CAMA Land Use Plan-1993

CAMA. LAND USE PLAN
1.993 UPDATE
RICHLANDS, NORTH CAROLINA
(SKETCH PLAN LEVEL)
DCM COPY
DO NOT REMOVE

CAMA LAND USE PLAN
1993 UPDATE
RICHLANDS, NORTH CAROLINA
Larry Jones, Mayor
Board of Aldermen
Randy Beckelhimer
Annette Gray Hargett
James Morgan
Fay Stafford
Virgil Thompson
Mark Latour, Manager
Planning Board
Arthur Ray Bell
Alton Bruinton
Buddy North
Al Smith
Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Area Representatives
Darlene Barbee
Bob Gray
Gene Sanders
Board of Aldermen - Planning2 Board Liaison
Annette Gray Hargett
Prepared by
Roger A. Briggs, AICP
Adopted by:
Town of Richlands on March 8, 1994
Certified by:
Coastal Resources Commission on March 25, 1994
The preparation of this plan was financed in part through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal
Management prognun, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as unended,
which is administered by The Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Ocean and
Atmospheric Administration.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
SECTION I
EXISTING CONDITIONS
1
Table 1
Subdivision and Lots Approved
1
Table 2
Population Data
2
Table 3
Population Characteristics
2
Table 4
Age Characteristics
3
Table 5
Education and Veteran Status
3
Table 6
Income and Poverty Status
4
Table 7
Occupancy and Financial Characteristics
5
Table 8
Occupied Housing Units by Race
5
Table 9
Existing Land Use
6
SECTION II
ESTIMATED DEMANDS
7
Table 10
Population Estimates and Projections
7
Table 11
Future Land Requirements
8
SECTION III
POLICY STATEMENTS
10
A.
Resource Protection
11
B.
Resource Production and Management Policies
14
C.
Economic and Community Development Policies
16
D.
continuing Public Participation
18
E.
Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -disaster Recovery
19
SECTION IV
LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
21
A.
Intent
21
B.
Classifications
21
C.
Land Classification Map
24
D.
Types of Land Uses Appropriate in Each Class
24

INTRODUCTION
The Coastal Area Management Act of 1974 (LAMA), enacted by the North Carolina General
Assembly, established the Coastal Resource Commission which sets policies and standards
for the North Carolina Coastal Management program, and is administered by the Department
of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources, Division of Coastal Management. The Act
applies to North Carolina's 20 coastal counties.
The Act requires government units within these coastal counties to develop land use plans
and update them every five years. Richland's first plan was completed and adopted in 1981,
and revised and adopted in 1988.
SECTION I EXISTING CONDITIONS
Development 1988 - 1992
Town records for new construction are available for 1991 and 1992. Records for
construction prior to 1991 are not available. During 1991, permits were issued for four
mobile homes, one conventional house and four commercial establishments. In 1992 permits
were issued for three mobile homes, six conventional houses and three commercial
establishments (including a shopping center). Table 1 below shows subdivision and lots
approved during the preceding planning period.
TABLE 1
Subdivisions and Lots Approved
1988-1992
Richlands Township
Year Subdivisions Approved Lots
1988 1 25
1989 3 46
1990 2 82
• 1991 0 0
1992 Q Q
Totals 6 153

0
Present Population Data
The table below shows population trends for the past 30 years for the Town, Township and
County.
TABLE 2
Population Data
1960-1990
Richlands, Richlands Township and Onslow County
Percent
Change
Place 1960 1970 1980 1990 1980-1990
Richlands 1,079 935 825 996 18.9
Richlands Twp. 7,331 7,572 9,006 10,708 20.7
Onslow Co. 86,208 103,126 112,784 149,838 32.9
Source: Census of Population: 1960, 1970, 1980, 1990
From 1960 to 1980 the Town experienced a consistent decline in population. However, this
trend was reversed in the 1980's and an 18.9 percent growth rate was experienced. Growth in
both the Township and the County occurred at higher rates.
The following table indicates characteristics (Race, Sex) for the town and Township.
TABLE 3
Population Characteristics
1990
Richlands and Richlands Township
la
Richlands 996 461 535 768 223 5
Richlands Twp. 10,325 5,047 5,278 8,724 1,485 116
Source: Census of Population, 1990 .
Within the Town, 53.7 percent of the population is female and 46.3 percent, male. Racial
characteristics are, white 77.1 percent, black 22.8 percent and other races 0.1 percent.
-2-

