolina Employment Security Commission, Labor Market Information
Division
-- North Carolina Natural Heritage Program
-- North Carolina State Ports Authority, Morehead Terminal, General Manager's
Office
-- United States Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District Office
-- United States Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census
-- United States Fish and Wildlife Service
-- United States Marine Corps, MCAS Cherry Point, Community Plans and Liaison
Office
These sources were supplemented by "windshield" surveys conducted in December, 1995,
to obtain data on existing land use patterns.
It should be noted that the policy section of this plan is the most important part of the
document. State and federal agencies will use the local land use policies in making project
consistency, funding, and permit decisions.
1992 LAND USE PLAN POLICY STATEMENT DISCUSSION
The 1992 Town of Emerald Isle Land Use Plan included policy statements which addressed
the five policy areas of: Resource Protection, Resource Production and Management,
Economic and Community Development, Continuing Public Participation, and Storm Hazard
Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery, and Evacuation Plans. Those policies supported the 15A
NCAC 7H minimum use standards. The following identifies the policies which exceeded the
state's 15A NCAC 7H minimum use standards:
RESOURCE PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENTS
-- Emerald Isle opposes the installation of package treatment plants and septic tanks or
discharge of waste in any areas classified as coastal wetlands or fresh water wetlands
(404).
Development of Sound and Estuarine Islands
-- Emerald Isle desires to restrict any construction on -sound or estuarine islands. The
town will review its zoning ordinance to incorporate controls to regulate development
on sound and estuarine islands. Until the zoning ordinance is revised, the town will
support development on islands which satisfies the 15A NCAC 7H use standards.
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Ocean Hazard Areas i
-- Emerald Isle will support only uses within the ocean hazard areas which are allowed
by 15A NCAC 7H and are consistent with the town's zoning and dune and vegetation
protection ordinances.
Inlet Hazard Areas
-- The Town of Emerald Isle will allow uses within the inlet hazard areas which are
consistent with the town's zoning ordinance, 15A NCAC 7H use standards and the
following use standards:
(1) All development in the inlet hazard area shall be set back from the first line of
stable natural vegetation a distance equal to the setback required in the
adjacent ocean hazard areas;
(2) Permanent structures shall be permitted at a density of no more than one
commercial or residential unit per 15,000 square feet of land area on lots
subdivided or created after July 23, 1981;
(3) Only residential structures of four units or less or non-residential structures of
less than 5,000 square feet total floor area shall be allowed within the inlet
hazard area;
(4) Established common-law and statutory public rights of access to the public trust
lands and waters in inlet hazard areas shall not be eliminated or restricted.
Development shall not encroach upon public accessways nor shall it limit the
intended use of the accessways;
(5) Shoreline stabilization structures shall be permitted only as a part of a publicly
supported project;
(6) All other rules in this subchapter pertaining to development in the ocean hazard
areas shall be applied to development within the inlet hazard areas;
(7) The following types of development shall be exempted from these inlet hazard
area setback requirements:
-- campgrounds that do not involve substantial permanent structures;
-- parking areas with clay, packed sand, or similar surfaces;
-- outdoor tennis court;
-- elevated decks not exceeding 500 square feet;
-- beach accessways consistent with 15A NCAC 7H use standards;
-- unenclosed, uninhabitable gazebos with floor areas of 200 square feet
or less;
-- uninhabitable storage sheds with floor areas of 200 square feet or less;
-- temporary amusement stands; and
-- swimming pools.
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(8) The town opposes all residential, institutional, and commercial development in
the area which is west of a line lying along the eastern property line of Lot 9,
Section A, Emerald Isle by the Sea, Book 8, Page 73, Carteret County Registrar
of Deeds Office, Block 53, November 16, 1973, to its intersection with the
southern right-of-way with Inlet Drive and west of a line lying along the eastern
property line of Lot 30, Section B, Emerald Isle by the Sea, Book 8, Page 73,
Carteret County Registrar of Deeds Office, November 16, 1973, if extended to
intersect with the southern right-of-way line of Inlet Drive. Public rights -of -way
and utilities shall be permitted. The following types of development shall be
allowed and exempted from the inlet hazard area setback requirements:
-- publicly owned parking areas with clay, packed sand, or similar pervious
surfaces;
-- publicly owned elevated decks not exceeding 500 square feet;
-- beach accessways consistent with 15A NCAC 7H use standards;
-- publicly owned, unenclosed, uninhabitable gazebos with floor areas of
200 square feet or less;
-- publicly owned, uninhabitable storage sheds with floor areas of 200
-- square feet or less;
publicly owned, temporary amusement stands.
(9) In all cases, development shall only be permitted if it meets other applicable
15A NCAC 7H inlet hazard areas use standards; is landward of the vegetation
line; and involves no significant alteration or removal of primary or frontal dunes
or the dune vegetation.
RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES
Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Development Impacts on Resources
-- Residential and commercial development which meets 15A NCAC 7H use standards,
Emerald Isle zoning requirements, where applicable the Bogue Sound ORW
Management Plan, and the policies contained in this plan will be allowed in estuarine
shoreline, ORW estuarine shoreline, estuarine water, and public trust areas. Industrial
development will be prohibited within Emerald Isle. Marinas and bulkheads shall be
allowed when consistent with the other policies contained in this plan.
-- Emerald Isle opposes the construction of any signs, except for regulatory signs, in the
coastal wetlands, estuarine waters, and public trust areas.
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Marina Resource Areas '
-- With the exception of the construction of signs (excluding regulatory signs), Emerald
Isle supports the use standards for estuarine waters and public trust areas as specified
in 15A NCAC 7H.0207, and the management plan for the Bogue Sound outstanding
resource waters.
Types and Locations of Desired Industry
-- Emerald Isle opposes industrial development of any type. This policy is supported by
the Emerald Isle zoning ordinance.
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IB. POPULATION AND HOUSING
' 1. Population
a. Permanent Population Growth, 1970-1994
Emerald Isle is located in Carteret County on the western end of Bogue Banks. Since
1970, Carteret County has experienced tremendous population growth. In fact, between
1980-1994, Carteret County was the sixth fastest growing CAMA-regulated county and was
24th in the entire state. This growth is the result of a number of factors, including the
following: growing retirement and recreation centers, increased military and industrial
presence, peak population growth, and a national trend of migration to non -metropolitan areas.
The overall growth of Carteret County has served to support and stimulate the growth of
Emerald Isle and other county municipalities.
Table 1 provides a complete summary of year-round population growth within Carteret
County. Carteret County's rate of growth from 1970 to 1980 was twice the growth rate of
the 1960s. Since 1980, population growth, although extremely high, has occurred at a
continually decreasing rate. The N.C. State Data Center has forecast this trend to continue
through the year 2003. A large percentage of the growth in Carteret County from 1970-1994
has occurred in the incorporated beach communities and in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of
the municipalities.
Emerald Isle had major growth from 1980 to 1990, with the permanent population
increasing from 865 to 2,434, a 181 % increase. Strong growth continued through the early
'90s with an increase to a 1994 permanent population of 2,798, a four-year growth of 15%.
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Table 1
Town of Emerald Isle and Carteret County, NC
Summary of Year -Round Population Growth by Township and Municipality, 1970 - 1994
Township Municipality or Area
Year Round Population
1970 1980 1990 1994
Percentage Change
Overall
'70-'80 '80290 '90294 '70294
1) Atlantic
Total Township
814
810
805
803
-0.49%
-0.62%
-0.26%
-1.37%
2) Beaufort
Beaufort
3,368
3,826
3,808
3,997
13.60%
-0.47%
4.96%
18.68%
Unincorporated Areas
2.779
3,166
4,205
4,644
13.93%
32.82%
10.45%
67.12%
Total Township
6,147
6,992
8,013
8,641
13.75%
14.60%
7.84%
40.58%
3) Cedar Island
Total Township
290
333
385
407
14.83%
15.62%
5.71 %
40.34%
4) Davis
Total Township
456
492
535
553
7.89%
8.74%
3.40%
21.31 %
5) Harkers Island
Total Township
1,639
1,910
2,237
2,375
16.53%
17.12%
6.18%
44.92%
6) Harlowe
Total Township
762
956
11190
1,289
25.46%
24.48%
8.31 %
69.15%
7) Marshallberg
Total Township
525
580
646
674
10.48%
11.38%
4.32%
28.36%
8) Merrimon
Total Township
330
426
542
591
29.09%
27.23%
9.05%
79.10%
9) Morehead City
Atlantic Beach
300
941
1,938
2,267
213.67%
105.95%
16.98%
655.67%
Indian Beach
0
54
153
177
N/A
183.33%
15.69%
N/A
Morehead City
5,233
4,359
6,046
6,384
-16.70%
38.70%
5.59%
22.00%
Pine Knoll Shores
0
646
1,360
1,543
N/A
110.53%
13.46%
N/A
Unincorporated Areas
6,396
9,803
10,985
11,485
53.27%
12.06%
4.55%
79.56%
Total Township
11,929
15,803
20,482
21,856
32.48%
29.61 %
6.71 %
83.21 %
10) Newport
Newport
1,735
1,883
2,516
2,778
8.53%
33.62%
10.41%
60.12%
Unincorporated Areas
2,191
3,586
4,817
5,337
63.67%
34.33%
10.80%
143.61 %
Total Township
3,926
5,469
7,333
8,115
39.30%
34.08%
10.67%
106.71 %
11) Sea Level
Total Township
347
540
773
872
55.62%
43.15%
12.74%
151.15%
12) Smyrna
Total Township
517
637
782
843
23.21 %
22.76%
7.84%
63.11 %
13) Stacy
Total Township
257
322
401
434
25.29%
24.53%
8.33%
69.03%
14) Straits
Total Township
1,166
1,520
1,948
2,129
30.36%
28.16%
9.29%
82.58%
15) white Oak
Cape Carteret
616
944
11008
1,179
53.25%
6.78%
16.96%
91.40%
Emerald Isle
122
865
2,434
2,798
609.02%
181.39%
14.95%
2193.44%
Cedar Point
0
0
628
688
N/A
N/A
9.55%
N/A
Unincorporated Areas
1,758
2,493
2,413
2,379
41.81 %
-3.21 %
-1.40%
35.33%
Total Township
2,496
4,302
6,483
7,044
72.36%
50.70%
8.66%
182.22%
Total Municipalities
11,374
13,518
19,891
21,811
18.85%
47.14%
9.70%
91.76%
Total Unincorporated Areas
20,229
27,574
32,662
34,813
36.31 %
18.45%
6.59%
72.09%
Total County
31,603
41,092
52,553
56,624
30.03%
27.90%
7.75%
79.19%
Sources: N.C. State Data Center; extrapolation of data for unincorporated areas by Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
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b. Composition and Age
The N.C. State Data Center does not estimate population by race, sex, or age for
municipalities for intercensal years. Tables 2 and 3 were completed using 1980 and 1990
U.S. Census data for Emerald Isle.
Table 2
Population Characteristics by Age Group
Emerald Isle and Carteret County, 1980-1990
Percentage of Total Population
Age Group
Emerald Isle
Carteret County
1980 1990
1980
1990
Under 5
4.7% 5.3%
6.8%
6.4%
5-17
12.9% 8.9%
19.7%
16.1 %
18-24
12.5% 8.3%
12.9%
9.5%
25-34
17.6% 17.0%
16.1 %
16.6%
35-44
9.7% 15.8%
11.4%
15.0%
45-54
15.7% 12.5%
10.7%
11.2%
55-64
16.6% 18.0%
10.8%
10.9%
65 and over
10.3% 14.2%
11.6%
14.3%
Total
100% 100%
100%
100%
Sources: 1980 and 1990 U.S.
Census.
Table 3
Percentage Change in Population
by Sex and Race
Emerald Isle and Carteret County, 1980-1990
Percentage of Total Population
Emerald Isle
Carteret County
1980 1990
1980
1990
Male Population
51 % 51 %
50%
49%
Female Population
49% 49%
50%
51 %
Total Population
100% 100%
100%
100%
White Population
98.4% 99.7%
89.9%
90.6%
Non -White Population
1.6% 0.3%
10.1 %
9.4%
Total Population
100% 100%
100%
100%
Sources: 1980 and 1990 U.S.
Census Data.
M

I
Since 1980, the age of the Emerald Isle population has increased significantly. This
is consistent with trends throughout Carteret County and is indicative of the attractiveness
of the Bogue Banks area as a retirement center. In 1970, only 18% of Emerald Isle's
population was 55 years old or older. By 1990, the percentage of those 55 years and older
had increased to 32%. This was slightly higher than the county's percent of population over
55, which was approximately 25%. However, the town's percentage of population over 65
was approximately the same (14%) as the county in 1990.
Thus, by 1990, almost one-third (32%) of the town's population was over 55 years
of age. A majority of this population was in the 60 to 70 year old age group. The increasing
age of the population should impact on the town's planning for medical, housing, and other
service needs of the elderly.
In addition to the growth in the elder) segments of the population, Table 2 also shows
9 Y 9 p P
significant decreases in the 5-17, 18-24, and 45-54 age cohorts. Of particular importance to
public facilities planning is the significant decrease in the school age population. This
segment, age 5-17, decreased from 12.9% in 1980 to only 8.9% in 1990. This amounts to
a 4% decrease over the ten-year period.
The town's population composition by sex has remained constant from 1980 to 1990.
From 1970 to 1980, the female percentage rose 3% to reach a 51 % male/49% female
distribution. This division of the town's sexes is the exact opposite of the county's
distribution of 49% male/51 % female experienced in 1990.
Emerald Isle has had a very small non -white population. The 1980 Census indicated
only four black, two Filipino, and eight Asian Indian residents. According to the 1990 Census, �.
the non -white population has continued to decrease, composing only 0.3 % of the town's
population. The non -white population can be expected to remain low. From 1980 to 1990,
the total non -white population in Carteret County grew at a rate well below the white
population growth rate.
2. Town of Emerald Isle Seasonal Population
a. Introduction and Methodology
Emerald Isle's permanent and year-round population is supplemented by a significant
peak seasonal population. The methodology used in this study will closely follow a
demographic analysis of recreational population for the Albemarle -Pamlico region prepared by
Paul D. Tschetter of East Carolina University in 1988. The advantage of the ECU analysis is
that it relies on an extensive empirical enumeration of marine boat slips, motel rooms, and
campgrounds in addition to private seasonal housing units. The study also includes an
excellent approach to estimating average population by type of individual housing unit. For
purposes of the ECU study (and this demographic analysis), "total seasonal housing units"
includes 1) all single- and multi -family private housing units used by the overnight tourist
population rather than the permanent population; 2) all motel/hotel rooms (including bed and
breakfasts); 3) all seasonal and transient campground sites; and 4) all individual marina wet
slips capable of docking boats of a size and type which can house people overnight. Marina
facilities for fueling/repair only (no overnight dockage), and those that only dock commercial
fishing boats, are excluded from the enumeration of seasonal housing units. I

1
As in the ECU study, an enumeration of seasonal housing units was conducted to arrive
at the totals presented in Table 4. The figures for marina boat slips, motel rooms, and
campgrounds are up to date as of January, 1996. Due to the lack of current data for private
housing units and permanent population for 1996, the figures from the 1990 U.S. Census and
1994 Office of State Planning data have been substituted. Therefore, the figures provided in
this plan for seasonal population and peak seasonal population may be slightly low for 1996
since any growth in private housing units from 1990-1996 has not been considered.
Table 4
Seasonal, Permanent, and Total Peak Population,
1996
Town of Emerald Isle, NC
1996*
Number
Persons
Seasonal
Housing Type of Units
Per Unit
Population
Motel/Hotel 174
4
696
Campsites 697
3
2,091
Boat Slips 150
3.25[1 ]
414
Private Housing Units [2] 2,418
5
12,090
Total 3,439
15,291
Permanent Population 2,798
Peak Seasonal Population 15,291
Total Peak Population 18,089
[1] Based on 85% occupancy rate. 100% used for all other categories.
[2] Includes units "vacant -held for occasional use" and "other vacant" as classified by the 1990 U.S.
Census.
* The figures for Motel/Hotel, Campsites, and Boat Slips are current as of January, 1996. The most
recent data available for Private Housing Units is 1990 and for Permanent Population 1994.
Source: 1990 U.S. Census; Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
The above peak seasonal population figure does not include "day visitor" usage of
Emerald Isle recreational facilities, beaches, waters, and natural areas. Day visitors greatly
increase the population in Emerald Isle during the tourist or summer season. On July 4, 1995,
the Emerald Isle Police Department conservatively estimated a total population of 80,000.
With a peak population of 18,089, the total day visitor population would have been
approximately 61,911 people. In 1994, the average daily traffic count for vehicles crossing
the Langston Bridge into Emerald Isle was 11,800 vehicles. If each vehicle had an average
occupancy of only two persons, 23,600 people would have entered Emerald Isle. This number
could easily increase 2 to 2.5 times during a peak summer season day. Thus, the Police
Department estimate is very credible. This volume of day visitors has as much impact on the
town as does the peak "overnight" population.

b. Seasonal Population I
Table 4 illustrates that the Town of Emerald Isle has a total of 3,439 seasonal units,
a peak seasonal population of 15,921, and a total peak population of 18,089. "Peak seasonal
population" can be defined as the population that would be enumerated in all seasonal housing
units if all of those units were occupied at full capacity, based on average assumed household
sizes for each type of unit (one exception is in marina boat slips where the ECU study
suggests an occupancy rate of 85%). Although "peak seasonal population" is based on a
number of variables, it is a very useful statistic for planning purposes, since it provides a
logically derived summary of the possible total occupancy in seasonal units during peak
overnight tourism periods (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekends). "Total
peak population" is simply the sum of the permanent population and peak seasonal population.
3. Housing Characteristics
Since 1970, Emerald Isle has experienced tremendous residential construction. In 1970, there
were only 304 permanent dwelling units. By 1980, the number had jumped to 2,433 dwelling
units. This high rate of construction continued through the 1980s, and by 1990 resulted in
a total of 4,574 dwelling units. Thus, from 1970 to 1990, there was a 1,405% increase in
dwelling units.
Complete detailed historical data is not available for the twenty-year period 1970-1990.
However, Table 5 provides detailed building permit data for the years 1990-1995. During
these five years, 953 residential building permits were issued, of which 685 or 72% were for
single-family residential dwelling units. The annual value of residential construction has
increased dramatically, with a high value of $21,207,374 in 1995 from a low of $8,780,680
in 1990.
Approximately 48% of Emerald Isle's housing units were considered year round in 1980. This
ratio of year round to seasonal housing units remained relatively constant throughout the
1980s. In 1990, approximately 47% of the town's housing units were considered year round,
a decrease of only 1 % since 1980. Table 6 provides a summary of the tenure and vacancy
status of the town's housing supply from 1980-1990.
From 1980-1990, the town's total housing supply increased from 2,369 units to 4,574 units.
This was a net gain of 2,718 units and a 90.9% increase over the ten-year period.
The number of seasonal units in 1990 was almost twice as high as it was in 1980. Table 6
illustrates a continuation of the trend away from the traditional owner -occupied housing
towards a rented and seasonal stock of housing in Emerald Isle.
Table 7 shows 1,126 occupied housing units and 4,574 total housing units in Emerald Isle in
1990. Only 3.6% of Emerald Isle's occupied housing stock was less than one year old, and
10.8% greater than twenty years old in 1990. This leaves the majority (85.5%) of Emerald
Isle's housing stock in the two - twenty year old bracket. It may also be noted that single
family, detached housing dominates the housing inventory at 45.4%.

. W WOM w r man go 401 101K IM11111110 1100 1=11111 M
Table 5
Building Permits Data
Town of Emerald Isle, 1990-1995
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
Total
Number Months Reported
12
12
12
12
12
12
72
Number of Units:
One Family Residential
90
84
119
121
148
127
689
Two Family Residential
4
7
13
18
209
26
88
Three -Four Family Residential
0
8
4
4
7
0
28
Five or More Family Residential
0
0
0
0
6
51
29
Total Residential
94
100
136
143
181
204
858
Building Cost:
One Family Residential
$8,220,880
$8,525,910
$12,026,080
$12,158,600
$16,616,990
$14,053,974
$71,602,434
Two Family Residential
559,800
1,410,060
2,420,230
3,737,990
3,873,980
5,168,370
17,170,430
Three -Four Family Residential
0
813,200
306,600
306,600
430,340
0
2,379,740
Five or More Family Residential
0
0
0
0
353,120
3,152,340
3,505,460
Total Residential
$8,780,680
$10,749,170
$14,752,910
$16,203,190
$21,274,430
$22,374,684
$94,135,064
Permits:
Residential Additions &
242
285
264
304
262
1,357
Alterations
$1,291,720
$1,674,635
$1,932,450
$1,226,260
$8,883,175
Cost
$1,237,486
$1,520,624
Number of Buildings:
Office, Bank & Professional
0
3
2
3
3
2
13
Stores & Other Mercantile
5
0
0
2
2
7
16
Buildings
Building Cost:
Office, Bank & Professional
0
$583,800
$1,018,250
$406,360
$879,600
$29,840
$2,917,850
Stores & Other Mercantile
$548,200
0
0
456,700
640,600
1,117,860
$2,763,360
Buildings
Source: Town of Emerald Isle.
1-13

Table 6
Housing Summary: Tenure and Vacancy
Town of Emerald Isle, 1980-1990
Item
1980
1990
Total Housing Units
2,396
4,574
Year -Round Housing Units
1,158
2,156
Occupied
370
1,126
Renter -occupied
84
301
Owner -occupied
286
825
Vacant
788
1,030
For Sale
53
124
For Rent
95
736
Seasonal Units [11
1,238
2,418
[11 Includes units "vacant -held for occasional use" and
"other vacant" as classified by the 1980 & 1990
U.S. Census.
Source: 1980 and 1990 U.S. Census.
Table 7
Housing Conditions
Town of Emerald Isle, 1990
Condition and Age
Total Occupied Units
Aqe
0-1
2-10
11-20
21-30
31-40
41-50
51 & Up
Condition
Lacking complete plumbing facilities
Lacking complete kitchen facilities
Type
Total Units
Single family, detached
Single. family, attached
2-4 units
5-19 units
20 units or more
Mobile home
Other
Source: 1990 U.S. Census.
Percent of
1990 Total
1,126
100.00 %
41
3.64%
694
61.63%
269
23.89%
89
7.90%
22
1.95 %
5
0.44%
6
0.53%
0 0.00%
1 0.1 %
4,574
100.00%
2,076
45.39%
397
8.68%
536
11.72%
72
1.57%
482
10.54%
989
21.62%
22
0.48 %
1-14

C�
1
4. Summary
The following provides a summary of significant demographic and housing factors:
-- Between 1980-1990, Carteret County experienced a 27.94% population
growth; 47.29 % in incorporated areas and 18.45 % in the unincorporated areas.
-- Emerald Isle experienced an increase in permanent population from 865 in 1980
to 2,434 in 1990. During the same time period, the total number of seasonal
housing units increased from 1,238 to 2,418.
-- In 1996, the town can expect a peak seasonal population of 15,291.
-- Approximately 60,000 "day visitors" visit Emerald Isle during a peak
summer season day.
-- The average age of the town's population has continued to mature and in 1990
32.2% of the population was over 55 years of age.
-- The school -aged population has continued to decrease from 12.9% in 1980 to
8.9% in 1990.
-- Since 1980, Emerald Isle's percentage of non -white population has decreased
from 1.6% to 0.3% and the ratio of males to females has remained the same,
51 %:49%.
-- Emerald Isle's housing stock is split almost 50:50 between year round units and
seasonal units.
-- From 1980 to 1990, the town's total housing supply increased by 90.0%.
-- In 1990, 89.2% of the occupied housing stock was less than 21 years old.
1-15

C. ECONOMY
Emerald Isle appears to have an extremely strong local economy. Based on 1990 Census data
(the most current detailed economic data), only 2.5%, or 33 of those people actively in the
labor force, were unemployed. There were 2,125 people of age for inclusion in the labor
force. Of that total, 790, or 37.2%, were not active in the labor force. They were either
disabled, retired by choice, or females not working. During the ten-year period, the active
labor force grew from a total of 771 in 1980 to 1,335 in 1990. Additional labor force data
is provided in Table 8.
Table 8
Labor Force Status
Town of Emerald Isle, 1980-1990
Labor Force
Armed Forces
Civilian
Employed
Unemployed
Total
1980
Male Female Total
25 0 25
1990
Male Female Total
135 14 149
244
140
384
652
501
1,153
8
9
17
12
21
33
277
149
426
799
536
1,335
Source: 1980 and 1990 U.S. Bureau of the Census.
In 1979, the town's population had a per capita income of $9,038. This was well above the
state and Carteret County. By 1989, the town's per capita income had increased to $21,622.
Table 9 provides a summary of income data.
Table 9
Per Capita Income, 1979-1989
Emerald Isle, Carteret County, North Carolina
1979
1989
Town of Emerald Isle $9,038
$21,622
Carteret County $6,146
$14,096
North Carolina $6,132
$15,899
Source: 1990 U.S. Bureau of the Census.
Emerald Isle's relatively high per capita income is concentrated in the sales and services
industries. In fact, over 52% of the town's employed persons worked in retail/wholesale
trade, finance, real estate, education, or other professional services. Retail trade was the
1-16

I
largest employment category with 23% of the town's total employed. Table 10 provides
detailed data for employment by industry.
j
Table 10
Employed Persons 16 Years and Older by
Industry
Town of Emerald Isle, 1980/1990
1980
1990
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Occupation
Employed
of Total
Employed
of Total
Agriculture, forestry, fisheries, mining`
23
6%
40
3%
Construction
43
11 %
106
9%
Manufacturing
Nondurable goods
14
4%
33
3%
Durable goods
26
7%
27
2%
Transportation
7
2%
39
3%
Communication, other public utilities
9
2%
19
2%
Wholesale trade
2
0.5%
26
2%
jRetail
trade
81
21 %
254
23%
Finance, insurance, and real estate
38
10%
154
13%
Business and repair services
3
0.8%
58
5%
Personal, entertainment, and recreational
services
23
6%
49
4%
Professional and related services
Health services
8
2%
88
8%
Educational services
45
11 %
106
9%
Other professional & related services
8
2%
55
5%
Public Administration
54
14%
99
9%
Total Employed
384
100%
1,153
100%
•While these are grouped together, this category is
primarily limited to fisheries employment
within
Emerald Isle.
Source: 1980 and 1990 U.S. Bureau of the Census.

The Emerald Isle labor force had heavy dependence on government employment. A total of
257, or 22% of those employed, were employed in either federal, state, or local government
jobs. This distribution tends to add stability to local employment and income. Table 11
provides a complete distribution of employment by class of worker.
Table 11
Employment by Class of Worker
Town of Emerald Isle, 1990
Private Wage and Salary Worker
718
Federal Government Worker
102
State Government Worker
105
Local Government Worker
50
Self -Employed Worker
171
Unpaid Family Worker
7
Total 1,153
Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census.
Because of the strength of Emerald Isle's local economy and employment, the town has few
people considered to be below the poverty level. In 1990, approximately 4% of the town's
population was below poverty level. Over 82% of the town's population had incomes 200%
of the poverty level and above. Table 12 provides detailed 1990 poverty level data.
Table 12
Poverty Status
Town of Emerald Isle, 1990
1990
Percent
Income Level Individuals of Total
Income below 75% of poverty level 67 2.8%
Income between 75 & 124% of poverty level 112 4.6%
Income between 125 & 149% of poverty level 66 2.7%
Income between 150 & 199% of poverty level 170 7.1 %
Income 200% of poverty level and above 1,991 82.8%
Total enumerated by poverty status 2,406 100.0%
Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census.
In addition to the private economy, the Town of Emerald Isle has an economically sound local
government. Table 13 provides a summary of Emerald Isle's revenues/expenditures for 1990
through 1995. Town revenues have steadily increased and have, except for 1992, exceeded
r
expenditures.

