Land Use Plan-1980-1990

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MAYOR
Robert Runge
1981
48 SHORELINE DRIVE
NEW BERN. N. C. 28560
THE LAND USE PLAN OF RIVER BEND: 1980-1990
TOWN COUNCIL
Robert Runge, Mayor
Helen L. Iliff, Dwight D. King, Alvin E. Pittman
John Tharrett, Kenneth L. Stultz
Cal Yaggy, Administrator
Planning Board
Mark Colby, Chairman
Cassius Williams, Ada Schnee, Ben Alford, Ken Bearnes, John Loomis,
Jerry Rowe, Tom Ellis
WITH TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FROM:
Planning and Design Associates, P.A.
3515 Glenwood Avenue
Raleigh, NC 27612 [phone]
Terry W. Alford, President
Rex H. Todd, MRP, AICP, Project Manager; Michael V. Butts, MUP;
Ellen Holding, Mapping; Debbie Tant, Administrative Assistant;
Janet Roberts, Word Processing; Greg Miller, Cover Design.
COUNCIL
HcLcm L ILIrP
DwiaMr D. KING
ALVIN E. PorrMAN
John Tharrett
Kcmmcrm L. Sruvm
The preparation of this plan 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 Coastal Zone Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration. The Town of River Bend contributed cash and in -kind
services.
Adopted by Town Council Certified by Coastal Resource Commission
July 20, 1983 September 23, 1983

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
I. INTRODUCTION
1
II. ANALYSIS AND POLICY DEVELOPMENT
5
A. OVERVIEW OF POLICY AREAS
5
B. RESOURCE PROTECTION
6
1. Introduction
6
2. Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC's)
6.
3. Other Fragile Land Areas
10
4. Hazard Areas: Natural & Man —Made
15
5. Hurricane & Flood Evacuation Needs & Plans
21
C. RESOURCE PRODUCTION
22
1. Introduction
22
2. Agricultural Resources
22
3. Commercial Forest Resources
26
.4. Commercial and Recreational Fishing
28
5. Mineral Production Areas
30
6. Off —Road Vehicles
30
D. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
31
1. Introduction
31
2. Economy
31
3. Industrial, Commercial and Office Development
34
4. Housing
39
5. Community Facilities
44
6. Transportation
55
7. Recreation and Open Space
61
E. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 66
III. LAND CLASSIFICATION 68
IV. APPENDIX 72
A. Letter from Craven County Commissioners 73
B. Citizen Survey Form 74
C. Population Studies 76
D. Economic Comparisons 81
E. Land Use Inventory Summary 85

Page
F. AEC Regulations (15 NCAC 7H) 89
G. Current Plans, Policies and Regulations 100
H. Plan Amendment Process 107
I. OCM Checklist for Land Use Plans (15 NCAC 7B) 110
J. Synopsis 113
LIST OF EXHIBITS
TABLES
TABLE
Page
I
Soils in River Bend
16
II
Distribution of Employment, by Industry,
33
Craven County
III
Types of Development Preserved, by Location
36
IV
Water System Characteristics
45
V
Future Demand for Water, River Bend, 1990
46
VI
Central Sewer System Usage
48
VII
Alternative Scenarios for Sewer
49
VIII
Student Population of Schools, New Bern
52
Administrative Unit
IX
Percent School Capacity Used
53
X
Traffic Generation by Land Use Type
57
XI
Road Standards by Classification
58
XII
Population by Age for Craven County
77
XIII
Distribution of Employment by Occupation,
78
River Bend
XIV
Population of Township 8, Excluding
79
River Bend
XV
Population Summary, 1981 and 1990
79
XVI
River Bend Land Use Summary, Corporate Limits
85
XVII
River Bend Land Use Summary, Planning Area
87
(Less Town)
FIGURES
I Suggested Layout for Athletic Field (6.8 acres) 63
II Suggested Layout for Athletic Field (8.6 acres) 64
MAPS
I Land Classification Map 71
II Land Use Map 86

I. Introduction
A. Why Plan for River Bend's Future?
River Bend Plantation was started in 1966 on 1200 acres of prime land
approximately 5 miles west of New Bern on Hwy. 17, next to the Trent River.
Gradually, pressures of being in one of the fastest growing Townships in
Craven County and of being in the long-range annexation path of New Bern
stimulated the community to incorporate. In January of 1981, this planned
development of 1057 people became known as the Town of River Bend.
Today, River Bend, North Carolina faces the pressures for which it
incorporated, plus a population projected to increase 43% by 1990, a water
and sewer system which serves only a portion of the community, soils which
present particular difficulties for septic tank absorption fields and the
need to protect valuable wildlife preserves and other fragile areas.
As noted in the October 1982 survey of its citizenry and of its extra-
territorial area, the Town, until now, has had no clear vision for its
future development. Questions about the location, phasing, intensity
and mix of development have been the topic of many discussions, but
without a land use plan, had no framework for integration or analy-
sis, or for policy development.
The River Bend Land Use Plan is a long-range decision guide in which the
local government has set forth its major policies concerning desirable
future development over the next ten years. This plan applies to all lands
within the unofficial planning area. (River Bend currently has zoning and
subdivision regulations applicable to the town and an extraterritorial
area. The Planning Board has established a larger, unofficial, planning
area (extending one full mile from the City limits within Craven County)
for analysis and policy discussion in this advisory document. Until such
an area is officially established, the County Land Use Plan should also be
consulted for policies, etc. in parts of the "unofficial planning area,"
which lies outside the official extraterritorial area. (See Boundary on
Land Classification Map, Section III).
B. Overview of the River Bend Land Use Plan.
This document is the pivotal statement of policy for use by local, state
and federal officials in decisions regarding River Bend development over
the next 10 years. Additionally, it is an important piece in the Land
Planning efforts of Craven County and an important element in the State's
plan for the rational and coordinated management of coastal resources.
The Coastal Area Management Act establishes a base for protection of areas
of statewide concern within the coastal area. In the River Bend planning
area, Public Trust Water, and Coastal Wetlands (marshes) have been
designated for such protection and are addressed specifically in Section II
below. The act also, through its guidelines for land use planning (15 NCAC
7B), sets forth important principles of land use planning which have been
emphasized in this document:

M
1. This plan has environmental protection as a priority in
its own right, while at the same time, it advocates appro-
priate economic and community development.
2. This plan is based upon real citizen participation in the
planning process, through the Town Council, citizen survey and
public meetings.
3. This plan has a strong action orientation. Policies are
stated as desired situations toward which the Town Council
is willing to work.
4. This plan is a sound basis for continuation of earlier
work in River Bend to improve the community for those who
live and visit there.
5. This plan is designed for continuous improvement as new
information becomes available. It is to be updated at
least once every five years, and more frequently, if re-
quired by'the Town Council.. An official plan amendment pro-
cess is provided in Appendix H.
Based upon these principles, then, Section II goes directly to the heart
of the Plan analysis and policy development. Here, issues, alternative
policies, chosen policies, and implementation statements are presented for
Resource Protection, Resource Production, Economic and Community
Development and Citizen Participation.
Section III features the Land Classification Map which translates these
policies into future desired land use patterns and discusses the
relationships between the Land Classification Map and the policy statements
in Section II.
Finally, Section IV is an appendix which presents exhibits regarding
submission and adoption of the Plan. A synopsis of this Plan is provided
in Appendix J.
Before getting into the policy discussion, it is important to review the
uses of this document. After all is said and planned, it is only the use
of this document which will make it a reality in the Town of River Bend and
its planning area.
C. [,That are the Uses of the Land Use Plan?
Land use plans which are prepared by local governments in the coastal area
are distributed widely, and have many uses. Those reviewing and using the
plans are local governments, regional councils of government, state and
federal permitting agencies and public and private funding and development
groups.
The discussion of policies, the land classification map and the re-
lationship of the two serve as the basic tools for coordinating policies,

3
standards, regulations and other government activities at the local, state
and federal levels. The coordination is described by three applications:
1. The policy discussion and the land classification map en—
courage coordination and consistency between local land use
policies and the state and federal governments. The local
land use plans are the principal policy guides for govern—
mental decisions and activites which affect land uses in the
coastal area.
2. The local land use plans provide a framework for budgeting,
planning and for the provision and expansion of community
facilities such as water and sewer systems, schools and roads.
3. The local land use plans will aid in better coordination of
regulatory policies and decisions by describing the local
land use policies and designated specific areas for certain
activities.
Local Government Uses — Counties and municipalities should
use the local land use plans in their day to day decision
making and in planning for the future. The land use plans
should provide guidance in local policy decisions relating
to overall community development. The plans also provide the
basis for development regulations and capital facility plan—
ning and budgeting. By identifying how the community prefers
to grow, land use plans help to assure the best use of tax
dollars as public utilities can be extended to areas desig—
nated for development necessitating public service.
Regional Uses — The regional councils of government or plan—
ning and development commissions use the local land use plans
as the basis for regional planning and in their function as
regional clearinghouse (A-95) for state and federal funding
programs. The local plans indicate to these regional agencies
what types of development the local community feels are
important and where the development should take place.
State and Federal Government Uses — Local land use plans are
used as the major criteria in granting or denial of permits
for various developments within the coastal area. State and
Federal agencies must be sure their decisions consider the
policies and land classification system which are described by
the local governments in their plans. The Coastal Area
Management Act stipulates that no development permit may be
issued if the development is inconsistent with the local land
use plans. Similarly, decisions relating to the use of
federal or state funds within coastal counties and towns, and

4
projects being undertaken by state and federal agencies them-
selves must also be consistent with the local plans. State
agencies also use the plans in their A-95 review process. It
is thus vitally important that local governments take the
opportunity to be as definitive as possible in developing
their policy statements and land classification system to
minimize interpretive decisions on the part of state and
federal review, permit and funding agencies.
Developer Uses - Developers can use the land use plan as.a._
primary source of information about the community's preferences.
for development types, densities, and locations. Additionally,
it provides data and analyses on soils, capacities of community
facilities, population and growth patterns, and other information
useful in market analyses and other feasibility studies. By
consulting the land use plan early -on, costs of development can
often be minimized to both the community and the developer.

5
II. ANALYSIS AND POLICY DEVELOPMENT
A. OVERVIEW OF POLICY AREAS: _
"Policy" is most simply defined as an expressed set of adopted statements
which are to be used to guide future decisions. Taken together, and
adjusting them for interrelationships, policies constitute a broad
development direction for the future.
The following policies, then, represent desired states or "goals" towards
which the Town Council and the citizens of the Town of River Bend are
willing to work. These particular policies were chosen after careful
analysis of published data, responses to the citizen survey, analysis of
current plans, policies and programs, and work sessions of the Planning
Board. From this work, issues were identified, prioritized and shaped by
the Board, and preferred policies were selected.
Their work is presented below.under five major categories of policy
discussion outlined by the Coastal Resource Commission: resource
protection, resource production, economic and community development,
citizen participation and special issues.
For each issue, this section presents:
a description of the situation, analysis and findings, and
issue identification;
the alternative policies that have been considered for
priority issues;
a description of policy selected and articulation of how the
policy will be implemented.
With this understanding, we turn to the first category of issues, Resource
Protection.

6
B. RESOURCE PROTECTION
1. Introduction
The October, 1982 survey of the River Bend planning area showed that
33.5% of the respondents were concerned that the natural and wildlife areas
of River Bend were not well protected, while 37.9% stated that they
thought they were. Within this level of concern, and the CAMA
guidelines for land use planning, the following issues are identified for
policy discussion:
Areas of Environmental Concern (Coastal Wetlands and
Public Trust Waters)
Constraints to Development (Areas with Soil Limitation,
Inadequate Wastewater Treatment, Unsuitable Soils)
Specific Local Resource Development Issues Wildlife
Preserves (other wetlands))
Other Hazardous or Fragile Land Areas (Cultural and
Historic Resources), Excessive Hurricane and Flood
Evacuation Needs and Plans
2. Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC's).
The designation and regulation of critical resource areas is one of the
major purposes of the Coastal Area Management Act CAMA. The 1974
Legislature found that "the coastal area, and in particular the estauries,
are among the most biologically productive regions of this state and of
the nation," and in recent years the area "has been subjected to increasing
pressures which are the result of the often conflicting needs of the
society expanding in industrial development, in population and in the
recreational aspirations of its citizens." The Act further states that,
"unless these pressures are controlled by coordinated management, the very
features of the coast which make it economically, aesthetically and
ecologically rich will be destroyed."
Through a subsequent nomination process, interim areas of environmental
concern (IAECs) were reviewed by the Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) and
13 categories of AECs were proposed for final designation. These are
explained in detail in 15 NCAC 7H, State Guidelines for Areas of
Environmental Concern.
River Bend has two types of AEC's within its planning area: COASTAL
WETLANDS and PUBLIC TRUST WATESS.

7
Coastal wetlands in River Bend consist of low tidal and upland marshes
which "are subject to regular or occasional flooding by tides, including
wind tides..." In fact, every fresh water species on the wetlands list
(see appendix F) grow in the River Bend area. These grasses (marshes)
support the unique productivity of the estauriee system through entrapping
decayed plant material and other nutrients. Without the marsh, the high
productivity levels and complex food chains typically found in the
estauries could not be maintained.
Currently, protection of the coastal wetlands has been achieved through
monitoring and enforcement by -the River Bend Administrator, the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, Wilmington and the authority of the CAMA permit
officers. The Craven County Planner serves as the local CAMA permit
officer for minor development. Permits for major development are
administered through the Department of Natural Resources and Community
Development, Office of Coastal Management,Field Services Section, Morehead
City.*.
Alternative policies considered by the River Bend Town Council toward
protecting these areas included: 1) listing specific uses which would be
appropriate and inappropriate in each AEC; 2) closely monitoring further
development in the AEC's; and, 3) the policies presented on the next page.
The second type of AEC in the River Bend planning area is public trust
waters. As encompassed in Section .0207 of 15 North Carolina
Administrative Code (NCAC) 7H (see Appendix F), public trust waters in
River Bend essentially means all navigable waters in the area, namely the
Trent River, Plantation Canal, Rocky Run, Island Lake, and Samuels Creek.
Such waters are important to the Town, as well as to the Coastal Resources
Commission (CRC), because the public has access rights and use rights of
these areas for navigation, recreation and commerce. Additionally, these
waters have aesthetic value, and contribute to fish life and flood control.
*According to the CAMA Regulations (15 NCAC 7E, Section 0.104):
The term "major development" means any development which requires
permission, licensing, approval certification or authorization in any form
from the Environmental Management Commission, the Health Services
Commission, the State Department of Natural Resources and Community
Development (Natural and Economic Resources or Conservation and
Development), the State Department of Administration, the North Carolina
Mining Commission, the North Carolina Pesticides Board, or the North
Carolina Sedimentation Control Commission; or which occupies a land or
water area in excess of 20 acres; or which contemplates drilling for or
excavating natural resources on land or under water; or which occupies on a
single parcel a structure or structures in excess of a ground area of
60,000 square feet. The term "minor development" means any development
other than a major development.

8
Currently, protection of the public trust waters have been achieved through
monitoring and enforcement by the River Bend Administrator, and the CAMA
Permit Officers. The Craven County Planner serves as the local CAMA Permit
Officer for minor development, while major CAMA permits are administered
through the Department of Natural Resources and Community Development,
Office of Coastal Management, Field Services Section, Morehead City (see
previous page for definitions of "major" and "minor" development).
With specific regard to public trust waters, the Town Council discussed
alternatives including: 1) not permitting any additional commercial piers
or marinas in the planning areas; 2) taking official action through Town
ordinances toward improving public access since the existing entry point is
inadequate; and 3) the policies chosen below.
Based upon the response to the citizen survey, CAMA regulations and their
experience, the Town Council selected the following resource protection
policies:
GOAL: TO SAFEGUARD AND PERPETUATE THE BIOLOGICAL, CULTURAL, ECONOMIC AND
AESTHETIC VALUE OF THE COASTAL WETLANDS INSIDE THE TOWN OF RIVER BEND AND
ITS PLANNING AREA.
Policy 1: To permit only those uses in Coastal Wetlands AEC which
are demonstratively consistent with the aforementioned goal in the
following priority: conservation; development activities which re—
quire water access and cannot function elsewhere.
Implementation strategies:
Since Areas of Environmental Concern cross the boundaries of all
land uses and zones, consideration of these AEC protection
policies shall be stressed in the development (or revision) of any
land management tools.
Incorporate Section .0205 of 15 NCAC 7H into those tools by
attachment or direct reference.
Additionally, prohibit in wetlands and marshes, all uses which,
by their design, destroy the marshes.

9
Policy 2: To maintain the right of the public to use the.Trent
River, Rocky Run, Island Lake, Samuels Creek, and the canal for '
navigation, recreation and other public uses.
Implementation Strateeies:
Based on the use standards in Chapter 7H of the CAMA regulations,
the Planning Board shall review all proposals for development
which require CAMA permits and submit prepared statements, if
appropriate, to the proper CAMA officer.
Review all proposed uses including those already normally per-
mitted as outlined in .0207 of subchapter 7H (See Appendix F).
The unpermitted uses referenced in .0207 shall not be permitted
in the area designated in this plan as the River Bend planning
area nor shall the following: open dumping of trash or improperly
operating motor -driven boats which contribute gas and oil pollu-
tion to the public trust waters.
Consider establishing a local ordinance enforcing the existing re-
quirement (by the Health Department or the Coast Guard) prohibit-
ing dumping as referenced immediately above. This ordinance
should also require the installation of a pump -out facility at
the expansion of existing marinas or at new marinas. Pump -out
facilities may be either fixed or mobile. Assurance of avail-
ability of pump -out and treatment (in receivers approved by the
Craven County Health Department, N. C. Division of Health Services
or Division of Environmental Management, or other appropriate
authority) is the responsibility of the developer.
Work with Craven County, City of New Bern and Trent'Woods to
improve public access to public trust waters for a wide range of
recreational uses (including swimming). Such efforts should
consider the privately owned marina in River Bend and explore a
Town -marina ownership operation.
Establish a local ordinance enforcing prudent operation of boats,
enforceable by the local police force. This ordinance could
require a privilege license (registration) and a schedule of
fines for improper operation resulting in disregard for wave wash,
and erosion due all of which reduce capacity of the waters for
public usage.

3. Other Fragile Land Areas
a. Wildlife Preserves
Besides AEC's, River Bend has other areas which are valuable from the
standpoint of wildlife preservation, fish propogation and flood and erosion
prevention, and which consist of soils whicb are extremely poor in building
suitability. Soils in these areas consist of sands and mucks, all of which
are subject to flooding and ponding, hence the term"wetlands."._...
The areas of greatest concern are shown on the Land Classification Map,
Section III. Generally, they are located between the Plantation Canal and
Samuel's Creek from the Trent River up the canal to a point perpendicular
to the end of Pirates Road.at the 5 foot contour line; then north along
that contour to Highway 17 and down the west bank of Rocky Run to Samuels
Creek. Additionally, these areas are found on the two areas presently
designated as wildlife preserves on the Trent River near Island Lake. On
the mainland, the five foot contour again marks the boundary from the mouth
of Island Lake to the edge of Schooner Court.
Discussions with the Office of Coastal Management in Morehead City and
Washington, N.C., and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers in Wilmington
indicate that these areas are indeed sensitive and are unsuitable for
development. As such, they become prime candidates for preservation in
this Land Use Plan.
Alternative policies related to the preservation of these areas include: 1)
keeping the existing zoning map as it is (which shows parts of the area
designated as a "Wildlife Preserve"); 2) redesignating the area as a
Wildlife Preservation Zone; and/or 3) classifying the areas as conservation
on the Land Classification Map.

11
GOAL: TO PRESERVE THE AESTHETIC, BIOLOGICAL AND ECOLOGICAL VALUE OF THE
WETLANDS (OTHER THAN AEC'S) WITHIN THE RIVER BEND PLANNING AREA.
Policy 1: To prevent the disturbance of natural wetlands associ—
ated with the Trent River and tributary streams, especialy those
designated as "Wildlife Preserve District (WP)" in the River Bend
Zoning Ordinance.
Implementation Strateeies:
Amend the zoning ordinance to indicate that only passive recrea—
tional and conservational, educational, and emergency activities
which are immediately necessary for the protection of life,
property or natural resources are permitted in the WP District.
Develop a list of non—permited uses and incorporate it into the
zoning ordinance, to include: hunting, taking or disturbing wild—
life; cutting, taking, collecting or damaging of plant life; fill
or; discharge of effluents which cause temperatures to rise to an
extent that endangers indigenous plants, fish and/or wildlife.
Classify all wetlands (AEC and non —AEC designated) as "Conserva—
tion" on the Land Classification .Sap of this plan (See Section
III). This will prohibit the expenditure of public funds for
urban —type improvements in those areas and provide other sanctions
under CAMA.
Policy 2: To maintain and improve riparian vegetation.
Imolementation Strate
Develop standards for development along waterways and wetlands and
incorporate within the zoning ordinance.
Amend the zoning ordinance to indicate that the wetlands in the WP
District "may be subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the
Army Corps of Engineers (Section 404)." (This permit process
relates to dredge and fill operations and timbering where on —site
storage would be undertaken for fill purposes). Also indicate
that such processes would come under review of the U.S. Department
of Interior, Division of Ecological Services Fish and Wildlife
Commission, Raleigh; the Department of Commerce, National Marine
Fishery Service, Beaufort; and the Environmental Protection
Agency, Atlanta. These agencies will automatically be called
into play through the Corps 404 permit process.
Amend the zoning ordinance to require presentation of a 404 permit
or other required (by state and federal agencies) permits,'and a
certificate of consistency with the Land Classification map
(herein) before a certificate of zoning compliance can be issued.

12
b. Sources of Water Supply
There are two sources of water available to most communities: ground water
resources and surface water supplies such as reservoirs. The water supply
source for the Town of River Bend and the adjacent planning area is
derived from ground water supplies. The main source is the Castle Rayne
Aquifer. Although ground water is the source of all water, the actual
distribution of water varies ranging from individual wells to a central
water distribution system.
Discussions with Hr. Bill Jeeter of the N. C. Department of Natural
Resources and Community Development indicate that River Bend is not within
the capacity use area designated by NRCD and therefore has no restriction
on gallons of water which may be withdrawn.
River Bend draws its water from the lower part of the Castle Rayne
limestone aquifer and partially from the Beaufort formation. Quantity of
supply is not a constraint for the community.
Water quality issues relate only to the high concentration of heavy metals,
which are customary in the coastal region of North Carolina and which
present no constraint to the community's well—being.
GOAL: TO PROTECT THE WATER SUPPLY OF RIVER BEND.
Policy 1: To control types of land uses which extract excessive
amounts of water from the acquifer.
Implementation Strategy:
Support the N.C. Department of Natural Resources and Community
Development which requires that users of more than 100,000 gallons
per day acquire a permit.
Policy 2: To regulate the develoment of land uses which have high
potential for polluting the ground water supply.
Implementation Strategy:
Support the Craven County Health Department efforts to control
septic tank location, design and density.

