Land Use Plan 1992 Sketch Level Update-1992

Town of
Southern . Shores
Land Use Plan
1992 Sketch Level Update
January 1992
Adopted by the Southern
Shores.Town Council -on
1/7/92 and certified by
the'Coastal Resources
'Commission.on 1/23/92.
Southern Shores Town Council
Kern Pitts, Mayor
Donald Bierwerth
Wayne Gersen
Myra I.edyard
Charles Leet
PROPERTY OF
DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT
PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE

Southern Shores Land Use Plan
1991 Sketch Level Update
Table of Contents
Introduction
vii
Living Environment
1
Town Growth: Population and Housing
2
Emerging Issues
4
Community Services and Constraints to development
6
Land Suitability Constraints
7
Land Use Planning Policies
8
Resource Protection
8
Areas of Environmental Concern
9
Economic and Community Development
10
Coastal Storm Mitigation and Recovery
11
Citizen Participation Plan
13
Land Use Classification System
13
Summary of Survey Questionnaire
14
Index
17
Maps
Existing land Use Map
18
Land use Classification Map
19
Appendix: Detailed Results of Survey Separate Volume

I
The preparation of this report was funded 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 United States Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM),
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, US Department of
Commerce.
The Planning Board acknowledges with thanks the contributions of Dick George,
n Albemarle Commission, and the technical assistance provided by Dan Smith,
,ice' Southern Shores Building Inspector.
11

. 0
I
Introduction
U This CAMA sketch level Land Use Plan Update is the second
(j update to the town's original land use plan prepared in 1980.
Many of the ideas, attitudes, and policies expressed in the
previous two planning periods are simply restated in this plan.
The few changes that do occur generally reflect the new
environmental or development issues that have emerged since
the previous plan. Chief among them is Mobil Oil
Corporation's off -shore drilling proposal. Inter jurisdictional
conflicts that occur when different municipalities share the
same boundary are another concern that has caused policy
modifications.
(� The NC Coastal Management Act requires that each local
government unit in the twenty. coastal counties of the North
Carolina Coastal Region have a land use plan, updated every
five years. As a part of the land use plan, each municipality is
required to state policies to address issues of concern to the
state as well as local issues. The community is also required
(� to document implementation strategies to carry out the
policies, and to include a Land Use Classification Map. This
map documents the preferred types, intensities, and patterns of
development and designates resources for protection from
development.
This plan was developed by the Southern Shores Planning
Board with assistance from the Albemarle Commission. The
Town's Building Inspector provided much vital information
about current and historical development policies, and changes
in local, county, state and federal regulations.
The plan was developed during regularly scheduled monthly
meetings of the Southern Shores Planning Board. The Board
developed a comprehensive questionnaire, mailed directly to the
approximately 3,000 property owners, both resident and non-
resident. The questionnaires were tabulated and the responses
were considered in development of policies for this update.
They are included as an appendix to the plan.
Not all issues of concern to the Board are covered in the plan
because some of the emerging issues are not yet clear enough
to allow for policy development. Some of the 1990 Census
data are not yet available. Since 1980 Census data are no
longer relevant, they are used only where comparisons are
made with present conditions.
Southern Shores Planning Board
Bruce Bortz, Chair
Robert Trost
Carl Bentsen
Paige Christiansen
Diane Henderson

Land Use Plan Update -- 1991
Southern Shores, North Carolina
Living Environment
It would be difficult to find a more attractive
location for the type of living environment
conceptualized by the developers and residents of
Southern Shores. Bounded on the east by the
Atlantic Ocean, the west by Currituck Sound and
Ginguite Bay, and laced with approximately six
miles of navigable man-made "lagoons" (canals)
that lead into the Currituck Sound, Albemarle
Sound, and eventually to the Intracoastal Waterway
and to the ocean.
The climate is excellent: mild winters, warm
summers, with average annual temperature of 61
degrees Fahrenheit. Average annual precipitation is
43 inches, with the heaviest rainfall in the summer
months. Located at the east end of the Wright
Memorial Bridge, the town has convenient access
to the mainland.
The terrain is varied and interesting. The towns
oceanfront is characterized by a high, well stabilized
frontal dune ridge running the entire length of the
town. The crest of the frontal dune ridge averages
100 feet landward from the mean high water mark.
The erosion rate along the town's beach is almost
zero; some areas even show signs of accretion.
Except for major high category storm events, the
frontal dune can afford the town excellent
protection.
The back beach area west of the frontal dune
extends for about a quarter of a mile, rising
gradually to sparsely vegetated sand hills, some
with elevations greater than fifty feet. The hills
drop off suddenly into forested valleys and ridges
that run parallel to the ocean. Along the southern
portion of the town, the land flattens out into
marshes and swamps that lead into Ginguite Bay.
The town area of approximately 2,600 acres has
been platted into approximately 3,000 lots. Fewer
than half of the lots have structures. The town is
almost entirely platted for single-family detached
housing. Only two small areas near US Highway
158 have been zoned for higher densities than one
house per 20,000 square feet. Pelican Watch
planned unit development has permitted density of
six dwelling units per acre and Mallard Cove has
permitted density of ten units per acre. These areas
are shown on the existing land use map.