Will r ■s M r m m m W M am M M M IM M GIs Iw Irr
Table 13
Revenues and Expenditures
Town of Emerald Isle, 1990-1995
Total Revenues
Ad Valorem Tax Revenues
Other Tax Revenues
Unrestricted Intergovernmental Revenues
Restricted Intergovernmental Revenues
Permits and Fees Revenues
Sales and Services Revenues
Investment Revenues
Miscellaneous Revenues
Total Expenditures
General Government Expenditures
Public Safety Expenditures
Environmental Protection Expenditures
Culture and Recreation Expenditures
Debt Service Expenditures
Contingency
Total Property Valuation
Tax Rate
Source: Town of Emerald Isle.
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
$1,979,236
$2,402,594
$2,579,712
$2,717,826
$2,842,362
$3,038,283
1,079,807
1,303,509
1,365,369
1,368,333
1,422,012
1,468, 581
469,378
574,905
588,693
655,619
685,888
715,436
197,239
186,441
176,518
186,571
184,333
192,268
102,791
164,404
178,905
233,090
212,888
304,245
97,268
120,339
148,602
159,271
189,804
216,280
--
--
32,292
41,085
44,599
45,745
14,299
35,972
56,656
38,853
49,653
59,164
18,454
17,024
32,677
35,004
53,185
36,564
$1,752,293
$1,839,167
$2,625,875
$2,401,401
$2,729,550
$3,017,000
604,065
651,325
1,183,897
431,965
404,834
465,970
822,877
873,032
908,951
907,275
1,077,376
1,121,285
282,415
209,410
354,044
770,514
877,051
993,550
42,936
89,987
113,713
185,262
264,580
313,817
--
. 15,413
65,270
106,385
105,709
122,378
0
0
0
0
0
0
$582,255,718 $597,402,326 $609,770,662 $629,573,596 $637,781,713 $650,084,735
.19 .215 .215 .215 .215 .215
1-19

Tourism and recreation are major factors in Emerald Isle's economy. The area's extensive
shoreline resources make it a primary vacation area for the entire East Coast of the country.
While the greatest tourist impact on the local economy occurs from May to September,
visitation figures maintained for the county by the Carteret County Economic Development
Council indicate a substantial year round economic impact from both day and overnight
visitors. Restaurants and motels, sportfishing, retail trade, services, construction, real estate,
and finance industries all benefit from overnight and day visitors.
Tourism employment figures are not available for Emerald Isle. However, according to the
Carteret County Tourism Development Bureau, approximately 20% of Carteret County's
employed work force is directly or indirectly employed as a result of tourism activities.
The following provides a summary of significant data:
-- Emerald Isle has an extremely low rate of unemployment.
-- The town's per capita income is well above that of both the state
and the county.
-- The town's labor force is primarily employed in service related
jobs with a heavy dependence on federal, state, and local
government employment.
-- The Town of Emerald Isle appears to have a financially stable
local government.
-- Tourism is a major factor in the strength of Emerald Isle's local
economy.
1-20

D. EXISTING LAND USE
1. Introduction
Land subdivision within Emerald Isle has an interesting history. Prior to the town's 1957
incorporation, property owners agreed to divide the town into fifty-four (54) 1,100 foot wide
blocks, each of which extended from the ocean to the sound. The blocks were numbered
consecutively from east to west. The first development was residential and it occurred in
Block 1 on the eastern end of the town. This was the first development because the town's
sole vehicular access was by the Morehead City -Atlantic Beach Bridge and Salterpath Road
(N.C. 58). Residential development then spread slowly westward.
In 1962, ferry service was established to the western end of Bogue Banks in Block 38. This
was a major stimulant to growth, and development proceeded at a much faster pace.
Residential development continued to be the primary land use. A heavy influx of mobile
homes occurred, especially near the ferry terminal. In the mid to late '60s, commercial
development began to occur along U.S. 58 in the Block Drive to Holly Street area.
In 1971, the B. Cameron Langston Bridge was opened and easy vehicular access to both the
east and west ends of the town was established. By the early 1970s, residential development
had spread to the western end of the town at Bogue Inlet in Blocks 52 and 53.
The original "block" division of Emerald Isle continues to have a strong influence on the
appearance of the Emerald Isle landscape. Many subdivisions, commercial, and multi -family
developments have their east and west boundaries defined by the original block boundaries.
Many local people refer to the locations of landmarks or developments by the number of the
block in which they are located. In most cases, the town's remaining vacant land is easily
defined by block boundaries.
Since the early 1970s, development in Emerald Isle has rapidly accelerated. However, the
types of land use have remained limited to commercial, single-family residential, multi -family
residential, and mobile home parks or campgrounds. The overall appearance of the town is
one of low density development, except for the commercial areas, with a quiet, single-family
residential atmosphere. It should be noted that Emerald Isle does not have any extraterritorial
planning jurisdiction.
1 2. Urban and Developed Land
Table 14 provides a summary of existing land use by developed and vacant categories. A
comparison of changes from 1985 to 1996 is provided. The developed land dominates in
Emerald Isle with 2,634.7 acres, or 79% of the town's land area, being classified as
developed in 1996. Overall, from 1990 to 1996, there was an increase of 255.9 acres in
developed land area. The result was that by 1996, approximately 38 acres of developable
land remained uncommitted to development. That is, subdivision plats or other specific
development proposals had not been approved by the town for those vacant lands. In
addition, development of this land would be subject to septic tank permit approvals. An
additional 665 acres of vacant land remained which was considered to include areas of
environmental concern, and therefore not available for development.

Table 14
Town of Emerald Isle
Approximate Land Use by
Acreage
Change
Change
% Change
1985
in Acres
1990
in Acres
1996*
'90-'96
Residential
Mobile Home Park
Single Family
130.6
-0-
130.6
12.9
143.5
9.88%
1,272.7
430.5
1,703.2
360.1
2,063.3
21.14%
Multi Family
27.6
31.8
59.4
90.2
149.6
151.85%
Residential Transitional
167.3
156.5
323.8
-232.3
91.5
-71.74%
Total Residential
1,598.2
618.8
2,217.0
230.9
2,447.9
10.41 %
Non -Residential
Commercial
66.6
52.3
118.9
25.0
143.9
21.03%
Public/Semi-Public
38.5
-0-
38.5
-0-
38.5
-0-
Utilities, Communications
4.4
-0
4.4
-0-
4.4
-0-
Approximate Areas of
665.5
-0-
665.5
-0-
665.5
-0-
Environmental Concern
(does not include maritime
forests)
Vacant
964.5
-671.1
293.4
-255.9
37.5
-87.22%
Total Non -Residential
1,739.5
-618.8
1,120.7
-230.9
889.8
-20.60%
TOTAL
3,337.7
3,337.7
3,337.7
*Assessment of land use conducted
in February, 1996.
Source: 1992 Emerald Isle Land Use Plan
and Holland Consulting
Planners,
Inc.
a) Residential
Throughout the history of Emerald Isle, residential land use has grown at a far greater
rate than any other land use class. Since 1990, residential land use increased by
approximately 231 acres. The majority of this growth was in single-family residential
development. The existing land use is shown on Maps 1 A, 1 B, and 1 C.
The 1992 Emerald Isle Land Use Plan indicated a trend towards a decreasing residential
density and larger sized lots. This trend continues to be supported by the size of the lots in
the newer subdivisions such as Deer Run Bluffs, Spinnakers Reach, Spinnakers Landing,
Windfall North, and Daisywood. These five subdivisions contain 197 lots, occupying
approximately 142 acres. This results in an average density of .72 acre per dwelling unit.
1-22 1

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1
LEGEND
RESIDENTIAL UNIT(S) RESIDENTIAL UNITS SINCE 1990
COMMERCIAL
MOBILE HOME CONCENTRATIONS
==x;= COASTAL WETLAND
I- 54 BLOCK NUMBERS
PARTIALLY SUPPORTING WATERS,
SA WATERS CLOSED TO SHELLFISHING,
AND PRIMARY NURSERY AREA
WATERSHED BOUNDARY LINE
u ) 1/ I W 9 is 1 f _ 1
The preparatlon• of this map was financed
h part through a grant provided by the
North Carolina Coastal Management
Program, through funds provided by the
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972,
as amended, which Is administered by the
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management, National OceaniL and
Atmospheric Administration.
BCAMANGSTON
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TOWN OF EMER.4L O ISLE
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1-23

LEGEND
RESIDENTIAL UNIT(S) A 'RESIDENTIAL UNITS SINCE 1990
_ COMMERCIAL
MOBILE HOME CONCENTRATIONS
COASTAL WETLAND
1 - 54 BLOCK NUMBERS
PARTIALLY SUPPORTING WATERS,
• SA WATERS CLOSED TO SHELLFISHING,
AND PRIMARY NURSERY AREA
WATERSHED BOUNDARY LINE'
4
I ROGUE
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A TL AN T/C
The preparallon• of this map was financed
In part through a grant provided by the
North Carolina Coastal Management
Program, through funds provided by the
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972.
as amended, which is administered by the
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
SOUNO
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1-24

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LEGEND1995
RESIDENTIAL UNITti90 S) RESIDENTIAL UNITS SINCE I
DOS7lWG LAAD USE
_ COMMERCIAL
MOBILE HOME CONCENTRATIONS
xwcr r.sao•
,._.= COASTAL WETLAND
1- 54 BLOCK NUMBERS
•• r-• PARTIALLY SUPPORTING WATERS,
1•, , SA WATERS CLOSED TO SHELLFISHING,
AND PRIMARY NURSERY AREA
WATERSHED BOUNDARY LINE
The preporatlon• of this map was financed
by the
In part through a grant provided
North Carolina Coastal Management
Program, through funds provided by the
Cal Zone Management Act of 1972,
as amended, which is administered by the
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
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The average residential density is less in the western one-fourth of Emerald Isle than
in the rest of the town. The highest residential densities occur in the multi -family and the
mobile home zones. Most of the multi -family development is concentrated on the southern
end of Blocks 42, 40, 13, and 14. The mobile homes are concentrated in Blocks 14, 36, 37,
and 42. Their locations are indicated by a "dot" shading pattern on the existing land use map.
In the blocks having the "oldest" residential development, Blocks 1 through 10, the average
residential density is approximately .45 acre per dwelling unit.
As stated in the housing section, Emerald Isle's housing stock is extremely young.
Most development has occurred since the mid-1970s under the influence of both state and
local land use controls. As a result, development has progressed in a more orderly manner
than it has in many older North Carolina coastal communities. However, some problems do
persist with residential development. Many residential areas continue to experience severe
storm drainage problems. The locations of the storm drainage problem areas are discussed
in the public facilities section of this plan. There have been some concerns expressed over
conflicts between shoreline access areas and the adjacent residential land uses. Many of
these concerns have focused on the provision of parking for the access areas. The shoreline
access area locations and facilities are described in the public facilities section of the plan.
Septic tank usage continues to be a problem. Many of the soils in Emerald Isle are
considered to have moderate to severe limitations for septic tank usage. Residential sewage
disposal problems will not abate until central sewage collection and disposal is provided.
Continued residential development will intensify the need for central sewer service.
Finally, residential usage is subjected to regular overflights by aircraft operating out of
Bogue Field. Particularly, residential development located primarily in Blocks 27 to 38 is
regularly subjected to aircraft overflights which raise impacts adverse to normal residential
usage. Map 2 is intended to illustrate the noise impacts associated with aircraft operations
at Bogue Field, but also provides a general delineation of the primary overflight areas.
Additional discussion of overflight impacts and Map 2 is provided in the manmade hazards
section of this plan.
Since 1990, the total number of acres zoned for single-family and multi -family
development has remained relatively unchanged. Approximately 2,720 acres are currently
zoned for single-family development and 60 acres for multi -family development, including
mobile home campgrounds. Approximately 2,357 acres are developed; thus, 423 acres of
residentially zoned land remain for development. Approximately 92 acres have been
subdivided for single-family residential development and are classified as residential
transitional. At an average density of .60 dwelling units per acre, the available vacant land
will accommodate an additional 705 dwelling units.
1-26

r r r rr rr ■r r r M M rl M W M M r Ir
The preparation of this map was financed in
MAP 2 part through a grant provided by the North
Carolina Coastal Management Program,
NOISE IMPACTS through funds provided by the Coastal Zone
BOGUE FIELD Management Act of 1972, as amended,
AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS which is administered by the Office of Ocean
and Coastal Resource Management,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
Note: Contour lines represent day/night
noise level (DNL)
1500 6000
0 3000 9000
SCALE FEET
CAPE A
CARTERET� � 0
5 \
EMERALD ISLE
60
60
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Ib) Commercial
In 1985, approximately 66 acres had been developed for commercial usage. This
included over 17 acres of B-3 commercial recreational campgrounds. By 1990, the
commercial usage had increased to almost 119 acres. A substantial portion of the increase
was the result of the development of the Emerald Plantation shopping center. The remaining
increase was the result of the construction of retail stores, offices, and restaurants along N.C.
58, primarily in Blocks 42, 41, and 40.
Since 1990, commercial acreage has increased by only approximately 25 acres. This
yields a total of 144 acres of commercially developed land as of February, 1996. According
to the Town of Emerald Isle, 24 building permits were issued for commercial construction
1 between 1990-1996. The majority of these new commercial businesses have located along
N.C. 58 between Blocks 45 and 33, with a few exceptions on East View, Harbor, and Reed
Drives. Some of the larger commercial structures constructed include: Veranda Square
shopping center, Wings, Berts Surf Shop, Emerald Isle Realty, and Sun -Surf Realty, all fronting
N.C. 58.
The overall appearance of the town's commercial development is good. The town's
zoning ordinance has stringent sign regulations that prohibit temporary signs, flashing signs,
and moving signs. In addition, sign size regulations are fairly restrictive. For example, in the
town's B-1 zoning district, the maximum freestanding identification sign size is 60 square feet.
The B-2 and B-3 districts have maximum freestanding sign sizes of 80 and 100 square feet,
respectively. These controls have helped to minimize the impact of commercial development
on non-commercial areas and to reduce the appearance of strip commercial development along
N.C. 58.
In 1990, approximately 57 vacant acres of property remained which were zoned for
commercial development. Thus, approximately 32 acres remained for future development as
of February, 1996. The majority of this land is located in scattered sites along N.C. 58 in
Blocks 37 through 41.
One commercial marina exists in Emerald Isle. The marina property is zoned for
business and is located on Bogue Sound in Block 38. The issue of marina expansion and/or
additional marinas has been extensively discussed. Existing Emerald Isle zoning, CAMA
regulations, and ORW regulations will make the permitting and development of additional
marinas extremely difficult to accomplish.
Several problems exist within the commercially developed areas. First, there is a belief
by some Emerald Isle residents and/or property owners that additional commercial
development should not be allowed. This issue is one which is addressed in the policy section
of this plan. Emerald Isle has approximately 270 acres, less than eight percent of its total
area, zoned for commercial development. A total of 110 acres of the commercial land is
committed to campground development. Approximately, 156 acres, or less than five percent
of the town's land area, is zoned for retail, office, or service commercial uses. The percentage
of land committed to commercial usage in coastal communities varies greatly. However,
compared to most coastal communities, Emerald Isle has a conservative amount of land area
committed to commercial development.
1 1-28

A second concern associated with commercial development is traffic control and ,
congestion on U.S. 58 in the commercially developed areas. Stop lights were installed in
1988 at the intersection of U.S. 58 with Bogue Inlet Drive and Loon Drive. Some sentiment
exists that these stop lights have simply added to the commercial area's traffic congestion and
complicated turning movements onto and off of N.C. 58. The town has indicated support for
the widening of N.C. 58 to three lanes between Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach, as addressed
in the policy section of the plan.
The addition of the regional beach access site in Block 13, next to the Emerald Isle
fishing pier, has provided additional parking in the eastern end of town. However, the
provision of parking at ocean access areas further west in commercially developed or zoned
areas continues to be a concern. The provision of parking in this area is challenged by high ,
land values and a shortage of sites suitably located or sized for ocean shoreline access.
c) Public/Semi-Public
There is limited public/semi-public land use in Emerald Isle. Most of the land in this
category is owned by the Town of Emerald Isle, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Chapel By the
Sea Church, and general recreational field property. These are no significant problems
associated with existing public/semi-public land uses.
The town's facilities are located at the Municipal Building complexes on U.S. 58 and
at the fire department substation in the eastern end of town. These facilities include an
administrative building and police department, maintenance facilities, a small passive park,
tennis courts, and a new fire station, public works building, community center, and library.
d) Utilities, Communications
The actual acreage, excluding roads, committed to the transportation, utilities and
communications category is only 4.4 acres. No apparent change has occurred since the 1992
land use plan was prepared. All of the acreage in this category is utilized for electric and gas
utility stations, the telephone company field office and microwave tower, water supply towers,
and sewage treatment facilities.
While overhead power lines and utilities are not represented in the acreage total, these
facilities should be a major concern. In the event of a major hurricane, substantial damage
would occur. The town should investigate the options for requiring destroyed overhead
utilities to be replaced underground following destructive storms.
While limited area is utilized for sewage treatment facilities, the question of sewer
service may be the greatest issue facing Emerald Isle. The lack of central sewer service will
limit growth. However, failure to establish central sewer service may lead to increasing
ground and surface water pollution problems. Policies defining the town's position on the
provision of central sewer service are included in the policy section.
e) Areas of Environmental Concern
There are 665.5 acres of areas of environmental concern (not including maritime forest
areas). These are specifically shown on the Areas of Environmental Concern Map and
discussed in detail in the section of the plan addressing fragile areas. I
1-29 1

1 3. Basinwide Water Quality Management
The North Carolina Division of Water Quality has initiated a basinwide approach to state water
quality management. The overall goal of basinwide management is to develop consistent and
effective long range water quality management strategies that protect the quality and intended
' uses of North Carolina's surface waters while accommodating population increases and
economic growth.
The State of North Carolina has been divided into seventeen major river basins. For each river
basin, water quality problems are identified and appropriate management strategies developed.
The plan features basinwide permitting of pollution discharges, integration of existing point
and nonpoint source control programs, and preparation of a basinwide management plan
report.
The purpose of the basinwide management plan is to communicate to policy makers, the
regulated community, and the general public, the state's rationale, approaches, and long-term
strategies for each basin. Preparation of a basinwide management plan is a five-year process.
In general, this process involves the following five major phases of development:
-- Collecting pertinent water quality and related information,
-- Analyzing the information and targeting problem areas,
_= Development management strategies,
Circulating a draft plan for public review and comment, and
-- Finalizing the plan.
' Emerald Isle is located in the White Oak basin. The White Oak basinwide management plan
was submitted staff review in January, 1996, and received Environmental Management
Commission approval in January, 1997.
Some of the major issues being addressed in the White Oak basinwide plan are the following:
Long-term Growth Management
-- Wastewater management (non -discharge, regionalization, ocean outfall).
=_ Urban stormwater runoff/water quality.
Role of local land use planning.
Shellfish Water Closures
-- Increases in number of acres closed.
-- Examine link between growth and closures.
-- Opportunities for restoration and prevention.
Animal Operation Waste Management
-- Between 1990-1994, swine population in the White Oak Basin more than
doubled.
Nutrients/Toxic Dinoflagellate
-- Reduction in nitrogen and phosphorous levels.
1 1-30

Issues which directly affect Emerald Isle include:
-- Urban stormwater runoff
-- Improvement of water quality in partially supporting waters
-- Elimination of pollution in canals and ditches
The U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service has identified 24 watersheds within the
White Oak Basin. Each watershed has been assigned a fourteen -digit code for the purpose
of identification. Emerald Isle is located within two separate watersheds. The boundary line
between these watersheds lies in the vicinity of Tammy Street. Watershed 03020106020052
encompasses all of Emerald Isle west of Tammy Street, and Watershed 03020106030082
encompasses all land east of Tammy Street. The approximate location of this boundary line
has been noted on both the Existing Land Use and Land Classification maps. The primary
water body for these watersheds is the Bogue Sound. Table 15 includes data for these
watersheds.
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M M IM r M IM M M r M IM w i M M i M M M
Table 15
Carteret County Watershed Report
Watersheds 03020106020052 and 03020106030082
Base and Demographic Information
Area (Acres) Estimated Population Person Per Acre
River Primary % Chg. Incorporated Area
14-digit code Basin Water Body Total Land Water 1980 1990 80-90 1980 1990 Overlapping Wshed
03020106020052 White Oak Bogue Sound 3,982.5 2,964.4 1,018.0 1,710 2,188 27.9% 0.58
03020106030082 White Oak Bogue Sound 8,588.0 4,702.7 3,885.2 3,301 4,222 27.9% 0.70
Open Water Use Classes
Primary
Primary Class
0.74 Emerald Isle
0.90 Atlantic Beach
Indian Beach
Pine Knoll Shores
Supplemental Class
14-digit code River Basin Water Body Use Class
Description
% of
% of Total
Acreage
Total
Acreage
03020106020052 White Oak Bogue Sound ORW
Outstanding Resource Waters
703.6
17.1 %
SA
Saltwater Class A
1,047.1
26%
SB
Saltwhter Class B
0.0
0%
03020106030082 White Oak Bogue Sound C
Freshwater Class C
10.7
0%
ORW
Outstanding Resource Waters
1,047.7
12.0%
SA
Saltwater Class A
4,837.5
56%
SW
Swamp Waters
418.7
4.0%
NOTE: The water acreage figures provided under Open Water Use Classes should not be compared to the total water acreage figure shown under the Base and Demographic
Information. These figures have been derived from two separate data sources and are not expected to be similar. The acreage figures provided under Open Water Use
Classes have been determined by DEM to be the more accurate of the two.
Source: North Carolina Division of Water Quality.
1-32

4. Summary
Emerald Isle's planning efforts have had a favorable impact on growth and development. This
is reflected by the town's overall positive appearance and the low density of residential
development. However, the following summarizes the land use related issues which should
be addressed by the town:
-- Adequacy of public parking for beach access.
-- Some residential areas are affected by overflights and noise from
aircraft operating out of Bogue Field.
-- Septic tank usage and the need to develop central sewer service ,
continue to be an issue. Many soils in Emerald Isle are
considered to have moderate to severe limitations for septic tank
usage.
-- Flooding occurs in many areas of town resulting from stormwater
runoff problems.
-- Traffic congestion problems on N.C. 58 in the commercial areas
continue to exist during peak population periods.
-- Further strip commercialization of N.C. 58 needs to be limited.
-- Any additional commercial development will be tightly controlled.
-- Significant erosion along the entire oceanfront caused by I
hurricanes and northeasters.
5. Development Potential
The availability of vacant land is beginning to become a limiting factor for future residential '
development. If the rate of residential construction continues at current densities, Emerald Isle
could be completely "built out" as early as the year 2000. The opportunity for residential
construction at higher densities could emerge in the event of regional sewer construction.
There appears to be an adequate amount of commercially zoned land to sustain development
for several years at current permitting rates. However, the town's policy regarding future
commercial development will limit additional construction.
The following will influence Emerald Isle's development potential:
-- Based on the availability of 423 acres of undeveloped, ,
residentially zoned land and an assumed average density of .60
dwelling units per acre, approximately 705 additional dwelling
units may be constructed in Emerald Isle.
-- While the ORW regulations in Bogue Sound and 575 feet
landward of mean high water do impose some development
1-33 1

FA
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restrictions, the regulations serve to protect a valuable natural
resource and tourist attraction.
-- Since the Storm Drainage Management Plan was adopted in
1989, several improvements have been made which have greatly
reduced the potential for flood damage.
-- Growth within Carteret County has been strong -- 79%
population growth since 1970. In fact, from 1980-1994,
Carteret County was the sixth fastest growing CAMA-regulated
county, and was 24th in the entire state.
-- Since 1970, Emerald Isle has been the fastest growing town in
Carteret County.
-- Emerald Isle's natural attractiveness and outdoor recreational
opportunities are strong stimulants for growth.
-- Emerald Isle has a strong and expanding retirement population.
-- Emerald Isle has a fiscally sound local government.
-- The Emerald Isle ocean shoreline has been one of the least
susceptible to storm damage on the North Carolina coast.
6. Existing Ordinances and Land Use Controls
The Town of Emerald Isle has had an active land use management program which is supported
by a number of local codes, ordinances, and plans. These are managed by the town's Board
of Commissioners and Planning Board with the administrative support of the town's staff. The
town does not have any extraterritorial jurisdiction. However, the northern corporate limit line
extends 1,200 feet into Bogue Sound and parallels the Bogue Banks shoreline. Beyond this
corporate limit line, Carteret County has jurisdiction over the waters and islands in Bogue
Sound. The exact location of the northern Emerald Isle corporate limit line must be verified
through in -field analysis and verification. Because of map size and scale, and the dynamic
nature of the shoreline, the northern corporate limit line cannot be accurately mapped in this
plan.
a) Emerald Isle Coastal Area Management Act Land Use Plan Update,
January 23, 1992
Through its participation in the Coastal Area Management Act planning program, the
town maintains a current land use plan. The 1992 plan was prepared in conformance with
the 15A NCAC 7B planning guidelines which were in effect at the time. The plan addressed
existing land use, demographic data, and economic conditions. Forecasts through a ten-year
planning period were made. Policy statements are included which address the following
subject areas: resource protection, resource production and management, economic and
community development, public participation, and storm hazard mitigation planning. The
plan's policies are summarized on pages 1-3 through 1-6 of this document.
1-34

b) Zoning Ordinance
1
Emerald Isle has had a Zoning Ordinance in effect continuously since the late 1950s.
The current ordinance is a comprehensive document which includes the tools necessary to
regulate growth and development.
Current zones include the following:
'
District
Purpose
Residential 1 (131)
A single-family residential district allowing a single-
family dwelling on a lot.
Residential 2 (132)
A residential district allowing a single-family
dwelling, or a two-family dwelling on a lot.
'
Residential MF (RMF)
A residential district allowing a single-family
dwelling, a two-family dwelling, or a multi -family
dwelling on a lot.
'
Residential MH (RMH)
A residential district allowing a single-family
dwelling, a two-family dwelling, a multi -family
dwelling, a motel or hotel on a lot.
Mobile Home (MH)
A mobile home district allowing mobile homes.
Institutional (Inst.)
A residential district allowing institutional and office
uses, not including the sale of merchandise.
Business 1 (B-1)
A business district allowing a moderate variety of
retail trade. (Ord. of 3/8/83.) [The B-1 district is
,
slightly more restrictive than the B-2 district in uses
allowed.)
Business 2 (B-2)
A business district allowing a moderate variety of
retail trade. (Ord. of 3/8/83.)
Business 3 (B-3)
A business district allowing a general and wide
variety of retail trade. (Ord. of 3/8/83.)
Camp (C)
A recreational district allowing travel trailers,
campers, and tents.
'
Coastal Wetlands (CW)
An overlay district which may overlay any of the
zoning districts so established as a part of this
,
ordinance, requiring that development within such
districts be consistent with the coastal wetlands
standards of the North Carolina Coastal Area
Management Act of 1974, as amended. (Ord. of
3/10/79.)
Estuarine Waters (EW)
An overlay district which may overlay any of the
'
zoning districts so established as a part of this
ordinance, requiring that development within such
districts be consistent with the estuarine waters
,
standards of the North Carolina Coastal Area
Management Act of 1974, as amended. (Ord. of
3/10/79.)
1-35 1

11
1
1
1�
District Purpose
Public Trust Areas (PTA) An overlay district which may overlay any of the
zoning districts so established as a part of this
ordinance, requiring that development within such
districts be consistent with the public trust areas
standards of the North Carolina Coastal Area
Management Act of 1974, as amended. (Ord. of
3/10/79.)
Ocean Beaches (OB) An overlay district which may overlay any of the
zoning districts so established as a part of this
ordinance, requiring that development within such
districts be consistent with the ocean beaches
standards of the North Carolina Coastal Area
Management Act of 1974, as amended. (Ord. of
3/10/79.)
Frontal Dunes (FD) An overlay district which may overlay any of the
zoning districts so established as a part of this
ordinance, requiring that development within such
districts be consistent with the frontal dunes
standards of the North Carolina Coastal Area
Management Act of 1974, as amended. (Ord. of
3/10/79.)
Inlet Hazard Areas (IHA) An overlay district which may overlay any of the
zoning districts so established as a part of this
ordinance, requiring that development within such
districts be consistent with the inlet hazard areas
standards of the North Carolina Coastal Area
Management Act of 1974, as amended. (Ord. of
11 /8/94.)
Ocean Erodible Area (OEA) An overlay district which may overlay any of the
zoning districts so established as a part of this
ordinance, requiring that development within such
districts be consistent with the ocean erodible areas
standards of the North Carolina Coastal Area
Management Act of 1974, as amended. (Ord. of
3/10/79.)
For each district, the ordinance establishes yard, area, height, or open space
requirements.
c) Subdivision Ordinance
Emerald Isle first adopted a Subdivision Ordinance in March, 1974. The ordinance has
been continuously maintained and periodically updated since then. The following are the
stated purposes of the ordinance:
1-36

