Land Use Plan Update-1986

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Division of Coastal Management
LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
PREPARED FOR:
THE TOWN OF MOREHEAD CITY, N.C.
BY:
UUOLLA PLAMMMS
PLANNERS ED LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
P.O. BOX 1110 • ST. MARYS. GEORGIA 01558
ADOPTED: JUNE 26, 1986
CRC CERTIFICATION: JULY 25, 1986
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LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
Prepared for
THE TOWN OF MOREHEAD CITY, NORTH CAROLINA
By:
MAMA [PLA M N(B
PLANNERS C:3 LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
P.O. BOX 1110 • ST. MARYS, GEORGIA 31558
Adopted by Morehead City: June 26, 1986
Certified by CRC: July 25, 1986
The preparation of this report was financed in partthrough 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 adminis-
tered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources Management, N.O.A.A.

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CONTENTS
Page
INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY 1
Background 1
Plan Summary 1
Plan Uses 3
EXISTING CONDITIONS 5
Existing Land Use
5
Summary
12
Land Use Controls
13
Community Facilities
13
Transportation
16
Economic Conditions
19
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT
Physical and Environmental Constraints 24
Areas of Environmental Concern 27
Potable Water Supply 28
GROWTH TRENDS 29
Population
Constraints: Capacity of Community Facilities 30
POLICY STATEMENTS AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES 32
Resource Protection 32
Physical Constraints to Development 37
Resource Production and Management 38
Provision of Services to Development 38
Economic and Community Development 40
Storm Hazard Mitigation and Post -Disaster Planning 43
Continuing Citizen Participation 45
LAND CLASSIFICATION 47

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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Existing Land Use Within Town Limits 7
Table 2. Existing Land Use in Extraterritorial 8
Area
Table 3. Summary: Existing Land Use - 9
Morehead City Planning Area
LIST OF MAPS
Map
1.
Existing Land Use
6
Map
2.
Community Facilities
14
Map
3.
Environmental Determinants
25
Map
4.
Land Classification
49

INTRODUCTION AND PLAN SUMMARY
Background
The Coastal Area Management Act of 1974 establishes a cooperative
program of land planning and management between local governments and
the State. Land use planning is intended to be the focus of local
government's involvement; it gives local leaders an opportunity to
establish and implement policies to guide the development of their
community.
The Morehead City Land Use Plan is an expression of both short and
long range planning goals in which the Town has set forth policies
concerning how and where future development should occur over the next
ten years. In essence, this plan is intended to provide overall
direction to the town government as to where Morehead City is headed as
a community.
Plan Summary
Morehead City's natural scenery, recreational opportunities, mild
climate, and its status as gateway to the Crystal Coast and Bogue Banks
have attracted substantial development over the past ten to fifteen
years. Development of the Morehead City port is also a significant
aspect of Morehead City's recent growth.
This growth has its price. The Town has come to realize that its
land and resources are not without limits. More development means less
of the natural environment and very resources that attracted this
y growth in the first place.
The challenge is to direct and accommodate new growth in ways that
enhance rather than degrade these resources. At the same time, the
welfare and desires of the Town's existing residents and businesses
should take precedence over future development. New development should
not strain existing municipal services and facilities at the expense of
present citizens. It is therefore a fundamental objective of this plan
to maintain and enhance Morehead City's existing appeal and character
while maintaining and improving the level of municipal services.
In developing this land use plan, the Town identified four
principal areas of developmental concern:
o Industrial Development: at the port and its off -site impacts
such as traffic congestion and threats to water quality.
o Area transportation systems: particularly roadways and their
capacity to handle existing and projected traffic and the issue
of freight trains hauling cargo to and from the port.
o Commercial development: primarily strip development along U.S.
70 and encroachment into existing residential neighborhoods.
o Public recreation areas and open space: The Town and its
surrounding areas are significantly deficient in actual areas
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dedicated to open space and recreation; (less than one percent
of the land area in the Town's planning jurisdiction).
The following summarizes the specific actions the Town intends to
pursue in addressing the four principal issues identified above:
o Industrial Development. The Town recognizes overriding conflicts
and incompatability between local commerce, (including sports
and commercial fishing, marine research, and tourism), and
development at the Morehead City Port. Therefore, it is
recommended that the State Ports Authority rescind.its
designation of the port for cargoes with pollution potential,
such as coal and hazardous chemicals. The plan also urges the
designation of the port as a facility handling a mix of non-
hazardous/non-polluting bulk, break -bulk and container cargoes.
Concerning other industrial development, the Town will encourage
light industry with limited off -site impacts within its Town
limits and the extra -territorial jurisdiction.
o Transportation. A thoroughfare plan was prepared for Morehead
City and surrounding areas in 1971. Many of the issues
identified in the 1971 plan have compounded. However, many of
the plan's recommendations still remain valid. The Town will
.request the N.C. Department of Transportation to immediately
update this plan in conjunction with Morehead City, Beaufort,
Atlantic Beach and Carteret County.
o Commercial Development. The Town will develop sign regulations
to control the number, size and spacing of advertising signs.
Strip development and curb cuts, particularly along U.S. 70,
will be addressed through the Town's zoning ordinance. Site plan
requirements including a review process will be established.
Existing commercial zoning districts will be revised to
distinguish between different types of commercial uses and their
inherent off -site impacts. For example, the regulations will be
written so that certain areas will be designated for uses such
as office buildings while others are designated for more
intensive uses such as convenience stores and fast food
restaurants. Site plan requirements and revisions to the
commercial zoning districts will also be used to address
commercial encroachment into residential areas. These tools can
offer a means of placing less intense commercial uses adjacent
to residential areas while requiring buffers and other good site
development practices.
o Recreation. The Town will undertake a comprehensive recreation
planning process to: locate, preserve and design open space;
identify needed recreational facilities including probable
costs and recommended locations, and recommend a delivery system
of social programs to serve the leisure needs of area residents.
The plan will also recommend schedules for implementation and
identify funding sources.
This land use plan and its policies can only be implemented
with support of area residents and businesses, dedication of
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Morehead City's elected officials, and the Town government's
departments. It is therefore crucial that a management system be
established to coordinate the Town's operations and activities
toward the accomplishment of the established objectives and
policies of this Plan. This will supplement the Town's
regulatory activities addressing "how" and "where" private
sector development occurs.
Plan Uses
The Land Use Plan is an inportant policy document of local,
regional, state and federal levels. The users, in addition to
Morehead City, are regional councils of government, state and
federal permitting agencies, and public or private funding and
development groups.
Local Government Uses. The Plan provides policy
guidance for decisions related to overall community
development, while serving as the basis for land
development regulations and capital facilities program-
ming. Planning for the extension of capital intensive
services, such as central sewer and water, is aided
by the Land Use Plan's identification of likely
growth trends and by plan policies which will direct
growth.
Local Land Development Uses. Developers and investors
(including prospective residents) can use the Land Use
Plan as a primary source of information about the
community. The Plan provides data and analysis on
present development patterns, capacity of community
facilities, growth patterns, and physical limita-
tions to development. The Plan also provides developers
with information about the community's preferences
for development types, densities and locations.
Regional Uses. The Morehead City Land Use Plan will
be used by the Neuse River Council of Governments for
regional planning purposes and in their function as
Regional Clearinghouse (A-95) for State and Federal
funding programs. Carteret County will use this and
other municipal plans in the updating of its County-
wide land use plan. This municipal plan indicates to
these agencies what types of development the community
feels are likely and where the development should take
place.
State and Federal Uses. Coastal government's land
use plans are used in evaluating development proposals
requiring approval by various State and Federal
agencies. These agencies must ensure that permitting
decisions consider and are consistent with the policies
and land classification system established by the Land
Use Plan. This requirement for consistency is estab-
lished by the North Carolina Coastal Area Management
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Act. Similarly, the use of State and Federal funds,
either as grants or as direct agency expenditures,
must be consistent with the local plan.
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EXISTING CONDITIONS
• Situated in an unusually beautiful and environmentally sensitive
area, Morehead City is known as the gateway to the beaches of Carteret
County and as the home of the Morehead City State Port Terminal.
The Existing Conditions portion of the Land Use Plan presents brief
descriptions of the conditions pertinent to land use in Morehead City.
General section headings include: Existing Land Use, Land Use Controls,
Community Facilities, Transportation, Economic Conditions and Physical
and Environmental Constraints.
Existing Land Use
Existing land use for Morehead City and its extraterritorial area
as of August 31, 1985 is graphically displayed on Map 1. Land use
acreage counts for the corporate limits of Morehead City, its extrater-
ritorial jurisdiction as of August 31, 1985, and the total Morehead City
planning area are found in Tables I through 3. A descriptive summary
for each land use category follows.
Residntial
Residential land use in Morehead City was broken down into four
categories: single family, multi -family of six units or less, multi-
family of seven units or more, and mobile homes.
Single Family
The predominant dwelling type within the Morehead City town limits
is the single family dwelling. Some 1511 single family dwellings, nearly
65 percent of all dwellings in the corporate limits, occupy 345.5 acres
of land. 'Single family residential density is 4.4 units per acre of
land, 'about 10,000 square feet per unit.
In the extraterritorial area, 628 units occupy 329.4 acres. The
single family residential density here is less than half that of the in -
town density at 1.9 units per acre.
Multi -family, Two to Six Units
There are 96 units in this category inside the town limits oc-
cupying 5.0 acres of land - a density of over 19 dwelling units (d.u.)
per acre. There are 8 units in this category in the extraterritorial
jurisdiction. The net density for these units is 16 d.u. per acre.
Multi -family, Seven Units or More
There are 474 dwelling units occupying 33.9 acres within the town
limits in this category. Many of these units, such as Carteret Oaks
and other multi -family complexes in the Professional Park, Leeward
Harbor, and Harborview Towers, are still under construction or recently
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LEGEND
RESIDENTIAL
SINGLE FAMILY
MOBILE HOME
OEM MULTI -FAMILY (2-6 Units)
® MULTI -FAMILY (7 Units)
COMMERCIAL
ROM COMMERCIAL, WATER
RELATED
HEAVY INDUSTRIAL
TRANSPORTATION & UTILITIES
PUBLIC/INSTITUTIONAL
PARKS & OPEN SPACE
land
MOREHEAD CITY, N.C.
EXISTING LAND USE
MAP 1
nto.w By: $ATM" PLANNING
zoo o.norrw street
sL Mom, aeo om �TM
frtoorw Deft APRL. 1985

