CAMA Land Use 1986 Update-1987

OCEAN ISLE BEACH, N.0
CAMA LAND USE
•
1986 UPDATE
DCM COPY DCM COPY
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Division of Coastal Management
PREPARED BY
TALBERT , COX & ASSOCIATES, INC.
LOCAL ADOPTION: FEBRUARY 10,1987
CRC CERTIFICATION: MARCH 27, 1987
The preparation of this document
was financed in part through a
grant provided by the North
Carolina Coastal Management
Program, through funds provided by
the Coastal Zone Management Act of
1972, as amended, which is
administered by the Office of
Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.

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OCEAN ISLE BEACH, NORTH CAROLINA
LAND USE PLAN: 1986 UPDATE
PREPARED FOR
OCEAN ISLE BEACH, NORTH CAROLINA
LaDane W. Bullington, Mayor
OCEAN ISLE BEACH BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Terry D. Barbee
William D. Benton, Mayor, Pro Tem
Debbie Fox
Virginia Gibson
Betty S. Williamson
PREPARED BY OCEAN ISLE PLANNING BOARD
William T. Bullington, Chairman
Terry D. Barbee
Patricia Hostetler
AND
T. Druied Roberson, Building Inspector
Alberta C. Tatum, Town Clerk
PLANNING ASSISTANCE PROVIDED
BY
Kenneth Weeden, AICP, Project Manager
Talbert, Cox & Associates, Inc.

VIRGINIA
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OCEAN ISLE BEACH, NORTH CAROLINA
LAND USE PLAN: 1986 UPDATE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
PREFACE: Analysis of 1981 Policy Statements/
Implementation Actions v-ix
SECTION I: Analysis of Existing Conditions
A. Establishment of Information Base 1
B. Present Conditions 2
1.
Population
2
2.
Economy
7
3.
Impact of Seasonal Population
8
4.
Existing Land Use Analysis
10
a. Current Conditions
10
b. Land Compatibility Problems
13
c. Problems from Unplanned Development
13
d. Areas Likely to Experience Major Land Use
Changes in Predominant Land Use
13
e. Areas of Environmental Concern
14
5.
Current Plans, Policies, and Regulations
17
C. Constraints: Land Suitability
21
1.
Physical Limitations
21
D. Constraints: Capacity of Community Facilities
24
1.
Existing Water Service Areas
24
2.
Sewer Service Area
25
3.
Schools
25
4.
Transportation
26
E. Estimated Demand
27
1.
Population Trends
27
2.
Future Land Need
28
3.
Community Facilities Needs
28
4.
Summary of Trends and Policy Issues
31
SECTION
II: POLICY STATEMENTS
33
A. Resource Protection: Estuarine System
34
1.
Areas of Environmental Concern
34
2.
Areas of Environmental Concern: Ocean Hazards Area
36
3.
Natural and Cultural Resources
38
ii ,

PAGE
4.
Development in Areas with Constraints
38
5.
Hurricane and Flood Evacuation Needs
41
6.
Protection of Potable Water Supplies
41
7.
Use of Package Treatment Plants
41
8.
Stormwater Runoff
41
9.
Marina and Floating Home Development
42
10.
Industrial Impacts of Fragile Areas
42
11.
Development of Sound and Estuarine System Islands
42
B. Resource Production and Management
42
1.
Recreational Resources/Fisheries
42
2.
Off -Road Vehicles
43
C. Economic and Community Development Policies
44
1.
Local Commitment to Providing Services
to Development
44.
2.
Redevelopment of Developed Areas
44
3.
Desired Urban Growth Patterns
45
4.
Commitment to State and Federal Programs
46
5.
Assistance to Channel Maintenance and Beach
Renourishment
46
6.
Tourism
47
7.
Beach and Waterfront Access
47
8.
Types, Density and Location of Development
48
9.
Energy Facility Siting and Development
48
10.
Special Development Issue: Transportation
and Internal Access Improvements
48
D. Continuing Public Participation Policies 52
E. Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery, and
Evacuation Plans 54
1. Storm Hazard Mitigation: Discussion 54
a. High Winds 54
b. Flooding 55
c. Wave Action 55
d. Erosion 56
e. Summary: Storm Hazard Mitigation Considerations 56
f. Policy Statements: Storm Hazard Mitigation 57
g. Implementation: Storm Hazard Mitigation 58
2. Post -Disaster Reconstruction Plan 58
3. Hurricane Evacuation Plan 62
4. Re -Entry 63
iii

PAGE
SECTION III: LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
64
'
A. Developed
64
'
B. Transition
65
C. Conservation
66
D. Conservation Spoil
66
E. Other Classifications
67
'
SECTION IV: RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES AND LAND
CLASSIFICATIONS
68
rA.
Developed and Transition Classes
68'
B. Conservation and Conservation Spoil Classes
68
iv

OCEAN ISLE BEACH LAND USE PLAN: 1986 UPDATE
LIST OF TABLES AND MAPS
TABLE NUMBERS PAGE
1.
Ocean Isle
Beach Year -Round Population: 1985 Estimate
3
2.
Ocean Isle
Beach Population Projections, 1990-1995
4
3.
Ocean Isle
_Beach Population Summary, 1985
6
4.
Commercial
Establishments and Average No. Employees, 1985
9
5.
Ocean Isle
Beach Assessed Valuations, 1983-86
8
6.
Corporate
Limits Land Use Acreages: 1980-1985
11
7.
Ocean Isle
Beach Building Permits, 1982-1985
11
8.
CAMA Permits in Ocean Isle Beach, January 1986
12
9.
Projected
Building Development, 1995
12
10.
Enrollment
Levels and School Capacity: Shallotte, N.C.
26
11.
Traffic Counts
and Projections - N.C. 904
26
12.
Ocean Isle
Beach Population Projections: 1986-1995
27
13. Summary of Property Most Susceptible to Wave
Action Damage 1 56
14. Percent of Structures Subject to Storm Damage Factors,
Ocean Isle Beach 57
MAPS
1. Location Map
2. Existing Land Use Map
3. Access Improvement Area
4. Composite Hazards Map
5. Land Classification Map
iv (a)
i
(Attached)
51
(Attached)
(Attached)

' PREFACE
OCEAN ISLE BEACH
' LAND USE PLAN UPDATE, 1986
Analysis of 1981 Policy Statements/Implementation Actions
The CAMA Land Use Plan for coastal communities is essentially
a policydocument aimed at guiding localities toward sound growth
management. Because circumstances, conditions, and issues change
' over time, the Coastal Resources Commission, under State law,
requires the local land use plans to be updated every five years
in order to "take a second look" at old policies for their
relevance as well as examine newly emerging trends and concerns.
The Commission is also requiring in all 1986 updates an assessment
of the previous policy statements and implementation steps taken
to effectuate them. This summary analysis of the 1981 policies is
being presented here as a "Preface" to the 1986 Plan Update of the
Town's Plan.
Policy Area
A. Resource Protection
Status/Relevancy
'
Policy/Implementation
Actions
1. Ocean Isle Beach will continue to
1. Implemented. An
support Federal and State regulatory
on -going concern.
controls. Also, as it has done in the
past, the Town will continue to enforce
its own local controls on building and
development. The local controls
include the subdivision, zoning,
leveling, dune protection, and flood
damage and prevention ordinances.
2. The Town will continually review
2. -Implemented. An
its ordinances for consistency with
on -going concern.
CAMA's and its own management
All relevant
'objective, and revise them where
ordinances we re -
needed. It is the belief of the Town,
viewed and placed in
"Develop
however, that the current CAMA permit
a single -
process and the State regulations
ment Handbook (1985).
regarding the placement of septic
'
tanks, combined with the local
ordinances listed in (1) above, provide
adequate management tools for.. -achieving
'
the stated objectives.
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3. Ocean Isle Beach, recognizing that
erosion along the beaches can cause many
problems, supports beach renourishment
projects that would allow approved
suitable spoils to be taken from
Intracoastal Waterway dredging to be
placed on designated areas on the
island. .
4. The Town, though aware that sane
inlets migrate as a natural ongoing
process, supports stabilization of Inlet
Hazard Areas near the Atlantic Ocean.
This area is also subject to the minimum
building set back line for Ocean Isle
Beach. It is the policy of Ocean Isle
Beach to not permit developments within
the Ocean Erodible Area (which generally
coincides with the Ocean beaches).
3. Implemented. An '
on -going concern.
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4. Implemented. An '
on -going concern.
Also, significant
accretion has occurr-
ed on the island's ,
west end.
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5. As long as the Town relies upon the 5. The use of these
system of horizontal well fields for wells is being phased
part of its water supply, development out, as the Town is
on the land above these wells will not connecting to the ,
be allowed. County water system.
6. Residential development will not be
encouraged in airport approach areas.
7. Until such time as a central sewage
collection and disposal system can be
developed, growth and development will
not be encouraged in areas where septic
tanks must be in compliance with State
Health Regulations.
8. During Fiscal Year 1981-82, Ocean
Isle Beach will authorize the Mayor to
apply for funds from the Office of
Coastal Management in order to provide
assistance in review.ng its local
ordinances for consistency with CAMA.
vi
6. An Airport Zoning
Ordinance, which was
prepared for Ocean
Isle Beach by
Brunswick County's
Planning Department,
has been,adopted.
7. The Town is
developing a cen-
tralized sewage
system, the first
Phase of which should
be developed in late
1986.
8. Funds were
applied for and
awarded, but the Town
decided not to
utilize them at the
time.
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' B. Resource Production
Policy/Implementation
' 1. Ocean Isle Beach will strictly
enforce its existing sign ordinance and
' litter law to help keep the community
neat and attractive.
2. The Town will continue to support
the expansion of recreational
opportunities that do not seriously
'
detract from the general aesthetics of
the community, or do not cause an
unsafe generation of traffic.
3. Ocean Isle Beach will consider the
development, adoption and enforcement
of a Community Appearance Ordinance in
extraterritorial areas and will
continue to support and encourage
private beautification efforts within
'
Town limits.
4. The Town will continue to support
public access to the beach strand.
5. In Fiscal Year 1984-85, the Town
Board will conduct a study of ways to
increase the efficiency of collection
and removal of trash by the Town's
sanitation unit in a more
cost-effective and energy conservation
manner. The board may seek the
assistance and service of outside
planning consultants.
C. Economic and Community Development
Policy/Implementation
1. The Town will continue to seek
financial assistance to develop a
central sewage collection and disposal
system on the island, in order to avoid
'
possible problems resulting from sole
reliance upon septic tanks for all
development.
vii
Status/Relevancy
Actions
1. Implemented. In
April, 1984, an ex-
panded, comprehensive
sign ordinance was
adopted.
2. In 1986, the Town
will begin management
of its first recrea-
tional park, proposed
to contain tennis
courts, etc.
3. On -going concern;
ordinance not
adopted.
4. The Town has
applied for and
received access
development grants,
and access planning
funds.
5. In March, 1986,
the Town -operated
solid waste collec-
tion system was
phase out, in favor
of the services of a
private contractor.
Economic & Community
Development - Actions
-1. Implemented.
Sewer system
currently being con-
structed and will
eventually serve the
entire Town, phasing
out septic tanks.

2. Ocean Isle Beach will continue to
provide suitable spoil sites for
dredging of the Intracoastal Waterway
by the Corps of Engineers. New
development will not be encouraged in
the existing spoil easement area..
3. The Town will seek Federal and
State assistance in support of beach
nourishment projects, and encourage
local private efforts.
4. 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.
5. In Fiscal Year 1981-82, the Town
Board will develop an official street
and house numbering system in order to
facilitate locating residences in
emergency situations and in order to
develop a uniform address system.
6. In Fiscal Year 1981-82, the Town
will extend its extraterritorial
jurisdiction to a portion of the
adjacent mainland area north of the
Intracoastal Waterway. Also, the
Town's zoning and subdivision
ordinances will be amended as
appropriately determined.
7. In Fiscal Year 1982-83, Ocean Isle
Beach will seek funding assistance to
develop more public waterfront access
ways.
2. Implemented.
3. Implemented.
4. Implemented. On-
going concern.
5. Implemented.
6. Proceedings cur-
rently underway.
7. Implemented in '
FY 85-86 and 86-87.
D. Continuing Public Participation
Continuing Public
Policy/Implementation Participation - Actions
1. Ocean Isle Beach believes that its 1. Implemented.
Planning Board, which has regularly
scheduled meetings, all of which are
open to the public, provides adequate
opportunities for citizens to air their
views concerning planning matters. The
viii

Board will continue to be maintained at
its present size.
2. Ocean Isle will continue its policy
of informing citizens of governmental
issues and decisions by sending out a
copy of the minutes of Town Board
Meetings to all permanent residents.
3. The Town will use published public
notices to inform citizens of pending
decisions involving land use planning
matters.
ix
2. Implemented. On-
going concern.
3. Implemented. On-
going concern.

SECTION I:
Analysis of Existing Conditions
and
Projected Demand

OCEAN ISLE BEACH LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
1986
A. ESTABLISHMENT OF INFORMATION BASE
This 1986 Land Use Plan Update for Ocean Isle Beach has been
prepared in accordance with requirements of the North Carolina
Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). Specifically, this document
complies with Subchapter 7B, "Land Use Planning Guidelines," of
the North Carolina Administrative Code, as amended, June 17,
1985.
The initial Land Use Plan for Ocean Isle Beach was prepared in
1976 as part of the overall Brunswick County Plan. However, the
first five-year update in 1981 as required by the CAMA regula-
tions, marked a significant step in the Town's history. The Town
developed its own Land Use Plan independently of the County, re-
presenting its first locally -based policy formulation effort. The
1981 Plan, which was adopted by the Town and later approved by the
Coastal Resources Commission, must also be updated after five
years. This document represents the Town's compliance with this
required, and, very useful exercise.
According to the Land Use Planning Guidelines, the major pur-
pose of periodic updating of local land use plans is to identify
and analyze newly emerging community issues and problems. An
additional element which was not required in either the 1976 Plan
or the 1981 Update is a "Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster
Recovery, and Hurricane Evacuation Plan," and is required to be
included in the 1986 Update. This element is designed to help
local governments effectively coordinate policies and actions
relating to the impact of hurricanes or other severe storms.
Another added emphasis in this 1986 update is the effects of in-
creasing development activity on the quality of coastal waters.
As stated in the 1981 Land Use Plan, population growth, which
requires an increasing utilization of land and other resources,
can lead to.undesirable consequences if the land and community
facilities are unregulated or improperly managed. Ocean Isle
Beach, through the development and subsequent updating of this
foundational policy document, along with the enforcement of exist-
ing local controls, is seeking to avoid the negative results of
unmanaged growth.
The guidelines further give the following objectives the
update should meet:
° to further define and refine local policies and issues;
° to further examine and refine the land classification
system and the land classification map;