The following table shows age characteristics for the population in the Town and Township
TABLE 4
Age Characteristics
1990
Richlands and Richlands Township
Median
Place Total Under 5 5-17 18-24 2 -54 5 -64 65+ Age
Richlands 996 72 113 98 373 104 236 34.9
Richlands Twp. 10,325 817 1,698 1,111 4,430 875 1,394 31.3
Onslow Co. - - - - - - - 24.6
N.C. - - - - - - - 33.1
Source: Census of Population, 1990
The age profile for Richlands indicates a higher percentage of older citizens, when compared
with the Township, County and the State. Persons 55 and older account for 34 percent in the
Town while this same age group accounts for 22 percent in the Township.
Table 5 below shows education and the number of veterans within the Town and Township.
TABLE 5
Education and Veteran Status
1990
Richlands and Richlands Township
16-19 Not
Preprimary Grade 1-12 College Enrolled Veteran
Richlands 12 166 39 6 102
Richlands Twp. 181 1,933 566 85 1,174
Source: Census of Population, 1990
Consistent with the older age profile of Richlands, the Town has a lower percentage (16.6) of
school age children than found in the Township (18.7 percent).
511

Table 6 below shows income and poverty status for the Town's population, with comparisons
to the County and State.
TABLE 6
Income and Poverty Status
1989
Onslow
North
Richlands
County
Carolina
Per Capita Income
$9,258
11,282
16,490
Median Income, Households:
$17,419
17,906
26,647
Median Income, Families:
$23,250
23,900
31,548
Median Income, Nonfamily:
$6,894
6,620
14,589
Persons
%
%
O
Poverty Status, Persons, all ages:
169
(17.2)
(12.1)
(13.0)
Poverty Status, Persons Under 18:
47
(18.5)
(16.1)
(19.2)
Poverty Status, Persons 5-17:
32
(17.3)
(15.2)
(19.3)
Poverty Status, Persons 65 & over:
56
(36.4)
(19.3)
(19.5)
Poverty Status, Families:
34
(14.3)
(9.8)
(16.9)
Source: Census of Population, 1990.
The table above shows the Town's residents average income is 18 percent
less than the County average and 44 percent less than the 5 state average.
The table also shows that percentages of persons in a poverty status are
higher than the County averages, but are generally compatible with State
averages. A notable exception is the percentage of persons 65 and over in
poverty is 36.4%, compared with 19.3% for the County and 19.5% for the
State. .
-4-

Table 7 shows characteristics of renter and owner occupied housing units in the Town and
the Township.
TABLE 7
Occupancy and Financial Characteristics
Renter and Owner Occupied Housing Units
1990
Richlands and Richlands Township
Total Persons Mean Median
Place Persons Per Unit Rooms RenVValue
Renter -Occupied
Richlands 129 2.67 4.5 $218
Richlands Twp. 803 2.66 4.8 $211
Owner -Occupied
Richlands 257
Richlands Twp. 2,939
2.53 5.9 $51,900
2.78 5.6 $46,700
Table 8 below shows occupied housing units by race.
TABLE 8
Occupied Housing Units by Race
1990
Richlands and Richlands Township
Occupied
Place Housing Units White Black Other
Richlands 386 307 78 1
Richlands Twp. 3,742 3,191 519 32
Source: Census of Population, 1990
-5-

