Coastal Area Management Act Land Use Plan-1981

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Division of Coastal Management
Coastal Area Management Act
Land Use Plan
May, 1976
Amended February 12, 1977
Updated August, 1981
THE TOWN OF EMERALD ISLE
Route 1
Morehead City, N. C. 28557
Prepared with the assistance of
Dexter G. Moore, Moore and Associates
Urban Planners - Project Designers
Rocky Mount, 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 19723,
as amended, which is administered by the office of Coastal Manage-
ment, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

PREFACE
The coastal areas of North Carolina provide a tremendous natural
resource to the citizens of North Carolina. The area provides both
recreational benefits and food production from our coastal waters. In
some areas adjacent to our coastal waters, there is,a danger that pol-
lution from overdevelopment may significantly damage the food production
capacity of nearby waters. This potential problem was the major reason
that the Coastal Area Management Act was ratified by the North Carolina
General Assembly in 1974. The purpose of the Coastal Area Management
Act is "to insure the orderly balance of use and preservation of our
resources on behalf of the people of North Carolina and the nation."
The Coastal Resources Commission was created to insure that the purpose
of the new state law is followed.
Land Use Plans have been developed by each local government within
the twenty coastal counties and are the administrative tools for carrying
out the provisions of the law. These plans cannot survive unless they
represent the views of the local citizens. For this reason, the Coastal
Resources Commission has required that a public participation program
be the foundation of the Land Use Plan. The following is the Coastal
w Area Management Act Land Use Plan for the Town of Emerald Isle.
ii

TOWN OFFICIALS
EMERALD ISLE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Ronnie Watson
Mayor
Tom Delmore Tom Singleton
Sally Lightbody Richard Smith
Kurt Thompson
Charles Baker
Al Banadyga
Gloria Hall
A.
w
EMERALD ISLE PLANNING BOARD
Elizabeth Kasey
Chairman
Richard Stanley
Town Attorney
Jackie Paylor
Town Clerk
Beverly Paschall
Assistant Town Clerk
Lib Heverly
J. A. Singleton
Doris Thompson
iii

1
�m
ti
TABLE OF CONTENTS
----- ---------
I.
INTRODUCTION
PAGE.
Preface
ii
Town Officials
iii
Table of Contents
iv
Summary of Data Collected
1
II.
DESCRIPTION OF PRESENT CONDITIONS
3
Population
4
Economy
7
Housing
11
Existing Land Use
11
III.
CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES AND REGULATIONS
15
Transportation Plan
16
Community Facilities Plan
16
Utilities Extension Policies
19
Recreation and Open Space
19
Land Use Plans
19
Zoning Ordinance
21
Subdivision Regulations
24
Other Local Regulations
24
Solid Waste Program
24
Federal and State Regulations
25
IV.
DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS
29
Soils
30
Water Supply Area
35
Steep Slopes
35
Fragile Areas
35
Areas with Resource Potential
44
Man -Made Hazards
44
Capacity of Community Facilities
44
V.
ESTIMATED DEMAND
45
Future Population and Economy
46
Future Land Needs
47
Community Facility Demand
49
iv

A.
L
Table of Contents (Continued)
VI. POLICY STATEMENTS 51
Resource Protection 52
Resource Production and Management 57
Economic and Community Development 59
VII. LAND CLASSIFICATION 62
VIII. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 68
IX. EMERALD ISLE, INDIAN BEACH AND CARTERET
PLAN RELATIONSHIP 81
v

L
�'M
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE
PAGE
1.
Town of Emerald Isle 1970 Population
5
2.
Population of Municipalities within Carteret
6
3.
Estimated Carteret County Tourist Expenditures
8
4.
Carteret County Visitation at Major Tourist
Attractions
10
5.
Estimated Project Cost EPA 201 Plan
18
6.
Federal and State Licenses and Permits
25
7.
Areas of Environmental Concern
35
8.
Estimated Permanent Residents Future Population
46
9.
Estimated Summer Residents Future Population
47
10.
Land Acreage Needs Without Sewer Service
49
11.
Land Acreage Needs With Sewer Service
49
vi

L IS T OF M A P S
MAP Page
1 Existing Land Use 12
2 Soils 34
3 Bogue Inlet Erosion 38
4 Areas of Environmental Concern 43A
S Land Classification 67
vii.

SUMMARY OF DATA COLLECTED
The Town of Emerald Isle is located on the western end of Bogue Banks,
f
occupying eleven miles of ocean front. The town's main economy is based on
summer homes and the tourist industry. At the present time, only forty-seven
M ,
percent of the town is developed, with the largest total of existing land
use being devoted to residential. -With no occupied multi -family units yet,
the existing density o•f residential development is low; only two dwelling units
per acre. There are several multi-family/condominium developments under con-
struction which will increase the existing residential density.
As a result. of the public participation plan, the town has reaffirmed its
1975 CAMA land use policies concerning development. Those policies include
encouraging the continual development of a good, clean, family beach; con-
tinuing to support high development standards for residential and commercial
developments; encouraging the development of public facilities for beach
access; supporting development density levels that do not exceed the capacity
of natural resources and public facilities; continuing its efforts to con-
struct a public sewage treatment facilities for western Bogue Banks; continuing
its. efforts to improve the quality of the town streets and encouraging. land
development consistent with the town adopted Land Development Guide.
Urban services are provided by the'Town of Emerald Isle. Police pro-
tection, garbage.collection, street maintenance, street lighting and public
recreation are provided. Fire protection and rescue service are provided by
volunteers. Land use planning, zoning subdivision, dune and vegetation pro-
te.ction ordinances have been implemented in order to coordinate private
development..with desired growth patterns.
These desired development patterns are consistent with the standards of
the North Carolina Coastal Management Act (CAMA) as amended. All of the land
. 1

within the town is classified as either transition or conservation. The
conservation area include five Areas of Environmental Concerns (AEC).
It is the desire of the town officials to protect each of the conservation
areas from incompatable development.
2

II. DESCRIPTION OF PRESENT CONDITIONS
r
3

POPULATION
The Town of Emerald Isle is located on Bogue Banks, North -Carolina,
and has a land area of approximately 3,000 acres that can be developed.
As one of the most attractive privately owned areas on the North Carolina
Coast, much of the town is wooded and has dunes 20 to 35 feet high along the
ocean front. The interior land elevation ranges between 15 and 25 feet above
sea level. Bogue Sound, on the north side of the town, is quite shallow.
Islands and wetlands enhance the scenic value of the area. The town, with
slightly less than fifty percent of the land developed, is eleven miles long,
with a width of 4,000 feet on the western end and 800 feet on the eastern
end. Most of the undeveloped parcels are in 1,100 feet wide lots and extend
from the ocean to the sound.
Prior to 1962, there was little pressure for development of the land
area, which is now the town. The proposed town site was located at the end
of a dead-end paved road 12 miles west of Atlantic Beach. The Atlantic
Beach -Morehead City Bridge was the only connection with the mainland.
Because of the poor access, there were few inhabitants of the proposed town.
The U.S. Bureau of Census listed the population at 14 permanent residents
in 1960. The 1970 permanent population was listed at 122, and the 1980
census listed the population at 865 persons.
In May, 1962, ferry service was established to the western end of
4
the island. On May 5, 1971, the Cameron Langeston Bridge was opened.
The ferry service, and subsequent bridge, placed tremendous pressure
to develop Emerald Isle. An indication of the effect that access
has had on the town can be found in census data. Between 1960 and 1970
there was a 771 percent increase, in the permanent population. The annual
4

growth rate between 1960 and 1970 was 64.3 percent. Between 1970 and
1980 the U.S. Census showed an increase of 609 percent. The annual
growth rate between 1970 and 1980 was 50.8 percent.
The town has just been discovered by people looking for attractive
areas for permanent homes, as well as for people desiring sites for
vacation homes. As the town matures, the growth rate will decline.
Because the Town of Emerald Isle is so new and small, little population
data is available from the Census Bureau. Emerald Isle is considered by
many to be a retirement area. The 1970 census data indicates that this is
not the case. Its age distribution was typical to other towns its size.
The 1980 census on age distribution is not yet available. Based on the
1970 census, twenty-three percent of the population are children under the
age.of 15. See Table 1.
Table 1
Under 5
5 - 14
15-24
25 - 34
35 - 44
45 - 54-
55 - 64
65 and over
Total
TOWN OF EMERALD ISLE
1970 POPULATION
Males
Females
Total
Percent
4
--
4
3.3
14
11
25
20.5
8
10
18
14.8
3
6
9
7.3
14
12
26
21.3
11
7
18
14.8
7
8
15
12.3
5
2
7
5.7
66
56
122
100.0
Source: U.S. Census
5

During the summer, the population increases about ten -fold. The
1980 census lists 2,400 dwelling units within the town. Applying. 3.5 persons
for each summer dwelling unit to the number of units within the town, the
1980 peak summer population is approximately 8,400 persons. These figures
will vary from month to month because of an unknown vacancy rate. The
summer population is also increased by day visitors. The average daily
visitor data is not available, and no attempt has been made to estimate this
number.
Since incorporation in 1957, Emerald Isle has had the second largest
lo
percentage of growth in Carteret County. See Table 2.
Table 2
Municipality
1. Atlantic Beach
2. Beaufort
3. Cape Carteret
4. Emerald Isle
5. Indian Beach
6. Morehead City
7. Newport
8. Pine Knoll Shores
POPULATION OF MUNICIPALITIES
WITHIN CARTERET COUNTY
1950 1960 Change
49 76 55.1%
3,212 2,922 -9.0%
1970 Change 1980 Change
300 294.7% 941 213.7
3,368 15.3% 3,826 13.6
4
Incorporated 52 -- 616 1,084.6/ 94 53.2
in 1957
Incorporated 14 -- 122
in 1957
I N C O R P O R A T E D I N 1 9 7 3
5,144 53583 8.5% 5,233
674 -- 27.7% 1,735
I N C O R P O R A T E D I N 1 9.7 3
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce,.Bureau of the Census
771.4% 865 609.4
54
-6.3% 4,359 -16.7
101.5% 1,883 8.5
646 --
6

ECONOMY
The ecomony of Emerald Isle is based in part on the economy of
Carteret County, the summer home sale and construction industry,and
the tourist industry on Bogue Banks. Employment within the town
generally falls into one of the following categories: tourism, housing
construction, land development and sales, and local government services.
Housing construction and land sales have slackened slightly due to the
state of the economy. An indication as to the impact of tourism on the
local economy can be found by comparing the permanent population with
the summer population. In addition to the Emerald Isle economy, the
tourist dollar contributes greatly to the county. Table 3 shows the tourist
expenditures in Carteret County since 1963.
L
7

Table 3
YEAR
1963
1964
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
ESTIMATED CARTERET COUNTY
TOURIST EXPENDITURES
TOTAL
TRAVEL EXPENDITURES
$ 4,329,000.00
$ 4,506,000.00
$ 4,682,000.00
$ 5,018,000.00
$ 5,780,000.00
$ 5,815,000.00.
$ 6,317,000.00
$ 7,020,000.00
$ 7,390,000.00
$ 8,050,000.00
$ 8,607,000.00
$ 9,117,000.00
$ 9;714,000.00
$11,007,000.00
$15,200,000.00
$16,937,000.00
$17,038,000.00
$18,685,000.00
Source: Carteret County Economic Development Council
O

The tourist industry in Emerald Isle was strong during 1975 and
was good in 1980. Another indication of the tourist economy in Carteret
County is the number of visitors at major tourist attractions. A chart
showing the number of visitors is listed in Table 4.
9

CARTERET COUNTY
VISITATION
AT MAJOR
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
-
CAPE
MARINE
HAMPTON
LOOKOUT
FORT MACON
RESOURCES
MARINERS
NATIONAL
" YEAR
STATE PARK
CENTER
MUSEUM
SEASHORE
1940
18,000
1950
193,364
1960
443,624
1965
578,961
1966
599,149
1967
580,867
1968
642,595
1969
712,361
1970
756,653
1971
785,249
1972
862,711
1973
832,263
1974
703,901
1975
778,945
33,000
1976
819,668
7,769*
48,000
1977
761,257
158,265
60,000
45,422
1978
957,239
244,161
75,000
54,289
} 1979.
859,045
240,000
85,000
54,148
1980
879,426
244,407
110,000
70,382
September -December 1976
SOURCE:
North Carolina Department of Natural Resources
and Community
Development,.Division of Parks &
Recreation
_
Marine Resources
Center
Hampton Mariners
Museum
U. S. Dept. of Interior, National
Park Service

