Land Use Plan-1988

It
TOWN OF ORIENTAL
LAND USE PLAN
1988
Adopted by:
Oriental Town Board
Harold Lloyd Stephenson Marvin Jennings
Mayor Town Administrator
Prepared by:
Dick Brockett, Senior Planner
Wanda Roberson, Typist
East Carolina University
Regional Development Institute
Willis Building
Greenville, N.C.
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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
SYNOPSIS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
CHAPTER ONE: BACKGROUND, SETTING AND CONDITIONS
Section 1. Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Y Section 2. Geography and Land Use. . . . . . . . . 4
Section 3. Existing Land Use . . . . . . . . . 5
Section 4. Services and Facilities . . . . . . . . 6
Section 5. Planning Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
CHAPTER TWO: PUBLIC INFORMATION PROCESS
Section 1. Citizen Survey. . . . . . . . . . . 9
Section 2. Intergovernmental Cooperation . . . . . 14
Section 3. Planning Schedule and Information
Gathering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
CHAPTER THREE: 1981 POLICY REVIEW
Issues/Goals, Adopted Action Policies, and
Notes/Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17-25
CHAPTER FOUR: POLICY BACKGROUND AND DEVELOPMENT
Section
1.
Resource Protection . . . . . . . . . .
26
Section
2.
Resource Production and Management. . .
31
Section
3.
Economic and Community Development. . .
37
Section
4.
Development Hazards . . . . . . . . . .
48
Section
5.
Citizen Participation . . . . . . . . .
54
CHAPTER FIVE:
LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
Section
1.
Local Classifications . . . . . . . . .
56
Section
2.
Other Classificiations. .
58
Section
3.
Policies Related to Land Classification
59
CHAPTER SIX:
COUNTY/MUNICIPAL POLICY RELATIONSHIP
Section
1.
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
60-
Section
2.
Breakdown of Related Policies . . . . .
60
APPENDIX

MAPS AND EXHIBITS
Titles
Paqe
General Location Map . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . 2a
Town of Oriental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . 2b
Population Growth, 1940-2000. . . . . . . . .
. . . . 3a
LaborPicture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . 3b
Flood Prone Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . 4a
Soils Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . 4b
Existing Land Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . 5a
Points of Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . 8a
Commercial Fishing Landings . . . . . . . . ...
. . . 32
New Construction Permits, 1982-1987 . . . . .
. . . . 39
Archaeological Sensitive Sites/Areas. . . . .
. . . . 49a
Land Classification Map . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . 56a-
1W

ORIENTAL LAND USE PLAN
SYNOPSIS
The Oriental Land Use Plan provides insight in to the
changes, opportunities, and problems of the Town of Oriental.
Through a designed planning process, a set of strategies and
policies were devised to guide the town and her local officials.
This process allowed for the identification of past concerns,
present citizen attitudes, and future concerns. It also allowed
for an examination of those issues that are unique to the coastal
environment of North Carolina. The plan is designed to be the
basis for local government initiatives as well as a basis for
decision -making over the next five years. The next paragraphs
offer a brief overview of the plan's findings and its
recommendations.
The Town of Oriental is continuing to gain population, both
full-time residents and seasonal residents. These increases are
beginning to impact the capabilities of available municipal
services. In addition to the population growth, the spin-off
demand for increased commercial services is intensifying the
potential for further changes in the town's land use pattern.
Such changes will compound the problems of Oriental's limited tax
base and additional service demands. Both of these circumstances
have prompted past attempts to establish a local planning board
and/or some level of local, regulatory authority. Up to this
point, past efforts have not been well -received for varying
reasons. Thus, local planning has been approached in a laissez-
faire manner.
The accompanying land use plan establishes some initial
steps that will address the increasing demands on existing
municipal services. Recommendations include refining the utility
extension ordinance, investigating the feasibility of a
development impact fee system, and identifying reasonable
alternatives for the upgrading of the town's present wastewater
treatment system.
Local development trends and citizen attitudes indicate a
need for local planning, but the approach that would be
acceptable to the local citizenry is much less clear. The plan
calls for the initiation of local efforts to formalize planning
and management capabilities. This includes further investigation
of a development ordinance that would primarily manage
development densities and heights but would not dictate allowable
uses such as traditional zoning. The lack of planning
jurisdiction in the peninsula areas that surround the Town of
Oriental also is viewed as a significant problem that could be
better addressed by establishing an organized planning effort.
The continuing development of outlying areas already within the
town's jurisdiction is seen as a basis for such an effort.
i

From an environmental perspective, the plan recognizes the
sensitive nature of the area that surrounds the town but
basically leaves the county and state as the most active
participants in efforts to maintain a suitable development,
environment equilibrium. The town classified local areas of
conservation as those areas of environmental concern that are
statutorily designated by the Coastal Area Management
Legislation. The plan recognizes the need to work more closely
with local marinas and fishing interests in an effort to minimize
the potential, adverse environmental impacts of boat owners
within congested harbor areas. Special efforts by the town to
identify solutions to local drainage problems constitute the most
significant environmental -related action contained in the plan.
Overall, the Oriental Land Use Plan provides the town with
some realistic, tangible steps that will provide some foundation
for resolving existing or potential local problems. In addition,
it provides evidence of support for many of the responsibilities
of enforcement and management that are beyond the realistic
capabilities of a small municipal government. Conversely, the
plan also indicates that many of the steps and policies offered
in previous land use plans have not been implemented. Only
through serious application of this planning work can progress be
made -to ensure proper land management and acceptable municipal
growth for the Town of Oriental in the years to come. .
l+,
ii

CHAPTER ONE: BACKGROUND, SETTING, AND CONDITIONS
1. BACKGROUND
This section provides the reader with a descriptive picture
of this document, the Town of Oriental, and her citizens.
Through the next subsections, one can learn about the town's
past, look at her present situation, and envision a future
picture. Through the combination of this planning effort,
citizen support and informed decision -making, the Town can meet
the challenges that lie ahead. The first section provides a good
resource base for further land use planning work associated with
the town and the surrounding area.
1.1 Land Use Planning
The Coastal Area Management Act of North Carolina provides
guidelines for the legislated land use planning efforts by
counties and municipalities (15 NCAC 7B) within the designated
coastal area of North Carolina. These guidelines provide a
rational set of principles that address the basic planning needs
of the localities as well as their special planning needs. The
guidelines, though emphasizing environmental protection, allow
the locality to address and plan for its overall economic and
community development. Locally -developed policies are directed
toward certain local and regional issues in such a way that local
governments can maintain their direction in resolving the
concerns and needs of their citizens.
The plan itself uses a combination of information and data
from the local elected officials, the public at large, and
previous land use planning efforts to identify the local issues
and prescribe certain actions that can help address their
resolution. Through public meetings, sessions with the local
board of town commissioners, and an extensive citizen survey, the
foundation for the development of this land use plan was
established.
The plan is designed for continuous review and improvement
as situations change and local issues evolve. The plan is to be
updated at least once every five years at which time the local
government can assess its progress toward establishing the type
of community that is desired. The primary components of the land
use plan are as follows:
1. A review of local information and previous land use
planning efforts. This review includes those policies,
standards, and regulations that needed action(s) at the local
level between planning periods.
1

2. Map information that exhibits local conditions and
circumstances. These include existing land uses, designated
planning jurisdiction, environmentally -sensitive areas, and
general soil types.
3. A land classification system that includes map and
narrative providing a visual message of the direction and intent
of the future development pattern based upon adopted policies.
4. Policy discussion of important local, county, and
regional concerns. These are inclusive of subject areas mandated
for review by the Coastal Area Management Act itself.
The combination of the four basic areas above constitute the
Oriental Land Use Plan. Only through the serious application of
the above four parts through local government decision -making can
the real benefit of this exercise be realized.
1.2 Location
The Town of Oriental is located in Pamlico County on the
coastal shelf of North Carolina. It is situated on the
southeastern coast of the county near the mouth of the Neuse
River. The town is located amidst six creeks: Smith Creek, Camp
Creek, Raccoon Creek, Green Creek, Whitaker Creek, and Pierce
Creek. This mix of land and water causes the existence of
several peninsulas in close proximity to each other. The town is
served by NC'Highway 55. The town is 10 miles southeast of the
county seat of Bayboro and approximately 25 miles due east of the
city of New Bern. The town lies on the northern banks of the
Neuse River directly across from Carteret County. The Core
Banks, part of the "Outer Banks" land formation along North
Carolina's coast, lies approximately 35 miles due east.
1.3 Historical Setting
Mr. Louis B. Midgette is said to be the founder of Oriental
as he took shelter from a storm on his return to Stumpy Point
from New Bern in 1870. As Mr. Midgette sold properties for
potential residents, the town began to establish itself.
Historians estimate 25 people resided in the community by 1890.
The town acquired the name of "Oriental" in the intervening
years before the turn of the century. One story relates that
Mrs. Midgette suggested the name based upon a name plate she had
recovered from a boat years earlier. The state accepted the name
of Oriental and its location for a post office in 1896 and the
town was incorporated in 1899.
The main economic activity around the turn of the century
was agriculture, fishing and lumber mills. The reliance on the
lumber mills continued until the depression era, when commercial
fishing took the predominant role that it maintains today.
2

COASTAL MANAGEMENT AREA
OF NORTH CAROLINA
N
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N
O'
MGM
TOWN OF ORIENTAL

1.4 Population
The historical population trends of the Town of Oriental
have been erratic since its founding. The town's population
dipped consistently from the early 1900's until 1940, when a
short-lived resurgence occurred. After that, the population
continued to decline until 1970 when it hit the lowest point of
445 persons. The town's growth resurgence has continued into
this decade after a 20 percent increase from 1970 to 1980.
Exhibit 1 depicts the past with projections based upon current
growth rates (Line A) and historical averages since 1900 (Line
B). (NOTE: Projections past 1980 are based upon N.C. Office of
Management and Budget estimates).
The diverging estimates of Oriental's future population are
difficult to interpret but two contrasting assumptions may be
drawn. Due to the increasing amount of retirement -age people
nationwide and Oriental's attractiveness for that purpose, a
repeat of the population downturn can not be anticipated in the
future. Due to some basic physical limitations (i.e. soils,
water table) to development in this area and the town's secluded
location, one would not expect the present growth pattern to
accelerate dramatically over the next decades. One must then
draw the conclusion that the growth of population will fall
between the historical rate and current growth rate. This
subject will be further examined in other sections of this
document.
1.5 Economic
The town's seafood processing plants are the major employers
within the community but many citizens of the town that are
employed commute elsewhere to work. Commercial fishing, lumber
companies, military installations, (see following page) and
agriculture provide the foundation of the town's overall
employment picture outside of the corporate limits.
Over the past decade, increasing demands for tourist -related
and service -related businesses have produced increased local
employment opportunities in these sectors. The main employment
generators have been the local marinas as well as commercial
enterprises.
Overall labor estimates for the Town of Oriental are not
available but the following county picture over the period 1980-
85 provides a guide to the local economic/employment level.
Comparatively, the unemployment figures show a somewhat
higher rate than for other counties in North Carolina during the
same time period (See Exhibit 2).
Retail sales for the county have increased since the
previous land use plan was developed. Though the figures for the
Town of Oriental cannot be isolated from the remainder of the
3

............
.............
.............
NEOPRENE
...............
................
................
..................
....................
............t■....,...■....■
........■■...--7.:

NO. OF 'TOTAL PERSONNEL
11 Active Military
219 Civilian
139 Retired Military (est.)
369 TOTAL
EXHIBIT 2
LABOR PICTURE
12
Alliance
44
Arapahoe
58
Bayboro
42
Grantsboro
3
Hobucken
4
Lowland
15
Merritt
32
Oriental
4
Stonewall
5
Vandemere
219 TOTAL
Source: Cherry Point Economic Lrpact Analysis, 1987
Cherry Point Marine Air Station
4512
TOTAL COUNTY LABOR FORCE
4206 306 6.7 (%)
Source: North Carolina Department of Labor, April, 1987.
Pamka County Labor ereakaoen
1976
® ass Ma" dachnin°
Other wiwheturiny
7.9s
ConstrwCtion
®F1neu knit Est.
1.1x
Oavarnmwit
24.9x
®Trade
30.7x
OTrana.,Cemm.."M
1.6x
Service
4.6x
INS
Pwnk* 00MV Labor Breakdown
® is mLt—d"°A"
®Othw Uw%gacbainq
9.Ox
and tctiO"
® RISM6.11MR En.
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0 25�Oxma"t
Trade
27.Ox
Q»my .Con..Uti.
® e.OX
Data Provided by tcc. Einploymerrt Security Comniadon
3b

county, the additional retail establishments and tourist -oriented
establishments that have been started during this time portend
that additional retail sales were experienced.
2. GEOGRAPHY AND LAND USE
This section provides the reader with a cursory description
of the natural characteristics of the town and its vicinity.
Some of the specific elements will be examined in closer detail
in other portions of this document.
2.1 Elevation and Slope
The general level of elevation of the Town of Oriental is
approximately nine feet above sea level. There is little
variation that facilitates drainage throughout the town except as
one approaches water bodies. Only slight slopes of approximately
2 percent exist except in cases of soil erosion. Most of the
town is considered susceptible to flooding. (See Map, page 4a).
2.2 Soil
The town has four major soil types with several less
prevalent types (See Map, page 4b). The four major types are
altavista loamy sand, dogue find sandy loam, fork loamy fine
sand, yonges fine sandy loam. These four types have development
limitations based upon the existence of a high water table, slow
percolation rate, severe wetness, and proneness to flooding.
Such characteristics limit excavation depths and suspect
foundation support. Favorable characteristics of these soil
types include the brevity of flooding, low shrink -swell capacity,
and reasonable depth to bedrock. With proper elevation, the soil
types also experience favorable drainage characteristics. Soil
restrictions and development problems are especially prevalent
near the existing creeks.
2.3 Water Supply
The source of water supply for the Town of Oriental is
derived from groundwater supplies. The main source of this
supply is the Castle Hayne aquifer. This water source serves the
eastern side of Pamlico County and is considered adequate for the
foreseeable future. The distribution method of water varies from
personal, individual wells to a central water distribution
system.
4

