Initial Land Use Plan-1988

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1988
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PROPERTY OF
DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT
1; PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE

TOWN OF POWELLSVILLE
I N I T I A L L A N D U S E P L A N
1988
Adopted by the Powellsville Town Council, January 17, 1989.
Certified by the Coastal Resources Commission January 27,,1989.
Prepared for:
Powellsville Town Council
Thomas Asbell
Carl Castello
Ernest Carter, Jr.
Wade Watkins, Jr., Mayor
J.C. Hoggard, Clerk
Prepared by:
Powellsville Land Use Advisory Committee
Rosemarie Asbell
Don Coley
C.D. Hoggard
J.D. Jones
Mildred Lassiter
Jim Waters
Planning assistance provided by:
Mid -East Commission
1 Harding Square
Washington, North Carolina 27889
[phone]
Libby Anderson, Planner -in -Charge
Preparation financed in Dart b
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.

CONTENTS
I.
II.
TOWN OF POWELLSVILLE
INITIAL LAND USE PLAN
1988
BACKGROUND
PAGE
A.
Population ...................................
3
B.
Housing ................................... ,
6
C.
Economy and Income ........................
7
LAND
USE
A.
Existing Conditions ..........................
9
B.
Land Use Concerns.'.......... .................
it
C.
Development Controls.... o ....... o ............
13
D.
Development Constraints ......................
16
POLICY OBJECTIVES AND IMPLEMENTATION
A.
Resource Protection.. . .......... ...........
25
B.
Resource Production and Management...........
29
C.
Economic and Community Development...........
32
D.
Storm Hazards.... o ...........................
37
E.
Public Participation ...........................
42
PftAZ 0Z0yffT—"*:AOW * ce)Z1
A. Purpose ...................................... 45
B. Classification Scheme ........................ 46
C. Zoning Regulations......... ......... 49
D. Intergovernmental Coordination ................ 49
Bibliography
Appendix A - State and Federal Regulatory Devices
Appendix B - Agencies Coordinating Storm Preparedness
Appendix C - Schedule and Subject of Meetings
i

I
04
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
LISTING OF TABLES
PAGE
Regional Population ............................... 8.1
Population Density 1984........................... 8.1
County Population: ........... 0 ... 0 .......... 8.2
Population Age Structure. ..... o ..... o ........ o .... 8.2
Housing Characteristics 1980. ...................... 8.3
Bertie County Employment 1980. .................... 8.3
Labor.Force....................................... 8.4
Per Capita Income 1984......................... .. 8.4
Powellsville Area Soil Characteristics............ 24.1
Future Regional Population ........................ 24.1
School Enrollment ................... .............. 24.2
County Population Age Structure 1987-1995......:.. 24.2
ii

LISTING OF ILLUSTRATIONS
PAGE
FIGURE 1 North Carolina Counties ...................... 8.5
2 Bertie County Land Use...... .................. 8.6
3 Regional Population 1980-1987............. 8.7
4 Per Capita Income 1970-1986.................. 8.8
MAP 1
2
3
Existing Land Use ............................. 24.4
Powellsville Soils Map ........................ 24.5
Land Classification .......................... 50.1
iii

A
E
1
r
TOWN OF POWELLSVILLE
Initial Land Use Plan
1988
I. BACKGROUND
Powellsville is located in the north central portion of
Bertie County (Figure 1). 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
mean sea level. The land slopes away gently on all sides of this
plateau to form a ring of swampland and intermittent wetlands
around 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 Gray's Landing, Windsor developed as a small port
community on the Cashie River. Winton, on the banks of the'
1

E
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 functioned as major trade routes in the
area. At the intersection of these roads, Wright Powell built
the Town's first house and opened it 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 was said to be
the largest in the area, carrying everything from "soap to
saddles." The old Britton building still stands today,. across
the road from its original location. It is currently used as a
furniture warehouse. Mr. Britton is said to have been one of the
wealthiest men in Bertie County at the time, owning several farms

3
~ 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.
Britton'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 then it did when the railroad
was the focus of community life.
A. Population
Powellsville is one of eight incorporated communities
in Bertie County. The County itself occupies about 700
square miles of northeastern Coastal North Carolina. It is
one of the State's largest rural counties. Together, farm
and forestland account for 92% of all land in the -County.
Most of this acreage is forestland (309,100 acres,,,70% of
total, Figure 2). Urban and built-up areas account for 3%
of all land in the County. Scattered areas of developed
land account for about 18,000 acres or 4% of all land in the
County.

4
Bertie County is part of a five -county planning region
comprised of Beaufort, Bertie, Hertford, Martin, and Pitt
Counties. Bertie is the smallest of the five counties in
terms of total population and also;. population density
(Tables 2 and 1, respectively). In 1987, Bertie County's
population was estimated to be about 21,500 persons --about
half the population of Beaufort County and about one -quarter
the population of urbanized Pitt County. Although Hertford
and Martin Counties are only slightly larger in total
population, population density in these counties is much
greater. Hertford and Martin Counties rank 65th and 58th in
the State in terms of population density (Table 1); Bertie
County ranks 92nd.
Bertie County has grown over the last two decades but
growth has been very slow. Between 1970 and 1987, the
County grew by just .4.7%. Rural Hertford and Martin
Counties have experienced a similar pattern of very slow
growth (Figure 3). Rural Hertford and Martin Counties
have experienced a similar pattern of very slow growth
(Figure 3). In contrast, the more urbanized counties of
.Beaufort and Pitt have experienced a much greater rate
of growth. Between 1980 and 1987, Beaufort County grew by
r
over 12% and Pitt County by almost 18%.

-11
Y
5
Powellsville itself had 247 residents in 1986. It is
one of the smallest towns in Bertie County. In 1986,
Powellsville was half the size of Lewiston -Woodville, one-
third the size of Aulander, and about one -tenth the size of
Windsor, the county seat.
The Town has a fairly elderly population. In. 1980,
one of every five persons in the Town (20%), was 65 years of
age or older and almost one in every three persons was
between 45 and 64 years of age. Countywide in that same
year, only 13% of the population was 65 or older and only
21% was between 45 and 64 years. Currently (1987), 14% of
the County's population is 65 or older, compared with 12%
statewide.
The Town is not subject to seasonal changes in
population. Tourists visiting the area are generally day or
overnight visitors. The County has two major north -south
interstate routes and most tourism -related expenditures
($581,000 in 1986) are generated by motel, gasoline, and
restaurant operations.

C
B. Housing
The Town's 1980 population was housed among about 140
dwelling units (Table 5). About 2.3 persons reside in every
household, a slightly lower figure than the average for the
County as a whole, where 3 persons occupy every household.
Local officials estimate that 15 new dwellings have been
erected in Powellsville since 1980. Most of these have been
mobile homes brought into the community between 1980 and
1985. The County did not start tracking building permits
until July 1985, and according to the County Building
Inspector, no building permits have been issued in
Powellsville since that time.
Single -person households account for over 30%_of all
households in the Town. Typically these households are
elderly persons living alone, making this household
composition consistent with the age.structure of the Town's
population. Ninety percent of all units in Town are single-
family units, compared to 78% region -wide. Sixteen percent
of all units are renter occupied, a slightly lower
percentage than for the County as a whole but about average
for the region.