(1) To provide for economical and sufficient streets with adequate widths and with ,
proper alignment and grade;
(2) To provide space for safe and sanitary dwelling accommodations within the ,
corporate limits of the town;
(3) To provide for suitable residential neighborhoods with adequate streets and '
utilities and appropriate building sites;
(4) To save unnecessary expenditure of public funds by studying space and
recommending from time to time the purchase of such space for public lands
and buildings, and by initial proper construction of streets and utilities; ,
(5) To provide proper land records for the convenience of the public and for better
identification and permanent location of real estate boundaries.
All land subdivisions within Emerald Isle must be consistent with the ordinance. ,
d) Drainage Master Plan I
In July, 1989, the Town of Emerald Isle adopted a Drainage Master Plan. The plan is
designed to provide a comprehensive, rational drainage master plan for programming needed
future improvements to the town's existing drainage systems and for the orderly development
of new drainage systems in future areas of development. The study deals with both piped
systems and open "natural" systems including canals and creeks within the town's corporate I
area.
e) Stormwater Control Ordinance
In July, 1989, the town adopted the Emerald Isle Stormwater Control Ordinance. The
ordinance is based on and intended to aid in the implementation of the town's master drainage
plan. Stormwater runoff management requirements are included which are intended to
accomplish the following objectives as stated in the ordinance:
1. Protect the absorptive, purifying and retentive functions of '
natural systems including the unique interdunal trough
groundwater recharge areas that may exist on the site of a '
proposed development at Emerald Isle; and,
2. Provide for post -development stormwater runoff characteristics
that resemble the conditions that existed before the site's
alteration.
The stormwater control ordinance is designed to be adapted to the unique
characteristics of the Town of Emerald Isle, NC. The regulatory approach and the means that
are formulated to accomplish stormwater runoff control in the ordinance should greatly
facilitate the creation of effective controls in areas where no controls presently exist and to ,
meet the requirements of the Coastal Area Management Act.
1
1-37 1

If) Dunes and Vegetation Protection Ordinance
In 1980, the town adopted the Dunes and Vegetation Protection Ordinance, Chapter
19, Article X of the Emerald Isle Codification. The following is the stated purpose of the
ordinance:
"... to preserve and promote the protection of the sand dunes within
the town by maintaining the basic existence of natural or constructed
dunes and the vegetation thereon, so as to protect the natural banks
topography which provides a protective barrier from the actions of
sand, wind, and water. Flagrant destruction of existing topography and
vegetation greatly alters the maintenance and continuity of the banks,
' increases problems of erosion, and lessens the scenic and tax value of
property within the town."
The ordinance applies to all sand dunes, dune ridges, dune systems (new and old), and
the vegetation growing thereon. The ordinance requires that 45 percent of the lot remain with
vegetative cover. However, many other requirements are included, and affected property
owners should carefully review the ordinance. The ordinance was updated and readopted on
August 13, 1991. This plan and the policies contained herein are consistent with the revised
ordinance. Copies are available for review at the Emerald Isle Municipal Building.
g) Emerald Isle Mobile Home Park and Travel Trailer Park Ordinance
In March, 1976, the Emerald Isle Board of Commissioners adopted the Emerald Isle
' Mobile Home Park and Travel Trailer Park Ordinance. The ordinance is designed to regulate
development and use of mobile home and travel trailer parks within Emerald Isle.
h) Floodplain Development
The Town of Emerald Isle participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and
complies with all related regulatory requirements. Development proposals and subdivision
plats are reviewed to ensure consistency with the flood insurance program.
i) Building Code
The Town of Emerald Isle enforces the North Carolina State Building Code.
Ij) Storm Hazard Mitigation and Post -Disaster Reconstruction Plan
In June, 1984, the Town of Emerald Isle adopted a detailed Storm Hazard Mitigation
and Post -Disaster Reconstruction Plan. The plan has satisfactorily served the town and will
continue to be utilized as the town's storm mitigation plan.
' k) Emerald Isle Shoreline Access Plan
In 1988, Emerald Isle adopted the Ocean and Sound Public Access Plan. Preparation
of the plan was financed in part with a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal
Management Program. The plan inventoried existing shoreline access areas and recommended
both new sites and improvements to existing facilities.
r
1-38

E. DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS: PUBLIC FACILITIES
1. Water Supply '
The entire Town of Emerald Isle is supplied water by the Bogue Banks Water and Sewer
Corporation. This system also serves Indian Beach and the unincorporated area of Salter Path. '
These combined areas are served by nine wells with a total capacity of 3,300 gpm. Water
storage is provided by five reservoirs -- one 300,000 gallon, three 500,000 gallon, and one
1,000,000 gallon. According to annual reports for 1995, the system served 4,292 residential
and 178 commercial meters (these figures are totals for all three areas; no separate figure is
available for Emerald Isle).
Water usage for 1995 ranged from 0.401 million gallons per day to a peak of 2.029 million '
gallons per day. The following provides the system capacity by well:
Well No./Capacity '
1 / 200 gpm* 6 / 350 gpm
2 / 350 gpm 7 / 500 gpm
3 / 250 gpm 8 / 500 gpm
4 / 350 gpm 9 / 450 gpm t
5 / 350 gpm Total / 3,300 gpm
*gpm: gallons per minute '
In the spring of 1996, well number 9 was added to the system. This well has a capacity of
450 gpm, giving the entire system a capacity of 3,300 gpm. Water supply continues to be
adequate to support Emerald Isle; the town has never experienced a water restriction situation
while being served by the Bogue Banks Water and Sewer Corporation. w
2. Sewage Disposal '
Emerald Isle does not have its own central sewer system. Rather, residences and businesses
are served by either individual septic tanks or package treatment plants. Table 16 provides ,
a list of private package treatment plants in Emerald Isle.
I�
U
1-39 1

Table 16
Private Package Treatment and
Disposal Systems in Emerald Isle
Name
Design Flow
(gal/day)
Type
Cape Emerald
50,000
Treatment Plant/Rotary Distributor
Pebble Beach
70,000
Treatment Plant/Rotary Distributor
Point Emerald Villas
52,950
Treatment Plant/Rotary Distributor
'
Queens Court
24,000
Treatment Plant/Rotary Distributor
Emerald Plantation
55,000
Treatment Plant/Low Pressure
Sound of the Sea
40,000
Treatment Plant/Rotary Distributor
1
Emerald Bay Villas
3,840
Treatment Plant/Low Pressure
Source: Division of Water Quality and Carteret County Division of Health Services.
' In July, 1994, the Carteret County Interlocal Agency (CCIA) was formed to address the need
for regional sewage collection. All nine incorporated municipalities within the county are
voting members of the agency. The task assigned to this Agency was that of determining if
land application methods for wastewater treatment and disposal were viable alternatives for
the municipalities in Carteret County. Funding was obtained from State, County, and Local
' sources, the scope of work was defined, feasibility study bids were let and the firm of Camp,
Dresser, & McKee was chosen to perform the study. As a result of the CCIA's efforts, major
State funding was also granted for a long-term regional wastewater study for Carteret,
Craven, Onslow, and Pamlico counties which would be undertaken during the same
approximate timeframe as the CCIA study.
The Interlocal Agency Study has now been completed and the results and findings of the
study generally conclude that land application treatment and disposal methods alone can not
feasibly meet the wastewater disposal needs of all of Carteret County's municipalities. Under
current State and Federal guidelines, there is simply not enough suitable land area available
in Carteret County to handle the projected wastewater volume. However, the study does
conclude that land application in conjunction with existing treatment and disposal facilities
could be a feasible alternative provided State permitting allows for such a system.
At the present time, the CCIA is overseeing Phase II of the study funded in part through a
Division of Coastal Management regional planning grant. This study is intended to examine
the possibilities of increasing the permitted discharge at each of the three existing wastewater
treatment plants. In addition, this study will focus on funding scenarios for the construction
of a county -wide sewer system. Due to complications caused by Hurricane Fran, this study
' has gone over schedule and is not expected to be completed until after August, 1997.
The findings of the Four County Regional Task Force Study were unveiled in August, 1996.
In this study, six separate scenarios were examined for the treatment and disposal of
wastewater for the four -county area. These scenarios are as follows:
' -- Status quo. This plan calls for improving existing treatment plants and
continuing to rely on septic tanks in unincorporated areas.
1
1-40

-- Consolidation of existing facilities with continued surface water discharge
(streams). Similar to the first option, this also would call for the upgrade of
existing facilities to handle independent package systems.
-- Ocean outfall discharge. This plan has two alternatives, both with multiple
treatment plants. Alternative one calls for one ocean outfall (a pipe which
carries treated wastewater miles into the ocean). Under the proposal, the pipe
would be somewhere in the Swansboro area. Alternative two calls for two
points of ocean entry, one near Swansboro and one north of Cape Lookout.
-- Maximum water reuse. The key concepts under this proposal are golf course
irrigation, wetlands restoration and forest land application. Secondary reuse
potential includes agricultural irrigation, landscape irrigation, and industrial
reuse. Under this proposal, in the extreme long-term, the water may be
reclaimed for a drinking source or used for deep well injection to provide a
saltwater barrier in the aquifer.
-- Maximum use of natural systems. This proposal calls for a surface discharge
system that relies primarily on land application or constructed wetlands as
means of effluent polishing (the purifying of treated wastewater).
-- Three service areas. This calls for breaking the four -county area into three
groups: Onslow County and Carteret coastal communities, Craven County and
the remainder of Carteret County, and Pamlico County. Discharge limits of
wastewater would be restricted to current permitted flow with an emphasis on
improving water reuse. Septic tanks would continue to be used extensively in
unincorporated areas.
Now that the Four County Study is completed, both the Interlocal Agency and Regional Task
Force will meet with State officials to review the findings of both studies and what options
and alternatives may be permitted for both short-term and long-term strategies for the
treatment and disposal of area wastewater.
3. Drainage
In November, 1985, Emerald Isle experienced heavy rains which caused severe flooding
wherein some areas of town were inundated for several days. The severity of the flooding
problems prompted the Town Board to have a Drainage Master Plan prepared which would
identify major problem areas and suggest recommendations for solving or alleviating those
problems. The Drainage Master Plan was presented in August, 1987 (revised February, 1988)
by Henry von Oesen and Associates, Inc., with accompanying topographic maps prepared by
Landmark Engineering, Inc. The plan identified existing drainage structures, 191 drainage sub -
basins, interdunal trough groundwater recharge areas, and prioritized recommendations for
eight major problem areas (presented in order of descending priority):
1. Coast Guard Road (near Reed Drive) *
2. Sand Castle/Doe/Deer Horn Area*
3. Ocean Drive (Cedar Tree to Matt Drive) *
4. Ocean Drive (Fifth to Eighteenth Streets)
5. Sand Castle (Pinewood to Sea Dunes)
6. Sound Drive (Bogue Inlet to Live Oak)
1-41

C�
P,
u
I
1
7. Reed Drive (at Bayberry)
8. Coast Guard Road (Island Circle) *
* problems addressed since 1992.
The drainage problem areas are indicated on Map 3A, 313, and 3C.
Criteria for priority assignment was based on public safety, property damage potential, impact
on receiving waters, and public nuisance factors. Recommended solutions included a
combination of such improvements as new ditch construction; raising of existing roads; and
installation of force mains, temporary disposal mains, and storm drainage pipes.
In accordance with further suggestion in the master plan, the town adopted a Stormwater
Control Ordinance on July 12, 1989. Briefly, the ordinance requires submittal of a stormwater
management plan before:
(1) A plat is recorded or land is subdivided;
(2) An existing drainage system is altered, rerouted, or deepened;
(3) A building permit or dunes and vegetation permit is issued;
(4) Development is commenced.
The following development activities are exempt from the stormwater management plan
requirement:
(1) The development of one (1) single-family or duplex residential dwelling unit and
accessory structure (such as fences, storage sheds, and septic tanks) in an existing
subdivision;
(2) The development of one (1) single-family or duplex residential structure not in an
existing subdivision;
(3) Agricultural activity not involving the artificial drainage of land;
(4) Any maintenance, alteration, use or improvement to an existing structure not
changing or affecting quality, rate, volume, or location of surface water discharge.
Under certain conditions, a waiver or variance of the stormwater management plan
requirement may be granted. These conditions are provided in Chapter 16 of the Emerald Isle
Town Code.
Since 1992, several of the eight problem areas listed above have been corrected. Problems
1 and 8 at Coast Guard Road have been corrected through a major ditching project. Additional
ditches were constructed and swells removed. The stormwater collected from this system is
now diverted to a holding pond located on the north side of Coast Guard Road and infiltrated
into Bogue Sound. Problem area 2, Sand Castle/Doe/Deer Horn area was corrected through
the installation of a pump station at the low area on Doe Drive which allows the town to pump
stormwater to the beach in emergency flooding situations following Division of Water Quality
notification. Problem area 3 at Ocean Drive was corrected through the construction of a small
infiltration drainage system which uses slotted corrugated pipes to disperse water. According
to the town, there are currently only three areas which remain subject to flooding. These
areas are located in the vicinity of Ocean Drive and 16th Street, Ocean Drive and 9400 block,
and Sand Castle (Pinewood to Sea Dunes). However, because of continuing development,
new drainage problem areas could occur.
1-42

LEGEND
DRAINAGE BASIN
}. COAST GUARD ROAD (NEAR REED DRIVE)
02. SAND CASTLE/DOE/DEER HORN AREA
03. OCEAN DRIVE (CEDAR TREE TO MATT DRIVE)
4. OCEAN DRIVE (5Tf1 TO 18TIl STREETS)
5. SAND CASTLE (PINEWOOD TO SEA DUNES)
6. SOUND DRIVE (BOGUS INLET TO LIVE OAK)
7. REED (AT BAYBERRY)
fag. COAST GUARD ROAD (ISLAND CIRCLE)
PROBLEM AREAS ADDRESSED SINCE 1992.
The preparation- of this map was financed N
in port through a grant provided by the
Norlh Carolina Coastal Management
Program. through funds provided by the
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972.
as amended. which is administered by the
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management. National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
MAP 3A
T O wN O F EA FER.4 L D /.S L E
STORM W4TER ORA/NAGE
PROBLEM AREAS
xur r.son•
I B' ABMERON RIDGE LANGSTON
t _
SOUND i
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MAP 313
TO WN OF EA/ERAL O IS E
STORM K,4TER ORA/N,46E
PROBLEM AREAS
LEGEND N
.y: DRAINAGE BASIN The preparation• of this map was financed`
In part through a grant provided by the
411. COAST GUARD ROAD (NEAR REED DRIVE) North Carolina Coastal Management
92. SAND CASTLE/DOE/DEER HORN AREA Program, through funds provided by the
03. OCEAN DRIVE (CEDAR TREE TO MATT DRIVE) Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972,
4. OCEAN DRIVE (5TI1 TO 18TIl STREETS) cis amended, which is administered by the
5. SAND CASTLE (PINEWOOD TO SEA DUNES) Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
6. SOUND DRIVE (BOGUE INLET TO LIVE OAK) Management, Nafional Oceanic and
7. REED (AT BAYBERRY) Atmospheric Administration.
00. COAST GUARD ROAD (ISLAND CIRCLE)
• PROBLEM AREAS ADDRESSED SINCE 1992.
1
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( ( seuo Aar . nay Isr . a, •• N/ :•
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1-44

N MAP 3C
TOWN OF EVER.4L O ISLE
STORM W4TER OR.4/NIJGE
PROBLEM AREAS
LEGEND
ACAif
DRAINAGE BASINJ�
The preparation- of this map was financed
161. COAST GUARD ROAD (NEAR REED DRIVE) In part through a grant provided by the
02. SAND CASTLE/DOE/DEER HORN AREA North Carolina Coastal Management
*3. OCEAN DRIVE (CEDAR TREE TO MATT DRIVE) Program, through funds provided by the
4. OCEAN DRIVE (STIt TO 18T11 STREETS) Coastal Zone which is admentinistered
Act of 1by t
5. SAND CASTLE (PINEWOOD TO SEA DUNES) Of amended, which d administered by the
6. SOUND DRIVE (BOGUS INLET TO LIVE OAK) Office m Ocean and Coastal Resource
7. REED (AT BAYBERRY) Management, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
00. COAST GUARD ROAD (ISLAND CIRCLE)
• PROBLEM AREAS ADDRESSED SINCE 1992.
� SOUND � I
I� [!J[! (K I ) I M ti [i(R1[O P01f M �• ~ ~ ~ : A
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1-45

t4. Solid Waste Disoosal
' The town contracts with a private refuse collection firm for solid waste disposal. The number
of trash pick-ups varies depending on the seasonal population. During the summer months,
(approximately Memorial Day through Labor Day) trash pick-up is provided twice per week for
' residences and three times per week for businesses. During the "off-season" trash pick-up
is provided once per week for residences and twice per week for businesses. Curbside
recycling pick-up is provided once per week year-round for residences.
In 1993, the Carteret County landfill, located on Hibbs Road in the Newport Township, shut
down operations and stopped the acceptance of waste material. By 1994, the county had
' met all of the necessary requirements and the closure was made official. The day after the
Hibbs Road landfill stopped accepting waste, the new Tri-County landfill was opened. The Tri-
County landfill is operated by the Coastal Regional Solid Waste Management Authority
(CRSWMA). The management authority is a board of directors appointed by Carteret, Craven,
and Pamlico counties' Boards of Commissioners. There are seven board members. Pamlico
and Carteret counties each have two board members, and Craven County is represented by
three. The fundamental idea behind this regional approach is that one large landfill is less
expensive to construct and operate than three individual landfills. The landfill is located in
Craven County near Tuscarora. The present site will be expanded by approximately 400 acres
and modified to meet new federal and state regulations regarding environmental safeguards.
Carteret and Pamlico county residents are served via transfer stations located in Newport and
Grantsboro.
5. Schools
The Town of Emerald Isle is served by the Carteret County school system. White Oak
Elementary School, which serves kindergarten through 5th grade, is located across the B.
Cameron Langston Bridge approximately four miles away in Cape Carteret. Grades 6 through
8 attend Broad Creek Middle School, about 15 miles away in Broad Creek. Ninth through
twelfth graders attend West Carteret High School in Morehead City, about 30 miles away.
Swansboro High School, part of the Onslow County school system, is located approximately
15 miles from Emerald Isle. Because it is closer, some residents pay to have their high
schoolers attend Swansboro High. White Oak Christian Academy, a private school, is located
in nearby Cape Carteret and serves grades kindergarten through twelfth. Beyond the public
school level, there are two community colleges located in reasonably close proximity to
Emerald Isle; Carteret Community College in Morehead City and the Coastal Carolina
Community College in Jacksonville.
The Carteret County Board of Education receives federal, state, and county assistance. In
FY95-96, the county school system will receive $12.1 million in county assistance. The
county school system serves the entire county and currently includes fourteen (14) schools:
three high schools, three middle schools, and eight elementary schools.
The following table provides a comparison of Carteret County school enrollment in 1989 and
' 1995. The schools serving Emerald Isle are indicated in bold typeface.
11
1
1-46

Table 17
Enrollment in Carteret County Schools, 1989-1995
1995
1989
Change
Atlantic Elementary
181
162
+ 19
Beaufort Elementary
530
679
-149
Beaufort Middle
374
353
+ 21
Broad Creek Middle
838
686
+ 152
Cape Lookout High (new)
47
N/A
N/A
Morehead Elementary [11
N/A
593
N/A
East Carteret High
782
749
+ 33
Harkers Island Elementary
170
204
-34
Morehead Elementary at Camp Glenn (new)
390
N/A
N/A
Camp Glenn Elementary [21
N/A
587
N/A
Morehead City Middle
666
568
+ 98
Morehead City Primary (new)
823
0
+ 823
Newport Elementary
954
864
+ 90
Smyrna Elementary
366
437
-71
West Carteret High
1,521
1,431
+90
White Oak Elementary
636
547
+89
Total
8,278
7,859
+ 419
[11 Since 1989, Morehead Elementary has closed and the building reopened as a new alternative high school
called Cape Lookout. K-3 is now served by the new Morehead City Primary and grades 4-5 by Morehead
Elementary at Camp Glenn. Therefore, no conclusions may be drawn by examining a change in enrollment
from 1989-1995.
[21 Since 1989, Camp Glenn Elementary, serving grades K-2, has closed and has since reopened as Morehead
Elementary at Camp Glenn serving grades 4-5. Therefore, no conclusions may be drawn by examining
a change in enrollment from 1989-1995.
Source: Carteret County Board of Education.
Table 17 indicates that overall county school enrollment in Carteret County grew by 419
individuals from 1989-1995. This growth in public school enrollment is more than twice that
experienced between 1984-1989. During the early 1980s, public school enrollment in the
county actually decreased, so this steady growth in enrollment may be indicative of a shift
toward public school as opposed to private.
Carteret County's continued devotion toward improving education is evidenced by the recent
passage of a $29 million bond referendum in November, 1994. The bond provides $6.2
million for educational technology. This includes the purchase of instructional computer
equipment and software, and the networking of the county's fourteen schools. The majority
of that equipment has been purchased and received by the schools, and the networking
project will be completed in the fall of 1996.
The remaining bond money will fund construction and renovation projects. A new high school
and a new elementary school will be constructed in the western part of the county. The 90
acre site off Highway 24 has been purchased and cleared. Construction will begin in January,
1997. Plans call for both schools to be built on the same site with natural buffers separating
them.
Ll
7
J
1-47

1
' Other bond projects include the construction of a new cafeteria and renovations to the main
building at Beaufort Elementary School, the construction of a new classroom building with
media center and office area at Smyrna Elementary School, and renovations to the kitchen at
White Oak Elementary School.
' Community expectations for the Carteret County School System are high. The overwhelming
support for the bond referendum and the arrival of a new superintendent have set a
challenging course for this system. Carteret County schools strive for excellence in education
' and continue to innovatively address student needs. A five-year strategic plan provides
direction for the school system beyond the year 2000. Called a blueprint for action, that plan
will soon be revised and long-range plans will be extended through 2010. The plan was
' developed by a team of parents, business leaders, teachers, retirees, school administrators,
support and classified school staff, and board of education members.
Cape Lookout High School is the system's newest school. It opened in January, 1995, and
' is an alternative school offering small class sizes and individualized instruction. It is attended
by students who are having difficulty in the traditional school setting.
' The county's voluntary year-round school pilot program was extended another two years
based on its success. Students at Newport Elementary School attend four nine -week quarters.
During the three-week breaks, enrichment and remediation programs are offered. The year-
round program is run along with a traditional calendar program at Newport Elementary.
Geographically, growth is occurring in the western end of the county. Student populations
' continue to decrease on the eastern side of the county. West Carteret High, Morehead
Middle, Broad Creek Middle, and Newport Elementary are severely overcrowded. West
Carteret High did get some relief when a new two-story, 21-classroom addition opened in
I
August, 1995.
6. Transportation
Generally, streets in Emerald Isle are in good condition. There are a few unimproved roads,
but they are not through streets. Powell Bill funding figures indicate 45.65 miles of surfaced
road in town. NC Highway 58 runs through town on an east -west axis; this road is the only
"major" thoroughfare in Emerald Isle. The town is linked to the mainland over Bogue Sound
by B. Cameron Langston Bridge.
' In 1994, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) conducted traffic counts
through Carteret County. On NC 58, at the Coast Guard intersection, the average daily traffic
' count (ADT) was 11,800. During the summer months, this figure could increase by as much
as 2.5 times. Due to increased traffic congestion, NCDOT believes that conversion of NC 58
from a two-lane to a four -lane road is necessary.
Carteret County has asked the general assembly to consider funding improvements to U.S. 70
between Raleigh and Morehead City. Funding would provide forthe construction of alternates
around Clayton, Goldsboro, Kinston, and Havelock. There are currently approximately 69
stoplights on U.S. 70 between Raleigh and Morehead City which greatly increase travel times.
The Town of Emerald Isle is in support of any improvements which would improve traffic flow
on U.S. 70.
' I-48

The following requests have been made by Emerald Isle for inclusion in the 1996-1997 '
Transportation Improvement Program:
-- The construction of a limited access highway from Emerald Isle to Kinston. i
-- The construction of three lanes on Highway 58 from Emerald Isle through to '
Atlantic Beach.
7. Police '
Emerald Isle maintains a fully -staffed police department which serves all areas within the
town. The staff consists of 16 officers, including the police chief and 4 dispatchers. Sixteen '
patrol cars and one 4 x 4 are maintained. The police department maintains training programs.
Police services are considered adequate to service the town's needs.
8. Fire
The town operates a full-time fire department staffed by the fire chief, 10 fire fighters and '
several volunteers. There are two fire stations in town -- the main station located at the
municipal complex and a substation at the eastern end of town near the Emerald Isle Pier. The '
substation is staffed only during the day. However, renovations are currently underway which
would allow for 24-hour staffing. The department is equipped with three pumpers, one mini -
pumper, two staff trucks, and a staff car. The department ISO rating is six (6). Fire
protection is considered adequate to serve Emerald Isle's needs. ,
9. Emergency Services I
The Emerald Isle Volunteer Emergency Medical Service provides ambulance services for the
town. Currently, the squad is staffed with 15 Emergency Medical Technicians and three
trainees, and is equipped with three ambulances, a four-wheel drive vehicle, and a motor boat.
The town considers these emergency services adequate to meet the town's needs.
10. Recreation
Public access points, both open improved and open unimproved, are shown on Maps 4A, 413, '
and 4C. Synopses of the existing ocean and sound accessway facilities are found on Table
18. The town has 55 ocean access site facilities. These are classified as follows: 53 local,
one neighborhood, and one regional. There are 41 soundside access facilities. Of this total, ,
40 are classified local and one a neighborhood facility.
1-49 1

AANMMMMW���-
LEGEND
•
OPEN IMPROVED
e
OPEN UNIMPROVED
PARKING
I.
BOARDWALK BY THE SEA (275- SPACES)
2.
EAST SEA VIEW AND BLOCK DRIVES (27 SPACES)
'
3.
CEDAR STREET (5 SPACES)
4.
OCEAN DRIVE BETWEEN 1RD AND 4TH STREETS (13 SPACES)
S.
COMMERCIAL AREA SOUTH OF WATERS EDGE MOBILE HOME PARK (50 SPACES)
S.
ISLAND HARBOR MARINA (75 SPACES)
7.
6.
PARK STREET (74 SPACES)
REGIONAL BEACH ACCESS SITE (170 SPACES)
NOTE: BOARDWALK BY THE SEA CLOSED FOLLOWING THE 1996 HURRICANES.
I
I
CTXN/
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g LFS1, 1A
3
I
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.,
]}ll
I
I
I
1
I I
I
AV I N
I "
I A I
1
ROGUE
I � v
I ,v
y
A TL ANT/C
The preparallon• of this mop was financed
In part through a grant provided by the
North Carolina Coastal Management
Program. through funds provided by the
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972.
as amended. which is administered by the
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management. National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
4
S O UNO I
OCEAN
MAP 4C
TOWN OF EAlER,4L O ISLE'
OCEANAM SOG4147 RISUC
ACCESS S/TES
xaLt r.sao•
1-52

t MAP 46
/V
LEGEND T O WN OF EMERA L O %SL E
' • q^,EANANl9 SOLI'147 PUbi/C
OPEN IMPROVED The preparation of this map was financed ACCESSSIMS
in part through a grant provided by the
OPEN UNIMPROVED North Carolina Coastal Management
Program. through funds provided by the
' PARKING Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. ' �•+�
as amended. which is administered by the
1. BOARDWALK BY THE SEA (275• SPACES) Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management. National Oceanic and
2. EAST SEA VIEW AND BLOCK DRIVES (27 SPACES) Atmospheric Administration.
3. CEDAR STREET (5 SPACES)
!. OCEAN DRIVE BETWEEN 3RD AND 4TH STREETS (13 SPACES)
5. COMMERCIAL AREA SOUTH OF WATERS EDGE MOBILE HOME PARK (50 SPACES)
- 8. ISLAND HARBOR MARINA (75 SPACES)
7. PARK STREET (74 SPACES)
8. REGIONAL BEACH ACCESS SITE (170 SPACES)
NOTE: BOARDWALK BY THE SEA CLOSED FOLLOWING THE 1996 HURRICANES.
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em"
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iA TL ANTIC OCEAN •
1-51