Land Use Plan Update-1991
Southern Shores Page 2
Only a single small tract of land adjacent to Duck
Woods County Club remains to be subdivided.
This tract is zoned RS-1 for single-family detached
units with a minimum lot size of 20,000 square
feet.
The town's permanent population in 1980 was 395.
1990 preliminary census information established
the town's population at 1,452 persons. This is a
268% increase in ten years. Seasonally, the
population swells due to temporary occupancy of
the many second homes and rental cottages in the
community. The seasonal peak population
estimates were given in the 1985 Land Use Update.
The 1985 statement (slightly modified) is reprinted
below.
(The majority of full time residents are and will
probably continue to be retirees; there are two
persons per average house -hold.) .."Most summer
occupancies range between 4 and 8 persons. If it is
assumed that there will be 2,500 dwelling units in
Southern Shores when the Town is completely
developed, outside limits of a range can be
established. If one-half of the units are occupied
year round, the off season population would be
(2500/2) x 2 = 2500. If the remaining units are
occupied during the summer by an average of six
people, the summer population would be (2500/2)
x 6 + 2500=10,000. But the real numbers will be
determined by a great many variables which are
impossible to predict. For example, drastic
changes in the economy or even the tax laws could
make second homes much less popular or more
popular. Outside limits probably should assume
the current ratio of about one-third year round
occupancy or (2500/3) x 2 =1,666 off season
population and a full summer occupancy or
(2500/3) x 2 x 6 + 1,666 = 11,332 maximum
population."
Town Growth and Population Change
For the past two decades Dare and Currituck
Counties have been among the fastest growing
counties in North Carolina. Dare County's
population increased by 91 % in the 1970-1980
decade and 1990 census information indicates a
70% growth rate for the 1980-1990 decade.
Currituck County grew by 59% and 23.87%
respectively in the past two census decades.
Almost all of the growth in these two counties
occurred on their Outer Banks areas.
In comparison, the State of North Carolina's
population grew by 15.7% in the 1970-1980 decade
and by 12.7% during the 1980-1990 decade.
The Town of Southern Shores was a major
participant in the growth on the Outer Banks.
Southern Shores was incorporated in 1979. No
Town Census data are available prior to the 1980
Census. The Town population grew from 395
persons in 1980 to 1,452 persons in 1990, a
phenomenal growth rate of 268%.
In 1985, Martin's Point Community became an
extraterritorial jurisdiction of Southern Shores. The
town, as required by North Carolina General
Statutes, has zoning and planning authority for
Martin's Point. A resident of Martin's Point has
been appointed as the extraterritorial representative
on the Town of Southern Shores Planning Board.
Other than zoning, planning, and building
inspections, the Town of Southern Shores does not
provide any services to Martin's Point. Residents
of Martin's Point are not counted with Southern
Shores population.
Community
Year
1970 1980 1985 1990
Southern Shores N/A 395 851 1,452
Dare 6,995 13,377 17,243 22,746
Currituck 11,089 13,894 13,697 13,736
Sources: North Carolina Data Center,
Legislative Services Office

Land Use Plan Update-1991
Southem Shores Page 3
POPULATION GROWTH: 1970-1990
For Southern Shores, Dare And Currltuck Counties
25000
20000
15000
10000
5000
0
1970 1980 1995 1990
Housing
At the beginning of the 1980 decade the Town of
Southern Shores contained 191 housing units and
a total permanent population of 395 persons; a
ratio of slightly more than two persons per housing
unit.
Preliminary 1990 Census information indicates that
there are now about as many housing units as there
are permanent residents. According to 1990 census
data there are 1,450 housing units in the town and
1,452 persons, a ratio of about one housing unit
per person. This can be explained by the fact that
many of the houses are second homes, vacation
rentals, and investment properties.
Housing in Southern Shores follows a pattern that
is preferred by respondents to the last three land use
!♦southern shore)
Dare County
©Currltuck Count
The table and chart
provided here
display an unusually
high rate of
population growth
in Southern Shores
and the Outer Banks
region. The
majority of the
population in the
Southern Shores
community has
resided here less
than ten years.
questionnaires distributed by the town. Housing
development is typically low -density, single-family
dwellings. Only two small areas in the town,
Mallard Cove and Pelican Watch, have development
densities exceeding two units per acre. Generally
speaking, the housing in the town is in excellent
condition.
With 836 new housing units, the 1980-1985 period
exhibited the greatest growth in new housing units
in the town. Housing construction in the 1985-
1990 period was approximately half that of the
previous five years. Eighty-six percent of houses
were built between 1980 and 1990.
HOUSING CONSTRUCTION 1946-1990
1946-1969
1970-1979
1980-1983
1986- Mar 1990
0 100 200 300 400 3o0 600 700 800 900

Land Use Plan Update-1991
Southem Shores Page 4
Emerging Issues
Traffic Congestion
Southern Shores and Kitty Hawk, North Carolina,
are the "Gateway" communities for most travelers
visiting the Outer Banks area. These two
communities are located side -by -side on either side
of US Highway 158 as it crosses the Currituck
Sound via the Wright Memorial Bridge.
Southern Shores is located on the north side of this
highway. The Town of Southern Shores extends
westward from the Atlantic Ocean to the
Currituck Sound and northward for a distance of
four miles from US Highway 158, its southern
boundary. For all practical purposes, all entry to
and exit from the Currituck Outer Banks must go
through Southern Shores.
Traffic and the developments on the Currituck
County Outer Banks are beginning to have a
noticeable effect on the life style of Southern
Shores residents. During 1989, the average daily
traffic along Ocean Boulevard and Duck Road
reached 14,000 vehicles per day.
U. S. Highway 158, along the town's southern
boundary has been upgraded from a two-lane
highway to five and six lanes of traffic.
Development along both sides of this highway is
zoned for commercial uses.
On the Southern Shores side is the Marketplace, a
medium sized shopping center with a twin movie
theater, restaurant, super market, junior department
store and several specialty shops.
Across the highway in Kitty Hawk, another
shopping center and a hotel are under consideration.
A franchised retail automobile establishment has
recently opened for business. Farther south along
the Outer Banks in the neighboring towns of Kitty
Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head, new
retail shopping centers are numerous.
North of Southern Shores, the small unincorporated
community of Duck, North Carolina, has
developed as a trendy, up -scale tourist shopping
center.
The traffic has increased enough along NC
Highway 12, Duck Road -- a state maintained
highway corridor north to Duck and the Currituck
Outer Banks — to warrant the installation of four
traffic lights and concomitant turn lanes. Duck
Road is scheduled in the State 1990 Transportation
Improvement Plan to undergo a study for possible
widening. For the most part, NC Highway 12
remains a narrow two-lane highway.
The increased development of the areas north of the
town were discussed in previous land -use plans.
Traffic generated by this growth continues to be a
matter of critical concern and an issue over which
the residents of the town have very little control,
except for town maintenance of streets. The town
continues to urge the NC Department of
Transportation to develop a second access point
from the Currituck mainland to the Currituck Outer
Banks without passing through Southern Shores.
Potable Water Supply.
The supply of fresh potable ground water for
private wells is severely limited in Southern Shores
and all along the Outer Banks in Dare County.
Most lots in Southern Shores are served by the
county -wide Dare County Regional Water System.
However, some lots platted prior to the charter of
the Town of Southern Shores in 1979 rely on
shallow individual wells.
The Town has appointed a Water Quality
Committee to draw samples from the Town's
canals and creeks as well as from the Sound for
testing. The committee of three volunteers is
working in cooperation with the Pamlico -Tar
Foundation to estabish a program of continuous
surface water and groundwater testing.