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Storm
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Category
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3. EXISTING LAND USE
The Town of Oriental's existing land use pattern has two
distinguishing characteristics. The town has an older "core"
that hugs the harbor area and gives the town a "fishing village"
atmosphere surrounding a "town dock." This area is a combination
of water and tourist -related commercial activities that gradually
blend in to single family residential areas as one leaves the
harborside core. (See Map, page 5a) .
The other distinguishing element is the trend toward mixed -
use along N.C. Highway 55. This area is gradually adapting its
former single family residences to commercial enterprises and
then blend in to the newer, commercial uses that have been
constructed as you enter the town from the north.
As you leave the downtown core and the commercial corridor
along Highway 55, the Town is predominantly single family
residences with a number of duplexes being added over the past
three years (see page 39). This pattern is maintained except for
an occasional institutional or commercial use that blends in to
the single family setting. The main exception is the presence of
Whitaker Creek Marina and two marina repair facilities that are
located along Whitaker Creek.
3.1 Satellite Area Land Use
The "older" downtown portion of the Town adjoins new
subdivisions along Pierce Creek through an area called the
Kenworthy property. This arm attaches to State Road 1349 and
extends from the narrower reaches of Whitaker Creek. State Road
1349 forms the eastern boundary of the satellite subdivision
areas referred to as "White Horse Farm" until one approaches the
Neuse River. This entire area is subdivided for single-family
development purposes except for the Sea Harbor Marina that
borders Pierce Creek. Recent road construction has added
potential single-family lots at the point that is bordered by the
Neuse River and Pierce Creek.
3.2 Adjoining Land Use
Existing land use surrounding the Town of Oriental is mainly
agricultural until one nears the tributaries of the Neuse River,
there single family developments appear. These developments vary
widely in terms of size, age, and amount of development that has
taken place. The peninsula area bordered by Smith Creek and
Greens Creek is the most developed. This area has both single
family and multi -family residences. The residential developments
along S.R. 1308 (South of N.C. 55 Bridge) are more recent and
less developed. The types of single-family residences in this
entire area are a mixture of permanent and seasonal homes.
5

TOWN OF
ORIENTAL
PAMLICO COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
670 0 6T0
Scale Approz
\ 1�
V
WHITE MORSE
FARM
Wildlife
Swat Access
IOIIU��
Bridge to SA llllllfll �' -
__....ee I�►ntllll _
Breakwater
.\ !VI JI �
NEUSE RIVER
EXISTING LAND USE
® SINGLE-FAMILY_ RESIDENTIAL
® MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
0 CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL, OPEN SPACE
INSTITUTIONAL, CHURCHES, PUBLIC
WATER -BASED COMMERCIAL / INDUSTRIAL
® COMMERCIAL
® MIXED USE
® PUBLIC
C� UNDEVELOPED
Sea
Harbor
Morino
i

4. SERVICES AND FACILITIES
This section provides the reader with information concerning
the public services and facilities provided by the Town of
Oriental. The information is offered so one can relate to it
later in the document as limitations, capacities, and local
capabilities are examined.
4.1 Water System
The town's water system has two wells which each have a
capacity to pump 200 gallons per minute or 144,000 gallons per
day. This amounts to 288,000 gallons per day for the system.
The town has one elevated tank that provides a reserve capacity
of 75,000 gallons.
The annual daily demand averages over 72,000 gallons per day
or 25 percent of capacity. The average demand rises to nearly
100,000 gallons per day (35 percent) during the height of the
summer season and occasionally approaches its permitted 150,000
gallons per day. Monthly averages are approximately 2.5 million
gallons.
The system was installed in 1975 and remains in good
condition. The system serves the entire community.
4.2 Wastewater Collection/Treatment System
A municipal wastewater collection/treatment system has been
completed since the previous land use plan (1981). The system
has six lift stations that carry the wastewater to a three -lagoon
system for treatment. The town has a forty acre site just north
of the White Horse Farm area that provides aeration treatment.
The design flow was established at 100,000 gallons per day at the
point of re-entry which was placed at Smith Creek adjacent to the
Wildlife boat access, just north of the NC 55 bridge. The system
was designed to last twenty years initially to accommodate 1,110
peak seasonal residents. The town required taps by each resident
but did not force immediate connection. Presently, over 80
percent of the homes in the older portion of town are estimated
" to be on the ,system. It is also estimated that a total of 350
residential lots could be served before capacity is reached.
The newest subdivision, "Dolphin Point", is located in the
satellite area bordered by Pierce Creek. This area will be
utilizing a pressure sewer system that feeds into the town's
lagoon system. The developer of the subdivision paid for the
cost of the lines and has since deeded both the water and sewer
lines to the town.
Based upon the consultant engineers, the system should have
a "dedicated reserve capacity" of approximately 68,250 gpd based
upon existing water usage data and the number of customers who
T

have sewer taps, whether they actually use them or not. The
extension of public sewer services (water, sewer) has been
limited in the satellite area. Some extension outside of the
municipality has taken place in certain cases that federal CDBG
funds were being used to upgrade housing conditions. The town
has devised an extension policy limiting future extensions of
their facilities in to unserved areas.
4.3 Other Municipal Services
The Town of Oriental also provides street lighting, law _
enforcement and regular trash/garbage pick-up. The town also
maintains all city streets and culverts not under the State's
Highway System. The town has a municipal building that provides
administrative space as well as public meeting space. The town
employs a town administrator and clerk.
Fire protection service is provided by the Oriental
Volunteer Fire Department which receives calls through a central
dispatcher for the County. Recreational services are provided by
the County with some upkeep and maintenance assistance provided
by the Town. Utility services are provided by Tideland EMC and
Carolina Power and Light.
4.4 Beach Access
The Town presently has private docking facilities in the
downtown area while the State maintains a Wildlife Boat Ramp on
the western side of the N.C. 55 Bridge. One public dock exists
within the Town limits but no public beach access. Several of
the city's streets end at the water's edge but the shoreline does
not afford a legitimate "beach" opportunity.
4.5 Tax Structure
As with many smaller municipalities, the town has limited
financial resources to deal with its short and long-term needs.
Its primary sources of revenue is property tax with sales tax the
only other major tax source.
The town's tax rate is .18 assessed against current property
valuations. The county rate is presently .575 assessed against
current property valuations. Total of all tax rates for Oriental
citizens is .755. Reevaluation took place during the past year,
going into effect July 1, 1988.
7

5. PLANNING AREA
The planning area for the purposes of this document is
solely the incorporated municipality of Oriental and its
satellite, annexed area. (See Map, page 8A). The area extends
northwest of NC 55 and south along the Neuse River and up along
Whitaker Creek. The annexed area that connects the Dolphin Point
subdivision area with the older, "downtown" portion of Oriental
is called Kenworthy property. The newer, residential areas
border along Pierce Creek and the Neuse River, just off of N.C.
State Road 1349.
The planning area does not include any extraterritorial
areas because no planning jurisdiction has been established for
these areas by the municipality in accordance with State law
(G.S. 160A-360). Under this provision, the town could exercise
planning powers within a defined area extending not more than one
mile beyond its corporate limits.
It must be recognized that the development of the adjoining
peninsula areas is of primary concern to the future planning
efforts of the Town of Oriental. Every effort should be made to
work cooperatively with local developers, Pamlico County, and the
State of North Carolina in seeing that these areas develop in a
manner that will not further aggravate any of the local concerns
cited throughout this document.
8

4
. Wildlife
Cu Boa
,__-Ae,-
13ROGE
S
r
Limit
ou M
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Municipality —Points
of Reference
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Wastewat r
Treatment Site
, ly Limit
Kenworthy
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Whi ak Creek. o
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Sea ar or
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city LimjV\l Dolphin I PAt

CHAPTER TWO: PUBLIC INFORMATION PROCESS
1. CITIZEN SURVEY
A citizen survey was chosen as the main way through which
public opinions and citizen attitudes would be collected. The
views of all residents are seen as an essential element in an
effective planning process.
1.1 Purpose
The purpose of the Citizen Survey of the Town of Oriental
was to allow the general citizenry the opportunity to express
their views on a variety of subjects and issues in accordance
with the guidelines set up by the Town of Oriental under their
"Public Participation Plan." The survey was developed to give
local officials a view of the magnitude and diversity of thoughts
and opinions that existed within their community.
The survey constitutes the main basis for citizen input into
the Oriental Land Use Plan Update. The survey, along with public
sessions throughout the land use planning exercise, provided a
unique opportunity for the community to take a look at their
surroundings and help determine the steps that need to be taken
to ensure the best standard of living possible.
The survey was not a means by itself, however. Only through
the development of relevant policies, applicable action steps,
and community desire can the following information be translated
into a workable plan that resolves problems and builds upon the
attributes that the locality already possesses.
Town meetings addressing local planning needs and issues
occurred on November 12, 1986; January 16, 1987; April 2, 1987;
and April 23, 1987. Several of these sessions were well attended
and public notice was given prior to each meeting.
1.2 Process and Response
Surveys were mailed to 522 households that appeared on the
tax records of Pamlico County. These constituted real or
personal property owners within the Town of Oriental.
The deadline for returned surveys was kept open until mid -
April at which time 185 surveys had been returned. The return
rate (35.4%) constituted a high level of return for a mail -out
survey. This return rate supports the credibility of the overall
findings and the strength of local resident feelings.
The following pages represent a synopsis and a depiction of
these findings with an accompanying analysis. Cross -tabulations
based upon the respondents' residence status were done as well as
N

the percentage breakdowns of total responses. These breakdowns
can be seen in the accompanying appendix. The returns were
studied in-depth and reviewed by local persons and the Town
Board. In so doing, an awareness and recognition of trends in
local thinking and attitudes was accomplished. Each set of
answers was placed in context with the prevailing local issues
and past experiences. One must recognize that the general
conclusions drawn from such work is merely one step of the
planning process.
It is a compliment to the residents and non-resident
property owners of Oriental that they exhibited such a high level
of caring in their responses and number of replies.
1.3 Profile
The average respondent for the survey was male over 55 years
of age. These individuals came from 2 person households and had
a 50/50 probability of having lived in Oriental between 3 and 10
years or over 10 years. The typical respondent was retired, but
if they worked their place of employment was outside of Pamlico
County.
Nearly twice as many year-round residents of Oriental
responded to the survey. The 115 year-round residents that
responded constituted nearly 20% of the Town's projected 1985
population of 634. Based upon the household size and response
rate, this return could have represented about 44% of the present
population of the Town of Oriental.
The prevailing response of non-resident property owners was
that they were unsure about their future intentions on
permanently residing in Oriental. A sizeable portion (42.2%) of
that contacted group did plan to move there in the next one to
five year time span.
The most surprising result of the respondent profile
constituted the small amount of young adults (18 to 34 years of
age) that were represented in the sampling.
1.4 Attitudes and Findings
The issues
and
questions revolved around four
themes:
public policy,
environment, future direction, and
public
services. Some
of
the themes interrelate and some
of this
accompanying analysis
will try to relate where possible
without
reading too much
into
the answers provided by the survey.
With regard to public policy, existing or non -existing, the
survey respondents saw a need for some type of land development
controls being initiated (See #3) . Nearly 93% of the residents
that had an opinion felt this way while 95% of the non-resident
property owners concurred. Only 16% of the survey respondents
10

had No Opinion. Also, this question had comparatively the lowest
actual number of people (11) agreeing that further land
development controls were not necessary. This sentiment was
reinforced when residents were questioned about the course of
future land development in Oriental (See #2). The ability of a
zoning policy to meet the development need was less
enthusiastically endorsed, but still had 63% agreement.
Local policies concerning water and sewer extensions were
not well known by the responding group as over one-third (34.7%)
did not respond (See #4) . Of the residents who did have an
opinion, over 60 percent did not feel the present policy is fair.
The concept of a locally enforced policy concerning persons
residing full-time on their boats was endorsed by 77.8% of those
residents responding and 81.3% of the non-residents responding.
Environmental issues appeared to have a consistent concern
throughout the survey. Despite questions being phrased in
"positive" terms (i.e. water in Neuse River is satisfactory,. .
averaged over 60% figuring "no opinions" in and out of the
response rate. The range was from 82.2% of year-round residents
disagreeing with question #1 (excluding no opinions) to a low of
20%-of non-residents disagreeing that State/Federal regulations
are working (including no opinions).
Local wetland protection action (#7) and surface water
drainage improvements (#8) were both overwhelmingly endorsed by
year-round residents and non-residents alike. Over 80% of the
respondents agreed with each question including "no opinion" in
the total responses.
Attitudes concerning the direction of future development in
the Town of Oriental showed the most devisiveness of opinions.
Generally, the residents responded that Oriental should not be
marketed for increased tourism but should be marketed for
attracting retirees (See #9 and #10).
Mobile home development was not desired by the respondents
by a 4:1 ratio with both year-round residents and non-residents
having similar sentiments (See #13). Multi -family development
(townhouse, condominiums) was not desired by year-round residents
by a slim majority but was condoned by non-residents by an
equally slim margin. Overall, multi -family development was not
desired by 53.9 % of the persons responding. The amount of
commercial development within the town was seen as adequate (See
#5) by both survey sets (64.5% of residents, 66.6% of non-
residents).
The adequacy of public services ranged from a high
satisfaction with Garbage/Trash Disposal Fire/Police Protection
to a low satisfaction with the availability of Nursing Home/Day
care facilities and the adequacy of Land Use Planning efforts.
Primarily, the other public services and amenities were seen
as "good", or "adequate" by a majority of the survey's
11

respondents. A wide range of "no opinion" numbers in these
categories can be attributed to the fact that some residents are
just not exposed to certain services in their daily lives.
Some notable points in this section included the level of
satisfaction with water and sewer service and the general
satisfaction with town's appearance. Both of these categories
showed high levels of public satisfaction when compared to
similar responses in the 1981 survey of the townspeople.
Existing housing and retirement conditions were
enthusiastically endorsed by approximately 80% of the respondents
in each category.. Recreation conditions fared somewhat poorer
while employment conditions were seen as inadequate by both full-
time residents and non-resident property owners.
The tables in the appendix depict the levels of opinion
concerning public services and facilities as well as community
conditions.
1.5 Citizen Priorities
One section of the survey was devoted to allow priority -
setting by the respondents. The categories provided on the
survey depicted general subjects of concern which, had been
gleaned from previous planning efforts and citizen comments.
Because of the fact that the subjects were previous areas of
concern, the findings were expected to show, a general trend
toward "High Priority" responses. This expection was borne out
to be true in five out of six categories. The Commercial
Development Needs of the town was rated as a low priority by
nearly half of the respondents. Two other areas that revealed
relatively weak concerns were Population Growth and Waterfront
and Marina Development.
The highest level of concern dealt with the Protection of
Natural Resources in the area. In addition, only a small
percentage did not perceive this protection as a problem. Some
of the concern expressed may be a direct relationship with the
views expressed regarding shoreline erosion.
Erosion was perceived as a high priority problem by almost -
70% of the respondents with only 14% not regarding it as a
problem at all.
Even though nearly 60% viewed Services and Utilities as a
high priority problem, the highest percentage (27.2%) also did
not view these as a problem. This subject along with Waterfront
and Marina Development were the most tangible issues noted in
this section while Population Growth constituted the most
abstract issue for the respondents to deal with.
The priorities written in by the citizens will be dealt with
in the following section concerning "Comments."
12

