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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLand Use Sketch Plan-1987� U y NEWPORT LAND USE SKETCH PLAN U J00 1987 A 1> C� 250 TOWN OF NEWPORT •'� '� it . � � » rn C1 20a O O U a .� 160 O cu U^-' •° too A I A I so Mayor Derryl Garner J Board of Commissioners J.R. Newby Jackie Winberry Seymour P. Rubin Milton Gould James Clark Planning Board Pat Kirk R.P. Joyce, Jr. David M. Heath John Davis Ken Pederson Jim Mosely Zoning Administrator Robert Chambers Town Clerk Beverly McCarvill Planning Assistance Provided by Stephenson S Associates Richard A. Stephenson. AICP, Planner -in -Charge Richard E. Halt, Planning Associate Bruce C. Payne, Planning Associate NEWPORT POPIAAnON CROWfH Year F1C..1 s..r••, t+eo s.a. e..•.e .w a.e. oeur. •[ at.r• swHt • IYr•s.e Industry 6 (16 Industry 7 (1.Sx) Industry 8 (3.6x) Industry 9 (3.6x) Industry 10 (2.4x) Industry 11 (17 INDUSTRY NEWPORT EMPLOYED PERSONS 16 YEARS & OVER BY INDUSTRY Industry 5 (2.1x) Industry 4 (3.6es) No. of WORKERS 4 SS 71 21 12 93 9 22 21 • 14 100 159 Tonal Workers 581 F14. Z Sources 1980 Census of Housing & Population :12.as) ndustry 2 (9.5m) Industry 1 (0.7s) 12 (27.4x) 1) Agriculture, Forestry. Fisheries, A Mining 2) Construction 3) Manufacturing 4) Transportation u 5) Commnication, Other Public Utilities 6) Retail Trade 7) Wholesale Trade 8) Finance, Insurance, A Real Estate 9) Bus iners and Repair Services 10) Personal. Entertainment, 8 Recreation 3... tee 11) Professional and Related Services 12) Public Administrstion D) Constraints: Resources Suitability The suitability of land for development sometimes limits its use for the town. These limitations are mainly caused by natural features, although some are caused by man. Hazard Areas, soil limitations, sources of water supply, slope, fragile areas, and areas with resource potential contribute to these limitations. 1) Hazard, Fragile, and Resource Potential Areas The only hazard area in the town is the floodable area. Most of the floodable areas are along the Newport River and Deep Creek (see Land Classification Map). Fragile areas are generally associated with adjacent water bodies, which are considered Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC), and historical sites. Such areas are important because unregulated and unplanned development can damage or eliminate our valuable resources. Fragile areas in the town are reviewed below. a) Areas of Environmental -Concern— Newport has two AEC's, Coastal Wetlands and Public Trust Waters i) Wetlands— Wetlands play an improtant role in the life cycle of many animals as well as man. They are easily damaged by pollution and need to be protected. The wetlands in Newport are located along the Newport River and its tributaries and occupy appoximately thirty—nine acres. Wetlands are protected by several different regulatory agencies, so any development must be carefuly studied. ii) Public Trust Areas— The Newport River is a public trust area. This area is important in that it guarantees the public's right to navigate in these waters and also provide recreation and aesthetic qualities. b) Archeologic and Historic Sites— There are no known archeologic or historic sites in the town. It has been mentioned that there is a site in the town's ETJ. Supposedly, Fort Benjamin once existed but its remnants are no longer there. There is a historic sign that identifies the site. If an additional site was to be discovered the Division of Archives and History in the Department of Natural Resources and Community Development should be notified. c) Woodland Swamps— These areas are next to the wetlands as they border the river. Woodland swamps are regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a "404 Permitting Area". Since Newport is an urban area. areas with resource potential lie outside the town limits. There are several ponds that might have limited resource potential, with the resource being in the form of recreation. The areas with resource potential near the town are discribed below. a) The Newport River, its tributaries, and the wetlands in the town have resource potential. These areas take the form of natural and recreation resources. b) Farmland is another resource in the area and most of it is in the town's extraterritorial area. c) The largest and most important area with resource potential is the Croatan National Forest. Part of the forest is in the town's extraterritorial area. Newport is very fortunate to have this forest of great resource potential to be located close to it. There are many wildlife and plant habitats, which are a priceless,treasure. 2) Soil and Slope Limitations Newport generally has poor soils for development, this is not a major concern since the town has community water, sewer, and storm drainage systems. There are about twenty different soil series in the town. All but five of these have high water tables and are wet soils, but they cover a very small portion of the town's land area. This means that just about any type of development will require special planning provisions, good design, and careful management. Soils are site specific and there can be several different soils on one site, so an on —site inspection is needed to determine specific limitations. Generally, the gentle slopes of Newport tend to be suitable for development. 