Land Use Plan-1992

Adopted by the.Manteo Board of
Planning and Zoning Board unaj
meeting on September 16, 19921
CRC approved Plan on
Sept. 26, 1992
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Bamb_j_ Markham Wilson, CI�
Town Clerk
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Division of Coastal Management
TOWN OF MANTEO
LAND USE PLAN
Prepared for the Town of Manteo by
Robin McClelland and Associates
July, 1992
The preparation of this report was financed in part through a grant provided by the North Carolina
Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of
1972, as amended, which is administrated by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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cof own of Manten
TOWN OF MANTEO
0 LAND USE PLAN
Prepared for the Town of Manteo by
Robin McClelland and Associates
• July, 1992
The preparation of this report was financed in part through a grant provided by the North Carolina
Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of
is1972, as amended, which is administrated by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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Manteo Board of Commissioners
Gus Granitzki, Mayor
Edward Greene
Delvera Collins
John W. Daniels
Edward Etheridge
Melvin Jackson
Boyd Midgett
Manteo Planning Board
Walter Gregory, Chair
Cheryl Booth
Darrell Collins
Debra McDowell
John W. Silver

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0, OwI1 of Haute"
GOALS
Protect and Manage Manteo's Natural Resources
Estuarine Waters
Coastal Wetlands
Estuarine Shorelines
Fisheries
Nesting Areas
• Balance the Needs of Manteo's Townspeople and Visitors
Residential Integrity
Basic Services
Family -oriented Attractions
Increase Manteo's Economic Vitality
Year-round Economy
Diversity
Water -related Uses
Waterfront Development
Preserve Manteo's Cultural and Historic Resources
Historic District
Performing Center
Landmarks
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FIGURE I
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NORTH CAROLINA
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Showing; Project Ir
Location
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III FUTURE CONDITIONS ................................................ 34
A. Emerging Issues ............................................... 34
1. Local .................................................. 35
2. Regional .......................:....................... 36
3. Ongoing Issues ........................................... 37
B. Building Relationships ............................................ 39
IV. PLANNING OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES ................................... 40
A. Natural Resource Protection ....................................... 40
1. Resource Protection ....................................... 41
2. Development in Areas of Environmental Concern
(AECs)............................................. 42
3. Water -related Uses (Runoff, Marina
Development) ........................................ 43
4. Public Facilities and Utilities (Effluent) ........................... 45
B. Resource Production and Management ................................ 47
1. Fishery Nursery Areas ...................................... 47
2. Required Issues not relevant to Manteo .......................... 47
C. Cultural and Historic Resources ..................................... 49
D. Economic and Community Development ............................... 51
1.Transportation ........................................... 51
2. Land Use ............................................... 55
3. Economics .............................................. 60
4.Annexation............................................. 61
5. Continuing Public Participation ................................ 63
E. Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post Storm Recovery, and
Evacuation ................................................ 66
1. Storm Hazard Mitigation .................................... 66
2. Post Storm Recovery ........................................ 67
3. Hurricane Evacuation ....................................... 69
V LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM ........................................ 70
A. Definition.................................................... 70
B. Application to Manteo........................................... 72
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• VI APPENDIX................................................•......... 73
A. Evaluation of 1986 Policies ....................................... 73
B. Elizabeth II Master Plan Site Plan ...... :......................... ... 83
C. Maps ...................................................... 84
1. Existing Land Use Map ..................................... 84
2. Current Zoning Map ....................................... 84
3. Land Classification Map ..................................... 84
• D. Community Survey...............................................85
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• INTRODUCTION
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4
INTRODUCTION
Overview
• The Town of Manteo can point to a number of successful
accomplishments since it began its planning process in 1980:
partial completion of the waterfront revitalization plan;
construction of affordable housing; timely commercial
development along Highway 64/264. Manteo enforces it
zoning ordinance to keep new development in scale with the
small town character.
Infrastructure improvements such as replacement of the
wastewater treatment facility, removal the old sewer tank from
. the waterfront, replacement of worn water and sewer lines, and
repaved streets are on the town's current work program.
In 1991 the Town of Manteo turned its attention to the multiple
and sometimes competing water -related uses: recreational and
commercial uses, stormwater runoff issues, and water quality in
general.
•
The relationship between the town's need to protect and
manage its natural resources and the demand for additional
commercial and recreational uses on the waterfront commands
significant time on the part of town leaders. Clear policy
direction and the ability to enforce existing and proposed
regulations is imperative.
Manteo's traditional mercantile economy depended on the
water and the attempt of the 1981 planning process to recreate
a bustling and prosperous commercial waterfront opened the
way for intense activity and specific direction with regard to
appropriate uses.
Manteo Land Use Plan 1

Evaluation of Previous Plans
1981..."Creating a Vision"
Policy direction in the 1981 Manteo Land Use Plan was based
on a community goal -setting process. Townspeople
participated in a lively and intense effort to create a vision for
Manteo's future.
The process produced a theme for Manteo: "Come sit on our
front porch, let us tell you of the dreams we dream", which set
the tone for the waterfront revitalization in preparation for
America's Four Hundredth Anniversary. Adherence to the goals
has enabled Manteo to retain its small town character while
having redeveloped the waterfront into an area attraction. This
was a critical issue in 1981.
Other 1981 goals such as improving community services, i
developing a more economically viable community, and
providing recreational opportunities for all Manteo residents are
ongoing issues being implemented as funds become available.
There are a number of other accomplishments the town can
point to which were initiated during the 1981 planning period:
Harbortown and Baytree, two affordable housing developments,
Cartwright Memorial Park, and a revised zoning ordinance in
compliance with the Land Use Plan.
1986..."Programs and Projects"
The 1986 update of the Manteo Land Use Plan downplays the
effectiveness of the waterfront revitalization as an economic
success. However, the plan does acknowledge that the design
orientation and innovation of 1981 plan "forever changed
Manteo". (II-15)
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Manteo Land Use Plan 2

Manteo's 1986 Land Use Plan update steers the policy direction
away from revitalization and turns the town's attention to a
number of water -related issues and infrastructure
improvements. As a result, the town currently has several
major projects planned or underway: replacement of the
• wastewater treatment facility, replacement of worn water and
sewer lines, and street improvements.
•
This focus is consistent with CAMA's interests in land use
impacts on natural resources, particularly areas of
environmental concern.
Manteo Land Use Plan 3

History
Manteo's history is richly woven in with the lore of the "lost
colony", the first English settlement in the New World. Along
with the rest of the Outer Banks communities, Manteo shares
the aura of mystery, a sense of adventure, the impact of natural
forces, and the geographic isolation. Separated from the North •
Carolina mainland by Croatan Sound and the barrier islands by
Roanoke Sound, Manteo sits comfortably in the middle of
Roanoke Island.
Once home to industrious merchants, enterprising boat builders,
rugged fishermen, and courageous Civil War freedmen,
Manteo's history and charm transcend change and time.
Early History
In the 1870's a spot in the middle of Roanoke Island was
selected as a place for the county seat ... on the edge of
Shallowbag Bay and about half -way between communities on
the northern and southern ends of the Island. That's how
Manteo became the site for a wooden courthouse and the seat
of county government.
Named in honor of Chief Manteo, a friend to the early colonists,
Manteo was incorporated in 1899. Docks, a hotel, a boarding
house, and stores along the water joined the wooden •
courthouse to form the small mercantile town.
The Twentieth Century
In the early 1900's Manteo grew as the trading center for the
Outer Banks. More docks were added and the steamer
"Trenton" made daily runs between Manteo and Elizabeth City.
The town grew, but by the 1920s when fewer people were
traveling by boat, Manteo settled into being a small commercial
fishing village.
•
Manteo Land Use Plan 4

By the 1930s steamboats no longer operated on the sounds,
shipbuilding had decreased, lifesaving operations were reduced,
and commercial fishing declined. Islanders began to look to
other means of support and turned to tourism. In 1928 a
bridge connected Roanoke Island to Nags Head and Virginia
opening the area up to visitors.
• In 1934, to commemorate the 350th anniversary of Virginia
Dare's birth, the Roanoke Island Historical Society
reconstructed the Raleigh Fort and commissioned playwright
Paul Green to script a pageant. President Franklin Roosevelt
attended the first production and (with exception of a few dark
seasons during World War II) "The Lost Colony" has been an
Island staple ever since.
Recent Years
• In the late 1970s, State of North Carolina officials and
academicians decided to commemorate the 400th anniversary
of the first colony with a three-year long celebration. It began
on July 13, 1984 the date of the colonists' arrival and ended
on August 18, 1987, the birth date of Virginia Dare.
Manteo was selected as the site of the commemorative events
and, in 1980 town leaders set about to revitalize the worn
dilapidated waterfront. Viewed as an opportunity to rekindle
Manteo's economic viability, town officials assembled
waterfront parcels; obtained state and federal grants for
• improvements; and appealed to the state government to fund
major capital improvements. Public and private investments
paid off as Manteo continues to redevelop a waterfront that
bustles as it did almost 100 years ago.
0 Manteo Land Use Plan 5

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Despite the passing of time, the small mercantile and
water -oriented town has held on to its charm as the county
seat and a place for visitors. It is still home to merchants,
fishermen, and boatbuilders, many of whom are.
multi -generation natives. Manteo also attracts young
professionals, artists, and eager newcomers seeking the •
ambience of small town living.
(Parts of this were excerpted from Roanoke Island's Past by
Billie B. Harper. NCSU School of Design. 1980)
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Manreo Land Use Plan 6 •

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0 EXISTING CONDITIONS
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1990 VISITOR INFORMATION
Average Visitors 1990-2000
Manteo's Estimated Share
Thousands
140
120
00
80
40
40
20
1990 1995 2000
Mantso M Dart County M Duck
Source. Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce
Five Year Travel Indicator
Roanoke Island's Share
Annual Visitors
400
400
300
200
100
0
1985 lose 1947 1998 1989
Attractions
Elleabeth II MFortifaisigh- 0MC Apuadum
8ouree Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce
Average Daily Visitors By Area
Manteo
1900
Roanoke Island
• 5700 11h,,
Nags Head
1, 17750
Kill Devil Hills
21100
Remaining
11425
Kitty Hawk Southern Snores
7800 Hatteras Duck 3995
2405 4720
• some, Outer Banta Chember Comm me
figure 1

MANTEO DEMOGRAPHICS PROFILE •
CENSUS ESTIMATE PROJECTED
1980 1989 1994
Population
902
1324
1600
Households
385
544
675
Average
Hshld Size
2.3
2.4
2.4 •
Median Age
35.5
35.5
37.1
Median Age
Adult
46.3
42.8
44.1
SEX
Female 475 689 832
Male 427 634 767
RACE
White 684 1233 1530
Black 216 87 65 •
Other 6 12 17
Household
Income
1980
1989
1994
$ 0- 7,499
126
32 %
74
13.6%
74
11 %
$ 7,500-14,999
74
19 0/6
106
19.5%
104
15.9%
$ 15,000-29,999
122
31 %
112
20.6%
118
17.5%
$ 25,000-34,999
35
9 %
83
15 %
101
15 %
$ 35,000-49,999
27
7 %
83
15 %
106
15.7%
$ 50,000-79,999
3
.8%
52
9.6%
93
13.8%
$ 75,000 +
3
.8%
34
6 %
79
11.7%
(Source: D & B Donnelley Demographics
State Library of North
Carolina,
January 1990)
Manteo Land Use Plan 9
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4
• EXISTING CONDITIONS
Population and Economics
Dare County Growth
• In April of 1990 the North Carolina Office of State Budget and
Management issued the "Projected Population Growth Rates for
North Carolina Counties" listing each county's projected
population growth for the decades of 1980-1990, 1990-2000,
and 2000-2010.
According to this report Dare County has been and will
continue to be the fastest growing county in North Carolina
over the three decade period. The county's population
increased by 68% between 1980-90, is expected to increase
by 41 % between 1990-2000, and 29% between 2000-2010.
• Dare County's 1980 population of 13,377 had risen to 22,500
by 1990. During that same period Manteo's population grew
from 902 to 1300, a 46% increase. Manteo's "boom" has
occurred over the last five years and for the most part can be
attributed to new residential development and to a lesser degree
annexation. The population of unincorporated Roanoke Island
outside Manteo is about 2200.
Manteo Demographic Profile
• The State Library Information Services Section provided Manteo
with demographic information in January 1990. In included
1980 census data, 1989 estimates, and 1994 projections.
The 1990 preliminary census data reports Manteo's population
as 973. The town disputes this figure, holding to a local count
of around 1300. The 1990 State Library "Demographic
Information for Manteo" is included here to indicate anticipated
changes.
• Manteo Land Use Plan 7

