1997 CAMA Land Use Plan Update-1998

•
TOWN OF
OCEAN ISLE BEACH
1997 LAMA LAND USE
PLAN UPDATE
Local Adoption Date: February 10, 1998
CRC Certification Date: March 27,-1998
Prepared by
Hayes &Associates
2222 Mimosa Place
Wilmington, NC 28403-2428
[phone]

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TOWN OF OCEAN ISLE BEACH
1997 LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
Betty Williamson, Mayor
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
William D. Benton
Kenneth W. Proctor
Kendall H. Suh, MD, Mayor Pro Tern
Robert Shupe
Maurice H. Moore, Jr.
OCEAN ISLE PLANNING BOARD
Norfleet Underwood
Robert Shupe
Judy Russell
Frank Williamson
Jim D. Keenan
TOWN STAFF
Gregrey M. Taylor, Town Administrator
Daisey Ivey, Town Clerk/Finance Officer
Druied Roberson, Senior Building Inspector
PLANNING CONSULTANT
Margaret H. Hayes, AICP
Hayes & Associates
2222 Mimosa Place
Wilmington, NC 28403-2428
[phone]
FUNDING AGENCY
The preparation of this land use planning document with associated maps was financed in part through a grant provided by
the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds provided the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as
amended, which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.

TOWN OF OCEAN ISLE
• 1997 LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
bEC;1lUNMESCF"IION
1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.1
POPULATION GROWTH
1.2
COMMUNITY VISION STATEMENT FOR NEXT TEN YEARS
1.3
SUMMARY OF POLICY STATEMENTS FOR MAJOR ISSUES
1.4
SUMMARY OF LAND CLASSIFICATION
2.0 INTRODUCTION
3.0 PRESENT CONDITIONS
3.1
POPULATION
3.1.1 Year-round population
3.1.2 Seasonal Population
3.1.3 Population Summary
3.2
ECONOMY
3.3
EXISTING WATER AND LAND USES
3.3.1 Existing Water Uses
3.3.2 Existing Land Uses
3.3.3 Significant Water and Land Use Compatibility Problems
3.3.4 Significant Water Use Compatibility Problems
3.3.5 Significant Problems from Unplanned Development
3.3.6 Areas Likely to Experience Changes in Predominant Land Use
3.4
CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES, AND REGULATIONS
3.4.1 Prior CAMA Land Use Plans
3.4.2 Transportation Plans
3.4.3 Water Supply and Distribution Plans
3.4.4 Waste Treatment Plans
3.4.5 Utilities Extension Policy
3.4.6 Open Space and Recreation Policies
3.4.7 Emergency Response Plan
t
PAGE(S)
2-1
3-1
3-1
3-1
3-7
3-10
3-11
3-14
3-14
3-15
3-19
3-19
3-19
3-20
3-21
3-21
3-21
3-21
3-21
3-22
3-22
3-22

TABLE OF CONTENTS ( continued)
SECTION/DESCRIPTION PAGE(S)
3.4.8
Local Regulations and Enforcement Provisions
3-24
3.4.8.1. CAMA Permits
3-24
3.4.8.2 Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map
3-24
3.4.8.3. Subdivision Regulations
3-25
3.4.8.4 Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
3-25
3.4.8.5 Building Codes
3-25
3.4.8.6 Septic Tani: Regulations
3-25
3.4.8.7 Extraterritorial Jurisdiction
3-26
3.4.8.8 Airport Height Zoning Ordinance
3-26
3.4.8.9 Dune Protection Ordinance
3-26
3.4.8.10 Sign Ordinance
3-26
3.4.8.11 Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Ordinance
3-26
3.4.8.12 Jet Ski Ordinance
3-26
3.4.9
Federal and State Regulations
3-26
4.0 CONSTRAINTS
4-1
4.1 LAND SUITABILITY
4-1
4.1.1
Physical Limitations for Development
4-1
4.1.1.1 Man-made Hazards
4-1
4.1.1.2 Flood Hazard Areas
4-1
4.1.1.3 Areas with Soil Limitations
4-2
4.1.1.4 Water Supply Areas
4-2
4.1.1.5 Slopes in Excess of 12 Percent
4-4
4.1.1.6 Shoreline Areas with High Erosion Potential
4-4
4.1.2
Fragile Areas
4-4
4.1.2.1 Areas of Environmental Concern
4-4
(1) Estuarine System
4-4
a. Coastal Wetlands
4-4
b. Estuarine Waters
4-5
c. Estuarine Shorelines
4-6
d. Public Trust Areas
4-6
e. Outstanding Resource Waters
4-7
(2) Ocean Hazards
4-7
a. Ocean Erodible Areas
4-7
b. High Hazard Flood Areas
4-7
c. Inlet Hazard Areas
4-8
4.1.2.2 Coastal Complex Natural Areas
4-8
4.1.2.3 Areas that Sustain Remnant Species
4-8
4.1.2.4 Unique Geological Formations
4-9
4.1.2.5 Archaeological and Historic Resources
4-10
4.1..2.6 Maritime Forests
4-10
4.1.2.7 Prime Wildlife Habitats
4-10
4.1.2.8 Scenic and Prominent High Points
4-10
4.1.2.9Identified Wetlands
4-10
4.1.2.10 Anadromous Fish Spawning Area
4-11
ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
SECTIONIDESCRIPTION
PAGE(S)
4.1.3 Areas with Resource Potential
4-11
4.1.3.1 Agricultural, Forest. and Mining Resources
4-11
4.1.3.2 Fish and Gamelands
4-11
4.1.3.3 Non -intensive Outdoor Recreation Lands
4-11
4.1.3.5 Privately Owned Wildlife Sanctuary
4-12
4.2
COMMUNITY SERVICE CAPACITY
4-13
4.2.1 Wastewater Management
4-13
4.2.2 Drinking Water Supply
4-14
4.2.3 Transportation
4-15
4.2.4 Schools
4-16
4.2.5 Solid Waste Disposal
4-17
4.2.6 Police Protection
4-17
4.2.7 Fire Protection
4-17
4.2.8 Emergency Rescue and Safety
4-17
4.2.9 Recreational Services
4-17
4.2.10 Administrative Services
4-17
5.0 ESTIMATED
DEMANDS
5-1
5.1
POPULATION
5-1
5.2
LOCAL OBJECTIVE CONCERNING GROWTH
5-4
5.3
FORESEEABLE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CHANGE
5-4
5.4
FUTURE LAND NEEDS
5-4
5.5
DEMAND FOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES
5-5
6.0 POLICY STATEMENTS
6-1
6.1
BACKGROUND
6-1
6.2
COMMUNITY VISION STATEMENT FOR NEXT TEN YEARS
6-3
6.3
RESOURCE PROTECTION
6-3
6.3.1 Constraints to Development
6-3
6.3.2 Areas of Environmental Concern
6-4
6.3.2.1 Estuarine System
6-4
(1) Coastal Wetlands
6-4
(2) Estuarine Waters and Shoreline
6-5
(3) Public Trust Areas
6-6
0 iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS ( continued)
PAGE(S)
(4) Outstanding Resource Waters
6-7
6.3.2.2 Ocean Hazards Areas
6-7
6.3.3 Other Natural Fragile Areas
6-8
6.3.3.1 Coastal Complex Natural Areas
6-8
6.3.3.2 Areas that Sustain Remnant Species
6-9
6.3.3.3 Prime Wildlife Habitats
6-9
6.3.3.4 Protection of Wetlands of Highest Functional Significance
6-10
6.3.3.5 Maritime Forests
6-10
6.3.3.6 Significant Archaeological and Historic Resources
6-11
6.3.3.7 Shellfishing Waters
6-11
6.3.3.8 Manmade Hazards
6-11
6.3.5 Protection of Potable Water Supplies
6-12
6.3.6 Use of Package Treatment Plants
6-12
6.3.7 Stormwater Runoff
6-12
6.3.8 Marina and Floating Home Development, Moorings, and Dry Stack Storage
6-13
6.3.9 Industrial Impacts on Fragile Areas
6-14
6.3.10 Development of Sound and Estuarine System Islands
6-14
6.3.11 Restriction of Development in Areas Susceptible to Sea Level Rise
6-14
6.3.12 Upland Excavation for Marina Basins
6-15
6.3.13 Marsh Damage from Bulkhead Installation
6-15
6.3.14 Surface Water Quality Problems
6-16
6.4 RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
6-16
6.4.1 Productive Agricultural Lands, Commercial Forest Lands, Existing
6-16
and Potential Mineral Production Areas
6.4.2 Commercial and Recreational Fisheries
6-17
6.4.3 Trawling Activities in Estuarine Waters
6-17
6.4.4 Off -Road Vehicles
6-18
6.4.5 Residential, Commercial. and Industrial Land Development Impacts
6-18
on Any Resource
6.5 ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
6-19
6.5.1 Types of Development to be Encouraged
6-19
6.5.2 Types and Locations of Industries Desired
6-20
6.5.3 Local Commitment to Providing Services to Development
6-20
6.5.4 Types of Urban Growth Patterns Desired
6-21
6.5.5 Types, Density, and Location of Anticipated Residential Development
6-22
6.5.6 Redevelopment of Developed Areas
6-22
6.5.7 Commitment to State and Federal Programs
6-23
6.5.8 Assistance to Channel Maintenance and Beach Renourishment Policies
6-23
6.5.9 Energy Facility Siting and Development
6-24
6.5.10 Tourism
6-24
6.5.11 Coastal.and Estuarine Beach Access and Parking
6-25
6.6 CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
6-26
iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS ( continued)
SECTIONIDESCRIPTION
PAGE(S)
6.7 STORM HAZARD MITIGATION, POST -DISASTER RECOVERY,
6-27
AND EVACUATION PLANS
6.7.1 Identification of Coastal Storm Hazards in Ocean Isle Planning Area
6-27
6.7.1.1 Storm Effects
6-27
6.7.1.2 Composite Hazard Map and Development at Risk
6-27
6.7.2 Coastal Storm Hazard Mitigation Policies
6-27
6.7.3 Evacuation Policies
6-28
6.7.4 Post Disaster. and Reconstruction Policies
6-29
6.7.4.1 County Emergency Management Plan
6-29
6.7.4.2 Appointment of a "Post Disaster Recovery Team"
6-29
6.7.4.3 Long -Term Recovery/ Restoration Policies
6-30 .
6.7.4.4 Development Moratoria and Repair/Reconstruction Schedule
6-31
6.7.4.5 Repair and Replacement of Public Utilities
6-32
7.0 LAND CLASSIFICATION
7-1
7.1 PURPOSE OF LAND CLASSIFICATION
7-1
7.2 LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
7-1
7.2.1 Developed
7-1
7.2.2 Urban Transition
7-2
7.2.3 Conservation
7-2
.7.2.4 Conservation Spoil
7-3
7.3 RELATION OF POLICIES AND LAND CLASSIFICATION
7-4
8.0 INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION
8-1
9.0 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN AND SURVEY RESULTS
9-1
10.0 EVALUATION OF EFFECTIVENESS OF 1992 LAND USE PLAN
10-1
11.0 REFERENCES
11-1

LIST OF TABLES AND MAPS
TABLE/MAP PAGE
1.1: 1997 Population Estimates and 2007 Population Projections for the Ocean Isle
1-2
Beach Planning Area
3.1: Year-round Population for the Town of Ocean Isle Beach and
3-2
Brunswick County, 1970-1995
3.2: Ocean Isle Planning Area Building Permits for New Construction, 1982 -1996
3-3
3.3: Town of Ocean Isle Beach Building Permits For New Construction, 1990-1996
3-4
3.4: Building Permits Issued for Ned• Construction in the Ocean Isle Beach
3-5
Mainland Eta, 1990 - 1996
3.5: Ocean Isle Building Permits for Demolition and Movement of Buildings, 1986-1996
3-6
3.6: Year-round Population Estimates for the Town of Ocean Isle Beach. January 1997
3-7
3.7: Seasonal Residential Population Estimates for the Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area,
3-8
January 1997
3.8: Seasonal Peak Residential Population Estimates, Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area,
3-9
January 1997
3.9: 1996 Attendance at The Museum of Coastal Carolina
3-10
3.10: Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area Population Estimates, January 1997
3-11
3.11: Ocean Isle Beach Assessed Valuations. 1983 - 1996
3-13
3.12: Town of Ocean Isle Beach Accommodation Tax. 1984-1995
3-14
3.13: Characteristics of the 14-Digit Hydrological Units for the Ocean Isle Beach
3-14a
Planning Area, April 1997
3.14: Incorporated Area Land Use Acreage, 1986. 1990. and 1996
3-16
3.15: Extraterritorial Area Land Use Acreage. 1990 and 1996
3-17
3.16: Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area Building Counts. 1986. 1990. 1996
3-18
3.17: Land Uses by Hydrological Units, January 1997
3-19
3.18: Land Development Summary of Subdivided Land, 1997
3-21
3.19: Town of Ocean Isle Beach Access Sites. 1997
3-23
4.1: Soil Characteristics for the Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area
4-3
Vi
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LIST OF TABLES AND MAPS, Continued
TABLE/MAP
PAGE
4.2: Rare Plants and Animals Located In the Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area
4-9
4.3: Treated Wastewater by the Ocean Isle Beach Wastewater System, 1994-1996
4-13
4.4: Average Daily Traffic Counts for Ocean Isle Beach, 1995
4-15
4.5: School Membership and Design Capacity, February 1997
4-16
5.1: Year-round Population Projections for the Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area.
5-2
2002 and 2007
5.2: Residential Population Projections for the Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area,
5-3
2002 and 2007
5.3: Projected Land Use Amounts for the Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area.
5-6
2002 and 2007
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MAPS AND FIGURES
Map 1: Location of the Town of Ocean Isle Beach, NC 2-3
Figure 3-1: NCDOT Improvements in Vicinity of Ocean Isle Beach 3-21a
Map 2: Existing Land Use. 1997 Attached
Map 3: Composite Hazard Area Map Attached
Map 4: Land Classification Map Attached
Vii
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1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.1 POPULATION GROWTH
Ocean Isle Beach is located within one of the fastest growing regions of the United States. One must
first appreciate the growth of Brunswick County, NC and the Greater Myrtle Beach Area in order to
understand the projected growth for the Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area. State projections released
in 1997 reveal that Brunswick County's population increased by 11,826 residents since 1990 and 89
percent of this population growth was attributed to in migration. Brunswick County is now included
as part of the Wilmington metropolitan area. Between 1990 and 1996, the Wilmington -Brunswick
County region had the fastest growth rate of 20.4 percent in North Carolina with the Raleigh -Durham -
Chapel Hill area a close second with a growth rate of 19.6 percent. These two metropolitan areas are
the fastest growing regions in North Carolina with growth rates approximately twice the State growth
rate of 10.4 percent.
Ocean Isle Beach is approximately 30 miles from Myrtle Beach and its growth and tourist economy
are directly related to the emergence of the Greater Myrtle Beach Area as one of the top tourist
destinations and retirement areas in the United States. Golfing is a key component of Myrtle Beach's
attraction. According to a 1996 listing obtained from the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce,
there were 96 golf courses in the Greater Myrtle Beach Area including all 17 golf courses located
within Brunswick County which were operating as of this date. Estimates show that approximately
3.2 million paid rounds of golf were played in 1996 from golf packages and walk-ons in the Greater
Myrtle Beach Area as compared to 1.80 million in 1986. The State of South Carolina projects that
Horry County which includes most of the Greater Myrtle Beach Area will grow from 144,053
residents in 1990 to 205,500 residents in 2000 to 305,200 residents in 2015.
Not surprisingly, Ocean Isle Beach's rapid growth is projected to continue. Population and housing
projections are derived by using the rate of development. Since 1990, 402 new residential units have
been constructed within the Town of Ocean Isle Beach for an average of 57.4 units per year over this
seven-year period. The ETA experienced a slower rate of growth with 113 new dwelling units being
constructed since 1990 for an average of 16.1 dwelling units per year. The amount of vacant land on
the island and the mainland is considerable and will be able to support this rate of development over
the next ten years. Based on these rates of development, the Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area will have
368 new dwelling units by 2002 and 735 new units by 2007 (Table 5.2.) By the year 2002, it is
projected that the Town's year-round population will be 936 with an additional 13,766 seasonal
residents for a total of peak residential population of 14,702. By the year 2007, the Town's year-round
population will be 1,041 with an additional 15,307 seasonal residents for a total peak population of
16, 348. Between 1997 and 2007, the total Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area population including the
mainland ETA will grow from 15,614 residents in 1997 to 16,512 residents in 2002 and 18,374
residents in 2007. .Table I.I. summarizes the 1997 population estimates and 2007 population
projections for the Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area.
1-1

TABLE 1.1
1997 POPULATION ESTIMATES AND 2007 POPULATION PROJECTIONS FOR THE
OCEAN ISLE BEACH PLANNING AREA 0
1997 POPULATION ESTIMATES
CORPORATE
LIMITS
ETA
PLANNING
AREA TOTAL
YEAR-ROUND RESIDENTS
832
742
1,574
SEASONAL OVERNIGHT VISITORS
13,007
1,593
15,432
RESIDENTIAL SUBTOTAL
13,839
2,335
17,006
DAY VISITORS
10,538
403
10,941
MUSEUM OF COASTAL CAROLINA
147
—
147
TOTAL PEAK POPULATION
24,524
2,738
28,094
2007 POPULATION
PROJECTIONS
YEAR-ROUND RESIDENTS
1,041
941
1,982
SEASONAL OVERNIGHT VISITORS
15,307
1,085
16,392
11 TOTAL RESIDENTIAL POPULATION
16,348
2,026
18,374
Source: Hayes & Associates
1.2 COMMUNITY VISION STATEMENT FOR NEXT TEN YEARS
We, the residents, property and business owners of the Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area, shall
preserve and enhance our community as a family resort and retirement community. We shall strive
to maintain the quality of the natural and manmade environment which encompasses the quality
of life in Ocean Isle Beach which is so attractive for residents and visitors alike.
1.3 SUMMARY OF POLICY STATEMENTS FOR MAJOR ISSUES
1.3.1 Shoreline Erosion/ Beach Renourishment
Beach renourishment and shoreline erosion was identified in the 1996 CAMA survey as the major
problem and issue facing the Town. Most residents and property owners are concerned about the
severe beach erosion, especially at the east end of the island. Since 1988 the Town of Ocean Isle
Beach has requested a berm construction project with the Army Corps of Engineers. The application
is currently being reviewed in Washington, D.C. The Town of Ocean Isle Beach has contracted with
Applied Technology and Management for a beach erosion and shoreline management plan. The Town
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1-2 0

of Ocean Isle Beach implements a beach renourishment plan to encourage dune stabilization.
Oceanfront residents may receive beach grass and sand fencing to place on their dunes. The Town
of Ocean Isle Beach regards itself as a boating community and supports the proper maintenance of
channels, particularly the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Historically, Ocean Isle Beach has provided
direct assistance to the Corps by helping obtain or provide spoil sites. Ocean Isle Beach is supportive
of the Corps of Engineers maintenance of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Policy Statement
The Town of Ocean Isle Beach supports all beach renourishment programs. Beach renourishment
activities must be done in an environmentally sensitive fashion and with respect to impacts to
surrounding properties. The practice of bulldozing on the beach shall be discouraged in non
emergency situations. Proper maintenance of channels, particularly the Atlantic Intracoastal
Waterway, is very important to Ocean Isle Beach because of the impact of commercial and
recreational fisheries and general boating. Ocean Isle Beach will continue to provide direct
assistance to the Corps by helping obtain or provide spoil sites. Ocean Isle Beach is generally
supportive of keeping new development out of designated spoil sites; however, the Town believes that
existing structures in the original 1,000 foot easement area should be recognized and protected.
Implementation
The Town will seek federal and State assistance in support of beach nourishment projects and will
continue to encourage local private efforts by providing beach grass and sand fencing to oceanfront
residents. The Town supports the Army Corps of Engineers channel maintenance of the Intracoastal
Waterway.
0 1.3.2 Growth Management
The Town of Ocean Isle Beach wishes to maintain its image of a quiet, relaxing family beach
community.
Policy Statement
As stated in the Vision Statement, the Town of Ocean Isle Beach shall preserve and enhance its image
as a family resort and retirement community. Intense commercial development, beyond that
necessary to serve tourists and residents will not be encouraged. Commercial accommodations, and
basic retailing and services are uses that are encouraged Continued residential development is
regarded as desirable for the Town, as long as no major or irreversible damage threatens an
environmentally sensitive area. The single-family detached dwelling is the predominant residential
type in the Town, although multi family units and planned unit developments are increasing trends.
Development with higher density levels than one and two;fanrily uses are not viewed as desirable in
the finger -canal areas.
Within the extraterritorial area, a higher degree of commercialization, particularly along NC
Highway 179, is acceptable, as long as conformity with the zoning ordinance is maintained.
Manufactured homes are acceptable dwelling types in portions of extraterritorial area, as are larger
consumers of land such as golf course developments.
9 1-3

Implementation
Town's zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations.
1.3.3 Types, Density, and Location of Anticipated Residential Development
Residential development anticipated to occur during the next ten years will be characterized as a
continuation of recent trends. This includes:
• For the island east of Beaufort Street this will include predominantly large single-family (and
occasional duplexes) residences on 5,000 sq. ft. lots, yielding six dwellings per acre.
• For the island west of Beaufort Street development,will be predominantly medium density (8.2
units per acre) multi -family residential, in planned unit developments. The Ocean Isle West
planned unit development is proposed to be constructed over the next 25 years with a total of
700 units on 85.5 acres of land.
• For the two highway corridors, the causeway (NC 904) and NC 179 in the extraterritorial area
will continue to see development (and redevelopment) that is predominantly tourist -related
retailing and services.
• For most of the mainland extraterritorial area (aside from the highway frontages) future
development will consist of single-family residences on individual lots sufficient in size to
accommodate septic tank disposal systems. The County provides a public water system to this
area. Densities will be two dwellings per acre.
Policy Statement
Residential development in Ocean Isle Beach is a mix of single-family, duplex or multi family
structures. In accordance with the Town's Zoning Ordinance, and policies aimed at protecting
natural resource and fragile areas, more dense residential development such as townhouses, cluster
homes, and condominiums are permitted. Ocean Isle Beach believes that development densities
should not be allowed to exceed those contained in the current "zoning ordinance. All zoning
ordinance amendments requesting increased densities, shall be scrutinized very carefully by both the
Planning Board and the Toivn Board of Commissioners.
Implementation
The zoning ordinance allows a density of 6.0 dwellings per acre for single-family residences in the R-1
zoning district and 8.2 units per acre in the R-2, C-1, C-2, and C-3 zoning districts and planned unit
developments.
1.3.4 Local Commitment to Providing Services to Development
Policy Identification
Within this current planning period, the Town will be served by the Brunswick County water system
and the Town's central sewer system. The Town's utilities extension policy as stated in the
1-4

Subdivision Ordinance is that each lot in all subdivisions within the corporate limits will be provided
at the subdivider's expense with an extension of the municipal water and sanitary sewer systems. The
Town will remain committed to providing other basic support services to new areas as they develop,
i.e., police and fire protection, building inspections and municipal administration. Within the
extraterritorial area, the Town's responsibility currently consists of the enforcement of development
and building codes. The Town is studying the feasibility of developing a golf course in conjunction
with the expansion of its wastewater spray fields on the mainland. The County has installed a
distribution system making available water to those connecting to the system. Individual wells supply
the balance of the residences and businesses.
Policy Statement
As areas develop, it is the policy of the Town that developers%owners share in the financial
responsibility of providing basic utility services such as water and sewer. The Town will expand the
capacity of the wastewater treatment and collection system as necessary in order to serve the
incorporated area. The Town is studying the feasibility of developing a golf course in conjunction
with the expansion of its wastewater spray fields on the mainland. This combination golf course and
wastewater spray fields would provide a recreational asset to the Town which promotes tourism and
provides additional revenues. The Town may also build a community center at golf complex. The
community center would be designed to serve as an emergency town center during hurricane
evacuations. The Town of Ocean Isle Beach is improving its water distribution system by installing
an additional water tower and providing a second connection line to the mainland. Also, the Town
will make incremental improvements to the police and fire protection services in order to keep pace
with the demands of the permanent and seasonal population.
In order to alleviate traffic congestion, the Town requests for the NCDOT to conduct a Traffic Study.
The Town supports the extension of West Third Street in order to provide an alternate connector on
the West End
Implementation
Subdivision Ordinance, Proposed NCDOT Traffic Study, Proposed Extension of West Third Street,
1.4 SUMMARY OF LAND CLASSIFICATION
The Ocean Isle Beach Land Classification system is described fully in Section 7.0. and is shown on
Map 4: The Land Classification Map which is attached Four land classifications are utilized in the
Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area:
Developed: This land classification provides for continued intensive development and
redevelopment of existing urban areas. Areas so designated are currently urban in character
where minimal undeveloped land remains and have in place or are scheduled for the timely
provision of the usual municipal or public services. Urban in character includes mixed land
uses at high to moderate densities. Most of the developed areas on the island and mainland
are designated as 'Developed."
1-5

Urban Transition: The purpose of this class is to provide for future intensive urban
development on suitable lands that will be provided with the necessary urban services to
support intensive urban development. These areas are presently being developed for urban
purposes or will be developed in the next five to ten years to accommodate anticipated
population and urban growth. Within Ocean Isle Beach (incorporated area) this classification
is used for the developing areas on the island not otherwise classified as Developed or
Conservation.
Conservation: The purpose of the Conservation class is to provide for the effective long-
term management and protection of significant, limited or irreplaceable areas. Management
is needed due to the natural, cultural, recreational, scenic or natural productive values of both
local and more than local concern. Areas meeting the intent of this classification include:
AFC's, including but not limited to public trust waters, estuarine waters, coastal wetlands,
etc. Also included are other similar lands, environmentally significant because of their natural
role in the integrity of the coastal region.
Conservation Spoil: This is a subclass of conservation and will be used to classify land
which would generally be suited for use as spoil areas for the maintenance of major
waterways, but not for other uses. This would include areas used, or to be used, by the US
Army Corps of Engineers for dredge spoil deposition.
1-6 9

2.0 INTRODUCTION
The North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act of 1974, better known as "CAMA," requires
that the 20 counties located in the State's coastal region and their respective municipalities prepare
Land Use Plans. These land use plans, although developed according to State -provided
guidelines, allow local governments to establish and enforce policies to guide and manage growth
and development of their communities. Local land use plans were developed initially in 1974-
1976. The plans were to have a 10-year outlook in terms of projecting population, economic,
land use, and community facility trends. However, because of the social, economic, and
environmental dynamics of the coastal area, the State guidelines required that all plans be updated
every five years. Such periodic updates permit local governments to reflect upon previously
developed policies to see how they relate to newly emerging trends.
Such is the case with the Town of Ocean Isle Beach. The Town of Ocean Isle Beach was
incorporated in 1959 and is located in southeastern Brunswick County as shown on Map 1. The
initial CAMA Land Use Plan was prepared in 1976 with updates being completed in 1980, 1986,
and 1990. As indicated in the previous plans, population growth which requires an increasing
utilization of land and resources can, leads to undesirable consequences if the land and community
facilities are unregulated or improperly managed. Ocean Isle Beach, through the development and
subsequent updating of its Land Use policy document and enforcement of existing local controls,
is seeking to avoid the negative impacts of unmanaged growth.
This planning document will closely adhere to the CAMA planning guidelines as contained in
Subchapter 7B (as amended) of the State Administrative Codes. Four major components which
are required to be in the Land Use Plan document are as follows:
• Data Collection and Analysis: This is an analysis of the existing patterns and trends
within the Town's jurisdiction as far as population, the economy, land use, community
facilities, environmental, and other resources. Section 3.0 of this report examines the
present conditions of Ocean Isle Beach. Section 4.0 describes the environmental
constraints and examines the constraints of the community facilities in terms of projected
growth.
• Existing Land Use MaIL Map 2, which is attached in the back of this report, shows the
existing land use of Ocean Isle Beach as of March 1997.
• Policy Identification. Policy Statements. and Implementation: Based on a thorough
analysis of existing conditions, trends, and developments, Section 6.0 states the policy of
the Town on a number of important issues.
• Land Classification Mao: Map 4 is the Land Classification Map and is attached to the
back of this report. This map is intended to be a reflection of the Town's land use policies,
based upon the projected density of development, for all the lands within its jurisdiction.
A number of data sources were utilized in the effort to analyze the population, housing, economic,
environmental, and land use conditions in Ocean Isle Beach. Various state, county, and local
agencies were contacted for both general and specific detailed information. Technical reports,
previous land use plans, the 1990 Census, and other documents were reviewed as well. Extensive
efforts were used to obtain citizen participation. In November 1996, a survey was mailed to 814
property owners in the Town and the extraterritorial area. This survey had an excellent response
rate of 42 percent and the results are included in Section 9.0. Issues were further identified during
0 2-1

two well -attended public meetings conducted on February 3 and July 8, 1997. The major
planning issues identified by public input for the Town of Ocean Isle Beach are:
• Beach Renourishment/ Shoreline Erosion
• Growth Management
• Density of Residential Development
• Capacity of Water and Wastewater Services
Other issues are also identified and addressed in other sections of this planning document.
•
2-2 0