TABLE 1. EXISTING LAND USE WITHIN TOWN LIMITS]
Land Use Acres Percent units Density
of total (Units/acre)
Single Family
345.5
(26.6)
1511
4.4
Multi -family,
Two - Six Units
5.0
( .4)
96
19.2
Multi -family
Seven Units +
33.9
( 2.6)
47<
14.0
Mobile Home
39.6
( 3.0)
304
7.7
Total Residential
424.0
32.6
2385
5.6
Commercial
125.3
9.6
Commercial,
Water Related
1.5
.1
Light Industrial
16.5
1.3
Heavy Industrial
Y
156.4
12.0
Transportation
and Utilities
267.7
20.6
Public
and Institutional
159.2
12.0
Parks and Open Space
10.3
.8
Vacant, Agricultural,
Forested
137.9
10.6
Totals
1298.8
100.0
]Source: Field survey by Satilla Planning, Inc., March 1985.
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TABLE 2. EXISTING LAND USE IN EXTRATERRITORIAL AREA1
• Land Use
Acres
Percent
Units
Density
of total
(units/acre)
• Single Family
329.4
(16.2)
628
1.9
Multi -family,
1 Two to Six Units
.5
>.I
8
16.0
Multiple Family,
Seven Units +
19.5
( I)
88
4.5
Mobile Homes
i
26.0
( 1.3)
88
3.8
Total Residential
375.4
18.5
812
2.2
Commercial
11.2
.6
Commercial,
Water Related
11.8
.6
Light Industrial
2.5
.1
•
Transportation
and Utilities
82.9
4.1
Public
and Institutional
2.5
.1
Parks and Open Space
19.1
.9
Vacant, Agricultural
and Forested
1522.7
75.0
Totals
2028.1
100.0
1Boundaries as of August 31, 1985.
Source:
Field survey by Satilla
Planning, Inc., March
1985.
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TABLE 3. SUMMARY: EXISTING LAND USE - MOREHEAD CITY PLANNING AREA]
Land Use Acres Percent Units Density
of total (units/acres)
Single Family 674.9 (20.3) 2139 3.2
Multi -family,
Two to Six Units 5.5 ( 1). 104 18.9
Multiple Family
Seven Units + 53.4 (1.6) 562 10.5
Mobile Homes 65.6 (2.0) 392 6.0
Total Residential 799.4 24.0 3197 4.0
Commercial 136.5 4.1
Commercial,
Water Related 13.3 .4
Light Industrial 19.0 .6
Heavy Industrial 156.4 4.7
Transportation
and Utilities 350.6 10.5
Public and
Institutional 161.7 4.9
Parks/Open Space 29.4 .8
Vacant,Agricultural
and Forested 1660.6 50.0
Totals 3326.9 000.0)
]This table includes acreage counts for land within the Morehead City
town limits and extraterritorial area as of August 31, 1985. Source:
Field survey by Satilla Planning, Inc., March 1985.
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have been completed. The net density for this category is 14 units per
acre.
In the extraterritorial area, 88 units are found on 19.5 acres.
The density of these units is 4.5 dwellings per acre.
Mobile Homes
There are more than 300 mobile homes within the Morehead City
limits. Most of these units are concentrated in mobile home parks such
as Willis Park and Apple Park. The average density for this category
within the town limits is 7.7 units per acre.
In the extraterritorial area, mobile homes make up about one tenth
of the total housing units at 88 dwellings. These units occupy 26 acres
for a density of 3.4 units per acre.
Residential: Summary
There are a total of 2385 dwellings within the Morehead City town
limits. The average residential density is 5.6 units per acre (roughly
the equivalent of an 8,000 square foot lot). Although once dominated by
single family residential dwellings, Morehead City is developing a
mixture of residential dwelling types. Small and mid -sized (30 units or
more) multi -family developments are being built on an infill basis in
Morehead City. Residential land use accounts for about one-third of
the land area within the town limits.
In the greater Morehead City planning area, there are 3197 homes.
Some 70 percent of these units are single family residences. The next
largest category is the multi -family category (7 units or more), with
nearly 18 percent of the total. Residential land use accounts for
slightly less than 25 percent of the land area within the planning
jurisdiction.
Commercial
Morehead City has long been the commercial center of Carteret
County, and there are over 125 acres of commercially developed land
within the town limits (see Table 1). Notable commercial areas include
Morehead Plaza, the waterfront commercial district, commercial stretches
of U. S. 70 and Bridges Street. Commercial land represents about 10
percent of the total land area within the town. An additional 11.2
acres of commercial acreage can be found in the planning area.
Water Related Commercial
Most of the acreage in this category is found in the extrater-
ritorial area (11.8 acres of the planning area total of 13.3 acres). At
least three marinas are accounted for in this category.
Light Industrial
Uses classified in this category essentially represent all indus-
trial and warehousing uses not allied with the State Port. A total of
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19 acres is found in this category, almost all of it within the Morehead
City limits. Businesses classified light industrial for purposes of
this study include Oceanic Machine Works, Wheatley Oil Company, the
Potter Oil property located on Banks Street, the Standard Products
property and warehouse located along the Atlantic and North Carolina
Railyard Spur near Banks Street, Morehead Moving and Storage, Eastern
Insulation, the Wrangler Factory, a storage yard associated with the
railroad along U.S. 70 in the vicinity of 26th and 27th Streets, and
several small warehouses located on small lots at various locations.
Heavy (Port -Related) Industrial
This category accounts for the industrial and business activities
associated with the N. C. State Port and covers 156.4 acres, about 12.6
percent of the land area in Morehead City.
The port at Morehead City primarily handles "bulk cargo", commodi-
ties like coal and phosphate that are stored in bins and loaded by
conveyor belt. State Ports Authority facilities are described under
Economic Conditions (page 19).
The State leases space to a variety of tenants for import and
export activities, storage, processing activities, and office space.
These tenants vary from time to time, but current tenants handling bulk
materials (as of August 1985) include: Atlantic Shippers (fishmeal);
Colonial Oil (storage of petroleum products), Morehead Export Terminals
(coal); Morgan Fertilizer (fertilizer); Morton Thiokol (salt), Owens-
Corning Fiberglass (excess storage for corning glass products or mate-
rials); Potash Company of America (potash); Texasgulf (phosphate and
phosphate -derived materials); Transnitro Inc. (urea - a bulk component
of fertilizer); and Trumbull Asphalt (storage for asphalt products).
Tenants currently utilizing office space at the port include: the U. S.
General Services Administration, the N. C. Department of Transportation,
the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Marine Corps, and the U.S.
Navy.
Transportation and Utilities
This category includes streets, roads, railroad beds and right of
ways, sewer and water facilities, wells, and lift stations in the More-
head City planning area. By far the largest amount of area is allocated
to streets, roads and railroad right of ways. This category accounts
for nearly 22 percent of the land area within the town limits. Over 350
acres fall into this category throughout the planning area (Town limits
plus extraterritorial area).
Public and Institutional
Although it is not the county seat, Morehead City contains a sig-
nificant number of government -related uses. The Division of Marine
Fisheries, National Guard Armory, Carteret Community College, Carteret
General Hospital, and the Division of Motor Vehicles are some of the
• larger uses in this category. The public and institutional class-
ification also includes religious, civic and institutional uses and
covers 159.2 acres inside the city limits, about 12.8 percent of the