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
iof I
1
1
LEGEND
0 OPEN IMPROVED
OPEN UNIMPROVED
PARKING
1. BOARDWALK BY THE SEA (275• SPACES)
2. EAST SEA VIEW AND BLOCK DRIVES (27 SPACES)
3. CEDAR STREET (5 SPACES)
4. OCEAN DRIVE BETWEEN 3RD AND 4TH STREETS (13 SPACES)
S. COMMERCIAL AREA SOUTH OF WATERS EDGE MOBILE HOME PARK (50 SPACES)
6. ISLAND HARBOR MARINA (75 SPACES)
7. PARK STREET (74 SPACES)
B. REGIONAL BEACH ACCESS SITE (170 SPACES)
NOTE: BOARDWALK BY THE SEA CLOSED FOLLOWING THE 1996 HURRICANES
The preparation of this map was financed
in part through a grant provided by the
North Carolina Coastal Management
Program, through funds provided by the
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972,
as amended, which is administered by the
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management, Notional Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
t
MAP 4A
N TOWN OF EMERALD ISLE
A^,E.QNAM7 SOlA147 P!�/C
ACCESS SITES
.c.«
B. CAMERON LANGSTON
BRIDGE
1-50

. w wl w� ww ww ww ww w �w w w wr, �w w ww w ww ■w �w
Table 18
Town of Emerald Isle
SYNOPSES OF EXISTING OCEAN ACCESSWAY FACILITIES
Off- Non-
Accessway Open to Cross- Handicapped Street Street Street
Type Public overs Decks Docks Accessible Signed Lighted Parking R/W R/W Paved Easements
Local
53
40 --
Neighborhood
1
1 1
Regional
1
1 1
OCEAN
TOTALS
55
42 2
-- 2
53
14
2
0
53 -- 3
SYNOPSES OF EXISTING SOUND ACCESSWAY FACILITIES
4 55 16 4 1 54 -- 4
Off-
Non-
Accessway
Open to
Cross-
Handicapped
Street
Street
Street
Type
Public
overs
Decks
Docks Accessible
Signed
Lighted
Parking
R/W
R/W
Paved Easements
Local
40
5
2
-- 1
40
1
--
16
24
6 34
Neighborhood
1
--
1
1 1
1
1
1
1
--
1 --
Regional
--
--
--
— --
—
—
_-
__
__
SOUND
TOTALS
41
5
3
1 2
41
2
1
17
24
7 34
Source: Town of Emerald Isle Recreation Department.
1-53

d
There are four privately owned recreational facilities in Emerald Isle (three on the ocean side;
one on the sound side). Ocean -side facilities include:
-- pier, west of 25th Street
-- motel and pier, end of Bogue Inlet Drive
-- commercial/recreational facility, end of East View Street
The facility on the sound includes the marina facility at Old Ferry Road, with a fishing and boat
supply concession, boat ramp, docking facilities, and boat slips for rent.
In addition to the shoreline access sites, there are four town -owned recreational facilities.
One, a beach accessway between 3rd and 4th Streets, includes parking for 12 automobiles,
a bicycle rest, a treated wood handicap ramp to a picnic table, and is lighted. The Merchants
Association 27-space parking area at Lamroc Drive includes five picnic tables, two area lights,
restrooms, and a water fountain. Blue Heron Park, completed in September of 1989, is
located behind the Town Hall. The park contains tennis courts, lighted basketball courts, two
playground units, restrooms, picnic shelters, volleyball courts, and is fenced. The community
center and gymnasium, completed in 1992, have added greatly to the towns recreational
facilities. These facilities are located at the municipal building complex and include meeting
rooms, basketball court, weight room, and bathroom/shower facilities.
Off-street parking in Emerald Isle consists of seven lots:
-- Commercial area south of Waters Edge Mobile Home Park - 50 + cars (this area may
be closed to parking for development).
-- East Sea View and Block Drives (Merchants Association) - 40 cars.
-- Cedar Street on Sound - 7 cars.
-- Ocean Drive between 3rd and 4th Streets - 12 cars.
-- Island Harbor Marina - 74 cars.
-- Park Street - 74 cars.
-- Regional Beach Access Site - 170 cars.
These areas are also shown on Maps 4A, 413, and 4C. One of the parking areas (west of 25th
Street) requires a fee; the rest are town -owned and require no fee.
In addition to these facilities located in town, several recreational facilities of regional
significance are located nearby. The county -owned Western Park Community Center located
in Cedar Point provides Emerald Isle with access to several baseball, softball, and soccer
fields; Fort Macon, a state-owned facility 2.3 miles to the east of Atlantic Beach; Hammocks
Beach, another state-owned facility 12 miles south of Emerald Isle near Swansboro; and
Theodore Roosevelt Park, another county -maintained facility 1 1 /2 miles away near Salter Path
and Hoffman Beach.
C
n
1-54

The North Carolina Division of Parks maintains recreation facilities standards. The following
table provides a comparison of town supported facilities and the state standards:
Table 19
Town of Emerald Isle
Minimum Recreational Facility Needs
(Based on Year -Round Population)
IFacility
Football/Soccer Field
Softball Field
Baseball Field
Swimming Pool - 25 yard
Swimming Pool - 50 meter
Tennis Courts
Tot Lots/Playgrounds
Community Center Gym
Neighborhood Center
NC Division of Parks
and Recreation Emerald Isle
Standard Facilities Need Existing Facilities
(Facilities/Population)
1 /10,000
1 /3,000
1 /6,000
1 /10,000
1 /20,000
2/4,000
1 /1,000
1 /25,000
1 /10,000
< = less than.
Source: North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation.
(Based on 1994 year-round
population of 2,798)
<1
<1
<1
<1
<1
1
3
<1
<1
None
None
None
None
None
2 Municipal Bldg.
1 Municipal Bldg.
Playground
1 Chapel By The Sea
Recreation Field
1 Municipal Bldg.
None
The town does not have sufficient population to support football/soccer field, softball field,
baseball field, or swimming pool. Also, because of the outdoor water activities that exist in
Carteret County, it should not be necessary for Emerald Isle to provide swimming pools.
11. Electrical Distribution
The Town of Emerald Isle is provided electrical service by the Carteret -Craven EMC. During
the mid 1980's, the town was experiencing some "brown -outs" during summer usage.
However, the EMC undertook a program of installing individual energy management switches
and overall system improvements. It appears that the power shortage problem has been
alleviated.
1
1-55

12. Administration
The Town of Emerald Isle maintains a complete staff for management of a wide range of urban
services. The administrative and service staff includes the following positions:
Administration 3
Building Inspections 3
Recreation and Parks 5
Tax Collector 1
Maintenance 6
The town maintains a Mayor -Board of Commissioners form of government with a Town
Administrator employed to supervise all departments. The Board includes five commissioners.
The Town Administrator is assisted by the Town Clerk. The town is also served by a seven
member Planning Board, a Board of Adjustment consisting of five regular and two alternate
members, and a 10-member Recreation Advisory Committee. Emerald Isle's administrative
capabilities are adequate to serve the town's needs.
1-56

F. DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS: LAND SUITABILITY
1. Topography/Geology
The land within Emerald Isle ranges from flat along shorelines and some interior areas to
rolling, undulating topography within the dune areas. Elevation generally ranges from 0 to 25
feet above sea level. Normally the highest elevations above sea level are found in the Newhan
soil associations. The soil association locations are provided on Maps 6A and 6B. The
majority of the town's land has slopes within the 2 to 7 percent range. However, within some
dune areas, slopes may be as great as 30 percent or more.
Carteret County is underlain by an eastward -thickening wedge of sedimentary deposits of
Pleistocene -age, ranging from 2,000 feet thick in the northwest portions of the county to
almost 7,000 feet thick beneath the easternmost sections of offshore strand. Because of the
depth of the surf icial sand/silaceous deposits, little is known of the composition of underlying
deposits. Well logs indicate that shell fragments and calcareous material are consolidated into
a limestone at a depth of less than 120 feet west of Morehead City, and at increasing depths
further eastward. Microfossils obtained from some well samples indicate that the uppermost
consolidated limestone is probably part of the Yorktown formation.
The Bogue Banks Water and Sewer Corporation obtains water from wells that are supplied by
an aquifer which extends westward under Carteret County. The town has never experienced
a water supply shortage. However, salt water intrusion may be an increasing concern as
demand for water grows. About 2,500 square miles of the Castle Hayne aquifer, including
the portion underlying Carteret County, have been designated as a capacity use area by the
N.C. Groundwater Section due to large (68 MGD in 1986) groundwater withdrawals by the
PCS phosphate mine near Aurora. A capacity use area is defined as an area where the use
of water resources threatens to exceed the replenishment ability to the extent that regulation
may be required.
2. Flood Hazard Areas
While large areas of Emerald Isle lie within the 100-year floodplain, the greatest threat is
flooding resulting from storm surge and local ponding of water. Approximately 20 percent of
the town's land area lies at ten feet above mean sea level or less and is potentially subject to
flooding.
' The greatest storm surge impact will occur from hurricanes. Map 5 shows the general areas
of Emerald Isle that may be affected by hurricane -generated storm surge. The various
categories of storm surge areas are defined as follows:
Category 1. Winds of 74 to 95 miles per hour. Damage primarily to shrubbery, trees,
foliage, and unanchored mobile homes. No appreciable wind damage to other
structures. Some damage to poorly constructed signs. Storm surge possibly 4 to 5
feet above normal. Low-lying roads inundated, minor pier damage, some small craft
in exposed anchorage torn from moorings.
1 1-57

M m M m M M 11111110 M 111111110 M M M m m m
c
�J
The preparation of this map was financed
In part through a grant provided by the
North Carolina Coastal Management
Program, through funds provided by the
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972,
as amended, which is administered by the
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
B. CAMERON LANGSTON BRIDGE
BOGUE SOUND
or C� Q
ATLANTIC OCEAN
LEGEND
CATEGORY 1-2 SURGE AREA
CATEGORY 3 ADDITIONAL SURGE AREA
CATEGORY 4-5 ADDITIONAL SURGE AREA
EMERALD ISLE
GENERAL DELINEATION
FLOOD HAZARD AREAS
MAP 5
0 1/2 1 2
SCALE IN MILES

1
' Category 2. Winds of 96 to 110 miles per hour. Considerable damage to shrubbery
and tree foliage; some trees blown down. Major damage to exposed mobile homes.
' Extensive damage to poorly constructed signs. Some damage to roofing materials of
buildings; some window and door damage. No major wind damage to buildings. Storm
surge possibly 6 to 8 feet above normal. Coastal roads and low-lying escape routes
' inland cut by rising water 2 to 4 hours before arrival of hurricane center. Considerable
damage to piers. Marinas flooded. Small craft in unprotected anchorages torn from
moorings. Evacuation of some shoreline residences and low-lying island areas required.
Category 3. Winds of 111 to 130 miles per hour. Foliage torn from trees; large trees
blown down. Practically all poorly constructed signs blown down. Some damage to
roofing materials of buildings; some window and door damage. Some structural
damage to small buildings. Mobile homes destroyed. Storm surge possibly 9 to 12
feet above normal. Serious flooding at coast and many smaller structures near coast
destroyed; larger structures near coast damaged by battering waves and floating
' debris. Low-lying escape routes inland cut by rising water 3 to 5 hours before
hurricane center arrives.
1
Category 4. Winds of 131 to 155 miles per hour. Shrubs and trees blown down; all
signs down. Extensive damage to roofing materials, windows, and doors. Complete
failure of roofs on many small residences. Complete destruction of mobile homes.
Storm surge possibly 13 to 18 feet above normal. Major damage to lower floors of
structures near shore due to flooding and battering by waves and floating debris.
Low-lying escape routes inland cut by rising water 3 to 5 hours before hurricane center
arrives. Major erosion of beaches.
Category 5. Winds greater than 155 miles per hour. Shrubs and trees blown down;
considerable damage to roofs of buildings; all signs down. Very severe and extensive
damage to windows and doors. Complete failure of roofs on many residences and
industrial buildings. Extensive shattering of glass in windows and doors. Some
complete building failures. Small buildings overturned or blown away. Complete
destruction of mobile homes. Storm surge possibly greater than 18 feet above normal.
Major damage to lower floors of all structures less than 15 feet above sea level.
Low-lying escape routes inland cut by rising water 3 to 5 hours before hurricane center
arrives.
The town also suffers from intermittent flooding from rainfall and stormwater runoff. The soil
associations shown on Map 6 provide an indication of the locations of high water table areas.
The water table depths, flooding frequency, and permeability rates are provided in Table 20.
Flooding resulting from sea level rise may be a long-term problem. Over the last 100 years,
the sea level has risen approximately one foot. Most experts agree that the rate of sea level
rise will increase over the next one hundred years. The maximum increase has been forecast
to be as much as four to seven feet. An increase of that magnitude would be disastrous to
Emerald Isle. Approximately 20 to 25% of the town could be inundated. The impact of sea
level rise has serious adverse transportation and access implications for Emerald Isle. Many
inland Carteret County roads could be inundated and impede access to Emerald Isle. The rate
of rise should be carefully monitored.
1-59

Table 20
Town of Emerald Isle
Soil Susceptibility to Flooding
Soil Types
Beach-Foredune
Association
Carteret soils, low
Corolla fine sand
Depth to Seasonal
High Water Table Flooding
Beach - 0 to 3.0'
Foredune - 6.0'
0 to 3.0'
1.5 to 3.0'
Duckstone fine sand 1.0 to 2.0'
Fripp fine sand 6.0'
Carteret soils, high 1.0 to 3.0'
Newhan fine sand 6.0'
Newhan-Corolla Complex
Corolla Urban Land
Complex
Newhan Urban Land
Complex
Source: 1985 Emerald Isle Land Use Plan.
Permeability
Frequent
Rapid 6.3"/hr.
Rare
Frequent (daily)
Rapid 6.3"/hr.
Rare to Common
Very rapid 20"/hr.
Storm Tides
Rare to Common
Very rapid 20"/hr.
Storm Tides
Rare Storm Tides
Rapid 6.3"/hr.
Frequent (monthly)
Rapid 6.3"/hr.
None
Very rapid 20"/hr.
--- See ratings for individual soil
---
--- See ratings for individual soil
---
--- See ratings for individual soil ---
.M

' 3. Soils
A detailed soils survey of Carteret County has been completed by the Soil Conservation
' Service. Based on that survey, there are ten different soil associations located within Emerald
Isle. These associations are delineated on Map 6A and 613 and their conditions for site
development are provided in Table 21. Most soils within Emerald Isle have some limitations
' to development.
'
Table 21
Town of Emerald Isle
Degree and Kind of Limitation
for Stated Use
Septic Tank
Soil Types
Dwellings
Streets & Roads
Filter Field
Beach-Foredune
Very severe/flooding
Very severe/flooding
Very severe/flooding
Association
Carteret soils, low
Very severe/
Very severe/
Very severe/
'
flooding/wet
flooding/wet
flooding/wet
Corolla fine sand
Severe/wet
Severe/wet
Severe/wet'
Duckstone fine sand
Severe/wet
Severe/wet
Severe/wet'
Fripp fine sand
Severe floods
Moderate floods
Severe/wet'
Carteret soils, high
Very severe/
Very severe/
Very severe/
'
flooding/wet
flooding/wet
flooding/wet
Newhan fine sand
Slight
Slight
Slight
'
Newhan-Corolla
---
See ratings for individual soil ---
Complex
Corolla Urban Land
---
See ratings for individual soil ---
'
Complex
Newhan Urban Land
---
See ratings for individual soil ---
Complex
' The sandy soils are highly pervious with questionable filtering capacities.
Thus, contamination of
'
groundwater is possible.
Source: Soil Survey of
Carteret County, North Carolina, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil
Conservation Service.
1-61

TOWN OF EMERALD ISLE
GENERAL SOIL CONDITIONS
O 660 1320 1980 2640 3300 4620
SCALE IN FEET
MAP 6B
The preparation of this map was financed
in part through a grant provided by the
North Carolina Coastal Management
Program, through funds provided by the
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972.
as amended, which is administered by the
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
t
C..
CARTERS': SOILS. LOSS
Ca
COROLLA eFLIM SAND
Cs
COROLLA URBAN LXND CClpLEX
Du
DUCSSTON _INZ SAND
Fr
FRIPP FINS SAM
Inc
HESi M-COROLLA COMPLEX
He
HZWHAN-URBAN LAND COMPLEX
Nh
HENHAN
SEP 11C TANK
SUT.ABILI:":
VERY SEVERE
VERY SEVERE
VERY SEVERE
SEVERE
SEVERE
SEVERE
SL:GRT
SLIGHT
SLIGHT
SEVERE
NOTE: THIS MAP IS 3AS= CH LYBORMATION FROM THE SOIL SURVEY OF
THE OUTER BANKS. NORTH CAROLINA, 1977, PRODUCYD 3T TYZ
USDA SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE.
1-63

0
TOWN OF EMERALD ISLE
GENERAL SOIL CONDITIONS
O 660 1320 1980 2640 3300 4620
SCALE IN FEET
�_
The preparation of this map was financed
in part through a grant provided by the
North Carolina Coastal Management
Program, through funds provided by the
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972.
as amended, which is administered by the
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
mn
-
ar ru,a—s tjx%r ww"c —.
CH
SIGH
CARTERET SOILS,;
CL
CARTERET SOILSr LO*
Co
cOROLLK FINE SAND
Cu
COROLLA URBAN LAND COMPL=
Du
DUCICSTOK rim SAND
rr
rRIpP rxNe SAND
Nc
NEMM-COROIJA COMPLEX
He
NENHAN-UMM LAND CMWZ X
Nh
NENS"
CIc TANK
[ABILITY
Y SEVERE
VERY SEVERE
VERY BEVERE
SEVERE
SEVERE
SEVERE
SLIGHT
SLIGHT
SLIGHT
SEVERE
NOTE: THIS MAP IS BA= ON INFORMATION FROM THE SOIL SURVEY Or
THE OUTER BARKS, NORTH CAROLINA, 1977, PRODU= By THE
USDA SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE.
1-62

n
4. Manmade Hazards/Restrictions
The only major manmade hazard within Emerald Isle is the aircraft operations/flight pattern
area for Bogue Field which is located adjacent to Bogue Sound on the Carteret County
mainland. The airfield is approximately three miles northeast of Emerald Isle. Aircraft regularly
fly over the town at low altitudes.
Map 2 provides an indication of noise levels resulting from aircraft operating in existing flight
patterns. The noise levels indicated are provided by the Bogue Field Air Installation
Compatibility Use Zone (AICUZ) Program. Based on identified noise levels, the AICUZ
recommends areas where certain types of land development should be restricted.
Compatibility with the day/night noise levels indicated on Map 2 is defined in Tables 22 which
were provided by the Guide for Air Installations Compatible Use Zones. As a general definition
of noise level, a 65 DNL is the noise level at which normal conversation becomes difficult to
hear.
The AICUZ also establishes accident potential zones for aircraft operations. However, Emerald
Isle is not located within any Zone I (highest) accident potential zones. Through 1995, 20
aircraft crashes had occurred in the vicinity of Bogue Field. One occurred in Emerald Isle on
the shore of Bogue Sound. The hazard potential from aircraft crashes should be considered.
High noise level impact is also a serious problem.
Bogue Field is normally open for flight operations from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday
through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon on Friday, and is closed on Saturday, Sunday and
holidays. However, flight hours are frequently extended for military operations. Operations
normally include practice landings and touch and go's for military student pilots and
proficiency training.
The only other manmade hazards within Emerald Isle are underground storage tanks for
gasoline being sold at retail stores and above ground tanks at the marina.
1-64

Table 22
LAND USE COMPATIBILITY
IN NOISE AREAS
LAND USE CATEGORY
Residential - Single Family,
Duplex
Residential - Hultifamily.
Dormitories etc.
Residential - Hobile Homes
Transient Lodging
Industrial - Service 6 Distributive
Industrial - Manufacturing
0)
Cn Industrial - Manufacturing (Notes
Sensitive)
Commercial - Wholesale Trade
Some businebs services
SLUCM
Code
llx
x. 12, Tr.
1
ca-
35
a , Noise Zone 3 0
1 1
Day -Night Average Sound Level (DNL)
60 65 70 75 80 85
IN
Coinmercial - ketal l Trade. Movis
Theaters, Eating 6 Drinking
53. 58
min
a.vauau.caaa — ouue: nwILMA ■aaac
(not noise sensitive)
Office Buildings (Personal. Business.
slid Professional Services)
Clearly Compatible
Normally Compatible 1.:.
Clearly Incompatible
Normally Incompatible
==M
moumm�lm =
1::::L1
■■■■ l
:LL:L=I
= M M = = = = = = =

.9
Table 22 Continued
LAND USE COMPATIBILITY
IN NOISE AREAS
LAND USE CATEGORYSLUCM
.,_
Day -Night Average Sound Law
.0
ffiwdroom Libraries. Churches
so
3�ti11,11i
111011111111.111111
l=:::1:!1
�8
01lllllllilllllllllll
i►��►
i
�i
IHUM
Iihu
6.
:'::�
I
Ii
11111111111111111111.�Ililllliliilllll
Mail.111,101
=
IIIIIIIIIIIlIIIlIIII'
HiMM
e�=9�ae�`
I:
1:::1WII
�Illlllllllllilll
lilllilllllllllllll
111111111
i.il�i
�IIIIIIIII)
�A1444ELVIG
-
Outdoor - Frequent Speech Coomtinl-
��""HE�11�°°"'�
I:::::::..cation
llllillllllll�lllll�
IIIIIIIIIIiIIIINII�
HiURON
IIIIAgricultural-(except
livestock).
:111:11
Clearly Compatible
Normally Compatible
Clearly Incompatible
Normally Incompatible

NOTES FOR TABLE 22
LAND USE COMPATIBILITY IN NOISE LEVELS
1. Clearly Compatible: The noise exposure is such that the activities associated with the
land use may be carried out with essentially no interference from aircraft noise.
(Residential areas: both indoor and outdoor noise environments are pleasant.)
2. Normally Compatible: The noise exposure is great enough to be of some concern, but
common building construction will make the indoor environment acceptable, even for
sleeping quarters. (Residential areas: the outdoor environment will be reasonably
pleasant for recreation and play.)
3. Normally Incompatible: The noise exposure is significantly more severe so that special
building construction is often necessary to minimize adverse impacts on people and
reduce interference with performance of normal activities. (Residential areas: barriers
are sometimes erected between the site and prominent noise sources to improve the
outdoor environment; sound attenuation is recommended in some buildings.)
4. Clearly Incompatible: The noise exposure at the site is so severe that construction
costs to make the indoor environment acceptable for performance of activities is
significantly more expensive. (Residential areas: the outdoor environment would be
significantly impacted for normal residential use.)
5. SLUCM: Standard Land Use Coding Manual. "x" represents SLUCM category broader
or narrower than, but generally inclusive of, the category described. I
6. The compatibility matrix has been determined by a number of noise sensitivity factors
including: speech communication needs, subjective judgments of noise incompatibility
and relative noisiness, need for freedom from noise intrusions, sleep sensitivity criteria;
accumulated case histories of noise complaint experience, and typical noise insulation
provided by common types of building construction.
7. For many land uses, higher levels of exterior noise exposure may be acceptable
provided there is a proper degree of building noise insulation. Such tradeoffs are
possible for land uses where indoor activities predominate.
1-67

5. Marine Resources
Scattered subaquatic vegetation is found on Bogue Sound along the Emerald Isle shoreline.
All subaquatic vegetation should be protected as an important part of Emerald Isle's and Bogue
Sound's maritime environment. Disturbance of the vegetation is regulated through the CAMA
major permitting process.
The North Carolina Division of Water Quality assigns water quality classifications to all waters
of the State of North Carolina. The schedule of classifications is provided by 15 NCAC
26.0302 to .0317. The classifications are based upon the existing or contemplated best
usage of the various streams and segments of streams within a basin, as determined through
studies, evaluations, and comments received at public hearings. The state classifies tidal salt
waters as follows:
Class SA: shellfishing for market purposes and any other usage specified by the
"SB" and "SC" classification;
Class SB: primary recreation and any other usage specified by the "SC"
classification;
Class SC: fish and wildlife propagation, secondary recreation, and other uses
requiring waters of lower quality.
With the exception of Archer's Creek, all waters of Bogue Sound within and adjacent to
Emerald Isle are designated in an SA classification. The North Carolina Division of Water
Quality defined SA as "waters suitable for the taking of shellfish for market purposes, primary
recreation, fish and wildlife propagation, and secondary recreation." In addition, the Bogue
Sound waters located adjacent to Emerald Isle are designated as an ORW. See page 1-76 for
a more detailed description of ORWs.
Table 15 (see page 1-32) provides a breakdown of water classes and acreage for Watershed
03020106030052 which includes the Town of Emerald Isle.
In addition, surface waters (streams, lakes, or estuaries) are rated as either fully supporting
(S), support -threatened (ST), partially supporting (PS), or nonsupporting (NS) by the Division
of Water Quality. The terms refer to whether the classified uses of the water (such as water
supply, aquatic life protection and swimming) are being fully supported, partially supported,
or are not supported. For instance, saltwaters classified for commercial shellfish harvesting
(SA) would be rated as fully supporting if bacterial levels in the water were low enough to
allow harvesting. However, if fecal coliform bacteria levels were too high to allow shellfish
to be harvested, but not too high to prevent swimming, then the waters would be rated as
partially supporting since they only support the swimming. If the waters were impacted to the
point that even swimming was disallowed, the waters would be rated as nonsupporting.
Partially supporting (PS) waters have been identified adjacent to Emerald Isle in Archer's
Creek, and are closed to shellfishing.
Primary nursery areas are defined as those areas in the estuarine system where initial post -
larval development takes place. These areas are usually located in the uppermost sections of
a system where populations are uniformly very early juveniles. Archer's Creek has been
designated as a primary nursery area.
Map 1 provides the general location of partially supporting (PS)/closed to shellfishing waters
and primary nursery areas in or adjacent to Emerald Isle.
W.

