Land Use Plan Update-1980

LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
OMBER, 1980
PROPERTY OF
DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT
PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE

TABLF OF CONTENTS
I. Introduction ............................................... 1
II. Existing Conditions ........................................ 5
A. Population ............................................. 5
B. Existing Land Use ...................................... 9
C. Current Plans, Policies, and Regulations...............13
1. Current Plans......................................13
2. Regulations........................................15
3. Policies...........................................16
III. Public Participation Activities ............................17
A. Methods for Securing Public Participation..............17
B. Major Land Use Issues..................................17
C. Development Alternatives...............................20
D. Goals and Objectives ............. ....................21
19 IV. Constraints................................................23
A. Land Suitability.......................................23
1. Physical Limitations..............................:M
a. Soil Limitations...............................23
b. Water Supply...................................23
c. Flood Hazards..................................24
Flood hazard Map...............................26
B. Community Facilities...................................2
1. Water System.......................................2
2. Sanitary Sewer System............ ....29
3. Streets and Street Lighting System.................33
a. Curb and Gutter................................33
b. Traffic Control Devices ........................34

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or
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Prepared for......................................Richlands Board of Aldermen
and Richlands Planning and
Zoning Board
Mayor:
Graham L. Cavanaugh
Town Clerk:
Jo Ann Williams
Aldermen:
Bobby Huffman
Dennis Miller
James F. Mohn
R. O. North
Tommy Ramsey
Planning and Zoning Board:
Annie K. Ragsdale
Jim J. Wilson
Durwood H . North
Carl A. Boggs
Alternates
Ashley Saunders
McKinley Smith
Richard H. Williams
Prepared by.......................................Town Administrator & Planner:
Jack Di Sarno
Secretary:
Nancy C. Dameron, Typist
Technical assistance provided by..................Onslow County Planning Director:
Kenneth Windley
The preparation of this document was financed, in part, through a Coastal
Area Management Act grant provided by the North Carolina Management Program,
through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended,
which is administered by the Office of Coastal Zone Management, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(cunt.)
4. Emergency Services.................................34
5. Schools............................................34
6. Town Hall and Other Office Space...................35
7. Recreation Facilities..............................37
V. Estimated Demand...........................................39
A. Population and Economy.................................39
B. Future Land Needs......................................41
C. Community Facilities Demand ............................43
1. Water Supply.......................................43
2. Sanitary Sewer System..............................43
3. Streets............................................44
4. Schools............................................44
5. Town Hall..........................................44
6. Recreational Facilities ............................45
VI. Land Classification........................................46
VII. Implementation and Review..................................47
VIII. Areas of Environmental Concern .............................48
IX. Policy Statements and Implementation Methods...............49
1. Resource Protection....................................49
2. Resource Production and Management .....................50
3. Economic and Community Development ............... .....51
4. Continuing Public Participation ........................55
5. Cost Benefit Considerations ............................56
X. Town -County Coordination...................................57
Appendix: State and Federal Land Use Regulations .....................60

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I. INIRODLUMON
Throughout this document the terms "land use plan" and "land use element"
may be used interchangeably. The Town of Richlands is attempting to integrate
all community planning documents into a Conprehensive Community Plan. In this
approach the various individual planning documents are labeled "elements",
that is elements of the comprehensive plan. This does not mean that the Town
mast possess an element to regulate every conceivable physical problem, it does
however, indicate that the individual documents will be written so that they
are consistent with each other. Further, the elements should utilize uniform
terminology where this is possible, and the various elements should be placed
in a single loose-leaf system.1 Placing the various elements in a single loose-
leaf system should encourage consistency, if local employees, officials, and
consultants utilize the comprehensive approach. The courts have also indicated
that local land use regulatory programs are more legitimate when they are part
of a comprehensive community planning process.
The land use element is the foundation of the community planning process.
Although North Carolina laws authorize many different local community planning
programs, it is noteworthy that land use planning is the only program which is
legally required.2 This prominence of the land use element is also built into
the Comprehensive Planning grant-in-aid program of the U. S. Department of Hous-
ing and Urban Development ("701 Program"), and the planning grant program of the
U. S. Office of Coastal Zone Management. The Comprehensive Planning Program
assigns the highest funding priority to the preparation of the local land use plans
1Elements which are regulatory in nature, for example, zoning mast also be adopted
in ordinance form and placed in the ordinance book.
-nand use plans presently are only required in the twenty coastal counties, however,
the North Carolina General Assembly has considered expanding the program to the re-
mainder of the state. The North Carolina State Building Code, although enforced
locally, is a possible exception to this state if it is considered a land use pro-
gram.
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and requires local governments to complete their land use plans before asking
for funds for community facilities documents, transportation studies, or other
planning documents. The North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and
Community Development which administers the coastal programs in this state
assigns the highest funding priority to land use planning.
In 1975, largely in response to the legal requirements of the Coastal t
Management Act of 1974, the Town of Richlands prepared its first Land Use
Plan. The Plan analyzed existing land uses and encouraged preparation for
future orderly growth within the Town boundaries. An analysis of existing land
uses and the establishment of the municipal land classification system were
two of the most important features. Although Richlands is not located on the
shore, it is subject to the land use planning regulations of the Coastal Area
Management Program because it is located in a coastal county. The relation-
ship here is more than a legal one. Activities in Richlands directly affect
coastal land. For example, if extensive water pollution occurs in Richlands,
shellfish areas in Onslow County will be damaged. Conversely, developments if
in the coastal area will affect the Richlands community. If coastal tourism
increases substantially over the next ten years, major improvements to the Gum
Branch Road (S.R. 1308) or the Richlands segment of U.S. 258 Highway might be
needed.
No Areas of Environmental Concern were designated in 1976. This was typical
for non -shoreline towns since most of these areas were ocean or sound related.
This Land Use Element should mesh or be consistent with the Onslow County Land
Use Plan, and should be used by the Town's people and the local governing body
as a reference tool for guiding future growth. The element is not a perfect
document. It should be refined and u " p-dated on a regular periodic basis. The
Richlands Land Use Element is the most basic planning tool available, and should
serve as the foundation of the entire community planning program.
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Richlands is a small town functioning as a center for employment, re-
tail trade, agricultural trade, financial services, governmental and other
services. Several services are available that are usually only found in
much -larger towns. The Onslow County Museum and the privately owned swimming
club are two good examples. The Town was laid out in an arbitrary rectangular
shape rather than according to developmental locations. Today municipal bound-
aries still do not follow development. Richlands was incorporated in 1880 and
has not conducted a single annexation. On the other hand, there is a consider-
able amount of undeveloped land within the Town limits.
There is strong public support for growth and improvements in Richlands.
This is indicated by the Town's vigorous participation in the Governor's
Community of Excellence Program, strong support for industrial recruitment
.by local businessmen, and the recent request by the Board of Aldermen for
designation by the North Carolina Interim Balanced Growth Board as an
Economic Growth Center. The public has also demonstrated support for the
Town's Downtown Revitalization Program which is in the planning stage.
In spite of these efforts , growth in recent years has been moderate.
Over the ten year planning horizon several important growth factors will
predominate. Locally, the industrial recruitment efforts, condition of
public utilities, vitality of Camp Lejeune, future development of Albert
Ellis Airport, and the spin-off effect of coastal development are major
factors. Factors which are beyond local influences include inflation,
mortgage interest rates, and the cost and supply of gasoline. For the
next year or two the credit tightening policy of President Carter and the
Federal Reserve Board will act as a brake on development.
If the local factors are positive, Richlands should experience signifi-
cant growth in spite of problems associated with the national economy.
Presently, the local growth factors appear favorable.
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DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
A. Establishment of Information Base
A variety of information sources were used in the preparation of
this Land Use Element revision. With the exception of data dealing
with population, all data used was adequate or better than adequate.
Of course, the 1976 Land Use Plan, Existing Land Use Map, and Land
Classification Map were heavily relied upon. Where data in the 1976
Plan was questionable, it was tested. Other available planning docu-
ments, such as the Draft Community Facilities Element, Richlands Develop-
ment Project Report, and other documents were also utilized. The.
planner -in -charge conducted windshield surveys to gather information
concerning existing land uses. The records of the Building Inspector
were also examined, and the Mayor, Town Clerk, and other local citizens
were interviewed concerning land use compatibility and other matters.
Minerals in the Economy of North Carolina by the U. S. Bureau of Loans
was used to confirm the absence of important mineral resources within
the Town limits of Richlands.
B. Statement of the Major Conclusion '
The conclusion concerning the adequacy of the data base used for the
preparation of this report is that the data generally was adequate to good.
The only exception to this is the data concerning population. The timing
of the preparation of this report is a major problem here. When the 1980
Census data is available, it should be examined and, if gross errors in
this report are found, the Land Use Element should be revised accordingly. '
,
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II. EXISTING CONDITIONS
A. Population
The original Land Use Plan stated, "Demographic data for the Town of
Richlands cannot be compiled through the use of available published infor-
mation due to the small size of the Town". Unfortunately, this statement
is still accurate. Population data for minicipalities with a population
of less than 2500 is extremely limited. Further, the most recent official
population data for the Town of Richlands is contained in the 1970 De-
cennial Census of Population. The one exception is the Annual Population
Total Estimate of the N. C. Department of Administration. These estimates
are shown below. of course, the 1980 Decennial Census of Population and
Housing is currently being conducted by the United States Census Bureau.
The published 1980 Census reports will not be available until after Jan-
uary 1st, 1981. This is the deadline for the Census Bureau's suhmittal
of state population counts to the President, therefore, this document
should be amended when the 1980 Census data is available.
The 1978 North Carolina Department of Administration Population Es-
timate for the Town of Richlands is 970. This is an increase of 35 persons
over the 1970 actual population count of 935 or an increase of 3.7%. Be-
tween 1960 and 1970 Onslow, County's population increased 20%, while Richlands
lost 13% of its population. This is due to Richlands being situated in an
agricultural region. Richlands Township has gained 3% in the same period.
There is the expected concern, however, about the decrease in the young adult
population. For example, there were 254 people in the 5-14 age group in
1960 and in 1970 only 160 are remaining. This is a typical occurence in small
towns due to service in the military and college. Also, the attractions of
larger cities and outside employment opportunities drain this age group consid-
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erably. Richlands has lost 37% of the people that were 5-14 in 1960. Conn
paratively, Swansboro, another small comunity in Onslow County, has lost
25% in this age group while there total population increased between 1960
and 1970.
Richlands Population
1970
Male
Female
0-5
53
30
5-14
105
79
15-24
78
71
25-34
61
66
35-44
59
58
45-54
47
47
55-64
36
48
65+
31
55
Richlands
Richlands
Township
0-5
83
779
5-14
184
1699
15-24
149
1499
25-34
127
950
35-44
117
825
45-54
94
748
55-64
84
611
65+
86
.463
1960 1970
0-5
137
83
5-14
254
184
15-24
174
160
25-34
155
127
35-44
126
117
45-54
84
94
55-64
83
84
65+
66
86
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POPULATION ESTIMATES
NORTH CAROLINA
DEPAR'IVlENT OF ADMINISTRATION
Year Richlands
1978 970
1977 970
1976 910
1972 890
1970 935
POPULATION GRANGE
Year Increase %Increase
1977-78 -0- -0-
1976-77 60 .07%
1972-76 20 .02%
1970-72 45 .05%
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Public sector employment is also considerable when education is included.
Three public school campuses, Richlands Elementary School, Trexler Junior High
School, and Richlands High School collectively are very important to the local
economy. The Town of Richlands and the U. S. Postal Service are the other
local public sector employers. Of course, the facilities of all these public
employers are exempt from property taxes. Many local residents must conrute
to Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville, Kinston, Duplin County, and to the military
facility of Cherry Point to work. The run -away price of gasoline and gas
supply problems is turning what was an inconvenience in the past into a serious
financial problem. The number of low income families in Richlands according
to the 1970'Census data is slightly higher than the County as a whole; with
19.0% below the federal poverty figure compared with 15.3% - Onslow County.
With a large amount of undeveloped land available, the Town should attempt
to secure new, stable manufacturing industry to compensate for the business
fluctuations of Richlands Textiles and the overall limitations of the tax base
which presently is valued at approximately $ 7,000,000. This would also reduce
the need for residents to commute to work and reduce local unemployment and
underemployment. Simultaneously, the Town should closely examine the appro-
priateness of annexation and encourage redevelopment in the Central Business
District. If new manufacturing firms are secured, the comnmity would benefit
from a multiplier effect, which would stimulate growth in the service sector
and result in residential development. According to Edward Ullman and Michael
Dacey, 100 new manufacturing jobs would produce approximately 30 additional
jobs throughout the local economy.3
3"The Minimum Requirements Approach to the Urban Economic Base", Papers and
Proceedings of the Regional Science Association, 1960.

