CAMA Land Use Plan Update-1994

LAMA LAND: USE PLAN UPDATE
1994
The Town of Oriental, North Carolina
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Adopted by the Town of Oriental: December 6,1994
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Adoption by the Coastal Resource Commission: January 27,1995
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Prepared • by.
The Town of Oriental Planning Board
and
The Cox Company
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Urban Planners • Landscape Architects
Development Consultants • Civil Engineers
Charlottesville, Virginia

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LAMA LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
1994
The Town of Oriental, North Carolina
Adopted by the Town of Oriental: December 6,1994
Adoption by the Coastal Resource Commission: January 27,1995
Prepared by
The Town of Oriental Planning Board
and
The Cox Company
Urban Planners • Landscape Architects
Development Consultants • Civil Engineers
Charlottesville, Virginia
The preparation of this report 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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1994 CAMA LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
THE TOWN OF ORIENTAL, NORTH CAROLINA
Table of Contents
Chapter
I.
Introduction
Introduction to the Planning Process
The Coastal Area Management Act
Establishment of Demographic and Land Use Data Base
Establishment of Land Use and Environmental Goals
Public Participation and the Planning Process
II.
Data Collection and Analysis
Introduction
Establishment of the Information Base
Present Conditions: Population and Economy
Tables and Graphs
III.
Existing Land Use
Summary of Existing Land Use
Introduction
Significant Land and Water Compatibility Problems
Major Problems From Unplanned Development
Areas Experiencing Major Land Use Changes
Existing Land Use Map
IV.
Review of Current Plans
Local Plans
State Agency Plans
Federal Regulations
V.
Constraints: Land Suitability
Physical Limitations for Development
Fragile Areas
Areas With Resource Potential
Multi -Hazards Map
Archeology Map
VI.
Constraints: Carrying Capacity Analysis
VH.
Estimated Demand
VIII.
Goals, Objectives and Policies
Introduction
Recommended Planning Policies for Oriental
Resource Protection
Resource Production and Management
Economic and Community Development
Public Participation
Storm Hazard Mitigation
IX.
Land Classification System
Developed Areas
Conservation
Intergovernmental Coordination and Implementation
Land Classification Map
X.
Relationships of Policies and Land Classification
AI.
Appendix I: Public Participation Plan
AII.
Appendix II: Policy Critique Questionnaire
Page
IV-1
IV-1
IV-2
V-2
V-3
V-7
VIII-1
VIII-5
VIII-7
VIII-15
VIII-18
VIII-24
VIII-27
IX-3
IX-4
IX-6

Chapter I.
Introduction
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The Town of Oriental Land Use Plan • 1994

1994 CAMA Land Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
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CHAPTER I:
General Introduction
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A. Introduction to the Planning Process
The 1994 Land Use Plan is designed to be used as a guide for the physical
development of Oriental focusing on the upcoming ten year time frame. This
Plan, along with responsible leadership in its implementation, provides a
means by which the Town's future growth can be successfully channeled and
' accommodated. The overall purpose of the Land Use Plan is to encourage the
development of a safe,, healthy, and economically sound living environment for
the citizens of the Town. The Land Use Plan focuses on those factors which
' contribute to or hinder proper growth and development, and identifies those
areas in which the Town government can have a positive impact.
LThe Land Use Plan is not the gospel, but, rather, it is a document which presents
the Town government's best attempt at defining its "vision" for the future and
' suggests ways to attain that "vision." The attitudes and desires of Town
residents undergird the goals, policies and implementation recommendations
which will be adopted into this document. The participation of Oriental's
' citizens has been an essential contribution to setting the course for future land
development and environmental conservation activities.
' By preparing a Land Use Plan which is integrally tied to its precedent goals,
objectives and planning policies and yet incorporates future goals and objectives,
the old adage that "it is not enough to be what we have been" is underscored.
' Towards this end, one of the initial steps in this planning process was to define
these future goals, to translate those goals into objectives by which they would
be realized, and to establish policies and strategies by which the goals can be
implemented for the betterment of the community of interest. In arriving at the
set of goals and objectives which have been recommended for the Oriental Land
Use Plan, three major and distinct efforts were undertaken in order to ensure
that the planning process proceeded along this rational line and with the
assurance that the adoption of future land use recommendations would be
constructed on a firm social, economic, moral and legal underpinning.
The initial effort in this regard was to undertake a thorough review and
analysis of all previous Town plans and growth management documents. By
' carefully evaluating land use goals and objectives from earlier plans, the Town
Council and Planning Board were able to assess the "suitability" and
"workability" of past planning strategies. In doing so, past planning goals were
then updated, refined and merged into the context of the current Plan's study
requirements.
The Cox Company Introduction • I-1

1994 CAMA Land Use Plan Update- Oriental • North Carolina
Secondly, the Oriental planning process incorporated a range of citizens' input
' and participation opportunities which enabled all interested parties to express
their visions and expectations for the future of the Town. An extensive citizen's
attitude survey was conducted as well as multiple work sessions with both
' public officials and private citizens. The consolidated findings were used by
the Town officials in making the final recommendations for the Plan. This
effort was joined with the requirements of the Coastal Area Management Act
' and other State guidelines affecting area -wide land use goals, objectives and
implementation strategies for environmentally sensitive wetlands and marshes
as well.
' Thirdly, the Planning Board, Town Staff and its Consultants kept a goals -
oriented "vigil" during the development of the multi -faceted land use planning
and growth management recommendations for the Town. In doing so, they were
able to maintain a high level of leadership and objective focus as the many
"nuts and bolts" aspects of this Land Use Plan were being developed and as
numerous land use alternatives were evaluated. The result of this thorough
goals -directed planning effort yielded a more consistent land use planning
program and a more efficient framework for the future management of growth in
' Oriental.
1 B. The Coastal Area Management Act
The Coastal Area Management Act of 1974—commonly know as CAMA—
established a cooperative program of coastal area management and planning
between local governments and the State. Oriental has been an active and
productive participant in the CAMA process since its inception. Land use
planning lies at the center of Oriental's involvement with LAMA, inasmuch as
it has provided Town leaders an opportunity and responsibility to establish
and enforce policies to guide land development on a 5-year cyclical basis.
The State's CAMA legislation is very clear on its position regarding the
importance of local planning:
"Land development generally takes place as the result of decisions by
' private individuals and government. If left entirely to chance, the
resulting pattern of development in a locality may well not be in the
best overall community interest. In order to promote this community
' interest for both present and future generations, a land use plan is to be
developed, adopted and kept current by the local governments in the
coastal area.
The Cox Company Introduction * I-2

1994 CAMA Land Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
The land use plan is a framework that will guide local leaders as they
make decisions affecting development. Private individuals and other
levels of government will also use the plan to guide their land use
decisions. Use of the plan by these groups will lead to the more
efficient and economical provision of public services, the protection of
natural resources, sound economic development, and the protection of
public health and safety."
Oriental's leadership, through the CAMA land use planning process, has
addressed many issues and has adopted policies that serve to guide the
development of the Town. This process recognizes that many decisions affecting
land development are made by other levels of government (regional, state,
federal), and that local policies must take account of and harmonize with
established state and federal laws. However, most land use decisions are
primarily those of local relevance, concern and control. By comprehensively
addressing these issues via the Land Use Plan, state and federal agencies will
support the Town's policies that deal with these issues. These agencies will
also use the Town land use plans and policies in making project consistency,
funding and permit decisions: It is important to note that in the absence of a
regularly updated and adopted Plan, the Town relinquishes a number of local
decision making responsibilities to State and Federal agencies which may, or
may not, have the best interest of Oriental's citizens at heart.
Pursuant to the established guidelines of the Coastal Area Management Act (as
amended), the Coastal Resources Commission rules for planning require the
Oriental Land Use Plan to contain the following four basic minimum elements:
•a summary of data collection and analysis
*an existing land use map
•a land use and environmental policy discussion
•a land classification map
C Establishment of a Demographic and Land Use Data Base
The data collection and analysis items required by CAMA are designed to
' establish the information base necessary to make policy choices about future
land use and development in the Town. These items have been formulated so as
not to place unnecessary burden on the local planning resources. The data
' requirements can generally be fulfilled by utilizing existing local plans and
studies including the previous Land Use Plan Updates, as well as information
provided by the U. S. Census, regional planning bodies and State agencies.
IThe Cox Company
Introduction • I-3

1994 CAMA Land Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
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D. Establishment of Land Use and Environmental Goals and Policies
The Town's Land Use Plan is required by CAMA to contain statements of local
policy on those land use issues which will affect the community during the
upcoming ten-year planning period. The major issues should include, but are not
limited to:
-Resource Protection
*Resource Production and Management
*Economic and Community Development
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-Public Participation
*Storm Hazard Mitigation
Rather than incorporate additional topical areas for major issues, the Planning
Board has determined that the above categories are sufficient for this Plan
Update. Other traditional planning topics such as transportation, recreation,
education, employment and growth management controls have been integrated
into the examination and discussions of the five major CAMA policy categories.
It is incumbent upon the drafters of the Town Land Use Plan to ensure to the
greatest extent possible that there is consistency among individual policies
developed in each policy category. Particular attention should be given to
individual policies in the resource protection, resource production and
management, and economic and community development categories. These
three categories will often contain issues of overlapping as well as conflicting
ideologies and philosophies. The result is that potentially competing and
contradictory goals, policies and strategies must be forcefully addressed and
sensitively resolved during the planning process.
E. Public Participation in the Planning Process
Public participation is the cornerstone of the planning process. In complying
with CAMA planning guidelines, the Land Use Plan must document the means
by which public involvement in the land use plan update was accomplished.
As a minimum, the Coastal Resource Commission rules for planning mandate
' that the Town's Plan must address the following public participation issues:
•a description of means to be used for public education on
' planning issues;
•a description of means to be used for continuing public
participation in planning; and
1 The Cox Company
Introduction • I--4

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1994 CAMA Land Use Plan Update
The Cox Company
Oriental • North Carolina
•a description of means to be used for obtaining citizen input in
developing land use plan policy statements.
In fulfilling these Coastal Resource Commission rules for public involvement,
the Town leadership has prepared policies based upon data analysis, land use
inventories as well as detailed citizen input related to the best possible
alternative for each land use issue. The Land Use Plan includes a description of
the methods by which the Town intends to implement its policy choices. In
summary, all policies adopted by the Town as a part of the Land Use Plan are
designed to maintain consistency with the overall policy adopted by the
Coastal Resources Commission.
Introduction • I-5

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Data Collection and Analysis
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The Town of Oriental Land Use Plan • 1994

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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update
CHAPTER II:
Data Collection and Analysis
Introduction
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Oriental • North Carolina
The 1994 Land Use Plan update for the Townof Oriental complies with the
"Land Use Planning Guidelines" of the North Carolina Administrative Code
15A NCAC 7B as amended on February 16, 1990. This section of the Code
outlines the requirements of the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA)
established in 1974. It also "sets forth general standards for use by the Coastal
Resources Commission in reviewing and considering local land use plans."
The first CAMA Land Use Plan for the Townof Oriental was prepared in 1976.
The initial update was completed in 1981 and the second update was completed
in 1988. The purpose of the update is primarily for the examination of existing
policies and the evaluation of the relevancy and adequacy of the techniques for
implementation based on demographic and physiographic changes over the
past five years.
A. Establishment of the Information Base
The following information base is provided to establish a statistical
foundation for use during the formation of goals, policies and implementation
techniques. Information on population, housing, economics and land use was
obtained from a variety of reliable public and private sources. Most of the data
related to demographics came from the most recent U.S. 1990 Census of
Population and Housing. Additional data was acquired from State and Local
sources such as the North Carolina Statistical Abstracts (see Appendix for
complete listing). Where information specific to the Township of Oriental was
not available, Pamlico County data has been included. Windshield surveys
and an analysis of building permit data were conducted to update existing land
use patterns and classifications. Interviews and work sessions were conducted
with various Town staff as well as elected and appointed officials.
Information for the period preceding the 1988 Land Use Plan was obtained from
that documentand is presented, in part, herein for comparisonwith morerecent
statistics.
B. Present Conditions: Population and Economy
1. Population
The Cox Company
The Town of Oriental is located on the southeastern coast of Pamlico County,
North Carolina, near the mouth of the Neuse River. The Town is 10 miles
Data Collection and Analysis • H-1

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Oriental • North Carolina
southeast of the county seat of Bayboro and approximately 25 miles east of the
City of New Bern. Oriental was incorporated in 1899. The Town's 1990
population is 804 persons, which indicates the continuance of a significant
growth in population since 1970.
The main purpose of providing population projections in conjunction with the
Land Use Plan is to establish a demographic benchmark against which land
use decisions regarding type, mix and character of real estate as well as
potential impacts on Areas of Environmental Concern may be tested.
Population forecasting is, at best, an "educated guess."
The population base of Oriental hit an historic low in 1970 with 445 persons.
From 1970 to 1980, the Town witnessed a 20 percent increase, and an even more
dramatic increase from 1980 to the current 1990 Census figure of 804 persons. It i s
expected that the growth will continue, although perhaps at a slower rate
over the next two decades. See Table II-1 for population trends for the Town
and the region.
According to the 1990 Census, Oriental's female population currently
outnumbers its males by a count of 427 females to 377 males. Projections to the
year 2000 indicate a continuation of this pattern. This trend holds true for a 11
of North Carolina as well. The female predominanceis partially attributable
to the national demographic trend of females outliving males. Within the
older age cohorts of Oriental, the results of longer female lifespans are
witnessed: Ages 65-69, 49 females to 41 males, ages 70-79, 46 females to 44
males and ages 80+, 26 females to 11 males See Table II-2 for the figures which
show these trends.
Currently, the highest concentrations of Oriental's residents occur in the age
cohort groups of 45-64 and 65 plus. Persons in these age groups combined account
for 56 percent of the total population. Since the third highest group is the 25-
44 age group, it is expected that as this "baby boom" generation ages, increasing
stress will be placed on housing facilities targeted for the older (55+) age
bracket in the next 10 to 20 years. The relatively low percentage of the
population within the school age bracket ( ages 5-17) emphasizes the need for
maintenance and general improvements but no immediate new construction to
increase the capacity of present school system facilities.
The current white/non-white population ratio is 6.8 to 1. Blacks compose the
total non -white population; there are no Asians, Native Americans, Hispanics,
or Pacific Islanders listed in the 1990 Census as residents of Oriental.
Data Collection and Analysis • II 2