MAP 1: LOCATION OF THE TOWN OF OCEAN ISLE BEACH, NC
1II �e)1 � so soCfYpeo`r Olive_: - `:,- 903 Deep,v / T=�$-
._-�.Af.B.�l Ly.p t, +3 \• !A \ ua Rund r .''•`
Fort Bragq MdnerY Ass. to__ // -�,•. iF C LL1 /ia ,d03 tt t 112258 cr'+
Sot e 16 �.` Keener t'. ` _ Albertson o 7 - �,,.\ I/ 2t at
GATE \'• -� 403 t3 2e1F81SOn r' 1Y JONES Rnemsp'
i H., ETTE- t\ + ws 2a2 I _ gowoens KornegaV • t t / Pink ""i . • Pleases: . - e Trenton -
SAMPSON
-----VILLE /17 Z 50 "�i�kHill u ;,,,/
,� \,r Satembw ! • e. DUPLIN j �10 _ i . /� Comfort t 5e 'r PoWces.
--rCum Vander q a \1l'arsac: f .. n
�i Rockfish • Auoyvdle a Clinton TwkeV 17 9 Potters r • eat ."a
,i- Berland „ • .�--• Kenans- 'tt wa i -'r _
• Raeford + Y�\Seed ., Eobn , �,nlle •/ 2a1 /+ - �` Holtman -. ` Chill
Hope Cedar 26 _ Petersourq ,
2° at-p 1\ Raseboro I 7 °,fdt _ ��\
Mills 2ox3 ltreek �' 1 \ - .� Maysvillt
711 11'- Ptlrkton IQ 2t0 6 ® �_�\ '•
Lumber< • 87 Lena b 1 � .._ © eta a• Beulavllte 1 Rtch- � foresc Batgratle w 1,
tch 12 &,dpe T t0 11 -.\v at+ %' I �16 \+8 �d Foun-• lands
/8 t0 20 CUMBERCAND Parkars \ 15 " ! 903 Hose ''Green L""d°-'�-�ta�nl
_ \ / `
_ Res\ID • .Tdxr- I 35l \\ burg ._r>- i Hdl eVerS/' DNnOuBtan f » J,•..•.: ' • \ u\' .\
�Sr,annon 301 -mory 20: Ingold �• 0 .... Keaum,p ' - r
ring , O • 'l 117 Ll d, ` i tCatnenr,e : Kuns
'-11 Renner® 9 20F ,`. ., u:\�.• •' '" .6Arark 11 �` Garland �36 OHwaV 0 ;' I;e a L( '7• Lake � .: snverda'e
�\ Sc" Teache ,a -� • St
,uka \ t+ ,3,e \Whne. \��-\ 3 n at V0V t - C ONSLOW ��'�Jac :Sony!
15 rab-; Uak 2d2 Blades att i 1d •,3 50 Vtaess "`r..-r Midway Parr, _. p
710 i7 •\Tar /. % lakes 9�\ ,p HanensK •Wallace TO Crty - IlLreek _ 53 r �' ..�:•��¢
11IPem-..6we Heel 53 taav[s3aa[ / // \ \ 1\•. �� Maws-• aAa. Piney Hucer,
ibroke ,O z11 [n trFs 1 (e at Tomahawk Wluarda \ y. Pun Gnaw .: na
_ Green
'~ �d2 77 ROBESUL : 73t 67 \\, . • : " s` r• l� Pendedea tt ��, ., I„OS Verona Ca
\17 Dublin _' z \. _:.\ Kerr , ! \ Le Rune
8 �`� �: 1 1G 15 / Made -Manse
�.. 711 •, a1 - \ • d - Wtute� / Watha '� Hiii •"-'"'\'B �, Base
7t0 • / 2a • ! .Elizabeth- • Y Lake \ Ivannoc 53 50
Lumoecbnl.. dcF State
d �_ 11' '
• t t Ravin ^ town 1 f DIRon \ GATE -
ram - • 6 Bellamy 9•r �' ;-01 %...\ -- Forest !: ` - 1 tt 1 -\
Sot Alen- •/: za2 1d .9-� 2° \ Burgaw v i Folk.12t0 o r='
\ ton PENDEH t
o BLADEy t7 • r Atkinson t0 • \ 1 stone a• Sneadst ^••A. R.,
McDonald Blades- Aboons- t,
7 72 3 53 ( �"O Wards 9 �-
w[:cOr.•t, `1'- bOro �Durq LsOon 53 \Corner HOIIyRldge Pit n� UFerry .
ra3•.
[[" Fairmont, I /� s ""
137 ' 9 Proctorydie `• �•,_L'Clarkton E7 r 5 Keu 1 = a , I,d r
s f t5 '� - Ca vers �� Cum
Rocky ; ,a 6 r , 210 No th Topsail Beach
n a. Ovum. �::� 73t �•— e ' 3 k 15 y. `?`10 Point! 210 Surf. Del MaBeach
e[F 90. 7 Boardman Ever.a70 \�... c5-. Hoc 8`'•210 A4dd B$ - Ham City, -
\ ] - 2_25 \ � COUllc, 10 I
p-
rear 1,7 /.' EE
'
9 a _ Lreek Nat'l.
` I22> ' Barnes' ."� i . COLu:.:6C_ ,, East _ stead • ,'- so
wile 32 II Arcadla�' SasleheId
- 9M. rta,x� 2zse - Ia2 I . • 1'.'-;c. "4a 6 "• Hayne - Scons ' a ,'•` _'Topsail Beach
6 • t1 Riegelwood t��lu
Little a , 30 • -T--••�, , � • Acme •\ -,.! `7 i
'PeeDee M O r �- \ J Irpsan ♦rti,:
'St Pk ,r,V1ew\ Fau teno 'Chad- .. Hallsooro. Lake Bolton Her Delco"�^-�'P10e"'R' 'f•\ ® `•`''"F'r"'"'•'
Fork I B Bluff Gordo I bourn ! q Bmnsw.c. - Waccamaw man • - oSr
Y is ' Macob��_!\Lelandi1LI 1.
130 .rage %`,:,.... r �'A t % J'F 3�F• Mson mrc•
6 Nichols : / Tp\F \ Cherry f. Lake Waccamaw J JL V7i11ntln0iC^^ " ' 77 NEW HANOVER
k \ \Grove Clarendon ` •z
State Part �.- ed k.
tt \� '13 �.. Bishapo`. '•� r, .Wrightsville Beach
,gSdney � !- r \-� U2ar�-
U3 1' 9 ` . • , Mdhe� - Y Old i 2717a Tom Creek
o 13 \ arse"ooro m.c:
Irel �,..:rC,.: „on t.aura,Dock 9._ r
Green Sea a,0 8 ti` Iron HIM C. t30 ' Y'l 133
Ane� '`ems'. BRUNSWICf,
rossroadn a •; - \FAsh - ,),brans PI q $eafxaea
`o Ferry LOnsp _ Dinar Bonvla'.Depor / i t Car0luwBeachSt. Pit.
Prewa, 2+ Shal- svodv g ? Car0Ina
Beach A
Bonin
Bavooro �AllsoraoR d �\ Long totter' ��, Spnnglake5q. +i� 1 Wilmington Beach
Avncr `r Coo - r ` 9 _ , 9W wood —r 2' • Smnh %� r r Kure Beach
Stamp i'-�.. 9 6 U'.7L:c O\ �'S4 8.. I,.:. 8" .5
HORR r 905 '� Lnssenown,�� - 130 Varnam—\ Sunset 17 I� 4 t'kFr. Fisher St. Hilt. Sne
on6 — - 11 Ham LOnps Ar.coMi '�j a 779 9-.IOv.'nJ CH arse! ,33' 7•
319 morn . ..-tea ) ci'.. '- Sea-.. }2O �= '_ � Southport ... ._.,
... 6 g ja
• t H¢kory : , 905 _ - 70 ,^�j\ s�tle - LOn - slierxrsuno
Grave_ o- c•,,,,.. Holden 9 YauponJ•
N:Rons �Gcean Isle ' Beach Beach Beach ,' da'd Mead Islanc
Crossroads e., e
�} nv. 22- R 9G _ sunset beach BeachA w wo
__ •�,i \•3�^_�NI onv,he th>. ;V = Cherry Grove Beach CAM FF.w
79, ,,t ,'%` Noah Myrtle Beach 1
t • ., �' Anarroc Beach
Todd ; 70 � 9a 6
bongo a - wlie _ tPkL
.2 7
Socastee. -' Myrtle
ta,
- 13 BeachA
sensor - 1,0 70) Myrtle Beach St.P1,
6U:! rt0 ,7 BUS
ISWIO 1
rSurfslde Beach
:mersvnle :-saad. -',r �• Garden City Beach
—••D 1 -° Nlurrellsinlet A
11 .,green's• N-B-aw n
Groens /1 t B"chSEPk.
p Utchfield Beach
Paweyaleled OCEAN ISLE BEACH, NC
DeblduaBell
0 2-3
C

The Town of Ocean Isle Beach is a residential beach resort community consisting of an island
approximately six miles long and the mainland commercial strip area along the Causeway Road. 0
The island is separated from the mainland by salt marshes and the Intracoastal Waterway.
Vehicular access to the island is achieved via NC Highway 904 along a causeway and over a high-
rise bridge crossing the waterway. The Town established a 1,300-acre extraterritorial area (ETA)
on the mainland in mid-1990.
3.1 POPULATION
The beginning point of analysis for any Land Use Plan is an assessment of the population trends
and patterns. For residential resort communities like Ocean Isle Beach which are heavily
impacted by seasonal fluctuations, this analysis can be rather complicated. However, many land
use and growth management policies relate to the number of people expected to use the land
and/or public facilities. The CAMA Land Use Planning Guidelines require, logically, that the
"peak" seasonal population be considered by barrier island communities as the basis for public
facilities. Both the year-round or permanent population and the seasonal population trends for
Ocean Isle Beach will be analyzed. Estimates for beach day visitors are also given.
3.1.1 Year-round Population
Ocean Isle Beach, like other resort communities, experiences a wide fluctuation of population
according to the season. Although the year-round population has always been relatively small, it
has been steadily growing and more than quadrupled between 1980 and 1990. The Town was
incorporated in 1959 and made its first showing in the 1960 U.S. Census with a permanent
population of only five people. In 1970, the U.S. Census showed a year-round population of 78
persons and by 1980, the town population nearly doubled to 143 persons. The 1990 U.S. Census
reported 523 year-round residents within the Town's limits, a 265.7 percent increase from 1980.
The 1990 CAMA Land Use Plan estimated that the year-round population for the Town was 523
residents, 435 residents for the extraterritorial area, and for a combined total of 958 for the entire
planning area. The North Carolina Office of State Planning estimated the 1995 town year-round
population to be 663, representing a 27 percent increase since 1990. Table 3.1 details the
population characteristics for the Town, Shallotte Township, and Brunswick County.
The year-round population growth at Ocean Isle Beach is somewhat consistent with the strong
overall growth trends in Brunswick County, which grew by 47.7 percent between 1970 and 1980
and by 42.5 percent between 1980 and 1990. Over the twenty-year period between 1970 and
1990, Brunswick County had a significant population growth of l 11 percent. As evident by the
township data, most of Brunswick County's growth occurred in the beach areas and in the
mainland adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway. As a case in point, both Ocean Isle Beach and
Sunset Beach are located in the Shallotte Township which experienced a 142 percent population
increase between 1970 and 1990 and a 79.9 percent increase during the 1980's. Over one-third of
Brunswick's County population increase during the 1980's occurred in Shallotte Township. The
North Carolina Office of State Planning estimated the 1995 County population to be 60,739, a
19.1 percent increase since 1990.
3-1 0

•
•
TABLE 3.1
YEAR-ROUND POPULATION FOR THE TOWN OF OCEAN ISLE BEACH
AND BRUNSWICK COUNTY,1970-1995
PLACE
1970
1980
1990
Percent
Increase
1980-
1990
1995
Population
Estimates
Percent
Increase
1990-1995
Ocean Isle Beach
78
143
523
265.7%
664
27.0%
Brunsysrick County
24,223
35,777
50,985
42.5%
60,739
19.1%
Townships
Lockwood Folly
4,748
7,361
10,705
45.4%
—
—
Northwest
3,356
4,657
7,454
60.1%
—
—
Shallotte
4,877
6,582
11,818
79.6%
—
—
Smithville
4,356
6,838
9,488
38.8%
—
—
Town Creek
5,215
8,357
9,260
10.8%
—
—
Waccamaw
1,681
1,982
2.260
14.0%
—
—
Sources: United States Census, 1970, 1980, and 1990.
Town of Ocean Isle Beach CAMA Land Use Plan Updates, 1986 and 1990
North Caroling Office of State Planning, 12/16/96.
The rapid growth during the 1980's is further evident by examining building permit data. Notice
Table 3.2. Between 1982 and 1996, the Town of Ocean Isle Beach issued 1,029 building permits
of which 947 were for single-family development, 36 were for manufactured housing, 19 were for
duplexes, two were for multi -family buildings, and 25 were for commercial use. These permits
authorized a total of 1,360 dwelling units and 106 motel rooms to be constructed. Since 1990
these figures include permits issued for both the Town and the ETA. Tables 3.3 and 3.4 state the
new construction activities separately for the Town and the ETA since 1990. Table 3.5 states the
building permits issued for the demolition and movement of buildings since 1986. During this
eleven -year period, there have been 13 demolitions and 66 buildings and trailers moved.
3-2

TABLE 3.2: OCEAN ISLE PLANNING AREA BUILDING PERMITS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION, 1982-1996
Year
Single-
Family
Manu-
factured
Homes
Duplex
Multi -Family
Total Residential
Commercial
Total
Permits
Permits
Units
Permits
Units
Permits
Units
Permits
Motel
Rooms
1982
71
0
1
2
12
51
84
124
1
0
85
1983
70
0
3
6
29
116
102
192
2
0
104
1984
78
0
1
2
24
96
103
176
2
0
105
1985
99
0
3
6
0
0
102
105
2
0
104
1986
15
0
0
0
0
0
15
15
4
0
19
1987
38
0
3
6
1
73
42
117
1
36
43
1988
24
0
0
0
0
0
24
24
2
0
26
1989
27
0
0
0
0
0
27
27
2
0
29
1990*
35
0
1
2
0
0
36
37
1
0
37
1991*
39
1
0
0
0
0
40
40
2
50
42
1992*
51
4
0
0
0
0
55
55
1
0
56
1993*
71
8
1
2
0
0
80
81
0
0
80
1994*
71
4
3
6
0
0
78
81
2
20
80
1995*
87
8
l
2
1
3
97
100
2
0
99
1996*
106
11
2
4
0
0
119
121
1
0
120
TOTAL 1
882
36
19
38
67
339
1,004
1,295
25
106
1,029
Source: Town of Ocean Isle Beach Building Permit Records, 1986 and 1990 CAMA Land Use Plan Updates. *Includes ETA since May 1990.

•
•
TABLE 3.3
TOWN OF OCEAN ISLE BEACH BUILDING PERMITS
FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION,1990-1996
Type of
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
TOTAL
Construction
Single-family
35
32
36
56
58
73
93
383
Manufactured
0
01
0
0
0
0
0
0
Homes
Duplex-
1
0
0
1
3
1
2
8
Permits
Duplex -Units
2
0
0
2
6
2
4
16
Multi -Family
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
- Permits
Multi family
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
3
Units
Residential
36
32
36
57
61
75
95
392
Permits
Residential
37
32
36
58
64
78
97
402
Units
Commercial-
1
2
0
0
2
1
0
6
Permits
Motel Rooms
0
50
0
0
0
0
0
50
TOTAL
37
34
36
57
63
76
95
398
PERMITS
Source: Town of Ocean Isle Building Permit Records
3-4

TABLE 3.4
BUILDING PERMITS ISSUED FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION IN THE
OCEAN ISLE BEACH MAINLAND ETA,1990 -1996
Type of
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
TOTAL
Construction
Single-family
0
7
15
15
13
14
13
77
Manufactured
0
1
4
8
4
8
11
36
Homes
Duplex-
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Permits
Duplex -Units
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Multi -Family -
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Permits
Multi family
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Units
Residential
0
8
19
23
17
22
24
113
Permits
Residential
0
8
19
23
17
22
24
113
Units
Commercial-
0
0
1
0
2
1
1
5
Permits
Motel Rooms
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
TOTAL
0
8
20
23
19
23
25
118
PERMITS
Source: Town of Ocean Isle Beach Building Permit Records
3-5
•
•

•
•
TABLE 3.5
OCEAN ISLE BUILDING PERMITS FOR DEMOLITION AND MOVEMENT OF
BUILDINGS, 1986-1996
Year
Demolition
Moving of Build in s and Trailers
Town
ETA
Total
On
Island
Off
Island
ETA
Total
1986
0
---
0
NA
NA
---
6
1987
0
---
0
NA
NA
---
9
1988
1
---
1
NA
NA
---
1
1989
3
---
3
NA
NA
---
0
1990
4
0
4
NA
NA
0
7
1991
1
1
2
0
2
0
2
1992
0
1
1
6
0
2
8
1993
0
0
0
4
0
0
4
1994
0
0
0
3
3
0
6
1995
0
1
1
11
1
0
12
1996
1
0
1
6
5
0
11
TOTAL
10
3
13
30
11
2
66
NA = Data concerning the movement of houses not readily available for the years 1986 -1990.
-- ETA not established until 1990.
* In 1996, a duplex unit was moved and converted into a single-family structure by the demolition
of one of the duplex units.
Source: Town of Ocean Isle Beach Building Permit Records and 1990 CAMA Land Use Plan.
This rapid rate of growth will likely continue. Only 50 percent of all of Ocean Isle Beach's platted
residential lots have been developed and there are several large tracts of land which have not yet
been subdivided. Table 3.6 shows the January 1997 year-round population estimates for the
Town, the ETA, and the total Planning Area. The 1997 year-round population estimates were
derived by proportioning the existing housing stock between year-round and seasonal usage. The
number of year-round housing units was multiplied by the occupancy ratio in order to obtain the
1997 year-round population estimates. It is estimated that the 1997 year-round population in the
corporate limits is 832 and 742 in the ETA for a total year-round population of 1,574 in the
Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area.
3-6

TABLE 3.6
YEAR-ROUND POPULATION ESTIMATES FOR
THE TOWN OF OCEAN ISLE BEACH, JANUARY 1997
LOCATION
NO. OF UNITS
No. Persons Per
Occupancy
Year-round
Unit
Rate
Population
TOTAL
X
%
Number
UNITS
Year-
Year-
round
round
units
Town
1,497
x
20%
300
2.38
X
100%
714
Single -Family
Multi -family
753
x
10%
75
1.5
X
100%
113
Duplex
26
x
10%
3
1 1.5
X
100%
5
SUBTOTAL
2,276
---
---
378
---
--
---
832
ETA
356
x
75%
267
2.38
X
100%
636
Single-family
Multi -family
12
x
100%
12
1.5
X
100%
18
Manufactured/
221
x
20%
44
2.0
X
100%
88
Mobile homes
SUBTOTAL
589
1 ---
I ---
323
1 x
1 100%
742
PLANNING
2,865
---
---
701
---
-
100%
1,574
AREA
TOTAL
Source: Hayes & Associates. Housing count obtained from January 1997 Land Use Survey and
adjusted to account for year-round versus seasonal usage.
3.1.2 Seasonal Po ulation
The seasonal population in Ocean Isle Beach consists of three groups: 1) property -owning
summer residents; 2) the overnight visitor population who rent beach cottages, duplexes,
condominiums, or motels; and 3) day visitors who come to Ocean Isle Beach to spend a few
hours at the beach, fish at the fishing pier, or tour the Museum of Coastal Carolina.
Although it is difficult to differentiate between the property owners who reside there versus the
overnight rental visitors, it is possible to estimate the peak seasonal total population. Usually, the
average number of persons per unit for the seasonal occupation of units is larger than for the year-
round occupancy. These vacant -housing units may be assumed to be seasonal housing rather than
year-round housing. Table 3.7 details the characteristics of seasonal housing and peak seasonal
population.
•
3-7 0

•
Is
TABLE 3.7
SEASONAL RESIDENTIAL POPULATION ESTE14ATES FOR THE
OCEAN ISLE BEACH PLANNING AREA, JANUARY 1997
LOCATION
NO. OF UNITS
_ No. _
Occupancy
Seasonal
Persons Per
Rate
Residential
Total
X
%
Number
Unit
Population
Units
Seasonal
Seasonal
Units
Twn
1,497
x
80%
1,197
8.0
X
90%
8,618
Single-family
Multi -family
753
x
90%
678
6.0
X
90%
3,661
Duplex
26
x
90%
23
8.0
X
90%
166
Motel Rooms
186
x
100%
186
4.0
1 X
100%
1 744
SUBTOTAL
2,462
x
---
2,084
---
-
----
13,189
ETA
356
x
25%
89
4.0
X
80%
285
Single-family
Manufactured /
221
x
80%
177
4.0
X
80%
566
Mobile homes
SUBTOTAL
577
- 1
---
266 1
---
- I
---
851
PLANNING
3,039
-
---
2,350
---
-
---
14,040
AREA
TOTAL
Source: Hayes & Associates. Seasonal housing based on January 1997 Land Use Survey.
3-8

TABLE 3.8
SEASONAL PEAK RESIDENTIAL POPULATION ESTIMATES,
OCEAN ISLE BEACH PLANNING AREA, JANUARY 1997 0
AREA
HOUSING/
YEAR-ROUND
SEASONAL
TOTAL PEAK
MOTEL
POPULATION
POPULATION
RESIDENTIAL
UNITS
POPULATION
TOWN
2,462
832
13,189
14,021
ETA
589
742
851
1,593
PLANNING
3,051
1,574
14,040
15,614
AREA TOTAL
Source: Hayes & Associates, 1997. Housing count obtained from 1997 Land Use Survey.
Occupancy rates and persons per household for year-round housing were obtained from the 1990
U.S. Census. The number of persons per dwelling unit for seasonal housing is estimated.
There appears to be substantial number of "summer -owner" and "weekender" units in Ocean Isle
Beach both on the island and the mainland. It is possible that when these vacation homes are not
being used by the owner that the units may be rented out and thereby may be continuously
occupied. There are four motels on the island which have a combined total of 186 units. In
summary, when all of the cottage rentals, summer, and weekend units are completely occupied,
Ocean Isle Beach's Planning Area's peak population could be 15,614 which is a significant
contrast to the area's relatively small estimated 1997 year-round population of 832 for the town
and 742 for the ETA for a combined total of 1,574 for the entire planning area as shown on Table
3.8.
The next consideration in the Town's population is the number of "day visitors" who come to
Ocean Isle Beach to enjoy its resort attractions of the beach, fish at the fishing pier, or to visit the
Museum of Coastal Carolina. The "day visiting" population has a more short-term impact upon
the Town's public facilities and services than the other components of the population. The most
pronounced impact of this group is upon traffic and parking while the impact upon water and
sewer service is noticed through restaurant and retail usage.
It is rather difficult to estimate the total number of beach "day visitors" to this resort community.
A survey of beach access sites (see Table 3.19) revealed that there are 648 legal parking spaces
for beach day visitors on the island including the 128 spaces now available at the CAMA beach
accesses. This count does not include the 22 CAMA parking spaces which have been lost to
beach erosion at the East End. It is assumed that each legal space is utilized by an average of 2.5
vehicles and that each vehicle transported an average of 4.0 persons. It is also assumed that an
additional 3,500 people are day visitors at the island residences. Based on these assumptions, the
following formula was devised:
(2.5 shifts x 648 parking spaces x 4.0 persons/vehicle) + (4.0 persons/vehicle x 127 parking
tickets) + 3,500 day visitors at island residences = 10,488 Beach Day Visitors
ETA day visitors are primarily involved with fishing and boating in the Intracoastal Waterway.
3-9 0

•
11
The 1990 plan estimated 403 ETA day visitors by taking boat trailer counts at area launch ramps.
In other words, on a peak summer day such as a sunny July 4th weekend, it is estimated that
nearly 10,300 day visitors come to enjoy the ocean and fishing in the Ocean Isle Beach Planning
Area.
Another major daytime attraction is the Museum of Coastal Carolina which is now operated by
Discovery Place. This museum opened to the public in May 1991 and was expanded in 1993 and
1996. This museum features numerous exhibits about the coastal environment, shipwrecks,
Indian artifacts, and solar power as well as has a multipurpose room, gift shop, and art exhibit
area. Table 3.9 states the monthly attendance figures for the museum. The museum is open only
on weekends during the off-season but is open daily during the summer months. The average
daily attendance during July 1996 was 147 visitors. It should be noted that Hurricanes Bertha and
Fran negatively affected attendance figures during July and September 1996.
TABLE 3.9
1996 ATTENDANCE AT
THE MUSEUM OF COASTAL CAROLWA
MONTH
ATTENDANCE
January
409
February
451
March
805
April
1,190
May
2,021
June
4,127
July
4,565
August
4,182
September
717
October
399
November
484
December,
204
1996 TOTAL
19,554
1995 TOTAL
21,361
Source: Museum of Coastal Carolina
3.1.3 Population Summary
Table 3.10 presents a summary of the various components of the "peak" seasonal population of
Ocean Isle Beach in 1997.
3-10