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a. Existing Land Use
The existing land use map of Richlands has been prepared and shows the
development pattern within the Town limits. The map was the result of a field
survey conducted in May, 1975. The map has been reviewed for land use con-
versions since 1975 using building permit records, interviews, and field checks.
Land uses are classified in eight basic categories. Listed below are the
eight land use categories found in Richlands, its acreage, and percent of the
total.
Land Use
Acreage
Percent
Residential
98.4
14.6
Com ercial
27.6
4.2
Industrial
7.3
1.1
Transportation, Communication
and Utilities
95.91
9.8
Government and Institutional
37.15
5.5
Cultural, Entertainment
and Recreation
21.2
.3
Agriculture
90.48
13.5
Undeveloped
342.96
51.0
Total
672
100
The above table indicates that 51% of the total acreage within the Town
limits of Richlands is undeveloped. The second largest land use is -devoted to
residential use. There is a total of 98.4 acres of residential land on which
327 dwelling units are located. Richlands has 27.6 acres of commercial land
which, relative to the population, is'a significant amount. Many of these
comurcial services require large tracts of land. Examples are the car and
tractor dealerships. One of these dealerships, the Ford dealer, may be in

a state of transition since the owner has declared bankruptcy.
Much commercial activity has shifted from the Richlands Central Business
District to strip commercial development which is occurring along the Highway
258 By -Pass. The,Central Business District has deteriorated and is not as -
attractive to shoppers and merchants as it once was. Therefore, the shopper
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and prospective merchant have focused their attention to the 258 By -Pass area.
Not only is this strip development aiding in the business decline of the
Central Business District, but it is also hindering traffic flow on the in-
tended By -Pass around Richlands.
There has been a significant amount of new development since the original
Land Use Survey was conducted in 1975, however, very little land use conver-
sion occurred. Virtually all of the development has occurred in areas already
developed. The only exception is the proposed Brookhaven Subdivision. At
present this 29.1 acre site is in the process of transition. This site has
been partially cleared, however, the developer has experienced problems
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completing the project, and the completion date is difficult to predict. A
portion of the site is in the flood hazard area. Due to uncertainties con-
sidering this proposed development, we have not classified this as a land
use conversion. The only other land use conversion is the one associated with
the construction of the Super Dollar Store on U.S. 258 Highway. The Super
Dollar Store is under construction at the present time on a 100' x 200' lot.
This conversion is shown on the existing land use map, however, the tabular
information has not been adjusted due to the nominal amount of land involved.
Several other commercial developments have been completed which do not in-
volve land use conversion. New commercial development includes the Country
Junction Clothing Store, the storage building at Rand Oil Company, a new car
wash, Professional Office Park, which includes a dentist office and accounting
office, and the expanded and reconstructed Piggly Wiggly which was built in 1977.
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New residential growth in Richlands has been virtually non-existent
since•1975. Approximately one site -built house has been added to the stock,
however, one house has been moved out and one house demolished, 'for a net
change of minus one for site -built houses. The Town has gained eight
mobile units and lost six for a net change of plus two since the original
plan was written. The overall net change is only plus one.
In the industrial category there has been virtually no change. The only
change which has occurred is a change in occupancy. A local resident has
established a cabinet and woodworking shop in a building that was formally
a Doctor's office. Virtually no changes have occurred in the transportation,
communication, and utilities category, or the agriculture and undeveloped
groups (pending the outcome of the Brookhaven Subdivision).
Under the government and institutional grouping, Richlands Elementary
• School completed an add -on on the present site, and the Richlands Boy Scout
Troop finished their new brick veneer building in 1980.
K
Venter's Park was completed, two lighted tennis courts were constructed
on the CommTunity Building grounds, and the Onslow County Museum was expanded.
This constitutes the change which has occurred in the cultural, entertainment,
and recreation categories since 1975.
In conclusion, the existing land use situation has experienced some change,
however, since 1975 growth has been slow. The problems related to the large
amount of agricultural land and undeveloped land located within the Town
limits persist. Most growth in Richlands has been of the commercial type.
The following list briefly outlines characteristics of existing land use
in Richlands:
RESIDENTIAL
Approximately 14.6% or 98.4 acres are devoted to residential uses.. The
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amount of land used for residential purposes in Richlands is second behind
undeveloped. In communities the size of Richlands, this is very often the
leading type of land use.
C g4ERCIAL
Commercial land use is comprised of 4.2% or approximately 27.6 acres.
Most of this land occurrs in the Central Business District, and along
Highway 258.
INDUSTRIAL
Only 1.1% of the land in Richlands is utilized by industry. This
amounts to 7.3 acres and is almost totally confined to the Richlands
Textile site.
TRANSPORTATION, CONE NICATION, AND UTILITIES
Approximately 65.91 acres or 9.8% of the existing land use is devoted
to this category. Of course, a major item here is street and highway
rights -of -way. The Town's two sites for water storage and wells are also
accounted for here, as well as property owned by Carolina Telephone and
Telegraph Company.
GOVER Z= AND INSTITITrIONAL
This category is dominated by the public school campuses and the
Fire Department site. The Community Building and Town Hall are also in-
cluded. _Approximately 37.15% of the total or 5.5 acres is included in
this grouping.
CULTURAL, ERI'ERTAIIEIT, AND RECREATICN
This is the smallest category with 2.2 acres or .03%, however, specific
sites are included under other land use categories which do possess a similar
function.
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0 MXVELAPED LM 400
Amia m SCALE IN FEET

