HomeMy WebLinkAboutLand Use Plan Update 1986-19870
0
0
0
0
e
0
0
0
0
0
u
0
0
0
0
Tow
S�
'O F
�4
BEACH
LAND USE PLAN
UPDA7,E
Talbert, Cox - & Associates, Inc.
Local Adoption Date
August 3. 1987
CRC Certification Date:
September 25.1987
j PROPERTY OF
DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT
PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE -
0
0
0
0
0
C
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Tow
IJl
'o F
JT�.
BEACH
LAND USE PLAN
UPDATE
Talbert, Cox - & Associates, Inc.
Local Adoption Date
August 3. 1987
CRC Certification Date:
September ?5.1987
SUNSET BEACH, NORTH CAROLINA
LAND USE PLAN: 1985 UPDATE
PREPARED FOR
SUNSET BEACH, NORTH CAROLINA
James E. Gordon, Mayor
SUNSET BEACH BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Edward M. Gore, Mayor, Pro Tem
Minnie K. Hunt
Katherine Hill
Mary K. Griffith
Donald Safrit
PREPARED BY SUNSET BEACH PLANNING BOARD
Richard Good, Chairman
Walter Hoff James Craig
C. Schuyler Bramley Chance Scrantom
Channing F. Coppage John Zivkovic
AND
Linda J. Fluegel, Town Administrator
PLANNING ASSISTANCE PROVIDED
BY
Kenneth Weeden, AICP, Project Manager
.Talbert, Cox & Associates, Inc.
The preparation of this document was financed in part
through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal
Management Program, through funds provided by the
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which
is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal
Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
Attachment # 1
1. Use of Package Treatment Plants (Page 41)
It is the policy of. the Town of Sunset Beach that package treatment plants
which comply with the applicable Environmental Regulations are allowed.
All development activity which will occur, subsequent to the_ availability
of a centralized sewer system, will be required to connect to the Town's
Wastewater service, and all existing development within the area of
availability will also be required to connect within a reasonable period
of time.
2. Local commitment to Providing Services to Development (Page 45)
As areas develop, it is the policy of the Town that the developer/owner
share in the financial responsibility* of providing basic urban services.
Within this current planning period, the Town .will be served by the
Brunswick County water system. The Town will apply for grant and loan
funds to construct a municipal -wastewater system. .The system, once
constructed, will eventually be extended to serve the entire Town and ETA.
Construction plans, which may be subject to modification, provide for
:system development in three phases. Phase I: To serve the island, Sugar
Sands, and Seatrail Plantation. Phase II: To serve the remainder of the
mainland -(excepting portions of the ETA West). Phase III: Toservethe
western portion of the ETA.
It is the policy of the Town of Sunset Beach to support Hunicipal
wastewater service for the Town by all means available (grants, etc). It
is further the expressed desire of the Town that wastewater service.will
not be used as a means by which to increase the density of development in
Town or the ETA. Sunset Beach policy will remain, as previously noted,
low, density and single family dwelling oriented. The Town wishes to
pursue centralized sewer service as a means by which to protect the
environment. The Town does not.wish to allow increased density, with the
accompanying increase in impervious surfaces, to lead to water quality
degradation. Therefore, the .Town will review and update its present
policies, (stormwater management, buffers, etc.) relating to the
mitigation of developmental impacts to ensure continued and enhanced
environmental protection.
P&SI 407
DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT
127 Cardinal Drive Extension
Wilmington, NC 28405
(919),395-3900
mvmnn A XMI TM
TO: Planning and Special Issues mmittee
FROM: Haskell S. Rhett
SUBJECT: Town of Sunset -Beach
Land Use Plan Amendment
DATE: May 8,.1992
The Town of Sunset Beach proposes to amend the Town's Land Use Plan Update
adopted locally in August, 1987, and adopted by this Commission in September, 1987.
The Town proposes amending plan policy so as to allow the Town the opportunity, to
apply for grant and loan funds to construct a municipal wastewater system. Previous
application for grant funds was denied due to inconsistency with the local
government's Land Use Plan. The denial has sparked the Town's interest in revising
plan policy.
Attachment # 1 is the text of the proposed plan amendment. Attachment # 2 is
the text language in the adopted plan. Attachment # 3 is my opinion on consistency
for the previously referenced grant application: (Attachment # 3 also illustrates
the difficulty the community had in 1987 in deciding what plan policy was to be..
Both sides (pro and con) are represented in quotes from the plan text.)
The local public hearing is to be held May 15. It is unknown at this writing
what action the. local government may take.' If the local government approves the
plan amendment as submitted, staff recommends P&SI/CRC certification of the
amendment.
The full text of the 1987 Sunset Beach Land Use Plan Update is available for
review at my office through May 26. A copy will also be available at the May CRC
meeting from me.
w
0
GEi
male in mines v u .l a W a &+ qWG. v 1.
0 25 50 75 100
MAP I
C
0
Q
c
01
SUNSET BEACH, NORTH CAROLINA
LAND USE PLAN: 1985 UPDATE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION
I: Analysis of Existing Conditions
and Projected Demand
A.
Establishment of Information Base
B.
Present Conditions
1.
Population
2.
Economy
3.
Impact of Seasonal Population
4.
Existing Land Use Analysis
a. Current Conditions
b. Land Compatibility Problems
c. Problems from Unplanned Development
d. Areas Likely to Experience Changes
in Predominant Land Use
e. Areas of Environmental Concern
5.
Current Plans, Policies, and Regulations
C.
Constraints: Land Suitability
.1.
Physical Limitations
2.
Wellfields
3.
Slopes
4.
Fragile Areas
5.
Areas of Resource Potential
D.
Constraints: Capacity of Community Facilities
1.
Existing Water Service Areas
2.
Sewer Service Area
3.
Schools
4.
Transportation
E.
Estimated Demand
1.
Population Trends
2.
Future Land Need
3.
Community Facilities Needs
4.
Summary of Trends and Facilities Demand:
Policy Issues
SECTION
II: POLICY STATEMENTS
A.
Resource Protection: Estuarine System
1.
Areas of Environmental Concern
2. Areas of Environmental Concern: Ocean Hazards Area
ii
PAGE
1
2
2
11
11
11
14
15
15
15
18
23
23
24
24
24
25
26
26
26
27
27
28
28
29
30
32
34
35
35
37
PAGE
3.
Development in Areas with Constraints
39
4.
Hurricane and Flood Evacuation Needs and Plans
41
5.
Protection of Potable 'dater Supplies
41
6.
Use of Package Treatment Plants
41
7.
Stormwater Runoff
42
8.
Marina and Floating Home Development
42
9.
Industrial Impacts of Fragile Areas
42
10.
Development of Sound and Estuarine System Islands
42
B.
Resource Production and Management
43
1.
Recreational Resources/Fisheries
43
2.
Off -Road Vehicles
43
C.
Economic and Community Development
44
1.
Local Commitment to Providing Services
to Development
45
2.
Redevelopment of Developed Areas
45
3.
Desired Urban Growth Patterns
46
4.
Commitment to State and Federal Programs
47
5.
Assistance to Channel Maintenance and Beach
Renourishment
47
6.
Tourism
48
7.
Beach and Waterfront Access, and Parking
48
D.
Continuing Public Participation Policies
49
E.
Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery, and
Evacuation Plan
50
1.
Hazard Areas at Sunset Beach
51
2.
Potential for Loss During a Storm
52
3.
Flood Plain Management Regulations
52
4.
Storm Hazard Mitigation Policies
53
5.
Hurricane Evacuation, Post -Disaster Recovery
53
SECTION
III: LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
54
A.
Developed
54
B.
Transition
55
C. Conservation 56
D. Conservation Spoil 56
E. Other Classifications 56
iii
C
l
PAGE
SECTION IV: RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES AND LAND
CLASSIFICATIONS 58
A. Developed and Transition Classes 58
B. Conservation and Conservation Spoil Classes 58
APPENDICES
1. CAMA Permit
2. Town Zoning Map
�T T. Citizens' Survey/Results
1 4. Sunset Beach Hurricane Evacuation Plan
1
2
6
p
C
G
C
0
L'
iv
C
G
SUNSET BEACH LAND USE PLAN: 1985 UPDATE
LIST OF TABLES AND MAPS
TABLE.NUMBERS
PAGE
1.
Sunset Beach Year -Round Population: 1985 Estimate
3
2.
Brunswick County Township Population Projections
4
3.
Sunset Beach Population Projections: 1990-1995
5
4.
Estimated Residential Units Within the Sunset Beach
Town Limits: 1985
6
5.
Unit Utilization by Type and Population Projection: 1985
7
6.
Average Daily Traffic Volumes, 1985: Sunset Beach Bridge
8
7.
Sunset Beach Area Population Summary: 1985
9
8.
Sunset Beach Assessed Valuations: 1981-1985
11
9.
1985 Sunset Beach Residential Land Use by Type
12
10.
Building Permits: 1981-1985
13
11.
Land Development Summary: 1985
14
12.
General Soils Limitations in Sunset Beach
24
13.
Enrollment Levels and School Capacity: Shallotte, NC
27
14.
Sunset Beach Population Projections: 1986-1995
29
MAPS
1. Location Map
2. Existing Land Use Map
3. Composite Hazards Map
4. Land Classification Map
iv (a)
i
(Attached)
(Attached)
(Attached)
C
Li
L
SECTION I
Analysis of Existing Conditions
and
Projected Demand
C
G
- SUNSET BEACH LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
1985
A. ESTABLISHMENT OF INFORMATION BASE
This 1985 Land Use Plan Update for Sunset Beach has been
prepared in accordance with requirements of the North Carolina
Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). Specifically, this document
complies with Subchapter 7B, "Land Use Planning Guidelines," of
the North Carolina Administrative Code, as amended, July 9, 1984.
The initial CAMA Land Use Plan for Sunset Beach was prepared
in 1976, with the first five-year update being done in 1980 as
required by the CAMA regulations. The 1980 Plan, which was
adopted by the Town and later approved by the Coastal Resources
Commission, must also be updated after five years. This document
represents the Town's compliance with this required, and, very
useful exercise.
According to the Land Use Planning Guidelines, the major pur-
pose of periodic updating of local land use plans is to identify
and analyze newly emerging community issues and problems. An
additional element which was not required in either the 1976 Plan
or the 1980 Update is a "Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster
Recovery, and Hurricane Evacuation Plan," and is required to be
included in the 1985 Update. This element is designed to help
local governments effectively coordinate policies and actions
relating to the impact of hurricanes or other severe storms.
Another added emphasis in this 1985 Update is the effect of in-
creasing development activity on the quality of coastal waters.
As indicated in both the 1976 and 1980 Land Use Plans,
population growth, which requires an increasing utilization of
land and other resources, can lead to undesirable consequences if
the land and community facilities are unregulated or improperly
managed. Sunset Beach, through the development and subsequent
updating of this foundational policy document, along with the
enforcement of existing local controls, is seeking to avoid the
(T negative results of Unmanaged growth.
(� The guidelines further give the following objectives the
update should meet:
-- to further define and refine local policies and issues;
-- to further examine and refine the land classification
system and the land classification map;
to assess the effectiveness of the existing land use
plan and its implementation;
l.J -
1
-- to further explore implementation procedures, and;
-- to promote a better understanding of the land use plan-
ning process.
Both the 1976 Land Use Plan and the 1980 Update provided much
of the needed information base for this most recent update.
However, in some cases, new information had to be developed. A
number of data sources were tapped during the preparation of this
plan in order to prepare updated analyses of population, housing,
the economy, and existing land uses. Most of the data came from
primary and secondary sources in the form of direct contacts with
Town officials, including members of the Planning Board, represen-
tatives of various state and federal agencies and/or previously
published documents or reports. On -site "windshield" surveys were
conducted to obtain data on existing land use patterns. Efforts
were made to obtain data that was as up to date and accurate as
possible. A citizen's questionnaire survey was sent to a random
sample of 10% of property owners, as well as a general citizens'
public information meeting, several public meetings were held with
the Planning Board in order to solicit citizens' input in identi-
fying preliminary land development issues.
B. PRESENT CONDITIONS
1. Population
In the conventional land use planning process, population
analysis and future growth projections are often relatively uncom-
plicated procedures of collecting one set of figures from standard
secondary sources, such as the U. S. Census Bureau or State agen-
cies, and making estimates of future growth based on recent or
existing trends. For seasonally attractive localities, particu-
larly those with a high tourist orientation, population analysis
and attendant forecasting is not as uncomplicated. Such is the
case with Sunset Beach, North Carolina.
a. Year -Round Population:
Sunset Beach, like other summer resort communities, experi-
ences a wide fluctuation of population according to the season.
Although the year-round permanent population.has always been and
remains relatively small, it has been steadily growing. The Town
was incorporated in 1963 and made its first showing in the U.S.
Census in 1970 with a permanent population of 108 persons.in
Sunset Beach. In 1980, however, -the U. S. Census showed a year-
round population of 304 persons. The Town has subsequently
disagreed with this total on the basis that some residents outside
of the Town's jurisdiction gave Sunset Beach as their mailing
address during the 1980 U.S. Census.. The actual 1980 count.is
thought to have been substantially less. The Town feels the same
about the 1985 year-round estimate provided by the State of North.
Carolina, which reports 415 permanent residents. Therefore, in
K
Oi
order to establish a "base" 1985 population figure, the Town came
up with its own estimate.
The Town's estimate is based on analyzing and comparing the
addresses of water system customers; i.e., if the billing address
and permanent address are both in the Town, then it was assumed
that the household was year-round. Secondly, the total year-round
customer households counted (82) were multiplied times the average
household size (2.0), to derive a total of 164. Thirdly, a 10%
potential error factor was added to arrive at a base population
estimate of 180 permanent residents.
The U.S. Census 1980 official figure of 304 permanent resi-
dents in Sunset Beach would represent an increase of 196 persons
(180% increase) over the 1970 U.S. Census. However, the Town's
estimate for 1985 (based upon an actual count of water service
customers) of 180 still represents a significant increase since
1970 (67%).
Population growth at Sunset Beach is somewhat consistent with
the strong overall growth trends in Brunswick County, which grew
by 47.71 between 1970 and 1980. From 1980 to 1984, according to
State Office of Budget and Management estimates, permanent resi-
dents in Brunswick County grew by 27.5% during the brief four-year
period. Most of this growth occurred in the beach areas and in
the mainland areas adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway.
For planning purposes, the 1985 population estimate provided
by the Town, i.e., based on water customers, will be considered
the "base population-" for Sunset Beach. Again, it should be noted
that this is based on water service customers within the Town
limits only and not those in the extraterritorial jurisdiction.
This estimated total consisted of 99 residents on the mainland,
and 81 on the barrier island portion of the Town.
Without considering the final U.S. Census counts for the
Sunset Beach jurisdiction, the 1980 Sunset Beach Land Use Plan
reported the 1980 base population for the Town's jurisdiction to
be 140. Notice Table 1 below:
Table 1: Sunset Beach Year -Round Population: 1985 Estimate:
Year
Population
No. Change
% Change
1980
140*
---
1985
180
40
28.6%
Source: 1980 Land Use Plan Update; Town of Sunset Beach
*Town's estimate.
Comparing the base population estimate contained in the 1980
Land Use Plan to current estimates, the Town's population grew by
a total of 28.6% over the five-year period, which is an annual
average growth rate of 5.7%. This is a net numerical gain of 40
more persons projected within the corporate limits, not counting
residents in the extraterritorial jurisdiction. As the island
community continues its growth as a family summer resort, as well
as golfing resort, it is likely that more and more people will
want to "come to the beach" to stay, and thereby increase the
Town's year-round population. The year-round corporate population
could also be easily increased through annexation, since there are
several developing areas within the Town's extraterritorial
jurisdiction which could be annexed. Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle
Beach are both located in Brunswick County's Shallotte Township,
which is projected by the County Planning Department to be the
fastest growing of all the six Townships in the County. Notice
Table 2 below:
Table 2: Brunswick County
-Township
Population Projections
Change
1985-95
1985*
1990
1995
Number
%
Lockwood Folly
Northwest
10,415
7,735
13,470
9,335
16,525
10,930
6,110
3,195
58.7%
41.3%
Shallotte
10,356
14,160
17,970
7,614
73.5%
Smithville
8,625
10,410
12,200
3,575
41.4%
Town Creek
8,946
11,015
13,080
4,134
46.2%
{�
Waccamaw
2,452
2,880
3,310
858
35.0%
TOTALS*
48,529
61,270
74,015
25,486
52.5%
*Brunswick County Planning Department Estimate
Source: Brunswick County Planning Department.
Over the next 10 years, Brunswick County's population is pro-
jected to increase by more than 50%, with growth in the Shallotte
Township comprising almost one-third of that increase. From 1985
to 1995, the Shallotte Township is projected to grow by nearly
74%, or an average of 7.4% per year. However, the Town of Sunset
Beach, as depicted in Table 1, page 3, experienced a growth in
permanent population from 1980 to 1985 at the rate of 5.7% per
year, a little less than the growth rate of the Township overall.
If Sunset Beach continues its current rate of growth over the next
five years in the year-round population, then by 1990 the year-
round corporate residents will total 237 persons. Notice Table 3;
next page.
From 1990 to 1995, however, because of a growing number of newly
platted subdivisions, and additional planned golf courses, it is
likely that the rate of population growth will increase. For
4
14
{� projection purposes, it will be assumed that the growth rate from
L11 1990 to 1991 will equal 6%, with an additional 1% growth rate each
year, up.to 10% per year by 1995.
Table 3: Sunset
Beach'Population Projections
1990-1995:
Projection Year
Estimated Year-
Round Population
Number Increase
Number %
�+
1985
180
1990
237
57 31.7%
R
1995
348
111 46.8%
Source: Projections by Talbert, Cox and Associates, Inc.
By 1995, the year-round population at Sunset Beach could be
93% higher than the 1985 estimate, with a total increase of 168
additional permanent residents.- Current -subdivision --platting and
building permit trends appear to support the projected growth
trend. This growth will have some impact upon the Town's provi-
sion of services. However, these specific impacts will be
addressed in later sections of this plan. Also, the year-round
population in the extraterritorial area is an important.factor to
be considered. Based on surveys recently conducted by the
Planning Board, there are 198 dwelling units in the area contain-
ing permanent residents. At the average household size of 2.0
persons, this equals 396 persons.
b.. Seasonal Populations
The year-round population for resort communities is just one
component -of the total population, especially in terms of impacts
upon local facilities and services. The "seasonal" population,
i.e., those persons drawn to the area during the summer months is
perhaps more significant. This is especially true in Sunset
Beach, where year-round residents actually live in a very small
percentage of the total units; this is also true for the extra-
territorial area. In Sunset Beach the seasonal population con-
sists of summer residents and "weekenders" (i.e., persons who have
permanent addresses elsewhere, but who own residences in Sunset
Beach in which they spend all or part of the summer months); cot-
tage and motel unit renters, and day visitors. Each of these
sub -components will be discussed below:
(1) Summer Residents and Weekenders
As in many beach or other tourist locations, some property
owners take up residence only during the summer months, or just on
weekends. It is difficult to estimate the number of residential
units used for such purposes. However, when the estimated total
!l number of units utilized by year-round residents is known, the
u
fl
number of units used for seasonal, weekend, or short-term rental
purposes can be projected. To begin with, notice Table 4, below:
Table 4: Estimated Residential Units Within the Sunset Beach
Town Limits, 1985:
Unit Tvpe
Single -Family
Duplex
Multi -Family
Motel Units
Mobile Homes
Island (Beach) Mainland
706 80
32 --
34 --
11 --
Total Units
786
32
34
11 �J
783 80 863
Source: Sunset Beach Town Hall, Administrator's Office
Based on an analysis of the addresses of water service custom-
ers and assuming a 10% adjustment factor, it is estimated that 90
households (49 on the mainland and 41 on the beach) reside in the
Town limits year-round. Also, contacts with the two real estate
rental agencies in the Town provided an indication of the number
of units used for short-term or "cottage" rentals. (Note:
Although all rental units are not rented through these two agen-
cies, the majority are. It is acknowledged, therefore, that some
rental units are handled directly by the owners, but are not
reflected as such in the following estimates.) Notice Table 5,
below:
1�
0111
G
Table 5: Unit Utilization by Type and Population Projection: 1985
Avg.