Existing Land Use
Based upon the 1988 Land Use Plan and field surveys taken in 1992
the following land use
information is presented:
•
TABLE 9
Existing Land Use
1988, 1992
Richlands Planning Area
% of
% of
Land Use
1988 Total 1992*
Total*
Residential
116.0 17.4 225.0
7.6
Commercial
36.0 5.3 41.5
1.4
Industrial
3.6 0.5 3.6
0.1
Transportation
64.6 9.6 111.9
3.8
Public and Semi Public
46.6 7.0 53.6
1.8
Agriculture/Undeveloped
404.6 0,2 2540.4
671.4 ac 100.0% 2976.0 ac
100.0%
*The area of extraterritorial jurisdiction
added 2,304 acres to the Town's Planning area in
1992.
Current Plans and Regulations
The following is a list of current plans and other documents that affect the planning area:
1. 1986 Capital Improvements Program
2. 1988 CAMA Land Use Plan Update
3. 201 Facilities Plan
4. Historic Property Inventory
5. Water and Sewer Extension Policy
6. Zoning Ordinance
7. Subdivision Regulations
1A

8. Housing Code
9. Recreation and Open Space Plan
SECTION II ESTIMATED DEMANDS
Population Projections
The table below reflects 1992 population estimates for the incorporated area, for the
extraterritorial area (ETJ), and projections for 1997 and 2002.
TABLE 10
Population Estimates and Projections
1997 & 2002
Richlands Planning Area
Area 1992 1997 2002
Richlands 1,034 1,129 1,224
ETJ M M 947
Total 1,542 1,690 1,838
Source: Planning Consultant, based on 1980 and 1990 Census of Population trends.
The estimated 1992 population for the planning jurisdiction is 1,542 persons. The projected
population for 1997 and 2002 is 1,690 and 1,838 respectively. These figures are based upon
the assumption that growth trends demonstrated during the past decade will continue at the
same rate.
-7-

Land Demand
The land required during the next ten years to accommodate this projected growth is shown
in the following table.
TABLE 11
Future Land Requirements
Year 2002
Richlands Planning Area
Additional Acres
Needed by 2002
Use Town ETJ Total
Residential 19 21 40
Commercial 5 5 10
Industrial 5 5 10
Transportation 1 2 3
Public and Semi Private 2, 2 4
Totals 32 35 67
These estimates are based upon the population projections shown in Table 10, with
development in the ETJ occurring at a density of two dwellings per acre, and at a density of
four dwellings per acre inside town. The average family size is assumed to be 2.5 persons.
Table 9 presented the number of acres used by six land use categories. Agriculture and
Undeveloped lands account for 2,540 acres (85.3 percent of the total planning area). Within
the next five years it is estimated an additional 67 acres will be required to accommodate
development. Thus development will either occur on developed land (redevelopment) or
upon agricultural and undeveloped land.
Community Facilities Demand
The growth indicated in the two preceding tables will place additional demands upon all
community facilities, including those provided by the Town and those by the County. The
adequacy of community facilities is discussed below.
-8-

1. Water System
To accommodate present and expected growth a general upgrading and replacement
of older lines will be needed.
The county's system is adequate to serve growth in the ETJ.
2. Sanitary Sewer
When the present plant upgrading is finished this facility will be adequate for the next
ten years. The town presently serves a small area (to the Northwest) outside its
corporate limits.
3. Garbage Collection and Landfill
This service should be adequate for the next ten years.
4. Police and Fire Protection
These services will be adequate for the next ten years.
5. Town Hall
This facility needs to be relocated and expanded.
6. Recreation Program
A program needs to be established and basic facilities developed.
In

SECTION III POLICY STATEMENTS
Intent
This section of the plan update contains statements of local policy on land use issues which
will affect the Town's planning jurisdiction during the ten year planning period. The policy
statements are organized into five topics:
• Resource Protection
• Resource Production and Management
• Economic and Community Development
• Continuing Public Participation
• Storm Hazard Mitigation
An analysis of the implementation effectiveness of previous policies follows.
Previous Policy Effectiveness Analysis
The plan updating process includes an analysis of the town's effectiveness in the
implementation of its policies as contained in its current plan of record (the 1987 Update).
The 1987 Update contains 16 policies responding to the five topics listed above.
During the five-year period since the last update, Richlands has been very successful in
achieving most of the policy implementation objectives stated in the 1987 Plan. Some of the
major accomplishments include:
• Expansion of the Town's planning and regulatory jurisdiction into an
extraterritorial area.
• Completion of a Recreation and Open Space Plan.
• A new County Museum and Library Complex is planned.
• Improvements to the Town's wastewater treatment system are under
construction.
-10-