Manteo's population growth increased about 10% between
1980 and 1985. For the planning period between 1985 and
1994 population is expected to increase by about 300 people
(or roughly 20%) bringing Manteo's total to 1600. This growth
will be the result of annexation, new births, and in -migration.
For the most part, the growth will not put a strain on the
town's services or infrastructure.
Pirate's Cove, a development separated from the central part of •
town by unincorporated Roanoke Island had little impact on the
town's street system or other facilities.
The town leaders assume adequate services are and will be
available to accommodate anticipated future growth.
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Manteo Land Use Plan 8 •

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Visitor Population
Of the 16 most frequently visited attractions in Dare County,
six are on Roanoke Island. However, Manteo captures only a
• small share of the overall visitor or tourist population.
According to the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce data, the
average daily visitor population for 1990 was 76,800 with the
highest percentage attributed to the beach communities.
Manteo's share of the daily average for 1990 was 1900. For
the same year, total peak visitation reached 128,875 with
Manteo's share being 2900. The Chamber also tracks day
visitors for a total of 17,830 but does not break this number
down by communities.
• Current Economic Base
•
According to the Town of Manteo Approved Budget for
1990-91, Manteo's general fund revenue base shows a
moderate increase. Growth is due to "buildout" on annexed
areas and increases in the sales and occupancy taxes.
However, the 5.5 projected increase in property, sales, and
occupancy taxes will be offset by a reduction in building permit
fees, due to a general slowdown in construction.
Manteo's major general fund expenditures provide for basic
services: police, streets, sanitation, and fire. This accounts for
over half the budget.
Manteo is fortunate to have year round employment. In
comparison to the beach communities, Manteo's economy does
not fluctuate as dramatically during periods of economic
downturn. However, Manteo is affected by broad issues such
as cost -of -living and overall visitation.
Manteo Land Use Plan 10

For example, according to the State Library of North Carolina
demographic report, slightly over half of Manteo households
earn $30,000 or less per year. Thirty percent earn between
$25,000 and $50,000 annually. However, compared to 1980
income figures, household income is rising. (See chart III-2)
Several factors contribute to Manteo's economic base
including:
a. Cost -of -Living in 1990: A 1991 Outer Banks Chamber
of Commerce report on cost -of -living states that Dare
County's was 114.2 or 14.2% above the nationwide
average (100) for the third quarter of 1990. The price
index is based on six components: groceries, housing,
utilities, miscellaneous goods and services,
transportation, and health.
Dare County's cost -of -living is comparable to Seattle's
1112.3), slightly higher than Chapel Hill's (107.3),
Charlotte's (101.1), and Raleigh's (102.4). Roanoke,
Virginia's index was slightly below 100 at 96.3. Dare
County housing prices measured at 147.4, almost 50%
higher than the national average.
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b. Manteo's Commerce: Manteo is known for its small
town character and is Dare County's only "prban" area. It
is the county seat and home to many government offices
and social services. The waterfront area is a mix of •
institutional, commercial, and retail uses.
Commercial activity along Highway 64/264 has increased
but the short supply of large vacant parcels limits the
potential for strip development. Pockets of commercial
and light industrial uses are located along Shallowbag
Bay and Roanoke Sound on the north and south sides of
the central waterfront.
Manteo Land Use Plan 111 •

The Manteo waterfront is the backdrop for the Elizabeth
II, a representative 16th century sailing vessel. Owned
and operated by the state, the ship and its interpretive
center attract upwards of 70,000 visitors annually. The
Elizabeth II is an economic boost for Manteo retail and
food establishments.
Manteo is the service and commercial center for
unincorporated Roanoke Island. However, with rapid
• commercial development along the beach communities,
Manteo now competes with a number of commercial
establishments for year round trade.
c. Growth: Manteo annexed Pirates Cove, a commercial
fishing establishment and residential community at the
foot of the Baum Bridge. Approved as a planned unit
development, Pirate's Cove has the potential for 229
single family dwellings, 530 multi -family units, and a 40
room inn, 16,132 square feet of retail/commercial space
and a 156 slip marina. Of the total 548 acres, only 135
are developable. As of early 1991, 60 acres had been
developed. Pirate's Cove includes 377 acres of
wetlands and is joined to Manteo by Shallowbag Bay.
d. New Industry: Until the mid -eighties Manteo's
commercial lodging consisted of motels on Highway
64/264. In 1985 the Scarborough Inn, a 10 unit bed and
breakfast opened on Highway 64/264. In 1988, Phase II
of the central waterfront development, The Tranquil
House Inn, with 28 rooms had opened. In the spring of
• 1991, the Roanoke House with 8 units opened. The bed
and breakfast industry is established in Manteo and is a
welcomed addition to the town's economic growth.
• Manteo Land Use Plan 12

e. Organizations: In 1988, upon the recommendation of
both the 1981 and 1986 plans, local businesspeople
formed the Roanoke Island Business Association to
promote commerce and goodwill among businesses on
Roanoke Island. The group's objectives are intended to
complement those of the Dare County Tourist Bureau and •
the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce.
f. Promotion: At the beginning of 1991, area
businesspeople and elected officials worked together on
a proposal to the North Carolina General Assembly to
increase the county's lodging tax by one percent and to
add a one percent prepared foods tax to supply the
county with an advertising budget.
Seventy percent of the revenue would be spent on
advertising the area and thirty percent on related needs
such as beach nourishment services. It is presumed that
Manteo, along with other area communities, would
benefit from the advertising.
•
Manteo Land Use Plan 13 •

Land Use... Changes and Conflicts
Developed Land
• Manteo's land use map reveals a mix of uses operating in
apparent harmony. Incremental zoning permits all uses in the
B-2 zone; fewer are permitted (but many conditioned) in the B1,
R5, R2, and R1 zones. Most of Manteo's uses were in place
when the zoning ordinance was adopted in 1979 accounting for
the varied mix of single family, retail, institutional, multifamily,
light industrial, recreational, and office uses in most of the
zones.
The mix enhances, and in some ways, contributes to the "small
town character". It allows one to live "over the store", on the.
• water, securely hidden from view, next to one's business, along
the commercial strip, or on the waterfront.
While other towns work to create a "pedestrian experience",
Manteo's compact form encourages walking and biking. The
downtown uses are connected by sidewalks and boardwalks
and invite strolling. This valued feature allows people to
survive without having to depend on the auto for every trip.
If the Gateway -Midway bridge is built, Man'teo will experience a
reduction of pass -through traffic along Highway 64/264. For
• the most part, highway businesses serve local needs and the
decrease in traffic will relieve congestion and incompatible
traffic uses in the town.
IJ
Merchants are not expected to realize substantial loss due to
the construction of the bridge.
Manteo Land Use Plan 14

Vacant Land
There is relatively little vacant land in Manteo. However, the
development potential is greater than it might seem. There is
some opportunity to assemble small adjacent lots along the
highway for commercial uses and to increase residential density •
west of the highway if, as recommended by the 1986 plan, the
town rezones that district from R-2 to R-5. There also is some
opportunity for redevelopment and maximizing development on
the few large parcels along the water.
New Development
Sites C and D of the waterfront plan have yet to be developed.
Development would add more retail and residential uses. Site C
would be similar to the existing waterfront development, ie., •
parking on the ground level, retail on the second, and residential
on the third. The development calls for fewer than 20 dwelling
units. There are no current plans to develop Site C. Site D, the
current US Post Office site, has no plan for development. The
town purchased the site for future development.
The April 1991 Master Plan and Feasibility Study for the
Elizabeth II Historic Site describes the future development on
Ice Plant Island. Six acres on the island have been set aside for
a theater and covered arcade, parking, trails connecting the
facilities to the Cora Mae Basnight Bridge, a remodeled visitor's •
center to include an assembly area, and an expanded
maintenance facility.
Manteo Land Use Plan 15 •

In summary, Manteo's economic base is tied to several factors:
cost -of -living, steady year round employment, tourism, healthy
commercial growth, annexation, new business, and
development. The town is also served by the Roanoke Island
Business Association and areawide concern for tourist
development. Manteo's infrastructure (water, sewer, streets,
• and other basic services) operates below capacity and can
handle anticipated growth.
Downtown Manteo
•
•
• Manteo Land Use Plan 16

Plans, Policies, and Regulations
1980 DEVELOPMENT PLAN: In the early 1980s 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
current planning policy direction and planning is based on these
documents.
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.
1985 FLOOD INSURANCE PLAN: This study serves as the
basis for the town's building elevations.
1982 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN: This plan
identifies drainage problem areas and made recommendations to
the town for improving its runoff system.
1989 (updated) EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PROCEDURES
MANUAL: Adopted by the town and upheld by policy direction
in the land use plan.
•
•
1979 MANTEO ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE:
Provisions of this ordinance include classic zoning regulations •
(subdivisions, signs, mobile homes, planned unit development,
building permit, flood damage control, and traditional permitted
and conditional use regulations).
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.
Manteo Land Use Plan 17
•

1982 ROANOKE VOYAGES CORRIDOR COMMISSION: The
town works in concert with the provisions of this commission
and its governing ordinance.
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.
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.
• 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.
1990 EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF TOURISM ON
GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURES AND REVENUES: This study
set the stage for a 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.
• 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 long-
standing community desire to have a performing arts center as
a complement to the Elizabeth II.
1991 NCDOT TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
(TIP): A statewide report on needed and anticipated (but
unfunded) transportation improvements.
0 Manteo Land Use Plan 18

C�
Natural Resources
Geology and Soil Composition
Dare County'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 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 i
development in Manteo. However, when planning for the
future, the town should consider protecting the two principal
aquifers from pollution.
Most of Manteo'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.
A portion of the town is underlain by a loamy fine sand (Icaria). •
This soil drains poorly and can be spotted across the entire
town; a large area exists 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 SCS classifies this soil as severely
limited for all urban uses.
Manteo Land Use Plan 19 •

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11
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Two areas of Manteo are underlain by Baymeade fine sand.
This is a well drained soil and is well suited for urban
development. However, high permeability makes it unsuitable
for septic tank filter fields. (The Manteo High School,
Harbortown and Baytree neighborhoods are built on Baymeade).
Several areas of Manteo are composed of dredge spoil, landfill
or "made land" (Psamments). This soil can be found adjacent
to canals dredged inland from Shallowbag Bay and on Ice Plant
Island. The SCS classifies this soil as severely limited for all
urban uses. As with Baymeade fine sand, high permeability
makes this soil unsuitable for septic tank filter fields.
The marsh areas surrounding Manteo are underlain by Hobonny
muck. These soils consist of a very deep organic layer (50'+)
overlying sand. The marshes are characterized by the presence
of a Black Needle Rush community.
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.
The town always should consider the limitations of its soils
when it estimates development potential, plans utilities
expansions, and contemplates annexations.
Manteo Land Use Plan 20

n
LJ
Water
Manteo derives its groundwater from three aquifers, has few
sources of fresh surface water, and is surrounded by saltwater.
a. Groundwater: Manteo's source of groundwater is
supplied by three distinct aquifers composed of bedded
sands and shell with some silts and clay. These aquifers •
are separated by layers of clay which tend to limit the
movement of water between the various layers.
1. The top aquifer is the water -table or
"unconfined" aquifer. It extends from ground
surface to about 85 feet below mean sea level.
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 surface of the water table aquifer lies
close to the land surface under much of Manteo •
and tends to rise and fall significantly in response
to heavy rain or flooding.
2. The second aquifer begins at about 140 feet
below msl at the north end of Roanake Island and
climbs to within about 110 feet below mean sea
level near Wanchese. It is 80 to 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.
3. The third and deepest aquifer (which is about
100 feet thick) begins 300 feet below mean sea
level and is not used as a water supply.
Manteo Land Use Plan 21 0

b. Fresh Surface Water: The -few sources of fresh
surface water 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.
c. Saltwater: Roanoke Island is surrounded by the
waters of Roanoke and Croatan Sounds which form part
of the vast estuarine area along the North Carolina Coast.
Manteo's Shallowbag Bay is an important part of this
estuarine system. Early commercial fishing activity in
Manteo depended on the bay and the sounds. Today
commercial fishing activity shares the bay and sounds
with recreational fishing, pleasure boating, and other
• tourist attractions.
The bay and sound's water quality appears to meet current
water quality standards. A 1984 dredging project removed a
blanket of sludge from the bottom of Shallowbag Bay.
Shallowbag Bay and the Roanoke Sound are classified as "SC"
waters. Currently Dough's Creek and Scarborough Creek are
designated as primary nurseries. All are protected for fishing,
secondary recreation, and any other usage except primary
recreation or shellfishing for market purposes. Currently, they
• are not protected for swimming. To be protected for
swimming, they would have to get an "SB" classification,
requiring a different management of wastewater effluent
discharging into Shallowbag Bay.
In summary Manteo has an abundance of water and no current
significant problems. However, as the town seeks to develop
its resources for immediate use or preserve them for emerging
needs, protection of the town's groundwater, fresh surface
water, and estuarine water will become more critical.
0 Manteo Land Use Plan 22