1.6 Comments
One place was allowed on the survey for citizens to express
their feelings and attitudes in an unrestricted manner. This
section provided space directly under the Priority Section for
respondents to itemize and prioritize concerns which did not
appear on the prepared list. In addition, a section below this
allowed other comments and perceptions related to the Town of
Oriental. Approximately, one-third of the surveys received had
additional comments written in these spaces.
The comments and suggestions centered around four major
groups - Services, Facilities, Coordination/Public Information,
and Environmental.
The quality of road conditions predominated the Comments
section. Many individuals felt quicker and more efficient
responses to local road conditions were needed. Specific problem
locations were often noted. Though the survey revealed general
satisfaction with water and sewer service, the residents did
express concern about the growth of the town in relation to its
water and sewer capacity. In addition, the quality of the town's
drinking water was mentioned frequently as a growing problem.
Most respondents just used the taste of the drinking water as
their basis for complaints. Questions concerning an
understanding of tap -on policies was also a frequent point
raised. Public sewer pump -out stations were the most
consistently mentioned new facility needed by the Town. Other
services and facilities brought up by citizens included
recreation and medical services. Based upon the response rates
in the survey itself, these are not critical concerns but are on
the mind of some residents. The need for additional public boat
ramps was listed in many of the comment sections.
Some citizens had strong feelings about the spirit of
cooperation by local officials with the public. Most of these
comments appeared to be related to specific cases and not an
overall feeling. Some comments suggested that certain individual
concerns outweighed what they saw as overall concerns of the
community.
The environmental issues also showed a prevailing interest
in the "comments" section. Drainage problems and the quality of
water in Pamlico Sound were the most predominant concerns raised.
Respondents phrased their comments in many ways concerning
environmental issues ranging from specific erosion problems to
general statements.
A sentiment which was expressed by many of the people
involved the apprehension that certain uncontrolled actions may
take place which would undermind the attributes and qualities
that the Town of Oriental now possesses. The respondents felt if
their concerns were not addressed properly that certain aesthetic
and economic advantages would become future liabilities. Many of
these comments related to concerns already depicted in the survey
13

findings.
Comments were offered by both residents and non-resident
property owners with neither group appearing more or less likely
to express additional viewpoints.
2. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION
Within the development of any planning document discussions
with other levels of government and their officials must take _
place in order to have a composite picture of the area in
question. In the case of this plan, that effort is no exception.
2.1 County
Several county offices were conferred with on subjects
related to the Town of Oriental. The local Soil Conservation
Office, Tax Office, Planning Office, Emergency Management Office,
and Building Inspector Office were each contacted concerning
related topics. Discussion about their role and the course of
the community enabled many of the pieces of this effort to fall
into place and responsibilities delegated.
2.2 Other Plans and Documents
In addition, a number of documents were reviewed in order to
determine potential policy alternatives and courses of action.
The documents included:
Pamlico County Subdivision Ordinance
Pamlico County Land Use Plan, 1980
Pamlico County Land Use Plan (Draft), 1986
Mining Policy, Amendment to the Pamlico County Land Use Plan
Large-scale Residential Development Study and Policy
Recommendations for Pamlico County
Pamlico County Zoning Ordinance
Pamlico County Emergency Plan
NOTE: No other relevant plans or documents were available or had
not been published.
2.3 State
Several state offices and officials were contacted to
discuss Oriental and its surrounding area. Officials of the
following state offices were contacted for information purposes:
14

Division of Water Quality, NRCD
Division of Coastal Management, NRCD
Archeology and Historic Preservation, DCR
Division of Marine Fisheries, NRCD
Office of State Management and Budget
2.4 Citizens/Others
Each meeting concerning the development of the Oriental Land
Use Plan was open to the public with public notice provided
through the local newspaper as well as at the town hall. On most
occasions, citizens attended the meetings and provided input into
the course of the plan. Consultants for the wastewater
collection and treatment system for the Town of Oriental were
also met with for informational purposes.
3. Planning Schedule and Information Gathering
Due to a variety of reasons, the initiation of this work was
delayed until mid -October. This delay limited the amount of time
that was available to initiate public information -gathering other
than the extensive survey effort that was undertaken. One
related newspaper article was published but no workshops or
information sessions on specific problems were conducted during
the process.
The following outlines the breakdown and timing of the local
planning schedule.
PLANNING SCHEDULE
October 1-December 31
a. Identify planning staff, develop work plan.
b. Prepare public education, participation element.
c. Assemble demographic and socio-economic data base.
d. Review and identify previous issues and actions.
e. Identify new/changing/emerging issues and concerns.
f. Prepare updated land use map.
Products: Staff, public participation element data base,
preliminary issue statements
January 1-March 31
a. Execute and evaluate citizen attitudes/priorities in
accordance with public participation element.
b. Initiate the identification of land demands and
capabilities.
C. Inventory and evaluate community facility demands and
needs.
15

d. Identify and evaluate natural hazards/constraints.
e. Maintain public involvement.
f. Examine hurricane policy development with respect to b,
c, & d.
g. Develop preliminary land classifications.
h. Draft preliminary policy statements based upon above
activities.
Products: Documentation of citizen concerns and priorities.
Preliminary mapping of land and water information.
Assessment of land and water demands.
Land classification sketch.
April 1-June 30
a. Finalize overall policy statements.
b. Finalize land classification maps/issues.
C. Finalize mapping of natural hazards/constraints.
d. Develop preliminary plan update to be submitted for CRC
review.
e. Final Land Use Plan Update completed and submitted for
CRC review.
Products: Preliminary LUP Update and final plan update.
16

CHAPTER THREE
The following section provides for a synopsis of the 1981
Plan prepared for the Town of Oriental. It expresses the issues
and goals that were the most important at the time and offers the
actions which were adopted to implement the plan. Lastly, the
section provides a brief explanation of the results and progress
which has occurred since the previous plan was adopted.
For easy reference purposes, the primary location for
specific information regarding the issue(s) is listed.
TOWN OF ORIENTAL
1981 Policy Review
Issues/Goals Adopted Action/Policies Notes/Results
Reduce Pollution of Consider tougher restric- No specific
the Neuse River, p. tions on boats in the action taken
14 harbor -tougher restrictions
on dumping human waste into
the waters.
Consider installa-
Monitor the
enforcement of
Approved
tion of a conventio-
Environmental
Management
water system
nal gravity flow
Commissions
Regulations
installed to
collection system
2-79 for SA
Waters. Consider
standards
treatment system,
appropriate
wastewater treat-
p. 15
ment system.
Evaluate Development Designate areas of soil limi- Mapping has
considerations in tations outside town limits. been done
areas with unsuita- for Pamlico
ble soils, p. 16 County
p. 17 Adopt local ordinance to
require an acceptable to
overcome soil limitations.
Require submission of new
subdivision plans to Pamlico
County Soil & Water Conser-
vation District.
Inadequate Waste- Construct a municipal
water Treatment, p. wastewater collection and
18 treatment system.
System
installed
County has
taken res-
ponsibility
2 develop-
ments have
gone through
process
System
installed
17

To protect areas prone to Request that the Federal Has been
severe flooding from im- Insurance Administration requested
proper development, p. 20 contract for a detailed
Flood Hazard Study.
Adopt a flood plain deve- County
lopment ordinance. Ordinance
is now
being
followed
Protection of local Endorse and support the No adverse
nursery areas, p. 23 enforcement of the policies action
of the Division of Marine
Fisheries regarding the
protection of nursery areas.
Protection of "productive Adopt a land classification Not
farmland", p. 25 map to set aside such land accomplished
as rural -agricultural.
Discourage extension of No
public services into pro- extensions
ductive farmland allowed
into pro-
ductive
farmlands
Protection of cultural and Make available benefits No organized
historical and known to private owners effort
archaeological assets, of historic properties. developed
p.27.
Determine state, local, and State
federal protection agencies
mechanisms.
Promote commercial adapta- No specific
tion of historical proper- actions
ties in "transition" and
"developed" areas.
Upon selection of proper- No
ties for adaptation or action/
preservation, evaluate the case -by -
areas' surroundings for case basis
archaeological findings.
Improve coordination between Contacts
the NC Division of Archives have been
and History and the Town. initiated
18

To get rid of local man-
made hazards (i.e. old
cars and abandoned junk),
p. 28
Limit the amount of soil
erosion in the immediate
area, p. 29
Enhance the powers of the No action
Town Board for consideration
of unknown archaeological
resources (especially if
demolition occurs).
Contact the Department of Information
Cultural Resources for is availa-
information pertaining to upon
State and Federal mechanisms request
that provide protection for
archaeological sites.
Initiate a voluntary program Initia-
of demolition and hazard ted. 2
removal. years of
Commu-
nity
Develop-
ment
Program
Work
Establish a town or county Provided
ordinance which would under
equip the town to put a Community
lien on the property for Develop -
demolition purposes. ment
action
Work with Corps of Engi- No action
neers, the Pamlico County taken
Health Department, and other
appropriate agencies to
develop policies/ordinances
concerning man-made hazards.
Develop an Abandoned Vehicle
Ordinance.
No action
taken.
Work accom-
plished
through CDBG
funds
Apply for feasibility study No action
or an assessment of available taken
erosion prevention measures
to be incorporated into future
town ordinances.
Contact the NC Department of Case -by -case
Natural Resources and Commu- basis
nity Development Land Quality
personnel for erosion control
techniques.
19

Work with the Pamlico County Cooperative
Health Department and the arrange -
District Soil Conservation ment
Service to institute consi- exists
deration of erosion rates
near septic tank drain fields.
Protection and support of Work with the Department of Channel
commercial fishing Commerce and the Division dredging
resources through land of Marine Fisheries to help main
use planning, pp. 31, 32 improve the community as a action
commercial fishing port.
Support all federal and state No adverse
state programs dealing with action
management and production
of commercial fisheries.
Develop local land use No
management tools which are manage -
supportive of appropriate ment tools
operation of productive accepted
commercial fishing concerns.
Develop a recreational Develop performance stan- No standard
community geared to dards for resort/recreatio- developed
weekend activities around nal development within the
a village -like atmosphere Town.
attractive to retirement -
age citizens, p. 33
Establish procedure that No action
would make above standards taken
prerequisite for building
permit approval.
Maintain the current Consider the use of res- No specific
level of significance of trictive covenants and deed action
agricultural resources in restrictions. taken
the planning area, pp. 34,
35
Encourage continued farming No action
of the land in whatever
manner possible.
Develop a town utility Sewer
extension policy based upon Ordinance
distance from town, percen- adopted
tage of the cost of the with
extension, or targeted cost/ charges
benefit ratio to discourage for exten-
leap frog development and to sion
guide development away from
productive agricultural land.
20

Maintain the production Support the existing state No specific
of commercial forestland and federal programs for action
around Oriental, while managing forestry resources.
minimizing its impact upon
surrounding areas, p. 36
Adopt land classification No specific
map with emphasis on con- action
taining commercial forestry
outside areas of economic
and community development.
p. 55 Create intensity classes No action
and performance standards
for chosen development
patterns in rural areas.
To protect the area from Establish "rural" classi- Adopted
unacceptable conditions fication disallowing the "rural"
due to peat and phosphate land use of "mining." area
mining including pollution
from. runoff water and lowe-
ring of water table, p. 38
Support state efforts in No specific
controlling of peat and action
phosphate mining activities initiated
in areas outside the planning
area.
Encourage certain types of Adopt actions to promote Sewer
development to ensure the slight growth, providing a ordinance
type of town desired by village -like atmosphere adopted.
citizenry, p. 40 as a center for retirement No other
and weekend water -based specific
recreation. action
Promote low density, mode- No specific
rate scale commercial deve- action
lopment, particularly around
and related to the harbor with
basic services.
Promote permanent and No action
seasonal residential deve- taken
lopment through public/
private recreational facili-
ties and tourist facilities.
21

Develop the older, already Public
incorporated area of town. encourage-
ment of
develop-
ment
efforts
Promote a sound strategy No action
for guiding desired types
of development in the areas
across the neighboring creeks.
Discourage light industry, No specific
dispersed mobile homes and action
commercial beach establish-
ments. Encourage industry
elsewhere in the county for
the employment of local people.
Adopt development Develop modified version of Perfor-
management tools, p. 48 performance zoning. mance
zoning
developed
but not
adopted
Participate in state and Housing
federal block grant pro- rehab.
grams. program
demolition
activities
and the
provision
of ade-
quate
water/
sewer fa-
cilities
provided
Develop a mobile home No ordi-
ordinance. nance
adopted
Promote certain types of Encourage more concentra- No public
commercial development, ted commercial development action
p. 49 around the existing business
and in the harbor area.
22