6. Fragile Areas
In coastal North Carolina, fragile areas are considered to include coastal wetlands, ocean
hazard areas, shorelines, estuarine waters and shorelines, public trust waters, complex natural
areas, areas sustaining remnant species, unique geological formations, registered natural
landmarks, swamps, prime wildlife habitats, areas of excessive slope, areas of excessive
erosion, scenic points, archaeological sites, historical sites, and 404 wetlands. While not
identified as fragile areas in the 15A NCAC 7H Use Standards, maritime forests and
outstanding resource waters (ORWs) should also be considered fragile areas. Emerald Isle's
planning jurisdiction includes or is adjacent to estuarine waters and shorelines, coastal
wetlands, public trust waters, ocean hazard areas, maritime forests, ORWs, 404 wetlands,
archaeological sites, excessive slopes, and excessive erosion areas. Map 7A, 713, and 7C
provide a delineation of the fragile areas. These are areas which could easily be damaged or
destroyed by inappropriate or poorly planned development. Development within AEC's is
regulated by the Coastal Resources Commission.
a) Coastal Wetlands
The coastal wetlands are generally delineated on Map 7A, 713, and 7C, Areas of
Environmental Concern. However, it is emphasized that the specific locations of coastal
wetlands can be determined only through on -site investigation and analysis. Coastal wetlands
are defined as salt marshes regularly- or irregularly -flooded by tides including wind tides,
provided this shall not include hurricane or, tropical storm tides. These areas must contain at
least one, but not necessarily all of the following marsh plant species: Cordgrass, Black
Needlerush, Glasswort, Salt Grass, Sea Lavendar, Bulrush, Saw Grass, Cat -tail, Salt Meadow
Grass, and Salt Reed Grass. The coastal wetlands are vital to the complex food chain found
in estuaries. They provide marine nursery areas and are essential to a sound commercial
fishing industry. Coastal wetlands also serve as barriers against flood damage and control
erosion between the estuary and uplands.
b) Estuarine Waters
Estuarine waters are generally those waters found in estuaries, sounds, bays, salt
water shorelines, and the Atlantic Ocean within three miles of the shoreline. They are the
dominant component and bonding element of the entire estuarine system, integrating aquatic
influences from both the land and the sea. The estuarine waters are among the most
productive natural environments within Emerald Isle. The waters support the valuable
commercial and sports fisheries of the coastal area which are comprised of estuarine
dependent species such as menhaden, flounder, shrimp, crabs, and oysters.
c) Estuarine Shorelines
Estuarine shorelines are those non -ocean shorelines which are especially vulnerable to erosion,
flooding, or other adverse effects of wind and water. They are intimately connected to the
estuary. The area extends from the mean high water level or normal water level along the
estuaries, sounds, bays, and brackish waters for a distance of 75 feet landward. Development
within the estuarine shorelines influences the quality of estuarine life and is subject to the
damaging processes of shorefront erosion and flooding. Estuarine shoreline areas of
environmental concern which are adjacent to outstanding resource waters extend 575 feet
landward from the mean high water level or normal water level.
n
0

:•:�•:R:•:•:•:•:••. ARCMAF.OL.00ICALLY SRU3ITM AREAS
COASTAL MJITLANDS
(ApproalNats Iocational
oaact I. At
Iona wat G
datarwln.d .,O"b in-tlrld
roriticationa.)
MARITIMS FORESTS
M•� fj (Approaluto locations/
wwact local Rona wwat b.
doUrwtnsd CAroMMgb lw-bald
Mrltteatlona.)
1. ESTUARINE SHORELINE AREAS - IN SHORELINE
ARIASARNOT CONTIGUOUS TO WATER! CLASSI-
FIED AS OUTSTANDING RESOURCE WATERS RT
THE ENVIROMNENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION,
ALL LAND 7S FEET LANDWARD rROM THE MEAN
RIGN WATER LEVEL OR NORMAL WATER LEVEL
ARE CONSIDERED TO BE ESTUARINE 3HORS-
LIMLl. IN SHORELINE AREAS CONTIGUOUS TO
KATE" CLASSIFIED AS OUTSTANDING
RESOURCE MATS" BY THE EMVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT COMMISSION. ALL LAND $75 FEET
LANDWARD FROM THE MEAN NIGH METER LEVEL
OR NORMAL MATRR LEVEL ARE CONSIDERED TO
EE ESTUARINE SBOPSLIMRE.
3. OCEAN RAZARD AAER3 - OCEAN HAZARD AREAS
ARE THOSE AREA.T DEFINED RT ISA MCAC 7H
SECTION .0300. 1NAS$ AR6A3 INCLUDE ALL
BEACHES, PRIMARY DUNES, AND FRONTAL
DUNES AND OTHER AREAS IN WHICH GEOLOGIC,
VEGETATIVE AND SOIL CONDITIONS INDICATE
A bUB3TANTIAL POSSIBILITY Or ZXCR331YR
EXPANSION OR FLOOD DAMAGE.
!. INLET INL HAZARD AREAS - ET HAZARD AREAS
RE INLET HAZARD AREA! ATHOSE DEFINED BY
SSA NCAC 7H.0101. THESE AREAS INCLUDE
LANDS THAT ARE NATURAL HAZARD AREAS THAT
RE AM
ESPSCIALLY VULNERABLE TO EROSION,
rLOODIMG, AND OTHER ADVERSE ErrECTs Or
SANG, ND MIND AWATER BECAUSE Or THEIR
PROXIMITY To DYNAMIC OCEAN IMIXTS.
EXACT LOCATIONS MIST BE DETRAMINED
THROUGH IN-FIERY IN -FIELD v3FICATIONS.
t. PUBLIC TRUST AND ESTUARINE MASERS AREA!
- ALL VATS" UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF
EMERALD 13LE ARE EITHER ESTUARINE WATERS
OR PUBLIC TRUST AREAS A3 DEFINED IN
IS MCAC 7N.020S ESTUARINE MATZ" AND
.OI07 PUBLIC TRUST AREAS. OUTSTANDING
RESOURCE WATERS AREAS ARE PUBLIC 7:JJST
AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN. OR"
AREAS ARE AL30 ESTUARINE MASERS AZC'S. I
S. OUTS://ID:K: RESOURCE MATS" IORW` - ALL
WATERS Or BOGIE SOUND ADJACENT TO AND
WITHIN RMBRALD IS ARE DESIGNATED As
ORM. FORTIOMS Or PLNEY CREEK ARE
DESIGNATED AS 0"' AMC ARE DELINEATED ON
THE INSERT TO TH13 MAP. OTHER CAZZR!
AND STREAMS IN EMERALD I3LB ARE NOT
DESIGNATED 43 OEM,
E. THE EMERALD 131.E CORPORATE LIMIT LINE
EXTENDS 1.7,00 7E97 INTO BOGUS BOUND AND
PARALI.iLR THE SHORELINE.
P
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1 1 I
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113I114I PSI » I 10 N
ARD"T 44WrX t
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ORW
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, w MMM 130 r00 PIIL�Y CREE.t' LiR1N',IKSERT
3CAL 14 FTET
Ir
The preparation - of this map was financed
In part Through o grant provided by the
North Corotino Coastal Management
Program, through funds provided by the
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972.
as amended, which is administered by the
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management. National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
1 I BOGUS I
SALTER'S
GRAVEYARD
r I a'tOI . • •: •: �. I I
1 .PMFI•oral• I OlAAR1A� � , .I I I I I
-'` - - �! �'•- I ( BELL COVE 1
SETTLEMENT el
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I I I I ! I I I 1
OCEAN
A TL A N T/C
MAP 7B
T O WN OF ENER.4 L o /SL E
AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN
AND OTHER FRAGILE AREAS
A^.aL! r/1Dir'
ORW
v
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1-71

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
HAZARD
AREAS-
1INLET
-
7� CAL
ALSO A MARITIME LOGIFORESTES IE
ARCHAEOLOGICALLY SILN3ITM AREAS
COASTAL NFTLAMS
I IApproaLa1a loneM eaaet lecalone at
date—Ined through Sn-tleld
Nrl Ueatlona.)
MARITIME FORESTS
5i� . y i.:• 'awroaleate locatlonaA
..t lOcot lona Nat be
detordned through !n-tleld
eerlrlCationS.)
1. ESTUARINE SMORSLINS AREAS - IN SHORELINE
AREAS NOT CONTUS IGUOTO WAYS" CLASSY;
PIED AS OUTSTANDING RESOURCE WAYS" ex
THE EHVIAONMOTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION.
ALL LAND 75 rZET LANDWARD PROM THZ MEAN
HIGH WATER LEVEL OR NORMAL WATER LEVEL
ARE CONSIDERED TO Di i3TVMINS 3MORE-
LINS3. IN SMORELIME AREAS CONTIGUOUS TO
MATS" CLA73Ir1ZD AS OUTSTANDING
RESOURCE MASERS BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT COMMISSION, ALL LAND SIS rZET
LANDWARD PROM THE MEAN HIGH WATER LZVZL
OR NORMAL WATER LEVEL ARE CONSIDERED TO
BE ZSTVARI WE SHORELINES.
S. OCZAN MAXAAD AREAS - OCEAN HAZARD AREAS
ARE THOSE AREAS DErINED BY 15A HCAC 7N
SECTION .0300. THESE AREAS INCLUDE ALL
BEACHES, PRIMARY DUNES, AND rRONTAL
DUNES AND OTHER AREAS IN WHICH GEOLOGIC,
VEGETATIVE AND SOIL CONDITIONS INDICATE
A bUBSTAMTIAL POSSIBILITY Or EXCESSIVE
ExPAHSIOM OR rIOOD DAMAGE.
3. INLET HAZARD AREAS - INLET HAZARD AREAS
11HLZT HAZARD AREAS ARE THOSE DErINTD BY
15A NCAC ?a.0304. THESE AREAS INCUMDZ
LANDS THAT ARE NATURAL HAZARD AREAS THAT
RE AESPECIALLY VULNERABLE TO EROSION,
PLODDING, AND OTHER ADVERSE ErrECT3 or
SAND, WIND AND WATER BECAUSE Or THEIR
PROXINITY To DYNAMIC OCEAN INLETS.
EXACT LOCATIONS MUST IIi DETERMINED
THROUGH IN-rIELD VERIr ICATION3. -
{. PUBLIC TRUST AND ESTUARINE WATERS AREAS
- ALL WATERS UNDER THE JURISDICTION Or
EMERALD ISLE ARE EITHER ESTUARINE WATERS
OR PUBLIC TRUST AREAS AS DEr INSD IN
13 MCAC 7M.0206 Z37UAAIINZ WATERS AND
.0107 PUBLIC TRUST AREAS. OUTSTANDING
RESOURCE WATZRE AREAS ARE PUBLIC 7:JIST
AREAS Or ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN. ORM
AREAS ARE ALSO ESTUARINE WAYS" AEC, S.
S. OUSS:I.ND:Ki PA30URCI WATERS (OR"! - ALL
WATEIL7 Of BOGUS SOUND ADJACENT TO AND
WITHIN EMERALD ISLE ARE DESIGNATED AS
ORW. IORTIONE Or PINEY CREZK ARE
DESIGNATED AS OR",
AND ARE DELINEATED ON
THE INSERT TO THIS MAP. OTHER CREEKS
AND STREAMS IN EMERALD ISLE ARE NOT
DESIGNATED AS ORN
{. THE EMERALD ISLA CORPORATE LIMIT LIN
ENE
EXTDS 1,400 FEET INTO BOGUS SOUND AND —'
PARALLELS IRS SHORELINE.
The preparollon• of this map was financed
In part through a grant provided by the
North CarotinD Coastal Management
Program, through funds provided by the
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972.
as amended, which is administered by the
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
81M WRAI
T O WN Or ENER.4 L D ISLE
AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN
AND OTHER FRAGILE AREAS
JGaIF r•90ir'
4
WC

f
i
i
I
I
AtMrl xrwo at
'��
cwnr
I
�
Jrx.c
V
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y
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M
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JK
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I
ARCMAROLOGICALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
_ COASTAL VICTIJNOS
(AW.0.1ute Ioestlonxl
.sect loc.tlons Rust D.
d.uruln.d through SD-Il.ld
..rl ficstlons.)
MARITIME FORSSYS
'•(� • li.:' (APP.0
s1Mt. 1oo.tlo.ff
.sect Ioc.tlons —at h.
d.t.—In.d through to-f1.Id
o.rlflc.tlons.)
1. ESTUARINE SHORELINE AREA3 - IN SHORELINE
AREAS NOT CONTIGUOUS TO HATERS CLA33I-
PIED AS OUTSTANDING RESOURCE WATERS BY
THE ENV IPONMPJTTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION,
ALL LAND 75 FEET LANDWARD FROM THS MEAN
SIGN WATER LEVEL OR NORMAL WATER LEVEL
ARE CONSIDERED TO BE ESTUARINE 3HORS-
LINES. IN SHORELINE AREAS CONTIGUOUS TO
HATERS CLASSIFIED AS OUTSTANDING
RESOURCE HATER] BY THE ONVLRONMENfAL
MANAGEMENT COMMISSION, ALL LAND 575 FEET
LANDWARD FROM THE MEAN HIGH WATER LEVEL
OR NORMAL WATER LEVEL ARS CONSIDERSO TO
HE ESTUARINE SHORELINES.
2. OCEAN HAZARD AREAS - OCEAN RAIARD AREAS
ARE THOSE AREAS DEFINED BY 1SA WCAC 79
SECTION .0300. THESE AREAS INCLUDE ALL
HEACHE3, PRIMARY DUNES, AND FRONTAL
DUNES AND OTHER AREAS IN WHICH GZOLOGIC,
VEGETATIVE AND SOIL CONDITIONS INDICATE
A SUBSTANTIAL P03SIBILITY Or EXCS331va
BXPAR31OM OR FLOOD DAMAGE,
3. INLET HAZARD AREAS - INLET HAZARD AREAS
INLET HAZARD AREAS AAE THOSE DEFINED BY
15A MCAC 7H.0304. THESE AREAS INCVJOR
LANDS THAT "A NATURAL HAZARD AREAS THAT
MR ESPECIALLY VULNERABLE TO EROSION,
rL.00DING, AND OTHER ADVERSE EFFECTS OF
SAND, MIND AM WATER BECAUSE Or THEIR
PLOXIMMITY TO DYNA..IC OCEAN INLETS.
BRACT LOCATIONS MUST BS DETERMINED
THROUGH IN-FIEID VERIFICATIONS.
S. PUBLIC TRUST AND ESTUARINE MATZ" AREAS
- ALL MATE" UNDER THE JURISDICTION Or
EMERALD ISLE ARE EITHER ESTUARINE MATE93
OR PUBLIC TRUST AREAS AS DEFINED IN
13 HCAC 7H.0206 ESTUARINE WATERS AND
.0207 PUBLIC TRUST AREAS. OUTSTANDING
RESOURCE HATERS ARZA3 ARE PUBLIC 7:.UST
AREAS Or ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN. ORS'
AREAS ARS ALSO SSTUARINE HATERS AEC's. R
S. OUTSTAND_X:. RESOURCE WATERS MORN! - ALL
WATERS Or BOGUS SOUND ADJACENT TO AND
WITHIN KMSHA/D ISLE ARE DESIGNATED AS
ORN. PORTIO-3 or PINEY CREEK ARE
DESIGNATED AS ORS, AND ARE DELINEATED ON
THE INSERT TO THIS MAP. OTHER CREEKS
AND 3TREAM3 IRA &HERA= I31JL ARE NOT
DESIGNATED JiS ORM.
S. Tug EMERALD 13L.M CORPORATE LIMIT LINE
EXTENDS 1,200 TEST INTO BOGUS SOUND AND
PARALLELS TBB SHORSLINS.
ROGUE
t
t
A TL ANT/C
4
The preparation- of this map was financed
In part through a grant provided by the
North Carolina Coastal Management
Program, through funds provided by the
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972.
as amended, which is administered by the
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
SOUND � I
I I I I t t I I
( I I I I rNt�>. ncaF
- TL[AI[O M'NT
a i i a i a ,It
Q
DMA
a I a I V, I I 7 I I
O CEA N
I
MAP X
TOWN OF ENERAL O ISLE
AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN
AND OTHER FRAGILE AREAS
.e+
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1-72

1
Id) Public Trust Areas
Public trust areas are 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
subject to measurable lunar tides and lands thereunder to the mean high water mark; all
' navigable natural bodies of water and lands thereunder to the mean high water level or mean
water level as the case may be, 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 artificially created bodies of water in which the
a public has acquired rights by prescription, custom, usage, dedication, or any other means. In
determining whether the public has acquired rights in artificially created bodies of water, the
following factors shall be considered:
(1) the use of the body of water by the public,
' (2) the length of time the public has used the area,
(3) the value of public resources in the body of water,
(4) whether the public resources in the body of water are mobile to
the extent that they can move into natural bodies of water,
(5) whether the creation of the artificial body of water required
permission from the state, and
(6) the value of the body of water to the public for navigation from
one public area to another public area.
These areas are significant because the public has rights in these areas, including
navigation and recreation. The public trust areas also support valuable commercial and sports
fisheries, have aesthetic value, and are important resources for economic development.
It is impossible to map the public trust areas. The areas must be determined through
in -field analysis and definition.
e) Ocean Hazard Areas
Ocean hazard areas consist of ocean erodible areas, high hazard flood areas, inlet
hazard area, and unvegetated beach area Ocean hazard landforms include ocean dunes,
beaches, and shorelines. Ocean dunes include both primary dunes and frontal dunes. Primary
dunes are the first mounds of sand located landward of the ocean beaches having an elevation
equal to the mean flood level (in a storm having a one percent chance of being equaled or
exceeded in any given space) for the area plus six feet. The primary dune extends landward
to the lowest elevation in the depression behind that same mound of sand. In areas where
there is a primary dune, that dune shall be deemed to be the frontal dune. Where there is no
primary dune, the frontal dune is deemed to be the first mound of sand located landward of
the ocean beach having sufficient vegetation, height, continuity and configuration to offer
protective value. The dunes are essential to the protection of oceanfront areas.
Ocean beaches and shorelines are lands consisting of unconsolidated soil materialsthat
extend from the mean low water line landward to a point where either (1) the growth of
vegetation occurs, or (2) a distinct change in slope or elevation alters the configuration of the
1 1-73

land form, whichever is farther landward. The entire southern length of Emerald Isle is an
ocean beach. Emerald Isle contains ocean erodible areas and high hazard flood areas, an inlet
hazard area, but no unvegetated beach area (a dynamic area that is subject to rapid
unpredictable landform change from wind and wave action). Unvegetated beach areas are only
designated following detailed studies by the Coastal Resources Commission.
f) 404 Wetlands
404 wetlands are areas covered by water or that have waterlogged soils for long
periods during the growing season. Plants growing in wetlands are capable of living in soils
lacking oxygen for at least part of the growing season. 404 wetlands include, but are not
limited to, bottomlands, forests, swamps, pocosins, pine savannahs, bogs, marshes, and wet
meadows.
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act requires that anyone interested in depositing
dredged or fill material into "waters of the United States," including wetlands, must apply for
and receive a permit for such activities. The Wilmington office of the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers has regulatory authority in Emerald Isle. While there may be scattered wetland
areas located within Emerald Isle, the specific locations of wetlands areas must be determined
through on -site analysis. It should be noted that in some Areas of Environmental Concern,
both the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers and the regulatory requirements of the Coastal Area
Management Act may have overlapping jurisdiction.
g) Maritime Forests
The preservation of maritime forests has become an increasingly significant issue in
coastal North Carolina. For a number of years, the Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) has
debated the establishment of state -imposed use standards (regulations) for the protection of
maritime forest areas. In 1990, the CRC decided to delay state action and afford local
governments an opportunity to establish regulations. In August, 1991, the town's Board of
Commissioners amended Chapter 19, Article X, of the Town Code to provide protection for
Emerald Isle's maritime forest areas.
Establishing a clear definition of what constitutes maritime forest areas and defining
which areas should be protected has been difficult. Generally, maritime forests are areas
containing native salt tolerant vegetation. Exposure to salt spray causes the vegetation to
have a sheared appearance that is shaped according to contours of adjacent land forms. The
forests contain loblolly pine, sweet gum, live oak, and red maple as the dominant tree types.
The trees grow slowly because of very low available water capacity, occasional salt water
flooding, and exposure to salt spray. The forests are important animal habitats.
Map 7A, 76, and 7C provides a general delineation of Emerald Isle's maritime forest
areas. However, it is emphasized that exact locations must be determined through in -field
verification. Almost all of Emerald Isle's maritime forest areas have already had subdivision
plats approved for their development.
Table 23 provides a further definition of maritime forest areas, their ecological
significance, and some basic management criteria. It should be noted that, with proper
controls, development may occur within maritime forest areas.
0
H
C
11
I
I
1-74 1

' Table 23
Maritime Forest Area
Definition, Function, and Management
SOUND
FRONT
I I
STI
11
OCEAN
FRONT
...... .................................................................. .......... ....... ......
..............:.....................................................
LLT SPRAY
1..............................................................................................................
L I 1 I I I I I 111 11
i13111111N I
111117,11 I
WIND
I
I
PM wIGE
I
__. SauNO51DE _.
INTERIOR DUNE 6 SWALE
F_OREDUNE
INTERIOR FOREST
FORESTED WETLANDS
HIGH RIDGE FOREST
T
SHRUB THICKET
SALT SHEAR r SCRUB DUNE THICKET
Wax Myrde
Live Oak
Lobbly Pine
Live Oak
Yaupon Holy
u
Yaupon Holly
Lobloly Pine
Red Bay
Red Cedar
Live Oak
o
Intermittent low dunes
American Holy
Wax Myrtle
Exposed forest on
Red Cedar
o
W
and wetlands
Stable upland forests
Forested freshwater
high, steep relic
dunes
Oceanfront forests
on broader islands
wetlands in interdune
subjected to extreme salt spray
$wales
Stone protection
Wind protection
Maintains water quality
Deflects salt spray Primary dune protection
Wildlife
Island stabilization
ShallowagWier
Storm resistance Interior West buffer
uz
Wlndbuffer
Climate control
s
Nutrlentcycting HlghaesthetbvallAa
u
Nutrientgcinp
Wildlife habitat
00
Nutrient cycling
U t6
W
Maintain as
Avoid isolationg trees
No filing of
Avoid building on
No disturbance of
z <
undeveloped
ahrublarb
Limit dearinp to build
wetlands
abpe$ over 40%
leading edge
W
a
in and access
Direct stormwater to
Avoid ridgetop
Restore with plantings when breached
w
Clear for access only
Into rate weds with
9
wetlands
development
Min$nize grading & canopy openings
Maintain salt spray
typography
Minimize
Avoid road cuts
edge intact
Limitimpervious
disturbance
across ridge
surlaaes
Source: Protecting Maritime Forests Through Planning and Design, Division of Coastal
Management, North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources.
1
1-75

h) Outstanding Resource Waters
In 1989, the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission designated certain
waters within North Carolina as Outstanding Resource Waters (ORWs). These areas were
designated because they were considered to be significant marine resource areas having
relatively clean and pristine waters, and having significant value as recreational and natural
resource areas. Western Bogue Sound was designated as an ORW. Special development
controls were imposed, and each ORW has a state management plan. Controls include, but
are not necessarily limited to, increasing the estuarine shoreline width to 575 feet. The
Outstanding Resource Waters areas are shown on Map 7A, 76, and 7C, Fragile Areas.
i) Slopes in Excess of 12%
In Emerald Isle, slopes of 12% or greater are normally found only in the ocean dune
areas. However, some scattered slopes in excess of 12% do exist in the maritime forest
areas. Excessive slope has not been a deterrent to development in Emerald Isle.
j) Excessive Erosion Areas
Excessive erosion areas include ocean, sound, and inlet erodible areas. Permanent
construction within those areas should be limited unless stabilization along the affected
shoreline can be accomplished.
k) Historic and Archaeological Sites
There do not appear to be any nationally significant historic or archaeological sites
within Emerald Isle. However, at least 20 historic and prehistoric period archaeological sites
have been recorded within Emerald Isle since the 1960s. Most of the sites were recorded by
local amateurs and artifact collectors. Few have been evaluated by an experienced
archaeologist and only a small portion of the area has been systematically surveyed for sites.
Based on the available information, prehistoric activities in the area primarily involved
the seasonal exploitation of shellfish and other marine resources. Sites associated with these
activities tend to be relatively small, characterized by accumulations of discarded shell
(referred to as shell midden), broken bits of pottery vessels, and stone tools. Such sites are
easily disturbed by contemporary land use activities and natural shoreline erosion. Of the
known sites, most have been disturbed and are not considered significant. However, several
sites may contain significant information and warrant further investigation.
The North Carolina Division of Archives and History files are incomplete and no in-depth
historical research has been conducted for Emerald Isle. The records do indicate that several
old graveyards and possible early settlement areas exist. Map 7A, 713, and 7C generally
includes areas which can be considered archaeologically sensitive. These areas either contain
known sites or are considered to have a particularly high probability for containing sites. Any
development planning within those areas should be reviewed for their possible impacts on
potentially significant archaeological sites. If significant sites are identified within the area,
efforts should be made to protect them from unnecessary or avoidable adverse impacts. Any
development activity in those areas should be coordinated with the Division of Archives and
History.
1
1
H
1-76

I SECTION II: PROJECTED LAND DEVELOPMENT ANALYSIS
A. PROJECTED DEMAND FOR DEVELOPMENT
1. Demographic Trends
Coastal Area Management Act planning guidelines require that population projections prepared
by the N.C. State Data Center, Office of State Budget and Management, be utilized in
projecting year-round population for Emerald Isle from 1994-2005. In Table 24, "Summary
of Year -Round Population Growth by Townships and Municipality," the figures for the years
1990 and 1994 have been taken directly from the Office of State Planning data. The growth
rate in population between 1990-1994 was determined and extrapolated to provide the 2000
and 2005 estimates. These estimates are based on the assumption that the relative growth
rate will remain the same from 1994-2005 as experienced between 1990-1994.
Emerald Isle's population should comprise a slightly higher percentage of the county's total
population by 2000. In 1990, Emerald Isle contained approximately 4.6% of the county
population. This percentage is expected to increase slightly to 6% by 2000. Emerald Isle will
continue to be the largest beach community within Carteret County. The town will maintain
its position as the fourth largest municipality in the county behind Morehead City and Beaufort,
but should replace Newport as the county's third largest municipality.
The 60-year old and older age group should continue to comprise an increasingly large
segment of Emerald Isle's population. This is based on both national demographic trends and
Emerald Isle's attractiveness as a retirement community. The town should be conscious of
this trend and begin planning to meet the health and service needs of an increasingly older
population.
I Development will continue in and near fragile areas. As this occurs, resource protection will
continue to have significance for the residents of Emerald Isle. The increase in population will
impact the transportation system; increase the demand for water supply; increase the need
for central sewage disposal; and increase demand on recreation and shoreline access facilities,
law enforcement services, fire protection, emergency medical services, and administrative
services.