Flood Hazards
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 Rate Map and Study to address flooding issues.
Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs) •
Natural areas lay on Manteo's edges and are related to the
creeks, marsh, and the bay. However, the town is almost
totally built up and does not contain any important terrestrial
natural areas within its boundaries.
a. Areas of Environmental Concern Inventory: Estuarine
waters are defined by the State of North Carolina as all
water in the Atlantic Ocean, and the bays, sounds,
rivers, and tributaries seaward of the dividing line •
between coastal fishing waters and inland fishing waters.
Manteo's estuarine waters include Shallowbag Bay and.
Dough's Creek.
Dough's Creek and Scarborough Creek are designated
primary nursery areas. Shallowbag Bay is not so
designated. 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 early juvenile stages. •
Estuarine waters are the dominant component and
bonding element of the entire estuarine system and
integrate aquatic influences from both land and sea.
Estuaries are among North Carolina's as menhaden,
flounder, shrimp, crabs, and oysters. They support the
valuable commercial and sports fisheries of the coastal
areas.
Manteo Land Use Plan 23 •

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These species spend some or all of their life cycles in
estuarine waters to mature and reproduce. Commercial
and sports fisheries important to Dare County depend on
the protection and sustained quality of estuarine waters.
• b. Wetlands: Coastal wetlands are defined as salt marsh
or other marsh subject to regular or occasional flooding
by tides and/or wind tides and containing marsh plant
species listed in NEAC.07H.0205. Manteo's significant
coastal wetlands are on the east side of Dough's Creek
and in large areas edging the northeast and southeast
boundaries of Shallowbag Bay.
The exception is 20 acres of higher land with pine woods
and open sand fields surrounding the Elizabeth II Historic
Site (on Ice Plant Island). There is another small
significant pocket of coastal wetland directly southeast
of the Agona and Fernando Streets' intersection..
According to a North Carolina Natural Heritage Program
survey, the expanse of coastal wetlands bordering the
southside of Shallowbag Bay is the northern portion of
what may be the finest Black Needle Rush -dominated
area remaining in the state.
Roanoke Island wetlands are an important resting area
for migrating animals and birds traveling between the
• mainland and the Outer Banks. Wetlands south of
Shallowbag Bay provide nesting, wintering, and/or
feeding grounds for Black Rails, Barn Owls, Least
Bitterns, Marsh Wrens, and Clapper Rails.
c. Public Trust Areas: Public Trust Areas are surface
waters where the public has the right to navigate and
gain access to other public trust areas (all surface
waters). Manteo's public trust areas are Dough's Creek
and Shallowbag Bay.
Manteo Land Use Plan 24

0
In addition to the public's right to navigation and
recreation, these areas support valuable commercial and
sports fisheries, provide aesthetic value to the
community, and are an important resource for economic
development. •
Manteo's public trust,waters include a number of canals
used for crabshedding. These creeks are north of the
downtown and run along Grenville and Gilbert streets.
The town is working with NCDOT to divert surface runoff
from the crabshedding canals.
d. Estuarine Shorelines: Estuarine shorelines abut
estuarine waters 75 feet inland from high water.
Intimately connected to the estuary, they are vulnerable
to erosion, flooding, or other adverse effects of wind and
water. 0
Any future land 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 shorefront erosion and flooding.
Cultural and Historic Areas •
Settled in 1865 and incorporated in January 1899, Manteo has
a rich history based on fishing, boatbuilding, and as an
industrious waterfront mercantile and government center.
Although remnants of very old settlements are scarce and only
a few pre -Civil War structures remain on Roanoke Island,
Manteo has a number of significant cultural and historic sites
and amenities. This inventory of cultural and historic sites
identifies significant structures and landmarks in Manteo:
4k
Manteo Land Use Plan 25

a. Cartwright Memorial Park: Cartwright Park is located
on Sir Walter Raleigh Street on the west side of Highway
64/264 and was established in 1983 to commemorate
the site of the first AME-Zion Church in the southeast.
The park contains commemorative markers and is used
• for picnics, commemorative events, and other functions.
b. Bicentennial Park: This waterfront park is part of the
town's public open space and is 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 1980s was maintained by
community volunteers.
c. The Creef-Davis Boatworks: The nineteenth century
• sailing freight boat the "Hattie 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 boatbuilding heritage.
d. Elizabeth II Historic Site: The Elizabeth II, a
representative sixteenth century sailing vessel, was built
on the Manteo waterfront at the old Creef-Davis boat
• yard to commemorate the Four Hundredth Anniversary of
the first English settlement. The Site contains an
interpretive center depicting the colonists' journey and
life on Roanoke Island, a gift shop, and the Outer Banks
History Center.
e. Dare County Courthouse: Located on the Manteo
waterfront where Queen Elizabeth, Fernando, and
Budleigh Streets converge, the present courthouse was
built in 1904. It is an example of the Italianate style. The
original gables, chimneys, porch, and cupola (destroyed
in a 1933 hurricane) were never replaced.
•
Manteo Land Use Plan 26

i
A two story hip roof brick structure three bays wide by
five deep, it has a two-tier pedimented porch supported
by massive paneled pillars. Wide semi -pilasters, corbeled
at the bottoms, and suspended from the boxed eaves,
divide the end bays.
The first story windows have segmental -arched heads; •
those on the second story are semi -circular. Over the
years, the Courthouse has undergone several renovations
and alterations.
f. George Washington Creef House: Built by the Creef
boatbuilding family in the early twentieth century and
located at 304 Budleigh Street, this late nineteenth
century two story house is of T-plan board and batten
construction with an ornamented shed porch and
intricate shingle and spindle work in gable. It is privately •
owned.
g. Theodore S. Meekins House: "Goldie's house" is
located at 319 Sir Walter Raleigh Street and was built in
the late nineteenth/early twentieth century. It is a Queen
Anne -style house; a complex form with shingle gables, a.
rounded corner tower with a conical roof and wraparound
porch. It is privately owned and is listed in the National
Registry of Historic Places.
h. John Evans House: Located at 210 Sir Walter Raleigh •
Street, this house was built in 1873-74. Originally it was
a two story gable roof frame house three bays wide by
three deep with a hip roof porch on chamfered posts, a
typical Victorian interior finish, and a shingled -roof
outbuilding. In 1990 the house was restored and
enlarged.
It has been privately owned by the same family since its
construction.
Manteo Land Use Plan 27 •

i. Mt. Olivet Methodist Church: Located at 302 Ananias
Dare St. this is an early twentieth century frame church
with detached octagonal entrance towers of unequal
height framing the shingled gable front, a pointed arch
door and window openings. An education wing was
added in 1980 and the sanctuary was remodeled in
1984.
• j. 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.
k. America's Four Hundredth Anniversary
Commemorative Plaque: This placque 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 placque in Plymouth,
England commemorating the colonists' departure.
•
• Manteo Land Use Plan 28

Community Facilities
The Town of Manteo's total incorporated area is approximately
933 acres. Roughly a third of that is wetlands and marsh.
Townspeople are served by a municipally -owned water and
sewer system, a police force, fire department, a street network
maintained by the state and the town, municipal docks and a
public boat launch. •
Roanoke Island Fire District provides fire protection and Dare
County provides emergency medical services. Other utilities are
provided by Carolina Telephone Company and North Carolina
Power.
Water System
Purchased from the Dare County Regional Water System, •
Manteo's water is pumped from a facility near Midway.through
a 12 inch water main to the town's 75,000 gallon elevated
storage tank on Fernando Street. Of its 5.5 MGD the county
allocates 400,000 gallons per day (gpd) to Manteo.
Since 1984 Manteo's average monthly use has risen from 3.9
million gallons to 5.8 million. Water use fluctuations are
attributed to seasonal changes: watering lawns in the spring
and summer; additional summer residents; fewer school
activities in the summer; and occasional bursting pipes in
winter. Even with the increase in use, Manteo still consumes
only about half of its daily allocation from Dare County. •
Wastewater Treatment
Manteo operates the only community -wide central wastewater
collection and treatment facility in Dare County. Wastewater is
treated at the town's 250,000 gpd discharge treatment plant
on Shallowbag Bay or at the 125,000 gpd rotary distributor
land disposal system plant on Bowser Town Road.
Manteo Land Use Plan 29 •

C�
In 1991 the town received permits to construct a new 600,000
gpd wastewater treatment facility to replace the two existing
plants. Both the existing rotary plant and the discharge plant
on the waterfront are in need of replacing. The town amended
its 1986 Land Use Plan to comply with the new system which
will discharge treated affluent into Shallowbag Bay.
Capacity for Manteo's existing service area is more than
• adequate. Annexation of Pirate's Cove did not impact the
capacity set aside for existing users. However, due to the
potential capacity, the town is receiving numerous annexation
applications and must attend to the additional demand.
Most of Manteo's water and sewer lines west of the highway
have been in place since 1930. Newer lines and pumping
facilities were installed in 1981 to accommodate annexation. In
the late 1980's the town replaced the lines on Queen Elizabeth
Street. In 1990 the town had a "smoke" test done to identify
• sources of inflow and infiltration. Work is done on inflow and
infiltration on an "as needed" basis.
The replacement program targeted the most obvious surface
infiltration sources for immediate replacement. Remaining lines
are being replaced on a ongoing basis. Clay pipes are being
replaced with PVC to prevent inflow and infiltration. Four
pumping stations lift wastewater into the existing gravity flow
system.
Storm Drainage
• A combination of drainage ditches and underground drainage
lines move storm water with varying degrees of success to
Dough's Creek, Shallowbag Bay, or Croatan Sound. Highway
64/264 is the dividing line between the two major drainage
basins.
0
Manreo Land Use Plan 30

Because Manteo is very low and its slopes are flat, frequent
heavy rains tend to drain slowly creating hazards and
inconveniences. Ironically, draining Manteo's storm water
directly into Dough's Creek or Shallowbag Bay can create
significant water quality problems.
A 1982 Storm Water Management Plan recommended
procedures and technical solutions to improve the drainage •
system. Unfortunately, the recommended solutions would
exacerbate the issue of water quality in the creek and bay. To
prevent that from happening, Manteo hopes to handle drainage
by channeling storm runoff into drainage basins strategically
located on available vacant land.
Circulation and Parking
Manteo's streets, parking lots and on -street spaces must meet •
competing needs.
a. Arterials: Manteo's major traffic concern is the use
of US Highway 64/264 which passes through Manteo
providing the only access to the mainland and the Outer
Banks.
Travel patterns in Manteo can be separated into three
categories:
1) through -travel: trips with neither an origin •
or destination in Manteo.
2) "external -internal" travel: trips with either
an origin or destination in Manteo.
3) local travel: trips that begin and end in
Manteo.
Although these three types of travel are incompatible, all
must rely on Highway 64/264 for passage through
Manteo.
Manteo Land Use Plan 31 0

b. Local Streets: Manteo's local streets operate at below
average daily trip (adt) capacity.. Streets are being
improved and circulation analyzed.
c. Parking: Parking needs continue to be a source of
controversy in Manteo. Off-season parking is adequate
for the commercial and government uses near and around
• the waterfront. However, in the summer months, locals
and visitors compete for the parking supply.
•
Despite recommendations in earlier plans, visitors and
employees still are not directed to the parking lot on Ice
Plant Island.
The town regulates off-street parking time limits and
provides some public parking near the waterfront.
However, other methods of regulating the parking supply
have yet to be instituted and there is no consensus on
the need to increase the supply.
d. Parking Supply Inventory: The parking inventory
covers the area east of Uppowoc Street between Ananias
Dare and Fernando Streets across Cora Mae Basnight
Bridge and including the Elizabeth II Historic Site.
On -street (waterfront) parking: 256 spaces
Off street (public and private): 375 spaces
Elizabeth II Historic Site: 174 regular;
16 pull -through.
Manteo Land Use Plan 32

