CAMA Sketch Level Land Use Plan Update-1998

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Division of Coastal Management
CAAIA
SKETCH LEVEL LAND USE
PLAN UPDATE
- -- - - Prepared by
Powellsville Planning Commission
and
Mid -East Commission
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.

TOWN OF POWELLSVILLE
SKETCH LEVEL LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
1998
Prepared by:
Powellsville Planning Commission
with assistance provided by:
Mid -East Commission
PO Box 1787
Washington, North Carolina 27889
[phone]
Adopted by the Powellsville Town Council
on
October 5, 1999
Certification by the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission
on
November 19, 1999
The preparation of this report and all accompanying maps were 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 Resource
Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Powellsville Town Council
Thomas Asbell, Mayor
Ernie R. Carter, Jr. C. T. Edmondson
Helen Campbell, Town Clerk
C. D. Hoggard
Powellsville Planning Commission
E. Rawls Carter
Thomas Asbell, Chairman
Hein Vuurman
MID -EAST COMMISSION
Robert J. Paciocco, Executive Director
And Planner -in -Charge
Edmund Lynch, Planner
Linda Roberts, Administrative Assistant
Mattie Watford

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Topic Page
I. INTRODUCTION 1
II. BACKGROUND 2
III. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 4
IV. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS 6
A. Population 6
B. Housing 8
C. Economy and Income 9
D. Future Implications for Population and Housing 11
V. LAND USE 13
A. Existing Conditions 13
B. Recent Development and Future Growth 13
C. Land Use Concerns 14
D. Development Controls 14
E. Development Constraints 16
F. Facility Limitations 21
VI. 1994 POLICY ASSESSMENTS 23
A. Resource Protection 23
B. Resource Production and Management 25
C. Economic and Community Development 26
D. Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post Disaster 27
Recovery and Evacuation Plans
VII. 1998 POLICY STATEMENTS 28
A. Resource Protection 30
B. Resource Production and Management 34
C. Community and Economic Development 36
i

Topic Paae
D. Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post Disaster Recovery
and Evacuation Plans 40
E. Public Participation 43
F. Continuing Public Participation 43
VIII LAND CLASSIFICATION 45
A. Purpose 45
B. Classification Scheme 45
C. Intergovernmental Coordination 47
D. Relationship of Policies to Land Classification 47
APPENDIX 1 Agencies Coordinating Storm Preparedness 49
APPENDIX 2 Public Survey Results 51
APPENDIX 3 Land Classification 52
MAP 1 Existing Land Use, 1998 54
MAP 2 Existing Land Classification,1998 55
ii

I L INTRODUCTION
'
This sketch land use plan update is funded 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 to assist the Town of Powellsville in complying with
land use planning requirements of the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA).
The intended purpose of this update is:
1. to further define and refine local policies and issues;
'
2. to further examine and refine the land classification system and the land
classification map;
3. to assess the effectiveness of the existing land use plan and its
'
implementation;
4. to further explore implementation procedures; and
'
5. to promote a better understanding of the land use planning process.
Because the purpose of this update reflects a continued refinement of the
initial 1988 CAMA plan, and the 1994 update, this update will, from time to time,
refer back to the these plans. Many of the issues included in the previous plans are
still applicable today. In addition to the previous issues covered in the last plan,
this update will also address new issues that were not of major concern when the
previous plan was prepared.
The Sketch Land Use Plan is a framework that guides local leaders as they
' make decisions affecting development. Businesses, investors, new residents and
other private individuals, as well as other levels of government, also use the plan to
guide their land use decisions. Use of the plan by these groups leads to more
efficient and economical provision of public services, protection of natural
resources, sound economic development, and protection of public health and
' safety.

I II. BACKGROUND
Powellsville is located in the north central portion of Berne County. The
Town is small in geographic size, about .29 square miles and has not adopted an
' extraterritorial planning jurisdiction. The Town is about a mile south of the
Hertford County line, and approximately five miles south of Ahoskie, the trade and
population center of Hertford County. Powellsville is located on a small, low
plateau at about 20 feet above mean sea level. The land slopes away gently on all
sides of this plateau to form a ring of swampland and intermittent wetlands around
' the Town.
' Farming has always been important in the Powellsville area. Land in the
northeastern portion of Bertie County was being cultivated even before 1722 when
the County was incorporated. Although clearing and cultivation was occurring,
development was widely scattered throughout the area; many miles often
separated farms and plantations.
The first true settlements in the eastern part of North Carolina formed along
navigable waterways. Windsor, the county seat of Bertie County, was
incorporated in 1768. Originally called Grays Landing, Windsor developed as a
small port community on the Cashie River. Winton, on the banks of the Chowan
' River in Hertford County to the north, was incorporated in 1787. South of Bertie
County lies Beaufort County. Its county seat, Washington, located on the Pamlico
River, was incorporated in 1776. Powellsville is a young community in contrast,
the Town was incorporated in 1919.
' The Town has its origins as a crossroads community. In the early
nineteenth century, the Windsor -Pitch Landing Road and the Colerain Stony
' Creek Road fimctioned as major trade routes in the area. At the intersection of
these roads, Wright Powell built the Town's first house and opened the first
business - a store and sawmill operation. The settlement became known as
' Powell's Cross Roads. The first post office in the Town was established in 1879
and it is likely that the name "Powellsville" was adopted at that time. The first
church in Town, the Powellsville Methodist Church, was built in 1881.
' Mr. John Britton was the Town's first postmaster and an important
merchant in the Powellsville area in the community's early years. At the turn of the
century, Mr. Britton constructed a general store in the center of Town. The store
2

' was said to be the largest in the area, carrying everything from "soap to saddles."
Mr. Britton is said to have been one of the wealthiest men in Bertie County at the
' time, owning several farms in the Powellsville area including the 1,000-acre
Oakland Farm.
' The railroad brought people and prosperity to Powellsville. In the late
1890s, a rail line was laid through the Town connecting Ahoskie and Windsor, and
' the Town gained importance as a service center for surrounding farms. During the
heydays of the railroad, the Town had more than 15 stores. At this time Mr.
' Bntton's store even had a millinery department! As the railroad declined, so too
did many local businesses. Feedmills, sawmills, and farm supply stores no longer
depended on the railroad for transportation of their products. Trade operations
could locate without regard to proximity to the railroad. The Town has fewer
residents and fewer businesses now than it did when the railroad was the focus of
community life.

I M. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The Y
goals of the coastal area management s stem to be created, and the
g g
' local application of those goals, are as follows:
A. Goal # 1 - "To provide a management system capable of
preserving and managing the natural ecological conditions of the
estuarine system, the barrier dune system, and the beaches, so as
' to safeguard and perpetuate their natural productivity and their
biological, economic and esthetic values."
'
Application - Inasmuch as Powellsville is located more than 10
miles from the nearest river, this goal does not directly relate.
'
However, stormwater drainage, as well as agricultural and
residential drainage, does enter local streams, and will eventually
find their way to the river. Therefore, the Town is concerned and
'
does enforce current regulations and ordinances to minimize the
adverse effect of such drainage. There is a Town of Powellsville
'
Water Supply Plan that is updated every five years; local farmers
are encouraged to use Best Management Practices; and the county
building code and erosion control ordinance are enforced.
B. Goal # 2 - "To ensure that the development and preservation
of the land and water resources of the coastal area proceeds in a
manner consistent with the capability of the land and water for
development, use, or preservation based on ecological
'
considerations."
Application This goal will not directly relate to the Town
inasmuch as it is not coastal, and there is very little development.
The Town is aware of the need to properly plan for what
' development will take place, and to monitor their ability to
provide water for such development.
C. Goal # 3 - "To ensure the orderly and balanced use and
' preservation of our coastal resources on behalf of the people of
North Carolina and the nation."