13
c. Cultural and Historic Resources.
It is important that cultural resources (architectural, archaeological and
historic) be considered in the early stages of land use planning to avoid
adverse effects to significant sites. River Bend did this by writing to
the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources in Raleigh. The
response, a November 4 letter from Renee Gledhill —Earley, for John J.
Little, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer, revealed that a
comprehensive inventory of historically and architecturally significant
--structure in Craven County had been conducted. Another inquiry to Mr.
Peter S-ndbeck, at the Attmore—Oliver House, 511 Broad St., New Bern,
indicated that there are several historically and architecturally
significant structures in the River Bend planning area. None of the
structures (or the brick road) are located within the Town itself, but are
concentrated along the old Trent (Brick) Road and in the community or
Rhems.
According to Mr. Sandbeck, three structures in Rhems were of sufficient
significance or intactness to merit recording in the Craven County
inventory, as was the old brick road, which has considerable historical
significance. Another late nineteenth century farmhouse in Rhems is
significant but was not inventoried due to wishes of the owner. There are
eight other structures in the area, concentrated along Highway 17 which
date roughly from the period 1920, which taken on the basis of age alone
are worthy of preservation. However, all of these structures have either
been substantially altered or have been permitted to decay to the point
that their significance on other gro-•nds is questionable. The complete
inventory, dated January 24, 1983 (letter from Mr. Sandbeck to Rex Todd) is
on file at the Town Hall, River Bend.
Craven County is quite rich in archaeological resources, unfortunately, no
systematic archaeological survey has yet been conducted within the planning
area of River Bend to determine the location or significance of
archaeological sites. One siting has been recorded, however, with the
N. C. Department of Cultural Resources. The potential for archaeological
resources is considered high because of the topographic setting of the
area. Numerous archaeological sites, both prehistoric and historic, have
been recorded in Craven County where similar topographic situations exist.

14
Alternative policies regarding archaeological sites include: 1) ignoring
their existence; 2) applying for a grant to adequately assess the presence
of such resources in the planning area, and 3) revise ordinances to
consider the possibility of such sites during routine development, and as
a prerequisite for building permits.
GOALi TO PRESERVE THE IiISTORICAL, ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
OF THE PLANNING AREA.
Policy 1: To enhance the. powers of the Planning Board for considera—
tion of unknown archeological resources, particularly on properties
cited for demolition and excavation.
Implementation strategies:
Contact the Department of Cultural Resources for information per—
taining to state and federal mechanisms which protect archeo—
logical sites, such as legislation and easements.
d. Fragile areas not in River Bend
The River Bend planning area has none of the following: sand dunes along
the outer banks; ocean beaches or shorelines; areas containing unique
geological formations; registered natural landmarks or official scenic and
prominent high points. Additionally, there are no other specific local
resource development issues relative to 15 NCAC 7H which River Bend was
requested to address.

4. Hazard Areas: Natural and Man-made
a. Areas with Soil Limitations
The major soil types in the River Bend area are poorly suited to develop-
ment based upon the high water table, slow percolation rate, severe
wetness, limitation for shallow excavations, limitations for construction
of local roads and streets, and flood proneness. However, they do have
positive characteristics of low shrink -swell, reasonable depth to bedrock,
favorable drainage if elevation is adequate, and briefness of flooding.
Detailed soils maps of the area are available in the County Courthouse at
the office of John Smith, Soil Scientist with the District Soils Conserva-
tion Service.
While, as a rule, there are no septic problems if elevation is adequate,.
drainage is a critical issue in how development can be accommodated in the
River Bend Planning Area.
As shown in the following table, the predominate soil types within the
corporate limits of River Bend consist of Tarboro Sand and Tarboro Urban
Land Complex (0 to 6% slope), Loam Sand and Seabrook Loamy Sand. The
Tarboro series are good. sites for buildings but do have severe limitations
for development of septic tank and field absorption system due to the poor
filtering properties of the soil. These soils are generally located south
of Plantation Canal, on both sides of Shoreline Drive extending east 650
feet and to the west up to 180 feet.
The Coastal soil series is also suitable for buildings with slight
limitations to development of septic treatment systems. These soils are
located just east of the Tarboro series and east of Shoreline Drive,
extending to the Trent River creeks just east of the Rockledge/
Shoreline intersection.
The Leon series and Seabrook series characterize the soils located within
the "U" of the Plantation Canal (i.e., all lands west of the Tarboro
series and east of the canal). This area has moderate to severe limitation
to development due to wetness and for septic systems, poor filtering
capacity.

S
TAVU.' 1
SOT IS OF RIVER BEND
'
AREA
SOIL. TYPE
% SLOP'
SEPTIC
DWELLING W/
BASEMENT
DWELLINGS W/0
BASEMENT
DRAINAGE
DEPTII TO
BEDROCK
WATER
TABLE
DEPTH
37 Conetonc Loamy Sand
0-5 %
Slight
Slight
Slight
Slight
60+ "_
6+ '
River
Bend
_
7226 ;arbaro ,:and
0-6 %
Severe
Severe.
Slight
Severe
Slight
Severe
Slight
Slight
60+ "
60+11
6+ '
0-1'
582 Leon Sand
Proper
452 Seabrook Loamy Sand
Severe
Severe
Moderate
Severe
60+
2-4'
558C Suffolk Loamy Sand
10-30%
Severe
Severe
Severe
Slight
60+
6+ '
Outside
.5589 Craven Silt Loam
1-4 %
d a t a
In o t a v a
i 1 a b 1 e a�t
S C S
Town
410 Goldsboro Loamy Pine Sand
0-2 %
Severe
Severe
Slight
Slight
60+"
2-3'
JB Johnston Muckalee
0-3 %
Severe
Severe
Severe
Severe
60+ "
h'-1h'
Limits
417 Lachburg Fine Sandy Loam
Severe
Severe
Severe
S1iRht
60+"
415 Onslow Loamy Sand
Severe
Severe
Severe
Moderate
60+ "
111-3'
830 Rains Fine Sandy Loam
Severe
Severe
Severe
Moderate
60+ "
0-1'
352 A$B Norfolk Loamy Fine
Sand
0-2 %
0-6 %
Moderate
Moderate
Slight
Slight
60+ "
4-6'
818 Leaf Silt Loam
Severe
Severe
Severe
Moderate
60+"
5- 5'
371 Autr ville Loamy Sand
u-5%
Slight
Slight
Slight
Sligll$
60+11
6+�:
891 Murville Sand
0-5o
Severe
Severe
Severe
Severe
60+11
0-1'
MB:RT/jr

17
Alternative policies considered by the Planning Board range from designating
areas with particularly poor drainage and high water table as "conservation"
thereby not allowing their development and reducing the potential of future
problems; directing improvements like water and sewer away from areas which
have poor building soils; reserving higher density development for better
soils; and requiring alternative on --site wastewater treatment in areas of
"potential difficulty" (i.e., after more detailed analysis).
GOAL: TO PREVENT OR, AT LEAST, MINIMIZE LOSS OF LIFE OR PROPERTY IN
AREAS OF KNOWN NATURAL HAZARDS DUE TO SLOPE AND SOIL LIMITATIONS.
Policy 1: To require lower -density development in areas of less
suitable soils in order to minimize detrimental impact upon soil re-
sources and upon the development itself.
Implementation Strategies:
Fully utilize the Craven County soil survey to identify areas of
soils with limitations for septic tanks located outside of the Town
limits.
Use the Craven County Soil Survey to more specifically identify
areas where soils pose severe limitations for foundations.
Amend the zoning ordinance to require increased minimum lot size
for areas which drain poorly and which cannot economically be made
to drain.
Adopt a 1pcal ordinance to require an acceptable treatment system
(traditional or acceptable alternative innovative system) to
accommodate desirable development, to overcome problems of soil
limitations for septic tanks and limitations of lot size.
*Different soils have different capacities to carry development (see page
16). If that capacity is exceeded, the soil's natural functions (such as
purifying wastewater, serving as a drainageway, etc.) will cease to function,
causing a chain reaction of detrimental effects. In this policy statement,
the Town respects the value of the carrying capacity of the soil as well as
the value of the man-made development placed upon that soil.

18
b. Areas Subject to Flooding
Review of the Flood Hazard Map indicated that nearly 48% of the area
inside the corporate limits is prone to flooding.
Additionally, because of the relatively flat topography there, much of the
upland in the planning area is poorly drained. Even the well -draining -
soils become very wet, and during rainy periods, water stands on the fields
or in the furrows. Bottom lands are nearly all very poorly drained and
swampy. They are covered by water much of the time and are very wet, even
during prolonged dry weather. Additionally, intense storms yield
precipitation at rates that exceed the infiltration capacity of the soils,
resulting in runoff to streams.
The topography plotted on the flood -prone areas map indicates that other
areas of greater than 12% slope occur only on the partially eroded
shoreline of the creeks and within the Gatewood and Riverhill subdivisions.
Since the natural topography is inadequate for the removal of stormwater, a
manmade system becomes the only means of water removal subsequent to such
storms. Other safeguards include:
Modifying Flooding --
dams and reservoirs,
levees and walls
channel alterations
diversions
land treatment
site detention
Modifying Susceptibility to Flooding—
Floodplain regulations
development and redevelopment
warning and preparedness
flood proofing
Modifying Impact of Flooding--
flood insurance
relief and recovery
River Bend is participating in the Emergency Phase of the National Flood
Insurance Program (as shown on Flood Hazard Boundary Map 3704320005A, dated
May 14, 1982). Discussions with the Federal Emergency Management Agency
indicate that the study from River Bend will be finished in 1983. Until
such time, River Bend must abide by the best available determination of the
100 year base flood elevation which is twelve feet above mean sea level.
This figure was determined for New Bern and vicinity and recently
reconfirmed for New Bern itself. This requires that the first floor
elevation be at or above 12 feet, indicating that all new construction
inside the Flood Hazard Area in River Bend must be on stilts or fill.
Utility systems and water systems are to be constructed

19
above the 50-year elevation. The Southern Building Code Congress' Standard
Building Code requires that the lowest supporting member be 12 inches or 14
inches freeboard (above the 12 foot flood level). This is more protective
of development than River Bend's current requirement under FEMA which
requires only that the upper surface of the first floor be 12 feet.
Alternatives considered regarding development and redevelopment of flood
prone areas included: 1) allowing well designed residential and
recreational uses in these areas; 2) establishing these areas as
conservation areas; 3) improving the County's activity under the Federal
Flood program; 4) allowing no public works projects to be constructed in
designated floodplains, other than road and some recreational facilities.
GOAL: TO PREVENT OR, AT LEAST, MINIMIZE LOSS OF LIFE OR PROPERTY IN
AREAS OF KNOWN NATURAL HAZARDS DUE TO FLOODING.
Policy: To equip the Town Council to better influence the types of
development inside areas which are flood prone areas.
Implementation strategies:
Continue to implement the Town's Flood Disaster Protection Ordi-
nance which regulates.location and construction. In that docu-
ment, strengthen and enforce construction standards, requiring
flood -proofing measures for residential and commercial struc-
tures, including docks and piers located on designated flood
prone areas.

20
c. Excessive Erosion Areas.
Excessive Erosion has been noted along the Plantation Canal and the banks
of the Trent River.
Sixty-four percent (64%) of the respondents to the citizen's survey stated
that excessive erosion was a moderate or serious problem in the area. (Data
from the North Carolina Shoreline Erosion Inventory (U. S. Department of
Agriculture, SCS, Raleigh, North Carolina, October, 1975) provides
information regarding only the Neuse River). -
Factors contributing to erosion are generally fetch (the distance over
which water reaches into the land mass), exposure, wind tides, soil, bank
height, intensity and type of waterway use, and land use, with fetch and
exposure being the greatest factors. Northeast and southeast exposures are
worse, with the worst erosion on exposed banks producing danger of high
bank overhang.
In River Bend the most serious single cause of erosion in the canal and
certain other shoreline areas is excessive wake produced by reckless
operation of motorboats.
Alternative policies considered include: 1) incorporate a 75-foot set back
on all shorelines; 2) require the installation of erosion control measures
(bulkheads) for high density development near shorelines before construction
can begin (as in Pine Knoll Shores, N. C.); 3) encouragement of set back
lines through restrictive covenants insasmuch as a standard set back may not
be applied equally to all shores; 4) require erosion control measures where
densities exceed sic dwelling units per acre, -and 5) disallowing densities
greater than six dwelling units per acre.
GOAL: TO RESTRICT THE INCREASE IN THE RATE OF EROSION OF THE SHORES IN
THE RIVER BEND PLANNING AREA.
Policy: To undertake appropriate measures to control erosion within
the planning area.
Implementation Strategies:
Apply for technical assistance to conduct a feasibility study or an
assessment of available erosion prevention measures to be incor-
porated into future town ordinances or otherwise developed for
application by the Town.
Contact the N. C. Department of Natural Resources and Community
Development Land Quality personnel for erosion control tech-
niques.
Work with the Craven County Health Department and the District
Soil Conservation Service to prevent location of septic tank
drainfields in highly erodable areas.
Continue to stipulate to prospective buyers the responsibilities
of erosion control. Indicate the existence of the Town's Flood
Hazard Control Ordinance, CAMA permit requirements for bulkheads
and requirements for a certificate of zoning compliance.
Consider a "no wake regulation" for the canal (at least), as unani-
mously approved by Town Council on January 24, 1983.

zl
d. Man —Made Hazards.
The man—made hazard areas in the River Bend Planning Area include Highway
17, the railroad, powerline easements and the air strip. All have
implications as such for land use development patterns.
Toward dealing with all these hazards, alternative policies were identified
which include allowing the hazards to continue to exist or using the Town
regulatory powers to guide development with respect to these hazards.
GOAL: TO GUIDE DEVELOPMENT WITH PROPER CONSIDERATION OF MAN—MADE
HAZARDS.
Policy: To equip the Town to deal with the known hazards and to
better deal with man—made hazard issues which might arise in the
future.
Implementation Strategies:
Revise the Zoning Ordinance to provide appropriate setbacks from
the hazards recognized above, by type of land use.
5. Hurricane and Flood Evacuation Needs and Plans.
The Town of River Bend participates in the Craven County Hurricane
Evacuation Plan (April 1979). The County is currently considering applying
for additional funding to computerize evacuation priorities based upon
population concentration, road classification, and elevation. This plan
designates Bangert Elementary School as the Hurricane Evacuation Shelter
for River Bend, Trent Woods, Wilson Creek and others on Highway 17 South.
Discussions in River Bend have indicated concern that there is only one
existing exit from the Town (Shoreline Drive) which could present problems
if the exit from within the Town was not orderly. This Land Use Plan
recommends that another road be required of developers so as to extend
Pinewood Drive to Highway 17, in the event of new subdivision activity.
This would aid the community in gaining egress in the event of flood or
hurricane as well as improving traffic flow within the Town.
The Town of River Bend is familiar with the Craven County Hurricane
Evacuation Plan and the Council supports it and the County's proposed quest
for its update. Beyond this, and the aforementioned improvement of egress,
the Town of River Bend takes no additional policy stance in this Land Use
Plan.

22
C. RESOURCE PRODUCTION
1. Introduction
Resource production deals with those natural resources important to the
economy. Specifically, these include agriculture and forest lands, mineral
deposits and fish habitats.
Results from work sessions with the River Bend Planning Board reveal the
following prioritized issues regarding resource production:
Agriculture
Forest
Commercial and Recreation Fishing
Mining
Among these, the large tracts of land within the River Bend Planning Areas
under agriculture and forest production are most important, and thus, the
focus of the following summary:
The River Bend area is dominated by soils classified as "prime" or
"important" agricultural lands. Policies call for the presentation of
these lands for agriculture and forest use, with some urban development
allowed along, and south of, Highway 17.
Policies also call for the enhancement of fish habitats through the
maintenance of riparian vegetation and support for improved waste water
treatment facilities to improve the water quality of the area's
waterways.
The River Bend area has no peat resources and limited sand and gravel
deposits, but is underlined with the Castle Hayne Limestone. Policies
call for the prevention of mineral mining and processing.
Off -the -road vehicles are not a problem within the area, and therefore,
no policies are developed.
2. Agricultural Resources
Agricultural lands are a significant part of the River Bend planning area -
landscape. They represent nearly 25% of the planning area land base. For
the County, the annual value of farm products totals $33 million with corn
and beans being the primary crops.
In recent years, Craven County has witnessed a 32% decrease in the number
of farms (between 1969-82).and a 16% decrease in the amount of land being
farmed. Few farms are over 1000 acres in size, with the majority having
under 180 acres. With the continued rise in operating costs, the trend is
toward larger farms to create an economy of scale, thereby reducing the per
unit costs.
With the exception of about six parcels between 100 and 200 acres, nearly
all parcels within the River Bend planning area are less than the 100 acre
sized units. This suggests that these lands will likely be converted to

23
urban uses, especially those abutting Hwy. 17, unless land use controls are
instituted.'
Knowledge of soil characteristics is important in order to understand
agricultural production in the area. The capability of the soil is so
basic to farming it is used as the prime element in designating
agricultural lands.
Exclusive of the natural drainageways, nearly all lands north and east of
the Canal within the River Bend Planning area are designated either "Prime
Farmland" (about 80% of the lands) or "Important Farmland" (about 20% of
the land). The three predominate soil types in this area include Goldsboro
loamy fine sand (0 to 2% slope), Onslow loamy sand and Norfolk loamy fine
sand (0 to 6% slope).
According to the District Engineer with the Soil Conservation Service in
New Bern, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has defined "Prime Farmlands"
as those that are best suited to producing food, feed, forage, fiber, and
oilseed crops. It has the soil quality, growing season, and moisture
supply needed to economically produce sustained high crop yields if
acceptable farming methods are used. Such methods include installation of
drainage systems in some moderately well drained soils for producing the
highest yields of tobacco, and the use of erosion control practices to
reduce soil loss in gently sloping areas. Prime farmland produces the
highest yields with minimal inputs of energy and money, and farming it
results in the least damage to the environment. Prime farmland is of major
importance in satisfying the nation's short and long range needs for food
and fiber. The supply of high quality farmland is limited and it should be
used with wisdom and foresight.
Prime farmland is either currently used for producing food or fiber or is
available for this use. Urban or built—up land or water areas are not
included.
Prime farmland usually has an adequate and dependable supply of moisture
from precipitation or irrigation. It has favorable temperature and growing
season and acceptable reaction. It has few or no rocks and is permeable to
water and air. Prime farmland is not excessively erodible or saturated
with vapor for long periods or flooded during the growing season. Slope
ranges mainly from 0 to 6 percent.
About 72,214 acres or 15% of Craven County meets the requirements for prime
.farmland. This farmland occurs thorugbout the County on uplands and stream
terraces, mainly in areas near major drainageways. The main crops are
corn, soybeans, tobacco, and wheat.
A secondary indication of land suitable for farming includes those lands
designated as "Important Farmlands". These lands are defined as those
state and locally important farmlands other than those designated as prime
farmland. In one or more ways, the soil characteristics do not meet the
requirements for prime farmland. Important farmland can produce crops
economically if modern farming methods, including water management, are
used.

24
Farmland of state and local importance must either be currently used for
producing food or fiber or available for this use. Urban or built-up land
or water areas are not included.
Like prime farmland, important farmland usually has an adequate and
dependable supply of moisture from precipitation or irrigation, favorable
temperature, growing season and acceptable reaction. It -has few or nor
rocks and is permeable to water and air with slopes ranging from 0 to 6%.
About 277,844 acres, or nearly 59.9 percent of Craven County meets the
requirements for farmland of statewide and local importance. These areas
are large and occur throughout the County. The main crops are corn,
soybeans, and tobacco.
The Craven County Land Use Plan has identified the River Bend planning
area as part of the Southern Growth Corridor of New Bern. This potential
for growth will place pressures to convert prime farmland to urban uses.
Without adequate land use controls, development will eventually replace the
existing farms, cause farm production to move from prime to less than prime
soils, requiring more fertilizer and irrigation, etc., -and thus raise the
costs of production.
"The Farmland Protection Policy Act of December 1981" sets out the
Federal Government's policies relative to the importance of farmland. This
act is directed toward influencing public investment, tax policies and land
use regulations favorable to the farming industry.
In North Carolina, tax incentives are provided for productive farms
of ten (10) acres or greater, with an income of $1,000 per year or
greater. These act to reduce pressure for conversion to urban uses.
In its Land Use Plan, Craven County policy supports the protection of
Productive Agricultural lands from urban development, specifically on prime
farm lands.

25
Policy Alternatives for River Bend include: l) do not extend River Bend's
jurisdiction to the one -mile extraterritorial boundary, thereby allowing
Craven County or New Bern decidethe fate of prime farmlands; 2) extend
River Bend's jurisdiction to the one -mile extraterritorial limit and adopt
land use controls to preserve prime agricultural land for agriculture
production, and 3) extend River Bend's jurisdiction to the extraterritorial
area and adopt regulation to preserve prime agricultural land generally
north of Highway 17.
GOAL: TO PRESERVE AND MAINTAIN PRIME AGRICULTURAL LAND WHILE
ACCOMMODATING LIMITED URBAN GROWTH CLUSTERS.
Policy l: The following areas shall be designated for agriculture
production;
a. Areas with predominantly prime agricultural soils.
b. Areas generally in parcels of 10 acres or larger.
c. Areas classified as rural (see Land Classification Map).
d. Areas generally north of Highway 17.
Policy 2: Agricultural related industries shall be encouraged
outside the corporate limits.
Policy 3: Land uses which conflict with agricultural uses shall not
be allowed on agriculturally designated lands.
Policy 4: New public water and sewer facilities shall not be
allowed in agriculturally designated areas.
Implementation Strategies for policies 1-4:
Amend the River Bend Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regula-
tions through the establishment of an agricultural preservation
zone, minimum lot size (10 acre) and permitted and non -permitted
uses list.

26
3. Commercial Forest Resources
As noted in the Craven County Land Use Plan, major corporate timber
holdings account for over 90,000 acres within the County. The Weyerhauser
Paper Company has significant land holdings directly Northeast of the River
Bend planning area. These corporations will play a major role in the
timing and location of future development in the area.
River Bend is bordered on the south by the Croatan National Forest. The
River Bend Planning Board recommends that the regulations of the National
Forest Service and Jones Co. policies for preservation of that area be
supported.
Forest lands also serve as a filter and storage facility for water. They
prevent the erosion of soils from sloped areas thereby reducing
sedimentation in the stream and prevent silt from bulding up in the creeks
and Trent River. By absorbing precipitation, forests also play an
intricate role in the recharge of groundwater and the prevention of floods.
By greatly reducing sedimentation in the streams and by helping to keep
water temperatures cool throughout the summer, forested areas provide
habitats for fish and wildlife.
In River Bend, forest lands are primarily valued as open space, as buffers
from noise and visual blight, as places that link the urban landscape
with the rural surroundings, as bavens for wildlife and as stabilizing
influences on slopes and river banks. In the extraterritorial area, forest
lands serve primarily a commercial forest production role, and as a
temporary use awaiting conversion to urban development.
North Carolina has tax incentives for forest lands greater than 20 acres in
size, similar to that for agricultural lands.
As noted under "Agricultural Resources" above, the River Bend area is
experiencing increased pressures for conversion of agricultural and forest
lands for urban development.
The Craven County Land Use Plan recognizes the potential conflict between
the need to preserve forest land for commercial use and the need for future
urban lands. The County intends to utilize its development contracts to
minimize any adverse impacts resulting from these conflicts.

