CAMA Land Use Plan-1976

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Division of Coastal Management
� NAGS HEAD
Land Use Plan
IILAMA
1976

NAGS HEAD LAND USE PLAN
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENT ACT
ADOPTED BY NAGS HEAD BOARD OP COMMISSIONERS
May 190 1976

T'j.BLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . ... :
1
Section
I, Present Conditions . . . . . . .
. . 2
General Physical Characteristics. .. . .
. . 13
Population Characteristics .
7
Economic Characteristics . . . . . . . . .
23 -
Transportation _ . . . . . . . . .
40
Existing Land Use . . . . . . . . . .
. . 44
Current Plans, Policies and Regulations;-.,..
. . 54
'Section
II, Public Participation Activities
57
Planning Alternatives Considered . . . . ..
58
Identification of Major Land Use Issues
60
Development Objectives, Policies and
Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . .
... 64
Process Used To Determine Public -
Participation . . . . . . . .
. . 71
Section
III, Constraints on Development. . . . . . . .
. . 73
Physical Limitations on Development
76
Hazard Areas . . . . . . . . . .
. . 76
Fragile Areas
93
Areas with Resource Potential
114
Capacity of Community Facilities . .
. .116
Section
IV,; `Estimated Demand . . . . . . . .'
120
Economic.: Forecasts . . . . . . . . .
121
'
Population Forecasts
125
Future Land Needs o . . . .
. . 132
-
Community Facility Demand . . . . . . .
133
Section
V, Plan Description
134
Section
VI, Summary and Major Conclusions
_ .146
Se t"ion
VII, References and Appendices . . . . . . . .
171

NAGS HEAD SYNOPSIS
This Synopsis of the Nags Head Land Use Plan is included as pages 149
through 170 of this report. The Nags Head Commissioners propose to have
a copy of.the approved Synopsis mailed to every household within the
Town.

INTRODUCTION
The Coastal area of North Carolina is one,oi the most important regions` :.
in the United States for food production, future expansion of commerce,
industry and recreation. To enable orderly growth and protection of important
natural resources of the area, the 1974 General Assembly passed the Coastal
Area Management Act (CAMA).
The CAMA is a state law that asks local government in 20 counties in
Coastal North Carolina to adopt land use plans which reflect the desires and
needs of.coastal residents. When completed, these 20 individual county land
use plans, along with certain municipal plans, will form-the�basis for a.
"comprehensive plan for the protection, preservation, orderly development
and management of the coastal area of North Carolina."
The legislative goals of the Coastal Area Management Act as stated in
G.S. 113A-102 (b) briefly are:
1) To -provide a management system capable of preserving and managing
the natural ecological conditions of the estuarine system, the
barrier dune system, and the beaches, so as to safeguard and
perpetuate their natural productivity and their biological,
economic and aesthetic values.
2) To insure that the development or preservation of the.land and
water resources of the coastal area proceeds in a manner consis-,
tent with the capability of the land and water for development,
use or preservation based on ecological considerations.
3) To insure the orderly and balanced use and preservation of our
coastal resources on behalf of the people of -North Carolina and
the nation.
4) To establish policies, guidelines and standards for the conser-
vation of resources, the economic development of the coastal area;
the use of recreational lands and tourist facilities; the wise
development of transportation and circulation patterns; the pre-
servation and enhancement of historical, cultural and scientific
as-perts of the region; and the protection of common law and pub-
lic rights in the lands and waters of the coastal area.
Finally, the law requires the input and the views of a wide cross
section of citizens, representing not only each geographic area of the
county, but also those who can ably represent the varying economic, social
and cultural interests as well.
T

SECTION I
PRESENT CONDITIONS

GENERAL PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF NAGS HEAD
Location and Geographic Data
Nags Head is.located in Dare County on the Bodie Island sector of the
barrier island chain in North Carolina approximately 50 miles north of Cape
Hatteras and 50 miles south of the Virginia border. :The Nags Head town limits
extend for 11.6 miles along the Banks in a general north -south direction. At
it widest point, the'Town is•approximately.two.miles•aeross in central Nags
Head and narrows.to an average of 1200.feet in South Nags Head.
The.town-is bordered on.the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by -
the lands of the National Park Service and the waters of -the Roanoke Sound, a
shallow and narrow sound averaging-approximately.3 feet in 'depth. Nags Head
adjoins the Town of Kill Devil Hills to the north and National Park Lands on
the south.
Climate
The climate of Nags Head is considerably moderated by the presence of,
the waters of the'Roanoke, Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds to the west, north-
west and'southwest respectively and the Atlantic Ocean to.the.east. Conse-
quently, temperatures do not reach as high during the summer nor as low during..
the winter in Nags Head as. they do in inland towns of the'same latitude. The
average'July temperature for the Nags Head area is 79.20F, while the average
January temperature is 45.30F.. Normally freezing temperatures are not ex-
perienced between mid -March and mid -November. The average annual precipita-
tion is 44.31 inches with no month averaging less than 2.5 inches. -July and
August normally receive more rainfall than any other months of the year and....
average approximately nine thunderstorms per month.'
The shoreline of the town is exposed to wavos induced by winds onshore and
alongshore from the northeast, through east and south to southwest. Prevailing
M

winds are out of the southwest with speeds of less than 19 miles per hour.
Stronger winds are.more frequent from the northeast during September and
October and from the north.during the months of December through February.
The years 1914-1958 showed storms of all kinds in Dare County, tropical
and extratropical, with winds of over 45 miles per hour. Changes in the Nags
Head beaches.are brought about principally by this powerful force of wind and
water which acts on the coastline. There are more storms in March than any.
other month while the period August through October represents the greatest
threat of hurricanes. Destructive hurricanes are relatively infrequent.
averaging one in about every 10-12 years. Some effects of hurricanes along the
Banks of North Carolina are experienced almost every year. Northeasters occur
mainly in October through April and account for great damages in the form of
beach and dune erosion.
Currents
The Gulf Stream flows to the northeast during all months of the year and
merges with the Labrador current only ten miles east of Cape Hatteras. There
is substantial seasonal character of offshore currents from Cape Hatteras to
Chesapeake Bay. In the fall surface drift is southerly and -has an onshore
component. In winter, the pattern is basically indistinct with flow confor-
ming closely to the prevailing northwest winds. In the spring, a transition
to summer conditions is experienced with a somewhat southerly surface drift.
In summer, the surface drift is somewhat variable with no discernible pattern.
Waves approaching the beaches at an angle generate alongshore currents
called littoral currents. Observations made along the Dare Beaches have
revealed that wave -induced littoral currents have a southward flow.
4

Geology
The barrier island chain is a relatively recent geologic phenomenon,
having been formed about 5,000 years ago. Theories concerning formation of
the barrier islands conflict, but it is generally agreed that some of the
islands were formed when rising seas surrounded mainland ridges and others`
were formed by the elongation of coastal sand-spits.'These barrier islands
represent a delicate physical system which is.uhdergoing continual change.
The lagoons and sounds west of the barrier island collect sediment slowly
from erosion of adjacent mainland and overwash from the ocean side creating
marsh areas.
Soils, Topography, and Vegetation
The elevation of Nags Head ranges from sea level to over 100 feet at the
peaks of the larger sand dunes. A line of barrier dunes averaging between 10
and 30 feet runs the length of the Town of Nags Head on the Ocean side.
At the northwest end of Nags.Head lies a former sand dune system now
stabilized and vegetated with various evergreen and deciduous trees. The -
topography underneath the wooded section, as would be expected, consists of
alternating high -and low -areas created by ,the former sand dunes. Elevations
in this section of'Na_gs Head range from 10 feet above sea level to over 60
feet in some places. This area is also marked with numerous fresh water ponds
caused by the collection of rainwater in the depressions between the former
dunes.
With the exception -of the large wooded area along Roanoke Sound in north
Nags Head, most vegetation.consists of -grasses and a few shrubs. Jockey's
Ridge, a "live" sand dune system in north Nags Head, is completely barren.on
its larger slopes. This sand dune system is the largest and highest of.its
kind in the eastern United States and in this respect it is truly unique.
5

Very little is known about the various soils in Nags Head, particularly
in terms of their capability of supporting different urban land uses. It is
obvious, though, that certain areas of Nags Head, notably the previously
referred -to Jockey's Ridge.sand dune system and the lower areas where there
is virtually no drainage, are at this time unsuitable for almost any type
of urban development.

NAGS HEAD POPULATION
The'size, naturpe*and structure of. Nags Head's'"population is extremely
important in planning to provide.an optimum environment for the people in
the future. Population characteristics -are an important element in the
determination of the number of jobs that the local economy must provide, the
educational and institutional facilities which might be needed,. the services
which must be provided and the amount of land which must be set aside for
various activities.
The traditional source of information on population characteristics has
been the population statistics which are published every.decade by the U. S.
Census.Bureau. It should be emphasized, however, that these statistics are
based upon a concept of a "resident population." People are counted in. the
localities where they maintain.their usual place of residence, meaning the place
where they live and sleep most of the time.. This type of counting is recognized
to cause problems in cities which receive a large influx of people daily, con-
suming its services, but which are not counted in its official population.
This phenomenon occurs in the Nags Head area which receives a large in-
flux of recreationists, during the summer months. The census information does
not reflect these peak population figures. However, since population.f.-igures
are often the basis for state and federal aid allocation and.for most compre-
hensive planning, the implications of sole reliance on resident population
counts are serious and far reaching.. Therefore, non-resident population pro-
jections will be considered and analyzed in the population forecast -section of
this plan.
7

RESIDENT POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS
AGE
Age structure is an important variable in estimating requirements for
facilities and services such as schools, health care, housing and recreation.
Sex and age characteristics are the basic causative elements in birth rates,
mortality and'migration.trends.
The median age is a statistical measure of age composition which may be
defined as the age -dividing the population into two equal size groups, one
older and one younger than the median age. Those counties or towns with medians
under twenty may be described as "young" while those with medians of thirty
and over are described as "old." Nags Head's median age could not precisely
be determined since individual ages are not available for incorporated towns
of less than 1,000 persons. However, it was determined that the median age
was 35 years and.could possibly be as high as forty-one. The statistic is
highly.significant when compared with the median age of the population of
surrounding counties. Table 1 shows that the median age of Nags Head's popu-
lation is much higher.
The high median age can be the result of many factors such.as lowered
birth-rates, lowered death rates, out -migration of younger age -groups, and
in -migration of older.age groups. In Nags Head, it seems safe to assume that
the high median age can be ,attributed,to the in -migration of older people.
The high median age of the 'Nags Head population has resulted in a family
size which is smaller than that of Dare County or the neighboring counties.
Table 1 illustrates that the average family size of 2.59 in Nags Head is
significantly lower than even Dare County's.

TABLE 1
GENERAL POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS
MEDIAN FAMILY
COUNTY AGE SIZE
Beaufort 29.0 3.31
Camden 27.7 2.40
Currituck 31.0 3.17
Dare 33.6 2.80
Hyde 29.8 3.42
Pasquotank 25.9 3.55
Tyrrell 31.8 3.36
Nags Head 35,0+ 2.59
SOURCEi U. S. Bureau of Census, General Population
Characteristics,1970,,,and General Social,...- .
and Economic Characteristics, 1970. .
9

By examining the basic shape of the Nags Head population pyramid (Fig. 1)
it is possible to identify the population's combined age -sex characteristics:
(1) The middle section'is concave --this indicates a relatively small
proportion of the Town's population is 30 to 45 years old. A
vestige of out -migration from the area during the 1950's. This
section constitutes the majority of the labor force. However,
since the median age of the Town is apparently increasing, this•
age group should become proportionately smaller and the economy
will have to support a greater concentration of older people
unless economic growth provides job opportunities to attract and
hold younger groups.
(2) The base curves inward; a result of the reduction of birth rates as
well as a product of in -migration of older families.
(3) The bulge at the top represents an in -migration of older people.
The aging trend in Nags Head has two major implications for the
planning program:
(a) It will -produce specialized demands on services and facilities,
particularly in the area of health care delivery systems and
recreation since older persons require more medical care and
more specialized recreation programs than the rest of the
populations
(b) With a larger number of families receiving fixed incomes,
fluctuations in the national economy will have a greater impact
on the county,
(4) An excess of females occurs in the older age groups. The investiga-
tion into the balance of the sexes provides information on the,,
special rates and employment patterns within the community.
1Q

C
6
6.
.The fact that the excess of females occurs in the older age groups
lessens.to some degree the need for specialized employment oppor-
tunities for women, however, consideration must be given"to pro-
viding more job opportunities appropriate for the Town's long=range
economic development goals. Also,emphasis should be placed in
providing for cultural and recreational programs designed for older
women..
FIGURE 1
AGE/SEX PROFILE NAGS HEAD, 1970
4 S 6

EDUCATION
Educational levels attained by Nags Head residents were not available in
the 1970 census data, therefore the educational levels of Dare County residents
will be briefly considered here: Residents.of Dare County educational achieve-
ments have consistently paralleled those of all North Carolina residents.
(See Table 2).
In 19,50, the median school years completed by persons-25 years of age or
older was 7.9. This means that half of Dare County's residents had received
a less than eight years of formal education. This level equalled that of
North Carolina and was higher than the neighboring counties of Currituck
and Tyrrell. However, both the state and Dare County were considerably lower
than the median United States achievement of 9.3 years of education.
By 1970, this level had increased by 2.6 years so that fifty percent of
Dare County residents had completed over 10.5 years of school. This increase
is comparable to the statewide increase of 2.7 years but is slightly behind
the United States 20 year change of 2.8 years which climbed to a national
median of 12.1 school years completed. While the educational level of Dare
County residents has increased over the past 20 years to remain.on a par with ,
statewide levels, it has increased more rapidly than other counties in the
immediate region.. There has been a steady increase in the percentage of
people with 4 years or more of high school as well as in college graduates.
While Dare County has a higher percentage of residents in this category than
either Currituck or Tyrrell Counties, it still remains below the levels of
North Carolina and the United States. The migration of retired persons tq
Nags Head and Dare County has probably raised the educational level. Some of
the more educated people have left Tyrrell County since migration tends to
occur more .frequently among more highly educated people.
12

TABLE 2
MEDIAN NUMBER OF
SCHOOL
YEARS COMPLETED*
BY PERSONS
25 YEARS
AND OLDER
Change
1950
1960
1970
1950-1970
Dare
7,9
8.9-.
10.5
2.6
Currituck
7.3
8.4
9.6
2.3
Tyrrell
7.2
7.8.
8.4
1.4
North Carolina
7.9
8.9
10.6
2.7
United States
9.3
10.5
12.1
2.8
Source: U. S. Bureau of Census.
POPULATION TRENDS
An analysis of Nags Head's growth trends are an indicator of the pressure
on the Town's land resources and its public services and facilities. If the
pressure is great, without proper management, it is possible that the town will
begin to lose control of the land development process and be unable to keep
pace with the demand for public services. Also, analysis of historic growth
trends provides`a basis for forecasts of the Town's future population levels.
The 1970 population of Nags Head was 414. Unfortunately, official Census
Bureau population counts for the Town prior to the 1970 census are unavailable
since the Town incorporated in 1962. However, population estimates were made
for the Dare Beaches area by the Dare Beaches Water and Sewer Authority in the
publication "Dare Beaches Sketch Development Plan." The Dare Beaches are lo-
cated in the northern half of the Outer Banks of North Carolina extending south-
ward from the Currituck County line to Oregon Inlet, .a distance of-
approxima-tely 33 miles. The area contains the incorporated towns of Kill Devil Hills
and Nags Head.
T3"-

Considering the past 60 years, the growth rate for the past two decades
represents'a great quickening in population increase for Dare County. If the
691 temporary workers present for the 1940 Census are excluded from the figures,
a steady but small rate of growth occurs, ranging from an adjusted 1.0 percent
rate for the period 1940-1950 to a 5.6 percent increase from 1910 to 1920.
Between 1950 and 1960 Dare experienced a 10 percent increase. In the following
decade (1960-1970) the upward trend continued with an 18 percent increase.
While Dare ranked twenty-fifth out of North Carolina's.100 counties in rate of
population growth in 1950-1960, the most recent decade (1960-1970) saw that
rank improve to seventeenth.
For the past twenty years, according to Stephens and Associates, the
growth of Nags Head has surpassed that of the County, registering ten-year
increases of 22 percent (1950-1960) and 28 percent-(1960-1970). The pop.ula-
tion of*Nags Head and the Dare Beaches has reflected an increasing attractive-
ness of this area over the rest of Dare County. (See Table'3). .In 1950 ap-
proximately 17 percent of all county residents lived on the beaches but by
1970 this figure had increased to over 22 percent.
Since the 1950 and 1960 figures for the Dare Beaches and Nags Head are
estimates, the increasing attraction of the Beaches can be further documented
by a look at historical data for the County broken down to the township level.
(See Table 4).
Atlantic and Nags Head Townships include the Dare Beaches area, as well as.
Roanoke Island. Over the 40-year period 1930-1970, the share of Dare County
population living in these two townships has increased from 48.9 percent in
1930 to almost 64 percent in 1970. At the same time, the population of Manteo,
which comprises a large percentage of the non -beach population of these town -
shops, has decreased by almost 1.4 percent since 1950. Hatteras Township has
l4

increased in population by '17.8 percent over four decades and has held a rela-
tively stable share of county population, while the other three townships have
all declined both in absolute numbers and in shares of total population.
Over this er'a.(1930-1970), Dare County's population increase of almost 35
percent is greatly exceeded by the 76 percent increase in the total Atlantic -
Nags Head Townships area. This all points to a significant and steady shift
of Dare County population to the Dare Beaches area, indicating that the Beaches
will continue to receive an increasing share of Dare County growth.. Specifi-
cally, according to'population forecasts made by the North Carolina Department
of Human Resources, Nags Head's population as of July, 1974 was 530. This
represents a 22 percent increase since the 1970 census.
TABLE 3
COMPARATIVE GROWTH RATES: 1950-1960 and 1960-1970
Nags Head
Dare Beaches
Dare County
Currituck County
Tyrrell County
North Carolina
South Carolina
Virginia Beach, Va.
Virginia
Ocean City, Md.
Cape May, J. J.
Rehoboth Beach, Del.
South Atlantic_
United States
1950-1960
1960-1970
22.0*
. :-28.0*
27.6*
32.4*
9.8
17.9
6.4
5.7
-10.4
-15.8
12.2
11.5
12.5
8.7
101.6
102.0
19.5
16.6
-27.6
67.2
N. A.
1.9
-16.0
N. A.
22.6
18.1
18.5
13.3
*Estimated
N.A. - Not Available
Source: U. S. Census of Population,.1950, 1960, 1970.
15

TABLE 4t DARE COUNTY POPULATION DISTRIBUTION BY TOWNSHIP,
1930 - 1970
1930
1940
1950
1960
1970
Township
of.
Percento
o,Change.
%of 19W
# o
ange
%of 1950
# o
ange
%of 1960
# of
C ange
of 1970
Persons
Co. Total
Persons
1930-40
Co,' Total Persons
1940-50
Co, Total
Persons
1950-60
Co, Total
Persons
1960-70
Co. Total
Atlantic
556
10.7
504.
-9.4
8.3
665
31-.9
12.3
864
29.9
14.6
1141
32.1
16.3
Kill,' Devil
H1.11s
Not
Incorporated
268
357
33.2
5.1
Nags Head
1988
38.2
2547
28.1
42.2
2422
-4.9
44.8
2760
14.0
46,5
3328
20,6
47,5
.N`ags Head
Not
Incorporated
414
5.9
5.9
Croatarr
574
11.0
734
27.9
12.2
575
-21.7
10.6
545
-5.2
9.2 .
540
- .9
7.7
East Lake
289
5.6
. 249
013.8
4.1
121
-51.4
2.2
115
-5.0
1.9
88
-23.5
1.3 .
Hatteras
1132
21.8
1201
6.1
19.9
1A46
-12.9
-19.4
1217'
16.3
20.5
1333
t.9.5
.19.1
Kennekeet
-663
12'.7
806
21.6
13.3
576
-28.5
10.7
434
-24.6
7.3
565
30.2
8.1
Dare Co.
5202
100.0
6041
76.1
.100.0
5405.
-40.5.
100.0
5935
9.8
100.0
6995
17.9
100.0
SOURCE: U. S.
Census -of
Population, 1930,
194021950,
1960, and 1970.
16.

Comparative Trends
The rapid growth of Dare County and specifically Nags Head is not typical
of Northeast North Carolina counties and towns. For example, neighboring coun-
ties Currituck, Hyde, and Tyrrell all declined in population over the past
twenty-year period (see Table 5). The economies of most neighboring counties
are predominantly agricultural with a prominent out -migration of people as
opposed to the recreation -based economy of Nags Head and Dare -County. Com-
pared to North Carolina, the South Atlantic region, and the United States,
the Dare Beaches area had the highest growth rates over the past twenty years.
Components of Population Change
In studying population change, it is important to look at its causes.
The two basic factors are natural increase (the excess of live births over
deaths in the period) and net migration (those moving into or out of an area
under consideration.)
In the decade 1950-1960, natural increase accounted for all of Dare
County's 9.8 percent growth as the county experienced a net out -migration
of 23 percent of its 1950 population. The out -migration of younger males in
the working age group, especially among Blacks, is a well documented trend
in 1950 through 1960 in Dare and the rural South.
TABLE 5
COMPONENTS OF DARE COUNTY POPULATION CHANGE: 1950-1960 & 1960-1970
1950-1960 1960-1970
Beginning Population 5404 5935
Change: Births 1245 1260
Deaths 591 819
Natural Increase 654 44T
Net Mi gra±aon . - 124 +619
. .530
Ending Population 5935 6995.
* %:;Migration -2.3 +10.4
*Rates.' are expressed as percentage of beginning population.
17

In the decade 1960-1970, the rate of natural increase dropped from 12.1
percent to 7.4 percent. During the decade; -Dare experienced an 18 percent over-
all growth rate which is largely attributable to a ten-year net migration of
10.4 percent of the 1960 population. The population growth patterns within
the county indicates that a large number of the in -migrants are locating in
the beach areas.
TABLE 6
NET MIGRATION RATES: 1950-1960 & 1960-1970
Dare
1950-1960 . 1960-1970
-2.3% 110.4%
Curri tuck -7.0 ' 1..8
Tyrrell. -24.0 -20.3
North Carolina -8.1 -1.6
*Rates expressed as a percentage of population at the beginning of each
decade.
Source: William Clifford. 1971, Population Change for N.C.
1950-1960 and 1960-1970, MCSU, Raleigh.
Net migration of the 1950-1960 period was lower in Dare than in other
counties shown in Table 6 or the State. In 1960-1970 Dare showed sharpest
gains.in in -migration wh:ille Currituck also showed a significant turnaround.
In 1970, Dare ranked ninth in state net migration and attracted this large
in -migration at a time when out -migration rates for the region were increasing.
From 1950 to 1970, Dare'srate of natural increase was significantly lower
than that of North Carolina. (Table 7) Although figures on natural increase
are not available for Nags Head, it is probable that the rate of natural
increase in the Town should be lower than county rates due to the very high
median age which is a characteristic of the Nags Head population.

TABLE 7
COMPARATIVE NATURAL INCREASE 1950-1960 and 1960-1970
of 1950 % of 1970
.1950-1960 Population 1960-1970 Population
Dare 654 21.1 441 7.4
Currituck 831 13.4 257 3.9
Tyrrell 686 13.6 203 4.5
North Carolina 822,223 20.2 1,011,772 22.2
Source: Wm. Clifford. 1971. Population Change for N. C.
1950-1960 and 1960-1970. NCSU, Raleigh, N.C.
Summary of Population Growth
With an estimated increase of 116 residents since the last census, the
recent growth of Nags Head has been even more rapid than county growth. In
general the County's eastern townships have been growing and the mainland
townships have been losing population. This re-orientation.of settlement
patterns toward the beach areas has accompanied the development of the recrea-
tion industry. The changing settlement patterns indicate increased demand for
public services and the need for careful land management in Nags Head.
Age characteristics of the in=migrating populatiohf have had.a major impact
on the county's birth rate. In.effect, this'net in -migration in the older age
groups in the 1960's has produced an aging population which has resulted in a
reduction of the county's birth rate, and a slight increase in the death rate.
This is particularly true for Nags Head, since an analysis of the 1970 census
data revealed that the median age in Nags Head is significantly higher than
the county's median age. All factors point to an increasingly older popula-
tion for the Town.
19

INCOME CHARACTERISTICS
Individual income data are not available for Nags Head at the present
time. Generalized data are available, however, from the 1970 Census of Popula-
tion and Housing Fifth Count Information (Table 8).
Mean and median family income available for Dare County will be compared
to approximated income for Nags Head based on the data in.Table 8.
Income Family
Under $1,000
0
1,000-1,999
0
2,000-2,999
0
3,000-3,999
13
4,000-4,999
0
5 , 000-.5 , 999
12,
6,000-6,999
0
7,000-7,999
26
TABLE 8
COUNT OF FAMILIES BY INCOME
Unrelated
Unrelated
Ind. Income :Family
Ind.
0
$8,000-81999
0
0
10
9,000-9,999
6
0
6
10,000-11,999
'14
0
0
12,000-14,999
7
0
0
15,000-24,999
-13
0
6
25,000-49,999
32
0
0
50,000 & over
0
0
0
Source: U. S. Bureau of Census, 1970.
Average Income
Typically, the mean and median are the "average" measures used in the
analysis of income characteristics, but it is important to make a distinction
between the two measures. Most people when speaking of the "average" are
actually referring to the arithmetic mean, and in the case of incomes, the
mean is simply the sum of all family incomes divided by the number of families.
Since this measure does not account in any way for the distribution of income,
it may be considered a summary average which reflects the total income avail-
able in the area.
20- -

The median, as a measure of average income, is the income level at which
half the families make more, and half make less. Median income is a measure
of income distribution and, as such,.it might be considered a typical average
which gives a rough idea of the typical income of families in an area. Thus,
in an.area where there exists a considerable disparity between the number of
families .in the lower income groups and those in the upper income groups, the
median income may be considerably below'the.mean income. However, only in the
case of a perfectly even income distribution will -they be equal.
Income Distribution
In 1970 the median family income in Dare County was $6,482 and its mean
family income.was $8,246. This disparity between mean income and median
income represents an important income characteristic. In an even income
distribution the mean and median are equal. Therefore, with a median effective
buying income substantially smaller than the mean, the area has a disportion-
ately large number of families in the lower income groups.
The distribution of income for households in Dare at the county level is
found in Table 9.. Approximately 35 percent of the households in the county
have annual incomes less than $5,000 and 70 percent make less than $10,000
per year.
TABLE 9
HOUSEHOLD EFFECTIVE BUYING INCOME DISTRIBUTION - DARE COUNTY
Percentage of
Income Group
Households
0 -
$2,999
20.1
- 35.4
$ 3,000 -
4,999
15.3
$ 5,000 -
$7,999
23.3 = 34.6
8,000 -
9,999
11.3
.10,000 -
14,999
17.1 = 30.0
15,000+.
12.9
Source: Sales Management. "Survey of Buying Power.," 1973.,
21

While there exists a disparity between the Town of Nags Head's median family
income of approximately $7,000 and the meag.family income of approximately $14,500;
this disparity is related to the fact that there is an unusually high percentage
of'households in the Town making in excess of.$10,000 per year. The distribution
of income for households in Nags Head is found in Table 10. Approximately 20
percent of the Town's households have annual incomes less than $5,000, however,
46 percent make in excess of $10,000 per year.
TABLE 10
HOUSEHOLD EFFECTIVE BUYING INCOME DISTRIBUTION - NAGS HEAD
Percentage of
Income Group
Households
0 -
$2,999
11 20
$ 3,000
- 4,999
9
5,000
- 7,999
30 = 34
8,000
- 9,999
4
10,000
- 14,999
14 = 46
15,000+
32
Source: U. S. Bureau of Census, 1970.
This analysis of Nags Head's and Dare's income characteristics indicate
that while higher income levels are an obvious target for the county's economic
development program the situation in Nags Head is not as critical as the rest
of the county..
22

ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS
An understanding of the structure and function. of the economy of Nags
Head is a fundamental element of the Town's planning and management program,
providing economic information essential for decisions concerning the future.
Detailed economic statistics relating specifically to the'Town of Nags Head
are not available at the present time. This information is. available, however,.
for all of Dare County and in certain cases for the Dare Beaches area which can
be expected to apply generally to Nags Head.
Economic History*
The early history of Nags Head is not known in great detail.but is thought
that perhaps.the first settlements along the Outer Banks may have been made by
shipwrecked or weary sailors.** Many tales have been told about the first
settlers of the Outer Banks with the story about how the name "Nags Head" was
established being among the.more interesting. Bill Sharpe,. in A New Geography
of North Carolina writes that "...Residents of the coast once stripped wrecked
vessels of their cargo, and some say Bankers even tried to lure ships to their.
doom. This accomplished by hanging a lighted lantern.; around.the neck of a
horse and leading the nag along the beach, the bobbing light persuading mariners
offshore to believe it came from. a boat riding at safe anchorage..." As the
author later pointed out, there is some doubt as to the credibility of this
story, yet, no one seems to know the true origin of the name "Nags Head
*Unless, otherwise indicated the information in this subsection pertaining
to the historical•developmentjro`f Nags —Head was obtained from the previously
published Population and Economic Function - Land Development Plan for Nags
Head, 1964, which was based on the book The Outer Banks of .North Carolina
1584-1958, by David Stick, (University of North Carolina Press, 1958).
**Bill Sharpe, A New Geography of North Carolina, Vol. I; Raleigh, N.C.
published by the State Magazine, 1954 , p. 74.
23

In the early 1800's Nags Head began to develop as a summer resort com-
munity. In the early',1830's a Perquimans County planter in seeking a refuge
for his family from the dreaded "chills and fever" (Malaria), which was common
on the mainland, purchased a large tract of land just above where the old
"Roanoke"Inlet" had once been and constructed a summer home.on it.
Several of the planter's friends and relatives would visit during the
summer season.and it was not long before other summer homes were being built
in'the area. The resort community continued to grow and by 1838 it was decided
that there was a definite need in the area for a public house to provide enter-
tainment and lodging for visitors to the Banks. It was at this time that the
first hotel was constructed in Nags Head. The hotel, which had accommodations
for 200 guests, was built among the larger dunes halfway between Roanoke Sound
and the Atlantic in the'same vicinity of the earlier summer homes.
Although -the only practical means of travel to and from Nags Head was by
boat, the community continued to grow as a resort. By the mid 1800's Nags
Head, with its big hotel, featured "nam6"-,bands and was frequented by notable
visitors. This period of growth was.soon�to end, however, with the coming of
the Civil War.
In early 1862, the Confederate Army moved into Nags Head taking over the
hotel as command headquarters. When Nags Head fell, the hotel was set ablaze
by the retreating confederates so as to render it'useless to the enemy. After
the War, a new hotel was built and":it appeared that Nags Head was once again
to become a popular family resort. This bried period of revival succumbed to
the post-war reconstruction and depression, however, and by 1890 there were
hardly any remains of the once flourishing resort.
It is somewhat ironic that the isolation which had made Nags Head attrac-
tive as a resort eventually became the major factdn which slowed further
24

development. In the early 1900's there were still no bridges to connect the
Banks with the mainland. Tourists had to travel by water which often resulted
in lengthy delays.
By the turn of the century "Old Nags Head" had been replaced by a.new
community on the ocean side. The dwellings which were not destroyed•by fire
in "Old Nags Head" were eventually consumed by the massive shifting sand dunes
of Jockey's Ridge.
One of the major sources of income for Bankers during the late 1800's and
early 1900's was service with the.government. At one time there were fifteen
coast guard stations along the Dare County coast. Commercial fishing was also
an important source of income for many residents of the Banks.
The effects of World War I and the Great Depression of the late 1920's
was severely felt among Dare County residents. There were fewer tourists than
ever and the outlook for the future did not hold any better promises. Washington
Baum, who became chairman of the Dare County Board of Commissioners .in 1934,
saw matters in a different light. Encouraged by Bankers and other Dare County
citizens, Baum set out to convince the State Highway Commission of the need
for bridges and roads connecting the Banks with the mainland. Although his
efforts with the Highway Commission were to no avail, he later pushed through
the issuance of long-term county bonds for the construction of a bridge between
Roanoke Island and Nags Head. Total cost was approximately $140,000 and in 1928
the new bridge connecting the Island with the Banks was in general use.
At about this same time, a group of Elizabeth City businessmen formed the
Wright Memorial Bridge Company and constructed a bridge across Currituck Sound
from a point just north of Kitty Hawk. The Wright Memorial Bridge was completed
in 1931 and shortly afterwards the State Highway Commission constructed an 18-mile
long sand -asphalt highway along the beach.connecting the two bridges.
25

During this period, other improvements were being made which brightened the
outlook of the area. In 1931 construction was begun on the Wright Memorial at
Kill Devil Hills and regular ferrys were operating between Roanoke Island and
Mann's Harbor and across Oregon Inlet. But, paralleling these progressive develop-
ments were other problems for*the Bankers, nationwide depression had arrived and
unemployment had reached a high point on the Banks. In addition, many areas of
the beach were badly eroded, and at Cape Hatteras the Shore had been cut so badly
that the lighthouse was threatened by the sea.
However, as reported by David Stick:
"At the height of these bad times there came a heartening note in the
Elizabeth City Independent for July 21, 1933, under the headlines:
'A Coastal Park -for North Carolina.' In this and subsequent articles
by Banker Frank Stick, the details of a proposal for a vast rehabilita-
tion program for the Outer Banks were un blded. The first step would
be the reclamation of the areas which have been denunded of vegetation,
an organized erosion control and sand fixation project designed to re-
claim the`.bal-d beaches and rebuild the eroded dunes, -which would at the
same time provide work and.income to help the residents of eastern
North Carolina survive the depression. This would be followed by the
establishment of a National Seashore Park to preserve most of the Banks
from Oregon Inlet to Cape Lookout in a natural state. Finally, a modern
coastal highway would be constructed.from Nags Head - to Beaufort to
enable outsiders to visit the reclaimed Banks in this national seashore
park."
Later, improvements to the Wright Memorial, restoration of the "Cittie of
Raleigh" and mosquito control work were added to the program.
Work and additional planning soon followed om each of these projects and
by the summer of-1941 new hotels and tourist cottages at Nags Head were doing
a big business, lot sales showed a marked increase, and attendance at "The
Lost Colony" -pageant and the Wright Memorial were at an all-time high.
In addition, the first National Seashore Recreation Area had been authori-
zed for the Banks, and-consid erable land, including Cape Hatteras, had been
acquired for the park.
That was in 1941; in December; the Japanese attached Pearl Harbor and the
world again went to war. With the war_, Nags Head returned to economic inactivity.
26

The beach development potential, made possible with the opening of the bridges
and other facilities, had been held up first by depression and then by war. But,
the end of the war was like a starting signal. By the summer of 1946, and with
the resumption of "The Lost Colony", new hotels, motels, restaurants, stores and
cottages were open for business at Nags Head, and many more were being planned.
Land prices rose steadily as new real estate developments were opened, and
tourists poured across the bridges.
Although many persons by this time assumed that the Cape Hatteras Seashore
Recreational Area project was'dead, an anonymous donor, later identified as two -
foundations established by the children of Andrew W. Mellon, offered in June of
1952, to give $618,000 for the purchase of park lands if the State of North
Carolina would provide matching funds; Pour days later the State appropriated
the funds and the park became assured.
With the development of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Nags Head
continued to develop since the Park made the town a more attractive vacation
center and since the major tourist services --food, lodging, and auto service --for
the Outer Banks area were in Nags Head. The Park and other'fanks' attractions
also caused tourists to demand easier access into the area, and in quick succession
a bridge was constructed across Croatan Sound to replace ferries from Mann's
Harbor to Roanoke Island in 1957, across the Alligator River in 1961 and across
Oregon Inlet in 1963. Completion of the Oregon Inlet Bridge made nearly the
entire length of the National Seashore easily accessible by motor vehicle
without having to meet ferry schedules,
Development of the National Seashore and subsequent construction of bridges
across the Alligator River, Croatan Sound and Oregon Inlet have had a tremendous
impact on the economy of Nags Head. Building has steadily increased and the
27

number of visitors to Nags Head has increased. Many of the visits to Nags
Head are tied directly to National Seashore visits. Some idea of the increase in
these related -visits can be obtained from the increase in the number of visits
to the National Seashore which rose from 578,000 in 1961 to a record of
1,783,737 in 1972, an increase of nearly 200 percent.
There was a phenomenal surge in both residential and commercial construc-
tion in Nags Head until 1972. In 1970 construction in Nags Head amounted to
$983,690 with 104 building permits being issued" In 1971 there were 273
building permits issued for a total of $1,671,810 and in 1972, 387 permits
were issued at a value of $5,905,629, This trend abated in the period 1972-
1974, decreasing to 184 permits issued at a total valuation of $1,741,063 in
1.974. However, figures through August of 1975 indicate that construction.is
again beginning to increase
Labor Porce Characteristics
Characteristics of the labor force are a major factor in the economic
development of the county and Nags Head. Utilizing factors such as labor,
seasonal unemployment, and commutation patterns, it is possible to define
manpower problems within the county and Town and to identify resources which
become the focus of long-range economic development programs,
Labor Force Participation
The age -sex specific activity rate is the molt useful measure of labor
force participation. These rates are calculated for each sex in the active
(age 16-65) age group -and they are a device for relating the economically
active population in a particular age group to the total population of that
group (Table 11).

Nags head
Dare County
Currituck-
Albemarle-Pamlico
Economic Region
TABLE 11
AGE -SEX -SPECIFIC ACTIVITY RATES , 1970
Age -Specific
Population
Male Female
160 131
2,040 _ 2,100
Age -Specific
Employment
Male Female
83 65
1,496 837
24,754 26,810 19,880 11,698
SOURCE: U, S, Census; Stephens Associates
Activity Rate
Male Female
51.9 49.6
73.3 39.8
80.3 43.6
The most obvious point in the comparison is that the male activity rate
for Nags Read is well below the rate of the county and the economic region.
These low rates possibly.reflect the folloiwng facts:
(1) An unusually large percentage of retirees reside in Nags Head in
comparison to the economic region and the County as a whole. An
examinat-ion-of=-Table 12, reveals the possibility that a number _r
of these retirees are within the age -specific limits of 16 to 64.
(2) Nags Head is more dependent upon the tourist industry than either
the economic region or the County. Seasonal employment possibly
accounts for the low activity rates.
(3) There is a lack of diverse economic opportunities in Nags Head,
making expanded job oppo.rtunities;an important consideration in the
economic development program.
29

TABLE 12
COUNT OF PERSONS 14 AND OLDER BY SEX, AND LABOR FORCE IN NAGS HEAD, 1970
MALE
FEMALE
Armed Forces
0
0
Employed
83
65
Unemployed
0
8
Inmate of Institution
0
0
Others Not in Labor Force;
Under 65-
33
39
65+
19
15
SOURCE: 1970,Census of Population and Housing
Unemployment
Unemployment statiscits are important economic indicators which permit
assessment of the overall strength and vitality of an economy and, perhaps more
importantly, identification of the magnitude of the economy's seasonal fluctua-
tions. The most current unemployment statistics are reported by the North
Carolina Employment Security Commission.
Unemployment is defined as all persons who did not work at all during the
reporting period but were able, available, and looking for work. The rate of
unemployment is simply the number of unemployed as a percent of the total work
force. Given today's highly mobile work force, for all practical purposes it is
impossible to achieve a "zero" rate of unemployment. In fact, economists at
the national level consider a 4 percent unemployment rate as "full employment."
Table 13 provides a comparison of the 1974 unemployment rates of Dare
County and.monthly unemployment figures. The Dare County annual rate is
slightly higher than that of the state; however, an examination of.the county's
monthly unemployment rate reveals marked seasonal fluctuations. In February,
the county's unemployment was at 20.'6\percent, it declined steadily to 0.7 percent
30

in August, and rose again to 9.3 in December.
TABLE 13
DARE COUNTY AND NORTH CAROLINA UNEMPLOYMENT RATES
North
Unemployment Rates Dare County Carolina
1974 Total
6.0*
4.5
1974 Monthly
January.
15.2
4.8
February
20.6',
4.0
March
16.9
3.8
April
9.2
3.3
May
4.1
3.1
June
1.9
3.8
July
1.0
4.5
August
0.7
3.4
September
.9
4.0
October
1:8
4.6
November
4.4
6.6
December
9.3
4.6
SOURCE: N.-C. Employment Security Commission, 1975.
*All figures are preliminary and subject to change.
Seasonal fluctuations are a long -recognized characteristic of economies
based primarily on the recreation industry. These fluctuations are the result
of changing demand which can be traced to three factors:
1. The product of the recreation industry --recreational experiences --must
be consumed within the county by the purchasers, leading to highly
seasonal demand because the consumer may choose the time to travel to
the county;
2. The demand for recreation has a high income --elasticity, meaning that
vacations are one of the first expenditures to be cut when a family's
disposal income drops and that the industry is highly susceptible to
fluctuations in the national economy;
3. Recreation demand is subject to changes in the weather.
31

Employment trends in the County should also reflect employment trends in
Nags Head., Table 13 (which does not give seasonal fluctuations) reveals that
there were eight unemployed persons.in Nags Head out of an age specific group
of 291 in 1970. This represents an,unemployment rate of only 2.7 percent.
However, this figure is misleading primarily because of the large number of
retirees under 65 years `of age who fall in the age -specific group.
While it is unrealistic to suggest that the.f1uctuationsM-in employment
could be dampened to the extent that it would resemble trends of more conven-
tional economies, it is possible, through innovative economic programming, to
capitalize on apparent off-season labor resources and thereby reduce the high
off-season unemployment.
Commuting Patterns
According to 1970 Census statistics shown in Table 14, approximately 18
percent of Dare's labor force commutes into the county for employment. The
commuters are from Currituck, Pasquotank, Tyrrell, and Hyde Counties. By
contrast, in 1970 only 4% of the labor force commuted out of the county for
employment.
These commutation patterns illustrate two important factors relating to
the county's economy"
1. They show the tremendous increase in economic opportunities within
the county.
2. They show that Dare County's rdcreation industry is becoming an
economic resource for -`surrounding areas as well as the residents
of the county.
In addition to job opportunities, commuting patterns are a function of
residential preferences and are difficult to modify to any great extent. However,
considering that 18 percent of the county's workers live outside the county and
spend most of their incomes in these other areas, the economic development
program should attempt to attract these commuting workers into the county. Such
32

programs should include concentrated efforts to provide suitable housing in
appropriate price ranges, year-round recreational and cultural facilities,
medical services, and a lengthened work season.
TABLE 14
DARE COMMUTING PATTERNS.
Area
Out -Commuting
In -Commuting
Currituck
15
216
Tyrrell
21
43
Norfolk -Portsmouth 42
0
Hyde
0
33
Beaufort
0
7
Washington
0
8
Camden
0
6
Pasquotank
0
63
Elsewhere
19
51
TOTALS
97
427
Net Commuting
+330 Workers
SOURCE: U. S.
Census, 1970.
Total Employment
In 1972, the Dare Beaches Water and Sewer'Authority took a survey of
employers on the Dare Beaches, Roanoke.Island, and Currituck County, obtaining
R
economic data. This survey provides the most up-to-date and only area -specific
data available.._Stephens and Associates rearranged the employment categories
of the survey to be comparable with various census categories in their Economic
Study of the`Dare Beaches. Much of the following discussion on total employment
will be drawn primarily from the Economic Study of Dare Beaches with specific
reference made to Nags Head where relevant statistics are available.
33

Between 1960 and 1970, the Dare economy became dominated by the recreation
industry. Employment.in the natural resource based industries --agriculture,
forestry, and fisheries declined greatly. In response to recreation demand,
food stores, restaurants, motels and hotels; became the leading employers of
the economy (Table 15). Service related industries employ the greatest number
of persons throughout the county.
TABLE 15
EMPLOYMENT SUMMARY BY MAJOR INDUSTRY GROUPS
Industry Groups
Agriculture, Forestry, and
Fisheries
Construction
Manufacturing
Transportation,
Communication and
Utilities
Wholesale Trade
Retail Trade
Services
Government
Not Reported
TOTALS
SOURCE: U. S. Census
Total Employment
1950 % 1960 % 1970
395
28.2
280
15.8
181
7.8
239
17.0
234
13.2
316
13.5
64
4.6
99
5.6
132
5.7
117
8.3
172
9.7
158
6.8
44
3.1
28
1.6
78
3.3
233
16.6
288
16.3
598
25.6
172
12.3
411
23.2
647
27.7
96
6.8
166
9.4
233
9.6
43
3.1
94
5.3
0
0
1,403
100.0
1;772
'100,0
2,333
100.0
34

TABLE 16
COUNT OF EMPLOYED PERSONS 14 AND OLDER BY INDUSTRY, NAGS HEAD, 1970
Employment
Industry Group 1970
Construction
12
8.3
Retail Trade
80
54.4
Services
18
12.2
Other Industries
37
25.1
TOTALS
147
100.0
SOURCE: U. S. Census
of Housing and
Population, 1970.
A comparison of the above two tables again serves to illustrate the
dependence of Nags Head and Dare County and recreation -oriented activities.
Retail trade and services account for approximately half of the county's
total employment and nearly two-thirds of the total employment in Nags Head.
The Tourist Industry
Recreation is a big business in the United States. Nags Head relies heavily
on tourism as the main source of outside income, Studies have shown that over
half of tourist expenditures are for food and lodging, meaning that the trade and
services sectors lead the industry. These sectors are characterized by small
businesses with low productivity. Also, skills and wages in these sectors are
generally low; often there are more jobs for women than men. In attempting to
determine summer visitor population on the Dare Beaches, Stephens & Assoc. estimated
that should all possible housing accommodations in 1971 be filled to capacity,
approximately 30,000 overnight visitors could stay on the Dare Beaches, This
would be in addition to the year-round residents, as well as employees who commute
to work on the Beaches. There are also a large number of day -visitors who are
FA
35

staying on Roanoke Island, are passing through the area to other lodging places,
or who have driven to the_Beaches from surrounding areas such as Norfolk or
Elizabeth City for the day. One estimate for 1971 had a peak weekend population
of 35,000 for the Dare Beaches. National Park Service records reveal that a
total of 1,525,228 persons visited the Park in 1974.
All these figures indicate the enormous impact summer visitors have on the
resort area. This impact is felt both physically and economically. Travel
spending in Dare.County in 1974 amounted to $57.5 million, making the county the
fifth highest in the state according to figures published by the North Carolina
Travel Survey. This figure represents --an increase of 14% over 1973. The trend
Is continuing in 1975 as figures of July 30; 1975 indicate that vacation travel
to the Dare Coast is ahead of the first six months of 1974. This increase is
occurring in spite of the general showing of the national economy.
It is obvious that proximity and total population contribute to the market
area of North Carolina's coastal region (see Table 17). The great majority of
visitors to Dare Beaches are from the eastern seaboard with Virginia having 247.
of that total. North Carolina has 17% of these visitors mostly from the large
population centers in the Piedmont. Pennsylvania and Maryland combine for 20%
of the total visitors. These four states are the residence for 62% of all
visitors.to the Dare Beaches.
The primary market area extends approximately 350 miles to the north,
including most of the New York City Metropolitan area. It approximates the
configuration of the "Megalopolis Corridor" extending somewhat more to the
west in Philadelphia and Virginia. In North Carolina, it extends only 100 miles
to the southeast due to the effects of other coastal resorts outside this area.
In 1970, the market area had a population of 30,897,072 people or roughly 15%
of the total population of the United States.
36

TABLE 17
ORIGIN OF VISITORS TO THE DARE BEACHES AND VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA
Percent of
Total Visitors
Dare Beaches
Virginia Beach
State
1970
1972
1972
1971 Overnight visitors
Study
Survey
Hotel
Registration
Guests
Virginia
24
24
19
24.2
North Carolina
17
17
9
2.0
Pennsylvania
12
12
14
13.1
Maryland
.9
9
14
10.1
Ohio
6
6
8
8.7
New York
5
5
7
14.4
New Jersey
4
4
6
7.3
West Virginia
2
2
3
1.9
South Carolina
2
2
District of Columbia
2
1
3
2.1
Delaware
--
1
2
.6
Others
17
17
15
15.5
TOTAL
100
100
100
100.0
Source: 1970 Greater Nags Head Chamber of Commerce Visitors Study; Tourist
Survey by North Carolina Office of Travel and Promotion; 1.972:
Survey of Labor Day Visitors to Sea Oatel and Carolinian, 1-972;
Tourist Development Division, City of,Virginia Beach, Registration
Data, 1971.
Analysis of Nags Head's economic base substantiates its reliance on
recreation as its primary source of outside income and emphasizes the short-
term as well as the long-term problems 'inherent in a narrowly -based recreation
economy:
1. Dare County's major product is recreational experiences;.however,
their consumption is seasonally oriented leading to extreme
fluctuations in demand and under -utilization of labor and resources.
2. Employment in recreation does not compare favorably with other
resource -based industries since wages are characteristically very low.
37

3. The recreation industry is extremely sensitive to fluctuations in
the national economy. Under adverse economic conditions, recreation
is one of the first items removed from the family budget.
4. The recreation resource is extremely sensitive to public policy.
Poor land management policies can severely damage the economic potential
of recreation resources.
On the positive side, the recreation industry is favored by a growing popula-
tion, increases in disposable income, and increased leisure.
Retail Sales
Retail sales are another indicator of Dare County's economic growth. With
recent population growth, rising incomes, development of the recreation industry,
and inflation, the level of retail sales is expected to increase; however, the
rate of increase is dependent primarily on the county's economic activity. As
shown in Table 18, retail sales have increased over 400% since 1960, reflecting
mainly the rapid expansion of the county's recreation -oriented industries.
The significant factors in Dare's retail sales growth are increasing
income, higher standards of living, and population growth. The growth of
Dare's retail trade industries, as measured by sales has been very strong
over the past 15 years. Even under adverse national economic conditions during
the 1967-69 period, the county's retail sales increased by almost 25 percent.
Retail sales trends in Dare also verify the development of the recreation
industry which was identified by the analysis of the county's employment.

TABLE 18
io DARE, CGUNTYili,
,R
ETAIL -r:1960*1-975.--
Year
Re ta:i I Sa es
,Fiscal.
Fisc'al Year
Current Do I A r,
- Increase
Percent"
1960-61
8,921,844
1961--62,
10,021,531J
12.
1962-63
i10r,7198,805
7.8
1963-64
12,156,285
12.6
1964-65
13,291,380
14,920,985.
12.3
1966-67
1 6,692,708
11.9
1967-68
1'7 's 5 7 7s' 4 7 9
5t:3
69--1
20,783,047,
8
1969-70,
23,.490,677
13.0
.1970-71
28,290,561
20.4
=
10i,72
2 254,:
32�22
' 5
13:9
1972-73�-'X;,-Il
881 600;:.
1973774
44,676,070
17.9
1974-75
48,731,661
9.1
SOURCE: N. C. Department of Revenue; Stephens'Associates.
39

TRANSPORTATION
The character4of.local and regional transportation systems is one of the
dominant factors controlling an area's growth and development. The history of
isolation and slow growth on the Outer Banks serves to illustrate this relation-
ship. An area irr which a major portion of the economy is tied directly to
recreation is even more heavily dependent upon access for economic development.
Three major factors which determine the success of a recreation area are:
1. Travel time from geographic centers of population to the
recreation area;
2. The comfort or discomfort of travel conditions; and
3. Total cost per visit.
Regional Access
Transportation systems serving the county are composed of many elements;
including highways, air, water, and rail. Highways are the most important
element providing access to Nags Head at the present time. However, increasing
disposable income and leisure time, as well as advances in transportation
technology, make it impossible to discount the importance of air and water
transportation in the future development of the area.
Highways
For all practical purposes, regional access to Nags Head is limited to
U.S. Highway 158 from the North and U.S. Highway 64-264 from the west. High-
way 158 enters the county from lower Currituck County via the Wright Memorial
Bridge over Currituck Sound. The Highway is two lanes and was constructed in
1931. Highway 64-264 is two lanes crossing the Alligator River, the.Croatan
and Roanoke Sounds. Route N.C. 12 carries traffic south from Nags Head to the
Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
40

Traffic Volumes
Average daily traffic (ADT) is defined as the average 24-hour traffic volume
for a given period of time. Highways are designed to accommodate a certain peak
ADT. The North Carolina State Highway Commission has collected volume data (64)
at the Alligator River Bridge and Highway 158 at the Wright Memorial Bridge.
These data in ADT form are presented in Table 19 for each month of the year.
It is estimated that approximately 75% of the traffic on U.S. 64 is
composed of passenger cars and that the remainder is commercial vehicles.
Although traffic composition counts were not made on U.S. 158, commercial usage
would be approximately the same as that on U.S.-64.
Highway Capacities
The Highway Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences - National
Research Council has published standards for judging traffic volume capacity
of various types of highways. These capacities are based primarily on the
width of the pavement.
Routes U.S. 64-264 and U.S. 158 are both two lane highways with a pavement
width of approximately 24 feet. Under the standards developed by the Highway
Research Board, these highways can accommodate a maximum of 7,300 vehicles per
day.
The data on average daily traffic presented in Table 19 indicates that the
U.S. 64-264 facility entering the county from the west will be adequate well
into the future. Route 158 entering the Dare Beaches from the north is already
dangerously close to capacity during the peak summer months of July and
August. Average daily traffic on Route 158 for the month of July increased
about 22 percent per year from 1970 to 1973, reaching a 1973 peak of 7256.
The ADT decreased slightly in 1974 but an increase is again expected which
should be reflected in the 1975 figures.
41

Table 19
MONTH
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
MEAN
Dare Beaches Monthly Traffic Volume
AVERAGE DAILY.TRAFFIC
HWHWKY 64
1970
1971,
1972
1973
1974
Mean
290
382"
441
542
525
436
348
427
448
578
432
447
481
503
601 '
680
518
557
526
890
864
1031
883
839.
775-
.1046
998
1225
1246
1058
1078
1442
1536
1649
1634
1468
1194
1687
1790
1917
1848
1687
1491
1522
1883
1901
1918
1743
993'-""
l060
_ 1267
1375
1284
1196
871
856
1088
1219
1314
1070
687
715
837
885
985
822
409
507
534
516
580
521
767 7 " 920 1024 1 `fZO`-"M7100 987
SOURCE: N. C. State Highway Commission
1970
1233
1487
2049
2459
4037
4843
5711
5892
3785
2709
2084
1583
3156
HIGHWAY 158
1971 1972 1973
1327
1718
1691
1821
1812
2509
3271
3435
4037
4064
5227
5516
6332
6741
6169
6782
4257
4472
2632
3150
2492
2567
1889
2054
2119
2417
2571
4173
4290
5955
7152
7256
4973
3995
3045
1968
4200
1974 Mean
1809 1641
1694 1822
2232 2235
3861 3440
4818 5015
5610 5430
6853 6558
7096 6639
4618 4421 '
2794 3236
3009 2639.
2060 1910
3970— 3701

Prior to the construction of .the bridges and highways, access was a major
factor inhibiting the growth of the area. Similarly, current trends seem to
indicate that highway congestion may again limit access to Nags Head, placing
a major constraint on development.
Air Transportation
Air travel, which had its birth in the Nags Head area, cannot be discounted
in the future development of the area. At this time, however, the future of
air travel and its impact on the county is not clear. Past trends in the
advance of air transportation technology and the increase in the number of
11.11 people utilizing air transport leads to the general conclusion that air,- -.
travel will be a major mode of transportation in the future and should be con-
sidered in land use plans.
Currently, the only localities providing regular commercial air service
are Norfolk, Virginia, a distance of about 70 miles and Elizabeth City, about
60 miles distance. Within a 60 mile radius of the county,.there are other air-
ports capable of handling private air traffic. These airports are located at
Edenton, Kill Devil Hills, Hatteras, and Manteo. The airport at Kill Devil
Hills is located on the site of the Wright Memorial and is operated by the
National Park Service. Although this airport offers no facilities other than
the runway, it appears -to be the logical site for the development of private
and light commercial air facilities to serve the Dare Beaches area.
Water Travel
Water travel will never again be as Amportant to the growth and develop-
ment of the county as it was in the period prior to the construction of the
bridge systems. It should, however, be viewed as an important recreational
42

experience. Consideration should be given to improving space for land uses,
such as marinas which are related to water travel.
Local Transportation System
Internal vehicular circulation in the beach is dependent primarily on
corridors, route 158'Business and 158 Bypass running in a north -south direction
between Kitty Hawk and Whalebone Junction. The area south of Whalebone is.
served by route 12. The Southern Shores and Duck communities north of Kitty
Hawk are served by State route 1200.
Due to the linearity of the beach area, efficient internal movement of
people and goods is difficult to achieve. This problem is destined to become
more difficult of current development practices 'continue. Route 158 Business,
which is located on the ocean side of the beach area, is heavily developed with
commercial, commercial -residential, and residential uses, each having individual
access on the two-lane highway. During the peak summer season, congestion
resulting from large numbers of automobiles entering and leaving the highway
makes rapid movement impossible.
Route 158 Bypass is located on the soundside of the Dare Beaches area
and is intended to route through traffic around congested 158 Business area.
The scattered location of business uses on the By-pass threatens this vital
function.
43