M
7
C. Economy and Income
About one -in -three employed persons in the County are
working in manufacturing operations (Table 6). Wholesale
and retail trade enterprises employ 13% of all County
residents. Although farming and forestry is the
predominate land use in the area, only 11% of residents in
1980 listed employment in farming, forestry, fisheries, or
mining operations. The remaining 43% are employed in a
variety of fields, such as, education, construction, public
sector, etc.
1 In 1986, the County's labor force was comprised of
about 10,000 persons. The unemployment rate in 1986 was
6.1%, the second lowest in the five -county region (Table 7),
and only slightly higher than the State rate of 5.3%.
Although employment has risen since 1980, per capita income
in the County continues to lag behind the regional and
statewide average (Table 8, and Figure 4). Local per capita
income has continued to grow however, and between 1980 and
1986, on a percentage basis, per capita income in Bertie
County increased to a greater extent than any county in the
region and at a greater rate than found statewide.
Perdue Farms is the largest employer in Bertie County.
The Perdue operation:, a chicken processing plant, is located
in northwestern Bertie County, about* three miles south of

r
8
Kelford. Many local residents travel to Perdue to work, or
into northern Hertford County to work at Carolina Aluminum.
Some workers even travel into Tidewater Virginia to find
employment at the shipyards located in the Norfolk area.
Implications
Powellsville does not face most of the serious land use
issues which confront many other communities in the coastal North
Carolina. The Powellsville area does not serve as a destination
for vacationers, nor is it a popular area for second homes.
Powellsville is an inland community, and so coastal issues such
as encroachment into .maritime forests, off -road vehicle use,
encroachment into coastal dune fields, channel maintenance and
beach nourishment, and marinas and floating homes are not
important issues in the community. Nonetheless, the Town
realizes the importance of land use planning. The Town welcomes
new growth yet wishes to preserve those environmental and social
characteristics that make Powellsville an attractive place to
live. Preparation of this, the Town Is first land use plan is a
first important step in'that direction.

8.1
M
Table 1
REGIONAL POPULATION
Change
Change
County
--------------------------------------------------------------------
1970
1980
1987
70-80
80-87
Beaufort
35,980
40,355
45,393
12.2%
12.5%
BERTIE
20,528
21,024
21,554
2.4%
2.5%
Hertford
23,529
23,368
24,409
-0.7%
4..5%
Martin'
24,730
25,948
26,351
4.9%
1.6%
Pitt
-----------------------------------------------------------------
73,900
83,651
98,634
13.2%
17.9%
Region
--------------------------------------------------------------------
178,667
194,346
216,341
8.8%
11.3%
--------------------------------------------------------------------
State
5,082,059
5,881,766
6,253,951
15.7%
6.3%
Source: N.C. Office of State Budget and Management
Table 2
POPULATION DENSITY
1984
--------------------------------------
county
Density
State
Ranking
--------------------------------------
Beaufort
51.7
71
BERTIE
30.5
92
Hertford
58.1
65
Martin
66.9
58
Pitt
145.4
29
--------------------------------------
State average
--------------------------------------
--------------------------------------
126.2
-
note: density in persons per square mile
Source: N.C. Office of State Budget and Management

8.2
ti
r
Table 3
COUNTY POPULATION
Change
Change
Town
1970
1980
1986
70-80
.80-86
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Askewville
247
227
247
-8.1%
8.8%
Aulander
947
1,214
947
28.2%
-22.0%
Colerain
373
284
373
-23.9%
31.3%
Kelford
295
254
295
-13.9%
16.1%
Lewstn-Woodvll
580
671
580
15.7%
-13.6%
POWELLSVILLE
247
320
247
29.6%
-22.8%
Roxobel
347
278
347
-19.9%
24.8%
Windsor
-------------------------------=------------------------------------
2,199
2,126
2,199
-3.3%
3.4%
Unincorp. area
17,492
17,776
18,305
1.6%
3.-0%
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Total County
20,528
21,024
21,341
2.4%
1.5%
source: N.C. Office of State Budget and Management
Table 4
POPULATION AGE
STRUCTURE
---------------------------------------------------------
Powellsville
Bertie
County
Age Cohort
---------------------------------------------------------
1980
Percent
1980
Percent
0-4 years
15
4.7%
1,582
7.5%
5-19 years
66
20.6%
5,836
27.8%
20-44 years
81
25.3%
6,480
30.8%
45-64 years
93
29.1%
4,427
21.1%
65 and older
---------------------------------------------------------
65
20.3%
2,699
12.8%
Total
320
100.0%
21,024
100.0%
Source: N.C. Office of State Budget and Management

8.3
Table 5
HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS 1980
••--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Powellsville
Bertie
County
Region
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total households
139
-
6,897
-
67,462
-
Single-person:hshlds
46
33.1%
1,378
20.0%
14,083
20.9%
Total housing units
154
-
7,739
-
73,810
-
Single-family units
135
87.7%
6,509
84.1%
571,853
78.4%
Vacant units
15
9.7%
842
10.9%
6,348
8.6%
Renter Occupied
22
15.8%
1,971
28.6%
23,782
32.2%
Units w/out plumbing
21
13.6%
1,584
20.5%
7,722
10.5%
Persons/household
2.3
•-
3.0
-
3.0
-
Median value unit
$20,000
-
$23,200
-
-
-
Mean rent
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
$60
-
$64
-
-
-
Source: U.S. Census
Table 6
BERTIE COUNTY EMPLOYMENT 1980
-----------------------------------------------------------
• Number of
% Total
State
Employment Sector
Employees
Employment
%
-----------------------------------------------------------
M anufacturing
2,998
32.4%
32.0%
Wholesale & Retail Trade
1,189
12.9%
18.0%
Agriculture, Forestry,
1,038
11.2%
3.6%
Fisheries, Mining
Educational Services
616
6.7%
8.3%
Construction
428
4.6%
6.1%
Health Services
274
3.0%
'6.0%
Public Administration
269
2.9%
4.0%
Finance, Insurance,
298
3.2%
6.9%
Real Estate
Trans., Communications
198
2.1%
6.0%
Personal, Entertainment,
242
2.6%
3.7%
Recreational Services
Other Professional and
184
2.0%
3.2%
Related Services
Unemployed
758
Not Reported
748
8.1%
2.3%
z----------------------------------------------------------
Total
9,240
100.0%
100.0%
Source: N.C. Statistical Abstract, Fifth Edition, 1984

8.4
Table 7
LABOR FORCE
----------------------------------------------------------
"
1980
1986
Labor
% Not
Labor
% Not
County
Force
Emplyed
Force
Emplyed
----------------------------------------------------------
Beaufort
20,760
5.6%.
19,490
8.3%
BERTIE
9,240
8.2%
10,000
6.1%
Hertford
12,330
7.9%
9,670
7.8%
Martin
12,270
7.8%
11,110
7.1%
Pitt
----------------------------------------------------------
45,560
6.7%
51,730
4.3%
Region
----------------------------------------------------------
100,160
7.2%
102,000
6.7%
----------------------------------------------------------
State
2,856,000
6.5%
3,194,000
-
5.3%
Source: N.C. Office of State Budget and Management,
updated by Employment Security Commission
Table 8
PER CAPITA INCOME 1980-1986
Per Capita Income ($)
Change
County
1980
1986
80-86
-------------------------------------------------
Beaufort
7,488
10,006
-
33.6%
BERTIE
6,012
9,675
60.9%
Hertford
6,563
9,494
44.7%
Martin
6,918
10,321
49.2%
Pitt
.7,473
11,604
55.3%
-------------------------------------------------
State average
7,999
12,438
55.5%
Source: N.C. Office of State Budget and Management

L
Figure 1 �,iJq GAuiander OPowellsvlile
(I Roxobel Coleraln• '
•lfo Kerd
7 \ �l
• • � Lewiston— ASKEWILLE � �
N. C. Counties W°odvllie • !
BE TIE.
•� Windsor • ��
j �Wer
�t vet /
T4 co
ASNL ALLII [G/IANY SURRY STOK[S OCICHNONACASWELL IFIRSON OKAN- ARR[N MOR AY/TON 4•TLJ
MILLI •NC CVRNIIU{{�CK
All/A LRilOR9
IOA WILRp
IONSYTh IUIL[ORD ALA RAM IOU]
NUNCONN( NeDOWSLL ""^—" AONNETON
HAYWOOD
LI[ RLLNI
RUTN[RTORD \INCOLM WAIN(
CANARRVS YONT- YOORL NARr[Ti
ON N[NO[N ON
GAS1011 STANLY GON[Nf 1
plK llMO1R CRAV[N
RANSY l[V[LAN
MANIA SAMPSON YAYL•CO
lCKLLMNYN HOME CJYN[RLANO
YNIOM ANSON ICNYON DU►lIM AONU
ONSLOW
O ARiLRII
►ANO 04113016 NLAD[N
T(NOLR
COLUNNUt
lw
AN Ift
RUMtWIC