total. A Division of Coastal Management field office is located in
Morehead City.
Parks and Open Space
Accounted for in this category within Morehead City proper are the
Morehead City Municipal Park, located on U. S. 70 on land leased from
the state; Katherine Davis Park; the Jaycee Park (located across from
Harborview Towers); and other smaller recreation areas. Swenson Park,
operated by Carteret County, is found on an 18 acre site off Country
Club Road in the vicinity of Friendly Beech Woods.
Agricultural, Forested, and Vacant
Only about 140 acres (137.9 acres) remain in the vacant/agricul-
tural category within the town limits, about 10 percent of the total.
In the extraterritorial area, 75 percent of the land area (1522.7
acres) falls into this category. Some of this land is under cultiva-
tion, but much of this acreage has the potential to be developed for
residential purposes in the near future.
Summary
Morehead City is fairly intensely developed for such a small urban
area. Almost ninety percent of the land area within the town limits is
developed; over twenty percent of the developed land area is covered
with road surfaces. Much of the developed acreage is intensively dev-
eloped, i.e., lot coverage of 90 to 100 percent impervious surfaces are
not uncommon, even for some residential uses.
Within the extraterritorial area, lot sizes for the predominant
single family dwellings are larger, averaging more than 20,000 square
feet per unit. The average single family dwelling unit density within
the Town limits is 4.4 units per acre (about 10,000 square feet for each
unit). A substantial number of single family dwellings within the city
limits are built on 5000 square foot lots. The variation between the
densities of the corporate and extraterritorial areas is partly at-
tributable to the lack of central water and sewer within the extrater-
ritorial area, making larger lots necessary for septic tank require-
ments, and to the small lot sizes used when the older parts of Morehead
City were developed.
Although centralized services are lacking, the Morehead City ex-
traterritorial jurisdiction has more than twice the number of dwelling
units as does the Beaufort extraterritorial jurisdiction, which is
similar in size. Almost 50 percent of the land in Morehead City's total
planning jurisdiction is developed. Residential development is occurring
in the extraterritorial jurisdiction at a rapid pace. While Morehead
City proper can clearly be seen as urban, it is also apparent that its
extraterritorial area is emerging as a suburban adjunct to its urban
center.
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Land Use Controls
Morehead City has enforced its present zoning and subdivision
regulations since the 1970's. The Town also enforces the North Carolina
Building Code, a flood plain ordinance, and a sewer and water impact
fee.
Zoning Ordinance
Morehead City's present zoning ordinance was adopted in 1973. It
is conventional in its structure and.includes several categories for
residential, commercial, and industrial classifications. The zoning
ordinance does not provide for separate zoning districts for groups of
commercial uses with similar requirements and offsite impacts. Addi-
tionally, some zoning districts allow a mix of both commercial and
multi -family residential development.
Subdivision Regulations
This ordinance was adopted in 1972 and provides procedures and site
requirements for the subdivision and platting of land in Morehead City.
Impact Fee Ordinance
This ordinance was enacted in late 1984 and provides a method of
allocating the cost of sewage treatment services on an equitable, user -
oriented basis.
Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
Morehead City participates in the National Flood Insurance Program
and complies with all related regulatory requirements.
Storm Hazard Mitigation and Post Disaster Reconstruction Plan
This plan provides for mitigation of hurricane hazards and estab-
lishes guidelines for the reconstruction of public facilities and the
community at large in the event of a tropical storm disaster.
Community Facilities
Community facilities in Morehead City are displayed on the
Community Facilities Map (page 14).
Water
The Town of Morehead City operates and maintains its own central
water system. Virtually all town residents, businesses and industries
are served by the system. Presently, there are three wells in the
system, which average between 375 and 400 feet in depth. The Town has
a 1.5 (million gallons per day) mgd pumping capacity and maintains an
elevated storage capacity of I mgd. Usage runs between .9 mgd and 1.3
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mgd during peak periods. In the near future, an additional well may
need to be added to expand pumping capacity.
Sewer
Morehead City's sewage treatment system has a design capacity of
1.7 mgd and presently serves all but a few of the Town's residences and
businesses. The plant is located on, and has an outfall to, Calico
Creek. Average daily flows range from 1.0 to 1.2 million gpd. During
periods of rain, the system sometimes approaches its design capacity due
to stormwater infiltration.
The Town is undertaking a $2.2 million renovation to the existing
system to correct infiltration problems and upgrade the treatment facili-
ties. Construction is expected to begin early in 1986 and will take about
one year to complete. The renovations are designed to facilitate mainte-
nance of the plant and will include:
o adding a secondary clarifier
o adding an additional chlorine contact chamber
o converting an anaerobic digester to an aerobic digester
Plans also include the renovation of the main pumping station and
the installation of an automatic bar screen to prevent blockage at lift
stations.
It is expected that funding for the improvements will be financed
with 75 percent federal funds, 12.5 percent state funds, and 12.5 per-
cent local funds.
Fire Protection
Morehead City and its surrounding area is served by a fire depart-
ment consisting of both paid and volunteer personnel. The Fire Chief and
12 firemen are paid employees of the Town; there are thirty-two volun-
teer firemen. Equipment includes two fully equipped 500 gpm pumpers,
one 1250 gpm pumper, one 1250 gpm pumper/tanker combination, 1 pumper
with diesel generator which carries 2500 gallons aboard, and one 750 gpm
pumper. Fire stations are located at the 800 block of Evans Street and
at the 3300 block of Arendell Street next to Camp Glenn School.
The Fire Department service area extends from the foot of the U. S.
70 bridge north to the Crab Point area in its entirety, west to the in
tersection of U.S. 70 and N.C. 24, and includes the south side of N.C.
24 to Spooner's Creek.
Fire ratings in the area served by the Morehead City fire department
range from 7 inside the city limits to 9 in areas outside the city limits
which are not within 1000 feet of a fire hydrant. The rating system is
established by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) of the American Insur-
ance Association. It is used to establish insurance premiums. A rating
of 10 indicates no services or inadequate water supply. The 9 rating indi-
cates minimal service with inadequate water supply. Water supply and system
pressure are extremely important to the rating system --a well equipped and
staffed fire department without good water supply will result in a high rating
Mid -rise construction poses special problems for the department,
which does not have equipment adequate to handle mid -rise elevations.
15

Three of the present pumpers are over 10 years old (the two 500 gpm
pumpers were purchased in 1963). This situation may be somewhat
ameliorated through the practice of constructing internal sprinkler
systems in taller structures.
Special hazards in the Morehead City area from a firefighting
standpoint include the daily shipments of 80 train car loads of JP5
airplane fuel to the State Port, and hazards associated with Harrier and
other flight training associated with Bogue Field and Cherry Point MCAS.
Police
The Morehead City Police Department has a full time force of 21; includ—
ing a police chief, deputy chief, detective, 4 lieutenants, and four two —man
shifts of patrolmen, four dispatchers, one records clerk and one animal control
officer. This yields a ratio of 2.3 uniformed police officers per one thousand
population. 'According'to the FBI the national average is 1.7/1000 and the
average in the southeastern United States is 3.8/1000.
Solid Waste Collection
Morehead City provides garbage collection service to its residents
and businesses through a municipal department. Residents and small
commercial businesses are provided with 80 gallon containers. Solid
wastes are disposed of in the Carteret County landfill.
Private commercial dumpster service is also available in Morehead
City. A majority of commercial businesses use this service, which
provides for daily pickup. Morehead City collects refuse twice a week,
which is considered an appropriate level of service.
Recreation
Recreation facilities in Morehead City include a City managed park
and state maintained boat ramp adjacent to the N.C. Marine Fisheries
building, Katherine Davis Park, and Shevans Park, a recreation area on
Evans Street between 15th and 16th Street offering four tennis courts
and a basketball court. The Morehead City Community Center and Carteret
County Senior Citizens Center are located at a former school site at
16th and Fisher Streets. A park owned and operated by Carteret County,
Swenson Park, is located on Country Club Road.
Acreage allocated for recreational use in Morehead City is less
than suggested guidelines based on population.
Transportation
Morehead City's status as the area's retail center, the location of
the Atlantic Beach Bridge, port rail and truck traffic, and summer
season tourist traffic combine to produce significant transportation
issues and problems.
The N. C. Department of Transportation completed a Thoroughfare
Plan for Morehead City and Carteret County in 1971 to address many of
the problems which still exist today. The 1971 plan identified the
following problems and transportation requirements:
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o Need for convenient access to developing areas north and
northwest of the Central Business District
o Additional traffic capacity needed in the U.S.-70 and Arendell
Street corridor
o Additional bridge access to Atlantic Beach - Bogue Banks
o Bypass north of Morehead City connecting N. C. 24, U.S.
70 West, N. C. 101 and U. S. 70 East
Since the preparation of the 1971 Thoroughfare Plan, several other
transportation studies have been completed for the Morehead City area.
These studies address: additional bridge access to Bogue Banks, and energy
transportation issues including the movement of coal and other fossil
fuels through the State Port. Issues and recommendations from the stu-
dies specifically relevant to the Land Use Plan Update are:
o Four Lane Highrise Bridge to Atlantic Beach (under construc-
tion). Most important consideration to Land Use Plan: method
of handling traffic at north (mainland) end of bridge. "At
grade" intersection (as opposed to an overpass system) pro-
posed at 23rd Street with right hand turn entrance ramp to
bridge for Route 70/Arendell Street east -bound traffic. Com-
pletion scheduled for 1987.
o Proposed Third Bridge to Bogue Banks, U.S. Dept. of Transpor-
tation, Federal Highway Administration and N. C. Dept. of
Transportation, 1984. This draft Environmental Impact State-
ment recommends Alternative B alignment (Hibbs Road Alterna-
tive). Extends from U.S. 70 near Newport to Bogue Sound
generally along the Hibbs Road corridor (SR 1141). Connects
to N.C. 58 (Salter Path Road) in the Town of Indian Beach.
With interchanges, estimated project cost is about $ 40 mil-
lion.
o Coal Shipments Through Morehead City. Two studies were com-
pleted in 1982 that address this important issue: Additional
Coal Shipments Through Morehead City and New Bern, N. C. Dept.
of Transportation, August 1982, and Analysis of the Impact of
Coal Trains Moving Through Morehead City, N. C., Wang Engin-
eering Co., Inc., October 1982 (CEIP Report # 25).
The N. C. Dept. of Transportation study concluded that
"coal can be moved satisfactorily through the Morehead City
ports . . . with the pipeline through or around Morehead City
. . . ". The report also determined the movement of more than
three million tons of coal per year along Arendell Street
(U.S. 70) not to be acceptable. Since the preparation of this
study, coal movement via pipeline has been determined to be
economically unfeasible.
The Wang Engineering study conducted a detailed analysis
of normal traffic delay, emergency traffic delay, noise and
vibration impacts, and business effects of coal train movement
17

through Morehead City to the port. This study concludes that
the arrangement of train schedules is essential to minimizing
impacts. Moreover, "the substantial increase of coal train
movement frequency through the Town of Morehead City will have
a great impact to the local traffic, quality of living condi—
tions, safety of water and wastewater lines ,adjacent to the
railroad, and local and tourist business."
It is important to note that in establishing 3 million
tons per year as the maximum acceptable level of coal to be
transported by rail through Morehead City, the possibility of
transporting additional bulk commodities via rail was not
considered. For example, the movement of three million tons
of coal plus a like amount of another bulk commodity would in
effect exceed the 3 million ton acceptable threshold. The
cumulative effects of all train cargo moving to and from the
port must be considered to accurately assess impacts.
These "special purpose" studies and the 1971 Thoroughfare Plan can
serve as the basis for transportation planning aspects of the Land Use
Plan Update. While the Update can not address transportation planning
in a comprehensive and detailed manner, it should acknowledge the ex—
treme importance of the Town's road network as a determinant of future
land use and development.
W

