Land Use Plan Update-1999

� Town of Richlands
� Land Use Plan Update
� 1999
The Rhett Compay
P. O. Box 7512
Wilmington, NC 28406
910-458-9557
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The final local Public Hearing on this document was held November 9, 1999.
This Land Use Plan Update was adopted by the Town of Richlands on November 9, 1999.
This Land Use Plan Update was approved by the Coastal Resources Commission on November 19, 1999.

Town of Richlands
106 North Wilmington Street
P. o. Box 245
Richlands, NC 28574
[phone]/324-2324 fax
Board of Aldermen
Marvin Trott, Mayor
James Morgan
Tom L. Brown
Eddie Ray Horne
Stephen Marshburn
Randy Beckelheimer
Planning Board
Gene Sanders, Chairman
Al Bruinton
Ricky Sanders
Jane Anderson
Fred Mitchell
Belinda Picklesimer
Charles Peterson
Town Administrator
Gregg R. Whitehead
Town Attorney
Lynn Coleman
Town Clerk
Eva C. Brown
Technical Assistance Provided By
The Rhett Company
P. 0. Box 7512
Wilmington, North Carolina 28406
[phone]

tAcknowledgment
The preparation of this document was financed, in part,
through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal
Management Program, through funds provided by the
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which
is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal
Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
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Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
a
INTRODUCTION
10
RICHLANDS GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
13
Section 1:
ANALYSIS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS
13
(1)
ADMINISTRATION/FORM OF GOVERNMENT
13
(2)
ESTABLISHMENT OF INFORMATION BASE
15
(3)
PHYSICAL SETTING & HISTORY OF RICHLANDS
17
(4)
POPULATION
19
(5)
ECONOMY
21
(6)
SEASONAL POPULATION
26
(7)
EXISTING WATER AND LAND USE
26
(8)
CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES AND REGULATIONS
31
(9)
AREAS OF SIGNIFICANT LAND USE CHANGE
37
Section 2:
CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT
37
(1)
LAND SUITABILITY
38
(a) Fragile Areas
38
(b) Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC's)
39
(c) Soils
44
(2)
COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT
48
(3)
CUT TURAL RESOURCES
50
Section 3:
ESTIMATED DEMAND
50
(1)
WATER
51
(2)
SEWER
53
(3)
ROADS, SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, & RECREATION AREAS
55
(4)
SOLID WASTE
58
(5)
POPULATION & ECONOMY
59
(6)
LOCAL OBJECTIVES CONCERNING GROWTH
60
SUMMARY OF DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
61
Section 4:
POLICIES FOR GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
62
(1)
VISION STATEMENT
62
(2)
INTROD'uCTIOiv TO POLICIES FOR GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT
63
(3)
RESOURCE PROTECTION
64
(a) Constraints to Development
64
(b) Areas of Environmental Concern
65
(c) Development in Proximity to Outstanding Resource
Waters (ORW's)
66
f,d) Fragi 1 e T,and Areas
66
(1) Freshwater Swamps and Marshes
66
(2) Manmade Hazard Areas
67
(3 ) Archacolog,c or Hi stori c Z1rcas
67
(4) Prime Farmland
68
(5) Wildlife Habitat Areas
69
(6) Watersheds
69

(e) Hurricane & Flood Evacuation Needs & Plans
(f)
Protection of Potable Water
(g)
Use of Package Treatment Plants
(h)
Stormwater Runoff
(i)
industrial- Impacts
(2)
RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
(a)
Productivc Agricultural Lards
(b)
Commercial Forest Lands
(c)
Minaral Production Areas
(d)
Commercial & Recreational Fisheries
(e)
Off -Road Vehicles
(f)
Residential, Commercial, & Industrial
Land Development Impacts
(g)
Peat or Phosphate Mining's Impacts
(3)
ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
(a)
Types of Development to be Encouraged
(b)
Type and Location of Industry Desired
(c)
Local- Commitment to Services Provision
(d)
Urban Growth Patterns Desired
(c)
R--dcvc-1 opa --,-,t of Dcvcll opcd Areas
(f)
Commitment to State & Federal Programs
(g)
Assistance to Channel Maintenance
and Beach Nourishment Projects
(h)
Energy Facility Siting & Development
(i)
Coastal & Estuarine Water Beach Access
(j)
Tourism
(k)
Type of Density Desired
(1)
Manufactured Homes/Modular Homes
(m)
Town Boundary Defined
(n)
Provision of Services to Development
(o)
Recreational Facilities
(p)
Annexation
Section 5:
CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
(1)
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN
(2)
1997
CITIZEN SURVEY
70
71
72
72
73
74
75
75
76
76
77
77
78
79
79
80
000
80
81
82
82
82
83
83
84
85
85
85
0 K)
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Section 6:
STORM HAZARD MITIGATION, POST -DISASTER RECOVERY,
& EVACUATION PLANS
88
(a)
Storm Hazard Mitigation
91
(b)
Richlands's Storm Hazard Mitigation Policy
93
(c)
Evacuation Plans
93
(d)
Post -Disaster Recovery Plan
93
Section 7:
LAND CLASSIFICATION
98
(a)
Developed
98
(b)
Transition
99
(c)
Rural
100
(d)
Conservation
101
Section 8:
RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES & LAND CLASSIFICATION
101
Section 9:
INTERGOVER-12NE—NTAL COORDINATION & IMPLEbLNTA_TION
102

LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 1
--
MUNICIPAL & COUNTY POPULATION
20
TABLE 2
--
COUNTY & STATE POPULATION
21
TABLE 3
--
COUNTY & STATE POPULATION DENSITY
21
TABLE 4
--
NUMBER OF PRIVILEGE LICENSES
ISSUED IN RICHLANDS
23
TABLE 5
__
TYPES OF INDUSTRY FOR RESIDENTS
OF RICHLANDS
25
TABLE 6
--
CLASS OF WORKER
2.5
TABLE 7
--
AVERAGE MONTHLY WATER USE
52
TABLE 8
--
WATER USE BY TYPE OF USER
52
TABLE 9
--
AVERAGE DAILY WASTEWATER DISCHARGE
54
APPENDIX
ATTACHMENT
A
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN
ATTACHMENT
B
LETTER FROM DAVID BROOK (Cultural Resources)
ATTACHMENT
C
LETTER FROM AMALIE COUVILLION (Natural Heritage)
ATTACHMENT
D
ANALYSIS OF LAND USE PLAN EFFECTIVENESS
ATTACHMENT
E
POLICIES CONSIDERED
ATTACHMENT
F
SUMMARY OF LAND USE PLANNING ISSUES
CITIZEN SURVEY RESPONSES
IMPS
EXISTING LAND USE
1998 LAND CLASSIFICATION MAP
COMPOSITE HAZARDS MAP
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
*This is a summary of the contents of the Land Use Plan Update for Richlands.
For more information the reader is advised to consult the full text of the
Land Use Plan.
The Richlands Land Use Plan Update (LUPUP) will serve as the general guide for
growth for the Town of Richlands as the Town moves into the twenty-first
century. The functions of this Land Use Plan Update are as follows:
1) Guidance on Land Development Decisions - The Land Use Plan
Update's section on "Policies for Growth and Development" and the
Land Classification Map provide guidance to Town officials in
planning facilities, preparing regulations, issuing permits and in
day-to-day decision making. The public, particularly those
interested in land development activity, also benefit by using the
Land Use Plan Update to anticipate governmental action.
2) Source of Information - The LUPUP sections entitled ANALYSIS OF
EXISTING CONDITIONS, CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT, and ESTIMATED
DEMAND provide valuable information on the local population,
economy, environmental resources, community facilities and
existing land uses.
3) Public Participation Process for Planning - As a part of the
production of this document numerous public meetings were held.
These meetings as well as a survey of water bill customers within
the Town of Richlands and the circulation of draft copies of the
LUPUP ensured that the plan represents a consensus of resident's
wishes and that the plan will have the political support necessary
for implementation.
The LUPUP consists of nine sections. Each of the sections are extremely
important to the Town of Richlands. A listing of each section and a summary
of the contents follows:
1) Analysis of Existing Conditions
❑ This portion of the plan contains information on the form of
government in the Town of Richlands, establishes how the information
base was gathered, and discusses the physical setting and a bit of
history about the community. This section also gives documentation on
the population, economy, existing land uses, a summary of current plans,
policies, an regulations, and discusses areas of significant land use
change.
2) Constraints to Development
❑ The plans section on constraints to development discusses the
suitability of the land for future (continued) development activity.
Natural features are discussed in this plan section as fragile areas,
areas of environmental concern (AEC's), and a discussion is given on the
type of soils extant in Richlands with the limitations given on each
soil type discussed. Man-made constraints to development are discussed
as well. The capacity of the infrastructure available and proposed as a
means of supporting existing and future development is also discussed.
3) Estimated Demand
❑ The future demands of development activity, in light of the booming
growth expected (and being experienced) in Richlands, are discussed in
the areas of water, sewer, roads, schools, hospitals, recreation areas,
solid waste, population, and economy.
4) Policies for Growth and Development
❑ As this LUPUP is a policy document, this is arguably the most
important part of this document. Policy choices by the Town of
R_,_rhlgnH_R will he highlighted, in summary form, later in this Executive
Summary. The policies are broken into the following major areas:
Resource Protection, Resource Production and Management, and Economic
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and Community Development.
5) Continuing Public Participation
❑ Public participation is an important part of any planning effort.
This section discusses the Public Participation Plan which outlined the
process by which the Richlands Land Use Plan was updated. The Citizen
Survey is discussed in some detail as well. The Town of Richlands is
committed to continuing involvement of the residents in the planning
process.
6) Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery, and Evacuation Plans
❑ In anticipation of a hurricane or other disaster, this plan can be
used to mitigate the danger and the loss of life and property which may
occur.
7) Land Classification
❑ The Land Use Plan Update identifies and discusses four different
land classification categories pertinent to Richlands. Those four are
Developed, Transition, Rural, and Conservation. Both residential and
commercial development will continue, for the planning period, to be the
dominant land use in Richlands
8) Relationship of Policies and Land Classification
❑ The policies in the LUPUP are designed to be implemented gradually
over the planning period (which for this plan is ten years). The Land
classification categories, which are graphically depicted on the Land
Classification Map, are designed to give interested persons a picture of
the Town's future growth patterns and areas of development activity,
according to general type, at a glance.
9) Intergovernmental Coordination and Implementation
❑ The Town of Richlands wishes to continue to have a good working
relationship with Onslow County and the other municipalities in Onslow
County. The Town of Richlands also recognizes the Town is a part of an
area larger than the boundaries of Onslow County and supports regional
efforts which will better the lives of all citizens.
Summary of Policies for Growth & Development
Land Use Plans are policy documents. The Town of Richlands recognizes
that the basic information on the Town which is for the purpose of
helping the plan user, who may be a Town official, a developer, or a
local citizen, to understand the existing situation in Richlands so
that appropriate public and private sector decisions can be made
concerning the future growth and development of the Town. The policies
in the LUPUP are reflective of the desires of the Town of Richlands.
These policies are also consistent with the NC Coastal Resources
Commission Land Use Planning Guidelines.
For each of the policies listed, the Town of Richlands has considered a
planning period of ten years. In each instance, alternative policies
have been considered and costs/benefits analyzed.
(1) RESOURCE PROTECTION
(a) Constraints to Development
It is the policy of the Town of Richlands to minimize development and to
encourage low intensity land uses (i.e., open space and/or recreational type
uses) in areas subject to natural or man-made hazardous conditions. Town
officials recognize, even if individual citizens don't always seem to, that
development should always happen in a way which will avoid creating problems
to neighboring property owners and future owners of the property being
developed. It is also recognized that cultural and environmental artifacts or
animal and plant species which are irreplaceable or limited in number should
always be protected.
It is the policy of the Town of Richlands to limit development activity in
those areas which have unsuitable soils. It is Town policy that all new
development must be connected to public water and sewerage systems. It is the
Town's policy to allow development where the soils will support the activity
and where such activity is consistent with federal, State, and local
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regulations.
The Town supports continuing participation in the National Flood Insurance
Program.
It is the policy of the Town of Richlands that any proposed projects which may
be considered by the U.S. government, or others, including individual business
operations, in the Richlands planning jurisdiction must be of a type which is
consistent with the Town's residential nature. Proposed projects must be
clean and not, in any instance, harmful or offensive (as with those smells
accompanying hog farms or turkey farms) to residents or visitors.
(b) Areas of Environmental Concern
It is the policy of the Town of Richlands to support the continued protection
of North Carolina's lands and waters by supporting AEC identification,
protection, and permitting activity.
c) Development in Proximity to Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW's)
Town policy on development activity within those areas which are adjacent to
these waters is that the development should be low density residential type
development. Activities which have the potential for degrading these waters
through accident or through time by increased use should be discouraged or
prohibited by the regulatory powers of the local government within the
jurisdiction where these waters exist and through State regulation.
(d) Fragile Land Areas
The NC Coastal Resources Commission has identified in their Guidelines for
Land Use Planning (15A NCAC 7B) "fragile areas" of coastal Norch Carolina
which local governments should recognize with a policy statement. Protection
of these areas is suggested. The reason for this recognition is so that these
important areas may be recognized as worthy of a separate consideration and so
that through the land use planning process a policy statement on the
protection of these areas may be formulated. Those areas pertinent to the
Town of Richlands's planning jurisdiction follow:
(1) Freshwater Swamps and Marshes
Development activity in these areas must be consistent with the current
federal rules and regulations governing wetlands development activity. It is
the policy of the Town that development activity is discouraged in swamps,
marshes, and wetlands.
(2) Manmade Hazard Areas
The Richlands Board of Aldermen and Planning Board will review and comment on
any proposals for base expansion. It is the policy of the Town to promote
clean industry and to mitigate hazards (both man made and natural). It is the
policy of the Town to oppose hazardous and noxious or dangerous facilities
which may wish to locate within Richlands planning jurisdiction.
(3) Archaeologic or Historic Areas
It is the policy of the Town to preserve historic artifacts, lands, and
properties. Development activity which would negatively effect historic or
archaeologic resources will be considered in light of the ways these resources
may be preserved or protected. Any outright destruction or elimination of a
resource of this type is prohibited by State law and Town of Richlands policy.
(4) Prime Farmland
Richlands supports the continuation of ongoing farm operations within the
Town's planning jurisdiction. Town officials and residents find pleasure in
the visual relief agricultural operations provide. Any new agricultural
operations will be reviewed for consistency with Town ordinances. The Town,
in general, supports preservation of areas which are suitable for agricultural
activity on a statewide basis. The Town does not support agricultural
livestock raising or slaughtering type operations (swine, turkey, or chicken).
The Town feels these operations should always be regulated and appropriate
throul a which —0o4 in,-711 * rmin}-v nr
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municipal Zoning. The Town of Richlands would like Onslow County to use
whatever measures are feasible, according to the law, to move meat
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manufacturing operations away from, or especially to not permit any more of
this activity in those areas where large numbers of people live, or in those
areas where large numbers of people may perceive by the human senses, of the
operation of these meat manufacturing plants nearby. The Town pledges to work
with Onslow County however possible to implement this policy.
The storage of chemicals in association with agricultural operations and in
close proximity to the homes of neighboring residents within the Town of
Richlands is discouraged. Any stockpiling of agricultural chemicals is
inconsistent with Town policy and the Zoning Ordinance.
(5) Wildlife Habitat Areas
It is Town policy to support and protect wildlife and wildlife habitat. Areas
in Town or the ETJ which become designated as public or private wildlife
sanctuaries, and which are a suitable environment for wildlife, shall be fully
supported by the Town. The Town would consider acceptance of a gift or an
inheritance of land for the purpose of preservation. Land lying fallow,
whether it be woodland or field (and not being used for storage of any type),
is completely consistent with Town policy and is supported. Any unused land
which may be donated for public purposes to the Town, the State, or to a Land
Trust, would be consistent with Town policy intent.
(6) Watersheds
The Town of Richlands supports clean water and will work to preserve water
quality in the area through compliance with State and federal regulations and
through appropriate local regulations.
The Town of Richlands will request funding assistance for the preparation of a
stormwater drainage plan within the planning period covered by this document.
(e) Hurricane & Flood Evacuation Needs & Plans
The Richlands Board of Aldermen supports the Onslow County Emergency
Management Department's Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery &
Evacuation Plan. It is the policy of the Town of Richlands to:
.-- Discourage high intensity uses and large structures from being
constructed within the 100-year flood plain, any erosion prone areas,
and other areas which may be susceptible to storm event associated
flooding.
-- Consider purchasing parcels located within hazard areas or rendered
unbuildable by storms or other events for the purpose of
recreation. Developers may also be required to provide such properties
as open space under circumstances related to the issuance of a conditional
use permit or as a part of the subdivision approval process.
.-- Continue to enforce the NC Building Code, particularly those provisions
which require construction standards to meet wind resistive factors
(e.g., design, wind velocity) .
.-- Encourage the placement of utilities underground for all new development.
(f) Protection of Potable Water
The Town will continue working with the NC Division of Water Resources and
will monitor this problem. The Town fully supports the Division of Water
Quality's (DWQ) rules regarding development activity near groundwater source
areas (wells). Town policy is to enhance the protection of these areas and to
provide for groundwater recharge areas consistent with DWQ's rules and the
Zoning Ordinance.
The Town of Richlands suggests regional intergovernmental cooperation in the
formulation of policy and strategies for the protection of our precious water
resources.
The Town of Richlands supports water conservation efforts.
(g) Use of Package Treatment Plants
It is Town policy that all new developments are required to connect to the
public sewage system. Package treatment plants and new septic systems are not
allowed within Richlands. Richlands supports all efforts to minimize surface

and groundwater pollution from wastewater sources. It is the policy of the
Town of Richlands to require annexation of adjacent areas desiring the
extension of sewage treatment capacity. The Town will continue its policy of
requiring annexation as a condition of the extension of sewage treatment
services, and will continue to assess users of such services for such service.
(h) Stormwater Runoff
The Town supports NC Division of Water Quality regulations regarding
stormwater runoff resulting from development activity. It is Town policy that
' growth and development will not be allowed where poor drainage exists unless
appropriate corrective improvements are to be completed as part of the
project.
' The flooding of roads in Richlands following an intense rain event is a
situation that must be alleviated. NC Department of Transportation and the NC
Division of Water Quality officials will be consulted on all future public
road projects. The Town wishes to work with other knowledgeable public
officials so that successful solutions may be shared. The Town of Richlands
wishes to create a master drainage plan so that the threat of flood hazard
will be reduced and to improve area water quality. Grant funds will be sought
from agencies who may have planning funds available to complete this study.
(i) Industrial Impacts
Town policies regarding the impact of traditional "industry" on the natural
environment in Richlands indicates these impacts should not occur. Town
officials feel that any industrial type development which would detract from
the visual beauty of the area and which might cause increased traffic, noxious
fumes, noise, smoke, vibration or other unpleasant side effects should look
elsewhere for a location. Industry which complies with the standards of the
Town of Richlands Zoning Ordinance is acceptable within the Town limits and
ETJ. It is the policy of the Town that industrial development should first be
clean and should provide jobs to local residents.
' Any economic development activity in Onslow County is, generally, favored by
the Town. The Town will work with Onslow County, the City of Jacksonville,
the NC Department of Commerce, area Chambers of Commerce, Committees of 100,
and the Global Transpark on the growth and enhancement of appropriate
' "industry" in Richlands. Any industry which may be harmful to the human
population through the possible pollution of air, land, or water is not
desired within the Town. Any industrial activity which might cause visual
blight is also not desired.
(2) RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
(a) Productive Agricultural Lands
It is the policy of the Town of Richlands that agricultural uses of land
within the Town will not be discouraged. The uninhibited widespread heavy use
of or storage of substances (i.e., pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers)
which pose a threat (or which may pose a threat) to human health is
discouraged. Certain agricultural type operations are discouraged by policy
of the Town of Richlands. These operations include agriculture -livestock type
operations where many animals are confined together and raised for sale to
meat processing and manufacturing concerns. The agriculture -livestock
limitations do not apply to any animals ordinarily considered pets.
(b) Commercial Forest Lands
It is the policy of the Town of Richlands to support the efficient planting
' and harvesting of North Carolina's commercial forest lands. It is the strong
sentiment of Town officials that the harvesting of timber near waters should
be discouraged. If this activity must occur the Town would support
regulations requiring extensive vegetative buffers as a means of mitigating
water quality degradation. It is felt that these regulations should be
enforced by the State of North Carolina rather than through local regulation.
Any expanded commercial forestry type operations within Richlands are not
e

desired.
m Mineral Production Areas
It is the policy of the Town to prohibit such operations within the Town's
planning jurisdiction.
(d) Commercial & Recreational Fisheries
It is the policy of the Town of Richlands to work with other regional
interests to maintain or improve the quality of water and the abundance of the
fisheries resource available to area residents and visitors.
(e) Off -Road Vehicles
It is the policy of the Town of Richlands to allow private property owners and
their friends, visitors, acquaintances, and other persons to whom they may
have given permission, to enjoy freely the ability to use any portion of that
private property available and to enjoy that same property by whatever means
and to the maximum extent possible. The Town has the authority, and will
continue to exercise its authority, through its police powers, to abate
nuisance noises and the destruction of any vegetation which may be or which
may help to protect or screen residential or commercial properties and which
may contain threatened or endangered species. It is the policy of the Town to
not allow off -road vehicle use that would cause erosion or substantial damage
to land forms.
This policy on off -road vehicles is not pertinent to public works projects or
emergency vehicles who may operate in accordance with the law and appropriate
regulations as necessary.
(f) Residential, Commercial, & Industrial Land Development Impacts
Town policy is to encourage future growth according to land use policy and
according to those regulations in place at the time the development request is
made. It is the intention of Town officials that development impacts on the
environment be negligible and that the impacts of all development take into
consideration those factors which will enhance the quiet, small Town character
and quality of life enjoyed by residents. It is Town policy that the Zoning
Ordinance and Subdivision regulations will be revised as necessary as a means
of implementing this policy.
Commercial development is currently desired by Town officials. Commercial
activity which would add to the economic base of the Town would be -welcomed by
Town officials provided that the activity is environmentally safe, clean, and
consistent with current State, federal, and local regulatory requirements.
Development activity which would be harmful to property values or the quality
of life of those residents or businesses already established is discouraged.
Compatibility of proposed development with the current pattern of development
(already established) is desired.
Industrial development policy in the Town of Richlands is to encourage
industrial development in the region. Any commercial or industrial
development in Richlands should be of a type which is compatible with
residential development which may occur in relatively close proximity to the
industry. Industrial development should be located, in all cases, in such a
way as to avoid the use of residential streets by large, heavy, truck traffic.
(g) Peat or Phosphate Mining's Impacts
The mining of peat or phosphate within the planning jurisdiction of the Town
of Richlands is prohibited by policy and
(3) ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
(a) Type of Development to be Encouraged
It is the policy of the Town of Richlands to encourage residential growth.
The Town of Richlands encourages commercial growth. It is the policy of the
Town to work with and to encourage commercial activity which is consistent
with current regulations and which will provide jobs, make retail type
amenities available to residents and visitors, and provide for convenient
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shopping opportunities. It is the policy of the Town to encourage clean and
' quiet commercial type development. Traditional "industrial development" is
discouraged within the Town of Richlands. Town officials discourage the use
of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in areas close to any Town,
' individual, or community well systems. Town officials also wish to note that
runoff into streams from agriculture and private landscaping activity has been
recognized as a problem within the State and the Town strongly encourages the
use these products in a careful manner and only as needed.
' (b) Type and Location of Industry Desired
The Town of Richlands, by policy, encourages industry which will allow the
Town to keep the small Town character that all residents of Richlands have
come to enjoy. The Town desires responsible industrial development in the
region which will not adversely affect the natural environment or the quality
of life enjoyed by residents. Industrial development in this region should
not infringe (in ways which may be perceived by the five human senses) on
' established residential development.
c) Local Commitment to Services Provision
It is the policy of the Town of Richlands to provide public water, sewer,
residential trash collection, police protection, and those other services now
available to all areas of the Town. New developments are required to construct
and to connect to the municipal water and sewer systems.
(d) Urban Growth Patterns Desired
' It is the policy of the Town Richlands to encourage growth to occur adjacent
to existing water and sewer service lines.
(e) Redevelopment of Developed Areas
It is the policy of the Town to work with residents and State agency personnel
and programs to repair, upgrade, and improve housing conditions. following a
catastrophic storm event, are located in this section. It is the policy of
the Town of Richlands to allow reconstruction of structures demolished by
natural disaster when the reconstruction complies with all existing (state,
federal, and local) regulations. The Town is concerned about and will not
allow high density projects in hazardous areas, including flood hazard areas.
The Town will consider purchase of areas destroyed by natural hazard for
1 future use as recreational sites.
It is the intention of the Town to continue to be a member of the National
Flood Insurance Program administered by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency and to continue to allow Federal Flood Insurance to be available to
residents.
(f) Commitment to State & Federal Programs
Richlands is receptive to State and federal programs that will provide some
benefit to the Town, County, and region. It is the policy of the Town to
continue to fully support such programs.
(g) Assistance to Channel Maintenance and Beach Nourishment Projects
' The Town of Richlands recognizes that taxes are being used to promote both
international and interstate commerce as well as local commercial fishing
opportunity and opportunity for recreational boaters. Beach nourishment
projects are not supported by the Town of Richlands. The Town believes this
' is not a long-term solution but a stop -gap measure.
(h) Energy Facility Siting & Development
The Town of Richlands promotes and supports a clean and healthy environment
for its residents. The Town is concerned about the issue of energy facility
' siting to the extent that citizen's health, safety, and welfare, may be
effected. The Town's policy includes the following: (1) No transportation
through Town of extremely dangerous and hazardous materials is pre -approved.
Any transport of hazardous materials should take another route. No military,
energy, or commercial/industrial facility request which violates this standard
will be approved. Any industrial or commercial facility which requires a
9

special use permit will have this as a part of their special restrictions.
(2) No clear cutting of greater than 3 acres of wooded property is allowed
without buffers which will be constructed to shield all noise and visual
blight created by energy facility type development from area residents.
Any water resource intensive type development activity will be required to use
municipal water service.
(I) Coastal & Estuarine Water Beach Access
it is the policy of Town officials to support beach and estuarine water access
projects within Onslow County and throughout coastal North Carolina. The Town
of Richlands supports the continuing development of parks and recreational
facilities for the benefit of its residents.
(j) Tourism
The Town of Richlands strongly supports tourism. It is the policy of the Town
to grow toward a position where the tourist influx may be enjoyed to its
maximum potential. As a means of achieving the goal of enhancing tourism and
encouraging visitors, the Town of Richlands supports NC Department of
Transportation road improvement projects which will improve access (ingress
and egress) to the region and the Town of Richlands. It is the policy of the
Town of Richlands to work to maintain those quality of life factors (quiet,
low traffic, etc.) which current residents of the Town enjoy. The Town
supports low density development and clean commercial (or
industrial/manufacturing) type development activity.
(k) Type of Density Desired
It is the policy of the Town of Richlands to encourage low density type
development activity. This policy includes the continuation of height
restrictions and development consistent with the Zoning Ordinance restrictions
on density. The Town of Richlands will consider a Downtown Redevelopment Plan
which may provide businesses some solutions to parking shortages, and an
increased economic vitality to those businesses downtown. The Town also
wishes to help to improve the appearance of the downtown area. Town policy is
to encourage commercial growth. This growth, so as to be consistent with Town
policy, must be of a type which will include specialty shops and stores. The
Town desires to attract shoppers from the region and locally who will make
special trips to Richlands. The Town wants to serve residents and visitors
within the commercial center. Town officials are quite interested in hearing
from prospective businesses who may wish to choose Richlands as a place to
locate.
Continuing growth activity during the planning period in Town and in the
residential neighborhoods is expected and desired. The Town wishes to keep
the small Town atmosphere which long-term residents have come to love.
(1) Manufactured Homes/Modular Homes
A portion of Richlands's housing stock consists of manufactured and mobile
homes. The Town finds the continued use of these structures to be marginally
acceptable. Modular homes are also permissible according to the provisions of
the Town of Richlands Zoning Ordinance.
(m) Town Boundary Defined
The official map of the Town of Richlands is located in the office of the Town
Clerk at Town Hall.
(n) Provision of Services to Development
It is the policy of the Town of Richlands to extend the full range of
municipal services (water, sewer, police, solid waste, etc.) to those areas
which are within the Town limits. It is Town policy that all new
residential, commercial, and industrial development will be required to
connect to the municipal water and sewer systems.
(o) Recreational Facilities
It is the desire of Town officials to boost recreational opportunities for
residents. As a priority the Town will work with the NC Department of
h
1
11
C]

' Transportation (NC DOT) on the widening and improvement highways. The
Committee will work with the NC DOT Bicycle Program on the provision of bike
trails along highways both in Town and within the ETJ. Sidewalks will be
considered as a requirement for all new subdivisions. The Town desires to
' continue to work with and to cooperate with the Onslow County Parks and
Recreation Department, the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation,
and the City of Jacksonville to pursue this goal. It is the policy of the
Town of Richlands to work to improve recreational opportunities for residents,
' seasonal residents, and overnight visitors. The Town will work to have
streets widened and improved so that bike paths will be possible. It is also
a goal of the Town to have sidewalks installed along all major transportation
corridors in Town. The Town will consider acceptance of a donation of
property for recreational purposes.
(p) Annexation
The Town of Richlands policy on annexation is to pursue expansion primarily
through the provisions of the NC General Statutes relative to voluntary
annexation. The Town's generalized policy on involuntary or satellite
annexations is to not pursue these options. (If any, indeed, are possible).
' If involuntary or satellite annexation must occur, all legal requirements will
be met and public comment opportunities will be offered.
SECTION 5: CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN
' As the starting point in the preparation of the Land Use Plan the Town of
Richlands adopted a "Citizen Participation Plan" with a schedule of events
which outlined the process of Land Use Plan Update preparation. It is the
intent of the process described in the plan to give the public ample
' opportunity to become a meaningful part of the planning process and all views
gathered as a part of this.process are recognized to be informative and
instructional for all citizens of the Town of Richlands, interested parties,
and elected and appointed Boards.
' SECTION 6: STORM HAZARD MITIGATION, POST -DISASTER RECOVERY,
& EVACUATION PLANS
The purpose of this section of the 1998 Town of Richlands LUPUP is to assist
the Town in.evacuation, mitigation, and recovery situations which will arise
' as a result of natural or technological disasters. The Town of Richlands is
subject to hazards, all of which may disrupt the Town or cause physical damage
to property and may create casualties. The Town shares this subjectivity to
' threat with all other municipalities in Onslow County, in North Carolina, and
in the nation.
(a) Storm Hazard Mitigation
The types of storm events which may catastrophically or negatively effect the
Town of Richlands include hurricanes and tornados. These types of storms are
extremely powerful and unpredictable forces of nature. There are four causes
of fatality and property damage during these two storm events. (1) high
wind; (2) flood; (3) wave action; and, (4) erosion. Two of these causes
of property damage and death are pertinent to Richlands.
(b) Richlands Storm Hazard Mitigation Policy
It is the policy of the Town to support the State Building Code on wind
' resistant construction with design standards of 110 mph wind loads. The Town
shall require the enforcement of the NC Building Code and especially those
provisions which require construction to meet wind resistive factors. It is
the policy and intention of the Town of Richlands to continue as a participant
in the National Flood Insurance program. The Town of Richlands will consider
discouraging high intensity uses and large structures within the 100-year
floodplain with the next revision of the Zoning Ordinance. It is Town policy
to consider the purchase of parcels located in hazardous areas or rendered
unbuildable by storms or other events for recreation purposes. Subdividers,
through negotiation and by mutual agreement, may be required to set aside a
portion of any proposed subdivision found to be in a hazardous area as a
ii

condition for project approval due to public safety considerations. As a
means of eliminating visual blight and to protect utilities in case of storm,
it is the policy of the Town of Richlands to encourages the placement of
utilities underground for all new development and redevelopment projects.
(c) Evacuation Plans
The Torn of Richlands has confidence in the disaster preparedness plan of the
Onslow County Emergency Management Department and as Torn policy hereby
supports, accepts, and adopts the provisions of this plan relative to the
evacuation and general safety of the Town of Richlands.
SECTION 7: LAND CLASSIFICATION
The Land Classification system provides a framework which will guide the Town
of Richlands in identifying the future use of all lands within the Town's
planning jurisdiction. Some of the lands may be more suitable for development
activity than others. The description of the land classes herein shown will
allow Richlands officials to illustrate graphically their policy statements on
where, and at what intensity, they wish future growth will occur. The system
of land classification will also illustrate where the Town wants to conserve
natural and cultural resources by guiding growth.
The Town of Richlands wishes to use four of the above mentioned land
classification categories. The Town recognizes the categories mentioned above
are "guidelines." The Town elects to use a hybrid of these suggested
categories as a means by which to suitably reflect the reality of the growth
situation in Richlands.
The following land classifications apply within Richlands' planning
jurisdiction.
A Developed A
A Transition A
A Rural A
A Conservation A
SECTION 8: RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES & LAND CLASSIFICATION
It is the desire of Town officials that all Town ordinances will be consistent
with the policies expressed in this Land Use Plan. Plan policies are
consistent with the Land Classification categories.
SECTION 9: INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION
Richlands wishes to work with other area local governments to better the lives
of area citizens.