Peak
Main-
Occu-
Popu-
% **
land
Island
Total
pancy
lation
Total
Popula-
Total Units
80
783
863
--
--
tion
- Year -Round
49
41
90
2.0
180
3.50
- "Cottage" Rentals
2
524
526
8.0
41208
81.90
- Summer Owners/
29
207
236
3.0
708
13.80
Weekenders
- Motel Units
--
11
11
4.0
44
.85
TOTAL
80
783
863
5,140
100.00
Source: Town Administrator's Office; Calculations by Talbert,
Cox & Associates
*Assuming maximum occupancy, this would be the peak
number of "residents" in the Sunset Beach Town Limits
**Not including extraterritorial area.
The overwhelming majority of residential structures within the
Sunset Beach Town limits are located on the island or "beach"
portion of the Town, as opposed to the mainland. However, more
year-round residents live on the mainland than on the island, as
r� is shown in Table 5, above. At maximum projected occupancy for
1985, 5,140 persons could be "residents" within the Sunset Beach
Town limits (not including those in the extraterritorial jurisdic-
tion). In the extraterritorial area, surveys conducted by the
Planning Board showed an estimated 377 dwellings as being used for
"seasonal" residences. These units are mostly mobile homes or
conventional single-family dwellings. Assuming the Town's average
household size of 2.0 persons, an additional 744 residents could
be in the greater Sunset Beach area during peak seasonal occu-
pancy. There appears to be a substantial number of "summer -owner"
and "weekender" units in Sunset Beach. It is also possible that
when these weekend or summer -owner units are not being used by
their owners, they also might be rented out as "cottages" and
thereby may be more or less continuously occupied. Notice that
i� there is only one conventional "motel" in Sunset Beach with only
•!.� 11 room units. In summary, when all of the cottage rentals, sum-
mer and weekend units, and the one motel are completely occupied,
an additional 4,960 persons could be added to the Town's small
year-round population. The next consideration in the Town's popu-
lation picture is the number of "day visitors," i.e., residents
from nearby inland areas who come to spend a "day at the beach,"
usually on weekends.
0
fi
(2) Day Visitors
The typical peak day for day visitors is a Saturday during the
summer --especially if it is a holiday weekend. Although it is
very difficult to count all such visitors, an analysis of annual
Average Daily Traffic (ADT) rates provided by the State Department
of Transportation, provides some indication. The most recent
traffic count data for Sunset Beach were obtained from a report by
the State Division of Highways, Planning and Research Branch,
111985 Summary of the Traffic Count at Drawbridges." This report
contained both average weekday and annual average traffic volumes
taken at the Sunset Beach bridge across the Intracoastal Waterway.
Notice Table 6, below:
Table 6: Average Daily Traffic Volumes, 1985: Sunset Beach Bridge . G
Local I Out of I Other I
Pass. State Comm. Total
Average Weekday Volumes 913 355 542 1,810
Annual Average Daily Volume 1,141 405 554 2,100
Source: N.C. Division of Highways, Planning & Research Branch
The annual ADT count, which provides a better basis for peak
seasonal projections, was 959 vehicles per day, excluding local
passenger traffic. However, DOT officials stated that for season-
al areas, a "safe" projection of a 25% increase during the summer
is reasonable. Therefore, the summer daily traffic volume at the
bridge (again excluding local "resident" traffic) could be 1,199
vehicle trips per day. These 1,199 trips to Sunset Beach presum-
ably do not include those made by persons already on the beach,
i.e., year-round residents and cottage and motel unit renters.
Therefore, it will be assumed that all 1,199 vehicles carry "day
visitors." Again, it will be assumed that at any given point in
time, 50% of these vehicles are -actually on the beach, i.e., 599.
Town officials estimate that each such vehicle, on the aver-
age, contains about four occupants. The total number of day
visitors on a "peak" day, therefore, is projected to be 4 x 599,
or 2,396 persons.
c. Population Summary
Table 7, below, presents a summary of the various components
of the "peak" seasonal population of Sunset Beach in 1985.
11
G
Table 7: Sunset Beach Area Population Summary, 1985
{ Corporate Extra-Terri-
11�1 Component Limits torial Area
Year -Round Residents 180 396
{ Summer Residents/Weekenders 708 744
j� Cottage and Motel Renters 4,252
Subtotal "Resident" Population 5,140 1,140
Day Visitors 2,396 --
Total Peak .-7.1536 *8,676
Source: Estimates and projections based on information provided
by Town officials; and N.C.D.O.T. Planning and Research
Branch
*Total- peak for extended area, including extraterritorial
It is important to note that the 1980 Plan Update reported an
estimated seasonal peak population of up to 7,500 persons for the
area. The current area -wide seasonal peak, therefore, represents
an increase of almost 16% more than the level reported in the
previous Plan, indicating a.growth rate of approximately 3.0% per
year.
The composition of the population in,terms of age consists
mostly of middle -age adults and retirees, which is significant -for
planning purposes. The number of school-age.children residing
within the Town is very small, estimated by the Town during its
last hurricane evacuation to be 14. As the population increases
and if more younger families choose to permanently locate in
Sunset Beach, the number of school -age children would increase.
Sunset Beach's permanent population does contain a few persons
from racial minority groups. However, since the 1980 Census fig-
ures are not considered reliable, the number of minorities will
not be discussed. As the overall population continues to grow, it
is feasible that it will also include members of minority groups.
2. Economy
The economy of Sunset Beach has changed little since the 1980
Plan. It is still dependent upon real estate development, tour-
ism, and travel. Sunset Beach lies just west of two other
Brunswick County beach communities, Ocean Isle Beach and Holden
Beach, and borders the Intracoastal Waterway. The Town features
white, powdered sand beaches, a gentle surf, quietude, and pri-
vacy. These attractions, as well as the opportunity for surf and
pier fishing, offer relaxing vacations to thousands of visitors
0 9
during the summer months each year. Of increasing importance to
the local tourist economy is golfing. There are currently two
championship courses in the Town's jurisdiction (both are partly
located within the corporate limits and partly within the extra-
territorial jurisdiction).
Sunset Beach's economic base consists mainly of services, such
as a motel, cottage rentals, restaurants, gifts and specialty
shops, and privately -owned recreational facilities, such as two
golf courses partly located within the Town and in the
extraterritorial area. All of these services are generally geared
toward the traveling and vacationing public and, as such, are
dependent upon the seasonal flow of visitors for their financial
sustenance. The seasonal population influx also produces what is,
by and large, a seasonal economy. Most of the businesses in the
Town do not remain open all year-round. Obviously, some stores,
shops, and service stations must remain open to serve the small
year-round population and occasional off-season visitors.
There is no commercial agricultural or farming activity in the
Town; neither are there any manufacturing or industrial interests
in Sunset Beach. Real estate development and sales are still the
most significant factor in the resort community's economy, and
since 1980, two more -real estate offices have opened in the Town.
The significance of the real estate growth is illustrated by the
fact that the 1980 Plan reported the total residential units to be
only 455, as opposed to 863 in 1985.
The continuing real estate development and sales in the Town
will most likely foster a continual growth in the number of perm-
anent residents. As permanent residents increase, the demand for
local services also increases. As local commercial services and
activities increase, the Town may witness even more expansion of
its economic base.
Another indication of the significant and continuing growth
trend of the Town's economy is the growth in property valuations
in recent years. Notice Table 8, below:
EU;
E' Table 8: Sunset Beach Assessed Valuations, 1981-85
0
a
[I
I
El
E
C
Year
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
*1986
Assessed Valuation
32,984,286
33,750,000
36,911,668
40,500,000
45,000,000
121,000,000
Source: Town of Sunset Beach, Administrator's Office
*Projected; year of re -valuation.
% Change
2.32
9.37
9.72
11.10
As real estate development and population increase, the total
assessed valuation will also increase, providing part of the
needed local government revenues.
3. Impact of Seasonal Population:
Since 1980, the seasonal peak population has increased from
7,500 to about 8,700 people. Naturally, there has been some
impact upon the Town. The most significant impacts are upon the
Town's economy and community facilities, such as parking, water,
solid waste, and sewage disposal. Significantly increased traffic
is also one of the impacts of the seasonal populations. The
increase in summer -residents causes the Town's solid waste collec-
tion service to increase from twice per week to four times per
week. And, since Sunset Beach is considered a quiet family beach,
increase in noise is also one of.the impacts of seasonal popula-
tions. However, since the 1980 Plan, Sunset Beach has taken a
significant step to deal with seasonal water demands. Sunset
Beach, like several other smaller communities in Brunswick County,
has become connected to the Brunswick County water system and is
served exclusively by this system. During periods of high peak
demand, however, the Town's wells are activated temporarily.
Eventually, even during peak demand periods, the Town will receive
all of its water from Brunswick County.
Being an ecologically sensitive barrier island, with limiting
soil types, disposal of effluent has always been a concern at
Sunset Beach, and the Town has never developed a central sewer
system. Sewage disposal is still "on -site," through septic tanks
which must be approved by the County health department.
4. Existing Land Use Analysis
a. Current Conditions
The overall land use pattern in Sunset Beach has changed
little since the preparation of the 1980 Land Use Plan Update.
Within the Town's corporate limits are approximately 1,900 acres
of land, water, wetlands, and beaches. Approximately 1,400 acres
consist of undevelopable marsh, beaches, and waterways.
11
Nearly all of the developed and/or platted acreage is for
residential use. Notice the attached Map 2, which shows the
existing 1985 land use patterns. In addition to residential uses,
there are some commercial areas, governmental/institutional uses,
and recreation uses (golf courses) of land within Sunset Beach and
its extraterritorial jurisdiction. Additional discussion on land
uses follows:
(1) Residential Land Use
In the absence of centralized sewer and septic tank limita-
tions in some areas for high -density uses, most of the residential
land uses in Sunset Beach consist of single-family dwellings.
There are, however, some duplexes and higher density multi -family
units being developed in the Town. Notice Table 9, below, which
summarizes the residential land use on both the mainland and
island portions of the Town, as well as the extraterritorial
jurisdiction.
Table 9: 1985 Sunset Beach Residential Land Use By TvAe
No. Units
Extra-
Total
Unit/Type
Island Mainland
Total
territorial
Ping. Area
Single Family
706 80
786
208
994
Duplex
32 -
32
16
48
Multi -Family
34 -
34
44
78
Mobile Home
- -
-
307
307
Total 772 80 852 575 1,427
Currently, as implied above, residential density is limited by
the absence of centralized sewer. However, the low -density resi-
dential character of the area is likely very attractive to resid-
ents and visitors alike. It should be noted that a major CAMA
development permit for the Town, Permit No. 36, issued December
28, 1978, has affected the density of development on the ocean
front. Permit 36 restricts the size of single-family dwelling
units to no more than four (4) bedrooms, on lots under 15,000
S.F., and which were platted before or by July 22, 1978. For lots
over 15,000 S.F., higher density residential developments, such as
duplexes, can be developed,. if septic tank permits can be obtained
from the Health Department. (See Appendix 1.)
Currently, according to the Town's zoning ordinance, mobile
home units are allowed only in the extraterritorial area and not
within the corporate limits. Multi -family units on the island
consist of a condominium complex (converted from a motel), and on
the mainland in the extraterritorial area some new units are being
constructed. These new multi -family units include "The Colony"
and "The Woods" developments.
12
0
(2) Commercial Land Uses
Commercial land uses are concentrated in two areas, one each
on the mainland and island portions of the Town, including a small
shopping plaza on the mainland. Currently about 24 structures are
utilized for commercial purposes within the entire planning juris-
diction, i.e., 7 on the island, 11 on the mainland, and 6 in the
extraterritorial area. This total includes an 11-unit motel on
the island portion of the area, stores and shops, and real estate
offices. On the mainland, commercial services are located on N.C.
179 and include two restaurants, a grocery store, a grocery store/
seafood store combination, several shops, and real estate offices.
On the island area, the motel, a grocery store, small shops, and
real estate offices are located on both sides of Sunset Boulevard.
(See Map 2, attached.) According to the Town's official zoning
Y map, there are substantial areas zoned for commercial activities
within the Town's planning area.
(3) Governmental/Institutional
Both the Town Hall and Fire Department buildings are located
on the mainland. A total of four structures are currently
utilized for government purposes; i.e., Town Hall, Volunteer -Fire
Department -Police Department, Town Garage and the Water Tower.
(4) Recreational Land Uses
The principal recreation areas, other than the beach front,
are two 18-hole golf courses located partly in the Town and in the
extraterritorial jurisdiction. However, the two clubhouses for
the courses, and the adjacent parking areas, have been annexed
into the Town limits upon petition of the owners.
(5) Building Permit Trends
As discussed above the predominant land use in Sunset Beach
is for single-family residential structures. This is also
reflected in building permits issued since the 1980 Plan, i.e.,
from 1981-1985. Notice Table 10, below, for both the Town and the
extra -territorial areas:
Table 10: Building Permits, 1981-1985
(Town and Extra -territorial)
Unit/Type 1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
Total
Single Family 49
99
14
104
95
361
Multi Family
4
4
8
Duplex -
4
6
16
6
32
Commercial -
-
1
-
1
2
49
103
25
120
106
403
011
13
'L)
Building permit density has fluctuated throughout the period, with
the last two years, i.e., 1984-85, being quite active. This trend
will likely continue. Permit activity has been.the slowest for
commercial developments.
(6) Existing Land Use Summary
As Map 2 (attached) indicates, nearly all of the developable
land within Sunset Beach has been subdivided into building lots --
mostly for single-family structures. A considerable portion of
the extra -territorial jurisdiction remains to be subdivided.
There is still a significant number of undeveloped building lots
�!
L�
in the Town -- especially on the island. Notice Table 11 below.
Table 11: Land Development Summary: 1985
Total %
Platted Lots Vacant Developed Developed
Island 1,577 834 743 47.1
Mainland 292 198 94 32.3
Extra -Territorial 1,413 260 1,153 81.6
Total 3,282 1,292 1,990 60.6 -
Source: Sunset Beach Town Hall.
---.- -.
As Table 11 shows, there are more undeveloped lots on the
�.
island or "beach" portion of the Town than n m
the mainland o
p a in
terms of numbers. According to the building permit trends (shown ---
in Table 10), the total number of permits issued for the entire
area for the five-year period 1981-85 averaged about 80 per year.
At this rate, new building permits will slightly outnumber the
existing vacant platted lots. However, it should be mentioned
again that there are still sizeable tracts of land which -have not
yet been subdivided.
b. Land Compatibility Problems
In the conventional land use planning concept, a land compati-
bility problem is generally identified when two or more land use
types are adjacent to each other and one is somehow restricted u
from expansion because of adverse conditions caused by the other
use or uses, thus discouraging additional investment. Currently,
there are no such land compatibility problems in Sunset Beach.
Sunset Beach is completely connected to the County regional water
system and no longer relies on its old system of seven deep wells.
Even so, there were never any problems reported with the deep
wells and septic tank compatibility.
9
14
0
C. Problems from Unplanned Development
Currently, problems from unplanned development relate to the
demand of a growing seasonal and year-round population on trans-
portation access, via the Bridge, to the island and other commun-
ity facilities, such as improved solid waste management, adequate.
public parking and public estuarine access. On two notable occa-
sions in recent years, the old drawbridge connecting the island to
the mainland has been disabled, prompting the Town to request a
new bridge.
Access to and from the island, from the mainland, will be
improved substantially if a new high-rise bridge (similar to the
one constructed for Ocean Isle Beach in 1985) across the
Intracoastal Waterway were developed. However, the improved
access may well mean more cars, more people, and more of the
problems related to the items discussed in the above paragraph.
Planning for more extensive services is an issue which would have
to be addressed by Sunset Beach.
d. Areas Likely to Experience Changes in Predominant Land
Use
The areas within the Town's current jurisdiction likely to
experience changes in predominant land use during the planning
period are those areas which are presently vacant. As previously
mentioned, there are still a substantial number of vacant platted
lots 'and sizeable tracts of developable land within Sunset Beach
corporate limits and extraterritorial jurisdiction which will
likely experience varying degrees of development throughout the
planning period.
e. Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC):
The statutorily defined Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs)
in Sunset Beach were generally described in the 1980 Plan, and
except for some changes in the "Ocean Hazards" category, remain
essentially the same. However, these areas need to be described
again for this 1985 Update. The AECs found for the Town of Sunset
Beach come under the gstuarine System grouping and the Ocean
Hazard Area category. The AECs under the Estuarine System group
for Sunset Beach are:
(1) Coastal Wetlands, which are defined as any salt
marsh or other marsh subject to regular or occasional flooding by
tides, including wind tides (whether or not the tide waters reach
the marshland areas through natural or artificial water sources),
provided this shall not include hurricane or tropical storm tides.
Coastal Wetlands also contain certain marsh plant species. The
Sunset Beach Coastal Wetlands occur mostly north of the island
area between the Intracoastal Waterway. Additional amounts of
wetlands are located on the mainland, north of the Intracoastal
15
Waterway. Some of these areas are important because the marsh
maintains the high productivity of fish and shellfish and the
complex food chains which are typically found in the estuaries.
(2) Estuarine Waters are defined as "all the water of
the Atlantic Ocean within the boundary of North Carolina and all
the water of the bays, sounds, rivers, and tributaries thereto
seaward to the dividing line between coastal fishing waters and
inland fishing waters" (N.C.G.S. 113A-113(b)(2). The Estuarine
waters are very important for a number of reasons, mainly because
they serve as the birthplace and nursery areas of many species of
fish and shellfish. Estuarine Waters support the valuable commer-
cial and sports fisheries of the coastal area which are comprised
of estuarine -dependent species such as menhaden, flounder; shrimp,
crabs, and oysters. These species must spend all or some part of
their life cycle within the Estuarine Waters in order to mature
and reproduce. The Estuarine Waters within Sunset Beach's
jurisdiction include the Intracoastal Waterway, adjoining creeks,
the major inlets on either end of the island (Tubb's Inlet on the
east end, and Mad Inlet on the west end), and the finger canals
located near the island's center.
(3) Public Trust Areas, which are sometimes partially
defined as all waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the land there-
under from the mean high water mark to the seaward limit of State
jurisdiction; all natural bodies of water subject to measurable
lunar tides and lands thereunder to the mean high mark; all navi-
gable natural bodies of water and land thereunder to the mean high
water level or mean water level, as the case may be. Public Trust
Areas are used for both commercial and recreational purposes.
Current regulations define that in Sunset Beach the Intracoastal
Waterway, Tubbs Inlet, Mad Inlet, Ocean Beaches, and the Atlantic
Ocean adjacent to the beaches are all Public Trust AECs. Adjacent
creeks and man-made canals may also be Public Trust AECs. These
areas support recreational uses such as swimming, boating, water
skiing and sportsfishing and commercial fishing.
(4) Estuarine Shorelines are defined as non -ocean,
shorelines which are especially vulnerable to erosion, flooding,
or other adverse effects of wind and water and are intimately
connected to the estuary. This area extends from the mean high
water level or normal water level along the estuaries, sounds,
bays and brackish waters for a distance of 75 feet inland.. These
areas are significant because development within the shorelines
can influence the quality of estuarine life and can be subject to
the damaging process of shorefront erosion and flooding. The
shorelines of the Estuarine Waters described on this page and 75
feet landward are the Estuarine Shorelines in Sunset Beach. On
the mainland, this includes the area north of the Intracoastal
Waterway and south of the Calabash River.