Table 24
Town of Emerald Isle and Carteret County, NC
Summary of Year -Round Population Growth by Township and Municipality, 1990 - 2005
Township
Municipality or Area
Year Round Population
Percentage Change
Overall
1990
1994
2000
2005
'94200
'00205
'94205
1) Atlantic
Total Township
805
803
799
796
-0.49%
-0.35%
-0.84%
2) Beaufort
Beaufort
3,808
3,997
4,351
4,600
8.85%
5.72%
15.08%
Unincorporated Areas
4,205
4,644
5,467
6,045
17.71 %
10.58%
30.16%
Total Township
8,013
8,641
9,818
10,645
13.61 %
8.43%
23.19%
3) Cedar Island
Total Township
385
407
448
477
10.11 %
6.46%
17.23%
4) Davis
Total Township
535
553
587
611
6.15%
4.08%
10.48%
5) Harkers Island
Total Township
2,237
2,375
2,634
2,816
10.90%
6.91 %
18.56%
6) Harlowe
Total Township
11190
1,289
1,474
1,604
14.37%
8.84%
24.48%
7) Marshallberg
Total Township
646
674
726
763
7.75%
5.06%
13.20%
8) Merrimon
Total Township
542
591
683
747
15.54%
9.46%
26.46%
9) Morehead City
Atlantic Beach
1,938
2,267
2,846
3,252
25.52%
14.30%
43.47%
Indian Beach
153
177
222
254
25.39%
14.24%
43.24%
Morehead City
6,046
6,384
7,017
7,462
9.91 %
6.34%
16.88%
Pine Knoll Shores
1,360
1,543
1,886
2,127
22.21%
12.78%
37.82%
Unincorporated Areas
10,985
11,485
12,420
13,078
8.15%
5.30%
13.88%
Total Township
20,482
21,856
24,390
26,173
11.60%
7.31 %
19.75%
10) Newport
Newport
2,516
2,778
3,269
3,614
17.66%
10.55%
30.08%
Unincorporated Areas
4,817
5,337
6,312
6,997
18.26%
10.86%
31.09%
Total Township
7,333
8,115
9,580
10,611
18.05%
10.75%
30.75%
11) Sea Level
Total Township
773
872
1,056
1,186
21.16%
12.28%
36.05%
12) Smyrna
Total Township
782
843
958
1,039
13.61 %
8.42%
23.18%
13) Stacy
Total Township
401
434
497
541
14.40%
8.85%
24.52%
14) Straits
Total Township
1,948
2,129
2,468
2,706
15.91 %
9.65%
27.10%
15) White Oak
Cape Carteret
11008
1,179
1,499
1,724
27.16%
15.02%
46.25%
Emerald Isle
2,434
2,798
3,480
3,959
24.36%
13.77%
41.49%
Cedar Point
628
688
800
879
16.33%
9.87%
27.81 %
Unincorporated Areas
2,413
2,379
2,316
2,271
-2.66%
-1.92%
-4.53%
Total Township
6,483
7,044
8,095
8,834
14.92%
9.13%
25.41 %
Total Municipalities
Total Unincorporated Areas
Total County
19,891 21,811 25,369 27,870
32,662 34,813 38,840 41,673
52,553 56,624 64,209 69,543
Sources: N.C. State Data Center; extrapolation of data for unincorporated areas by Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
16.31 % 9.86% 27.78%
11.57% 7.29% 19.70%
13.40% 8.31 % 22.82%
11-2

E
7
1
0
11
1
Emerald Isle's permanent population will increase at a rate 1.8 times that of the county. In
addition, the town's rate of growth for overall total peak population will be higher than the
county's. This growth does not include day visitors. Based on the 1995 estimate of 61,911
peak day visitors, the 2000 and 2005 peak populations, with day visitors, will be
approximately 82,441 and 84,883, respectively. Table 25 provides a summary of the peak
population forecast. This forecast is based on an assumed 100% occupancy of the town's
seasonal units. The occupancy rates utilized were four persons per motel unit and five
persons per private seasonal housing unit. Planning for services should be based on total
population with day visitors.
Table 25
Town of Emerald Isle
Total Peak Population
Peak*
Ratio
Year
Permanent
Seasonal
Total
Peak Seasonal: Permanent
1996
3,007**
15,291
18,298
5.1:1
2000
3,480
17,050
20,530
4.9:1
2005
3,959
19,013
22,972
4.8:1
*2000 and 2005 peak seasonal population estimate based on growth rate between 1990-1996.
**1996 permanent population estimate based on growth rate between 1990-1994.
Source: Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
As indicated in Table 25, the ratio of peak seasonal to permanent population is expected to
decrease during the planning period.
Overall population growth in Emerald Isle will continue to be impacted by overall population
growth in Carteret County and in the nearby municipalities. Despite the expected decrease
in annual growth rate over the 1990s, the population growth rate in Carteret County will still
be more than double the North Carolina rate over the next nine years. From 1996-2005, the
state population is estimated to show a 9.4% increase. The Carteret County population is
anticipated to grow 22.8% over the same period.
It is believed that through the planning period, the age distribution of Emerald Isle's population
should continue to change to more closely resemble the age distribution for the total Carteret
L County population. Table 26 provides an estimate of 1996 and 2005 populations by age
group.

Table 26
Town of Emerald Isle
Total Population by Age and Percent Change 1996-2005
Age Population by Age Group
Percent Change
1996 2005
1996-2005
�.
Under 5 141 245
+74%
5-14 302 380
+26%
15-24 302 487
+61 %
25-34 355 491
+38%
35-44 385 566
+47%
45-54 317 602
+90%
55-64 263 511
+94%
65 & Over 373 677
+82%
Total 2,438 3,959
Source: 1990 U.S. Census; Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
2. Commercial and Industrial Land Use j
Commercial development should occur gradually during the ten-year planning period,
continuing the trend of the early to mid-1990s. If commercial development continues at the
same rate at which it occurred during the early 1990s, and additional areas are not zoned for
commercial usage, by 2000 to 2005, all commercial property should be developed. Thus,
limited new commercial development may occur in Emerald Isle.
From 1996 to 2005, the problems confronting commercial development will include:
-- Increasing land values,
-- Increasing traffic congestion on N.C. 58 (Emerald Drive),
-- Increasing problems with the provision of adequate sewage
disposal.
A major question will continue to be the development of commercial marina facilities.
Currently only one marina exists. No other areas are appropriately zoned for marina
development. The town will be subjected to great pressure for the development of marinas
and other shoreline related commercial uses.
Industrial development is not expected to occur within Emerald Isle. Not only is land area
limited and expensive, industrial development would be incompatible with land use patterns
in Emerald Isle.
3. Housing Trends I
Emerald Isle will continue to be a predominantly low -to -moderate density single-family
residential area. Residential growth will continue. As property values increase, the demands

' for "high rise" development should increase. This may result in pressure being placed on
Emerald Isle to decrease the restriction on building heights. In 1996, the maximum height
limitations were 40 feet for wood frame structures, and 100 feet for concrete, steel, or other
non -wood frame structures. It is the town's objective to maintain current residential densities
through strict enforcement of the town's zoning ordinance. The zoning ordinance contains
the following residential density requirements: 12,500 square feet for a single-family lot;
15,000 square feet for a duplex; and a maximum of 8 dwelling units per acre for multi -family
development.
Residential development will continue to occur in maritime forest areas that have been
subdivided. As discussed in the 1992 Emerald Isle Land Use Plan, a substantial area of
unsubdivided maritime forest remained in Block 47. However, since 1992, Block 47 has been
subdivided for residential development.
From 1990 to 1995, an average of 143 residential building permits were issued per year in
Emerald Isle. This was a decline from the 1985-1990 average of 180 residential permits per
year. This rate of residential development is expected to continue to decease during the
planning period. If one assumes an average of 135 residential permits per year, a total of
1,350 residential units could be constructed from 1996 to 2005. This rate of growth should
place Emerald Isle at residential "build -out" by 2005 unless allowable densities are increased.
4. Public Land Use
Public land use is not expected to change substantially during the planning period. Except for
possible shoreline access facilities and associated residential off-street parking, no major
acquisitions of public property are anticipated.
5. Areas Likely to Experience Maior Land Use Changes
No major changes in existing land use patterns or zoning are expected. The town's zoning
ordinance, and an active planning program, will continue to control and limit incompatible land
uses. It is expected that Emerald Isle will resist development pressures and continue to limit
high density development.
1 6. Summary
The greatest obstacle to continued growth in Emerald Isle should be the lack of a central
sewage collection and treatment system. As development continues, ground and surface
water pollution could become a problem. Plans for the development of a system must be
closely coordinated with Carteret County and other county municipalities through the Carteret
County Interlocal Government Agreement.
Development issues that will confront Emerald Isle during the planning period are summarized
as follows:
-- Provision of off-street parking for shoreline access facilities.
-- Elimination of storm drainage (flooding) problem areas.

11
-- Protection of dunes and vegetation. 11
-- Preserving low -to -moderate density residential development.
-- Improving mainland access.
-- Reducing the impacts of aircraft operations from Bogue Field.
-- Maintaining adequate water supply.
-- In cooperation with Carteret County and other municipalities,
pursuit of the development of a regional sewer system.
-- Maintaining municipal services at a level sufficient to
accommodate peak seasonal population.
-- Continuing protection of areas of environmental concern.
-- Maintaining adequate planning for storm hazard mitigation and
post -disaster recovery planning.
-- Congestion on Highway 58.
B. PROJECTED PUBLIC FACILITIES NEED/AVAILABILITY
The projected population growth will place increased demands on community facilities and
services during the planning period. By 2005, the peak seasonal population is expected to be
5.8 times the permanent year-round population. In most cases, community facilities and
services must be designed to accommodate peak seasonal population.
The Bogue Banks Water and Sewer Corporation's water system supply and capacity should
be adequate to serve demand through the planning period. If water usage increases
commensurate with population growth, the system should provide adequate supply through
2005. The greatest water supply concern may be salt water intrusion. The ability of the
aquifer systems to supply ground waterto accommodate the growth expected to occur within
Carteret County should be carefully monitored.
Compliance with the town's Storm Drainage Master Plan and enforcement of the Stormwater
Control Ordinance have aided in reducing storm drainage problems. The requirements for
improved drainage design which are imposed on commercial development will continue to be
significant help in reducing the magnitude of the problem. Further reductions in storm
drainage problems are expected during the planning period.
Transportation needs will continue to be a major need. It is expected that by 2005, over
30,000 vehicles will cross the B. Cameron Langston Bridge on an average summer weekday.
This volume of traffic will require improved mainland access, improvements to Emerald Drive
(N.C. 58), and an improved plan for signalization on Emerald Drive. Plans by NCDOT to
expand the B. Cameron Langston Bridge to four lanes during the next twenty years should be
expedited, especially if a third Bogue Banks -mainland bridge is not constructed.
The major public facilities need confronting the town continues to be the construction of a
sewer system. As mentioned in the Development Constraints: Public Facilities section of this
plan, the town is an active member of the Carteret County Interlocal Agency. The agency's
objective is to develop a plan that will accommodate the needs of all of the incorporated
municipalities in a single sewerage district. This effort is vigorously supported by Emerald Isle.

If Emerald Isle fails to obtain central sewer service, it will necessitate a policy of low -to -
moderate density. However, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to control the demands
placed on sewage disposal facilities by day visitors.
Adjustments to Emerald Isle's administrative, police, fire, and rescue services will be necessary
as growth occurs. Personnel needs should be monitored annually and appropriate adjustments
made. During the 1996-2005 period, some adjustments to fire and rescue services may be
needed. A capital facilities plan for those services should be developed. The town should
carefully consider services and facility needs for the elderly portion of its population. By 2005,
approximately 30 percent of the town's population is expected to be 55 years old or older.
Elderly population needs should be accommodated in planning services such as garbage
collection. Also, the town does not have any elderly health care facilities. Year-round
recreational facilities should be adequate to meet the needs of the year-round residents
through 2005.
C. REDEVELOPMENT ISSUES
Almost all development in Emerald Isle is less than 30 years old and in standard condition.
Therefore, there is not a need for redevelopment of existing areas.
The greatest redevelopment concern in Emerald Isle will be reconstruction following a major
storm. A particular concern should be damage to mobile homes. In 1990, mobile homes
comprised approximately 30 percent of the town's housing stock. Any Category 3 or greater
storm would cause substantial damage to the mobile home stock. Not only would there be
a major loss of housing stock and real estate values, but the cleanup costs will be substantial.
Policies governing how and where mobile homes will be allowed to be replaced should be
carefully monitored.
There are no major infrastructure maintenance problems. The Bogue Banks water system is
in good repair. The town is supplied electric service by the Carteret -Craven Electric
Membership Corporation. This system is also in good repair. However, the town should
consider policies to require the placement of utilities underground following a major natural
disaster.
D. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION
This plan was reviewed by the Carteret County Planning Department prior to certification by
the Coastal Resources Commission. This review was provided to help ensure consistency of
this plan with Carteret County's planning efforts. Intergovernmental coordination and
cooperation will continue through the ten-year planning period. This will be essential to
accomplish effective planning for public utilities, thoroughfare projects, community facilities,
housing needs, and environmental protection. The Emerald Isle Board of Commissioners and
Planning Board will be responsible for ensuring adequate coordination with Carteret County,
Bogue Banks and mainland municipalities, and other government entities as may be required.
The Town of Emerald Isle has participated in several joint planning efforts with neighboring
jurisdictions, such as the joint land use planning meeting held in Beauforton August 21, 1996,
and the North Carolina Municipalities meeting held in Emerald Isle on November 18-19, 1996.
In addition, Emerald Isle is also an active member of the Carteret County Interlocal Agency.

SECTION III: EMERALD ISLE LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
The CAMA regulations require the establishment of a specific land classification system to
support the local government's policy statements. This system should reflect developing land
use patterns within the town and provide a framework to be utilized by Emerald Isle to identify
future land uses.
' The 15A NCAC 7B requirements provide for the following land classifications: developed,
urban transition, limited transition, community, rural, rural with services, and conservation.
In applying these classifications, Emerald Isle should carefully consider where and when
r various types of development should be encouraged. Additionally, the areas of environmental
concern requiring protection should be recognized by the land classification system. Each
applicable land classification must be represented on a land classification map (see Maps 8A,
it 813, and 8C).
M The following land classifications will apply in Emerald Isle's jurisdiction:
Developed areas included in the developed land classification are currently urban in
character, with no or minimal undeveloped land remaining. Municipal types of services,
with the exception of central sewer service, are in place or are expected to be provided
within the next five to ten years. Land uses include residential, c bmmercial, public/
semi-public, and other urban land uses at the following densities which are prescribed
by 15A NCAC 713:
• 500 dwelling units per square mile, or
• three dwelling units per acre, or
-4 • where a majority of lots are 15,000 square feet or less.
Emerald Isle's developed areas were well below these urban densities in 1990, having
an average town -wide residential density of just under .50 dwelling units per acre.
Within Emerald Isle, the developed classification is subdivided into the following sub-
classifications:
• Developed Residential (DR) - These are areas where water, electrical, police,
fire, sanitation, recreation, and other municipal services are provided. The
major land use is residential development. The maximum height for residential
structures is 40 feet for wooden structures and 100 feet for concrete, steel, or
other non -wood frame structures. This restriction will aid in limiting residential
density. Very little vacant land remains to be developed or subdivided. Specific
densities in the various areas of the town shall be dictated by the Emerald Isle
Zoning Ordinance.
Those densities are: 12,500 square feet for a single-family lot; 15,000 square
feet for a duplex; and a maximum of 8 dwelling units per acre for multi -family
development.
�j

• Developed Commercial (DC) - These are areas where water, police, fire,
sanitation, recreation, and other municipal services are provided. Most
developed commercial property borders Emerald Drive (NC 58). Almost all
developed commercial classified land has either been built upon or has had
proposals approved for its development. The few scattered parcels that have
not been developed should be approved for development within the planning
period.
• Developed Public (DP) - These are areas committed to public use where water,
electrical, police, fire, sanitation, recreation, and other municipal services are
provided. This category is very limited in Emerald Isle and includes only the
Town of Emerald Isle property located at the Municipal Building Complex. is
Urban Transition (UT) - Areas included in the urban transition classification are
presently being developed for urban purposes, or will be developed in the next five to
ten years. These areas should require complete urban services within the planning
period, with the possible exception of central sewer service. This classification
includes areas with partial municipal facilities and which are usually adjacent to
developed residential areas. These areas are or will be primarily residential in nature,
with some scattered commercial development. Major concentrations of urban
transition land are found in Blocks 49, 48, 47, 25, 18, 15, and 14. Development will
occur at densities consistent with the developed classification and as allowed by the
Emerald Isle Zoning Ordinance.
Conservation (CON) - The following areas of environmental concern and "404"
wetlands (not an area of environmental concern) are included in the conservation
classification:
Coastal Wetlands: This classification includes all areas of salt marsh or other
marsh subject regular or occasional flooding by tides, including wind tides.
However, tidal flooding is understood not to include hurricane or tropical storm
tides. Development which meets the minimum use standards of 15A NCAC
7H, Emerald Isle zoning, and the policies contained in this plan shall be allowed
in areas classified as coastal wetlands.
Estuarine Shoreline: All areas lying 0-75 feet landward of the mean high water
level of estuarine waters not designated as Outstanding Resource Waters are
classified as estuarine shorelines. Because of map size and scale, these areas
cannot be accurately mapped. Precise locations must be determined in the
field. Except for maritime forest areas, uses consistent with Emerald Isle
zoning, the policies contained in this plan, and the 15A NCAC 7H use standards
shall be allowed in estuarine shoreline areas. Within maritime forest areas,
minimum design standards shall apply which exceed 15A NCAC 7H.
Estuarine and Public Trust Waters: All public trust areas and estuarine waters
are included in this classification. All waters in Emerald Isle's planning
jurisdiction are classified as estuarine waters as described by 15A NCAC
71-1.0206 or public trust areas as described by 15A NCAC 7H.0207. Uses
permitted by the policies contained in this plan and 15A NCAC 7H shall be
tom'
—1

allowed. The policies dealing with floating structures and moorings are more
restrictive than the 15A NCAC 7H.
ORW Estuarine Shorelines: All areas lying 0-575 feet landward of the mean
high water level of estuarine waters designated as Outstanding Resource
Waters are classified as ORW estuarine shorelines. Because of map size and
scale, these areas cannot be accurately mapped. Precise locations must be
determined in the field. Uses permitted by the Town of Emerald Isle's Zoning
Ordinance, the Bogue Sound ORW Management Plan, 15A NCAC 7H, and the
policies contained in this plan shall be allowed. The policies dealing with
maritime forest design standards are more restrictive than the ORW
Management Plan and 15A NCAC 7H. All shorelines in Bogue Sound are
classified ORW.
Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW): This area includes all waters of Bogue
Sound in and adjacent to Emerald Isle and a portion of Piney Creek which have
been designated by the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission
as Outstanding Resource Waters. The ORW locations are indicated on Maps
9A, 913, and 9C. The ORW waters are also considered estuarine waters.
Allowed uses will be those permitted by the use standards included in the
Bogue Sound ORW Management Plan, 15A NCAC 71-1, and the policies
contained in this plan. The policies dealing with floating structures and
ti moorings are more restrictive than the ORW Management Plan and 15A NCAC
7H.
Ocean Hazard Areas: This classification includes all ocean hazard areas. These
areas include lands along the Atlantic shoreline where, because of their special
vulnerability to erosion or other adverse effects of sand, wind and water,
uncontrolled or incompatible development could unreasonably endanger life or
property. These areas include beaches, frontal dunes, inlet lands, and other
lands with excessive erosion or flood damage. Development shall be permitted
which is allowed by the policies contained in this plan, the Emerald Isle Zoning
Ordinance, and 15A NCAC 71-1.0306. The town's inlet hazard policies are more
restrictive than the minimum state standards.
404 Wetlands: This classification includes areas of 404 wetlands which meet
the wetlands definition contained in Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Only
uses consistent with the policy statements section of this plan and the Emerald
Isle Zoning Ordinance will be allowed. These areas are not delineated on the
Land Classification Map. Specific locations must be determined in the field by
representatives of the Wilmington office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The town concurs with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' standards and does
not intend to develop more restrictive standards with the exception of the local
policies which address the installation of package treatment plants or septic
tanks and the discharge of waste in any areas classified as coastal or
freshwater wetlands.
C�
I