3) Sources of Water Supply As with most coastal areas, Newport depends on ground water for its water supply. At the present time no known problems exist with respect to the quantity or quality of the coastal acquifers. G) Constraints: Community Facilities 1) Drinking, Waste and Storm Water Systems The town water system has a maximum capacity of 518,400 gallons per day (GPD). Presently the system is being used at approximately 62% capacity. The water system will need to be expanded in the next twenty years to accomodate the forcasted population. Newport has a contact stabilization wastewater treatment plant with a capacity of 250,000 GPD. There was an available surplus of 125,000 GPD in the system in 1986. In June of 1987 plant expansion will be completed and the system will have a capacity of 500,000 GPD. With this expansion the town should be able to service its present customers and additional growth resulting from population increase, annexation, or from extending lines outside of the town limits. The town has a storm water system separate from the sewer system. It is very important that the town maintain good water and wastewater systems since the soils are limited for individual wastewater :systems, and have a high water table. There is concern related to the problem of storm water runoff. The major concern is the maintenance of open ditches oicare of these The dtown naneeds tonestablish private land rights —of —way or easements so that proper can be improved. i 2) Schools, Roads, and Recreation Services Newport Elementary and West Carteret Schools serve the town. Both of these schools are very near capacity. There are plans to build a new elementary school in the near future. C NEWPORf LAND USE SKETCH PLAN - 1987 ROUGH DRAFT I � I) INTRODUCTION This land use plan represents an update of the existing Newport Land Use Plan of 1981, and when adopted will supercede the previous plan. The original plan and its five year updates are required by the North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). The Town of Newport Planning Board is the local planning agency whose responsibility it is to oversee the planning process, of which this land use plan is a part.- This document is in accordance with the land use planning guidelines (Subchapter 7B - 15NCAC). Land use planning is based on many factors including topography, drainage, soils, existing uses of land and water, availability of community services, roads, population projections, trends in economic development, and future land use needs. The coordination of all these factors is what planning, in general, is all about. Planning is essential to avoid the chaos typical of other areas experiencing faster growth. But land use planning is not an end in itself. Although the plan allows for changes in the future, it must be implemented to receive the benefits from its application. Since the last land use plan update, the Town of Newport has moved steadily forward, implementing many of the policies set forth at that time. The foresight of the town officials and citizens have provided an excellent foundation on which to continue the town planning process. II) EXISTING CONDITIONS A) The Site and Situation of Newport The Town of Newport, incorporated in 1866, is located on the Newport River which flows for about four miles eastward until the stream becomes an estuary. The estuary is important as a fishery as well as a commercial and recreational waterway. Newport sits safely from the coastal hazards as it is sited about seven miles north of the Atlantic Ocean and about twenty feet above mean sea level. The affects of storm tides are minimal although there is a potential hazard from high winds resulting from extratropical cyclones and hurricanes. The town is on an upland surface between the Newport River and Deep Creek. While the two stream valleys are less than five feet above mean sea level, the upland is more than thirty feet. The rise from the valleys is moderate, and the upland's relative relief varies less than ten feet. Several small ponds are located on the upland surface adding to the pleasant landscape. The situation of Newport is continuously changing as a result of Morehead City, Beaufort Roads and Bogus Banks. At one time U.S. 70 came through the central business district of Newport. At that time and for long before the town was primarily a farm and forest service center for the surrounding rural area. The railroad added to the importance of the town as a stop between Morehead City and Havelock, New Bern and points to the north and west. The town's character changed in the early 1960's when U.S. 70 was constructed as a four lane highway about a mile to the west of the Central Business District (CBD)to accomodate increased traffic to and from the Morehead City area. With the need for more housing in nearby Havelock, Newport was able to offer many people affordable housing. With Newport being less than eight miles from Havelock and about nine miles from the Atlantic Beach bridge in Morehead City, the town can take advantage of being close by major commercial and industrial activity while enjoying the aesthetics of a small town. B) Population and Economy Because of Newport's site and situation the town has grown and prospered. Newport grew at a stedy rate from 1940 to 1960, and from 1960 to 1970 the town grew more than it had in 1940 (see Figure 1). Part of the growth can be attributed to the establishment of Conner Homes Corporation in 1958 and Cherry Point MAS, but a natural increase has also taken place. The local and nearby industries supports the income of the town's people by being "basic' industries. That is, industries such as agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining and manufacturing produce goods for export to other areas bringing outside money into town (see Figure 2). The local income varies widely with about 53% of the households having an income less than the median (see Figure 3). With nearby shopping areas in Havelock and Morehead City retail activity and professional services are a small contributor to the local economy. C) Existing Land Use The existing pattern of land use in Newport map is similar to that of the 1976 and 1981 land use, but with one large difference (see EXISTING LAND USE MAP). The land once forested or farmed between the highways and railroad is filling in with residential subdivisions. The residential land uses make up approximately 30% of the land (see table 1). This filling in is expected to continue. The commercial growth continues near the intersection of Howard Street and U.S. 70, along Howard Street, and some commercial redevelopment along old U.S. 70. Much of the commerce is directed toward the local market, but some are oriented to highway users. Industrial uses of land continues to be associated with Conner Industries and Blue Bell Incorporated. Industrial land uses are not expected to change very much in the future. 