Figure 2
Bertie County Land Use
Estimated for 1988
Urban (3.0%)
Drier l An%pnlnnerl /d_ 10l_'N
.0rop/pasture (22.8%)
w
CYN
Forest (7(
Source: Office of State Budget and Management

.
Figure
Regional Population
1960-1987
110
100
Pitt
90
80
e-.
C 0
70
O •0
++ C
N
a�
60
O °
�
a. ~•
50
Beaufort
40
30
MM_
Herrtiord
20
B ERTI E
10
1960
1970 1980
1987
Year
Source:
Office of State Budget and Management

13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
3
2
1
D
FIGURE 4
Per Capita Income
1976-86
STATE
$12,438
BERTIE
-0 COUNTY
$9,675
1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 J1981' 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986
Year
SOURCE; Office of State Budget and Management.
P
co

9
II. LAND USE
A. Existing Conditions
The Town limits encompass an area of approximately .3
square miles. The Town unofficially does practice
extraterritorial planning authority. The Powellsville town
limits form almost a. perfect rectangle. North Carolina
highway 42. bisects the community in one direction;- State
Route 1321 bisects it in the opposite direction. As shown
on the Map of Existing Land Use, about half of all land
within the Town limits has been developed. Although the
Town had an active downtown commercial area at one time,
Powellsville is now largely residential in nature. Most of
the residences in the Town are single-family dwellings; most
are frame structures, although there are also a number of
mobile homes.
Although commercial, activity has declii,ed in
Powellsville since the time when the community was a
railroad town, several commercial uses and commercial
buildings remain. In the downtown area, there is one food
store, a small convenience store, and an antiques store. On
N.C. 42 on the eastern side of Town is a funeral home, a
cafe, and a building (now vacant) which once held a dry
cleaner. At the intersection of N.C. 42 and U.S. 13, just
outside the Town limits, is an active gas station/
convenience store.

10
Institutional uses include the Town Hall and Fire
Station, the Post Office, the community center, and two
churches. Most areas outside of Town have remained fairly
undeveloped. Much of the area has been cleared for
agriculture, leaving pockets of woodland between open
agricultural land. Residential uses are found scattered
along existing roadways, particularly along U.S. 13 west of
the existing Town limits and along N.C. 42 east of Town.

11
B. Land Use Concerns
The Town has three major land use concerns. A first
concern is the condition of several downtown buildings. At
least two commercial buildings are currently vacant; several
others are not in active use and in both cases, the
buildings are not being maintained. Local residents are
concerned that the appearance of these buildings gives
visitors a negative image of the community. There are also
two dilapidated tobacco barns not far from the center of
Town. Residents are concerned over these structures for
several reasons. In' addition to being aesthetically
unattractive, the area has become a gathering place for
vagrants. Moreover the barns, which have not been used in a
number of years, are occupying a large area close to the
center of Town. Local officials believe this land could
appropriately be put to a higher and better use.
A second concern of local residents is the development
of locally inappropriate land uses. The example local
officials give is the expansion of an auto repair shop into
what appears to be a small junkyard. The enterprise is
located on U.S. 13, just outside the Town limits. While not
Concerned with the use per se, local officials feel the
location of the junkyard (at the major entrance to the
Town), in combination with its current (unattractive)

12
appearance, creates a negative community image. These
concerns have prompted the Town to draft a zoning ordinance
in conjunction with the initial land use plan.
Finally, the Town is concerned with maintaining,a mix
of land uses in the community. Powellsville currently has
no major industrial or commercial enterprises. Structures
which once housed industrial or commercial uses now lie
vacant; many have been demolished. Powellsville has -become
largely a bedroom and retirement community. The Town would
like to see one or more significant employers locate in the
area --to employ local residents and in turn, to bring new
residents to Powellsville.

13
C. Development Controls
1. Regulatory Controls
The Town has few local controls in place to control
land development. Development has been very slow over the
past decade. However, some of the development that has
occurred in recent years has raised concerns among local
residents and elected officials. Thus, the Town is
currently in the process of developing a zoning ordinance.
Subdivision controls do not appear necessary at this time,
especially since the Town does not officially practice
extraterritorial planning authority. The Town has not been
mapped by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and as a
result, no floodplain regulations are in effect. The Bertie
County Building Inspector enforces the N.C. State Building
Code. The Town has considered adopting a housing code to
facilitate improvement or demolition of deteriorated
structures. The Bertie County Health Department enforces
State regulations for the siting and installation of septic
tanks. The Town has no historic district or historic
district regulations, nor has it adopted a noise or nuisance
ordinance.
Additional State and Federal regulations that control
land use and development are listed in Appendix A.

14
2. Development Plans
The State Transportation Improvement Program does not
list any major highway programs in the Powellsville area as
occurring in the next several years.
The Town has not .officially adopted a Capital Improve-
ments Plan however the Town financed and constructed a
public water system several years ago. The Town applied for
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding in the
early 1980s, but was not successful in securing funding for
needed housing improvements. The Town is currently applying
for a Development .Planning grant so that accurate data can
be gathered and. compiled to prepare a competitive CDBG
application. The Town currently has no official recreation
plan however the Beautification Committee has obtained use
of a parcel of land on which it would like to develop a
community park. It is likely the Town will seek technical
and funding assistance for planning and construction.of this
much needed community facility.
Until this, the Powellsville 1988 Initial Land Use Plan
was prepared, land development in the Town was under the
direction of the Bertie County CAMA Land Use Plan. Other
plans potentially affecting development in the Powellsville
area include the Bertie County Disaster Relief and
Assistance Plan. This plan will. guide activity before,

15
during, and after a major natural disaster should such an
event strike Powellsville or the Bertie County area.
3. Development Policies
The Town has no official utilities extension policy;
however, local officials will work with any new residential
or industrial use to extend water service outside of Town.

OR
D. Development Constraints
1. Land Suitability
Development constraints can be classified into one of
three categories: physical limitations, fragile areas, and
areas of resource potential. Powellsville is fortunate in
that there are few factors constraining the development of
land in and around the Town.
Physical Limitations for Development. A variety of
physical factors determine the suitability of land for
development. These include soil and subsoil conditions,
topography, potential for flooding, and existing land uses
in the surrounding area.
Soil conditions determine the suitability of land for
building construction and for in -ground sewage disposal
systems. The major soils in the 'Powellsville area are
listed in Table 9. As shown on Map 2, the Powellsville Area
Soils Map, and in Table 9, the Powellsville area contains
thirteen soil types. Soil types Bd, CrA, and Na are the
common soils found within the Town limits. These soils are
also found extensively outside of Town in conjunction with
soil types CrB, DuA, and Le. Since the Town does not -have a
sewage treatment system, all new development in the area is
likely to use in -ground treatment for sanitary waste
disposal. As noted in Table 9, twelve of the area's

17
thirteen soil types have severe limitations for the- siting
of septic tanks. Moreover, local residents note that many
existing septic systems have experienced operating problems.
Soils unsuitable for traditional in -ground treatment systems
are likely to be the greatest physical factor limiting
development in the Powellsville area.
Steep slopes can often pose a limit to development,
however topography in the Powellsville area is very level.
The Town is built on a low plateau at 20.5 feet mean sea
level. The areas of greatest slope are found on the banks
of streams or intermittent wetlands, and in the immediate
Powellsville area, even these slopes are fairly gentle.
Flood -prone areas can also.limit development. Powellsville
has not been mapped for floodplain areas by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency so it appears that there are no
flood -prone areas within the community.
Manmade hazards do not appear to be a significant
development constraint. There is a propane storage
facility fairly close to the Town which local residents
recognize as a:potential threat. The facility is located on
U.S. 13, north of Powellsville. The Town will attempt to
limit residential growth in that area through zoning, and
promote that area only for other industrial type uses.

