Land Use Plan Update-1980

1
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1980 DCM COPY
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Division of Coastal Management
LAND
USE
PLAN
UPDATE
HOLDEN BEACH
NORTH CAROLINA

The preparation of this report was financed in part through a grant
provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through
funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as
amended, which is administered by the Office of Coastal Zone
Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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TOWN OF HOLDEN BEACH'
s _
Board of Commissioners
John H. Tandy, Mayor
James Mulholland
John Clarke
Lyndon Holden
Roger Morton
Spiro Poulos
Planning Board
J. Fred Parker, Chairman
John Brammer
Rose Smith
Alan Holden
Alternates:
Melvin Amos
Hugh Dutton
Virginia Craig
Town Administrator
Bill Faver

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION .
I
PART I: DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
A. COMMUNITY PROFILE
1. Population Report
6
2. Housing Report
8
_ 3. Economic Report
9
B. LAND USE SURVEY AND ANALYSIS
1. Existing Land Use
12
2. Development Trends
17
C. CURRENT LAND USE REGULATIONS
-- 1. Holden Beach Local Land Use Controls
20
2. State and Federal Controls
21
D. ASSESSMENT OF PAST PLAN
28
1. Housing Problems
30
2. Facilities
32
3. Recreation,
33
- 4. Land Development
34
5. Transportation ,
35
6. Resource Production and Management
11
_ 7. Specific Uses
38
PART II. CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT
_ A. LAND SUITABILITY
41
I. Soil Suitability Analysis
42
2. Septic Tank Problem Areas
46
3. Fragile Areas
48
B.. COMMUNITY CAPACITY
1. Existing and Proposed Services
51
_ 2. Population Projections
56
3. Estimated Demand
60
PART III. POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION
- A: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
66
B. POLICY STATEMENTS
- 1. Resource Protection
74
2. Physical Constraints to Development
79
3. Resource Protection and Management
80
4. Provisions of Services to Development
82
C. POLICY IMPLEMENTATION .87
PART IV. LAND CLASSIFICATION
A. PURPOSE . . . . .• 94
B. RELATIONSHIP OF LAND CLASSIFICATION TO
'� POLICY STATEMENTS 95

Ir
_ INTRODUCTION
The Coastal Area Management Act
` "In recent years the coastal area has been subjected to in-
creasing pressures which are the result of the often conflicting
needs of a society expanding in industrial development, in pop-
ulation, and in the recreational aspirations of its citizens.
Unless these pressures are controlled by coordinated management,
the very features of the coast which make it economically,
esthetically, and ecologically, rich will be destroyed." *
In 1974, the North Carolina General Assembly passed the Coastal
Area Management Act (CAMA) in an effort to effectively manage the
development of twenty coastal counties. The Act notes that, "among
North Carolina's most valuable resources are its coastal lands and
waters. The coastal area, and in particular the estuaries, are
among the most biologically productive regions of the state and
of the nation. Coastal and estuarine waters and marshlands pro-
vide almost 90 percent of the most productive sport fisheries on
the east coast of the United States. North Carolina's coastal
area has an extremely high recreational and esthetic value which
should be preserved and enhanced."*
Adoption of the CAMA empowered local governments in the twenty
North Carolina coastal counties to exercise control over their
future. The Act designs a state local cooperative program in
which local governments shall have the initiative for planning
by preparing a blueprint for their future growth and development
and the State government shall establish Areas of Environmental
Concern where lands are environmentally sensitive to the prospect
of development. With regard to planning, State government shall
have -an advisory role, setting guidelines and standards, and a
.reviewer's role, evaluating the local land use plans. In addition,
the State makes grants to finance local planning and works jointly
-' with local governments to enforce the adopted plans.
The CAMA permit process began March 1, 1978 throughout the
entire coastal area of North Carolina. After this date`, any
development in an Area of Environmental Concern requires a permit.
The permitting process is divided into 2 classes; major permits
for large scale developments, and minor permits -for -houses and
other small structures. The major permitting process is administered
by the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community
Development. 'The minor permitting process is administered locally
by the Holden Beach Building Inspector.
The entire CAMA planning process has been oriented towards
citizen participation and has continually provided mechanisms
for citizen input into the preparation of the land use plan.
M The primary input has taken the form of future growth policies
and identification of existing problems and issues and desired
future services. During the local planning process, efforts
must be made -to secure this public participation.
" * G.S. 113A-102
1

The -land use plans which are prepared by local governments
in the coastal area are distributed widely and have many uses.
Among the users of the plans are local governments, regional
councils of government, state and federal permitting agencies
and private funding and development groups.
Local Government Uses - Counties and municipalities may
use the local land use p ans in their day to day business and
in planning for the future. Often times, the land use plan
provides guidance in local policy decisions relating to over-
all community development. The plans also provide the basis
for development regulations a-nd capital facility planning and
budgeting. By delineating how the community wishes to grow,
the land use plans help to assure the best use of tax dollars
as public utilities can be extended to the best areas for growth.
Regional Uses - The regional councils of governments or
planning and de ve opment commissions use the local land use
plans as the basis for.their regional plans in their function
as regional chearinghouse for state and federal funding programs.
The local plans can indicate to these regional decision makers
what types of development the local community feels are impor-
tant and where the development should take place.
State and Federal Government Uses - The local land use plans
are used a�ajor component in the granting or denial or permits
for various developments within the coastal areas. The State
and federal agencies must be sure that their decisions consider
the policies which are set out by the local governments in their
plans. This is also true for decisions relating to the use of
federal or state funds within the coastal counties. If a local
plan sets out policies relating to various types and locations
of development, the funding and permit decisions must be con-
sistent with the local policies. Projects being undertaken by
State and Federal agencies themselves must also be consistent
with the.local plans
The 1980 Holden Beach Land Use Plan Update
The scope of the 1980 Holden Beach Land Use Plan includes a
community profile, land use survey and analysis, and a land class-
ification map. Specifically, a summary of data collected and its
analysis, maps of existing land use and desired land use, Areas of
Environmental Concern, assessments of current problems, and policy
statements are presented. Because the 1980 United States Census
has not yet been published, population figures for 1985-on are
projections based on information from state and local sources.
Therefore, some of the data presented needs to be updated with
the publication of the census, and it is possible that the data
presented is deceptive, but it is not thought to be totally
unrealistic.
Is
2 I

In preparation of the Holden Beach Land Use Plan, several
techniques were used to elicit input from the public in the
planning process. These included .local meetings with citizens
and planners, a citizen survey, local weekly newspaper coverage,
and a "dial -a -planner" service. The citizens have also been
encouraged to comment on preliminary land use and land class-
ification proposals. Significant comments have been incorporated
in the final land classification map appearing in this plan.
The public participation process for Holden Beach is explained
in further detail in the text.
3

DATA COLLECTION
AND
.ANALYSIS

w
PART I:
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. COMMUNITY PROFILE ..................................
1. Population Report
..............................
.Introduction
6
• Current Population
Percentage Change
Seasonal Population
2. Housing Report .................................
Substandard Housing
8
Subsidized Housing
3. Economic Report .........................
'� ���
9
Industry
Tourism
Commercial Fishing
Construction
Commerce
Realty
B. LAND USE SURVEY AND ANALYSIS .......................
1. Existing Land Use
12
..................
Residential ......:....:
Commercial
Office
Public Institution
Recreation
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Transportation, Warehousing, Communication
and Utilities
Vacant, Undeveloped Land
Existing Land Use Chart
2. Development Trends
17
Land Use Compatability Problems
.Major Problems Resulting from
Unplanned Development
C. CURRENT LAND USE REGULATIONS
I. Holden Beach Land Use Controls
20
Zoning Ordinance
Subdivision Ordinance
Building Codes
Land Use Plan .
2. State and Federal Controls
21
D. ASSESSMENT OF. THE HOLDEN BEACH
PAST LAND USE PLAN .
28
1. Housing Problems '
Higher Density Development
Subsidized Housing
Minimum Housing Code
Mobile Housing Code
Mobile Homes.
Flood Regulations and CAMA Regulations
4

2. Facilities . . . . . . . . . . 32
Water System
Sewer
3. Recreation . . . . . . . . .
Beach Access
Parks
.Jogging and Bike Trail
Community Center
Arts and Crafts Fair
4. Land. Development
Commercial
Aesthetics
5. Transportation
Streets Improvement and Maintenance
Bridges
6. Resource Production and Management
Inlet Access for Commercial Vessels
Aquifer Management.
Coastal Wetlands
Finger Canals
Dunes and Beaches
7. Specific Uses . . . . . 38
Commercial Laundry
_ Town Administration
Population Information

A. COMMUNITY PROFILE
1. Population Report
It is important to know the past, the present, and take a look
at the future population of Holden Beach, in order to plan. Public services
such as streets, fire protection, police protection, recreation, water,
sewer, and garbage collection are based upon that goal that will be set
by the Town as to the population that is to be accomodated in the future.
Holden Beach is a resort community has a significant seasonal
population that must be considered in planning, along with the permanent
resident population. Their demand must also be met.
Another factor to be considered is the density or intensity of
development, today and in the future. Decisions on whether areas will be
permitted to develop to urban character are based upon the carrying
capacity anticipated, both as to land characteristics and possibilities
for provision of necessary public support services. There are cut-off
points so that areas with low density character will not be afforded
certain public services such as water and sewer, whereas such services
are absolutely necessary when a typical urban character is existent or
anticipated.
Official population figures . are not available for the land area
_ within the territory of Holden Beach prior to its incorporation as a
,r municipality. The State Demographer has estimated there were fifty
permanent residents on this beach island in 1950. The State Demographer
further has estimated the island's population had not increased by 1960,
due primarily to adverse impacts from Hurricane Hazel which struck in
1954.
Holden Beach was incorporated in 1969. The 1970 Census showed a
population of 136.
_ Current Population. In February, 1981, the U.S. Bureau of the
Census re eased a publication entitled "Preliminary Population and
Housing Unit Counts, North Carolina". This publication shows a 1980
population of 224 persons for Holden Beach. This represents a 64.7%
increase over 1970.
Percentage Change. In 1970, Holden Beach's population was less
than one percent of the total Brunswick County population, at 0.56%.
This percentage had slightly changed, but only to 0.65% of the County
population -in 1980. The tremendous growth of Brunswick County during
the 1970s, from 24;223 to 35,495 persons, was basically outside of the
numerous municipalities, along the rivers and the Intercoastal Waterway,
and the 1980 Census showed that 76% of the County population lived outside
of the municipalities.
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Township Relations�hi�. Holden Beach is a part of the Lockwood
Folly Township. This Township is in the central part of the County, and
had 4,748 persons in 1970. It had grown to 7,259 persons by 1980. The
Township's population increased by 53% for the decade.
Holden Beach's population increased as a percentage of the Township
population from 2.9% in 1970 to 3.1% in 1980.
Seasonal Population. An estimate was prepared by the Brunswick
County P canning Department in Spring, 1980, that Holden Beach had a
season population of 6,800 persons. This was increased from a 1975
estimate of 5,000 annual visitors. If this prediction is valid, there
was an increase in seasonal residents of thirty-six percent in a five
year period.
The preliminary 1980 Census report referenced on the preceeding page
cited a 1980 count of housing units at 1,044. Various studies have been
done by State agencies and the Research Triangle Institute indicating that
on the average season day, the permanent resident population of one of
Brunswick County's beach is from six to eight times that of the permanent
resident population. The N.C. Department of Human Resources, in studies
relating to possible amendment of Administrative Code dealing with
septic tanks, has estimated that the average beach housing unit may.contain
as many as fourteen persons on a seasonal day.
The only. way to accurately determine the average number of seasonal
residents for the average day of the approximately six month long season
would be to conduct counts at regular intervals during that time, as to
number of units occupied, and number of persons per unit.
The f ollowing table summarizes recent population counts and estimates:
HOLDEN BEACH POPULATION
Year Permanent Seasonal
Residents Residents
1950 50 Not available
1960 50 Not available
1970 136 3,927
1980 224 6,800
7
ti
10,
K

2. HOUSING REPORT
The present total of dwelling units in Holden Beach is approximately 965
for both permanent and seasonal residences. The majority (728 units) are
single family dwellings, while 176 are multi -family and 61 are mobile home
dwellings.
MoSt of these dwellings are seasonally occupied. Approximately 71 per-
manent single family units (9.8 percent of all single family units ) and 14
permanent multi -family units 5.0 percent of all.multi-family units) do exist.
— This means that seasonal residences comprise about 90.2 percent of all single
family units and 92 percent of all multi -family units.
Substandard Housing
Holden Beach does not contain any substandard residential permanent
structures. This is because it is primarily a retirement and second -home
community. Most of the structures were built recently, within the last 15
to 20 years, and are well -kept for personal or rental use. Therefore, almost
all residential structures can be classified as sound.
Current and future residential construction is subject to a Town minimum
housing code to control occupancy of substandard or unsafe structures. This
code is enforced by the local building inspector -and is another factor which
�* contributes to the lack of substandard structures in Holden Beach.
Subsidized Housing
i At present, Holden Beach does not contain any subsidized housing, and it
is probable that it will not in the future.
The Cape Fear Council of Governments concluded in the November, 1976
adition of the Areawide Housing Opportunity Plan For Region 0, that none of
the beach communities in t e region were suited for subsidized housing.. Each
beach community agreed with the conclusion and the following reasons as to
their unsuitability.
1) There is negligible year-round or permanent employment there.
Employment is mostly seasonal.
2). Such communities are inhabited mainly by tourists or vacationing
persons, plus a small percentage of permanent residen ts.-
3)''Land prices are inordinately high for assisted housing development,
and some housing lies in flood plain areas.
Since this regional plan is used by the Federal Government in determining
the placement of subsidized housing, it would seem that development of this type
has been excluded for the near future in Holden Beach.
* In February, 1981, the U.S. Bureau of the Census released a preliminary
count shoeini 1,0114 honsinn inits as of Anril 1, 1980.
8

3. ECONOMIC REPORT
The economy of Holden Beach is one typical of any small resort area still
in its growth stages. In the past ten to twenty years Holden Beach has ex-
perienced substantial growth. Much of this growth is a result of summer
tourism and families retiring and/or building second homes for vacation.
The uplift in the Town economy during this development.resulted from the
tourist and -construction industries primarily, and the commercial and realty
establishments.secondarily. The current status of the different economic
sectors is considered briefly in the following text describing industry,
commerce, and real estate establishments in Holden Beach.
Industry
Tourism
The most dominant industry in Holden Beach is tourism. Being a
family -type beach, the Town's.resort business is predominantly cottage and apart
ment rentals, with real estate agents on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.
The Holden Beach Fishing Pier Motet is also available to people who desire this
type of rental unit rather than cottages or apartments. Most of the avail-
able rental accommodations are seasonal dwellings owned by non-residents of Holden
Beach
Aside from rental revenue, the tourist industry also provides supporting
revenues to the retail trade, services, and recreational facilities in the area.
Although figures for Holden Beach are not available specifically, tourist expend-
itures in Brunswick County have been estimated for 1979. This data creates a
setting in which to place the tourist industry of Holden Beach. The following
is information taken from the Brunswick County Land -Use Plan, 1980.
Tourism is reported by the calculated County share of expenditures by visitors
to Brunswick County for lodging, food, auto, recreation -and other miscellaneous
items. While not producing a product per se, tourism does bring. money into the
County to support retail trade, services and recreation facilities.
Tourism generated an estimated $22,000,000 is sales in Brunswick County in 1979.
The estimates are based on local survey and staff analysis.
Type
Lodging
Food
Auto
Miscellaneous
Recreation
Totals
Tourism Expenditures by Type - 1979
Amount
Percent
770,000
3.5
10,802,000
49.1
2,794,000
12.7
1,782,000
8.1
5,852,000
26.6
22,000,000 100.0Z
.'k
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011

A
There is one factor apparent that could adversely affect the future of
tourism on Holden Beach as well as the rest of the County -- gasoline. In
1973, the nationwide gasoline problems of shortages and increasing prices
reduced visitation to the County beaches. If prices continue to rise and
shortages become a reality, future visitation rates may decrease substantially.
Yet, the affect would be minimized because most of the seasonal homes are owned
by North Carolina residents. Visitation by residents from other states would
decline.more, but as a percentage of the total visitation, out-of-state
visitors are much less than in typical resort areas.
In comparison to other densely populated tourist areas along the
Atlantic coast, Holden Beach does not have the "carnival" atmosphere as many
other areas do. Throughout Brunswick County, there are'no amusement parks,
large night clubs, or like commercial attractions. There are a few arcades
_ with coin operated games in the County. It can be concluded that Brunswick
County has fewer "spending opportunities" than other more commercial beach
areas. This can be said of Holden Beach also. At present, property owners
are determined to maintain the natural, low key, family -type atmosphere and to
'discourage unnecessary commercial and carnival -like development.
Commercial Fishing
Commercial fishing is another industry located in Holden Beach. It is a very
small industry within Holden Beach, but a very large industryy within the area.
_ maintain and increase levels of production and prosperity, the Lockwoo Folly
Inlet and the Shallotte Inlet should be dredged to accomodate large commercial
vessels. The Lockwood Folly, Inlet is presently a shallow and treacherous
inlet. In order to allow safe passage for present users and accomodation
of larger vessels, immediate dredging is necessary.
There are approximately 39 vessels which use the Lockwood Folly Inlet for
access to ocean fishing grounds. Four of these dock at Holden Beach,.
while the remaining 35 dock at Varnamtown and along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Fishermen sell their seafood catches primarily to local area commercial and
eating establishments.
The fishing industry adds much to the color and character of the Beach
and to the attractiveness, drawing many seasonal visitors. For this reason
as well as for the livelihood of commercial fishermen, it is'important to
retain and encourage expansion of this industry in and around Holden Beach.
Construction .
Construction is the final industrial activity existing in the Town.
In the past, construction on the Beach has been steadv.
Construction activity has been traditionally contingent on the State and
National economy. Employment in turn depends on the amount of activity. It
" is expected that as State and National interest rates and inflation stabilize
at lower levels, the construction activity at Holden Beach will once again
be at higher levels.
10

Commerce
Approximately fifteen establishments serve the Town of Holden Beach.
Each establishment depends primarily on the seasonal tourism to survive.
These are such businesses as motels, two retail gift shops, small
grocery stores, fishing piers, and pavillions. It is not known what the
amount of revenue that this sector adds to.the total economy would be.
Realty
The real estate sector of the Holden Beach economy is dominated by five
different realty offices located on the island. Since Holden Beach
is still in the development process, the offices play a vital. role in
contributing to the healthy economy.

B. LAND USE SURVEY AND ANALYSIS
1. Existing Land Use
There.are approximately 1,765.2 acres of land on Holden Beach, with 365
acres developed and in urban use. This figure includes 201 acres in streets
and roads. The remaining acres of developed land are in various uses of which
residential and recreational uses are most predominant. Land uses and their
acreages have been itemized on the Holden Beach Existing Land Use table and
are presented graphically on the accompanying map.
The following briefly describes the current acreages in various uses, as
well as the changes in comparison to figures reported in the 1975 Land Use Plan.
-Residential
The amount of residential land in Holden Beach includes 136 acres, represent-
ing 37 percent of total developed land. Residential use as it applies to Holden
- Beach includes all single family and multi -family dwellings and mobile homes.
It is the second largest land user, roads being first.
A total of approximately 112 acres in residential use was estimated in 1973
and reported in the 1975 Plan. The current 1980 figure represents a 17 percent
increase.
The total land use for single family dwellings is about 116.48 acres or 89
percent of all residential land. Multi -family dwellings occupy 14.08 acres or
11 percent of all residential land. Changes in these acres since 1973 cannot be
calculated because figures were not reported in the 1975 Plan. However, change
. in the acreages occupied by mobile homes is estimated to have decreased -slightly,
about 0.12 acres. The percentage of land occupied by mobile homes has decreased
from 3.5 percent of all developed land in 1973 to 1.34% in 1980. This includes all
those in parks and on individual lots.
The existing pattern of residential development is primarily single family
resort cottage -type development. There is no real concentration of permanent
homes in any particular area of Town, just as there is no real concentration.of
rental cottages. Both permanent and rental homes are scattered throughout, along
Ocean Boulevard and the canals. Mobile homes are largely concentrated in a mobi.le
home park just west of the fishing pier, but some do occupy individual lots in
various places.
Commercial:
At present; Holden Beach contains approximately fifteen commercial units,
occupying.a total of 5.18 acres. Commercial uses include motels,.gift shops, .
grocery stores, a pier, and a pavillion. Commercial uses account for 1.42 percent
of all developed acreage.
The existing pattern of commercial development is concentrated along the
entrance to Holden Beach on both sides of Jordan Boulevard. The Holden Beach Fish-.
ing Pier, Surfside Pavillion, and the motels are located along the main thoroughfare,
Ocean Boulevard.
12
E

A comparison between 1973 and 1980 acreages cannot be made since the
past commercial use category was not well defined. However, it is known that
one additional grocery store has located on the Beach and one motel
reported in the 1975 Land Use Plan is no longer used as a motel.
Office '
Five realty offices -constitute a total of .68 acres classified under
office land use in Holden Beach. This represents .19.percent of all developed
land. All of the offices are concentrated in the area near the intersection
of Jordan Boulevard.
Office land use figures were not reported in 1975; therefore, comparisons
of acreages cannot be made.
Public Institution
Land occupied by public institutions comprises approximately .50 acres
or .14 percent of all developed land in the Town. For Holden Beach, public
institutions include the Holden Beach Town Hall, the Holden Beach Chapel
and the water tower site.
Although acreage figures were not reported in 1975, the amount of land
occupied by public institutions has remained the same since 1973.
Rcrmatinn
Recreational land use comprises about 21.74 acres in the Town. This
represents 5.95 percent of all developed land, and is the third largest
land use. As applied here, recreational uses include two campgrounds and
two privately owned tennis courts. The Town does not own any tennis courts
for use by the general public.
One small campground is located next to the fishing pier near the middle
.of,the island, while the rest of the areas are concentrated near the west end.
Although the beach strand is classified Transition, it is undeveloped
and could be considered a prime recreation area. Several miles of beach
front exist and are the primary reason the resort community exists today .
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
The two fish houses located in Holden Beach are included in this category. �.
under fisheries. They occupy a total of .79 acres or .22 percent of all
developed land. Both are located east of the bridge along the Intracoastal
Waterway and have been established in the Town for many years.
M �
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f
Streets
A total of 201.29 acres can be classified in this category. Streets
represent 55.05 percent of the total developed land in Holden Beach.
Changes since 1973 connot be determined from information presented
in the 1975 Land Use Plan.
Vacant, Undeveloped Land
This category is not a land use per se, but it does comprise the majority
of all land in Holden Beach ---79 percent. This is approximately 1399.58 .
total acres. In 1975, vacant undeveloped land accounted for 1,566 acres or
91.6 percent of the total land in the Town. The 1980 figures indicate a
decrease of 10.61 percent in acreage for vacant undeveloped land since 1973.
Some of this land is not suitable for development and shold not be used.
This includes large parcels on both ends of the island. The marsh land on
the western end of the island near the Shallotte River should not be developed.
Not only is the are of great environmental concern, but it also adds tremendous
aesthetic value to the Town. The filling in of marsh land for development
should be discouraged.
Any other areas, particularly along the Intracoastal Waterway, which may
produce negative affects on the environment if developed, should remain in their
natural state.
14 !
0

Approximate
Holden Beach Existing
Land Use
Number of Residential
Units or Separate
Average Acreage
Total
Percentage of
Percentage;'Pf.
Land Use
Activities Land
Per Unit
Acreage`
Developed Acreage
Total acreage
Permanent
Single Family
72
.16
11.52
3.15
.5
Seasonal
Single Family
656
.16
104.96
28.70
5.95
Permanent
Multi -Family
14
.08
1.12
.31
.06
Seasonal
.Multi -Family
162
.08
12.96
3.54
.73
Mobile Homes
61
.08
4.88
1.33
.28
Commercial
8
.72
5.18
1.42
.2:
Office
5
.11
.68
.19
•04
Public
Institution
3-
.17
.50
.14
.03
Recreation
4
5.48
21.74
5.95
1..23
Agriculture,
Forestry, and
Fisheries.
2
.39
.79
.22
.04
Streets
N/A
N/A
201.29
55.35
11.40
Subtotal
985
.17
365.67
100%
-
20.72 1�
t •

3. ECONOMIC REPORT
The economy of Holden Beach is one typical of any small resort area still
in its growth'stages. In the past ten to twenty years Holden Beach has ex-
perienced substantial growth. Much of this growth is a result of summer
tourism and families retiring and/or building second homes for vacation.
The uplift in the Town economy during this development. resulted from the
tourist and -construction industries primarily, and the commercial and realty
establishments.secondarily. The current status of the different economic
sectors is considered briefly in the following text describing industry,
commerce, and real estate establishments in Holden Beach.
Industry
Tourism
The most dominant industry in Holden Beach is tourism. Being a
family -type beach, the Town's.resort business is predominantly cottage and apart-
ment rentals, with real estate agents on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.
The Holden Beach Fishing Pier Motei is also available to people who desire this
type of rental unit rather than cottages or apartments. Most of the avail-
able rental accommodations are seasonal dwellings owned by non-residents of Holden
Beach
Aside from rental revenue, the tourist industry also provides supporting
revenues to the retail trade, services, and recreational facilities in the area.
Although figures for Holden Beach are not available specifically, tourist expend-
itures in Brunswick County have been estimated for 1979. This data creates a
setting in which to place the tourist industry of Holden Beach. The following
is information taken from the Brunswick County Land -Use Plan, 1980.
Tourism is reported by the calculated County share of expenditures by visitors
to Brunswick County for lodging, food, auto, recreation -and other miscellaneous
items. While not producing a product per se, tourism does bring. money into the
County to support retail trade, services and recreation facilities.
Tourism generated an estimated $22,000,000 is sales in Brunswick County in 1979.
The estimates are based on local survey and staff analysis.
Tourism Expenditures by Type - 1979
Type Amount Percent
Lodging 770,000 3.5
Food 10,802,000 49.1
Auto 2,794,000 .12.7
Miscellaneous 1,782,000 8.1
Recreation 5,852,000 26.6
Totals 22,000,000 100.0%
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2. HOUSING REPORT
The present total of dwelling units.in Holden Beach is approximately 965
for both permanent and seasonal residences. The majority (728 units) are
single family dwellings, while 176 are multi -family and 61 are mobile home
dwellings.
MoSt of these dwellings are seasonally occupied. Approximately 71 per-
manent single family units (9.8 percent of all single family units ) and 14
permanent multi -family units 5.0 percent of all.multi-family units) do exist.
This means that seasonal residences comprise about 90.2 percent of all single.
family units and 92 percent of all multi -family units.
Substandard Housing
Holden Beach does not contain any substandard residential permanent
structures. This is because it is primarily a retirement and second -home
community. Most of the structures were built recently, within the last 15
to 20 years, and are well -kept for personal or rental use. Therefore, almost
all residential structures can be classified as sound.
Current and future residential construction is subject to a Town minimum
housing code to control occupancy of substandard or unsafe structures. This
code is enforced by the local building inspector -and is another factor which
f�- contributes to the lack of substandard structures in Holden Beach.
Subsidized Housing
At present, Holden Beach does not contain any subsidized housing, and it
is probable that it will not in the future.
The Cape Fear Council of Governments concluded.in the November, 1976
adition of the Areawide Housing Opportunity Plan For Region 0, that none of
the beach communities in the region were suited for su sidized housing.. Each
beach community agreed with the conclusion and the following reasons as to
their unsuitability.
1) There is negligible year-round or permanent employment there.
Employment is mostly seasonal.
2). Such communities are inhabited mainly by tourists or vacationing
persons, plus a small percentage of permanent residents.*
3) Land prices are inordinately high for assisted housing development,
and some housing lies in flood plain areas.
Since this regional plan is used by the Federal Government in determining
the placement of subsidized housing, it would seem that development of this type
has been excluded for the near future.in Holden Beach.
* In February, 198.1, the U.S. Bureau of the Census released a preliminary
count sho,�rin 1,On4 housing inits as of Anril 1, 1980.