Land Use Plan Update-1991
Southem Shores Page 5
Population Characteristics:
number of comments was received from the
Race, Age, Employment, and Poverty
questionnaire from elderly households who were
Data
finding it increasingly difficult, both physically
Specific detailed information from the 1990 Census
and financially, to maintain their homes and
concerning age and racial group segments is
grounds as they would like.
limited.
In 1980, six non -family households were counted
According to the 1980 Census, 127 or 32% of the
that had incomes below poverty levels. All six of
town's population was over 60 years of age in
these households were headed by elderly persons.
March, 1980. In the land use questionnaire recently
The 1990 Census poverty data are not yet available
n distributed as a part of this plan, 56% of the
to update these counts.
f�} permanent residents responding listed their ages as
greater than 60 years. Responses to the land use
The Town will survey the desires of residents
questionnaire indicated that 75% of the non-resident
periodically to determine any special needs.
property owners who responded intend to retire and
Responses to the 1990 survey rejected a proposal to
move to Southern Shores.
build a community center in Southern Shores. The
-
Dare County Department of Social Services, Adult
Consideration of the special needs of elderly
Services Division, now operates the Thomas A.
citizens may become a greater concern in the next
Baum Center, a large senior center located in Kill
decade as the resident population ages. A small
Devil Hills.
QExisting
Land Use
Except for a small portion of undeveloped land
classification approved by the town is a commercial
adjacent to Duck Woods Country Club, all areas of
area along US Highway 158 along the southern
Southern Shores have been platted. The town is
boundary of the town.
platted almost entirely as single-family residential.
(� Since 1984, a minimum lot size of 20,000 square
The existing land use map shows the locations of
(� feet has been required Only two areas have been
these zones and the unplatted area Residential
developed at greater residential densities, Mallard
densities to R-8 (eight units per acre) are permitted
Cove at R-10 (ten units per acre) and Pelican Watch
by right in the commercial (C) zone.
at R-6 (six units per acre). The only other land use
Current Plans
and Policies
—Southern Shores CAMA Permit program
The Town of Southern Shores relies on the
(CAMA Local Implementation & Enforce -
following regulatory tools to control development:
ment Plan, Odr. No. 80-0017, 4/8/80)
--Southern Shores Zoning Ordinance
(Ord No.81-0026, 7/7/81, and amendments)
--Southern Shores Subdivision Regulations
(Ord. No. 79-0003, Arta 1, 5/23/79)
—North Carolina Building Code
(Ord. No, 79-0008, 8/7179)
—Southern Shores Flood Hazard Manage-
ment Ordinance (Ord. No. 91- )
—Dare County Health Department Environ-
mental Health Program for septic tank
permitting.
—Chicahauk Property Owners Association
and the Southern Shores Civic Associ-
ation for Architectural Review.
—Rules and Regulations of the Dare
County Regional Water System.

Land Use Plan Update-1991
Southem Shores Page 6
Community Services and
Constraints to Development
The Town provides street maintenance on public
streets, police protection, solid waste collection
(through contractual arrangements with Dare
County), building inspection, and administrative
services. The town relies on Dare County to pro-
ide public water service, solid waste disposal, and
public schools. Services are expected to be
adequate to serve the anti-cipated population over
the next five years.
Water Services
Except for a limited number of lots in the
Chicahauk subdivision which are still served by
private wells, water service to Southern Shores is
provided by the Dare County Regional Water
System. Water supplies for this system include
wells at Skyco on Roanoke Island and deep wells
and a reverse osmosis facility in Kill Devil Hills.
Water supply is adequate for the present needs.
Some communities and developers on the Currituck
Outer Banks are requesting water service from Dare
County. In view of potential future needs of Dare
County residents and the high costs of desalination,
Southern Shores may wish to encourage the
Currituck County officials to develop a water
supply for their Outer Banks. Joint agreements
between the two Boards of County Commissioners
could perhaps provide back-up supplies for each
other's systems. Careful study is needed.
Waste Water Treatment
Southern Shores has no municipal sewage
collection or treatment facility; the town relies on
septic tank systems and package treatment plants
for waste water treatment.
Most soils in Southern Shores are suitable for
septic tank usage on lots of 20,000 square feet or
greater. Most of the areas with unsuitable soils
have been designated as community open space.
The Southern Shores Zoning Ordinance requires a
minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet for single-
family construction and an approved package
treatment system for developments of greater
density. Areas allowing more than one unit per
20,000 square feet have been kept at a minimum.
Most of the undeveloped lands designated as multi-
family areas five years ago have been rezoned to
single family densities.
Solid Waste
Solid waste collection is provided through a Town
contract with Dare County. Disposal is the
responsibility of Dare County. The county is now
engaged in a regional study to see if a regional
disposal facility encompassing several counties is a
feasible option. The County and the Town have
also developed several recycling initiatives designed
to reduce the amount of waste material entering the
County landfill. The Town has established a
recycling center behind the fire station on Dogwood
Trail. The center is staffed by volunteers and is
open several hours each week.
Police Protection
Southern Shores employs its own police officers.
There are five patrol officers, one detective, one
clerk and a chief of police. When a need for
additional services is established, the Town will
increase the size of the police force.
Fire Protection
Fire protection is provided by the Southern Shores
Volunteer Fire Department under contract to the
Town. There are two fire stations located in
Southern Shores.
Public Education
Public education is a function of County
government. Kitty Hawk Elementary School
(grades K-5) is located in Southern Shores. Middle
school and high school students attend schools
outside Southern Shores.
Post Office
Although Southern Shores does not have a post
office, the town's mailing address is expected in
1992 to be designated Southern Shores, North
Carolina 27949.

