Land Use Plan Update-2000

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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
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2000 LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
' The Town of Manteo, North Carolina
Final Draft for Adoption by the Board of Commissioners
' April 10, 2000
The Cox Company

2000 Land Use Plan Update
Table of Contents
Chapter Title
ES. Executive Summary
Introduction to the Planning Process
The Coastal Area Management Act
Goals and Objectives
Establishment of Land and Environmental Policies
Review of Key Policy Statements
Notable Changes in Land Use Policies from 1992 Plan
New Policies and Issues
Significant Policies Carried Forward
Policy Implementation Strategy
General Implementation Recommendations
Zoning Ordinance Recommendations
Subdivision Ordinance Recommendations
Intergovernmental Coordination and Implementation
Land Classification System
Major Land Classification Map Changes
Land Classification Map Boundaries
Vision for the Future
Town of Manteo
I. Introduction
Introduction to the Planning Process
The Coastal Area Management Act
Establishment of a Demographic and Land Data Base
Establishment of Land Use and Environmental Policies
Notable Changes in Land Use Policies from the 1992 Plan
Page
ES-1
ES-1
ES-2
ES-11
ES-11
ES-12
ES-14
ES-14
ES-18
ES-19
ES-19
ES-20
ES-21
ES-21
ES-22
ES-22
ES-24
Table of Contents
TOC-1

2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo
New Policies and Issues which were not Discussed in 1992 I-9
Major Land Classification Map Changes I-10
Public Participation in the Planning Process I-10
II. Goals and Objectives
Community Development II-3
Environment and Natural Resources H-4
Transportation 11-5
Housing 11-5
Land Use 11-6
Public Services and Infrastructure 1I-8
Implementation 11-10
III. Data Collection and Analysis
Establishment of the Information Base
III-1
Present Conditions: Population and Economy
III-1
Housing
III-4
Economic Analysis
III-8
Watersheds Related to Land Use Planning
III-12
Summary
III-20
IV. Present Conditions
Existing Land Use Analysis
IV-1
Description of Land Uses
IV-3
Significant Land and Water Use Compatibility Problems
IV-6
Major Problems from Unplanned Development
IV-8
Areas Likely to Experience Major Land Use Changes
IV-9
Existing Plans, Policies and Regulations Considered
IV-10
Table of Contents TOC-2

2000 Land Use Plan Update
V. Constraints
Land Use Suitability
Physical Limitations for Development
Fragile Areas
Areas with Resource Potential
Carrying Capacity Analysis
Other Community Facilities and Services
VI. Estimated Demand
Growth and Impacts on Community Services
Future Land Use Needs
Demand for Community Facilities and Services
VII. Policy Statements
Introduction'
Policy Guidelines and the CAMA Study Process
Policy Alternatives and Implementation Schedule
Recommended CAMA Planning Policies
Resouse Protection
Resource Production and Management
Economic and Community Development
Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery, etc.
Public Participation
Policy Implementation Strategy
General Implementation Recommendations
Zoning Ordinance Recommendations
Subdivision Ordinance Recommendations
Table of Contents
Town of Manteo
V-1
V-2
V6
V 11
V-12
V 14
VI-1
VI-4
VI-5
VII-1
VII-1
VII-3
VII-6
VII-6
VII-16
VII-18
VII-32
VII-41
VII-43
VII-44
VII-44
VII-45
TOC-3

2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo
Capital Improvement Recommendations VII-47
Inter -government Coordination and Implementation VII-47
Schedule for Policy Implementation by Manteo Officials VH-49
VIII. Land Classification System
Developed
V1II-4
Urban Transition
V1II-6
Conservation
V111-8
Implementation
VIU-11
IX. Public Participation Plan
Designation of the Joint Planning Board D(-1
Policy Critique DC-2
Citizen Survey D(-2
Work Session Public Participation Opportunities IX-3
Notification Methods DC-3
Ongoing Informational Updates D(-4
Al. Appendix I: Citizens' Survey
AII. AppendixII: Visioning Forum Survey
AIII. Appendix III: Land Classification System Options
AIV. Appendix IV: Maps
Existing Land Use Map
Zoning Map
Land Classification Map
Special Flood Hazard Map
Table of Contents TOC-4

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
List of Tables and Charts
Table #
Table Title
PAge
III-1
Town -County Comparative Population Growth
III-2
111-2
Manteo and Dare County Age Groups
1II-3
111-3
Housing Units by Occupancy Status
II1-5
111-4
New Subdivisions Approved
1II-6
1II-5
Building Permits Issued
1II-7
1II-6
Employment by Industry
111-8
III-7
Labor Force
III-9
III-8
Dare County Gross Retail Sales
III-10
111-9
Fiscal Year 1997 Retail Sales
III-11
III-10
Surface Water Classifications
111-17
IV-1
Existing Land Use Summary
IV-2
V-1
School System Enrollment
V-14
VIA
Straight Line Population Projections
VI-3
VI-2
Capture Method Population Projections
VI-3
VI-3
Daily Water Usage
VI-6
VI-4
School Enrollment and Growth Projections
VI-8
List of Tables and Charts TIC-1

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This Executive Summary is designed to provide an overview of the land use issues
which will affect the community during the upcoming planning period as well as the
policies which the Town of Manteo has identified as being most appropriate for
' successfully -addressing those issues. These policies, as well as the community's
underlying goals and objectives and an analysis of data collected as part of the
' development of the Land Use Plan (LUP), are presented in detail in subsequent
chapters of this document.
' INTRODUCTION TO THE PLANNING PROCESS
The 2000 Land Use Plan is designed to be used as a guide for the physical development
of the Town of Manteo focusing on the upcoming ten year planning period. This Plan,
along with responsible leadership in its implementation, provides a means by which
the Town's future growth can be successfully channeled and accommodated. The
' overall purpose of the Land Use Plan is to encourage the development of a safe,
healthy and economically sound living environment for the citizens of Manteo. The
Land Use Plan focuses on those factors which contribute to or hinder proper growth
and development, and identifies those areas in which local government can have a
1 positive impact.
' In late February,1997, the Manteo Board of Commissioners appointed a Joint Planning
Board to lead the Town through the development of the Land Use Plan Update. The
Joint Planning Board was composed of members of both the Town Board of
' Commissioners and the Town Planning Board. Together, the members of these two
bodies worked to guide the planning process by establishing goals and objectives,
reviewing past policies, gauging public opinion, adopting new land use policies and
editing the final plan document.
THE COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENT ACT
The Coastal Area Management Act of 1974, commonly known as CAMA, established a
cooperative program of coastal area management and planning between local
governments and the State. The Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) is charged by
the State to oversee the implementation of the CAMA legislation across the State's
' coastal communities. As a part of this regulatory role, the CRC updates its planning
Executive Summary ES-1

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
guidelines every five years and subsequently adds and deletes policy requirements.
The 2000 Land Use Plan update for the Town of Manteo complies with the "Land Use
Planning Guidelines" of the North Carolina Administrative Code (NCAC) Subchapter
7B as amended in March 1996. This section of the Code outlines the requirements of
the Coastal Area Management Act. It also "sets forth general standards for use by the
CRC in reviewing and considering local land use plans." The purpose of the update is
primarily for the examination of existing policies and the evaluation of the relevancy
and adequacy of the techniques for implementation based on demographic and
physiographic changes over the past five years.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
By preparing a future land use plan which is integrally tied to its precedent goals,
objectives and planning policies, the old adage that "a locality can be no better than it
aspires to be" is underscored. An intelligent and comprehensible land use plan cannot
be structured without energetically seeking and taking the necessary steps to define
the common components of the locality's vision for its future. The first steps taken
towards establishing the basic tenets of the planning process were to:
(1) define the desired future goals for Manteo,
(2) translate the goals into planning objectives by which they would be realized and
(3) to establish policies, initiatives and strategies by which the goals and planning
objectives can be implemented for the betterment of the Manteo community.
In arriving at the following set of goals and objectives which have been recommended
for the 2000 Land Use Plan, a major effort was undertaken in order to insure that the
planning process proceeded on this rational line and with the assurance that adopted
future land use recommendations would be founded on a firm social, economic, moral
and legal underpinning. The impetus for this effort was a formal "Visioning Forum"
which consumed most of the second Land Use Plan Update work session on October
16,1997.
During the "Visioning Forum", the consultant introduced a series of "Goals and Roles"
categories as topics that the members of both the Board of Commissioners and the
Town Planning Board were encouraged to consider and reflect upon throughout not
only the visioning process but also during the entire Land Use Plan Update process.
Executive Summary ES-2

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
These major categories established the basis for the identification of the central goals
and objectives for the Land Use Plan. They also served as the basic building blocks
upon which the vision for Manteo's future was defined by the Board and the
Commission. A summary of these topics and the discussion that took place during the
forum is included in the Appendix of the Land Use Plan.
The range of goals used to establish the vision for the Manteo community and to guide
the development of the Land Use Plan can be grouped into the following seven (7)
general categories:
1. Community Development
2. Environment and Natural Resources
. 3. Transportation '
4. Housing
5. Land Use
6. Public Services and Infrastructure
7. Implementation
Within each of these areas, several goals and objectives were established by the Joint
' Planning Board. These goals and objectives will serve to have a recognizable effect on
the quality of future land use policy decisions in the Town of Manteo. The most
significant of these goals and objectives are presented on the following pages (for the
' unabridged listing of goals and objectives established for the Town as part of the Land
Use Plan, refer to Chapter II: Goals and Objectives)
1. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Major Goal:
Protect and enhance the built environment of the community.
' A. Urban Design
Goal:
Insure that future development meets the high quality standards established within the existing
community.
Executive Summary ES-3
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2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo
Objectives:
1. Improve the character and quality of future development in the Town by
enacting creative urban design standards and implementation procedures.
2. Maintain the Town's pedestrian scale and small town, neighborhood
atmosphere.
3. Promote inter -governmental cooperation and initiate formal actions to
protect and improve the Town's major entrance corridors, recognizing that
the visual quality of these entrances transcends jurisdictional boundaries.
4. Strive to link the Town's waterfront to the Route 264 commercial corridor.
B. Economic Development
Goal:
Support the existing economic base in Manteo while exploring other economic development
opportunities.
Objectives:
1. Recognize the importance of the commercial and recreational fishing
industries to the Town's economy and continue to support these industries
by protecting fishermen against unfair Federal and State regulations.
2. Work with the local, federal and state governmental agencies with offices
located in Town to explore expansion and business linkage possibilities.
3. Focus on targeted tourism marketing and public relations campaigns that
center on identifying and maximizing appropriate market niche
opportunities in economic development and tourism.
C. Historic Preservation
Goal:
Preserve and enhance Manteo's rich cultural and historic heritage.
Objectives•
1. Identify and recognize sites of historical and cultural significance in the
- Town.
2. Protect the integrity of the visual and historic character of Manteo and
encourage the protection of those structures that appropriately mark the
Town's urban evolution.
3. Enhance Manteo's image as a regional cultural center.
Executive Summary ES-4

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
2. ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Major Goal:
Protect and enhance the natural environment of the community and manage
Manteo's natural resources, including Areas of Environmental Concern and the
Town's fish -nursery areas, from the adverse impacts associated with recreational,
commercial and industrial uses.
Objectives:
1. Maintain Manteo's estuarine waters, coastal wetlands, public trust waters
and estuarine shorelines in their natural state and improve their quality
when possible.
2. Encourage the conservation of open space in the Town and actively promote
the long-term preservation and maintenance of valuable natural resource
areas.
3. Maintain the Town's high water quality and avoid unnecessary disruption of
fish nursery areas.
4. Expand the Town's waterway access opportunities along Shallowbag Bay.
3. TRANSPORTATION
Major Goal:
The location, character and capacity of transportation facilities should be compatible
with the pattern of land uses and densities prescribed in the Town's future Land
Use Plan and should focus on efforts to link together different modes of
transportation. Road and street plans should encourage optimal community
development patterns while allowing for transit in a safe and efficient manner.
Objectives:
1. Implement road and street improvements which are of an appropriate scale
and capacity to serve long-range traffic demands, while respecting the
environment and scale of the surrounding neighborhoods and communities.
2. Meet the needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and others by providing
a safe street and sidewalk system.
Executive Summary ES-5

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
4. HOUSING
Major Goal:
Provide for decent, safe and sanitary housing for all Town residents, recognizing the
need for all types of housing to serve the citizens of Manteo.
Objectives:
1. Promote the development of low to moderate income housing in the Town.
2. Support and work with local, state and federal agencies to identify
opportunities and strategies for housing rehabilitation, development of
moderately priced owner -occupied housing and the efficient implementation
of associated public infrastructure.
3. Identify and support efforts to upgrade substandard dwellings.
4. Encourage local developers to explore market niche opportunities in the
retirement/assisted living segment of the housing market.
5. Encourage the use of Planned Unit Developments to preserve open space
without sacrificing developable density.
5. LAND USE
Major Goal:
Plan for an integrated mix of residential, commercial and economic development
uses which will provide suitable housing, shopping, recreation and employment
opportunities, while supporting the expanding tourism marketplace and
recognizing the compact scale of the Town.
A. Land Development
Goal:
Within the remaining undeveloped parcels of land in Manteo, provide for an integrated mix of
uses that respects the Town's existing scale and standard of development, while responding to
market supply and demand.
Objectives:
1. Manage and direct growth and development in balance with available
support services.
Executive Summary ES-6

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
1 2. Protect Manteo's waterfront as a vital, active and lively place for residents
and tourists.
' 3. Encourage a mix of traditional and new water -related uses along the
Downtown waterfront and along other portions of the Shallowbag Bay
' shoreline where appropriate.
4. Reserve suitable areas for commercial, office, research and economic
' development uses to provide tax revenues to balance the cost of providing
services for anticipated residential development.
5. Insure that new development can be adequately supported by existing or
planned public services and infrastructure.
' B. Preservation
Goal:
Protect the Town's residential integrity, scale and character as commercial development
demands continue to increase.
' Objectives:
1. Preserve stable residential and commercial areas.
' 2. Protect historic and environmentally sensitive lands from light industrial
and other high density uses.
' C. Redevelopment
Goal:
' Insure that future redevelopment and adaptive reuse projects respect and respond to the
existing scale and form of the Town, complement adjacent uses and help the Town to achieve its
M goals for housing and community development.
Objectives:
1. Continue to support the adaptive reuse of older buildings located in
appropriate areas of Downtown Manteo.
' 2. Continue to support the ongoing parcel -by -parcel redevelopment of
properties in the downtown area.
Executive Summary ES-7
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2000 Land Use Plan Update
6. PUBLIC SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Town of Manteo
Major Goal:
Provide an adequate level of public services and infrastructure to all the people of
Manteo, recognizing the regional aspects of certain facilities and services and the
need for regional planning, inter -governmental cooperation and equitable financial
participation for the jurisdictions involved.
A. Water, Sewer, Solid Waste and Stormwa ter Management
Goal:
Protect Manteo'sground and surface water quality from the adverse impacts associated with
new development including stormwater runoff and wastewater production, as well as natural
phenomena such as flooding, erosion and high winds.
Objectives:
1. Cooperate with other regional jurisdictions in advancing regional planning
and implementation programs for raw water supply sources to serve the
long-range municipal water supply requirements for the Town and region.
2. Plan for the most effective timing and routing of public utility systems.
3. Enforce stormwater and wastewater management regulations protecting
Roanoke Sound, Shallowbag Bay and the Town's other natural resources
from the impacts of planned and existing developments.
4. Improve the capacity and functionality of the existing water and sewer line
systems.
5. Balance the needs of permanent residents with the needs of visitors when
planning future service extensions and considering new development
proposals.
6. Provide reasonable protection to townspeople and their property during and
after major storms.
B. Public Buildings
Goal:
Plan for the adequate provision of public facilities needed to serve the needs of both residents
and visitors to Manteo.
Executive Summary ES-8

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
Objectives:
1. Work with the County to insure that all major County facilities, including
' the main County Office complex, remain located within the Town boundary.
C. Public Safety
Goal:
' Plan for the adequate provision of resources necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of
every resident and visitor in the Town of Manteo.
Objectives:
' 1. Provide adequate facilities and management systems for police, fire, rescue
and judicial operations which fully protect and serve Town residents and
visitors.
' 2. Work with other localities in the Outer Banks area to develop a new regional
medical facility to prevent residents and visitors from having to travel long
distances to receive quality health care treatment.
' D. Education
Goal:
Support and advance programs, activities and facilities to create the highest quality of public
' education for all students in the Dare County school system.
' Objectives:
1. Maintain and add new school facilities as needed to keep class sizes at
reasonable levels and discourage the use of mobile class rooms.
' 2. Coordinate facilities planning efforts with the County School Board to insure
the continued presence of the elementary, middle and high schools, as well
' as the alternative school within the Town of Manteo.
3. Improve access to the College of the Albemarle and other academic and
' vocational opportunities.
Executive Summary ES-9

2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo
E. Parks, Recreation and Open Space
Goal:
Provide numerous passive and active recreational opportunities for residents and visitors in
Manteo, while protecting valuable natural areas and other open spaces from future
development.
Obiectives:
1. Enhance the existing system of parks and open space in the Town in order to
provide recreational opportunities, while preserving scenic vistas, natural
areas and historic sites.
2. Plan for neighborhood parks as new residential development occurs.
3. Expand the Town's public waterway access opportunities along Shallowbag
Bay.
7. IMPLEMENTATION
Maior Goal.
Implement the objectives and policies of the Land Use Plan through the application
of conservative and creative zoning and subdivision measures, recognizing the
broad diversity in the levels of community acceptance of zoning and related growth
management controls.
Objectives:
1. Reevaluate the Town's Zoning Ordinance in order to remedy the
inefficiencies, inconsistencies, inequalities and/or general weaknesses in
existing regulations.
.2. Further revise the Town's Zoning Ordinance where appropriate to achieve
compatibility with the recommendations contained in the Land Use Plan.
3. Continue .to develop a unified approach for parking facilities and the
management thereof, in the Downtown area.
4. Develop and implement a master plan for sidewalks and pedestrian
walkways in the Town.
5. Establish a comprehensive strategy concerning the Town's approach to
future annexation.
Executive Summary ES-10

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
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' 6. The Town should solidify its relationship with the Division of Coastal
Management and other State agencies by continuing to cooperate with its
officials in the process of complying with CAMA regulations and in the
' development of new projects. The Town should maintain the free flow of
communication between the Town and State officials as new development
' issues continue to arise along the Shallowbag Bay shoreline.
' ESTABLISHMENT OF LAND AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES
The Land Use Plan is required by CAMA to fully address local policy on those land
use issues which will affect the community during the upcoming ten-year planning
' period. The major issues must include, but are not limited to:
• Resource Protection
• Resource Production and Management
• Economic and Community Development
' Public Participation
• Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery and Evacuation Plans
' Rather than developadditional policy categories for major planning issues the Joint
P Y g l P S �
Planning Board has determined that these five basic categories are sufficient for this
update of the Land Use Plan. Growth management controls have been integrated into
the examination and discussions of these five major CAMA policy categories.
1
REVIEW OF KEY POLICY STATEMENTS
Fundamental to the completion of a successful CAMA land use plan is the
development of sound planning policy alternatives designed to give citizens an
opportunity to select from several possible policy solutions when adopting official
' Town planning strategies. The first step in the process of developing these alternatives
is to review policies identified in the most recent LUP. As part of the development of
' the Land Use Plan, the Joint Planning Board reviewed the policies adopted for the 1992
Land Use Plan. Each of these policies was analyzed for its usefulness, success in
' implementation and applicability to current land use issues. Several of these policies
were deemed important enough to merit inclusion once again in the 2000 Land Use
Plan.
Executive Summary ES-11

2000 Land Use Plan Update Toum of Manteo
Based on this analysis, several of the existing Town planning policies were modified in
order to update their usefulness to current Town planning, while many others were
deemed worthy of retention in the 2000 Plan. Several new policies were also
introduced as options for Town consideration, and a significant number of these were
adopted as part of this Plan. A comprehensive listing of policies adopted by the Town
for each of CAMA's five major categories is presented in Chapter VII of this document.
Notable Changes in Land Use Policies from the 1992 Plan
The most notable policy changes from those adopted in the 1992 Land Use Plan regard
the Town's approach to annexation, stormwater management, the regulation of future
land subdivision requests and economic development.
In recent years, the Town has relied solely on voluntary annexation for its physical
growth, which has led to parcel -by -parcel, piecemeal growth. However, given the fact
that Manteo is largely built -out, Town officials would like to consider other strategy
alternatives in addition to voluntary annexation that would allow the Town to
approach annexation in a more comprehensive manner. Therefore, the Land Use Plan
includes the following policies aimed at meeting this goal:
• Develop a comprehensive land use strategy for annexation
• Encourage annexation as a means of protecting and enhancing Manteo's
gateways and entrance corridors, its residential quality and its overall
economic vitality
• Develop a comprehensive water and sewer service feasibility study to
support future annexation requests and Town strategies
• Specifically, provide Town water and sewer service to the new Route
641345 intersection in order to properly support planned development in
this area
The Town is also attempting to become more proactive in its approach to stormwater
management. Manteo is developing a Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan
concurrently with the Land Use Plan Update, and the policies and implementation
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
strategies introduced by this Plan will be included in the Land Use Plan. These new
policies may include the following:
• Develop a revised Stormwater Management Plan for the Town in order to
identify potential adverse impacts associated with uncontrolled or
undercontrolled stormwater runoff and devise changes to local ordinances
aimed at controlling such runoff. This Plan should identify drainage
problem areas and improve the drainage system
• Adopt the recommended new Stormwater Management Ordinance
introduced in the Stormwater Management Plan into the revised Town
Zoning Ordinance
• Support strict enforcement of existing sedimentationand pollution control
measures, including the regional Best Management Practices program
• Encourage the use of regional BMP's in new subdivisions and
redevelopment areas
The Town has also altered the focus of its approach to economic development
somewhat since the last Plan was adopted in 1992. Policy discussion for the current
Plan focuses on supporting existing businesses and working with them to retain their
present market share and promote expansion. The following new policy represents a
slight change in focus from the 1992 Plan, when economic development was not
heavily emphasized:
• The Town should coordinate with local business organizations to establish
specific strategies for the retention and expansion of existing businesses in
Manteo
The Town has also incorporated several other minor administrative changes in its
policies for the 2000 Land Use Plan, including the following policy change:
• Revise the Town Code to regulate mooring of floating homes or watercraft
in Shallowbag Bay and other adjoining waterways
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
New Policies and Issues which were not Addressed in the last Land Use Plan
Several new policy statements were added to the 2000 Land Use Plan Update in an
attempt to address issues that members of the joint Planning Board felt worthy of
specific attention. These new statements include the following:
• Revise the Town Subdivision Ordinance in order to establish new
standards that require new subdivisions to incorporate modern street,
utility and storm drainage designs and construction techniques, as well as
capital improvements
• Apply to the Coastal Resources Commission to develop a formal
redevelopment and reuse plan for the lighthouse
• Support efforts to develop an annual calendar of special events to be held
throughout the community
• Lobby the Dare County Solid Waste Authority to move the solid waste
transfer site to a more appropriate location within Dare County
• Promote the development of retirement/assisted living care facilities in
Manteo
• Prepare and periodically update a comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan
which would direct future expansion and current maintenance of
community water and sewer facilities
Significant Land Use Policies Carried over from the 1992 Plan
Several of the policies included in the 1992 Plan were deemed important enough to
merit inclusion once again in the 2000 Land Use Plan. Some of these policies have not
yet been formally implemented and are recommended for action in the near planning
term. Others have been successfully implemented since the last Plan and are deemed
by the joint Planning Board as being worth continuing. The most significant of these
policies are summarized below according to the major policy category that each
addresses:
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2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo
A. Resource Protection
Policies addressing the protection of natural, cultural and historic resources should
take into consideration the potential benefits and liabilities which would accrue to the
community and its citizens through either the preservation or the development of
these areas.
Natural Resources
• Continue the conservation and management of Public Trust Waters. Appropriate uses
include those which do not cause detriment to the physical or biological functions of
public trust areas
• Allow uses which promote "conservation" of the sensitive areas, with conservation
meaning the lack of imposition of irreversible damage to the wetlands
• Prohibit further dredge and fill activities in coastal wetlands areas without the Town's
approval
• Permit only those uses that are compatible with the nature of the estuarine system to be
located along the shorelines. Residential, recreation and commercial uses are acceptable
provided that there is no substantial chance of pollution, erosion is not accelerated,
impervious surfaces are limited, public access to navigable waters is not hampered and
North Carolina Sedimentation Pollution Control standards are met
Historic and Cultural Resources
• Recognize the historically significant buildings in the Town
• Encourage the preservation of these significant structures
B. Resource Production and Management
Activities such as agriculture, commercial and recreational fishing, commercial forestry
and recreational uses of land are among the resources to consider.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
Commercial and Recreational Fishing and Other Water -Based Resources
• Comply with CAMA requirements for Areas of Environmental Concern (AFC's) to
protect water quality and fisheries
• Continue to allow the use of fishing nets in the estuarine waters
• Discourage uses in Shallowbag Bay and Dough's Creek which adversely impact fish
nursery areas
C. Economic and Community Development
The policies contained in the 2000 Land Use Update should embody the attitudes and
objectives of Manteo regarding economic and community development for the
planning period while reflecting the long term goals of the community.
General Community Attitudes and Goals for Growth and Development
• Continue land use planning and directing growth in the Town by updating and
enforcing the relevant ordinances (zoning, subdivision, etc.)
• Guide new development so as not to encroach or destroy Areas of Environmental
Concern (AFC's) and other special and sensitive areas, as reflected in policies for
Resource Protection and Resource Production and Management
Redevelopment of Developed Areas
• Undertake a study to identify specific neighborhoods in the Town of Manteo in need of
rehabilitation
• Fund rehabilitation efforts through a Community Development Block Grant, and apply
for CDBG funds annually in order to address areas of concentrated, substandard
housing
• Redesign and replace old water and sewer utility lines as funds permit
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
' Transportation System Planning
• Upgrade the quality of the existing street system with improved circulation and
signalization, and carry -out year-to-year sidewalk improvements as needed
• Explore traffic calming methods in order to respond to pedestrian needs with regard to
' road safety and speeding
' D. Public Participation
The 2000 Land Use Plan Update must accurately represent the ideas, attitudes and
' concerns of residents. The public participation strategy employed by the Joint
Planning Board is reflective of the public planning process. Citizen involvement in the
planning process was solicited via a "Citizens' Survey." This survey document is
useful in allowing the residents to register their individual concerns pertaining to the
character, degree and pattern of population growth and development as well as to
' future land use issues for the community.
' The community will establish appropriate study committees, on a case -by -case basis, to
further investigate evolving land use issues as well as other policy directives as outlined
' in the 2000 Land Use Plan
' E. Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery and Evacuation
Storm hazard mitigation policies for Manteo are a mandatory requirement of the
' CAMA-legislation and ensure that the local government establishes guidelines for land
development, thereby minimizing the risk of damage to property and maximizing the
' safety and protection of human life.
• Manteo will continue to support and enforce the N.C. State Building Code, particularly,
' requirements of construction standards to meet wind -resistive factors such as design
wind velocity
'0 Manteo also supports continued en the CAMA and 404 Wetlands
PP enforcement of .
development permit processes in areas potentially susceptible to flooding
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
• The Town shall continue to follow the Dare County Hurricane Evacuation Plan which
outlines extensive procedures for efficient and safe evacuation of residents
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
As mentioned above, the Land Use Plan is fundamentally tied to its precedent goals,
objectives and planning policies. However, the true measure of success of a land use
plan is best reflected in the ability of a locality to implement the policies outlined in the
plan in order to make the community "vision" a reality. The real challenge for Manteo
lies in confronting budgetary, staffing, political and time constraints with regard to
implementing the established planning policies. Many communities find that when
the "rubber meets the road," the loftiest planning goals, policies and objectives are
often left on the shelf. The 2000 Land Use Plan attempts to overcome this common
problem by avoiding "pie -in -the -sky" goals and objectives and by establishing a logical
step-by-step progression in which "goals beget objectives which beget policies which
beget actions." In developing the Land Use Plan, the Consultant, the Town Staff and
the Joint Planning Board took great care to ensure that the planning process proceeded
along this rational line and that all adopted future land use recommendations were
founded on a firm social, economic, moral and legal underpinning. Following this
strategy, each of the policies listed in the implementation section below are linked to
the seventh and final major goals category, entitled "Implementation," and more
specifically, to its eight major objectives found in Chapter II "Goals and Objectives,"
pages II-11 and II-12.
In many cases, the recommended planning policies listed in the Plan are action specific
and therefore, require no additional planning action to guide future implementation.
However, several policies imply an additional recommended action that is not
specifically spelled out above. In order to address these policy issues, the
"Implementation" section in Chapter VII provides specific implementation measures
recommended to set the adopted policy into action. The most significant of these
measures are included in the following section:
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2000 Land Use Plan Update
GENERAL IMPLEMENTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Town of Manteo
• Develop and adopt a formal annexation ordinance which spells out strategies for future
' voluntary and involuntary annexation
• Adopt a formal street improvement plan which includes a survey of problem areas, ranks
future projects based on need and identifies available funds
• Update the Town's 100-year flood plain map
(NOTE: the Town issued a formal request to F.E.M.A. in April of 1998 seeking aid and
' funding for this update process)
ZONING ORDINANCE RECOMMENDATIONS
' Manteo's Zoning Ordinance was initially adopted in April 1979, and has been
amended as needed thereafter. While a revision of the scope of the Zoning Ordinance
is not required in order to implement the provisions of the 2000 Land Use Plan, there
' are numerous changes that are necessary to implement the policy initiatives set forth in
the Plan. This section highlights the specific recommendations which should be
' incorporated into the update of the Zoning Ordinance. Following the adoption of the
Plan, the Town Planning Board and the Town Manager shall establish detailed
priorities and schedules for the preparation and adoption of these recommendations.
• Incorporate language to protect environmentally sensitive areas identified in the Plan
' (those being especially susceptible to flooding, fires and other hazards, areas of special
biological and resource significance, areas of special cultural significance and the like
• When a rezoning or annexation occurs, the newly adopted zoning classification should be
appropriate and consistent with the Land Use Plan regarding the allowable uses and
' development standards for the area in question
' Require all development proposals to include a design for drainage improvements and a
map and schematic design of the planned improvements
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
• Adopt the new Stormwater Management Ordinance introduced in the Stormwater
Management Plan and revise the existing Town Zoning Ordinance to incorporate the
stormwater management regulations
• Revise the Zoning Ordinance to increase the open space requirements for new
development
SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Town's Subdivision Ordinance (Article XVI in the Town Zoning Ordinance)
provides the Town with regulatory control over the subdivision of land within
Manteo. Since Manteo is almost entirely built -out and has been so for years, the Town
has been reluctant to expand its regulations governing the subdivision of land. The
few subdivision requests that have been made in recent decades have been considered
on a case -by -case basis by the Board of Commissioners and the Planning Board,
respectively. In reality, the Town has been approving the subdivision of land in
Manteo in recent years under the Planned Unit Development regulations as a
conditional use (Article VIII in the Town Zoning Ordinance). As annexation pressures
continue to increase and the Town considers measures to respond effectively to these
pressures, the subdivision of land will become an increasingly important issue in the
community. As such, the Town will want to reconsider the role of the Subdivision
Ordinance as a growth management and urban design tool. In order to adequately fill
these roles, the following additions should be made to the existing ordinance in order
to ensure the quality of future development:
• Establish general criteria for new subdivision review and approval process and fees
• Incorporate a preapplication conference requirement to allow Town Staff to preview
subdivision requirements and discuss the intended project
• Establish new requirements for final contents of Subdivision Plat, including the
determination of flood zones
• Establish formal maintenance agreement procedures
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' 2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
' INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION
The concept of "regionalism" in planning is widely promoted within the Town and its
surrounding jurisdictions. Regional approaches to schools, libraries, parks and
' recreation programs, transportation improvements, storm hazard mitigation,
emergency management and other public services have been successfully orchestrated
' and implemented by and between the Town of Manteo and Dare County. Manteo has
also participated in regional study groups and task forces with the neighboring
' counties of Hyde and Tyrell and the Towns of Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head, among
other localities in the Outer Banks. In the coming years inter jurisdictional cooperation
will need to focus more intensively on environmental, transportation and growth
' management issues. Four specific policy initiatives introduced in the Land Use Plan
will rely heavily upon intergovernmental cooperation between Manteo and
' surrounding jurisdictions:
' Encourage the development of a ferry system to carry passengers between the various
developed islands of the Outer Banks region
' Construct the new Midway to Gateway Bridge and regulate signage, curb cuts, buffers,
landscaping and uses along Route 64/264 by the Roanoke Island Corridor Commission
• Protect the rights o local commercial and recreationalfishermen to enjoy continued
8 f � ly
access to the Atlantic via Oregon Inlet
• Promote and market the community and the region as a destination for travelers and new
businesses looking to relocate or begin operations
' LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
In its simplest form, the Land Classification System (LCS) is a map which attempts to
visually portray the community's "vision for the future." The LCS is achieved through
an extensive study process during which the physical, social, economic and
environmental realities of the planning area are carefully examined. The Land
' Classification Map graphically outlines and assigns recommended land use categories
to individual geographical areas comprising the planning area (See the Appendix). A
summary of the land classification boundaries has been included in this Executive
' Summary.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
The LCS is intended .to be supported, complemented and implemented by growth
management "tools" which are potentially available to both localities via State
enabling legislation. These "tools" include zoning, subdivision, environmental
controls and other locally -adopted growth management mechanisms which serve to
implement local, State and Federal laws. However, in the strict sense of the term, the
LCS is not a regulatory mechanism.
Under the CAMA enabling statutes, the Land Classification System may include seven
separate land use classes:
1.
Developed
2.
Urban Transition
3.
Limited Transition
4.
Community
5.
Rural
6.
Rural with Services
7.
Conservation
Major Land Classification Map Changes
The Joint Planning Board has made few changes to the land classification maps that
appeared in the 1992 Land Use Plan. The only, significant change has been to
incorporate a third major land use category ("Transitional') to the map to identify
undeveloped, underdeveloped and potential infill parcels. These parcels were
included in the "Developed" category in the last Plan. Given the fact that the Town
has such little developable land remaining within its present boundaries and little
significant development has taken place since the last Plan was adopted, the Joint
Planning Board believes that the simple classification system adopted in 1992 is still
appropriate and will effectively. guide future growth in the Town to areas that are
suitable for new development.
LAND CLASSIFICATION MAP BOUNDARIES
LAMA regulations require that the Plan describe the boundaries of each land
classification in as much detail as possible. Given the fact that Manteo, within the
context of its existing geopolitical boundaries, is nearly fully developed and has been
for several years, the joint Planning Board has decided to implement only three basic
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' 2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
' unsubdivided land use classes in its LCS:. Developed, Urban Transition and
Conservation. CAMA regulations require that the Plan describe the boundaries of
each applicable land classification in as much detail as possible. Therefore, the
' following section defines each of the three land use categories and summarizes the
boundaries designated for each within the Town.
1. Developed
' As is represented by the blue areas on the LCS Map (included in the Appendix), the
Developed classification land areas within Manteo incorporate the vast majority of the
Downtown area as well as the Pirates Cove planned unit development. Nearly all of
' the land fronting the U.S. 64/264-Virginia Dare Road corridor is depicted on the LCS
Map as Developed land. All of these areas are presently served by Town water and/or
' sewer services, and all are within the existing Manteo corporate limits.
' 2. Urban Transition
The Urban Transition classification is new to the Manteo LCS Map. In the 1992 Land
Use Plan, infill development opportunities were not depicted separately from those
' areas already developed. Instead, they were incorporated into the Developed
classification. The Urban Transition classification for Manteo includes those areas that
are suitable for urban type development and are currently adjacent to existing water
and sewer lines or are close enough to existing utilities to make the extension of
utilities to designated Urban Transition areas a relatively inexpensive proposition.
' Land areas included in the Urban Transition classification are depicted in yellow on
the LCS Map and represent all vacant land identified as exhibiting infill development
' potential. Two substantial Urban Transition areas are located within the Pirates Cove
planned unit development and are planned for future development in later phases.
Another Urban Transition area incorporates the land just off Sir Francis Drake Street
that was recently annexed and approved for the development of the Roanoak Village
subdivision. Besides these two areas, the rest of the Urban Transition areas represent
' the remaining scattered developable lands lying within the existing Town boundary.
' 3. Conservation
As is represented on the LCS Map (included in the Appendix)by those areas in green,
Conservation areas include the environmentally sensitive areas identified as Areas of
' Environmental Concern (AECs). These include the estuarine waters, estuarine
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
shorelines and public trust waters identified in the Policy chapter (Chapter Vll) of the
Land Use Plan. Besides the AECs, the Conservation classification extends to include
the areas along the Town's estuarine waterways, certain marshlands (including the
substantial area west of U.S. 64/264 and south of the Pirates Cove development) and
Significant Natural Areas as identified by the Department of Environment, Health and
Natural Resources. These areas are delineated as Conservation areas for the purpose
of sustaining shoreline stability and protecting water quality and certain swamp areas
from the impending encroachment of new development.
VISION FOR THE FUTURE
The resulting Land Use Plan is not the "gospel," but rather, a document which .
presents the Joint Planning Board's "Vision" for the future and provides suggestions as
to how this "vision" can best be achieved. The attitudes and desires of community
residents support the goals, policies and implementation recommendations adopted
into this document. The participation of the Town citizenry has been an essential
element in setting the course for future land development and environmental
conservation activities.
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` 2000 Land Use Plan Update. ; Town of Manteo
1
'
Chapter I'
INTRODUCTION
April, 2000 1
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
Chapter 1.
INTRODUCTION
' INTRODUCTION TO THE PLANNING PROCESS
The 2000 Land Use Plan is designed to be used as a guide for the physical development
of the Town of Manteo focusing on the upcoming ten year planning period. This Plan,
' along with responsible leadership in its implementation, provides a means by which
the Town's future growth can be successfully channeled and accommodated. The
' overall purpose of the Land Use Plan (L-UP) is to encourage the development of a safe,
healthy and economically sound living environment for the citizens of Manteo. The
Land Use Plan focuses on those factors which contribute to or hinder proper growth
' and development, and identifies those areas in which local government can have a
positive impact.
In late February,1997, the Manteo Board of Commissioners appointed a Joint Planning
' Board to lead the Town through the development of the Land Use Plan Update. The
Joint Planning Board was composed of members of both the Town Board of
Commissioners and the Town Planning Board. Together, the members of these two
' bodies worked to guide the planning process by establishing goals and objectives,
reviewing past policies, gauging public opinion, adopting new land use policies and
' editing the final plan document.
The resulting Land Use Plan is not the "gospel;' but rather, a document which
' presents the Joint Planning Board's "vision" for the future and provides suggestions as
to how this "vision" can best be achieved. The attitudes and desires of community
' residents support the goals, policies and implementation recommendations adopted
into this document. The participation of the Town citizenry has been an essential
' element in setting the course for future land development and environmental
conservation activities.
By preparing a Land Use Plan which is integrally tied to its precedent goals, objectives
and planning policies, while incorporating future goals and objectives, the old adage
that "it is not enough to be what we have been" is underscored. Towards this end, one
of the initial steps in this planning process was to define these future goals, to translate
Introduction 1-1