° to assess the effectiveness of the existing land use plan
'
and its implementation;
° to further explore implementation procedures, and;
° to promote a better understanding of the land use planning
process.
Both the 1976 Land Use Plan and the 1981 Update provided much
of the needed information base for this most recent update. How-
'
ever, in many cases, new information had to be developed. A num-
ber of data sources were tapped during the preparation of this
plan in order to prepare updated analyses of population, housing,
,
the economy, and existing land uses. Most of the data came from
primary.and secondary sources in the form of direct contacts with
Town officials, (including members of the Planning Board), repre-
sentatives of various state and federal agencies and/or previously
published documents or reports. Also, on -site "windshield" sur-
veys were conducted to obtain data on existing land use patterns.
Efforts were made to obtain data that was as up to date and accu-
,
rate as possible. Also, as well as a general citizens' public
information meeting, several public meetings were held with the
Planning Board in order to solicit citizens' input in identifying
preliminary land development issues.
B. PRESENT CONDITIONS
1. Population
In the conventional land use planning process, population
analysis and future growth projections are often relatively uncom-
plicated procedures of collecting one set of figures from standard
secondary sources, such as the U. S. Census Bureau or State agen-
cies, and making estimates of future growth based on recent or
existing trends. For seasonally attractive localities, particu-
larly those with a high tourist orientation, population analysis
and attendant forecasting is not as uncomplicated. Such is the
,
case with Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.
a. Year -Round Population
Ocean Isle Beach, like other summer resort communities experi-
ences a wide fluctuation of population according to the season.
Although the year-round permanent population has always been and
remains relatively small, it has been steadily growing. The Town
was incorporated in 1959 and made its first showing in the U.S.
Census in 1960 with a permanent population of only five people.
In 1970, however, the U. S. Census showed a year-round population
of 78 people. The growth trend for permanent residents also
carried over into the 19701s, when the permanent population, ac-
cording to final U. S. Census figures reached 143. It should be
noted that "Preliminary" 1980 Census figures, as reported in the
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1981 Plan Update was 180 permanent residents. The "final" census
figure of 143 is 37 persons less than the "Preliminary" total. It
should also be noted that the final U. S. Census figure has been
contested by the Town. Nevertheless, the year-round population of
143 persons represented an increase of 83 percent --an average
increase of about 8 percent per year. Ocean Isle's rate of popu-
lation growth during the decade from 1970 to 1980, according to
final 1980 figures, was nearly double the rate of Brunswick
County's--83 percent compared to 47.7 percent. For purposes of
this 1986 Update of the Land Use Plan, however, the 1980 popula-
tion figure contained in the 1981 Land Use Plan, i.e., 180, will
be assumed as the most accurate figure.
The 1985 year-round population was estimated from a variety of
sources. Initially, estimates from the State Data Center through
1984 were examined. However, this figure of 189 persons was only
46 more persons than the U. S. Census final 1980 count and only
nine persons more than the level reported in the 1981 Plan. The
State's estimate also was considered "too low" by Town officials.
Also, the State estimates for 1985 for Ocean Isle Beach showed 285
permenant residents, again considered "low" by the Town. Projec-
tions and estimates were also obtained from the Brunswick County
Planning Department. The County Planning Department produces
annual population estimates of the County and its municipalities
based on reports filed by the County Electrical Inspector, and
cooperation from the Municipal Building Inspectors. Also, the
Town's Police Department conducted a house -to -house survey in
early 1986, reporting a total of 319 persons. Finally, the Town's
records on applicants for resident auto decals, which are required
for re-entry after a major storm, were carefully examined. These
applications also reported on the number of children per unit as
well. Non-resident owners also were eligible to apply for auto
decals, which provides a good data base for counting some "summer
residents". It was determined that these estimates, based on the
Town's records were more accurate, and will be used as the "base"
population for this Plan Update. Note Table 1, below:
Table 1: Ocean Isle Beach Year -Round Population: 1985 Estimate:
Year
Population
No. Change
% Change
1980
180
---
1985
372
192
107%
Source: 1981 Land Use Plan Update; Town of Ocean Isle Beach;
(auto decal recordsY,
Comparing the 1980 population estimate contained in 1981 Land
Use Plan, to current estimates, the Town's population grew by a
total of 107% over the five-year period, which is an annual aver-
age growth rate of 21.4%. This is a net numerical gain of 192
more persons. As the island community continues its growth as a
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family summer resort, it is likely that more and more people will, '
"come to the beach" to stay, and thereby increase the Town's year-
round population. However, it is unlikely that the rate of
growth, i.e., doubling every five years, will continue through the
period covered by this plan, i.e., 1995. Between 1985 and 1990,
based on discussions with Town officials and developers, a total
increase of nearly 30% is not unrealistic. This increase in the
year-round populace, i.e., an average annual increase of 5% would
place 475 permanent residents in the Town by 1990.
After 1990, based on discussions with Town officials and land
,
developers, it is also probable that the rate of population growth
will increase gradually up to a 10% per year peak by 1995. This
will be a total increase over the projected 1990 population of
nearly 50%, or 223 more persons. The 1995 year-round population,
therefore, is projected to be 698 persons. Notice Table 2, which
follows:
Table 2: Ocean Isle Beach Population Projections 1990-1995:
Estimated Year -
Projection Year Round Population Number Increase
1985 . 372
1990 475 103
1995 698 223
Source: Projections by Talbert, Cox and Associates, Inc.
By 1995, the year-round population at Ocean Isle Beach could
be double the 1985 estimate, for a total increase of 326 addition-
al permanent residents. The highest numerical growth would take
place between 1990 and 1995. Assuming an average household size
of 2.5 persons per unit, this will represent growth from approxi-
mately 149 year-round households to 279 households, i.e., 130 more
dwellings used for year-round occupancy. Current CAMA permit and
building permit trends, as will be discussed later in this docu-
ment, appear to support the projected growth trend. This growth
will obviously have an impact upon the Town's provision of ser-
vices. However, these specific impacts will be addressed in later
sections of this plan.
b. Seasonal Populations
The year-round population for resort communities is just one
,
component of the total population, especially in terms 'of impacts
upon local facilities and services. The "seasonal" population,
i.e., those persons drawn to the area during the summer months is
perhaps more significant. In Ocean Isle Beach the seasonal popu-
lation consists of summer residents and "weekenders" (i.e., per-
sons who have permanent addresses elsewhere, but who own resi-
,

tdences in Ocean Isle in which they spend all or part of the summer
months); cottage and motel unit renters, and day visitors. Each
of these sub -components will be discussed below:
(1) Summer Residents and Weekenders: Based on pre-
viously cited auto decal records for non-resident owners in 1985,'
126 dwelling units were used by persons who have permanent
addresses other than Ocean Isle Beach. A total of 323 persons
(including children) were noted in this category. Usually, it
should be noted, when the units owned by summer residents or
"weekenders" are not being privately used, they are rented out as
"cottages", and are therefore continuously occupied during,/the
summer season.
(2) Cottage and Motel Renters: Based on records
provided by the Building Inspector, as of September, 1985, Ocean
' Isle Beach contained a total of 1,720 dwelling units, including
single family, multi -family (condominiums), and duplexes. If the
number of units projected to be utilized by the year-round popula-
tion, summer -resident, and weekend owners is subtracted from this
total, then the number of dwellings available as rental beach
"cottages" can be estimated. In the preceding discussion, it was
stated that year-round residents occupy 149 units, and the summer
and weekend owners utilize 126 for a total of 275 units. The
total of 1,720 minus 275, leaves 1,445 units available for general
rentals. Local realtors estimated that the average occupancy per
rental unit is about eight (8) persons per dwelling. Therefore,
when all 1,445 available rentals are completely occupied, a total
of 11,560 additional persons are on the island.
There is only one active motel"The Winds" currently in Ocean Isle
Beach. Thismotel contains 65 units. The management stated the
motel has units to accomodate from two to eight persons, and that
upon complete occupancy, the average is about five persons per
unit. Therefore, during the summer peak occupancy, an additional
325 persons are in Ocean Isle Beach in this motel.
(3) Day Visitors: The final component of the seasonal
population of Ocean Isle Beach consists of "day visitors," i.e.,
residents from nearby inland communities who come down to "spend a
day at the beach." The typical peak day for day visitors is a
Saturday during the summer --especially if it is a holiday weekend.
Althoughit is very difficult to count all such visitors, an
analysis of annual Average Daily Traffic (ADT) rates provided by
the State Department of Transportation, provides some indication.
The most recent traffic counts available for Ocean Isle Beach were
taken in the spring of 1986 along N.C. Highway 904, between N.C.
179 and the old intracoastal waterway bridge, and near the inter-
section of 904-179, as a result of a specially requested volume
count. The annual ADT count. was 6,050 vehicles per day on N.C.
5

904, and 7,000 vehicles per day on N.C. 179-904. However, DOT I
officials stated that for seasonal areas, a "safe" projection of a
25% increase during the summer is reasonable. Therefore, the
summer daily traffic volume at the same location on N. C. 904
could be 7,562 vehicle trips per day. These 7,562 trips to and
from Ocean Isle Beach include those made by persons already on the
beach, i.e., year-round residents and cottage and motel unit rent-
ers, as well as day visitors. r
If it.is assumed that each of the 1,720 dwelling units and the
65 motel units (a total of 1,785) has at least one automobile
which makes an average of one trip across the waterway per day,
i.e., two vehicle trips, then 3,570 of the 7,562 vehicle trips can
be accounted for. It will be further assumed that the remaining
3,992 vehicle trips are made by day visitors. Since the total
,
count would include -traffic in both directions, then one-half of
the cars are likely to be on the beach for a portion of the day,
while the other half is leaving throughout the day. Thus one-half
of 3,992 cars, i.e., 1,996 vehicles carrying day visitors may be
assumed to be on the beach at any given time during a -"peak" day.
Town officials estimate that each such vehicle, on the average,
contains about five occupants. The total number of day visitors
on a "peak" day, therefore, is projected to be 5 x 1,996, or 9,980
persons.
c. Population Summary
Table 3, below, presents a summary of the various components
of the "peak" seasonal population of Ocean Isle Beach in 1985.
Table 3: Ocean Isle Beach Population Summary, 1985
Component 1985
Year -Round Residents 372
Summer Residents 323
Cottage and Motel Renters 11,885
"Resident"
Subtotal Population 12,580
Day Visitors
9,980
Total Peak 22,560
Source: Estimates and projections based on information provided
by Town officials; and N.C.D.O.T. Planning and Research
Branch
It is important to note that the 1981 Plan Update reported an
estimated seasonal population of from 6,000 to 7,000 persons. The
current seasonal peak, therefore, represents an increase of a
little over three times the level reported in the previous Plan.
The seasonal population at Ocean Isle Beach is obviously growing.
P
C

1
E
The composition of the population in terms of age, as reported
in the 1981 Plan, still consists mostly of young to middle -age
adults and retirees. However, the number of school -age children
residing within the Town appears to be increasing. As the popula-
tion increases, however, with more younger families choosing to
permanently locate in Ocean Isle, the number of school -age child-
ren will likely continue to increase.
Also, as stated in the 1981 Plan, Ocean Isle Beach's permanent
population still does not contain any racial minorities. As the
overall population continues to grow, it is feasible that the
future population will include members of minority groups.
2. Economy
The economy of Ocean Isle Beach, although it has grown, has
changed little since the 1981 Plan It is still dependent upon
tourism and travel. Ocean Isle Beach lies between two other beach
communities, Sunset Beach and Holden Beach, and borders the Intra-
coastal Waterway. The Town features white, powdered sand beaches,
a gentle surf, quietude, and privacy. These attractions, as well
as the opportunity for surf and pier fishing, offer relaxing vaca-
tions to thousands of visitors during the summer months each year,
as noted under the discussion on the population components.
Ocean Isle's growing economic base consists mainly of ser-
vices, such as motels, cottage rentals, restaurants, gifts and
specialty shops, and privately -owned recreational facilities, such
as water slides and mini -golf courses. All of these services are
generally geared toward the traveling and vacationing publicjand,
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. Most of the
businesses in the Town do not remain open all year-round. Obvi-
ously, some stores, shops, and service stations must remain open
to serve the year-round population.
The service -based economy of Ocean Isle consists almost total-
ly of commercial activities, which has grown substantially since
1981. There is no agricultural or farming activity in the Town;
neither are there any manufacturing or industrial interests in
Ocean Isle. The 1981 Plan reported only 26 commercial establish-
ments, with a total average of about 90 employees. Of those-26
establishments, six were concerned with real estate. In 1985,
however, the number of commercial establishments had grown to 43,
with an average employment level of 205 employees and 16 were
involved with real estate development, construction, or.manage-
ment. This represents a substantial increase in both economic and
employment activity. The 1981 Plan reported the peak employment
level (including 10 Town employees) to be about 100 persons. The
1985 average peak employment level of 205 does not include the now
12 Town employees. Total employment peak is currently projected

to be double the level five years ago. Real estate development
and sales, as reported in the 1981 Plan, is still the most signif-
icant factor in the resort community's economy. For example,
there were four major multi -family developments reported in the
1981 Plan; as of 1985, there are 24.
The continuing real estate development and sales in the Town
will most likely foster a continual growth in the number of perm-
anent residents. As permanent residents increase, the demand for
local services also increases. As local commercial services and
activities increase, the Town will witness even more expansion of
its economic base.
Table 4, next page, contains a listing of the Town's business
in 1985. A few of the residents are engaged in minor commercial
fishing. This activity, however, is relatively small, and plays
no significant role in the Town's economy.
Another indication of the significant and continuing growth
trend of the Town's economy is the growth in property valuations
in recent years. Notice Table 5, below:
Table 5: Ocean Isle Beach Assessed Valuations, 1983-86
Year
1983
1984
1985
*1986
Assessed Valuation
67,298,594
77,584,307
98,180,807
251,000',000 (est.)
Source: Town of Ocean Isle Beach
% Change
15.3
26.5
n/a
As real estate development and population increase, the total
assessed valuation will also increase, providing needed local
government revenues. (It should be noted that in 1986, properties
were re-evaluated, which accounts for the dramatic increase from
1985.) Another development since the 1981 Plan which has greatly
aided local government revenues is the North Carolina
accommodations tax, paid by owners of rental units based on the
occupancy level of their units.
3. Impact of Seasonal Population:
Since 1980, the seasonal population increases have tripled
from 6,000 to 7,000 people to over 22,000. Naturally, the impact
is substantial. The most significant impacts, as reported
* Re-evaluation year

1
TABLE 4: COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS AND AVERAGE NO. EMPLOYEES, 1985
Approximate
Company or
Institution
Frank Williamson Const.
Island House & Islander
Restaurant
Sloane Realty
Cooke Realty
Betty Williamson Realty
Inc.
Ocean Isle Beach
Supermarket
Sheffield Grocery
The Beach Shop
The Deli
The Galley
The Breakers
Ocean Isle Pier
Ocean Isle Realty
River Country Mini -Golf
Ocean Isle Waterslide
Ocean Isle Marina
Island Realty
Charles Fox Const.
Sunshine Alley
Handful of Sand
Victoria Ragpatch
R.H. McClure, Inc.
James Brown Const.
Beach Traders Realty
ABC Store
W.D.Z.D. Radio
Sand -Dollar Realty
Surf & Sail, Inc.
American Vacationers
The sports Loft
Ocean Isle Interiors
Bee Hive
The Windstore
Shoreline Beauty Shop
Benton & Floyd Realty
Party Mart
Casey's Ice Cream Parlor
Southern Sands Realty
Ocean Isle Pharmacy
Salty's Surf
Causeway Realty
Dennis & Thompson, Inc.
United Carolina Bank
Service or
Product
Construction
Restaurant
Real Estate & Real Estate
Management
Real Estate & Real Estate
Management
Real Estate & Real Estate
Management
Grocery
Grocery
Grocery & Specialties
Restaurant
Grocery
Grill, Amusement Center
Grill, Amusement, etc.
Real Estate
Amusement
Amusement
Boating Equipment
Real Estate
Building
Dress Shop
Dress Shop
Dress Shop
Builders & Real Estate
Builders
Real Estate
Liquor Sales
Broadcasting, Inc.
Real Estate
Reantals & Specialties
Real Estate
Clothing
Interior Decorating
Gift Shop
Gift Shop
Hair Styling
Real Estate
Grocery, Beer & Wine
Ice Cream
Real Estate
Drug Store
Clothing etc.
Real Estate
Real Estate
Bank
Total
Source: Report to N.C. Local Government Commission
9
Number
Employees
5
32
16
14
4
0*
5
3
5
5
2
2
1
10
1
5
4
2
9
2
2
3
1
1
2
6
1
3
2
5
205

in the 1981 Plan, are upon the Town's economy and community
facilities, such as parking, water, and sewer. However, since the
1981 Plan, Ocean Isle Beach has taken some significant steps to
deal with both seasonal water and sewer demands. Although the
Town still has 11 wells supplying most of its water supply, it is
also connected to the Brunswick County regional water system. At
the intersection of N.0 Highways 179 and 904, there is a County
demand valve serving Ocean Isle Beach. During periods of peak
demand, the flow of _County water is triggered automatically.
During the "off season," however, the use of the County water
system has not been necessary. Only about four of the Town's
wells are utilized during the "off-season" period. Eventually (by
1987), the Town hopes to be relying completely on the
regional -wide system for its year-round water supply.
Being an ecologically sensitive barrier island, with limiting
soil types, disposal of effluent has always been a concern at
Ocean Isle Beach, and although currently the Town does not have a
central sewer system, one is currently being constructed in
Phases. Phase I (projected to be completed by late 1986) will -
serve the Town from the west end to Raleigh Street, which is most
of the developed area. The rest of the Town will be served by
Phase II (projected to be completed in 1989). Both water and
sewer service, in the future, as will be discussed under
"Community Facilities Constraints," should be able to handle
seasonal impacts for quite some time.
4. Existing Land Use Analysis
a. Current Conditions
The overall land use pattern in Ocean Isle Beach has changed
little since the preparation of the 1981 Land Use Plan Update, or
even since the 1976 Plan. The overall pattern is basically the
same. Within the Town's,corporate limits are approximately 1,950
acres of land, water, wetlands, and beaches. Notice Table 6 be-
low, which shows a comparison between 1980 acreages and estimated
1985 acreages within the corporate limits.
10
�

Table 6: Corporate Limits Land Use Acreages: 1980-1985
URBAN 1980 1985 % Change
Residential 130.00 164.00 26.10
Commercial, offices 11.00 16.00 45.50
Governmental 5.00 5.00 0.00
Roads 45.00 50.00 11.10
Recreation 0.00 7.50 --
*Undeveloped 839.00 787.50 - 6.13"
Subtotal 1,030.00 1,030.00 0.00
Water, wetlands, beaches 920.00 920.00 0.00
TOTAL ALL AREAS 1,950.00 1,950.00 -
Source: 1981 Land Use Plan; Ocean Isle Beach
* within the existing urbanized area; ** rounded figures.
Ocean Isle Beach, although rapidly developing, still has a
substantial amount of developable land. Residential developments
have witnessed an increase in both single-family and multi -family
developments. Also, a minor annexation (one grocery store, by the
owner's petition) north of the Intracoastal Waterway added a
little more "urbanized" area to the Town's jurisdiction. However,
with significant amounts of land available for development, com-
bined with the proposed provision of essential services, such as
water and sewer, it appears that Ocean Isle Beach will itself be
able to sustain significant levels of increased urbanized growth
and development. Notice Table 7, below, which shows recent -build-
ing permit.activity.
Table 7: Ocean Isle Beach Building Permits, 1982-1985
Total
Unit Type 1982 1983 1984 *1985 1982-85 -
Single -Family 83 99 102 99 383
Multi -Family 51 116 96 0 263
Duplex 2 6 2 6 16
Commercial 1 2 2 2 7
Total 137 223 202 107 669
Source: Ocean Isle Beach Building Inspection Department
11

The Building Inspector reported that nearly all of the units
,
for which building permits are issued are actually constructed.
Permit activity peaked in 1983, with more than half of the permits
being for multi -family units. The decline in total permits in 184
and 185 is reflective of the decrease in multi -family permit ac-
tivity. However, multi -family activity is projected to increase
significantly over the next few years.
Another indication of the projected building and development
trends in Ocean Isle is the number of CAMA major permit applica-
tions on file as of January, 1986. Notice Table 8, below:
Table 8: CAMA Permits in Ocean Isle Beach, January, 1986
Unit Type No. Units
S. F. 459
M. F. 686
Duplex 2
Commercial 8
Total 1,155
Source: Town Building Inspections Dept.
It is likely that most, if not all these proposed development s
will occur during -the period covered by this plan, i.e., by 1995.
If this is true, then the projected building development by 1995
(or sooner), is estimated in Table 9 below by comparing the CAMA
permits by unit type with existing structures.
Table 9: Projected Building Development, 1995
Undeveloped
Total
CAMA
Projected
Unit Type 1986 Permits
1995 %
Increase
S.F. 1,047 459
1,506
44.0
M.F. 667 686
1,353
103.0
Duplex 6 2
8
33.0
Commercial 37 8
45
22.0
Government 2 1
2
50.0
65.7
Total 1,759 1,156
2,914
Source: Building Ir.spections Dept.
The largest percentage increase will
come from multi -family
(condominiums) development.
12

b. Land Compatibility Problems
In the conventional land use planning concept, a land compati-
bility problem is generally identified when two or more land use
types are adjacent to each other and one is somehow restricted
from expansion because of adverse conditions caused by the other
use or uses, thus discouraging additional investment. Currently,
there are no such land compatibility problems in Ocean Isle Beach.
It should be pointed out that in the 1981 Plan, the Town's com-
plete reliance on 12;wells for its potable water supply, along
with the complete reliance upon septic tanks for wastewater dis-
posal, was cited as the most significant "compatibility" problem.
However, as discussed above, Ocean Isle Beach is currently con-
nected to the County regional water system on a demand -supply
basis, anticipating complete dependence upon County water in 1987.
Also, the Town is moving ahead with Phase I of the new sewer sys-
tem, including a treatment plant and collection lines to serve
nearly the entire developed.area. Phase I is to be operational by
elate 1986, with the rest of the Town being served by Phase II.
The "well and septic tank" issue will no longer pose a problem of
incompatibility.
c. Problems from Unplanned Development
In the 1981 Plan Update, the potential for water shortages
and/or salt -water intrusion into the Town's wells were cited as
major problems from unplanned development. However, future water
supplies, as discussed above, should not pose any serious prob-
lems. Currently, problems from unplanned development relate to
the demand of a growing seasonal and year-round population on
other community facilities, such as improved solid waste manage-
ment, emergency rescue, fire protection and other safety services,
adequate public parking in commercialareas, facilities to handle
pedestrian and recreational traffic (such as sidewalks, bike
trails, and public estuarine access), and municipal street
lighting.
Access to and from the island, from the mainland, was improved
substantially in November, 1985, with the completion and opening
of the new Odell Williamson Bridge, which is a high-rise span
.across the Intracoastal Waterway. However, the improved access
may well mean more cars, more people, and more of the problems
related to the items discussed in the above paragraph. Obviously,
planning for more extensive services and result of increasing
development is an issue which must be addressed by Ocean Isle
Beach.
d. Areas Likely to Experience Changes in Predominant
Land Use
' The areas within the Town's current jurisdiction likely to
experience changes in predominant land use during the planning
period are those areas which are presently vacant. As previously
mentioned, there are still large tracts of developable land on
13

Ocean Isle Beach which will likely be continuously developed
throughout the planning period.
Also, in 1985 (partly in response to proposed major rule
changes in coastal building requirements), a substantial number of
CAMA development permits were applied for in Ocean Isle Beach. As
of January, 1986, permits are on file for the construction of.
1,147 additional residential structures, and eight commercial
structures (See Tables 8 and 9, page 12). Although no exact time.
frame can be set for the development of these permitted struc-
tures, it is likely that they will be developed within the current
planning period, i.e., by 1995.
A very significant land use change for the Town is the pos-
sible development of its first public recreational park. The
land, about 7.5 acres located between Wilson and Laurinburg
Streets, is being managed.by the Town through an agreement with
the original developer of the Town. The Town may install public
recreation facilities with the approval of the land owner.
Facilities discussed include two tennis courts`, a volleyball
court, horseshoes, shuffleboard, tot lot, and board walk around
the perimeter, pedestrian walkways, public restrooms, and parking
for automobiles and bicycles. The tennis courts are currently
under construction and should be opened in the summer of 1986.
e. Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC)
The statutorily defined Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs)
in Ocean Isle Beach were described in the 1981.P1an, and except
for some changes in the "Ocean Hazards" category, remain essen-
tially the same. However, these areas need to be described again
for this 1986 Update. The AECs found for the Town of Ocean Isle
come under the Estuarine System grouping and the Ocean Hazard Area
category. The AECs under the Estuarine System group for Ocean
Isle Beach are:
(1) Coastal Wetlands, which 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 sources),
provided this shall not include hurricane or tropical storm tides.,
Coastal Wetlands also contain certain marsh plant species. The
Ocean Isle Coastal Wetlands occur generally in the northern por-
tions of the island which are adjacent to the Intracoastal Water-
way. The most substantial amount of wetlands is located in the
northwest sector of the island between the Intracoastal Waterway
and Old Sound Creek. Included are the marshlands adjacent to the
Intracoastal Waterway. Some of 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.
14

(2) Estuarine Waters are defined as "all the water of
the Atlantic Ocean within the boundary of North Carolina and all
the water of the bays, sounds, rivers, and tributaries thereto
seaward to the dividing line between coastal fishing waters and
inland fishing waters" (N.C.G.S. 113A-113(b)(2). The Estuarine
Waters are very important for a number of reasons, mainly because
they serve as the birthplace and nursery areas of many species of
fish and shellfish. Estuarine Waters support the valuable commer-
cial and sports fisheries of the coastal area which are comprised
of estuarine -dependent species such as menhaden, flounder, shrimp,
crabs, and oysters. These species must spend all or some part of
their life cycle within the Estuarine Waters in order to mature
and reproduce. The 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
Tubb's Inlet on the west end), and the finger canals located near
the island's center.
(3) Public Trust Areas, which are sometimes partially
defined as all waters of. the Atlantic Ocean and the land there-
under from the mean high water mark to the seaward limit of State
jurisdiction; all natural bodies of water subject to measurable
lunar tides and lands thereunder ,to the mean high mark; all navi-
gable natural bodies of water and land thereunder to the mean high
water level or mean water level, as the case may be. Public Trust
Areas are.used for both commercial and recreational purposes.
Current regulatins define that in Ocean Isle Beach the Intracoast-
al Waterway, Tubbs Inlet, Shallotte Inlet, Ocean Beaches, and the
Atlantic Ocean adjacent to the beaches are all Public Trust AECs.
These areas support recreational uses such as swimming, boating,
water skiing and sportsfishing and commercial fishing.
(4) Estuarine Shorelines are defined as non -ocean
shorelines which are especially vulnerable to erosion, flooding,
or other adverse effects of wind and water and are intimately
connected to the estuary. This area extends from the mean high
water level or normal water level along the estuaries, sounds,
bays and brackish waters for a distance of 75 feet inland. These
areas are significant because development within the shorelines
can influence the quality of estuarine life and can be subject to
the damaging process of shorefront erosion and flooding. The
shorelines of the Estuarine Waters described on this page and 75
feet landward are the Estuarine Shorelines in Ocean Isle Beach.
Areas of Environmental Concern within the Ocean Hazards Areas
category are those areas considered to be natural hazard areas
along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline where, because of their special
vulnerability to erosion or adverse effects of sand, wind and
water, uncontrolled or incompatible development could be hazard-
ous. Ocean hazard areas include beaches, frontal dunes, inlet
I
15

lands, and other areas in which geologic, vegetative and soil
conditions indicate a substantial possibility of excessive erosion
or flood damage. The three major Ocean Hazard Areas are described
below:
(1) Ocean Erodible Area: This is the area of which
there exists a substantial possibility of excessive erosion and
significant shoreline fluctuation. The seaward boundary of this
area is the mean low waterline. The landward extent of this area,
as described in the 1984 plan, is basically 60 feet. However, in
November, 1984, a CAMA rule change resulted in the setback being
doubled in size to 120 feet for "large structures." The "basic"
setback requirements in the Ocean Hazards AECs for single-family
or small structures must be doubled for any structure that has
either a 5,000 S.F. or greater foundation for commercial build-
ings, or consists of more than four (4) units per residential
foundation. These rule changes are applicable in the Ocean
Erodible Area. Generally, however, the basic Ocean Erodible Area
is determined as follows:
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, as most recently determined
by the Coastal Resources Commission, times 60,
provided that where there has been no long-term
erosion or the rate is less than two feet per
year, this distance shall be set at 120 feet land-
ward from the first line of stable natural vegeta-
tion; and
° a distance landward from the established recession
line to the recession line that would be generated
by a storm having a one percent change or being
equalled or exceeded in any given year.
The Ocean Erodible Area for Ocean Isle Beach extends 120 feet
inland from the first line of stable natural vegetation. This
area is also the building setback line in Ocean Isle.* For setback
purposes, the rate of erosion has been set at two feet per year.
In actuality, over the past 38 years, Ocean Isle Beach has experi-
enced very little erosion, and in some areas, significant accre-
tion has occurred.
(2) High Hazard Flood Area:. 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
equalled or exceeded in any given year, as identified as "V" zone
on the flood insurance rate maps of the Federal Insurance Admini-
stration, U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The
100-year flood elevation level for Ocean Isle Beach ranges from
16

13 feet above mean
sea
level in the "A" zones, and up to 17 feet
in the "V" zones.
The
area with the greatest flood hazard poten-
tial extends along
the
ocean beach. The Town does participate in
the "regular phase"
of
the Federal Flood Insurance Program and has
"final" maps dated
December 18, 1985.
1
1
1
(3) Inlet Hazard Area: The Inlet Hazard Areas are
those lands identified by the State geologist to have a substan-
tial possibility of excessive erosion that are located adjacent to
inlets. This area shall extend landward from the 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 channeliza-
tion.
Ocean Isle Beach has two Inlet Hazard Areas, one located near the
eastern and one near the western ends of the island.- The largest
Inlet Hazard Area is located on the eastern end of the island on
land adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean and Shallotte Inlet. This
area has faced serious erosion problems, but currently appears to
be eroding at a slower__rate, according to the CAMA major permit
officer serving Ocean Isle Beach. The other Inlet Hazard Area is
located on the western tip of the Island, adjacent to the Atlantic
Ocean and Tubbs Inlet. It should be noted also that near the
western end of the island, the beach area is actually undergoing
accretion, i.e., building up. According to CAMA major permit
officer, the area also appears to be stabilizing.
In addition to the Ocean Erodible, Flood Hazard, and Inlet Hazard
Areas, significant land forms such as ocean beaches and frontal
dunes are also considered to be ocean hazards. Ocean beaches,
which consists of the land area between the mean low waterline and
the first line of vegetation, or where a significant change in
elevation or slope alters the configuration of the land form,
whichever is farther landward, occur all along Ocean Isle's south-
ern border. There are also primary dunes within the Town's juris-
diction. However, because of height definitions, these would have
to be determined on a case by case basis.
All development and development -related activity
nated AEC's within Ocean Isle Beach, is currently
Coastal Area Management Act permit process.
5. Current Plans, Policies, and Regulations
a. Transportation
Ocean Isle Beach's most recent
June 8, 1981. The most significant
construction of a new bridge across
within the desig-
regulated by the
Thoroughfare Plan was adopted
feature of this Plan was the
the Intracoastal Waterway.
17

However, the bridge, a new high-rise span, has been completed and
was officially dedicated in November, 1985. Named the "Odell
Williamson Bridge," in honor of the founder and principal develop-
er of the barrier island Town, the new bridge greatly improved
accessibility to Ocean Isle Beach. Other elements of the
Thoroughfare Plan, if implemented, could improve traffic flow
within the Town itself. All of N. C. 904 (except the actual
bridge crossing), is being widened to three lanes, thereby pro-
viding a turning lane and increasing traffic capacity. The Town
is currently considering its Town Engineering and Thoroughfare
Planning needs.
Although there are no official policies on pedestrian traffic,
the Town has discussed the idea of constructing sidewalks within
areas which currently experience heavy pedestrian traffic.
b. Community Facilities
(1) Water Distribution Plane Although the Town's
water source is currently based on 12 wells, Ocean Isle recognized
the limitations of continued reliance upon well expansion on the
island for long-term water supplies. The water system distribu-
tion plan which was prepared for the Town by Boney and Associates,
Consulting Engineers, with long-range plans of tying into the
Brunswick County water system should become a reality in 1987.
Currently, the Town receives water from the County system on a
peak demand basis, i.e., when the demand on the Town's wells
reaches a certain.point, water flows from the County system auto-
matically. As demand increases, another 8-inch line will be
attached to increase water flow to the island.
(2) Waste Treatment Plants: Ocean Isle was included
in a 1978 201 Facilities Plan for southwest Brunswick County.
This plan, which showed a proposed waste treatment plant using.
land application methods, is now in the process of being imple-
mented. A Preliminary Engineering Report, in reference to the 201
Plan, was prepared for Ocean Isle in 1979. The sewer system is
being developed in two main phases. Phase I, which should be
complete in 1987, will serve most of the developed portions of the
Town, down to Raleigh Street. Phase II will serve the rest of the
Town. The system is designed so that vacant, but developable, -
land area and lots can be served at densities allowed under the
current zoning ordinance. It is projected that all of the
developing areas will be served by the system. The initial treat-
ment capacity of the new sewer system will be 750,000 gpd with
definite, but currently unspecified, expansions planned for the
future, as demand dictates. The land application disposal site
will be located outside of the Town's jurisdiction on the mainland
on Four -Mile Road, 1.8 miles north of N.C. 904.
c. Utilities Extension Policy
The Town's policy concerning extending water lines to newly
developed areas (as stated in the 1981 Plan) is for the developer
18

to pay all of the costs of extension and installation. The Town,
however, does the actual work. After construction, all the lines
become the Town's property.
d. Recreation Policy
Ocean Isle is preparing to manage its first public park.
Generally, the proposed seven point five (7.5) acre facility will
be open to the public. The beaches provide most of the area's
recreational opportunities, and public beach access is also
provided at 13 locations along the strand, including one site
accessible to the handicapped. If recreation policies are deve-
loped, however, other facilities such as bicycle trails, etc.,
will also need to be addressed.
e. Prior Land Use Plans
The 1981 Land Use Plan Update was Ocean Isle's first attempt
at developing its own land use plan. In 1976, the Town agreed for
Brunswick County to prepare Ocean Isle Beach's Plan as part of the
County's Plan. The Town officials determined in 1981 that it
would be in the best interest of Ocean Isle to formulate its own
land use and land development policies because of increased devel-
opment within the Town. So, the 1981 Update, which contained an
assessmentofconditions and trends, projected demand, and poli-
cies, -along with implementation strategies, was the Town's first
independent Land Use Plan.
f. Regulations and Enforcement Provisions
(1) CAMA Permits: Because of Ocean Isle's location
and geographic features, most of the new development is regulated
by the CAMA permit process. The Town's Building Inspector also
serves as the CAMA Local Permit Officer. The Areas of Environ-
mental Concern which were described in the preceding section are
areas which need protection Enforcement of the CAMA permit
process is a major means for that protection.
(2) Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map: Ocean Isle
adopted a Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map in 1972. The Ordinance
established four use districts (two for residential uses, and two
for commercial uses), and has been actively enforced. However, in
1981, the ordinance underwent a compilation and clarification
process, including a clarification of building lot dimensions in
each of the four zoning districts. The Building Inspector is also
the Zoning Officer. In conjunction with the Zoning Ordinance, the
Town also has both a Planning Board and a Board of Adjustment.
Supplementary enforcement provisions in the ordinance include
ocean set -back lines and a prohibition against the location of
mobile homes within the Town. The Zoning Ordinance is the major
19