Land Use Plan Update-1991
Southem Shores Page 7
Land Suitability Constraints
Ocean Hazard Area
The ocean hazard area has only a minimal effect on
development in Southern Shores. The wide, well -
stabilized frontal dune ridge extending the full
length of the Town's oceanfront effectively contains
the ocean hazard area well in front of the dune crest.
The crest of the frontal dune ridge averages
approximately 100 feet landward from the Mean
High Water mark. The base 100-year flood
elevation in the ocean hazard area is estimated by
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
to be 12 feet.
Development in the ocean hazard area is controlled
by the Division of Coastal Management. The
Town of Southern Shores does not permit
development or hard structures seaward of the
frontal dune.
Flood Hazard Area
The flood hazard area presents a much greater
constraint to development in terms of extent of land
area affected. However, the constraints are not as
severe as those of the ocean hazard area
Development is permitted in the flood hazard area
pro-vided buildings meet certain development
constraints.
The base floor level of the structure must be
elevated above the 100-year flood elevation. This
elevation is uniformly 8 feet above sea level for all
of Southern Shores landward of the frontal dune
ridge, but may be revised. This flood hazard area is
generally located along the extended man-made
lagoon system in the town and along the shores of
Currituck Sound and Ginguite Creek.
Approximately 80% of the land area in Martin's
Point Subdivision, Southern Shores' area of
extraterritorial jurisdiction, lies within the flood
hazardarea
Soils and Septic Tank Limitations
Soil conditions produce only limited constraints to
development in Southern Shores. Areas in
Southern Shores deemed unsuitable for septic tank
use are for the most part contained in designated
community open space areas. These open space
areas carry conservation land -use classifications.
Some of the soils with moderate septic tank
limitations can be permitted for septic tank usage
by increasing the lot size or by structurally
modifying the septic system. The Dare County
Health Department Division of Environmental
Health is the permitting agency that regulates the
placement, design, and land requirements for septic
systems. It is the town's policy to accept the Dare
County Health Department's decisions on septic
tank use.
Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC)
The Coastal Resources Commission has designated Ocean Hazard Svstem
four categories of Areas of Environmental Concern Two Ocean Hazard System AECs occur in
(AEC) in the twenty coastal counties included in Southern Shores, the Ocean Erodible Area and the
the North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act: High Hazard Flood Area
1. The Ocean Hazard System
2. The Estuarine System
3. Public Water Supplies
4. Natural and Cultural Resource Areas
Two of these four AEC categories, the Ocean
Hazard System and the Estuarine System, are found
in Southern Shores.
Ocean Erodible Area
The Ocean Erodible Area generally extends from the
mean low-water line landward 60 times the annual
erosion rate (120 feet from the fast line of stable
natural vegetation) plus the 100 Year Storm
recession distance (25 feet). The annual erosion
rate along the Southern Shores ocean front is less
than 2 feet. The landward boundary of the Ocean
Erodible Area generally falls slightly west of the
crest of the frontal dune ridge.

Land Use Plan Update-1991
Southem Shores Page £
High Hazard Flood Area
Generally this area — subject to high velocity
waters, as shown on FEMA maps -- occurs seaward
of the frontal dune ridge along the Southern Shores
ocean front. It is seaward of the first line of
vegetation, and is classified as a "V Zone."
Development in this area falls under the jurisdiction
of the Town's Flood Hazard Ordinance enforced by
the town's building inspector.
Estuarine Svstem
The Estuarine System contains Estuarine Waters,
Estuarine Shoreline, Public Trust Areas, and
Coastal Wetland.
Estuarine Waters
The Estuarine Waters area adjacent to Southern
Shores and the extraterritorial jurisdiction area of
Martin's Point are the estuarine waters of Currituck
Sound which extends along the northern third of the
Town's and the entirety of Martin's Point's western
boundaries. Primary jurisdiction over these waters
belongs to various state and federal agencies.
The Homeowners Association of Martin's Point
implements uniformly applicable developmental
restrictions in its Declaration, by regulating pier
lengths andlocations.
The Town Planning Board with input from
Martin's Point Homeowners Association is
currently working toward a set of regulations to
control pier lengths along Currituck Sound and
Ginguite Bay.
Estuarine Shoreline AEC
The Town's Estuarine Shoreline is a strip of land
75 feet landward of its boundary adjacent to
Currituck Sound. Development in this AEC is
controlled by the CAMA permitting process and is
administered by the Town's building inspector in
his capacity as CAMA Permit Officer.
Public Trust Waters AEC
Public Trust Waters include Ginguite Bay and the
man-made lagoons in Southern Shores.
Development along this system is controlled by the
rear yard requirements of the Town's Zoning
Ordinance, and bulk heading permits through the
CAMA permitting process.
A "No wake" speed limit within these waters, as
approved by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources
Commission, permits the Town to enforce these
regulations.
The Town is working with the Pamlico -Tar
Foundation to administer a volunteer water quality
monitoring program for the Town's lagoon system.
This will be a continuous program staffed by
volunteers from the community and using
equipment, training and guidance from Tar -Pamlico
Foundation.
Fragile Areas
The frontal dune ridge is the Town's most critical
fragile area. The Town protects the dunes from any
improper development and encourages the main-
tenance and protection of dune stabilizing
vegetation, by encouraging the construction of dune
cross-overs, and by banning the use of vehicles,
including All Terrain Vehicles (ATV), off -road.
LAND USE PLANNING POLICIES
Resource Protection Policies
FRAGILE AREAS POLICIES
1. The Town shall rely on the U. S. Corps of
Engineers' protection of areas designated as
wetlands under Section 404 of the Clean Water
Act.
2. The Town shall continue to protect its lagoon
system and waterfront areas by controlling
development on lands adjoining its waterway
system.
3. It shall be the policy of the Town not to allow
as a permitted or conditional use in any of its
zoning districts the rental of motorized water
bome recreational vehicles.
FLOODPLAIN POLICIES
1. The Town shall continue to enforce standards
prescribed under the National Flood Insurance