Township Relationship. Holden Beach is a part of the Lockwood
Folly Township. This Township is in the central part of the County, and
had 4,748 persons in 1970. It had grown to 7,259 persons by 1980. The
Township's population increased by 53% for the decade.
Holden Beach's population increased as a percentage of the Township
population from 2.9% in 1970 to 3.1% in 1980.
Seasonal Population. An estimate was prepared by the Brunswick
County Planning Department in Spring, 1980, that Holden Beach had a
season population of 6,800 persons. This was increased from a 1975
estimate of 5,000 annual visitors. If this prediction is valid, there
was an increase in seasonal residents of thirty-six percent in a five
year period.
The preliminary 1980 Census report referenced on the preceeding page
cited a 1980 count of housing units at 1,044. Various studies have been
done by State agencies and the Research Triangle Institute indicating that
on the average season day, the permanent resident population of one of
Brunswick County's beach is from six to eight times that of the permanent
resident population. The N.C. Department of Human Resources, in studies
relating to possible amendment of Administrative Code dealing with
septic tanks, has estimated that the average beach housing unit may.contain
as many as fourteen persons on a seasonal day.
The only way to accurately determine the average number of seasonal
residents for the average day of the approximately six month long season
would be to conduct counts at regular intervals during that time, as to
number of units occupied, and number of persons per unit.
The f ollowing table summarizes recent population counts and estimates:
HOLDEN BEACH POPULATION
Year Permanent
Residents
1950 50
1960 50
1970 136
1980 224
Seasonal
Residents
Not available
Not available
3,927
6,800
rA
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A. COMMUNITY PROFILE
1. Population Report
It is important to know the past, the present, and take a look
at the future population of Holden Beach, in order to plan. Public services
such as streets, fire protection, police protection, recreation, water,
sewer, and garbage collection are based upon that goal that will be set
by the Town as to the population that is to be accomodated in the future.
Holden Beach is a resort community has a significant seasonal
population that must be considered in planning, along with the permanent
resident population. Their demand must also be met.
Another factor to be considered is the density or intensity of
-- development, today and in the future. Decisions on whether areas will be
permitted to develop to urban character are based upon the carrying
capacity anticipated, both as to land characteristics and possibilities
for provision of necessary public support services. There are cut-off
points so that areas with low density character will not,be afforded
certain public services such as water and sewer, whereas such services
are absolutely necessary when a typical urban character is existent or
anticipated.
Official population figures . are not available .for the land area
_ within the territory of Holden Beach prior to its incorporation as a
municipality. The State Demographer has estimated there were fifty
permanent residents on this beach island in 1950. The State Demographer
further has estimated the island's population had not increased by 1960,
due primarily to adverse impacts from Hurricane Hazel which struck in
1954.
- Holden Beach was incorporated in 1969. The 1970 Census showed a
population of 136.
Current Population. In February, 1981, the U.S. Bureau of the
Census re eased a pu ication entitled "Preliminary Population and
Housing Unit Counts, North Carolina". This publication shows a 1980
population of 224 persons for Hoiden Beach. This represents a 64.7%
increase over 1970.
Percentage Change. In 1970, Holden Beach's population was less
than one percent o the total Brunswick County population, at 0.56%.
This percentage had slightly changed, but only to 0.65% of the County
population in 1980. The tremendous growth of Brunswick County during
the 1970s, from 24;223 to 35,495 persons, was basically outside of the
numerous municipalities, along the rivers and the Intercoastal Waterway,
and the 1980 Census showed that 76% of the County population lived outside
of the municipalities.
N
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.6

2. Facilities . . . . . . . . . . 32
Water System
Sewer
3. Recreation . . . . . . . . .
Beach Access
Parks
.Jogging and Bike Trail
Community Center
Arts and Crafts Fair
4: Land. Devel opment
Commercial
Aesthetics
5. Transportation . . . . .
Streets Improvement and Maintenance
Bridges
6. Resource Production and Management
Inlet Access for Commercial Vessels
Aquifer Management.
Coastal Wetlands
Finger Canals
Dunes and Beaches
7. Specific Uses . . . . . ., , 38
Commercial Laundry
Town Administration
Population Information
UU

PART I:
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
N _
A. COMMUNITY PROFILE
..................................
I. Population Report
..............................
Introduction
6
--
Current Population
Percentage Change
Seasonal Population
-
2. Housing Report....... ....
..... ... . .........
Substandard Housing
8
Subsidized Housing
_
3. Economic Report ................................
9
•
Industry
Tourism
Commercial Fishing
—
Construction
Commerce
Realty
B. LAND USE SURVEY AND ANALYSIS
................. ���
I. Existing Land Use ...............
12
Residential "" ,;
Commercial
Office
Public Institution
—
Recreation
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Transportation, Warehousing, Communication
_
and .Utilities
Vacant, Undeveloped Land
Existing Land Use Chart
2. Development Trends
-17
Land Use Compatability Problems
Major Problems Resulting from
Unplanned Development
C. CURRENT LAND USE REGULATIONS
I. Holden Beach Land Use Controls
20
_
Zoning Ordinance
Subdivision Ordinance
Building Codes
Land Use Plan .
2. State and Federal Controls
21
D. ASSESSMENT OF THE HOLDEN BEACH
PAST LAND USE PLAN . ,
28
1. Housing Problems '
Higher Density Development
Subsidized Housing
Minimum Housing Code
Mobile Housing Code
Mobile Homes.
Flood Regulations and CAMA Regulations
4

Y
PART I
DATA COLLECTION
AND
.ANALYSIS

In preparation of the Holden Beach Land Use Plan, several
techniques were used to elicit input from the public in the
planning process. These included .local meetings with citizens
and planners, a citizen survey, local weekly newspaper coverage,
and a "dial-a-planner"service. The citizens have also been
encouraged to comment on preliminary land use and land class-
ification proposals. Significant comments have been incorporated
in the final land classification map appearing in this plan.
The public participation process for Holden Beach is explained
in further detail in the text.
10
3

The -land use plans which are prepared by local governments
in the coastal area are distributed widely and have many uses.
Among the users of the plans are local governments, regional
councils of government, state and federal permitting agencies
and private funding and development groups.
4
Local Government Uses - Counties and municipalities may
use the local land use plans in their day to day business and
in planning for the future. Often times, the land use plan
provides.guidance in local policy decisions relating to over-
all community development. The plans also provide the basis
for development regulations a-nd capital facility planning and
budgeting. By delineating how the community wishes to grow,
the land use plans help to assure the best use of tax dollars
as public utilities can be extended to the best areas for growth.
Regional Uses - The regional councils of governments or
planning and development commissions use the local land use
plans as the basis for their regional plans in their function
as regional chearinghouse for state and federal funding programs.
The local plans can indicate to these regional decision makers
what types of development the local community feels are impor-
tant and where the development should take place.
State and Federal Government Uses - The local land use plans
are used as a maJor component in the granting or denial or permits
for various developments within the coastal areas. The State
and federal agencies must be sure that their decisions consider
the policies which are set out by the local governments in their.
plans. This is also true for decisions relating to the use of
federal or state funds within the coastal counties. If a local
plan sets out policies relating to various types and locations
of development, the funding andpermitdecisions must be con-
sistent with the local policies. Projects being undertaken by
State and Federal agencies themselves must also be consistent
with the local plans.
The 1980 Holden Beach Land Use Plan Update
The scope of the 1980 Holden Beach Land Use Plan includes a
community profile, land use survey and analysis, and a land class-
ification map. Specifically, a summary of data collected and its
analysis, maps of existing land use and desired land use, Areas of
Environmental Concern, assessments of current problems, and policy
statements are presented. Because the 1980 United States Census
has not yet been published, population figures for 1985-on are
projections based on information from state and local sources.
Therefore, some of the data presented needs to be updated with
the publication of the census, and it is possible that the data
presented is deceptive, but it is not thought to be totally
unrealistic.
h
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INTRODUCTION
The Coastal Area Management Act
'"In recent years the coastal area has been subjected to in-
creasing pressures which are the result of the often conflicting
needs of a society expanding in industrial development, in pop-
ulation, and in the recreational aspirations of its citizens.
Unless these pressures are controlled by coordinated management,
the very features of the coast which make it economically,
esthetical ly, and ecologically, rich will be destroyed."
In 1974, the North Carolina'General Assembly passed the Coastal
Area Management Act (CAMA) in an effort to effectively manage the
development of twenty coastal counties. The Act notes that, "among
North Carolina's most valuable resources are its coastal lands and
waters. The coastal area, and in particular the estuaries, are
among the most biologically productive regions of the state and.
of the nation. Coastal and estuarine waters and marshlands pro-
vide almost 90 percent of the most productive sport fisheries -on
the east coast of the United States. North Carolina's coastal
area has an extremely high recreational and esthetic value which
should be preserved and enhanced."*
Adoption of the CAMA empowered local governments in the twenty
North Carolina coastal counties to exercise control over their
future. The Act designs a state local cooperative program in
which local governments shall have the initiative for planning
by preparing a blueprint for their future growth and development
and the State government shall establish Areas of Environmental
Concern where lands are environmentally sensitive to the prospect
of development. With regard to planning, State government shall
have -an advisory role, setting guidelines and standards, and a
reviewer's role, evaluating the local land use plans. In addition,
the State makes grants to finance local planning and works jointly
with local governments to enforce the adopted plans.
The CAMA permit process began March 1, 1978 throughout the
entire coastal area of North Carolina. After this date, any
development in an Area of Environmental Concern requires a permit. .
The permitting process is divided into 2 classes; major permits
for large scale developments, and minor permits -for -houses and
other small structures. The major permitting process is administered
by the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community
Development. The minor permitting process is administered locally
by the Holden Beach Building Inspector.
The entire CAMA planning process has been oriented towards
citizen participation and has continually provided mechanisms
for citizen input into the preparation of the land use plan.
The primary input has taken the form of future growth policies
'" and identification of existing problems and issues and desired
future services. During the local planning process, efforts
must be made -to secure this public participation.
" * G.S. 113A-102
1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
1
PART I: DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
` --
A. COMMUNITY PROFILE
1. Population Report
6
2. Housing Report
8
_
3. Economic Report
9
B. LAND USE SURVEY AND ANALYSIS
1. Existing Land Use
12
—
2. Development Trends
17
C. CURRENT LAND USE REGULATIONS
--
1. Holden Beach Local Land Use Controls
2.
20
State and Federal Controls
21
D. ASSESSMENT OF PAST PLAN
28
1. Housing Problems
30
2. Facilities
32
3. Recreation,
33
--
4. Land Development
34
5. Transportation ,
35
6. Resource Production and Management
11
7. Specific Uses
38
I
PART II. CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT
_
A. LAND SUITABILITY
41
I. Soil Suitability Analysis
42
2. Septic Tank Problem Areas
46
3. Fragile Areas
48
B.. COMMUNITY CAPACITY
1. Existing and Proposed Services
51
_
2. Population Projections
56
3. Estimated Demand
60
PART III. POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION
"
A. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
66
B. POLICY STATEMENTS
-
1. Resource Protection
74
2. Physical Constraints to Development
79
3. Resource Protection and Management
80-
4. Provisions of Services to Development
82
C. POLICY IMPLEMENTATION
.87
PART IV. LAND CLASSIFICATION
A. PURPOSE ' ' .
.
. . . . . . . . . .
94
«�
B. RELATIONSHIP OF LAND CLASSIFICATION TO.
POLICY STATEMENTS . . .
. 95

'WWOO S308nGS3H* ldlgd0"
1
TOWN OF HOLDEN BEACH
Board of Commissioners
John H. Tandy, Mayor
James Mulholland
John Clarke
Lyndon Holden
Roger Morton
Spiro Poulos
Planning Board
J. Fred Parker, Chairman
John Brammer
Rose Smith
Alan Holden
Alternates:
Melvin Amos
Hugh Dutton
Virginia Craig
Town Administrator
Bill Faver

;'
The preparation of this report was financed in part through a grant
provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through
funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as
amended, which is administered by the Office of Coastal Zone
Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
I

DCM COPY
1980 DCM copy
Division Of Coastal Management
LAND
USE
PLAN
UPDATE
HOLDEN BEACH
NORTH CAROLINA

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11. State and Federal funds should be agressively sought to finance beach
access qcquisition and development, although local revenue sources
currently appear more promising. A mojority of Holden Beach residents
favor tax money to be spent to improve neighborhood beach access. Major
access points could be financed by assessing a parking fee in much the
same manner that permits are issued for vehicles on the beach.
50

1
' SUMMARY
'
1.
A growing coastal population has increased demand for public access
to the beach.
2.
Problems arise in providing beach access because of ownership patterns
'
along beach communities. While the public owns the beach from the high
water mark seaward, from the mean high water mark landward is privately
owned.
'
3.
Four types of users demand access to the beach. They are beach front
property oviners, non -beach front property owners, daily visitors from
off the island, and people requiring vehicular access.
4.
There are three types of acessway ownership at Holden Beach. Privately
owned accessways are owned by an individual, included in the study because
'
they are currently being used by the public with or without the permission
of the owner. Semi-public accessways are owned by a group of non -beach
front property o:vners rather than an indivudual. Public accessways are
'
owned by the Town of Holden Beach.
5.
Sixty-eight existing beach access points were evaluated in terms of
physical facilities, ownweship, visibility, and erosion controls. Most
'
lacked some if not all of the facilities needed by the public..
'
6.
To provide for the different types of users requiring access to the beach,
three classifications of accessways have been designated: Major, Niegh-
borhood, and vehicular.
'
7.
Major accessways should provide for the needs of the day or off -island visi-
tors. They should be easily identified and included at the minimum, a
parking area, trash receptacles, sandfences, and a wolkover. A few major
accessways should also include bike racks and bathroom facilities and at
'
least one major access point should be modified for the handicapped.
'
8.
Neighborhood accessways should primarily accomodate non -beach front property
owners. They should be unobtrusively identified and include-at-a_min.inur.......
a walkover, trash receptacles and sand fences.
'
9.
Vehicular Accessways provide access for emergency vehicles, jeeps, and
fioherman at various points along the beach. They should be located in
relatively lor; areas and paved with nothing more substantial than loose
'
gravel. -
10.
There are several methods available for gcquiring land for beach accessways.
Options include purchase in fee simple interest and acquisition of various
'
types of easements. The Holden Beach Subdivision and Zoning Ordinance can
also be amended to encourage the development of additional beach access.
1 49

BEACH ACCESS ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES
'
1. Beach Access Acquisition: The town of Holden Beach will work to acquire
title or permanent use (by easement) of beach accessways for all citizens
to,enjoy beach recreation activities.
'
A. The ownership of accessways in the study and any other accessways
deemed of significance to the Town will be determined.
'
B. The legality of any questionable deed restrictions on existing access -
ways shall be determined.
C. The Town will seek to obtain titles to semi-public access points (those
'
owned by a large number of non -beach front property owners). In exchange
for regular maintenance and upkeep.
'
D. The Town of Holden Beach will encourage the development of additional
beach access by encouraging the Holden Beach Board of Adjustment to
grant variances to beach front property owners allowing 5 foot access
'
strips as part of the 50 foot minimum residential lot width requirement.
2. Provision of Facilities: The Town of Holden Beach will provide the minimum
facilities as outlined in the Development Plan of this study for major
'
neighborhood, and vehicular accessways at as many access points as funds
allow and the Access Advisory Committee deems necessary.
'
A. No public expenditure shall be made on any access point unless it is
owned or an easement is held for the property by the Town of Holden
Beach.
'
B. Uniform facilities and materials (trash receptacles, signs, Paving
material) shall be developed and used consistantly at each improved
access point.
C. At least one access point shall be developed to accommodate the Nandi -
capped.
3. Financing Beach Access: Local, State, and Federal funds shall be agres••
sively sought to finance improving beach access.
A. Money received from the.issue of perriits for vehicles on the beach and
public parking shall be used to finance the acquisition and develop-
ment of beach access points.
B. Local tax money may be used to imp rvoe beach access if other funds are
not sufficient.
1 48

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Education and Information
Fron the standpoint of dune protection and utilization, this is the
most important implementation method. In addition to adequate directional
signs at appropriate points (land and oceanside of walkover, and at the
entrahce to Holden Beach) information can be disseminated through such
media as radio, television, and brochures. If the significance and
features of the Development Plan are explained to the public, than the
Plan has a greater chance of success.
47

'
In t - terms of non local funds for beach access improvements, the most
'
viable source presently appears to be the U.S. Department of Interior's
Land and Water Conservation Fund. This fund is administered by the Heritage
Conservation and Recreation Service and the N.C. Department of Natural
Resources and Comm.unity Development. Under this program grants are
'
available to local governments to pay for up to 50 percent of the total cost
of re.creation related projects. Under current guidelines the provision
and improvement of beach access is an eligible project. Under Section 315(2)
of the Federal Coastal Zone Management Act, 50 percent grants are available
'
to local governments for the purpose of acquiring public access to beaches
and other coastal areas. Although funding was authorized for $25 million
'
dollars per fiscal year through 1980, no funds have ever been appropriated.
Even though no appropriations have been made this has
program promise and
should be closely watched for future appropriations.
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Financing Beach Access Acquisition And Development
Funds for improvements must come from either local or non -local
'
sources. While the Town of Holden Beach should pursue all sources of
Federal -or State grants to assist in financing, providing beach access
'
should not be delayed if grants are not available. There are three basic
methods that North Carolina county to funds
governments may use generate
at the local level for beach improvement projects--advalorem taxes, special
assessments, and county service districts. Advalorem or property taxes
'
may be used under a town's general taxing authority to make improvements
or construct beach erosion control and hurricane protection projects.
Since the provision and maintenance of accessways aids in the protection of
the frontal dunes which are the first line of defense against hurricanes,
'
this type of project would be eligible for advalorem tax expenditures.
Special assessments permit towns to assess property owners for projects on
'
a front foot, valuation, or area basis; however, if valuation is used as
the assessment method only the value of the land, improvements,
without
can be assessed. Further, no assessments can be levied until the project
is completed. Service districts permit the establishment of special taxing
districts in which a tax in addition to the ordinary property tax is levied
for the purpose of providing services or facilities to a greater extent:
than provided throughout the remainder of the county. Among the types
of services and facilities that may be provided under this legislation are
'
beach erosion control and hurricane protection projects. drainage projects,
and off-street parking. However, services must be provided within a reason-
able time after definition of the district, not to exceed one year.
The 1980 Holden Beach Land Use Update Survey questioned Town residents
and landowners concerning their feelings on financing beach access.
Sixty-four percent favored tax money being spent on improving beach access
for non -beach front property owners and seventy-seven percent of the non -
beach front owners indicated willingness to personally help finance their
own access. While a majority of Holden Beach's residents seem unapposed to
spending tax money to help their fellow citizens, the general feeling at
recent public meetings seems to indicate they feel less generous in providing
access for day oroff-island beach goers.
Visitors from off the island do require more facilities than those
staying in Holden Beach. The major expense is primarily in providing
adequate amounts of parking for them. Currently, small, often inadequate
areas are used by these daily visitors. It might be advisable to find some
way in implementing a program that shares the expense of providing facili-
ties with the users themselves. One viable program could be accessing
a small parking fee of $20.00 for the
perhaps summer for nearby County
residents and lesser daily amounts for the occassional visitor. The Town
Hall could issue parking permits much the same way they issue permits for
'
vehicles on the beach. Those visitors not willing to pay a small parking
fee would be ticketed by the Holden Beach Police Department. The money
collected could then be used to finance improvements and acquire addi-
tional land for better beach access.
r�

Land Use Controls: There are two basic tools that fall under the police
power heading available to local governments to acquire pedestrain access
for the general public. They are Zoning Ordinances and Subdivision Regula-
tions.
Tjie Holden Beach Subdivision Regulations currently requires 5 foot wide
public access be provided every 1/4 mile in areas developed after 1975. Unfor-
tunately, so much of Holden Beach was developed before this time that this indi-
vidual regulation has had little affect in improving beach access. Where it
might possibly have a greater affect, is if it is applied to the northern side
of the island along AIVA-1 where development is not yet so dense.
An additional subdivision regulation that might be applicable to Holden
'
Beach would be the required dedication of new roads for the purpose of access.
Public access to beaches is afforded by requiring the
extension of rights -of -
way to the fore shore and dedication to the public. In application two require-
ments are necessary. First. all roads and rights of way of streets not parallel
'
to the ocean should be extended down to the fore shore. Secondly, all such
roads should be dedicated to the public. The authority for requiring such a
dedication is contained in N.C. Statutes 153-A-331 which states " a subdivision
control ordinance may provide for.... the dedication or reservation of'recrea-
tion areas... and of rights -of -way or easements for streets".
'
Still another method of acquiring access through the Subdivision Ordinance
could be the requirement of water access lots. Here
again, this regulation
would have little affect on the beachfront, but it could help to insure access
t.o the waterway. Any subdivisions containing interior lots should provide a
'
water access lot for residents of the entire Subdivision not necessarily the
public. Later the Town of Holden Beach could acquire the lot through eminent
domain and insure its upkeep as suggested earlier in the discussion of semi-
public accessways. Using the "before and after" valuation method required in
condemnation proceedings, the cost of acquisition would probably be relatively
low due to the difficulty of transfer cause by the many owners of the lot.
'
The Holden Beach Subdivision Ordinance requires a residential minimum lot
width of 50 feet. In order to encourage the development of additional beach
access, the Board of adjustment should grant variances,to beach front property
'
owners allowing 5 foot access strips as part of the 50 foot requirement. In
addition, more zoning regulations could be implemented. One approach which
has been well utilized in Currituck County since 1971 is the creation of a
'
Recreational Residential zone with access provisions being one of the require-
ments of the zone.
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Beach Access Acquisition and Preservation
There are a number of legal tools available for acquiring or preserving
land for beach accessways. Options range from purchase in fee simple to
condemnation of access easements. The following are just a few more
viable methods that Holden Beach should consider.
'Acquisition of fee simple interest: Purchase of fee simple title is
the most direct means of acquiring access but may also be the most expensive
method depending on the location and amount of land sought. North Carolina
governments are granted the authority to acquire real property in General
Statutes 153-A-158 and 160-11, as well as to purchase property for parks
and recreation purposes in N.C. General Statutes 15A-444 and 160-353.
Purchase of a fee interest would be most appropriate for purchasing narrow
strips for access to the beach or small parking areas preferrably on th^
northern side of Ocean Boulevard.
Questions have been raised as to what affect the purchase of addi-
tional easements would have on the status of those previously given to the
Town of Holden Beach. The legality of some of the financial restrictions
placed on accessways given in the past to Holden Beach is questionable.
Because of this, before any purchase is made for an additional accessway,
any restrictions on the deeds in question should be clarified and their
legaTity tested. If the population of Holden Beach increases at its present
rate, then more beach access will be necessary in the future. It is only
realistic to assume the Town will have to purchase land at some point to
provide for this additional beach access demand. It is therefore advisable
to determine the repercussions of purchasing accessways now, rather than
to guess at what if any they might be in the future.
Easements: Easements, or the right to use someone's land in some
specifically designated manner, may generally be acquired by either pur-
chase or prescription. Easements are most appropriate in acquiring walk-
ways from a public area, across a landowner's property to the beach. Pur-
chase of easements may be expensive or unavailable but landowners may be
persuaded to sell if they are allowed a reduction in property taxes because
of a decrease in value.
Another type of easement is the prescriptive easement. It is
acquired because of the continued use of the landowner's property
by some other party and the law will recognize that party's right
to continue that use. In the case of beach access the "other party"
is the public. In many beachfront communities and possibly Holden
Beach, the public has continually used certain areas to reach the
.Beach. If such public use satisfies the requirements, primarily
as to duration of the use and prescription, then the public has
acquired the right to use that particular accessway irrespective
of the desires of the land titleholder. It should be noted, that
a prescriptive easement can be acquired only when it can be shown
that the use has been made by the public at large and to be legally
recognized must be established by litigation, followed by recordation
of the encumbrance upon the title.
43

3
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
The recent efforts of the Holden Beach Access Advisory Committee re-
presents,a promising beginning, but considerable improvements are needed
to assure continued adequate access. Because problems are apparent in
both the quality and quanity of existing access, steps should be taken in
not only acquiring titles to accessways, but also in upgrading facilities
at existing access points.
The Implementation Plan suggests ways of acquiring additional land
for access, as well as financing methods available for the purchase of
land and funding of improvements.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
42

Access Number Development Classification
49
•50
Neighborhood/Maintained
Vehicular
51
Neighborhood/Maintained
52
Undesirable
53
Major
54
Vehicular
55
Neighborhood/Developed
56
Vehicular
57
Neighborhood/Developed
58
Major
59
Undesirable
60
Major
61
Major
62
Neighborhood/Maintained
63
Undesirable
64
Neighborhood/Developed
65
Neighborhood/Developed
66
Undesirable
67
Neighborhood/Developed
68
Neighborhood/.Maintained
a
41

'
Access Number
Development
ve opment Classification
'
23
Neighborhood/Developed
'
24
Neighborhood/Maintained
25
Neighborhood/Maintained
' ,\e
26
Major
'
27
Neighborhood/Developed
28
Neighborhood/Maintained
'
29
Neighborhood/Maintained
30
Undesirable
'
31
Neighborhood/Maintained
32
33
Neighborhood/Developed
Undesirable
'
34
Neighborhood/Paintained
35
Neigborhood/Maintained
'
36
Neighborhood/Developed
37
Vehicular
'
38
Major
'
39
Undesirable
40
Neighborhood/Developed
'
41
Undesirable
42
Neighborhood/Maintained
'
43
Neighborhood/Developed
'
44
Neighborhood/Developed
45
Major
'
46
Neighborhood/Maintained
47
Major
'
48
Neighborhood/Developed
40

Beach Access Development Classification Summary
Access Number
Development Classification
1
Vehicular
2
Major/Barrier Free
3
Major
4
Major
5
Major
6
Major
7
Vehicular
8
Neighborhood/Maintained
9
Neighborhood/Maintained
10
Neighborhood/Maintained
11
Major
12
Major
13
Major
14
Major
15
Major
16
Undesirable
17
Neighborhood/Developed
18
Neighborhood/Maintained
19
Undesirable
20
Neighborhood/Maintained
21
Neighborhood/Maintained
22
Undesirable
39

Undesirable Accessways
Access points classified as Undesirable Accessways are not necessarily
inappropriate sites for beach access, but rather sites that could not
feasibly be acquired, developed, or maintained by the Town of Holden Beach.
Specific problems anticipated included privately owned and developed
sites not likely to sold, poor location, or extremely sensitive features.