TOWN OF NAGS HEAD
EXISTING LAND USE
There are approximately 4627 acres of land in Nags Head of which only
about 17 percent (approximately 900 acres) is developed for urban purposes,
excluding streets and highways.
In order to obtain a.comprehensive view of the existing development in.
Nags Head a field survey was-conducted.in November of 1975, to determine how
all the land was being used. Each use was located and recorded on a large
map at a scale of 1" = 400', according to one of the following categories:.
(1) Commercial - includes all retail and minor wholesale operations,
commercial recreation facilities, and commercial services and'.;
businesses, i.e., Laundromats, barber shops, realty offices,
motels, hotels, rental cottages and all other commercial;
(2) Residential - includes all residential uses;
(3) Government and Institutional, Cultural, Entertainment, and
Recreation - Government and Institutional, and other uses
generally available to the public at large..
(4) Industrial.- manufacturing and processing uses.
(5) Transportation, Communication, & Utilities
(6) Undeveloped Land
(7) Agriculture
(8..) Forestland
(9) Water
(10) Wetland
(11). Barren -,including beaches, surface extraction and cleared transi-
tional land..
This information is displayed on the existing land use map.which accompanies
this report.
44

rnmmarrial
Much of the commercial development in Nags Head is tourist oriented with
restaurants, gift'shops, entertainment facilities and gasoline service stations.
Other,commercial uses consist primarily of grocery stores., fishing piers (with
bait.and`tackle shops) and commercial services such as realty offices, laundro-
mats, and similar uses.
The existing pattern -of commercial land uses in Nags Head is.scattered
along the major traffic corridors with seldom more than two or three business
establishments.in any one general location. Consequently, there are no identi-
fiable "business districts" as such in the Town of Nags Head.
Motels, Hotels and Cottage Courts
Approximately 7 percent of all developed land in Nags Head is occupied
by motels, hotels, and other commercial residential land uses of this nature.
With'the exception of some scattered rental cottages west of U. S. 158 Bypass
and a small number of cottage courts in south Nags Head,.most of the land uses
in this category are located between the 158 Bypass and the ocean beach extending
from the town limits on'the north, southward'to approximately one-half mile
south of Whalebone Junction.
Residential
It was difficult in many instances to distinguish between.permanent resi-
dences and the seasonal, rental cottages. The results of the "night survey"
conducted in 1972 showed that south Nags Head contained a proportionately
larger number of.year-round or permanent residences. Other areas containing
concentrations of year-round or.permanent'type dwellings were: 1.) along Danube
Street and Hesperides Street between the Highway 158 Bypass and Roanoke Sound;
and, 2) along Sound Side Road between the Bypass and the Sound. Locations of
other single family resort and year-round residences.were somewhat scattered
45

throughout.the developed sections of Nags Head. There is an indication of the
predominant mix of seasonal and permanent housing from rental signs located on
otherwise single family residential property and from the large numbers of
automobiles parked at single residences during the season. The response of
permanent residents to the survey also.indicated potential conflicts in this
mixture of use.
Although overall housing conditions in Nags Head are good, several unsound
structures still remain'. According to information obtained from "Social.
Indicators -Census Data Service" of the University of North Carolina in 1970,*
there were 637 housing units'in Nags Head. Of this total, approximately 45
houses are found to be substandard while 592 are standard. Most of the sub-
standard houses exist as single units among other better constructed and main
tained dwellings. There should be no problem in eliminating the few dilapi-
dated houses which are still standing.
HOUSING'CONDITIONS, NAGS HEAD
of Total
Total Housing.Units Substandard Housing Housing
637 45 7.0
GOVERNMENTAL AND INSTITUTIONAL, CULTURAL, ENTERTAINMENT, AND RECREATION
The land uses in this category located in Nags Head include: Jockey's
Ridge State Park, three churches; post office, Outer Banks Health Center,.Wa.ter
treatment plant, street maintenance facilities and water tank, State Highway.,
Patrol. Office, Town Hall and fire station,.and the fire station in south Nags..,
Head. The addition of, Jockey's Ridge State Park since the 1972 Land Develop-
ment Plan was published has increased the use of land in this category consid-
erably. The impact this will have on future allocation of land use must be
carefully considered as well as potential uses for the large amount of vacant
town owned property in the vicinity of the Fresh Pond.
46

Industrial
There is about one-half acre of land in Nags Head used for industrial
purposes, which is concrete manufacturing and accessory uses.
The industrial operation is located near the middle of a large tract,
undeveloped except for the Town Hall and water tower behind the plant and
residential development directly across from the cement plants The noise
and dust from the plant and other aspects.of the industrial operation conflict
with the other nearby uses of the land.

Summary and Conclusions
The general pattern of land use in Nags Head has not changes since 1972.
Commercially oriented residential uses, motels, hotels & cottage courts,
exceed other land uses in Nags Head. Most uses of this type are located in
the northern half of Nags Head east of the Highway 158 Bypass. South Nags
Head and the areas west of the 158 Bypass, contain a proportionately larger
number of single family dwellings which are occupied on primarily a year-round
basis or used as family resort homes.
Significant Land Use Compatibility Problems
Commercial land uses are scattered and are most frequently mixed with
other land uses. Although some areas of Nags Head contain more commercial
establishments than others, a solid nucleus of business and commercial uses has
not developed from which.a business district can grow and expand.
Becuase of mixed land uses, some residents are not afforded adequate
privacy and protection from the offensive characteristics of the more intensive
commercial and industrial operations. This is particularly true of the more
developed areas in Nags Head.
Maior Problems From Unplanned Development With Implications for The Future
Overzoning. Although many of the scattered commercial establishments in
Nags.Head existed prior to the adoption of zoning, overzoning for commercial
use has encouraged.the continuation of this pattern of development.
Scattered commercial development ususally results in unnecessary traffic
hazards, inefficient use of land, undesirable mixtures of land uses, incon-
veniences for customers and.an overall weakening of customer drawing power.
48

By centralizing or concentrating commercial development in a -few larger areas,
one or two points of access can serve a large number of business establishments
and reduce the hazards of traffic pulling onto and off of the highway at many,
different locations.
Customers find this type of development more convenient in many ways. One
stop, for instance, may take the place of several short trips. This saves time
and money and is much safer.
Centralized commercial development also facilitates better and more
successful merchandising and strengthens customer drawing power. A resident or
tourist who sets out to purchase a roll of film at the drugstore may discover
the ideal portrait for the den in the shop next door, or find the perfect beach
hat in the shop a few doors down.
Strip Commercial Zoning. Both sides of the 158 Bypass are presently zoned
for commercial use along its entire length in Nags Head. Strip commercial
zoning tends to=discourage development of centralized commercial facilities, and
when developed, it causes unnecessary traffic hazards from cars pulling onto and
off of the highway at so.many different locations. If left to develop as it is
now zoned, the Bypass will soon become choked with local, turning traffic and
much less useful for its intended purpose.
Another problem with strip commercial zoning exists along the causeway
between Nags Head and Roanoke Island. Eight commercial operations have now been
established along the causeway adding congestion and traffic hazards to an
already overcrowded highway during the tourist season. If commercial develop-
ment is permitted to continue within the narrow strips of land along the
highway the "bottleneck" situation will only worsen.
49

There are no other feasible locations to connect Nags Head with Roanoke
Island. Consequently, to alleviate traffic problems here, it will probably
be necessary to eventually widen the existing highway. It stands to reason
that more commercial development along the causeway will only hasten the need
to make corrective improvements (probably by widening the highway), and at the
same time make the purchasing of additional rights -of -way more expensive.
Steps should be taken to prevent additional development along the causeway
except where adequate setback of buildings is possible.
Mixed Land Uses: Perhaps the most widespread problem in the existing
development of Nags Head is that of mixed land uses. In some instances business
establishments, motels; rental cottages and permanent residences are located
side by side in the same block. In the highly developed sections of Nags Head
it would, in fact, be difficult to identify any one section or area as being
either residential or business.
Such an arrangement of land uses is. unsatisfactory in several ways.
Residential uses are not afforded adequate privacy and protection from the
offensive characteristics of commercial operations, i.e., offending odors,
unloading of heavy trucks, lights, traffic and noise associated with night
time operations, etc. And, most likely, the business owner or operator would
be constantly aggravated and possibly hampered in this operation by complaints
from neighbors.
Conflicting Industrial -Residential Land Uses_. The industrial operation
located adjacent to residential land uses is another example of incompatible
land use. Residents across from the concrete mixing plant are subjected almost
daily to the noise, fumes and dust which are produced in its operation. Not
only does this result in an unsatisfactory living environment, but property
values are depreciated for residential and tourist oriented uses,
50

The present location of the concrete plant is,.unsatisfactory for the
industry as well since under the existing zoning ordinance for Nags Head, the
industrial operation is considered a "non -conforming land use." This means
that expansion of the existing operation is not permitted either in size or
intensity. It appears that the present site is already too small with evidence
that part of the operation is spilling over onto the adjacent road right-of-way.
This would seem to indicate that expansion is already necessary, yet is not
permitted.
While this plant provides a vital product for the development of Nags Head
and the county, a more suitable location for this and similar uses should be
found.
In providing for the relocation of the existing industry, consideration
should also be given to other potential industrial needs such as wholesaling,
warehousing, commercial laundry etc. that are or will be needed in Nags Head
and the other tourist oriented communities.
Subdivision Regulations. Until December of 1971, the Town of Nags Head
did not have regulations governing the subdivision of land. The only require-
ment was that a plat of the subdivided property be recorded with the Dare
County Register of Deeds. As a result of not having subdivision regulations,
many poorly planned and deficient subdivisions have been created.
The following is a list of the more common defects found in the subdivisions
which were recorded prior to the adoption of subdivision regulations in.Nags
Head:
1) Inadequate or badly designed street system--i.e., no provisions for
access to adjacent areas which will likely be developed in the future;
streets too narrow (width.of less than 10' in some cases); no publicly
dedicated streets (access by private,easement only); excessively long
dead-end streets, etc.
51

2) Street construction below minimum standards, i.e., unstable street
beds, street surface too thin, faulty or no curbing etc.
3) Topography of land unsuitable for building purposes, i.e., barren,
unstabilized sand dunes, inadequate drainage, etc.
4) Lack of utility and drainage easements, i.e., easements should be
provided on all side and rear property lines of up to 10 feet so
that later construction and development of improved services will
not be hindered.
When subdivisions are defective in one or more ways, res.idents are not
afforded satisfactory living conditions and usually an unnecessary financial
burden is placed on the community in that the cost of street and utility
maintenance is excessive. In addition, expensive corrective improvements
are often required in later years to alleviate the problems associated with
poorly designed and developed subdivisions.
An example of an otherwise unnecessary expanse is when a street is con-
structed with a base or bed which is too shallow and wearing surface which
is too thin. It,may look alright and last for a year or two but invariably
the street will begin to break up after only a few years resulting in the need
to patch or possibly replace the whole street. Not only does this give a bad
appearance but usually the whole community is forced to pay (through taxes) for
the benefit of a few.
The need for strict enforcement of subdivision regulations has been
demonstrated.
Areas Likely to Experience Major Changes in Predominant Land Use
The overall pattern of land use within Nags Head is not expected to change
significantly over the next ten years. Two major factors will influence this
projection however. The town is participating in the regional wastewater
52

facilities study which will culminate in a plan for sewage treatment for
Roanoke Island and Bodie Island. If the current timetable is accurate,
construction of the facilities recommended by that study will be around
ten years in the future; The expansion of the present water system is
scheduled for completion toward the end of 1976.
The primary constraints on development other than the availability of
capital have been the inadequate water system and the land area required for
septic tank and package sewage disposal systems. The removal of these`two-
constraints will require strict adherence to development policies and standards
to insure that the resulting development maintains the quality and character,
which the citizens of Nags Head have indicated they want to preserve.
53

CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES AW REGULATIONS
1. The following plans are currently in effect:
Nags Head Land Development Plan 0 972)
The Land Development Plan designates future probable land use areas for
low,` medium and high density residential use:, for motels and hotels, for
general commercial use and for public and industrial land uses. The Plan
was prepared by the Nags Head Planning Board with technical -assistance
from the N. C. Department of Natural.and Economic Resources, Division
of Community Services.
Nags Head -Kill Devil Hills Thoroughfare Plan (1972)
The Thoroughfare Plan outlines a coordinated system of major streets and
highways to serve as a basis for the future development of Nags Head and
Kill Devil Hills. It was prepared by the N. C. Department of Transportation.
2. The following plans ,are work in progress:
Master Drainage Plan
The U. S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service and
N. C. Department of Human Resources are designing a drainage plan for the
entire Town to eliminate storm drainage problems and to lessen flood hazard.
6
Waste Water Facilities Plan (201)
Henry Von Oesen Associates are preparing a plan for sanitary sewage facili-
ties for Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Roanoke Island and the North Dare
Beaches Area.
Community Facilities Plan and Public Improvements Program
The Nags Head Planning Board is undertaking this study of.the.faciliti.es
required to support desired growth in the Town, the.costs and funding
sources,with technical assistance from the N. C. Department of Natural and
Economic Resources, Division of Community Assistance.
54

3. The following Land -Use Policies and Regulations are in effect:
Zoning Ordinance (1962)
The Zoning Ordinance with subsequent amendments establishes zoning
districts for appropriate uses within the Town and sets.controls on the
location, height, bulk and uses of structures. The Planning Board is
working on a complete revision of the ordinance at this time.
Subdivision Ordinance (1971)
Establishes procedures and minimum standards for subdividing land in
Nags Head and requires developers to install streets, utilities and
preserve -frontal dunes in ocean front subdivisions.
Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance (1975)
Requires an erosion control plan for land disturbing activities.in Nags
Head.
Dune Protection Ordinance (1971)
Nags Head enforces the Dare County Dune Protection Ordinance within the
corporate limits. It requires a permit before altering any dune or
vegetation thereon and requires structures to be set back at least 150
feet from mean high water of the Atlantic Ocean.-
N. C. Building Code
Nags Head requires building permits for construction or modification of
structures in accordance with the N. C. Building Code.
Flood Hazard Ordinance .(1975)
Nags Head is in.the permanent flood hazard program of the Federal Insur-
ance Administration. The ordinance establishes flood hazard boundaries.
and sets development standards for structures in the various hazard zones.
55

Improvements (Septic Tank) Permits
Inspection and evaluation of each lot is required prior to construction
which is dependent on septic tanks, Under -sized lots or lots with un-
suitable soil characteristics.cannot be developed with septic tanks.
The Dare County Health Department enforces the ordinance and makes the
evaluation.
4. Enforcement Procedures
Nags Head employs a full-time Building Inspector who is responsible to
the Town Manager for the enforcement of all land use,controls except for
the improvements permits which are administered by the Dare County Health
Department.
56

SECTION II
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ACTIVITIES
57

ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF OBJECTIVES,
POLICIES AND STANDARDS
The Coastal Area Management Act of 1974 requires that land use plans be
adopted for each of the twenty coastal counties named in the Act.and certain
coastal towns. If any locality fails to develop its own plan, it is to be
done for them by the State. The Nags Head Commissioners notified the State
that they intended to develop their own plan. Impediately, Nags Head residents
became aware that they were going to be required to face the future squarely
by planning not only for the very near future but for generations to come.
A questionnaire was used as a basis to offer planning alternatives as to
how Nags Head should grow and develop, identify issues which were seen as
,problems by citizens, and determine objectives of. the Land Use Plan.
Citizens were asked to indicate the degree of encouragement of di.scourage-
ment which they felt should be given to the following topics: agriculture;
fishing industry; tourism; forestry; construction; research/development industry;
light industry (warehousing assembly; etc.); heavy industry; residential develop-
ment; single family residences; high rise residences; low rise multi -family.
residences; preservation of open space; new and improved cultural facilities
(libraries, art galleries, theaters etc.); increased accessibility to Dare
County; improved tourist facilities (convention centers, etc.); urban growth;
protection of residential areas from encroachment by commercial or industrial
enterprise; preservation of wildlife habitat; regulation of dunes and shore-
line; and soil conservation.
In responding to the questionnaire, citizens were askedto indicate their
degree of concern with such problem areas as water supply, traffic congestion,
sewage disposal, solid waste disposal, high rise construction, lack of medical
services, limitations on building height, pollution of oceans and sounds, over-

population, commercialization, small lots, lack of open space, lack of recrea-
tional facilities, destruction of dunes and beaches, lack of job diversifica-
tion, lack of comforts and conveniences, lack of drainage, erosion by wind
and water, lack of economic development, lack of industry, lack of planning,
infringement upon individual rights,.lack of county services, controlled growth,
and control of.natural resources.
The interests and concerns expressed by the citizens of the town during
this process became the basis for the goals and policies which will guide
future growth in Nags Head. Appendix A contains a copy of the citizen survey
questionnaire and a summary of the results.

IDENTIFICATION OF MAJOR LAND USE ISSUES
The public participation process resulted in the identification of the maJor
land use issues and problems as perceived by the citizens of Nags Head and the
development of long-range goals and policies to guide future growth which
reflect the concerns expressed by them.
A. Population and Economic Trends
The permanent population of Nags Head is estimated to have increased over
20% in the five years since the last census. The statistical profile of
Nags Head residents indicates an increasingly older population with an
average family size of only 2.6 which is significantly smaller than other
communities in the region.. The attraction of Nags Head for retirees is
evident in this trend.
The implications of an increasingly older population in Nags Head are that
specialized demands will be placed on health care and other community ser-
vices and that the: buying power of persons on fixed incomes will more
immediately reflect fluctuations in the national economy.
The economic and physical impact of seasonal visitors to .Nags Head must
be carefully measured and taken into account for planning municipal facili-
ties and services.- Summer visitors in 1975 had the effect of increasing
the population of the town by more than 1,500 percent almost overnight. In
spite of a general slowing of the economy of the entire nation, visitation
to this area actually increased in 1975.
The needs -and desires of permanent residents seeking a retirement haven and
the requirements of the tourist oriented economy of the town must be
balanced in the future development of Nags Head. It is also important to
try to achieve stabilization of the highly seasonal economy through pro-
grams designed to extend the tourist season and to increase local partici-
pation.in the supply and service industries.
60

B. Housing and Community Services
The most urgent problem identified by the residents of Nags Head was the
lack of readily available medical and health care services. This problem
will become even more critical as the population increases,
The inadequacy of the present municipal water supply is recognized as an
urgent problem by the residents. This problem is emphasized when the peak
demand is placed on the system by seasonal visitors at the time when fresh
water recharge through rainfall is at its lowest. Septic tanks are no
longer a satisfactory solution to the problem of sewage disposal when
population densities begin to increase as they have in Nags Head. A
modern sewage disposal system has become necessary to prevent the pollution
of the highly productive sounds as well as to prevent potential pollution
of the water -table aquifer which is the source of water for many domestic
and commercial wells.
Disposal of increasing amounts of trash and garbage is recognized as an
important concern in Nags Head. The solid waste problem is compounded by
the fact that suitable sites for disposal are also areas which have the
greatest potential for development.
While there are some recreation attractions for tourists, the recreation
needs of permanent residents have not been recognized. As the community
develops, expanded cultural and recreational facilities will be required
to meet the increasing demand. Other community services including
police and,fire protection, education and social services must take
into account the dual and seasonal nature of the populace of Nags Head.
61

Unplanned location of commercial and industrial land uses near residential
neighborhoods has created some incompatible situations in the town. The
residents of Nags Head see this as a problem along with the over -commer-
cialization of the beach which could destroy the "family beach" atmosphere
that is the major attraction for many visitors. Overcrowded development
on small lots and structures which are out of scale with the low profile
of vegetation and land features also threatens the style of living
valued by Nags Head residents.
C. Productive Natural Resources
Nags Head is located at the edge of some of the world°s most productive
breeding grounds for shellfish and finfish. Commercial fisheries have
long been a mainstay of the local economy. In recent years sport and
recreational fishing and related tourism has over -shadowed commercial
gishing as the basis for economic well being. The use of land as a base
for the varied recreational.experiences available here is part of the
natural wealth of the area.
The interdependence of these two most valuable of productive resources,
the water and the land, make it imperative that their use be carefully
managed to conserve their productivity. Soil erosion by wind and water.
and pollution of the sounds and ocean are problems which threaten to
destroy the very things which make Nags Head attractive.
D. Important Natural Environments
Nags Head is the site of two areas which have been designated as National
Landmarks. Jockey's Ridge, which has been acquired as a State Park,
62

is recognized as the highest natural sand dune on' the East Coast of the
United States. Nags Head Woods is a unique example of maritime forest
which covers ancient dunes with frequent fresh water ponds and bogs.
Their conservation is necessary to insure that -future generations of coastal
residents and visitors have the opportunity to participate in an important
part of the coastal experience.
E. Cultural and Historic Resources
Jockeys Ridge and Nags Head Woods are only two of many cultural and
historic resources of this area. Tf'e -vicinity also includes '°M M7"of
the first English settlement in America and the site of man's first powered
flight. This rich, natural, cultural, and historic heritage constitutes
one of the greatest assets of the area and one which is important to preserve
so that it continues to attract visitors to the Outer Banks.
The first residents of the Nags.Head area selected their home sites with
care. They worked on the beaches and in the sounds, but they built their
homes in sheltered, stable locations well protected from the winds and
storms. This proven example of how to live in a fragi.le and sometimes
hostile environment is part of the cultural heritage of Nags Head which
should serve as a guide for future development,
63

DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES, POLICIES ANDSTANDARDS
A. The citizens of Nags Head have indicated their concern witty the. qualities
of living in Nags Head.which are most important to ahem and which:seem_
most in danger of being lost if present trends.continue., These qualities
are:
1. The slow pace of life in Nags Head.
2. Freedom from pollution and the pressures or, urban populations.
3. The natural environment of the Outer Banks and the recreational
activities associated with ita
4. The inaccessibility of Nags Head and the privacy available here.
The overall goal of the Nags Head Land Use Plan will be to preserve
and enhance these -qualities which are unique.to Nags Head so that.`the'
town will continue to be a pleasant place to live for permanent residents.
and remain attractive to the visitors who are vital to the.economic
well-being of the town:
B. The citizens of Nags Head indicated general agreement with the Goals of.
the 1972 Land Development Plan but suggested some alternative objectives
and policies for achieving those goals. The concepts which most people
agreed upon aretheassumptions on which the development policies and
standards will be based.
to Effective planning can minimize the potential conflicts between the
sound economic development of Nags Head and the natural environment
which is the major attraction of the area.
2. Nags Head should give a high priority to improving community services
and utilities to accomplish the objectives of the Land Use.Plan.
64

Goal
3. Any industries or other large scale development should provide
local officials with an assessment of the primary and secondary
impact that such development will have upon the natural and cultural
environment of Nags Head.
4. The natural resources -of the area must be conserved to maintain their
attractiveness and protective functions.
5. The growth of Nags Head should be controlled in accordance with
plans for the provision of the necessary services to accommodate
that growth.
Provide for the development and expansion of the tourist industry as
the major industry of Nags Head.
Objectives
1. The "Family Beach" atmosphere is the attraction which brings most visitors
back to Nags Head. This image should be reinforced and encouraged.
2, The seasonal fluctuations of the tourist oriented economy should be
stabilized by extending the season to make -more economical use of
facilities and services.
3. Public access to the beach should be provided for land -locked property
owners.
4. The development of a commercial services park for the location of whole-
sale.warehousing and distribution activities would help to retain a
larger share of the recreation income in Nags Head as well as provide
a wider range of job diversification.
5. The construction of vacation homes will be encouraged to increase private
investment in Nags Head and to help extend the tourist season.
65

Goal
Coordinate the future growth and development of the Town of Nags Head
with adjacent municipalities and with Dare County.
Objectives
1. This plan, under the guidelines of the Coastal Area Management Act,
represents a joint effort between the Planning Boards of Nags Head,
Dare County, Kill Devil Hills and Manteo. Further cooperative planning
efforts should be encouraged for the periodic review and revision of
policies affecting all of the local governments.
2. The development of an adequate water and sewer system to serve the
needs of this growing community is imperative. Coordination of each
unit of government involved is required for the successful achievement
of this objective.
3. The joint Thoroughfare Plan prepared for the Towns of Nags Head and
Kill Devil Hills by the N. C. Department of Transportation -should be
adopted as part of the overall planning program along with the specific
recommendations for implementation included in it.
Goal
Conserve air, water, and land resources and preserve the natural environ-
ment to the extent possible.
Objectives
1. Proposed development should not destroy or irretrievably alter:
A. wetlands
B. Frontal Dunes
C. Beaches
66

D. Estuarine.or Impounded Surface Waters
E. Prime Wildlife Habitat
F. Unique natural areas, historic or archeological sites
2. Proposed development should not encroach upon or be endangered by:
A. Areas of special flood hazard
B. Ocean front erosive areas
C. Inlets and areas within range of their migration
D. Estuarine erosive areas
3. Proposed development should not significantly affect the quality or
reduce the value of:
Goal
A. Public or privately owned forest, park, game lands, sanctuaries or
other non -intensive recreation.areas.
B. Aquifers, or aquifer recharge areas, or public water supply water-
sheds or water supply areas.
Provide for the orderly growth and development of Nags Head as a
community for year-round family living as well as a family ocean
resort community.
Objectives
The development of land and water areas within Nags Head should be undertaken
in accordance with sound resource management principles in order to make the
most economic use of public funds invested in services and to enhance private
investment in the long term future of the Town. The following standards will
guide the location of development in appropriate areas and identify certain
measures necessary to insure safety and convenience for residents of and
visitors to Nags Head.
67

A. General Standards -
1. Development should be located on stable, well -drained soils with a
relatively low water table.
2. Structures should be located on the development site to avoid the
destruction of existing vegetation wherever possible.
3. Structures should be located on site to avoid the alteration of the
natural land form°wherever possible.
4. Development should be located to minimize interference with established
patterns of surrounding land use and to prevent conflict between
incompatible uses of land and water.
5. Development should be located to avoid the destruction or irre-
trievable alteration of fragile or valuable natural or cultural
resources.
6. Development should not occur in areas where there is a demonstrated
danger of the loss of life or property due to natural or man-made
processes.
7. Development in areas subject to coastal flooding should be designed
and located to minimize the damage caused by such flooding.
8. Development should be located and timed to make the most efficient
and economical use of existing or proposed public services including
water, sewer, police, fire protection, schools, libraries and other
services.
B. Residential Standards -
1. Permanent neighborhoods should be located in:sheltered areas pro-
tected from encroachment by major transportation route$ and in-
compatible commercial and industrial development.
ME

2. _Permanent nei§hborhoods should maintain low density levels and
large amounts of useable open space to preserve the privacy and
aesthetic appeal which characterize the traditional settlements
of the Outer Banks.
3. Seasonal and vacation residences should be located with conven-
ient access to transportation routes and recreational activities.
4. Residential development which requires septic tanks for sewage
disposal should follow current health requirements as to soil type,
height of water table and area to prevent pollution of ground water
supply, aquifer recharge areas or estuarine -waters,
5. Development which results in residential densities over 3 families
per acre should be served by public or community sewage disposal
systems.
C. Commercial Standards
1. General commercial activities, business and tourist services require
locations adjacent to major thoroughfares. The uncontrolled dev-
elopment of commercial sites at scattered locations along hi.ghways
does not promote good business, is inconvenient for shoppers .
(especially tourists unfamiliar with the area), promotes inefficient
use of valuable developable land, creates dangerous traffic conflicts
at each driveway entrance, and seriously impairs the capacity and
function of the highway. Therefore, commercial development should
be concentrated in groups of complementary uses where possible.
2. Small commercial enterprises of less than one acre are encouraged to
locate where suitable sites exist among existing commercial uses in
order to take advantage of combined drawing power and to increase
customer convenience.
M.

