Land Use Plan-1981

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Division of Coastal Management
LAND USE PLAN
for th-e
TOWN OF MI NN ESOTT BEACH
North Carolina
1981

Y
INITIAL DRAFT
TOWN .OF MINNESOTT BEACH LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Prepared for the Town Board of
Commissioners and the Town Planning
Board with the Technical Assistance
of Coastal Consultants, Ltd.
The preparation of this report was financially aided through a federal
grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This
grant was made through the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources
and Community Development,.

ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1..1
. Method of Assemblage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . I.
1.2
Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . 2
Part I: Existing Conditions
3
2.1
General Description . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . 3
2.2
Population . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . 3
A. Total Population and Change . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . 3
B. Analysis of Land Use Planning Questionnairr .
. . . . 7
2.3
Economy...
. 13
2.4
Agriculture, Fishing, Forestry,.Seasonal Use . . . . . . .
. . . . 14
Seasonal Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . 14
3.1
Existing Land Use . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . 14
3.2
Land Use Compatibility Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . 15
3.3
Problems from Unplanned Development . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . 16
3.4
Areas Experiencing or Likely to Experience . . . . . . . .
. . . . 17
Predominant Changes in Land Use . . ... . . . . . . . . .
. . . . 17
3.5
Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs). . . . . . . . . . .
. . ... 17
4.1
Current Plans, Policies and Regulations '. . . . . . . . .
. . . 17
A. Summary of Existing Plans and Policies . . . . . . . .
. . . . 17
B. Listing of Existing Ordinances and Regulations . . . .
. . . . 18
4.3
State and Federal Licenses and Permits . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . 21
Part II: Constraints to Development
26
5.1
Land Suitability: Physical Limitations to Development. . .
. . . . 26
A. Soils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . 27

iii
Page
B. Slope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
30
C. Hazard Areas . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . .
30
`
D. Sources of Water Supply . . . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . . .
31
5.2
Land Suitability: Fragile Areas . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . . .
31
A. Coastal Wetlands . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
31
B. Estuarine Waters . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . . .
32
C. Public Trust Areas . . . . . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . .
32
D. Estuarine Shoreline . . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . . .
33
5.3
Land Suitability: Areas with Resource Potential .
. . . . . . .
34
6.1
Capacity of Community Facilities . . . .
. . .
. . . . . . .
34
A. Water System . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . . .
34
B. Sewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . . .
35.
C. Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . . .
35
D. Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . . .
36
E. Fire and Police . . . . . . . . . . .
. . .
. . . . . . .
36
F. Hospital and Medical . . . . . . . .
... . . .
. . . .
37
G. Solid Waste . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . . .
37'
Part III: Capacity Analysis
38
7.1
Population Projection . . . . . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . . .
38
7.2
Future Land Use Needs . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . . .
38
A. Land Available for Development . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . . .
39
B. Methodology for Land Use Projections
. . . . .
. . . . .
39...
C. Land Use Projections . . . . . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . .
40.
" 7.3
Community Facilities Demands . . . . . .
. . . .
. . . . .
41

iv
Page
Part IV: Policy Formulation
42
8.1 Resource Protection . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . 42
A.
Areas of Environmental Concern . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . 42
1. Estuarine Waters . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . 42
-
2. Estuarine Shoreline . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . 44
3. Coastal Wetlands . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . 45
4. Public Trust Areas . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . 46
B.
Suitable Uses in the AECs . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . 47
C.
Other Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . 48
D.
Historic and Archaeologic Sites . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . 48
E.
Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . 49
1. Surface and Groundwater . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . 49
2. Flooding . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . 50
8.2 Resource
Production and Management . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . 51
A.
Land Utilization . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . 51
8.3 Economic
and Community Development . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . 51
A.
Zoning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . 51
B.
Housing Mix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . 52
C.
Commercial . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . 53
D.
Community Services . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . 54
E.
Water and Sewer . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . 54
F.
Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . 55
- G.
Redevelopment . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . 56
H.
Commitment to State and Federal Programs
. . . . . . . . . 56
I.
Major Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . 57
J.
Tourism and Waterfront Access . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . 57

u
1.1 Method of Assemblage
The method of assembling the data and other information in this
land use plan follows the format set out by the Coastal Resources Com-
mission in their guidelines for developing land use plans. In accor-
dance with this format, existing data and information from local, State
and Federal documents, studies and reports were extracted and adapted
to the use of Minnesott Beach. In addition the data and information
was enhanced by independent research by the consultants to the project.
The plan is. also a culmination of numerous interviews with persons who
have an interest in the Town.
The policies by the Town have gone through a very deliberate
process. This process began with conclusions of the planners and the
Planning Board from the data assembled and was enhanced by public parti-
cipation, especially from the information obtained through the
questionnaire. The information was then synthesized, worked and re-
worked by the Planning Board in the formulation of possible policies,
alternative policies and recommended policies for, adoption by the Town
Board. The Town Board then reviewed the recommendations and took appro-
priate action.
4

2
1.2 Executive Summary
The Town is in the process of making the transformation from a
• subdivision development and waterfront camp area to a comprehensive
community - municipality. Such a transition is difficult, since munici-
pality status has required the imposition of a Town government and the
rules and regulations associated with it. Many landowners and residents
who have previously used their land and lived in a relatively unrestricted
setting now find it necessary to cope with new restrictions. Of course,
such restrictions such as noise ordinances, zoning and subdivision regu-
lations are intended to make the entire community a better place to live
and work. Other benefits from pooled resources such as taxes enable the
community to have better streets, a public water system, trash removal
and other services.
The purpose of the Plan is to establish a set of policies which
represent the present and future desires of the Town in terms of land
use, growth, services and the environment. The Town wishes to grow at
a moderate rate as a primarily residential community, with only those
services and development characteristics to serve the needs of a resi-
dential community. The Town will protect its environment, and, realiz-
ing the necessity of dependence upon on -lot sewage disposal for some
time to come, will regulate development location and density to prevent
significant damage to surface and groundwater.
The Town will continue to provide services on an as needed/budget
controlled basis. The Town will soon enact a zoning ordinance and sub-
division regulations which will regulate densities and provide develop-
ment. standards.

PART I
EXISTING CONDITIONS
2.1 General Description
The Town of Minnesott Beach is located on the southern -most point
of Pamlico County. The Town is located on the Neuse River and has in the
past been a community oriented toward summer use, retirement homes, and
lots purchased for future use or speculation. The Town, however, is
becoming more of a year-round resident community. Current year-round
population is about 140.
Minnesott Beach is served by Highway 306 which terminates in the
Town. There is a State operated free ferry which crosses the Neuse River
3
on a year-round basis.
The Town is mostly residential subdivision in design, with limited
commercial serving only basic needs of the residents. A golf course and
club is the major, recreational facility, as well as access to the Neuse
River.
The topography of the Town is somewhat uncharacteristic to the
eastern Coastal Plain due to its location on a high sandy bank. There
is also topographic relief throughout the Town especially along creeks
which run through the Town to the Neuse.
2.2 A. Total Population and Change
This land use plan begins with the study of population. Population
affects the land use plan in many ways. It is the level of population and
its likely future levels that impose possible strains on the land's capa-
city to meet those demands. Population can be the most important criterion
in deciding whether and when major capital intensive facilities are needed.
The characteristics of the population will determine whether peculiar
service needs exist- or whether typical needs will not be experienced.
The characteristics of the population also help us identify future

4
problems (arid sometimes offer an explanation for seemingly unexplainable
present land use conditions).
Minnesott Beach has both a permanent or year-round population
and a seasonal population. A direct count of the seasonal population
has never been taken; a count of the permanent population was made in
the 1980 Census. Previous to 1980 information on population is limited
due to the fact that the Town was not incorporated until 1973. Infor-
mation on the Town is difficult to extrapolate from the 1970 Census
because the Town was only a part of a much larger enumeration district.
The permanent population of Minnesott Beach was estimated by the
North Carolina Department of Administration at 129 persons in 1979. The
United States Bureau of the Census determined the 1980 population at
139 persons. Coastal Consultants, Ltd., the consultants to this plan,
estimated the population of the Town as follows:
They determined that the present population is a function of
the number of dwelling units currently being occupied throughout the
majority of the year, times a factor allowing for the number of persons
per house, less the number of persons (houses times a factor) living
in seasonal dwellings. The number of occupied dwellings can be determined
from the water sales in the Town. Accordingly the Town averaged approxi-
mately 120 water hook-ups during 1980. Of these approximately 10 were
commercial and 2 were mobile homes parks which together accounted for
approximately 60 mobile homes. Furthermore, 2 of the hookups were town-
houses (each had 4 units, but 1 was considered as I unit).
_ Thus, the Town has the following housing profile:

5
TABLE 1
MINNESOTT BEACH HOUSING PROFILE, 1980
Summer Houses
Commercial Single Family Townhouse Mobile Units Cottages
10 106 8 60 24
r Having studied the information on water use, etc., we anticipate an
average house size of about 2.3 persons. The consultants' experience
with seasonal communities suggests that the seasonal population may
reach as high as 3.5 persons per unit. This allows for a mixture of
units that are and are not seasonally used.
The following scenarios project population under differing
assumptions.
TABLE 2
1980 POPULATION SCENARIOS: PERMANENT
Number of Assumption about Estimated
Occupied Units Persons/Unit Population
139 2.2 306
2.5 348
2.8 389
TABLE 3
1980 POPULATION SCENARIOS: SEASONAL
Number of Assumption about Estimated
Occupied Units Persons'/Unit Population
174 3.3 574
3.5 609
3.9 678
A review of the actual water sales by the Town reflects another
view of.the population, this time as a function of time.