'
Application -
See comments under previous goals.
"To
D. Goal # 4 - establish policies, guidelines and standards for:
'
a.
Protection, preservation, and conservation of
natural resources including but not limited to
water use, scenic vistas, and fish and wildlife;
and management of transitional or intensely
developed areas and areas especially suited to
'
intensive use or development, as well as areas
of significant natural value;
b.
The economic development of the coastal
'
area, including but not limited to construction,
location and design of industries, port
facilities, commercial establishments and other
developments;
C.
Recreation and tourist facilities and parklands;
'
d.
Transportation and circulation patterns for the
coastal area including major thoroughfares,
'
transportation routes, navigation channels and
harbors, and other public utilities and
facilities;
'
e.
Preservation and enhancement of the historic,
cultural, and scientific aspects of the coastal
area;
f.
Protection of present common-law and
statutory public rights in the lands and waters
of the coastal area;
g.
Any other purposes deemed necessary or
appropriate to effectuate the policy of this
Article."
' Application - Again, the location of Powellsville places it about
75 miles west of the North Carolina coast; therefore, there are not
development pressures and issues to deal with as along the coast.
5

J
IV. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Much of the data used in this plan will be taken from the 1990 US Census
of Population and Housing. Data also was supplied by State and local agencies.
A. POPULATION
Powellsville is located in northern Bertie County; it is one of eight
incorporated communities within the County. The County is one of the
largest rural counties in the State. The County is approximately 700 square
miles in size. Farms and forestland represent approximately 92% of all the
land in the County. Most of the County is made up of forestland (309,100
acres). Developed areas of the County represent only 4% of the County
(18,000 acres).
Bertie County is a member of a five county planning region comprised
of Beaufort, Bertie, Hertford, and Pitt Counties. Bertie is the smallest of
the five in terms of population. Bertie County's population was estimated
to be about 20,766 in 1997. This is less than half of the population
estimated for Beaufort County and one -quarter (1/4) of the population
estimated for Pitt. Hertford and Martin Counties have a slightly larger
population but the density is much higher.
Between the 1980 and 1990 Census, the population of Bertie County
had dropped from 21,024 to 20,388, respectively, or about 3%. Since.
1990, the State estimates have put Bertie County's population at 20,766 for
1997. Martin and Hertford Counties have experienced similar losses in
population.
Powellsville, like most towns in Bertie County, has lost population
since 1980. Between the 1980 and 1990 Census the Town dropped from
320 to 279 people. In 1996, estimates placed Powellsville at 274 persons.
Powellsville is one of the smallest towns in Bertie County. The Town is
not subject to seasonal changes in population. Tourists visiting the area are
generally day or overnight visitors.
6

YEAR ROUND POPULATION
PERCENT CHANGE
1970
1980
1990
1996
1997
70-180
80-'90
90-'96
70-'96
70-197
North Carolina
5,084,411
5,880,095
6,632,448
7,323,085
7.436.689
15.65%
12.79%
10.41%
44.03%
46.26%
Region
178,667
200,841
218,196
230,954
234,206
12.41%
8.64%
5.85%
29.27%
31.09%
Bertie County
20,528
21,024
20,388
20,532
20,766
2.42%
-3.03%
0.71%
0.02%
1.16%
Askewville
247
227
201
195
-8.10°h
-11.45%
-2.99%
-21.05%
Aulander
947
1,214
1,209
1,199
28.19%
-0.41%
-0.83%
26.61%
Colerain
373
284
241
228
-23.86%
-15.14%
-5.39%
-39.87%
Kelford
295
254
204
1199
-13.90%
-19.69%
-2.45%
-32.54%
Lewiston -Woodville
580
671
788
820
15.69%
17.440/9
14.06%
4138%
Powellsville
247
320
279
274
29.55%
-12.81%
-1.79%
10.93%
Roxobel
347
278
244
245
-19.88%
-12.23%
0.41%
-2939%
Windsor
2,199
2,126
2,209
2,346
-3.32%
3.90%
6.20%
6.68%
Incorporated Area
5235
5374
5375
15506
2.66%
0.02%
2.44%
5.18%
Unincorporated Area
15,293
15,650
15,013
15,026
Source: NC State Data Center (Census, Estimate, Projection)
In the age distribution of population, no five-year group stands out
' as significantly greater in population than others. Of the 202766 people
estimated to be living in Bertie County in 1997, there was a greater
number of people between the ages of 5-14 and 3544 than the rest of the
age groups. Thirty percent of the estimated 20,766 people in 1997 are
' ages 19 or younger. For growth in population to occur, sustainable
livelihoods must be available to counteract out -migration. The primary
workforce group, ages 25-64 has slightly increased since the 1990 Land
' Use Plan Update, though it has been relative to the total population
increase. Active recruitment of local jobs for this population group would
t result in positive population trends. The percentage of population over 65
constitutes slightly over 15%, or 3,125 of the total population of 20,766.
The State average is 12.7%. Berrie County has a larger aging community
than state averages; therefore there is the need for special services geared
towards the aging.
11

BERME COUNTY,1997 PROJECTIONS
Source:OfFiCe of State Planning
1000
900
Soo
700
soo
a
500
400
300
200
10o
0
AGE -SEX COHORTS
B. HOUSING
® Male
■ Female
According to the Town's water records, there are 125 housing units
in the Town Limits. The 1990 Census shows that nine percent (9%) of the
units were vacant and fifty percent (50%) were mobile homes. The
average household size is 2.19, a figure that is lower than the County's
2.74 persons per household (Building Permits).
As of the 1990 Census, Bertie County has a total of 8,331 housing
units, of which 919 (11%) are vacant. Almost all of the housing units
(97%) in the County are single family. Twenty-three percent (23%) of all
the housing units in the County are rental units, a slightly lower
percentage than the region as a whole (32%).
8

Housing Characteristice 1990
Bertie Co.
# of Units
Percent
of Region
Region
# of Units
Total Housing Units
8,331
9.3
89,973
Single Family Units
8,106
10.6
76,316
Total Households
7,412
9.1
81,527
Single Person Hshld.
1,797
8.8
20,527
Vacant Units
919
6.9
13,398
Renter Occupied
1,909
6.7
28,537
Units w/o Plumbing
642
20.7
31,108
Persons in Household
2.74
3
Median value unit
$39,100
Mean Rent
135
Source: 1990 US Census
C. ECONOMY AND INCOME
According to the 1992 Economic Census, Bertie County consisted
of ninety-one (91) retail establishments with the total number of sales by
these establishments at $54,000,000. The North Carolina Department of
Revenue estimates Gross Retail Sales to be higher than that of the 1992
Economic Census. The Department of Revenue estimated $63,499,000
in retail sales in that year. In 1996, the Department of Revenue
estimated $72,622,000 in sales, an increase of 14.37%.
The Manufacturing sector employs almost 41% of all the
'
employed people in Bertie County. Therefore, manufacturing firms play
an extremely important role in the economy of the County, as well as the
'
Town of Powellsville. The County's manufacturing firms are represented
farming
by a substantial number of lumber businesses along with peanut
and processing facilities. The largest employer in the County is the
Perdue plant in Lewiston -Woodville. Many of the local residents travel
to Perdue to work, or into Hertford County to work at Carolina
Aluminum. Some workers even travel into Tidewater Virginia to find
located in Norfolk
employment at the shipyards the area.
9

Household income, though increasing, remains considerably low.
More than 55% of Powellsville population has a household income of
less than $25,000 annually. Powellsville has a median household
income that is $2225002 whereas the County is only $17,795, 26% higher
than the County. It is also interesting to note that no households report
' an annual income of $75,000 or more.
Powellsville Berfle County
� T si FIRM . .. M. -
--n. - .. M-..RIM M. � W
Poverty status in Powellsville has worsened slightly, but poverty
' population constitutes less a percentage of the population than in Bertie
County. The percentage of elderly that are in poverty status is
tsignificantly low compared to the County's elderly, according to the US
Census.

Berne County 1980, 1990, 1995
1995 1
Percen a
Percent Change
T es of Employment 1 19-Ro 19901 19951
1980 -1995 11990 -1995
FARM 11.7731 9541 9591 10.14%-45.91%1 0.52%
NONFARM
6.687
8138
8A971
89.86%
27.07%
3.14%
Aeric/Forestry/Fishing
277
360
309
3.27%
.55%
-14.17%
Minn
0
0
0
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
Construction
211
261
2431
2.57%
15,17%
-6.90%
Manufacturing
3.0)89
3.869
3.8731
40.96%
25.38%
0.10%
Trap ortation/I tilities
7
179
2281
2.41%
196.10%
27. 7%
Wholesale Trade
295
352
252
2.66%
-14.59%
-28.41%
Retail Trade
690
780
820
8,67%
18.84%
5.13%
Finance Insunmce. Real Estate
190
2461
185
1.96%
-2.63%
-24.80%
Services* '
639
927
1213
12.83%
89.83%
30.85%
Government9
1,264
1.374.
14,53%
12,72%
8.70%
(Federal. Civilian
13
107
119
1.26%
5.31%
11.21%
72
79
68
0.72%
-5 %
%
State and Local
1,034
1078
1.1871
12.55%
14.80%110.11%
1
TOTAL
8 60
9192
9 456
100.00%1
11.77%
2.87%
*Includes Medicine and Education
Source: LINC Topic Report "Employment and Income: Full-time and part-time employees by major
INCOME
Powellsville 1990
Source 19WUS Census
Household Income
Households
Percent
Less Than $5,000
5
13,890
5 000 to $9,999
1
°
10 000 to $14,999
6
16,67%
15 000 to $24,999
8
22.22°
25 000 to $34,999
10
27,780
35 000 to $49.999
2
5,560
50 000 to $74,999
4
11,11%
75 000 99 999
0°
100,000 or more
0°
Median Household Income
22,500
D. FUTURE IMPLICATIONS FOR POPULATION AND HOUSING
The Town of Powellsville is expecting little or no demand for new
housing starts in the next few years. The aging trend will increase the
demand for health care and security services. Some active recruitment
11

'
of in -migration could alter the natural trend. Lack of economic
opportunities in the Town is the most critical issue. The population of
'
the Town is aging, since there are not viable economic livelihoods for
young adults entering the labor force. Larger towns tend to attract more
'
business and industry, and thus, more people, such that smaller towns
find it difficult to break the pattern of decline. Powellsville is presently
struggling with methods for gaining population, since the last two
'
decades have shown a decline in population. If the Town is able to
provide economic opportunities to capture the younger adults, the result
'
would be a sustainable population base.
11
1
lJ
12