Land Use Plan Update-1991
Southem Shores Page 9
Program to control development in flood
hazard areas.
2. The Town will participate in the FEMA
Community Rating System (CRS) program
for flood insurance.
POLICY ON STORM WATER RUN-OFF
IMPACTS ON FRAGILE AREAS
The Town of Southern Shores supports the
regulatory programs of the NC Division of
Environmental Management, the NC Division of
Land Resources and the Dare County Health
Department to ensure proper control of surface run-
off from commercial development and street
construction, of erosion and sedimentation, and of
residential drainage.
POLICIES ON POTABLE WATER
1. The Town shall continue to rely on the Dare
County Regional Water System for its supply
of potable water and for the distribution of
water. When requested by citizens, the Town
petitioned Dare County officials to extend the
water system to serve those few homes in
Southern Shores still being served by private
individual wells.
2. The Town shall not encourage the County's
sale of water for development in the Currituck
Outer Banks until such time as mutual
assistance agreements between the two County
governments are reached for solving water
supply problems.
AEC Policies
POLICIES ON OCEAN ERODIBLE AND
OCEAN HAZARD AREAS
1. Development in the ocean AECs shall be
carefully controlled. If development must
occur in these areas, the proper location and
design of shoreline structures and the
preservation of natural protective features shall
be required.
2. The Town of Southern Shores shall continue
to encourage maintenance of the line of ocean
front sand dunes by protecting the vegetation
which stabilizes the dunes, by encouraging the
POLICIES ON SEPTIC TANK SUITABILITY
1. The Town shall continue to work with the
Dare County Health Department's Division of
Environmental Health to insure that septic
systems are not constructed in unsuitable soils.
2. The Town shall continue to require residential
building lots of 20,000 sq. ft. or more to
minimize the problem of septic tank failure.
3. The Town shall permit community or package
systems for other than single family residential
detached dwellings.
4. Package systems, if permitted, must serve only
developments located in Southern Shores and
shall comply with the Town's ordinance
regulating such facilities.
POLICY ON DEVELOPMENT RESTRICTIONS
WITHIN AREAS FIVE FEET ABOVE MEAN
HIGH WATER
Southern Shores shall rely on present floodplain
development regulations now enforced by the Town
and on the permitting procedures enforced by the
Division of Coastal Management to control
development up to five feet above the mean high
water mark.
POLICY ON DAMAGE TO EXISTING
MARSHES BY BULKHEAD INSTALLATION
The Town shall continue to cooperate. with
appropriate State and Federal Agencies in protecting
the integrity of Public Trust Waters and Coastal
Wetlands. Bulkhead construction shall be
controlled by permits issued by the Division of
Coastal Management.
construction of wooden walkways, elevated
observation platforms and sand fences, and by
banning the use of vehicles offroad.
POLICY ON OFF -ROAD VEHICLES The
Town of Southern Shores enforces an ordinance
banning the off -road use of off -road vehicles
including ATVs.

Land Use Plan Update-1991
Southem Shores Page 10
POLICIES ON ESTUARINE AEC SYSTEM
1. Development in or along estuarine waters,
estuarine shorelines and public trust waters
shall be limited to those uses currently
permitted by the Zoning Ordinance and in
compliance with the Coastal Area Management
Act and Corps of Engineers regulations.
2. Commercial marinas, boat rental and/or jet ski
operations, floating homes, dry -stack storage
facilities for boats, and any other form of
structure, other than a conventional boat,
designed to float or otherwise occupy the
surface of the water are not permitted within
the lands and waters of the Town of Southern
Shores. Boats are not permitted to be used as
temporary or permanent residences.
Economic and Community Development Policies
POLICIES ON COMMUNITY ATTITUDE
TOWARD GROWTH
1. The Town shall make whatever service and
facility improvements necessary to
accommodate future growth, but shall explore
ways to ensure that new development pays its
fair share of these costs.
These actions may include, for instance, the
imposition of facility fees, development
exactions, or some other arrangement which
substantially shifts a major portion of the
costs of new growth to those parties creating
it.
The pace of growth has a significant influence
on the Town's ability to accommodate it and
minimize its negative effects.
2. The Town shall monitor the rate of
development and consider slowing this rate, as
it deems appropriate.
POLICY ON IMPORTANCE OF AGRI-
CULTURE, FORESTRY, MINING,
FISHERIES, AND RECREATIONAL
RESOURCES.
Southern Shores is a low -density, single family
residential community and will not allow
agriculture, forestry, mining, fisheries, industry,
energy facilities, active commercial recreational
ventures.
POLICY ON TYPES AND LOCATION OF
INDUSTRIES DESIRED
Industrial uses are not permitted in Southern
Shores.
POLICIES ON TYPES OF DEVELOPMENT TO
BE ENCOURAGED
1. The Town of Southern Shores is almost
completely platted and has no intention at the
present time of expanding its boundaries
through annexation.
2. The Town desires to maintain its existing mix
of residential and commercial uses.
3. Multi -family districts are acceptable as
constituted and shall not be increased in size;
however, the rezoning of commercial land to
residential use would be acceptable.
4. The commercial district is acceptable as
constituted and shall not be expanded; however,
the Town would encourage petitions for re-
zoning commercially zoned land to residential.
5. Uses permitted in the commercial district shall
be limited to those that serve the Southern
Shores community. The Town intends to
develop primarily as a low density, residential
community of single-family detached housing.
POLICY ON COMMITMENT TO STATE AND
FEDERAL PROGRAMS
The Town shall continue to coordinate and
cooperate with state, county, and neighboring
communities on common problems and other areas
of interests.
POLICIES ON ASSISTANCE TO CHANNEL
MAINTENANCE
1. Shoreline erosion control and channel
maintenance projects shall be supported only
where no significant adverse impacts shall
occur to shoreline dynamics and significant