I
TABLE 4
WATER SALES PER MONTH, 19801
Populations
under differing assumptions
Period
Gallons Sold
55 g/p
65 g/p
75 g/p
Summer 1980
1,087,900
660
558
484
Summer 1979
877,470
532
500
390
Spring/Fall 1980
481,150
292
247
214
Spring/Fall 1979
453,850
275
233
202
From studies done on other water data in beach and seasonal communities, the
consultants suggest that values in the range of 55 to 65 gallons per day per
person are possible. Minnesott Beach has no.industrial or heavy commercial
water users that would have to be accounted for in an estimate of population
in this manner.
In addition to the impact of persons living within the Town limits,
some consideration of impact must also be given to a few other sources, in-
cluding the number of persons (mostly teenagers) who live at any one time
in the YMCA camp just beyond the Town limits, and persons who use the ferry
service that docks near the Town.
A profile of the Town's permanent and seasonal population in
terms of race, age, sex, income and occupation is possible through the
random sample questionnaire -mailed to property owners as part of the land
use planning process. The questionnaire had a heavy response and reflects
a confidence level well above 85%. Since the Town's services and facili-
ties need to be planned for both permanent and seasonal populations, this
source seems preferable to the census data for the enumeration district
that includes Minnesott Beach.
1 Town of Minnesott Reach, 1980.
. : 1

7
B. VALUES AND ATTITUDES OF PROPERTY OWNERS INiMINNESOTT BEACH AS ARRIVED
AT THROUGH AN ANALYSIS OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE DISTRIBUTED TO THEM DURING
THE LAND USE PLANNING PROCESS.
During the 1981 land use planning process, the consultants to the
Town distributed to a random sample of property owners a questionnaire
designed to elicit local views and attitudes. The mailout was intended
to produce a confidence rate of 85% on the responses. That rate was
greatly exceeded.
The major conclusions from the questionnaire are as follows:
(1) a significant issue in the Town is waterfront redevelopment;
the waterfront is recognized as a blighted area which should be re-
claimed by government and converted for park and recreation uses,
especially beach and boat access.
(2) property owners have a strong pro -growth attitude, providing
the growth is residential single-family (maybe multi -family), and com-
mercial; and providing it is shaped and controlled by zoning and other
local ordinances.
(3) the property owners may have some reservations about the benefits
from tourism.
(4) property owners are dissatisfied with many local services,
especially fire, police, emergency, ambulance and health services;
also, they are concerned about handling wastes with septic systems.
(5) the property owners desire to protect all environmental features
and do so through local regulations.
(6) property owners are willing to pay a reasonable amount for im-
proved facilities and services.
There do not appear to be any readily discernible sub -groups with
values and attitudes different from the principal group.

0
In terms of specifics, the following data is available:
TABLE 5
LEVEL OF SATISFACTION WITH
SERVICES AND FACILITIES
Service or Facility
Percentage of
Average
Low Scores 1
Score 2
Public water or wells
10.5
4.07
Public sewer or septic
system
31.0
3.41
Local streets
21.0
3.26
Thoroughfares
10.8
3.38
Surface Drainage
11.8
3.79
Refuse Collection
6.4
4.45
Recreation
28.1
3.12
Town Hall
14.3
3.49
Fire
40.0
2.94
Police
54.3
2.40
Emergency Preparedness
41.9
2.68
Ambulance
38.2
2.64
1Respondents to questionnaire were asked to rate all the
above services and facilities with a score of 1 to 5, with 5 being
fully satisfied. Low scores consist of the percentage of times that a
score of 1 or 2 was recorded.
2Average score is the average of all numbers selected. The average
score for all responses was 3.30.
Comment:
Although the average score for all responses is higher than the average
ideal score on the questionnaire, the high percentage of low scores marks
several facilities and services for significant dissatisfaction.
TABLE 6
ATTITUDE TOWARDS GROWTH
Attitude
Decrease growth rate
Keep 70s growth rate
Increase slightly 70s rate
Increase substantially
Percentage of Respondents
Holding Attitude
21.4%
11.9
28.6
38.1

0
Comment:
This is a strong pro -growth attitude. The growth rate in the
1970s was already extremely high. In terms of growth, the respondents
would approve without restriction single family dwellings. They would
prohibit and eliminate mobile homes, trailers, low income housing and
heavy industry. They have more ambivalent attitudes towards other types
of growth and appear to rely on policy making and local ordinances to con-
trol the growth and make it acceptable.
52.6% of the respondents desire a public sewer system, probably a
necessity for light industry or commercial development, perhaps even for
multi -family development.
TABLE 7
ATTITUDES TOWARDS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Feature Under Consideration
For Protection
Aquifer recharge areas
Wooded areas
Steep slopes
Scenic areas
Wetlands and other AECs3
Percentage of Respondents
Desiring to Protect
Feature by Local Regulation
70.6%
73.5
75.8
78.8
43.6
3These areas were already identified as being under state
and/or federal protection; respondents were asked if they desired local
protection as well.
Comment:
These are rather high percentages in favor of local protection. 36.8%
were willing to purchase land to protect it from development. 67% of the
respondents desire to have over 20% of the total land in the Town in open
space when the Town is fully developed. These goals can probably be ac-
complished through zoning and subdivision control, and the purchase of land
for recreation and beach access.

10
Minnesott Beach is predominantly white with a heavy proportion of
persons in the 55 and over age group. Males outnumber females, comprising
53% of the total population. The average family size is 2.28, 23 of 25
men who would qualify for the work force (and who were not retired) worked
50 weeks during the past year (1980). .The Town is very heavily rep-
resented by the professions (medical, engineers, teachers) and by other
respectable white-collar jobs (brokers, purchasers, administrators, sec-
retaries, self-employed businessmen.) However, by far the largest single
occupation -related classification is retired. A large percentage of the
women who were not retired were employed full-time (34.6%). Furthermore,
the average income for families exceeds $40,000 per year (75% of those
reporting); of individuals exceeds $20,000; of males exceeds $30,000.
However, 31% of all families are retirement families; their incomes were
not reported and are not computed in this average.
In keeping with the professional, high income nature of the community,
we find that the Town is well-educated, with over 20% of the adult popula-
tion having undertaken studies after college, and 83% having attended col-
lege. Furthermore, the Town is very definitely a new, rapidly growing com-
munity. 67% of the respondents who live in the Town either seasonally or
permanently have moved to the Town within the last five years. Almost all
the property owners who were not residing in the Town indicated that they
intended to move to Town in the immediate future.
Some tables on age and income are presented below:

11
Age Group
0-5
6-15
16-25
26-35
36-45
46-55
56-65
65-
TABLE 8
AGE CHARACTERISTICS, 19802
Percentage of Population
in Group
(Numbers exceed 100% due to rounding)
00
13
4
7
14
18
29
16
TABLE 9
AVERAGE ANNUAL INCOME FOR INDIVIDUALS (1980)3
Income Range Percentage of all individuals
employed full-time in range
0-$101000 28% (84% female
$10,000-$20,000 12% (67% female;
$20,000-$30,000 24% (all males)
$30,000-above 36% (all males)
In conclusion, Minnesott Beach has decided to accept the following
population estimates for planning purposes:
Permanent population (1980) 306
Seasonal population (1980) 609
The Town projects that the annual growth rate for the 1980s will average
24% per year for seasonal and 6% for permanent population. The popula-
tion should continue to exhibit the same age, race, sex, economic, social
profile as it has in the past. In terms of implications on planning, this
type population should result in a high residential tax base. Because of
the background of the population the Town should expect a high demand on
services, especially public sewer and planning. The high average of
2Coastal Consultants, Lts., responses to questionnaire 1981
3Ibid

12
the population may increase the need for adequate health services,
ambulance and rescue squad operations. At the same time the Town may
have increasing difficulties in staffing volunteer functions, such as
fire protection and rescue squad operations, which require special physical
demands. The large number of persons who inhabit the Town for only a por-
tion of the year places a demand on police protection to guard personal
property during absences. The retirement and sport accent of the Town will
place increasing demands for beach access and recreational facilities.
Although the income of a large portion of the Town will readily support a
high level of services, a significant portion of the population can be ex-
pected to resist public expenditures for fear of varying demands that may
overextend their abilities to live on a fixed income. In all, the Town
can expect a high level of government participation from an intelligent,
well-informed citizenry.

13
2.3 Economy
Despite the fact that Minnesott Beach is a seasonal community on
the Neuse River, the economy of the Town is not geared for tourism.
However, the Town has within its limits a country club, golf course,
motel and restaurant. It also has a marina and other boating facilities.
As was noted in the previous section, the employment of the Town is
heavily professional and white collar. 50% of the workers travel less
than 10 miles to work, although 17% travel over 20 miles. Employment op-
portunities are thus heavily local, or in the nearby cities of New Bern,
Havelock and Morehead City. The economic well-being of the community re-
quires that the ferry crossing over the Neuse be maintained and continued.
(In addition to employment uses, the Town relies on the use to reach mar-
kets.)
At present the Town has little economic activity, however, it has a
market demand for considerable activity. A substantial number of tourists
pass by the Town en route to the ferry; summer populations in Town are high
and the YMCA -camp adjacent to the Town incurs heavy use during the summer
months. Similarly situated communities have experienced motels and res-
taurants built for meeting the demands of these persons. A recreational
facility with access for tourists would help promote this development.
Currently the Town has a restaurant with a regional reputation and a marina
being constructed.
The market also exists for small commercial development, such as gro-
ceries, gas stations, banks, etc.