V. LAND USE
I A. EXISTING CONDITIONS
' The Town's municipal boundaries encompass an area of about .29
square miles. The Town has been enforcing a zoning ordinance since
1989. Currently the Town has not established an Extraterritorial
Jurisdiction (ETJ). The Town Limits form almost a perfect rectangle.
North Carolina Highway 42 bisects the community east and west; State
Route 1321 bisects it north and south. The majority of the lots within
Town have been developed, as. shown on the Land Use Map (Map 1).
Most of the land use in Town is used for residential purposes. Most of
' the residences in the Town are single family dwellings, however there
are about thirty mobile homes. Twelve of the thirty mobile homes are in
a mobile home park off of West Main Street. There are seven
institutional uses scattered throughout the Town, which includes
' churches, Post Office and the Town Hall and community building.
Much of the area outside Town has remained undeveloped. The
land outside consists of cleared agricultural land with patches of
woodland. Residential uses are scattered along the existing roadways,
' particularly US 13 west of the existing Town Limits, along SR 1315
south of Town, and NC Hwy 42 east of Town.
'
The Town is located about one mile south of Ahoskie Creek,
about 1.5 miles east of Stoney Creek, two miles west of Barbeque
Swamp, and 1.5 miles north of Quioccosin Swamp. These distances,
coupled with low intensity development, would minimize the effect of
run-off on water quality and nutrient sensitivity of these waters.
Powellsville is also diligent in enforcing State and Bertie County
ordinances, as well as, their own Water Supply Plan.
B. RECENT DEVELOPMENT AND FUTURE GROWTH
There have been few substantial development changes in the
Town since the last Land Use Plan update in 1994. The largest
development in the Town since the last plan is the medical office at the
comer of NC 42 and SR 1321. Development in the Town of
13

1
'
Powellsville is not anticipated to pick up. Poor septic suitability of soil
in the area strictly limits the amount of development. If the Town were
to get a sewer system, development would be expected.
C. LAND USE CONCERNS
According to the survey there are major Land Use concerns that
'
the Town feels should be addressed.
'
1. Ensure safe and adequate drinking water supply.
2. Ensure that Town wells can adequately supply enough water to
the Town.
'
3. Concern that there has been a recorded drop in the water table that
the wells draw from.
4. Improve existing housing conditions. To address this concern the
'
Town is considering adopting a local housing code.
5. Bertie County is currently responsible for making all building
inspections in the Town. These inspections are only for new
construction and additions. It is believed that the dilapidated
and substandard structures in the Town gives visitors a negative
impression.
6. Promote services for the elderly. The Powellsville community is an
aging community and it would be appropriate to improve the
services that the Town can provide the elderly.
'
7. Expand cultural and recreational facilities.
8. Improve storm drainage. Poor drainage in Powellsville is a result of
the flatness of the land and the soil type. Poorly drained soils
'
result in higher development costs and could result in some
lands remaining undevelopable.
D. DEVELOPMENT CONTROLS
'
1. Regulatory Controls
Local Codes, regulations, and ordinances are as follows:
' Powellsville Town Code
Town Zoning Ordinance 1989
NC Building Code: enforced by the County
14

'
Housing Code: enforced by the County
Environmental Health Code: enforced by the County
Local ordinances controlling land use decisions have not
changed since the last Land Use Plan Update. The Zoning
'
Ordinance is in need of an update at this time. Powellsville also is
considering the need for a Subdivision Ordinance and an
'
Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Ordinance. Because there has not
been any flood prone areas identified by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency, no flood plain regulations are in effect.
2. Development Plans
'
The only development plan that is anticipated in the
Powellsville area is the Hwy 13 By-pass around Ahoskie. The
by-pass is proposed to join HWY 13 just north of Powellsville,
according to the State DOT Transportation Improvement
'
Program.
The Town has not officially adopted a Capital Improvement
Plan. The Town received a grant of $600,000 in 1993 to
rehabilitate substandard dwellings from the Community
'
Development Block Grant Program (CDBG). In 1998 the Town
of Powellsville received an additional CDBG Grant of $750,000
'
to rehabilitate 16 dwelling units, along with a 2000-foot addition
to the water fines along SR 1321. There are no other types of
development plans anticipated.
s. Development Policies
Like most small towns in rural areas, Powellsville
encourages development and respects private land development
decisions. However, the Town also seeks to maintain property
values and quality of life for its citizens. Local growth policy
encouraged is to control positive growth through the enforcement
of their Zoning Ordinance.
15
i

I E.
I
DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS
1. Land Suitability
Many areas throughout the State have several physical
factors that would constrain land development. Powellsville is
fortunate in that there are few factors constraining the
development in and around the Town. Land use constraints can be
classified into one of three categories: Physical Limitations for
Development, Fragile Areas, and Areas of Resource Potential.
a. Physical Limitations for Development
There are many different elements that would
determine whether a piece of land is suitable for
development. These include soil and subsoil conditions,
topography for flooding, and existing land uses in the
surrounding area.
(i) Hazard Areas
The Town has no man-made hazards in the
jurisdiction, such as airports, nuclear power plants,
and farm tanks for storage of flammable liquids.
There once was a propane storage facility close to
the Town, which caused the citizens concern as a
potential threat, but it has been removed.
Powellsville sits far enough away from the ocean that
it is not threatened from natural hazards such as the
ocean or sea level rising. The Town claims there is a
flooding problem due to poor drainage. According to
the Flood Insurance Rate Maps, the Town does not
fall into a flood zone.
(ii) Soil Limitations
The presence of poor soils and steep slopes
limit the development of land resources. Soil
conditions determine the suitability of the land for in
d
16

11
ground sewage disposal systems. Many elements
come into consideration before a piece of land can
be built upon, including stability, bearing capacity,
and erodibility of the soil.
The Powellsville area contains thirteen (13)
different soil types. There are three (3) predominant
soil types found inside the Town limits: Bladen fine
sandy loam (Bd), Craven fine sandy loam (CrA), and
Nahunta very fine sandy loam (Na). These soils are
also found outside the Town along with Craven fine
sandy loam (CrB), Dogue sandy loam (DgA), and
Lenoir loam (Le).
The Town does not have a sewage treatment
system, therefore, all new development is likely to
use in -ground treatment for sanitary waste disposal.
Twelve of the area's thirteen soil types have severe
limitations for the location of septic tanks. According
to some of the local residents, existing septic tanks
have experienced operating problems. Powellsville's
greatest physical factor limiting development is the
unsuitable soils for in -ground treatment systems.
Powellsville, along with most of Eastern North
Carolina is typically level, therefore, steep slopes do
not usually prohibit development. Powellsville sits
on a plateau approximately 20.5 feet above mean sea
level. The only slopes found in Town are along the
drainage ditches and on the banks of streams; and
even these slopes are fairly gentle. Flood prone areas
are another element that might restrict development.
Powellsville has not been mapped for floodplains by
the Federal Emergency Management Association
(FEMA) so it appears that there are no flood prone
areas within the community.
0
17

(iii) Ground Water
'
The Town relies on two (2) wells for their
water. They serve approximately 672 homes inside
'
and outside the Town limits. The wells draw water
from the Upper Cape Fear and Bottom Cretaceous
Aquifers, according to the 1994 Water Supply Plan.
'
According to the water supply plan, the average
daily withdrawal of water from the wells is far below
the maximum yield and; therefore, there is no need
of more wells. Although, researchers have noted that
large withdrawals from the Cretaceous Aquifer near
'
Franklin, Virginia, have lowered the surface of the
Aquifer unit by nearly forty (40) feet in the
'
Powellsville area over the past twenty (20) years.
(Note: the information on ground water supply
was taken from the document Aquifer
Characteristics and Development Potential in
Northeastern North Carolina Natural Resources
'
and Community Development, Division of Water
Resources, May 1987.) If the aquifer continues to
drop, the Town may need to pursue a deeper well.
b. Fragile Areas
' The Powellsville area is not located in that part of
Bertie County which has a lot of Fragile Areas. There are
' two (2) types of Fragile Areas: Areas of Environmental
Concern (AEC), and Historic Areas and Wetlands.
(i) Areas of Environmental Concern
' The Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA)
of 1974 established the Coastal Resources
' Commission (CRC) and specified that the CRC
identify and designate "areas of environmental
' concern" (AECs). AECs are areas with natural or
cultural resources, which are a state-wide concern.
Four (4) categories of AECs have been developed:
t
is

the estuarine system; the ocean hazard; public water
supplies; and natural and cultural resource areas. It
has been determined that unregulated development in
these areas have a high probability of causing
irreversible damage to public health, property, and
the natural environment. Thus, the CRC has
developed guidelines for controlling development
through permitting in these areas,
According to the Division of Coastal
Management, there are no Areas of Environmental
Concern in the Town of Powellsville.
(ii) Wetlands
Among the sensitive natural areas around
Town, there are small patches of wetlands outside
the Town Limits. The significant size patches of
wetland areas are described as Managed Pineland.
One area is to the West of Town, off of Hwy. 13; the
other is East of Town between SR 1321 and NC 42.
Wetland areas are likely to pose a minimal threat to
development. Wetlands provide a vast array of
benefits to society that has only just begun to be
recognized. Inland wetlands, such as the ones in the
Powellsville area do many things for the
environment, such as: furnish vital life cycle habitant
and food for fish and wildlife; remove pollutants
from degraded waters; absorb flood -volumes so that
downstream areas are protected; and recharge
groundwater supplies. In 1977, Congress amended
the Clean Water Act to regulate the alteration of
wetland areas under Section 404(b) of the Act. A
permit is now required by the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers before certain inland wetland areas are
disturbed.
19