HOUSING
Because the town is new, substandard housing does not exist within
the town. Most of the housing within the town represent summer homes.
Of the 2,400 dwelling units within the town, only 346 homes are occupied
year -around, assuming a 2.5 occupancy rate for permanent residents.
This value is based on the 1980 census count of 865 permanent residents.
When this rate is compared to the 2,400 dwelling units occupied at the
estimated summer occupancy rate of 3.5 persons per dwelling unit, the
1980 peak summer population is estimated to be 8,400 persons. This value
represents the substantial impact that peak summer visitors have on public
and private facilities.
EXISTING LAND USE.
Because Emerald Isle is a new area, slightly over one-half of the land
within the town is undeveloped. The only land uses within the town are
residential, commercial, and institutional. Prior to the town's incorporation,
property owners divided the proposed town into fifty-four 1,100 foot blocks,
extending from the ocean to the sound. The blocks are numbered from east to
west. Development first began on the eastern end of the town in block 1.
Residential development then began to spread slowly westward.
Upon the installation of ferry service at the.western central portion
of the town, block 38, development began at a much faster pace. Residential
development was again the primary land use type. Mobile homes were the most
11

n
a1
�• RESIDENTIAL
v� COMMERCIAL
�. TRANSPORTATION,- COMMUNICATION AND UTILITIES
Q INSTITUTIONAL
• Q UNDEVELOPED.
Q WATER
�] WETLANDS
W analtF SAl1ND
B(
IN
u�
w
ut 1 1 1. I I I ' 1
1 I I 1 1 1 I I
I 1 t 1 I I 1 1 1 1 ' 1 1 1 1 I
I 1 I 1. I I t I t I I 1 i
20 15 10 5
54 50 45
40 75 90 25
T.OW N BLOCKS
TOWN OF EMERALD ISLE
0 2000 4000 6000
SCALE IN FEET
J.UNL 1981
EXISTING LAND U..S E.
DEXTER MOORE and ASSOCIATES

popular dwelling unit type near the ferry access area. A small commercial
area sprang up to serve the residential areas. With ferry service came easy
access to Onslow and Jones Counties. Subsequently, a bridge replaced the
ferry, and development continued to fill within the town center from both the
east and west ends. During the early 1970's, easy access was quickly followed
by residential development of blocks 51 and 52.
The town currently has five small commercial areas. One of these
commercial areas is in block 41-42, one in block 38-39, one in block 34,
one in�block 14, and one in block 13. The commercial land use totals 123
acres; residential accounts for 1240 acres; institutional, 3 acres; and 1,598
acres; residential accounts for 1,240 acres; institutional, 3 acres; and 1,598
still undeveloped. In 1975 there were 2,135 acres undeveloped.
Mobile homes within the commercial areas present a land use compatibility
problem for. the town. Adjacent to the fishing piers, some of these housing
units are crowded within a distance of five feet of each other. Within most
mobile home residential areas, these dwelling units are adequately spaced and
provide excellent vacation homes for.citizens of North Carolina.
A potential incompatible land use problem is the large acreages of land
zoned for multifamily/condominium use within the town. A total of_1,400 acres
is zoned for this purpose. With a current density of 13.5 dwelling -units per
acre allowed in the zoning ordinance,: this area will accommodate 18,900 D.U.'s
if fully developed. The present method of treating wastewater with package
treatment plants will not accommodate wastewater which will be generated from
the full development of this large acreage at multifamily/condominium density.
13

Another problem of existing unplanned development is the size of the
existing subdivision lots. There are a large number of lots which are
plotted and recorded at a size of 10,000 square feet or less. Because
only a small number of these lots have structures, septic tanks are not
yet crowded. These small lots were recorded prior to the town's sub-
division regulations.
The areas of the town which are likely to experience major land use
changes during the next ten years are near the bridge, and from the bridge
westward to Bogue Inlet.
As discussed in the development constraint section of this report,
the town has seven categories of areas of environmental concern. These
are: coastal wetlands, along Bogue Inlet and Sound; estuarine waters,
Bogue Inlet and Sound; estuarine shorelines, along Bogue Inlet and Sound;
public trust areas, Bogue Inlet, Sound and Atlantic Ocean; ocean erodible
areas, along Atlantic Ocean; high hazard flood areas, along Atlantic Ocean;
and inlet hazard areas, along Bogue Inlet. These areas will only allow
development in conformance with the North Carolina Coastal Management Act,
as amended, There are no other categories of areas of environmental concern
within the town.
14

III. CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES AND REGULATIONS
15

CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES, AND REGULATIONS
Transportation Plan
A transporation plan has been prepared for Carteret County, including
Emerald Isle, by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (N.C. DOT).
The County Commissioners disagree with the plan and have not accepted it as
a Transportation Plan for Carteret County. For this reason, Emerald Isle
does not yet have an official Transportation Plan.
In 1975, the major road through Emerald Isle, Emerald Drive, was in
need of major improvements. The N.C. DOT planned to upgrade this road to
a one -hundred foot right-of-way with a twenty-four foot roadway and six-foot
paved shoulders. Several local property owners oppose these improvements
and filed suit to stop this project. The issue has now been resolved.
Emerald Drive is now an excellent two lane highway.
An issue within the public participation plan was the improvement
of streets and roads within Emerald Isle. The town has taken necessary
steps to, devote more attention to its street maintenance.
Community Facilities Plan
Emerald Isle, being new, has not yet prepared a community facilites plan.
In order to improve the necessary public services, the town has played a major
role in the establishment of a town fire department and rescue squad,
and is currently locating land for a second fire station. A police department
has been in existence for several years.
16

Sewage disposal in western Bogue Banks is provided by privately -
owned individual septic tanks. The chief limiting factors for this type
of treatment are land area and soil conditions. The private systems
operate fairly efficiently when they are not crowded and when they are
located in soil which allows good percolation. When too many of these
systems are placed on too small an area, serious health problems occur.
In most areas within the town, soil conditions are suited for efficient
septic tank operation. Although septic tanks will operate almost maintenance
free in these sandy soils, the movement of water through these soils can cause
seepage from these tanks into.the adjacent coastal waters. To date, no
evidence has been found which would indicate that seepage into western
Bogue Sound is occurring. Current North Carolina health regulations will
permit almost 7,000 septic tanks within the town. If the town continues
to rely on septic tanks installed at current state regulations, the life -
supporting qualities of western Bogue Sound could be destroyed. For this
reason, the town should not depend,on septic tanks for extended growth.
Currently, under construction is a condominium project which will be
utilizing a package sewage treatment plant.
Plans were made to construct a sewage treatment facility to serve Emerald
Isle, Cape Carteret, and Swansboro. The Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), has funded an EPA 201 Sewer Facility Plan'for the area. That plan,
prepared by Henry. Von Olsen and Associates, has been presented to EPA for
approval. EPA allowed Swansboro to construct its own plant. The status of
the remaining portion of the EPA 201 plan is in doubt. Current proposed
.cutbacks by the Reagan Administration is expected to cut the EPA 201 pro-
gram even further.
17

n
Within the EPA 201 plan, there are seven alternatives for treating waste
from Emerald Isle. Of the seven, two options have the chief advantages for
Emerald Isle. The first choice includes two facilities, one to serve the
Town of Swansboro and one to serve the Cape Carteret -West Bogue Banks area.
The facility at Swansboro consists of secondary treatment and discharge into
Foster's Creek, a tributary of the White Oak River. A second plant would be
located in the vicinity of the Cameron -Langes ton Bridge at Emerald Isle. The
treatment system would include secondary treatment and discharge through a
submarine outfall and diffuser system, roughly 3,600 feet offshore into the
Atlantic Ocean; however, due to the present defactor moratorium on ocean out -
falls in North Carolina, this alternative cannot be implemented at this time.
A. secondary choice, not using an ocean outfall for effluent disposal,
was deemed the best option. This option also incorporates two facilities that
serve the same service areas. The facility serving the Cape Carteret/West Bogue
Banks area would be located in the vicinity of Cape Carteret and utilize a
spray irrigation system to dispose of its effluent. The cost of the facility
is as follows:
Table.5 ESTIMATED PROJECT COSTS
CAPE CARTERET/WEST BOGUE BANKS
EPA 201 PLAN
(1975 Dollars)
Construction Cost/Year
Construction Period: 1977-1979 (Phase'l)
Total Project Costs $8,417,230. $256,770.
Federal Grant request 5,853,900.
State Grant request 977,150.
Local Share 1,586,180. 256,770.
Debt Service 94,030./year
Total Annual Cost 350,800./year
(Debt service + annual 0 & M)
18

Cape Carteret Share $ 94,030./year (Annual 1985 Cost-$161.55 per taxpayer.)
West Bogue Banks Share $295,870./year (Annual 1985 Cost-$94.15 per taxpayer.)
Construction Period: 1985-1987 (Phase 2) Construction Cost/Year
Total Project Costs $1,467,000. $66,800.
Federal Grant request 1,044,000
State Grant request 174,000
Local Share 245,000 66,800.
Debt Service 14,760./year
Total Annual .Cost 81,560./year
(Debt service + annuam 0 & M)
Cape Carteret Share $13,126./year (Annual 1985 Cost-$38.61 per taxpayer.)
West Bogue Banks Share $68,434./year (Annual 1985 Cost-$21.77 per taxpayer.)
Utilities Extension Policies
Because the town does not provide public utilities, it does not have a
utility extension policy. Bogue Banks Water.Association provides public water
supply throughout the town.
Recreation and Open Space
In 1974, the town began a public recreation program. Since that time,
the town has developed several tennis courts and has installed some playground
equipment. The town has not adopted a Recreation and Open Space Plan.
Land Use Plan
As a part of the Town's Planning Program in 1974, a. Land Development
0
Guide was prepared. The guide was adopted as the official development policy
by the Town Board of Commissioners on February 8, 1975. The following is the
key statement of that policy:
High intensity development should be located near the bridge
with decreasing intensity as the distance from the bridge
increases..
19

Commercial areas should be located near the high density areas in- shopping
center concept rather than in strip commercial. This means that commercial
areas should be located near the bridge, on either or both sides of
Emerald Drive. Strip commercial development should be discouraged, and
existing strip commercial areas should be buffered by institutional or multi-
family development to prevent encroachment into residential areas. Motels
should be grouped in a few areas on the beach rather than scattered along the
entire beach. The Islander Motel is in an ideal location relative to the bridge.
Other motels should be encouraged to build in the same general area.
In summary, higher intensity land uses should be located near the bridge
for the following reasons:
1. More efficient use of the town's road system.
2. Cost reduction in installation of a sewage collection system.
3. Reduction of high volumes of traffic through low density areas.
4. Development of stable area.
5. Discouragement of strip commercial development.
In addition to the Land Use Guide the town also has goals and
objectives concerning future development that was adopted as a part of the
1975 CAMA Land Use Plan.
These are:
To continue to encourage the development of a good, clean family beach.
To continue efforts to maintain high standards for both residential
and commercial areas.
To encourage the development of public facilities for beach access areas.
To insure that the town's population does not exceed the capacity of
natural resources and supporting public facilities.
20

To continue efforts to construct a public sewage treatment.system for
the Bogue Sound area.
To improve the quality of town streets.
To continue to follow the town Land Development Guide.
Zoning Ordinance
The town adopted its first Zoning Ordinance during the late 1950's.
It was based on,a pyramid concept with R-2 Residential Zones at the top
of the pyramid and mobile homes and camps at the bottom of the pyramid.
If a property owner did not want to be zoned, all he needed to do was to
have his property zoned mobile home. This would allow the owner to use
his property for residential or commercial use. Originally, if a degree of
land:use protection was desired, restrictive covenants were used. This
ordinance is largely responsible for the incompatible mixed land use which
exists at some locations within the town today. Another problem with the
original ordinance is that the minimum lot area was only 5,000 square feet.
Problems will likely arise when the requests for septic tank permits are
made for these substandard lots.
On June 14, 1975, the town adopted a new Zoning Ordinance. The minimum
lot size with this ordinance was 8,000 square feet. In 1977 the lot size
was increased to 12,500 square feet. In order that the new ordinance would
not have the same problems with septic tank permits as the old, a condition
was.placed in the subdivision regulations requiring a County Health Depart-
ment review of all new subdivisions before they were presented to the
Planning Board in preliminary form. Prior approval by the County Health
Department has been scraped because the county did not want to grant
blanket approval for the entire subdivision. Approval is now given on
a lot by lot basis prior to the issuance of building permits. A close
21

coordination is necessary between the County Health Department and the
Building Inspector.
The Zoning Ordinance has eight separate districts and seven overlay
districts. These districts and the purpose of each are as follows:
Districts Purpose
Residential 1 (R1) A single family residential district
allowing a single family dwelling on
a lot.
Residential 2 (R2) 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 fami.ly
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 institu-
tional and office uses, not including
the sale of merchandise.
Commercial (Com.) A commercial district allowing retail
trade.
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 estab-
lished 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.
22

Districts
Purpose
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 Ocean Beaches standards
of the North Carolina Coastal Area Manage-
ment Act of 1974 as amended.
Public Trust Area (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.
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 Manage-
ment Act of 1974 as amended.
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.
Inlet Lands (IL) 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 Lands standards
of the North Carolina Coastal Area Manage-
ment Act of 1974 as amended.
Ocean Erodible AREAS (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 Managemnet Act of 1974 as amended.
11
23