14
2.4 Agriculture, Fishing, Forestry, Seasonal Use.
Seasonal Use
See information on population in section 1.1
Agriculture
Forestry
Agriculture is not a significant or important use in the Town.
Although a portion of the Town is in wooded condition, this use
is not deemed important to the Town. Forestry would probably be considered
an inappropriate use in the Town.
Fishing
There are no commercial fisheries at this time within the Town
limits. Some persons still engage in sport fishing, although the numbers
appear to be declining.
2.5 Seasonal Use: Tourism
See section 2.1.
3.1 Existing Land Use
_The Town is comprised of about 980 acres. The majority of the land
is undeveloped, although about one-half of the total area of the Town is
taken up by two major uses, the Minnesott Beach Golf and Country Club
and residentially plotted lots.
The following are land uses and approximate acreages.
Residential
Commercial Retail
Commercial Recreation
Governmental
Plotted Vacant
Open
65.23 acres
2.30 acres
203.37 acres
2.33 acres
95.93 acres
610.84 acres

11
Lkl J J
Lk, L4
� lei,
v
W
J
U

15
0
The Town is a right triangle in shape with its base along the
Neuse river. Most development has taken place within the eastern end of
the triangle. The golf course occupies the center of the triangle, and
the new marina development is on the western side of the golf course (see
Map A).
Generally the land uses are well separated with the exception
of the town water vorks and new town hall site, which are located on
NC 306.
3.2 Land Use Compatibility Problems
Few significant land use compatibility problems exist in the Town.
The commercial and seasonal use cottages and mobile homes are located on or
near the Neuse River, well separated from the year-round residences which
are located west of the above mentioned area on the Neuse River, and to
the north between NC 306 and Phillips Drive.
The State Ferry dock is at the eastern -most tip of the Town and away
from residential development. Few complaints are.heard concerning the
ferry, with the exception of some concern from the large wake made by the
ferry which causes concern for shoreline owners.
The golf course is buffered from most residences by trees and
presents pleasant and landscaped background to those residences nearby.
The marina is well buffered from any residence by forest growth.
The location of the Town water works presents an aesthetic compati-
bility problem, but this is not considered to be a problem by most residents.
1

16
Camp Seagull, a large YMCA recreational facility, is located ad-
jacent to the Town along NC 306. Most residents do not believe the camp
to pose any problems to the Town.
3.3 Problems from Unplanned Development
Because the Town had no local government during its early stages,
the Town developed in a piecemeal way with little attention to street
layout, building standards or public services. As a result, some diffi-
culties have arisen. The golf course has physically split the Town in
half. Since SR 1130 ends at the country club, there is no access to the
western part of town, unless one drives back to NC 306 and accesses the
western part of town by going down.SR 1121 (Bennett Road). This has
made the provision of fire, police and water service more difficult.
Because no local standards were in effect when many local streets
were put in by developers, some of the streets do not meet standards and
must eventually be brought up to par at public expense, some streets as
yet remain unpaved.
Older cottages along the River front and the mobile home parks
lack aesthetic appeal. Again, no local standards were in effect at the
time of construction.
Many residences have been built in areas where the soils are less
favorable for septic tanks than other soils available for development.
Without a zoning ordinance, the Town has not been able to specify which
areas should develop at what densities. Although the above mentioned
problems may have resulted from unplanned development, they are of rela-
tively small magnitude and are not considered to be serious problems.

17
3.4 Areas Ex eriencin or Likel To Experience Predominant Changes in
Lan Use.
Residential development occurs at a slow rate in the Town. The
area most likely to be developed into residential lots is an area as yet
unplotted in the northwestern part of Town. Other lots which have already
been plotted will fill in at a slow rate of growth.
The most significant land use change is the development of a
marina on the west side of the golf course. This development is proceeding
rapidly, and when completed will comprise about 30 acres. Potential -exists
for Townhouse development near the marina.
3.5 Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs)
The Town of Minnesott Beach has the following areas of environ-
mental concern: Coastal Wetlands - costal wetlands are found for about
150 feet along Alligator Gut from the Neuse River. The marsh areas
quickly give way to steep banks, and the marsh areas are very limited.
Estuarine Waters - estuarine waters are those of the Neuse River and Alli-
gator Gut for a distance of about 500 feet. Public Trust Areas - the
public trust areas are those of the marina creek beyond the estuarine
waters.
Estuarine Shoreline - the estuarine shoreline is the shoreline of the
Neuse River and Alligator Gut for a distance of about 150 feet (see Part II,
section 2 for a more complete description of these fragile areas. (Also
see map E).
4.1 Current Plans, Policies and Regulations
A. Summary of Existing Plans and Policies
Although the Town has a continuing interest in planning, no formal
land use plan had been undertaken up to this time. The Town has been in-
volved in the planning process with Pamlico County and with the assistance

of the Pamlico County Planning Department has developed the following
goals and objectives:4
Goal: Develop adequate employment opportunities and prevent
further out -migration of young adults from the Town.
Objectives: Develop tourist industry in the Town and surroun-
ding area through related development and promotional activi-
ties..
- To increase year-round recreational opportunities through
further development of the country club, parks, and develop-
ment of a marina.
- Promote the construction of a bridge spanning the Neuse River
from Minnesott Beach to allow better access to the Town as
well as areas such as Cherry Point which provide potential
employment opportunities.
Goal: Protect shellfish and other marine habitat from man-made
pollution.
Objectives: Encourage a municipal sewer system.
- Discourage any industrial or other types of development not
complimentary to the environment.
Goal: Protect the Town from future mixing of incompatible land
-uses.
Objectives: Encourage development based on a development plan.
- Utilize appropriate regulations to insure such development.
B. Listing of Existing Ordinances and Regulation
The Town presently has no zoning'and subdivision regulation, although
drafts of both ordinances have been prepared and are anticipated to be
4 Pamlico County Planning Department, Pamlico County Coastal
Area Management Plan, 1976.

19
adopted soon.
(1) Zoning Proposed
The zoning ordinance is made up of six districts as follows:
R-20 Residential
The purpose of this district is to provide a minimum lot size
of 20,000 square feet and permit agricultural and horticultural uses,
provided that no buildings or structures used for the commercial growing
or storage of agricultural or horticultural machinery or for the housing
of farm animals or equipment shall be located . nearer than 300 feet to
a lot or building used or to be used for dwelling purposes and provided
that no retail or wholesale business sales office is operated on the
premises. Single family and two family dwellings are permitted.
R-M Multi -Family District
The purpose of this district is to allow for single family, two-
family and multi -family dwellings. A minimum lot size of 8,500 square
feet is required plus 2,000 additional square feet per dwelling unit for
a lot with more than one dwelling unit.
C-1 Commercial
The purpose of this district is to provide orderly development
and growth of activities that are normally associated with downtown shopping
and service facilities. Dwelling units are not permitted in this district.
C-2 Commercial
The purpose of this district is to provide for encouragement, and
protect the orderly growth and development of commercial activity and
facilities related to the motoring public and highway development. No
dwelling units are permitted in this district.
C-M Commercial Marina
The purpose of this district is to promote the marina character

20
of waterfront areas. Only those uses that will support and complement
the marina atmosphere are allowed in this district. No dwelling units
are permitted in this district.
Group Projects
In the case where two or more buildings are to be constructed on
a plot of land at least two acres in size, not subdivided into customary
streets and lots, and which will not be subdivided, the application of
the terms of the zoning ordinance may be varied by the Planning Board in
a manner that will be in harmony with the character of the neighborhood
provided that the uses are limited to those permitted in the zoning district
of the proposed project, that the overall intensity of land use is no
higher and the standard of open space lower than that permitted in the
district of the proposed project. Cluster subdivision meeting open
space_standards but with lots which fail to meet standards established
for its zoning district may be approved on recommendation of the Planning
Board after a public hearing and/or finding that the subdivision is in
conformance with the subdivision regulations.
The appointed zoning administrator enforces the zoning ordinance
and his decisions may be appealed to the Town Board of Appeals.
(2) Building Permits
A building permit is required before erecting, moving, enlarging or
altering any building, sign, or structure.
The Town has adopted the North Carolina State Building, Plumbing
and Electrical Codes, and a Certificate of Occupancy is required.
(3) Subdivision Regulations
The proposed subdivision regulations follow the definition of
the North Carolina General Statute 160 A-376 for subdivision definitions.
All proposed subdivision plots must be submitted to the Planning

21
Board for recommendations. The final plot approved by the Planning
Board must be submitted to the Town Board for approval.
All subdivisions are subject to design standards and required
improvements are monuments, streets and alleys, drainage, fire hydrants,
and water lines, and open space or fee in lieu of in the case of cluster
developments.
Cluster or group developments have design requirements which allow
for reduced lot areas by not more than 50% as well as the requirement of
public dedication of open space.
4.3 State and Federal Licenses and Permits
STATE LICENSES AND PERMITS
Agency Licenses and Permits
Department of Natural Resources and Community - Permits to discharge to sur-
Development face waters or operate waste
Division of Environmental Management water treatment plants or
oil discharge permits; NPDES
Permits, (G.S. 143-215)
- Permits for septic tanks with
a capacity over 3000 gallons/
day (G.S. 143-215.3).
- Permits for withdrawal of
surface or ground waters
in capacity use areas
(G.S. 143-215.15).
- Permits for air pollution abate-
ment facilities and sources
(G.S. 143-215.108).
- Permits for construction of
complex sources; e.g. parking
lots, subdivisions, stadiums,
etc. (G.S. 143-215.109).