1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
a. Population Summary
ary
An analysis of existing and projected population figures in the Townof Oriental
suggests the following trends:
1) The majority of the population is over the age of 45, and the numberof those
persons in the older age brackets of 45-64 and 65 plus will continue to increase in
the future.
2) The relatively small number of school age children does not necessitate any
significant physical improvements to school facilities in the near future.
2. Housing
According to the U.S. Census definition, a household includes all persons who
occupya single housing unit. A housingunitis defined as a single room or group
of rooms occupied as a separate living quarter, single family detached homes,
townhouse units, apartments, and condominiumsare all considered single
housing units. Persons living in group quarters or institutions, including
hospitals, asylums and jails, are not considered members of households.
The Town of Oriental has approximately 2.2 persons per household. This
number is slightly lower than the 2.54 persons per household figure recorded for
North Carolina. There are no persons registered as residing in group quarters or
institutions. See Table II-3 for information outlining household characteristics
(taken from the 1990 Census).
There are 482 total housing units listed in the 1990 Census. Of these units, 367
units or 76.1% of the total are occupied and 115 or 23.9% are vacant. Of the
vacant units, 80 units are listed for seasonal or recreational use. 269 housing
units, or 56% of the total housing stock, were built from 1970 to 1990. 109
' housing units, or 22.6% of the total housing stock, were built before 1940. The
median value of owner occupied housing units is $104,000, and the median gross
rent of renter occupied units is $430. Of the 482 total housing units, only 6 units
lack complete plumbing facilities.
1 3. Economic Analysis
1 The Cox Company
a. General
The 1990 Census figures for the Town of Oriental include employment statistics
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separate from those of Pamlico County. Figures for the Townecho those of the
County,with the local economydominated by the services, manufacturingand
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IThe Cox Company
Oriental • North Carolina
retail sales industries. Persons listed in the Census under the "Industry"
category are employed persons 16 years old and over. The economy of Oriental,
as with Pamlico County, is dominated by the services industry. Employing
approximately 105 people in Oriental and 1,380 persons in Pamlico County (in
1990), the services industry accounts for 33.7 percent and 29.2 percent,
respectively, of the total employed labor force. The services category includes
business and repair services, personal services, entertainment and recreation,
health services, educational services and other related services. The second
largest industry in Oriental is retail sales, accounting for 58 employed persons,
or 18.6 percent of the total labor force. The second largest industry in Pamlico
County is manufacturing, employing 755 persons or 16 percent of the total
employed labor force in 1990. Retail sales accounted for 717 employed persons,
or 15.2 percent of the total labor force in Pamlico County, while manufacturing
takes third place in Oriental with 46 employed personsor 14.7 percent of the
total labor force. Figures are from the 1990 U.S. Census. Table H-4 outlines
employment figures.
Unemployment figures in Pamlico County show minor fluctuations over the last
five years. 1986 showed a high of 6.2% in the unemployment rate. The
unemployment rate dropped to a five year low of 3.8 percent in 1989. It rose
slightly to 4.4 percent in 1990 and this gradual increase is expected to have
continued to the present. The unemployment figures for 1990 are slightly
higher when compared to the average State figure of 4.1 percent.
Unemployment figures for the Town of Oriental show a figure of 1.3 percent in
1990, well below the State and County averages. See Table H-5 for total
personal income figures for Pamlico County.
b. Commerce
The gross retail sales for Pamlico County increased from $35,132,000 in 1986 to
$43,792,000 in 1989. They fell slightly to $42,404,000 in 1990. No data for gross
retail sales is available for the Town of Oriental. See Table H-6 for a
comparison in this category with surrounding counties in the region, categorized
by State fiscal year. The source for these figures is the U.S. CensusStatistical
Abstracts and County Business Patterns.
C. Employment
The County's businesseshave employed a varying numberof persons fromyear-
to-year as warranted by annual economic conditions. These firms have
employed from a low of 4,205 persons in 1985 to a high of 4,514 persons in 1989,
with the number of employees steadily increasing during that time period.
There was a slight decrease to 4,508 persons in 1990. Employment of the
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Oriental • North Carolina
County's labor force therefore increased by 264 persons between 1985 and 1989
and declined by 6 persons between 1989 and 1990.
During the last five years, the unemployment level peaked in 1986 with 282 of
Pamlico County's labor force participants being without jobs, an overall rate of
6.2 percent. The lowest number for unemployment was in 1989, when there were
176 unemployed persons for a rate of 3.8 percent. By comparison, the
unemployment rate for North Carolina was 5.3 percent in 1986 and 3.5 percent in
1989. The 1990 figures show a moderate rise in unemployment which rests at 4.3
percent for the County and 4.1 percent for the State. See Table 11-7 for
unemployment statistics.
d. Tourism
Recent tourism expenditures in Pamlico County increased from $745,000 in 1987
to $757,000 in 1988, but fluctuated with a decrease to $692,000 in 1989 and an
increase to $738,000 in 1990.
Pamlico County ranks below its neighboring shoreline counties of Brunswick,
Carteret, Hyde, Onslow, and Pender in travel and tourism expenditures. In
1990, 80 persons of the total county labor force were employed by travel and
tourism related industries. The number of persons employed from 1987 to 1990
fluctuated in according with yearly expenditures. No tourism and travel
figures are available for the Town of Oriental.
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CAMALand Use Plan Update
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Table II-1
Population Trends
Population Change
1980-1990
Jurisdiction
1980
1990
Persons
Percent
Pamlico County
10,398
11,372
974
9.37
Craven County
71,043
81,613
10,570
14.88
Lenoir
59,819
57,274
-2,545
-4.25
Jones
9,705
9,414
-291
-3.00
Carteret
41,092
52,556
11,464
27.90
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Table II-2
Population by Age and Gender: 1990
Oriental
Oriental - North Carolina
Age Cohort
Male
Female
Total
04 years
22
42
64
5-17 years
45
28
73
18-24 years
25
19
44
25-44 years
82
92
174
45-64 years
107
125
232
65 years and older
96
1 121
1 217
Total 377
427
804
Percentagi 46.89
53.11
100.00
Population by Age and Gender : 1990
North Carolina
Age Cohort
Male
Female
Total
0-4 years
233.576
225,379
458,955
5-19 years
703,101
671,190
1,374,291
20-24 years
288,510
265,446
553,956
25-44 years
1,064,393
1,087,093
2,151,486
45-64 years
611,002
674,606
1,285,608
65 years and older
313,708
1 490,633
1 804,341
Total 3,214,290
3,414,347
6,628,637
Percentag 48.49
51.51
100.00
IThe Cox Company
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CAMA Land Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
Table 11-3
Housing Characteristics: 1990
Town of Oriental
Total Persons
804
Persons Per Household
2.20
Total Households
482
Total Detached
351
Total Attached
70
Mobile Home/Trailer
52
Total Vacant Units
115
Total Renter Occupied
76
Total Owner Occupied
291
Median Value
$104,000
IThe Cox Company
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CAMA Land Use Plan Update
Table 114
Employment by Place of Work:1990
Town of Oriental & North Carolina
Oriental • North Carolina
Employment Sector
Employees % of Total
Employees % of Total
Ratio (%)
TOwn/State
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing
9
0.18
12.571
0.48
0.07
Mining
0
0.00
3,912
0.15
0.00
Construction
23
0.46
156,790
6.04
0.01
Manufacturing
46
0.91
868,534
33.45
0.01
Transportation & Public Utilities
24
0.48
145,984
5.62
0.02
Wholesale Trade
11
0.22
154,294
5.94
0.01
Retail Trade
58 •
1.15
527,271
20.31
0.01
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate
16
0.32
134,832
5.19
0.01
Services
105
2.09
573,484
22.09
0.02
Public Administration
15
0.30
18,640
0.72
0.08
Totals 307 100.00 2,596,312 100.00
Public Administration
Services
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate
Retail Trade
B:: Wholesale Trade
0
aTransportation & Public Utilities
F-
Manufacturing
Construction
Mining
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing
0
The Cox Company
Oriental Employment by Place of Work
20 40 60 80 100 120
Number of Persons
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Table it-5
Oriental • North Carolina
Total Personal Income: 1984-88
($000s)
Pamlico County
Year
Income
Percent Change
1984
$98,401
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7.30
1985
$106,149
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5.53
1986
$112,367
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6.75
1987
$120,495
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8.63
1988
$131,869
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Table 11-6
Retail Sales by Fiscal Year
Pamlico County ($000)
Year
Pamlico County
Percent Change
1970
$8,009
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63.42
1980
$21,894
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37.68
1986
$35,132
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7.39
1987
$37,936
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7.50
1988
$41,011
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6.35
1989
$43,792
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-3.27
1990
$42,404
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The Cox Company Data Collection and Analysis • II-10

!lam m IIIIIIIIIIII Am no so, ow m so ow No Ift .10� *w w Som me
Pamlico County
Retail Sales by Fiscal Year ($000s)
1990
1989
1988
1987
1980
1970
$0 $5,000 $10,000 $15,000 $20,000 $25,000 $30,000 $35,000 $40,000 $45,000
Gross Sales
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Unemployment Rate
8 6.2
6 5.3 4.8 4.5 4.4 4.1
a� 3.9 3.6 3.8 3.5
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or
0
1986 1987 1988 1989 1990
Year
Pamlico County ❑ North Carolina
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Chapter III.
Existing Land Use
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CHAPTER III:
Existing Land Use Analysis
Summary of Existing Land Use
A. Introduction
Oriental • North Carolina
A major element in the formulation of the Land Use Plan Update is an understanding
of the land use changes which have taken place over the five year interim. It is
important to understand the existing trends and patterns of development when
designing new goals, policies and implementation techniques. The future
development patterns and growth management strategies for any vacant property or
infill development will be greatly influenced by the Towns distribution, pattern of
development and concentration of existing land uses. The following section serves to
outline the existing land use patterns.
The Town of Oriental contains three distinct areas of land use development: 1) the
central commercial district or harbor area, 2) the retail / mixed use corridor along
Highway 55, and 3) residential subdivision development. Other land uses, such as
industrial, recreational, institutional and agricultural, and those areas currently
vacant will also be examined in this chapter.
1. Central Commercial District
Oriental's harbor area or "core" surrounds the historic town dock, forming a central
commercial area with a "fishing village" atmosphere. This area is a combination
of water and tourist -related commercial activities, older residences, public docking
facilities, and seafood processing industries. This area is the focal point for the
community and the defining characteristic of the Town. This district consists of
approximately 14 acres.
2. Retail / Mixed Use Corridor
The retail/mixed use corridor which includes the downtown core and the
commercial corridor is located primarily along Route55. This downtown core area is
gradually adapting its former single family residences into commercial uses. This
category contains nearly 64 acres including the entire downtown mixed use corridor.
r3. Residential
The Central Commercial District of Oriental is surroundedby a relatively large,
primarily single family, residential area. This area contains some residences
classified as structures of historic and architectural significance. The Town also
contains several compact residential developments occupied by both single family
The Cox Company Existing Land Use • JU-1
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update.
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Oriental • North Carolina
and duplex dwellings. These are dispersed throughout the community and are not
concentrated in any one specific area. The Towncontains approximately 220 acres of
mixed residential use.
4. Industrial
Oriental contains approximately 4.7 acres of industrial use within the Town limits.
Industrial land usesinclude the Town'stwo seafood processing plants at the water's
edge within the Central Commercial District and marina docking and repair
facilities.
5. Recreational
The public and private recreational areas within the community are scattered
mostly throughout the central district of the Town. Facilities for recreational
include the Wildlife Boat Access, Lou Mack Park, Lupton Park. Land area
dedicated to recreational use accounts for approximately 5A acres.
6. Institutional
The primary institutional land uses are found in the central commercial district of
the Town and account for approximately 5.3 acres of total area. The primary
institutional use in this area is the Town Hall and fire house.
7. Agricultural
No areas of agricultural land use exist within the Towns jurisdictional limits.
However, the Town is bordered by agricultural lands, and the existence and
continued use of surroundingagricultural lands are considered important for defining
the edges of the Town. As the Town has no planning jurisdiction over any
extraterritorial areas, these adjoining agricultural and other undeveloped lands
should be primary concern in Townplanning and growth management efforts. The
Town does intend to pursue possible annexation at which time this category would,
mostlikely, becomeactive. If annexation occurs,the Townmust expand the existing
sanitary sewer capacity.
S. Vacant Land
Oriental contains a portion of vacant and otherwise undeveloped land within its
jurisdictional limits. Vacant land in and around the Downtown area is limited; any
opportunity for infill development and/or public open space in the form of
recreation should be concentrated in these areas.
Existing Land Use 9 HI-2

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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update,
The Cox Company
Oriental • North Carolina
B. Significant Land and Water Use Compatibility Problems
Aland use compatibility problem generally concerns land use types which somehow
restrict expansion or additional investment on adjacent properties with other land
uses. The elimination of land and water use compatibility problems is a primary
goal of the CAMA regulations and guidelines set by the Coastal Resource
Commission. The Townof Oriental has adopted and incorporated these regulations
into its land use policies to ensure consistency while also allowing some local
flexibility in determining growth management needs and strategies.
The Township supports future land development in sensitive areas such as Areas of
Environmental Concern as long as such development does not have significant and
potentially negative impacts on land, air or water resources. Such policies keep in
mind the balance between resource protection and management and continued
economic growth and reflect the general use standards of the North Carolina
Administrative Code (as amended).
The Town is currently examining a policy which would require marina pump -out
station facilities to decrease the potential impact of vessel waste discharge into
the neighboring waters.
C. Major Problems from Unplanned Development
As mentioned above, the Town of Oriental contains a limited portion of vacant land.
If the Town chooses to annex land in the near future, the potential for development
of this area is great pending the expansion of the sanitary sewer facilities.. Plans
geared towards strategic and carefully designed development should be drafted,
supported and implemented by the Township, especially development related to
future commercial and economic growth and the construction of new residential
areas. Such plans would include consideration of stormwater management,
recreation and open space, economic revitalization, local housing needs, historic,
cultural and natural resources, agricultural uses and transportation systems.
Scattered residential and commercial development along the existing roads leading
to the countryside is an example of typically unplanned development. Future
development along these entrance and exit corridors to the Town should be
sensitively clustered and executed according to standards which encourage public
safety as well as good design.
Existing Land Use • III-3

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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
ID. Areas Experiencing or Likely to Experience Major Land Use Changes
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The Cox Company
An equal concentration on the revitalization of existing older areas of the Town and
oninfill development (where possible) of new commercial establishments should be
promoted to provide for an equitable distribution of construction and economic
activity. Plans for strategic development should be drafted, supported, and
implemented to ensure this balance.
Any future annexation contemplated by the TownCouncil will involve planning for
the development of these areas to ensuregrowth compatible with the Town proper.
In either case, it is the policy of the Town of Oriental to balance the costs and
impacts of these land use decisions to the benefit of the general health, safety and
welfare of the Town's citizens.
Existing Land Use • III4

.T.
is:::::::•• ••:::HHH.:•:
uu• ••.• uuo•
Neuse:River
LEGEND
Eg Single -Family Residential ® Multi -Family Residential
■ Cultural, Recreational, Open Space Institutional, Churches, Public
Water -Based Commerical/Indt•strial Q Commercial
0 Mixed Use ® Public
The preparation of this map 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 197Z as amended, which is
administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
Wh i t taker
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Whittaker Creek
Yacht Harbor
G
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EXISTING LAND USE MAP
1994 C.A.M.A. LAND USE PLAN
Town of Oriental, North Carolina
01 2M' SW low
THE COX COMPAN

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Chapter IV.
Review of Current Plans
The Town of Oriental Land Use Plan • 1994

1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update. Oriental • North Carolina
CHAPTER IV:
Review of Current Plans, Policies and Regulations
I. Local Plans, Policy Studies, and Regulations
The following plans, policy studies and regulations have beenadopted by the
Town of Oriental since 1971:
A. CAMA Land Use Plan Update. Town of Oriental,1988
This document is the most recent CAMAupdate.
B. Growth Management Ordinance:1989
Last Update: April, 1993
This document controls the impacts of development by requiring all new
development to follow the guidelines and regulations within the Ordinance.
C. Pamlico County Subdivision Ordinance
Discussion is currently underway which will give the Town of Oriental
jurisdiction over subdivisions within the Townlimits. This issue has yet to be decided.
Until the Town oficially adopts a subdivision ordinance, the Pamlico County document
will apply.
D. Pamlico County Land Use Plan:1986
Pamlico County Zoning Ordinance (Flood Areas QD14
E. Pamlico County Emergency Management Plan
II. State Agency Plans
A. Transportation Improvement Propr 1988-1996
The Cox Company
Prepared by the NC Department of Transportation, this document outlines the
statewide schedule of road improvements to be completed by the year 1996.
Improvements listed for the Town of Oriental include the expansion of
Highway 55 to four lanes from Bridgeton to Bayboro. These improvements
would include a bridge replacement in New Bern.
Review of.Current Plans • IV-1

1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update
B. CAMA PermittinQProcess
Oriental • North Carolina
The CAMA minor permitting process is enforced in the Town and administered
by Pamlico County at this time. Major and General CAMA permits are issued
by the Morehead City District Office of the Division of Coastal Management.
This ordinance regulates development within designated Areas of
Environmental Concern.
11I. Federal Regulations
A. 404 Wetlands Regulations
Summary
The Cox Company
The Town recognizes the importance of protecting environmentally sensitive
areas, which includes those lands designated as wetlands by the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers. It is the policy of the Town that all development within
these areas conform to federal, state, and local regulations and ordinances
regarding development.
The land classification policies of Chapter VIII of this documentare written in
order to harmonize with existing regulations and policies regarding land use;
reference to these land classification policies is suggested while reviewing and
updating the existing land use policies.
Review of Current Plans 9 IV-2