Areas of Environmental Concern within the Ocean Hazards Areas
category are those areas considered to be natural hazard areas
16
along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline where, because of their special
vulnerability to erosion or adverse effects of sand, wind and
water, uncontrolled or incompatible development could be hazard-
ous. Ocean hazard areas include beaches, frontal dunes, inlet
lands, and other areas in which geologic, vegetative and soil
conditions indicate a substantial possibility of excessive erosion
or flood damage. The three major Ocean Hazard Areas are described
below:
a) Ocean Erodible Area: This is the area of which
there exists a substantial possibility of excessive erosion and
significant shoreline fluctuation. The seaward boundary of this
area is the mean low waterline. The landward extent of this area
is basically 60 feet. However, in November, 1984, a CAMA rule
change resulted in the setback being doubled in size to 120 feet
for "large structures." The "basic" setback requirements in the
Ocean Hazards AECs for single-family or small structures must be
doubled for any structure that has either a 5,000 S.F. or greater
foundation for commercial buildings, or consists of more than four
(4) units per residential foundation. These rule changes are
applicable in the Ocean Erodible Area. Generally, however, the
basic Ocean Erodible Area is determined as follows:
° a distance landward from the first line of stable natural
vegetation to the recession line that would be established
by multiplying the long-term annual erosion rate, as most
recently determined by the Coastal Resources Commission,
times 60, provided that where there has been no long=term
erosion or the rate is less than two feet per year, this
distance shall be set at 120 feet landward from the first
line. -of stable natural vegetation; and
° a distance landward from the established recession line to
the recession line that would be generated by a storm
having a one percent change or being equalled or exceeded
in any given year -[determined to be 320 feet in Sunset
Beach].
The total Ocean Erodible Area for Sunset Beach, based on the
above definition, would extend to 440 feet. For setback purposes,
the rate of erosion has been set at two feet per year. In
actuality, Sunset Beach has experienced significant accretion,
especially on the East end. Because of this accretion, the Town's
ordinances restrict development to no further than 125 feet
seaward of the property lot lines which abut Main Street.
b) High Hazard Flood Area: This is the area
subject to high velocity waters (including, but not limited to,
hurricane wave wash) in a storm having a one percent chance of
being equalled or exceeded in any given year, as identified as W"
zone on the flood insurance rate maps of the Federal Emergency
Management Administration. The 100-year flood elevation level for
Sunset Beach ranges from 13 feet above mean sea level in the "A"
17
zones, and up to 16 feet in the "V" zones. The area with the
greatest flood hazard potential extends along the ocean beach.
The Town does participate -in the "regular phase" of the Federal
Flood Insurance Program and has "final" maps dated December 18,
1985. (See "Composite Hazards" map, attached).
c) Inlet Hazard Area: The Inlet Hazard Areas are
those lands identified by the State geologist to have a substan-
tial possibility of excessive erosion that are located adjacent to
inlets. This area extends landward from the mean low waterline to
a distance sufficient to encompass the area within which the inlet
will migrate, based on statistical analysis. Such factors as
previous inlet territory, structurally weak areas near the inlet
(such as an unusually narrow barrier island, an unusually long
channel feeding the inlet, or an overwash area), as well as exter-
nal influences such as jetties and channelization, shall also be
considered. -
Sunset Beach has two Inlet Hazard Areas, one located near the
eastern and one near the western ends of the island. In both
areas, however, (Mad Inlet on the West, and Tubbs Inlet on the
East), significant accretion has taken place -and no severe erosion
has occurred in recent years.
In addition to the Ocean Erodible, Flood Hazard, and Inlet
Hazard Areas, significant land forms such as ocean beaches and
frontal dunes are also considered to be ocean hazards. Ocean
beaches, which consists of the land area between the mean low
waterline and the first line of vegetation, or where a significant
change in elevation or slope alters the configuration of the land
form, whichever is farther landward, occur all along Sunset
Beach's southern border. There are also primary dunes within the
Town's jurisdiction. However, because of height definitions,
these would have to be determined on a case by case basis.
All development and development -related activity within the
designated AEC's within Sunset Beach, is currently regulated by
the Coastal Area Management Act permit process.
5. Current Plans, Policies, and Regulations
a. Transportation
The most significant feature of Sunset Beach's most recent
Thoroughfare Plan is the proposed construction of a new high-rise
bridge across the Intracoastal Waterway. However, the bridge is
not projected for completion until 1991. When it is constructed,
accessibiltiy to the Island will be greatly improved. Other ele-
ments of the Thoroughfare Plan, if implemented, could improve
traffic flow within the Town itself.
18
C
Although there are no official policies on pedestrian traffic,
1.� the Town has discussed the idea of constructing sidewalks within
areas which experience heavy pedestrian traffic during the tourist
season for reasons of safety.
b. Community Facilities
(1) Water Distribution Plan: Sunset Beach, like sev-
eral other smaller communities in Brunswick County, have recently
become part of the Brunswick County Water System. The Town's
(T former water system consisted of seven wells (one of which was
dysfunctional), a treatment plant and distribution lines. How-
ever, the Brunswick County system bought out the wells, making
them part of the regional system. The wells are currently used
only to meet peak demands during the height of the tourist
season. Otherwise, during the off season, the wells are not
utilized at all. It is the Town's Policy that developers share
part of the cost of extending water service into new areas.
(2) Waste Treatment Plants: Sunset Beach was included
in a 1978 201 Facilities Plan for southwest Brunswick County.
This plan, which showed a proposed waste treatment plant using
land application methods, has not been implemented for Sunset
Beach. During 1985, meetings between the Town, area developers,
and businessmen were held to discuss the feasibility of providing
centralized sewer service to the area between Sunset Beach, Ocean
Isle Beach, and Calabash. The Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer
Authority acted as lead agency in these discussions. Although a
feasibility study was prepared and presented by a consulting
engineering firm, no action has been taken. Sunset Beach still
relies on ground absorption systems, for all sewage disposal as
permitted by. the Brunswick County Health Department.
c. Utilities Extension Policy
The Town's policy concerning extending waterlines to newly
developed areas is for the developer to pay all of the costs of
extension and installation. After construction, all the lines
become the Town's property.
d. Recreation Policy
The beaches provide most of the area's recreational opportuni-
ties, and public beach access is also provided at 33 locations
along the strand. Although the Town does not currently have a
formal recreation policy, a committee has been appointed to
discuss recreation needs and policies. Currently, the Town does
not have parks or similar public recreational facilities.
19
e. Prior Land Use Plans
0
The Town of Sunset Beach had its first CAMA Land Use Plan
prepared in 1976, with the first required update being done in
1980. Both of these previous plans contained description of the
Town and general development policies.
f. Regulations and Enforcement Provisions
(1) CAMA Permits: Because of Sunset Beach's location
and geographic features, most of the new development is regulated
by the CAMA permit process. The Town has both a Building Inspec-
tor and a CAMA Local Permit Officer. The Areas of Environmental
Concern which were described in the preceding section are areas
which need protection. Enforcement of the CAMA permit process is
a major means of that protection.
(2) Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map: The Sunset Beach
Zoning Ordinance is the major tool for regulating the use of land
within the Town's corporate limits and the one mile extra-
territorial area. The zoning districts are shown on map 3,
Appendix 2, and are defined as follows:
MR-1 Mainland residential District. Exclusively for single-
family residences, and with provisions for customary and
secondary uses.
MR-2 Mainland Residential District. Exclusively for single-
family residences, and with provisions for customary and
secondary uses.
MR-3 Mainland Residential District. Primarily for multi -family
and single-family residential development, and with provi-
sions for customary and secondary uses.
MB-1 Mainland Business District. Primarily for the conduct of
retail trade with provisions for retail service -type estab-
lishments, and with provisions for residential uses and
convenience -type retail trade establishments.
BR-1 Beach Residential District. Primarily for single-family
residential uses with provisions for beach cottages.
BR-2 Beach Residential District. Primarily for single-family
residential uses with provisions for beach cottages.
20
c
BB-1 Beach Business District. Primarily for general business
use, and with provisions for residential uses and
convenience -type trade establishments.
MH-1 Mobile Home/Conventional Home Residential. Primarily for
mobile home single-family residential use with provisions
for single-family, conventional houses.
AF-1 Agricultural -Forestry. Primarily for production of agricul-
tural, and forestry products with provisions for single-.
family homes.
RI-1 Recreational -Institutional. Primarily for use as schools,
churches, playgrounds, parks, and other like uses.
Notice that there are slightly different provisions which
apply to the mainland and beach portions of the Town. On the
beach, although single-family dwellings are emphasized, multi-
family dwellings are allowed in all districts.
The Town Administrator is also the Zoning Officer. In conjunction
with the Zoning Ordinance, the Town also has both a Planning Board
and a Board of Adjustment. Supplementary enforcement provisions
in the ordinance include ocean set -back lines, dune protection,
and a prohibition against the location of mobile homes within the
corporate limits. Mobile homes are allowed in the extraterritori-
al areas, however.
(3) Subdivision Regulations: The Town of Sunset Beach
also enforces a set of subdivision regulations, which have been
utilized to guide the general design of newly developing areas
within the Town's jurisdiction. The ordinance states five major
purposes of these regulations:
(a) To provide for economical and sufficient
streets with adequate widths and with proper alignment and grade;
j (
( b ) To
provide space for safe and sanitary
�j
dwelling
accommodations
within the corporate limits of the town;
(c) To
provide for suitable residential neighbor-
hoods with adequate streets
and utilities and appropriate building
sites;
(d) To
save unnecessary expenditure of public
funds by
studying space
and recommending from time to time the
purchase
of such space
for public lands and buildings and by ini-
tial proper construction
of streets and utilities; and
0 21
(e) To provide proper land records for the con- n
venience of the public and for better identification and permanent
location of real estate boundaries.
In addition to a standard plat review procedure prior to the
approval of any "regular" subdivision, the regulations also con-
tain a rather detailed set of procedures for approval of "Planned
Residential Developments", or PRD. Notice the following excerpt
from the Subdivision Regulations:
Through PRD the town can allow development of land that has a
higher degree of consideration of physical features and natural
constraints to development than would be possible under general
zoning or subdivision regulations. PRD is expected to promote a
more efficient.use of the land, a higher level of amenities, and
more creative designs than would otherwise be possible. In each
case the overall density of dwelling units shall be less than that
permitted by the applicable zoning requirements. (Ord. 82.1.12-4,
passed 1-12-82)
The PRD is a specially permitted use in the MR-1, MR-2, and
BR-2 Zoning districts and has provisions for open spaces, tree
cover, recreational areas, scenic vistas, and mixed residential
uses such as cluster homes and townhouses.
(4) Dune Protection: Sunset Beach does have specific
ordinances for protecting dunes in the Building Code and general
provisions of the Traffic Code. However, there are no ordinances
governing pedestrian traffic through the dunes to the beach.
(5) Septic Tank Regulation: Sunset Beach is served by
ground absorption waste disposal systems that are permitted by the
Brunswick County Health Department. Any system generating more
than 3,000 gallons of waste water per day is designed by engineers
and submitted to the North Carolina Department of Human Resources
for approval. Building permits are not issued until a septic tank
permit or an approved site plan is presented. A final inspection
is not given, nor a certificate of occupancy completed, until an
inspection slip from the Health Department is in the town file
indicating that the system was installed as permitted..
(6) Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance: Sunset Beach
adopted a Flood Damage and Prevention Ordinance and began partici-
pation in the emergency phase of the Federal Flood Insurance Pro-
gram in 1974. However, in 1985, with the publishing of final
Flood Insurance Rate*Maps by the Federal Emergency Management
Administration, the Town entered the regular phase of the program.
First floor building elevation requirements vary in the Town,
ranging from 13 feet in the "A" zones to 16 feet in the "V" zones,
including wave height calculations. The Flood Ordinance is
0
0
n
�I
I
Ell
W11
0
0
I
C
22
C
enforced as part of the Town's building permit program. The
Building Inspector is also the enforcement officer.
f. Federal and State Regulations
In addition to the local ordinances and County regulations
listed and described above, there are various State and Federal
regulations which could also affect land devleopment in Sunset
Beach.
C. CONSTRAINTS: LAND SUITABILITY
As noted in the discussion of Existing Land Uses, there is a
considerable amount of undeveloped land in Sunset Beach's extra-
territorial area which might have future development potential.
However, the Town recognizes the importance of being aware of
existing physical limitations to development. Physical limita-
tions are important to recognize, both from the standpoint of
guiding land use decisions and in protecting the health, safety,
and welfare of the general public. Below is a discussion of the
jj physical limitations to development in Sunset Beach.
1. Physical Limitations: The old waterway bridge, which can
be a hazard to navigation, is the only man-made hazard within the
current jurisdiction of the Town: Natural hazard areas in Sunset
Beach are basically the same as the AEC's described and discussed
under Ocean Hazard Areas, and include the Ocean Erodible Area,
Flood Hazard Area (see Map 3, attached,,"Composite Hazards," which
shows the 100-year flood area), Inlet Hazard Area, Ocean Beaches,
Frontal Dunes, and possibly, some Primary Dunes. These areas do
(�( present physical limitations to development in Sunset Beach.
Although erosion has not been a particular problem on Sunset
Beach,_poor surface drainage does cause problems occasionally --
especially of ter unusually heavy rains.
In the 1980 Plan Update, it was reported that there were four -
different soil types in the Sunset Beach area, only one of which
could present problems both for building foundations and septic
tank installation. This was according to the Brunswick County
Soil S-urvey which was prepared in 1977. However, since that time
j� a new Soil Survey has been completed for Brunswick County, and in
some cases the soil types have been reclassified. Currently,
there are seven soil types instead of four classified as occurring
in the Sunset Beach area. The seven types and their general suit-
ability for septic tanks and building foundations are listed
below:
DI
U 23
12:
Soils Limitations
in Sunset Beach
Table
General
SEPTIC TANK
STRUCTURAL*
SOIL SERIES
SUITABILITY
FOUNDATIONS
Bohicket
Severe
Severe
Corolla
Severe
Severe
Kureb
Severe
Slight
Leon
Severe
Severe
Newham
Severe
Severe
Pactolus
Severe
Moderate
Wando
Severe
Severe
Source: Soil Survey of Brunswick County, N.C., USDA Soil
Conservation Service, November, 1986
* Buildings without Basements
(�
According to Soil interpretation records, all seven types have
�J
some limitation for septic tank placement, and four have limita-
tions for Structural foundations. However, these general declara-
tions of limitations do not mean that sites within those areas are
absolutely unsuitable. The Soils Survey report points out that
individual on -site investigations must be conducted to determine
final suitability. A sanitarian with the Brunswick County Health
Deparment stated that no general areas in Sunset Beach's jurisdic-
tion had presented any severe problems with septic tank placement.
However, one area which has more reports of difficulties is a
11,
relatively small area between 39th and 40th Streets. Other
reports of septic tanks difficulties are isolated, he added.
2. Wellfields
Although there are still deep wells in Sunset Beach, the
Towns primary source of water is the Brunswick County water
system, which generally does not utilize the Town's wells. The
wells in Sunset Beach, all of which are located on the mainland,
are activated only during periods of peak demands, and pose almost
no physical limitations to development.
3. Slopes
The only area where the slope may exceed 12 percent are some
of the frontal dunes, which are also ocean hazard areas and are
protected by CAMA and provisions in local ordinances.
4. Fragile Areas
These are areas which could easily be damaged or destroyed by
inappropriate or poorly planned development. In Sunset Beach, the
fragile areas coincide with the Areas of Environmental Concern.
24
0
C
0 These areas are described in Part B, 4.(e) of this section and are
summarized below:
Coastal Wetlands: The marsh areas adjacent to the
Intracoastal Waterway and between the island area, and
some of the land around the finger canals, are
considered Coastal Wetlands.
° Estuarine Waters: This includes the Intracoastal
Waterway; Tubb's Inlet on the east end of the island;
Mad Inlet on the west end; and the finger canals
located near the center of the island.
° Public Trust Areas: According to current regulations,
the two inlets on either end of the island, the Intra-
coastal Waterway, adjoining creeks and possibly man-
made canals, ocean beaches, and the ocean adjacent to
the beaches and lands thereunder, are the Public Trust
Areas of Sunset Beach.
° Estuarine Shorelines: This applies to the shorelines
and 75 feet inward from the Estuarine Waters noted
above.
° Ocean Beaches: The beach along the Atlantic Ocean,
which extends along the entirety of the island's
southern border, from the first line of vegetation or
significant change in slope toward the ocean.
° Inlet Hazard Areas: The lands identified by the State
geologist to have substantial possibility of excessive
erosion located adjacent to inlets; Sunset Beach has
two such areas, as previously described.
Sunset Beach does not contain any of the following fragile
areas: complex natural areas; areas that sustain remnant species;
areas containing unique geologic formations; registered natural
(� landmarks; wooded swamps, prime wildlife habitats; or scenic or
LJ prominent high points. However, according to the N.C.. Historic
Preservation Office, Sunset Beach's mainland area is considered to
be an "Archaeologically Sensitive Area." Also, the State office
has recorded 29 archaeologic sites within the Town's planning
jurisdiction.
5. Areas with Resource Potential
There are no productive or unique agricultural lands within
Sunset Beach. The island also does not contain any potentially
valuable mineral sites; publicly owned forests, parks, fish, and
wildlife gamelands; or non -intensive outdoor recreation lands
(besides the two Championship golf courses), or privately -owned
�-) wildlife sanctuaries. However, the estuaries near Sunset Beach
are considered to be important breeding areas for both finfish and
shellfish. Also, the golf courses can be considered an area with
resource potential that poses a physical limitation for those
particular tracts of land.
(� 25
I
0
D. CONSTRAINTS: CAPACITY OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES
1. Existing Water Service Areas
The Sunset Beach water service area currently includes all of
the Town's corporate limits and portions of the extraterritorial
area. Most of the Sea -Trails development on the mainland (in the
extraterritorial jurisdiction) is not currently served by the
n
Town's water system, but by private wells. Again, it should be
(�
noted that this area is not within the Town's corporate limits.
When the Town's system was initiated in January, 1980, it started
out with 296 customers. Currently, there are more than 1,100
water customers, including island and mainland portions of the
Town, as well as extraterritorial area customers.
Since the Town has become a customer of the Brunswick County
Water System, the provision of water is no longer a constraint to
development. According to the Brunswick County Water Department,
0
the County plans to double its pumping capacity to the Shallotte-
Holden Beach -Ocean Isle Beach -Sunset Beach area, within the next
five years.
0
It is unlikely that limited water supplies will pose a con-
straint to development throughout the period covered by this plan,
i.e., 1995. The Brunswick County water system is proposed to
0
eventually make centralized water available to the entire County.
Presently, a little less then half of the County is served. The
County's current water treatment plant can provide up to seven (7)
D
million gallons of water per day (MGD), whereas the current usage
is only about three (3) MGD. The new water plant near Leland,
when complete and operational, will give the County system the
daily output potential of 24 MGD. Also, there is no "cap" or
limits proposed as to how much water Sunset Beach or other com-
munities can purchase from the system. If, by 1995, the daily
average per capita water consumption for the "resident" population
is 70 gallons per day, and about 13 gallons per day for "day
visitors," the peak demand would be about .762 MGD. This should
easily be available from the County system.
F1
2. Sewer Service Area
As discussed previously, Sunset Beach does not have a central-
ized sewer system and is currently served by a ground absorption
disposal system, i.e., septic tanks. All septic tanks must be
approved by and permits granted from the Brunswick County Health
Department. Although the most recent soils analysis reports
indicate that the general soils classifications in the Sunset
Beach area have limitations for septic tank placement, the
existing system appears to have worked very well. The County
Health Department reported one small area (between 39th and 40th
Street) where general problems had been encountered as far as
permitting septic tanks.
26 �(
C
('1 The EPA, in the 1984 Environmental Impact Statement: North
l-� Carolina Barrier Islands Wastewater Management stated that few
cases of pollution by on -site systems on the barrier islands had
('4 been documented. It noted problems with a few isolated finger
canal areas, but the report did not state how many finger canal
areas were given a clean bill of health, or how extensively the
movement of effluent into the shallow aquifer and surface waters
had been studied. As development of the area continues, and if
density increases significantly, the pollution of shallow ground
water and surface waters could become a problem. However, devel-
opment density is presently controlled by the Town'-s Zoning
Ordinance, and by the previously mentioned CAMA permit No. 36,
meetings have been held to discuss the possibility of developing
centralized sewer service. However, the Town has not pursued this
further. It appears that within the bounds of current regulations
and restrictions (including Zoning), ground absorption systems may
be generally adequate for Sunset Beach during the planning
period.
3. Schools
The relatively few school -age children who reside in the Town
attend the -three schools in Shallotte, which is ten miles away.
Two of the three,schools, West Brunswick High School and Union
Primary, are currently operating near or over capacity levels.
If the number of children in grades K-3 and 9-12 increases signif-
icantly in Sunset Beach, then an expansion of school facilities
(] may be needed. This is indicated by Table 13, below:
Table 13: Enrollment Levels and School Capacity: Shallotte, N.C.