This Plan's Policy Statements follow.
A. Resource Protection
1. Constraints to Development
a. Soils
To permit development only on lands having soil characteristics suitable
for uses allowed by the Zoning Ordinance. The Town provides a central
wastewater collection and treatment system for the incorporated area.
However, within the extraterritorial area septic tanks are virtually the only
method presently utilized for wastewater disposal. Septic tanks will be
permitted only for properties having suitable soil characteristics. This
policy will be implemented through the Zoning Ordinance, the County's
septic tank permitting process and the Army Corps of Engineers' "404"
permitting program.
b. Flood Prone Areas
To permit development within flood prone areas if done in a manner that
will minimize the loss of human life and damage to property.
c. Wetlands
The Town regards wetlands as a development constraint and supports their
protection. Portions of the Town's wetlands are suitable for open space
recreational access and development. The Town will allow only those
developments that will be consistent with the Town's Zoning Ordinance
and the Army Corps of Engineers' "404" permitting program.
2. Areas of Environmental Concern
a. Estuarine System
(Not applicable to the Richlands planning area)
b. Ocean Hazard
(Not applicable to the Richlands planning area)
3. Land Uses and Densities in Proximity to Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW)
(Not applicable to the Richlands planning area)
-11-

4. Hazardous or Fragile Land Areas
a. Maritime Forests
(Not applicable to the Richlands planning area)
b. Wetlands
The Town supports the protection of wetlands. The town will allow only
those developments that will be consistent with the Town's Zoning
Ordinance and the Army Corps of Engineers' "404" permitting program.
Although there are no coastal or saltwater wetlands in the Town's
jurisdiction there are considerable freshwater lands the Town intends to
protect.
The term "404 Wetlands" is a common name given to land that is subject
to provisions of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. The U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers has been assigned responsibility for administering the
Section 404 permitting process. This plan designates most of the major
wetland areas along Squires Creek as "conservation". These wetlands and
100-year flood plains were the basis for the "1988 Richlands Recreation
and Open Space Plan" based upon an integration of conservation
concerns, land use planning and recreational facility planning.
c. Shellfishing Waters
(Not applicable to the Richlands planning area)
d. Cultural, Historical and Archaeological Resources
The Town has an impressive array of historical structures within its
planning area. Within the National Register Historic District are
approximately 85 historically significant structures and approximately 21
historically significant structures in the extraterritorial area. No
archaeological sites have been recorded. There is a high probability that
both prehistoric and historic period archaeological sites exist in the
planning area, particularly along Squires Run and other stream drainages.
It is Town policy to protect historic structures and archaeological sites.
The Town will endeavor to re-establish the Historic District Commission
to augment the further identification and preservation of historic buildings
and sites. Plans for ground disturbing activities proposed along stream
-12-

drainages or within the Historic District will be submitted to the N.C.
Department of Archives and History for review prior to approval by the
Town.
e. Man-made Hazards
No specific hazardous land uses have been idegtified -- however it is
Town policy to mitigate hazardous land uses, operations and activities
should any such activities be initiated.
5. Hurricane and Flood Evacuation Needs and Plans
The town is within the jurisdiction of Onslow County's Emergency peration
Plan for Multi -Hazards, addressing thirteen types of potential hazards, two of
which are floods and hurricanes.
6. Protection of Potable (Drinking) Water Supply
This is a major asset of the Town's planning area. Wells in the vicinity of the
town supply much of the County's water. However, the heavy use of County
wells is causing a draw -down of the water table in the vicinity of the Town's
wells by as much as 11 feet each year.
It is the Town policy to protect its groundwater resources -- both in terms of
quality and quantity. The Town encourages the County to utilize groundwater
resources in the eastern part of the County to lessen the demand upon
groundwater in the Richlands area.
The Town is currently (November, 1993) preparing a long-range water supply
plan to assure a continuous supply of potable water.
7. Use of Package Treatment Plants and Alternative Treatment Systems
The Town encourages (in areas not served by the Town's wastewate system)
the utilization of package treatment plants or innovative treatment and
disposal systems such as low pressure, modified sites or artificial wetlands.
8. Stormwater Runoff Associated with Agriculture, Residential Development,
Phosphate or Peat Mining.
The watersheds in and around Richlands are upper reaches of tributaries
leading to the New River and the maintenance of the downstream estuarine
environment is of utmost concern to all members of the coastal community. It
is therefore Town policy to help ensure the minimalization of stormwater
-13-