TABLE 3.10
OCEAN ISLE BEACH PLANNING AREA POPULATION ESTIMATES,
JANUARY 1997
POPULATION
CORPORATE
EXTRA-
PLANNING
COMPONENT
LIMITS
TERRITORIAL
AREA TOTAL
AREA
YEAR-ROUND RESIDENTS
832
742
1,574
SEASONAL OVERNIGHT
13,189
851
14,040
VISITORS
RESIDENTIAL SUBTOTAL
14,021
1,593
15,614
DAY VISITORS
10,488
403
10,891
MUSEUM OF COASTAL
147
---
147
CAROLINA
TOTAL PEAK T___24,656
1,996
26,652
POPULATION
Source: Hayes & Associates. Based on housing count of January 1997 Land Use Survey and
estimates of day visitors from the 1990 CAMA Land Use Plan and the Museum of Coastal
Carolina.
I of
important to note that the 1990 Plan Update reported an estimated seasonal peak population
0 24,371 for the entire planning area. The 1997 estimated peak population of 26,652 represents
an increase of 9.4 percent. This increase is explained by the construction of an additional 474
dwelling units and 10 commercial buildings since the 1990 Plan was prepared. Moreover,
different methodologies were utilized.
Social characteristics reported in the 1990 United States Census reveal that Ocean Isle Beach
residents generally are older, wealthier, and have recently moved to the area. The composition of
the Ocean Isle Beach population in terms of age consists mostly of middle -age adults and retirees
which is significant in terms of planning purposes. The 1990 Census reported that 15 percent of
the Town's population was 65 and over and 13.5 percent were under 16. The per capita income
for Ocean Isle Beach residents was $36,818 in 1990 as compared to a per capita income of
$11,688 for Brunswick County residents and $12,885 for North Carolina residents. No minorities
were reported living within the town limits in 1990. Only 6.6 percent of all persons were
estimated to be below the poverty level in Ocean Isle Beach as compared to 15.4 percent for
Brunswick County and 13.5 percent for North Carolina. Moreover, Ocean Isle Beach is a town
of "newcomers." Only 39 percent reported living in the same house five years previous to the
Census and 23 percent reported residing in a different state.
3.2 ECONOMY
While the resort characteristics of Ocean Isle Beach's economy have changed little since the 1990
Land Use Plan Update, the growth of the Town's economic base has been substantial. The
3-11 0

economy is still dependent upon real estate development, tourism, golfing, and travel. Ocean Isle
Beach lies between two other Brunswick County beach communities, Sunset Beach and Holden
Beach. The Town offers sandy beaches with a gentle surf, pier and surf fishing, and one public
golf course on the mainland. These attractions offer relaxing vacations to thousands of visitors
each year.
Ocean Isle Beach's economic base consists mainly of services such as the four motels, beach
house rentals, restaurants, gift and speciality shops, and privately -owned recreational facilities
which include the golf course and fishing pier. All of these services are generally geared toward
the traveling and vacationing public and, as such, are dependent upon the seasonal flow of visitors
for their financial sustenance. The seasonal population influx also produces what is, by and large,
a seasonal economy. Some of the businesses in the Town do not remain open all year-round.
However, the number of commercial facilities remaining open is increasing as the year-round
population is expanding.
Not surprisingly, there are no agricultural, farming, forestry, manufacturing, or industrial uses in
Ocean Isle Beach's jurisdiction. Real estate development and resort rentals are still the most
significant factor in the resort community's economy. The significance of the real estate growth is
illustrated by the fact that 1,029 building permits have been issued and 1,360 dwelling units have
been constructed since 1982.
The continuing real estate development and sales in the Town will most likely foster a continual
growth in the number of permanent residents. As permanent residents increase, the demand for
local services also increases. As local commercial services and activities increase, the Town may
witness even more expansion of its economic base.
Another indication of the significant and continuing growth trend of the Town's economy is the
growth in property valuations and accommodations tax in recent years. Notice Tables 3.11 and
3.12. As of June 1996, the Town of Ocean Isle Beach assessed property valuation was
$388,828,494 and the accommodations tax yielded $463,111 in additional revenues.
0 3-12

TABLE 3.11
OCEAN ISLE BEACH ASSESSED VALUATIONS, 1983 -1996
YEAR
ASSESSED VALUATIONS
PERCENT CHANGE
1983-84
$67,298,594
---
1984-85
$77,584,307
15.28%
1985-86
$98,180,807
26.55%
1986-87*
$265,751,691
170.68%
1987-88
$270,058,119
1.62%
1988-89
$284,863,094
5.48%
1989-90* *
$290,858,728
2.10%
1990-91
$290,836,128
-0.01 %
1991-92
$305,672,458
5.10%
1992-93
$307,835,400
0.71%
1993-94
$314,980,083
2.32%
1994-95 *
$3 78,828,494
20.27%
1995-96
$378,828,494
0.00%
1996
$388,828.494
2.64%
* Year of Reevaluation
* * The valuation for 1989 does not reflect a reduction due to property lost due to
Hurricane Hugo. This loss is estimated to be approximately $9,069,000, not including
land or Town owned property.
Source: 1986 and 1990 Town of Ocean Isle Beach CAMA Land Use Plan Updates and the
Town of Ocean Isle Beach.
•
•
3-13 0

•
•
TABLE 3.12
TOWN OF OCEAN ISLE BEACH ACCOMMODATION TAX,1984-1995
YEAR
TAX COLLECTION
PERCENT CHANGE
1983-84
$144,696
---
1984-85
$160,055
10.6%
1985-86
$179,640
12.2%
1986-87
$203,500
13.3%
1987-88
$221,991
9.1%
1988-89
$251,149
13.1%
1989-90
$278,462
10.9%
1990-91
$312,670
12.3%
1991-92
$357,345
14.3%
1992-93
$373,330
4.5%
1993-94
$402,454
7.8%
1994-95
$419,680
4.3%
1995-96
$463,111
10.4%
Source: Town of Ocean Isle Beach
3.3 EXISTING WATER AND LAND USES
3.3.1 Existing Water Uses
The Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area is part of the Coastal Area Watershed of the Lumber River
Basin.' There are four 14-digit hydrological units within the Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area as
designated on Map 2. Table 3.13 notes the water quality characteristics for each of these 14-digit
units.
'NCDEHNR Division of Environmental Management, Lumber River Basinwide Water
Quality Management Plan, May 1994, p. 2-5.
0 3-14

TABLE 3.13
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 14-DIGIT HYDROLOGICAL UNITS FOR THE OCEAN ISLE BEACH PLANNING AREA,
APRIL 1997
Characteristic
ICWW, Atlantic Ocean
ICWW
Kilbart Slough, ICWW
Saucepan Creek, Jinny's
(03040207020120)
(03040207020080)
(03040207020100)
Branch
03040206050010
General Geographic
Western half of island
Eastern half of island
Mainland along ICWW
Mainland from NC 179
Area
to NC 179
to ETA boundaries
Water System
Atlantic Ocean - SB
Atlantic Ocean - SB
ICWW - SA
Jinny's Branch -
Classifications
Tubbs Inlet - SA
Shallotte Inlet - SA
Kilbart Slough - SA
SA Stream
Eastern Channel - SA
Shallotte Sound - SA
Gause Landing - SA
ICWW - SA
ICWW - SA
Primary Nursery Areas
Marshes along Eastern
Marshes along Shallotte
Some marshes along
Jinny's Branch
Channel
Sound
ICWW
Closed Shellfishing
Still Creek area
Finger Canals
Gause Landing Area
Jinny's Branch
Areas
Marina Area
Water Use Support
ICWW- Partially
Portions of ICWW are
ICWW- Partially
Jinny's Branch -
Determinations
Supporting
listed as Supporting and
supporting and
Support Threatened
Tubbs Inlet- Supporting
Partially Supporting
Supporting
Stream
Sources: CAMA GIS Maps
Water System Classifications: North Carolina Division of Environmental Management, January 1997.
Primary Nursery Areas: Division of Marine Fisheries. .
Closed Shellfishing Areas: North Carolina Shellfish Sanitation Branch, January 1997.
Water Use Support Determinations: Lumber River Basinwide Water Quality Management Plan, p. 4-43 and 4-46,

The North Carolina Division of Water Quality (DWQ) compiles schedules of tidal saltwater
classifications for the waters of the Lumber River Basin which includes the water systems of
Ocean Isle. The classification system has two main purposes: (1) to protect and promote the
special recreational and commercial uses of tidal saltwater, such as swimming, boating, and
fishing; and (2) to protect and promote the water quality needed for maintaining finfish, shellfish,
and wildlife habitats. A saltwater body's classification may directly or indirectly affect
construction activities, scope of development, or the level of wastewater treatment. Depending
on the classification of an adjacent saltwater body, residential lot sizes may be restricted; buffer
zones, stormwater management, and higher wastewater treatment may be required; and some
types of activities may be limited or prohibited in some areas. The SA classification of the
Intracoastal Waterway and adjoining waterways indicates a tidal water system which has best
usage for shellfishing and swimming. The SA classification coincides with waters being classified
as Primary Nursery Areas by the NC Marine Fisheries Commission. In North Carolina, all waters
of the Atlantic Ocean are classified as SB. This SB classification indicates that the ocean is
suitable for swimming and other primary recreation uses, but is not deemed suitable as a shellfish
breeding area.
All of the estuarine waters of Ocean Isle Beach are conducive for shellfish breeding as indicated
by their SA and primary nursery area designation. The North Carolina Division of Marine
Fisheries has permanently banned shellfish harvesting in the finger canals and near the Ocean Isle
Marina. Other shellfishing waters have been periodically closed because of elevated bacteria
counts (especially after heavy rainfall) or during breeding seasons.
The Lumber River Basin Water Quality Management Plan cites use support determinations for all
the estuarine saltwater systems. The use support status of a waterbody describes how well that
waterbody supports its designated uses. Surface waters (streams, lakes, or estuaries) are rated as
either fully supporting, support threatened, partially supporting, or nonsupporting. Saltwaters
classified for commercial shellfish harvesting (SA) would be rated as fully supporting if bacterial
levels in the water were low enough to allow harvesting (<14 MPN.) However, if fecal coliform
bacteria levels were too high to allow shellfish to be harvested (> 14 MPN), but not too high to
prevent swimming, (<200 MPN), then the waters would be rated as partially supporting since the
waters would only support swimming. If the waters were impacted to the point that even
swimming was disallowed, the waters would be rated as nonsupporting. Streams rated as either
partially supporting or nonsupporting are considered impaired. Within the Ocean Isle' Beach
Planning Area, some portions of the ICWW are designated as partially supporting because of the
closure of shellfishing areas due to elevated areas of bacteria as reported by the DEH Shellfish
Sanitation Surveys. Other ICWW sections which are open for shellfishing are listed as
supporting. The Jinny's Branch which is classified as a SA Stream is listed as a support
threatened stream.
According to the Lumber River Basin plan, the ambient station readings in the ICWW near Ocean
Isle also indicated elevated levels of bacteria and violations of additional criteria such as turbidity,
copper, low dissolved oxygen, pH, and. temperature. Waters in this coastal watershed were
impacted primarily by multiple nonpoint sources including agriculture, urban runoff, septic tanks,
and marinas.
3.3.2 Existing Land Uses
The overall land use pattern in Ocean Isle Beach has changed little since the 1990 Land Use Plan
Update. Within the Town's corporate limits are approximately 1,950 acres of land, water,
wetlands, and marshes. Approximately 920 acres consist of undevelopable marsh, beaches, and
waterways. Nearly all of the developed and/or platted acreage is for residential use. Notice Map
9 3-15

2, the 1997 Land Use Map, which shows the existing land uses and zoning patterns. In addition
to residential uses, there are some commercial areas, governmental uses, and recreation uses of
land within Ocean Isle Beach and its extraterritorial jurisdiction.
TABLE 3.14.
INCORPORATED AREA LAND USE ACREAGE, 1986,1990, AND 1996
OCEAN ISLE BEACH, NC
USES
1986
1990
1996
NUMBER
CHANGE
1986 - 1996
PERCENT
CHANGE
1986 - 1996
Residential
164.0
187.8
246.8
82.8
50.5%
Commercial
16.0
22.5
24.7
8.7
54.4%
Government / Utilities
5.0
5.3
5.9
0.9
18.0%
Roads
50.0
50.0
51.3
1.3
2.6%
Recreation
7.5
7.5
7.5
0
0.0%
Undeveloped
787.5
756.9
661.8
-123.0
-15.6%
Subtotal
1,030.0
1,030.0
998.0*
-32.0
-3.1%
Water, Wetlands, Beaches
920.0
920.0
920.0
0
0.0%
Total All Areas
1,950.0
1,950.0 J
1,918.0
-32.0
-1.64%
* 1996 Subtotal accounts for the loss of 32 acres because of East End beach erosion
Sources: 1986 and 1990 CAMA Land use Plan Updates, Town Building Permit Records
3-16
•
•

TABLE 3.15
EXTRATERRITORIAL AREA LAND USE ACREAGE,1990 AND 1996
ADJOINING OCEAN ISLE BEACH, NORTH CAROLINA
USES
.. 1990
1996
NUMBER
CHANGE
1990 - 1996
PERCENT
CHANGE
1990 - 1996
Residential
125.8
142.8
17.0
13.5%
Commercial
25.5
28.0
2.5
9.8%
Government (Airport) /
Utilities
31.0
31.5
0.5
1.6%
Roads
107.4
108.4
1.0
0.9%
Recreation
0.0
0.7*
0.3
7.0%
Undeveloped
998.3
977.1
(21.2)
-2.1 %
Subtotal
1,288.0
1,288.0
1,288.0
0%
Water, Wetlands, Beaches
651.0
651.0
651.0
0%
Total All Areas
1,939.0 1
1,939.0
1,939.0
0%.
* Includes neighborhood swimming club.
Sources: 1990 CAMA Land Use Plan, Town Building Inspector
40 3-17

TABLE 3.16
OCEAN ISLE BEACH PLANNING AREA BUILDING COUNTS, 1986,1990,1996 0
UNIT TYPE
1986
1990
1996
CHANGE
1990 - 1996
Ocean Isle Beach
Single-family (Buildings)
1,047
1,151
1,497
+347
Multi -family (Units)
667
750
753
+3
Duplex (Units)
6
12
26
+14
Motel (Rooms)
80
116
186
+50
Commercial (Buildings)
37
46
51
+5
Government (Buildings)
2
4
4
-0-
SUBTOTAL*
1,839
1,963
2,331
+369
Extraterritorial Area
Single -Family (Buildings)
---
282
356
+74
Multi -Family (Units)
---
12
12
-0-
Manufactured Housing (Units)
---
185
221
+36
Commercial (Buildings)
---
38
43
+5
Government (Buildings)
--
2
2
-0-
SUBTOTAL
---
519
634
+115
PLANNING AREA TOTAL
1,839
2,482
2.965
+484
* Motel Rooms not included in building and unit subtotals
Source: 1986, 1990 CAMA Land Uses Plans, Town of Ocean Isle Building Permit Records
The revised CAMA planning regulations state that land uses shall be summarized for each
watershed. Table 3.17 summarizes the land uses for the four watersheds or hydrological units
which are located in the Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area. The watershed boundaries are shown
on Map 2, Existing Land and Water Uses for the Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area.
•
3-18 0

•
•
TABLE 3.17
LAND USES BY HYDROLOGICAL UNITS, JANUARY 1997
TYPE OF
ICWW,
1CWW
Kilbart Slough,
Saucepan Creek,
LAND USE
Atlantic Ocean
03040207020080
1CWW
Jinn's Branch
TOTAL
(Buildings,
03040207020120
03040207020100
03040206050010
Units, Lots)
General
West End of Island
East End of Island
Mainland along
Mainland between
Location
ICWW
NC 179 and
Georgetovm Road
Single-family
318
1,189
499
113
2,119
/ Mobile
Homes
Duplex
12
34
12
-0-
58
Multi -family
625
128
12
-0-
765
Units
Motel Rooms
106
80
-0-
-0-
186
Retail / Office
9
18
32
26
85
Government /
7
2
2
2
13
Institutional
Vacant Lots
299
1.347
467
79
12.192
Source: 1996 Land Use Survey.
3.3.3 Significant Water and Land Use Compatibility Problems
The major land and water use compatibility problem is the beach erosion at the eastern end of the
island which is designated as a chronic beach erosion area This erosion has resulted in the net loss
of 32 acres, the demolition of ten houses and the movement of 25 other houses. The beach access
at the eastern end has also been closed because of this severe erosion. The Town of Ocean Isle
Beach is iniating a 50-year beach renourishment project in order to abate this rapid erosion.
3.3.4 Significant Water Use Compatibility Problems
In terms of water quality, the Intracoastal Waterway along some portions of Ocean Isle Beach are
listed as only being partially supporting because of their closure to shelIfishing. Waters of the
Lumber River Watershed in which Ocean Isle is located are impacted primarily by multiple
nonpoint sources including agriculture, urban runoff, septic tanks, and marinas.
3.3.5 Significant Problems from Unplanned Development
At this time, there are no significant problems from unplanned development in the Town of Ocean
Isle Beach. No problems now exist from stormwater runoff or neighborhood incompatibility in
the airport area. To avoid future land use problems, the Town will continue to enforce its density
3-19

and height restrictions as regulated by the zoning and subdivision ordinances and regularly review
each ordinance in terms of its appropriateness and effectiveness in achieving the Town's objectives
for growth and development.
The extraterritorial jurisdiction was established in May 1990. Prior to this, no zoning was in
effect for this area. Therefore, with no land use controls in place, development was unregulated,
and the approaches to the Town were rapidly becoming developed by roadside commerce,
creating congestion and aesthetic problems. In addition, mobile home subdivisions, awkward
street patterns, numerous wetlands, and mixed land uses created concern for Town officials. The
Town began enforcing all development regulations including zoning, subdivision, flood, and
building code regulations once the ETA was established on the mainland.
3.3.6 Areas Likely to Experience Changes in Predominant Land Use or Redevelopment
There is still a considerable amount of vacant, subdivided land remaining on the island and ETA
as indicated by Table 3.18. These lots will most likely be developed in a similar pattern as the
surrounding land uses and.as permitted by the Zoning Ordinance. Conversion of vacant tracts to
new development will be the major transition of land use. For example, a master plan for the
construction of a 700-unit housing development was given preliminary approval in February 1997.
The Ocean Isle West planned unit development is proposed for construction over the next 25
years on 85.5 acres of property.
Most developed areas within the Town's jurisdiction probably will not experience changes in
predominant land use, with one possible exception. It is anticipated that the fishing pier and
parking lot located on a nearly one -acre tract could be redeveloped as a motel complex within the
next 5 to 10 years. If such redevelopment occurs, day visitors would lose access to 200 parking
spaces. The loss of these private access parking spaces would impact the Town's ability to
accommodate day visitors.
Redevelopment for the ETA will likely occur on the several large tracts of land with relatively
low -density development. These tracts would most likely be redeveloped to higher density land
uses. The proposed "Parker's Point" subdivision is an example of such redevelopment.
3 - 20

0 TABLE 3.18
LAND DEVELOPMENT SUMMARY OF SUBDIVIDED LAND, 1997
AREA
TOTAL
VACANT
DEVELOPED
PERCENT
PLATTED
LOTS
LOTS
DEVELOPED
LOTS
Island
3,235
1,646
1,589
49.1%
Mainland
26
10
16
61.5%
Extraterritorial
1,206
536
670
55.6%
Area
Planning Area
4,467
2,192
2,275
50.9%
IL —Total
Source: 1996 Land use Survey
3.4 CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES, AND REGULATIONS
3.4.1 Prior CAMA Land Use Plans
The Town of Ocean Isle Beach had its first CAMA Land Use Plan prepared in 1976, with
additional 5-year updates being completed in 1980, 1986, and 1990. All of these previous plans
contain descriptions of the Town and general development policies.
3.4.2 Transportation Plans
The 1997-2003 North Carolina Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) lists three projects under
construction which will improve access to the Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area. SR 1184 has
been upgraded from NC 179 to US 17. NC 179 is being upgraded to three lanes from NC 904 to
SR 1184. , (R-3106) Completion of the Georgetown Road Extension from SR 1184 to NC 179
will provide an alternative route connecting Ocean Isle to Shallotte. (R-3432) These future road
improvements are shown on Figure 3-1. The 1988 Brunswick County Thoroughfare Plan
included road improvements for the Ocean Isle area.
3.4.3 Water SuDDlv_and Distribution Plan
Ocean Isle Beach, like many other smaller communities in Brunswick County, is a part of the
Brunswick County Water System. In September 1994 all the municipalities served by this
regional system adopted the 1992 Brunswick County Joint Water Supply Plan as serving as their
local water supply .plan... According to this 1992 regional plan, the water supply available to
Ocean Isle Beach is unlimited.
3.4.4 Waste Treatment Plans
The Town of Ocean Isle Beach was included in the 1978 201 Facilities Plan for Southwest
3-21

FIGURE 3-1

Brunswick County.'A Preliminary Engineering Report was prepared specifically for Ocean Isle in
1979. Construction of Phase I was completed in 1987 and Phase II was completed in 1993. A
major expansion of the spray field will be completed in 1997 which will increase the treatment
capacity.
3.4.5 Utilities Extension Poligy
The Town's utilities extension policy as stated in the Subdivision Ordinance is that each lot in all
subdivisions within the corporate limits will be provided at the subdivider's expense with an
extension of the municipal water and sanitary sewer systems.
3.4.6 Open Space and Recreation Policies
The beaches provide most of the area's recreational opportunities and public beach access is
available at 24 locations shown on Table 3.19. The Town of Ocean Isle Beach has 128 parking
spaces available at CAMA access, 500 spaces on land leased from private owners, and 26 spaces
along public easements. The 5-acre Town Park is located on Second Street and has two tennis
courts, picnic tables, and open space. Currently, the Town does not have a formal recreation
policy or operates public boat accesses or other public recreational facilities besides the Town
Park and beach accesses.
3.4.7 Emergency Response Plan
In 1992 the Town of Ocean Isle Beach adopted an emergency response plan which formulates a
pre -designed plan of action for dealing with emergency situations such as hurricanes, fire,
chemical spills, bridge failure, earthquakes, or oil spills. This plan was most recently revised in
1995.
3 - 22

TABLE 3.19: TOWN OF OCEAN ISLE BEACH ACCESS SITES,1997
ACCESS
HANDICAP ACCESS
PARKING
SPACES
Beaufort and West First Street*
Yes
Yes
0
Durham St. Ocean Isle*
No
No
0
High Point Street*
Yes
No
0
Greensboro and First Street*
No
Yes
18
Winnabow and East First Street*
No
Yes
22
Chadbourne and First Streets*
No
Yes
14
Goldsboro and East First Street*
No
Yes
14
Raeford and East First Street*
Yes
Yes
4
Neiiport and East First Street*
No
Yes
18
Concord and East First Street*
No
Yes
12
Monroe and East First Streets*
Yes
Yes
15
Shelbv and West First Street*
No
No
0
Duneside and West First Street*
No
No
0
Driftwood and West First Street*
No
No
0
Leland and East First Street*
No
Yes
11
Charlotte and East Second Street
No
No
0
Near Fishing Pier Parking Lot+
No
Yes
200
Oxford and West First Street+
No
Yes
[3001
121 West First Street
No
Yes
20
Isle Plaza and West First Street
No
No
0
Starboard and West First Street
No
No
0
East of Sand Castle Condos
No
No
0
West of Ocean Side West II
No
No
0
Shallotte Boulevard Easement
No
Yes
6
TOTAL
3 Lots
14 Lots
654
T LAAiA runaea Access +Lease of Ynvate Land, Could be Redeveloped
Sources: North Carolina Division of Coastal Management and Town of Ocean Isle Beach
3 - 23
•
•

3.4.8 Local Regulations and Enforcement Provisions
Unless otherwise noted, the Town Building Inspector and the Assistant Building Inspector are
responsible for the enforcement of the following ordinances. All ordinances are constantly
reviewed regarding effectiveness in promoting growth management and are amended as needed.
3.4.8.1 CAMA Permits
Because of Ocean Isle Beach's location and geographic features, most of the new development is
regulated by the CAMA permit process. The Town has a building inspector who serves as the
CAMA Local Permit Officer. The Areas of Environmental Concern described in the forthcoming
section are areas which need protection. Enforcement of the CAMA permit process is a major
means of that protection.
3.4.8.2 Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map
Since 1972 the Ocean Isle Beach Zoning Ordinance has been the major tool for regulating the use
of land within the Town's corporate limits and one -mile extraterritorial area. The zoning districts
are briefly described as follows:
R-1 Single Family and Two Family Residential District: Primarily for residential use with
provisions for single-family and two-family residences, golf courses and country clubs,
recreational facilities, churches and schools, and bed and breakfast establishments. The minimum
required lot area is 5,000 square feet for single-family and 7,500 square feet for two-family lots.
R-2 Multi -Family Residential District: Primarily for single, two-family, and multi -family residential
uses as well as all the other uses permitted in R-1. The minimum required lot area is 10,000
square feet for multi -family lots, 5,000 square feet for single-family lots, and 7,500 for two-family
lots.
R-3 General Residential District: Primarily for residential use with provisions for single-family,
two-family; multi -family dwellings, and mobile and manufactured homes as well as other uses
permitted in R-2 District. The minimum lot areas are the same as those cited for the R-2 District
with a 5,000 square foot minimum for mobile homes. This district is restricted to the mainland
ETA. Mobile and manufactured homes are not a permitted use on the island.
C-1 Commercial Accommodations District: Primarily for hotels and motels with, provisions for
single-family, two and multi -family dwellings and apartments for short-term occupancy and all
uses permitted in the R-2 District and planned unit development.
C-2 Commercial Business District: Primarily for retailing and office service uses associated with a
beach resort community with provisions for all uses permitted in the R-1, R-2, and C-1 Districts
as well as for planned unit developments and churches.
C-3 Commercial Highway District: This district is intended to serve the general commercial needs
of the community. Additionally, all residential uses permitted in the other districts and planned
unit developments are allowed. This district is restricted to the mainland ETA.
0 3 - 24

Planned Unit Development: Planned unit Development (PUD) allows for the planning and
development of tracts which are at least two acres in a more flexible and creative manner. PUD is
permitted in the C-1, C-2, and C-3 commercial districts and the R-3 residential district.
Dwellings, accessory use structures, recreational amenities, and golf courses are permitted uses.
PUD is exempt from the minimum lot area and width and yard requirements stated for the
individual commercial districts.
C-1-165 Ocean Point: Exclusively for the 4.6 acre area that comprises the Ocean Point
Condominium and adjacent lands. The overall height limitation of this area is limited to 165 feet
and will not exceed the existing height of the Ocean Point Phase I Building.
3.4.8.3 Subdivision Regulations
Since.1975 the Town of Ocean Isle Beach has enforced subdivision regulations which guide the
general design of newly developing areas within the Town's jurisdiction. A subdivision is the
division of any parcel or tract of land into two or more lots for the purpose of development. The
purpose of the subdivision regulations is to establish procedures and standards for the
development and subdivision of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the Town of Ocean Isle
Beach.
3.4.8.4 Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
In 1974 Ocean Isle Beach adopted a Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance and began participating
in the Federal Flood Insurance Program. First floor building elevation requirements vary in the
Town, ranging from 13 to 17 feet in the "AE" zone and from 15 to 23 feet in the WE" zone.
The Flood Ordinance is enforced by the Building Inspector as part of the Town's building permit
program. 0
3.4.8.5 Building Code
The Town of Ocean Isle Beach has adopted the N.C. State Building Code including the codes
concerning general construction, plumbing, heating, electrical, fire, and gas as well as the NC
Uniform Residential Building Code. The Town Building Inspectors issue building permits and
inspect construction to ensure strict compliance with all code enforcement.
3.4.8.6 Septic Tank Regulations
The Town has in operation a wastewater system which serves all of the incorporated Town.
Septic systems are still used in the ETA mainland. These ground absorption waste disposal
systems are permitted by the Brunswick County Health Department. Any system generating more
than 3,000 gallons of waste per day is designed by engineers and submitted to the North Carolina
Department of Human Resources for approval. Building permits are not issued until a septic tank
permit or an approved site plan is presented. A final inspection is not given or a certificate of
occupancy completed until an inspection slip from the Health Department is in the Town file
indicating that the waste disposal system was installed as permitted.
3 - 25 0