local tool for regulating development. Currently, Ocean Isle
Beach enforces its Zoning Ordinance only within the Town limits
and not within any extraterritorial area. Although no action has
been taken, the Town has sought technical assistance from the N.C.
Division of Community Assistance to help define an extraterritori-
al area.
(3) Subdivision Regulations: A Subdivision Ordinance
was adopted by the Town in 1975 and has been used to regulate the
general design of new residential development. The design stan-
dards are currently broad, allowing for considerable flexibility,
but does address flood hazard prevention measures in specific
terms. The Subdivision Ordinance, like the Zoning Ordinance, is
enforced by the Building Inspector.
(4) Development "Impact" Fees: Since the preparation
of the 1981 Land Use Plan, Ocean Isle Beach has adopted and en-
forced a policy whereby all developers/owners--whether of single-
family or multi -family units --are required to pay an "impact" or
"mitigation" fee of $1,000 per unit. This fee is intended to help
mitigate the cost of providing Town services and is viewed as a
contribution to the capital facilities and other supporting assets
of the Town.
(5) Sedimentation and Erosion Control Ordinance:
Ocean Isle does have an ordinance which imposes certain standards
upon new development in order to protect the Town from problems
associated with soil erosion and sedimentation. The ordinance,
however, does not address beach development erosion problems,
which are regulated by CAMA permits. The Building Inspector is
the designated enforcement officer. Since the 1981 Plan Update,
this ordinance has been updated and approved by the Land Quality
Section, Division of Land Resources, N. C. Department of Natural
Resources and Community Development.
(6) Dune Protection Ordinance: Ocean Isle has an
ordinance which prohibits the use of any vehicles,, including off -
road vehicles (dune buggies, in particular) on any beach strand.
This applies in particular to the area's sand dunes. This ordi-
nance is also enforced by the Police Department.
(7) Septic Tank Regulation: Currently, at least until
the completion of Phase I of the sewer system, septic tanks pro-
vide the only wastewater treatment system for Ocean Isle Beach.
Septic tank installation is regulated by the Brunswick County
Health Department. Each application is followed up with a site,
evaluation by a County Sanitarian, who dete=:mines suitability. If
the lot or property is determined to be suitable for septic tank
installation, a permit is granted. This practice will continue
until all of the Town is served by central sewer. (See discussion
on soils under "Physical Limitations", pages 21-22).
20

(8) Flood Damage_ Prevention Ordinance: Ocean Isle
adopted a Flood Damage and Prevention Ordinance and began partici-
pation in the emergency phase of the Federal Flood Insurance Pro-
gram in 1974. However, in 1985, with the publishing of final
Flood Insurance Rate Maps by the Federal Emergency Management
Administration, the Town entered the regular phase of the program.
First floor building elevation requirements vary in the Town,
ranging from 13 feet in the "A" zones to 17 feet in the "V zones,
including wave height calculations. The Flood Ordinance is
enforced as part of the Town's building permit program. The.
Building Inspector is also the enforcement officer.
(9) Sign Ordinance: In April, 1984, Ocean Isle Beach
adopted a sign ordinance which regulates the placement of all
signs in the Town. This is designed to enhance and maintain the
Town's aesthetics, as well as protect property values.
g. Federal and State Regulations
In addition to the local ordinances and County regulations
listed and described above, there are various State and Federal
regulations which could also affect.land devleopment in Ocean isle
Beach.
C. CONSTRAINTS: LAND SUITABILITY
As noted in the discussion of Existing Land Uses, there is a
considerable amount of undeveloped land in Ocean.Isle Beach which
might have future development potential. However, the Town recog-
nizes the importance of being aware of existing physical limita-
tions to development. Physical limitations are important to re-
cognize, both from the standpoint of guiding land use decisions'
and in protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the general
public. Below is a discussion of the physical limitations to
development in Ocean Isle Beach.
1. Physical Limitations
There are no man-made hazards within the current jurisdiction
of the Town. However, a small airstrip located northeast of the
intersection of N.C. 904 and S.R. 1156, could, in the future, be
included within the Town's extra -territorial jurisdiction. The
airstrip is small, being used mostly for small, private planes,
and poses no significant threat to future development. It should
be noted that Brunswick County prepared a draft Airport Zoning
Ordinance for Ocean Isle which would regulate land uses in airport
areas. The Town has adopted this ordinance.
21

Natural hazard areas in Ocean Isle are the same as the AEC's
described and discussed under Ocean Hazard Areas, and include the
Ocean Erodible Area, Flood Hazard Area, Inlet Hazard Area, Ocean
Beaches, Frontal Dunes, and possibly, some Primary Dunes. These
areas, which are defined and described geographically in Part b,
4. .(e) (4),.(pp. 16-17) of this section, do present physical lim-
itations to development in Ocean Isle Beach. Erosion has been
particularly acute on the east end of the island, where several
houses have had to be removed because of severe erosion. However,
the erosion rate appears to have slowed somewhat and was not ad-.
versely affected by the storms and hurricane of September, 1985.
In the 1981 Plan Update, it was reported that there were seven
different soil types in Ocean Isle Beach, several of which could
present problems both for building foundations and septic tank
installation, according to the Brunswick County Soil Survey which
was prepared in 1977. However, since that time a new Soil Survey
has been completed for Brunswick County, and in some cases the
soil types have been reclassified. Currently, only three soil
types instead of seven (7) are classified for Ocean Isle Beach.
The tree types are: Corolla series, Newham series, and Swansboro
Fine Sand. According to Soil interpretation records, all three
types have some limitation for septic tank placement, and only one
(Corolla), has any limitations for structural foundations. Since
the Town is in the process of developing a central sewer system,
limited septic tank placements are not constraints to development.
Also, the Corolla series composes a very small portion of the
island's soil types, having negligible effect as a constraint to
development.
22

2. Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Easement: U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers
During the 19301s, the Corps of Engineers was granted legal
rights along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW) of up to
1,000 feet inland from the waterway for maintenance purposes. By
right of this easement, the Corps claimed access rights to the
land for the placement of dredged and fill material upon it, as
well as the option to cut away and remove the land. However, the
existence of the easement was unknown to many property owners and
land within the easement was subsequently platted into lots and
houses developed upon it. The Corps still claimed it had right of
access to use land for maintaining the waterway. Land used for
the dumping of spoil would definitely pose a physical limitation
to future development. However, since most of the land area of
the original easement in Ocean Isle Beach has been either platted
and/or developed, the Corps of Engineers agreed to relinquish its
right of access to the property. Instead, the Corps and Ocean
Isle Beach reached an agreement whereas the island's developers
provided some alternative land area for the Corps to use as a
spoil area. This land, located on Onslow Street, also poses a
limitation for future development.
3. Horizontal Wellfields
As stated previously, Ocean Isle's current water service is
still primarily based on a system of 13 wells, which tap aground-
�' water supply. Nine of these wells are horizontal wells on the
island. These wells must be recharged in equilibrium to extrac-
tion, or serious chloride intrusion could occur. Currently, the
wellfields take up significant amounts of land, since the wells
are all of the horizontal type. In these wells, perforated hori-
zontal pipes extend one hundred feet or more beneath the surface
of an open field or vacant lot. As long as the wells are used, no
development can take place on the land above them, making these
lots undevelopable. However, after the Town is receiving all of
its water from the County system, it will not be necessary to
maintain these wells and they will no lonqer pose a limitation to
development.
4. Slopes
The only area where the slope may exceed 12 percent are some
of the frontal dunes, which are also ocean hazard areas and are
protected by CARA.
5. Fragile Areas
These are areas which could easily be damaged or destroyed by
inappropriate or poorly planned development. In Ocean Isle Beach,
the fragile areas coincide with the Areas of Environmental'Con-
cern. These areas are described in Part B, 4.(e) of this section
and are summarized below:
23

° Coastal Wetlands: The marsh areas adjacent to the
Intracoastal Waterway and Old Sound Creek, and some of
the land around the finger canals, are considered
Coastal Wetlands.
° Estuarine Waters: This includes the Intracoastal
Waterway; Tubb's Inlet on the west end of the island;
Shallotte Inlet on the east end; and the finger canals
located near the center of the island.
° Public Trust Areas: According to current regulations,
the two inlets on either end of the island, the Intra-
coastal Waterway, ocean beaches, and the ocean adja-
cent to the beaches, are the Public Trust Areas of
Ocean Isle Beach.
° Estuarine Shorelines: This applies to the shorelines
and 75 feet inward from the Estuarine Waters noted'
above.
° Ocean Beaches: The beach along the Atlantic Ocean,
which extends along the entirety of the island's
southern border, from the first line of vegetation or
significant change in slope toward the ocean.
° Inlet Hazard Areas: The lands identified by the State
geologist to have substantial possibility of excessive
erosion located adjacent to inlets; Ocean Isle Beach
has two such areas, as described on page 17.
Ocean Isle Beach does not contain any of the following fragile
areas: complex natural areas; areas that sustain remnant species;
areas containing unique geologic formations; registered natural
landmarks; wooded swamps, prime wildlife habitats; scenic or prom-
inent high points, or archaeologic or historic sites.
6. Areas with Resource Potential
There are no productive or unique agricultural lands within
Ocean Isle Beach. The island also does not contain any potential-
ly valuable mineral sites; publicly owned forests, parks, fish,
and gamelands; or other non- intensive outdoor recreation lands,
or privately -owned wildlife sanctuaries. However, the estuaries
around Ocean Isle are considered to be important breeding areas
for both finfish and shellfish.
D. CONSTTAINTS: CAPACITY OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES
1. Existing Water Service Areas
The current water service area for Ocean Isle Beach's munici-
pal system includes the entire corporate limits of the Town and a
small area outside of the Town limits. The Town limits include
the entire island, bounded on the south by the Atlantic Ocean and
24

1
1
I
to the north, on both sides of the old road bed of N.C. 904 prior
to the construction of the new bridge, by the Intracoastal Water-
way. However, the corporate limits extend outward 200 feet from
the centerline on either side of N.C. 904 as it crosses the
waterway, northward to the intersection of N.C. 179. The busi-
nesses and residences along N.C. 904 are also served by the water
system. Ocean Isle Beach currently has 1277 metered customers..
This includes businesses and some condomimium complexes where one
meter services several units.
In 1987, as discussed previously, Ocean Isle Beach will re-
ceive all of its water from the County system. It is unlikely
that limited water supplies will pose a constraint to development
throughout the period covered by this plan, i.e., 1995. The
Brunswick County water system is proposed to eventually make cen-
tralized water available to the entire County. Presently, a lit-
tle less then half of the County is served. The County's current
water treatment plant can provide up to seven (7) million gallons
of water per day (MGD), whereas the current usage is only about
three (3) MGD. The new water plant near Leland, when complete and
operational, will give the County system the daily output poten-
tial of 24 MGD. Also, there is no "cap" or limits proposed as to
how much water Ocean Isle Beach or other communities can purchase
from the system. If, by 1995,. the daily average per capita water
consumption for the "resident" population is 70 gallons per day,
and about 13 gallons perdayfor "day visitors," the peak demand
would be about 1.950 MGD. This should easily be available from
the County system. Also, if in the future it becomes.necessary
for the Town to have another water supply line across the Waterway
bridge, the bridge has the capacity to carry another line.
2. Sewer Service Area
By late 1986, there will be a central sewage collection and
disposal system on Ocean Isle Beach for the first time in the
Town's history. Waste water disposal will no longer be handled
solely through the use of septic tanks. Phase I, to be completed
in 1986, will serve the majority of the Town, while Phase II, to
be completed in 1989, will serve the rest of the Town. The system
is being designed to acccommodate the "build -out" of the island at
current zoning densities.
3. Schools
The relatively few school -age children who reside in the Town
attend the three schools in Shallotte, which is six miles away.
Two of the three schools, West Brunswick High School and"Union
Primary, are currently operating near or over capacity levels.
If the number of children in grades K-3 and 9-12 increases signif-
icantly in Ocean Isle Beach, then.an expansion of school facili-
ties may be needed. This is indicated by Table 10, below:
25

TABLE 10: Enrollment Levels and School Capacity: Shallotte, N.C.
1985-86 Design Percent
School Enrollment Capacity Utilization
W. Brunswick High (9-12) 933 1,000 93.3
Shallotte Middle (4-8) 1,079 1,200 89.9
Union Primary (R-3) 823 750 - 109.7
Source: Brunswick County Board of Education
4. Transportation
The major traffic arteries in Ocean Isle Beach are N.C. 904,
which is the main access road to and from the mainland, including
the new high-rise bridge, and S.R. 1144 (First Street). The other
streets in the Town are neighborhood streets. Both N.C. 904 and
S.R. 144 are paved and are maintained by the State Department of
Transportation. N.C. 904 is in the process of being widened to
three lanes from two lanes. The design capacities of these roads
are currently estimated to be adequate to handle present traffic
volumes. The new N.C. 904 bridge is located about 100 feet west
of the old structure and required the relocation of two residences
and two businesses. The new bridge, unlike the old bridge, con-
sists of two lanes instead of one, and substantially increased the
design capacity of N.C. 904. The maximum peak capacity is pro-
jected by N.C. DOT traffic engineers to be 19,100 vehicles per day
[VPD]. Average Daily Traffic Counts (ADT), 1986, for N.C. 904 at
its intersection with the waterway, determined by the State
,Department of Transportation, are provided below, along with pro-
jections for 1990 and 1995. The projections and seasonal adjust-
ments are based on DOT estimates of 5% annual traffic growth rate,
and a 25% seasonal factor for beach communities.
TABLE 11: Traffic Counts and Projections - N.C. 904
Year ADT **Seasonal Adjustment
1979 2,430 --
1986 6,050 7,562
1990 *7,354 9,193
1995 9,386 11,733
Source: N.C. DOT, Raleigh, N.C.
*Estimated at 5% annual growth rate
**Estimated at 25% increase
Traffic counts increased dramatically from 1979 to 1984 and
exceeded previous NCDOT projections. During the next 10 years,
traffic counts are projected by the DOT to continually increase in
volume. Also, of concern to Ocean Isle Beach is the intersection
of NC 904 with NC 179, which provides access to and from the new
bridge. Because there was no traffic signal at this intersection,
26

turning either onto 904 from 179 or from 904 onto 179 was
considered hazardous. "Bottlenecking" at the intersection could
also have affected evacuation. However, N.C. DOT agreed with the
need for a traffic signal at this intersection, and one was
recently installed.
To summarize the discussion of Constraints, it should be
pointed out that it is difficult to separate the major inhibitors
of future development in Ocean Isle Beach into categories of "land
suitability" and "capacity of facilities. Because of the physio-
graphy of the island, the two areas of constraint are closely
connected. All of the constraints, however, do form a basis for
discussion of issues leading to the formulation of policy alterna-
tives.
E. ESTIMATED DEMAND
1. Population Trends
The demand for housing and other goods and services and the
use of public facilities is a direct function of population
levels. As Table 3, page 6, indicates, in summarizing the four
components of Ocean Isle Beach's population, the total 1985 "resi-
dent" population, i.e., year-round residents, summer residents,
and cottage and motel renters, is estimated at 12,580 persons,
while the "day visitor" population for the same period was esti-
mated to be 9,980. The population growth trends and building
trends indicate an overall average annual growth rate of Ocean
Isle Beach of about 5% per year from 1985 to 1990, followed by a
faster rate of growth, i.e., increasing an additional 1% per year
from 1990 to 1995, peaking at 10% annual growth by 1995. Assuming
that the overall historical growth will continue at the same and
projected rates, Table 12, below, shows the projected peak popula-
tions for Ocean Isle Beach from 1986 through 1995.
TABLE 12: Ocean Isle Population Projections: 1986-1995
Year
* Resident Day Visitors Total Peak
1986
1987
13,209
13,869
** 9,980
10,479
23,189
24,348
1988
14,563
11,003
25,566
1989
15,291
11,553
26,844
1990
16,056
12,130
28,186
1991
17,019
12,858
29,877
1992
18,211
13,758
31,969
1993
21,938
14,858 _14136,795
1994
21,438
16,047
37,485.
1995
23,581
17,652
41,233
Source:
Talbert, Cox & Associates,
Architects,.
Engineers, &
Planners
*Year-round residents,
summer residents,
and overnight
visitors
**Same
as 1985 because
of use of 1986 actual
traffic 'volume
data
27