runoff associated with agriculture, residential and other developments. This
policy will be enforced through the County Building Inspection Department,
the North Carolina Division of Environmental Management (Stormwater
management plans) and the encouragement of contemporary farmland
management practices.
(Phosphate and Peat Mining operations are not found in the Richlands
planning area)
9. Marinas, Floating Homes Development and Boat Dry Stack Storage Facilities.
(Not applicable to the Richlands planning area
10. Industrial Impacts on Fragile Areas
The Town deems industrial development near fragile areas acceptable only if,
upon review, all governmental permits can be obtained, including local
zoning ordinance compliance.
11. Development of Sound and Estuarine Islands
(Not applicable to the Richlands planning area)
12. Sea Level Rise considerations
(Not applicable to the Richlands planning area)
13. Upland Excavation for Marina Basins
(Not applicable to the Richlands area)
14. Damaging of Existing Marshes by Bulkhead Installation
(Not applicable to the Richlands planning area)
B. Resource Production and Management Policies
1. Productive Agricultural Lands
Productive agricultural lands are prominent in the planning area (hence the
Town's name "Richlands"). The Town's policy is to encourage the protection
of productive agricultural lands. This policy also acknowledges that certain
agricultural lands are allowed to go fallow due to lack of demand.
Additionally, new development may require that a small percentage of
agricultural land be converted to urban use. This new development should be
carefully planned so as to minimize its impact.
-14-

2. Commercial Forest Lands
The Town recognizes the value of the area's timber industry. The Town's
policy is to encourage the protection of commercial forest lands. Any new
developments in the area should be carefully planned so as to minimize its
impact upon commercial forest land or urban wooded areas. Additionally,
good forestry and land management techniques are encouraged for non -urban
uses.
3. Existing and Potential Mineral Production Areas
No existing or potential mineral production areas have been identified within
Richland's planning jurisdiction.
4. Commercial and Recreational Fisheries
a. Nursery and Habitat Areas
(Not applicable to the Richlands planning area)
b. Outstanding Resource Waters
(Not applicable to the Richlands planning area)
c. Trawling Activities in Estuarine Waters
(Not applicable to the Richlands planning area)
5. Off -road Vehicles
The Town discourages off -road recreational vehicles within its jurisdiction
due to noise factors and the increase of soil erosion potential.
6. Residential, Commercial and Industrial Land Development Impact on Any
Resource
The Town's policy is to encourage residential, commercial and industrial
development that will have a positive impact upon the local economy and tax
base, subject to applicable restrictions, regulations, environmental
considerations and the availability of public services and facilities.
7. Impact of Peat or Phosphate Mining on Any Resource
(No operations of this nature are located in the planning area)
-15-

C. Economic and Community Development Policies
1. Types and Locations of Desired Industries
It is Town policy to encourage expansion of existing industries and to support
and encourage efforts to secure traditional manufacturing industries that are
sensitive to the environment.
2. Local Commitments to Providing Services to Development
The Town will provide all utilities and services to developments within its
corporate limits. Water and/or sewer service may be extended into areas
outside of the town limits at the discretion of the governing body.
3. Types of Urban Growth Patterns Desired
It is Town policy to encourage development in areas readily served by
existing utility and street systems and consistent with local zoning; to avoid
development in low-lying areas with problem soils and/or poor drainage. The
Town is seeking light to medium manufacturing establishments that would
employ the local labor supply. Industries that the Town would discourage
include those generating excessive noise or odor, and those having the
potential of contaminating its renowned ground water resource or emitting
noxious fumes.
4. Redevelopment of Developed Acres
The Town supports and encourages redevelopment, upgrading and adaptive
reuse of properties. The re -subdivision or in -filling of existing platted
properties is preferred over the development of areas requiring new streets
and utilities.
5. Community Appearance
The Town is committed to the upgrading of the planning area's appearance.
This is particularly true of public spaces, the historic district and the highway
258/24 corridor.
6. Commitment to State and Federal Programs
The Town will continue to support state and federal programs that will benefit
the planning area and its citizens, particularly utility and highway
improvements and the Community Development Program.
-16-