1985-86 Design Percent
School Enrollment Capacity Utilization
W. Brunswick High (9-12) 933 1,000 93.3
Shallotte Middle (4-8) 1,079 1,200 89.9
Union Primary (K-3) 823 750 109.7
Source: Brunswick County Board of Education
However, by and large, Sunset Beach residents consist of middle -
age adults and retirees, a trend likely to continue.
4. Transportation
The major.traffic arteries in Sunset Beach are N.C. 179, which
is the main access road to and from the mainland, including the
Intercoastal Waterway bridge, (S.R. 1172, Sunset Boulevard), and
Shoreline Drive on the mainland. The other streets in the Town
are neighborhood streets. Both N.C. 179 and Shoreline Drive are
paved and are maintained by the State Department of Transporta-
27
n
tion. The design capacities of these roads, except for the old
bridge across the Waterway, are currently estimated to be adequate
to handle present traffic volumes. However, the State DOT has
plans to construct a modern high-rise bridge across the Waterway
beginning in 1991. Unlike the old single -lane bridge, the new
bridge will have two lanes and a greatly increased capacity for
traffic flow. However, prior to the construction of the new
bridge, traffic counts will likely increase in the Sunset Beach (�
area. Some other minor improvements currently planned or underway
will help somewhat. The addition of a left -turn lane at the
intersection of N.C. 179 and Shoreline Drive is one example of
such an improvement.
To summarize the discussion of Constraints, it should be
pointed out that it is difficult to separate the major inhibitors {}
of future development in Sunset Beach into categories of "land 11
suitability" and "capacity of facilities." Because of the physio-
graphy of the island, the two areas of constraint are closely
connected. All of the constraints, however, do form a basis for U
discussion of issues leading to the formulation of policy alterna-
tives. ry
E. ESTIMATED DEMAND
1. Population Trends
The demand for housing and other goods and services and the
use of public facilities is a direct function of population
levels. As Table 5, page 7, indicates, in summarizing the four
components of Sunset Beach's population, the total 1985 "resident"
population, i.e., year-round residents, summer residents, and
cottage and motel renters, is estimated at 5,140 persons in the
Town limits and an additional 1,140 in the extraterritorial area,
while the "day visitor" population for the same period was esti-
mated to be 2,396. The population growth trends and building
trends indicate an. overall average annual growth rate for Sunset
Beach of 5.7% per year from 1985 to 1990 (which is the estimated
growth rate from 1980 to 1985) , followed by a faster rate of
growth, i.e., increasing an additional 1% per year from 1990 to
1995, peaking at 10% annual growth by 1995. Assuming that the
overall historical growth will continue at the same and projected
rates, Table 14, below, shows the projected peak populations for
Sunset Beach from 1986 through 1995 within current Town limits.
Possible annexations of portions of the extraterritorial areas, of
course, could increase these projections.
IN
If
28 (1
a
a
aTable 14: Sunset Beach Population Projections: 1986-1995
(�
Year
* Resident
Day Visitors
Total Peak
�j
1986
5,433
2,533
7,966
1987
5,743
2,677
8,420
1988
6,070
2,830
8,900
1989
6,416
2,990
9,406
1990
6,781
3,161
9,942
1991**
7,188
3,351
10,539
1992
7,691
3,586
11,277
1993
8,306
3,872
12,178
1994 9,054 4,221 13,275
1995 9,952 4,643 14,595
Source: Talbert, Cox & Associates, Architects, Engineers, &
Planners
*Year-round residents, summer residents, and overnight
visitors
j� **These projections do not take into consideration the
potential increases resulting from completion of the new
bridge across the waterway.
At the current and projected overall rates of growth by 1995,
the "resident," i.e., persons living year-round, plus overnight
rentals in.cottages.and motels, could be 9,952 persons, approach-
ing double the 1985 level of 5,140. In addition, if "day visi-
tors" grow at the same rates, the number will increase from 2,396
in 1985-86.to 4,643 in 1995. These projections, however, do not
take into account the amount of developable land in the Town, or
the increases likely because of the completion of.the new bridge
across the waterway. Nevertheless, if these projections become
reality, at periods of "peak" occupancy, e.g., a summer holiday
weekend, Sunset Beach could have 14,595 persons in the Town at one
time (not counting the current extraterritorial area). Such an
increase does have implications for the provision of community
facilities and services which need to be considered. These
implications are discussed below.
2. Future Land Need
Sunset Beach, as noted previously, has considerable amounts of
undeveloped, but developable, land remaining, especially in the
extraterritorial area. No detailed measures of the "developed"
acreage in Sunset Beach were attempted, since building and
development are ongoing. However, since the "resident" population
is projected to almost double, a glance at the attached "Existing
Land Use Map" shows that there are a number of vacant, platted
lots, as well as vacant, currently undeveloped land. Because of
the rather extensive developable land, even without centralized
sewer services, the projected 1995 "resident" density should pose
no difficulties from the standpoint of land availability.
29
3. Community Facilities Needs
a.. Water
With the growth in populations at Sunset Beach --both year-
round and seasonal --will come an increased demand for water ser-
vices. However, as discussed previously, Sunset Beach, through
its connection with the Brunswick County regional water system,
will be able to tap a relatively unlimited supply of water to meet
peak demands. Currently, the County can pump up to 1 MGD to the
Town, with plans to double this to 2 MGD in early 1987; 1985 peak
day usage was estimated to be about 250,000.GPD. At an assumed
consumption rate of 70 gallons per day for the "resident" popula-
tion, and about 13 gallons per day for "day visitors," the highest
peak day water demand by 1995 would be .762 million gallons per
day. (See Table 14, page 28.) The County -wide water system,
which is to be completed prior to 1995, is projected to have a
total capacity of 30.0 MGD. The projected peak demand from Sunset
Beach in 1995 is estimated to be only 38% of the County's capacity
for the Town. Sufficient water supplies should not be a problem
during the period covered by this plan.
b. Sewer
Centralized sewer service is not projected to be available to
Sunset - Beach during the planning period; thus, septic tank systems
(as permitted by the County Health Department) will continue to be
the primary source of sewage disposal. To date, no major diffi-
culties have been reported for Sunset Beach. However, during the
upcoming planning period, the impact of increasing ground absorp-
tion systems should be closely monitored.
c. Solid Waste Disposal
The Town of Sunset Beach provides its own trash collection and
disposal service, utilizing a Town -employed crew and Town -owned
equipment. The solid waste is disposed of in the Brunswick County
Landfill after being dumped into a compaction unit, which is
picked up by Brunswick County. The Brunswick County Landfill is
currently projected to last about seven (7) years, i.e., through
1992. It is likely that prior to that time, the County will have
developed a new landfill or some other viable solid waste disposal
alternative.
d. Recreation
The oceanfront and adjacent waterways, and increasingly so,
golf courses, provide the major recreational opportunities for
residents and visitors of Sunset Beach. Although the Town does
not have an officially adopted recreation policy, it has appointed
a committee to study and report on the recreational needs of the
permanent population. Currently, there are no public parks or
30
I
other Town -provided recreational facilities. Additional recrea-
tional facilities may be needed for the increasing levels of sum-
mer residents, i.e., motel and cottage dwellers and "day visi-
tors." Improved beach access and public parking facilities are
examples of recognized needs. It is believed by the Town that the
County, State and Federal agencies should share the responsibility
for meeting the needs of day visitors.
e. Police Protection
{� The Town's police force currently consists of four full-time
l.J sworn officers. Also, during the summer seasons, additional traf-
fic control officers are employed. This level of police protec-
tion appears to have been adequate in the past. However, since
steady growth is projected to occur in both the permanent and
seasonal populations, additional full-time personnel may be
needed. The Town has made an effort to have all applicants for
employment qualified as law enforcement officers, and preference
is given to those with EMT training and fire training. The long-
range program aim is to have public safety officer(s) who can
handle fire, rescue, and law enforcement.
f. Fire Protection
The Town's Volunteer Fire Department, perhaps with the addi-
tion of more volunteers, should be adequate for Sunset Beach
throughout the planning period. The Sunset Beach Volunteer Fire
Department provides fire protection for the Town of Sunset Beach.
The department is well equipped and is housed in town on Highway
179. Recently, the area in the Sunset Beach Fire District served
by a fire hydrant was upgraded from a 9 rating to a 7 rating
largely due to the efforts of the local volunteer fire department,
thereby reducing fire insurance rates. However, if development
n densities increase, it will be imperative that all access routes
+'-}I be well -planned and clear of potential obstructions, e-. g. , on -
street parking during peak population periods.
g. Emergency Rescue and Safety
Emergency medical rescue services are provided to Sunset Beach
by rescue squads in Calabash (about 5 miles away) . This -service
should be adequate during the planning period.
h. Parking Facilities
Perhaps the most dramatic impact of the projected influx of
day visitors over the next few years relates to public parking.
Currently, Sunset Beach does have some, but rather limited, public
parking through a lease agreement with a property owner. The
estimated 1985 "peak day" parking demand by day visitors of 599
vehicles will nearly double by 1995 to 1,153 vehicles. Unless
consideration is given to developing even more public parking
facilities, or other alternatives, serious traffic problems (both
vehicular and pedestrian) could result.
31
i. Thoroughfare Access
The most important thoroughfare access need in Sunset Beach is
a replacement bridge across the Intracoastal Waterway. The
single -lane bridge is scheduled by the N.C. Department of Trans-
portation to be replaced by the early 1990s. The replacement span
is to be a high-rise, two-lane modern structure and will greatly
improve access from the mainland to the island portion of the
Town. The new bridge will have a maximum carrying capacity of
19,100 vehicles per day, which is substantially more than the
seasonally adjusted reported traffic volume of 2,625 vehicles per
day in 1985. (See Table 6, page 7: 2,100 x 25%.)
A proposed project to add a left -turn lane at the intersection
of N.C. 179 and Shoreline Drive on the mainland will help alle-
viate traffic back-up as vehicles attempt to cross the existing
single -lane bridge. There does not appear to be any other sig-
nificant internal traffic flow problems --either on the mainland or
in the island area.
However, an internal traffic flow plan, considering pedestrian
and vehicular traffic in the beach area, may need to be developed
for the Town, especially with the population projected to increase
significantly.
j. Administrative Services
Currently, most of Sunset Beach's administrative and personnel
matters are coordinated by the Town Administrator. As the popula-
tions increase, the administrative service load will also
increase. The Town may need to consider employing additional
personnel.
k. Community Appearance
Sunset Beach, like other communities in resort settings,
appears to have a continual problem of litter and loose trash in
various parts of the Town. In spite of regular pick-up of solid
waste in containers, loose and unsightly litter can still be found
strewn along the beach strand and along neighborhood streets and
major access routes as well. Currently, the Town does not have
any additional provisions_ for improving community appearance,
other than regular trash pick-up (twice weekly curbside). How-
ever, there are two property owners associations, which have
voluntarily been involved in landscaping and litter pick-up
projects.
4. Summary of Trends and Facilities Demand: Policy Issues
The following statements are presented in summary of this
Section I of the 1985 Land Use Plan Update, analyzing development
trends and policy implications for the next 10 years.
32
I
° Both the "resident" and day visitor populations at
Sunset Beach have shown increases in recent years and
are projected to continue moderately increasing
throughout the planning period.
° The resort -tourist based economy of Sunset Beach is
strong, contributing to growing tourism revenues in
Brunswick County each year.
° Residential and some commercial development in the
community will continue. However, it is unlikely that
all of the developable land within the Town's current
Jurisdiction will be developed during the period.
° At current and projected demand rates, water and solid
waste disposal capacities will need to increase during
the planning period in order to adequately handle
"peak" demands, particularly from day visitors.
However, the issue of adequate water supply has been
addressed by the Town; sewage service will continue to
be handled primarily by ground absorption systems.
° Public safety, i.e., provision of adequate police and
fire protection needs, will have -to be continually
assessed. Internal traffic, both pedestrian and
vehicular, as well as public parking provisions will
also have to be addressed.
All of the above issues and others, including storm hazard
mitigation, and post -disaster recovery, will be addressed in more
detail in Section II of this Plan, "Policy Statements."
33
SECTION 11 :
Policy Statements
SECTION II: POLICY STATEMENTS
The formulation of specific policies regarding growth, devel-
opment, and management objectives is perhaps the most important
part of any land use plan prepared under the State's Coastal Area
Management Act. Because of regulatory requirements, these poli-
cies must often strike a delicate balance between desires and
objectives of the citizens and the local government of Sunset
Beach and the objectives of the CAMA program, as overseen by the
Coastal Resources Commission. Land development policies, which
should be based on an analysis of existing conditions and projec-
ted trends, serve -as general guides for effectuating desired
development patterns. The land use policies also have important
,►� interface with local regulations, such as the zoning ordinance or
subdivision regulations, as well as with State and Federal regula-
tions and programs. For example, development permits issued under
CAMA must be consistent with the local land use plans. Also,
projects supported by State and Federal funds must be consistent
with the local land use plans, prior to allowing expenditures.
Perhaps it is useful to review the policies contained in the last
plan update. An assessment of those policies is shown in
Appendix 5.
Some relevant trends identified in Section I of this Plan
include: the population of Sunset Beach, both resident and -day --
visitors,. -is -constantly increasing; -consistent with overall growth
projections for Brunswick County; along with continued growth of
residential and commercial development,- additional -demands -will be
placed -on public -facilities and services, such as water, sewer,
police and fire protection, and parking, as the population
increases. However, it should be noted that Sunset Beach has
taken steps to address water service by purchasing water from the
Brunswick County Regional Water System. Water service should be
adequate during the period. These are some of the issues which
need to be addressed by the Town during the planning period.
The Coastal Resources Commission, recognizing the diversities
which exist among the coastal communities, required the Town to
specify particular development policies under four rather broad
topics in 1981. For the 1985 Update, however, the CRC has added a
fifth issue, i.e. "Storm Hazard Mitigation." In most cases, poli-
cies developed under these topics will cover most of the local
development issues, but in some cases, they do not. In the latter
case, the locality has the flexibility to address its own locally
defined issues. The five required broad topics are:
-- Resource Protection
Resource Production.and Management
Economic and Community Development
-- Continuing Public Participation
-- Storm Hazard Mitigation
After an analysis of the existing conditions and trends and
input from the Town's citizens through surveys and public informa-
34
0
tion meetings, the following policies were developed to provide an
(j
overall framework for guiding growth and development in Sunset
�J
Beach throughout the next planning period, i.e., through 1995.
A. Resource Protection: Estuarine System.
1. Areas of Environmental Concern: Sunset Beach recognizes the
concern of the Coastal Resources Commission, in terms of
primary
protecting resources, as managing Areas of Environmental Concern
(AECs). The Town also shares this concern for the protection and
sound management of these environmentally sensitive lands and
(�
waters. The AECs which occur in Sunset Beach were identified in
(j
Section I of this Plan on pages 14 through 17, with areas within
both the Estuarine System and Ocean Hazards area. In terms of
developing policies, the Estuarine System AECs, which include
Coastal Wetlands, Estuarine Waters, Estuarine Shorelines, and
Public Trust Areas, will be treated as one uniform grouping since
they are so closely interrelated. Another reason for grouping
these AECs together is the fact that the effective use of maps to
detail exact on -ground location of a particular area, sometimes
poses serious limitations.
n
(j
Sunset Beach's overall policy and management objective for the
Estuarine System is "to give the highest priority to the protec-
tion and perpetuate their biological, social, economic, and aes-
thetic values and to ensure that development occurring within
these AECs is compatible with natural characteristics so as to
minimize the likelihood of significant loss of private property
(�
and public resources." (15 NCAC 7H. 0203) In accordance with
{J
this overall objective, Sunset Beach will permit those land uses
which conform to the general use standards of the North Carolina
Administrative Code (15 NCAC 7H) for development within the
Estuarine System. Specifically, each of the AECs within the
Estuarine System is discussed below.
a. Coastal Wetlands
Coastal wetlands, which are defined as any salt marsh or other marsh subject to regular or occasional flooding by tides, inclu- 0
ding wind tides (whether or not the tide waters reach the marsh-
land areas through natural or artificial water courses), provided
this shall not include hurricane or tropical storm tides. Coastal 0
wetlands also contain certain marsh plant species. In Sunset
Beach, coastal wetlands occur generally in the areas north of the
island portion of the Town and which are adjacent to the
Intracoastal Waterway. Also, smaller amounts of coastal wetlands
occur on the north side of the Intracoastal Waterway on the main-
land. The most substantial amount of wetlands is located to the
east and west of the Sunset Beach Bridge, including the marshlands (J
adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway. These areas are important
because the marsh maintains the high productivity of fish and
shellfish and the complex food chains which are typically found in
35 n
U
the estuaries. The first priority of uses of land in these areas
should consider "conservation" of the sensitive areas, with con-
servation meaning the lack of imposition of irreversible damage to
the wetlands. Generally, uses which require water access and uses
such as utility easements, fishing piers and docks, will be
allowed, but must adhere to.use standards of the Coastal Area
Management Act (CAMA: 15 NCAC 7H).
b. Estuarine Waters and Estuarine Shorelines
The importance of the estuarine waters and adjacent estuarine
shorelines in Sunset Beach was discussed in Section I of this
document on pages 15-16. The Town is very much aware that protec-
tion of the estuarine waters and adjacent estuarine shorelines can
be important to fishing, both commercially and for recreation, and
for the continued maintenance of quality development. Sunset
Beach recognizes that certain actions within the estuarine shore-
line, which is defined as the area extending 75 feet landward of.
the mean high waterline of the estuarine waters, could possibly
have a substantial effect upon the quality of these waters. The
estuarine waters within Sunset Beach's jurisdiction include the
Intracoastal Waterway, the major inlets on either end of the
island (Tubb's Inlet on the east end, and Mad Inlet on the west
{� end), and the finger canals located near the island's center. The
uadjacent shorelines, up to 75 feet inland, are the estuarine
shorelines.
In order -to promote the quality of the estuarine waters
Sunset Beach will -evaluate uses as to compatibility with both the
estuarine shorelines and the protection of the estuarine system.
Residential, recreational, and commercial uses may be permitted
within the estuarine shoreline, after consideration has been given
to the following:
1. a substantial chance of pollution occurring from the
development does not exist;
2. development does not have a significant adverse impact on
estuarine resources;
3. development does not significantly interfere with existing
public rights or access to, or use of, navigable waters or
public resources.
c. Public Trust Areas
Sunset Beach recognizes that the public has certain estab-
lished rights to certain land and water areas. In Sunset Beach,
the Intracoastal Waterway, Tubbs Inlet, Mad Inlet, ocean beaches,
(� and the Atlantic Ocean adjacent to the beaches are all Public
�f Trust AECs. These areas support recreational uses such as swim-
ming, boating, water skiing, and sportsfishing and commercial
fishing. These public areas also support tourism, and are of
significant aesthetic value. Appropriate uses include those which
36
protect public rights for navigation and recreation. Projects
which would directly or indirectly block or impair existing navi-
gation channels, increase shoreline erosion, deposit spoils below
mean high tide, cause adverse water circulation patterns, violate
water quality standards, or cause degradation of shellfish waters, U
shall not be allowed. Allowable uses shall be those which do not U
cause detriment to the physical, chemical or biological functions
of public trust areas. Such uses as navigational channels, drain-
age ditches, bulkheads to prevent erosion along the AIWW and
inland canals, piers or docks, shall be generally permitted, as
long as they conform to State standards.
d. Policy Statements: Development in AECs
Sections a, b, and c, above, included a brief discussion of
Sunset Beach's policy on land uses in the statutorily defined
Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs). Protection of environment-
ally sensitive as well as vitally important public resources is a
strong ongoing concern of the Town of Sunset Beach. The overall
D
policy of the Town in relation to Resource Protection shall be as
follows:
Sunset Beach shall continue to give priority to those uses
which are compatible with appropriate management of the Estuarine
System. It is the intent of the Town to safeguard and perpetuate
(�
the system's biological, social, economic and aesthetic values and
(�
to insure that any development occurring within the system is
compatible with natural characteristics, so as to minimize the
zo
likelihood of significant loss of private property and public
resources.
e. Policy Implementation
Q
Sunset Beach believes that the existing development permit
system enforced by CAMA, the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, com-
bined
with enforcement of the Town's Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision
Regulations and Dune Maintenance and Protection Plan, represent
adequate measures to protect the discussed resources. Enforcement
of these provisions will continue. 0
2. Areas of Environmental Concern: Ocean Hazards Areas
Ocean Hazards Areas of Environmental Concern are the second
broad category of AECs occurring in Sunset Beach. These are areas
along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline which have a special vulner-
ability to erosion or other adverse effects of sand, wind, and
water. Because of this vulnerability, improperly managed growth
and development could expose life and property to unreasonable
levels of danger. The Ocean Hazards in Sunset Beach, as discussed
on Pages 17-18 of this document include: 1) the ocean erodible
area; 2) the high hazard flood area; and 3) the inlet hazard area. n
37 0
0
0
aFor both the ocean erodible and inlet hazard areas, develop-
ment of any type is prohibited or tightly controlled by existing
regulations and enforcement provisions. It is the susceptibility
to change from the constant forces of waves, wind, and water upon
the sands that form the shore, which may cause these areas to be
considered "hazardous." These forces are magnified during storms
and can cause significant changes in bordering land forms (such as
dunes and beaches), as well as to any structures located on them.