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Chapter
Constraints: Land
v
Suitability
The Town of Oriental Land Use Plan • 1994

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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
CHAPTER V:
Constraints: Land Suitability
The purpose of identifying environmental constraints in the Land Use
Plan is to understand the unique geographic and physical characteristics of
various land areas in the Town and to establish recommendations and
standards for their best and most compatible use. A thoughtful balance
between human needs for use and the intrinsic capacity of the land to
sustain development is the basic goal in this regard, a balance which tries
to mitigate future development based solely on existing property lines and
development trends and instead seeks to orchestrate future growth for the
benefit of property owner and community alike.
The following section analyzes the general suitability of the undeveloped
lands within the Townof Oriental and the surroundingland and water areas.
The categories include:
1) Physical Limitations for Development including natural and man-
made hazard areas, areas with soil limitations, sources and estimated
quantity and quality of water supply, and areas containing excessive
(>12%) slopes.
2) Fragile Areas including coastal wetlands, public trust waters,
estuarine waters and estuarine shorelines, 404wetlands, unique natural
areas, archaeologic and historic sites, registered natural and historic
landmarks, areas identified by the North Carolina Natural Heritage
Program and other areas containing fragile resources not covered by a
specific regulation.
' 3) Areas with Resource Potential containing productive agricultural,
forest, and fish/game lands and other non -intensive outdoor recreation
lands, both publicly and privately owned..
IThe Cox Company
Much of the information contained in this chapter has remained unchanged
since the 1988 Plan due to the relative stability of geologic features and
resources. The information has been updated when necessary. Policies related
to the hazard areas are contained in the Policy Chapter.
Constraints: Land Suitability • V-1
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update
I. Physical Limitations For Development
Oriental • North Carolina
A. Hazard Areas
1. Natural Hazards
The flood insurance rate maps (FIRMS) as dictated and outlined by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) indicate that nearly 75 percent of the
'
land area of the Town is classified as Zone A. This classification designates
areas which are subject to inundation by a flood with a frequency of 100-years.
There are no areas within the Zone V classification, which are areas subject to
'
coastal erosion caused by intense wave action. Development in these areas may
be costly either to human welfare or existing development.
2. Man -Made Hazards
There are noman-made hazards identified in the Townthat are considered
extremely noxious. In -stream monitoring activities in association with the
wastewater facilities have exceeded State regulatory requirements. The Town
'
has been operating under a Special Order by Consent statement of compliance.
The Townis in the processof upgradingits wastewater treatment facility to
meet all local, state and federal regulations. There are several underground
petroleum storage tanks in the Town. The Townwill continue to adhere to local,
'
state and federal regulations which apply to the monitoringof above ground
and underground storage tanks.
'
B . Areas with Soil Limitations
' The U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Survey of Pamlico County indicates
four major soil types and several less prevalent soil types for the Town. The
fourmajor soil types, altavista loamy sand, doguefine sandy loam, fork loamy
fine sand, and yongesfine sandy loam, have development limitations due to
the existence of a high water table, a slow percolation rate, and tendencies to
severe wetness and flooding. However, other characteristics of these soils
' include a low shrink -swell capacity, a reasonable depth to bedrock and good
drainage characteristics at the proper elevation.
' Areas which contain poor to very poorly drained soils are generally not
suitable for intensive urban uses requiring septic drainage field installation and
the construction of foundations. Other soil types found in the Town include
udorthents loamy, argent loam, axis muck, and wahee fine sandy loam.
Soils that are primarily located in areas susceptible to flooding are specified
IThe Cox Company
by FEMA. These areas are especially prevalent around the creeks defining the
borders of the Town. Development should be limited in these areas as
Constraints: Land Suitability • V-2

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Oriental • North Carolina
indicated onthe Oriental Land Classification Map. The policy sectionof this
document contains growth goals and policies for development which are
sensitive to the constraints of the existing soils.
C. Sources and Estimated Quantity and Quality of Water Supply
II. Fragile Areas
Oriental currently obtains most of its potable water from the Castle Hayne
aquifer. This water source serves the eastern side of Pamlico County as well,
and is considered an adequate and plentiful source for the foreseeable future.
The Town operates a central water distribution system, and water is also
obtained from personal, individual wells.
The Town's water system has two wells which each have a capacity to pump
200 gallons per minute or 120,000 gallons per day. The Townhas spent nearly
$50,000 over the last two fiscal years on the water treatment facility.
Improvements included the addition of a filter. The filter room has the
capacity for one additional filter which would substantially extend the
production of the plant. As a final back-up, the Town maintains cross -connect
valves to the county system. In the event of total shut -down of the Town
system, the valves give instant access to the County system. The water quality
from the water distribution system is considered very good.
D. Areas Where the Predominant Slope Exceeds 12 Percent
Oriental currently contains no areas containing slopes of 12% or greater. The
general elevation of the Townis approximately nine feet above sea level, with
little variation except around the areas approaching the major water bodies.
Here the slopes average around 2%, except in areas of severe soil erosion. The
primary areas with erosion potential are the shorelines of the significant
waterways as outlined in Areas of Environmental Concern and the Storm
Hazard Policy Section. At this time the Town does not foresee the need for
bulkhead construction or other slope stabilization measures beyond the
requirements set forth by the adopted ordinances.
' Fragile areas may be defined as areas which could sustain considerable
damage from unplanned or otherwise inappropriate development. There are
four defined fragile areas existing in Oriental. These include: 1) Coastal
' Wetlands, 2) Estuarine Waters, 3) Public Trust Waters and 4) Estuarine
Shorelines. These areas are considered to be among the most productive natural
environments within and around Oriental.
The Cox Company
Constraints: Land Suitability • V 3

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Oriental • North Carolina
Three of the most important economic activities, namely commercial fishing,
pleasure boating, and tourism, rely on the careful maintenance and management
of the estuarine system. Since most of the protected coastal wetlands within
the Town's jurisdiction are found around residential areas, it is important for
the Town to adopt and maintain sufficient development controls in order to
protect such areas.
A. Natural Resource Fragile Areas
1. Coastal Wetlands
' According to the CAMAstate guidelines, coastal wetlands 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 watercourses), provided this shall not
include hurricane or tropical storm tides." The presence of certain marsh
grasses and other plant types will indicate areas as wetlands also. These plant
types provide a link in the natural food chain through the entrapment of
nutrients and essential food particles for various species of fish, shellfish and
waterfowl. In addition, coastal wetlands serve as the first line of defense in
retarding estuarine shoreline erosion and as barriers against flood damage and
erosion between the estuary and upland areas. Pollutants and harmful
sediments are absorbed or trapped by marsh plants, providing a kind of natural
and inexpensive water treatment system.
' 2. Estuarine Waters
Estuarine waters are those bodies where fresh inland waters and salty coastal
' waters intermingle. This includes all waters seaward of the dividing line
between coastal fishing waters and inland fishing waters. Estuarine waters are
the bonding element of the entire estuarine system, and among the most
' productive natural environments of North Carolina, with several species
dependent uponits integrity and capacity for supportinglife. All butoneof the
ten leading commercially important species spend all or some part of their life
cycle within estuarine waters to mature and reproduce. For Oriental, estuarine
waters are synonymous with Public Trust Waters.
' Due to Oriental's geographic location, the Town sits at the edge of a large and
ecologically important estuary. Due to the dynamic nature of the system,
estuarine waters cannot beprecisely mapped. But the waters falling underthis
definition in the Town include the Neuse River, Smith Creek, the entire area of
Whittaker Creek and Pierce Creek. The preservation and protection of the
estuarine waters and adjacent shorelines are strictly regulated both by
' established Federal and State guidelines as well as via the policy statements
specified in this document.
IThe Cox Company
Constraints: Land Suitability 9 V4

1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
The recreational and aesthetic features of Oriental attract more permanent and
' seasonal visitors each year. Potential problems from the increased demand for
development, along with wastewater discharge and stormwater runoff, may
affect the quality of the waters from which local fishermen derive their
livelihoods and Town citizens derive recreational pleasure. Also, the estuarine
waters around the Townhave shown various signs of eutrophication over the
years. Such increases in nutrient levels, prompting periodic algal blooms and
' excessive accumulation of organic material on fishing nets, can affect average
fishing catches.
' 3. Public Trust Waters
Public Trust Waters are defined as all waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the
lands thereunder from the mean high water mark to the seaward limit of state
jurisdiction; all natural bodies of water subject to measurable lunar tides and
lands thereunder to the meanhigh water mark; all navigable natural bodies of
water and lands thereunder to the mean high water level or mean water level
as the case may be; and all water in artificially created bodies of water
' containing significant public fishing resources or other public resources which
are accessible to the public by navigation and to which the public has acquired
rights by prescription, custom, usage, dedication or other means. The above
stated estuarine waters lying within the boundaries of the Town of Oriental are
also defined as Public Trust Waters.
' These areas support valuable commercial and sports fishing activities, have
aesthetic value for the Town's citizens and are important for the overall
economic development of the Town. In order to protect and preserve these areas
for public use, any use which significantly interferes with public trust rights
concerning these areas shall not be allowed, according to CAMAstandards.
Public Trust Waters for Oriental include the Neuse River,. which is an
important water supply as well as recreational and ecological resource, and
also Smith Creek, Whittaker Creek and Pierce Creek.
' 4. Estuarine Shorelines
IThe Cox Company
Although characterized as dry land, estuarine shorelines are considered a
component of the estuarine system because of the close association with the
adjacent estuarine waters. These non -ocean shorelines are especially
vulnerable to erosion, flooding and other adverse effects of wind and water.
The shoreline area extends from the mean high water level or normal water
level along the estuaries, sounds,bays and brackish waters as defined by the
North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources.
Constraints: Land Suitability 9 V-5

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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update.
Oriental • North Carolina
Development within estuarine shorelines influences the quality of estuarine
life and is subject to the damaging process of shore front erosion and flooding.
LAMA maintains use standards which aim to ensure that shoreline
development is compatible with the fluctuating nature of shorelines and the
continued integrity of the estuarine system.
The Town of Oriental has approximately 8,320 feet of estuarine shoreline
extending from northwest of the Highway 55 Bridge to the annexed section of
Town. At times in the past, sections of the shoreline have been reinforced by
retaining walls and a rubble mound breakwater extending 800 feet into the
Oriental harbor.
5. Other Natural Resource Designations
Natural resource designations falling under this category include 404 Wetlands
regulations as identified by the Fish and Wildlife National Wetlands
Inventory and the areas identified by the DEHNR's Natural Heritage
Program
Areas covered by water or those which contain waterlogged soils for the
majority of the growing season as well as those areas containing plants capable
of surviving under limited oxygen conditions are categorized as 404 wetlands.
The Natural Heritage Program identifies areas in each county noted for the
presence of rare or high priority plant and animal species and natural
communities. Alisting for Pamlico County can be obtained from the DEHNR.
B . Cultural Resource Fragile Areas
There are several structures within the historic core of the Town that
recognizably contribute to the particular "fishing village" charm of the Town
but which are not listed as "official" historic structures. According to the
North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, two structures of historical
or architectural importance have been identified. The Blackwell Point House,
located west of SR 1317 on bank of Smith Creek, was originally a one -and -
one -half story house with exterior end chimneys, construction date unknown
' Due to extensive alterations, this structure is not eligible for listing on the
National Register of Historic Places.
The other resource, the Pecan Grove Campground House, is eligible for listing
on the National Register under Criterion Cfor architecture and therefore falls
under the jurisdiction of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act
' of 1966 and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Regulations for
Compliance with Section 106, codified at 36 CFR Part 800. The Pecan Grove
IThe Cox Company
Constraints: Land Suitability • V-6

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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update,
Oriental • North Carolina
Campground House is located on the south side of SR 1308, 0.4 miles east of the
junction with SR 1309, on the banks of the Neuse River. It is a two-story frame
Federal style house with a gabled roof and Flemish bond chimneys at each end.
There is no designated historic district within the Town limits. Two areas.
possessing archaeological significance have been determined by the
Department of Cultural Resources, near the mouth of Whittaker Creek on the
western shore and near the mouth of Pierce Creek on the western shore. Since no
comprehensive archaeological survey has been conducted in Oriental and the
surrounding area, areas that are not developed should be considered
archaeologically sensitive and subject to review before intensive development
takes place.
III. Areas With Resource Potential
A. Productive and Unique Agricultural Lands
Executive Order 96, issued by the Governorin 1983, outlines the State's desired
to promote the "conservation of prime agricultural and forest lands" in
compliance with the Federal Farmland Protection Policy Act of 1980. Areas of
prime farmland are characterized by soils which produce the highest yields
with minimal inputs of energy and economic resources and are therefore best
suited to agricultural production. Farming these soils results in minimal
damage to the environment. Order 96 was prompted by the increasing
development tension imposed on these prime agricultural lands. The resulting
development often irreversibly damaged the lands resulting in the reduction of
food and/or timber production.
The primary concentration of productive agricultural lands is located in the
areas surrounding the Town.
B. Forest Lands
'
Although the Town of Oriental contains no areas of prime forest land, forestry
plays a role in the economy of Pamlico County, with major commercial timber
companies owning large land holdings in the County, the nearest to Oriental
being two miles from the Town limits. The proper management of any
significant forest areas found in the County is important to the well-being of
the Town, as these areas contribute to the overall health of the environment
and the economy. The Town advocates a limit to random tree -cutting in new
residential developments, as residential and recreational land uses are the
greatest threat to timber resources.
The Cox Company
Constraints: Land Suitability • V-7

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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update
C.
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The Cox Company
Oriental • North Carolina
As there are no maritime forests in Oriental or Pamlico County, there is no need
to consider protection strategies for this natural resource.
Productive Water Resources
The waters surrounding the Town are considered valuable for their resource
potential. The waterfront location and waterside amenities afford varied
interaction for the citizens of the community. Fishing activities in the Town
are of a commercial and recreational nature and constitute one of the primary
areas of the Town's economy. The Town serves as a primary port for the
surrounding area and Pamlico County as well, with seafood processing
companies, four marinas and a Yacht Club that can accommodate nearly 450
boats located in the Town. Finfish and shellfish are the primary catches. This
resource has been and will continue to be utilized in a manner sensitive to both
environmental impacts and the needs of the citizens.
Primary and Secondary Nursery Areas
The Division of Marine Fisheries has designated primary or secondary nursery
areas in the planning district as currently addressed in Division regulations.
By definition, nurseryareas are "those in which for reasons such as food, cover,
bottom type, temperature, and other factors, youngfinfish and crustaceans
spend the major portion of their initial growingseason." Primary nurseryareas
for youngfinfish and crustaceans are found primarily in Whittaker and Pierce
Creeks, adjoining Town limits. Secondary nursery areas are located in Camp
Creek.
Mining Lands
The Town of Oriental contains no deposits of sufficient size for commercial
mining operations. Pamlico County contains two significant peat bogs and a
portion of another bog collectively measuring over 16 square miles in varying
thicknesses; peat is considered to have continued economic potential for the
County.
Phosphate deposits are also found in Pamlico County. Aparcel of 500 acres near
the Town limits is owned by a company for speculative phosphate mining
purposes. Should mining activities begin at this site in the future, proper
monitoring of these activities and their potential impacts should be
undertaken.
Constraints: Land Suitability • V-8

Neuse River
LEGEND
®
Estuarine/Public Trust Waters
®
Estuarine Shoreline
®
Highly Flood Prone
0
Additional Surge Area
0
h i ttaker
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/ v� While Horse
Farm
taker Creek
t Harbor tt
Creek '
er
Pt.
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MULTI -HAZARDS MAP
1994 C.A.M.A. LAND USE PLAN
Town of Oriental, North Carolina
,y.
(Y. 25W SW 1000
THE COX COMPANY
The preparation of this map 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.