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
those goals into objectives by which they would be realized and to establish policies
and strategies by which the goals can be implemented for the betterment of the
community. In arriving at the recommended set of goals and objectives, three major
and distinct efforts were undertaken in order to insure that the planning process
proceeded along this rational line with the assurance that the adoption of future land
use recommendations would be founded on firm social, economic, moral and legal
underpinnings.
The initial effort in this regard was to undertake a thorough review and analysis of all
previous Town plans and growth management documents. By carefully evaluating
land use goals, objectives and policies from earlier plans, the Joint Planning Board was
able to assess the "suitability" and "workability" of past planning strategies. In doing
so, past planning goals, objectives and policies were then updated, refined and merged
into the context of the current Plan's study requirements.
Secondly, the 2000 Land Use Update planning process incorporated a range of citizen
input and participation opportunities which enabled all interested parties to express
their visions and expectations for the future of the community. Each Land Use Plan
work session was open to the public, and several local residents and business leaders
participated in the process, offering valuable insight to the development of the Plan.
An extensive citizen's survey was also conducted in which Town residents, business
owners and operators and other property owners were asked to respond to a series of
attitudinal questions regarding land use, environmental, economic and social trends
and issues. Their responses were tabulated and analyzed by the Consultant, who in
turn provided a summary of survey results to the Joint Planning Board. The Joint
Planning Board considered the survey responses and public comments made during
various work sessions in their formulation of final recommendations included in the
Plan. This comprehensive effort fully complied with the requirements of the Coastal
Area Management Act as well as other State guidelines affecting land use goals,
objectives and implementation strategies.
Thirdly, in order to maintain proper focus on the numerous formal requirements of the
Land Use Plan, the joint Planning Board, the Town Staff and the consultant maintained
a goals -oriented "vigil" during the development of the multi -faceted land use planning
and environmental management recommendations which are outlined herein. In
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i2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
i doing so, they were able to maintain an objective focus as the many "nuts and bolts"
aspects of this Land Use Plan were being developed and as numerous alternatives
were evaluated. Toward this end, an initial "visioning forum" was held on October 16,
i1997 in order to help the Joint Planning Board clarify its mission for the Plan and its
hopes for the Town's future. As was the case with most work sessions, local citizens
and leaders from the business community attended the meeting and added valuable `
insights. During the visioning work session, several goals and roles categories were
' introduced to the Joint Planning Board as topics that board members were encouraged
to consider and reflect upon throughout not only the "visioning process," but also
during the entire Land Use Plan Update process. The result of this goals -directed
iplanning effort yielded a consistent land use planning program and an efficient
framework for the future management of growth in the Town.
i
Great care was taken in the development of the Plan to insure that recommended the
policies presented in this document support the existing regulations and ordinances
i already adopted by the Town. Where specific policies do not complement existing
Town planning or zoning regulations, the Plan notes the potential conflict and in most
' cases, provides a recommended revision to the ordinance or regulation in question.
i The most involved of these existing regulatory instruments is the Town's Zoning
Ordinance. The Zoning Ordinance provides the Town with the best means to
proactively implement the policies developed in this Land Use Plan. The Town
iZoning Ordinance outlines specific regulations as they apply to zoning, dimensional
requirements, planned unit development, parking, floodplains, open space, signage
iand other specific landscaping, design and development issues. As is spelled out in
much greater detail within the Land Use Plan section on Implementation, each
i recommended policy should flow logically from its precedent goal and objective to a
realistic implementation measure. In most cases, the Zoning Ordinance serves as the
home for this specific implementation measure. Other pertinent regulations and
iordinances are outlined and explained in greater detail in Chapter IV of this document.
i THE COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENT ACT
The Coastal Area Management Act of 1974, commonly known as CAMA, established a
cooperative program of coastal area management and planning between local
' governments and the State. The Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) is charged by
i
Introduction I-3

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
the State to oversee the implementation of the CAMA legislation across the State's
coastal communities. As a part of this regulatory role, the CRC updates its planning
guidelines every five years and subsequently adds and deletes policy requirements.
The 2000 Land Use Plan update for the Town of Manteo complies with the "Land Use
Planning Guidelines" of the North Carolina Administrative Code (NCAC) Subchapter
7B as amended in March 1996. This section of the Code outlines the requirements of
the Coastal Area Management Act. It also "sets forth general standards for use by the
CRC in reviewing and considering local land use plans." The purpose of the update is
primarily for the examination of existing policies and the evaluation of the relevancy
and adequacy of the techniques for implementation based on demographic and
physiographic changes over the past five years.
The Coastal Resources Commission's Land Use Planning Guidelines are very clear
regarding the importance of local planning as is stated in Sub -Chapter 713.0101 of the
new and updated 1996 CAMA LUP Guidelines:
"Land development generally takes place as the result of decisions by private individuals and
government. If left entirely to chance, the resulting pattern of development in a locality may
well not be in the best overall community interest. In order to promote this community interest
for both present and future generations, a land use plan is to be developed, adopted and kept
current by the local governments in the coastal area.
The land use plan is a framework that will guide local leaders as they make decisions affecting
development. Private individuals and other levels ofgovernment will also use the plan to guide
their land use decisions. Use of the plan by these groups will lead to the more efficient and
economical provision of public services, the protection of natural resources, sound economic
development, and the protection of public health and safety."
The Town of Manteo has been an active and productive participant in the CAMA
planning process since its inception. Land use planning lies at the center of the Town's
involvement with CAMA, inasmuch as it has provided community leaders with an
opportunity and responsibility to establish and enforce policies to guide land
development on a 5-year cyclical basis. Local government leadership, through the
CAMA land use planning process, has addressed a wide variety of issues and adopted
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
' policies that serve to guide the future development of the Town of Manteo. This
process recognizes that many decisions affecting land development are made by other
levels of government (regional, State and Federal), and that local policies must take
' account of and harmonize with established State and Federal laws. However, most
land use decisions are primarily those of local concern and control
By comprehensively addressing these issues via the Land Use Plan, the Town will
exhibit its commitment to complying with State and Federal regulations. This level of
commitment will encourage State and Federal regulatory agencies to support the Town
policies addressing not only these issues, but hopefully other land use issues that will
arise over time. These agencies will use the adopted land use plans and policies in
determining local project consistency with State and Federal mandates,
appropriateness for grant funding and other key permit -related decisions. At the very
least, the Plan will help the Town to cultivate stronger working relationships with
these agencies by creating a forum for increased communication and dialogue on
important land use planning issues. It is also important to note that in the absence of a
regularly updated and adopted Plan, the Town relinquishes a number of local
decision -making responsibilities to State and Federal agencies which may, or may not,
have the best interest of the local citizens at heart.
Pursuant to the established Land Use Planning Guidelines of the Coastal Resources
Commission, the Land Use Plan is required by State statute to contain the eleven basic
elements outlined below:
• an executive summary
• an introduction to land use planning
• a statement of goals and objectives
• a summary of data collection and analysis
• an existing land use map
• constraints on future development
• estimated future demands
• a land use and environmental policy discussion
• a land classification system and map
• a system for intergovernmental coordination and implementation
• a public participation plan
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
ESTABLISHMENT OF A DEMOGRAPHIC AND LAND DATA BASE
The data collection and analysis items required by CAMA are designed to establish the
information base necessary to make policy choices about future land use and
development in the area. These items have been formulated so as not to place ,
unnecessary burdens on local planning resources. The data requirements can
generally be- fulfilled by utilizing existing local plans and studies including the ,
previous Land Use Plan Updates as well as information provided by the U. S. Census,
regional planning bodies and State agencies.
ESTABLISHMENT OF LAND USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES
The Land Use Plan is required by CAMA to fully address local policy on those land ,
use issues which will affect the community during the upcoming ten-year planning
period. The major issues must include, but are not limited to: '
• Resource Protection
• Resource Production and Management '
• Economic and Community Development
• Public Participation
• Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery and Evacuation Plans ,^
Rather than develop additional policy categories for major planning issues, the joint
Planning Board has determined that these basic categories are sufficient for this update
of the Land Use Plan. Other traditional planning topics such as transportation, '
recreation, education, employment and growth management controls have been
integrated into the examination and discussions of the five major CAMA policy '
categories.
It is incumbent upon the drafters of the Land Use Plan to insure to the greatest extent ,
possible that there is consistency among individual policies developed in each of the
four major policy categories. Particular attention has been given to individual policies '
in the areas of resource protection, resource production and management, economic and
community development and stormwater management. These four categories often contain
ng an ,
overlapping sometimes conflicting ideologies and philosophies. As a result,
potentially competing and contradictory goals, policies and strategies must be
forcefully addressed and sensitively resolved during the planning process. '
Introduction I-6

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
As mentioned earlier, an important part of the planning process included the thorough
review and analysis of the planning policies recommended in the 1992 Land Use Plan.
As part of this analysis, members of the Joint Planning Board accessed the overall
' effectiveness of each policy and updated or eliminated policies as they deemed
necessary. By and large, the recommended policies for the 2000 Land Use Plan are
' consistent with their predecessors and merely reflect some minor finetuning to
account for recent trends, market conditions, recent planning updates or other external
factors. However, there are a few significant changes in planning policy from the 1992
Plan that should be noted.
' Notable Changes in Land Use Policies from the 1992 Plan
The most notable policy changes from those adopted in the 1992 Land Use Plan regard
' the Town's approach to annexation, stormwater management, the regulation of future
land subdivision requests and economic development.
' In recent years, the Town has relied solely on voluntary annexation for its physical
growth, which has led to parcel -by -parcel, piecemeal growth. However, given the fact
' that Manteo is largely built -out, Town officials would like to consider other strategy
alternatives in addition to voluntary annexation that would allow the Town to
approach annexation in a more comprehensive manner. Therefore, the Land Use Plan
includes the following policies aimed at meeting this goal:
' The Town should develop a comprehensive land use strategy for annexation.
' Encourage annexation as a means of protecting and enhancing Manteo's gateways and
entrance corridors, its residential quality and its overall economic vitality.
' Develop a comprehensive water and sewer service feasibility study to support future
annexation requests and Town strategies.
• Specifically, provide Town water and sewer service to the new Route 641345 intersection
' in order to properly support planned development in this area.
Introduction I-7

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
The Town is also attempting to become more proactive in its approach to Stormwater
Management. Manteo is developing a Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan
concurrently with the Land Use. Plan Update, and the policies and implementation
strategies introduced by this Plan will be included in the Land Use Plan. These new
policies will include the following:
• Develop a revised Stormwater Management Plan for the Town in order to identify
potential adverse impacts associated with uncontrolled or undercontrolled stormwater
runoff and devise changes to local ordinances aimed at controlling such runoff. This
Plan should identify drainage problem areas and improve the drainage system.
• Adopt the recommended new Stormwater Management Ordinance introduced in the
Stormwater Management Plan into the revised Town Zoning Ordinance.
• Support strict enforcement of existing sedimentation and pollution control measures,
including the regional Best Management Practices program.
• Encourage the use of regional BMP's in new subdivisions and redevelopment areas.
The Town has also changed the focus of its approach to economic development slightly
since the last Plan was adopted in 1992. Policy discussion for the current Plan focuses
on supporting existing businesses and working with them to retain their present
market share and promote expansion. The following new policies represent a slight
change in focus from the 1992 Plan, when economic development was not heavily
emphasized:
• The Town should coordinate with local business organizations in establishing specific
strategies for the retention and expansion of existing businesses in Manteo. ,
• Identify areas suitable for redevelopment, particularly along the Town's major entrance ,
corridors and waterfront, and target specific strategies on a site -by -site basis to
encourage such redevelopment.
Introduction I-g

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo.
• Work with existing businesses and property owners to ensure the continued viability of
the region's commercial shopping areas.
The Town has also incorporated several other minor administrative changes in its
' policies for the 2000 Land Use Plan, including the following policy change:
• Revise the Town Code to regulate mooring of floating homes or watercraft in Shallowbag
Bay and other adjoining waterways.
New Policies and Issues Which were not Discussed in the 1992 Land Use Plan
' Several new policy statements were added to the 2000 Land Use Plan Update in an
attempt to address issues that members of the Joint Planning Board felt worthy of
specific attention. These new statements include the following:
• Revise the Town Subdivision Ordinance in order to establish new standards that require
' new subdivisions to incorporate modern street, utility and storm drainage designs and
construction techniques, as well as capital improvements.
' Explore opportunities with NCDOT to apply or involvement in the Beautification
xP PP PP y f
Corridor program for the US 641264 corridor.
• _ Apply to the Coastal Resources Commission to obtain the necessary CAMA funding
' and permits to demolish the old Town sewer plant and redevelop the site responsibly.
' Apply to the Coastal Resources Commission to develop a formal redevelopment and reuse
plan for the lighthouse.
• Promote eco-tourism (activities related to personal interaction with the environment and
ecosystems-ie. canoeing, kayaking, hiking tours, etc.) within the Public Trust Waters as
a "clean" and lucrative means of attracting visitors to Manteo.
• Support efforts to develop an annual calendar of special events to be held throughout the
community.
Introduction I--9

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
• Explore the feasibilityof developing satellite or "sister" project to the Maritime History '
Museum in Manteo.
• Lobby the Dare County Solid Waste Authority to move the solid waste transfer site to a '
more appropriate location within Dare County.
• Activelypromote the development o retirement assisted living care a ' ' ' p op f / g f cihttes rn Manteo.
• Prepare and periodically update a comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan which would ,
direct future expansion and current maintenance of community water and sewer
facilities. ,
MAJOR LAND CLASSIFICATION MAP CHANGES '
The Joint Planning Board has made few changes to the land classification maps that
appeared in the 1992 Land Use Plan. The only significant change has been to
incorporate a third major land use category ("Transitional') to the map to identify ,
undeveloped, underdeveloped and potential infill parcels. These parcels were
included in the "Developed" category in the last Plan. Given the fact that the Town ,
has such little developable land remaining within its present boundaries and little
significant development has taken place since the last Plan was adopted, the Joint
Planning Board believes that the simple classification system adopted in 1992 is still
appropriate and will effectively guide future growth in the Town to areas that are
suitable for new development. The Joint Planning Board was not interested in '
subdividing the adopted classes into more specific subclasses at this time, but
recognizes that such a policy may be appropriate in the future. ,
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE PLANNING PROCESS ,
Public participation is the cornerstone of the planning process. To comply with CAMA
planning guidelines, the Land Use Plan must document the means by which public
involvement in the Land Use Plan update was accomplished. At a minimum, the ,
CAMA mandates that the Land Use Plan must address the following public
participation issues: '
Introduction I_10

2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo
• a description of means to be used for public education on planning issues,
• a description of the means to be used for continuing public participation in planning,
and
• a description of means to be used for obtaining citizen input in developing land use plan
policy statements.
In fulfilling these State planning guidelines for public involvement, the Town
leadership through its specially appointed Joint Planning Board has prepared policies
based upon data analysis and land use inventories as well as detailed citizen input
related to the best possible alternative for each land use issue. The Land Use Plan
includes a description.of the methods by which the Town intends to implement its
policy choices. In summary, all policies adopted by the Town as a part of the 2000
Land Use Plan are designed to maintain consistency with the overall policy adopted by
the Coastal Resources Commission.
Introduction

' 2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
Chapter H.
' GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
In updating the 1992 Land Use Plan for Manteo, the new Land Use Plan is designed to
' be a guide for the physical development of the Town into the first decade of the new
century. The Plan is intended to positively influence all of the physical elements which
make up the Town's physical form and function. Towards this end, the overriding
purpose of the "Plan for the New Century" is to encourage the continued development
of a safe and healthy community which offers a distinct "vision" for the continued
' growth of the area. Many factors will affect the new ideas and decisions which will
mold the optimal course of action for the Town. The Land Use Plan focuses on those
particular areas which the Town, through its leadership in urban planning and growth
management, can and should have a progressive impact towards defining what is in
the best public interest.
By preparing a future land use plan which is integrally tied to its precedent goals,
objectives and planning policies, the old adage that "a locality can be no better than it
aspires to be" is underscored. An intelligent and comprehensible land use plan cannot
be structured without energetically seeking and taking the necessary steps to define
' the common components of the locality's vision for its future. The first steps taken
towards establishing the basic tenets of the planning process were to:
(1) define the desired future goals for Manteo,
' (2) translate the goals into planning objectives by which they would be realized and
(3) to establish policies, initiatives and strategies by which the goals and planning
objectives can be implemented for the betterment of the Manteo community.
In other words, this effort is a step -wise progression in which "goals begat objectives
1 which begat policies which begat actions." In arriving at the following set of goals and
objectives which have been recommended for the 2000 Land Use Plan, a major effort
was undertaken in order to insure that the planning process proceeded on this rational
line and with the assurance that adopted future land use recommendations would be
Goals and Objectives II 1

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
founded on a firm social, economic, moral and legal underpinning. The impetus for '.
this effort was a formal "Visioning Forum" which consumed most of the second Land
Use Plan Update work session on October 16,1997. '
During the "Visioning Forum", the consultant introduced a series of "Goals and Roles"
categories as topics that the members of both the Board of Commissioners and the '
Town Planning Board were encouraged to consider and reflect upon throughout not
only the visioning process but also during the entire Land Use Plan Update process.
These major categories established the basis for the identification of the central goals
and objectives for the Land Use Plan. They also served as the basic building blocks
upon which the vision for Manteo's future was defined by the Board and the
Commission. A summary of these topics and the discussion that took place during the
forum is included in the Appendix of the Land Use Plan.
The range of goals used to establish the vision for the Manteo community and to guide ,
the development of the Land Use Plan can be grouped into the following seven (7)
general categories:
1. Community Development
2. Environment and Natural Resources
3. Transportation
4. Housing '
5. Land Use
6. Public Services and Infrastructure
7. Implementation '
Within each of these areas, the goals and objectives presented on the following pages '
will serve to have a recognizable effect on the quality of future land use policy
decisions in the Town of Manteo. '
Goals and Objectives 112

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
1. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Major Goal:
Protect and enhance the built environment of the community.
A. Urban Design
Goal:
Insure that future development meets the high quality standards established within the existing
community.
1 Objectives:
1. Improve the character and quality of future development in the Town by
enacting creative urban design standards and implementation procedures.
2. Maintain the Town's pedestrian scale and small town, neighborhood
atmosphere.
' 3. Promote inter -governmental cooperation and initiate formal actions to
protect and improve the Town's major entrance corridors, recognizing that
the visual quality of these entrances transcend jurisdictional boundaries.
' 4. Strive to link the Town's waterfront to the Route 264 commercial corridor.
' B. Economic Development
Goal:
Support the existing economic base in Manteo while exploring other economic development
opportunities.
' Objectives:
1. Recognize the importance of the commercial and recreational fishing
' industries to the Town's economy and continue to support these industries
by protecting fisherman against unfair Federal and State regulations.
2. Work with the local, federal and state governmental agencies with offices
' located in Town to explore expansion and business linkage possibilities.
3. Focus on targeted tourism marketing and public relations campaigns that
' center on identifying and maximizing appropriate market niche
opportunities in economic development and tourism.
Goals and Objectives II-3

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
4. Encourage non -tourist -related retail and service development in appropriate
areas in order to diversify the region's economic base.
5. Encourage and promote economic diversity to increase job opportunities in
the Town.
6. Support local business organizations and the Dare County Tourist Bureau in
their efforts to support existing commerce and tourism, promote growth and
development in these industries and attract new industries to the Town.
C. Historic Preservation
Goal:
Preserve and enhance Manteo's rich cultural and historic heritage.
Ob_ ectfves:
1. Identify and recognize sites of historical and cultural significance in the
Town.
2. Protect the integrity of the visual and historic character of Manteo and
encourage the protection of those structures that appropriately mark the
Town's urban evolution.
3. Enhance Manteo's image as a regional cultural center..
2. ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Major Goal:
Protect and enhance the natural environment of the community and manage
Manteo's natural resources, including Areas of Environmental Concern and the
Town's fish nursery areas, from the adverse impacts associated with recreational,
commercial and industrial uses.
Objectives:
1. Maintain Manteo's estuarine waters, coastal wetlands, public trust waters
and estuarine shorelines in their natural state and improve their quality
when possible.
2. Encourage the conservation of open space in the Town and actively promote
the long-term preservation and maintenance of valuable natural resource
areas.
Goals and Objectives H-4

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
' 3. Coordinate environmental preservation efforts with neighboring
jurisdictions.
' 4. Maintain the Town's high water quality and avoid unnecessary disruption of
fish nursery areas.
5. Protect Manteo's groundwater from contamination. by hazardous or toxic
' materials.
6. Expand the Town's waterway access opportunities along Shallowbag Bay.
3. TRANSPORTATION
Major Goal:
The location, character and capacity of transportation facilities should be compatible
with the pattern of land uses and densities prescribed in the Town's future Land
' Use Plan and should focus on efforts to link together different modes of
transportation. Road and street plans should encourage optimal community
development patterns while allowing for transit in a safe and efficient manner.
Objectives:
1. Implement road and street improvements which are of an appropriate scale
and capacity to serve long-range traffic demands, while respecting the
environment and scale of the surrounding neighborhoods and communities.
2. Expand local coordination efforts with NCDOT transportation planning
officials.
3. Meet the needs of pedestrians,bicyclists, motorists and others by providing
a safe street and sidewalk system.
' 4. Support the provision of public transportation in the Town.
4. HOUSING
Major Goal:
Provide for decent, safe and sanitary housing for all Town residents, recognizing the
' need for all types of housing to serve the citizens of Manteo.
Goals and Objectives II 5

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
Objectives:
1. Promote the development of low to moderate income housing in the Town.
2. Support and work with local, state and federal agencies to identify
opportunities and strategies for housing rehabilitation, development of
moderately priced owner -occupied housing and the efficient implementation
of associated public infrastructure.
3. Identify and support efforts to upgrade substandard dwellings.
4. Encourage local developers to explore market niche opportunities in the
retirement/assisted living segment of the housing market.
5. Encourage the use of Planned Unit Developments to preserve open space
without sacrificing developable density.
5. LAND USE
Major Goal:
Plan for an integrated mix of residential, commercial and economic development
uses which will provide suitable housing, shopping, recreation and employment
opportunities, while supporting the expanding tourism marketplace and
recognizing the compact scale of the Town.
A. Land Development
Goal:
Within the remaining undeveloped parcels of land in Manteo, provide for an integrated mix of
uses that respects the Town's existing scale and standard of development, while responding to
market supply and demand.
Obiectives:
1. Manage and direct growth and development in balance with available
support services.
2. Protect Manteo's waterfront as a vital, active and lively place for residents
and tourists.
3. Encourage a mix of traditional and new water -related uses along the
Downtown waterfront and along other portions of the Shallowbag Bay
shoreline where appropriate.
Goals and Objectives 11-6

' 2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
i4. Reserve suitable areas for commercial, office, research and economic
development uses to provide tax revenues to balance the cost of providing
services for anticipated residential development.
5. Insure that new development can be adequately supported by existing or
planned public services and infrastructure.
' 6. M�2 parcel -by -parcel commercial sprawl along Route 264.
7. Ease acceptable visual transition from one housing density to another.
B. Preservation
' Goal:
Protect the Town's residential integrity, scale and character as commercial development
demands continue to increase.
Objectives:
' 1. Preserve stable residential and commercial areas._
2. Protect historic and environmentally sensitive lands from light industrial
' and other high density uses.
C. Redevelopment
t Goal:
Insure that future redevelopment and adaptive reuse projects respect and respond to the
existing scale and form of the Town, complement adjacent uses and help the Town to achieve its
goals for housing and community development.
' Objectives:
1. Continue to support the adaptive reuse of older buildings located in
appropriate areas of Downtown Manteo.
2. Continue to support the ongoing parcel -by -parcel redevelopment of
' properties in the downtown area.
i
Goals and Objectives II-7

2000 Land Use Plan Update
6. PUBLIC SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Town of Manteo
Major Goal:
Provide an adequate level of public services and infrastructure to all the people of
Manteo, recognizing the regional aspects of certain facilities and services and the
need for regional planning, inter -governmental cooperation and equitable financial
participation for the jurisdictions involved.
A. Water, Sewer, Solid Waste and Stormwater Management
Goal:
Protect Manteo's ground and surface water quality from the adverse impacts associated with
new development including stormwater runoff and wastewater production, as well as natural
phenomena such as flooding, erosion and high winds.
Ob-iectives:
1. Cooperate with other regional jurisdictions in advancing regional planning
and implementation programs for raw water supply sources to serve the
long-range municipal water supply requirements for the Town and region.
2. Coordinate planning for future water and sewer facilities with Dare County,
where appropriate.
3. Plan for the most effective timing and routing of public utility systems.
4. Enforce stormwater and wastewater management regulations protecting
Roanoke Sound, Shallowbag Bay and the Town's other natural resources
from the impacts of planned and existing developments.
5. Improve the capacity and functionality of the existing water and sewer line
systems.
6. Balance the needs of permanent residents with the needs of visitors when
planning future service extensions and considering new development
proposals.
7. Provide reasonable protection to townspeople and their property during and
after major storms.
8. Plan for immediate response to storm damage in order to restore Town
services and address problems resulting from the storm.
9. Explore opportunities to consolidate additional services with the County.
Goals and Objectives II-8

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
B. Public Buildings
Goal:
Plan for the adequate provision of public facilities needed to serve the needs of both residents
and visitors to Manteo.
Objectives:
1. Work with the County to insure that all major County facilities, including
the main County Office complex, remain located within the Town boundary.
C. Public Safety
Goal:
Plan for the adequate provision of resources necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of
every resident and visitor in the Town of Manteo.
Objectives:
1. Provide adequate facilities and management systems for police, fire, rescue
and judicial operations which fully protect and serve Town residents and
visitors.
2. Work with other localities in the Outer Banks area to develop a new regional
medical facility to prevent residents and visitors from having to travel long
distances to receive quality health care treatment.
' D. Education
Goal:
Support and advance programs, activities and facilities to create the highest quality of public
' education for all students in the Dare County school system.
' Objectives:
1. Maintain and add new school facilities as needed to keep class sizes at
reasonable levels and discourage the use of mobile class rooms.
' 2. Coordinate facilities planning efforts with the County School Board to insure
the -continued presence of the elementary, middle and high schools, as well
' as the alternative school within the Town of Manteo.
Goals -and Objectives II-9

2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo
3. Improve access to the College of the Albemarle and other academic and
vocational opportunities.
4. Support the planned expansion of the College of the Albemarle.
5. Lobby the State to accept the College of the Albemarle into its University
system.
E. Parks; Recreation and Open Space
Goal:
Provide numerous passive and active recreational opportunities for residents and visitors in
Manteo, while protecting valuable natural areas and other open spaces from future
development.
Objectives:
1. Enhance the existing system of parks and open space in the Town in order to
provide recreational opportunities, while preserving scenic vistas, natural
areas and historic sites.
2. Plan for neighborhood parks as new residential development occurs.
3. Expand the Town's public waterway access opportunities along Shallowbag
Bay.
7. IMPLEMENTATION
Maior Goal:
Implement the objectives and policies of the Land Use Plan through the application
of conservative and creative zoning and subdivision measures, recognizing the
broad diversity in the levels of community acceptance of zoning and related growth
management controls.
ectives:
1. Reevaluate the Town's Zoning Ordinance in order to . remedy the
inefficiencies, inconsistencies, inequalities and/or general weaknesses in
existing regulations.
2. Further revise the Town's Zoning Ordinance where appropriate to achieve
compatibility with the recommendations contained in the Land Use Plan.
Goals and Objectives H-10

' 2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
3. Continue to develop a unified approach for parking facilities and the
' management thereof, in the Downtown area.
4. Develop and implement a master plan for sidewalks and pedestrian
walkways in the Town.
' 5. Enforce property maintenance and zoning regulations to insure the
continued viability and quality of all property within the Town.
' 6. Establish a comprehensive strategy concerning the Town's approach to
future annexation.
' 7. The Town should solidify its relationship with the Division of Coastal
Management and other State agencies by continuing to cooperate with its
officials in the process of complying with CAMA regulations and in the
' development of new projects. The Town should maintain the free flow of
communication between the Town and State officials as new development
' issues continue to arise along the Shallowbag Bay shoreline.
8. The Town should seek to solidify relationships with other nearby
' incorporated jurisdictions by taking a leadership role in forming regional
partnerships addressing important regional issues. These partnerships can
help to increase the levels of inter -regional communication and cooperation
' among the various localities.
r
Goals and Objectives II 21

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
' Chapter III:
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE INFORMATION BASE
The following information base is provided to establish a statistical foundation for use
during the formation of demand projections, policies and implementation techniques.
' Information on population, housing, economics and land use was obtained from.a
variety of reliable public and private sources. Most of the data related to
' demographics comes directly from the the most recent census data available, the 1990
U.S. Census of Population and Housing. Additional data was acquired from State
sources including the Division of Coastal Management and the North Carolina
Department of Revenue as well as other private sources. Where information specific to
the Town of Manteo was not available, information for Dare County was used to
determine trends experienced within the community.
Information contained in the 2000 Land Use Plan Update is based, in part, upon an
' update of data contained in the 1992 Plan for the Town of Manteo. Interviews and
work sessions were conducted with members of the Town Staff as well as elected and
appointed officials from both jurisdictions as a means of gathering data. Also,
windshield surveys and an analysis of building permit data were conducted to update
existing land use patterns and classifications.
PRESENT CONDITIONS: POPULATION AND ECONOMY
1. Population
' The main purpose of providing population data within the Land Use Plan is to
establish a demographic benchmark against which land use decisions regarding type,
mix, pace and character of real estate development as well as potential impacts on
' Areas of Environmental Concern maybe tested. Population estimates provided by the
State Demographer in the Office of State Planning for 1996 place the population of
' Manteo at 1156 and the population of Dare County overall at 25, 758, as shown in
Table III-1 on the following page.
Data Collection and Analysis III-1

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
TABLE III-1
'
Manteo and Dare County
Comparative Population Growth: 1980 -1996
,
1980
Growth Compound 1990
Growth
Compound
1996
Jurisdiction
Population
Increment Ann. Growth Population
Increment
Ann. Growth
Population '
Manteo
902
89 0.95% 991
165
2.60%
1,156
Dare County
13,377
9,369. 5.45% 22,746
3,796
2.61%
26,542
North Carolina
5,880,095
74U42 1.20% 6,628,637
693,680
1.67%
7,322,317 ,
Sources: U.S. Bureau of the Census: State Demographer, Office of State Planning; N.C. State Data Center ,
THE COX COMPANY
table the population base in Manteo and Dare County has '
As one can see from the p p ty
steadily increased since 1980. Between 1980 and 1990, the Town experienced a slight
population gain (growing at a rate of only 0.95% compounded annually), while the '
County grew significantly with a compound annual growth rate of approximately
5.45%. In the past decade, Manteo has grown at a notably faster pace. The Town '
experienced a compound annual growth rate of approximately 2.6% since 1990, adding
a net gain of 165 persons between 1990 and 1996. Population growth in the overall
County has lagged behind that of the Town during this time, however, as Dare County '
has gained a net addition of 3,012 people since 1990, which represents a compound
annual growth rate of approximately 2.1%. '
Although it is the official county seat for Dare County, Manteo ranks behind four other
Dare municipalities in total population: Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Nags Head and '
Southern Shores. Kill Devil Hills is the largest of these towns, totaling nearly 5000
residents in 1996. Southern Shores is the smallest of the four with a population of ,
approximately 1850.
2. Gender '
According to 1996 estimates, Manteo's female population currently outnumbers its
male residents. Females comprise 52.4% of Manteo's population, which is
representative of State and national gender trends. This female predominance is ,
partially attributable to the national demographic trend of females outliving males.
Data Collection and Analysis III-2
1

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
3. Age
Currently, the highest concentrations of Town residents with respect to age occurs in
those between the ages of 30 to 49 and those between 0 to 17, as depicted in Table III-2
below. These figures reveal an atmosphere in Manteo which is dominated by families
with school -aged children. The presence of this high percentage of residents with
children emphasizes the need for ongoing maintenance and/or improvements to the
' school system. Of further concern to Manteo is the presence of an increasingly aging
population. In ten years, it is estimated that nearly 30% of the population in the Town
' will be over the age of 60. It is expected that as the "baby boom" generation continues
to age, increasing demands will be placed on housing and health care facilities, as well
as other amenities catering to this older (65+) age bracket.
TABLE III-2
Manteo and Dare ,County
Age Groups
1996 Estimates
Age Percent
Group Manteo of Total
Total 1,156 100.0 %
Under 5
$2
7.09%
5-9
74
6.44%
10-14
82
7.11%
15-17
46
3.97%
18-20
36
3.14%
21-24
62
5.33%
25-29
89
7.68%
30-34
139
12.00%
35-39
93
8.07%
40-49
141
12.22%
50-59
91
7.90%
60-64
29
2.49 %
65-69
48
4.17%
70-74
52
4.46%
75+
92
7.92%
Source: National Decision Systems
THE COX COMPANY
Data Collection and Analysis III-3