It is the flexibility of these land forms (dunes and beaches),
however, which also lends protection from the magnified energies
of wind and water -as a first line of defense for development
located behind them. The important, basic and essential function
of the beach and dunes is their capacity for storing sand, serving
to absorb and thereby dissipate the initial impact of excessive
wind and waves.
Thus, it is important to consider policies which are aimed
both at protecting the land forms (dunes and beach) and any struc-
tures which are allowed to be constructed in those areas.
a. Policy Statements: Ocean Hazards Area
Generally, all land uses in the areas classified under the
"Ocean Hazards" category, i.e. ocean erodible, high hazard flood,
and inlet hazard areas, shall be consistent with the requirements
of existing State, -Federal,- and -Local regulations,- and the Sunset
Beach Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations, Dune Maintenance
( and Protection Plan, and the Town's requirements for -the National
Flood Insurance Program and the Town's building set -back line.
(� 1. Allowable land uses shall generally be designed and con
(j structed so as to maximize structural protection from wind and
water and to minimize damage to the protective land forms of dunes
and beaches.
2. Sunset Beach will continue to support comprehensive shore-
line management such as the Corps of Engineers beach renourishment
projects as a preferred control measure to combat oceanfront ero-
sion. Again, it should be noted, however, Sunset Beach has
experienced significant accretion instead of erosion.
3. When existing dunes are "added to," this shall be accom-
plished in a manner which minimizes damage to existing vegetation.
Any areas filled will be replanted immediately or stabilized
temporarily until planting can be successfully completed.
b. Implementation
Sunset Beach will continue to enforce its local regula-
tions as cited above, and continue to support the CAMA major and
minor permitting, and the Corps of Engineers 404 wetlands permit-
ting programs.
0
a38
3. Development in Areas with Constraints
The constraints to development in Sunset Beach were discussed
in Section I, pages 23-27 of this report. Elements posing con-
(�
straints to growth and development can relate to physical land
(VJ
capability constraints such as availability of developable land,
man-made or natural hazards, AECs, special fragile areas, or areas
with soils limitations. Also, the capacity of community facil-
ities and services such as water, sewer, solid waste disposal,
police and fire protection and parking can often pose constraints
to development. All of these are facilities which need to be
(�
considered by any community in proposing land development poli-
cies.
There are no known man-made hazards in Sunset Beach prohibit-
ing development and the natural hazards are closely linked to AECs
in both the Estuarine System and Ocean Hazards category, as are
also the "fragile" areas. Limitations noted were: certain soil
types, which were described by the Brunswick County Soil Surveys
as having limitations for septic tank suitability, and fragile
areas that coincide with the Town's AECs and which were included
(�
in the preceding policy discussion. The only major limitation in
terms of community facilities is the lack of a central sewer
system.
Since the barrier island comprises a.substantial portion of
the Town's jurisdiction, it is not suprising that virtually all of
this portion of the Town is located in the 100-year flood zone
area, i.e., subject to a one percent chance of major flooding in
any given year. Also, as stated previously, the Town has certain
"high velocity" or "V-16" flood zones identified on recent Flood
Insurance Rate Maps prepared by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (dated December 18, 1985). Both the 100- year flood area
and V-Zones pose possible serious constraints to development.
However, most of the V-Zones are located along the immediate
oceanfront in areas where virtually any type of development is
prohibited. But the 100-year flood zones include a significant
portion of the Town's jurisdiction and it is not practical to
prohibit development in all areas. However, within the extra-
territorial jurisdiction, there are substantial amounts of land
classified in Zone "C", Minimally Flooded areas, not subject to
the 100-year flood. Most of the land area in Zone "C" is platted
�J
into building lots.
As the discussion on pages 28-33 indicated, at current and
projected demand rates during "peak" utilization, Sunset Beach
may need expanded capacity in the provision of solid waste
disposal, police protection, and fire protection services during �}
the next 10 years. Also, the need for improved vehicular access, LJ
and parking will increase in significance during the planning
period because of present limitations on internal roadways.
Sunset Beach, was developed primarily as a quiet, relaxing,
U
39
I
afamily -oriented beach. This appeal attracts thousands of visitors
each year. It is vital, therefore, to the Town that this appeal
continues to be maintained. at the highest level of quality. In
consideration of all of the constraints relating to the physical
capacity of the land, and the capacity of community facilities,
the following policies are proposed:
a. Policy Statements: Physical Constraints to Development
1. Since in many cases, conditions posing physical limitation to
o growth and development in Sunset Beach are closely associated with
identified areas of environmental.concern or other sensitive
areas, the Town believes that these areas should generally be
protected from any adverse or potentially adverse development.
Also, development in certain areas which could result in unneces-
sary risks to the safety and protection of life and property
will be seriously evaluated. Specifically:
a. Sunset Beach's policies on development in fragile areas
are basically the same as those stated for Areas of
Environmental Concern.
b. Until such time as a central sewage collection and
disposal system can be developed, growth and development
will not be permitted in areas where septic tanks will not
function. All septic -,tanks -must be in compliance with
State Health Regulations through the Brunswick County
Health Department.
c. Development will be discouraged in areas where soils are
not suitable for proposed construction. Development may
U be constructed if corrective measures for stabilizing
building foundations are incorporated into development
design.
2. Allowable land uses in areas posing physical constraints
should be only those approved through the CAMA and Army Corps of.
Engineers "404" permitting processes and by the Town of Sunset
Beach's building and development ordinances, including provisions
for dune protection contained in local ordinances.
3. All uses allowed in the Town's Zoning Ordinance shall be per-
missable in the 100-year flood zones, provided that all new con-
struction and substantial improvements comply strictly to the
Town's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, which has been adopted
in conjunction with Sunset Beach's participation in the National
Flood Insurance Program.
4. In relation to capacity of community facilities, it shall be
the policy of the Town of Sunset Beach to attempt to provide
(� services, such as water, police protection and fire protection
�j (which is presently being provided by volunteers), solid waste,
40
collection, and traffic accessibility, to meet needs and antici-
pated peak demand throughout the planning period.
5. The Planning Board should give close attention to provisions
for adequate access and traffic circulation for all new
developments.
U
U
b. Policy Implementation
(�
1. The existing local ordinances and building regulations in
Sunset Beach shall continue to be enforced. Also, the Town will
continue to comply with State and Federal regulatory programs for
areas with physical constraints to development, including CAMA and
the Corps of Engineers 404 program.
2. In FY 1986, the Town will request that the area Traffic
Engineer, with the State Department of Transportation, consider
the designing and construction of turning lanes at the inter-
section of NC 179 and SR 1172 just west of the waterway bridge.
Also, a reduction in the speed limit to 25 mph on Main Street will
be requested.
3. The Town Planning Board will request technical assistance from
the Division of Community Assistance, of the North Carolina
Department of Natural Resources and Community Development, to help
(�
review subdivision plats and major development proposals.
1.J
4. Hurricane and Flood Evacuation�Needs and -Plans
D
This area will be treated in a separate section of this Land
Use Plan; which will include policy statements on hurricane and
flood evacuation as well as storm mitigation and post disaster
o
recovery policies.
5. Protection of Potable Water Supplies
Since July 1984, Sunset Beach has been receiving all of its
water supply from the Brunswick County water system, and the
existing deep wells are no longer the principal source of water
for the Town. However, during peak demand periods, the Town's old
deep wells are activated by the County system (which owns the
wells). But for most of the year, the wells are not utilized, and
development near them does not pose any hazards to the wells.
6. Use of Package Treatment Plants
('4
The Town of Sunset Beach has no definite plans for developing
�J
a centralized sewer system because of the extensive costs.
Currently, ground absorption systems are the main means of sewage
disposal for the Town. However, the Town does allow package
treatment plants which can comply with applicable environmental
regulations.
(�
41
I
a7. Stormwater Runoff
The Town of Sunset Beach shares the concern of the State
Division of Environmental Management (DEM) that stormwater runoff
from urbanized areas may be contributing to declining surface
water quality in some areas. Maintenance of water quality is of
n concern to Sunset Beach. The Town recognizes the value of water
'UI quality maintenance both in terms of protecting commercial and
recreational fishing resources and providing clean water for other
recreational purposes. The Town is also very much concerned about
j1 the potential adverse effect on water quality from large open -area
recreational developments. The Town will continue to enforce
local ordinances and state building regulations relating to storm -
water runoff resulting from development.
8. Marina and Floating Home Development
The development of bulkheads, marinas, and private boatslips
in Sunset Beach have generally been allowed and regulated by the
Town's Zoning and other development ordinances, as well as CAMA.
(� These uses will be continued as long as they are in compliance
with State, federal and local regulations. -
In recent years, Sunset Beach and other coastal communities
have become increasingly concerned over the issue of "floating
homes", i.e., waterborne vessels used.not only as "boats" but.as.
permanent domiciles. The legal aspects of this issue have been.
adebated in many areas.
In Sunset Beach, the issue of floating homes has not been a
significant problem and the Town has never developed any ordi-
nances or regulations regarding floating homes. However, the Town
is supportive of the State's policies on "floating structures" and
D believes that such structures should not be allowed within Public
Trust waters within its jurisdiction. Also, during the planning
period, the Town will consider the adoption of local regulations
nregarding floating homes.
iJ 9. Industrial Impacts of Fragile Areas
There are no conventional industrial impacts on fragile areas
in Sunset Beach and the Town does not anticipate any industrial
development.-
10. Development of Sound and Estuarine System Islands
Policies related to managing growth and development in these
(� environmentally sensitive areas are included in policy statements
�j regarding development in Areas of Environmental Concern and in
areas with physical constraints, particularly dealing with
"fragile" areas. Sunset Beach's concern for these mostly "marsh"
islands is reflected in the proposed Land Classification System
(see Section III of this Plan).
42
B. Resource Production and Management
1. Recreational Resources/Fisheries
In most coastal counties and towns, "resource production and
management" usually relates to agricultural, forestry, mining,
fisheries, as well as, recreational resources. In Sunset Beach,
however, recreational and fisheries resources are the only rele-
vant ones in the conventional sense. In resort settings such as
Sunset Beach, because of the abundant water areas (which are also
Estuarine and/or Public Trust Waters), recreational and fishery
resources quite often overlap. The overall, major recreational
resource is the "beach" and the attractiveness of the Atlantic
Ocean and, increasingly so, golfing. Fishing, both as a
recreational and commercial resource, is important to Sunset Beach
and to all of Brunswick County. Proper utilization of water
resources is of utmost concern to Sunset Beach. The Town,recog-
nizes the value of water quality maintenance both in terms of
protecting commercial and recreational fishing resources and pro-
viding clean water for other recreational purposes. Recreational
opportunities, such as boating, swimming, water skiing, surf
boarding, and sports fishing, are not only viable resources for
Sunset Beach, but also are important economic attractions for the
Town. The seasonally.influenced economy, as noted in Section I of
this plan, is dependent, to some extent, upon the continued
preservation and maintenance of these resources.
Projections for the 10-year planning period indicate growth both
in the permanent and seasonal populations of.Sunset Beach. Both
the aesthetics and recreational opportunities of the Town are
important resources which need to be protected and managed.
a. Policy Statements
. With the above -stated concerns in mind, the Town of Sunset
Beach adopts the following policy:
1. The Town supports current on -going State and federal pro-
grams designed to enhance the proper utilization of water resour-
ces within its jurisdiction.
b. Implementation
1. The Town will continue to enforce local regulations as
well as.support State and Federal initiatives, related to main-
taining and enhancing proper water use.
2. Off -Road Vehicles
It is important to Sunset Beach that the aesthetics of the
beach strand be maintained. It is also important to the Town that
the integrity of the island's sand dunes be maintained. The in-
trusion of off -road vehicles onto the strand and dunes is viewed
43
I
Q as being inconsistent with the management objective of maintaining
the quality and character of these sensitive areas.
In accordance with the general provisions of its Traffic Code,
the Town of Sunset Beach does not allow off -road vehicles on dunes
or on the shoreline area, with the exception of public service or
emergency vehicles. These provisions shall continue to be
enforced.
C. Economic and Community Development
The economic vitality of Sunset Beach, as stated previously,
relates directly to tourism and the Town's attraction as a resort
and retirement community. Second -home and building lot sales and
cottage rentals, which attract thousands of visitors each summer,
and to a lesser degree, day visitors from inland communities, are
important elements in the island's economy.
The land development pattern in Sunset Beach, as shown on the
attached Land Use Map, is nearly all residential. Nearly all of
the commercial development is located along N.C. 179 and Sunset
Boulevard. Although both the permanent and seasonal populations
are projected to increase, the overall land development pattern
will likely remain the same because of the vacant but platted
lots. Eventually, but not within the current planning period, all
development,..including.residential, commercial, etc., will be
limited in Sunset Beach because of limited availability of land
and the absence of centralized sewer. Issues currently before the'
Town concern the responsibility for service provisions, avail-
ability of support facilities such as water, sewer, parking, beach
(� access (vehicles and pedestrians) and economic impacts.
U Near the beginning of the 1985 Land Use Plan updating process
(February 1985), a questionnaire/survey for a 10% random sample of
Sunset Beach property owners was developed with 22 specific
questions. Most of these questions related to the Town's
community -wide and economic.development. The survey results and
pertinent issues will be summarized below, prior to presenting
proposed policies and implementation measures. (Also, see
Appendix 3.)
-- The five most serious problems to face Sunset Beach over
the next 10 years, in descending order of importance, are:
1) Planning/Development; 2) lack of sewer service; 3)
roads and drainage; 4) bridge access, and 5) parking.
-- Most respondents indicated that they would like to see a
Qcentralized sewer system provided in the Town.
-- Most appeared satisfied with the current Town -provided
services. However, notable concern was expressed about
street maintenance, planning & zoning, and mosquito
control.
n 44
U
rig
-- Most repondents indicated a willingness to pay higher D
taxes to increase or improve existing services.
-- The majority of respondents did not think public -provided
recreation to all ages was an important issue for the
Town. When asked what other recreational facilities other
than golf courses should be developed in the Town, "Tennis D
courts" and "None" received nearly equal responses.
-- on improving vehicular traffic, the majority of
respondents indicated that enforcement of existing laws
and regulations would be adequate.
-- Respondents did not look favorably on allowing parking on n
Main Street. U
-- Single-family dwellings, in a quiet, low -density setting,
were overwhelmingly indicated as the preferred urban
development type. Respondents indicated a desire to see
less commercial, and less multi -family developments.
The relevant policy areas to be addressed are discussed below,
along with the Town's policy position.
1. Local Commitment to Providing Services to Development
As areas develop, it is the policy of the Town that the
developer/owner share in the financial responsibility of providing
basic urban services. Within this current planning period, the
Town will be served by the Brunswick County water system but does
not expect to have a central sewer system. -The Town will remain
committed -to providing water service to new areas as they develop.
Since there is no evidence at this time that the current growth
absorption system is problematic, or projected to be during the
planning period, and because the citizens of Sunset Beach have
expressed a desire to maintain a low -density, single-family
environment, the Town will not pursue development of a centralized
sewer system at this time.
2. Redevelopment of Developed Areas:
Most of Sunset Beach has no need for consideration for rede-
velopment. .However, in some sections of the Town, older struc-
tures, including houses and motels, have been or may be torn down
to allow for the construction of new similar uses -on the same
site. In keeping with the dynamic character of the community,
Sunset Beach supports such activity as a positive re -use of land
resources, enhancing the Town as a whole. Such redevelopment
shall be permitted as long as the activity complies with the
spirit and intent of existing regulatory requirements. It is the
Town's policy that density allowances for redevelopment areas
conform to existing Town building and zoning regulations and the
Special CAMA Permit No. 36. (See Appendix 1.)
45
0
3. Desired Urban Growth Patterns
As it is very important that the atmosphere and character of a
quiet, relaxing family beach be maintained, Sunset Beach is not
interested in developing any manufacturing industries within the
Town. Also, intense commercial developments, beyond that neces-
sary to serve tourists, will not be encouraged. Commercial accom-
modations and similar residential development are desirable in the
Town. Residential development•is regarded as desirable for the
a Town, as long as no major or irreversible damage threatens any
environmentally sensitive area. Single-family detached dwellings
are overwhelmingly the predominant residential -type in Sunset
Beach, although recently more.multi-family units have been devel-
oped and others are proposed.
Currently, no mobile homes are allowed within the Town's
limits proper. However, mobile homes are allowed in the extra-
territorial jurisdiction and many units are currently located in
this area. This is especially true in the Sea Trails area.
a It is the Town's intentions, as reflected in its zoning ordinance
and zoning map, to allow a mixture of residential -type accommoda-
tions in a balanced manner.
11
0
I
I
0
Should Sunset Beach choose to annex this portion of its extra-
territorial jurisdiction, then both the Zoning Ordinance and
Zoning Map may -need to be modified, since then mobile homes would
be considered for allowable use within the Town limits. However,
a detailed annexation feasibility analysis needs to be done prior
to any consideration of annexation.
A matter which relates indirectly to urban qrowth patterns,
but one.of much concern to Sunset Beach, is community appearance.
The Town would like to see some actions taken to encourage more
responsive actions on the part of citizens.
a. Policy
(1) Since it is the desire of Sunset Beach to avoid incompat-
ible land uses, the Town will continue to enforce its current
ordinances and local building permit program to help achieve a
desired balance between commercial and residential development.
The Town will also continue to enforce the State CAMA permit
process and State Health Regulations regarding septic tank place-
ment (until such time as a central sewer system may serve the
entire Town).
(2) It is the belief of the Town of Sunset Beach that
residents of developed areas in the extra -territorial area make
substantial use of the Town's facilities; enjoy the benefits of
access to the Town's beach front; and share the community's
interests, but do not share the responsibility for the support,
maintenance, and future orderly development of the Town. It shall
be the policy of the Town of Sunset Beach, therefore, that such
areas be considered for annexation, if economically feasible.
46
b. Implementation
(1) The Town will continue to enforce its current land use
regulations to encourage development of the Town primarily as a
low density, quiet residential resort area with appropriate and
limited supporting retail and tourist -oriented services.
(2) In FY 86-87, the Town will seek planning grant assistance
from the Division of Coastal Management to prepare an Annexation
Feasibility Study for -selected areas in the current extra-
territorial jurisdiction.
( 3 ) In FY 87, the Town will seek assistance in developing, and
consider adopting, a'Community Appearance ordinance.
4. Commitment to State and Federal Programs
Sunset Beach is generally receptive to State and Federal pro-
grams, particularly those which either enhance or improve the
Town's facilities. The Town will continue to cooperate with such
programs, including CAMA. The North Carolina Department of
Transportation road and bridge improvement programs are very
important to Sunset Beach because of increasing traffic volumes
and resultant access problems during peak seasons. The Town looks
forward to the construction of a new high-rise bridge in the early
1990s by the N.C. DOT.
Examples of other State and Federal programs which are import-
ant to and supported by Sunset Beach include: dredging and
channel maintenance, as well as beach renourishment and restora-
tion (when needed), by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers; the NRCD
Beach Access Program; and Federal and State projects which provide
efficient and safe boat access for sports fishing.