18
A long-term constraint to development may be posed by
the availability of water resources. The Town obtains its
water from groundwater supply. Three major aquifer systems
serve as sources of water supply in northeastern North
Carolina: the Surficial, Tertiary, and Cretaceous aquifer
systems. Bertie County is served primarily by the C'retace-
ous aquifer. The Cretaceous aquifer system is divided into
upper and lower aquifer units, the two being separated by a
significant confining bed. The lower Cretaceous aquifer
unit is the more important of the two units because it
contains better quality groundwater and has higher yields
throughout most of northeastern North Carolina. According
to researchers, this confining bed contains silt and clay
sediments that severely restrict downward recharge to the
lower unit. As the lower aquifer unit is highly confined
and poorly recharged, most water withdrawal from this
aquifer unit is taken from storage.. Pumping of wells
tapping this aquifer unit commonly leads to the development
of extensive drawdown cones in the aquifer surface, the
effects of which may be noticed in wells ten miles away from
the point of withdrawal. Researchers have noted that large
withdrawals from this aquifer near Franklin, Virginia, have
lowered the surface of the lower Cretaceous aquifer unit by
nearly 40 feet in the Powellsville area over the past 20

19
years. (NOTE: , the information on groundwater 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.)
Fragile Areas. The Powellsville area has no Areas of
Environmental Concern (AECs) as defined by the•State Coastal
Area Management Act. According to the State Division of
Parks and Recreation (Natural Heritage Program), there is no
record of any rare or endangered species, rare natural
communities or geologic features within a one -mile radius of
the Town. The Town does however, have other natural and
cultural features it believes are important.
Included among Powellsville's sensitive natural areas
is a small area of wetlands just north of the Town between
U.S. 13 and S.R. 1321. Wetland areas are likely to pose a
slight limitation to development in that area. Wetlands
provide a vast array of benefits, many of which society has
only recently begun to appreciate and protect. Inland
wetlands furnish vital life -cycle habitat and food for fish
and wildlife. Wetlands have been proven to - remove
pollutants from degraded waters. At the same time, wetlands
absorb flood -volumes so that flood waters and surges are
moderated and property in downstream areas is protected.

20
Finally, wetlands serve to recharge vital 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 from the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers before certain inland wetland areas
are filled.
According to the State Division of Archives and
History, there are no known archaeological sites Jin 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
s Powellsville Methodist Church to be one of the areas most
significant buildings. The church, built in 18811 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.
Areas of Resource Potential. State forest and parks,
private game preserves, and areas containing valuable
mineral deposits are considered areas of resource potential.
No such areas have been identified in the Powellsville
region. Areas containing Prime Farmland Soils are also
considered areas of resource potential, and four of the 13
soils in the Powellsville area are considered Prime
Farmland Soils by the Soil Conservation Service. As noted

21
on Map 2, about 25% of all land within one-half mile of
Powellsville-is considered Prime Farmland Soil. Exhibit 1
describes the importance of identifying and preserving
these soils.
2. Facility Limitations
The potential limitation public services may place on
future growth must be examined in light of current,service
capacity and growth projections.
Although Powellsville grew by 30% between 1970 and
1980, during the six year period between 1980,and 1986, the
population declined. Powellsville has only as many
residents now as it did 15 years ago. The Town may grow
over the next ten years, but that growth is likely to be
very slow. For the County as a whole, forecasters predict
a 2% increase in population between 1985 and 1990, and
little change (less than 1%), between 1990 and 1995 (Table
10). A 2% increase in Powellsville's population over the
next five years would give the Town just over 250 residents
by 1991. The Town and the County appear well prepared to
provide for the additional service demands indicated by
these population forecasts. The capacity of local public
services are summarized below. Projected population growth
should not exceed the ability of local government to provide
for additional demand. Current water supply and -police,

22
fire, and refuse services all can provide for the modest
increase in demand expected over the next five years.
Water Service. Almost all properties within the
corporate limits are serviced with public water. The Town
has two wells which pump into a 100,000 gallon capacity
elevated storage tank. Unless a highly water consumptive
industry locates and connects to the Powellsville system,
the_ Town's water system should adequately serve demand over
the next five years.
Sewer Service. The Town does not operate a municipal
wastewater treatment system; all lots are served by.brivate
on -site disposal systems.
Public Schools. Powellsville students in grades
kindergarten through eight attend the C.G. White Elementary
School. Students in grades nine through twelve attend
Bertie Senior High School. As shown in Table 11, enrollment
at the elementary school is well below capacity, however
enrollment at the senior high school is so great that the
school is using trailers to accommodate excess demand. This
situation should be somewhat relieved over the next five to
ten years. Population forecasters predict that most of the
growth expected in the population over the next decade will
be in the 65 and older population. As noted in Table

23
12, the school -age population (ages 5 through 19 years) is
expected to decline from 24% of the population in 1987 to
22% by 1995. In contrast, the percentage of those 65 and
older is expected to increase from 14% to 15.5% during that
same period.
Roads. Lack of service by a major interstate highway
is often cited as one of the major factors that has
restricted growth in northeastern North Carolina. It is
unlikely that this situation will change in the foreseeable
future given the limited federal funding available for
highway construction. No major highway projects are
scheduled for the Powellsville area according to the State's
Transportation Improvement Program.
Protective Services. Police protection is provided by
the Bertie County Sheriff's Department. Six officers
provide police protection for the County. One of the
officers resides in Powellsville and the Town benefits from
County coverage on an unscheduled, but adequate basis. In
an emergency, residents can contact the Sheriff's Office by
using a toll free number.
The Powellsville Volunteer Fire Department provides
fire protection for the Town. The Department has two
trucks. Emergency medical service is provided by both the
Ahoskie Rescue Squad and the Colerain Rescue Squad.

24
Solid Waste. Refuse is collected for the Town by a
private contractor on a bi-weekly basis. Refuse is disposed
at the Bertie County landfill located approximately four
miles west of Windsor. The landfill is likely to reach
capacity in about five years and the County is currently
studying disposal alternatives.
Public Administration. Powellsville has two paid
employees: a part-time maintenance/sanitarian and a part-
time clerk. The Town is governed by.a three -member council.

24.1
Table 9
SOIL CHARACTERISITICS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Limitations
for:
�- -------------------
"
Soil
Buildings w/o
Septic
Runoff
Depth to High
Code
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type
Slope
Basements
Tanks
Potential
Dater Table
(ft)
Bd
Bladen fine sandy loam
0-27*
Severe
Severe
High
0.0 -
1.0
Ca.A
Caroline fine sandy loam
0-2%
Moderate
Severe
Moderate
>
6.0
CrA
Craven fine sandy loam
0-1%
Moderate
Severe
Moderate
2.0 -
3.0
Cr8 *
Craven fine sandy loam
1-4%
Moderate
Severe
Moderate
2.0 -
3.0
CrC
Craven fine sandy loam
4-8%
Moderate
Severe
Moderate
2.0 -
3.0
DuA
same as CrB
-
-
-
-
-
ExA +
Exum silt loam
0-2%
Moderate
Severe
Moderate
2.0 -
3.0
Gt
Grantham slit loam
0-2%
Severe
Severe
High
0.0 -
1.0
Le
Lenior loam
0%
Severe
Severe
High
1.0 -
2.5.
Ly
Lynchburg fine sandy loam
0%
Severe
Severe
Moderate
0.5 -
1.5
MdB
same as CrB
-
-
-
-
-
Na
Nahunta silt loam
4-2%
Severe
Severe
Moderate
1.0 -
2.0
NOB
Norfolk loamy fine sand
2-6%
Sliqht Moderate
Sliaht
4.0 -
6.0
# indicates prime farmland soil
Lource: Bertie County Special Soil Survey Report, U.S.D.A., S.C.S., August 1982
Table 10
FUTURE REGIONAL POPULATION
% Change %
Change
County
1985
1990
1995
85-90
90-95
----------------
Beaufort
--------------------------------------------------
43,260
47,314
50,702
9.4%
7.2%-
BERTIE
21,341
21,760
21,895
2.0%
0.6%
Hertford
23,924
24,833
25,280
3.8%
1.8%
Martin
26,653
26,463
26,406
-0.7%
-0.2%
Pitt
95,862
101,823
107,409
6.2%
5.5%
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Region
211,040
222,193
231,692
5.3%
4.3%..
State
6,253,951
6,597,922
6,930,994
5.5%
5.0%
Source: N.C. Office of State Budget and Management, 1986