At the current and projected overall rates of growth by 1995,
the "resident," i.e., persons living year-round, plus overnight
rentals in cottages and motels, will be 23,581 persons, nearly
double the 1985 level of 12,580. In addition, if "day visitors"
grow at the same rates, the number will increase from 9,980 in
1985-86 to 17,652 in 1995. These projections, however, do not
take into account the amount of developable land in the Town.
Nevertheless, if these projections become reality, at periods of
"peak" occupancy, e.g., a summer holiday weekend, Ocean Isle Beach
could have 41,233 persons in the island community at one time.
Such an increase does have implications for the provision of com-
munity facilities and services which need to be considered. These
implications are discussed below.
2. Future Land Need
Ocean Isle Beach, as noted in Table 6, page 11, has consider-
able amounts of undeveloped, but developable, land remaining. Of
the estimated total developable acreage of 1,030 acres, about
787.5 acres, or 76%, is currently undeveloped. It is difficult to
project the total population carrying capacity of this acreage
because of the imminent provision of centralized sewer and water
and the current zoning allows for a variety of structural types
and resulting different development densities. The 1985 "resi-
dent" population density (i.e., year-round residents and
motel/cottage renters), was 12.2 persons per acre, which is an
acceptable level. Table 12, page 27, shows that the projected
"resident".population in 1995 will be 23,581 persons. At the same
developable acreage, the "resident" density in 1996 could be 23.0
persons per.acre, nearly double the current density. However,
with the provision of centralized sewer and water, this level of
density should pose no severe problems for the Town. Currently,
the Zoning Ordinance allows for a minimum of 5,000 S.F. for con-
struction of a single-family dwelling. At an average household
size of 2.5 persons, and approximately 8 dwellings per acre,
development density under current single-family provisions would
equal 20 persons per acre. Obviously, the projected 1995 "resi-
dent" density should pose no difficulties and the land is avail-
able.
3. Community Facilities Needs
a. Water
With the growth in populations at Ocean Isle Beach --both year-
round and seasonal --will come an increased demand for water ser-
vices. However, as discussed previously, Ocean Isle Beach,
through its complete connection with the Brunswick County regional
water system by 1987, will be able to tap a relatively unlimited
supply of water to meet peak demands. At an assumed consumption
rate of 70 gallons per day for the "resident" population, and
28

t
about 13 gallons per day for "day visitors," the highest peak day
water demand by 1995 would be 1.880 million gallons per day. (See
Table 12, page 27.) The County -wide water system, which is to be
completed prior to 1995, is projected to have a capacity of 24.0
MGD. The projected peak demand from Ocean Isle Beach in 1995 is
estimated to be only 7.8% of the County's capacity. Sufficient
water supplies should not be a problem during the period covered
by this plan.
b. Sewer
Central sewer service will be initiated in Ocean Isle Beach by
December 1986. This removal from sole reliance upon septic tanks
will likely have a significant impact upon the Town's development.
The proposed sewer system is designed to eventually serve the
entire Town at current building densities. Since it is unlikely
that Ocean Isle Beach will reach complete "build -out" during this
planning period, i.e., by 1995, the increased demand imposed by
population growth --both seasonal and year -round --should find no
difficulty being met by the proposed system.
c. Solid Waste Disposal
The Town of Ocean Isle Beach has historically provided its own
trash collection and disposal service, utilizing a Town -employed
crewandTown-owned equipment. The solid waste was disposed of in
the Brunswick County Landfill. However, beginning in mid -March,
1986, the Town officially got out of the direct solid waste dis-
posal business when a private contractor took over this service.
The private contractor utilizes its own crew and equipment, pro-
vides polycarts to all residences and dumpsters to businesses, and
hauls the refuse to the Brunswick County Landfill. The Brunswick
County Landfill is currently projected to last about seven (7)
years, i.e., through 1992. It is likely that prior to that time,
the County will have developed a new landfill or some other viable
solid waste disposal alternative.
d. Recreation
The oceanfront and adjacent waterways provide the major recre-
ational opportunities for residents and visitors of Ocean Isle
Beach. Athough the Town does not have an officially adopted re-
creation policy, it has the potential to manage the development of
a new park, displaying initiative in addressing additional recre-
ation needs of its permanent population. The facility may contain
tennis courts (currently being constructed), a volleyball court,
horseshoes, etc., and other passive recreational facilities. The
estimated 698 year-round residents by 1995 should be accommodated
by these facilities. However, additional recreational facilities
may be needed for the increasing levels of summer residents, i.e.,
motel and cottage dwellers and "day visitors." It is believed by
the Town that the County shares the responsibility for meeting the
needs of day visitors.
29

e. Police Protection
The Town's police force currently consists of five full-time
sworn officers, and five auxiliary officers. Also, during the
summer of 1985, one additional officer was employed during the
tourist season. This level of police protection appears to have
been adequate in the past. However, since steady growth is pro-
jected to occur in both the permanent and seasonal populations,
additional full-time personnel will likely be needed. (See re-
lated discussions in this section on transportation and parking.)
f.
Fire Protection
The Town's Volunteer Fire Department, consisting of about 25
volunteers, perhaps with the addition of more volunteers, should
be adequate for Ocean Isle Beach throughout the planning period.
The Town is currently planning to purchase additional fire fight-
ing equipment. The Town is currently considering purchasing
equipment, and may consider full-time personnel. However, if
development densities increase, it will be imperative that all
access routes be well -planned and clear of potential obstructions,
e.g., on -street parking during peak population periods.
g. Emergency Rescue and Safety
Emergency medical rescue services are provided to Ocean Isle
Beach by rescue squads in Shallotte (about seven miles away) and
in Calabash (about 10 miles away). These services may need to be
re-evaluated within this planning period.
h. Parking Facilities
Perhaps the most dramatic impact of the projected influx of
day visitors over the next few years relates to public parking.
Currently, Ocean Isle Beach does have some, but rather limited,
public parking. There is space available at each of the walkover
'
access sites; public parking has also been allowed, (to some ex-
tent) at the Ocean Isle Pier, although the pier is privately own-
ed; and, the Town plans to lease space in the summer of 1986 to
provide public parking for more than 150 cars. The estimated 1985
"peak day" parking demand by day visitors of 1,715 vehicles (see
page 6) will nearly double by 1995 to 3,215 vehicles. Unless
consideration is given to developing even more public parking
facilities, or other alternatives, severe traffic problems could
result.
i. Thoroughfare Access
With the completion of the new two-lane Odell Williamson
Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway in late 1985,
access to and from the Town improved greatly. According to the
Traffic Engineering Section of the N.C. DOT, the new bridge is
capable, at maximum, of carrying 19,100 vehicles per day (VPD).
30

As Table 11, page 26, indicates, the peak seasonally adjusted
average daily traffic volume by 1995 is projected to be nearly
12,000 VPD, or about 7,100 VPD less than the projected maximum
capacity of the new bridge. At current projected traffic growth
rates, the new bridge would not reach maximum traffic volume until
the year 2005.
The projected capacity of N.C. 904, after crossing the bridge
onto Ocean Isle, has also been expanded by the construction of a
turning lane. The State DOT estimated that the maximum capacity
of the three-laned thoroughfare is 17,000 VPD, significantly above
projected peak 1995 volumes. Generally, access onto and off the
island community will be adequate throughout the current planning
period. Internal traffic flows and pedestrian traffic along local
streets --especially those providing access to the beach, such as
First and Second Streets --however, should be of special concern.
Internal traffic volumes appear heaviest along those streets.
Pedestrian traffic is especially heavy along First Street; how-
ever, there are currently no sidewalks along the street. First
Street's,60-foot right-of-way is currently paved to only 22 feet,
indicating ample space for the possible construction of sidewalks.
An internal traffic flow plan, considering pedestrian traffic,
needs to be developed for the Town, especially with the population
projected to increase significantly.
j. Administrative Services
Currently, most of Ocean Isle Beach's administrative and per-
sonnel matters are coordinated under the supervision of the Mayor
and department heads. As the populations increase, the admini-
strative service load will also increase. The Town may need to
consider employing additional personnel.
4. Summary of Trends and Facilities Demand: Policy Issues
The following statements are presented in summary of this
Section I of the 1986 Land Use Plan Update, analyzing development
trends and policy implications for the next 10 years.
• Both the "resident" and day visitor populations at
Ocean Isle Beach have shown steady increases in recent
years and are projected to continue increasing
throughout the planning period.
° The resort -tourist based economy of Ocean Isle Beach
is strong, contributing to growing tourism revenues in
Brunswick County each year.
• Residential and commercial development in the communi-
ty will continue. However, it is unlikely that all of
the developable land within the Town's current juris-
diction will be developed during the period.
31

° At current and projected demand rates, water, sewer,
and solid waste disposal capacities will need to
i
increase during the planning period in order to
adequately handle "peak" demands, particularly from
day visitors. However, the issue of adequate water
supply and sewer service has been addressed by the
Town. -
° Public safety, i.e.. Provision of adequate police and
fire protection needs, will have to be continually
assessed. Internal traffic, both pedestrian and
vehicular, as well as public parking provisions will
also have to be addressed.
All of the above issues and others, including storm hazard
mitigation, and post -disaster recovery, will be addressed in more
detail in Section II of this Plan, "Policy Statements."
v

adjacent to the beaches are all Public Trust AECs. These areas
support recreational uses such as swimming, boating, water skiing,
and sportsfishing 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 circula-
tion patterns, violate water quality standards, or cause degrada-
tion 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 of public trust
areas. Such uses as navigational channels, drainage ditches,
bulkheads to prevent erosion, piers or docks, shall be generally
permitted.
d. Policy Statements: Development in AECs
Sections a, b, and c, above, included a brief discussion of
Ocean Isle Beach's policy on land uses in the statutorily defined
Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs). Protection of environment-
ally sensitive as well as vitally important public resources is a
strong ongoing concern of the Town of Ocean Isle Beach. The over-
all policy of the Town in relation to Resource Protection shall be
as follows:
(1) Ocean Isle Beach shall continue to give priority A
to those uses which are compatible with appro-
priate management of the Estuarine System. It is
the intent of the Town to safeguard and perpetuate
the system's biological,, social, economic and
aesthetic values and to insure that any develop-
ment occurring within the system is compatible
with natural characteristics, so as to minimize
the likelihood of significant loss of private
property and public resources. W
e. Policy Implementation
Ocean Isle Beach believes that the existing development permit
system enforced by CAMA, the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, com-
bined with enforcement of the Town's Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision
Regulations and Dune Maintenance and Protection Plan, represent
adequate measures to protect the discussed resources. Enforcement
of these provisions will continue.
2. Areas of Environmental Concern: Ocean Hazards Areas
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
A
36
�

coastal 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, with con
servation 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 (CAMA: 15 NCAC 7H).
b. Estuarine Waters and Estuarine Shorelines
The importance of the estuarine waters and adjacent estuarine
shorelines in Ocean Isle Beach was discussed in Section I of.this
document on pages 15-16. The Town is very much aware that protec-
tion of the estuarine waters and adjacent estuarine shorelines can
be important to fishing, both commercially and for recreation, and
for the continued maintenance of qualitative development. Ocean
Isle Beach recognizes that certain actions within the estuarine
shoreline, which is defined as the area extending 75 feet landward
of the mean high waterline of the estuarine waters, could possibly
have a substantial effect upon the quality of these waters. The
�- 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 Tubb's Inlet on the
west end), and the finger canals located near the island's center.
The adjacent shorelines, up to 75 feet inland, are the estuarine
shorelines.
In order to promote the quality of the estuarine waters, Ocean
Isle Beach will evaluate uses as to compatibility with both the
estuarine shorelines and the protection of the estuarine system.
Residential, recreational, and commercial uses may be permitted
within the estuarine shoreline, after consideration has been given
to the following:
° A substantial chance of pollution occurring from the
development does not exist
° Development does not have a significant adverse impact
on estuarine resources
° Development does not significantly interfere with
existing public rights or access to, or use of,
navigable waters or public resources.
c Public Trust Areas
Ocean Isle Beach recognizes that it is believed that the pub-
lic 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
1 35

After an analysis of the existing conditions and trends and
input from the Town's citizens, the foregoing policies were devel-
oped to provide an overall framework for guiding growth and devel-
opment in Ocean Isle Beach throughout the next planning period,
i.e., through 1995.
A.. RESOURCE,PROTECTION: ESTUARINE SYSTEM
1. Areas of Environmental Concern
Ocean Isle Beach recognizes the primary concern of the Coastal
Resources Commission, in terms of protecting resources, is manag-
ing Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs). 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 were identified in Section I of this Plan on
pages 14 through 17, with areas within both the Estuarine System
and Ocean Hazards area. In terms of developing policies, the
Estuarine System AECs, which include Coastal Wetlands, Estuarine
Waters, Estuarine Shorelines, and Public Trust Areas, will be
treated as one uniform grouping since they are so closely inter-
related. Another reason for grouping these AECs together is the
fact that the effective use of maps to detail exact on -ground
location of a particular area, sometimes pose serious limita-.
tions.
Ocean Isle Beach's overall policy and management objective for
the Estuarine System is "to give the highest priority to the pro-
tection and perpetuate their biological, social, economic, and
aesthetic values and 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." (15 NCAC 7H. 0203) In accordance with
this overall objective, Ocean Isle Beach will permit those land
uses which conform to the general use standards of the North Caro-
lina Administrative Code (15 NCAC 7H) for development within the
Estuarine System. Specifically, each of the AECs within the
Estuarine System is discussed below.
a. Coastal Wetlands
Coastal wetlands, which are defined as any salt marsh or other
marsh subject to regular or occasional flooding by tides, includ-
ing wind tides (whether or not the tide waters reach the marshland
areas through natural or artificial water sources), provided this
shall not include hurricane or tropical storm tides. Coastal
wetlands also contain certain marsh plant species. 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 wetlands 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 Intra-
34

SECTION II: POLICY STATEMENTS
The formulation of specific policies regarding growth, devel-
opment, and management objectives is perhaps the most important
part of any land use plan prepared under the State's Coastal Area
Management Act. Because of regulatory requirements, these`poli-
cies must often strike a delicate balance between desires and
objectives of the citizens and the local government of Ocean Isle
Beach and the objectives of the CAMA program, as overseen by the
Coastal Resources. Commission. Land development policies, which
should be based on an analysis of existing conditions and pro-
jected trends, serve as general guides for effectuating desired
development patterns. The land use policies also have important
interface with local regulations, such as the zoning ordinance or
subdivision regulations, as well as with State and Federal regula-
tions and programs. For example, development permits issued under
CAMA must be consistent with the local land use plans. Also,
projects supported by State and Federal funds must be consistent
with the local _land use plans, prior to allowing expenditures.
Some relevant trends identified in Section I of this Plan
include: the population of Ocean Isle Beach, both resident and
day visitors, is constantly increasing; the Town's tourist -based
economy continues to contribute strongly to tourist revenues in
Brunswick County; along with continued growthofresidential and
commercial development, additional stresses will be placed on
public facilities and services, such as water, sewer, police and
fire protection, and parking, as the population increases. How-
ever, it should also be noted that Ocean Isle Beach has taken
significant steps to address any problems with water and sewer
service; both of these facilities should be adequate during the
period. These are some of the issues which need to be addressed
by the Town during the planning period.
The Coastal Resources Commission, recognizing the diversities
which exist among the coastal communities, required the Town to
specify particular development policies under four rather broad
topics in 1981. For the 1986 Update, however, the CRC has added a
fifth issue, i.e. "Storm Hazard Mitigation. In most cases, poli-
cies developed under these topics will cover most of the local
development issues, but in some cases, they do not. In the latter
case, the locality has the flexibility to address its own locally
defined issues. The five required broad topics are:
-- Resource Protection
-- Resource Production and Management
Economic and Community Development
- Continuing Public Participation
-- Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post Disaster Recovery, and
Evacuation Plans
33