1 (iii) Historic Areas
'
According to the State Division of Archives
and History, there are no known archaeological sites
'
in the Powellsville area. Nor are there any structures
of known historic or architectural significance.
Although it has not been identified as such, local
'
residents believe the Powellsville Methodist Church
to be one of the area's most significant buildings.
The church, built in 1881, was the first religious
'
structure in the Town. The simple white, wooden
frame structure is considered by many to be the
'
finest structure in the community.
' C. Areas of Resource Potential
(i) Prime Farmland
Most of the area outside the Town Limits is
currently being used for agricultural purposes.
According to the NC Soil Survey most of the land
inside and outside Town is Prime Farmland.
Agricultural officials have observed that Prime
Farmland will be of major importance in providing
the nations short and long terms needs for food and
fiber. Conservation of Prime Farmland has become a
national objective and is an important State
agricultural goal as well.
'
Prime Farmland is defined by its current use
(urban, built up, and water areas cannot be
considered prime farmland) and by the soils that
comprise it. Prime Farmland soils are those that are
best suited to producing food, feed, forage and fiber.
'
Prime Farmland soils have properties that are
favorable for the economic production of sustained
high yield of crops.
20
t

(u) Other
'
Areas of resource potential include state
parks, forest and wildlife preserves; private game
'
preserves; and areas of valuable mineral deposits.
The Powellsville area contains no private or public
areas of resource potential as listed, and no known
mineral deposits.
'
F. Facility Limitations
The Town of Powellsville has continued to decline in population
'
since 1980. In 1980 the Population was 320, in 1990 it was 279, and
the latest estimate in 1996 was 274. If the population remains constant
or continues to decline, the Town should not have any problems
providing services to future populations. The capacity of municipal
services are summarized below.
Water Service: Almost all properties within the corporate limits
'
are serviced with public water. In 1997 the Town provided water users
with an average of 40,000 million gallons daily. The two wells have a
combined safe yield of .288 mgd. The Powellsville water system serves
services a population of 314. Approximately 40 live outside the Town
limits.
'
Sewer Service: The Town currently does not have a public sewer
system. All lots have a private septic tank on site. In order for growth
be
to occur in Powellsville a sewer system would necessary.
Police, Fire, and Rescue Protection: The Town of Powellsville
does not have its own police department. The Bertie County Sheriff's
Office provides police protection. The Town has been considering a
joint police officer with another town.
' The Powellsville Volunteer Fire Department provides fire
protection for the Town. The Department has 3 tanker trucks, 2 pump
' trucks, and an equipment truck. Emergency medical service is provided
by both the Bertie County and Coleram Rescue Squads. Both these
21

' squads are volunteer operations and daytime response times are getting
progressively worse because people work outside the area.
Public Administration: Powellsville has two paid employees: a
part-time maintenance/sanitation man and a part-time clerk. The Town
' is governed by a mayor and a three member council.
' Solid Waste: Refuse is collected for the Town by a private
contractor on a weekly basis. Refuse is disposed of at the regional
landfill operated by East Carolina Environmental. The Landfill serves
' twelve counties in northeastern North Carolina.
Public Schools: Powellsville students in grades Kindergarten
through fifth grade attend Colerain Elementary School. Students in
grades six through eight attend C. G. White Middle School in
' Powellsville. Students in grades nine through twelve attend Bertie
County High School. Bertie County school age population is declining
' while the aging population is increasing therefore the need to expand
schools is not a current priority.
Roads: Many of the local residents believe that the lack of
development in northeastern North Carolina is due to the lack of a major
' interstate. It is unlikely that the situation will change in the near future.
The Department of Transportation has plans of making a by-pass around
' Ahoskie which will have an impact on the Powellsville area.
Implications: The existing public facilities seem adequate for the
' existing population, and would be able to withstand additional growth.
Improvement would be needed in police and emergency medical
' services if the Town were to grow at all. Fire services are excellent for
a town the size of Powellsville. If an industry of medium to large size,
which would have a high demand on public services, were to locate in
the Powellsville area, the Town would have to reevaluate this section
and address outstanding needs accordingly.
22

I VI. 1994 POLICY ASSESSMENTS
1
A review and evaluation of the 1994 Policy Statements and
'
implementation strategies indicates an overall implementation rate of 100%.
For "grading" purposes, we have simply calculated the total number of
implementation strategies identified in the 1994 plan and determined the
'
percentage of those strategies which the Planning Board believes have been
carried out over the planning period. Below are the results of this evaluation:
'
A. RESOURCE PROTECTION
1. Constraints to Development:
a. Soils
Policy: Discourage building in areas where land is not
physically suitable for septic systems.
(+) The Town has supported, and will continue to
'
support, this policy. There has been a minimal amount of
new building in Town as a result of the severe soil
'
limitations for septic tanks.
b. Flood -prone Areas
'
Policy: Discourage development in areas that may be
in danger of flooding.
(+) Classify the wetland area north of Town
'
Conservation on the Land Classification Map.
(+) Support the efforts of the Army Corps of Engineers
'
to control the alterations of freshwater wetlands through
404 permitting program.
C. Septic Tank Use - SEE STATEMENT UNDER SOILS
'
2. Local Resource Development Issues Relative to AECs
DOES NOT APPLY
'
3. 404 Wetlands
Policy: Rely on the Army Corps of Engineers' efforts
to regulate these areas.
'
(+) Report development activities on any land believed to
be wetlands. There have been no attempts to develop
'
wetland areas.
23
1

'
4.
ORWs
DOES NOT APPLY
'
S.
Shellfish Waters ,
DOES NOT APPLY
'
6.
Cultural and Historical Resources
Town's
Policy: Support the preservation of the
historical and cultural resources.
(+) Continue to work with property owners of older
structures in Town to ensure structures are properly
'
maintained.
7.
Maritime Forest
DOES NOT APPLY
8.
Pocosin
DOES NOT APPLY
9.
Hurricane and Flood Evacuation Plans
Policy: Support all efforts and actions outlined in the
Bertie County Disaster Relief and Assistance Plan.
(+) Work with the County's Emergency Management
Coordinator to test evacuation procedures.
'
10.
Means of Protecting Potable Water Supply
Policy: The policy shall be to protect the Town's water
supply.
(+) Report the location of underground storage tanks to
the appropriate State agency.
N/A Update the "Town of Powellsville Water Supply
Plan" every five years as required by G.S. 143-355(1).
11.
Use Package Treatment Plants
DOES NOT APPLY
12.
Storm Water Runoff
Policy: Reduce the amount of pollutant being washed
into creeks and ponds.
'
(+) Encourage new home builders to leave undisturbed
as much of the natural vegetation as possible.
(+) Encourage farmers to use best management practices
'
to reduce the amounts of chemicals used in agricultural
production.
'
13.
Marina and Floating Homes
DOES NOT APPLY
24

'
14.
Industrial Impacts on Fragile Areas
DOES NOT APPLY
'
15.
Development of Sound and Estuarine System Islands
DOES NOT APPLY
16.
Restriction of Development within areas up to five feet
'
above mean high water that might be susceptible to sea rise and
wetlands loss
DOES NOT APPLY
17.
Upland Excavation in Marina Basins
'
DOES NOT APPLY
18.
Damaging of Existing Marshes by Bulkhead Installation
DOES NOT APPLY
'
B. RESOURCE
PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
'
1.
Productive Agricultural Lands
Policy: Encourage agricultural diversification and
'
encourage farmers outside of Town to apply for use -
value of their property.
(+) Inform farmers of the tax advantages in applying for
use -value assessment.
(+) Support the efforts of farmers that choose diversity.
2.
Commercial Forest Lands
DOES NOT APPLY
3.
Existing and Potential Mineral Production Areas
DOES NOT APPLY
4.
Commercial and Recreational Fisheries; Including Nursery and
Habitat Areas
DOES NOT APPLY
'
5.
Off -road Vehicles
DOES NOT APPLY
6.
Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Development Impact on
'
Any Resource
Policy: Support State requirements of erosion control
plans for developments involving more than one acre
of land.
'
(+) Contact the Land Quality Section, Division of Land
Resources when any development disturbs more than one
acre of land.
25

C. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
1.
Types and Locations of Industries Desired
Policy: The policy shall be to support industrial
location based on the needs of the industries and
'
possible environmental impact.
(+) Work with existing State and Federal agencies
regulating industrial pollution control standards.
2.
Local Commitment to Providing Services to Development
Policy: Allow out of Town water users to connect to
the Town system.
('/z) Charge out-of-town residents double rates for water
services, where water is available.
3.
Redevelopment of Developed Areas
Policy: Town policy shall be to rehabilitate
substandard housing and upgrade local services.
(+) The Town will continue to pursue grant funding to
address the community development needs of the Town.
4.
Commitment to State and Federal Programs
Policy: Powellsville will support all State and Federal
programs.
(+) Voice concerns to State officials about unfunded
'
matters.
5.
Assistance to Channel Maintenance and Beach Nourishment
Project
'
DOES NOT APPLY
6.
Energy Facility Siting and Development
Policy: The Town will encourage the location of a
generating plant in the appropriate areas.
'
(+) Support the location of generating plants in rural and
sparsely populated areas.
'
7.
Tourism
Policy: Continue the current level of support for the
Historic Albemarle Tour Program.
'
(+) Implementation shall occur by malting literature
about the Historic Albemarle Tour available at Town Hall.
8.
Coastal and Estuarine Water Beach Access
DOES NOT APPLY
26

'
9. Types of Densities, Location, Units per Acre of Anticipated
Residential Development and Services to Support Development
Policy: The policy shall be to allow septic tank
requirements to determine development densities.
'
H Implementation shall occur by supporting the septic
tank permitting program of the Bertie County
Environmental Health Department.
D. STORM HAZARD MITIGATION POST DISASTER
RECOVERY AND EVACUATION PLANS
1. Policy Statements
Policy: Reduce the potential loss of human lives and
property through regulatory controls.
'
(+) Enforce the State Building Code in all new
construction.
(+) Consider adopting a housing code.
'
Policy: Increase public awareness of the need for
hurricane preparation.
(+) Support the "preparedness" program the County
Office of Emergency Management conducts in local
schools.
'
(+) Participate in practice and drill exercises sponsored
by the Office of Emergency Management
27

1
VII. 1998 POLICY STATEMENTS
1
The Town of Powellsville adopted its initial CAMA Land Use Plan in
' 1988. This update represents the second update since then.
The Town, historically, has seen a general decline in po0ulation and
' commercial activity. This situation is not predicted to change in the near
future. However, with the influx of new industry in Bertie and Hertford
County, there is the possibility of some increase, especially in residential
population. It is impossible to look ten years in the future and the plan is
scheduled for five year updates; therefore, any further vision statement is not
' needed.
Coastal Area Management Act regulations specify that all land use plans
shall contain policy statements of local policy on land use issues. The Coastal
Resources Commission requires that policies be addressed in five categories:
Resources Protection
' Resource Production and Management
Economic and Community Development
' Storm Hazard Mitigation
Citizen Participation
' Each policy category is intended to cover all issues associated with
growth for the Town in the coming years. The guidelines were prepared to
' accommodate a wide range of conditions found in communities in coastal
North Carolina. Because of this, not all issues are applicable to the Town of
Powellsville. There have not been many changes in Powellsville since the last
' update in 1994; therefore many of the stated policies have not changed.
' The policy statements are the result of recommendations, local input,
and the Planning Board's experience in the Town jurisdictional needs. These
policy statements address possible problems along with opportunities the Town
should focus on. Each policy that is applicable to the Town states possible
alternatives, then selects that best alternative and the means of implementation
of that policy. Some of the issues are of great importance to the Town; others
are only vaguely applicable at this time. The Coastal Area Management Act
1
28

provides a mechanism for amendments to local plans if conditions change in
such a way that new local directions are desirable.
There are three basic approaches that may be taken for resources issues:
Preservation, Conservation, and Unregulated. For resource issues, the Town
! will choose one of these approaches.
A Preservation approach attempts to prohibit use all together in order to
save the resource in its natural state for future generations to enjoy. This
approach requires adoption and strict enforcement of protective laws. An
example might be prohibiting development in a known habitat for endangered
species. If applied to private property, such restrictiveness is. subject to legal
'
challenge as a "taking" of property rights; however, the courts have ruled
favorably in cases where public purposes were well defined. Other
'
preservation strategies might involve public acquisition of property or
negotiated easements for public use.
'
A Conservation approach attempts to use resources sparingly in order to
prolong their usefulness over a long period of time. This approach uses
'
regulations, restrictions, and incentives to control the rate or the way in which
a resource is used. In a sense, it controls the supply regardless of the demand.
Economic pressures are a fact of life for all communities and for the citizens
'
therein. A realistic assessment of the existing resources and the rate at which
the locality can afford to base them will guide strategy choices in this type
'
approach.
An Unregulated approach supports use of resources in an uninhabited
way in direct response to market forces. It has a relatively short-term focus
and relies on the availability or development of substitutes when the resource is
depleted. This approach thrives in the absence of regulation or enforcement,
and may be desirable where resources are overabundant or substitutes are
i
readily available.
Any of these approaches are alternatives that are open to Powellsville as
'
it explores policy options. For the policy categories other than -resource
oriented issues, these approaches may not be appropriate. In those cases, the
policy statements have been written to convey general attitudes on a given
issue.
29

'
A. RESOURCE PROTECTION
'
There are a limited amount of natural resources in the Powellsville
area. The major natural resources are farmland, woodland and small
areas of freshwater wetlands. There are no major creeks or rivers, no
'
Areas of Environmental Concern (AFC's), no floodplain, and no rare
natural or geological features in the Powellsville area. No threatened or
endangered species have been located in the area either. The Town does
however recognize and appreciates the natural resources that it does
have and will not support any development that will have a negative
impact on its valued natural resources.
Cultural resources are also important to Powellsville residents.
The Town has quite a few older homes that have an aesthetic value to
the community, but which are not considered historically significant.
Located in the Town is the Powellsville Methodist Church that is dated
back to 1881. This attractive wooden structure was the first church to
be built in Powellsville and is one of the Town's most notable buildings.
The church is not currently listed in the State's inventory of historic and
significant properties.
Potable water is supplied to the Town residents from groundwater
'
wells. Leaking underground storage tanks are the greatest threat to the
quality of the groundwater. The Town heavily opposes any activity that
would threaten the quality of their groundwater.
Following is a listing of policy objectives the Town has adopted
addressing its sensitive natural resources. Along with how the Town
wishes to take action to implement those strategies over the next five
'
years.
'
1. Constraints to Development
Applicability: Soil limitations are a major problem in the
Town of Powellsville. Due to the poor drainage of the
'
soils the ability to obtain septic permits is extremely
difficult. The Town does not have municipal sewer
available; therefore the ability to construct new building
whether residential or commercial is restrained.
30

Alternatives: Adopt no regulations at this time; or abide
by the regulations set forth by the County Health
'
Department.
Policy: The policy shall be to discourage building in areas
'
that are not suitable for septic systems.
Strategy: Support and strictly enforce State and Local
Environmental Health Codes regarding the installation,
'
operation, and maintenance of in -ground sewage treatment
systems.
2. Local Resource Development Issues Relative to AEC's
Applicability: DOES NOT APPLY. There are no Areas
'
of Environmental Concerns in the Town of Powellsville
'
3. Wetland of Highest Functional Significance
Applicability: The Army Corps of Engineers regulates the
development or alteration of 404 Wetlands. There has
been much debate concerning what is considered wetlands
in the Town of Powellsville. The most likely site for
'
wetlands is located north of Town between HWY 13 and
S.R. 1321. According to the wetland maps provided by the
'
Division of Coastal Management there are no wetlands
inside the Town limits, there are some small
although
patches of managed pinelands outside of the Town limits.
'
Alternatives: Adopt local regulations which are as
restrictive as the state and federal regulations; Do not
adopt any new regulations concerning this issue.
Policy: Rely on the Army Corps of Engineers efforts to
regulate these areas.
Strategy: Report any development activities on any land
believed to be wetlands to the Army Corps of Engineers.
'
'
4. Other Hazardous/Fra e Areas
Applicability: There are no Outstanding Resource Waters
'
(ORW s), Shellfish Waters, Maritime Forests, or waters
with special values. The Town does however have
structures that are considered to be Cultural and Historical
Resources to its residents.
31

' Alternatives: Pursue methods of encouraging owners of
older properties to preserve them; develop a historical
' overlay district.
Policy: Support the preservation of the Town's historic and
cultural resources.
' Strategies: Continue to work with property owners of
older structures in Town to ensure that structures are
' properly maintained.
5. Means of Protecting Potable Water Supply
'
Applicability: Powellsville residents are provided water
from two underground wells. The underground water could
'
become contaminated from pollutant infiltration from
leaking storage tanks.
'
Alternatives: Let the proper State authorities control all
water quality issues, Work with the State agencies to
enforce water quality standards.
'
Policy: The policy shall be to conserve and protect the
Towns water supply.
'
Strategy: Report the location of underground storage
tanks to the appropriate State agencies; Update the "Town
'
of Powellsville Water Supply Plan" every five years as
required by G.S. 143-355(1)
r
6. Package Treatment Plants
Applicability: DOES NOT APPLY, there are no package
treatment plants in Powellsville
7. Stormwater Runoff
Applicability: Stormwater runoff associated with
agricultural practices and residential development could
have a detrimental effect on plant and animal life, as well as
wetlands in the Powellsville area. Pesticides and
herbicides used in many agricultural practices could be
washed away into creeks and ponds during rainy periods.
There are no phosphate or peat mining operations in the
Powellsville area.
32