LEGEND
DR DEVELOPED RESIDENTIAL
DC DEVELOPED COMMERCIAL
DP DEVELOPED PUBLIC
UT URBAN TRANSITION
CON CONSERVATION
BECAUSE OF MAP SCALE, THESE
AREAS CANNOT BE ACCURATELY
MAPPED. PRECISE LOCATIONS MUST BE
DETERMINED IN THE FIELD.
WATERSHED BOUNDARY LINE
I � I
I -V
The preparation• of this map was financed
In part through o grant provided by the
North Carolina Coastal Management
Program, through funds provided by the
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972.
as amended, which is administered by the
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
/V
MAP 8A
TO WN OF EMER.4 L O /SL E
LAND CLASSIFICATION MAP
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LEGEND
DR DEVELOPED RESIDENTIAL
DC DEVELOPED COMMERCIAL
DP DEVELOPED PUBLIC
UT URBAN TRANSITION
CON CONSERVATION
BECAUSE OF MAP SCALE. THESE
AREAS CANNOT BE ACCURATELY
MAPPED. PRECISE LOCATIONS MUST BE
DETERMINED IN THE FIELD.
WATERSHED BOUNDARY LINE
A TL ANT/C
The preparation• of this map was financed
in part through a grant provided by the
North Carolina Coastal Management
Program. through funds provided by the
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972.
as amended, which is administered by the
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management. National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
4
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MAP 8B
TOWN OF EANER.ALO ISLE
LAND CLASSIFICATION MAP
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LEGEND
DR DEVELOPED RESIDENTIAL
DC DEVELOPED COMMERCIAL
DP DEVELOPED PUBLIC
UT URBAN TRANSITION
CON CONSERVATION
BECAUSE OF MAP SCALE. THESE
AREAS CANNOT BE ACCURATELY
MAPPED. PRECISE LOCATIONS MUST BE
DETERMINED IN THE FIELD.
tWATERSHED BOUNDARY LINE
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The preparation- of this map was financed
In part through a grant provided by the
North Carolina Coastal Management
Program, through funds provided by the
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972,
as amended, which is administered by the
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management. National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
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ISECTION IV: EMERALD ISLE POLICY STATEMENTS
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This section of the plan provides policies which will address growth management and
protection of Emerald Isle's environment. The policies should be based on the objectives of
the citizens of Emerald Isle and satisfy the objectives of the Coastal Resources Commission.
The results of the 1991 citizen attitude survey has influenced but not dictated the
development of these policy statements.
It is emphasized that the policy statements are extremely important and have a day-to-day
impact on individual citizens within Emerald Isle's planning jurisdiction. The statements have
an impact in several areas, including:
-- CAMA minor and major permitting as required by N.C.G.S. 113A-118
prior to undertaking any development in any area of environmental
concern.
-- Establishment of local planning policy.
-- Review of proposed projects requiring state or federal assistance or
approval to determine consistency with local policies.
The Coastal Resources Commission requires all governments to specify stated development
policies under each one of five broad topics. These topics include:
-- Resource Protection
-- Resource Production and Management
Economic and Community Development
-- Continuing Public Participation
-- Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery, and Evacuation Plans
During 1995 and 1996, the NCAC 7B CAMA planning guidelines were revised. The revised
guidelines included new requirements for the development of policy statements. These
changes included the following policy statement additions:
-- A general vision policy statement describing the type of
community that the local government would like to become
within the next ten years.
-- A basic statement as to the community attitude toward resource
protection.
-- A policy addressing the protection of wetlands identified as being
of the highest functional significance on maps supplied by the
Division of Coastal- Management.
-- A policy addressing moorings and mooring fields.
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-- A policy addressing water quality problems and management ,
measures designed to reduce or eliminate local sources of surface
water quality problems.
-- A statement as to the community attitude toward resource
production and management.
-- A statement as to the community attitude toward economic and
community development.
-- A policy addressing commitment to state and federal programs, '
including housing rehabilitation, community development block
grants, housing for low and moderate income level citizens,
water and sewer installation, and rural water systems.
-- A policy addressing assistance to interstate waterways.
Based on the analysis of existing conditions and trends, results of the citizens' attitude survey,
and discussion with the town's Planning Board and Board of Commissioners, the policies
outlined in the following section have been formulated to provide a guide for advising and
regulating development of available land resources in Emerald Isle throughout the current
planning period, i.e., 2001. Policies which were considered, but not adopted, are provided
in Appendix I.
A. VISION STATEMENT
Emerald Isle will continue to be primarily a residential community. Residential densities will
be allowed consistent with the town's zoning ordinance. Those densities are: 12,500 square
feet for a single-family lot; 15,000 square feet for a duplex; and a maximum of 8 dwelling
units per acre for multi -family development. The town will continue to serve both as a year-
round residential community and a seasonal resort area. A limited commercial "family
atmosphere" will be maintained. The town will strive to balance the pressure for development
with a concern for responsible environmental protection. ,r
B. RESOURCE PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENTS
Community Attitude on Resource Protection
Emerald Isle has demonstrated a concern with resource protection. This concern has been
displayed through the adoption of local ordinances and support for the 15A NCAC 7H
minimum use standards for areas of environmental concern. Emphasis has been placed on
protecting maritime forest areas, inlet hazard areas, restriction of floating structures, dunes,
and ocean hazard areas.
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Physical Limitations
Soils
To mitigate existing septic tank problems and other restrictions on development posed by soil
limitations, Emerald Isle will:
(a) Enforce all current regulations of the N.C. State Building Code and Carteret County
Health Department for all matters relating to septic tank installation/replacement in
areas with soils restrictions.
(b) Coordinate all development activity with appropriate county and state regulatory
personnel.
(c) Cooperate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the regulation/enforcement of the
404 wetlands permit process.
(d) Emerald Isle will maintain low -density residential development, consistent with the
town's zoning ordinance, in order to decrease soil contamination and groundwater
pollution from septic tanks.
(e) Emerald Isle opposes the installation of package treatment plants and septic tanks or
discharge of waste in any areas classified as coastal wetlands or freshwater wetlands
(404).
(f) Support and cooperate with the efforts of the Carteret County Interlocal Agency (CCIA)
to develop a central sewer system to serve the developed areas of the county,
including the municipalities. The objective is to link the municipalities and county into
a single sewer district.
Flood Hazard Areas
(a) Emerald Isle will coordinate any development within the special flood hazard area with
the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management, FEMA, and the U.S. Corps of
Engineers.
(b) Emerald Isle will continue to enforce its existing zoning and flood damage prevention
ordinances and follow the storm hazard mitigation plan. (See Subsection D, Storm
Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery, and Evacuation Plans).
Groundwater/Protection of Potable Water Supplies
(a) Emerald Isle will strive to conserve its surficial groundwater resources by supporting
CAMA and N.C. Division of Water Quality stormwater run-off regulations.
(b) Emerald Isle will implement the recommendations contained in the Town of Emerald Isle
1989 Drainage Master Plan and enforce the Stormwater Control Ordinance adopted in
July, 1989.
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Manmade Hazards
(a) Emerald Isle will coordinate the regulation of underground storage tanks with the North
Carolina Division of Water Quality. Emerald Isle will support 15A NCAC 2N, Sections
.0100-.0800, which includes the criteria and standards applicable to underground
storage tanks.
(b) Emerald Isle recognizes that some adverse noise impacts will result from the operation
of Bogue Field. The town will cooperate with the U.S. Marine Corps to educate the
public of efforts being undertaken by the military to mitigate adverse noise impacts
resulting from aircraft operations at Bogue Field.
(c) With the exception of bulk fuel storage tanks used for retail and wholesale sales, and
individual heating fuel storage tanks, Emerald Isle opposes the bulk storage of
manmade hazardous materials within its jurisdiction.
(d) Emerald Isle is opposed to the establishment of toxic waste dump sites within Carteret
County.
Cultural/Historical Resources
There do not appear to be any nationally significant historic or archaeological sites within
Emerald Isle. However, at least 20 historic and prehistoric period archaeological sites have
been recorded within Emerald Isle. In order to protect these areas, Emerald Isle will:
(a) Coordinate all housing code enforcement/redevelopment projects with the N.C. Division
of Archives and History, to ensure that any significant architectural details or buildings
are identified and preserved.
(b) Coordinate all county and town public works projects with the N.C. Division of
Archives and History, to ensure the identification and preservation of significant
archaeological sites.
Industrial Impacts on Fragile Areas
No industrial development of any type shall be located within Emerald Isle's planning
jurisdiction.
C. MISCELLANEOUS RESOURCE PROTECTION
Package Treatment Plant Use
Emerald Isle will support the construction of package treatment plants which are approved and
permitted by the State Division of Water Quality and by the Carteret County Health
Department/Division of Health Services. If any package plants are approved, Emerald Isle
supports requirement of a specific contingency plan specifying how ongoing private operation
and maintenance of the plant will be provided, and detailing provisions for assumption of the
plant into a public system should the private operation fail.
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IMarina and Floatinq Home Development
Emerald Isle will enforce the following policies to govern floating homes and both open water
and upland marina development. Marinas are considered to be any publicly or privately owned
dock constructed to accommodate more than ten boats, as defined by 15A NCAC
71-1.208(b)(5).
(a) Emerald Isle will permit the construction and expansion of both open water and upland
marinas which meet local zoning ordinance requirements, the requirements of the 15A
NCAC 7H use standards, and the Bogue Sound ORW Management Plan.
(b) Emerald Isle will allow the construction of dry stack storage facilities which meet 15A
NCAC 7H use standards, all local applicable code requirements, and the Bogue Sound
ORW Management Plan.
(c) Emerald Isle supports the restriction of floating structures in all public trust areas and
estuarine waters. Floating structures are defined as any structure or vessel used,
designed, and occupied as a permanent dwelling unit, business, office, or source of any
occupation or any private or social club, which floating structure or vessel is primarily
immobile and out of navigation or which functions substantially as a land structure
while moored or docked on waters within county jurisdiction. Floating structures shall
not be used commercially or inhabited in one place for more than 15 days. The town
will develop and adopt an ordinance designed to enforce this policy.
Mooring Fields
Emerald Isle is concerned with the potential for the development of mooring fields. The town
opposes the development of mooring fields and will pursue the development of an ordinance
to regulate the establishment of mooring fields.
Development of Sound and Estuarine Islands
Emerald Isle desires to restrict any construction on sound or estuarine islands. The town will
review its zoning ordinance to incorporate controls to regulate development on sound and
estuarine islands. Until the zoning ordinance is revised, the town will support development
on islands which satisfies the 15A NCAC 7H use standards.
Ocean Hazard Areas
(a) Emerald Isle will support only uses within the ocean hazard areas which are allowed
by 15A NCAC 7H and are consistent with the town's zoning and dune and vegetation
protection ordinances.
(b) Emerald Isle supports beach nourishment and relocation as the preferred erosion control
measures for ocean hazard areas.
(c) The town objects to the construction of permanent shoreline stabilization structures in
ocean hazard areas and any changes in state standards which would allow such
structures.
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Inlet Hazard Areas I
The Town of Emerald Isle will allow uses within the inlet hazard areas which are consistent
with the town's zoning ordinance, 15A NCAC 7H use standards, and the following use
standards:
(1)
All development in the inlet hazard area shall be set back from the first line of stable
natural vegetation a distance equal to the setback required in the adjacent ocean
hazard areas;
(2)
Permanent structures shall be permitted at a density of no more than one commercial
or residential unit per 15,000 square feet of land area on lots subdivided or created
after July 23, 1981;
(3)
Only residential structures of four units or less or non-residential structures of less than
5,000 square feet total floor area shall be allowed within the inlet hazard area;
(4)
Established common-law and statutory public rights of access to the public trust lands
and waters in inlet hazard areas shall not be eliminated or restricted. Development
shall not encroach upon public accessways nor shall it limit the intended use of the
accessways;
(5)
Shoreline stabilization structures shall be permitted only as a part of a publicly
supported project;
(6)
All other rules in this subchapter pertaining to development in the ocean hazard areas
shall be applied to development within the inlet hazard areas;
(7)
The following types of development shall be exempted from these inlet hazard area
setback requirements:
-- campgrounds that do not involve substantial permanent structures;
-- parking areas with clay, packed sand, or similar surfaces;
-- outdoor tennis court;
-- elevated decks not exceeding 500 square feet;
-- beach accessways consistent with 15A NCAC 7H use standards;
-- unenclosed, uninhabitable gazebos with floor areas of 200 square feet or less;
-- uninhabitable storage sheds with floor areas of 200 square feet or less;
-- temporary amusement stands, and
-- swimming pools.
(8)
The town opposes all residential, institutional, and commercial development in the area
which is west of a line lying along the eastern property line of Lot 9, Section A,
Emerald Isle by the Sea, Book 8, Page 73, Carteret County Registrar of Deeds Office,
Block 53, November 16, 1973, to its intersection with the southern right-of-way with
Inlet Drive and west of a line lying along the eastern property line of Lot 30, Section
B, Emerald Isle by the Sea, Book 8, Page 73, Carteret County Registrar of Deeds
Office, November 6, 1973, if extended to intersect with the southern right-of-way line
of Inlet Drive. Public rights -of -way and utilities shall be permitted. The following types
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of development shall be allowed and exempted from the inlet hazard area setback
requirements:
-- publicly owned parking areas with clay, packed sand, or similar pervious
surfaces;
== publicly owned elevated decks not exceeding 500 square feet;
beach accessways consistent with 15A NCAC 7H use standards;
-- publicly owned, unenclosed, uninhabitable gazebos with floor areas of 200
square feet or less;
-- publicly owned, uninhabitable storage sheds with floor areas of 200 square feet
or less;
-- publicly owned, temporary amusement stands.
(9) In all cases, development shall only be permitted if it meets other applicable 15A NCAC
7H inlet hazard areas use standards; is landward of the vegetation line; and involves
no significant alteration or removal of primary or frontal dunes or the dune vegetation.
Bulkhead Construction
Emerald Isle will support the construction of bulkheads in estuarine shorelines and ORW
estuarine shorelines which satisfy the following specific use standards as specified in 15A
NCAC 7H.0206(b)(7) and 7H.1100, Bulkheads and Shoreline Stabilization Measures:
(1) Bulkhead alignment, for the purpose of shoreline stabilization, must approximate mean
high water or normal water level.
(2) Bulkheads shall be constructed landward of significant marshland or marshgrass
fringes.
(3) Bulkhead fill material shall be obtained from an approved upland source, or if the
bulkhead is a part of a permitted project involving excavation from a non -upland
source, the material so obtained may be contained behind the bulkhead.
(4) Where possible, sloping rip -rap, gabions, or vegetation may be used rather than vertical.
seawalls. The primary stabilization method preferred is sloping rip -rap.
(5) Bulkheads or other structures employed for shoreline stabilization shall be permitted
below approximate mean high water or normal water level only when the following
standards are met:
-- the property to be bulkheaded has an identifiable erosion problem, whether it
results from natural causes or adjacent bulkheads, or it has unusual geographic
or geologic features, e.g., steep grade bank, which will cause the applicant
unreasonable hardship under the other provisions of this regulation;
-- the bulkhead alignment extends no further below approximate mean high water
or normal water level than necessary to allow recovery of the area eroded in the
year prior to the date of application, to align with adjacent bulkheads, or to
mitigate the unreasonable hardship resulting from the unusual geographic or
Igeologic features;
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-- the bulkhead alignment will not result in significant adverse impacts to public
trust rights or to the property of adjacent riparian owners;
-- the need for a bulkhead below approximate mean high water or normal water
level is documented in the Field Investigation Report or other reports prepared
by the Division of Coastal Management; and
-- the property to be bulkheaded is in a non -oceanfront area.
Sea Level Rise
(a) Emerald Isle will continuously monitor sea level rise and revise as necessary all local
building and land use related ordinances to establish setback standards, long-term land
use plans, density controls, buffer vegetation protection requirements, and building
designs which will facilitate the movement of structures.
(b) Emerald Isle will allow the construction of bulkheads along estuarine shorelines to
protect structures and property from rising sea level.
Maritime Forests
Maritime forest areas are not designated as a conservation land classification. However,
Emerald Isle desires to control the development of maritime forest areas. The Town of
Emerald Isle Dunes and Vegetation Protection Ordinance regulates the clearance of interior
maritime forests. This is defined in Article X of the Code of Ordinances of the Town of
Emerald Isle.
Water Quality Management I
(a) Emerald Isle supports addressing the following issues in the development of the White
Oak and Neuse Basinwide Management Plans: ,
Long-term Growth Management
-- Wastewater management (non -discharge, regionalization, ocean outfall).
-- Urban stormwater runoff/water quality.
-- Role of local land use planning.
Shellfish Water Closures
-- Increases in number of acres closed.
-- Examine link between growth and closures.
-- Opportunities for restoration and prevention. ,
Animal Operation Waste Management
-- Between 1990-1994, swine population in the White Oak Basin more than
doubled.
Nutrients/Toxic Dinoflagellate
-- Reduction in nitrogen and phosphorous levels.
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(b) The Emerald Isle Planning Department will undertake a review of all local land use
regulation ordinances to determine if revisions should be undertaken to respond to
specific water quality management problems.
D. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES
Community Attitude on Resource Production and Management
The opportunities for resource production in Emerald Isle are limited. Emerald Isle supports
development of recreational resources. Industrial development is not allowed. Residential and
commercial development which meets 15A NCAC 7H use standards, Emerald Isle zoning
requirements, where applicable, the Bogue Sound ORW Management Plan, and the policies
contained in this plan will be allowed.
Recreation Sources
(a) All lands classified as conservation areas are considered valuable passive recreation
areas. Except as otherwise provided for in these policy statements, these areas should
be protected in their natural state, and development should not be allowed except for
public shoreline access including dune crossover structures and boardwalks in ocean
hazard areas.
(b) During the ten-year planning period, the town will focus on improving the following
recreational facilities with funding support from local tax dollars: parking for shoreline
access, jogging and walking paths, bikeways, public boat access, and picnic facilities.
Productive Agricultural Lands
There are no productive agricultural lands found in Emerald Isle; therefore, no policy statement
is necessary.
Productive Forest Lands
There are no productive forest lands found in Emerald Isle; therefore, no policy statement is
necessary.
Aouaculture Activities
Aquaculture is considered the cultivation of aquatic plants and animals under controlled
conditions. The following policies shall apply.
(a) Emerald Isle encourages all aquaculture activities which meet applicable federal, state
and local policies and permit requirements. Emerald Isle reserves the right to comment
on all aquaculture activities which require Division of Water Quality permitting.
(b) Emerald Isle objects to any discharge of water from aquaculture activities that will
degrade in any way the receiving waters. The town objects to withdrawing water from
aquifers or surface sources if such withdrawal will endanger water quality or water
supply from the aquifers or surface sources.
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Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Development Impacts on Resources I
(a) Residential and commercial development which meets 15A NCAC 7H use standards,
Emerald Isle zoning requirements, where applicable the Bogue Sound ORW
Management Plan, and the policies contained in this plan will be allowed in estuarine
shoreline, ORW estuarine shoreline, estuarine water, and public trust areas. Industrial
development will be prohibited within Emerald Isle.
(b) Emerald Isle opposes the construction of any signs, except for regulatory signs, in the
coastal wetlands, estuarine waters, and public trust areas.
Marine Resource Areas
(a) With the exception of the construction of signs (excluding regulatory signs), Emerald
Isle supports the use standards for estuarine waters and public trust areas as specified
in 15A NCAC 7H.0207, and the management plan for the Bogue Sound outstanding
resource waters.
(b) Emerald Isle reserves the right to review and comment on policies and requirements of
the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries which govern commercial and
recreational fisheries and activities, including trawling activities.
(c) The Town of Emerald Isle supports the designation of its beach area as a sea turtle
sanctuary by the State of North Carolina.
Peat or Phosphate Mininq r
There are no peat or phosphate deposits located within Emerald Isle's planning jurisdiction. I
Off -Road Vehicles
Emerald Isle allows off -road vehicles in the beach area, under the terms of a town ordinance
adopted December 9, 1990.
E. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT POLICY STATEMENTS
Community Attitude on Economic and Community Development
Emerald Isle will support growth and development only at low to medium densities, consistent
with the town's zoning ordinance. The town will not permit any industrial development.
Emerald Isle will maintain commercial development in areas zoned for commercial development
on October 6, 1983.
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IWater Supoly
There are no significant constraints to development or land development issues relating to the
town's potable water supply. The Bogue Banks Water and Sewer Corporation water system
should continue to provide adequate water supply throughout the planning period. Developers
will continue to install waterlines at their own expense.
Sewer System
(a) Emerald Isle supports the development of a sewage collection system. The town
would support treatment of waste in a centralized Carteret County sewage treatment
system. In the absence of a county treatment plant/system, the Town of Emerald Isle
may pursue development of its own waste treatment system and treatment plant.
(b) In the absence of a waste treatment plant and collection system, Emerald Isle will
support the issuance of permits for the construction of septic tanks for residential,
commercial, and public/semi-public land uses.
Stormwater
(a) Emerald Isle will cooperate with the NCDOT, the North Carolina Division of Water
Quality, and other state agencies in mitigating the impact of stormwater runoff on all
conservation classified areas. The town will support the Division of Water Quality
stormwater runoff retention permitting process through its zoning permit system.
(b) The town will enforce the stormwater control ordinance which was adopted by the
town in July, 1989.
Solid Waste
(a) Emerald Isle supports Carteret County's participation in a regional multi -county
approach to solid waste management. This includes disposal of waste in the Tri-
County Regional Landfill.
(b) The town will support efforts to educate people and businesses on waste reduction and
recycling. The town vigorously supports recycling by all users of the Tri-County
Landfill and supports setting up practical collection methods and education efforts to
achieve a high degree of county -wide recycling.
(c) Emerald Isle supports the siting of recycling centers within public and commercial land
classifications.
Energy Facility Siting and Development
(a) There are no electric generating or other power generating plants located in or
proposed for location within Emerald Isle's planning jurisdiction. The town will not
support the location of permanent energy generating facilities within its jurisdiction.
(b) Emerald Isle supports Carteret County's policy of reviewing proposals for development
of electric generating plants within Carteret County on a case -by -case basis, judging

the need for the facility by the county against all identified possible adverse impacts.
The town reserves the right to comment on the impacts of any energy facility proposed
for location within Carteret County.
(c) In the event that offshore oil or gas is discovered, Emerald Isle will not oppose drilling
operations and onshore support facilities in Carteret County for which an Environmental
Impact Statement has been prepared with a finding of no significant impact on the
.environment. Emerald Isle supports and requests full disclosure of development plans,
with mitigative measures that will be undertaken to prevent adverse impacts on the
environment, the infrastructure, and the social systems of Carteret County. Emerald
Isle also requests full disclosure of any adopted plans. Offshore drilling and the
development of onshore support facilities in Carteret County may have severe costs
for the town and county as well as advantages. The costs of supporting
infrastructure/services and costs for all land and ocean cleanup must be borne by the
company(ies).
Redevelopment of Developed Areas
The only significant redevelopment issue facing Emerald Isle through 2000 will be
reconstruction following a hurricane or other natural disaster. The town will allow the
reconstruction of any structures demolished by natural disaster which will comply with all
applicable local and state regulations and the policies contained in this plan. The town will not
spend any local funds in order to acquire unbuildable lots but will accept donations of such
unbuildable lots. Emerald Isle will work with any owners who may have to move any
threatened structures to safer locations. The town will support reconstruction only at
densities specified by current zoning regulations.
Types and Locations of Desired Industry I
Emerald Isle opposes industrial development of any type. This policy is supported by the
Emerald Isle zoning ordinance.
Community Facilities
Emerald Isle considers its existing community facilities, including the community center, ,
completed in 1992, and the library which opened in 1996, to be adequate to serve the town's
needs during the planning period. This policy statement does not apply to sewer facilities,
shoreline access, outdoor recreation, and associated parking.
Shoreline Access
(a) Emerald Isle supports the preservation and development of estuarine and ocean
shoreline access areas to ensure adequate shoreline access within all areas of the
town.
(b) Emerald Isle will implement the shoreline access site improvements as recommended
by the 1988 Ocean and Sound Public Access Plan. However, the town believes the
recommendations for spaces required are excessive. The town will accept as its goal
for off-street parking spaces the numbers recommended in the Development
Constraints: Public Facilities section of this plan.
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(c) The Town of Emerald Isle will attempt to secure funding for the development of
shoreline access sites through the state shoreline access grant program.
(d) Emerald Isle supports the development of off-street parking facilities in commercial
areas to serve shoreline access facilities. The town will review the impact of off-street
parking on adjacent areas on a case -by -case basis.
Commitment to State and Federal Programs
Emerald Isle is receptive to state and federal programs, particularly those which provide
improvements to the town. The town will continue to support fully such programs, especially
the following: North Carolina Department of Transportation road and bridge improvement
programs, the CAMA planning process and permitting programs, the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers regulatory and permitting efforts, dredging and channel maintenance by the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers, and federal and state projects which provide efficient and safe boat
access for commercial and sport fishing. There is no demand for housing rehabilitation
programs nor housing for low to moderate income families and individuals. However, the
town does support the construction of housing and care facilities for the elderly.
Assistance in Channel Maintenance
Emerald Isle will support efforts of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and state officials to
provide proper channel maintenance. However, the town opposes the establishment of any
dredge spoil sites within its jurisdiction, with the exception of usable spoil material for beach
nourishment.
Assistance in Interstate Waterways
Emerald Isle considers the interstate waterway to be a valuable economic asset. The town
will provide assistance in maintaining the waterway by helping to obtain or providing dredge
spoil sites and, when possible, providing easements across town -owned property for work.
Tourism
Tourism is extremely important to Emerald Isle and will be supported by the town. Emerald
Isle will implement the following policies to further the development of tourism:
(a) Emerald Isle will support North Carolina Department of Transportation projects to
improve access to and within Carteret County.
(b) Emerald Isle will support projects that will increase public access to shoreline areas.
(c) Emerald Isle will continue to support the activities of the North Carolina Division of
Travel and Tourism; specifically, the monitoring of tourism -related industry, efforts to
promote tourism -related commercial activity, and efforts to enhance and provide
shoreline resources.
(d) Emerald Isle will continue to support the activities of the Carteret County Tourism
Development Bureau.
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Transportation
(a) Emerald Isle supports the development of a detailed thoroughfare/transportation plan
for the U.S. 58 (Emerald Drive) corridor. This plan should focus on problems in the
area included in blocks 42, 41, 40, 39 and 38. Assistance for preparation of the plan
will be sought from the North Carolina Department of Transportation. This plan should
be coordinated with a specific and detailed land use/zoning plan for the U.S. 58
corridor.
(b) The Town of Emerald Isle supports the following specific transportation improvements:
-- The construction of a third bridge between Bogue Banks and the mainland.
-- The town supports improved synchronization of all traffic lights on U.S. 58
within Emerald Isle and the light at the U.S. 58/N.C. 24 intersection. It also
supports the use of other traffic techniques which will improve traffic flow on
U.S. 58. This should include consideration of the construction of an overpass
with a clover leaf interchange at the N.C. 24/U.S. 58 intersection. At a
minimum, an at grade diamond shaped intersection should be constructed to
provide isolated turn lanes with yield signs and lanes to aid merging traffic.
-- The construction of a limited access highway from Emerald Isle to Kinston.
-- The construction of alternates on U.S. 70 bypassing Clayton, Goldsboro,
Kinston, and Havelock.
-- The construction of three lanes on Highway 58 from Emerald Isle through to
Atlantic Beach.
(c) The Town of Emerald Isle reserves the right to comment on other specific
transportation improvements following completion of the U.S. 58 corridor
transportation plan.
Development/Growth Obiectives
Through enforcement of local ordinances including zoning, subdivision and the dune and
vegetation ordinance, the Town of Emerald Isle will strive to accomplish the following growth
objectives:
-- Maintain commercial zoning in areas identified in the October 6, 1983,
commercial zoning plan.
-- It is the town's objective to maintain current densities through strict
enforcement of the town's zoning ordinance.
-- Except for approved special uses, protect single-family residential areas from
intrusions of multi -family and commercial development.
-- Restrict the rezoning of any additional property for the development of new
mobile home parks.
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-- Strive to protect the dunes and vegetation.
-- Improve enforcement of the dune and vegetation ordinance.
-- Encourage the growth of permanent residential development, seasonal
residential development, single-family dwelling units, and day visitor traffic.
-- The town will support the long-range commercial planning for the B-1, B-2 and
B-3 zoning which was adopted on October 6, 1983.
THESE DEVELOPMENT/GROWTH POLICIES WILL ONLY BE SUPPORTED AND ENFORCED
THROUGH LOCAL ORDINANCES AND CONTROLS. The town will review all local ordinances
to ensure consistency with these policies.
Land Use Trends
The town's land use trends have been thoroughly discussed in other sections of this plan.
Those trends include:
-- Increasing infringement of development in maritime forest areas:
-- Development of and traffic congestion along the U.S. 58 corridor.
-- Increasing pressure for the development of central sewer service.
-- Increasing peak population with associated traffic congestion and demand for
off-street parking facilities.
-- The rate of development within Emerald Isle is rapidly increasing with
associated increases in demand for local services.
-- Stormwater/drainage problems have increased with development.
-- All Areas of Environmental Concern face the threat of damage resulting from
the increasing development.
These land use trends should be monitored by the town and controlled through existing local,
state, and federal land use regulations including CAMA, "404" regulations, sanitary
regulations, and the town's subdivision and zoning ordinances and building inspection
program.
During the ten-year planning period, the town will focus on reducing and/or eliminating
problems in the following areas:
(1) Traffic congestion;
(2) Provision of off-street parking;
(3) Protecting the environment with emphasis on dunes, vegetation, and sound areas;
(4) Improvement of shoreline access facilities;
(5) Drainage;
(6) Provision of a central sewer system.
IV-15

F. CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION POLICIES
As the initial step in the preparation this document, Emerald Isle prepared and adopted a
"Public Participation Plan" (see Appendix 11). The plan outlined the methodology for citizen
involvement. Public involvement was to be generated through public information meetings,
advertising in local newspapers, radio public service announcements, and development of the
plan by the Town of Emerald Isle Planning Board. At the outset of the process, all adjacent
jurisdictions were requested to advise the Town of Emerald Isle if they desired to be notified
of meetings at which the land use plan update was discussed.
A public information meeting was conducted at the outset of the project on November 14,
1995, at 7:00 p.m., at the Emerald Isle Town Hall in Emerald Isle. Also, a description of the
land use preparation process and schedule was published in the Carteret County News and
Times. Subsequently, meetings of the Planning Board were held on February 20, 1996; April
15, 1996; May 20, 1996; June 5, 1996; and August 19, 1996. All meetings were advertised
and open to the public.
On September 24, 1996, a public information meeting was conducted to give individuals an
opportunity to comment on the draft plan prior to its submittal to the Division of Coastal
Management (DCM). This meeting was advertised in the Carteret County News and Times
on September 13, 1996, and announced on local radio stations.
The preliminary plan was submitted to the DCM for comment on October 2, 1996. Following
receipt of DCM comments, the plan was amended, and a formal public hearing on the final
document was conducted on September 9, 1997. The public hearing was advertised in the
Carteret County News and Times on August 6, 1997. The plan was approved by the Emerald
Isle Board of Commissioners on September 9, 1997, and submitted to the Coastal Resources
Commission for certification. The plan was certified on September 26, 1997.
Citizen input will continue to be solicited, primarily through the Planning Board, with advertised
and adequately publicized public meetings held to discuss special land use issues and to keep
citizens informed.
Mom,
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1
IV-16

I EMERALD ISLE STORM HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
IA. EXISTING DEVELOPMENT
Section D of the 1991 Emerald Isle Land Use Plan addresses existing land use in detail. In
1990, a total of 2,378.8 acres were developed. Ninety three percent, or 2,217.05 of the
developed acres, were utilized for residential development. The residential development
included 4,569 dwelling units. Of that total, approximately 500 dwelling units, or almost
eleven percent of the town's housing stock, was located within the 100-year floodplain. All
structures would be subject to damage from high winds.
B. EMERALD ISLE FLOOD HAZARD AREAS
The following Emerald Isle areas are subject to flood hazards: (1) ocean erodible areas of
environmental concern (AECs), (2) inlet hazard AECs, and (3) estuarine shoreline and ocean
shoreline AECs and flood hazard areas. The AECs are delineated on Map 7A, 713, and 7C in
the 1996 Land Use Plan. Map 5 in the 1996 Land Use Plan provides a general delineation of
areas that would be subjected to flood hazard from storm -related "storm surge." Storm
flooding is potentially more extensive in the areas included in the 100-year floodplain. These
100-year floodplain areas are defined through the National Flood Insurance Program.
The National Flood Insurance Program defines V-zones, which refer to flood prone areas that
are also susceptible to high velocity wave surges. Emerald Isle was converted to the Regular
Phase of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in 1977 with the issuance of Flood
Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMS). Town officials received updated maps in 1984 and 1985.
Data is provided by Map 9A, 96, and 9C. This map defines the relationship of existing land
use to flood hazard areas.
Flood crest elevations in the "V" zones range from 11 to 16 feet AMSL (above mean sea
level). Areas along Bogue Sound are not within "V" zones. The "V" zones basically parallel
the ocean to a depth of approximately 1 00'to 250' inland from mean high water. Less than
8% of the town's area lies within the "V" zones. The "V" zones are not developed.
The balance of the flood prone areas include the portion of the 100-year floodplain area that
is not within the "V" zone. Again, Map 9A, 913, and 9C portrays the area subject to flooding
during the 100-year storm in accordance with the FIRM. The FIRM designates these areas as
"A" zones. Approximately 15 percent of the town is within "A" zones. The "A" zone
includes the approximately 500 dwelling units subject to flooding from a 100-year flood.
Commercial development is not significantly affected by the 100-year floodplain.
IC. HIGH WINDS
High winds are the major determinants of a hurricane, by definition, i.e., a tropical disturbance
with sustained winds of at least 73 miles per hour. Extreme hurricanes can have winds of up
to 165 miles per hour, with gusts up to 200 miles per hour. These winds circulate around the
center or "eye" of the storm. Although the friction or impact of the winds hitting land from
I IV-17

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IV-19
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IV-20

J
the water causes some dissipation of the full force, there is still a tremendous amount of
energy left to cause damage to buildings, overturn mobile homes, down trees and power lines,
and destroy crops. Also, tornadoes are often spawned by hurricane wind patterns. Wind
stress, therefore, is an important consideration in storm hazard mitigation planning. (Refer to
Section E.2. Flood Hazard Areas of the 1996 Emerald Isle Land Use Plan.)
D. ESTIMATED SEVERITY OF POSSIBLE HAZARD AREA DAMAGES
The 1997 Emerald Isle real property tax valuation was $950,000,000. Structures constitute
about $687,604,411 of the total tax digest. This ratio of structure value to property
represents the high value and quantity of undeveloped land. Additional property at risk during
a major storm includes roads, public buildings and facilities, public utilities, and tax exempt
property. Potential worst case flood damage to privately owned structures in Emerald Isle
from a 100-year storm event is estimated to be approximately $41,400,000. This does not
include any damage from wind, which may be significant.
E. ANTICIPATED DEVELOPMENT IN HAZARD AREAS
Approximately 37 acres of developable land remains vacant in Emerald Isle; i.e., the land has
not been subdivided for development. The majority of this land lies above the 100-year
floodplain and significant areas are also above the 500-year event.
F. EXISTING EMERALD ISLE HAZARD MITIGATION POLICIES AND REGULATIONS
Emerald Isle regulates development in hazard areas primarily through its zoning ordinance,
dunes and vegetation control ordinance, and floodplain management regulations. Development
in AEC areas must conform with state guidelines and land use plan policies. The primary
provisions of Emerald Isle zoning, dunes and vegetation control and floodplain management
regulations related to hazard area development are summarized below:
Emerald Isle Zoning Ordinance
1. Single-family residences, duplexes and multi -family structures are allowed in the town's
residential districts as permitted uses regardless of whether such districts are located
in hazard areas.
2. Mobile home parks are permitted only in MH mobile homes districts and subject to
special development standards.
3. Non -conforming structures (i.e., those not meeting setback or other similar
requirements) are not specifically dealt with by the Emerald Isle zoning ordinance.
4. Non -conforming uses can generally be rebuilt unless destroyed or damaged beyond
50% of value or if the use is abandoned for 180 continuous days, provided however
no provision of the zoning ordinance shall prevent the reconstruction by the owner of
a non -conforming residence occupied by its owner at the time of destruction.
t �\
IV-21