Economic Conditions
Morehead City is the entryway to the Bogue Banks beaches and to the
N.C. Ports Authority Terminal. Morehead City is located 3 hours east of
Raleigh, N. C. and is linked to central North Carolina by fourlane
highway. As Carteret County's largest municipality, it is the retail
trade center for a growing resort area. The town contains more than half
of the county's retail outlets and restaurants, which serve both county
residents and tourists. Major components of the Morehead City economy
are described below.
Tourism
The importance of tourism to Morehead City and Carteret County are
emphasized by Carteret County Economic Development Council statistics
which indicate that travel expenditures have increased more than 220
percent in the past 10 years:
Travel Expenditures
1975-1984
Net Increase Over
Year Total Previous Year Percent Increase
1975
$ 9,714,000
1976
11,007,000
$1,293,000
13%
1977
15,200,000
4,193,000
38
1978
16,937,000
1,737,000
11
1979
17,038,000
101,000
1
1980
18,685,000
1,647,000
10
1981
22,362,000
3,677,000
20
1982
24,217,000
1,855,000
8
1983
28,004,000
3,787,000
14
1984
31,148,000
3,144,000
11
Total Increase, 1975-84: $21,434,000 221%
Commercial Fishing
Commercial fishing is extremely important to the area's economy.
Historically, Carteret County has led the state in total pounds landed,
dockside value, the number of licensed commercial fishing vessels, and
in total full-time and part-time commercial fishing vessels. Carteret
is consistently a leading fisheries producer along the entire eastern
seaboard. Carteret County is responsible for most of the menhaden catch
for North Carolina, which leads the nation in menhaden tonnage. (Menha-
den is widely used in agricultural feeds).
Sport Fishing
The Morehead City waterfront is lined with commercial sport fishing
boats in the summertime, some with capacity to carry up to one hundred
persons on day -long and half -day voyages. These sport fishing concerns,
19

combined with private sport fishing vessels, play an important role in
the Morehead City economy through the direct creation of jobs in the
charter boat business and in sport boat building and sales industries.
Indirect job creation occurs in allied industries, such as marina opera-
tions and boat storage.
• Marine Research
Seven marine science education or research facilities are located
in or near Morehead City. They also are important components of the
economy.
They are:
o National Marine Fisheries Service Laboratory
o Duke University Marine Laboratory
o University of North Carolina Institute of Marine
Science
o North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries Laboratory
o N.C. Marine Resources Center/Bogue Banks
o Hampton Mariner's Museum
o Carteret Technical Institute
These facilities employ more than 250 persons and generate more
than $10 million in annual income to the Carteret County.
Port of Morehead City
Overview of Facilities
Owned and operated by the N.C. State Ports Authority, the port is
served by a 40-foot deep channel. The harbor has a turning basin of
1000 feet. Vessels as long as 875 feet, with a capacity of up to 85,000
net tons, can be loaded in this harbor. The facilities of the port
include:
0 5,300 feet of continuous wharf, including a 1,000 foot deep
water berth for bulk cargo handling;
0 A barge terminal north of U.S. 70 which consists of 1,200 feet
of dock space providing four 300-foot berths.
o Four fully sprinklered concrete, steel and masonry transit
sheds with a capacity of 342,500 square feet;
o Fully sprinklered warehouse space totalling 496,550 square
feet;
o Fourteen acres of paved open storage with rail and truck
access;
o A 3 million ton annual capacity bulk facility for receiving,
storing, conveying, loading and shipping bulk cargoes with a
loading capacity of 3,000 tons per hour and storage capacity
of 106,000 tons;
20

o a 3 million ton annual capacity coal handling facility
capable of outloading 1,500 tons per hour.
Additional facilities include cargo handling equipment, two 115-ton
capacity gantry cranes capable of handling containers, truck and rail
docks for loading and unloading at transit sheds and warehouses, and
fumigation facilities. A 140 car railyard is located on the port pro-
perty. An additional siding with a capacity of 120 cars is located five
miles away.
Port Activities
Bulk handling operations conducted at the port consist primarily of
dry phosphate, liquid phosphate, and coal. Break -bulk exports (those
products stored in non -standardized containers) consist primarily. of
tobacco, wood pulp, paper, lumber, and military supplies. Imports con-
sist primarily of asphalt, heating oil, and fish meal. Import and
export tonnage for major commodities passing through the Morehead City
port can be found in Table 4.
TABLE 4. MAJOR COMMODITIES FOR 1984 (IN TONS)
IMPORT EXPORT
Asphalt 114,336 Coal 206,415
Fuel Oil 39,957 Phosphates 1,614,619
Lumber 3,096 Phosphoric Acid 130,689
Potash 38,906 Linerboard 59,450
Salt 16,800 Logs 27,214
Tobacco 14,048 Lumber 4,857
Urea 30,437 Tobacco 3,837
Veneer 4,535 Woodpulp 33,385
A breakdown by types of activity passing through the port is given
below in Table 5.
TABLE 5. PORT ACTIVITY FOR 1984 (IN TONS)
Import
276,408
Export
2,080,793
Coastwise Inbound
1,367,451
Coastwise Outbound
55,465
Military
14,418
TOTAL 3,794,535
21

Future Expansion Activities
According to a five year plan prepared by the State Ports Authority
in 1983, approximately $ 12.6 million was to be spent on improvements to
the Morehead City port facility over the next five years in order to
handle increased bulk shipments. The study estimated that by 1990, as
much as 8.5 million tons of bulk materials could pass through the port,
more than twice the tonnage which passed through the port in 1984 (see
Table 5).
Much of the increase in bulk materials is anticipated from expan-
sion activities planned by major users of the port. Texasgulf Corpora-
tion, the principal user of Morehead City's state-owned bulk terminal,
recently committed itself to a 20 year contract providing for a minimum
annual throughput of 500,000 tons. The North Carolina Phosphate Corpor-
ation (NCPC) has plans to build a $31 million phosphate handling facili-
ty at the terminal on nine acres of land to be leased from the S.P.A.
The facility will include sixteen silos, each 115 feet tall, a conveyor
system and on -site office areas. NCPC will barge phosphate rock to the
port and transfer the material into the silos to be stored for export.
NCPC plans to begin shipping phosphate through the port in late 1986.
Job Creation Associated With the Port
According to a Research Triangle Institute study prepared for the
N. C. Department of Commerce in 1983, the North Carolina State Port at
Morehead City was responsible for the creation of 14,419 jobs worth over
$190 million in salaries and benefits to North Carolinians in 1982.
These figures represent both direct and indirect job creation and econo-
mic benefit both in Morehead City, the Morehead City region, and the
state at large.
Cherry Point Marine Air Base
Cherry Point Marine Air Base, located in Craven County to the north
of Carteret County, provides significant employment for the Morehead
City area. According to base officials, 1,678 Carteret County residents
are currently employed at the base, with a total annual payroll of
$ 43.5 million. Additionally, there are 377 Morehead City residents
employed at Cherry Point Air Base, with a total annual payroll of $ 9.7
million.
Employment
Employment statistics are compiled by the State Department of
Administration for Carteret County as a whole. While statistics are un-
available for Morehead City, employment by business sector generally
parallels that of the County as a whole (see chart on page 23).
22

Carteret County Employment
by Business Sector
As Percent of
Sector Total Employment
Manufacturing
15.4%
Trade
24.4
Service
14.6
Government
15.9
Agriculture
2.0
Other
27.6
Source: N.C. Department of Administration, Carteret County Economic
Development Commission.
Summary
Morehead City's economy is fairly well diversified, consisting
primarily of tourism and related retail trade, port activity, commercial
fishing and manufacturing.
Tourism is extremely important. Trade and services, much of it
related to tourism, comprise nearly 40 percent of the county's employ—
ment. Retail operations in the area also rely heavily on tourism income.
The tourist economy is primarily based on visitors to Bogue Banks.
It is important for Morehead City to monitor and weigh the effects of
continued commercial development on Bogue Banks. A trend on the Banks
toward chain groceries and related strip commercial development catering
to tourists may reduce retail trade in Morehead City.
23

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT
Physical and Environmental Constraints
The Environmental Determinants Map identifies three groups of en-
vironmental constraints to development that should be applied to the
Morehead City Land Use Plan Update:
o Hazard to life, health and property.
o Resources requiring protection.
o Land suitability for urban land use.
In addition to those categories, North Carolina's Coastal Area
Management Act identifies and regulates areas of environmental concern
(AECs). The implications of environmental determinants and State AEC
regulation are discussed below. Other fragile areas and an issue of
special interest to Morehead City, potable water supply, is also dis-
cussed below.
Hazard to Life, Health and Property
A hazard assessment for flood prone areas in Morehead City was
prepared as part of the 1984 Storm Hazard Mitigation and Post Disaster
Reconstruction Plan. Hurricane hazard areas consist primarily of the 100
year flood zone, which is delineated on the town's Federal Flood Insur-
ance Program rate maps, dated Oct. 18, 1983. This map establishes the
following as the 100 year flood base elevation in and around Morehead
City:
o Bogue Sound. Flood elevations 7 feet AMSL.
o Calico Bay. Flood elevations 7 feet AMSL.
o Newport River. Flood elevations 9 feet AM$L.,
The Morehead City Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance requires con-
struction above the 100 year base flood elevation. It should be kept in
mind that many areas outside the 100 year flood plain routinely flood
because of poor drainage and high water tables. This type of flooding is
addressed in the category, "Land Suitability: Soils", page 25.
Resources Requiring Protection
Primary Nursery Areas
The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission designates estuaries con-
sidered essential in the life cycles of important seafood species in
North Carolina as primary nursery areas. State regulations require that
designated primary nursery areas remain in their natural state.
Designated primary nursery areas in the Morehead City vicinity are:
o Calico Creek
o Crab Point Bay
o Newport River west of Penn Point.
24

LEGEND
L HAZARD TO LIFE, HEALTH, & PROPERTY
© MAJOR FLOOD HAZARD,
100 YEAR FLOOD PLAIN
IL RESOURCE REQUIRING PROTECTION
® PRIMARY FISH NURSERY AREAS
0 0 u u 2 2 0 u ft 0
III. LAND SUITABILITY FOR URBAN
LAND USE
E SUITABLE
-4.3 MODERATELY SUITABLE. SOME DRAINAGE REQUIRED
© MARGINALLY SUITABLE, IF DRAINED
l� HIGHLY UNSUITABLE, FLOODING COMMON
MOREHEAD CITY, N.C.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINANTS
MAP 3
nwMM .AnUA PLANNMO
200 0� swoo
M...rti.wrgm �P�x
•sew�or APNA. 7...