Land Use Plan Update-1991
Southem Shores Page 11
economic or recreation benefits shall accrue to
Southern Shores residents.
2. The Town supports the Coastal Resources
Commission's current prohibition of certain
erosion control structures along ocean and
estuarine shorelines.
POLICY ON ENERGY FACILITIES
Except for electric substations, no energy facilities
are permitted within the Town of Southern Shores
and its extra territorial jurisdictional lands or
waters.
POLICY ON TOURISM
Tourist related commercial facilities and commerce
shall not be encouraged within the town
boundaries. It is the intent of the Town to remain
primarily a single-family residential community.
POLICY ON COASTAL AND ESTUARINE
ACCESS
The Town shall work with the Southern Shores
Civic Association to maintain, improve, and
expand where needed, beach, sound, and lagoon
access points available for use by residents of
Southern Shores and their guests.
POLICY ON DEVELOPMENT OF LANDS
ADJACENT TO LAGOONS AND CANALS
NOT REGULATED BY CAMA
The Town shall consider developing regulations
within the next five years to establish setbacks and
lot coverage standards for those areas not regulated
by CAMA.
POLICY ON PLACING EXISTING
OVERHEAD POWER LINES UNDERGROUND
When funds become available, the Town will
encourage the power company to place power lines
underground.
POLICY ON REDEVELOPMENT OF
DEVELOPED AREAS
The Town shall use its existing development
ordinances requiring the combination of non-
conforming lots to regulate redevelopment in the
Town.
POLICIES ON JOGGING AND BIKING
TRAILS
1. The Town will consider developing a plan for
biking and jogging trails throughout the
Town.
2. The Town will urge the Department of
Transportation to widen NC 12 but to
maintain the road as a two-lane road only. The
street widening should also include space for
bicycle and pedestrian lanes.
POLICY ON INTERIOR STREETS
The Town will place reflectors on the centerlines of
certain interior Town -maintained streets.

Land Use Plan Update-1991
Southem Shores Page 12
Coastal Storm Mitigation and Recovery Policies
The Town of Southern Shores has officially
adopted a Storm Mitigation and Recovery Plan.
8. Oceanfront reconstruction will not be permitted
until such time as the CAMA setback line is
POLICIES ON STORM HAZARD
reestablished
MITIGATION AND RECOVERY
(� 1. When new development is permitted in storm
9. The Town will take advantage of opportunities
L hazard areas, it should be at an adequate
which may arise to purchase land or damaged
distance from those areas subject to the most
properties in hazard areas following the storm.
severe storm forces. The Town will support
and strictly enforce the setback requirements of
10. When undertaking reconstruction decision
the Coastal Area Management Act.
making, the Town will seek to encourage
-
redevelopment patterns which recognize and
(� 2. The Town of Southern Shores will encourage
utilize the natural mitigative features of the
(� the construction of public and private buildings
coastal environment. Redevelopment will take
which are able to withstand the wind and water
into consideration any changes in natural
forces of hurricanes and other coastal storms.
conditions brought about by the storm (e.g,
new inlets, changes in drainage patterns.).
3. The Town recognizes that natural features of
the barrier island, such as dunes and wetland,
11. The Town of Southern Shores will create a
act to mitigate the damaging effects of
special damage assessment team prior to June
hurricanes. It is the Town's policy to protect
1 of each year.
these natural mitigation features.
(�
12. The Town has adopted a plan and certain
(� 4. To the extent possible, the Town of Southern
necessary ordinances and procedures to guide
Shores will seek to coordinate its pre -storm
the reconstruction effectively after a hurricane
mitigation programs and policies with those of
or severe storm.
the County and the other beach communities.
o
13. Prior to June 1 each year, the Town will
5. It is the policy of the Town to support the
establish a special storm reconstruction task
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and
force which will oversee the recovery and
the construction and mitigation measures
reconstruction process and serve as an advisory
required under it.
body to the Town Council on recovery and
reconstruction issues. A main responsibility
6. To the extent feasible, the Town of Southern
of this body will be to identify opportunities
Shores will regulate the reconstruction of
to mitigate future storm damage through the
structures in high hazard flood areas which
management of reconstruction.
have been substantially damaged. Where
reconstruction on such sites is allowed to take
14. The Town of Southern Shores will integrate
place, it will occur only at the current
recovery and reconstruction planning with the
(� development intensity.
broader set of planning goals and objectives for
uthe
community. The Town recognizes that a
7. All reconstruction will be required to conform
hurricane may provide a unique opportunity to
to the provisions of the North Carolina State
modify existing development patterns and to
Building Code. The Town of Southern Shores
accomplish the Town objectives that would
will strictly enforce the code as well as
otherwise not be possible.
continue to lobby the State for more storm -
resistant building requirements.

Land Use Plan Update-1991
Southem Shores Page 13
Citizen Participation Plan
A public meeting will be held at the beginning of
the land use planning cycle to review policy
statements adopted in the previous Land Use Plan
Update. The Town Council will identify existing
policies it believes should be reassessed and any
new issues to be addressed.
Once issues are identified, a questionnaire will be
prepared and distributed to all residents and property
owners of record.
Regular monthly meetings are held by the Planning
Board at 7:30 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each
month to consider the results of the questionnaire,
to revise and amend existing policies as needed, and
to develop new policies to address new issues.
A Public Hearing will be held at least 30 days prior
to the adoption of each Land Use Plan Update.
POLICIES ON CONTINUING PUBLIC
PARTICIPATION
1. The Southern Shores Land Use Plan shallbe
reviewed periodically.
2. The public shall be encouraged to participate in
all phases of this project. Input from the
public shall be solicited through direct
mailings addressing specific planning issues.
Publicly advertised public hearings shall be
held prior to the adoption of land -use plan
updates or amendments.
Land Use Classification System
For the purpose of this sketch plan, the Town of
Southern Shores is using five land use
classifications: Developed, Transitional,
Conservation I, II, and III.
Developed:
The Developed Classification includes all
subdivided area to which some urban services, such
as water, roads, utilities, have been made available.
Q Transitional:
The transitional classification consists of one small
tract of unsubdivided lands adjacent to Duck Woods
County Club. This area is zoned RS-1 for single
(� family detached dwelling on 20,000 square foot
minimum lots.
Three conservation classifications are used to
distinguish the different development potential of
three differing types of environmentally sensitive
lands.
u Conservation I:
Conservation I classification includes all AECs in
the Town, the Ocean Erodible Zone, High Hazard
Flood Area, Estuarine Waters, Estuarine Shores,
Estuarine and "Section 404" Wetlands, and Public
Trust Waters.
Development in these areas shall allow only those
uses allowed in the Town Zoning Ordinance and
when combined with CAMA regulations. All
Corps of Engineers "404" Wetlands, regardless of
location, shall be considered in the Conservation I
classification.
Conservation II:
The Conservation H classification consists of all
lands identified as community open space and under
ownership of the Sou -them Shores Civic
Association or the Chicahauk Property Owners
Association, with the exception of Duck Woods
Country Club.
These areas are generally small, scattered,
irregularly shaped sites with some soil restrictions
to development.
Development of these sites shall be limited to
community type facilities with low water usages.
These facilities may include, but are not limited to:
Commu-nity recreational facilities, community
library, community center, etc.
Conservation III:
The Conservation III area consists of Duck Woods
Country Club. This is a 300 acre tract with much
greater development po-tential than the lands in the
Conservation II classification. The area is currently
zoned RS-1 single family residential. Community
recreational facilities are permitted in the RS-1
zones.