Dunes and Vegetation Protection Ordinance
At least 45% of the natural vegetation must be left in place on residential lots and 15% or
25% on commercial lots, depending on zoning, under the terms of this ordinance.
Floodplain Management Regulations
The floodplain ordinance is part of the town's zoning ordinance (Article 1). It is designed to
meet requirements of the National Flood Insurance key provisions, including:
1. All new residential construction or substantial improvements (repairs or reconstruction
worth 50 percent of market value) must be elevated to or above the base flood level
elevations.
2. Commercial buildings located in either the "V" or "A" zones must be elevated to the
base flood level or floodproofed.
3. Open space or breakaway walls must be used below base flood elevation in the "V"
zones.
4. The design and installation of anchorings and pilings must be certified by a registered
engineer or architect.
5. No alteration of dunes or use of fill for structural support shall occur in the "V" zone.
Mobile Home Regulations
The town's zoning ordinance establishes mobile home placement and design standards. Flood
hazard design considerations are included in the zoning ordinance floodplain regulations.
Those regulations require elevation above the 100-year flood elevation, tiedowns, and place
a prohibition on mobile homes locating in "V" zones.
G. POLICY STATEMENTS: STORM HAZARD MITIGATION
In order to minimize the damage caused by the effects of a hurricane or other major storm,
Emerald Isle proposes the following policies:
High Winds
Emerald Isle supports enforcement of the N.C. State Building Code. The town will enforce the
State Building Code on wind resistant construction with design standards of 110 mph wind
loads.
Flooding
Emerald Isle is an active participant in the National Flood Insurance Program and is supportive
of hazard mitigation elements. Emerald Isle is participating in the regular phase of the
insurance program and enforces a Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Emerald Isle also
supports continued enforcement of the CAMA and 404 Wetlands development permit
IV-22
Fj
I

processes in areas potentially susceptible to flooding. When reviewing development
proposals, the town will work to reduce density in areas susceptible to flooding. In addition,
the town will encourage the public purchase of land in the most hazardous areas.
Evacuation Plans
' Emerald Isle will coordinate evacuation planning with the Carteret County Emergency
Management Coordinator. The town will encourage motels, condominiums, and multi -family
developments (five or more dwelling units) to post evacuation instructions that identify routes
and the locations of available public shelters. The town will update an evacuation route map
annually. Copies will be kept at the town's municipal building for free distribution to the
public.
Implementation: Storm Hazard Mitigation
1. Emerald Isle will continue to enforce the standards of the State Building Code.
2. The town will continue to support enforcement of State and Federal programs which
aid in mitigation of hurricane hazards, including CAMA and the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers 404 permit process, FEMA, as well as local ordinances such as zoning and
flood damage prevention regulations.
3. The town will discourage high density development in high hazard areas through
implementation of the town's Zoning Ordinance.
4. The Town of Emerald Isle supports the public acquisition of high hazard areas with
state and federal funds when voluntary acquisition can be accomplished. The town
discourages condemnation of land for this purpose.
5. The town does a good job of controlling mobile home developments in order to
minimize hazard damages. Mobile homes are restricted to a specific district and must
conform with elevation and other requirements.
L
I IV-23

POST -DISASTER RECONSTRUCTION PLAN AND POLICIES
A. INTRODUCTION I
A post -disaster plan provides a program that will permit a local government to deal with the
aftermaths of a storm in an organized and efficient manner. The plan provides the
mechanisms, procedures, and policies that will enable a local community to learn from its
storm experiences and to rebuild the community in a wise and practical manner.
,
A post -disaster reconstruction plan encompasses three distinct reconstruction periods:
-- The emergency period is the reconstruction phase immediately after a storm.
The emphasis is on restoring public health and safety, assessing the nature and
extent of storm damage, and qualifying for and obtaining whatever federal and
state assistance might be available.
-- The restoration period covers the weeks and months following a storm disaster.
The emphasis during this period is on restoring community facilities, utilities,
essential businesses, etc., so that the community can once again function in a
normal manner.
-- The replacement reconstruction period is the period during which the
community is rebuilt. The period could last from months to years depending on
the nature and extent of the damaged incurred.
,
It is important that local officials clearly understand the joint federal -state -local procedures for
providing assistance to rebuild after a storm so that local damage assessment and
reconstruction efforts are carried out in an efficient manner that qualifies the community for
the different types of assistance that are available. The requirements are generally delineated
in the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-288) which authorizes a wide range of financial and
direct assistance to both local communities and individuals. The sequence of procedures to
be followed after a major storm event is as follows:
1. Local damage assessment teams survey storm damage within the community and
,
report this damage to the County Emergency Services ,Coordinator.
2. Damage information is compiled and summarized by Carteret County, and the nature
i
and extent of damage is reported to the North Carolina Division of Emergency
Management.
3. DEM compiles local data and makes recommendations to the Governor concerning
state action.
"emergency" "major
4. The Governor may request a Presidential declaration of or
disaster." A Presidential declaration makes a variety of federal resources available to
local communities and individuals.
5. Federal Relief assistance provided to a community after an "emergency" has been
declared typically ends one month after the initial Presidential declaration. Where a
,
I V-24 I

"major disaster" has been declared, federal assistance for "emergency" work typically
ends six months after the declaration and federal assistance for "permanent" work
ends after 18 months.
B. ORGANIZATION OF LOCAL DAMAGE ASSESSMENT TEAM
A local damage assessment team should include individuals who are qualified to give reliable
' estimates of the original value of structures, an estimated value of sustained damages, and
a description of the repairs and costs that will be needed to rebuild each structure. The total
team may consist of the following:
iAdministrative
Town Administrator
Building Inspector
Assistant Building Inspector
Part-time Building Inspector
Police Chief
Police Officers
Fire Chief
Mayor
Members of the Board of Commissioners
Street Maintenance Supervisor
' Assistant Street Maintenance Supervisor
The Building Inspector should head the Damage Assessment Team. Other members of the
team should consist of the Assistant Building Inspector, the Maintenance Supervisor, and
volunteers recruited from the community. Town personnel and volunteers must be recruited,
organized and trained prior to a storm occurrence. There should also be back-ups or alternates
to ensure the availability of adequate resources.
The suggested make-up of the Emerald Isle Damage Assessment Team is as follows:
Building Inspector
Assistant Building Inspector
Local Property Appraiser (MAI or qualified broker)
Maintenance Supervisor
Mayor and members of the Board of Commissioners
Town Administrator
Building contractors
The Mayor should immediately undertake a recruitment effort to secure the necessary
volunteers and to establish a training program to familiarize the members of the damage
assessment team with required damage classification procedures and reporting requirements.
In doing so, it must be recognized that it might be very difficult to fill certain positions, such
' as the building contractor position, because the services of individuals with such skills will
likely be in a great demand after a storm disaster.
I IV-25

C. DAMAGE ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS
Damage assessment is defined as rapid means of determining a realistic estimate of the
amount of damage caused by a natural or manmade disaster. For a storm disaster, it is
expressed in terms of 1) number of structures damaged; 2) magnitude of damage by structure
type; 3) estimated total dollar loss; and 4) estimated total dollar loss covered by insurance.
After a major storm event, members of the Damage Assessment Team should report to the
Emergency Operations Center for a briefing prior to deployment. There are about 4,500
dwelling units in the town. The extent of damage will depend on the magnitude of the storm
and where landfall occurs along the Atlantic coast. Because of the potentially large job at
hand, the limited personnel resources available to conduct the assessments, and the limited
time within which the initial assessment must be made, the first phase of the assessment
should consist of only an external visual survey of damaged structures. A more detailed
second phase assessment can be made after the initial damage reports are filed.
The initial damage assessment should make an estimate of the extent of damage incurred by
each structure and identify the cause (wind, flooding, wave action, combination, etc.) of the
damage to each structure.
Damaged structures should be classified in accordance with the suggested state guidelines as
follows:
-- Destroyed (repairs would cost more than 80 percent of value).
-- Major (repairs would cost more than 30 percent of the value).
-- Minor (repairs would cost less than 30 percent of the value, but the structure
is currently uninhabitable).
-- Habitable (some minor damage, with repairs less than 15 percent of the value).
Note: CAMA regulations consider a structure to be destroyed if damaged more than 50% of
its value, and a CAMA permit will be required for reconstruction of such structures.
It will be necessary to thoroughly document each assessment. In many cases, mail boxes and
other information typically used to identify specific structures will not be found.
Consequently, the Damage Assessment Team must be provided with tax maps, other maps,
and photographic equipment in order to record and document its field observations. Enough
information to complete the Damage Assessment Worksheet must be obtained on each
damaged structure.
The second phase of the Damage Assessment Operation will be to estimate the value of the
damages sustained. This operation should be carried out in the Emergency Operations Center
under the direction and supervision of the Town Administrator. Specific administrative
employees in Town Hall should be assigned to assist in carrying out this task.
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IV-26

In order to estimate total damage values, it will be necessary to have the following information
available for use at the Emergency Operations Center:
' -- A set of property tax maps identical to those utilized by the damage assessment
field team.
-- Copies of all town property tax records. This information should indicate the
estimated value of all commercial and residential structures within the town.
Because time will be of the essence, it is recommended that the town
immediately commence a project listing the property values of existing
structures in Carteret County on the appropriate lots of the property tax maps
that will be kept at the Emergency Operations Center. While somewhat of a
tedious job, it should be manageable if it is initiated now and completed over
a 2 to 3 month period. The information will prove invaluable if a storm disaster
does occur. This set of tax maps should be updated annually prior to the
hurricane season.
The town should update property tax information annually before the hurricane season. This
information should then be kept available in the Emergency Operations Center for estimating
the value of sustained damages covered by hazard insurance.
In order to produce the damage value information required, the following methodology is
recommended:
The number of businesses and residential structures that have been damaged within
the town should be summarized by damage classification category.
' 2. The value of each damaged structure should be obtained from the marked set of town
tax maps and multiplied by the following percentages for appropriate damage
classification category:
-- Destroyed - Over 80%
-- Major Damage - Over 30%
-- Minor Damage (uninhabitable) - 30% or less
' -- Habitable - 15%
3. The total value of damages for the town should then be summarized and reported, as
required to the County Emergency Operations Center.
4. The estimated value loss covered by hazard insurance should then be determined by:
' 1) estimating full coverage for all damaged structures for situations where the average
value of such coverage exceeds the amount of damage to the structure; and 2)
multiplying the number of structures where damage exceeds the average value of
insurance coverage by the average value of such coverage.
The Damage Assessment Plan is intended to be the mechanism for estimating overall property
' damage in the event of a civil disaster. The procedure recommended above represents an
approach for making a relatively quick, realistic "order of magnitude" damage estimate after
a disaster.
I
IV-27

D. ORGANIZATION OF RECOVERY OPERATION
Damage assessment operations are oriented to take place during the emergency period. After ,
the emergency operations to restore public health and safety and the initial damage
assessments are completed, the state guidelines suggest that a Recovery Task Force to guide
restoration and reconstruction activities be created. In Emerald Isle, the Mayor and '
Commission will assume the responsibilities of such Task Force with the Town Administrator
directing day-to-day operations based on the policy guidelines received from the Mayor and
Commission. The following must be accomplished:
1. Establishing
re-entry procedures.
2. Establishing an overall restoration schedule. '
3. Setting restoration priorities.
4. Determining requirements for outside assistance and requesting such assistance when
beyond local capabilities.
5. Keeping the appropriate county and state officials informed using Situation and Damage
Report.
6. Keeping the public informed. '
7. Assembling and maintaining records of actions taken and expenditures and obligations
incurred.
8. Proclaiming a local "state of emergency" if warranted.
9. Commencing cleanup, debris removal and utility restoration activities which would
include coordination of restoration activities undertaken by private utility companies.
10. Undertaking repair and restoration of essential public facilities and services in
accordance with priorities developed through the situation evaluations.
11. Assistingprivate businesses and individual property owners in obtaining ' P p p y g information
on the various types of assistance that might be available to them from federal and
state agencies.
In Before the Storm, a sequence and schedule for undertaking local reconstruction and
restoration activities is presented. The schedule was deliberately left vague because specific '
reconstruction needs will not be known until after a storm hits and the magnitude of the
damage can be assessed. The following sequence of activities and schedule is submitted as
a guide which should be considered by the Mayor, Town Administrator, Commissioners, and '
Damage Assessment Team, and revised as necessary after the damage assessment activities
are completed.
r�
IV-28 '

Activity
1) Complete initial damage
assessment.
2) Complete second phase damage
assessment.
3) Prepare summary of
reconstruction priorities
4) Decision with regard to
imposition of temporary
development moratorium
5) Set reconstruction priorities and
prepare master reconstruction
schedule
6) Begin repairs to critical utilities
and facilities
7) Permitting of reconstruction
activities for all structures
receiving minor damage not
included in development
moratorium areas
8) Permitting of reconstruction
activities for all structures
receiving major damage not
included in development
moratorium areas
9) Initiate assessment of existing
mitigation policies
10) Complete re-evaluation of
hazard areas and mitigation
policies in areas subjected to
development moratorium
11) Review mitigation policies and
development standards for areas
subjected to development
moratorium and lift development
moratorium
12) Permit new development
Time Frame
Immediately after storm passes.
Completed by second week after the
storm.
Completed one week after second
phase damage assessment is
completed.
One week after second phase
assessment is completed.
Completed one week after summary of
reconstruction needs is completed.
As soon as possible after disaster.
One week after second phase damage
assessment is completed.
Two weeks after second phase damage
assessment is completed.
Two weeks after second phase damage
assessment is completed.
The length of the period for conducting
the re-evaluations and receiving input
from the state should not exceed two
months.
Two months after temporary
development moratorium is imposed.
(Subject to change based on
circumstances encountered).
Upon suspension of any temporary
development moratorium.
IV-29

E. RECOMMENDED RECONSTRUCTION POLICIES
All the following policies have been designed to be 1) considered and adopted by the Mayor
and Commissioners of Emerald Isle prior to a storm, and 2) implemented, as appropriate, after
a storm occurs:
Re-entry
1. The town will prepare a list of individuals (by name and address) who should be
allowed to return to Emerald Isle in the event of an evacuation and subsequent
blockade. These people would be allowed to return to aid with clean-up operations.
The list should include but not necessarily be limited to people such as pharmacists,
electricians, town employees, etc.
2. Re-entry of Emerald Town residents and/or property owners shall not be permitted until
1) the critical damage assessment has been completed; 2) the Mayor proclaims the
town safe to re-enter, after the Carteret County Control Group issues an overall
re-entry order.
3. A list of Emerald Isle property owners and residents shall be maintained at the bridge
entrances to the Bogue Banks. Valid identification must be shown in order to proceed
on to the island. Passes shall be issued and displayed at all times until the State of
Emergency is officially lifted. (This procedure will require cooperation and reciprocal
assistance from all Bogue Banks towns and unincorporated Salter Path. The towns of
Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach should take the lead in establishing such procedures
as each has jurisdiction at each of the two bridges.)
Permitting
1. Building permits to restore structures located outside of designated AEC areas that
were previously built in conformance with local codes, standards, and the provisions
of the North Carolina Building Code shall be issued automatically.
2. All structures suffering major damages as defined in the Town's Damage Assessment
Plan shall be repaired or rebuilt to conform with the provisions of the North Carolina
Building Code, the Emerald Isle Zoning Ordinance, and the Emerald Isle Floodplain
Management Regulations.
3. All structures suffering minor damage as defined in the Emerald Isle Damage
Assessment Plan shall be permitted to be rebuilt to their original state before the storm
condition.
4. For all structures in designated AECs and for all mobile home locations, a determination
shall be made for each AEC as to whether the provisions of the N.C. Building Code, the
state regulations for Areas of Environmental Concern, the Emerald Isle Floodplain
Management Regulations appeared adequate in minimizing storm damages. For areas
where the construction and use requirements appear adequate, permits shall be issued
in accordance with permitting policies 1, 2 and 3. For AECs where the construction
and use requirements do not appear to have been adequate in mitigating damages, a
Temporary Development Moratorium for all structures located within that specific AEC
L'
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I V-30

1
1
shall be imposed. If mobile home damage is extensive, a moratorium on the rebuilding
or replacement of mobile homes should be imposed in order for the town to decide
whether this should remain a permitted use.
5. Permits shall not be issued in areas subject to a temporary development moratorium
until such a moratorium is lifted by the Emerald Isle Board of Commissioners.
Utility and Facility Reconstruction
1. All damaged water systems components shall be repaired so as to be elevated above
the 100-year floodplain or shall be floodproofed, with the methods employed and the
construction being certified by a registered professional engineer.
2. Overhead power lines and utility poles along Highway 58 present the greatest obstacle
to the safe evacuation of residents in the event of a major storm disaster. Relocating
these lines underground or moving them away from rights -of -way would be very costly
at this time. However, if major damage occurs as a result of a storm, the cost
effectiveness would improve and public safety considerations might override economic
considerations. Emerald Isle encourages the relocation of overhead power lines
underground or away from evacuation routes if substantial damage to the existing
system is sustained during a major storm.
Temporary Development Moratorium
Under certain circumstances, interim development moratoriums can be used in order to give
a local government time to assess damages, to make sound decisions and to learn from its
storm experiences. Such a moratorium must be temporary and it must be reasonably related
to the public health, safety and welfare.
There is no doubt that Emerald Isle will suffer heavy and serious damages should a major
storm make its landfall in its vicinity. Consequently, the town should be prepared to issue
temporary development moratoriums as appropriate.
It is not possible to determine prior to a storm whether a temporary development moratorium
will be needed. Such a measure should only be used if damage in a particular area is very
serious and if redevelopment of the area in the same manner as previously existed would
submit the residents of the area to similar public health and safety problems. In Emerald Isle,
such a situation is most likely to occur in one or more of the AECs.
The Emerald Isle policy regarding the proclamation of temporary development moratoriums
shall be:
1. To determine for each AEC whether the provisions of N.C. Building Code, the state
guidelines for AECs, and the Emerald Isle Floodplain Management Regulations appeared
adequate in minimizing storm damages. For AECs where the construction and use
requirements do not appear adequate, a temporary development moratorium for all
structures located within that specific AEC shall be imposed.
IV-31

2. To assess the overall damage to mobile homes within one week of the storm
occurrence and to determine whether a temporary moratorium on the rebuilding of
mobile homes suffering major damage should be imposed.
3. After imposing a temporary development moratorium for an AEC, the Town of Emerald
Isle shall request that the Coastal Resources Commission conduct a special analysis for
the town and all other communities so similar in order to determine how local
regulations for those hazard areas, which are based on state and/or federal guidelines
or requirements, should be improved or modified. A response from the state within a
reasonable time period as determined through negotiations should be requested.
4. The temporary building moratorium in all AECs shall be lifted after local ordinances and
regulations have been revised based on state recommendations or decisions of the
Mayor and Board of Commissioners. Reconstruction shall be permitted in accordance
with existing regulations and requirements.
5. If a temporary moratorium on the rebuilding of mobile homes is imposed, the Board of
Commissioners shall within one month determine whether the Emerald Isle Zoning
Ordinance should be revised so that mobile homes are no longer a permitted use in any
town zoning district. If such a policy decision is made, based on a review of the
magnitude of damages sustained, all existing mobile homes would be treated as
non -conforming uses in accordance with the recommended revision of the Emerald Isle
Zoning Ordinance.
Destructive Weather Plan
The Town of Emerald Isle maintains a destructive weather plan that provides instructions for
the organization and operation of the Town of Emerald Isle during destructive weather
conditions. This plan is updated annually prior to each hurricane season. Therefore, the plan
is not included. However, a copy of the current plan is available for public review at the
Emerald Isle Municipal Building.
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SECTION V: RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES AND LAND CLASSIFICATIONS
The 15A NCAC 7B planning guidelines require that this land use plan relate the policies section
to the land classification map and provide an indication as to which land uses are appropriate
in each land classification. The Town of Emerald Isle zoning ordinance is consistent with the
land classification map and supports the distribution of land uses shown on that map.
A. DEVELOPED CLASS
' Emerald Isle's developed land classification is divided into the categories of residential,
commercial, and public. The developed commercial category will continue to exist along U.S.
58 in blocks 15, 34, 35, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41 and 42. Further commercialization consistent
with the October 6, 1983, commercial zoning plan will be allowed. Commercial, service,
office -institutional, and commercial campgrounds consistent with the town's zoning ordinance
shall be allowed.
The developed residential classification will allow single-family and multi -family development
which is consistent with the town's zoning ordinance. Through the planning period, the
overall average residential density shall be maintained at eight dwelling units per acre. The
developed public category is limited to town -owned property and includes only the Emerald
Isle municipal building complex. The lands classified as developed will require basic urban
I
services. These lands either are developed or will be developed during the planning period.
B. URBAN TRANSITION CLASS
The urban transition classification will provide lands to accommodate future urban growth
within the planning period. The overall average densities will be allowed up to eight dwelling
units per acre. The urban transition lands are limited to blocks 14, 15, 18, 25, 47, 48, and
49. Most development within this classification will be single and multi -family, residential and
' special uses as allowed by the Emerald Isle zoning ordinance. In blocks 14 and 15, some
commercialization may occur within the urban transition classification. Complete urban
services will be required during the planning period.
C. CON
SERVATION CLASS
The conservation classification will provide for the long-term management of Emerald Isle's
areas of environmental concern. Development within the conservation classification must be
consistent with the policies contained in this plan. Except for the town's dunes and
vegetation protection ordinance, the town's beach and shore regulations ordinance, the policy
opposing the location of floating structures within Emerald Isle, the maritime forests policy
supporting design standards in maritime forest areas and local zoning restrictions on
commercial development, prohibition of industrial development in Emerald Isle, mooring fields,
and through restrictions in the Bogue Inlet Hazard Area, the policies contained in the plan are
not more restrictive than the 15A NCAC 7H use standards.
' V-1

D. SUMMARY
The Town of Emerald Isle enforces both zoning and subdivision ordinances. The zoning ,
ordinance is consistent with this land use plan and includes 17 separate zoning categories.
The developed commercial category is an appropriate location for all zones except residential
districts. The town's overlay districts which are designed to protect AECs may limit
development in some developed commercial classified areas. Within the developed residential
classified areas, only R-1 , R-2, RMF, RMH, and MH zoned uses and associated special uses
should be allowed. The AEC overlay district may restrict residential development in some '
areas.
Pj
V-2 I

= = = = m m = i = r = = = m = = r

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APPENDIX I
TOWN OF EMERALD ISLE LAND USE PLAN
' POLICIES CONSIDERED BUT NOT ADOPTED
' A. VISION STATEMENT
-- Emerald Isle will continue to be primarily a residential community with an average
density of eight dwelling units per acre. The town will continue to serve both as a
year-round residential community and a seasonal resort area. A limited commercial
"family atmosphere" will be maintained. The town will strive to balance the pressure
for development with a concern for responsible environmental protection.
B. RESOURCE PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENTS
Soils
-- Emerald Isle will maintain low -density residential development (8 dwelling units/acre
or less) in order to decrease soil contamination and groundwater pollution from septic
tanks.
C. MISCELLANEOUS RESOURCE PROTECTION
' Mooring Fields
-- Emerald Isle does not object to the establishment of mooring fields within its planning
jurisdiction.
' Water Quality Management
-- Emerald Isle will pursue development and adoption of a local ordinance to regulate
' swine production.
D. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES
Recreation Sources
' -- Emerald Isle supports the development of off-street parking facilities in both commercial
and residential areas to serve shoreline access facilities. The town will review the
impact of off-street parking on adjacent areas on a case -by -case basis.
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E. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT POLICY STATEMENTS
Community Attitude on Economic and Community Development
-- Emerald Isle will support growth and development only at low to medium densities,
consistent with the town's goal of maintaining a town -wide residential density ceiling
of 8 unit/acre. The town will not permit any industrial development. Emerald Isle will
'
maintain commercial development in areas zoned for commercial development in 1991.
Community Facilities
'
-- Emerald Isle considers its existing community facilities, including the community center
which was under construction at the time of plan preparation, to be adequate to serve
,
the town's needs during the planning period. This policy statement does not apply to
sewer facilities, shoreline access, outdoor recreation, and associated parking.
'
Transportation
-- Emerald Isle supports the provision of off-street parking for day visitors and permanent
'
residents in both commercial and residential areas.
Development/Growth Obiectives I
-- Maintain overall town -wide average density at 8 dwelling units/acre or less.
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APPENDIX I
TOWN OF EMERALD ISLE LAND USE PLAN
POLICIES CONSIDERED BUT NOT ADOPTED
A. VISION STATEMENT
-- Emerald Isle will continue to be primarily a residential community with an average
density of eight dwelling units per acre. The town will continue to serve both as a
year-round residential community and a seasonal resort area. A limited commercial
"family atmosphere" will be maintained. The town will strive to balance the pressure
for development with a concern for responsible environmental protection.
B. RESOURCE PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENTS
Soils
Emerald Isle will maintain low -density residential development (8 dwelling units/acre
Pr less) in order to decrease soil contamination and groundwater pollution from septic
tanks.
C. MISCELLANEOUS RESOURCE PROTECTION
Mooring Fields
-- Emerald Isle does not object to the establishment of mooring fields within its planning
jurisdiction.
Water Quality Management
-- Emerald Isle will pursue development and adoption of a local ordinance to regulate
swine production.
D. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES
Recreation Sources
-- Emerald Isle supports the development of off-street parking facilities in both commercial
and residential areas to serve shoreline access facilities. The town will review the
impact of off-street parking on adjacent areas on a case -by -case basis.

E. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT POLICY STATEMENTS
Communitv Attitude on Economic and Communitv Development
-- Emerald Isle will support growth and development only at low to medium densities,
consistent with the town's goal of maintaining a town -wide residential density ceiling
of 8 unit/acre. The town will not permit any industrial development. Emerald Isle will
maintain commercial development in areas zoned for commercial development in 1991.
Communitv Facilities
-- Emerald Isle considers its existing community facilities, including the community center
which was under construction at the time of plan preparation, to be adequate to serve
the town's needs during the planning period. This policy statement does not apply to
sewer facilities, shoreline access, outdoor recreation, and associated parking.
Transportation
-- Emerald Isle supports the provision of off-street parking for day visitors and permanent
residents in both commercial and residential areas.
Development/Growth Obiectives
-- Maintain overall town -wide average density at 8 dwelling units/acre or less.

APPENDIX II
TOWN OF EMERALD ISLE
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN
PREPARATION OF LAND USE PLAN
'
FISCAL YEAR 1995-96
The Town of Emerald Isle has received a FY95-96 Coastal Area Management Act grant for the
update of its existing Land Use Plan. Adequate citizen participation in the development of the
Plan is essential -to the preparation of a document responsive to the needs of the citizens of
Emerald Isle. To ensure such input, the following citizen participation program will be utilized
by the town.
The Planning Board will work with the town's planning consultant to ensure that the final product
will survey existing land use, identify policies, recommend strategies/actions, and identify Areas
of Environmental Concern. The plan will focus on issues expected to occur during the planning
period, including infrastructure needs, housing needs, transportation planning, and
environmental. A completely .new land classification- map will. be provided.-- -Specifically,_ the- _
planning consultant and the Planning Board will be responsible for ensuring accomplishment of
- - the following:- - - - - - - - -_
-- Establishment of policies to deal with existing and anticipated land use issues.
- Preparation of a land classification map.
' N Preparation of hurricane mitigation and post -disaster recovery plans and policies.
Assessment of opportunities for participation in state and federal programs.
-- An updated Land Use Plan based on an effective citizen participation process.
' The following schedule will be utilized:
1. November, 1995 - complete identification of existing land use problems, develop
socioeconomic base data, and review community facilities needs.
' 2. November, 1995 -- Conduct initial meeting with the Town of Emerald Isle Board of
Commissioners, and have the Citizen Participation Plan adopted.
-- The Board of Commissioners will conduct a public information meeting. The
meeting will be advertised in a local newspaper. The town will specifically discuss
the policy statements contained in the 1991 Town of Emerald Isle Land Use Plan.
The significance of the policy statements to the CAMA land use planning process
shall be described. The process by which the Town of Emerald Isle will solicit the
views of a wide cross-section of citizens in the development of the updated policy
statements will be explained.
' 4. November, 1995 - May, 1996 -- Continue preparation of a draft Land Use Plan and
conduct meetings with the Emerald Isle Planning Board.
5. June, 1996 - Present complete draft sections of the plan and preliminary policy
statements to the Emerald Isle Planning Board.
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6. July, 1996 -- Review draft Land Use Plan with Board of Commissioners, conduct a public '
information meeting for review of the proposed plan, and submit draft of completed Land
Use Plan to the Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources staff for '
review and comment.
7. Following receipt of Coastal Resources Commission comments (estimate October or '
November, 1996) -- Present proposed Land Use Plan to Board of Commissioners for
adoption, and conduct a formal public hearing.
All meetings of the Town of Emerald Isle Planning Board and Board of Commissioners at which '
the update of the Land Use Plan will be discussed will be advertised in a local newspaper in a
non -legal ad section. In addition, public service announcements will be mailed to local radio '
stations and posted in the Municipal Building. All meetings will be open to the public. The town
will encourage and consider all economic, social, ethnic, and cultural viewpoints. No major
non-English speaking groups are known to exist in Emerald Isle.
10/13/95