Prohibited or restricted activity includes bottom trawls, and dred-
ging and filling. Upland development must be designed and developed so
as to protect nursery areas. Currently,.the State is considering regula-
tions that would prohibit any development likely to degrade SA (approved
for shellfishing) waters either by pollution from wastewater treatment
systems or from stormwater runoff.
Presently, upland development is regulated by the town through its
zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations and construction codes; and by
the State through regulations governing estuarine shoreline, marshlands
and freshwater wetlands (all AECs), soil erosion and sedimentation
control. Additional State and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulations
apply to such developments as docks and marinas.
Land Suitability for Urban Development
Soils
The recently completed soils analysis for Carteret County was used
to develop a generalsoils map for the Morehead City area. Soils were
analyzed according to their development suitability for five indicators:
o bearing capacity
o drainage
o depth of seasonal high water table
o septic tank capability
o local roads and streets
Based on these five indicators, soils are classified on the En-
vironmental Determinants map in one of four categories:
o suitable
o moderately suitable; some drainage needed
o marginally suitable if drained
o highly unsuitable, flooding common
Most soils in developed areas within Morehead City fall into either
the suitable or moderately suitable categories (see Environmental Deter-
minants Map). Suitable soils generally have only slight limitations for
all types of construction except shallow excavations, i.e., basements.
All soils in the Morehead City area have severe limitations for shallow
excavations, which is common in low-lying coastal areas. Limitations for
septic tanks range from moderate to severe for this category.
Soils in the suitable category:
State Loamy Sand
Kureb Sand
Wando Fine Sand
Moderately suitable soils pose constraints on construction of
buildings and roads which can, in most cases, be overcome by adequate
drainage. However, limitations on septic tanks are severe for this
category. Either central wastewater treatment or substantial site im-
provements are required.
26

Soils in the moderately suitable category:
Mandarin Sand
Augusta Fine Sandy Loam
Altavista Fine Sandy Loam
Marginally suitable soils generally place severe limitations on any
development but are not subject to regular flooding. Substantial site
modifications and/or provision of central sewer would be necessary to
develop sites with these soils.
Soils in the marginally suitable category:
Tomotley Fine Sand Loam
Deloss Fine Sandy Loam
Arapahoe Fine Sandy Loam
Leon Sand
Carteret type soils fall into the last classification, highly
unsuitable. This soil has severe limitations in all five categories and
is subject to flooding.
Overall, development of the Morehead City area has occurred within
the areas rated most suitable for urban development. The original town,
on the peninsula between Bogus Sound and Calico Creek is generally suited
for development. So are developed areas along and off of Country Club Road
north of town. The only notable exceptions are portions of the Mandy Farms
development. It should be noted that engineering can overcome many soil
problems, but development in these least suitable areas generally requires
higher construction and maintenance costs. Additionally, engineering
solutions can create environmental problems such as increased runoff
through channelization.
Areas of Environmental Concern
Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs) are sensitive environmental
and cultural areas protected by the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA).
General categories of these areas are identified through State guide-
lines according to the Administrative Procedures Act, as administered by
the Division of Coastal Management. Special areas of local or.regional
environmental or cultural significance can be nominated as AECs by in-
dividuals, groups or governing bodies.
AECs lyying within Morehead City's jurisdiction include Coastal
Wetlands, 7stuarine Waters, and Estuarine Shorelines. Development or
other land and water uses within AECs generally require CAMA permits.
The State has established extensive guidelines regarding activities
within AECs, but generally does not preclude any land use by right. As
part of an effort to share implementation of the Coastal Area Management
Act with local governments, the State's land use planning guidelines
require that local governments identify acceptable land uses within AECs
within their planning jurisdiction. Descriptions of AECs within Morehead
City's jurisdiction are given under Resource Protection Policies.
Management guidelines and rules for uses for all Areas of Environ-
mental Concern are described in the most recently amended version of
27

Section 15: 7H of the North Carolina Administrative Code. These rules
are available through Division of Coastal Management offices in both
Raleigh and Morehead City.
Other Fragile Areas
There are at least two areas of local or regional environmental
significance within Morehead City's planning jurisdiction that warrant
examination for further protection. These are:
o The Friendly Road Beech Woods. This natural area, located
near Mandy Farms at Friendly Road, is commonly used for educa-
tional purposes by school groups. A 300 foot wide floodplain
runs through this area. Any filling within this floodplain
would require a permit from the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The area may be subject to development due to its location.
o Phillips Island/Annex Island. These dredge spoil islands,
shown on the Environmental Determinants Map, are home to the
second largest heron colony in the state. Much or all of the
Phillips Island Heronry is within 75 feet of the estuarine
shoreline. The State may hold title to Annex Island because
it was created by placing dredge spoil material in marshland.
Potable Water Supply
According to the North Carolina Division of Environmental Management,
Ground Water Section, beneath Morehead City freshwater starts at about 140'
and extends to a depth of 600', an indication of substantial freshwater
resources. The aquifer underlying Morehead City and the Carteret County
area is a "confined" aquifer, which means recharge is not as efficient as
with unconfined aquifers. Recharge areas are located well inland from
Morehead City, near the Newport area.
North Carolina's Division of Environmental Management Groundwater
Section monitors groundwater use in Carteret County through two meas-
uring stations. One station is located in Morehead City, the other in
Atlantic.
There appears to be little potential for pollution of the water
supply from surface or near surface sources, such as septic tank
seepage, and there is no evidence of salt water intrusion. (The
freshwater aquifer extends out for some distance below the Atlantic
Ocean in this area). At present, The Division of Environmental Manage-
ment sees no near -term problem in terms of available capacity. However,
in residential subdivisions using individual wells such as Mandy Farms,
residents are experiencing significant drops in water levels. These
fluctuations extend well pumping times and are reportedly severe enough
to require the replacement of well pumps in certain instances.
Long term trends which bear monitoring include: expansion of urban
population in the area, and the potential introduction of high volume
users (millions of gallons per day). The introduction of high volume
users can have a particularly dramatic effect. Because the area's water
source is a confined aquifer, a substantial change in the volume of
water which is drawn down can lower the upper level of water supply.
28

GROWTH TRENDS
Population
The 1980 Census found that Morehead City had a population of 4,359
persons. This represented a decrease of 16 percent over the 1970 popu-
lation of 5,233. However, the N. C. Office of State Budget and Manage-
ment's most recent estimate of Morehead City's population, prepared for
funding of water and sewer facilities, was 6,510 persons (July I,
1985). This estimate includes population for areas annexed between 1980
and 1984 (Source: N.C. Department of Administration). The growth rate
between the 1980 figure and the 1985 estimate represents an increase of
49 percent.
In part because of unusual growth patterns, it is difficult to
project population in a meaningful way for a community the size of
Morehead City. Factors other than birth, death and migration rates
based on past trends can sometimes provide more meaningful insight into
potential population increases. Factors affecting future population in
Morehead City include:
o The availability of land suitable for residential development
in Morehead City and its immediate area.
o The annexation of new areas into the town limits; presently, a
limited amount of vacant land remains within the city limits.
o Whether water and sewer services are available in developing
areas.
o The desirability of Morehead City and vicinity as a resort/re-
tirement location.
o The continued economic viability of the area.
In the last several years, Morehead City has seen substantial
residential growth occuring within the city limits and in the extrater-
ritorial jurisdiction. Assuming the residential development market, as
well as the economy in general, remains healthy, the Morehead City area
should see continued residential development over the next decade. The
amount of that development - and thus the size of the future population
- depends on the availability of land, the market for new dwellings, and
the availability of urban services.
Present trends show a tendency toward low density (half acre lots)
in the extraterritorial area. Within the present town limits (and the
water and sewer service area), the trend is toward infill multi -family
and condominium development at higher densities (from 8 to 20 units per
acre).
Since growth trends over the last fifteen years have been so spor-
adic, future population estimates were prepared based on the following
assumptions:
29

o Growth will continue within the Morehead City limits primarily
through continued infill development and, increasingly, annexa-
tion, at a moderate pace (3 percent per year).
o Growth in the extraterritorial area will continue at a fairly
rapid pace, about 6 percent per year.
Land availability is highest in the extraterritorial area, and
despite the absense of public sewer and water services, development is
occurring in this area at a brisk pace. Additionally, many areas yet to
be developed in the extraterritorial area have soils which are most
suitable for development (compare Environmental Determinants Map with
Existing Land Use Map).
The State Budget Office estimate for 1985 was used as the basis for
projecting population estimates within the Morehead City limits. A 1985
estimate for the extraterritorial area (as of August 31, 1985) was
derived by multiplying the present number of dwelling units by.1980
Census occupancy rates of 2.5 persons per household.
PROJECTED PERMANENT POPULATION 1985 to 1995
1985
1990
1995
Morehead City 6510
7545
8745
Morehead ETJ 2030
2727
3635
Total 8540
10,272
12,380
Constraints: Capacity of Community Facilities
Sewer
The rehabilitation of the Morehead City sewage treatment plant, sche-
duled for completion in June 1986, should eliminate most extraneous water
from reaching the system. This will allow full utilization of the present
1.7 million gpd capacity. Since flows presently range from 1 mgd to 1.2 mgd,
500,000 gpd of capacity should be available to accommodate expected growth
during the ten year planning period. This capacity should be adequate to
accommodate about 1200 additional dwellings and/or businesses. The 1995
population estimate for Morehead City (above) represents about 820 additional
dwellings.
Morehead City will not be able to provide residential areas in the
extraterritorial area with central sewer and water except on an in-
cremental basis (through annexation) using the present treatment fac-
ility.
30

Water
Morehead City presently monitors water usage and should continue to
schedule improvements as needed to ensure that both pumping capacity and
storage capacity are in keeping with population growth.
Transportation
Road access is one of the key determinants of land use. The
availability of good road capacity and traffic volumes makes adjoining
land attractive for certain types of development, such as commercial
uses that depend on high visibility and accessibility for economic
success. On the other hand, the overloading of roads with ill -designed
land uses, such as strip commercial development with no control over
curb cuts, can lead to problems of traffic safety, capacity and poor
visual appearance that can ultimately detract from the viability of the
land uses and the road itself.
The planned extension of sewer and water lines along U.S. 70, will
primarily serve commercial customers and adjacent existing residential
development. These actions will tend to intensify impacts on the
highway. Morehead City should investigate ways of minimizing potential
impacts on the transportation system through the establishment of site,
highway access and internal circulation pattern design standards as part
of its police powers. Additionally, priority should be given to
parallel frontage roads with access limited to designated points along
the main highway.
While somewhat dated, many recommendations of the 1971 Thoroughfare
Plan remain valid. The N. C. Dept. of Transportation should take the
lead in updating this plan in conjunction with Morehead City, Atlantic
Beach, Beaufort and Carteret County. Tenative State plans call for this
plan to be updated during the spring of 1986.
Recreation
Morehead City is already deficient in terms of land devoted to
recreational use according to national standards. Continued growth will
intensify the need for recreational areas. Through amendment to the
Town's zoning and subdivision regulations, developers could be required
to set aside greenbelts or recreation areas.
Other Services
Other services provided by the Town, including police and fire
protection and garbage collection, should be monitored for necessary
expansion of staff and/or capital improvements based on population
growth.
31