P*A
Policy alternatives include: 1) not extending River Bend's jurisdiction to
the one -mile extraterritorial boundary, thereby letting Craven County, New
Bern, and Jones County decide the fate of forest lands; 2) extending River
Bend's jurisdiction to the full one -mile extraterritorial limit and adopt
land ese controls to preserve forested lands for commercial production; 3)
extending River Bend's jurisdiction to the extraterritorial area and adopt
regulation to preserve forest lands generally north of Highway 17, and
4) supporting federal policies which relate to the Croatan Natural Forest.
GOAL: TO PRESERVE AND PROTECT FOREST LANDS FOR FOREST USES.
Policy 1: To designate the following areas for forest use:
a. Areas with prime and important soil (same as agricultural designa-
tion).
b. Areas generally in parcels of 20 acres or larger.
c. Areas generally in forest use.
d. Areas which are environmentally sensitive or otherwise require
protection (as non -harvesting wooded areas).
e. Areas generally north of Highway 17.
f. Forested areas which buffer more intense land uses from areas of
less intensive uses.
Policy 2: Forest related industries shall be encouraged in forest
areas except for the Croatan National Forest.
Policy 3: Land uses which conflict with forest uses shall not be
allowed on forest designated lands.
Policy 4: New public water and sewer facilities shall not be allowed
in forest designated areas.
Implementation for policies 1 through 4:
Amend the River Bend Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations
to establish a forest preservation zone, which stipulates a minimum
lot size (20 acres) and permitted and non -permitted uses lists.
Policy 5: To support the federal policies related to preservation of
the Croatan National Forest.
Implementation Strategy:
Monitor said policies and otherwise support Federal Forest Preser-
vation efforts.

28
4. Commercial and Recreational Fishing
Fish and Wildlife are an important part of River Bend's character. The
Trent River and its tributaries, along with the Neuse River, provide
valuable wildlife habitats and fishing grounds for both commercial and
sport fishing. As noted within the Craven County Land Use Plan, commercial
fishing within the Neuse River provided over 6,000,000 pounds of fish,
generating over $1.5 million to the economies of Craven and Pamlico
Counties (1979). The predominate commercial species include blue crab,
menhaden, shrimp, croaker and trout.
Production of fish is dependent on a quality environment. Of the species
identified above, trout are most sensitive to fluctuation in water quality.
The deteriorated water quality of the Neuse River (and Trent River) is most
pronounced at the New Bern area and in turn, at River Bend. According to
the "Friends of the Neuse, Inc.," the water quality problems of the Neuse
can be classified under 1) water volume; 2) temperature; and 3) nutrient
concentrations, organic matter and oxygen levels. Given the pressures for
continued urbanization in the Neuse Drainage Basin, the quality of the
Trent and Neuse Rivers will likely continue to deteriorate, unless land use
policies are instituted throughout the entire Neuse watershed area.

29
Policy alternatives included: 1) actively protecting River Bend's fish
habitats; 2) supporting state efforts to protect fish habitats, but
generally not take an active role unless required, and 3) work to change
the 404/414 proposal to prevent upstream pollution of the Neuse River.
GOAL: TO PROTECT AND ENHANCE FISH HABITATS LOCATED IN THE TRENT RIVER
AND TRIBUTARY CREEKS.
Policy 1: To maintain and improve existing fish habitats while accom-
modating public access to the Trent River..
Implementation:
Support all federal and state programs dealing with management and
production of commercial fisheries.
Identify public access points as part of River Bend's parks and
recreation planning program.
Policy 2: To maintain and manage riparian vegetation and groundcover
to promote wildlife habitats, to stabilize banks, to allow for the
natural filtering action of soils and to shade waterways to lower
water temperatures.
Implementation:
Amend the zoning ordinance to require developers to prepare a ri-
parian vegetation plan for all applicable areas.
Consider developing tree cutting regulations.
Policy 3: To support efforts to reduce pollution of the communities
waterways.
Implementation:
Continue efforts to change 404/414 regarding upstream pollution.
(See Community Facilities Section of this Plan).

30
5. Mineral Production Areas
The most prevalent minerals in Craven County are limestone and some peat
deposits. The entire River Bend Planning Area is underlaid with the Castle
Hayne Limestone. The limestone depth usually begins within about 20' from
the surface and extends up to 275' in some locations of the New Bern area .
Limestone is normally crushed and used for roadway beds and fill.
Limestone quarries exist in the New Bern area.
There are no peat deposits within the River Bend Planning Area. Some
deposits are found within the National Forests of Craven County.
The most crucial planning issues involved with mineral resources management
are: ensuring that the mineral sites are both utilized effectively now and
managed to facilitate future use, and ensuring that adverse environmental
impacts resulting from mining and processing are minimized.
Policy Alternatives include: 1) allow for the mining of limestone within
the.River Bend Planning Area under strict mining and processing
regulations, and 2) disallow any mining of minerals within the River Bend
Planning area.
GOAL: TO PROTECT THE NATURAL AND MAN-MADE ENVIRONMENT FROM THE MINING
AND PROCESSING OF MINERALS WITHIN THE RIVER BEND PLANNING AREA.
Policy 1: To disallow the mining and processing of minerals in the
River Bend Planning Area.
Implementation:
Amend the zoning ordinance by establishing a non -permitted uses
list by zone.
6. Off -Road Vehicles
The River Bend Planning Board has indicated that there are no off -road
vehicle problems within the Planning Area. Therefore, policies relative to
off -road vehicles are not necessary.

31
D. Economic and Community Development
1. Introduction
The economy of an area is defined by a system of producers and consumers of
goods and services. River Bend finds itself in the role of a residential
support community to New Bern and other employment centers, and is often in
a position to respond within that role.
"Economic development" is a process of analyzing the local and regional
systems of production and distribution of goods and services, identifying
issues which need abatement and opportunities for development toward
strengthening that system. That system has capacity to produce and
distribute, to hire more persons locally, to substitute locally produced
factors of production for imported materials, to diversify the mix of
industries, to attract employers which hire a mix of occupations that more
closely matches the local population, or in some other way undertakes
activities to improve the economy itself. Measures of improvement are
often stated in numbers of jobs created, ownership opportunities increased,
increase in median family income, and reduction in unemployment levels.
"Community development", on the other hand, is concerned with improving the
community infrastructure (roads, water and sewer, housing, and type and
distribution of other land uses) in a manner which supports the economy and
enhances the quality of life among neighbors. Unlike economic development,
the strategies of community development are often measured in terms of the
number of houses or stores rehabilitated, sewer systems upgraded, and
acquisition of land for public recreation facilities.
This section presents an overview of the economy within Craven County and
within the River Bend commute area (see Appendix D for additional
information). It analyzes River Bend's capacity to meet the land use
demands in particular sectors of the local economy in terms of industrtial,
commercial and other uses, housing, community facilities, transportation
and recreation and open space. Particular issues are identified in each
section, with alternative and chosen policies for improvement presented
where appropriate.
2. Economy.
Examination of the economic base of a county presents an understanding of
how its communities have developed and what future prospects are. Most
towns and cities flourish because they serve as centers for the production
and distribution of goods and services, serve production and distribution
functions, create jobs and provide employment opportunities which attract
people.
Viewed in the above terms, the economy influences the amount of land
development that occurs and its particular uses. For example, strong
manufacturing employment trends stimulate industrial uses. Similarly,
future space employment trends in wholesale trades determine future space
needs for commercial uses.

32
In a town like River Bend, which serves economically as a residential
suburb for a larger city, these same pressures may be felt in terms of
demand for residential, recreational and open space land uses, and related
public services.
One measure of the "economic area" of a community is its commute to work.
Within this area of major activities (work, school and residence), the role
of River Bend as consumer in the local economy is brought into focus.
The October survey provided 275 responses related to occupation (including
retirees and housewives). Of these, 100 provided detailed distance to work
information, and 45 respondents provided such for the distance to school.
Of these respondents, the mean distance to work is 15.17 miles, with
twenty—two persons (22%) driving more than 20 miles. The mean distance to
school is 9 miles.
Thus, we may consider the 15 mile commute as the main "economic area" for
River Bend. The commute area is also an indication of the primary housing
market area, since pressures for industrial and commercial development are
best supported by residential land uses within a reasonable driving time.
To determine the demand for economic development upon this area (and
particularly upon River Bend), the Planning Board reviewed data on the
civilian labor force, employment by industry and place of work, major
manufacturing employers, retail sales and location of retail establishments
in Craven County (see excerpt of the New Bern Land Use Plan in Appendix D).
The following is a summary of trends extracted from that date with
implications for'River Bend:
Economic growth is still occuring in the New Bern area.
Employment of Craven County residents grew 12% between
1975 and 1979, with the only major decline among ag—
ricultural workers.
Most employment categories have experienced substantial
gains in the recent past with food, lumber and wood
manufacturing being the exceptions. Trade employment
increased by the most, followed by other manufacturing
and government employment.
While New Bern and Craven County's manufacturing firms do
not provide large numbers of jobs, they do provide a
significant number of good paying jobs.
Retail trade remains the most stable employer in the
New Bern area.
New Bern shows a sound industrial base coupled with a
strong retail sector, indicating a strong economy.
New Bern's retail activity accounts for 717. of Craven
County's total.

The significance of the growth in both manufacturing and
retail employment to future development decisions by
the City of New Bern and its surrounding areas (like
River Bend) is the relative allocation of land for
these two economic activities compared to other land
uses.
Next, to relate these trends to River Bend, the distribution of employment
by "industry" in River Bend was compared to that for Craven County.
Table II
Distribution of Employment, by Industry
Craven County (1979)
and River Bend (survey, 1982)
Craven County River Bend
Industry Number Percent Number Percent
Manufacturing 4,290 17.3 4 4.6
Nonmanufacturing
Construction
900
3.6
2
2.3
Transp., Comm., util
1,080
4.3
2
2.3
trade(wholesale
& retail)
42960
20.0
2
2.3
?in. Ins. Real Est.
670
2.7
21
24.4
Service and Misc.
2,350
9.4
42
48.8
Government
82470
34.0
13
15.1
Agricultural
150
.6
0
0
Table II indicates that
the proportion
of employment by industry
in River
Bend is significantly less than that
of Craven County in
manufacturing,
lSee Appendix, Economy,
Table 6
2Based on 86 responses
to the October
Survey
which had enough
detail to adequately
categorize employment
by industry.

34
wholesale and retail trade, government, and agriculture. On the other hand,
it is significantly higher than the county in service and miscellaneous
sectors, and in financial, insurance and real estate professions. The two
are roughly similar for construction and transportation, communication and
utilities.
While these data in Table II are inconclusive due to the limited response,
they do seem to indicate that pressures for acreage within River Bend
would be for office space (the financial and service industries) rather
than for the manufacturing and retail uses shown for the county.
3. Industrial, Commercial and Office Development
This preliminary view of demand for various types of economic development
leads to examination of the capacity of River Bend to absorb pressures for
such land uses. Capacity may be measured in terms of infrastructure,
availability of large lots and acreage already zoned for commercial uses.
Analysis of existing land use indicates that within the planning area the
primary facilities which could support the manufacturing pressures
experienced by the county are found west of River Bend: namely Highway 17,
the railroad, and the air strip. Major electrical lines also in that area
are amenable to the needs of industry. Tributaries of the Trent River
(Rocky Run on the north and Lime Kiln Branch) offer water supply to such
industries, as does the underlying Castle Hayne Acquifer.
Furthermore, analysis of county tax maps indicates that along Highway 17,
west of Rocky Run, there are at least eight lots ranging from 64 acres to
1,115 acres which are conducive for industrial development. Other smaller
lots could be aggregated into larger parcels for the same purpose.
Additionally, there are three large lots (of 92, 137 and 153 acres) between
River Hills Subdivision (Gatewood) and the County Line which could at some
point convert from agricultural to industrial uses since they are outside
the Towns exterritorial zoning jurisdiction but within one mile of Town.
While nearly all of these lots are designated as prime or important
agricultural land, and nearly all present severe constraints for septic
tanks and for building, large industries often have the financial power and
expertise to overcome such barriers through proper, but costly,
improvements.
Next, the existing land use map in conjunction with the official zoning
map, was analyzed to determine the supply of land designated as commercial
and industrial. Currently, there is no land either used or zoned as
industrial in the planning area, and thus, none within the town limits.
There are only 20 acres designated as commercial, 15 of which are already
developed as such and 5 designated (zoned) acres are vacant.
In summary, the availability of selected infrastructure and the adequate
supply of large lots for industrial development within the planning area

35
and vacant acreage already zoned commercial indicate a considerable
capacity which could yield to pressures for industrial or commercial
development near the Town.
On the other hand, constraints to economic development (such as office,
retail or manufacturing) in River Bend include: inadequate wastewater
treatment capacity (See Section II D.4 below); soils which have
considerable limitations for septic installations as well as for buildings
themselves due to wetness (see Section II B.4), inadequately sized street
system (see Section II D5 below), and competing markets (i.e., New Bern)
where residents easily purchase goods and services.
Another constraint to -commercial development was recognized in the October
survey:
*many respondents were concerned that the village would
try to take on the characteristics of a city and
provide many more urban services (and types of land
uses) than need be;
*commercial development was preferred outside town by 43
respondents and inside by only 19 (out of 160);
*density of development was a primary constraint, an
issue which increased commercial activity would
exacerbate; and
*conversion of residential land to commercial was in—
dicated as a type of change likely to take place,
regardless of desirability.
Additional constraints outside town include high interest rates, increasing
cost of construction materials and land, and distance from a large
(resident) population. These constraints are indicated by vacant offices,
vacant lots and unoccupied houses in River Bend.
Given these constraints to development and considering the pressures for
industrial, retail and office uses identified above, the Planning Board
undertook discussion of the types of development to be encouraged in River
Bend, which are presented in the table below:

36
Table III
Types of Development Preferred, by
location
Rank
Inside Town
Inside one —mile area
Total
But outside Town
1
residential
agricultural
residential
2
recreational/open
space
residential
recreational
3
offices (dental,
etc.)
commercial
institutional
4
institutional (school,
churches)
institutional
offices
5
commercial
services
agricultural
6
services (garage,etc.)
recreational/
open space
commercial
7
agricultural
offices
services
8
industrial
industrial
industrial
9
other
other
other
Table III indicates that commercial development was preferred near the town
but not in it (presumably along Highway 17), while industrial development
is the least preferred land use in both areas.
From this data, Planning Board worksessions and the CAMA Guidelines for
Land Use Planning (15 NCAC 7B), major economic development issues were
identified. These issues are presented below in terms of policy
alternatives.

37
Types and location of Industry Desired
Alternative policies considered include: 1) working with Craven County
officials to recruit an industry of the Town's desire, or 2) continuing to
zone -out (prevent) industry and work with the county in directing it to
near -by locations (but outside) the planning area.
Types of commercial and office development to be encouraged
Alternative policies include: 1) taking deliberate steps to stimulate
commercial development of desired types in the planning area under existing
zoning; 2) redesignating the existing BD district to one of Office and
Institutional and neighborhood scale businesses; 3) zoning part of the area
near Highway 17 as prime highway commercial space, and 4) the policy
choices presented below.
Energy Production Facilities
Alternative policies considered include: 1) allowing limited development
of alternative fuel producing facilities north of the railroad on the
periphery of the planning area; 2) working with the county to discourage
development of energy facilities in Craven County (outside the industrial
park), or 3) prohibiting such facilities within the planning area.

37a
GOAL: TO FOSTER DESIRED LEVELS, TYPES, AND PATTERNS OF ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT WHICH ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE UNIQUE CHARACTER OF THE TOWN,
RAISE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT LEVELS AND OTHERWISE CONTRIBUTE TO THE LOCAL
ECONOMIC BASE, SO AS TO IMPLEMENT THE LAND CLASSIFICATION MAP.
Policy 1: Encourage the retention and expansion of appropriate
businesses.
Implementations:
Amend the Zoning Ordinance to protect established commercial areas
from encroachment by incompatable land uses (i.e., make them
non —cumulative zones).
Through the Town budget or development of a capital improvement
program, maintain public facilities and services including law en—
forcement, water service and fire protection, sewer, road mainte—
nance, and traffic access and circulation.
Policy 2: Encourage new commercial development consistent with the
Resource Protection and Production Goals, and the needs of River Bend
Planning Area residents.
Implementation:
Zone sufficient commercial land to accommodate a broad range of
types and sizes of development.
Give high priority to providing sewer, water and road services
in designated commercial areas.
Policy 3: Require site review approval for all commercial develop—
ment addressing:
a. Compatability with surrounding areas, including buffering, scale,
landscaping and signs.
b. Access to roadways and internal truck and auto circulation.
c. Energy efficiency in site planning and building design.
d. Outdoor storage and location of parking and loading.
e. Site security.
Implementation:
Amend the Zoning Ordinance accordingly.

38
Policy 4: To encourage location of light industry within Craven
County provided certain performance standards are met, that industry
is located near existing communities (other than River Bend) and
does not use land designated for agricultural and/or forestry produc—
tion.
Implementation Strategies:
Encourage the County to prepare a list of properties that.are _.
available and suitable for commercial or industrial development.
These properties should be tested for capability of the soil
to bear such development.
Ask the County to consider the development of performance
standards for future industrial development. Such standards
should include the definitions of "light industry" with respect
to permitted levels of noise, vibration, pollution, traffic,
and demand upon community facilities and county services.
Policy 5: To permit commercial development commensurate with demand
according to the official zoning map.
Implementation Strategies:
Undertake a detailed study of the impact characteristics of
commercial development in the New Bern vicinity (the 15—mile
commute area around River Bend) and determine the types of
commercial development which are likely to benefit from locating
within the River Bend planning area and which would best serve
the residents of River Bend.
Based on this study, modify the existing zoning map. Consider
making the current BD zones more exclusively office and neighbor—
hood business uses and areas on Highway 17 highway commercial
zones for uses identified in the aforementioned study.
Policy 6: To prevent the location of energy facilities within the
extraterritorial area.
Implementation Strategy:
Revise the Zoning Ordinance to list energy production facilities
as a non —permitted use in any zone.

39
4. Housing.
River Bend is primarily a residential community. Housing, therefore, is
its most significant feature as well as major land user. The availability,
quality, choice spatial distribution and cost of housing to all
socio—economic groups are important housing issues. Although many of these
issues can only be addressed through a more in—depth analysis, the priority
issues of availability, quality and spatial distribution are addressed
below.
One of the first steps in analyzing housing is to look at supply and
demand. As indicated in the Land Use Inventory Summary (see Appendix E),
River Bend has 343 single family (SF) and 210 multi —family (MF) housing
units as of August, 1982. This represents a 60/40 SF/MF split for the total
563 units. This is a somewhat high percentage of multi —family units when
compared to other similarly sized towns in the state. One must remember,
however, that the River Bend development is only about fifteen years old
and it is within this period of time that the housing industry has
witnessed an increased demand for multi —family units. Further, the Town's
close proximity to New Bern places it in a market of higher demand for
multi —family units. This was an issue among respondents to the October
Survey, many of whom cited concern for increased density and the increase
in multi —family units.
Tlithin the extraterritorial area there are 142 single family units, 21
mobile homes and 21 multi -family units. This amounts to a 88/12 SF/MF
split (mobile houses are classified here as single family units for
comparison).
In terms of land use, residential development within the corporate limits
accounts for 65 percent of the total land area (at build out)* and about 5
percent in the extraterritorial area.
As indicated on the existing land use map, the single family residential
pattern within the Town is generally located along the Town's Waterways
with concentrations along its southern borders, while the multi —family
units are more centrally clustered and extend north. Housing within the
extraterritorial area is located primarily along Highway 17 and roads
immediately north and south.
The population projections for the River Bend Planning Area indicates an
expected 1990 population of 2115 persons (see Appendix C). This represents
a growth within the corporate limits of from 1067 (1981) to 1526 (1990).
The "Land Use Inventory Summary," indicates that there are 240 acres of
vacant land allocated (i.e zoned) for additional residential development in
the corporate limits. Based upon existing zoning, this vacant land will
accommodate approximately 165 single family and 250 multi —family units.
*Build out is defined as the maximum amount of a particular land use
permitted under current zoning.

40
Given the average household size of 2.64 persons per unit and an
approximated vacancy rate of 87 for River Bend, those units could house
1008 additional persons within the corporate limits. Population
projections indicate that by 1990, 459 persons or 174 additional households
will find housing in River Bend. Of the total Town capacity of 968 housing
units, 727 units (or 75% of total capacity) are projected to be built by
1990. Therefore, River Bend has 24.9% more land allocated for residential
housing than the 1990 demand for such housing would indicate.
Uithin the extraterritorial area the population is expected to grow from
412 (1981) to 589 by 1990, for an increase of 177 persons. Presently,
there are 163 housing units in the outlying area. Given River Bend's
average household size and vacancy rate, an additional 72 housing units
will need to be built to house the expected 1990 population in the
extraterritorial area.
Since the River Bend development is only about 15 years old, all housing
units are relatively new and in good condition. In the outlying area,
exclusive of the extensive redevelopment along the old brick road, most of
the structures are older and in varying degrees of condition. A windshield
survey was conducted within the extraterritorial area to determine housing
condition using the following standards:
Standard: Structurally -sound buildings, usually newer
construction with no maintenance deficien—
cies.
Substandard:' Structures met Code requirements, usually
Major older in need of minor maintenance costing
between $1,500 and $8,000 . (Only minor
repairs needed on: paint, doors, windows,
outside windows, porches, or stairs).
Substandard: Original structure meeting Code but with some
Major conversions or additions not to Code. Older
structure needing major maintenance and land—
scaping, costing between $8,001 and $15,000.
One or two severe defects in roof, outside
walls, outside porches and stairs, and foun—
dation.
Dilapidated: Structure requires major repairs costing
greater than $15,000 to bring up to Code.
Structure is usually very old with major
maintenance needs and little or no land—
scaping. There ususally exists severe de—
fects in all structural components, i.e.
roof, outside walls, porches, and outside
stairs, and foundation.

41
Of the 163 housing units within the extraterritorial area, 108 (66%) were
judged to be standard, 33 (20%) substandard -minor, 12 (8%)
substandard -major, and 10 (6%) dilapidated.
The Craven County Land Use Plan notes the trend toward smaller single
family lots and increased multi -family developments of which River Bend is
a part. The County policy on housing is as follows:
The County will continue to encourage high quality
residential development through its subdivision
review process: to seek out additional sources of
low-income housing rehabilitation assistance; and
will begin to develop a detailed housing strategy that
recognizes the various housing needs in the County.
Although the above policy is rather general and gives the Town of River
Bend little direction, it does suggest the need for additional planning to
meet housing needs.
Issues raised through the area -wide survey include the desirability of
residential development as a predominate use, preference of restricting
mobile homes to lands outside town, concern for increased density, and
fears of getting too much multi -family development.
Policy Alternatives include: 1) Maintain the existing Land Use
allocations (i.e. zoning) for residential developnment; 2) Change the
residential development allocation for single family and/or multi -family
work, particularly related to density and location; 3) Work with the
County and Farmers Rome Administration (FmHA) to undertake a housing
rehabilitation program for lands within the planning area, but outside the
corporate limits and 4) Foster a preventive maintenance program among
single-family owners.