Public
Dock -
Raccoon
Creek _
Neuse ,River_
LEGEND
E Archeologically Sensitive Areas
OKnown or Reported Archeological Sites
The preparation of this map was financed in part through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal
Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Ad of 1972, as amended, which is
administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
rA , WI-.0J
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321
SR'�
Creek
TOWN BOUNDARY - -
White Horse
Farm
ARCHEOLOGY
1994 C.A.M.A. LAND USE PLAN
Town of Oriental, North Carolina
0' 250• 500' 1000,
o
Sea HarS
Marina
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THE COX COMPAN

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Chapter VI.
Constraints: Carrying Capacity Analysis
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
CHAPTER Vl:
Constraints: Carrying Capacity Analysis
To assist the Town of Oriental in determining its present ability to provide
basic community services, to anticipate future demand, and to identify
deficiencies which will need attention, an examination of the following
indicators has been undertaken.
1. Existing Water Supply and System
Oriental currently obtains most of its potable water from the Castle Hayne
aquifer. This water source serves the eastern side of Pamlico County as well,
and is considered an adequate and plentiful source for the foreseeable future.
The Town operates a central water distribution system, and water is also
obtained from personal, individual wells.
The Town's water system has two wells which each have a capacity to pump
200 gallons per minute or 120,000 gallons per day. The actual average daily
demand is 80,000 gallons per day. The Townhas spent nearly $50,000 over the
last two fiscal years on the water treatment facility. Improvements included
the addition of a filter. The filter roomhas the capacity for oneadditional
filter which would substantially extend the production of the plant. Asa final
back-up, the Townmaintains cross -connect valves to the countysystem. In the
event of total shutdown of the Town system, the valves give instant access to
the County system. The water quality from the water distribution system is
considered very good.
' 2. Wastewater Collection and Trreatment System
The Town'swastewater collection and treatment system has seven lift stations
that carry the wastewater to a three -lagoon system for treatment. Treatment
takes places ona municipal site of forty acres north of the White Horse Farm
area. The design flow was established at 120,000 gallons per day at the point
of re-entry at Smith Creek, just north of the NC 55 bridge and adjacent to the
Wildlife boat access. The current flow is 100,000 gallons per day and the
system is operating at near capacity. An expansion to add 50,000 gallons per
day to the existing flow is slated under Phase One of development. Designed to
last twenty years with an accommodation of 1105 residents (at peak season), it
is estimated that a total of 825 in -town residential lots could be served before
' capacity is reached. Presently, 545 of the homes in the older portion of the
Town are on the system.
' The Cox Company Constraints: Carrying Capacity Analysis • VI-1