24.2
Table 11
SCHOOL ENROLLMENT
--------------------------------------------------------
School Grades Enrollmnt Capacity Enrollmt as
Taught 87-88 % Capacity
--------------------------------------------------------
C.G. White K-8 255 450 57%
Elementary
Bertie Sr. 9-12 1,151 1,100 105%
High School
--------------------------------------------------------
Source: Bertie County Schools
Table 12
COUNTY POPULATION
AGE STRUCTURE 1987-1995
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
1987
1990
1995
No.
%
No.
%
No.
%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
0-4 years
1,576
7.3%
1,581
7.3%
1,479
6.8%
5-19 years
5,113
23.7%
5,156
23.7%
4,767
21.8%
20-44 years
7,558
35.1%
7,596
34.9%
7,860
35.9%
45-64 years
4,235
19.6%
4,201
19.3%
4,397
20.1%
65 and older
3,072
14.3%
3,226
14.8%
3,392
15.5%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total
21,554
100.0%
21,760
100.0%
21,895
100.0%
Source: N.C. Office
of
State Budget
and Management, 1986

24.3
sI
Exhibit 1
COMMISSION
Prime Farmland
In the Powellsville area, soil types CrA, CrB,ExA, and NoB are
described as prime farmland soil.
prime farmland is one of several kinds of important
farmland defined by the U.S.D.A.
* it is of major importance in providing the nation's
short and long range needs for food and fiber.
* the acreage for high -quality farmland is limited; the
U.S.D.A. recognizes that government at local, state,
and federal levels, as well as individuals,' must
encourage and facilitate the wise use of our nation's
prime fbrmland.
prime farmland soils are those soils 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 yields of
crops.
prime farmland soils produce the highest yields with
minimal inputs of energy and.economic resources, and
farming these soils results in the least damage to
the environment.
* the concern: a recent trend in land use has been the
conversion of some prime farmland to urban and indus-
trial uses. The' loss of prime farmland to other uses
puts pressure on marginal lands, which generally are
wet, more erodible, droughty, or difficult to cultivate
and less productive than prime farmland.
0 P.O. Drawer 1787 M Washington, North Carolina 2788913 [phone]

Map 1
0" N 0 F P 0 A E li L S V I L L :i-ij'
EXIS-1 1'.NG LAND CASE 1 98B
ftHResidenhal
®Commercial
MinSt I ILI[ ion -a 1.
❑Undeveloped
(INCLUDES AGRICULTURAL/FORESTR( LANDS)
Town L Iini t s
One - qucirter Mile Extraterl i t o i iai JaI isdIct.i011 (a11o(. f icil�l)
BERTIE COUNTY
rOVEILSVILLi
0 700 1400
Fr,ET
THE PRt'1 ARA170N 01' 14TS HAP NAS I INANCFD IN
PAR, TMROJGM A GPANI fROVIDED BY THE NORTH
CIROLINA COASTAL HANA%nENI PRUCRAM. IMROUGM
f'UNDS PPOVIDED BT l4r COASTAL 70NE HATMGEMENT ACI OF
19T7, N AMLMpf.D NH!�.M IS ADHINISIFRED BY THE
DFFICL Of OCFAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT,
NAI ONA. OCLAN:C AND A140SPMEPIC ADMI91SIR4710N L L
�l

Map 2
Scale: 1" = 1,320"
Source: USDA, SCS
THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP GAS FINANCED IN
PART THROUGH A GPANT PROVIDED Of THE NORTH
CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, THROUGH
FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF
1972, AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED Of THE
OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT,
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
POWELLSVILLE AREA SOILS MAP
Erb.
Town Limits
........
One-half planning
jurisdiction iofficial)
SOIL LEGEND
SYMBOL
NAME
—wr
CaA
Caroline fine sandy loam
ly
Lynchburg fine sandy loam
CrA
Craven fine sandy loam
MdB
Same as CrB, see above
CrB
Craven fine sandy loam
Na
Nahunta silt loam, flat
CrC
Craven fine sandy loam
NOB
Norfolk loamy fine sand
Bd
Bladen fine sandy loam
DuA
Same as CrB, see above
ExA
Exum silt loam
Gt
Grantham silt loam
Le
Lenoir loam

25
III. POLICY OBJECTIVES AND IMPLEMENTATION
Powellsville has previously been a part of the Bertie
County Land Use Plan and has not had specific policies for the
Town itself. This Plan represents the initial effort by the Town
to have its own Plan and accompanying policy statements and
implementation strategies.
Coastal Area Management Act regulations specify that all
land use plans shall contain policy statements of local policy on
land use issues including, but not limited to, the following
policy areas: resource protection, resource production and
management, economic and community development, continued public
41 participation, and storm hazard mitigation.
A. Resource Protection
Farmland, woodland, and areas of freshwater wetlands
are the major natural resources in the Powellsville area.
There are no major creeks or rivers, no Areas of Environ-
mental Concern, no floodplains, and no rare natural or
geologic features in the Powellsville area. No threatened
or endangered species are known to inhabit the area.
Nonetheless, the Town appreciates the natural resources,
natural areas, the plants and wildlife that do characterize
the area. The Town will not support development that will
have negative impacts on its valued natural resource base.

26
Cultural resources are also important to Powellsville
residents. The Town has a number of attractive older homes
which, while not considered significant historically, are a
valued community amenity. The Town is home to the graceful
1881 Powellsville Methodist Church. This very
attractive wooden structure, the first church in
Powellsville, is one of the Town's most notable buildings.
The church is currently not listed in the State's inventory
of historic and significant properties.
Groundwater supplies Powellsville residents with
potable water. Recent reports (N.C. Division of Water
Resources, May 1987) document the depletion of the region's
most productive aquifer by large water users in southern
Virginia. Moreover, groundwater in all parts of the State
is threatened by leaking underground storage tanks. A
recent report on.groundwater quality in North Carolina (U.S.
Geological Survey, 1988) noted that almost half (48%) of
confirmed groundwater contamination incidents were caused by
leaking underground tanks. The Town opposes activities
locally or in other areas, which threaten groundwater
quality or quantity.
Following is a listing of policy objectives the Town
has adopted addressing its sensitive natural resources.
Also included is a listing of actions the Town will attempt

27
to take over the next five years in an effort to achieve
these policy goals.
1.. Discourage building in areas where land is not
Physically suitable for development
a. Support efforts of the Army Corps of Engineers to
control the alteration of freshwater wetlands
through the 404 permitting program.
b. Support the development of a State program to
protect freshwater wetlands.
C. Support strict enforcement of the State Environ-
mental Health Code regarding the installation,
J operation, and maintenance of in -ground sewage
treatment systems.
2. Preserve and promote the Town's historic and cultural
resources.
a. Contact State preservation officials and encourage
them to include the Powellsville Methodist Church
on their listing of significant properties.
b. Support the use of County tax dollars to help
finance a cultural resource inventory for-Bertie
County. A comprehensive inventory of historic
properties has never, been performed for the area.
Many properties thought to be significant have
already been demolished. A comprehensive inven-

28
tory would identify and help protect the County's
remaining notable properties. Partial funding
may be available through a grant from the
Division of Archives and History.
3. Protect the Town's present and future water supply.
a. Oppose additional water withdrawals by large water
users in Virginia; support State efforts to work
with Virginia officials to limit groundwater
withdrawals.
b. Support State efforts to develop a groundwater
management plan for northeastern North Carolina.
Encourage development of computer models that
would assist in determining acceptable locations
and pumping rates for wells. Support continued
monitoring of groundwater levels.
C. Support strict compliance with regulations
addressing underground storage tanks. Support
enforcement of registration rules, monitoring and
testing rules, and design requirements.