42
GOAL: TO MEET THE HOUSING NEEDS OF THE AREA, WHILE PROMOTING A DIVERSITY
OF HOUSING TYPES AT APPROPRIATE LOCATIONS, AND PRESERVING AND EIMANCING THE
INTEGRITY AND IDENTITY OF EXISTING RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.
Policy 1: To maintain the existing land use.patern for residential
development within the Town limits.
Implementation Strategy:
Administer the existing zoning ordinance and subdivision regu-
lations.
Policy 2: To promote a diversity of housing types within the extra-
territorial area with some emphasis given to the needs of low and
moderate income households.
Implementation Strategy:
Zone the extraterritorial lands according to the Land Classifica-
tion Map and the above policy.
Conduct research relative to the need for mobile homes.
Work with Craven County in applying for federal housing assis-
tance funds.
Explore the feasibility of offering density bonuses (through re-
vision of the zoning ordinance) to developers who provide for
low and moderate income housing units within developments (e.g.,
a 5% density bonus will be given where living units qualify and
are approved for housing for low-income families or for the
elderly under a federal, state or local program within proposed
developments).
Policy 3: To designate residential lands within the extraterritorial
area through use of the following criteria:
a. Lands sufficient to house the 1990 population of 589 persons
(i.e., provide for 72 additional housing units).
b. Lands preferably not on "prime" agricultural lands.
c. Land along and generally south of Highway 17.
d. Lands not presently in large parcels (e.g., over 20 acres)
being used for agriculture or forest production.
e. Lands not designated as AEC_'s or other identified sensitive
area.

43
Implementation Strategy:
Amend the River Bend Zoning Map according to the above criteria.
Amend the Zoning Ordinance accordingly.

44
5. Community Facilities
a. Introduction
Proper community facilities planning, particularly that for water and
wastewater treatment systems present three major issues which should be
addressed. First, is the ultimate extent of the service area; second, the
ultimate service area population; and third, the projected per capita
demands.
In addressing these issues, it is often argued that one should plan to be
"better safe than sorry" when sizing infrastructure facilities. However,
this approach often carries a cost of building excess capacity which may
place an unreasonable payment burden on initial system users, or may allow
for unplanned sprawl or promote expansive development along those lines.
This section will examine the service area, projected population, per
capita demand, and extent to which water and sewer, and schools act as a
constraint to development in River Bend. It will also present policies and
implementation strategies for priority issues toward 1990.
b. Water system.
River Bend has a privately owned and maintained water system serving the
core area (Stones Throw, the River Bend Golf and Country Club, Harbour
Walk, Quarter Deck, Channel Run, Section II, and Section III, plus the
Trent Associates Development at Plantation Landing). This system services
approximately 45% of the incorporated acreage and 12% of the entire
planning area. The remainder (55% of the city and 100% of the
extraterritorial planning area) are served by private wells.
The water system consists of three wells, and one water tower. From these
facilities, water is distributed through an 3" line from the tower to the
core area; 6" lines which run along the collector and sub -collector streets
. and 2" to 4" lines which serve the cul de sacs.
Table IV summarizes the location, capacity, usage, and condition of the
wells and tower.

45
TABLE IV
WATER SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS
Facility
Location
Capacity
Usage
Capacity
Condition
Design
Used
Well #1
Shoreline Dr.
200,000
100,000
50%
Good
RB Plantation
gal/24 day
gal/24
day
Inc.
Well #2
Quarter Deck
Good
Cluster #1
Well #3
Shoreline Dr.
400,000*
N/A
N/A
Good
at Pirates Rd.
gal/24 day
(planned)
Elevated
Shoreline Dr.
Good
Water at
Pirates Rd.
Tank
Total
600,000*
100,000
16.67%
Good
*to be developed (as of 1/21/83).

46
Table V presents a summary of the potential demand for water now and in
1990.
TABLE V
FUTURE DEMAND FOR WATER
RIVER BEND, 1990
Unit of Demand
Housing Type
Potential De—
mand for Water
(Gal.)
Existing housing
334 single
2.64 x 50 (75)
units (100% oc—
family
cupancy
210 multi—
2.64 x 50
544 units
Population
1,067
100
(existing)
Future Housing
165+334 sfu
2.64 x 50 (75)
Units at Build—
250+210 mfu
2.64 x 50
out (100% occu—
pancy
959 units
Population
1,526
100
(Projected)
Total Gal.
Per Day
44,088(66,132)
27,720
71,808(93,852)
106,700
65,868(98,802)
60,720
126,588(159,522)
152,600
Another estimate of future demand may be obtained by my assuming an
8% vacancy rate (i.e., a 92% occupancy rate). This would reduce the 1982
estimate of demand (based on housing units) from 93,853 to 83,344 and in
1990 from 159,522 to 146,761 gallons of water per day.

47
Table IV indicates that the potential design capacity of the water system
is 600,000 gallons per day (gpd). Divided by the average usage of 100 gpd,
the system will accommodate a total population of 6000 people.
Assessment of Table IV and Table V indicate that at 60,000 gpd, there will
be excess capacity to meet existing (100,000 gpd) and future demand
(106,700 gpd based on projected population and 152,600 gpd based on
projected new housing starts.
Alternative policies include: 1) moving in a direction which maximizes
private wells, 2) moving toward extending the central water system in
unserved areas, 3) undertaking some combination of private wells and
central water system in yet unserved areas, or 4) work with the owner of
the water system to determine ways in which the town can influence (phase)
development of the system to bring it more in line with projected growth of
demand.
GOAL: TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN NEEDED FACILITIES AND SERVICES IN A
TIMELY, ORDERLY AND EFFICIENT MANNER TO SERVE THE INCORPORATED AREA OF
RIVER BEND.
Policy: To promote development which absorbs the projected excess
capacity of the water system inside the Town.
Implementation Strategy:
Develop a water supply distribution plan which phases the use of
private wells and public wells if a mixed system is
desirable, or a community -wide central water system.
This plan should balance present need (built envir-
onment) and future need (new development). Solicit the partici-
pation of the water system owner in this effort.
Work with the owner of the water system to determine ways in
which the development of the full capacity of the water system
(500,000 gallons) can be brought more into phase with the pro-
jected growth of demand.

EM
c. Sewer System
Planning issues related to proper wastewater collection and treatment
include service area definition, population projection, per capita flows
and allowance for peak to average flow, sizing of the system and selecting
the type or design of treatment facility.
Service Area Definition
River Bend has a wastewater treatment system privately owned and maintained
by Carolina Water Service, Inc. It serves Plantation Landing, Harbour
Walk, Quarter Deck, Channel Run, and Section III. Section II and Stones
Throw (served with central water), and the remainder of the incorporated
area and the planning area are served with individual septic systems. This
central system serves approximately 238 acres, or roughly 22 percent of the
area inside the town limits, and 5.5% of the entire Town and planning area
together.
The central collection system is a gravity system, with force mains
connecting Plantation Landing and Channel Run, running along Plantation
Drive from the lift station in Cluster #1 of Quarter Deck to Rontline
Drive, and from a lift station off Gull Point to the Wastewater treatment
station. The remainder of the system is 8—inch lines roughly paralleling
the water lines described earlier. There are presently enough collection
lines placed to reach the permitted capacity shown in Table VI.
The treatment system is a tertiary treatment system which, according to the
Greater New Bern 201 Study and the Craven County Health Department, is
operating satisfactorily (purifying the town's effluent according to
standard).
Design Capacity and Usage
The following table. presents the data on the capacity and utilization of
the River Bend central wastewater treatment system.
TABLE VI
Central Sewer System Usage
Gallons Per Day (GPD)
Permitted Capacity Capacity Built Current Usage % of Built Capacity Used
100,000 70,000 32,000 45.7

49
Future Demand
EPA accepts the figure of 100 gallons per capita per day (GPCD) in sizing
interceptor sewer systems (like River Bend's). In 1976 Tabors, Shapiro and
Rogers in Land Use and the Pipe attempted to estimate wastewater
generation on the basis of work done by Ligman et. al. to arrive at a
figure of only 89 GPCD as a maximum per capita generation. NRCD uses 100
gpd per person for its planning purposes.
The design flow for a sewer system is generally calculated as: Q =
(population) x (gallons per capita per day) x (peak factor).
Using this formula in River Bend, we assume that the town's lack of impact
from seasonal population influx produces a peak factor of 1.0 (i.e., no
impact). This formula adapted to "gallons per day per unit" is used -in the
following table and presents two scenarios of demand for sewer.
TABLE VII
ALTERNATIVE SCENARIOS FOR SEWER
Scenario: If the ... Then ... Sewage Generated Resulting in
Gallons per unit per day: a Total Demand on
(2.64 persons x 100 gpd) the System of:
1. Max. number of residen- 264 1889760
tial units in now sewered
area is built (416* +
existing 299 - 715)
2. If maximum buildout for 264 255,552
entire city limits (968)
*Calculated as 276 in Plantation Landing; 165 in Channel Run and 251n
Section III = 416 total.
Additionally, the 125-bed Residential Child Care Facility now being built
will generate 8,400 gallons per day (number of residents and staff (140
est) x 60 gallons per day = 8,400 gallons per day.). Fortunately, the
developer of that facility has agreed to install their own septic system
(in what appears to be soils which do not have septic limitation as defined
by the District Soils Conservation Service).
Also, the Development at Plantation Landing, completely built -out, would
add 84,000 gpd to total demand.

Constraints to Development
As noted in Table VI, the central wastewater collection and treatment
system is at 46% of built capacity and 32% of permitted capacity. At
current use rates, the system can handle 598 units (167.2 gallons per unit
per day divided into 100,000 gallons per day permitted capacity). This
represents only 83.6% of the number of housing units that the zoning.,
ordinance allows. In terms of population, the permitted system could
handle 1,579 persons (598 units times 167.2 gpd - 1,887.6 persons).
Discussions with Mr. Roger Thorpe, Regional Engineer for the N. C.
Department of Natural Resources and Community Development, indicate that
there are enough sewer lines in place to reach the permitted capacity.
(Table VII indicates this in row #2). Currently, Carolina Water Service,
Inc. and the Town can accept hook-ups to the existing collection system up
to the permitted level (100,000) but that no further extension of
collection lines may be undertaken until the permitted capacity is raised.
Discussions with Mr. Dave Owens of Utility Service, Inc. in Illinois
indicates that Carolina Water Service, Inc. is making plans to expand to
built capacity (and implicitly the licensed capacity) of the treatment
system in phases toward an ultimate level of 300,000 to 500,000 gallons per
day. One scenario shows phase one adding 100,000 gpd to the already built
70,000, totalling 170,000 gpd capacity. Phase two would add another
130,000 gpd, totalling 300,000, with Phase three adding up to another
200,000 (depending upon demand determined at the time), to total 500,000
gallons per day. At 500,000 gpd divided by 100 gpd per person, the
expanded system would accommodate 5,000 people in River Bend, or 4.68 times
the 1980 population.
Other issues regarding wastewater treatment were presented at the Town
Council meeting in October. The Town Attorney, Mr. Troy Smith, informed
the Town of the Coastal Wastewater Disposal Regulations (15 NCAC 2H .0404)
which restrict the Town from discharging effluent into the Trent River.
Since that time, the Town has requested an increase in its permitted
discharge limit, and the regulations have recently been modified to permit
increased discharge with the approval of NRCD. Now (May, 1983), NRCD is
running test to determine the waste load limit for the town, with results
forthcoming. It is likely that River Bend may be allowed to discharge
effluent into the river with conditions related to nutrient load.
Additionally, examination of the soils in River Bend indicate that 39% (426
acres/1091 total city acres) of the acres inside the town limits are
composed of soils which are identified by the District Soils Conservation
Services as having "severe limitations for septic tank absorption fields
due to wetness."
Comparison of the sewer map with the overlay of septically-bad soils
indicates that 75% of such soils lie inside town but outside the area
served by central sewer, while only 25% lies within the sewered area. This
presents a paradoxical situation, somewhat, in that the area constrained by
the overloaded central sewer system and the 404 moratorium has soils which
are predominantly well suited for septic systems, whether individual or
cluster design. In fact, 55% of the soils inside the sewered area are
suitable for septic systems. On the other hand, 40% (211/319) of the
acreage not now served by the central sewer system also has soils which are
suitable for indivdual septic installations.

51
Alternative policies considered include: 1) working with Carolina Water
Service, Inc. to obtain permits to expand permitted capacity; 2) looking
into the Town's purchase and operation of water and wastewater systems;
3) not extending services to areas outside the city limits for development
on prime or important farm land; 4) extending the extraterri-
torial zoning area to be able to better control the demand for support to
development on the outlying areas, and the policy choices below.
GOAL: TO PROVIDE WASTEWATER TREATMENT CAPACITY TO HANDLE THE PROJECT
BUILD -OUT DEMAND FOR 1990.
Policy 1: To support the NRCD policy of issuing no permits for
extension of sewer lines until the permitted capacity is increased.
Policy 2: To develop the Town's capacity to provide sewer services
to development in a phased manner, so that appropriate development
is stimulated (within the means available), so that the tax burden
and user rates are kept fair, and that the prime beneficiary (the
developer) pays an equitable share of the costs.
Implementation Strategies:
1. Establish priorities for issuing sewer permits as follows:
First priority: Lots already having sewer lines installed
Second priority: Lots where septic tank and field absorption
systems are not environmentally feasible.
2. Given the moratorium on dumping waste into the Trent River,
and the septic limitations of the Town's soils, the Town
should undertake a detailed study to determine alternative -
and innovative wastewater treatment systems. This study
should determine the extent to which the existing private
treatment plant can be supplemental by an auxillary land based
treatment system. Cost comparisons should be developed for at
least two options:
expanding the existing treatment system to handle
the projected increase to 1990, or
maintaining the existing load on the present treatment
plant and installing an auxillary land- based treatment
system.
Care should be taken to involve the existing water and
sewer company in the study and in technical considerations
as the town develops policy. Financing alternatives
should also be considered.
3. Actively continue to pursue the 404/414 resolution 414
modified to place responsibility for pollution of the
Trent River (and others in the Neuse River Basin) on
urban centers all along the basin, not just the coastal
communities like River Bend.

52
d. Schools
Schools are important to the community.of River Bend, as institutions which
contribute to the overall quality of life and as resource -consuming
entities. Community planning is concerned with issues of primary and
secondary education such as: the location of schools, the number of schools
(as well as their size or capacity) and its social and economic
characteristics of students to the served. Traditionally, no land use
decision has been of greater importance.to residents than the location,
since schools are widely perceived as focal points for neighborhoods.
Craven County provides projections of pupil population for the Craven
County and New Bern Administrative Unit between 1981 - 1985. These are
presented in the appendix. Briefly, they project as follows:
TABLE VIII
STUDENT POPULATION OF SCHOOLS, NEW BERN ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT
1980/81 81/82 82/83 83/84 84/85 1980-1985
Grades 9-12 1800 1720 1680 1680 1730 (9.88%) decline
New Bern
Grades 5-8 1600 1690 1680 1720 1720 +7.5% increase
New Bern
Grades K-4 1825 1800 1825 1800 1800 (1.3711e) decrease
New Bern
Thus, the projections for the New Bern Administrative Unit indicate a 9.88%
decline in demand in grades 9-12; a 7.5% increase in grades 5-8; and a
1.37% decrease in grades K-4.
The schools serving the River Bend Area are presented in the following
table, which shows the grades served, optional capacity (1980-81);
.membership October 20, 1982; and percent df capacity used.

School Grades
New Bern :sigh 10-12
J.T.
Barber
9
H.J.
McDonald
6-8
F.R.
Danyus
5
Oaks
Road
K-4
53
TABLE
IR
PERCENT OF SCHOOL
CAPACITY
USED
'
Optional
% of
1980-1985
1985 % of
Capacity
Membership
Capacity
Projection
Projected
Capacity
1980-1981
1982
Used
Factor
Membership
Used
A
B
C
D
E
F
(D x B)
E/A
1342
1277
95 %
.9012a
1151
.86
748
445
59.5%
.9011a
401
.54
1144
1192
104 %
1.075
1281
1.12
352
365
104 %
1.075b
392
1.11
528
576
109 %
.9863b
568
1.08
Assumptions: athat these schools will have the same projected pattern
as that for grades 9-12 in the New Bern Administrative
Unit overall
bsame as a, except for grades 5-8
csame as a, except grades K-4.
Since River Bend has no schools and, according to the Craven County Board
of Education there are no plans for location of such then, most of the land
use implications of the school situation in the New Bern Administrative
Unit relate to transportation. However, several other issues are disclosed
from the foregoing analysis of used capacity and of the Survey Report,
1980-1981 for Craven County/New Bern City. These additional issues
include the condition of facilities, adequacy of site and classroom and
accessibility for the handicapped. (See that report for detailed discussion
and analysis).

54
Alternative policies, considered include:, 1) leave the planning of
education facilities (including their location) to Craven County; 2)
participate through the County Board of Education to influence the Board on
major issues of concern, and 3) endorse the recommendation of the Craven
County/New Bern City on specific issues identified in the latest survey
report.
GOAL: TO SUPPORT THE PROVISION OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
FACILITIES AT THE INSTITUTIONS OF THE NEW BERN ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT WHICH
SERVE RIVER BEND,
Policy 1: Support the policy recommendation of the 1980-1981 Survey
Report for Craven County/New Bern City, produced by the N.C.
Department of. Public Instruction/Division of School Planning (1981),
including the following:
Oaks Road, K-4: Expand the media center; upgrade classroom in
the original section to standards of the new section; add special—
ized areas, including that for indoor play.
F.R. Danyus, 5: Maintain and continue for medium to long-range
uses; expand site and continue site development; add specialized
areas, including indoor play.
H.J. McDonald, 6-8: Specialized areas should be added and modi—
fications made for access to handicapped.
J.T. Barber,9: Renovate and bring up to modern standards if more
than short range use. Modify to provide access to handicapped
persons. Expand site if possible.
New Bern Sr., 10-12: Renovate to maintain modern standards;
construct needed specialized areas; expand media center and
cafeteria; improve all areas for access to the handicapped.
Implementation Strategies:
Monitor the County's progress on this policy and take appropriate
action as required, with consideration of the policies of this
Land Use Plan.

6�1
6. Transportation
The transportation section of this plan serves as a guide for the movement
of people and goods to, from, and within the Planning Area. It considers
present and future transportation needs in arriving at a set of transpor—
tation policies specific to the River Bend area.
The transportation system in the River Bend Planning Area consists of a
major highway (Highway__17), rail (Southern Railroad from.New Bern to points
south), a private air strip, the towns street system, and the Canal and the
Trent River. The transportation system is an essential ingredient of the
River Bend Land Use plan. Because it provides access from one land use to
another, considerable influence is exerted by the transportation system
upon the land use pattern and the quality of the environment.
Given River Bend's distance from the New Bern area, the Town can expect to
continue its heavy reliance on the private automobile for transportation.
The modes of transportation mentioned above, and others such as bicycling
and walking, were raised as issues in the October survey (from a safety and
recreation standpoint). Using streets as bike/pedestrian ways tends to
conflict with automobile circulation and safety. ,
Water travel, particularly recreational, is addressed under the Recreation
and Open Space section of this Plan. The Craven County Land Use Plan does
address the issue on channel maintenance (i.e. river transportation), but
beyond this issue, does not address transportation directly.
In River Bend's corporate limits, there are approximately 10 lineal miles
of streets, accounting for 72 acres or 6.5% of the land area. The
extraterritorial area has another 7 miles of streets covering 80 acres
which accounts for 4.9% of the extraterritorial area.
Streets are traditionally classified according to the function they
perform. The classifications include local, collector, arterial and
freeways. These are defined as follows:
Local Streets
These Streets provide access to abutting property; they accommodate minor
traffic volumes; they provide easements for utilities, open space between
buildings and temporary parking space. These streets were never meant to
be routes for through traffic, for buses or trucks. Restricting traffic
through residential areas preserves neighborhoods and housing stock.

56
Collector Streets
The primary function of collector streets is to serve as access roads
between neighborhoods and arterials, in addition to serving local parks,
commercial and institutional areas. Collectors also serve as easements for
utilities, as open space, and as part of the urban design function.
Normally these streets are spaced about one-half mile apart. They may
delineate neighborhood boundaries and may even accommodate mass transit.
Through traffic, other than that with an origin or destination within the
immediate area, should be discouraged.
Arterials
These are connecting links between collector streets and principal traffic
generators. They also facilitate through traffic and channel it around
homogeneous land uses such as commercial districts, parks, schools, and
other institutional areas. The development or expansion of minor arterials
along rivers and scenic waterways should be discouraged. Due to relatively
heavy traffic and high speeds, private entrances from residential units and
parking should also be discouraged. Channelization should be provided at
major intersections.
Freeways
The primary function of freeways is to act as avenues for unimpeded traffic
flow between distant points within the State or Region, as well as between
and within the metropolitan area. Freeways should have full access control
at all points with a multi -lane divided road. They should not bisect.
neighborhoods, public parks, shopping centers or other homogeneous areas,
and should not develop or expand along rivers and scenie waterways. Where
freeways abutt residential development, adequate buffers should be
provided.
Applying these definitions to the River Bend Planning Area renders the
following classification:
Freeways Highway 17
Collectors Shoreline Drive (to the southernmost intersection
of Plantation Drive)
Minor Collectors Shoreline Drive (from the southernmost intersection
of Plantation Drive to Rockledge Road)
Rockledge Road (from Shoreline Drive to Shoreline
Drive)
Road Number 1224
Road Number 1221 (from North of Highway 17 and back
to Highway 17)
Local All remaining roads within the Planning Area\E
Utilizing national standards, given typical roadway widths by classifi-

57
cation and typical average daily traffic (ADT) generation rates by land use
type, the following River Bend roadway demands was determined.
TABLE X
TRAFFIC GENERATION BY LAND USE TYPE
TOWN OF RIVER BEND
ADT Generation
No. Units, Est., Rate
Gross Floor Area or Factor Total ADT
Land Use Other Generators of Trips (Trips/Day/Unit) Existing
(Future)
Single Family
343
units (165 future)
8/
2744
(4064)
Multi —Family
210
(250 future)
5.6/
1176
(2576)
Commercial:
Restraints
800
GFA
.076/
61
(61)
Store
1000
GFA
.33/
330
(330)
Marina/Bar
1000
GFA
.093
93
(93)
Offices
1500
GFA
.093
140
(140)
Recreation:
Golf Course
18
Hole
45/
810
(810)
Tennis
5
Courts
22/
135
(135)
5489
(8209)
SOURCE: Adapted from "Performance Zoning," Kendig, Lane, Planners Press, American
Planning Association, Washington, D. C., Chicago, Illinois, 1980.