INTRODUCTION
The coastal area of North Carolina offers residents and visitors
a tremendous opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of recreational
pursuits. The abundant fish and shellfish resources of North
Carolina are apparent not only from the table at your favorite
local seafood restaurant, but also from the fighting chair of the
deep sea fishing boats which ply the Gulf Stream waters in search
of large sport fish. Beautiful sandy beaches with clear blue
water beckon both residents and visitors alike. The beaches and
waters of North Carolina are a tremendous resource and they may
be found alongside a shoreline which is rich in history.
In recognition of both the value and the fragile nature of our
coastal area's natural and cultural resources, the United States
Congress passed, in 1972, the Coastal Zone Management Act. The
State of North Carolina, which at the very early stages of the
national coastal program established itself as a leader amongst
all coastal States (a position which it has continued to hold),
enacted in 1974 the Coastal Area Management Act, which has come
to be known in North Carolina by its acronym "CAMA." The CAMA
did several things. It defined North Carolina's coastal area.
Twenty coastal counties were defined as that land area over which
the developing coastal program would hold some jurisdiction. The
Act created the Coastal Resources Commission (CRC), which is a 15
member body, appointed by the Governor, who create policy and who
pass rules governing development activity in the coastal area.
The Act also created the Coastal Resources Advisory Council
(CRAC), which is a 45 member body which advises the CRC and which
works as a liaison between the Commission and local governments
in the coastal area. As staff for the CRC the Office of Coastal
Management (now a Division) was created to carry out the policies
of the program. The basic purpose of the Coastal Area Management
Act is ..... "to insure the orderly balance of use and
preservation of our resources on behalf of the people of North
Carolina and the nation." (This is taking quite a bit of liberty
...... describing what is one of the most controversial pieces of
legislation in North Carolina in this century in one line ......
however, this does convey the basic idea. Preservation,
protection, enhancement, and balance ...... through planning and
the development of rules designed through a planning process
..... this is what the CAMA is about.)
It is widely recognized that the most important aspect of the
early development of the coastal program was the planning
requirement contained in the CAMA. The Coastal Area Management
Act said that each coastal County is required to have a Land Use
Plan, and furthermore, these plans were required to be updated
10

every five years. The work we are doing here, updating the Town
of Richlands Land Use Plan, is a direct result of that
requirement in the enabling legislation. As coastal counties
began to plan, coastal Towns and Cities began to recognize the
benefit of planning for themselves. The local empowerment
embodied in the Act's planning requirement showed a clear stroke
of brilliance on the part of those who crafted the legislation.
This was evidenced by a slow and thoughtful change of perception
by Cities and Towns as the municipalities began to request their
own opportunity to plan for the long-range future. The booming
growth of the coastal area coupled with the planning requirement
contained in the statute, and the emotional, financial, and
communal anxiety accompanying the "requirement" to plan, brought
most local governments an understanding, sometimes a reluctant
understanding, of the necessity of planning for the preservation
of natural resources and a way of life.
The Town of Richlands is a progressive small Town with a group of
thoughtful and farsighted leaders. Both the elected and
appointed Boards act cautiously on those significant matters
which will effect the future of the community. The Town very
early realized the benefits of land use planning. This is
evidenced in the fact that in 1981 the Town of Richlands created
its first Land Use Plan. This will be the third update of the
Town's Land Use Plan. The Plan has been, and will continue to
be, a valuable source of community information and a guide for
local leaders on policy on those issues concerning the future
growth and development of the Town.
The term "Land Use Plan" may be used interchangeably with other
terms. The "Land Use Plan" is also referred to as the
"comprehensive plan" or the "general plan" or the "master plan."
The essential characteristics of the plan, which we will refer to
as the Land Use Plan or Land Use Plan Update (LUPUP), is that the
plan encompasses all geographic parts of the community and all
functional and environmental elements which bear on land use
development. The plan is general in the sense that it will
summarize policies and proposals and will not indicate (in great
detail) specific locations or detailed regulations. The plan
will be long-range in the sense that it will look beyond the
foreground of current pressing and everyday development pressures
and will look to the perspective of problems and possibilities
for 10 years in the future.
For planning purposes the preparation, adoption, and use of the
Land Use Plan is considered to be the primary objective of a
planning program. Most other plans and planning actions by a
local government are designed, at least theoretically, to be
11

based upon the Land Use Plan.
With the production of this Land Use Plan Update we will we look
beyond day-to-day concerns and take a thoughtful look at the
Town's desired growth patterns for future land use development
activity. We will look at the data available on the economy,
population, existing land use, and natural resources. We will
prepare a map which will describe the existing uses of land and
we will also prepare a map which will describe future desired
growth patterns. With this information in hand, development
proposals can be examined in the light of existing services.
Requested uses of land may be viewed along side the vision of
desired future growth, and the interrelationships of the proposed
development activity may be compared with existing development.
Services can also be analyzed with thought given toward the
appropriateness of project design.
Local government has a great deal of influence on how a community
develops. The buildings, facilities, and improvements provided
by local government affect the daily lives of most citizens.
These same features give a form and a life to the community and
can be a stimulus or an impediment to the development of
privately owned land in the area.
' The local government is inescapably involved in questions on the
physical development of land within the area of its jurisdiction.
At nearly every meeting the Board of Aldermen and the Planning
' Board will make decisions concerning zoning, streets, sites for
public buildings, or the allocations of funds for public projects
of one type or another. And for making these kinds of decisions
the lay Boards of local government need technical guidance. If
the quickest and most expedient decision is taken, without
forethought, the local government leaders may find that they will
make a decision one month only to negate the premise of that
decision next month because they are faced with another decision
and another quickie answer. If these type of decisions are made
over an extended period of time the local government may end up
on a path that is not consistent with the desired future of the
Town. This type of circumstance may be avoided by planning.
Leaders are advised through this process to take a proactive
' rather than a reactionary approach to community development.
To do this the local government needs an instrument, a plan,
which will establish long-range general policies for the physical
development of the community. With a plan decisions can be made
in a coordinated and unified manner. The Land Use Plan Update
will provide the Town with this sort of an instrument. It can be
continually referred to as an important source for decisions on
12
11

those development issues which arise on a regular basis. Zoning
classification amendment requests, subdivision approval, the
location of roads or highways, extension of public services .....
all of these decisions are made in a manner which best serves the
public interest if some systematic planned approach to the
decision process is made. The Land Use Plan Update reflects
current policy on future growth.
Those persons interested in development activity in Richlands are
advised to look here first!
RICHLANDS GOALS & OBJECTIVES
It is the goal of the Town of Richlands to continue to have the quiet,
small Town, style of life new and long-term residents have come to
enjoy. The Town wishes to remain a predominantly single family
residential community. In keeping with this goal, the Town wishes to
limit the number of manufactured homes, and apartments, both within
Town and within the ETJ.
The Town would welcome additional commercial businesses who wish to
locate in Town or the extraterritorial area. The Town is especially
interested in revitalization of the downtown area. This area is a
part of a historic district, which is on the National Register of
Historic Places, and which is available to interested business
persons. Light manufacturing or some types of light industry would be
welcome in those parts of Town designated as appropriate by the Zoning
Ordinance. Heavy industry and other business operations which are
noxious to the human senses are invited to look elsewhere in Onslow
County for an appropriate location. The Town of Richlands does not
want business which will pollute the air, earth, or water. Businesses
which will take measures to mitigate these hazards will be welcomed.
Richlands is recognized as a wonderful place to live. The Town wishes
to enhance the lives of its citizens and the next generation of
citizens through alternatives available by land use planning.
SECTION 1: ANALYSIS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS
One of the important early elements of a Land Use Plan is the
presentation and analysis of pertinent local data. The purpose
of this information is to establish the information base
necessary to make informed policy choices.
(1) ADMINISTRATION & FORM OF GOVERNMENT
The Town of Richlands operates under the Mayor -Council with
Administrator form of government. The Mayor -Council form of
government is the original form of general purpose local
13
7
�I

1
1
government in this country and it has been successfully employed
from the smallest colonial American Town to large modern cities
with million dollar budgets.
The primary advantage of this form of government is that it
brings government closer to the voters. That is, the people who
have responsibility for the creation of Town policy as well as
final say so on operation of the gears of municipal government
are directly elected by the citizens. The elected officials are
responsible for administration, and for this purpose, in
Richlands, they have hired a Town Administrator. The elected
Board has oversight on municipal functions. The Mayor -Council
with Administrator form of government varies a bit from
municipality to municipality. Some places choose to delegate
more authority to the Administrator than others. In the classic
situation the Administrator oversees administrative matters. A
weakness of this form of government is the lack of any real
executive leader since decision authority on policy and on
personnel rests with the governing body as a group.
Responsibility for operations in Richlands is shared by all
members of the Board of Aldermen and the Town Administrator. To
some extent, this gives administration by committee. In
Richlands the Board of Aldermen gives much leeway to their
Administrator who helps to implement policy and to give direction
to municipal affairs. Strong consistent direction in the Mayor -
Council form of government depends on maintaining a general
consensus, which may sometimes become difficult.
This form�of government (Mayor -Council) is the principal form of
local government used in North Carolina. It predominates as a
type dramatically for those local governments with a population
of under 5,000 persons. As local governments grow from small to
large, they frequently will begin to use an Administrator as an
important asset in the management of municipal affairs.
In Richlands the Board of Aldermen consists of five elected
members and the Mayor all of whom are elected by the people. As
with most municipalities the governing Board is elected on a
nonpartisan basis and at large by all of the Town's qualified
voters. Terms of office are not staggered.
The North Carolina General Statutes require the following
officers to be appointed by a municipal government.
CLERK -- The clerk is responsible for giving the proper notices
of regular and special meetings of the governing board, keeping
an accurate record of the board's proceedings and being the
custodian of all Town records.
14

BUDGET OFFICER -- The budget officer receives budget requests
and ensure municipal compliance with budget preparation and
administrative requirements required by the General Statutes. In
the Mayor -Council form of government any Town officer or
employee, including the Mayor (if he agrees), may serve as budget
officer.
FINANCE OFFICER -- The finance officer keeps the accounts and
disburses Town funds consistent with the General Statutes. These
duties may also be conferred upon the budget officer.
ATTORNEY -- The attorney serves as the legal advisor to the
Board. He serves at the pleasure of the Board.
TAX COLLECTOR -- The tax collector has the responsibility for
collecting property, privilege license, and all other tax due a
municipality and to fulfill the obligations imposed by the
General Statutes on tax collection. Any officer or employee can
be appointed tax collector except a member of the governing body.
The finance officer may be appointed to that office only with the
consent of the Local Government Commission.
The Town of Richlands has the following employees: Town
Administrator, Town Clerk/Finance Officer, Deputy Town Clerk,
Police Chief, Police Sergeant, Police Officer I, Public Works
Director, Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator, and 2 laborer
positions. In Richlands the members of the Board of Aldermen may
be frequently be seen around Town Hall. The basic administration
plan in Richlands is that Committees are assigned to oversee the
operating areas of Town government. The Committee members work
with the Town Administrator and the Department supervisor to
ensure efficient and effective operations in all Departments.
The Mayor -Council with Administrator plan of management is well
suited for small Towns and seems to work well in Richlands.
(2) ESTABLISHMENT OF INFORMATION BASE
The process of Land Use Plan development includes the collection
of data at the beginning of the process to give local government
leaders an opportunity to understand current or existing
conditions. It is recognized that from a cognitive standpoint
there are probably no others in the community who understand
current issues better than the elected officials and appointed
boards of local government. However, these individuals often
find, when having placed before them a comprehensive view of the
community elicited through the Land Use Planning process, new
insights to development issues. The compilation and analysis of
data is part of the process herein rendered.
15
n
E

The Town will, through the process of developing this Land Use
Plan Update, adopt policies to guide and direct community growth.
It is incumbent upon all community leaders to recognize that many
decisions affecting development are made by other levels of
government. Local policies and local regulations need to take
this into account. By carefully addressing the Land Use Planning
Guidelines requirements, the Town gives guidance to individuals
and other levels of government who will strive to follow local
policies dealing with locally important.or controversial issues.
State and federal agencies will be advised to use the contents of
this Plan in making project consistency, funding, and permit
decisions. Policies on the type of development desired, density
of development projects, protection of resources, and other areas
are examples of this type of local policy decision.
The Town of Richlands Land Use Plan Update provides the following
basic elements:
A) Introduction
B) Richlands' Goals and Objectives
C) Analysis of Existing Conditions;
D) Constraints to Development;
E) Estimated Demand;
F) Policies for Growth and Development;
G) Continuing Public Participation;
H) Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery,
& Evacuation Plans;
I) Land Classification;
J) Relationship of Policies and Land Classification;
K) Intergovernmental Coordination and Implementation.
L) Executive Summary
The Coastal Resources Commission LUP Guidelines (15A NCAC
7B)require a broad range of topics to be addressed in each Plan
Update. The following policy issue areas must be addressed:
1) Resource Protection;
2) Resource Production and Management;
3) Economic and Community Development; and
4) Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster
Recovery and Evacuation Plans.
To gather the information required as a part of the Land Use Plan
' development process requires assistance from a large number of
State, federal, and local agency personnel and documents. Shown
16

below are some of those sources' and documents utilized during
'
the preparation of this Plan.
>--NC Division of Coastal Management
'
>--NC Division of Water Quality
>--NC Division of Community Assistance
)'-US Army Corps of Engineers
>--Onslow County Planning Department
>--Federal Emergency Management Agency
>--NC Division of Archives and History
,
>--US Department of Agriculture, Soil
Conservation Service,
>--Onslow County Planning Department
'
>--Onslow County Land Use Plan Update
>--NC Department of Transportation
>--NC Natural Heritage Program, NC Division of
Parks & Recreation
,
>--Town of Richlands Staff
>--Onslow County Schools
*--Town of Richlands Zoning Ordinance
>--Richlands Thoroughfare Plan
>--NC Office of State Planning
The Town recognizes
g es that land use planning is a continuous
process. Changes in development activity are regular and
sometimes rapid. Change has been occurring in the Town within
'
the last five years and this change has given citizens,
employers, Town staff, and community leaders a realization that
the future is upon us. Some of the development in Richlands
'
seems to the casual observer to have happened almost overnight.
The fact is, the Town has dealt with development proposals well.
The Town further realizes, as a result of the development which
,
has occurred, the need for planning and the importance of having
a vision for the future.
The development of this Plan has led to new discussion, new
ideas, and has given insight to the future possibilities for the
Town.
'
(3) PHYSICAL SETTING & HISTORY OF RICHLANDS
Onslow County was named for Sir Arthur Onslow. Although it is
' These sources were supplemented by windshield surveys in
February 1997. The windshield surveys (within Town and the ETJ) were
to view and obtain data on existing land use patterns, roads, and '
housing conditions.
17 '
7

Ibelieved that he never visited the colonies, and never owned any
property in Onslow County, the
earliest
settlers of this County
named the County in his honor.
1, 1691, educated at Winchester
He was
and entered
born in Chelsea on October
Wadham College,
Oxford, in 1708. He was elected
to the
House of Commons in 1720
1
(he later became Speaker of the
freedom of religion, and was a
House),
trustee
he was a supporter of
of the British Museum. He
died in England in 1768 at age
76.
' If any European explorers visited Onslow County at any time
before the early 16th century there are no known existing
historical accounts. It is possible that the Italian Giovanni de
Verrazzano sent to shore a small party to meet with the original
Americans in the year 1524, somewhere between New River Inlet and
Bogue Inlet. The Portuguese and the English also later visited.
The first permanent settlers in Onslow County were to arrive
around the year 1713. They settled along the White Oak River.
Onslow County was founded December 4. 1731. Onslow County had
only minor border changes during the period 1731-34. Borders
with Duplin County would not be clarified until 1819; with Jones
in 1921; and with Pender in 1924. A major change would occur in
' 1941 when the U.S. government began the acquisition of 173.8
square miles for the construction of a military training site now
known as Camp Lejeune.
Richlands is in the northwestern part of Onslow County. The Town
is named for the fertile soil which surrounds it. Farming and
doing business with farmers has been, historically, the main
source of -income. The Town was incorporated in 1880. Before
this date Richlands is said to have had a few residences, a gin
and sawmill, a church, 2 stores, and a school building. It was
called upper Richlands in those days as a means of distinguishing
itself from the nearby settlement at Union Chapel.
The present
Town charter was granted in 1905. In 1906 the first
High School
in Onslow County was built in Richlands.
That same
year (1906)
the railroad was built. After completion
of the
railroad the Town began to boom. In 1936 the County's
first
library was
established in Richlands. Richlands has
continued to
the present
day its leadership in education in Onslow
County.
The Town of Richlands has been able to preserve its history.
When, in 1941, Jacksonville began to grow and was tremendously
effected as a result of the creation of Camp Lejeune, Richlands,
only 15 miles away, was able to preserve a way of life and was
not as impacted by the sudden growth. This slower pace of life
has been good for Richlands. Many of the older historic homes in
Town are still standing. The result of this preservation led to
18

the creation of the Richlands Historic District in 19891
Over recent years the Town has continued to grow. Many of the
visitors who have occasionally enjoyed the Town's natural charm
and other amenities have come to stay. Newcomers have found a
home in Richlands.
For purposes of services provision, the increasing residential
population will provide new challenges to Town administration and
elected and appointed leaders. Providing services and continuing
a lifestyle satisfying to all residents (new and old) will be a
continuing balancing act and a challenge.
Local news is provided to residents daily by the Jacksonville
Daily News which is published in the City of Jacksonville
approximately 15 miles south and east of Richlands.
The Town of Richlands has always been a cultural center for
Onslow County. This year (1997) the Onslow County Museum in
Richlands celebrated its twenty first birthday. The date of
first opening was March 12, 1976. The new County Museum building
in Richlands was opened on the weekend of April 29-30, 1995. The
Museum sees approximately 5,000 persons per year. Another event,
sponsored by the Museum, and known as Museum Fest, brings in
another 2,000 persons each year for an arts and crafts festival.
The Town of Richlands is a quintessential American small Town. If
you are looking for peace and quiet in a friendly setting,
Richlands is the place to go.
(4) POPULATION
The North Carolina Office of State Planning issued in the fall of
1996 a document entitled North Carolina Municipal Population.
This document shows the permanent population of the Town of
Richlands at 1,268 persons as of July 1995. This figure is the
official State count at this writing and is used for Powell Bill
allocations, Sales Tax distribution, and in other instances where
an official number is needed by the State.
Z The District covers 48 acres (including the center of Town)
and includes 148 structures. 95 of these structures are contributing.
19 1

Table #1 MUNICIPAL & COUNTY POPULATION
Aril 1980 April 1990 July 1995 Change
Richlands 825 996 1,268 27.3%
Onslow County 112,784 149,838 147,912 -1.3%
>ource: NC Office of State Planning
Much of the recent growth in population within the Town of
Richlands has been from annexation. Richlands is the 10th
fastest growing municipality of the 116 municipalities in NC with
population between 1,000 to 2,499 persons during 1990-95. The
population during the period grew by 272 persons. Of this
number, as estimated by the Office of State Planning, 192 persons
were annexed into Town.
Onslow County, for the period 1990-95, has seen a decline in
population of 1,926 persons. This translates to a -1.3% decline.
If Richlands continues to grow at the rate set for those years,
' between 1990-95 (27.3%) until the year 2000, the population will
reach 1,614 persons. This continued growth in municipal
population is not expected. If the municipal population grows
for the next five year period (1995-2000) at the same rate the
County grew between 1990-1995 (-1.3%) the population will be
1,251 persons. This also is not expected. A more accurate
projection for the year 2000 is based on a long-term growth rate
given by the municipal population growth for those years between
1980-1990. This decade showed a growth of rate of 20.7%. Based
on this it is estimated that the population of Richlands will be
1,399 persons in the year 2000 and 1,530 persons in the year 2005
and 1,598 persons in the year 2007.
Our population estimate for 1997 (January) in Richlands is
computed by using the long-term growth rate discussed earlier. A
ten year growth rate of 20.7% may be narrowed to be considered a
' growth of 2.07% per year. Given 1995 population as 1,268, we
figure growth at 2.07% for one and one-half years. The January
1997 (estimated) population for Richlands is 1,307 persons.
1 Between April 1990 and July 1995, the population of North
Carolina grew by approximately 561,790 persons (8.5%), increasing
from 6,632,448 to 7,194,238 in only five years. By April 2000,
NC population is estimated to reach 7.44 million, representing an
increase of more than 810,000 (or 12.3%).
As we compare Onslow County population growth to the growth of
1 20

North Carolina, we see:
TABLE #2 COUNTY & STATE POPULATION
April 1980 April 1990 July 1995 Chancre
Onslow County 112,784 149,838 147,912 -1.3%
North Carolina 5,880,095 6,632,448 7,194,238 8.5%
>ource: NC Office of State Plannina
In the 1980's the County was growing at a rapid rate. We are now
seeing a leveling of that rapid rate of growth. Factors which
influence the rate of growth in Onslow County include actions to
increase or decrease armed forces at the United States Marine
Corps Base at Camp Lejuene.
Onslow County is 766.93 square miles of land area (not including
rivers, lakes, etc.). As time goes by, both Richlands and the
County can only expect to grow ever more densely populated. The
recognition of this trend gives extreme importance to the need
for proper planning. This is particularly true for communities
such as Richlands, who have wonderful natural and
historic/cultural resources, since the risk of loss of these
irreplaceable resources through unchecked development is
possible, and since the risk to property and life due to storms
is such a real possibility.
As we compare County land area and population density for Onslow
County and North Carolina, we see:
TABLE #3 COUNTY & STATE POPULATION DENSITY
Density of Pop.
Land Area (Sq. Mi.) 1980 1995 Chancre
Onslow County 766.93 147.0 192.8 32.8%
North Carolina 48,843 120.3 147.2 12.70%
source: NC orrice or state Planning
The U. S. Census breakdown on race in 1990 shows 76% of all
persons in Richlands were white. 23% were black and the other 1%
were American Indian, Asian, or of another race. In 1990 75% of
Richlands residents were born in North Carolina. 3 were born
abroad of American parents and 7 were foreign born. Of those
born in other states 89 were born in the south, 78 in the
midwest, 36 in the northeast and 34 were born in the west. There
is no reason to believe that the percentages have changed
dramatically in the years since the census of population.
(5) ECONOMY
The economy of a small Town is extremely important to its growth
21
1

and development. The reason economy is such a crucial part of a
Town's Land Use Plan is that the effectiveness of any physical
plans for land development are almost totally dependant on
economic development.
In all of North Carolina County government budgeted general
revenue for fiscal year 1997 was $5,541,005,976. For Onslow
County the total
County -wide
Property Tax revenue for FY 1996-97
was $21,835,016.
The County's
1996-97 assessed valuation was
1
$3,531,002,536.
(The 1995-96
assessed valuation was
$3,381,402,554.)
The per capita income in Richlands in 1990 was $9,2583.
The median rent (for those who were renting) in the Town of
Richlands for 1989, according to the U.S. Census was $320. This
figure is believed to have risen in the ensuing years and is now
on the rise. Housing values are also rising.
The Town's total 1995-96 budget was (approx.) $750,000.
The property tax rate (FY 1996-97)for the Town of Richlands is 45
cents per hundred dollars (.45/100) of assessed value. The
elected leaders in Richlands are very conservative with the local
tax dollars. They have a conservative approach to both taxing
and spending, which is evident from an analysis of the budget.
For the owner of a $100,000 property the Town requires a local
property tax payment of $450. The rate, when compared to other
Onslow County municipalities (FY 1996-97), is low.
Jacksonville = .553/100
Holly Ridge = .50/100
Swansboro = .50/100)
Tax rates in the surrounding Counties area (FY 1996-97):
Ar Onslow County
= .644/100
Ar Pender County
= .61/100
0' Jones County
= .84/100
wr Carteret County
= .505/100
W Duplin County
= .775/100
The County rate is added to the municipal rate to give a total
property tax. In Richlands, the owner of the $100,000 property
pays $450 to the Town and $644 to the County. The total tax bill
is $1,094. The amount of property tax owed the Town yearly in
3 Information supplied by 1990 U.S. Bureau of the Census.
22

Richlands has not gone up in recent years.
The Town of Richlands charges a privilege license tax. This is a
three level tax that the State, County, and Town often all levy
on the same business activity. The tax is levied on the
privilege of engaging in a particular occupation or business
activity within the taxing jurisdiction and is enforced and
collected through the issuance of an annual license. The statute
which enables the levy of this tax is N.C.G.S. 105-33 through
105-113. A Town which wishes to levy this tax must adopt an
Ordinance levying the tax. The Ordinance lists the activities
taxed and the tax rates. Towns have a great deal of flexibility
in selecting the activities to be taxed and the rate of tax. The
privilege license tax is a revenue generating measure, however,
this tax is not used to regulate otherwise legitimate businesses.
In the fiscal year ending June 30, 1996, the Town of Richlands
collected $990 in privilege license fees.
TABLE #4 NUMBER OF PRIVILEGE LICENSES IN RICHLANDS'
1995-96 = 41
Source: Town of Richlands Administration
The Town's privilege licenses are good from July 1 through June
30 of the following year. The stability of the number of these
licenses issued over the years shown gives credence to the
statement that the business growth in Richlands is increasing
slightly. It is also believed true that when the number of
persons residing in Richlands reaches the threshold point where
certain types of businesses may be supported, these businesses
will rush to Richlands and the rural, pastoral, way of life
possible there.
Other Town incomes includes previous years property taxes
' Some of the privilege licenses issued in Richlands are to
trades people or craftsmen and are a direct result of construction and
repair activity occurring. These same business persons may cause the
number of licenses to rise and fall on a year to year basis. These
tradesmen may hold multiple privilege licenses for work within other
local government jurisdictions.
5 This information came from the Annual Budget Ordinance for the
Town of Richlands dated May 15, 1996. The NC League of Municipalities
gives us the following information concerning Reimbursements and
State -Collected Local Revenues (FY 1995-96) for Richlands:
Beer & Wine Tax 5,212
Utility Franchise Tax 36,573
Powell Bill 39,323
23
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1
($4,000), State shared revenues ($247,100), miscellaneous
revenues ($46,300). Total revenues from these programs (as well
as the privilege license and ad valorem tax mentioned previously)
were $492,300.
As previously mentioned, the per capita income for the Town of
Richlands in 1989 was $9,258. The median household income in
Richlands for 1989 was $17,419. The median family' income was
$23,250 for 1989. The median nonfamily household' income in 1989
was $6,894. (All figures are from the U.S. Department of
Commerce, Bureau of the Census.) 17.2% of all persons were
reported as living below the poverty level in Richlands in the
1990 U.S. Census.
Education is usually a factor which has a strong relationship to
the ability of persons to produce income. In Richlands 64.4% of
all persons have graduated high school or gone higher than high
school. 12.5% have received a bachelor's degree or higher. (In
all of Onslow County 83% have high school or higher and 13.4%
have a bachelor's degree or higher.)
According to the 1990 U.S. Census there were 406 persons over 16
years of age in the Town of Richlands who were employed. They
were reported to have been employed as follows:
Local Option Sales Tax 114,417
Business Inventories 8,632
Intangible Property Tax 4,619
Other 1,412
Total $210,188
e Households are all persons living together in group quarters
or on the street. This category consists of all occupied dwellings
(except group quarters).
' Families consist of persons living together with a
relationship by blood, marriage, or adoption.
e Nonfamily households consist of persons not related. These
may be persons living alone, with a partner or roommate, or group
quarters. When considered nationwide, nonfamily households make up
about 30% of all households.
1 24

TABLE #5 TYPES OF INDUSTRY FOR RESIDENTS OF RICHLANDS
Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries 13
Mining
0
Construction
35
Manufacturing, nondurable goods
30
Manufacturing, durable goods
13
Transportation
18
Communications and other public utilities
14
Wholesale Trade
18
Retail Trade
93
Finance, insurance, and real estate
10
Business and repair services
19
Personal Services
10
Entertainment and recreation services
0
Professional and related services
Health services
Educational services
Other professional services
13
57
32
Public administration
TOTAL
31
1-1— v.o. UL �VAULeLU: , DULeau or cne census, i77u
Of all workers, age 16 and over, the vast majority worked in
Onslow County. Of this same group, only 2 worked outside the
State of North Carolina.
TABLE #6 CLASS OF WORKER
Private for profit wage and
salary workers 211
Private not -for -profit wage
and salary workers 17
Local government workers
49
State government workers
40
Federal government workers
41
Self-employed workers
39
Unpaid family workers
9
TOTAL 406
source: v.0. ueparLmenc or commerce, bureau or cne census, iyyu
The unemployment rates9 for Onslow and surrounding Counties as of
December 1996 is as follows:
Carteret County
6.3%
Craven County
4.2%
Duplin County
4.8 %
Jones County
4.1%
9 Rates were received from the NC Employment Security Commission
on March 3, 1997.
25 1

' Onslow County 3.6%
Pender County 4.6%
It is believed that the types of employment within the Town of
Richlands have not changed within the 5 year period since the
U.S. Census survey was conducted. The Town does not have a large
manufacturing, business, or industrial base. The Town of
Richlands has an economy based on commercial businesses which
service the outlying areas of Onslow County near Richlands.
Farming activity is still important within the Town as well as
the ETA. Richlands is a bedroom community and an alternative
residential choice for the people who work in Jacksonville and
the surrounding metropolitan area. Much of the employment
opportunity for those persons who are residents of Richlands and
who wish to work is located out of the Town of Richlands.
(6) SEASONAL POPULATION
' Seasonal population is a meaningful figure in resort communities
because each unit of local government must plan to serve the
large number of people who may visit during the height of
vacation season. The Town of Richlands and the planning area
experience a bit of extra traffic during the months of June -July -
August. The resort beaches in Onslow County during these months
are experiencing a tremendous influx of visitors. People are
also passing through Richlands in greater numbers during these
months to get to the beaches. In terms of services, the Town of
Richlands experiences no special excess use during these months
due to a seasonal increase in persons visiting or residing in the
area.
(7) EXISTING WATER AND LAND USE
The purpose of discussing water and existing land uses in a Land
Use Plan is to provide information on those existing resources
and developments within a local government's planning
jurisdiction and to show what features may (or will) need to be
preserved along with development patterns. This information may
be used to guide future development activity and patterns. This
information is fundamental to the preparation of a Land Use Plan.
Water
The entire Richlands area of Onslow County is in the White Oak
River Basin and the entire planning area for the Town of
Richlands, which is composed of 2 of the 14-digit hydrologic unit
watersheds delineated by the U.S. Natural Resource Conservation
Service, drains to the Trent River in the White Oak River basin.
26

Watershed planning for the preservation of water quality has been
recognized as being extremely important.
The evolution of water quality regulations is an interesting
study in the balance, dynamics, and interactions of several
factors including population growth, standards of living,
technological developments, food demands, urbanization,
transportation changes, and industrialization over the last
century.
The first transition in the regulatory emphasis from protecting
water quality for navigation and commerce in the federal waterway
regulations enacted in the late 18001s, to mandating water
quality protection for the purpose of sustaining life supporting
conditions occurred in the late 19001s. The second transition
involves a shift in society's perspective, from the historical
view of waterways as ceaseless resources, to recognizing that the
abilities of waters to renew their qualities are limited, and
become stressed under a magnitude of complex demands within a
changing and growing society. The third transition is the shift
in management responsibilities for water quality, which has come
nearly full circle over the past 100 years. The federal
government has delegated much of its enforcement authority for
water quality protection, which it began assuming from local
authorities in the late 1800's, to the States, who have in turn
placed considerable responsibilities back on local governments
for the administration of water control programs".
From a historic perspective, flowing waters have received waste
from time immemorial. With the rise of population centers in the
late 18001s, floating wastes threatened to obstruct the
transportation of goods. The federal government began addressing
the practice of waste disposal in the nation's waters with the
passage of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, which regulated
the depositing of solid wastes into waterways and regulated
construction projects in navigation channels. The Oil Pollution
Act of 1924, prohibiting vessels from discharging oil into
coastal waters, marked a beginning in the policy shift towards
protection of water quality and aquatic life. This Act also
assigned enforcement responsibilities to the federal government
when local pollution control efforts were inadequate, and made
available modest amounts of grant funds for the construction of
wastewater treatment facilities.
I
I
fl
I
I
10 A Guide to North Carolina's Tidal Salt Water Classifications,
November 1994, prepared for the U.S. EPA and the NC Division of ,
Environmental Management by Cape Fear Council of Governments.
27