3. Large scale commercial developments involving one acre or more are
encouraged to concentrate complementary uses on sites large enough
to provide ample parking, controlled access to highways, and suitable
buffering for adjacent residential use,
4. Convenience retail facilities designed and limited to serve neighbor-
hood level trade areas only may be appropriate adjacent to some resi-
dential neighborhoods if properly buffered to minimize impact on
adjacent residences.
5. Since the natural beauty of the area is one of its greatest attrac-
tions to tourists and permanent residents, advertising signs should
be located only where they do not obscure or detract from that natural
beauty.
6. Water related commercial activity such as marinas and piers should be
located in naturally protected areas as near deep water as possible
where the least amount of alteration of vital marsh and estuarine
bottom is required.
D. Industrial Standards -
1. Industries will be required to provide an assessment of the impact
of primary and secondary development caused by the industry and
should use the best available technology to avoid pollution of the
water or air during construction and in production.
2. Industries which are not entirely dependent upon waterfront loca-
tions should be located elsewhere.
70

PROCESS USED TO DETERMINE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The Town of Nags Head has maintained an active planning program since its
incorporation in 1961. Over the years, it has adopted and periodically
updated a Land Development Plan to guide the growth of the town in an orderly
manner.
Ordinances have been passed to enforce the standards set by the plan which
has been implemented by the Planning Board and Commissioners to achieve many
of the goals stated in it.
In 1974, the North Carolina General Assembly passed the Coastal Area Manage-
ment Act requiring coastal communities to adopt land use plans which reflect
the desires and needs of coastal residents and insure the protection, preserva-
tion, orderly development, and management of the Coastal Area. The Town Com-
missioners designated the Nags Head Planning Board as the responsible agency
for assuring that the Nags Head Land Use Plan was in compliance with the Act.
To insure the maximum amount of public participation in the planning process
and to assist them in necessary revisions of,the existing land use plan, the
Planning Board appointed a Citizens Advisory Committee on Land Use Planning.
The responsibilities of the Citizens Advisory Committee were:
(1) To advise the Board of Commissioners and Planning Board during the
preparation of the Land Use Plan required by the Coastal Area'
Management Act of 1974.
(2) To secure the views of a wide cross section of citizens, representing
not only different geographical areas of the Town, but the varying
economic, social, and cultural interests as well, on the goals and
policies for the Land Use Plan.
71

(3) To make sure that individuals in the community understand the problems
and procedures involved in land use planning and to get individuals to
take an active part in evaluating present land use and planning for the
future development of the town.
The Planning Board and the Citizens Advisory Committee held public meetings for
the north, central, and southern areas of the Town to inform the citizens of
the requirements of the -Coastal Area Management Act and to receive their in-
put for the preparation of this Statement of Objectives and Policies which
will become the basis for guiding the future development of the Town.
Members'of the Nags Head Planning Board participated in the development of
a Questionnaire which was used to elicit public response and to help define
the objectives and concerns of the citizens of Nags Head.
Personal -door-to-door and face-to-face contact of residents -by members of the
Planning Board and Advisory Committee was responsible for getting large numbers
of local citizens involved In the Planning Process. Local newspaper articles
and radio interviews were also used to increase awareness of the program.
Over 30% of the permanent population responded to the questionnaire and over
27% of questionnaires mailed to non-residents property owners were returned.
The large number of additional written comments on the questionnaires
indicated a real concern with the direction the town was taking. The response
of the participants at the community meeting was well thought out and
generated some meaningful direction for revisions in the existing Nags
Head Land Use Plan.
72

SECTIO11 III
CONSTRAINTS 011 OEVCLbpnE11T
73

CONSTRAINTS ON DEVELOPMENT
TOWN OF NAGS HEAD
The majority of literature on coastal features and processes used to docu-
ment this report applies generally to the area of Nags Head but very little
information is available which treats Nags Head specifically. For that reason,
the information which was gathered for Dare County in its entirety is presented
here. Those items which apply specifically to Nags Head are listed below:
I. Physical Limitations for Development
A. Hazard Areas
(1) Ocean Erodible Areas
(2) Estuarine Erodible Areas
B. Areas with Soil Limitations
C. Sources of Water Supply
II. Fragile Areas
A. Coastal Wetlands
B. Sand Dunes Along the Outer Banks.
C. Jockey's Ridge
D. Ocean -Beaches and Shorelines
E. Estuarine Waters
F. Public Trust Waters
.G. Complex Natural Areas
Nags Head Woods
H.' Areas That Contain Remnant Species
Nags Head Woods
I. Registered Natural Landmarks
Jockey's "Ridge
Nags Head Woods
J. Historic Areas
First Colony House
Beach Cottage Row
Fearing House
III. Areas With Resource Potential
Jockey's Ridge State Park
74

DARE COUNTY CONSTRAINTS ON DEVELOPMENT
The following outline and discussion identify the areas within Dare County
which could be recognized as constraints on undeveloped land as required in
,the State Guidelines under the Coastal Area Management Act of 1974.
I. Physical Limitations for Development
A. Hazard Areas
1. Man-made
2. Natural
a. Ocean Erodible Areas
1. Location and Extent of Dare County Beaches
2. Shoreline Changes
3. Littoral Drift
4. Inlet Changes
5. Storm Recessi-n Forecasts
b. Estuarine Erodible Areas
B. Areas with Soil Limitations
1. Soil Associations in Dare County
2. County Soil Map and Soil Interpretation Chart
C. Sources of Water Supply
1. Groundwater
2. Surface Water
D. Areas With Steep Slopes
II. Fragile Areas
A. Coastal Wetlands
B. SandDunesAlong the Outer Banks
C. Ocean Beaches and Shorelines
D. Estuarine Waters
E. Public Trust Waters
F. _Complex Natural Areas
1. Natural Areas Designations in "Potential for Outdoor
Recreation in Dare County, N.C."
2. Maritime Forests and Fresh Water Ponds
a. Nags Head Woods
1. Flora
2. Fauna
3. Durant Island
4. Dare County Pocosin
G. Areas that Sustain Remnant Species
1. Rare and Endangered Animals
2. Rare and Unique Plant Species
H. Registered Natural Landmarks
I. Historic Areas
III. Areas With Resource Potential
A. Productive Agricultural Lands
B. Potentially Valuable Mineral Sites
C. Publicly Owned Parks
D. Wildlife Sanctuaries
7S

I. PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS ON DEVELOPMENT
Physical Limitations on Development are areas likely to have conditions
making development costly or causing undesirable consequences if developed.
As seen in the preceding outline, a discussion on physical limitations should
include Hazard Areas, Areas with Soil Limitations, and Sources of Water Supply.
A. Both Man-made and Natural Hazard Areas should be considered. -Man-made
hazard areas within Dare County include the airport located in Manteo, the
airstrips located in Kill Devil Hills and Hatteras, as well as the bombing
range located on the mainland. Natural hazard areas include Ocean Erodible
Areas and Estuarine Erodible Areas which are discussed in the following
paragraphs.
Ocean Erodible Areas
These areas are defined in the State Guidelines as the area above mean
high water where excessive erosion hasa high probability of occurring.
Ocean erodible areas are extremely dynamic lands highly susceptible to
becoming completely displaced by water.
The active beach area consists of the beach and the outer barrier dune.
During normal wind and tide conditions, the beach front absorbs the energy of
the waves, and it is regularly unundated by tides. During extreme weather
conditions, the outer barrier dune serves as the island's first line of
defense against the sea.
Two important processes occur in the active beach area --one is the noamal
process of deposition and erosion of sand by winds and waves, and the other
is the occasional breaching of the barrier dune and the resulting overwash
caused by storms. Studies have shown that the combination of erosion and over -
wash produce a slow westward movement of the island. Under natural conditions,
the beach is eroding inland, and the soundside shore is extending into the
sound at approximately the same rate.
An article on the Outer Banks by Collier Cobb of UNC in the National
Geographic.Magazine stated that at one time the area was..thickly forested
up to the water's edge. After the Civil War, Bodie and Hatteras Islands
were deforested for ship timbers, hence, initiating the erosi,on that has
affected the area up to,the present.
Alteration through improper development in'the ac'tive'beaci area appears
to produce an acceleration of the natural processes. Development in the.active
beach area*.must be.considered from the standpoint of high potential loss of
life and property, the destruction of the natural landscape, and destruction
of the island's barrier against the forces of the sea. Both forms of
destruction will have major economic consequences.
76

..Location and Extent of the Dare County Beaches
Bodie Island -The island is lined on the ocean side with a 33-mile
stretch -of beach from Dare-Currituck County line to Oregon Inlet. The island
varies in width from about one-half to two miles. The area from the southern
boundary of Nags::Head to Oregon Inlet is under the.care of the Cape Hatteras
National Seashore Recreation Area and the -National ,Park Service. 'The princi-
pal communities in the island are Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk.
Hatteras.Island,- The shoreline west of Cape Hatteras is a 13-mile stretch
which is.,rat er straight towards to the west to Hatteras Inlet with'..a smail
"concave.portion close to the Cape. To the north of the Cape is a 39-mile
stretch.of:coastline.consisting mainly of two straight sections and a convex
section towards the Atlantic Ocean in the vicinity of Rodanthe. The island
is very%narrow except in the area near the Cape.
The`principal,towns or communities are Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, and
Buxton .north,of­Cap.e Hatteras, and Frisco and Hatteras,in the western segment.
The -resident -population live within the limits of these communities; the re-
mainder of the island in the -Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area
is practically uninhabited except for the Coast Guard Stations -located therein.
Shoreline Changes*
Two changes,in the ocean shoreline of the area have been determined by
comparing surveys. made by the U..S. Coast and -Geodetic Survey until 1860,
aerial..;photographs,.of the area, and a survey made by the Corps of Engineers
in 1958. Findings gathered by Langfelder et.'al.. (1968) and Whals (1973)
on the coastal -erosion of the N. C. Coastline were also employed.
Athearn and Ronne (1963) in their study of shoreline changes in the
vicinity of Cape Hatteras, pointed out that erosion of the south beach at the
Cape was quite impressive. At the southwest section, the loss between-1945
and,1953 amounted.to.1,500 feet measured roughly along the high water line.
The orientation..of.the beach changed substantially. The former trend was
west-northwest to,east-southeast; since 1953, the trend has been west to east.
Most of the erosion was said to be confined to a. pie -shaped wedge near the
point,:apparently with little change occurring farther west. Another 300
(feet was lost between 1953 and 1958; however, the dune stabilization program
" �of the National.Park Service somewhat stabilized with some accretion observed.
House Document No. 763, 80th Congress (1948) reported from data.gathered
between-1848 and 1934 an average annual accretion of 0.8 foot over the 56
miles of shoreline from the'Virginia State line southward. The area of ero-
sion..was-noted at.a section where the coast changes direction between 50 and
80.mi1es from the Virginia State line. Between Cape Hatteras to Ocrocoke Inlet,
an average erosion of 2.2 feet per year was observed. At Cape Hatteras itself,
a progressive erosion has been experienced.from 1848 to 1934 with the eastern
`... *From Coastal'Erosion by Jerry Machemehl.
77

face averaging.21 feet per year. The southwestern face of the Cape has ac-
creted at an average of 24.2 feet per year. 'The net change indicated a loss
of 127 acres for the immediate vicinity of the Cape.
The study made in 1947 by the Corps of Engineers of shoreline changes
in the Nags Head area from 32 to 66 miles from the Virginia State line
showed a mixed pattern of erosion and accretion. Erosion occurred at most
stations prior to 1935. From 1935 to 1937 accretion prevailed. Likewise,
from 1937.to 1939 more sections experienced accretion than erosion. However,
the net result for all the area except for that close to inlets was erosion..
of from 5 to 95 feet, or a maximum rate of nearly 12 feet per year. From
1931 to 1939, there was a recession of 1,020 feet at the area near the north
side of Oregon Inlet, but an accretion of 165 feet at the south side. The
area north of New Inlet accreted 35 feet during the same period. An exami-
nation of figures 1 and 2 reveals the amount of erosion or accretion which
has occurred during the period 1949-1971 along the Dare County barrier chain.
Littoral Drift
The predominant- littoral drift was as expected in the shoreline north
of Cape -Hatteras, would be southward.- Wave action accounts mostly for the
marked predominance of the southward drift. The predominance of the south-
ward drift has been further confirmed by southward migration of inlets and
southward trailing of underwater.spits at Cape Hatteras. The closure of
most of the breaches through the barrier beach early in their development
could also explain the fact that the volume of littoral material being
moved is quite large.
The direction of the littoral drift is easterly from Hatteras Inlet to
Cape Hatteras per the findings of'Langfelder et. al. (1968). This accounts
for the considerable accretion of material around Cape Ha-Qteras where this
easterly drift meets the southerly drift coming from the north of the Cape.
The amount of accretion in this portion ranges from 80,000 to 400,000 cubic
yards, increasing in the direction of the Cape.
Inlet Changes
The north tip of Ocracoke Island receded southwesterly covering a
distance of 8,100 feet, an average annual rate of about 80 feet. The south
tip of Hatteras Island advanced southwesterly about 3,200 feet, an average
annual rate of 30 feet. The width of Hatteras Inlet increased from 3,500
feet in 1852 to about 8,400 feet in 1958. Welch (1885) did some research
work on the account -of the cutting through of Hatteras Inlet where he found
that there is substantial evidence from many reliable sources that this
inlet was opened during a great gale on September 7, 1846.
78

E
DARE COUNTY
j— "Monfeo
o• C
12 •N US 158
�;
y pi O yo
SCALE: 1 ;nch s 8 m71es
GURRIiUCK COUNTY
1 8
CURRITU�KS K^offs �
OUNO Islond...%
O`
`4 � ..5�
o' VIRGINIA
o�
�o
��- _ ��® Erosion
ty�iSL-4._c 11ITu'!�. t��7�J[AiC7i�'JA'1_ �.w y+rg ++�� r r�,6!�or'.ei�lil�li'a.z3o^•...
pr yam, _^ Accretion
fa �
FIGURE 1
COMPOSITE MEAN ANNUAL RATES OF CHANGE
(FEET PER YEAR) FOR DUNE LINE AND
HIGH WATER LINE IN CURRITUCK AND
NORTHERN DARE COS. FOR 1949-1971

Dune
Co Line
0
High
water
Line
0
SCALE: 1 inch a 8 miles
e
`C HYDE COUNTY - DARE COUNTY
/Ocracoke l
O /
o4r °cOf
e e�/ PAMLICO SOUND
1962- 1977 Data
Hatte
0
e�
FIGURE 2
COMPOSITE.MEAN ANNUAL RATES OF CHANGE
(FEET PER YEAR) FOR DUNE LINE AND
HIGH WATER LINE IN HYDE AND SOUTHERN
DARE COS. FOR 1962-1971
0
�00
rosion
4—
Accretion

From available records, Oregon Inlet is the other inlet besides Ocra-
coke and Hatteras that has remained open at all times in the area. Numerous
other inlets along the coast have closed, or opened and closed during this
time. New Inlet was artificially opened in 1924, closed and.then opened
alternately and finally closed again in 1947 joining up Pea Island with
Hatteras Island. Oregon Inlet is an opening in the barrier beach 40 miles
north of Cape Hatteras.and 80 miles by ocean from Ocracoke Inlet.
Records have shown that the width of Oregon Inlet was 2,770 feet at the
baseline sometime in 1931. It had widened to 4,300 feet in 1935 and varied
in width from 4,000 feet in 1936, 4,300 feet in 1937, and 4,350 feet in 1939.
The increase in width was nearly equal on both sides of the inlet during the
period,so it was condluded it has no tendency to migrate except for its
previous history, that it moved southward about 1-1/2 miles in 65 years prior
to this period.
The existence and histories of inlets in the area were determined from
maps, surveys, charts and reports previously made. The oldest reliable
record is a map:of the coastal section from the Virginia State line to Cape
Fear entitled "Chart of his Majesty's Province of North Carolina," signed
by James 14imble 'in 1738. It has been shown that since that time both
Ocracoke and Hatteras Inlets migrated in a southwesterly direction.
Storm Recession Forecasts
Storm erosion of beaches and dunes of the Dare County coast has: always
occurred, but it has not been a serious economic problem until recently
when increased development of beachfront property has taken place. In some
locations, structures have been built seaward of the beach storm recession
line and have sustained considerable damage. In 1973, Knowles et. al,
presented the results of a study to determine the expected storm induced
beach erosion for storm occurrency of one in twenty-five, one in fifty, and
one in a hundred year frequencies. This erosion study provides preliminary
information needed for coastal land management. The calculated storm rec-
essions for each.of the piers analyzed in Dare County are presented in Table
The storm induced recession prediction presented here is considered to
be useful for determining the distance from the toe of the primary dune in
-which any structures might be considered to be in danger. However, if a
building setback line is to be established, additional factors such as long
time erosion, continuity of the dunes, size and shape of the dunes, potential
for overwash and other existing features should be considered.
81

RESULTS OF BEACH RECESSION STUDY FOR NORTH. OAROLINA COASTLINE
County and Dune Height Toe of Dune Recession from toe of dune (ft)
Pier Name: (ft. above Height(ft) Dist. from for three storms with specific
MSL) from MSL MH.W(ft) return frequencies in years
Dare County
1125
1150
1/100
Kitty Hawk.
19.6
12.1
215
11
34
54
Avalon
18.5
9.3
150
40
70
94
Nags Head
22.9
7.6
112
94
107
126
Outer Banks*
30.0
4.1
75
69
73
78
Go
N
Hatteras Island
21.7
2.2
102
99
104
108
Cape Hatteras*
24.0
8.8
61
57
66
74
SOURCE: "A Preliminary Study of Storm Induced Beach Erosion for N..C."

Estuarine, Sound Erodible Areas
These areas are defined as the area above ordinary high water where
excessive erosion has a high probability of occurring. The estuarine and
sound and river erodible areas are natural hazard areas especially vulnerable
to erosion. Development within this .type land is subjected to the damaging
process of erosion unless special development standards and preventive measures
are employed.
In determining the landward extent of this area, 25 and 100 year reces-
sion figures are projected for certain reaches of the Dare County mainland.
This inventory was undertaken by the State Soil Conservation Service and is.
available at the present time only for the Dare mainlands.
The reaches identified on Page 75, Fig. 3 represent segments of shore
which have similar erosive characteristics, The average width loss to erosion
was established by observing aerial photos over a twenty-two year period.
This figure represents the total loss to erosion during that time. Estuarine
recession figures for Roanoke Island and the west portions of the barrier
islands will be available when further information is supplied by the State
Geologist.
ESTUARINE, SOUND AND RIVER EROSION IN DARE COUNTY
Reach No. 1
Average width lost to erosion 44.4 feet
Total length of shoreline 3.3 miles
Average width lost to erosion per year 2.0 feet
25-year shore recession forecast 50 feet
100-year shore recession forecast 200 feet
Reach No. 2
Average width lost to erosion 44.0 feet
Total length of shoreline 4.1 miles
Average width lost to erosion per year 2.0 feet
25-year shore recession forecast 50 feet
100-year shore recession forecast 200 feet
Reach No. 3
Average width lost to erosion 44.0 feet
Total length of shoreline 22.6 miles
Average width lost to erosion per year 2.0 feet
25-year shore recession forecast 50 feet
100-year shore recession forecast 200 feet

Reach No. 4
Average width lost to*erosion 44.0 feet
Total length of shoreline 10.8 miles
Average width lost to.erosion per year. 2.0 feet
25-year shore recession forecast 50 feet
100-year shore recession forecast 200 feet
Reach No. 5
Average width lost to erosion 44.0 feet
Total length of shoreline 8.7.miles
Average width lost to erosion per year 2.0 feet
25-year shore recession forecast 50 feet
100-year shore recession forecast 200 feet
Reach No. 6
Average width lost to erosion 44,0 feet
Total length of shoreline 9.3 miles
Average width lost to erosion per year 2.0 feet
25-year shore recession forecast 50 feet
100-year shore recession forecast 200 feet
Reach No. 7
Average width lost to erosion 44.0 feet
Total length of shoreline 23.2 miles
Average width lost to erosion per year 2.0 feet
25-year shore recession forecast 50.0 feet
100-year shore recession forecast 200.0 feet
84

� D-T*Tln-kvn
� l
O �„ REACH
COUNTY
CAROLINA
ESTUARINE EROSION FOR DARE COUNTY
85. FIGURE 3

B. Areas with Soil Limitations*
Areas with soil limitations are also considered as physical limitations
on development. Soils which occur together in a characteristic and repeating
pattern on the landscape constitute a general soil area or a Soil Association.
Soil Associations are named for two or more of the most extensive soil types
found on a particular landscape. The less extensive soil types may not be
included in the Association name.
A generalized soils map showing the locations and extent of six associa-
tions in Dare County has been prepared. This map, along with the accompanying
text and interpretations, provides the general soils data necessary for plan-
ning and efficient use and orderly development of the county's land resources.
This map will be useful to those who are interested in the location and extent
of soil types in the county, as well as to those who seek the locations of
areas suitable for agricultural, industrial, or other broad land use potentials
within the county.
It should be emphasized that this general soils map has been prepared for
broad planning purposes only. It does not accurately depict specific soil
types on individual tracts of land and not suitable for detailed planning
of such tracts. A more detailed soil survey is necessary for detailed planning.
The accompanying soil interpretations table gives limitations of the main
soil types for dwellings, recreational areas, light industries, and highway
development, as well as suitability for general agriculture, woodland, and
pasture development,
The six soil associations in Dare County are discussed in the following
pages. (The accompanying maps, legends and tables were prepared by the Soil
Conservation Service assisting the Pamlico Soil and Water Conservation District.)
1. PACTOLUS-WAKULA-WAGRAM ASSOCIATION:
Moderately well and well drained soils with gray to dark gray loamy sand sur-
face layers and loamy sand to sandy clay loam subsoils.
This association comprises about one percent (1%) of the county's total area.
It occurs as a small isolated area around Mann's Harbor on the mainland and as
larger acreages on Roanoke Island around Wanchese and Manteo. Large acreages
of the association are also located on the northern end of the Outer Banks
around Kitty Hawk, Sound Landing, and Collington.
The majority of the acreage in this association is devoted to recreational
enterprises and urbanization. Agriculture is limited to small acreages and,
generally, is devoted to small garden plots.
*From "Soil Map and Interpretations, Dare County, N: C."
:9

2. NEWHAN-COROLLA-DUCK ASSOCIATION:
Excessively drained moderately well and poorly drained gray sandy soils that
contain marine shells.
This association comprises about thirteen percent (13%) of the county's total
acreage. Soils of the association are found exclusively on the Outer Banks
and primarily on the eastern side of the chain from the Curri`tuck'line to
Hatteras in the South.
Soils of this association are unsuited for agriculture or forestry. They
generally have severe limitations for most potential uses and should be
considered as "high risk" areas for housing and industrial development. This
rating is based on soil characteristics as well as on their close proximity
to the ocean and susceptibility to wind and water damage resulting from storms
and hurricanes.
3. DARE-PUNGO-PONZER ASSOCIATION:
Very poorly drained soils with thick to moderately thick organic surface over
mineral subsurface layers ranging from sand to clays:
Soils of this association, along with other closely related organic and mineral
soils, comprise approximately seventy percent (70%) of the county's total area.
This association.represents even a larger percentage of the total acreage of
the Dare County mainland.
Organic soils, as differentiated from mineral soils, are those in which 16
inches or more of the surface layer is composed predominantly of organic mat-
erials. In Dare County these organic soils represent a large corss-section
of surface and subsurface conditions. Along with the unique nature of these
organic soils comes a large variety of associated and complex management
problems.
The soils of this association are extremely wet year around, are extremely acid
unless limed, have large amounts of wood throughout the profile, contain high
percentages of'unstable organic materials and are extremely susceptable to fire
when dry. The characteristics for organic soils of this association indicate
a limited potential for agriculture and forestry and essentially no potential
for industrial development. Agricultural development is taking place on these
soils but sound management practices and large capital investments are required.
Although corn, soybeans and small grains are potential crops for these soils,
indications are that these acreages may be best utilized for pasture or
forage crop production.
4. WASDA-BLADEN ASSOCIATION:
Very poorly and poorly drained soils with thin organic loam to silt loam
surface layers over firm clay loam or clay subsurface layers.
87

This association comprises approximately ten percent (10%) of the county's
total acreage. It occurs as two large fairly homogenous areas on the main-
land of Dare County. One large area is located in the west -central portion
of the county and the other area extends from East Lake community along
Highway 64 and runs in a northeast -southeast band to highway 264.
Only a very small percentage of this association is now under cultivation; this
acreage is located in the East Lake Community.However, plans for development
of tremendous acreages of.this association are in progress. These -soils
respond well to application of lime and fertilizer but a complete drainage
system must be installed and maintained in order to off -set the high water
table and periodic flooding. Potential uses of soils in this association
are, therefore, limited to agriculture and forestry.
5. CAPERS ASSOCIATION:
Very poorly drained soils with dark gray silty clay loam surface layers over
silty clay subsoils.
This association comprises about five percent (5%) of the county's total acreage.
Capers soils make up approximately ninety percent (90%) of the association.
The Capers soils are associated almost exclusively with level tidal flats and
estuaries bordering the Pamlico, Croatan,.Currituck, and Albemarle Sounds.
These soils are flooded by saline or brackish water at least once per month
and in many areas, twice daily. Elevations for these soils range from sea
level to approximately three feet above sea level. Their chief use is that
of a natural habitat for shore and water birds and animals. They are also
chief nutrient source for shellfish and.other important estuary marine life.
Vegetation consists chiefly of smooth cordgrass, black rush, glass wort, sea-
shore saltgrass, sea -oxeye, and other marsh related grass and shrub species.
6. DUNE SAND ASSOCIATION:
Unstabilized and partially stabilized sand dunes.
This association codprises about one percent of the county's total acreage
and is found exclusively on Roanoke Island and the Outer Banks from Nags Head
to the Currituck County line. Jockey's Ridge is included in the association.
The Duneland areas are highly susceptible _to wind erosion and in their natural
state are continually being shifted generally in a westward direction. Because
of the unstable character of these dunes, they generally support little or no
vegetation. Occasional clumps of bitter panicgrass and bayberry may be found
on the lower slopes. Slopes generally range from 8 to 35 percent.