Educational Institutions
Four of the county's six public schools are in Manteo (Manteo
Elementary School, Manteo Middle School, Manteo High School
and the Alternative School). Until recently, these schools
served the needs of students from throughout the county.
However, due to overcrowding, in the fall of 1991 the county is •
constructing a new elementary school and a new middle school
on the beach. A new high school is proposed.
Manteo is also served by a branch campus of the College of the
Albemarle located on the south end of Roanoke Island.
Other Basic Services
Manteo is served by municipal full-time police and sanitary
departments. The town has its own trash pick-up and recycling •
programs. Fire protection is provided by the Roanoke Island
Volunteer Fire Department. Dare County, the area land fill
provider, recently increased its land fill capacity to serve the
next 20 years.
Manteo's ability to provide basic services is more than
adequate. Service capacity is more than adequate and can
serve the anticipated needs of the town's expected growth in
the coming decade. However, due to the age of some plants,
facilities themselves may need replacing.
•
Manteo Land Use Plan 33

n
U
• FUTURE CONDITIONS

FUTURE CONDITIONS
Emerging Issues
The period between 1986 and 1991 saw few dramatic changes
in Manteo. The Tranquil House Inn (phase II of the waterfront
master plan) was constructed; some commercial development
occurred on Highway 64/264; and the town annexed Pirates
Cove. In 1991 the Roanoke House bed and breakfast opened
• serving a need for more accommodations in downtown.
During this same period Dare County experienced a peak
development boom in 1988 and an economic downturn in
1990. Both events can be tied to the national economic
picture. The savings and loan debacle had a profound impact
on property development and jobs in Dare County.
But Manteo's existing conditions... limited vacant land and a
relatively stable year round economy... steady population
growth and adequate public services... suggest that future
• conditions will unfold as leaders grapple with current and
emerging issues.
The 1991-96 planning period marks yet another crossroads for
Manteo: an opportunity to rekindle the town's vision and the
chance to select an approach for carrying out policy direction.
Proper planning will enable the town to act and move steadily
forward with its interest to improve the residential and business
quality of life in Manteo.
A number of issues facing Manteo relate to the town's revised
• goals. Action on any of these would have long-term affects on
Manteo's future. For that reason, each is addressed in the
Planning Objectives and Policies Section of the plan.
0 Manteo Land Use Plan 34

Local
a. Adopt a Capital Improvement Program (CIP): Since its
initial planning process, the Town of Manteo has been
advised to adopt a CIP as a management tool. Such a
program would enable the town to plan, fund, and
schedule capital improvements including streets and •
sidewalks, public facilities, and utilities.
Most importantly, it requires officials to established
priorities. The public can rely on scheduled (and funded)
improvements. When adopted, CIPs ensure predictable
implementation and accountability.
b. Rezone residential areas west of Highway 64/264:
The recommendation to upzone this area from R-2 to R-5
affects about 85 residential lots some with substantial
homes, others with dilapidated houses or mobile homes. •
There are a few vacant lots. The intent is to allow
consolidation of small lots and development of multi-
family housing.
Manteo needs additional affordable housing and these
neighborhoods need upgrading. Getting consensus on
the rezone would require a thoughtful public process but
the effect could be beneficial over the long term.
c. Capture a larger share of Roanoke Island's (N.C.
Aquarium, Fort Raleigh, and Elizabeth II) seasonal visitor •
population: As the numbers show, Manteo gets a very
small portion of the total Roanoke Island visitor
population. With nearly a half million visits to the
Aquarium alone in 1991, (and only 1900 to Manteo) it is
evident that Manteo is not attracting as many visitors as
it could. The town could become a more active partner
in the effort to draw more people off Highway 64/264 to
the waterfront.
Manteo Land Use Plan 35
•

d. Pursue housing for the elderly: Manteo's aging
population deserves housing choices near home.
According to a recent housing study elders prefer to
remain in their homes when possible or in their
communities if they must move. With land so scarce,
the town should pursue opportunities to join with housing
providers to make appropriate housing available in
• Manteo.
e. Complete Redevelopment of the Waterfront: Sites C
(the vacant land at the corner of Fernando and Queen
Elizabeth Streets) and D ithe existing Post Office site) are
planned for redevelopment over the coming years. This
will add several thousand square feet of retail space and
a number of residential units to the waterfront.
• Regional
Manteo is a regional player and participates in
discussions of county, state, and federal issues which
could significantly impact Manteo's future. The town is
in a position to influence the outcome of these issues:
a. Highway 64/264 Improvements: Manteo supports
the construction of a bridge over Croatan Sound
connecting Highway 64/264 on the mainland to the
beaches. This would remove pass -through traffic from
the highway through Manteo and alleviate the seasonal
• congestion. (Policy a, Transportation)
b. Corrected waterway charts and rerouting the Inland
Coastal Waterway through Roanoke Sound: Work is
underway to accomplish this, and if successful, the
results would make the Manteo waterfront accessible to
thousands of boaters. (Policy b, Economics)
• Manteo Land Use Plan 36

c. Completion of the development of Ice Plant Island:
Implementation of the 1991 Master Plan and Feasibility
Study for the Elizabeth II Historic Site will add a theater,
assembly room, and trails to the site. The expansion will
be an added attraction and could increase the visitor
population.
d. Tax on lodging and prepared foods to advertise the
Outer Banks: Manteo stands to benefit from this effort.
The results are intended to keep property taxes down
and services intact, increase tax revenues, and develop
"shoulder seasons" to maximize the use of facilities and
services.
e. Future relocation of the county government offices
outside of Manteo: There are no immediate plans to
construct the county complex. The town does not have
a policy position on such a move, but it is felt that much
of Manteo's identity is tied to its position as the county
seat.
Ongoing Issues
Some ongoing issues will impact Manteo over time. The
changes may be subtle but the cumulative effect could cause
such things as additional commercial development on Highway
64/264, increased traffic, demand for services, need for
housing, and pressure to annex areas adjacent to Manteo.
These issues include:
a. Overall population growth as people retire to Dare
County, purchase second homes, and seek out the area's
attractions. (Manteo welcomes additional economic
growth in the county and on the island).
b. Continuing and steady single-family subdivision
development on Roanoke Island. (Manteo expects an
increased demand for annexation due to this growth.)
•
0
•
Manteo Land Use Plan 37 •

a
• c. Development of Heritage Point on the north end of
Roanoke Island. Of the 125 acres, approximately 70 are
developable. Planned in three phases; the site includes
half -acre lots, boats slips, and a boat basin for
homeowners. (Manteo will realize little Impact due to
this change other than increased economic gain.)
d. Stabilization of Oregon Inlet to boost the area's sports
and commercial fishing industry. (Manteo supports the
• stabilization; it is critical to the cultural and economic
stability of the area.)
0
Manteo Land Use Plan gg

Building Relationships
The '90s are predicted to be the environmental decade. The
public's attention once more is turning to natural, scarce, and
threatened resources. At the same time, the economic
downturn commands equal attention. Jobs, businesses,
productivity are at risk. Quality of life concerns from clean air
to job security draw people to the forefront of policy debates. •
This is true locally as well as nationally.
As Manteo faces the future, town leaders must listen to and
work together with groups able to influence local issues. New
groups such as the Roanoke Island Merchant's Association, the
Friends of Roanoke Island (FRI), and Outer Banks 2000 deserve
to be heard.
Established organizations including the Area Development
Coordination Agency, Dare County Tourist Bureau, Outer Banks •
Chamber of Commerce , the Oregon Inlet Commission, Friends
of Elizabeth, Roanoke Voyages and Elizabeth II Historic Site
Commission, and the Roanoke Island Historical Association will
continue to influence local and area decisions.
The town's ability to understand the objectives of these groups,
to participate when invited, and to assist when appropriate, will
help establish Manteo as a leader on emerging issues.
•
Manteo Land Use Plan 39 0

• PLANNING OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
u

E
PLANNING OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
Natural Resource Protection
The marshlands of Roanoke Island provide important areas for
migrating animals and birds. One of the finest Black
Needlerush-dominated wetlands remaining in the state borders
• the southside of Manteo's Shallowbag Bay. Black Rails, Barn
Owls, Least Bitterns, Marsh Wrens, and Clapper Rails can be
found nesting, wintering and feeding there.
Estuarine waters, including Manteo's Shallowbag Bay and
Dough's Creek, are the dominant components and bonding
elements of the entire estuarine system and integrate aquatic
influences from both land and sea. Although Manteo is almost
totally built up, the natural areas along its edges exist in
harmony with the bustle of the town's activity.
• Manteo's location on Shallowbag Bay provided the town with
its early economy: boat building and commercial fishing. As the
county seat, Manteo also became the area's mercantile center.
As a waterfront town Manteo has always been aware of the
relationship among natural resources, water -related and land
uses.
In fact, the need to examine and plan for the protection and
management of Manteo's natural resources has never been
more important. The demand for competing uses along the
water's edge has increased as Manteo revitalizes the waterfront
• and continues to encourage intense private development of
retail, residential, and recreational uses.
At the same time, the town must be attentive to its limitations:
Manteo's soil composition prevents adequate drainage and
stormwater runoff impacts the quality of Manteo's waters.
Fragile fisheries compete with commercial water -related
activities for use of Manteo's waters.
• Manteo Land Use Plan 40

As a result, the town needs strong policy direction regarding all
water -related issues. This includes a varied range of issues:
wetland preservation, fisheries protection, commercial and
recreational uses, channel maintenance, storm drainage,
wastewater treatment, storm hazard and flood protection.
Resource Protection •
al• Protect and manage Manteo's natural
resources from adverse impacts of
recreational and commercial uses.
Obiective: Implement plans and projects to accomplish
the town's and CAMA's goal for protection
and management of natural resources and all
water -related issues.
Policies: a. Protect structures, facilities, and .residents •
of Manteo from unreasonable flood damage.
b. Protect Manteo's groundwater from
contamination by hazardous or toxic
materials.
c. Require development proposals on poorly
drained soils (virtually all of Manteo) to
include a design for drainage improvements.
d. Prohibit septic tanks and sewage package •
plants in Manteo.
Implementation: a. Require development proposals to include
a map and design for drainage. (By
amendment to the Zoning Ordinance 1992)
Manteo Land Use Plan 41 •

•
•
•
•
Development in Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs)
oal: Protect Manteo's Areas of Environmental
Concern.
Obiective: Keep Manteo's estuarine waters, coastal
wetlands, public trust waters, and estuarine
shorelines in their natural state and improve
their quality when possible.
Policies: a. Allow recreational, commercial navigation,
and commercial fishing in Manteo's
estuarine and public trust waters.
b. Allow docks to span coastal wetlands.
c. Allow residential, water -related
commercial, water -related light industrial,
and recreational (parks, parking, etc.) uses
along estuarine shorelines.
d. Obtain copies of all state permits allowing
uses in Areas of Environmental Concern.
e. Advise applicants to comply with the
Federal Government's 404 Wetlands
Permitting Process.
f. Comply with the state's policies guiding
land uses in.AECs:
Estuarine and Public Trust Waters: No littering,
untreated waste discharge, live-aboards,
interference with commercial fishing facilities or
activities. Comply with state use standards.
Manteo Land Use Plan 42

Coastal Wetlands: No further dredge and fill
without the town's approval, no littering or waste
discharge, piers on pilings only, minimum
disturbance of marsh during construction. Comply
with state use standards.
Estuarine Shores: No gas stations or other uses •
with hazardous or toxic materials (except marinas),
no more than 85% lot coverage with impermeable
surfaces in B-2 zone. Comply with state use
standards.
Water -related Uses (Runoff, Marina Development)
Goal: Encourage a mix of traditional and new
water -related uses along the waterfront and •
Manteo's shorelines.
Objective: Keep Manteo's waterfront and shorelines
vital, active, and lively for local and visitor
use.
Policies: a. Maintain the commercial fishing activity
along the Manteo waterfront.
b. Support state and federal programs
related to channel maintenance.
c. Encourage new development along the •
waterfront to be in keeping with the town's
1981 Guide for Development.
d. Assure dock and marina development
proceeds in accordance with state use
standards.
Manteo Land Use Plan 43 •

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•
Imolementation:
•
i
e. Ensure that dock and marina development
is consistent with natural resource
protection and production.
f. Ensure that dock and marina development
meets required water quality standards.
g. Encourage new marina and dock
development as the need arises. (Most of
the Manteo waterfront previously has been
dredged. This policy does not preclude
necessary maintenance dredging.)
h. Consider limiting the number of moorage
berths per housing unit to a fraction less
than 1 when marinas are ancillary to
residential development.
i. Dispose discharge from marine toilets into
the town's wastewater treatment system.
j. Encourage festivals and other events along
the waterfront.
a. Publicize and enforce marina and dock
regulations.
b. Pursue extra -territorial jurisdiction over
Shallowbag Bay and the areas within a one
mile radius of the eastern town limits.
(request for ETJ filed 1991)
c. Assist channel maintenance by providing
dredge spoil disposal sites, applying for
necessary permits, and considering (when
appropriate) financial assistance.
Manreo Land Use Plan 44

d. When appropriate, require federal 404
permits before issuing town building
permits.
Public Facilities and Utilities (Effluent)
Goal: Protect Manteo's ground and surface •
water -quality from adverse impacts due to
wastewater treatment, storm runoff,
flooding, or natural disasters.
b'ec ive: Improve Manteo's infrastructure and public
facilities.
Policies: a. Protect Dough's Creek, Shallowbag Bay
and other natural resources from
unnecessary adverse impacts of wastewater .
treatment discharge and storm runoff. (Any
permitted discharges must meet the town's
tertiary treatment levels.)
b. Remove the sewage treatment tank from
the downtown waterfront.
c. Prohibit use of septic tanks and package
sewage plants.
d. Adopt a storm runoff control system to
minimize the adverse impacts of storm •
water runoff on ground and surface waters.
e. Identify drainage problem areas and
improve the drainage system.
Manreo Land Use Plan 45 •

f. Provide catch basins to collect storm
runoff from roofs, patios, driveways,
non -vegetated surfaces, and other
impervious surfaces.
g. Redesign and replace old water and sewer
utility lines as funds permit.
• Implementation: a. Construct a new wastewater treatment
facility. (To be constructed with an EPA
loan 1992-93)
b. Adopt a storm and surface water drainage
plan and regulations to minimize problems
created by uncontrolled and untreated
effluent and pollutants. (Pursue a CAMA
grant 1992-93)
• c. Update the town's 100 year flood plain
map. (in progress, FEMA)
•
• Manteo Land Use Plan 46