22
Department of Natural Resources and
Community Development
Office of Coastal Management
Department of Natural Resources and
Community Development
Division of Land• Resources
Department of Natural
Community Development
Secretary of NRCD
Resources and
Department of Administration
Department of Human Resources
- Permits for construction of
a well over 100,000 gallons/
day (G.S. 87-88).
- Permits to dredge and/or fill
in estuarine waters, tide-
lands, etc. (G.S. 113-229).
- Permits to undertake develop-
ment in Areas of Environmental
Concern (G.S. 113A-118).
NOTE: Minor development
permits are issued by
the local government.
- Permits to alter or construct
a dam (G.S. 143-215.66).
- Permits to mine (G.S. 74-51).
- Permits to drill an explora-
tory oil or gas well
(G.S. 113-381).
- Permits to conduct geophysical
exploration (G.S. 113-391).
- Sedimentation erosion control
plans for any land disturbing
activity of over one conti-
guous acre (G.S. 113A-54).
- Permits to construct an oil
refinery.
- Easements to fill where lands
are proposed to be raised above
the normal high water mark of
navigable waters by filling
(G.S. 146.6(c)).
- Approval to operate a solid
waste disposal site or
facility (G.S.130-166.16).

23
Approval for construction of
any public water supply
facility that furnishes water
to 15 or more year-round
residences (G.S. 130-160.1).
or 25 or more year-round
residents.

24
FEDERAL LICENSES AND PERMITS
Agency Licenses and Permits
Army Corps of Engineers - Permits required under Section 9 .
(Department of Defense) and 10 of the Rivers and Harbors
of 1899; permits to construct ,
in navigable waters.
Coast Guard
(Department of Transportation)
Geological Survey
Bureau of Land Management
(Department of Interior)
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Federa'f Energy Regulatory Commission
- Permits required under Section
103 of the Marine Protection,
Research and Sanctuaries Act
of 1972.
- Permits required under Section
404 of the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act of 1972;
permits to undertake dredging
and/or filling activities.
- Permits for bridges, causeways,
pipelines over navigable waters;
required under the General
Bridge Act of 1946 and the
Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899.
- Deep water port permits..
- Permits required for off -shore
drilling.
- Approvals of OCS pipeline
corridor rights -of -way.
- Licenses for siting, construction
and operation of nuclear power
plants; required under the
Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and
Title II of the Energy Reorgani-
zation Act of 1974.
- Permits for construction, opera-
tion and maintenance of inter-
state pipelines facilities
required under the Natural Gas
Act of 1938.

25
- Orders of interconnection of
electric transmission facili-
ties under Section 202(b)
of the Federal Power Act.
- Permission required for aban-
donment of natural gas pipe-
line and associated facilities
under Section 7C (b) of the
Natural Gas Act of 1938.
- Licences for non-federal hydro-
electric projects and associated
transmission lines under Sections
4 and 15 of the Federal Power
Act.5
5 Lists Provided by the North Carolina DNRCD.

26
"PART II
CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT
5.1 Land Suitability - Physical Limitations for Development
An analysis was made to determine the suitability for development
of all undeveloped lands in the Town. The first part of the analysis deals
with the general soil conditions in the Town and how the natural soil
properties present certain restrictions to development. Soil scientists
observe how soils behave when used as a growing place for native and culti-
vated plants, and as a material for structures, foundations for structures,
or covering for structures, as well as the properties which relate to the
functioning of filter beds for septic tanks. For example, they observe
that filter beds for on -site disposal of sewage fail on a given kind of
soil, and they relate this to the slow permeability of the soil or to its
high water table. They see that streets, road pavements, and foundations
for houses are cracked on a named kind of soil and they relate this fai-
lure to the high shrink -swell potential of the soil material. Thus, they
use observation and knowledge of soil properties, together with available
research data, to predict limitations or suitability of soils for present
and future uses.
The second part of the analysis deals with hazard areas, including
_ man-made hazards (for example airports, storage of hazardous chemicals)
and natural hazards (for example erodible areas, flood hazard areas).
• The third part of the analysis deals with sources of.water supply
including groundwater recharge areas (bedrocks and surficial and well -
fields.

27
The fourth part of the analysis deals with fragile areas. These
are areas which could easily be damaged or destroyed by inappropriate or
poorly planned development (e.g. estuarine shoreline and waters, habitats,
archaeologic and historic sites, wetlands).
The fifth part of the analysis includes areas with resource poten-
tial (e.g. publicly owned forests, parks, fish and game lands, wildlife
sanctuaries, valuable mineral sites).
A. Soils
This is an analysis of the general suitability of the Town's soils
for use as future sites for development. All of the Town's soils are
classified as having some degree of physical limitations for development.
The analysis indicates the various soils found in the.Town and indicates
the degree of suitability for various purposes. The results of the analysis
are beneficial for planning purposes, however, on -site inspections would
be necessary, to determine specific soil properties for development. Al-
though soils may be rated as having various degrees of limitations, engi-
neering practices and construction techniques can alter the degree to
which a particular limitation affects a development use.
Each rating for soil types as determined by the U.S. Soil Conser-
vation Service is indicated below.
Slight: Soil properties are generally favorable for the stated use, or
limitations are minor and can be easily overcome.
Moderate: Some soil properties are unfavorable, but limitations resulting
from the properties can be overcome or modified by special planning,
- good design, and careful management.
Severe: Soil properties are unfavorable and resulting limitations are too
difficult to correct or overcome. Soil will require major soil

m
reclamation or special design for stated uses. This rating does
not imply that the soil cannot be used.
Very Severe: This rating is a subdivision of the severe rating and has
one or more features so unfavorable for the stated use that the
limitation is very difficult and expensive to overcome. Recla-
mation would be very difficult, requiring the soil material to
be removed, replaced, or completely modified., This rating is
confined to soils that require extreme modification and alteration,
and are generally not used for dwellings and septic tank filter
fields.6
a
. 6-Soil Conservation Service, U.S.A.

Use Rating?
Map
Soi
Septic Tank
Filter Fiel
Local
Dwellings without Dwellings with Streets
Basements Basements and Roa
Alpien 78B Severe - Poor Slight Slight Slight Severe
Filter Sandy
Baymeade 738 Moderate Slight Moderate Slight Severe
Wetness Wetness Sandy
Conetoe 371 Slight
Slight
Slight
Slight Moderate
Johnston JB Severe, Flooding Severe, Flooding Severe, Severe, Severe,
and Wetness and Wetness Flooding Flooding Flooding
Wetness Wetness Wetness
Kenansville 37 Slight Slight Slight Slight Severe -
Leon 582 Severe - Severe Wetness Severe Wetness Severe - Severe -
Wetness Wetness Wetness
Rutlege 87 Severe - Wetness Severe - Wet Severe - Wet Severe - Severe -
Poor Filtering Wet Wet
7 Soil Conservation Service, USDA n�

PAML/CO COUNTY; NORTH CARGO/NA
SCALE / ". 6SO'

30
u
Analysis of the soil map and existing land use shows that most
development in the Town has taken place on the Alpin soils,'symbol 78B
(see Map C). Although these high sandy soils present few hazafds for
structures such as dwellings and roads, the problem lies in their
poor filtering capacity for septic tank filter fields. The proximity
of the Town to the Neuse River would suggest that leachate from septic
tankg could be introducing fecal coliform to the Neuse River. Present
densities are still low, however, but continued development could
present future problems without a public sewer system.
The soils for the first mile from the Neuse River north along
NC 306 and adjacent to the road for a distance of about 500 feet are
Kenansville soils, symbol 37. These are the Town's best soils as
they offdr few problems to development, including septic tank filter
fields. Other good soils are also found in the Town (e.g. Conetoe,
symbol 371;and Baymede, symbol 738).
B. Slope
Generally the topography of the area is relatively flat with
slopes ranging from 1 to 5 percent. The areas of steep embankments
are those which border the Neuse River, and those which border the ma-
rina creek. These slopes present significant hazards for development.
C. Hazard Areas
In the Town of Minnesott Beach, no significant man-made hazards
exist with the possible exception of the ferry boat, which some resi-
dents claim causes excessive wake damage to shoreline and exists as
a potential water polluter and explosion risk, and the Town water
tower which could cause damage by bursting or falling.
The natural hazard which could occur is from flooding of the
Neuse River. However, the Town is high enough above the River to be

31
out of;the 100 year floodplain. Erosion of the River shoreline and
beach is a constant problem.
D. Sources of Water Supply
The area is underlaid by about 3,500 feet of sediment ranging
in age from Cretaceous to recent. These sediments that are of Eocene
age are those which produce the less mineralized water.
The Castle Haynes limestone is a highly productive artesian i
aquifer in the area and principal source of water supply for public
systems such as Minnesott Beach. This aquifer ranges from 200 to 400
feet in thickness and is composed of indurated shell limestone, domestic
shell limestones, and beds of calceareous sand. The water is charac-
teristically hard and has a pH in the range of 7.2 to 8.2 and the iron
content ranges from .06 to .05 parts per million. The chloride content
in water from the Castle Hayne is low, falling generally in the range of
10 to 40 parts per million.8
5.2 Land Suitability: Fragile Areas
Since the Town of Minnesott Beach is located in coastal North
Carolina, it recognizes areas which are environmentally fragile and
for which development is discouraged or subject to regulation. On the
map of fragile areas (see map E) are shown areas which are considered to
be fragile resources.- The coastal marshes, estuarine waters, estuarine
shoreline, and public trust areas are considered to be Areas of
Environmental Concern (AECs) and are subject to permitting.
A. Coastal Wetlands
Costal wetlands are defined as any salt marsh or other marsh
subject to regular or occasional flooding by tides, including wind
tides (whether or not the tide waters reach the marshland areas through
8 Pamlico County Planning Dept., 1976. ..