Each of the separate districts are mutually exclusive. The ordinance
has a table of permitted uses which states the types of uses allowed in each
zone. Current zoning regulations will allow over 60,000 people within the
town.
Subdivision Regulation
The town adopted a subdivision regulation in March, 1974. This regula-
tion simply lists the standards for land subdivision. Once the preliminary
plan is approved, development can begin. Lot sales cannot take place until
the final plan is recorded. The Planning Board reviews the final plat to in-
sure compliance with the approved preliminary plan. An interesting amendment
occurred in May, 1978. The amendment required all new subdivisions to dedi-
cate beach access walkways every 550 feet + along the ocean and sound.
Other Local Regulations
Other ordinances adopted by the town which deal with local development
include a Travel Trailer Park Regulation, Sign Ordinance, Flood Plain Ordi-
nance, Dunes and Vegetation Control Ordinance, and the North Carolina State
Building Code. Emerald Isle does not have local historic district regula-
tions, nuisance regulations, sedimentation codes or environmental impact
statement ordinances. The development codes and ordinances are enforced.by
the Planning Board and Town Board of Commissioners. The official enforcement
officer is the Building Inspector. Any appeals of his decisions are pre-
sented to the Board of Adjustments. The town depends on Carteret County for
' enforcement of septic tank regulations.
Solid Waste Program
Solid waste collection and disposal is provided through a contract with
a private provider and disposed in the county land fill.
24

Federal and State Regulations
The following is a list of federal and state agencies which have
jurisdiction within the coastal area.
Table 6 FEDERAL AND STATE LICENSES AND PERMITS
Agency Licenses and Permits
Army Corps of Engineers - Permits required under Sections 9 and
10 of the Rivers and Harbors of 1899;
permits to construct in navigable waters.
Permits required under Section 103 of
the Marine Protection, Research and
Sanctuaries Act of 1972.
Permits required under Section 404 of the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act of
1972; permits to undertake dredging and/or
filling activities. .
'Coast Guard - Permits for bridges, causeways, pipelines
(Department of Transportation) over navigable waters; required under the
General Bridge Act of 1946 and the Rivers
and Harbors Act of 1899.
- Deep water port permits.
Geological Survey - Permits required for off -shore drilling.
Bureau of Land Management - Approvals of OCS pipeline corridor rights -
(Department of Interior) of -way.
25

• Nuclear Regulatory Commission - Licenses for siting, construction and
operation of nuclear power plants;
required under the Atomic Energy Act of
1954 and Title II of the Energy Reorganization
Act of 1974.
Federal Energy Regulatory Com - Permits for construction, operation and
mission maintenance of interstate pipelines
facilities required under the Natural
Gas Act of 1938.
- Orders of interconnection of electric
transmission facilities under Section
202(b) of the Federal Power Act.
Permission required for abandonment of
natural gas pipeline and associated
facilities under Section 7C (b) of the
Natural Gas Act of 1938.
- Licenses for non-federal hydro -electric
projects and associated transmission lines
under Sections 4 and 15 of the Federal
Power Act.
26

STATE LICENSES AND PERMITS
Agency Licenses and Permits
Department of Natural Resources and - Permits to discharge to surface waters
Community Development or operate waste water treatment plants
Division of Environmental Management or oil discharge permits; NPDES Permits,
(G.S. 143-215)
Department of Natural Resources and
Community Development
Office of Coastal Management
Department of Natural Resources and
Community Development
Division of Earth Resources
- Permits for septic tanks with a capa-
city over 3,000 gallons/day
(G.S. 143-215.3).
- Permits for withdrawal of surface or
ground waters in capacity use areas
(G.S. 143-215.15).
- Permits for air pollution abate-
ment facilities and sources
(G.S. 143-215.108).
- Permits for construction of com-
plex sources; e.g. parking lots,
subdivisions, stadiums, etc.
(G.S. 143-215.109).
- Permits for construction of a well
over 100,000 gallons/day
(G.S. 87-88) .
— Permits to dredge and/or fill in
estuarine waters, tideland, etc.
(G.S. 113-229).
- Permits to undertake development in
Areas of Environmental Concern
(G.S.. 113A-118).
NOTE: Minor development permits
are issued by the local.
government.
-Permits to alter or construct a dam
(G.S. 143-215.66)
-Permits to mine (G.S. 74-51).
-Permits to drill an exploratory
oil or gas well (G.S. 113-381).
r
27

Department of Natural Resources and
Community Development
Secretary of NRCD
- Permits to conduct geophysical
exploration (G.S. 113-391).
- Sedimentation erosion control plans
for any land disturbing activity of
over one contiguous acre
(G.S. 113A-54) .
- Permits to construct an oil refinery.
Department of Administration —Easements to fill -where lards are
proposed to be raised above the nor-
mal high water mark of navigable
waters by filling (G.S. 146.6 (c)).
Department of Human Resources - Approval to operate a solid waste
disposal site or facility (G.S. 130-
166.16).
- Approval for construction of any
public water supply facility that
furnishes water to ten or more re-
sidences (G.S. 130-160.1).
28

Soil Limitations
Soil data for this plan was obtained from the U.S.D.A. Soil Con-
servation Service (SCS) in cooperation with the North Carolina Depart -
of Natural Resources and Community Development. The SCS field survey
for Emerald Isle was completed in January, 1975. The following des-
criptions indicate the suitability of the various soil associations
for development. The soil locations are shown on the soil map within
this report.
1 FRIPP - FRIPP soils are on undulating to rolling dunes commonly adjoining
beaches and waterways along the coast. Most areas are 5 to 25 feet above
mean tide. Flooding is rare for very brief periods due to very high tides
caused by coastal storms. Slopes are commonly 5 to 15 percent but range from
2 to 30 percent. This soil is formed in sandy sediments that have been re-
worked by wind and wave action. Fripp soils are excessively drained with very
slow runoff and rapid permeability. Most of this soil is used for recreation,
beach cottages, and wildlife. Native vegetation consists of wax myrtle,
live oak, palmetto, slash pine, loblolly pine, longleaf pine, sand pine, sea
oats, seacoast bluestem, and beach grasses.
Limitations for Development
Dwellings - Severe; Floods
Septic tank filter fields - Slight
Local roads and streets - Moderate: 2 to 8 percent slopes, floods
Moderate: 8 to 15 percent slopes, floods, slope
Severe: 15 percent +, slope
Camp areas - Severe: Too sandy
Picnic areas - Severe: Too sandy
Playgrounds.- Severe: Too sandy
Paths and Trails - Severer Too sandy
3 DUNELAND-NEWHAN COMPLEX - This complex is Newhan soil with sparse vegetation.
Limitations for Development
See 70 NEWHAN
30

7 NEWHAN-URBAN LAND COMPLEX -The association is Newhan soil that has gone or
is undergoing urban development. Characteristics of this soil may vary slightly
from Newhan due to onsite grading and the presence of urban development.
Limitations for Development
See 70 NEWHAN
11 - DUCKSTON - DUCKSTON soils are mainly in shallow depressions between coastal
dunes and on nearly level flats between the dunes and marshes generally at
elevations less than 5 feet above mean tide level. Slopes are typically less
than 2 percent, and surfaces are plane to concave. The soil formed in sandy
sediments reworked by waves and wind. The soils are periodically flooded with
salt water; salinity is variable according to length of time since last flooding.
Duckston soils are poorly drained, have very slow runoff, and have rapid
permeability above the water table. The water table fluctuates somewhat in
relation to the tides, and the surface is flooded following heavy rains or high
storm tides.' The native plant community consists of wax myrtle (Myrica ceri-
fera), black willow (Salix migra), black highbush blueberry (Vaccinium atrococcum),
rush (Juncus sp), smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora), marshhay (Spartina
patens), dotted smartweed (Polygonum punctatum), threesquare (Scipus sp),
Virginia button weed (diodia virginiana), Ludwigia and spagum moss (Sphagnum sp).
Limitations for Development
Dwellings - Severe: Wet
Septic tank filter fields - Severe: Wet
Local roads and streets - Severe: Wet
Camp areas - Severe: Wet
Picnic areas - Severe: Wet
Playgrounds - Severe: Wet
Paths and trails - Severe: Wet
12. COROLLA -COROLLA soils are on nearly level flats and gentle slopes between
the dunes and next to depressions and sloughs along the coast at elevations
generally below 5 feet. Slopes range from 0 to 4 percent. The soil
formed in sandy sediments reworked by waves and wind. Average annual precipi-
tation is -about 48 inches, and mean annual temperature is about 650F., near
this type location. These $oils may be flooded with salt water at high storm tides.
Corolla soils are moderately well and somewhat poorly drained, have slow runoff
and very rapid permeability. The water table is about 18 to 36 inches below
the surface 2 to 6 months annually. The natural plant community consists of
live oak (Quercus virginiana), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), bitter panicgrass
(Panicum amarulum), Hudsonia (Hudsonia tomentosa), Coastal Lovegrass (Eragrostit
refracta), evening primrose (Oenothera humifusa), ground cherry (Physalis
viscosa.), and bushy beardgrass (Andropogon glomeratus).
.
31

Limitations for Development
Dwellings - Severe: Wet
Septic tank filter fields - Severe: Wet
Local roads and streets - Severe: Wet
Camp areas - Severe: Wet
Picnic areas - Severe: Wet
Playgrounds - Severe: Wet
Paths and trails - Severe: Wet
16 COASTAL BEACH - This association is considered as non -soil. It is located
in an area extending from the back side of the frontal dunes to the ocean.
Limitations for Development
This area is not suitable for development.
22 NEWHAN-COROLLA COMPLEX - This complex is a combination of Newham and Corolla
soils.
Limitations for Development
Dwellings - Slight to severe
Septic tank filter fields - Slight to severe
Local roads and streets — Slight to severe
Camp areas - Severe
Picnic areas - Severe
Playgrounds - Severe
Paths and trails - Severe
70 NEWHAN - NEWHAN soils are on gently undulating dunes commonly near beaches
and waterways along the coast. Slopes are commonly 2 to 7 percent but may
range to 30 percent. The elevation of these soils commonly ranges up to about
20'feet or more above mean sea level. The soil consists of quartz, sand, and
shell fragments deposited mainly by wind along the Atlantic Coast. Newhan
soils are excessively drained, have 'slow runoff, and rapid permeability. Native
vegetation consists of scattered myrtle, yaupon, live .oak, silverling, and
other shrubs along with sea oats, big bluestem, beach pea, beach grasses,
and rush. Large acreages have been developed for urban beach cottages, re-
creation, and wildlife areas.
32

Limitations for Development
Dwellings - Slight: 2 to 8 percent slopes
Moderate: 8 to 15 percent slopes
Severe: 15 to 30 percent slopes
Septic tank filter fields - Slight: 2 to 8 percent slopes
Moderate: 8 to..15 percent slopes
Severe: 15 to 30 percent slopes
Local roads and streets - Slight: 2 to 8 percent slopes
Moderate: 8 to 15 percent slopes
Severe: 15 to 30 percent slopes
Camp areas - Severe: 2 to 15 percent slopes, too sandy
Severe: 15 to 30 percent slopes, too sandy
Picnic areas - Severe: 2 to 15 percent slopes, too sandy
Severe: 15 to 30 percent slopes, too sandy
Playgrounds - Severe: 2 to 6 percent slopes, too sandy
Severe: 6 to 30 percent slopes, too sandy
Paths and trails Severe: 2 to .25 percent slopes, too sandy
Severe: 25 to 30 percent slopes, too sandy
81 CARTERET MADE LAND - CARTERET MADE LANDS are filled areas. The town has
only one Carteret Made Land area. Cottages are constructed on this area. In
other Carteret Made Lands, an on -site inspection is necessary to determine if
such areas are suitable for development. The availability of water and sewer
are prime considerations for development of Carteret Made Lands.
Limitations for Development
on -site inspection necessary.
33

. N
CR
1 CR f2 BOGUE SOUND CR
' 11 12
II II
81 /�^ "_ 22 CR II
�,- (3 , ^-ti4 - _ _ O I I 22 70
BOGUE 11 vi/�f�ii 22 I -�— 22---�,�_ 70
INLETrQ - ,,r "t-�� ---_ - 70
-� '-''� '�' 7 T --- - ---- _
12 / s Cn O , Zl
70 ~� -A-ATLANTIC OCEAN 1 ~--- - --- ' -
C—� ^— I6 12 I 7
12
— � 16
70 12 12 3 3 18 63 12
d
18
54 SO 4S 40 75 10 25 20 15 ;J 5 1
TOWN BLOCKS
TOWN OF EMERALD ISLE
APPROX. SCALE 1'= 3000'
SOIL SERIES SEPT.1975
MOORE and ASSOCIATES
i 14

Water Supply Areas
The Bogue Banks Water Association serves Emerald Isle, Indian Beach, and
Salter Path.
• Two wells are located in the eastern end of the town. The other is
located at the Town Hall, near the center of the town. Each of these wells
pump from the River Bend formation.
Steep Slopes
Other than the sides of sand dunes, the town has no steep slopes.
Fragile Areas
A key element within the Coastal Area Management Act is the identifica-
tion of fragile areas and designation of these areas as Areas of Environmental
Concern (AEC). Of the AEC identified in the Coastal Resources regulations,
Emerald Isle has seven. These areas are listed below:
Table 7. TOWN OF EMERALD ISLE
AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN
Coastal Wetlands CW
Estuarine Waters EW
Estuarine Shorelines ES
Public Trust Areas PTA
Ocean Erodible Areas OEA
High Hazard Flood Area HFA
• Inlet Hazard Areas IHA
35