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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
The Dolphin Point subdivision utilizes a pressure sewer system that feeds into
' the Town's lagoon system
' 3. Solid Waste
Oriental currently provides collection services for the majority of its
' residential and commercial areas. A tri-county solid waste authority
maintains a forty-eight (48) acre transfer station site located in Grantsboro,
which services all residents of the County. Pamlico County has a recycling
' center at this site.
In October of 1993, the Pamlico Countylandfill was closed. A regional landfill
tis
now open and operating in Craven County to service Pamlico, Carteret and
Craven Counties.
4. Schools
There are no schools within the Town of Oriental. The children from Oriental
currently attend schools within the Pamlico County school system. The schools
consist of the Arapahoe Elementary School, Fred A. Anderson Elementary
School, Pamlico Jr. High School, and the Pamlico CountyHigh School. All
'
schools are currently operating at capacity with the exception of the high
school which could accommodate approximately 50 more students
'
School No. of Oriental Current Total Enrollment Capacity
children enrolled
Arapahoe Elementary 12 242 at capacity
Anderson Elementary 76 681 at capacity
Pamlico Jr. High 96 633 at capacity
'
Pamlico County High 74 619 approx. 675
5. Library
The library that serves Pamlico Countiis located at the Pamlico CountyHigh
School. The library is part of a tri-county regional system, in which Craven
and Carteret Counties also participate. Two full-time and one part-time
employees are employed at the library; the County also operates a
bookmobile.
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
' 6. Police, Fire and Rescue Services
Fire protection service is provided by the Oriental Volunteer Fire Department,
which receives calls through a central dispatcher for the County. The Town's
volunteer fire station is located at the Town Hall and services the entire
Oriental Fire District. Equipment in these stations is considered to be in good
operating condition.
Oriental currently maintains a Police force of one chief officer. Back-up police
protection is provided by the Pamlico County Sheriffs Department which has
twelve full-time officers. Rescue Squad services are provided by Pamlico
' County.
The above services are currently accessed via a "basic" 911 phone link.
7. Primary Roads
' The primary roads which access the town is Route 55. There are currently plans
to widen this road to fourlanes fromBridgeton to_Bayboro. These plans include
the addition of a new bridge in New Bern.
S. General Transportation Systems
The nearest commercial airport is located in New Bern (approximately 25
miles from Oriental). There is a small private airfield located in Bayboro.
' The nearest railway station is located in Rocky Mount, with service to a 11
major east coast destinations. The nearest bus service is available in New Bern.
1 Oriental is located on the Intercoastal Waterway. The nearest major port
facilities are in Morehead City, NC and Wilmington, NC.
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Chapter
Estimated
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VII.
Demand
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
CHAPTER VII:
' Estimated Demand
' Population Growth and Impacts on Community Facilities
The section entitled 'Existing Conditions" contains thorough analysis of the
existing population counts and population projection based on the 1990 Census
data. The 1990 Censusindicated a population of 804 personsfor the Town. The
population has grownsteadily since 1970. Population projections for Pamlico
' County indicate a moderate growth trend. The projections for the year 2000 are
12,346, and the year 2005 are 12,667, an increase of just 2.5 percent.
' While existing population patterns indicate moderate growth trends, services
in the Townof Oriental are currently adequate to handle a substantial increase
in population.
1. Existing Water Supply
'
Current capacities of the Oriental public water system indicate substantial
resources available for a sizable increase in population. The Townwill initiate
and support an ongoing effort to maintain and/or improve existing facilities
over the ten year planning period. The Towncurrently has an excess production
capacity of nearly 40,000 gallons per day, and therefore no further engineering
studies are currently deemed necessary. The Town has the capacity to add an
additional filter which would boost the capacity significantly. In the event of
a shut -down, the town maintains a cross -connect valve to the County water
1
supply.
2. Sewage Reatment Plant
Based on the projected population trends, additions will be necessary over the
ten year planning period. The Town intends to update existing facilities as
'
specified below.
The proposed Phase One sewage and waste water treatment system is designed
to last twenty years with an accommodation of 1100 residents (at peak season).
The Town has plans to expand its wastewater facility by 50,000 gallons/day to
provide sewer to all the platted lots inside Oriental.
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4.
The Cox Company
Solid Waste
Oriental • North Carolina
The Pamlico County Landfill has closed as of October1993. Aregional facility
for Pamlico, Craven and Carteret Counties has opened in Craven County. This
regional landfill is expected to satisfy Pamlico's needs for waste disposal for
several years, and therefore, no in -county facility will be necessary.
Schools
As mentioned in the preceding chapter, all Pamlico County schools are at
capacity with the exception of the High School which is nearly at capacity.
The Pamlico County School System presently follows a ten year plan which
suggests expansion and renovation resulting in expanded student capacity. This
ten year plan is provided below.
Proposed Pamlico County Facilities Expansion
1993-2003
Est. Cost
Project
$ 4,317,300
New K-5 Elementary School (site to be determined). This
school would replace the existing Arapahoe Elementary
School.
810,810
Vocational/Technical Classroom/Shop addition at Pamlico
County High School (grades 9-12).
1,195,155
Classroom/Office addition at Anderson Elementary School
(Grades K-4).
411,363
Cultural Arts addition at Pamlico CountyHigh School. This
addition would handle storage and instructional areas for
cultural arts program (choral, dance and theater arts).
668,655.
Vocational/Cultural arts addition at Pamlico Junior High
School to house storage, pre -vocational, band, choral,
theater arts and dance instructional areas.
205,335
Media center addition at Pamlico Junior High School
(expansion of media center area by 1200 sq. feet and enlarging
work and storage areas by 750 sq. feet.)
78,975
Gymnasium locker room addition at Pamlico Junior High
School.
53,071
Cafeteria addition - Pamlico County High School
247,455
Arts Education addition at Fred A. Anderson Elementary
School (instructional areas for Dance and Theater arts and
storage areas for these programs).
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update
5. Library
Oriental • North Carolina
There is no anticipated need for expansion of the physical facilities to the
library within the next five years. The library is currently in the process of
being automated, a process that will continue over the next few years.
Expansion of public services, such as the current adult GED classes and other
instructional classes, is expected for the future based on the library budget.
6. Police, Fire and Rescue Squad Services
The Town Officials and the Police chief have indicated the desire for increased
police protection over the next two to five years. To this end, the Town of
Oriental would like to see one additional swornofficer added to the current one
man force in the next two years, and two additional men in the next five to ten
years. Need for additional police officers is based upon projected population
increases. The Townwill have an "enhanced 911" programbeginning in January
of 1994. Currently the Town is served by the Pamlico County Sheriff's
department as well.
7. 'Ikansportation
The primary roads which access the town is Route 55. There are currently plans
to widen this road to four lanes from Bridgeton to Bayboro. These plans include
the addition of a new bridge in New Bern.
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■ Chapter VIII.
Goals, Objectives and Policies
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CHAPTER VIII:
Goals, Objectives and Policy Statements
Introduction
Oriental • North Carolina
Oriental's Land Use Plan is intended to express the community's vision for the
future and provide a means of achieving that vision. The foundation of the
Land Use Plan Update is its commonly -held goals and objectives for the Town.
Since all future land use decisions will rest on this foundation, it is important
that these these goals be clear, comprehensive, and reflect the community's
desires and the State legislative requirements. The goals and objectives have
been further developed into planning policy statements that address the
specific land use issues that Oriental will face during the ten year planning
period.
In preparing the Land Use Plan Update, the elected leaders of the Town believe
that sound environmental and growth management planning policies are key
components to developing land use planning objectives and policies. In arriving
at the recommended set of policies, the Planning Board was responsible for
resolving many conflicting issues and balancing the land planning objectives of
citizens with those mandated by State and federal guidelines. Further, great
care has been taken to respond to the needs of the Coastal Resource Commission
and the legislative guidelines of the Coastal Area Management Act.
Policy Guidelines and CAMA Study Process
In order, to assist in organizing and presentingthe plan's policy statements, the
Town has adopted the Coastal Resource Commission's general topical
categories. These categories provide an excellent model for addressing areas of
both local and State concernwhile providing Oriental with the flexibility to
develop local land use priorities. At the same time, all policies adopted by
Oriental into the 1994 Land Use Plan mustbe consistent with the overall coastal
policies adopted by the Coastal Resources Commission
The Town's major land use and development policies are organized into the
following five policy categories that are consistent with current CAMAstatutes:
A. Resource Protection
B. Resource Production and Management
C. Economic and Community Development
D. Public Participation
E. Storm Hazard Mitigation and Recovery
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Oriental • North Carolina
To the greatest extent possible, the Townhas made every effort to ensure that
there is consistency among individual policies developed in each policy
category; however, many policy categories have overlapping, and potentially
competing, impacts on other policies. The Planning Board has given particular
attention to individual policies in the resource protection, resource production
and management, and economic and community development categories. For
each of the five major issue categories, the following items have been
thoroughly considered as outlined in T15A:07B.0203 in the state code:
• the scope and importance of the land use issues as related to
Oriental;
In defining relevant land use issues, the Planning Board, in
conjunction with public participation and citizen groups, has
examined those priority issues that will effect Oriental during the
upcoming 10 year planning period.
• the range of alternative goals, objectives and policies
which might be applicable when addressing a particular land use
issue;
As the Town considered potential policy options for each
planning issue category, alternative scenarios and the effect of their
possible outcomes were discussed based upon traditional and
contemporary approaches to addressing public policy issues. An
analysis of existing land use conditions, economic and population
projections, and environmental considerations aided in formulating
these policy options. The cost -benefit effect of the policies on the
Town, including cost of providing services and increased revenues
generated from development, were analyzed. Further, the short -
and long-range impacts of Town -wide social, political and
environmental implications of the policy alternatives were
carefully considered Those policy alternatives found to be
incompatible with the Town's overall planning goals and objectives
have been eliminated from further consideration.
• the specific policies deemed appropriate by the Town for
inclusion in the 1994 Land Use Plan:
The Town's final selection and adoption of land use policies
was based on an extensive land use and economic data analysis as
well as a complete examination of the best possible alternative for
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Oriental • North Carolina
each land use issue. These policy choices are set forth in the
following sections of this chapter. The Planning Board has found
that the recommended policies are reasonable and achievable by
the Town government and are sensitive to the fiscal constraints and
the Town's administrative system that will be in -place for the 10
year planning period.
• recommended
implementation
strategies that will ensure
that the adopted
land
use policy
can be achieved through
reasonable actions by
the
public and/or
private sectors.
In this document, the Town presents the desired strategies
and methods for achieving the policies which have been adopted
for the five major land use issue categories. In addition, the
following sections of this document address the methods by which
Oriental intends to implement the adopted policy choices as well as
a proposed time schedule for implementation.
Consideration of Policy Alternatives and Policy Implementation Schedule
Based on Coastal Resource Commission study requirements, a wide range of land
use policy options have beenevaluated in order to ensure that issues have been
fully explored. This process began with a detailed examination of past
planning policies by the Planning Board. An analysis tool entitled the Policy
Critique Questionnaire was designed to facilitate a thorough review of these
past policies (see appendix ID. A public participation process was developed in
order to create a forum for the input by all Oriental citizens. Extensive public
meetings and work sessions focused ondefining the range of options from which
optimal policies could be established.
At the conclusion of each of the following policy sections, there is a description
of those policies considered during the planning process, but which have been
eliminated. Those policies which have been stricken from consideration, in
some instances, may be revisited at some future point in time. Other eliminated
policies, after thorough examination within the context of the locality, were
1 found to be inconsistent with CRC, State and Federal planning requirements.
In a number of cases, specific policies were not pursued because of their
incompatibility with the current political climate in the Town. Such policies
usually involved the Board making a choice between perceived conflicts in (1)
fully respecting "private property rights" and (2) imposing "too much
government" on the people. Case history shows that, in most cases, there is m
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Oriental • North Carolina
"right answer," but, rather, policies often lean towards convenient, short-term
political answers that are responsive to the most vocal of prevailing constituent
interests.
In the 1994 Land Use Plan Update, the Planning Board has sought to resolve the
complex issues in a dignified fashion, while maintaining the central belief t ha t
Oriental has a strong and competent local governmental structure. This structure
is founded on political and economic thought driven by the expressed needs of
the local constituents. This philosophical base fully respects State and Federal
statutes related to land development and the environment. The Town promotes
a pro -active land planning stance by taking the lead in guiding and managing
local land use activities. Oriental currently employs a growth management
ordinance which is designed to improve the health, safety and general welfare
of residents. The Town is currently pursuing the task of drafting its own
subdivision ordinance. In the interim, the Town honors the Pamlico County
Subdivision Ordinance. These ordinances are designed to avoid unreasonable
restrictions on personal property while establishing clear guidelines for growth.
The Planning Board, in conjunction with the Town Staff, may outline a
recommended schedule for the implementation of the following adopted
policies. Since the implementation of many policies involve the pursuit,
approval, and allocation of public funding, continued refinements to the
schedule, including the possible elimination of some implementation objectives,
may be required. Further, certain implementation tasks and strategies outlined
are considered to be "ongoing and continued actions"for which no specific
timeframe for execution is required for adoption.
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1994 CAMA Land Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
Recommended Planning Policies for Oriental
In establishing goals and policies related to resource protection, Oriental has
thoroughly examined the various Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs)
located within its jurisdiction and has classified the categories of land uses
which are appropriate for the Town For each land use classification, the Plan
Update has carefully considered the specific rationale and reasons for the
recommended land uses.
1 The Cox Company
In this effort, the physical constraints to land development in the Town have
been analyzed pursuant to T15A: 07B .0202(c) of the Coastal Resources
Commission administrative rules for land planning. Further, usesfor areas with
cultural and historic value have been analyzed to determine what will be the
benefits and/or liabilities which will accrue to the Town and its citizens by
either encouragingthe development or preservation of these areas. The Town of
Oriental contains four Areas of Environmental Concern, which are categorized
as Coastal Wetlands, Estuarine Waters, Public Trust Waters, and Estuarine
Shorelines. Detailed definitions of these four categories can be found in
Chapter V of this Plan. The following definitions and management objectives
are taken directly from the CAMAguidelines:
Coastal Wetlands
Definition
Coastal wetlands are defined as any salt marsh orother marsh sub)ectto regular
or occasional flooding by tides, including wind tides (whether or not the tide
waters reach the marshland areas through natural or artificial watercourses),
provided this shall not include hurricane or tropical storm tides.
Management Objective
To give the highest priority to the protection and management of coastal
wetlands so as to safeguard and perpetuate their biological, social, economic
and aesthetic values: to coordinate and establish a management system capable
of conservingand utilizing coastal wetlands as a natural resource essential to
the functioning of the entire estuarine system.
404 Wetlands Regulations
The Town recognizes the importance of protecting environmentally sensitive
areas, which includes those lands designated as wetlands by the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers. It is the policy of the Town that all development within
these areas conform to federal, state, and local regulations and ordinances
regarding development.
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update
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Oriental • North Carolina
Estuarine Waters
Definition
Estuarine waters are defined in G.S. 113A-113 (b)(2) as all the waters of the
Atlantic Ocean within the boundary of North Carolina and all the waters of
the bays, sounds,rivers and tributaries thereto seaward of the dividing line
between coastal fishing waters and inland fishing waters, as set forth in an
agreement adopted by the Wildlife Resources Commissionand the Department
of Environment, Health and Natural Resources.
Management Objectives
To protect public rights for navigations and recreation and to preserve and
manage the public trust areas so as to safeguard and perpetuate their biological,
economic and aesthetic value.
Public Trust Waters
Definition
Public trust waters are all the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the lands
thereunder from the mean high water mark to the seaward limit of state
jurisdiction: all natural bodies of water subject to measurable lunar tides and
lands thereunder to the mean high water mark: all navigable natural bodies of
water and lands thereunder to the mean high water level or mean water level
as the case may be, except private owned lakes to which the public has no right
of access; all water in artificially created bodies of water containing significant
public fishing resources or other public resourceswhich are accessible to the
public by navigation from bodies of water in which the public has rights of
navigation; and all waters in artificially created bodies of water in which the
public has acquired rights by prescription, custom, usage, dedication and any
other means.
Management Objective
To protect public rights for navigation and recreation and to preserve and
manage the public trust areas so as to safeguard and perpetuate their biological,
economic and aesthetic value.
Estuarine Shorelines
Definition
Estuarine shorelines are those non -ocean shorelines which are especially
vulnerable to erosion, flooding, or other adverse effects of wind and water and
are intimately connected to the estuary. 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 landward. An agreement adopted by the
Wildlife Resources Commission and the Department of Environment, Health
and Natural Resources sets forth the dividing line between Estuarine fishing
Goals, Objectives and Policies • VIII-6
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1994 CAMA Land Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
waters and inland fishing waters and is used by the Coastal Resources
Commission to determine boundaries of the Estuarine Waters AEC.
Management Objective
To ensure shoreline development is compatible with both the dynamic nature of
estuarine shorelines and the values of the estuarine system
A. Resource Protection Goals, Objectives and Policies
1. Identify and address areas of the Town with land development
constraints and guide appropriate and compatible land development activities.
a . Define and delineate land areas with development constraints as a part
of the Land Use Plan Update process.
b. Continue to support and amend existing regulations which
appropriately regulate and control land development in areas with identified
physical constraints to land development.
C. As indicated in the adopted Growth Management Ordinance„ all
commercial, industrial, institutional and residential subdivision development
should be sensitive to the character of prevailing soils types, flood prone areas
and physiographic conditions which impact septic tank use; private wells, and
construction feasibility. Update existing Ordinance to complement Oriental's
Land Classification Map.
d. Encourage intensive land development activities only onlands which do
not possess any significant land development constraints.
e. Continue to support and update existing and study new alternative local
growth management techniques —such as zoning —which would provide for the
recognition and control of land use types, densities and development criteria
within areas having defined development constraints.
2. Preserve and protect Areas of Environmental Concem (AECs) within
Oriental.
a. Comply with, and complement the Coastal Resource Commission's
effort to protect, preserve and manage Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs).
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
I
b. Create guidelines for land development which conform to the general
use standards of the North Carolina Administrative Code, as amended for
development within an estuarine system in and around the Town.
c. Ensure that development along the estuarine shoreline does not
significantly interfere with existing public rights, usage and access to navigable
water and other public resources.
d. Continue to support and amend existing building design standards to
ensure that any development within AECs does not weaken or eliminate natural
barriers to erosion.
e. Ensure that all land development plans within AECs have evaluated
all possible alternatives to controlling pollution, limiting drainage, and
reducing other potentially negative impacts related to land use activities.
f. Examine the potential for the future construction of marinas in the Town,
as well as in adjoining County areas. This construction shall be accordingto the
following Coastal Management standards.
i • the timing of marina construction involving dredging shall be
coordinated with the Division of Marine Fisheries.
Continue to stud alternative local growth management techniques that
g• Y 8r' g
will provide for the controls, land use types, densities and development criteria
within AECs.
h. Ensure that all commercial fuel storage facilities including those
serving the marinas within the Town are installations that meet all Federal,
State and local ordinances.
IThe Cox Company
i. Require all new marinas having eleven (11) or more slips to provide
holding tank pumpout facilities to boatowners using the facility or have shore
restrooms servicing users of the facility. Marinas existing at the time of
adoption of this Plan will be exempt from this requirement.
j. The Town of Oriental will consider acquiring a town -owned and
operated public pumpout facility for use by recreational and work boats in
Oriental if necessary.
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
3. Preserve and Protect natural, cultural, and historic resources within
Oriental.
a. Encourageland useproposals which will nothave a negative impact on
historic, cultural, or archaeological resources in the Town
b. In cooperation with the Cultural Resources Commission and State
1 Preservation Office, the Town should periodically review, revise and update
the inventory of historic properties in the Town and surrounding area.
C. Encourage studies of the establishment of a land conservation fund
which would protect areas of environmental, recreational, or aesthetic
importance by fee acquisition, dedication and/or permanent easement.
d. Promote citizens awareness and public education programs about the
Town's historic and natural resources, including the conservation, preservation
and maintenance.
e. Draft and adopt a Recreation Plan that actively pursues the acquisition
of recreation land and facilities including beach, tennis, youth sailing and
playground areas.
4. Determine Hurricane and Flood Evacuation Needs and Plans.
a. Policy statements for hurricane and flood evacuation needsand plans, as
specified in Rule .0203(a)(6) of this Section are outlined in a separate policy
category in this chapter.
5. Protect the Town's Water Supplies and Potable Water Resources.
I
IThe Cox Company
a. Ensure that the protection of existing and future potable water supplies
and resources will be consistent with all State and Federal policies and
guidelines.
b. Prepare and periodically update a Water and Sewer Plan which would
direct future expansion and current maintenance of Town water and sewer
facilities. Prepare water and sewer maps in conjunction with this Plan.
C. Ensure that the Town's land development review process evaluates a 11
land use proposals to determine their effect on the Town's potable water
supplies and resources.
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
d. Supportand promote land useregulatory requirements near groundwater
IThe Cox Company
sources as regulated by the North Carolina Division of Environmental
Management, via N.C.A.C. Subchapter 2L and Subchapter 2C.
e. Support State efforts to remove leaking underground storage tanks
(USTs) and to restore adversely affected water supplies.
f. Support State regulations for the control of siting, construction and
maintenance of fuel storage tanks.
g. Continue to enforce and update existing Growth Management Ordinance
and support current subdivision regulations which address the control of fuel
storage tanks.
h. Support state and federal programs that regulate the storage of
hazardous materials. Support regulations that require tightness testing for
existing tanks and construction standards for new tanks. Immediate removal of
leaking tanks should be required. Support establishment of a state fund to stop
tank leaks and to clean up affected water supplies.
i. Continue to support capacity use ground water monitoring b the
PPo P tY �' g Y
Division of Environmental Management.
Continue the maintenance of public water supplies and distribution
l• P PP
systems into all areas of the Town
k. Develop citizens' awareness programs related to expanding water
supplies and distribution systems, including information promoting access to
these systems.
6. Develop Guidelines and Policies for the useof sewertreatment package
plants in Oriental:
a. The Town recognizes that private package treatment plants are not
appropriate alternatives to support future land development activities inside
the Town limits.
b. The location of any proposed package treatment plants outside the town
limits area that would impact Oriental should be approved by the Town Any
request for the approval of a private package treatment facility must be
accompanied by environmental impacts statements and documentation of
assurances that all applicable State and Federal health requirements will be
satisfied.
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update
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Oriental • North Carolina
C. Prepare a Water and Sewer Plan which would direct future expansion
and current maintenance of Townwater and sewer facilities. Prepare water and
sewer maps in conjunction with this Plan.
d. Septic tank installation, where permissible, shall be in accordance
with applicable county health department regulations.
Other Resource Protection Policies for Oriental•
Pursuant to CAMA planning guidelines for Resource Protection Policies, certain
additional issues mustbeaddressed in the mandatory CRC approval process for
the Land Use Plan Update. Some of the following policies have lower
priorities than those hereinabove described due to the geographic location of
Oriental relative to some of the other areas within the province of the Coastal
Resource Commission. Notwithstanding, these policies are deemed important
to Oriental and are adopted into the Resource Protection policies of the
community.
7. Stormwaterrunoff
The Town recognizes the importance of private management of stormwater
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runoff associated with residential and commercial development, and its effect
on wetlands, surface water or other fragile areas. The Town will support
existing guidelines and land development criteria for stormwater management
and runoff related to private land uses. The Town supports State and Federal
stormwater runoff criteria applicable to land development. The Town will
consider drafting and adopting a Stormwater Management Plan in support of
existing State, Federal and Local regulations.
S. Marina and floating homes
Development standards for marina and floating home construction, dry stack
storage facilities for boats associated either with or independent of marinas, is
important to Oriental from both an environmental and economic standpoint.
All marinas and dry stack storage facilities shall be consistent with Resource
Protection Policies, State and Federal regulations as well as the Growth
2 Management Ordinances. Floating home development is not considered to be an
issue in Oriental at this point in time.
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Oriental • North Carolina
All other policies concerning marinas and floating homes are as follows:
A. 2f. Examine the potential for the future construction of marinas in the Town,
as well as in adjoining Countyareas. This construction shall be according to the
following Coastal Management standards.
• the timing of marina construction involving dredging shall be
coordinated with the Division of Marine Fisheries.
A. 2h. Ensure that all commercial fuel storage facilities including those
serving the marinas within the Townare installations that meet all Federal,
State and local ordinances.
A. 2i. Marinas having eleven or more slips shall provide publicly available
holding tank pump out facilities or have shore public toilet facilities.
A. 2j. All docks in the Town harbor (Raccoon Creek) that provide business
services to any recreational or work boat (fishing boats, shrimp trawlers, crab
boats, etc.) will be required to provide pumpout facilities orhave shore public
toilet facilities.
A. 2k. Oriental will allow dry stack boat facilities meeting local, state and
federal regulations.
A.12. Upland excavation for marina basins
The Town will allow upland marinas as long as all existing local, state and
federal regulations are met.
B. la. Consider initiation of studies to develop appropriate marina siting
criteria which will serve to maintain and protect important nursery areas.
B. lb. The Town shall limit development activities in estuarine waters to
water -dependent activities as allowed by state standards. Examples include:
access channels, structures to prevent erosion, navigation channels, boat docks,
marinas, piers, wharfs, mooring pilings, and navigational aids.
9. Industrial impacts on fragile areas
Currently, Oriental is not under pressure for extensive industrial development.
The following policy is included in the event of development pressures
dedicated to this land use. Town policies related to industrial development
impacts on fragile areas should be consistent with other Resource Protection
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
policies as well as general policies addressing Resource Development and
Economic and Community Development.
10. Development of sound and estuarine system islands
A policy on the development of sound and estuarine system islands is not
applicable to Oriental.
■ U. Restrictions on development within wetland loss and sea level rise
areas
The Townof Oriental shall adequately plan for useslocated within wetland
loss areas and/or sea level rise areas. The Town shall ensure compliance with
all local, state and federal guidelines, regulations and inspections during
analysis of a proposed development project lying in wetland loss and sea level
rise areas. See the Storm Hazard section for further discussion of this issue.
12. Upland excavation for marina basins
The Town encourages the continued study of development guidelines for marinas
and will actively pursue local ordinance updates when the need arises. At this
point the Town is satisfied with existing ordinances which govern marina
development with the exception of holding tank and pump out facilities as
outlined in Resource Protection Goals, Objectives and Policies. The Town will
allow upland marinas as long as all existing local, state and federal regulations
are met.
13. The damaging of existing marshes by bulkhead installation
Bulkhead installation shall be conducted using appropriate construction and
resourceprotection techniques as specified in Federal State and local guidelines
and regulations. Where installation is required, development plans should
consider every feasible alternative to minimize the damage to marshes.
14. Policy alternatives eliminated during the planning process:
The following policies were deleted during the planning process:
• Ensure that all above ground fuel storage facilities are permanent tank
facilities protected with containment dikes adequate for at least 100% of the
capacities of the tanks.
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• Continue the extension of public water supplies and distribution systems
into selected areas of the Town
15. Schedule for policy implementation by Town:
The Planning Board and Town Board, in concert with input from the Town Staff
and Officials, shall outline a schedule for the implementation of the above
policies.
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1994 CAMA Land Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
S. Resource Production and Management Goals, Objectives and Policies
The Town is acutely aware of the effect of future land development on its
existing resource production base. The water and waterfront represents a
significant productive natural resource in Oriental which must be recognized in
the Plan's land use policies. Commercial fishing is one of the primary economic
resources in the area. Oriental is considered the primary port for commercial
fishing in Pamlico County. Recreational fishing and pleasure boating are also
significant attractions along the shores and onthe waters of Oriental. The Town
of Oriental has four active marina locations and one yacht club which is
designed to accommodate nearly 450 boats. The Existing Land Use chapter
explains the impact of these uses in greater detail.
1. Support, encourage and protect the Town's commercial and recreational
fishing and pleasure boating industry and other water -based resources and
production activities.
a. Commercial and recreational fishing resources and production
activities, including nursery and habitat areas, and trawling in estuarine
waters, are recognized as significant contributors to the economy of Oriental.
b. Consider strategies and implementation programs designed to protect
and enhance commercial and recreational fishing activities in the Neuse River.
C. Consider initiation of studies to develop appropriate marina siting
criteria which will serve to maintain and protect important nursery areas.
d. The Town shall actively support State efforts to reduce nutrient loading
in the Town's surface waters, including consideration of more stringent
restrictions on nitrogen discharges and enhanced regulations controlling the
disposal of animal wastes.
e. Continue to support regulations which create incentives for private
development to preserve areas adjoining Primary and Secondary Nursery Areas.
f. Utilize the Plan's Land Classification System to recognize and
establish minimum protective buffers along waterways where adjacent lands
have soils and other conditions that can adversely effect the environment.
g. The town will consider initiating studies which examine opportunities
for land development guidelines for freshwater runoff and fecal coliform
pollution in order to reduce the detrimental impacts on the Town's estuarine
waters.
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h . Work with the Pamlico County Health Department and local marina
owners to provide certain facilities (i.e. pump station and oil recovery) for the
expressed purpose of preventing waste dumpingin local waters and degradation
of primary nursery areas.
■ i . The Town shall limit development activities in estuarine waters to
water -dependent activities as allowed by state standards. Examples include:
1
The Cox Company
access channels, structures to prevent erosion, navigation channels, boat docks,
marinas, piers, wharfs, mooring pilings, and navigational aids.
j. Continue to endorse and support the enforcement of the policies of the
Division of Marine Fisheries regarding the protection of nursery areas.
k. The Townof Oriental shall ensurethat developments locating adjacent
to coastal waters make every effort to mitigate any adverse effects on riverine
and estuarine water quality and on primary nursery and fish habitat areas.
2. Encourage sensitive resource management policies and implementation
techniques for productive agricultural lands in Oriental and the sunuunding
County.
a. Support State and Federal agricultural programs, where applicable,
which assist farming and aid in identifying prime agricultural lands around
Oriental.
b. Encourage the initiation of effort by the Agricultural Extension Service
to work with the locality to develop farm markets targeted at benefiting local
farmers.
C. Employ the Land Classification System to encourage and guide the
location of intensive land development activities in areas of the Town which
are currently served by public utilities (or may be served in the future), while
discouraging leap -frog subdivision of active agricultural lands in remote areas
of the Town.
3. Encourage forestry as a valuable natural resource industry within the
County and encourage preservation and protection of forest lands in areas as
dictated by the Pamlico County Land Classification Map.
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4. Other Resource Production and Management Policies for OrientaL
Pursuant to CAMAplanning guidelines for Resource Production and Management
Policies, additional issues must be addressed in the mandatory CRC approval
process for the Land Use Plan Update. Some of the following policies have
lower priorities than those described above due to the geographic location of
Oriental relative to some of the other areas within the province of the Coastal
Resource Commission. Nevertheless, the following policies are deemed
important to Oriental and are adopted into the Resource Production and
Management policies of the community.
S. Mineral production areas
The mining of minerals in the community such as phosphate or peat is not an
issue since commercially important deposits are not found in the immediate
area.
6. Off -road vehicles
The Town does not consider off -road vehicles to be an issue of concern. If this
vehicular use does become a concern in the future, the Town will draft
appropriate regulations limiting the use so as to be sensitive to existing
environmental and man-made conditions.
7. Residential, commercial and industrial land development impacts on
any resources
Residential, commercial or industrial land development in the estuarine
shoreline will be allowed only if there is no significant adverse impact on
estuarine resources and water quality. Additional policies relating to
development impacts are addressed throughout this policy section.
S. Policy alternatives eliminated during the planning process:
The following policy was eliminated during the planning process:
• Initiate a study to review the need for the most appropriate location of
additional public waterfront access sites in the Town
9. Schedule for policy implementation by Town:
The Planning Board, in concert with input from the Town Staff and Town
Council, shall outline a schedule for the implementation of the above policies.
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C. Economic and Community Development Goals, Objectives and Policies
Oriental strongly supports the ongoingimplementation of responsible economic
and community development projects throughout the area. Further, in light of
the currentemnomic downturnin the national and regional economy, the Towns
encouragementand active support of local employment generating land uses is
considered to be an important goal of the 1994 Land Use Plan Update.
IThe Cox Company
1. General Town goal for economic development:
The Town encourages and supports all types of economic development land uses
which can be shown to complement, and not adversely impact, the existing
demographic, economic and environmental base within Oriental.
2. General Towncommitmenttoprovisionofsupporting services toeconomic
development:
The Town is committed to providing appropriate levels of public services,
facilities and infrastructure in support of economically and environmentally
viable commercial and industrial development.
3. General locational and development characteristics for economic
development activities, including redevelopment:
a. Re-examine and update as necessary, the Growth Management
Ordinance to speak to the development of multi -family units within the Town.
b. Encourage location of new commercial/retail uses in vacant commercial
buildings.
C. Apply for funding to be used for local housing improvements under the
Community Development Block Grant Program. Attempt to expand the local
contribution to increase the competitiveness of the application.
d. Continue to support and fund development of affordable housing in the
Oriental area.
e. Identify and seek supportfor those development activities and services
which can be provided to better serve and attract retirees to the area.
f. Encourage a variety of choice in existing neighborhoods through a
balance of preservation, rehabilitation and new development.
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g. Pursue the effective maintenance of acceptable water quality within
the Neuse River and its nearby tributaries by continuing to upgrade the public
waste water treatment facility.
h . Identify the status of all citizens with regard to present or anticipated
sewage services.
i . Work with county, regional and state offices in upgrading local nursing
home and day care facility services.
j. Continue to ensure maximum possible enforcement of housing construction
and maintenance codes.
k. Continue to enhance pedestrian interaction with the waterfront.
Continue to apply for funding dedicated to enhancement of waterfront area and
promote public interaction by sponsoring and/or supporting periodic
festival/market and nautically oriented events.
4. Commitmentto jurisdictional, regional, State and Federal economic
development activities:
a. The Town will continue to provide leadership for commercial and
industrial growth by supporting local, regional and State public interest groups
concerned with economic development.
b. Work with state water quality officials in the upgrading of existing
waste water treatment facilities.
C. Continue to work with the Pamlico County Planning Office to maintain
a high degree of development responsibility in the neighboring peninsula areas
through buffer requirements, sensitivity to natural areas, and responsible site
design.
d. Examine possible development opportunities within the surrounding
area. Study opportunities for potential extra territorial jurisdiction and/or
future annexation to enhance the tax base and expand the range of land use
ii available in the Town
The Cox Company
e. Minimize the impact of future development on the fragile physical
characteristics of the town and its vicinity through application of Town Growth
Management Ordinance and existing environmental protection regulations.
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
f. Constitute a Town -appointed Committee on Economic Development to
actively solicit appropriate economic development and tourism activities
which emphasize and promote the objectives and policies of the 1994 Land Use
Plan.
1/ g. Remain committed to State and Federal programs in planning areas
related to community and economic development, including erosion control,
public access, and highway improvements.
5. Tourism:
a. Continue to study and pursue programs aimed at promoting and
enhancing levels of tourism and tourism -related development opportunities in
the Town
b. Support and promote the Downtown and waterfront areas as potential
locations for seasonal/annual festivals, markets and recreational activities.
C. Continue to support the activities of local and regional public interests
groups responsible for promoting tourism in the Town
d. Develop an annual calendar of all special events to be held throughout
the Town Publicize monthly listing of events in appropriate local, regional and
national publications.
6. Coastal and estuarine water beach access:
a. Develop existing public trust water rights of way for public access.
b. Study and pursue methods of attracting the Town's permanent and
seasonal population to the pedestrian amenities along the waterfront.
C. Estuarine water access must comply with State standards for access
locations as expressed in 7M .0303. These access areas should be studied and
indicated on maps which could be incorporated into the Land Use Plan.
d. Study the feasibility of identifying, selecting and developing
additional sites for public access on the waterfront.
e. Continue to undertake necessary efforts with the State Division of
Coastal Management and Office of Water Resources to obtain public trust water
access assistance in funding the planning, land acquisition and site development
of these improvements.
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update
Oriental • North Carolina
f. Actively encourage the State to upgrade and maintain the Wildlife
Ramp.
7. Land use trends and the management policies related to future Town
growth:
a. Continue to provide for the orderly growth and economic viability of
land development in the Town by establishing reasonable land use guidelines
and regulations which ensure the public's health, safety and general welfare.
b. Continue to require submission of all preliminary plans for new
subdivisions to the Pamlico County Soil and Water Conservation District Office
for technical assistance, with their inputbecomingpart of the Town'sdecision to
extend public services.
C. Continue to provide an administrative position to address local matters
of concern and to initiate desired municipal actions.
d. Continue to study the most appropriate means by which to link land use
density requirements to the Town's Land Classification Map.
e. Continue to establish appropriate controls for the location, density and
standards for all types of land uses.
f. Discourage the development of any future landfill operations in
Oriental or the surrounding area.
g. Study the feasibility of obtaining Extra -Territorial Jurisdiction.
h. Examine the feasibility of annexing certain adjoining areas of the Town
S. Quality of life issues in the Town:
a. Establish and support a 911 system which will be used jointly by the
police, fire and rescue services.
b. Encourage the organization of Community Watch programs. Citizens
should be periodically educated oncrime prevention and crime awareness in the
Town.
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
C. Pursue possible additional financial and personnel support targeted a t
the police/fire/rescue services.
d. Support the development and enhancement of urban waterfront areas,
while ensuring such projects are compatible with all local, State and Federal
environmental requirements.
e. Continue to support and amend existing town Growth Management
Ordinance and County Subdivision regulations so as to preserve the rural
character of the Town's outlying areas.
f. Provide active leadership in ensuring that NCDOT roads and streets in
the Town are adequately maintained and upgraded in a fashion consistent with
the 1994 Plan's land use objectives.
9. Other Economic and Community Development Policies for Oriental.
Ip Pursuant to CAMA planning guidelines for Economic and Community
Development Policies, certain additional issues must be addressed in the
mandatory CRC approval process for the Land Use Plan Update. Some of the
following policies have lower priorities than those hereinabove described due
to (a) the prevailing attitudes of the Town's citizenry and related political
influences, and (b) the geographic location of Oriental relative to some of the
other areas within the province of the Coastal Resource Commission.
Notwithstanding, the following policies are deemed important to Oriental and
are adopted into the Economic and Community Development Policies of the
community.
• Channel Maintenance
The water coursesand channels that adjoin the Townof Oriental are essential
elements of the Towns economy. The Town expects that the responsibility for
the maintenance of these channels rests with those property owners and
commercial interests that are dependent on them and this maintenance may be
shared with County, State and Federal entities.
• Energy Facility Siting
The siting of Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) energy facilities is not an issue
with the Town at this point in time. The Town does not specifically encourage
public or private projects related to energy facility siting and development.
Discourage the location of any future industrial growth or energy facility
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
developments that will negatively impact the traditional economic base
including fishing and water oriented recreation.
Policy alternatives eliminated during the planning process:
While additions and minor alterations were made, no original policy
statements were eliminated during the planning process.
Schedule for policy implementation by Town:
The Planning Board, in concert with input from the Town Staff and Town
Council, shall outline a schedule for the implementation of the above policies.
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update
D. Public Participation Goals, Objectives and Policies
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Public participation provides the cornerstonefor the 1994 Plan Update. The
Town Councilbelieves that the greatest value of citizen participation in the
planning process is that it allows each member of the community the
opportunity to influence governmental decision making. In order for the 1994
Land Use Plan Update to be an effective policy document, it must accurately
represent the ideas, attitudes, and concerns of the residents. All meetings held
by the Planning Board were advertised by local and regional news media and
were open to the public. Dates and minute summaries are included in Appendix
I. By preparing a Land Use Plan Update which is integrally tied to its
precedent goals, objectives and policies, the old adage that "a locality can be no
better than it aspires to be" is underscored.
In this regard, an intelligent and comprehensive plan cannot be structured
without the direction of the locality's vision for its future. The Board has
recognizedthat this visionmustcomefromthe residentsof Oriental. Toachieve
this end, at the outset of the planning process, the Planning Planning Board
designed a Public Participation Plan setting forth the specific methodology to
be used by the Townin its effort to achieve this essential representation of its
citizens.
The previously adopted Public Participation Plan and other documentation
related to the Town's ongoingcitizens' involvement strategies are included in
the Appendix of this document.
1. Planning Board:
The Planning Board was officially designated by the Town Council as
the lead representative for obtaining citizen input to the planning program and
reporting that information to the Mayor and TownCouncil. In this effort, the
Planning Board was responsible for investigating land use issues, analyzing past
Town planning policies, preparing public news releases, organizing citizen
meetings, conducting work sessions to discussions policy options, presenting
alternative goals and objectives to the citizens, and synthesizing the community
input into a consolidated set of goals, objectives and policies for adoption into
this document.
2. Public notification of the planning process:
During the preliminary stages of the 1994 Land Use Plan Update
process, all Town citizens were provided periodic official notices that the
planning process was underway. These notices were intended to encourage the
Goals, Objectives and Policies * VIU-24