90 85 80 75 70 65 60 55 Y 0 50 L Y 45 s e 40 zY 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 NEWPORT HOUSEHOLD INCOME IN 1979 INCOME RANGE #Households #1 Less than f2500 28 #2 $2500 to $4999 18 13 $3000 to $7499 8o #4 s7500 to $9999 56 15 110,000 to 112,499 79 #6 t12. 500 to 114, 999 - 58 #7 $15.000 to $17,499 57 08 $17,300 to $19,999 39 #9 $20,000 to $22,499 29 #10 s22.500 to s24.999 28 #I1 525.000 to {27,499 46 #12 $27, 500 to $29, 999 23 013 $30,000 to $34,999 48 #14 s35,000 to $39,999 8 #16 0,000 to 5999 $40,000 13 #15 to :74,999 $574 5 #17 $751o00 or Bore 3 Median $14.569 YYY Mean m $16,968 /1 /2 13 14 /5 /6 17 18 19 /10 fl1 112 113 114 115116 117 Income Runge Sources 1980 census of Housing 8 Population TABLE 1 IN TOWN Land Use Present Acreage % of total Future Demand Residential 350.8 29.5% 259.6 Commercial 20.2 1.7% 15 Institutional 46 3.9% 1.3 Cultural 12.9 1.1% 10 Industrial 33.1 2.8% 24.5 Roads and RR 123.1 10.3% N/A Waters and Floodway 53.3 4.5% N/A Open Space 551 46.3% N/A, Total 1190.4 Total 343.1 TOWN's ETJ Residential 369.1 7.7% 273.1 Commercial 22 .5% 16.3 Institutional 29.4 .5% 21.8 Cultural 45.9 1.0% 34 Roads and RR 259 5.4% N/A Waters and Floodway 174.5 3.7% N/A Open Space 3,863.9 81.1% N/A Total 4,763.8 Total 345.2 TOWN PLUS ETJ Residential 719.9 12.1% - Open Space 4,414.9 74.2% - Industrial 33.1 1.0% - Waters and 227.8 3.8% - Floodway Institutional 75.4 1.3% - Commercial 42.2 1.0% - Cultural 58.8 1.0% - Roads and RR 382.1 6.4% - Total 5,954.2 U.S. 70 is the major link to the outside world for Newport. Old U.S. 70 end Howard Boulevard are the town's major connectors to U.S. 70. In 1986 Howard Boulevard was widened and the town desires to upgrade Chatham Street. The town has adequate streets and no problems are viewed in the near future. The town has three athletic fields in addition to tennis courts and a town park. The county also has a recreation program. 3) Medical, Social, Health, and Solid Waste Disposal Services All of these services are provided privately and on the county level. The county has two hospitals with a totes of 196 beds. In the town, there is a small medical clinic and a dentist. 4) Police and Fire Protection The town has three policemen with one reserve. There are no immediate plans to add to this staff. Newport has a fire district that extends four miles outside of the town limits. This also includes rescue services. F) Future Development The Town of Newport will develop in the future in relation to its site and situation, including its physical and community constraints, its projected economy and population, and its will to survive. It is expected that the population in the year 2000, only 13 years away, will have a population of 3,268 people which represents an increase of 74% since 1980. In order for the town to best meet this population projection, it must prepare the way through the town planning process. Land use planning, in particular, will be the major thrust of the planning effort. The town will need approximately 343 acres by the year.2000 with only 551 acres of open space presently available. But, the town must not allow scattered development in its surrounding area because that type of development can become a tax burden on the local population. Future development must move in a controlled and predictable manner. III) NEWPORT ISSUES, POLICIES AND IMPLEMENTATION The land use issues of Newport can be resolved through strategies or policies. This provides a basic approach and a guide for solving land use issues before they i materialize or become unsolvable. At the center of policy formulation is the town planning effort. The reasoning here is that the town planning board has the necessary resources to be the major source of data and information which is essential in determining issues and policies. Further, it is equally important to solicit public views on issues and related policies. The planning process allows this to occur most effectively. The formulation of policies, herein, is based on an open process of consultation, negotiation and compromise. To successfully accomplish this land use plan we must decide on a course or courses of action. Through the policy statements, which indicate how we intend to solve the land use issues, we reveal our prudence and wisdom in the planning and management processes of implementation. The land use policies are divided into five categories: 1) resource protection, 2) resource production, 3) economic development, 4) hazard mitigation, and 5) public participation. A) Resource Protection 1) Soils and Groundwater Resources a) Issue: Soils are very important in Newport as they have limiting factors due to a high water table. The soils tend to limit the use of septic tank absorption fields although this is not a problem where sewer and water services are located. In other areas soils may cause problems for development, and sewer and water services may be required. The soils may also have engineering limitations. A community must have a safe and ample water supply. The town desires to protect groundwater since this is where it gets its water supply. Groundwater can be contaminated by leaching of toxicants from the land