SOIL INTERPRETATIONS
GENERAL SOIL MAP
DARE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
SOIL ASSOCIATIONS
% OF
ASSOC.
LIMITATIONS FOR
SUITABILITY FOR
DWELLINGS WITH
SEPTIC TANK
FILTER FIELDS
RECREATION
LIGHT
INDUSTRIES
ROADS AND
' STREETS
GENERAL
AGRICULTURE
WOODS
PASTURE
CAMP SITES
PICNIC AREAS
INTENSIVE
PLAY AREAS
PACTOLUS-WAKULLA-WACRAM 1%
7
SCVIFI.Wt.LFCWt.Text.
Mod.wt.Text,
Mod Wt Text
Sev F1.Wt.
Mod.Fl
d
Good
Good
Good
PActotus
Wakulla
30%
Sit.to Hod FC
Sev.Text.
Sev.Text.
Sev.Text.
Slt ht
SIi ht
Fair
.
Fair
Fair
Fair
Wa n ram
20%
Slizht to Mod.
Mod. Text.
Mod. Text.
Mod. Text.
Moderate
Slight
Good
Good
Good
Good
NEWHAN-COROLLA-DUCK l)
Newham
5%
Slight LFC.Slo a
Sev, Text
Sev. Text.
Sev. Text.
Sev.Text.Fl.
Sev.Text.Fl.
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
Corolla
25%
Sev.LFC Wt.
Sev, Text,
Sev, Text.
Sev.Text.Wt.FI.
Sev.Text.FL.
Sev.Text.Fl.
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
Duck
25%
S v F Wt.Ft,
Sev FL Wt
Sev.Wt Fl.
Sev.Wt.FI.
Sev.Wt.FI.
Sev.Wt.FI.
Poor
Poo
Poor
DARE-PUNCO-PONZER 70%
Dare
40%
Sev.F1.
Sev.Fl.
Sev.Fl.
Sev.Fl.
Sev.F1.BS
Sev.FI.TSC
Poor
WPoor
Fair
Poor
Pun o
25%
S v F
Sev.Ft,
Sev.Fl
Sev.Fl.
Sev.FI.BS
Sev.FI.TSC
Poor
Falr
Poor
Ponzcr
207,
v
v
v F
S v F
S v F1 BS
Sev.FI.TSC
ood
Good
WASDA-BLADEN 107.
Wasda
65%
Sev.F1.Wt.
Sev.Fl.
Sev.Fl.
Sev.Fl.
-
Sev.Fl.Wt.
Sev.Fl.Wt.
Poor
Good
Good
Good
Bladen
.20%
Se v.Fl W P
S v FL
Sev.Fl.
Sev.Fl.Wt.
Sev,Wt.Cor,
Sev.Fl.Wt.
Poor
ood
Good
Good
CAPERS 5%
Ca era
907.
Sev.Fl.Wt.
Sev.Fl.
.Sev.Fl.
Sev.Fl.
Sev.FI.BS
Sev.FI.BS
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
DUNE SAND 1%
7
Sev.LFC Slope
Sev.Text,
_Sev.Text..,_..
Sev,.Text.
_Sev„ Slope
Sev. Text.
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
DEFINITIONS OF SOIL LIMITATIONS
NONE TO - Soils have properties favorable for the rated use. Limitations are so minor that they can be
SLIGHT easily overcome. Good performance and low maintenance can be expected from these soils.
MODERATE - Soils have properties moderately favorable for the rated use. Limitations can be overcome of
modified with planning, design, or special maintenance.
SEVERE. - Soils have one or more properties unfavorable for the rated use. Limitations are difficult
and costly to modify or overcome requiring major soil reclamation, special design, or intense
maintenance.
i
ABBREVIATIONS FOR LIMITING FACTORS:
FL Flood Hazard LFC - Low Filter Capacity
Wt - Water Table Car - Corrosion Potential
Sh-Sw - Shrink -Swell Potential TSC - Traffic S'upportinr Capacity
Perm - Permeability BS - Bearing Strength
Text - Texture
Sev. - Severe Mod. - K,de rate Sit. - Slight
j,/ Structures whose footings are to subsoil.
Refers to roads and streets that have'subsoit for base.
Z/ Tobacco, peanuts and truck.
4/ Corn, soybeans and small grain.
.. ..:... : ..... .. ,.. ' .. .... ...ar. .n..,.,. ... ..v ..
OCTOBER 1913 A-R-11471-1

C. Sources of Water Supply*
Areas which contain the sources of water supply for the County could be
considered as physical limitations.on.development. The following discussion
is concerned with the County's groundwater and surface water supplies.
Groundwater
Information on the subsurface geology of Dare County is primarily limited
to the study of well cutting made throughout the area. It is generally -ac-
cepted that the area was submerged during the Tertiary and Pleistocene periods.
Generally sandy materials of the Pleistocene -Pliocene Periods are encountered
to varying depths of approximately.180 feet. The materials are underlain by
sediments from the Miocene Period to depths of about 1600 feet.
Water bearing formations are found in both the surficial sands and deeper
units such as the Yorktown formation found in the upper miocene sediments.
This non -artesian aquifer is the principal source of water supply in Dare
County. Most wells on the mainland yield water from this aquifer. Test data
indicate that the area south of Mann's Harbor is ideal for the development of
large water supplies. This area includes or is adjacent to the center of
recharge and also the greatest thickenss of the aquifer.
The principal aquifer extends beneath all of Roanoke Island and has been
the source of water supplies for many years. Test wells show the southern
half of the island to be very favorable for the development of relatively
large water supplies.
All fresh groundwater in the Dare Beaches area. at least to the depth pene-
trated by test wells, is derived from precipitation falling on the area.
According to data collected by the U., S, Geological Survey, aquifers that crop
out on the mainland to the west and extend beneath the Outer Banks contain
saline water. Present groundwater supplies on the "Banks" are'obtained_from
shallow wells, most of which are less than 40 feet deep.
Surface Water
The obvious surface water features in the County are the Alligator River
and the tidal waters of Roanoke Sound, Crbatan, Albemarle and Pamlico Sound
at the Atlantic Ocean, which is close enough to have a definite salt spray
effect on the front line beach vegetation, and obviously affects weather condi-
tions. The numerous but peculiar freshwater ponds have a significant.if not
total effect on the water supply in the Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills area.
These lakes occur in the Nags Head Woods area and are water -table lakes believed
to -be the product of wind -scooped depressions in this ancient dune section.
The lakes ahve large storage capacities. The volume of the largest lake
(Fresh Water Lake) was measured at a time when the lake surface was at 9.4 feet
above mean sea level and the average maximum depth of the lake was 15 feet.
At that time, Fresh Water Lake ontained approximately 90 million gallons of
water and its surface covered approximately 35 acres. The other unnamed fresh
water lakes in this area are smaller than Fresh Water Lake but their aggregate
water volume would be sizeable. The lakes are recharged by rainfall and by in-
flow from the upper aquifer.
*From Van Oesen Regional Water System
91

D. Areas Which Exceed 12% Slope
The incidence of areas which exceed 12% slope comprise a very small per-
centage of total acreage within..the.county, With the exception of the live.dune
areas of Jockey's: Ridge and.cer.tain sectors of the frontal dune system, the
steep slopes within.the county are stabilized with natural vegetation. Areas
which exceed 12% slope within the County are:
(1) The relict dune system -.facing Roanoke Sound on the Northeast
section.of.Roanoke Island. The dunes are -stabilized with
vegetation. This area is subdivided and most of the land is
in residential use;
(2) The Jockey's Ridge live dune system;
(3) The maritime forest areas of Buxton Woods and Nags Head Woods;
(4) The Wright Memorial at Kill.Devil Hills;
(5) A small area of inland dunes.s.outh of Frisco; and
(6) The frontal dune system within the County.
Previously, it was emphasized that the soils map and text found in this
Land Use Plan were prepared for broad planning purposes only and of the need
.for a more detailed soil survey for more detailed planning. This detailed
survey is presently being prepared by the Soil Conservation Service. The
Service has evaluated soil characteristics and related grading slope features
of property for development potentials in Dare County.
The texture of all soils types..in.areas.which exceed 12% slope is sand.
There are two major distingu ishing.features of these sandy beach soils which
w• relate directly?to their potential for quality urban development.,•These.two
features are degree.of wetness and degreee of stabilization. Duneland, Newham
Fine Sand, and Fripp are the soil types found in steeply sloping areas within
the County.
Duneland is defined as areas of well drained, sparsely vegetated (less
than 15%) and rapidly shifting sands, Therefore, the major consideration of
this soil is the lack of stabilizing vegetation, The high potential of shifting
sand can undermine or cover up structures and roads.
Newhan Fine Sand are deep, well drained and excessively drained sands.
The permanent water table or seasonal high water table is well below 36 inches
and is generally greater than sik feet. .These soils are considered to be fairly
well stabilized as they have*•more thanAM of the surface vegetated. The soil
has good potential for development anda graded angle can be steeper than on
Duneland due'to natural vegetation.
Fripp soils are found in areas of 25 to 60% slopes on undulating.to rolling
dunes commonly adjoining beaches and waterways along the coast. Most sites are
5 feet to 50 feet above mean sea level., Flooding is rare and only on the lower
slopes. This soil is excessively drained with rapid permeability. Native
vegetation for this soil consists of wax myrtle, live oak, slash pine, loblolly
and longleaf pine, sand pine, sea oats, seacoast bluestem and beach grass.
In Dare County, this soil type is found in the Nags Head Woods area, with steep
slopes up to 60%, but covered with what appears to be virgin timber.
92

II. FRAGILE AREAS
Fragile areas are those areas which could easily be destroyed by inappro-
priate or poorly planned development. The following discussion involves areas
which could be considered as fragile within Dare County,
A. Coastal Wetlands
Coastal wetlands are defined as any salt marsh or other marsh subject to
regular or occasional flooding by tides, including wind tides (not to inclue
hurricane or tropical storm tides)...Salt marshland or other marsh shall be
those areas upon which grow..some, but not necessarily all of the following salt
marsh and marsh plant species. .Smooth or salt water Cordgrass (Spartine alter-
niflora); Black Needlerush (Juncus romerianus); Glaswor�t (Salicornia spp.);
Salt grass (Distichlis spicata); Sea Lavender (Limonium spp.); Bulrush (Scirpus
spp.); Saw Grass (Cladium Jamaicense); Cat -Tail (Typha spp.); Salt -Meadow Grass
(Spartina patens); and Salt Reed Grass (Spartina cynosuroides).
South of Chesapeake Bay salt marshes typical of those along the entire
South Atlantic and Gulf Coasts occur. These represent, in general, the best
development of salt marshes in the.United States. In the southeastern states,
salt marshes are formed primarily in estuaries where major rivers, draining
large expanses of upland, deposit heavy silt burdens. They also form behind
barrier beaches (as along the North Carolina coast north of Cape Lookout), and
up bays and tributary rivers as far as there 'is an influence of salt water.
In Dare County, the soundside shore is generally covered by marshgrass.
The importance of these productive marsh areas has been emphasized and re-
emphasized over the past several years.. Many species of fish and wildlife
which are an intricate part of the Dare economy are tied to these soundside.
marsh areas for at least a part of their life cycles. Within the County there
are approximately 15,500 acres of irregularly flooded salt marshes and 500
acres of regularly flooded marshes.
Development on land continguous with marsh areas also presents problems.
Presently the only means of treatment is septic tanks. Seepage of wastewater
into the marsh areas could endanger the continued support of many fish and
wildlife species.
93

B. Sand Dunes -Along the Outer Banks*
Sand dunes along the Outer Banks are considered fragile areas and defined as
sand deposits of windblown (eolian) origin, whether partly or wholly
vegetated with grasses, herbs, vines or woody plants.
The dunes comprise a major portion of the Outer Banks and represent a protec-
tive barrier for the sounds, estuaries, and the mainland. These sand deposits
represent a dynamic system that does not afford long term protection for incom-
patible development. Development with inadequate design or -construction may
be subject to substantial damage due to the adverse effects of wind and water.
The stabilizing factor in the beach environment is vegetation. The grasses,
shrubs and trees common the Outer Banks area tend to capture the moving sand,
while the roots of these plants tend to hold the sand in place, preserving
the protective dune system.
There is a zonal distribution of vegetation on the barrier islands, owing to
variations in wind exposure, water supply, soil salinity and soil nutrients.
The primary dune system is'covered by hardy dune grasses which are able to
survive the typically harsh conditions of the active beach area. The presence
of these dune grasses is essential to maintenance of the primary dune system
and its protective function. it is significant to note that these dune grasses
are able to withstand adverse wind and salt conditions, but like many plants,
they are unable to withstand trampling.
The secondary or ,inland dune system, is covered with mixed grasses and trees
with the backdune area primarily in forest cover. Like.the dune grasses, the
vegetation on the secondary duen is highly important to the beaches. First,.
the vegetation covering this dune system is responsible for its stability.
Second, although the relationship between the vegetation and the secondary
dune system and the groundwater supply has not been quantified, it is clear
that the two are interrelated.
The forests of the Outer Banks utilize a significant quantity of water, but
they prevent a much greater loss�of water through evaporation from the bare
sand. Also, depletion of the groundwater supply through withdrawal or
diversion would have the effect of destroying the forests by robbing them of
water. Thus, the vegetated secondary dunes of the Dare beaches are a fragile
and important resource for the continued development of the area.
* From the Dare Beaches -Sketch Development Plan and Chapter 10, Coastal Erosion.
94

On the Bodie Island sector of the Dare County Outer Banks, the area from the
southern boundary of Nags Head to Oregon Inlet is under the care of the'
Cape'Hatteras National Seashore Recreation Area and the National Park Service
where extensive sand dune stabilization projects with the use of sand fences
and beachgrass planting programs are in progress. Dunes 15 to 20 feet in
height are continually built in the seashore under this program.which tends to
make the area somewhat stable in spite of the continuous action by natural
erosion processes. Extensive commercial and residential developments are
found in the area north of Whalebone outside the park area. Continuous dunes
about 15 to 20 feet high protect this area northward up to Nags Head. Natural
dunes are not existing in the vicinity of Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, and
Kitty Hawk. 'These were probably leveled by -erosion or in course of the
development of the area. Many structures were built close to the shoreline
with no apparent protection from encroachment of the ocean in the event of
storms or inclement conditions. Further north in the vicinity of Duck, little
beach development exists. The beach is bounded by continuous dunes about 15
feet high, up to the Dare-Currituck County line. The area is rather low with
the road showing evidence of being flooded at times making it difficult to
travel. All these areas are sparsely developed with isolated areas of resi-
dential developments.
The shoreline from Oregon .Inlet to the area north of the Cape Hatteras light-
house is relatively uniform with fairly wide beaches and artificial dunes
built with the aid of sand fences. The dunes are continuous, about eleven
feet high. . Changes in the shoreline have occurred in the area north of the
lighthouse where heavy erosion is continuing in spite of protective measures.
Dunes were overtopped and eroded while damaging floods were experienced
behind the dune line. The beach at the southwest end of the island is wide
with adequate dunes back from the ocean about 8 to 12 feet high and covered
with vegetation. The beaches become more narrow toward the Cape with dunes
closer to the ocean.
Beach dunes north of Duck and the Jockey Ridge sand dunes are of statewide
significance. The Duck dunes contain a variety of salt spray grasses including
several species at their southern limit. These dunes are threatened by com-
mercial -residential development. Jockey Ridge was designated a National
Landmark in 1974.
C. Ocean Beaches and Shorelines (see Ocean Erodible, Areas, p. 76)
95

D. ESTUARINE WATERS*
The State of North Carolina, in its Dredge and Fill Lath of 1970 (G. S.
113-229 (n) (2)), defined estuarine waters as "all waters of the bays, sounds,
rivers, and tributaries thereto seaward of the dividfing line between coastal
fishing waters and inland waters, as set forth in an agreement adopted by the
Wildlife Resources Commission and the Department of Conservation and Develop-
ment filed with the Secretary of State, entitled 'Boundary Lines, North
Carolina Commercial Fishing -Inland Fishing Waters, revised March 1, 19651."
In other words, estuaries are semi -enclosed -coastal water bodies having free
connection with the open sea and within which seawater is measurably diluted
with fresh water drained from the adjacent land.
According=to the National Estuarine.Pol-lution Study, there are 10 distinct
estuarine regions of the United States which contain 884 separate estuarine
systems encompassing 29.3 million surface acres of water (Chapman 1973).. The
South Atlantic Estuarine Region, stretching approximately 800 miles from Cape
Hatteras to Fort Lauderdale, contains 83 separate estaurine systems (9¢ of
the total).and-4 million surface acres (14% of the total). Of this -North,-.
Carolina has an estuarine area of roughly.2.2 million acres or approximately
55% of that in the South Atlantic Estuarine Region (Shalowitz 1964); and in
size it is exceeded only by the systems of Alaska and Louisiana.
Estuaries have developed and evolved over geological time, and the plant
and animal communities dependent upon these systems have evolved to high
levels of productivity and diversity in response to the relatively large
changes in Eae-natuval environment. Man4s.,ay.newcomer, geological-l-y.,,.,tQ.%.,
estuaries, and since our country was first settled the Nation's estuaries have
served him well. Man has placed a multiplicity of demands upon estuarine and
coastal environment as producers of food, as avenues of transportation; as
receptacles of wastes, as living space, and as sources of recreational or
esthetic pleasure.
Because of the multiplicity of demands made by both man and the organisms
dependent upon these systems, it is imperative that we evaluate properly the
respective roles of the various parts of the system so that we'can manage this
environment wisely and derive the maximum user benefits from each of the com-
ponent parts.
In the state of North Carolina the.1973 commercial fishery harvest brought
a dockside value to fishermen of about $16 million. Since less than ogle -half
of the dockside landings were processed'in the State, the economic value was
about $50 million while the potential was'over $100 million.
Recreational activities in and around estuarine areas also provide a
significant revenue to coastal regions. For example, in 1968'an estimated 112
million people spent approximately $14 billion seeking recreation in the coastal
strand. In 1975 it has been projected that approximately $5.4 billion will be
spent on sport fishing alone. About 16 million people will engage in sport
fishing in 1975 and this number is growing at a rate of one-half million per
year (Teal, Jameson and Bader 1972).
*From "The Estuary - An Area of Environmental Concern" by Thayer.
911

Seasonal visitors to the estuarne zone also include waterfowl hunters
and vacationers; those who come for boating, canoeing, water skiing, and
swimming. Many business enterprises, large and small, cater to all of these
recreational seekers, such as hotels, beach cottages, restaurants, sporting
goods shops, marinas, bait and tackle dealers, and others. And, many seasonal
visitors, entranced with the beauty and loneliness of the estuarine area, buy
property there and build upon it.
What makes these estuaries so important? The most important biological
characteristic of estuaries, which forms a basis for much of our economy, is
the high productivity. High plant production has resulted in a very diverse
estuarine animal assemblage. The plants and animals die and during their
decomposition nutrient elements and dead tissue fragments are liberated into
the water. Tidal action and currents spread the nutrients which in turn are
utilized by the plants. Other organisms feed upon the plants and dead debris
and in turn are consumed by still larger species. This is a self-sustaining
process but one which is very susceptible to intervention by man.
Thus, our estuaries and their associated transition zones -salt marshes,
sounds, intertidal areas, etc. form a valuable natural resource. These
estuaries, which play an important life-support function have lost more than
7% of their fish and wildlife habitat to commercial and housing development
over the past few decades (Tihansky and Meade 1974), and are being lost for
fishery production at a rate of about 1% per year. Because these estuaries
are located between the oceans and the land and because a high percentage of
our population lives near the coast, a majority of the estuarine destruction
is a direct result of man's activities. Pollution, land -fill and dredging,
building, draining of marshes, and increasing use of fresh water have all
taken their toll of estuarine areas.
Estuarine waters located in Dare County are the Roanoke, Croatan, Curri-
tuck, Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds.
E. Public Trust Waters
Public trust waters are described as all waters of the Atlantic Ocean
from the mean high water mark to the seaward limit of state jurisdiction;
all coastal waters subject to the ebb and flow of lunar tides shoreward to
their mean high water mark; all navigable rivers, lakes and streams, sounds,
and artificially created water bodies to their ordinary high water mark pro-
vided that any artificially created navigable water bodies must have navigable
connections to navligable natural water bodies or must have public areas or
must be publicly owned. The public has rights in these waters including navi-
gation, fishing and recreation. The protection and maintenance of the area is
necessary in order to preserve the public rights therein. (see list of surface
waters in Dare County)
97

0
INVENTORY OF SURFACE WATERS, DARE CO.
Identity of Area
Location
Township Highway No.
Name Type of Area (Name) and Miles or Description of Area
Other Landmark
Atlantic Ocean
Albemarle,
Croatan, Currituck,
Pamlico and Roanoke
Sounds
Scenic (Water .Not
and Shores) Applicable
Scenic (Water riot
and Shores) Applicable
Eastern and Ocean side of Outer Banks (barrier
Southeastern islands). Present use, recreation,
boundary of swimming, fishing, bathing. Southern
county section of Bodie Island and Hatteras
Island are in the Cape Hatteras
National Seashore Area.
Northern, Coastal waters and shores protected
Eastern, and from Atlantic Ocean by the Outer
Southern sec- Banks (barrier islands).
tions of
county.

Name
INVENTORY OF SURFACE WATERS,.DARE CO.
Location
Description
Long Shoal River From U.S. 264 to the Pamlico 1.3 miles long to .3 miles wide,
Sound. 3' deep. Brackish waters.
Excellent fishing, trout, mullet
bluefish, flounder. Fair duck
hunting. Good boating.
Deep Creek
� Pains Bay
Parched Corn Bay
•;hipping Creek Lake
Back Lake
11.2 miles south of Lake Worth.
Opening into Long Shoal River..
4.7 miles south of Stumpy
Point. Opening into Pamlico
Sound.
East of Long Shoal River
4 miles southeast of Stumpy
Point. Off Alligator River.
1 mile west of Stumpy Point.
1.2 miles long to..l mile wide
6' deep. Surrounded by marsh.
Good fishing, some hunting.
4.6 miles long, to 1.2 miles
wide, 6' deep. Surrounded by marsh.
Good fishing. Good access.
Small bay. Good fishing, trout
bluefish, mullet. Excellent
boating. Limited hunting.
1.3 miles long. Surrounded by
marsh. Shallow waters. Limited
access.
1 mile long, .3 miles' wide,
surrounded by marsh. Limited
fishing. Good duck hunting.

INVENTORY OF SURFACE WATER, DARE CO.
Name Location
Stumpy Point Bay
Sawyer Lake
o Callaghan Creek
0
Spencer Creek
Long Wretch Creek
South Lake
South of Stumpy Point. Opening
Pamlico Sound. East of Lake
Worth.
East of Buffalo City site.
Off Milltail Creek.
3 miles south of Manns Harbor.
Opening into Spencer's Creek.
1.3 miles south of Manns
Harbor
5 miles south of Manns Harbor.
Bordering Croatan Sound.
Southern branch of East Lake
Description
2 miles long and 2 miles wide.
7' deep. Good fishing, shad, rock,
trout, perch, bass. Good boating.
Great potential for development.
1 mile long, to 300' wide. Sur-
rounded by marsh. Limited fishing.
Ideal hunting, bear and deer.
Limited access.
3.3 miles long, to 100' wide. Mar-
shy areas. Excellent fishing,
white perch, rock, and bass. Some
duck hunting.
3 miles long, to 300' wide. Good
fishing, rock, bass and perch.
Some duck hunting.
.5 mile long, 4.1 miles wide.
Surrounded b y marsh: Good fish-
ing, bass, bream, perch. Good
crabbing. Limited access.
4.5 miles long, to 8' deep. Good
fishing, bass, rock and perch.
Good hunting, ducks, bear, deer.

0
N
INVENTORY OF SURFACE WATER, DARE CO.
Name Location
Description
=ast Lake Northern point of Dare County. 7.7 miles long, to 10' deep.
peninsula. Between Alligator Surrounded by marsh. Excellent
River and Albemarle Sound. fishing, bass, rock and perch.
Good hunting, bear, deer, duck.
Tom Hann Crdek ' Bay on North side of Durant
Island. Opens into Albemarle
Sound.
Peter Mashoes Creek 2.1 miles north of Manns Harbor
bridge. Junction Albemarle
and Croatan sounds.
Billy's Ditch From highway 64 to South Lake
Hidden Lake 1/2 mile east of Alligator
River. 1 mile south of East
Lake Landing.
.4 miles long, 1.9 miles wide, to
4' deep. Surrounded by marsh.
Good fishing, rock, bass, perch.
Some duck hunting.
1.9 miles long, .4 mile wide and
to 5' deep. Good fishing, bass,
rock, and perch. Private boat ramp.
1.5 miles long. Surrounded by
marsh. Limited fishing. Good hunt-
ing, deer, bear. Access for out-
boards to South Lake.
500' wide, 1500' long. Surrounded
by marsh. Limited fishing. Limited
access.
Spence Creek Part of Peter Mashoes Creek 1.8 miles long, to 300' wide.
Surrounded by marsh. -Good fishing.
Milltail Creek 1.8 miles south of Bay Point
off Alligator River
15 miles long, deep water for large
boats for 12 miles. Limited fish-
ing bream and jacks. Limited access.
Shallowbag Bay East of Manteo Good fishing, boating. Channel and
harbor. Limited duck hunting. Good
potential for development.

0
N
' INVENTORY OF SURFACE WATERS, DARE CO.
Name Location Description
Broad Creek
2.6 miles south of Manteo.
2.2 miles long, .3 mile wide, 4'
Opening to Roanoke Sound.
deep. Good fishing, crabbing,
boating. Limited duck hunting.
Mill Creek
South of Wanchese. Off
.5 mile long, 200'wide. Deep
Roanoke Sound.
waters to accommodate fishing
trawlers. Good fishing, boating,
access to Mill Landing Docks.
Baum Creek
.3 mile west of Baumtown.
.2 mile long, 50' wide. Limited
Off Croatan Sound.
fishing and crabbing. Good boat-
ing, duck and goose hunting.
Great potential for development.
Oyster Creek
.5 mile west of Wanchese.
.3 mile long, 50' wide. Surround -
Off Croatan Sound.
ed by marsh. Good fishing, trout
bass, perch. Some duck and goose
hunting.
Cedar Bush Bay
.5 mile southwest of Wanchese.
.5 mile wide, .8 mile long.
Off Croatan Sound.
Marshy area. Good fishing, bass,
perch, trout, croakers.
Kitty Hawk Bay
North of Collington Island,
Excellent Bass fishing. Good duck
and Wright Memorial Bridge.
hunting. Marina, boat ramp. Large
residential development.
Collington Creek
From Kill Devil Hills Bridge
.4 mile long, .2 wide. Good
to Buzzard Bay.
fishing, duck hunting.
Lighthouse Bay .2 mile south of Bodie Island .4 mile long, .2 wide. Good
Lighthouse. fishing. Excellent hunting.

0
w
INVENTORY OF SURFACE WATERS, DARE CO.
Name
Location
Description
Motts Creek
South end of Bodie Island.
.2 mile long, .1 wide. Good fish -
West side of Bonner Bridge.
ing. Excellent boating. Boat
landing, Oregon Inlet Marina.
Eagle Nest Bay
North of Pea Island in
.7 mile long. .5 mile wide. Sur -
National Seashore Park.
rounded by swamp and shifting
sand dunes. Good boating and
fishing.
Goat Island Bay
North of Pea Island, in
.3 mile long, to .3 wide. Good
National Seashore Park
fishing of all types. Good boating.
The Trench
In Pea Island Refuge, off
.3 mile long, to .4 wide. Good
Pamlico Sound
boating and fishing.
Pea Island Bay
In Pea Island Refuge, off
.5 mile long, to .2 wide. Good
Pamlico Sound.
Boating and fishing.
Terrapin Creek Bay
1.2 mile northwest of Pea
.4 mile long, to 1.4 wide. Good
Island Coast Guard Station.
fishing and boating.
Beach Slue
.9 mile southwest of Pea
.8 mile long, to .4 wide. Good
Island Coast Guard Station.
boating and fishing.
Wreck Creek
1.5 miles southwest of Pea
.6 mile long, to .1 wide. Sur -
Island Coast Guard Station
rounded by marsh. Good fishing
and boating.
Brooks Creek
4 miles southwest of Buxton,
.8 mile long, to .2 wide. Good
in Pamlico Sound.
fishing, boating, and crabbing.
Good duck and goose hunting.'

INVENTORY OF SURFACE WATERS, DARE CO.
Name
Location
Description
Joe Saur Creek
3 miles north of Hatteras Village.
.5 mile long, .3 wide. Limited
Off Pamlico Sound
fishing. Good boating. Fair
development potential.
Sandy Bay
Northwest of Hatteras Village.
.3 mile long, 1 mile wide.
Off Pamlico Sound
Brackish water. Good fishing,
bass, flounder, trout.
Duck Pond
.5 mile south of Hatteras Village.
.4 mile long, 200' wide, 2' deep.
Limited fishing, boating. Good
development potential.
Isaac Pond
South of Duck Pond
.2 mile long, 200' wide, 2' deep.
Good development potential.
Clubhouse Creek
South of Isaac Pond
.3 mile long, 10' to 800' wide.
Limited fishing, good boating,
Good area for development.
Hatteras Inlet
Inlet between Dare County and
3 miles long, .8 mile wide.
Hyde County on the southern
Excellent fishing. Opens to
end of the Outer Banks
Atlantic. Accommodates large
boats.