29
B. Resource Production and Management
Powellsville residents have relied on the area's
natural resources for sustenance since the area was first
settled in the early Eighteenth Century. Farming and
forestry have always been important activities; many of the
industries that have developed in the Powellsville
area --sawmills, wood and paper products operations --are
based on natural resource development.
Bertie County's fertile agricultural land is considered
the area's most valuable natural resource. As shown' on the
Map of Powellsville Area Soils, much of the land surrounding
the Town is considered Prime Farmland Soil by the U.S. Soil
conservation Service. The productivity of area soils is
evidenced in its yields: in 1985, Bertie County ranked
third in the State in peanut production and eighth in the
production of corn for grain. The Town encourages the use
of land outside of.Town for agricultural production and will
support efforts to increase the viability of the County's
agricultural economy. The Town is concerned with preserving
the area's Prime Farmland Soils. At the same time,
agricultural uses should not have negative impacts on
residential and commercial uses within the incorporated
limits of the community or on the quality of the County's
water and wetland resources.

30
The forest products industry provides employment for
many area residents. The Town supports commercial forestry
operations and wood products industries if these activities
will have no major adverse impacts on other productive and
natural resources.
There are no areas in Powellsville where mining or
mineral processing activities are occurring. In general,
the Town would support mining, operations only if mining and
related activities could be proven to have no negative
effects on important agricultural land, water resources, and
existing residential development.
The following is a listing of policy objectives the
Town has adopted addressing the area's productive .natural
resources. Also included is a listing of activities the
Town will attempt to take over the next five years in an
effort to achieve these policy goals.
1. Protect and enhance agricultural uses in -the Powells-
ville area.
a. Classify agricultural areas outside of Town as
Rural on the Town's Land Classification Map.
b. Delineate agricultural areas outside'of Town in a
Rural zoning district should the Town adopt a
zoning ordinance and an extraterritorial planning
jurisdiction.

31
C.
Encourage farmers outside of Town owning ten acres
or more to apply for use -value of their property.
d.
Support State, Federal, and County policies and
programs which encourage diversification -of the
local agricultural economy.
2.- Preserve areas of prime farmland.
a.
Use the County's detailed Soil Survey to identify
areas of Prime Farmland; to the extent feasible,
direct development to other areas and reserve
Prime Farmland for agricultural uses.
b.
Support State and Federal efforts to preserve
areas of Prime Farmland.
C.
Support State legislative efforts to develop a
comprehensive statewide program for farmland
preservation.
3. Ensure efficient, environmentally sound agricultural
production.
a.
Support use of Best Management Practices for land
management and agricultural production.
b.
Work with the Soil Conservation Service to
encourage participation in the State's Agricul-
tural Cost Share Program. Support increased State
funding for this important incentive program.

0
32
C. Economic and Community Development
At one time, Powellsville was a bustling railroad com-
munity. The railroad no longer serves Powellsville; the
tracks were removed over a decade ago. People no longer
come to Powellsville to shop and socialize as they once.did.
Instead, residents from outlying areas and Powellsville
residents as well, travel to Ahoskie, Greenville, and
occasionally Virginia, to find the variety of stores and
restaurants they seek. Powellsville has become largely a
residential bedroom community. Powellsville residents now
work, shop, and recreate in larger communities in Bertie
r County and elsewhere.
Nonetheless, people enjoy living in Powellsville. They
enjoy the intimacy of its small-town atmosphere. They
appreciate the quiet side streets and the friendliness and
concern the residents feel for one another. Powellsville
residents want the community to grow. They would appreciate
the opportunity to work and shop in the community in which
they live. They especially would like their children to
have these opportunities so that young people can remain in
the community and find the work, educational, and cultural
opportunities they need.
The Town supports
development in Powellsville
new industrial and commercial
and the surrounding area. New

33
development should not however, have negative impacts on the
area's natural resources or existing urban development. The
Town supports new development which will benefit the area as
a whole. New development should be appropriately located.
The Town has been concerned for some time over a nearby
junkyard. Although the junkyard is outside of Town, it is
located on U.S. 13, the major north -south highway in the
area, at the intersection of the road to Powellsville.
Residents feel the current appearance of the yard at that
location, gives travellers an unfavorable impression of
Powellsville and the area in general. Uses posing hazards
to residential development and environmental resources
should be located well away from sensitive areas. There is
currently a propane storage facility on U.S. 13, just north
of Town. New development in that area should be restricted
to industrial uses.
The Town would appreciate new commercial development
which would service the needs of local residents. Enter-
prises offering new employment opportunities for both
technical and professional workers would be welcome.
Although Bertie County is not a tourist area, the Town
supports development of the tourism trade in the region.
U.S. 13 is an important interstate route; the Town supports
development of highway service uses --restaurants, gas sta-

34
tions, and overnight accommodations —that cater to the
highway traveller.
The Town will provide services to new development to
the extent feasible. Lack of a public wastewater treatment
system is the major constraint the Town faces in terms of
attracting new development. Soils in the area are generally
poor for the siting of traditional in -ground treatment
systems. Thus, the Town will support use of nondischarging
package treatment systems approved by the Division of
Environmental Management. The Town supports research into
alternatives to traditional in -ground systems.
The Town would like to see the vacant and underutilized
buildings in the central business area improved. Structures
deteriorated beyond repair shouldbe removed. There are
currently several dilapidated tobacco barns near the- center
of Town that the Town would like to have demolished. Vacant
lots could then be more easily marketed for redevelopment.
The Town supports State and Federal programs which will
assist them in achieving economic and community improve-
ments.
Following is a listing of policy objectives the Town
has adopted to provide for community growth and for the
economic development of the Town. Included are
strategies

35
that the Town will attempt to implement over the next five
years in a effort to achieve these policy goals.
1. Sport expansion of existing area industries and
recruitment of new industrial and commercial. enter-
prises. .
a. Support the efforts of the Bertie County Economic
Development Commission to bring new businesses
into the County.
b. Support growth of the County Industrial Park near
Windsor.
C. Publicize opportunities for technical assistance
r '
for small businesses available from groups such
as the Mid -East Commission and the Small Business
Center at Roanoke-Chowan College.
2. Provide for the orderly growth of Powellsville and
land outside of Town.
a., Develop and adopt a zoning ordinance.
b. Consider adopting a limited area of extraterri-
torial jurisdiction and extending zoning controls
into extraterritorial area.
C. Consider annexing areas of concentrated develop-
ment outside of Town; give priority to areas now
serviced with Town water.

9M
3. Preserve and enhance the quality of life in Powells-
ville.
a. Consider developing and adopting a housing code.
b. Consider applying for Community Development Block
Grant funds for housing improvements.
C. Limit the density of new development through
zoning regulations.

37
D. Storm Hazards
North Carolina is well known for the hurricanes and
tropical storms that batter its coastline and the tornados
that ravage inland areas. Typically, the bulk of hurricane
storm damage occurs •in coastal areas. Hurricanes and
tropical storms have however, caused severe damage in inland
areas in the past. Thus, even 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
r'
hurricanes and other major storm events.
Hazard Areas
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 Environmen-
tal 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
swales have been dug throughout most of the Town and there

38
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 a disaster relief and assistance
plan in 1983. Powellsville is under the jurisdiction of
this plan which is currently being revised by County
emergency management officials. 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 Register of Deeds will serve as the
public information officer during the emergency period. The
Superintendent of County Schools is responsible for
providing transportation to shelters. The County has five
designated emergency shelters. Powellsville residents would
be directed to the Colerain Elementary School in the event
of an emergency.

39
Upon cancellation of emergency warnings and watches,
the president of the Bertie County Rescue Squad will
authorize reentry to all evacuated areas. When damages are
experienced, reentry will be based upon damage assessments
and any rescue 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 only
if damage to a particular area is very serious and if
redevelopment of the area in the same manner would pose
residents with similar health and safety problems in the
future. Recovery operations will. be in accordance with
Annexes D, E, F, and G of the North Carolina Disaster Relief
and Assistance 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 Town advocates the following schedule for
staging and permitting repairs and construction in
Powellsville: first priority --replacement of essential
services such as power, water, sewer, telephone, and road-
ways; second priority --major repairs; third priority --minor

r
40
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 (currently proposed).
Development outside of. Town in floodprone areas must comply
with the County floodplain ordinance.
Coordinating Agencies
The State and Federal agencies involved in coordinating
local storm hazard mitigation and hurricane preparedness
activities are listed in Appendix B.
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 property and human
lives through regulatory controls.