These areas are mapped within this plan. Each of the above Areas
of Environmental Concern are discussed in detail within this section.
Appropriate land uses are also listed for each. None of the following
AEC areas are located within the town.
Public Water Supply Categories
Fragile Coastal Natural and
Cultural Resources Categories.
High Hazard Flood Area - Area of Environmental Concern
This is the area subject to high velocity waters (including, but not
limited to, hurricane wave wash) in a storm having a one percent chance of
being equalled or exceeded in any given year, and is identified as zone V, on the
flood insurance rate maps of the Federal Insurance Administration, U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development. The town has adopted a flood
ordinance (consistent with the standards of the requirements of the Federal
Insurance Administration. Development consistent with this flood ordinance
is consistent with the standards of this AEC.
Inlet Hazard Area - Area of Environmental Concern
The inlet hazard areas are those lands identified by the state geologist
to have a substantial possibility of excessive erosion.that are located ad-
jacent to inlets. This area shall extend landward from the mean low water
line a distance sufficient to encompass that area within which the inlet will,
based on statistical analysis, migrate, and shall consider such factors as
previous inlet territory, structurally weak areas near the inlet (such as an
1
36

unusually narrow barrier island, ,an unusually long channel feeding the inlet,
or an overwash area), and external influences such as jetties and channelization.
These areas are identified as recommended inlet hazard areas in the report to
the CRC entitled Inlet Hazard Area, by I`oie J. Priddy and Rick Carraway
(September, 1981). In all cases, this area shall be an extension of the ad-
jacent ocean erodible area and in no case shall the width of the inlet hazard
area be less than the width of the adjacent ocean erodible area.
Bogue Inlet is one of the state's inlets which is within this category.
Within the September, 1978 report, it had migrated to the east farther than
at any time in recent history. Since that time, the inlet has shifted westward
and is now located approximately 800 feet west of its location as described
in the September, 1978 report. Approximate uses in the Bogue Inlet AEC are
open space recreation uses, single family, duplex, and commercial. The town
will continue to issue building permits for those lots which were plotted prior
to passage of the North Carolina Coastal Management Act located within the
Bogue Inlet AEC.
37

Map 3
font
1 L(i0'i
l01)::U
8000
660(t
40GO
2(.n0
0
BOGUE INLET EROSION
�a nmuc�: 1Sr srh rk
CAI
L � >i .
Typical mc)verm-nt (If5)
year
)cation in
m e , 1981.
w
Source: "Inlet Hazard Area", Loie J. Priddy and Rick Carraway, September, 1978.
*Survey By Moore & Associates

Coastal Wetlands - Area of Environmental Concern
The Town of Emerald Isle has extensive wetland areas. A large portion of
the town's sound frontage is lined with low tidal marshland. Because of the
map scale used in this plan, the smaller marshland areas cannot be shown on the
map within the plan. however, all major marshlands are shown and identified
as conservation areas. The dominant plant species within the area are Salt
Water Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora), Black Needlerush O uncus roemerianus),
Glasswort (Salicornia, spp.), Salt Grass (Distichlis Spicata), Sea Lavender
(Limonium spp.), Salt Meadow Grass (Spartina patens), and Salt Reed Grass
(Spartina Cynosuroides).
These low tidal marshlands serve as a critical component in the coastal
ecosystem. The marsh is the basis for the high net yield system of the estuary
through the production of or detritus (partially decomposed plant material)
which is the primary input source for the food chain of the entire estuarine
system: Estuarine dependent species of fish and shellfish, such as menhaden,
shrimp, flounder, oysters and crabs currently make up over 90 percent of the
total value of North Carolina's commercial catch.
In addition, the roots and rhizomes of the spartina alterniflora serve.
as food for waterfowl and the stems as wildlife nesting material., Low tidal marsh
also serves as the first line of defense in retarding shoreline erosion. The
plant stems and leaves tend to dissipate wave actioq while the vast network of
roots resists soil erosion. Marshes of this type operate additionally as traps
for sediment originating from upland runoff, thus reducing siltation of the
estuarine bottoms and are a detriment to marine organisms. These marshes
should be considered unsuitable for all development which will alter their natural
functions. Inappropriate land uses include, but are not limited to the following
39

examples: restaurants and businesses; residences, apartments, motels, hotels,
and trailer parks; parking lots and offices; spoil and dump sites; wastewater
lagoons; public and private roads and highways; and factories. Examples of accep-
table land uses may include utility easements, fishing piers, docks, certain agri-
cultural uses, except when excavation or filling affecting estuarine or navigable -
waters is involved, and such uses which do not significantly alter the natural
functions of the -marsh.
Ocean Erodible Areas - Area of Environmental Concern
Ocean erodible areas are defined as the areas above mean high water where
excessive erosion and significant shoreline fluctuation have a high probability
of occurring. Ocean erodible areas are extremely dynamic lands highly susceptible
to becoming completely displaced by water. The major objective is to limit
unnecessary hazards to life or property and to maintain reasonable requirements
for public expenditures to protect property or maintain safe conditions. The
oceanfront setback in Emerald Isle is 60', the 100-year flood line is 50', making
the total Ocean Erodible Area AEC 110'.
The southern side of Emerald Isle is lined with ocean beaches and shorelines.
This eleven mile strip is without vegetation and consists of unconsolidated soil
material that extends landward from the mean low tide to a point where any one
or combination of the following occur: (1) vegetation, or (2) a distinct change
in predominant soil particle size, or (3) a change.in slope or elevation which
alters the physiographic land form.
Sand deposits of ocean beaches and shorelines represent a dynamic zone which
does not afford long term protection for development. The nature of tidal action
and the force of storms is such that they cause the beach areas to constantly
shift. Littoral drift is a natural phenomenon whereby sand is removed from
beaches by wave action and littoral currents and is deposited upon an
0

different stretch of the beach. The action also shifts the line of high
tide and low tide. Ocean beaches and shorelines are valuable for public and
private recreation and are located within a natural hazard area. Develop-
ment within this dynamic zone may result in loss of property and possible loss
of life.
This area.must be preserved to the greatest extent feasible with
opportunity to enjoy the physical, aesthetic, cultural and recreational
qualities of the natural shorelines of the state. Appropriate develop-
ment within the area must be that which will withstand the prevalent
natural forces and not unreasonably interfere with the rightful use and
enjoyment of the beach area.
In addition to ocean beaches, frontal dunes are also a part of the Ocean
Erodible Area. These dunes serve as a buffer between the sea during a storm
and the development behind the dunes. Appropriate land uses within the frontal
dune system include only those uses which will not cause damage to the frontal
dune system.
Estuarine Waters - Area of Eviromental Concern -
Bogue Sound and the Atlantic Ocean are a part of the state's estuarine
system. Estuarines are among the most productive natural environments of
North Carolina. They not only support valuable commercial and sports fisheries,
but are also utilized for commercial navigation, recreation, and aesthetic pur-
poses. Species dependent upon estuaries such as menhaden, shrimp, flounder,
oysters and crabs make up over 90 percent of the total value of North Carolina's
commercial catch. These species must spend all or some part of their life
cycle in the estuary. The high level of commercial and sports fisheries and
41

the aesthetic appeal of coastal North Carolina is dependent upon the protection
and sustained quality of our estuarine areas.
Appropriate uses within the area are those which preserve the estuarine
waters so as to safeguard and perpetuate their biological, economic and aesthetic
values. Highest priority will be allocated to the conservation of estuarine
waters. The development of navigational channels, the use of bulkheads to pre-
vent erosion, and the building of piers or wharfs where no other feasible al-
ternative exists are examples of uses appropriate within estuarine waters, pro-
vided that such land uses will not be detrimental to the biological and physical
estuarine functions and public trust rights. Projects which would directly
or indirectly block or impair existing navigation channels, increase shoreline
erosion, deposit unconfined spoils below mean high tide, causes adverse water cir-
culation patterns, violate water quality standards, or cause degradation of shellfish
waters are generally considered incompatible with the management of estuarine
waters.
Estuarine Shoreline - Area of Environmental Concern
Estuarine Shorelines extend a distance of seventy-five feet landward of
the mean high tide of Bogue Sound. This area is considered important because
of its close association with the estuarine water system. These areas are also
subject to erosion, flooding.and other adverse effects of wind and water.
Appropriate developments in this area are the types that will not weaken natural t
barriers to erosion. This AEC was not included in the 1975 Emerald Isle CAMA
Land.
42

Public Trust Waters - Area of Environmental Concern
Bogue Sound and the Atlantic Ocean are also public trust waters. In-
cluded in the public trust waters definition 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 measur-
able lunar tides and lands thereunder to the mean high water mark, all
navigable natural bodies of water and, lands thereunder to the mean high water
mark or ordinary high water mark as the case may be, except privately owned
lakes to which the public has no right of access, all waters in artificially
created bodies of water in which exists significant public fishing resources
or other public resources, which are accessible to the public by navigation
from bodies of water in which the public has no rights of navigation, all
waters in artifically created bodies of .water in which the public has acquired
rights by prescription, custom, usage, dedication or any other means. In-
cluded in public trust waters are areas such as waterways and lands under or
flowed by tidal waters or navigable waters, to which the public may have
rights of access or public trust -rights, and areas which the State of North
Carolina may be authorized.to preserve; conserve, or protect under Article
XIV,' Section 5, of the North Carolina Constitution.
Appropriate uses in the public trust waters include channels, drainage
ditches, bulkheads, piers and other similar uses, provided these uses do not
damage the biological environment or restrict public access.
43

BOGUE SOUND
ES
c w
PTA
CEW
cw r '
EM CW PTA
BOGUE
INLET
IHA
HFA ATLANTIC OCEAN
OE PTA
54 SC 45 40 36 30 25 20 15 10 5 1
TOWN BLOCKS
IHA INLET HAZARD AREA
EW ESTUARINE WATERS TOWN OF EMERALD ISLE
OEA OCEAN ERODIBLE AREA along ocean front.
PTA PUBLIC TRUST AREA SCALE I'= 3000' JUNE 1981
HFA HAZARD FLOOD AREA along ocean front.
CW COASTAL WETLANDS
ES ESTUARINE SHORELINE along sound front. AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN
MOORE and NSSOCIATCS

Areas With Resource Potential
Within the town there are not any productive and unique agricultural
lands, potentially valuable mineral sites, public owned forest and privately
owned wildlife sanctuaries. Fishing is available in Bogue Sound and the
Atlantic Ocean. Non -intensive outdoor recreation land are the public ocean
beaches.
Man -Made Hazard Areas
There are no man made hazard areas within the Town of Emerald Isle.
Capacity of Community Facilities
The entire Town of Emerald Isle is served by a public water system. The
Bogue Banks Water Association serves Emerald Isle, Indian Beach, and Salter
Path. The system includes six-inch and eight -inch lines, two 60,000,gallon
elevated tanks and a 300,000 gallon surface tank, three eight -inch wells 300
feet deep. Each of these wells pump from the Castle Hayne aquifer. The
Association has indicated that they have sufficient reserve capacity within
the aquifer to serve growth as it increases on Bogue Banks. This reserve
capacity, however, has not been fully surveyed.
Emerald Isle high school age students attend'West Carteret High School
in Morehead City. Current enrollment at West Carteret is 1,273 students. West
Carteret has a capacity of 1,550 students. There are no plans for expansion
at West Carteret.
Grammar school students attend White Oak School, which has an enrollment
of.585 students. The school's capacity is approximately 700 students.
Because Emerald Isle does not have a transportation plan, little is known
concerning the existing capacity of.streets and roads in Emerald Isle. A 1979
traffic count by the N.C. DOT indicated that Emerald Drive carries 1,050
vehicles per day. Because of recent improvements in this main road, the capacity
of Emerald Drive is much higher than the current load.
44

FUTURE POPULATION AND ECONOMY
Demographers find it extremely difficult to project the future population
for areas as new and as small as Emerald Isle. The problem is further com-
plicated by a summer peak population of unknown complexity. A suffusion of day
visitors, which varies from day to day, also affects summer peak population.
The population at Emerald Isle can be divided into three groups, each with
its own unique demand for services. These are permanent residents,
summer residents, and day visitors. The number of permanent resiaeums
can be determined with reasonable accuracy by using census data and voter re-
gistration rolls. The peak summer residents can be determined less accurately
by a housing unit count. A long term traffic survey is necessary to determine
the day visitor rate. According to the U.S. Census, in 1960, there were four-
teen permanent residents. By 1970, the total had increased to 122. Based on
voter registration, the N.C. Department of Administration listed the population
on September 2, 1975 as 230. In 1980 the U.S. Census listed the population at
865 persons. Based on this data, a population projection trend for _permanent
residents can be established.
Table 8 ESTIMATED FUTURE POPULATION
Permanent Residents
1975 - 2000
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 2000
122 230 865 1,200-1,400 1,500-1,900 2,200-2,800
The data from which this projection is made does not cover a sufficient
length of time for a relatively precise projection; however, it is the only data
available and. does give a "general feel" for the expected increase in the permanent
46

population.
As expected, the summer population is growing at a much faster rate
than the permanent population. Based on the 1980 census, there are 2,400
dwelling units in Emerald Isle. The following projection was made using
3.5 persons per dwelling unit for the 1980 peak summer population. The
table includes both permanent and summer residents. Day visitors were
not projected because of the lack of data.
Table 9 ESTIMATED FUTURE POPULATION
Peak Summer Residents
1975 - 2000
1975 1980 1985 1990 2000
5,300 8,400 9,500-10,500 10,500-12,500 139500-15,500
The economy of Emerald Isle will continue to focus on the tourist
industry. Because of the recreational resources within the town and easy access
to the mainland, the tourist industry is expected to continue its prosperity.
A major consideration in economic growth is the installation of a sewage treat-
ment facility. If such a system is installed, Emerald Isle will likely imitate
the economic growth that has taken place at Wrightsville Beach.
FUTURE LAND NEEDS
The Town of Emerald Isle is only 47 percent developed. The population
projection indicates that Emerald Isle will have a summer peak population of
approximately 14,000 people by the year 2000.. The town currently has enough
land zoned for residential purposes to support more than the expected number
of people, based on current health requirements regarding space for septic
tanks. In order to protect the water quality in Bogue Sound, a sewage treat-
c
ment facility will be necessary to support expected growth.
47