Resource Production and Management •
Fishery Nursery Areas
Goal: Protect fishery nursery areas.
Objective: Recognize the importance of maintaining
good water quality and avoid unnecessary
disruption of fishery nursery areas.
Policy: Discourage uses in Shallowbag Bay and
Dough's Creek which adversely impact
fishery nursery areas. Allowed uses will
only be those permitted by CAMA and U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers.
Imolementation: a. Designate AECs on maps when
considering development potential of vacant
land.
b. Identify and inventory AECs for reference
and preservation.
c. Educate the public about the value and
significance of natural resources, particularly
areas of environmental concern.
Required Issues not relevant to Manteo
A number of issues addressed by the state planning guidelines
do not apply to Manteo. They include: Productive Agricultural
Lands, Commercial Forest Lands, Mineral Production Lands,
Off -road vehicles, and Commercial and Residential Land
Development. With the exception of an area designated
"Conservation", land development is encouraged in Manteo.
Manteo Land Use Plan 47
•
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11
The Town of Manteo relies on CAMA's review and permitting
process to assess issues such as industrial use impact on fragile
areas, development of sound and estaurine system islands,
upland excavation for marinas, damaging existing marshes by
installing bulkheads, and restricting development in areas up to
five feet about mean high water level that may be susceptible
to wetland loss.
• Manteo has no, and is not touched by, any Outstanding
Resource Waters, nor does the town need policy direction
regarding offshore drilling.
0
•
• Manteo Land Use Plan 48

Cultural and Historic Resources
11
Described as "the goodliest land under the cope of heaven"
Roanoke Island is steeped in the lore of the "lost colony" and is
widely recognized as having a mystique rooted in history and
drama.
As Manteo approaches its centennial, the town can point to a •
number of sites and amenities which 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 1991 Master Plan and Feasibility Study for the
Elizabeth II Historic Site contribute to the town's cultural
endeavors.
Goal: Preserve and enhance Manteo's rich cultural •
and historic heritage.
Obiective: Identify, recognize, and protect cultural and
historic resources, sites, and amenities.
Policies: a. Enhance Manteo's image as a cultural
center.
b. Support designation of a historic district.
c. Encourage new development adjacent to •
historic sites to consider character, scale,
bulk, height, and design standards in
keeping with existing development.
d. Weigh the value of Manteo's history
when considering major land use,
water -related uses, or transportation
changes.
Manteo Land Use Plan 49 •

e. Recognize Manteo's heritage landmarks
such as the Drinkwater house. (The
telegraph announcing the successful Wright
Brothers flight was dispatched from this
house.)
f. Encourage public education and
• appreciation of Manteo's cultural and
historic contributions.
g. Support implementation of the 1991 Ice
Plant Island master plan.
Implementation: a. Conduct an inventory of cultural and
historic sites and amenities. (Planning Board
1992-93)
• b. Adopt a historic district ordinance.
(Board of Commissioners 1993)
c. Provide educational opportunities for
public edification.
d. Identify landmarks with plaques
or other markers.
n
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• Manteo Land Use Plan 50

Economic and Community Development •
Transportation
a. Arterials: Highway 64/264 is Manteo's major
thoroughfare. As the only access to the mainland and to
the Outer Banks, local traffic shares the highway with
pass -through traffic headed to the beaches. •
The highway also provides the only access to Roanoke
Island's major tourist attractions: the North Carolina
Aquarium, Fort Raleigh, "The Lost Colony", the Elizabeth
11 Historic Site, the Elizabethan Gardens, the Christmas
Shop, and the Manteo waterfront. Manteo also attracts
a stream of traffic to the Dare County Courthouse and
other government offices.
The state Department of Transportation categorizes
Manteo's traffic as: 1) through -traffic: trips with neither •
an origin or destination in Manteo; 2) "external -internal"
traffic: trips with either an origin or destination in
Manteo; and, 3) local traffic: trips that begin and end in
Manteo.
The department considers these types of trips
incompatible with each other. However, in Manteo, all
three types must rely on Highway 64/264 for passage
through town. Transportation studies recommend
separating the types on the highway to alleviate traffic
volumes (particularly during the tourist season). •
The Town of Manteo supports the NCDOT 1991
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
recommendation to construct a multi -lane bridge across
the Croatan Sound diverting Highway 64/264
pass -through traffic away from Manteo. The bridge
would span the distance between Gateway Junction at
West 264/64 and the Midway junction of 64/345 east of
Manteo.
Manteo Land Use Plan 51 40

The Town Board has passed three resolutions supporting this
recommendation.
Goal: Improve transportation circulation in Manteo.
Objective: Separate pass -through traffic from local
• traffic to ease congestion.
Policies: a. Support NCDOT's 1991 TIP
recommendation to construct a bridge over
Croatan Sound.
b. Use existing opportunities such as
improved circulation and intra-town
diversion from Highway 64 to alleviate
traffic congestion until the bridge is
constructed.
• c. Develop a program of promotion and
advertisement identifying Manteo as a
destination to capture a portion of the pass
through traffic.
Implementation: a. Cooperate with NCDOT as it plans the
construction of the bridge over Croatan
Sound.
b. Work with the RIBA, the Dare County
• Tourist Bureau, the National Park Service,
the RIHA, and other organizations in
developing a "Manteo as a destination"
program.
• Manteo Land Use Plan 52

b. Local Streets: Manteo's local street system has
sufficient capacity for existing and future transportation
needs. The streets operate well below the average daily
trip (ADT) capacity as defined by the state.
Manteo 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.
Goal: Provide safe and adequate streets in
Manteo.
Objective: Meet the needs of pedestrians, bicyclists,
motorists and others using the street
and sidewalk system.
Policies: a. Provide a safe street and sidewalk system
for all Manteo townspeople. •
b. Upgrade the quality of the existing street
system with improved circulation and
signalization. Carry -out year-to-year
sidewalk improvement plan.
c. Encourage maximum use of the entire
street system. Maintain integrity of small
town character with use of improved intra-
town circulation system. (This policy does
not imply widening of streets.) •
d. Attend to pedestrian needs with regard to
safety and speeding.
e. Consider the location of curb cuts when
approving new development or substantial
redevelopment.
Manteo Land Use Plan 53 •

f. Encourage new development to make
necessary safety and circulation
improvements.
g. Encourage walking and biking to reduce
traffic.
• Implementation: a. Adopt a street improvement plan. (Town
staff 1992, 1993)
b. Use public education to inform motorists
about neighborhood safety. (Continuing
public awareness programs)
c. Discoprage the use of curb and gutter
when it prohibits natural drainage.
c. Parking: Manteo's parking supply is adequate during the
"off-season" months. However during the tourist season,
and particularly at peak times, visitors compete with locals
for parking spaces near and around the waterfront.
Although the master plan for the waterfront development
recommended that visitors be directed to Ice Plant Island to
park, little or no effort is made to encourage or require this.
The effect would be to separate local short-term parking
needs from longer -term visitor needs.
• However, during peak times, visitors compete with
merchants, employees, residents, employers, and local
shoppers for a limited supply of parking spots. The
perceived parking problem seems to be concentrated in an
area near and around the waterfront.
Goal: Meet the parking needs for locals and
visitors during peak visitation periods.
Manteo Land Use Plan 54

Obiective: Make better use of the available parking
supply and reduce the competition for
limited spaces.
Policies: a. Provide necessary parking during peak
times.
b. Encourage employers to cooperate with a •
parking plan during peak visitation months.
c. Provide clear direction to available parking
lots and spaces.
d. Encourage small pocket parking lots on
available vacant land.
Implementation: a. Conduct a parking study and adopt
a parking plan. (DOT 1992, 1993)
b. Work with employers to reduce the
number of employee vehicles during peak
visitation periods.
c. Improve signage directing traffic to Ice
Plant Island. (DOT 1992, 1993)
Land Use
Manteo is mostly built up, with a few vacant lots and •
underdeveloped parcels scattered through the town. Land uses
evolved as needs arose and the mix contributes to the small
town character. Retail, residential, and commercial blend
compatibly along the waterfront and along the highway.
Design guidelines and zoning restrictions have been adopted to
buffer the impacts when differing uses abut.
Manteo Land Use Plan 55 10

Established residential neighborhoods are stable with few
changes expected. However, Manteo annexed Pirates Cove in
1988, a mixed -used planned unit development at the foot of
the Baum bridge. Primarily residential with single-family homes
and condominiums, Pirates Cove is also known for its sports
fishing marina and seasonal tournaments.
• Pirates Cove is only partially built up; it has the potential for
229 single family homes, 530 multi -family units, a 40 room inn,
16,132 square feet of retail, and 156 boat slips. Of the total
548 acres, only 135 are developable. Separated physically
from the rest of Manteo by marshland and water and protected
by a security gate, Pirates Cove has yet to become an integral
part of Manteo.
The commercial strip along the highway is most susceptible to
growth due to land availability and traffic. As traffic increases,
there will more demand for commercial uses along Highway
• 64/264.
Since the first planning process in 1980, Manteo townspeople
have wrestled with mixing local and visitor needs. Manteo is
the county seat and the employment center for county
government offices. 'Manteo businesses also provide basic
goods and services for its permanent year round residential
community.
With the Elizabeth II Historic Site as an attraction, the Manteo
waterfront was intended to become destination for tourists.
• The Elizabeth II Historic Site and Manteo's waterfront do, in
fact, attract a number of Island visitors. As with other
attractions, visitation drops off during winter months.
However, considering the number of visitors to the NC
Aquarium, the Lost.Colony, Fort Raleigh and the Elizabethan
Gardens, the Manteo waterfront and the Elizabeth II vessel are
not attracting their proportionate share of visitors.
• Manteo Land Use Plan 56

As far as new development is concerned, Manteo has limited
available land for residential, commercial, industrial, or
institutional development. Two of the largest developable
parcels in Manteo are owned by the town. Site C on the
waterfront is in the B-1 zone and is planned for additional retail
and residential uses and Site D (the existing Post Office), also in
the B-1 zone, could also be developed as retail or mixed use. •
The other large planned development is the expansion of the
Elizabeth II site on Ice Plant Island. The 1991 Master Plan and
Feasibility Study recommends construction of a theater (with
stage and covered arcade); a festival park and connecting trail
system; a remodeled Visitor's Center; and expansion of the
existing maintenance facility.
In addition the plan recommends adding 52 parking spaces to
the existing lot and reforesting newly developed areas. The
master plan is consistent with the Town of Manteo's original •
conceptual plan for the island. The purpose of the expansion is
to create an alternative attraction for visitors when the
Elizabeth II is on a voyage and to provide needed facilities for
local use.
Manteo has one subdivision, Pirate's Cove, and no industrial
parks. Manteo's preferred growth pattern is concentrated
commercial to avoid sprawl and infill in residential areas to
maximize small lots.
Goal: Continue developing as a small compact •
family -oriented town.
Objective: Enhance Manteo's blend of residential and
commercial uses, recreational opportunities,
visitor attractions, and natural resources as
a setting for harmonious living and working.
•
Manteo Land Use Plan 57

i
Policies:
Residential Manteo has a compact urban form and
allows residential uses in every zoning
district.
a. Preserve Manteo's residential integrity.
• b. Consider the interests and welfare of the
community when making land use decisions.
c. Examine land use constraints (soils,
drainage, natural resources) and their
potential impacts when considering land use
changes.
d. Balance the needs of permanent residents
and area locals with the needs of visitors.
• e. Create "self-help" local incentive
programs for neighborhood improvements
and upkeep.
f. Ensure acceptable visual transition from
one housing density to another.
g. Make use of Planned Unit Developments
(PUDs) to promote and ensure a range of
housing opportunities.
• h. Consider the need for retirement housing.
Commercial Manteo attempts to concentrate commercial
development to prevent sprawl.
a. Preserve Manteo's small town character
when considering commercial development.
b. Provide retail uses along the waterfront
for locals as well as visitors.
• Manteo Land Use Plan 58