The rise of public attention on water quality issues in the
1960's resulted in the passage of the Water Quality Act of 1965,
I which specified standards for interstate quality water. A flurry
of legislation and policy directives soon followed in the 19701s.
The National Environmental Policy Act of 1970 set in motion a
broad set of changes in environmental protection policies,
including the type of issues to be addressed Environmental Impact
Statements (EIS), Environmental Assessments (EA), and Findings of
No Significant Impact (FONSI), and led to the rise of the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency.
The Water Pollution Control Act Amendments (Clean Water Act) of
1972, and the revised Act of 1977, marked an important step in
regulating water pollution. First, it increased the funding
levels available through the construction grants program for
assisting in building treatment plants. Second, it instituted
technology based effluent standards as opposed to stream base
standards. Third, it established a national permit system for
regulating point source discharges. Most importantly, the Act
established a national policy and specific goals for restoring
and maintaining the chemical, physical, and biological properties
Iof the nation's fishable and swimmable waters.
Several sections instituted programs under the Clean Water Act
' that significantly affect development projects today, including
Section 401, which requires water quality certification for
activities that may cause a discharge into navigable waters or
wetlands; Section 402, which established the national Pollution
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) for wastewater discharge
permits; and Section 404, which regulates the discharge of dredge
and fill material into navigable waters or wetlands. The
evolution of the implementation of the Clean Water Act was the
shift in the enforcement and day-to-day administration of the
programs from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to the
States, and in the case of the NPDES program, to the local
governments.
Water quality protection at the State level began taking shape
after WW II. By 1950, most communities in North Carolina with
populations greater than 2,500 were discharging either raw or
minimally treated sewage directly into the State's waterways. At
the instruction of the 1951 General Assembly, the State Stream
Sanitation Committee (now known as the Division of Water Quality)
began the formal development of North Carolina's water pollution
control regulations. The initial steps of the Committee were to
survey the extent of water pollution and to prepare a
comprehensive water pollution program.
1 28
E,

The Committee
also formulated
a classification system for the
State's surface waters based on best usage criteria, which became
the basis for
the system used
today. By 1963, water quality
standards and
classifications
were in place, and most surface
waters were classified. (The
classifications and standards have
been modified
over time.)
Additional legislation followed over the years. This included i
the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act in 1971 and the
Coastal Area Management Act of 1974. The mandate for State and
local government management of natural resources was
significantly strengthened in the general election of 1972, which
overwhelmingly approved and amendment to the State constitution,
which reads, in part, as follows:
"It shall be the policy of this State to
conserve and protect its land and waters for
the benefit of all its citizenry, and to this
end it shall be a proper function of the State
of North Carolina and its political
subdivisions to acquire and preserve park,
recreation, and scenic areas, to control and
limit the pollution of our air and water, to
control excessive noise, and in every other
appropriate way to preserve as a part of the ,
common heritage of this State its forests,
wetlands, estuaries, beaches, historical sites,
open land, and places of beauty." 1
As a strategy for the management of North Carolina's waters, the
NC Division of Water Quality (NC DWQ) assigns classifications to
water bodies. The primary classifications are SC, SB, and SA.
This is a graduated type scale whereby the NC DWQ assigns a
classification based on the measured qualities of the water in
each area. Supplemental classifications (HQW — High Quality
Waters, ORW — Outstanding Resource Waters, Sw — Swamp Waters, and
NSW — Nutrient Sensitive Waters) designation is also done, as
appropriate, as a means of specifying the properties of a water
body which make it special. This is done so that these special
properties, once recognized, may be preserved through planning.
In the Richlands area, all of that stream known as Squires Run
within the Town's planning jurisdiction is classified as C NSW.
(The C NSW designation is a freshwater rather than a saltwater
designation.) Waters classified as C (including C NSW) are
suitable for secondary recreation type activities, such as
wading, fishing, boating and fish
propagation.
29 1

11
Land
As an important part of the presentation of land use information
an Existing Land Use Map is prepared" in the early stages of the
Land Use Plan Update process. This map gives a graphic depiction
of those existing land uses within Richlands's planning
jurisdiction at the time the map was prepared.
According to the 1990 U.S. Bureau of the Census, the total number
of housing units in Richlands was 431. Of these, 45 were
reported vacant, 184 were renter occupied, and 202 were owner
occupied. Approximately 25% (in 1990) of these units were
manufactured homes. The total number of occupied homes in 1990
was 386. The number of persons per household was 2.58.
1 A review and analysis of the age of housing in Richlands in 1990
showed that 18.3% of the existing housing stock had been
constructed between 1980 and 1990 (or within the last 10 years).
The median year housing structures were built in Richlands, as
reported to the U.S. Bureau of the Census in 1990, was 1958. The
housing stock is aging, and has aged, during the ensuing seven
years.
I
I
Town of Richlands
Housing Age, 1990
1989 —
199012
4
1985 —
1988
42
1980 —
1984
33
1970 —
1979
75
1960 —
1969
40
1950 —
1959
91
1940 —
1949
58
1939 —
or earlier
88
Total
431
Source: U.S. Bureau or the census, lyyu
The Onslow County Building Inspections Office issues building
permits for Richlands. When, as a result of this Land Use Plan
requirement, the Town Administrator asked for a figure on the
number of homes built in Richlands each year since 1990, the
reply was that this information was not available. This
information is also not available for the ETA.
1 11 The 1998 Existing Land Use Map is folded into the back of this
document.
12 Data recorded through March of 1990.
1 30

If we assume our population information is correct, or that there '
are 1,307 persons living in Richlands in January 1997, and if we
divide this figure by the number of persons per household '
according to the U.S. Bureau of the Census in 1990, or 2.58
persons, we get 507 occupied homes in Richlands in 1997. This is
an increase, within a period of seven years, of 31% (or 121
homes). Of this housing, 61% (or 74 homes) were annexed. '
Within the last five years Richlands has seen the construction of
new businesses. Within the ten year planning period covered by
this Land Use Plan additional new businesses are anticipated.
Residential type growth within the planning period for this LUPUP
is expected to continue.
The Town of Richlands has not yet fully capitalized on the
natural beauty of the area and the recreational pursuits
available nearby and locally for purposes of attracting new
residents. The Town of Richlands will seek to create and to work
through a Community Development Department within municipal
government to achieve a balance of homes for the new residents
and for long-term residents, as well as for those who will supply
services, needs, and goods for all residents. This is discussed
in greater detail in the LUPUP section on policy.
The median rent (for those who were renting) in the Town of
Richlands for 1989, according to the U.S. Census, was $320. This
figure is believed to have risen in the ensuing years and is now
on the rise. Housing values are also rising.
A large percentage of Richlands planning jurisdiction is "prime
farm land." (Prime farmland was identified for purposes of
identifying important agricultural lands in the State by Governor
Hunt. The definition of what lands are considered to be "prime"
is contained within the Governor's Executive Order 496.) An even
larger percentage of Richlands is prime farmland if the land in
the area were to be drained.
(8) CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES AND REGULATIONS I
The Town of Richlands regulates land use development and other
activities in Town under a system of municipal ordinances. All
ordinances are enforced locally, excepting the NC Uniform
Building Code which is enforced through cooperation with Onslow
County staff. The ordinances are codified in a text, which is ,
entitled CODE OF ORDINANCES: Title 1 Throuah Title 8. The Code
Book, as it is known, was adopted by the Board of Aldermen in
1986. It became effective on January 1, 1987. The most recent
printing of the Code includes those amendments through October of
31 1
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1
' 1994. A summary of those current plans, policies and regulations
in force in Richlands is shown following.
♦---1993 Land Use Plan Update --- ♦
This Plan was prepared in 1993, adopted Richlands on March 8,
1994, and adopted by the Coastal Resources Commission on March
25, 1994. The previous plan was a "Sketch Level Plan" and it
gives summary data. The plan contains an existing land use map,
a summary of data collection and analysis, policies for growth
and development, and a land classification map. This Land Use
Plan is the current plan of record for Richlands and it was
prepared according to the Land Use Planning Guidelines (15A NCAC
7B) effective in 1993 and has not been amended since adoption.
j♦ --- Zoning Ordinance---*
This Ordinance consists of a text and a zoning map which
prescribes permitted uses within specific zoning districts, gives
maximum height limits, minimum parking requirements, setbacks,
minimum lot sizes and other requirements. The Ordinance also
contains provisions for variances, conditional uses, and
prescribes how non -conforming situations may be resolved.
' The purpose of the Zoning Ordinance(as described in the statutes
at N.C.G.S. 160A-381) is to promote the health, safety, morals,
and general welfare of the community. Any North Carolina Town
may regulate and restrict the uses of land within the corporate
limits or ETA by implementing a Zoning Ordinance. In Richlands
this Ordinance is in effect in the Town and in the Town's ETA.
*---Town Boundaries --- ♦
The boundaries of the Town of Richlands are set out on an
I official map entitled "Town of Richlands, North Carolina." The
map is kept in the office of the Town Clerk or Town
Administrator. The Town boundaries have never been surveyed by a
Registered Land Surveyor. The boundaries are defined wherever
possible by natural features and property lines. To have a look
at the Town's boundary map, interested parties are invited to
call or to come by Town Hall.
*---Nuisance Ordinance --- ♦
The CODE, effective January 1, 1987, establishes that when it
would be in the best interest of the health, safety, and general
1 welfare of the citizens of Richlands the Town may declare the
following conditions a unlawful and may dispense with these
C�
32

situations by enforcement and abatement procedures outlined in
the CODE. As follows:
0 (A) The uncontrolled growth of noxious weeds or grass
to height in excess of 12 inches causing or threatening to
cause a hazard detrimental to the public health or safety.
0 (B) Any accumulation of rubbish, trash, or junk
causing or threatening to cause the accumulation of stagnant
water, or causing or threatening to cause the inhabitation
therein of rats, mice, snakes or vermin of any kind which is
or may be dangerous or prejudicial to the public health.
O (C) Any accumulation of animal or vegetable matter
that is offensive by virtue of odors or vapors or by the
inhabitance therein of rats, mice, snakes or vermin of any
kind which is or may be dangerous or prejudicial to the
public health.
0 (D) The open storage of any abandoned ice box,
refrigerator, stove, glass, building material, building
rubbish or similar items.
O (E) Any condition detrimental to the public health
which violates the rules and regulations of the County
Health Department.
♦ --- Minimum Housing Code --- ♦
The Town of Richlands has in effect a Minimum Housing Code. This
code which was prepared in accordance with N.C.G.S. 160A-441,
declares that buildings which are unfit for human habitation may
be caused to be repaired or may be caused to be destroyed at the
expense of the owner of the property if the structure does not
meet certain minimum standards.
♦ --- Federal Flood Insurance Program --- ♦
The Town of Richlands is a participant in the National Flood
Insurance Program. The maps show most of the Town is located in
a C Zone, or an area of minimal flooding. To discuss this
program with a representative of the National Flood Insurance
Program, call 1-800-638-6620 and ask for Steve Randolph. The
federal agency is FEMA (or the Federal Emergency Management
Agency).
33
1
I
1�
LJ
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1

I*---Subdivision Regulations ---
The Town of Richlands has Subdivision Regulations (as allowed
under N.C.G.S. 160A-371). In North Carolina a subdivision is
defined in State law (N.C.G.S. 160A-376) as: "all divisions of a
tract of land into 2 or more lots, building sites, or other
divisions for the purpose of sale or building development
(whether immediate or future) and shall include all divisions of
land involving the dedication of a new street or a change in
existing streets, but the following shall not be included within
this definition nor be subject to the regulations:
C3 (1) The combination or recombination of portions of
previously subdivided and recorded lots where the total
number of lots is not increased and the resultant lots are
equal to or exceed the standards of the municipality as
shown in its subdivision regulations;
C3 (2) The division of land into parcels greater than 10
acres where no street right-of-way dedication is involved;
Q (3) The public acquisition by purchase of strips of
land for the widening or opening of streets; and
O (4) The
division of a tract
in single ownership whose
entire area is
no greater than 2
acres into not more than 3
lots, where no
street right-of-way
dedication is involved
and where the
standards of the
resultant lots are
municipality, as
equal to or exceed the
shown in its subdivision
regulations."
The purpose of these regulations is (from N.C.G.S. 160A-372) "to
provide for the orderly growth and development of the Town; for
the coordination of streets and highways within proposed
I subdivisions with existing or planned streets and highways and
with other public facilities; for the dedication or preservation
of recreation areas serving residents of the immediate
j neighborhood within the subdivision or, alternatively, for
provision of funds to be used to acquire recreation areas serving
the subdivision or more than one subdivision in the immediate
area, and rights -of -way or easements for street and utility
purposes . and for the distribution of population and traffic
in a manner that will avoid congestion and overcrowding and will
create conditions essential to public health, safety, and the
general welfare."
This set of regulations is effective in Town and within the
Town's ETA.
1 34

♦ --- State Transportation Improvement Plan ---- ♦
This Plan contains funding information and schedules for various
transportation divisions including highways, rail, bicycle, and
pedestrians. Richlands has benefitted tremendously in recent
years with the widening of NC 24. This transportation corridor
provides residents and visitors with a link between the coast,
Jacksonville, Richlands and the rest of North Carolina via U.S.
Interstate 40.
*---Ordinance Creating a Planning Organization ---♦
Most North Carolina Towns with any kind of land use regulation
have a Planning Board. Richlands is true to this standard. The
duties of the Planning Board are advisory. The Board supervises
the preparation of Land Use Plans (such as this document),
special studies, Ordinances, and recommends these plans,
policies, studies, and Ordinances to the Board of Aldermen.
The Planning Board in Richlands, as in other municipalities, was
created by a local Ordinance. The Board is governed by a set of
Bylaws which define the following:
(1) Members and terms of office...
The Planning Board consists of 6 members and 1 alternate. Four
(4) members are citizens and residents of the Town and are
appointed by the Board of Aldermen. Two (2) members are residents
of the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Area and are also appointed
by the Board of Aldermen.
(2) Officers and duties...
The Planning Board elects its own officers at a regular meeting
each year. The officers are: (a) Chairman --- The Chairman
presides over meetings and Public Hearing of the Planning Board.
The Chairman decides on matters of order and procedure. The
Chairman appoints Committees to study specific matters. The
Chairman develops the meeting agenda with assistance from the
Zoning Administrator and Secretary to the Board. The Chairman
provides the Board of Aldermen with an annual report on Board
activities. (b) Vice -Chairman -- In the absence of the
Chairman, the Vice -Chairman performs the duties assigned to the
Chairman. (c) Secretary -- The Secretary keeps the minutes of
all meetings (both regular and special) and hearings called by
the Planning Board. The Secretary, after conferring with the
Chairman, ends notices of all meetings (special and regular) at
least 4 days in advance of the meeting and will call and notify
members at least 24 hours in advance of special or emergency
meetings. The Secretary also carries on routine correspondence
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and maintains records and files. In the Town of Richlands, the
function of Secretary to the Planning Board is handled by Town
staff.
(3) Meetings...
Regular meetings of the Planning Board are on the last Monday of
each month. Unless special notice is given by the Chairman all
meetings begin at 7:30 p.m. and are conducted at Town Hall.
Special meetings may be called by the Chairman, or the Vice -
Chairman acting in the absence of the Chairman, provided that a
minimum of 24 hours notice is given to members. A quorum
consists of 4 members. A vote by a majority of those present
(when a quorum is present) decides matters. Members are required
to vote unless excused by the Chairman. An abstention
constitutes an affirmative vote. Proceedings are conducted
according to Robert's Rules of Order and the Chairman is the
final arbitrator on matters of procedure.
(4) Records retention...
All Planning Board records are to be made available to the public
in accordance with the requirements of the NC General Statutes.
The Secretary maintains a file of all studies, plans, reports,
recommendations, minutes, and correspondence of the Planning
Board. The file is maintained at Town Hall.
' --- Board of Adjustment --- ♦
The Board of Adjustment has three basic responsibilities
under North Carolina law.
(1) It interprets the Ordinance. This refers to the
Board's function of hearing appeals from those who may be
unhappy with a decision of the Zoning Administrator.
(2) The Board of Adjustment may, under certain
circumstances, grant variances to the Zoning Ordinance.
' (3) It may also (in some Towns) issue special use permits.
(This third provision is not applicable to the Town of
Richlands.)
The Richlands Board of Adjustment does not hold regularly
scheduled meetings. Meetings are called as necessary and each
member must be given 48 hours notice prior to the meeting.
Meetings are to be held as soon as possible after receiving the
application for appeal or hearing. Meetings should not be held
more than 30 days after receipt of the application. Meetings are
held at Town Hall. A four -fifths vote of the Board of Adjustment
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is required to overturn a decision of the Zoning Administrator or
to grant a variance.
Decisions from the Board of Adjustment are given no later than 30
days from the date of the Hearing.
*---Animal Control Ordinance --- ♦ I
The Town of Richlands has in place an Animal Control Ordinance
which is designed to prohibit animals from running freely through
Town. Citizens and visitors are advised to leash and to control
their pets.
*---Miscellaneous Offenses ---
The CODE of the Town of Richlands describes miscellaneous
offenses which include the following: unlawful assemblies,
injuring property, injuring apparatus or property of the Fire
Department, discharging firearms, and others.
♦ --- Annexation Policy --- ♦
The Town of Richlands policy on annexation is to pursue this type
of expansion according to the provisions of the NC General
Statutes relative to annexation. If annexation becomes necessary
during the planning period, Richlands will carry out the study
'
and consideration of the facts in the manner prescribed by law.
(9) AREAS OF SIGNIFICANT LAND USE CHANGE
Those areas of Richlands which have experienced significant land
use change since the 1993 Land Use Plan Update are largely those
areas of vacant land which have become developed property. The
recent growth in Town has been residential type growth. In the
future, Richlands is likely to see continuing residential growth,
some commercial growth, and redevelopment of the older developed
areas in Town. The Town's land use ordinances currently do not
lend themselves to suggest any significant changes in land use in
,
Richlands. As we will see in more detail in the policy section
of this document, the Town does not wish to dramatically increase
density or the sheer number of people in Town according to any
other scheme than has been laid out in a reasoned manner in this
Land Use Plan Update and as is expressed in the regulatory
regime.
SECTION 2: CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT
In consideration of the appropriateness of certain lands within
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Richlands jurisdiction for development activity, and as a means
of analyzing the development potential of lands within the
community, we herein consider constraints to development.
(1) LAND SUITABILITY
Development in a community such as Richlands is often limited by
constraints, or factors which preclude or place some restrictions
on development opportunities. The categories listed below
describe the qualities of these various areas. Implications of
development in these areas are discussed in the LUPUP section on
Policies for Growth and Development.
The Town of Richlands is a NC coastal plain community which like
others in the area is generally flat in profile. There is gentle
rolling to the terrain in the vicinity of small streams. The
average elevation is 33 feet. A large portion of the Richlands
planning area is prime farmland. An even larger area would be
considered prime farmland if drained.
(a) Fragile areas
Within the planning jurisdiction of the Town of Richlands exists
areas of freshwater wetlands. Development activity in these
areas is regulated. The State has authority through the Clean
Water Act to review federally permitted wetland disturbances
(including dredge and fill activities) to be sure the activities
do not damage wetlands to the point they no longer support their
designated use. The NC Division of Water Quality (DWQ) performs
this review, which is called a 401 Water Quality Certification.
The types of wetlands found in Richlands are freshwater wetlands
and seasonal wetlands. Freshwater wetlands are perhaps the most
familiar type of wetland. They are found alongside or within the
roadside ditch and at the edges of ponds and rivers. Freshwater
wetlands, in whatever form they may take, are an extremely
important part of the natural areas of any community. They are
habitat areas for a variety of diverse plant and animal species
and are often an important component part of sensitive
groundwater recharge areas. Seasonal wetlands fill with winter
rains and will generally dry out during summer and fall. They
are as ordinary as a puddle in the backyard and yet are also
critical, especially as breeding habitat, for a wide variety of
important species of animals. Since these seasonal wetlands are
often smaller than one acre, they are not well protected by
existing regulations.
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act enables State and federal
38

agencies to regulate development activities occurring in
wetlands. The 401 (previously discussed) and 404 programs
require permits before disturbing wetland areas. The NC Division
of Coastal Management currently reviews U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers (404) permits issued, for projects over one-third of an
acre in size, for consistency with Coastal Resources Commission
regulations and policies contained in local Land Use Plans. The
majority of wetlands permits requested are granted. It is not
the intent of this process to deny people the use of their land.
The process is designed to give officials the opportunity to work
with people, and in some cases to modify projects, to lessen
impacts on wetlands.
In response to our request concerning the location of significant
natural features or endangered species in Richlands, the North
Carolina Natural Heritage Program, in the Division of Parks &
Recreation, in the North Carolina Department of Environment,
Health & Natural Resources, responded on March 4, 1997,
indicating they have records of known rare species, high quality
natural communities, and significant natural areas occurring at
or within a 1 mile radius of the Town of Richlands. Since the
Town has not been systematically inventoried, the agency cannot
conclusively or definitively state that other rare species or
significant natural areas do not exist there.
There are known rare species occurring in Onslow County. If
suitable habitat exists for this flora or fauna within the
Richlands planning jurisdiction, it is very likely that important
species may be present. To make such a determination, in each
case, a field survey would need to be performed.
Town leaders and long-term residents are sensitive to the ways
the natural environment may be impacted by man and to the ways
man may be impacted by the environment. Preservation of the
balance between these two forces is a high goal in the panoply of
Town regulation.
(b) Areas of Environmental Concern (AFC's)
One of the basic purposes of North Carolina's Coastal Area
Management Act (CAMA or the Act) is to establish a State
management plan which is capable of rational and coordinated
management of coastal resources. The Act recognizes the key to
more effective protection and use of the land and water resources
of the coast is the development of a coordinated approach to
resources management. The CAMA provides 2 principle mechanisms
for accomplishing this purpose. First, the formulation of local
Land Use Plans articulating the objectives of local citizens and
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translating these objectives, or policies, into future desired
growth patterns. Second, the designation of Areas of
Environmental Concern for the protection of areas of statewide
concern within the coastal area.
Both the development of local Land Use Plans and the designation
and regulation of critical resource areas contribute to rational
management by encouraging local and State governments to exercise
their full authorities over coastal resources and to express
their management goals in a comprehensible and uniform manner.
Local objectives benefit through their incorporation into a State
management scheme, and the statewide objectives of resource
protection and development benefit through an integrated and
comprehensive management approach. State guidelines are prepared
to ensure uniformity and consistency in Land Use Plans and in the
regulation of critical resource areas, or Areas of Environmental
Concern (AEC's).
The STATE GUIDELINES FOR AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN13
(Subchapter 7B of Chapter 15A of the NC Administrative Code, or
15A NCAC 7B, or the regulations governing development activity in
AFC's) require that local Land Use Plans give special attention
to the protection and appropriate development of AFC's. The CAMA
charges the Coastal Resources Commission (CRC or the Commission)
with the responsibility for identifying types of areas -- water
as well as land -- in which uncontrolled or incompatible
development might result in irreversible damage. The Act further
instructs the Commission to determine what types of development
activities are appropriate within such areas, and it calls upon
the local government to give special attention to these areas in
the process of Land Use Plan development. As a means of
controlling any inappropriate or damaging development activities
within AFC's, the CAMA calls upon the CRC to implement a
permitting program. The intent of this program is not to stop
development (if this were the intent, given the growth in our
coastal area, the program would be an abject failure) but rather
to ensure the compatibility of development with the continued
productivity and value of critical land and water areas (AEC's).
The Act divides responsibility for the permitting program between
the CRC and local governments. "Minor" development activities
receive permits from a local permit officer, while "major"
development activities seek permits from the CRC. (Division of
Coastal Management personnel are the staff representatives of the
13 These regulations are subject to change by the Coastal
Resources Commission.
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CRC.)
The types of AEC's are separated into 4 broad groupings. Those 4 I
categories are:
(1) = THE ESTUARINE SYSTEM
(2) = OCEAN HAZARD AREAS
(3) = PUBLIC WATER SUPPLIES
(4) = NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCE AREAS
Richlands contains the public trust areas AEC19. This is.a type
of the estuarine system AEC. The other AEC information contained
herein -is for the purpose of informing and educating the plan
reader.
The Estuarine System
Estuarine system AEC's, which are defined below, are land and
water areas of the coast which contribute enormous economic,
social, and biological values to North Carolina. It is the
objective of the CRC to manage these AEC's as an interrelated
group to ensure that development is compatible with natural
characteristics and to minimize the likelihood of significant
loss of private property and public resources. Included within
the estuarine system are the following AEC categories: estuarine
waters, coastal wetlands, public trust areas and estuarine
shorelines. Each of these AEC's is either geographically within
the estuary or, because of its location and nature, may
significantly affect the estuary.
Coastal Wetlands15 are areas of salt marsh or other marsh subject
to regular or occasional flooding by tides, including wind tides.
The management objective of the NC CRC for coastal wetlands is to
conserve and manage these areas so as to safeguard and perpetuate
their biological, social, economic, and aesthetic values. The
highest priority is given to conservation of these areas. The
second highest priority of use is for those types of development
which require water access and cannot function elsewhere.
14 Portions of Squires Run, within the southeastern part of the
Town's ETJ, are a public trust area AEC.
is Coastal wetlands are an Area of Environmental Concern and
uses/development in these areas are regulated by the NC Coastal
Resources Commission. Coastal wetlands should not be confused with
404 wetlands, which are regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
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Estuarine Waters are those water areas which are the dominant
component and bonding element of the entire estuarine system,
integrating the aquatic influences from the land and the sea.
Estuaries are among the most productive natural environments of
North Carolina. They support the valuable commercial and sports
fisheries of the coastal area, which are comprised of estuarine
dependant species such as menhaden, flounder, shrimp, crabs, and
oysters. Of the 10 leading species in the commercial catch, all
but one are dependent on the estuary.
Public Trust Areas are all waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the
lands thereunder from the mean high water mark to the seaward
limit of State jurisdiction (the State limit of jurisdiction is 3
miles); all navigable natural bodies of water and lands
thereunder to the mean high water level or mean water level as
the case may be; all water in artificially created bodies of
water containing significant public fishing resources or other
public resources which are accessible to the public by navigation
from bodies of water in which the public has rights of
navigation; and all waters in artificially created bodies of
water in which the public has acquired rights by prescription,
custom, usage, dedication, or any other means. The management
objective is to protect public rights for navigation and
recreation and to conserve and manage public trust areas so as to
safeguard their biological, economic, and aesthetic values.
Estuarine Shorelines are areas of dry land (which may contain 404
wetlands) which are considered a component of the estuarine
system because of the close association these land areas have
with adjacent estuarine waters. Estuarine shorelines are non -
ocean shorelines which are especially vulnerable to erosion,
flooding, or other adverse affects of wind and water and which
are intimately connected to the estuary. This area extends from
the mean high water level (or normal water level along estuaries,
sounds, bays, and brackish waters) for a distance of 75 feet
landward. Within the estuarine shoreline AEC, impervious
surfaces are required to not exceed 300.
M Ocean Hazard Areas M
Ocean hazard AEC's are so named because these areas are
considered by the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission to
be natural hazard areas along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline where,
because of their special vulnerability to erosion or other
adverse effects of sand, wind, and water, uncontrolled or
incompatible development could unreasonably endanger life or
property. Ocean hazard areas include: the ocean erodible area,
the high hazard flood area, the inlet hazard area, and the
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unvegetated beach area.
Ocean Erodible Areas are areas where there is a substantial
possibility of excessive erosion and significant shoreline
fluctuation. The seaward boundary of this area is the mean low
water line. The landward extent of this line is established by
multiplying the long-term average annual erosion rate, as
approved by the CRC, times 60, provided that, where there has
been no long term erosion rate or the rate is less than 2 feet
per year, the minimum distance shall be set at 120 feet from the
first line of stable vegetation.
High Hazard Flood Areas are those areas subject to velocity
waters in a storm having a 1 percent chance of being equaled or
exceeded in any given year and as identified on the National
Flood Insurance Program's Flood Insurance Rate Maps. The maps
are produced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Inlet Hazard Areas are natural hazard areas which are especially
vulnerable to erosion, flooding and other adverse effects of
sand, wind, and water because of their proximity to dynamic ocean
inlets. This area extends landward from the mean low water line
a distance sufficient to encompass that area within which the
inlet will, based on statistical analysis, migrate, and shall
consider such factors as previous inlet territory, structurally
weak areas near the inlet, and external influences such as
jetties and channelization.
Unvegetated Beach Areas are self explanatory to the extent that
they consist of unvegetated ocean beach. These areas are subject
to rapid and unpredictable landform change from wind and wave
action.
M Public Water Supplies M
The third broad grouping of AEC's includes valuable small surface
supply water sheds and public water supply well fields. These
vulnerable, critical water supplies, if degraded, could adversely
affect public health or require substantial monetary outlays by
affected communities for alternative water source development.
For more details, interested parties are advised to call the
North Carolina Division of Coastal Management, in Raleigh, at
[phone].
Natural and Cultural Resource Areas
Natural and cultural resource areas include natural or cultural
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resources of more than local significance in which uncontrolled
or incompatible development could result in major or irreversible
damage to natural systems or cultural resources, scientific,
educational, or associative values, or aesthetic qualities.
These areas would include coastal areas containing remnant
species, coastal complex natural areas, unique coastal geologic
formations, significant coastal archaeological resources, and
significant coastal historic/architectural resources. For more
details, interested parties are advised to call the North
Carolina Division of Coastal Management, in Raleigh, at (919)
733-2293. This category of AEC is by nomination only.
' There are no nomination category AEC's in Richlands. None are
expected to be nominated during the planning period.
' (c) Soils
In July, 1992, the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Soil
' Conservation Service, in cooperation with the NC Agricultural
Experiment Station and the Onslow County Board of Commissioners,
published a Soil Survey of Onslow County, North Carolina16.
The GENERAL SOIL MAP contained in this
document shows the
Richlands planning area
(municipal and
ETA) as within the
Norfolk-Goldsboro-Onslow
soil association. These soils are
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reported to be composed
of 24% Norfolk
soils, 19% Goldsboro
soils, 15% Onslow soils,
and 42% other
soils. These soils are
nearly level and gently
sloping, and are generally found on
uplands.
1
Before Onslow County was settled, the native vegetation consisted
of many kinds of hardwoods and several kinds of conifers. This
vegetation had a major influence on the development of soils. In
addition, the activities of micro-organisms, earthworms, larvae,
and other forms of animal life were important in the cycle of
decay and regeneration of plants. The activity of fungi and
micro-organisms and the soil mixing carried on by earthworms and
other small invertebrates are mainly confined to the upper few
inches of soil.
Trees and other plants take up minerals from the soil and store
them in their roots, stems, and leaves. When the plants or parts
16 The author of this document does not claim special expertise
on soils. Much of the information reported here, which is necessary
to meet the Land Use Planning Guidelines requirements, is taken from
the text of this document.
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of them decay, the minerals re-enter the soil and are used again
by other plants. Unless disturbed, this cycle continues
indefinitely.
Climate affects the chemical, physical, and -biological
relationship in the soil. This happens mainly through the
influence of precipitation and temperature. Water dissolves
minerals, is necessary for biological activity, and transports
minerals and organic residue through the soil. Temperature
influences the kind and growth of organisms and the speed of
physical and chemical reaction in the soils. The climate in
Onslow County is warm. Precipitation is evenly distributed.
Variations of climate in the County are small and are not the
cause of local differences in the soils.
The parent material of Onslow County soils is the rock from which
the soils are formed. This is the most important factor causing
the soils differences in the County. The parent material of the
Onslow County soils are of 2 types. The first is the
unconsolidated rock material, sand, silt, and clay that make up
the marine and fluvial sediments of the coastal plain. The
second type is known as aeolian sand deposits.
The reason that soil types are important for planning purposes is
that some soils are not well suited for a particular type of
development. Soils may present hazards for building foundations.
They may be poorly drained and have limited ability, if any, to
support septic systems. If this type of information is
considered when the Town produces a set of regulations, such as a
Zoning Ordinance, development activity may be steered toward
those areas where it is more suitable.
A more specific analysis of the soils within the Town of
Richlands may be taken from aerial photography, which is overlaid
with soil types, which is included in the Soil Survey of Onslow
County, North Carolina, shows that within the Norfolk-Goldsboro-
Onslow soil series the following soils are found:
♦ Alpin fine sand (AnB) ♦ This excessively drained soil is
generally found on undulating uplands near the coast and in
stream areas. Individual areas are generally about as broad as
they are long, and they range from 50 to 250 acres in size.
Infiltration is rapid and surface runoff is slow. Most of this
soil unit is used as woodland in Onslow County. If this soil is
used for building site development and sanitary facilities, the
instability of ditch banks and trench walls and seepage are the
main limitations. This sandy soil provides a good support base
for most structures. Wind erosion is a hazard on unprotected
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sandy surfaces. This can be minimized by plant cover. Lawn
shrubs are difficult to establish and maintain in this soil type.
♦ Autryville loamy fine sand (AuB) ♦ This well drained soil is
on uplands. Individual areas are generally long and narrow, and
they range from 20 to about 75 acres in size. Infiltration is
rapid, and surface runoff is slow. Most areas of this soil unit
are in cropland. (The main crops are tobacco, corn, and
soybeans.) Windblown sand will occasionally occur with this soil
type and can cause damage to young plants. This soil has no
major limitations affecting building site development. Seepage
is the main limitation on sites for sanitary facilities. Lawns
and shrubs may be difficult to establish and maintain.
♦ Craven fine sandy loam. 1 to 4 percent slopes (CrB) ♦ This
is a moderately well drained soil found on convex divides near
large drainage ways in the uplands. Individual areas are oblong,
irregular in width, and 25 to about 50 acres in size.
Infiltration is moderately slow. Permeability is slow and
available water capacity is moderate. About 500 of this soil
acreage is used as cropland. The other 50% is woodland.
Wetness, slow permeability, and the moderate shrink swell
potential are limitations if this soil is used for building site
development or sanitary facilities. If unprotected by plant
cover, the soil is very susceptible to accelerated erosion.
♦ Craven fine sandy loam. 4 to 8 percent slopes (CrC) ♦ This
is a moderately well drained soil on uplands. It is near large
drainage ways and on short side slopes. Individual areas are
long and narrow. They range from 5 to about 50 acres in size.
Infiltration is moderately slow, and surface runoff is rapid.
Permeability is slow, and the available water capacity is
moderate. Most of this soil is used as woodland. The rest is
used as cropland or pasture. If this soil is used for cultivated
crops, the short slopes and rapid runoff are limitations.
Contour cultivation and crops providing close ground cover are
needed to control erosion. This soil is very susceptible to
accelerated erosion. The subsoil shrinks and swells as a result
of changes in moisture. Foundations should be designed so they
resist cracking.
♦ Goldsboro fine sandy loam (GoA) ♦ This is a moderately well
drained soil on uplands. It is on slightly convex divides.
Individual areas are long and vary in width. They range from 15
to about 100 acres in size. Infiltration is moderate and surface
runoff is slow. The seasonal high water table is 2 to 3 feet
below the surface. Most of the acreage is used as cropland. The
rest is used for woodland or building site development. In these
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areas a drainage system reduces the wetness and improves aeration
in the root zone. Seasonal wetness is the main limitation for
building, sanitary facilities, and recreational development.
Land grading and ditching may be used to improve surface
drainage.
♦ Goldsboro -Urban land complex (GpB) ♦ This unit is on
uplands. 50% of the unit is moderately well drained Goldsboro
soil and about 30% is urban land, and the rest is soil that has
been disturbed during urban development. In the Goldsboro soil
infiltration is moderate. The Urban land consists of areas where
the soil has been cut, filled, graded, or paved. Most soil
properties have been so altered that a soil series is not
recognized. In most places drainage systems were put in place as
building site development progressed.
♦ Lynn Haven fine sand (Ly) ♦ This is nearly level, poorly
drained soil, which is found in broad, almost level to flat
depressional areas on uplands. Areas are irregular in shape and
may be either small or large. Most of the acreage is forested.
Native vegetation consists of longleaf pine, water oak, pond
pine, and red maple. Permeability is rapid in the surface layer
and moderately rapid in the subsoil. The available water
capacity is low. Unless these soils are drained, the seasonal
high water table is at or near the surface during periods of
heavy rainfall. A seasonal high water table is the main
limitation in the use and management of this soil. Most lawn
grasses, shrubs, and trees are fairly easily established and
maintained.
♦ Murville fine sand (Mk) ♦ This nearly level, very poorly
drained soil is in depressions and interstream areas on wetlands.
Individual areas are long and vary in width. The range from 20
to 200 acres in size. Infiltration is rapid and surface runoff
is slow. Permeability is rapid in the surface layer and
moderately rapid in the subsoil. The seasonal high water table
is at or near the surface , and water ponds on the surface in
winter. Nearly all areas of this soil are used as woodland.
Drained areas of this soil are used for corn or soybeans. This
soil is generally not used for building site development,
sanitary facilities, or recreational development. Wetness,
seepage, ponding, and the instability of ditch banks are the main
limitations.
♦ Norfolk loamy fine sand (NoB)
uplands. It is in convex areas near
Individual areas are long and vary i
approximately 15 to 45 acres in size
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This well drained soil is on
large drainage ways.
width. They range from
Infiltration is moderate
F