7. Assistance to Channel Maintenance and Beach Nourishment Projects
(Not applicable to the Richlands planning area)
8. Energy Facility Sitting and Development
a. Electric Generating Plants
Electric generating plants are not permitted in the planning area.
b. Inshore and outer continental shelf (OCS) oil or gas exploration or
development
(Not applicable to the Richlands planning area)
9. Tourism
Tourism is not a major component in the local economy -- however it is Town
policy to promote local resources such as the County Museum and the historic
district. A new County Museum is currently (November, 1993) under
construction in downtown Richlands.
10. Beach and Estuarine Water Access
(Not applicable to the Richlands planning area)
11. Anticipated Residential Development
The types of residential development anticipated are single family (both
conventional and manufactured) at densities averaging from two to four
dwellings per acre. The anticipated locations will be isolated lots along
existing streets and roads and within existing small residential subdivisions.
The services required to support anticipated development will include water
and wastewater utilities, solid waste collection, police and fire protection for
development inside the incorporated area. Outside the incorporated area the
only services required will be the administration of development regulations.
12. Land Use Trends and Carrying Capacity Analysis
Recent development has included scattered single family residential
construction and commercial development along the 258/24 highway corridor.
Improvements needed for the water system include the replacement of older
lines. The wastewater system will be adequate for the planning period, when
the improvements presently under construction are completed. Other Town
-17-

services such as police and fire protection and administration will require
incremental improvements to keep pace with anticipated development.
D. Continuing Public Participation
Policy
The Town will encourage public involvement in the land `use plan updating process.
The Town will seek to ensure that all segments of the community have a full and
adequate opportunity to be informed and to participate in the planning decision -
making process. The Town's policy on Public Participation consists of four
components:
1. Public Participation Plan
The Richlands Planning Board prepared a Public Participation Plan at the
beginning of the land use plan updating process. The Plan was subsequently
adopted by the Town Aldermen on October 26, 1992. The Participation Plan
reflects:
• background information on the updating process.
• reasons for updating.
• designation of the local planning board as the responsible agency for
the project.
• public information and education schedule.
• initial public information meeting.
• goals and objectives of the updating process.
2. Public Education on Planning Issues
The means by which the public is informed of planning issues include the
following:
• through the initial public meeting on the updating process.
• through questionnaires.
• through Town Planning Board and Board of Alderman meetings.
• through newspaper coverage of Town meetings.
3. Continuing Public Participation in Planning
-18-

Similar to the means listed for 2. above, continuing public participation in the
planning process will involve the following methods:
public hearings on the adoption of the updated land use plan, zoning
and other ordinance revisions.
public notices placed at the Town Hall. ,
Planning Board and Board of Aldermen meetings.
4. Citizens' Input in Developing Land Use Plan Policy Statements
The means used to solicit public input into the policy statement formulation
included the following:
the initial public meeting for the updating process.
the Planning Board meeting dates for the updating process were
announced in the public participation plan.
E. Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery and Evacuation Plan
1. Effects of the Effects of Coastal Storms Upon the Planning Area.
The potential effects of coastal storms are described in'the Flood Insurance
Studies prepared for the Town and County by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA). Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for the
Town and County show the potential coverage of a 100-year flood, also
known as.a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).
Although Richlands is situated about 28 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, the
Town is susceptible to effects of coastal storms - - hurricanes, tropical storms
and to lesser extents, northeasters. High winds and heavy rainfall resulting in
localized flooding particularly along Mill Run and Squires Creek are likely.
2. Composite Hazards Map
The Composite Hazards Information is shown as supplemental information on
Map 1, Existing Land Use and Composite Hazards Map. It essentially shows
the 100-year flood plain Special Flood Hazard Area in relation to existing
land use to show what is at, risk,
-19-