3.4.8.7 Extraterritorial Area Ordinance
In February 1991 the Town adopted an ordinance enabling the enforcement of codes and
ordinances within the extraterritorial area (ETA) which extends up to one mile from the Town's
corporate limits.
3.4.8.8 Airport Height Zoning Ordinance
This ordinance was adopted to protect the airport interests and to aid public safety by restricting
height of objects and buildings near the Ocean Isle Airport.
3.4.8.9 Dune Protection
Ocean Isle Beach protects its dunes by enforcing its CAMA permitting and the Building Code
provisions and by forbidding vehicular traffic on the beach as regulated by the Traffic Code.
Moreover, walkways are provided at each beach access and fences line these walkways which
guide pedestrian traffic from disturbing the dunes.
3.4.8.10 Sign Ordinance
Sign restrictions are now included in the current Zoning and General Ordinances.
3.4.8.11. Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Ordinance
Ocean Isle Beach has a soil erosion and sedimentation ordinance which regulates land disturbing
activities to control accelerated erosion and sedimentation in order to prevent the pollution of
waterway systems and to prevent damage to public and private property.
3.4.8.12 Jet Ski Ordinance
In 1997 the Town of Ocean Isle Beach adopted a jet ski ordinance which regulates the areas of
operation for jet skis, the speed of jet ski operation, the age and training requirements for jet ski
operators, and the safety equipment required for jet ski users.
3.4.9 Federal and State Regulations
In addition to the local ordinances and county regulations listed and described above, there are
also various state and federal regulations which could also affect land development in Ocean Isle
Beach. An important consideration is the consistency review required to be performed by federal
and state authorities as mandated by the Federal Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, the
North Carolina Coastal Zone Management Act (CAMA), and the.NC Executive Order 15 issued
by Governor Hunt in 1977. Application for federal and state permits as well as acquisition, use,
and disposition of lands in the coastal areas must be consistent with the North Carolina Coastal
Management Plan, including the CAMA local land use plans such as this one for the Town of
Ocean Isle Beach. Another example of federal review is the 404 wetlands regulations which are
enforced by the Corps of Engineers and affect development on land which meets the federal
criteria of wetlands.
0 3 - 26

an, nowrimauvatuip
4.1 LAND SUITABILM
4.1.1 Physical Limitations for Development
4.1.1.1 Man-made Hazards
The only man-made constraint within the Planning Area is the Ocean Isle Airport located at the
intersection of Beach Drive (NC 904/NC 179) and Causeway Drive (SR 1184.) The Town has
adopted an airport zoning ordinance which regulates land uses in the general vicinity of the
airport.
4.1.1.2 Flood Hazard Areas
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)first identified flood hazard areas for the
Town of Ocean Isle Beach in November 1972. The flood insurance rate maps were revised to
change special flood hazard areas, base flood elevations, and zone designations in April 1991.
Map 3 shows the general location of Ocean Isle Beach's flood hazard areas and there are five
classifications which are pertinent:
VE Zone: The VE-zone corresponds to the 100-year coastal floodplains which have
additional hazards associated with storm waves. Based on detailed hydraulic analysis, FEMA
projects that floodwaters during a 100-year storm could reach depths ranging from 15 to 23 feet
(i.e. base flood elevations). The VE-zone corresponds to the High Hazard Flood Area AEC and
basically consists of the oceanfront, land bordering Shallotte and Tubb's Inlets, and the lower
elevation land and marshes of the island bordering the Intracoastal Waterway.
Zone AE: These areas are within the 100-year floodplain and base flood elevations ranging
from 13 to 17 feet were derived by FEMA. Generally, slightly higher elevation lands from the
ocean dunes to the vicinity of the Intracoastal Waterway on the island and slightly higher
elevation lands bordering the Intracoastal Waterway on the mainland have been designated as
Zone AE. Basically, the commercial district on the mainland is classified in the AE Zone.
Zone A: Zone A areas are also located within the 100-year flood plain but FEMA has not
conducted detailed studies to determine base flood elevations. Zone A sections border the Jinny's
Branch and the Kibart Slough waterways on the ETA mainland.
Zone X Special Designation: These areas are designated as a light gray on the FEMA
flood insurance rate maps. These Zone X areas correspond to the 500-year floodplain or areas of
100-year flooding where average depths are less than one foot, areas of 100-year flooding where
the contributing drainage area is less than one square mile, and areas protected from the 100-year
flood by levees. No base flood elevations are specified within this zone. The only Zone X area
on island is the highest elevation land in the vicinity of Third, Second, Oxford, and Shelby Streets.
Zone X: Zone X areas are the higher elevation lands on the mainland which are
determined to be outside the 500-year floodplain. These areas are not shaded on the FEMA maps
or regulated by the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. In Ocean Isle Beach, most mainland
upland areas not bordering water systems are classified as Zone X which comprises a major
portion of the Town's ETA.
0 4-1

4.1.1.3 Areas with Soil Limitations
A soil survey for Brunswick County was completed in 1986 by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture Soil Conservation Service. The report includes detailed descriptions of the soil types
and properties for Brunswick County with discussions of the suitability for various uses such as
dwellings without basements, septic tank absorption, sanitary landfills, and recreation.
Soils in Ocean Isle Beach are typical of those found on developed coastal barrier islands and of
lower coastal plains of the mainland. Table 4.1 lists the general characteristics and location of the
twelve soil types found in Ocean Isle Beach and discuss their suitability for dwellings without
basements and septic tank absorption. On the island, the Bohicket and Carteret soils are found in
the marshes and tidal flats while the Corolla and Newhan soils are found mainly along the
oceanfront. All four of these soil types have severe limitations for dwellings without basements
and septic tank absorption. Bohicket soils are also found in the mainland marshes of the
Intracoastal Waterway. Eight out of the, nine soil types found on the mainland likewise have
severe limitations for septic tank absorption because of wetness, flooding, ponding, or poor filter
characteristics. Only the Baymeade soils have moderate limitations for septic tank absorption.
On the other hand, five out of nine mainland soils have only slight to moderate limitations for
dwellings without basements. The wetness of the Leon and Torhunta soils, the flooding, ponding,
and shrink -swell nature of the Bohicket soils, and the ponding of the Murville soils impose severe
limitations for dwellings without basements. Pockets of the Leon and Murville soils are scattered
on the mainland while the Bohicket soils are generally found along both sides of the Intracoastal
Waterway.
The lack of soils generally suitable for septic tank placement is a major concern for the mainland
ETA which currently is not served by a centralized sewer system. However, the general
declaration of limitations does not mean that sites within these soil types are absolutely unsuitable.
Individual on -site investigations must be conducted to determine final suitability. The Brunswick
County Health Department issues permits for septic tanks if all applicable county, state, and
federal regulations are met. A final decision is based on soil testing and other site requirements
being determined by local subdivision and zoning requirements.
4.1.1.4 Water Supply Areas
The Town's primary source of water is the Brunswick County Water System. There are no public
wells in Ocean Isle Beach. All town residents are connected to the county water system and most
of the ETA residents likewise use the public system; therefore, there are few private wells
operating in Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area.
4-2 0

•
•
•
TABLE 4.1: SOIL CHARACTERISTICS FOR THE OCEAN ISLE BEACH PLANNING AREA
SOIL
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
SUITABIIITY FOR
TYPES
DWELLINGS
SEPTIC TANK
WITHOUT
ABSORPTION
BASEMENTS
ISLAND SOILS
Bohicket
Very poorly drained tidal marshes soils
Severe: Flooding, Ponding,
Severe: Flooding. Ponding,
Shrink -Swell
Peres Slowly
Carteret
Very poorly drained soils in tidal flats
Severe: Flooding, Ponding
Severe: Flooding, Ponding.
Poor Filter
Corolla
Fine sand along the coast
Severe: Flooding
Severe: Wetness. Poor
Filter
Newhan
Fine sand along the coast
Severe: Slope
Severe: Poor Filter
MAINLAND
SOILS
Baymeade
Gentle sloping soils on the lower
Slight
Severe: Poor Filter
coastal plains
Bohicket
Very poorly drained soils of the tidal _
Severe: Flooding, Ponding,
Severe: Flooding, Ponding,
marshes
Shrink Swell
Peres Slowly
Foreston*
Nearly level, well drained soils in the
Slight
Severe: Wetness
interstream areas
Johns*
Nearly level, poorly to moderately
Moderate: Wetness
Severe: Wetness
drained soils on stream terraces
Kureb
Excessively drained soils of lower
Slight
Severe: Poor Filter
coastal plains
Leon
Nearly level. poorly drained soils in
Severe: Wetness
Severe: Wetness, Poor
interstream areas and depressions
Filter
Murville
Nearly level, poorly drained soils on
Severe: Ponding
Severe: Ponding, Poor Filter
depressions in coastal uplands
Torhunta
Nearly level, poorly drained soils in
Severe: Wetness
Severe: Wetness, Poor
broad interstream areas
Filter
Wando
Excessively drained soils in interstream
Slight
Severe: Poor Filter
areas
* Prime Farmland Soil
Source: U. S.D.A., Soil Survey of Brunswick County, NC. November 1986.
4-3

4.1.1.5 Slopes in Excess of 12 Percent
Ocean Isle Beach lies on a low -elevation coastal barrier island and gently sloping coastal plain.
Generally, there is no land within the planning area which has slopes in excess of 12 percent which
would pose a constraint for development. One exception is the frontal sand dunes which are
ocean hazard areas and are protected from development by CAMA and provisions in local
ordinances.
4.1.1.6 Shoreline Areas with High Erosion Potential
The estuarine natural hazard area is defined as the non -ocean shoreline subject to erosion or
similar effects of wind and water, which is usually the immediate estuarine shoreline. Ocean Isle
Beach has extensive marshes bordering its estuarine shoreline which protects its shorelines from
extensive erosion.
4.1.2 Fragile Areas
These are areas which could easily be damaged or destroyed by inappropriate or poorly planned
development. Fragile areas include Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs) as discussed below.
However, there are other fragile areas in Ocean Isle Beach which are not classified as Areas of
Environmental Concern, but nevertheless, due to either natural or cultural significance, are
environmentally sensitive.
Natural resource fragile areas are generally recognized to be of educational, scientific, or cultural
value because of the natural features of the particular site. Features in these areas serve to
distinguish them from the vast majority of the landscape. These areas include: complex natural
areas, areas that sustain remnant species, unique geological formations, pocosins, wooded
swamps, prime wildlife habitats, or registered natural landmarks.
4.1.2.1 Areas of Environmental Concern
One of the most significant aspects of the legislation which created CAMA was the designation of
special "Areas of Environmental Concern" (AECS). These areas which are defined in the NC
State Statues require special protective consideration as far as land use planning is concerned.
AECS are further designated by two major groupings, the Estuarine System and the Ocean
Hazard AECS. Because of its location on a barrier island and the mainland, Ocean Isle Beach has
AECS in both categories which are described below. The statutorily defined Areas of
Environmental Concern (AECS) generally remain the same as described in the 1992 Plan Update.
All development and development -related activity within Ocean Isle Beach's designated AECS is
currently regulated by the Coastal Area Management Act permit process.
Estuarine Areas: The Estuarine System AECS include Coastal Wetlands, Estuarine Waters,
Estuarine Shorelines, Public Trust Areas, and most recently Outstanding Resource Waters. These
areas and their general occurrence in the Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area are discussed as
follows:
Coastal Wetlands
These areas are defined as any salt marsh or other marsh subject to regular or occasional flooding
by tides, including wind tides (whether or not the tide waters reach the marshland areas through
natural or artificial water courses), but not including hurricane or tropical storm tides. In Ocean
4-4 0

Isle Beach, coastal wetlands generally occur in the marsh areas along both sides of the
Intracoastal Waterway, particularly along the Eastern Channel, Shallotte Sound, and Gause
Landing Creek.
These tidal marshlands serve as a critical component in the coastal ecosystem. The marsh is the
basis for the high net yield of the estuary through the production of organic detritus (partially
decomposed plant material) which is the primary input source for the food chain of the entire
estuarine system. Estuarine dependent species of fish and shellfish make up more than 90 percent
of the total value of North Carolina's commercial catch.
The roots and rhizomes and seeds of marsh grasses serve as food for waterfowl, and the stems as
wildlife nesting material. Tidal marsh also serves as the first line of defense in retarding shoreline
erosion. The plant stems and leaves tend to dissipate wave action while the vast network of roots
resists soil erosion. Coastal wetlands operate additionally as traps for sediments, nutrients, and
pollutants originating from urban runoff. Siltation of the estuarine bottom is reduced, and
pollutants and excess nutrients absorbed by plants do not burden the coastal waters. (15A 7H
.205)
These marshes should be considered unsuitable for all development and for those land uses which
alter their natural functions. Inappropriate land uses include, but are not limited to the following
examples:. restaurants and businesses; residences, apartments, motels, hotels, and trailer parks;
parking lots and offices; spoil and dump sites; wastewater lagoons; public and private roads and
highways; and factories. Examples of acceptable land uses may include utility easements, fishing
piers, docks, and certain agricultural uses, except when excavation or filling of navigable waters is
involved.
Estuarine Waters
This AEC is defined as all the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the bays, sounds, rivers, and
tributaries thereto, seaward of the dividing line between coastal fishing waters and inland fishing
waters. In Ocean Isle Beach, estuarine waters include the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal
Waterway, the major inlets on either end of the island (Tubb's Inlet on the west end and Shallotte
Inlet on the east end), the finger canals on the island, and the adjoining creeks and waterways such
as the Eastern Channel, the Shallotte Sound, Gause Landing Creek, Jinny's Branch, and the
Kilbart Slough.
The high productivity associated with the estuary results from its unique circulation patterns
caused by tidal energy, fresh water flow, and shallow depth. The nutrient trapping mechanisms
add protection to the many organisms. The circulation pattern of estuarine waters performs a
number of important functions, including transporting nutrients, propelling the plankton,
spreading seed stages of fish and shellfish, flushing wastes from animal and plant life, cleaning the
system of pollutants, controlling salinity, shifting sediments, and mixing the water to create a
multitude of habitats.
Secondary benefits include commercial and sports fisheries, waterfowl hunting, processing
operations, and tourist -related industries. In addition, there is considerable non -monetary value
associated with aesthetics, recreation, and education. (15 7H .206)
Appropriate uses in and around estuarine waters are those which preserve the estuarine waters so
'to safeguard and perpetuate their biological, economic and aesthetic values. Highest priority is to
be allocated to the conservation of estuarine waters. Second priority may be given to water
4-5

dependent uses such as navigable channels, piers and docks, and mooring pilings, provided that
they do not directly or indirectly block or impair existing navigation channels, increase shoreline
erosion, deposit spoils below mean high tide, cause adverse water circulation patterns, violate
water quality standards or cause degradation of shellfish waters.
Estuarine Shorelines
Estuarine shorelines, although characterized as dry land, are considered a component of the
estuarine system because of the close association with the adjacent estuarine waters. Estuarine
shorelines are those non -ocean shorelines which are especially vulnerable to erosion, flooding, or
other adverse effects of wind and water and are intimately connected to the estuary. The extent
of the estuarine shoreline area extends from the mean high water level or normal water level along
the estuaries, sounds, bays, and brackish waters as adopted by the Wildlife Resources Commission
of the NC Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources, for a distance of 75 feet
landward.
The shorelines of the Estuarine Waters described previously and 75 feet landward are the
Estuarine Shorelines in Ocean Isle Beach. This include the shorelines of the Intracoastal
Waterway, Tubb's and Shallotte Inlets, adjoining creeks, and the finger canals. Because
development within the estuarine shoreline AEC can harm the marshland and estuarine waters,
and because of the inherent dynamic and hazardous nature of coastal shorelines, specific standards
have been adopted by the State for construction in these areas as outlined in NCAC T150714.029.
A CAMA permit must also be obtained. By regulation all projects cannot weaken natural barriers
to erosion, shall have limited impervious surfaces, and shall take measures to prevent pollution of
the estuary by sedimentation and runoff.
Public Trust Areas
These are described as (1) all the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the lands thereunder from the
mean high water mark to the seaward limit of state jurisdiction; (2) all natural bodies of water
subject to measurable lunar tides and lands thereunder to the mean high water mark; (3) all
navigable natural bodies of water and land thereunder to the mean high water level or mean water
level as the case may be, except privately -owned lakes to which the public has no right of access;
(4) all water in artificially created bodies of water containing significant public fishing resources or
other public resources which are accessible to the public by navigation from bodies of water in
which the public has rights of navigation; and (5) all waters in artificially created bodies of water
in which the public has acquired fights by prescription, custom, usage, dedication, or any other
means.
Public Trust Areas within the Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area are the Intracoastal Waterway,
Tubb's Inlet, Shallotte Inlet, Ocean Beaches, and the Atlantic Ocean adjacent to the beaches.
Adjacent creeks and man-made canals may also be Public Trust Areas. The significance of the
Public Trust Areas is that the public has rights to them, including navigation and recreation. In
addition, these Public Trust Areas support valuable commercial and sports fisheries, have
aesthetic value, and are important resources for economic development. (I SA 7H .0207)
The State allows appropriate private development within Public Trust Areas, provided the
development is not detrimental to the environment or to public access. Navigation channels,
piers, marinas, and bulkheads to control erosion are examples of uses which may be found
acceptable.
4-6

Outstanding Resource Waters
This AEC classification does not pertain to the Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area.
Ocean Hazards Ocean Hazard Areas of Environmental Concern are areas along the Atlantic
Ocean which are especially vulnerable to erosion and other effects of wind, waves, and water. On
the unstable sands that form the island and its oceanfront, uncontrolled and/or incompatible
development can unreasonably endanger life and property. Improper development can also
disturb the natural barrier, island dynamics and sediment transport and can interfere with the
beach's natural defenses against erosion. Three Areas of Environmental Concern comprise the
Ocean Hazard Areas in Ocean Isle Beach which are the Ocean Erodible Area, High Hazard Flood
Area, and Inlet Hazard Area. These hazard areas are usually owned by a large number of
individual owners and are utilized by a vast number of visitors to the coast. Ocean hazard areas
are very important considerations in developing land use policies in shore front communities.
The Ocean Erodible Area is the portion of the island where there exists a substantial possibility of
excessive erosion and significant shoreline fluctuation. The seaward boundary of this area is the
mean low water line. The landward extent of this area is determined as follows:
(1.) a distance landward from the first line of stable natural vegetation to the recession line
that would be established by multiplying the long-term annual erosion rate times 60. Where there
has been no long-term erosion or the rate is less than two feet per year, the distance shall be 120
feet landward from the first line of stable vegetation; and
(2.) a distance landward from the 100-year storm recession line of 200 feet. (15A NCAC
07H .0304).
The total Ocean Erodible Area for Ocean Isle Beach, based on the above definition, would
extend to 120 feet. For setback purposes, the rate of erosion has now been set at two feet per
year. for most of the island New erosion rates, for Ocean Isle Beach may be forthcoming which
would retain the two feet per year for most of the island but require 3.5 feet per year for the
eastern end which has had severe erosion problems.
High Hazard Flood Areas
This is the area subject to high velocity waters (including but not limited to hurricane wave wash)
in a storm having a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year, as
identified as zone V1-30 on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps of the Federal Insurance
Administration, US Department of Housing and Urban Development. (15A NCAC 07H .0304).
The High Hazard Flood Area in Ocean Isle Beach have been determined by the Flood Insurance
Rate Maps prepared by the Federal Emergency Management. Agency (FEMA). The initial flood
zones were determined in November 1972 and were periodically revised with the latest revision
dated April 2, 1991. All areas designated as Zone VE are high hazard flood areas subject to wave
action. The VE Zone comprises the entire oceanfront and adjoining marshes bordering the
Intracoastal Waterway and Shallotte Inlet on the eastern end of the island and land bordering
Tubb's Inlet on the western end of the island. With one exception, most of the barrier island is
subject to the 100-year flood zone as well as parts of the mainland bordering the Intracoastal
Waterway. The highest elevation land on the island located near the Town Hall is classified by
4-7

FEMA as Zone X and is not located within the 100-year flood plain.
Inlet Hazard Area
Inlet Hazard Areas are natural -hazard areas that are especially vulnerable to erosion, flooding and
other adverse effects of sand, wind, and water because of their proximity to dynamic ocean inlets.
This area shall extend landward from mean low water line a distance sufficient to encompass that
area within which the inlet will, based on statistical analysis, migrate, and shall consider such
factors as previous inlet territory, structurally weak areas near the inlet (such as an unusually
narrow barrier island, an unusually long channel feeding the inlet, or an overwash area), and
external influences such as jetties and channelization ... in all cases, these areas shall be an
extension of the adjacent ocean erodible area and in no case shall the width of the inlet hazard
area be less than the width of the adjacent erodible area. (15A NCAC 07H .0304-3).
Ocean Isle Beach has two Inlet Hazard Areas: Shallotte Inlet on the eastern end of the island and
Tubb's Inlet on the western end of the island. Shallotte Inlet, in particular, has been subject to a
great deal of fluctuation.
4.1.2.2 Coastal Complex Natural Areas
Coastal complex natural areas are defined as lands that support native plant and animal
communities and provide habitat qualities which have remained essentially unchanged by human
activity. Such areas may be either significant components of coastal systems or especially notable
habitat areas of scientific, educational, or aesthetic value. They may be surrounded by landscape
that has been modified but does not drastically alter conditions within the natural areas. Coastal
complex natural areas are significant in that they function as a key biological component of natural
systems and provide a habitat suitable for threatened or endangered species or support plant or
animal communities representative of pre -settlement conditions. Coastal complex natural areas
may be designated as an Area of Environmental Concern (AEC) by the Coastal Resource
Commission. There are no coastal complex natural areas located in the Ocean Isle Planning Area.
4.1.2.3 Areas that Sustain Remnant Species
Coastal areas that sustain remnant species are those areas that support native plants or animals
which are determined to be rare or endangered (synonymous with threatened and endangered),
within the coastal area. Such places provide habitats necessary for the survival of existing
populations of rare or endangered species within the coastal area and preserve our natural
heritage and protect natural diversity which is related to biological stability.
The North Carolina Heritage Program has identified Brantley Island as a high priority natural area
as noted in the Inventory of Natural Areas and Rare Species of Brunswick County, North
Carolina. The Brantley Island area is approximately 150 acres located near Duck Pond Road in
the ETA. This site is a good example of the rare Coastal Fringe Evergreen Forest natural
community. The Natural Heritage Program lists Brantley Island as having statewide significance
and recommends the following:
Mainland -maritime -forests have always been limited in area because of the
relatively small acreage of appropriate habitat. Substantial portions have been lost
to residential and commercial development along the coast. To protect the natural
4-8

•
•
values at this site, the forest canopy should remain intact and unfragmented.'
The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program has identified several rare species of plants and
animals at Ocean Isle Beach. These species are briefly noted in Table 4.2.
TABLE 4.2
RARE PLANTS AND ANIMALS LOCATED
IN THE OCEAN ISLE BEACH PLANNING AREA
COMMON
SCIENTIFIC
GENERAL
STATE
FEDERAL
NAME
NAME
LOCATION
STATUS j
STATUS
Plants
Amaranthus
Island
Threatened
Threatened
Seabeach
pumilus
Amaranth
Coralbean
Erythrina
Mainland
Significantly
---
Herbacea
Rare
Moundlily
Yucca gloriosa
Island
Significantly
---
Yucca
Rare
Carolina
Zephyranthes
Mainland
Candidate
---
Atamasco Lily
sp.l
Animals
Caretta
Island
Threatened
Threatened
Loggerhead
caretta
Turtle
Green Turtle
Chelonia mydas
Island
Threatened
Threatened
Manatee
Trichechus
Mainland
Endangered
Endangered
manatus
American
Alligator
Island
Threatened
Threatened
Alligator
Mississi iensis
Source: North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, January 1997
4.1.2.4 Unique Geological Formations
Unique geological formations are defined as sites that contain geological formations that are
unique or otherwise significant components of coastal systems, or that are especially notable
examples of geological formations or processes in the coastal area. There are no reported unique
geological formations in Ocean Isle Beach.
'North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. Inventory of the Natural Areas and Rare
Species of Brunswick County, North Carolina, June 1995, page 184 and 185.
4-9

4.1.2.5 Archaeological and Historic Resources
Fragile coastal cultural resource areas are generally recognized to be of educational, scientific, .
aesthetic, or cultural value because of their special importance to our understanding of past
human settlement. There are no Ocean Isle Beach st*ctures listed on the National Register of
Historic Places or identified as worthy of preservation;by the N.C. Division of Archives and
History which is not surprising given the area's relatively recent development. However, the
Ocean Isle Beach area was inhabited by Indian tribes. Consequently, this area has 16 pre-
recorded archaeological sites scattered mostly on the mainland. Most of these known sites have
been disturbed by modern development, although several in the extra -territorial area have not yet
been disturbed. Moreover, several shipwreck sites have been identified in the Ocean Isle
waterways.
4.1.2.6 Maritime Forests
According to the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, most of the once extensive mainland
maritime forests in Ocean Isle Beach have been destroyed by development. These former coastal
evergreen fringe forests are now laced with roads and lots.
4.1.2.7 Prime Wildlife Habitats
Prime wildlife habitats are areas supporting large or unusually diverse populations of wildlife or
are habitats for species considered to be rare, endangered, or of special concern. The inlets,
beachfront, and the saltwater marshes along both sides of the Intracoastal Waterway are prime
wildlife habitats for many species of birds and aquatic life.
4.1.2.8 Scenic and Prominent High Points
The elevations in all of Ocean Isle Beach are very low, thereby, there are few prominent high
points.
4.1.2.9 Identified Wetlands
In 1974, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service mandated that an inventory of the nation's wetlands be
conducted. The National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) became operational in 1977. Wetland maps
for Ocean Isle Beach were finalized in 1989 and were produced by stereoscopically interpreting
high altitude photographs of the Town taken in 1983. The information was then transferred to
U.S. Geological Survey maps. Wetlands were identified on the photograph by vegetation, visible
hydrology, and geography. Collateral information also included U.S. Geological Survey
topographic maps and Soil Conservation Service soil surveys.
The intent of the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is to provide information concerning
wetlands to local, state, and federal officials. The NWI maps do not define wetlands for
regulatory purposes, especially since the wetland boundaries may not be exact. The NWI maps
are to serve only as a "red flag" showing that an area may contain wetlands. Those considering
land use changes in these areas should obtain a site -specific wetlands determination from a private
consultant or an appropriate government agency such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or the U.S. Soil Conservation Service.
It is not surprising that Ocean Isle Beach has extensive wetlands, given the amount of land which
4-10 0

borders the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway as well as the extensive marsh areas.
Basically, there are four types of NWI wetlands in Ocean Isle Beach which are generally located
in areas with the lowest elevation. The marshes along the Intracoastal Waterway and the island
are classified as estuarine emergent wetlands which includes saltwater marshes and tidal mudflats
with cordgrass and needlerush being the primary vegetation. There are small pockets of estuarine
woody wetlands located on the higher elevation sites scattered throughout the island's marshes.
Wooded swamps along the upper reaches of Jinny's Branch are classified as freshwater woody
wetlands. Some small pockets of freshwater marshes are located in the vicinity of Duck Pond
Road and this area typifies freshwater emergent wetlands.
Some "404" wetlands have been identified in Ocean Isle Beach. Further identification of "404"
wetlands requires specific site analysis by the Army Corps of Engineers. Wooded swamps are
simply forested wetlands. Some of the wetlands along the upper reaches of the Jinny's Branch are
considered wooded swamps. A pocosin is a wetland with vegetation consisting of scrub swamp
dominated by evergreen heath and hollies with pond pine in the canopy. Generally, pocosins
occur on acid, peats, or sandy soil. There are no pocosins within the Ocean Isle Beach Planning
Area.
4.1.2.10 Aadromous Fish Spawning Areas
There are no anadromous fish spawning areas in the Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area.
4.1.3 Areas with Resource Potential
4.1.3.1 Agricultural, Forest, and Mining Resources
Ocean Isle Beach, being primarily a beach resort community, has no major commercial
agriculture, forest, or mining activities. On the mainland there are several small pockets of
Foreston and Johns soils which are designated as prime farmland soils in Brunswick County.
However, the small scale of this tract precludes it as suitable for prime farmland. Moreover, there
are no peat or sand mining operations in the Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area.
4.1.3.2 Fish and Gamelands
There are no public fish or gamelands within the Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area.
4.1.3.3 Non -intensive Outdoor Recreation Lands
Thousands of visitors come to Ocean Isle Beach each year to enjoy the recreation provided by its
beaches and waterways. Areas used for swimming, fishing, boating, and other outdoor
recreations are important resources to consider in the development of land use policies.
4.1.3.4 Privately -Owned Wildlife Sanctuary
There are no private wildlife sanctuaries in the Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area.
4.2 ' COMMUNITY SERVICE CAPACITY
Of crucial importance to any community experiencing growth and the pressures for more growth
is its capacity to accommodate that growth. In the case of a community, at the point which the
population growth reaches the maximum service capacity of that community, it can be said to
4-11

have reached its critical threshold, or its "carrying capacity." In a broad sense, carrying capacity is
reached when any necessary parameter reaches its limit, whether natural or man-made. However,
the concept of "carrying capacity" will generally be applied to Ocean Isle Beach with emphasis on
service provisions. The ability of the current and proposed water, sewer, education,
transportation, solid waste, police, fire, rescue, recreation, and town administrative systems will
be examined to determine that system's capacity to accommodate the estimated 1997 Town
population of 832 year-round residents and 15,614 peak seasonal residents.
4.2.1 Wastewater Management
Ocean Isle Beach began construction of its centralized sewer system in 1986. Phase I consisting
of most of the island and the mainland commercial area was completed and began operation by
May 1987. Phase II consisting of the Raleigh Street area was completed by 1993. The Town's
wastewater policy is to provide sewer services only within the corporate limits and the only
exception is the Town maintenance building which is located outside of the corporate limits. The
wastewater treatment facilities are located on a 560-acre mainland site. The secondary treatment
plant, 22 million gallon storage ponds, lagoons, and spray fields now utilize 191 acres. The
wastewater system has a licensed one million gallon treatment capacity. Table 4.3 shows the
treated wastewater by month for the years 1994, 1995, 1996. As shown on the Table, the
average monthly treatment of the plant flows from a low of 2.7 million gallons per month in
February 1996 to a peak seasonal high of 23.47 million gallons per month in July 1996. The
wastewater system operated at 85 percent capacity during the July 4th weekend, but only at a ten
percent capacity during the winter months. The spray field must be expanded in order to
accommodate future growth. Plans to expand the spray fields from 110 acres to 158 acres will be
included in the 1997-98 Budget. The wastewater treatment facility will then have a treatment
capacity of 1.2 million gallons per day. In the meantime, a moratorium for planned unit
development was enacted on October 8, 1996 in part because of the limited sewer capacity as
well as the lack of ongoing planning guidelines which would enable engineers to forecast future
needs.
The mainland ETA is served by private septic tanks systems as permitted by the Brunswick
County Health Department. There are no package treatment plants within the ETA. All former
package treatment plants serving the island condominium projects were connected to the town
sewer system as soon as service became available.
4-12