41
a. Enforce the State building code in all new
construction.
b. Consider adopting a housing code.
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 of Emergency Management.
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42
D. Public Participation
The preparation of Powellsville's Initial Land Use Plan
was the responsibility of the Powellsville Land Use Advisory
Committee. The Town has,no standing board charged specifi-
cally with planning responsibilities. Thus, when the Town
Council commissioned a CAMA planning program in the Fall of
1987, a seven -person citizen advisory committee was
appointed to direct preparation of the Towns- first
comprehensive land use plan. The group met monthly,
starting in January 1988, to work on the plan.
The planning process began with a workshop session where
commission members were introduced to the planning process
and CAMA planning guidelines. The group agreed that public
input was important in developing an acceptable development
plan for the Town and would be especially important as the
group began developing a zoning ordinance. The Committee
discussed conducting a public survey but decided instead to
use the media to encourage attendance at Committee meetings
and to inform residents of the work the Committee was
involved in. All Advisory Committee meetings were
advertized in advance in the News -Herald as being open to
the concerned public (see Appendix C for Schedule of
Meetings). At one meeting, over ten citizens were in
attendance.

43
The Town Council will be the group through which public
input will be accepted as the planning program continues
over the next five years. The Town is currently
experiencing little development activity, so there is no
need for a separate standing planning committee. After the
Advisory Committee finishes the land planning process and
formulates a draft zoning ordinance for Council review, the
Committee is likely to disband. However, citizen comments
will still be welcome at all Council meetings. The Powells-
ville Town Council meets on the first Tuesday of each month
at 7:30 PM in the Powellsville Town Hall.
The Advisory Committee and the Council recognize the
importance of keeping the citizenry informed of current
planning concerns and of receiving the comments and concerns
of local residents. Thus, the Town has adopted the
following policy objectives.
1. Solicit citizen input in all planning decisions.
a. Advertise all special Council meetings in the
News -Herald; emphasize that citizens are invited
and encouraged to attend all meetings dealing
with planning issues. Periodically advertise the
Council's regular meeting date.
r

.
A
44
2. Conduct an annual evaluation of the policies and
strategies to see what progress is being made. .
a. Involve the public in the evaluation process by
encouraging them to attend the meeting(s) of which
the policies and strategies will be discussed.

45
IV. LAND CLASSIFICATION
A. Purpose
Powellsville has adopted a system of land
classification and an official Land Classification Map to
assist local officials.in attaining policy objectives in the
areas of resource protection, resource production, and
economic and community development. Four broad categories
of land classification have been developed and are
delineated on the Town's Map of Land Classification.
The Map sets out a proposed development pattern for the
Powellsville area. Based on this classification scheme, the
a
Town has designated areas it believes are appropriate to
accommodate additional growth and development,. and areas it
believes should be left in a rural condition. The classifi-
cations reflect existing and proposed future land uses and
attempt to link land use, policy objectives, and
implementation actions.
This is the Town's first Land Classification Map.
Until certification of this plan, the Town has been under
the jurisdiction of Bertie County's 1986 Land Use Plan and
Land Use Classification Map. If the County's and the Town's
Classification Maps are compared, some inconsistencies are
evident. On the County's Classification Map, all of
. Powellsville is classified Developed. All areas adjoining

16
46
the Town are classified as Transition. As the Powellsville
Map has been drawn at a much larger scale, the area could
be classified in more detail. It is likely that the
discrepancies now shown on the County's map will be resolved
when the County updates its plan in 1990. Note that
although the Town currently does not officially practice
extraterritorial jurisdiction, local officials have chosen
to classify land up to one-half mile outside of Town,
according to the following classification scheme.
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. The
general characteristics of each class are outlined in
Exhibit 1.
1. Developed
The Developed classification encompasses much of the
land within the corporate limits of the Town. This classi-
fication reflects the 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

47
area. The Town would prefer that new development locate in
Town rather than in the rural outlying areas. By applying
the Developed classification to all areas within Town, local
officials are attempting to facilitate this pattern of
development. The only areas within the Town limits not
classified Developed are lands north of N.C. 42. These
areas are currently undeveloped, in woodland or agricultural
uses. These lands appear as Transition on the Land' Classi-
fication Map.
2. Transition
Transition areas adjoin the Developed area and
delineate areas of existing or anticipated high density
development outside of the Town's corporate limits. A
private community water system currently serves Transition
areas along N.C. 42 and along S.R. 1321, the Harrellsville
Road. Although at this time the Town has no plans to extend
its own water system, unserviced Transition areas are those
areas that would likely receive service should water
extensions ever be proposed.
As shown on the Map of Land Classification, Transition
areas adjoin the major thoroughfares entering and leaving
the Town --along U.S. 13, N.C. 42, and S.R. 1321. A good
deal of development has already occurred in these
Transition areas. Residential development extends southeast

48
outside of Town along N.C. 42. Scattered residential
development is found along S.R. 1321 and U.S. 13. At the
intersection of U.S. 13 and N.C. 42, several commercial and
industrial uses have developed.
Development is. expected to continue in these
areas --residential development along N.C. 42 and S.R. 1321,
and a mix of commercial and residential development along
U.S. 13.
3. Rural
The Rural class encompasses most of the land outside of
Town. These are areas of scattered residential development,
farmland, and woodland. The Town supports the continued use
of these areas for agricultural and low density residential
uses.
4. Conservation
The Conservation class denotes areas which, due to
their environmentally sensitive nature or the hazards they
pose to development, should be kept undeveloped. There are
few places in the Powellsville area where natural hazards
occur. According to the U.S. Geological Survey tdpographic
maps, a limited area of intermittent wetland occurs just
north of the corporate limits. This area is shown as
Conservation on the Land Classification Map. This is a
low-lying area, less than 18 feet above mean sea level.

49
This area would be 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 the developer and
to the environment and so the area has been designated
Conservation on the Town's Map of Land Classification.
C. Zoning Regulations
The Town is currently developing a zoning ordinance as
an additional planning tool to assist in the positive
controlled development of its environs. Such an ordinance
will complement this Plan in ensuring protection for areas
that are sensitive to development.
D. Intergovernmental Coordination
Prior to this Plan's preparation, the Town's consultant
(Mid -East Commission) held discussions with the Bertie
County manager as to the effects of Powellsville having its
own land use plan upon the County Land Use Plan. Assurance
was given that such action presented no problem for the
County or its policies as stated in their Land'Use Plan.
The Town's 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. Many of the planning

X
50
objectives set forth in the Town's 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 report 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.
a

46101
EXHIBIT 2
LAND CLASSIFICATION
General Characteristics of the Classes
DEVELOPED Purpose -
CLASS
Land Uses -
Services -
Density -
Lot Sizes -
TRANSITION Purpose -
CLASS
Land Uses -
Services -
J. Density -
Lot Sizes -
Comment -
RURAL Purpose -
CLASS
Land Uses -
Services -
Density -
Lot Sizes -
CONSERVATION Purpose -
CLASS Land Uses -
Services -
Comment -
provide for continued intensive
development
mixed: residential, commercial,
industrial
usually all urban services
provided: water, garbage collec-
tion, police fire, etc.
high, 3 or more dwelling units
(du)/acre
usually small, in some areas
averaging less than 20,000 sq.ft.
provide for future intensive
development
mixed
water service usually present or
anticipated; police and fire
protection usually provided (if
provided in Developed Class)
fairly high, usually 3 or more
du/acre
usually small, many times averag-
ing 20,000 sq.ft.
usually adjoins. Developed Class
agriculture and very low density
residential
farming, forestry, residential
none
generally greater than 1 du/acre
not applicable
resource protection
wetlands, floodprone lands and
other sensitive natural areas
none
land basically to remain undevel-
oped or developed only under
controlled conditions