3. Coastal Storm Hazard Mitigation Policies
It is Town policy to discourage or prevent development within the 100-year
flood plain through the zoning ordinance or through the Flood Damage
Prevention Ordinance.
It is Town policy to permit new construction thawnly complies with wind -
resistant standards that are enforced by the County's enforcement of the State
Building Code.
It is Town Policy to discourage high density or large structure development in
flood -prone areas.
Regarding public acquisition of land in the most hazardous areas, it is a goal
of the Town to acquire land in flood -prone areas and develop a broad -scale
open space or greenway network as a recreation facility.
The Town's evacuation policies are based upon the elements within Onslow
County's Emergency Operation pjM fa Multi -Hazards, addressing 13 types
of potential hazards, two of which are floods and hurricanes.
4. Post Disaster Reconstruction Policies
The Town policy in this regard is based upon the County's Emergency
Operations Plan for Multi -Hazards, policies promulgated by the County
Building Inspections Department, and by emergency ordinances set by the
Board of Aldermen.
Long-term reconstruction will follow guidance promulgated by the N.C.
Division of Emergency Management and application provisions and policies
contained in their Land Use Plan.
Regarding policies for the repair and/or replacement of public infrastructure
facilities the Board of Aldermen will assemble a team composed of local and
state representatives to assess damages, prepare a calendar of milestones,
determine funding feasibility and initiate orders for repairs.
-20-

SECTION IV LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
A. Intent
The land classification system provides a means of assisting in the implementation of
adopted Town policies. Through the delineation of land classes on a planning area
map, the Aldermen, Planning Board and local residents can specify where certain
policies (local, state, and federal) will apply. The classification system is not a
regulatory device in the sense of a zoning ordinance or zoning map. It represents
more of a tool to aid in the understanding of relationships between various land uses,
the natural environment and the man-made environment. The land classification
system is intended to be supported and complemented by zoning and subdivision
ordinances and other growth management tools. These tools should be consistent with
the classification system.
Particular attention is focused on the intensity at which land is used and the level of
services needed to support that intensity. The regulations for the Coastal Area
Management Act state:
"The land classification system provides a framework to be used by local government
to identify the future use of all lands. The designation of land classes allows the local
government to illustrate their policy statements as to where and to what density they
want growth to occur, and where they want to conserve natural and cultural resources
by guiding growth" (15A NCAC 7B at .0204 (6)).
The land classification system in the Coastal Area Management Act regulations
includes seven classes: Developed, Urban Transition, Limited Transition,
Community, Rural, Rural With Services and Conservation. Local governments may
subdivide these classes into more specific subclasses and some classes may not apply
to each local government.
This plan uses four of those classes.
B. Classifications
The land classifications system consists of two components; the Land Classification
Map (Map 2) and a description of each classification used in this plan update, which
follows.
-21-

1. Developed
The Developed class of land use provides for continued intensive
development and redevelopment of existing cities, towns, and their urban
environment. These are areas currently urban in character where minimal
undeveloped land remains and have in place, or are scheduled for the timely
provision of, the usual municipal or public services.
Urban in character includes mixed land uses such as residential, commercial,
industrial, institutional and other uses at high to moderate densities. Services
include water, sewer, recreational facilities, streets and roads, police and fire
protection. In some instances an area may not have all the traditional urban
services in place, but if it otherwise has a developed character and is
scheduled for the timely provision of these services, it still meets the intent of
the Developed classification.
Within the Richlands planning jurisdiction, the Developed class is applied to
the urbanized central corridor that generally follows the area's thoroughfares
(US. 258, NC 24, Franck Street and Wilmington Street).
2. Urban Transition
The purpose of this class is to provide for future intensive urban development
on suitable lands that will be provided with the necessary urban services to
support that development.
The CAMA regulations criteria for areas in this class are summarized as
follows:
presently being developed for urban purposes or will be developed in the
next five to ten years to accommodate anticipated population and urban
growth.
• are presently, or will be in an urban "transition" state of development
going from lower intensity uses to higher intensity uses and as such will
eventually require urban services.
must be generally free of physical limitations and be served or readily
served by urban services.
-22-