C. Current Plans, Policies, and Regulations
1. Current Plans
Richlands Zoning Ordinance-1970
This is a typical municipal Zoning Ordinance prepared with the assist-
ance of the N. C. League of Municipalities and the Onslow County Planning
Department. This document regulates the type of development by district,
and includes a zoning map and enforcement regulations. The Richlands Zon-
ing Ordinance makes heavy use of pyramid zoning.
Project Proud
This was the Town's first attempt to plan for Downtown revitalization.
With financial assistance from Carolina Telephone Company, drawings and iwdels
of storefronts were prepared by a design student from N. C. State University.
The drawings show the condition of the buildingfronts at the time and include
recomn endations for physical rehabilitation of exterior veneers. A one
dimensional streetscape was also prepared. Public meetings were held to
formulate recommendations to stimulate commercial revitalization. This plann-
ing effort was limited in scope to storefronts, parking, and other extremely
basic issues.
Richlands Development Project: Alternative Town Planning for
Richlands, N.C., Community Development Group, School of Design
N. C. State University -May 1980.
This report summarizes an intensive analytical study of the Central
Business District, and other related problems in the Town of Richlands.
This report includes an indepth physical and economic description of the
Town, a survey of the existing buildings in the Central Business District,
and proposes sites for new development. The report goes on to discuss growth
` issues, land use issues, redevelopment methods, including sign controls,
and community facilities with an emphasis on city law. 'Finally, preliminary
design work was a part of this study, including exterior design and floor plans
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for a proposed city hall.
Recreation Planning
The recreation committee appointed in 1976 to determine the Town's
recreation needs and formulate recommendations has achieved considerable
results in Richlands. This comidttee has not issued any formal reports,
however, their accomplishments.include: the construction of Venter's Park,
construction of outdoor basketball courts, construction of two lighted
tennis courts and mechanical improvements (cooling) at the Cc m anity Building.
Richlands Area 201 Facilities Plan
At the present time Richlands is awaiting final approval from the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency for a 201 Facilities Step I grant. The
Town has contracted with the engineering firm of James E. Stewart & Asso-
ciates, Inc.,Jacksonville, N.C., to assist them in the preparation of this
study. The purpose of this study is to plan for the wastewater, collection,
and treatment needs of the greater Richlands area over a 20 year planning
horizon. One of the basic goals of the project is to formulate recommenda-
tions which will enable greater Richlands to cone into compliance with the
federal Clean Water Act as amended. At the present time the Richlands Waste-
water Treatment Plant is a secondary treatment system, and the Environmental
Protection Agency is considering requiring the Town to upgrade treatment to
tertiary -or advanced, in order to remove more of the.pollutants from the
wastewater, prior to discharge into the receiving stream.
Draft Community Facilities Element
With financial assistance from the.N. C. Department of Natural Resources
and Community Development the Town has prepared a Draft Community Facilities
report which, in brief, describes the major municipally owned community
facilities in Richlands and evaluates the quality of these facilities. Very
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brief sections are included on potential financing sources for improvements.
Draft Subdivision Regulations Element
The Town has prepared a proposed Subdivision Regulations Element which
would seek to improve the quality of development within the Town.
Draft Historic Property Inventory
A brief listing of historic and architecturally significant property
in Richlands has been prepared. Minor editorial changes are necessary
prior to adoption.
2. Regulations
N. C. State Building Code -all volumes
Traditionally, the Town of Richlands has attempted to enforce the
N. C. State Building Code through local ordinances and local enforcement,
however, in 1979 the Town formally requested the Onslow County Inspection
" Department to assist in this enforcement. Onslow County agreed, and at the
present time all volumes of the N. C. State Building Code are being effect-
ively enforced in the Town.
Zoning Enforcement
The.Town of Richlands attempted to enforce the Zoning Ordinance by the
use of part-time building inspectors paid on a fee basis. In 1979 the Board
of Aldermen assigned zoning enforcement responsibilities to the Town Admin-
istrator and Planner. The Town Clerk assists the Town Administrator and
Planner when he is not present in Richlands. At the present, coordination
between the Onslow County Chief Building Inspector and the Zoning Officer
for the Town is extremely good, and enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance has
improved.
Flood Plains Regulations
The Board of Aldermen adopted two resolutions on May 8th, 1979, establish-
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ing a Flood Mitigation program and assigning responsibility for this
program to the. Town Administrator and Planner. Activity in this program
has been very low since very little development has occurred. Most of
the regulatory requirements of this program are enforceable through the -
-Building and Zoning Permit system thereby, relieving the Town of a separate
bureaucratic mechanism.
Draft Water and Sewer Extensions Element
This is a document designed to provide for a systematic and equitable
system of reviewing the requests for water and/or sewer services beyond the
Town limits. This set of regulations would also establish minimum construc-
tion standards to ensure that sub -standard materials or construction methods
are not utilized.
3. Policies
Economic Growth Policy `
In 1979 the Board of Aldermen established a local policy of encouraging
economic growth. Informally, economic growth measures had been taken prior
to 1979, however, the Commmity of Excellence application formalized this
policy. The policy has been reinforced with the preparation of the Economic
Growth Center Designation application which was submitted to the N.C. Interim
Balanced Growth Board in April, 1980. This application requests that the
Town of Richlands be designated as a Comtunity Employment Center. At this
time the application is pending.
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III. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ACTIVITIES
A. Methods for Securing Public Participation
The Town of Richlands has used several methods of soliciting public
participation in the revision of this Land Use Plan. Public Hearings,
the Land Use Citizen Opinion Questionnaire, and the establishment of a
Planning Board have been the primary means of commmication. A related
planning project, the Richlands Downtown Revitalization Study also generat-
ed a substantial amount of public comment on land use and land use related
issues. Major input for formulating the goals and objectives was gathered
from the 62 returned questionnaires out of the approximately 300 which
wexe distributed.
In an attempt to broaden input for coninmity planning issues,
especially land use planning, the Richlands hoard of Aldermen established
a Planning Board in March, 1980. This Board is composed of lay -citizen;
and will increase public participation in the area of comcrunity plarui-
ing. The Platuiing Board has reviewed the draft Land Use Plan revision..
B. Major Land Use Issues
Richlands experienced a population decline from 1960 to 1970. `I`he
1<> of population was attributed to the out -migration of young adults.
The population decline between 1960 and 1970 appears to have stoprx—`
and presently the Town appears to be experiencing small gains in popu-
lation. The 1976 document stated:
"Employment opportunities for young people in Richlands are few.
Consequently, the young Richlands citizen must search outside of
his native Town for gainful employment. The Jacksonville job
market is attractive to the Richlands citizen, for this affords
him the opportunity of working in Jacksonville while residing in
Richlands. However, employment outside of the Town of Richlands
usually results in relocation".
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The employment problem is still a serious one. Job creations was
repeatedly addressed in the Citizen Opinion Survey responses. The 1976
document also stated:
"Medical and recreational facilities are inadequate in -
Richlands. For medical care one must travel to Jacksonville,
which is 16 miles away. The citizens of Richlands would
like to see their own Town able to provide basic medical
services for its inhabitants and its surrounding communities.
Richlands is very interested in providing recreational
facilities for its citizens of all ages. Present recreation
and entertainment are limited to a few activities such as
a private swimming pool, a Downtown pool hall, and athletics
associated with the public school system. There is no
provision within the Town for a park playground area, which
would be beneficial to all ages".
The negative evaluation of medical facilities in Richlands, which
was contained in the 1976 Land Use Plan appear to be overstated. When
evaluating com mity facilities and services one must compare comnnities,
with other comtunities of similar size, geography, and economic situation.
When a comparison is made between Richlands and other towns in North
Carolina of approximately 1000 population, it appears that the medical
facilities in Richlands are probably above average. It is unrealistic
to expect a town the size of Richlands to be able to support a hospital
or to be able to support specialists in the medical profession, however,
the Town does possess two practicing physicians and one dentist. One
of the physicians operates a clinic which includes facilities for minor
surgery and x-ray photography. The dental office has been built since
the first Land Use Plan was written, and is housed in a modern building.
Many towns the size of Richlands do not possess any medical facilities
locally. The Town should continue to ensure that the highest level of
medical services possible is available locally, while realizing that
limitation due to the size cannot be avoided. (see N.C. Atlas: Portrait
of a Changing Southern State, pages 273-290). The comments in the 1980
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public hearings and survey did not show a great concern for the lack of
medical facilities, however, recreation continues to be a primary concern.
Since the original document was prepared, the Town has constructed a park -
playground area which is named Venter's Park. The N.C. Division of
Com anity Assistance has prepared an inventory of recreation resources,
and the inventory appears to suggest that for a town its size, Richlands
does possess considerable recreational resources. In view of the extremely
strong public support for recreational programs, the Town should continue
to improve its performance in the area of recreation.
Retail shopping services were also cited in the original document as
an area which should be improved. The 1980 survey responses echo this
concern.. Unfortunately, correction of this problem must be largely the
responsibility of the private sector , however, the Town should, where
possible, encourage the development of retail shopping outlets.
Based.on the comments of local officials, public hearing participants,
and the responses to the Land Use Survey, there appears to be a considerable
amount of public support for economic development and growth in general.
Approximately 42.9% of the survey respondents stated that they would like
to see the population of Richlands increase greatly during the next five
years. Approximately 52.0% stated that they wish to see the Tom's popu-
lation increase slightly, and only 5.4% stated that they would like to see
the population stay the same. There were no responses indicating a desire
for the population to decrease. The respondents also indicated extremely
strong support for industrial development. Support for light and medium
industry was virtually unanimous, and when asked about heavy industry, the
responses were 3 to 1 in favor of heavy industry.
In conclusion, there is a strong and broad public support for
economic development and growth in Richlands. Specifically, citizens
-19

would like to see inprovements in recreational facilities and services,
and apparently they would like to be less dependent on Jacksonville and
Kinston for household supping. The Land Use Survey also documents con-
siderable support for future annexations and extraterritorial community -
planning.
C. Development Alternatives
There appears to be approximately four development alternatives
which the Town of Richlands may choose from. The first alternative is
described as a no -growth posture. Under this option the Town would
actively discourage new growth and development. A somewhat less extreme
option would be for the Town to take a do-nothing stance in terms of
growth and development. In other words, the Town would do nothing to
attract new economic development and nothing to discourage it. A third
developmental option would be a selective response policy. The Town would
respond to inquiries from developers, but would not actively solicit new
development. Many communities the size of Richlands follow this approach.
The final option from which the Town may chose has been labeled active
recruitment approach. This appears to be the approach the Town is presently
following, and it appears to be the style which the citizens support based
on the survey responses and comments made in the Downtown Revitalization
workshops, public hearings, Chamber of Commerce meetings, and other gather-
ings. Such an approach would also be consistent with the Town's recent
application for designation as a Commznity Employment Center and the Town's
participation in the Community of Excellence Program.
D. Goals and Objectives
Based upon the wishes expressed by the people of Richlands, the Planning
and Zoning Board, and local elected officials, a set of goals for the develop-
-20-

ment of the Town have been formulated. Since Richlands is neither a beach
community, nor associated with an appreciable amount of environmentally
sensitive areas, the goals formulated are developmentally oriented.
For clarification, a goal is a desired future condition. An objective
is a task or course of action to be performed.
Goal: Develop potential for industrial development.
Objectives - Work with the Onslow County Economic Development Commission and
the N. C. Department of Commerce in finding new industries
interested in locating in Richlands.
- Identify sites available for industrial development.
Goal: Develop vacant land within the City limits.
Objectives - Re-examine the Town's Zoning Ordinance to determine if it
encourages growth within the City limits.
Goal: Revitalize the Central Business District.
Objectives - Achieve physical improvements to buildings, streets, and public
utilities in the Central Business District.
- Reverse the existing economic decline in the District.
Goal: Expand the existing Town Hall facilities.
Objectives - Acquire additional office space in the Central Business Dis-
trict through rental payment, lease/purchase payments, fee
simple acquisition or donations.
Goal: Improve recreationalfacilities.
Objectives - Continue to cooperate with local school officials in the u--
of school recreational facilities.
- Apply for federal grants to assist the Town in acquiring land
for the construction of a communitywide park.
Goal: Achieve compliance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
by improving the Town's Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Objectives - Secure approval of state and federal grants for Step I of the
201 Facilities Program.
- Develop a Richlands Area 201 Facilities Plan and secure plan
approval from the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and
the N. C. Division of Environmental Management.
-21-