surface, land fills, buried gasoline and oil tanks, dry cleaners, malfunctioning septic systems, and by other means. When a groundwater system is contaminated it is almost impossible to correct. b) Policy: It is the policy of the Town of Newport to use only suitable soils as a basis for guiding land development and protect its groundwater resources c) Implementation: 1) To use the Soil Survey when devising development plans. ii) To extend water and sewer services to where poor soil conditions exist if development is proposed. iii) To discourage development where soils are unsuitable by using the town's zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations. -iv) To require abandoned gasoline and oil tanks to be pumped dry and filled with sand. v) To continue to keep water and sewer services in good working order. vi) To support the N.C. Division of Land Resources in the protection of water quality. vii) To support the N.C. Division of Environmental Management in the regulation of effluents. viii) To support federal, state and county health agencies for the protection of water supplies and regulating effluents. ix) To deny any future landfill, hazardous, or toxic waste dumps within the town's jurisdiction. 2) Surface Water Resources and Flood Protection a) Issue: Although the town does not obtain its drinking water directly from �surfate waters, they recharge the aquifers where the town does get its drinking water. Surface waters are a source for recreation, wildlife habitats, vegetation, !and many other important uses. Numerous factors can affect surface water quality. They can be agricultural, residential, and industrial uses, all of which produce pollutants that are harmful to surface waters such as; heavy metals from automobile exhaust washing off roads, sediments from erosion and runoff, nutrients from fertilizers and malfunctioning septic systems, and toxic chemicals from pesticides. The surface waters in the town are also the source of flood waters, which can harm the town. b) Policy: The town's policy will be to reduce the degradation of surface waters in the area and to protect itself from the damage of floods and to prevent development in floodable areas. c) Implementation: i) To support the N.C. Sedimentation Control Act. ii) To support the Soil and Water Conservation District Plan. iii) To require drainage plans in subdivision regulations. iv) To mitigate natural hazards. v) To coordinate with the Carteret County Emergency Management Office the Disaster Relief and Assistance Plan. vi) To continue to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. vii) To control development in floodable areas through the zoning ordinance. 3) Fragile Areas, Public Trust Waters, Cultural and Forest Resurces a) Issue: Archeological and historic sites are very valuable resources that are often overlooked. Such sites are part of our heritage and help to retain the culture of the area. Other valueable resources in the town are forests, fragile areas, public trust waters and the Croatan National Forest. Forested areas are important for buffering conflicting land uses and to allow for a pleasant appearance. The fragile areas in the town are coastal wetlands and freshwater swamps (AFC's). Wetlands and freshwater swamps play a vital role in the life cycle of many plants and animals. They also tend to protect the shoreline. These areas are easily damaged by pollution and development. The location of these areas in the town is mainly along the Newport River and its 'tributaries. Public Trust Waters are important for recreation, navigation, and aesthetic value. The Newport River and its tributaries are considered Public Trust Waters. The value of these resources is recognized by the town and it desires that these areas be protected. The town recognizes the Croatan National Forest as a valuable natural resource. The Croatan Pocosin which is in the forest has been designated a fragile area in the "1985 Carteret County Land Use Plan" and as a "natural area of national and state significance" by the NC Natural Heritage Program. The area is owned by the U.S. Government and managed by the Q.S. Forest Service which has proposed it as a "Wilderness - Rare II area" This would make it part of the National Wilderness System. (see County Land Use Plan). There is little the town can do to regulate any activity in this area since it is owned by the U.S. Government. The town still feels it is important that the area be protected and preserved since it is an important recreational, educational, and natural resource area. b) Policy: The town's policies on these resources are as follows: _ i) There are several known 'senitive' archeological or historic sites the town, its policy is to preserve and protect these sites or areas if they become threatened by development. ii) To preserve its forested land for aesthetic purposes. iii) To protect and preserve its coastal wetlands and freshwater swamps (404 Permitting Areas). Appropriate land uses in these areas are those which are consistent with the standards of CAMA: 15 NCAC 7H and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for 404 Permitting Areas. These appropriate land uses are usally those that j! are water dependent such as, fishing piers, docks, and utility easements. iv) To not restrict the public's right to navigation in public trust waters and .protect them from degradation. The town will allow land uses that are appropriate and those which do not restrict the public trust rights andare consistent with North i Carolina Administrative Code 15 NCAC 7H. v) To see that the Croatan National Forest is protected and kept in its natural state. c) Implementation: i) To educate the public of the importance of historic and archeological sites. ii) To require a statement from the N.C. Division of Archives and History