POLICY STATEMENTS
1. RESOURCE PROTECTION
Morehead City will support and enforce through its CAMA permitting
capacity the State Policies and permitted uses in the Areas of
Environmental Concern (AEC's). The State Policy Statements for AEC's
offer protection for Morehead City's fragile and significant
environmental resources through CAMA permitting procedures. In
accordance with those policies set forth in subchapter 7H of the State
CAMA regulations, Morehead City adopts the following policies
concerning AEC's in its jurisdiction.
a. The Estuarine System. In recognition of the enormous
economic, social, and biological values the estuarine system
has for North Carolina, Morehead City will promote
conservation and management of the estuarine system as a
whole, which includes the individual AEC's: coastal wetlands,
estuarine waters, public trust areas, and estuarine
shorelines.
The management objective for the system shall be to give
highest priority to the protection and coordinated management
of all the elements as an interrelated group of AEC's, so as
to safeguard and perpetuate their biological, social,
economic, and aesthetic values, and to minimize the liklihood
of significant loss of private property and public resources.
In general, permitted land uses in the coastal wetlands, estuarine
waters, and public trust areas shall be those which are in com-
pliance with state and federal law and water dependent. Examples
of such uses may include: utility easements, docks, boat ramps,
dredging, bridges and bridge approaches, revetments, bulkheads,
culverts, groins, navigational aids, mooring pilings, navigational
channels, simple access channels, and drainage ditches.
Specific policies regarding the individual AEC's of the
estuarine system are stated below. In every instance the
particular location, use, and design characteristics shall be
in accord with the general use standards for coastal wetlands,
estuarine waters, and public trust areas as stated in
subchapter 7H of the State CAMA regulations.
(1) Coastal Wetlands. It is the policy of the Town that wetlands
be preserved to the maximum extent possible. Coastal wet-
lands should only be filled in connection with activities
or projects that are directly related to erosion control or
water dependent uses. However, coastal wetlands should only
be filled in extreme cases when a permit applicant has ex-
hausted all means of avoiding coastal wetlands in development
of his project plans, and only in cases where the filling
of coastal wetlands would have an overwhelming public benefit
and proper mitigative measures are to be incorporated in the
project. Further, the Corps of Engineers will be consulted
to determine their jurisdiction on projects within the More-
head City planning area.
(2) Estuarine Waters. In recognition of the importance of
estuarine waters for the fisheries and related industries
32

as well as aesthetics, recreation, and education,
Morehead City shall promote the conservation and quality
of this resource. Activities in the estuarine water areas
shall be restricted to those which do not permanently or
significantly affect the function, cleanliness, salinity,
and circulation of estuarine waters. Suitable land/water
uses include those giving highest priority to the
conservation and management of these areas so as to
safeguard and perpetuate their biological, social,
economic, and aesthetic values and to establish a
coordinated management system capable of conserving and
utilizing estuarine waters in order to maximize their
benefits to man and the estuarine system. Highest
priority of use shall be allocated to the conservation of
estuarine waters and its vital components. Second
priority shall be given to uses that require water access
and cannot function elsewhere.
Appropriate uses may include the development of
navigational channels, structures to prevent erosion,
moorings, pilings, wharfs, marinas, and piers. It is the
Town's policy that the lands bordering Bogue Sound,
Calico Creek and Newport River including its tributaries
be protected so that they can maintain a healthy natural
environment.
The Town recognizes the importance of controlling both point
source and non -point source discharges into estuarine waters.
Therefore, it will utilize its land use regulatory authority
to manage uses and their known point and non -point source
discharges when located in proximity to estuarine waters
(see also storm water runoff policies, p. ).
(3) Public Trust Areas. In recognition of certain land and
water areas in which the public has established rights
and which also support valuable commercial and sports
fisheries, have aesthetic value, and are resources for
economic development, Morehead City shall protect these
rights and promote the conservation and management of
public trust areas. Suitable land/water uses include
those which protect public rights for navigation and
recreation and those which preserve and manage the public
trust areas in order to safeguard and perpetuate their
biological, economic, social and aesthetic value.
Uses that may be allowed in public trust areas shall meet
all applicable CAMA requirements and be consistent with
the Town's zoning ordinance.
(4) Estuarine Shoreline. CAMA defines the estuarine shoreline
in Morehead City as the landward areas within 75 feet
of estuarine waters. Morehead City recognizes: (1) the
close association between estuarine shorelines and
adjacent estuarine waters, (2) the influence shoreline
development has on the quality of estuarine life, and (3)
the damaging processes of shorefront erosion and flooding
to which the estuarine shoreline is subject.
33

Suitable land uses are those compatible with both the
dynamic nature of estuarine shorelines and the values of
the estuarine system.
Residential, recreational, commercial and industrial
land uses are all appropriate types of use along the
estuarine shoreline provided that:
a. All CANA and Corps of Engineers permitting requirements
are met;
b. All terms of the Morehead City Zoning Ordinance
are met;
c. The construction of impervious surfaces and areas
not allowing natural drainage is limited to only
the minimum amount necessary to adequately serve
the development;
d. Development is compatible with surrounding land
uses;
e. Development meets requirements of the Town's
flood damage prevention ordinance;
f. Development is designed to adequately handle storm
water runoff including detention when necessary and
that storm water discharge is connected to the
Town's storm drainage system when possible. Any
off site improvements required due to project
storm water discharge shall be the responsibility
of the developer.
b. Natural and Cultural Resource Areas. Uncontrolled or
incompatible development may result in major or irreversible
damage to fragile coastal resource areas which contain
environmental, natural, or.cultural resources of more than
local significance. In recognition of this, Morehead City will
seek to protect such natural systems or cultural resources;
scientific, educational, or associative values; and aesthetic
qualities.
Individual AEC's included in this general category are:
coastal complex natural areas, coastal areas that sustain
remnant species, unique coastal geologic formations,
significant coastal architectural resources, and significant
coastal historic architectural resources.
In general, these resources are noted to be valuable
educational, scientific, and aesthetic resources that cannot
be duplicated. They may be important components in a natural
system or in the broad patterns of history. Their importance
serves to distinguish designated areas as being significant in
relation to the coastal landscape and historical architectural
or archaelogical remains in the coastal zone.
34

In accordance with policies stated in subchapter 7H of the
State CAMA regulations, Morehead City will consider the
designation of natural and cultural resource areas possibly
requiring conservation measures. Such consideration for
designation or any subsequent designation will not preclude
development; it does suggest that proper development may
include special design considerations and and limited
development in specific resource areas. Policies applying to
specific areas will be developed after individual studies for
possible designation are complete. These policies will be
designed to accomplish:
(1) The protection of unique habitat conditions that are
necessary to the continued survival of threatened and
endangered native plants and animals and to minimize land
use impacts that might jeopardize these conditions, and;
(2) The protection of the features of a designated coastal
complex natural area in order to safeguard its biological
relationships, educational and scientific values, and
aesthetic qualities.
Morehead City adopts the following policies for currently
recognized natural areas:
(3) Sugarloaf Island should remain in its natural state
with access allowed only by boat.
(4) Phillips Island has been identified as a heron nesting .
area and should not be disturbed.
(5) Portions of Annex Island and other areas in the Newport
Marshes are heron rookeries and as such should remain in
their natural state.
(6) A portion of the Friendly Road Beach Forest is a
freshwater wetland falling under Corps of Engineers juris-
diction. The Town discourages the filling of any such
wetlands and encourages efforts to leave this area in its
natural state.
(7) Freshwater wetlands at the head waters to:
o Pelletier Creek
o Calico Creek, and
o Dill's Creek
serve important water quality functions in addition to
providing wildlife habitats. As part of the natural
drainage system, these areas protect water quality by
filtering out pollutants before ultimate discharge into
the estuarine system. Further value is derived during
heavy rainfall periods when these wetlands serve as
natural retention areas for storm water. For these
35

reasons, the Town discourages any filling of these
freshwater wetland areas.
c. Storm Water Runoff. Development in the vicinity of coastal
waters can pose a serious threat to the estuarine system
through the rapid discharge of pollutants washed off of
impervious surfaces via storm water. Impervious surfaces
include streets, parking lots, and rooftops. The discharge of
fresh water into the estuarine system can also affect water
quality by changing salinity levels.
Morehead City will promote the use of best available
management practices to minimize the threat of pollution
from storm water runoff. Examples of these practices include
using pervious or semi -pervious materials, such as turfstone
or gravel, for driveways and walks; retaining natural
vegetation along marsh and waterfront areas to retain its
natural filtering properties; and allowing storm water to
percolate into the ground rather than discharging it directly
to coastal waters.
The Town does not currently enforce soil erosion and
sedimentation regulations. The Town will prepare and consider
such regulations for adoption.
d. Marina Development. Marinas can impact surrounding land and
water areas in many ways. Recognizing this, the State, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers have placed extensive limitations on the alteration
of natural systems in conjunction with marina development.
It is the policy of Morehead City to consider the
appropriateness and desirability of any specific proposal to
construct a marina on the basis of impact on neighboring uses
including aesthetics and hours of operations; traffic
generation including ability of the existing road network to
adequately handle peak traffic loads; environmental impacts
including water quality and dredge spoil disposal sites; and
consistency of the proposal with other policies of the Land
Use Plan.
e. Floating Home Development. Floating home development in
residential districts is regulated by the Dock and Pier
provisions of the Town's Zoning Ordinance. Length of tie-up
period, sewage disposal, and related items are part of these
regulations.
f. Water Supply Protection. The Town is concerned with
protection of its water supply which is drawn from deep wells.
Ground water withdrawal is regulated by the North Carolina
Department of Natural Resources and Community Development,
Division of Environmental Management, under the terms of
N.C.A.C. Subchapter 2, Section 0200. All wells except those
constructed for individual domestic water supply require a
"Well Construction Permit". Wells proposed to withdraw more
36