TABLE 4.3
9 TREATED WASTEWATER BY THE OCEAN ISLE BEACH WASTEWATER SYSTEM,
1994-1996
•
•
MONTH
1994
1995
1996
Monthly Use
Monthly
Average
Per Capita*
January
2.99 MGM
3.8 MGM
2.9 MGM
1,871
February
2.6 MGM
3.0 MGM
2.7 MGM
1,862
March
- 5.1 MGM
4.3 MGM
3.7 MGM
2,387
April
6.0 MGM
7.33 MGM
7.66 MGM
5,107
May
8.5 MGM
9.0 MGM
7.4 MGM
4,774
June
13.0 MGM
14.3 MGM
13.3 MGM
8,867
July
17.6 MGM
21.6 MGM
23.47 MGM
15,142
August
17.3 MGM
13.3 MGM
14.44 MGM
9,316
September
7.68 MGM
8.88 MGM
11.1 MGM
7,400
October
6.0 MGM
8.6 MGM
6.4 MGM
4,129
November
5.3 MGM
4.2 MGM
4.3 MGM
2,867
December
3.66 MGM
1.99 MGM
4.9 MGM
3,161
TOTAL
95.73 MGM
100.3 MGM
102.27 MGM
5,604
* Based on the assumption that 50 gallons of wastewater treated per day per person.
Source: Town of Ocean Isle Administration
4.2.2 Drinking Water Supply
The water system currently supplying the Town of Ocean Isle Beach and its extraterritorial area is
owned and operated by Brunswick County. All town residents are required to be connected to
the public water system and pay the minimum water usage fee. Most of the ETA residents are
connected to the public water system as well and there are only a few private wells being utilized
on the mainland. Brunswick County acquires its raw water from the Lower Cape Fear Water and
Sewer Authority. This authority obtains raw water from the Cape Fear River and the raw water is
transported by 13 '/z miles of 48 inch lines to a 24 MGD (million gallons per day) surface
treatment plant which has a four million -gallon storage facility. The treatment plant is located in
the Leland area. After treatment, the water is distributed throughout the county by a network of
distribution lines ranging from 48 to 8 inches. The Brunswick County Water Service has a total
treatment capacity of 30 million gallons per day.
4-13

The Town is responsible for the distribution of the county water throughout its jurisdiction. The
water distribution system consists of six to twelve inch lines and a 200,000 gallon elevated storage
tank. A new 250,000 gallon storage tank is funded in the 1996-97 town budget. The new
storage tank wily improve fire flows and maintain the '/2 day storage as required by state
regulations. The Town is also considering upgrading the current 200,000 gallon storage tank to
500,000 or 750,000 gallon capacity in the future. A third connection to the Brunswick County
Water system is planned in the Shallotte Road area.
In December 1996, the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural
Resources sent the Town of Ocean Isle a violation letter stating the average amount of
trihalomethane (TMH) slightly exceeded federal and state levels. The Brunswick County
Manager admitted that the high levels are being caused by the county'. s treatment process. The
county currently uses chlorine in their treatment process. THMs in the drinking water are created
when the chlorine reacts with organic matter. Generally, this problem has occurred in the coastal
towns such as Ocean Isle and Sunset Beach which are at the end of the county flushing system.
The problem should be solved when the county treatment system begins using ammonia instead of
chlorine in its treatment process.
As of December 1996, the Town had 1,672 customers in the corporate limits and 116 customers
in the ETA. The Ocean Isle Beach water system provided 134.8 million gallons in 1995 and
131.0 million gallons in 1996. The lower water consumption in 1996 reflects the impact of
Hurricanes Bertha and Fran when the mandatory evacuation during the season effectively lowered
demand.
With the mentioned improvements, the Brunswick County Water Service and the Town of Ocean
Isle Beach water distribution system will have sufficient capacity to accommodate the projected
1997 peak seasonal planning area population of 26,482. At an assumed consumption rate of 70
gallons per day for each resident, the highest peak day demand would be 1.85 million gallons per .
day. The projected peak demand for Ocean Isle Beach is estimated to be only 6.1 percent of the
County's total capacity. Sufficient water supplies will be available during this planning period.
4.2.3 Transportation
The major traffic arteries to Ocean Isle Beach are NC 179 and NC 904 which are state -maintained
roads. Other public streets in the Town are maintained by the Town's Public Works Department.
Private streets on the island and ETA are maintained by the adjoining property owners. Traffic
congestion during the peak season is a problem, especially along the Causeway Road and the
intersection of NC 179 and 904. The Town of Ocean Isle Beach will be requesting the North
Carolina Department of Transportation to conduct a traffic study in order to alleviate traffic
congestion problems. The Town of Ocean Isle Beach supports the extension of West Third Street
as a major improvement which will provide an alternate road to the West End. Table 4.4 shows
the 1995 Average Daily Traffic (ADT) counts for locations in Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area.
4-14 0

•
•
TABLE 4.4
AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC COUNTS FOR OCEAN ISLE BEACH, 1995
Street Location
1995 Avera a Daily Traffic Count
West First Street
1,500
East First Street
1,100
Causeway Road (Mainland)
11,500
Ocean Isle Beach Road (Four Mile Road)
1,700
Beach Road (NC 179, NC 904) toward Sunset Beach
10,000
NC 179 near the Ocean Isle Airport
7,500
Hale Beach Road (Blueberry Farm Road)
2,100
NC 179 near Duck Pond Road
4,400
Goose Creek Road
700
Source: North Carolina Department of Transportation
4.2.4 Schools
Relatively few school -age children in Ocean Isle Beach attend schools in the Shallotte area.
According to the 1990 U.S. Census, there were 32 children in Ocean Isle Beach who were ages
five thru 17. This comprises 10.3 percent of the 1990 year-round population. By and large,
Ocean Isle Beach residents consist of middle -age adults and retirees and this trend is likely to
continue. Growth in Ocean Isle Beach should have little impact upon the Brunswick County
School System. Table 4.5 shows the 1996-97 school membership and the design capacity for the
schools that Ocean Isle Beach residents attend. While growth in Ocean Isle Beach itself has
probably had little direct impact upon the school system, the growth of Shallotte Township as a
whole has impacted the schools. The Brunswick County School System is determining whether
another elementary school may be needed to be built in the Calabash area within a few years.
4-15

TABLE 4.5
SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP AND DESIGN CAPACITY, FEBRUARY 1997
SCHOOL
1996-97
MEMBERSHIP
DESIGN
I CAPACITY
PERCENT
UTILIZATION
Union Primary (K-4)
816
735
111.02%
Shallotte Middle (5-8)
960
840
114.29%
West Brunswick High 9-12)
980
905
108.29%
Source: Brunswick County Board of Education
4.2.5 Landfills and Solid Waste Disposal
Currently, Ocean Isle Beach contracts with Waste Industries for residential garbage collection and
dumpsters in the multi -family and commercial areas. The frequency of collection varies from
three times a week during the peak summer season to once a week during the winter months.
Brunswick County previously contracted with a Fayetteville landfill operator who suspended
operations in December 1996. The County is now seeking a new provider for landfill services.
Until then, the solid waste is being disposed in the reopened 55-acre Brunswick County Landfill
which is near capacity.
4.2.6 Police Protection
Ocean Isle Beach provides police services for all the corporate limits through one police chief and
seven full-time police officers. Two beach police officers are also used during the peak summer
season. The Ocean Isle Beach Police Department has a mutual aid agreement with the Shallotte
and Sunset Beach Police Departments and the Brunswick County Sheriff Department. A property
identification program is available. The Brunswick County 911 system is utilized and there is an
emergency call box for the police located at the Town Hall.
4.2.7 Fire Protection
The Ocean Isle Beach Volunteer Fire Department is located at 2 West Third Street and this
department with 20 volunteers serves both the Town and the extraterritorial area. The Fire
Department has the following equipment as of May 1997: a 1995 75-foot quint truck with a 1,700
g.p.m. pump with a 500 gallon tank capacity, a 1994 pumper with a 1,250 g.p.m. pump with a
1,000 gallon tank capacity, a 1980 pumper with a 1,500 g.p.m. pump with a 1,000 gallon tank
capacity, a 1996 truck, a 1985 suburban, and two water rescue boats. There are numerous fire
hydrants on the island. The peak season water pressure is sufficient, but will be greatly improved
with the completion of the new water tank and associated water line improvements in the Spring
of 1998. Also, water pressure will improve when Brunswick County installs a new 12-inch water
line from US 17 to Ocean Isle Beach via Four Mile Road. The fire insurance rating for Ocean Isle
Beach is currently a four for commercial uses and a six for residential areas. The Volunteer Fire
Department responds to approximately 365 calls per year.
4-16

•
4.2.8 Emergency Rescue and Safety
The Shallotte and Calabash Emergency Medical Systems currently provide services to Ocean Isle
Beach. The Brunswick County Emergency Medical System has recently leased a site on
Georgetown Road and will be building a permanent substation. The future county substation will
be staffed 24-hours and will provide emergency medical services to Southeast Brunswick County.
4.2.9 Recreational Services
The oceanfront and adjacent waterways, the Town Park, the Ocean Isle Museum of Coastal
Carolina, and the local golf courses provide the major recreational opportunities for residents and
visitors at Ocean Isle Beach. Ocean Isle Beach now has 22 CAMA.beach accesses and provides
603 public parking spaces for beach access. The beach access and 22 parking spaces at the
eastern end were recently closed because of severe erosion problems. Currently, the Town does
not have a formal recreation policy and does not provide public boat accesses and estuary
accesses.
4.2.10 Administrative Services
The Town of Ocean Isle Beach employs an administrator who is responsible for its overall
management and a staff of 12: The office staff consists of a Town Clerk/Financial Officer, a Tax
Collector, and two Administrative Assistants. A Senior Building Inspector and Building
Inspector/Fire Inspector administer the building services, zoning, subdivision, and CAMA
permiting ordinances, regulations, and programs. Public works are managed by the Water and
Street Supervisor who has two employees and the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator who has
two employees. The current Town Hall has 10,000 square feet since the 1995 Police Department
addition. This facility now has sufficient space.
4-17

5.0 ESTIMATED DEMAND
5.1 POPULATION
An important aspect of the planning process is forecasting the future population of an area.
Unfortunately, population forecasts are usually the least precise element of a land use plan since so
many factors such as annexation, the economy, and new development plans directly impact
demographic projections. This is especially true for a town like Ocean Isle Beach which has
experienced a building boom during the 1990's.
Moreover, the fluctuating nature of town and extraterritorial limits do not make a good point of
reference for long term projections. What will be the Ocean Isle Beach's town limits in 2002 and
2007? For this planning document, it was assumed that town and extraterritorial limits will not
change over the next ten years. However, a major annexation on the mainland would distort these
projections. Consequently, population projections for both the corporate limits and the current
extraterritorial area are given.
Two methodologies were used to project the Ocean Isle Beach population for 2002 and 2007. First,
it was assumed that the proportion of the Brunswick County population living in the Ocean Isle
Planning Area would remain constant over the next five to ten years. Table 5.1 shows the population
projections based on this method. The North Carolina Office of State Planning projections for
Brunswick County is utilized. Based on these projections, the Town of Ocean Isle Beach's current
corporate limits would house 935 year-round residents in 2002 and 1,121 year-round residents by the
year 2007. For the current planning area which includes the town and the ETA, it is projected that
the year-round population would be 1,769 year-round residents in 2002 and 2,121 year-round
residents in the year 2007.
5-1

TABLE 5.1
YEAR-ROUND POPULATION PROJECTIONS FOR THE
OCEAN ISLE BEACH PLANNING AREA, 2002 AND 2007
Area
1997
Population
Estimates
% of 1997
County
Population
2002
2007
Brunswick Count
64,770
----
72,801
87,288
Town of Ocean Isle Beach
832
1.28%
935
1,121
ETA
742
1.15%
834
1,000
Total Planning Area
1,574
2.43%
1,769
2,121
Source: North Carolina Office of State Planning Population Projections, December 1996
Hayes & Associates
The second methodology focuses on the rate of development. Since 1990, 402 new residential units
have been constructed within the Town of Ocean Isle Beach for an average of 57.4 units per year
over this seven-year period. The ETA experienced a slower rate of growth with 113 new dwelling
units being constructed since 1990 for an average of 16.1 dwelling units per year. The amount of
vacant land on the island and the mainland is considerable and will be able to support this rate of
development over the next ten years. Based on these rates of development, the Ocean Isle Beach
Planning Area will have 368 new dwelling units by 2002 and 735 new units by 2007. Furthermore,
it was assumed that the occupancy rates utilized for developing the population estimates as stated in
Section 3 would remain constant over the next ten years. These assumptions make it possible to
project both the year-round and seasonal residential population for 2002 and 2007 as stated on Table
5.2. By the year 2002, it is projected that the Town's year-round population will be 936 with an
additional 13,766 seasonal residents for a total of peak residential population of 14,702.. By the year
2007, the Town's year-round population will be 1,041 with an additional 15,307 seasonal residents
for a total peak population of 16, 348. Between 1997 and 2007, the total Ocean Isle Beach Planning
Area population including the mainland ETA will grow from 15,614 residents in 1997 to 16,512
residents in 2002 and 18,374 residents in 2007.
Comparisons of the year-round population projections based on the two methodologies reveal a
remarkable similarity. The 2002 projections are just slightly different with the county proportion
method predicting 1,769 Planning Area residents in the year 2002 and the building rate method
predicting 1,777 year-round residents - a difference of only eight residents. Projections for the year
2007 are also similar. The county proportion method projects 2,121 Planning Area year-round
5-2

TABLE 5.2
RESIDENTIAL POPULATION PROJECTIONS FOR THE OCEAN ISLE BEACH PLANNING AREA, 2002 AND 2007
YEAR
TOWN
ETA
PLANNING AREA
Year-
round
Seasonal
Total
Year-
Round
Seasonal
Total
Year-
round
Seasonal
Total
1997
Housing Units
378
1,898
2,276
323
266
589
701
2,164
2,865
Population
832
13,189
14,021
742
851
1,593
1,574
14,040
15,614
Housing Use
Percent
16.6%
83.4%
100.0%
54.8%
45.2%
100.0%
----
---
---
Occupancy Rate
2.20
6.44
---
2.29
3.20
---
---
---
---
2002
Housing Units
425
2,138
2,563
367
303
670
793
2,440
3,233
Population
936
13,766
14,702
841
969
1,810
1,777
14,735
16,512
Net Change 1997
104
577
681
99
118
217
203
695
898
2007
Housing Units
473
2,377
2,850
411
339
750
884
2,716
3,600
Population
1,041
15,307
16,348
941
1,085
2,026
1,982
16,392
18,374
Net Change 1997
209
2,118
2,327
199
234
433
408
2,352
2,760
Source: Hayes & Associates

residents by 2007 whereas the building rate method projects 1,982 year-round residents - a difference
of only 139 year-round, residents. The building rate projections will be utilized for the 1997 CAMA
Land Use plan because this methodology forecasts both year-round and seasonal housing and peak
residential population.
5.2 LOCAL OBJECTIVE CONCERNING GROWTH
The local objective regarding growth is to permit quality residential development to continue at low
to medium densities as long as applicable ordinances are met, the environment is protected, and public
services are not overburdened. Within the Town, there is a strong orientation to single-family
dwellings which over the past two decades has proven to be recession proof.
5.3 FORESEEABLE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CHANGE
Growth patterns exhibited over the past seven years are predicted to continue.. Several trends are
emerging which may slowly change the character of Ocean Isle Beach. One trend is that fewer out-
of-town property owners are willing to lease their beach houses as short-term rentals. More property
owners would rather keep their second home for their own use and avoid the risk of property damage
associated with seasonal rentals. This trend is more common among property owners with properties
valued over $250,000. Another factor influencing the building rate is the "aging of the baby
boomers." ,Ten to twenty years ago many property owners purchased beach lots with the intention
of building retirement homes. These investors are now building their beach retirement houses
resulting the building boom of the 1990's. This trend will likely continue. Finally, the Brunswick
County Travel Pac is beginning an extensive marketing effort to promote all of the Brunswick
County beaches with the objective of extending the active tourist and rental season from about 90
days in the Summer to 180 days from the Spring to the Fall. The extension of the tourist season in
these "shoulder" months may be facilitated by the regional expansion of golf courses as well as the
statewide and national trend towards year-round schools.
5.4 FUTURE LAND NEEDS
Based upon the population projections stated in Table 5.2, the additional land areas needed to
accommodate this growth can be projected as shown in Table 5.3. During the next ten years it is
estimated that 79.8 acres will be needed to accommodate new dwellings within the Town and 24.15
acres will be needed within the ETA. Commercial land use demands will continue with the average
of about one additional use per year in both the Town and the ETA. Only modest increases in
governmental land uses are projected in the Town and the ETA. One major change may be the
relocation of the Ocean Isle Beach Volunteer Fire Department from the island to the mainland. For
the most part, most governmental and recreational facilities are in place. The major road
development will be the extension of Third Street in order to provide additional linkage to the
western end.
The major factor for Ocean Isle Beach is the severe beach erosion at the East End. In just three to
5-4

four years the island has lost 32 acres of prime real estate. The Town is promoting an aggressive
beach renourishment project to prevent further beach erosion.
5.5 DEMAND FOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES
The discussion of community facilities demands are included in each of the community facility
evaluations provided in Section 4.2 of this plan.
•
5-5

•
TABLE 5.3
PROJECTED LAND USE AMOUNTS FOR
THE OCEAN ISLE BEACH PLANNING AREA, 2002 AND 2007
2002
2007
New
Units
Acres
Total
Acres
New
Units
Acres
Total
Acres
TOWN
Residential (.17 acre per d.u.)
287.0
48.8
295.6
574.0
97.6
344.4
Commercial (5,000 sq. ft/unit)
5.0
0.6
25.3
10.0
1.2
25.9
Government / Utilities
---
1.0
6.9
---
2.0
7.9
Roads
---
1.0
52.3
---
5.5
57.8
Recreation
-0-
-0-
7.5
-0-
-0-
7.5
Subtotal Developed
---
51.4
387.6
---
106.2
443.4
Undeveloped
---
---
610.4
---
---
554.6
Water, Wetlands, Beaches
-0-
-0-
920.0*
-0-
-0-
920.0*
TOWN TOTAL
---
---
1.918.0
---
---
1.918.0
ETA
Residential (.15 acre per d.u.)
81.0
12.2
155.0
161.0
24.2
179.2
Commercial (.5 acre per unit)
5.0
2.5
30.5
10.0
5.0
35.5
Government / Utilities
(Airport)
11.0
42.5
---
12.0
43.5
Roads
1.0
109.3
---
2.0
110.3
Recreation
1.0
1.7
---
2.0
2.7
Subtotal Developed
---
27.7
339.0
---
45.2
371.2
Undeveloped
---
---
949.0
---
---
916.9
Water, Wetlands
-0-
-0-
651.0
-0-
-0-
651.0
ETA TOTAL
---
1.939.0
---
---
1.939.0
PLANNING AREA TOTAL
---
55.3
3.857.0
---
---
3,857.0
Assumption: No runner loss or land to beach erosion.
Source: Hayes & Associates
0 _5-6

6.0 POLICY STATEMENTS
6.1. BACKGROUND
The formulation of specific policies regarding growth, development, and management objectives is
perhaps the most important part of any land use plan -- especially those prepared under North
Carolina's Coastal Area Management Act. Because of regulatory requirements and local peculiarities,
the policies often attempt to strike a delicate balance between desires and objectives of local citizens,
the local government, and the objectives of CAMA itself. Land development policies, which should
be based on analyses of existing conditions (including consideration given to natural and manmade
constraints) and projected trends, are to serve as general guides for future desired development.
Under CAMA, the overriding issue is that of growth management while protecting coastal resources.
The special resources and constraints within Ocean Isle Beach were identified in the previous sections
of this plan. The policy statements contained in this section will both address growth management
and protection, and maintenance of these resources.
The Coastal Resources Commission, recognizing the diversities which exist among the coastal
communities, requires each locality to delineate a community vision statement and specific
development policies under five broad categories, each with its own subset of policy areas. The five
required topics, addressed in order in this section, are:
• Resource Protection
• Resource Production and Management
• Economic and Community Development
• Continuing Public Participation
• Storm Hazard Mitigation
Although policies developed under these topics cover most of the local development issues, in some
cases they do not. Ocean Isle Beach has the flexibility to address specific community issues within
the scope of this plan and they have done this.
It is important to understand the significance of local CAMA policy statements and how they interact
with day-to-day activities of Ocean Isle Beach. Three areas are affected. First, the policy statements
will regulate the issuance of CAMA minor and major permitting as required by N.C.G.S.-113A-118
prior to undertaking any development in any Area of Environmental Concern. A local government
must adopt policies which are, at a minimum, equal to and consistent with the State's minimum use
standards. The local government may, however, adopt minimum use standards which are stricter than
the State's and the local government's stricter standards would become the determining factor whether
a CAMA permit should be issued.
The second area of application is that of establishing local policies and regulations which guide Ocean
Isle Beach's growth and development. Under North Carolina legislation, land use plans are not
6-1 0

regulatory controls. Policy statements must be consistent with and implemented through local land
use ordinances such as zoning or subdivision ordinances. .
The final area of application is that of "Consistency Review." Proposals and applications for state
and federal assistance or requests for agency approval of projects are normally reviewed by the
Division of Coastal Management against the jurisdiction's land use plan to determine if the project
is consistent with local policies. Inconsistencies of a federal or state project with local policies will
serve as grounds for denial or revision of a project.
The Town of Ocean Isle Beach employed several means of soliciting meaningful citizen participation
in developing policies. Monthly meetings with Ocean Isle Beach Planning Board and planning
consultant were held since October 1996 in order to prepare the Land Use Plan Update and these
meetings were open to the public. Well -attended public meetings were held on February 3 and
July 8, 1997 and citizens helped to identify planning issues as well as to suggest policy alternatives.
A survey was mailed or distributed to 814 property owners in both the town and its extraterritorial
area in November and December 1996. By the January 15 deadline, 338 out of the 814
questionnaires had been received for a total response rate of 42 percent. It should be noted that the
survey elicited a voluntary response and therefore, it is not considered to be a scientific, random
survey. However, the survey was a valuable form of input, especially since it gave nonresident
property owners a chance to state their opinions. A detailed summary of the public meetings and
survey results are included in Section 9.0.
The foregoing policies were developed to provide a general framework for guiding growth and
development in Ocean Isle Beach over the next five years. The data collection and analysis described
in Section 3, 4, and 5 of this plan are geared to gathering and summarizing information related to the
future development and redevelopment of the Town of Ocean Isle Beach. Building on this
information, a series of official local government policies are hereby set forth. As officially adopted
policies of the Town of Ocean Isle Beach, they serve as the basis for future decisions on land use,
development and capital improvements.
Policy Format
Each major category in the policy section of the land use plan is addressed according to the following
format:
Policy Identification A brief summary of the issues, relevant findings and, where applicable,
alternative policy responses.
Policy Statement Statements) of local government principal designed to achieve
legitimate public objectives related to the issue.
Implementation Measures used by the Town to implement the policy.
0 6-2

It is important to understand that .the policy identification is not policy, and does not carry the same
degree of importance as the actual policy statements. This narrative is designed to provide
background and rationale for the ensuing policy statements. In most instances, the discussion serves
to identify a problem or issue, and may present a summary of findings from other technical studies.
There is no intent to establish policy within any discussion section: More detailed discussions of
issues related to policies are found in the earlier information sections of the Plan.
The policy statements, on the other hand, must be viewed in a wholly different light. As statements
of local government principle, the policies should remain substantially unchanged during the five-year
planning period. Frequent changes to the policies would undermine their effectiveness in achieving
intended goals and objectives. Indeed, the policies are designed to maintain a consistent and
predictable direction for local government decisions affecting local growth and development during
the planning period. Most of the Town's policies are similar to those in the previous update. In.
reviewing the following pages, the reader should focus on the policies, while relying upon the
discussion primarily as explanations as to intent.
6.2 COMMUNITY VISION STATEMENT FOR NEXT TEN YEARS
The CAMA Land Use Planning Guidelines suggest that the policy section begin with an overall
guiding policy regarding future growth and development. The Town of Ocean Isle Beach is generally
known throughout the coastal areas as having a high quality of life and the quality of its natural and
built environment. The Town has also been successful in directing development and redevelopment
in keeping with a small town, family -oriented community. The following vision statement emphasizes
the need for diligence in working to retain these quality features.
We, the residents, property and business owners of the Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area, shall
preserve and enhance our community as a family resort and retirement community. We shall
strive to maintain the quality of the natural and manmade environment which encompasses the
quality of life in Ocean Isle Beach which is so attractive for residents and visitors alike.
6.3 RESOURCE PROTECTION
6.3.1 Constraints to Development
Policy Identification
All of the incorporated Town is provided with a wastewater collection system. All properties in the
extraterritorial area are dependent upon septic tanks. The Town has no plans to extend wastewater
collection services in the extraterritorial area. It is the Town's policy to provide wastewater
treatment services only to incorporated areas.
As a barrier island community, nearly all of Ocean Isle Beach's entire jurisdiction is located in the
100-year flood zone area, i.e., subject to a 1 percent chance of major flooding in any given year.
Also, the Town has certain "high velocity" or "V" flood zones identified on recent Flood Insurance
6-3 0

•
is
Rate Maps prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (dated April 2, 1991). Both
the 100-year flood area and V-Zones pose possible serious constraints to development in all areas.
An approximate 12 acres of land between Shelby Street and Duneside Drive is in the Zone "Y'
(minimally flooded areas).
Polia Statements
Soils and Septic Tank SuitabilitX
Growth and development will not be permitted in the extraterritorial areas where septic tanks will
not function. All septic tanks must be in compliance with State Health Regulations as administered
by the Brunswick County Health Department. It is the Town 's policy to provide. wastewater
treatment services only to incorporated areas.
Flood Prone Areas
All uses allowed in the Towns Zoning Ordinance shall be permissible in the 100 year flood zones,
provided that all new construction and substantial improvements comply strictly to the Towns Flood
Damage Prevention Ordinance, which has been adopted in coi junction with Ocean Isle Beach's
participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.
Implementation
Ocean Isle Beach will continue to support the Brunswick County Health Department administration
of the North Carolina septic tank regulations and will continue to administer the National Flood
Insurance Program.
6.3.2 Areas of Environmental Concern
Policy Identification
Ocean Isle Beach recognizes the primary concern of the Coastal Resource Commission is regulating
growth in Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs) through the Division of Coastal Management.
The Town also shares this concern for the protection and sound management of these
environmentally sensitive lands and waters. The AECs which occur in Ocean Isle Beach are (a)
estuarine system and (b) ocean hazard system. Refer to Chapter 15A NCAC 7H. There are no
Outstanding Resource Waters located within the Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area.
6.3.2.1 Estuarine System
(1) Coastal Wetlands
The Coastal Area Management Act defines a coastal wetland as any salt marsh or other marsh subject
to regular occasional flooding by the tides. Coastal wetlands contain some, but not necessarily all,
of the following plant species.
Smooth Cord Grass (Spartina alterniflora)
Black Needlerush (Juncus roemerianus)
6-4