Industrial Space Requirements
The town does have land suitable for industrial use; but because of
the current demand for recreational -residential land on Bogue Banks and the
fragile nature of the area, industrial uses seem inappropriate and should not
be allowed. Neither the Land Use Plan for Emerald Isle nor the Zoning
Ordinance include land designated as industrial.
Commercial Space Requirements
Although there are now 400 acres zoned for commercial use, only 100 acres
are yet developed. The 400 acres zoned for commercial use is over ten percent
of the total land area, far in excess of the two to three percent normally con-
sidered adequate for commercial. Emerald Isle does not, however, represent a
standard town. As Emerald Isle, is a resort area, a higher percentage than
normal for commercial areas appears appropriate. Even though the town cur-
rently has four commercial areas, based on the adopted Development Guide, a
fifth commercial area is developing near the bridge. These five areas should
serve the town's commercial needs. The ten year estimate of additional com-
mercial.acreage needed is shown in.Table 10.
Residential Space Requirements
The town has adequate land acreage to satisfy the space necessary for
residential development for the population projection within this plan,
however,a sewer system is needed. The ten year estimate of additional re-
sidential acreage is shown.in the following table.
48

Table 10
1975
1985
1995
2005
*Fully Developed
LAND ACREAGE NEEDS
WITHOUT SEWER SERVICE
Commercial
26
100
135
140*
Residential
801
1,594
2,386
2,824
Table 11 LAND ACREAGE NEEDS
WITH SEWER SERVICE
Commercial Residential
1975 26 801
1985 100 923
1995 135 1,043
2005 140 1,164
The commercial area is based on .one -hundredth acre per person. The residential
area is based on current developed densities. When a central sewage system is
installed, zoning density standards will be used in lieu of septic tank space
requirements and acreage needs will be reduced substantially.
COMMUNITY FACILITIES DEMAND
Necessary future community facilities are based upon the number of.people
expected to be in an area during a certain period in time. The population
projection for Emerald Isle is stated in Table 9.
49

A sewage treatment facility will be necessary in order to protect the fragile
environment of Bogue Sound. In order to construct a treatment plant, the EPA
201 Plan indicates that it will be necessary for West Bogue Banks and Cape
Carteret to construct jointly a facility which will cost each taxpayer approxi-
mately ten dollars per month (1975 dollars). A sufficient tax base exists to
construct a treatment facility. A problem arises as to whether the taxpayers
will support a bond to raise the local share and whether federal funds will be
available to assist in the construction. The public water system will also
need enlarging. By the year 2000, the projections indicate that the town will
be using approximately one and one-fourth million gallons of water per day. The
estimated cost of the water system improvements has not yet been determined.
50

RESOURCE PROTECTION
Within the Town of Emerald Isle, Areas of Enviromental Concern, (AEC)
present a major constraint to development. These AEC's are Coastal Wetlands,
Estuarine Waters, Estuarine Shorelines, Public Trust Areas, Inlet Hazard
Areas, High Hazard Flood Areas and Ocean Erodible Areas. there are no other
Areas of Environmental Concern within the town as currently defined by the
Coastal Resources Commission.
The Coastal Wetlands AEC is discussed within the Fragile Areas section
of this report. Only limited use of the Coastal Wetlands should occur. The
town believes appropiate uses such as piers and boat docks are reasonable,
but not dredging for commercial marinas. Although the total acreage of
wetlands in this area is not great when compared to the total acreage of
wetlands in coastal North Carolina, the town does benefit from these wet-
lands,. These areas contribute greatly as nurseries for fish and shellfish.
In addition, these areas contribute greatly to the scenic beauty of the
town. Town officials have zoned these areas as wetlands and will protect
these areas in the local zoning ordinance. Town officials also believe
that the Sate of North Carolina has a responsibility to protect these areas.
The Estuarine Waters AEC is also discussed in detail in the Fragile
Areas section of this report. These waters are extremely important to the
Town of Emerald Isle. These waters provide recreation, commercial and sport
fishing, and scenic _beauty. The town believes that the only appropriate uses
of estuarine waters are piers, boat docks, boat housing, marinas, sports
a
fishing, commercial fishing, access channels and recreation. It also believes that
town,.state and federal protection of these waters are needed. The town protects
these waters through zoning, the state protects the water quality and the
federal government keeps the channels worked and navigable.
52

The town also has Estuarine Shoreline AEC's. Within this area water
related activities such as docks, boat houses, marinas, bathing facilities,
commercial and residential development consistent with AEC regulations are
appropriate.
Public Trust Areas are those areas seaward of the high water mark of
high tide. Also included in this AEC are all navigable natural bodies of
r
waters, Bogue Sound, Bogue Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean and all beaches to the
means high tide are a part of this AEC. The town's entire local economy rest
on the protection of the areas from inappropriate development. Reasonable
land uses of these areas are identical to the Estuarine Waters and Estuarine
Shoreline AEC's. Town, state and federal protection is necessary for the
protection of Public Trust Areas.
Inlet Hazard Area is another AEC within the town. History has shown
that Bogue Inlet has oscillated within a one mile area between Bear Island
on the west and the Town of Emerald Isle several times in the past one hundred
years. In 1975, the inlet was as far east as it had ever been during that
one hundred year history. Currently it is moving westward, away from Emerald
Isle. While danger to development within the town is decreasing day .by day
as it continues to move westward, no one can predict the direction of future
movements of the inlet. Most of the land within the Inlet Hazard Areas of
Emerald Isle was subdivided and sold for residential lots prior to the exis-
tence of the North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act. Therefore, current
AEC regulations do not prevent these lots from being utilized for residential
structures. It is the policy of the town to advise property owners through
the Building Inspector upon the request of a building permit of the hazards
of constructing in the Inlet Hazard Area. This town believes that both the
town and state should protect this area from inappropriate development.
Both town and state are responsible for protecting this area. Because of
subdivision and development for residential purposes prior to the existence
of the CAMA program, the town believes that residential development is
reasonable in this area.
53

High Hazard Flood Areas are those areas along the ocean which are subject
to high velocity wave wash during hurricane or other storm conditions. These
areas are identified as Zone V on the flood insurance rate map provided to the
town by the Federal Insurance Administration. The town believes that the uses
allowed by the flood insurance program are appropriate and protects this area
through the local zoning ordinance. It is the town's policy to allow develop-
ment within this area, consistent with AEC regulations, Federal Insurance
Regulations and the Zoning Ordinance. An example of appropriate uses are, fishing
piers, recreation, commercial development and residential development, provided
such uses are protected from significant damage by elevation above the one -hundred
year flood hazard elevation.
Ocean Erodible Areas also exist within the Town of Emerald Isle. This AEC
includes ocean beaches and frontal dunes. To date, the ocean erosion within the
town has not been great enough to effect any existing development. It is the
town's policy to allow development of the Ocean Erodible. Areas consistent with
AEC regulation. The town believes that appropriate uses of the Ocean Erodible
Areas are recreation and fishing piers; and commercial and residential develop-
ment if properly designed to protect the frontal dune. Frontal dunes extend
almost the full length of ocean front within the town. These areas are extremely
important because of the protection that these dunes provide to areas behind the
dunes during hurricanes or other major storms. it is the town's policy to pre-
vent any development which will damage this important dune system. .Both commercial
and residential development is allowed provided that the development will not
involve significant removal or relocation of the frontal or primary dune sand
s
or vegetation thereon. Development within the frontal dune AEC must be con-
sistent with the AEC regulations. Both the state and town share the responsi-
bility for supervised development of this AEC. The.oceanfront setback in Emerald
Isle is 60', the 100-year flood line is 50', making the total Ocean Erodible Area
AEC 110'. All development within this area requires a CAMA permit.
54

It is the town's policy not to allow the development of AEC's in a manner
which is inconsistent with the Coastal Area Management Act. Alternate policies
were not considered because of the fact that CAMA does not allow the implemen-
tation of alternate policies concerning the development of land in AEC's which
are inconsistent with CAMA. Implementation of these policies is accomplished
c
through state and federal regulations and the town's zoning and subdivision
ordinances.
While each AEC provides its own unique constraint to develop, an over-
riding general constraint also exists. This constraint is,the disposal of
wastes. Private septic tanks have been the only facility for disposal of sewage
within the town. While this system has functioned well to date, the sandy soils
will not be able to accommodate full development of the town base on septic tank
sewage disposal. If this happens, water quality in Bogue Sound will be greatly
affected. At some time in the future, it will be necessary to install a sewage
system and treatment facility in order to protect Bogue Sound. An, alternative
is to stop development within the town. It is unlikely that neither the town
officials or state officials will obtain sufficient legal or political strength
to stop development within the town. Therefore, in order to protect Bogue Sound
and to accommodate futuredevelopment which will occur, it is the town's policy
to continue to work toward the development of a sewage collection and treatment
facility. There are no other constraints to development within Emerald Isle.
It is hoped that the existing 201 plan for Emerald Isle, Cape Carteret and
Swansboro will implement this desire.
'L
There is another important resource protection issue within the Town of
Emerald Isle; the maritime forest. This desire has been implemented by the
adoption of a dunes and vegetation ordinance. This ordinance requires that
forty-five percent of land within each development remain in its natural
55

J
•
state. Alternate percentages of reserved natural areas were discussed,
however, forty-five percent seemed most reasonable. The purpose of this
ordinance is to maintain a portion of the existing maritime forest, dunes
and open space within each development.
The town also has a hurricane and flood evacuation plan. Decals are
issued -to all persons owning property in the town. These decals are placed on
the person's automobile. Before a hurricane, persons are evacuated via the
Cameron Langestone Bridge. To prevent looting after the storm, police prevent
the return of any automobile without a decal. Shelter is made available on the
mainland in public schools by Civil Defense. The plan was developed by Civil
Defense and because the bridge is the only route available, no alternate routes
or plans were considered. This plan is implemented jointly by the town police:
and Cartaret County Civil Defense officials.
It is possible that archeological sites may be discovered within the
town. It is the town's policy to notify the state of any potential "finds"
so that a detail survey may be made.
56

RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES
Agriculture, forestry and mining resource production and management
policies are not issues because these activities do not occur within the
town. Because of the nature of the geography of the area, these activities
will not occur in the future. Fisheries and recreational resources are of
interest to the area.
Recreation is the reason the town exists. Its superb ocean beaches -
and beautiful sound combined with its easy access to the mainland provide
recreational benefits to both day visitors and town residents. It is the
town's policy to continue to encourage use of this recreational resource.
Because tourism is so important to the local economy, the alternative of
discourageing uses of this recreational resource is considered inappropriate.
This policy has been implemented by the printing of a town brochure, earlier
town efforts of obtaining a ferry connection and later a bridge, local pro-
motions by local businessmen and a continuing effort by the town to reach a
reasonable solution to the issue of public parking. The town supports the
protection of this valuable recreational resource.
Sports and recreational fishing is consistent with the recreational
resources of the town. Fisheries tend to be inconsistent to the recreational
economy. Because of odors associated with fisheries and the exploitation
of sport fishing waters, fisheries do not fit well in the local economy.
For this reason, the town does not encourage the development of a local
fishery. Furthermore, only one small harbor exists within the town. All
available space within this harbor is utilized for recreational boating.
As.an alternate to this policy, the town supports the development of
fisheries at other locations in Onslow and Cartaret Counties. Waters
adjacent to Emerald Isle must be protected for the benefit of recreational
resources.
r,
57

9
J
It is the town policy of discouraging off -road vehicles from its
dune system. In fact, local ordinances have been adopted prohibiting
off -road vehicles from its dune system. Vehicles on the beach are allowed
during the winter and spring seasons but prohibited from Memorial Day
through Labor Day. This policy has been in effect for approximately four
years. Many alternatives were considered before this policy was formulated.
The policy is being implemented through an ordinance and enforced by the police
department.
Another policy under consideration in this plan was the goals and
objectives for future development that were listed in the 1975 CAMA Land
Use Plan. Those are:
To continue to encourage the development of a good, clean
family beach.
To continue efforts to maintain high standards for both
residential and commercial areas.
To encourage the development of public facilities for beach
access areas.
To insure that the town's population does not exceed the
capacity of natural resources and supporting public facilities.
Tocontinue efforts to construct a public sewage treatment
system for the Bogue Sound area.
To improve the quality of town streets.
To continue to follow the town Land Development Guide.
Based on the results of.the questionnaire and town desires'for future
development, these goals and objectives were reaffirmed.
58

ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
According to the town's Land Development Guide, industrial development
is to be discouraged. The town's primary reason for existence is recreation,
and industrial development is in conflict with the resort nature of this area.
The town supports industrial development at appropriate locations in Carteret
and Onslow Counties. Ar
The town is committed to providing service to future development. With
substantial vacant land within the town, the town supports service to these
areas by the public utilities that serve the area. The town provides street
lighting, police protection and garbage collection. Alternate service being
considered presently are fee collection of garbage and street light location
evaluation.
In 1974 the town adopted its Land Development Guide. The main part of
that plan is a policy statement: "High intensity development should be located
near the bridge. As the distance from the bridge increases, the intensity of
development should decrease." This policy is still in effect. Within the ques-
tionnaire, which was a part of the citizens participation update, eighty percent
of the returns believed that this policy should remain in effect. The policy
has been needed as a guide for rezoning property. Its major benefit is the
prevention of strip commercial development along Emerald Drive and the ocean
through the entire length of the town. This policy has protected the integrity
of the residential areas. An alternate to this plan, which was considered, is
to allow the expansion of the existing commercial areas near each of the fishing
piers. This alternative appeared reasonable and has been accepted by the Town
c
Board. The types of land uses most appropriate for the town are recreational,
commercial and residential.
Because Emerald Isle is a new town, there are no areas of consideration
for redevelopment.
59

S
Emerald Isle is interested in greater participation in federal and state
programs. The major problem in this participation is that so few state and
federal programs exist which will benefit the town.
The town is also interested in beach nourishment and channel maintenance.
Past efforts of the town have dealt with such issues as trying to curb erosion
at the point and encouraging the U. S. Army. Corps of Engineers to cut.a new,
better defined, channel through Bogue Inlet. Efforts to stop erosion and
support beach nourishment is continuing. It is the town's policy to continue
to support channel maintenance and beach nourishment. An alternate policy of
no action on this issue was abandoned several years ago.
The town does not support the location of a petroleum energy facility
within the town. This policy is consistent with its desire not to develop
areas of the town for industrial facilities. An alternate to this policy
would be in conflict with its recreational economy.
Promotion of tourism is the town's major economy. While many tourists
are day visitors, most rent cottages, mobile homes and camp sites. Beach
access has been a continual issue within the town., Almost 200 beach accesses
exist. Within residential areas, public parking is discouraged. For the
past several years, the town has continued its efforts to locate additional
parking areas within or adjacent to commercial areas. The 1981 questionnaire
returns indicate support for providing public parking. An alternative to this
policy is to provide public parking throughout the town, even in residential
areas. Implementation of th.e policy to provide waterfront access is by the
subdivision ordinance. Every subdivision must provide dedicated accesses at a
minimum of 550 feet along the ocean or sound. This access cannot be blocked to
prevent passage.
Continuing public participation policies encouraged joint meetings of the
Planning Board or Town Board in the development of this plan. All meetings

of the Planning Board concerning this update are open meetings with the
public allowed to speak freely. Six hundred and eight questionnaires were
mailed to all residents within the town, and meetings were held with local
civic organizations.
7
Public education on planning issues will continue by providing several r
copies of this document at the town hall for public use and continual.
decision of important issues at public meetings of the Planning Board and
Town Board.
61

LAND CLASSIFICATION
The Land Use Plan is made up of several important elements. These are:
(1) the development objectives of the Town of Emerald Isle, (2) the planning
guidelines of the Coastal Resources Commission, and (3) spatial distributions
of various existing land uses of the town.
Is The Coastal Area Management Act requires that lands within the juris-
diction of a local government be classified as Developed, Transition,
Community, Rural and Conservation. Within the town, there are two classes
of land, Conservation and Transition. The definitions of each of these are
as follows:
Conservation --Lands which provide for effective long-term management
of significant or irreplaceable resources. These areas may have natural,
cultural, recreational, productive or scenic values. Required by the
Coastal Resource Commission to be included in the conservation classifi-
cation are "major wetlands; essentially undeveloped shorelands that are
unique, fragile, or hazardous for development; necessary wildlife habitat
or areas that have a high probability for providing necessary habitat
conditions; publicly owned water supply watersheds and aquifers; and
forest lands that are undeveloped and will remain undeveloped for
commercial purposes."
Within the town of Emerald Isle major wetlands, high hazard flood areas,
ocean erodible areas and the Bogue Inlet hazard area are designated. as con-
servation.
Transition ---Lands where the local government plans to provide for
future intensive urban development within the ensuing ten years
" that are most suitable'and that will be scheduled for provision
of necessary public utilities and services. The transition lands
provide for additional growth when additional lands in the developed
class are not available or when they are severely limited for development.
63

Lands to be classified transition may include: (1) lands currently
having urban services, and (2) other lands necessary to accommodate the
urban population and economic growth anticipated within the planning
jurisdiction over the ensuing ten year period.
Lands classified Transition to help meet the demand for development, ,
anticipated population, and economic growth must: (1) be served or be
readily served by public water, sewer, and other urban services including
public streets, and (2) be generally free of severe physical limitations
for urban development. In addition, the transition class should not include:
(1) lands of high potential for agriculture, forestry, or mineral extraction,
or land falling within extensive rural areas being managed commercially for
these uses, when other lands are available; (2) lands where urban development
might result in major or irreversible damage to important environmental,
scientific, or scenic values; or (3) land where urban development might
result in damage to natural systems or processes of more than local concern.
Lands where development will result in undue risk to life or property from
natural hazards (including inlet hazard areas and ocean erodible areas as
defined in 15 NCAC 7H.) or existing land uses shall 'not be classified
transition.
In determining the amount of additional transition lands necessary to
meet projected urban population and economic growth, the county or town may
utilize estimates of average future urban population density that are based
upon local land policy, existing patterns and trends of urban development k
within the county or town, and densities specified in local zoning, if any;
an estimate of additional transition class lands should be based upon a
guideline density of 2,000 persons or 500 dwellings per square mile.
64

The developed and transition classes should be the only lands under
active 'consideration by the county or municipality for intensive urban
development requiring urban services. The area within these classes is
where detailed local land use and public investment planning must occur.
1 State and federal expenditures on projects associated with urban development
(water, sewer, urban street systems, etc.) will be guided to these areas.
Large amounts of vacant land suitable for urban development within the
developed class should be taken into account when calculating the amount
of additional lands needed to accommodate projected growth. The total area
shown as transition should be equal to the land needed for proposed popula-
tion increases that cannot be accommodated in the vacant developed areas.
The designation of transition lands will be a very difficult and political,
process. Counties and municipalities with declining populations may show
some limited transition lands as an inducement for future growth. As will
be the case in all areas, however, the amount of transition lands shown
should remain within reasonable limits, taking into account any significant
amounts -of undeveloped lands within the developed class.
Within the Town of Emerald Isle, there are approximately 4.7 square
miles of land to be developed. To date, approximately 2.1 square miles are
developed.
In 1970, water service was extended to the western end of the town;
this extension made public water service available throughout the town.
e Based on utility service and current growth trends, with the exception
of the.Conservation areas, the entire town is classified as Transition.
Appropriate uses are those uses allowed by the town's zoning ordinance.
M

Developed, community and rural classification do not apply within
Emerald Isle. Development includes land with full urban service such as
public water, sewer, recreational facilities, police and fire protection.
Density of such areas is generally 500 or more dwelling units per square "
mile.
Community classifications are clusters of developments within rural
areas. These areas are generally small and do not require municipal
service.
Rural classifications are predominantly agricultural and forest
lands. Density is expected to remain extremely low.
r
W.

N
BOGi
INLE
ATLANTIC OCEAN
It � 1 � 1 I I 1 I 1 ( 1 I ( 1 ( I� ( I ) I 1 � I I I I I •I • 1 � � I I I I t i I l 1 I I I I I 1 '- 1 t I I
54 50, 45 40 35 30 25 - 20 15 10 5
TOWN BLOCKS
LEGEND
TOWN OF EMERALD ISLE
® 'TRANSITION
O 2000 4000 8000
• •�• CONSERVATION SCALE IN FEET
JUNE 1981
- NOTE- CONSERVATION ALSO EXIST ALONG LOCEAN AND SOUND FRONT.. LAND C A S S I
Fl
C AT
' O N - -
DEXT.•ER MOORE and ASSOCIATES

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROGRAM
The Town's Planning Board and Town Board has the responsibility of
directing the town's planning program. Under its direction, the Coastal
ti Area Management Act's Public Participation Program was established. The
purpose of this program has been two -fold. It has served as the key ele-
ment in goals and objectives determination and has made people aware of
the overall purpose of the Coastal Area Management Act.
Efforts were made to solicit as much participation as possible in the
Public Participation Program. In 1976 each Planning Board member and Town
Commissioner was responsible for interviewing each of the permanent year-
round residents in the town block assigned to him. Based on reports
returned to the Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman, all permanent
year-round residents were contacted. One hundred and sixty-seven ques-
tionnaires were completed via these interviews. In addition to these con-
tacts, questionnaires were mailed to all non-resident property owners.
Approximately 1,650 questionnaires were mailed. From these, 165 responses
were received, a return rate of ten percent.
In 1980, the Town Board decided to mail the questionnaire to all
the permanent year-round residents of the town. Six hundred and eight ques-
tionnaires were mailed and 138 were returned for a return rate of 23 percent.
In addition to the questionnaire, a presentation was made to the Emerald
Isle Association. Approximately twenty-five persons were in attendance
at that meeting.
I
V
A.
69

The Town of Emerald Isle
Route 1
Morehead City, N. C. 28557
Dear Resident:
The Town of Emerald Isle is in the process of updating its 1975 Coastal
Area Management Act Land Use Plan. This update is required by state
law. As a part of the updating process, the Town desires your comments
on land use issues that are important to Emerald Isle. Please take
about five minutes to answer the attached questionnaire and return it
to our Town Planner in the enclosed pre -addressed envelope or drop
your completed questionnaire off at the Town Hall.
Thank you for your interest in the Town's future. I remain,
/lwp
Enclosure
Respectfully ours,
Mayor
F1
Y.
70

Questionnaire Tabulation
Permanent Residents
March, 1981
1. Number of children living at home and ages of each.
Number of Children Aaes of Children
3
1
4
2
1
3
1
4
2
5
3
6
7
7
3
8
2
9
2
10
4
11
4
12
2
13
2
14
1
15
4
16
8
17
3
18
2. What
do you like most about Emerald Isle?
54
Family Beach
48
Quiet, peaceful
29
Friendly people
22
Natural beauty
21
Atmosphere
20
Fishing
12
Water
7
Location
4
Everything
4
Residential area
3. What
do you like least about Emerald Isle?
38
Conflicts between elected officials
16
Too many mobile homes
7,
Lack of parking along ocean or sound
7
Greedy local merchants and developers
7
Loose dogs and cats
6
Poor street maintenance
71

3. What do you like least about Emerald Isle? (continued)
6 Tourists
5 Lack of parking at point
4 Too much selfish interest
4 Vehicles on beach
4 Lack of beach access
4 Interest in personal gain by elected officials
3 Pressure on elected officials by developers
4. What does Emerald Isle need that it does not now have?
20 Another fire station
12 Town Manager
11 Day visitor parking
10 Walkramp over dunes
8 Better government
8 Community building
7 Post office
7 Sewer system
7 Public parking
7 Bank
7 ABC Store
5 Good planning and zoning
5 Vehicular access to beach
5 Stricter beach laws
4 Nothing
4 More recreation for children
4 More street lighting
4 Public bathhouse
3 Good restaurants
3 Resolve conflicts of interest by elected officials
3 More beach access
3 Enforce existing laws
3 Doctor's office and drug store
3 Beach law
5. Are you satisfied with the way Emerald Isle is developing?
Yes - 79
No - 53
If no, what should be changed?
10 Stop townhouses and condominiums
6 Need more respect for residential areas
5 No more mobile homes
4 Stricter enforcement of building code
4 Better enforcement of mobile home codes
6. Are you satisfied with the way Emerald Isle is zoned?
Yes - 83
No - 41
il
ri
72

6. (continued)
If no, what should be changed?
4 Too much RMH
4 Enforce zoning ordinance
3 Some R-2 areas should be R-1
7. Are you satisfied with the way your neighborhood is developing?
Yes - 115
No - 22
If no, what should be changed?
3 Too many rental units
8. Are you satisfied with the way your neighborhood is zoned?
Yes - 114
No - 29
If no, what should be changed?
3 Too many rental units on ocean front
9. Are there any undesirable areas in your neighborhood?
Yes - 48
No - 90
If yes, where?
3 Trash in neighborhood
3 Run down trailers and garbage can racks
3 Parking in street by day visitors
10. Would you be opposed to a condominium project next to your
property?
Yes - 100
No - 31
11. Do you believe the Town has an adequate number of shopping areas?
Yes - 105
No - 36
If no, where should additional areas be located?
8 In existing commercial areas
4 On the east end
4 N. C. 58 between bridge and Town Hall
4 Around fishing piers
73