- Review the findings of the plan and, if appropriate, proceed
with Step II, preparation of the design documents for improve-
ments to the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
- Review plans and specifications, arrange financing, and complete
construction (Step III) of the Richlands Wastewater Treatment
Plant. Successful completion of Steps I, II, and III in the
201 Facilities Program are heavily dependent on federal and state
grants and the ability of the Town to finance the local portion,
which will probably be approximately 12h% of the total project
cost.
Goal: Improve the distribution portion of the Richlands municipal water
system.
Objectives - Replace all water mains smaller than 6" in diameter with new
6" or larger distribution mains.
- Abandon the flat rate monthly charge method and install water
meters throughout the system.
-22-

IV. CONSTRAINTS
-A. Land Suitability
1. Physical Limitations
Physical limitations for development can be defined as areas having
conditions that would make development costly or create an undesirable
effect if developed. Although these constraints are not severe or even
likely to influence development patterns, they do warrant consideration.
Primarily of concern are areas with soil limitations, and sources of water
supply, and flood hazards. Unfortunately, most of the data relating to
physical limitations is tentative or general.
a. Soil Limitations
Richlands is situated entirely in the Rains--Lynchburg-Goldsboro soil
association. This association occurs in the broad interstream uplands
of the Coastal Plans and,the soil series are somewhat poorly drained to
poorly drained with moderate permeability. The Goldsboro series has slight
limitations for most non -industrial development.- However, this would in-
dicate the necessity of spot site tests of all sites expected to be developed
to determine the exact restrictions present. Some general characteristics
can be illustrated, though, through the use of the chart on the following
page. Site specific soil analysis should be conducted prior to street,
utility or industrial development. Where questions of this type occur, the
U. S. Soil Conservation Service can provide technical assistance from their
Jacksonville Office.
b. Water Supply
The source of potable water supplies to all users in Richlands is ground-
water. Three wells with a total depth of 450 feet provide groundwater to
serve a regional population of 2000 and one textile industry. Potable ground-
water occurs in the Post - Miocene Aquifer and in upper zones of the Cretaceous
System Aquifer. The Post - Miocene Aquifer is conposed of unconsolidated sand
-23-

which contains groundwater under water table conditions. Unconsolidated sand
layers within the upper zones of the Cretaceous System Aquifer store ground-
water under predominantly artesian conditions.
Brackish groundwater under artesian conditions probably occurs in the
middle and lower sand layers within the Cretaceous Aquifer System.
The water table Post —Miocene Aquifer exists from land surface to 30 feet
below land surface (BIS). Cretaceous System Aquifers occur below the Post -
Miocene Aquifer extending down. to a probable depth of 1000 feet where base-
ment is encountered. It is unclear if the Post - Miocene is hydraulically
connected to the upper portion of the Cretaceous System Aquifer.
The Post - Miocene Aquifer is recharged directly by rainfall infiltration.
The upper zone of the Cretaceous System Aquifer receives recharge from the
updip area of the aquifer but under favorable hydraulic conditions would
receive recharge from the Post - Miocene Aquifer. Any activity of man which
diminishes the quantity and quality of groundwater to the Post - Miocene
Aquifer should be avoided, therefore, to protect the integrity of the Post -
Miocene Aquifer, and perhaps, the upper zone of the Creteous System Aquifer.
Based on the official method of calculating daily water system capacity,
using a twelve-hour day, the capacity of the Richlands System is .469 MGD.
c. Flood Hazards
There are no serious flood hazard problems in Richlands, however, a sub-
stantial portion of the northeast quadrant is currently listed as an A Zone
by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Federal Emergency
Management Agency. A Zones are tentative designations given to the 100 year
flood plain. A 100 year flood is a flood that has a 1% chance of occurring
in each of the last 100 years. Many local citizens have questions the
accuracy.of the A Zone. At the present time Richlands is operating under
-24-

the Emergency Phase Flood Hazard Boundary Map. The term Emergency Phase does
not imply a dangerous situation here, but is simply the term used to describe
the initial, tentative flood hazard mapping process conducted by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency. The Town should attempt to insure that accurate
Regular Phase Maps are produced. According to local residents, the infrequent
floods that have occurred in Richlands have been only moderately destructive.
In 1980 the Town applied for and received eligibility for federally sub-
sidized flood insurance. In return for the eligibility,the Town agreed to
meet the regulatory requirements of FEMA. At this time enforcement of the N.C.
State Building Code and review of zoning permit applications to identify flood
hazards on proposed building sites, generally satisfy these regulatory require-
ments. When the Town moves into the Regular Phase these requirements will
intensify.
The Board of Aldermen should remain aware that many federal grant-in-aid
programs require participation in the Flood Insurance Program. Further, develop-
ers should be aware of the flood prevention, mitigation and insurance require-
ment of the Farmer's Home Administration, U. S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development, Veteran's Administration, and lending institutions insured
by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
-25-

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Federal insurance Administration
O I
TOWN OF RICHLANDS, NC
(ONSLOW CO.)
CORPORATE LIMITS
ui
cc �q2
0
FAY ? \
CORPORATE LIMITS
50 0 1000 2000 3000 FEET
f1000 HAIARO BOUNDARY MAP Etfect" Ogle
801
JULY 11.. 1976
k
N
r
— 26—

B. Cowunity Facilities
1. Water System
Richlands possesses excellent groundwater, which can be supplied at
• the rate of 928,000 gallons per day. Daily comsumption is approximately
350,000 gallons, and the daily excess capacity is approximately 588,000
gallons per day. The Town does not use surface water and is not likely
to in the future since there is presently no quality surface water located
at a reasonable distance.
Well #1 is equipped with a 75 gallon per minute pump, and according
to the Public Works Department, the groundwater has been polluted. Due
to these groundwater problems, this well is not in use and should be eval-
uated.
Well #2 is screened well located in sand at a depth of approximately
535 feet. This well has a 10" diameter and is gravel walled. The pump here
is 15 H.P. and has a capacity of 300 gallons per minute. Water quality here
is good with a relatively low iron and flouride level. This well is located
at Tank #1.
Well #3 is located at Tank #2 on the Cox Street Extension and is the
newest in the system built in 1973. This well has 6" diameter, is approximately
535 feet deep and is of the turbine type. Pumping is provided by a 30 H.P.
pulp rated at 350 gallons per minute.
The water storage facilities consist of two elevated steel water tanks.
Tank #1 is a.1001000 gallon facility of riveted construction. This tank was
constructed in 1935 by Chicago Bridge and Iron Works. Tank #1 is supplied
by a well and pump on the same site located on the corner of Franck and
Academy Street. This site is not fenced and is also being used as a storage
yard. "Town of Richlands" is.lettered on the tank bowl.
-27-

Tank #2 is an elevated tank of welded construction and was constructed
in 1973 by Taylor Iron Works of Macon, Georgia. This structure has a
capacity of 300,000 gallons and is 137 feet tall. This tank is also supplied
by a pump and well on the site. The site is adequately protected with an 8
foot hurricane fence. Very limited storage of material takes place on the
site which is located in a wooded area on the Cox Street Extension.
Water Distribution System:
This section deals with water mains (pipes), hydrants, water meters,
valves and other minor appurtenances. The distribution system dates
to 1935 when a Works Progress Administration (WPA) was funded by the Federal
government to stimulate development and reduce unemployment. Most of the
pipe installed then was galvanized steel. Much of this pipe. is still in
service and is characterized by clogging and frequent leaks. This may be
one of the reasons that static pressure is low in certain locations. -
Presently, the distribution system is only partially metered. Further,
more than one style is in place which causes confusion in reading. Therefore,
users presently are charged a flat rate. This type of billing is subject to
accusations of unfairness, makes it impossible to determine the amount of
system waste and is financially risky.
Most of the Town is served with 6" mains. A 2" line serves approximately
4251on Elizabeth Street. Large lines 8" in diameter serve Mills, a portion
of Franck, and a portion of Onslow Street. The Town has one 12" water line
from well #3 to the apparel factory which was sized to supply the factory's
sprinkler system. Clogging in the oldest 6" galvanized lines may have
effectively reduced the flow. The distribution pattern is also characterized
by several locations where hydrants are not available every 500 linear feet. '
-28-

2. Sanitary Sewer System
The Town of. Richlands is presently under contract with the engineering
firm of James E. Stewart & Associates of Jacksonville to conduct a Richlands
Area 201 Facilities Plan. This firm is presently initiating the work under
Step I of the Facilities Plan. When Step I and Step II are finished, the
Town will possess a comprehensive evaluation of the Town's sanitary sewerage
collection, pumping, and treatment facilities. Therefore, this portion of
this report will remain brief and be subject to correction by the larger
study.
The Town of Richlands currently owns and operates a modern secondary
sewerage collection and treatment system. The treatment plant has an average
design flow of 210,000 gallons per day. The plant was constructed in 1964
and is a contact stabilization plant which releases the treated wastewater
after chlorination to Mill Swamp. The estimated average daily flow is
presently 140,000 gallons ("Report on Operation and Maintenance of Wastewater
Treatment Plant", March 1, 1980, Environmental Protection Agency).
The sanitary sewerage collection system is in relatively good condition,
however, the Town recently was required to have mechanical equipment brought
in to repair a line which had severe infiltration problems.
Each manhole and collection line will be tested during the 201 planning
process. In view of the uncertain results of thisEtudy, the Town should take
a wait -and -see approach on suggested improvements.
At the present time the service area consists of the Town limits.
There have been no extensions of sanitary sewer mains into unincorporated areas.
However, a Richlands Area 201 Facility Planning Area Map has received tentative
approval. This area would comprise geographic boundaries for wastewater service
-29-

planning for the next 20 years. The area will be officially approved when
the entire 201 Plan is completed and approved by the U. S. Environmental
Protection Agency and the North Carolina Division of Environmental Manage-
ment. This should be completed in the next one to three years.
ff
-30-