5. Assistance to Channel Maintenance and Beach Renourishment
Proper maintenance of channels, particularly the Atlantic
Intra-Coastal Waterway, is very important to Sunset Beach because
of the impact of commercial and recreational fisheries and general
boating. Sunset Beach is supportive of the Corps of Engineers'
maintenance of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Although erosion has not been a problem at Sunset Beach, beach
nourishment is still an important concern. The Town recognizes
that beach erosion could, at some time, become threatening.
Sunset Beach is supportive of beach nourishment projects in the
area. Also, in 1985, the Town was directly involved in a local
renourishment project which included the planting of American
Beach grass and trees to stabilize the dunes. These plantings
have helped to maintain the stability of the sands. Assistance
for these plantings came from the County Agricultural Extension
Office.
47
I
I
I
I
I
In the future, the Town will continue to encourage local
efforts, and if necessary, seek Federal and State assistance in
support of beach nourishment projects.
6. Tourism
The importance of tourism to Sunset Beach is obvious, as has
been discussed in other parts of this plan. The natural resources
of the beach along the Atlantic Ocean and inland waterways which
continue to attract thousands to this island community each summer
as well as newly developing golf courses, are vital generators of
income through real estate sales and rentals. The tourist season
also provides employment for some Town residents and for some
residents of other parts of Brunswick County as well. According
to the Travel and Tourism Division, North Carolina Department of
Commerce, in 1984, travel and tourism accounted for $98,429,000 in
expenditures in Brunswick County compared -to $16.7 million in
1979. Although detailed figures are not available for Sunset
Beach, relative to its size, the island community probably gene-
rated a respectable percentage of this total. To simply say that
tourism is important in Sunset Beach would be a severe understate-
ment. Policy alternatives concerning support of tourism are few
in an area where it essentially forms the economic base. In fact,
all of the other policy statements under Economic and Community
Development relate to tourism. Therefore, Sunset Beach will con-
tinue to support and promote tourism as its main economic base.
The development of non -intensive recreational and commercial land
uses will be encouraged in order to enhance services for.the-
publ ic.
7. Beach and Waterfront Access, and Parking
Relatively free and open access to the ocean front and other
waterways is an important consideration for any beach community.
This is a fact which Sunset Beach recognized in the initial stages
of its development. There are 33 dedicated paths, located at the
end of most streets, providing public access to the beach. The
seven paths on the easternmost portion of the beach are 5-feet in
width and are marked with CAMA beach access signs. The remaining
26 paths are 10 feet in width, and are marked with white posts
with the word "Walkway." These paths provide pedestrian access
only. Town ordinances prohibit vehicular traffic on the beach.
There are also 10 dedicated paths providing public access to estu-
arine waters. The three on the western portion of the island are
30 feet wide. They are currently overgrown and not marked. The
seven on the eastern end of the island are 5 feet wide and are
marked by low yellow concrete markers.
Access to other water areas mainly for sports fishing is also
open to the public. There is one private pier on the island,
which has allowed parking and access for pier fishing and for the
beach. Also, the Town leases three (3) tracts of land for free
public parking and there is some paid commercial parking in the
beach area as well.
As the Town continues to grow, the easement access ways may
need to be improved in order to provide the dunes protection from
pedestrian traffic. Further, this is especially true for the
three estuarine access ways on the west end which are currently
overgrown. The Town will consider developing and adopting a
detailed beach and estuarine access plan. As a general policy,
the Town will continue in its attempts to provide adequate access
to the public, as well as seek means to provide boat launching
facilities on both the mainland and the island. Beginning in
FY87, the Town will apply for grant assistance to federal and
state agencies, as well as commit some local resources to helping
improve both beach access and parking.
D. Continuing Public Participation Policies
Sunset Beach recognizes that an important element in develop-
ing and implementing any local policies or plans regarding the use
of land in the Town, is involvement of the Town's citizenry. From
the initial stages of development of this 1985 update of the
Town's CAMA Land Use Plan, Sunset Beach has sought to provide open
opportunities for citizen input. Although public involvement was
generated through the Town Planning Board and through "public
information" meetings, advertised in local newspapers and open to
the general public, the principal vehicle for citizen input was
through a survey questionnaire.
Beginning in September 1984, the Sunset Beach Planning Board
received and developed suggestions on various topics which had
been presented before them and ideas related to growth and manage-
ment. From these discussions, this questionnaire was generated.
This questionnaire was received by the Town Council, and an addi-
tional inquiry was added as suggested by one member of that body.
Seventy-nine percent responded, and it appeared that the concerns
and viewpoints on issues had not significantly changed since the
1980 survey.
In February, 1985, a "Property Owner's Participation Question-
naire" was mailed, along with a letter of explanation, to 100
randomly selected owners of property in Sunset Beach (See Appendix
3). The questionnaire consisted of 22 questions, addressing
issues such as provision of public services (especially sewer),
beach access, recreational facilities, and the desired types of
urban growth and development patterns. Generally, the response
rates were good and the information was useful in developing poli-
cies (especially those dealing with economic and community devel-
opment, as discussed in the previous section).
Three public hearings were held during this Land Use Plan
update. Conversations were also held with individuals who came to
Town Hall during the planning period to ask questions or to ex-
press their concerns. These visits were usually related to issues
of continuing growth, such as parking, noise, traffic, garbage,
and building heights and sizes.
49
The preliminary draft plan, prior to submission to the CRC,
a was presented to the Town Board of Commissioners on December 15,
1986.
aIn addition to direct citizens' input through the public
meetings, information was received from representatives of various
agencies in the Sunset Beach -Brunswick County area. These
included the County Planning Department, Emergency Management
Office, County Health Department, and the.North Carolina Depart-
ment of Transportation.
aCurrently, the Planning Board is composed of five residents
living within the Town's jurisdiction. Throughout the plan
updating process, Sunset Beach has demonstrated its desire to keep
citizens informed of the planning process by giving them oppor-
tunities to provide input and thereby participate in the decision -
making process.
Policy choices are:
a. Sunset Beach believes that its Planning Board; which has regu-
larly scheduled meetings, all of which are open to the public,
provides opportunities for citizens to air their views and
concerns related to planning matters. The Board will continue
to be the primary vehicle for citizens' input.
b. The Town will continue to use published public notices to
inform citizens of pending decisions involving land use plan-
ning matters in order to provide opportunities for input.
D E. Sunset Beach Storm -Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery,
and Evacuation Plan
Sunset Beach's incorporated area consists of an elongated
Q island between Madd Inlet on the west and Tubb Inlet on the east.
On the mainland the Town limits run parallel to the Intracoastal
Waterway. It is best characterized as a family oriented vacation
o and second home community with seasonal populations reaching
nearly 8,700 persons during peak periods, in contrast with a
year-round population of no more than 200 (about 180 in 1985).
Existing commercial development consists of a fishing pier,
pavilion (with an arcade and shops), three grocery stores, three
real estate offices, two motels, an ABC store, two restaurants,
(� and a series of shops in a development on the mainland. In
1.1 addition, two golf course club houses have been incorporated into
the Town's boundaries.
0 50
!II
a
1. Hazard Areas at Sunset Beach
The Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC's) located at
Sunset Beach are divided into the following categories: (1) Inlet a
Hazard, (2) Ocean Erodible, and (3) Estuarine Shoreline. The
100-year flood plain is also a hazard area that should be
addressed in a mitigation discussion. (See Map 3, attached.)
a. Inlet Hazard AECs
At the ends of the island of Sunset Beach is a natural
hazard area that is especially vulnerable to flooding, erosion,
and other adverse effects of sand, wind, and tides because of the
proximity to migrating ocean inlets. The sections adjacent to
Tubbs Inlet and Madd Inlet are designated hazard areas and require
the same set backs that are required for the Ocean Erodible
AEC's.
D
Setback measurements begin at the first line of stable
vegetation and continue inland to a depth of 60 times the average
annual rate of erosion of two feet per year, or 120 feet.
n
u
b. Ocean Erodible AEC's
The Ocean Erodible Area is along the ocean front where a
substantial possibility of excessive erosion and fluctuating
shoreline exists. This AEC is based on a setback from the first
line of stable natural vegetation, plus an additional area where
a
erosion can be expected from wave action and storm surges. The
total AEC for the Ocean Erodible Area in Sunset Beach is basically-
60 times the average erosion rate of two feet per year (or 120
feet for large structures), plus a 100-year storm recession
a
average of 320 feet.
c. Estuarine Shoreline AEC's
Estuarine shorelines are the non -ocean shorelines which
are vulnerable to flooding or high winds where the shoreline AEC
extends 75 feet from the mean high water landward along the entire
northern edge of the island.
d. Flood Hazard AEC's
The National Flood Insurance Rating Maps refer to V-Zones
which correspond to the flood -prone areas that are susceptible to
high velocity wave surges. These are the "high hazard" flood
areas. Sunset Beach entered into the Regular Phase of the
National Flood Program in December 1985, with the publication of (�
new Flood Insurance Rate Maps showing flood -prone areas. The u
maps, prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Administration,
also shows substantial areas in the "minimally flooded" areas.
51
0
aThe remainder of the 100-year flood plain not included
within V-Zones are designated as "A" Zones. The 1985 map shows
most of Sunset Beach to be in an "A" Zone. Sunset Beach does not
D have a central sewage system, but one package system has been
installed within the extra -territorial jurisdiction. Individual
ground disposal septic tank systems are used to handle sewage.
Loss of a water source is not likely during a major storm.
2. Potential for Loss During a Storm
a The Town of Sunset Beach has an estimaed tax base of
about $121,000,000 (1986 tax year estimate). The increase has
been at the rate of 10% per year for the past six years due to new
construction. The average cost of the new single-family residence
is about $70,000, and no lots on the island are selling for less
than $35,000 with ocean front lots at $175,000.
a3. Flood Plain Management Regulations
The Town's National Flood Insurance Program includes
u provisions to minimize flood damage while a building is under
L! construction.
D (1) All new residential construction or substantial
improvements must be elevated to or above the base flood level in
"A" and "V" Zones (14 feet above MSL in "A" zone and 16.1 feet in
"V" zones). This elevation is measured at the lowest supporting
member in a "V" zone and at floor level in an "A" zone.
(2) Commercial buildings located in the "A" zone must be
D elevated to the base flood level and attached to pilings even if
the average elevation is above 14 feet, (none of the commercial
district is in a "V" zone) under the new FIRM.
(3) Open space of breakaway walls must be used below
base flood elevation in both "V" and "A" zones.
a (4) The design and installation of anchoring and pilings
must be certified by a registered engineer or architect when built
in a "V" zone and must be constructed in full compliance with the
North Carolina State Building Code, including the design -wind
requirements therein at any location in the Town.
a (5) No use of fill for structural support or to raise
the lot above the average elevation of the surrounding area is
permitted.
Sunset Beach has not to -date permitted mobile homes or
modular units within the Town limits. Some mobile homes iri the
extra -territorial jurisdiction are located outside of the flood
(� plain, and all are tied down and blocked to meet North Carolina
(j design -wind requirements for this area.
I
52
4. Storm Hazard Mitigation Policies
The island portion of the Town of Sunset Beach is
susceptible to significant damage from a hurricane or a storm of
similar magnitude. All of the island development is located in
areas that would be flooded with a 100-year storm. The entire
Town is subject to wind damage which accompanies storms of any
magnitude. In general, the Town's existing mitigation policies
follow the requirements of hazard mitigation planning as discussed
in "Before the Storm."
(1) All new development must meet as a minimum the
provisions of the North Carolina Building Code.
(2) The Town's zoning ordinance sets out requirements
for low density residential development by setting standards for
lot sizes, building heights, and building setbacks. The lack of a
central sewage treatment system has kept high rise developments,
which are permitted only in the business districts, from coming to
Sunset Beach. The tallest structure in Town is 35 feet.
(3) The Town's policies are in support of and are
consistent with State policies and regulations for development in
Areas of Environmental Concern.
(4) The Town's flood plain development policies conform
with all Federal and State requirements and are vigorously
enforced.
The Town of Sunset Beach enforces these stated policies
through its zoning ordinance, the Flood Ordinance, North Carolina
Building Code, and CAMA minor development process. Through these
policies and equipped with these tools for enforcement, Sunset
Beach is dedicated to the mitigation of future storm damage.
5. Hurricane Evacuation, Post -Disaster Recover
Note: The Town of Sunset Beach had previously developed
policies on hurricane evacuation and post -disaster recovery prior
to the submission of this 1985 Land Use Plan Update. The
hurricane evacuation plan and related policies are incorporated
into this plan as an Appendix. (See Appendix 4.)*
53
I
11
I
I
0
III
0
u
��I
SECTION
LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
I
SECTION III: LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
The land classification system provides a uniform way of look-
ing at how the use of land interacts with environmentally sensi-
tive areas and with the development needs -of a particular locali-
ty. It is not a strict regulatory device in the sense of a zoning
ordinance or zoning map. It represents more of a tool to aid in
understanding the relationships between various land use categor-
ies and how these relationships help shape local policy. Particu-
lar attention is focused on the intensity at which land is used
and the level of services needed to support that intensity. The
regulations for the Coastal Area Management Act state:
"The land classification system provides a framework to be
used by local government to identify the future use of all
lands in each county. The designation of land classes allows
the local government to illustrate their policy statements as
to where and to what density they want growth to occur, and
where they want to conserve natural and cultural resources by
guiding growth." (7B.0204) (a)
The five land classifications, along with a land classifica-
tion map, are therefore intended to serve as a visual representa-
tion of the policies stated in Section II of this plan. The map
depicting these classifications must be as flexible as the poli-
cies that guide them. (See the attached Land Classification Map,
Map 4.)
Only three of the Coastal Resources Commissions' five -land
classifications are relevant to the land development policies of
Sunset Beach. They are identified and described below.
QA. DEVELOPED
The developed class of land use provides for continued inten-
sive development and redevelopment of existing cities. Areas to
be classified as "developed" include lands currently developed for
urban purposes or approaching a density of 500 dwellings per
square mile that are provided with usual municipal or public ser-
vices, including at least public water, sewer, recreational facil-
ities, police and fire protection. Areas which exceed the minimum
density but which do not have public sewer service may best be
a divided into a separate class to indicate that although they have
a developed character, they will need sewers in the future.
Within Sunset Beach, the areas complying with the above
definition, except for the provision of central sewage service,
include: the existing residential and commercial areas on both
the mainland and island, including portions of the extra-
territorial area. Lots in these areas are nearly completely
developed, and the undeveloped acreage could be developed by or
before 1995.
54
a
9
B. TRANSITION 0
Transition land is classified as those lands providing for
future intensive urban development within the ensuing ten years on a
lands that are most suitable and that will be scheduled for provi-
sion of necessary public utilities and services. They may also
provide for additional growth when additional lands in the devel-
oped class are not available or when they are severely limited for i!
development.
Lands classified "transition" may include:
a
1. lands currently having urban services, and
2. other lands necessary to accommodate the urban population
and economic growth anticipated within the planning juris-
diction over the next ten years.
Lands classified for the latter reason must:
a. be served or be readily served by water, sewer, and
other urban services, including streets, and
b. be generally free of severe physical limitations for
urban development.
The "transition" class should not include:
a. lands of high potential for agriculture, forestry, or
mineral extraction, or land falling within extensive
rural areas being managed commercially for these uses,
D
when other lands are available;
b. lands where urban development might result in major or
irreversible damage to important environmental,
cultural, scientific, or scenic values; or
c. land where urban development might result in damage to
natural systems or processes of more than local
Q
,concern;
LJ
and
d. lands where development will result in undue risk to
life or property from natural hazards or existing land
uses, e.g., frequently flooded areas.
The lands in Sunset Beach that will be classified "transi-
tional" are those areas adjacent to the currently developed areas
on the mainland (including the extraterritorial area), and island
area. This includes some areas where lots have recently been
platted, as well as some of the unsubdivided land on the mainland.
The relationship between the "developed
and
transition" clas-
sification is usually an important
one. The first class is meant
to define the already intensively
developed areas and/or those
areas where intensive urban -type development is
likely to occur.
Transitional lands are those areas
where public
investment deci-
sions will be required to provide
the necessary
urban services.
55
I
I
it
I
0
I
�I
I
I
it
These become important areas to closely monitor. The Coastal
Resources Commission has further clarified this relationship as
described below.
The Developed and Transition classes'should be the only lands
under active consideration by a county or municipality for inten-
sive urban development requiring urban services. The area within
these classes is where detailed local land use and public invest-
ment planning will occur. State and federal expenditures on proj-
ects associated with urban development (water, sewer, urban street
systems, etc.) will be guided to these areas. Most of the "trans-
itional" lands on Sunset Beach already have access to the Town's
water system (including the extraterritorial area) and are
included in the municipal service area, i.e., police and fire
protection (exept the extraterritorial area).
C. CONSERVATION
The "conservation" class provides for effective long-term
management of significant limited or irreplaceable areas. This
management may be needed because of its natural, cultural, recre-
ational, productive, or scenic values. This class should be
limited to lands that contain: major wetlands; essentially
undeveloped shorelands that are unique, fragile, or hazardous for
development; necessary wildlife habitat or areas that have a high
probability for providing necessary. habitat conditions; publicly -
owned water supply watersheds and aquifers; and forestlands that
are undeveloped and will remain undeveloped for commercial pur-
poses.
In Sunset Beach, the lands described as the following Areas of
Environmental Concern are listed in this classification: Coastal
Wetlands; Estuarine Shorelines (excluding areas adjacent to
already -developed lots); Inlet Hazard Areas; and the Ocean
Erodible Area.
D. CONSERVATION SPOIL
This is a subclass of conservation and will be used to classi-
fy lands which would generally be suited for use as spoil areas
for the maintenance of major waterways, but not for other uses.
This would include areas used, or to be used, by the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers.
E. OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS
According to planning guidelines, there are two other land use
classifications, neither of which are applicable in Sunset Beach.
They are described below:.
56
1. Community 0
The "community" classification provides for clustered land
uses to meet housing, shopping, employment, and public service a
needs within the rural areas of'a county. It is usually charact-
erized by a small grouping of mixed land uses which are suitable
and appropriate for small clusters of rural development not
requiring municipal sewer service. (�
2. Rural
The "rural" class provides for agriculture, forest management,
mineral extraction, and other low -intensity uses on large sites,
including residences where urban services are not required and
where natural resources will not be unduly impaired. These are
lands identified as appropriate locations for resources management
and allied uses: land with high potential for agriculture,
forestry, or mineral extraction; lands with one or more limita-
tions that would make development costly and hazardous; and lands
containing irreplaceable, limited, or significant natural, recrea-
tional, or scenic resources not otherwise classified.
I
I
I
ill
I
57 n
I
SECTION IV
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN
POLICIES AND LAND CLASSIFICATION
0
0
I�
I
11
L
I
I
I
L,
I
r�
a
SECTION IV: RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES AND LAND CLASSIFICATIONS
After the Land Classification System is developed, the Coastal
Resources Commission requires each land use plan to relate the
Policy Section to the land classification map and to provide some
indication as to which land uses are appropriate in each class.
A. DEVELOPED AND TRANSITION CLASSES
As discussed in Section I, Analysis of Existing Conditions,
the development of primarily single-family structures is likely to
continue in Sunset Beach and in its extraterritorial area. The
developed and transition classes were specifically designed to
accommodate these projected more intensive developments and land
uses. This may include commercial uses, parks and open space,
community facilities, and transportation facilities. Hazardous or
offensive uses, such as power plants, airports, and storage
facilities, will not be in these classes. Where identified con-
straints, such as poor soils, AIWW easements, or other fragile
areas occur within these classes, the areas will not be considered
as Developed or Transition.
B. CONSERVATION AND CONSERVATION SPOIL CLASSES .
The Conservation Class is designated to provide for effective
long-term management of significant limited or irreplaceable areas
which include wetlands; undeveloped shorelines that are unique,
fragile, or hazardous for development; wildlife habitat areas;
publicly -owned watersheds and aquifers; undeveloped forestlands;
and cultural and historical sites. Policy Statements under
Resource Protection and Resource Production and Management issues,
address the Town's intentions concerning the Conservation Class.