SECTION 11 :
Policy Statements

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 unreason-
able levels of danger. The Ocean Hazards in Ocean Isle Beach, as
discussed on Pages 16-17 of this document 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, develop-
ment of any type is prohibited or tightly controlled by existing
regulations 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 areas 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 oftheseland forms (dunes and beaches),
however, which also lends protection from the magnified energies
of wind and water as a 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 struc
tures which are allowed to be constructed in those areas.
a. Policy Statements: Ocean Hazards Area
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 existinq State, Federal, and Local regulations, and the Ocean
Isle Beach Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations, Dune Main-
tenance and Protection Plan, and the Town's requirements for the
National Flood Insurance Program and the Town's building set -back
line.
(1) Allowable land uses shall generally be designed
and constructed so as to maximize structural pro-
tection from -wind and water and to minimize damage
to the protective land forms of dunes and
beaches.
(2) Ocean Isle Beach continues to support comprehen-
sive shoreline management such as the Corps of
Engineers beach renourishment project as a pre-
ferred control measure to combat oceanfront ero-
sion.
r(3) 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.
37

b. Implementation
(1) Ocean Isle Beach will continue to enforce its
local regulations as cited above, and continue to
support the CAMA major and minor permitting, and
the Corps of Engineers 404 wetlands permitting
programs.
3. Natural and Cultural Resources
As noted in Part C.6, page 24 of Section I, Ocean Isle Beach
does not contain conventionally -recognized areas with resource
potential, or any of the following fragile areas: complex natural
areas; areas that sustain remnant species; areas containing unique
geologic formations; registered natural landmarks; wooded swamps;
'
prime wildlife habitats; scenic or prominent high points; or known
archaeologic or historic sites. Therefore, it is not applicable
to develop policies on these issues at this time. However, should
any significant cultural resource be identified within Ocean Isle
Beach's jurisdiction, the Town will support protection and
enhancement of those resources.
4. Development in Areas with Constraints
The constraints to development in Ocean Isle Beach were dis-
cussed in Section I, pages 22-31 of this report. Elements posing
constraints to growth and development can relate to physical land
capability constraints such as availability of developable land,
man-made or natural hazards, AECs, special fragile areas, or areas
with soils limitations. Also, the capacity of community facil-
ities and services such as water, sewer, solid waste disposal,
police and fire protection and parking can often pose constraints
to development. All of these are facilities which need to be
considered by any community in proposing land development poli-
cies.
There are no known man-made hazards in Ocean Isle Beach pro-
hibiting development and the natural hazards are closely linked to
AECs in both the Estuarine System and Ocean Hazards category, as
are also the "fragile" areas. The physical limitations included a
small airport, which is owned by the Town. Other limitations
noted were: soil types, which were described by the Brunswick
County Soil Surveys as having limitations for septic tank
suitability; horizontal well fields on the island; and fragile '
areas that coincide with the Town's AECs and which were included
in the preceding policy discussion. The only major limitation in
terms of community fac?.lities is the lack of a central sewer
system, which the Town is currently in the.process of developing.
Eventually, the entire Town will be served by a central sewer
system and since private septic tanks and small package treatment
plants will not be allowed, soil conditions as they relate to
septic tank placement will not be major policy concerns.
1
38

1
1
E
1
1
As a barrier island community, it is not suprising that nearly
all of Ocean Isle Beach's entire jurisdiction is located in the
100-year flood zone area, i.e. subject to a one percent chance of
major flooding in any given year. .Also, as stated previously, the
Town has certain "high velocity" or "V-17" flood zones identified
on recent Flood Insurance Rate Maps prepared.by the Federal Emer-
gency Management Agency (dated December 18, 1985). Both the 100-
year flood area and V-Zones pose possible serious constraints to
development. However, most of the V-Zones are located along the
immediate oceanfront in areas where virtually any type of develop-
ment is prohibited. But the 100-year flood zones includes virtu-
ally the Town's entire jurisdiction and it is not practical to
prohibit development in all areas. (An approximate 12 acres of
land between Shelby Street and Duneside Drive --probably a dune
system --is in the Zone "C," minimally flooded areas, as well as a
.4 mile stretch along N.C. 904 north of the AIWW Bridge.)
As the discussion and tables on pages 32-37 indicated, at
current and projected demand rates during "peak" utilization,
Ocean Isle Beach may need expanded capacity in the provision of
solid waste disposal, police protection, emergency rescue, and
fire protection services during the next 10 years. Also, it was
noted that need for vehicular and pedestrian access, and parking
would likely increase in significance as constraints during the
planning period because of present limitations on internal road-
ways. Ocean Isle Beach, as stated previously, was developed pri-
marily as a quiet, relaxing, family -oriented beach. This appeal
attracts thousands of visitors each year. It is vital, therefore,
to the Town that this appeal continues to be maintained at the
highest level of quality. In consideration of all of the con-
straints relating to the physical capacity of the land, and the
capacity of community facilities, the following policies are pro-
posed:
a. Policy Statements: Physical Constraints to
Development
(1) Since in many cases, conditions posing physical
limitation to growth and development in Ocean Isle
Beach are closely associated with identified areas
of environmental concern or other sensitive areas,
the Town believes that these areas should general-
ly be protected from any adverse or potentially
adverse development. Also, development in certain
areas which could result in unnecessary risks to
the safety and protection of life and property
should also be seriously evaluated. Specifical-
ly:
° Residential development will not be encouraged
in airport approach areas.
39

b.
° As long as the Town relies upon the system of
horizontal well fields for part of its water
supply, development on the land above these
wells will not be allowed.
° Ocean Isle Beach's policies on development in
fragile areas are the same as those stated for
Areas of Environmental Concern.
° Until the central sewage collection and disposal
system can be developed for those areas, growth
and development will not be permitted in areas
where septic tanks will not function. All sep-
tic tanks must be in compliance with State
Health Regulations through the Brunswick County
Health Department.
° Development will be discouraged in areas where
soils are not suitable for proposed construc-
tion. Development may be constructed if correc-
tive measures for stabilizing building founda-
tions are incorporated into development design.
(2) Allowable land uses in areas posing physical con-
straints should be only those approved through the
CAMA and Army Corps of Engineers "404" permitting
processes and by the Town of Ocean Isle Beach's
building and development ordinances, as well as
its Dune Protection Ordinance.
(3) All uses allowed in the Town's Zoning Ordinance
shall be permissable in the 100-year flood zones,
provided that all new construction and substantial
improvements comply strictly to the Town's Flood
Damage Prevention Ordinance, which has been adopt-
ed in conjunction with Ocean Isle Beach's partici-
pation in the National Flood Insurance Program.
(4) In relation to capacity of community facilities,
it shall be the policy of the Town of Ocean Isle
Beach to attempt to provide services, such as
water, sewer, police and fire protection, solid
waste collection, and traffic accessibility, to
meet needs and anticipated peak demand during the
planning period.
Policy Implementation
(1) The existing local ordinances and building regula-
tions in Ocean Isle Beach shall continue to be
enforced. Also, the Town will continue to comply
with State and Federal regulatory programs for
areas with physical constraints to development,
including CAMA and the Corps of Engineers 404
program.
40

11
(2) In FY 1987, the Town of Ocean Isle Beach will seek
assistance in the preparation of a report on "Fea-
sible Alternatives for Public Parking" to help
clearly define the extent of the parking problem
in the Town and to propose feasible solutions.
(3) In FY 1987, the Town will request that the area
Traffic Engineer, with the State Department of
Transportation, conduct a traffic analysis of
First and Second Streets, and recommend alterna-
tives to the Town
5. Hurricane and Flood Evacuation Needs and Plans
This area will be treated in a separate section of this Land
Use Plan, which will include policy statements on hurricane and
' flood evacuation as well as storm mitigation and post disaster
recovery policies.
6. Protection of Potable Water Supplies
In 1987, Ocean Isle Beach will receive all of its water supply
from the Brunswick County water system, and the existing horizont-
al well fields will no longer be the source of water for the Town.
However, as stated under resource protection policies, as long as
the Town relies upon the system of horizontal well fields for any
' part of its water supply, development on the land above active
wells will not be permitted.
7. Use of Package Treatment Plants
' It is projected that in late 1986, the Town of Ocean Isle
Beach's sewer system will become operational, serving the majority
' of the Town. As a result, the use of all package treatment sys-
tems will be eliminated and all future new developments will be
required to connect onto the Town's sewer system. This provision
' is also expected to foster improvement in the quality of the
Town's surface waters.
8. Stormwater Runoff
' The Town of Ocean Isle Beach shares the concern of the State
Division of Environmental Management (DEM) that stormwater runoff
' from urbanized areas may be contributing to declining surface
water quality in some areas. Maintenance of water quality is of
some concern to Ocean Isle Beach. The Town recognizes the value
' of water quality maintenance both in terms of protecting commer-
cial and recreational fishing resources and providing clean water
for other recreational purposes. The Town will continue to
enforce local ordinances and state building regulations relating
' to stormwater runoff resulting from development. Currently, Ocean
Isle Beach is considerinq adoption of local stormwater management
and runoff requirements.
41

9. Marina and Floating Home Development
'
The development of bulkheads, marinas, and private boatslips
in Ocean Isle Beach have generally been allowed and regulated by
the Town's Zoning and other development ordinances, as well as
'
CAMA. These uses will be continued as long as they are in compli-
ance with State, federal and local regulations.
In recent years, Ocean Isle Beach and other coastal communi-
ties have become increasingly concerned over the issue of "float-
ing homes", i.e., waterborne vessels used not only as "boats" but
'
as permanent domiciles. The legal aspects of this issue have been
debated in many areas.
However, in Ocean Isle Beach, the issue of floating homes has
not been a significant problem. Nevertheless, the Town has an
ordinance prohibiting water and power to boats at docks.
'
10. Industrial Impacts of Fragile Areas
There are no conventional industrial impacts on fragile areas
in Ocean Isle Beach and the Town does not anticipate nor will
encourage industrial development.
11. Development of Sound and Estuarine System Islands
'
Policies related to managing growth and development in these
areas are included in policy statements regarding development in
'
Areas of Environmental Concern and in areas with physical con-
straints, particularly dealing with "fragile" areas. Basically,
however, Ocean Isle Beach recognizes the value of its estuarine
system islands and has classified them "conservation" or "conser-
'
vation spoil." (See Section III, "Land Classification System.")
B. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
'
1. Recreational Resources/Fisheries
In most "resource
coastal counties and towns, production and
management" usually relates to agricultural, forestry, mining,
fisheries, as well as, recreational resources. In Ocean Isle
Beach, however, recreational and fisheries resources are the only
'
relevant ones in the conventional sense. In resort.settings such
as Ocean Isle Beach, because of the abundant water areas (which
are also Estuarine and/or Public Trust Waters), recreational and
t
fishery resources quite often overlap. The overall, major recrea-
tional resource is the "beach" and the attractiveness of the
Atlantic Ocean. Fishing, both as a recreational and commercial
resource, is important to Ocean Isle Beach and to all of Brunswick
,
County. Proper utilization of water resources is of utmost con-
cern to Ocean Isle Beach. The Town recognizes the value of water
quality maintenance both in terms of protecting commercial and
'
42

recreational fishing resources and providing clean water for other
recreational purposes. Recreational opportunities, such as boat-
ing, swimming, water skiing, surf boarding, and sports fishing,
' are not only viable resources for Ocean Isle, but also are impor-
tant economic attractions for the Town. The seasonally -based
economy, as documented in Section I of this plan, is dependent
' upon the continued preservation and maintenance of these re-
sources. Projections for the 10-year planning period indicate 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.
a. Policy Statements
With the above -stated concerns in mind, the Town of Ocean Isle
' Beach adopts the following policy:
The Town supports current on -going State and fed-
eral programs designed to enhance the proper util-
ization of water resources within its jurisdic-
tion. Ocean Isle Beach addresses water quality
concerns through locally enforced stormwater run
' off rules and lot coverage requirements. It is
the Town's belief, however, that where feasible,
lands and waters should be classified according to
' their historic uses.
b. Implementation
' The Town will continue to enforce local regula-
tions as well as support State and Federal initia-
tives, related to maintaining and enhancing proper
' water use.
2. Off -Road Vehicles
' 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 island's sand dunes be maintained. The
intrusion of off -road vehicles onto the strand and dunes is viewed
as being inconsistent with the management objective of maintaining
the quality and character of these sensitive areas.
In accordance with its Dune Protection Ordinance, the Town of
Ocean Isle Beach does not allow off -road vehicles on dunes or on
' the shoreline area, with the exception of public service or emer-
gency vehicles. These provisions shall continue to be enforced.
3. Residential and Commercial Land Development
' Residential land development is the predominant land use type
43 '

in Ocean Isle Beach, with commercial land uses basically limited
to those which support tourism.. As discussed in Section I, under
"Land Use Trends," the dominant residential pattern is likely to
continue. This is the main reason the Town has taken definite,
positive steps toward developing a central sewer system and pro-
curing water from the Brunswick County Regional Water System.
Additional discussion and policies are presented in the following
sub -section, "Economic and Community Development," under "Desired
Urban Growth Patterns."
C. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The economic vitality of Ocean Isle Beach, as stated previous-
ly, relates directly to tourism.
rentals, which attract thousands
lesser degree, day visitors from
elements in the island's economy.
Second -home sales and cottage
of visitors each summer, and to a
inland communities, are important
The land development.pattern in Ocean Isle Beach, as shown on
the attached Land Use Map, is mostly residential. Nearly all of
the commercial development is located along N.C. 904. 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 has been the Zoning Ordinance.- This
Zoning Ordinance, which reflects the Town's overall desired devel-
opment patterns, is aimed at creating a balance between residen-
tial and commercial and multi-family/single-family` developments.
(See policies under "Desired Urban Growth Patterns" and "Types and
Densities of Desired Development.") Eventually, but not within
the current planning period, all development, including residen-
tial, commercial, etc., will be limited in Ocean Isle Beach
because of limited availability of land. Issues currently before
the Town concern the responsibility for service provisions, avail-
ability of support facilities such as parking, access (vehicles
and pedestrians) and economic impacts. The relevant policy areas
to be addressed are discussed below, along with the Town's policy
position.
1. Local Commitment to Providing Services to Development
As areas develop, it is the policy of -the Town that the devel-
oper/owner share in the financial responsibility of providing
basic utility services, i.e., water and/or sewer. Within this
current planning period, the Town will be served by the Brunswick
County water system and its own central sewer system. The Town
will remain commuted to providing other basic urban support ser-
vices to new areas as they develop, i.e., police and fire protec-
tion, building inspections, and municipal administration.
2. Redevelopment of Developed Areas
Most of Ocean Isle Beach has no need for consideration for
44

' redevelopment. However, in some sections of the Town, older
structures, including houses and motels, have been or may be torn
down to allow for the construction of new similar uses on the same
' site. In keeping with the dynamic character of the community,
Ocean Isle Beach supports such activity as a positive re -use of
land resources, enhancing the Town as a whole. Such redevelopment
' shall be permitted as long as the activity complies with the
spirit and intent of existing regulatory requirements. It is the
Town's policy that density allowances for redevelopment areas
conform to existing Town building and zoning regulations.
3. Desired Urban Growth Patterns
' a. Policy
As it is very important that the atmosphere and character of a
' quiet, relaxing family beach be maintained, Ocean Isle Beach is
not interested in developing any manufacturing industries within
the Town. Also, intense commercial developments, beyond that
necessary to serve tourists, will not be encouraged. Commercial
accommodations and other residential development is desirable in
the Town. Residential development is regarded as desirable for
the Town, as long as no major or irreversible damage threatens any
' environmentally sensitive area. Single-family detached dwellings
are the predominant residential -type in Ocean Isle Beach, although
more multi -family units are being developed or proposed.
' Currently, no mobile homes are allowed within the Town's
jurisdiction. It is the Town's intentions, as reflected in its
zoning ordinance and zoning map, to allow a mixture of
' residential -type accommodations in a balanced manner and to dis-
courage spot -zoning. Development with higher density levels than
single-family or two-family uses is not viewed as being desirable
in the finger canal areas.
Should Ocean Isle Beach choose to exercise its extra-
territorial jurisdiction across the Intracoastal Waterway, then a
mixture of uses, including residential subdivisions (conventional
and mobile homes), highway commerical, and perhaps neighborhood
commercial, would be considered allowable uses. However, a more
detailed analysis needs to be done for this area.
a. Policy
' Since it is the desire of Ocean Isle Beach to avoid incompat-
ible land uses, the Town will continue to enforce its current
' ordinances and local building permit program to help achieve a
desirable balance between commercial and residential development.
The Town will also continue to enforce the State CXMA permit
process and State Health Regulations regarding septic tank place-
ment (until the central sewer system serves the entire Town).
45

b. Implementation
,
(1) The Town will continue to enforce its current land
use regulations to encourage development of the
,
Town primarily as a residential resort area with
appropriate supporting retail and tourist -oriented
services.
,
4. Commitment to State and Federal Programs
Ocean Isle Beach is generally receptive to State and*Federal
'
programs, particularly those which either enhance or improve the
Town's facilities. The Town will continue to cooperate with such
programs, including CAMA. The North Carolina Department of Trans-
portation road and bridge improvement programs are very important
'
to Ocean Isle Beach because of ever-increasing traffic volumes.
Examples of other State and Federal programs which are import-
,
ant to and supported by Ocean Isle Beach include: dredging and
channel maintenance, as well as beach renourishment and restora-
tion,.by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers; and Federal and State
'
projects which provide efficient and safe boat access for sports
fishing.
5. Assistance to Channel Maintenance and Beach Renourishment
,
Proper maintenance of channels, particularly the Atlantic
Intra-Coastal Waterway, is very important to Ocean Isle Beach
,
because of the impact of commercial and recreational fisheries and
general boating. Historically, Ocean Isle Beach has provided
direct assistance to the Corps by helping to obtain or provide
'
spoil sites. Ocean Isle Beach is supportive of the Corps of
Engineers' maintenance of the Intracoastal Waterway. 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.
'
Beach nourishment is also an important concern of Ocean Isle
Beach. The Town recognizes that beach erosion can be a major
threat. Ocean Isle Beach is committed to beach nourishment proj-
ects in the area and has entered into an agreement with the Corps
of Engineers so that all suitable dredged sand can be deposited on
the beach as artificial renourishment. Also, during the 1981 plan
updating process, the Town supported a local renourishment project
,
which included the planting of 60,000 sprigs of American Beach
grass on the west end of the island. These pla<rtings have helped
to maintain the stability of the sands. Funds for these plantings
came from private sources.
The Town will seek Federal and State assistance in support of
beach nourishment projects, and encourage local private efforts.
,
46