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
4. Race
Manteo is by far the most integrated of the major municipalities in Dare County.
While nearly 97% of the entire County population is white, the black population in
Manteo constitutes nearly fifteen percent of all residents. Black residents account for
less than two percent of the total population in the other four major municipalities in
Dare County;
5. Income
Per capita income and household spending power for residents in Manteo and Dare
County lags behind those of the rest of the State. According to the Office of State
Planning's State Data Center, per capita personal income in 1990 was estimated to be'
approximately $13,068 for Manteo residents and $15,107 in Dare County. In 1991, Dare
County's per capita income increased to $15,328, which placed Dare thirty-fifth among
all counties in the State. The State average per capita income in 1991 was $16,848.
Median household income levels in Manteo and, Dare County were also below the
State averages. The State Data Center reports that Manteo's residents earned a median
household income of $23,403 in 1990 as compared to Dare County's overall median of
$29,322. Both of these figures fall significantly below the State median average.
HOUSING
1. Household Size
According to 1996 estimates, 77.5% of all persons living in Manteo occupy family
households, which are defined by the U.S. Census as the collection of all persons who
occupy a single housing unit. A housing unit is defined as a single room or group of
rooms occupied as separate living quarters; single family detached homes, townhouse
units, apartments, and condominiums are all considered single housing units. Persons
living in group quarters or institutions, including hospitals, asylums and jails are not
considered members of households. The average number of persons per household in
Manteo in 1996 is estimated to be 2.70. This figure is significantly higher than the 2.54
persons per household figure reported for the State of North Carolina in the 1990
Census.
Housing occupancy status in the Manteo community and in the outlying region
reflects the presence of an active seasonal housing market, characterized primarily by
retirement, summer and vacation rental properties. Based upon the most recent
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
Census data available, this "second home" sector plays a more dominant role in the
' overall housing market in Dare County than it does in Manteo. As is presented in
Table 1II-3 below, nearly 250 homes (representing over thirty-five percent of Manteo's
total housing units) were considered vacant according to the 1990 Census. However,
approximately thirty-seven percent of these vacant units were classified as seasonal
homes that were occupied at some point during the year. This seasonal housing trend
is even more pronounced in the balance of Dare County. Census figures for the entire
county reflect that nearly sixty per cent of the total housing units in Dare were
' considered vacant, and nearly fifty-five percent of these units were listed as seasonal.
Clearly, this strong presence of seasonal housing units in the Town and the County
impacts the timing and strength of local and regional demands for public services and
' private goods and services.
TABLE III-3
' Manteo and Dare County
Housing Units by Occupancy Status
' Manteo % of Total Dare County % of Total
' TOTAL UNITS 693 100% 21,567 100%
Occupied 445 64% 9,349 43%
Vacant 248 36% 12,218 57%
Tenure
Owner -occupied 269 60% 6,648 71%
Rental 176 40% 2,701 29%
' Vacant Units
For Rent 67 27% 3,726 30%
For Sale 41 17% 429 4%
Seasonal 94 38% 6,415 5375
' Other 19 8% U83 11%
Source: 1990 US. Census; Office of State Planning, State Data Center
THE COX COMPANY
' Although Manteo's housing market is more stable than the overall market in the
County with respect to year-round occupation, the Town relies more heavily on rental
units to house its residents than does the rest of the County. As can be seen in Table
' III-3, the Town's housing stock is more evenly distributed between owner occupied
homes and rental units (57% and 43%, respectively) than the overall distribution in
' Dare County where households are predominantly owner -occupied (71%). This trend
was magnified in the late 1980's and early 1990's by the construction of the Pirates
Cove planned use development which introduced approximately 530 multi -family
' rental units to the Town's housing market.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo
Since the last Land Use Plan was adopted, Manteo has witnessed significant new home
construction. According to the Town Building Inspector's Office, 6 new single family
subdivisions have been platted and approved since 1990. As is presented in Table III-
4 these new subdivisions consist of 278 platted single family lots. In addition, one
multi -family development, the Ballast Point subdivision, has been approved for
development.
TABLE III-4
Town of Manteo
New Subdivisions Approved
1990-Present
Name of
Subdivision Location
Number
of Lots
Single Family
Rudder Village H Pirates Cove PUD
12
Sailfish Point Pirates Cove PUD
56
Ballast Point
Pirates Cove PUD
102
Collins Creek
Landing Lane
14
Roanoak Village
Sir Francis Drake St.
60
The Peninsula
Russell Twifford Rd.
34
Totals
6 Subdivisions
278
Multi -Family
Ballast Point (7 lots)
Pirates Cove PUD
91
Source: Town Building Inspector's Office
THE COX COMPANY
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2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo
In terms of building permit activity, the Town has issued a total of 233 new
development permits since 1990 (see Table III-51. Single family housing starts
comprise the largest share of this new development activity, accounting for nearly
sixty-four percent of the new permits since 1990. Commercial construction has also
experienced a slight boom during the 1990's, as is evidenced by the 55 permits granted
by the Towri for new construction or substantial additions. The balance of the permits
were for new mobile homes, which represented 8.6% of the total amount granted by
the Town, and condominiums which constituted an additional 3.2% of all permits.
TABLE III-5
Town of Manteo
Building Permits Issued
1990-Present
Type of
Permits
% of Total
Structure
Issued
Permits
Single Family Home
149
63.9%
Condominium
7
3.0%
Mobile Home
22
9.4%
Commercial
55
23.6%
Totals 233 100.0 %
Source: Town Building Inspector's Office
THE COX COMPANY
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0
2000 Land Use Plan Update
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
Town of Manteo
1. General
The State of North Carolina provides no town -specific updates on employment and
commerce data. Thus, for the purposes of this Land Use Plan Update, it is assumed
that the trends and market conditions impacting Dare County accurately describe
those affecting Manteo as well. The economy of Dare County is dominated by three
employment categories: retail trade, services and government. "Retail' includes the
sale of food, apparel, home furnishings and general merchandise. "Services" are
defined as hotels, insurance and real estate, business services, health care, and social
services. "Government" encompasses all federal, state and local government
employees. According to the 1996 figures available from the N.C. Employment
Security Commission which are outlined on Table IH-6 below, the retail trade sector
accounted for 5,403 employees or 38.2 percent of the labor force. In the same year,
services accounted for 20.8 percent, while government agencies tallied just over 15.7
percent.
TABLE M-6
Dare County
Employment by Industry
19%
Number of Annual Ave. Annual Average
■
Industry Establishments Ave. Employment Wagetworker Weekly Wage
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing 19 72 $12,836 $247
Mining _ -
Construction 217 975 $21,032 $404
Manufacturing 39 411 $19,799 $381
Tnmipomuon, Comm. & Utilities 41 362 =63 $544
Wholesale Trade 61 352 $21,327 $410
Retail Trade 531 5,403 $13.576 $261
Finance, Insurance & Rea! Estate 126 1,411 $18,817 $362
Services 446 2.939 $14,999 $288
Government 72 2.229 $23,986 WI
Total All Industries 11552 14,133 $17,292 $333
source: EmploymmgsecuntycommbdoeofN.0
' THE COX COMPANY
'
The manufacturing and agricultural sectors are largely non -factors in the local
economy. Manteo is home to two true manufacturing enterprises: Bavaria South Inc.
and Times Printing Co,. Inc. Bavaria South Inca is a micro -brewer and the Times
'
Printing Company, Inc. is a newspaper publishing and printing company. No land is
actively farmed within the Town limits.
Data Collection and Analysis

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
Unemployment figures in Dare County show a low unemployment rate of only 1.6% in
1997, as compared to 3.4% for the entire State of North Carolina. As shown in Table
'
IH-7, figures for September 1997 reveal that of the County's total work force of 17,360,
only 280 were classified as being unemployed.
'
TABLE III-7
Manteo and Dare County
'
Labor Force
September 1997 Figures
'
Dare County North Carolina
'
Total Workforce 17,360 3,812,400
Total Employed 17,080 3,684,000
Total Unemployed
280 128,400
Unemployment Rate 1.6% 3.4%
Source: N.C. Employment Security Commission
THE COX COMPANY
2. Commerce
The economy of Dare County relies heavily upon the tourism industry as its main
economic staple, as is indicated by the strong local presence of retail and service -
oriented establishments. According to the State's Employment Security Commission,
there were 1,480 business establishments and 72 government entities operating in Dare
County at the end of 1996, as is reflected in Table HI-6 on the previous page. The retail
trade industry dominates the County economy in terms of gross number of businesses,
constituting 34.2% of all establishments. The businesses comprising the "service"
sector are the next most prevalent establishments in the County, with the construction,
finance, insurance and real estate sectors following closely behind.
The County's retail sector has been growing significantly since the last Land Use Plan
was adopted. According to the North Carolina Department of Revenue, Dare County
retail establishments garnered $715,814,512 in gross retail sales in Fiscal Year 1997 (July
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
1, 1996-June 30, 1997), as opposed to only $572,370,345 (adjusted figure expressed in
1997 dollars in order to adjust for inflation) in Fiscal Year 1991. This represents a real
net increase in gross retail sales of approximately one hundred and forty-three million
dollars, as is represented in Table III-8 below. '
TABLE III-8 '
Dare County
Gross Retail Sales '
Comparison Between 1991 and 1997
FY* CPI** Adjusted FY Growth '
1991 Adjustment 1991 Figure 1997 Increment
$463,833,343 1.23 $572,370,345 $715,814,512 $143,444,167
1
Source: N.C. Department of Revenue
* FY=Fiscal Year, which runs from July 1 to June 30 in North Carolina
** CPI=Consumer Price Index, which provides an adjustment to account for inflation between 1991 and 1997
CPI Figure for June 1997=160.3 '
CPI Figure for June 1991=129.9
CPI Adjustment= 160.3/129.9=1.23
THE COX COMPANY
Table 1II-9 on the following page provides a break down of the County's retail sales '
industry by category. The Unclassified category, representing many smaller,
specialty and miscellaneous retail venues is the highest-ranking retail sales group in
terms of gross sales revenue. "Food" and "General Merchandise" trail the '
"Unclassified" group as the second and third ranked retail categories by total sales
volume. It is noteworthy that much of the retail activity in Dare County is influenced ,
by its seasonal population comprised of tourists of the Outer Banks. This is reflected in
relatively unique activity in the "Unclassified, "General Merchandise" and "Food"
categories. '
Data Collection and Analysis

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
TABLE III-9
Dare County
Fiscal Year 1997 Retail Sales
Industry .
Group'
FY 1997
Sales
% of Gross
Retail Sales
Apparrel
$35,629,994
5.0%
Automotive
$52,531,137
7.3%
Food
$188,116,152
26.3%
Furniture
$24,258,166
3.4%
General Merchandise
$116,905,153
16.3 %
Lumber, Construction
$47,732,845
6.7%
'Unclassified
$222,254,764
31.0%
Other
$28,386,301
4.0%
Gross Retail Sales
$715,814,512
100.0%
Source: N.C. Department of Revenue
Based on Fiscal Year 1997 Figures (July 1, 1996-June 30, 1997)
3. Tourism
Travel and .tourism have continued to make a significant economic impact in Dare
County since the adoption of the last Land Use Plan. The total dollars generated from
tourism have increased from approximately $230 million in 1990 to over $350 million
in 1995, which represents an increase of over $80 million in constant dollar terms
adjusted for inflation). Between 1994 and 1995, the County experienced an 11.6%
increase in revenue generated from travel and tourism comparable to North Carolina's
average of 8.1% and the national average of 5.1 percent. Dare County ranks 5th in
travel impact among all 100 North Carolina counties.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update , Town of Manteo
In 1995, the travel- and tourism -related industries employed 7,750 persons of Dare
County's total civilian labor force. An estimated 10,850 additional jobs are related at
least tangentially to this sector. This employment translated to a payroll of $80 million.
State and local tax receipts resulting from travel and tourism expenditures totaled
$31.2 million,, representing a $1,179 tax savings for each resident.
A 1994 survey found historic sites, beaches, scenic areas, museums, golf and fishing to
be the most popular amenities and activities which attract visitors to North Carolina.
Local attractions such as the Elizabeth II, Roanoke Island, the Aquarium, the Lost
Colony and Festival Park draw tourists to Manteo. Other population Outer Banks
destinations such as Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the Wright Brothers Memorial
and Fort Raleigh National Park are well suited to meet the tastes and preferences of
tourists. Many visitors travel to the Outer Banks from Virginia, Florida, Pennsylvania,
Maryland, South Carolina, Ohio and Georgia. It is estimated that over 2.5 million
visitors came to Dare County during 1995.
WATERSHEDS RELATED TO LAND USE PLANNING
An understanding and. appreciation for the region's watersheds are very useful in
relating land use planning to environmental management objectives such as water
quality protection, fisheries productivity and habitat management. Watersheds, or
basins, are an area of land that drains to a single outlet or water body. Watersheds can
be defined at many different scales and sizes, but their boundaries invariably follow
ridge lines and topographic divides that separate lands draining to different surface
waters. Watershed boundaries have been delineated at a variety of different scales in
the State of North Carolina by the Division of Environmental Management. The
largest commonly used boundaries are those defining the boundaries of the State's
major river basins. The State of North Carolina is comprised of seventeen major river
basins, eight of which encompass the coastal area: Lumber, Cape Fear, White Oak,
Neuse, Tar -Pamlico, Roanoke, Chowan and Pasquotank. The Town of Manteo lies
entirely within the Pasquotank River Basin.
The State Division for Water Quality (DWQ) has further subdivided these major river
basins into smaller "subbasins," which are currently used as the foundation for their.
basinwide water quality plans. The DWQ subdivided the Pasquotank Basin into seven
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' 2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
separate subbasins. Manteo is entirely contained within Subbasin 51(030151), which
includes the Alligator River, Croatan Sound and a portion of the Albemarle Sound.
Even smaller watersheds were recently delineated for the entire State by the USDA
' Natural Resources Conservation Service. These watersheds are referred to as "14-digit
hydrologic units" (because of the unique 14-digit code assigned to each watershed), or
simply "small watersheds." These small watersheds generally range in size from 5000
to 50,000 acres. Manteo is located within a single small watershed that drains into the
Roanoke Sound via smaller tributaries, including several creeks and Shallowbag Bay.
' For land use planning purposes, the larger watershed delineations will provide a more
than sufficient level of detail, as it is only necessary to look at the smaller watersheds
when identifying specific pollution sources and management responses.
Water Quality
1 The quality of surface water in a locality is determined primarily by the activities that
take place on the lands that drain to those waters (ie., its "watershed"). Industrial
' activities and municipal sewage systems produce wastes which are dumped, typically
after treatment, either directly or indirectly into surface waters. Land -disturbing
activities, such as construction and agriculture, as well as the daily use and
' maintenance of our built environment (such as driving on paved roads or fertilizing
lawns) also have a measurable impact on water quality. Watersheds provide the
connection between these land -based activities and their impacts on specific lakes,
streams, bays or sounds. Watersheds can be viewed as the "service districts" for
surface water quality, similar to water and sewer districts and fire service areas used
for understanding and managing other community services.
' Clearly, it is advantageous to incorporate watershed planning into the normal local
land use planning process. By considering land use and water quality issues
simultaneously, both of these planning processes canoe improved. Furthermore, the
' vast majority of data required for watershed planning are already assembled in the
course of land use planning data collection. By incorporating a watershed perspective
into land use planning, surface water resources, which are central to most economies,
' will be better protected from the effects of future growth and development.
' One of the fundamental goals of a land use planning process is to understand the
connections between existing conditions and trends and their effects on the economy,
citizens and natural environment of the area. This also is the primary goal of the
' watershed planning requirement within CAMA's land use planning guidelines. These
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2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo
guidelines recommend that the Land Use Plan address the following water quality -
related issues:
• What are the major tributaries and rivers that flow through the Town?
Roanoke Sound and Shallowbag Bay are the major surface waters that impact the
Town. Doughs Creek and Scarborough Creek are two significant tributaries that
feed into the Bay. All of these bodies of water have been identified by the Coastal
Resources Commission (CRC) as significant surface waters that are critical to the
environmental and ecological future of the Pasquotank River Basin.
• Which land areas drain to these different bodies of water?
The vast majority of the Downtown Area drains directly into Doughs Creek, which
in turn drains into Shallowbag Bay. Portions of the Town lying southwest of US
64-US 264 (Virginia Dare Road) drain eventually to the Croatan Sound on the
southwestern side of Roanoke Island. The area of Town lying to the northeast of
US 64- US 264 between roughly Gilbert Street and the corporate limits drains
directly into Scarborough Creek, as do the marshlands bordering the creek to the
east. Scarborough Creek, in turn drains into Shallowbag Bay. The area northeast
of US 64-US 264 between roughly Fernando Street and Gilbert Street drains
directly into Shallowbag Bay, as do portions of the Pirates Cove planned
development and the marshlands that border the Bay. Shallowbag Bay then drains
directly into the Roanoke Sound. A portion of the Pirates Cove development
between Ballast Point and the Roanoke Sound Bridge drains directly into Roanoke
Sound as well.
• What downstream jurisdictions and resources will be affected by local actions?
Local land use decisions will affect water quality issues in several downstream
jurisdictions within the Pasquotank River Basin, and Subbasin 51 more specifically.
First and foremost, local actions will directly impact the surrounding land within
Roanoke Island and Dare County, including the Village of Wanchese. Other
downstream jurisdictions affected by Town actions include the communities of
Manns Harbor, Gum Neck and Fort Landing and the counties of Tyrrell and Hyde.
Downstream resources which will be impacted by Town actions include the
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, the Alligator River and its tributaries,
Albemarle Sound, Croatan Sound, Pamlico Sound and the Pasquotank River.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo
• Where are the existing water quality problems?
Existing water quality problems in Manteo are found in Shallowbag Bay and in the_
Roanoke Sound. Both of these major surface waters are considered impaired.
"Impaired waters" are those identified by the CRC as only partially supporting or
not supporting their designated uses. The CRC has given both of these impaired
waters a "PS" use support rating, meaning that they only partially support their
designated uses (which are described in detail in the classification section below).
• Are there known sources for these problems?
There are several known sources for these water quality problems. Historically,
the discharge from the Town of Manteo wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) has
been considered one of the potential sources of impairment. In the summer of
1993, the Town of Manteo constructed a new WWTP to accommodate an increased
volume of discharge and improve treatment to advanced tertiary levels. In
addition to replacing the existing, problematic WWTP, the new facility eliminated
the discharges from the Pirates Cove planned use development and the Town's
rotary distribution system and resulted in significantly improved treatment of
those waste streams. Requirement in the new NPDES permit for the expanded
discharge also included extensive instream monitoring at several locations in order
to evaluate potential impacts in and around the Bay.
Trends in the recent evaluation of compliance data for the Manteo WWTP indicate
that coliform levels in the Bay are primarily influenced by nonpoint sources. These
same nonpoint sources, along with marina discharges are the probable sources of
impairment for the Roanoke Sound, as well. The Sound is home to a threatened
shellfish population, and the Department of Environment, Health and Natural
Resources has prohibited their harvest in these waters. The CRC recommends that
the State determine whether or not a significant shellfish resource exists before
undertaking any local or regional prioritization for remediation of the Sound.
• Are there significant upstream (extrajursidictional) pollution sources?
According to the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural
Resources, there are no known significant, existing upstream pollution sources that
are currently impacting Manteo's surface waters.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
• Which watersheds contain especially sensitive surface waters which require extra
protection?
Doughs Creek and Scarborough Bay have been identified as primary nursery areas
by the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries. As such, these waters are
both ecologically and commercially valuable and are particularly sensitive to
urban discharges.
The main concern of an analysis of a watershed -orientation within the land use
planning process focuses on the question, "How will future growth and development,
as proposed in the Land Use Plan, affect surface water quality?" Given that the Town
is nearly completely built —out, it is unlikely that future infill development in the
absence of a large scale annexation will significantly impact surface water quality so
long as the Town continues to judiciously implement its zoning ordinance. This is
especially true now that the Town has constructed its new wastewater treatment plant,
which is equipped to accommodate the projected increases in flow demand brought
about by future growth and development.
Once the new Gateway to Midway Bridge is completed connecting Roanoke Island to
the mainland and the US 64/US 264 bypass has been completed, however, new growth
and development pressures will surface along this corridor. As new development
proposals are presented along this new regional transportation corridor, it will be
critically important that the Town ensure that proper modern development
regulations, including zoning, subdivision, site planning, stormwater management and
erosion and sedimentation controls are in place and implemented for each new
development project in order to protect the water quality of each of the major surface
waters to which runoff and wastes will drain. Although local actions may have a
limited effect over the large rivers and sounds which collect drainage from vast upland
areas, they can have a significant effect on the small tributaries and shore areas nearby.
The health of shellfish areas, for example, is often much more dependent upon nearby
land uses than on upstream water quality. An emphasis on water quality in local
tributaries, for example, can have a significant effect on general water quality, for
example it has been estimated that over 93 percent of streams in the United States have
drainage areas less than 23 square miles. Thus, without proper management of future
growth and development in this region, the potential exists to impair the surface water
quality of each of the significant surface water bodies that impact.the Town.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
Water Classifications and Quality Standards
North Carolina has established a water quality classification and standards program
used to identify important surface waters and to protect uses of the waters such as
swimming, aquatic life propagation or water supplies. The program was initiated by
the State in the early 1950's when all surface waters in the State were assigned a
primary water classification according to their evaluated "best use." Water quality
standards were added and adopted for all the State's river basins by 1963. This
classification effort included the identification of water bodies (which included all
named water bodies on USGS 7.5 minute topographic maps), studies of river basins to
document sources of pollution and appropriate best uses and formal adoption of
standards/classifications following public hearings.
These water quality standards have evolved over time to and have been modified to be
consistent with the Federal Clean Air Act and its amendments. Water quality
classifications and standards have also been modified to promote the protection of
surface water supply watersheds, high quality waters and the protection of unique and
special pristine waters with outstanding resource values. Classifications and standards
have been broadly interpreted to provide protection of uses from both point and
nonpoint source pollution.
Each of the significant bodies of surface water within the Pasquotank River Basin have
been classified according to the quality of the water or water type each contains. The
major surface waters in Manteo are classified as follows:
TABLE I11-10
Surface Water Classifications
Major Body of Surface Water Water Classification
Roanoke Sound Tidal Saltwater Class SA
Shallowbag Bay
Doughs Creek
Scarborough Creek
Tidal Saltwater Class SC
Tidal Saltwater Class SC,
High Quality Waters
Tidal Saltwater Class SC,
High Quality Waters
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
Tidal Saltwater Class SC waters are protected for aquatic life propagation and survival,
fishing, wildlife and secondary recreation including wading, boating and other uses
involving human body contact with water where such activities take place in an
infrequent, unorganized, or incidental manner. There are no restrictions on watershed
development activities in Tidal Saltwater Class SC waters. Shallowbag Bay and
portions of D,oughs Creek and Scarborough Creek are classified as SC waters.
Tidal Saltwater Class SA waters are best used for commercial shellfishing purposes and
any other uses specified by the "SB" and "SC" tidal saltwater classifications. Class SB
waters are used principally for primary recreation and other uses suitable for Class SC
waters, which are defined in the preceding paragraph. Primary recreational activities
include swimming, skin diving, water skiing, and similar uses involving human body
contact with water where such activities take place in an organized manner or on a
frequent basis. There are no restrictions on watershed development activities in Tidal
Saltwater Class SA waters. The Roanoke Sound is classified as SA waters.
High Quality Waters (HQW) are waters which are rated as excellent based on biological
and physical/chemical characteristics through DWQ monitoring or special studies,
native and special native trout waters (waters and their tributaries) designated by the
Wildlife Resources Commission, primary nursery areas (PNA) designated by the
Marine Fisheries Commission, critical habitat areas designated by the Wildlife
Resources Commission or the Department of Agriculture, all water supply watersheds
which are either classified as WS-I or WS-H or those for which a formal petition for
reclassification as WS-I or WS-II has been received from the appropriate local
government and accepted by the Division of Environmental Management and all Class
SA.waters. Portions of Doughs Creek and the segment of Scarborough Creek between
the source to the narrows have been classified as HQW's.
The water quality standards applicable to each of these assigned classifications are
those established in 15A NCAC 2B .0200, Classifications and Water Quality Standards
Applicable to the Surface Waters and Wetlands of North Carolina, as adopted by the
North Carolina Environmental. Management Commission. The water quality
standards for all tidal salt waters are the basic standards applicable to Class SC waters.
These standards focus upon regulating the levels of chlorophyll, dissolved oxygen,
oils, gases, pesticides , radioactive materials and other assorted chemicals and
materials to ensure that the levels of these chemicals do not make the waters unsafe or
unsuitable for aquatic life and wildlife, or impair the waters for any designated uses.
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' 2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
These same tidal salt water quality standards apply for the Class SA waters, in
addition to several additional standards designed specifically for Class SA waters.
' These additional standards are more stringent than those which apply to the Class SC
waters, as they prohibit the discharge of floating solids, settleable solids, sludge
' deposits, sewage or any industrial wastes not effectively treated to the satisfaction of
the CRC in accordance with the requirements of the Division of Health Services.
' High Quality Waters are a subset of waters with quality higher than the typical
standards established by the CRC. However, the CRC has established several
' procedures to ensure that these waters are properly protected and that their existing
high standard of quality is preserved. These procedures include the implementation of
Erosion and Sediment (E&S) Control measures, including the requirement of a formal
' Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan for selected development activities impacting
HQWs, NPDES wastewater discharge requirements and stormwater management
' requirements as described in 15A NCAC 2H .1006. Furthermore, discharges from new
single family homes into HQW's are prohibited.
' Land Cover
Land cover types for the watershed are also delineated on maps provided by the North
Carolina Division of Coastal Management. This information was derived from a set of
' classified Landsat Thematic Mapper scenes produced for eastern North Carolina using
1987 and 1988 satellite imagery. Subbasin 51 primarily contains land covers classified
' as either water, wetland or forest. Within the Town of Manteo, however, the land is
primarily covered by urban land cover, which is defined by the DWQ as those lands in
which more than 25% of the total surface area is covered by paved surfaces. This is in
' direct contrast to both Subbasin 51 and the overall Pasquotank River Basin in which
urban land cover constitutes less than 1% of the total area of the basin. A substantial
' portion of the Town is also marked by wetlands lands bordering Shallowbag Bay.
Further information regarding the water quality characteristics and standards is
' available from the DCM. For a more detailed analysis of the Pasquotank River Basin
and its subbasins, refer to the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and
' Natural Resources Division of Water Quality's Pasquotank River Basinwide Water
Quali , Management Plan This plan provides an extremely detailed summary of
water quality conditions, issues and regulatory strategies, and it served as a primary
resource in the development of this section of the Land Use Plan. Additional
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
information on specific water classification and water quality standards for the Basin
can be found in the DWQ's Classifications and Water Quality Standards Assigned to
the Waters of the Pasquotank River Basin.
SUMMARY,
The demographic, environmental and economic figures presented in this section
generally reveal that the historic growth trends experienced by the Town of Manteo
will likely continue throughout the next planning period. Population increases should
continue to be steady in future years, as will income and economic growth. The retail,
service and government sectors of the economy continue to be of significance for both
employment and revenue. There appear to be no substantial changes in the
demographic composition within Manteo which will impact growth in the community.
Manteo will however, continue to be subject to trends affecting the nation and the
national economy, as it has been in the past. The Town Board of Commissioners
should continue to monitor national, regional and local economic and demographic
trends and should be prepared to modify its land use policies to respond accordingly
to future changes in the economy and to protect its natural resources.
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' 2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
' Chapter IV:
PRESENT CONDITIONS
' EXISTING LAND USE ANALYSIS
The foundational underpinning of the Land Use Plan Update is an understanding of
' Manteo's existing land development patterns. The existing trends and patterns of
development, especially those relating directly to the physical and cultural changes
which have taken place since the last Land Use Plan was adopted, have been
' considered in detail during the development of the goals, objectives, policies and
implementation strategies recommended in the 2000 Land Use Plan. These
recommendations have been shaped to promote future development that respects the
density, design and character of existing land uses as well as the community's valuable
' environmental resources.
' As of October 1997,51 percent (approximately 485 acres) of the approximately 951 total
acres of land area within the Town's corporate boundaries was classified into various
"active," developed urban land use categories (see Table IV-1 on the following page.)
The remaining 467 acres (49% of the total land area) are undeveloped and are
maintained primarily as wetlands, open spaces and conservation areas. It is estimated
' that only thirty-eight acres (eight percent) of the 467 total undeveloped acres in Manteo
are actually suitable for development. The vast majority of this developable land is
comprised of small infill parcels located within the Downtown area and along the U.S.
' 64/264 urban corridor. In its entirety, these developable parcels represent less than
five percent of the Town's total land area.
The future development patterns and growth management strategies for the existing
' undeveloped lands will be greatly influenced by the Town's existing distribution and
concentration of residential, commercial, office and institutional uses. The distribution
pattern of existing land uses in Manteo is depicted graphically in the "Existing Land
Use Map" found in the Appendix of the Land Use Plan. The following section serves
to outline the following existing land use patterns: residential, commercial, office,
institutional and open space.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
TABLE IV-1
Existing Land Use Summary
The Town of Manteo, NC
1997
Land Use Total Acreage % of Total
RESIDENTIAL
Single Family Residential 186.2 19.6%
Multi -Family Residential 50.1 5.3%
SUBTOTAL 236.3 24.8%
COMMERCIAL
General Commercial (including Retail) 63.8 6.7%
Waterfront Mixed Use 1.9 0.2%
Office 14.2 1.5%
SUBTOTAL 78.0 8.2%
INSTITUTIONAL
Schools
63.9
6.7%
Churches
. 6.9
0.7%
Other (including Government Offices)
97.9
10.3 %
•
SUBTOTAL
168.7 .
17.7%
UNDEVELOPED LAND
Open Space/Conservation
428.3
45.0%
Vacant Property
38.2
4.0%
SUBTOTAL
466.5
49.0%
TOTAL DEVELOPED LAND AREA
482.9
50.8%
TOTAL UNDEVELOPED LAND AREA
466.5
49.0%.
TOTAL LAND AREA
951.4
100.0%
Source: October, 1997 Feld Survey
The Cox Company
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2000 Land Use Plan Update
1. DESCRIPTION OF LAND USES
A. Residential
Town of Manteo
Of Manteo's 951 total acres, approximately 236 (nearly 25%) are currently developed in
residential -related uses. Approximately seventy nine percent of this acreage was in
use for single-family detached residences. These single family residential areas are
concentrated in the older, well -established neighborhoods bordering the Downtown
area.
In recent years, several significant single family subdivisions have been constructed on
annexed parcels along the fringes of the Town. The Pirates Cove planned unit
development and Roanoak Village are the most notable of these subdivisions. Pirates
Cove was originally approved under the planned unit development guidelines of the
Town Zoning Ordinance for 229 single family dwellings, 530 multi -family units and a
40 room inn, in addition to an allocation of retail space and a marina. By the time the
last Land Use Plan was adopted, nearly forty percent of the project had been
completed. Since that time, the Town has approved the subdivision of three separate
phases within the overall development: Rudder Village H, Sailfish Point and Ballast
Point. Together, these three developments have been approved for the development of
170 single family lots. The Roanoak Village subdivision, located off Sir Francis Drake
Street in the southwestern portion of Town has been approved for the development of
sixty-four single family lots and is currently under construction. Two significant single
family subdivision developments have been approved since the last Planwas adopted:
Collins Creek and The Peninsula. Collins Creek, located off Landing Lane along the
Town's eastern boundary, is also currently under construction and will contain
fourteen single family homes once completed. The Peninsula subdivision is under
construction, and is approved for the development of thirty-four single family homes
adjacent to the Pirates Cove property. All told, the Town has issued 149 new building
permits for single family residences since the last Plan was completed.
The majority of Manteo's higher density residential developments are concentrated
within the Pirates Cove subdivision and south of Exeter Street. The Town has
witnessed little in the way of significant new multi -family development since the last
Plan was adopted. Only seven building permits have been issued for multi -family
units in the Town since 1990, and all of these were for condominium units in Pirate
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
Cove. The Ballast Point subdivision in the Pirates Cove development has been
approved for seven multi -family lots, which could support as many as ninety-one new
multi -family units.
B. Commercial
Commercial land in Manteo is primarily concentrated along the Route 64/264 corridor.
Pockets of commercial uses are located within the Downtown area as well. The
commercial development within the Town is generally segregated from the stable,
existing residential neighborhoods, being located either in small shopping centers,
highway corridor locations, or Downtown retail areas. Land uses within the
commercial land use classification include retail businesses, grocery stores, restaurants,
motels and bed and breakfasts. Unlike most similarly -sized communities, the vast
majority of the Town's commercial land area is devoted to tourism -oriented
development designed to serve Manteo's visitors. The total amount of general
commercial land within the Town of Manteo consists of approximately sixty-four
acres, which represents 7% of the total land area within the Town's boundaries.
The Waterfront redevelopment area along Queen Elizabeth Avenue is home to a
unique range of mixed uses that have re -energized the Downtown area. This area is
identified on the Existing Land Use Map as "Waterfront Mixed Use" and is primarily
devoted to development projects featuring parking on the ground level, retail uses on
the second floor and residential uses on the top story as was originally prescribed for
the area in the Town's 1980 Development Plan. This land use covers just under two
acres of total land area, which represents less than 0.25% of the total land area in
Manteo.
The Town has witnessed a boom in recent commercial construction, remodeling and
expansion projects since the last Land Use Plan was adopted. Since 1990, the Town has
issued fifty-five building permits for such projects. Furthermore, the redevelopment of
Site C between Sir Walter Raleigh Street and Fernando Street is currently underway.
This site represents the last major opportunity area remaining to be redeveloped along
the Waterfront area.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
C. Office
The Town of Manteo has a relatively small amount of land devoted to office uses.
These uses are scattered throughout the Downtown area and along the U.S. 264/64
' corridor. Together, the office uses constitute over fourteen acres of total land area
(1.5% of the entire Town's land area).
The Town has virtually no land which is developed for traditional industrial purposes,
' although it is home to two small firms that are technically identified as manufacturing
uses (the publisher of the local newspaper and a microbrewer). Traditional, industrial
development has been avoided within the Town in order to preserve the historic and
unique character of the community. Moreover, at this point in time, the tourism and
government industries. provide an employment center and economic base, offsetting
' the need to rely on less desirable industrial development. The Town's planning goals
reveal that while these conditions should continue into the future, the Town should
seek additional economic development uses which will generate higher -paying
employment opportunities.
' D. Institutional
Institutional uses include schools, churches, government offices and other public
buildings. This land use classification also includes those lands owned and/or
protected by the Federal or State governments. Manteo is the county seat for Dare
County, and as such, it is home to many Federal and State government offices and
' social services. Institutional land uses consume nearly 18% of the total land area
within the Town boundaries (approximately 169 acres). Of these 169 acres, schools
' represent the largest component (approximately sixty-four acres), occupying nearly
forty percent of all institutional lands. Churches account for an additional seven acres
' of land, and the balance of institutional lands are allocated to government land and
office uses
' E. Open Space
The Town of Manteo contains approximately 467 acres of vacant and otherwise
' undeveloped land, which is identified generally as open space on the "Existing Land
Use Map." Nearly 92% of this land is classified as open space for the purposes of
conservation and the maintenance of environmental resources, and therefore, should
not be considered developable. The remaining thirty-eight acres of land area represent
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
vacant land in and around Downtown Manteo that affords a great opportunity for
infill development or for the creation of more public open space in the form of
recreational facilities.
2. SIGNIFICANT LAND AND WATER USE COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS
A land use compatibility problem generally concerns land use types which somehow
restrict expansion or additional investment on adjacent properties with other land
uses. The elimination of land and water use compatibility problems is a primary goal
of the CAMA regulations and guidelines set by the Coastal Resource Commission. The
Town of Manteo has adopted and incorporated these regulations into land use policies
to ensure consistency, while allowing for some local flexibility in determining growth
management needs and strategies.
The Town supports future land development in sensitive areas, such as areas of
environmental concern, as long as such development does not have significant and
potentially negative impacts on land, air or water resources. Such policies strike a
balance between resource protection and management and continued economic
growth, and also reflect the general use standards of the North Carolina
Administrative Code (as amended). Land use compatibility issues relevant in Manteo
during this planning period include: a) Commercial and Recreational Fishing
Sustainability, b) Access to Recreational Water Resources and c) Water Quality Issues.
A. Commercial and Recreational Fishing Sustainability
The commercial fishing industry in the region has struggled in recent years, as water
quality deficiencies have limited the supply of available fish. In many cases, the
proliferation of new residential and commercial development along coastal areas has
played a major role in impacting the local water quality and thereby, hurting the local
commercial fishing industry. A major emphasis of CAMA law has been to ensure that
future development and redevelopment projects do not adversely impact the
surrounding natural resources. Specific policies have been adopted in this Land Use
Plan to respond to this major point of emphasis and to help support the sustainability
of both the commercial and recreational fishing industries. Although the recreational
fishing industry has remained strong in recent years, particularly with respect to deep
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' 2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
' sea fishing, Manteo's link to this valuable resource must be protected by ensuring that
access to the Atlantic via the Oregon Inlet is preserved.
' B. Public Access to Recreational Water Resources
Although the many surface waters that frame Manteo serve as some of its most
valuable resources, public access points to these resources are limited. This is a
common problem in many coastal communities in the region, although the Town has
' made large strides in recent years to improve public access. Although the Town has
long enjoyed several parks and protected open spaces along the Downtown Waterfront
that have allowed residents to enjoy the views and recreational fishing opportunities of
' Doughs Creek and Shallowbag Bay, few public slips were available prior to the
initiation of the Town's redevelopment- efforts in the Downtown area.
Beginning with the adoption of Waterfront Redevelopment Plan, the Town formally
and proactively encouraged the preservation of open space along the water and the
allocation of space for a public dock, These two major planning policies were soon
achieved as the Town developed a public marina on the Downtown waterfront, while
' preserving the waterfront park. The marina includes a public boat ramp, a gazebo, an
observation platform and a public parking area. The marina provides local residents
' with an opportunity to launch their boats into Doughs Creek and Shallowbag Bay for
day use, and it also attracts visitors from out of Town to the Downtown Area. The
Pirates Cove development off of Roanoke Sound also is home to a sizable marina
' equipped with several slips; however, its space is severely limited. The Town would
like to build upon the existing level of out-of-town boat traffic attracted to these
' marinas in order to increase the number of tourists attracted to Manteo each year
without increasing the traffic demands on its already overburdened internal road
system.
C. Water Compatibility Problems
' The improvement and maintenance of the existing water quality in Manteo and the
surrounding Dare County is another major concern. The monitoring of water systems
for dangerously high levels of chemical discharges and other potentially hazardous
substances is of ongoing importance. Although no traditional industries operate
within the Town, several industries located outside the Town's boundaries are seen as
' contributing to the detriment of the water quality of the Roanoke Sound and its
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2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo I
tributaries. Furthermore, many of the homes built in Town were developed in the
absence of zoning or subdivision regulations, and as a result, they do not properly
respect the coastal areas on which they were built. Regulations that have been
subsequently passed by the Town to protect water quality will be enforced. The
Town's ongoing Stormwater Management Plan Update will also offer
recommendations concerning flooding problems that threaten the local water quality,
including the infiltration of stormwater into the Town's public water and sewer
systems.
3. MAJOR PROBLEMS FROM UNPLANNED DEVELOPMENT
The vast majority of homes in Manteo were designed and developed prior to the'
adoption of the Town's Zoning Ordinance. Many of these homes were constructed on
small and narrow lots without the benefit of modern design and construction
techniques. Several of the lots are so limited by their size that they do not have
sufficient space to implement the necessary stormwater management strategies or to
provide adequate buffering from adjacent uses. Other problems from unplanned
development include the strip commercial development along U.S. 264/64, the
presence of a major solid waste relay center adjacent to residential uses in the
southeastern corner of Town, flooding and infiltration into water and sewer lines
during even minor storm events and the construction of buildings located too close to
major roadways.
Another problem facing the Town is the weakness of the Town's existing subdivision
ordinance. For all intents and purposes, the Town has been approving recent
subdivision requests via the planned unit development provision included in the
zoning ordinance because the existing subdivision ordinance is not adequately
designed to regulate modern subdivision practices. This problem could be easily
alleviated by comprehensively revising and updating the Town. Subdivision
Ordinance. Future commercial and economic growth and the construction of new
residential areas should include consideration of stormwater management strategies,
recreation and open space, economic revitalization, local housing needs, historic,
cultural and natural resources, agricultural uses and transportation systems.
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' 2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
' Scattered commercial development along the U.S. 264/64 corridor is another example
of unplanned development common in Manteo.. The proliferation of curb cuts along
the poorly planned corridor creates significant traffic congestion during the tourist
' seasons. Impending public safety hazards from similar corridor developments have
been well -documented in other localities. Future development along primary
' roadways and the entrance corridors into Manteo should be more sensitively clustered
and executed according to existing land use ordinances which encourage public safety
' and good design.
4. AREAS EXPERIENCING, OR LIKELY TO EXPERIENCE, MAJOR LAND USE
CHANGES
Two areas in the Manteo community are likely to experience major land use changes in
the near planning term: the vacant land east of Town between U.S. 264/64 and
Scarborough Creek and the area of land bordering the proposed path of the new U.S.
264/64 alignment. Both of these areas are located in Dare County and will be
significantly impacted by the construction of the new Midway to Gateway Bridge and
the realignment of and addition of new lanes to the U.S. 264/64 corridor. These
' transportation improvements will allow through traffic from the eastern, central and
western portions of the State to bypass the Town of Manteo on route to the Outer
' Banks, and vice -versa.
Projected traffic demands along this new roadway will encourage commercial
' development and will likely attract franchise retailers to the corridor. The potential for
commercial development along the new corridor alignment will also likely increase
' demand pressures for new development on the surrounding land, particularly within
the vacant areas between the new intersection and the present Town boundary, where
' sewer and water taps and extensions would be most economical and physically
feasible.
tAs the Town considers implementing a more proactive approach towards annexation,
the area of prime developable land adjacent to Russell Twifford Road would certainly
be among the primary land under consideration for future annexation. Town water
lines currently extend to the U.S. 264-64/N.C. 345 intersection; however, the Town
would need to extend sewer service to the proposed new intersection in order to
support the desired commercial development in this area.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
5. EXISTING PLANS, POLICIES AND REGULATIONS CONSIDERED
DURING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
As the Joint Planning Board and the Consultant developed the 2000 Land Use Plan
Update, several existing plans, policies and regulations were reviewed for their
applicability and significant implications for. land use, community development,
economic development, transportation, community facilities, utility extension policies,
open space and solid waste plans. As a part of this process, the following plans,
policies and regulations were considered:
A. 1980 Development Plan In early 1980's due to the Four Hundredth Anniversary
Commemoration and its impact on Manteo, the town was subjected to a number of
studies. The "1980-81 Town of Manteo Development Plan" for the town's participation
in the "400th" included a series of documents that guided Manteo's waterfront
revitalization. Much of Manteo's waterfront revitalization. Much of Manteo's current
planning policy direction and planning is based on these documents.
B. 1994 Annexation Study: In early 1990's, the Town commissioned F.T. Green and
Associates to undertake a formal study to determine the feasibility of Manteo initiating
a future involuntary annexation of Dare County land to support new growth.
Included in this study was a review of the procedures outlined by the State for similar
sized communities seeking to annex property, as well as a determination of the
feasibility of possible utility extensions south of Town. During the development of this
study, the Town Board of Commissioners appointed.an Annexation Study Group to
manage the project. This study group also developed a draft utilities extension
ordinance that was later approved by the Board of Commissioners. The final outcome
of the Study was the determination that the extension of utilities into south of Town as
part of a proactive annexation procedure was not financially feasible for the Town at
that time.
C. 1975 Water and Sewer Plan This plan set the stage for Manteo's new sewage
treatment facility and made the annexation of Pirate's Cove possible.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo
D. 1985 Flood Insurance Program: This study serves as the basis for the town's
building elevations.
E. 1982 Stormwater Management Plan: This plan identifies drainage problem areas
and made recommendations to the town for improving its runoff system.
F. Pasquotank River Basinwide Water Quality Management Plan: This document
provides a summary of the causes and sources of water pollution in the basin, the
status of the basin's water quality, a summary of water quality rules and statutes that
apply to water quality protection in the basin and recommended measures to protect
and enhance the quality of surface waters and aquatic resources in the Pasquotank
River Basin.
G. 1989 (updated) Emergency Operations Procedures Manual• Adopted bythe town
and upheld by policy direction in the land use plan.
H. 1989 Water and Sewer Ordinance: This ordinance addresses the town's ability to
connect service, collect fees, and manage discharges. The town requires all businesses
and dwellings to hook up to the municipal system.
I. 1982 Roanoke Voyages Corridor Commission The town works in concert with the
provisions of this commission and its governing ordinance.
J. 1987 (updated) Dare County Land Use Plan: Manteo's plans and policies are
consistent with the county's policy direction for unincorporated Dare County on
Roanoke Island.
K. 1991 (revised) Dare County Hurricane Evacuation Plan: Manteo participates in
the county's plan for evacuation in the event of disaster. Due to Manteo's location, the
town could expect damage as a result of flooding in the event of major disaster and the
townspeople constitute a very small percent of the people who would need evacuating
in the event of disaster.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
L. 1985 Dare County Carrying Capacity Study: Manteo is not experiencing the
infrastructure constraints the county faces. With its water allotment and sewer
facilities below capacity, Manteo does not have an overbearing impact on county
facilities.
M. 1990 Evaluation of the Effects of Tourism on Government Expenditures and
Revenues: This study set the stage fora county -wide appeal to the state legislature to
allow Dare County to raise the accommodations tax and to add a prepared food tax to
raise money to support and promote tourism.
N. 1991 Master Plan and Feasibility Study for the Elizabeth II Historic Site: This
study lays out the future development of Ice Plant Island and the completion of a
longstanding community desire to have a performing arts center as a complement to
the Elizabeth 11.
O. 1991 NCDOT Transportation Improvement Program (TIP): A statewide report on
needed and anticipated (but unfunded) transportation improvements.
P. 1995 Traffic Study: This study examined the major transportation network within
the Town of Manteo and identified significant problem areas impacting both vehicular
and pedestrian movements. The most significant transportation improvements
resulting from this study were aimed at improving the flow of traffic adjacent to the
Manteo Middle School along U.S. Route 64. The study recommended that additional
crosswalks and pedestrian walkways be added on U.S. Route 64 near the school in
order to ensure that students walking to the school from surrounding neighborhoods
could safely avoid vehicular traffic. These improvements have been implemented by
the Town.
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2000 Land 'Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
Chapter V
`CONSTtWNTS
,
1 ,
April, 2000