Promote mixed commercial/
residential uses in the
older sections of Town.
Create zoning districts
for waterbase commercial
uses.
Establish building codes,
performance standards, and
permitted uses through a
zoning ordinance.
Promote the location of Seek state assistance to
light industry outside the help recruit industry to
planning area of the Town, the county.
p. 51
Participate in the State
Department of Commerce
Community of Excellence
Program.
Work closely with the
existing seafood industries
to help encourage the expan-
sion and to maintain their
existing sites in a way to
be compatible with pertinent
environmental regulations.
Private
commer-
cializa-
tion of
buildings
has
occurred
No zoning
action
taken
No zoning
action
taken
On -going
efforts
conti-
nuing
County
designa-
ted Ex-
cellence
On -going
coopera-
tive
efforts
Work with County officials On -going
to develop performance action
standards for future indus-
tries.
Prevent energy facilities Establish management tools No action
within Oriental's Planning which would require special taken
Area, p. 52 use permit to construct a
energy facility.
Encourage the existing Create performance oriented Perfor-
pattern, a dispersed standards for these uses mance
pattern of cultural, and create by ordinance the zoning
recreational, and insti- the districts where they are not
tutional land uses, p. 53 are accommodated. adopted
Create bufferyard standards. No action
taken
23

The Town is concerned
with the possibility of
agricultural/forest land
becoming urbanized in the
future, p. 55
Create parking standards for No action
each use. taken
Develop intensity classes Perfor-
and performance standards to mance
encourage low density deve- zoning
lopment and large open -space not
areas. adopted
Revitalize the "older Conduct a house survey of No action
section of town" and also the existing conditions. taken
other sections of the town
limits that have dilapidated
structures, p. 56
Investigate the adoption No action
of a housing code. taken
Acquire technical assistance No public
for a revitalization stra- action
tegy of downtown. taken
Maintain a good working
Increase involvement with
On -going
relationship with state
state and federal grant
and federal agencies and
programs.
support state.and federal
programs that are consistent
with townpolicies to
increase local services
Apply, where applicable, for
On -going
to the citizens (i.e
technical assistance from
(i.e. heavy limb pick-up,
state and federal programs.
municipal wastewater
collection and treatment
Adopt policies that would
Sewer
system, and sited planning)
determine decisions regar-
Ordinance
pp. 58, 59
ding extending services to
adopted
areas beyond town limits.
To achieve proper levels
of channel maintenance and
water safety, p. 60
Adopt both zoning and sub- Neither
division ordinances to help adopted
regulate future development.
Work with the Coast Guard
and other public/private
organizations to procure
funds for dredging.
To encourage citizen par-
ticipation and education in
land use and related planning
matters, pp. 61, 62
Develop and adopt a zoning
ordinance.
Provide notice in zoning
deliberations to the owner
and adjacent owners of land
which is being considered
for re -zoning.
Some
dredging
work
accom-
plished -
Not adopt-
ed
Not
applicable
24

Adopt a policy which Adopted
requires all meetings and by Town
agenda items of the Planning Board for
Board be advertised in the its
local newspaper. sessions
Conduct a survey of the Accomplished
citizens for their input.
Have a semi-annual meeting No Planning
of both Planning Board and Board
the Town Board. appointed
Develop public information/ Adopted
educational programs to inform
the public on the LAMA land
use program.
Prepare news and educational On -going
news releases for the newspaper.
To encourage local groups to On -going
sponsor joint meetings of communica-
local governments in Pamlico tion
County.
*Page Reference: Town of Oriental Land Use Plan.
25

CHAPTER FOUR: POLICY BACKGROUND AND DEVELOPMENT
The following represents the existing characteristics,
issues and problems of the community of Oriental and her
citizens. The subjects cover all aspects of the economic,
social, and environmental well-being of the town. The section
provides the background of the issues in a concise manner with an
expression of the alternatives that were considered. The section
recognizes that any community issue is a complex integration of
community profiles, needs, philosophies, and interests. The
information and discussion are the basis for the policies and
their actions stated after each section. The chapter represents
an effort to identify those actions that will help to address the
concerns and needs of the Town of Oriental.
The statements, as presented and adopted, will help shape
decision -making on the local, state, and federal levels over the
next five years. Though the chapter concentrates on the rational
and coordinated management of natural coastal resources, it also
provides a blueprint for the local government to address the
future before it arrives. The information is couched in terms
that are easily understood by the local citizenry and provide
steps that can assist the town's governing board to meet their
obligation of leadership.
Based upon the information gleaned from the local planning
process plus information and alternatives outlined in the
preceeding chapters, the Town Board of Oriental has accepted
certain policies related to their community's future.
The chapter identifies those steps that will assist the
community in addressing certain situations through established
means whether on the local, county, state or federal levels. The
policies also begin to build a future foundation for the
community to accept more planning responsibilities and public
awareness of needs that should be addressed for the protection of
its economic and environmental health as well as public safety
and health.
The adopted policies should be used in a proactive manner to
guide local decision -making as well as to generate local actions.
Through the identification of local concerns and needs through
policy statements, the municipality stands in a better position
to take measures which will accommodate their direction of growth
as well as deal with long-range regional, state, and federal
concerns.
1. RESOURCE PROTECTION
This section deals with those natural resources that are
common and/or unique to Oriental and coastal North Carolina,
inclusive of those areas designated as "areas of environmental
26

concern." The text deals with the fragile nature of many natural
resources as well as their compatibility with the direction of
current development trends within the locale.
AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN
The designated areas of environmental concern constitute
those areas of the coastal area that are the most valuable from a
biological perspective. The Coastal Area Management Act of 1974
provided that because of their unique and productive
characteristics their future should be carefully planned for and
protected whenever possible. The Act underlines this approach
with the following:
"Unless those pressures are controlled by coordinated
management, the very features of the coast which make it
economically, aesthetically, and ecologically rich will be
destroyed."
1.1 Coastal Wetlands
The coastal wetlands consist of those low wetlands and/or
marshlands which are regularly or occasionally flooded by tidal
action (whether or not the ride waters reach the marshland areas
through natural or artificial watercourses). Certain marsh
grasses are indicative of these areas, providing a link in the
natural food chain through the entrapment of nutrients and
essential food -chain particles for.estuarine- feeding species of
fish, shellfish, and waterfowl. The State Wetland Jurisdiction
extends landward to such point that is deemed necessary to carry
out the protection of the wetland area.
These areas are protected because of the cumulative impact
that unrestrained development can have on the wetlands'
productive capabilities. The degradation of one small area of
wetlands might be of only minor consequence when viewed
singularly. However, considered with similar losses in many
other areas, the loss would be compounded and thus significant.
Mapping of these wetland areas is currently taking place
based upon the application of a new classification system by the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Because of the dynamic nature of
these areas, identification of wetland areas are accomplished by
a site inspection by state authorities for permit decisions.
1.11 Discussion
The importance of protecting the wetlands in and around the
Town of Oriental is exemplified in several ways. Two of the
basic economic activities of the area are tied to the proper
management and maintenance of the estuarine system of which the
coastal wetlands are an integral part. These economic activities
are tourism and commercial fishing. The importance of both is
27

documented throughout this planning document. In terms of
employment, revenue, and citizen concerns, the value of the
components of the estuarine system is undeniable. The amount of
protected coastal wetland under the jurisdiction of the Town of
Oriental is mainly confined to the residential fringes of the
town's limits but the collective "water quality" of the system
reaches far beyond the immediate boundaries of the town.
The protection of the marshes and wetlands is presently
achieved through the process of monitoring bulk -heading
activities and other land -disturbing activities. This is
accomplished through the CAMA permit enforcement effort of the
Pamlico County CAMA Permit Officer for minor permits and State
CAMA Permit Officers for major permits.
Several alternatives for protection of these areas were
considered. Local adoption of development controls governing
structure size, setbacks, and lot density, thus lessening the
impact in and around wetland areas was an alternative. Limiting
allowable activities in or nearby wetland areas was another
course of action, while conscientious monitoring of proposed
development activities was a third action that was assessed.
Promotion of judicious land development practices in and around
such areas was seen as an essential practice to support any of
the stated actions.
1.2 Public Trust Waters
Public trust waters are the second type of AEC area
applicable to the Town of Oriental. These constitute the
navigable waters surrounding the Town extending from the mean
high water mark to the seaward limit of the state's jurisdiction.
Such waters include the Neuse River, Smith Creek, Whitaker Creek,
and Pierce Creek. These waters and the surrounding waters are
utilized for navigation, recreation, and commerce. The
combination of their economic, recreational, and aesthetic values
are interwoven with the maintenance of their environmental
characteristics. These factors place themselves in strategic but
sometime conflicting positions for the future development of the
entire community.
1.21 Discussion
The Neuse River basin of which these public trust waters are
a part is an important water -supply, and a valuable recreational
and ecological resource for the entire state of North Carolina.
The river system basin drains about 12 percent of the land area
of North Carolina and provides a home for over 15 percent of the
state's population (increasing nearly 20 percent since 1960).
These waters are feeling the growing pressures of these
increases. No figures are provided but the waters are also the
playground of a substantial number of recreational boaters, as
28

well as recreational and commercial fishermen. Each of these
users must play a part in the maintenance of these waters and a
lead role for the local government must be identified.
Alternatives examined included working with the main user groups
to minimize their contributions to the cumulative problem as well
as minimizing the impact of commercial piers and marinas through
the enactment of acceptable development controls.
1.3 Estuarine Waters
The third type of AEC area impacting the Town of Oriental is
estuarine waters. This category is nearly synonomous with public
trust waters. The estuarine waters are those bodies of water
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. Due to
Oriental's geographic location, it sits at the edge of a large
and economically important estuary.
The estuarine waters are the primary, integrative element in
the total coastal environmental picture. They are considered one
of the most productive natural environments with several species
dependent upon their capabilities.
Such dependent species must spend all or some of their life
cycle within the estuarine waters in order to mature and
reproduce. The vast majority of fish species caught out of the
commercial nets of Oriental are dependent upon the estuarine
water system.
The high productivity of the estuarine system is due to its
unique circulation pattern caused by tidal energy, fresh water
flow, and shallow depth. Its ability to provide nutrients,
cleansing action, and protection for many essential organisms are
also essential aspects of their importance. There are various
components of the estuarine water system which must be recognized
inclusive of mud and sand flats, eel grass beds, salt marshes,
submerged flats of vegetation, clam and oyster beds, and various
important nursery areas.
Estuarine waters which are found immediately adjacent to the
Town are listed below. It must be recognized that the location
of the estuarine waters cannot be explicitly mapped because of
the dynamic nature of the overall system. Those nearby waters
include:
-Neuse River
-Smith Creek, below a point one mile above the mouth of the
tributary
-Whitaker Creek, entire area
-Pierce Creek
29

1.31 Discussion
Estuarine waters, just like the public trust waters, have
many functions that can act in cross-purposes. The recreation
attractiveness as well as the aesthetic value lure more and more
permanent and seasonal residents to Oriental. This places more
and more development demands upon the area. This coupled with
problems such as sewerage discharge from boats, and stormwater
run-off, impacts the environmental quality of the system that
local commercial fishermen derive their livelihoods and many
citizens derive recreational pleasure. One can see that various
segments of the population look upon the waters with different
expectations, needs, and concerns.
The estuarine waters around the Town of Oriental have been
showing various signs of eutrophication over the earlier years of
this decade. Cases of algal blooms prompted by increases in
nutrient levels have repeatedly developed during the summer
months of the year. Accumulation of excessive organic material
on fishing nets, decaying matter along the shorelines, as well as
the tangible facts of average declines in fishing successes (see
Exhibit 3) contribute to a growing concern for the estuarine
waters' quality.
The protection of the water quality of the estuarine waters
through more restrictive control of discharge from boats moored
in local marinas, cooperation with Coast Guard efforts to police
discharges, and continuing upgrading of public services were each
discussed as potential local actions.
1.4 Estuarine Shoreline
The final area of local environmental concern - estuarine
shoreline is conjunctive with the estuarine waters. Estuarine
shorelines consist of non -ocean shorelines that extend from the
mean high water level of normal water level of the estuarine
waters 75 feet landward. The subsequent impact of certain wind
and water erosion is the primary reason for the preservation and
management of these areas. The quality of these areas have a
direct bearing on the conditions of the adjacent coastal waters
and their productivity. The Town of Oriental has approximately
8,320 feet of estuarine shoreline extending from the northwest of
the Highway 55 bridge to the annexed section of the Town. In the
past, certain portions of Oriental's shoreline have been
maintained by retaining walls and a rubble mound breakwater
extending 800 feet in to the Oriental Harbor.
1.41 Discussion
The dry land that constitutes the shoreline of the estuarine
waters is significant in that it is so closely associated with
the adjacent estuarine waters. The development or destruction
30

that may occur along these shorelines can have a definite impact
upon the quality of the estuarine waters. Such impact may take
the form of the destruction of the shoreline due to erosion or
the removal of wooded areas that decrease pollution and help
recharge the groundwater. In addition, runoff from these
shoreline areas are often the non -point source of water
pollutants.
Alternatives surrounding the management of these areas
include limiting or excluding development activities through
local land management ordinances or strictly enforcing the
limitations already in force through the CAMA permit system and
the Federal Flood Insurance Program. Also, more financial
support for efforts to decrease the impact of shoreline erosion
in the immediate area (i.e. Lou Mac Park, basin breakwater) and
vicinity was considered.
1.42 POLICIES
POLICY: Protect the vital interests of the Town of Oriental
that are derived from the maintenance of local wetlands, public
trust waters, estuarine waters, and their shoreline.
POLICY: Review all development actions requiring CAMA
permits and their consistency with those uses permitted by
Section .0205 of 15 NCAC 7H for conservation purposes.
POLICY: Review all building permits within areas designated
as "conservation" in the Town of Oriental so as to ensure that no
development actions will take place that may degradate certain
natural resources.
2. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
This section discusses the locale's most important land
matters revolving around the importance of agriculture,
commercial forestry, mining, fisheries, and recreational
resources. The resources are identified as they relate to the
Town of Oriental for their value and productiveness. Actions
were identified with the intent to identify these resources as
well as protect their potential.
2.1 Commercial Fishing
One of the primary economic resources of the general area
surrounding Oriental is commercial fishing. The town serves as a
primary port with five seafood processing companies located
within the town. Landings in Pamlico County totalled 41957,945
pounds of fish and 5,776,618 pounds of shellfish in 1986. This
represents a 40%+ decline in total poundage over the past four
years' average. In total value, a decrease from the average was
31