that no known sites exist as part of the development plan. iii) To require a specified amount of open space in the subdivision regulations. iv) To have some areas zoned for low to very low density residential development. v) To purchase a tract or tracts of forested land when the town budget allows. vi) To have an Arbor Program vii) To coordinate with federal and state agencies in their protection of wetlands and freshwater swamps. viii) To classify coastal wetland and freshwater swamps as conservation on the Land Classifaction Map. ix) To zone coastal wetlands and freshwater swamp areas for conservation. x) To allow the public's right to navigate in Public Trust Waters. xi) To require a conservation zone to separate development from the water. xii) To support regulations restricting development in Public Trust Water areas. xiii) To coordinate with and support all agencies for protective management of the Croatan National Forest. 3) Town Appearance a) Issue: The town desires to improve its good appearance. b) Policy: Newport's policy is to allow new development to improve its good appearance. c) Implementation: i) To establish a beautification committee for the purpose of improving the town's appearance. 11) To remove or improve unsightly structures. iii) To strictly enforce building and housing codes. iv) To demolish and remove dilapidated and abandoned structures. v) To have the merchants organize a commercial district committee. 4) Commercial Development a) Issue: The town desires some attractive and properly located commercial development. b) Policy: The town will promote orderly commercial development. c) Implementation: i) To provide an adequate amount of land zoned for commercial development. ii) To attract commercial firms to locate in the town. iii) To establish a viable and centrally located commercial district. 5) Industrial Growth a) Issue: The town desires some industrial growth as long as it is not offensive to the community. b) Policy: Industries are encouraged to locate in the town as long as they do not _adversely affect the surrounding land. c) Implementation: i) To market the town to industries planning to locate in the region. ii) To zone land for industrial development in areas where it would not adversely affect surrounding land uses. iii) To provide adequate services and utilities to industries as required. 6) Strip Development a) Issue: Strip development has occured on Hibbs Road and Route 70. This decreases the capacity of the roads and increases the accident potential. b) Policy: The policy of the town is to control and discourage strip development on its roads. c) Implementation: i) To establish zones that would prevent the type of land uses that generate large amounts of traffic. ii) To require large set backs and control the number and location of ingress/regress points. iii) To require adequate off street parking. 7) Siting of Industrial Land Uses a) Issue: Some of the industries are adjacent to residential areas and tend to affect adjacent land uses adversely. The town would like to correct this situation and prevent such from occuring in the future. b) Policy: The policy of the town is to require industries to locate in properly zoned areas so they will not disturb surrounding land uses. c) Implementation: 1) To require existing industries that border residential areas to construct a buffer zone. ii) To require future industries to locate in properly zoned areas and to have performance standards for those areas. 8) Multi -Family Housing a) Issue: With the high cost of housing, many people are resorting to multi -family units in which to live. This creates a high demand for this type of housing'which the supply will try to match. b) Policy: The town encourages the construction of multi -family housing as long as it does not have an adverse impact on the surrounding areas. e) Implementation: i) To have areas properly zoned for multi -family units. ii) To require adequate space for parking and recreation. iii) To allow for aesthetically pleasing multi -family units. 9) Mobile Home Development a) Issue: The town wishes to consolidate mobile home development within its jurisdiction. b) Policy: Future mobile home development shall be accomplished in an organized manner. c) Implementation: i) To develop a mobile home ordinance that would regulate the appearance, placement, and location of mobile homes. 10) Annexation a) Issue: Newport is close to Morehead City which is a growing resort town. There is land between the two towns that is developed and could be considered for annexation. There is also land west of the town that could possibly be annexed. b) Policy: Newport's policy will be to take steps towards annexing in an easterly and westerly direction. c) Implementation: i) To conduct an annexation study. 1) Newport Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance - This ordinance should be designed to meet the National Flood Insurance Program. The ordinance should also be designed to minimize flood damage by referring to accepted practices and methods that would set forth uniform rules for developers. 