2000 Land Use Plan Update
Chapter V.
CONSTRAINTS
Town of Manteo
LAND USE SUITABILITY
The following section analyzes the general suitability of the undeveloped lands for
future development in the Town of Manteo. Several areas in Town are faced with
constraints to future land development. The major constraints to development can be
grouped into three major categories:
1. Physical Limitations, or Development including natural and man-
made hazard areas, areas with soil limitations, sources and estimated
quantity and quality of water supply, and areas containing steep (>12%)
slopes.
2. Fragile Areas including estuarine waters and estuarine shorelines,
public trust waters, 404 wetlands, areas identified by the North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program and other areas containing fragile resources
not covered by a specific regulation.
3. Areas with Resource Potential containing productive agricultural,
forest, and fish/game lands and other non -intensive outdoor recreation
lands.
Each of these categories are applicable to specific lands in Manteo, as is detailed in the
following section. Much of the information contained in this chapter has remained
unchanged since the 1992 Land Use Plan due to the relative stability and unchanging
nature of geologic features and resources in the jurisdictions. However, the
information has been updated where necessary.
Constraints V 1

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
I. PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT
A. Hazard Areas
1. Natural Hazards
Manteo's location and low elevation subject the Town to periods of "nuisance
flooding" caused by high tides and northwest winds. The primary danger of flooding
is due to hurricane storm surges. In 1985, the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) published a Flood Insurance Rate Map and Study to address flooding issues.
The map identifies areas of 100-year and 500-year flooding within the Town as
identified by the FEMA study. As is represented on the "Special Flood Hazard" map
included in the Appendix of the Plan, nearly ninety percent of the land within the
Town's corporate limits is subject to flooding by a 100-year storm reaching an elevation
of approximately nine feet. Due to wave overwash, the 100 year flood elevation is
several feet higher along the Pirates Cove development and its adjacent lands. The
Town has recently issued a formal request to FEMA for a revision to the Town's 100
Flood mapping.
Areas of Special Flood Hazard are defined by the Coastal Resources Commission as
the land in the floodplain subject to one percent or greater change of being flooded in
any given year. Based upon this definition, nearly the entire Town can be identified as
a special flood hazard area. The only exceptions are two small areas of land in the
northwestern portion of the Town which are subject to only minimal flooding. The
larger of the two areas is circumscribed by Lord Essex Avenue on the east, Devon
Street on the south, Virginia Dare Road to the west and Barlowe Avenue to the north.
This area includes the cemetery located just off Wingina Avenue. The smaller land
area covers less than a square. acre between Harriot Street and Sir Francis Drake Street
at the corner of the Town's corporate limits. For more detailed information concerning
these flood hazard areas, refer to the 1985 FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Study and
Maps (both the "Town of Manteo" map and the Dare County panel 220 of 900).
Since Manteo is so heavily impacted by special flood hazard areas, the Town
participates in the National Flood Insurance Community Rating Program (NFIP/CRS)
as a means of protecting existing structures and property owners from future storm
damage. By participating in this program, the Town has received aid from FEMA in
the development of damage survey reports through the Robert T. Stafford Act.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
Although FEMA has elevated its community rating standards in recent years, the
Town expects to maintain its current sound community rating thanks to its compliance
with FEMA regulations and its proactive approach towards storm hazard
management.
' 2. Man -Made Hazards
Primary man-made hazards include land uses such as airports, tank farms, nuclear
power plants and explosive storage areas. The existence and location of these sources
in and adjacent to Manteo include:
1 • Solid Waste Transfer Facility (Located off Bowsertown Road in Manteo)
• Open Dumps (Located off Bowsertown Road in Manteo)
' • Dare County Regional Airport (Located west of Manteo in Dare County)
' B. Areas with Soil Limitations
Manteo's geology is characteristic of the Atlantic Coastal Plain - a wedge-shaped mass
of unconsolidated sedimentary deposits consisting of flat layers of sand, gravel, silt,
and clay overlaying older hard crystalline rocks of the Precambrian age.
' Exploratory soil borings in Manteo reveal a sand and shell layer containing an
P Y g Y g
unconfined aquifer from the land surface down to about 85 feet below mean sea level
' (msl). Below this is a clay layer about 40 to 60 feet thick and then another sand layer.
Various grades of sand overlay a clay layer beginning at around 50 feet below the land
surface.
Nothing about the deeper geology should directly affect land development in Manteo.
However, when planning for the future, the Town should consider protecting the two
principal aquifers from pollution.
Most of Man teo's land is underlain by loamy sand (Onslow soil type). This moderately
' well -drained soil is well suited for buildings and roads but is unsuitable for septic tank
leach fields. Its seasonal high water table is within 1.5 to 3 feet of the land surface. The
main limitation affecting urban and recreational uses is wetness. Also, the soil is too
' sandy for some urban uses. A portion of the Town is underlain by a loamy fine sand
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
(Icaria). This soil drains poorly and can be spotted throughout Manteo with a large
area existing on either side of Highway 64/264 near the northern Town limits. The
seasonal high water table is at or near the land surface. The United State Soil
Conservation Service (USSCS) classifies the soil as severely limited for all urban uses.
Two areas of Manteo are underlain by Baymeade fine sand. This is a well drained soil
with moderately rapid permeability, well suited for urban development. The thick,
sandy material provides a good support base for most structures. The Manteo High
School, Harbortown and Baytree neighborhoods are built on Baymeade soils.
Several areas of Manteo are composed of dredge spoil, landfill or "made land"
(Psamments); most of the natural soil has been disturbed or covered. This soil can be
found adjacent to canals dredged inland from Shallowbag Bay and on Ice Plant Island.
The USSCS classifies this soil as severely limited for all urban uses. As with Baymeade
fine sand, highpermeability makes this soil unsuitable for septic tank filter fields.
The marsh areas both surrounding Manteo and recently annexed by Manteo are
underlain by Hobonny muck. These moderately permeable soils consist of a very deep
organic layer (50'+) overlying sand. The marshes are characterized by the presence of
a black Needle Rush community. This soil is typically not used for cropland,
woodland, or urban or recreational development because of excessive wetness,
flooding, excess humus, low strength and exposure to salt water.
Other Manteo soils include Leon fine sand, Belhaven and Ponzer muck, Ozier and
Ousley fine sand. With the exception of Ousley, all of these soils have drainage
problems and are severely limited for urban uses.
Soils classified as severely limited can be used for development, but require careful
planning and engineering. Usually expensive construction is needed to overcome the
limitations. All of Manteo's soils except the Baymeade sands are limited in some way.
Having a municipal waste treatment facility, however, eliminates the need for septic
systems (which in soil types such as Manteo's can fail). Furthermore, existing
construction techniques are able to accommodate the limitations.
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' 2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
' C. Sources and Estimated Quantity and Quality of Water Supply
1. Groundwater Manteo's source of groundwater is supplied by three distinct
aquifers. The top aquifer is the water -table or "unconfined" aquifer. This is the source
of water for many domestic and commercial wells in the area and was once Manteo's
source for three municipal water supply wells. The second aquifer` begins at
' approximately 140 feel below mean sea level (msl) at the north end of Roanoke Island
and climbs to within about 110 feet below msl near Wanchese. The aquifer is between
' 80 and 90 feet thick below Manteo. This aquifer is the primary source for ground
water withdrawn by the Dare County Regional Water System and is recharged from
areas on the mainland and Roanoke Island. The third and deepest aquifer (which is
' about 100 feet thick) begins 300 feet below msl and is not used as a water supplier.
' 2. Fresh Surface Water Manteo is surrounded by saltwater and as a result, has few
sources of fresh water. The few sources of fresh surface water that do exist in the area
' tend to appear and disappear with rainy periods when the water table rises and when
stormwater flows through various drainage ways. Dough's Creek and Scarborough
Creek drain into Shallowbag Bay and are more or less fresh depending on the
' groundwater table and wind tides forced into the bay.
' 3. Saltwater Roanoke Island is surrounded by the waters of the Roanoke and Croatan
Sounds. Manteo's Shallowbag Bay is an important part of this estuarine system. The
Bay and Sound's water quality meets current water quality standards. All are
' protected for fishing, secondary recreation and any other usage except primary
recreation or shellfishing for market purposes. A detailed analysis of surface water
' classification and quality is included in the "watershed" section in Chapter III: "Data
Collection and Analysis."
D. Areas Where the Predominant Slope Exceeds 12 Percent
Manteo is located on an extremely flat, low-lying coastal area with elevations ranging
' from 0' to 10' above sea level. As a result, steep slopes are not a concern in the Town.
Constraints V 5

2000 Land Use Plan Update
II. FRAGILE AREAS
Town of Manteo
1
Fragile areas are defined as areas which could sustain considerable damage from
unplanned or otherwise inappropriate development.
A. Areas of Environmental Concern
There are four defined Areas of Environmental Concern in Manteo, which are also
classified as fragile areas. They include the following:
1. Estuarine Waters;
2. Public Trust Waters;
3. Coastal Wetlands; and
4. Estuarine Shorelines
These waters are considered to be among the most productive natural environments
within Manteo. The preservation and protection of the estuarine waters and adjacent
shorelines are strictly regulated both by established Federal and State guidelines as
well as via the policy statements specified in this document.
1. Public Trust Waters
Public Trust Waters are defined as "all waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the lands
thereunder from the mean high water mark to the seaward limit of State jurisdiction;
all natural bodies of water subject to measurable lunar tides and lands thereunder to
the mean high water mark." These waters are also defined as all navigable natural
bodies of water except privately owned lakes with no public access, and all water in
artificially created bodies of water with public rights of access and navigation. Public
trust rights in regards to these waters include the right to navigate, swim, hunt, fish
and enjoy other recreational activities, and also to freely use and access public beach
areas and shorelines (NCAC T15A: 07H.0207). Dough's Creek and Shallowbag Bay
have been designated by the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and
Natural Resources' Department of Water Quality as public trust waters.
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' 2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
' 2. Coastal Wetlands
Coastal Wetlands are defined as "any salt marsh or other marsh subject to regular or
' occasional flooding by tides, including wind tides (whether or not the tide waters
reach the marshland areas through natural or artificial watercourses), provided this
' shall not include hurricane or tropical storm tides." (NCAC T15A:07H .0205)
' Manteo's significant coastal wetlands are on the east side of Dough's Creek and in
large areas edging the northeast and southeastboundaries of Shallowbag Bay. There is
another small, significant pocket on coastal wetland directly southeast of the Agona
' and Fernando Street intersection. All of these are important resources to Manteo and
the greater Roanoke Island. Therefore, all land uses in these areas should be closely
' monitored if not prohibited.
1 3. Estuarine Waters Estuarine Waters are defined in G.S.113A -113 (b) (2) 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 Department of Environment,
Health, and Natural Resources." Thus, each of the major surface waters located
adjacent to or within the Town are considered estuarine waters. Commercial and
sports fisheries important to Dare County and the Town of Manteo depend on the
protection and sustained quality of estuarine waters.
4. Estuarine Shorelines The estuarine shorelines abut estuarine waters 75 feet inland
for the high water mark. Intimately connected to the estuary, they are vulnerable to
erosion, flooding or other adverse effects of wind and water. All of the Town's
shorelines qualify as estuarine shorelines. Any future development in Manteo needs to
be compatible with the dynamic nature of estuarine shorelines and the value of the
complete estuarine system. Development within estuarine shorelines influences the
quality of estuarine life and subjects it to the damaging process of shore front erosion
and flooding.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
B. Natural Resource Fragile Areas t
Natural resource designations falling under this category include areas which are
generally recognized to be of educational, scientific or cultural value because of the '
natural features of the particular site. The sections on the following page outline
Manteo's applicable resource areas: '
1. Coastal Complex Natural Areas Coastal complex natural areas are lands that
support native plant and animal communities. They may be surrounded by landscape '
that has been modified but has not drastically altered conditions within the natural
areas. Manteo contains, within its.boundaries, an expanse of coastal wetlands '
bordering the south side of Shallowbag Bay. Within this wetland is contained what is
considered the finest Black Needle Rush -dominated area remaining in the State. '
2. Areas that Sustain Remnant Species Areas that sustain remnant species are those
areas that support native plants or animals which are considered rare or endangered
within the coastal area. Dough's Creek and Scarborough Creek are designated
primary nursery areas. Primary nursery areas in the estuarine system are where initial '
post larval development of fin fish and crustaceans takes place.
3. Prime Wildlife Habitats Prime wildlife habitats are areas supporting large or '
diverse populations of wildlife or habitats for species considered rare, endangered or
of special concern. Roanoke Island wetlands are important resting areas for migrating '
animals and birds traveling between the mainland and the Outer Banks. Wetlands
south of Shallowbag Bay provide nesting, wintering and feeding grounds for Black '
Rails, Barn Owls, Least Bitterns, Marsh Wrens and Clapper Rails.
C. Cultural Resource Fragile Areas
Areas classified as cultural resource fragile areas are those particularly important to a
locality either in a historical, cultural or aesthetic sense. They are generally recognized '
to be of educational, associative, scientific, aesthetic or cultural value because of their
special importance to our understanding of past human settlement, and in particular, '
human interaction with the coastal zone.
1
Constraints V-S

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
There are many significant historic and cultural resources in the Town of Manteo which
relate to its long history. Since its incorporation in February,1899, Manteo has been a
water -based Town focused on fishing, boat building and waterfront retail activities. It
has also served as a regional government center. Although remnants of earlier
settlements predating Manteo's incorporation exist, they are scarce. The inventory of
' cultural and historic sites on the following page describes some of Manteo's most
important historic and cultural resources.
1. Cartwright Memorial Park Established in 1983 to mark the s site of annual Easter
' Sunday sunrise services. The marker is made from the cornerstone of the old Manteo
High School. The park was refurbished to commemorate the nation's bicentennial and
' until the early 1980's was maintained by community volunteers.
' 2. Bicentennial Park The park is part of the Town's public open space system and
serves as the site of annual Easter Sunday sunrise services. The marker is made from
the cornerstone of the old Manteo High School. The park was refurbished to
' commemorate the nation's bicentennial and until the early 1980's was maintained by
community volunteers.
The Creef-Davis Boatworks The nineteenth century sailing freightboat the "Hattie
3. rY g
Creef " was built here along with the first shad boat, a fishing vessel recognized as one
' of the most important fishing boats in the late nineteenth century. The "Elizabeth II"
was built here in the early 1980's.. The restoration and adaptive reuse of the boatworks
' building is in commemoration of Manteo's rich fishing and boat building heritage.
4. Roanoke Island Festival Park Located on an island directly across Dough's Creek
from the Manteo waterfront, the Roanoke Island Festival Park blends history, education
and the arts into a lively interpretive celebration of Roanoke Island as the Birthplace of
' English America. The park attracts a significant number of tourists visiting the Outer
Banks region to Downtown Manteo. The Park features a new 8,500 square foot visitor's
' center hosting numerous interactive exhibits, an art gallery, an outdoor pavilion
suitable for live plays and musical performances, a gift shop and the Elizabeth II, a
reproduction of a 16th century sixty-nine foot, square-rigged sailing vessel
' representative of those used to transport Sir Walter Raleigh's first Colonists to the New
Constraints V-9

L!
2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
World in 1585. The island also hosts the Outer Banks History Center, which is located
adjacent to the Festival Park gift shop.
5. Dare County Courthouse The present courthouse was built in 1904 in the Italianate
style. In 1933, a hurricane destroyed the original gables, chimneys, porch, and cupola;
over the years, the Courthouse has undergone several renovations and alterations. '
6. George Washington Creef House Built by the Creef boat building family in the
early twentieth century, the house typifies the style and quality of ships constructed '
during this period.
7. Theodore S. Meekins House "Goldie's house"was built in the late nineteenth/early
twentieth century in the Queen Anne -style. It is listed in the National Register of '
Historic Places. .
8. John Evans House This house was built in 1873-74 as a two story, gable roof frame '
house three bays wide by three deep. It has been privately owned by the same family
since its construction. In 1990, the house was restored and enlarged. '
9. Mt. Olivet Methodist Church This early twentieth century frame church with
detached octagonal entrance towers and a shingled gable front was enlarged in 1980 '
and had the sanctuary remodeled in 1984.
10. Drinkwater House In 1903, when the Wright Brothers successfully completed their
first flight, word was sent on a wireless from the Drinkwater House on Uppowoc Street. '
11. America's Four Hundredth Anniversary Commemorative Plaque This plaque was
unveiled by Princess Anne on July 13, 1984 during the opening ceremonies for the
"400th" celebration. It commemorates the first English settlement in the New World.
There is a companion plaque in Plymouth, England commemorating the colonists' '
departure.
Constraints V-10

' 2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
' III. AREAS WITH RESOURCE POTENTIAL
A. Productive and Unique Agricultural Lands
Executive Order 96, issued by the Governor of North Carolina in 1983, outlined the
' State's desire to promote the "conservation of prime agricultural and forest lands" in
compliance with the Federal Farmland Protection Policy Act of 1980. No such
' agricultural or forest lands have been identified in the Town of Manteo.
' B. Productive Water Bodies
Manteo has valuable areas of water resources. Because of the significance of
commercial and recreational fishing in Shallowbag Bay and Roanoke Sound, primary
' fishing areas should also be considered as areas with resource potential.
' C. Mining Lands
There are no known areas in the Town of Manteo which contain marketable mineral
resources.
D. Publicly Owned Forests and Fish Gamelands
' Shallowbag Bay and its tributaries function as spawning and nursery areas for a wide
variety of species of fish and other marine life. The Division of Marine Fisheries has
designated Dough's Creek and Scarborough Creek as primary nursery areas. These
' creeks serve as valuable fishing and recreational resources for Town residents.
E. Non -Intensive Outdoor Recreation Lands
Lands used for hunting, fishing, boating, hiking, camping and other outdoor
' recreational uses are important resources to consider in the development of land use
policies. The presence of productive water bodies such as Shallowbag Bay, Dough's
Creek and Roanoke Sound creates numerous opportunities for recreational activities
' such as fishing, canoeing and kayaking.
Constraints V 11

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
IV. CARRYING CAPACITY ANALYSIS
To assist the Town of Manteo and Dare County in determining present abilities to
provide basic community services, to anticipate future demand and to identify
deficiencies which will need attention, an examination of the following carrying
capacity indicators has been undertaken.
A. Existing Water Supply
The Town has not produced its own water since 1976. At that time, the Town began
purchasing water from Dare County at the current ceiling of 450,000 gallons per day
[0.450 million gallons per day (mgd)]. Current capacities of the Dare County Regional
Water System, from which Manteo purchases its water, indicate that sufficient water
resources are available for the current planning period. Manteo's water is pumped
from a facility near Midway through a 12 inch water main to the balance of the Town.
Of its 5.5 million gallons per day (mgd) capacity, the County allocates approximately
400,000 gallons per day to Manteo.
Presently, Manteo has an adequate water supply with no major problems in terms of
water quality. Future development in Manteo, while not constrained in the immediate
future by an inadequate water supply, must be designed in such a way as not to harm
this valuable natural resource. Furthermore, as town -wide water demands increase
over time and peak demands exceed the contracted purchase amount with Dare
County as projected, new development should be required to fund the acquisition of
new or expanded water sources.
B. Wastewater Treatment Plant
Since the last Land Use Plan was adopted, the Town has completed the construction of
a new wastewater treatment plant. This facility, which is located on Bowsertown
Road, replaced a secondary wastewater treatment plant and a tertiary package
treatment plant. The plant is permitted to discharge 1 mgd and to treat 0.6 mgd. Since
the plant went on-line July 29,1993, it has averaged 0.147 mgd in flow. It discharges
treated surface water directly into Shallowbag Bay. It is anticipated that this new plant
has sufficient capacity and permitting allowances to treat the projected wastewater
treatment demands well into the twenty-first century.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update
Tozbn of Manteo
' C. Solid Waste
' The Town of Manteo currently is party to solid waste transportation and solid waste
disposal contracts with the Albemarle Solid Waste Authority. The Town collects refuse
from each Town residence and business and transports the waste materials to the
' County's solid waste transfer facility located just outside the Town's corporate limits
adjacent to Bowsertown Road. This facility provides an important link within the
' regional solid waste disposal system. Altogether, solid waste collection and transfer
facilities within the County handle an average of approximately 250 tons per day of
solid waste during the peak summer season. The local recycling program is also
' coordinated by Dare County. The recycling center is located along Driftwood Drive.
The recycling program has been very successful due to the high participation among
' residents.
The Dare County Public Works Office estimates that solid waste facilities in the County
should meet or exceed the needs of all Dare County municipalities and unincorporated
areas until approximately the year 2012. Additionally, there are no anticipated
' changes to this recycling program which would be undertaken during the planning
period.
' D. Transportation
The primary road network in Manteo is currently considered to be functioning at
below capacity by the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Manteo's major
traffic concern is the use of US Highway 64/264 which passes through the Town
' providing the only access to the North Carolina mainland and to the Outer Banks.
This busy inter -regional connector also serves as the main thoroughfare through the
' Town, providing access to the Waterfront area, the local schools and the government
center. It is currently supporting traffic volumes that are above design capacity.
Manteo supports the planned construction of a new bridge over Croatan Sound
connecting US Highway 264 to NC 345 east of Manteo. The construction of such a
' - bridge will provide a more efficient link between the Outer Banks and the State
mainland, and it will effectively remove pass -through traffic from the Manteo street
system, thereby alleviating the seasonal congestion currently experienced in Town.
' The project will provide additional lanes to a ten mile link of US 264. These road
Constraints
V 13

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
improvements are currently in the planning stage. NCDOT hopes to complete the
design and review process by 2000 and hopes to complete the entire project by July
2002.
Recent transportation improvements include the addition of a multi -use path along US
64 between the Croatan Sound Bridge and the Roanoke Sound Bridge. This new path
covers approximately seven miles and has recently been completed. The Town also
plans to locate a public rest area west of Town on US Route 64-264. The Town would
like NCDOT to incorporate a tourist information center into the rest area facility.
Once these planned transportation improvements are completed, the general road
system in Manteo should function adequately with sufficient capacity to handle future
growth. It is critical that both Manteo and Dare County maintain a "planning eye"
directed at effects on traffic, pedestrian patterns, land development and support
services as they relate to future growth to maintain an effective circulation system
within the Town.
E. OTHER COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES
1. Schools
The Dare County School System serves the students of Manteo operating seven public
schools. Four of the seven Dare County schools are located within the Town of
Manteo. The following list contains the school name, grade range, enrollment as of the
1996-97 school year, and rated capacity of those schools within the Town boundary.
TABLE V-1
SCHOOL SYSTEM ENROLLMENT
Name
Grades
Enrollment
Ca aci
Manteo Elementary
K-5
601
627
Manteo Middle
6-8
332
416
Manteo High
9-12
1,022
720
Dare County Alternative School
7-12
33
--
Source: The Dare County School Board
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' 2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
' Projections for the 2001 school year indicate Manteo Elementary School will exceed its
capacity by approximately 60 students. Construction of a new middle school within
the Dare County School system may be an issue during the current planning period.
' 2. Police; Fire and Rescue Services
A. Police
' The Manteo Police Department is a full service municipal police agency. It currently
maintains a staff of seven full-time officers with authorization to enlist four additional
reserve officers. Each officer in the department is equipped with a fully functional
' police vehicle carrying standard emergency, radio and safety equipment. At the
present staffing level, the Town has one officer per 165 Manteo residents.
The department anticipates a transition into an integrated computer system over the
' course of the next five years. This system includes network computers within the
office and mobile data terminals in the patrol cars. Two new patrol cars are expected
to be added to the current fleet while vehicles currently in use will be replaced at the
' rate of one vehicle every two years.
' B. Fire
The Town is served by the Roanoke Island Volunteer Fire Department. The volunteer
company consists of two complete stations, one located within the Town limits and the
' other located in Wanchese. The fire department operates with 42 volunteers and two
paid staff members. The ratio of firefighters throughout Roanoke Island represents
' one Fire Department volunteer for every 28 people in Manteo, which is considered
more than adequate. The Fire Department's fleet of emergency vehicles and associated
' equipment is considered adequate to support the demands associated with projected
growth
' C. Rescue
Rescue Squad services are provided by the Manteo-Dare Rescue Squad which consists
' of three full-time personnel and sixty-five volunteers. There is currently one rescue
squad unit in Manteo. The rescue squad has six ambulances and three response
vehicles which are considered adequate at the present time. The Manteo-Dare Rescue
' Squad also maintains two water rescue boats which supplement the US Coast Guard
Constraints V 15

2000 Land Use Plan Update
Toum of Manteo
Services. In 1989, a 911 system which handles all emergency calls was initiated in Daze
County.
Constraints
V-16

2000 Land Use Plan` Update ,.Town of Manfeo
Chapter VP
ESTIMATED DEMAND
1
.. 2000

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
Chapter VI.
ESTIMATED DEMAND
GROWTH AND IMPACTS ON COMMUNITY FACILITIES
The main purpose of providing population and land use projections is to establish
' benchmarks against which future land use decisions regarding the type, mix, character
and quantity of real estate products may be tested. This study focuses on those
relationships for a defined planning period that extends from 2000 to 2020.
Population growth will greatly influence future demands for residential, office, retail
' and industrial property in the Town of Manteo and in greater Dare County.
Population forecasting is at best an "educated guess." For this reason, population
forecasts developed in conjunction with the Land Use Plan should be used, only in the
' context of establishing a generalized analytical framework for the allocation of future
land uses.
The future number of people who choose to live in Manteo will be influenced by both
' market forces and the growth management policies of the Town, Dare County and
other neighboring jurisdictions, in addition to other factors. Thus, population growth
must be viewed within a regional context. While it is relatively clear that a certain
' amount of growth will occur as a direct result of infill development within the areas
defined on the Land Classification Map as "Transitional," it is difficult to predict in
which precise areas development will occur over time because of the changing
availability of land served by adequate community facilities and by the pace at which
annexation takes place.
t
Chapter -III, entitled "Existing Conditions," contains the N.C. State Data Center's latest
estimate of the Town's year-round population. The State Data Center also provides
projections at the State level and for cities and counties within North Carolina.
' Unfortunately, the Data Center does not provide such estimates and projections for
towns with populations of less than 5000 people. Therefore, it has been the task of the
consultant to devise population projections based on. past population growth trends.
Estimated Demand VI-1