' Alternatives: Amend the zoning ordinance to limit
development densities in erosion prone areas: Work with
' soil conservation officials to encourage farmers to use
BMP's (Best Management Practices).
Policy: Reduce the amount of pollutants being washed into
' creeks and ponds.
Strategy: Encourage new home builders to leave
' undisturbed as much of the natural vegetation as possible.
Encourage farmers to use BMP's to reduce the amounts of
' chemicals used in agricultural production.
8. Marinas and Floating Homes
' Applicability: DOES NOT APPLY
I
9. Industrial Impacts on Fragile Areas
Applicability: DOES NOT APPLY
' 10. Development of Sound or Estuary Islands
Applicability: DOES NOT APPLY
'
11. Development in areas subject to sea level rise
Applicability: DOES NOT APPLY
12. Upland Excavation for Marinas
'
Applicability: DOES NOT APPLY
13. Damage to Existing Marshes by Bulkhead Installation
Applicability: DOES NOT APPLY
'
14. Water Quality Problems and Management Measures to
Reduce Local Sources of Pollution.
'
Applicability: There are no streams that fall inside the
Town boundaries of Powellsville. Although there are some
just outside the Town limits. They are classified as Class C
'
nutrient sensitive waters.
Alternatives: The only alternative is for the Town to
attempt to reduce or eliminate local sources of surface
33

water quality problems, through various local, state, and
federal programs and regulations.
'
Policy: The policy will be to rely on state and federal
regulations.
Strategy: The Town of Powellsville does not have
adequate staff to initiate local programs that protect water
quality, but the Town favors agricultural best management
'
practices, local citizens monitoring programs, and other
state measures, based on sound science, to reasonably
protect present and future water quality.
B. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
In the Town of Powellsville, agriculture is an important activity,
much of the Town's area is being used for agricultural purposes. Bertie
County's fertile land is considered the area's most valuable resource.
The Town would like to encourage the use of land outside the Town
limits for agricultural production and will support efforts to increase the
'
viability of the County's agricultural economy. The Town would also
like to limit the negative impact that farming might have on other
activities in the area. Craven fine sandy loam soils (CrA) can be found
'
throughout most of the Town of Powellsville. These CrA soils are
considered prime farmland by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service.
'
Forestry is very active in Bertie County as well as much of eastern
North Carolina. The Town will support commercial forestry operations
'
that will not have a negative impact on the environment.
' The Town of Powellsville does not have any water bodies large
enough to support any commercial fishing operations. There are no
mining operations or mineral production activities taking place in the
' Powellsville area. Powellsville does not have any local recreational
facilities to sponsor organized sporting activities.
The following is a list of policy goals that the Town has adopted
concerning resource production and management. Included are the
strategies that the Town will use to implement these policies.
34
t

Productive Agricultural Lands
Applicability: Most of the area inside and outside the
'
Town is considered to be Prime Farmland by the US Soil
Conservation Service. Much of the land outside of Town is
'
being used for agricultural purposes.
Alternatives: Amend the Zoning Map to zone all areas
outside the Town Agricultural; Support State, Federal and
'
County policies and programs which encourage
diversification; Encourage farmers outside of Town to
apply for use -value of their property.
'
Policy: Encourage agricultural diversification and
encourage farmers outside of Town to apply for use -value
'
of their property.
Strategy: Inform farmers of the tax advantages in applying
'
for a use -value assessment. Support the efforts of farmers
that choose to diversify.
'
2.
Commercial Forest Lands
Applicability: DOES NOT APPLY
'
3.
Existing and Potential Mineral Production
Applicability: DOES NOT APPLY
4.
Commercial and Recreational Fisheries: Including Nursery
'
and Habitat Areas ORW's and Trawling Activities in
Estuarine Waters
Applicability: DOES NOT APPLY
5.
Off Road Vehicles
'
Applicability: DOES NOT APPLY
'
6.
Residential Commercial and Industrial Development
Impact on Resources
Applicability: Powellsville has been losing population
'
over the past 15 years. The lack of a public sewage
treatment facility is the biggest deterrent to growth.
'
However local officials recognize that if growth were to
occur it could have an effect on the resources in the area.
35
1

'
Rapid development would increase the amount of water
run-off and erosion.
'
Alternatives: Restrict development densities; support
development at any cost to the environment.
'
Policy: Support State requirements on erosion control
plans for developments involving more than one acre of
land.
Strategy: Contact the Land Quality Section, Division of
Land Resources when any development disturbs one acre
'
or more of land.
7. Peat or Phosphate Minim
Alternatives: DOES NOT APPLY
C. COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
'
After analysis of the Town of Powellsville's present conditions of
the population and the economy, no major changes have occurred in the
economic atmosphere since the last Land Use Plan Update. Powellsville
is a small community with its most recent population estimate of 274.
The population of Powellsville has decreased about 15% since 1980.
Powellsville is, for the most part, a residential community. Most of the
residents now shop, work, and spend recreational time in the larger
'
communities of Berne and Hertford Counties.
' People enjoy living in Powellsville, and over the years many
retired persons have moved to the Powellsville area because of its small
town atmosphere. As reflected in this years ' Powellsville Citizen
' Survey", along with the survey from the last Land Use Plan, many of the
Town's residents would like to see Powellsville grow. Many residents
' realize that if the Town grows local job opportunities will increase.
t Local officials would like to see businesses move into some of the
buildings that are currently vacant. This would not only increase the
Town's tax base and provide job opportunities to residents, but increase
' the aesthetics of the Town. Town officials are looking for development
along HWY 42 and S.R.1321.
The followingis a listing of policy objectives the Town has
g P Y J
adopted to provide for Economic and Community Development.
36
t

' 1. Types and Locations of Desired Industries
Applicability: New businesses and recruitment of industry
'
is a major importance to the Town, as reported by the
citizen survey. Industrial uses may be located away from
the center of Town so as not to adversely effect the
surrounding land uses.
Alternative: Amend the Zoning Map to allow industry to
'
locate only along major transportation corridors; allow
industry to locate anywhere.
Policy: The policy shall be to support industrial location
based on the needs of the industry and environmental
impacts.
Strategy: Work with State and Federal agencies regulating
industrial control standards.
'
2. Local Commitment to Providing Services for New
Development
Applicability: Water is available to all residents within
the Town Limits. Water is also provided to over 40
residents outside of the Town Limits. The Town has
increased the water lines outside Town to six inch lines to
support a large capacity of water users. The Town would
like to pursue obtaining grant funds for a public sewer
system.
Alternatives: Pursue obtaining grant funds for a public
sewer system; continue providing water services to
existing residents in Town and out of Town.
Policy: Allow new out of Town water users to connect to
water system.
'
Strategy: Charge out of Town residents a $1.00 more than
in Town residents for water services; pursue grant funds
'
for a sewer system for the Town of Powellsville; or allow
the Town to hook on to a neighboring system.
' 3. Desired Growth Patterns
Applicability: There has been very little development in
' the Town of Powellsville due to septic tank restrictions.
The majority of the uses are single family residential. The
37

Town would like to see more economic activity within the
Town Limits.
Alternatives: The alternatives are to create incentive
programs for development, which encourages the desired
uses to occur in the desired areas; to rely on the current
zoning map and ordinance to establish patterns for growth;
or to accommodate random, unrestricted growth patterns.
Policy: The policy shall be to rely on the local Zoning
Ordinance for guiding urban growth into areas classified as
"Developed" or "Urban Transition" on the Land
Classification Map.
Strategy: Implementation shalloccur through strict
enforcement of the adopted Zoning Ordinance and updates
of local ordinances as necessary.
4. Anticipated Residential Development and Services Needed
Applicability: Due to the lack of public sewage
development, intensities will be determined by the septic
tank permitting process. High density of development is
unlikely without a public sewer system. It is very difficult
to get a septic permit in the Powellsville area from the
Bertie County Health Department due to the severe soil
limitations.
Alternatives: Allow densities to be determined by the
amount of land required to receive a septic tank permit.
Policy: The policy shall be to allow septic tank
requirements determine development densities.
Strategies: Implementation shall occur by supporting the
septic tank permitting program of the Bertie County
Environmental Health Department.
S. Redevelopment of Developed Areas
Applicability: The Town of Powellsville has, or could
have, housing and vacated buildings that could be
rehabilitated for reuse, Community Development Block
Grants (CDBG) were used in the past and can be
considered in the future.
39