c. Support redevelopment of Sites C and D
along the waterfront.
d. Encourage new development to be
compatible with the existing scale, bulk,
height, intensity, and function of
surrounding development. •
e. Integrate new development into existing
uses with regard to use and appearance.
f. Consider the interests and welfare of the
community when making land use decisions.
g. Examine land use constraints (soil,
drainage, natural resources) and their
potential impacts when considering and use
changes. •
h. Consider the relationship among
population, job growth, and housing needs
when making land use changes.
I. Encourage mixed use developments to
maximize use of limited vacant land.
j. Concentrate Highway 64/264 commercial
development in the block between Bowser
Town Road and Fernando Street and west •
to the town limits to prevent sprawl.
k. Encourage assemblage of small .
commercial lots along Highway 64/264 to
discourage sprawl.
Implementation: a. Create a neighborhood improvement
program to upgrade and maintain housing
quality. (Apply for a CDBG grant 1992,
1993)
Manteo [and Use Plan 59

ll
11
Economics
b. Require new developments to include a
percent of below market -rate housing.
(Amend Subdivision Ordinance 1992, 1993)
c. Provide incentives to developers to design
PUDs for maximum use of property with
environmental constraints. (Amend PUD
Ordinance 1992, 1993)
d. Complete retail and residential
development of Sites C and D on the
waterfront. (Work with private developers
1995)
Manteo has two major types of employers: institutional and
commercial. Institutional employers include the State of North
• Carolina, Dare County government and schools, and the Town
of Manteo. Major commercial employers include retail,
services, food, and lodging establishments many of whom rely
on tourism for economic viability. Institutional employers
provide year round jobs; some commercial businesses expand
to accommodate tourism during the summer months.
As with other Dare County communities, Manteo supports
developing the "shoulder" season before and after the summer
months to attract visitors.
Objective:
Policies:
E
Provide a healthy and stable economic
environment.
Maintain residential integrity as
commercial interests develop.
a. Support development of the "shoulder
season".
Manteo Land Use Plan 60

b. Cooperate with county, state, and federal
agencies to pursue economic opportunities
for Manteo.
c. Enhance Manteo's unique small town
character.
d. Encourage a mix of residential and •
commercial uses.
e. Encourage economic diversity to increase
job opportunities.
f. Collaborate with the Merchant's
Association to promote and attract tourism.
g. Support channel maintenance and other
efforts to promote water -related recreational •
and commercial uses.
h. Cooperate with Dare County, the state
and federal agencies to enhance Manteo's
appeal as a destination.
Annexation
With Manteo's available infrastructure and public service
capacity, the pressure to annex adjacent areas will increase. •
Clear policy direction will enable the town officials to pursue
annexation in a thoughtful manner. Analysis of the costs and
benefits of annexation both to the town and to the residents
and landowners being annexed requires careful consideration.
0
Manteo Land Use Plan 61

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For instance, the town may wish to annex undeveloped land to
protect its integrity and to assure development in accord with
Manteo's 1981 Guide for Development, sign code, and zoning
ordinances. In this case, the town should plan for the service
needs over time as development occurs. The town should
analyze the development potential to determine future service
and infrastructure needs.
If the town annexes developed land, it should be fully aware of
any existing or anticipated service or infrastructure
improvements. In this case, the town should be able to provide
needed services to the newly annexed area without diminishing
existing and potential service to current residents and
landowners.
Goal: Protect Manteo's integrity and character.
Objective: Use annexation as a growth management
tool to enhance Manteo's residential quality
and economic vitality.
Policies: a. Identify areas adjacent to Manteo which
impact the town's residential and
commercial qualities.
b. Pursue extra -territorial jurisdiction
over adjacent areas.
c. Recognize the integrity and special
features of potential annexation areas.
d. Establish the town's service needs before
annexing new areas.
e. Provide the same level of service to
annexed areas without diminishing the
quality of service to existing residents and
landowners.
• Manteo Land Use Plan 82

f. Be able to charge residents and
landowners of annexed areas the same
utility upgrading costs as current users.
g. Charge undeveloped areas and areas
seeking voluntary annexation the initial cost
of installation. •
Imolementation: a. Identify potential annexation areas.
(Planning Board 1992, 1993)
b. Create a "spheres of influence" map
indicating areas outside Manteo that
impact the town. (Planning and Zoning
Board, Board of Commissioners 1992,
1993)
c. List criteria for annexation and adhere •
to annexation policies and resolutions.
d. Adopt an annexation ordinance.
Continuing Public Participation
Manteo's initial planning process in 1980 was known for its
involvement of the townspeople. Planners used community -
based goal -setting to enable Manteo residents and business
people to establish the direction they wanted to pursue for the •
waterfront downtown revitalization. The resulting plan became
a model for small town planning.
The 1985 Land Use Plan relied on a community survey and
public hearing to involve townspeople in the review. Survey
results helped direct the policy for the five year planning period.
The 1991 Land Use Plan review process combined a number of
participatory methods to include the public. The process
borrowed the 1980 theme "Come sit on our front porch..." to
remind people of their earlier goal -setting and to interest them
in the current review process. •
Manteo Land Use Plan 63

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The process began in early January of 1991 with individual
interviews with elected officials, planning board members, as
well as county and area officials to determine the effect of
existing policy and to detect measurable changes which might
affect Manteo.
Focus groups comprised of the Roanoke Island Business
• Association, the Friends of Roanoke Island, Elizabeth II staff
met during January and February with the consultant to discuss
issues.
Early in February a mailout survey was distributed to all Manteo
water customers. Results were used as the topic of a public
meeting in February. At the conclusion of that meeting
townspeople had agreed on a revised set of goals for the 1991
planning period.
During the spring months the planning board reviewed the
. proposed plan and on June 19 the Town of Manteo held a final
public meeting to receive comments on the proposed plan
before presentation to CAMA.
The results of the community input, the survey, and the results
are documented in Section V of this plan. Manteo's policy
direction for public participation is based on a decade long
history of townspeople's involvement.
o I: Involve Manteo townspeople in the planning
process.
• Objective: Provide policy direction that is consistent
with community values, goals, and
expectations related to growth and change.
Policies: a. Provide opportunities for effective public
participation in planning issues.
b. Enlist task forces and ad hoc committees
as needed to assist with implementing the
land use plan.
• Manteo Land Use Plan 64

c. Conduct public meetings, use the town's
letter, and contact the media to keep
townspeople informed about planning.
Implementation: Develop an ongoing "communication plan"
to keep the public informed and to provide
opportunities for active participation.
(1993)
(See Appendix D for details of 1991 Community Involvement
Process)
•
•
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Manteo Land Use Plan 65 •

•
•
•
Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post Storm Recovery, and Evacuation
Storm Hazard Mitigation
The major storm damage threats to Manteo include flooding and
wind damage. Most of Manteo is classified by the FFIA as an
"A" zone and is subject to flooding by the "100 year" storm
event. 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.
In terms of the "magnitude of the risk", most of the town's
residents and businesses are subject to flooding and are
endangered by high winds. Due to the nature and magnitude of
the potential flooding and wind risks, 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. The town does not
consider land acquisition an applicable mitigation tool.
Goal: Minimize the risk of damage due to flooding
and wind during storms.
Objective: Provide reasonable protection to
townspeople and structures during and after
major storms.
Policies: a. Follow the Emergency Response
Procedure to coincide with Dare County's
Emergency Response Plan.
b. Enforce the FEMA established reasonable
flood elevation levels.
c. Comply with state regulations regarding
tiedown of mobile homes.
Manteo Land Use Plan 66

d. Encourage all boats berthed at town
docks to move to a safe location in the
event of a Readiness Condition #3
declaration.
e. Prepare for the securing of the utility
system if a "Readiness Condition 1" (12
hours or less until landfall) is declared. The
following policies apply during Readiness #1: •
f. Shut down wastewater treatment facility
when local flooding begins.
g. Cooperate with NC Power when advised
to shut down electrical power.
h. Comply with recommendations regarding
the shut down of the water system.
Imolementation: Enact the storm mitigation plan. •
Post Storm Recovery
It is unlikely Manteo will experience damage rated as a
"disaster". Past storms have caused water damage to
structures, vehicles, landscaping, and deposited sediments in
certain areas caused wind destruction to trees, power lines, and
roofs.
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.
Goal: To recover from storm damage quickly and
smoothly.
Manteo Land Use Plan 67 •

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Objective: To respond immediately after a storm to
restore town services and address any
problems arising from the storm damage.
Policies: a. Deploy the Town Recovery Team. (Town
Administrator, 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.
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.
e. Delay reconstruction of those structures
not posing a public safety hazard until the
recovery team has made its appraisal.
f. Begin issuing building permits to those
structures requiring work prior to
rehabilitation.
g. Begin issuing general building permits.
Implementation: Enact the Recovery Plan to:
1. assess damages and report to town
board;
2. Begin issuing building permits in priority.
order.
3. restore services as quickly as possible;
0 Manteo Land Use Plan 68

4. supervise cleanup; •
B. recommend emergency measures or
redevelopment standards to board;
6. evaluate town's response and recommend
needed changes in the "Procedures";
7. cooperate with state, federal, local, and
private entities involved in damage •
assessment and cleanup; and,
8. perform other functions as deemed
necessary by the town board.
Comment: Following a storm, the town will delay issuing
building permits for reconstruction or repair of 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. •
Hurricane Evacuation
Manteo is governed by Dare County's Evacuation Plan and is
committed to working closely with the county to provide for
evacuation and shelter of residents and visitors. The county
plan will recommend the appropriate time for re-entry to Manteo
in case of major damage. The town's police department is
charged with traffic control during evacuation.
u
•
Manteo Land Use Plan 69

C�
*I LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
E

�.J
LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
Definition
North Carolina's Land Classification System provides a uniform
way to examine how a county or town's land uses interact with
environmentally sensitive areas and with existing development.
The system is not a regulatory device but rather a tool to
• describe relationships among types of land uses and their ability
to shape local policy.
The classification system pays particular attention to the land
use intensity and the level of services needed to support the
intensity. The system also enables governments to anticipate
services that will be needed to support new development.
There are seven general land use classifications: Developed,
Urban Transition, Limited Transition, Community, Rural, Rural
• with Services, and Conservation. When applying the .
classification system, local governments should carefully
consider how, where, and when to encourage or discourage
certain types and intensity of development.
The following is an abbreviated definition of the Land
Classification System:
Developed: urban land uses and higher intensity uses
presently requiring traditional urban services;
Urban Transition: areas developing or expected to
• develop as urban and in need of urban services;
Limited Transition: areas expected to have services, but
are suitable for lower densities that those associated with
the Urban Transition classification.
Community: land not expected to require sewer services;
central sewage will not be provided as a catalyst for
future development but may be provided to correct an
existing or projected public health hazard.
• Manteo Land Use Plan 70

Rural: agriculture, forestry, mineral extraction, and other
low intensity land uses; very low density dispersed
residential uses. (Generally public or private water or
sewer systems will not be provided as an incentive for
intense development in rural areas).
Rural with Services: areas for very low density land uses
including residential where limited water services are •
provided to avert an existing or projected health problem.
Conservation: areas in need of long-term management
and protection of significant, limited, or irreplaceable
natural resources; areas of environmental concern
(AECs).
•
•
Manteo Land Use Plan 71 •

E
Application to Manteo
Manteo's land uses can be described by two classifications:
Developed and Conservation. Most of Manteo is developed and
• the entire town is served by public water and sewer. The
Conservation areas include Manteo's coastal wetlands under
state jurisdiction and 404 wetlands under federal jurisdiction,
the estuarine waters, and estuarine shorelines. Although
Conservation areas may be used, the uses are restricted and
must be managed carefully.
•
•
I* Manteo Land Use Plan 72

•
0
• APPENDIX

APPENDIX
Evaluation of 1986 Policies
Manteo has implemented or is in the process of implementing
many of the existing policies. A number require ongoing
implementation and are accomplished as needs or issues arise.
Of those not yet implemented, some have been revised for the
N 1992 Plan.
Some of the policies in the 1986 plan are actually state and
federal requirements with which Manteo must comply. These
will no longer be identified as policies, since the town already
has ordinances in place.
The following chart indicates which policies have implemented
(1), are in progress (IP), are ongoing (OG), or have yet to be
implemented (NI).
•
•
• Manteo Land Use Plan 73