58
As indicated above, the existing average daily traffic volume within the
Town is estimated at 5489. This means that an average 5489 vehicles move on
the streets of River Bend.every day, or there are 5489 vehicle movements
per day. With the community developed at its maximum (buildout), this
volume is estimated to increase to approximately 8209 vehicles per day. For
1990, the projected additional 174 housing units (105-SF; 69-MF) will be
generating an additional 1016 ADT volume for a total 6505 ADT volume for
the Town by 1990.
To determine the capacity of existing roads, we must again use national
standards as a guide for analysis. The following standards are listed for
application to River Bend's principal roadways:
TABLE XI
ROAD STANDARDS BY CLASSIFICATION
RIGHT PAVEMENT
CLASSIFICATION OF WAY WIDTH ADT M.P.H.
Minor Collector
60'
24'
3199
30
Collector
66'
28'
3200-7000
35
:Major Collector
80'
48'
7000+
35
All roads within River Bend have a 60-foot right-of-way with a 20' paved
roadway. Of critical concern to River Bend's residents is the potential
for congestion on its main roadway, Shoreline Drive, which is the only
access road into River Bend. Shoreline Drive (to the southern intersection
of Plantation Drive) functions as a collector street. As indicated above, a
collector street should ideally have a 66' right-of-way and a paved surface
width of 28'. Shoreline Drive (201) falls short of these standards by
28.5%. Table VIII shows that the existing volume for the entire Town (on
Shoreline Drive) is about 5489 vehicles per day. This would be within the
Standard (3200-7000) shown on Table IV if Shoreline Drive was paved to
28'. However, if we discount the capacity attributable to the pavement
shortfall, Shoreline Drive may already be approaching unacceptable service
levels.
This finding supports the concern for increasing congestion, particularly
at Highway 17. Increased volume also means high maintenance costs and
possibly the need for widening Shoreline Drive.
Source: adapted from Kendig.

ME
Policy alternatives included: 1) Provide roadway improvements as needed in
accordance with Table XI; 2) develop a capital improvements plan (to
include consideration of County and State maintained roads) by which to
schedule roadway improvements and their financing; and 3) plan to establish
an additional roadway parallel to, and west of Shoreline Drive, accessible
to Highway 17.
GOAL: TO PROVIDE A SAFE, EFFICIENT AND CONVENIENT ROADWAY SYSTEM.
Policy 1: Designate the following streets as indicated below:
Freeways Highway 17
Collectors Shoreline Drive (to the southernmost intersection
of Plantation Drive)
Minor Collectors Shoreline Drive (from the southernmost intersection
of Plantation Drive to Rockledge Road).
Rockledge Road (from Shoreline Drive to Shoreline
Drive),
Road Number 1224
Road Number 1221 (from North of Highway 17 and back
to Highway 17).
Local All remaining roads within the Planning Area.
Policy 2: Develop and adopt an official strategy by which to
schedule roadway improvement and their financing.
Implementation Strategy:
Develop a one—year capital improvement plan (budget) and a three
year capital improvements program.
Policy 3: Require of applicable developments, an additional roadway
parallel to and west of Shoreline Drive, to provide accessibility to
Highway 17.
Implementation Strategy:
Require applications of new subdivisions (those applicable) to
plan for the extension of a road to Highway 17 as prescribed in
the preceding paragraph.

61
7. Recreation and Open Space
While the built environment can provide satisfying open space experience,
most people also need to feel the presence of the natural environment. We
have an intuitive need for an on —going relationship with nature, to be able
to experience large open areas of trees, grass, and streams. We need space
for quiet contemplation and active play, space for being alone and for
congregating in groups. The more people are crowded together in an urban
environment the greater the need for natural open areas to relieve the
harshness of --streets, buildings, and the pace of city life. There is also
a need to maintain the ecological balance with plants, animals, air, land,
and water; and the need to prevent the misuse or destruction of soils,
minerals, water areas, wildlife habitats, and other natural resources. In
addition, open space preservation enhances the values of adjacent urban
areas and may save money for repairs and relocation by excluding
development from hazardous areas (see the Resource Protection Section of
this Plan).
The River Bend area.is favored with large expanses of open space. The Trent
River and nearby creeks, the many natural areas full of wildlife, the golf
course and large lot subdivisions, and neighboring agriculture and forest
lands, all make up the Open Space environment in River Bend.
The principal recreational activities include golf, tennis and boat related
activities. The River Bend golf course offers an 18—hole course on 145
acres. Two tennis courts exist within the golf course area and three more
exist at the River Bend Racquet Club.
A multi —purpose field (privately owned and recently sold) offers recreation
on a temporary basis. Swimming is provided at the River Bend Country Club
Pool and at the Harbour Town Racquet Club and within the Trent River, along
with water skiing, fishing, etc.
The Harbour Marina offers 72 slips for boats up to 36 feet in length. A
boat ramp(s) is located at the Marina. Other nearby public access points
to the Trent River include: the Yacht Club at Trent Woods and Trade Water
Marina in James City and public ramp at Pollocksville (7 mi.).
Public access to the Trent River was considered inadequate by the Planning
Board at its October meeting. This finding is significant since the Trent
River has particular public rights associated with it for public access and
navigation.
The Land Use Planning Survey revealed the desire for additional
recreational facilities. The question, however, becomes what forms of
115 NCAC 7H, Public trust waters. See Resource Protection Section of
this Plan, and appendix F.

Policy 4: Consider development of a bikeway/pedestrian plan.
Implementation Strategy:
Give neighborhood watcb groups opportunity of preparing sketch
maps of bikeways and pedestrian trails through their neigbborhoods
acceptable on safety, security and recreational criteria. Present
to Planning Board for integration into workable plan, linking
other uses (residential uses, recreational areas, etc.). Develop
strategy for development, maintenance (lighting, etc.) as part of
capital improvements plan.

62
recreation are desired, how much recreation and open space is required and
where should it be located amidst other uses. Every community has a
different level of need based on the combined desires of its residents, but
national standards have been used as general guides for the past 30 or 40
years. These standards indicate.that the minimum amount of open space land
within an urban area should be at least 20% of the total land area. A
further breakdown allocates about half (10%) of this land to active and
passive recreation areas and parks. The other half should include other
types of green space, such as natural areas and utility and multiple use
open space. These standards are not dependent upon topography and other
natural constraints which may raise the minimum open space percentage
considerably.
The "Land Use Inventory Summary" (see Appendix E) shows River Bend to have
over 22% of the land allocated to open space. (This figure does not
include the waterways which is a significant element in the Town's open
space network). While this satisfies the national standard for total
acreage, the Town does lack an adequate, publicaly owned, multi -purpose
field. Discussions at the October Planning Board Meeting indicate the need
for a "permanent" multi -purpose field able to accommodate at least one
baseball/softball field, a soccer/football field, and some playing fields
for younger children. A field of 6.8 to 8.5 acres in size with a minimum
width of 410-450' would provide enough land for 2-3 baseball/softball
fields, 1-2 football/soccer fields and an area for basketball and/or
children play equipment (see figures I and II).
There are presently only two park acquisition and development funding
sources availableto the Town of River Bend. These include the Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Land and Water Conservation funds.
Although park development is an eligible activity under the CDBG program,
the primary thrust of the program is to finance housing rehabilitation.
Additionally, 50 percent of the funds must benefit low and moderate income
families (with a maximum grant of $750,000). Given these limitations, the
CDBG program may be a viable funding source for selected lands within River
Bend's extraterritorial area, but not for lands within the Town limits.
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) has recently been reactivated
with a $1.5 million allocation to the State with $700,000 reserved for
local municipalities. The minimum grant is $5,000 with a maximum grant of
$50,000. A 50 percent match is required of the local jurisdiction. T_he
Craven County contact person is Steve Mollar (919-946-6481) and in Raleigh
the contact person is Teri Bullard (919-733-5133).
The October Survey also revealed the concerns over sedimentation in the
canal and Trent River and the need for bulkheads (and perhaps boat traffic
regulation to curb erosion), and the desire for bikeway/pedestrian paths.
Canal inspection reveals approximately 8 feet of erosion has occurred since
its develoment, which equates to a rate of about 1 foot of erosion per
year.

720 feet
rn
w
FIGURE I
SUGGESTED LAYOUT FOR ATHLETIC FIELD
(6.8 acres)
Source: Urban Planning and Design Criteria, DeChiara, Joseph and
Koppelman, Lee, Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, New York, 1975.

F-
I BASEBALL OR
SOTBALL
�
I
I
I
I
SOFTBALL . .
$10 FEET - 270 YARDS
-7--X w-XTx
x
BASi ET11.
L
s TENNIS OURTS
FTBALL VOII Y C
I
Ix x
IBASKETBALL VOLLEY BALL
u
z
I=
t
SOf TBALI FOOTB1
SPEEOBALL G� SOCCEI
w
TOUCH FOOTBALL LACROS!
r.
7HUGmttp
HAMMER THRO
IL
s
a
SOFTBALL
SPEEOBALL.
o
TOUCH F•OOTBAL
=
2
J�
V
RUNNING TRACK '
I--- 750*- LEIISTH Of RUNWAY I
FIGURE II
SUGGESTED LAYOUT FOR ATHLETIC FIELD
(8.6 acres)

65
Policy Alternatives include: 1) Accept the existing level of recreation as
enough, and rely upon the use of vacant private lots for active
recreational sports and 2) actively pursue the planning, acquisition and
development of a multi -purpose field for public use.
GOAL: TO CONSERVE OPEN SPACE AND SATISFY THE RECREATIONAL NEEDS OF THE
CITIZENS OF THE RIVER BEND PLANNING AREA.
Policy 1: To pursue the establishment of a multi -purpose park in
River Bend.
Implementation Strategy:
Develop a multi -purpose park plan which includes:
Need assessment by activity and acreage.
Location criteria.
Site selection.
Park design.
Preliminary cost estimate.
Financing Method.
Policy 2: To encourage the improvement of public access to the Trent
River.
Implementation Strategy:.
Develop a public access plan which identifies access points for
boat launching and pedestrian/view settings, and methods for
acquisition.
Contact the Wildlife Resources Commission to obtain criteria and
application procedures for funding.
Policy 3: To encourage the construction of bulkheads along the canal
and where appropriate, along the Trent River.
Implementation Strategy:
Amend the zoning ordinance to establish bulkhead standards and
require the submission of bulkhead plan.
Policy 4: To develop a plan which identifies the need, costs and
financial responsibilities for maintenance for the canal channel.
(Channel and Trent, too).
Implementation Strategy:
Develop a canal maintenance plan.

CV:
E. Public Participation
Land Use planning is based upon the premise that the citizens of a
community have a role to play in determining the development of their
community. Decisions about the housing and transportation needs of
residents, the neighborhoods in which they live and work, the air they
breath, the public services they require and other factors relating to
their way of life, should consider the opinions of the people who live and
work in the Planning Area of River Bend.
To encourage a broad range of citizen participation, the Town has
emphasized the need to hold numerous public information and discussion
meetings and survey Planning Area residents. Acting under the authority of
River Bend Town Council, the Planning Board held a series of Land Use Plan
meetings to outline the planning process, identify issues, review findings,
and consider policy and implementation alternatives. These meetings were
held as part of the regularly scheduled Planning Board Meetings, which are
publicized in the local newspaper and posted at Town Hall.
In September, 1982, the Planning Board announced the purposes of the Land
Use Planning effort and need for public participation in the local "River
Bender" newsletter. In conjunction with this announcement,a two -page
questionnaire was attached, asking opinions on a number of isues (see
appendix). The following is a summary of results from that survey.
The River Bend Land Use Survey was mailed to all households within the
corporate and extraterritorial limits. Of the 600 surveys hand delivered,
25% were returned, 23% from the corporate limits area and 2% returned from
those in the outlying area. This represents a reasonable survey return
rate as it is typical for surveys of this nature to have a 20% to 35%
return rate.
In general, River Bend area residents would like to see a moderate increase
in population, prefer the types of developments which already exist in the
area, are concerned with sedimentation in the canal and river and need for
bulkheads, would like to see more public recreation facilities, strongly
disagree to allowing mobile homes in the outlying area, feel excessive
density is a real problem, identify law enforcement and security as an
important issue and note the need for pedestrian and bicycle paths.
Residents feel the small town atmosphere, security, friendly people and
community amenities are the principal reasons they like River Bend.
The Land Use Plan was a special agenda item at the October Town Council
meeting which was attended by over 150 persons.
Results from the Planning Board Meetings on Land Use Planning and opinion
surveys were utilized in identifying issues for further research and
analysis. The findings from this effort, and through collecting and
analyzing data, interviews, and worksessions with the Planning Board,
a plan was drafted by the consultant, which summarized the findings,
articulated policy alternatives, and recommended policy and implementation
strategies. A copy of this "Draft Land Use Plan was dissemenated to the

67
Planning Board Members, to the Craven County Planning Director, and a copy
was reserved at the River Bend Town Hall for public use.
Subsequent meetings held by the Planning Board resulted in a thorough
public discussion of the draft land use plans, various amendments were made
and final approval was made by the Planning Board, recommending adoption by
the Town Council.
In the spring of 1983, the River Bend Town Council held hearings on the
River Bend Land Use Plan. The Plan was later certified by the Coastal
Resource Commission (see date on inside coversbeet).
The Town Council and Planning Board serve as representatives for the River
Bend Planning Area in the on -going land use decision -making process.
Policy Alternatives focused upon ways to achieve participation, as the Town
desires to continue its present public participation.
GOAL: TO MAINTAIN CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT IN THE ON -GOING LAND DECISION -MAKING
PROCESS AND PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR CITZEN PARTICIPATION IN THE IMPLIMENTA-
TION, REVIEW AND AMENDMENT OF THE ADOPTED LAND USE PLAN.
Policy 1: To encourage citizen involvement in land use planning
projects by actively coordinating the planning process with relevant
community organizations, through the reasonable availability of
planning reports to city residents and businesses, and notice of
official public hearings to neighborhood associations, business
groups, affected individuals and the general public.
Policy 2: To implement a process for complete review of the compre-
hensive plan on a five year basis which provides opportunities for
active involvement by the City's residents, businesses and organiza-
tions.
Policy 3: To allow for the review and amendment of the adopted plan
in accordance with the CA14A guidelines for Land Use Planning 15 NCAC
7B (see appendix of this document).
Policy 4: To promote citizen involvement in land use decisions
initiated by other.governmental agencies.
Implementation Strategy:
Post the notice of public hearings as required by Law.
Hold periodic Land Use information meetings in the extraterri-
torial area.
Utilize the River Bender Newsletter for information dissemina-
tion on land use planning related matters.

68
III. LAND CLASSIFICATION
In accordance with the guidelines for land use planing (15 NCAC 7B, Sect.
.0200), and based on consideration of the citizens survey, available data,
worksessions with the Planning Board and its consultants, and considera—
tion of the policy statements developed above, this section presents the
land classificatiod system developed for the Town of River Bend. By
delineating land classes on the following map, the Town of River Bend and
its citizens have specified those areas where certain policies (local,
state, and federal) will apply.
To this extent, the land classification provides a frame —work to be used by
local governments to identify the future use of all lands in its planning
area. The designation of land classes allows the Town Council to
illustrate its policy statements as to where and to what density it wants
growth to occur and where it wants to conserve natural and cultural
resources by guiding growth.
While the areas shown on this map do designate areas of the "planning
district" which are best suited for particular uses, it must be remembered
that land classification is merely a visual reference to help implement
policies and not a strict regulatory mechanism. However, it is important
to remember that the land classification system is an integral part of the
regulatory process in permit review. All CAMA permits must be consistent
with the local Land Use Plan of which the land classification is a part.
The CAMA land classification system includes five classes: Developed;
Transition; Community; Rural and Conservation. As indicated below, these
classes, except "Community," apply to the River Bend planning area. (Since
land use decisions outside the actual extraterritorial jurisdiction impact
the town, the town classified the entire planning area (see page 1,
paragraph 4)).
This section relates the policies in Section II to the Land Classification
Map. That map visualy presents the growth pattern embodied in those
policies and presents a concern for phased development from the developed
core of the Town outward into the remainder of the planning area.
A. Developed Class.
The purpose of the developed class is to provide for continued intense
development and redevelopment of existing incorporated areas. The area
currently inside the Town limits of River Bend qualifies as developed for
the following reasons:
1. The area is served by privately owned central and individual
wastewater systems, and has densities consistent with the
intent of the "developed" class.
2. The town has an Administrator and several ordinances already
in place, including zoning, subdivision regulations and
flood control.
The policies in Section II related to economic and community development
outline types of uses and implementation strategies for maintaining the
"developed" nature of this part of the community.

B. Transition Class.
The purpose of the transition class is to provide for further intensive
"urban" development within the next ten years on lands which are most
suitable and that may be scheduled for provision of necessary public
utilities and services. According to the CP24A guidelines, lands
classified as transition include lands currently having urban services and
other lands necessary to accommodate the urban population and economic
growth anticipated or to be encouraged within the planning jurisdiction
over the next 10 years.
The Town Council has selected these areas as potential areas because of
their attractiveness to developers, and in many cases, their potential
availability for sale.
Thus, the total area shown as "transition" is larger than the amount of
land needed for proposed population increases which cannot be accommodated
in the vacant developed areas. Nevertheless, the Town Council realizes
that the growth pressures of Township 8 (around River Bend) would likely
precipitate development -near the town.
The size of these areas, plus the fact that much of it lies outside the
presently incorporated area, raises concern regarding the cost of extending
services. The Town is aware that outside extension of services to entice or
support urban levels of development is often very expensive. Currently,
this is largely a private matter, since such extensions are largely in the
hands of the owners of the central system. Thus, detailed financial
feasibility studies (and fiscal impact) are recommended as each outside
transition area is considered for provision of services.
C. Community Class
The purpose of designating areas in'a community class is to provide for
clustered land development to help meet housing, shopping, employment and
public service needs within the rural areas of the planning district. As
outlined in the CAMA guidelines, such areas usually refer to small clusters
of rural development not requiring municipal sewer service and clusters
which usually occur at cross-roads.
The Rhems was considered, for the "Community" class, but it presented
limitations of size, and lack remoteness. Additionally, the Craven County
Land Use Plan classified it as "rural" rather than "community." Thus, the
land classification map indicates no areas as "community" in the River Send
planning area.
D. Rural Class
The purpose of the CAMA rural class is to provide for agricultural, forest
management, mineral extractions and other low intensity uses. Residences
may be located within "rural" areas where urban services are not required
and where natural resources will not be permanently impaired.

70
In accordance with the CAMA regulations, lands in this area have high
potential for agricultural use and include land with one or more
limitations that would make development costly and hazardous (particularly
steep slopes and flood proneness):
As reflected in the foregoing policy section, River Bend has some potential
for mineral (limestone) extraction activity, and there are good stands of
trees in the area. Since the Planning Board, through its policy
discussion, does not want to encourage mining in the one -mile planning
area, the rural category has been modified. As used in this land use plan,.
the classification of "rural" includes all uses permitted in the CAMA
regulations except mining.
E. Conservation Class
The purpose of the conservation class is to provide for effective long-term
management of significant limited or irreplaceable areas. This management
is necessary in the planning district, along the shore and in its creeks.
As stated in the policy statements in Section II (See Resource Protection),
the Town Council wishes that CAMA recognize public trust waters and marshes
and the areas designated as WP (Wildlife Preserve) in the zoning map be
protected and that only the uses stated in Section II be permitted there.
Because any development, including fill, will destroy such valuable areas,
all surface waters and marsh areas are herein designated "conservation" in
the strictest sense of the category. As such, no public funds, either
direct or indirect, are to be used to encourage intensive development in
the conservation class, except where maintenance dredging or other
associated activities (such as No Wake Zones, etc.) may be necessary in
existing canals and waterways. This policy necessarily limits water and
sewer lines, harbors of refuge and dredging projects which are funded
totally or in part, by public monies that are proposed to be placed in or
proposed to extend through these areas.

71
t ss de th•
• rill iepac[
es[ahiisAed
[Ae e[tra-
EHEeao o am
DEVELOPED RURAL
® TRANsmOM 0 CONSERVATION (Yrcbaea s0 ar+«a .el„s, and Indicated lard ar.as) Larger scale maps are on file
..e C084UWW F7-ITowN umas at the River Bend Town Hall.
QPLANNING 11"BART
T! s mop .as orep ,ed M PiGre" and Devi aeaptrp . Rdmh, NC

72
IV. Appendix
A. Letter from Craven County authorizing the Land Use Plan
B. Citizen Survey Form
C. Population Study
D. Economic Comparisons
E. Land Use Inventory & Findings
F. AEC Regulations
G. Current Plans, policies & regulations
H. Plan Amendment Process
I. Index (OCM Checklist for Land Use Plans)
J. Synopsis

APPENDIX A
Eduard 11. Armstrong, Jr., Chairman
Sidney R. French, Vice -Chairman
73
Board of Commissioners
January 4, 1983
The Honorable Daniel T. DeBow
Mayor, Town of River Bend
River Bend Plantation
50 Shoreline Drive
New Bern, North Carolina 28560
Dear Mayor DeBow:
Roger Forrest
Lonnic E. Pridgen, Jr.
Robert F. %Vcbb
The Board of Commissioners of Craven County, meeting in regular session
on Monday, January'3, 1983, have approved your request for the River
Bend Land Use Plan to be done separate from the Craven County Land Use
Plan.
I hope this action fulfills your request of December 15, 1982. If you
have any additional questions please do not hesitate to call upon me.
I remain,
Sincerely,
1 �
Edward P. Armstrong, Jr.
Chairman, Craven County
Board of Commissioners
EPA : alf
CC: Cassius Williams, FHA
Donald Baumgardner, County Planner
405 Middle Street Post Office Box 1425 Neiv Bern, NC 2S500 (91 N) 038.1.124

74
CITIZEN SURVEY FORM
Dear Fellow Residents of River Bend and its one -mile Vicinity:
APPENDIX B
The Town of River Bend is beginning to prepare our first Land Use Plan under
the Coastal Area Management Act. This plan will present policies or and
preservation and development over the next ten years and will serve as a
guide for the Town. County, developers, and state and federal agencies. Along
with the Town Board of Commissioners, the Planning Board is seeking your opinion
in this planning effort.
Please take a few minutes to complete the following questions, and return the
questionnaire to the Town Hall by Friday, October 1, 1982. You may rest assured
that your responses will remain confidential. Thank you.
1. In your own words, what is the overall direction of development that River Bend
is now taking? In other words, what kind of community is River Bend becoming
(over the next 10 years)? -
Please circle a number indicating how much you like or dislike that direction:
1 Strongly Dislike; 2 Somewhat Dislike; 3 Neutral; 4 Somewhat Like it;
5 Strongly Like it.
2. How much would you like for River Bend to grow over the next ten years?
(Please check one):
Decline somewhat from today's 1067.
Maintain today's population level.
Increase moderately.
Increase significantly.
3. In your view, which types of Land Use in Town and in the one -mile of Town
are likely to experience significant change over the next 10 years (check one):
Forest to Agriculture Vacant to Residential Residential to Commer-
cial ; Agricultural to Commercial ; Agricultural to Industrial ;
Agricultural to Residential ; Other (please specify)
4. Are there services which you would like for the Town to provide that it
currently does not provide? No Yes (If so, please list)
5. Please indicate (check) the types of development you prefer to occur inside
the Town Limits, and Within the one -mile area but outside the Town:
Inside Town
Inside One -Mile Area
But Outside Town
Acricultural
Residentia
Commercial
Industrial
fiecreationa en Space
institutional (Schools urches
Offices(dental, governmental, etc.
Services (tull service garage. etc.
Other ease specify)
CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE

75
6. The following is a list of issues which River Bend faces now or may face in
the next 10 years. Please indicate (check) how much you agree or disagree with
each issue individually:
Strongly!
Strong
Agree Agree
Uncertain
Disa ree
Disa ree
Flood ama a to property is a probleml
Our natural and wildlife areas are
well protected
Sedimentation in the cana an river
is a problem
We need well constructed and main-
tained bulkheads
We have too few public retreat on i
;
facilities
Traffic congestion at Hwy. 17 is a
problem
Limited sewer capacity is a major i
constraint to development
Location o mobile home parks in the
one -mile area should be permitted
xcessive density of development is
one of our ma or concerns
We have many incompatible land uses
next to each other
utner issues ipiease tisw I
7. Are you presently a resident of River Bend? Yes No If not. do you
live within one mile of the City Limits? Yes_ No
8. How many years have you lived in River Bend? (number of years); within
one mile of its City Limits (number of years).
9. Do you own or rent your residence?
10. Are you a year-round resident? _ ; or seasonal resident?
11. Do you live in a: single family house apartment/condominium.
or mobile home
12. Please list the sex. age, occupation, work location and distance to work (one-
way) for each member of your household, including yourself:
Household Member
Sex
Age
Occupation
Where -Employed
Cit
Distance to Work
Miles
r
P
.0
;
Other
13. Specifically. what are any other issues or concerns that you have about the
future of River Bend?
14. What do you like most about the Town of River Send and its vicinity?
If you.have any questions concerning this questionnaire or the Town's Land Use
Planning activities, please call Mark Colby (633-1396) or Rex Todd, Planning 3
Design Associates (781-9004).
Thank you for your help. Please return this questionnaire to the Town Hall by
Friday, October 1, 1982.