Land Use Plan Update-1991
Southem Shores Page 14
Development in the Conservation III classification
shall be limited to community type facilities as
described in conservation Class II and to low -
density single-family detached residential
development. Under no circumstance will it be
developed at a more intense or higher density use.
This classification is basically to reemphasize the
town's opposition to the redevelopment of this tract
as commercial, mixed -use, a medium or high
density residential. This classification includes the
portion of the tract fronting U. S. Highway 158.
Summary of Land -use Questionnaire -- Southern Shores, NC, 1990
Introduction
Active involvement of the community's residents
and property owners is essential to the land use
planning process. The Town of Southern Shores,
1L.1; in an effort to obtain a better understanding of the
views of the Town's property owners concerning
specific land use issues, prepared and distributed
questionnaires to all recorded owners of Southern
Shores property. Approximately 3,000
questionnaires were distributed.
Property owners expressed their opinions on
specific issues concerning town growth, land use
policies, open space and recreation, the
environment, traffic and trans-portation, public
services and public facilities and miscellaneous
topical issues. Opinions were solicited on possible
changes to the Town's Dog Leash Law, the
feasibility of constructing a town community
center, and desires for specialized facilities that
could be included in a community center.
The Town received 982 responses to the
questionnaire, a response rate of 32.7% overall
(65.9% non-resident, 34.1% resident). This is the
lowest response rate of the three Southern Shores
Land Use Questionnaires.
The Town's practice of using mail -out
questionnaires to survey citizens opinions and
attitudes began in 1980 and has continued at regular
five-year intervals in the land use plan update
process. The Town uses these surveys as a method
of reassessing property owners' views on a set of
fundamental issues. Several questions in this year's
survey were asked in pre-vious surveys.
Town Growth
Attitudes concerning town growth have not changed
during the last five years. Residents and non-
residents alike desire a low density, single-family
residential community with slow, well -managed
growth.
They do not want to encourage more tourist
oriented commerce, but prefer to have limited
commercial areas primarily for residents. New
facilities for ex-panding services (e.g, streets and
water -lines) are not desired. If existing facilities and
services must be expanded because of new growth,
the cost of this expansion should be borne by
developers and new homeowners. Further, Southern
Shores should manage further growth to minimize
negative effects on environmental quality.
Land Use Policy
Five questions were asked concerning the size and
location of commercial areas in the town,
residential building height, width of side yards, and
setback regulations from public trust waters.
Both residents and non-residents agree that the
existing commercial area is appropriate in size and
location and should not be expanded.
Opinions on building height remain unchanged
from the previous survey. The recent trend toward
larger, wider, more elaborate homes has raised
concerns about adequate space between homes and
about the possible damage to the town's waterways
by surface run-off because of increased ground
coverage by impervious surfaces.
This section summarizes the responses to the 1990 Setbacks adjacent to the lagoons in Southern
questionnaire. Details of the responses and Shores and Ginguite Bay are not controlled by the
comparisons to the 1986 responses to similar CAMA Regulations. There is broad support for
questions will be found in an Appendix (available the Town's developing regulations similar to the
on request from the Town office). CAMA regulations to protect the lagoons and
Ginguite Bay.

Land Use Plan Update-1991
Southem Shores Page 15
Open Space, Recreation and
the Environment
In both the 1990 and the 1986 surveys, respondents
were rather ambivalent toward need for additional
sound access. Residents were in general
disagreement with the non-resident property
owners, who expressed a need for more access to
Currituck Sound.
Seventy-seven percent of the respondents agreed
that the town should preserve more open space in
forested and other vegetated areas. The present
attitude almost mirrors that of the 1986 survey.
Respondents overwhelmingly requested local
regulation of setback distances from the Town's
lagoons and canals, unregulated land areas adjacent
to waters regulated by CAMA, but were unsure of
how great that distance should be.
Traffic and Transportation
The tremendous increase in traffic volumes crossing
the Wright Memorial Bridge and the traffic volumes
traversing Route 12 through Southern Shores have
increased citizen and visitor awareness of needs for
new and improved outlets to the mainland. More
than two-thirds of residents and non-residents
believe that another bridge should be constructed to
the mainland from the Currituck Outer Banks north
of Duck.
Public Services and
Facilities
Two activities, the burying of remaining overhead
utility lines and the construction of biking,
jogging, and walking paths, stand out as the most
important capital improvements to the greatest
number of respondents. Additional comments
reflected motorists' and pedestrians' concerns over
the dangerous conflict between joggers and
vehicular traffic. A third priority would be
maintenance and repair of Town -owned bulkheads.
More than three-quarters of the respondents were
concerned over the deterioration of surface water
quality in the town's waterways, and felt the town
should undertake a study to determine the causes of
the deterioration and take appropriate steps to
remedy the causes.
There is not yet a consensus that the town should
support studies to ex-plore the feasibility of a
regional sewer system.
There is agreement that the town should continue
to have existing utility lines placed underground,
even if the town must pay for this.
There is strong support for continuing to cooperate
with the other beach communities and the county
in exploring means of providing improved facilities
and services through coordination and consol-
idation of selected services and facilities, e.g,
garbage collection, animal control, building
inspection, etc.
The Natural Environment in
Southern Shores
More than three -fourths of respondents chose to
live in Southern Shores because of the natural envi-
ronment.
They consider the maritime forest of Southern
Shores an important element which makes our
town a special place, and therefore it should be
protected by allowing only selective, limited land
clearing.
The respondents felt that the Town should
determine if storm water runoff in Southern Shores
contributes to the deterioration of water in
Currituck Sound, and take action if necessary.
Miscellaneous
Dog leash laws are considered adequate as they
stand.
About half the respondents thought a referendum on
sale of liquor by the drink would be acceptable, but
there is no great enthusiasm for it.
Background Questions
There were 335 households and 803 persons
represented in the pool of respondents.
The majority of the residents and non-resident
property owners responding to this survey do not
believe there is a need for a community center
facility and more than three -fourths of those respon-
ding would not support a tax increase to pay for
one.
The most desired recreation facilities for a
community center (if one were built) would be: an