2) Newport Hazard Area Redevelopment Policy - This policy is related to the Building Code and the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. The policy is to indicate that reconstruction after a storm be subject to the regulatioins of the building code, which states that if any building damaged in excess of sixty-five percent of its value will conform with the code requirements for new buildings when repaired. Also, in the flood damage prevention ordinance it should require that all existing structures must comply with requirements related to the 100-year flood elevation, with the code requirements for new buildings when repaired. Also, in the flood damage prevention ordinance it should require that all existing structures must comply with requirements related to the 100-year flood elevation, which is if any repair, reconstruction, or improvement of a structure is equal to or exceeds sixty-five percent of the market value, the improvement or repair must follow the building code regulations. IV) THE LAND USE PLAN The information for this update has been collected and analyzed, the issues have been listed and studied, the policies have been formulated, and the implementation for the policies have been stated. The final task of this update is to devise a land use classification map. With this map, the future is brought in to the present by assigning different land uses to certain areas. This distribution of the land uses reflect the population distribution, economic trends, existing land use, soils and other natural resources, community services, storm hazards, and other town plans. A) Land Classification The land use plan uses a land classification system recommended in the Land Use Planning Guidelines (Subchapter 7B) which is part of the State's administrative code. The land use categories are: 1) developed, 2) transition, 3) community, 4) rural, and 5) conservation. 1) Developed Areas - The developed areas in the land use plan correspond to the existing incorporated and urban spillover areas. Developed areas include residential, commercial, industrial and large parcels related to instutional and recreational land uses. All of the areas have land available for additional development. Still, these developed areas have the more desirable land for commerce and industry. Most of the developed. areas have the urban services expected for growth. But, the town must plan to solidify their infrastructure and to fill in the available developable land. 2) Transition Areas - The transition areas in the land use plan are bordering the developed areas of the town. These areas have land available for development to occur. The transition areas along the highways leading into Newport are expected to be sufficient to handle Increased commercial growth. And along the railroad there is sufficient land for increased industrial growth. The land away from the highway and railroad will be suitable for increased residential development. 3) Community Areas - The community land use category is not appropriate for the Newport area and is omitted from the land use plan. 4) Rural Areas - The rural areas correspond to the existing rural land uses, which are usually located between the poorly drained soils and on the most productive upland soils. There is a tendency to change rural land uses in favor of urban development. This has been kept to a minimum level in the plan. 5) Conservation Areas - The conservation areas are the town's poorly drained areas along its water courses and floodable areas. These are areas that have critical habitats or are designated areas of environmental concern. It is these areas that are set aside because of their natural characteristics and their long lasting contribution to the citizens of the community. These areas can be considered greenways or buffer areas which allow a separation of land uses without conflict between them. Consequently, they are to be protected or managed so that they will remain essentially unaltered for generations to come. B) Relationship of Policies and Land Use Categories There are thirty policies which have been generated in the land use plan. These policies deal with resources production, resources protection, and economic development. B) Resource Production and Madagement 1) Town Environment a) Issue: While Newport is a small town with potential for growth, it must be careful not to ruin its environment. b)-Policy: It is the policy of the town to keep its small town atmosphere and use its resources to maintain a pleasing environment. c) Implementation: _ i) To continue to utilize the zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations as, tools to regulate development. 11) To be sure that proper services such as utilities and drainage can be provided to newly developed areas. Ili) To support the N.C. Sedimentation Control Act. ' IT) To utilize the Carteret County Soil Survey and the Soil Conservation Service in the development of areas with problem soils. 2) Recreation Resources and Shoreline Access a) Issue: The town recognizes the importance of recreation in the community and believes that it should continue. b) Policy: It is the policy of the town to have a successful recreation program. c) Implementation: i) To coordinate with and support the county's programs. ii) To establish a recreation committee for the purpose of developing and overseeing programs in the town and to coordinate with the county. III) To seek funds and a site for shoreline access i 3) Agricultural and Mineral Resources a) Issue: Eventhough there is not a significant amount of farmland in the town, there is in its ETJ. These areas are productive areas and at the same time give a developed area some open space. There are also locations in the ETJ that have potential for mining and quarrying. The town is concerned about the environmental impact of these activities and their effect on it. b) Policy: The town's policy is to protect and reserve prime farmland and to deny mining and quarrying in its jurisdiction. c) Implementation: i) To zone applicable areas in the ETJ area for agricultural uses. ii) To discourage development on primefarm land. III) To utilize the "Carteret County Soil Survey", the Soil Conservation Service, and the Agricultural Extention Office to help employ the best management practices possible. iv) To prohibit mining and quarring in the update of the town's zoning ordinance. v) To oppose mining and quarrying activities near the town. 4) Flood Prevention and Fishing Resources Protection a) Issue: The area along