76
APPENDIX C
POPULATION STUDY
Current Population
River Bend, N. C. was incorporated in July of 1981 with 1054 persons (local.
census). According to the N. C. Office of Budget and Management, the July
so 1981 estimate of the population was 1067. (The population on date of
incorporation was counted as 1057. The May 1, 1981 census referenced on
this page reputed 1114 persons. Since the State uses the 1067 figure and
it is within 18 persons of the average of the other two estimates, we have
chosen to use 1067 as the estimate of population in this document).
A windshield survey of the planning area outside the City Limits (see Land
Use Map) accounted for 156 housing units. Multiplying this number by the
2.64 persons renders a population estimate of 412 for that area.
Thus, the current (1982) population for the planning area (inside and
outside River Bend town) is estimated at 1479 (1067 + 412).
Like the remainder of Craven County, River Bend experiences no significant
fluctuation from seasonal population or tourism.
Data are not available regarding sex, race and income levels for the River
Bend population. However, a local door—to—door census (May 1, 1981)
indicated that 31.7% of the population were 18 years old and younger, while
68.3% were 19 and older. By interpolating Table XII for 1980, we find that
River Bead's age groupings are very similar to the County's, which are
30.5% (18 and younger) and 69.5% (19 and older).

TABLE XII
POPULATION BY AGE FOR CRAVEN COUNTY
AGE GROUP
1960
1970
DIFFERENCE (+ or -)
1960-1970
1980*
DIFFERENCE (+ or -)
1970-1980
1990*
DIFFERENCE (+ or -)
1980-1990
0-4
8,472
5,969
-
2,503
5,543
-
426
7,297
+1,754
5-9
7,034
6,191
-
843
5,568
-
623
61137
+ 569
10-14
5,823
6,474
+
651
5,100
-
1,374
4,807
- 293
15-19
.4,802
6,701
+
1,899
6,941
+
240
6,254
- 687
Total 0-19
26,131
25,335
-
796
23,152
-
2,183
24,495
+1,343
20-24
5,766
9,270
+
3,504
11,812
+
2,542
9,212
-2,600
25-29
4,507
-
310
7,087
+
2,890
7,305
+ 218
30-34
4,082
.4,1Q7
3,611
-
471
6,575
+
2,964
8,651
+2,076
35-39
4,011
3,442
-
569
3,544
+
102
6,149
+2,605
40-44
3,226
3,235
+
9
3,055
-
180
5,583
+2,528
45-49
2,711
2,951
+
240
2,743
-
208
2,858
+ 115
50-54
2,172
2,643
+
471
2,853
+
210
2,712
- 141
55-59
1,773
2,319
+
546
2,714
+
395
2,557
- 157
60-64
1,350
1,869
+
519
2,428
+
559
2,650
+ 222
65-69
1,150
1,389
+
239
1,965
+
576
2,320
+ 355
70-74
881
985
+
104
1,466
+
481
1,941
+ 475
75-79
525
687
+
162
929
+
242
1,371
+ 442
80-84
316
332
+
66
491
+
109
762
+ 271
85 and over
172
239
+
67
403
+
164
612
+ 209
Total
58,773
62,554
+
3,781
71.217
+
8.663
79.178
+7,961
*Projection: North Carolina Department of Administration, State Planning Division.
Source: United States Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, North Carolina Population Characteristics.
V
V

78
The following Table XIII presents an analysis of the distribution of
employment by occupation in River Bend. Note that white collar workers,
retirees and students comprise over 86% of the population.
TABLE XIII
DISTRIBUTION OF EMPLOYMENT BY OCCUPATION
OCTOBER SURVEY, RIVER BEND
Occupation No. Responding Proportion of Total
(of 275)
White—collar workers:
professional and tecbnical
managers, officials and proprietors
clerical
sales
subtotal:
Blue—collar workers:
civil servant
craftsman and foremen
operatives and kindred
laborers
subtotal:
Service workers:
housewives
private household
service workers, except private
household
Subtotal
Farm workers:
farmers and farm managers
farm laborers and foremen
subtotal:
Military:
Students:
Retired:
Total:
40
6
12
20
78
1
1
5
2
9
24
24
0
0
0
5
45
114
275
28.3%
3.3%
8.7%
M
1.8%
16.4%
41.5%
100.0%

79
Future Population
Without adequate data upon which to base a component (age, sex, race, etc.)
projection of River Bend's population to 1990, a ratio —trend method of
projection was used. This method assumes that River Bend will grow at the
same rate as a larger geographical area, in this case, Township 8,
excluding New Bern. The results are presented in the following Table.
TABLE XIV
POPULATION OF TOWNSHIP 8, EXCLUDING NEW BERN
Rate of
Year Population Increase % of Craven County
1950 3,140 6.4
1960 4,969 58.3 8.45
1970 6,456 29.9 10.32
1980 8,911 38.0 12.5
1990 12,778 43.0 16.0
Applying the projected 43% increase between 1980 and 1990 anticipated for
the larger area (mentioned above), renders 1067 times 1.43 . 1526 persons
inside River Bend and a planning area population of 2115 (1479 times
1.43).
The following Table below presents a summary of the population estimate
(1981) and projection (1990) for River Bend discussed above.
TABLE XV
POPULATION SMIMARY, 1981 & 1990
1981 1990
River Bend 1067 1526
Extraterritorial 412 589
Planning Area 1479 2115

RE
Implications for Land Use:
Though data by age group is not available for the Township, analysis of
Table XII (Craven County) provides an understanding of shifts among age
groups which has implications for River Bend.
The largest proportional increases are among those 35-39 (83%) and those
40-44 years old (74%). Coupling this with the projected increase among
those 0-4 (32%) and those 5-9 years old (10%), indicates that River Bend
should be mindful of the demand for larger open space areas (part of which
can be met by larger lot development) and housing types which will
accommodate four person families until the college years (and other
population draining stages) take hold. (Table XII shows a decline among
15-19 of 10% and a decline among those 20-24 of 6%).
Similarly, Table XII indicates that the elderly population (75-59) will
increase by 48%; those 80-84 will increase by 55%; and those 85 and over by
52%. This relative increase may indicate demand for multifamily residential
configuration and smaller units, since many in this age group live alone
and do not want the upkeep of a large lot.
Population issues which came from the October Survey include that the
current mix of working and retired persons is important to maintain. Many
felt the trend toward becoming a retirement community is strong.
Many were concerned about population density, and extent of "urbanity."
These and other population issues are addressed in the main text of this
River Bend Land Use Plan.

81
APPENDIX D
ECONOMIC COMPARISONS
ECONOMY
The 1975 New Bern Land Use Plan indicated that the local economy was stable,
based on employment trends within the New Bern area over the last three decades.
At the writing of this plan update, the same statement can be made. Again,
while no 1980 Census data is available to ascertain whether or not the median
family income has increased...or decreased..., it is obvious from data
available that economic growth is still occurring in the New Bern area.
Table 5... Civilian Labor Force Estimates, 1970-1979
% Change
% Change
1970
1975
'70-'75
1979
'75-'79
Employment - Total
19,110
22,780
19.0
25,430
12.0
Agricultural
1,260
1,140
-10.0
840
-26.0
ttonaq. wage & Salary
15,580
19,170
23.0
21,810
14.0
All Other Nonag.
2,270
2,470
9.0
2,780
13.0
Unemployment — Total
1,120
11590
42.0
11150
-28.0
Rate
5.5
6.5
18.0
4.3
-34.0
Total Civilian Labor Force
20,230
24,370
20.0
26,580
9.0
Source: 1970-1979 estimates,
"N.C. Labor Force
Estimates,",
1979,
Bureau of
Employment Security
Research,
N.C. Employment Security Commission.
Note: All estimates are based on Place
of Residence.
From the information in Table 5 several employment trends become evident.
The most important trend is the continued growth in employment of Craven County
residents, as total employment grew by 12% from 1975 to 1979 based on the
estimates presented in Table 5. It is also important to point out the"sharp
decline in agricultural employment which is not surprising since it is a
state and nationwide trend. Please remember that the data presented in
Table 5 includes only persons residing in Craven County, some o: whom
may cork in surrounding counties.

WA
.Table 6 includes data on persons who work in Craven County, meaning it
contains mersons who commute to work from outside of Craven County as well
as those who _eside and work in Craven County. From Table 6 one can see
that most employment categories have experienced substantial gains in the
recent mast with food and lumber and wood manufacturing being the exceptions.
Trade employment increased by the largest amount, as it grew by 1,700 from
1970 to 1979. It was followed by other manufacturing and government
employment, which increased by 1,436 and 1,310 employees, respectively.
Undoubtedly, the gains in manufacturing employment have resulted in spin-
off growth in the nonmanufacturing fields.
Table 6... Employment by Industry by Place of work, 1970-1979
% Change
% Change
INDUSTRY
1970
1975
'70-'75
1979
'75-'79
Manufacturing
2,800
3,060
9.3
4,290
40.2
Food
380
280
-26.3
.260
-7.1
Textiles
470
240
-48.9
640
166.7
Lumber & Wood
560
450
-19.6
540
20.0
Other
1,300
1,970
51.5
2,730
38.6
Nonmanufacturing
14,460
16,640
15.1
18,580
11.7
Construction
860
880
2.3
900
2.3
Transp., Comm., Util.
860
850
-1.2
1,080
27.1
Trade
3,260
4,260
30.7
4,960
16.4
Fin., Ins., Real Est.
530
690
30.2
670
-2.9
Service
1,690
1,730
2.4
2,350
35.8
Government
7,160
8,080
12.9
8,470
4.8
Acri & Other,
100
150
50.0
150
-0-
Source: Employment Security Commission of N.C., Annual work Force Estimates
Manufacturing employment is most often considered to be the most important
indicator of economic growth. while New Bern and Craven county's manufacturing
establishments do not provide the most number of jobs of all the economic
sectors, they do provide a significant number of residents (and residents
from adjacent counties) with good paying employment opportunities. An example
of the area's continuing industrial growth was the announcement that
Stanadyne, Inc., located in Clarks Industrial Park, plans to enlarge its
oceration in New Bern, creating 300 new jobs by the fall of 1981. Table 7
Provides a listing of many of the major manufacturing employers in Craven
Countv.
The "most stable" employer in the New Bern area since 1940, according
to the 1975 CAM Plan was retail trade. Again, this statement is still
valid which should be exciting to New Bern residents, because a sound
industrial employment base coupled with a strong retail sector usually
indicates a very strong economy —usually indicating a lot of regional retail
market attraction. An indication of the strength of New Bern's retail trade
is shown in Table S.

83
Table ?...Major Manufacturing Employers in Craven County
NAME
AMF - Hatteras Yachts
Barbour Boat Works
Clark Boat Company
Coca-Cola Bottling
Custom Laminations
Maola Milk & Ice Cream
Metal Specialties
Pepsi -Cola Bottling
Roberk Division of Parker
PRODUCT
yachts
shipbuilding & repair
sailboats
beverages
woodgrain plastics
dairy products
stainless steel strips
beverages
Hannefin Corporation wiper blades
Robert Bosch Power Tools industrial power tools
visqueen polyester films
Weyerhaeuser Co. pulpwood & framing products
H.W. Richardson railroad car repair
NARF aircraft rebuilding
Phillips Plating Co. metal plating
New Bern Garment Co. apparel
Metts Garment Co. apparel
Brinson Manufacturing Co. apparel
Hudson Manufacturing Co. apparel
EMPLOYEES
804
60
30
75
30
149
16
65
125
350
35
700
40
2000
28
100
125
60
80
Source: New Bern -Craven County Chamber of Commerce, "Information Packet"
':able 8... Retail Sales, 1968-1979, New Bern & Craven County
YEAR
NEW BERN
CRAVEN COUNTY
1968-69
$ 83,391,475
$113,805,84O
1969-70
90,542,656
124,433,456
1970-71
95,547,866
133,785,446
1971-72
104,241,177
146,687,413
1972-73
136,476,762
194,954,676
1973-74
144,249,198
206,095,993
1974-75
164,018,185
234,754,261
1975-76
120,815,335
171,080,147
1976-77
176,450,765
257,545,553
1977-78
185,191,748
267,985,155
1978-79
208,605,876
296,421,932
Source: N.C. Denartment of Revenue
The figures shown on Table 8 have not been adjusted by the Consumer Price
Index (CPI), which provides a factor for inflation, yet even if it were to be
used, the volume of growth in this sector would be very much the same. Most
notable on this table is the fact that between the '75-'76 and 178-'79
years Craven County's retail trade volume increased by 73.1%. In the same
time period New Bern's increased by 72.7%, indicating that the retail services
offered in New Bern account for the majority of all retail services in the
area. Additional support for this statement can be found in Table 9,
which shows that a majority of the retail establishments in Craven County
are located in New Bern. In the 1978-1979 year New Bern showed a volume
of $208.6 million commared to $296.4 million for Craven County as a whole.
""his represented 71% of the County's total. Table 6 also provides evidence
of a strong retail sector with trade employment increases c: 30.7% and
16.41 between 1970-75 and 1975-80, respectively.

84
. The significance of the growth in both manufacturing and retail employ-
ment to future development decisions by the City of New Bern is the relative
allocation of land for these two economic activities compared to other land
,uses. This is discussed further in the chapter, "Estimated Growth Demand".
The discussion of industrial and retail employment is not meant to
minimize the importance of the other economic sectors whose employment is
shown on Table 5. It is only intended to direct the attention of the
citizens of New Bern to the fact that growth in these two sectors of the
local economy can be expected to continue, and that their significance
related to both employment opportunities and future land use needs must
be considered if the public's interest is to be served at an optimum level.
Review of the population and economic data suggest that New Bern
does not have a seasonal population. It is far enough inland to be removed
from the influx of coastal tourism.
Table 9... Location of Retail Establishments, Craven County, 1977
Business
County
New
% of Co.
% of Co.
% of C
Tvbe
Total
Bern
Total
Havelock
Total
Others
Total
Bldc. materials
24
15
63
4
17
5
21
Gen. mhse.
25
12
48
5
20
8
32
Food
124
65
52
17
14
42
36
Auto dealers
61
24
39
16
26
21
35
Gas stations
73
40
55
13
18
20.
27
apparel
38
32
84
5
13
1
3
Furniture
46
23
50
15
33
8
17
Eating
83
51
61
15
18
17
21
Drugstore
11
10
91
1
9
-
Misc.
117
71
61
28
24
18
25
Source: U.S. Census, Census of Retail, 1977

85
APPENDIX E
LAND USE INVENTORY SUMMARY
Uses by acreage
The original Plantation was 1,200 acres in size. Subsequently, land north
of Highway 17 was sold (109 acres) leaving a balance of 1,091 acres. The
only other major land sale was the land along Statewood Road (180 acres).
As noted in the table below, the Town of River Bend has 1,091 acres (not
including water areas, but including the man-made canals).
Tables XVI and XVII present the distribution of this acreage by type of
land use for the corporate limits and remainder of the planning area,
respectively.
Land Use
Single Family Units
Multi -Family Units
Commercial
Child Care Facility
Church
Treatment Plant
Roads (60' R-O-W)
Golf Course
Wildlife Preserve
Total
TABLE XVI
RIVER BEND LAND USE SUMMARY
CORPORATE LIMITS
No. Built Units
Additional Capacity
Total No. Acres.(acres vacant)
677
(200)
62% 343 (165)
38
(40)
3% 210 (250)
20
(5)
2% ---
23
1
4
1
12
72
(10
lineal miles) ---
145
22% ---
100
1,091
Table XVI above reveals that the predominate land use (62%) is single
family development. Multi -family and commercial development account for
only 3 percent and less than 2 percent of the total land areas
respectively. Over 22 percent of the land is in permanent open space, that
is, eitber golf course lands or within the wildlife reserve.

R.
o _
e�=

87
Within the entire River Bend Planning Area there are approximately 4,300
acres or about 6 to 7 square miles. As indicated below, nearly 90 percent
of the extraterritorial areas is in either agriculture or forest production
or vacant.
TABLE XVII
RIVER BEND LAND USE SUMMARY
PLANNING AREA (LESS TOWN)
Land Use
Acreage
# Units
Single Family
135 (4.8%)
142
Mobile Home
21
21
Multi Family
0
0
Community
7
7
Church
4
4
Cemetary
1
1
Public
1
1
Highway 17
80
20,000
RR
50
20,000
Roads
80
27,600
Agri/Forest or Vacant
2912 (89.6%)
N/A
TOTAL
3250
Less than five percent of the extraterritorial lands are used for
residential purposes. Over 6 percent of the land is used for
transportation.
Growth Issues
As noted in the Craven County Land Use Plan, River Bend is part of the 20
mile eastern growth corridor extending from the New Bern/Havelock area. It
is land along this corridor that will see significant change from rural to
urban uses over the near future.
Land Use Compatability problems center on agriculture and forest rise needs
and the conflicting demands of new urban growth. The provision of sewer and
water often lags behind urban development, yet, if in place too soon, it
can cause premature development, leapfrogging and result in an inefficient
provision of public services.

The lack of zoning in many areas of this corridor reflects a lack of
planning. Such planning and zoning is necessary if important prime lands
are to be preserved for production purposes. The AEC's identified by the
State serve to preserve sensitive lands in the area.
Within River Bend, there are conflicts between planned growth and the lack
of sufficient public facilities to serve that growth (e.g. sewers). River
Bend is also experiencing the conflict between the need to preserve lands
for open space (parks and natural areas) and the demand for the land for
further development.
In overview, the lands outside River Bend, but within the extraterritorial
limits (i.e. one —mile radius from town limits), appear to be in most need
of planning. The land use conflicts, the demands for the extension of
urban services, the need to preserve prime lands for productive purposes
and more, will continue to intensify as the years pass.

M
APPENDIX F
AEC REGULATIONS (15 NCAC 7H)
NRSCD - COASTAL MANAGEMENT T15: 07H .0200
Eff. September 9, 1977. 218
.0204 AECs WITHIN THE ESTUARINE SYSTEM 220
The following regulations in this Section define each AEC 222
within the estuarine system, describe its significance, 223
articulate the policies* regarding development, and state the
standards for development within each AEC. 224
History Note: Statutory Authority G.S. 113A-107 (a) ; 227
113A-107 (b) ; 228
Eff. September 9, 1977. 229
.0205 COASTAL WETLANDS 231
la) Description. Coastal wetlands are defined as any salt 233
marsh or other marsh subject to regular or occasional flooding by 234
tides, including wind tides (whether or not the tide waters reach 235
the marshland areas through natural or artificial watercourses),
provided this shall not include hurricane or tropical store 236
tides.
Coastal wetlands contain some, but not necessarily all, of the 237
following marsh plant species: 238
(1) Cord Grass (Spartina alterniflora) , 240
(2) Black Needlerush (Juncus roemerianus) , 241
(3) Glasswort (Salicornia spp_) , 242
(4) Salt Grass (Distichlis spicata) , 243
(5) Sea Lavender (Limonium spp.), 244
(6) Bulrush (Scirpus spp.), 245
(7) Saw Grass (Cladium jamaicense) , 246
(A) Cat -tail (Typha spp.) , 247
(9) Salt Meadow Grass (Spartina patens) , 248
(10) Salt Reed Grass (Spartina cynosuroides). 249
Included in this definition of coastal wetlands is "such 251
contiguous land as the Secretary of NR6CD reasonably deems 252
necessary to affect by any such order in carrying out the
purposes of this Section." [G.S. 113-230(a) ] 253
_(b) Significance_ The unique productivity of the estuarine 254
system is supported by detritus _(decayed plant material) and 255
nutrients that are exported from the coastal marshlands. The
amount of exportation and degree of importance appears to be 256
variable from marsh to marsh, depending primarily upon its 257
frequency of inundation and inherent characteristics of the
various plant species. Without the marsh, the high productivity 258
levels and complex food chains typically found in the estuaries 259
could not be maintained.
Han harvests various aspects of this productivity when he 260
fishes, hunts, and gathers shellfish #rom the estuary. Estuarine 261
dependent species of fish and shellfish such as menhaden, shrimp,
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flounder, oysters, and crabs currently male up over 90 percent of
the total value of North Carolina's commercial catch. The
marshlands, therefore, support an enormous amount of commercial
and recreational businesses along the seacoast.
The roots, rhizomes, stems, and seeds of coastal wetlands act
as good quality waterfowl and wildlife feeding and nesting
materials. In addition, coastal wetlands serve as the first line
of defense in retarding estuarine shoreline erosion. The plant
stems and leaves tend to dissipate gave action, while the vast
network of roots and rhizomes resists soil erosion. In _this gray,
the coastal wetlands serve as barriers against flood damage and
control erosion between the estuary and the uplands.
marshlands also act as nutrient and sediment traps by slowing
the water which flows over them Ind causing suspended organic and
inorganic particles to settle out. In this manner, the gntrient
storehouse is maintained, and sediment harmful to marine
organisms is removed. Also, pollutants and excessive nutrients
are absorbed by the marsh plants, thus providing an inexpensive
water treatment service.
lc) Management objective. To give highest priority to the
protection and management of coastal wetlands so as to safeguard
and perpetuate their biological, social, economic and aesthetic
values; to coordinate and establish a management system capable
of conserving and utilizing coastal wetlands as a natural
resource essential to the functioning of the entire estuarine
system.
1d) Use Standards. Suitable land uses shall be those
consistent with the management objective in this Rule. Highest
priority of use shall be allocated to the conservation of
existing coastal wetlands. Second priority of coastal wetland
ase shall be given to those types of development activities that
require crater access and cannot function elsewhere.
Unacceptable land uses may include, but would not be limited
to, the following eramples: restaurants and businesses;
residences, apartments, motels, hotels, and trailer parks;
parking lots and private roads and highways; and factories.
Examples of acceptable land uses may include utility easements,
fishing piers, docks, and agricultural uses, such •as farming and
forestry drainage, as permitted under North Carolina's Dredge and
Pill Act and/or other applicable laws.
In every instance, the particular location, use, and design
characteristics shall be in accord with the general use standards
for coastal wetlands, estuarine raters, and public trust areas
described in Rule .0208 of this Section.
History Note: Statutory Authority G.S. 1 13 A-107 (a) ;
113A-107 (b) ; 113A-113 (b) (1)
NORTH CAROLINA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 02/01/83 7-8
262
263
264
266
267
268
269
270
271
273
274
275
276
277
279
280
281
282
233
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
298
299