32
natural or artificial water sources),provided this shall not include
hurricane or tropical storm tides. Coastal marshes contain some, but
not necessarily all of the following marsh plant species:
1. Cord Grass
2. Black Neelerush
3. Glasswort
4. Salt Grass
5. Sea Lavender
6. Bulrush
7. Saw Grass
8. Cat Tatl
9. Salt Meadow Grass
10. Salt Reed Grass
In the Town, coastal wetlands occur at Alligator Gut entrance
from the Neuse River for a distance of about 500 feet.
B. Estuarine Waters
Estuarine waters are "all the waters of the Atlantic Ocean
within the boundary of North Carolina and all of the waters of the bays,
sounds, rivers, and tributaries thereto seaward of the dividing line
between coastal fishing waters and inland fishing waters, as set forth
in an agreement adopted by the Wildlife Resources Commission and the
Department of Natural Resources and Community Development filed with
the Secretary oP State, entitled "Boundary Lines, North Carolina
Commercial -Fishing --Inland Fishing Waters," revised to March 1, 1965.
In the Town, these waters are those of the Neuse River, and
the entrance of the Alligator Gut for a distance of about 500 feet.
C. Public Trust Areas
Public Trust Areas are all waters of the Atlantic Ocean and
the lands thereunder from the mean high water mark to the seaward
limit of state jurisdiction; all natural bodies of water subject to
measurable lunar tides and lands thereunder to the mean high water mark;
all navigable natural bodies of water and lands thereunder to the mean
high water level or mean water level as the case.may be, except

33
privately owned lakes to which the public has no right of access;
all water in artificially created bodies of water containing signifi-
cant public fishing resources or other public resources which are
accessible to the public by navigation from bodies of water in which
the public has rights of navigation; and all waters in artificially
created bodies of water in which the public has acquired rights by
prescription, custom, usage, dedication, or any other means.
In the Town, these areas are the waters of Alligator Gut
to about 500 feet of the Neuse River.
D. Estuarine Shoreline
Estuarine shorelines, although characterized as dry land, are
considered a component of the estuarine system because of close asso-
ciation with the adjacent estuarine waters. They are those non -ocean
shorelines which are especially vulnerable to erosion, flooding or other
adverse effects of wind and water and are intimately connected to the
estuary. This area extends from the mean high water level or normal
water level along the estuaries, sounds, bays, and brackish waters as
set forth in an agreement adopted by the Wildlife Resources Commission
and the Department of Natural Resources and Community Development for
a distance of 75 feet landward.
In the Town, this area is the shoreline of.the Neuse River, and
the entrance to Alligator Gut for a distance of about 500 feet.
Other fragile areas in the Town are the fresh water wetlands
adjacent to the marina creek and the small lakes which are within the
golf club property.
No historic or archaelogic sites are known to exist in the
Town.

VA
I WIIZA4 C6
RM F15
Es'
POD
TOWN (
PAA4414C

34
5.3 Land Suitability: Areas With Resource Potential
There are no areas within the Town of Minnesott Beach which
could be classified as prime resource areas. The Town presently does
not exercise extraterritorial jurisdiction nor does it desire to.
Although the Town has no public park, the Neuse River offers
considerable recreational potential for boating and fishing, and a
fishing pier in the Town offers recreational fishing opportunities.
The small beach area along the Neuse River is used by townspeople.
The Minnesott Beach Golf and Country Club offers additional recreational
opportunity. The free ferry is used by many as an opportunity to ride
on the river. A large YMCA camp, Camp Seagull, is adjacent to the
Town on its eastern border.
Near the fishing pier is a boat launch ramp for access to the
Neuse, and a large marina facility is underway in the western part
of Town.
6.1 Capacity of Community Facilities
A. Water System
The Town has recently completed construction of a public water
system and all areas of the Town are served. The system includes a
75,000 gallon elevated storage tank, two wells each producing about
200 GPM and a water softener with a capacity of 150 GPM. These faci-
lities are located on the corner of Brinson and Hardison Streets in
the -Town.
At present, there are 120 water connections. Eighty-eight of
these are permanent and 32 seasonal. Of these, ten are classified
as commercial. The following is a table of water use per month in

35
the Town (does not include water wasted to maintain good water in the
lines at all times).9
Month Water Use Per Month
June 1980
1,087,900 gallons
May
849,427
April
481,150
March
378,887
February
413,702 —
January
353,370
December 1979
422,900
November
453,850
October
504,990
Spetember
622,390
August
926,280
July
877,470
Since the capacity of the system is about 200,000 GPD, the
system is currently operating at about 7% capacity during the winter, and
about 18% capacity during the summer.
B. Sewer
The Town does not have nor anticipate a public sewer system
during the planning period. Soil management practices and low density
have prevented any significant problems with on lot sewage disposal.
Few of the soils in the Town are suitable for septic tank filter fields.
Continued low density and attempts to locate development on suitable
soils should prevent health and environmental problems resulting from
septic tank problems.
C. Roads
The two main roads around Minnesott Beach are NC 306 which runs
along -the Town's eastern border to the Ferry Dock, and SR 1121 (Bennett
St.) which runs north -south along the Town's western border. Bennett St.
9 Town of Minnesott Beach

36
is a dead-end at the marina site. No connection is provided over
the Alligator Gut to the eastern side of Town. Another road which
runs north -south and serves the western portion of Town is Country
Club Drive West. This road also is a dead-end near the marina site.
Few of the roads experience any capacity problems except for NC 306
which sometimes has traffic backed up while cars await the Ferry
across the Neuse River. SR 1123, Country Club Drive serves as the
river front access road. It is beset with a number of jogs and a
"Y" where it intersects with SR 1130 which dead -ends at the Country
Club. The major problem regarding the street system is the three
dead streets which cause accessibility difficulties and potential
safety problems.
D. Schools
Students from Minnesott Beach attend the Arapahoe Elementary
School in Arapahoe (K-8) and the Bayboro High School. The elementary
school has an enrollment of 262, the High School has 681 students.
Depending upon the growth in the beach area, it is possible that the
Arapahoe school will have to be replaced, or a new structure built in
Arapahoe or Grantsb4ro. The elementary school is an old facility and
is not expected to be serviceable after the next five years.
The High School will probably need some additions, but is in
overall good condition. More physical education facilities are needed.
E. Fire and Police
The Town is served by the volunteer fire department at Arapahoe.
The Town contributes financially to the operation of the department,
but the fire department is mostly operated through donations and fund
raising events.

37
The Town does not have a police department, but the County
Sheriff's Department patrols the area, and -the Sberiff Tives in
town.
F. Hospital and Medical
The nearest hospital is in New Bern, about a half-hour drive.
A private medical clinic is located centrally in Pamlico County. These
facilities are considered to be adequate to meet the population growth
throughout the planning period.
G. Solid Waste
The Town street maintenance equipment is used to haul solid
waste from the Town to the County landfill at Reelsboro. The
County landfill is at capacity and is expected to close in another
year. Presently the County is doing soil testing to determine other
possible suitable locations.10
10 Information on facilities provided by Pamlico County.
e

m
PART III
CAPACITY ANALYSIS
7.1 Population Projection
The Town had a population of about 50 persons in 1970. Since
its incorporation, the Town has grown at the rate of 15% per year.
Although such-a_rate could probably not be applied to the ten year
planning period, the Town will probably not lose population as indi-
cated in the 1976 Pamlico County Land Use Plan. The Town has built a
new water system and a new Town hall. The construction of a large
marina on Alligator Gut will be an attraction for tourists, summer
residents, and year-round residents. For planning purposes, we esti-
mate the 1990 average summer high population to be 1000 persons.
7.2 Future Land Use Needs
In projecting the future land use need, our projections con-
sider the distribution of existing population, the current structure
of the economy, the areas existing and future investments in sewer and
water facilities, its transportation system, its.community facilities
(i.e. schools, medical facilities, public services), and the growth
policies of the Town. Since these factors have shaped and attracted
land development in the past, they will probably do so in the future.
Our approach to develop land use projections has included these con-
siderations and, at the same time, they give an estimation of what our
future needs for land will be.
Finally, one word of caution. Projecting land use needs is a
very inexact science. Such projections are presented to provide
decision makers with more insight than certainty into what is most

39
likely',to occur in the future. They should be used as guidelines, not
constraints, and should be used as benchmarks in making land development
decisions.
A. Land Available for Development
In order to determine land suitable for urbanized uses, we must
examine the land already used for such purposes, as well as vacant land
which is not constrained. For this analysis, we have removed the
following land uses and constraints from the available vacant land for
development:
Existing residential use, existing commercial use, existing
institutional use, existing transportation, utilities and communi-
cation use, existing recreational use, coastal marsh, estuarine
and public trust waters, estuarine shoreline seventy-five feet
from mean high water, wetlands, steep slopes, and areas of flood
hazard. Removal of these areas from the total land area of the
Town leaves about 600 acres of unconstrained land for development.
B. Methodology for Land Use Projection
Land use standards were prepared for five urbanized land uses
which include residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and
recreational uses. Except for residential uses, these standards were
derived from land requirements based on standard land use analysis
planning models and adjusted for a town the size of Minnesott Beach.
The residential category was treated differently from the other
urban categories due to the difficulty of allocating land requirements
by housing type or density. An average land area per unit population
is used as a standard to calculate residential land requirements. This
area was calculated using the 1980 population and existing residential