The Conservation Spoil Class will apply to lands which must be
managed on a long-term basis, but are suitable as spoil sites for
the maintenance of major waterways, including the Atlantic
Intracoastal Waterway, by the Corps of Engineers.
58
I
APPENDIX 1
I
0
�I
L'
E
L
Coastal Resources Commission
PERMIT
For Major Development In An Area Of Environmental Concern
(Re: N.C.C.S.113A•118) Permit No. 36
Permit Class
Issued to:Town of Sunset Beach Modified
P.O. Box 221, Sunset Beach, N.C. 28459
This permit authorizes major development in Brunswick County, N.C.
At AIWW at Sunset Beach SR 1172 Bridge as requested in the permittee's
application dated 417178 subject to
the conditions set forth below.
#1
That the town of Sunset Beach not permit any development within city limits Including an on
site disposal on lots less than 15,000 square feet until such a time that a central sewage treatment
facility can be utilized. This condition shall not apply to the installation of a single septic tank
system serving a single family residence not to exceed four (4) bedrooms on a lot or tract of land
which on the effective date of the original permit issued July 27.1978, is specifically described in
deed, contract, or other instrument conveying fee title or which is specifically described in a
recorded plat.
Signed by the authority of
This permit terminates on: December 31, 1981 the Chairman of the Coastal
Resources Commission
Issuing Date: December 28, 1978 Kenneth Stewart
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL
RESOURCES & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Mr. Wallace Martin
CAMA Officer
Town of Sunset Beach
P. O. Box 221
Sunset Beach, N.0 28459
Dear Mr. Martin:
I am responding to your request fora clarification of Condition No.1 CAMA Major Development
Permit No.36, issued to the Town of Sunset Beach on December 28, 1978 as a modification to the
original permit Issued by the Coastal Resources Commission on July 27, 1978. A copy of this con-
dition is enclosed.
For Lots larger than 15,000 square feet, no specific conditions apply other than existing local,
state or federal rules. No development is allowed on lots smaller than 15,000 square feet until a
central sewage system is operative. There Is one and only one exception to this condition.
Development may be allowed on lots smaller than 15,000 square feet where all of the following
conditions are met:
(a)a single septic tank system is involved;
(b) a single family residence is being serviced;
(c) no more than four bedrooms are allowed, and;
(d) each of the above occurs on lots recorded as of July 27, 1978.
This rule excludes duplexes and multifamily uses on lots smaller than 15,000 square feet, multi-
ple septic tank systems. and single family residences with more than four bedrooms.) can also ad-
vise you that although the permit on which these condition is based expires on December 31,
1981, the permit conditions, in particular Condition No.1, will remain effective until the Town Is
served by a central sewage treatment facility.
If 1 can make any of these points clearer, please contact me.
Sincerely,
Kenneth D. Stewart
1
=7
L' �` APPENDIX 2
SUNSET BEACH (See pg;. 20 for-explanati on) Inz .-
ZONING MAP ov
2
.00 ev
c lz
LA" tA AMA
AC40V RE390MAC
RC40V ^MAC"
AW-1
al. �� 7
CYX
'.lD INLET
MIZ-3
IN '44-COASTA,
_ WATER WAV
IUBBS INLET
ATLANTIC OCEAN
ilk
APPENDIX 3
0
TOWN OF SUNSET BEACH
220 Shoreline Drive W.
Sunset Beach, N.C. 28459
-Phone 919-579-6297 -
February 8, 1985
DDear Pronert_v Owner.:
r( In 1980, the Town of Sunset Beach undated its second Land
Use Plan as a guideline for Town development. The time has come
under state statu;.e to update the 1980 plan, so we are currently
n _gathering information by sending a questionnaire to selected
U property owners.
There are a number of important issues to be considered.
For instance: how will the Town _prepare for population growth
in the future; what about roads, bridges, housincj, zoning,
environment, and access to the beach? Before deciding these
issues, we would like to hear the opinions of the Sunset Beach
residents and property owners.
As a result, you, alone with other Sunset Beach taxpayers
and residents, are being asked to dive your opinions on land use.
Your name was chosen from an official listing of taxpayers by the
use of a random numbers table. Since you were chosen in this
(� sample for public participation, it is very important that each
L,1 questionnaire be completed and returned. Your name will never be
placed on the questionnaire, and as a result, your answers will
�j be strictly confidential.
U .
Enclosed is a stamped envelope for your convenience in
returning this inruiry. Our closing date for receiving this
information is March 31, 1985.
If you have any questions, please call the Town Hall at 919-
(1 579-6297.
..Sincerely y urs
a//,ter �.• ,.✓///
Wallace M tin.
Town r.ana -r
11M/ob
Enclosures: 2
U
3
Appendix 3, Cont'd.
PROPERTY OWNER'S PARTICIPATION QUESTIONAIRE
1. Do you live in Sunset Beach as a full time resident? (Yes) (No) Check answer
a
2.
Rate the services provided by the town on a scale from 1 to 5,with 1 as the lowest
or worst rating and 5 as the highest or best rating. Comment on ways to improve.
4
Street Maintenances 1 2 3 4 5 194 15 Yes = 31
6 17 24 13 6
3
Plann�ng and Zoning: 1 2 3 4 5 191 4
Police `protection: 1 2 3 4 5 272 3
7
5
Garbage Collection: 1 2 3 4 5 267 2
1
Building Inspection: 1 2 3 4 5 174 4
6
Water Service: 1 2 3 4 5 270 3
2
Mosquito Control: 1 2 3 4 5 182 10
3.
Would you support an increase in taxes to improve those services rated 1 or 2 ? (Yes)
Yes = 31 No = 24
4.
What services or facilities do you feel that Sunset Beach should be providing that
are not provided now?
Sewage = 12 None = 11 Parking = 5
n
S.
Why -did you choose Sunset Beach as a place to live or invest in property?
jU}
(a) Pleasant surrondings 41 (e) Low taxes 13
(b) Mild climate 24 (f) Quiet community 47
(c) Family beach 59 (g) Other Lack of. Condos/Low Density - 7
(d) Pontential growth 15
6. Do you think that publicaccess to the foreshore (area between the high water mark
and the low water mark) at Sunset Beach is adequate? (Yes) (No)
59 10
7. Would you support a taxincreaseto improve beach access in the form of increased
n
public parking on the island?' (Yes) (No) When you consider parking for Sunset
u
Beach citizens only would your responselbe the same to question 0 77 (yes) (No)
-
6 60
8. Do you believe that there is adequate participation by the public in town decision
making? (Yes) (No) Have you ever attended a meeting of the Town Council? (Yes) (No)
Yes=4 Yes-12 17 49
No=13 No=17
9. Do you know the name of the mayor 53 .a council member 45,the chairman of the
planning board 19 ,or the chief of police 24 ?
10. Looking forward to the fiscal year 1986 when a county wide revaluation of property
will take place would you support a program of keeping the existing tax rate and
appropriating the excess revenue for the purpose of paving roads on an established
priority basis within the town? (Y s) (N
ll. Does the lack of a sewage system in the face of tremendous growth in single family
houses create a concern for you? (Yes) (No) How serious could this problem become
40 28
over the next five years in your opinion?
Appendix 3, Cont'd.
12.
Knowing that there are growth pressures on the entire coastal region,what
type of growth would you prefer if you could control the construction?
13.
No Condo = 13 Single Family = 46
Do you feel that a high level bridge to allow a flow of vehicular traffic
uninterrupted would be justified in the interest of public health and safety
at Sunset Beach? (Yes) (No) (N/A)
32 35 4
14.
Do, you feel that the lack of recreational facilities for all ages is a
problem that should be addressed in a town that depends mainly on tourism
to generate business? (Yes) (No) Upon completion of the second regulation
16 48
golf course touching the town limits of Sunset Beach at the western and
(�
!
Lj
northern entrance to the town,what other recreational facilities would you
suggest? .
Tennis = 29 None = 21
15,
Sunset Beach is one of the very few accreting islands on the N.C. coast. If
serious erosion threatened the island would you be willing to support erosion
control projects with tax funds? (Yes) (No)
52 16
Q.16.
In what ways do you think vehicular traffic can be better controlled in the
town of Sunset Beach? Enforce Laws = 11: OK as is = 11
j
17.
Poor drainage is a problem on some of the streets in town,would you support
�j
the use of tax dollars to solve these problems on a budgeted basis with the
most needed being addressed first? (Yes) (No)
Il
60 9
}�
le.
Do you feel that construction work should be allowed on Sundays? (Yes) (No)
15 53
19.
Do you feel that itinerant merchants should be allowed td operate within the
u
Sunset Beach town limits? (Yes) (No)
14 52
20.
List five problem areas that you anticipate being the most serious for the
Town of Sunset..Beach over the next five years in order of their seriousness.
1. Development $ Planning = 43
2. Sewage = 30 s
3. Roads/Drainage = 24
4. Water = 20
{-(
gParking = 16
21.- Do you feel that parking should be permitted along main street with all of
the pedestrian traffic in that area? Yes 9
No 57
22. Which of the following types of development
would you like to
see more or less of:
Single family detached units
More 64
Less
5
QSingle
family multi -unit (condominium)
More 5
Less
60
Multi -Family rental:
{{{---►►►
1 (
Duplex
More 12
Less
50
LApartments
More 2
Less
60
Commercial: .
Hotels More 6 Less 56
Restaurants More 25 Less 35
r-� Retail More 21 Less 41
i1 Lounges More 8 Less 54
APPENDIX 4
IV. SUNSET BEACH HURRICANE EVACUATION PLAN
A. Purposes
(1) To be, organized to minimize the danger to the public and the
destruction of property, after --a storm warning.
(2) To identify and assign basic responsibility and out-
line procedures to be followed by Town officials, personnel,
and the Brunswick County Emergency Management Agency during
a declared hurricane emergency.
(3) To provide for an orderly and timely evacuation of Sun-
set Beach by residents and visitors during a declared emer-
gency requiring this action.
B. Phases During A Hurricane Emergency
(1) Hurricane Watch - A storm is developing and a possible
threat to the area exists. Lead time of 24 hours is generally
given before any threat is recognized. The path of the storm
and its intensity are observed during this period.
(2) Hurricane Warning - A warning is issued if it appears
that in tracking the storm and measuring its speed and direct-
ion that it will reach a specific coastal area within 24 hours
or less.
(3) Evacuation Ordered - The mayor or Town Administrator
will review all the reports and order evacuation during or
after the Hurrican Warning.
(4) Complete Evacuation and return to Emergency Operation
Center.
(S) After the Storm - The threat has passed and the time
has come to assess the damage and begin re-entry to the Island
if it is declared safe.
�j C. Procedures
r (1) The Emergency Operations Center will be on the mainland
at the office of the Sunset Beach Police.
s
(2) The Brunswick County Emergency Management Agency will be
0 . -
used for weather advice.
(3) The beach section of the town will be divided into five
sections for notification and planning with at least one unit
responsible for each section.
D. Duties and Responsibilities
Hurricane Watch
Response: Assignment:
Town personnel and volunteers
Administrator
on standby
Advise residents and visitors
Mayor or
to begin preparation for hurri-
Administrator
cane emergency, through notifi-
cation by sections as outlined;.
rescue squad and volunteer fire
department maybe asked to help
communicate with affected persons
Advise contractors to tie down
Inspection
all materials at the construct-
Department
ion site
Fill all town vehicles and equip-
Police Chief
ment with fuel
Check all communications equip-
Police Chief
ment
Schedule with Brunswick County
Mayor or
Emergency Management Communica-
Administrator
tions intervals for.the Emerg-
ency Operations Center to re-
ceive reports and activate the
Center for constant contact
Staff Town Hall for information
Administrator
flow
Check emergency power generator
Police Chief
at the Operations Center for
readiness
Keep elevated water tank full
Water System
Operator
Establish evacuation route and
traffic control points in keep-
Police Chief
ing with county plan
7
Hurricane Warning
Response: Assignment:
Final check on fuel in storage Police Chief
tank and town vehicles
Check status of designated Police Chief
center for evacuees
Communicate with County Emerg- Police Chief
ency Management Agency
Evacuate invalids, and any Rescue Squad
person needing help Police Chief
Volunteer Fire
Department
Evacuation
Response: Assignment:
State of Emergency exists Mayor or
Administrator
Traffic control established
at critical points - Inter-
Police Chief
section of 179 and Sunset
Boulevard
Inform residents and visitors
Police Chief
that an evacuation order has
Rescue Squad
been issued and tell them the
Volunteer Fire
hour that the bridge will be
Department
closed and tied down
Cut off water line supply to
Water system
the Island
Operator
Check to be sure final evac-
Police Chief
uation of residents has been
and
completed
Assistants
Ask Brunswick Electric Member-
ship Corporation to turn off
Administrator
electric power to area
Establish security road block
Police Chief
at the bridge
Evacuation Complete - Hurricane impact imminent
Rl
After the Storm
Response:
Assignment:
A team, appointed by the
Building Inspect -
Mayor or Administrator
or, Water operat-
inspect the island for
ions Manager, Police
health and safety and
Chief, Mayor
makes a decision to allow
re-entry if safe
Coordinate the re-estab-
Administrator
lishment of critical town
services
Implement a system to allow
Police Chief
property owners and perma-
nent residents back on the
island
Initiate damage assessment
Administrator
process for State and Federal
disaster Declaration and
report"to Brunswick County
Following the Brunswick
Police Chief
County Plan coordinate
patrol functions with
National Guard and County
Sheriff's Department
Allow re-entry of property
Mayor or
owners and permanent resid-
Administrator
ents as soon as practical
Request Brunswick Electric
Administrator
Membership to check and
restore electrical power
to the island
Restore water service to
Water system
the island
Operator
Start post -disaster plan
Mayor/Administrator
E
0
ci
Police Department Hurricane Procedure
Condition:
Action:
Hurricane Watch
Gas all town vehicles and
equipment; notify any aux-
iliaries of impending emer-
gency
Hurricane Warning
Meet with Administrator and
Mayor for final briefing at
the Emergency Operations
Center; file request with
Brunswick County and North
Carolina Highway Patrol for
assistance if evacuation
becomes necessary
Evacuation
After ordered, start house
to house notification by
sections; assign someone to
each section to work on
notification; report anyone
refusing to evacuate to
Mayor or Town Administrator; -
hand out maps to evacuation
center; continue to coordinate
with Brunswick County Emergen-
cy Management; determine from
Coast Guard and North Carolina
Fisheries whether or not patrols
of the waterway and sounds has
been established by the County
During the Storm
Stand by at Emergency Operations
Center
After the Storm
Establish checkpoints and road-
blocks; assist in patrolling
sound and waterways as necess-
ary; Police Chief assist in post -
storm damage assessment team;
start re-entry when authorized
for official residents and
property owners only; patrol to
avoid looting, and coordinate
with National Guard unit if they
have been called to the scene
10
f E. Sunset Beach Evacuation Route
Sunset Beach is served by one major route, NC Highway 179.
This is a two-lane facility that would be fed during evacuation
by single lane barge bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway. The
evacuation route is North along Highway 179, then North on High-
way 904 to Highway 17 at Grissettown; then North on Highway 17
to the first traffic light in Shallotte, then West on Highway
130 to the West Brunswick High School. (see map, exhibit #3)
The capacity of a two-lane roadway under ideal conditions
is 2,000 passenger vehicles per hour counting both directions.
The highest flow that can be maintained for short periods of time
without a breakdown in flow is about 70% of this ideal figure, or
1,400 cars per hour. The ability of the floating bridge to hand-
le the evacuating traffic forms a part of a barrier to traffic
flow process, and consequently, is a constraint to traffic flow.
Futhermore, if gale winds reach 45 to 55 mph the bridge tender
closes the bridge to vehicular traffic, and if the tide rises to
three feet above normal high tide, the aprons of the bridge do not
rest on the fixed portion of the bridge. If traffic is allowed
to flow, it is estimated that no more than 500 vehicles per hour
could safely cross the bridge in an evacuation movement. On a
peak day with all rental units occupied, it is estimated that
10,800 people could be on the island. This figure includes 7,000
day visitors. Using a norm of 2.5 persons per car, the total
number of cars to be evacuated would be 4,320 vehicles.
The large proportion of day visitors would evacuate at the
Hurricane Warning stage. Only those who are endlessly curious
would remain, and approximately 80% of those living nearby would
leave the beach because of the impending storm. Departure on the
part of the day visitors would leave approximately 5,200 people
to be evacuated.
Of those vacationers renting on the beach it is estimated that
( 15% of those would leave immediately upon hearing the Hurricane
Warning. This would reduce the number to 4,775, or 1,910 vehicles
to be evacuated.
11
s
C•:
itA 0
0
EVACUATION ROUTE
WEST BRUNSWICK HIGH SCHOOL
EXHIBIT #3 Page 18 A
N
r-I
Since the bridge will safely carry about 500 cars per
hour, it will take about four hours to evacuate the island
during a peak period after the announcement has been made.
Should the tide pattern be one of excessively high
tides or gale force winds accompanying the land fall of
the storm make the bridge inoperable, more advance notice
of the intention to evacuate would be given.
F. After the Storm
Sunset Beach plans for rebuilding a community after a
destructive storm in three distinct phases.
(1) Emergency Period - Immediately following the
n storm, the principal focus should be on restoring
u public health and safety as quickly as possible and
studying the nature and extent of damage for which
federal and state aid might be available.
(2) Restoration Period - [leeks and months after a
hurricane disaster the town should concentrate on
D procedures for restoring community facilities, such as
roads, utilities such as water and electricity, along
with essential businesses to return the area to normal.
a(3) Replacement Period - Depending on the extent of
damage incurred, this period could last for a long time.
This phase involves rebuilding a community.
It is essential that the local officials understand the
U federal -state -local procedures for providing assistance so
that local damage assessment and reconstructin efforts are
eligible for aid. The Disaster Relief Act of 1974 authorizes
support for reconstruction activities provided certain guide-
lines are followed.
(1) The local damage assessment team survey the damage
and report to the Brunswick County Emergency Management Co-
ordinator.
13
(2) The County in turn compiles and summarizes the na-
ture and extent of damage and reports to the North Caro-
lina Division of Emergency Management.
(3) DEM gathers all local -data and makes recommendations
to the Governor for State action.
(4) The Governor may request an "emergency" or "disaster"
status be declared by the President. This declaration
makes various federal resources available.
(5) Federal Relief programs operate on time frames for
application and completion, and must be met to receive aid.
It has been learned that earlier disaster assistance pro-
grams provided aid to rebuild in the same way as existed before
the disaster occurred. By so doing this policy tended to foster
recurring errors that encouraged the same mistakes.
Consequently, executive order #1198 (Flood Plain Management)
directs all federal agencies to avoid either directly or indirect-
ly funding future unwise development in flood plains.
Under the Disaster Relief Act communities can be required to
take specific actions to mitigate future flood losses before
granting relief assistance.
The following procedures should be followed in order to meet
all federal and state requirements for assistance.
Damage Assessment Team
This group should be composed of individuals who are quali-
fied to give reliable estimates of the original value of
the buildings and an estimated cost of repairs for the su -
stained damage.
The damage assessment team shold include the building ins-
pector, a local property appraiser or broker, a building
contractor, and an architect or engineer. All of these
team members should be community volunteers except for the
town employee.
14
0
These individuals should be contacted prior to the emer-
gency, because the services of these g y, qualified individuals
n
ILII
will be in great demand after the disaster.
Damage Assessment Requirement
A realistic estimate of the amount of damage could be ex-
pressed in terms of (a) number of buildings damaged, (b)
amount of damage by building type, (c) estimated total
dollar loss, and (d) loss by insurance.
estimated covered
Since this will take considerable time, the initial damage
be
assessment should a visual survey of damaged structures.
The extent of damage incurred should be identified with the
Dprobable
cause (wind, flooding, wave action, etc.) of this
damage.
Damage can be classified in the following manner:
Destroyed - (repairs would exceed 80% of the value)
Major Repairs - (work would cost more than 30% of the
value)
Minor Repairs - (uninhabitable, but work would cost
less than 30% of the value)
UHabitable
- (water, electricity available and sanitary
system functional with minor structural
n
�J
damage less than 15% of the value to repair)
Damages should be recorded on a map showing location and class-
ifidation of damage by some coding mechanism.