the Newport River and its tributaries are subject to flooding. It is important that people be aware of the flood zone and that development should not occur in them. The Newport River and its tributaries are also improtant for commercial and recreational fishing activities. In order to protect these activities their habitats need to be preserved. b) Policy: The town discourages development in the flood zone and it desires to protect fish habitats by improving the water quality of the area. c) Implementation: i) To zone areas in the floodway for conservation or recreation. .11) To require structures built in the 100 year flood zone to have the first floor elevated above the expected height of the flood. III) To continue participatation in the National Flood Insurance Program. iv) To support the Carteret County Soil and Water Conservation District. v) To support the best management pratices of the Soil Conservation District. vi) To study the storm water drainage problem in the town. 11) Energy Facility Siting a) Issue: fhe'siting of a large energy facility in or near the town can create a negative impact. b) Policy: The town does not desire the siting of a large energy facility in its jurisdiction. c) Implementation: i) To prohibit through the zoning ordinance, the siting of a large energy facility . in the town and its ETJ. 12) Commitment to State and Federal Programs a) Issue: The town has a commitment to support state and federal programs such as Erosion Control, Public Access, and Highway Improvements. b) Policy: The town supports all appropriate land use related programs and desires to work with the state and federal agencies on community and economic development projects. c) Implementation: 1) To coordinate the towns efforts for improvement with all organizations where applicable. 13) Shore'l"e Development a) Issue-.- Shoreline development and bulkheading activities cause accelerated erosion along the shorelines and can add to the pollution of the waters. Not all shoreline areas can be developed therefore, these areas should be used for public access to the public waters or just preserve their aesthetic qualities. b) Policy: It will be the policy of the town to protect the shoreline from f development that could be harmful to the water quality, but have some areas for public water access. I} c) Implementation: i) To establish a shoreline zone which would require adequate setbacks and buffers to protect the water from runoff and sediments. ii) To restrict.land uses that would degrade the water. III) To work with all agencies with expertise in conservation. iv) To acquire land for public water access and recreation. D) Public Participation Policy ) There is a need to increase citizen participation in the Town of Newport. The public meetings that were held in the formulation of this plan were only somewhat well attended. In order to have a successful land use planning process, which includes successful economic development, citizen participation is needed. It has been known for many years that there is a direct relationship between successful planning and development and citizen participation. In other words, as citizen participation increases, economic growth increases also. This process is considered to be less than adequate at the present time.. We have fought hard to gain and maintain a representational form of government in the United States; at all levels. In the planning process, citizen involvement is mandatory. Historically, citizens have been a part of planning and development. Not only are government officials and agencies ineffective without citizen participation, but the planning process would tend to malfunction as well.. Usually, citizens desire to participate if an immediate problem needs to be solved. At other times they become involved only if officials or agencies are not doing what they think they should. But this should not bet Citizen involvement is a valuable part of the decision making process at all levels of government. The rationale being that citizen participation: 1) influences government decisions, 2) maintains stability.in society, 3) supports and advises officials, 4) guards the public interest, and 5) reduces alienation between the people and the government. It is the poicy of Newport to hold to these statements regarding citizen involvement in governmental affairs, particularly in the planning process. vii) To support and comply with local, atata. and federal efforta to improve the I commercial and recreational fisheries. I C) Economic and Community Development 1) Town Setting •a) Issue: The town is primarily a residential community between two fast; growth areas. It wishes to allow some commercial and industrial development without disrupting its small town and friendly character. b) Policy: It will be the town's policy to guide growth so it can continue primarily as a residential community. c) Implementation: i) To'have most of the town's land zoned for residential development. ii) To provide services conducive to residential development. 2) Town Services _r a) Issue: Since the town desires to grow, it recognizes the need to have adequate services to accomodate this growth. b) Policy: •It is the policy of the town to provide these services in a planned and controlled manner. e) Implementation: i) To continue to keep the town's utilities operating efficiently and effectively. 