40
use. The average is then applied .as a constant to the 1990 pro-
jections.
• The land use requirements were determined using the following
equation:
L90 - NO - P80) (Kh + Kc + Ki + Kp + Kr)
where L90 = land required to accommodate the 1990 population
P90 = 1990 population
PS0 1980 population
Kh = standard land requirement for residential use
Kc = standard land requirement for commercial use
Ki = standard land requirement for industrial use
Kp = standard land requirement for institutional use
Kr + standard land requirement for recreational use.
The following are standards applied to the land use needs
projection:
Standard for Residential Land = .217 acres
Standard for Commercial Land - .005 acres
Standard for Industrial Land = .010 acres
Standard for Institutional Land- .001 acres
Standard for Recreational Land = .007 acres
C. Land Use Projections
L90 = 860 (.217 + .005 + .010 + .001 + .007)
L90
Residential =
186.62
acres
- L90
Commercial =
4.30
acres
L90
Industrial =
8.60
.acres
L90
Institutional =
0.86
acres
L.90
Recreational =
6.02
acres
Total
206.4
acres

41
The Town presently has 200 vacant plotted lots and a total of
about 610 acres undeveloped. The Town should be unconstrained for some
time to come. Probably the greatest limitation is land suitable for on -
lot sewage disposal. The Town has about 200 acres of Contoe and Kenans-
ville soils. Directing development to these soils would greatly reduce
problems relating to on -lot sewage disposal.
7.3 Community Facilities Demands
The Town's water system has adequate capacity to meet needs
throughout the planning period. Water supplies are plentiful.
The Town does not anticipate construction of a sewer system in
the planning period. Although much of the area has severe restriction
for use of on -lot sewage disposal, low densities and preparation of
filter beds has prevented serious.problems. The Town has 200 acres of
soils suitable for on -lot sewage disposal.
The Town is in need of basic services such as more street main-
tenance persons and police. The joint fire department with Arapahoe
is adequate, but the Town will need some equipment in the future.
It may be necessary at some point in the near future to connect
Country Club Drive West with SR 1130 at the Country Club to allow traffic
flow through the town and reduce safety problems.
Because the Town will probably continue to have a similar age,
sex and economic profile throughout the planning period, no excessive
demand is anticipated on County services such as schools or social
services.
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42
PART IV
POLICY FORMULATION
. This section provides the rationale for and statement of Town
policies. Where feasible, implementation plans are included. Policies
are grouped according to land use categories of
- Resource Protection
- Resource Production and Management
- Economic and Community Development
- Continuing Public Participation
8.1 RESOURCE PROTECTION
A. AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN
The term Area of Environmental Concern, or AEC, is used in North
r Carolina's Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) to identify important natural
resources, both on land and water, which could be damaged if subjected to
incompatible development activity.
The Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) has identified thirteen dif-
ferent types of AECs -- in four general categories -- spelling out the
significance and the basic management objectives for each, and has en-
couraged local governments to recommend those types of development, or use,
which they consider appropriate in the AECs within their jurisdiction.
The AECs in Minnesott Beach fall into two general categories - those
involving the Estuarine System and the Public Trust 'Waters.
The Estuarine System
1. Estuarine Waters
All of the AECs falling under the general classification of the estuarine
system are to be found on or connected with the Neuse River. For Minnesott

43
Beach, the Neuse River makes up its entire southern border. Another
area of estuarine significance is a small creek which enters the Meuse
known as Alligator Gut. (See Part II, 5-2).
The Town recognizes the importance of the estuarine waters as the
dominant component and bonding element of the entire estuarine system.
The waters support the valuable commercial and sports fisheries of the
coastal area which are comprised of estuarine dependent species. The Town
recognizes its responsibility as a developed area along the Neuse River to
prevent unnecessary further degradation of these estuarine waters.
The Town has been developed primarily as a recreation oriented sub-
division community. No intensive development has been planned for nor
desired by the majority of residents and landowners. The historical
development of the Town has been primarily single-family homes on relative-
ly large lots (z acre on the average). Although concern about the quality
of the Neuse is an important issue in the Town, it is generally believed
that the style and low density development in the Town has not led to
any furtherance of water quality degradation in the Neuse. Although it
is recognized that many of the soils in the community are not favorable
for on -lot sewage disposal, the soils are some of the highest in the County.
Low densities appear to have averted significant problems arising from use
of on -lot sewage disposal systems. Some policy alternatives considered
have included, a) having no policy on estuarine waters; b) a simple state-
ment of support of the CAMA program; c) requiring larger lot sizes through-
out the community on un-subdivided land; d) requiring' additional manage-
ment controls for on -lot sewage disposal systems; e) looking at the feasi-
bility of a public sewer system.
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44
POLICY 1: THE TOWN RECOGNIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF HELPING TO PRE-
VENT FURTHER SIGNIFICANT DETERIORATION OF THE WATER
QUALITY OF THE NEUSE RIVER.
Implementation: The Town supports the CAMA permitting procedure
which specifies compliance with use standards under 15 NCAC 7H, Section
.0208. The Town is in the process of completing a zoning ordinance and
subdivision regulations. The Town will draw the zoning boundaries in
such a way as to allow for the denser uses to be provided for in areas
where the soil properties are more suitable. Subdivision regulations
will include standards to help prevent erosion and strict provisions for
the placement and construction of on -lot sewage disposal facilities in
areas near estuarine waters.
2. Estuarine Shoreline
Estuarine shoreline, although characterized by dry land, is con-
sidered a component of the estuarine system because of association with
estuarine waters. In the Town, the estuarine shoreline is the shoreline
of the Neuse River, as well as along Alligator Gut for a distance of
about 500 ft. from the Neuse. Development within the estuarine shoreline
influences the quality of estuarine life and is subject to the damaging
processes of shorefront erosion and flooding.
The existing shoreline along the Neuse presently has a very narrow
sand beach. The shoreline has eroded a total of 74.8 feet over the past
thirty years. The use of more jetties along the Neuse has reduced erosion
in some areas and has trapped sand which, with vegetation, has allowed
accretion. Some individuals believe the continued man-made alterations
will simply change the pattern of erosion, allowing some areas to slow
erosion or accrete, while others suffer worse erosion rates. Alternatives

A
45
have been considered such as using Town funds to build bulkheads,
establish rip -rap, or use other means to stop erosion. Some suggest
no man -assisted attempts should be made. Land use for dwelling units
does not appear to have caused significant erosion in Minnesott Beach.
POLICY 2. THE TOWN DESIRES TO ENSURE THAT SHORELINE DEVELOPMENT
DOES NOT SIGNIFICANTLY HARM THE ESTUARINE SYSTEM. FURTHER-
MORE, ALTERATIONS TO THE SHORELINE IN TERMS OF EROSION —CON-
TROL STRUCTURES WILL NOT BE PERMITTED BY THE TOWN ON THE
NEUSE RIVER, BUT WILL BE LEFT TO INDIVIDUAL LANDOWNERS IN'
OTHER AREAS.
Implementation: The Town supports the CAMA permitting procedure
which specifies compliance with use standards under 15 NCAC 7H, Section
.0209. The Town will incorporate in its zoning ordinance and subdivision
regulations specific requirements for land uses which could cause shore-
line erosion and include in the zoning ordinance regulations which would
disallow the use of erosion control structures.
3. Coastal Wetlands
The unique productivity of the estuarine system is supported by de-
cayed plant material and nutrients that are exported from the coastal
marshlands. The value of marshlands in the animal food chain, as nesting
areas, as nutrient and sediment traps, and as barriers against flood
hazards has been well documented.
In Minnesott Beach, few areas of significant coastal marsh exist.
What does exist is found for a distance of about 500 feet in the Alliga-
tor Gut (see Map E). These small marsh areas have limited productivity.
The recent construction of a marina in the Alligator Gut further reduces
the ecological significance of these marshes. Few alternatives are open

46
in terms of use or protection of coastal marsh areas for the Town. Pres-
ent state and federal regulations would prohibit any intensive use of
the areas. Types of uses the Town would support are discussed later in
the section "Suitable Land Uses in the AECs."
POLICY 3: THE TOWN RECOGNIZES THE ENVIRONMENTAL VALUE OF COASTAL
MARSHES AND DESIRES TO PROTECT THEM FROM SIGNIFICANT
DAMAGE.
Implementation: The Town supports the CAMA permitting procedure
which specifies compliance with use standards under 15 NCAC 7H, Section
.0208. The Town considers these areas as conservation use lands and will
designate them as such in the zoning ordinance. Specific standards in con-
formance with state and federal law will be incorporated in the zoning and
subdivision regulations.
4. Public Trust Areas
The Public Trust Areas are all of the estuarine waters mentioned pre-
viously, as well as the waters of the Alligator Gut above the estuarine
area. In these waters, the public has rights of navigation and recrea-
tion. Generally, it is federal and state policy to protect these areas
from uses which would interfere with the public right of navigation in
these waters, as well as uses which would significantly harm the biologi-
cal and physical functions of these waters. Wetlands are often found in
these areas which do not qualify as coastal marsh, yet have significant
value as freshwater wetlands serving similar biological and physical
functions.
In Minnesott Beach, the Public Trust Area waters of the Alligator
Gut above the estuarine limit contain a marina development. The public's
0