and surface runoff is medium. Most areas of this soil are in
cropland. A few small areas are also used as woodland or for
' building site development. In cultivated areas the major crops
are tobacco, corn, and soybeans. Erosion is a hazard if the soil
is used for row crops without contour cultivation, additions of
plant nutrients, minimum tillage, and crop residue management.
If this soil is used for building site development or sanitary
facilities, the high water table during wet periods is a
limitation.
♦ Rains fine sandy loam (Ra) ♦ This nearly level, poorly
drained soil is on uplands. This is an extensive soil in Onslow
County. The larger areas occur as broad smooth interstream
areas. They range 100 to 500 acres in size. Infiltration is
moderate and surface runoff is slow. Most areas of this soil
' type are used as woodland. If drained, this soil can be used for
corn and soybeans. Wetness is the main limitation. A well
planned drainage system can reduce the wetness. Land grading can
improve surface drainage. The main limitation for building,
sanitary facilities or recreational development is wetness.
♦ Urban land (Ur) ♦ These soils are found in the oldest
developed portions of Richlands. Urban land is where soils have
been cut, filled, graded, or paved so that most soil properties
have been altered to the extent that a soil series is not
recognized. These areas are used for developed type uses, which
might include closely spaced housing, parking lots, and
commercial development of a variety of types.
Any of the soils limitations mentioned above may be overcome
through engineering. Extreme assistance may be necessary in some
cases. A large portion of the planning area for the Town of
Richlands is prime farm land. An even larger percentage of the
area would be prime farmland if the land were drained. For
further information on soils, interested parties are invited to
consult the Onslow County Soil Survey (1992), or to call the
Onslow County Agricultural Extension Office. Appropriate
considerations for the Richlands Planning Board and Board of
Aldermen, where decisions related to the types of soils will
become significant, are: zoning density, height of structures,
' setback requirements, lot size, new streets and roads, and
utilities extension plans and policies. The availability of
public water and sewer has fueled and will continue to effect the
pace of development at Richlands.
(2 ) COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT
The Town of Richlands appears to have much land available for
48
11

I.J
development. This appearance is charming. The Town, and
especially the ETA, is rural and the site of many farms and
fields. As time goes by, future growth is expected to continue
on lots within Town and the ETA. Those areas which are farms and
fields will eventually be filled with homes and businesses. This
is not expected to happen overnight. It will, however, continue
to happen in the ten year planning period covered by this
document.
The older developed areas of Richlands are densely developed.
This has not been found to be a problem from an environmental
standpoint as Town water and sewer availability has allowed
development to proceed on small lots where development might
otherwise have been impeded due to the properties of the soils or
other limitations. In fact, according to maps produced by the NC
Division of Coastal Management for this LUPUP, many of the areas
soils are unsuitable for septic systems. This makes the
availability of sewerage system capacity a crucial factor in the
continuing growth and economic vitality of the Town.
There is very little water within the Town's planning
jurisdiction in the form of lakes, rivers, and streams. Squires
Run, to the east of Town is the largest water body nearby.
Development potential in Richlands is not severely limited due to
the presence of wetlands. The wetlands in the Richlands planning
jurisdiction are all freshwater wetlands, which have been
previously defined as regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers. These wetlands include freshwater marsheS17, and
seasonal wetlands1B. Section 404 of the Clean Water Act enables
State and federal agencies to regulate development activities
occurring in wetlands. Both the 401 and 404 programs (reference
is to sections 401 & 404 of the Clean Water Act) require permits
before disturbing wetlands areas. The NC Division of Coastal
Management currently reviews U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (404)
permits issued for projects over one-third of an acre in size,
for consistency with Coastal Management regulations and
17 These wetlands areas may include roadside ditches and
accompanying "wet" areas as well as those areas which border on lakes,
ponds, and rivers. Freshwater wetlands are important habitat areas.
19 Seasonal wetlands fill with winter rains and generally dry out
during summer and fall. These areas are critical breeding habitat for
certain species of animals. These areas are not currently well
protected since they are often below one acre in size.
49
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! policies19. The vast majority of permits requested are issued.
It is not the intent of the process to deny people the use of
their land. The process is designed to give officials the
opportunity to work with people, and in some cases modify
projects, to lessen impacts on wetlands.
(3) CULTURAL RESOURCES
In February of 1997, the North Carolina Department of Cultural
Resources, Division of Archives and History, was asked to provide
information concerning historic properties within the Town of
Richlands. Their response, dated March 4,1997, indicated there
were no recorded historic or archaeological sites in the
Richlands ETA. However, it was also indicated that there had
been no archaeological survey of the area. They noted that
prehistoric and historic sites are expected throughout the area,
particularly along Squires Run and its tributaries.
' Within the Town of Richlands there is the Richlands Historic
District. This district consists of approximately 48 acres and
is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Any
' project requiring State or federal grants, loans, licenses, or
permits must be reviewed by the State Historic Preservation
Office to insure compliance with N.C.G.S. 121-12(a) and/or
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. This
district contains many properties of significant historic
interest.
The Onslow County Museum at Richlands proposes, in the future, to
compile and inventory, and briefly document, all prehistoric and
historic sites associated with exploration, colonization,
agriculture, industry, trade, commerce, warfare, transportation,
and recreation that are contributing factors to the history of
Richlands. Planning and site management for resources
' preservation and subdivision review and approval with an eye
toward historical preservation will be made possible with this
inventory. Until then, the Town will work to preserve any known
existing (or found) sites which come to the attention of Town
leaders through ordinance development.
I
SECTION 3: ESTIMATED DEMAND
The purpose of the plan section on estimated demand is to look at
' services alongside estimated growth so that the capacity to serve
' i9 This includes those policies contained in local Land Use
Plans.
1 50

growth can be seen in light of the growth anticipated.
(1) WATER
In the Town of Richlands groundwater is used as the water source
for the water supply. According to the 1997 Water Supply Plan20,
the latest figures available on water usage are from 1992. In
Richlands, all residents are required to connect to the municipal
water system.
In the U.S., potable water consumption rates range from 70-150
gallons per capita per day (GPD)21. This figure does not account
for commercial, manufacturing, or industrial use. Summer demand,
usually, is 25% higher than other months. For Richlands, with a
1997 population of 1,307 persons, these rates translate to
91,500-196,000 GPD. If we add on 25% for summer use, we get
114,400-245,000 GPD. If we look at the 2007 estimated population
(1,598 persons), discussed earlier, we get a use range of
111,900-239,700 (or .239 MGD). If we add 25% for summer use, we
get 139,875-299,625 GPD.
Richlands had and average annual daily water use of .168 MGD
(million gallons per day) for 1992. The maximum monthly use
occurred in December (.180 MGD) and the minimum average daily use
in April when the average daily use dipped to .149 MGD. The
highest one day usage occurred in August (.348 MGD).
20 The 1997 Water Supply Plan was approved in late 1997 and the
figures given in this document are the most recent available.
N.C.G.S. 143-355(1) and (m) requires local governments that supply or
plan to supply water to prepare a local water supply plan.
21 Growth Impact Assessment Techniques for the CAMA Land Use
Planning Process, NC Division of Coastal Management, DEHNR, Raleigh,
NC, June 1995.
51
1

TABLE #7 AVERAGE
Month
January
MONTHLY WATER USE (1992)
Withdrawal
.164 mgd
February
.168
mgd
March
.153
mgd
April
.149
mgd (min)
May
.171
mgd
June
.175
mgd
July
.178
mgd
August
.175
mgd
September
.165
mgd
October
.177
mgd
November
.166
mgd
December
.180
mgd (max)
Source: Town of Richlands Water Supply Plan, 1992.
Richlands serves a mainly residential customer base.
TABLE #8 WATER USE BY TYPE OF USER
Type Water Use
Residential
72.3%
Commercial
24 .1 %
Institutional
1.8%
Industrial
1.2%
Un-Accounted for Water
.6%
Total
100%
Source: Town of Richlands Water Supply Plan, 199l.
The largest local water users are Richlands Elementary, Hardee's,
Richlands High School, Arnold's Restaurant, Piggly Wiggly,
Bruinton Laundromat, and Trexler Middle School.
The Town's two wells supply the municipal system need. In 1993,
the well yield for each well was .504 MGD. The
pumping capacity
was .500 MGD. The average withdrawal was (for
well 42 and 43
respectively) .030 MGD and .139 MGD. The Town
is well below
capacity. The Town may, however, need to drill
a new well or
take other measures within the planning period.
The area water
table has recently been falling at the rate of
11 feet per year.
Municipal leaders are concerned. Officials in
the NC Division of
Water Resources are studying this problem. There
is some danger
52

of de -watering this aquifer within 3 - 5 year S22. This draw down
will be monitored by the State. If the trend continues, it is
expected that a new well will be located on the northwest side of
Town. Other, more extreme, measures may also be necessary in the
future.
Richlands hopes to attract new industrial and commercial water
users. The availability of fresh water is crucial. It is
anticipated that residential use will continue to be the primary
use for this system for the foreseeable future.
Richlands has always been blessed with an abundant source of high
quality water. The Town recognizes the need to protect this
important source of supply.
There are no drought or water conservation ordinances in effect
in the Town of Richlands.
Water supply and the availability of public water is carefully
watched by Town personnel.
(2 ) SEWER
A widely used figure for per capita domestic waste output is 116
gallons per day23 (GPD). If we look at the 1997 population
figure (discussed earlier) of 1,307 persons, we see current
domestic wastewater use at 151,600 GPD. If we project usage to
include the population at the year 2007 (1,598 persons), we get
185,400 GPD (or .185 MGD). Commercial, manufacturing, and
industrial users would need to be added to this amount for a more
accurate total.
All Richlands residents are required to connect to the municipal
wastewater system if they are close enough and if they can get to
it by gravity. In 1992 Richlands processed wastewater through a
.210 MGD (million gallons per day) capacity wastewater plant. On
May 11, 1994, a new plant was placed in operation with a rated
capacity of .250 MGD. The Water Supply Plan indicates the
Reference a presentation by Mr. Nat Wilson, NC Division of
Water Resources, NC Department of Environment, Health and Natural
Resources, on March 20, 1997, to the North Carolina Coastal Resources
Commission.
23 Growth Impact Assessment Techniques for the CAMA Land Use
Planning Process, NC Division of Coastal Management, DEHNR, Raleigh,
NC, June 1995.
53
1
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11

average daily discharge in 1992 was .155 MGD. Besides those
service connections to customers inside Town, Richlands has
agreed to allow Onslow County to connect a portion of the
County's system to the Richlands system. This area is known as
Jarman's Fork and it is located to the northwest of Town. The
plant discharges into Mill Swamp, which is adjacent Squires Run,
which is a tributary of the New River, which is a part of the
White Oak River basin.
The average discharge in 1996 was .156
in population, improvements have been
which have made the discharge numbers
wise have been.
TABLE " AVERAGE DAILY
WASTEWATER DISCHARGE (1996)
MGD. Despite the increase
made to the existing system
lower than they might other
Month
Discharae
January
.201
MGD
February
.222
MGD
March
.248
MGD
April
.188
MGD
May
.148
MGD
June
.147
MGD
July
.168
MGD
August
.098
MGD
September
.177
MGD
October
.120
MGD
November
.080
MGD
December
.080
MGD
Source: Town of Alcnlanos Administration, IV!1/
' According to Town officials, the Town's wastewater treatment
needs should not present any significant constraints to
development during the planning period. It is expected that the
' Town will have adequate capacity to handle wastewater demands for
the next 10 years.
n
U
54

.J
(3) ROADS, SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, & RECREATION AREAS
The NC Coastal Resources Commission's Land Use Planning
Guidelines (15A NCAC 7B) suggest that coastal local governments
address a variety of infrastructure needs and important quality
of life factors in subject areas where such an examination may
help to deal with existing or future problems, or areas which may
become problems if not addressed through planning in the present.
Roads
4-
The major roads in the Town of Richlands are NC Highway 24, U.S.
Highway 258, Hargett Street, Franck Street, and Wilmington
Street.
The most recent traffic counts from the NC Department of
Transportation (DOT) are from 199521 These counts give vehicles
per day (VPD) and are the average annual daily traffic (AADT).`''
The VPD and AADT count traffic in both directions. Seasonal
fluctuations are not given by DOT. The locations where the
counts are taken are chosen by the DOT. On NC Highway 24 north of
Wilmington Street the count was 8,500 VPD. On NC Highway 24
south of Wilmington Street the count was 8,900 VPD. Along NC
Highway 24 north of Hargett Street there were 14,400 VPD. Along
Hargett Street east of Wilmington there were 950 VPD. Along
Hargett Street east of NC 24 there were 1,500 VPD. Along Franck
Street west of Wilmington Street there were 7,000 VPD. Along
Franck Street east of Wilmington there were 6,600 VPD.
Wilmington Street was also counted. On Wilmington north of NC 24
1,300 VPD, and north of Hargett 2,200 VPD.
Determining capacities for roadways is a tricky business. Under
"ideal" circumstances a two lane road can carry 2,800 vehicles
per hour. (So says the NC DOT Traffic Engineering Office, who
reported this figure to the author of this document by quoting
from a federal publication entitled Highway Capacity Manual.)
That is 1,400 each direction at 60 MPH. Ideal circumstances must
be rare. Any side interference makes matters worse. Any drivers
who do not drive a steady speed make matters worse and any driver
who does not drive the "ideal" speed makes matters worse. It is
widely known and accepted that the Town of Richlands has a
wonderful system of roads allowing residents and visitors easy
ingress and egress to the Town.
As growth continues, more and more stress will be placed on the
24 Onslow County will receive 1996 traffic counts in mid 1997.
55
1�
�I�

transportation system. It is strongly felt that additional work
is needed in this area. Wise transportation planners know that
motorists will seek to avoid crowded streets if possible and will
drive through neighborhoods.
In FY 96 the Town of Richlands received $39,323 in Powell Bill
Funds. These funds are allocated to NC municipalities by the NC
DOT on a yearly basis according to a formula which takes into
account the number of miles of municipally owned road and the NC
Office of State Planning figure on population. In 1996 the Town
had 5.63 miles of hard surface road (1.2 miles of dirt road) and
6.83 miles total. The funds for this year were used for the
purpose of cleaning ditches, resurfacing roads, patching roads,
putting in grates and frames on storm drains, marl, sign posts,
and paint for traffic lanes.
As a part of any Town approved street maintenance program
citizens have suggested (through the citizen survey) the Town
should include bike paths and sidewalks in future roadways
planning. This is an idea which would certainly make the Town
more liveable and which would promote interaction and subsequent
neighborliness amongst Town residents. Adequate street lighting
is recognized as a safety measure and are known to be necessary
in some areas of Town.
Schools !-
Public schools for the youngsters in Richlands currently consists
of the following for grades K-12.
' Students K-5 attend Richlands Elementary School (910.324.4142).
The Principal is Mr. Edward Herring. They have 1,026 students
enrolled (1997-98). They have 1 mobile classroom. Average class
' size is within the requirements of the State guidelines. The
school has a new library for 1997-98.
Students 6-8
attend Trexler Middle School
(910.324.4414). The
'
Principal is
Mr. Jim Rivenbark.
They have
600 students enrolled
(1997-98).
This school opened
in 1966.
They have 5 mobile
classrooms.
Average class size
is within
the requirements of the
'
State guidelines.
For 1997-98
they have
a new sound -proof band
room and the
cafeteria has been
enlarged
and improved.
' Students 9-12 attend Richlands High School (910.324.4191). The
Principal is Mr. Dennis E. Jones. They have 702 students
enrolled (1996-97) and an average class size of 25 students. The
facility was originally opened in 1954 as an elementary school
and was added onto in 1957. In the fall of 1972 the school
M.

opened as a high school. In 1975 a gymnasium was added. In 1997
'
they will complete a new cafeteria and cultural arts center. The
arts center will have an auditorium with seating available for up
to 560 students. The County has recently acquired 10.5 acres
'
adjacent the school property which will be used to expand
athletic facilities and will add a softball field, a soccer
field, and additional parking. As a result of the State school
,
bond referendum, they hope to add 2 classrooms, and a locker area
in the gymnasium. They also expect to expand their driveway and
entry. With so many add on items (facility units) over the more
'
than forty years of operation, it is difficult to reach an
accurate figure on design capacity for Richlands High School.
Mr. Jones has indicated that they currently have 7 floating
'
teachers which indicates there is not enough classroom space now
if teachers must "float." With the investments previously
mentioned, it appears the County has decided Richlands High
'
School is an important part of the system's future.
Public school administration staff, who were spoken to during the '
Land Use Plan Update process, believe with expansion plans school
capacity will be adequate for expected growth within the planning
period of this document. '
Some Richlands students attend area private schools.
Colleges and Universities in the area include the East Carolina
University, in Greenville, the University of North Carolina at
Wilmington and Coastal Carolina Community College in
Jacksonville.
Hospitals t- '
The closest hospital to the Town of Richlands is Onslow Memorial
Hospita125. This facility was opened in 1974. The Hospital is a
133 bed publicly owned facility with (approx.) 80 doctors on '
staff. There are approximately 800 persons employed, and more
than 50 volunteers, at this comprehensive health care facility.
Richlands, due to the Town's location relative to this hospital, '
has nearby a state of the art medical facility which offers a
full range of medical services to patients.
Each year Onslow Memorial Hospital: ,
✓ Admits more than 7,600 adult patients
✓ Sees
more than 28,000 patients
in the Emergency
Department
,
25
The information included here
was received from
Onslow
Memorial Hospital on March 19, 1997.
57 1

✓ Sees more than 44,500 patients in the Outpatient Clinics
✓ Accepts more than 76,000 referrals for diagnostic procedures
or therapy.
MedEvac transportation services are available to North Carolina
' Memorial Hospital in Chapel Hill, NC, East Carolina Medical
Center in Greenville, or, Duke Hospital in Durham, NC, as
necessary or as requested.
' Recreation Areas 4-
The Town of Richlands owns a small park at the corner of
Wilmington and Foy Streets. The park land was given to the Town
by the Venters family. A non-profit organization is working to
help with park upkeep. This group, "Friends of the Park," is
well known in the area. The park has 2 basketball goals, a
slide, swings, a merry-go-round, benches, and a gazebo. The Town
has installed a multi -purpose play area. The park is to be
' landscaped and is a wonderful facility to have located in the
center of Town.
' The Onslow County Parks & Recreation Department has completed
(August 1999) Phase I of a new County park. Phase II will be
complete in the year 2000. This facility will consist of 190
acres and will be located the junction formed by Cow Horn and
Franck Town Roads. This will be a full -service County park. The
opening of this facility has been long awaited in Richlands and
judging by the use made of the previous facilities in the area,
the new park will be well used by area residents. The next
closest park for citizens of the Richlands area is along U.S.
Highway 17 in Jacksonville.
(4) SOLID WASTE
The Town of Richlands solid waste service is provided by Waste
Industries. Residential customers are served every Thursday. A
' pick-up of small recyclables is made at the curb every other
Tuesday. The fee for Richlands residents for this service is
$4.00 per month. Once a month the Town picks -up yard waste and
debris. Also, once a month, the Town collects large recyclable
items. These monthly pick-ups are a free service. Commercial
businesses arrange for solid waste service directly with the
service provider.
' Until December 3, 1997, all Onslow County solid waste was taken
to an unlined landfill along Pony Farm Road. The County's permit
for lawful use of the unlined facility expired as of the end of
1
58

199726. The new Onslow County Landfill was constructed and opened
in late 1997 on 170 acres just to the north of the original Pony
Farm Road facility. The new Subtitle D (liner/leach) landfill
was built with appropriate buffers. The life of this landfill
has been estimated to be through the year 2028. Richlands and
Onslow County believe that the estimate for this anticipated life
expectancy is realistic. It is the intention of both Richlands
and Onslow County to increase recycling efforts so that the
County's waste stream growth rate will stay proportionately below
that of the population.
(5) POPULATION AND ECONOMY
Growth will continue in Richlands throughout the planning period.
It is anticipated that the population, the number of dwellings,
and the number of businesses will all increase.
If we accept U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census,
figures, the population in Onslow County was 112,784 in 1980.
The same source gives us a 1990 County population count of
149,838 persons. The County population is given by the NC Office
of State Planning at 147,912 persons for 1995. The reason for
this variance is the coming and going of marines at Camp Lejuene.
The situation at Richlands is more stable than the County as a
whole. For purposes of this document, Richlands is expected to
grow at the same rate as it grew between during the period 1980-
1990. During this period of time Richlands experienced a 20.70
growth rate. If this growth were to be projected to 2007, the
population of Richlands at this time will be 1,598 persons.
There may be some flattening of the projected growth rate as we
move into the more distant future.
Population projections are most accurately made when based on
historic and recent trends and on other pertinent information.
The projections are an important means by which a community can
anticipate and then plan responsibly for future growth.
Projections on population for the planning period have been used
to analyze capacities in the area of water and sewer in the
appropriate sections of this LUPUP.
The effect of the growth anticipated would cause a large increase
in the level of services required to serve the resident public.
(Infrastructure needs ... sewer service ...would easily be met
26 According to State law, the use of unlined landfills was only
allowed through December 31, 1997.
59
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I

with expansions to the system. Water needs and demands may,
however, become extreme. The level of primary services expansion
needs would be met by raising the number of persons working at
Town Hall, in various capacities, to service the growing
population.)
It is expected that within the ten year planning period covered
by this Land Use Plan Update additional businesses will locate
within the Town of Richlands. The attractiveness of the Town as
a residential community is an attractiveness also noticed by the
business community. Once population and transportation
thresholds (and other measures) are met business owners will find
the business environment in Richlands as attractive for business
location as residential property owners have found the area to be
as a place to live.
(6) LOCAL OBJECTIVES CONCERNING GROWTH
The 1998 Richlands Land Use Plan Update Citizen Survey, which was
prepared, administered, and analyzed as a part of the citizen
participation component of this Land Use Plan, gave strong
indications on the direction citizens wished the Town to proceed
with growth. The Town wishes to remain a quiet, family oriented
community consisting of primarily single family residential
development and limited to moderate commercial/business
development.
When a large number of respondents replied to the survey question
..("What do you think are the most important issues facing
the Town of Richlands?") ..... with preserve and enhance the
1 small Town character as a major issue Town officials were
listening. They agreed. The survey responses to the need to
improve street maintenance and repair were also resounding.
Protection of groundwater was recognized as an extremely
important (#1) goal.
In the midst of all the changes which seem to be bringing the
world to Richlands, the Town wishes to preserve its history. The
Town wishes to preserve a certain informality, a down-home style
and way of life which harkens back to bygone years. The Town
' wishes to preserve the best of the old while welcoming the
newcomers. This is, all parties agree, a delicate balancing act.
The future seems to inevitably overwhelm the past. The Town of
Richlands will strive to maintain consistency to and with her
ideals while allowing growth to occur through the planning tools
available.
' 60

SUMMARY OF DATA COLLECTION & ANALYSIS 1
Findinas--
XThe Town is named for the fertile soil in and around it.X
XRichlands has the Mayor -Council (w/ Admin) form of government.X
XThe present Town charter was granted in 1905.X
XRichlands has preserved a way of life due to its location.X
XThe population of Richlands is 1,268.X
XThe population for Onslow County is 147,912.X
XRace in Richlands 76% (white), 23% (black), & 1% other.X
X1990 per capita income was $9,258.X
XThe Town's budget is approximately $750,000.X
XThe Town of Richlands charges a privilege license fee.X
1
XIn Richlands 64.4 % of all persons have graduated high school.X
X12.5% have received a bachelor's degree or higher.X
XSeasonal population is not significant in Richlands.
XThe entirety of Richlands is in the White Oak River basin.X
XThe entire planning jurisdiction drains to the 'i.rent River.X
XThere are 507 occupied homes in the Town of Richlands.X
XThe most recent census gives the median rent (1989) as $320.X
XA large percentage of Richlands is prime farm land.X
XThe previous Land Use Plan for Richlands was adopted in 1994.X
XRichlands enforces Zoning & Subdivision regulations.X
XRichlands enforces a Nuisance Ordinance.X
XThe Town participates in the federal flood insurance program.X
XRichlands expects residential growth in the planning period.X
XThe Town does not want to significantly increase density.X
XRichlands has AEC's, wetlands, cultural/historic areas.X
XThere is much land available in Richlands for development.X
,
XGroundwater is the water source for the water supply.X
XThere is currently an ample supply of water.X
XThe Town's sewer system doesn't present constraints to growth.X
XThe major roads in Town are U.S. Highway 258 & NC Highway 24.X
XOnslow County has opened a new park in the Richlands area.X
XRichlands is expects to have 1,598 residents in the year 2007.X
XRichlands wishes to preserve its small Town characteer.X
XRiclands wishes to improve street maintenance and repair.X
XRichlands wishes to protect groundwater resources.X
61