RICHLANDS FACILITY -2LANNING Aa-A
lio; Coe
e
1
s
_
qO
may, ...
•• ;
�
t � C
y
11
q
a Ile o
0
OFF
1972
STATE OF NC
��
HIGHWAY
MAP 4
,• ,
a
FOLLOW
FROM
Straight
Line (S)
Inter. SR 1311/SR 1308
New River (SW)
NC
258
SR 1231
(SW)
New River
SR 1238
(SW)
SR
1231
NC 258
(SW)
US
24
SR 1300
(N)
NC
258
SR 1301
(NW)
SR
1300
SR 1302
(E)
SR
1301
SR 1304
(N)
SR
1302
SR 1003
(N)
SR
1304
SR 1307
(E)
SR
1003
SR 1311
(E)
SR
1307
TO
Inter. NC 258/New River
SR 1231
SR 1238
Inter. NC 258/US 24
SR 1300
SR 1301
SR 1302
SR 1304
SR 1003
SR 1307
SR 1311
Point of Beginning
-31-

RICHLANDS
LOCATIONS OF EXTRA -TERRITORIAL
WATER DISTRIBUTION LINES
Road
Size
Material
U.S.
258 E.
1"
Gal. Steel
U.S.
258 W.
21'
Gal. Pipe
S.R.
1301
2"
PVC
S.R.
1003
2"
------
S.R.
1307
2"
PVC
Note: The entire Town of Richlands (incorporated area) is served by
water distribution lines with the exception of agricultural
areas that are undeveloped. The locations of water distri-
bution lines in the unincorporated area are shown above.
-32-

3. Streets and Street Lighting System
The Town presently possesses a street lighting system which is main-
tained by Carolina Power & Light Company. The Town has had relatively good
experience with this service.
Municipal Street System: Rights -of -way
An inspection of the Town rights -of -way was conducted on Monday, July
19th, 1979. At that time it was apparent that the Richlands Public Works
Department is doing an excellent job of weed control, erosion control and
other maintenance items.
Surfaces:
Virtually all of the settled areas and heavily traveled roads in the
Town of Richlands are paved and in a fair state of repair. Due to frequent
open cuts to repair water main leaks, it is often necessary to patch recently
resurfaced streets. This problem is largely unavoidable until major improve-
ments to the water distribution lines can be realized. The Town has a very
small number of potholes and minor base failures, however, streets -have been
opened up which are not paved. Most of these unpaved surfaces have fair to
good bases and erosion is virtually non-existent. According to the most recent
State Street Aid Certified Statement, the Town of Richlands has approximately
6.14 miles of local streets. Approximately 1.9 miles are unsurfaced an(' .79
miles are surfaced with either gravel or stone.
a. Curb and Gutter
Richlands possesses a considerable amount of curb and gutter. Most of
the Central Business District has curb and a portion of the state system,
especially Wilmington Street leading into the Central Business District, has
these appurtenances. The N. C. Department of Transportation is presently de-
signing an extension of the curb and gutter system from the Eastern end of
-33-

Wilmington Street and will soon close the gap between the curb and gutter
in the Central Business District at the end of the curb on Wilmington Street
as one enters Richlands from Jacksonville. Some elected officials have
voiced a desire for additional curb and gutter throughout .the Town.
b. Traffic Control Devices
The Town's inventory of traffic control devices is presently in ex-
cellent condition. This is due to the Town's recent participation in the
Sign Inventory and Standardization portion of the North Carolina Governor's
Highway Safety Program. The Richlands Police Department and Public Works
Department cooperated in this program.
4. Emergency Services
The Richlands Volunteer Fire Department possesses a considerable
amount of firefighting equipment. The Department owns four fire engine
punpers, a 1952 500 GPM. punper with 500 gallons of storage, a 1956 pumper -
with a 750 GPM pump and 500 gallons of storage, a 1971 pumper rated at
1,000 GPM which also has 500 gallons of storage, and a 1975 Quad truck
with a pump capacity of 750 GPM and storage capacity of 750 gallons. In
addition, the Department owns a 1957 1200 gallon tanker and a 1978 crash
truck with 300 gallons of storage. Other major pieces of equipment include
five Scott airpacks, two "Jaws of Life", and one Porta Power. The Depart-
ment is mused in a five bay concrete block building which contains 2940
square feet. The same building houses the Rescue Squad which is not a
municipal department. The rescue unit owns and operates three ambulances;
a 1975 and 1979 Dodge and a 1979 Chevrolet.
5. Schools
The Town of Richlands is served by the Onslow County School System which
is under the supervision of the Onslow County Board of Education. Since the

basic planning responsibility for the Onslow County School System comes
under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruc-
tion and the Onslow County Board of Education, to a limited degree the
Onslow, County Planning Department has some responsibilities for school
system planning. Therefore, the information contained here is for in-
formational purposes only.
Richlands is served by three public schools; Richlands Elementary
School which acconbdates grades K-5, Trexler Junior High School which
houses grades 6-8, and Richlands High School which accomcdates grades
9-12. The enrollment figures are as follows: 977 at Richlands Elementary
School, 507 at Trexler Junior High School, and 588 at Richlands Senior
High School. The design enrollment for the schools is 950, 400, and 625
respectively. Generally, these schools then can be reviewed as adequate
for current enrollment needs. The recent enrollment trend for these
schools has been stable since 1966. There are only three mobile units
used at these schools, and all three are located at Trexler Junior High
School. Both Trexler Junior High School and Richlands Senior High School
campuses can accomodate an expansion, however, the Richlands Elementary
School campus is somewhat more limited. According to the superintendent
of schools there are no severe physical or land use problems at any of
the Richlands schools, however, there is a major parking problem at
Richlands Elementary and Trexler Junior High. The superintendent has
stated that all three campuses are suitable for additional growth. Since
1976 there has been one expansion, the addition of a band room at Rich-
lands High School.
6. Town Hall and Other Office Space
At the present time the Richlands Town Hall located on Wilmington
-35-

Street is the only office space available for Town use. The Town Hall
which was constructed around 1911 is a one-story brick facility which is
presently occupied by the Town Clerk,the part-time Clerk Typist, the Police
Department, and the Public Works Director. Although generally, there is one
Policeman on duty per shift, there are frequently two or three Policemen in
the Town Hall at the same time due to shift briefings, non -shift paperwork
and preparation for court time, and other special duties. The Mayor and
Board of Aldermen's files are also maintained in this building as are the
files of the Town Administrator & Planner. The largest portion of this
building is equipped for meetings of the governing body, however, the meet-
ing table of the Board is constantly in use during working hours. In addi-
tion to the above named staff, the Town Administrator & Planner uses desk
space in the Town Hall approximately two days per week. Also, the Magistrate,
Drivers License Examiner, Representative for Disabled Veterans, and field
worker for the Onslow County Department of Social Services use the large
room on a part-time basis. Dispatching for the Police Department, Richlands
Volunteer Fire Department, and Richlands Volunteer Rescue Squad are also
provided from this building. During tax listing season, a County Tax Lister
holds office hours in the large room. Finally, the Town Hall houses the
Town's complete inventory of business machines, and is used on a limited
basis for storage of chemicals, florescent light tubes, and other materials.
The Town Hall is furnished with two restrooms, however, one of these is in
need Of repair's. Neither restroom can accommodate handicapped persons. There
are no steps or high doorway thresholds to prevent further barriers to handi-
capped persons.
Several critical duties are performed in the Town Hall, including sub-
stantial amounts of money, the dispatching of emergency services, and confidential
-36-

interviews associated with police and personnel administration. At the
present time, the only office suitable for confidential interviews is the
Public Works Director's Office which is located at the rear of the building,
however, this office is extremely small and is not suitable for use by more
than one person.
It appears that in the very near future, the Town will begin to perform
its own accounting services which are presently handled by a private firm.
This will increase the need to organize the work area in the Town Hall. Fur-
then, it is extremely difficult for the Police to question suspects in the
Town Hall at the present time.
All of the functions listed above are carried out in an area which is
approximately 1200 square feet. The.need for expansion of the present Town
Hall.was one of the points of emphasis in the Richlands Development Project
Re rt (1980). This report states "The Richlands City Hall.....is severely
undersized for the number of employees housed therein ..... City Hall space
should be expanded by a factor of four".
7. Recreation Facilities
The Town of Richlands is served by an extremely high level of outdoor
recreation facilities when conpared to other Towns of similar size and
geography, however, much of the resource recreational potential is not being
fully utilized. At the present time the Town owns, operates, and maintains
a small but very good quality mini park. Two lighted cement tennis. courts
are located in the rear yard of the Comunity Building site on Franck Street.
Although not owned by the Town, the Town is served by a privately owned swinm-
ing pool and has a very fine country club located near the Town limits. There
are two school campuses located in and near the Town limits and the Richlands
Baptist Church owns and maintains a very good multi -purpose field which is
used extensively for softball, and a sheltered picnic area. Although the focus
-37-

of this report is on facilities owned and operated by the Town, the demand
on Town resources is indirectly affected by the total resources which are
available throughout the community. In spite of the large amount of recrea-
tional resources available there is a continuing desire by many local citizens
to increase the Town's role in providing recreational services.
Venter's Park is located on a site adjacent to the Richlands Volunteer
Fire Department on Wilmington Street. This park contains playground equip-
ment, benches, a water fountain, and paved outdoor basketball courts. The
facility is fenced and the level of maintenance by the Public Works Department
staff is excellent. The level of use here appears to be substantial.
-3 8-