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
In order to provide a future population projection for the Town of Manteo, two
different methods have been used: the straight-line method and the population
,
growth capture method. It should be noted that there is an appreciable seasonable
population change in Manteo due to its proximity to the Outer Banks which attract
'
summertime residents. However, the population calculation has not included these
seasonal residents as a factor in the populations projections.
'
Straight -Line Method
The straight-line method uses a locality's past annual population growth rates to make
,
educated guesses concerning future growth. Historically, the Town has grown at a
rate of 1.56% annually since 1980. Since 1990, the Town's population growth has
'
accelerated significantly, growing at a rate of 2.6% annually. Using these historic
growth trends. as a baseline, three different annual compound growth rates (ranging
'
from 1.6% to 2.4%) were incorporated into the straight-line method in order to provide
a reasonable range of what the Town's future population could become by 2020 (see
Table VI-1 on the following page). Using the straight-line method, it is estimated that
,
the Town of Manteo will have between 1690 and 2040 residents by the year 2020.
'
o ulation Growth Capture Method
This method is slightly different from the straight line method in that it uses NC Data
Center estimates for Dare County as the basis for projecting Manteo's future
t
population growth. This strategy is based on the assumption that Manteo will
continue to absorb a certain percentage of the projected growth for the County.
'
According to the 1990 Census, Manteo constituted 4.3% of the total population of Dare
County. Based on the population estimates provided in Chapter III, Manteo captured
,
approximately the same share (4.3%) of the total population growth in Dare County
between 1990 and 1996. Based on this historic growth trend, three different capture
between 3.8% 4.8%) incorporated future
'
rates (ranging and were into the population
growth capture method in order to provide a reasonable range of predicted future
growth in the Town. This method assumes that the Town will capture a constant
'
annual percentage of Dare County's growth between 1997 and 2020. Using this
method, it is projected that the Town of Manteo could grow to a total. population of
,
between 1798 and 1967 by 2020, as is reflected in Table VI-2 on the following page.,
1
Estimated Demand VI 2

2000 Land Use Plan Update
TABLE VI-1
Manteo Population Projections
1996-2020
Method 1: Straight Line Projection*
Town of Manteo
Projection
Annual
1996
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
Range
Growth RL
Population
Population
Population
Population
Population
Population
LOW
1.6%
1.156
1,230
1,330
1,440
1,560
1,690
MEDIUM
2.01rd
1,156
1=0
1,380
1,530
1,680
1,860
HIGH
2.4%
1,156
1,270
1,430
1,610
11810
2,040
* Assuming a constant compound annual growth rate.
Source: 1996 Population estimates provided by the State Demographer of the State Planning Office.
THE COX COMPANY
TABLE VI-2
Manteo Population Projections
1996-2020
Method 2: Capture Method
Annual
V%
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
Capture Rate
Population
Population
Population
Population
Population
Population
Dare County
-
26,542
29,177
32,713
36.227
39,879
43.438
Manteo
LOW
3.8%
1,156
1,256
1,390
1,524
1,663.
1,798
MEDIUM
43%
1,156
1,269
1,421
1.572
1,729
1,883
HIGH
4.8%
1,156
1,282
1,452
1,621
1,796
1467
Sources: N.C. State Data Center, State Demographer of the State Planning Office
THE COX COMPANY
Although each of the methods used above utilizes a different approach in projecting
future population growth, both are based entirely on historical growth trends within
the region and assume a relatively steady pace of continued growth. Neither,
however, factors in the "supply side" of the future population growth equation. In
other words, both methods are based solely on demographic statistical demand absent
of any consideration to the political boundaries or physiographic features limiting
future development within the Town. Furthermore, future social and economic
Estimated Demand VI-3

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
changes in the region will also have an impact on the market demand for developable
property. Predicting future social, economic and political regional trends is extremely
difficult. Annexation of additional land by the Town of Manteo, as has occurred in the
past, would certainly have a significant bearing on population projections which could
exceed the levels projected in Tables VI-1 and VI-2. Furthermore, if the Town chooses
to take a more aggressive approach towards annexation (incorporating involuntary
annexation strategies) in future years, future population growth could potentially
grow far beyond the levels projected by either method. Clearly, all of these factors
need to be considered in conjunction with these population projections in the process
of making sound future land use decisions. In the meantime, these figures can be used
to aid in the forecasting of future land demands, community facility demands and
infrastructure support requirements.
FUTURE LAND USE NEEDS
The population projections provided for the Town of Manteo reflect a range of future
population increase of between 534 and 884 persons by the year 2020. According to
1990 Census information, the Town had 2.28 persons per household. Using this figure
as the basis for projecting future housing demand, Manteo will need to accommodate
an additional 234 to 388 housing units by the year 2020 in order to satisfy the projected
population increase.
The Town's Zoning Ordinance allows approximately 5.8 residential units per acre
within its R-5 residential district. Since this is the Town's least restrictive district in
terms of minimum lot size required for single family detached lots (lots must be at
least 7500 square feet in this district), this density level will be used to estimate the
projected range of total land area demanded in the Town. Based on this requirement,
Manteo will need approximately 40 to 67 acres of land area to accommodate this
anticipated growth. Since the other major residential zoning districts in the Town (the
R 1 and R-2 districts) require larger minimum lot sizes than those reflected in the R 5
district, it should be assumed that the future acreage demanded will fall towards the
higher end of the range provided and could conceivably grow beyond the upper limit
given market constraints with regard to market demand for larger lots and availability
of adequate water and sewer services. However, because of the limited amount of
Estimated Demand VI-4

' 2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
' undeveloped land area available within the Town limits, it is unlikely that this scenario
will occur during the 20-year planning period in the absence of additional Town
annexations.
It is estimated that the demand for non-residential land will remain steady in the near
' planning term based upon demographic projections. The Town should be able to meet
projected demands for office and specialty retail space within the available infill
development opportunity areas that currently exist within the Town boundary. There
is little opportunity, however, to support larger -scaled commercial development
including "big box" retailers or a neighborhood shopping center within the existing
' Town boundary. If the Town wishes to pursue this type of development, annexation
of additional land suitable for such uses would be necessary to accommodate the
. developable acreage required by this type of development.
' DEMAND FOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES
1. Existing Water Supply
As required by State law, the Town completed a Water Supply Plan in 1993.
' According to this plan, the average daily water use by the Town in 1992 was 0.179
mgd, and the peak use was 0.375 mgd in the summer months. A detailed breakdown
of the water demand by month is provided in Table VI-3 on the following page.
' Historically, the major water users in Town have been non-residential and institutional
(dominated by the three local schools located in Town). With recent annexation, the
development of the Pirate's Cove subdivision and the redevelopment of the Waterfront
area, motels and condominiums have accounted for a substantially larger share of the
Town's demand since 1992.
Estimated Demand VI-5

2000 Land Use Plan Update
TABLE VI-3
Town of Manteo
Daily Water Usage
Town of Manteo
1997
(in 100,000 gpd)
Month AverageMaximum
January 182 333
February 127 261"
March 085 217
April 081 175
May 112 188
June 128 242
July 175 296
August 108 193
September 124 217
Source: Town of Manteo
The 1993 Water Supply Plan projected that the Town's demand for water would
exceed its contracted ceiling amount by 1995. However, the Plan's population
projections were extremely aggressive (it included an estimated Town population of
approximately 4000 people by the year 2020) and existing demand levels are still
within the ceiling level. Based upon the population projections developed in this
chapter, it is estimated that average water demand in the Town will remain very dose
to the contracted amount until approximately the year 2020, however, peak demands
will exceed the 0.450 mgd level before the year 2000. Therefore, the Town will need to
find a new or expanded water source. In the near future, it is anticipated that the
Town will renegotiate its water purchase contract with Dare County. For more details
about the Town's existing water service capacity and its plans to meet future demands,
refer to the 1993 Town Water Supply Plan.
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' 2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
' 2. Wastewater Treatment Plant
The Town has completed the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant. This
facility, which is located on Bowsertown Road, replaced a secondary wastewater
treatment plant and a tertiary package treatment plant. The plant is permitted to
discharge 1 mgd and is permitted to treat 0.6 mgd. Since the plant went on-line July
' 29,1993, it has averaged 0.147 mgd in flow. It discharges treated surface water into
Shallowbag Bay. It is anticipated that this new plan has sufficient capacity and
' permitting allowances to treat the projected wastewater treatment demands well into
the twenty-first century.
3. Solid Waste
' The regional landfill facility located in Dare County has sufficient capacity to dispose
of municipal solid waste from both the Town and the County during the upcoming
ten-year planning period. It is hoped that the regional waste authority will agree to
relocate the local waste transfer facility currently located off Bowsertown Road to a
more appropriate rural location.
' 4. Schools
Four of Dare County's seven public schools are in Manteo (Manteo Elementary School,
Manteo Middle School, Manteo High School and the Alternative School). The student
' population in Dare County has grown significantly over the past ten years. The
increase from 1987 to'1996 was 1,494 students, representing a net growth of 52.3%.
That growth is projected to continue as shown in Table VI-4 on the following page.
' Manteo is also served by a branch campus of the College of Albemarle, which is
located on the south end of Roanoke Island. This institution provides vocational and
higher educational opportunities for Manteo and Dare County residents.. Citizens of
' Manteo are interested in the activities of the school and would like to see it become
part of the North Carolina University system thus increasing educational opportunities
' for Manteo residents.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update
TABLE VI-4
School Enrollment and Growth Projections
Dare County Schools
Town of Manteo
School
Grades
Current
Current
Projected
Membership
Capacity
Membership
2001
2006
Cape Hatteras
K - 12
696
646
730
870
Manteo Elementary
K - 5
627
601
685
793
Manteo Middle
6-8 .
416
332
412
486
Manteo High
6-8
720
1,022
1,247
1,590
Kitty Hawk
K - 5
672
701
766
908
Fast Flight Elementary
K - 5
528
558
710
783
First Flight Middle
6-8
650
558
678
824
Totals
4,309
4,418
5,228
6,254
Source: Dare County School System
THE COX COMPANY
Estimated Demand
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
Chapter VII.
POLICY STATEMENTS
INTRODUCTION
The Land Use Plan for the Town of Manteo is intended to be an expression of what the
' community wants to be and what it wants to look like. Simply stated, it is both a
"vision for the future" and a means of achieving that vision. In pursuit of defining the
vision, the foundation of the Land Use Plan is based in its commonly -held goals and
objectives for the Town as established in Chapter H. Since future land use decisions
will rest on this foundation, it is important these goals be reflective of the community's
' desires and the State's legislative requirements. In turn, these goals and objectives
have been translated into statements of planning policy addressing the specific CAMA-
' related issues which will affect the community during the upcoming decade.
' In preparing the Land Use Plan Update, the elected leaders stressed the importance
and interdependence of environmental, economic and growth management issues
regarding future land uses. In arriving at the recommended set of policies, the
' Planning Board was responsible for resolving many conflicting issues and balancing
the land planning objectives of the citizens with those mandated by State and Federal
guidelines. Great care has been taken to be responsive to the needs of the Coastal
Resource Commission and specifically, the Coastal Area Management Act.
' POLICY GUIDELINES AND THE CAMA STUDY PROCESS
To assist in organizing and presenting the Plan's policy statements, the Joint Planning
' Board has adopted the Coastal Resource Commission's generalized topical categories.
These categories provide an excellent model for addressing areas of both local and
' State concerns while providing localities with broad flexibility in placing priorities on
specific local land use issues. At the same time, all policies adopted by the Town in the
2000 Land Use Plan must be consistent with the overall coastal laws established by the
' Coastal Resources Commission and adopted by the Legislature.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo
The community's major land use and development policies are organized into the '
following major policy categories consistent with current CRC administrative
guidelines:
11
A. Resource Protection
B. Resource Production and Management
C. Economic and Community Development
D. Continuing Public Participation
E. Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery and Evacuation Plans
To the greatest extent possible, every effort has been made to ensure that there is
consistency among individual policies developed in each policy category. However,
many individual policy categories have overlapping, and potentially competing,
impacts on other adopted policies. The Joint Planning Board has given particular
attention to individual policies in the resource protection, resource production and
management and economic and community development categories. For each of the
five major planning issue categories subject to policy guidance, as outlined in
T15A:07B .0212 of the State Code, the study process for the 2000 Land Use Plan has
thoroughly examined the following considerations:
• the scone and importance of the land use issue as related to Manteo:
In defining relevant land use issues, the Joint Planning Board in conjunction with
the public participation process and various citizen groups, examined those
priority issues which will affect the area during the upcoming 10 year planning
period.
• the range of alternative goals, objectives and policies which might be ap licable
when addressing the particular land use issue:
As the community considered potential policy options for each planning issue
category, alternative scenarios and the impact of their out were discussed
based upon traditional and contemporary approaches to addressing public policy
issues. The analysis of existing land use conditions, economic and population
projections and -environmental considerations aided in formulating these options.
Policy Statements VII 2

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
The short and long range impacts of community -wide social, political and
environmental implications of policy alternatives were also closely weighed.
Those policy alternatives found to be incompatible with the community's overall
'
planning goals and objectives have been eliminated from further consideration.
'
• the specific policy deemed appropriate by the community for adoption into the
2000 Land Use Plan;
'
The community's final selection and adoption of land use policies were based .
'
upon an extensive land use and economic data analysis, as well as a full
examination of the best possible alternative for each land use issue., These adopted
policy choices are set forth in the following sections of this chapter. The. Joint
'
Planning Board has determined that the recommended policies are reasonable and
achievable by the respective governments and are sensitive to the fiscal constraints
'
and the local administrative systems which will be in place for the 10 year
planning period.
• recommended implementation strategies to ensure that the adopted land use
policy can be placed into effect through reasonable actions by the public and/or
'
private sectors.
'
In this document, the community presents the desired strategies and methods for
-have been for five land issue
achieving the policies which adopted the major use
categories.
'
POLICY ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE
Based on Coastal Resource Commission study requirements, a wide range of land use
policy options and variations have been evaluated to ensure that each major CAMA
'
policy issue has been fully explored. This process began with a detailed examination
of past planning policies by the Town. A public participation process was conducted
to create the forum for the direct input of all local citizens.
Policy Statements VII-

2000 Land Use Plan update Town of Manteo
A detailed Citizens' Survey was developed specifically to address Land Use policy
issues (a copy of the survey is included in the Appendix) and was distributed in
November of 1997 to all Town residents and property owners. The intent of the survey
was to generate interest in the Land Use Plan Update process and to allow the Town's
Joint Planning Board to gauge public opinion regarding several key land use policy -
related issues. Citizen response to the survey was much stronger than anticipated, as
the Town received nearly three times as many responses as it did for a similar survey
distributed during the development of the 1991 Plan. Of the 767 surveys distributed to
Manteo residents and businesses,160 surveys were returned to Town Hall by the
requested date (159 surveys will serve as the actual sample size because one of the
surveys was returned incomplete). This represents a response rate of 20.79/6, which
enables the consultant and the joint Planning Board to make, statistically significant
determinations of the attitudes and desires of the entire Town by analyzing the survey
responses. This high level of community response assured the Joint Planning Board
that public participation will play an important role in the development of goals,
objectives and policies to be included in the 2000 Land Use Plan Update.
The survey responses indicate a strong and active constituency within the Town which
is supportive of the purpose and intent of the 2000 Land Use Plan Update. The
feedback generated from the survey created an atmosphere in which the Town Staff
and elected officials can operate to effectuate positive change in their community. The
results of this survey were used to develop goals and objectives for the Land Use Plan,
as well as to influence the development of specific planning policies recommended for
implementation.
Once the surveys had been returned, tabulated and analyzed, the focus of the planning
process moved towards defining the range of options from which an optimal policy on
given issues could be drawn. In a number of cases, specific policies were not pursued
because of their incompatibility with the current trends in the community. Such
policies usually involved the Joint Planning Board choosing between any perceived
conflicts between (1) fully respecting individual private property rights, and (2)
imposing "too much government" by attempting to guide and direct future growth.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
In the 2000 Land Use Plan Update, the Planning Board has sought to resolve the
sometimes competing and complex policy issues in a dignified fashion, while
promulgating the central belief that Manteo has a strong and competent local
governmental structure. This structure is founded on political and economic thought
driven by the expressed needs of the local constituents of the Town.
Due to the strength and character of the Town's existing local regulations, the CAMA
policies in this Land Use Plan are appropriately supportive and encompassing of these
adopted regulations. The current regulatory background of Manteo includes plans
which address not only land use but also transportation, urban design guidelines,
recreational facilities, open space and waterfront development and other plans geared
towards the community facilities and amenities.
In developing the following set of CAMA policies, the Joint Planning Board has
outlined a recommended implementation schedule. Since the implementation of some
of these policies involves both the approval and allocation of public funding,
continued policy and scheduling, refinements will be required. This may include the
elimination of some implementation objectives. Further, certain implementation tasks
and strategies include continued actions for which no specific timeframe for execution
is required for adoption.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update
RECOMMENDED CAMA PLANNING POLICIES
Town of Manteo
A. RESOURCE PROTECTION
In establishing goals and policies related to Resource Protection, Manteo has
thoroughly examined the various Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC's) located
within the Town boundaries and classified the appropriate categories of land uses for
the community. In its estuarine system, the Town contains AEC's categorized as Public
Trust Waters, Coastal Wetlands, Estuarine Waters and Estuarine Shorelines. (See
Chapter V: Constraints for more detailed definitions of the AEC's.) For each class of
land use, the Land Use Plan Update has carefully considered the specific rationale for
the recommended land uses and its associated impact on the Town's AEC's. As part of
this investigation, the physical constraints to land development in the community have
also been analyzed pursuant to T15A: 07B .0212 of the Coastal Area Management Act.
Further, uses for areas with cultural and historic value have been analyzed to
determine the potential benefits and/or liabilities which would accrue to the
community and its citizens by encouraging either the development or preservation of
these areas.
In the sections that follow, each major policy category is presented as outlined by the
North Carolina Administrative Code (Subchapter 7B-Land Use Planning Guidelines),
and is complemented by a list of applicable policies adopted by the Joint Planning
Board (presented in italics). Each of these policies attempt to respond logically to the
goals and objectives outlined in Chapter H. All of the policies in subsection "A" listed
below are linked to the second major goals category, entitled "Environment and
Natural Resources," and to its six main objectives (see Chapter II "Goals and
Objectives," pages II-4 and II-5).
Al. Identify and address each of the AEC's and other fragile areas, list the types of
land uses, and develop policies for issues that are locally significant in each.
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' 2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
' Public Trust Waters:
Public Trust Waters are defined as those surface waters where the public has the right
to navigate and gain access to other public trust areas. The following three bodies of
water bordering the Town of Manteo have been identified as Public Trust Waters:
' Doughs Creek
Roanoke Sound
Shallowbag Bay
' Manteo's access to water serves as an important resource for economic development
by supporting numerous commercial, recreational and public service uses, in addition
to being of significant.aesthetic value.
Policies:
a. Continue the conservation and management of Public Trust Waters. Appropriate uses
include those which do not cause detriment to the physical or biological functions of public
trust areas.
b. Navigational channels, drainage ditches and bulkheads designed to prevent erosion,
marinas, piers and docks shall be permitted.
c. Continue to allow commercial navigation and recreational and commercial fishing in the
' Public Trust Waters.
Coastal Wetlands:
By technical definition, there are three significant "coastal wetland"areas (i.e., regularly
flooded salt marsh areas containing certain plant species) in the Town. The first
borders the east side of Doughs Creek and extends all the way to Shallowbag Bay.
Another wetlands area is located along the northeast and southeast boundaries of
' Shallowbag Bay. The final segment is a small wetlands area located directly southeast
of the intersection of Agona and Fernando Streets, adjacent to the Bay.
Policies:
a. Allow uses, which promote "conservation" of the sensitive areas, with conservation
meaning the lack of imposition of irreversible damage to the wetlands.
Policy Statements WI-7

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
b. Uses requiring water access and other uses including utility easements, fishing piers and
docks will be allowed provided they adhere to use standards set forth in the Coastal Area
Management Act.
c. Prohibit further dredge and fill activities in coastal wetlands areas without the Town's
approval.
d. Prohibit littering or waste discharge in these areas.
e. Allow docks to span Coastal Wetlands where permitted by the Coastal Resources
Commission.
f. The disturbance of marshlands during construction should be regulated and minimized.
Estuarine Waters:
Manteo's estuarine waters include Shallowbag Bay and Dough's Creek. Dough's
Creek and Scarborough Creek are designated as primary nursery areas. Primary
nursery areas in the estuarine system are where initial post larval development of
finfish and crustaceans takes place. They are usually located in the uppermost sections
of a system where populations are uniformly in their juvenile stages.
Estuarine Shorelines:
The estuarine shorelines encompass the area landward along Shallowbag Bay and
Dough's Creek in the Downtown waterfront area and the land surrounding Festival
Park. They extend 75 feet landward of the mean high water mark of estuarine waters.
No Outstanding Resource Waters have been identified in or surrounding the Town's
corporate boundary.
The Town is aware that protection of estuarine waters and shorelines- is of paramount
importance to maintaining the delicate balance necessary for the healthy proliferation
of marine life and waterfowl. The Town recognizes that certain actions within the
estuarine shoreline could have a detrimental effect upon the quality of the waters. Of
added significance is the continual designation of most of the estuarine and public
Policy Statements VH-g

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
trust waters in the Town's jurisdiction as "Nutrient Sensitive Waters." This
designation indicates a need for additional efforts to protect the quality of these waters
and shorelines by regulating storm runoff and other development -related externalities
affecting water quality.
Policies:
a. Permit only those uses that are compatible with the nature of the estuarine system to be
located along the shorelines. Residential, recreation and commercial uses are acceptable
provided that there is no substantial chance of pollution, erosion is not accelerated,
impervious surfaces are limited, public access to navigable waters is not hampered and
North Carolina Sedimentation Pollution Control standards are met.
b. Prohibit littering, the discharge of untreated wastes, "Iive-aboards" and interference with
commercial fishing facilities or activities.
c. Prohibit the operation ofgas stations or other operations using hazardous or toxic materials
(excluding marinas).
d. Continue to allow recreational, commercial navigation and commercial fishing in the
estuarine waters.
e. Continue to allow residential, water -related commercial, light industrial and recreational
uses along Estuarine Shorelines.
f. Refer applicants to the Federal Government's 404 Wetlands Permitting Process and
comply with all Federal regulations and guidelines concerning development.
g. Obtain copies of all State permits required for uses affecting AEC's.
A2. Identify and address areas of the planning jurisdiction with land development
constraints and guide appropriate and compatible land development activities
around these constraints.
Policy Statements
VII-9

2000 Land Use Plan Update
Areas with Constraints include:
Areas of Special Flood Hazard
Areas with Soil Hazard Limitations
Cultural Resource Areas
Town of Manteo
Areas of Special Flood Hazard are defined by the State as the land in the floodplain
within a community subject to a one percent (1%) or greater chance of being flooded in
any given year. These lands are formally identified within the established Flood
Hazard Boundary Map (FHBM) issued by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA). FEMA also provides an official Flood Insurance Study for Manteo
(dated December 4, 1985) that contains flood profiles, in addition to the Flood
Insurance Rate Map and the Minimum Base Flood Elevation Requirements.
The majority of the Town's land area consists of soil types not conducive for urban
development, with a significant amount of these soils not suitable for dwelling
foundations or septic tank placement. Therefore, the Town must be attentive to its soil
limitations. Manteo's soil composition prevents adequate drainage and stormwater
runoff impacts the quality of Manteo's waters.
In terms of cultural resource areas, the Town of Manteo has a number of important
sites and amenities that combine to establish the Town's heritage and place in history.
In addition, townspeople want Manteo to be recognized as a cultural and historic
center. Assets such as the Outer Banks History Center, the annual Arts Festival and
the Roanoke Island Festival Park contribute to the Town's cultural endeavors.
While the majority of the policies included in the following section are linked to goals
and objectives relevant to the "Environmental and Natural Resources," policies "g"
through "p" below are linked directly to the first major goals category, entitled
"Community Development" (more specifically, to its subcategory entitled, "Historic
Preservation" and to its three main objectives). See Chapter 11 "Goals and Objectives,"
page 11-4.
a. Prohibit the use of septic tanks in future development.
Policy Statements
11

' 2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
'
b. Continue to support and amend existing land use ordinance regulations which regulate
and control land development in areas with identified physical constraints, including
areas of special flood hazard.
C. As indicated in the adopted land use ordinance, all commercial, industrial, institutional
and residential subdivision development should be sensitive to the character of prevailing
soil types, flood prone areas and physiographic conditions which impact construction
'
feasibility.
d. Update existing land use and zoning regulations, when necessary, to complement the
Land Classification Map.
' e. Protect identified significant natural areas from undue encroachment, damage or
pollution. This may be accomplished with low density and lot coverage regulations in
undeveloped areas adjacent to these natural areas.
f. Continue to support and update existing growth management tools and study new
' alternatives which would provide for the control of land use types and densities and
establish development criteria within areas having defined development constraints.
'
8• Encourage land use proposals which will have no negative impact on historic, cultural,
'
and/or archaeological resources in the Town. When required, all proposals shall be
reviewed through the Section 106 review process as well as through the Historic
Preservation Commission and the State Historic Preservation Office.
h. Support citizens awareness programs and public educational opportunities for
'
community historic and natural resources, including the conservation, preservation and
maintenance thereof.
' i. Initiate the development of neighborhood plans working with neighborhood residents to
identify resources and problems in the neighborhood and offering strategies to protect
' those resources and solve the problems.
' j. Officially recognize historically significant buildings in the Town and encourage the
preservation of these structures._
Policy Statements VII 11

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
k. Encourage new development adjacent to historic sites to consider character, scale, bulk,
height and design standards in keeping with existing development.
A3. Protect the community's water supplies and potable water resources.
The protection of the quality and quantity of the potable water supply is critical to the
health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Manteo and provides a basis for future
economic development.
a. Ensure that the protection of existing and future potable water supplies and resources
will be consistent with all State and Federal policies and guidelines.
b. Ensure that the community's land development review and inspection process examines
all land use proposals to determine their impact on the community's potable water
supplies and resources.
C. Use the existing Zoning Ordinances to control densities adjacent to groundwater
supplies.
d. Continue the extension and maintenance of public water supplies and distribution
systems into selected areas of the community and nearby County properties through
water and sewer utility extension as allowed by the Town code.
e. Develop citizens' awareness programs related to expanding water supplies and
distribution systems, including information promoting access to these systems.
A4.- Develop guidelines and policies for the use of sewer treatment package plants
in Manteo:
The Town of Manteo operates a sewer treatment facility that is currently operating
well under capacity. The City requires all businesses and dwellings to hook up to the
municipal sewer system.
a. Prohibit the use of septic tanks and private package sewage plants in Manteo.
Policy Statements VII-12

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
b. Protect Doughs Creek, Shallowbag Bay and other natural resources from unnecessary
adverse impacts of wastewater discharge. (All permitted discharges must meet the
Town's tertiary treatment levels).
C. Any application for a wastewater disposal system which is to be located in the planning
jurisdiction shall be coordinated with existing facilities. The Town should work to
ensure that a waste water permit -is not issued without a corresponding zoning permit.
d. All development and subsequent construction of wastewaterfacilities shall be consistent
with the regulations set forth by the Town and land use ordinance.
AS. Stormwater Runoff associated with Agriculture, Residential Development,
Phosphate or Peat Mining, and its Impact on Coastal Wetlands, Surface
Waters, or Other Fragile Areas.
Doughs Creek and Scarborough Creek have been classified by the State Division of
Water as High Quality Waters. These waters are so rated because they exhibit
excellent biological and physical/chemical characteristics through division monitoring
or special studied and they serve as a primary fish nursery area (PNA) as designated
by the Marine Fisheries Commission. Unchecked stormwater runoff from both urban
development and agricultural activities could adversely affect the quality of these
waters and the sea life they support.
a. Support enforcement of existing sedimentation and pollution control measures.
b. Develop a revised stormwater management plan for the Town in order to identify
potential adverse impacts associated with uncontrolled stormwater runoff and devise
changes to local ordinances aimed at controlling such runoff. The Plan should identify
' drainage problem areas and improve the drainage system.
' C. Study the recommendations of the new Stormwater Management Plan by considering
revisions to the Town Zoning Ordinance where necessary to aid in the Plan's
implementation.
1
Policy Statements Wj 1-S

2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo
d. Investigate non -point source contributions to the impairment of Shallowbag Bay and
take appropriate action to address the identified problems.
e. Encourage the implementation of regional Best Management Practices in new
development projects and in areas where the existing drainage systems are failing to
property manage runoff during and after storm events.
f. Promote the construction of catch basins to collect storm runoff from. roofs, patios,
driveways, non -vegetated surfaces and other impervious surfaces.
A6. Marina and Floating Home Development and Dry Stack Facilities
Marinas and other water -dependent projects can provide public access to valuable
water resources and have the potential to serve as valuable economic assets to the
community if properly developed.
a. Marinas developed in accordance with the Division of Coastal Management standards
and guidelines and which are consistent with zoning shall be permitted.
b. Review plans for water -dependent development on a case -by -case basis ensuring location
and character are consistent with applicable zoning restrictions.
C. Revise the Town Code to regulate long-term mooring of floating homes or watercraft in
Shallowbag Bay and other adjoining waterways.
d. Ensure that dock and marina development proceeds in accordance with State land use,
natural 'resource protection and production and water quality standards.
e. Encourage new marina and dock development (and any necessary maintenance and/or
dredging) as the need arises.
A7. Development of Sound and Estuarine System Islands
No such island has been identified in the Town.
Policy Statements VH-14

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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
A8. Restriction of Development in Areas up to Five Feet Above Mean High Water
Development in areas up to five feet above mean high water mark is not restricted
provided such development meets all applicable zoning, CAMA, Building Code and
Flood Zone requirements.
A9. Damaging of Existing Marshes by Bulkhead Installation
The Coastal Area Management Act defines a coastal wetland as any marsh subject to
regular or occasional flooding by lunar or, wind tides. When necessary, bulkhead
installation should be conducted employing appropriate construction and resource
protection techniques. Where installation is required, development plans should
consider every feasible alternative to minimize the damage to existing marshes.
a. Bulkhead construction adjacent to coastal wetlands requires a CAMA permit.
Freshwater swamps and island wetlands are protected by the Clean Water Act and a
Corps of Engineers permit is required for work in these areas.
b. Bulkhead installation along waterfront areas is permitted if all local, State and federal
permits can be obtained following all applicable regulations.
Policy Statements VII-15

2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo
1
B. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT ,
The Town is acutely aware of the impacts of future land development on its existing
resource production base. The water and waterfront represent productive natural I
resources in the area which must be recognized in the Plan's land use policies. These
policies are -directed mainly towards resources based in the fishing and nursery
industries. Each of the policies listed in subsection "B" listed below are linked to the
second major goals category, entitled "Environment and Natural Resources," and to its
six main objectives (see Chapter II "Goals and Objectives," pages H-4 and H-5).
Bl. Support, encourage and protect the community's commercial and recreational
fishing and other water -based resources and production activities.
Commercial and recreational fishing resources and production activities, including I
nursery and habitat areas and trawling activities in estuarine waters, are recognized as
important contributors to the local economy. Most of the estuarine waters in Manteo
are important spawning and nursery areas. These waters are important for the
propagation of fish and shellfish which contribute to both recreational and commercial
fishing in the area. Fish and shellfish have been steadily declining in local waters in I
recent years.
a. Work with adjoining jurisdictions, as well as State and Federal officials, to protect the
rights of local commercial and recreational fisherman to enjoy continued access to the
Atlantic via Oregon Inlet.
b. Continue to allow the use of fishing nets in the estuarine waters.
C. Seek aid from Federal and State fishing and water quality experts in identifying
measures that will help the region to prevent the spread of Pfiesteria into local waters.
d. Other policies, strategies and implementation programs designed to protect and enhance
commercial and recreational fishing activities in local waters shall be supported by the
Town. I
e. Acknowledge the regulation of _ development in coastal wetlands and wetlands as
administered by CAMA and the US Army Corps of Engineers, respectively.
Policy Statements VII-16
1.

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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
1
;
f. Establish minimum protective buffers along waterways to help protect water quality and
fisheries.
g. Educate the public about the value and sign ficance of natural resources, particularly in
areas of environmental concern.
'
B2. Residential, commercial and industrial land developmentP impacts on
resources
'
The area defined as the planning jurisdiction is still growing. It shall continue to be the
policy of the Town to direct future growth by enforcing the regulations set forth in the
respective Zoning ordinances and the 2000 Land Use Plan. f
a. Require all new development and/or redevelopment to be consistent with existing policies
on Resource Protection, Resource Production and Management and Economic and
Community Development.
b. Allow development to take place when and where adequate servkes,.includ ng water,
sewage disposal, road access is available to support that development.
C. Develop regulations for the location and use of communications towers to ensure such
facilities do not negatively impact the built and/or natural environment.
d. Discourage uses in Shallowbag Bay and Dough's COeek 'which adversely impact fish
nursery areas.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
C. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Manteo is largely developed, with a few vacant lots and underdeveloped parcels
scattered through the town. As the Town has developed, land uses evolved as market -
driven needs arose. The resulting mix contributes to Manteo's small town character.
Retail, residential, and commercial use blend compatibly along the waterfront and in
the Downtown Area. The major entrance corridors have witnessed commercial sprawl
in recent years as national retail chains have been attracted to the area in the hopes of
capturing a portion of the tourist spending in Manteo. The Town of Manteo strongly
supports the ongoing implementation of responsible economic and community
development projects throughout the area. The Town's Zoning Ordinance establishes
the types of development that is encouraged and permitted within Manteo. The
ordinance institutes.a two-tier permitting process (i.e., zoning and conditional use
permits) aimed at evaluating each development based on a set of established findings.
Specific design guidelines and zoning restrictions have been adopted to mitigate the
various impacts which result when differing uses abut along these corridors.
Annexation
Given Manteo's scarcity of developable property and its available infrastructure and
public service capacity, the pressure to annex adjacent property will increase,
especially once the new Midway to Gateway bridge and Highway 64 extension
projects are completed. Since 1978, annexation in the Town has been solely voluntary,
with qualified County landowners petitioning for the annexation of their property into
Manteo. Thus, recent annexation has resulted in a parcel -by -parcel growth of the
Town's jurisdictional boundary that fails to reflect any formal long term land use
planning by the Town. In the coming decade, the Town would like to take a more
proactive approach toward annexation. Clear policy direction within the Land Use
Plan Update will enable Town officials to pursue annexation in a more thoughtful
manner. Included in this thoughtful approach will be the consideration of various
strategy alternatives towards the issue, including the .discussion of implementing
involuntary annexation and. exploring the potential for obtaining extraterritorial
jurisdiction over County land within one mile of the Town boundary.