' Alternatives: Alternatives include continuing to pursue
,grants to rehabilitate depressed areas; demolish dilapidated
' buildings; reuse of vacated buildings.
Policy: Town policy shall be to rehabilitate substandard
housing and vacated buildings and upgrade local services.
Strategy: The Town will continue to pursue grant funding
to address the community development needs.
6. Commitment to State and Federal Programs
Alternatives: The Town of Powellsville supports State
' and Federal programs, which improve the quality of life for
its residents. Town officials are concerned about the lack
of funding to implement these programs. Unfunded
mandates put a hardship on a small town like Powellsville.
Alternatives: The alternatives are to encourage State and
Federal governments to give financial support for
mandates; totally disregard all unfunded mandates.
Policy: Powellsville will support all State and Federal
programs, especially those that improve the quality of life
t for its citizens.
Strategy: Voice concerns to State officials about unfunded
mandates.
7. Assistance to Channel Maintenance and Beach Re -
nourishment Projects
Applicability: DOES NOT APPLY
8. Energy Facility Siting and Development
Applicability: The location of energy facilities are
' regulated by State agencies. Powellsville is an inland
community therefore offshore exploration is not an issue for
' the Town.
Alternative: Alternatives may include amending the
Zoning Ordinance so that a generating plant is not allowed
' at all; or developing land use regulations restricting
generating plants.
Policy: The Town will encourage the location of
generating plants only in appropriate areas.
39

' Strategy: Support the location of generating plants in
rural, sparsely populated areas.
9. Tourism
Applicability: Powellsville itself is not a destination for
tourists. However, many tourists pass through Powellsville
on their way to either Virginia or the North Carolina
' beaches. Tourists also pass through to view the region -
wide Historic Albemarle Tour program which encompasses
eighteen counties in eastern North Carolina.
Alternatives: The Town could support the efforts of the
Historic Albemarle Tour program
' Policy: Continue the current level of support for the
Historical Albemarle Tour program
Strategy: Implementation shall occur by making literature
' about the Historical Albemarle Tour available at Town
Hall.
10. Coastal and Estuarine Water Beach Access
' Applicability: DOES NOT APPLY
D. STORM HAZARD MITIGATION, POST DISASTER
' RECOVERY AND EVACUATION PLANS
' North Carolina is well known for the hurricanes and tropical
storms that batter its coastline and the tornadoes that ravage inland
areas, along with ice storms that shut down entire cities. Typically, the
' bulk of hurricane storm damage occurs in coastal areas and Bertie
County is not considered one of the 13 coastal counties at greatest risk.
' The most recent hurricanes of 1996 (Bertha, Fran, and Josephine) did
not cause any damage in Powellsville. However, hurricanes and tropical
storms can cause severe damage to inland areas as well. Thus, inland
counties and their local municipalities must effectively plan for storm
hazards. This section summarizes the actions Bertie County and the
' Town of Powellsville have undertaken to protect residents and resources
from the damaging effects of hurricanes and other major storm events.
Hazard Areas
40

' The Powellsville area has no major creeks or rivers, or floodplain
areas as identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) that will pose a threat during a major storm event. Powellsville
has no Areas of Environmental Concern. High winds pose the greatest
storm threat in the Powellsville area. Falling trees and blowing debris could
' severely damage property and threaten human safety. Heavy rains also
pose risks. Although there are no official FEMA mapped floodplain areas
' within the community, drainage ditches have been dug throughout most of
the Town and there are several low-lying areas where water collects during
' normal rains. The heavy rain encountered with a major storm event will
quickly fill drainage channels and low spots, and localized areas of flooding
are likely to develop.
Evacuation and Reconstruction
Bertie County adopted an Emergency Operation Plan in 1994.
Powellsville is under the jurisdiction of this Plan. The Bertie County Plan is
' fairly broad in scope, covering man-made, as well as natural disasters.
' The County's Emergency Management Coordinator has the
responsibility of developing and conducting exercises to test the evacuation
plan and will coordinate the action of local emergency services and
' operations during a storm event. The County has five designated
emergency shelters. Powellsville residents would be directed to the
' Colerain Elementary School in the event of an emergency.
When damages are experienced, reentry will be based upon damage
' assessments and any response operations in progress. The County Tax
Supervisor is to serve as County Damage Assessment Officer and carry out
' the County's Damage Assessment Plan. Should damage from a storm be
especially severe, the County has the authority to impose a temporary
moratorium on all development in the area. Such a measure would be used
1 only if damage to a particular area is very serious and if redevelopment of
the area in the same manner would leave residents with similar health and
1 safety problems in the future. Recovery operations will be in accordance
with Section Q of the Bertie County Emergency Operation Plan. After
' emergency operations to restore public health and safety and initial damage
assessment are completed, the Powellsville Town Council will assume
responsibility for ensuring orderly repair and rebuilding in the Town. The
41

L
n
D
Town advocates the following schedule for staging and permitting repairs
and construction in Powellsville: first priority, replacement of essential
services such as power, water, telephone, and roadways; second priority,
major repairs; third priority, minor repairs; fourth priority, new
development. All repairs and new development will be in conformance
with applicable State and local development controls including the State
Building Code and the Town's Zoning Ordinance. Development outside of
Town in flood prone areas must comply with the County Floodplain
Ordinance.
Mitigation
Powellsville has no low lying areas associated with local tributaries.
The greatest potential for storm damage would be flooding due to heavy
rains, not the rising of a tributary. Powellsville already has a drainage
problem that occurs during heavy rain periods.
Coordinating Agencies
The State and Federal agencies involved in coordinating local storm
hazard mitigation and hurricane preparedness activities are listed at the end
of this section in Appendix 1.
Policy Statements
The Town acknowledges that the Powellsville area is subject to
storms that threaten the health, safety, and welfare of its residents and the
integrity of its natural and cultural resources. In an effort to plan for such
natural storm disasters and to safeguard local residents, resources, and
property, the Town has adopted the following storm hazard policy
objectives.
1. Reduce the potential for loss of lives and property through regulatory
controls.
a. Enforce the State Building Code in all new construction.
b. Enforce the Housing Code.
1
42

' 2. Increase public awareness of the need for hurricane preparation.
'
a. Support the "preparedness" program the County Office of
Emergency Management conducts in local schools.
'
b. Participate in practice and drill exercises sponsored by the Office
Emergency Management.
of
'
E. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The preparation of Powellsville's Land Use Plan was the
'
responsibility of the Powellsville Planning Board. The Planning Board, a
five -member group appointed by the Town Council, represents a wide
'
range of ages, backgrounds and interests. A workshop session
introducing Board members to the planning process was held in October
'
of 1997.
At the first meeting, the Planning Board agreed that soliciting
'
public input would be an important goal of the planning process. In
1997 the Planning Board prepared a citizen questionnaire and the
'
Planning Board personally attempted to encourage public participation
by distributing the survey themselves. The Planning Board and Town
Council will be the primary groups through which input will be
accepted, as the planning program continues over the next five years.
'
The Planning Board will continue to meet as needed to assist the
Council in implementing the strategies for attaining policy objectives on
'
resource protection, production, and economic and community
development proposed in the 1998 Land Use Plan. Following the
example of the current planning program, soliciting public input will be a
'
primary goal of all future planning endeavors.
F. CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
ssues
1. Public Education on Plannin Issues
'
Applicability: Public Participation is an important element of the
Planning process. Because Powellsville's planning process is
'
ongoing, it is the responsibility of the Council to keep its citizens
well informed.
43

Alternatives: All Planning Board meetings are open to the
general public and provide the opportunity for public involvement.
Meetings are publicized in the local newspaper.
Policy: During this update process, citizen input was requested
by a citizens' survey. The citizen opinion questionnaire and its
results follow this section in Appendix 2.
2. Continued Public Participation in Planning
Applicability: Continuing public participation in the planning
process is desired but sometimes difficult to inspire in
Powellsville. Except when faced with controversial issues,
citizens are generally content with land use policies in the Town,
and will not routinely participate.
Alternatives: The Planning Board could place news items in the
local newspaper concerning each Planning Board meeting
Policy: The policy shall be to make regular efforts to draw more
public participation.
Strategy: Advertise meetings in local newspaper
3. Method of Obtaining Citizen Input
Applicability: During this plan update, several efforts were
made to obtain citizen input. Response was average. A citizen
survey was distributed around Town. The responses were good
based on the size of the Town.
Alternatives: The Town could continue its public information
campaign efforts. Openness to public comment and
reasonableness of effort may be the best we can hope for when
dealing with the issue of public input.
Policy: Powellsville shall respect and encourage the inputs of its
citizens on planning issues that are presented to the Boards.
Strategy: Encourage citizens to participate in planning issues,
and attend planning board meeting.
44