V. ESTIMATED DEMAND
A. Population and Economy
The regulations of the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission
at 15 NCAC 7B Section .0202 (e)(1) require all land use plans to make
a population projection and to attempt to forecast future economic con-
ditions. Of course, basic community planning principles that require land
use plans emphasize this sort of forecasting. Describing past and exist-
ing conditions is not sufficient to enable planning efforts to be mean-
ingful. The regulations referred to above state: "A population estimate
for the upcoming 10 years shall be made and used as the basis for determin-
ing land and facilities demand and for classifying land areas".
However, while recognizing the importance of population and economic
forecasting, we mast also remain aware of the difficulties associated with
such a process. This sort of forecasting is difficult for all local
governmental units, but it is even more difficult and subject to inaccura-
cies in the smaller commnities. Ironically, the larger units in North
Carolina can call on the North Carolina Department of Administration for
technical assistance, but cosmunities of less than 2500 are not furnished
this service. The regulations cited above continue: "Ten year population
projections will be provided for counties and those cities and towns having
a population greater than 2500. Accurate projections for those areas
with a population of less than 2500 are not available and must.be developed
by the local planning unit". This difficulty was described in the original
Land Use Plan which reads: ."In Richlands, or in any small town, popula-
tion projections are difficult to make confidently due to the lack of a
substantial base number with which to work". To illustrate this point,
if a new manufacturing industry with a work force of 200 causes a population
-39-

increase of 350, this amounts to a population increase of approximately
33% in a town the size of Richlands. In a city the size of Jacksonville
the same new plant location would cause only a 1% increase. Finally,
2500 population is a major cut-off point in the availability census data.
Certain valuable types of information such as unemployment rates are
available only for rmnicipalities of greater than 2500 population. In
spite of these problems, we proceed with certain understandings.
No seasonal variations in the population have been identified. Rich-
lands is approximately 31 miles from the coast and virtually no regional
recreational resources such as state parks are located in town or nearby.
Therefore, seasonal outmigration and immigration is negligible.
The very -recent Richlands Development Project Report, May, 1980,
discusses population trends and growth alternatives. This discussion
conTpares population projections using the geometric method with one using
a simplified economic base method. An estimate of 3750 is projected for
1990 using the economic base method. The method for this projection is
explained in the'Report:
According to the Onslow County Economic Development
Commission, industrial growth possibilities in the
town range from two sites in 1980 to a maximum of
12 sites in the next ten years. The average labor
force in light industrial (plants) is 150 people for
industrial (plant) (p.31) .
We have chosen to use a method which also is influenced by -economic
base theory. The method enployed here uses an average household size
of 2.5. Average household size in Richlands was 2.8 in the 1970 census,
but due to declining birthrates statewide, we have arbitrarily adjusted
it downward to 2.5.. The number of new plant locations has also been
adjusted down to five over the next ten years. The average size of the
workforce of the new plants has been adjusted down to 100. However, we
have added "spinoff" non-nanufacturing jobs at a ratio of 1 non-vanufactur-
-A 0-

ing jobs. Since it is not logical to predict that all of the new pop-
ulation will reside in Richlands, we are estimating that the Town will
capture 30% of the additional population. This is an optimistic estimate.
when looking at the residential growth in the outlying area conpared to
that in Town. Using this method, the population projection for 1985 is
1252 and the estimate for 1990 is 1440.
These projections are based on the present geographic boundaries
of the Town. They are also based on certain economic assumptions.
Attraction of a large new labor intensive industry, lay-offs by local
Moyers, or annexation are illustrations of actions that can upset a
population projection. When 1980 Census information is available this
portion of this document should be reviewed for accuracy and revised if
necessary.
• B. Future Land Needs
By acreage, Richlands is approximately 50% developed. This means
that the Town has an excellent capacity to accommodate future growth. Much
of this land is enlarged parcels. This would tend to make comrexcial
and industrial development more feasible. As of 1976, Richlands had 98.4
acres developed for residential use, with a total of approximately 327
dwelling units. The average residential lot size was .3 acres. With the
present. Town boundary line Richlands could accommodate a doubling of its
present population. The average household size is approximately 2.8 persons
per unit so that a doubling of the population would require approximately
336 more residential units. If these additional units were located on
tracts of approximately 1/3 of an acre, only 112 acres would be needed
for future residential development. The 1976 Land Use Plan stated that
the 6000 to 8000 square foot residential lot seemed unwise in light of
the potential pollution threat to crowded residential land use. This is
-41

an issue which could continue to receive attention, however, the pollution
potential can be minimized by strict adherence to a mandatory sanitary sewer
connection policy.
Presently, Richlands contains approximately 28 acres of commercial
land. The additional land demoted to commercial development in future years
should be carefully regulated. An attempt should also be made to encourage
re -development of the Central Commiercial Business District. Where prospec-
tive commercial developers insist on locating outside the Central Business
District, there may be a need for additional comnercial land. The need to
encourage commercial development may conflict with the efforts of the N.C.
Department of Transportation to limit access on the U. S. Highway 258 By -Pass.
These problems do not appear to be unresolvable and the large amount of un-
developed land located in several portions of the Town will make it easier
to resolve any land use conflicts which arise.
Industrial land use in Richlands is presently limited to approximately
7.3 acres of land, and approximately 60 acres are zoned for industrial uses.
The 1976 Land Use Plan stated that the zoning of 60 acres for industry was
probably "an over estimation of land needed for industrial use.....". How-
ever, if the Town is to pursue an active program of promoting economic
development, this is not an excess amount of industrial land. If industries
are selected properly, they can be located within the Town limits without
any substantial adverse affect on the residential neighborhoods. If the
Town's economic development policy is successful, there will be a need for
industrial land over and above the 60 acres presently zoned for industry.
There may be a need for additional recreational land since many citizens
have called on the Town to provide more and higher quality outdoor recrea-
tional services. From a financially realistic standpoint, it may be more
-42 -

prudent for the Town to closely cooperate with the Onslow County School
System in making their athletic fields and other recreational facilities
more widely accessive to the general public. This suggestion was contained
in the 1976 Land Use Plan, and the suggestion has been partially implemented.
The 1976 Plan has also stated that Richlands "should encourage comrnxcial
establishments providing recreational entertainment services". The Town
has taken some steps to provide this encouragement. This sort of activity
is difficult for local governmental units to influence.
Overall, the future land needs for Richlands are encouraging due to
the large amount of undeveloped and underdeveloped land within the Town
limits. In addition to encouraging development of this land within the
Town limits, the Town should closely observe developmental activities
in the fringe area, and where justified, annexation procedures should be
conducted.
C. Community Facilities Demand
1. Water System
As noted elsewhere in this report, the Town of Richlands possesses
an excellent supply of groundwater. The Town's water pumping and storage
facilities are adequate to accommodate the projected growth over the next
ten years. However, the oldest portions of the water distribution system
are sub -standard in quality and size. Over the next ten years and possibly
in conjunction with Step III of the 201 Facilities Plan, the. Town should
attempt.to replace all galvanized water mains which are less than 6 inches
in diameter, and meter the entire system. The lack of metering is presently
causing financial problems for the municipal Water and Sewer Fund.
2. Sanitary Sewer System
The Town's municipal sanitary sewer system is basically in good operating
-43-

0
condition. The treatment plant has a design population equivalent of 2100.
This indicates that the facility should be able to accommodate considerable
growth once the major points of infiltration have been corrected. The 201
Facilities Study will identify virtually all deficiences in the sewer system, `
and provide detailed recommendations for correcting them. Although the Town
has been.instructed-to proceed with the completion of the 201 Facilities Pro-
gram, it does not appear that a moratorium will be imposed as long as reasonable
progress is made in the 201 Facilities Program, therefore, it appears that the
Town should make every effort to complete the 201 Facilities Study, and should,
where possible, consolidate water improvements with sewer improvements in Step
III so as to secure the best prices for construction work.
3. Streets
Generally, the street and highway system in Richlands is in good condition,
however, the Town should attempt to surface all dirt streets, and encourage
the N. C. Department of Transportation to continue good maintenance practices
of the state maintained portion of the system.
4. Schools
The Onslow County School System Facilities located in Richlands appear to
be able to accommodate a significant amount of growth over.the next ten years.
No specific recommendations for improvements are offered here.
5. Town Hall
The Richlands Board of Aldermen should place a strong emphasis on ex-
pansion or replacement of the existing Town Hall. The present facility on
Wilmington Street contains only approximately 25% of the floor space needed
for a modern adequate facility. The recent Downtown Revitalization Study
placed strong emphasis on this need, and called for the acquisition of the
-4 4-

old Richlands food market building which contains approximately 6700 square
feet of space. The study team strongly recomu ended that, if the Richlands
food market building was not acquired, that the Town Hall remain centrally
located in the Business District.
6. Recreational Facilities
Within the financial limitations of the Town, efforts should be con-
tinued to upgrade and improve public On-inicipally owned) and private recrea-
tion facilities in the Town of Richlands. If a new Town Hall is acquired,
it should be designed so that it may accomcdate small scale indoor educational,
cultural, and recreational activities, where possible.
Within financial limitations, the Town should also attempt to continue
improvements to the Community Building, Library Building, municipal tennis
courts, and Venter's Park.
Finally, the Town should attempt to make athletic fields more readily
available, either through close cooperation with the Onslow County School
System or through acquisition of a municipal park site. This possibily
can be achieved through land donations or state and federal grant funds
supplemented with local funds. However, competition for these federal
grant funds is extremely high and large local cash matches are usually re-
quired.
-45-

VI. LAND CLASSIFICATION
The State guidelines for Local Planning in the Coastal Area under
the Coastal Area Management Act of 1974 require that a land classification
may be prepared for all planning jurisdictions in the coastal area. There
are five classes of land prescribed in the North Carolina Land Classifica-
tion System:
A. Developed - Land with a minimum density of 2000 people per
square mule (3.124/acre) and containing public services able
to support the present population. This land mast be serviced
by water and sewer systems and adequate road and educational
systems.
B. Transition - Land where a minimum density of 2000 people per
square mile is expected in the future and where minimum
services will be required. Areas with severe development
limitations or one of significant special value would not
be included in this category.
C. Community - Existing low density land that doesn't require
major public services. This class includes all new rural
growth of lot sizes of 10 acres or less. Approximately
one person per acre should be used as a guide in identifying
this land. This classification has not been used in
Richlands.
D. Rural - Land used for management and utilization of productive
resources and where limited public services will be provided.
Generally, large tracts of land not expected to develop more
intensely than agriculturally would be considered in this
category.
E. Conservation - This last class identifies land to be maintained
for its natural qualities and least desirable for development.
These areas wouldn't be able to withstand development without
lose of natural value, have severe limitations for development,
or are too valuable to be endangered by it. Due to a lack of
unique natural areas, this classification has not been used in
the Town of Richlands.
-46-