1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
I
citizens to express their attitudes and feelings regarding land use issues in the
' Town. The public was informed of when and where they could voice their
concerns. In most cases, the Planning Board reserved time on its agenda at each
regular monthly meeting to obtain citizen comments. As the Land Use Plan
process matured, periodic updates which outlined completed and pending tasks
and policy -related decisions were made available to the citizenry for ongoing
review.
3. General public information on the planning process:
The Planning Board drafted and distributed regular official notices of
the Land Use Plan Update process via the local newspaper. A reporter from thi s
publication was periodically informed by the Town Administrator of the
progress and status of the Land Use Plan Update. The local reporters were
encouraged to act as "partners" with the Townofficials in the conveyance of
information to the public.
w The news media was informed of the time and location of the monthly
Planning Board meetings and was encouraged to promote citizen attendance and
participation. In addition, the media was asked to prepare "focus" articles
aimed at the Land Use Plan Update process.
4. Policy Critique Questionnaire:
The Land Use Planning Board was asked to complete a "Policy Critique
Questionnaire." This document, prepared by the Town's consultants, provided a
format for the examination of and revision to the 1988 Land Use Plan's policies
and implementation recommendations.
5. Public Attitudinal Survey. -
The Cox Company
Citizen involvement in the planning process was solicited via a "Public
Attitudinal Survey and Citizens' Questionnaire." This survey document was
particularly useful in allowing the residents to register their individual
concernspertaining to the character, degree and pattern of population growth as
well as future land use issues for the Town.
6. Participation of public interest groups:
In an effort to reach the greatest audience, representatives from various
public interest groups were asked to regularly attend Planning Board meetings
and report back to their membership.
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
7. Synthesis and incorporation of public participation inputinto1994 Land
Use Plan Update:
The Town of Oriental officials understood the great value and necessity
of comprehensive public participation in the planning process. Community
participation was viewed as an opportunity which should continue through
every phase of the Land Use Plan Update and subsequentTowndecisions related
to land use. Through the implementation of this process, the Board feels that a
representative profile of the Towns constituency has aided in formulating a
clear and attainable vision for the future of Oriental.
In summary, the primary purpose of this Public Participation Plan, is to
inform, educate and involve the citizens as fully as possible in matters related
to land use planning in Oriental. In pursuit of this purpose, this participation
process was intended to remain flexible in format and execution, while giving
every Oriental citizen the opportunity to take part in this democratic process.
S. Ongoing public participation in the Town's governmental planning
activities and land use review process:
' The Town is committed to ensuring that all citizens have the
opportunity to continue to participate in the planning process subsequent to the
adoption of the 1994 Land Use Plan. To this end, the following policies and
strategies will be carried out by the Town:
a . Official notification of all Town Planning Board hearings involving
land use issues will be placed in the local media.
b. The Town Staff will provide the local media with public interest
information to assist and ensure the preparation of accurate and timely articles
concerning land use, economic development and community -related issues.
C. The Townwill establish appropriate study committees, on a case -by -
case basis, to further investigate evolving land use issues as well as other policy
directives as outlined in the 1994 Land Use Plan.
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
E. Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery and Evacuation Planning Goals,
' Objectives and Policies
Storm hazard mitigation policies for Oriental are a mandatory requirement of
' the Coastal Area Management Act and are included in the 1994 Land Use Plan.
As related to contemporary land use issues in Oriental, CAMA's primary aim in
establishing these policies is to ensure that the Town government fully
' recognizes the need to provide reasonable guidelines for land development so
that the risk of damage to property and the threat of harm to human life from
coastal storms is kept to a minimum.
The Town Council fully recognizes that Oriental faces the potential threat of
major storms. While there has been a substantial reduction in the overall
frequency and severity of significant coastal storms over the past several
decades, this does not diminish the reality of the resulting havoc when the long
predicted "big one" finally, but predictably, arrives.
' Although Oriental does not have the direct coastal exposure of many other
CAMAcommunities, the Town's estuarine areas are considered to be potentially
' threatened by hurricanes and tropical storms. The 1988 Land Use Plan included
a Storm Hazards Planning and Mitigation section as well as a Post -Disaster
Reconstruction Plan. These sections will be updated as part of the 1994 Land Use
Plan.
In preparing the updated policies for the 1994 Land Use Plan, the 1988 Land Use
' Plan studies were thoroughly reviewed in the context of (a) updated CAMA
policies for storm hazard mitigation and (b) its application to this document.
' While not specifically presented in the format of the new CAMA policy
guidelines, the 1988 studies were found to be consistent in most areas with the
recently amended CAMAcodeand is referenced herein as being the source of the
' most current and competently researched plan of action to date on this issue.
The 1988 Land Use Plan presents considerable background data which remains
relevant, applicable and, to a limited extent, is hereinafter incorporated by
' reference.
For storm hazard management and planning purposes, there are three categories
' of impacted land in Oriental which must be considered in preparing policies:
(1) Areas of Environmental Concern, (2) areas subject to flooding, and (3) areas
with highly erodible soils. The AECs in the Town are defined as coastal
' wetlands, public trust areas, estuarine waters and estuarine shorelines. Areas
which are subject to flooding generally adjoin the AECs. Floodprone areas are
mappedbythe Federal Emergency Management Agency; these area graphically
' depicted on official floodplain maps which are on file at the Office of
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Emergency Management. Areas with highly erodible soils are defined on the
soils maps of the Soil Conservation Service.
1. Coastal Storm Hazard Mitigation Planning Activities and Studies:
a. Effects of coastal storms on Oriental:
Of the many storm related hazards associated with coastal
communities, Oriental is realistically subjected to three: 1) high winds
associated with hurricanes and tornadoes, 2) heavy rains causing flooding in
low lying areas primarily associated with the Town's Creeks, and 3) erosion.
1) High Winds
High winds area most frequently associated with the actions of
hurricanes and tornadoes. To be classified as a hurricane, sustained winds must
reach a minimumspeed of 73 miles per hour. Winds are typically dissipated
uponlandfall. Being located inland relative to many other CAMA communities
the Town has a reduced potential danger of direct off -water winds. Oriental,
however, has been subject to extreme hurricane winds in the past, and this
hazard remains, potentially, Oriental's greatest.
2) Flooding
Flooding is limited to areas located adjacent to existing drainage
channels. Oriental contains four major water sources: 1) the Neuse River, 2)
Camp Creek, 3) Whitaker Creek and 4) Pierce Creek. On average, these areas
may reach specified flood levels every 1 to 2 years. The amount of development
which has occurred in areas deemed as 100 year floodplain is minimal. The
potential for human or structural loss in the event of a flood is minimal.
3) Erosion
A significant consequenceof hurricanes, tornadoes and flooding is
erosion. Much like flooding it is unlikely that Oriental would sustain
significant human of structural loss resulting from erosion. Current development
patterns in the Town are located away from areas most susceptible to erosion
damage.
b. Composite Hazards
The Countyof Pamlico and all incorporated areas within the County
utilize the Hurricane Evacuation Plan as amended and updated. The Town of
' Oriental has examined each hazardous area in terms of type of potential storm
hazard and the relative severity of risk presented at that particular location.
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
C. Existing Land Use Inventory:
In conjunctionwith the existing land useanalysis for the 1994 Land Use
Plan, the Town conducted an inventory for each of the most hazardous areas for
the purposeof determining the amount of existing development at risk for each
area. A Composite Hazards Map is included in this plan. A discussion of thi s
impact is found in Chapter 5 of this document.
2. Coastal Storm Mitigation Policies:
' Based on the preceding analysis, the Town has incorporated and
adopted the following Coastal Storm hazard mitigation policies into the 1994
Land Use Plan:
a . Policies related to high wind, surge, flooding and erosion are:
• The Town supports the enforcement of the North Carolina Building
Code construction standards for wind -resistive factors and design wind velocity.
'
• The Pamlico County Building Inspection Department will
periodically review and report on violations of the Building Code related to
wind standards, including matters related to the tie -down of mobile homes.
'
• The Town remains supportive of the hazard mitigation elements of
'
the National Flood Insurance Program.
• PP The Town remains supportive of the enforcement of CAMA and 404
Wetlands permitting processes in areas potentially susceptible to flooding.
• The Town remains supportive of the Pamlico County Multi -Hazard
Plan as amended and updated.
• The Town remains supportive of the Pamlico County Hurricane
'
Evacuation Plan as amended and updated.
b. Policies related to discouraging development in Most Hazardous Areas:
'
• The Townwill continueto discourage development, especially high
density or large structures, in its most hazardous areas.
• The Town remains supportive of CAMA permitting processes for
development standards for shoreline stabilization and drainage along the
Towns estuarine shoreline areas.
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update
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• The Town utilizes existing development guidelines supportive of
and in addition to State and Federal policies related to Most Hazardous Areas.
' C. Policies related to land acquisition in Most Hazardous areas:
• The Town, at this time, does not intend to commit local funds to
' implement any widespread public acquisition of land in the Most Hazardous
Areas, provided that certain areas may be deemed appropriate for purchase
where specific circumstances dictate.
d. Policies related to citizen evacuation:
' • The Town continues to support Pamlico County's Multi -Hazard Plan
and Hurricane Evacuation Plan, as amended, which outlines extensive
procedures for efficient and safe evacuation of the Town citizens. These
' documents are currently used as the primary guidance resource for Town's
evacuation efforts.
' • The Town supports limited development density in Most Hazardous
Areas so as to decrease the number of people needing to be evacuated.
' • The location and form of new development must fit within the
framework of the existing growth management documents in the Town
' • The Town encourages the adequate planning, development and use of
motels, condominiums and other large-scale residential structures for adequate
and sufficient emergency shelter for their occupants and residents.
• The Town supports a policy of ensuring that newpubhcbuildmgs can
' be adequately prepared and used as emergency evacuation shelters.
• The Towncontinues to support ongoingrefinements and participation
' in the regional evacuation planning process currently drafted by Pamlico
County.
3. Post Disaster Reconstruction Plan and Policies:
Postdisaster reconstruction policies are required byCAMAas part of the
' 1994 Land Use Plan in order to guide new development and redevelopment
during the reconstruction period following a natural storm disaster. In this
regard, the Town leadership's major goal is to ensure that, as reconstruction
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
activities are planned, programmed and implemented, Oriental will be less
vulnerable to coastal storms than it was before the disaster.
a . Previous Town planning studies related to post disaster recovery:
' • The post disaster reconstruction program the Town shall be
generally guided by the Pamlico County Multi -Hazard Plan and Hurricane
' Evacuation Plan as amended and adopted.
• The Town continues to support the generalized policies of the
' Pamlico County Multi -Hazard Plan and Hurricane Evacuation Plan related to
establishing priorities and staging and permitting of reconstruction repairs
following a major natural storm disaster
Priority l: Repair and rebuild essential service facilities such as
electricity, water, and sewer.
Priority 2: Repair other public facilities as necessary for shelter.
' Priri Use a triage (worst damage last) approach to staging and
permitting the private sector reconstruction effort.
' b. Update Townpolicies governingthe support, direction and management
of post disaster recovery activities:
• The Board of Commissioners shall appoint a Post Disaster Recovery
Task Force before any major storm occurs for the purpose of to overseeing the
potential reconstruction process as well as establishing any recovery -related
policy issues which might arise after a given storm disaster.
• The Emergency Preparedness Coordinator shall serve as the
chairman of the Post Disaster Recovery Task Force and shall be directly
responsible to the Board of Commissioners.
• The Town's Post Disaster Recovery Task Force shall be responsible
for the establishment of a schedule for staging and permitting repairs, including
the imposition of construction moratoria. Any moratorium shall be in full accord
with the Task Force's established priorities assigned to the restoration of
essential services, minor repairs, major repairs and/or new development based
' on the impacts of the particular storm.
• Upon adoption of this Plan, the Emergency Preparedness
' Coordinator and its Post Disaster Recovery Task Force shall be directed to
IThe Cox Company Goals, Objectives and Policies 9 VHI-31