12. Do you believe the Town has enough recreational areas?
Yes - 86
No - 51
If no, what is needed?
11 Community center
9 Public picnic areas
8 Small park for children and teenagers
4 Town park
4 Tennis courts
4 Bathhouse for public
4 Ballfield
3 Swimming pool
13. Do you believe that the Town should provide public parking
areas?
Yes - 97
No - 40
If yes, at what general location?
25 Existing commercial areas near ocean
25 Point
10 Throughout town
8 At each end
7 Bogue pier
5 Piers
5 Public accesses
3 All streets
If yes, how should each area be paid for?
48 Parking fee
15 Town taxes
8 Town taxes plus.grants
6 State grants
4 Town taxes plus small fee
3 Merchants who profit from tourists
14. Do you believe that the Town should construct a private boat
ramp?
Yes - 64
No - 68
If yes, how should the ramp be paid for?
38 User fee
15 Taxes
5 Grants plus town funds
cr
74

15.
There are approximately 150 recorded accesses to the ocean and
sound. Do you believe that these accesses should be marked in
some way so that their locations are identified?
Yes - 140
No - 28
16.
Do you believe that the Town should continue to allow vehicles
on the beach during the fall and winter season?
Yes - 66
No - 69
If no, what should be changed?
22 Restrict to official vehicles only
7 Do not allow vehicles on 'beach
5 Restrict to commercial fishing only
17.
Vehicular access to the ocean exist at the southern end of
Blackskimmer Road. Future vehicular access to the ocean has
been designated by the Town Board near Emerald Isle Pier and
at the western end of Inlet Drive at the point. Do you believe
that the vehicular access near the pier should be constructed?
Yes - 78
No - 66
Do you believe the access at the point should be constructed?
Yes - 68
No - 66
.18.
Do you believe that there are any Town services needed which
are not now provided?
41
Yes 48
No - 73
If yes, what services are needed?
9 Another fire station
5 Clean up crews for streets and beach
4 More beach patrol
4 Sewer service
3 Spraying for mosquitoes
3 Street lights
3 Post office
If yes, how should these services be paid for?
20 Taxes
75

19. Do you know of any changes which should be made in the Town's
development regulations?
Yes - 71
No 60
If yes, what changes are needed?
8 Do not allow condominiums
5 Protect dunes
4 Tighten up regulations and enforcement
4 Do not allow mobile homes
3 Require underground power lines
20. The Town has adopted a Land Development Policy which will en-
courage a greater concentration bf commercial development
and higher density residential development near the bridge
than at the east and west ends of the Town. Such a policy will
group these higher intensity land use and higher traffic counts
in the bridge area and not spread these type of uses throughout
low density residential areas within the Town. Do you believe
that such a Development Policy is appropriate for Emerald Isle?
Yes 108
No - 26
If no, how should the policy be changed?
4 Island cannot handle high density without sewer service
.3 Current policy will cause traffic congestion near bridge
21. Do you believe that the Town should continue its efforts to
establish a beach erosion control program?
Yes - 85
No - 52
If yes, how should the Town's part of this cost be financed?
18 State and federal grants
18 Town taxes
3 Sales tax
3 County tax
(/.
22. The Coastal Area Management Act requires property to be deve-
loped in a manner which will require that consideration be ,
given to environmental issues. Do you believe the Coastal
Area Management Act will benefit the Town?
Yes - 118
No - , 14
W
76

23. Are there any comments or concerns you would like to express
concerning the development of, or services provided by the
Town?
~s Like to see a Post Office. (3)
Strict building and developing codes and enforced. (5)
T Town is well run. (3)
.6
Would like for the City to have people clean up their
yards. (2)
City to keep weeds cut from corner of streets. (3)
Vehicle accesses are badly needed to prevent vehicles from
going over dunes to get off the beach. Would like to see
this project begun instead of all the argument! (2)
Should not have to pay a fee for garbage to be picked up.
Fee should be in Town taxes. (3)
Need parking on sound. (2)
Build a better sense of community spirit and love for God
and country.
Hold down taxes. (3)
Mobile homes confined to one area and others phased out.
Some at end of Sound Drive are dumps. (2)
A better method of evaluating and implementing public input
must be found.
The continued irresponsibility of most town commissioners casts
doubt on whether or not our tax money is being used for
the benefit of the taxpayers. (2)
Some people in the town would like to have this area look
like Atlantic, Myrtle Beach - God forbid. (3)
Continue to enforce "no parking" on Ocean Drive. .(2)
Believe we should strive to get more return from our County
taxes such as garbage collection, maintaining roads and
insect control. (2)
The streets of Emerald Isle are rapidly deteriorating. (2)
The quiet, beautiful Emerald Isle seems to be disappearing. (2)
Poor planning of land use and commercialization. (2)
77

23. Comments and concerns (continued)
Have Town Commissioners who are seriously trying to keep
our cost and taxes down.
Garbage service should be paid for by the people using
the service or discontinued.
Would be nice to have year -around recreation.
Could have garbage picked up once a week and reduce the fee.
Need to do something to keep tourists interested.
Mark and signify definite walk -ways to the beach.
Public parking areas will have to be provided, this must
be a county or state responsibility, not town.
Believe a survey like this is a step in the right direction.
Thanks for the chance to have a little input.
For the taxes collected, the services provided are minimum.
Am willing to reduce the Town's budget and provide only
bare minimum fire, police, maintenance, and garbage service.
Only fire protection reduces our insurance costs. All other
Town services increase our taxes.
Too much of our money goes to support the police department.
Ten (10) police vehicles, 8 patrol men and chief are excessive
for a Town this size. (12)
Cannot understand why back taxes cannot be collected. This
is a large source of revenue that action should be taken on.
Would like to see parking at the point more than anything.
Can't go down to hunt shells or nothing, and I live here.
Open up the Point for everybody. (3) .
A fee should be charged for the tennis courts. Mostly
rentors use them. Why should property owners be taxed for
this? . (2)
Get out of the garbage business; use the rules and regula-
tions; get a manager and protect our beach and dunes.
Concerned about eroded beach - should keep drivers off and
should have kept Sheriff - was doing an excellent job.
Keep Town services at their present levels. Abandon plans
for a public sewage treatment. Taxes increase greatly.
Hold developers responsible of the developments they
made,. especially the streets.
I5
m

23. Comments and concerns (continued)
Hope we will mature to a point where conflicting personal
and commercial interest can be kept out of town government.
,1 Streets - potholes need attention. (3)
Enforce our laws and ordinances. (3)
T Do not put any more commercial near bridge. (3)
Do not zone for any more mobile home parks. (2)
Taxes are,too high. Inflation hurts. Government is too
big. We need to do the small things well. The conflict
between development and town government is inherent within
a Town Board comprised of developers.
Established local laws be fully implemented as written.
The streets should continue to be marked numerically, 1st,
2nd, etc.., all the way to the point.
Yye would like to see Emerald Isle continue to develop as a
residential community that strives to protect and maintain
the beauty of its environment. (3)
Items for residents should have priority over those for
visitors. (2)
Would like to see the one ramp constructed by the Emerald
Isle Association with money from vehicle beach permits and be
maintained by the Town.
In a town populated predominantly by retirees, there is a
wealth of talent lying dormant. The Town should attempt to
tap this resource for planning and execution of Town business.
on a part-time basis, the Town could have a million dollar
staff with unlimited experience available for nothing.
Town has the potential to become an attractive, pleasant,
desirable place to live rather than a joke in the Carteret
News. Will take better Board and dedication on the part
of all citizens.
Better written Zoning and Building Codes and enforced.
Too much petty bickering and fighting among our Town officials.
Embarrassing to residents and bad publicity. Help the Town
instead of fighting.
Cut taxes.
Police spend too much time sitting along.Highway 58, and not
on patrol.
79

23. Comments and Concerns (continued)
Too many police cars and trucks,could use compact cars.
Get out of street light business.
r
Don't get much for tax dollar.
House insurance out of reason, could pay fire tax and get Ir
a rated Department a lot cheaper.
Enforce ordinance to clean up around garbage racks.
Y
,y,
M.

IX. EMERALD ISLE, INDIAN BEACH AND
CARTERET COUNTY PLAN RELATIONSHIP
81

The Emerald Isle Land Use Plan is but a small part of the Carteret
County Land Use Plan. Communication has been maintained with Carteret
1
County in order to ensure conformity with the County Plan. The only
n; other land area within Carteret County adjacent to Emerald Isle is the
Town of Indian Beach. That area is classified as Transition. Emerald
Isle is also classified as Transition.
s
PROCEDURE USED IN THE DEVELOPMENT
OF THE LAND USE PLAN
The Coastal Area Management Act's land use planning program has
not created new planning data. All of the data used in this plan was
obtained from existing sources. These sources include the following:
Coastal Resources Commission
Planning Guidelines
Regulations
Town of Emerald Isle
Public participation program
Building permit records
Town Board and Planning Board
Land. Development Policy
Local Codes and Ordinances
EPA 201 plan
Carteret County
Planning Department
State of North Carolina
NRCD-Division of Community Assistance
Department'of Administration
U. S. Government
U.S.D.A. - Soil Conservation Service
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Federal Insurance Administration
Bureau of Census
82

The manner'in which the data was assembled was as required in the
"General Applicable Standards of Review for Land Use Plans and Synopsis",
as required by the Coastal Resources Commission for the 1976 preparation
of this plan and subsequently amended in April, 1979; September, 1979; f
and May, 1980. Those standards require that before a Land Use Plan can
fr
be prepared, a determination of existing conditions must be made. This
was the first step in preparing the Emerald Isle plan. Planning standards
from the Coastal Resources,Commission were reviewed to determine the
purpose of the proposed Land Use Plan. The next step was to organize a
public participation program in order to determine citizens' views concerning
future development within Emerald Isle. While the public participation
program was being organized by town officials, technical planning data was
collected,regarding existing development. Flood hazard areas, wetlands,
and.soil conditions were mapped. The distribution of these areas -in-
dicated which areas are developable and which are not. Local development.
codes and ordinances were also evaluated.
The planning data collected for uses in this plan was presented to
the public in the public participation program, to the Planning Board, and
Town Board of Commissioners at meetings in which the Land Use Plan was
discussed. Through a discussion of the planning data, town officials were
given an -insight -as to the effect that the data has on land use decisions
and.the Land Use Plan's development.
The guidelines for the 1980 update were'not as explicit as the.1976.
i
guidelines. The same type of data was collected; however, the format was
revised.
I
83

1 Ur
N
u.
RESIDENTIAL
uc
COMMERCIAL
u$
TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATION AND UTILITIES
®
INSTITUTIONAL
C�
UNDEVELOPED
WATER
WETLANDS
W
U►
II 1 I I I 1 I 1 ( 1 1 1 1 ! 1 1 1 1 ! I 1 1 1 I 1 t 1 1 I I I 1 1 I 1 1 1 I 1 I 1 1 1 I 1 1 I 1 1 1 I 1 I
54 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 1
TOW N BLOCKS
EXISTING LAND
LAND USE CONDITIONS
Residential development accounts for the predominant
land use within the town. Cottages, both single units and duplex
units, are scattered throughout the town. Mobile homes are the
most popular dwelling units near the old ferry landing. Four
small commercial areas serve both the residents and day
visitors. Currently there are approximately 2,400 vacant lots on
record within Emerald Isle. In the past, commercial develop-
ment has interlaced with residential development. To solve this
problem, the 1974 Planning and Zoning Commission realized
the need to develop a Land Development Policy to be used as a
guide in considering requests for re -zoning. Without a develop-
ment policy, the Commission was concerned that high intensity
commercial development would be scattered throughout the
town, thus affecting the family beach concept. After studying
this problem for almost a year, the following Land Development
Policy was recommended to and adopted by the Town Board of
Commissioners on February 8, 1975. The following is a key
statement of that policy:
N
BOG
INLE
Higher intensity development should be located near the
bridge. As the distance from the bridge increases, the in-
tensity should decrease.
In summary, the development policy will benefit the town in
the following ways:
1. More efficient use of the town's road system.
2. Cost reduction in the installation of a sewage collection
system.
3. Higher intensity development in the most stable area.
4. Reduction of high volumes of traffic through low density
areas.
5. Improved quality of residential areas.
This policy will be the basis for future land use trends in
Emerald Isle. Over eighty-six percent of the people who par-
ticipated in the public participation program supported the
Town's Land Development Policy.
USE
TOWN OF EMERALD ISLE
0 2000 4000 6000
SCALE IN FEET
MAY 1676
LAND CLASSIFICATION
The Coastal Resources Commission requires that all land
within the twenty coastal counties be divided into one of the
five classifications: developed, transition, community, rural, or
conservation. Emerald Isle has land which falls into two of these
classifications —transition and conservation.
Transition —Land where local government plans to accom-
modate moderate to high density development during the fol-
lowing ten year period and where necessary public services will
be provided to accommodate that growth.
DEXTER MOORE and ASSOCIATES
Conservation —Fragile, hazard and other lands necessary to
maintain a healthy, natural environment and to provide for the
public health, safety, or welfare. These areas are shown on the
Land Classification map.
The only land area adjacent to Emerald Isle is the Town of
Indian Beach. Indian Beach is classified as transition. Carteret
County waters adjacent to Emerald Isle are classified as con-
servation.
II I 1 I. 1 1 1 I I 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 ( 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 ( 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 1
54 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 1
TOWN BLOCKS
LEGEND
® TRANSITION
7 7, CONSERVATION
LAND CLASSIFICATION
TOWN OF EMERALD ISLE
0 2000 4000 6000
SCALE IN FEET
MAY 1976
DEXTER MOORE and ASSOCIATES
V.
1976
This report was financed in part by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, the Coastal Plains Regional Commission, and the State of North
Carolina; and meets the requirements of the North Carolina Coastal Area
Mangement Act of 1974.