TRANSITION .00 o sao
SCALE IN FEET

VII. IMPLEMENTATION AND REVIEW
In order to reach the goals formulated in this Land Use Plan, the Town
of Richlands mist have a method to follow for implementing recommendations.
The following steps indicate such a method:
1. The citizens of Richlands elect a Town Board;
2. The Town Board appoints a Planning and Zoning Board, and Town
Administrator & Planner;
3. The Planning Board and Town Administrator and Planner are respon-
sible for making recommendations, plans, and policies to the Town
Board on land use, recreation, housing and community facilities;
4. The Town Board considers the recommendations and plans for the
Planning Board for adoption;
5. The recommendations and plans may be implemented through:
a) ordinances such as:
—zoning
--subdivision
--housing
—building code, and
b) fiscal policy including:
--budgeting
—State grants
—Federal grants
--revenue sharing
The plans and policies implemented by the Town Board need to be kept
current. The tools for implementation should be updated periodically. Each
one to two years the plan should be briefly re-examined and new recommendations
made if needed. A thorough review of the entire plan should be made every five
years. Included in the five year review should be new citizen and land use
surveys and population projections. Of course, the most basic and recurring
-47-

obstacle to achieving goals is financing. Sometimes financial problems are
direct such as a lack of funds to construct recreational facilities. At
other times the financial obstacle is less obvious. For example, the Town
might wish to intensify industrial recruiting efforts but a staffing problem
may prevent it. State and federal authorities as well as local interests
should remain aware of this problem.
VIII. AREAS OF ENVIRONMERrAL CONCERN
Areas of Environmental Concern include marshlands, beaches, sand dunes,
navigable waters, national and state parks and areas of extreme historic
importance. None of these areas exist within the Town limits of Richlands
or in the outlying area.
v
-49-

IX. POLICY STATEMENTS AND IMPLIIMENTATION METHODS
1. Resource Protection
The Town of Richlands contains no coastal areas of environmental concern.
Further, the Town has chosen not to nominate any optional areas of environmen-
tal concern.
Since the Town of Richlands is not located on a major body of water,
hurricane and flood evacuation are insignificant. Hazardous and fragile land
areas are nominal with the only possible exception being the storage of agri-
cultural chemicals and petroleum products within the Town limits. The Town
has exercised a local policy of conducting annual fire prevention inspections
of all businesses. It shall be the official policy of the Town to continue
its program of volunteer fire prevention inspections of all businesses on an
annual basis. The method of implementation shall be to continue the present
' systemof -using a part-time inspector who is also a voluntary fireman, but is
paid on an hourly basis for his inspection services.
With reference to constraints to development the soils for the Richlands
area are comparable with the soils for Onslow County in general, and do not
present any special hazards, however, it shall be the Town policy to advise
developers of industrial and commercial property to consult the local Soil
Conservation Service Office prior to building. This responsibility shall be
carried out by the Town Administrator and Planner, but will be waived when an
architect or engineer is provided. According to local residents, the Town's
vulnerability to flooding is extremely low. Apparently, there has been minor
flooding of Mill Swamp within the last 100 years, however, the flooding has
been the type without velocity and damage has been nominal. In May 1980 the
Town was informed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency that Richlands
has been dropped from the list of communities in which regular phase mapping
-49-

will be completed. This reflects the opinion of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency that flooding is not a severe problem in Richlands,.
therefore, it shall be official Town policy to comply with the minimum
requirements of the flood insurance program. This is a continuation of
existing practices. This policy is being implemented through the Zoning
Permit System which is administered locally. Further, it shall be the
policy of the Town to actively monitor the Regular Phase Study when it is
initiated. The purpose of the monitoring will be to ensure that the
regular phase maps are accurate, and do not unnecessarily restrict develop-
ment.- The regular phase mapping will probably be completed prior to the
end of the planning horizon, however, this will be determined by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency.
2. Resource Production and Management
Commercial and recreational fisheries and off -road vehicles are not
relevant to land use planning in the Richlands area. Further, no existing
or potential mineral production areas have been identified.
The basic resource production and management question facing the Town
of Richlands is the appropriateness of its extensive agricultural and woods -
land uses within the Town limits. There is very little land which is used
for commercial forestlands, however, there is a substantial amount of wooded
land which is not managed for commercial purposes. There is an.extensive.
amount of cultivated agricultural land (see Existing Land Use section). The
presence of this type of land use on a large basis within the Town limits
severely limits the growth of the municipal tax base, makes utility exten-
sions difficult, and produces an overall limiting affect on the local economy.
The policy choices available to the Town include active protection of agri-
cultural areas through changes in the municipal Zoning Ordinance, a neutral
-50-

policy where no effort is made to stimulate land conversion, and a strong
economic development policy which encourages conversion of agricultural
land to comnercial, industrial or residential uses. The Town of Richlands
concedes that mach of the agricultural land located within the Town limits
is highly productive, however, the Town finds that large amounts of agricul-
tural land use within the Town limits is not in the overall best interest
of the community and therefore endorses a policy of encouraging orderly
development in areas which are presently cultivated. Richlands will attest
to implement this policy by encouraging new industries to locate.in Richlands
or existing industries to expand by encouraging development and by closely
monitoring the tax appraisal process of the Onslow County Tax Office. Further,
the Town will attempt to review the Zoning Ordinance to determine if Zoning
Regulations can be modified so as to encourage conversion of agricultural
land. This review of the Zoning Ordinance will be completed within the next
two years if staff and/or funds are available. Finally, the Town will classi-
fy present agricultural land as transition land.
3. Economic and Community Development
The 1976 Land Use Plan outlined a brief but clear policy of encouraging
new economic and community development. This revised Land Use Planning Element
reiterates and reinforces this policy. The Town's position, with respect to
economic and community development, has been demonstrated by participation
in the Governor's Community of Excellence Program, submittal of a recent re-
quest to receive eligibility for Urban Development Action Grants, and the Town's
recent suhndttal of a request for designation as a Community Eaployment Center.
The policy choices here appear to be varied. The Town could actually attempt
to discourage new community and economic development. A less severe practice
would be to take a neutral position where the Town would neither encourage
-51-

nor discourage growth. A third policy choice would be for the Town to
attempt to accommodate growth when presented specific development proposals
by developers, but to refrain from active recruitment and encouragement of
new development. The final policy choice is one where the Town actively
encourages and attempts to recruit new economic and comiamity development.
Of course, this policy does not preclude ruling out certain types of new
development which, due to environmental considerations, are not in the best
interest of the Town. For example, adoption of such a policy would not pre-
vent the Town from refusing to connect to the municipal sewer system a develop-
ment which would damage the Town's wastewater treatment plant. The Town of
Richlands hereby establishes a firm local policy of active encouragement of
new economic and comnmity development. This policy is consistent with the
survey responses received from the general public where a considerable amount
of support for new light, moderate, and heavy industry was expressed. The "
policy adopted here does include active recruitment of new and expanded light
and moderate industry and selective consideration of small scale heavy industry.
It is not wise to name specific sites for such development since such an identi-
fication tends to cause the price of land to be artificially inflated, however,
such development should be considered within the Town limits as well as in the
fringe area.
Consistent with this pro -development policy, the Town will attempt to
provide municipal services in adequate quality and quantity to serve new
development. This policy will also attempt to encourage growth closest to
the center of Town, however, where developers insist on locating in the fringe
area, this will not be ruled out but will be examined on a case by case basis.
Where the proposed development is outside of the planning area (Town limits),
1 -52-

utilities will be provided when this can be done without undue financial
burdens on the citizenry. The Town will also assist where possible in
encouraging redevelopment of the Central Business District. Further, as
part of its overall community development policy, the Town will attempt
to continue its efforts in improving municipal and state system streets
and highways. The present Richlands-N.C. Department of Transportation
project to widen Wilmington Street from the existing curb and gutter to
Highway 258 is a good illustration of this policy when implemented. The
Town will continue to encourage the N. C. Department of Transportation to
improve existing state maintained streets and roads within Richlands and in.
the fringe area. Special attention should be given to providing curb and
gutter and widening streets where traffic is heavy. Where the condition of
underground utilities and the financial resources permit, the Town will at-
tempt tro improve the municipal street system. Street improvement should in-
clude efforts to beautify the community through the use of shrubbery plant-
ings, proper grading of shoulders, and maintenance of ground cover. As in
the past, the Richlands Board of Aldermen will continue to support Onslow
County's attempts to maintain and improve Albert Ellis Airport which is a
15 minute.drive from Richlands. Albert Ellis Airport is located approximately
4.8 miles or 25344 linear feet from Richlands. Due to the close proximity,
- the Town Planning and Zoning Board should investigate the need for additional
height restrictions in the municipal Zoning Ordinance. Presently, the ordinance
limits the height of buildings constructed in the residential zoning districts
to 35 feet, however, there are no limitations in the Central Business, the
Highway Business District or the Industrial District. Federal Aviation
Administration regulations limit structural height to 1 vertical foot for
every 100 feet of linear distance from the runways (see "FAA Obstruction
Standards", Part 77). This restriction is in force in a 20,000 foot radius.
-5 3-