' 2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
' Analysis of the costs and benefits involved with the various annexation alternatives to
both the Town and to the residents and landowners being annexed requires careful
consideration. A thorough annexation study was completed for the Town in 1992, and
at that time several of the more proactive annexation strategies were deemed too
expensive. The Town may wish to revisit this study and reevaluate the alternatives
' given the changes in the marketplace driven by the regional economy and planned
transportation improvements.
C1. General community attitudes and goals for growth and development and
' annexation:
Each of the policies listed in subsection "Cl" below are linked to the fifth major goals
category, entitled "Land Use" (more specifically, to its subcategories entitled, "Land
Development" and "Preservation" and to their main objectives). See Chapter H "Goals
' and Objectives," pages II-7 and II-8.
Policies:
' a. Continue land use planning and directing growth in the Town by updating and
enforcing the relevant ordinances (zoning, subdivision, etc.).
b. Guide new development so as not to encroach or destroy Areas of Environmental
Concern (AFC's) and other special and sensitive areas, as reflected in policies for
Resource Protection and Resource Production and Management.
C. Direct new development only when and where adequate public facilities and services
(including water and sewer lines) are accessible.
d. Initiate an inter -jurisdictional entrance corridor planning study to protect and improve
the major entrance corridors into the Town, recognizing that the visual quality and
function of these entrances transcend jurisdictional boundaries.
e. Encourage future annexation as a legitimate means of protecting and enhancing
Manteo's gateways and entrance corridors, its residential quality and its overall
economic vitality.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
f. Pursue extra -territorial jurisdiction over adjacent areas.
g. Recognize the integrity and special features of potential annexation areas.
h. Meet the Town's existing service needs before annexing new areas.
i. Provide the same level of service to annexed areas without diminishing the quality of
t' service to existing residents and landowners.
j. Charge undeveloped areas and areas seeking voluntary annexation the initial cost of
installation.
k. List criteria for annexation and adhere to annexation policies and resolutions.
1. Develop a comprehensive land use strategy for annexation.
M. Develop and periodically update a comprehensive water and sewer service feasibility
study and extension plan which would serve to direct future service expansion and
current maintenance of community water and sewer facilities.
C2. Types and Locations of Industries Desired
Manteo's economy relies heavily on two major employment sectors: institutional
(government) and tourism. Institutional employers provide year round jobs while
many of the tourist -related commercial employers scale down their operations during
the off-season. Manteo has no corporate or industrial parks, nor any intensive
industrial uses within its corporate boundary. As a result, the local economy has a real
void in the economic development sector. As reflected in the Citizens' Survey, the
residents of Manteo would like to explore ways that it can diversify the local economy
in order to provide more job opportunities and create new tax revenue, while
continuing to expand upon the existing economic base through annexation, infill
development and redevelopment.
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' 2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
Each of the policies listed below are linked to the first major goals category, entitled
"Community Development" (more specifically, to its subcategory entitled, "Economic
Development" and to its seven main objectives). See Chapter II "Goals and
Objectives," pages H-3 and H-4.
a. Work with existing businesses and property owners to ensure the continued viability of
the region's commercial shopping areas.
'
b. Support the expansion o the existing retail industry in the hopes o creating a climate o
Pp xp f % riJ oP f % f
diversity in product types and competitive pricing.
C. Locate new job -generating facilities on land having stable, well -drained soils adequately
protected from flooding and easily accessible to public utilities and transportation routes.
d. Encourage new light industrial development, with an emphasis on long-term planning
opportunities for "clean" light industrial facilities and corporate headquarters.
e. Identify areas suitable for redevelopment, particularly along the Town's major entrance
corridors and waterfront, and target specific strategies on a site -by -site basis to
'
encourage such redevelopment.
f. The Town should continue to work closely with the local Chamber of Commerce and the
'
North Carolina Department of Commerce in promoting the area as a desirable location .
for prospective clean industries that will represent a good "fit" for the community.
g. Continue to support and provide public information pertaining to groups such as the
'
NRCOG, the Regional Development Institute, and the Small Business Institute at East
Carolina University, which provide assistance to economic development projects.
C3. General community commitment to provision of supporting services to
'
economic development:
The Town is committed to providing appropriate levels of public services, facilities and
infrastructure in support of economic and industrial development where economically
feasible, environmentally sound and otherwise, in the best public interest. The
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2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo
following policies identify specific areas where the Town can display its commitment.
Each of the policies listed below are linked to the first major goals category, entitled
"Community Development" (more specifically, to its subcategory entitled, "Economic
Development" and to its seven main objectives). See Chapter II "Goals and
Objectives," pages II-3 and II-4.
a. Cooperate with Dare County, State and Federal agencies to . pursue economic
opportunities forManteo, especially in marketing the Town as a destination for travelers
and new businesses.
b. Provide the necessary sewer and water service extensions required to adequately support
future development.
C. Provide Town water and sewer service to the new Route 641345 intersection in order to
properly support planned development in this area.
C4. Urban Growth Patterns Desired
The Town of Manteo is the single, most significant "urban" area in Dare County.
However, as far as new development is concerned, Manteo has limited land available
for residential, commercial, industrial or institutional development. The Town's
preferred growth pattern is to concentrate future commercial growth in suitable areas
in the hopes of avoiding sprawl along major corridors, while encouraging infill
residential and cluster development in order to maximize the remaining small lots. If
the opportunity presents itself to accommodate an appropriate job -creating end -user
via annexation, the Town should be prepared to provide the necessary service
extensions to make the development a reality.
Each of the policies listed below are linked to the first major goals category, entitled
"Community Development" (more specifically, to its subcategory entitled, "Urban
Design" and to its four main objectives). See Chapter II "Goals and Objectives," page
II-3.
a. Encourage growth to occurand expand in geographical areas in and around the Town as
portrayed in the Zoning Ordinance and on the Zoning Map.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
b. Examine growth patterns and review the Land Classification Map and Zoning
Ordinance when deemed necessary and appropriate based on development pressures.
C. Identify and promote new land development opportunities which are compatible with
and sensitive to the preservation of stable and desirable neighborhoods, as well as to the
Land Use Classification Map.
d. Identify, target and implement procedures which will result in the conservation of
environmentally sensitive land areas during new development and redevelopment
activities.
e. Take an active leadership role in the Roanoke Island Corridor Commission.
C5. Type, Densities, and Location of Future Residential Development.
Manteo's established residential neighborhoods are stable with few changes expected.
Since the last Land Use Plan was adopted, the Town has annexed or approved several
new subdivisions, including the expansion of a sizable mixed -use plan development
(Pirate's Cove). These developments have contributed to a net increase in the Town's
housing stock during this most recent planning period.
Each of the policies listed below are linked to the fourth major goals category, entitled
"Housing" and to its six main objectives. See Chapter II "Goals and Objectives," page
II-6.
a. Examine land use constraints and their potential impacts when considering land use
changes.
b. Make use of Planned Unit Developments (PUD's) to promote and ensure a wide range
of housing opportunities.
C. Continue to support market -driven trends in infill development, redevelopment and
adaptive reuse.
Policy Statements VII 23

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
d. Encourage the development of cluster subdivisions to minimize the parcel -by -parcel
development of road frontage along the Town's entrance corridors and to preserve open
space.
e. Investigate the possible incentives available to developers for providing housing in this
low -moderate price range. ,
f. Actively promote development in the retirement/assisted living care facility of the
housing market.,
C6. Redevelopment of Developed Areas Including Relocation of Structures Due to
Erosion.
Housing in the Town is largely well -maintained and in good condition. There are few,
if any, substantial concentrations of home decay due to erosion. However, the Town
should continue to monitor housing maintenance to support the proper maintenance ,
of the Town infrastructure in order to protect older neighborhoods from becoming
"threatened." Threatened neighborhoods are defined' as those whose stability is ,
undermined by substandard, deteriorated or dilapidated housing conditions or
supporting infrastructure. These conditions threaten the health, safety and welfare of ,
community residents. Special care must be taken to identify opportunities in these
areas for improved maintenance of both infrastructure and private property, enhanced
code enforcement and, where appropriate, redevelopment. ,
Each of the policies listed below are linked to the fifth major goals category, entitled
"Land Use" (more specifically, to its subcategory entitled, "Redevelopment" and to its
four main objectives). See Chapter II "Goals and Objectives," page II-8. '
a. Undertake a study to identify specific neighborhoods in the Town of Manteo in need of
rehabilitation.
b. Fund rehabilitation efforts through a Community Development Block Grant. Apply for
CDBG funds annually in order to address areas of concentrated, substandard housing.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo
b. Examine growth patterns and review the Land Classification Map and Zoning
Ordinance when deemed necessary and appropriate based on development pressures.
C. Identify and promote new land development opportunities which are compatible with
and sensitive to the preservation of stable and desirable neighborhoods, as well as to the
Land Use Classification Map.
d. Identify, target and implement procedures which will result in the conservation of
environmentally sensitive land areas during new development and redevelopment
activities.
e. Take an active leadership role in the Roanoke Island Corridor Commission.
C5. Type, Densities, and Location of Future Residential Development.
Manteo's established residential neighborhoods are stable with few changes expected.
Since the last Land Use Plan was adopted, the Town has annexed or approved several
new subdivisions, including the expansion of a sizable mixed -use plan development
(Pirate's Cove). These developments have contributed to a net increase in the Town's
housing stock during this most recent planning period.
Each of the policies listed below are linked to the fourth major goals category, entitled
"Housing" and to its six main objectives. See Chapter II "Goals and Objectives," page
II-6.
a. Examine land use constraints and their potential impacts when considering land use
changes.
b. Make use of Planned Unit Developments (PUD's) to promote and ensure a wide range
of housing opportunities.
C. Continue to support market -driven trends in infill development, redevelopment and
adaptive reuse.
Policy Statements
VII 23

2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo I
d. Encourage the development of cluster subdivisions to minimize the parcel -by -parcel
development of road frontage along the Town's entrance corridors and to preserve open
space.
e. Investigate the possible incentives available to developers for providing housing in this
low -moderate price range.
f. Actively promote development in the retirement/assisted living care facility of the
housing market. .
C6. Redevelopment of Developed Areas Including Relocation of Structures Due to
Erosion.
Housing in the Town is largely well -maintained and in good condition. There are few,
if any, substantial concentrations of home decay due to erosion. However, the Town
should continue to monitor housing maintenance to support the proper maintenance
of the Town infrastructure in order to protect older neighborhoods from becoming
"threatened." Threatened neighborhoods are defined as those whose stability is
undermined by substandard, deteriorated or dilapidated housing conditions or
supporting infrastructure. These conditions threaten the health, safety and welfare of
community residents. Special care must be taken to identify opportunities in these
areas for improved maintenance of both infrastructure and private property, enhanced
code enforcement and, where appropriate, redevelopment.
Each of the policies listed below are linked to the fifth major goals category, entitled
"Land Use" (more specifically, to its subcategory entitled, "Redevelopment" and to its
four main objectives). See Chapter Il "Goals and Objectives," page II-8.
a. Undertake a study to identify specific neighborhoods in the Town of Manteo in need of
rehabilitation.
b. Fund rehabilitation efforts through a Community Development Block Grant. Apply for
CDBG funds annually in order to address areas of concentrated, substandard housing.
Policy Statements VII 24

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
C. Continue to support applications for needed federal or State financial assistance to fund
rehabilitation efforts.
d. Redesign and replace old water and sewer utility lines as funds permit.
e. Apply to the Division of Coastal Management to obtain the necessary CAMA funding
to develop a formal redevelopment and reuse plan for the lighthouse.
f. Continue to support the development of affordable housing in the Manteo area.
g. Continue to encourage a variety of choice in existing neighborhoods through a balance of
preservation, rehabilitation and new development.
C7. Commitment to State and Federal Programs Including Erosion Control, Public
Access, Highway Improvements, Port Facilities, Dredging and Military
Facilities.
State and federal programs play an important part in the development of all North
Carolina localities. The Town is generally receptive to these programs and will
continue to support them. Manteo currently has an active street improvement
program underway. The Town is committed to improving safety and to
accommodating the needs of pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as motorists.
Each of the policies listed below are linked to the third.major_goals category, entitled
"Transportation" and to its eight main objectives. See Chapter II "Goals and
Objectives," pages II-5 and 11-6.
a. Upgrade the quality of the existing street system with improved circulation and
signalization, and carry -out year-to-year sidewalk improvements as needed.
b. 'Explore traffic calming methods in order to respond to pedestrian needs with regard to
road safety and speeding.
C. Encourage new developments to include the necessary safety and circulation
improvements.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
d.
Establish properly planned access points from existing streets and highways to
�' 8
undeveloped and redeveloped properties, and limit the number of these points along
major corridors.
e.
The Town should continue to support and work with the Roanoke Island Corridor
'
Commission to regulate signage, curb cuts, buffers and landscaping along Route
641264.
f.
Support the construction of the new Route 64 roadway expansion, including the
construction of the "Midway to Gateway" bridge and the new Route 641345 intersection
alignment.
g.
Support the Destination Roanoke Island program of promotion and advertisement in
identifying Manteo as a destination to capture a portion of the Outer Banks pass-thru
traffic.
,
h.
Work with NCDOT to locate a Visitor Center/Rest Facility near the new Route 641345
,
intersection in order to aid in the marketing and promotional effort to capture pass-thru
traffic on the improved Route 64.
i.
Use existing opportunities such as improved circulation and intra-town diversion from
Highway 64 to alleviate traffic congestion until the new bridge and roadway
,
improvements are completed.
j.
Encourage the development of public parking facilities in suitable locations in the
Downtown Area.
k
Study solutions for relieving traffic congestion in and around Manteo.
1.
Support the ongoing regional effort to provide ferry service between the various
developed islands along the Outer Banks.
'
M.
Support Dare County in its effort to expand the Dare County Regional Airport
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
n. Encourage the linkage o various modes o transportation in and around the Town,
$. % f f P
including automobile, boat, bus, plane, ferry, bicycle and pedestrian traffic.
o. Work with NCDOT and other adjacent localities to establish regional transportation
nodes or centers where these various modes of transportation can be accessed and easy
transfer between modes is available.
C8. Channel Maintenance and Beach Nourishment Projects Including Financial
' Aide, Providing Spoil Areas or Providing Easements.
Proper maintenance of channels, including periodic dredging, is very important in the
planning district primarily because of the economic impact of commercial fisheries and
tourist boat traffic. If silt or other deposits fill in the channels, this could impede
-efficient mobility and docking of commercial and recreational vessels. With adequate
channel marking, maintenance and dredging, the community can make better
utilization of its waterways for water transportation purposes and provide more access
opportunities to the waterfront.
Each of the policies listed below are linked to the second major goals category, entitled
"Environment and Natural Resources" and to its six main objectives. See Chapter H
"Goals and Objectives," pages II-4 and II-5.
a. Identify coastal areas within Shallowbag Bay in need of maintenance, dredging and/or
channel marking improvements.
b. Implement these needed waterway transportation improvement projects as funds allow.
C9. Energy Facilities Siting
In some coastal counties, the siting or location of energy facilities relates to either peat
' mining, phosphate mining or off -shore oil exploration. At this time, the Town takes no
official position on the siting or location of off -shore energy facilities. As for the
location or siting of energy facilities within Manteo, the Town will consider such
' requests on a case -by -case basis.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
The policy listed below is linked to the second major goals category, entitled ,
"Environment and Natural Resources" and to its seven main objectives. See Chapter II
"Goals and Objectives," pages II-4 and H-5.
a. In the event that a request is made to locate an energy facility within the Town
boundary, the Town should carefully review each project and require strict adherence to '
any applicable Federal, State and local environmental regulations.
C10. Tourism
Tourism in Manteo is likely to continue to have a significant impact upon the local ,
economy. Although most of the local tourist economy revolves around capturing retail
and lodging spending from tourists visiting adjacent attractions, such as Festival Park, ,
Roanoke Island and the Outer Banks, the Town's waterfront area has the potential to
expand its presence as a major tourist attraction in its own right. Manteo should make
a serious commitment to take full advantage of the opportunities available in the
regional tourist market.
Each of the policies listed below are linked to the first major goals category, entitled
"Community Development" (more specifically, to its subcategory entitled, "Economic '
Development" and to its seven main objectives). See Chapter II "Goals and
Objectives," pages 1I-3 and II-4.
a. Continue to study and pursue programs aimed to promote and enhance levels of tourism
and related development opportunities in the community. The area should focus on ,
finding and maximizing appropriate market niche opportunities in economic
development and tourism, including attracting additional transient boat traffic and eco-
tourists to the Town waterfront.
b. Support and promote the waterfront areas as potential locations for seasonal/annual '
festivals, markets and recreational activities.
C. Recognize eco-tourism (activities related to personal interaction with the environment
and ecosystems-ie. canoeing, kayaking, hiking tours, etc.) within the Public Trust
Waters as a "clean" and lucrative means of attracting visitors to Manteo.
Policy Statements VII-28
l

2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo
d. Support efforts to link together new eco-tourism activities to other local attractions,
including the Lost Colony and other natural, historic and cultural activities.
e. Support efforts to develop an annual calendar of special events to be held throughout the
community. Publicize monthly listing of events in appropriate local, regional and
national publications.
f. Explore alternatives for attracting additional tourists during the off-seasons (from
November to early December and January to March), including the expansion of
specialty shopping opportunities (perhaps competing for more holiday spending) and
other indoor activities (ie. craft fairs, Christmas fairs, historical or heritage tours, etc.).
g. Explore the feasibilityof developing a satellite or "sister" project to the Maritime History
Museum in Manteo.
h. Continue to support the activities of local and regional public interest groups responsible
for promoting tourism in the community such as the Manteo Merchants' Association.
i. Solicit all available sources of State and federal funds to assist in the promotion of
tourism.
C11. Coastal and Estuarine Water Access
Public waters are a major natural resource for recreational activities. Throughout the
planning area, there is a real need for improved and additional public access to
waterfront areas. Improved access opportunities could greatly aid the Town in its
effort to attract more non -vehicular tourist trips to Manteo.
Each of the policies listed below are linked to the second major goals category, entitled
"Environment and Natural Resources" and to its six main objectives. See Chapter Il
"Goals and Objectives," pages H-4 and II-5.
Policy Statements VII 29

2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo I
a. Undertake efforts with the State Division of Coastal Management and Office of Water
Resources to obtain public trust water access assistance in funding the planning, land
acquisition and site development of these improvements.
b. The community shall continue to provide for the diverse recreational needs of the
permanent and seasonal populations, as well as tourists by supporting the extensive
design and reuse of the waterfront area.
C. Estuarine water access must comply with State standards for access locations. These
access areas should be studied and indicated on maps which could be incorporated into
the Land Use Plan at some time in the future.
d. Work with State, Federal, Dare County and other local officials to ensure that Town
fisherman will enjoy continued access to the Atlantic via Oregon Inlet.
C12. Land use trends and management policies related to future growth:
The overall land use trends forecast for the future include infill urban development
within selected areas of the. Town (so noted on the Land Classification Map), continued
waterfront redevelopment and recreational activities and increasing pressures for
annexation along the Route 64/264 corridor to support new growth and development
in Manteo.
Each of the policies listed below are linked to a specific goals category. Several of the
policies are linked directly to the fifth major goals category, entitled "Land Use" (more
specifically, to its subcategory entitled, "Land Development" and to its eight main
objectives). Others correspond directly to the sixth major goals category, entitled
"Public Services and Infrastructure and to its numerous main objectives. See Chapter
II "Goals and Objectives."
a. Employ the Land Classification Map as a means of selecting and designating appropriate
areas of the community for future commercial, light industrial and other economic
development land uses and to protect AEC's from future development pressures.
Policy Statements
VII-30
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
b. Participate in the extension of infrastructure into the developing areas as necessary and
financially feasible.
C. Specifically, provide Town water and sewer service to the new Route 641345 intersection
in order to properly support planned development in this area.
d. Continue to provide for the orderly growth and economic viability of land development
in the planning area by supporting and updating existing land use guidelines which
ensure the public's health, safety and general welfare.
e. Revise and strengthen the existing Town Subdivision Ordinance provisions in order to
establish new standards requiring new subdivisions to incorporate modern street, utility
and storm drainage designs and construction techniques, as well as site improvements.
f. Introduce zoning ordinance revisions that serve to restrict the placement and -use of
communications towers including cellular phone relay stations to those areas specifically
targeted for such uses on the Land Classification Map.
g. Pursue State and Federal assistance and other methods of funding to be utilized for
revitalization and other improvements as deemed appropriate.
h. Coordinate with NCDOT to ensure that roads and streets in the community are
adequately maintained and upgraded in a fashion consistent with the existing zoning
ordinances of the Town and the 2000 Land Use Plan's land use objectives.
Policy Statements VII-31

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
D. STORM HAZARD MITIGATION, POST -DISASTER RECOVERY AND
EVACUATION PLANS
Storm hazard mitigation policies for Manteo are a mandatory requirement of the
Coastal Area Management Act and are included in the 2000 Land Use Plan. As related
to contemporary land use issues in the planning area, CAMA's primary aim in
establishing these policies is to ensure that the community government fully
recognizes the need to promulgate reasonable guidelines for land development so that
the risk of damage to property and the threat of harm to human life from coastal
storms is kept to a minimum.
The purpose of this section of policies is to address issues and concerns relating to the
potentially damaging effects of hurricanes or major coastal storms. Hurricanes or
tropical storms pose a potential threat to the health and safety of the Town's citizens.
Past storms have caused water damage to structures, vehicles and landscaping and
deposited sediments in certain areas. Damage from high winds have disturbed trees,
power lines and roofs in recent history. These elements could obviously affect both
property and infrastructure and should be considered in the Land Use Plan.
Each of the policy categories and statements below are linked to a specific goals
category, ranging from "Land Use," (more specifically, to its subcategory entitled,
"Preservation" and to its seven main objectives) to "Public Services and
Infrastructure." See Chapter II "Goals and Objectives," for specific goals and
objectives.-
D1. Effects of a Coastal Storm
High Winds
High winds are major determinants of a hurricane. By definition a hurricane is a
tropical disturbance with sustained winds of at least 73 miles per hour. Extreme
hurricanes can have winds up to 165 miles per hour, with gusts of up to 200 miles per
hour. These winds circulate around the eye, or center, of the storm, generally over
open water.
Policy Statements - VII-32

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
As the hurricane moves inland, although the friction or impact of the winds striking
land causes dissipation of the full force, it still a retains a tremendous amount of
energy. This intensified wind energy can damage buildings, mobile homes, trees,
power lines, and crops. Tornadoes are often spawned by the internal forces found
within a hurricane. In such drastic conditions, wind speed is likely to be consistent
over the entire Town. Most structures are at least partially screened, although falling
trees and power lines could be a problem in a large storm..
Flooding
The excessive amounts of rainfall and the storm surge which often accompany
hurricanes can cause massive coastal and river line flooding which could result in
excessive property damage and deaths by drowning. More deaths are caused by
drowning thanby any other cause in hurricanes. Flooding is particularly a problem in
oceanfront coastal areas because of the storm surge in low-lying areas.
Manteo, although relatively inland, under intense conditions could be affected by a
storm surge (i.e., wind driven water with high waves moving to vulnerable shoreline
areas). Most of Manteo is classified by the Federal Flood Insurance Administration
(FFIA) as an "A" zone and is subject to flooding by the "100 year" storm event. In
1 terms of the "magnitude of the risk," most of the Town's residents and businesses are
subject to flooding. Due to the nature and magnitude of the potential flooding, Manteo
should be treated as one unit for the purpose of storm mitigation. Considering this,
there is no need for the Town to discourage development in any particular area to
minimize risks.
Wave Action
Damage from wave action is connected very closely to the storm surge. Areas most
likely to be affected are ocean erodible areas and estuarine shoreline areas. There are
no ocean erodible areas in Manteo, but there are extensive estuarine shoreline areas (75
feet inland from the mean high water mark of estuarine waters) in the Town. Wave
action damage would have the most significant impact along these shoreline areas.
Wave action can cause erosion as well as push possible flood waters to areas not
reached by the storm surge itself.
Policy Statements VII 33

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
Erosion
The final major consideration in storm hazard mitigation is severe erosion, caused by
high winds, high water, and heavy wave action. Again, in Manteo, the area most
susceptible to storm -related erosion is the estuarine shoreline AEC along Shallowbag
Bay from Sandy Point south to Ballast Point. This is essentially the same area
potentially affected by the action of damaging waves and described in part C, above.
Shoreline erosion could lead to loss of propertythrough portions of waterfront lots
being washed into the Sound or even actual structural damage to buildings. Erosion
potential is an important factor to consider in developing storm hazard mitigation
policies.
D2. Composite Hazards
Several "Composite Hazards" must be taken into consideration for the entire Town.
As noted in the previous discussion, the entire area would be subject to high winds.
Flooding, on the other hand, would have a more intense effect on those low-lying areas
identified as being located in the 100-year flood plain and other areas under extreme
conditions.
D3. Land Use Inventory
Manteo's location and low elevation subjects the Town to periods of "nuisance
flooding" caused by high tides and northwest winds. In 1985, the Town published a
Flood Insurance Map and Study to address flooding issues.
D4. Policies for Storm Hazard Mitigation
In order to minimize the damage potentially caused by the effects of a hurricane or
other major storm, Manteo, is subject to all plans, policies and procedures related to
storm hazard mitigation discussed below.
Policy Statements VII-34

2000 Land Use Plan Update
High Winds
Town of Manteo
a. Manteo will continue to support and enforce the N.C. State Building Code, particularly
requirements of construction standards to meet wind -resistive factors such as design
wind velocity.
Flo°dine
a. Manteo also supports continued enforcement of the CAMA and 404 Wetlands
development permit processes in areas potentially susceptible to flooding.
Wave Action and Shoreline Erosion
a. Manteo supports the CAMA development permit process for estuarine shoreline areas
and the requisite development standards which encourage both shoreline stabilization
and facilitation of proper drainage.
D5. Policies related to discouraging development in Most Hazardous Areas
In order to discourage develop ment!in the planning jurisdictions's most hazardous
areas, the following policies are set forth:
a. The community will continue to discourage development, especially high density or large
structures, in its most hazardous areas.
b. The community remains supportive of CAMA permitting processes for development
standards for shoreline stabilization and drainage along the community's estuarine
shoreline areas.
C. The community utilizes existing Land Use regulations supportive of and complementary
to State and Federal policies related to Most Hazardous Areas.
d. The community utilizes the existing Land Use Ordinance which requires location of new
development in accordance with the requirements and limitations set forth in local, State
and federal regulations as they apply to natural hazard areas.
Policy Statements
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2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo
D6. Policies related to land acquisition in Most Hazardous areas
The Town does not consider land acquisition an applicable mitigation tool.
D7. Policies related to citizen evacuation
a. The Town shall continue to follow the Dare County Hurricane Evacuation Plan which
outlines extensive procedures for efficient and safe evacuation of residents-
b. The Town supports limited development density in Most Hazardous Areas so as to
decrease the number of people needing to be evacuated.
C. The location and form of new development must fit within the framework of the existing
subdivision and zoning regulations.
D8. Post -Disaster Reconstruction Plan
It is doubtful that any damaged structures would be prohibited from rebuilding. - All
rebuilding would comply with existing codes, and in the event of a non -conforming
use, reconstruction would be governed by the zoning ordinance and building code.
However, in the unlikely event of major damage, the town has established basic
procedures. The over-ridi46bjective of these procedures is to respond immediately
after a storm to restore town services and address any problems arising from the storm
damage. Following a storm, the town will delay issuing building permits for
reconstruction or repair`6f major damage until the team presents its report. Major
repairs are those which cost more than 30% of the value of the structure. ^The Recovery
Team may recommend special building provisions for structures with extensive
damage.
The following is a list of policies that would be employed following a hazardous storm:
a. Deploy the Town Recovery Team as follows: Town Manager, Leader; Designated town
commissioner and planning board member; town building inspector; town utilities
director; superintendent; chief of police; and town clerk
b. Charge the team with explicit instructions for recovery.
VII 36 I
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
1
c Begin damage assessment and emergency repairs of public utilities as soon as possible.
d. Begin the demolition or stabilization of damaged structures that pose a threat to public
safety as soon as possible.
re.
Delay reconstruction of those structures not posing a public safety hazard until the
recovery team has made its appraisal.
Be 'n issuing building permits to those structures requiring work prior to rehabilitation.
fBegin
g. Begin issuing general building permits.
h. Enact the Recovery Plan to assess damages and report to town board.
i. Begin issuing building permits in priority order.
j. Restore services as quickly as possible.
k Supervise cleanup.
1. Recommend emergency measures or redevelopment standards to board.
M. Evaluate Town's response and recommend needed changes in the "Procedures."
'
n. Cooperate with state, federal and local officials, as well as private entities involved in
damage assessment and cleanup.
o. Perform otherfunctions as deemed necessary the Town board.
� � riJ �J
D9. Long Term Recovery/Restoration
The Disaster Recovery Team will be responsible for overseeing the orderly
implementation of the reconstruction process after a major storm or hurricane in
accordance with the Town's policies. .
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2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo
Damage Assessment
Damage assessments will be necessary to determine as quickly as possible a realistic
estimate of the amount of damage caused by a hurricane or major storm. Information
such as the number of structures damaged, the magnitude of damage, and the
estimated total dollar loss will need to be developed.
As stated previously, Manteo already has a detailed "Damage Assessment Plan"
which was prepared in accordance with guidelines provided by the N.C. Division of
Emergency Management. In the Plan, certain personnel are assigned to the Damage
Assessment Sections (DAS), broken down further into two Damage Assessment Teams
(one for private property and one for public property). The damage assessment
activities are to be coordinated by the Dare County Damage Assessment Officer.
Reconstruction Development Standards
Generally, reconstruction shall be held at least to the same standards as before the
storm.. However, developed structures which were destroyed and which did not
conform to the Town's storm hazard mitigation policies, (i.e., with basic measures to
reduce damage by high winds, flooding, wave action or erosion), must be redeveloped
according to those policies. Non -conforming uses in areas subject to the Zoning
Ordinance will comply with provisions of the Ordinance. In the event the loss of
property containing shoreline structures is substantial enough to prohibit the reissuing
of a building permit, the Town will support the relocation of construction, or no
reconstruction at all. To the extent feasible, when relocation is required, such
relocation will be placed in less hazardous areas.
Building permits to restore destroyed or damaged structures, which were built in
conformance with the State Building Code and Town storm hazard mitigation policies
(including the Zoning Ordinance, where applicable), shall be issued automatically. All
structures suffering major damage will be repaired according to the State Building
Code. All structures suffering minor damage, regardless of location, willbe allowed to
be rebuilt to the original condition prior to the storm.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
Development Moratoria
Residents shall be allowed to proceed with redevelopment and reconstruction as soon
as practical and in accordance with the various levels of State and federal disaster relief
provided to them. Damage to the properties in some areas of Manteo indicate that
they have a higher susceptibility to storm damage than others. If the Town determines
that some areas are more vulnerable to storm damage than others, then a development
moratorium prohibiting all redevelopment for a specified period of time may be put in
place. This will allow time to access previous damage mitigation.policies for the
effectiveness and possible modification.
tRepair/Reconstruction Schedule
The following schedule of activities and time frame are proposed with the realistic idea
that many factors of a hurricane may render the schedule infeasible.
Activfty Time Frame
fComplete and report damage 2 weeks after storm assessments.
Begin repairs to critical utilities As soon as possible after storm
and facilities.
Permitting or reconstruction Two weeks after damage
activities for all damaged assessments are complete
structures
("minor" to pre -storm original status, "major" to State building code and hazard mitigation
standards.
Repair and Replacement of Public Utilities
If water lines or any components of the water system are damaged and it is determined
that the facilities can be relocated to a less hazardous location, then they will be
relocated during reconstruction. Damage to other utilities, such as electric lines or
telephone lines, will be the responsibility of the appropriate private utility company.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo
D10. Hurricane Evacuation Plan
Manteo is governed by the Dare County Evacuation Plan and is committed to working
closely with the County to provide for evacuation and shelter of residents and visitors.
1311. Re -Entry
Factors regarding reentry are also included in the Hurricane Evacuation Plan. The
County Plan will recommend the appropriate time for reentry to Manteo in case of
major damage. The Town's police department is charged with traffic control during
evacuation. Because of the possibility of fallen power lines or telephone lines, reentry
will be closely coordinated with the appropriate private utility companies. The
Manteo Plan has been reviewed by the North Carolina Division of Emergency
management and meets the agency's approval.
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IM
2000 Land Use Plan Update
E. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Town of Manteo
Public participation has provided the cornerstone for the 2000 Land Use Plan Update.
The Planning Board believes that the greatest value of citizen participation in the
planning process is that it allows each member of the community the opportunity to
influence governmental decision -making. In order for the 2000 Land Use Plan Update
to be an effective policy document, it must accurately represent the ideas, attitudes,
and concerns of the residents.
In this regard, an intelligent and comprehensive land use plan cannot be structured
without the direction of the locality's vision for its future. The Manteo Planning Board
recognizes that this vision must come from the residents of Manteo. To achieve this
end, at the outset of the planning process, the Planning Board agreed to a general
public participation strategy designed to help the community achieve this essential
representation of its citizens. The specific elements of this strategy are outlined in the
Public Participation Plan, included in Chapter IX of this Plan.
E1. Ongoing public participation in the community's governmental planning
activities and land use review process:
The community is committed to ensuring that all citizens have the opportunity to
continue to participate in the planning process subsequent to the adoption of the 2000
Land Use Plan. To this end, the following policies and strategies will be carried out by
the community:
a. Official notification of all community Planning Board hearings involving land use issues
will be placed in the local media.
b. The Manteo Town Staff will provide the local media with public interest information to
assist and ensure the preparation of accurate and timely articles concerning land use,
economic development and community -related issues.
C. The community will establish appropriate study committees, on a case -by -case basis, to
further investigate evolving land use issues as well as other policy directives as outlined
in the 2000 Land Use Plan.
1
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
F. INAPPLICABLE CAMA POLICY CATEGORIES
Several policy categories included in the CAMA guidelines for developing land use
plans are .not directly applicable to Manteo. These policy categories are outlined
below:
Fl. Industrial Impact on Fragile Areas
No industrial uses currently.exist in the Town, so there are no concerns regarding the
safety of environmentally fragile areas at this time. Manteo should prohibit any new
non -fishing related industrial uses from locating near fragile environmental areas.
F2. Development of Sound and Estuarine System Islands
No such -island has been identified in the Town.
F3. Encourage sensitive resource management policies and implementation
techniques for productive agricultural lands in the planning area.
No productive agricultural lands are identified within the Plan, therefore, no policies
have been established.
F4. Encourage forestry as a valuable natural resource industry and preserve and
protect the community's forest lands.
Commercial forest areas do not exist in Manteo; therefore no policies have been
established.
F3. Mineral production areas.
There are no existing or potential mineral production areas within the Town; therefore,
no policy is needed.
F6. Off -road vehicles
The use of off -road vehicles and their impact on the environment is normally
applicable to beach locations and is not an issue in the planning jurisdiction.
F7. Peat and Phosphate Mining
There are no known peat or phosphate mining sites inside the planning jurisdiction;
therefore, no policy is needed.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
As was first introduced in Chapter II: Goals and Objectives, the Land Use Plan is
fundamentally tied to its precedent goals, objectives and planning policies. However,
the true measure of success of a land use plan is best reflected in the ability of a locality
to implement the policies outlined in the plan in order to make the community
"vision" a reality. The real challenge for Manteo lies in confronting budgetary,
staffing, political and time constraints with regard to implementing the established
planning policies. Many communities find that when the "rubber meets the road," the
loftiest planning goals, policies and objectives are often left on the shelf. The 2000
Land Use Plan attempts to overcome this common problem by avoiding "pie -in -the -
sky" goals and objectives and by establishing a logical step-by-step progression in
which "goals begat objectives which begat policies which begat actions." In
developing the Land Use Plan, the Consultant, the Town Staff and the joint Planning
Board took great care to ensure that the planning process proceeded along this rational
line and that all adopted future land use recommendations were founded' on a firm
social, economic, moral and legal underpinning. Following this strategy, each of the
policies listed in the implementation section below are linked to the seventh and final
major goals category, entitled "Implementation," and more specifically, to its eight
major objectives found in Chapter II "Goals and Objectives," pages II-11 and II-12.
The adoption of the Land Use Plan serves as only one element of a continuous growth
management process for the Town of Manteo. In pursuit of a "growth by design"
policy, land use implementation responsibilities must be intelligently shouldered by
both the public and private sectors alike. This process must be carefully orchestrated
over an extended timeframe inasmuch as development occurs incrementally. The
Land Use Plan serves as the urban design framework upon which relevant future land
use decisions are based. It provides a vision for the future development of the Town.
Its implementation must be directed by growth management tools --zoning and
subdivision ordinances, design guidelines, etc. —which are fully integrated into this
vision. The concept of linkage between the Plan and those tools has been a dominant
theme in this Plan.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
In many cases, the recommended planning policies listed in the sections above are ,
action specific and therefore, require no additional planning action to guide future
implementation. However, several policies imply an additional recommended action
that is not specifically spelled out above.. In order to address these policy issues, the '
following section provides specific implementation measures recommended to set the
adopted policy into action.
GENERAL IMPLEMENTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
• Develop an Urban Design Manual to define the appropriate form, scale, density and
'
location of future development so that the Town may properly regulate new growth
and development in such a way that the "vision" for Manteo may be achieved.
'
• Place areas designated by the Land Use Classification Map for Conservation in the
Resource Zone.
• Enforce more stringent drainage requirements for development proposals
'
• Prepare and periodically update a comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan which
would direct future expansion and current maintenance of community water and
sewer facilities.
• Publicize and enforce marina and dock requirements.
• Assist channel maintenance by applying for necessary permitting and pursuing
financial assistance.
• Require Federal 404 wetlands permits before issuing Town building permits.
,
• Develop and adopt a formal annexation ordinance which spells out strategies for
future voluntary and involuntary annexation.
• Update the Town's 100-year flood plain map (Note: the Town has initiated a formal
request to FEMA to update the flood maps).
• Establish a formal education program that will. increase community understanding
concerning the value and significance of natural resources
ZONING ORDINANCE RECOMMENDATIONS
Manteo's Zoning Ordinance was initially adopted in April 1979, and has been
amended only a few times thereafter. While a revision of the scope of the Zoning
Ordinance is not required in order to implement the provisions of the 2000 Land Use
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1 2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
' Plan, there are numerous changes that are necessary to implement the policy initiatives
set forth in the Plan. This section highlights the specific recommendations which
should be incorporated into the update of the Zoning Ordinance. Following the
adoption of the Plan, the, Town Planning Board and the Town Manager shall establish
detailed priorities and schedules for the preparation and adoption of these
recommendations.
' • Incorporate language to protect environmentally sensitive areas identified in the
Plan (those being susceptible to flooding and other hazards and fires, areas of special
biological and resource significance, areas of special cultural significance and the
' like.
• When a rezoning occurs, the newly adopted zoning classification should be
' appropriate and consistent with the Land Use Plan regarding the allowable uses and
development standards for the area in question.
• Require all applicable development proposals to include a design for drainage
improvements and a map and schematic design of the planned improvements.
• Adopt the new StormwaterManagement Ordinance introduced in the Stormwater
Management Plan and revise the existing Town Zoning Ordinance to incorporate
the stormwater management regulations.
• Incorporate new regulations detailing new Town requirements for the maintenance
of site improvements.
SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Town's Subdivision Ordinance (Article XVI in the Town Zoning Ordinance)
provides the Town with minimal regulatory control over the subdivision of land
within Manteo. Since Manteo is almost entirely built -out and has been so for years, the
Town has been reluctant to expand the regulations governing the subdivision of land.
The few subdivision requests that have been made in recent decades have been
' considered on a case -by -case basis by the Board of Commissioners and the Planning
Board, respectively. In reality, the Town has been approving the subdivision of land in
' Manteo in recent years under the Planned Unit Development regulations as a
conditional use (Article VIII in the Town Zoning Ordinance). As annexation pressures
continue to increase and the Town considers the implementation of involuntary
annexation or ETJ authority, the subdivision of land will become an increasingly
Policy Statements VH-45