not experienced. The county has averaged over 400 commercial
fishermen during this period. Oriental is viewed as the primary
commercial fishing port of Pamlico County.
EXHIBIT 3
YEAR
POUNDS
VALUE
1982 Finfish
6,287,165
$3,023,437
Shellfish
7,733,032
$4,664,499
TOTAL
14,020,197
$7,687,936
1983 Finfish
5,465,009
$2,594,399
Shellfish
8,557,224
$4,540,254
TOTAL
14,022,233
$7,134,653
1984 Finfish
9,061,653
$4,090,599
Shellfish
8,502,606
$3,021,475
TOTAL
17,564,259
$7,112,074
1985 Finfish
5,676,968
$3,419,522
Shellfish
9,624,519
$7,663,164
TOTAL
15,301,487
$11,082,686
1986 Finfish
4,957,945
$3,383,645
Shellfish
5,776,618
$5,474,561
TOTAL
10,776,618
$8,858,296
2.2 Recreational Fishing
As with commercial fishing interest, the community of
Oriental has an attraction for recreational fishing. Though data
is scarce on this subject, its impact upon the overall economy
must be assumed to be substantial. Whether as a primary or
secondary activity of visitors or permanent residents, the waters
surrounding the Town of Oriental provide the basis for the
activities.
2.11/2.21 Discussion
In addition to the boats used for commercial or recreation
fishing, the Town of Oriental has two marinas and a Yacht Club
that can accommodate nearly 450 boats. This does not include the
score of transient boats that utilize these facilities during the
peak boating season. The concerns related to the conservation
and maintenance of the area's water quality are most directly
32

tied to the quality and quantity of the commercial and
recreational fishing market. The Town of Oriental, as stated, is
the home for a sizeable portion of the fishing fleet of Pamlico
County. The concerns and .needs related to the previously
discussed environmental areas and primary nursery area speak to
the need to preserve the highest level of water quality possible.
In their discussions, the town board examined several issues that
they felt were pertinent to the water quality issues. The
problems surrounding waste -dumping by boaters and trawlers within
the harbor constituted issues that the board felt may be beyond
their capacity to deal with effectively. The lack of
jurisdiction and policing powers were seen as deterrents to the
alternative of any locally adopted ordinances to limit such
practices. The board did feel they could work toward encouraging
marina facilities (pump -out stations) to limit such practices.
In addition, an ordinance limiting live-in boat residents was
viewed as a practical future step.
The board also reviewed their own contribution to the water
quality issue. Opposing views felt present classification of
nearby "SA" waters was either "not well justified" or constituted
State incentive to upgrade their wastewater treatment system.
The board determined to pursue efforts to upgrade their system
through the available means of potential impact fees or user fees
beyond the present tap -on fee structure. This determination will
be based upon recommendations by the town's consulting engineer.
The town board also wished to work further on local site -specific
drainage problems and continue to enforce the County's
Subdivision Ordinance.
2.12 POLICIES
POLICY: 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 dumping in local waters and degradation of primary nursery
areas.
POLICY: Limit development activities in estuarine waters to
certain water -dependent activities. Examples include: access
channels, structures to prevent erosion, navigation channels,
boat docks, marinas, piers, wharfs, mooring pilings, and
navigational aids.
POLICY: Continue to endorse and support the enforcement of the policies of the Division of Marine Fisheries regarding the
protection of nursery areas.
POLICY: Cooperate with Pamlico County and the North
Carolina Extension Service in maintaining productive farmland
resources around the Town of Oriental and throughout the county.
POLICY: Continue to monitor the presence of "floating
homes" and work with appropriate agencies concerning their impact
33

on local water resources.
2.3 Primary Nursery Areas
A vital component of the recreational and commercial fishing
interest are the primary nursery areas. As defined by the
regulations of the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries,
these areas are defined as "those in which for reasons such as
food, cover, bottom type, temperature, and other factors, young
finfish and crustaceans spend the major portion of their initial
growing season." These areas can be further defined as to
primary and secondary depending upon what stage of marina life
are found there.
Nursery areas are essential for the early growth and
development of virtually all of North Carolina's seafood species.
Two primary nursery areas are contiguous with the Town of
Oriental in the upper reaches of Pierce Creek as well as Whitaker
Creek.
2.4 Agriculture
Pamlico County has a significant portion of its population
dependent upon farming. The county has 136 farms with
approximately one -quarter of the farms falling in the size range
of 180 to 499 acres. None of these exist within the Town of
Oriental itself. Approximately 90 percent of the farms deal in
harvestable crops primarily corn, potatoes, wheat, oats, and
sorghum.
2.41 Discussion
Only a small portion of the Town of Oriental is devoted to
cropland, but the activity is still considered an important
resource for the town and its home county of Pamlico. The soils
and space within town are limited for the purposes of
agricultural production. The town board felt that no action
should be taken to increase the controls related to agricultural
interests within the city limits. They felt that the support of
county efforts to conserve properties for prime agricultural
purposes would be beneficial.
2.42 POLICIES
POLICY: Cooperate with Pamlico County and North Carolina
Extension Service in maintaining productive farmland resources
around the Town of Oriental and throughout Pamlico County.
POLICY: Continue to discourage the extension of public
services and facilities into productive farmland through
34

subdivision review and the town's extension policy.
2.5 Forestry
Forestry has had a prominent place in the history of the
Town of Oriental. Four major commercial timber companies own
land in Pamlico County, the nearest large holding is
approximately two miles from the city limits of Oriental. Most
of these large holdings are represented in the natural areas
identified by "Peacock" and "Lynch" in their 1982 study of
natural areas for the state's coastal energy impact program.
None of these areas are within the jurisdiction of the Town of
Oriental. These areas are primarily hardwood tracts and assorted
pine stands.
2.51 Discussion
Though the forestry segment of the economy is returning to
more prominence as tree farming increases, related pressures from
residential and recreational development appear to be the most
serious threat to proper management of the forest resources of
the county. The board discussed the alternatives available to
them but felt that the commercial cutting of trees or development
threats to forested areas was not an issue that the municipality
needs to address through any of its statutory powers. The town
board did discuss the potential impact that random tree -cutting
would have on the attractiveness of the town. The possible
alternative to enact municipal development controls (i.e. zoning
and/or subdivision regulations) to pursue this concern was
discussed but not enacted.
2.52 POLICIES
POLICY: Promote limited tree -cutting in new developments
through the county subdivision review.
2.6 Mining
The County of Pamlico contains two major peat bogs and a
portion of another bog. These areas contain over 16 square miles
of peat varying in thickness from one to twelve feet. The area
situated in the light ground pocosin in located less than seven
miles west-northwest of the Town of Oriental.
Phosphate deposits also exist in Pamlico County. These
occur within a sedimentary rock formation called Pungo River.
Phosphate companies own various large parcels within the county
for speculative purposes. The closest parcel to the Town of
Oriental is just northeast of the town limits. This parcel is
just over 500 acres in size.
35

Both minerals have economic potential; peat as an
alternative energy source and phosphate as a fertilizer
component.
2.61 Discussion
The importance and impact of these minerals are basically
seen in the mining operation that is located just north of the
county in Aurora (Beaufort County). Market fluctuations have
played havoc with this entire picture and future changes in its
impact upon the economic and land development strategy of the
surrounding area including Oriental is indefinite at this time.
The board discussed the remedies that are available to them
should mining of these deposits begin to take place and adversely
impact the town. The board felt that the proper monitoring of
potential impacts would best be done by the county and the state,
recognizing that certain local precautions were limited for this
purpose and the actual areas were outside their jurisdiction.
The board did discuss possible impact on the town's water supply
should any exceptional mining activities occur.
2.62 POLICIES
POLICY: 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.
2.7 Off -Road Vehicles
The destruction of local resources due to the operation of
off -the -road vehicles along dune and beach areas has been a
problem throughout coastal North Carolina.
2.71 Discussion
The Town Board of Oriental felt that no local problems
associated with the operation of off -the -road vehicles exist.
2.72 POLICIES
POLICY: No policy.
36

3. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
This section revolves around the issues that place the
direction and quality of growth into perspective. There are many
directions that a small town can go when development pressures
are brought to bear upon them. Unfortunately, a small
municipality such as Oriental is placed into a philosophical
dilemna when history has dictated little in the way of local
government control or intervention in individual property
decisions. Any smaller town is subject to the impact of changing
economic forces and the capability of limited municipal
governance exacerbates the final outcome. This section offers
the Town of Oriental the opportunity to place in print its vision
of the future and the extent to which the town feels it should
dictate the possible outcome.
3.1 Types of Desired Development
The town has witnessed a startling increase in the number of
day visitors and weekend residents. Though seasonal visitor
statistics are not available and water readings are misleading
due to the number of boat residents; one can assume population
readings between 1000 and 1500 on many peak vacation weekends.
This is based upon nearly 500 boats that are moored in the
harbors of Oriental and the available motel spaces. The services
provided to day -visitors and weekend visitors are basically
limited to groceries, gas, and restaurants. Supplemental
services are increasing as the conversion of homes takes place
along N.C. 55 and specialty shops carrying books, gifts, and
artwork emerge.
3.11 Discussion
The town board realizes that three definite scenarios or
combination of scenarios are possible for the Town of Oriental in
the future. One is a continued increase in short-term visitors,
second is a continuing in -migration of retired or second -home
residents, and third is a more commercial orientation toward a
family beach or destination point for long-term tourists. The
town board agreed that policy actions adopted by them should
encourage the types of desired development without implementing
statutory development control options such as zoning.
The board feels that the nature of development will continue
as it has because of the out-of-the-way nature of its location
does not dictate high -density recreational development. It is
felt that good private business practices will help to promote
the village -like atmosphere that is currently available. This
translates into low intensity, moderate scale development that
complements the fishing village ambience that has evolved over
the past decades.
The board also wishes to pursue those actions that will
37

increase the town's attraction as a permanent or seasonal home
for interested residents. The town wishes to consider initiating
this planning concept through a planning body that will promote
the future vision of the community to the current residents as
well as interested entrepreneurs and interested retirees. The
board also wants to utilize its role to advocate certain
priorities to Pamlico County that will support the role of
certain economic activities such as forestry or agriculture in
the unincorporated sections.
The town envisions itself as a residential and commercial
magnet for the outlying areas and feels the land classification
map and the following policies exemplify this continued
direction.
3.12 POLICIES
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: Continue to support the adaptive reuse of older
residential homes for commercial purposes appealing to the short-
term, seasonal visitors.
POLICY: Identify and seek support for thosedevelopment
activities and services that can be provided to better attract
retiree residents.
3.2 Land Use Pattern Desired
The Town of Oriental has a pattern of land use that is
gradually changing. The attraction of more and more visitors has
made attractive the conversion of homes along N.C. 55 into
commercial or specialty shops. This has augmented the previous
commercial nature of this main artery. The commercial
development has been complemented by the residential development
that is occurring in the subdivisions of Teaches Cove and the
satellite area, New Sea Vista. The town has experienced
increases in single-family residences and multi -family residences
(See Exhibit 4), as a number of duplexes and multi -unit
structures have been added since the previous land use plan.
These units are not concentrated in any one particular section of
town.
The other main pattern of development is the all-important
harborside of the town. This area provides the focal.point that
the town has grown around through the years. The area is a
combination of old residences, boat moorings, seafood processing
plants, and commercial establishments that serve the needs of
both the permanent and seasonal community. They provide the
attractive charm that has served to bespeak the increase in
38

commercial traffic.
The town's recreational and institutional needs are served
by a scattering of uses throughout the older section of the town.
These include the town hall, wildlife boat access, Lou Mack Park,
and one privately -owned recreation area (Lupton Park) that is
used by the public. The recreation areas are limited to tennis
courts, and an area for passive recreation (See Existing Land
Use) .
EXHIBIT 4
NEW CONSTRUCTION PERMITS 1982-1987
YEAR
TOTAL
SINGLE-FAMILY
MULTI -FAMILY
BUSINESS
RESIDENTIAL
RESIDENTIAL
1987
30
23
5
2
1986
22
19
2
1
1985
30
20
6
4
1984
20
20
0
0
1983
7
7
0
0
1982
11
9
0
2
Source: Pamlico County Building Inspection Office
3.21 Discussion
The desired development and the desired land use pattern of
a town are almost interchangeable. The town board has repeatedly
endorsed a mixed land use pattern that will serve the community
as a whole. They feel that this land use pattern should be
compatible with the development preferences contained in Section
3.1. The town board feels that the land use will be dictated by
history and economics with the Highway 55 area continuing to
gradually grow commercially while the harborside area remains
constant.
It is felt that this integration of land use has served the
town well up until this point. The board also feels that
existing covenants will preclude any adverse land use in the
newer residential areas of the town.
Such other land uses as industrial and unconventional
housing (mobile homes) were seen as controlled by other forces as
well. The introduction of any industry other than light industry
appears to be negated by an absence of available land in
potential areas (i.e. N.C. 55). The existing land covenants are
seen as controlling the placement of mobile homes, except in the
oldest portion of town. In this area, several mobile homes
already occupy space. A limited amount of vacant properties in
this area exists.
C�E