POLICY STATUS DATE
ASSISTING AGENCY
OR FUNDING SERVICE
DEVELOPMENT IN AECs
Prepare a topo map of Manteo NI 1993
Dare County Soil &
Water Conservation
Office
Redefine 100 year flood level IP 1993
FEMA
Prevent leakage of underground tanks I
Prohibit disposal of hazard waste I
Prohibit septic tanks 1
Connect annexed areas to sewer system I
New development must design and
construct drainage improvements I
Enforce state regulations with regard
to Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC) I
Allow no more than 30% lot coverage
with impermeable surfaces in B-2 zones I
•
DEVELOPMENT NEAR HISTORIC/CULTURAL SITES
Encourage development of or near
historic and cultural sites to be in
character and to enhance the sites NI 1993 PZB
Give special design consideration to the
area bordered by Highway 64/264,
Fernando Street, John Borden and Barlowe
Streets and Dough's Creek due to its
historical significance NI 1993 PZB
Avoid any action which may threaten the
integrity of the Elizabeth II NI 1993 PZB
Manteo Land Use Plan 74 •

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P LICY
MANAGEMENT OF_STORMWATER RUNOFF
Prevent stormwater runoff on developed
sites from flowing onto or across
adjacent property without easement
or drainage
Identify and correct storm drainage
problems as funds become available
Try to dispose of stormwater runoff
on site
When proposed new development plans to
use the public storm drains or ditches,
developers should demonstrate that
1) capacity exists to carry the additional
stormwater, 2) the additional stormwater
will not cause overflow or damage, and
3) the additional stormwater will not
cause contamination
The town will require the design of new
storm drains or culverts to be able to
convey all current and projected flows
from the additional basin
MARINA, DOCK, FLOATING HOME DEV.
Allow new marina development in
existing dredged areas only
Prohibit overboard sewage discharge
Require live aboards to obtain a
conditional use permit
Comply with all town docking ordinances
WASTEWATER TREATMENT
Operate a single centrally located
wastewater treatment plant and use
a discharge point in Shallowbag Bay
for effluent
STATUS
NI
DATE ASSISTING AGENCY
OR FUNDING SERVICE
1993 PZB/CAMA
NI 1992/OG
NI 1992/OG
NI 1993/OG DOT
NI 1993 DOT
NI 1993 PZB
NI
NI
NI
1992
1992 PZB
1992
1993
Manteo Land Use Plan 75

POLICY STATUS DATE ASSISTING AGENCY
OR FUNDING SERVICE
Use a state-of-the-art tertiary treatment
process to insure the greatest degree of
treatment is obtained IP 1993
Upon completion of the tertiary treatment
plant, the Town will remove the existing
plant from Shallowbag Bay OG 1994
ECONOMICS
Connect all residential, business, and
occupied structures to the town's water
and sewer system 1
Require new development to pay for the
extension of water and sewer lines I
New development will pay for any increase
in needed utility capacity I
No development permits will be issues
until compliance with the above policies
Areas outside the town wishing services
must petition for annexation
If the extension requires a capital
expense, the annexation request must
include a method for funding the extension
If annexation areas include already
approved subdivisions, Dare County must
certify an allotment of water above and
beyond the existing allotment
The annexation petition must include an
evaluation of the costs and benefits to
the town for providing services I
URBAN GROWTH
Downtown
Encourage new development in downtown OG
Manteo Land Use Plan 76
•
•
17�
•

POLICY
STATUS
DATE
ASSISTING AGENCY
OR FUNDING SERVICE
Encourage new downtown development to
conform to 1981 design standards
NI
1992
PZB
Address the parking problem
NI
1993
PZB/DOT
Encourage mixed uses
NI
1992
PZB
Support the creation of a Roanoke
Island Merchant's Association
I
Proceed with development of a new
facility on Ice Plant Island
IP
Encourage the relocation of inappropriate
uses and redefine permitted uses
NI
1993
PZB
Highway 641264
Petition the NCDOT to prepare a long-
range plan for Manteo
I
•
Based on the plan's recommendations,
amend setback ordinances
NI
1993
PZB
Require new development to provide
sidewalks
OG .
Encourage new development to conform
with the town's character
NI
1992/OG
PZB
Encourage use of vegetative and structural
buffers between differing uses
I
East of Highway
•
Create a historic district
OG
Encourage new development to conform
with neighboring structures
NI
1992/OG
PZB
West of Highway
Rezone areas from R-2 to R-5
NI
1992
PZB
Manteo Land Use Plan 77

POLICY
Consolidate small lots for redevelopment
Seek a Community Development Block Grant
to improve streets, drainage, and housing
conditions
Support neighborhood cleanup
Support development of large vacant
parcels as multi -family dwelling units
High School and Ice Plant Island
Consider creating an Institutional zone
for schools, parks, conservation areas,
government buildings, and public facilities
Develop a portion of Ice Plant Island as
a park in cooperation with the State
CHANNEL MAINTENANCE
Evaluate any potential state or federal
programs
Invite state/federal officials to
make presentations
Encourage the Board of Commissioners to
debate the issue and take a position
Assist channel maintenance and beach
nourishment projects
STATUS
ATE ASSISTING AGENCY
OR FUNDING SERVICE
NI 1995
NI 1993
OG
OG
NI
IP
OG
OG
OG
OG
TOURISM AND WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT
Continue to support the wise development
of the downtown OG
Encourage businesses to landscape and
"dress up" areas OG
Address downtown parking
1992 PZB
Manteo Land Use Plan 78
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7

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u
POLICY STATUS DATE ASSISTING AGENCY
OR FUNDING SERVICE
Encourage formation of merchant's
association to promote Manteo I
Investigate innovative ways to reach
downtown (train, launch) OG
Remove sewage plant from waterfront IP
Evaluate current access and egress routes
to the Elizabeth II OG
Appoint a committee to steer the develop-
ment of a public beach on Ice Plant Island I
Evaluate the potential waterfront access
of sites such as Scarborough Creek and
Croatan Sound NI 1993 CAMA/LWCF
ANNEXATION
Annexation is a prerequisite for receiving
services from Manteo
Accept annexation petitions
Annexation petitions must include a study
of costs and benefits to the town
(except for single lots) I
Require Dare County to allot additional
water
If long-term costs of annexation outweigh
the benefits to existing residents, the
town can deny the petition to annex NI
WATER AND SEWER LINE REPLACEMENT
Set priorities for replacing water and
sewer lines IP
Use a special water and.sewer revenue fund IP
Manteo Land Use Plan 79

POLICY STATUS DATE ASSISTING AGENCY
OR FUNDING SERVICE
PARKING
Maximize the use of on -street parking OG
Use signs to encourage on -street parking
outside the downtown OG
Maximize the use of both public and
private on -street parking
OG
Enter into agreements with private
property owners to provide public parking
OG
Consider acquisition of small vacant lots
for public parking
OG
Consider use of imminent domain to acquire
land for parking
NI
Require developers to provide public
spaces
NI 1993 PZB
Increase use of parking at the
Elizabeth II Historic Site
IP
Encourage people to walk from the
Historic Site to the town
IP
HIGHWAY 64/264
Ask DOT to prepare a thoroughfare plan
for Manteo I
Work with legislative delegation and DOT
to make Highway improvements a high
priority I
Adopt a special overlay ordinance to deal
with new development along the highway NI 1993 PZB
Encourage clustering of new development
along the highway NI 1993 PZB
Require businesses to provide access
to side streets NI 1993 PZB
Manteo Land Use Plan 80
LA
0
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11

•
POLICY STATUS DATE ASSISTING AGENCY
OR FUNDING SERVICE
Require driveway access along the highway
to be 500 feet apart NI 1993 PZB
Consider setbacks to allow for access roads NI 1993 PZB
UNDERGROUND UTILITIES
Support investigation of new utility
corridor from beach to mainland OG
• Encourage the Corridor Commission to
form a task force on utility lines with
representation from NC Power, the town,
Dare County, Carolina Telephone,
and cable TV. NI 1993
Encourage NC Power to get more of the
utility system underground OG
Urge the Corridor Commission to seek
state funds OG
• Confer with utility companies on
procedures for joint action IP
Consider utility line undergrounding
when making water and sewer line
replacement plans
IP
Integrate undergrounding of utility
lines with water and sewer line
replacement construction
IP
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
•
Sponsor a semi-annual forum with the
Board of Commissioners and Planning
Board to discuss major issues
NI 1992 PZB/BOC
Encourage local media to feature
Planning Board Agendas
NI 1992 PZB
Set Commission agendas ahead of time
to encourage discussion
OG
0 Manteo Land Use Plan 81

POLICY
STATUS
Schedule one Planning Board meeting a
quarter to deal with planning issues only NI
Request more public input OG
Encourage more press coverage OG
Appoint more special task forces to
address issues and make recommendations
to the commission OG
STORM HAZARD MITIGATION
Develop and adopt an Emergency Response
Procedure in cooperation with Dare County I
Support flood insurance elevations and
enforce the elevations in effect I
Require tie down of mobile homes 1
In the event of a "Readiness
Condition #3" hurricane watch, all boats
berthed at the town docks or moored in
proximity to will be moved to a
safe location I
In the event of a "Readiness Condition #1"
(12 hours or less til landfall) the town
will make preparations to secure its
utility system. I
Establish a Manteo Storm Recovery Team I
Prepare an information brochure for
the community I
Delay issuance of building permits for
reconstruction or repair until the
recovery team has made its report I
DATE ASSISTING AGENCY
OR FUNDING SERVICE
1992 PZB
Manteo Land Use Plan 82
•
•
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•

• Elizabeth O Master Plan Site Plan
•
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Manteo Land Use Plan 83

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Existing Land Use Map
Current Zoning Map
Land Classification Map
• Manteo Land Use Plan 84

10
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I
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TOWN OF MANTEO
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Land Classification Map

. Community Survey
Interviews
The review of the 1991 Land Use Plan began with informal
interviews with local officials. A structured questionnaire
• enabled the consultant to interview the officials individually to
gather information regarding their concerns for the five year
planning period and beyond.
In addition, the consultant conducted several other individual
interviews with key residents and businesspeople.
This was the first step in the public process and provided a
basis for the remainder of the community involvement.
• Focus Groups
The consultant facilitated informal focus groups with the Town
Commissioners and Planning Board as well as the Roanoke
Island Merchant's Association. The focus groups allowed the
officials and businesspeople to brainstorm ideas about how to
revise Manteo's goals and what to emphasize in the coming
planning period.
•
Results of the focus groups were consistent with the individual
interviews.
Community Survey
The information gathered from the questionnaire and focus
groups was used to develop a community survey. the survey
asked respondents to comment on how well the town has .
achieved Manteo's 1981 goals, what goals to add, and other
questions related to the planning process. The survey was sent
to the 550 town households and businesses. Of the 550
surveys distributed, 60 were returned.
Manteo Land Use Plan 85

The intent of the survey was to kindle an interest in the Land
Use Plan update and to get an idea of the most frequently
mentioned issues. Although the return was small (60), the
results were consistent with the interviews and other
information.
For the most part, people are pretty satisfied with Manteo's
ability to achieve its goals. As a matter of fact, with some
adjustments, the 1981 goals are still applicable. Concern for
the environment (natural resources), Manteo's small town
character, the relationship between locals and visitors, the
town's economic well-being.
The goals pertaining to the use of the water are significant due
to the demands on the waterfront for additional commercial
activity and increased recreational opportunities, as well as the
local versus visitor relationship, plus the need to protect and
manage the natural resources. These issues are so interrelated
that they surface repeatedly in some combination or other.
Summary of Survey Results
1. How would you rate the achievements of the 1981
Goals for Manteo?
About half of the respondents indicated they are
"very satisfied" or "satisfied" with the town's
achievements related to attracting tourism,
preserving the town's character and small town
atmosphere, preserving natural resources and
providing parks.
About the same number indicated they are "not
very satisfied" or "unsatisfied" with the town's
achievements related to recruiting new business,
providing more jobs, and diversifying the economy.
Manteo Land Use Plan 86
•
•

Response to the achievement of other goals
relating to street improvements, housing
opportunities, and water -related activities was
almost evenly divided between "satisfaction" and
"dissatisfaction".
• 2. What goals would you add?
The most frequently mentioned responses to this
included resolve the parking issues (on or near the
waterfront), focus on being the cultural and
governmental center of the Outer Banks, improve
the appearance of the town (streets, sidewalks,
dilapidated buildings, signs), keep an eye on
residential quality, and offer more housing
opportunities.
. 3. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate Manteo's
efforts to create a "day -visitor experience" while
keeping the small town character? (This was the
primary 1981 goal.)
Of the 48 responses to this question, 34 rated the
effort above 5. Twenty-three respondents rated it
at seven and above. Both 7 and 8 received nine
votes and four respondents circled 10.
4. What do you foresee ad Manteo's important issues
• over the next five years?
The most frequently mentioned responses were
transportation (parking, traffic, street conditions),
affordable housing, recycling, the economy
(stabilize, diversify), the waterfront, and the future
of the north end of Roanoke Island.
• Manteo Land Use Plan 87