2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo
important issue in the community. As such, the Town will want to reconsider the role '
of the Subdivision Ordinance as a growth management and urban design tool. In
order to adequately fill these roles, the following additions should be made to the
existing ordinance in order to ensure the quality of future development: ,
• Establish general criteria for new subdivision review and approval process and fees.
• Incorporate a preapplication conference requirement to allow Town Staff to preview
subdivision requirement and discuss the intended project.
• Establish new requirements for final contents of Subdivision Plat, including the ,
requirement that flood zones be determined and represented on the final plat.
• Establish minimum design standards for streets, blocks, lots and easements. '
• Introduce installation requirements for public improvements to include the
following: '
A). Floodplain Utility Installation
B). Streets, Curb and Gutter ,
C). Sidewalks
D). Water Supply
E). Sanitary Sewers
F). Storm Drainage
G). Required Underground Utilities
H). Landscaping and Tree Cover
I). Monuments
J). Street Lights
IU. Other Miscellaneous Public Improvements
• Introduce the formal bonding requirements associated with the installation of the
required public improvements.
• Incorporate greater detail on design standards for both public and private streets as
well as conditions relating to when other public improvements (such as sidewalks ,
and curb and gutter) would be required.
• Establish formal maintenance agreement procedures. ,
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
' CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Capital Improvements are new or expanded physical facilities for the community that
' are typically large in size, relatively expensive and permanent in nature. Examples
relating to specific Land Use Plan recommendations include: street and sidewalk
' repairs, the relocation or construction of public buildings (such as the development of
the lighthouse) and park improvements. It is hoped that the Board of Commissioners,
when developing the Town's capital improvement program, will review the goals,
objectives and policies of the Land Use Plan and consider recommended projects for
inclusion in the program as the appropriate funds become available. The Land Use
Plan also encourages the Board of Commissioners to include the Town Planning Board
in the process of considering potential projects for the Town's capital improvements
program as a means of continuing the cooperative spirit
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION
The concept of "regionalism" in planning is widely promoted within the Town and its
' surrounding jurisdictions. Regional approaches to schools, libraries, parks and
recreation programs, transportation improvements, storm hazard mitigation,
emergency management and other public services have been successfully orchestrated
and implemented by and between the Town of Manteo and Dare County. Manteo has
also participated in regional study groups and task forces with the neighboring
' counties of Hyde and Tyrrell and the Towns of Kill Devil Hill and Nags Head, among
other localities in the Outer Banks. In the coming years inter jurisdictional cooperation
' will need to focus more intensively on environmental, transportation and growth
management issues. Four specific policy initiatives introduced in the Land Use Plan
will rely heavily upon intergovernmental cooperation between Manteo and
' surrounding jurisdictions:
' The development of a ferry system to carry passengers between the various developed
islands of the Outer Banks region.
' The construction of the new Midway to Gateway Bridge and the regulation of
signage, curb cuts, buffers, landscaping and uses along Route 641264 by the
Roanoke Island Corridor Commission.
Policy Statements
VII-47
11

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
• Protect the rights of local commercial and recreational fishermen to enjoy continued
access to the Atlantic via Oregon Inlet. -
• The promotion and marketing of the community and the region as a destination for '
travelers and new businesses looking to relocate or begin operations.
Throughout the development of this Plan continuous efforts were ma g p de to make
Town policies and regulations consistent with the regulations of nearby planning ,
jurisdictions and the requirements of State and_Federal governing agencies. A number
of State, County and Federal agencies were contacted during the Plan Development
program, including NCDOT, the Coastal Resources Commission, the North Carolina ,
Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources, the North Carolina Office
of State Planning and the N. C. State Data Center. The implementation of this plan will
also consider compatibility and consistency with these governmental bodies. The
Public Participation Appendix provides a detailed account of coordinating activities
with local and State officials in the making of this Land Use Plan Update.
It is hoped that these local, State and Federal regulatory agencies will find the adopted ,
Land Use Plan useful for providing the following information:
1. Consistency and coordination between local land use policies and those of the State of
North Carolina;
2. A guide for public investment, by assisting local and State government to know in
advance the need for parks, schools, highways, etc.; ,
3. A general framework for budgeting and planning for the expansion and construction of
community facilities, including schools, roads and sewers; and
4. A summary of the Town's strategy to effectively "guide"future growth and development '
to areas best suited to service its needs.
1
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2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo
SCHEDULE FOR POLICY IMPLEMENTATION BY MANTEO OFFICIALS
The citizens, community Staff, and appointed and elected officials of Manteo shall be
responsible for outlining a detailed schedule for the implementation of the policies
contained in the 2000 Land Use Plan Update. This scheduling effort shall be completed
within the same timeframe as the adoption of the upcoming fiscal budget. It is
suggested that the Staff and Town officials adopt a phasing strategy when developing
the implementation schedule which will assist them in prioritizing initiatives and focus
on the long-range goals of the community. The recommended phasing for the
implementation strategies outlined above is as follows:
Phase I:. Six months - two years after Plan adoption
The Town should initiate each of the recommended implementation strategies outlined
in the "Zoning Ordinance" and "Subdivision Ordinance" sections above within Phase
I.. Each of the strategies listed in the "General Implementation Recommendations"
section should also be implemented within this time frame, except where specifically
mentioned in either Phase II or Phase III below. The Town should also review and
secure funding from State and Federal sources for these planned programs.
Phase II: Two to five years after Plan adoption
The following implementation strategies should be initiated in Phase II:
• Develop an Urban Design Manual to define the appropriate form, scale, density and
location of future development so that the Town may properly regulate new growth
and development in such a way that the "vision" for Manteo may be achieved.
• Establish a formal education .program that will increase community understanding
concerning the value and significance of natural resources
• Adopt a formal street improvement plan which includes a survey of problem areas, a
rank future projects based on need, and which identifies available funds
• Create a comprehensive strategy for raising the funds necessary to implement
dredging, channel maintenance, etc.
• Develop a detailed plan for procuring CAMA and other State funding, as well as
Federal grants.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo
The Town should continue to review and secure funding from State and Federal
sources for the planned programs allocated for Phase II. The Board of
Commissioners should review and update the Town's Capital Improvement
Program to meet demands for public improvements. Additional projects
recommended in plans undertaken during Phase I should also be initiated during
this phase.
Phase III: Five to ten years after Plan adoption.
Within five years, the Town should begin planning for an update to this 2000 Land
Use Plan. During this planning period, the Town should review the policies and
regulations recommended by the 2000 Plan and evaluate their applicability to the
future development of the "vision" for Manteo. The Town should also continue to
monitor and maintain programs and improvements completed during Phases I and
If. Town officials should also revisit the long range projects planned during Phases I
and H and reevaluate their usefulness in the context of the Land Use Plan Update.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
Chapter VIIL•
LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
In its simplest form, the Land Classification System (LCS) is a map which attempts to
visually portray the community's "vision for the future." The LCS is achieved through
an extensive study process during which the physical, social, economic and
' environmental realities of Manteo. are carefully examined. The Land Classification
Map, which is included in the Appendix, graphically outlines and assigns
recommended land use categories to individual geographical areas throughout the
Town. A narrative summary of the land classification boundaries established for
Manteo has been included in Section "A" of this chapter.
The LCS Map is intended to serve as a set of general guidelines to assist the Joint
' Planning Board in implementing the adopted Land Use Plan's policies and strategies.
In theory, the LCS is one which:
1. Best accommodates the community's land use goals, objectives and policies;
' 2. Is capable of implementation within the context of satisfying both (a) the demands of
the marketplace and (b) the ability of the Town to responsibly supply municipal
' services and infrastructure;
3. Provides positive community benefits with the least negative impact on the existing
physical, social, political and economic environment;
' 4. Satisfies the regulatory requirements of the State's Coastal Area Management Act
(CAMA), and
' 5. Resolves the input of local citizens via the adoption of the LCS Map by the Planning
Commission.
By graphically delineating specific land use classifications, the Joint Planning Board is
able to apply the most appropriate planning policies to specific geographical areas
within the Town. Thus, the map is to be employed by the Joint Planning Board to
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
provide thoughtful guidance to future land use activities and development based on its '
commonly held "vision," as defined by this Land Use Plan. Put simply, it allows
citizens to see where specific policies (local, state and federal) will apply. The North
Carolina CAMA regulations state: '
"The land classification system provides a framework to be used by local governments to '
identify the future use of all lands. The designation of land classes allows the local
government to illustrate their policy statements as to where and to what density they
want growth to occur, and where they want to conserve natural and cultural resources '
by guiding growth. To further clarify its intent, the local government should describe
how land classfcation is linked to policy." (7B.0213)(c).
The LCS is intended to be supported, complemented and implemented by growth
management "tools" which are potentially available to the Town via State enabling '
legislation. These "tools" include zoning, subdivision, environmental controls and
other locally -adopted growth management mechanisms which serve to implement '
local, State and Federal laws. However, in the strict sense of the term, the LCS is not a
regulatory mechanism, nor is it to be construed as a zoning map. The Town Zoning
Map (which is included in the Appendix as well) graphically depicts the boundaries of '
the specific zoning districts established within the Town Zoning Ordinance. These
districts provide for the balanced distribution of uses and development densities '
within the Town. The LCS Map does not attempt to represent the various
development densities or intensities depicted on the Zoning Map or the Existing Land
Use Map, respectively, within its broad land use class categories. It does serve, ,
however, as a direct graphic link between policy and these two maps as well as to
other growth management tools. ,
For the most part, the LCS Map and the Zoning Map complement each other '
adequately. Potential conflicts between the two maps do exist, however, where the
LCS Map classifies specific areas for conservation and the Zoning Map identifies
portions of these same areas within a zoning designation that allows development by ,
right (within the R-5 or B-1 districts in most cases). The Zoning Ordinance and its
accompanying map should be revised to protect these important resource areas from '
the impacts of future development.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
' Under the CAMA enabling statutes, the Land Classification System may include seven
separate land use classes:
' 1. Developed
2: Urban Transition
3. Limited Transition
4. Community
5. Rural
' 6. Rural with Services
7. Conservation
This classification system —commonly referred to as the 7-Tiered Land Classification
' System —provides a clear, uniform process by which the local officials and citizens can
best make decisions concerning future land development and environmental issues.
At the locality's option, the Joint Planning Board may further subdivide these land use
' classes into more specific subclasses (several examples of commonly used
subclassifications that were considered by the Joint Planning Board for implementation
' are included in the Appendix). If this is done, the subclass must closely relate to the
precepts of the original major class.
■ In assessing the optimal organization of the LCS, the Joint Planning Board established
a planning process which focused upon the statutory requirements of the Coastal Area
' Management Act. This Act states that the classification of future land uses should
"give particular attention to how, where and when development of certain types and
' intensity will be encouraged or discouraged." (7B.0213)(e) For example, CAMA
recommends that:
"Local governments may make some distinction between Urban Transition areas, which
are intended to reflect intensely developing areas with the full range of urban services to
be supplied, and Limited Transition areas that are less intensely developed, may have
private services and are frequently located in a rural landscape." (7B.0213)(d)
"Urban land uses and higher intensity uses which presently require the traditional
urban services should be directed to lands classified as Developed. Areas developing or
anticipated to develop at urban densities which will eventually require urban services
should be directed to lands classified as Transition. Low density development in
settlements which will not require sewer services should be directed to areas classified as
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2000 Land Use Plan Update . Town of Manteo
Community. Agriculture, forestry, mineral extraction and other similar low intensity
uses and very low density residential uses should be directed to lands classified Rural. '
Generally, public or private water or sewer systems will not be provided in areas
classified rural as an incentive for intense development." ((7B.0213)(e) ,
Given the fact that Manteo, within the context of its existing geopolitical boundaries, is ,
nearly fully developed and has been so for several years, the Joint Planning Board has
decided to implement only three basic unsubdivided land use classes in its LCS:
Developed, Urban Transition and Conservation. CAMA regulations require that the '
Plan describe the boundaries of each applicable land classification in as much detail as
possible. Therefore, the following section defines each of the three land use categories '
and summarizes the boundaries designated for each within the Town.
Description of the Manteo Land Classification System
1. DEVELOPED ,
A. Purpose '
As defined by CAMA, the purpose of the Developed classification is to provide for
continued intensive development and redevelopment of existing cities, towns and their '
urban environs.
B. Description and Characteristics '
Areas of the Town meeting the intent of the Developed land classification are currently
urban in character where minimal undeveloped land remains and have in place, or are ,
scheduled for the timely provision of, the usual municipal or public services. Land
designated as urban in character includes a mix of land uses such as residential, '
commercial, industrial and other uses at moderate to high densities. Public services
include water, sewer, recreational facilities, streets and roads, police and fire '
protection. In some instances a Developed area may not have all the traditional urban
services in place, but if it otherwise has a "developed" character and is scheduled for
the timely provision of these services, it still meets the intent of the Developed ,
classification.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
' Areas developed for predominantly residential purposes meet the intent of this
classification if they exhibit:
• a density of 3 or more dwellings per acre; or
• a majority of lots of 15,000 square feet or less, which are provided or scheduled to
' be provided with the traditional urban services; or
• permanent population densities which are high and seasonal populations that may
swell significantly.
C. Discussion
The Town, at its option, may subdivide the Developed class into subclasses.. Some
examples of subclassifications that have been incorporated into Land Use Plans in
other coastal areas include: Developed/Multifamily residential, Developed/Single
family residential, Developed/Commercial and Developed/Industrial. This further
refinement of the Developed class could be helpful in future years if the Town annexes
' a substantial amount of land and elects to impose controls over the location of certain
uses which may not be fully compatible with each other. For example, future policies
may stipulate that heavy industry and low -density residential housing should not be
located on adjacent parcels. In such a case, a distinction on the Land Classification
Map between Developed/Industrial and Developed/Single-family residential would
provide the Joint Planning Board with a means of more responsible guidance to the
location of these potentially incompatible land uses. Thus, in future Plans, Town
' officials may wish to consider incorporating these classes into their land classification
system.
' Town should discuss
In separating the Developed class into future subclasses, the o
how, when and where it will provide the services necessary to support the unique
' needs of the urban area. In summary, the Developed class is designed to illustrate
urban intensity development and the public facilities and services necessary to support
' l it. This class should be applied to existing urban areas within Manteo that contain
intense development requiring urban services.
1
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2000 Land Use Plan Update
D. Land Classification Boundaries on the LCS Map
Town of Manteo '
As is represented by the blue areas on the LCS Map (included in the Appendix), the
Developed classification land areas within Manteo incorporate the vast majority of the
Downtown area as well as the Pirates Cove planned unit development. Nearly all of
the land fronting the U.S. 64/264-Virginia Dare Road corridor is depicted on the LCS
Map as Developed land. All of these areas are presently served by Town water and/or
sewer services, and all are within the existing Manteo corporate limits.
2. URBAN TRANSITION
A. Purpose
The purpose of the Urban Transition class is to provide for future intensive urban
development on lands that are suitable for such uses and that will be provided with
the necessary urban services to support intense urban development.
B. Description and Characteristics
Areas meeting the intent of the Urban Transition classification can be categorized as
either: (a) presently being developed for urban purposes or (b) planned for
development within the next five to ten years to accommodate anticipated growth.
These Urban Transition areas are in or will be in an evolving or "transitional" state of
development evolving from lower intensity uses to higher intensity uses. As such,
these areas will eventually require urban services to be supplied by the Town.
Urban Transition areas in Manteo will provide lands for infill urban growth in the
absence of vacant, developable land in the Developed areas. Urban Transition lands
must be able to support urban development by being generally free of physical
limitations and be served, or readily served, by urban services. Urban development
includes mixed land uses such as residential, commercial, office, institutional,
industrial and other uses at or approaching high to moderate densities. Urban services
include public water, sewer, streets and roads, police and fire protection that will be
made available at the time development occurs or soon thereafter.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo
In choosing land for the Urban Transition class, CAMA regulations indicate that such
land should not include the following:
"Areas with severe physical limitations which would make the provision of urban
services difficult or impossible, lands which meet the definition of conservation, lands of
special -value (unless no other alternative exists), such as productive and unique
agricultural lands, forest lands, potentially valuable mineral deposits, water supply
watersheds, scenic and tourist resources including archaeological sites, habitat for
important wildlife species, areas subject to frequent flooding, areas important for
environmental or scientific values, lands where urban development might destroy or
damage natural systems or processes of more than local concern, or lands where intense
development might result in undue risk to life and property from natural or existing
manmade hazards." (7B.0213)(2)(B)(I)
Further, CAMA stipulates that "even though AEC standards occasionally permit
' Urban Transition type development on a lot by lot basis within the various AECs, this
classification should generally not be applied to any AEC."
J
Areas that are predominantly residential meet the intent of this class if:
' they are approaching three dwelling units per acre, or
• a majority of the lots are 15,000 square feet or less and will be provided with
' essential urban services to support this high density development, or
• are contiguous to existing developed municipal areas.
C. Discussion
just as with the Developed Class, the Town, at its option, may subdivide the Urban
' Transition class into various subclasses. Urban Transition/Multifamily residential,
Urban Transition/Single family residential, Urban Transition/Commercial, Urban
Transition/Institutional and Urban Transition/Industrial are examples of some
subclassifications that have been incorporated into Land Use Plans in other coastal
areas. This.further refinement of the Urban Development class could be helpful in
future years when Manteo elects to impose controls over the location of certain uses
which may not be fully compatible with established uses in the adjacent Developed
' . areas. Thus, in future Plans, Town officials may wish to consider incorporating these.
classes into their land classification system.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
D. Land Classification Boundaries on the LCS Map
The Urban Transition classification is new to the Manteo LCS Map. In the 1992 Land
Use Plan, infill development opportunities were not depicted separately from those
areas already developed. Instead, they were incorporated into the Developed
classification: The Urban Transition classification for Manteo includes those areas that
are suitable for urban type development and are currently adjacent to existing water
and sewer lines or are close enough to existing utilities to make the extension of
utilities to designated Urban Transition areas a relatively inexpensive proposition.
Land areas included in the Urban Transition classification are depicted in yellow on
the LCS Map and represent all vacant land identified as exhibiting infill development
potential. Two substantial Urban Transition areas are located within the Pirates Cove
planned unit development and are planned for future development in later phases.
Another Urban Transition area incorporates the land just off Sir Francis Drake Street
that was recently annexed and approved for the development of the Roanoak Village
subdivision.. Besides these two areas, the rest of the Urban Transition areas represent
the remaining scattered developable lands lying within the existing Town boundary.
3. CONSERVATION
A. Purpose:
The purpose of the Conservation class is to provide for the effective long-term
management and protection of the environmentally and agriculturally significant,
limited, and/or irreplaceable areas of Manteo. Land management is needed in these
areas due to the natural, cultural, agrarian, recreational, scenic and/or natural
productive values of both local and regional concern.
B. Description and Characteristics:
Land areas in Manteo meeting the intent of the Conservation land classification include
the following:
• Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs), including but not limited to public trust
waters, estuarine waters, coastal wetlands etc., as identftd in 15A NCAC 7H;
Land Classification System V1II-8

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
• Other similar lands, environmentally significant because of their natural role in the
integrity of the coastal region, including but are not limited to wetlands identified
on Division of Coastal Management wetland maps, other wetlands, areas that are
or have a high probability of providing wildlife habitat, forest lands that are
essentially undeveloped and lands which otherwise contain significant productive,
' natural, scenic, cultural or recreational resources.
1
11
C. Discussion:
The Conservation class is designed to illustrate the natural, productive, scenic, cultural
and recreational features of the area which make it a desirable place to live, work and
visit. As such, the Conservation class should be applied to areas that because of their
unique, productive, limited, cultural, or natural features should either not be
developed at all (and therefore, should be preserved), or if developed, done so in a
extremely limited and cautious fashion. At a minimum, all AECs, as defined in the
polices pertaining to Resource Protection in Chapter VII, should be included in this
class and the Land Use Plan should so state their inclusion. The local government is.
strongly urged to include similar areas protected by either other state or federal
agencies, such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' designation of "404 wetlands."
Just as all AECs should be included in the Conservation class, the local government
should acknowledge the distinctions among the various uses the Coastal Management
Program permits within each AEC group. Manteo fully supports existing State and
Federal legislation which regulate growth and development within specified
conservation areas. It should be understood, however, that the local government may
develop its own more restrictive standards beyond the state's minimum, standards.
CAMA stipulates that, at a minimum, each plan should include language such as:
1. Coastal Wetlands:
These areas are the most restrictive of all AECs and very few uses are permitted therein;
the highest priority is for their preservation as they are well documented in their
contribution to the natural productivity of the coastal area.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo I
2. Ocean Hazard AECs
These areas include "V" zones and ocean erodible areas and are known for their
vulnerability to storms. Some development is permitted in these areas if it is well
managed and carefully sited to minimize risks to life and property. ,
3. Estuarine Shoreline AECs ,
These areas are located adjacent to estuarine waters AECs and are known for their
contribution to the natural productivity of the waters close by. Many uses may be
permitted as long as the 30 percent impervious rule is met and development is well
managed on individual sites to insure minimal environmental degradation.
4. Similar Lands:
Other similar lands that are afforded some protection by another agency, such as "404
wetlands" where use and performance standards of that agency will apply.
5. Unique Lands:
Other unique lands known for their natural, scenic, historical, cultural or hazardous
nature. These areas might include areas identified by the Natural Heritage Program,
Pakistanis, savannas, tracts of native forests, undeveloped shorelines, etc. When these
areas are included in the Conservation class, the local government should describe the
types of uses it deems appropriate, if any, within each area and under what
circumstances those uses might be appropriate.
Urban services, either public or private, should not be provided in the Conservation
areas. due to their potential nature as a catalyst to stimulate future intense '
development. In most cases, limited on -site services will adequately support any
limited development within the Conservation class and will also protect the very
features which justify the area's inclusion in the Conservation classification. Manteo ,
supports CAMA AEC standards for properties located in the Conservation
classification.
CAMA emphasizes that even though AEC standards occasionally permit urban type
'
development on a lot -by -lot basis within the various AECs and that services are
occasionally provided, this is the exception rather than the rule. The primary intent of
the Conservation class is to for the resources included therein.
'
provide protection
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2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo
' Mapping of AECs in the Conservation class on the local goverrunent's land
classification map should be accomplished with the understanding that the AECs are
intensively definedby their characteristics in 15A NCAC 7H, and therefore maps only
findicate approximate locations and are not definitive enough for site specific
regulation purposes._ Policies outlined in Chapter VII of this Plan have been carefully and
comprehensively designed to acknowledge the intent of this classiAcation. Policies are
consistent with the function of areas shown in the Conservation class.
D. Land Classification Boundaries on the LCS Map
As is represented on the LCS Map found in the Appendix by those areas in green,
Conservation areas include the environmentally sensitive areas identified as Areas of
Environmental Concern (AECs). These include the estuarine waters, ,estuarine
shorelines and public trust waters identified in the Policy chapter (Chapter VII) of the
Land Use Plan. Besides the AECs, the Conservation classification extends to include
' the areas along the Town's estuarine waterways, certain marshlands (including the
substantial area west of U.S. 64/264 and south of the Pirates Cove development) and
Significant Natural Areas as identified by the Department of Environment, Health and
j Natural Resources. These areas are delineated as Conservation areas for the purpose
' of sustaining shoreline stability and protecting water quality and certain swamp areas
from the impending encroachment of new development.
IMPLEMENTATION
' The LCS Map for the Town of Manteo serves to guide the activities of private
developers and public agencies and to coordinate policies, standards, regulations and
other governmental structures which affect development within the area. The Land
Use Plan document is the result of a determined planning effort undertaken by the
Joint Planning Board, the Town Staff and the Consultant for the purpose of developing
a Land Use Plan to guide future development in Manteo. In doing so, the
development policies, issues and concerns of the Staff, residents, and the business
community were considered by the Joint Planning Board, thereby allowing the Plan to
develop within a framework of understanding, cooperation, conflict resolution and
W coordination in implementation efforts.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo
Throughout the development of this Plan, continuous efforts were made to make local
policies and regulations consistent with the regulations of nearby planning
jurisdictions and the requirements of State and Federal governing agencies. A number
of State, County and Federal agencies were contacted during the initial development
phase of the Plan. The implementation of this plan will also consider compatibility
and consistency issues with these governmental bodies. The Public Participation
Chapter provides a detailed account of coordinating activities with local and State
officials in the making of this LUP Update, and the Implementation section of the
Policy chapter (Chapter VII) identifies specific strategies recommended to help the
Town to ensure that the goals and objectives of the Plan are achieved.
It is hoped that these local, State and Federal regulatory agencies will find the adopted
LCS Map useful for providing the following information:
1. Consistency and coordination between local land use policies and those of the State of
North Carolina;
2. A guide for public investment, by assisting local and State governments to foresee the
need for parks, schools, highways, etc.;
3. A general framework for budgeting and planning for the expansion and construction of
community facilities, including schools, roads and sewers; and
4. Enabling the Town to effectively "guide" growth and development to areas best suited to
service its needs.
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2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo
Chapter IX:
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN
CAMA regulations require that each Land Use Plan Update include a concise Citizen
Participation Plan to be adopted at the beginning of the planning process. This plan
outlines the strategy each locality has employed in order to ensure that all segments of
the community have a full and adequate opportunity to participate in all stages of the
development of the Land Use Plan. The greatest value of citizen participation in the
planning process is that it allows interested members of the community the
opportunity to participate in and influence governmental decision -making. In order
for the 2000 Land Use Plan Update to be fully effective, it must accurately represent the
ideas, attitudes and concerns of the residents of Manteo.
The following Public Participation Plan outlines the methodology employed by the
Town of Manteo in its effort to achieve this essential representation of its leadership
and its citizenry:
1. Designation of the joint Planning Board
The Manteo Board of Commissioners appointed a Joint Planning Board as the lead
representatives for guiding the development of the Land Use Plan Update. This
Planning Board is comprised of members of both the Town Board of Commissioners
and the Town Planning Board. This joint board was responsible for, among other
things, obtaining citizen input regarding the formation of the planning program and
integrating that information into the land use planning process.
In this effort, the Joint Planning Board was also responsible for investigating land use
issues, analyzing past community planning policies, conducting work sessions to
discuss policy options, presenting alternative goals and objectives to the Town's
citizens, reviewing the community response to a citizens' survey and synthesizing the
community input into a consolidated set of goals, objectives and policies for adoption
into this document.
Public Participation Plan IX-1

2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo
2. Policy Critique '
The Joint Planning Board was asked to complete a "Policy Critique Questionnaire."
This document, prepared by the community's Consultant, provided a format for the
examination of and revision to the policies and implementation recommendations '
included in the 1992 Land Use Plan. An entire public work session was devoted to
reviewing these past policies and making recommendations regarding future land use '
policy alternatives.
3. Citizen Survey '
Citizen involvement in the planning process was solicited via a "Citizen Survey." This
questionnaire was designed by the community's Consultant and was thoroughly '
reviewed by the Joint Planning Board and community Staff prior to its distribution.
Nearly half of the October 16 Joint Planning Board Work Session was devoted to '
reviewing each question of the survey. The final version of the survey included 51
questions and was printed in a concise format, requiring no more than twenty minutes '
of the respondent's time and ensuring ease of distribution and use by community
residents. This document was particularly useful in allowing the residents to register
their individual concerns pertaining to the character, degree and pattern of population '
growth and development, as well as future land use issues for the community.
The rim intent of the survey was to allow the Town's Joint Planning Board to '
primary y J g
gauge public opinion regarding several key land use policy -related issue, while
simultaneously generating interest in the Land Use Plan Update process. Citizen ,
response to the survey was much stronger than anticipated, as the Town received
nearly three times as many responses as it did for a similar survey distributed during
the development of the 1991 Plan. Of the 767 surveys distributed to Manteo residents
and businesses,160 surveys were returned to Town Hall by the requested date (159
surveys will serve as the actual sample size because one of the surveys was returned
incomplete). This represents a response rate of 20.75/6, which enables the consultant
and the Joint Planning Board to make statistically significant determinations of the '
attitudes and desires of the entire Town by analyzing the survey responses. This level
of community response ensures that public participationwill play an important role in '
the development of goals and objectives to be included in the 2000 Land Use Plan
Update.
Public Participation Plan IX-2
6

2000 Land Use Plan Update Town of Manteo
The 159 responses represent an accurate cross-section of the Manteo community. The
vast majority of those surveyed (71%) live within the Town limits and own their home
(81%). Seventy-six percent of the respondents live in a single family home, twelve
percent live in a condominium and the balance live in a duplex, mobile home or
apartment. Furthermore, seventy-five percent of the respondents live in Manteo year
round, and approximately thirty-three percent are retired.
Local businesses were also encouraged to participate in the survey, and they
responded in large numbers. Fifty business operators returned a survey to the Town,
thereby providing an important perspective into the process of determining the proper
future land use allocation of commercial, office and residential uses. These fifty
business leaders represent nearly one-third of the total survey respondents. Of the
fifty business operators that returned a survey, forty-three (86%) owned their business
outright. This percentage is indicative of the strong base of locally owned businesses
that exists in the community. The Town of Manteo will rely heavily on this solid
economic base to promote and spur economic development in the near planning term.
A more detailed explanation and analysis of the survey results is included in the
Citizens' Survey Response Summary in the Appendix.
4. Work Session Public Participation Opportunities:
In most cases, the Joint Planning Board reserved time on its agenda at each regular
work session to obtain citizen comments. The Joint Planning Board feels that a
representative profile of the community's constituency has aided in formulating a clear
and attainable vision for the future of Manteo. In an effort to reach the greatest
audience, representatives from various local interest groups were asked to regularly
attend Joint Planning Board work sessions and report back to their members. These
representatives were given both the "Policy Critique Questionnaire" and the "Citizen
Survey" to distribute and/or review with their group members.
S. Notification Methods:
During the preliminary stages of the Land Use Update process, all Manteo residents
were provided periodic official notices announcing that the planning process was
underway via the Citizens' Survey. Local news media were used to inform the public
of the time and location of the Planning Board work sessions. Official notice was also
given through advertisements in the local newspaper.
■
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2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo
6. Ongoing Informational Updates:
As the land use planning process matured, periodic updates outlining completed and
pending tasks and policy -related decisions were made available to the citizenry for
ongoing review. Town Staff kept the local media posted on the progress of the Plan
and encouraged ongoing reporting of the process. This strategy aimed to not only
inform the public on the nature of the ongoing policy implications of and need for the
Plan, but also to solicit further public response.
This update of the Land Use Plan has been reviewed by Division of Coastal
Management officials.. The consultant made the recommended revisions to the
document and returned it to the Town for its final review. Several copies of the
revised Plan have been made available to the members of the Joint Planning Board,
Town Staff and the general public. The Joint Planning Board solicited additional
comment from community members during a final public hearing. This document
represents the final version of the Land Use Plan submitted for final approval by the
Board of Commissioners of the Town of Manteo, North Carolina.
Town officials understand the great value and necessity of comprehensive public
participation in the planning process. Citizen participation is viewed as an
opportunity which will continue throughout every phase of the Land Use Plan Update.
Accurate representation of the area's constituency will result in a clear and attainable
vision for the future of Manteo. The primary purpose of this component of the Plan is
to inform, educate and involve the citizens as fully as possible in matters related to
land use planning in Manteo. In pursuit of this purpose, this participation process was
intended to remain flexible in format and execution, while giving every citizen the
opportunity to take part in this democratic planning process.
Public Participation Plan IX-4

' 2000 Land Use Plan Update Clizens' Survey Results
P Y
'
1997 C ITIZENS' SURVEY RESPONSE SUMMARY
' The Town of Manteo has completed a formal Citizens' Attitudinal Survey in conjunction with its 2000
update of the Town Land Use Plan. The intent of the survey was to generate interest in the Land Use
' Plan Update process and to allow the Town's Joint Planning Board (composed -of the Board of
Commissioners and the Town Planning Board) to gauge public opinion regarding several key land use
policy -related issues. Citizen.response to the survey was much stronger than anticipated, as the Town
received nearly three .times as many responses as it did for a similar survey distributed during the
development of the 1991 Plan. Of the 767 surveys distributed to Manteo residents and businesses,
160 surveys were returned to Town Hall by the requested date (159 surveys will serve as the actual
sample size because one of the surveys was returned incomplete). This represents a response rate of
20.7%, which enables the consultant and the Joint Planning Board to make statistically significant
determinations of the attitudes and desires of the entire Town by analyzing the survey responses.
This level of community response ensures that public participation will play an important role in the
' development of goals and objectives to be included in the 2000 Land Use Plan Update.
The 159 responses represent an accurate cross-section of the Manteo community. The vast majority
of those surveyed (71 %) live within the Town limits and own their home (81 %). Seventy-six percent of
the respondents live in asingle family home, twelve percent live in acondominium and the balance live
' in a duplex, mobile home or apartment. Furthermore, seventy-five percent of the respondents live in
Manteo year round, and approximately thirty-three percent are retired.
Local businesses were also encouraged to participate in the survey, and they responded in large
numbers. Fifty business operators returned a survey to the Town, thereby providing an important
' perspective into the process of determining the proper future land use allocation of commercial, office
and residential uses. These fifty business leaders represent nearly one-third of the total survey
' respondents. Of the fifty business operators that returned a survey, forty-three (86%) owned their
business outright. This percentage is indicative of the strong base of locally owned businesses that
exists in the community. The Town of Manteo will rely heavily on this solid economic base to promote
and spur economic development in the near planning term.
' Analysis of Survey Results
The following section is a brief summary of the most important conclusions resulting from the tabulation
' of responses to the Citizens' Survey:
Generally speaking, local citizens are very pleased with the existing quality of life in Manteo. Only three
' respondents (2% of those surveyed), expressed dissatisfaction with the present quality of life in the
community. Local citizens do have several concerns about the future of the community, however.
These concerns relate to issues such as the protection of natural and historic resources within the
The Town of Manteo • 1