Vehicular Accessways
' As long as the Town of Holden Beach permits vehicles along its beaches,
adequate access must be provided. In general, it is best to provide
vehicular access in areas where the dune heigth is relatively low,
' development is not extremely dense, and in areas away from major pedes-
trian -access points. Six sites have been designated as sites for vehi-
cular access: #1, #7, #37, #50, #54, and #56.
' Because the impact of vehicles crossing the dunes is substantial, the
number of Vehicular Accessways should be kept at a minimum. The foremen-
' tioned sites should be an 'adequate number to provide for the needs of
fishermen, emergency vehicles, and occassional jeep owners.
In terms of facilities, Vehicular Accessways should be marked at the
'1 entrance from Ocean Boulevard and on the ocean side of the dune. The
paving material of the access should be nothing more substantial than loose
gravel or packed sand.
n
P
1 37

y
1
' 2. Signs: Signs should be placed at the entrance of the access point along
Ocean Boulevard or other appropriate streets and also at the bottom
of the steps of the walkover on the ocean side. Signs should be
relatively unobtrusive so as not to further attract additional users
not residing in the area but more visible than the posts currently
placed at many of the accessways. Signs should be constructed of
wood for durability and aesthetics, and have a consistant design.
A one-sided sign would be adequately visible for pedestrains.
3. Trash Receptacles: Recommendation for trash receptacles at Neighbor-
hood Access sites are the same as those for Major Access Sites.
4. Sand Fences: Recommendation for sand fences at Neighborhood Access
' points are the same as those for Major Access points.
L
1 36

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Neighborhood Accessways
Neighborhood Accessways are similar to Major Accessways in that they
serve a .large number of users. The difference is the majority of these users
own or rent honor in the immediate area rather than come from off the island.
The facilities needed differ slightly from those needed for Major Access -
ways primarily in that parking areas are not required and signage should be
less obtrusive.
Neighborhood Accessways are recommended in areas with a high residential
density, as in the area of the finger canals. Consideration should also
be given to locating accessways in areas likely to be more fully developed
in the near future. Using the earlier criteria as a guide in locating
accessways for development, it would be advisable to seek to obtain rights to
the sites already used by the public for access. As evidenced by the paths
cut through the sand dunes, the best location for Nei.ghborhood accessways
is at street ends. Of the 68 access points evaluated, 33 are designated
Neighborhood Accessways. Because their number is so large, this access
type is divided into two sub -classifications to make it more manageable.
The subclassifications are Neighborhood/Maintained and Neighborhood/Developed.
There are 19 of the total 33 Neighborhood Accessways designated as
Neighborhood/Maintained. A minimum of public expenditure would be necessary
to bring these access points up to an acceptable level bacause most presently
have a good number of facilities. Primarily, they lack proper maintenance
and upkeep because of their group ownership. The Town of Holden Beach
should strive to obtain as many of the titles to these sites as feasible
and make whatever improvements needed. The following accessways are classi-
fied Neighborhood/Maintained: #8, #9, #10, #18, #20, #21, #24, #25,
#28, #29, #31, #34, #35, #42, #46, #49, #51,#52,, and.#68.
Accessways classified Neighborhood/Developed differ from Neighborhood/
Maintained in their lack of facilities. Few have walkovers, although
some are marked with varying types of signs. Although some of the sites are
privately owned, they are classified Neighborhood/Developed because they
are currently in use by the public. To bring these sites up to an accep-
table level would involve significant expenditures for both land acquisi-
tion and construction or purchase of facilities. Those accessways classi-
fied Neighborhood/Developed are: #17, #23, #27, #32, #36, #40, #43, #44,
#48, #55, #57,#64, #65, and #67.
In general, both subclassifications of Neighborhood Accessways should
have the following facilities:
1. Walkovers: In order to protect the frontal sand dunes and deter erosion,
walkovers are recommended at all Neighborhood Access points. Design
specifications should be similar to those described for walkovers at
Major Access points. A walkway should also be provided from Ocean
Boulevard to the walkover itself. Ideally, this could be constructed
out of wood in the manner of a deck walk. That being perhaps cost
prohibitive, a compacted sand or grassed path would suffice.
35

i
7-0 Varies 7O" Varies 7'- O " Varies 6'-• 8"=A C ER'
a
_ �,IL
i �_.
l iF
Romp Deck/l4amp Deck �Deck/,Steps Steps- -
W
w
St rin or Dimensions
e —2 -Q-1 ' - 6,
C
2 x_IO_x_7-3"
_2 x 14 x_9'-0" notchod for slop_
_2 x 14 .x _8'=6" notchod for p_1oop
2 x 14 x 8'- 9" notchod for stops
E
F
G_
H
_ Qpnt__ Dimonsion
Sp/lco Dimons/on
K .
Note: Bill of Mater/als based on ramp
lengfh of 21; deck lene7th of 28'and 2
sfoir sections of 6'- S'each.
Fig.6 TYPICAL STRINGER LAYOUT DETAIL.
Scale: l" = 5'-0"
Note : All splice blocks to be nailed
to stringers to provide both lateral
support at joints and bearing support
All pile bolted connections to be lip"
x12 "hex. bolt with nut and washers.
Bill of Aft7larlats
Ouon.
ltom - Doscri
tion
44
2 x 6 x 20'
dr_o_ssod
9
2 x 8 x 20-
2 x 10 x 20'
2 x 10x 20'
dressed
. dr_ossed
roi h -
5
19
3
2 2-0-14 x O'
rouc;h - - _-•-- '
100
V2'k I?-" hoar. bolt w1th nut and eroshors

•
'
ff
6 O. D. Pile
7' O f,
� 2X 6" Dec k
t
Stinger
0
'
0��
Notch Strinq ers in
Field to Rest
--
on
Bents _ _
-------
-----
//2 x /2
Hex He -ad Bolts
2'X10"Bent.
w
Nuts a V✓oshers
'
2 "'x 10"Bents
'
Fig. TYPICAL
RAMP DETAIL
Scale:
I"-
1
'
32..

2 x 8
1/2"x 12 " Hex.
bolts w1th Nuts
a Washers
5 , _ 0Is (hood countorsunk)
2x10x7' Jolsf
2 x 6 x 6' Do ckin
2 x 10 Spllco Board
Nalled ` [:2 Ea, 1/2" x 12"
Connoctlon ' _ Hox.B olt s r�/th—
uts A 1lashor0 x 7' Stringor
2 x 10 Spllco Bo ard,7
2 x 10 x 6' Bents .
Trlr
J -- "onelu
Fig. 3 TYPICAL SECTION I—B DECK
Scale-. I"= I' p"
31

Section I-A-Londside Section l-B - Deck Section l-C - Seaside
This Dimension !/ ties Depending can This Dimension Varies ' This Dimension Varies
Dropoff Beh�nd Dune Depending on Width Depending on •Dropoff in
of Dune Front of Dune Crest
Q„ ,Refer to
Note : Place steps on beach side
to level of- maximum beach
recession during a severe
storm or tropical hurricane
... ,_, .
C
Fig.2 TYPICAL SECTION No. I ,
Scale : I" = 5'
Beach Storm Profile
(Maximum Expected Recession)
�T
E 0'
MSL
E

r r� rr r� rr ■� r■i rr r■ r r r r r r r r r r
Typical Beoch Profile
8' bdav existing profile
Beach Storm Profile --
EXISTING DUNE Expected during o storm
CREST LINE
R/W
Varies Varies Varies e
0
as Required as Required as Required
t c L
Se go Af-A Sec? on t-8 seSJFAsl-C n
� o
m m
J
f'edestrion o C
Borrier n
(Fence)
0
• a
R/W
Note: Sections of Dune
' Walkover structure should
be planned to the specific
profile of the area for
which it is desired.
Fig.I TYPICAL PLAN and ELEVATION VIES'
Scale: V = 2d

'
In areas of high human traffic, such as a Major Accessway, a beach
walkover structure is needed to protect the dunes from deteriorating.
'
The following drawing illustrate a general, recommended design for a
public walkover structure. The drawings
are basic enough that various
alternatives can be added to the design without altering the structures
extensively. The
walkover should be placed along the center line of the
'
accessway. Ducks are not recommended as part of the Walkover design unless
the -access point is unusually wide.
The addition of properly spaced skid resistant materials to the decking
'
of the ramp section of the walkover would male the deck accessible to wheel-
chair
users.
'
All wood used in the construction of a walkover should be pressure
treated with a waterborne preservative. Types of wood acceptable varies,
depending on the quality of construction desired. A suitable, inexpensive
wood is Southern Pine. Higher grade and more
'
expensive woods are the Heart-
wood of Bald Cypress, Redwood, or Eastern Red Cedar. Very expensive, but
extremely durable and decay resistant woods such as Greenheart of Basra
Louis are also acceptable. "Rough Cut' lumber can be used in the substruc-
'
ture while "dressed" lumber should be used on the flooring and handrails.
Further information on wood specifications can be found in the good Handbook:
Wood as an Engi neeri no Material , USDA., Forest products Laboratory, 1974.
All bolts, nails, and other hardware should be hot dipped galvanized
to prevent rust. Bolts in the handrails should be countersunk sothat'
they do not project beyond the posts. After fastening, the excess from
projecting bolts should be trimmed.
'
Posts should be placed directly into the ground to at least the minimum
depths illustrated on the following drawings. The bottom
of the piling should
not be encased in concrete.
'
8. Handicapped Modifications: There should be at least one access point developed
with Handicapped modifications. Beach Accessway #2 is recommended because of
its
available parking area and low-to-non-existant dunes. Two percent of the
parking spaces in
'
the area should be reserved for the handicapped. The parking
spaces should be narked with the international symbol for handicapped located
and
immediately adjacent to a hardsurfaced walkway. They should be a minimum of 12'
X G'. Dune walkovers should be ramped with a maximum slope of 1:8. The transi-
tion from the walkway to the walkover should be smooth
and continuous. Ballards,
Posts, or other barriers to wheelchairs of persons with walking aids should be
'
removed. In terms of Beach Accessway #2, one or more walkways are needed to
direct present foot traffic, rather than access to
permit occur anywhere and
everywhere in the area. When these individual paths are developed, they should
be constructed tide and smooth enough to be capable of being used aby wheelchair
users. To further direct people barrier
'
requiring free access, a sign should
be placed at the entrance of Holden Beach and at the entrance to the
accessway
indicating its location.
28

Existing Parking Patterns
Proposed Improved Parking Patterns
Holden Beach Access Study
Oceanfront Parking Patterns
Typical Sections
Parking should not extend beyond this point
Oceanfront -
Oceanfront

Parking should not extend beyond this point
Holden Beach Access Study
Oceanfront Parking Patterns
4 Typical Sections

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
BRUN'.')'WICK COUNT 'lof PLANNING DEPARTMENT 1980
q tT
r T- US
14
r7
IL
3
r-1 r E P_�,
F7 I OUAN jj,'G. EAST
ELI �IZ, 7
VTt
A 1�
Ol 17 16 15
24 2- 22
wo 4�D
L
}-
D CIJ
MAP
BEACH ACCESS INVENTOR.Y
4
T
, 11 62 61 . " 57
Dc'
67 6c.5 frc 65 60
.. . .. . .. . .. .
�c.H
EF: -
— -
1 7 t ""i L
r IT
I I .— I irA 11
- lc� - ­i; I . - --
?
'ZA
C2 --7T 4
_ _
45 42
44
4 YJ 58
4S
5)
71 4

I
Beach Access Evaluation forms Summary
Beach Access #1
Located at the extreme eastern end of the beach, this access is
'
privately owned. It is marked by numerous "No Parking" signs and a "Vehicle
acces$ by permit only" sign. Two small bright orange trash cans are provided.
There is no clear path to the ocean. The entire area is visible from the road
'
because the dune height is extremely low. Vegetation is sparce to non-existant.
Beach Access #2
'
Although this acessway is not marked with signs, it is heavily used and
very visible. It sits at the eastern end of the island and is privately owned
by several people. Bright orange trash cans are provided in the center of the
'
packed sand parking area that is bordered with telephone poles laid end to end.
Because the entire area is used for access, no real path exists and erosion is
severe, The ocean is visible because the area is so trampled there is no dune.
'
Vegetation is sparce to non-existant..
Beach Access #3
'
This accessway is the publicly owned street end of Avenue "D". Small
signs mark it as a public parking area and one big trash can in need of paint
is provided. The walkover with wood slats down a ramp is in acceptable condi-
tion but does not extend to the ground on the ocean side becuase of erosion.
The paving material of the parking area is a combination of stone and sand.
The parking area extends to the crest of the dune and needs borders on both
'
sides. Erosion is severe. The dune height is low and vegetation is sparce.
Additional parking area is available to the left, right, and across Ocean
Boulevard.
'
Beach Access #4
'
This accessway is the publicly owned street end of Avenue "C". A small
parking area is marked but it is overgrown with vegetation. Additional space
for parking is available if the area is expanded on the oceanside of Ocean
Boulevard.
'
Beach Access #5
Although it is publicly owned, this accessway has never been cut. Vacant
'
land suitable for parking is available across Ocean Boulevard.
'
Beach Access #6
This accessway is the publicly owned street end of Avenue "A", A
trash can and sign are located on the crest of the dune. A parking area is
'
provided but it extends too far up the dune causing substantial erosion. The
parking area could be extended to the right or across Ocean Boulevard. There
is a shack at the bottom, ocean side of the dune.
1
13

'
Beach Access # 7
This accessway is located off of the main road, left of 1st
Street. It is publicly owned although it is not marked with a
'
sign. The dirt road that leads over the dune to the ocean has
caus,ed substantial erosion.
'
Beach Access # 8
This accessway is located off of the main road, left of
2nd Street. Although is is publicly owned, it is not marked
'
with a sign. A walkover in acceptable conditioned is provided,
but the path leading to is is so close to a neighboring house,
'
itisdifficult to 'determine whether it is public or private.
Erosion is minimal. The dune heigth is average and vegetation
is good.
'
Beach Access #9
Located left of the Whistling Swan, this accessway is
publicly owned although it is not marked with any signs.
'
Erosion is minimal as a result of the walkover.
'
Beach Access # 10
This access point is located beside the Surf Scooter almost
hidden behind a dune. A walkover in acceptable condition is
'
provided, but the path leading to it is overgrown. Erosion in
the area is significant as the dune heigth is low enough to make
the ocean visible. Although it looks private, it is 'publicly, owned.
'
Beach Access # 11
'
This access point is a publicly owned street end. Its visibility
is poor because it is not marked from the main road. The access is
lighted and a row of grey trash cans are provided. A walkover is
provided but it is in poor condition. A large stone parking area
'
is provided but parking is allowed too far up the dune causing
some erosion problems.
' Because a bulkhead has been constructed, erosion of the beach
is significant. Vegetation is sparce and the dunes are so low that
the ocean is visible from the road. Bath rooms are provided by the
adjacent pavillion and putt -putt course.
' Beach Access # 12
' This access point is the publicly owned street end of Ferry
Drive. It is used for parking by the Surfside Pavillion. It is
lighted but not marked with signs. A walkover is p.r.ovided but
' it begins at the crest of the dune so the landward side is eroding.
A small deck is also included in the structure. The large parking
area is paved with asphalt but ballards of some kind are needed to
limit parking to the paved area. Vegetation is sparce and the dune
' heigth is low enough that the ocean is visible.
1
14

Beach Access # 13
AlthOL!gh this access is publicly owned and marked with sticks,
it is uncut.
Beach Access # 14
• This publicly owned access is sufficently visible.and marked
with posts. A grassed path leads to a walkover in good condition.
No parking is provided but a large adjacent area is vacant and
could be used for parking. Erosion in minimial, except at the
base of the walkover. Vegetation and dune heigth are good.
Beach Access # 15
This publicly owned access point is located just right of The
Dull Gulls. It is not marked or cut but a number of paths, indicate
the area is substantially used. Dune heigth is average and vegetation
is good.
Beach Access # 16
'
This publicly owned accessway is located to the left of 118
Ocean Boulevard. A grass and stone driveway leads to an oceanfront
'
house but is roped off although steps are provided down to the beach
Beach Access # 17
'
Although this access point was once the street end of Quinton
Street, it is now privately owned. The public is obviously using
the area for access although no facilities are provided. Erosion
is significant along the path, but the dunes still have good veg-
'
etation and heigth.
'
Beach Access # 18
This publicly owned access point is marked at the crest of
the dune with a sign reading "Block— Public Access". Grey trash
'
cans are provided as well as a walkover in acceptable condition.
The area is bulkheaded, which has caused significant erosion.
The dune heigth is low enough that the ocean is visible.
'
Vegetation is acceptable.
Beach Access # 19
'
This privately owned access is located just to the right of Jordon
Blvd. There are several loose sand paths but no walkover is provided.
Erosion is minimal and both the dune heigth and vegetation are good.
'
If the area is not to be used for access, a more permanent statement
is needed to relay this to the public since the area is located at
the entrance to the beach.
1
1 15

Beach Access # 20
This public owned access is located a few lots left of Cole
Street. Although a trash can holder and a walkover are provided
it is not marked with any signs. Where the walkover has been con-
structed, the dune is in good shape, but it is seve rly eroding one
lot over. Vegetation is acceptable.
Beach Access # 21
Located two lots right of Cole Street, this access is publicly owned.
Although the sign is visible from the road, it is placed over the walkover
at the crest of the dune reading "Private Access to Block P". A walkover
in good condition is provided, as well as a grassed path leading to it.
Erosion in the area is severe, although both vegetation and dune heigth
are acceptable.
Beach Access # 22
Located four lots right of Rothschild Street, this access is*
privately owned, although it is marked with posts. A compacted
sand path leads to a walkover in excellant condition. Erosion is
minimal leaving the dune heigth high and the vegetation good.
Beach Access # 23
Located between 155 and 157 Ocean Blvd., this access point is
publicly owned. It is marked with wood posts. Even th o«gh it is.
only a loose sand path, erosion has been minimal. Dune heigth is
large and vegetation is good.
Beach Access # 24
' This public owned access point is located at Briles Apartments.
It is not marked and is hard to find. Grey metal trash cans and a
walkover in acceptable condition are provided. A large deck is also
' included. A compacted parking area is available for approximately
10-15 cars. Dune heigth is average and vegetation is acceptable.
Beach Access # 25
Located across from Rest Haven, this access point is publicly
owned. It is marked as a "Private Access" with wood posts.
' An overgrown path leads to a walkover in poor condition.
Erosion in the area is substantial resulting from heavy use.
Dune heigth is average, and the vegetation is good on either
side of the path.
' Beach Access # 26
' Located to the left of 179 Ocean Blvd., this access is owned
by the public. It is marked with posts and a trash can is provided.
A grassed path is included but no walkover. Dune heigth is large
' and vegetation is acceptable.
1
1
16

' Beach Access # 27
This access is located to the left of 185 Ocean Blvd. and.is
' publicly owned. One small post marks its location. A walkover
is provided but it is in dilapidated condition, and has only
sand steps on the landward side of the dune. Dune heigth is
' average and dune vegetation is good.
Beach Access # 28
Located to the right of 189 Ocean Blvd, this public access
-point is marked with wood posts. A stone -look trash can holder is
provided. A grassed path leads to a walkover and deck in excellent
condition except that is was started at the crest of the dune causing
erosion along the landward side. Dune heigth and vegetation are good.
'
Beach Access # 29
Located to the right of 7th street, this access is owned by the pub-
lic, although it is marked with posts as a "Private Walk". A compacted
sand path leads .to a walkover in acceptable condition althoughit also
begins at the crest of the dune causing erosion. Although there has
been substantial erosion in some places, the dune height is still high
'
and vegetation good. The accessway is lined with yuccas.
Beach Access # 30
This privately owned access is located to the left of 211 Ocean Blvd.
Although it is marked with wood posts, it is uncut.. Dune height and vdge-
'
tation are both very good.
Beach Access # 31
' Located just left of 215 Ocean Blvd., this publicly owned access is
marked with wood posts. A grassed path leads to a walkover in good condi-
tion. Very little erosion has occurred and the dune remains large and
' covered with vegetation.
Beach Access # 32
Located to the right of 223 Ocean Blvd., this walkover is marked with
posts as a "private walkover" although it is owned by the public. A grassed
and loose sand path leads not to a walkover over the dune, but wood laid
randomly on the dune in an unsightly manner. The path itself is substantially
eroding the duen, although dune height and vegetation in the area are rela-
tively good. The accessway is lined with yuccas.
Beach Access # 33
Although this access point was once the street end of Boyd Street, it
' is presently privately owned. Old pieces of wood are strectched across
the sand to provide an unsightly path to a walkover in acceptable con-
dition. Erosion has been slight and the dune height and vegetation are good.
17

I
Beach Access # 34
Located to the right of 239 Ocean Blvd., this access is publicly owned
although it is marked private. A loose sand path leads to a walkover in
acceptable condition but because the structure was begun at the crest of the
dune, the landward side is eroding. Erosion along the path is also substan-
tial although dune height and vegetation remain acceptable.
Beach Access # 35
Marked with a single wood post, this public access point is located to
'the left of Shorehaven. An overgrown path leads to a walkover but it is in
a dilapidated condition. Dune height and vegetation are acceptable with only
slight erosion.
Beach Access # 36
' Located left of Hickory Nuts, this public access point is marked by
a single wood post. An overgrown, partially blocked path leads to a
walkover in extremely poor shape. Erosion has been minimal with an average
' dune height and good vegetation existing.
Beach Access # 37
Marked as a "private walk" with wood posts, this publicly owned access
is located just left of 263 Ocean Blvd. Trash cans are provided. A com-
bination grassed and compacted sand driveway leads to an oceanfront house.
A walkover is provided but it is in poor condition and was begun at the
crest of the dune so the landward side has substantially eroded. Dune
height and vegetation are acceptable.
Beach Access # 38
' Located to the right of 267 Ocean Blvd., this public access point is
marked with wood posts although no path has been cut. Where a path once
was, excessive erosion has occurred but otherwise dune height and vegetation
are both good. Plenty of vacant land suitable for a parking area lies adja-
cent to the accessway.
Beach Access # 39
Privately owned, this access point is located to the left of 301 Ocean
Blvd. It is not marked, although a winding loose sand path indicates some
use by the Public. A walkover in acceptable condition is provided. Dune
height is average and vegetation is good. Erosion is minimal.
Beach Access # 40
' Although once a public street end, this access located just right of
Wan to Linga is presently privately owned. It is marked with a sign reading
' "Private Property , No Tresp assino " although loose sand paths in the immed-
iate area indicate use by the public. Erosion has been substantial along
the paths although the dune height and vegetation are still good.
' Beach Access # 41
Located four lots past access # 40, this access point is also privately
' owned. A sand fence has been constructed, but has an opening to permit access.
Because there is no walkover, some erosion has occurred although the dune
height station are still good.
' 18