1
SECTION 4: POLICIES FOR GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT27
1 (1) VISION STATEMENT
The Town of Richlands is a small northwestern Onslow County Town with
' a great future stretched out before it. Town leaders are interested
in making Richlands an even better place to live and to visit. It is
the goal of Town leaders to have zoning and land use controls in place
and working in concert with the policies in the land use plan. This
will provide for orderly development according to a well thought out
and rational process and, through the continuing oversight and
operation of such a system of land use controls, property values will
be enhanced and protected. This vision of land use controls includes
the concept of controlling the un-checked growth of manufactured homes
in Richlands and the Richlands extraterritorial area (ETJ). The Town
wishes to have a beautiful, affordable and functional Town Hall. This
community building will be a center for the Town's business and also a
commitment to the people by their leaders for effective, efficient,
and excellent local government.
Town leaders desire a model sewer system. The system will be state-
of-the-art and will be a system which will be the envy of other
I similarly sized Towns in North Carolina. Such a system will provide
sewerage service for the entire Town. Richlands realizes such a
system will be expensive and Town leaders will consider partnering
with other area interests, such as Onslow County or others, to provide
such a service for area residents. The quality of service and the
quality of the resource provided are of utmost concern to Town
officials. This sewer system will help to meet another of the
community goals ....economic development.
The concept of economic development in Richlands is understood
broadly. This understanding of the concept includes the attraction of
new business to the area and jobs for local citizens, naturally, as
well as the enhancement and improvement of business opportunity for
the existing businesses in Richlands. Town officials see the need for
1 improvements which will make business recruitment an easier task. A
short list of some improvements desired is as follows: Town wide curb
and gutter and sidewalk, revitalization and fix -up of the downtown
area, improved area medical services and facilities, superior street
maintenance, the availability of continuing education classes,
improved public safety and a decrease in crime, stormwater controls in
place, beautification and landscaping, and intergovernmental (local -
state -federal) cooperation. With success in the area of economic
development many of the Town's long-term goals will be able to be
realized (possibly including that most sought after desire .... a
lowering of local taxes).
Richlands leaders seek to be participants in the marketing of the
region to the travel and tourism industry. Richlands would consider
27 Policy statements are highlighted and italicized.
1 62

the in -Town or ETJ location of a civic or convention center which
would service the entire area. Hotels and motels in Town, in
appropriate locations, are desired, as are leisure activities and
entertainment facilities (movies, concerts, etc.).
Richlands favors positive and planned growth. In committing to such a
concept Town leaders are taking important steps towards a desirable
future. The Town will continue to grow. Interested citizens may get
involved in important decisions affecting the Town through attendance
and participation at local government meetings. Local officials
believe Richlands will experience positively dramatic and remarkable
change during the next ten years.
(2) INTRODUCTION TO POLICIES FOR GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Town of Richlands recognizes that the basic information on
the Town which is contained in previous plan sections is for the
purpose of helping the plan user, who may be a Town official, a
developer, or a local citizen, to understand the existing
situation in Richlands so that appropriate public and private
sector decisions can be made concerning the future growth and
development of the Town. The policies in this section of the
Land Use Plan are reflective of the desires of the Town of
Richlands for future growth and development. These policies are
also consistent with the NC Coastal Resources Commission's Land
Use Planning Guidelines.
It is important for Land Use Plan users to realize the vision of
local leaders for this community for the planning period. The
plan section on policy, which follows, gives plan users an
extensive view of this picture. In summary, the Town of
Richlands is a quiet community experiencing some changes due to
growth. The Town is sensitive to the natural environment and the
preservation of those natural amenities and conditions which may
be impacted by the activities of man and the Town seeks to allow
only development activity which will fit in and will minimize
environmental degradation. (Richlands has ordinances in place
which assist in environmental protection.) The Town expects
continuing residential growth through the planning period.
Additionally, the Town expects there will be some expanded
commercial type growth, and this growth is welcome, although it
is not expected to be extensive. The Town of Richlands will
strive to maintain the small Town character which it currently
exhibits and will seek to accommodate and to welcome new
residents and visitors within the community.
For each of the policies listed in this section the Town of
Richlands has considered a planning period of ten years. In each
instance, alternative policies have also been considered and
these alternatives have been analyzed. Those policy choices made
c3

I
Iby Richlands officials are what herein follows.
1 (3) RESOURCE PROTECTION
The basic community attitude, and knee jerk reaction, in
Richlands to the protection of natural resources is
overwhelmingly simple . protect our natural resources. This
simple and straightforward statement is not always so easily
acted upon as conflicts on certain issues and development
proposals do emerge. The give and take of the public policy
creation process which was employed as a part of the creation of
this land use plan gives policy guidance to those who will review
this document. Policies on resource protection are shown below.
(a) Constraints to Development
Development activity in areas subject to natural or man-made
hazards shall be controlled to the extent possible through the
Town's existing regulations, and the existing body of State and
federal regulations. It is the policy of the Town of Richlands
to minimize development and to encourage low intensity land uses
(i.e., open space and/or recreational type uses) in areas subject
to natural or man-made hazardous conditions. The Town of
Richlands will ensure U.S. Army Corps of Engineers rules and
regulations concerning development activity in wetlands areas are
complied with. Local zoning controls, and subdivision authority
enacted by the Town through the delegation of legislative
authority by the NC General Assembly and adoption by the Board of
Aldermen, will continue to be strictly enforced.
Town officials recognize, even if individual citizens don't
always seem to, that development should always happen in a way
which will avoid creating problems to neighboring property owners
and future owners of the property being developed. It is also
recognized that cultural and environmental artifacts or animal
and plant species which are irreplaceable or limited in number
should always be protected. The Town's Zoning Ordinance will
enforce this poicy.
It is the policy of the Town of Richlands to limit development
activity in those areas which have unsuitable soils. The federal
programs designed to limit the effects of development on wetlands
areas are supported by Town policy. Uses allowed in Town are
those consistent with the Town of Richlands Zoning Ordinance.
The soils policy will be considered in future updates of the
Zoning Ordinance. The Town recognizes the need to update this
ordinance and to carefully make decisions concerning those areas
which need to be protected or allowed to develop only minimally.
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The current means by which the encouragement to conserve and
protect takes place is through the give and take and negotiated
settlement accompanying the subdivision approval process.
The Town of Richlands has public water and sewer available to all
residences. This availability has opened some areas to
development which might not otherwise have been developed. It is
Town policy that all new development must be connected to public
water and sewerage systems. This policy is enforced by local
ordinance.
It is the Town's policy to allow development where the soils will
support the activity and where such activity is consistent with
federal, State, and local regulations.
There are areas of the Town which are subject to flooding. As a
t
means of recognizing and dealing with this threat, the Town
became a participating member of the National Flood Insurance
Program. Insurance for threatened properties is available as a
result of this local participation. While the availability of
flood insurance doesn't lessen any risk of flood, it makes those
losses suffered more manageable. These areas subject to flooding
are described on the Town's Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMS).
The Town supports continuing participation in the National Flood
Insurance Program. I
There are no known man-made constraints to development in the
vicinity of Richlands. It is the policy of the Town of Richlands
that any proposed projects which may be considered by the U.S.
government, or others, including individual business operations,
in the Richlands planning jurisdiction must be of a type which is
consistent with the Town's residential nature. Proposed projects
must be clean and not, in any instance, harmful or offensive (as
with those smells accompanying hog farms or turkey farms) to
residents or visitors.
(b) Areas of Environmental Concern I
The NC Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) calls for the
identification of important land and water areas judged by the
CRC to be of greater than local significance. These areas are
known as Areas of Environmental Concern or AFC's. The CRC, in
cooperation with coastal local governments, has developed a
program for permitting development activity within AEC's. The
intent of this permitting process is not to stop development, but
to insure the compatibility of development with the continued
productivity and value of certain land and water areas.
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AEC's were defined in this document in Section 226. (Please
consult the Table of Contents for the location of this
discussion.) The Town of Richlands recognizes the importance of
these specially designated areas of our coast. It is the policy
of the Town of Richlands to support the continued protection of
North Carolina's lands and waters by supporting AEC
identification, protection, and permitting activity.
c) Development in Proximity to Outstanding Resource Waters
(ORW' s )
There are no Outstanding Resource Waters29 (ORW's) within the
planning jurisdiction of the Town of Richlands. Town policy on
development activity within those areas which are adjacent to
these waters is that the development should be low density
residential type development. Activities which have the
potential for degrading these waters through accident or through
time by increased use should be discouraged or prohibited by the
regulatory powers of the local government within the jurisdiction
where these waters exist and through State regulation.
(d) Fragile Land Areas
The NC Coastal Resources Commission has identified in their
Guidelines for Land Use Planning (15A NCAC 7B) "fragile areas" of
coastal North Carolina which local governments should recognize
with a policy statement. Protection of these areas is suggested.
The reason for this recognition is so that these important areas
may be recognized as worthy of a separate consideration and so
that through the land use planning process a policy statement on
the protection of these areas may be formulated. Those areas
pertinent to the Town of Richlands's planning jurisdiction
follow:
1 (1) Freshwater Swamps and Marshes
There are freshwater swamps and marsh areas within the Town of
Richlands planning jurisdiction. These areas are described by
29 Information on Areas of Environmental Concern is also
available from the NC Division of Coastal Management. The local
office of this State agency is located at 151-B Highway 24, Morehead
City, NC 28557.
29 Outstanding Resource Waters are a designation of water
quality. The designation of these waters is through the action of the
NC Environmental Management Commission. These waters are believed to
be of the best quality in the State of NC.
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the Clean Water Act and have been come to be generally known as
"404 wetlands." These areas are scattered throughout the low
lying areas of the Town. Development activity in these areas
must be consistent with the current federal rules and regulations
governing wetlands development activity. These areas are also
subject to the restrictions imposed by the Town's Zoning
Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations. It is the policy of the
Town that development activity is discouraged in swamps, marshes,
and wetlands. This policy is enforced locally through the
negotiation which is a part of the subdivision approval process
which is described in the Town's Subdivision Regulations.
(2) Manmade Hazard Areas t
The Town of Richlands is located approximately 15 miles from the
U.S. Marine Corps Base at Camp Lejeune. The Town does not
consider the location of this facility to be of great concern (or
hazardous) on a day-to-day basis. In reality, and in a case of
extreme emergency, it is recognized that this proximity may have
implications for the Town. The Town accepts assurances from the
U. S. Department of the Navy, and the County and State
Departments of Emergency Management that all safety precautions
are and will be taken. Accordingly, the Town's land use planning
will not be governed by the location of the base. The Richlands
Board of Aldermen and Planning Board will review and comment on
any proposals for base expansion. There are no known man-made
hazards located within the Town of Richlands planning
jurisdiction.
There are no airports, no chemical storage areas, no industrial,
or industrial type manufacturing concerns producing hazardous
products or by-products in the immediate area. There are no
other known man-made hazards either in or around the Town of
Richlands. It is the policy of the Town to promote clean
industry and to mitigate hazards (both man made and natural). It
is the policy of the Town to oppose hazardous and noxious or
dangerous facilities which may wish to locate within Richlands
planning jurisdiction. This policy will be enforced by the
Town's Zoning Ordinance.
(3) Archaeologic or Historic Areas
Correspondence from the NC Department of Cultural Resources,
Division of Archives & History, dated March 4, 1997, indicates
there are 36 recorded archaeologic sites in the Richlands ETJ.
However, they noted, the Richlands area has not been
systematically surveyed for historic or archaeologic sites. The
Onslow County Museum at Richlands has future plans to inventory
67 1

the area for historic and archaeologic sites. It is the policy
of the Town to preserve historic artifacts, lands, and
1 properties. This policy is not currently enforced by ordinance.
Any future revisions of the Town's code of ordinances will take
this policy into consideration.
The Town of Richlands Historic District lies within the center of
Town. This district consists of 48 acres and is listed in the
National Register of Historic Places.
The elected and appointed officials of the Town of Richlands
recognize the heritage of this Town. Town officials wish to
preserve the best of the past and not rush into the future
without having given the future carefully planned consideration.
1 Development activity which would negatively effect historic or
archaeologic resources will be considered in light of the ways
these resources may be preserved or protected. Any outright
destruction or elimination of a resource of this type is
1 prohibited by State law and Town of Richlands policy.
1 Town officials will consider revision of the subdivision
regulations for purposes of allowing a historical/archaeologic
review as a required part of the approval process for any new
subdivisions.
(4) Prime Farmland
As the Town's name describes, the soils in Richlands are rich.
More than 500 of the soils in Richlands are considered prime farm
land. This characteristic was important to the early development
of the Town. The historical emphasis on agriculture in the
Richlands area is obvious even today. The local economy is
boosted by the farms within the Town, the Town's ETJ, and the
surrounding areas. The Town of Richlands recognizes the
importance of preserving the agricultural heritage of Richlands
and coastal North Carolina. Richlands supports the continuation
of ongoing farm operations within the Town's planning
jurisdiction. Town officials and residents find pleasure in the
visual relief agricultural operations provide. Any new
' agricultural operations will be reviewed for consistency with
Town ordinances. The Town, in general, supports preservation of
areas which are suitable for agricultural activity on a statewide
basis. The Town does not support agricultural livestock raising
or slaughtering type operations (swine, turkey, or chicken). The
Town feels these operations should always be regulated and
appropriate sites selected through an approved process which
would include County or municipal Zoning. The Town of Richlands
would like Onslow County to use whatever measures are feasible,
68

n
according to the law, to move meat manufacturing operations away
from, or especially to not permit any more of this activity in
those areas where large numbers of people live, or in those areas
where large numbers of people may perceive by the human senses,
of the operation of these meat manufacturing plants nearby. The
Town pledges to work with Onslow County however possible to
implement this policy.
The storage of chemicals in association with agricultural
operations and in close proximity to the homes of neighboring
residents within the Town of Richlands is discouraged. It is
recognized that those same chemicals which are used for
agricultural operations are as dangerous to persons when used for
,
agriculture or for industry. Careful use is suggested. Any
stockpiling of agricultural chemicals is inconsistent with Town
policy and the Zoning Ordinance.
(5) Wildlife Habitat Areas
There are no publicly owned and designated wildlife habitat areas
within the Town of Richlands's planning jurisdiction. There are
also no NC Game lands areas, designated by the NC Wildlife
Resources Commission, within the Town or its ETJ. There are no
known private wildlife sanctuaries within the Town of Richlands
or its environs. There are, however, extensive wooded areas
which are known to contain a wide variety of flora and fauna
which are indigenous to the area. These woodlands (for the most
part) are private property. It is Town policy to support and
protect wildlife and wildlife habitat. Areas in Town or the ETJ
which become designated as public or private wildlife
sanctuaries, and which are a suitable environment for wildlife,
shall be fully supported by the Town. Areas which are privately
owned shall be the responsibility of the owner. (Zoos are not
allowed by the Zoning Ordinance.) The Town would consider
acceptance of a gift or an inheritance of land for the purpose of
preservation. Land lying fallow, whether it be woodland or field
(and not being used for storage of any type), is completely
consistent with Town policy and is supported. Any unused land
which may be donated for public purposes to the Town, the State,
or to a Land Trust, would be consistent with Town policy intent.
'
The Town will consider, within the planning period of this
document, a Conservation district in its Zoning Ordinance which
will be by request of the property owner and which may preclude
any future development activity.
(6) Watersheds
The entire planning area for Richlands is in the White Oak River
69

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Basin. According to maps prepared by the NC Division of Coastal
Management as a part of this Land Use Plan Update process, there
1 are 2 watershed areas within the Town of Richlands. Both of
these areas drain to the Trent River. A graphic depiction (map)
of the watershed boundary is believed to be unnecessary as the
entire area drains to the Trent River. The largest local
tributary of this River is Squires Run. The Town of Richlands
supports clean water and will work to preserve water quality in
the area through compliance with State and federal regulations
and through appropriate local regulations.
The Town of Richlands will request funding assistance for the
preparation of a stormwater drainage plan within the planning
period covered by this document.
(e) Hurricane & Flood Evacuation Needs & Plans
The Richlands Board of Aldermen supports the Onslow County
Emergency Management Department's Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -
Disaster Recovery & Evacuation Plan. A complete copy of this
Plan is available from the Onslow County Emergency Management
Office.
For further information concerning the Town's position and
policies, interested parties should consult Section 6 of this
document. A generalized summary of the Town's policy is shown
below.
It is the policy of the Town of Richlands to:
-- Discourage high intensity uses and large structures from
being constructed within the 100-year flood plain, any
erosion prone areas, and other areas which may be
susceptible to storm event associated flooding.
-- Consider purchasing parcels located within hazard areas or
rendered unbuildable by storms or other events for the
purpose of recreation. Developers may also be required
to provide such properties as open space under circumstances
related to the issuance of a conditional use permit or as a
part of the subdivision approval process.
I-- Continue to enforce the NC Building Code, particularly those
provisions which require construction standards to meet wind
resistive factors (e.g., design, wind velocity).
-- Encourage the placement of utilities underground for all new
development.
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The Town's Zoning Ordinance has height restrictions and
restrictions on the types of uses permissible in the various
zoning districts. The Town's Subdivision Regulations allow Town
officials to have input on the layout of new subdivision roads
and utilities through the subdivision review and approval
process.
(f) Protection of Potable Water
Potable (drinking) water is provided to the Town of Richlands via
a municipal system. The Town relies on groundwater resources and
a system of wells for supply. As a result of this dependence,
,
residents therefore use a large quantity of local groundwater for
human consumption. The supply of high quality water in Richlands
has historically been abundant.
Town officials are now concerned about the protection of the
potable water supply. In recent years the water table has been
dropping at an alarming rate. The Town has heard from and is
keeping in touch with the NC Division of Water Resources staff
regarding the possible de -watering of the aquifer from which
Richlands draws its supply. The draw down is believed to be as a
result of Onslow County wells in the vicinity as well as other
large municipal users nearby. This is an area of major concern
for Richlands Town officials. If it becomes necessary, funding
and utilizing additional means of water supply will be extremely
expensive. Much time will be consumed before such a supply may
be brought on line. The Town will continue working with the NC
Division of Water Resources and will monitor this problem.
The Town fully supports the Division of Water Quality's (DWQ)
rules regarding development activity near groundwater source
areas (wells). Town policy is to enhance the protection of these
areas and to provide for groundwater recharge areas consistent
with DWQ's rules and the Zoning Ordinance.
The Town of Richlands suggests regional intergovernmental
cooperation in the formulation of policy and strategies for the
protection of our precious water resources.
The Town of Richlands supports water conservation efforts.
Though there is currently no water conservation ordinance in
effect at Richlands, the Town will consider adoption of such an
ordinance within the planning period.
The Town of Richlands is seeking wellhead protection technical
71 1

assistance from the NC Rural Water Association30. A local
wellhead protection ordinance is under consideration.
Protection of groundwater resources was given as a high priority
by residents who responded to the citizen survey prepared as a
part of the development of this Land Use Plan Update. Town
officials concur with the majority of residents on the importance
of this issue for the future of the community.
(g) Use of Package Treatment Plants
The Town of Richlands maintains a central sewer system for waste
water treatment and disposal. It is Town policy that all new
developments are required to connect to the public sewage system.
I Package treatment plants and new septic systems are not allowed
within Richlands. Additionally, Richlands supports all efforts
to minimize surface and groundwater pollution from wastewater
sources.
It is the policy of the Town of Richlands to require annexation
of adjacent areas desiring the extension of sewage treatment
capacity. The intent of this policy is to insure that the
potential for growth in or adjacent to Richlands does not exceed
the availability of the treatment capacity. This policy is in
keeping with the Town's policy to insure that urban services are
adequate for all development within the Town's jurisdiction.
The Town will continue its policy of requiring annexation as a
condition of the extension of sewage treatment services, and will
continue to assess users of such services for such service.
(h) Stormwater Runoff
The Town of Richlands is located in the White Oak River basin.
The Town's planning jurisdiction drains to the Trent River.
Because of its geographic location in coastal North Carolina, and
because of a local recognition of the tremendous importance of
clean water, Town residents recognize the importance of
protecting clean water resources. Ecologically fragile and
sensitive areas are recognized by elected officials, appointed
officials, and residents as areas which should be protected. The
Town supports NC Division of Water Quality regulations regarding
I stormwater runoff resulting from development activity. It is
Town policy that growth and development will not be allowed where
so NC Rural Water Association P. O. Box 540 Welcome NC 27374
704-731-6963 (phone) -- 704-731-8889 (fax)
1
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poor drainage exists unless appropriate corrective improvements
are to be completed (as required by State law) as part of the
project".
The flooding of roads in Richlands following an intense rain
event is a situation that must be alleviated. The pooling of
stormwater runoff in association with storm events has made road
conditions dangerous. Town officials are cognizant of the need
to make State officials more aware of this need. The Town of
Richlands has recognized their authority and role in the process
and have in place a subdivision review process which includes
careful consideration of stormwater plans for new building lots
and roads. NC Department of Transportation and the NC Division
of Water Quality officials will be consulted on all future public
road projects. The Town wishes to work with other knowledgeable
public officials so that successful solutions may be shared. It
is understood by Town officials that stormwater pending on
roadways is unacceptable. It is further understood that the best
means of dealing with stormwater is not simply to get it out of
sight. The practical and environmental consequences of this
problem will require environmentally sound engineered solutions.
The Town of Richlands wishes to create a master drainage plan so
that the threat of flood hazard will be reduced and to improve
area water quality. Grant funds will be sought from agencies who
may have planning funds available to complete this study.
(i) Industrial Impacts
Town policies regarding the impact of traditional "industry" on
the natural environment in Richlands indicates these impacts
should not occur. The Town serves, and wishes to continue to
serve area residents as a bedroom community and an alternative
option for those folks working in the more densely populated
Jacksonville area of Onslow County. The Town, as has been noted
elsewhere in this plan, encourages and supports commercial type
development activity. Richlands will continue to find its future
,
based on its natural beauty, its laid back, rural style of life,
and on an environment which Town leaders will demand must be kept
31 If the area being developed is less than one acre in size,
unless some other special designation has been placed on the area
being developed (AEC, ORW, public water supply watershed, etc.) there
will be no regulatory effect by the NC Division of Water Quality (or
other State agency) regulations. This weakness in the State's
regulatory authority is not currently within the power of the Town of
Richlands to enforce or change though we sadly note the limitations of
our State's environmental policy.
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clean. Town officials feel that any industrial type development
which would detract from the visual beauty of the area and which
might cause increased traffic, noxious fumes, noise, smoke,
vibration or other unpleasant side effects should look elsewhere
for a location. Industry which complies with the standards of
the Town of Richlands Zoning Ordinance is acceptable within the
Town limits and ETJ. It is the policy of the Town that
industrial development should first be clean and should provide
jobs to local residents.
Any appropriate economic development activity in Onslow County
is, generally, favored by the Town. The Town will work with and
promote success for area Industrial Parks and other area job
creating entities. Richlands officials believe the positive
results achieved through the successful locating of one industry
in the area is a success that may be capitalized upon by others
wishing to have industry locate in their vicinity. Examples of
the types of industry which are not desired include: energy
facilities, landfills, some types of military facility expansion,
and others. The Town will work with Onslow County, the City of
Jacksonville, the NC Department of Commerce, area Chambers of
Commerce, Committees of 100, and the Global Transpark on the
growth and enhancement of appropriate "industry" in Richlands.
Any industry which may be harmful to the human population through
the possible pollution of air, land, or water is not desired
within the Town. Any industrial activity which might cause
visual blight is also not desired. The Town plans to carefully
review, and amend as necessary, the Zoning Ordinance to allow
only certain types of industry. Any traditional "industry" will,
upon revision of the Ordinance, only be allowed as a special use.
The special use conditions imposed will, in each case, be the
means of protection the Town will provide for its residents and
visitors.
(4) RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
Local officials generally feel that our productive natural
resources should be protected. Some feel that these resources
have been given to us by a higher power and it is our duty to our
fellow citizens and to future generations to be wise in our use
of these resources. It is the local sentiment that these
productive resources are protected by State, federal, and local
regulation. When local land use regulations must be changed,
revised, or reconsidered, the productive values of the resources
effected will be considered. The following land use plan
policies on resource production and management will give
instruction to those interested ....
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(a) Productive Agricultural Lands
A review of the Onslow County Soils Survey shows that the Town of
Richlands contains a large amount of those soils which can be
characterized as prime farmland. There are many farms currently
in operation within the Town of Richlands's planning
jurisdiction. Farming has been very important historically for
the Town of Richlands. The Town welcomes the visual relief and
open spaces agricultural operations provide residents of the
municipality. It is the policy of the Town of Richlands that
agricultural uses of land within the Town will not be
discouraged. The uninhibited widespread heavy use of or storage
of substances (i.e., pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers)
which pose a threat (or which may pose a threat) to human health
is discouraged. The storage of large quantities of these
substances in Richlands will not be allowed by the Town's Zoning
Ordinance.
Certain agricultural type operations are discouraged by policy of
the Town of Richlands. These operations include agriculture -
livestock type operations where many animals are confined
together and raised for sale to meat processing and manufacturing
concerns. The agriculture -livestock limitations do not apply to
any animals ordinarily considered pets (dogs, cats, birds, pot-
bellied pigs, etc.) Any requests for agricultural type
operations will be considered in light of this policy. The means
of enforcement for this policy will be the Zoning Ordinance.
(b) Commercial Forest Lands
It is the policy of the Town of Richlands to support the
efficient planting and harvesting of North Carolina's commercial
forest lands. Commercial forests lands, in ideal circumstances
would be located in upland areas or in areas away from rivers,
creeks, branches, or tributaries. Commercial forest lands exist
within the Town of Richlands. It is the strong sentiment of Town
officials that the harvesting of timber near waters should be
discouraged. If this activity must occur the Town would support
regulations requiring extensive vegetative buffers as a means of
mitigating water quality degradation. It is felt that these
regulations should be enforced by the State of North Carolina
rather than through local regulation.
Prior to harvesting, planting, or clearing in wetlands areas,
commercial forestry operations are required to have a woodlands
survey. An on -site evaluation of the woodlands resource is
required, as a means of assessment and possible damage
mitigation, and must be done by a qualified consultant or a
75
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1
h

representative of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers.
1 Any expanded commercial forestry type operations within Richlands
are not desired.
' (c) Mineral Production Areas
There are no existing mineral production areas within the Town of
Richlands and there are no areas known to have potential for
mineral production. It is not expected that mineral production
areas will be discovered. It is the policy of the Town to
prohibit such operations within the Town's planning jurisdiction.
This policy is regulated through the enforcement provisions of
the Town's Zoning Ordinance.
' (d) Commercial & Recreational Fisheries
The Town of Richlands has no fish processing operations located
' within the Town's planning jurisdiction. Commercial fishing is
recognized by municipal officials as important to Onslow County.
It is the policy of the Town of Richlands to work with other
regional interests to maintain or improve the quality of water
and the abundance of the fisheries resource available to area
residents and visitors.
(e) Off -Road Vehicles
Many local residents use off -road vehicles in association with
their work. This type activity is not regulated except to the
extent that noise, danger, damage to property, or trespass may
cause or lead to prosecution.
Town officials believe off -road vehicles are enjoyable when
properly used for recreational purposes. It is the policy of the
Town of Richlands to allow private property owners and their
friends, visitors, acquaintances, and other persons to whom they
may have given permission, to enjoy freely the ability to use any
portion of that private property available and to enjoy that same
property by whatever means and to the maximum extent possible.
The Town recognizes that the ability of one person to enjoy full
use of his or her property does not extend to the point where
another person's right to enjoy their property is infringed upon.
' The Town has the authority, and will continue to exercise its
authority, through its police powers, to abate nuisance noises
76

and the destruction of any vegetation32 which may be or which may
help to protect or screen residential or commercial properties
and which may contain threatened or endangered species. It is
the policy of the Town to not allow off -road vehicle use that
would cause erosion or substantial damage to land .forms.
'
This policy on off -road vehicles is not pertinent to public works
projects or emergency vehicles who may operate in accordance with
the law and appropriate regulations as necessary.
(f) Residential, Commercial, & Industrial Land Development
Impacts
A primary concern of citizen survey respondents to inquiries
concerning future development activity in Town was that the Town
should preserve its small Town character. Town policy is to
encourage future growth according t land use policy and
according to those regulations in place at the time the
development request is made. It is the intention of Town
'
officials that development impacts on the environment be
negligible and that the impacts of all development take into
consideration those factors which will enhance the quiet, small
Town character and quality of life enjoyed by residents.
Residential development will be encouraged, as much as possible,
to occur in a manner which will not create traffic problems. It
is Town policy that the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision
regulations will be revised as necessary as a means of
implementing this policy. The development of new streets and
roads as a part of the residential growth process will be
carefully studied before a new subdivision is approved.
Utilities provisions required as a part of the Subdivision
'
Regulations approval process will be revised, as necessary, to
require future Town residents the opportunity to enjoy the full
range of services available to the older residential areas.
Additionally, new provisions to the regulations will be proposed
and discussed, such as a requirement for underground electric
service, which will make the Town even more attractive by the
elimination of the visual blight caused by the over head wires.
It is not felt that continuing residential development will have
a negative effect on the community. Continuing residential
32 The Town of Richlands Zoning Ordinance, revised in 1999,
requires screening between commercial development and residential
development. Conditional use permits may also be issued with special
restrictions which are pertinent to this section.
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development is desired33.
Commercial development is currently desired by Town officials.
The Town wishes to work with small business owners who may be
engaged in the process of trying to find a place to locate a
business. The Town is especially interested in small shops and
specialty stores in the downtown area. The Town wishes to avoid
the strip type development so commonly found in other
communities. Commercial activity which would add to the economic
base of the Town would be welcomed by Town officials provided
that the activity is environmentally safe, clean, and consistent
with current State, federal, and local regulatory requirements.
Development activity which would be harmful to property values or
the quality of life of those residents or businesses already
established is discouraged. Compatibility of proposed
development with the current pattern of development (already
established); - is desired.
Industrial development policy in the Town of Richlands is to
encourage industrial development in the region. There is much
open and.available land within Onslow County which would be
suitable for industry. Any commercial or industrial development
in Richlands should be of a type which is compatible with
residential development which may occur in relatively close
proximity to the industry. Industrial development should be
located, in all cases, in such a way as to avoid the use of
residential streets by large, heavy, truck traffic.
Developers (commercial or industrial) shopping for a location
should contact Town officials early in the process to discuss the
possibilities.
(g) Peat or Phosphate Mining's Impacts
The mining of peat or phosphate within the planning jurisdiction
of the Town of Richlands is prohibited by policy and ordinance.
It is extremely unlikely that any commercial quality deposits of
these products exist in the area. Other types of "mining" are
more likely. Sand is available in large quantities. As mining
operations are generally unpleasant to persons living in an area
near where these activities occur, it is the policy of the Town
to oppose any large scale mining operations requesting to locate
within the municipal boundary or ETJ. Small scale sand mining
operations may be permissible depending on the zoning district.
The Town also wishes to go on record opposing any large scale
33 Residential development is especially desired in the form of
single family site built dwellings.
in