Glasswort (Salicornia spp.)
Salt Grass (Distichlis spicata)
Sea Lavender (Limonium spp.)
Bulrush (Scirpus spp.)
Saw Grass (Cladium jamaicense)
Cattail (Typha spp.)
Salt Meadow Grass (Spartina patens)
Salt Reed (or Giant Cord) Grass (Spartina cynosuroides)
In Ocean Isle, coastal wetlands occur generally in the northern portions of the island which are
adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway. The most substantial amount of wetland is located in the
northwest sector of the island between the Intracoastal Waterway and Old Sound Creek. Also,
included are the marshlands adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway, and the land adjacent to the finger
canals leading to the waterway. These areas are important because the marsh maintains the high
productivity of fish and shellfish and the complex food chains which are typically found in the
estuaries. The first priority of uses of land in these areas should consider "conservation" of the
sensitive areas, meaning the lack of imposition of irreversible damage to the wetlands. Generally,
uses which require water access and uses such as utility easements, fishing piers and docks, will be
allowed, but must adhere to use standards of the Coastal Area Management Act.
(2) Estuarine Waters and Estuarine Shorelines
Estuarine waters are the most extensive component of the estuarine system; the State's sound and
tidal rivers tie together the wetlands, estuarine shorelines, and public trust areas. The Coastal Areas
Management Act defines estuarine waters as "all the waters of the Atlantic Ocean within the
boundary of North Carolina and all the waters of bays, sounds, rivers, and tributaries thereto seaward
of the dividing line between coastal fishing waters and inland fishing waters."
The CRC has designated as an AEC all shorelands within 75 feet landward of the mean high water
level, or normal water level, of the estuarine waters. Estuarine shorelines, though typically dry land,
are an important part of the estuarine system because of their connection to the estuarine waters.
Improper development along the estuarine shoreline can pollute or destroy adjacent waters and
wetlands. Estuarine shorelines are also vulnerable to erosion, flooding, and other natural hazards in
the estuarine system.
The Town is very much aware that protection of the estuarine waters and adjacent estuarine
shorelines can be important to fishing, both commercially and for recreation, and for the continued
maintenance of quality development. Ocean Isle Beach recognizes that certain actions within the
estuarine shoreline, which is defined as the areas extending 75 feet landward of the mean high water
level of the estuarine waters, could possibly have substantial effect upon the quality of these waters.
These estuarine waters within Ocean Isle Beach's jurisdiction include the Intracoastal Waterway, the
major inlets on either end of the island (Shallotte Inlet on the east end, and Tubbs Inlet on the west
6-5 0

end), and the finger canals located near the island's center. The adjacent shorelines, up to 75 feet
is
inland, are the estuarine shorelines.
(3) Public Trust Areas
Public Trust AECs cover waters and submerged lands in the coastal region where the public has
rights of use and/or ownership, including rights of navigation and recreation. These areas support
valuable commercial and recreational fisheries and area important resources for economic
development. The following lands and waters are Public Trust Areas:
All waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the lands thereunder from the mean high water mark to the
seaward limit of state jurisdiction;
All natural bodies of water subject to measurable lunar tides, and all lands thereunder, to the mean
high water mark;
All navigable natural bodies of water, and all lands thereunder, except privately owned lakes to
which the public has no right of access;
These public trust areas overlap with the estuarine waters AEC, but they also cover inland fishing
waters that are not included in the Estuarine Waters AEC.
Ocean Isle Beach recognizes that the public has certain established rights to certain land and water
areas. In Ocean Isle Beach, the Intracoastal Waterway, Tubbs Inlet, Shallotte Inlet, ocean beaches,
and the Atlantic Ocean adjacent to the beaches are all Public Trust Areas AEC's. These areas
support recreational uses such as swimming, boating, water skiing, and sports fishing and commercial
fishing. These public areas also support valuable commercial and recreational fisheries, tourism, and
also are of significant aesthetic value. Appropriate uses include those which protect public rights for
navigation and recreation. Projects which would directly or indirectly block or impair existing
navigation channels, increase shoreline erosion, deposit spoils below mean high tide, cause adverse
water circulation patterns, violate water quality standards, or cause degradation of shellfish waters,
shall generally not.be allowed without careful review. Allowable uses shall be those which do not
cause detriment to the physical or biological functions or public trust areas. Such uses as navigational
channels, drainage ditches, bulkheads to prevent erosion, piers or docks, shall be generally permitted.
Ocean Isle Beach's overall policy and management objective for the Estuarine System is to ensure
that development occurring within these AECs is compatible with natural characteristics so as to
minimize the likelihood of significant loss of private property and public resources. In accordance
with this overall objective, Ocean Isle Beach will permit those land uses which conform to the general
use standards of the North Carolina Administrative Code (15A NCAC 7H) for development within
the Estuarine System. Specifically, each of the components within the Estuarine System is discussed
below.
• A substantial chance of pollution occurring from the development does not exist,
• Development does not have significant adverse impact on estuarine resources, and
6-6

• Development does not significantly interfere with existing public rights of access to, or use of,
navigable waters or public resources.
Policy Statements
Protection of environmentally sensitive as well as vitally important public resources is a strong
ongoing concern of the Town of Ocean Isle Beach. Ocean Isle Beach shall continue to give priority
to those uses which are compatible with appropriate management of the Estuarine System. It is the
intent of the Town to safeguard mid perpetuate the system's biological, social, economic and
aesthetic values and to ensure that any development occurring with the system is compatible so as
to minimize the likelihood of significant loss of private property and public resources.
The Town shall seek to ensure the responsible use of jet skis avid other watercraft within the Public
Trust Areas of Ocean Isle Beach in order to protect the marshes and other shallow water estuaries
where damage to the resource is likely.
Implementation
Ocean Isle Beach considers the existing development permit system enforced by CAMA, the US
Army Corps of Engineers, combined with enforcement of the Town's Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision
Regulations, Dune Maintenance and Protection Plan, and Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Ordinance,
represent adequate measures to protect the discussed resources. Enforcement of these provisions will
continue. The Town of Ocean Isle Beach will enforce its jet ski regulations.
6.3.2.2 Ocean Hazard Areas
Policy Identification
Ocean Hazards Areas of Environmental Concern are the second broad category of AECs occurring
in Ocean Isle Beach. These are areas along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline which have a special
vulnerability to erosion or other adverse effects of sand, wind, and water. Because of this
vulnerability, improperly managed growth and development could expose life and property to
unreasonable levels of danger. The Ocean Hazards in Ocean Isle Beach, include: 1) the Ocean
Erodible Area; 2) the High Hazard Flood Area; and 3) the Inlet Hazard Area.
For both the Ocean Erodible and Inlet Hazard Areas, development of any type is prohibited or tightly
controlled by existing regulation and enforcement provisions. It is the susceptibility to change from
the constant forces of waves, wind and water upon the sands that form the shore, which may cause
these area to be considered "hazardous." These forces are magnified during storms and can cause
significant changes in bordering land forms (such as dunes and beaches), as well as to any structures
located on them. It is the flexibility of these land forms (dunes and beaches), however, which also
lends first line of defense for development located behind them. The important, basic and essential
function of the beach and dunes is their capacity for storing sand, serving to absorb and thereby
dissipate the initial impact of excessive wind and waves. Thus, it is important to consider policies
which are aimed both at protecting the land forms (dunes and beach) and any structures which are
allowed to be constructed in those areas.
6-7 0

Policy Statements
Generally, all land uses in the areas classified under the "Ocean Hazards" category, i.e., Ocean
Erodible, High Hazard Flood, and Inlet Hazard Areas, shall be consistent with the requirements of
existing state, federal, and local regulations, and the Ocean Isle Beach Zoning Ordinance,
Subdivision Regulations, Dune Maintenance and Protection Plan, and the Towns requirements for
the National Flood Insurance Program and the Towns and CAMA building set back lines.
• Allowable land uses shall generally be designed and constructed so as to maximize structural
protection from wind and water and to minimize damage to the protective land forms of dunes
and beaches.
Ocean Isle Beach continues to support comprehensive shoreline management such as the Corps
of Engineers beach renourishment project as a preferred control measure to combat ocean front
erosion. Altenurte control measures in Inlet Hazard Areas and Erosion Erodible Areas maybe
necessary in the future.
• When existing dunes are "added to, " this shall be accomplished in a manner which minimizes
damage to existing vegetation. Any areas filled should be replanted immediately or stabilized
temporarily until planting can be successfully completed.
Implementation
Ocean Isle Beach will continue to enforce its local regulations as cited above, and continue to support
the CAMA major and minor permitting programs, and the Corps of Engineers 404 wetlands
permitting programs.
6.3.3 Other Natural Fragile Areas
6.3.3.1 Coastal Complex Natural Areas
Policy Identification
Coastal complex natural areas are defined as lands that support native plant and animal communities
and provide habitat qualities which have remained essentially unchanged by human activity. Such
areas may be either significant components of coastal systems or especially notable habitat areas of
scientific, educational, or aesthetic value. They may be surrounded by landscape that has been
modified but does not drastically alter conditions within the natural areas. Coastal complex natural
areas are significant in that they function as a key biological component of natural systems and
provide a habitat suitable for threatened or endangered species or support plant or animal
communities representative of pre -settlement conditions. Coastal complex natural areas may be
designated as an Area of Environmental Concern (AEC) by the Coastal Resource Commission. There
are no coastal complex natural areas located in the Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area
6-8

6.3.3.2 Areas That Sustain Remnant Species
Policy Identification
Coastal areas that sustain remnant species are those areas that support native plants or animals which
are determined to be rare or endangered (synonymous with threatened and endangered), within the
coastal area. Such places provide habitats necessary for the survival of existing populations of rare
or endangered species within the coastal area and preserve our natural heritage and protect natural
diversity which is related to biological stability. The North Carolina Heritage Program has identified
Brantley Island as a high priority natural area as noted in the Inventory of Natural Areas and Rare
Species of Brunswick CounM North Carolina. The Brantley Island area is approximately 150 acres
located near Duck Pond Road in the ETA. This site is a good example of the rare Coastal Fringe
Evergreen Forest natural community. The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program has also
identified the following rare species of plants and animals as having habitats or being sited within the
Ocean Isle Planning Area: Seabeach Amaranth, Coralbean, Moundlily Yucca, Carolina Atamasco
Lily, Loggerhead Turtle, Green Turtle, Manatee, American Alligator.
Policy Statement
All developmennt plans for areas that contain remnant species will be carefully reviewed prior to the
issuance of development permits in order to insure compliance will be all applicable laws and
regulations.
Implementation
The Town of Ocean Isle Beach will maintain a map provided by the Natural Heritage Program
showing the possible location of remnant species. The map will be consulted prior to the issuance
of development permits. Permits will not be issued until it is ascertained whether the development
complies with all appropriate laws and regulations.
6.3.3.3 Prime Wildlife Habitats
Policy Identification
Prime wildlife habitats are areas supporting large or unusually diverse populations of wildlife or are
habitats for species considered to be rare, endangered, or of special concern. The inlets, beachfront,
and the saltwater marshes along both sides of the Intracoastal Waterway are prime wildlife habitats
for many species of birds and aquatic life.
Policy Statement
The prime wildlife habitats in the Ocean Isle Beach Planning are currently classified as Areas of
Environmental Concenn. The Town will continue to protect its prime wildlife habitats by enforcing
the CAMA major and minor permitting program.
Implementation
Administration of the CAMA permitting program.
6-9

6.3.3.4 Protection of Wetlands of Highest Functional Significance
Policy Identification
There are scattered freshwater wetlands within the extraterritorial area.
Policy Statement
It is Town policy to protect freshwater wetlands, marshes and 404 wetlands within its planning
jurisdiction in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Implementation
Development within these areas will be permitted only if approved through CAMA and Corps of
Engineers permitting processes and by the Town's building and development ordinances.
6.3.3.5 Maritime Forests
Policy Identification
According to the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, most of the once extensive mainland
maritime forests in Ocean Isle Beach have been destroyed by development. These former coastal
evergreen fringe forests are now laced with roads and lots. The most notable exception is the coastal
evergreen forest near Duck Haven Road which has been identified by the Natural Heritage Program
as having statewide significance.
Policy Statement
Development near the Coastal Fringe Evergreen Forest along Duck Haven Road will be designed
to protect the natural values at this site in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Implementation
Town Zoning and Subdivision ordinances
6.2.3.6 Significant Archaeological and Historic Resources
Policy Identification
There are no Ocean Isle Beach structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places or
identified as worthy of preservation by the N.C. Division of Archives and, History. The Ocean Isle
Beach area was inhabited by Indian tribes. Consequently, this area has 16 prerecorded archaeological
sites scattered mostly on the mainland. Most of these known sites have already been developed,
although there are several sites in the extraterritorial area which have not yet been disturbed.
Moreover, several shipwreck sites have been identified in the Ocean Isle waterways. An important
cultural resource is the Museum of Coastal Carolina which is now managed by Discovery Place.
Policy Statement
It isTown policy to support and promote the Museum of Coastal Carolina. There are some
undisturbed archeological sites within the Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area. All development plans
6-10

in areas identified as having an archeological site will be carefully reviewed, the applicant will be
informed, and the North Carolina Division of Archives and History will be contacted prior to the
approval of the requested permits. The State Division of Archives and History will be contacted if
any additional archeological sites previously not recorded are discovered.
Implementation
The Town of Ocean Isle Beach will maintain information concerning the location of identified
archeological sites within its Planning Area. If a subdivision plat or building permit is submitted for
an area that contains an identified archeological site, the applicant and the North Carolina Division
of Archives and History will be contacted prior to the approval of the requested permit.
6.3.3.7 Shellfishing Waters
Policy Identification
All of the- estuarine waters of Ocean Isle Beach are conducive for shellfish breeding as indicated by
their SA and primary nursery area designation. The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries has
permanently banned shellfish harvesting in the finger canals and near the Ocean Isle Marina. Other
shellfishing waters have been periodically closed because of elevated bacteria counts (especially after
heavy rainfall) or during breeding seasons.
Policy Statement
The Town supports and promotes the activities of the State 's Shellfish Management Program. The
Town promotes estuarine water quality through its soil erosion and sedimentation provisions in the
Town subdivision ordinance and by supporting the LAMA major permitting regulations requiring
stormwater management in AECs. 0
Implementation
Town Subdivision Ordinance and CAMA Major Permitting Program
6.3.3.8 Manmade Hazards
Policy Identification
The only manmade hazard within the Planning Area is the Ocean Isle Airport located at the
intersection of Beach Drive (NC 904/NC 179) and Causeway Drive (SR 1184.) The Town has
adopted an airport zoning ordinance which regulates land uses in the general vicinity of the airport.
The Town of Ocean Isle Beach is now purchasing eight acres in the designated airport clearance
zone.
Policy Statement
The Town of Ocean Isle Beach strives to reduce the hazards of the airport through implementation
of its airport zoning ordinance which restricts land uses and building heights in the surrounding
vicinity.
6-11 0

Implementation
Airport Zoning Ordinance and Town Ownership of Airport Clearance Zone
6.3.4 Protection of Potable Water SupPUM
Policy Identification
The water system currently supplying the Town of Ocean Isle Beach and its extraterritorial area is
owned and operated by Brunswick County. All town residents are required to be connected to the
public water system and pay the minimum water usage fee. Most of the ETA residents are connected
to the public water system as well and there are only a few private wells being utilized on the
mainland.
Policy Statement
Sources of potable surface and groundwater for the Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area will be
protected to the maximum extent possible.
Implementation
The Town of Ocean Isle Beach will regulate land uses near wells through its zoning ordinance and
will enforce site requirements that private wells be located suitable distances from septic tank systems.
6.3.5 :Use of Package Treatment Plants and Alternate Septic Systems for Sewage
Treatment Disposal
Policy Identification
The Town's wastewater system currently serves all of the incorporated areas. There are no package
plants or alternate septic systems remaining on the island.
Policy Statement
Future development within the Town will be required to connect to the municipal wastewater system.
Use of package treatment plants or alternate septic systems in the extraterritorial area will be
allowed.
Policy Implementation
Through the Town's utility policies and ordinances and applicable North Carolina regulations.
6.3.6 Stormwater Runoff
Policy Identification
The Town of Ocean Isle Beach shares the concern of the State Division of Environmental
Management (DEM) that stormwater runoff from urbanized areas, if not properly managed, may be
contributing to declining surface water quality in some areas. Maintenance of water quality is of
concern to Ocean Isle Beach.
0 6-12