than 100,000 gallons per day (gpd), including any surface
water that may be utilized, require a "Water Use Permit".
Additional monitoring and reporting requirements apply to
"Water Use Permits" issued for withdrawal of more than
1,000,000 gpd and all such wells north of U.S. Route 70 in
Morehead City's jurisdiction also require a "Capacity Use Zone
Permit".
The Town requests notification of any permit application to
the state for construction of a well designed to pump 50,000
gallons or more per day. It is the Town's policy that the
state issue permits for withdrawal of more than 100,000
gallons per day only if the applicant can prove that such
withdrawal will have no significant short or long term impact
on the Town's water supply system including its identified
needs for future water dumping capacity.
2. PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT
Morehead City adopts the following policies regarding physical
constraints to development.
a. Septic Tank Suitability. In conformity with State health
regulations, growth and development will be discouraged in
areas where septic tanks will not function and sewer service
is not available. All uses inside Morehead City are required
to tie into the Town's sewage system. Within the Town limits,
it is the Town's policy to give priority for sewer
extension into areas with poor soil conditions where septic
tanks do not function properly, as funds are available. The
Environmental Determinants Map presents an analysis of land
suitability based on soil types. This map can be used to
identify areas generally not suitable for septic sewage
disposal.
b. Package Treatment Plants. All development inside Morehead
City is required to connect to the municipal sewage system.
Package treatment plants in the Town's extraterritorial
jurisdiction may be allowed provided that: 1) the system is
designed for compatability with the Morehead City system and
could ultimately be tied into the Town's system; and 2) that
all collection lines and other system components are built to
Town specifications and standards. Package treatment plants
are the preferred method for sewage treatment over septic
systems in areas marginally suitable for septic sewage
disposal. These policies will be implemented through
amendments to the Town's subdivision regulations.
c. Flood Hazard Areas. All development in the Town's
jurisdiction shall be in compliance with the Morehead City
Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.
37

3. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
Morehead City's natural resources play a vital role in its
economy. Its waters and beaches are utilized for recreational uses as
well as for fishing. Protection of these resources is a prime concern
of Morehead City. The following policies are adopted with regard to
resource production and management.
a. Commercial and•Recreational Fisheries. Commercial and
recreational fisheries are extremely important to the economic
well being of Morehead City and the Town will encourage the
preservation and expansion of its fisheries industry, both sport
and commercial. Protection of Coastal and Estuarine waters is a
prime prerequisite of this policy objective. Habitats for
shellfish and finfish in all stages of their life cycle must be
preserved in order to maintain fishing as a viable economic and
recreational activity. This can only be accomplished through the
proper management of upland uses that may impact fish habitat.
Therefore, any development which will profoundly and adversely
affect Coastal and Estuarine Waters will be discouraged. Only
those developments which are water dependent and will not
negatively affect coastal and estuarine water habitats shall be
allowed adjacent to coastal waters. In the design, construction
and operation of such developments, every effort must be made to
mitigate negative effects on water quality and fish habitat.
b. Off -Road Vehicles. These vehicles are not considered ap-
propriate for any islandsin the Town's jurisdiction.
c. Productive Agricultural Lands, Commercial Forest Lands,
Mineral Production Areas. Not applicable to Morehead City.
4. PROVISION OF SERVICES TO DEVELOPMENT
The Town adopts the following policies concerning its commitment
to provide and improve services for existing and future development.
a. Public Water Supply. Morehead City currently supplies water
service throughout the Town and has a policy of extending
water lines in conjunction with annexation of the property to
be served. The Town recognizes the need to continuously plan
for the expansion of its water supply system and will
accomplish this planning through a capital improvements
program and budget.
b. Public Sewage System. Morehead City provides sewer service
throughout the Town and has a policy of extending sewer lines
in conjunction with annexation of the property to be served.
The Town recognizes the need to plan for the expansion of the
system, particularly treatment capacity. This planning and
identification of associated funding requirements will be
accomplished through a captital improvements program and
38

budget.
c. Police Protection. The Town provides police protection
services within its corporate limits; the County Sheriff's
office provides these services in the Town's
extraterritorial jurisdiction.
d. Fire Protection. Morehead City provides fire protection
services within a designated fire tax district. The Town will
continue to serve existing and future development within this
tax district.
It is recommended that the Town, in conjunction with
designated military and Port Authority representatives,
develop a specific disaster plan to address the movement of
hazardous materials through the Town by road, rail and water.
Additionally, fire protection procedures for recently -con-
structed mid -rise buildings (as well as future construction)
should be established.
e. Rescue Squad. Morehead City will continue to support the
volunteer rescue squad that services its jurisdiction. This
support includes annual financial contributions to the
Morehead City Rescue Squad.
f. Solid Waste. The Town will continue its policy of collecting
solid waste for disposal in a county -maintained sanitary
landfill.
g. Recreation. While Morehead City and the surrounding
area offer outstanding recreational and leisure oppor-
tunities, there are only 30 acres of land in the Morehead
City Planning area devoted to recreation and open space.
This is less than one percent of the total land. Inside
the actual Town limits, about 10 acres of land is
devoted to these uses. This also represents less than
one percent of the Town's land area. The Town recognizes
the need to provide additional parks, open space and
recreational facilities. To accomplish this, it is
recommended that a comprehensive recreation plan be
prepared for Morehead City. The overall objectives of
this plan will be to:
o Locate, preserve and design open space areas.
o Identify needed recreational facilities, probable costs
and recommended locations.
o Recommend a delivery system of social programs to serve
the leisure needs of Morehead City's residents.
o Recommend schedules and methods for implementation
including: state and federal grants; local appro-
priations and other funding options; and developer
exactions, impact fees, required land donations
through subdivision regulations.
As the town develops a comprehensive recreation program,
attention should be focused not only on active or program -oriented
activities (baseball, basketball, etc.), but also on passive,
individual -oriented activities (walking, running, nature observation,
39

fishing, informal play, walking along the natural shoreline, water -
oriented activities). These activities may be coordinated with
a larger plan for public shorefront access and shoreline management.
It will also be important to analyze the type of facilities
needed based on population characteristics and to analyze how
existing facilities can best be used and made more visible (e.g.
increase present use if under-utilized).
5. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
a. Industrial Development. Industrial development in and around
Morehead City consists of many segments. These industries and
their impacts on the community often conflict with one another
(e.g. train traffic to the port and tourist traffic across the
bridge to Bogue Banks.)
It is the Town's policy to encourage light industry with
limited off -site impacts within its Town limits and
extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Due to overriding conflicts and incompatability with local
commerce including sports and commercial fishing, and marine
research, the Town strongly urges the State Ports Authority to
rescind its designation of the Morehead City Port for
polluting cargoes such as coal and hazardous chemicals.
Further, the Town urges the designation of the Port as a
facility handling a mix of non-hazardous/non-polluting bulk,
break -bulk and container cargo.
It is the Town's policy that future Port development utilize
barge/waterway transportation to avoid traffic conflicts in
Morehead City particularly along the U.S. 70 corridor.
b. Preferred Urban Growth Patterns. The area within the Town's
corporate limits is for the most part developed. New develop-
ment is occurring mainly to the north and west of the Town.
Morehead City's policy is to permit only planned orderly
growth adjacent to existing developed areas. Such growth
should be compatible with the Town's existing water, sewer and
transportation systems, land classification system, and
land use management controls.
c. Redevelopment of Developed Areas. It is the Town's policy to
promote redevelopment of downtown areas for residential and
commercial uses and also to promote infill of existing
residential and commercial developments rather than the
development of entirely new land areas around the Town.
d. Commmercial Development. The Town is concerned with three
specific aspects of commercial development in its
jurisdiction:
1) signs/advertising
2) strip development and uncontrolled curb cuts primarily
along U.S. 70
3) commercial encroachment into existing residential areas.
40

The following actions will be taken to address these issues:
(1) The Town will develop and adopt sign regulations
addressing: sign types, (free standing, flush -mounted on
buildings, outdoor advertising, etc.); the number and size
of signs allowed for each commercial use; and spacing
between signs.
(2) Strip development and curb cuts can be addressed through
revisions to the Town's zoning ordinance in the areas of
a) site plan requirements and review procedures; and b) by
adding commercial zoning districts which distinguish
between different types of commercial uses and their
inherent impacts on surrounding areas (e.g. impacts of a
fast food restaurant with drive -through vs. an office
building).
Site plans can be used to: establishwhere curb cuts are
allowed, define any special buffering that may be required
between commercial and adjacent land uses, and identify
other specific site development concerns such as requiring
frontage roads for large scale commercial development.
By revising the Town's zoning ordinance to include
separate zoning districts for groups of similar commercial
uses with the same types of off -site impacts, the Town
will be able to better manage commercial development in
its jurisdiction.
(3) Commercial encroachment into residential areas can be
managed with the same basic tools outlined in 2) above.
Site plans can provide for buffers between residential and
commercial uses and driveways can be arranged to limit
traffic impacts on surrounding uses. Revisions to the
zoning ordinance's commercial districts as outlined above
will allow the Town to "zone" areas for office buildings
but not for convenience stores. That is, an office
building and similar commercial uses may be allowed in one
commercial zone but not convenient food stores, drive
through restaurants, etc. This provides more control when
newly developed areas are under consideration for
commercial zoning.
e. Commitment to State and Federal Programs. Morehead City strongly
supports State and Federal efforts to maintain channels, conduct
beach nourishment projects and limit shoreline erosion. The Town
will contnue to support and enforce the C.A.M.A.
f. Transportation Systems. The Morehead City Thoroughfare Plan,
prepared by the N.C. Department of Transportation in 1971,
addressed many of the Town's transportation planning issues and
presented specific recommendations for road improvements.
A number of the problems identified by this plan have compounded
since 1971; however, several of the plans recommendations remain
valid. The Town recommends that the North Carolina Department of
Transportation take immediate steps to update this plan working in
concert with Morehead City, Carteret County, Beaufort, Atlantic
Beach, and the federal government. Tentative State plans call for
41