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Land Use Objectives, Policies and Standards
The overall concern of the town and citizens is that Emerald
Emerald Isle's public participation program was developed by
Isle be a place for families to enjoy. This desire is evident
the Town's Planning and Zoning Commission. A questionnaire
throughout the town and was expressed as the most desirable
was prepared and distributed to the year-round residents
element in the town's public participation program. A part of
through a door-to-door campaign by both the Town Board of
this desire is to maintain high standards in the development of
Commissioners and the Planning and Zoning Commissioners.
residential and commercial areas.
Non-resident property owners were mailed a questionnaire. The
Beach access was also a major concern expressed in the public
major development issues expressed by the public participation
participation program. There is a conflict between day visitors
program are as follows:
and private property owners at Emerald Isle over the day visitors
crossing private property to get to the public beach. If beach
YEAR-ROUND RESIDENTS
- access areas are provided, it is hoped that the conflict can be
reduced.
177 Responses
The objective of insuring that the town's growth does not
exceed the supporting public facilities is a key element in the
% of Total Responses
Plan's overall purpose of protecting natural resources. If
growth should exceed the ability of the town to support that -
Liked most about Emerald Isle 57% Quiet family area
growth, serious damage to Bogue Sound can occur. Because of
Liked least about Emerald Isle 16% Roads
this concern, town officials believe it will be necessary to install
15% Mobile homes -
a public sewage treatment system to prevent seepage from
Most needed at Emerald Isle 12% Better roads -
septic tanks into the waters of Bogue Sound. The Town's Land
11% Public parking
Development Policy will be discussed below.
Desired fully developed peak -
population 7,200 Average
Satisfied with Emerald Isle Dev. 52% Yes
Satisfied with Emerald Isle zoning 65% Yes
Satisfied with Emerald Isle
neighborhood development 85% Yes
Satisfied with Emerald Isle
neighborhood zoning 89% Yes
Adequate number of shopping areas 73% Yes
Adequate number of recreation areas 60% Yes
DEVELOPMENT LIMITATIONS
Public parking areas needed 63% Yes
Public beach access needed 67% Yes
In the development of property on the Outer Banks, the most
Agree with Town Land Development
important factor to be considered is the capability of the land to
policy 87% Yes
support whatever growth is desired. Two key elements are water
supply and sewage disposal.
NON-RESIDENT PROPERTY OWNERS
The Bogue Banks Water Association serves Emerald Isle,
Indian Beach, and Salter Path. The total customers served as of
165 Responses
October 15, 1975, was 905. One of the wells is located in the
eastern end of the town. The other is located at the Town Hall,
% of Total Responses
near the center of the town. Each of these wells pumps from the
Castle Hayne aquifer.
Liked most about Emerald Isle 37% Quiet family area
The Association is currently reviewing plans to add an
Liked least about Emerald Isle 23% Mobile homes
additional water tower. The organization has indicated that
13% Litter
they have sufficient reserve capacity within the aquifer to serve
Most needed at Emerald Isle- 18% Better roads
growth as it -increases on Bogue Banks -.-This reserve capacity,
Desired fully -developed peak
however, has not been fully surveyed. The water system is
population 5,880 Average
financed by uses based on gallons of water used. The cost of
Satisfied with Emerald Isle Dev. 57% Yes
enlarging the system will be paid for by future uses. Sewage
Satisfied with Emerald Isle zoning 69% Yes
disposal in western Bogue Banks is provided by privately owned
Satisfied with Emerald Isle
individual septic tanks. The chief limiting factors for this type of
neighborhood development 83% Yes
treatment are land area and soil conditions. The private systems
Satisfied with Emerald Isle
operate fairly efficiently when they are not crowded and when
neighborhood zoning 90% Yes
they are located in soil which allows good percolation. When
Adequate number of shopping areas 65% Yes
too many of these systems are placed on too small an area,
Adequate number of recreation areas 51% Yes
serious health problems occur. In most areas within the town,
Public parking areas needed - 58% Yes
soil conditions are suited for efficient septic operation. AI -
Public beach access needed 64% Yes
though septic tanks will operate almost maintenance free in
Agree with Town Land Development
these sandy soils, the movement of water through these soils
policy 86% Yes
can cause seepage from these tanks into the adjacent coastal
waters. To date, no evidence has been found which would _
indicate that seepage into western Bogue Sound is occurring.
Based upon the tabulation of the returned questionnaires and
Current North Carolina health regulations will permit almost
- experience in dealing with development problems within the
7,000 septic tanks within the town. If the town continues to rely
town during the past decade, the following development issues
on septic tanks installed at current state regulations, the life -
were evident:
supporting qualities of western Bogue Sound could be destroy-
-The desire to maintain the quiet family beach atmosphere.
ed. For this reason, the town cannot depend on septic tanks for
—The desire to have a better road system for the town.
extended growth. Current town zoning will allow over 70,000
—The desire to improve the quality of the mobile home areas.
people.
—The desire to designate public parking areas.
A solution to the sewage disposal problem can be found in
—The desire to develop the town in accordance with the
the Environmental Protection Agency 201 Sewer Facility Plan
adopted Land Development Policy.
(EPA 201) for Swansboro, Cape Carteret, and Emerald Isle.
Under this plan, a sewage collection system would be installed
From these development issues, the town adopted the following
within the town. Sewage collected from this system would be
Objectives:
pumped to a treatment plant on the mainland. The treated
—To continue to encourage the development of a good,
discharge from this plan would be spray irrigated over 400 to 600
clean family beach.
acres of woodlands north of Cape Carteret. This system can be
—To continue efforts to maintain high standards for both
in operation by 1980 provided a cooperative arrangement
residential and commercial areas.
between Emerald Isle and Cape Carteret is worked out. If the
—To improve the quality of town streets.
citizens of western Bogue Banks elect to install a treatment
—To encourage the development of public facilities for
facility, the estimated cost is expected to be approximately $10
beach access areas.
per month per user. This monthly rate is subject to refinement
—To insure that the town's population does not exceed the
by the Metropolitan Water District which is currently being
capacity of natural resources and supporting public facili-
formed by Carteret County.
ties.
The most cost-effective alternative within the EPA 201 plan is
—To continue efforts to construct a public sewage treatment
to install a treatment plant at Emerald Isle and to release the
system for the Bogue Sound area.
treated waste into the ocean through an underwater pipe three
—To continue to follow the Town Land and Development
quarters of a mile offshore. Although ocean discharge is allowed
Policy.
in other states, North Carolina does not currently permit such a
discharge.
SUMMARY --
ESTIMATED FUTURE POPULATION
Demographers find it extremely difficult to project the future
population for areas as new and as small as Emerald Isle. The
problem is further complicated by a summer peak population of
unknown complexity. A suffusion of day visitors, which varies
from day to day, also affect summer peak population.
The population at Emerald Isle can be divided into three
groups, each with its own unique demand for services. These
are (1) year-round residents, (2) summer residents, and (3) day
visitors. The number of year-round residents can be determined
with reasonable accuracy using census data and voter registra-
tion rolls. The summer residents can be determined less ac-
curately by a housing unit count. A long-term traffic survey is
necessary to determine the day -visitor rate.
Year -Round Residents
1975-2025
1975 1980 1985 2000 2025
320-400 476-595 528-660 792-990 1,232-1540
Peak Summer Population
1975-2025
1975 1980 1985 2000 2025
5,000-5,600 8,260-8,472 10,144-11,272 17,213-19,672 25,254-33,672
Day visitors were not projected because of the lack of data.
DESIRED FUTURE POPULATION
Through the public participation program, the year-round
residents indicated that an average desired, fully developed
population for the town would be 7,200 people. Based on
undeveloped land within the town and current land usage rate,
such a maximum population would require the preservation as
open space of at least 1,500 acres.
The above data leaves the town's governing body with three
alternatives for selecting a desired full developed population.
The first alternative is to make no decision regarding growth and
allow the population to grow as the economy will permit. Under
this alternative, the population is expected to reach 25,254-
33,672 by the year 2025. A sewage treatment plant will be
necessary. It may also be necessary to collect and filter runoff
prior to its release in the adjacent coastal waters.
The seond alternative would be to limit the growth base to the
7,000 desired, fully -developed population as determined by the
public participation program. This alternative cannot be select-
ed because the town has approximately 2,400 vacant lots
already subdivided. Adding 4.0 persons per vacant lot to the
current summer population, the peak summer population will
be approximately 15,200 people within present recorded sub-
divisions.
The third alternative would be to select a desired fully
developed population at some figure between alternative one
and alternative two. This alternative recognizes that while it
might be desirable to select alternative two, the number of
vacant lots within the town makes such a selection impossible.
Alternative one is so far out of line with public desires that it
appears unreasonable. Alternative one is a "Let's not do any-
thing approach" for dealing with the problems of insuring an
orderly balance of use and preservtion of Emerald Isle and
adjacent water resources.
In establishing a desired population, sewage treatment ca-
pacity is also a major consideratin. Because the town currently
depends on septic tanks, efforts were made to determine how
many septic tanks could be installed without polluting adjacent
coastal waters. Scientific data relating to the land area neces-
sary for septic tanks on Bogue Banks has not yet been de-
veloped. Desired future population must be selected low
enough to assure that the number of septic tanks to be in-
stalled will not exceed the ability of the soil to safely absorb the
discharge without seepage into the adjacent coastal waters.
The governing body decided that alternative three was the
best selection. The desired fully developed population was set
at 17,000 persons. Such a selection gives the town time to
develop equitable techniques for preservation of open space,
while at the same time it allows a comparison of this population
against the maximum number of septic tanks which can safely
be installed. This information will be developed by scientific
research in the near future regarding a central sewage treatment
facility.
Peak Summer Population
1975 1980 1985 2025 2025
5,000-5,600 8,260-8,472 10,144-11,272 17,000 17,000
POTENTIAL AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN
The Town of Emerald Isle has five environmentally sen-
sitive areas. These areas are fragile and safeguards are being
developed to protect these areas from damage by overdevel-
opment. In Emerald Isle, the fragile areas are the Ocean
Beaches, the Sand Dunes, the Excessive Erosion areas, the
Coastal Floodplains, and the Low Tidal Marshlands.
The Ocean Beaches and Sand Dune areas extend the entire
lenght of the town. The area is approximately 200 feet wide and
11'/4 miles long. Directly adjacent to this area are residential
and commercial areas. Although some commercial develop-
ments, such as fishing piers, are appropriate in this area, the
major appropriate use is open space recreation. The dune
system provides protection to adjacent property during storms.
Land uses within the dune system must be limited to those
which will not damage the dunes.
The Excessive Erosion area is located at the western end of the
town adjacent to Bogue Inlet. History has shown that Bogue
Inlet has moved east and west across in an area between
Emerald Isle and Bear Island. The migration area is approxi-
mately one mile wide.
In 1938, the channel was located at the extreme western edge
of the area, adjacent to Bear Island. By 1953, it had moved
eastward approximately 3,000 feet to the center of the migration
area. At that time, the point extended 3,000 feet west of the
Coast Guard Station. The narrow portion of the land west of the
Station was over 800 feet wide. By 1971, 500 feet of the point
was reclaimed by the inlet. The land mass width had been
reduced to less than 600 feet in width. Since that time, Bogue
Inlet has moved eastward, reclaiming over 1,100 feet of land.
Presently it is as far east as it has been in the past 100 years.
Land adjacent to the point is being used for residential pur-
poses. Several of these structures may be located in the Ex-
cessive Erosion area. Appropriate uses for Excessive Erosion
areas are open space, recreational, and temporary parking.
A small portion of the town is within the Coastal Floodplains.
A flood report has been prepared by the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers. In that report, 100-year flood protection elevations
have been established. All land along the ocean below an
elevation of eleven feet is within the Flood Hazard area.
Development is appropriate within this area provided it is
protected from flood damage by flood proofing or elevation.
The Town of Emerald Isle has extensive low tidal marshlands.
A large portion of the town's sound frontage is lined with salt
marsh. The areas provide a key link in the life supporting
capabilities of the coastal waters. The dominant plant species
within the area are Salt Water Cordgrass, Black Needlerush,
Glasswort, Salt Grass, Sea Lavender, Salt Meadow Grass, and
Salt Reed Grass. Appropriate land uses within these areas may
include utility easements, fishing piers, docks, and others not
involving excavation or fill.