• urban development includes mixed land uses such as residential,
commercial, institutional, industrial and other uses at or approaching high
to moderate densities.
• urban services include water, sewer, streets and roads, police and fire
protection.
• predominately residential areas meet the intent of this class if; they are
approaching three dwelling units per acre, or if a majority of the lots are
15,000 square feet or less and will be provided with essential urban
services, or are contagious to existing developed municipal areas.
Within the Richlands planning jurisdiction, three areas are designated Urban
Transition. These areas adjoin Developed classified land and are expected to
experience moderate development pressures within the next five to ten years.
3. Rural
The rural class is to provide for agriculture, forestry, mineral extraction and
other allied uses traditionally associated with an agrarian region. Other land
uses, due to their noxious or hazardous nature and negative impacts on
adjacent uses may also be appropriate here if sited in a manner that minimizes
their negative effect on surrounding land uses or natural resources. Very low
density dispersed residential uses on large lots with on -site or off -site water
and on -site sewer are consistent with the intent of the rural class.
The CAMA regulations criteria for areas in this class are summarized as
follows:
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
very low density dispersed, single family residential uses on large lots
with densities that do not require the provision of urban type services
(County water excepted), all consistent with the standards of the
Richlands Subdivision Ordinance
private septic tanks and wells are the primary on -site services available
to support residential development
-23-

• fire, rescue squad and sheriff protection may be available
• population densities will be very low
Large areas of the Town's planning jurisdiction are designated with the rural
class. Most of the area of extraterritorial jurisdiction is so classified.
4. Conservation
The purpose of this class is to provide for the effective long-term management
and protection of significant, limited, or irreplaceable areas. Management is
needed due to the natural, cultural, recreational, scenic or natural productive
values of both local and more than local concern.
The CAMA regulations criteria for areas in this class include;
(a) Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs)
(b) Other similar lands environmentally significant because of
their natural role in the integrity of the Coastal region
The Land Classification Map reflects the conservation class applied to areas
within the 100-year flood plain, as shown on the Town's Flood Insurance Rate
Map (FIRM). This area is also a primary feature of the Town's "Recreation
and Open Space Plan" published in 1988.
C. Land Classification Map.
Map Two indicates the four land classes applied to the Richlands planning
jurisdiction.
D. Types of Land Uses Appropriate in Each Class.
1. Developed Class
• residential (medium to higher densities)
• commercial
• industrial
• institutional
-24-

2. Urban Transition Class
• residential (low to medium densities)
• commercial
• industrial
• institutional
3. Rural Class
• residential (low density)
• commercial (scattered)
• agricultural
• forestry
4. Conservation Class
• residential (very low density)
• agricultural
• forestry
-25-

The preparation et this war pea fiaaaced in Part through ■ grant
provi dad by
the North Carolina Coastal Menageaant Progr.,
through funds Provided by the Coastal Lone Maoaga .t Act at
1972, as aweadod, which is administered by The Office of Ocean
and Coastal Seaourses Manageeont, National Ocean and Btmspberic
Adadalstratlga.
'fit I C H L A N D SNAP CC MPOSITE BAAIARDS
NORTH CAROLINA 100 TEAR FLOOD AREEXTRATERRITORa AMWICTION -
CCISTINO LAUD USE
• •••• LtSLtl.Q
NEBIDLNTIAL
iNam.:'+.�•� PUBLIC a SEMI-PUSL
` __C0101NNCIIL
Novber 30. 1993 n
em
\\ I11YIu014 INDDSTRIBL

Ic
l
The preparation of this nap was tinaneed is Part through a grant
.. Provi dad b9 the North Carolino CeastQ Management Program,
through fonds provided bf the Coastal fone Management Aet of
1972, ■s amended, wh., is admislstered bT Tha Ottica of Ocean ,
and Coastal Resources Management, National Ileeaa and Atmospheric
• Administration.
ICHLANDS
I
NORTH CAROLINA
EXTRATERRITORIAL 1URWICTION
' N
Movembar 10, 1991
It" 2
LAND CLARRIPICATION
LEM=
iD DR9RLorm
! TRANRITION
R RURAL
C CONsnva?ron