Extensions of a runway or an annexation could place Richlands under this
regulatory control. Also, the distance mentioned above is by map and only
an approximation. The finding of this report is to recommend a height re-
striction in the range of 150 to 175 feet throughout the Richlands Zoning
jurisdiction. This restriction should apply to structures not just buildings
so there is no doubt that it reaches microwave towers, 'radio antennas, etc.
The Town may wish,to selectively permit the construction of facilities necessary
for the provision of vital public services, e.g., elevated water storage
tanks, approaching a height of 200 feet by special use permit only. However,
most tanks of this type are approximately 100 feet tall. The Town should also
frequently check the red warning lights atop both existing water tanks. The
Town also hereby states its continued support for the maintenance and expan-
sion of Camp LeJeune Marine Corps Base. This policy statement is prompted
by the recognition that Camp LeJeune is a major employer of Richlands' citizens;
and that in the past, Camp LeJeune has provided substantial assistance to the
Town in conmanity beautification and other projects.
Because of Richlands's size and location, it does not have detailed energy
facility siting policies. However, the Town supports a small scale energy
producing facility that may include a woodburning electrical generating plant.
Thus, it shall be the policy of Richlands to promote the local area as a good
site for a small woodburning or non-nuclear electrical generating plant.
The following economic and community development issues are considered
irrelevant for the Town of Richlands: beach and waterfront access, channel
maintenance, beach nourishment, public access, dredging, and tourism. The
Town does encourage day visitors and does not take a negative stand on the
development of the tourist industry.
The implementation methods for the Town's economic and conmznity develop-
-54-

El
0
ment policy include classification of all municipal land in either the
developed or transition classification, review of the municipal Zoning
Ordinance within the next two years to determine if regulatory changes can
be made which will encourage the com mity and economic development process,
and review of the Onslow County Tax Office procedures for appraisal of land
within the Town limits to determine if agricultural use exemptions are appro-
priate. Specifically, the Town will proceed with completion of the various
steps in the 201 Facilities Program. The Town has set'a project completion
period of twelve months from the date of all grant approvals for the first
step in the 201 Facilities Program. Steps II and III should be completed with-
in the planning horizon, but a precise completion date is impossible to predict.
The Town will also attempt to consolidate water and sewer improvements into a
unified construction project when Step III of the 201 Facilities Program is
initiated. The Town will actively pursue financial assistance under the Clean
Water Bond Program for both water and sewer improvements. In a general way,
within the limitations of the law and management considerations, the Town will
attempt to direct utilities extensions in such a way as to encourage economic
and com mmity development.
Finally, the Town will participate in programs such as the Community of
Excellence Program, Economic Growth Center Program, and the ongoing industrial
recruitment programs of the N. C. Department of Commerce and the Onslow County
Economic Development Commission to encourage new industrial development.
4. Continuing Public Participation
The Town of Richlands states here that its policy concerning public partici-
pation shall be one of open and effective communications with the Richlands.
citizenry. This will be achieved by efficient compliance with all federal, state,
-55-

and local legal requirements concerning public participation. In the process
of revising the Land Use Plans public hearings were conducted, however,
attendance at public hearings held in the Richlands area have been light
and therefore, this will not be the only method used to encourage partici-
pation by the public. Primary emphasis will be placed on the Planning and
4
zoning Board and its regular and consistent communication with the general
public. The Town will also attempt to improve its communication and cooperation
with the Greater Richlands Area Chamber of Commerce to maintain effective
communications with the business community. Also, assuming the necessary re-
sources are available, all major Land Use Plan revisions will utilize citizen
opinion questionnaires similar to the one used in this update.
5. Cost Benefit Considerations
Although the Town's strong economic and community development policy may
incur additional public expenses, the finding of this Land Use Plan is that X
any such increases in cost will be more than compensated for by expansion
of the municipal tax base and stimulation of the local economy. We.must
realize that the Town does have extremely limited financial resources and many
of the improvements called for in this document may be dependent on outside
financial assistance from the state and federal government or other sources.
All statements contained in this document are conditioned by the Town's financial
ability to pay for the improvements. Many of these financing considerations
are primarily political issues and therefore, land use plans cannot commit an
elected governing body to a specific course of action on any particular question.
Finally, the Board of Aldermen shall continue to exercise their right to weigh
practical considerations when making land use and land use related decisions.
-56-

X. TOWN-COURN COORDINATION
There are several areas in which it will be mutually beneficial for
the Town of Richlands and the County of Onslow to work cooperatively toward
a common end, and to communicate effectively on a day to day basis. At
the present time there is excellent comnmication between the Town Admin-
istrator and Planner's Office and the Onslow County Planning Department•
Above the staff level there is a need for improvement. Coordination be-
tween the Town and the County Building Inspection Department has been very
good.
Specifically, the two governmental units should continue to work closely
in the areas of economic development, land classification, building inspection,
and water and sewer utilities.
Town -County coordination in formulating the land use plans for Richlands
and Onslow County was achieved through informal meetings between the planners.
The Onslow, County Planning Director has a standing invitation to public hearings
held in Richlands which are related to community planning questions and especially
land use planning. The Director has attended these hearings and the Town has
benefited from this cooperation. Copies of the draft planning documents have
been supplied to the Onslow, County Planning Department for comment.
In recent months the Mayor's office has com micated directly with the
County Commissioners by attending meetings of the Onslow County Board of
Commissioners. Considerable cooperation has been achieved in the areas of
Econoanic Growth Center designation and the Richlands Area Wastewater Facilities
(201) Program.
Attachment B to the funding agreement for this project specifically re-
SUred an examination of the extension of the Onslow, County Water System into
-57-

the Richlands Area 201 Facilities Service District. The large area covered
by this service boundary presents some difficult problems. Realistically,
the Town of Richlands cannot serve the entire 201 Facilities Area even over
the next five to ten years. However, where feasible, effective planning
should prevent situations where property owners are served by the Town of
t
Richlands for sanitary sewer service and by Onslow County for water services.
Such a service delivery system will result in poor management of utilities
rights -of -way, confusion on the part of the property owners in the area of
maintenance, and inefficient use of equipment, vehicles, and manpower in
maintenance. In order to minimize these problems the local governmental
units should exchange information in the initial stages of requests for
water and sewer utilities service within the Richlands 201 service area.
To illustrate this point, if a developer contacts the Onslow, County Water
System and requests water service, the water system should in turn, in the "
initial stages of consideration of the request, contact the Town to determine
if Richlands can serve the property owner. If the Town can serve the property
owner, the County should give the Town this opportunity. Onslow County should
also consider participating financially in extensions by the Town when these
extensions are in the unincorporated portion of the 201 service district. This
practice has been followed in several areas of the state.
Further, the Board of Aldermen should be provided information in the
initial planning stages when the County Water System is condsidering any con-
struction or acquisition within three miles of the Town limits. This coor-
dination should occur before engineering work is initiated. Special attention
should be devoted to careful location of well sites so that aquifers are not
adversely effected due to municipal and county wells being located too close
CM

to each other.
The policy recotnended here recognizes that in some instances,it will
not be feasible for the Town of Richlands to provide service in extra-
territorial portions of the 201 service district, however, this possiblity
should be considered and, where feasible, water and sewer utilities should
J be provided by the Town rather than the Onslow County water System.
e
l
-59-

STATE LICENSES AND PERMITS
Agency Licenses and Permits
Department of Natural Resources and Community - Permits to discharge to surface
Development waters or operate wastewater
Division of Environmental Management treatment plants or oil discharge
permits; NPDES Permits, (G.S.143-
215) .
Department of Natural Resources
and Community Development
Office of Coastal Management
Department of Natural Resources and
Community Development
Division of Earth Resources
- Permits for.septic tanks with a
capacity over 3000 gallons/day
(G.S. 143-215.3).
- Permits for withdrawal of surface
or ground waters in capacity use
areas (G.S. 143-215.15).
- Permits for air pollution abate-
ment facilities and sources
(G.S. 143-215.108).
- Permits for construction of cony
plex sources; e.g. parking lots,
subdivisions, stadiums, etc.
(G.S. 143-215.109).
- Permits for construction of a well
over 100,000 gallons/day (G.S. 87-
88) .
- Permits to dredge and/or fill in
estuarine waters, tidelands, etc.
(G.S. 113-229).
- Permits to undertake development
in Areas of Environmental Concern
(G.S. 113A-118).
NOTE: Minor development permits
are issued by the local
government.
- Permits to alter or construct a
dam (G.S. 143-215.66).
- Permits to mine (G.S. 74-51).
- Permits to drill an exploratory
oil or gas well (G.S. 113-381).
- Permits to conduct geographical
exploration (G.S. 113-391).
k
r

•
Sedimentation erosion control
plans for any land disturbing
activity of over one contiguous
acre (G.S. 113A-54).
Department of Natural Resources and - Permits to construct an oil re-
Community Development finery.
Secretary of NRCD
Department of Administration - Easements to fill where lands are
proposed to be raised above the
normal high water mark of navigable
waters by filling (G.S. 146.6(c)).
Department of Human Resources Approval to operate a soild waste
disposal site or facility (G.S. 130-
166.16).
- Approval for construction of any
public water supply facility that
furnishes water to ten or more
residences (G.S. 130-160.1).
-61•-

FEDERAL LICENSES AND PERMITS
Agency Licenses and Permits
Army Corps of Engineers - Permits required under Sections 9
and 10 of the Rivers and Harbors
of 1899; permits to construct in
navigable waters.
- Permits required under Section 103
of the Marine Protection, Research
and Sanctuaries Act of 1972.
Coast Guard
(Department of Transportation)
Geological Survey
Bureau of Land Management
(Department of Interior)
- Permits required under Section 404
of the Federal Water Pollution
Control. Act of 1972; permits to
undertake dredging and/or filling
activities.
Permits for bridges, causeways,
pipelines over navigable waters;
required under the General Bridge
Act of 1946 and the Rivers and
Harbors Act of 1899.
— Deep water port permits.
- Permits required for off -shore
drilling.
Approvals of OCS pipeline corridor
rights -of -way.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission - Licenses for siting, construction
and operation of nuclear power
plants; required under the Atomic
Energy Act of 1954 and Title II of
the Energy Reorganization Act of
1974.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission - Permits for construction, operation
and maintenance of interstate pipe-
lines facilities required under the
Natural Gas Act of 1938.
- Orders of interconnection of elec-
tric transmission facilities under
Section 202(b) of the Federal Power
Act.
k
-62-

It
- Permission required for abandonment
of natural gas pipeline and asso-
ciated facilities under Section 7C
(b) of the Natural Gas Act of 1938.
- Licenses for non-federal hydro-
electric projects and associated
transmission lines under Sections
4 and 15 of the Federal Power Act.
-63-