Beach Access # 42
Located beside Age of the Storm, this access point is privately owned.
' A compacted sand path leads to a walkover and small deck in acceptable con-
dition but because it was begun at the crest of the dune, substantial erosion
has occurred. Dune height and vegetation are acceptable.
' Beach Access # 43
' Marked with wood posts, this public access is located left of 391
Ocean Blvd. A grassed path lined with yuccas leads to the beach.
Because there is no walkover, substantial erosion has occurred from
heavy use. Dune height is average and the vegetation is acceptable.
Beach Access # 44
' Although this access is privately owned, it is used by the public
as evidenced by the loose sand paths that weave around a sand fence con-
structed to prevent access. Erosion is substantial along the paths,
' although dune height and vegetation remain acceptable.
Beach Access # 45
'
This public access point is located at the Holden Beach Fishing Pier.
Although the pier is marked,' the actual access point is not and hidden
behind the building. Trash cans are provided. A well -lit, asphalt parking
area is included capable of accommodating approximately 100 cars.
'
A compacted sand path leads from the parking area to a walkover in accept-
able condition. Substantial erosion has resulted from unrestricted access,
but a sand fence has been constructed to direct the public to improved
points. Although vegetation is sparce, dune height is average.
Beach Access # 46
'
Although this group of access points, located in the campground beside
the Fishing Pier, are used by the public -at -large, they are primarily for
use by the campers. Walkovers and sandfences have been constructed, but
some erosion has occurred in the area of the loose sand paths. Dune height
and vegetation are acceptable.
'
Beach Access #47
Privately owned, this access is located_.bes.ide:-Ri.verdale.:._ .Vacant area
'
suitable for parking is available on either side of the access and across
Ocean Blvd. Some erosion has occurred in the area leaving vegetation�sparce.
' Beach Access #48
Located right of 553 Ocean Blvd., this access is privately owned.
Although a trailer sets on half of the lot, the other half is used for
access by the public although it is discouraged by signs. Excessive
erosion of the dune indicates heavy use. Dune height is average, although
vegetation is sparce.
I
19

Beach Access #49
Located right of 557 Ocean Blvd., this private access is marked with
signs reading "Private Prorerty, no access to beach". A loose sand path
leads to a walkover and deck in acceptable condition although it starts.
at the crest of the dune causing some erosion problems. Dune height
remains acceptable although vegetation is sparce.
Beach Access #50
Located left of 563 Ocean Blvd., this privately owned point is used
for vehicular access. Only a loose sand path is provided, and it is
severely eroding the dune. Dune height is low and vegetation is sparce.
Beach Access #51
Publicly owned, this access islocated left of Gull Cottage and is
marked with a rusting sign reading "access to Beach, Heritage Harbor."
One grey metal trash can is provided at the entrance to the access. A
compacted sand path leads to a walkvoer in acceptable condition. Although
erosion has been slight, dune height is so low the ocean is visible. Vege-
tation is also sparce.
Beach Access #52
No accessway was ever laid out or cut, although publicly owned.
Beach Access #53
This 30 foot public right of way is located just right of 803 Ocean
'
Blvd. A small sign reading "Access for emerging vehicles only" marks the
dirt road leading up over the dune. Because the road itself is roped off,
pedestrian access is inconvenient . Vacant land across Ocean Blvd. is suit-
able for a future parking area, although none is presently provided. Erosion
has been substantial along the road, but only minimal on either side of the
access. Dune height is average and vegetation is good.
'
Beach Access #54
Located five lots past Beach Access #53 is a 10 foot public right of
way. It has never been cut and it is not marked but it exist according to
'
Brunswick County tax records.
' Beach Access #55
Although this access was formerly the public street end of Dophine
Drive, it is currently privately owned. The area is not marked, although
it is obviously used by the public. Loose boards are spread across the
sand in an unsightly manner. Erosion has not been substantial although vege-
tation is sparce. Dune height is large.
' Beach Access #56
' Located left of 917 Ocean Blvd, this point is presently being used as
a vehicular access by the public. A sign marks it location reading "Vehic-
' 20

'
ular Access by permit only. A grassed and compacted Sand driveway is edged
with bright yellow cord and rope. The road has caused significant erosion
'
and although the ocean is not visible, the dune height is low. Vegetation
is good on either side of the access.
Beach Access #57
'
Although this access point was once the public street end 9 p p of Sailfish
Drive, it is currently privately owned. Metal and wood fences have been
'
put up to discourage access but the existing loose sand path indicates sub-
tantial use by the public. The extent of erosion varies in the area although
dune height is generally average and vegetation is good.
Beach Access #58
Publicly owned, this access is located to the left of 1023 Ocean Blvd.
A combination gravel and compacted path wide enough for a vehicle leads to
the ocean. A parking area paved with the same material is provided for 6-8 cars.
Additional vacant land suitable for parking is available across Ocean Blvd.
Erosion has been severe along the path but mimimal in all other areas. Dune
height is average and vegetation is good.
Beach Access #59
Located at the end of the paved portion of Ocean Blvd., this access is
privately owned as indicated by a sign on the site. A wood deck walk and deck
are provided, both in excellent condition. There is no erosion problem as a
result of the fine facilities constructed on the site. Vegetation is almost
undisturbed and dune height is acceptable.
Beach Access
#60
Privately owned, this access is located across from 1100 Ocean Blvd. A
loose sand path and compacted sand parking area for approximately 6-8 cars are
provided. Additional land is available on all sides of the access point for
'
future parking needs. Although the path over the dune has caused substantial
erosion, dune height and vegetation in the area remain very good.
Beach Access #61
Located beside the
campground, this public access point is not marked
although it is substantially used by the public. Three to four loose sand paths
leadlover the dune, each causing substantial erosion. A patched sand parking
area is available for approximately 20 cars but it needs some physical and visual
separation from the main road. Dune height and vegetation are generally accep-
table.
'
Beach Access #62
This access is actually a group of accessways provided for campers im the
Sand and Sea Campground. Walkovers are provided but they are in poor condition
although they have helped in preventing unnecessary erosion. Grassed Parking
1 21

areas are available but they primarily are for the campers use. In
general, campground roads needs to be edged to prevent cars from driving up
on the edges of the dunes. Dune height and vegetation are good.
Beach Access #63
Located jtist beyond the campground, is this uncut, private access point.
Dune height and vegetation in the area are very good.
Beach Access #64
This public access point, located two lots beyond Beach Access #63 is also
uncut. Dune height and vegetation are very good in the area.
Beach Access #65
Privately owned, this access point is also uncut. Dune height and vege-
tation are good.
Beach Access #66
Although this was once the public street end of Schooner Drive, it is
presently privately owned. A sign marks the access as private at the entrance
to a wooden deck walk which leads to a walkover, both in excellent condition.
Dune height and vegetation are very good.
Beach Access #67
Located to the left of Shell Drive, this publicly owned access is marked
with a sign reading "Private Access." A wood deck walk and walkover both in
excellent condition are provided. Erosion has been minimal as a result of the
excellent facilities constructed on the site. Both dune height and vegetation
are acceptable.
IBeach Access # 68
Located within a foot of the right wall of 899 Ocean Blvd, this publicly
' owned access point appears to be private. An 18 inch high sign reading "Private
..Access" is located at the start of a wood deck walk which leads to a walkover in
good condition. Unfortunately, the deck walk and walkover were constructed after
' substantial erosion to the dune had already occurred. Dune height is so low the
ocean is visible, and vegetation is accordingly sparce.
1
22

DEVELOPMENT PLAN
' As the population of Holden Beach increases, the demand for beach
access becomes more and more intense. In order to more adequately provide
' for the present demand, and prepare for future access needs, a Develop-
ment Plan should be initiated as soon as possible.
The first steps in a Development Plan are to establish minimum
' standardsfor accessways and then decide where the access points are to be
located. But as noted earlier in this study, different types of users
require access to the beach and each group has its own set of needs.
' Because of this, three classifications of Beach Accessways have been de-
veloped. They are Major, Neighborhood, and Vehicular.
t In the Beach Access Summary a fourth classification of Undesirable
Accessways is added. These are primarily access points that have legal or
physical features that make them undesirable and therefore, are not included
in the Development Plan.
1 23

Future Access Needs
The number of beach accessways on Holden Beach is barely adequate
to serve the present population. If the population increases at the projected
'
rate, the existing number of accessways will be entirely inadequate and
the public will gain access wherever they please, causing irreparable
damage to the dunes.
'
Much of this damage can be avoided if future need is anticipated and
planned for. The Brunswick County Planning Department developed population
projections for Holden Beach as well as Brunswick County as a portion of
'
their respective Land Use Plan Updates. These figures can be used to
help determine future Access Needs for Holden Beach.
Population Projections
'
Brunswick County Holden Beach Permanent Holden Beach Seasonal
197E 35,621 180 5,000
'
1980 38,100 250 6,800
'
1985 51,200 300 8,600
1990 - 64,300 350 10,400
Although the permanent population of Holden Beach is projected to increase
by only 100 persons from 1980 to 1990, the seasonal population is expected
to increase by 3,600 or 53% during the same time period. These figures
'
indicate that substantially more accessways will be needed to adequately
serve the future population of Holden Beach.
' In addition, the figures indicate more access is needed for day visitors.
Since many people from the unincorporated areas of the County visit Holden
Beach on a daily basis, population figures for the entire County should be examined
' to determine increased future demand. Because a 69% population increase is
expected in the County within the next ten years, substantially more public
accessways must be provided to avoid unnecessary damage to the dunes.
' The Development Plan recommends a large number of accessways be acquired
and maintained by Holden Beach. Based on population projections for the
Town and the surrounding region, the total number should adequately provide
' enough access for future demand, yet not be financially unrealistic.
1
24

I
Major Accessways
'
Major Accessways should primarily provide for the needs of the day or
off -island visitors. Because these accessways will be the most heavily
used by 'the public, more facilities are needed, as well as substantial
'
erosion controls.
When locating sites for major accessways, it is recommended that the
'
sites chosen meet the following general criteria prior to development.
1. Whenever possible, Major Accessways should be located near or at
'
sites presently used by the public.
2. Major Accessways should be located only where the dune height is
high and the dune vegetation is in good conditon. Barrier -free
access for the handicapped should be located at lower points, but
'
areas where the dune height is so low that the ocean is visible
from the road should be avoided.
'
3. Accessways should be discouraged in extremely dynamic or environ-
mentally sensitive areas, such as in inlet hazard areas.
'
4. Accessways should be connected directly to a public area such as
a public road or park. Whenever possible, they should be located
directly off a major road so as to be highly visible.
'
5. Major Accessways be in
should encouraged areas where enough un-
developed land is available to locate public parking areas.
'
6. Major accessways should be located only on land that is permanently
owned by the Town of Holden Beach.
1
Although specific locations suitable for major accessways are spread
out the entire length of the beach, there is a greater concentration of
sites on the eastern end of the island. Of the 68 sites examined, 18
are suitable for this category. The number actually developed would ob-
biously depend on funds available. Those locations with the criteria
recommended for major accessway development are: #2 (less desirable
because of low-to-non-existant dunes but acceptable until more suitable
areas are developed), #3, #4, #5 (presently uncut), #6, #11, #12, #13,
#14, #15, #26, #38, #45, #47, #53,#58, #60, and #61.
Although some facilities are provided at a number of these access-
ways,none have all the recommended facilities. Effort should be made to
be consistant in upgrading major access points so as to make them more
visible to the public. All signs should be consistant as well asthe
type of facilities provided. The paving material*of parking areas should be
similar so as to make them easier to locate.
The following facilities should be provided at all Major Accessways.
1. Parking: All Major Accessways should include an area for parking.
Adequate parking areas could be located on either side of Ocean
1 25

Boulevard. At present, all public parking areas are located on
oceanfront property. If this is to continue, these oceanfront
parking areas sould be redeveloped in such a manner so as not to
continue to damage the sand dunes. currently, parking is allowed
all the way up to the crest of the dune. As illustrated on one
of the following pages, it would be much better to allow parking
only to the base of the dune, and replant vegetation on the dune
itself.
A more feasible location for additional parking would be on
property located north of Ocean Boulevard. A crosswalk could be
provided across the highway to visually and physically join the
parking area and accessway. This would greatly decrease the cost
of acquiring more land for parking and help preserve the dune struc-
ture.
2. Bike racks:Bike racks should be provided at some but not all of
the Major Accessways. They should be located off to one side of
the parking area or protected by ties or ballards
3. Trash receptacles: Trash receptacles should be provided on
both the landward side of the dune at the entrance to the access
and the oceanside of the dune at the bottom of the steps of the
walkover. Pick-up should be a minimum of three times per week
during the Summer season.
4. Signs: Consistant identification signs should be placed at the
entrance of the accessway and the parking area if it is north of
Ocean Boulevard. Small signs should also be placed at the bottom
of the steps of the walkovers on the ocean side. Wooden signs are
recommended for durability as well as aesthetics. They should be
double -sided facing toward the direction of pedeatrian or vehicular
traffic. Information signs (concerning parking rec!ulRtions safety,
surfing, litter, etc.) should be kept at a minimum and placed
below or along side the main sign.
5. Bathroom facilities: Because the impact of constructing bathroom
facilities is substantial, it is recommended that no additional
facilities be added, but that existing bathrooms be expanded and
better marked with signs.
6. Sand fences: To help direct access and lessen erosion, the construction
of sand fences is recommended wherever a walkover is constructed.
Where possible, 20' of fencing with posts every 10' on either side
of the walkover should be placed on the dune ridge.
7. Walkovers: Many sand dunes within Holden Beach are being destroyed
due to the loss of vegetation caused by unrestricted access to
the beach over the dunes. As the vegetation is lost, the wind
begins to erode the dune and causes a progressive deterioration
of the entire system.
26

BRUNSWICK COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT 1980
A more detailed map i§ available at the Holden Beach Town Halt.
_...
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OfficeResidential
Comrnercial
Public Institv-11on
Agrirullure, Forestry, Fisheries
® Recreolion
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HOIDEN BEACH
EXISTING LAND USE

Holden Beach Existing Land
Use
Approximate
Average Acreage
Total
Percentage of
Percentage of
Land Use
Number of Units
Per Unit
Acreage
Developed Acreage
Total Acreage
Undeveloped
Platted
Acreage
N/A
N/A
349.33
N/A
19.79
Undeveloped
Unplatted
Acreage
N/A
N/A
1050.25
N/A
59.50
Total
100%
985
.17
1765.20
N/A

2, DEVELOPMENT TRENDS
The population and economic trends in Holden Beach appear to be much
the same as those from 1970 to 1975. The island has experienced steady
growth since 1970, It is difficult to measure the long-term impacts of the
development which has occurred. Benefits have accrued, including an increased
tax base to support the Town governmental services and an increased number of
residents and tourists who patronize the commercial establishments on the island
and the mainland.
Development trends making demands for land and services can be singled
out for residential land use. Single family home development has continued
since the growth boom of the 1960's. Residents are quite determined to limit
the number of multi -family structures which are built on the island. Property
owners have expressed their preference for the low density pattern at public
meetings and in citizen surveys.
Commercial development is purposely below the pace of residential
development and are closely scrutinized by Town officials adn residents before it
is allowed to occur.
Local attitudes favor keeping the atmosphere at Holden Beach quiet and
family -oriented as opposed to commercially oriented. Since 1976, an additional
grocery store has been added in the community and one motel has ceased to operate,
leaving one motel located on the island.
There has been local growth in the number of offices.
Public institutional use of land has not increased since 1976. However, the
Town intends to acquire a parcel of land on the island in the near future on
which a fire substation will be built.
Public recreational area development has not been occurring since 1976.
As noted earlier, the Town does not own any public recreation facilities, nor
can it afford at the present time to develop them. The Town is, however, look-
ing into the possibility of acquiring land for recreational use by land donation.
The fisheries located on the island have been in the comriiuni_ty for many
years,
A site for a local pump station as well as easements for sewerage may be
required. It should be noted here that public water distribution lines have
been set in place throughout the land area of the island since 1976. Any
4LI
17

MI
1
additional lines needed will be provided by the developer of the land
in need of utilities.
As a result of the trends mentioned in the foregoing text,•vacant undeveloped
land supplies have decreased since the last 'land use survey was completed for the
1976 Land Use Plan. This trend obviously, will continue until all developable
land is developed. How it is developed will depend on land use regulations enforced
by the Town of Holden. At present growth rates, however it appears that water faci-
lities and planned sewerage system facilities will not be adequate to meet projected
population growth beyond the next five years.
b. Land Use Compatability Problems
Many possible land use compatability problems in Holden Beach have been
avoided through the adoption and enforcement of the Holden Beach Zoning Ordinance
and map as amended and adopted January 7, 1980,
However, within the districts established by the Ordinance, there may exist.
nonconforming structures and lots that were otherwise lawful on the effective date
of the Ordinance but which would since be prohibited, regulated, or restricted under
the terms of the Ordinance. The Ordinance permits these nonconformities to continue
if granted a variance or conditional -use permit upon application and approval to -the
Holden Beach Board of Adjustment.
The nonconforming uses in Holden Beach are primarily in the form of.mobile home
development, lot sizes, and building setbacks.
c. Major.Problems Resulting from Unplanned Development
Holden Beach has undergone a significant amount of development since 1975,
with a large number.of new dwelling units and a large population increase. Until'
the adoption of the Holden Beach Zoning Ordinance this growth occurred without
regulation or proper planning, As a result, Holden Beach has some land use problems.
There is a significant beach access problem. This problem is currently under
study and have been addressed in

the Holden Beach Beach Access StUdy, 1980. Unfortunately, many beach
accessways originally dedicated to the Town reverted to their original
owners or were delegated to adjoining lots. Many street end accessways
were also converted into lots and sold for development...

A
C. CURRENT LAND USE REGULATIONS
I. Holden Beach Land Use Controls
The Town of Holden Beach has adopted several ordinances
which affect the use and development of land in the minicip-
ality. Some State and Federal regulations exist which also
affect the use of land in Hoiden Beach.
a. Zoning Ordinance - The Zoning Ordinance.consists of
a set of regulations and an official map which governs the
use and development of land within the Town limits. The
purpose of the regulation is to accomplish balanced and har-
monious development of the land in a manner that will promote
the health, safety, morals, convenience, order, prosperity,
or general welfare of the people of Holden Beach. The Ordinance
is administered by the full-time Town Administrator.
b. Subdivision Ordinance - The Subdivision Ordinance was
created with the purpose of establishing procedures and
standards that will regulate and control the subdivision of
land with the Town of Holden Beach in order to promote the
public health, safety, and general welfare of its citizens.
This ordinance requires the preparation of both preliminary
and final plats which both must be reviewed by the Town
- Planning Board and recommended to the Town Board of Commis-
stoners.
c. Building Codes - The Town of Holden Beach is presently enforcing the
State Building Code. The Town Building Inspector enforces the Building.
Code and is responsible for the issuing of building permits and performing
inspections to insure compatability of construction with the Code.
d. Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance - The Town enacted a revised Flood
Damage Prevention Ordinance in 1977, and regulates construction within the
High Hazard -Flood area. The Town is a qualified participant in the Federal
Flood Insurance Program.
e. Land Use Plan - Holden Beach has an adopted Land Use Plan, 1975, and is
in the process of updating it. On the municipal level,'the Land Use Plan
may be used in day to day business and in planning for the future. Oftentimes, the
land use plan guides in local policy decisions relating to overall community
development. The plans also provide the basis for development regulations and
capital facility planning and budgeting. By delineating how the community wishes to
grow, the land use plans help to assure the best use of the tax dollars, as
public utilities can be extended to the best areas for.growth.
20'

2. STATE AND FEDERAL CONTROLS
This section lists State and Federal land use related
controls. The agencies that these controls have stemmed
from are the Department of Natural Resources and Community
Development (Division of Environmental. Management), the
Department of Natural Resources and Community Development
(Office of Coastal Management), the Department of Natura l .
.Resources and. Community Development (Division of Earth
Resources) the Department of Natural Resources and
Community Development (Secretary of NRCD), the Department:
of Administration, the Department of Human Resources, the.
Department of Cultural Resources (Division of Archives and
History), the Department of Defense (Army Corps of Engineers),
the Department of Transportation (Coastal Guard), the
Department.of Interior (Geological Survey Bureau of Land
Management), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
The controls cover all areas of land use development
and management including water and sewerage facilities,
ground water, air and water pollution, construction guide-
lines in areas of Environmental Concern and dredging and
filling, dams, mining erosion control, Historic and arch-
eological sites, bridges, and energy facilities.
21,
I

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND COMMUN TY DEVELOPMENT
(a'IVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND COMMUNITY DEVELO.PMENT
(OFFICE OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT)
STATE CONTROLS
-Permits to discharge to surface
waters or operate waste water
treatment plants or oil discharge
permits; NPDES Permits, (G.S. 143-
215)
-Permits for septic tanks with a
capacity over 3000 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 100,00 gallons/day (G.S. 87-88).
Permits to dredge and/or fill in
estuarine waters, tidelands,.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.
22

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
(DIVISION OF EARTH RESOURCES).
STATE CONTROLS
-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).
-Permits to.conduct geographical
exploration (G.S. 113-391).
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
;SECRETARY OF NRCD)
STATE CONTROLS ,1
-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
STATE CONTROLS
Easements to fill where lands are
proposed to be raised above the
normal high water mark of navigable
waters by filling (G.S. 146,6(c)).
I
23
1

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
STATE CONTROLS
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 15 or more
year-round residences or 25 or
more year-round residents.
DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL RESOURCES
(DIVISION OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY)
FEDERAL
-National Historic Preservation Act of 1966
-The Archeological and Historic Preservation Act
of 1974, Public Law 93-291
-Executive Order 11593, Protection and Enhancement
of the Cultural Environment, 16 U.S.C. 470
(Supp. 1,.1971
National Environmental Policy Act, Public Law
9.1-190, 42 U.S.C. 4321 F.L. Sep. (1970) .
Community Development Act of 1974,Public Law
93-383: Environmental Review Procedures for
the Community Development Block Grant Program
(40 CFR Part 58)
-Procedures for the Protection of Historic and
Cultural Properties (36 CFR Part 800)
Comprehensive Planning Assistance Program (701)
as Amended by Public Law 93-393
The Department of Transportation Act of 1966,
Public Law 89-670
-Identification and Administration of Cultural
Resources: Procedures of Individual Federal
Agencies
24 i

STATE
-G.S. 121-12 (a) Protection .of Properties in the
National Register
-State Environmental Policy Act, Article 1 of
chapter 113A of the General Statutes
Executive Order XVI
Indian Antiquities, G.S. 70.1-4
-Salvage of Abandoned Shipwreck and other
Underwater ARcheological Sites: G.S. 121-22,
23; 143E-62(1) g, (3)
Archeological Salvage in Highway Construction,
G.S. 136-42.1
Provision.s for Cultural Resources in Dredging and
illing Operations, G.S. 113-229
i
25

ARMY CORPS OF ENGINNERS
(DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE)
FEDERAL CONTROLS
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
(DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION)
THE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY BUREAU OF'LAND MANAGEMENT
(DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR)
FEDERAL CONTROLS
-Permits for bridges, causeways, pipelines over
navigable waters; required under the General
Bridge Act of 1946 and the Rivers and Harbors
Act of 1899.
-Deep water port permits
-Permits. required for off -shore drilling.
-Approvals of OCS pipeline corridor rights -of -way.
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
- FEDERAL CONTROLS
-Licenses for siting, construction and operation
of nuclear poorer plants; required under the Atomic
Energy Act of 1954 and Title II of the Energy
Reorganization Act of 1974

FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
FEDERAL CONTROLS
Permits for construction, operations and
maintenance of interstate pipelines facilities
required under the Natural Gas Act of 1974.
-Orders of interconnection of electric trans-
mission 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 hydroelectric
projects and associated transmission lines
under Sections 4 and 15 of the Federal
Power Act.
27

J
D. ASSESSMENT OF THE HOLDEN BEACH PAST LAND USE PLAN
In 1976, the Town of Holden Beach adopted a land use plan to guide the
and development of the community for years to come. Under the North Carolina
Coastal Area Management Act regulations, local land use plans must be updated
every five years. One of the major objectives of the Land Use Plan update
is to assess the effectiveness of the existing land use plan and its
implementation.
The identification of major issues and problems in a community is an
important part of the land use planning process. It involves listing
problems/issues, identifying associated conditions, and specifying likelv
causes of these conditions. From such analysis, goals .can
be stated which address the specific problems/issues. And, from stated
goals, objectives can be established. Implementation of the policies
and plans will depend on the means which the community possesses. The means
include a zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, and a capital improvements .
budget.
In doing an update of a previous land use plan, it is necessary to
assess and analyse past problems/issues which no longer exist so they can be
identified and eliminated from the updated plan. Achievement of goals
and objectives is noted and the update is modified. Any items which have
not been eliminated or achieved can be assessed for any progress or reasons
why the problems/issues still exist or the goals have not been achieved. An
assessment and analysis of past problems/issues in the Land Use Plan for
Holden Beach is included in the following text.
HOLDEN BEACH PAST LAND USE PLAN ASSESSMENT
OUTLINE
1. HOUSING PROBLEMS
a. HIGHER DENSITY DEVELOPMENT
b. SUBSIDIZED HOUSING
C. MINIMUM HOUSING CODE
d. MOBILE HOMES
e. FLOOD REGULATIONS AND CAMA REGULATIONS TO PROTECT
HOMEOWNERS FROM NATURAL HAZARDS
2. COMMUNITY FACILITIES
a.. WATER SYSTEM
b. SEWER
3. RECREATION
a. BEACH ACCESS
b. PARKS
C. JOGGING AND BIKE TRAIL
d. COMMUNITY CENTER
e. ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR
4. LAND DEVELOPMENT
a. •COMMERCIAL
b.! AESTHETICS
5. TRANSPORTATION
a. STREET IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE
b. BRIDGE (S)

6. ROSOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
a. INLAND ACCESS FOR COMMERCIAL VESSELS
b. AQUIFER MANAGEMENT
c. COASTAL WETLANDS
d. FINGER CANALS
e. DUNES AND BEACHES
7. SPECIFIC ISSUES
a. COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY
b. TOWN ADMINISTRATION
c. POPULATION INFORMATION
i
29 !

s
1. HOUSING PROBLEMS
a. Higher Density Development
The 1975 Holden Beach Land Use Plan had as one of its objectives,
the development of higher density housing units. Public water and sewer
services are necessary for development at high densities and these services
can be provided at a more reasonable cost for each home if denser develop-
ment occurs. Since that time, development has occurred at the same
low density levels, in spite of the fact public water has become .available.
This low density development pattern has been mainly due to the lack of
sewerage facilities.
There has been considerable evidence that local citizens may prefer a contin-
uation of the low density development pattern. This preference may have
future bearing on the fulfillment of this objective. Sewerage facilities
riay become a reality in the next few years. Therefore, it is very important
that the objective of higher density residence in the Holden Beach Land Use
Plan Update be reevaluated.
b. Sul sidized Housing
In 1979.-the Areawide Housing Opportunity Plan for Region 0 prepared by
the Cape Fear Council of Governments concluded that beach communities.
are not suited for assisted housing.
Since the AHOP is used by the Federal Government in determining the
placement of subsidized housing. Holden Beach is effectively excluded from
development of this nature. Subsidized housing is not an issue for Holden
Beach.

c. Minimum HousinqCode
In 1975 another objective of the Holden Beach Land Use Plan was
the adoption of a minimum Housing Code. Such a code was in fact adopted
in October of 1976. The code is based on.the N.C. Uniform Residential
Building Code. This code is enforced by the local building inspector
and has been successfully used to control occupancy of unsafe structures.
A spmmary of the code along with the Holden Beach Zoning Ordinance, the
Holden Beach Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, and the Coastal Area
Management Act have been published in a booklet entitled Building on
the Beach, which has substantially clarified the many requirements for
building on Holden Beach. It appears that this objective has been met.
d. Mobile Homes
In 1975 mobile homes, both in parks and on individual lots, consisted
of five acres of total land use or 3.5 percent of developed land. Public
opinion at that time, as expressed in the Land Use Survey of August, 1975,
showed an overall preference for less mobile home development.' Since that
time there has been an overall decrease in mobile homes on Holden Beach.
Approximately 10% or 9 mobile homes have been removed in the past three
years. This decrease has been encouraged by the Holden Beach Zoning
Ordinance which classified mobile homes an non -conforming uses in all
districts. A mobile home may only be replaced in the mobile home park
just west of the fishing pier. Even the location may soon be committed
to other uses. Unofficial plans for the mobile home park include the
development of a motel. Mobile homes appear to be a decreasing issue
of concern in Holden Beach.
e. Flood Regulations and CAMA Regulations
Two of the objectives of the 1975 Holden Beach Land Use Plan were
to adopt a flood damage prevention ordinance and to prevent development
in any area which would result in a contravention or violation of any
rules, regulation, or laws of the State of N.C. or of Holden Beach.
Holden Beach adopted a flood -damage prevention ordinance on December
22, 1977. This ordinance is the standard ordinance.provided by the Federal
Government for communities to be insured under the Federal Flood Insurance
Program. This ordinance regulates building and construction in flood prone
areas and aims to prevent damage to property and danger to human -life.
There has been some recent testing of the enforceability of this ordinance
with some property owners makinq habitable, house spaces which are below
100 year flood mark. The'Town has taken legal action to prevent these
violations where they are discovered. The major problem lies in the fact
that the violations are difficult to discover.
Since the adoption of the 1975 Land Use Plan, the State has begun
enforcement of the CAMA Permit Process. After March 1, 1978, any develop-
ment in an areas of Environmental Concern requires a CAMA Permit.
a
31

To this date, only one property owner has been denied the use of his
land. The denial was based on insufficient lot size and is presently
being appealed. The Coastal Resources Commission will soon face a test
which will determine whether the CAMA Act will be able to prevent con-
struction on lands which do not meet the AEC standards.
May 29, 1979, the CRC established ocean hazard setbacks. The set-
back is determined to be 30x the annual erosion rate for each particular
area along the coast. The land mark decision involves whether a variance
wild be issued for a Kitty Hawk property owner whose lot is only 32 ft.
in depth, while the setback is 78 feet. The decision of this case will
greatly affect future development on Holden Beach as well as the rest of
the N.C. coast.
2. COMMUNITY FACILITIES
a. Water System
In 1975 one of the objectives of the Holden Beach Land Use Plan was
to construct an efficient and economical Water System for all people. In
1979 Holden Beach finished connection to the Brunswick County Water System.
The main line of the system is 12 inch line running under the Lockwood
Folly Inlet -from Long Beach to Holden Beach except for the extreme western end.
The water source is the County water plant on highway 211. The water system
was financed through the selling of revenue bonds.and user charges are collected
to repay the bonds.
The capacity of the County system is b million gallons. Holden Reach
has just recently finished construction of a 300,000 gallon storage tank.
Since there are presently only 809 Holden Beach customers using the County
system, the system should be adequate to provide water to the island for
the next 40 years.
b . Sewe r
In 1975, another objective was to construct an efficient and
economical wastewater treatment system. Since 1976, initial plans
for such a system have been made. Holden Beach is within the Southwest
Brunswick County 201 Planning Area. In addition to Holden Beach, the
Southwest Brunswick County 201 Planning area includes the towns of
Calabash, Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle, Shallotte, and some areas of un-
incorporated Brunswick County. The portion of the system proposed for
Holden Beach would have a maximum capacity of approximately 440,000 gals.
per day. The system would comprise a .44 m.g.p. pump station at Holden
Beach and a 6 inch 24,200 ft. force main along N.C. 130 to a land appli-
cation site. It would be a combination gravity and low pressure system.
The system would adequately serve Holden Beach until the year 2000 when
an expansion of the system will be necessary. Total cost of the project
is projected to be $ 4,729,000, which includes the main line and treatment.
plant. The individual collection lines will need to be financed through
a special. assessment of property.
32

It is important to realize that cost to individual property owners
for construction of the connection lines will depend upon the density of
development. If houses are farther apart, it cost more to connect each
house to the main lines. If the residents of Holden Beach desire to main-
tain their present Low Density Development pattern, they must be willing
to pay the higher costs of servicing such a development pattern with the
necessary public utilities.
3. RECREATION
a. Beach Access
Another 1975 Holden Beach Land Use Plan objective was to acquire
title or permanent use to beach access ways for all citizens to enjoy beach
recreational activities. Holden Beach has suffered major setbacks in this
area in recent years. Many alley -ways and street ends that were included
in original subdivisions were withdrawn from public dedication since 1971-1972.
The alleyways were distributed among adjacent property owners to increase
their lot sizes. The street ends were sold as building lots. The few remain-
ing access points are not provided with adequate parking. Major access prob-
lems occur in the Harbor Acres and Heritage Acres and Holden Beach Harbor
Subdivisions.
There appears to be major conflicts between the various user classes of
the beach. These classes are: the beach front property owners; the non -beach a
front property owners, the adjacent unincorporated county property owners; and
the tourists. These problems still exist and shall be analyzed in the Beach
Access Study currently in progress by the Brunswick County Planning Department.
b. Parks 4
The 1975 Holden Beach Land Use Plan gave as another of its objectives the
establishment of an adequate park and recreational area on either end of the
island. Holden'Beach has almost no public recreation and park facilities.
Money appears'to be the major stumbling block of this objective. Presently,
recreational facilities are limited to beach access areas. There is an area
at Harbor Acres Subdivision which could be developed as a park. A nature trail
area exists at the east end of the island and is in private ownership. There are
some plans to upgrade Holden Beach's recreation facilities. - Due to the lack of
alternative sources of funding, any land purchase and construction will depend
upon bond referendums. The Town has conducted preliminary discussions with Holden
Beach Realty Co. concerning the possible donation of the site near the Town Hall
for park and recreation purposes. Most possibly the site would be developed as
tennis courts and a playground.
33

c. Jogging, Bike Trail and Walkway
Since 1975 there has been some interest in a bike and jogging trail
along the ocean boulevard. The preliminary estimate of the project cost
would be $ 47,000. Since the annual Town budget is only $100,000, funds
for the construction of such a project would have to come from a bond
referendum or grant sources.
.d. Community Center
One of the objectives in 1975 Holden Beach Land Use Plan was to
promote the cultural amenities of the community by organizing and sponsor-
ing. an information center and community wide events.
Since 1976 the:Town Hall has been used as an information center with
several exhibits having been shown and night-time summer programs
sponsored. The summer programs were a series of lectures on the environ-
ment, history and recreational opportunities at Holden Beach. They were
very popular and promoted citizen involvement. One program, the."Tales
of' Holden Beach,"involved the longtime residents of the area", related
local history and folklore to tourists and residents. A community coocer
would allow permanent exhibits and expansion of existing programs.
4. LAND DEVELOPMENT
•a. Commercial
In 1975 the only commercial development on Holden Beach was a
grocery store, 4 realty offices, a pavillion, the fishing pier, and
several small tourist related shops. An objective of the 1976 plan
was to permit only convenience type shopping facilities in the town.
Since 1976 several new commercial establishments have been built.
There has been some discussion on three locations for a new bridge.
One could drastically effect present commercial development on Holden
Reach and across the inland waterway. The present zoning ordinance ,
has approximately two acres in the commercial district.
34

b. Aes thetirt
In 1975, the Holden Beach land Use Plan had as one of its objectives
the establishment of an appearance commission to preserve the community's
aesthetic quality, with power to review architectural plans in accordance
with General Statutes, 160A .451.
Such a commission was established in 1977; however ,it lacks the
reviews powers. Their services have been limited to beautification projects.
The appearance commission, if vested with review powers, could help to pre-
serve the existing character of Holden Beach. This issue should be reexamined.
5. Transportation
a. Streets Improvement and Maintenance
One transportation objective of the 1975 Land Use Plan was to emphasize
safety and a continuous street improvement and construction program.
Holden Beach has since 1976, used their Powell Bill money to maintain
town roads. State Road 1116, the major thoroughfare of Holden Beach is a
narrow road and has inadequate shoulders. Future improvement will be necessary.
b. Bridges
Another transportation objective was the adoption of a detailed thorough-
fare plan with the N.C. Dept. of Transportation, Division of highways. A
detailed Thoroughfare Plan is being worked on by the North Carolina Dept.
of Transportation, Division of Highways. An important element of this plan
is the placeri;ent of future bridges. Three locations are presently being
considered. .
6. Resource Production and Management
a. Inlet Access fir rrnmmo..4,1
The 1975 Holden Beach Land Use Plan made note of.the fact that Lockwood
Folly Inlet is bital to the commercial fishing industry of Holden Beach.
There are presently 39 vessels which use Lockwood Folly Inlet for access to ocean fishing grounds. Four of these are docked at Holden Beach; the remain-ing 35 are docked directly across the inland waterway at Varnamtown and along
the Intracoastal Inland Waterway. The commercial fishing industry is one of
three major industires in the Holden Beach area, along with tourism and construc-
tion. The fishing industry adds much to the color and attractiveness of this
area for seasonal visitors. It is therefore, important to retain and encourage
expansion of this industry. In order to allow safe passage of present users
and accommodation of larger vessels, the Lockwood Folly Inlet will require some
dredging.

w
b. Aquifer Management
In 1975, a Holden Beach Policy Objective was to eliminate as nearly
as possible the potential for contamination of special aquifer areas
that may result in a public health hazard or significantly limit the
value of the aquifer as a water supply source. At that time, special
aquifer areas were planned for those kinds of developments.that would
not rely upon subsurface waste disposal systems, resulting in injection
of wastes into the ground, significantly increasing the risk of accidental
discharge onto the surface of liquid or other easily soluble contaminants,
or increasing the withdrawal of water from the aquifer to a rate that may
cause saltwater intrusion.
Inappropriate uses included chemical or fuel processing or storage
facilities or residential development employing septic tank sewage dis-
posal systems. It .was recommended that the AEC's should be planned for
low intensity of use where feasible, and new intensive development that
must occur should be provided with public waste water disposal systems.
As previously mentioned, the Town has, since 1976, established_a
water system. Because the withdrawal of water from the Holden Beach
aquifer has been significantly reduced, the danger of salt water intru-
sion has likewise been reduced.
The greatest danger to the aquifer is still the possibility of septic
tank pollution, therefore; the Holden Beach sewer system, planned
for the mid 1980's, is greatly needed.
.Another dangerous situation caused by the pollution of the aquifer
would lie in the use of the. aquifer as an emergency source of water.
In the case of storm damage or a nuclear emergency, the Holden Beach
aquifer may have to be used as the major source of water for the
residents. This is yet another reason for continuing concern for
the aquifer.
�. Coastal Wetlands
One of the objectives of the Holden Beach Land Use Plan was
to prevent development in any Area of Environmental Concern which
would result in a contravention or violation of any regulations,
or laws of the State of North Carolina or the Town of Holden Beach.
Another of the objectives was that no development should be allowed
in any AEC which would have a substantial likelihood of causing
pollution of the waters of the State to the extent that -such waters
would be closed to the taking of shellfish under standards set by.
the Commission for Health Services pursusant to G.S. 30-169.01.
36

Since 1976, the areas Proposed to be used as AFC's by Holden Beach
were accepted by the Coastal Resources Commission. These AEC's include
the coastal wetland AEC. Holden Beach has met with substantial success
in preventing development in the coastal wetland areas because of the
State CAMA control and permitting processes,
lPollution
this area has continued from sources outside the ecorastal wetland.of
Although these sources have not been pinpointed at this time, pre-
liminary investigation has suggested the following potential sources:
non-functioning and excessive number of septic tanks on Holden Beach,
urban runoff -and incomplete treatment of sewage from Myrtle Beach, and
agricultural runoff. and septic discharge from pleasure boats using the ►eaters.
Once this sutdy is concluded it is hoped that measures can be taken to
correct or mitigate this problem.
d. Finger Canals
One of the objective of the 1975 Holden Beach Land Use Plan was
to prohibit future construction or expansion of finger canal resident development. type
Since 1965 there has been,no new construction or expansion of
existing finger canals.
e Dunes and Beaches
Preservation
In 1975 the CAMA Program in N.C. was ,just getting under aJay, i
They had not yet estab lished the permitting program or setback for
buildings on the beach. In 1978 the permitting process was instituted
for construction within 144 feet of the mean high water mark. In 1979,
the CAMA permit area was extended to 398 feet of the mean high water
mark and an erosion rate for Holden Beach was estimated b.y the State to
be 2.2 feet per year. The State used this erosion rate and a standard
of 30 year building life to establish a minimum building setback on the
beach of 68 feet from the water. The development of the CAMA program
is continually improving the protection of the beach and dune access.
The beach and dunes perform the important function of a natural barrier
to reduce erosion. At the present time there are no plans to renourish
the beach or construct artifical barriers on Holden Beach to reduce the
erosion rate. It is very important that the beach and dunes remain un-
disturbed as possible to prevent increased erosion.
37

7. SPECIFIC USES
a. Commercial Laundry
One specific issue addressed in the 1975Holden Beach Land Use
Plan was the Community's need for a commercial laundry. As of this
date, no such facility has been established and there appear to be
no plans for one in the near future. The nearest community laundry'
facility is presently located in Southport. The lack of a community
laundry can be attributed to the lack of a public sewage system.
b. Town Administration
Another specific issue of the1975 Holden Beach Land Use Plan was
the need for full time administration in order to improve the Town's
management capability. Since 1976, a full time Town Administrator
has been hired and has done much to improve the operation of the Holden
Beach Town Government.
c. Population Information
Another specific issue addressed in the 1975 Holden Beach Land
Use Plan was the need for future population projections up to 2000
with breakdown of sex and aqe. This issue shall be addressed in the
upcoming Population Projection section.
3i3

PART F
CONSTRAINTS
TO
DEVELOPMENT

PART
II
CONSTRAINTS
TO DEVELOPMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Topic
Page
A. LAND SUITABILITY .........................................
41
1.
Soil Suitability Analysis
42
Soil Conditions
Soil Suitability
2.
Septic Tank Suitability Analysis
46
Subdivision Regulations
47
3.
Fragile Areas
48
a. Estuarine Systems
b. Ocean Hazard Areas System
c. Public Water Supples
—
d. Fragile Coastal Natural Resource Areas
4.
Areas with Resource Potential
50
B. COMMUNITY CAPACITY
1.
Existing and Proposed Services
51
Water Facilities
Sewerage Facilities
�►
Solid Waste Disposal
-
Transportation Facilities
Service Areas Map
—
Recreational Facilities
Educational Facilities
Emergency Facilities
_
Senior Citizen Facilities and Services
Health Care Facilities
Refuse Collection
2.
Population Projections
56
. 3.
Estimated Demand
60
Water Facilities
Sewerage Facilities
--
Developable Lands
40

A. LAND SUITABILITY
An analysis was made to determine the suitability for
development of all undeveloped lands in Holden Beach.
It consisted of three major mapping schemes:
(1) Soil limitations and productive lands-
(2) Lands with severe restrictions for development
(3) Land suitability
These three schemes were analyzed and mapped, based upon
the best information available. The major purpose of this
analysis was to identify those areas in Holden Beach that have
major constraints on development and to better educate the
public about these areas before the Land Classification maps
were drawn.
The first scheme deals with the general soil conditions in
Holden Beach and how the natural soil properties present certain
restrictions on development.
The second scheme further breaks down the soil conditions to
identify those areas where septic tanks will not function and develop-
ment should not occur unless public sewer service is available.
It combines those soil associations which are sandy, poorly drained,
and have relatively high water tables. Included in this analysis
are those areas areas where septic tanks function but !There deep
sands have fast percolation rates causing contamination of nearby
water wells. Since this pollution problem has a high probability
of occuring, development within these areas should not occur unless
either public water or sewer systems are available. Essentially
these areas will be water -quality limited areas if present patterns
of growth and development continue. .
Also identified are soils within the Town where no development
should be allowed. These include a) coastal wetlands; b) ocean
beaches; c) frontal -dunes, -and d) fresh water marshes. All of
these soil types were given very severe soil ratings and are not
further distinguished from one another on the soils map.
The last analysis scheme used in determining land suitability
indicates those areas where future growth should not be programmed
to occur because of various natural and man-made conditions.
The first part of the analysis deals with fragile areas which
could be easily destroyed or damaged by inappropriate or poorly
planned development. These include:
(1) Coastal wetlands
(2) Frontal Dunes
(3) Ocean Beaches and Shorelines
(4) Complex Natural Areas
(5) wetland wildlife Habitats
(6) Fresh water Marshes
(7) Inlet Hazard Areas
41

The second part of this analysis identifies natural hazard
areas. These consist of those areas that have high rates of
erosion at the present and in the past and could be considered
hazardous to development and certain other land uses.
These areas are ocean erodible areas.
Natural hazard areas also include Coastal Flood plains..
These are areas which are prone to flooding from storms with
an annual probability of one percent or greater (100-year storm).
Such areas could be considered hazardous to development. -
1. SOIL SUITABILITY ANALYSIS
This is an analysis of the general suitability of Holden Beach's
soils for use as future sites for development. All of the Town's
soils are classified as having some degree of physical limitations
for future development. This analysis uses a general site map of
the Town and locates those soil associations with natural properties
that are not well suited for development. The analysis discusses
each soil and its interpretation. It is essentially a guide and
aid in the preparation of a land classification map.
The maps and analysis are useful guides in planning residential
growth, engineering works, recreational facilities and community
projects. This is not a suitable analysis for the planning and
management of a specific residence or lot or for selecting exact
locations for building roads, etc., because the soils in any one
association ordinarily differ in slope, drainage, depth, and other
characteristics that could affect their management.
The Outer Banks Soil Conservation Service Soil Survey was used
to develop the soil analysis sections for each association. The soil
productive areas were identified by following certain established
-- criteria. Agricultural lands were mapped according to capability
class ratings from the S.C.S. which is explained in the text.
Productive forest lands were separated according.to the site index
of the associations with only those of high value being mapped.
Loblolly pine was used as the reference species.
Soil Conditions
This section of the report groups together various soils
associations having similar soil properties and thus interprets
their natural soil condition as having either resource potential.
or specific development limitation. The soil ratings are determined
_ on this basis. Such interpretations encompass certain established
tests to each soils physical and chemical properties. They are
as follows:
M. Soil Horizons - depth in inches of the major soil strata
from surface to subsurface soils. This is used to deter-
mine relative depth to water table and the soil chemical
properties.
(2) Texture - based on the relative amounts of sand., silt,
and clay in a soil type giving rise to texture classes
such as sand, sand loam 1

(3) Particle Size - based on the single soil unit and relates
to shrink -swell potential, plasticity, and bearing capacity. `
(4) Permeability - quality of a soil that permits the move-
ment of water and air. Estimate of the range of perme-
ability is the rate of time it takes for.downward move
ment.of water in the major soil layers when saturated,
but allowed -to drain freely.
(5) Soil Structure - the arrangement and compaction of individual
soil particles which make-up the -basic buildi.ng blocks of
soil types.
(6) Available Water Capacity - the ability of soils to retain
water for plant use.
(7) Soil Reaction or ph- the degree of acidity or alkalinity
of a soil.
Soil Suitability
The soil types indicated on the soil map were rated for bearing
capacity and septic tank filter field capacity. Bearing capacity
is a soil limitation rating for dwellings based on soil properties
that affect foundations. Considerations are also made of slope,
susceptibility to flooding, seasonal high water table, and other
hydrologic conditions in rating the soils. Septic tank filter
capacity is a rating based on soil properties that limit the
absorption or treatment of effluent. These properties include:
slope, susceptibility to flooding, presence of a seasonal high'
water table, and permeability of the subsoil and underlying
material. Past performance of existing filter fields is also
important in determining the suitability of a site for the
installation and design of a ground absorption sewage disposal
system.
Each rating has a different meaning. These are indicated below.
Slight: Soil properties are generally favorable for the stated
use, or limitations are minor and can be easily overcome.
Moderate: Some soil properties are unfavorable, but limitations
resulting from the properties can be overcome or modified
by special planning, good design, and careful management.
Severe: Soil properties are unfavorable and resulting limitations
are too difficult to corrector overcome. Soil will re-
quire major soil reclamation or special design for stated
uses. This rating, however, does not imply the soil can-
not be used.
Very Severe: This rating is a subdivision of the severe rating T
and has one or more features so unfavorable for the
stated use that the limitation is very difficult and
expensive to overcome. Reclamation would be very
difficult, requiring the soil material to be removed, 43
replaced, or completely modified. This rating is .confined
to soils that require estreme alteration and, generally, are not
used for dwelling and septic tank filter fields.

r
Also included on the suitability map are the floodplain
designations and Areas of Environmental. Coastal Floodplain
is defined as the land areas adjacent to coastal sound,
estuaries, and the ocean that are prone to flooding from
storms with an annual probability of one percent or greater
(100-year flood). Land uses in these areas must comply -with
standards of the Federal Insurance Administration.
These standards are associated with the following flood zone
designations accepted by the Administration.
Flood Zone A - are those areas of 100-year flood.
Flood Zone B - are those areas between the limits of
the 100-year flood and 500-year flood.areas.
Both Zones A and B have been designated on the Holden Beach
Suitability Map.
The CAMA Areas of Environmental Concern for Holden Beach are
defined as the Estuarine and Ocean Erodible Areas above the mean
high water mark where excessive erosion has a high probability
of occurring. In delineating the landward extend of this area,
a reasonable 25-year recession line shall be determined using
the best scientific data available. Appropriate land uses are
recreation, conservation, and easements for access. Permanent
or substantial residential, commercial, institutional or indus-
trial structures are discouraged land uses in these areas.
a. Soils in -the Slight category are:
Newhan fine sand
The soils are sandy and range from well -drained to excessively
drained, often experiencing drought conditions. blater perco-
lation is very rapid through the stratified sandy deposits
that range from fine to coarse sand with varying amounts of
shells. Typically found in long ridges on dunes parallel to
the ocean, the soil areas are subject.to salt spray and
blowing sand.
b. Soils in the Moderate category are•
Newnan -Corolla complex
The soils consist of two dominant types, Newhan and Corolla,
which occur in an interrelated pattern on the landscape.
Often this complex type occupies the transitional zone
between the higher -lying dunes to the east aid the broad
flats to the west, consisting of low dunes and intervening
basins that separate the dunes.
Newhan soils are well to excessively drained, dry, and
have -a low natural fertility. There is a thin surface layer
low in organic matter and plant fiber. Sand is coarse and'
contains varying amounts of shell fragments. The water
table is more than seven feet below the surface.
.44..