Land Use Plan Update-1991
Southem Shores Page 16
enclosed year-round swimming pool; tennis courts;
and a performing arts facility.
More than 75% of the non-resident property owners
plan to become residents of Southern Shores in the
future. The ages of respondents were distributed as
shown below:
U 20-40 40-60 60+
Total 12.1 50.0 37.8
Resident - 14.1 29.2 56.7
Non -Resident 11.2 61.0 27.8
If indeed 61 % of the current non-resident owners in
the 40-60 age group moved here in the next 10
years, there would be needs for many more services
for older adults in the County.
More non-residents than residents have children
living at home. Whether this has implications for
schools is unknown; if non-residents wait until
their children leave home before planning to move
of Southern Shores, then it would not have any
effect on Dare County schools.
Both residents and non-residents indicated that using
tax money to promote more tourism was not a
good idea
For a detailed tabulation of the questionnaires,
contact the town office staff and request the
Appendix to this Land Use Plan.

Land Use Plan Update-1991
Southern Shores Page 17
Index
1990 census., 2
Ginguite Bay., 1
Adult Services., 5
ground water., 4
agriculture., 10
High Hazard Flood Area., 7
animal control., 15
housing., 3
Appendix., 16
incomes., 5
Areas of Environmental Concern., 7
industry., 10
Atlantic Ocean., 4
Intracoastal Waterway., 1
Average annual precipitation., 1
jogging trails., 11
average daily traffic., 4
jogging,paths, 15
bicycle lanes., 11
Kill Devil Hills., 4
biking,paths, 15
Kitty Hawk., 4
biking., 11
Land Resources., 9
Building Code, 5
land use classifications., 13
building inspection., 15
leash laws., 15
Bulkhead construction., 9
Mallard Cove., 1
CAMA Permit program, 5
Marketplace., 4
CAMA Regulations., 14
Martin's Point., 7
channel maintenance., 10 .
mining., 10
climate., 1
municipal sewage., 6
Coastal Area Management Act, 7
Nags Head., 4
Coastal Resources Commission., 7
National Flood Insurance
commercial areas., 14
Program., 12
commercial., 5
natural mitigation., 12
community center., 14, 15
NC Highway 12,., 4
Conservation I., 13
Ocean Erodible Area., 7
Conservation H., 13
ocean hazard area., 7
Conservation III., 13
Ocean Hazard System., 7
Currituck County., 2
off -road vehicles., 9
Currituck Outer Banks., 15
older adults., 16
Currituck Sound., 4
open space., 15
Currituck., 2
Outer Banks., 3
damage assessment., 12
overhead utility lines., 15
Dare County Health Department., 7
package systems., 9
Dare County Regional Water
package treatment plants., 6
System., 4
Pamlico -Tar Foundation., 4, 8
Dare., 2
pedestrian lanes., 11
density., 3
Pelican Watch., 1
Developed., 13
performing arts facility., 16
Division of Environmental
Population Characteristics, 5
Management., 9
post office., 6
Dog Leash Law., 14
Potable Water., 4, 9
Duck Road., 4
private wells., 6
Duck Woods County Club., 2
Public education., 6
Duck., 4
Public Hearing., 13
enclosed year-round swimming
public meeting., 13
pool., 16
Public Trust Waters., 8, 14
energy facilities., 10
questionnaire., 13
erosion rate., 1
questionnaires., 14
Estuarine Shoreline., 8
R-10., 5
Estuarine System., 8
R-6., 5
expansion., 14
R-8., 5
facility fees., 10
reconstruction., 12
Federal Emergency Management
recycling., 6
Agency., 7
redevelopment., 11
Fire protection., 6
regional sewer system., 15
flood hazard area., 7
regulatory tools., 5
Flood Hazard Manage-, 5
response rate., 14
Flood Hazard Ordinance., 8
reverse osmosis., 6
floodplain development
schools., 6
regulations., 9
seasonal peak population., 2
forestry., 10
senior center., 5
garbage collection., 15
septic systems., 9
septic tank systems., 6
setback regulations., 14
setback requirements of the Coastal
Area Management Act., 12
solid waste collection.. 6
sound access.. 15
Stone Mitigation and Recovery., 12
Subdivision Regulations, 5
surface run-off., 14
survey.. 14
tennis courts, 16
Thomas A. Baum Center., 5
town growth., 14
Traffic Congestion, 4
transitional., 13
Transportation Improvement Plan., 4
US Highway 158., 4
utility lines., 15
walking paths,., 15
Water Quality Committee., 4
Wildlife Resources Commission,
permits the Town to enforce
these regulations.. 8
Wright Memorial Bridge., 4
Zoning Ordinance, 5

ATL_,�NMC
EXISTING LAND USE 1991
RS-1 and R-1 Single -Family Residential
RS-6 Medium -Density Residential (6 Units per Acre)
RS-10 High -Density Residential (10 Units per Acre)
C Commercial
Unplatted Areas
W �.
TOWN OF
SOUTHERN SHORES
The preparation of this document was financed, in part, through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal management Program, through
funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 197Z as amended, which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources
Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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Transitional
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Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (Developed)
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TOWN OF
SOUTHERN SHORES,
The preparation of this document was financed, in part, through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal management Program, through
funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 197Z as amended, which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources
Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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