91
.0207 PUBLIC TRUST AREAS 356
1a) Description. Public trust areas are all waters of the 358
Atlantic Ocean and the lands thereunder from the mean high water 359
mark to the seaward limit of state jurisdiction; all natural
bodies of water subject to measurable lunar tides and lands 360
thereunder to the mean high water park; all navigable natural 361
bodies of water and lands thereunder to the mean high water level
or mean water level as the case may be, except privately -owned 362
lakes to which the public has no right of access; all water in 363
artificially created bodies of water containing significant
public fishing resources or other public resources which are 364
accessible to the public by navigation from bodies of water in 365
which the public has rights of navigation; and all waters in 366
artificially created bodies of water in which the public has
acquired rights by prescription, custom, usage, dedication, or 367
any other means. In determining whether the public has acquired
rights in artificially created bodies of water, the following 368
factors shall be considered:
(1) the use of the body of water by the public, 370
(2) the length of time the public has used the area, 371
(3) the value of public resources in the body of water, 372
J4) whether the public resources in the body of water are 374
mobile to the extent that they can move into natural 375
bodies of water,
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92
NRSCD ® COASTAL MANAGEMENT
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J5) whether the creation of the artificial body of water 376
required permission from the &fate, and 377
_(6) the value of the body of water to the public for 378
navigation from one public area to another public area. 379
_1b) Significance. The public has rights in these areas, 381
including navigation and recreation. In addition, these areas 382
support valuable commercial and sports fisheries, have aesthetic
value, and are important resources for economic development. 383
1c) 3anagement Objective. To protect public rights for 384
navigation and recreation and to preserve and manage the public 385
trust areas so as to safeguard and perpetuate their biological,
economic and aesthetic value. 386
Sd) Use Standards. Acceptable uses shall be those consistent 387
with the management objectives in 1c) of this Rule. In the 388
absence of overriding public benefit, any use which significantly
interferes with the public right of navigation or other public 389
trust rights which the public may be found to have in these areas 390
shall not be allowed. The development of navigational channels
or drainage ditches, the use of bulkheads to prevent erosion, and 391
the building of piers, wharfs, or marinas are examples of uses 392
that may be acceptable within public trust areas, provided that
such uses +rill_ not be detrimental to the public trust rights and 393
the biological and physical functions of the estuary. Projects 394
which would directly or indirectly block or impair existing 395
navigation channels, increase shoreline erosion, deposit spoils
below dean high tide, cause adverse water circulation patterns, 396
violate water quality standards, or cause degradation of 397
shellfish waters are generally considered incompatible with the
management policies of public trust areas. In every instance, 398
the particular location, use, and �design characteristics shall be 399
in accord with the general use standards for coastal wetlands,
estuarine waters, and public trust areas. 400
History Note: Statutory Authority G.S_ 113A-107(a); 403
113A-107 (b) ; 113A-1 13 (b) (5) ; 404
Eff. September 9, 1977e 405
.0208 USE STANDARDS 407
(a) General Use Standards 408
11) Uses which are not water dependent will not be 410
permitted in coastal wetlands, estuarine waters, and 411
public trust waters. Restaurants, residences,
apartments, motels, hotels, trailer parks, private 412
roads, factories, and parking lots are examples of uses
that are not water dependent. Uses that are water 413
dependent may include: utility easements; docks; 414
wharfs; boat ramps; dredging; bridges and bridge
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approaches: revetments, bulkheads; culverts; groins; 415
navigational aids; mooring pilings; navigational
channels; simple access channels and drainage ditches. 416
S2) Before being granted a permit by the CHC or local 417
permitting authority, there shall be a finding that the 418
applicant has complied with the following standards:
SA) The location, design, and need for development, as 420
well as the construction activities involved must 421
be consistent with the stated management
objective.
13) Before receiving approval for location of a use or 422
development within these AECs, the permit -letting 423
authority shall find that no suitable alternative
site or location outside of the AEC exists for the 424
use or development and, further, that the
applicant has selected a combination of sites and 425
design that will have a minimum adverse impact
upon the productivity and biologic integrity of 426
coastal marshland, shellfish beds, submerged grass
beds, spawning and nursery areas, important 427
nesting and wintering sites for waterfowl and
w-ildlife, and important natural erosion barriers 428
(cypress fringes, marshes, clay soils).
1C) Development shall not violate water and air 429
quality standards. 430
1D) Development shall not cause major or irreversible 431
damage to valuable documented archaeological or 432
historic resources.
1E) Development shall not measurably increase 433
siltation_ 434
1F) Development shall not create stagnant water 435
bodies. 436
1G) Development shall be timed to have minimum adverse 437
significant affect on life cycles of estuarine 433
resources-
_(H) Development shall not impede navigation or create 439
undue interference with access to, or use of, 440
public trust or estuarine waters. .
11) Development proposed in estuarine waters must also 441
be consistent with applicable standards for the 442
ocean hazard system AECs set forth in Section
.0300 of this Subchapter.
13) When the proposed development is in conflict with the 444
general or specific use standards set forth in this 445
Pule, the CRC may approve the development if the
applicant can demonstrate that the activity associated 446
with the proposed project will have public benefits as
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94
NRSCD — COASTAL MANAGEMENT
T15: 07B .0200
identified in the findings and goals of the Coastal 447
Area Management Act` that the public benefits clearly 448
outweigh the long range adverse effects of the project.
that there is no reasonable and prudent alternate site 449
available for the project, and that all reasonable
means and measures to mitigate adverse impacts of the 450
project have been incorporated into the project design
and will be implemented at the applicant's expense. 451
Thesemeasurestaken to mitigate or minimize adverse 452
impacts may include actions that vill:
jx) minimize or avoid adverse impacts by limiting the 454
magnitude or degree of the action; 455
1B) restore the affected environment; or 456
SC) compensate for the adverse impacts by replacing or 458
providing substitute resources. 459
1b) Specific Use Standards 461
11) Navigation Channels, Canals, and Boat Basins. 463
Navigation channels, canals and boat basins must be 464
aligned or located so as to avoid primary nursery areas
(identified in 15 NCAC 3B .1405; effective date 465
November 1, 1977) highly productive shellfish beds,
beds_ of submergent vegetation, or regularly and 466
irregularly flooded marshes®
1A) Any canal or boat basin shall be excavated no 468
deeper than the depth of the connecting channels. 469
jB) Canals for the purpose of multiple residential 470
development shall have: 471
si) no septic tanks aaless they seet the 473
standards set by the Division of 474
Environmental Management and the Division of
Health Services;
(ii) no untreated or treated point source 475
discharge; 476
(iii) storm water routing and retention areas such 477
as settling tasins and grassed scales. 478
_CC) Boat basin design should maximize water exchange 480
by having the widest gossible opening and the 481
shortest practical entrance canal. Depths of boat 482
basins should decrease from the waterward end
inland.
1D) Construction of finger canal systems will not be 483
allowed. Canals should be either straight or 484
meandering with no right angle corners.,
JE) Canals should be designed so as not to create an 485
erosion hazard to adjoining property. Design may 486
include bulkheading, vegetative stabilization, gr 487
adequate setbacks based on soil characteristics.
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95
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(2) Hydraulic Dredging
489
1A)
The terminal end of the dredge pipeline should be
491
positioned at a distance sufficient to preclude
492
erosion of the containment dike and a maximum
distance from spillways to allow adequate
493
settlement of suspended solids.
SB)
Dredge spoil must be either confined on higi
494
ground by adequate retaining structures or if the
495
material is suitable, deposited on beaches for
purposes of renourishment, with the exception • of
496
(G) of this Subsection (b) (2) .
jC)
Confinement of excavated materials shall be on
497
high ground landward of regularly and irregularly
498
flooded marshland and with adequate soil
stabilization measures to prevent entry of
499
sediments into the adjacent water bodies or marsh.
SD)
Effluent from diked areas receiving disposal from
500
hydraulic dredging operations must be contained by
501
pipe, trough, or similar device to a point
waterward of emergent vegetation or, where local
502
conditions require, below mean low water.
1E)
When 'possible, effluent from diked disposal areas
503
shall be returned to the _4rea being dredged.
504
SF)
A water control structure must be installed at the
505
intake end of the pipe.
506
1G)
_effluent
Publicly funded projects will be considered by
507
review agencies on a case by case basis with
508
respect to dredging methods and spoil disposal.
JR)
Dredge spoil from closed shellfish waters and
509
effluent from diked disposal areas used when
510
dredging in closed shellfish waters shall be
returned to the closed shellfish waters.
511
13) Drainage Ditches
512
Drainage ditches located through any marshland
514
_(A)
shall not exceed six feet wide by four feet deep
515
(from ground surface) unless the applicant can
show that larger ditches are necessary for
516
adequate drainage.
13)
Spoil derived from the construction or maintenance
517
of drainage ditches through regularly flooded
518
marsh must be placed landward of these marsh areas
in a manner that will insure that entry of
519
sediment into the water or marsh will not occur.
Spoil derived from the construction or maintenance
520
of drainage ditches through irregularly flooded
marshes shall be placed on non -wetlands wherever
521
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NRSCD - COASTAL MANAGEMENT
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feasible. Non -wetland areas include relic
disposal sites.
_[C) Excavation of new ditches through high ground 522
shall take place landward of a temporary earthen 523
plug or other methods to minimize siltation to
adjacent water bodies.
_[D) Drainage ditches shall not have a significant 524
adverse effect on officially _4esignated primary 525
nursery areas, productive shellfish beds,
submerged grass beds, or other documented 526
important estuarine habitat. Particular attention
should be placed on the effects of freshwater 527
inflows, sediment, and nutrient introduction.
Settling basins, water gates, retention structures 528
are examples of design alternatives that may be
used to minimize sediment introduction. 529
14) Nonagricultural Drainage 530
_JA) Drainage ditches must. be designed so that 532
restrictions in the volume or diversions of flow 533
are minimized to both surface and ground water.
SR) Drainage ditches shall provide for the passage of 534
-migratory organisms by allowing free passage of 535
crater of sufficient depth.
.CC) Drainage ditches shall not create stagnant water 536
pools or significant changes in the velocity of 537
flow.
JD) Drainage ditches shall not divert or restrict 538
crater flow to important wetlands or marine 539
habitats.
S5) Marinas. Marinas are defined as any publicly or 541
privately owned dock, basin or boat storage facility 542
constructed to accommodate more than 10 boats, and
providing any of the following services: permanent or 543
temporary docking space; dry stack storage; haul -out
facilities and repair services. Excluded from this 544
definition are boat ramp facilities allowing access 545
only and none of the preceding services.
lA) tsarinas which require dredging -shall not be 547
located in primary nursery areas, nor in areas 548
which require dredging through primary nursery
areas for access. Maintenance dredging in primary 549
nursery areas for existing marinas will be 550
considered on a case -by -case basis.
18) Marinas should be developed on non wetland sites 551
or in deep craters (areas not requiring dredging) 552
and should not disturb valuable shallow water and 553
wetland habitat, except for dredging necessary for
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NRECD — COASTAL MANAGErIENT
(C)
1D)
SE)
97
T15: 07H .0200
access to high ground sites. The following four 554
alternatives for siting marinas are ranked in
order of preference:
ji) an upland site requiring no alteration of 556
wetland or estuarine habitat, and providing 557
adequate flushing by tidal or wind generated 558
water circulation;
(ii) an upland site requiring dredging for access 559
when the necessary dredging will cause no 560
significant adverse impact on fishery- or 561
wetland resources;
(iii) a deep water site not a primary nursery area, 562
with no excavation or wetland alteration; 563
(iv) a marina requiring excavation of relatively 564
unproductive estuarine substrate to a depth 565
no greater than the depth of the connecting
channels. Projects shall be designed to use 566
the highest of these four priorities that is
feasible.
Marinas should: 568
ji) be designed to minimize use of public waters 570
by encouraging _q mixture of dry storage 571
areas, public launching facilities, and
berthing spaces; 572
(ii) shall prominantly display a sign at the 573
marina shoving the location of the nearest 574
pumpout facility, listing the telephone
numbers of local septic tank pumping 575
services, and including other appropriate
waste disposal information; [ provision (ii) 576
applies only to permits applied for after
January 31, 1982 ]; and
(iii) demonstrate the implementation of all 577
necessary means and measures to minimize the
impact of pollutants likely to be emitted by 578
the operation of the marina and attendance 579
vessels upon the natural systems including
providing grease and sediment -traps for storm 580
water runoff.
Marinas shall be designed to minimize adverse 581
effects on navigation and public use of graters 582
while allowing the applicant adequate access to
deep waters.
Marinas shall not be enclosed within breakwaters 583
that Preclude circulation sufficient to maintain 584
water quality.
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jF) Marinas which require dredging shall provide 585
acceptance areas to accommodate disposal needs for 586
future maintenance dredging-
16 ) Docks and Piers 587
_[A) Docks and piers shall not significantly interfere 589
with water flogs. 590
a(B) To preclude the adverse effects of shading marsh 591
vegetation, structures which are built over 592
vegetated marsh shall not exceed six feet in
width, except that "T"s or platforms at the 593
waterward end are not restricted to these
dimensions but cannot have a total area of more 594
than 500 square feet.
SC) Piers shall be designed to minimize adverse 595
effects on navigation and oublic use of waters, 597
while allowing the applicant adequate access to
deep waters.
_(D) Pier alignments along federally maintained 598
channels must meet Corps of Engineers District 599
guidelines.
,(E) Piers shall not extend beyond the established pier 600
length along the same shoreline for similar use, 601
and in no case extend more than one-third of the 602
width of a natural water body or man-made canal or
basin.
sip)
piers shall not interfere wits the access to any
603
riparian property and shall have a minimum setback
604
of 15 feet between any part of the pier and the
605
adjacent property lines extended into the water at
the points that they intersect the shoreline. The
606
minimum setbacks provided in the Legulation may be
607
waived by the written agreement of the adjacent
riparian owner(s) or when two adjoining riparian.
608
owners are co -applicants. Should the adjacent
609
property be sold before construction of the pier
commences, the applicant shall.obtain a written
610
agreement with the new owner waiving the minimum
611
setback and submit it to the permitting agency
prior to initiating any development of the pier.
612
_17) Bulkheads and Shore Stabilization Measures
613
_[A)
Bulkhead alignment, for the purpose of shoreline
615
stabilization, must approximate mean high water or
616
normal water level.
SB)
Bulkheads shall be constructed landward of
617
significant marshland or ma rshgrass fringes.
618
Bulkhead fill material shall be obtained from an
619
_(C)
approved upland source, or if the bulkhead is a
620
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part of a permitted project involving excavation
from a non -upland source, the material so obtained 621
may be contained behind the bulkhead.
SD) Bulkheads or other structures employed for 622
shoreline stabilization shall be permitted below 623
approximate mean high water or normal eater -level 624
only when the following standards are met:
ii) the property to be bulkheaded has an 626
identifiable erosion problem, whether it 627
results from natural causes or adjacent 628
bulkheads, or it has unusual geographic or
geologic features, e.g. steep grade bank, 629
which will cause the applicant unreasonable
hardship under the other provisions of this 630
Regulation;
(ii) the bulkhead alignment extends no further 631
below approximate mean high water or normal 632
water level than necessary to allow recovery 633
of the area eroded in the year prior to the
date of application, to align with adjacent 634
bulkheads, or to mitigate the unreasonable 635
hardship resulting fro■ the unusual
geographic or geologic features;
(iii) the bulkhead alignment will not result in 636,
significant adverse impacts to public trust 637
rights or to the property of adjacent 638
riparian owners;
(iv) the need for a bulkhead below approximate 639
mean high water or normal water level is 640
documented in the Field Investigation Report 641
or other reports prepared by the Office of
Coastal Management; and
jv) the property to be bulkheaded is in a 642
nonoceanfront area. 643
SE) Where possible, sloping rip -rap, gabions, or 644
vegetation may be used rather than vertical 645
seawalls.
History Note: Statutory Authority G.S.
1 13A-•1 07 (b) ; 1 13A-1 1 3 (b) ;
Eff. September 9, 1977;
Amended Eff. February 1,
February 1, 1982; August
August 6, 1979.
.0209 ESTUARINE SHORELINES
113A-107 (a) ; 648
649
650
1983;.December 1, 1982; 651
12, 1981 ; 652
653
NORTH CAROLINA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 02/01/83 7-18
655

100
APPENDIX G
CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES AND REGULATIONS
This section briefly describes plans, policies and ordinances of Craven
County which relate to land use issues of the River Bend Planning Area,
Craven County Land Use Plan
The Craven County Land Use Plan, February 1982, updates their earlier plan
of 1972.
The plan described existing conditions and patterns of land use, identified
constraints on land development, estimated future demands and provided a
plan for development based upon a Land Classifcation system. Particular
attention was given to environmental factors, especially fragile areas and
potential areas of environmental concern. Also, major emphasis was placed
on the role of public particpation and in the plan -making process.
The major findings and policies pertaining to River Bend centered on the
rapid growth rate of the County and the River Bend to Havelock urban growth
corridor within which 80% of the County's population will be accommodated.
Policies call for the provision of urban services along this 20 mile (by 4
mile wide) corridor. Although the County does support the need for
preserving the resource production area,some lands must give way to urban
development.
Overall, the 1982 Craven County Land Use Plan provided valuable information
for development of River Bend's Land Use Plan.
Craven County Zoning Ordinance
Craven County intends to adopt a Zoning Ordinance which applies to outlying
areas of River Bend (i.e., not lands within the corporate limits or the
Town's present extraterritorial area). Since that ordinance will not be
county -wide, it may provide little protection for the preservation of
important production lands and little, if any, guidance for future urban
development. This suggests to River Bend that the Town will need to take
an active role (i.e. extend its one -mile territorial jurisdiction) if
planing is to precede development in the surrounding areas.
Craven County Subdivision Regulations
Craven County has adopted Subdivision Regulations which are in effect in
the outlying areas of River Bend (i.e., not lands within the corporate
limits or the Town's present extraterritorial area). These regulations
ensure proper registration of ownership and divisions of land, and proper
road design and dedication. Without zoning,however, minimum lot sizes are
usually based upon the size required for septic tanks. This does not
prevent the division of "prime" lands into parcel sizes uneconomical for
agriculture or forest production.

i01
County Floodplain Ordinance
There is no floodway ordinance in effect, however,the County complies with
the regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program.
Building Inspection
Craven County enforces the North Carolina State Building Code contractually
in River Bend.
Septic Tanks
Septic tank regulations are enforced by the Craven County Health Department
in compliance with the State of North Carolina regulations. They currently
set minimum lot sizes of 20,000 square feet if suitable for both private
water and private sewer; 15,000 square feet if one (water or sewer) is
public; and 10,000 square feet if both are public.
Craven County Hurricane Evacuation Plan
This plan provides for an orderly and coordinated evacuation of residents
and visitors in Craven County. It designates the Chairman of the county
commissioners as director and controller of all hurricane operations
including decisions to institute county —wide increased readiness conditions
and other actions. The plan outlines the steps of alerting officials,
actual evacuation, sheltering, mass caring and re—entry. The Banzert
Elementary School is designated as the hurricane evacuation shelter for the
River Bend area.
Craven County/New Bern City, Survey Report, 1980-1981
This document presents the findings of a comprehensive educational survey,
designed to help improve school administration, school organization,
facilities and classroom instruction. It was used in the River Bend Land
Use planning effort, primarily for its population projections and school
enrollment figures.
Transportation Plans.
The only transportation plans in effect are the ones prepared by the state
(the State Thoroughfare Plan).
New Bern Land Use Plan, October, 1981
The 1981 New Bern Land Use Plan updates its previous plan which was adopted
in 1976. The 1981 is provided with more current information and provides
more detailed anal. IgnA _ -' --- ? - -
importance to River Bend include population growth The River
Send to havelock corridor and pollution of the Neuse River. This plan
provided important information for River Bend's land use planning effort.

102
River Bend Zoning Ordinance and Amendments
Zoning is a legal mechanism for controlling the use ofland in accordance
with an adopted land use plan. A jurisdiction (in this case,the Town) is
divided into districts or zones and all land within the same district is
subject to the same regulations. Zoning is designed to separate
incompatible land uses for the good of the general public. Zoning is
supposed to implement the Land Use Plan, although frequently the two are
never coordinated.
The River Bend Zoning Ordinance sets forth three residential zones, one
institutional and two business district zones. The residential zones allow
residential development on 20,000 and 15,000 sq. ft. lots with 1,500 sq.
ft. to 23,000 sq. ft. in the Planned Development District (PD—R).
While most of the land within the Town is already subdivided and either
built or committed, some vacant land remains near Highway li which
presently is zoned for either R-20 or PD—R.
The River Bend Zoning Ordinance is administered by the Town.
River Bend Subdivision Regulations (and Amendments).
Subdivision regulations govern the division of land into lots or tracts for
building purposes. They set standards for the design of streets, lots,
water and sewer systems and other standards necessary for the protection of
the public health, safety, and welfare.
If properly enforced, subdivision regulations should encourage the
development of well —designed subdivisoos with adequate improvements, such
as roads. Subdivision regulations can also encourage growth in a community
byproviding certain incentives to develop, such as partical reimbursement
for the installation of improvements.
The River Bend Subdivision Ordinance is administered bythe Town.
River Bend Flood Disaster Protection Ordinance
The Flood Disaster Protection Ordinance indentifies those areas subject to
flooding and establishes standards for development in the floodplain. Such
regulations are necessary to be eligible for the Federal Flood Insurance
program and protect property and life in the area.
The River Bend Flood Ordinance is administered by the Town.
Relevant State and Federal Regulations affecting the coastal land and
water resources.
See attached list provided by the Department of Natural Resources and
Community Development.

103
STATE DEV'c 0PMENT. REGULAT,C14S
.;cencv Licenses and Permits
:_par=ent of Natural Resources and Ccrnunity - Permits to discharge t., surface waters
Ozve= _menc or operate wastewater __ea_ ent
plants or ci-I discharge Permits;
NPDES Permits, (G. S. 142-213)
Divisi .. cf Envirc=ental Management
- Permits for septic tan::s with a
capacity over 3,000 .^allcns/day
(G. S. 143-215.3).
- Pe: -nits for withdrawal of surface
or ground waters in ca.-ac--ty use
areas (G. S. 1,3-315.15)
- Permits for air nollution g atemen_
facilities and sources
(G. S. 143-215.108).
- Permits for const_uct_cn cf _zm-
plex sources; e. g. par--_ng lots,
subdivisions, stadit-nz, etc.
(G. S. 143-215.1091) .
- Permits for construction e: a
over 100,000 gallons/:ay (G. S. 871-
88) .
Decart-ent of Natural resources and
Community Development - Permits to dredge and,/cr -11 in
Cffica ..f Coastal Management estuarine waters, ti:elan:a, etc.
(G. S. 113-229).
- Permits to undertake revel -en,.
in ?seas of Env=r_nmen-a_ _:racer,
(G. S. 113a-lls) .
NOTE: Minor develocmen.t cermits
are issued by _: a local
government.