mining operations which may wish
the Town of Richlands. The Town
oppose such operations. The me&
policy, locally, shall be the To,
to locate in Onslow County near
will work with Onslow County to
s of enforcement for this
n of Richlands Zoning Ordinance.
(5) ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The local policies on community development and the economy are
important. The policies which follow are Richlands best effort
to give guidance to development interests. Richlands attitude
toward growth is, succinctly, that there must be a balance
between the protection of resources and economic growth.
(a) Type of Development to be Encouraged
It is the policy of the Town of Richlands to encourage
residential growth. Town growth shall be consistent with the::
policies in this LUPUP. The regulations which will govern this
growth will be the Zoning Ordinance and the Subdivision
Regulations.
The Town of Richlands encourages commercial growth. It is the
policy of the Town to work with and to encourage commercial
activity which is consistent with current regulations and which
will provide jobs, make retail type amenities available to
residents and visitors, and provide for convenient shopping
opportunities. It is the policy of the Town to encourage clean
and quiet commercial type development. Any commercial facility
which will in the future wish to dispense gasoline within the
Town of Richlands must have gasoline tanks installed safely and
in accordance with the regulations of the NC Division of
Groundwater, so as to further insure the safety of residents
through the purity of the groundwater resource. This is
considered an important set of regulations by Town officials who
are aware of the groundwater situation in the Richlands area.
Traditional "industrial development" is discouraged within the
Town of Richlands. Less resource intensive industrial type users
may be desirable. Large stacks spewing voluminous amounts of
smoke, large amounts of traffic bothering residents at all hours
and traffic using up the road (through the rough treatment given
by large, heavy trucks) in this quiet community is not envisioned
and will not be approved. Manufacturing concerns are generally
felt to be undesirable. Large agricultural -livestock type
operations (meat manufacturing plants) are not permitted.
Town officials discourage the use of pesticides, herbicides, and
fertilizers in areas close to any Town, individual, or community
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well systems. Town officials also wish to note that runoff into
streams from agriculture and private landscaping activity has
been recognized as a problem within the State and the Town
strongly encourages the use these products in a careful manner
and only as needed.
(b) Type and Location of Industry Desired
The Town of Richlands, by policy, encourages industry which will
allow the Town to keep the small Town character that all
residents of Richlands have come to enjoy. Industries which
create a significant amount of pollution (smoke, dust, glare,
noise, vibrations, etc.) are discouraged and should not locate in
Richlands. This includes (but is not limited to) swine and
cattle and poultry, steel mills, electric power plants, paper
manufacturing plants, chemical companies, mining operations,
explosives companies and others. Richlands is, and wishes to
remain, a small residential community.
The Town desires responsible industrial development in the region
which will not adversely affect the natural environment or the
quality of life enjoyed by residents. Industrial sites should be
adjacent water lines and must have an approved system of handling
any possible by-products or waste products which may be dangerous
to human beings. Industrial development in this region should
not infringe (in ways which may be perceived by the five human
senses) on established residential development.
This policy will be enforced by the Town's Zoning Ordinance.
c) Local Commitment to Services Provision
It is the policy of the Town of Richlands to provide public
water, sewer, residential trash collection, police protection,
and those other services now available to all areas of the Town.
Services will be provided within one year, as required in the NC
General Statutes, to any areas which may in the future be annexed
into the Town. New developments are required to construct and to
connect to the municipal water and sewer systems. No annexations
are currently planned.
The services will be provided by local government. Construction
' and connection to new infrastructure will be required by local
ordinance and the subdivision regulations.
(d) Urban Growth Patterns Desired
it is the policy of the Town Richlands to encourage growth to
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occur adjacent to existing water and sewer service lines. The
Town will use this Land Use Plan Update, the Subdivision
Regulations, and the Zoning Ordinance as the means to implement
this policy and to direct all future residential, commercial, and
industrial type growth. The Town will continue its policy of
requiring annexation as a condition of the extension of sewage
treatment services, and will continue to assess users of such
services for such service.
(e) Redevelopment of Developed Areas
A significant redevelopment issue facing Richlands through the
planning period is the upgrading of housing in poor condition.
It is the policy of the Town to work with residents and State
agency personnel and programs to repair, upgrade, and improve
housing conditions. This effort is seen not only as a means by
which to improve the lives and living conditions of residents but
also as a means by which to beautify the municipality. During the
planning period the Town will attempt to correct the worst
housing conditions by taking the following steps:
(1) enforcing the Town's Minimum Housing Code;
(2) coordinating any redevelopment efforts with the Building
Inspections Department;
(3) enforcing the Zoning Ordinance requirements on non-
conforming uses.
During the planning period it is anticipated that new housing
will be constructed to replace older homes.
The Town of Richlands also recognizes a redevelopment concern
connected with the threat of hurricane, flood, tornado, or other
natural disaster. The section of this document which covers this
area is entitled Storm Hazard Mitiaation, Post -Disaster Recovery,
and Evacuation Plans. (Please see the Table of Contents for the
location of this section.) Policies on redevelopment construction
activity, following a catastrophic storm event, are located in
this section. It is the policy of the Town of Richlands to allow
reconstruction of structures demolished by natural disaster when
the reconstruction complies with all existing (state, federal,
and local) regulations. The Town will consider purchase of areas
destroyed by natural hazard for future use as recreational sites.
It is the intention of the Town to continue to be a member of the
National Flood Insurance Program administered by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency and to continue to allow Federal
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IFlood Insurance to be available to residents.
(f) Commitment to State & Federal Programs
Richlands is receptive to State and federal programs that will
provide some benefit to the Town, County, and region. It is the
policy of the Town to continue to fully support such programs.
Examples of such programs include: NC Division of Coastal
Management Planning Program, NC Division of Parks & Recreation
Programs to fund recreation areas, NC Division of Community
Assistance & U. S. Department of Housing & Urban Development
Community Development Block Grant Program, NC Division of Travel
and Tourism promotion efforts, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
regulatory and permitting programs, NC Department of
Transportation road and bridge improvement programs, NC Division
of Water Quality/Water Quality Planning Program, Farmers Home
Administration loans for local water and sewer service projects,
Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Insurance Program, NC
Department of Commerce Industrial Recruiting Programs, and Global
Transpark, as well as others.
(g) Assistance to Channel Maintenance and Beach Nourishment
Projects
The Town of Richlands has no federally maintained channels within
its jurisdiction. Town residents currently pay County, State,
and federal taxes, all of which are used to some extent to pay
for the maintenance of these waterways. The Town of Richlands
recognizes that taxes are being used to promote both
international and interstate commerce as well as local commercial
fishing opportunity and opportunity for recreational boaters.
Beach nourishment projects are not supported by the Town of
' Richlands. The Town believes this is not a long-term solution
but a stop -gap measure.
The Town of Richlands declines any opportunity to participate in
paying for beach nourishment or channel maintenance projects.
' (h) Energy Facility Siting & Development
The Town of Richlands promotes and supports a clean and healthy
' environment for its residents. The Town is concerned about the
issue of energy facility siting to the extent that citizen's
health, safety, and welfare, may be effected. The Town's policy
includes the following: (1) No transportation through Town of
extremely dangerous and hazardous materials is pre -approved. Any
transport of hazardous materials should take another route. No
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military, energy, or commercial/industrial facility request which
violates this standard will be approved. Any industrial or
commercial facility which requires a special use permit will have ,
this as a part of their special restrictions. (2) No clear
cutting of greater than 3 acres of wooded property is allowed
without buffers which will be constructed to shield all noise and ,
visual blight created by energy facility type development from
area residents.
Any water resource intensive type development activity will be
required to use municipal water service. The availability of
supply may be limited. Any utility or industry of the type
described in this section will only be allowed by conditional use
permit as described in the Zoning Ordinance.
(I) Coastal & Estuarine Water Beach Access '
It is the policy of Town officials to support beach and estuarine
water access projects within Onslow County and throughout coastal
North Carolina.
The Town of Richlands supports the continuing development of '
parks and recreational facilities for the benefit of its
residents. '
(j) Tourism
The Town of Richlands strongly supports tourism. The Town ,
recognizes tourists as a vital and important part of the economy
of the region and the state.
The Town benefits from the booming tourism related economy
enjoyed by Onslow County. It is the policy of the Town to grow ,
toward a position where the tourist influx may be enjoyed to its
;m,n►►potential. It is believed that this is possible through
continuing work to have Richlands remain a flourishing example of ,
a successful, traditional, small Town. The result of this
keeping of traditional values on the part of Town officials will,
it is believed, dramatically reward the Town's business community
in the future. ,
As a means of achieving the goal of enhancing tourism and
encouraging visitors, the Town of Richlands supports NC '
Department of Transportation road improvement projects which will
improve access (ingress and egress) to the region and the Town of
Richlands. j
It is the policy of the Town of Richlands to work to maintain
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those quality of life factors (quiet, low traffic, etc.) which
current residents of the Town enjoy. The Town supports low
density development and clean commercial (or
industrial/manufacturing) type development activity.
(k) Type of Density Desired
It is the policy of the Town of Richlands to encourage low
' density type development activity. This policy includes the
continuation of height restrictions and development consistent
with the Zoning Ordinance restrictions on density. Low density
development is consistent with the historical growth patterns of
the Town and is in keeping with the vision community leaders have
for the long-term future of the community. (Planned Unit
Developments (PUD's) will be considered as a part of any new
municipal ordinance work.)
' It is possible that the existing businesses in the area will be
enhanced through additional planning activity. The Town of
Richlands will consider a Downtown Redevelopment Plan which may
provide businesses some solutions to parking shortages, and an
increased economic vitality to those businesses downtown. The
Town also wishes to help to improve the appearance of the
downtown area.
It is anticipated that additional commercial growth may occur
around the central business district within the planning period.
Town policy is to encourage commercial growth. This growth, so
as to be consistent with Town policy, must be of a type which
' will include specialty shops and stores. The Town desires to
attract shoppers from the region and locally who will make
special trips to Richlands. The Town wants to serve residents
' and visitors within the commercial center. Town officials are
quite interested in hearing from prospective businesses who may
wish to choose Richlands as a place to locate.
u
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Continuing growth activity during tk
in the residential neighborhoods is
Town recognizes the strength of its
metropolitan area (Jacksonville)and
residential growth will be enhanced
the County and other municipalities.
e planning period in Town and
expected and desired. The
location in proximity to the
anticipates that continuing
by the continuing growth of
The Town wishes to keep the small Town atmosphere which long-term
residents have come to love. The Town's Land Classification Map,
prepared as a part of this Land Use Plan Update, gives a graphic
depiction of the types of growth patterns planned, desired and
anticipated.

I
(1) Manufactured Homes/Modular Homes
A portion of Richlands Is housing stock consists of manufactured
and mobile homes. The Town finds the continued use of these
structures to be marginally acceptable. These affordable
structures are permitted according to the provisions described
within the Zoning Ordinance.
Modular homes are also permissible according to the provisions of
the Town of Richlands Zoning Ordinance. The Town of Richlands
accepts the location of manufactured and modular homes (as
defined in the Zoning Ordinance) within the Town's planning
jurisdiction. The definitions and specific rules governing the
location of these units are in the Zoning Ordinance.
(m) Town Boundary Defined
The official map of the Town of Richlands is located in the
office of the Town Clerk at Town Xa1134. This map accurately
reflects the municipal and ETJ boundary. All policy decisions in
this document are based upon an understanding that the Town
boundaries are fixed as shown on this map. The Existing Land Use
Map and the Land Classification Map prepared as a part of this
Land Use Plan Update have used the official Town map as a base
map.
(n) Provision of Services to Development
It is the policy of the Town of Richlands to extend the full
range of municipal services (water, sewer, police, solid waste,
etc.) to those areas which are within the Town limits. As a part
of the approval process for any new subdivisions, connection to
the municipal systems will be required.
Richlands will continue its policy of requiring annexation as a
condition of the extension of sewage treatment services, and will
continue to assess users of such services for such service.
It is Town policy that all new residential, commercial, and
industrial development will be required to connect to the
municipal water and sewer systems.
34 The map may be reviewed by contacting the Town Administrator
or Town Clerk.
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(o) Recreational Facilities
' It is the desire of Town officials to boost recreational
opportunities for residents. The citizen survey prepared
(administered and analyzed) as a part of this Land Use Plan
Update showed interest amongst residents for additional
recreational opportunity.
As a means of responding to this identified need, the Town will
form a Recreation Committee and prepare a recreation plan within
the next five years. This Committee will work with Town elected
and other appointed officials to provide for recreation
opportunity. As a priority the Town will work with the NC
Department of Transportation (NC DOT) on the widening and
improvement highways. The Committee will work with the NC DOT
Bicycle Program on the provision of bike trails along highways
both in Tou-^ and within the EW. Sidewalks will be considered
as a requirement for all new subdivisions.
The Town desires to continue to work with and to cooperate with
the Onslow County Parks and Recreation Department, the North
Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, and the City of
Jacksonville to pursue this goal. The Town is aware of the
passage of recent legislation ((HB 718 - Parks &
' Recreation/Natural Heritage - ratified as Chapter 456 of the 1995
Session laws during the week of July 17, 1995) which sets aside
75% of the proceeds from the deeds excise stamp tax for the Parks
and Recreation Trust Fund and 25% of the proceeds for the Natural
Heritage Trust Fund. The legislation also establishes the North
Carolina Parks and Recreation Authority to receive and administer
funds received from the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. It is
estimated that the legislation will provide a steady and a
reliable annual revenue for the funding of State and local parks.
(Though not all is for local parks ... 65% to the State park
system, 30% to provide matching funds (dollar -for -dollar) to
local government, and 5% to the NC Beach Access Program.) The
Town feels the passage of this legislation is extremely important
for the funding of State and local parks.
it is the policy of the Town of Richlands to work to improve
recreational opportunities for residents, seasonal residents, and
overnight visitors. The Town will work to have streets widened
' and improved so that bike paths will be possible. It is also a
goal of the Town to have sidewalks installed along all major
transportation corridors in Town.
The Town will consider acceptance of a donation of property for
recreational purposes.
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(p) Annexation
The Town of Richlands policy on annexation is to pursue expansion
through the provisions of the NC General Statutes relative to
annexation. If annexation must occur, all legal requirements
will be met and public comment opportunities will be offered.
Richlands will carry out the study and consideration of the facts
in the manner prescribed by law.
SECTION 5: CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
(1) CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN
As the starting point in the preparation of this document the
Town of Richlands adopted a "Citizen Participation Plan" with a
schedule of events which outlined the process of Land Use Plan
Update preparation. The "Citizen Participation Plan" was
prepared according to the requirements of Subchapter 7B of
Chapter 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code, which
gives guidance to local governments on such matters. As a part
of the public participation requirement for the production of a
Land Use Plan Update (LUPUP) under the Coastal Area Management
Act, local governments are required to describe a process by
which the public will be encouraged to participate in the
planning process. It is the intent of the process described in
the plan to give the public ample opportunity to become a
meaningful part of the planning process and all views gathered as
a part of this process are recognized to be informative and
instructional for all citizens of the Town of Richlands,
interested parties, and elected and appointed Boards.
The principle local Board responsible for supervision of the
planning process has been the Town of Richlands Planning Board.
Public involvement in the process was generated through public
information meetings, public hearings, Planning Board Meetings,
Board of Aldermen meetings and a survey of citizens. Mr. Gregg
Whitehead (Town Administrator)and the Planning Board Chairmen,
Mr. Gene Sanders, served as the principle points of contact for
the Town. The Mayor, the Board of Aldermen, and the Planning
Board have also been active in the preparation of this Land Use
Plan Update for the Town of Richlands. All officials for the
Town of Richlands were involved in the land use plan update
process. Oversight on the process was given by the appropriate
elected, appointed, and staff officials.
All meetings in preparation of this Land Use Plan Update were
open to the public. All future meetings where land use planning
and public policy in the Town of Richlands will be discussed will
continue to be open to the public. All meetings will be
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appropriately advertised and adequately publicized and public
meetings and hearings will continue to be held to discuss special
land use issues and to keep citizens informed. It is the intent
of the Town that all economic, social, ethnic, and cultural
viewpoints be considered on all matters of public policy.
Coordination and discussion with regulatory agencies and other
area municipalities (and County) officials on policy matters will
continue to be a part of the Town's land use policy development
process.
(2) 1997 CITIZEN SURVEY
The survey results presented in the APPENDIX to this document are
produced as a result of a survey conduced by the Town of
Richlands as a part of the Land Use Plan Update process. The
North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) requires local
government in North Carolina to create Land Use Plans and to
update these plans every five years. The survey was intended as
a means by which the Richlands Planning Board and the elected
Board could reach a large number of citizens and receive their
input on issues important to the Town.
The survey was designed, produced, and administered as a means of
encouraging citizen participation in the planning process. The
CRC requires a variety of opportunities for citizen involvement
in Land Use Plan preparation and the choices on the means of
participation are left to the local government. The Town of
Richlands mailed 568 citizen surveys to water bill customers on
December 5, 1996. By the deadline date for receipt of responses
(December 20, 1996) 239 surveys (or 42%) had been returned.
This survey was not meant to be "scientific." The purpose of the
survey was to gather data on development and administrative
issues from interested members of the general public. The survey
was not meant to be political. It is, and should be taken to be,
advisory in nature.
The survey received a tremendous response and decisions on policy
matters by elected and appointed leaders were affected.
I
SECTION 6: STORM HAZARD MITIGATION, POST -DISASTER RECOVERY,
& EVACUATION PLANS
The purpose of this section of the 1998 Town of Richlands LUPUP
is to assist the Town in evacuation, mitigation, and recovery
situations which will arise as a result of natural or
technological disasters.
The Onslow County Emergency Management Department works closely
W.

with the Town of Richlands public officials, local EMS personnel
and the Police and Fire Departments to insure preparedness and
the ability to respond to emergency situations. The success of
the emergency services supplied to the people of Richlands relies
on good communications between all agencies. Onslow County and
the Town of Richlands will continue to cooperate on disaster
preparedness and on efficient and effective response in time of
emergency.
The Onslow County Emergency Operations Plan, was last approved on
June 2, 1997. This plan lists those actions to be taken by
government agencies and private organizations within the County
to reduce vulnerability of people and property to disaster.
The Town of Richlands is subject to hazards, all of which may
disrupt the Town or cause physical damage to property and may
create casualties. The Town shares this subjectivity to threat
with all other municipalities in Onslow County, in North
Carolina, and in the nation. Each local government is subject to
their own threats. Many of the serious hazards mentioned here
may be made less significant by virtue of good land use planning
and policy decisions and through the implementation of policies
which are set by decisions made by local government
The types of hazards possible in Onslow County include:
1 Floods--- Richlands is subject to flooding caused by severe
rain events. Streets, homes, and businesses in Richlands may
flood in the event of a storm.
1 Hurricanes--- These storms will bring strong wind and rain
to Richlands. The hurricane season runs from June 1 through
November 30 each year. Hurricanes Bertha and Fran, both in 1996
(July and September respectively), were the most recent storms of
this type.
1 Tornadoes--- Tornadoes are intense storms of short duration
which consist of rotating winds in a funnel shaped cloud and
these storms have occurred many times in southeastern North
Carolina.
1 Severe winter storms--- In Onslow County a severe winter
storm occurs occasionally. The main effect of winter storms is
immobility. Large areas of the County can be impacted. Severe
ice storms and the accompanying loss of power and communication
could represent a huge financial loss to citizens and industry.
1 Nuclear attack--- Hostile action may be taken against the
U.S. by foreign forces resulting in the destruction of military
1
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■ or civilian targets. No jurisdiction can be considered
completely safe from this kind of an attack. Onslow County may
be a target under these circumstances.
1 Major fires--- There is a potential for a fire in the County
which would be of such magnitude as to create significant
economic impact or result in a large number of casualties. Even
while we are a small area, there are still large areas which are
' wooded and which are susceptible to the threat of fire. The
threat is largely seasonal, with the dryness of the spring and
summer seasons causing those months to be the most significant in
terms of fire threat. Richlands has a large wooded area within
its jurisdiction.
1 Hazardous materials--- In Onslow County there are pesticide
' dealers who are considered generators or users of hazardous
materials. In the fall and winter L.P. gas tankers service
residential and commercial users. Highways 24 and 258 cross
' through Richlands and other highways cross through the County and
all types of hazardous and toxic materials, including low level
nuclear waste and munitions, are transported via these routes.
There is a potential existing that a break, a fire, or an
explosion associated with these roadways and the vehicles upon
them is possible. No hazardous materials are known to be stored
■ in Richlands.
1 Fixed nuclear facilities--- The Carolina Power & Light
Company (CP&L) operates 2 Nuclear Reactors in Brunswick County.
This facility is within 100 miles of Richlands.
' I Aircraft--- There have been airplane and helicopter crashes
in Onslow County. Camp Lejeune training flights are routine in
the area and there is always some danger associated with this.
' The closest commercial airport to Richlands is within 5 to 10
miles. The airport is not within the planning jurisdiction of
the Town of Richlands.
■ 1 Rail--- The rail transportation system for Onslow County
does not cross Richlands jurisdiction lines. It is possible, in
a catastrophic situation involving large amounts of hazardous
' materials, that Richlands residents could be effected.
1 Drought--- Agricultural operations in Onslow County would be
' effected by drought. There are active agricultural operations
within Richlands.
1 Earthquake--- The threat of this earth shaking experience,
due to a fault or ground failure, is real. On average, Onslow
County has experienced a history of seismic activity occurring
90

approximately once every ten years. These shaky situations have
been relatively minor in effect.
1 Power failure--- The loss of electrical service from damage
to the distributing system or generating capability of sufficient
duration to require alternative sources of power to prevent human
suffering or property damage. Power failure can result from a
blackout or as a result of natural or man-made circumstances.
The most likely circumstance where this would effect Richlands
would be as a result of a storm.
i Civil disorder/terrorism--- The threat of terrorist attack
or violent protest is possible in Onslow County.
1 Pipeline accident--- There are pipelines in Onslow County
which distribute natural gas and petrochemicals to commercial and
residential users. There is a potential, in the event of a
pipeline break, for fire or an explosion to result. This threat
is not currently extant in Richlands.
1 Energy emergency--- Any energy emergency will, most likely,
occur in concert with a national or State energy shortage.
Richlands has no special threat to citizens or property as a
result of this hazard.
The Town of Richlands has no special plans for many of the
emergencies mentioned previously and wishes to work with the
County of Onslow on mitigation, preparedness, recovery and
evacuation. The following pages will present the Town's storm
hazard mitigation and post disaster recovery policies.
(a) Storm Hazard Mitigation
Storm hazard mitigation actions are, by definition, those actions
which will reduce the impact of a storm event. Storm hazard
mitigation policies are those local government policies which
will aid local government administrators and appointed or elected
officials with the adoption of implementation actions which will
reduce the threat of storm hazard. The types of storm events
which may catastrophically or negatively effect the Town of
Richlands include hurricanes and tornados. These types of storms
are extremely powerful and unpredictable forces of nature.
Hurricanes are large low pressure systems which form in the
tropics and may move into our region. These storms bring strong
winds. (In fact, the defining factor of a hurricane is that it
must be a tropical disturbance with winds in excess of 74 miles
per hour.) Hurricanes may spawn tornados which are severe
whirlwinds and which are extremely dangerous. There are four
causes of fatality and property damage during these two storm
91 1

events. (1) high wind; (2) flood; (3) wave action; and,
(4) erosion. Two of these causes of property damage and death
are pertinent to Richlands.
High Winds
Wind is the major determinant of a hurricane. Any tropical storm
with sustained wind in excess of 74 mph is classified as a
hurricane. Hurricanes are judged by their power according to a
model known as the Saffir-Simpson scale. This measure of the
power of a hurricane classes hurricanes according to a sliding
scale from 1 to 5 (with category 5 storms as the most severe).
Category 5 storms are rare. Richlands would be protected from
the full brute force of a hurricane as a result of its location.
The friction or impact of the storm hitting land from the water
causes dissipation of the full force of the storm though there is
still tremendous energy left which may overturn mobile homes,
down power lines and other public utilities, destroy crops, and
' fell trees. As Richlands is a municipality near the coast, the
Town may feel a nearly full effect from a storm. Despite this
somewhat disturbing fact, which Town officials take quite
seriously as they plan, the Town has survived many storms and
continues to flourish.
Tornados are extremely forceful whirlwinds which effect a much
narrower path than a hurricane. These storms may have winds in
excess of 300 mph and are the most powerful wind storms. Rain
may also be associated with these storm events. During a tornado
strike, structures built by man do not fare well and are most
often completely destroyed. Tornados are more common visitors to
' Onslow County than hurricanes. Man's successful efforts to
mitigate the effect of tornados has been negligible due to the
raw power of these storms.
' As a result of these occasional storm events, wind stress is an
important consideration in storm hazard mitigation planning.
Flooding
With the tremendous rainfall known to occur accompanying
hurricanes, and with the storm surge which may cause rivers,
streams, tributaries, and branches draining an area to clog and
to back up, flooding is a hazard. Flooding during a storm event
' will frequently cause extensive damage in Towns such as
Richlands. Low areas exist in Town. These areas, which may be
identified as wetlands, are subject to the threat of flood. The
' Town is a member of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's
National Flood Hazard Protection Program. Since hazards are
known to exist, the consideration of possible flood damage is an
92

important part of Richlands' storm hazard mitigation policy
planning.
(b) Richlands Storm Hazard Mitigation Policy
The North Carolina Uniform Building Code is used by Richlands to
manage development and to minimize potential wind damage. It is
the policy of the Town to support the State Building Code on wind
resistant construction with design standards of 110 mph wind
loads. The Town shall require the enforcement of the NC Building
Code and especially those provisions which require construction
to meet wind resistive factors.
It is the policy and intention of the Town of Richlands to
continue as a participant in the National Flood Insurance
program. The Town of Richlands will consider discouraging high
intensity uses and large structurez within the IC^ -year
floodplain with the next revision of the Zoning Ordinance. It is
Town policy to consider the purchase of parcels located in
hazardous areas or rendered unbuildable by storms or other events
for recreation purposes. Subdividers, through negotiation and by
mutual agreement, may be required to set aside a portion of any
proposed subdivision found to be in a hazardous area as a
condition for project approval due to public safety
considerations.
As a means of eliminating visual blight and to protect utilities
in case of storm, it is the policy of the Town of Richlands to
encourages the placement of utilities underground for all new
development and redevelopment projects.
(c) Evacuation Plans
The Town of Richlands has confidence in the disaster preparedness
plan of the Onslow County Emergency Management Department and as
Town policy hereby supports, accepts, and adopts the provisions
of this plan relative to the evacuation and general safety of the
Town of Richlands. The Town of Richlands wishes to work with
Onslow County on all matters relative to the public safety. Town
officials believe Richlands will serve as a model for other
Onslow County communities and suggests others may wish to emulate
the systematic and well thought out process described herein.
(d) Post -Disaster Recovery Plan
Richlands officials recognize that in the event of a major storm
making landfall in the vicinity of Town or other disaster there
93
1
d
A

will very likely be damage to homes, businesses, public
utilities, roads or other features of Town which will require
coordinated clean-up and prior thought given to the process of
returning to pre -storm status. As a means of assisting with this
return to non -storm status, the Town of Richlands hereby
appoints a Disaster Recovery Team (DRT) consisting of the
following members:
1. Mayor
2. Town Board
3. Town Administrator
4. Richlands Public Works Director
The Mayor will serve as the DRT leader and the base of operations
will be the Emergency Operations Center which will be established
at Town Hall. The DRT will be responsible for the following:
1. Establishing a restoration schedule.
2.
Setting priorities for restoration.
'
3.
Determining requirements for outside assistance and
requesting such assistance when beyond local
'
capabilities.
4.
Keeping appropriate County, State, and federal
officials informed.
'
5.
Keeping the public informed.
'
6.
Assembling and maintaining records of actions taken and
expenditures and obligations incurred.
7.
Recommending to the Mayor to proclaim a state of
emergency if warranted.
'
8.
Commencing and coordinating clean-up, debris removal,
and utility restoration which would include
coordination of restoration activities undertaken by
'
private utility companies (if any).
9.
Coordinating repair and restoration of essential public
facilities and services in accordance with determined
'
priorities.
' 10. Assisting private businesses and individual property
owners in obtaining information on the various types of
assistance that might be available to them from local,
' 94

State, and federal agencies.
11. Coordinating public safety.
As a further aid in the return to normal operations following a
storm event or disaster, and in circumstances where damage may be
quite bad (or catastrophic) the Town will prepare a list of local
residents who should be allowed free access to the Town in the
aftermath of a storm event. These people would be allowed to
have access in the event of a blockading of the Town. The
persons on this list will be referred to as the Damage Control
Team (DCT) and will include all members of the DRT, Town
employees, electricians, carpenters, plumbers, volunteer fire and
rescue personnel and others who may be of assistance in a return
to pre -storm status.
Following the storm event, the DRT will have Town personnel,
volunteers, the-`DCT, and others as necessary, to begin clean=up
operations and debris removal. State and/or federal assistance
will be requested, and if available will be used for the purpose
of cleaning streets, roads, culverts, etc., and to assist the
elderly and infirm who may be in immediate need of assistance.
The DRT will be responsible for the implementation of an orderly
reconstruction process following a major storm event. The
reconstruction process will occur in accordance with the Town's
building and land use regulations and policies.
Damage Assessment
Damage assessment must be made to determine as quickly as
Possible a realistic estimate of the amount of damage caused by a
hurricane or major storm. Information such as the number of
structures damaged, the extent of the damage, and the total
estimated value of property destroyed will need to be developed.
As soon as possible following a storm event the DRT will set up a
Damage Assessment Team (DAT). This team must consist of
individuals who are capable of giving reliable estimates of the
original value of structures, estimates of the value amount of
damages sustained, and an accounting of repairs necessary to
restore the structure to its original use.
11
95 1

L
IMembers of the DAT will consist of the following persons:
I
1. Tax Collector
2. Public Works Director/Building
Inspector
3. A local realtor or contractor
4. Onslow County Tax Department
personnel
The following general criteria shall be used:
1.
Destroyed -h
= repairs would cost
more
than 50% of value.
2.
Major damage
= repairs would cost
more
than 30% of value.
3.
Minor damage
repairs would cost
less
than 30% of the value
but
the structure is currently
uninhabitable.
4.
Habitable NN
= some minor damage
with
repairs less than 15%
of
value.
' Each damage assessment will be documented according to County Tax
Department records. Also Town tax maps and records will be used
for identification purposes. The total estimated dollar value of
' damages will be summarized and reported to the DRT at the
completion of the survey, or in the case of extensive damage, at
regular intervals during the assessment.
Reconstruction Standards
' Structures which are rendered destroyed or which have sustained
major damage, as determined by the DAT, and which did not conform
to the Town's building code, Zoning Ordinance, or other storm
mitigation policy standards must be redeveloped according to
those policies and regulations. In some instances this will mean
the relocation of buildings or structures, in other instances
' this will mean no reconstruction will be allowed. Building
permits to restore structures which have received major damage,
or which have been destroyed, and which were in conformance with
' municipal ordinances and storm mitigation policy standards will
be issued automatically. All structures suffering major damage
will be repaired according to the NC Building Code and according
' all other pertinent, State, local, or federal rules and
regulations. All structures suffering minor damage, regardless
of location, will be allowed to rebuild to the original condition
' 96

prior to the storm event.
Development Moratoria
Because of the existing development within the Town of Richlands,
which is more densely developed than the surrounding areas of the
County, and because of the possibility of extensive damage caused
,
by a major storm, it may be necessary for the Town to prohibit
all redevelopment activities for a period of time following a
storm event. This development moratoria would allow Town
,
officials the opportunity to carefully assess all damage in light
of existing policies, building regulations and ordinances and to
determine the steps necessary for redevelopment. This will be
particularly crucial should major public facilities be destroyed.
The intent of this moratorium would be to avoid similar
circumstances in the event of future storms. If a moratorium is
'
declared, it will be declared by the Town Board. The time frame
for this moratorium will be consistent with the extent of damage.
The actual length of any moratorium declared will be set by the
,
Town Board.
Reconstruction Schedule
The following brief schedule of activities and time frame are
approved with an understanding that, realistically, there are ,
many factors which must be considered during a storm event and
some of these items may render this schedule unworkable or not
feasible. It is the policy of the Town of Richlands to take all '
actions to complete the reconstruction process as quickly and
conveniently for all citizens as possible.
Activity
Time Frame
M Complete and report damage
4 2 weeks after storm
assessments.
M Begin repairs to critical
4 As soon as possible
utilities and facilities.
Permitting of reconstruction
4 Following completion of
activity for all damaged
assessments of the
structures.
individual buildings
requiring repair
H
97 1

Replacement of Public Utilities
If the public water supply system or a future public or a
community sewerage system is damaged or destroyed and it may be
determined that the facility may be moved to a less hazardous
location, then the system may be relocated during the
reconstruction period. The Mayor, Town Administrator, the Town
Board, and the Town engineer will be responsible for oversight on
the repair or reconstruction of public utilities.
SECTION 7: LAND CLASSIFICATION
The Land Classification system provides a framework which will
guide the Town of Richlands in identifying the future use of all
lands within the Town's planning jurisdiction. Some of the lands
may be more suitable for development activity than others. The
description of the land classes herein shown will allow Richlands
officials to illustrate graphically their policy statements on
where, and at what intensity, they wish -future growth will occur.
The system of land classification will also illustrate where the
Town wants to conserve natural and cultural resources by guiding
growth.
As a means of assisting local government in North Carolina with
this task, the Coastal Resources Commission (Through the use of
the Land Use Planning Guidelines) has designated a land
classification system which has seven classes. Each of these
classes is identifiable by the intensity of use and the extent of
urban type services offered. These seven classification
categories (developed, urban transition, limited transition,
community, rural, rural with services, and conservation) have
been subdivided by the Town of Richlands into classes more
pertinent to the situation within the Tow. Some classes
described by the CRC are not appropriate for Richlands. Other
classes are a perfect fit.
The Town of Richlands wishes to
land classification categories.
categories mentioned above are
use a hybrid of these suggested
suitably reflect the reality of
Richlands.
use four of the above mentioned
The Town recognizes the
"guidelines." The Town elects to
categories as a means by which to
the growth situation in
The following land classifications apply within Richlands'
planning jurisdiction.
A Developed A
The developed areas within Richlands are located in the downtown
W.

area and generally along U.S. Highway 258 and NC 24. These are
those areas to which future intensive type development and
redevelopment should be directed. This is the area of Richlands
which is currently urban in character and the area where there is
minimal undeveloped land available. These lands also have in
place, or are scheduled for the provision of, municipal services
(water/sewer).
In Richlands, developed areas include mixed land uses such as
residential, commercial. Industrial, institutional, and other
high to moderate density land uses. It is the policy of
Richlands to improve business opportunity in those areas
described as developed. The Town plans to work on the current
situation to improve traffic flow, parking, pedestrian access to
business, landscaping and to beautify those areas described as
developed. The Town of Richlands has a long-term goal for the
continuing improvement and protection of the downtown area.
All development activity to occur in Richlands
must be consistent with local ordinances. All
activity must also be consistent with State and
regulations.
A Transition A
1
Developed areas I
development
federal rules and
Areas which are described as within the transition classification
are expected to receive development attention within the 10 year
planning period covered by this document. While it is true that
not all of those areas thus described (transition) herein will be
developed within ten years, these areas are available and are
likely to receive attention from development interests. The
transition areas are appropriate for residential, commercial,
industrial, and institutional uses as governed by the Zoning
Ordinance.
The concept of "transition" is that these areas will be (or may
be) in transition during the 10 year planning period from one
type of use to some other type of use. This would include vacant
land which will be built upon. Also included within the concept
of transition is a change of some other type. Older residential
homes may be replaced with businesses or more modern homes.
(Some of this transition type development may also occur in areas
described as developed.)
The purpose of this class is to provide for future intensive
urban development on suitable lands that will be provided with
the necessary urban services to support that development.
P
99 1