The town board discussed the adoption of zoning restrictions
that would dictate the type of land use and activities desired,
but did not wish to pursue them. The board also discussed the
alternative of land development controls that would govern such
characteristics as building height, density, and setbacks but not
dictate "appropriate uses." The board felt that the town has
polarized on this subject but those in favor did not pursue the
dictation of such land use characteristics at the local level.
The town board did feel that the town was ready to begin to offer
guidance to future development through a planning body. Such a
public board or committee would be able to educate the general
public on planning decisions and advise the governing board
concerning applicable planning decisions. The board did not want
this to be interpreted as a forerunner of the adoption of
development controls but did see the need to have a advocacy body
for planning purposes.
The board felt that the land classification stated their
future intentions of a growing, established "commercial core" and
a surrounding area of "transition" residential growth.
3.22 POLICIES
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 application of County Subdivision Ordinance and existing
environmental protection regulations.
POLICY: Support county efforts to secure employment
opportunities which will be consistent with the standards of
environmental quality and liveability 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.
3.3 Management and Control Strategies
The Town of Oriental has approached the issue of local
management controls on several occasions. The initial effort
40

resulted in a three volume ordinance by a planning and design
associate. The ordinance included Volume 1: Main Text, Volume 2:
Appendices, and Volume 3: Administrator's Guidebook. The volumes
provided a method of zoning that regulated the use of land based
upon the analysis of the carrying capacity of the area's natural
system as well as the impact of the man-made environment. The
standards placed upon properties included land use intensity
measures, site variables, design variables, and the capacities of
facilities. The approach allows for the design of each site
instead of an all -encompassing set of regulations that are
applied to every development effort.
The attempt to implement a performance zoning ordinance was
met with resistance and apprehension by the town residents. The
ordinance was seen as an over -extension of municipal regulatory
power by a segment of the community. The ordinance was also
viewed as a administrative problem for a town which had only
recently appointed a part-time town administrator.
Through the public hearing process, the town studied the
issues and heard the community air its views. Though many
misconceptions of the ordinance's intent surfaced, the town board
did not feel the town was ready for the implementation of
performance zoning.
After this attempt did not succeed, the town and the
representatives from the (NRCD) North Carolina Department of
Natural Resources and Community Development met to discuss
possible alternative strategies. The above concerns were noted
and a course of zoning control that was less intricate to
administer was pursued. At this same time, the question of
appointing a planning board provided under the state's general
statutes surfaced as a local question.
A more traditional zoning ordinance was developed for the
town by NRCD in an effort to simplify the approach and its
administration. The town again went through a public hearing
process focusing on the appointment of a planning board and the
adoption of a zoning ordinance. The resistance to regulation by
the local government surfaced again as many "what if" questions
prompted skepticism by many local residents. Because of the
provisions of the general statutes that the appointment of a
planning board precede the implementation of any municipal land
regulations, the establishment and operation of a 5-member
municipal planning board never occurred. The town board felt
that residents were still not prepared to accept the concept of
planning, and the presumed associated zoning enforcement powers.
As noted in a review of the 1981 policy statements, the town
has relied on other levels of government and regulatory agencies
to set the pattern of development management within its borders.
41

3.31 Discussion
Based upon the past experiences of the town and a
disapproval of municipal land regulation (i.e. zoning,
subdivision), the present planning process has attempted to speak
to each concern and provide information that would assist in
aiding the decision -making process. The problems associated with
unregulated growth pressures have been examined by the board. In
addition, the administrative requirements that would accompany
such steps have been discussed.
To speak to these issues, an example of a streamlined
development ordinance was introduced to the Town Board and a
public audience. The ordinance was one considered and adopted by
the community of Ocracoke to guide development concerns. A
comparison was drawn between the two communities including past
regulation resistance and growing development pressures. This
ordinance provided for ensuring appropriate population densities,
yard sizes, and height, size, and location of structures but did
not dictate uses of property. The ease of administration and
interpretation were also stressed. The board considered this
alternative in the early drafts of policy statements but
eventually felt that the step was still not feasible. The board
felt that initially a planning board must be established that can
assist in the education of the public and the promotion of
rational planning steps. After this effort is in place, the
board felt a proper course of local regulation in Oriental would
be more effectively established, and a public consensus better
formed to support that course.
The board felt that the present effort should be made to
strengthen existing approaches for monitoring local development
and guiding the course of the town's growth.
3.32 POLICIES
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 local matters of concern and to initiate desired
municipal actions.
POLICY: Move toward an acceptable level of planning and
development management services for future decision -making.
POLICY: Investigate an equitable impact fee provision to
assist in defraying future maintenance and expansion costs of
needed system improvements.
42

3.4 Development Commitments
The town's commitment to development has centered around its
effort to upgrade its infrastructure and pursue emphasis on the
"fishing village" atmosphere that has evolved over time. With
the improvements in water and sewer services, the town has sought
to extend its capability to deal with residential and commercial
growth problems created by small lot size and steadily increasing
demands. The town has sought to work through existing programs
and offices to upgrade housing, remove vacant and dilapidated
structures, rehabilitate the older section of town, and protect
environmental features of its landscape. The town has also
maintained an administrative liaison person to work with the
various development interests.
3.41 Discussion
The town has made past attempts to deal with the needs of
development through the pursuit and acquisition of available
wastewater collection and treatment funds. The town has also
pursued funds to upgrade their town through Community Development
Block Grant funds.
The town still desires to maintain its present character and
a gradual development pattern. It seeks to do this through
providing adequate facilities and services but not setting up
regulatory control.
The alternatives chosen revolved around maintaining a pulse
on the growth of the town through building permits, subdivision
controls and CAMA permits. The town also wished to explore the
implementation of impact or user fees for the wastewater system
while upgrading services through the development of a land
application system. The town also desired to seek assistance in
the conceptual development of the "old town" section. This is
another step that could be accomplished by an appointed planning
board.
3.42 POLICIES
POLICY: Maintain existing level of public satisfaction with
existing municipal services.
POLICY: Consider further the establishment of a municipal
planning board to gather and refine public input and information
in order to guide the local decision -making process.
3.5 Commitment to State and Federal Programs
As stated, the town has engaged in several state and federal
programs through the past years. These have included Farmer's
Home Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, Corps of
43

Engineers, and the Department of Natural Resources and Community
Development. The following provides a list of the state and
federal programs that impact the Town of Oriental:
Agency Licenses and Permits
Department of Natural Resources and Permits to discharge to
Community Development surface waters or operate
wastewatertreatment
plants or oil discharge
permits; NPDES
Permits, (G.S. 143-215).
Division of Environmental Management Permits for septic tanks
with a capacity over
3,000 gallons/day
(G.S. 143-215.3).
Department of Natural Resources and
Community Development, Division of
Coastal Management
Permits for withdrawal of
surface or ground waters in
capacity use areas (G.S. 143-
215.15) .
Permits for air pollution
abatement facilities and
sources (G.S. 143-
215.108).
Permits for construction of
complex sources; e.g. parking
lots, subdivisions, stadiums,
etc. (G.S. 143-215.109).
Permits for construction of
a well over 100,000 gallons/
day (G.S. 87-88).
Permits to dredge and/or
fill in estuarine waters,
tidelands, etc. (G.S. 113-
229).
Permits to undertake deve-
lopment in Areas of Environ-
mental Concern (G.S. 113A-
118) .
NOTE: Minor development
permits are issued by the
local government.
Permits to alter or con-
struct a dam (G.S. 143-
215.66) .
44

Department of Natural Resources and
Community Development Secretary of
NRCD
Department of Administration
Department of Human Resources
Army Corps of Engineers
(Department of Defense)
Permits to mine (G.S. 74-
51) .
Permits to drill an expla-
natory oil or gas well
(G.S. 113-381).
Permits to conduct geo-
graphical exploration
(G.S. 113-391).
Sedimentation erosion con-
trol plans for any land
disturbing activity of over
one contiguous acre (G.S.
113A-54).
Permits to construct an
oil refinery.
Easements to fill where
lands are proposed to be
raised above the normal high
water mark of navigable
waters by filling (G.S.
146.6 (c) .
Approval to operate a solid
waste disposal site or
facility (G.S. 130-166.16).
Approval for construction
of any public water supply
facility that furnishes
water to ten or more residen-
ces (G.S. 130-160.1).
Permits required under
Section 9 and 10 of the
Rivers and Harbors of 1899;
permits to construct in
navigable waters.
Permits required under
Section 103 of the Marine
Protection, Research and
Sanctuaries Act of 1972.
Permits required under
Section 404 of the Federal
Water Pollution Control Act
of 1972; permits to under-
take dredging and/or filling
activities.
45

Coast Guard
(Department of Transportation)
Geological Survey
Bureau of Land Management
(Department of Interior)
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
3.51 Discussion
Permits for bridges, cause-
ways, pipelines over navi-
gable waters; required under
the General Bridge Act of
1946 and the Rivers and
Harbors Act of 1899.
Deep water port permits.
Permits required for off-
shore drilling.
Approvals of OCS pipeline
corridor rights -of -way.
Licenses for siting, construc-
tion and operation of nuclear
power plants; required under
the Atomic Energy Act of
1954 and Title II of the
Energy Reorganization Act of
1974.
Permits for construction,
operation and maintenance
of interstate pipelines
facilities required under
the Natural Gas Act of 1938.
Orders of interconnection
of electric transmission
facilities under Section
202(b) of the Federal Power
Act.
Permission required for
abandonment of natural gas
pipeline and associated
facilities under Section 7C
(b) of the Natural Gas Act
of 1938.
The Town of Oriental wishes to continue its support and
participation in programs that will augment their agenda. Such
commitments include those to the Department of History and
Archives in maintaining the historical attributes of the downtown
harborside area. In addition, the town seeks adequate,
efficient, and healthful services that will not undermind the
character and environment of the town. The board discussed a
number of instances that increased communication and cooperation
might have helped to alleviate problems and miscommunication.
These included better coordination with county officials such as
the Health Department, Building Inspectors Office, County
46

Planning Office, and the CAMA Permit Office. The town wishes to
establish a better foundation for local planning that will assist
in the effort to upgrade information and reporting procedures.
3.52 POLICIES
POLICY: Continue to support all federal and state programs
dealing with the management and production of commercial fishing.
POLICY: Work with the Division of Marine Fisheries to
identify local actions which will 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.
3.6 Local Commitment to Services
The town continues to seek to provide those services that
will -best serve the public. The law enforcement, trash -garbage,
pick-up, utility service personnel, and the administrative staff
are indicative of the town's effort to provide and/or upgrade
services, regardless of a small town budget. Water and sewer
services, the most significant services, are discussed in
previous sections.
3.61 Discussion
As stated in the previous section, the town has explored and
acquired funding assistance that would maximize their effort.
The board discussed alternatives that would upgrade their
services such as adding service personnel for the utility
systems, hiring a permit officer, and seeking assistance from
state offices whenever it is deemed appropriate. The town
provide their services on an equitable basis with any new
development providing support for the maintenance and upgrading
of all municipal services. The town desires to make the services
they provide consistent with the policies and actions that they
take across-the-board. It is felt that this could best be done
by eliminating the long-range planning responsibility from the
town board and providing them with a publically-appointed board
for this purpose.
3.62 POLICIES
POLICY: The Town does not feel that a suitable location or
need exists for the pursuit of a public beach access point.
47

POLICY: Pursue the effective maintenance of acceptable
water quality within the Neuse River and its nearby tributaries
by continuing to upgrade the public wastewater treatment
facility.
POLICY: Identify the status of all citizens with regard to
present or anticipated sewage services.
POLICY: Do not pursue the acquisition of additional water
(beach) access points within the town limits of Oriental.
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 day care facility services.
3.7 Channel Maintenance and Beach Nourishment
The river channels that adjoin the Town of Oriental are
essential elements of many facets of their economy and town
character. The safety and maintenance of these channels are
paramount in the town's present and future setting. The town
realizes that such responsibility is shared with several entities
and all local concerns must be communicated and placed properly.
3.71 Discussion
The town board wishes to maintain their working relationship
with the Coast Guard and other public entities in maintaining the
channels for the best advantage of the commercial fishing fleet
and recreational boaters.
3.72 POLICIES
POLICY: Continue to address channel improvements needed in
close proximity to the town.
4. DEVELOPMENT HAZARDS
This section is restricted to those matters which may cause
problems with the general health and welfare of the community
either on a long or short-term basis. Some of these problems
overlap with the development constraints that exist within the
community while others extend in to subjects not previously
covered. The information provides a background on the issues
with background discussion of the policies and actions that have
been set by the town board.
48

4.1 Airspace
Due to the close proximity and growth of military air bases,
the use of local airspace for military purposes/exercises has
increased over and adjacent to the Town of Oriental. Modern
warfare has resulted in the development of systems and equipment
that will cause the increased use of local airspace in the
future. An example of these developments is the need for
electronic warfare training and associated by-products such as
microwave towers, radar sites, and low -flying aircraft maneuvers.
These actions and the accompanying conditions are seen as
significant local concerns and hazards to local development.
4.11 Discussion
The physical setting of Oriental is considered a valuable
asset of the community. The characteristic of tranquility and a
relax -paced retirement environment are both vital ingredients in
maintaining an attractive lifestyle and ensuring continued
economic growth in the future. The maintenance of a clean, safe,
and unoffensive airspace is a part of that total environment and
lifestyle.
The increasing use of local airspace for military purposes
and the additional detriments that such an increase represents
are numerous. Such increased actions bring about the intrusion
of certain pollutants that should be assessed for their potential
impact on the citizens, plants, and wildlife of the area. Such
impact includes noise pollution from increased aircraft activity,
increased levels of electromagnatic radiation from associated
equipment, possible chemical hazards (including unspent aircraft
fuels) and visual intrusions such as microwave towers and radar
platforms. These factors, combined with the safety hazards
associated with low -flying aircraft, such as the possibility of
dangerous levels of noise and possible air crashes, produce a
situation that is disturbing to the aesthetics and well-being of
the entire community.
The town, state and federal
the potential hazards that exist
will be minimized to the tow
surrounding area.
4.12 POLICIES
interests involved must evaluate
and assure that future impacts
n and the environment of the
POLICY: Protect the vital environmental and economic
interests of the Town of Oriental that are derived from the
immediate airspace and its rational utilization.
POLICY: Endorse the evaluation and assessment of the total
impact related to increased use of the immediate airspace of
Oriental for military purposes.
49