104
APPEN--=
:ecartment of Natural Resources and
Community Develo.ment
Division of Earth Resources
Deparzm ent of :Natural Resources and
Comm:.zity Development
Secretary of NRCD
- Permits to alter or construct a
dam (G. S. 143-215.56) .
- Permits to mine (G. S. 74-51) .
- Permits to drill an explanato-°
oil or gas well (G. S. 113-301).
- Permits to conduct ceccrachical
exploration (G. S. 113-3a'-).
- Sedimentation erosion control
plans for any land distur!:ing
activity of over one cc-ticuous
acre (G. S. 113A-54)
- Permits to construct an oil refinery
Cerartaent of Administration - Easements to fill :where lands arc
erocosed to be rased above t:^.c
normal high rater mar;: Of
navigable waters tly fillinc
(G. S. 146.6 (c) .
Decay = ent of Human Resources
- Approval to operate a solid :waste
disposal site cc facility
(G. S. 130-166.16).
- approval for constr-.;ction of a.
public water sum, : f ^ a^ -lit!' that
furnishes water to ten oz more
residences (G. S. 1?0-160.1) .

105
F EDER1L DEL Z=P:•LNT REGu7LAT.:CNS
Acencv
Ar .. ^ores o:Engineers
(Decart=ent of Defense)
Coast Guard
(:ear =ent of Transportation)
Geological Survey
Bureau of Land Management
(Depar"ent of Interior)
;nuclear Reg;:latory corrlissicn
Licenses and Permits
- Per -nits required under Section 9
and 10 of the Rivers and ar_crs
of 1899; permits to construct in
navigable waters.
- Permits required under Section 103
of the Marine Protection,
Research and Sanctuaries act of 1972.
- Permits required ..rider Section 404
of the Federal Water Pollution
Control act of 1972; term;-ts to
undertake dredging and/or filling
activities.
- Permits for bridces, causeways,
pipelines over nav_ca:;le waters;
required under the General Bridga
Act of 1946 and `-e Rivers and
Farbors Act of 1899.
- Deep water :ort pe=its.
- Permits required ?or c_f_-shore
drilling.
- Approvals of CCS p is elir.e corridor
rights -of -way.
- Licenses for sit_nc, const__..__on
and operation of nuclear =owes
plants; required under the Atomic
energy act of 1954 and Ti__-3 :: of
the Enercy Reorcanizat-on Act Of
1974.

106
Federal =nergy. Regulatory Commission - Permits for construct on, operation
and maintenance of interstate pipe-
lines facilities required -under -Ile
Natural Gas act of 1938.
- Orders of interconnection of
electric transmission facilities
under Section 202 (b) of _ :=
Federal Power Act.
- Permission required for abandon-
ment of natural gas : i;aline and
associated facilities under
Section 7C (b) of the Natural
Gas Act of 1938.

107
APPENDIX H
NRSCD - COASTAL IANIGEMENT
7 B .0400
SECTION .0400 - LAND USE PLAN AMENDMENT PROCESS 611
.01401 LAND USE PLAN A!1END"lENT 613
The land use plan may be amended as a whole by a single 615
resolution or in parts by successive resolutions. The successive 616
resolutions may address geographical sections, county divisions, 617
or functional units of subject matter.
Tiistory Note: Statutory Authority G.S. 113A-110; 620
Eff. Mav 10, 1978. 621
.0402 PUBLIC HEARING REQUIRED 623
1a) The land use plan may be amended only after a properly 625
held public hearing. Notice of public hearing must appear at 626
least 30 days prior to the public hearing and must state the 627
date, time, place, proposed action, and that copies of the
amendment may be viewed at a particular office in the county 628
courthouse during designated hours. The notice mast appear at 629
least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the county. 630
1b) when the land use plan subject to amendment is a city land 631
use plan, the amendment shall also be made available during 632
specified hours at a particular office in the torn hall or
eQuivalent facility and the public hearing notice shall so state. 633
History Note : Statutory Authority G.S. 113 A-1 1 0; 636
Eff. May 10, 1978. 637
.01403 NOTICE TO COASTAL RESOURCES COLIIISSION 639
1a) The executive secretary shall receive written notice of 641
the public hearing, a copy of the proposed amendment, and the 642
reasons for amendments 30 days prior to the public hearing. 643
After the public hearing, the executive secretary shall receive a
copy of the amendment as adopted. 644
_(b) The unit of government amending the land use plan shall 645
submit the full text of any proposed amendment in full page units 646
as it vould appear in the land use plan if adopted in the 647
proposed form. Any maps (such as the land classification map)
that are the subject of the amendment or that will be affected by 648
the amendment shall also be submitted as they would appear if the 649
proposed amendment were adopted. Proposed amendments shall be 650
siihmitted to the executive secretary with the notice of the
pnb lic hearing.
(c) The executive secretary shall receive a copy of the 651
amended text or saps, or certification of adoption as proposed 652
within seven days after adoption. If the adopted amendment
varies from the proposed revision, the adopted amendment shall be 653
in
iS•1 RA'.' Ir E
NORTH CAROLINA ADMIN CODE

1:
Y?�CC COASTAL MANAGEMENT
78 .0400
suamitted in, the manner described in (b) of this Rule for 654
proposed amendments.
9istocv Note, statutory Authority G.S. 113A-1100 657
Ef f. Mav 10, 1 978. 658
.0404 W.NTVt'R OF FORMAL REVIIV ET THE CRC 660
_1a) when the governmental unit amending the land use plan 662
dee®s the amendment sufficiently insubstantial, it shall request 663
a waiver of the formal amendment procedure when giving notice to 664
the executive secretary. The executive secretary shall make such
determination in accordance with specific CRC standards and 665
policy, and mail written notification to the local government no 666
later than two weeks after receipt of notice.
Sb) if the waiver is granted and the amendment is adopted as 667
proposed, it shall become ,final upon local adoption and is not 668
subject to commission review as noted in Rule .0405 of this 669
Section. The executive secretary shall receive certification
that the amendment was adopted as proposed within seven days 670
after adoption.
Sc) If the waiver is granted and the amendment is not adopted 671
as proposed, the adopted amendment shall be submitted to the 672
executive secretary, shall be subject to commission review as 673
noted in Rule .0005 of this Section, and shall become final only
after such commission review.
jd) If the request for waiver is denied by the executive 674
secretary, the waiver provisions of these rules shall not apply. 675
The amendment finally adopted shall be reviewed by the com6ission 676
as if the waiver had been requested.
History Note, Statutory Authority G.S. 113A-1109 679
Eff. Mav 10, 1978. 680
.0u05 CONSZS'"ENCX AND ADOPTION 682
_(a) The amended land use plan Faust remain consistent with 15 684
NC4C 7H, Land Use planning cluidelines, and 15 NCAC 7D, Generally 685
Applicable Standards of Review, and adjacent city or county 686
plans.
Ib) The Coastal Resources Commission shall review locally 637
adopted land use elan amendments that are not subject to the 688
waiver provisions at the first regularly scheduled meeting held
a fter the executive secretary has received notification of local 689
adoption.
Jc) Failure of the CRC to take negative action at its first 690
regularly scheduled meeting after notification to the executive 691
secretary of the adopted amendment indicates compliance with 692
these standards and commission approval of the amendment.
NORTH CAROLTNA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 02/20/80 7-19

109
N?f CD - COASTAL MANAGEMENT
7B .0400
Sd) Any final amendments to the text or maps of the land use 693•
plan shall be incorporated in context in the land use plan and 694
shall be dated to indicate the date the amendment became final. 695
The amended land use plan shall be maintained as required by G.S. 696
1 1 3A-1 10 (g) .
History Note: Statutory Authority G.S. 113 A-11 0; 699
Ef E. May 10, 1978. 700
.0406 STANDARDS FOR WAIVER OF FORIAL REVIEW 702
The executive secretary's authority to waive formal review of 704
proposed land use plan amendments is limited to the following 705
instances:
11) minor changes in policy statements or objectives that are 707
the rasult of public participation, 708
(2) modification of any classification that does not affect 709
transition or conservation classes, 710
13) new data compilations and associated statistical 711
adjustments that do not suggest major substantive 712
revisions,
14) more detailed identification of existing land uses or 713
additional sups of existing or natural conditions, 714
15) identification of fragile areas to be brought under 715
locally initiated protection, 716
16) changes in land classifications to reflect new 717
designations or deletions of AECs, 718
17) changes certified by the executive secretary to be 719
consistent with specific CRC comments. 720
History Note: Statutory Authority G.S. 113A-110; 723
Eff. nav 10, 1978. 724
NOPTR CAROLINA A011NISTRATIVE CODE 02/20/80 7-20

APPENDIX I
110
OCM CHECKLIST FOR LAND USE PLANS
(15 NCAC 7B)
I. Oata Collecti6n and Analysis
Establishment of information base, including
1. manner in which data was assembled
90 stat;emenc of the major Conclusion
Present c®ndeticns and econcTty, including
`. present population and ,:onomy analysis
2. impact of seasonal population
DISCUSSION
Nam
1-4
1-4 & 5
76, 81, 31 & 34
76 & 80
ADFQQATK?
Ycs No
Existing land use analysis
1. significant land use compatibility problems10,13,15-21,22-24,26-27,50
2. problems and implications from unplanned 44-47, 50
development 24,26,28,32,34,39-4C
3. identification of areas experiencir:g or
likely to experience changes in predominant -
land use
4. Areas of environmental concern 6
5..map of existing land use 86
Current plans, policies and regulations, including
1. listing and summary of significant existing local 98
p.1AM;L_a'p_L p,ol�.c,ies 98
.2. listing and descriptioet of the means for enforce®
ment of all local existing land use regulations 89,105 108
3. listing of all relevant federal and state
regulations (DNRCr7 to provide)
Constraints: Land suitability
1. physical limitations to development:
a. hazard areas (man-made/natural) 15-21
b. soil limitation areas (,hallow, poorly den incd, 15
septic tank limitations)
•C. water supply sources 12
d. excessive slope areas (over 12i!
2
Z. fragile areas (min. req. 15 NCAC 710 6-7 4 10
�. areas with resource potential
6-7,10,"-30
Constraints: Capacity of community facilities (Discuss)
1. existing water Ind sewer service areas 44-51
2. design capacity of the existing water and sewage 14m60
treatr.+enc plants, schools, and primary roads
pe:tentage at which existing facilities are 45,48,53 u 51
uc�lited
Estinated demand
1, population estimate for the upcoming ten years 76
8,31,34,39 $ 61
2. future land need discussion
�. eocrsunity .`acilities demand (types of Facilities 44
ies at which land is to b(-evednped)

ill
DISCUSSION OF
POLICY
IMPLEMENTATION
I1.
Dolicy Statements ALTERNATIVES
STATEMENT
STRATECIES
Page_
Page
Pavc
Resource Protection Policies
.6-8
1.
policies on types of uses appro-
8
8
priace within the locality's AECs
constraints to development 47,50-51,54,59
47,51,54,59
47,51,54,59
3.
specific local resource develop-
6-7
8,9
8,9
ment issues relative to•15 NCAC
7H
4.
other hazardous or fragile land
10
11
11
5.
areas
hurricane and flood evacuation
21
21
21
needs and plans
Resource ?roduction and Management Policies
1.
discussion of importance of 22,26,28,61
25,27,29,65
25,27,29,65
agriculture, forestry, mining,
fisheries and recreational resources
a. identification of most produc-22,26,28,61
25,27,29,65
25,27,29,65
tive areas
b. discussion of values of pro- 22,26,28,61
25,27,29,65
25,27,29,65
teccing these areas
2.
policy statements on:
a. productive agricultural lands
25
25
25
b. commercial forest lands
27
27
27
c. existing and potential mineral.
30
30
30
production areas
d. commercial and recreational
28
28
---8
fisheries
e. off -road vchi.cles
30
30
30
f. parks and outdoor recreation sites
65
65
65
Economic and Community Development Policies
1.
discussion of types of development
68-70
68-70
68-1-0
aru cu be encouraged
a. discussion of redevelopment of
68
68
68
older areas/creation of new sub-
divisions, etc.
2.
policies on types and locations of
37
38
38
industries desired

112
DISCUSSION OF
POLICY IMPLEMENTATLON ADEQUATE?
REQUnEnENTS ALTERNATIVES
STATEMENT
Sae,ATEC%ES Yes No
Page
Page
P
policies on local corani'tment to 47,51,54,59
47,51,54,59
47,51,54,59
providing services to development
4,
policies on types of urban growth
68-71
68-71
68-71
patterns desired
So
policies on redevelopment of
68-71
68-71
68-71
developable areas
6.
;olicies on cc-nitaent to federal
8-9,11,12,
8-9,11,12,
8-9,11,12,
and sa8te programs in the area
14,19,20
14,19,20
14,19,20
7.
policies on assistance to channel
11,20
11,20
11,20
maintenance and beach nourishment
S.
policies on energy facility siting
38
38
38
and development
9.
policies on tourism or beach and
9
9
9
Waterfront access
Continuing
Public Participation Policies
1.
discussion of means by which public
66-67
67
67
participation in planning matters
was encouraged in plan update
process
Z.
description of the means to be used
66-67
67
67
eor public education on planning
iSgues
3.
description of the means to be used
66-67
67
67
for continuing public participation
other Specific Local ►ssues for Policy
Oiscvssion (from Attachmene 9)

113
APPENDIX J
SYNOPSIS OF THE LAND USE PLAN
OF
RIVER BEND: 1980 - 1990
INTRODUCTION
River Bend Plantation was started in 1966 on 1200 acres of prime land
approximately 5 miles west of New Bern on Hwy. 17, next to the Trent River.
Gradually, pressures from being in one of the fastest growing Townships in
Craven County and from being in the long-range annexation path of New Bern
stimulated the community to incorporate. In July of 1981, this planned
development of 1057 people became known as the Town of River Bend.
Today, River Bend, North Carolina faces the pressures for which it
incorporated, plus a population projected to increase 43% by 1990, central
water and sewer systems which serve only a portion of the community, soils
which present particular difficulties for septic tank absorption fields and
the need to protect valuable wildlife preserves and other fragile areas.
As noted in the October 1982 survey of its citizenry and of its
extraterritorial area, the Town, until now, has had no clear vision for its
future development. Questions about the location, phasing, intensity and
mix of development have been the topic of many discussions, but without a
land use plan, had no framework for integration or analysis, or for policy
development.
In order to develop that direction, the River Bend Town Council sought and
received a grant under the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) for
preparation of the Land Use Plan for River Bend: 1980-1990. The
following synopsis describes the purposes of that Plan, outlines its
policies, describes its Land Classification system as applied to River
Bend, overviews the information base used, and offers concluding remarks
about the usefulness of the River Bend Land Use Plan.
PURPOSES AND OVERVIEWS OF THE LAND USE PLAN
The River Bend Land Use Plan applies to all lands within the "unofficial
planning area." The Town currently has zoning and subdivision regulations
applicable to the town and an extraterritorial area. The Planning Board

114
has established a larger unofficial planning area (one full mile from the
city limits in Craven County) for analysis and policy discussion in this
Land Use Plan. Until such an area is officially established, the County
Land Use Plan should also be consulted for policies, etc. in part of the
°unofficial planning area,' that lies outside the official extraterritorial
area.
The River Bend Land Use Plan is a long-range decision guide in which the
local government has set forth its major policies concerning desirable
future development over the next ten years. As such, the document is the
pivotal statement of policy for use by local, state and federal officials
in decisions regarding River Bend's development over the next 10 years.
Additionally, it is an important piece in the Land Planning efforts of
Craven County and an important element in the State's plan for the rational
and coordinated management of coastal resources.
The Coastal Area Management Act under which this Plan is proposed,
establishes a base for protection of areas of statewide concern within the
coastal area. In the River Bend planning area, Public Trust Waters and
Coastal Wetlands (marshes) have been designated for such protection and are
addressed specifically in the plan. The Act also, through its guidelines
for land use planning (15 NCAC 7B), sets forth important principles of land
use planning which have been emphasized in this document:
I. This plan has environmental protection as a priority in its
own right, while at the same time, it advocates appropriate
economic and community development.
2. This plan is based upon active citizen participation in the
planning process,through the Planning Board, Town Council, citi-
zen survey and public meetings.
3. This plan has a strong action orientation. Policies are stated
as desired situations toward which the Town Council is willing to
work.
4. This plan is a sound basis for continuation of earlier work in
River Bend to improve the community for those who live and visit
there.
5. This plan is designed for continuous improvement as new informa-
tion becomes available. It is to be updated at least once every
five years, and more frequently, if required by the Town Council.
An official plan amendment process is provided in the document.
These purposes and principles are presented in four major policy areas
within the Land Use Plan: Resource Protection; Resource Production;
Economic and Community Development; and Citizen Participation. Each of
these policy areas features full discussion, consideration of alternatives,
goals and policies, and implementation strategies.

115
This synopsis presents the goals and policy statements for each of these
four areas, leaving the reader to gain greater detail relative to the
findings, alternatives considered and implementation strategies through a
complete reading of the Plan itself. The plan may be obtained by
contacting Mr. Cal Yaggy, Town Administrator, at 633-3870.
Resource Protection Goals and Policies
Safeguard and perpetuate the biological, cultural, economic and aesthetic
value of the coastal wetlands inside the Town of River Bend and its
planning area.
Maintain the right of the public to use the Trent River, Rocky Run, Island
Lake, Samuels Creek, and the canal for navigation, recreation and other
public uses.
Prevent the disturbance of natural wetlands associated with the Trent River
and tributary streams, especially those designated as "Wildlife Preserve
District (IWP)" in the River Bend Zoning Ordinance.
Maintain and improve riparian vegetation.
Control types of land uses which extract excessive amounts of water from
the aquifer.
Regulate the development of land uses which have high potential for
polluting the ground water supply.
Preserve the historical, archaeological and cultural resources of the
planning area.
Prevent or, at least, minimize loss of life or property in areas of known
natural hazards due to flooding and slope and soil limitations.
Undertake appropriate measures to control erosion within the planning area.
Guide development with proper consideration of man—made hazards.
Resource Production Goals and Policies
Preserve and maintain prime agricultural and forest lands while
accommodating limited urban growth clusters.
Encourage agricultural and forest related industries outside the corporate
limits.
Prohibit new public water and sewer facilities in agriculture and forest
designated areas.
Maintain and improve existing fish habitats while accommodating public
access to the Trent River.

116
Maintain and manage riparian vegetation and groundcover to promote wildlife
habitats, to stabilize banks, to allow for the natural filtering action of
soils and to shade waterways to lower water temperatures.
Protect the natural and man-made environment from the mining and processing
of minerals within the River Bend planning area.
Economic and Community Development Goals and Policies
Foster desired levels, types and patterns of economic develoment which are
consistent with the unique character of the Towns, raise local employment
levels and otherwise contribute to the local economic base so as to
implement the land classification map.
Encourage location of light industry within Craven County provided certain
performance standards are met, that industry is located near existing
communities (other than River Bend) and does not use land designated for
agricultural and/or forestry production.
Prevent the location of energy facilities within the extraterritorial area.
Meet the housing needs of the area, while promoting a diversity of housing
types at appropriate locations, and preserving and enhancing the integrity
and identity of existing residential development.
Maintain the existing land use pattern for residential development within
the Town limits.
Promote a diversity of housing types within the extraterritorial area with
some emphasis given to the needs of low and moderate income households.
Provide and maintain needed facilities and services in a timely, orderly
and efficient maner to serve the incorporated area of River Bend.
Provide wastewater treatment capacity to handle the project build -out
demand for 1990.
Support the provision of primary and secondary education facilities at the
institutions of the New Bern administrative unit which serve River Bend.
Develop and adopt an official strategy by which to schedule roadway
improvement and their financing.
Require of applicable developments, an additional roadway parallel to and
west of Shoreline Drive, to provide accessibility to Righway 17.
Consider development of a bikeway/pedestrian plan.
Pursue the establishment of a multi -purpose park in River Bend.
Encourage the construction of bulkheads along the canal and where
appropriate, along the Trent River.

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Develop a plan which identifies the need, costs and financial
responsibilities for maintenance for the canal channel. (Channel and
Trent, too).
Continuing Citizen Participation Goals
`iaintain citizen involvement in the on -going land decision -making process
and provide opportunities for citizen participation in the implementation,
review and amendment of the adopted Land Use Plan.
THE LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
The CAMA Land Classification system designates land within the five
standard categories of: developed; transition; community; rural; and
conservation.
The purpose of the developed class is to provide for continued intensive
development and redevelopment of existing cities. As shown on the Land
Classification Map, the land within the Town limits, less the wildlife
refuge areas, has been designated "developed."
The purpose of the transition class is to provide for further intensive
urban development within the next ten years on lands which are most
suitable and that may be scheduled for provision of necessary public
utilities and services. Lands generally south of the railroad right-of-way
and east of the powerline right-of-way, less lands within the Town limits
and wildlife refuge areas are designated transition in,the River Bend
Planning Area.
The purpose of the community class is to provide for clustered land
development to help meet housing, shopping, employment and public service
needs within the rural areas of the planning district. No lands within the
River Bend Planning Area have been designated as "community."
The purpose of the rural class as defined by CAMA, is to provide for
agriculture and forest management, mineral extraction and other low
intensity uses. The Land Classification Map shows lands generally north of
the railroad right-of-way and west of the powerline right-of-way as being
designated "rural." Policies for this class in the River Bend Plan
prohibit mining within the planning area.
The purpose of the conservation class is to prevent urban -type development
from fragile areas. It stipulates that no public funds, either direct or
indirect, are to be used to encourage development of these areas.* The
Town's coastal wetlands, public trust waters and wetland protection area
have been designated as "conservation."
*except where maintenance dredging or other associated activities (such as
No Wake Zones, etc.) may be necessary in existing canals and waterways.

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INFORMATION BASE
The River Bend Land Use Plan presents the information base upon which the
aforementioned policy statements and Land Classification Map were developed
by the Planning Board and Town Council. Data and analyses are presented
regarding the population and economy, existing land use, current plans,
policies and regulations, constraints to development imposed by the land
and by community facilities, and estimates of future demand. The Appendix
includes material related to the construction of that information base,
notably excerpts from the LAMA regulations and the citizen survey
questionnaire.
THE RIVER BEND LAND USE PLAN AND ITS USE
The River Bend Land Use Plano 1980-1990, then, provides a sound basis
upon which future development, production, and preservation decisions can
be made within the context of the total community. It provides a visual
pattern of desired development and contains a comprehensive array of action
instruments for carrying out its policies. Beyond that, the Plan is
dependent mostly upon the elected officials, as represented through the
Town Council and ultimately upon the citizens of the planning area to work
towards its fulfillment. Additionally, it is the responsibility of private
developers and state and federal governmental agencies to consult this plan
for River Bend as a statement by local citizens of the maner in which they
want their community to grow and prosper.