Policy Statement
The Town recognizes the value of water quality maintenance both in terms of protecting commercial
and recreational fishing resources arum providing clean water for other recreational purposes.
Implementation
The Town will continue to enforce State building regulations relating to storm water run off resulting
from development.
6.3.7 Marina and Floating Home Development Dry Stack Storage Facilities for Boats
Policy Identification
According to the CAMA guidelines T15A:07H.0208, marinas are defined as any publicly or privately
owned dock, basin or wet boat storage facility constructed to accommodate more than five boats and
providing any of the following services: permanent or transient docking spaces, dry storage, fueling
facilities, haulout facilities and repair service. Excluded from this definition are boat ramp facilities
allowing access only and temporary docking facilities which do not have any of the preceding
services.
According to CAMA guidelines T15A: 07M .0602, floating structures are defined as any structure,
not a boat, supported by a means of flotation, designed to be used without a permanent foundation,
which is intended for human habitation or commerce. A structure will be considered a floating
structure when it is used for human habitation or commercial purposes for more than 30 days in one
location. A boat may be deemed a floating structure when its means of propulsion has been removed
or rendered inoperative and it contains at least 200 square feet of living space.
Policy Statement
The development of marinas, and private boat slips in Ocean Isle Beach is generally allowed. The
development of marinas, private boat slips, and dry stack storage facilities is generally allowed
within the extraterritorial area. In recent years, Ocean Isle Beach and other coastal communities
have become increasingly concerned over the issue of 'floating homes, "i.e., waterborne vessels used
not only as "boats " but as permanent domiciles. In Ocean Isle Beach, the issue of floating homes
has not been a significant problem. However, the Town prohibits living aboard boats and floating
homes, is supportive of the State's policies. on floatinng structures, and believes that floating homes
should not be allowed within the Town's Public Trust Areas.
Implementation
Through the CAMA major and minor permitting processes and the zoning ordinance. Town
ordinances prohibit water and power from being supplied to boats at docks.
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6.3.8 Industrial Impacts on Fragile Areas
Policy Identification
No industrial development exists within the Town's planning jurisdiction. Only light industry with
a special use permit is allowed by the Town's zoning ordinance and is a permitted use only in the
extraterritorial area.
Policy Statement
Certain light industries, such as wood working shops, may be permitted.
Implementation
Town zoning ordinance special use permit.
6.3.9 Development of Sound and Estuarine System Islands
Policy Identification
There are several freestanding spoil islands along the Intracoastal Waterway in the Ocean Isle
Planning Area. These spoil islands have extremely fragile environments which would be impaired by
development Moreover, these spoil islands are not deemed suitable for development and provide
numerous constraints with provision of community services such as police and fire protection.
Policy Statement
These islands are classified as "Conservation " or "Conservation Spoil, " disallowing development.
It is a firm policy of the Town to prohibit development of these islands; however, the Town believes
that existing structures in the original 1, 000 foot spoil easement area (generally now Iniown as
Laurenburg Fairmont, Wilmington, and Concord Street area) would be recognized and protected.
Implementation
The Town's zoning ordinance, CAMA major and minor permitting process.
6.3.10 Restriction of Development Within Areas Up to Five Feet Above Mean High Water
That Might Be Susceptible to Sea Level Rise and Wetlands Los
Policy Identification
The Town of Ocean Isle Beach will closely monitor research on sea level rise and its effects on
coastal areas. There has been considerable discussion and debate over the past decade or more about
the influence of sea level rise on the beach and shoreline erosion along the North Carolina's coast.
The most commonly held viewpoint is that gradual sea level rise is causing the barrier islands of the
North Carolina coast to migrate landward. Individual oceanfront owners experience this migration
as beach erosion. Generally, the Town supports a policy of regular beach renoursihment as the most
practical means of balancing the public's interest in the beach shoreline with the protection of private
property investments.
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Policy Statement
The Town will respond to this issue through implementation of Coastal Area Management
regulations applicable to development within Areas of Environmental Concern. The Town of Ocean
Isle Beach strongly supports beach renoursihment as the appropriate means to minimize the impacts
of beach erosion. In the absence of renourishment, the Town's next policy of choice is for the
relocation of threatened structures. Alternate control measures in the Inlet Hazard Areas and
Erosion Erodible Areas may be necessary in the future.
Implementation
Town of Ocean Isle Beach Renourishment Plan
6.3.11 Upland Excavation for Marina Basins
Policy Identification
Upland excavation of marinas is a method of creating a marina basin within upland areas along public
waterways. Ocean Isle Beach prides itself as a boating community as exemplified by the concrete
bulkhead canals which has attracted numerous residents and visitors to the area.
Policy Statement
The Town of Ocean Isle Beach supports upland excavation for marina basins
Implementation
Town's zoning ordinance, CAMA permitting process.
6.3.12 Marsh Damage from Bulkhead Installation
Policy Identification
The Town of Ocean Isle Beach supports State standards for bulkheads and rip rap as identified in the
State's general permit for the construction of such structures in estuarine and Public Trust Areas.
To meet the general requirements for the general permit, proposed bulkheads and/or rip rap can be
placed only along shorelines either void of wetland vegetation including marsh grass and wooded
swamp or where all construction is to be accomplished landward of such vegetation and where there
is threat of erosion.
Policy Statement
Damage to existing marshes or beaches by bulkhead installation, groins, or seawalls will be
minimized. Maintenance and replacement of existing bulkheads are appropriate.
Implementation
CAMA major and minor permitting process.
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6.3.13 Surface Water Quality Problems
Policy Identification
The majority of the Resource Protection Policies stated above, including but not limited to policies
concerning Areas of Environmental Concern and stormwater runoff, are designed to curtail or halt
further degradation of water quality of sound and beach waters. Moreover, the provision of
wastewater treatment instead of the reliance upon septic tanks is considered as a means to protect
water quality. The Town continually seeks to develop new management practices and measures to
implement improvements in water quality.
Policy Statement
The Town of Ocean Isle Beach shall continue to seek improved marina management, stormwater
runoff, and other development standards which will protect and enhance the water quality of the
estuarine system. The Town will continue to provide wastewater treatment within its incorporated
area as a means to preserve its water quality.
Implementation
Town Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance, CAMA Major and Minor Permitting, Town Provision of
Wastewater Services
6.4 RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
The resources within the Town's planning area play a vital role in the economy of the Town and
southeastern Brunswick County. The Town's beaches and surrounding waters are utilized for
sunbathing, swimming, fishing and boating. Protection of these resources is a primary concern of the
Town.
6.4.1 Productive Agricultural Lands, Commercial Forest Lands Existing and Potential
Mineral Production Areas
Policy Identification
Within the Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area, there are no identified commercial forest lands, mineral
production areas, or productive agricultural areas with the exception of occasional garden plots. A
considerable percentage of the extraterritorial area is wooded, but no longer is in commercial
production.
Policy Statement
Mineral production and extraction activities of any kind shall not be permitted within the Ocean Isle
Beach Planning Area.
Implementation
Town Zoning Ordinance
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6.4.2 Commercial and Residential Fisheries
Policy Identification
Fishing, both as a commercial and recreational resource, is important to the Town and all of
Brunswick County. The Town is surrounded by estuarine and/or public trust waters-- therefore
proper protection if these resources are of utmost concern to the Town. The Town recognizes the
value of water quality maintenance both in terms of protecting commercial and recreational fishing
resources and providing clean water for other recreational purposes. Recreational opportunities, such
as boating, swimming, water skiing, surf boarding, and sports fishing, are not only viable resources
for Ocean Isle, but also are important economic attractions for the Town. The seasonally -based
economy is dependent upon the continued preservation and maintenance of these resources.
Projections for the 10-year planning period include a growth both in the permanent and seasonal
populations of Ocean Isle Beach. Both the aesthetics and recreational opportunities of the Town are
important resources which need to be protected and managed.
Policy Statement
To protect estuarine and Public Trust Areas from degradation. The Town supports federal and state
projects which increase the productivity of coastal and estuarine waters. Projects such as dredging
to increase flushing along tidal waters, oyster reseeding programs, and properly constructed
artificial reef construction will be supported in the future. The Town supports the "Big Sweep "
beach cleanup program through the local "Trash Bash " program and all similar efforts to enhance
the cleanliness of the natural environment.
Implementation 0
The Town supports current ongoing State and federal programs designed to enhance the proper
utilization of water resources within its jurisdiction. Ocean Isle Beach addresses water quality
concerns through locally enforced storm water run off rules and lot coverage requirements. It is the
Town's belief, however, that when feasible, lands and waters should be classified according to their
historic uses. The Town will continue to enforce local regulations as well as support State and
federal initiatives, related to maintaining and enhancing proper water use.
6.4.3 Trawling Activities in Estuarine Waters ,
Policy Identification
Trawling and gill netting activities are regulated by the State of North Carolina. Trawling is only
allowed in the ocean, Intracoastal Waterway, and Tanks Creek of the Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area.
Policy .Statement
The Town of Ocean Isle Beach is contented about the environmental impact and depletion of fishing
resources caused by trawling and gill net fishing. The Town of Ocean Isle Beach urges the State
of North Carolina to prohibit trawling and purse seine fishing including fishing for menhaden within
one nautical mile of the Ocean Isle Beach coastline and to ban gill net fishing throughout the year.
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Implementation
Appeal to the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission
6.4.4 Off Road Vehicles
Policy Identification
It is important to Ocean Isle Beach that. the aesthetics of the beach strand be maintained. It is also
important to the Town that the integrity of the strand's sand dunes is maintained. The intrusion of
off -road vehicles onto the strand and dunes is viewed as inconsistent with the management objective
of maintaining the quality and character of these sensitive areas.
Policy Statement
In accordance with its Dune Protected Ordimuice, the Town of Ocean Isle Beach does not allow off -
road vehicles on the dunes or on the shoreline area, with the exception of public service or
emergency vehicles. These provisions shall continue to be enforced
Implementation
Town ordinances
6.4.5 Residential. Commercial. and Industrial Land Development Impacts on Any
Resources
PQlicv Identification
Residential land development is the predominant land use type in the Ocean Isle Beach planning area
with commercial land uses basically limited to retailing and services that support tourism. This
pattern is expected to continue throughout the next ten-year planning period. Industrial land
development is not appropriate for the planning area and such development is prohibited by the
zoning ordinance. The Town recognized the impact residential and commercial development would
have upon resources and took steps to installing a central wastewater collection and treatment
system, and securing water for the Town's distribution system from the Brunswick County water
system. This same philosophy continues with the provision of municipal services and the enforcement
of ordinances to allow development while simultaneously protecting those resources that are the
reason for the Town's existence.
Policy Statement
To allow residential and related commercial development to occur as long as resource degradation
does not occur.
Implementation
Zoning and subdivision regulations, community facilities provision such as the wastewater system,
CAMA major and minor permitting processes.
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6.5 ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The economic vitality of Ocean Isle Beach, as stated previously, relates directly to tourism. Second -
home sales and cottage rentals, which attract thousands of visitors each summer, and to a lesser
degree, day visitors from inland communities, are important elements in the Town's economy.
6.5.1 Types of Development to be Encouraged
Policy Identification
The land development pattern in Ocean Isle Beach, as shown on the Existing Land Use Map, is
mostly residential. Nearly all of the commercial development is located along NC 904 and NC 179.
Although both the permanent and seasonal populations are projected to increase, the overall land
development pattern will likely remain the same. Ocean Isle Beach's main regulatory tool for
managing land development in the Town is the Zoning Ordinance. This Ordinance, which reflects
the Town's overall desired development patterns, is aimed at creating a balance between commercial
and multi-family/single-family developments. Eventually, but not within the next ten years, all
development, including residential and commercial, may be limited in Ocean Isle Beach because of
the fixed availability of land. Issues currently before the Town concern the responsibility for service
provisions, availability of support facilities such as parking, vehicle and pedestrian access, and
economic impacts.
Policy Statement
Residential development in Ocean Isle Beach is a mix of single-family, duplex or multi family
structures. In accordance with the Town's Zoning Ordinance, and policies aimed at protecting
natural resource and fragile areas, more dense residential development such as townhouses, cluster
homes, and condominiums are permitted. Ocean Isle Beach believes that development densities
should not be allowed to exceed those contained in the current zoning ordinance. All zoning
ordinance amendments requesting increased densities, shall be .scrutinized very carefully by both
the Planning Board and the Town Board of Commissioners. The capacity of the spray fields at the
wastewater treatment facility may be increased during the early part of the planning period in order
to accommodate anticipated development. The Town of Ocean Isle Beach will study the feasibility
of upgrading its wastewater system to tertiary treatment and developing a golf course in cot junction
with its spray effluent fields. A community center may also be built at the new golfing complex. The
community center would also be designed to serve as an emergency town center during hurricane
evacuations. Higher levels of "day visitors" may necessitate the provision of additional parking
facilities and the initiation of a beach parking fee system to compensate the Town for the cost of
providing services to day visitors. Some public services may need expansion to serve newly
developing areas.
As far as location of various types of development. is concerned, Ocean Isle Beach desires as much
as practicable that all development be designed and placed so as to be compatible with the
residential character of the Town. All new development will adhere to the Towns building and
development regulations and to the density requirements set forth in the Zoning Ordinance. Also,
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due to concerns about the "approach " to the Town from across the Waterway, Ocean Isle Beach
extended its regulatory jurisdiction into the extraterritorial area. The Town of Ocean Isle Beach
may institute ,annexation proceedings and the extension of the extraterritorial limits in a timely
manner in order to guide growth in the surrounding areas.
Implementation
The zoning ordinance allows a density of 6.0 dwellings per acre for single-family residences in the R-1
zoning district and 8.2 units per acre in the R-2, C-1, C-2, and C-3 zoning districts and planned unit
developments.
6.5.2 Types and Location of Desired Industries
Policy Identification
Traditionally, beach resort communities such as Ocean Isle Beach do not attract industrial
development because of the lack of land at reasonable prices and the general incompatibility of
industrial development with the desired vision for the Town. Light industrial use may be attracted
to a mainland location near the Ocean Isle Airport.
Policy Statement
Heavy industry is not a permitted use of land within the planning area. Some light industry such
as wood working shops may be permitted on a case -by -case basis, particularly on the mainland near
the Ocean Isle Airport.
Implementation
The Town's zoning ordinance.
6.5.3 Local Commitment to Providing Services to Development
Policy Identification
Within this current planning period, the Town will be served by the Brunswick County water system
and the Town's central sewer system. The Town's utilities extension policy as stated in the
Subdivision Ordinance is that each lot in all subdivisions within the corporate limits will be provided
at the subdivider's expense with an extension of the municipal water and sanitary sewer systems.
The Town will remain committed to providing other basic support services to new areas as they
develop, i.e., police and fire protection, building inspections and municipal administration. Within
the extraterritorial area, the Town's responsibility currently consists of the enforcement of
development and building codes. The Town is studying the feasibility of developing a golf course in
conjunction with the expansion of its wastewater spray fields on the mainland. The County has
installed a distribution system making available water to those connecting to the system. Individual
wells supply the balance of the residences and businesses.
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Policy Statement
As areas develop, it is the policy of the Town that developers%owners share in the financial
responsibility of providing basic utility services such as water and sewer. The Town will expand the
capacity of the wastewater treatment and collection system as necessary in order to serve the
incorporated area. The Town is studying the feasibility of developing a golf course in col junction
with the expatmon of its wastewater spray fields on the mainland This combination golf course mid
wastewater spray fields would provide a recreational asset to the Town which promotes tourism and
provides additional revenues. The Town may also build a community center at golf complex. The
community center would be designed to serve as an emergency town center during hurricane
evacuations The Town of Ocean Isle Beach is improving its water distribution system by installing
an additional water tower and providing a second connection line to the mainland. Also, the Town
will make incremental improvements to the police and fire protection services in order to keep pace
with the demands of the permanent and seasonal population.
In order to alleviate traffic congestion, the Town requests for the NCDOT to conduct a Traffic
Study. The Town supports the extension of West Third Street in order to provide an alternate
connector on the West End.
Implementation
Subdivision Ordinance, Proposed NCDOT Traffic Study, Proposed Extension of West Third Street
6.5.4 Types of Urban Growth Patterns Desired
Policy Identification
The Town of Ocean Isle Beach wishes to maintain its image of a quiet, relaxing family beach
community.
Policy Statement
As stated in the T,ision Statement, the Town of Ocean Isle Beach shall preserve and enhance its
image as a, family resort curd retirement community. Intense commercial development, beyond that
necessary to serve tourists mid residents will not be encouraged Commercial accommodations, and
basic retailing and services are uses that are encouraged Continued residential development is
regarded as desirable for the Town, as long as no major or irreversible damage threatens an
environmentally sensitive area. The .single family detached dwelling is the predominant residential
tvpe in the Town, although multi family units and planned unit developments are increasing trends.
Development with higher density levels than one and two-family uses are not viewed as desirable
in the finger -canal areas.
Within the extraterritorial area, a higher degree of commercialization, particularly along NC
Highway 179, is acceptable, as long as cor formity with the zoning ordinance is maintained.
Manufactured homes are acceptable dwelling types in portions of extraterritorial area, as are larger
consumers of land such as golf course developments.
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Implementation
Town's zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations.
6.5.5 Types, Density, and Location of Anticipated Residential Development
Policy Identification
Residential development anticipated to occur during the next ten years will be characterized as a
continuation of recent trends. This includes:
• For the island east of Beaufort Street this will include predominantly large single-family (and
occasional duplexes) residences on 5,000 sq. ft. lots, yielding six dwellings per acre.
• For the island west of Beaufort Street development will be predominantly medium density (8.2
units per acre) multi -family residential, in planned unit developments. The Ocean Isle West
planned unit development is proposed to be constructed over the next 25 years with a total of 700
units on 85.5 acres of land.
• For the two highway corridors, the causeway (NC 904) and NC 179 in the extraterritorial area
will continue to see development (and redevelopment) that is predominantly tourist -related
retailing and services.
•. For most of the mainland extraterritorial. area (aside from the highway frontages) future
development will consist of single-family residences on individual lots sufficient in size to
accommodate septic tank disposal systems. The County provides a public water system to this
area. Densities will be two dwellings per acre.
Policy Statement
Residential development in Ocean Isle Beach is a mix of single-family, duplex or multi family
structures. In accordance with the Towns Zoning Ordinance, and policies aimed at protecting
natural resource and fragile areas, more dense residential development such as townhouses, cluster
homes, and condominiums are permitted. Ocean Isle Beach believes that development densities
.should not be allowed to exceed those contained in the current zoning ordinance. All zoning
ordinance amendments requesting increased densities, shall be scrutinized very carefully by both
the Planning. Board and the Town Board of Commissioners.
Implementation
The zoning ordinance allows a density of 6.0 dwellings per acre for single-family residences in the R-1
zoning district and 8.2 units per acre in the R-2, C-1, C-2, and C-3 zoning districts and planned unit
developments.
6.5.6 Redevelopment of Developed Areas, Including the Relocation of Threatened
Structures
Policy Identification
Given its rather recent development, the Town of Ocean Isle Beach has no major areas needing
redevelopment within its corporate limits. There are several areas located in the ETA mainland which
have aging mobile homes needing to be upgraded or replaced. The major type of redevelopment
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which has occurred is the movement of threatened structures. However, as the island structures begin
to age, additional redevelopment of residential and commercial buildings may occur. Ocean Isle
Beach supports such activity as a positive re -use of land resources which enhance the Town as a
whole. Such redevelopment may be permitted as long as the activity complies with the spirit and
intent of existing regulatory requirements.
Policy Statement
It is the policy of the Town to allow redevelopment of previously developed areas including the
relocation of endangered structures. It is the Town's policy that density allowances for
redevelopment areas conform to existing Town building and zoning regulations.
Implementation
Zoning ordinance and CAMA major and minor permitting processes.
6.5.7 Commitment to State and Federal Programs
Policy Identification
The Town of Ocean Isle Beach supports applicable State and Federal programs including items such
as erosion control, public access, highway improvements, dredging, and other related governmental
activities. The Town attempts to cooperate and assist in the implementation of these programs
whenever possible.
Policy Statement
It is � a policy of the Town to support State and federal programs such as CAMA, beach
renourishment, erosion control, public access, highway improvements, dredging, etc. provided the
Town finds these programs to be appropriate and consistent with Town policies.
Implementation
Town administrative activities.
6.5.8 Assistance to Channel Maintenance and Beach Renourishment
Policy Identification
Beach renoursihment and shoreline erosion was identified in the 1996 CAMA survey as the major
problem and issue facing the Town. Most residents and property owners are concerned about the
severe beach erosion, especially at the east end of the island. Since 1988 the Town of Ocean Isle
Beach has requested a berm construction project with the Army Corps of Engineers. The application
is currently being reviewed in Washington, D.C. The Town of Ocean Isle Beach has contracted with
Applied Technology and Management for a beach erosion and shoreline management plan. The
Town of Ocean Isle Beach implements a beach renourishment plan to encourage dune stabilization.
Oceanfront residents may receive beach grass and sand fencing to place on their dunes.
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The Town of Ocean Isle Beach regards itself as a boating community and supports the proper
maintenance of channels, particularly the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Historically, Ocean Isle
Beach has provided direct assistance to the Corps by helping obtain or provide spoil sites. Ocean Isle
Beach is supportive of the Corps of Engineers maintenance of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Policy Statement
The Town of Ocean Isle Beach supports all beach renourishment programs. Beach renourishment
activities must be done in an environmentally sensitive fashion and with respect to impacts to
surrounding properties. The practice of bulldozing on the beach shall be discouraged in non -
emergency situations. Proper maintenance of channels, particularly the Atlantic Intracoastal
Waterway, is very important to Ocean Isle Beach because of the impact of commercial and
recreational fisheries and general boating. Ocean Isle Beach will continue to provide direct
assistance to the Corps by helping obtain or provide spoil sites. Ocean Isle Beach is generally
supportive of keeping new development out of designated spoil sites, however, the Town believes that
existing structures in the original 1, 000 foot easement area should be recognized and protected.
Implementation
The Town will seek federal and State assistance in support of beach nourishment projects and will
continue to encourage local private efforts by providing beach grass and sand fencing to oceanfront
residents. The Town supports the Army Corps of Engineers channel maintenance of the Intracoastal
Waterway.
6.5.9 Energy Facility Siting and Development
Policy Identification
The Ocean Isle Beach planning area is not a suitable location for electric generating plants.
Policy .Statement
The Ocean Isle Beach planning area is not a suitable location for electric generating plants. Outer
Continental Shelf exploration for petroleum products may be acceptable to the Town only if
appropriate environmental impact studies are conducted prior to the beginning of any exploratory
activities.
6.5.10 Tourism
Policy Identification
The importance of tourism to Ocean Isle Beach is obvious, as discussed in other parts of this plan.
The natural resources of the beach along the Atlantic Ocean and inland waterways which continue
to attract thousands to this island community each summer are vital generators of income for many
businesses. The tourist season also provides employment for island residents and mainland residents
of Brunswick County as well. To simply say that tourism is important in Ocean Isle Beach would be
a severe understatement. Policy alternatives concerning support of tourism are few in an area where
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it forms the economic base. In fact, all of the other policy statements under Economic and
Community Development relate to tourism.
Policy Statement
Ocean Isle Beach will continue to support and promote tourism as its main economic base. The
development of non -intensive recreational and commercial land uses will be encouraged in order
to enhance services for the public. The Town is studying the feasibility of developing a golf course
in conjunction with the expansion of its wastewater spray fields on the mainland. This combination
golf course and wastewater spray fields would provide a recreational asset to the Town which
promotes tourism and provides additional revenues.
Implementation
The Town provides a toll -free number for potential tourists to call and request accommodation
information. The Town supports activities of the South Brunswick Islands Chamber of Commerce.
6.5.11 Coastal and Estuarine Beach Access and Parking
Policy Identification
Access to the oceanfront and other waterways is an important consideration for any beach
community. Currently, there are 654 parking spaces located at the 24 CAMA and Town beach access
sites. (Table 3.19) However, the 128 CAMA parking spaces and the 26 parking spaces along the
121 West First Street and Shallotte Boulevard are the only parking spaces now owned by the Town.
A total of 500 beach access parking spaces are located on privately -owned land leased by the Town.
Two hundred parking spaces are located at the Fishing Pier and 300 spaces are located at the
temporary parking lot on Oxford Street. Both of these lots could be redeveloped within the next five
to 10 years. The loss of these 200 to 500 private access parking spaces would severely handicap the
Town's ability to accommodate day visitors. The problem of beach access parking is also aggravated
by the fact that 22 parking spaces have been loss to beach erosion at the East End. Moreover, as the
Town and Brunswick County continues to grow, the demand for beach access sites will increase and
more easement access ways will need to be developed.
Mass transit such as shuttle buses with a remote parking lot is being contemplated by the Town to
improve beach waterfront access. The Town is also considering placing bicycle racks at the beach
access sites as a means to promote alternative modes of transportation and accommodate more beach
visitors.
The only boat ramp and marina within the Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area is located on the island.
The Town is considering ways to improve services and to establish more control over the type of
services provided. The Town supports a regional public boating access site being developed within
the mainland/ETA area in order to minimize impacts to Areas of Environmental Concern, lower land
acquisition costs, and provide better parking and traffic access.
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Policy Statement
Ocean Isle Beach will continue to support public access to the ocean front and other waterways by
seeking State and'or Federal financial assistance to develop beach walkovers. The Town will study
the feasibility of obtaining a CAMA grant to create a shuttle service between an off -site regional
parkingfaeility. Higher levels of "day visitors" may necessitate the provision of additional parking
facilities and the initiation of a beach parking fee system to compensate the Town for the cost of
providing services to day visitors. The Town is considering ways to improve services and to
establish more control over the type of services provided. The Town supports a regional public
boating access site being developed within the mainland%ETA area in order to minimize impacts to
Areas of Environmental Concern, lower land acquisition costs, and provide better parking and
traffic access.
Implementation
The Town of Ocean Isle Beach will continue to seek CAMA grants to develop beach access sites.
6.6 CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Policy Identification
The Ocean Isle Beach Planning Board prepared a Public Participation Plan at the beginning of the
land use updating process. The Participation Plan adopted by the Planning Board reflects:
• A newspaper article notifying the community of the initial public meeting and the upcoming
process.
• An initial public meeting conducted on February 3, 1997 held in conjunction with a Town Forum.
• A public meeting held on July 8, 1997 to update Town residents and property owners about draft
policies and land classification.
• A list of Planning Board and Commissioners meetings at which the land use plan would be
discussed and an opportunity for public input would be provided.
• A questionnaire mailed in November 1996 to all Town property owners and to a percentage of
ETA residents. Refer to Section 9.0 for the questionnaire results.
• A public hearing on the completed land use plan at a time and date to be announced.
Policy Statement
It is the policy of the Town to assure that all segments of the Ocean Isle Beach planning area have
a . full and adequate opportunity to be informed and have the opportunity to participate in the
planning decision making process. The Town will use public participation methods in order to:
• Obtain laiowledge of Town issues and problems.
• Develop alteratives for problem solving, policy formulation and implementation strategies.
• select alternatives
• Establish monitoring program.
Implementation
Continuing public participation in the planning process will involve the following methods:
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public hearings on the adoption of the updated land use plan, zoning and other ordinance
revisions.
Public notices placed at the Town Hall.
Planning Board and Board of Commissioners meetings.
6.7 STORM HAZARD MITIGATION, POST -DISASTER RECOVERY, AND
EVACUATION PLANS
6.7.1 Identification of Coastal Storm Hazards
6.7.1.1 Storm Effects
The entire North Carolina Coastal region, including Ocean Isle Beach, faces the possible threat of
extensive damage each year from hurricanes or other major storms. The intent of this section of the
1997 update is to assist the Town in managing development in potentially hazardous areas through
establishing mitigation policies and to reduce the risks associated with future hurricanes by developing
post disaster reconstruction policies and by reviewing the adequacy of current evacuation plans.
The entire Town is subject to significant damage from flooding, wave action, erosion and high winds
associated with tropical storms, hurricanes and "northeasters." Regarding the extraterritorial area,
about 10 percent of the land area is subject to flooding --however, all of the area is subject to damage
from high winds.
6.7.1.2 Composite Hazards Map and Development at Risk 0
This document is referenced as Map 3. It reflects the 100 year flood area and the velocity hazard
zone. These two areas are shown overlaying the existing land use map to indicate the development
that is at risk. The Division of Coastal Management storm surge SLOSH maps are available for
review in the Building Inspector's Office in the Town Hall.
6.7.2 Coastal Storm Mitigation Policies
In order to minimize the damage potentially caused by the effects of a hurricane or other major storm,
Ocean Isle Beach proposes the following policies:
High Winds
Ocean Isle Beach supports enforcement of the NC State Building Code. The Town will continue to
enforce the State Building Code on wind resistant construction with design standards of from 120
to 150 mph wind loads.
Flooding
Ocean Isle Beach is an active participant in the National Flood Insurance Program and is
stipportive of hazard mitigation elements. Ocean Isle Beach is participating in the regular phase
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of the insurance program and enforces a Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. The base flood
elevation, as set out in the ordinance, ranges from the bottom of the first supporting member of a
structure in the " V zones, to the first floor elevation in the "A"zones. The elevations shown on
the flood maps include the calculated "wave surge " height.
Wave Action and Shoreline Erosion
Ocean Isle Beach will continue compliance with the CAMA development permit process for
estuarine shoreline areas and the requisite development standards which may encourage both
shoreline stabilization and facilitation of proper drainage. During the next planning period, an
erosion recovery policy will be formulated pursuant to an economic evaluation currently being
conducted by the Corps of Engineers.
Discouragement of Hazardous Development
The Town shall use a variety of methods, including CAAM setback requirements and the Flood
Damage Prevention Ordinance, to discourage the development of property that can be reasonably
be foreseen as potentially hazardous.
Public Acquisition of Hazardous Areas
(1) The Town supports advanced planning for the acquisition of properties that are not suitable for
development provided such acquisition serves as a useful public purpose. Such public purpose may
include public access to the beach or sound where such access is needed. The Town will consider
the benefits of acquiring such property against its acquisition cost and the threat of erosion.
(2) The Town shall investigate outside funding sources for land acquisition and shall encourage gifts
and donations for tax credits, as a mitigative measure for future storm events To provide a
proactive approach, priority areas for acquisition shall be identified in advance of storm events.
(3) Public acquisition of appropriate properties is also encouraged at the State and Federal level.
Implementation
Ocean Isle Beach will continue to enforce the standards of the State Building Code. The Town will
continue to enforce State and federal regulations which aid in mitigation of hurricane hazards,
including CAMA and FEMA, as well as local ordinances such as zoning and subdivision regulations.
6.7.3 Evacuation Policies
Specifically, the Mayor determines a base of operations and coordinates other Town personnel in
carrying out the following:
• Notify the public as early as possible that evacuations may be necessary.
• Contact all realtors in an effort to obtain a count of all persons currently on the island.
• Organize emergency rescue facilities.
• Relocate any Town records, equipment, etc., which could be damaged by water. Make door to
door checks.
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It is the Town's general policy not to evacuate late at night, but to attempt to complete all
evacuations during the daylight hours. Night evacuations are viewed as only adding to the potential
hazards. The Town maintains open radio communications and contact with the State Highway Patrol
and with Brunswick County. Brunswick County maintains 24-hour radio communications during
hurricanes. The County also provides evacuation shelters on the mainland, coordinates stocking of
shelters with the Red Cross, and manages and coordinates traffic along evacuation routes.
The evacuation time from Ocean Isle Beach would vary according to the season in which a storm
would .be threatening. In the "off season," when tourism is at its lowest (as occurred during
hurricanes Diana, Gloria, and Hugo), the evacuation time was approximately 1-3 hours. However,
if a storm should occur during the peak of the summer tourist season, it may take up to four hours
during daylight. The current projected evacuation times are adequate within the standard warning
time provided by the National Weather Service. Evacuation shelters are provided in the 10 schools
in Brunswick County. The first shelter to open would be West Brunswick High School. The Town
may also build a community center at golf complex. The proposed community center would be
designed to serve as an emergency town center during hurricane evacuations.
Procedures for reentry are addressed in the State of Emergency, declared by the Mayor. Basically,
during the imposition of the evacuation, no one other than required Town personnel are allowed back
across the waterway. Also, all residents or property owners are required to affix a decal on their
automobile. The decals may be purchased at the Town Hall. Reentry in accomplished in three levels:
(1) Only emergency personnel.
(2) Only those with property owner decals.
(3) Normal Traffic.
6.7.4 Post Disaster Reconstruction Policies
6.7.4.1 County Emergency Plan
Ocean Isle Beach has its own Civil Preparedness Emergency Operation Plan and an Emergency
Ordinance [empowered by NC General Stature 166-8(c)] which enables the Mayor to declare a state
of emergency and to initiate appropriate action including joint action with Brunswick County. The
Mayor exercised these powers in 1996 during Hurricanes Bertha and Fran.
6.7.4.2 Appointment of a "Post Disaster Recovery Team"
In the event of a major storm having landfall in or near Ocean Isle Beach, when evacuation orders
are issued, the Mayor may appoint a "Post -Disaster Recovery Team." The total team, under the
6-29 0

Mayor's leadership, may consist of the following, or others because of the potential unavailability of
some team members:
I. Town Services Coordinator
ii. Chief, Volunteer Fire Department
iii. Police Chief
iv. Town Building Inspector
V. Town Commission Members
vi. Street and Utilities Commissioner
The Mayor may appoint a Team Leader who will be responsible to the Mayor. The base of
operations will be designated by the Mayor. The Disaster Recovery Team will share responsibility
for the following, as the Mayor dictates:
1. Establishing an overall restoration schedule.
2. Setting restoration priorities.
3. Determining requirements for outside assistance and requesting such assistance, through
the Mayor, when appropriate.
4. Keeping the appropriate County and State officials informed.
5. Keeping the public informed, as instructed.
6. Assembling and maintaining records of actions taken and expenditures and obligations incurred.
7. Recommending to the Mayor to proclaim or continue the local "state of emergency" if
warranted.
8. Commencing and coordinating cleanup, debris removal and utility restoration which would
include coordination of restoration activities undertaken by private utility companies.
9. Coordinating repair and restoration of essential public facilities and services in accordance
with determined priorities. This will include contacting appropriate state, local, and
federal authorities, including CAMA permit officers where necessary.
10. Assisting private businesses and individual property owners in obtaining information on
the various types of assistance that might be available to them from County, federal, and
State agencies.
As soon as practical after the storm, the Mayor or designer will direct appropriate Town personnel
and/or private contractors and, as necessary, request State and/or federal assistance to begin clearing
debris from the Town's roads. Giving attention to roads will be the first priority, then utilities, and
then beaches.
6.7.4.3 Long Term Recovery/Restoration Policies
The Disaster Recovery Team, under the Mayor's direction, will be responsible for overseeing the
orderly implementation of the reconstruction process after a major storm or hurricane in accord with
the Town's building and land use regulations and policies.
6-30

(a) Damage Assessments
Damage assessments will be necessary to determine as quickly as possible a realistic estimate of the
amount of damage caused by a hurricane or major storm. Information such as the number of
structures damaged, the magnitude of damage, and the estimated total dollar loss will need to be
developed.
As soon as practical after the storm, i.e., clearance of major roadways, in addition to the Disaster
Recovery Team, the Mayor shall appoint a Damage Assessment Team (DAT) for assistance. This
team may consist of the Building Inspector, Fire Chief, a local realtor or building contractor, and the
Streets and Utilities Commissioner. If sufficient personnel is available, two Damage Assessment
Teams will be established. The DAT will immediately begin to make "windshield" surveys of
damaged structures to initially assess damages and provide a preliminary dollar value of repairs or
replacement. The following general criteria shall be utilized:
• Destroyed (repairs would cost more than 50% of value).
• Major (repairs would cost more than 30% of value).
• Minor (repairs would cost less than 30% of value).
• Habitable (some minor damage, with repairs less than 15% of value).
Each damage assessment will be documented according to County tax records. Also, Town tax maps
and/or records may be used for identification purposes. The total estimated dollar value of damages
will be summarized and reported to the Mayor.
(b) Reconstruction Development Standards
Generally, reconstruction shall be held at least to the same development standards as before the
storm. However, developed structures which. were destroyed and which did not conform to the
Town's building regulations, zoning ordinances, and other storm hazard mitigation policies, i.e., basic
measures to reduce damage by high winds, flooding, wave action, or erosion, must be redeveloped
according to those policies. In some instances, this may mean relocation of construction, or no
reconstruction at all. All structures damaged more than 50% of value, if repaired, will be repaired
according to the Town's building code.
6.7.4.4 Development Moratoria and Repair/Reconstruction Schedule
Because of the density of development at Ocean Isle Beach and the possible extensive damage caused
by a major storm, it may be necessary for the Town to prohibit all redevelopment activities for a
certain period of time after a storm. This decision will be the responsibility of the Mayor. This
"moratorium" would allow the Town time to carefully assess all damage in view of existing policies,
building regulations, and ordinances, in order to help determine whatever existing policies, etc.,
should be revised to mitigate similar damage from future storms. If a moratorium is established, the
•
6-31 0

time frame will be commensurate with the extent of damage. The actual time frame will be
established by the Board of Commissioners.
The following schedule of activities and time frame are proposed with the realistic idea that many
factors of a hurricane may render the Schedule infeasible.
Activity
Time Frame
(1) Complete and Report Damage As soon as possible after
Assessments storm
(2) Begin Repairs to Critical Utilities and As soon as possible after
Facilities storm
(3) Permitting of Reconstruction activities After any moratorium is
for all damaged structures -"minor" to lifted
pre -storm and/or completion original
status, "major" to State Building Code,
CAMA Permitting, and hazard
mitigation standards.
Agency Responsible for implementation
The Mayor may designate an overall Emergency Coordinator. The Mayor may also delegate the
oversight of the reconstruction and recovery effort and implementation of the plan.
6.7.4.5 Repair and Replacement of Public Utilities
If utility lines or any components of the water or sewer system are damaged and it is determined that
the facilities can be relocated to a less hazardous location, then relocation will also be coordinated
with the Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation for electrical service and other utility
companies.
0 6-32