(1) The commercial buildings and residential structures
Dshould
be summarized by category.
(2) The value of each damaged structure should be multi-
plied by the following percentage for each category.
Destroyed - 100%
Major Repairs - 50%
Minor Repairs - 25%
Habitable (Damaged) - 10%
(3) The total of all damages should be reported to the
Brunswick County Emergency Management Coordinator.
(4) The estimated value loss covered by hazard insurance
i
should be determined by a system of averages using esti-
mates of coverage furnished by the County.
15
Organization of Recovery Operations
ZFollowing the emergency operations to restore public
health and safety, and the initial damage assessments
are completed, the restoration and reconstruction
phase should begin. The Town Council should establish
some policy guidance on the following matters.
1 - Establishing re-entry procedures
2 - Overall restoration schedule
3 - Information to the public and owners
4 - Commencing cleanup, debris removal
and utility restoration
S - Undertaking repair and restoration
of essential public facilities and
services in accordance with develop-
ed priorities
16
Reconstruction Policies
Returning to the Beach:
1 - Re-entry of residents and property owners
should not be allowed until initial damage
assessment is completed, and the beach section
of the town is safe to re-enter.
2 - An identification system will be implement-
ed for re-entry to the beach for property owners
until the emergency period is officially lifted.
Permits:
1 - All buildings suffering major damage as de-
fined shall be repaired to conform with the North
D Carolina Building Code, Sunset Beach Zoning Ordi-
nance, and Sunset Beach Flood Plain Management
Regulations.
2 - Building permits will be automatically issued
to conforming structures not located in the AEC's.
3 - All structures with minor damage shall be per-
mitted to repair to the original state before the
storm.
4 - For areas where the construction and use require-
ments appear adequate, permits shall be issued in
accordance with permit policies 1, 2, and 3, above
for lands located in the AEC's. If it appears that
conditions and -requirements have not been met, no
permit will be issued for repair of non -conforming
structures located in the AEC while the town is given
time to assess the damages.
Restoration of Public Facilities
1- Broken water lines should be repaired as soon as
possible and disinfected to assure a potable water
supply.
17
2 - Electric power lines should be repaired and all
lines and utility poles that are down should be re-
placed before any re-entry to the island is permitted.
If overhead power lines along Main Street are seriously
damaged, the Town should negotiate with Brunswick Elec-
tric Membership Company to place these lines underground
in the restoration of power.
3 - In the event of a severe storm that could possibly
wash our or place sand and debris over the causeway
and Main Street, the Town should have a letter of agree-
ment with the North Carolina Department of Transportation
providing cost reimbursement to the Town for doing these
emergency repairs on these state roads in a timely manner.
I
APPENDIX 5
I
I
III
0
0
0
SUNSET BEACH
LAND USE PLAN UPDATE, 1985
Analysis of 1980 Policy Statements/Implementation Actions
The CAMA Land Use Plan for coastal communities is essentially a
policy document aimed at guiding localities toward sound growth
management. Because circumstances, conditions, and issues change
over time, the Coastal Resources Commission, under State law,
requires the local land use plans to be updated every five years in
order to "take a second look" at old policies for their relevance as
well as examine newly emerging trends and concerns. The Commission
requires for all updates an assessment of the previous policy state-
ments and implementation steps taken to effectuate them. The 1980
Plan Update was prepared in a different format and included only one
direct policy statement, two implementation statements, and three
expressions of policy objectives.
DEVELOPMENT ISSUES
Policy/Implementation
1. Policy Objective: To give the
highest priority to the preservation
of the low tidal marshland.
2. Policy Objective: To give a
high priority to the preservation
and management of the high tidal
marshland so as to safeguard and
perpetuate their biological,
economic, and aesthetic values.
Status/Relevancy
Actions
1. Ongoing concern.
2. Ongoing concern.
3. Policy Statement: To preserve 3. Ongoing concern.
and manage estuarine waters so as .to
safeguard and perpetuate their bio
logical, economic, and aesthetic
values.
4. Policy Objective: To protect
public rights for navigation and
recreation, and to preserve and
manage the public trust waters so as
to safeguard and perpetuate their
biological, economic, and aesthetic
value.
4. Ongoing concern.
0 19
Status/Relevancy
Policy/Implementation Actions
5. Implementation Strategy: During 5. Not implemented.
the year left with the nearby land-
fill, join in a regional planning
concept -through the central organi-
zation of governments and apply for
grants and participate with the
other governmental units in studying
better ways to handle solid waste.
6. Implementation Strategy: At a 6. Not implemented.
time when erosion threatens an area
and an equitable plan can be devised
to disburse funds to all affected
property owners on the same basis,
the town will probably appropriate
funds for assistance, provided they
are convinced that their investment
will help.
20
dft
L
--j -
4"
OR
4% Its lob
_T
L
-77 41, �_/
Ir
J
(`may/
A
WESTERN LAKE
EAS TERN LAKE
rv�f
. . .............. TOWN, HALL
/Al-rF?4
7T7-1f-b =I-
-COAS-rAL . . . ..............
-Ai ERWAY
.... ....... . ............ ............. . .........
SUNSET BEACH
NORTH CAROLINA
94
, " __.' 0 -N
SOS TRAIL C11.0, House
77�
I L
7 7'
7
won-
tomass
wa
0 800 2000 FT.
SCALE-' ["=800!
-------------- —
LEGEND
........... TOWN LIMITS
---EXTRATERRITORIAL LIMITS
INSTITUTIONAL
COMMERCIAL
V': 1COMMERCIAL
E2]RESIDENTIAL
IYA
I
/22/96
TUBBS INLET S...8
EXISTING LAND USE MAP-1985
1 � -- LEN
K*
SUNSET BEACH
ATLANTIC OCEAN
Talbert;: Co„ & Associates, Inc-
I I I —
r
II I r •' Y '. .Q 1 11I j 1
�1 aY � V 17 w R! l d I I N r{ I Y V ' i "• Y)
M ee M N 131
+I II II I" I I • I III I y, I P II I , 1 1'I'I II 'll �l I II
i tl Ir e O S II II Y I I M "i0 I {Y' 7Y
I II
M AN I, L N 11111.6
I ' I I I I 4 1 I , i I I ly � I qI , I I I i' u l 1 i' I ✓.. I I I I I 1 +`~7 � a A u
I�' d r 'I 1 I rl I I I II V .YI 'I I�i, JJ ' � �P ►/.
O
I •� ,�
iJ "w/ �Y 1� 42 � O ,O I I ' II I' I�I ^I I''I p I I ', ' l ' II I y' ' I II ' y 'I +' I. I I ' 1 •' I II I I V��III �, I
I I I
w Bs! w n I I I I 11 I I N
• 11 I I
I I
I I 1 i I
I I 4 ,q u W rp I n YMIM I a w ' ',' I / J I • �
I I
4A 110L•••+$4 art'
SO O ►lw Ilu 0 o ' ,.'.....-'•• n ' r r 1 I r , II �`"`�
M r Q 0. O N' .J 1 , •" I nl J r i` Y I I, I I �\ 1 1 3a
WOlttniutj
..6JiF�
y • '� .� 'll i YI II ' ,u I I I IM I 111 'I Y d I I I II \ I Q"
kill
�I
:Ts04 N��� C YM III II I I 7•-. i I dl r 1, II l � � I Y� Z
w u R1 M A " r ,rfl II .I I �-�Yla'Yalnlrr..,r1Y I I I H. I I I '' w1 I � ,II I 1 , I I YI I /� I ,� I ,I � +u V�`� � IV 1 I I
a I
.. I I
z
I I I' I I / � I I
R11 � •� w-'ani,tralll•,Yr,�l rY1rR �, I I +, + r, l � I .. I. !✓ I � I Y
•d G 1 n q Co u I I sa Ir rl y I
8 7 Ir /"p1 W N ,11 '�I ''I Y Y r 1 'p yl •�r. ..,,�,�,�„ RIr1. rr�Yulrirr r- rrr III I,'I II 'll�l I, ..�•�I 1',u
H W �Ill U +FI L' i O X A I I . r r l I I �` �•••'� ♦` V 1 YI LY '� 'Y r
ilr I'° " I� r l , I + V I •5, �♦ II 4I
'
I
II I I I ♦ 1 I
I+ n f I 1 IL11 z { I ( r
_ ,
I I 3
I I / r
, • . F•'
1 �' ..II I I � _ I '
I I I13 1
I I 'rY I VI I I 1 IYI Y. I r'
I' I
1 I I I I I _
I I I
vy
I'
h I I
I i 1 I
I I
1
I r Y I I\ I
_ I
1 I 1
I -'9• I I
I I. •1• 1
d I • , Y p, I .I I I 4 \ I I
l cc II
Y
r.
Ywf,-
T I
L �
I i
I I I I
I + I I I
III / Y C
,Ilk � I ' � 'ra'.,. .. � iY;:; 1 t'i � I lY • I ' I I I I 9 .,.,.% I" I' I I G
III I , , ' 'I I ,♦ II <a `•, . �ii.r + 1 1 V ` / + +^
I I
I J 1 r I
1
�
Y. I
y 'Va
I `III
I ' n . I I 1 ' Iti' �+ .��.' � �u`.. 'J Vrj'il'. >♦. f y�'r �..r. C I • I I ' I i / "I i 1 I •
I , I I •� I I I
I 0 1( I sa
YI Yi '�: } I n+ r, i 1d :/ 1 y II �•' I II
I el + I II
Ilk
Y I I
I 1 w' '• 1' , I al I
+ II. � II I I •M, ..' . _'_ .., "' II +. a •,.YI LI
i r ,w Y: I °� .. � M L '•IYI,r li ' J Y..Jr I• •1 I i I i
I I I ', I I I 'I .I � � I I. • Y 1 I� •r �' ` I I I I I .....'' ... 1 ,rr�•.f.ruY)• `', I I I ,� � I I Q
I• V I � � •J Y.,..•y I I I it I Y
I I I � :,r" "F*,�IIi '� � I ... .i.. Yr. +. .p' I' I}I} ".I •\ f I 111
� ', ,� I I ' II ' � I �,Y,YI�. ih('�.✓ _ _ w.o I .+.I. ,Y..1.�....I � I•. I I I I .. ... ' � ' I ' i I ' '
Wiwi FYI•. t.11.l ,• . r INN
LLSJ I „i y .;;" .I. �I'II � n"•` r � • . Y I I I I
I Y m
I i I i Jr.y, 'R', "l �' I I • . i ,. I I I I I I I �, i I ",) Y , I I
� I I s,,,, 'y I 1 Y YY:L,. I � • . I I•' I I
IY ` I I ++ ' :':h 1. ds. "I' a.. I ( I, ` I I • , ` + ' � I I � I J I
i Y .►'•�,
�
CIDU 1 I ''++ dr: y .aI 1 + r+.y- • 1 • I. ( I ,I 'I , �� II I I I �I
. r
u';
+I
u
I I I � y • •Tr I II i 1 • • I I
, I I r P;i`' �" w r: (iI 1 \ � { ` 1 • , . I I I 1.. 1^'�'y.. '
I � `0 :µ�; s" I Y Y • • •• I I I I r � rrrC"I '
IY �'.'i 1 ' l ��� ; r 1 0l h� �.�,*. N�pl'' *I Y K'',r„{,:" I ' ' •r Y • • + r I 1.1 I ..,. .., y,.... `I II
Ay � , 1 I I Y' Y I I '• I
' � ' I I I ' 1"I o I � h'i0 � •� I'IYIIY rW llr F ;w'�. ( I ` Y • Y 1 r I ++`� I • � ;{ ,'� ,
+m-1 I I / + • { ' • Y' I+ I Ili "' !i � Iiir,,,,,
' � �' � I + • • � •. • rl • '` I I TY II I ' .w.d y �'WIYr I u
I I , I / I + "'Y.,,' •�`,.' Y 1 I 1 I I I 11 �. - '��"'I+V.'
/ ; ..,�, � � ( ' . I 1 III I I I( y' I r J1� ' ;,YL•
I I I I , „" � ilia ��, ,. 1 � . ' • • I � I I ,r ,� .�::
l.. , a41 1 • , r. r , I
I
I I ' 1 ' 1 � 1 � ,.rl '�I. .,I:' L,,I J'° � 1 ' . 1'' • r / I l��r� I o.. •rw..
✓ II• . i I I
I 1 '� .� 4Wr 'p. I -•J' I I y , I I I .1j ..a I
�. ♦ J s. / I I II .q:w r
•y • r J w r I I I I' wY,., I
Z� 1 I ' f y` a' w� .. +.r_ iS:: III IY � ` ;•,1 - ...% ' , , , / (1/ , r I I I % I I I 11 ., .,� �I, , ., I 'I
I � � I 1 ,.., l• Y Y y I I I I I - I
O 1 ,i. ', LI ;1 ,� ,• Y I I I I I I' '��A I
' ssi I
Y
II � I ori. Y•s , IYY { r / I I � � 1 I I T rr '' p I
I ,� y" � 'syin ll_ 1 '. I 1 r I, ++ r Y • 1 I I 1 I I I I � II I I ': I Mr a 7.
O 1 I 1 T,•_ t \I `�, ', I I I I I I I r I` .ir•r I Yl �, +
mI � I i+" a 'lll�.' ' •1 '` I • Y ' • I U + I I
N I w l'•--•I ' ' 1 r . + 1• Y r ,,.'` I I I j
I � F" � j WI ` is '•__ r• `r • +1 •I , , r," I 1 I � I � I � �:��1 i �
•Q 4 `• • 1 r Y + . I
1 r
I _ I I
1 )I IJco
r
I.
O ...I z y' \ 'I+, '"" V IL.. I I I I I I I I I r i .. '. L� I R•� i I I 1
Ill�rlrr o
I U
Q L z �.... ..�•' I 'u•I.• �YZ'.u...'Wdwwr.. Y I I • Y I I I I I l.i.
1—' � ,r. ' I I I I I 11 T 7 �'�
cr '• I I
11 i O •ri'piin'o•
Q .J W It
F) w z En
I fI Z 4 ul • • • • • Y '•� • \} I r..„�„` I...�_, .I I•� L4..i 1 �•1Y •Q d,�.. ._
z z 1 Mw... • • . • + , , ''AJ I I I 1 I I a
W I� U (•' 1
I1 r LI, •' Y ', r I I 1 1 1 � ''+ I I
I
110f Ilk
I I 1 r " i :asod� I • •' ' I I � � I I.I,I lll.���. � f.l I (
14.
F- y
1 � �� � , Ic . f ,.l /'Ilr ,� `,; �• �• �; , ` I � + + .+ .. Y � ' � I,� I I � I � ""ll �I I+J � I I I M �': P'� I I
w z � I ,I V 1 !� 1• I I I r I ., r r
IJJ I_- I l „�' +' Ll/L * rl I!. I Y Y • /� �I I I I I II I (� I l IM
z d, ,,
3 � w � y� l ' `�' I ,'
z • ` • � I ...�, � I � � �' � � I I I �1 I "' .I, � I
0 o
••. Y I I r.
Z ' i!iMl ` I L., W,I_ :IL II I I '� , 1 ( � �� { ,.. r r•w
� �h � , .,n,� IY ;.I ?� ..1 l � � I I I � ! . � � I I , I ? ... Y • ' I I , I �I � I -�I .�w .t , �.�.�.. I �,,�;�.. I I
�-
� � ,. � II_,� �I � I I � I � I I, I 1 'r I • , • . � .: ' I I l � W ' � IL T"� . I
I ''•• I I llll, �z, I I
, 1 I • � �� '^ol�,r, .. I� y � / � � I • Y• '.�' ' • `r Y • 10
, I � f � /'r�T. I ; 1 Y .y+, r • • y � I � II ,1 .,1' � I. .�. - � .:,J I I `
I ,y I I I 'I � I , •: • . • I� � �� I I I 1�,.,:. `roc �, 1 —
• 1 I
� 4 �• Y., I I I' I •
�,,. I Y • .. 1 I �
' � NIA - ,I •. ` '. ' ./ JjjII �
r•rl'' d (,,.r' 1 I IT,
•, • ' • • 'll I I Ina r.•r..ri I I I I
rq I I � I W I j -+A'L I I �` • Y • '•' �'. I I f• ►' I
"�. 1� - I • . I I
kill
.i I ���:J1 �'r8f,'S.I• �'t' v�' r'y � �� I I 1 I •�,•Y '+ '' I � I I '� I •��r'^ I II: I I I I I
'\I ,. II cal y niY•;' � .. , + , r', IT
'` I , • I I I I � I ly I
� .` ... � 1 r I �. \Y�. I W�'N.•. ',� . '^7e,�1$.m+*•,,. ! r 1 ` Y , , . • Y I r � I I I I I
/ \ "�` Y/ l 1 qA�tdi;'t'ha ' I Y Y r • , 1, +` I I I I i I I
' � Are f'� '`� +•1{ YI � / I � ' II Y ,' r• r ' , . , I I I 1 + I I I I 1
",� 'I'. ,I ' Y � •' Y Y• r' I I I , �'1 I I I I ,y. 11
INrI ,, , r Y • .. •. I I I I, 1 1 I I I I I I
1 � I
,/. � �I I',J�II I� I J 1, Y Y.• 1 I 'I � I I I I I
i7✓ I I I F I I I I I • `' ' I I I r I I • r � I I I
•` w!�'•, . I 13 � I ,l Yy I I � ' r Y ', / • „ + I I I I I I
�� I I I I L, I 1.•Y ' •' . I I I I III I �-
�� � s �'� 111� 1• — _ I� I I I I I I I I I Ir 'I
�11 f • ''y'nl
' `,II • �:`'i I 1 , •, + •r Y,' I I I I I I I I I �,/ I I I� I (
�' I ,• • ` r1', , •• • • I � I � I I I I 111� ,, IIIIII ,
I I ir�u I � I � .•• I I I I � I� , I I
YY, I � 1 r.. • ' •
,�/-• � r, _ I I !' �• `• r,' •..••+• III I I I I I I I I I , I I I I I Y
� I r � I ,,, � W 1 • Y r r• I I I I I 'hl I I I 1
I I
_•I. ./ � I ... ... I I r l I I I I I I I
�, Y I EI • ' • I I � I 'I
v •.. Ij I I i J •• r •' Y' r I I I I I I I I I I
� 1 l� Y,• I I II II II I
••
�, ,.`r rr Y �,n(: I : � � +�' `• , ' • •,
z I I I I I I
kill
r • r y�Y I 7 I I I I
Al 'L ° y I � + 1 •Y r Y I I I I I I I I I � + I I J
1 I r. I I � '•Y . / '� I I I I I I� I I
Y•` II IIII
/ �� I I I ► , I III
,.: ...
YY I,
I r. .' ,u/ 1?'"N '7!,., • , r Y I I I I I ,1I I I +'Y�'111I1 I I .��'1tI
i'YI':r i I yy • • Y , �,y(,t1I ` I 1 1 I
T ► `'- \I. i'N'n hY,�/r.�:. \ 1 .1 • 1 . I I I I �.t I I lii
` I III I I I I I I I I I I
�_ a• -r I � ti ! ' I, - � �- ; 1 rrrrr r rrrrrrrrl rrrli•�IrrrrY rrrrr
Irr rri r�i—r
`•`' � 1� •-.w,._ -ail. _ I ,r.. it ;., 'I goop
dp
•I I I r. oo I y
-
r r
I
I I I
I , i
III' I I I
Y J
I I
I I
I I
Y �
1 I ,
o }' ,
IIII I I I I !
' Y 1 I I I , I. I• , I I
111 I I
6 I I I 1
I I I I I I I I I •1 � I II I I I
I II ' I Yt.l• Il+l I L� 141 II' l II 'I'.,, I I.I I h, II ,III,I
■I rrl IIII Ilrlllr ll IIII Il rllllll111 III III IIIIr1 Ir�rrII1 rIY IrYI II IIII IIIIIIIY � �IWrIII IIYYr �lllllllll�l�ll IIII III YIr Y�'II� WI�II II�YI11Y IYI IY Y III IIIII IYI II III 11 11111111 II 1 111 h11111110111 11 11 II IIYI II IIII 1611II II ill IN I 1 11 III 1
I 1
I Y
I Y,I i
r�
I II
all l u Inl I n tl II II I 11
C