VIII. LAND CLASSIFICATION
' A. PURPOSE
Powellsville has adopted a system of Land Classification and an
official Land Classification Map (Map 2) to assist local officials in
' attaining policy objectives in the areas of resources protection and
production, and economic and community development. Seven broad
' categories of Land Classification have been developed for use by local
governments in the update process to be delineated on the Town's Map
of Land Classification. The Map sets out a proposed development
' pattern for the Powellsville planning area. Based on this classification
scheme, the Town has designated areas it believes are appropriate to
' accommodate additional growth and development, and areas it believes
would be better left in rural condition. The classifications reflect
proposed future land development uses and attempt to link land use,
' policy objectives, and implementation actions.
' Note that although the Town currently has not officially adopted
an extraterritorial jurisdiction, local officials have chosen to classify land
up to one-half mile outside of Town according to the local classification
scheme. The Town takes this position strictly as a statement of
preference but understands that policies stated in this plan have no
' validity outside their legally defined corporate boundaries at this time.
B. CLASSIFICATION SCHEME
The Town's Land Classification scheme is based on the
'
guidelines for land classification outlined in the Coastal Area
Management Act's Land Use Planning Guidelines. Of the seven
possible classification, only four apply to the Town of Powellsville
Planning Area. The general characteristics of each classification are
outlined in Appendix 3.
1. Developed
'
The Developed Class encompasses much of the land within the
corporate limits of the Town. This classification represents the
t
45

existing and proposed development pattern for the community. All
properties within the Town Limits are currently served with public
'
water. Garbage collection, police and fire protection, and all local
public administrative services are also provided in the Developed
'
area. The Town would prefer that new development occur in Town
rather than outside of the Town Limits. Classifying all areas in the
Town, as developed the Town is intending to facilitate this type of
'
development. The only areas in the Town Limits that are not
classified as developed are lands north of HWY NC 42. These areas
'
are currently undeveloped, in woodland or agriculture uses. These
lands Transition the Land Classification Map.
appear as on
'
2. Urban Transition
Transition areas adjoin the Developed area and delineate areas of
existing or anticipated high density development outside of the
Towds corporate limits. The Town is currently planning an
extension of its water lines to serve residential areas along SR 1321.
'
n L Classification Ma Transition areas
As shown o the and p,
adjoin the major thoroughfares entering and leaving Town-- along
HWY. 13, NC 42 and SR 1321. Scattered development has already
occurred in these areas. A mix of commercial and residential
'
development is expected to occur along US 13, and residential
development is anticipated along NC 42 and SR 1321.
3. Limited Transition
No areas have been designated as Limited Transition in the
Powellsville Planning area.
'
4. Community
No areas have been designated as Community in the Powellsville
Planning area.
5. Rural
'
No areas have been designated as Rural in the Powellsville
Planning area.
46

6. Rural with Services
The Rural with Services Class encompasses most of the land
'
outside the Town Limits. These areas have scattered residential
development, farmland and woodland. The Town supports the use of
this land as agriculture and low -density residential use.
7. Conservation
The Conservation Class designates areas in the Powellsville
planning area the Town believes should be kept in a natural
condition. There are few places in the Powellsville area where
natural hazards occur. According to the maps provided by the
Division of Coastal Management, there are no.designated wetlands in
'
the Town of Powellsville. Town officials believe that there is land
just north of the Town Limits that would fall into this Conservation
Class. This low-lying area is less than 18 feet above sea level. This
area is wet at certain times of the year and would be subject to
flooding in times of heavy rain. Development in this area poses
'
hazards to developers and to the environment and so the area has
been designated Conservation on the Town's Map of Land
Classification.
C. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION
1
The Towns Land Classification Map has been designed to guide
the actions of private developers and public agencies at all levels of
government, in activities affecting land development in the Powellsville
area. It is hoped that the objectives set forth in the Towns Land Use
Plan will enhance the land use goals of neighboring communities, the
County, and the coastal region as a whole. The Town will work with the
'
various public groups noted in this plan to ensure that the planning
objectives and policy actions adopted as part of this plan will be
implemented as the Town develops over the next five years.
D. RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES TO LAND CLASSIFICATION
1
All development which occurs within the Powellsville Planning
'
Area is subject to the local zoning regulations and State Building Code
enforced for the Town by the Bertie County Inspections Office, as well
as other local ordinances. So to some extent, we could say that all
47

policies in all classification areas are controlled by local enforcement
efforts. Such a statement points out what an essential land use
component the Zoning Ordinance can be in smallcommunities, as well
as the importance of keeping the ordinance and map updated to reflect
current conditions and philosophies.
Policies to support and control development in the Developed and
Urban Transition classes primarily rely on enforcement of local
ordinances and management of local initiatives for implementation.
There is also support for the State and Federal programs which can
provide infrastructure, economic development, public access or
improved housing conditions in areas with these classifications.
48

APPENDIX 1
AGENCIES COORDINATING STORM PREPAREDNESS
North Carolina Division Of Coastal Mana a ment
State Office: Division of Coastal Management
Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources
P.O. Box 27687
Raleigh, North Carolina 27611
[phone]
Field Office: Division of Coastal Management
Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources
1424 Carolina Avenue
Washington, North Carolina 27889
[phone]
'
North Carolina Division Of Emergency Management
State Office: Division of Emergency Management
Department of Crime Control and Public Safety
116 West Jones Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27611
[phone]
Regional Office: Area Emergency Management Coordinator
Management
NC Division of Emergency
P.O. Box 424
Winton, North Carolina 27986
[phone]
Management A
Federal Emergency e ncy
National Office: Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C Street, SW
Washington, DC 20472
Public Information: [phone]
Publications: [phone]
1
49

Regional Office: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Region IV
1375 Peachtree Street, NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
Public Information:
Disaster Assistance Program:
Flood Insurance Program:
[phone]
[phone]
[phone]
50

I APPENDIX 2
PUBLIC SURVEY RESULTS,
The Town of Powellsville distributed the following survey throughout
' the Town for citizen input. A weighted scoring of responses was utilized to
rank the issues, but so few responses were received that the result are not
considered highly relevant.
Ranidngs:
3 pts = High Priority 2 pts = Medium Priority
1 pt = Low Priority 0 pts = Unimportant now
RANK
ISSUE SCORE
1
Ensure safe and adequate drinking supply
50
'
2
Improve existing housing conditions
49
3
Promote services and facilities for the elderly
48
4
Expand cultural and recreational facilities
46
5
Improve storm drainage
45
6
Improve solid waste management/recycling efforts
44
7
Protect and Maintain air quality
38
7
Recruit only non-polluting industry
38
9
Improve pedestrian walkways throughout Town
37
'
10
Promote new residential development inside Town limits
35
11
Restrict livestock operations such as hog and poultry
11
operations
Encourage development of shopping centers or other commercial
32
use along major roadways
32
13
Promote Historic Preservation
31
14
Execute the Towds one -mile extraterritorial jurisdiction
30
14
Protect prime farmland from conversion to uses such as
sub -divisions or commercial uses
30
14
Recruit any kind of industry
30
17
Limit development near wetlands/areas of environmental
'
concern
28
51

I APPENDIX 3
I LAND CLASSIFICATION
DEVELOPED Areas meeting the intent of the Developed
' classification are currently urban where minimal
undeveloped land remains, and have in place the
usual municipal or public services. Urban in
character includes mixed land uses, i.e., residential,
commercial, industrial, institutional and other uses at
high to moderate densities.
URBAN Areas meeting the intent of the urban transition
TRANSITION classification are presently being developed for
urban purposes or will be developed within the next
' five to ten years, going from lower intensity uses to
higher intensity uses and as such will eventually
require urban services. Examples include lands
within municipal extraterritorial planning boundaries
and areas being considered for annexation.
LIMITED Areas meeting the intent of the limited transition
TRANSITION classification will experience increased development
during the planning period. They will be in a state of
development necessitating some municipal type
services, will provide controlled low density
residential development on lands with physical
limitations for development or areas near valuable
estuarine waters or other fragile natural systems.
' COMMUNITY Areas meeting the community classification are
presently developed at low densities suitable for
' private septic tank use, clustered residential and for
commercial land uses, and provide a local social
sense of "community" in a rural landscape.
52

I
RURAL Areas meeting the intent of this classification are
appropriate for or presently used for agriculture,
forestry, mineral extraction, and other uses, that due
to their hazardous or noxious nature, should be
located in a relatively isolated and undeveloped area.
Population densities will be very low.
RURAL WITH Areas meeting the intent of this classification are
SERVICES appropriate for very low intensity residential uses
where lot size is large and where the provision of
services will not disrupt the primary rural character
of the landscape, most development is supported by
a closed water system to avert a known or
anticipated health problem in a predominantly larger
agrarian region.
CONSERVATION Areas meeting the intent of the conservation
classification include Areas of Environmental
Concern such as public trust waters, estuarine
waters, coastal wetlands, etc. as identified in 15
NCAC 7H, other similar lands, environmentally
significant because of their natural role in the
integrity of the coastal region.
53

Town of Powellsville
Existing Land Classification, 1998
030102MOS0011
U Dlyr HY*U00icd
Land Classification
Conservation
Developed
Rural
Transition
U
Map 2
14 Digit Hydrological Unit
The preparation of this map was financed in part through
a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Zone 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, MID�EA3T
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
1000 0 1000 2000 Feet
55