Map 3
TOWN OF POWELLSV I LLE
LAND CLASSIFICATION
Developed
M T r a n s i t i 0 n
EU Conservation
F-]Rur a I
EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDIC/fION
BERTI)+ COUNTY
C
i 0 1 i LL`Yi! i G'
111E PP,EPA14ITO4 Or TMTS CAP YAS PIWNCED IN
L 4PT TlVOJGM A GPANI PPOVIDED BY 1MC NORIM
J 5 I:ARJL TNA 'JASTAL MANACEMENi PROGRAM, 14R000H
1 r001 1'1011DED BY THE f0At1 AL 7ONL MAWGEMENT ACT OE
s' r .9Y 7, A: AMENDLD. Uel CH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE
�•�./ J! OCEAN MD LOAS' REGOL'RCE MANAGEMENT,
f"L
N471:�NPl J�LAY11 4VD AN PHERIC ADMINISIRAIION
TOWN BOUNDARY
0 700 1400
FEET
ir,
Lq
0
N

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Ahoskie, Town of, 1987. Land Use Plan, Mid -East Commission,
Washington, NC.
Agricultural Statistics North Carolina, 1986. N.E. Crop and
Livestock Report Service, Raleigh, NC.
Hoggard, J.C. (Town Clerk), 1988. "Powellsville: A Brief
History."
North Carolina Department of Commerce, 1987. 1987-1988 Directory
Manufacturinq Firms, Raleigh, NC.
North Carolina Department of Commerce, 1987. Division of Travel
and Tourism, 111986 North Carolina Travel Study," Raleigh,
NC:
North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, 1986.
Division of Archives and History, correspondence, Jul. 8,
Raleigh, NC.
North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, 1988. Division
of Archives and History, correspondence, Jan. 25, Raleigh,
NC.
North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community
Development. 1987. Division of Water Resources, "Aquifer
Characteristics and Development Potential in Northeastern
North Carolina," May,. Raleigh, NC.
North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community
Development, 1988. Division of Parks and Recreation,
correspondence, Jan. 12.
Office of State Budget and Management, 1980. 1980 Census of
Population and Housing -Characteristics of Persons,_ Raleigh,
NC.
Office of State Budget and Management, 1984. Statistical
Abstract North Carolina State Government, 5th ed., Raleigh,
NC.
Office of State Budget and Management, 1986. Profile North
Carolina Counties, 7th ed., Raleigh, NC.
Office of State Budget and Management, 1987. North Carolina
Municipal Population 1986, Nov., Raleigh, NC.
Phelps, M., 1988. Bertie County Building Inspector, telephone
interview, Feb.
Stevenson and Associates, 1986. Bertie County Land Use Plan
1986, Greenville, NC.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1982. Bertie County Special Soil
Survey Report, S.C.S., Aug.
U.S.Geological Survey, 1988. North Carolina Ground -Water
Quality, Open File Report 87-0743, page 6.

AGENCY
Appendix A
STATE REGULATORY DEVICES
LICENSES AND PERMITS
Department of Natural - Permits to discharge to
Resources and Community surface waters or operate
Development, Division of wastewater treatment, plants
Environmental Management or oil discharge permits;
NPDES Permits (G.S. 143-215).
Permits for septic tanks to
be used for industrial
purposes (G.S. 143-215.3).
Permits for withdrawal of
surface or groundwaters in
capacity use areas
(G.S. 143-215.108).
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 gals/day
(G.S.87-88).

r
Appendix A, continued
AGENCY
Department of Natural -
Resources and Community
Development, Division of
Parks and Recreation
STATE REGULATORY DEVICES
LICENSES AND PERMITS
Permits to dredge and/or
fill in estuarine waters
tidelands, etc. (G.S. 87-88).
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Department of Natural - Permits to undertake develop -
Resources and Community ment in Areas of Environmental
Development, Division of Concern (G.S. 113A-118).
Coastal Management
NOTE: Minor development
permits are issued by
local government.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Department of Natural - Permits to alter or to
Resources and Community construct a dam (G.S.
Development, Division 143-215.66).
of Land Resources
Permits to mine
(G.S.74-51).
Permits to drill an
exploratory oil or gas
well (G.S. 113-391).

P
Appendix A, continued
AGENCY
Department of Natural -
Resources and Community
Development, Division
of Land Resources, cont.
STATE REGULATORY bEVICES
LICENSES AND PERMITS
Permits to conduct geo-
graphic exploration
(G.S. 113-391).
Sedimentation erosion control
plans for any land -disturbing
activity of over one contig-
uous acre (G.S. 113A-54).
Permits to construct an
oil refinery.
Department of - Easements to fill where
Administration lands are proposed to be
raised above the normal
high water mark of navi-
gable waters by filling.
(G.S. 146.6(c)).
Department of - Approval to operate a solid
Human Resources waste disposal site or
facility (G.S. 130-166.16).
- Approval for construction of
any public water facility
that furnished water to ten
or more residences
(G.S. 130-160.1).

r
Appendix A, continued
AGENCY
FEDERAL REGULATORY DEVICES
LICENSES AND PERMITS
Army Corps of Engineers - Permits required under
(Department of Defense) Section 9 and 10 of the
Rivers and Harbors of 1899;
permits to construct in
navigable waters.
Coast Guard -
(Department of Transportation)
Geological Survey -
Bureau of Land Management
(Department of Interior)
Permits required under
Section 103 of the Marine
Protection, Research and
Sanctuaries Act of 1972.
Permits required under Section
404 of the Federal Water Pol-
lution Control Act of 1972;
permits to undertake dredging
and/or'filling activities.
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.
Permits required for off -shore
drilling.
Approvals of OCS pipeline
corridor rights -of -way.

Appendix A, continued
AGENCY
FEDERAL REGULATORY.DEVICES
LICENSES AND PERMITS
Nuclear Regulatory - Licenses for siting, con -
Commission struction and operation of
nuclear power plants;
required under the Atomic
Energy Act of 1954 and Title
II of the Energy Reorganiza-
tion Act of 1974.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Federal Energy - Permits for construction,
Regulatory Commission operation and maintenance of
interstate pipeline facilities
required under the Natural Gas
Gas Act of 1938.
Orders of Interconnection of
electric transmission facili-
ties 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.
r

s
lb
Appendix B
AGENCIES COORDINATING STORM PREPAREDNESS
N.C. Division of Coastal Management
State Office: Division of Coastal Management
Department of Natural Resources
and Community Development
P.O. Box 27687
Raleigh, North Carolina 27611
[phone]
Field Office: Division of Coastal Management
Department of Natural Resources
and Community Development
1424 Carolina Avenue
Washington, North Carolina 27889
[phone]
N.C. Division of Emergency Management
t (includes National Flood Insurance Program Information)
State Office: Division of Emergency Management
Department of Crime Control
and Public Safety
116 West Jones Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 17611
[phone]
Regional Office: Area Emergency Management Coordinator
N.C. Division of Emergency Management
P.O. Box 124
Washington, North Carolina 27889
[phone]
Federal Emergency Management Agency
National Office: Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20472
Public Information: [phone]
Publications: [phone]

0
r
Lim
Appendix B, continued
Federal Emergency Management Agency, continued
Regional Office: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Region IV
1375 Peachtree Street, NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
Public Information: [phone]
Disaster Assistance
Program: [phone]
Flood Insurance
Program: [phone]

I
If
Appendix C
POWELLSVILLE LAND USE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Schedule and Subject of Meetings 1988
January 12
Introductory Workshop
February 16
Sopioeconomic Conditions
March 15
Issues Workshop Part I: Existing Land
Use and Development Constraints
April 21
Issues Workshop Part II: Development
Constraints (Community and Public
Facilities)
May 17
Issues Workshop Part III:
Regulatory Checklist
June 21
Policy Statements and Implementation
July 19
Workshop: "Introduction to Land Use
Controls"; Review of partial draft of
zoning ordinance
August 19
Review of partial draft of
zoning ordinance
September 20
Approval of preliminary draft
zoning ordinance