Corolla soils are moderately well drained and sandy throughout,
containing a high percent of coarse sand with varying amounts.
of shell fragments. Typically, the water table is within 15
to 20 inches of the surface.
c. Soils in the Severe category are: ,
Madeland
The soil is primarily sandy, but some areas contain up to 10
percent shells. Permeability is rapid and most areas are quite
dry. Flooding by sea water is rare._ The water table fluctuates
with changes in tide level; however, most areas have a depth to
the water table of about two to four feet during high tide.
Found on the sound side of the island adjacent to the water.
The soil has been dredged during the construction of canals
and has been deposited between canals for use as building sites. .
Essentially, all of the material has been deposited over marsh
and its average thickness ranges from three to six feet.
Carolla fine sand
The soils are moderately well -drained and sandy throughout,
with a thin surface layer that is very low in organic matter.
The coarseness of the sand and the amount of shell fragments
varies throughout. Percolation is rapid. Depth to the high 16
water table flucuates with seasonal changes between one and
one half to three feet. These soils are located on the flats
that lie behind the foredunes.
Dredge Spoil •
The soils are composed primarily of sand and shells. They are
generally dry with rapid permeability. Located along the Intra-
coastal waten-!ay, the spoils are a result of dredging maintenance
of the waterv,ay, Most of the areas are less than ten .feet in
height, and have been deposited on marsh..
Duckston fine sand
The soils are sandy throughout, containing a high percent of
coarse sand and varying amounts of shell fragments. The
permeability is very rapid and the depth to the seasonal high
water table variable. During wet seasons, water is at or
near the surface, as compaired to depths of two to five feet
in dry seasons. Drainage, however, is poor. The soils are
found on the flats that extend inland from the frontal dunes.
45

6f
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HOLDEN BEACH �.
SOIL MAP •. " "m

d. Soils in the Very Severe category are:
Carteret Soil, low
The soils are sandy and permeability is rapid. Saltwater flooding
may occur daily. The depth to the seasonal high water table ranges
from zero to three feet. Found on the sound side of the barrier
island, the soils contain varying amounts of shell fragments.
Beach-Foredune Association
The soil area includes both the beach and the "frontal dune.
The beaches are flooded daily by tidal action and contain sand
ranging from fine to very coarse with varying amounts of shell
fragments. The foredune portion consists of a dune just land-
ward and parallel to the beach. It is subject to severe erosion
by wind and wave action in the absence of vegetation.
Permeability is rapid for both areas and the high water table
ranges from zero to three feet on the beach and up to six feet.
at -the foredunes.
2. SEPTIC TANK SUITABILITY ANALYSIS
A major factor influencing the health of individuals where
public sewers are not available is the proper disposal of human
s excreta. Many diseases, such as dysentery, typhoid, infectious
hepatiti.s, para-typhoid, and various types of diarrhea are trans-
mitted from one person to another through the fecal contamination
of food and water, largely due to the improper disposal of human
wastes. For this reason, every effort should be made to prevent
:uch bazar cls and to cl i slrOse ci ( al 1 human was 1.e so the t no oppor-
tunity will exist for contamination of water or food.
Safe disposal of all human and domestic wastes is necessary.
to protect the health of the individual and the community and to
_ prevent the occurance of a bad public nuisance. Although "the
two-holer" had a noteworthy and honorable place in history, the
advancement of indoor plumbing has been the major "savior" for
disposing human wastes in a sanitary manner. In a non -urban
area such as Holden Beach the principal method used to handle
such wastes is the septic tank and filter field. To accomplish
satisfactory sanitary results such wastes must be disposed of
so that they meet the following criteria:
(1) They will not contaminate any drinking water supply.
_ (2) They will not give rise to a public health hazard by
being accessible to insects, rodents, or other possible
carriers which may come into contact with food or
drinking water.
(3). They will not give rise to a public health hazard by
being accessible to children.
(4) They will not violate laws or regulations governing
- water pollution or sewage disposal.
(5) They will not pollute or contaminate the waters -of
any bathing beach, shellfish breeding ground, or
_ stream used for public or domestic water supply
purposes or for recreational purposes.
(6) phey will not give rise to a nuisance due to odor or
unsightly appearance. 46

-
_'ii35iliW4�Na�YFpptlbC�+IWIhtwRab�f%^I}w_•+rs
a_
These criteria can best be met by the discharge of domestic
sewage to an adequate public or community sewerage system.*
Septic tanks and soil absorption trenches are generally considered
by health authorities and the construction industry as an interim
solution for waste disposal in urban or semi -urban conditions.
In other words, they are used when a public sewage disposal system
is non-existent or not immediately available. However, when the
above criteria are met, and where soil and site conditions are
favorable, the septic tank system can give satisfactory service.
Experience has shown that adequate supervision, inspection, and
maintenance of all features of the system are required to ensure
compliance in this respect.
A. Subdivision Regulations: Holden Beach does have a local
subdivision ordinance which helps to alleviate septic
tank problems. This Ordinance generally involves the
review of the plans for a large residential development
or smaller subdivisions by local, planning, soils, and
health officials. Among other things, a soils ability
to contain and handle the wastes of a septic tank disposal is
evaluated. Thus the Subdivision Ordinance allows for
better review of new projects and notifies the various
departments of impending residential developments.
In this way they can more effectively enforce department
regulations.
47
i

3. Fragile Areas
Through the N.C. Coastal Area Management Act, a body of administrative
law has developed including definitions and controls for areas of Environ-
mental Concern (A. E. C. s )
The types of areas included are:
a. Estuarine Systems:
_ ( 1.) Coastal Wetlands. These are the marshes. Holden Beach contains
saltwater marshes along the Intercoastal Waterway. It is the objec-
tive of the state to safeguard and perpetuate the biological, social,
economic and aesthetic value of these marshes as a natural resource
essential to the functioning of the estuarine system. Accordingly,
state administrative law defines suitable and unsuitable uses.
(2.) Estuarine platers. State Statute G.S. 113A-113(B) (2) defines
Estuarine Waters as "all the water of the Atlantic Ocean within the
boundary of North Carolina and all the waters of the bays, sounds,
rivers, and tributaries thereto seaward of the dividing line between
coastal fishing waters and inland fishing waters, as set forth in an
agreement adopted by the Wildlife Resources Commission and the Dept.
of Natural Resources and Community Development filed with the Secre-
tary of State, entitled "Boundary Lines North Carolina Commercial
Fishing - Inland fishing areas: revised to March 1, 1965. Holden.
Beach contains such areas.
It.is the objective of the state to safeguard and perpetuate their
biological, social, aesthetic and economic values ,' parti c:u lar ly as
to,reproduction and maturation of fish and shellfish. Accordingly,
State Administrative Law defines suitable and unsuitable uses.
( 3.) Public _. Trust Areas. Somewhat duplicative of the above two categories,
State. Administrative Law defines public trust areas as all waters of
the Atlantic Ocean and the lands thereunder from the mean high water
mark to the seaward limit of state jurisdiction.. Further, it includes
all natural bodies of water subject to measurable lunar.ti.des
and lands thereunder to the mean high water mark, and all navigable
- natural bodies of water and lands thereunder to the mean high water -
level, and other waters including artifically created bodies of water
to which the public has acquired rights. Holden Beach contains such
areas.
It is the objective of the state to protect •public rights for naviga-
tion and recreation and to preserve and manage these areas so as to
safeguard and perpetuate their biological, economic and aesthetic
value.
Projects which would block or impair existing navigation channels,
increase shoreline erosion, deposit spoils below.mean high tide,
cause adverse water circulation patterns, violate water quality stan-
dards, or cause degradation of shellfish waters are considered incom-
patible with public areas.
48

b. Ocean Hazard Areas System
These are natural hazard areas along the Ocean shoreline where because
of their special vulnerability to erosion or other adverse effects of
sand, wind,.and water, uncontrolled or incompatible development could
unreasonably endanger life or property. Such areas include beaches,
frontal dunes, inlet lands, and other areas where there is a substan-
tial possibility of excessive erosion of Hood damage.
It is the objective of the state to provide management policies and•
standards for such areas that serve to eliminate unreasonable danger
.- to life and property and achieve a balance between the financial, safety,
and social factors involved in their development.
The Ocean Hazard Areas system contains the follwing areas.
( 1.) Ocean Erodible Area. These are areas in which there exist a sub-
stantial possibility of excessive erosion and significant shoreline
fluctuation.
( 2.) High Hazard Flood Area. This is the area subject to high velocity
waters in a storm having a one percent chance of being equalled or
,exceeded in any given year, as identified as Zone VI-30 on federal
flood insurance rate maps, when such maps are available.
(3.) Inlet Hazard Area. These are areas with a substantial possibility
of excessive erosion, located adjacent to inlest.
The state sets use standards for ocean hazard areas by administra-
tive law. They further require erosion control activities, dune
establishment and stabilization, set standards on structural access -
ways, and new/substantial construction standards in ocean hazard .
areas.
There are ocean hazard areas in Holden Beach.
c. Public Water Supplies
The third broad category of A.E.C.s include small surface water supply
watersheds and public water supply well fields.
- (1.) Small Surface Water Supply Watersheds
These are small streams, classified by the N.C. Environmental Manage-
ment Commission as Class A -II, which means they are acceptable to
serve as public water supply areas.
Classification of streams and rivers is an ongoing process by the
state. When a stream is Class A -II, no ground absorption sewage
disposal systems shall be located within 100 feet of the water, a
National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit is
•required, and the N.C. Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973's
standards must be met. There are no such watersheds in Holden Beach.
49

w
( 2.) Public Water Supply Well Fields
These are areas of well -drained sands that extend downward from the
surface into the shallow ground water supply. The N.C. Dept. of
Human Resources identifies such areas. There are standards to be
met on any development over such a well field. There are no such
well fields in Holden Beach.
d. Fragile Coastal Natural Resource Areas
This fourth category of A.E.C.s covers areas containing environmental,
natural, or cultural resources of more than local significance. State
Administrative Law (15 NCAC 7H. 0503) provides a nomination and desig-
nation process in order for any site to be declared this type of A.E.C.
- This category contains the following types of areas:
(I.) Coastal Areas that Sustain Remanant Species.
These are areas that support native plants or animals determined to
be rare or endangered. The objective is to protect habitat conditions
necessary to the continued survival of threatened and endangered native
-- plants and animals. No such areas have been identified on Holden Beach.
( 2.) Coastal Complex Natural Areas. These are areas defined as lands that
support native plant and animal communities and provide habitat quali-
ties that have remained essentially unchanged by human activity. No
such areas have been identified on Holden Beach.
( 3.) Unique Coastal Geologic Formations. A.E.C. regulations require any
such identify act ons y the State Geologist. None are known of in
Holden Beach at this time.
( 4.) Significant Coastal Archaelogical Resources. These are sites, objects
or features evaluated by the N.C. Historical Commission that have more
than local significance to history or prehistory. No such areas have
been identified on Holden Beach.
( 5.) Significant Coastal Historic Architectural Resources. Each historic
site exists as a point in time along a calendar of events which illu-
strates the scientific, cultural, technological, educational.; judicial,'
social and economical achievements which help to mold the present.li.fe-
style. Through knowledge of the past,we gain better insight of the
present, and increase the appreciation for these unique elements of our
common heritage. No such areas have been identified on Holden Beach.
4. Areas with Resource Potential
There are.no known mineral resources suitable for mining recovery in Holden
Beach.
50,

B. COMMUNITY CAPACITY
1, EXISTING AND _PRQPOSED SERVICES AND FACILITIES
a. Water Facilities
In 1976:one of the objectives of the Holden Beach Land Use Plan
was to construct an efficient and economical Water System for all.
people. In 1979 Holden Beach finished connection to the Brunswick
County Water. System. The main line of the system is 12 inch line
running across the Lockwood Folly Inlet from Long Beach to Holden
Beach except for the extreme western end. The water supply is the
County water plant on highway 211. The water system was financed
through the selling of revenue bonds and user charges are collected
to repay the bonds.
The capacity of the County system is 6 million gallons. Holden
Beach has just recently finished construction of a 300,000 gallon
storage tank. Since there are presently only 809 Holden Beach customers
using the County system, the system should be adequate to provide
water to the island for the next 40 years.
The Brunswick County Planning Department completed an indepth study.of
seasonal population for the County in May, 1976. This study developed a 1990
peak week population projection for the Planned Phase II Water Facilities area
of 45,000.
Because a -large portion of the Phase II service area and Holden Beach is
tourist oriented, the design of a water system for the County which Serves
Holden Beach should be based on seasonal population requirements and not the
pe►manent, or year round population.
Based on the 1990 peak week population projection, the system will be capable
of supplying the coastal areas the following quantity daily during the 12 week
sumr;er season.
45,000 people X 100 gpd/capita = 4, 500, 000 gpd x
This peak average daily consumption for Brunswick County will be divided
among the coastal municipalities. The Holden Beach portion of this average daily
consumption is estimated to be 600,000 gpd.
In addition to providing for this demand, the Brunswick County Water System
(phase I and II) will have a total elevated storage capacity of 5.3 million gallons.
This reserve capacity will provide for possible emergency fire needs.
It should also be noted that the existing County water treatment plant (phaseI)
is being expanded to 6 mgd to provide for the future industrial requirements of
the system.
The Brunswick County Phase I and Phase II Water System sources are ground
water and surface water. The largest and most dependable surface water source is
the Cape Fear River.
* Includes commercial demand.
51

b. Sewage Facilities
For Holden Beach, where most of the land area is not densely populated,
the principal method for disposal of human and domestic wastes in rural and
transitional areas outside the densely populated communities is the standard
septic tank and filter field system. In the rural and community areas where.
low densities and suitable soils are present, such septic tank and filter sys-
tems offer adequate sewage disposal without serious repercussions. However,
in smal-1 towns and residential subdivisions with small lot sizes and high occu-
pancy.rates, the effectiveness and safety of septic tank disposal systems is .
significantly reduced by a smaller filter field dictated by the size of the lot.
In order to accommodate future development, minimize the possibilityy of
septic tank failure,and thus public health problems and adverse financial impacts,
and to.minimize damage to the sensitive and valuable marshland estuarine. waters,
Holden Beach has been included in the Southwest Brunswick County 201 Facilities
Plan. The proposed Phase I (1990) Treatment facility will service 100% of the
Town of Holden Beach. The Phase I facility can serve a summer peak population of
5,500. The total flow projection is 330,000 gpd. This serving capacity will more
than adequately serve the needs of Holden Beach.
The portion of the County Sewer System proposed for Holden Beach would have
a maximun capacity of approximately 440,000 gallons per day. The system would
comprise a .44 m.g.p. pump station at Holden Beach and a 6 inch 24,200 ft. force
main along N.C. 130 to a land application site. It would be a combination gravity
and low pressure system. The system would adequately serve Holden Beach until the
year 2000 when an expansion of the system will be necessary.
- c. Solid Waste Disposal
The Town of Holden Beach utilizes a Brunswick County solid waste landfill
_ on the mainland.
d.. Transportation Facilities
According to the Highway Capacity Manual .(Highway Research Board 1965), the
practical capacity for two lanes plus parking for two-way traffic is 5700-8100
vehicles per day. -Capacity is defined as the maximum number of vehicles which
has a reasonable expectation of passing over a given section of a lane or a road-
way in both directions during a given time period under prevailing roadway and
traffic conditions. The 1974 average daily traffic count on NC 130 at the Holden
Beach bridge was 1720. However, two consecutive-24-hour weekday counts made in
August; 1975 at the same location had 5953 and 6164 vehicles. These counts were
unadjusted for vehicles with 3 or more axles. Due to increased seasonal popula-
tion and tourism, this,arte.ry is considerably more heavily traveled during..the
summer. months.
Holden Beach emphasizes a continous street improvement and construction
program. Since 1976, the Town has used its allocation from the Powell Bill Fund
.to maintain town *roads. Future improvement will be necessary .along State Road
1116, the major thoroughfare in Holden Beach. It is a narrow road with inade-
quate shoulders.
52

SERVICE AREAS
Southwestern 201 Area
Southeastern 2.01 Area
Northern 201 Area
I ►
1 -
yv.o I (i
Brunswick County Planning Department , 1980 cpb
Holden Beach is located in the Southviestern 201 Facilities Area
53

.. .. .......-. _.. n., •. ,.-�: .a. t•,t r. r.•ee�n'.e:.u.r,.. ....:.... n.�. r..+.:.. .. �,...
A
C
The most critical thoroughfare problem for the Town of Holden
Beach is the one -lane bridge across the Intracoastal Waterway.
It is the only access to the island and it could be dangerous in
emergency situations.
e.Recreational Facilities
At the present time, Holden Beach has almost no public
recreation and park facilities. Although such facilities were
an objective of the past Land Use Plan 1976, the Town lacks sub-
stantial funds to achieve this objective. Currently, a site at
Harbor Acres subdivision does exist which would be appropriate
for a park development.
The Town has some plans to upgrade recreation facilities
at Holden Beach. Since budget funds are not available, it is
_ recommended that Holden Beach aggressively seek funding for
recreation projects from state and federal programs.
Several privately owned recreation areas do exist and are
available for public use. There is a privately owned nature trail
area at the east end of the island. It is accessible to the public
and is regularly maintained. Two privately owned tennis courts also
�- exist and may be, used only with the permission of the owners. Aside
from these facilities, two campgrounds exist on the island and are
operated privately.
The Holden Beach Town Hall functions also as an information
and community center. Exhibits are shown and night-time summer
programs are sponsored. All are popular and promote citizen.
involvement. A separate community center, however, would allow
permanent exhibits and expansion of existing programs.
In recent years, the Town of Holden Beach has become aware of
a growing problem of beach access. Holden Beach has experienced
major setbacks in this area. Many alleyways and street ends that
were included in original subdivisions were withdrawn from public
dedication by the developers since 1971. The alleyways were
distrivuted amoung adjacent property owners to increase their lot
sizes. The street ends were sold as building lots. The few remain-
ing access points are not provided with adequate parking. Major
access problems occur in the Harbor Acres, Heritage Harbor and
Holden Beach Harbor Subdivisions.
New.to the recreational program in 1980 is the Holdem Beach
Festival by the Sea in the first week in November. Included in the
festival is fishing contest, a raft race, surfing and a Halloween
party.
54

f.Educational Facilities
A
There are no schools located in Holden Beach. Most permanent
residents of elementary and secondary school age attend the Brunswick
County Public Schools on the mainland.
g.Emerg_ency Facilities and Services
A rescue service has been established at Holden Beach since
1976 in'an effort to upgrade the Brunswick County emergency
facilities program.
.The Town of Holden Beach presently employs 3 police officers.
This is far beyond the state standards for providing police pro-
tection which* specify one (1) officer per 1000 persons. However,
the extra protection is needed during the tourist season and to be
assured of 24-hour coverage.
Fire protection services are provided to Holden Beach residents
by -the Tri-Beach Volunteer Fire Department. The Town of Holden Beach
presently has plans to acquire land on which to locate a substation
of the fire .department.
h.Senior Citizen Facilities and Services
There are no facilities and services operated specifically
for senior citizens on the island. However, those located in
Holden Beach may -participate in all Brunswick County offerings.
Presently, two senior citizen centers operate in the County.
One is located in Southport's old marineology building and serves
free meals to the elderly. Plans are also being made.1to provide
movies and various other activities. The second center is located
in the old health building in Shallotte which offers a full range
of recreational activities and health care services..
Transportation is also periodically provided to the center for
senior citizens in outlying areas. The elderly of Holden Beach
are also eligible for in -home services provided by the County.
i.Health Care Facilities
'In 1978, the Brunswick County Hospital located in Supply
was completed to serve all county residents. This modern facility
is located about 16 miles from Holden Beach. This convenient
location of the hospital together with the rescue service located
at Holden Beach provides for efficient and adequate emergency
health care service to Town residents.
In addition to the County Hospital, another hospital
available to residents is located in Southport.
j, Refuse Collection
Garbage collection is provided by the Town which contracts
to a local firm to pick up once a week during the winter months
and twice a week during the summer. Solid wastes are disposed
of at county landfill sites.
.r;V

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Brunswick County Planning Department . 1980 cpb
A T L A N T I C
�w su.uva
Existing Water L, nes
Note Entirety of en Beach is
included in the proposed sewage
service area.
HOIDEN_ BENCH
FACILITIES MAP
a
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N
Ro
.v,
o imm

2. POPULATION PROJECTIONS
Population projections provide the basis for most major planning decisions.
It is on these projections that planning future needs for services and facilities
are based. Not only are the total number of people important but also whether
they are permanent or seasonal residents.
To be sure, projecting population is a guessing game because the influences
that crdate the ebb and flow of people is unpredictable, therefore; projections
are made on the assumption that the general conditions at the time of the pro-
jection will remain stable. Projections must be -reviewed often and updated
based on conditions at the time of the review.
The population of Holden Beach has already exceeded projections.made in
the early 1970's for the year 1990 because the degree of current seasonal
development was unknown at that time.
Contained within this section are the projections of Holden Beach's
population through the year 2000.
.56

HOLDEN BEACH POPULATION PROJECTIONS
Brunswick Holden Beach Percent Holden Beach
Year County Permanent of County Seasonal
.198.5 51,200 300 .59 8,600
199.0 64,30.0 350 .54 10,400
2000 78,000. 452 .58 12,647
Sources:. N.C. Department of Administration
Cape Fear C.O.G.
Consoer, Townsend & Associates, Southeastern Brunswick County
Facilities Plan
Brunswic< County Planning Department
HOLDEN BEACH PROJECTED POPULATION CHANGES
Holden Beach Population Percent Change
Year permanent seasonal permanent seasonal
1985 300 8,600 20.0 26.5
1990 350 10,400 16.7 20.9
2000 445 12,647 27.1 21.6 At
Due to the nature of the population projection methodology, as outlined
on the following page, the 1985 population is somewhat lower than might
be expected. But the methodology is based historically on average increases
and percentages of County population, and therefore is thought to.be the
best method to utilize for the Holden Beach Population projections.
As -in the past, Holden Beach will continue to be a small percentage of
the County's population. Holden Beach's season .population shall continue
to be approximately 28 times as larpe as the permanent population.
The 1980-1985 population change of Holden Beach, like, the 1985 population,
is somewhat lower than might be expected.due to the population projection
methodology. The population change from 1985-1990 represents a decrease in
the percentage change when compared to the previous Years. It is projected
to be 16.7 percent for permanent population and 20.9 percent for seasonal. This
decreasing percentage is expected to continue as indicated in the average
change figures for 1990-2000. The decreasing expected growth reflects the
fact that Holden Beach will be steadily approaching its holding capacity.
The developable land will be running out and the facilities and services will
be at top capacity. At the limits of its holding capacity, Holden Beach will
not.be able to support additional development and population increases without
causing.some environmental degredation and drop in the quality of services.
57

Year Brunswick County
Permanent
Seasonal
1970 24,223 (1)
136 (3)
3,927 (5)
1975 35,621 (1)
180 (4)
5,000 (4)
1980 38,100 (1)
250 (4)
6,800 (4)
1985 51,200 (1)
300 (4)
8,600 (4)
1990 64,300 (1)
350 (4)
10,400 (4)
- 2000 78,000 (2)
452'(5)
12,647 (5)
(1) N.C. Deaprtment of Administration, 1980
(2)'.• Cape Fear C.O.G., 1978
(3) Obers Series E. porjections from the
Southwest Brunswick
-- County Facilities Plan, 1976
(4) The Holden. Beach Land Use Plan, 1975
(5)1. Brunswick County Planning Department
Projection, 1980.
Population Projection Methodology
Projections for both permanent and seasonal
a ratio-stepdown method from historical and
populations are
existing trends
based upon
in
Brunswick. -County. Through simple analysis
population
it was learned that the
ratio of
the Brunswick County population to the Holden
Beach permanent and
seasonal
population respectively has remained fairly
constant from 1970 to
1990..Using
this fact and the following assumption, the above projections were made.
Assumption: The permanent and seasonal populations of Holden Beach in
relation
to Brunswick County's total permanent population will remain the same through
time.
Projection Calculations
Calculation of permanent population
Year Brunswick County
Permanent
Ratio -Factor.
1970 24,223
136
.0056144
1975 35,621
1980 38,1.00
180
.0050531
1985 51,200
250
300
.0065616
- 1990 64,300
350
.0058593
.0054432
Total
.0285316
_ Ratio Factor Holden Beach Population
Brunswick County Population
Ratio Multiplier = .0285316 = .0057063
5
Year Brunswick County Ratio
Multiplier Holden Beach Permanent
' 2000 78,000 x .0057063
445
58

Calulation of Seasonal Population
Year
Brunswick County
Holden Beach Seasonal
Ratio Factor
1975
1980
35,621
38,100
5,000
.1403666
1985
51,200
6,800
8,600
.1784776
1990
64,300
10,400
.1679687
.1617418
Total
.6485547
Ratio
Factor = Holden Beach Population
Brunswick County
Population
Ratio
Multiplier = .6485547 =
.1621386
4
Year
Brunswick County
Ratio Multiplier
Holden Beach Seasonal
1970
2000
24,223
78,000
x .1621386
3,927
x .1621386
12,647
59