7.0 LAND CLASSIFICATION
7.1 PURPOSE OF LAND CLASSIFICATION
The land classification system provides a uniform way of looking at how the use of land interacts with
environmental sensitive areas and with the development needs of a particular locality. It is not a strict
regulatory device in the sense of a zoning ordinance or zoning map. It represents more of a tool to
aid in understanding the relationships between various land use categories and how these relationships
help shape local policy. Particular attention is focused on the intensity at which land is used and the
level of services needed to support that intensity. The regulations for the Coastal Area Management
Act state:
"The land classification system provides a framework to be used by local government
to identify the future use of all lands. The designation of land classes allows the local
government to illustrate their policy statements as to where and to what density they
want growth to occur, and where they want to conserve natural and cultural resources
by guiding growth." (15A NCAC 7B at .0204)
7.2 LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
The land classification system in this subsection includes seven classes: developed, urban transition,
limited transition, community rural, rural with services and conservation. Local governments may
subdivide these classes into more specific subclasses and some classes may not apply to each local
government.
In addition to the descriptions below, the classifications are graphically shown on Map 4, "Land
Classification."
Only three of the Coastal Resources Commission's seven land classifications and one subclass are
relevant to the land development policies of Ocean Isle Beach. These classifications are described
below.
7.2.1 Developed
The Developed class of land use provides for continued intensive development and redevelopment
of existing urban areas. Areas so designated are currently urban in character where minimal
undeveloped land remains and have in place or are scheduled for the timely provision of the usual
municipal or public services. Urban in character includes mixed land uses at high to moderate
densities.
Services include water, sewer recreational facilities, streets and roads, police and fire protection.
Areas developed for predominantly residential purposes meet the intent of this classification if they
7-1
•

exhibit (1) a density of three or more dwelling units per acre or as a majority of lots of 15,000 square
foot or less, which are provided or scheduled to be provided with the traditional urban services.
Within Ocean Isle Beach the areas complying with the above definition include: The commercial
corridors along NC 904 on the island and the mainland, the developed residential areas of the island
including the Ocean Point and the condominium projects on the West End, most of the finger canals
on the island, and the first and second row of lots along the ocean front. In addition, some residential
subdivisions in the extraterritorial area are classified as developed. Most of these lots in these areas
are nearly completely developed.
7.2.2. Urban Transition
The purpose of this class is to provide for future intensive urban development on suitable lands that
will be provided with the necessary urban services to support intensive urban development. These
areas are presently being developed for urban purposes or will be developed in the next five to ten
years to accommodate anticipated population and urban growth. These are areas in transition from
lower intensity to higher intensity uses and as such will eventually require urban services. These lands
must be generally free of physical limitations. Urban development includes mixed land uses at or
approaching high to moderate densities. Urban services include water, sewer, streets and roads,
police and fire protection that will be made available at the time development occurs or soon
thereafter. Permanent population densities in this class will be high (if present trends continue) and
the seasonal population swells significantly. This classification should generally not be applied to any
area of Environmental Concern (AEC), although AEC standards occasionally permit urban transition
type development on a lot by lot basis. Ocean Hazard AEC's (ocean erodible areas, high hazard floor
areas and inlet hazard areas) are of primary concern here. Predominantly residential areas meet the
intent of this classification if they approach three dwelling units per acre or, a majority of the lots are
15,000 square feet or less and will be provided with essential urban services to support this high
density development, or are contiguous to existing developed municipal areas.
Within Ocean Isle Beach (incorporated area) this classification is used for the developing areas on
the island and the mainland not otherwise classified as Developed, Conservation, or Conservation
Spoil.
7.2.3 Conservation
The purpose of the Conservation class is to provide for the effective long-term management and
protection of significant, limited or irreplaceable areas. Management is needed due to the natural,
cultural, recreational, scenic or natural productive values of both local and more than local concern.
Areas meeting the intent of this classification include: AEC's, including but not limited to public trust
waters, estuarine waters, coastal wetlands, etc. Also included are other similar lands, environmentally
significant because of their natural role in the integrity of the coastal region.
7-2

a. Coastal Wetlands - These areas are the most restrictive of all AEC's and very few uses are
permitted therein; the highest priority is for their preservation as they are well documented in their
contribution to the natural productivity of the coastal area. 0
b. Ocean Hazard AECs - These areas include V zones and ocean erodible area and are known for
their vulnerability to storms. Some limited uses are permitted within, even though subject to storm
risks. 'Some development is permitted in these areas if it is well managed and carefully sited to
minimize risks to life and property.
c. Estuarine Shoreline AECs - These areas are located adjacent to estuarine waters AECs and are
known for contribution to the natural productivity of the waters close by. Many uses may be
permitted as long as the 30 percent impervious rule is met and development is well managed on
individual sites to ensure minimal degradation.
d. Other similar lands that are afforded some protection by another agency, such as "404 wetlands"
where use and performance standards of that agency will apply.
e. Other unique lands that may not be afforded protection by another agency, but are known for their
natural, scenic, historical, cultural or hazardous nature.
Urban services, public or private, should not be provided in areas classified as conservation on the
Land Classification Map as a catalyst to stimulate intense development. In most cases, on -site
services will adequately support any limited development within this class and will also protect the
very features which justify the area's inclusion in the conservation classification. It should be
understood that even though AEC standards occasionally permit urban type development on a lot by
lot basis within the various AEC's and that services are occasionally provided, this is the exception
rather than the rule, and the primary intent of the conservation class is to provide protection for the
resources included therein.
Within Ocean Isle Beach, this classification is applied to all estuarine shorelines, estuarine water areas,
and coastal wetlands, generally flanking the Intracoastal Waterway, between the extraterritorial area
on the mainland and the island portion of the incorporated Town.
7.2.4 Conservation Spoil
This is a subclass of conservation and will be used to classify land which would generally be suited
for spoil areas for the maintenance of major waterways, but not for other uses. This would include
areas used, or to be used, by the US Army Corps of Engineers for dredge spoil deposition.
7-3 0

7.3 RELATION OF POLICIES AND LAND CLASSIFICATION
0 7.3.1 Application of Policies to Land Classes
Section 6.0 reflects the Town's specific policies regarding growth, development and management
objectives. The Land Classification System guides the implementation of the CAMA policies. When
the Town designed the system (including the map and text) during this update, each policy was
considered (along with existing and projected land uses, and other factors). This was done to ensure
consistency between policies and land classes.
7.3.2 Appropriate Uses Within Classes
The following is a listing of uses permitted, densities, lot sizes, and utilities required for each
classification provided that the use is in compliance with zoning regulations.
1. Classification: Developed
Permitted
a.
Uses Include:
Residential, single, two family and multi -family
b.
Accommodations
C.
Accessory uses
d.
Retail and service businesses
e.
Marinas
f.
Fishing piers
g.
Churches
h.
Planned unit developments
I.
Municipal services
Densities: 6.0 dwellings per acre (maximum for single-family development) to 8.2 dwellings per acre
(maximum for multi -family)
Lot Sizes: 5,000 square feet (minimum for single-family development)
2 acres (minimum for planned unit development)
Utilities:. Municipal water distribution and wastewater collection services provided.
Note: The developed classification is designated for areas that are virtually "built -out," with few
remaining vacant parcels.
7-4

2. Classification: Urban Transition
Permitted Uses Include:
a. Residences - single-family, two-family and multi -family (and mobile homes in certain
areas)
b. Accommodations
C. Accessory uses
d. Retail, wholesale, services, trades, and offices
e. Manufacturing
f. Marinas
g. Fishing piers
h. Churches
I. Planned unit developments
j. Recreational amenities such as club houses, tennis courts, pools, decks, and golf
courses
k. Airports
1. Municipal services or private utility operations
Densities: 6.0 dwellings per acre (maximum for single-family development) to 8.2 dwellings per acre
(maximum for multi -family and planned unit development)
'Lot Sizes- 5,000 square feet (minimum for single-family development)
10,000 square feet (minimum for multi -family development)
2 acres (minimum for planned unit development)
till i : Municipal water distribution and wastewater collection services provided only within Town
limits. In the extraterritorial area, the county water distribution system is generally available although
individual wells are common and the wastewater is treated with individual septic tanks.
3. Classification: Conservation
This is a broad classification that includes certain Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC's):
a. Estuarine Shoreline Shore lands within 75 feet landward of the mean high water line. Because
of the map scale, these areas cannot be accurately mapped. The precise location of Estuarine
Shorelines must be determined in the field through CAMA review and permit approval.
Permitted Uses
Any use permitted in the Limited Transition Classification provided the zoning ordinance and other
Town regulations are met, and all applicable permit standards are met.
Densities: 6.0 dwellings per acre (maximum for single-family development) to 8.2 dwellings per
acre (maximum for multi -family and planned unit development)
7-5
•

•
•
•
Lot iz : 5,000 square feet (minimum for individual lot development)
10,000 square feet (minimum for multi -family development)
2 acres (minimum for planned unit development)
Utilities: Depending upon location, public water supply is generally available --otherwise a private well
or private water system will be used. Wastewater disposal will be through the Town system, private
collection and treatment systems, or individual septic tanks.
b.. Estuarine Waters, Coastal Wetlands, and Public Trust Areas
Water -dependent uses such as piers, docks, boat ramps; maintenance of existing canals, channels,
basins and ditches; aerial and subaqueous utility lines with attendant structures.
Provided such uses comply with Town ordinances or regulations, and applicable CAMA permitting
requirements.
Densities: Not applicable
Lot Sizes: Not Applicable
Utilities.• Not applicable
4. Classification: Conservation Spoil
Uses Permitted: This is a subclassification of Conservation. The only permitted use is for the
deposition of dredge spoil material resulting from the maintenance of waterways and inlets.
Densities: Not applicable
Lot Sizes: Not Applicable
7-6

8.0 INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION
The Ocean Isle Beach Land Classification Map interfaces with the Brunswick County Land
Classification Map ( 1993 Update ) along Ocean Isle's boundary of extraterritorial jurisdiction,
generally north of NC Highway 179. The County's map indicated "Urban Transition" for most of
this contiguous area. A small area of "Limited Transition" Classification adjoins the western portion
of the extraterritorial area.
The Urban Transition class provides for future intensive urban development on lands that are suitable.
This is the area of the County where thousands of individually owned lots are in the process of
development, and where new development is occurring. These areas exhibit a variety of land uses,
from low -density residential to commercial and very small industrial activities." The purpose of this
"Limited Transition" classification is to provide for development in areas having some public
services, but are suitable for lower densities. Areas in this class will experience increased
development during the planning period, necessitating some municipal type services. These two
classifications are considered compatible with the Ocean Isle Beach Planning Area Land Classification
System (Section 7.0 and Map 4). (Note: Brunswick County is currently revising its 1993 CAMA
Land use Plan and these classifications may he changing.)
The Town shares a number of concerns and common issues with Brunswick County and neighboring
Towns. Some of these issues and concerns are discussed below.
Water Distribution - During times of peak demand the County may restrict flow into the
Ocean Isle Beach system in order not to deprive the Sunset Beach system during times of
peak demand. This situation will soon be alleviated with the completion of a multimillion
gallon ground storage tank located between the two towns and by the County's installation
of a new water distribution line from US 17 directly to Ocean Isle Beach.
Emergency Medical Service - Ocean Isle Beach is served by the Brunswick County,
Calabash, and Shallotte Emergency Medical Services and the First Responder Units of the
Ocean Isle and Sunset Beach Volunteer Fire Departments. The Brunswick County
Emergency Medical Service is planning to construct an EMS Station on Georgetown Road
which will better serve Southwestern Brunswick County.
Traffic and Emergency Evacuation: The Town has endorsed the Brunswick County
Evacuation Plan and has prepared its own local Emergency Response Plan. The Town will
participate with the revision of Brunswick County Thoroughfare Plan.
Mutual Aid Agreement - The Town has mutual aid agreements with the County Sheriffs
Department and the Shallotte and Sunset Beach Police Department. The Sheriff's
Department dispatches the Town's police officers between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 8:00
a.m.
8-1

0
• Extraterritorial Jurisdiction: - The Town and the County cooperated on the transition of
regulatory jurisdiction within the extraterritorial area in May 1990.
• 911 System: - The Town participated in the street naming and house numbering system
associated with the County's 911 system for fire protection, law enforcement, emergency
rescue and medical services.
• Septic Tank Permitting: The Town issues building permits and certificates of occupancy in
its ETA in conjunction with the County's septic tank permitting process.
• Airport Zoning= The County adopted an airport zoning ordinance that restricts development
within the immediate vicinity of the airport.
• Brunswick County Landfill: The Town of Ocean Isle Beach utilizes the County landfill and
urges the County to find a suitable replacement to the county landfill which is nearing
capacity.
8-2

9.0 CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN AND NOVEMBER 1996 SURVEY RESULTS
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN FOR OCEAN ISLE BEACH, N.C.
1997 CAMA LAND USE PLAN UPDATE 9
Subchapter 7B of the N.C. Administration Code, CAMA Land Use Planning Guidelines, requires
that the plan update process be conducted in the public arena. It is, therefore, the responsibility of
the local government to involve, inform, and educate a broad cross-section of the population.
There should be a continuous structure in place which both reaches out and invites diversified
segments of the community to participate within its jurisdictional boundaries.
The Town of Ocean Isle is aware of this responsibility and will seek to carry out this obligation
throughout the updating of its 1997 Land Use Plan. The following steps will be taken in order to
provide information to the public and to maintain citizen involvement throughout the process:
1. Designation of Principal Local Board and Planner -in -Charge
Ms. Margaret H. Hayes of the firm Hayes & Associates will serve as the Planner -in -Charge and will
supervise the project. Mr. Gregrey Taylor, Town Administrator, will serve as the preliminary
contact between the Town of Ocean Isle and the Planning Consultant. The Ocean Isle Planning
Board will be the principal local board directing the 1997 Land Use Plan Update with the Mayor
and Board of Commissioners.
2. Public Information Meetings and Public Hearing
Included as part of this plan is a schedule of events to inform and receive input from the citizens as
well as from Town officials. The schedule includes two (2) public meetings, one (1) public hearing,
and a survey property owners. A survey of the town and ETJ property owners will be conducted in
January 1997. A questionnaire will be mailed to all property owners with a local zip code and to 20
percent of the out-of-town property owners and ETJ households. The February 3, 1997 Public
Meeting will focus on an explanation of the CAMA Land Use Planning Process, presentation of the
survey results, and the identification of planning issues. The June 1997 Public Meeting will focus
on the presentation of data analysis, constraints, maps, and an assessment of the Town's land use
policies. In July 1997, the draft policies, draft land classification map, hurricane mitigation and post
disaster recovery policies, and plan sections will be presented to the Mayor, Board of
Commissioners, and Planning Board in a joint planning workshop. Copies of the preliminary plan
will then be available for public review during August 1997. The final public hearing will be
conducted on September 9, 1997 prior to the submission of the preliminary plan to the Coastal
Resources Commission. In addition to the meetings outlined above it is anticipated that the
Planning Consultant will meet at least monthly with the Town of Ocean Isle Planning Board. These
meetings will be open to the public and will usually be conducted on the third Tuesday morning of
each month from October 1996 through September 1997.
0

3. Public Notification of the Land Use Plan Undate Meetings
The public will receive notice of all its opportunities for input through the legal advertisement of
the public meetings in the Brunswick Beacon, the local newspaper which is widely read by many of
Ocean Isle residents. The Ocean Isle Property Owners Association will be informed about the
CAMA land use planning process and public. meetings. Announcements concerning the public
meetings will also be posted at the Ocean Isle Town Hall as well as other key locations throughout
the Town. All economic, social, ethnic, and cultural viewpoints will be considered in the
development of the land use plan update.
Adopted this the day of
Ocean Isle, North Carolina.
By44
:.L¢o�-u�%�l
Title: ti eullt o/n 4c�s�ct�9'�
1996 by the Board gf commissioners of
fill
OGEANZ ,,P��
Town Sc�a� •' '•�<
;' ':�•.
SEqZo
,� __
m.,
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Ile 09�••••••••.000 �•`�,
TENTATIVE DATE* EVENT
�CARO�,,
October 8, 1996 Ocean Isle Board of Commissioners approves the planning contract with
Hayes & Associates.
November 12, 1996 Board of Commissioners adopts Citizen Participation Plan and approves
the survey.
November 30, 1996 CAMA Land Use Plan Information sheet distributed at Ocean Isle Property
Owner Association Meeting.
December 27, 1996 Citizen Survey Questionnaire mailed to all property owners with a local zip
code and to 20 percent of the out-of-town and ETJ households by December
27, 1996.
February 3, 1997 Public Meeting* Assessment of Land Use Issues for Ocean Isle. Discussion
of survey results.
June, 1997 Public Meeting; Review of February public meeting. Presentation of data
analysis, maps, and constraints. Assessment of draft land use policy
statements.
July, 1997 Joint planning workshop with Mayor, Board of Commissioners, and
Planning Board to finalize draft plan.
August, 1997 Thirty -day notice of public hearing. Draft plan available for review in Town
Hall and Brunswick County Courthouse.
September 9, 1997 Public Hearing: Ocean Isle Board of Commissioners approves
submission of Draft Final Plan to the Coastal Resources Commission.
* Actual dates subject to change as needs and circumstances dictate.
2

SUMMARY OF OCEAN ISLE BEACH CAMA SURVEY DE EMBER 1996
As part of the process of updating its 1990 CAMA Land Use Plan, the Town of Ocean Isle Beach
surveyed its town property owners and ETA residents. During December 1996, the Town mailed a total
of 764 surveys of which 299 were sent to all town property owners with a local zip code, 395 were sent
to out-of-town property owners (20 percent of all non-resident property owners), and 70 were sent to
residents in the extraterritorial area (ETA.) In addition, approximately 50 survey forms were distributed
at the Ocean Isle Beach Property Owner Association meeting on November 30, 1996 thus a total of 814
survey forms were distributed.
A total of 338 surveys were returned of which 325 were from town property owners and 13 were from
ETA residents. Nearly 42 percent of all survey forms were returned which is an excellent response rate.
The Town of Ocean Isle Beach Planning Board tabulated the survey forms and Hayes & Associates
compiled all the open-ended questions and additional comments. The following report summarizes the
survey responses. A concerted effort was made to include all comments and concerns as noted. The
objective of this survey was to give property owners the opportunity to express their opinions. This has
been achieved by using both open-ended and closed -ended questions. It should also be noted that this
survey is not a random, "scientific" instrument, but actually a comment form soliciting opinions. The
responses are simply a "snapshot" of how the respondents regard Ocean Isle Beach as of the time they
responded. The survey is just the first step in gathering citizen input for updating the CAMA plan.
Who actually responded to the questionnaire? Of the 325 town property owners, 25.5 percent were
year-round residents, 66.3 percent were seasonal/second home property owners, 3.5 percent were
business owners/ resident, and 4.7 percent were business owners who do not live within the Ocean Isle
Beach Planning Area. The 13 ETA respondents were nearly evenly distributed between year-round and
seasonal residents.
Beach renourishment/ shoreline erosion, growth management, and the capacity and quality of the sewer
and water systems are perceived as the major problems and issues by town property owners as revealed
in both questions 2 and 6. Nearly 55 percent of the town respondents believe that growth is progressing
too fast and nearly 40 percent believe that the summer seasonal and tourist population exceeds the town's
capacity. The majority of town respondents preferred future development on the island to be single-
family homes, restaurants, and recreation uses, but supported higher density developments such as
duplexes, condominiums, hotels and motels, restaurants, retail services, and recreation uses to be on the
mainland. Town respondents did not support mobile home or industrial development within the Ocean
Isle Beach Planning Area. Town and ETA respondents want Ocean Isle Beach to continue to develop
as a family resort community.
The need for quality, controlled growth is a theme expressed throughout the survey, especially as noted
in many of the comments. Many respondents stated their appreciation for how Ocean Isle Beach has
developed thus far, but are afraid that this community is approaching a threshold for growth and that
future accelerated growth may result in a decline in the area's character and quality of life which attracted
them to this town initially.
0

•
0
2
TOWN OF OCEAN ISLE BEACH CAMA LAND USE PLAN SURVEY
The Town of Ocean Isle Beach is currently updating its 1990 CAMA Land Use Plan with a grant
received from the NC Division of Coastal Management. This is an excellent opportunity for town
officials and citizens to plan for the future of Ocean Isle Beach. As the first step in this process, the
Town Commission and Planning Board are surveying property owners. Your opinion is very
important and we would appreciate you taking a few minutes to complete this questionnaire. Upon
completion, please fold the questionnaire with the return address showing on the outside and fasten
with tape or staple. Please stamp and mail by 1115197 or drop in the collection box at the Town Hall.
The survey results will be presented at the February 3, 1997 CAMA Land Use public meeting. We
look forward to working with you to develop a plan which meets the needs of our local government
and citizens. Thank you!
Betty Williamson, Mayor
( ---) = ETA Response
1: Please check your residency status and state the number of months of the year that you
live at your Ocean Isle residence.
Type
(Please check the most
applicable status.)
Check
Residency
Status
Number of Months
Reside At
Ocean Isle Beach
Average Number of
Household Residents/
Occupants
Year-round Resident
80 (6)
Avg. = 11.78 (12)
Avg. = 2.07 (2)
Seasonal/ Second Home
Property Owner or Resident
208 (6)
Avg. = 3.27 (4.66)
Avg. = 3.70 (3.17)
Business Owner / Resident
11 (0)
Avg. = 6.82 (0)
Avg. = 3.0 (0)
Business Owner / Non-resident
15 (l)
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
2. What in your opinion is the one most important problem facing Ocean Isle Beach?
(1) Shoreline Erosion / Beach Renoruishment; (2) Growth and Development; (3) Infrastructure
Concerns See attached comments.
3. Do you feel that growth in Ocean Isle Beach is progressing ...
5 (0) Too slow
136 (10) Just about right
173 (3) Too fast
4. Do you feel that the summer seasonal population and tourist population ...
126 (3) Exceeds Town capacity
167 (10) Is about right

3
5. What type of development should be encouraged or discouraged on the Ocean Isle Beach
island and mainland? 0
Type of Development
ISLAND
MAINLAND
Encouraged
Discouraged
Encouraged
Discouraged
Single-family Residential
290 (8)
18 (2)
229 (10)
5 (0)
Duplexes
104 (5)
178 (5)
.170(5)
64 (3)
Multi -family / Condominiums
35 (3)
253 (7)
133 (3)
106 (5)
Mobile Homes
0 (0)
300 (11)
19 (1)
' 231 (9)
Hotels and Motels
30 (6)
246 (4)
142 (9)
102 (2)
Restaurants
178 (10)
101 (2)
23 6 (11)
20 (1)
Retail and Services
115 (7)
165 (3)
240 (10)
19 (1)
Recreation
185 (10)
86 (2)
225 (10)
17 (1)
Industry
1 (0)
278 (10)
99 (6)
144 (5)
6.What do you think are the most important issues now facing Ocean Isle Beach? Rank each item
according to the following scale: 5 = Major Issue 3 = Minor Issue 0 = Not an Issue
Score: (No. Of 5 Responses x 5) + (Number of 3 Responses x 3) 0
[Rankl/Score
Town Responses
[Rankl/Score
ETA Responses
[1] 1,423
Shoreline Erosion
[ 1] ( 63)
Sewer Capacity
[2] 1,335
Beach Renourishment
[ 2] ( 51)
Growth Management
[3] 1,302
Growth Management
[ 3] ( 49)
Stormwater Management
[4] 1,268
Density of Residential Dev.
[ 3] ( 49)
Beach Access and Parking
[5] 1,265
Sewer Capacity
[ 4] ( 48)
Shoreline Erosion
[6] 1,135
Stormwater Management
[ 51 ( 47)
Public Boat Access
[7] 1,021
Canal Maintenance
[ 6] ( 46)
Beach Renourishment
[8] 915
Beach Access and Parking
[ 71 ( 44)
Density of Residential Development
[9] 872
Traffic Congestion
[ 8] ( 37)
Traffic Congestion
[10] 813
Public Boat Access
[ 9] ( 35)
Canal Maintenance
[11] 520
Annexation
[10] (20)
Annexation
Other Issues: See attached comments.
7. What is your vision for Ocean Isle Beach by 2007?
293 (12) To develop as a family resort community
14 (1) To develop as a tourist resort area
Other See attached comments
Additional comments may be written on the back of page 1. Thank you for your participation.

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10.0 EFFECTIVENESS EVALUATION OF 1990 TOWN OF OCEAN ISLE BEACH
CAMA LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
According to the 7B CAMA Land Use Planning Guidelines, local governments must evaluate how
effectively the previous CAMA Land Use Plan has been implemented and determine what
improvements the government intends to make in this plan update. This evaluation should occur at
the beginning of the update process so as to provide a foundation upon which to develop new
policies. [ T 15A: 07B .206 (6)] This questionnaire will serve as a discussion guide for the October
15, 1996 Planning Board meeting. Planning Board members and town officials should reread the
1990 policies and implementation strategies and determine whether the policy has been implemented
as cited since 1992 and whether the policy is sufficient as currently written. Problems with
implementation and effectiveness should be noted in order to improve the policy .
Policy
Page
Implemented as Cited
Effectiveness
Yes
No, Wh not?
Adequate
I Needs Improvement
Soils and Septic Tank
p. 38
x
x
Suitability
Flood Prone Areas
p. 39
x
x
Estuarine System
p. 43
x
x
Ocean Hazards Area
p. 44
X
x
Freshwater Swamps,
p.45
X
x
Marshes, Wetlands
Cultural and Historic
p.45
X
Update to include
Resources
Discovery Place and
Museum
Protection of Potable
p.46
X
x
No wells, County
Water Supply
water system
Use of Package
p. 46
x
x
No package plants in
Treatment Plants
Town remaining
Storm Water Run-off
p. 46,47
x
Major issue for coastal
x
Associated with
areas
Residential
Development
Marina, Floating Home
p.47
X
x
Development, Dry Dock
Storage Facilities
Industrial Impacts on
p. 48
x
x
Add near Airport
Fragile Areas
10-1

Policy
Page
L Implemented as Cited
Effectiveness
Yes
No, My not?
Adequate
Needs Im rovement
Development of Sound
p. 48
x
x
and Estuarine System
Islands
Restriction of
p. 48
x
Needs better research
Development Because
by State and Federal
of Sea Level Rise
governments
Upland Excavation for
p. 48
x
x
Probably not feasible
Marina Basins
in Ocean Isle because
of wetlands
Damage of Existing
p. 49
x
Correct grammar
Marshes by Bulkhead
Installation
Commercial and
p. 50
x
x
Problem with bridge
Recreational Fisheries
area and recreational
fishing
Off -Road Vehicles
p. 50
x
Implemented jet ski
x
regulations in 1997
Residential,
p.51
X
Major issue for 1997
x
Commercial, and
Update
Industrial Land
Development Impacts
on any Resources
Community Attitude
p. 51
x
Major issue for 1997
x
Towards Growth
Update
Density and Scale of
p. 52
x
Needs to be clarified
x
Development
Industrial Development
p. 53
x
x
Provision of Services to
p.53
X
Major issue for 1997
x
Development
Update
Desired Urban Growth
p. 53
x
Major issue for 1997
x
Patterns
Update
Redevelopment of
p. 54
x
x
Developed Areas
Commitment to State
p. 54
x
Add beach
and Federal Programs .
renourishment
•
10-2 0

•
•
Policy
Page
I Implemented as Cited
Effectiveness
Yes
No, Why not?
Adequate
Needs Improvement
Assistance to Channel
p. 55
x
x
Add policy about
Maintenance and Beach
canals
Renourishment
Tourism
p.55
x
x
Beach and Waterfront
p. 56
Did not implement mass
Potential problem if
Access
transit
private parking lots not
available
Anticipated Residential
p. 57
x
x
Development
Coastal Storm High
p. 60
x
-
x
Wind Policy
Coastal Storm Flooding
p. 60
x
x
Policy
Coastal Storm Wave
p. 60
x
x
Action and Shoreline
Erosion
Post Disaster
p. 61
x
x
Reconstruction Polices
Immediate Clean-up
p.63
x
x
and Debris Removal
Long Term
p.62
x
x
Recovery/restoration
Reconstruction
p.63
x
x
Development Standards
Development Moratoria
p. 64
x
x
Repair/Reconstruction
p.64
x
x
Schedule
Repair and Replacement
p.65
x
x
of Public Utilities
Evacuation Procedures
p.65
X
x
Evacuation Time
p. 66
x
x
Re-entry After
p. 66
x
x
Evacuation
10-3

11.0 REFERENCES
Fort Surveying. "Summary of Real Estate Acitivity in Brunswick County. July 1991.
Glen Harbeck and Associates. Brunswick County, North Carolina Land Use Plan 1993 Update.
Certified by NC Coastal Resources Commission September 1993.
McKim & Creed Engineers, P.A. Town of Ocean Isle Beach CAMA Land Use Plan 1990
Update. Certified by the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission May 1992.
NCDEHNR Division of Environmental Management, Lumber River Basinwide Water Quality
Management Plan, May 1994.
North Carolina Division of Coastal Management: Brunswick County: Ocean Isle Beach Land Use
Planning Information Packet, Fall 1996.
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. Inventory of the Natural Areas and Rare Species of
Brunswick County, North Carolina, June 1995.
North Carolina Office of State Planning. "Population Counts, Estimates, and Projections."
December 1996, June 1997.
Malinovsky, Joanne. "Myrtle Beach Area Statistical Abstract, Ninth Edition" Myrtle Beach Area
Chamber of Commerce, April 1997.
Muirhead, Desmond and Guy L. Rando. Golf Course Development and Real Estate. Washington,
D.C.: ULI- the Urban Land Institute, 1994.
United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. Soil Survey of Brunswick
County, North Carolina. November 1996.
Unites States Census, 1970, 1980, and 1990.
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