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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.
4.2 Older Structures/Buildings/Archaeological Areas
Oriental is an older municipality that has buildings and
homes which have weathered the past. Many older structures have
been renovated or maintained in the older section of the town.
Those buildings which remain in good condition provide the
backdrop for many of the luring characteristics of the town. The
upkeep of these buildings is an ingredient of the town's overall
effort to preserve its character and charm.
Undeveloped areas of the Town which may have archaeological
significance are depicted on page 49a.
4.21 Discussion
The Town of Oriental previously felt that the poor
structural condition of several buildings and a number of houses
posed a threat to the overall safety and welfare of its
residents. Several of these buildings had abandoned automobiles
and junk associated with them. In the town's preceeding land use
plan, the existence of these hazards as well as some poor housing
conditions were documented. In the intervening time, the town
has eliminated a majority of these problems through local
volunteer efforts and financial assistance from the Department of
Natural and Community Development.
The town board discussed the existing situation with regard
to historic buildings and housing conditions and felt that most
remaining structures should be maintained. The Board wanted to
maintain the use of older, historic buildings within its
jurisdiction for mix -use purposes. The board felt that
additional policy statements related to this subject were not
warranted except to continue these efforts.
The Board wanted to. support the identification and
maintenance of areas that may be archaeologically important.
4.22 POLICIES
POLICY: Consider all archaeological and historic resources
identified by the N.C. Division of Archives and History in all
CAMA-permitting, subdivision reviews, and building 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.
50

POLICY: Continue efforts to remove any buildings and
objects that might endanger public safety and welfare.
4.3 Flooding and Drainage/Stormwater Runoff
The Town of Oriental is a participant in the National Flood
Insurance Program. Nearly seventy-five percent of the land area
of the Town of Oriental is susceptible to the hazards flooding,
based upon the 100 year flood line or local SLOSH maps (See Map,
page 4a). This is technically a 1 in 100 chance on the average
of being inundated with water during any calendar year or
inundated with water during a strong hurricane (Class 1 or 2).
Due to the town's elevation, soil types, and limited ability to
remove stormwater; drainage is a continuing problem that must be
overcome. The problems associated with this pose not only a
threat to development but also the general health and welfare of
the populace.
4.31 Discussion
Much discussion and review of the flood situation of
Oriental has taken place in the past but a comprehensive study of
the area and possible remedial actions which could be taken have
never materialized. The most precautions taken are those
building specifications mandated under the National Flood
Insurance Program as implemented by the county building
inspector. This provides some protection of life and property
that may not otherwise occur. The town board continues their
support of this program and wishes to pursue funds to study the
general area's drainage pattern in order that available steps
could be taken. The board also wishes to pursue the development
of a guide related to individual drainage practices and their
impact on adjoining properties and adjoining ditches.
4.32 POLICIES
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,
Agricultural Extension Service) in the drafting of local
51

regulations to deal with off -site drainage and drainage problems
impacting adjoining property owners.
POLICY: Work with Corps of Engineers to repair and upgrade
portions of existing timber bulkhead (i.e. Lou Mack Park).
4.4 Hurricane/Storm Mitigation
The coast of North Carolina is a target for hurricanes and
nor'easters that pummel land masses during certain parts of the
year. The Town of Oriental is likewise susceptible to the
ravaging forces of wind and tides produced by these storms.
Through its location close to mouth of the Neuse River, the
impact can be felt whether a storm hits the coast directly or
further inland. The destruction and damage caused by the
aftermath of such storms requires serious action on the part of a
local government.
4.41 Discussion
The Pamlico County Emergency Program consists of several
parts. The following represents the 5 levels of conditions
identified by the Pamlico County Emergency Management Office.''
Condition 5 - Hurricane Season (June 1 thru December 30)
Condition 4 - Alert - Hurricane Advisory
Condition 3 - Hurricane Watch or approximately 48 hours to
forecasted landfall
Condition 2 - Hurricane Warning or approximately 24 hours to
forecasted landfall
Condition 1 - 12 hours or less to forecasted landfall
Re -Entry - Threat removed or damage assessment follows
Each locality is notified by the Emergency Management
Coordinator that the Emergency Operating Center is being opened
when Condition 4 exists. Support groups from each part of the
County are expected to meet at that office at that time. Time
schedules and scenarios for each potential occurrence prompted by
the storm are developed. Such planning is based upon individual
storm conditions (i.e. wind strength, direction, speed of
movement). Based upon these determinations, local contact people
are mobilized to alert citizens of the following:
1) when to evacuate
2) where to evacuate
3) how to evacuate
4) any other necessary safety information
Pamlico Technical College would serve as the County's
emergency shelter. This site is the location that citizens of
Oriental would be relocated. This facility will house
approximately 650 people.
52

Subsequent to storm damage investigations, the evacuees
would be allowed to return to their residences. This will be
based upon the judgement of the County Emergency Management
Coordinator. Through guidance and assistance of appointed
enforcement officials, properties shall be the responsibility of
those persons holding deed to the property in question.
The town recognizes the need to adequately respond to the
needs of the citizenry following the impact of a major storm or
hurricane. The town, due to its limited resources, will depend
chiefly upon such individuals as:
1. Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
2. County Sheriff
3. County Building Inspector
4. Water Department Head
5. Director of Social Services
6. County Tax Supervisor
7. Pamlico County CAMA Permit Officer
8. N.C. Division of Coastal Management Permit Officers
Certain action priorities will be set depending upon the
specific problems generated by the storm. These actions will be
consistent with such policies adopted by this plan. All damage
assessments, identification of problems, and dissemination of
necessary information to property owners will be coordinated with
this group. The town wishes to place its confidence in
cooperation between local officials and individual property
owners after storm damage occurs.
Due to the confusion and immediate hardships that a building
moratorium can cause after a natural disaster, the enactment of a
building moratorium is not foreseen. Damaged structures or
structures on damaged properties will be permitted to be restored
only after each situation is reviewed by Health officials and
locally identified officials. Since the town is under the
jurisdiction of the County Building Inspection Program, such a
decision could be subject to County action.
The county's program has been developed in order to rapidly
deal with emergency situations involving major evacuations of
local residents. This plan, as described above, gives levels of
precautions and suitable emergency shelters. The aftermath of
such storms must be viewed as the most critical issue faced by
the local government. The town board of Oriental reviewed the
county's general plan but did not feel that additional actions
were needed by them. With regard to the after-effects of such
emergencies the board felt that additional responsibilities
should be identified in order that the county enforcement officer
and local officials would be supported at this time and the
general welfare of the citizenry be served. The responsibilities
would include damage estimations, clean-up requirements, and
coordination with state, federal, and insurance representatives.
53

4.42 POLICIES
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.
5. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
Only through the involvement of the residents of a community
can a supportive, informed citizenry be assured. The efforts to
educate and inform the general public is a never-ending process.
5.1 Meetings
The laws of North Carolina provide that public meetings be
open to the general public for their input and participation.
5.11 Discussion
The Town of Oriental has had a history of resident
involvement and participation in decision -making. The Board
wishes to continue that level of public involvement.
5.2 Notice/Input
There are numerous ways to make the public aware of
circumstances, actions, and findings. Through the local
newspaper, Town Hall, Bulletin Board, and public discussion,
residents may become aware of local issues and concerns.
5.21 Discussion
The Town Board feels extensive efforts have been made to
notify citizens of local matters and to document their concerns.
The Board feels that full efforts have been made to gather
sources of information to relay to the public when matters are
54

brought up for public discussion. The Board feels that
continuation of their present policies on "Citizen Participation"
is justified.
5.22 POLICIES
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 a survey process within a five-year
period to gauge public opinion and address any appreciable
changes.
h
55

CHAPTER FIVE: LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
In accordance with the Coastal Management Guidelines for
land use planning (15 NCAC 7B, Section .0200) a standard of land
classifications was established to guide local governments in
their planning process. This system provides a framework to
identify future uses of land and the services and facilities that
will be needed to meet their needs. Different land classes
connotate desired densities and growth directions for the
planning jurisdiction. Much of the previous discussion bears out
this conceptual planning scheme for the Town of Oriental.
1. LOCAL CLASSIFICATIONS
The system includes five classes with only three applicable
to the Town of Oriental (See Map, page 55a). These include:
1.1 Developed
The "developed" class of land use provides for continued
intensive development and redevelopment of existing cities or
municipalities. Areas to be classified as "developed" include
lands developed essentially for urban purposes or approaching a
density of 500 dwellings per square mile which are provided with
usual municipal services, inclusive of water and sewer service,
police and fire protection.
1.11 Discussion
This area constitutes the older, established section of the
Town of Oriental that extends around the waterfront. This is the
area that has been the focal point of the community for many
years and is critical in the community's overall character and
appeal.
Most of the planning decisions revolving around this area
pertain to maintaining the services and type of land uses that
presently serve the community so well. The town views this area
as its "old core" and seeks to continue to support its
appropriate development pattern or redevelopment pattern. This
area has a limited amount of vacant properties.
1.2 Transition
The "transition" classification is the only class that
anticipates a change in development over the planning period.
"Transition" land is classified as those lands that will provide
for future urban -type development over the ensuing ten years.
Lands that are suitable and will accommodate necessary public
utilities and services are necessary prerequisites of the
56

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"transition" designation. The class may also designate areas for
additional growth when other lands in the developing class are
not available or when they are severely limited for future
development. Examples of lands classified as "transition" may
include:
-lands currently having urban services, but lacking
"developed" characteristics.
-lands necessary to accommodate the population and economic
growth anticipated within the planning period.
-areas which are, or will be in, a "transition" state of
development (i.e. going from a lower intensity development
pattern to a higher* intensity development pattern, of
which will eventually require urban services).
*exceeding three residential units per acre
1.21 Discussion
The newer residential areas along State Road 1349 constitute
the transition areas of the Town of Oriental. These annexed
areas are gradually "filling in" as residential development
continues to occur.
The areas are served by water but sewer services have not
been extended to all citizens in the area. The newest
subdivision in the area, Dolphin Point, will be provided with'a
pressure sewer system that feeds into the town's lagoon system.
All of this area will eventually be served by water and sewer
services.
The two areas are close to 300 acres in size with
approximately two-thirds of the area presently vacant property.
1.3 Conservation
The "conservation" land classification category, according
to CAMA guidelines, provides for the effective long-term
management of significant, limited, or irreplaceable natural
resources. Also, certain other areas of cultural, recreational,
productive, or scenic value, may also require similar "effective
long-term management." All areas that are designated "Areas of
Environmental Concern" through CAMA legislation are considered
conservation. Due to the dynamic nature of these areas it is
difficult to map them definitively (See Map, page 54a). All
examples could include major wetlands (other than statutorily
defined coastal wetlands); especially undeveloped shorelines that
are unique, fragile, or hazardous for development; lands that
provide necessary habitat conditions (especially for remnant
species; pocosins, or publicly owned water supply watersheds and
aquifers).
57

The designation "conservation" does not imply "non-use," but
does imply a need for careful and cautious management of any
permitted use. Within any lands designated "conservation,"
any proposal, or application for development actions should be
reviewed on a case -by -case basis.
1.31 Discussion
The town Board of Oriental views areas along the shore and
along the creeks as the most critical local areas to manage
property and thus designates them as "conservation" as.well as
any statutorily defined "Area of Environmental Concern." The
management of these "estuarine shoreline" areas are seen to be
necessary not only to protect their environmental significance
but also to retain the natural attractiveness of the community.
2. OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS
The remaining land classifications under the Coastal
Management Act are reviewed in the following sections.
2.1 Community
The "community" classification provides for clustered land
uses to meet housing, shopping, employment, and public service
needs within rural areas. It is usually characterized by a
small grouping of mixed land uses which are suitable and
appropriate in clusters of rural development not requiring
municipal sewer service. "Community" may have water service and
certain other municipal services.
2.11 Discussion
No such classified areas exist within the jurisdiction of
Oriental.
2.2 Rural
The "rural" class provides for agriculture and forest
management, mineral extraction and other low intensity uses over
a large area. Such lands are identified as appropriate
locations for resource management and allied uses/ land with
high potential for agriculture, forestry, or mineral extraction;
lands with one or more limitations that would make development
costly and hazardous, and, land containing irreplaceable,
limited, or significant natural, recreational, or scenic
resources not otherwise classified.
2.21 Discussion
No such classified areas exist within the jurisdiction of
Oriental.
:

3. POLICIES RELATED TO LAND CLASSIFICATION
The following sections provide general statements related
to specific policies that were in the previous chapter. The
discussions provide an outlook on the manner in which the Town
expects to grow over the planning period and the policy course
that has been drawn to guide that growth.
3.1 Developed
The Town expects to maintain a primarily "developed"
classification with prudent service extension or expansion to
unserved, undeveloped portions of the town. No adopted policy
is recognized as an attempt by the Town to pursue or promote
intensive development that would transcend into a denser
development pattern in the "developed" areas. Policies that
would promote "mixed use" land development and support a
downtown, maritime core were encouraged. Any significant
increase in service needs will be addressed through the
investigation of an impact fee system to accommodate the
increased need.
3.2 Transition
The Town will see the gradual "transition" development of
areas in its satellite fringe. Through adopted policies the
Town will pursue the proper review of these development
activities in this area. No policies have been adopted that
would accelerate or expand development activities in this area
past their service capabilities. Such policy positions will
effectively moderate any intensive development pressure for the
foreseeable future.as gradual upgrading of services occur.
3.3 Conservation
All adopted policies maintain actions that would limit
development pressures upon these areas.
3.4 Developed - not applicable.
3.5 Rural - not applicable within Town limits but surrounding
areas designated "rural" by Pamlico County may be eventually
impacted.
59

CHAPTER SIX: COUNTY/MUNICIPAL POLICY RELATIONSHIP
1. OVERVIEW
The Town of Oriental is one of seven small towns located in
Pamlico County. The County is rural and bordered by water on
every boundary. Oriental is one of four incorporated
municipalities located along water; and one of two located along
the major water body - the Neuse River.
Because of its location, the Town and its vicinity is one
of several developing areas within the county's border. This
development is in the form of both seasonal and permanent
residents.
Limiting physical factors that prevail through the County
also exist within the Town of Oriental. These factors include
soil suitability, high water table, and drainage problems.
The County is the home of many primary nursing areas for
young finfish and crustaceans. Two of these adjoin the Town of
Oriental property and its satellite area (Whitaker Creek and
Pierce Creek).
Many of the same economic activities of Agriculture,
Mining, Forestry, and Fishing that impact the county, directly
or indirectly, impact the Town of Oriental. Because of land
area and normal jurisdictional responsibilities, many of the
issues must be viewed as county -wide issues.
Several services must be viewed from the County
perspective. Transportation needs related to highway
improvements must be directed toward a safe and compatible
network for permanent residents and seasonal visitors to such
localities as Oriental. Public recreation is also a county -wide
effort through which services and programs are offered to all
residents.
Many of the similarities and common interests expressed in
the previous section must be addressed by recognition of
responsibility by each level of government. Upon review of the
1987 Pamlico County Land Use Plan no apparent conflict of intent
was exhibited. Consistencies between the County and the Town of
Oriental that will support and/or promote locally -accepted
policies are included in the following subsection.
2. BREAKDOWN OF RELATED POLICIES
The following sections examine those subjects that have
mutual County municipality interests.
M.