3. ESTIMATED DEMAND
The estimated demand for Holden Beach is expressed in
.terms of the holding capacity of the Town; that is, the
maximum population that can be safely and economically sup-
ported by the present and planned facilities; regulations,
apd developable land of the Town.
The holding capacity of a planning district refers to
__. the ability of the natural and man-made systems of an area
to support the demands of various land uses.. It refers to
inherent limits in the systems beyond which change cannot
be absorbed without resulting in instability, degradation,
or irreversible damage.
Residentially speaking, the holding capacity ofa planning
district is the number of dwelling units the vacant and
renewal land in the planning district will accommodate to a
prescribed pattern of residential densities.
The basic elements used in determining holding capacity
of a planning district are projected population increases
during the planning period, existing and proposed urban
water and sewerage facilities, future planned development,
institutional and organizational constraints, transportation-.
systems, vunerable habitats, energy supplies', man-made
hazard areas, archaeological and historical sites, and lan.ds
with soils suitable for development.
Measurement techniques for holding capacity.are necessarily
dynamic rather than static. Measurement is based upon current
existing and proposed holding capacity elements. In the
future these elements may change and thus alter the holding
capacity of the planning area. Changes in the elements
may be brought about in very short time spans. The.holding
capacity analysis is under review every five years.and.should
therefore keep.up with all element changes that have occurred.
Because of this, and because the holding capac.ity analysis
is based upon all current element trends, the resultant
estimated demand is thought to be rather accurate.
a. Water Facilities Capacit
-- Holden Beach is presently supplied by the County's
water system which is sufficient to provide service to 45,000
people using the standard of 100 gpd/capita; of which Holden
Beach is projected to comprise 10,400 people in 1990 and
12,647 in the year 2000. It appears that the County system
will.be sufficient to service the Holden Beach area well
after the year 2000 however, it is difficult to be -exact in
60

such a statement bacause of the undetermined demands that
will be made on the system by the other participating
communities.
b.. Sewerage Facilities Capacity
The present method of sewage disposal in Holden Beach is
the conventional septic tank. Holden Beach presently plans to
.participate in the Southwest 201 Facilities Plan. :Under this
system, Holden Beach will be able to service projected -population.
Based on present popuoation projections, the system will not.be--
sufficient to service the 1990 population. In fact, the system
would be questionable for Holden Beach's present peak population.
The service plans of the 201 facilities need to beireassessed in
terms of their evaluation of the needs of the Town of Holden Beach.
c. Developable Lands
When assessing developable lands for Holden Beach, all
lands not suitable for development must be subtracted from
all developed lands. Lands not suited for development are
primarily those with very severe soils. Holden Beach has
a total of 502.03 unplatted developable acres and 349.61
undeveloped platted acres; for a total of 851.64 acres.
Below is a summation of this acreage.
o T
Soil Category Acreage Developable of unplatted of otal
Soils Acreage
Slight Al and A5
72.620
14.46
4.11
Moderate
195.587
38.96
11.08
Severe*-
233.823
46.58
13.2.5
Subtotal
502.030
100.00%
28.44%
Undeveloped
Platted 349.610 N/A 19.81%
Total 851.640 N/A 48.25%
* Development of Severe soils means that soil properties
are unfavorable and that limitations resulting from the
properties are too difficult to correct or overcome. Soils
having this rating require major soil reclamation or -special
design for residential uses. However, a rating of severe
is not intended to imply that a soil cannot be used for
residential uses.
61

The undeveloped platted acreage figure.is thought to
be rather high due to the possibility that several of the
oceanfront lots may be undevelopable due to setback require-
ments and soil suitability problems.
Based on the present average acreage per unit of .17
acre, this land is suitable to accommodate around 5010 units
of which about 98 percent, or 4710 would be residential.
G1ven the present average seasonal and permanent household
size of 6.9, this would be enough residential units to
accommodate an additional 33,879 persons, or a total of
approximately 40,679 persons. Given the present plans for
.provision of water and sewerage system facilities 'this pop-
ulation would be disasterous for Holden Beach's environmental
and ecological systems, not to mention the resultant
affects upon nearby coastal communities.
62

PART K
POLICY DEVELOPMENT
ARID
IMPLEMENTATION

PART III
POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION . . . . . . .
66
" I. Resident Type
Work- Place
Major Problems
Characteristics of Holden Beach
• Public Facilities and Services
Future Development
Beach Access
- Vehicles on Beach
Emergency Preparedness
Beach Erosion Projects
Property Appearance Ordinance
Beach Activities
Summery of Major Issues and Problems
B. POLICY STATEMENTS. . . . . .
73
I. Resource Protection
74
Estuarine System
Coastal Wetlands
Estuarine Waters
Public Trust Areas
Estuarine Shoreline
Ocean Hazard Areas
Natural and Cultural Resource Areas
2. Physical Constraints to Development
79
- Septic Tank Suitability
Productive Agricultural and Forest Lands
Drainage
Bearing Capacity , • , • • • • , •
3. Resource Production and Management
80
Commercial and Recreational Fisheries
Existing and Potential Mineral Protection Areas
4. Provision of Services to Development
82
Public Water Supply
Public Sewerage Systems
Solid Waste Disposal
Rescue Squad and Fire Protection
Public School System
Transportation
..Street Lights
Beach Access
Recreation
5. Economic and Community Development
84
Industry
Airports
.6. Growth Patterns
85
Compact Growth
Provision of Services
Population Growth
Segregation of Existing Land Uses
Housing
Aesthetics
64

7. Continuing Public Participation 85
.C. POLICY IMPLEMENTATION . . .. . . . . . 87
65

A. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Identification of new problems/issues which have developed
since the previous plan was written was done with the help of the
community's citizens. The entire CAMA planning process has been
oriented towards public participation. The primary citizen input
has taken the form of identification of existing problems and.
issues and the establishment of future growth policies. The
public participation process is also described in. the following
text.
An analysis of the relationship between problems/issues and
policies helps to develop new policy statements for the updated
land use plan which applies to current problems. New policy state-
ments have been established for Holden Beach and are included in
the sections and are basis for the policy implementation section.
Holden Beach is a coastal community of about 250 permanent
residents and 6,800 seasonal residents. With a total of-87
permanent residential dwelling units and 878 seasonal residential
dwelling units, the community has an average household size for
permanent residential dwellings of 2.9 and for seasonal residential
dwellings of 7.8.
Several techniques were used to involve these residents and
inform them .of the land use planning process in Holden Beach.
Local meetings with County planners, Town officials, and.community
residents.were held. These reetings fostered public participation
in the indentification of community problems and issues and in the
review of preliminary land use plans and the Town Policy Statements.
To reinforce efforts at informing residents of the local planning
activities, Holden Beach officials reported all meeting events and
planning decisions or concerns to two weekly County newspapers.
Also, as a' convenience to the community residents with questions,
concerns, and ideas about land use planning for Holden Beach ,'a
"dial -a -planner" service was in operation from February 1,�1980.to
June 15, 1980. The service allowed those people unable to attend
local meetings to talk directly with a County planner, Finally, a
questionnaire was sent out by the Brunswick County Planning Depart-
ment to all property owners in the community. The questionnaire
sought opinions and attitudes that Holden Beach property owners
hold on issues regarding land use and development, service pro-
vision, capital improvements, and beach strand policy.
The questionnaire, by far, elicited the most involvement of
Holden Beach residents in the planning process, primarily for
their identification of problems and their position on local
issues. About 1,350 questionnaires were sent out the middle of
February, 1980. Three hundred twelve were returned, a response
rate of about 23 percent. Responses of the questions were then
tabulated during the middle of March, 1980. The following represents
an analysis of the opinions and concerns of the*23 percent who responded.
M. M.

Resident Type
The questionnaire revealed that 7.4 percent of the respondents
classified themselves as permanent residents, 60.9 percent as
seasonal residents, and 28.5 percent as absentee lot owners. 3.2
percent did not answer the question.
A range of one to eight people was the average household size,
with most of the responses centering around two, three, and four
people per house.
Although a very low percentage answered a question about the
age and sex of each resident, responding property owners indicated
the following breakdown of the permanent and seasonal residential.
Population
(Age in Years) 'tale Female
0-25 16 19
26-45 11 18
46-65 12 18
66 + 6 6
ni
Responses indicated that about 9 percent of the property owners
i%ork in the immediate Holden Beach area while 65.4 percent work out-
side the immediate area. The remaining 25.6 percent includes those
who are retired or who did not answer the question.
Major Problems Facing Holden Beach
The property owners were asked to write out problems they
felt were facing Holden Beach. The most prevalent answers were
erosion (67 responses), overdevelopment (45), need for sewerage
facilities (40), and beach access (23).
Characteristics of Holden Beach - Desirable and Undesirable
Property owners overwhelmingly listed the family -orientation
and the quietness of the community as the characteristics that
make Holden Beach a desirable place to live. The low-key commercial
development was also a popular answer. The beach location and
the weather also made the community a desirable place to live.
As for undesirable conditions in Holden Beach, a wide range
of items were listed. Bridge access and mobile homes seem to be
the most undesirable. Other items, having about an equal response ~
rate, were overdevelopment, beach access, lack of planned recreational
activities, and vehicles on the beach.
Public Facilities and Services
Property owners were also asked to respond to questions evaluating
facilities and services in the community and financing mechanisms for

•.
future facilities and services. Specifically, they were asked to rate
then service/facility related items on a scale of one to five.
One was the lowest or worst rating while five was the highest or
best: In general all items were rated moderate to fairly high..
Below is a tabulated summary of the responses.
RATING
ITEM 1 2 3 4 5
Town Management 6 10 59 78 56
Water Service - price 22 27 47 43 52
- quality 29 18 49 48 52
Refuse Service 6 18 43 95 57
Recreation 28 36 54 37 46
Building Inspection 16 24 68 34 .28
Zoning' Adali ni strati on 18 27 70 38 22
Planning 15 32 67 39 24
Fire Protection and
Rescue Squad 19 24 53 57 67
Police Protection 9 14 53 67 75
Streets 14 24 71 64 43
Regarding additional improvements in services residents
would like to see, a few property owners responded with additional
police and fire protection along with beach access and parking.
Fifty percent of the respondents did not favor that Holden Beach.
install, street lights, while 25 percent did favor the installation.
Of those people favoring the lights, 40 percent chose assessment of
property owners as the financing mechanism, 20 percent chose
taxes, 19 percent chose user charges/bond financing, and the remainder
did not have an opinion.
In.a separate question regarding how new public facilities
(to accommodate future population increases) should be financed;
41 percent chose user charges/bond financing, 39 percent chose a
.general tax fund, and 20 percent chose assessment by each property
owne r.
Finally, in reference to an expressed interest in construction
of a'bike and jogging trail along Ocean Boulevard for safety
reasons, property owners were asked if they would support such a
project. Forty-nine percent would support the project, 46 percent
would not favor the project, while the remaining 5 percent did not
respond.
68

Future Development
Property owners appeared to agree on what types of development
they want to encourage and discourage in Holden Beach.
Residential development with single family dwelling was first regarding as
to what development to be encouraged. Multi -family mobile homes,
commercial, and industrial developments are definitely to be dis-
couraged in the opinion of the respondents: Responses were Wore equally
divided on duplex and tourist -related business development.
' The following is a list of the different development types with the
percentage of responses as to encouragement or discouragement.
Type Encourage Discourage
Permanent residential 84.9010' 2.6%
Seasonal residential 85.6 1.9
Single-family dwellings 86.2 7.7
Duplexes 34.3 40.4
Multi -family dwellings 12.8 56.4
Mobile homes 2.9 84.3
Commercial 8.7 81.7
Industrial 1.9 83.3
Tourist -related business 30.4 57.7
Note: Any percentages not accounted for in the table are due to
"no response."
Beach Access
When asked what the Town should do with regard to the major
issue of beach access, property owners responded a variety of ways,
often indicating more than one action. One of a total of 433 responses
to this question, the following percentages were derived as, to the
preferred actions to be taken.
Action Percent
Establish access points along beach
with parking lots 26.8
Establish ordinance to prohibit parking
along the road right-of-way 31.4
Finance construction of public dune
walk-overs at selected points 34.2
Other (assorted answers) 7.6
69

Fifty five percent of the respondents felt that Town tax money
should be spent on improving beach access for non -beach front
property owners, while 31 percent felt it should not. About 14
percent did not respond to the question. Of those 178 responding
that they were not located on the beach front, 71 percent would be
willing to pay to improve their own access, and 29 percent would
. not be willing to pay.
Vehicles on the Beach
Property owners were asked if vehicles should be.permitted on
the beach, at what times and locations. The response for permitting
them on the beach was 33 percent for and 66 against. As for the
permitted times of the year, fall -winter -spring (excluding summer)
was the most popular answer. Of those people who favored permitting
vehicles on the beach, most would have the whole beach area open'to
those vehicles. Some indicated that only the beach ends should be
open.
Emergency Preparedness
Property owners who answered the question felt, for.the most
part, that Holden Beach is well -enough prepared for hurricane and
- flood evacuation (37 percent). About 25 percent felt the Town was
not well -enough prepared, and the remainder did not know or did
not respond.
Beach Erosion Projects
Stating that beach erosion has caused a lot of problems for
Holden Beach, -the questionnaire asked whether owners would support
the Town helping the State in its beach renourishment projects
ina variety of different ways. Many respondents indicated support
for more than one of the methods listed on the questionnaire. .
Of a total of 480 responses to the list, the following percentages
were derived for each method of help.
- Method Percent
Allowing approved suitable soils be taken
from inland waterway dredging and be placed
on the beach 42.1
Provide legal access for work 21.7
Provide areas to take sand from,and places
to deposit.waste soils 21.0
Finance a portion of project cost 14.8
70

Property Appearance Ordinance
.Property owners were asked if they were in favor of Holden
Beach adopting an ordinance that would require property owners
to maintain their property's appearance. About 79 percent favored
such an ordinance, 17 percent did not favor it, and about 4 percent
did not answer the question.
Beach Activities
One last question was asked of the Holden Beach property
owners on the beach. There was a general preference for sunbathing,
fishing, swimming and shelling. Less than half indicated a pre-
ference for jogging or other (not listed in the questionnaire)
activities.
r
71
e

SUMMARY OF MAJOR ISSUES AND PROBLEMS FROM QUESTIONNAIRE
The following list is a summary of current issues and problems
facing Holden Beach as indicated in the Citizen Questionnaire Report.
Issues
C can -up of Polluted Shellfish Areas
Vehicles on the Beach
Installation of Street Lights
Bike and Jogging Trail along Ocean Boulevard
Duplex Dwelling Development
Tourist -Related Business Development
Beach Renourishment Projects
Property Appearance Ordinance
Problems
Erosion
Overdevelopment
Need for Sewage Facilities
Beach Access and Parking
Bridge Access
Areas Where Improvement is Needed
Recreation Facilities
Water Service
Building Inspection
Zoning Administration
Planning
Fire Protection
Emergency Preparedness

B. POLICY STATEMENTS
The Holden Beach Board of Commissioners has adopted the following policies
for dealing with land use planning issues which will affect the Community within
the next ten years. These policies establish a systematic basis by which
proposed developments will be judged. If a proposed project or development
would violate the intent of these policies, action to prevent its construction
will be taken by local, state and federal government agencies.
These policies will be used by local officials in their decision making..
process to increase the consistency and quality of their decisions.
Outline
1. RESOURCE PROTECTION
a. Estuarine System
b. Ocean Hazard Areas
c: Natural and Cultural Resources
2. PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT
a. Septic Tank Suitability
b. Drainage
c. Bearing Capacity
3. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
a. Productive Agricultural and Forest Lands
b. Conmercial. and Recreational Fisheries
c. Existing and Potential Mineral Production Areas
d. Off -Road Vehicles
4. PROVISION OF SERVICES TO DEVELOPMENT "
a. Public Water Supply
b. Public Sewerage System
c. Solid Waste Disposal
d. Rescue Squad and Fire Protection
e. Public School System
f. Transportation
g. Street Light
h. Beach Access
i. Recreation
5. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
a. Industry
b. Airports
6. GROWTH PATTERNS
a. Compact Growth
b. Provision of Services
c. Population Growth
d. Segregation of Existing Land Uses
e. Housing
f. Aesthetics
7. CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
73

1. RESOURCE PROTECTION
Holden Beach will support and enforce through its CAMA permitting
capacity the State Policies and permitted uses in the Areas of Environmental
Concern (AEC's). The State Policy Statements for AEC's offer protection for .
Holden Beach fragile and significant environmental resources with the CAMA
permitting procedures. In Accordance with those policies set forth in
subchapter 7H`of the State CAMA regulations, Holden Beach adopts the
fol•lowi.ng policies concerning AEC's in its jurisdiction.
a. The Estuarine S stem. In recognition of the enormous economic, social,
and biological values the estuarine system has for North Carolina.,
Holden Beach will promote conservation and management of the estuarine
system as a whole, which includes the individual AEC's: coastal wet-
lands, estuarine waters, public trust areas, and estuarine shorelines.
The significance of the system and its components is described in this
plan under Fragile Areas.
The management objective for the system shall be to give highest
priority to the protection and coordinated management.of all the
elements as an interrelated group of AEC's, so as to safeguard and per-
petuate their biological, social, economic, and aesthetic values, and
to minimize the likelihood of significant loss of private property and
public resources.
In general, permitted land uses in the coastal wetlands, estuarine
waters, and public trust areas shall be those which are water depen-
dent. Examples of such uses may include: utility.easements, docks,
- boat ramps, dredging, bridges and bridge approaches, revetments,
bulkheads, culverts, groins, navigational aids, mooring pilings,
navigational channels, simple access channels, and drainage ditches.
Land uses that are not water dependent shall not be permitted.in
coastal wetlands and public trust areas. Examples of uses that are not
water dependent may include: restaurants, residences, apartments,
motels, hotels, trailer parks, private roads, factories, and parking
lots.
_ Specific policies regarding the individual AEC's of the estuarine system'.
are stated below. In every instance the particular location, use, and
design characteristics shall be in accord with the general use standards
for coastal wetlands, estuarine waters, and public trust areas as stated
in subchapter 7H of the State CAMA regulations.
(1) Coastal wetlands. Activities in the coastal wetland areas shall be
restricted to those which do not significantly affect the unique and
delicate balance of this resource. Suitable land uses include those
giving highest priority to the protection and management of coastal
wetlands, so as to safeguard and perpetuate their biological, social,:
economic, and aesthetic values to establish a coordinated management
system capable of conserving and utilizing coastal wetlands as a natural
resource essential to the functioning ofthe entire estuarine system.
Highest priority of use shall be allocated to the conservation of
existing coastal wetlands. Second priority shall be given to those
-uses that require water access and cannot function elsewhere.
74

Acceptable land uses may include utility easements, fishing piers, and
docks. Unacceptable uses may include, but would not be limited to,
restaurants, businesses, residences, apartments, motels, hotels, park-
ing lots, private raods, and highways.
(2) Estuarine Waters. In recognition of the importance of estuarine waters
for the fisheries and related industries as well as aesthetics, recrea-
tion, and education, Holden Beach shall promote the conservation and
quality of this resource. Activities in the estuarine water areas shall
be restricted to those which do not permanently or significantly affect
the function, cleanliness, salinity; and circulation of estuarine waters.
Suitable land/water uses include those giving highest priority to the
conservation and management of these areas so as to safeguard and
perpetuate their biological, social, economic, and aesthetic values and
to establish a coordinated management system capable of conserving and
utilizing estuarine waters in order to maximize their benefits to man and
the estuarine system. Highest priority of use.shall be allocated to the
conservation of estuarine waters and its vital components. Second
priority shall be given to uses that require water access and cannot
function elsewhere.
Appropriate uses may include simple access channels, structures which
prevent erosion, navigation channels, boat docks, marinas, piers, and
mooring pilings.
Holden Beach, in recognition of the shellfish areas pollution problem -
which closes these areas to harvesting, supports the construction of the
Southwest 201 Facilities.
Holden Beach will also support projects in estuarine water areas which
aim to increase the productivity of these waters. Such projects in-
clude oyster reseeding programs and inlet channeling and dredging
operations for the purpose of increasing the flushing action of tidal
movement.
(3) Public Trust Areas. In recognition of certain land and water areas in
which the public has certain established rights and which also support
valuable cnmmercial and snorts fisheries, have aesthetic value, and are
resources for economic development, Holden Beach shall protect these
rights and promote the conservation and management of public trust areas.
Suitable land/water uses include those which protect public rights
for navigation and recreation and those which preserve and manage the
public trust areas in order to safeguard and perpetuate their biological,
economic, social, and aesthetic value , e.g. dredging, bulkheading, jettying.
In the absence of overriding public benefit, any use which significantly
interferes with the public right of navigation or other public trust rights
which apply in the area shall not be allowed. Projects which would
directly or indirectly block or impair existing navigation channels,
increase shoreline erosion, deposit spoils below mean high tide, cause _
adverse water circulation patterns, violate water quality standards,
or cause degredation of shellfish waters shall, in general, will
not be allowed.
75

Uses that may be allowed in public trust areas shall not be detrimental'
to the public trust rights and the biological and physical functions of
the estuary. Examples of such uses include the development of naviga-
tional channels or drainage ditches, the use of bulkheads to prevent
erosion, the building of piers, docks, or marinas.
Estuarine Shoreline. CAMA defines the estuarine shoreline at Holden
Beach as the areas 75 feet landward of the estuarine waters. Holden
- Beach recognizes: (1) the close association between estuarine shorelines
and adjacent estuarine waters, (2) the influence shoreline development
has on the quality of estuarine life, and (3) the damaging processes of
shorefront erosion and flooding to which the estuarine shoreline is
subject.
Shoreline development has profound effect on adjacent.estuarine waters.
Effluent from poorly placed or functioning septic systems can pollute
shellfish areas which represent much greater economic benefits to the
town's citizens than do the residential uses of estuarine shoreline
areas. In recognition of this fact, Holden Beach discourages the
use of estuarine shoreline areas for residential purposes where there
is. a substantial chance of pollution occurring.
Holden Beach supports the Army Comps of Engineers in -their efforts to
preserve the Estuarine Shoreline AEC, their dredging operations, and
their efforts to find suitable locations for spoil material.
Suitable land uses are those compatible with both the dynamic nature
of estuarine shorelines and the values of the estuarine system:
Residential, recreational, and commercial land Uses are all appropriate
types of use along the estuarine shoreline provided that:
(a) a substantial chance of pollution occurring from the
development does not exist,
(b) natural barriers to erosion are preserved and not substan-
tially weakened or eliminated,
(c) the construction of impervious surfaces and areas not allowing
natural drainage is limited to only that necessary to
adequately service the development,
(d) standards of the North Carolina Sedimentation Pollution
Control Act 1973 are met,
(e) devel.opment does not have a significant -adverse impact
on estuarine resources,
(f)- development does not significantly interfere with existing
public rights of access to, or use of, navigable waters or
public resources,
76
• R

b. Ocean Hazard Areas. In recognition of the critical nature of ocean
hazard areas due to their special vulnerability to erosion and dynamic
processes and their possible danger to life and property because of
natural forces, Holden Beach supports the State Policies for Ocean
Hazard Areas in Subchapter 7H of the State CAMA Regulations. The ocean
hazard area designation for Holden Beach includes the AEC's of
ocean erodible areas, high hazard flood areas, and inlet hazard areas.
Their significance and characteristics are described in this plan
under Fragile Areas.
Suitable land uses in ocean hazard areas generally are those which
eliminate unreasonable danger of life and property and which achieve
a balance between the financial, safety, and social factors involved
in hazard area development. Ocean shoreline erosion control acitvities
and dune establishment/stablization are acceptable types of land uses.
Residential, commercial, and recreational land uses and parking lots
for beach access are also acceptable types of use in ocean hazard
areas provided that;
(1) Development is set back a minimum of 30 times the average annual
erosion rate from the frontal dune or first line of vegetation.
The total setback at Holden Beach is 68 feet along the entire
beach front.
(2) Development does not involve the significant removal
or relocation of frontal dune sand or vegetation
thereon.
(3) Mobile homes are not located within high *hazard flood
areas unless they are within mobile home parks existing
as of June 1, 1979.
(4) Development is consistent with minimum lot size and
set back requirements established by local regulations.
(5) Development implements means and methods to mitigate
or minimize adverse impacts of the project.
(6) Development of growth -inducing public facilities such
as sewers, waterlines, roads, bridges, and erosion
control measures is contructed only in cases where:
(a) national or state interests and public
benefits are clearly overriding factors,
(b) facilities would not exacerbate existing
hazards or damage natural buffers,
(c) facilities would be reasonably safe from
flood and erosion related damage,
(d) facilities do not promote growth and
development in ocean hazard areas.
77

. (7)
Prior to the issuance of any permit for development in
the ocean hazard AEC's, there shall be a written ac-
knowlegement from the applicant that the applicant is
aware of the risks associated with development in this
hazardous area. By granting permits, the Coastal
Resources Commission does not guarantee the safety of
the development and assumes no liability for future
damage to the development.
(8)
Holden Beach, recognizing that erosion along the beach
has caused many problems, supports a beach renourishemnt
project that would allow approved suitable.soils to'be
taken from the Intracoastal Waterway dredging and placed
on designated areas on the island.
(9)
Holden Beach, recognizing that inlet migration is a natural
ongoing process, encourages permanent stabilization of Inlet
Hazard Areas by either jettying or bulkheading.
C.
Natural and Cultural Resource Areas. Uncontrolled or incom-
patible development may result in major or irreversible
damage to fragile coastal resource areas which contain
environmental, natural, or cultural resources of more than
local significance. In recognition of this Holden Beach will
seek to protect such natural systems or cultural resources;
scientific, educational, or associative values; and aesthetic
qualities.
Individual AEC's included in this general category are: coastal
complex natural areas, coastal areas that sustain remnant species,
unique coastal geologic formations, significant coastal architec-
tural resources, and significant coastal- historic architectural
resources. Their description and significance is found in this
plan under Fragile Areas.
In general, these resources are noted to be valuable educational,
scientific, and aesthetic resources that cannot be duplicated.
They may be important components in a natural system or in the
broad patterns of history. Their importance serves to distinguish
the designated areas as significant in relation to the coastal land-
scape and historical architectural and archaeological remains
in the coastal zone.
In accordance with policies stated in subchapter 711 of the State
CAMA regulations, Holden Beach will support the following actions
regarding these irreplaceable resources:
(1) Protection of unique habitat conditions that are necessary to the
continued survival of threatened and endangered native plants and
animals and to minimize land use impacts that might jeopardize
these conditions.
78
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(2) Protection of the features of a designated coastal complex natural
area in order to safeguard its biological relationships, educational
and scientific values, and aesthetic qualities. Specific objectives
for each of these functions whall be related. to the following
policy statements either singly or in.combination:
Development may be permitted in designated fragile coastal natural
or cultural resource areas provided that:
(1) The proposed design and location will cause no major or irroverible.
damage to the stated values of a particular resource. One or
more of the following values must be considered depending
upon the stated significance of the resource:
(a) Development shall preserve the values of the individual
resource as it functions as a critical component of a
natural system.
(b) Development shall not adversely affect the values of the
resource as a unique scientific, associative, or educa-
tional resource.
(c) Development shall be consistent with the aesthetic values
of a resource as identified by the local government and
citizenry.
(2) No reasonable alternative sites are available outside the designated
AEC.
(3) Reasonable mitigation measures have been considered and incorporated
into the project plan. These measures shall include.consultation
with recognized authorities and with the Coastal Resources
Commission.
(4) The project will be of equal or greater public benefit than those
benefits lost or damaged through development.
2. PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT
Holden Beach adopts the following policies regarding physical
constraints to development.
a. Septic Tank Suitability
In conformity with State and health regulations, growth and
development will be discouraged in areas where septic tanks will
not function and sewer services are not available.
Some areas of Holden Beach contain soils which do not permit
adequate percolation necessary for septic system functioning. Also,
some areas have high water table which similarily inhibit septic
system functioning. These areas, as they are delineated on the
soil suitability maps will not be allowed to be developed unless
sewer- service is available.
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a. Productive Agricultural and Forest Lands.
Holden Beach contains no productive agricultural and/or forest
lands. Therefore, no policy statements concerning this issue will
be made.
b. Drainage
_ Growth and development will not be allowed where poor drainage exists.
Corrective measures such as stilts will be required if construction
is to be done in areas of seasonal highwater.
Because Holden Beach lies in the low coastal plain of the East Coast,
flooding can occasionally result. In order to minimize damages to'
developed land in case of this occurrence Holden Beach will discour-
age development in areas of seasonal highwater.
Only developments that cannot be placed in more suitable locations
may be developed in these areas. Examples of permitted uses in these
areas are low density single family and multi -family residential uses,
and recreational uses. If residential or other low density "urban"
uses are to be developed in an area of seasonal highwater, special
requirements such as stilts will be necessary.
c. Bearinq Capacit
Growth and development will be discouraged in areas where soils will
not support buildings.
Where suitable alternative locations exist for a particular devel-
opment project, Holden Beach will discourage its location in an
area where soils will not adequately support the buildings. If no
alternative sites exist, the project may be constructed if correc-
tive measures to stabilize the building foundation are incorporated
into the project design.
3. RESOURCE PU UCTIOli °.;iJ ;VAAGEMENT
holden Eeach's natural resources play a vital role in its economy.
It's waters and beaches are utilized for recreational uses as well
as for fishing. Protection of these resources is a prime concern
of Holden Beach. To deal with issues that involve resource pro-
duction and management, Holden Beach adopts the following policies:

To protect the natural conditions of the sites that function as
key or unique components of coastal systems. The interactions of
various life forms are the foremost concern and include sites that
are necessary for the completion of life cycles, areas that function
as links to other wildlife areas (wildlife corridors), and
localities where the links between biological and physical envir-
onments are most fragile.
To protect the identified scientific and educational values and to
ensure that the site will be accessible for related study purposes.
To protect the values of the designated coastal complex natural
area as expressed by the local government and citizenry. These
values should be related to the educational and aesthetic qualities
of the feature.
a'. - Commercial and Recreational Fisheries
Holden Beach will encourage the preservation and expansion of its
fisheries industry, both sport and commercial. Protection of our
Coastal and Estuarine Waters is a prime prerequisite of this policy
objective. Habitats for shellfish and finfish in all stages of
their life cycle must be preserved in order to maintain fishing as
a viable economic and recreational acitvity.
Therefore, any development which will profoundly and adversely
affect Coastal and Estuarine Waters will be discouraged. Only
those developments which are water dependent, such as docking facili-
ties seafood processing plants, and marinas shall be allowed to be ,
placed near and to affect coastal and estuarine water habitats. In
the design, construction and operation of water dependent develop-
ments, every effort must be made to mitigate negative effects on
water quality and fish habitat. These efforts will be at the
ownersor operators' own expense.
In order to expand Holden Beach's sport and commercial fisheries
industry, Holden Beach will support private and public projects
which will positively affect those industries. Holden Beach supports
channel and inlet dredging and stabilization projects which will
increase the water access for fishing boats. It is recognized that
in dredging and stabilization operations, some fish habitat damage
may occur. Only those projects which have a reasonable likelihood
of providing greater benefits than damage to fisheries- industry
will be supported. All dredging and stabilization operations must
be performed so as to minimize any unavoidable damage to fish habitat.
Holden Beach supports projects which increase productivity of
Coastal and Estuarine Waters. Projects such as oyster reseeding
programs and properly constructed artificial reef construction
have proved successful in the past, and therefore, will be support-
ed in the future. Holden Beach supports the Brunswick County
Shellfish Action Plan.
Holden Beach recognizes the importance of boat building, ship main-
tenance and repair, and docking and harbor facilities as supportive
and necessary for the fisheries industry. These industries will be
supported and allowed to locate on and near coastal and estuarine
waters if they do not prove to injure fish habitat more than they
support and provide services for the fisheries industry. All
developments which require State or Federal permits, licenses or
funds must meet this policy criteria.
81

b. Existing and Potential Mineral Production Areas.
Holden Beach contains no known mineral deposits b o d it abund-
ance of sand. Therefore, no policy statement shae( �e ma5e.
C. Off - Road Vehicles.
Holden Beach has a substantial amount of beach area under its
jurisdiction. These areas are of prime concern in regard to off
road vehicle policy.
In an effort to protect the rights of both the beach drivers as well
as the non - beach drivers, the beach front property owners, and
those people using the beach for recreational purposes, Holden Beach,
in September of 1979 adopted an ordinance regulating vehicular
traffic on the beach strand within the town limits of Holden Beach.
4. PROVISION OF SERVICES TO DEVELOPMENT
a. Public Water Supply.
Holden Beach presently supplies water to all its residential and
commercial users. It is Holden Beach's responsibility to provide
the sources of water for the public. Holden Beach purchases their
water from Brunswick County, and Holden Beach supports the regional
concept of water distribution in Brunswick Cou.nty. The cost of
securing this supply will be borne by the users. User Charges are
the main means of financing these costs.
Holden Beach has provided major trunk lines throughout the town
where public water is feasible and needed. Individual connections
will be done at the user or property owners' expense. Developers
of new subdivisions will be required to install water lines at
their own expense.
b. Public Sewage System
Holden Beach will work to achieve cleansing of polluted.waters
through the construction of treatment facilities. Poorly
functioning septic tanks threaten to pollute estuarine and coastal`
waters.. This in turn renders shellfish areas unfit for harvest. In
order to avoid future pollution problems, Holden Beach supports
the development of the Southwest 201 Facilities Plan.
At this time, construction is planned to begin in the early 1960's'I
but the project appears to be behind schedule. Holden Beach
intends to finance these facilities through Bond Referendums,
Farmers Home Loans, E.P.A. grants, and user chargers.
Any future development that will substantially harm or pollute
Estuarine or Coastal waters using septic systems will be
discouraged. If the developer will provide a sewerage collection
and treatment system, the development may be permitted.
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C. Solid Waste Disposal.
r
Holden Beach recognizes its role as the provider of solid waste
disposal services for its residents. It is the policy of.Holden
Beach to have this service provided in an efficient, safe,'and
sanitary manner. In order to carry out this role, adequate means
of final disposition must always be available. Holden Beach
presently uses a County landfill. Holden Beach supports the
County's landfill projects so long as adequate landfill sites are
retained, maintained, and guaranteed.
d. Rescue Squad and Fire Protection.
Holden Beach will provide contribution funds for fire and rescue
squads.
Although Holden Beach has a large, dense summer population, it is
prohibitedly expensive to provide fire protection and rescue
services with paid professionals throughout the entire year.
However, Holden Beach believes it has the responsibility to help
provide these services. Therefore, Holden Beach will contract with
volunteer fire departments and rescue squads for these services.
Holden Beach will promote the expansion of services to include
marine.rescue and supervised swimming areas (lifeguard services).
Holden Beach would support the development of a fire house sub-
station on Holden Beach.
e. Public School System.
j Although Holden Beach has no school facilitites in its juris-
diction, Holden Beach does support and encourage the improvement
of the County school facilities utilized by its residents. Therefore,
Holden Beach will encourage continued and expanded multi.- purpose
use of school facilities for recreation and other purposes.
f. Transportation.
i Although Holden Beach has no formal program to porvide transportation
for the elderly and handicapped, and other needy residents, Holden
,3each does support and encourage any such program that will aid the
�. citizens of Holden Beach.
g. Street Lights.
Holden Beach does not support the installation of street lights.
h. Beach Access.
Recognizing that access to the beach is a major issue for the Town,
Holden Beach supports the establishment of an ordinance to prohibit
i parking along the road right - of - way as well as the financing
of construction of public dune walkovers at selected points. Also,
Holden. Beach supports the establishment of official beach access
points with designated parking lots.
Holden Beach supports the spending of tax money on improving beach
access for non - beach front as well as for the beach front property.
owners.
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i. Recreation.
Holden Beach will work to provide improved and additional recrea-
tional areas.
Holden Beach supports the construction of a bike and jogging trail
along Ocean Blvd.
5. ECONOMIC AND COPIMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The citizens of Holden Beach believe that there is a place for
many types of residential, commercial and recreational developments
in Holden Beach, provided that proper and adequate measures are
incorporated into the design, construction and operation of the
development to eliminate substantial negative impacts on the devel-
opment to of neighboring land uses and the environment. Existing
development must be conserved and protected. New development
will be encouraged in the most suitable areas as determined from the
Holden Beach suitability map. New development shall also be pro-
vided with the necessary public services.
a. Industry.
Holden Beach will encourage in the area of Brunswick County, but
outside their town limits, only those industries that are quiet,
clean, and present no substantial environmental or health hazards.
An example of the industries encouraged
in the area by Holden Beach would be tourism, textile, electronics,
and.seafood processing.
Holden Beach will encourage the tourist industry within its Tcwn
to grow with the development of single family and multi -family
residences, duplexes, and low profile aprirtnuMts.
Holden Beach will discourage tourist -related business development
such as hotels and restaurants.
b. Airports.
Obviously, no land within Holden Beach is used or will be used
as an airport. However, Holden Beach is near the County Airport
approach zones. Airport approach zones should be kept well away
from residential developments because of:
A. Noise
B. Crash hazards
C. Likelihood of industrial
growth near the airport.
Since all three of these are likely to exert a detrimental effect
on residences', the Federal Housing Administration will not insure
home mortgages within defined areas around airports where these
factors are present.
84

G. GROWTH PATTERNS
a. Compact Growth
Holden Beach is a contained island community with a natural limit
on growth.
b. Provision of Services.
Urban growth and development will be directed to occur in areas
where services are available or planned. Low and medium density
growth is recommended until such time as the Southwest 201 Sewerage
Facilities become a reality.
C. Population Growth.
Holden Beach's policy will be to discourage a large amount of growth
and development and large increases in population. Low and medium
density growth is recommended due to the Town's present lack of a
sewer system.
d. Segregation of Existing Land Uses.
Spatial segregation of conflicting land uses will be encouraged.
e. Housing.
Holden Beach will encourage seasonal and permanent single family
and multi -family residences, duplexes, and low profile apartments.
f. Aesthetics.
Holden Beach supports the adoption or an ordinance that would require
property owners to maintain their property's appearance.
7. CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Holden Beach reslizes an important part of any planning program
is citizen involvement. In order to provide for this public partici-
pation, Holden Beach adopts the following public involvement policy
Holden Beach will encourage its citizens to become involved in the
land use planning process.
All land use plans and updates will be done with public participation.
Citizen participation in the land use planning process will be
accomplished by using the following plan.
Time Use of One Year Planning Period
1/3 I. Education
A. Newspaper
1. News releases
2. Letters to editors
B. Pamphlets
C. Public Meetings
a.
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1/3 II. Input
A. Public meetings
B. Surveys
1. Mail
2. Door to door
3. Telephone
C. Review and comments
1. Newspaper spread of plan summary
2. Public; review meeting
• 1/3 III. Support
A. Use of education and input properly
Q. Public hearing (formal)
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C. POLICY IMPLEMENTATION
In order to carry out the policies which have been adopted by
Holden Beach, implementation methods are needed. These methods which
are developed are goals and objectives. Goals are ends toward which
actions should be directed; and, objectives are intermediate ends
instrumental to the achievement of a goal, they are target statements
achievable in the scope of the Land Use Plan.
It is important that the Town's officials and citizens support
the goals and objectives enumerated therein. Only then will the Town
retain the character of the policies they have adopted.
Goals and objectives regarding future land use development are
enumerated on the following pages for the Town of Holden Beach. Several
strategies are also presented, however, these are not exhaustive of all
possible means of achieving objectives. Other strategies may be identi-
fied by-to!vrn officials and citizens. The policy statements adopted by
the Town of Holden Beach are presented i.n the Policy Statement section
of this plan.
In the broadest sense, the goal of the Town of Holden Beach is to
improve the social, economic, and physical environment of the community
_ as efficiently as possible. Within this broadly stated goal, several
specific goals and objectives relating the physical development of the
area can be stated.
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I. GOAL: preservation and management of natural resources in Holden Beach.
A. OBJECTIVE: Continue the existing Town Management system capable -
of preserving and managing the natural resources.
Strategies:
Prohibit or restrict development of Lands classified Conservation in the
Holden Beach Planning area.
Continue to prohibit development in any Area of Environmental concern
which would have a detrimental affect on public trust waters to the
extent that such waters would be closed to shellfish harvesting under
standards.set by the Commission for Health. Services pursuant to G.S, I
169. 01 or violate any rules, regulations, or laws of the State of North
Carolina or the Town of Holden Beach and its extraterritorial' jurisdiction
in which development takes place,
Continue to enforce the adopted Building Code, Zoning Ordinance, Subdivi-
sion Regulations, Environmental Impact Statement Ordinance, CAMA permit
Regulations, Flood Damage Protection Ordinance, and the Ordinance Regula-
ting Vehicular Traffic on the Beach Strand.
Prohibit future construction or expansion of finger canal type residential
developments.
Implement recommendations of the Beach Access Study for Holden Beach.
B. OBJECTIVE: Seek to preserve and protect the existing estuaries and
ocean shorelines from erosion.
Strategies:
Support beach renourishment projects that meet the approval of
the citizens and officials of Holden Beach.
Support and implement recommendations of the'Bhach Access Study
for Holden Beach.
Strictly enforce the Ordinance Regulating Vehicular Traffic on the
Beach Strand.
Prohibit or restrict development of lands classified conservation
in Holden Beach,
Continue to enforce protection of the beach and dune areas through
the CAMA permit program.
C. OBJECTIVE: Seek to protect wetlands, shellfish areas, surface
and ground waters in Holden Beach from contamination
and pollution.
M

Strategies:
Support construction of and participate in the Brunswick County
Southeastern 201 Facilities Plan for a wastewater sewerage and
treatment system.
Continue to utilize the Brunswick County solid waste landfill
on the mainland.
Insure that all County and State health regulations are met for
all on -site sewage systems.
II. GOAL: A variety of safe and decent housing for all residents and
visitors.
A. OBJECTIVE: Seek to ensure all dwellings are safe and decent
for habitation.
Strategies:
Continue to enforce minimum housing and building codes.
Continue to enforce all ordinances disigned to protect homeowners from
natural hazards.
B. OBJECTIVE: Seek to provide a variety of dwelling types for
permanent and Seasonal residents.
III. GOAL: Accessibility and safety in area transportation
A. OBJECTIVE: Emphasize safety in the community.
Strategies:
Enforce all traffic regulations to promote safety on the roads in
Holden Beach.
Ensure that all road hazard areas are clearly marked or corrected.
G, OBJECTIVE: Promote a continuous street improvement and construction
program adequate to serve the community which is compatible
with the existing street system. .
Strategies:
Allocate available budget funds for street maintenance and construction.
Review any new residential development plans and ensure that they comply
with Subdivision Regulations for transportation facilities.
IV., GOAL: Preservation of the existina local character and the aesthetic
qualities of Holden Beach.
v

A. OBJECTIVE: Promote the cultural amenities of the community
and involve citizens in the c:onununity activities.
Strategies:
Continue to offer information center facilities.
Continue to organize community -wide programs and events which enhance
the existing character and amenities.
B.' OBJECTIVE: Faintain and improve aesthetic qualities of.ilolden Beach.
Strategies:
Adopt a Tot -in Ordinance requiring property owners to maintain their
property's appearance.
Maintain and manage all conservation areas for purposes of safety,
recreation, and aesthetics.
C. OBJECTIVE: Seek to preserve the character of a family -oriented beach.
Strategies:
Continue to prohibit dense commercial development through enforcement of
the Holden Beach Zoning Ordinance,
Offer services and facilities required by residents.and visiting families.
V. GOAL: Adequate and efficient public utilities and community facilities,
services and programs.
A. OBJECTIVE: Promote land use development patterns that allow
services and facilities to be reasonably and ef-
ficiently provided in Holden Leach.
Strategies:
Support construction and participate in the Brunswick County Southeastern
201 Facilities Plan for a wastewater sewweage and treatment system.
C. OBJECTIVE: Improve fire protection services on the island. '
Strategies:
Locate a substation of the existing Tri-Beach Volunteer Fire Department
on the island of Holden Beach.
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D. OBJECTIVE: Improve recreational facilities in the community.
Strategies:
Acquire title or permanent use of beach accessways for all citizens
and visitors to enjoy the beach recreational facilities.
.• Establish adequate park and recreational facilities.
Seek land or monetary donations for park and recreation sites.
Inquire about and seek State and Federal funds for establishing pars;
and recreation facilities.
Develop a town comprehensive Recreation Plan for the 1980-1990 decade.
91

PART 1Y
LAND
CLASSIFICATION
92

PART
IV
LAND
CLASSIFICATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A.
PURPOSE . . . . . . .
. . 94
B.
RELATIONSHIP OF LAND CLASSIFICATION
MAP TO POLICY STATEMENTS
95
C.
LAND CLASSES . . . . . . . . . .
. . 96
Introduction
Developed
Transition
Transition Mixed -Use
Transition Residential
Community
Rural
Conservation
Land Classification Map
100
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a
A. PURPOSE
The North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act Guidelines
• require that each city, town, and county located in the twenty
county coastal areas develop a land classification map
classifying all of the land within a given jurisdiction
into one of five classes and their subclasses. The criteria
for the allocation of land into these categories are expli-
city set forth in the State Guidelines, and the final adopted
land classification maps for the twenty counties are combined
into a coordinated, consistent expression of local policy at
the large regional scale.
A land classification system for Holden Beach has been
developed as a means of assisting in the implementation of
goals, objectives, and policies. By delineating land classes
on a map, local government and its citizens can specify those
areas where certain policies (local, state, and federal).will
apply. Although specific areas are outlined on a land class-
ification map, it is merely a tool to help implement policies
and not a strict regulatory mechanism.
The land classification system provides a framework to
be used by local governments to identify the future use
• of lands in the Town. The designation of land classes allows
the local government to illustrate their policy decisions :as to
where and to what density they want growth to occur, and
to where natural and cultural resources will be preserved.
The plans also provide the basis for development regulations
and capital facility planning and budgeting.
On a regional scale, the land use plans and the land
classification map are used as the basis for regional plans
and in their function as regional clearinghouse for State and
Federal funding programs.
On a State and Federal level, the local plans are used
as a major component in the granting or denial of permits
for various developments in the coastal area. State and
Federal agencies must be certain the plans and decisions
,relating to the use of Federal or State funds are consistent
with -.local government policies. Likewise,.projects being
undertaken by State and Federal agencies themselves must
be consistent with the local plans.
a
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B. RELATIONSHIP OF LAND CLASSIFICATION MAP TO POLICY STATEMENTS
The land classification map is a graphic representation
of the policy statements formulated and adopted through the
citizen participation process and conference with local
officials.
The 1980 Land Classification Map differs from the 1975 Map
mainly in the areas of revised classification category
criteria and desired developed patterns.
In regard to development patterns, the classification of
land reflects existing development patterns as well as the
desired pattern of development as reflected in the policy
statements.
The Transition classification reflects the policy of the
Town to accommodate development in tho.se areas with existing
or planned urban facilities within the next ten years, and
those areas consistent with the Holden Beach Zoning Ordinance.
The subclasses of the Transition Classification are Transition
Residential and Transition Mixed -Use. Lands in agreement with
the above policy for Transition areas were classified as one of
these subclasses according to whether planned outlying develop-
ment was to be strictly residential or a variety of land uses
such as residential, commercial, institutional and recreational.
All classifications of land within these subclasses are in
accordance with the Holden Beach Zoning Ordinance.
The -Rural classification reflects the policy of the Town
towards the protection of low intensity resource potential
lands as well as the policy to provide lends for low density
residential development where urban services are neither provid-
i�d nor planned: This latter policy is further supported by
the Town's policy of compact growth and because it is very
inefficient and uneconomical to provide facilities to sparsely
populated outlying areas. To comply with these two policies,
the Rural classification is divided into two subclasses,
Rural and Rural Residential. The main difference between these
two subclasses is.their accessibility and degree of de.velop-
ment.
The Conservation classification reflects the policy of
the Town to protect and provide effective long term manage-
ment for significant, limited or irreplacable lands. Within
the Conservation classification are areas of environmental
concern. For a listing of the areas of environmental concern
applicable to Holden Beach, see the Fragile Areas section of
this plan. Areas of environmental concern are necessarily
protected in accordance with the North Carolina Coastal Area
Management Act (C.A.M.A.) of 1974; Holden Beach supports all
C.A.M.A.. regulations.
41,
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i
It
C. LAND CLASSES
Introduction
The land classification system includes five broad
classes which will be identified by all local governments.
Planning units are encouraged, however, to further subdivide
these boroad classes into more specific land use designations.
Any subclasses which are used should be able to be aggre-
gated back into the original five broad classes. The five gen-
eral classes are Developed, Transition, Community, Rural, and
Conservation. Three of these classes are applicable to Holden
Beach; they are Transition, Rural, and Conservation.
The inclusion of a land area into a land classification
category does not dictate the type of land use that will be
allowed in a particular location. Several of the classes
provide for and are designed to encourage a variety of land
uses.
Although, as indicated above, the specific requirements
of the land classification system are set forth at the State
level, each jurisdiction's land classification map is developed
locally and adopted by the local governing body prior to
submission to the Coastal Resources Commission. As a result
of this process, the land classifiction map represents a
graphic statement of local government policy with regard to
where, when and to what densities future land development will
be encouraged.
•E.

The land classifications and their subcategories
are defined below. Not all of these classifications
appear on the Holden Beach Land Classification Map.
1. Developed
The purpose of the developed class is to provide for
continued intensive development and redevelopment of exist-
ing cities. To be classified developed, the area should
have a minimum density of 500 dwellings per square mile
or 2000 people per square mile provided with usual public
services including at least water, sewer, recreational
facilities, police and fire protection.
Because Holden Beach does not provide sewer facilities.
for its residents,'no part of the town is classified developed.
2. Transition
The purpose of the transition class is to provide
for future intensive urban development within the ensuing
ten years on lands that are most suitable and that will
be scheduled for provision of necessary public utilities
and services. The transition lands also provide for
additional growth when additional lands in the developed ti
class are not available or when they are severely limited
for development.
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. State and federal expenditures on projects
associated with urban development (water, sewer, urban
systems, etc.) will be guided to these areas.
In accordance with the State Guidelines requirements,
the first priority lands for allocation to the Transition
category were those areas which presently exhibit a gross
population density of 2,000 persons per square mile.
The second priority included those areas which have exper-
ienced septic tank problems and/or face potential public
health threats in terms of contamination of on -site wells
or pollution of estuarine waters to which much existing
residential development is adjacent. The third priority
provides for inclusion of more areas where future develop-
ment is expected and can be clustered through the pro-
vision of services. The fourth priority includes lands
located along existing or proposed service corridors in
which higher density development is to be encouraged.
WA

a) Transition Mixed Use
This class includes areas where public services are.currently
provided or planned, yet are more suitable for a wide variety of
development ranging from recreational facilities to commercial
establishments. The guide for the placement of development within
this class is the Holden Beach Zoning Ordinance and the Holden
Beach Policy Statements.
b) Transition Residential
This class includes the areas with planned facilities best
suited for residential development.
A large portion of the land in Holden Beach is designated
either Transition Mixed Use or Transition Residential.
Generally, all developed residential areas that are currently
provided with public water are classified Transition Residential.
Those areas currently developed with a wide range of uses, such
as piers, arcades, stores, or other commercial establishments are
classified Transition Mixed Use. All those areas are scheduled
to be provided with public sewer within the upcoming ten year
period.
3. Community
The purpose of the community class is to provide for clustered
land development to help meet housing, shopping, employment, and
public service needs within the rural areas of the county.
Lands to be classified community are those areas with the rurai
areas of planning jurisdictions characterized by a small ar:ic-ping
of Mixed land uses, (residences, general store, churc;:, !.chool,
etc.), and which are suitable and appropri3_'e for i:ll ciusters
of rural development not requ iring muni pal ::cr service,
This class is not applicable to Holden Beach.
4. Rural
The purpose of the rural class is to provide for agriculture,
forest management, mineral extraction and other low intensity uses
- where urban services are not required and where natural resources
will not be permanently impaired.
a.) Rural Residential
The purpose of this class is to provide for low density
residential development where urban services are not provided
or planned and where natural resources will not be permanently
impaired.
In Holden Beach, the Rural classification is made for those.
lands that are suitable for development but that have not been
made accessible by public streets and roads. The Rural Residential
classification is made for low density residential areas not
presently provided with public water. It is the intent of the
Rural designations to encourage development of those areas class-
ified Transition before those classified Rural or Rural Residential.
g8

r
5. Conservation
The purpose of the conservation class is to provide for
effective long-term management of significant limited or `
irreplaceable areas. This management may be needed because of
its natural, cultural, recreational, productive,or scenic values.
These areas should not be identified as transition lands in the
future.
The Conservation Class should be applied to lands that
contain: 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 condition; publicly owned water
supply watersheds and aquifers; and forest lands that are un-
developed and will remain undeveloped for commercial purposes.
Those lands designated as conservation in Holden.Beach are
primarily coastal wetlands, oceanfront shorelines, or inlet
hazard areas.
V
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