47
right to navigation of this area has not been interfered with, and
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been careful to allow only ap-
propriate development while protecting areas of freshwater wetland.
POLICY 4: THE TOWN WILL NOT RESTRICT THE PUBLIC'S
RIGHT TO NAVIGATION IN PUBLIC TRUST AREAS AND
WISHES TO PERPETUATE THEIR BIOLOGICAL VALUE
Implementation: The Town supports the CAMA permitting procedure
which specifies compliance with use standards under 15 NCAC 7H, Section
.0208. The Town will include in its zoning ordinance and subdivision
regulations specific standards regarding land uses adjacent to public
trust areas.
B. Suitable Land Uses in the AECs
Generally, suitable land uses will be those uses which are consistent
with the CAMA permitting procedure with highest priority being uses which
foster conservation of the resources and second priority to uses which are
water dependent. In the coastal wetlands and estuarine waters, the state
would not permit nor the Town support development such as restaurants and
businesses; residences; apartments; motels; hotels; trailer parks; park-
ing lots and private roads and highways; and factories. The state may
permit and the Town may support such uses as utility easements, fishing
piers, docks, and agricultural uses such as fanning and forestry drainage,
as permitted under North Carolina's Dredge and Fill Act and/or other ap-
plicable laws. Any use permitted would have to comply with the state
regulations and conditions imposed in the Town's zoning and subdivision
regulations.
On the estuarine shoreline, the uses permitted are those which are
permitted under the zoning ordinance for the zoning district. However,

W_
the Town may permit bulkheading to prevent erosion, except on the Neuse
River, and the building of piers, wharfs or marinas. CAMA.use standards
for these areas must be followed along with any specific regulations in the
Town's zoning ordinance or subdivision regulations.
C. OTHER RESOURCES
The Town has not identified any unique or especially valuable
natural areas within its borders. The Town is, however, concerned
about the destruction of vegetated areas and habitats of various species
indigenous to the area. One alternative considered to deal with vegeta-
tion and open space was a vegetation and open space ordinance. Another
possibility was to establish a voluntary set of rules regarding vegeta-
tion protection. Some believe that this issue is not nor should be a
consideration of Town government.
POLICY 5: IT IS THE POLICY OF THE TOWN TO ENCOURAGE THE RETENTION
OF VEGETATION, PRESERVE OPEN SPACE, AND TO ALLOW THE
NATURAL TERRAIN TO BE DISTURBED AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE.
Implementation: The Town will include in its zoning ordinance
and subdivision regulations standards regarding open space and vegeta-
tion when development occurs. A program of informing and educating
citizens with regard to such resources will b� developed.
D. HISTORIC AND ARCHAEOLOGIC SITES
No specific archaeological sites or historic sites are located in the
Town. It is the policy of the Town, however, to encourage the identification
and protection of historic and archaeological sites should any be found.

' 49
E. WATER
Three issues are involved in the assessment of water quality in
the Town. The first issue is the availability and quality of water for
the Town's water system. The second issue is the effect of individual
septic systems on groundwater and surface water. The third issue is
the potential for flooding.
I• Surface and Groundwater
The Town has recently completed a water system and all areas of the
Town are served. The system has two wells available and the facilities
are located within the Town at NC 306. The system is using water from the
Castle Hayne aquifer, the acquifer of the Oligocene limestone of the Tertiary
Period, Cenozoic Era.
With the present and projected densities in the Town, it is anticipated
that contamination of the community water system from septic tanks is un-
likely. Although an alternative for attempting protection of ground and
surface water from future development would be larger lot sizes, the Town
does not believe this to be necessary with existing relatively large lot
sizes (average h acre) and the consideration of soil capabilities for al-
lowable zoning densities. Another alternative would be a public sewer
system. However, such a system would not be feasible for some time to come,
nor would it be necessary with planned policies.
The Town is primarily a recreation oriented residential community. The
Town would not permit development of landfills or disposal of hazardous wastes.
POLICY 6: THE TOWN WILL NOT PERMIT DEVELOPMENT OR LAND USES WHICH
WILL DEGRADE THE QUALITY OF THE SURFACE WATERS, GROUND-
WATER, OR SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER THE WATER QUANTITY IN THE
AQUIFER.

P rol
Implementation: The Town will consider soil capabilities in the
development of allowable zoning densities and the development of sub-
divisions. The Town will review all existing and proposed land uses
to determine possible effects on surface and groundwater before giving
necessary permits or approval.
2. Flooding
The Town is currently participating in the National Flood Insurance
Program. Presently, there are 3 structures.in a flood hazard zone since
the Town is on very high ground in relation to the river. Average height
of the river bank is 14.3 feet. At this time, the County enforces permits
on flood hazard areas. When the Town appoints a zoning administrator, the
Town will enforce its own flood hazard regulations.
3. Hurricane Evacuation
Although the Town, due to its location, may not experience problems
due to hurricanes as severe as communities on the Ocean, hurricane evacua-
tion is a concern. The Town has participated in emergency preparedness
plans of the County and feels that current plans are sufficient to allow
Town residents to be provided with adequate evacuation routing should the
need arise.

' 51
8.2 RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
A. LAND UTILIZATION
The Town's resources are embodied in its residential character as evi-
denced by its past growth and future desires of its property owners. The
Town has no productive agricultural or forest areas, no known exploitable
minerals or industrial potential. The Town has no commercial fisheries,
although some residents continue to work at this trade. Aside from the
community commitments to care for and manage its natural surroundings and .
man-made improvements, the Town's limited area precludes consideration of
non-residential uses other than limited commercial and recreation. Recrea-
tional uses are those such as boating, golf, swimming, fishing, tennis, etc.
POLICY 7: THE TOWN IS PRIMARILY A RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY AND THEREFORE DOES
NOT DESIRE TO PROMOTE AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY, MINING, FISHERIES,
INDUSTRY, ENERGY FACILI.TIES, OR TOURIST RELATED RECREATION.
8.3 ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
A. ZONING
The Town has been working toward the development of a zoning ordinance
and subdivision regulations in order to better control growth and development.
Presently, a draft has been completed on these regulations. Because the
Town is in the process of land use planning, the Town does not intend to adopt
a zoning ordinance or subdivision regulations until growth and development
policies have been.adopted. At the same time, this process has the advantage
of using the management tools to greatest advantage in the land use planning
process.

/ R-20
F POPOSED ZONING
MAP D
TOWN OF MINNESOFF BEACH!
y � C
SCALE i"- . 950'
AWL/CO COUNTY, 1.097N G4RaJJV4

52
One of the more important zoning issues is the minimum lot sizes and lo-
cations of zoning boundaries. Although a great deal of the community has
already been subdivided, recent annexations have provided considerable acres
of land which, although not anticipated to be developed soon, may represent
the future development area of the Town.
Because the Town is concerned with its environment and especially the
water quality of the Neuse River, it has determined that any dense septic
tank construction in many of the more unsuitable soils for septic tank use
could prove to be detrimental to the water quality of the River. The Town
does, however, have considerable areas of soils which are suitable for sep
tic tank use. The Town therefore has considered designing the zoning map
based upon the configuration of the soils and their capacity for develop-
ment. Other alternatives considered were large generalized zoning areas
based upon average historical development patterns, no zoning.
POLICY 8: THE TOWN WILL DEVELOP A ZONING ORDINANCE -AND SUBDIVISION REGU-
LATIONS BASED UPON THE CAPACITY OF THE AREAJO SUPPORT DEVELOP-
MENT AND WITH CONCERN FOR ENVIRONMENT.
Implementation: The Town is in the process of rewriting its initial draft
on the zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations.
B. HOUSING MIX
The residential character of the Town is a major factor in attracting
both resident and non-resident property owners. Although the residential
character is mainly single-family, some multi -family town house type units
exist. Also, a number of multi -family vacation use units are found on the
Neuse. Another housing type found in the community is the mobile home.

53
Two large mobile home parks are located near the shoreline in the vicinity
of the Neuse River ferry dock. Generally, the Town is in favor of single-
family detached dwelling unit types. Well-built and managed town house
multi -family units are also acceptable. Mobile homes have not proven to
be tax advantageous to the community, and are considered by many to be
aesthetically unpleasing.
POLICY 9: THE TOWN DESIRES TO MAINTAIN PRIMARILY SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AS WELL AS LIMITED AND WELL MAINTAINED
MULTI -FAMILY TOWN HOUSE UNITS. THE TOWN DOES NOT DESIRE FUR-
THER MOBILE HOME USE.
Implementation: The Town will, though its new zoning ordinance and subdivi-
sion regulations regulate and limit densities and housing types within its
zoning districts. The building code and subdivision regulations will in-
sure proper building design and maintenance.
C. COMMERCIAL
Presently the community has limited commercial activity due to the
small size of the Town and the seasonal nature of the population increase.
A small motel and a restaurant, a small fishing pier and a boat launch facil-
ity; and a marina on the Alligator Gut are the extent of commercial activity.
Most residents of the Town would like to see some further commercial
activity in the Town, especially essential services such as a gasoline sta-
tion and a grocery store. The Town considered further restricting commer-
cial activity.