F. Complex Natural Areas
Complex natural areas are defined as lands that support native plant and
animal communities and provide habitat conditions or characteristics that
have remained essentially unchanged by human activity. Such areas are sur-
rounded by landscapes that have been modified but do not drastically alter
the conditions within the natural areas of their scientific.or educational
value.
Complex natural areas provide the few remaining examples of conditions
that existed within the coastal area prior to settlement by Western man.
Often these natural areas provide habitat conditions suitable for rare or
endangered species or they support plant and animal communities representative
of presettlement conditions.
(1) The following areas in Dare County were suggested as natural areas in
"Potential for Outdoor Recreation in Dare County, N. C., 1974." (see
following list, pages 97 & 98)
Additional Dare County areas which may be considered as complex natural
areas:*
(2) Maritime Forest and Fresh Water Ponds
Forests develop where there is elevation for protection from flooding salt
waters and where distance from the surf reduces wind-blown salt spray.
Scattered, small wooded areas occur sporadically along the Outer Banks, usually
on the soundside of the islands in the vicinity of villages, but the Nags Head
Woods contains approximately 50 acres and is located near Kill Devil Hills
west of Rt. 158. The Nags Head Woods -Jockey's Ridge area is a characteristic
system of active and inactive dunes in'various stages of migration and plant
succession. By far the most prominent feature or features are the twin sand
dunes, reputed to be the highest in the eastern United States, which are refer-
red to collectively as Jockey's Ridge. These hugh piles of sand, reaching
heights up to 140' are active and considered to be live dunes, yet their phy-
sical appearance and location has not changed drastically since 1949 (based
on aerial''photographic'-interpretation). This is not to say that a state of
-equilibrium has been reached as the peaks themselves shift their position
on the main body of the dunes in response to wind variations. This apparent
stability is in direct contrast with other active (live) dunes which gradually
migrate southward.
This section receives heavy use from the public, who have not been denied
access as they continuously climb up and over the dunes. The moving sands
nightly erase the thousands of daily footprints.
*From "Environmental Assessment - Jockey's Ridge State Park"
105

0
rn
INVENTORY OF NATURAL AREAS
Identity of Area Location
Township Highway No.
Name Type of Area (Name) and Miles or Description of Area
Other Landmark
Alligator River Natural East Lake Western section of 1/2 to 1 mi. wide and 20
Swamp (Swamp) county, adjacent miles long. River swamp of
to Alligator River Southern baldcyresss, tupelo
gum, pond pine and other wet -
site species. Present use,
woodland, hunting.
East Lake
Natural East Lake
(Water and
Swamp)
Northwestern sec-
tion of county,
adjacent to Alli-
gator River.
100' to 1 1/2 mi. wide and 6
miles long. Open fresh coas-
tal water with Southern bald -
cypress, Atlantic whitecedar,
tupelo gum, pond pine growing
along shores. Present use,
fishing, hunting:
Lake Worth Natural Stumpy Southeastern section 1 mi. long, 1/8 mi.wide.
(Black Lake) (plater and Bog) Point of county 3.5 miles Inland fresh water lake
west of Stumpy Point, with pond pine, Southern
N. C. baldcypress, switchcane
wax myrtle, and other bog
vegetation. Present use,
fishing and wildlife sanc-
tuary.
Pimlico
Sound
Marsh
Natural Stumpy
(Marsh) Point
Western shore of
Pamlico Sound.
5 mi. long, 100' to 1/2 mi.
wide; Irregularly flooded
salt marsh. -Vegetation -black
.needlerush, salt meadow
cordgrass and sawgrass. Pre-
sent use, waterfowl habitat.

0
1-4
INVENTORY OF,NATURAL-AREAS
Identify of Area Location
Township Highway No.
Name Type of Area (Name) and Miles or Description of Area
Other Landmark
Roanoke Natural Manns Northeastern 7 mi. long, 100' to 2-1/2 mi. wide
11arshes (Marshes) Harborsection of county. Irregularly flooded salt marsh.
Western shore of Vegetation -black needlerush, salt
Croatan Sound. meadow cordgrass and sawgrass.
Present use, wildlife habitat.
South Lake
Natural (Water
East Lake
Northwestern
6 mi. long 100' to 1/2 mi. wide.
and Swamp)
section of county,
Coastal open fresh water with
S. of Albemarle
Southern baldcypress. Atlantic
Sound.
whitecedar, tupelo gum, and pond
pine growing along shores. Pres-
ent use, fishing and wildlife
habitat.
Whipping
Natural (Lake
East Lake
Southwestern sec-
3/4 mi.long100' to 1/4 mi. wide.
Creek Lake
and Swamp)
tion of county
Inland fresh water lake with
about 2 mi. E. of
Southern baldcypress, tupelo gum
Alligator River.
and Atlantic whitecedar growing
along shores. Present use, fish-
ing and wildlife habitat.
Milltail
Natural (Lake
Manns
About 10 miles
7 mi. long. 20' to 400' wide.
Lake
and Swamp)
Harbor
Southwest of
Fresh water lake with Southern
Manns Harbor
baldcypress, tupelo gum and pond
pine growing along shores. Pres-
ent use fishing and wildlife habi-
tat.

Nags Head Woods is a prime example of relict dunes which have been stabilized
by forest cover. This cover forms a peculiar type of forest which appears
to be a combination of maritime and mixed hardwood -pine inland forest. The
forest type of loblolly pine, sweet gum, hickory., sour gum, beech, oak, and
holly is not represented in the present public lands of the National Seashore.
Within them occur many pl nts which are very near their northern limits
inclyding live oak, Spanish moss, resurrection fern, and wild olive, to name
a few.
As would be expected, the topography within the woods is undulating with
elevations ranging from 10' to 60' above sea -level. The depressions -in this
area contain dozens of unique freshwater ponds which were possibly created
by rainwater collecting in non -porous, wind scoured basins. These ponds are
of varying productivity and chemical composition and are the subject of much
ongoing scientific investigation and research. The smaller dune east of the
woods, and the large active dune at the northern end (near the Wright Brothers
Memorial) are slowly and persistently marching toward the remnant woods, and
in some sections have overrun the forest and are beginning to slough off into
the Roanoke Sound, creating interesting sand bluffs.
This area presents an interesting and fairly uncommon admixture of saltwater
ocean, tidal water sound, and freshwater pond. Add to the water and
atmospheric mix, the peculiar dune establishment and you have a truly
unique site.
The botanical results of this association or mixture are apparent in a wide
range of plant communities such as;
(1) salt -spray tolerant dune grasses and herbs;
(2) tangles of salt -spray tolerant shurbs, vines, and small trees;
(3) a peculiar maritime forest of magnificent loblolly pine, sweet
gum, hickory, sour gum, beech, oak and holly;
(4) a peculiar aquatic population within the many freshwater ponds, and
(5) tidal marshlands.
Many plants found here are very near their northern limits. Among these are
live oak, Spanish moss, resurrection fern, and wild olive.
The abundance of *plant species indicates diverse habitat which should house a
diverse fauna. No research has been uncovered regarding animal populations but
there is plenty of evidence to indicate large populations. Song b.i,rds should be
plentiful in the woods and thickets, while great numbers of water fowl and wading
birds can be seen along the sound. Kingfishers, hawks, owls and possibly
ospreys could find nesting agreeable in and around the vast Nags Head Woods.
While few animals were seen, it is probable that there are large populations of
small and medium sized rodents (mice and squirrels), rabbits, opossum, racoon,
and possibly that a fox or bobcat is roaming around the woods. -No evidence was
seen of any,4a­r9e ,mammal s such as deer. a- he—repti 1 ian and amphibian Lpepuuti ons
should also have good representation due to the abundance of ponds and shoreline.
It is a known fact that there is some good fishing for bass and bream in many
of the ponds.
108

A large stand of forest trees on the Dare County barrier islands occur in the
Buston Woods. The woods covers about 3,000 acres, 1,000 of which is within the
boundaries of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. It covers .the slopes and crests
of old dunes that rise to nearly 60 feet in several places. Narrow interdunal
areas are occupied by swampy woods, vine jungles, shrub thickets and blackwater
ponds. Wider interdunal areas are fresh marshes with ponds included. These are
discussed with the forest habitat because -of their close association. Dominant
tree species include Loblolly pine, live oaks, laurel oaks, hollies, dogwood,
hornbean and red bay. Common shrubs comprise youpon was myrtle, blueberry,
American beautyberry, southern pr-ickly ash, Devil's walking stick and palmettos.
The latter may be the northernmost wild palms in the eastern United States.
Near them grow the northernmost Carolina laurel -cherries. The woods have been
drastically exploited by man; lumbering pasturage and wild fires have taken
their toll; as have storms with their blistering salt winds.
Animals are abundant but hard to see in dense cover. The woods contribute
greatly to the variety of the fauna. Five animals, about two dozen birds
(mostly songbirds) and about a dozen reptiles and amphibians are known in the
park only from Buston Woods and vicinity. The opossum, once believed extinct
on Hatteras Island, appears to be returning. The gray fox may have already
invaded by crossing Oregon Inlet Bridge. The eastern mole, deer mouse and
cotton mouse might continue if the forest were largely removed, but the gray
squirrel and white-tailed deer will depend on preservation of the park forest
for survival. :
Ospreys have recently been declining rapidly throughout the eastern states, but
several still nest each year in the Buston Woods. Cottonmouths are abundant
in much of Buston Woods and environs; canebrake rattlers are much more scarce
and local.
(3) Durant Island
Durant Island is a 3500-acre island at the mouth of the Alligator River.
Located in the area is an extensive fresh -water marsh and cypress swamp. No
development exists on the island except..for a hunting club lodge.on the north-
east point of Tom Mann Creek. Access is limited to boat. The isolation of
the island would possibly lend itself to natural area protection.
(4) Dare County Pocosin
Dare County Pocosin is a vast bqg-like area of stunted pines, wax myrtle,
evergreen shurbs, pitcher.plants�and numerous grasses which grow on a floating
mass of peatmoss. It has been suggested that several thousand acres should be
set aside. The Pocosin occupies the area lying west and northw& t of U.S.
264 from the Dare County line to Mann's Harbor.
109

G. Areas That Sustain Remnant Species
Areas that sustain remnant species are those places that support native plants
or animals, rare or endangered, within the coastal area. Such places provide
habitat conditions necessary for the survival of*existing populations or com-
munities of rare or endangered species within the county. The continued sur-
vival of certain native plant and animals cannot be assured unless the relati-
vely few well-defined areas providing necessary habitat conditions are pro-
tected from development or land uses that might alter these conditions.
Rare and Endangered Species*
Endangered species which occur include the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and
American alligator. The red -cockaded woodpecker and the Atlantic Stbrgeon
could occur but current records do not substantiate this assumption. Simi-
larly, more definite information is needed concerning, occurrence and nesting
of the loggerhead turtle which is known to occur in coastal waters in the
Oregon Inlet area. The endangered Outer Banks king snake is reported to
occur on Hatteras Island.
Rare plant species were referred to in the Nags Head Woods -and Buston Woods
discussion.
H. Registered Natural Landmarks
Registered natural landmarks are so designated by the Secretary of Interior.
They are true, accurate, -essentially unspoiled examples of natural areas
which posses exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting
the natural heritage of our nation. Examples in Dare County.are Jockey's
Ridge and Nags Head -Woods which have -previously been discussed.
*From Wildlilfe and Land Use Planning with Particular Reference to Coastal
Counties.
110

I. Historic Sites*
As authorized by the General Assembly, historic sites are among the
categories of fragile properties which the Coastal Resources Commission
could designate as interim areas of environmental concern. In defining the
categories of historic sites, three already established programs were used:
the National Register of Historic Places; National Historic Landmarks; and
the state historic site and grant—in-aid programs.
The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 established the National
Register of Historic Places. The National Register is the official list of
the nation's irreplaceable cultural resources.. It is maintained by the
National Park Service, Department of the Interior. Following is a listing
of the historic properties located in Dare County.
*From "Historic Sites" by Seapker.
111

HISTORIC SITES
DARE COUNTY
Historic places• that are listed
(NR), or have been approved
for listing by the..North Carolina
Historical
Commission (ANR) in the National-
Register of Historic Places
pursuant to the National Historic Preserva-
tion Act of 1966.
Historical, archaeological, and
other places and properties
owned, managed or assisted by the
State of
North Carolina pursuant to G.S.
Chapter 121;
Properties or•areas that are or
may be designated by the Sec.
of the Interior as Registered Natural
Landmarks (NL) or as National Historic
Landmarks (NHL):
,
Name
Location
Category
Ownership
Wright Brothers National
Memorial
Kitty Hawk
*NR
Federal
Nags Head Woods
Between Nags Head and
***N L
Unknown
Kill Devil Hills
Fort Raleigh National
4 miles N. of Manteo on
Historic Site
U. S. 158
*NR
Federal
Jockey's Ridge
On V1. side of U.S. 153 by-
pass at 12.5 mi. post,
***N L
State
Nags Head
Caffey's Inlet Life Saving
Station
Duck vicinity
***ANR
Kitty Hawk Life Saving
Station
Kitty Hawk
***ANR
Kill Devil Hills Life
Saving Station
Kill Devil Hills
***ANR
Chicamacomico Life Saving
Station
Rodanthe
***ANR
Creeds Hill Life Saving
Station
Frisco vicinity
***ANR

HISTORIC SITES (Continued)
Name Location Category Ownership
Durants Life Saving Station Hatteras vicinity ***ANR
Drinkwater's folly Manteo vicinity ***ANR
Fearing House Nags Head ***ANR
Beach Cottage Roar Nags Head ***A[,IR
First Colony House Nags Head ***ANR
w

III. AREAS WITH'RESOURCE POTENTIAL.
(A) Productive Agricultural Lands
Some productive agricultural soils are being identified on the Dare County
Mainland by First Colony Farms, Inc, Most of these soils require extensive
drainage and clearing to make them productive, however, so.they are presently
more valuable for the timber and pulpwood they support.
(B) Potentially Valuable Mineral -Sites
Dare County contains some commercially valuable deposits of sand, clay and
marl. However, mineral resources are not at this time a significant factor in
the economy of the County. There have been numerous exploratory attempts to
locate oil and gas resources within the county in.the past but these have
yielded no positive results.
There are trace amounts of potentially valuable minerals present in well cores
from the Dare County Area but none have been identified -as being available in
economically feasible quantities with currently available technology.
(C) Publicly Owned Parks
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreation Area is one of the 181 acres in the
country administered by the National Park Service under the Department of the
Interior, which comprise outstanding scenic, scientific and historical areas of
the United States. Cape Hatteras was the first National Seashore Park in the
National Park System. Extending from Whalebone Junction at the southern bound-
ary of Nags Head about 70 miles southward through Ocracoke Island, the National
Seashore preserves 45 square miles of beach land. It is divided into three
sections: Bodie Island, Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island. It covers the
entire area of the Outer Banks, except for the eight unincorporated towns -and
villages. The park area is included in the National Park Plan known as "Mission
66" Museums have been established at Cape Hatteras and Bodie Island.' The
National Park has constructed various recreational and community improvements
in the area in addition to the extensive erosion and sand dune rehabilitation
projects.
(D) Pea Island Wildlife Refuge is a part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore on the
Outer Banks. The refuge was established in 1938 as a refuge and breeding
ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. It is located on the northern
most 13.5 miles of Hatteras Island. Refuge lands also include several small
islands immediately off the main part of the refuge in Pamlico Sound.
We need to consider wildlife in land use planning because:
(1) wildlife serves as an "environmental barometer" a.nd constitutes an
early warning system against environmental contamination hazardous
to human health;
114

(2) the observation of wildlife and its pursuit through hunting and
fishing constitute a form of highly therapeutic outdoor recreation
for a substantial portion of our population;
(3) the recreational pursuit of fish and game generates expenditures
that contribute in a substantial way to local and state economies;
(4) the study of wildlife,in'its natural setting provides insight on
man's place in the natural order and valuable clues to analysis
of human behavior and social organization, as well as,derivation
of medical and industrial products of value to human welfare; and
ti
Deer occur throughout the county in moderate numbers. Most of the county is
considered to be occupied range for the black bear, however, fewer than 100
are thought to exist. Their numbers are considerably reduced from the popula-
tion of two decades ago. Bear hunting is prdhibited by law. All small game
species occur; however, due to limited agricultural operations, populations
of certain species are considered below average for the Coastal Plains area.
Marsh rabbits, woodcock, raccoon and wildcat 4re plentiful; cottontail rabbits,
opossum, foxes, snipe and rails occur in modq ate numbers; quail, dove and
squirrel are uncommon. Furbearers, including muskrat, mink, raccoon, otter
and nutria, are in plentiful supply. Waterfowl, including most species which
occur in the State, are present in ample numbers. The coastal marshlands,
and the shallow coastal waters of Currituck,.Roanoke, Croatan and Pamlico
sounds provide great diversity of habitat to support tipping, diving and sea
ducks; mergansers; Canada and greater snow geese; whistling swan and American
brant.
115

CAPACITY OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Information in this section is based on previously published engineering
reports by Henry Von Oeson and Associates, Inc-. and interviews with municipal
and county officials.
I. WATER AND SEWER SERVICE AREAS
A. The Towns of Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills both constructed and began
operation of their water systems in 1964.- The Nags Head system began
operfon with approximately 555 customers and currently has around 850
customers. The Kill Devil Hills system went into operation with about
500 customers and currently serves slightly over 1000 customers. This
total of.approximately .1850 customers represents service to slightly
less.than fifty percent of the potential customers:in the service area,
not including another 1100 or more trailer park and campground sites that
are not being served.
The source of supply:.for these systems is a Fresh water lake which
is located on the boundary between the towns about 3200 feet westward to
the ocean and which is surrounded on the southwest and north by vacant
lands owned by the municipalities. This lake is recharged by rainfall
in the area and has provided ample supply until 1969 when an apparent
drop in the lake water level indicated the rate of withdrawal was greater
than the area's recharge capacity. Since that time a growing demand for
water, has caused greater water level drops and increasing concern. Some
shallow wells.have been installed to supplement the lake supply. They
have -increased the supply by about 110,000 gallons per day. A second
g"r°oup of wells was recommended and is now being contemplated that would
increase this augmentation supply to 300,000 gpd. The lake was, dredged
in the spring of 1975 to increase its storage capacity. Peak demand on
116

these systems comes during the tourist season when rainfall is least. The
peak service day for Kill Devil Hills in 1975 was on July 5 when 833,000
gallons were pumped. For Nags Head the 1975 peak day was July 6 with
866,000 gallons pumped.
In the spring of 1975 the citizens of Nags Head and Dare County ap-
proved a'$5.5 million bond referendum for the construction of a central
water system to serve all of Roanoke Island and the Dare Beaches Complex
from Oregon Inlet North to Duck. This system is in the design phase at
the present time but it should be sufficient to serve -the expected growth
of the service area for a fifteen to twenty year period..
'A sewage treatment facilities -plan under the Environmental Protection
Agency 201 Planning Program is underway for the same service area. The
resulting system should serve the needs of the area adequately for -the
same time period.
B. OTHER SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS
The Villas - operates a 0.08 mgd extended aeration type waste treat-
ment facility that discharges to Buzzard's Bay-, a class "SC"waters. This
facility is being properly op4rated and maintained. Assimilative capacity
calculations indicate that if this facility maintains the minimum require-
ments for secondary type treatment, as defined by EPA, it should protect
water quality in the receiving waters.
II. SCHOOLS
The Dare County Board of Education operates all public schools within
the county. All facilities are in excellent condition and all sites are
adequate for necessary expansion with the exception of the Manteo High
School site. It is anticipated that within.10-15 years a new Junior
117

High School site must be located somewhere ,on Roanoke Island to`accommo-
date grades 7.through 9.
The Manteo Elementary School was built in 1965.on a 10 acre site
and serves 540 pupils K-6.from the Nags Head area,*Roapoke Island and,
the Mainland communities. Manteo High School was originally constructed
in 1960 with additional classrooms added in 1965. It serves 600 students.
in grades 7 through 12 from Roanoke Island, the Mainland and from Oregon
Inlet, North.
III. PRIMARY ROADS
Nags Head is not included in the statewide seven`year Highway Improve-
ment Program. The only project within Dare County included in the program
is the widening and straightening of U.S. 64 from the Alligator.River
Bridge to Manns Harbor.
1975 peak traffic counts indicate a deterioration of the capacity and
design speed. of the U.S. 158 bypass in the Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills
area and on .N. C. 12 toward Hatteras from Whalebone Junction. The State
Department of Transportation uses average annual daily traffic counts as
a basis -for -design and improvement requirements which cannot take into
account the tremendous load put on the system by tourist traffic from
June through September. The most recent peak figures for these highways
indicate.that they are sometimes dangerously overloaded—
N.C. 12 .especially, carried the majority of an estimated 1,525,000
visitors to Cape Hatteras National Seashore through September of 1975.
This: highway is in need of widening to a standard width of 24 feet and
resurfacing.
118

IV. SOLID WASTE COLELCTION
Nags Head uses the county sanitary landfill for disposal of solid waste.
The town makes door-to-door pickup from residences and businesses daily
during the tourist season and twice weekly during the winter. They have a
1974 27 cubic foot packer and a 1974 23 cubic foot truck. Additional personnel
are added on a part-time basis to handle the seasonal load.
Ve FIRE PROTECTION
The Nags Head Volunteer Fire Department is composed of 39 certified
volunteers who operate from two stations. One station is located near the
center of town and the other is in South Nags Head. The town also owns a lot
near Whilebone Junction for construction of an additional station when this
becomes necessary. The department has a 1974 Ford 1,000 GPM pumper and three
1962 Ford 500 GPM pumpers. The town has an excellent fire rating of 8.
VI. LAW ENFORCEMENT
Nags Head maintains a 24-hour police radio dispatcher who is tied to
the Dare County dispatch system. The Police Department consists of seven
full-time officers and four dispatchers who are supplemented by two
additional personnel for beach patrol duty during the summer months. The
department has seven automobiles and two four wheel drive vehicles.
119

SECTION IV
ESTIMATED DEMAND
120

ECONOMIC FORECASTS
Forecast of Nags Head's future economic growth and ultimately its popula-
tion growth, are an important derivative of the study of its economic base and
employment projections. Since economic factors are closely related to popula-
tion growth, economic forecasts are widely accepted as the most accurate basis
for making population projections. By making appropriate employment/population
ratio assumptions, employment projections can be converted to forecasts of
total population.
Economic Growth Factors
A broad range of techniques are available for forecasting employment growth.
The simplest of these involve projections based upon historic growth trends.
However, these techniques are most applicable in very stable growth situations
where past trends will likely mirror the future, not in very dynamic areas like
Nags Head where recent growth has been rapid and where future growth is more
directly related to external demand factors. Therefore, the key to forecasting
the Town's future economy is to determine those external factors which are
relevant to future basic employment levels.
Since the majority of Nags -Head's basic employment is in recreationally -
oriented industries, visitors are the most important factor in the growth of.
the Town's employment sector. However, techniques for forecasting growth in
visitation are poorly developed.
Envirotek Incorporated, in their publication, Dare County Planning Program,
identified certain national trends which will have an impact on Dare's and Nags
Head's future economy:
121

(1) Increasing Affluence. By 1980, the experts expect median family
income to increase to $10,400 and per capita disposable income
to increase to $3,600.
(2) Economic Stabilization. It is predicted that the economy will
stabilize and that unemployment will fluctuate in a narrow range
between-3 and 4.5 percent.
(3) Changing Attitudes Toward Work and Leisure. Total leisure will
increase. The four -day week will become the norm. indicating a
dramatic increase in the demand for recreational activities.
Stephens and Associates, in their 1974 publication, Dare County Economic
Development Plan, forecasted increases in Dare County's basic employment.
These forecasts were made by assuming that increased visitation in Dare is a
function of population and income growth in the recreation market area. These
same techniques and assumptions are employed in forecasting employment increases
for the Town of Nags Head.
Recreation Market Area -Growth Rates
As previously discussed on page 36, the Town's recreational market area
extends approximately 350 miles to the north, including most of the New York
Metropolitan area, conforming roughly to the eastern "Megalopolic Corridor",
extending to the west in Pennsylvania and Virginia and to the south in North
Carolina. This market area comprises 15% of the total population of the
United States or approximately 35,000,000 people. Sophisticated population
and income projections from the Bureau of Economic Analysis in the Department
of Commerce permit development of projections for Nags Head's market area.
The BEA projections are based on functional economic areas which have been
defined for the entire United States. The market area for Nags Head includes
the following seven economic areas:
New York
Philadelphia
Baltimore
Washington
Richmond
Norfolk -Portsmouth
Raleigh
122

A detailed explanation of the BFA projection techniques would be quite lengthy;
however, in concept, they utilize a "stepdown" technique to determine each
economic area's share of projected national economic growth. The "stepdown"
projection is widely recognized as one of the most accurate forecasting methodo-
logies.
Composite Growth Factor
Stephens Associates derived a composit growth factor for Dare County from
the market area's population and income growth rates for each decade between
1970 and 2000; a similar growth factor has been derived for the Town of Nags
Head. The basic assumption is that growth in employment in Nags Head is a
function of the growth of population and income in its.market area and that
income is a more important determinant than population.
The composite is actually a weighted average of the two growth rates. In
calculating the growth factor, a weight of 3.0 is assigned to the market area's
income growth and a weight of 1.0 to its population growth rate.
Table 20 NAGS HEAD EMPLOYMENT GROWTH FACTORS 1970-2000
Decade
1970-1980
1980-1990
1990-2000
Source: Stephens Associates
Market
Market
Income
Population
Growth
Growth
Growth
Factor
58.7%
15.8%
.480
46.0%
14.2%
.381
49.5%
13.0%
.404
123

Employment Forecasts
The composite growth factors for the market area were used to forecast
the growth of employment in Nags Head,- The estimates of the Town's future
employment are found in Table 21.
Table 21 NAGS HEAD AVERAGE ANNUAL EMPLOYMENT FORECASTSa
Growth Total Annual
Year Factor Average Employment
1970b .480 176
1980 .381 261
1990 .404 360
2000 - 505
aSourcei Stephens Associates
b1970 Census employment figures corrected upward to reflect average
annual employment.
124

POPULATION FORECASTS
Many sophisticated techniques have been devised for population studies.
None of these, however, are particularly suited for small, dynamic areas such
as Nags Head. Forecasting the population of a resort area is quite different
from working with other areas. The main source of population increase in Nags
Head is migration, which is less predictable than the natural increase factor.
Also, the employment is based on tourism, one.of the least predictable industries.
An examination of charts A & B reveals recent population projections for
Nags Head. These population figures were either projected specifically for
Nags Head or for the Dare Beaches Planning Area and then applied to the Town.
The tremendous ranges between the high and low projections magnify the problem
of realistically forecasting both resident and non-resident population figures
which should take into account certain variables such as Nags Head's recent,
dynamic growth trend; local economic trends and projections; and economic and
population growth trends in the market area. Also the Town's physical
constraints on development and the desires and needs of the citizens as they
relate to population growth must be carefully considered.
A detailed explanation concerning the methodology of each projection is
not within the scope of this Land Use Plan. However,.it is felt that the
resident projection (Forecast #3) accurately reflects all the factors discussed
In the previous paragraph. The resident forecast for Nags Head is based
upon the County projections found in Stephens and Associates' Dare County
Economic Development Plana
125

NAGS HEAD RESIDENT POPULATION PROJECTION -Chart A '
72
48
N LA
12
Ell
6
4
3
2
1
1970 1975 1980 . 1985 1990 1995 2000
YEAR

NAGS HEAD SEASONAL POPULATION PROJECTION -Chart B
N
V
75
N 60
a
0
zo 45
t-1
a
0
tl.
30
0
u�
15
0
1970
1975
1980
1985
�sIl7
1995
2000

Resident Population Forecasts
Nags Head's total employment forecasts provide the basis for further
estimates of the Town's resident population. The extimation technique using
employment forecasts is simple. It assumes that the relationship between
employment and total population in a base year will remain fairly stable
throughout the forecast period and that, therefore, the ratio of employment
to population can be used to relate employment forecasts to population.
In 1970 the ratio of Nags Head's average annual employment to total
resident population was 0.425. National and State trends, however, show this
ratio increasing. In North Carolina, for example, the employment/population
ratio increased from 0.32 in 1940 to 0.39 in 1970. To account for a probable
increase in labor force participation, the Town's employment/population
ratio has been increased .005 per decade. Table 22 contains estimates of
Nags Head's resident population for 1975-2000.
TABLE 22
ESTIMATED RESIDENT
POPULATION FOR NAGS HEAD:
1970-2000
Average Annual
Employment/Population
Total Resident
Year
Employment
Ratio
Population
1970
176
.425
414
1975
219
.4275
512
1980
.261
.430
607
1985
310
.4325
717
1990
360
.4350
828
2000
505
.440
1148
128

Non -Resident Forecasts
The year-round population is not the most relevant figure in a tourist
economy. Nags Head's seasonal visitors are an important aspect of the county's
total population because they place demands on the county services and
resources similar to those of the resident population. Therefore, forecasts
of Nags Head's future population levels must include estimates of the
magnitude of the non-resident seasonal population.
Based on water consumption figures, the.total peak population in 1975
for Nags Head was approximately 12,000 persons. The composite growth factor
for the T9wn's market area has been used to forecast total population in 5
year intervals to 1990 and for the year 2000. These projected figures are
found in Table 23 (also see Chart B, forecast #2).
Table 23 PEAK POPULATION FORECASTS, NAGS HEAD: 1975-2025
Year Growth Factor Total Peak Population
1975 12,000
1980 .240 14,880
1985 .190 17,710
1990 .191 21,092
2000 .404 29,625
2025 .236 36,616
129