' 6. Tourism
The importance of tourism to Ocean Isle Beach is obvious, as
' has been discussed in other parts of this plan. The natural
resources of the beach along the Atlantic Ocean and inland water-
ways 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 some island
residents and for some mainland residents of Brunswick County as
well. According to the Travel and Tourism Division, North
Carolina Department of Commerce, in 1984, travel and tourism
accounted for $98,429,OOO in expenditures in Brunswick County
compared to.$16.7 million in 1979. Although detailed figures are
not available for Ocean Isle Beach, relative to its size, the
island community probably generated a respectable percentage of
this total. To simply say that tourism is important in Ocean Isle
' Beach would be a severe understatement. Policy alternatives con-
cerning support of tourism are few in an area where it forms the
economic base. In fact, all of the other. policy statements under
Economic and Community Development relate to tourism. Therefore,
Ocean Isle Beach will continue to support and promote tourism as
its main economic base. The development of non -intensive recrea-
tional and commercial land uses will be encouraged in order to
' enhance services for the public.
7. Beach and Waterfront Access
' Relatively free and open access to the ocean front and other
waterways is an important consideration for any beach community.
This is a fact which Ocean Isle Beach recognized in the initial
stages of its development. The developer of the community dedi-
cated public easements to provide pedestrian walkovers to the
beach and thus free and open access to the strand. The initial
plans called for the development of the easement areas as the
seasonal and permanent' populations increased. There are 13 of
these public easements and all are currently maintained. (In
1981, at the time of the land use update, only seven were main
' tained.) These 13 walkovers are located near the island's more
densely developed areas. As the Town.continues to grow, more
easement access ways will need to be developed. The Town will
consider developing and adopting a detailed "Shoreline Access
Plan."
Access to other water areas mainly for sports fishing is also
' open to the public. There is one private pier on the island,
which has allowed parking and access for pier fishing and one
marina boat ramp facility with accompanying parking. Throughout
' the Town, there are public parking spaces for lease on property
leased by the Town on an annual basis. The Town has no immediate
plans to .increase public parking spaces. It is the belief of
Ocean Isle Beach that Brunswick County should participate in the
provision of public parking.
47

a. Policy,
Ocean Isle Beach will continue to support free and open public
access to the ocean front and other waterways by seeking State
and/or Federal financial assistance to develop.beach walkovers and
boat access ramps.
8. Types, Density, and Location of Development
As discussed under "Desired Urban Growth Patterns," the
residential type of development in Ocean Isle Beach is a balanced
mix of single-family or duplex construction 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 mid -rise to high-rise 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. Services will need expansion to
serve newly developing areas and anticipated high levels of "day
visitors" during the period.
As far as location of various types of development is concern-
ed, 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 ad-
here -to the Town's building and development regulations. Also,
due to concerns about the "approach" to the Town from across the
Waterway, Ocean Isle Beach may consider annexations and extrater-
ritorial zoning, if feasible, in order to facilitate orderly
growth and development.
9. Energy Facility Siting and Development
The Town of Ocean Isle Beach does not believe this to be a
relevant policy issue for the Town, and, therefore, no policies .
will be established at this time.
10. Special Development Issue: Transportation and Internal
Access Improvements
As noted on page 31, OceanIsleBeach needs to consider plans ,
to improve pedestrian and vehicular access in the beach community.
These issues will be addressed under "Economic and Community
Development," as special policy and implementation items.
48

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a. Vehicular Access
Traffic flows for both pedestrians and vehicles are heaviest
along First and Second Streets. Both streets are paved to a width
of approximately 22 feet, although the existing rights -of -way are
significantly wider (60 feet for First Street, and also 60 feet
for Second Street). Vehicular access and traffic flows would be
safer if these two streets had wider pavements --to at least 26
feet. Also, an additional improvement on the west side of N.C.
904 would be the construction of a new street from N.C. 904
westward to the right-of-way of Fourth Street. (The proposed
alignment is shown on Sheet 2 of Map 5, attached.)
b. Pedestrian Access
Currently, there are no sidewalks along either First or Second
Streets, despite heavy pedestrian use. The rights -of -way are
adequate to allow for both widening of the pavement and the con-
struction of a minimum 4-foot-wide sidewalk on one side of both
streets. Also, because N.C. 904, which runs from the Ocean Isle
Beach Pier across the waterway to N.C. 179, is the major thorough-
fare providing access to the Town, adequate pedestrian access,
i.e., sidewalks, should also be provided along N.C. 904.
c. Bicycles
Bicycles, by state law, are treated like other moving vehicles
and should be operated on thoroughfares, according to normal traf-
fic regulations. Bicycles, for example, should not be operated on
sidewalks. If both First and Second Streets are widened, however,
then in addition to safer vehicular movement, accessibility would
also be enhanced for bicycles. Eventually, as the Town develops,
consideration may be given to the development of scenic bike
trails or bikeways. However, such recreational facilities may not
be warranted at this time.
d. Policy and Implementation Statements
(1) The Town of Ocean Isle Beach will seek financial
assistance to have the pavements widened on both
First and Second Streets. A significant portion
of First Street is included within the N.C.
Secondary Route system and is DOT -maintained.
(2) In FY 87, the Town will allocate funds to begin
construction of sidewalks along First and Second
Streets, and along N.C. 904 from the Ocean Isle
Pier to the new Intracoastal Waterway bridge and
across the bridge to N.C. 179. Sidewalks on
Second Street should extend from Laurinburg to Lee
Street, and on Front Street, from the Pier to
Concord Street.
49

(3) In FY 86, the Town requested that NCDOT install a
traffic signal device at the intersection of N.C.
904 and N.C. 179, in order to enhance the safety
of traffic movements, especially turns, at this
intersection. The signal has been installed.
(4) In the long-term, seek to develop a new street
from N.C. 904, westward to the right-of-way of the
existing Fourth Street (see Sheet 2, Map 5,
attached).
Preliminary sketch design of the access improvement areas are
shown on Map 2, attached, and general potential layout on Map 3,
next page. (Note that Maps 1 and 3 are bound with the document,
while Maps, 2, 4, and 5 are attached to the rear of the report.)
50

i
NC 119
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0
O
V
Z
'
WATERWAY
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ATLANTIC OCEAN
'
WIDEN PAVEMENT
OCEAN
ISLE BEACH
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CONSTRUCT SIDEWALK
PROPOSED TRAFFIC SIGNAL
MAP 3
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IMPROVEMENT
O EMENT AREA
I�lSro
s,

D. CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION POLICIES
Ocean Isle Beach recognizes that an important element in deve-
loping and implementing any local policies or plans regarding the
use of land in the Town, is involvement of the Town's citizenry.
From the initial stages of development of this 1986 update of the
Town's CAMA Land Use Plan, Ocean Isle Beach has sought to provide
open opportunities for citizen input. A "Public Participation
Plan" was developed for the plan updating process, outlining the
methodology for citizen involvement.` The plan stated that public
involvement was to be generated primarily through the Town
Planning Board and through "public information" meetings, adver-
tised in local newspapers and open to the general public. The
monthly Planning Board meetings also are open to the general pub-
lic. (See Appendix 1.)
Specifically, during the beginning stages of the update
process, the Planning Board met with the planning consultant to
review and discuss preliminary development issues; afterwards, a
public information meeting was announced in the Brunswick Beacon
newspaper, and public notices of the meeting were posted on the
door of the Town Hall. This meeting was held February 11, 1986,
with citizens, the Planning Board, the planning consultant, and
the Town Board of Commissioners attending. Citizens provided
input and voiced their concerns about land use trends and poli-
cies.- A second advertised public information meeting was con-
ducted on June 10, 1986, with the Town Board again attending.
Throughout the plan development process, the Town Planning Board
was actively involved. A series of meetings, or "working ses-
sions" were held. All of these meetings were open to the public.
Specifically, work sessions and/or meetings were held on the fol-
lowing dates: October 24 and November 11, 1985; February 3,
March 3, April 7, May 8 June 2, 1986, June 24, 1986, and June 26,
1986.
The preliminary draft plan, prior to submission to the CRC,
was presented to the Town Board of Commissioners on June 24, 1986,
and received for final review on June 26, 1986.
In addition to direct citizen's input through the public
meetings, interviews were conducted with representatives of vari-
ous agencies in the Ocean Isle Beach -Brunswick County area to
solicit input. These included the County Planning Department,
Emergency Management Office, County Health Department, and the
North Carolina Department of Transportation.
Currently, the Planning Board is composed of three of the
Town's residents. Ocean Isle has demonstrated its desire to keep
citizens informed of governmental issues by mailing out copies of
the minutes of the Town Board meetings to all year-round resi-
dents. This is a practice not duplicated in many communities.
Ocean Isle Beach is committed to keeping its citizens informed and
giving them opportunities to participate in the planning and
decision -making process.
1
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'
Policy choices are:
° Ocean Isle Beach believes that its Planning Board, which
has regularly scheduled meetings, all of which are open to
1
the public, provide adequate opportunities for citizens to
air their views concerning planning matters. The Board
will continue to be maintained at its present size, unless
'
extraterritorial expansion dictates changes.
° Ocean Isle will continue its policy of informing citizens
'
of governmental issues and decisions by sending out a
summary of the minutes of Town Board meetings to all
permanent residents.
'
The Town will use published public notices to inform citi-
zens of pending decisions involving land use planning
'
matters.
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E.
STORM HAZARD MITIGATION, POST -DISASTER RECOVERY, AND
EVACUATION PLANS
The entire North Carolina Coastal region, including Ocean Isle
Beach, faces the possible threat of'damage each year from hurri-
canes or other major storms.
The purpose of this section of the 1986 CAMA Land Use Plan
Update, is to assist Ocean Isle Beach in managing development in
potentially hazardous areas.through establishing hazard mitigation
policies and to reduce the risks associated with future hurricanes
by developing post -disaster reconstruction/recovery policies, and
reviewing the adequacy of current evacuation plans. The overrid-
ing concept of this element is simply "planning ahead of time."
With this introduction, the following pages will present the
storm hazard mitigation and post -disaster recovery policies, and
review of the existing evacuation plan along with appropriate
discussions.
1. Storm Hazard Mitigation: Discussion
Hazard mitigation, or actions taken to reduce the probability
or impact of a disaster could involve a number of activities or
policy decisions. The starting point, however, is to identify the
types of hazards (including the relative severity and magnitude of
risks), and the extent of development (including residential,
commercial, etc.) located in storm hazard areas.
Hurricanes are extremely powerful, often unpredictable forces
of nature. The two most severe effects are fatalities and pro-
perty damage, which are usually the result of four causes: high
winds, flooding, wave action, and erosion, each of which are dis-
cussed briefly below:
a. High Winds
High winds are the major determinants of a hurricane, by
definition, i.e., a tropical disturbance with sustained winds of
at least 73 miles per hour. Extreme hurricanes can have winds of
up to 165 miles per hour, with gusts up to 200 miles per hour.
These winds circulate around the center or "eye" of the storm.
Although the friction or impact of the winds hitting land from the
water causes some dissipation of the full force, there is still a
tremendous amount of energy left to cause damage to buildings,
overturn mobile homes, down trees and powerlines, and destroy
crops. Also, tornadoes are often spawned by hurricane wind
patterns. Wind stress, therefore, is an important consideration
in storm hazard mitigation planning, particularly for barrier
7
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54

island communities. Ocean Isle Beach has certain areas identified
as "high velocity" or "V-17 zones," located primarily along the
immediate ocean front. Because of a hurricane's size and power,
however, it is a possibility that all of Ocean Isle Beach would be
subject to the same wind velocity in the event of a major storm.
' b. Flooding
Flooding, on the other hand, may not affect all areas with
equal intensity. The excessive amounts of rainfall and the "storm
surge" which often accompany hurricanes can cause massive coastal
and riverine flooding causing excessive property damage and deaths
by drownings. (More deaths are caused by drowning than any other
cause in hurricanes.) Flooding is particularly a problem in bar-
rier island areas because of the storm surge and low-lying areas.
However, flooding can cause extensive damage in inland areas also,
' since many coastal areas have low elevations and are located in
high hazard or "Zone A" flood areas according to the Federal Emer-
gency Management Agency Maps. Based on recent flood insurance
maps prepared for and adopted by Ocean Isle Beach, virtually all
1 of the Town is classified as being in the 100-year "high hazard"
flood zone, or Zone A. (Approximately 12 acres between Shelby
Street and Duneside Drive, and a .4 mile stretch along N.C. 904
north of the Intracoastal Waterway bridge, is in "Zone C," i..e.,
minimally flooded area.) Because of low elevation, it is likely
that all of the beach area would be subject to flooding during a
severe hurricane. (See Map 4, "Composite Hazards," attached.)
' Consideration of potential flood damageisimportant to Ocean
Isle Beach's efforts to develop storm mitigation policies.
c. Wave Action
' Damage from wave action is connected very closely to the storm
surge, i.e., wind -driven water with high waves moving to vulner-
able shoreline areas. Areas most likely to be affected are ocean
erodible areas and estuarine shoreline areas. The ocean erodible.
f area in Ocean Isle Beach, as defined on page 16-17 of this Plan,
includes the area basically considered as "the beach.".In conjunc-
tion with CAMA requirements and the Town's building regulations,
the only "development" allowed in this area is piers. As dis-
cussed above, there are both "A" zones and "V" zones in Ocean Isle
Beach. According to FEMA maps, base flood elevations above mean
sea level are calculated to range from up to 13 Ft. in "A" zones
and up to 17 Ft. in "V" zones. All of the elevations shown on
FEMA maps for Ocean Isle Beach include calculations for the "wave
surge" height. The potential for wave action damage to develop-
ment in Ocean Isle Beach is greatest within the "first row" of
development along the oceanfront behind the regulated building
55

line. Within this area, there are 218 single-family lots devel-
oped (some lots may contain duplexes, for projection purposes;
however, one unit per lot will be assumed), 248 condominium
units), 65 motel units, and 7 commercial establishments other than
motels. Notice the summary of property most susceptible to wave
action damage included below:
,
Table 13: Summary of Property Most Susceptible to Wave Action
Damage
'
Est. Pct.
Type No. Town's Total
1. Single Family 218 21.0
2. Condominiums 248 38.0
3. Motel Units 65 100.0
4. Commercial 5 13.5
'
Source: Based on data from Town Building Inspector, Projections
by Talbert, Cox & Associates
Table 14 indicates that about 27% of all structures in the
Town could be affected by severe wave action.
'
The estuarine shoreline within Ocean Isle Beach's jurisdic-
tion, as described on pages 15-16, includes all of the land area
'
around "Soundside" of the island, inland to a distance of 75 feet
from the mean high water mark.
d. Erosion
,
The final major consideration in storm hazard mitigation is
severe erosion, caused by a combination of high winds, high water,
'
and heavy wave action. Generally, in Ocean Isle Beach, the areas
most susceptible to storm -related erosion are the undeveloped
oceanfront areas, estuarine shoreline AEC, and ocean erodible
,
area, as described on pages 15-16. Shoreline erosion, particular-
ly resulting from rapidly receding flood waters, could lead to
loss of property through portions of waterfront lots being washed
away or even actual structural damage to buildings. Erosion
'
potential is an important factor to consider in developing storm
hazard mitigation policies.
'
e. Summary: Storm Hazard Mitigation Considerations
In summary, all four of the major damaging forces of a hurri-
cane, i.e., high winds, flooding, wave action, and shoreline ero-
,s
�

' sion could have a potential significantimpactupon Ocean Isle
Beach in the event of a major storm. The degree of susceptibility
to losses and/or damages is an important consideration in storm
' hazard mitigation planning. Table 14, below, provides some per-
ception of the percent of the Town's building structures (residen-
tial and commercial, etc.), subject to the potentially devastating
effects of a major storm:
Table 14: *Percent of Structures Subject to Storm Damage Factors,
Ocean Isle Beach
Percent Structures
Storm Impact Possibly Affected *Tax Value
1. High winds 100% 251.0
' 2. Flooding 100% 251.0
3. Wave Action 27% 67.8
4. Shoreline Erosion 5% 12.6
Source: Based on projections derived from examination of Existing
Land Use Map and discussion with Town personnel. Map
prepared by Talbert, Cox & Associates.
*1986 estimates, in millions
The information in the Table above is preliminary and is not
intended to convey the impression that every single structure
possibly affected by damaging factors would be affected, only that
the potential is there.
f. Policy Statements: Storm Hazard Mitigation
' In order to minimize the damage potentially caused by the
effects of a hurricane or other major storm, Ocean Isle Beach pro-
' poses the following policies..
(1) High Winds: Ocean Isle Beach supports enforcement
of the N. C. 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.
' (2) Flooding: Ocean Isle Beach is an active partici-
pant in the National Flood Insurance Program and
is supportive of hazard mitigation elements.
Ocean Isle Beach is participating in the regular
57

phase 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.
Ocean Isle Beach also will continue enforcement of
the CAMA and 404 Wetlands development permit
processes in areas potentially susceptible to
flooding.
(3) 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.
g. Implementation: Storm Hazard Mitigation
(1) Ocean Isle Beach will continue to enforce the
standards of the State Building Code.
(2) The Town will continue to enforce State and
Federal regulations which aid in mitigation of
hurricane hazards, including CAMA and the U. S.
-- Army Corps of Engineers 404 permit process, FEMA,
as well as local ordinances such as zoning and
subdivision regulations.
h. Other Mitigation Policy Areas
According to the CAMA Planning Guidelines, policy statements
should also address the following three areas:
(1) Means of dealing with structures and uses which do
not conform to the hazard mitigation policies.
(2) Means of encouraging hotels, restaurants, and
similar large commercial. structures to locate
outside of erosion -prone areas.
(3) Policies which deal with the acquisition of
parcels located in hazard areas or rendered
unbuildable, for the purpose of public access.
58

1
All existing structures.which do not conform to the Town's
mitigation policies can only be subject to existing regulations.
No additional requirements will be imposed. For the second area
listed above, Ocean Isle Beach believes that current regulations,
i.e., CAMA and local zoning and subdivision regulations, are ade-
quate at this time to address this issue. And for the third
policy area -listed above, the Town believes that there would be no
need to acquire such a parcel, since if it is unbuildable, it is
likely not suitable for any other use. Also, Ocean Isle Beach
believes its access needs are, at present, adequately provided
for.
2. Post -Disaster Reconstruction Plan
Ocean Isle Beach recognizes that in the event of a major
storm, it will be very important to have a general recovery and
reconstruction plan. Ocean Isle Beach has its own Civil Prepared-
ness Emergency Operation Plan and an Emergency Ordinance which
empowers the Mayor to declare a State of Emergency, and to initi-
ate appropriate action including joint action with Brunswick
County. In both 1984 and 1985, under threats from Hurricanes
Diana and Gloria, the Mayor exercised these powers. Specifically,
the Mayor has the authority to: order evacuation of the Town;
implement and direct evacuees to assigned shelters for the area;
ensure the security of the evacuated areas; and control re-entry
into evacuated areas. However, other than re-entry, there are no
elements relating to formal post -disaster and reconstruction
policies for the Town. Some additional elements are needed. This
section of the Land Use Plan Update will address this issue.
58a

a. 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 Mayor's leadership,.may consist of the following, or others
because of the potential unavailability of some team members:
(1) Town Services Coordinator
(2) Chief, Volunteer Fire Department
(3) Police Chief
(4) Town Building Inspector
(5) Town Commission Members
(6) 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 so directs:
(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 con-
tacting appropriate state, local, and federal
authorities, including CAMA permit officers where
necessary.
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(10) Assisting private businesses and individual prop-
erty owners in obtaining information on the var-
ious types of assistance that might be available
to them from County, Federal, and State agencies.
b. Immediate Clean -Up and Debris Removal
As soon as practical after the storm, the Mayor or designee
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.
c. Long Term Recovery/Restoration
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.
(1) 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., clear-
ance 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 suffi-
cient personnel is available, two Damage Assess-
ment 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 per-
cent of value).
° Major (repairs would cost more than 30 percent
.of the value).
° Minor (repairs would cost less than 30 percent
of the value) .
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1
° Habitable (some minor damage, with repairs less I
than 15 percent of the value).
Each damage assessment will be documented accord-
ing 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.
(2) Reconstruction Development Standards: Generally,
reconstruction shall be held at least to the same
development standards as before the storm. How-
ever, 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 reconstruc-
tion at all. Building permits to restore de-
stroyed or damaged structures, which were built in
conformance with the Town's building code and Town
storm hazard mitigation policies, shall be issued
automatically. All structures damaged more than
50% of value, if repaired, will be repaired
according to the Town's building code. All struc-
tures suffering minor damage, regardless of loca-
tion, will be allowed to be rebuilt to the origin-
al condition prior to the storm.
(3) Development Moratoria: 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 redevel-
opment activities for a certain period of time
after a storm. This decision will be the respon-
sibility of the Mayor. This "moratorium" could
allow the Town time to carefully assess all damage
in view of existing policies, building regula-
tions, and ordinances, in order to help determine
whatever existing policies, etc., should be
revised to mitigate similar damage from future
storms. The intent of such a moratorium would be
to learn all the lessons possible and try and
determine what steps and precautions the Town can
take in rebuilding so as not to suffer damage to
the same extent. If a moratorium is established,
the time frame will be commensurate with the
extent of the damage. The actual time frame will
be established by the Board of Commissioners.
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(4) Repair/Reconstruction Schedule: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
(a) Complete and Report Damage As soon as possible
Assessments after storm
(b) Begin RepairstoCritical As soon as possible
Utilities and Facilities after storm
(c) Permitting of Reconstruction *After any moratorium,
activities for all damaged and/or completion of
structures ("minor" to pre -storm all assessments
original status, "major" to State
Building Code and hazard
mitigation standards
(5) 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 implementa-
tion of the plan.
(6) Repair and Replacement of Public Utilities: If
utility lines or any component of the water or
sewer system are damaged and it'is determined that
the facilities can be relocated to a less haz-
ardous location, then relocation will be consid-
ered during reconstruction. This activity will
also be coordinated with the Brunswick Electric
Membership Corporation for electrical service and
other utility companies.
3. Hurricane Evacuation Plan
a. General
As stated previously, Ocean Isle Beach°has a civil prepared-
ness Emergency Operation Plan and Emergency Ordinance which
authorizes the Mayor to direct emergency operations in the event
of a hurricane.
*If one is declared.
62

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.
,
° Line up emergency rescue facilities.
°
Relocate any Town records, equipment, etc., which could be
damaged by water.
° Make door-to-door checks.
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 poten-
tial 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 flows along evacuation routes.
b. Evacuation Time
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 both
Hurricanes Diana and Gloria), the evacuation time was approximate-
'
ly 1-3 hours. However, if a storm should occur during the peak of
the summer tourist season, it may take up to 4 hours during day-
light. However, evacuations should be greatly improved now, since
,
the new two-lane mid -rise bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway
has been opened. In times past, the only access to the mainland
was a single -lane swing -span drawbridge. 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 closest one
to Ocean Isle Beach is the Shallotte Middle School, located at the
intersection of N.C. 17.9 and the Shallotte town limits.
4. Re -Entry
'
Procedures for re-entry a_e addressed in the.State of Emer-
gency, declared by the Mayor. Basically, during the imposition of
'
the evacuation, no one other than required Town personnel and
emergency personnel are allowed back across the Waterway. Also,
all residents or property owners have been required to display an
auto decal, which can be purchased at the Town Hall.
63

SECTION III
LAND CLASSIFICATION ` SYSTEM

1
1
SECTION III:
LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
The land classification system provides a uniform way of look-
ing at how the use of land interacts with environmentally sensi-
tive areas and with the development needs of a particular locali-
ty. 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 categor-
ies and how these relationships help shape local policy. Particu-
lar 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 in each county. 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." (7B.0204) (a)
The five land classifications, along with a land classifica-
tion map, are therefore intended to serve as a visual representa-
tion of the policies stated in Section II of this plan. The map
.depicting these classifications must be as flexible as the poli-
cies that guide them. (See the attached Land Classification Map,
Map 5.)
Only three of the Coastal Resources Commissions' five land
classifications and one subclass are relevant to the land develop-
ment policies of Ocean Isle Beach. They are identified and
described below.
A. DEVELOPED
The developed class of land use provides for continued inten-
sive development and redevelopment of existing cities. Areas to
be classified as "developed" include lands currently developed for
urban purposes or approaching a density of 500 dwellings per
square mile that are provided with usual municipal or public ser-
vices, including at least public water, sewer, recreational facil-
ities, police and fire protection. Areas which exceed the minimum
density but which do not have public sewer service may best be
divided into a separate class to indicate that although they have
a developed character, they will need sewers in the future.
Within Ocean Isle Beach, the areas complying with the above
definition, except for the provision of central sewage service,
include: the commercial area on N.C. 904 north of the Intracoast-
al Waterway, the residential areaalongthe first eight finger
canals near the island, and the first and second row of lots along
64

the oceanfront, east of N.C. 904 to Lumberton
Street. Lots in
,
these areas are nearly completely developed,
and all of the
undeveloped acreage will likely be developed
by or before 1995.
B. TRANSITION
Transition land is classified as those lands
providing for
future intensive urban development within the
ensuing ten years on
,
lands that are most suitable and that will be
scheduled for provi-
sion of necessary public utilities and services.
They may also
provide for additional growth when additional
lands in the devel-
oped class are not available or when they are
severely limited for
development.
Lands classified "transition" may include:
1. lands currently having urban services, and
2. other lands necessary to accommodate the urban population '
and economic growth anticipated within the planning juris-
diction over the next ten years.
Lands classified for the latter reason must: I
a. be served or be readily served by public water, sewer,
and other urban services, including public streets,
'
and
b. be generally free of severe physical limitations for
urban development.
The "transition" class should not include:
a. lands of high potential for agriculture, forestry, or
mineral extraction, or land falling within extensive
rural areas being managed commercially for these uses,
when other lands are available;
b. lands where urban development might result in major or
irreversible damage to important environmental,
cultural, scientific, or scenic values; or
'
C. land where urban development might result in damage to
natural systems or processes of more than local
concern;
and
d. lands where development will result in undue risk to
life or property from natural hazards or existing land
uses, e.g., frequently flooded areas.
The lands in Ocean Isle Beach that will be classified "transi-
tional" are those areas adjacent to the currently developed areas
on the island and based on their historic use. This includes the
land area around the remaining finger canals, all of the remaining
platted lots on the island, and the unsubdivided land on the west
end.
65
1

tThe relationship between the "developed and transition" clas-
sification is usually an important one. The first class, is meant
to define the already intensively developed areas and/or those
areas where intensive urban -type development is likely to occur.
Transitional lands are those areas where public investment deci-
sions will be required to provide the necessary urban services.
These become important areas to closely monitor. The Coastal
Resources Commission has further clarified this relationship as
described below.
The Developed and Transition classes should be the only lands
under active consideration by a county or municipality for inten-
sive urban development requiring urban services. The area within
these classes is where detailed local land use and public invest-
ment planning will occur. State and federal expenditures on proj-
ects associated with urban development (water, sewer, urban street
systems, etc.) will be guided to these areas. Most of the "trans-
itional". lands on Ocean Isle Beach already have access to the
Town's water system and are included in the municipal service area
(i.e., police and fire, protection)
C. CONSERVATION
The "conservation" class provides for effective long-term
management of significant limited or irreplaceable areas. This
management may be needed because of its natural, cultural, recre-
ational, productive, or scenic values. This class should be
limited to lands that contain: major wetlands; essentially
undeveloped shorelands that are unique, fragile, or hazardous for
development;" necessary wildlife habitat or areasthat have a high
probability for providing necessary habitat conditions; publicly -
owned water supply watersheds and aquifers; and forestlands that
are undeveloped and will remain undeveloped for commercial pur-
poses.
In Ocean Isle Beach, the lands described as the following
Areas of Environmental Concern are listed in this classification:
Coastal Wetlands (the unplatted, undeveloped lands south of the
Intracoastal Waterway and north of Old Sound Creek); Estuarine
Shorelines (excluding areas adjacent to already -developed lots);
Inlet Hazard Areas; and the Ocean Erodible Area.
D. CONSERVATION SPOIL
This is a subclass of conservation and will be used to classi-
fy lands 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 U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers.
66

E. OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS
1. Community
The "community" classification provides for clustered land
uses to meet housing, shopping, employment, and public service
needs within the rural areas of a county. It is usually charact-
erized by a small grouping of mixed land uses which are suitable -
1
and appropriate for small clusters of rural development not
requiring municipal sewer service.
2. Rural
The "rural" class provides for agriculture, forest management,
mineral extraction, and other low -intensity uses on large sites,
including residences where urban services are not required and
where natural resources will not be unduly impaired. These are
lands identified as appropriate locations for resources management
and allied uses: land with high potential for agriculture,
forestry, or mineral extraction; lands with one or more limita-
tions that would make development costly and hazardous; and lands
containing irreplaceable, limited, or significant natural, recrea-
tional, or scenic resources not otherwise classified.
I
1
67

SECTION IV: RELATIONSHIP OF
POLICIES AND LAND CLASSIFICATIONS
After the Land Classification System is developed, the Coastal
Resources Commission requires each land use plan to relate the
Policy Section to the land classification map and to provide some
indication as to which land uses are appropriate in each class.
A. DEVELOPED AND TRANSITION CLASSES
As discussed in Section I, Analysis of Existing Conditions,
the development of both single-family and multi -family structures
is likely to continue in Ocean Isle Beach. The developed and
transition classes were specifically designed to accommodate these
projected more intensive developments and land uses. This will
include commercial uses, parks and open space, community facili-
ties, and transportation. Hazardous or offensive uses, such as
power plants, airports, and storage facilities, will not be in
- these classes. Where identified constraints, such as poor soils,
AIWW easements, or other fragile areas occur within these classes,
the areas will not be considered as Developed or Transition.
B. CONSERVATION AND CONSERVATION SPOIL CLASSES
The Conservation Class is designated to provide for effective
long-term management of significant limited or irreplaceable areas
which include wetlands undeveloped shorelines that are unique,
fragile, or hazardous for development; wildlifehabitat areas;
publicly -owned watersheds, and aquifers; undeveloped forestlands;
and cultural and historical sites. Policy Statements under
Resource Protection and Resource Production and Management issues,
address the Town's intentions concerning the Conservation Class.
rThe Conservation Spoil Class will apply to lands which must be
managed on a long-term basis, but are suitable as spoil sites for
the maintenance of major waterways,_ including the Atlantic Intra-
coastal Waterway, by the Corps of Engineers.
68

t
APPENDIX 1
j.
TOWN OF OCEAN ISLE BEACH PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN
FOR THE 1985-86 CAMA LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
I. Introduction
The Town of Ocean Isle Beach, in compliance with requirements
of the North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act, is preparing an
update to its Land Development Plan. The purpose of this plan is
to update growth and development trends of the Town and to re -assess
the need for capital improvements and expansion of the Town's infra-
structure along with the study of the capacity for and efficiency of
�r municipal services.
A significant as ect of the plan updating process is the involve-
g P
ment of the Town's citizenry. This Public Participation Plan will
outline the means by which the Town will foster and encourage such
participation throughout the planning process.
II. Public Participation Plan
Public involvement in the 1985-86 Land Use Plan Update will be
generated primarily through meetings with the Town of Ocean Isle
Beach Planning Board. This Board is composed of three.(3) local
residents. Also, general "public information" meetings will be held
to present and discuss issues before the general public. All such
meetings will be publicized through advertisments in the customary
manner of posting public notices. Presentations will also be made
before the Ocean Isle Beach Town Commissioners. Note that all
Planning Board and Board of Commissioners' meetings are open to the
public.
III. Tentative Meeting Schedule
The initial preliminary schedule of meetings is as follows:
A. Meeting with Planning Board to review preliminary
development issues, November 11, 1985, 1:00 P.M.
B. Meeting with the Town Board of Commissioners to
review preliminary issues, December 10, 1985, regular
meeting 4:00 P.M.
C. Public information meeting with citizens, Jamuary 13,
1986, 4:00 P.M.
1 Other meetings and work sessions will be scheduled and appro-
priately publicized throughout the land use plan update process.
The above schedule is presented as being prelimimary.
The above Plan was unanimously adopted ted by the Board of Commissioners
Town of Ocean Isle Beach on motion by Commissioner Marvin Stanley,
seconded by Commissioner Debbie Fox this 8th day of October, 1985.
7
+Laa!e
Alberta C. Tatum, Town Clerk W. Bullingto Mayor
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