11) To have areas adequately zoned for controlled development E) Hazard Mitigation Policies All land use updates are required to mitigate and plan for storm hazards. Storm hazards are far more serious than commonly perceived, but previous storms are very vivid in the minds of many older coastal residents. In order to effectively plan for storm hazards and their periodic reoccurrence, a comprehensive approach is necessary. This involves combined efforts of the local planning board, the fire/rescue, law enforcement and the Carteret County Emergency Management Coordinator in the Emergency Operation Center. In general, mitigation and long-term recovery require the efforts of the town planning process. Existing Newport policies allow development to occur in hazard areas. It is expected the development within hazard areas might occur in the future. . If development is to occur in these areas, it should be safe development, that is, it should be hazard -proof. Where and what kind of development should occur in Newport, and how this development should be constructed so as to minimize damage in the event of a major storm are the two issues facing those that formulate policies and regulations in ' Newport. It is the policy of Newport to mitigate storm hazards by adopting the following measures in the next five years: 1) Resources Protection as Related to Land Use - The policies related to resources protection are formulated to aid in managing and conserving our natural heritage. By protecting our natural resources and prime farmland the town assures improved water quality in the environment and the beat possible management of the resources. ' 2) Resources Production Policies as Related to Land Use - The policies related to resources production are formulated to aid in improving the quality of surface and ground water in the town. Water draining the land, no matter what its use, is commonly of poor quality. By improving storm runoff, water and sewer lines, and improving legislation, resources production will improve with respect to fishing, farming and forestry. 3) Economic and Community Development as Related to Land Use - The policies related to economic development are formulated to aid in improving the social and economic well being of the town and its citizens. The policies set forth should revitalise the town, improve its character, protect its citizens from storms, and increase citizen participation. For the Town of Newport this is a formidable task, but well worthwhile. , V) AMENDING THE PLAN Special and changing circumstances may sometime require a change in the land use plan. The land use plan may be amended as a whole by a single I solution or in parts by successive resolutions. To change all or some part of the land use plan, the amendment process must be in accordance with a series of procedures. These include a local public hearing, a notice to the Coastal Resources Commission (CRC), and approval by the CRC. VI) WHAT TO DO WITH THE PLAN The successful completion of the land use sketch plan does not occur with its adoption. The sketch plan is merely the beginning, but a very good continuation of land use plans which begin in 1969. In order to effectuate the plan and implement its policies a considerable amount of work is required. Further, it will require energetic leadership and a substantial amount of citizen participation. j There are numerous committees, tasks forces and civic groups that can be i involved to make things happen in Newport. This involvement will create a movement toward growth management and continued planning activities. It must be realized that the involvement must be well orchestrated if Newport wishes to protect itself from haphazard and very costly unplanned growth. The working organizations at the state and county levels of government can. help to provide plans, guidelines, legislation and other planning and growth management tools to aid in achieving a fully operational planning process and community involvement. But, it is the local effort that will put it all together and make things happen. Consequently, it is important to seek out those citizens that will help put Newport forward. To implement the Resources Protection Policies will require continuous support by the town. The resources protection comes primarily from federal and state legislation. There must be a local understanding and commitment f to protect our valuable natural resources and our precious historical and i archeological resources. Each citizen must participate in this effort. This includes citizen awareness and involvement as well as adequate town ordinances and enforcement. Citizen committees are needed as well as updating the town's zoning'ordinance and subdivision regulations. The Resources Production and Management Policies also will require continuous support and local ordinance enforcement. Also, the local commitment will include a personal effort by each citizen to properly apply the best management practices possible so that our resources will continue to produce without adversely affecting the total environment. Again, citizen committees are needed as well as updating the town's zoning I ordinance and subdivision regulations. Most of the policies in this plan are related to economic and communiity development. Because Newport is located between two fast growth, areas it is particularly important to'implement these policies. The updating of existing town ordinances is important, but additional regulations are needed to protect the community and its economy. Again, citizen involvement as indicated in the Public Participation section of this plan should be followed. The planning board should as soon as possible prioritize the Implementation tasks presented in this plan. Then, the planning board can begin its work toward plan acheivement. The time to start is now, and all citizens should be involved. -�_ To fully realize the importance of the planning process will take years. This land use plan needs to be used to guide Newport's future. It also means the willingness to achieve or work for the common good in an organized manner. In fire years an assessment of how successful the Town of Newport has been will be made. 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