54
POLICY 10: THE COMMERCIAL ZONE PROPOSED ON THE DRAFT ZONING MAP IS ACCEPT-
ABLE AS CONSTITUTED AND WILL NOT BE INCREASED. USES PERMITTED
IN THIS ZONE WILL BE ONLY THOSE WHICH ARE NECESSARY TO SUPPLY
BASIC NEEDS OF THE TOWN RESIDENTS.
Implementation: The proposed zoning ordinance when adopted should imple-
ment this policy.
D. COMMUNITY SERVICES
The Town has recently completed a new Town Hall which serves to house
Town administrative facilities. Fire protection is presently located 4 miles
north in Arapahoe. Many feel that this distance is too far for adequate
fire protection and fire insurance rates are high. Discussions are being held
about placing a fire engine in Town, operated as a substation of the Arapa-
hoe Fire District.
An issue of concern is police protection since the Town does not have
its own police department. Police protection is only available through the
County Sheriff's Department. Many residents have indicated a desire to have
a Town policeman. As the Town grows, a Town policeman could become a neces-
sity, especially during the summer months.
POLICY 11: THE TOWN WILL CONTINUE TO DEVELOP AND STUDY ALTERNATIVES TO
THE CURRENT FIRE AND POLICE PROTECTION PROBLEM.
Implementation: The Town Board will cost out a one-man police department
and determine funding alternatives to present to the community. The Town is
studying the possibility of making an addition to the Town Hall to accommo-
date a fire engine.
E. WATER AND SEWER
The recently constructed water system in terms of water quantity and
quality is sufficient to take care of the Town's needs through the planning

55
period (see p. 28).
The Town does not have or anticipate the need for a public sewer system
during the planning period. Soil management practices and low density have
prevented any significant problems with on -lot sewage disposal. A number of
different zoning densities and boundaries have been analyzed in determining
the proposed zoning map which is part of the new, proposed zoning ordinance.
POLICY 12: THE TOWN WILL DESIGN ITS ZONING MAP USING THE CAPABILITY OF THE
SOILS TO ACCOMMODATE ON -LOT SEWAGE DISPOSAL TO LIMIT DENSITIES
ON THOSE SOILS UNSUITABLE FOR ON -LOT SEWAGE DISPOSAL.
Implementation: In designing the final zoning map for adoption, the above
Policy will be implemented.
F. ROADS
Generally the road system and present maintenance procedures are ade-
quate within the Town and are anticipated to continue to be so in the plan-
ning period. Two areas, however, continue to be of some concern. These are
a) the western end of Country Club Drive where the road narrows, jogs, and
an unofficial turnaround exists and b) the dead end at Country Club Drive
West. Alternatives have been considered such as the straightening of the
alignment of Country Club Drive and bringing the Country Club Drive West
down to connect with Country Club Drive. Both alternatives have met with
problems of both cost and the obtainment of a permit from DNRCD for
fill in the case of Country Club Drive West.
POLICY 13: THE TOWN WILL CONTINUE TO STUDY THE ROAD PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED
WITH COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE AND COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE WEST. THE TOWN
.

WILL CONTINUE TO ATTEMPT TO GAIN FURTHER CITIZEN SUPPORT
r
TO ACTIVELY PURSUE IMPROVEMENTS AND SET ASIDE FUNDS FOR SUCH
IMPROVEMENTS.
OFF ROAD VEHICLES ARE NOT CONSIDERED TO BE A PROBLEM AND'NO
POLICY IS NECESSARY AT THIS TIME.
Implementation: The Town will organize a citizen task group to analyze the
problem in more detail and work with the community on implementable propos-
als.
G. REDEVELOPMENT
According to the questionnaire completed as part of the land use plan,
many citizens feel that parts of the waterfront area of the Town are in need
of repair or replacement. Many of the structures located on the waterfront
were built many years ago and were constructed with a low-cost camp atmos-
phere concept. Now that the community has developed as a year-round resi-
dential community, these structures no longer fit the asthetic residential
pattern. What is needed is a separate study for the waterfront area to
determine possible strategies and financing alternatives.
POLICY 14: THE TOWN WILL ATTEMPT TO SEEK GRANT OR LOAN FUNDS TO COMPLETE A
STUDY ON THE WATERFRONT AREA TO DETERMINE ALTERNATIVES FOR ITS.
REDEVELOPMENT.
Implementation: The Town will continue to review state and federal programs
and submit applications to such programs as may provide funding for a water-
front redevelopment study.
H. COMMITMENT TO STATE AND FEDERAL PROGRAMS
State and federal activities in the Town are limited to state road

.. ...- - .- ...... .....
57
maintenance, the Powell Bill. grant for local roads, the CAMA program,
Army Corps of Engineers jurisdiction over wetlands and navigation, and
the state ferry.
POLICY 15: THE TOWN DOES NOT OPPOSE THE CONTINUED STATE MAINTENANCE OF
ROADS, THE CAMA PROGRAM, THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS JURIS-
DICTION OVER WETLANDS AND NAVIGATION, AND CONTINUED OPERATION
AND MAINTENTENANCE OF PRESENT SYSTEM.
I. MAJOR FACILITIES
The Town has developed primarily as a residential community. Resi-
dents wish to keep the community free from large industrial or power gen-
erating facilities.
POLICY 16: THE TOWN DOES NOT DESIRE THE LOCATION OF MAJOR FACILITIES IN
OR NEAR THE COMMUNITY.
J. TOURISM AND WATERFRONT ACCESS
Although the Town.has developed with a resort atmosphere due to the
location on the Neuse River and the location of a golf course in the center
of Town, most residents consider the Town to be residentially oriented. Tour-
ism is not considered to be an income producing industry in the Town.
Many Town residents would like to have access to the waterfront without
the need to trespass on private property. The beach area is very small, and
at most times of the year persons walking on the beach area would be on pri-
vate property.
Many residents are concerned that any public acquisition of waterfront access
a
would present maintenance and monitoring problems, especially considering the small
4
r

�9
Town budget and lack of police. Also, however, many residents desire an
alternative such as the Town acquiring some waterfront property so that
more residents and visitors could enjoy the waterfront.
POLICY 17: THE TOWN WILL SEEK TO ACQUIRE WATERFRONT PROPERTY
Implementation: The Town will set up a citizen task group to find potential
areas and investigate funding as part of the waterfront redevelopment project.
The subdivision regulations when adopted will include specific requirements to
provide money to be placed in a development improvement fund to be used for
waterfront access.

59
8.4 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The Town of Minnesott Beach has always enjoyed active public partici-
pation of its residents in public affairs. Incorporation has not seen a
lessening of this attitude. Town meetings, public hearings, etc., are
well -attended.
The small size of such a community as Minnesott Beach lends itself
to more opportunity of citizen communication regarding Town activities.
Since many retired individuals live in Town, such individuals have been
able to spend a great deal of time participating in Town business. A
local newspaper is available which covers pertinent Town government
activities.
As part of the Land Use Plan, citizens were advised of Plan work
sessions by the newspaper. In order to determine the thoughts of non-
resident landowners, as well as residents, a land use planning question-
naire was mailed to all landowners of Minnesott Beach. Response was ex-
tremely high (over 90% of the questionnaires were returned with responses).
The analysis of the questionnaire is found in section 2.2 B. The results
of the questionnaire were used by the Planning Board in the determination'
of policies.
POLICY 18: THE MINNESOTT BEACH LAND USE PLAN WILL BE REVIEWED AND UPDATED
ANNUALLY. THE PUBLIC WILL BE OFFERED AN OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICI-
PATE IN ALL PHASES OF THE UPDATE PROCESS.
The Minnesott Beach Planning Board will review the Land Use Man an-
nually and recommend changes, if needed, to the Town Council in October of
each year.
,
,

ac
PART V
LAND CLASSIFICATION
The land classification system has been developed as a means of
' assistance in the implementation of the Plan. By delineation of land
classes (see Map B), the Town has indicated where growth is expected to
occur and where they want to insure conservation of resources.
Although specific areas are outlined on the land classification map,
land classification is merely a tool to help implement policies. The
Town of Minnesott Beach has determined that two classes of classification
exist in the Town, community and conservation.
9.1 Community
The purpose of the community class is to provide for clustered land
development to help meet housing, shopping, employment, and public ser-
vice needs. Although the Town has a community water system, the low den-
sity residential character of the Town, which will be promoted by the pol-
icies expressed in the Land Use Plan, should allow the community to develop
in such a manner as to preclude the necessity of a public sewer system.
The proposed zoning ordinance will provide for limited commercial areas to
allow for basic service needs for Town residents. The densities regulated
by the zoning map will be based upon suitability of soils for on -lot sew-
age disposal. A review of the policies in the Land Use Plan will show
' that the concept of limited growth residential community development in
suitable areas and appropriate densities is the basic goal to be imple-
mented in the area shown as community on the classification map.
9.2 Conservation
The purpose of the conservation class is to provide for effective long-

61
term management of significant limited or irreplaceable areas. This
management may be needed because of its natural, cultural, recreational,
productive, or scenic values. In the Town, these areas are shown on Map b
as AEC areas and the Golf Course.
For protection of AEC areas in Minnesott Beach (estuarine waters, 11
estuarine shoreline, marshes, public trust areas, and some freshwater wet-
lands) the Town relies on three approaches. One, the CAMA permitting pro-
cedure, through which attempts to encroach on AEC areas are regulated;
two, federal permitting procedures through the Army Corps of Engineers
regulating freshwater wetland areas and obstructions to navigation; and,
three, Town development strategies and regulations (see Part II, 5.2 and
Part IV). It is the policy of the Town to protect surface and groundwater
by implementing zoning boundaries and densities which are tied to the
suitability of the soils for on -lot sewage disposal. The Town will dis-
allow bulkheading on the Neuse River to prevent scalloping of the beach
by intermittent structures. Bulkheading of inland streams and creeks will
be permitted to prevent erosion and sedimentation.
The Golf Course will be protected from development by a series of use
standards which will permit some development of its fringes while maintain-
ing the open space should the present owners abandon the recreational use.

Ll