2000 Land Use Plan Update
Citizens' Survey Results
Town, urban design, housing variety and affordability, economic development and access to medical
facilities. The following eight issues were most often mentioned by respondents as being most critical
to the Town's future:
Percentage of Total Surveys on
Issue which the Issue was Listed
1. Traffic Congestion/Lack of Parking 23%
2. Water Quality/Sewage Treatment/Stonnwater Management 19%
3. Growth Management 13%
4. Education 9%
5. Tourism and its effect on the Local Economy 9%
6. Protection of the Environment 8%
7. Preservation of the Town's Character 7%
8. Zoning Enforcement 5%
Several of the survey questions prompted an overwhelming response from the citizens. In these
instances where a clearmajority opinion exists, the Joint Planning Board will be able to make valuable
inferences about community desires relative to several very important planning -related issues. The
five issues receiving the strongest mandate based upon survey response were: (issues are ranked in
order by highest percentage of response):
Issue
1. Protection and preservation of the Town's waterfront
areas is a high priority and should be a major goal.
2. The Town should set high standards to guarantee that new
subdivisions have properly designed and constructed
streets, utilities, storm drainage and site improvements.
3. Preservation of historic sites and buildings is an
important goal.
4. The Town should place more restrictive regulations on the
possible location and/or operation of adult entertainment
establishments.
5. The community should maintain a balanced approach to
serving tourism, business and residential growth in the _
land use allocation process.
Attitudinal Rank
94% Agree or Strongly Agree
93% Agree or Strongly Agree
86% Agree or Strongly Agree
81 % Agree or Strongly Agree
81% Agree or Strongly Agree
The Town of Manteo
•2

2000 Land Use Plan Update
Citizens' Survey Results
The Joint Planning Board also added several questions to the surrey at its October 16, 1997 Work
Session in order to gauge public opinion on several "hot button" planning issues that have surfaced in
recent months. As is presented below, these questions generated some interesting responses.
These responses will aid the Joint Planning Board in its effort to develop goals, objectives and policy
statements that will accurately reflect the will of the community, provide for adequate infrastructural
support of new growth and protect the Town's historic and natural resources. -
Issue 1: Placement and use of communications towers, including cellular phone
relay stations
The majority of survey respondents are in favor of the Town placing more restrictive
regulations on the placement and use of communications towers. Slightly over 70% of
those surveyed agreed or strongly agreed with this approach.
Issue 2: Regulation of personal watercrafts, including jet skis, in Shallowbag
Bay and other adjoining waterways
Citizens were also largely in favor of the Town placing more restrictive regulations on
the use and storage of personal watercrafts in local waterways. Nearly three -fourths of
those surveyed (73%) agreed or strongly agreed with this strategy.
Issue 3: Regulation of off -shore boat mooring (such as houseboats) in
Shallowbag Bay and other adjoining waterways
Respondents were also in favor of the Town implementing more stringent regulations
with regard to the off -shore mooring of boats, including houseboats in local waterways.
However, the mandate on this strategy is not quite as strong as with the previous two:
issues, as only sixty-three percent of those surveyed agreed or strongly agreed with
this approach.
Issue 4: Identification of three places or features in Manteo that the citizens
identified with and value as being most meaningful to the community:
Although responses varied considerably, the three places or features most often
mentioned in response to this question were:
Percentage of Total Surveys on
Meaningful Place or Feature which it was Listed
1. The Town Waterfront 54%
2. The Town's "Small Town Atmosphere" 23%
3. The Lost Colony 11 %
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2000 Land Use Plan Update Citizens' Survey Results '
Surprisingly, neither the downtown area, the Queen Elizabeth II replica nor the Courthouse were
among the top five most mentioned responses; they were listed 7th, 9th and 10th most often,
respectively. ,
While responses to the balance of the survey were more evenly distributed across the attitudinal '
categories, some important conclusions can be drawn from the final tabulations. The highlights of
these remaining sections of the survey are presented below:
Population and Economy '
Economic development was identified as a major point of emphasis by the citizens of Manteo in the
survey. The majority of residents surveyed indicate that there is a need for the creation of additional
year-round employment opportunities. Sixty-two percent of those surveyed identified new job ,
opportunities as asignificant need in the community. Noting amajorconcern for the future of the local
economy, seventy-six percent of respondents agree that without an increase in non -tourism based, ,
higher income job opportunities, the young people of Manteo will be forced to seek employment and
residence elsewhere.
Growth and Land Use '
The pace, quality and location of future development is also aconcern of the citizens of Manteo. The
concern regarding the quality of future development is also evidenced by the clear response
mentioned earlier regarding the residents' strong desire to establish and maintain high development '
standards to guarantee that new subdivisions have properly designed and constructed streets,
utilities, storm drainage and site improvements. The surveys clearly indicate that future development '
should be carefully planned, designed and regulated so as to ensure that the character of downtown
Manteo is not altered.
While the majority of survey respondents believe that recent development has been of an acceptable
quality and that the unique charm of the historic district has been enhanced by recent commercial
development efforts, concern was expressed regarding the environmental and social costs of future ,
growth. Emphasis on the protection and preservation of historic, cultural and natural resources
surfaced as a dominant theme throughout the survey responses. Ninety-four percent of the ,
respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the protection and preservation of the Town's waterfront
areas is a high priorityand should be a majorgoal for future land use planning in Manteo. Local citizens
also support the preservation of open space in the Town. Sixty-two percent of the respondents ,
agreed or strongly agreed that the preservation of targeted undeveloped areas is important, even if it
comes at the expense of limiting future economic development and residential growth in these areas.
The Town of Manteo . 4

' 2000 Land Use Plan Update
Citizens' Survey Results
Land Use
The sentiments expressed in the survey responses indicate that residents are generally supportive of
the future annexation of land as a means of providing future growth opportunities for the Town. Sixty-
three percent of the respondents also believe that the Town should undertake a new annexation
study to determine how best to expand the existing Town boundary to manage new growth.
Furthermore, of those surveyed, approximately 70% feel that the Town should take a stronger
approach to controlling growth through zoning and other growth management tools.
Local Government Services
The general sentiment among respondents is that the Town does a sound job managing its tax
revenues. Forty-four percent of the respondents agreed or strongly agreed that Town leadership has
improved since the last Plan was adopted. In the survey, residents were asked to comment on the
quality of public service provisions they were currently receiving from the Town. Those services
receiving the highest marks for quality. and customer satisfaction were fire protection, solid waste
disposal and police protection. Those services found to be the weakest among those offered to the
community are the availability of medical facilities, retail store variety, retirement housing opportunities
and the overall water supply. Furthermore, it was suggested that a grocery store, a retail clothing or
department store and additional eating establishments would enhance the Town's retail marketplace.
This summary of survey responses indicates a strong and active constituency which is supportive of
the purpose and intent of the 2000 Land Use Plan Update. The feedback generated from the survey
creates an atmosphere in which the Town Staff and elected officials can operate to effectuate positive
change in their community. The results of this survey will be used to develop goals and objectives for
the Land Use Plan, as well as to influence the development of specific planning policies
recommended for implementation.
' The Town of Manteo • 5

2000 Land Use Plan Update
Citizens' Survey Results
Community Leaders' and Citizens' Survey
2000 Manteo Land Use Plan Update
Tabulation of Results
I. Population
1. Over the past two decades, the Town of Manteo has grown substantially. According to the latest
Census Bureau estimate, the population of Manteo increased by approximately 22% (from 812
to 991) between 1980 and 1990. The current Town population is estimated at approximately
1150. Continued population growth within the Town should be encouraged.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree 21 22 45 32 31 Agree
(14%) (15%) (30%) (21 %) (21 %)
2. There are currently adequate year-round employment opportunities in the Town for its
permanent residents.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly,
Disagree 38 44 43 14 11 Agree
(25%) (29%) (29%) (9%) (7%)
3. Without increased non -tourism industry and higher -income job opportunities, young
people in Manteo will be forced to seek employment and residence elsewhere.
Strongly 1 2 3 4. 5 Strongly
Disagree 9 7 14 43 79 Agree
(6%) (5%) (9%) (28%) (52%)
4. The Town provides a good location for retirement housing. Growth in this segment of the
housing market should be encouraged.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree 12 12 31 47 53 Agree
(8%) (8%) (20%) (30%) (34%)
The Town of Manteo . 6

2000 Land Use Plan Update
Citizens' Survey Results
5. The Town provides a good location for second home (vacation) housing. Growth in this
segment of the housing market should be encouraged.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree 36 27 29 24 38 Agree
(23%) (18%) (19%) (16%) (25%)
II. General Attitudes on Growth and Land Use
6. The "quality of life' in Manteo is very good.
Strongly 1 2
3 4
5
Strongly
Disagree 1 2
24 65
63
Agree
(1 %) (1 %)
(15%) (42%)
(41 %)
7. Growth in commerce is a high priority in and around Manteo and should be
promoted in the Land
Use Plan.
Strongly 1 2
3 4
5
Strongly
Disagree 18 10
32 51
43
Agree
(12%) (6%)
(21 %) (33%)
(28%)
8. Manteo should consider further annexation to expand the Town boundaries in order to ensure
orderly growth within the community.
Strongly 1 2
3 4
5
Strongly
Disagree 25 .10
31 39
51
Agree
(16%) (6%)
(20%) (25%)
(33%)
9. Protection and preservation of the Town's waterfront areas is a high priority to residents and
should be a major goal for any future land use planning.
Strongly 1 2
3 4
5
Strongly
Disagree 2 3
2 is
133
Agree
(1 %) (2%)
(1 %) (11 %)
(84%)
The Town of Manteo
.7

2000 Land Use Plan Update
Citizens' Survey Results
10. The preservation of existing open space outside of the developed areas of the Town is very
important, even if it comes at the expense of limiting future economic development and
residential growth in these areas.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree 11 16 31 25 73 Agree
(7%) (10%) (20%) (16%) (47%)
11. Increased emphasis on tourism and water -based recreation should be a major planning goal for
Manteo.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree 11 13 33 41 59 Agree
(7%) (8%) (21 %) (26%) (38%)
12. Economic growth in the Town has progressed at an acceptable pace over the past decade.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree 13 16 61 43 18 Agree
(9%) (11%) (40%) (28%) (12%)
13. The Town should actively recruit new light industrial uses to locate in Manteo in order to provide
new job opportunities and to generate additional tax revenue.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree 26 14 31 37 49 Agree
(17%) (9%) (20%) (24%) (31 %)
14. The preservation of historic sites and buildings is an important goal for the Town of Manteo.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree 4 6 11 24 113 Agree
(3%) (4%) (7%) (15%) (72%)
15. The historic charm of Downtown Manteo has been enhanced by the recent commercial
development in the Downtown area.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree 9. 14 .29 53 53 Agree
(6%) (9%) (18%) (34%) (34%)
The Town of Manteo . 8

2000
Land Use Plan Update Citizens Survey Results
'
16.
The quality of recent development in the Town has been acceptable.
q Y P P
'
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree 13 10 46 59 27 Agree
(8%) (6%) (30%) (38%) (17%)
17.
Traffic congestion, circulation problems and parking shortages deter local residents from
'
shopping in Downtown Manteo during the tourist season. :
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
'
Disagree 13 24 31 26 62 Agree
1
(8%) (15%) (20%) (17%) (40%)
Ill.
_
Land Use Concerns
18.
Existing land use controls are adequate to protect the quality of the environment.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree 11 24 65 31 15 Agree
(8%) (16%) (45%) (21%) (10%)
19.
The community should have a balanced approach to serving tourism, business and residential
'
growth. Land areas should be set aside and zoned for each use in order to insure good growth
patterns.
'
Strongly 2 3 4 5 Strongly
1
Disagree 3 3 21 35 95 Agree
'
(2%) (2%) (13%) (22%) (61%)
'
20.
The Town has limited expansion area and future growth may become a problem without "
annexation of land in the County.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree 18 1 0 35 40 50 Agree
(12%) (7%) (23%) (26%) (33%)
The Town of Manteo • 9

2000 Land Use Plan Update
Citizens' Survey Results
21. The location of new commercial and residential development should be left to the "marketplace"
and not to local government growth controls, such as zoning regulations.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree 66 34 21 13 21 Agree
(43%) (22%) (14%) (8%) (14%)
22. The Town should set high standards to guarantee that new subdivisions have properly
designed and constructed streets, utilities, storm drainage and site improvements.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree 1 1 8 19 129 Agree
(1 %) (1 %) (5%) (12%) (82%)
23. Storm drainage in the Town creates extensive problems for citizens during rainy seasons.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree 3 17 46 35 so Agree
(2%) (11%) (30%) (23%) (33%)
24. The Town should limit the location of industry and commerce in order to protect existing
residential neighborhoods and sensitive environmental areas.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree 6 5 17 38 90 Agree
(4%) (3%) (11 %) (24%) (58%)
25. The Town does a good "public relations" job in the promotion of tourism.
Strongly 1
2
3
4
5 Strongly
Disagree 13
18
55
39
25 Agree
(9%)
(12%)
(37%)
(26%)
(17%)
26. While the Midway Intersection is not located within the current boundaries, Manteo should have
annexation and/or zoning control over this important "gateway"
entrance to the Town.
Strongly 1
2
3
4
5 Strongly
Disagree 5
5
23
26
91 Agree
(3%)
(3%)
(15%)
(17%)
(61 %)
The Town of Manteo . 1 0

2000 Land Use Plan Update
Citizens' Survey Results
27. The Town should take a stronger approach to controlling growth (through zoning) in the Extra
Territorial Jurisdiction (i.e. the land situated within one mile of the Town's corporate limits).
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree 8 13 30 32 67 Agree
(5%) (9%) (20%) (21 %) (45%)
28. The Town's 1979 Zoning Ordinance should be comprehensively updated to incorporate
creative growth management tools to better serve the community (such as landscape and buffer
requirements, improved "planned unit development" guidelines, design standards, etc.)
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree 5 8 33 40 67 Agree
(3%) (5%) (22%) (26%) (44%)
29. The ordinances of the Town are applied uniformly and fairly to all residents.
Strongly 1
2
3
4
5 Strongly
Disagree, 22
11
77
20
19 Agree
(15%)
(7%)
(52%)
(13%)
(13%)
30. The Town should place more restrictive regulations on the placement and use of
communications towers, including cellular phone relay stations.
Strongly 1 2
3
4
5
Strongly
Disagree 8 3
31
36
76
Agree
(5%) (2%)
(20%)
(23%)
(49%)
31. The Town should place more restrictive regulations on the possible
location and/or operation of
adult entertainment establishments.
Strongly 1 2
3
4
5
Strongly
Disagree 4 6
17
11
118
Agree
(3%) (4%)
(11 %)
(7%)
(76%)
The Town of Manteo • 11

2000 Land Use Plan Update Citizens' Survey Results
32. The Town should regulate the use of personal watercrafts, including jet skis, in Shallowbag Bay
and other adjoining waterways.
Strongly 1 2 3 4
5 Strongly ,
Disagree 12 12 15 35
81 Agree
(8%) (8%) (10%) (23%)
(52%)
33. The Town should regulate off -shore boat mooring (such as houseboats) in Shallowbag Bay and
other adjoining waterways.
Strongly 1 2 3 4
5 Strongly
Disagree 16 11 28 36
64 Agree
(10%) (7%) (18%) (23%)
(41%)
34. The Town should begin a study of annexation to determine
how best to expand Manteo's
existing boundaries and serve properties in the outlying areas.
Strongly 1 2 3 4
5 Strongly
Disagree 12 12 26 37
64 Agree
(8%) (8%) (17%) (25%)
(42%)
IV. Housing
35. Existing housing is sufficient to meet the needs of Manteo's citizens.
Strongly
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly
Disagree
38
26
50
18
17
Agree
(26%)
.(17%)
(34%)
(12%)
(11%)
36. More affordable housing is needed
in the
Town to serve the needs of low and moderate income
residents.
Strongly
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly
Disagree
18
22
46
23
44
Agree
(12%)
(14%)
(30%)
(15%)
(29%)
The Town of Manteo • 1 2

2000 Land Use Plan Update Citizens' Survey Results
■ 37.
Mobile homes should be located only in mobile home parks and not on individual lots.
'
Strongly 1 2 3
4
5
Strongly
Disagree 15 6 19
16
98
Agree
(10%) (4%) (12%)
(10%)
(64%)
' V.
Local Governmental Services
' 38.
The Town does a good job of providing community services and managing
my real estate tax
dollars.
'
Strongly 1 2 3
4
5
Strongly
Disagree 7 12 59
46
28
Agree
(5%) (8%) (39%)
(30%)
(18%)
' 39.
Governmental leadership in the Town has improved over the past decade.
Strongly 1 2 3
4
5
Strongly
'
Disagree 11 7 58
38
32
Agree
(8%) (5%) (40%)
(26%)
(22%)
40.
Overhead utility lines in the Town should be removed and placed underground in the Town.
'
Strongly 1 2 3
4
5
Strongly
Disagree 5 9 29
33
78
Agree
'
(3%) (6%) (19%)
(21 %)
(51 %)
41.
Streets and roads in and around the Town are well
-maintained,
and the existing road network
'
adequately serves the needs of Manteo's citizens.
Strongly 1 2 g
4
5
Strongly
'
Disagree 19 17 4.1
51
25
Agree
(12%) . (11 %) (27%)
(33%)
(16%)
' The Town of Manteo
• 13

2000 Land Use Plan Update Citizens' Survey Results
42. What additional retail businesses (not found here now) would be desirable in Manteo:
■
1. Grocery Store
40
(25%)
2. Clothing Store/Department Store
25
(16%)
,
3. Ice Cream/Deli/Bakery/Coffee shop
22
(14%)
4. Restaurants
17
(11 %)
'
5. Other Retail Establishments
16
(10%)
6. Discount Department (Wal-Mart, K-Mart)
9
(6%)
'
7. Fast Food
8
(5%)
43. In your opinion, what are the most important issues now facing the Town as it enters the Twenty- .
■
first century?
'
1. Traffic/Parking
36
(23%)
2. Water/Sewage/Stormwater Issues
31
(19%)
'
3. Managed Growth
20
(13%)
4. Schools/Education
15
(9%)
5. Tourism/Tourist economy
15
(9%)
■
6. Environment
12
(8%)
7. Preservation of Town Character
11
(7%)
'
8.. Zoning Enforcement
8
(5%)
■
44. Name three (3) places or features in Manteo that you identify with and value as being most
meaningful to the community:
'
1. The Waterfront
86
(54%)
2. "Small Town Atmosphere"
36
(23%)
'
3. The Lost Colony
18
(11 %)
4. Historic Buildings
15
(9%)
'
5. Ice Plant Island
14
(9%)
6. Aquarium
13
(8%)
■
7. Downtown
12
(8%)
8. Churches
12
(8%)
9. Elizabeth II
10
(6%)
■.
10. Courthouse
- 8
(5%)
■
■
The Town of Manteo
. 1 4
'

' 2000
Land Use Plan Update
Citizens'
Survey Results
' 45.
1 currently reside in the Town.
YES
104
(71 %1
NO
43
(29%)
46.
1 am retired/work.
Retired
49
(33%)
Work
98
(67%)
47.
1 live in the Manteo area year-round.
YES
110
(75%)
NO
37
(25%)
48.
1 rent/own my place of residence.
Rent
28
(19%)
Own
117
(81 %)
' 49.
1 rent/own a business in the Town.
Rent
7
(14%)
Own
43
(86%)
50. 1live in asingle familyhome (109/76%), duplex (1/.5%), mobile home (7/5%), apartment
(10/7%)orcondominium (17/12%).
' 51. Please indicate your feelings as they relate to the following public services and resources in and
around Manteo, particularly the Downtown Area:
Good
Fair
Poor
Don't Know
A.
Water Supply
50 31 Y.1
58 36%
40 25%
4 3%
B.
Libraries
94 5 9 Y.1
39 25%
6 4%
13 8%
C.
General Community Appearance
97 61 %
51 32%
4 3%
1 1
D.
Garbage/Trash Disposal
111(70%�
29 18%
8 5%
6 4%
E.
Fire Protection
120(75%)
14 9%
0 0%
21 13%
F.
Police Protection
111(70%)
26 16%
5 3%)
11 7%
G.
Friendliness of merchants
111(70%)
41 26%
1 1 %
2 1
H.
Variety of stores
24 15%
79 50%
48 30%
0 0%
I.
Quality of goods and services
57 3 6 Y.1
84 53%
13 8%
0 0%
J.
Costs of goods and services
30 19%
87 55%
37 23%
0 0%
K.
Attractiveness of stores
50 31 %
85 53%
17 11 %
1 1
L.
Attractiveness of signs
56 35%
67 42%
28 18%
1 1
M.
Attractiveness of street lighting
61 38%
63 40%
29 18%
2 1
N.
Adequacy of street lighting
54 34%
70 44%
24 15% .
7 4%
O.
Retirement housing
17 11 %
41 26%
47 30%
44 28%
P.
Day care facilities
9 6%
29 18%
33 21 %
75 47%
Q.
Availability of medical facilities
18 11 %
57 36%
69 43%
11 7%
R.
Recreational activities/facilities
41 26%
64 40%
34 21 %
14 9%
S.
Public School education/facilities
-66 42%
49 31 %
11 7%
25 16%
The Town of Manteo • 1 5

' 2000 Land Use Plan Update
The Town of Manteo
VISIONING FORUM SUMMARY
2000 CAMA Land Use Plan Update
The Town of Manteo
' This working paper is designed as a brief summary of the "visioning " issues discussed during our second
Land Use Plan Update Work Session. The following "Goals and Roles" categories were introduced to the
Joint Planning Board (comprised of both the Town Board of Commissioners and the Town Planning
' Board) by the consultant as topics that board members are encouraged to consider and reflect upon
throughout not only the "visioning process," but during the entire Land Use Plan Update process. These
major"goals and roles" categories can serve asthe basic building blocks on which the vision for Manteo's
future should be based. They will also serve as a valuable reference point that both the Joint Planning
Board can circle back to throughout the land use planning process and make sure that future land use
decisions and recommendations being made are consistent with these original goals for the future.
"Goal and -Role" Categories for the Community's Future
' 1. Population -Growth
2. Economy -Industry
' 3. Tourism -Recreation
4. Historic Resources
5. Natural Resources
' 6. Environment
7. Transportation
' 8. Utilities & Facilities
9. Housing
10. Schools
' 11. Government
12. Quality of Life
13. Spiritual
ISSUES IMPACTING THE FUTURE OF THE TOWN OF MANTEO
In an attempt to encourage the board members to reflect and expand upon these major categories, the
' consultant asked both boards to answer the following questions in terms of each of the contexts listed
below:
' 1. Identify the major issues and concems that will impact the area's future at each of the following
levels: - .
• national • state • local
' WORK SESSION #2 *'October 16, 1997 Visioning Forum o 1

2000 Land Use Plan Update
The Town of Manteo '
The following is a summary of the responses generated by the Planning Boards during the discussion of
each of the major work session questions listed above:
National Issues
1. Changes in FEMA regulations especially with regard to mitigation grant funding. The new
regulations propose to alter the insurance discount structure offered to applicable localities
based on the community rating system. The proposed changes were slated to go into effect
in 1999, and will have dramatic effects on some coastal communities who do not comply with
the required mitigation strategies, such as undergrounding utility wires and elevating major
roadways. While Manteo will easily comply with the new regulations, some adjacent localities
in northeastem North Carolina will be faced with suspensions for noncompliance.
2. Access to Oregon Inlet. There is some concern within the Outer Banks' community as to
whether Oregon Inlet will remain open for sea -going vessels. Without continued access to
the Atlantic via Oregon Inlet, Manteo's commercial fishing industry would be decimated.
3. The potential impact of Pfiesteria. The recent outbreak of Pfiesteria in the Chesapeake Bay
near Virginia and Maryland raises the concern over the potential impact to the fishing and
tourism industries should the disease spread to local waters in and around Manteo.
4. The impact of the Federal Clean Water Act. The Town is concerned over the possible
economic ramifications of an unfunded mandate regulating stormwater run-off issues. Board
members expressed concern over what they see as another example of federal and state
regulators attempting to supersede local authority in Town management without providing
the necessary funds to make the required improvements feasible.
5. The national economy. The Town's continued economic growth will be tied to national
economic trends, especially to interest rates.
6. The potential for off -shore oil and gas drilling. The permission of off -shore drilling, which is
currently prohibited along the North Carolinacoast, would provide a significant boost to the
regional economy by diversifying local industries and providing new job opportunities and tax
revenues.
7. Possible expansion of federal facilities. The Town would be impacted by the possible future
expansion of the Fish and Wildlife Headquarters located on the north end of Town.
8. Postal Service. The Post Office should consider the feasibility of house -to -house service in
the Town of Manteo.
WORK SESSION #2 • October, 16, 1997 Visioning Forum • 2 '

2000 Land Use Plan Update The Town of Manteo
' State Issues
1. Transportation improvements.
' A. "Midway to Gateway° Bridge. Anew multi -lane bridge is planned to span the Croatan
Sound connecting the Midway Junction of 64/345 east of Manteo and the Gateway
Junction at West 264/64. This "Midway to Gateway" bridge will divert thru-traffic
around the Town of Manteo, thereby shifting commercial traffic and development
away from the downtown areatowards the bridge corridor which will be located east of
' Town.
B. Route 64/Midway Intersection. This intersection will play an important role in the
regional transportation network once the Midway to Gateway project has been
completed. Once completed, the new four lane Route 64 will tie into the bridge,
thereby offering a more direct route between the Triad and points westward and the
Outer Banks. As a result of this transportation improvement, the Outer Banks area will
be much more accessible to residents of the central and western portions of the
' State. The anticipated traffic volume at this intersection will likely generate a strong
demand for commercial uses. Furthermore, once the bridge bypass is completed,
the intersection will serve as the primary gateway into Manteo and will provide the
valuable first impression of the Town. Thus, it is in the Town's best interest to control
the design of the intersection and the uses in the area and along the entire corridor.
At the minimum, the Town would like to ensure that the future design of the
' intersection will include the following provisions:
' 1. Limit access points along both Highway 64/264 and Highway 345 near the
intersection.
2. Town input as to whether the intersection will include an at -grade crossing or
a "fly -over" design.
3. The provision of Town sewer service to the intersection area.
C. Recommended rest stop. The Town of Manteo is taking the lead in advocacy for
locating afully staffed rest area/visitor's center as part of the agreement to encourage
thru travelers on the Midwayto Gatewaybridge to stop in Manteo. The Town willwant
to have input on the location and design of the planned rest stop facility.
D. Underutilized Waterway access. The Town has aneed to expand its waterway access
to Shallowbag Bay. There exists a need for dredging and channel -marking projects in
order to meet the Town's goal of increasing tourism via water traffic as opposed to
vehicular traffic. The Town needs to develop acomprehensive strategy for raising
the funds necessary to implement these projects.
WORK SESSION #2 • October 16, 1997 Visioning Forum • 3

2000 Land Use Plan Update
The Town of Manteo '
E. Airport Expansion. The County -owned and operated airport has the potential to
expand its operations to include commuter flights. The County should explore
opportunities in this and other markets in order to maximize the economic potential of
the facility.
2. Fishery regulations. The recent trend in the region has been evolving towards accenting
recreational fishing, while implementing severe restrictions on the commercial fishing
industry. A proposed net ban would serve to further hamper the valuable local commercial
fishing industry.
3. CAMA. The Town is concerned about CAMA's lack of a willingness to listen to the feedback
provided by the local residents. Several Town Commissioners view the CAMA regulations as
another unnecessary intrusion on local autonomy. The Town will need to work hand -in -hand
with CAMA officials on two proposed projects:
1. The permit required for the lighthouse plan.
2. Addressing the responsible redevelopment of the waterfront in the Land Use Plan.
The Plan should appease CAMA by providing very specific information detailing the
types of responsible uses that the Town would like to encourage in the waterfront
area.
County Issues
1. Schools. The Town should investigate the economic value of maintaining the schools within
the Town limits. Commissioners want to know if there will be a real economic loss if the
schools are moved to a location outside of the Town boundary.
2. Growth mans eq ment. The existing water purchase agreement with the County could
potentially limit the Town's ability to expand. The Town will need to ensure that water service
will be provided to complement future development and annexation strategies.
3. College of the Albemarle (COAL. Expansion is planned for the two-year community college
on its present site near the Route 64/345 intersection. The design and extent of the
expansion will impact the future development of the intersection, therefore, the Town will
want to monitor the plans and offer input since the intersection will serve as a major gateway
into the Town. The Town's long range goal for the COA is for the school to apply for
membership in the State's University system. The Outer Banks region has astrong need for
higher educational opportunities, and the COA could fill this need if it were admitted to the
University system.
4. New County complex for social services. The County has recently purchased a 5.2 acre
parcel from the Town, and has targeted the site for the construction of a new social services
complex. The parcel is located behind Chesley Mall near the post office. This development
will help the Town meet its goal of keeping all major County facilities, including the main
County Office complex, within the Town boundary. These facilities provide a large share of
WORK SESSION #2 • October 16, 1997 Visioning Forum • 4 '

2000 Land Use Plan Update The Town of Manteo
' the Town's employment base, and they help to preserve the viability and livelihood of the
uptown area.
' 5. Solid waste collection. The Town's solid waste transfer facility is located within the
Bowsertown Industrial Park extended at the end of Bowsertown Road. The Town's long-
range goal for solid waste management is to move the transfer site to a more appropriate
location where it would be properly buffered from residential and commercial uses.
' 6. Medical/Healthcare. The Outer Banks region has a serious need for a new regional medical
facility to prevent residents and visitors from having to travel long distances to receive quality
' health care treatment. The Town should provide its leadership in the process of identifying a
site suitable for the construction.of such a facility.
' 7. Annexation. The Town of Manteo is 95% developed; fewer than fifteen undeveloped lots
remain inside the Town boundary. The only hope for significant growth for the Town is via
annexation. Over ninety lots have been annexed in the last six months. Since 1978, the
' Town has relied solely on voluntary annexation for territorial expansion. This approach has
_o been a purely reactionary one on the Town's part, as the Board approves expansion on a
parcel -by -parcel, piecemeal fashion. County landowners seeking to tie into the Town water
and sewer system may voluntarily apply for annexation provided that their property is adjacent
to land that is currently within the contiguous Town boundary. The new bridge bypass project
' has motivated the Town to reevaluate its approach towards annexation in recent years. Since
is has been established that it would be in the Town's best interest to control the design and
' phasing of development along this new corridor, the Board has considered advocating a more
pro -active approach to annexation. Three alternatives have been discussed as a means of
gaining regulatory control over this important area:
' 1. Encouraging the voluntary annexation of the parcels surrounding the intersection
9 g
and along the corridor.
' 2. Proceeding with an involuntary annexation request of the properties along the
corridor and other prime undeveloped areas adjacent to the Town boundary.
3. Establishing an Extra -Territorial -Jurisdiction (ETJ) agreement with the County which
' would grant the Town a role in the regulation of future development in the areawithin
an established radii (usually one mile) around the existing Town boundary.
8. The Roanoke Island Corridor Commission. The Town currently participates in this multi -
Jurisdictional commission, which was formed to analyze the feasibility of the planned Route 64
' expansion. The commission has been studying the potential impacts involved with the
various uses and designs of the new bridge and the planned Route 64/345 intersection.
1
' WORK SESSION #2 October 16, 1997 Visioning,Forum • 5

2000 Land Use Plan Update The Town of Manteo
Town Issues
1. Infrastructure. Many of the existing water and sewer lines in the Town are quite old and in
need of replacement.
2. Storm water management. Existing stormwater management facilities and practices are
ineffective in some areas of Town. These problem areas should be identified and
recommendations for providing solutions should be included in the Town's Stormwater
Management Plan, which is currently being developed.
3. Parking. There is a perception among local merchants that there is not enough parking
downtown to serve both local workers and residents and tourist traffic.
4. Affordable housing. Housing affordability is becoming an increasingly important issue in the
Town. There currently is an inadequate supply of low to moderate income housing in the
area. High land values in Manteo and increasing construction costs associated with meeting
State requirements for development within a Coastal Hazard Area prevent developers from
providing an adequate supply of housing in this segment of the market. The Town needs to
investigate measures that would spur the private market to. develop housing within this
affordability range.
5. Zoning Ordinance. The Town needs to reevaluate several components within the Town
Zoning Ordinance in order to remedy some perceived inefficiencies, inequalities and/or
weaknesses in existing regulations. Specific areas of the ordinance identified as needing
some review include:
1. Planned Urban Development (PUD) regulations.
2. Buffer requirements.
3. Voluntary'annexation requirements and procedures.
4. Involuntary annexation requirements and procedures.
5. Maintenance requirements for site improvements.
6. Open space requirements.
7. Allowable density levels within zoning districts.
8. Code enforcement rules and strategies.
6. Feasibility of Public transportation. The Town should reexplore the feasibility of providing
public transportation within the Town. Although two previous pubic/private attempts at
providing a local shuttle service failed, recent growth and development in Dare County may
have increased the need for such a service. The Town should investigate the demand for
local bus service, as well as for shuttle service to Nag's Head, Kitty Hawk and Oregon Inlet.
7. Inter -jurisdictional Relations. The Town should seek to solidify relationships with other nearby
incorporated jurisdictions by taking a leadership role in forming regional partnerships. These
partnerships can help to increase the levels of intraregional communication and cooperation
amongst the various localities.
WORK SESSION #2 • October 16, 1997 Visioning Forum • 6

2000 Land Use Plan Update
Town of Manteo
' LAND USE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
OPTIONS FOR THE TOWN OF MANTEO:
1. Developed
4. Community
State LCS Options
State LCS Options
' Developed/multi-family residential
Developed/single family residential
Low density single family residential
Developed/commercial
Community/luruted commercial
Community/limited industrial
Developed/industrial
' Manteo Study Options
Manteo Stud O tions
Developed/urbansingle family residential
Community mixed -use
Developed/suburban sin a family residential
Community/low density cluster residential
Developed/attached residential
Highway interchange buffer
'
Developed/office
Community/highway protection
Developed/institutional
Developed/highway interchange
Developed/planned community
5. Rural
Developed/environmentally sensitive area
'
LCS Cbtions
2. Urban Transition
Rural low densitysingle-familyresidential
Rural/agriculture
State LCS Qptions
Rural/forestry
Rural/mineral extraction
UT Developed/multi-family residential
UT Developed/single family residential
Options
UT Developed/commercial
Manteo Study
Rural/lin-dted commercial
UT Developed/industrial
Rural/recreation
'
UT Developed/institutional
Rural/highway protection
Manteo Study Options
UT Developed/urban single family residential
6. Rural with Services
' UT Developed/suburban residential
UT Developed/attached residential
State LCS tions
UT Developed/office
Rural/ lowdensity single-family residential
UT Developed/highway interchange
with water service
UT Developed/planned community
Rural/employment with water service
'
ped UT Develo/environmentally sensitive area
Manteo Study Options
.' 3. Limited Transition
Rural/highway protection Rural/planned community
with water and sewer service
State LCS Options
Single family suburban residential
Single family rural residential
7. Conservation
Planned unit development
'
Cluster rural development
State LCS Options
Manteo Stud bons
Natural resources
Scenic resources
Highway interchange buffer
g Y $
Productive resources
Limited transition/commercial
Cultural resources
Limited transition/environmentally sensitive
Recreational resources
areas
Historic resources
Areas of environmental concern
Manteo Study Cbtions
Conservation/highway protection
I
Land Classification System Options AIII-I

LAND CLASSIFICATION MAP
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� EXISTING LAND USE
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1 LEGEND
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Single Family
' ❑
Single Family
. Multi -family
Commercial/i
0
Mixed Use
' 0 Institutional
' ❑ Open. Space
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ZONING MAP
LEGEND
R-1
Low Density Residential
El
R-2
Medium Density Residen
R-5
General Residential
B-1
Village Business District
0
B-2
General Business District
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