FUTURE LAND NEEDS
It is estimated that approximately 2,500 acres or 56% of the 4,627 total
acreage in the Town of Nags Head is available and.suitable for development.
This land, along with about 900 acres,already.developed, has been classified
in the Transitional Category on the Land Classification Map which. accompanies
this report. Over 25% of the total land area of the Town is in the Conserva-
tion Classification.
The desired population, if allocated to.suitable vacant land in the Jown,
should result in a peak seasonal and permanent population density of around
5 people per acre by 1985. This figure is within the limits of development
which can be supported with properly installed septic tanks. The density of
development will be governed by the Nags Head Zoning Ordinance and the Dare
County Septic Tank Regulations. The vacant land in Nags Head contains some
previously platted lots which are smaller than present regulations would
permit. The Dare County Septic Tank Regulations prohibit the development of
those lots too small for a septic tank to be safely installed. The Nags Head
Zoning Ordinance requires that non -conforming lots be combined for development
if they have continuous frontage in single ownership. Many such lots in
developed areas of the Town have been combined,either to conform with ordinances,
or to create more desireable property for development. The development.of non -
lots may become possible when a sewage treatment system.is made
available unless they are.condemned by local, state or federal government
through due process. If it were possible to develop all of the existing sub-
standard lots in Nags Head the potential gross density would be increased from.
about 5 persons per acre to around 8 persons per acre. The rate of growth to
that density level would not change, however, since the economic determinants
130

of the major market area in the central Atlantic states would not be effected.
Within the Transitional Land Classification more detailed allocation of
land uses will be made through the Nags Head Zoning Ordinance which will be
based on the Objectives, Policies and Standards expressed in this Plan. It
is estimated that roughly 570 acres of residential land and around 290 acres
of commercial land will be developed in the 10 year period.
131

COMMUNi"TY FACILITY DEMAND
The Nags Head Planning Board is currently engaged in studies to determine
the cost of major utility systems and other services which will be necessary
to support the desired population growth which is projected by this Land Use.
Plan. The details and cost estimates of those requirements will be published
as a Community Facilities Plan and Public Improvements Program which will become
an integral part of the Nags Head Comprehensive Plan. Without that kind of
systematic examination of desires, needs and resources,,it is impossible.to
give a meaningful estimate of the cost of growth or to evaluate potential
methods of paying the cost.
The voters of Nags Head and Dare County approved .a 5 million dollar bond
referendum for a water $upply which could accommodate a larger population than
is forecast by this study. The engineering study for a sewage treatment system
for Nags Head and the surrounding area is in progress. A central sewage treat-
ment system is required to support the goals of conservation and protection of
Wetlands, Estuarine and Surface.Waters.and Ground Water. That system could
cost in excess of 11 million dollarsaccording to the estimates. This type
of system normally cannot be constructed without funding assistance from the
State and Federal government. Due to the changing guidelines and the unpre-
dictable availability of those funds it is considered presumptive to rely upon
such assistance until the funds are committed.
Developers are required to bear the cost of installation of services re-
quired by new subdivisions. This. Town Policy now includes streets, water lines,
street lighting and drainage but will also include sewage collection lines when
a .treatment system is available.
-132

The preparation of a Capital Improvements Budget for Nags Head will be
the fiscal implementation tool for the Land Use Plan. The Capital Budget'
is a means through which the Town can most economically relate public expendi-
tures to its long-range plan for necessary and desirable public improvements
while making the most effective use of the fiscal resources available to it,
whether from Local, State, or Federal sources.
Other facilities in addition to water and sewer systems which will require
attention during the ten year period are:
A. U. S. Highway 158 Bypass
B. Solid Waste Collection Vehicles and Personnel
C. Possible Addition of Police Vehicles and Personnel.
D. Replacement of Fire Truck Before 1982. ,
133

Land Classification
The land area of Dare County is divided into five categories for the
purposes of guiding development into the most appropriate areas.
A. Developed Land
Description -
Developed lands, delineated in rust color on the Land Classifica-
tion 1•iap, range from incorporated larger communities that
contain sizeable permanent, seasonal, and transient populations
with a diversity of residential, commercial, tourist and light
industrial development and a high level of public services and
facilities, to smaller, less varied communities with a lesser
intensity and diversity of development and a lower level of
public services and.facilities.
Function and Standards -
Developed lands will provide the service and growth centers for
Dare County. They are intended to accommodate the greater portion
of the necessary and natural expansion of residential, commercial,
and industrial activities. The needs of Dare County's permanent,
seasonal and transient population for housing, recreation, conmercial
activity, social and professional services will be met in these areas.
The building intensity in the developed areas will allow the economic
feasibility of a high level of public and institutional services.
These areas will discourage the dispersion of development in the
conservation areas of the County because they are concentrated in
character and are located in areas where existing development patterns
indicate the demand for and viability of growth centers.
135

B. Transition Land
Description -
Transition lands, delineated in hatched rust color on the Land Classifica-
tion Map, are those areas of Dare County where the capability of
the natural resources and the anticipated need for future development
indicate that relatively intense development of primarily residential
character is suitable. The areas are -located near or adjacent to
developed lands, along highways or in areas where the soils and acces-
sibility of services indicate a high development potential.
Function and Standards -
Transition lands will provide for moderate intensity development in
areas where development will not significantly harm relatively tolerant
natural resources. These areas are designed to provide for residential
expansion and growth and to accommodate uses related to and compatible
with residential uses in the vicinity of developed lands where utilities
and community services can be most economically and readily provided.
Development and the required services and utilities will be at a
generally less intense level than in developed lands.
C. Community Land
Description -
Community lands, delineated in cross hatched rust color on the Development
Guide Map, are those areas of Dare County characterized by existing clusters
of one or more different land uses in readily accessible locations within
reasonable proximity to a developed area where the natural resources are
fairly tolerant to development at a low intensity.
136

Function and Standards -
The community lands will provide for low intensity development
opportunities at levels that will protect the natural resources
of Dare County and still allow orderly growth and development.
These areas will primarily provide residential opportunities for
permanent residents as well as seasonal residents. Public services
and utilities will not be available in these areas at as high a
level as in the developed and transitional areas.
137

D. Rural Land
Description
Rural lands, delineated in white on the Land Classification Hap, are those
areas of Dare County with little or no urban development in relatively remote
locations where there are natural resources intolerant to -intensive develop-
ment. These areas are characterized by forested or open, low-lying lands
which would be suited for carefully managed resource utilization programs such
as forestry, agriculture or passive recreation.
Function and Standards
Rural lands will provide areas for the long term management of productive
resources within the county which will help to stabilize the seasonal fluct-
uations of the economy. The potential economic importance of these areas
and their general unsuitability to support intensive development makes the
protection of these lands essential to the county. Building construction,
residential and related supporting development should occur only on large
lots in relatively small clusters on carefully selected sites. Public ser-
vices and utilities in these areas will be limited to support only those uses
which are compatible with the concept of conservative resource utilization.
The rural classification will also provide large open areas within the
county to serve as a buffer against incompatible uses of land and to serve
future land needs which cannot be anticipated.
138

E. Conservation Land
Description -
Conservation lands are delineated in dotted green on the1.and classification
Map. These are land areas within Dare County where development must be
restricted because of an inherent incapability of the land to support
development because of fragility or hazardous conditions or because the
natural resources represent a greater value than the value of development.
Function and Standards -
There is sufficient land suitable for development in Dare County to accom-
modate projected and desirable growth without infringing upon areas which
are unsuited for development. The classification of conservation lands will
direct development away from areas which cannot support intensive development,
where public services are not and should not be made available, and direct
it instead to more tolerant areas where services can be supplied more econ-
omically. These areas are also designated to identify characteristics which
represent a potential hazard to development such as flood and erosion. These
hazard factors increase the public and private cost required to support
development. If considered against the useful life of the private investment
and against the less apparent public cost through provision of services and
potential disaster assistance, the return for development in these areas
would be marginal. Management of forestry and agricultural resources is a
permitted use within Conservation Areas where suitable soils are found.
Conservation lands will protect areas identified as potential sources for
public water supply on the Outer Banks or as recharge areas for principal
aquifers on Roanoke Island and the mainland.
139

Privately owned wildlife refuges, wilderness areas and passive recreation
areas will be classified as Conservation Land.
Large publically owned or controlled tracts will be 'included in the conser-
vation classification to further identify and protect historic, cultural and
natural resource areas. Development or alteration of land is appropriate
within conservation areas where it can be shown that:
(1) The proposed development will not destroy or irretrievably alter:
A. Wetlands
B. Frontal Dunes
C. Beaches
D. Estuarine or Impounded Surface Waters
E. Prime Wildlife Habitat
F. Unique natural areas, historic or archeological sites
(2) The proposed development will not encroach upon or be endangered by:
A. Areas of special flood hazard
B. Ocean front erosive areas
C. Inlets and areas within range of their migration
D. Estuarine erosive areas
(3) The proposed development will not significantly affect the quality or
reduce the value of:
A. Public or privately owned forest, park, game lands, sanctuaries or
other non -intensive recreation areas.
B. Aquifers, or aquifer recharge areas, or public water supply water-
sheds or water supply areas.
(4) The proposed development will not require an increase in public utilities
or services beyond that provided by the developer.
140

The Town of Nags Head has been designated as a growth.area as part of the
Dare County Lanj Use Plan. The County Development Plan has placed Nags Head
in the Transitional Classification with the exception of those portions of
the town that fit various categories of conservation classification.
More detailed -allocation of land uses within this growth area- is the function
of this plan. Since Nags Head is limited to -its present total size by the
municipal limits of Kill Devil Hills to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the
east, and Roanoke Sound and National Park Service lands to'the west, the use
categories must be carefully:assigned to allow for.the orderly development
of a well balanced communi'ty which preserves the unique characteristics of the
town to the greatest -extent possible.
A. :Residential
The Land Development Plpn for.Nags Head includes three ranges of resi-
dential density,: Low -density residential with approximately one to four
dwelling units per acre, medium density residential with approximately
four" to six dwelling units per acre, and high density residential with
six to ten dwelling units per acre.
The low density residential areas are designed to accommodate single
family homes for predominantly permanent residents. They should be located
generally west. of U� �1,.J58 by and' of: the area`.:south'of. Whalebone
Junction away from the major traffic arteries or�suitably buffered from
them. The medium density residential areas should be located in close
proximity to U..S. 158 by-pass with sufficient depth of property to permit
adequate buffering including reverse frontage lots if necessary. The
medium density areas are designed for single and two-family residences
with some mix of permanent and seasonal-res.idents.
141

The high density residential areas are designed to accommodate single
family and multi -family structures and would be more appropriate for
seasonal residents. ' These areas should be located with convenient access
to either the U.S. 158 by-pass or business route within reasonable proxi-
mity to the Ocean Beach.
B. Commercial Residential
The areas designated as commercial residential are intended to accommodate
.mdtel, hotel and restaurant development as well as some limited commercial
uses in conjunction with motels or hotels. Planned residential develop-_ `
ment at densities approaching those of motels and hotels would also be
appropriate in these areas under carefully regulated condisitons. The
primary location of these areas should be on or near the ocean front and
along U.S- 158 business.
C. Commercial
The commercial areas are intended to accommodate the wide range of re-
tail shopping facilities and services required by permanent residents
and tourists. For the convenience of the shopper and to improve the
drawing power of individual commercial facilities, these commercial areas
should be fairly compact and contain sufficient off-street parking to
accommodate anticipated growth. The present tendency of commercial uses
to locate in a strip along the highways will be discouraged.
D.' Public and Semi -Public
These areas include governmental, institutional and cultural facilities
and uses which are generally available to the public at large. They en-
compass over one fifth of the total land area_of the town and include such
uses as Jockey's Ridge State Park, the public water supply impoundment
area around the Fresh Pond and all town owned property.
r �142

POTENTIAL AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN
There is sufficient land suitable for development in'Nags Head to accommodate
projected and desirable future growth without infringing upon areas unsuited
for development. In addition to those areas included in the conservation class-
ification, there are some areas which, because of their over-riding importance,
their fragility, or the hazard they represent, should either be protected from
development or developed only with special precautions.. Within Nags Head
those areas which could be designated as AEC's are:
A. Coastland Wetlands:
1. Description
The marsh areas along the causeway and in scattered -locations on�the
shoreline of Roanoke Sound.
2. Permissible Uses
Erosion Control, fishing piers, docks, bulkheads (on upland side),
utility easements, limited dredging for access to navigable waters
and such other development requiring water access which do not
significantly alter the natural function of the marsh.
B. Estuarine Waters:
1. Description
Those Roanoke Sound waters which are classified S-A for the taking
of shellfish or S-C
2. Permissible Uses
Propogation of marine life, navigation, fishing, swimming, water
skiing, boating, fishing piers and docks.
143

C. Resource Areas -.Watersheds or Aquifers:
1. Description
The water impoundment and immediate area around the Fresh Pond.
2. Permissible Uses
Public water supply, recreation, and other development only when
provided with public waste water disposal system.
D. Fragile, Historic or Natural Resource Areas:
1. Jockey's Ridge State Park, Nags Head Woods and the Cape Hatteras
National Seashore to the west and south of town.
2. Permissible Uses
On publicly owned land only those usee..consistent with the objectives
for which the area was established. On privately owned land only such
limited development as would preserve areas susceptible to environmental
damage from more intensive development. Such development should be
undertaken only after approval of a complete.development plan which
shows that the proposed development will not destroy'or significantly
alter the natural topography, vegetation, surface waters or other
unique natural features.
E. Areas Subject to Public Rights:
1. Description
The waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Roanoke Sound under the juris
diction.of the Corps of Engineers.
2. Permissible Uses
Propogation of marine life, navigation, fishing, swimming, boating,
fishing piers, docks, bulkheads for erosion control.
144

F. Natural Hazard Areas:
1. Description
The ocean front and barrier dunes within one hundred and fifty feet
(150') of the mean high water mark of the Atlantic Ocean, the portions
of the Roanoke.Sound shoreline with a recent history of erosion
problems and those areas of the town that have an identified special
flood hazard with velocity (V5 zone) as designated by the Department
of Housing and Urban Development Flood Insurance Administration.
2. Permissible Uses
(a) Ocean front and barrier dunes;
Erosion and storm protection, beach and ocean access.
(b) Erodible areas of Roanoke Sound Shoreline;
erosion prevention devices, piers, docks, -bulkheads.
(c) Flood hazard areas;
residential, commercial, industrial, public and semi-public
uses which are developed according to the standards of the
Federal Insurance Administration':
145

SECTION VI
SUMMARY AND MAJOR CONCLUSIONS
146

DATA ASSEMBLY AND:ANALYSIS
The assembly of.data for the preparation of the�Nags Ike — Land::Use
.... _
Plan was initiated upon the completion of a comprehensive bibliography for
the town,.,,- specifically and the coastal plain area of North Carolina in gen-.
era I.. Th&.completedt-bibli.ography.-Included all previously published reports°
and studies involving such subjects as water and sewer, economy, demography,
tourism, geology and groundwater, natural and historic areas, indigenous
flora and fauna, erosion,§climate, fishing, soils, legal restraints, aerial
photo interpretation, coastal wetlands, recreation and planning to name but
a few. Asee list of.references.)
Data was assembled and subsequently organized into.general topics as
required"inthe State Planning Guidelines which includes: population and
economy; current plans policies and regulations; physical limitations; fragile
areas, areas with resources potential, community facility capacities; popula-
tion and economic projections; future land needs; and futdre-.community facility
demands. The required data was then analyzed and, in conjunction with results
obtained from the citizen survey questionnaires, was utilized in formulating
the Nags Head.; Land Use Plan. The following discussion and summary represents
major conclusions which were derived from the Land Use Plan.
147

NAGS HEAD LAND USE PLAN
I. HOW AND WHY THE LONG RANGE GOALS WERE DEVELOPED.
The Town "of Nags Head has maintained an active planning program since its
incorporation in 1961. Over the years, it has adopted and periodically
updated a Land Development Plan to guide the'growth of'the town in an.
orderly manner.
Ordinances have been passed to enforce the standards set by the plan
which has been implemented by the Planning Board and Commissioners to
achieve many of the goals stated in it.
In 1974, the North Carolina General Assembly passed the Coastal Area
Management Act requiring coastal communities to adopt land use plans
which reflect the desires and needs of coastal residents and insure the
protection, preservation, orderly development, and management of the
Coastal Area. The Town Commissioners designated the Nags Head Planning
Board as the responsible agency for assuring that the Nags Head Land
Use Plan was in compliance with the Act.
To insure the maximum amount of public participation in the planning
process and to assist them in necessary revisions of the existing land
use plan, the Planning Board appointed a Citizens Advisory Committee on
Land Use Planning. The responsibilities of the Citizens Advisory Com-
mittee were:
(1) To advise the Board of Commissioners and Planning Board during the
preparation of the Land Use Plan required by the Coastal Area Manage-
ment Act of 1974.
148

(2) To secure the views of a wide cross section,of citizens, representing
not only different geographical areas of the Town, but the varying
economic, social, and cultural interests as well, on the goals and
policies for the Land Use Plan.
(3) To make sure that individuals in the community understand the pro-
blems and procedures involved in land use planning and to get indi-
viduals to take an active part in evaluating present land.use *d
planning for the future devAlopment of the town.
The Planning Board and the Citizens Advisory Committee held public meetings
for the northern, central,.and southern areas of the Town to inform the
citizens of the.-requirements.of the Coastal Area Management Act and to
receive their -•input for the preparation of this Statement of.Objectives
-and Policies which will become the basis for guiding the future develop-
ment of the Town.
Members of the Nags Head Planning Board participated in the development
of a questionnaire.which was used to elicit public response and to help
define the objectives and concerns of the citizens of Nags Head.
Personal door-to-door and face-to-face contact of residents by.members
of the Planning Board and Advisory Committee was responsible for
large numbers of local citizens involved in the Planning Process. Local
newspaper articles and radio interviews were also used to increase':aware.-.
ness of the program. Over 30% of the permanent pdpulation responded ta. ...
the questionnaire and over 27% of the questionnaires mailed to non-residents
property owners were returned. The large number of additional written
comments on the questionnaires indicated a real concern with the direction
the town was taking. The response of the participants.at the community
149'

meeting was well thought out and generated some meaningful direction for
revisions in the existing.Nags Head Land Use Plan.
This process resulted in the identification of.the major land use issues
and problems as perceived by the citizens of Nags Head and the development
of long range goals and policies to guide.future growth which reflect the
concerns expressed by them.
II, MAJOR LAND USE ISSUES AND PROBLEMS WITH EXISTING -CONDITIONS AND TRENDS
A. Population and Economic Trends
The permanent population of Nags Head is estimated to have increased
over 20% in the five years since the last census. The statistical '
profile of Nags Head residents indicates an.increasingly older
population with an average family size of only 2.6 which is signifi-
cantly smaller than other communities in the region. The attraction
of Nags Head for retirees is evident in this trend.,
The implications of an increasingly older population in Nags Head
are that specialized demands will be placed on healthcare and
other community services and that the buying power of persons on
fixed incomes will more immediately reflect fluctuations in the
national economy.
The economic and physical impact of seasonal visitors to Nags Head
must be carefully measured and taken into account for planning
municipal facilities and services. Summer visitors in 1975 had
the effect of increasing the population of the town by more than
1,500 percent almost overnight. In spite of a general slowing of
the economy of the entire nation, visitation to this area actually
increased in 1975.
-150

The needs and desires of permanent residents seeking a retirement
haven and the requirements of the tourist oriented economy of the
town must be balanced in the.future development of Nags Head. It
is also.important to try to achieve stabilization of the highly
seasonal -economy through programs designed to.extend the tourist
season and to increase local participation in the supply and ser-
vices industries.
B. Housing and Community Services
The most urgent problem identified by the residents of Nags Head ;.
was the lack of readily available medical and health care services.
This problem will become even more critical as the population
increases.
.-The inadequacy of the present municipal water supply is'recognized
as an urgent problem by the residents. This problem is emphasized
when the peak demand is placed on the system by'seasonal visitors
at the time .when fresh water recharge through rainfall is at its
lowest. Septic tanks are no longer a satisfactory solution to the
problem of -sewage disposal when population densities begin to in-
crease as they have in Nags Head. A modern sewage disposaV"system_,
has become necessary to prevent the pollution of the highly produc-
tive sounds as well as to prevent potential pollution of the water
table aquifer which is the source of water for many domestic and
commercial wells.
Disposal of increasing amounts of trash and garbage is recognized as
an important concern in Nags Head. The solid waste problem is com-
pounded by the fact that suitable sites for disposal are also
areas which have the greatest potential for development.

While there are some recreation attractions for tourists, the
recreation needs of permanent residents have not been recognized.
As the community develops, expanded cultural and recreational facili-
ties will be required to meet the increasing demand. Other community
services including police and fire protection, education and social
services must take into account the dual and seasonal nature of the
populace of Nags Head.
Unplanned location of commercial and industrial land uses near
residential neighborhoods has created some incompatible situations
in the.town. The residents of Nags Head -see this as a problem
along with the over -commercialization of the beach which could destroy
the "family beach" atmosphere that is a major attraction for many
visitors. Overcrowded deve4opment on small lots and structures
which are out of scale with the low profile of vegetation and land
features also threatens the style of living valued by Nags Head
residents.
C. Productive Natural Resources
Nags Head is located at the edge of some of the world's most pro-
ductive breeding grounds for shellfish and finfish. Commercial
fisheries have long been a mainstay of the local economy. In recent
years sport and recreational fishing and related tourism have over-
shadowed commercial fishing as the basis for economiF well being.
The use of land as a base for the varied recreational experiences
available here is part of the naturalwealth of the area.
The interdependence of these two most valuable of productive
resources, the water and the land, makes it imperative that their
152

use>'be°'carofully managed to conserve their productivity. Soil
erosion by wind and water and pollution of the sounds and ocean
are problems which threaten to destroy the very things.which make
Nags Head attractive.
D. Important Natural Environments
Nags Head is the site of two areas which have been designated as
RegiStered'Matura} Landmarks. Jockey's Ridge which has been acquired
as a State Park is recognized as the highest natural sand dune on the
East Coast of the United States. Nags Head Woods is a unique example
of maritime forest which covers ancient dunes with frequent fresh
water ponds and bogs. ,
Their conservation is necessary to insure that future generations
.of coastal residents and visitors have the opportunity to partici-
pate in an important part of the coastal experience
E. Cultural and Historic Resources
Jockey's•Ridge;and Nags Head are only two of many cultural and
historic-resoutces of this area.- The vicinity also includes the
s ite of the first English settlement.in America and the site of man's
:first powered --flight. This rich natural, cultural,'and historic
heritage°constitutes one of the greatest assets of the area and one
which is important to preserve so that it continues to attract
visitors to.the Outer Banks.
The first residents of the Nags.-Head.area selected'their home sites
with care: They worked on the beaches and in the sounds but they
built their homes in sheltered, stable locations well protected
from the winds and storms. This proven example of how to live in a
153

fragile and sometimes hostile environment is part of the cultural
heritage of Nags Head which should serve as a guide for future
development.
III. LAND USE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
A. The citizens of Nags Head have indicated their concern with the
qualities of living in Nags Head which are most important to them
and which seem most in"danger,of being lost if present trends con-
tinue. These qualities are:
1. The slow pace of life in Nags Head.
2. Freedom from pollution and the pressures of urban populations.
3. The natural environment of the Outer Banks and the recreational
activities associated with it.
4. The inacessibility of Nags Head and the privacy available here.
'The overall goal of the Nags Head Land Use.Plan will be to preserve and
enhance these qualities which are unique to Nags Head so that the town
will continue to be a pleasant place to live for permanent residents and
remain attractive to the visitors who are vital -to the economic well-
being of the town.
B. The citizens of Nags'.Head indicated general agreement,with the Goals
of the 1972 Land Development Plan but'.suggested some alternative
objectives and policies for achieving those goals. The concepts
which most people agreed upon are the assumptions on which the
development policies and standards'will be based.
154

1. Effective planning can minimize the potential conflicts between
the sound economic development of Nags Head and the natural
environment which is the major attraction of the area..
2. Nags Head should give a high priority to improving community
services and utilities to accomplish the objectives of the'
Land Use Plan.
3. Industry or other large scale development should provide .local
officials with an assessment of the primary and secondary impact
that such development will have upon the natural and cultural
environment of Nags Head.
4. The natural resources of the area must be conserved to main-
tain their attractiveness and protective functions.
5. The growth of Nags Head should be controlled in accordance with
plans for the provision of the necessary services to accommodate
that growth.
Goal
Provide for the development and expansion of the tourist industry
as the major industry of Nags Head.
Objectives
1. The "Family Beach" atmosphere is the attraction which brings most
visitors back to Nags Head. This image should be reinforced and
encouraged.
2. The seasonal fluctuations of the tourist oriented economy should
be stabilized by extending the season to make more economical use
of facilities and services.
155� .