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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
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convene to review, update and reformulate a set of generalized action plans,
' logistical structures and management strategies to be used for any given
potential post disaster recovery program, including (1) reconstruction scheduling
and priority setting routines, (2) public information dissemination, (3) damage
' assessments and accounting systems, (4) appropriate coordination and
communication links with State and Federal agencies, (5) coordination of
private and pubic inquiries to appropriate sources, and (6) assistance programs
I
as may be deemed appropriate. The results of this study shall be presented to
the Town Council and other appropriate agencies for review and adoption.
I
IThe Cox Company
C. The Town supports the establishment of general guidelines related to
the long term recovery and restoration process subsequent to natural disaster.
• Reconstruction shall be implemented under at least the minimum
standards in effect prior to the given storm.
• Structures not conforming to minimum standards and storm hazard
mitigation policies which were destroyed must be redeveloped to those
standards and policies.
• The County Planner shall serve as the overall Emergency
Coordinator for intermediate to longterm post disaster recovery activities. The
Chairman shall delegate the oversight of the reconstruction and recovery effort
as well as implementation of the long term recovery plan to appropriate
personnel.
• Upon receipt of sufficient information from the Post Disaster
Recovery Task Force pertaining to any given storm disaster, the Emergency
Coordinator shall prepare and recommend a long term post disaster recovery
plan for adoption by the Town Council. The plan shall include, but not be
limited to, the following: (1) development moratoria, (2) repair and
reconstruction priorities, (3) repair and reconstruction phasing and scheduling,
(4) fiscal and economic impacts of the plan, 5) emergency regulations governing
all facets of land use and land development permitting, (6) repair and/or
replacement of public infrastructure, (7) relocation of pubic infrastructure to less
hazardous areas, and (8) setting timeframes and schedules for planning and
redevelopment activities.
• The Emergency Coordinator shall establish a Damage Assessment
Committee. The Damage Assessment Committee shall conduct surveys of
damaged structures for the purpose of estimating the physical and economic
impacts of storm damage. Damage classification criteria shall be in terms of
the following.
Goals, Objectives and Policies • VHI--32

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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update
The Cox Company
Oriental • North Carolina
Destroyed: Repairs costing more than 50% of value.
Major. Repairs costing more than 30% of value.
Minor: Repairs costing less than 30% of value.
Habitable: Repairs costing less than 15% of value.
Goals, Objectives and Policies • VM-33

Chapter IX.
Land Classification System
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
CHAPTER IX:
Land Classification System
In its simplest form, the Oriental Land Classification System (OLCS) is a map
' which attempts to visually portray the Town's "vision for the future." The
OLCS is achieved through an extensive study process duringwhich the physi-
cal, social, economic and environmental realities of the Town are carefully ex-
amined. The Land Classification Map graphically outlines and assigns recom-
mended land use categories to individual geographical areas comprising the
Town. The OLCS map is intended to serve as a general guideline to assist the
' TownCouncil in implementing the adopted Land Use Plan's policies and strate-
gies. In theory, the OLCS is one which:
1. Best accommodates the Town's land use goals, objec-
tives and policies;
' 2. Is capable of implementation within the context of sat-
isfying both (a) the demands of the marketplace, and (b) the
ability of the Town to responsibly supply municipal service and
infrastructure;
' 3. Provides positive community -wide benefits with the
least negative impact on the existing physical, social, politi-
cal and economic environment,
4. Satisfies the regulatory requirements of the State's
Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA); and
5. Resolves the input of Town citizens via the adoption of
the OLCS map by the Town Council.
IThe Cox Company
By graphically delineating specific land use classifications, the Town Council
is able to apply the most appropriate planning policies to specific geographi-
cal areas within the Town. Thus, the map is to be employed by the Town
Council to provide thoughtful guidance to future land use activities and devel-
opment based onits commonly held "vision," as defined by this Land Use Plan.
The North Carolina CAMAregulations state:
"The land classification system provides a framework
to be used by local governments to identify the future use of a 11
lands. The designation of land classes allows the local govern-
ments 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."
Land Classification System • IX-1
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
The OLCS is intended to be supported, complemented and implemented by
growth management "tools" which are potentially available to the Town via
State enabling legislation. These "tools" include zoning, subdivision, environ-
mental controls and other locally -adopted growth management mechanisms
which serve to implement local, State and Federal laws. However, in the
strict sense of the term, the OLCS is not a regulatory mechanism.
Under the CRC's administrative rules, the Oriental Land Classification
System may include seven separate land use classes: Developed, Urban
Transition, Limited Transition, Community, Rural, Rural with Services, and
Conservation. At the Town's option, the Town Council can further subdivide
these land use classes into more specific subclasses. If this is done, the subclass
must closely relate to the precepts of the original major class. While, not all of
the seven major land use classes will necessarily apply to Oriental, the classi-
fication system —commonly referred to as the 7-Tiered System —provides a
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clear, uniform process by which the Town officials and its citizens can best make
decisions concerning future land development and environmental issues.
In assessing the optimal organization of the Oriental Land Classification
System, the planning process sought to focus on the statutory requirements of
the Coastal Area Management Act, which states that the classification should
"give particular attention to how, where and when development of certain
types and intensity will be encouraged or discouraged." For example, CAMA
recommends that:
"Local governments are also encouraged to make some
' distinction between urban transition areas, which are intended
to reflect intensely developing areas with the full range of
urban services to be supplied, and limited transition areas t h a t
are less intensely developed, may have private services and
are frequently located in a rural landscape."
"Urban land uses and higher intensity uses which
presently require the traditional urban services should be d i-
rected to lands classified developed. Areas developing or an-
ticipated to develop at urban densities which will eventually
require urban services should be directed to lands classified
transition. Low density development in settlements which
will not require sewer services should be directed to areas clas-
sified as community. Agriculture, forestry, mineral extraction
and other similar low intensity uses and very low density, dis-
' persed residential uses should be directed to lands classified
rural. Generally, public orprivate water orsewer systems will
The Cox Company Land Classification System • IX-2