5. Name three things you would change about
Manteo.
The two most frequently mentioned responses to
this question included transportation issues (speed
limits, parking, sidewalks, traffic) and appearance
issues (landscaping, neighborhood upkeep,
cleaning up the commercial strip, and installing •
underground cable.)
6. Name three places, structures, or features of
Manteo you value and would like to see stay the
same.
The most frequently mentioned item was the
County Courthouse. (Even if the use changes, the
courthouse should stay.) Other responses included
the waterfront, the Goldie Meekins house ( and
other historic resources), the annual events, and •
the small town character.
7. Describe your vision for Manteo's future.
Many of the items mentioned here had surfaced in
previous responses and, again, indicate
consistency with earlier input. The most
frequently mentioned items included: keep small
town character; expand recycling; become cultural
center; encourage "day -visitor experience";
establish unique businesses; maintain permanent •
residential character; clean up homes and
businesses; develop waterway port; preserve
heritage; regard seniors; and keep schools in town.
1]
Manteo Land Use Plan 88

a
•
8. How frequently do you use the waterfront for
recreation, shopping, boating, visiting friends,
other?
Somewhere between a third and a half of the
respondents use the waterfront up to four times a
month for the above activities. The most
• frequently mentioned other activity was dining and
10% indicated they dine on the waterfront more
than once a week.
9. How frequently do you shop on Highway 64, on
the beach, away from the Outer Banks?
Almost all the respondents shop on the highway.
About half indicated they shop there between 0
and 7 times a month; the other half shop there
• seven or more times a month.
About half the respondents shop on the beach
between 0 and 7 times a month and two-thirds
shop away from the Outer Banks between 0 and 4
times a month.
9a. What would cause you to shop in Manteo more
frequently?
The most frequently mentioned responses to this
question were more variety and a better selection;
• a good department store; and a better grocery
store.
•
Manteo Land Use Plan 89

10. Five of the area's 15 major attractions are on
Roanoke Island. How often do you visit these
places (during a season)?
Fort Raleigh: About a third of the respondents
visit Fort Raleigh once a season; a third several
times.
NC Aquarium: Slightly over a third visit the
aquarium once a season and another third several
times.
Elizabethan Gardens: Almost half the respondents
visit the gardens once a season; about a third
several times.
Lost Colony: A half of the respondents see the
"Lost Colony" once a season; 10 indicated they
see it several times.
Elizabeth II Site: Slightly less than a third visit the
Elizabeth II once a season; over a third visit it
several times.
About on out of six of the respondents never visit
any of the attractions.
11. Do you attend Manteo's four annual events?
40
Eighty-five percent of the respondents attend Dare •
Day; sixty percent attend the Arts Festival;
seventy-five percent attend the Fourth of July; and
seventy-five percent attend the Christmas Parade.
1la. Do you think you would support more annual
events?
A half said yes; several did not respond.
u
Manteo Land Use Plan 90

n
u
12. What kind of facility would you like to see on Ice
Plant Island in addition to the Elizabeth II Historic
Site?
The responses fell into three categories: Historic
(crafts form the period, a settlers village, an Indian
• museum); Facility (outdoor theater, children's
theater, youth center, community center, and
planetarium); and Recreation (gardens, boat
launch, jogging path, playground/picnic area,
bathing beach).
13. Number in order of importance these planning
issues (1 being most important): Land Use,
Historic and Cultural Preservation, Transportation,
community Design, Housing, Natural Resources,
Economic Development.
• The distribution on these was fairly even. Land
use got 15 "ones"; nine "twos, and 49 overall
votes. Historic and cultural preservation got 11
"ones"; 12 "twos", 10 "threes", and 49 overall
votes. Economic development also got 11 'ones";
only 2 "twos" and 41 overall votes. Natural
resources would be next; followed by
transportation; housing and community design.
Fourteen through 20 were demographic questions asked to get
• an indication of who filled out the surveys. Responses
indicated that two-thirds of the respondents were single-family
homeowners who live on the East (downtown) side of the
highway.
•
Of those who indicated an income range, half (33) checked
incomes between. $15,000 - 75,000. Six respondents
indicated incomes of + $75,000 and 11 below $14,000. The
respondents were evenly divided between male and female. A
third were business owners; one of five work in Manteo; about
one in five were retired.
Manteo Land Use Plan 91

Of those who indicated their length of residency (47), 31 have
lived in Manteo fewer than 20 years; 21 fewer than 10. The
responses ranged from four months to 86 years; the median
was 18 years; the mean 8.
About half the respondents are between 29 and 55 years of
age. Ages ranged from 29 to 91. The median was 49; the •
mean 45.
Summary
It would be inappropriate to draw solid conclusions about
peoples assessment of the town's actions. However, the
survey was intended to provide some indication of the
"community pulse" and it accomplished that.
The small town character and elements that contribute to •
improving residential quality of life continue to rate high on the
list. Balancing local versus visitor needs surfaces in relationship
to parking, the waterfront, and the quality of shopping
opportunities. Due to the differing needs of locals and visitors,
(and in anticipation of attracting more visitors to Manteo), this
should be an ongoing issue... always subject to review and
improvement.
It appears that respondents use the waterfront frequently for
both active and passive recreation. However, it does not meet
their shopping needs as indicated by the percent of people who •
shop on the highway, the beach, and out of town.
This is consistent with a perceived sense of ambiguity ,
concerning the purpose of the waterfront and nearby retail
stores. Can they (and should they) attempt to meet the needs
of locals and visitors?
•
Manteo Land Use Plan 92

Respondents give high marks to preserving and protecting
natural resources as well as cultural and historic resources. The
desire for Manteo to be identified as a cultural center is strong.
Some elements are in place (the Elizabeth II site, the Outer
Banks History Center, other attractions on the Island) and the
potential for tying these elements together is evident.
Development of a performing arts facility on Ice Plant Island will
• contribute to the concept as well.
If the demographics reveal anything significant it might be the
length of time respondents have lived in Manteo. In other
words, of the 47 people who responded to the question, 31
have lived here fewer than 20 years. And half of those have
lived here fewer than eight years. This seems to suggest that
people who have moved to Manteo want to have a stake in
shaping the town's direction and future.
• Public Meeting
A public meeting was held on February 12, 1991 to review the
survey results and to work on revising Manteo's goals. About
30 people attended the meeting at the Outer Banks History
Center. The consultant facilitated a group discussion of the
survey results and their implications. Audience participation
was enthusiastic and led to there formation of two main goals:
enhance residential quality of life and support increased
economic opportunities.
• On the one hand, residents identified safety (speeding, traffic)
on busy residential streets as an immediate issue. On the
other, business people envisioned the long -tern development of
a "waterfront port" drawing people to Manteo by boat. Other
ideas included
Participants requested additional meetings to discuss the land
use plan.
• Manteo Land Use Plan 93

Policy Review with Planning Board
On February 18, 1991, the consultant met with members of the
Planning Board for a preliminary review of the draft policies.
Comments offered at this meeting were incorporated into the
draft plan.
Continuing Public Participation
Following submission of the February 25 Draft Manteo Land
Use Plan update, the town will share copies of the plan and
solicit comments from community members. Another public
meeting is likely before sending the draft plan to CAMA in
June.
CA
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Manteo Land Use Plan 94 0

•
F,
L A
We Want Your Input
In 1981 Manteo townspeople issued the world an invitation to "come sit on our front porch.. ". Those words described
the ambience they hoped to create as they prepared Mantco for America's Four Hundredth Anniversary Commemoration.
And indeed, the world responded. Manteo stood proud as the backdrop for ceremonies, celebrations, unveilings,
launchings, and groundbreakings. Dignitaries made speeches; scholars attended forums; celebrities created "photo-ops"; and
Princess Anne graced the Mantco waterfront on July 13, 1984.
Those events occurred as a result of a community -based planning effort to revitalize the Manteo waterfront in time for the
"400th". Townspeople created a vision for Manteo and helped establish goals for implementation. Local officials enlisted
state and federal authorities to participate and townspeople at every level became involved in tine preparation.
The vision included an economically viable community, a lively waterfront attraction forday visitors, affordable housing,
and the preservation of Manteo's small town character.
The successful pursuit of public and private investments made the vision a reality: the Elizabeth 11 State Historic Site, the
Cora Mae Basnight Bridge, The Waterfront condominiums and shops, the Tranquil House Inn, Crecf Park all cunnecicd by
lively waterfront activity were part of the original plan.
Manteo can point to other accomplishments: a landscaped corridor along the highway, Cartwright Park, more housing and
increased commercial activity along the highway. The 1986 plan update strengthened the town's politics on protection of
natural resources and water -related issues.
You now have an opportunity to assist Manteo officials with the 1991 plan update by recalling how the vision of '81 shaped
the decade's events and by redefining Manteo's goals for the coming 10 years.
There are several ways you can participate: 1) rill out and return this questionnaire; 2) share your views at the Februrary
12 public meeting; 3) get on the mailing list; 4) participate in a focus group; and, 5) buttonhole a commissioner or planning
board member to say you're interested.
Make the 1991 Manteo Land Use Plan your plan for how you want Manteo to evolve over the next few years.
Town of Manteo ❖ Land Use Plan •3 Questionnaire
• Mantco is required to update its land use plan every rive years. Both the 1981 and 1986 plans based policy direction on
community input including responses from a questionnaire.
An objective of the 1991 plan is to include renewed goals for Manteo. Your responses to this survey can indicate to officials
your preferences for setting goals. It should take about 15 minutes to fill out and all Manteo residents and businesspcople arc invited to
participate. Additional questionnaires are available at Town Hall.
1. How would you rate the achievements of the 1981 Goals for Mantco?
sausr.aorr
sansractorr
sNot r.cto y
Uosausrartorr
Develop a new purpose for the downtown.
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create a strategy for attracting tourism
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recruit new business
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Preserve and enhance Manteo's character through comprehensive
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planning for the town's future.
upgrade the appearance of the waterfront
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• protect residential neighborhoods
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minimize the automobile's impact on the town
B
8
8
8
encourage citizen participation in planning
maintain small town character
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preserve natural resources
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Improve community services.
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quality of streets and sidewalks
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moderate- or low• income housing
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vocational training
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Develop a more economically viable community.
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Cl
more job opportunities
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stabilize tax base
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• diversify economy
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Provide recreational opportunities.
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teen center
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parks and recreation
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water -related artiviiior
r

MAIL TO: Town of Manteo
P.O. Box 246
Manteo, NC 27954
5. Name three things would you change about Mantco
•
6. Name three places, structures, or features of Manteo you value and would like to sec stay the same. •
7. Describe your vision for Manteo's future.
8. Do you use the waterfront for:
0.2
recreation
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shopping
❑
boating
❑
visiting with friends
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other
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(times per month)
24
4.7
7+
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❑
❑
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❑
❑
9. How frequently do you slwp?
Highway 641164 in Mameo
Beach
Away from Outer Banks
(times per month)
0.2
2.4 4.7
16
o
❑❑ ❑❑
❑
❑ ❑ ❑
9A. What would cause you to shop in Marasco more fre-
10. Five of the area's 15 major attractions are on Roanoke Island. how often do you visit these places?
Never
IX Season
Several X Season
wily Never
IX Season
Several X Season
wkly
Ft. Raleigh
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❑
❑
❑ Lost Colony ❑
❑
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❑
NC Aquarium
❑
❑
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❑ Elizabeth Il site ❑
❑
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Elizabethan Gardens
❑
❑
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❑
11. Do you attend Manteo's four annual events? (yes or no)
Dare Day _ Ans Festival _
4th of July
_ Christmas Parade
11 A. Do you think you would support more annual events?
12. What kind of facility would you like to see on Iceplant Island in addition to the Elizabeth 11 historic
13. Number in order of importance these planning issues: (I being most important) Land use_ historic & Cultural
Prescrvation,Transportation__ CommunityDcsign_ housing_ Natural Resource%— EcmwmicDcvclupnicnl_
The answers to the following questions are important and confidential.
14. Which best describes you? 18. Is your dwelling a single fancily house, condominium,
•❑ Business owner ❑Work in Manteo ❑Work on Island apartment, mobile home? (Circle one)
❑ Retired ❑ In school []Self-employed [:]Do not work 19. Do you own or ran? (Circle one)
15. How long have you lived in Mante07 20. Is your income: ❑ SO. 14,000
$15,000 - 34.999
16. What is your age? Male ❑ Female ❑ $35,000 - 74.999