3. Public access to the beach should be provided for land -locked
property owners.
4. The development of a commercial services park for the location of
wholesale warehousing and distribution activities would help to
retain a larger share of the recreation income in Nags Head as well
as provide a wider range'of job diversification.
5. The construction of vacation homes will.be encouraged to increase
Goal
private investment in Nags Head and to help extend the tourist
season.
Coordinate the future growth and development of the Town of Nags
Head with adjacent municipalities and with Dare County.
Objectives
1. This plan, under the guidelines of the Coastal Area Management Act,
represents a joint effort between the Planning Boards of'Nags Head,
Dare County, Kill Devil Hills and Manteo. Further cooperative
planning efforts should be encouraged for the periodic review and
revision of policies affecting all of the local governments.
2. The development of an adequate water and sewer system to serve the
needs of this growing community is imperative. Coordination of'
each unit of government involved is required for the successful
achievement of this objective.
3. The joint Thoroughfare Plan prepared for the Town of Nags Head and
Kill Devil Hills by the N. C. Department of Transportation should
be adopted as part of the overall planning program along with the
'specific recommendations for implementation included in it.
156

Goal
Conserve air, water; and land resources and preserve the,,natural
...environment -to ., ::the::thel a.xtent ,possible.
Objectives
Proposed,.Bevelopment should not destroy o r. irretrievably alter:
A. Wetlands
Frontal Dunes
C. ;Beaches:::...:;
D. Estuarine or Impounded Surface Waters
E. Prime.Wildlife Habitat
F... Unilue naturallareas, historic or archeological sites
2.. Proposed development should not encroach upon or be endangered by:
A. Areas of special flood hazard
Be; -Oceanfront;erosive areas
C Inlets..and.ar.eas within:range of their migration
D: Estuarine erosive.areas
:3:.;,,.Proposed development:should,not significantly affect the.quality
or;,reduce.jhe,: value,=of:;,
....A. sPublic,pr privately.owned.,forest, park, game lands, sanctuaries
,or other non -intensive recreation areas.
B. Aquifers,or.,aquifer.recharge areas, or public water supply
watersheds or water supply areas.
Goal
Provide`for'the orderly growth and development of Nags Head as a
community for year-round family living as well as a family ocean
resort community.,
157

Objectives
The development of land and water areas within Nags Head should be under-
taken in accordance with sound resource management principles in order
to make the most economic use of public funds invested in services and to
enhance private investment in the long term future of the Town. The
standards expressed in development codes will guide the location of
development in appropriate areas and identify certain measures necessary
to insure safety and convenience for residents of and visitors to Nags
Head.
IV. LAND CLASSIFICATION
The Coastal Resources Commission has adopted a five category classifica-
tion system to identify the general use of land, to direct population
densities in areas which can best be served by necessary utilities and
to conserve natural resources by guiding growth.
The Town of Nags Head has been designated as a growth area as part of
the Dare CountyLand Use Plan. The County Development Plan has placed
Nags Head in the transitional classification with the exception of those
portions of the town that fit various categories of conservation class-
ificati'on.
More detailed allocation of land uses within this growth area is the
function of town development codes. Since Nags Head is limited to its
present total size by the municipal limits of Kill Devil Hills to the
north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and Roanoke Sound and National
Park Service lands to the west, the use of land must be carefully coor-
dinated to allow for the orderly development of a well balanced community
which preserves the unique characteristics of the town to the greatest
extent possible.
158

The five categories are:
Developed lands: Which can range from small communities to large incorporated
cities., where population density is moderate to high and where there are
a variety of land uses which have the necessary public services and
utilities.
Transition lands: Which comprise areas suitable for moderately intensive
development and expansion of predominantly residential character. These
areas are also capable of accommodating other uses compatible with such
development. The level of public services and utilities in these areas
is less intense than in developed lands.
Community lands: Which include areas capable of low intensity residential
development. Public services and utilities in these areas will be
available at a lower level than in the developed and transition lands.
Rural lands: Which comprise areas with little or no urban development. They
are characterized by low-lying lands suited primarily for carefully
managed programs such as forestry, agriculture or passive recreation.
The lands used for these purposes will help stabilize the seasonal
fluctuations of the County's economy. Public services and utilities
in these areas will be limited. Rural lands could also provide open
spaces to serve as buffer zones or to be held in reserve for future
uses as yet unanticipated.
Conservation lands: Which are areas where development must be restricted.
These lands are incapable of supporting urban development because of
their fragility or hazardous nature or because the natural, agricultural
or forestry resources hold a higher value than their value for develop-
ment. Conservation lands will protect areas representing potential'
sources of public water supply or as water, supply recharge areas.
159

Privately owned wildlife refuges, wilderness areas and passive recrea-
tion areas are classified conservation lands. In addition, large public -
ally owned or controlled tracts are classified as conservation lands to
protect historic, cultural and natural resources.
160

V. ESTIMATED DEMAND
The following table depicts the desired population changes for Nags Head
based on the stated objectives of orderly growth and development:
Permanent
Seasonal
Year
Population
Population
Total Peak Population
1975
512
11,488
12,000
1980
607
14,273
IM80
1985
717 .
16,993
17,710
1990
828
20,264
21,092
2000
1148
28,477
29,625
2025
1419
35=,197
36,616
Since the present water supply for Nags Head is inadequate, the voters
of Nags Head and Dare County have taken the first step to accommodate this
growth by passing a bond referendum to provide a dependable water supply.
With that supply, the growth which is expected to'occur during the next tern
year period can be accommodated in the Transitional areas established by
this Plan. That area comprises around 75% of the total land area of the town.
Over 25% of the total land area of Nags Head is in the conservation cate-
gory which is preserved from urban development.
Within the area of Nags Head that tics been classified Transitional
there will be individual sites which cannot be developed due to the constraints
mentioned in this Synopsis.
Growth will of necessity be at.a low density because it will be governed
by the Dare County Septic Tank"Regulations to prevent pollution of estuarine
waters and to prevent contamination of the ground water supply. The desired
growth for Nags Head will yield a gross population density of around five
people per acre in the Transitional land classificatiog-on that peak tourist
weekend in July or August of 1985 when all the visitor accommodations are full.
161

The effect of previously platted sub -standard lots on the population
growth desired for Nags Head will be -minimized by the Zoning Ordinance and by
the Dare County "Septic Tank Regulations which prohibit the development of such
lots until an approved community water supply or sewage disposal system is
available. The Nags Head Subdivision Regulations require developers to install
the necessary utilities and streets so that the cost of these additional ser-
vices should not increase the general tax burden within the growth period.
To'achieve the goals.of protecting the vital shellfish waters and shallow
ground water supply of Nags Head, a central, sewage collection and treatment
system is required. Nags Head, Dare County and the other municipalities
have joined together to examine this problem and to propose a solution to it.
The cost of the system which results from that study will again require a
Bond Referendum and a commitment from the'voters. Engineering studies indicate
that such a system might cost in excess of.$11 million. Due to the fact that
is is impossible to accurately predict future changes in, Federal and State
guidelines regarding loan and grant programs for sewage systems it would be
unwise to anticipate State or Federal assistance for such a project. Any
available assistance would, of course, reduce the cost of the facilities
to the local governments. The expenditures for treatment plants, pumping
stations and major collection lines may be covered by Bond Referendum and
such additional funding that may be available. But collection lines to serve
existing individual homes and businesses in Nags Head must be justified by
the need and willingness to finance such service by the users.
The intent of this Plan and the regulatory ordinances based on it is to
control the growth of Nags Head to a level acceptable to its citizens and
within the limits of their willingness to support it.
162

This means that the tremendous population increases experienced by
other resort communities will not be felt by Nags Head because of the restric-
tions the town has placed on development with individual septic tanks and
eventually with central sewage treatment. The population densities are keyed
to the availability of.a central sewage treatment system and will remain
relatively low even when such a system is available.
The continued development of the town will be carefully monitored to
insure that the standards and policies of this Plan are maintained and that
the most economic use is made of public funds to supply the required services.
163

VI STEPS REQUIRED FOR IMPLEMENTATION
A. Land Use Policy
The very publication of a document such as the Nags Head Land Use
Plan can have an influence on the way the community develops in
the future provided that it is well publicized and understood by
the citizens. For the Plan to have a real impact on development,
however, it must be recognized as a formally adopted statement of
public policy --a public commitment to the goals which are consid-,
ered to be the most desirable goals for the future of Nags Head.
The Land Use Plan must become a factor in the decisions made by
the Town Board. It must influence choices between alternative
courses of action which occur daily in the government of the Town.
The Land Use Plan must also generate other programs which will be
necessary in order to achieve the goals outlined in it.
B. Regulatory Ordinances
Probably the most commonly used and most familiar of the regulatory
methods of implementing the Land Use Plan is the zoning ordinance.
In the legislation passed by the N. C. General Assembly to enable
towns to en".-t zoning ordinances (N.C.G.S. 160A-383) is the require-
ment that "such regulations shall be made i.n accordance with a
comprehensive plan...". Thus it is mandatory that the zoning ordi-
nance and the Land Use Plan be in harmony and lead to the achieve-
ment of the stated goals for community development. Interpretations
of the zoning ordinance by the building inspector and Boards of
Adjustment should also reflect the influence of the Land Use Plan
as the ultimate statement of public policy on land use.
164 '

Whi.le.the zoning ordinance is a control for development that has
already taken place in most cases, the regulation of subdivisions
provides an opportunity to insure that new development taking place
within the jurisdiction of the municipalities occurs in an orderly
manner in accordance with the goals of the Land Use Plan. The pro-
visions for review of subdiv ision plats by the Planning Board should
insure that such development is coordinated with the appropriate
utility and thoroughfare systems and that the development is of a
quality and at a density that will further the goals of the Land
Use Plan.
The North Carolina -Building Code, the Dare County Dune Protection
Ordinance and the -Flood Hazard Ordinance are important regulatory
tools to implement the Land Use Plan. Nags Head intends to act as
a permit -letting agency for minor developments as authorized by the
Coastal -Area Management Act.
C. Public Investment
The most direct means of implementing the Land Use Plan is through
the preparation of a Public Improvements Program and Capital Budget.
This process is a commitment of publhc resources and -facilities to
the goals of the Land Use Plan which will ultimately effect the pri-
vate sector of development and -encourage growth and development of
the type and in..the direction indicated by the plan. A thorough
examination of each municipal department is necessary to determine
the projects and facilities which will be required over the twenty
year planning period to accomplish the stated objectives.. Careful
consideration of needs as related to objectives should result in a
165

priority listing of the major items of expense. Then, with a review
of the fiscal resources available through general revenue, bondingi
capacity, taxation, and possible state and federal assistance, a
specific budget for a six year program of public expenditure may be
prepared.
The capital budget process is intended to provide a vehicle through
which the community can most economically relate public expenditures
to the Land Use Plan in order to make those necessary and desirable
public improvements with the most effective utilization of the
available fiscal resources.
VII. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TOWNS AND THE COUNTY
The preparation of -this plan represents a cooperative effort between
the Nags Head Planning Board, the Planning Boards of Dare County,
Kill Devil Hills and Manteo. It includes the representative ideas
and opinions of the entire citizenry of Nags Head. The Nags Head
Planning Board will continue this process of cooperation to provide
for periodic review and revision of these policies 'in the light of
changes in the life-style of the area, changes in the environment
and economic pressures. Nags Head will control development within
its jurisdiction according to the policies and standards of this
plan.
VIII. POTENTIAL AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN
There is sufficient land suitable for development in Nags Head to
accommodate projected and desirable future growth without infringing
upon areas unsuited for development. In addition to those areas in-
cluded in the conservation'classification, there are some areas which,
166_

because of their overriding importance, their fragility, or the
hazard they represent, should either be protected from development
or developed only with special precautions.
Within Nags Head those areas which could be designated as AEC's are:
A. Coastal Wetlands:
1. Description
The marsh areas along the causeway and in scattered locations on
the shoreline of Roanoke Sound.
2. 'Permissible Uses
Erosion Control, fishing piers, docks, bulkheads (on upland side),
utility easements, limited dredging for access to navigable waters
and such other development requiring water access which do not
significantly alter the natural function of the marsh.
B. Estuarine Waters:
1. . Description
Those Roanoke Sound waters which'are.classified S-A for the taking
of shellfish.
2.. Permissible Uses
Propogation of marine life, navigation, fishing, swimming, water
skiing, boating, fishing piers and docks.
C. Resource Areas - Watersheds'or Aquifers:
1. Description
The water impoundment and immediate area around:the Fresh Pond.
2. Permissible Uses
Public water supply, recreation, and other development only when
provided with public waste water disposal system.
167

D. Fragile, Historic or Natural Areas:
1. Jockey's Ridge State Park, Nags Head Woods and the Cape Hatteras
National Seashore to the west and south of town.
2. Permissible Uses
On publicly owned land only those uses consistent with the
objectives for which the area was established. On privately
owned land only such limited development as would preserve areas
susceptible to environmental damage from more intensive develop-
ment. Such development should be undertaken only after approval
of a complete development plan which shows that the proposed
development will not destroy or significantly alter the -natural
topography, vegetation, surface waters or other unique natural
features.
E. Areas Subject to Public Rights:
1. Description
The waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Roanoke Sound under the
jurisdiction of the Corps of Engineers.
2. Permissible Uses
Propagation of marine life, navigation, fishing, swimming, boating,
fishing piers, docks, bulkheads for erosion control.
F. Natural Hazard Areas:
1. Description
The ocean front and barrier dunes within one hundred and fifty
feet (150') of the high water mark of the Atlantic Ocean, the
portions of the Roanoke Sound shoreline with a recent history of
erosion problems and those areas of the town that have an identi-
fied special flood hazard with velocity (V5) as designated by the
Department of Housing and Urban Development Flood Insurance Adminis-
tration. 168

2. Permissible Uses
(a) Ocean front and barrier dunes;
Erosion and storm.protection, beach and ocean access.
(b) Erodible areas of Roanoke Sound Shoreline; erosion
prevention devices, piers, docks, bulkheads.
(c) Flood.hazard areas;
residential, commercial, industrial, public and semi-
public uses which are developed according to the standards
of the Federal Insurance Administration.
169

IMPLEMENTATION TECHNIQUES REQUIRING STATE LEGISLATION
The North Carolina General Statutes permit local governments to adopt
ordinances to regulate development in a variety of ways through ordinances
and utility extension policies. These methods are mostly.negative in their
effect in that development is either prohibited or restricted in certain
areas.
Other statesareusing incentives programs such as preferential tax -
structure for land -remaining undeveloped, scenic easements for critical
property, and transfer of development rights which allows suitable property
to be more intensely developed Ail,e preserving valuable .or fragile natural
resources.
These techniques make use of the economic leverage that determines the
mythological "higest and best use" for land to accomplish the same goal of
the restrictive ordinances. They have the added advantage of requiring no add-
itional permit system or enforcement agency and are much less expensive than
outright acquisition.
North Carolina has taken a step in this direction with N.C.G.S. 105-277
which provides for preferential tax assessment for farm land. This program
should be more widely publicized.and perhaps expanded to include other types of
land. The other -incentive -techniques should be examined by the Coastal Resources
Committion for their applicability in North Carolina.
1State of Maine Title 33 Chapter 667.
State of New Hampshire H. B. 747 Chapter 391
170

SECTION VII
REFERENCES AND APPENDICES
171

REFERENCES
Unless otherwise indicated, the information in certain subsections of this
Land.Use Plan was obtained from the following list of references:
Albemarle Regional Planning and Development Commission, 1975. "Water Resource
Management, Region R." Office of State Planning, Raleigh, N. C.
Barick, F. B. and Critcher, T. S., 1975. "Wildlife and Land Use Planning with
Particular Reference to Coastal Counties." North Carolina Wildlife
Resources Commission, Raleigh, N. C.
Buckman, R. E. and Quintus, R. L., "Natural Areas of the Society of American
Foresters".
Chamber of Commerce, Nags Head, N. C., 1970. "Visitors Study." 314 National
Advertising Company.
Clifford, William B., 1971 Population Chan e for N. C. and N. C. Counties,
1950-1960 and 196 -1970: Estimate of Net Migration and Natural Increase,
Raleigh, N. C.: N. C. Agricultural Experiment Station, N.C. State University.
Coastal Resources Commission, 1975. "State Guidelines for Local Planning in the
Coastal Area Under the Coastal Area Management Act of 1974." Raleigh, N.C.
Dare Beaches Water & Sewer Authority, 1973. "Dare Beaches Sketch Development
Plan", 11. C. Department of Natural and Economic Resources, Raleigh, N.C.
Dare Beaches Water & Sewer Authority, 1973. "Economic Study of the Dare
Beaches." Stephens Associates, Raleigh, N. C.
Dare Beaches Water and Sewer Authority. 1973. "Preliminary Engineering Report,
Regional Water System and Regional Wastewater Collection and Treatment."
Henry Von Oesen and Associates, Inc., Dare County, N. C.
Davis, A. C. et. al. 1974. "North Carolina's People, A Decade of Change, 1960-1970"
N. C. Agricultural Extension Service, Raleigh, N. C.
East Carolina University Regional Development Institute. (Travel, Industry,
Statistics, Dare County), "An Analysis of Tourism Inquiries, Jan. 1966 -
Jan. 1967."
Endangered Species Committee of the Department of Natural and Economic Resources,
State of North Carolina, 1973. "Preliminary List of Endangered Plant and
Animal Species in North Carolina.", Raleigh, N. C.
Envirotek, Inc. "Dare County General Development Plan", 1974, Raleigh, 11. C.
Hayes, D. R., 1967. An Economic Study of Dare County, North Carolina. Department
of Economics, N. C. State University,.Raleigh. 74 p.

Harris, W. H., and H.B. Wilder. 1964. Ground -Water Supply of Cape Hatteras
National Seashore Recreational Area, Part 3, Rep. Invest. 4. N. C.
Dept. Water Resources, Division of Ground Water, Raleigh, N. C.
Heath, Ralph C., 1975. Hydrology of the Albemarle -Pamlico Region, 14. C.,
U.S.G.S., WRI, 9-75.
Kimrey, J.O., 1960. Ground -Water Suyply of Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Recreational Area, Part 2. Rep. Invest. 2. N. C. Department Water
Resources, Division of Ground Water, Raleigh, N. C.
Kimrey, J.O. 1961. Ground -Water Su2ply for the Dare Beaches Sanitary District,
Rep. Invest. 3. Dept. Water Resources, Division of Ground Water, Raleigh, N.C.
Knowles, C.E. et. al. 1973. "A Preliminary Study of Storm -Induced Beach'Erosion
for North Carolina." Center for Marine and Coastal Studies, North Carolina
State University, Raleigh, N. C.
Kologiski, R. L. and D. Hill, 1972. "N. C. Natural Area Survey Report, Buxton
Woods."
Langfelder, Jay, Dec. 1968. A Reconnaissance of Coastal Erosion in 11. C.,
Civil Engineering Dept., North Caro ina State University, Ra eigh, N. C.
Langfelder, Jay et. al., 1974. "A Historical Review of Some of North Carolina's
Coastal Inlets." Center for Marine and Coastal Studies, North Carolina State
University Report No. 74-1,.Raleigh, N. C.
Lloyd, 0. B. Jr. and H. B. Wilder, 1965. Ground -Water Supply of Cape Hatteras
National Seashore Recreation Area, N. C. Pt. 4, U.S. Geological Survey, 23 p.
Lloyd, 0. B., Jr., and H. B. Wilder. 1968. Ground -Water Supply of Cape Hatteras
National Seashore Recreational Area, North Carolina, Part 4, Rep. Invest. 5,
Machemehl, J. L., 1974: Coastal Erosion, State of N. C., Dept. of Natural and
Economic Resources, Office f !—rater and Air Resources, Raleigh, N. C.
Moore, Gardner and Associates, Inc., Consulting Engineers, 1968. Dare County,
North Carolina - Water and Sewer Plan, Asheboro, 32 p.
New England River Basins Commission, 1975. "People and the Sound: Supplement."
Long Island Sound Regional Study.
N. C. Department of Conservation and Development, Division of Community Planning,
':Development Plan, Dare County, 11. C.", 44 p., August 1964.
N. C. Division of Community Planning, 1963. "Population and Economy, Dare County,
N. C.", Department of Conservation and Development, Raleigh, N. C.
N. C. Division of Community Assistance, 1964. "Development Plan, Dare County,
N. C." Department of Conservation and Development, Raleigh, N. C.

N. C. Division of Community Planning, 1964. "Economic Function and Population
Land Development Plan, Nags Head, N. C." N. C. Department of Conservation
and Development, Raleigh, N. C.
N. C. Division of Community Planning, 1965. "Population and Economy, Dare
County, N. C., Raleigh, 11. C.
N. C. Division of Community Assistance, 1972. "Land.Development Plan, Nags
Head, North Carolina." N. C. Department of Natural and Economic Resources,
Raleigh, N. C.
N. C. Division of Economic Development, 1974. 1974 North Carolina Travel
Survey." Travel Development Section, Department of Natural and Economic
Resources, Raleigh, N. C.
N. C. Division of Ground Water, Office of Water and Air Resources, Department of
Natural and Economic Resources, 1972. Potential Ground Water Supplies For
Roanoke Island and the Dare County Beaches, N. C., Report #9.
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. "Classification of Commercial and
Inland Fishing Waters." Raleigh, N. C.
Quay, T. C., 1959. The Birds, Mammals, Reptiles, and Amphebians of Cape Hatteras
National Seashore Recreation Area. U.S. National Park Service.
Sales Management Magazine. 1973. "Survey of Buying Power."
Sharpe, Bill. 1954. A New Geography of North Carolina. State Magazine, Vol. 1,
Raleigh, N. C.
Stephens Associates, 1974. "Dare County Economic Development Plan." Raleigh, N.C.
Stick, David, 1958. The Outer Banks of Horth Carolina, 1584-1958. University
of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, N. C.
Stick, David, 1970. Dare County: A History. State Department of Archives and
History, 1970.
U. S. Dept. of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. "An Appraisal of the 1974
Potential for Outdoor Recreation, Dare County, N. C." Pamlico Soil and
Water Conservation District, Manteo, N. C.
U. S. Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, 1975. "Environmental
Assessment - Jockey's Ridge State Park." Washington, D. C.
U. S. Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife. "Mattamus-
keet - Swanquarter - Cedar Island - Pea Island Refuges Wilderness Proposal."
Hyde, Carteret, and Dare Counties, N. C.

Wahls, H. E. 1973. A Survey of N. C. beach erosion by air photo methods, 1973.
Center for Marine Coastal Studies - N. C. State University, No. 73-1.
Wilkinson, R. R. and Dorst, P. R., 1972. "Critical Environmental Areas of N.C."
Office of State'Planning, N. C. Department of Administration, Report No.
146.10, Raleigh, N. C.
Wyrick, G. G. and R. E. Dean, 1968. Ground -Water Supply of Cape Hatteras
National Seashore Recreational Area, North Carolina, Part 5, Rep. Invest. 6.
N. C. Dept. of Water and Air Resources and Ground Water, Raleigh, N. C.

The Coastal Area Management Act of 1974 requires that a Land Use Plan be
adopted for each of the 20 coastal counties named in the Act.
If any county fails to develop a plan it will be done for that county
by an agency of the State.
The Dare County Commissioners have notified the State that the citizens
of Dare County intend to develop our own plan. This will give us the greatest
voice possible in the future of Dare County.
Doubtless you would like to see the county plan reflect your views of how
Dare County should grow and develop. Your voice will have the greatest impact
during the early stages of developing the plan. That time is now.
This questionnaire is one way to be heard. Please answer the questions
carefully since your answers will serve as an important foundation for the
writing of the plan.
Please remember that a Land Use Plan is not a zoning ordinance but a broad
statement of our goals for growth and development and broad allocation of our
land resources to meet those goals. The Land Use Plan will furnish guidelines
for development and will serve as the basis for future detailed planning.
This questionnaire will be divided into three areas:
(1) Personal profile questions asked for statistical purposes.
(2) Questions related to Dare County today.
(3) Questions related to Dare County tomorrow.

SECTION I: PERSONAL PROFILE
1. Check the area primarily through which you are associated with Dare
County (normally the area of residence or of property holdings if non-
resident. If strong association with more than one area makes it impossible
to choose, check each and describe association to right of each area checked.)
Duck & North
Kill Devil Hills
Manns Harbor, Stumpy Point,
—fast Lake & Other Mainland
areas.
Hatteras (Oregon Inlet South)
Kitty Hawk (Includes area outside limits
of Kill Devil Hills and
North to Duck)
Manteo (City)
Nags Head Manteo (Outside city limits)
Wanchese North End Roanoke Island
2. Your age group. Circle one letter.
A. Below 18
B.
18-24
C.
25-34
D.
35-44
E.
45-54
F.
55-64
G.
65 or Over
2

SECTION I: PERSONAL PROFILE (Cont'd)
3. Are you a Dare County resident (includes communities located within
Dare County)?
Circle one letter.
A. Yes, and I own or am purchasing a home.
B. Yes, and I rent my home.
C. I am a nonresident who owns or is purchasing property in
Dare County.
D. I am a nonresident who does not hold property in Dare County.
4. What is your primary economic relationship with Dare County (circle
one letter)?
A. No income derived from Dare County.
B. Agriculture and related business or service.
C. Fishing and related business or service.
D. Tourism and related business or service.
E. Forestry and related business or service.
F. Construction and related business or service.
G. Business or service used by general public and not specifically
related to any of above.
H. Retirement income (if from one of above, indicate which ).
I. Other (Please Specify)
3

SECTION II - DARE COUNTY TODAY
S. If you were born in Dare County, check here
If not born in Dare County, check here
If you were born in Dare County, which of the following keep you
here, or if you were not born in Dare County which of the
following attracted you (select three most important to you and
number then in order of importance).
A. Slow pace of living.
B. Privacy (inaccessibility)
C. Freedom from pollution and population pressures.
D. The natural environment and associated recreational
activities.
E. My job or business or property holdings.
F. Belief that there will be future economic expansion
which will provide great personal opportunity.
G. Family
H. Other (Please Specify)
6. Of those things which attracted you to or keep you in Dare County,
which do you believe we are most likely to lose?
COMMWS :
Most Likely
Next most likely
4

SECTION II - DARE COUNTY TODAY (Cont'd)
7. Indicate your degree of concern with the following which have been cited
as problems or potential problems in Dare County:
Most Urgent Urgent Not A
PROBLEM Concern Concern Problem
A. An adequate water supply
B. Traffic congestion
C. Sewage disposal
D. Trash & Garbage disposal (not collection)
E. High rise construction
F. Lack of medical services
G. Limitation on building height
H. Pollution of ocean $ sounds
I. Over population
J. Commercialization
K. Lack of access to beaches, sounds,
inlets and ocean
L. Unattractive buildings
M. Small lots and crowded developments
N. Lack of reserved open space
0. Lack of community recreational
facilities
P. Destruction of dunes and beaches
Q. Lack of job diversification
R. Lack of usable land to accommodate
growth
S. Lack of comforts or conveniences avail-
able in more urban areas (such as TV &
radio, supermarkets, shopping centers,
etc.)
T. Lack of surface & subsurface drainage
U. Erosion by wind and water
V. Other (Please Specify)
5
5

SECTION III - DARE COUNTY TOMORROW
8. Have you previously heard of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1974?
(Circle letter beside all that apply)
A. No
B. Yes, through newspaper
C. Yes, through radio
D. Yes, through TV
E. Yes, by word of mouth
F. Yes, by other means (Please Specify)
9. Indicate the degree of encouragement or discouragement you believe should
be given the following, assuming that any change will affect the existing
balance (that is, encouraging one probably will discourage at least one of
the others). Check only one column beside each item.
AS A PLACE TO WORK
A. Agriculture & Related
B. Fishing Industry $ Related
C. Tourism $ Related
D. Forestry $ Related
E. Construction & Related
F. Research/Development Industry
G. Light Industry (warehousing,
assembly, etc.)
H. Heavy Industry (conversion
of raw materials
Encourage o DiscourT9,&ITiscourage
Moderately Chan.Qe IModeratelylStrouly
31

SECTION III - DARE COUNTY TOMORROW (9 Cont'd)
DARE COUNTY AS A PLACE TO LIVE Encourage Encourage INo IDiscourage Discourage
nR VT.qTT Strongly IModeratelvIChanqesIModeratelyiStron.Qly
I. Residential Development
J. Single family residences
K. High rise residences
L. Low rise multi -family
residences
M. Preservation of open space
N. New $ improved cultural
facilities (libraries,
art gallaries, theatres,
etc.)
0. Increased accessibility
to Dare County
P. Improved tourist facilities
(convention centers, etc.)
Q. Urban growth
R. Protection of residential
areas from encroachment
by commercial or industrial
enterprise
S. Preservation of wildlife
habitat
T. Regulation of dunes &
shoreline
U. Soil conservation
V. Other (Please Specify)
7

SECTION III - DARE COUNTY TCIORROW (Cont'd)
10. Please check the degree of agreement or disagreement with each of the
following statements.
Agree Disagree
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
A. There is enough economic develop-
ment underway in Dare County.
B. Industry in Dare County would
improve the quality of life.
C. New industry locating in Dare
County should be required to
file an environmental impact
statement.
D. A person should be able to do
anything he wants with his land.
E. Planning can minimize con-
flict between economic de-
velopment and environmental
protection.
F. We have enough people living
in Dare County now.
G. We should try to attract more
permanent residents.
H. We should give high priority
to improved community or
county services (central or
area water systems, sewage
disposal, etc.)
I. We must control growth to
allow services to keep pace
with the need.
J. We must control natural
resources to keep Dare
County a tourist attraction.
K. Other (Please Specify).

SECTION III - DARE COUNTY TOMORROW (Cont'd)
11. Are you pleased with the direction Dare County development is
taking? Yes, No. Please use this space to write the reasons
you are pleased or to indicate the changes you would like to see and
your reasons for them.
E

SUMMARY OF QUESTIONNAIRE - NAGS HEAD RESIDENTS '
#1 A total of 147 Nags Head resident surveys were returned.
#2 68% of the Nags Head residents are 45+
#3 All are residents
#4- Approximately 34% of those surveyed receive NO income from Dare County
or receive retirement income. 31% receive income from tourism and
related services. 15% are associated with business or services used by
the general public.
#5 82% of the Nags Head residents surveyed were not born in Dare County.
The qualities which attracted them to Dare County are:
(1) Slow pace of living
(2) Freedom from pollution and population pressures
(3) The natural environment
#6 Of those qualities which attracted them, the two which they believe
they are most likely to lose are:
(1) Freedom from pollution and population pressures
(2) The natural environment
#7 - The major problem areas cited are:
(1) Lack of medical services
(2) An adequate water supply
(3) Erosion by wind and water
(4) Pollution of oceans and sounds
(5) Sewage disposal _
(6) Limitation on building height
(7) High rise construction
(8) Destruction of dunes and beaches
(9) Small lots and crowded developments
(10) Commercialization
Factors which present no problem are:
(1) Lack of comforts or conveniences
(2) Lack of usable land to accommodate growth
(3) Lack of job diversification
(4) Over population
(5) Trash and garbage disposal
(6) Lack of community recreational facilities
#8 90% of the Nags Head residents had previously heard of CAMA - the
majority through the newspapers.
A

#9 The major factors which the Nags Head residents feel should be strongly
encouraged are:
(1) Single-family residences
(2) Protection from encroachment
(3) Preservation of open space
(4) Fishing industry
(5) Preservation of wildlife habitat
(6) Regulation of dunes and shoreline
(7) Residential development
(8) Soil conservation
(9) New and improved cultural facilities
(10) Improved tourist facilities
Factors which are strongly discouraged are:
(1) High rise residences
(2) Heavy industry
(3) Low rise multi -family residences
#10 Nags Head residents strongly agree with the following statements:
(1) Planning can minimize conflict
(2) We should give high priority to improved county or community
services.
(3) New industry should file an EIS
(4) We must control gorwth to allow services to keep pace with the need
(5) We must control natural resources to keep Dare County a tourist
attraction
They disagree with the following:
(1) A person should be able to do anything he wants with his land.
#11 52.4% of those surveyed are not pleased with the direction Dare County
development is taking.
r

This report was financed in part by the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration and the State of
North Carolina, and meets the requirements
of the North Carolina Coastal Area
Management Act of 1974.