IThese lands:
Are presently being developed for urban purposes or will be
1Q
developed in the next ten years to anticipate population and
urban growth.
'
❑
Are presently, or will be, in a transition state of
development (going from lower intensity to higher intensity
uses) and as such will eventually require urban type
'
services.
❑
Are generally free of physical limitations to development
and served, or readily served, by urban services (water,
sewer, streets and roads, police and fire).
❑
Are appropriate for residential, commercial, industrial, or
institutional development (according to the requirements of
the Zoning Ordinance).
In Richlands, those areas described as transition adjoin areas
described as developed. The transition areas are expected to
experience moderate development pressure within the next 10
years.
A Rural A
Areas shown as rural on the Land Classification Map are those
areas which have the highest probability for remaining in a rural
type development status for the planning period. These areas are
not currently developed in an intense manner, nor are these areas
' expected to develop intensely within the planning period. The
rural class provides for agriculture, forestry, and other allied
uses traditionally associated with an agrarian region. Other
' uses may also be appropriate here if sited in a manner that
minimizes their negative impact on surrounding land uses. Low
density dispersed residential uses with on -site water and sewer
1 services provision are appropriate in the rural class.
Agricultural livestock production (hog -turkey -chicken farms) is
not appropriate in the Town's planning jurisdiction. Public
utilities siting may also be appropriate for the rural
' classification.
The Town of Richlands supports the preservation of areas which
' are suitable for agricultural activity both on a statewide basis
and within Richlands. It is recognized that there has been a
historical emphasis on agriculture in and around Richlands.
Richlands acknowledgment of its agricultural heritage is not
mentioned here as a means by which to preclude property owners
the right to develop their land. The purpose of the rural
100

classification is to assist developers and owners with
information on the availability of public services, and to give
some idea of future expansion plans, so that decisions may be
made by interested parties which are in keeping with Richlands
policy and which have the interests of the general public,
property owners included, in mind.
There are large areas of the Town's planning jurisdiction which
are classified rural.
All development activity within lands classified rural must be
consistent with the Town's Code of Ordinances, including the
Zoning Ordinance. All development must also be consistent with
all State and federal rules and regulations.
A Conservation A
Within Richlands those areas subject to a "100 year flood," as
shown on the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) Flood
Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM's), are shown as conservation. The
purpose of the conservation classification is not to preclude
development but to recognize the vulnerability of these areas.
The recognition of these areas as possibly subject to flood will
help the Town and development interests to recognize management
is needed at these locations due to the natural environment and
the physical features of the land.
All development activity in areas described as conservation must
be consistent with local, State, and federal rules, regulations,
and ordinances. Development activity allowed in these areas will
be governed by the types of uses allowed per the appropriate Town
of Richlands Zoning district.
SECTION 8: RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES TO LAND CLASSIFICATION
The North Carolina Division of Coastal Management, acting as
staff for the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission,
requires a statement within each Land Use Plan in coastal North
Carolina on how policies within the Land Use Plan relate to the
land classification categories. For all readers and for all
agency personnel who may read and interpret this document, be
advised that the Town of Richlands has given long and careful
thought to the policies contained herein. The Land Use Plan
creation process was long and involved many difficult selection
opportunities on policy. The policies which have emerged and
which are contained within this document represent the best
effort of Town officials to create policy which reflects the
Town's position on long-term growth and which will be consistent
with the planning guidelines received from the NC Coastal
Resources Commission. The Land Classification Map is the graphic
101

depiction of how the Town desires these policies to be enforced
on the land areas in and around the Town.
It is the desire of Town officials to have Town ordinances
created and enforced which will be consistent with Town policy
(contained herein) and which policy is depicted on the Land
Classification Map which is a part of this document.
SECTION 9: INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION & IMPLEMENTATION
The Town of Richlands will continue to work with Onslow County on
matters of mutual concern. It is recognized within the Town that
the County has resources and staff personnel which may be of
great assistance to the municipality. Similarly, the Town of
Richlands has much to offer other area local governments. The
Town wishes to encourage and to promote further cooperation.
Some of the areas in which the Town would like to work more
closely wiLn area local governments include the following (in no
particular order):
1. Commercial development and the recruiting of
appropriate commercial type businesses to Richlands.
2. Planning and the regulation of development.
3. Provision of fire and rescue services.
4. Emergency management planning and implementation.
5. Parks and recreation services.
6. Onslow County Museum.
7. Sheriff's Department.
8. Register of Deeds.
9. Transportation planning activities and improvements in
Onslow County.
10. Onslow County Library.
11. Water and sewer services extension.
12. Schools/Education.
The Town recognizes the municipal boundary and the
extraterritorial area limit line are not the full extent of the
area of concern effecting the Town of Richlands. The County and
other area municipalities have much to share in terms of
102

experience and expertise. Onslow County municipal managers,
administrators, and clerks have a wealth of experience. Rather
than each individual local government're-inventing the solution '
to a problem the Town of Richlands suggests cooperation and a
pooling of resources to cooperate on ways that cost savings and
administrative efficiency may be achieved. It is the intention
of the Town of Richlands to make the best use of all types of
resources available and to strive to make the Town of Richlands a
model small Town and a better place to live through the sharing
of experience.
It is recognized that those land areas which are the maximum
extent of the Town of Richlands' extraterritorial area border on
,
lands which are covered by a different ordinance for land
subdivision, minimum housing, nuisance, etc. The Town wishes to
work with the County on the adoption of ordinances by area local
'
governments which will have some similarity of purpose. The
long-range goal'for each of these places is a better living''
environment for the citizens of Onslow County.
'
County residents share a common destiny, and just as a common
future for those who stay in the County is indisputable, any
'
inconsistencies in policy or design of land management systems
and ordinances will always be able to be discussed at the Town of
Richlands. Municipal officials would also like to recognize this
same level of cooperation at the County and to thank County
'
officials and staff for their assistance through the years and in
advance for the future ........ I
I
103

m m m m m mm m m mm= mw = m =

ATTACHMENT A
I CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN
TOWN OF RICHLANDS
1997 LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
This Citizen Participation Plan has been prepared according to the requirements of Subcha ter 7B of
q P
Chapter 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code at Section .0207. As a part of the public
1 participation requirement for the production of a Land Use Plan (LUP) under the Coastal Area
Management Act, local governments are required to describe a process by which the public will be
encouraged to participate in the planning process. It is the intent of the process described herein that the
public will have ample opportunity to become a meaningful part of the planning process and that views
gathered as a part of this process will be informative and instructional for citizens of the Town of
Richlands, interested parties, and elected and appointed Boards.
' The principle local Board responsible for supervision of the planning process will be the Town of
Richlands Planning Board. Mr. Haskell S. Rhett, III, will serve as Planner -in -Charge. Mr. Billy Farmer
' (Town Manager) will serve as the principle point of contact for the Town. Mr. Gene Sanders (Planning
Board Chairman) and Mr. Marvin Trott (Mayor) will also serve as the points of contact for their respective
Boards. The Board of Aldermen and the Planning Board will be active in the preparation of this Land Use
' Plan Update for the Town of Richlands.
Included as a part of this plan is a schedule of events which describes the planning process. Additional
meetings will take place, in addition to those described, as necessary. We expect and anticipate assistance
from the NC Division of Coastal Management in the production of this LUPUP.
The public will receive notice of opportunities for input in the planning process. Regular meetings of the
Planning Board and Board of Aldermen will be used, whenever possible, as a means of getting the citizens
of the community involved. Legal advertisement of public meetings will be used. Newspaper and other
media coverage will be sought. Fliers will be posted in/at Town Hall and around the Town to inform the
' public of their opportunities for involvement. Additionally, a Citizen Survey Questionnaire will be
distributed as a part of the process.
The planning process will begin with an introduction and a focus on existing land use. From there the
process will proceed into a discussion of present issues. Next, future issues of concern for the Town will
become a focus. The policy statements will be the most significant and important part of the LUP and the
importance of these statements on policy will be emphasized to citizens and community leaders alike.
Coordination and discussion with area municipalities and County officials on policy matters will be a part
of this process. All economic, social, ethnic and cultural viewpoints will be consider through the process
of LUP production.
' SCHEDULE F O EVENTS
Date' Even
' November, 1996 Adoption of Citizen Participation Plan (Planning Board
P ( '; )
December, 1996 Adoption of Citizen Participation Plan (Board of Aldermen)
I1 Actual dates are subject to change as needs and circumstances dictate.
11

December, 1996
Approval of Citizen Survey Questionnaire.
January, 1997
Public Hearing on LUP. Explanation of process. Introduction to
Land Use Planning. Distribution of Survey/Questionnaire.
January, 1997
Return of Survey/Questionnaire.
February, 1997
Presentation of existing land use information
to Planning Board.
March, 1997
Existing Land Use Information finalized and presented
to Board of Aldermen. Survey results compiled and
presented to the Planning Board.
April, 1997
Joint meeting of Board of Aldermen and Planning Board to
discuss policies.
May, 1997
Draft policies prepared on Resource Protection,
Resource Production and Economic and Community
Development. Planning Board review.
June, 1997
Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post Disaster Recovery and
Evacuation LUP elements prepared. Draft Land
Classification Map and text prepared for review by
Planning Board.
July, 1997
Public Hearing for review of draft document held by
Planning Board.
August 1997
Draft LUP prepared/complete and submitted to
Board of Aldermen.
September 1997
Board of Aldermen review of draft document and approval
of release for state and federal agency comment.
September 30, 1997
Prepared draft LUP presented to NC DCM.

ATTACHMENT B
A oa SfArE o
✓ 1 l
North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
James B. Hunt Jr., Governor
Betty Ray McCain, Secretary
March 4, 1997
Haskell S. Rhett III
The Rhett Company
P.O. Box 7512
Wilmington, NC 28406
Division of Archives and History
Jeffrey J. Crow, Director
' Re: Richlands Land Use Plan Update, Onslow
County, ER 97-8537
Dear Mr. Rhett:
' Thank you for your letter of February 14, 1997, concerning the above project.
' We have conducted a search of our maps and files and have located the following
structures of historical or architectural importance within the general area of the
project:
Richlands Historic District. See enclosed map for district boundaries. This
district is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
' A review of our archaeological site files iindicates that there are no recorded sites
within the Richlands ETJ. However, there has been no archaeological survey in the
area. Prehistoric and historic period sites are expected throughout the area,
' particularly along Squires Run and its tributaries.
Any project activities requiring state or federal grants, loans, licenses, or permits
must be reviewed by our office to insure compliance with G.S. 121-12(a) and/or
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Regulations
for Compliance with Section 106 codified at 36 CFR Part 800.
Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions
concerning the above comment, please contact Renee Gledhill -Earley, environmental
review coordinator, at 919/733-4763.
Slrl,ce\, _
1A,
David Brook
Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer
DB:slw
Enclosure
109 East Jones Street • Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2807 g��

State of North Carolina ATTACHMENT
Department of Environment,
Health and Natural Resources
Division of Parks & Recreation
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary
Dr. Philip K. McKnelly, Director
March 4, 1997
Mr. Haskell S. Rhett, III
The Rhett Company
P.O. Box 7512
Wilmington, North Carolina 28406
ATX.;WA
Am 110 7,18A
VOW
IDEHNR
SUBJECT: Rare Species, High Quality Natural Communities, and Significant Natural
' Areas in the Town of Richlands, Onslow County, North Carolina
Dear Mr. Rhett:
' To the best of our knowledge, the North Carolina Natural g , to al Heritage Program does not have records
of known rare species, high quality natural communities, or significant natural areas occurring at or
' within a 1-mile radius of the town limits of the Town of Richlands. However, we could not determine
from the map you sent where the southern boundary of the Town lies in relation to other elements
on our maps. The nearest elements to the south for which we have records are located near the New
River crossing of SR 1314 and near a tributary to the New River between SR 1223 and SR 1224.
If these elements are within your area of interest, please let me know and I will send further
information on them.
Enclosed is a list of rare species that are known to occur in Onslow County. If suitable habitat for
any of these species occurs in the project area, then those species may be present at the project site.
If it is necessary to be certain that this site does not contain rare species, a field survey would need
to be conducted.
' Contact me at the address below or call me at [phone] if you have any questions or need
further information.
Sincerely,
A-W'aaia' col't
Amalie Couvillion
Protection Specialist
Natural Heritage Program
/ACC
Enclosures
P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-7687 Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
' An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post -consumer paper

0
1-1
'J
ATTACHMENT D
ANALYSIS OF LAND USE PLAN EFFECTIVENESS
The Town of Richlands was created by the NC General Assembly in 1880. The initial Land Use
Plan for the Town of Richlands was locally adopted in 1981. That same year the NC Coastal
Resources Commission approved the locally adopted Plan for State use. This Land Use Plan
Update is the third update to the original document. The previous plan served the community
well.
The initial Land Use Plan was the legal basis for the Town's Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision
Regulations and other land use controls. The previous "sketch" Land Use Plan did give a great
deal of information or extensive policy guidance for the Town. Today, as at other times in her
history, Richlands is faced with challenges. Dramatic change has begun. This will be a lively
time for Richlands. The Town anticipates and accelerated period of growth over the next ten
years. With this growth, the Town which we have known as Richlands will be changed. Town
officials are preparing for the changes expected.
Regulations governing land development activity in Richlands have been amended and will be
revised. This Land Use Plan Update revises the policies and facts contained within the previous
document. This document will be the guide for future growth and the guide for further revisions
to the ordinance.
It is expected that with each revision of a Land Use Plan the new Plan will more closely meet the
current needs of the community. Much time and effort was spent in the preparation of this
LUPUP. The Town of Richlands realizes the importance of the need for a continuing planning
effort.
This LUP, as with the previous LUP, is designed to allow the community to grow in a way which
will be in keeping with the desires of the elected and appointed officials of Richlands. It is their
views of the future which were exhibited in the previous Plan and which are exhibited herein.
1

ATTACHMENT E
Policies Considered
As a part of the creation of this land use plan document the Town of Richlands considered a
' large number of policy questions. Each section of the Coastal Resources Commission's
planning guidelines was reviewed and policy was thoughtfully considered and adopted where
necessary. In some cases additional policy items, not required by the Commission, were added.
The first phase of this process was the review of the previous plan policies. The previous plan
' was a sketch level land use plan and the policies therein were short and to the point. As a part of
our review of this policy information, Town leaders found that it was not necessary to eliminate
any previous policy items. What was found to be necessary was additional thought and effort
' and concentration on the content of plan policy. Much concentration was put into this part on
plan development. We added policy which was important for Richlands growth and future
development.
' New policy emerged in some cases from old policy transformed. In other cases new policy
stood as additional clarification to older policy. This was an exercise which turned out to be of
' great value to Richlands policy makers.
All due consideration has been given to all of those other policy choices we could collectively
imagine. What the reader will see in review of this document is an effort to show the desire of
the Town for future growth.
0

F
ATTACHMENT F
SUMMARY OF LAND USE PLANNING ISSUES
The list below gives a summary of those land use issues which may emerge as important
planning issues for Richlands within the next ten years.
Manufactured homes proliferation
Availability of potable water
Retreat of the groundwater table (further underground)
Ordinance revisions
Creation of Minimum Housing Code Regulations
Revision to Zoning Ordinance
Revision to Subdivision Regulations
Nuisance regulations
Local building code enforcement
Regulation of adult businesses
Downtown growth and revitalization
New Town Hall
Water & sewer extension
Roads repair and relocation
Emergency management issues
Preservation of cultural/historic features and artifacts
Environmental issues (water/air quality, groundwater, sedimentation and erosion issues, etc.)
Preservation of open space
Public recreation
Transportation planning
' Agricultural lands
Commercial and residential land use conflicts
'7
L
Annexation
Services provision (police, fire, building, schools)
Intergovernmental cooperation on services
Development and redevelopment
Community development program
Administrative staff enlargement (also growth in other departments)
Industrial recruitment
Height regulations
Jobs
Sign ordinance
Solid waste
Wetlands regulations
Building code enforcement and violations
Economic development
Hog/chicken/turkey farms
Stormwater
Density of development
And others ............

Richlands
Land Use Plan Update
Citizen Survey Results
[FIST
!�IYA
The Rhett Company
P. O. Box 7512
Wilmington, NC 28406
910.458.9557

Acknowledement
The preparation of this document was financed, in part, through a grant provided by
the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
14:
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LTA

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March 24, 1997
Dear Citizens:
The survey responses presented in this document are produced as the result of a survey
conducted by the Town of Richlands as a part of the Land Use Plan Update process. The North
Carolina Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) requires local governments in coastal North
Carolina to create Land Use Plans and to update these plans every five years. The survey (a copy
of which is located in the back of this document) was intended as a means by which the
Richlands Planning Board and Board of Aldermen could reach a large number of citizens and
receive their input on issues important to the Town.
' The survey was designed, produced, and administered to encourage citizen participation in the
planning process. The CRC requires a variety of opportunities for citizen involvement in Land
Use Plan preparation and the choice of the means of participation is left up to the local
government. As a part of Richlands citizen participation process the Town mailed 665 citizen
surveys to water bill customers on February 18, 1997. By the deadline date for the return of
surveys, which was March 1, 1997, 201 surveys (30.22%) had been returned. The responses
received are what follows.
This survey was not meant to be "scientific." The sole purpose of this survey was to gather data
on services, development and administrative type issues from interested members of the general
public. This survey is not meant to be "political." It is, and should be taken to be, advisory in
nature.
�I I have read all the comments and I am leased to report that the people of Richlands feel good
P
about their Town. They offer many suggestions on the ways and means by which we might
improve the future of the community.
Any errors in the survey, in the survey process, or in this survey results document are my
responsibility. Many thanks to my friends at Town Hall for their assistance!
IBest wishes!
IHaskell S. Rhett, III
1

w ■r w w w m w m r= w r m r m w m r r

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1) How long have you lived in Richlands'?
Of those in -Town residents surveyed, one hundred and forty (140, or 69.7% of the total)
responded, as follows:
> Before 1947 # of respondents = 33 = 16.4% (of 201 surveys)
= 23.6% (of 140 surveys)
> 1947-1959 # of respondents = 20 = 9.9% (of 201 surveys)
= 14.3% (of 140 surveys)
> 1960-1969 # of respondents = 1 I = 5.5% (of 201 surveys)
= 7.8% (of 140 surveys)
>
1970-1979
# of respondents =
15
= 7.5% (of 201 surveys)
= 10.7% (of 140 surveys)
>
1980-1984
# of respondents =
12
= 6% (of 201 surveys)
= 8.6% (of 140 surveys)
>
1985-1989
# of respondents =
12
= 6% (of 201 surveys)
= 8.6% (of 140 surveys)
>
1990-1996
# of respondents =
29
= 14.4% (of 201 surveys)
= 20.7% (of 140 surveys)
>
1997
# of respondents =
3
= 1.5% (of 201 surveys)
= 2.1% (of 140 surveys)
>
No Answer
# of respondents =
5
= 2.5% (of 201 surveys)
= 3.6% (of 140 surveys)
»
Totals
= 69.7% (of 201 surveys)
= 100% (of 140 surveys)
' There were two hundred and one (201) total survey respondents. Sixty one (61) were
from the ETJ. One hundred and forty (140) were in -Town residents.

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2) Which of the following best describes your relationship to Richlands?
Permanent resident
-� 119 = 70.801'0 (of 168 responses)
Non-resident property owner
4 7 = 4.2% (of 168 responses)
Owner/operator of a business in the Town of Richlands
-4 27 = 16.1 % (of 168 responses)
Resident of Richlands Extraterritorial Area (ETA)
_+ 13 = 7.7% (of 168 responses)
No answer
4 2 = 1.2% (of 168 responses)
Total responses from in -Town =168 = 100%
Comments:
-There were no comments on the 140 in -Town surveys returned on this question.
' Respondents were asked to check all answers that apply. Some answered in more than
one category.

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3) What, in your opinion, is the most important problem facing Richlands that the
Town can do something about?
-Lack of growth, inadequate housing and recreation.
-Mobile homes inside the Town --- they should be zoned out.
-Its elected officials.
-Encourage other eating establishments.
-Hog & swine farms springing up all over ETJ. Smell and contamination of groundwater
is increasing.
-Constant noise: dogs barking non-stop, loud car music. I am not getting the quiet
atmosphere.
-Clean up the business areas on Highway 24. Too much trash laying around.
-Implement and enforce stringent zoning policies. (No trailers or adult relaxation.)
-Provide recreation for youth. Park, basketball, etc.
-(I) Water/Sewer cost; (2) Cleanliness of Town.
-Water & sewer too high to pay each month.
-Paint curbs for when it rains near 258.
-Water situation.
-Water & sewer system, roads.
-Taxes .... keep them low. Water & sewer bill too high.
-Drainage of water.
-Business going out of business and no other companies to take over.
-Street maintenance and improvements.
-Bring in some industry. Do something for our teenagers.
-Upgrade sub -standard housing in the Town.
-(I) Old buildings in need of repair and vacant; (2) Available land for building homes.
-To update the existing trailer parks and not allow any more to come in!
-Proper zoning, clean-up, law enforcement of everyone equally.
-Clean up the cable TV mess!
-More businesses are needed -- not many employment opportunities are available.
-Conservation of water supply & protection of aquifer from agricultural pollution.
-Street maintenance (Frank & Foy Streets).
-Children out on the streets at all hours of the night..
-Protect the water we have from running out.
-Curbing on my end of Town.
-Establish an industrial park.
-Lack of growth, traffic on 258.
-Maintenance of water & sewer.
-Bring more business to Town.
-Lower sewer rates.
-The roads.
-Bring in some industry to create more jobs.
-Controlled growth.
-Keeping a quiet safe family atmosphere.
-Enforcement of land use laws.

-Constant tearing up and half --way fixing streets. Paving is a problem.
-Water bills.
-Extend the city.
-None.
-Keeping the streets repaired.
-(1) Manage water table to maintain the use of the current well to minimize the loss of
water quality; (2) Street maintenance.
-Downtown is nearly dead.... not enough recreation for teenagers.
"perfect
-Ensuring establishment of water" supply.
-Need some companies to provide JOBS.
-Make better and more sidewalks.
-Water! A good place for the kids to play and keep them off the streets.
-Making sure the water is pure.
-Availability of medical help/care.
-Water; handling of growth.
-Keep roads smooth.
-Diminish or restore homes. Condemn old vacant homes and sell lots.
-Keeping or bringing in new business in or around the Town to help keep resident
population.
-Streets ...... especially Norwood Baysden's Road.
-Streets.
-Water; water cost.
-Revitalize downtown area.
-Letting other industries locate in the area.
-Fixing pot holes in the city streets.
-Annex Huffman Town area and U.S. 258 west and down Troxx Road.
-(1) Industry would bring jobs and growth -- both people and money. (2) A place to go
fishing where you could eat the fish you caught and not have hog or turkey waste
in the water.
-Get people in Town government who will listen and not do what is best for themselves.
-Residents in ETJ cleaning up storm damage (demolished trailers, etc.).
-Hog smell from Cavenaugh's hog farm. (There are a few people in our area who raise a
few hogs -- maybe 2 or 3 dozen. We never had this smell until Cavenaugh's
opened up 2 or 3 buildings of hogs. Also dwindling water supply in the aquifer.
-Make it a better place.
-Recreation facilities for teenagers.
-Preservation of historic context. Improvement in street maintenance.
-Keeping the ditches clean.
-Speed up the process on the renovation of the park.
-Get a stoplight where shopping center is ....... too many accidents and kids trying to
cross.
-More industry -- sit down family type restaurant.
-Lack of employment opportunities for local residents. Could the Town help search for
some small industries o alleviate this problem?
-All Town laws and regulations (enforced) the same for all -- not by name or threat.
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-Lack of police officers. Need to expand city limits. Storm drains on Academy Street
are pathetic.
-Annex.
-Mobile homes inside the Town ..... they should be zoned out.
-Repair of streets.
-Drugs in community and school.
-We need a recreation park in Town. Too many drugs in Town and in schools. Need
more undercover police trying to get drugs gone.
-Expedite revamping of Town park!!
-W. Franck Street -- a disaster waiting to happen. West Franck Street is badly in need of
sidewalks. The street should be closed to through traffic especially large trucks
and buses. They come off of Highway 258 at a high rate of speed making it
dangerous to even back from your own property. This street has now become a
cut-thru (a main thoroughfare) for people traveling from Jacksonville to Highway
40 and 258 North. I hope I live long enough to see changes made for safety
reasons as well as keeping the paved street in better condition. It is now breaking
in many places due to heavy equipment/trucks using it --
-Development of new businesses.
-Recreation facilities.
-Annexation of ordering homes.
-If I could I would like to have sorne dirt put in my yard to help with the mud holes but
I'm not able to pay for it and I cannot spread it. If I could get a little bit I could
get someone to spread it. I don't need much. Thank you.
-Recreation park needed in Town. Drugs are ruining the children in Richlands.
Undercover police are needed in schools and Town to get drugs and drug
traffic(ers) out of Richlands.
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4) If you are a permanent resident, what was the major reason you chose Richlands as
your home'? (171 responses received on 140 in -Town surveys returned.)
❑ To enjoy the quiet family atmosphere
62 (of 140 surveys) or 36.3% of the 171 total responses replied in this category.
❑ Proximity of other amenities or relatives
26 (of 140 surveys) or 15.2% of the 171 total responses replied in this category.
❑ Low taxes
3 (of 140 surveys) or 1.7% of the 171 total responses replied in this category.
❑ Climate
6 (of 140 surveys) or 3.5% of the 171 total responses replied in this category.
❑ Employment/Business opportunity
11 (of 140 surveys) or 6.4% of the 171 total responses replied in this category.
❑ All of the above
27 (of 140 surveys) or 15.8% of the 171 total responses replied in this category.
❑ Other
22 (of 140 surveys) or 12.9% of the 171 total responses replied in this category.
❑ No Answer
14 (of 140 surveys) or 8 2% of the 171 total responses replied in this category.
Comments:
-I am not getting the quiet atmosphere.
-Schools.
-I came to retire.
-Great water.
I-Born
here in Richlands.
-Home.
-Keep as much like Mayberry as possible.
-Born here.
I
-Was born in Richlands area.
-At the time we were military, decided to retire here.
-Very good schools.
-Born here.
-Became a widow so I needed a low income apartment.
-Grew up here, family here.
-Born and raised in Richlands.
-Life-long resident.
-Born here.
-Didn't know any better.
-Didn't really know what I was getting into.
-Born here.
-Safe neighborhood ...... cost of living.
-Retired here. Enjoy the people here.
-Convenience of work, school, after school activities.
-Born and reared here. Wanted to be home and build a house.
Respondents were instructed to check one reply.
Many respondents replied more than
once.

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5) If you are a non-resident property owner, what was the major reason why you
acquired your property?
For rental purposes/investment oses/investmentproperty
P p
> 1 responded
Proximity of amenities or relatives
> 6 responded
Low taxes
> 3 responded
For future use as a retirement home
> 4 responded
Employment/Business opportunity
1 > 5 responded
No answer
> 115 responded
Other
> 6 responded
Comments:
-Rent don't own.
-Inheritance.
-No answer.
-I don't own property.
-N/A
-N/A
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6) In future years, how would you like to see Richlands develop`?
A retirement community
> 49
A bedroom community
> 46
A regional commercial center
> 21
No Answer
> 24
Other
> 18
Total Responses = 158
Comments:
-Maintain small Town feeling. -Industries.
-Commercially self-supporting. -More business.
-Some commercial development.
-Any legal business or any resident that would make the Town grow.
-Exclusive community for Richlands.
-More industry is badly needed.
-With light commercial industry.
-Small business community.
-No more hog farms!
-A historical district.
-Slow and quiet.
-Why does it have to develop? What's wrong with quiet little Towns?
-A "buffer zone" to keep from being swallowed by Jacksonville.
-A small Town where people can raise their kids and feel safe.
-Getting a few things for family entertainment.
-More beautiful/cleaner small Town.
-Just as is, not too much government.
Some respondents gave more than one answer to this question.

7) Do you feel Richlands is growing .........
x Too fast
> 4
x Too slow
> 40
x Just about right
> 71
x Richlands has had enough growth
> 12
X No Answer
> 13
x Total Responses = 140
x Comments:
-Our Town is struggling now to maintain water, streets, etc.
-Concentrate on architectural upgrade of downtown (if possible).
-Controlled growth would be good.

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8) What type of development should be encouraged or discouraged?
♦ Single Family
♦ Multi -Family
Encouraged 96 E-
Discouraged 7 E-
No Answer 37 F-
Encouraged 52 F
Discouraged 39 E-
No Answer 49 F
♦ Manufactured Homes
Encouraged 18 4-
Discouraged 64 E-
No Answer 58 t-
♦ Shopping Facilities
Encouraged
Discouraged
No Answer
100
11
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E-
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♦ Commercial
Encouraged
60
E-
Discouraged
31
E-
No Answer
49
E-
♦ Recreational Use
Encouraged
92
E-
Discouraged
7
E-
No Answer
41
E-
♦ Total Responses
140

9) At the present time, the Town has sewer service available to residents. Should the
Town work towards establishing an even larger sewer system?
A Yes
✓ 62 ✓
A No
✓ 23 ✓
A Not Sure
✓ 55 ✓
A Comments:
-If we plan to grow ........
-Run it in the New River.
-Why would we need a larger system if what we have is adequate? If new businesses
open -- let them help pay to upgrade the system.
-If needed.
-It is a necessity if we have any growth and add on as ETA, but it needs to be efficient.
-It depends on the need.
-Unless it will lower rates.
-If needed.
-If needed.

10) At the present time, the Town has water service available to residents. Should the
Town work towards establishing an even larger water system?
A Yes
A No
A Not Sure
✓ 60 ✓
✓ 28 ✓
✓ 52 ✓
A Comments:
-Deja Vu.
-If we continue from the same well with the same quality.
-If needed.
-Why would we need a larger system if what we have is adequate? If new businesses
open - let them pay to upgrade the system.
-Secure current system first.
-It is a necessity if we have any growth and add on as ETA, but it needs to be efficient.
-It depends on the need.
-Unless it will lower rates.
-County water.
-If needed.
-If needed.

11) What do you think are the
most important
issues now facing Richlands?
Major Issue
Minor Issue
Not an Issue
■ Preserve and Enhance
Small Town Character
65
17
58
■ Improve Street Lighting
33
45
62
■ Upgrade All Housing to
Minimum Building Code
Standards
54 -
33
53
■ Limit Commercial
Rezoning
38
37
65
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■ Provide Sidewalks
& Curbs
i■
Provide Stoplight
64
38
38
36
8
96
■ Improve Enforcement
of Existing Ordinances &
Land Use Regulations
42
28
70
■ Pave Dirt Roads
32
37
71
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■ Improve Street
Maintenance
76
20
44
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■ Do More Beautification
Work
t
■ Improve Stormwater
49
34
57
Management
56
nn 33
51
■ Protect Groundwater
83
20
37
■ Comments:
-Remove one -- Hargett and Wilmington
Street.
-At Food Lion shopping entrance.
-Gum Branch Road and Academv Street.
-258 & Franck.
-Intersection of H,,vy 258 & Franck
Street.