1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
not be provided in areas classified rural as an incentive for in-
tense development."
With respect to the Land Classification Map for Oriental, the seven land use
categories are defined, as follows:
1 1. Developed Areas:
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The Cox Company
As defined by CAMA, the purpose of the Developed Areas class is to provide
for continued intensive development and redevelopment of existing cities,
towns, and their urban environs. Areas of the Townmeeting the intent of the
Developed Areas classification are currently urban in character where minimal
undeveloped land remains and have in place, or are scheduled for the timely
provision of, the usual municipal or public services. Land designated as urban
in character includes mixed land uses such as residential, commercial, industri-
al, and other uses at high to moderate densities. Public services include water,
sewer, recreational facilities, streets and roads, police and fire protection. In
some instances a Developed Area may not have all the traditional urban ser-
vices in place, but if it otherwise has a "developed" character and is scheduled
for the timely provision of these services, it still meets the intent of the
Developed Area classification. Areas developed for predominantly residen-
tial purposes meet the intent of this classification if they exhibit:
• a density of 3 or more dwellings per acre; or
• a majority of lots of 15,000 square feet or less, which
are provided or scheduled to be provided with the traditional
urban services; or
• permanent population densities which are high and
seasonal populations that may swell significantly.
The Town, at its option, may subdivide the developed class into subclasses,
however this has not been done.
If, in the future, the Developed Area class is divided into subclasses, the Town
should discuss how, when and where, it will provide the services necessary to
support the uniqueneeds of the urban area. In summary, the Developed Area
class is designed to illustrate urban intensity development and the public facil-
ities and services necessary to support it. This class should be applied to exist-
ing cities and towns and intense development within the extraterritorial plan-
ning jurisdictional areas containing intense urban development requiring urban
services.
Land Classification System • IX-3
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
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The Townof Oriental has indicated two land classifications which fall within
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IThe Cox Company
their boundaries. These include Developed and Conservation. Upon analysis
of the 1988 Land Use Plan land classification section, the Town feels that all
areas previously classified as Transition have evolved into the Developed cat-
egory. For this reason, the developed category encompasses the entire Town
with the exception of the areas categorized as conservation.
2 Conservation
The purpose of the Conservation Areas class is to provide for the effective long-
term managementand protectionof significant, limited, orirreplaceable areas
of Oriental. Land management is needed due to the natural, cultural, recre-
ational, scenic, and/ornatural productive values of both local and regional con-
cern.
Land areas in Oriental meeting the intent of this classification include the fol-
lowing:
• AECs, including but not limited to public trust areas, es-
tuarine shoreline or estuarine waters as identified in 15A
NCAC 7H;
• Other similar lands, environmentally significant be-
cause of their natural role in the integrity of the coastal region
and include but are not limited to bottom land hardwoods,
pocosins, swamp forests, areas that are or have a high proba-
bility of providing wildlife habitat, forest lands that are es-
sentially undeveloped and lands that otherwise contain signif-
icant productive, natural, scenic, cultural, or recreational re-
sources.
The Conservation Areas class is designed to illustrate the natural, productive,
scenic, cultural and recreational features of the potential extra -territorial ja-
risdiction which make it a desirable place in which to live, work, and visit.
As such the Conservation class should be applied to areas that because of their
unique, productive, limited, cultural, or natural features should be either not
developed at all (preserved), or if developed, done so in a extremely limited
and cautious fashion. At a minimum, all AECs as defined in 15A NCAC 7H
should beincluded in this class and the land use plan should so state, and the
local government is strongly urged to include other similar areas protected by
either other state or federal agencies. Examples include Army Corps of
Engineers' "404 wetlands." As AECs should be included in the conservation
class, the local government should acknowledge the distinctions among the
various uses the Coastal Management Program permits within each AEC group.
Land Classification System • IX-4
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
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It should be understood, however, the local government may develop its own
more restrictive standards as the state's are considered minimum. CAMAstipu-
lates that, at a minimum, each plan should include language such as:
• Estuarine Shoreline AECs-These areas are located ad-
jacent to estuarine waters AECs and are known for their contri-
bution to the natural productivity of the waters close by. Many
uses may by permitted as long as the 30percent impervious rule
is met and development is well managed on individual sites to
ensure minimal degradation.
• Other similar lands that are afforded some protection
by another agency, such as "404wetlands" where use and per-
formance standards of that agency will apply.
• Other unique lands that may not be afforded protection
by another agency, butare known for their natural, scenic, his-
torical, cultural, or hazardous nature. These areas might in-
clude areas identified by the Natural Heritage Program,
' pocosins, savannas, tracts of native forests, etc. When these
areas are included in the conservation class the local govern-
ment should describe the types of uses it deems appropriate, if
any, within each area and under what circumstances those uses
might be appropriate.
Urban services, either public or private, should not be provided in the
Conservation Areas due to their potential nature as a catalyst to stimulate in-
tense development. In most cases, limited on -site services will adequately sup-
port any limited development within the Conservation class and will also pro-
tect the very features which Justify the area's inclusion in the Conservation
classification.
CAMAemphasizes that even though AEC standards occasionally permit urban
type development on a lot by lot basis within the various AECs and that ser-
vices are occasionally provided, this is the exception rather than the rule, and
the primary intent of the conservation class is to provide protection for the re-
sources included therein. Mapping of AECs in the conservation class on the
local government's land classification map should be accomplished with the
understanding the AECs are intensively defined by their characteristics in 15A
NCAC 7H, and therefore maps only indicate approximate locations and are not
definitive enough for site specific regulation purposes. Policy development in
the land use plan should acknowledge the intent of this class and policies
Ishould be consistent with the function of areas shown in the Conservation class.
IThe Cox Company Land Classification System • IX-5
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1994 CAMA Land Use Plan Update
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IThe Cox Company
Oriental • North Carolina
Areas within Oriental which are currently classified as Conservation include
all areas described above. The area generally surrounds the town, following
the waterfront and wetland regions.
Intergovernmental Coordination and Implementation
The land classification map for the Town of Oriental serves to guide the activi-
ties of private developers and public agencies and to coordinate policies, stan-
dards, regulations and other governmental strictures which affect development
within the Town limits. In doing so, the development policies, issues and con-
cerns of adjoining jurisdictions shall also be considered, and meaningful a t-
tempts at conflict resolution and coordination shall be made with these juris-
dictions.
Throughout the constructing of this plan, continuous efforts were made to make
local policies and regulations consistent with the regulations of nearby plan-
ningjurisdictions and the requirements of State and Federal governing agencies.
The implementation of this plan will also consider compatibility and consis-
tency with these governmental bodies. The Public Participation Appendix pro-
vides a detailed account of coordinating activities with local and State offi-
cials in the making of this land use plan update.
Land Classification System • ]X-6
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LAND CLASSIFICATION
1994 C.A.M.A. LAND USE PLAN
Town of Oriental, North Carolina
THE COX COMPANY

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Chapter X.
Relationships of Policies and
Land Classification
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Oriental • North Carolina
CHAPTER X
Summary: Relationships of Policies and Land Classification
The guidelines set forth by CAMA in section T15A: 07B .0205 require that this
Land Use Plan Update relates the general policy statements (Rule .0203) to the
Land Classification categories. The comparison shall indicate which land uses
are deemed appropriate for the community within the specific land
classifications. The following section serves as a summary of the Land
Classification Chapter of this document.
1. Developed Class
The Developed Classification is designed to illustrate urban intensity
development and the public facilities and services necessary to support it. In
Oriental, the entire Town is classified as Developed, with the exception of
those areas categorized as Conservation.
2. Conservation Class
The Conservation Class applies to areas requiring strict management and
protection of irreplaceable land features located within Oriental and its
potential extra -territorial boundaries. These areas include AECs and other
lands having environmentally significant features due to their role in the
integrity of the coastal region. All policies relating to AECs and public trust
areas as well as other environmentally significant features includingbut not
limited to swamp forests, bottom land hardwoods and prime wildlife habitat
areas apply to this class. The Town supports State and Federal standards for
conservation with no additional restrictions (except for boat pump out or shore
public toilet facilities).
The Cox Company Relationships of Policies and Land Classification • X-1
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Appendix I.
Public Participation Plan
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I994 CAzwA rmid userfm Update OrzentaL Audi CamUna
IPublic Participation Plan
The greatest value of citizen participation in the planning process is that it allows each
member of the community the opportunity to influence governmental decision making. In
order for the 1994 Land Use Plan Update to be fully effective, it must accurately represent the
ideas, attitudes, and concerns of the residents.
An intelligent and comprehensive plan cannot be structured without the direction of the
locality's vision for its future. This vision must come from the Town's residents. The
following Public Participation Plan outlines the methodology to be used by the Town of
Oriental in its effort to achieve this essential representation of its citizens.
• The Planning Board will be officially designated by the Town
Commissioners as the lead agency for obtaining citizen input to the
planning program and reporting that information to the Board.
• During the preliminary stages of the Land Use Update process, all
Oriental citizens will be provided periodic official notices that the
planning process is underway. Notice shall be given through paid
advertisements in the Pamlico News. Periodic mailings by the Town
may also include notice of these events. This notice shall encourage the
citizens to express their attitudes and feelings regarding land use issues
in the Town. The public will be informed of when and where they may
voice these concerns. The first public hearing will be announced at a
later date.
• In most cases, the Planning Board will reserve time on its agenda at each
regular work session to obtain citizen comments. As the planning
process matures, periodic updates which outline completed and pending
tasks and decisions will be available to the citizenry for further review.
• To further insure opportunities for public input, the Planning Board will
allocate a segment of each meeting for citizens to provide comment on
the Plan and to review working papers which may be in progress.
• The Planning Board will distribute official notice of the Land Use Plan
Update process by various means deemed appropriate by the Town
officials. A reporter from the Pamlico News will be periodically
informed by the Planning Board of the progress and status of the Land
Use Plan Update process.
• An initial Public Hearing will be held for the purposes of reviewing and
critiquing the Public Participation Policy section of the Land Use Plan
Update. This hearing will be conducted during a regularly scheduled
Planning Board meeting.
• The local news media will also be informed of the time and location of
the Planning Board work sessions and monthly Planning Board
meetings and encouraged to promote citizen attendance and
participation.
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1994 CAM TWO McPfiut Update
• The Planning Board will be asked to complete a "Policy Critique
Questionnaire." This document provides a format for examination and
revision to the status of the 1988 Land Use Plan's policies and
implementation recommendations.
• Citizen involvement in the planning process will be solicited via a
"Citizen Survey." This document will allow the residents to register
their concerns pertaining to the character, degree and pattern of
population growth as well as a variety of future land use issues within the
Town. Distribution of the questionnaire may be through:
(a) various public publications in the form of an insert
(b) a number of highly trafficked public places
(c) direct handouts as may be deemed appropriate by
Town officials
• In an effort to reach the greatest audience, a representative from various
local interest groups will be asked to regularly attend Planning Board
meetings and report back to their members. These representatives will
be given both the "Policy Critique Questionnaire" and the "Citizen
Survey" to distribute and/or review with their group members.
The Oriental Town officials understand the great value and necessity of comprehensive public
participation in the planning process. Citizen participation will be viewed as an opportunity
which continues throughout every phase of the Land Use Plan Update. Accurate representation
of the Town's constituency will result in a clear and attainable vision for the future of Oriental.
The primary purpose of this Public Participation Plan, therefore, is to inform, educate and
involve the citizens of the Town as fully as possible. In pursuit of this purpose, this process is
intended to remain flexible in format and execution, while giving every Oriental citizen the
opportunity to take part in this democratic process.
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Appendix II.
Policy Critique Questionnaire
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CLAP
2.42 Policies (pp.34-35)
Policy: Cooperate with Pamlico County and the North Carolina Extension Service in
maintaining productive farmland resources around the Town of Oriental and throughout
Pamlico County.
Policy: Conlhws to discourage th tension of public se es and facilities into
productive farmland thfaoKsubdivision review he tcwn's extensloapQlicy.
2.52 Policies (p.35)
Policy: Promos limited tree% utter ing in new developm�entA through the county
subdivision review.
2.62 Policies (p.36)
Policy i Encourage the county to direct any and all mining activities in Pamlico County
away from Incorporated municipalities and established clusters of residential development
through their land classification system.
Policy: Discourage those peat and phosphate mining activities that may have a
detrimental Impact on the quality of the local water supply.
2.72 Policies (p.36)
Policy: No policy
3.12 ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (p.38)
Policy: Work with the Pamlico County Planning Office to maintain a high degree of
development responsibility in the neighboring peninsula areas through buffer requirements,
sensitivity to natural areas, and responsible site design.
✓ Policy: —tbntinue to support a adaptive reuse of older residential homes for
commercial purposes ppealing to the sho erm, seasonal visitors: -
Policy: Identify and seek support for those development activities and services that can
be provided to better attract retiree residents.
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3.22 Policies (p,40)
Policy: Work toward those initiatives that will provide for a steady but desired level of
development activities throughout the entire municipality.
Policy: Discourage the location of any future industrial growth or energy facility
developments that will negatively Impact the traditional economic base - namely farming,
forestry, fishing, and recreation. '
Policy: Minimize the impact of future development (i.e residential, commercial, and
water -related activities) on the fragile physical characteristics of the town and its vicinity
through the application of the Geunty, Subdivision Ordinance and existing environmental
protection regulations. r�
Policy: Support county efforts to secure employment opportunities which will be
consistent with the standards of environmental quality and livability desired.
Policy: Continue to refine the Utility Extension Ordinance so that orderly, responsible
growth will take place.
Policy: Encourage compatible commercial development interests in the older portion of
the town surrounding the waterfront.
3.32 Policies (p. 42)
Policy: Continue to require submission of all preliminary plans for new subdivisions to
the Pamlico County Soil and Water Conservation District Office for technical assistance, with
their input becoming part of the town's decision to extend public services.
Policy: Continue to provide an administrative position to address matters of concern
and to initiate desired municipal actions.
Policy: Move toward an acceptable level of planning and development management
s ices for future decision -making.
Policy: In stigate an equit le impact fee provision assist defraying future
.� maintenance and ansion costs of n ded system Improvements.
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3.42 Policies (p. 3).�-��� Vt -�.� e
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Policy:. Mal��level of public satisfaction with existing municipal services.
Policy: Consid uriher the establish nt of a municipal plan,da) board to gather and
refine public input #d information in orildir to guide the local decWon-making process.
3.52 Policies (p.47)
Policy: Continue to support all federal and stpt_e prog ams dealing with the
management and pmte46eA-e#-etat&-programs. Pyt6 TeC-' , o'� o� �° o vytvriP rC i 0. T", w
Policy: Work with Division of Marine Fisheries to identify local actions which will 0
enhance local commercial fishing interests and their facilities.
Policy: Seek support from regional and state offices for a long-range downtown
concept that will assist local development interests and spur local citizen interest.
Policy: Work with state water quality officials in the upgrading of existing wastewater
treatment facilities.
3.62 Policies (pp.47-48)
Policy: The Tom does not feel that a s ' able or need existsliolwursuit of a
public beach access po1»t,
Policy: Pursue the effective maintenance of acceptable water quality within the Neuse
River and its nearby tributaries. a Gat-
4,aeility
Policy: Identify the status of all citizens with regard to present or anticipated sewage
services.
Policy: DZAA Arsue the acquisition of additional water (beach) access points within
the town limits of Oriental.
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Policy: Address the Identified municipal service needs of the citizenry within the
financial limitations of the municipality (i.e. road improvements).
Policy: Work with county, regional, and state offices in upgrading local nursing home
and daycare facility services.
3.72 Policies (p.48)
Policy: Continue to address channel improvements needed in close proximity to the
town.
4.12 DEVELOPMENT HAZARDS (pp.49.50)
Policy: Proted e vital environm tal and economic int ests of the Town of Oriental
that are derived from th8�immediate airspa nd its rational utiliz ion.
Policy: Endorse the evaluation and assessment of the total impact related to increased
use of the immediate airspace of Oriental for military purposes.
Policy: Solicit county, state, and federal interests to pursue the development of an
emergency plan directly related to potential military aircrashes and the ability of local
services to deal with such possible emergency needs.
4.22 Policies (pp. 50-51)
Policy: Consid all archeologica nd historic resourcesentitled by th N.C. Division
of Archives and Histo in all CAMA-pe fitting, subdivision reviews, and bw ing permit
requests.
Policy: Encourage the use and re -use of older buildings or historically significant
buildings for the purpose of maintaining a "fishing village` atmosphere for citizens and
visitors.
Policy: Continue efforts to remove any building and objects that might endanger public
safety and welfare.
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4.32 Policies (pp.51-52)
Policy: Provide intergovernmental cooperation with the county building inspector in
order to reduce the risk of damage in flood -prone areas.
Policy: Support actions by the Pamlico Soil Conservation Service and the State of
North Carolina in developing. common strategies which will assist in the reduction of
shoreline erosion rates and stormwater runoff.
Policy: Continue to enforce the stipulations 'of the Pamlico County Flood Plain
Ordinance in compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program.
Policy: Work with appropriate offices and officials (NRCD, Agriculture Extension
Service) in the drafting of local regulations to deal with off -site drainage problems impacting
adjoining property owners.
l� Policy: Work with rps of Engineers t epair and upgrade poliiQns of existing timber
bulkhead (i.e. Lou Mack Paxlc).
4.42 Policies (p.54)
Policy: Continue to work in an effort to fine-tune the county's hurricane and flood
evacuation plan and anticipated public response time.
Policy: Provide a set of town directives to deal with those local circumstances related to
hurricane and/or coastal storm damages.
Policy: Identify a review group consisting of the town administrator, county building
Inspector, and county emergency management director to Implement reconstruction policies.
Policy: Will be sensitive to the location of any public facilities and assess the relocation of
any storm -impacted public facility based upon federal emergency management
administration criteria.
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5.22 Policies (p.55)
Policy: Continue the education and Involvement of the general public in the town's
decision -making process.
Policy: Provide for town notices of public meetings and the specific items of concern or
interest which will appear on the agenda.
Policy: Continue to utilize the public survey information to guide future actions and
maintain a high level of satisfaction with local public services.
Policy: Provide for aiprocess within a five-year period to gauge public opinion and address
any appreciable changes.
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CAMA Land Use Plan Update
The Cox Company