this plan to be updated during the spring of 1986.
Additionally, it is recommended that the Town immediately contact
the N.C. Department of Transportation to study the U.S. Route 70
corridor, identify problems and potential solutions, and jointly
work toward solving the identified problems. It is further
requested that the N.C. DOT study signalization along U.S. Route
• 70, particularly in the downtown area, for possible computer
synchronization and improved traffic flow. Priority should also be
given to the constructon of parallel frontage roads with access
limited to designated points to and from the main road.
g. Tourism - Beach and Waterfront Access. Morehead City recognizes
tourism as a vital element of its economy. The Town supports
policies to make waterfront areas accessible to the public
wherever possible.
To accomplish this objective and to define specific actions that
the Town can take to increase public access to waterfront areas,
the Town will prepare a waterfront access plan. The purpose of
this plan would be to:
(1) Inventory all potential water access points including visual
access points or vistas.
Define user groups and their requirements - i.e. people,
boats, parking, tourist access, neighborhood access, etc.
(3) Identify areas requiring policy action and physical
improvements.
(4) Set priorities for recommended improvements.
(5) Recommend methods for plan implementation including: state and
federal grants; local appropriations and other funding options;
and developer exactions, impact fees, required land donations
through subdivision regulations.
It is the Town's policy that existing access points, including
street ends and alleys, not be closed.
6. STORM HAZARD MITIGATION AND POST -DISASTER
A. Storm Hazard Mitigation
The Storm Hazard Mitigation Plan adopted November 27, 1984
by the Morehead City Town Council contains the following
policies:
The entire Town of Morehead City is susceptible to
significant storm damage from a hurricane or a storm of
similar magnitude. About one-half of the development in
the Town is located in AEC's or in areas susceptible to
flooding associated with the 100-year storm. However,
most of the Town's vacant land that is available for
development is located above the 100-year flood level.
The entire Town is susceptible to wind damage. In
general, the Town's existing mitigation policies meet
42

the requirements for hazard mitigation planning out-
lined in Before the Storm. Specifically:
(1) The Town's policies support and are consistent
with State policies and regulations for development
in Areas of Environmental Concern.
(2) All new development must conform with the provisions
of the N.C. State Building Code.
(3) The Town's flood plain development policies conform
with all Federal and State requirements.
(4) The Town does a good job of controlling mobile home
developments in order to minimize hazard damages.
Mobile homes are restricted to a specific district
and must conform with elevation and other require-
ments.
(5) Subdivisions must be designed to minimize flood damage.
b. Post -Disaster Reconstruction
The Town's Post Disaster Reconstruction Plan was adopted
November 27, 1984 by the Morehead City Town Council. It is
organized in the following sections:
o Introduction
o Organization of Local Damage Assessment Team
o Organization of Recovery Operations
o Recommended Reconstruction Policies
The following provides a summary of the Plan's most
important provisions and policies from each of these five
sections:
(1) Introduction. Defines plan purpose and use; identifies
three distinct reconstruction periods: Emergency,
Restoration, and Replacement/Reconstruction. Outlines
sequence of procedures to be followed to meet State
and Federal Disaster Relief regulations: 1) Assess
storm damage and report to County; 2) County compiles
and summarizes individual community reports; 3) State
compiles County data and makes recommendations to the
Governor; 4) Governor requests Presidential declara-
tion; 5) Federal relief programs available.
(2) Organization of Local Damage Assessment Team. Outlines
personnel available; establishes team members; desig-
nates building inspector as team chief.,
(3) Damage Assessment Procedures and Requirements. The
purpose of this phase is to rapidly determine
immediately following a storm disaster: 1) number of
structures damaged; 2) magnitude of damage by
43

structure type; 3) estimated total dollar loss;
and 4) estimated total dollar loss covered by
insurance. To accomplish this, the Plan estab-
lishes four categories of damage: 1) destroyed -
(repairs over 80% of value); 2) major - (repairs
over 30% of value); 3) minor - (repairs under 30%
of value; and 4) habitable - (repairs under 15% of
value). A color coding system in conjunction with
County tax maps is recommended for this phase of damage
assessment. Total damage in dollars is estimated
by taking the County tax valuations times a factor
to make prices current and then factoring these
figures according to the above damage classifications.
Estimated insurance coverage is made by utilizing
information as to average coverage obtained from
insurance agencies on an annual basis.
(4) Organization of Recovery Operations._ The Mayor and
Town Council assume the duties of a Recovery Task Force
with the City Manager directing day to day operations.
The Task Force must accomplish the following:
o Establish reentry procedures for secured areas such
as waterfront and other evacuated portions of Town.
o Establish overall restoration schedule.
o Set restoration priorities.
o Determine requirements for outside assistance
and request such assistance when beyond local
capabilities.
o Keep appropriate County and State officials
informed using Situation and Damage Reports.
o Keep the public informed.
o Assemble and maintain records of actions taken and
expenditures and obligations incurred.
o Proclaim a local "state of emergency" if warranted.
o Commence cleanup, debris removal and utility res-
toration activities undertaken by private utility
companies.
o Undertake repair and restoration of essential
public facilities and services in accordance
with priorities developed through situation
evaluations.
o Assist private businesses and individual property
owners in obtaining information on the various types
of assistance that might be available from federal
44

and state agencies.
A schedule outlining tasks and general time
frames is provided in the Plan.
(5) Recommended Reconstruction Policies. The policies
outlined are for the Mayor and Town Council to con-
sider after a storm occurs. It is not practical to
determine at this time what specific responses are
appropriate. The following policy areas are
discussed:
o Reentry of Evacuated/Secured Areas. Not allowed
until the Mayor determines it safe and initial
damage assessment is completed. A list of More-
head City property owners and business proprietors
will be maintained at the Emergency Operations Center.
Identification required for entry into evacuated
or secured areas.
o Permitting. Permits to restore previously con-
forming structures outside AEC's issued auto-
matically. Structures suffering major damage
allowed to rebuild to original state but must
be in compliance with N.C. State Building Code,
Zoning and Flood Plain Management regulations.
Structures with minor damage allowed to rebuild
to original state before the storm. Structures
in AEC's allowed to rebuild only after deter-
mination has been made as to adequacy of existing
development regulations in these special hazard
areas.
o Utility and Facility Reconstruction. Water
system components repaired or replaced must be
flood -proofed or elevated above 100-year flood
levels.
7. CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The following Continuing Public Participation strategy was
adopted and carried out by the Town for the preparation of this Land
Use Plan update.
The Town commission appointed a twelve -member land use task force
to direct the consulting team and develop a draft land use plan
update. The task force represents an excellent cross-section of
Morehead City residents consisting of Town Council members, Planning
Board members, business persons and professionals, and individuals with
environmental and developmental concerns.
The task force announced each of its meetings (held every two to
three weeks during plan preparation) to the public by way of newspapers
and cable T.V. Public meetings were held by the Task Force on the
following dates:
45

March 16, 1985
April 4, 1985
May 2, 1985
May 28, 1985
June 13, 1985
July 2, 1985
August 7, 1985
August 14, 1985
September 4, 1985
A newspaper reporter was present at most of the Task Force
meetings and wrote a series of articles covering plan develop-
ment and initial findings. Public comment was requested on the draft
plan, with announcements via newspapers and cable T.V.
The Town will insure a continuous planning process by conducting
periodic reviews of the plan's policies. This review will be the
responsibility of the Town Planning Board.
W.

i
LAND CLASSIFICATION
The Land Classification Map differentiates between development -oriented
areas and areas which have been set aside for natural resource
protection purposes.
Morehead City's land classification designations are consistent
with the State Land Use Planning Guidelines (NCAC 15, Subchapter 7B).
The Town's land classification map has been coordinated with and is
consistent with Carteret County's system. The majority of Morehead
City's has been classified as "developed" while the majority of the
Town's extraterritorial jurisdiction is classified as "transition".
Coastal wetlands, estuarine waters and the Newport River Marsh areas
have been placed in the "conservation" category. The classifications
were based on the following descriptions.
Developed
This classification is intended to provide for continued intensive
development and redevelopment of existing areas that are at or
approaching the following densities:
0 50 dwelling units per square mile, or
o Three (3) dwelling units per acre, or
o Where a majority of lots are 15,000 square feet or
less, and
which are currently served by public water, sewer, recreational
facilities, and police and fire protection.
Transition
The intent of the transition classification is to provide for
future intensive urban development at the densities specified above
under the developed classification. These areas are or will be served
with the same urban services as those areas in the developed land
classification.
Rural
The purpose of the rural class is to provide for agriculture,
forestry, mineral extraction and various other low intensity uses,
including low density dispersed residential uses where urban sevices
are not and will not be required. Any development in this class should
not significantly impair or permanently alter natural resources.
Conservation
The purpose of the conservation class is to provide for the
effective long term management and protection of significant, limited
or irreplaceable areas. Management is needed due to the natural,
cultural, recreational, scenic or natural productive values of both
local and more than local concern.
The Conservation class in Morehead City is applied to lands that
47

contain:
o AEC's, including but not limited to public trust waters,
estuarine waters, coastal wetlands, etc, as identified in
15 NCAC 7H; and
o Other similar lands, environmentally significant because of their
natural role in the integrity of the coastal region and which
include, but are not limited to, major wetlands, essentially
undeveloped shorelands that are unique, fragile or hazardous
for development and necessary wildlife habitat or areas that
have a high probablility for providing necessary habitat
conditions.
SPECIAL NOTE: Proposed Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Expansion
The Town Council has approved extensions to its extraterri-
torial jurisdiction (ETJ) and expect this expansion to formally
take place early during 1986. The Town is currently in the process
of finalizing the expansion with Carteret County. State planning
enabling legislation requires the county to relinquish its planning
authority for this proposal to become effective. The Town has
proposed Land Classifications for this area as displayed on the
Land Classification Map. These proposed classifications were made
so that an amendment to the Plan will not be necessary immediately
after its adoption.
48

The preparation of this map was financed in part through a grant
provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through
LEGEND
DEV DEVELOPED
TRA TRANSITIONAL
R U R RURAL
CON CONSERVATION
stand
MOREHEAD CITY, N.C.
LAND CLASSIFICATION
Including Proposed Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Area
MAP 4
►nowea By: sATLLA PLANNING
200 Osborne street
SL Mem, Ge«ay ITN
twos o a ANiL, 1985 3000