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-On Franck Street & turn lanes @ post office.
-Rand Street and 258 (Food Lion Shopping Center).
--Library and 258.
-Near Hardees.
-Intersection 258 & Gum Branch Road by NationsBank.
-Franck Street and Hwy 258.
-24-258 & Fae Avenue.
-Intersection of 258 and Franck Street.
-Limit it for hog farms & turkey & chicken farms. We don't want to smell like Duplin County.
Four way stop signs on Hargett Street. Too much speeding. Our streets are pretty good actually.
-Huffmantown/258 intersection or Hargett Street/258 intersection.
-Corner of 258 and Hargett Street @ Fran's consignment.
-Hwy 258 and Wilmington Street.
-School ---- elementary.
-Wilmington Street and Hwy 24.
-Rand Street & Hwy 24.
-Especially in front of Trexler Middle and Richlands Elementary.
-Where shopping center is!
-Franck and 258.
-Richlands Plaza and Rand Street. I was disappointed when Richlands Plaza laid off the
,
driveway and not marking it parallel with Rand Street so that it would be right for stoplight. A
light is very badly needed there.
-Across from M.S.A. (?) Hargett.
,
-Hwy 258 & west Hargett in area of Hardees.
-Hwy 258.
-At least one on 258.
-Junction of Rand Street & Hwy 258.
-Hwy 258 & Huffmantown Road.
-Hwy 258 & Wilmington Street.
-Corner of Franck & Academy Streets.
-By Humphrey Auto Parts from Huffmantown Road & Franklin Street & 258.
,
-At 258 Museum intersection.
-258.
-Richlands Plaza.
'
-Hwy 258 where library is located.
-Huffmantown & 258.
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12) Are the following emergency services adequate in Richlands?
• Fire
4� Yes 110
• No 5
• Not Sure 25
• Police
4� Yes 107
4� No 10
4� Not Sure 23
• Medical
0 Yes 79
0 No 24
0 Not Sure 37
• Total Responses = 140

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13) Do you think the existing land use ordinances are sufficiently protecting your
property interests?
> Yes
> 54
> No
> 32
> No Opinion
> 54
> Comments:
-Too many hog farms.
-In particular, ordinances on burning trash are generally not enforced and should be.
-Too many hog farms moving in.
-I have a question ...... In what way are the land use ordinances protecting our property interests?
-Residential zoning is eliminated for commercial.
-Don't know them.
-Not sure.
-Clean up of storm damage is being overlooked.
-I would not like to have a hog or turkey operation nearby.
-Mobile homes allowed too close to houses.
-Hog and turkey farms getting too close.
-Hog farm operations are of grave concern to us.
-Hog farms.
-I'm not sure what they are.
-Zoning too lax.
-1 think you need to educate the public on the choices.
-Some properties need clean-up and repair.
-Zoning must be implemented and enforced. Prohibit burning in Town!
-Mfg homes allowed anywhere -- devalues property. Too many existing homes not kept up.
-The smell and fumes of hog and turkey farms depreciate property values.
-When the wind blows right, we get horrible hog smell from Cavenaugh's hog farm. Also skin
parlors.
-Someone is building out of code on my rental property, and no one will do anything about it.
-Town Board doesn't enforce existing ordinances for mobile homes or minimum housing.
-Hog farms, mobile homes.
-Not enough interest in expanding city limits and ETJ.
-Not properly enforced.

14) Are you satisfied with the following public services available in Richlands?
M Administration
✓
Yes
91
✓
No
15
✓
No Answer
34
0 Planning
✓
Yes
76
✓
No
23
✓
No Answer
41
O Water
✓
Yes
93
✓
No
23
✓
No Answer
24
U Sewer
✓
Yes
90
✓
No
23
✓
No Answer
27
U Building Inspection
✓
Yes
78
✓
No
16
✓
No Answer
46
0 Police Protection
✓
Yes
105
✓
No
9
✓
No Answer
26
• Fire Protection
✓
Yes
109
✓
No
5
✓
No Answer
26
• Rescue Services
✓
Yes
105
✓
No
7
✓
No Answer
28
• Animal Control (Leash Law)
✓
Yes
63
✓
No
47
✓
No Answer
30
• Trash Collection
✓
Yes
90
✓ No
29
✓
No Answer
21

0 Street Lighting
✓ Yes
75
✓ No
38
✓ No Answer
27
0 Street Maintenance
✓ Yes
48
✓ No
67
✓ No Answer
25
0 Street Paving
✓ Yes
44
✓ No
69
✓ No Answer
27
0 Traffic Control
✓ Yes
75
✓ No
34
✓ No Answer
31
0 Storm Drainage
✓ Yes
54
✓ No
48
✓ No Answer
38
0 Cleanliness
✓ Yes
61
✓ No
48
✓ No Answer
31
0 Mosquito Control
✓ Yes
43
✓ No
70
✓ No Answer
27
0 Emergency Management
✓ Yes
74
✓ No
21
✓ No Answer
45

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15) I would be willing to pay more taxes for the following:
® Recreational Facilities
✓
Yes
45
✓
No
55
✓
No Opinion
41
® Fire Department
✓
Yes
49
✓
No
49
✓
No Opinion
43
8 Rescue Services
✓
Yes
45
✓
No
51
✓
No Opinion
45
8 Police Department
✓
Yes
50
✓
No
45
✓
No Opinion
44
® Water System Improvements
✓
Yes
40
✓
No
49
✓
No Opinion
53
® Sewer System Improvements
Yes
39
✓
No
51
✓
No Opinion
50
® Street Improvements
✓ Yes 46
✓ No 47
✓ No Opinion 45
B Drainage Improvements
✓
Yes
37
✓
No
56
✓
No Opinion
47
® Public Garbage Collection
✓
Yes
17
✓
No
73
✓
No Opinion
56

16) What is your age group?
♦ Under 30
6
♦
30-49
56
♦
50 - 64
m 27
♦
Over 65
m 48
♦
No Answer
3
♦ Total Responses
140

17) What is the size of your household?
♦ 1 person
37
♦ 2 persons
44
♦ 3 persons or more
M 55
♦ No Answer
4
♦ Total Responses
M 140

18) Which best describes your type of residence?
♦ Conventional home (single family site built)
106
♦ Pre-fab (modular) home
2
♦ Manufactured home
5
♦ Duplex
1
♦ Other
15
♦ No Answer
11
♦ Total Responses
140
♦ Comments:
-Apartment
-Brick
-Apartment Baytree, 1 bedroom
-Rent
-senior citizens apartments
-Baytree apartment
-Trailer
-One bedroom/Baytree
-Business
-Apartment
-Mobile home
-Apartment dwelling
-Multi-family residence
-Mobile home/sinale wide

19) Do you own or rent the house in which you live?
♦ Own home
♦ Rent
94
34
♦ Own Undeveloped Lot(s)
M 5
♦ No Answer
♦ Total Responses
7
140

20) How many months a year do you live in Richlands?
Year-round resident
> 125 (or 89.3% of 140 surveys)
6 - 11 months
> 2 (or 1.4% of 140 surveys)
3 - 5 months
> 0 (or 0% of 140 surveys)
Less than three months
> I (or .7% of 140 surveys)
No Answer
> 12 (or 8.6% of 140 surveys)
Total = 140
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21) What is the employment status of the head of household?
Retired
> 51 (or' 6.4% of 140 surveys)
Unemployed seeking employment
> 2
(or 1.4% of 140 surveys)
Employed full time
> 66
(or 47.1 % of 140 surveys)
Employed part time
> 4
(or 2.9% of 140 surveys)
Not working
> 6
(or 4.3% of 14 surveys)
No Answer
> 11
(or 7.9% of 140 surveys)
Total
140

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
22) My family income is approximately:
Under $10,000
$10,000-$29,999
$30,000-$49,999
Over $50,000
No Answer
25 (or 17.9% of 140 surveys)
33 (or 23.6% of 140 surveys)
29 (or 20.7% of 140 surveys)
35 (or 25% of 140 surveys)
18 (or 12.8% of 140 surveys)

' Extraterritorial
Area
' Survey Results

1) How long have you lived in Richlands'?
Of those ETJ residents surveyed, sixty one (61, or 30.3°io of the total) responded, as follows:
> Before 1947 # of respondents = 22 = 10.9% (of 201 surveys)
= 36°0 (of 61 surveys)
> 1947-1959 ## of respondents= 7
= 3.5% (of 201 surveys)
= l 1.5% (of 61 surveys)
> 1960-1969 # of respondents = 2
= l % (of 201 surveys)
= 3.3% (of 61 surveys)
> 1970-1979 # of respondents = 2
= 1 % (of 201 surveys)
= 3.3% (of 61 surveys)
> 1980-1984 4 of respondents = 3
= 1.5% (of 201 surveys)
= 4.9% (of 61 surveys)
> 1985-1989 # of respondents = 2
= 1 % (of 201 surveys)
= 3.3% (of 61 surveys)
> 1990-1996 # of respondents = 14
= 7% (of 201 surveys)
= 23% (of 61 surveys)
> 1997 # of respondents = 0
= 0% (of 201 surveys)
= 0% (of 61 surveys)
> No Answer 9 of respondents = 9
= 4.4% (of 201 surveys)
= 14.7% (of 61 surveys)
Totals
= 30.3% (of 201 surveys)
= 100% (of 61 surveys)
Comments:
-I am completely disgusted with the word ETJ and all that
it stands for, and most of all the
people around me say they feel the same way.
-I don't, nor have I ever lived in Richlands. I was born-2
miles from Richlands -- now I live in
Trenton. I own 400 acres 2 miles east of Richlands but own no house or any other structure.
-1 have lived at Costin Road for 3 years.
-1 ',% miles from ETA. Do not want to be in ETA.
' There were two hundred and one (201 ) total survey respondents. Sixty one (61) were
from the ETJ. One hundred and forty (140) were in -Town residents.

2) Which of the following best describes your relationship, to Richlands'?
Permanent resident'
4 14 = 21.9% (of 64 responses)
Non-resident property owner
4 18 = 2 8. 1 % (of 64 responses)
Owner/operator of a business in the Town of Richlands
4 2 = 3.1 % (of 64 responses)
Resident of Richlands Extraterritorial Area (ETA)
-+ 26 = 40.6% (of 64 responses)
No answer
4 4 = 6.3% (of 64 responses)
Total responses from ETA = 64 = 100%
Comments:
-Against my wishes (ETA).
-Outside ETA.
' Respondents were asked to check all answers that apply. Some answered in more than
one category.
40 respondents (65.6%) declared themselves to be either permanent residents or
residents of Richlands ETA.

1
3) What, in your opinion, is the most important problem facing Richlands that the
Town can do something about?
-Better police patrolling the Streets.
-Water & sewer ...... Richlands is growing.
-Unneeded and unwarranted intervention through attempts to impose unwanted rules and
regulations on citizens.
-Require property owners to repair and paint their buildings. Tear down and remove
structures that are unusable. Remove old cars, etc.
-Clean up.
-To ensure growth is orderly and well planned.
' -Clean up properties.
-Recycling and road repair.
-Get rid of broken down buildings.
-Quality and quantity of drinking water.
-Either annex ETA and provide services or leave residents decide how to run their
properties.
-Replacing Falcon Cable.
-People on the Board and their attitude of keeping everything to themselves (and a)
selected few.
-Needs to grow.
-Water & sewer.
-Condition of streets -- maintenance/paving.
-The need for more jobs and social change between all races of people. Bring the races
together.
-Create an atmosphere conducive to family development (safe streets, good schools,
places for kids to play).
-Better police protection. Sewer system.
-If you kept up the maintenance of the Town now it would help a lot. I hear people
living in Town now constantly complaining. Look at the water standing
everywhere.
-Water usage and supply.
-Sidewalks and curbs.
-Cleaning up trash.
-Upgrading schools and equipment.
-Trashy looking property, junked cars and just plain clean-up every lot in Town.
-Traffic on 258 Highway.
-Road improvement/Parks improvement.
-More recreational and educational opportunities for residents.
-My children need a quality Christian school. Public school is not good.
-Taxes.
-Houses for sale.
-Have no desire to be annexed. Why take farm land in to increase city limit (don't make
sense). Let County stay "County" and city stay ' cam."
I

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4) If you are a permanent resident, what was the major reason you chose Richlands as
your home`? (78 responses received on 61 ETA surveys returned.)
❑ To enjoy the quiet family atmosphere
15 (of 61 surveys) or 19.2% of the 78 total respones replied in this category.
❑ Proximity of other amenities or relatives
U (of 61 surveys) or 16.7% of the 78 total responses replied in this category.
❑ Low taxes
5 (of 61 surveys) or 6.4% of the 78 total responses replied in this category.
❑ Climate
4 (of 61 surveys) or 5.1 % of the 78 total responses replied in this category.
❑ Employment/Business opportunity
5 (of 61 surveys) or 6.4% of the 78 total responses replied in this category.
❑ All of the above
7 (of 61 surveys) or 9% of the 78 total responses replied in this category.
❑ Other
7 (of 61 surveys) or 9% of the 78 total responses replied in this category.
❑ No Answer
22 (of 61 surveys) or 28.2% of the 78 total responses replied in this category.
Comments:
-Our deep family roots, church and land.
-Lived here a lifetime.
-Born here
-I was born and raised here and my parents before me. I farm ..... all my life (82 years).
-I chose to become a permanent resident of Richlands because of the unneeded government
regulations you are planning to incorporate.
-Born and raised here. A wonderful and friendly place to come back to, raise a family and work.
-Bought farm land owned by parents.
-School.
-Stupidity.
-Born here.
Respondents were instructed to check one reply. Many respondents replied more than
I once.

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5) If you are a non-resident property owner, what was the major reason why you
acquired your property?
For rental purposes/investment property
> 3 responded
Proximity of amenities or relatives
> 7 responded
Low taxes
> 2 responded
For future use as a retirement home
> 3 responded
EmploymentBusiness opportunity
> 1 responded
No answer
> 36 responded
Other
> 9 responded
Comments:
-Inherited property.
-Inherited it.
-Family farm and home.
-No such thing as low taxes.
-Timber and possible future home.
-I want low taxes right on. I am a farmer.
-Inherit.
-Deep family ties/family estate property.
-Inheritance property.

A
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1
1
1
1
t
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
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6) In future years, how would you like to see Richlands develop'?
A retirement community
> 12
A bedroom community
> 27
A regional commercial center
> 9
No Answer
> 11
Other
> 10
Total Responses = 69
Comments:
-Rural area.
-A mixed community with young, middle-aged, and'retired components.
-Slowly so as to maintain a home -like or family community.
-Leave it alone -- it is already over -populated.
-Small Town with a few businesses.
-Thriving small city.
-Retain family focused small Town atmosphere.
-Small Town place as always.
-Versatile -- all types.
-All of the above, within reason.
-Something for my kid.
-A small quiet community with sufficient business.
' Some respondents gave more than one answer to this question.

7) Do you feel Richlands is growing .........
Too fast
> 3
Too slow
Just about right
> 19
> 32
Richlands has had enough growth
> 2
No Answer
> 5
Total Responses = 61
Comments:
-Too many children in the schools, not enough traffic lights on Hwy 258.

8) What type of development should be encouraged or discouraged?
♦ Single Family
♦ Multi -Family
Encouraged 45 4-
Discouraged 3 F
No Answer 13 E-
Encouraged 16 t-
Discouraged 20 E-
No Answer 25 F
♦ Manufactured Homes
Encouraged 6 F
Discouraged 32 E-
No Answer 23 4-
♦ Shopping Facilities
Encouraged 43 4—
Discouraged 5 4-
No Answer 13 t-
♦ Commercial
Encouraged 23 t-
Discouraged 12 4-
No Answer 26 t-
♦ Recreational Use
Encouraged 34 t-
Discouraged 5 E-
No Answer 27 46-
♦ Total Responses = 61
♦ Comments:
-Negative groxklh would best serve the community.

9) At the present time, the Town has sewer service available to residents of the Town.
Should the Town work towards establishing an even larger sewer system for ETA
residents?
A Yes
A No
A Not Sure
✓ 23 ✓
✓ 16 ✓
✓ 16 ✓
A No Answer
✓ 6 ✓
A Comments:
-But do not establish a larger sewer system at a large increase for residential families,
but perhaps add the cost to the commercial customers.
-Definitely.
-If the Town has plans to make land available for residential purposes (etc.), perhaps it
would be nice.

t
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1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
A
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10) At the present time, the Town has water service available to residents of the Town.
Should the Town work towards establishing an even larger water system for ETA
residents?
A Yes
✓ 25 ✓
A No
✓ 15 ✓
A Not Sure
✓ 14 ✓
A No Answer
✓ 7 ✓
A Comments:
-As expressed previously (respondent is referring to question 99), the residential
families should not have to bear the cost for commercial growth and to enlarge it
should not be at the residents expense.

11) What do you think are the most important issues now facinE, Richlands?
Major Issue
Minor Issue
Not an Issue
No Answer
■ Preserve and Enhance
Small Town Character
35
10
7
9
'
■ Improve Street Lighting
10
20
13
18
■ Upgrade All Housing to
Minimum Building Code
Standards
21
18
8
14
■ Limit Commercial
Rezoning
15
18
7
21
■ Provide Sidewalks
& Curbs
11
23
11
16
■ Provide Stoplight
16
1
22
22
■ Improve Enforcement
of Existing Ordinances &
Land Use Regulations
17
■ Pave Dirt Roads
16
7
21
9
14
16
22
■ Improve Street
Maintenance
15
17
10
19
■ Do More Beautification
Work
22
17
8
14
■ Improve Stormwater
Management
23
■ Protect Groundwater
12
9
17
43
4
5
9
■ Comments:
-Highway 258 & Huffmantown Road
-Food Lion -- Sunday traffic from Baptist church.
-Highway 24 where library is located.
-Hwy 258/24 by library.
-Stoplight at junction of Rand Street and Highway 24.

-Paving depends on where they are.
-McDonalds/Richlands Plaza.
-Trott Furniture/Rand Street.
-Hwy 258 near Food Lion.
-Richlands Elementary.
-Improvements are self serving and only aid a few
their own pockets with tax money.
-Food Lion.
-By Food Lion Plaza.
-Stop fast traffic coming through.
-Piggly Wiggly and Highway.
-258/24 & Franck Street intersection.
I
Many of which are greedy and desire to line I
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12)
I would be willing to be annexed
for the following
services:
Yes
No
No Opinion
■
Recreational Facilities
10
28
23
■
Fire Department
16
26
19
■
Rescue Services
14
27
20
■
Police Department
14
28
19
■
Water System Improvements
12
26
23
r■
Sewer System Improvements
16
25
20
■
Street Improvements
9
26
26
■
Drainage Improvements
10
25
26
■
Public Garbage Collection
12
28
21
■
Comments:
-Since we are presently being provided with water and sewer, Fin not sure
if we need further
service.
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1
1
1
1
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1
1
1
1
1
13) Do you think the existing land use ordinances are sufficiently protecting your
property interests'
> Yes
> 25
> No
> 8
> No Opinion
> 28
> Comments:
-Do not allow full use of property.
-I do not want to be in the city limit. May land is for farm use only.
-They are too restrictive and should be abolished.
-Would like to be protected from more hog operations.
-No restrictions concerning manufactured home locations.
-Zoning not restrictive enough.

14) What is your age group?
♦ Under 30
4
♦
30-49
15
♦
50 - 64
20
♦
Over 65
17
♦
No Answer
5
♦
Total Responses
61

15) What is the size of your household?
♦ 1 person
6
♦ 2 persons
28
♦ 3 persons or more
23
♦ No Answer
4
♦ Total Responses
61
♦ Comments:
-All adults and gone.

16) Which best describes your type of residence?
♦ Conventional home (single family site built)
49
♦ Pre-fab (modular) home
0
♦ Manufactured home
3
♦ Duplex
0
♦ Other
9
♦ Total Responses
61
♦ Comments:
-Ranch stake (?).
-Apartments for the elderly.
-Live in Lenoir County.
-Family home large enough for 4 boys.

t
t
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1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
17) Do you own or rent the house in which you live?
X Own Home
53
X Rent
2
X Own Undeveloped Lot(s)
0
X No Answer
6
X Total Responses
61
X Comments:
-I own farm land.

18) How many months a year do you live in Richlands`.'
X Year-round resident
39
X 6-11 months
1
X 3-5 months
0
X Less than three months
7
X No Answer
14
X Total Responses
61

19) What is the employment status of the head of household?
Retired
> 16 (or 26.3% of 61 surveys)
Unemployed seeking employment
>
0
(or 0% of 61 surveys)
Employed full time
>
32
(or 52.5% of 61 surveys)
Employed part time
>
1
(or 1.6% of 61 surveys)
Not working
>
2
(or 3.2% of 61 surveys)
No Answer
>
10
(or 16.4% of 61 surveys)
Total
61

20) My family income is approximately:
Under $10,000
(or 3.3% of 61 surveys)
$10,000-$29,999
6 (or 9.8% of 61 surveys)
$30,000-$49,999
16 (or 26.2% of 61 surveys)
Over $50,000
20 (or 32.8% of 61 surveys)
No Answer
17 (or 27.9% of 61 surveys)

11
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L�
TOWN OF RICHLANDS SURVEY
February, 1997
Dear Fellow Residents:
The Town of Richlands is in the process of creating a Land Use Plan Update which will
identify and discuss issues and policies regarding land development over the next 5 to 10 years.
Your involvement in this process by completing the following questionnaire is considered vital. All
responses are confidential. Please return the questionnaire in the enclosed pre -addressed and
stamped envelope by March 1. 1997. Questionnaires are to be returned to the Richlands Town Hall
and will be forwarded, unopened, to The Rhett Company, the planning firm preparing the Land Use
Plan Update, in order to facilitate processing and to insure confidentiality. Thank you for your
participation and your continuing interest in our Town.
Sincerely.
Marvin Trott
Mayor, Town of Richlands
1) How long have you lived in Richlands?
_ Before 1947 _ 1980 - 1984
_ 1947 -1959 _ 1985 -1989
1960 -1969 _ 1990 -1996
_ 1970 - 1979 _ 1997
2) Which of the following best describes your relationship to Richlands?
_ Permanent resident of the Town (Check all that apply.)
Non-resident property owner
_ Owner/operator of a business in the Town of Richlands
_ Resident of Richlands Extraterritorial Area (ETA)
3) What, in your opinion, is the most important problem facing Richlands that the Town
can do something about?
4) If you are a permanent resident, what was the major reason you chose Richlands as your
home? (Check one)
To enjoy the quiet family atmosphere
Proximity of other amenities or relatives
Low taxes
_ Climate
_ Employment/Business opportunity
_ All of the above
_ Other
5) If you are a non-resident property owner, what was the major reason why you acquired
your property? (Check one)
For rental purposes/investment property
Proximity of amenities or relatives
_ Low taxes
For future use as a retirement home
Employment/Business opportunity
_ Other

6)
In future years, how would you like to see Richlands develop?
'
_ A retirement community
_ A bedroom community for area residents
_ A regional commercial center
'
_ Other
7)
Do you feel Richlands is growing ..........
Too fast
'
_ Too slow
Just about right
_ Richlands has had enough growth
,
8)
What type of development should be encouraged or discouraged?
TYPES OF DEVELOPMENT ENCOURAGED DISCOURAGED
Single Family Residential
Multi -Family Residential
Manufactured Homes
Shopping Facilities
Commercial
,
Recreational Use
9)
At the present time, the Town has sewer service available to residents. Should the
Town work towards establishing an even larger sewer system?
,
_ Yes
_ No
_ Not sure
10)
At the present time, the Town has water service available to residents. Should the Town
work towards establishing an even larger water system?
Yes
_ No
Not sure
11)
_
What do you think are the most important issues now facing Richlands?
1= Major Issue 2= Minor Issue 0= Not an Issue
Preserve and enhance small Town character
Improve street lighting
Upgrade all housing to minimum building code standards
Limit commercial re -zoning
Provide sidewalks and curbs
Provide stoplight (please specify where)
'
Improve enforcement of existing ordinances and land use regulations
Pave dirt roads
Improve street maintenance
,
Do more beautification work
Improve stormwater management
Protect groundwater
12)
Are the following emergency services adequate in Richlands?
Fire _ Yes _ No _ Not sure/No opinion
Police _ Yes _ No _ Not sure/No opinion
Medical _ Yes _ No _ Not sure/No opinion
r-,
11

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13) Do you think the existing land use ordinances are sufficiently protecting your property
interests?
_ Yes
No (If no, why not?)
No opinion
14)
Are you satisfied with the following public services available in Richlands?
YES NO YES NO
Administration _ _
Trash Collection
Planning _ _
Street Lighting
_ Water _ _
Street Maintenance
Sewer _ _
Street Paving
_
Building Inspection _ _
Traffic Control
_ Police Protection _ _
Storm Drainage
Fire Protection _ _
Cleanliness
Rescue Services _ _
Mosquito Control
Animal Control (Leash Law) _
Emergency Management
15)
I would be willing to pay more taxes for the following:
YES
NO NO OPINION
Recreational Facilities
Fire Department
Rescue Services
Police Department
Water System Improvements
Sewer System Improvements
Street Improvements
Drainage Improvements
Public Garbage Collection
Thank you for your participation. In closing, the following information will be helpful in
evaluating the results of the survey. Your responses will be kept confidential
and will not be used
for any other purposes.
16)
What is your age group?
_ Under 30
30-49
50-64
_ Over 65
17)
What is the size of your household?
_ 1 person
_ 2 persons
_ 3 persons or more
18)
Which best describes your type of residence?
_ Conventional home (single family site built)
_ Pre-fab (Modular) Home
_ Manufactured Home
_ Duplex
_ Other (please specify)
19)
Do you own or rent the house in which you live?
_ Own Home
_ Rent
Own Undeveloped Lot(s)

20) How many months a year do you live in Richlands?
_ Year-round resident
_ 6 - 11 months
_ 3 - 5 months
_ Less than three months
21) What is the employment status of the head of household?
_ Retired
Unemployed seeking employment
Employed full time
Employed part time
_ Not working
22) My family income is approximately:
_ Under $10,000
_ $10,000 - $29,999
_ $30.000 - $49,999
Over $50,000
After completing the survey, please mail the questionnaire in the enclosed pre -stamped and
pre -addressed envelope. The questionnaires are being mailed to Town Hall where they will be
forwarded, unopened, to The Rhett Company in order to facilitate processing and to insure
confidentiality.
PLEASE RETURN THE QUESTIONNAIRES TO THE RICHLANDS TOWN HALL NO LATER
THAN MARCH 1, 1997.
THANK YOU!
TOWN OF RICHLANDS
P. O. BOX 245
RICHLANDS, NC 28574

1
TOWN OF RICHLANDS SURVEY
February, 1997
Dear Fellow Residents:
The Town of Richlands is in the process of creating a Land Use Plan Update which will
identify and discuss issues and policies regarding land development over the next 5 to 10 years.
Your involvement in this process by completing the following questionnaire is considered vital. All
responses are confidential. Please return the questionnaire in the enclosed pre -addressed and
stamped envelope by March 1. 1997. Questionnaires are to be returned to the Richlands Town Hall
and will be forwarded, unopened, to The Rhett Company, the planning firm preparing the Land Use
Plan Update, in order to facilitate processing and to insure confidentiality. Thank you for your
participation and your continuing interest in our Town.
Sincerely.
Marvin Trott
Mayor, Town of Richlands
1) How long have you lived in Richlands?
_ Before 1947 _ 1980 - 1984
_ 1947 -1959 _ 1985 -1989
_ 1960 -1969 _ 1990 -1996
_ 1970 -1979 _ 1997
2) Which of the following best describes your relationship to Richlands?
_ Permanent resident of the Town (Check all that apply.)
Non-resident property owner
Owner/operator of a business in the Town of Richlands
_ Resident of Richlands Extraterritorial Area (ETA)
3) What, in your opinion, is the most important problem facing Richlands that the Town
can do something about?
4) If you are a permanent resident, what was the major reason you chose Richlands as your
home? (Check one)
_ To enjoy the quiet family atmosphere
Proximity of other amenities or relatives
Low taxes
_ Climate
Employment/Business opportunity
_ All of the above
_ Other
5) If you are a non-resident property owner, what was the major reason why you acquired
your property? (Check one)
_ For rental purposes/investment property
_ Proximity of amenities or relatives
Low taxes
For future use as a retirement home
Employment/Business opportunity
_ Other

6)
In future years, how would you like to see Richlands develop?
'
_ A retirement community
_ A bedroom community for area residents
_ A regional commercial center
'
_ Other
7)
Do you feel Richlands is growing ..........
Too fast
'
Too slow
_ just about right
_ Richlands has had enough growth
'
8)
What type of development should be encouraged or discouraged?
TYPES OF DEVELOPMENT ENCOURAGED DISCOURAGED
Single Family Residential
'
Multi -Family Residential
Manufactured Homes
Shopping Facilities
Commercial
'
Recreational Use
9)
At the present time, the Town has sewer service available to residents of the Town.
Should the Town work towards establishing an even larger sewer system for ETA
'
residents?
=Yes
No Not sure
10)
At the present time, the Town has water service available to residents of the Town.
Should the Town work towards establishing an even larger water system for ETA
residents?
'
_ Yes
No Not sure
11)
_ _
What do you think are the most important issues now facing Richlands?
'
1= Major Issue 2= Minor Issue 0= Not an Issue
Preserve and enhance small Town character
Improve street lighting
'
Upgrade all housing to minimum building code standards
Limit commercial re -zoning
Provide sidewalks and curbs
Provide stoplight (please specify where)
'
Improve enforcement of existing ordinances and land use regulations
Pave dirt roads
Improve street maintenance
Do more beautification work
Improve stormwater management
Protect
groundwater
I

1
12) I would be willing to be annexed for the following services:
Yes No No Opinion
Recreational Facilities
Fire Department
Rescue Services
Police Department
Water System Improvements
Sewer System Improvements
Street Improvements
Drainage Improvements
Public Garbage Collection _ _
13) Do you think the existing land use ordinances are sufficiently protecting your property
interests?
_ Yes
_ No (If no, why not?)
No opinion
14)
15)
'
16)
t
'
17)
'
18)
Thank you for your participation. In closing, the following information will be helpful in
evaluating the results of the survey. Your responses will be kept confidential and will not
be used for any other purposes.
What is your age group?
_ Under 30
_30-49
50-64
_ Over 65
What is the size of your household?
_ 1 person
_ 2 persons
_ 3 persons or more
Which best describes your type of residence?
_ Conventional home (single family site built)
_ Pre-fab (Modular) Home
_ Manufactured Home
Duplex
_ Other (please specify)
Do you own or rent the house in which you live?
_ Own Home
_ Rent
_ Own Undeveloped Lot(s)
How many months a year do you live in Richlands?
_ Year-round resident
_ 6 - 11 months
_ 3 - 5 months
Less than three months

19) What is the employment status of the head of household?
_ Retired
_ Unemployed seeking employment
_ Employed full time
_ Employed part time
_ Not working
20) My family income is approximately:
_ Under $10,000
_ $10,000 - $29,999
_ $30,000 - $49,999
Over $50,000
After completing the survey, please mail the questionnaire in the enclosed pre -stamped and
pre -addressed envelope. The questionnaires are being mailed to Town Hall where they will
be forwarded, unopened, to The Rhett Company in order to facilitate processing and to
insure confidentiality.
PLEASE RETURN THE QUESTIONNAIRES TO THE RICHLANDS TOWN HALL NO LATER
THAN MARCH 1, 1997.
THANK YOU!
TOWN OF RICHLANDS
P. O. BOX 245
RICHLANDS, NC 28574

LIMITS
II�
lbepreparation cfthis map was .fir raced, mpart; through a pant pto tded'
by the North (:arl Mina Coaswl bfnnagemtnt YiNgram, through funds
provided by the C.. d % Inc A7anagement .ACt f1912, as amended, wh cM
is administered b}'thc OfECc of O—aa nd Costal Resouret Martagement,"-
Natioml Oaanic and Almosphene Adnu List Tim
I
t
RIGHLANDS
NORTH CAROLINA
N
900 0 800 1600
THIS MR WAS PREPARED DT TIC DIHISIDN Or COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE
TOR THE TOWN OF RICHLANDS, NORTH CAROLINA
IM1 M1. _1S
RT — Dote• Da/a4/97
THE REETT COMPANY
PO Box 7512
Wilmington, NC 28406
l:1iV� `tJU—Lt�J�1 t
® 100 YEAR FLOOD AREA
19"8CG1fY0SiTE i.�Zakli> MAP

m = = = m = = m m = m = = r
The preparation dthis mep.wu futautti tpya!{,;EhtOug$A�?!u prod�detl
by IL
NorQ(I:aroWu� .ac Majtigeefi4[t{ PtogrMt uv h:ttinda prooided'-
by the Coasts! Zone Managttnetd,q& of1972:es tinend�tt''vhnch i;
edmi ttemd by the OfftetfOeeaa'sndCoaatel ife¢ptade,wle ngement.
Natiom!.O e m and AtlhoaPbSF+t Admtie(ntipn.
D DEVELOPED
T TRANSITION
R RURAL
C CONSERVATION
1998 LAND CLASSIFICATH"'N MAP

The preparation of tbis m ip —g, fh anceo, mpart through.a grant provided
by Iho North Carotine:Co istel Mt—gemcm. Program, tbrough funds
.provided by the Coastal Zone Managenunr.Act ot) 972; as empnded,, which
is.adinWslered by the,Oft ica of 0— and Coasrat j Oouiee Man*n*nt,::
Natio-) Oceanic and At,—pheric Adnlvur anon
RESIDENTIAL
® COMMERCIAL
INSTITUTIONAL
199)7 EXISTING LANiT-) USE MAP