2.1 Protection of Natural and Fragile Areas
1. The county will attempt to discourage development in
areas where soils are particularly unsuited for septic tank use.
2. The county will continue to carefully restrict the
extent of public and private wastewater disposal entering the
public trust waters within and bordering the county.
3. The county will encourage development and site design
in shoreline areas which minimize the extent of impervious
surfaces and storm water runoff.
4. The county will review the adequacy of existing setback
requirements for coastal wetlands and the estuarine shoreline
and ensure that sufficient buffers exist to minimize the effects
of pollution and runoff. The county will encourage development
and site designs which maximize the distance from these
sensitive areas and size of buffers around coastal wetlands.
5. The extension of future sewer and water lines, and
other public investments, will be undertaken in such a way as to
minimize future development pressures on the sensitive natural
areas identified in this chapter.
6. The Subdivision Ordinance is being studied and a mobile
home park ordinance is being prepared.
7. The use of non -self propelling floating homes or boats
for permanent residences (for more than two continuous weeks)
will be discouraged.
2.2 Economic and Industrial Development
1. The county will not welcome future energy facilities,
industrial and economic growth which has substantial negative
effects on the natural environment and the high quality of life
which currently exists in the county. For instance, the county
is not interested in attracting a large, polluting industry,
even though such an industry might generate substantial
employment and economic activity for the county.
2. The county does not wish to promote future industrial
growth or energy facilities at the expense of its existing Y
traditional economic base, namely farming, forestry and fishing.
For instance, the county does not wish to encourage the location
of an industry if it will substantially impede the future of the
fishing, farming, forestry or recreation industries.
2.3 Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
1. The county will, to the extent possible, direct future
growth and development away from the most productive
61

agricultural and forest lands in rural areas. Future
development will be encouraged to locate on less productive land
in existing communities or transition areas. '
2. The county values its forestlands as both economic
resources and aesthetic and recreational resources. To the
extent possible, it will discourage future development in highly
productive forested areas. The county will take whatever
actions it can to encourage the retention of these areas in
their current uses.
3. The county recognizes the economic importance of
fishing and will manage future growth and development to
minimize damage to commercial fishing resources. Among other
policies, the county will seek to restrict the extent of
damaging erosion and runoff, and the entrance of other
pollutants into sensitive coastal waters. More specifically,
the county will seek to modify agricultural and forestry
practices which have negative environmental consequences through
at least the following means:
a. The county should consider additional funding for
specific projects and manpower needs in resource
cons ervationthat have a strongly demonstrated need
and a high probability of success.
b. The county should develop a closer working relationship
with the Bay River Soil and Water Conservation District,
and should encourage and assist the District in
expanding its scope and funding support in becoming a
more aggressive advocate of resource conservation.
C. The county should request the General Assembly to
provide counties with the ability to require
conservation plans on the installation of appropriate
conservation treatments as a condition of eligibility
for use -value property tax assessment.
d. The county should initiate formation of an ad hoc county
water management task force to bring together the
disparate local interests in water management and to
begin work towards a comprehensive water management
plan for the county.
5. Marinas are an important part of water based activity
in the county but if not located and managed carefully can
contribute to the degradation of the water that makes that
activity possible. The county, therefore, endorses all the
state policy that applies to the location and management of
marinas and further discourages them from locating in primary
nursery areas, shellfishing areas, and other highly sensitive
areas. It encourages each marina in the county to make pump out
facilities available and to use best practices to avoid spillage
62

of fuels, wastes and other pollutants.
2.4 Mitigation of Natural Hazards
1. The county supports the objectives of the Natural Flood
Insurance Program. Future development located in coastal
floodplains will be subject to the elevation and floodproofing
requirements specified under the regular pease of the National
Flood Insurance Program.
2. The county will consider the formation of a post -
hurricane recovery and reconstruction task force, as recommended
in the CAMA storm hazard planning provisions.This team would
provide oversight and direction during the reconstruction phase
and would assist in the identification' of mitigation
opportunities.
3. The county will establish a post -hurricane damage
assessment team, also recommended under the new CAMA provisions.
This team will facilitate the acquisition of federal and state
disaster assistance funds, will facilitate decisions concerning
rebuilding and reconstruction, and will also assist the
reconstruction task force in identifying mitigation
opportunities that may be present following a hurricane or
coastal flood.
4. The county should be prepared to take,advantage of the
opportunities to mitigate future hurricane and storm losses
following the occurrence of a hurricane or severe coastal storm.
These opportunities may take the form of relocation of damaged
structures outside of particularly hazardous sites, the public
acquisition of high hazard areas, and other policies which
reduce the permissible density at which redevelopment can occur.
To ensure that hasty redevelopment does not occur, and that
opportunities to mitigate future natural hazards are not
foreclosed, the county will consider an ordinance to permit
local officials to impose a temporary reconstruction moratorium
following a major disaster.
5. The county will periodically evaluate the capacity of
its existing road and transportation system to evacuate
residents in the event of a hurricane or severe coastal storm.
It should identify any trouble areas and take appropriate
actions to correct these problems. The county must make
particular efforts to ensure that residents in the Goose Creek
Island area are able to evacuate in a timely manner. The
evacuation plan is currently being reviewed and will be revised
with the assistance of the North Carolina Division of Emergency
Management.
6. The county will periodically evaluate the adequacy of
existing designated hurricane shelters. This evaluation must
consider both the structural adequacy of the buildings and their
location relative to hurricane hazards.
63

7. The county will periodically conduct simulated
hurricane evacuation and emergency management drills to
familiarize county officials and residents with emergency
procedures.
2.5 Traffic and Transportation
1. The county acknowledges the importance of its road and
thoroughfare system for encouraging future economic and
industrial development in the county. The county should in the
future identify key street and road inadequacies and work to
eliminate them.
2. Future road and street improvements should take into
consideration the presence of hurricane and coastal storm
hazards. Future roads in the county which may serve as
evacuation routes in the event of a hurricane might be elevated,
for instance. Where possible future streets and roads in the
county should be located outside of high hazard flood areas.
The county should carefully examine the capacity of the existing
bridge and ferry system to evacuate residents in a sufficient
period of time.
3. Because much of the recent development in the county
has occurred along its roads and thoroughfares, the potential
congestion and safety problems presented by this pattern of
development are substantial. The county should work to
carefully regulate future growth and development along these
transportation routes. Among other things, the county should
seek to limit the proliferation of individual driveways and
accessways, and should encourage creative development projects
which incorporate common access points and well -designed
internal traffic flows. The county will discourage the
proliferation of strip commercial development along its roads
and thoroughfares and will encourage or require the development
of common access points.
4. The county recognizes that a major segment of the
population may have serious transportation problems and will
take whatever actions are possible to provide adequate
transportation services to these individuals. The county will
" investigate the feasibility of a limited form of public
transportation (e.g., through the use of county vans, school
buses during off hours, a dial -a -ride service, etc.) to provide
access to key destinations both within and outside of the
county. The county will seek the cooperation of neighboring
jurisdictions in providing such services.
5. Future road and street improvements should be designed
so as to minimize their impact on fragile and sensitive areas
and to preserve the aesthetic resources of the county.

2.6 Housing
1. The county will ensure that through its development
regulations and other local policies it provides for a range of
housing choices.
2.7 Recreation and Open Space
1. To the extent possible, the county will seek to
implement the goals and objectives identified in the Master Plan
for Parks and Recreation. More specifically, and consistent
with the plan, it will continue to develop its 88-acre
centralized recreation facility, will seek to coordinate with
county schools for a joint utilization of facilities, will
continue to pursue the concept of a joint county -state park, and
will continue to encourage or develop nature trails and
neighborhood parks. The county will continue to obtain funds
and resources for recreation from the private sector.
2. The county acknowledges the critical importance of its
natural open space areas to the quality of life in the county
and will do what is possible to protect and preserve these
areas. This policy has also been expressed in other components
of the plan.
3. The county should modify its subdivision ordinance to
ensure that future development projects incorporate and set
aside sufficient open space. This could be accomplished, for
example, through clustering requirements. As well, such
developments should incorporate neighborhood recreational
facilities, such as tot lots and playgrounds, sufficient to
serve neighborhood needs. Future development should also be
required to contribute to the provision of larger, community -
wide parks and open spaces.
4. The county supports the protection of its historically -
significant buildings and archaeological resources.
2.8 Public Facilities and Services
1. The county should take all actions possible to ensure
that existing collection and treatment systems operate within
their permitted effluent discharge levels.
a
2. In future decisions concerning the extension of public
services and facilities, such as sewer and water service, the
county will carefully consider the impacts of these decisions on
other local goals and objectives. Public sewer service, for
instance, may encourage inappropriately heavy growth in
sensitive environmental areas in the county.
65

2.9 Protection of Aesthetic and Visual Resources
1. The county will consider the imposition of a building
height limitation on future growth. The county will prohibit
the construction of buildings whose scale is not consistent with
the county's rural and small town atmosphere.
2. The county will manage the location, intensity and
design of future commercial growth to minimize the visual
clutter which typically results from strip commercial
development. The county will modify its zoning regulations to
prevent this type of commercial development.
3. The county will encourage or require future development
to incorporate landscaping and vegetation which increases the
visual attractiveness of future development. The county will
review its existing zoning regulations and site design criteria
with these needs in mind.
4. The county will discourage major alterations of the
natural environment, such as the loss of trees, during future
land development.
5. The county recognizes the importance of wetlands,
forestlands, and farmlands to the visual integrity of the area
and will seek to minimize the impacts of future growth on these
resources.
6. The county recognizes the importance of protecting the
visual integrity of the county's river- and sound -shoreline, as
seen by boaters and other water users. Development along the
shoreline will be regulated and designed so as to minimize its
interference with this visual perspective.
7. The county recognizes the importance of architectural,
archaeological and historic resources within the county and
encourages their preservation.

r
IV
PUBLIC ATTITUDES
Year -Round Non -Resident
Questions Agree Disagree Agree Disagree
1. The quality of water in the
Neuse River is satisfactory. 17 79 16 23
2.
The future land development
of the Town of oriental is
being planned for properly.
7
91
3.
No further controls are needed
for the land development within
oriental.
9
91
4.
The local policy for extending
water and sewer service to newly
developed property is fair.
34
53
5.
Commercial development is
adequate for the Town of oriental.
60
33
6.
Zoning would solve development
problems that exist within
oriental.
71
23
7.
Local wetland protection is
needed.
100
5
8.
Surface water drainage improve-
ments are needed locally.
99
9
9.
oriental should be marketed
for increased tourist visitors.
31
70
10.
oriental should be marketed for
attracting retirees.
56
45
Total Totals
No Cpinion Agree Disagree
39 33 102
5 26 42 12 117
2 41 28 11 132
16
8
59
50
61
26
13
37
86
46
36
7
33
107
30
40
2
27
140
7
36
5
23
135
14
23
34
17
54
104
39
17
17
95
62

PUBLIC SERVICES
Year -Round
Non -Resident
Total
'Ibtals
Services
Good Adequate Not Adequate
Good
Adequate Not Adequate
No Opinion
Good Adequate Not
Adequate
15.
County/Town Cooperation
12
49
23
8
15
2
56
20
64
25
16.
Protection of Historic
Resources
4
38
26
1
12
14
71
5
50
40
17.
Availability of Doctors
and Dentists
14
52
40
0
11
31
19
14
63
71
18.
Water Supply System
17
42
52
12
25
7
14
29
67
59
19.
Citizen Participation
in Local Government
18
35
49
6
17
6
35
24
52
55
20.
Public Libraries
17
52
35
1
12
18
30
18
64
53
21.
Availability of Hospitals
and Public Clinics
9
67
32
0
13
32
14
9
80
64
22.
CcmTunity Appearance
24
51
36
15
24
15
3
39
75
51
23.
Local Retail Stores
29
49
28
7
31
12
11
36
80
40
24.
School Buildings
6
35
26
1
6
10
69
7
41
36
25.
Garbage/Trash Disposal
55
51
7
8
18
6
25
63
69
13
26.
Nursing Homes
1
11
65
1
3
20
59
2
14
85
27.
Recreational Opportu-
nities for all ages
16
34
52
4
22
10
31
20
56
62
28.
Sewage Disposal System
25
49
35
5
27
6
23
30
76
41

r 0
PUBLIC SERVICES
Year -Round
Non -Resident
Total
Totals
Services
Good Adequate Not Adequate
Good Adequate Not Adequate
No Opinion
Good Adequate Not Adequate
29.
Public Buildings
13
69
15
2
19
1
40
15
88
16
30.
Retirement Conditions
50
43
9
14
27
6
14
64
70
15
31.
Housing Conditions
25
67
10
9
27
7
19
34
94
17
32.
Land Use Planning
and Zoning
1
13
77
1
5
31
36
2
18
108
33.
Street Lighting
21
66
22
5
27
3
23
26
93
25
34.
Employment Opportuni-
ties
8
21
57
0
9
22
47
8
30
79
35.
Fire Protection
37
65
6
6
23
6
24
43
88
12
36.
Protection of Land
and Water Resources
3
25
64
1
11
19
41
4
36
83
37.
Police Protection
55
46
8
12
24
4
17
67
70
12
38.
Children's Day Care
1
10
34
0
4
4
109
1
14
38