Land Use Plan Update-1992

PROPERTY OF
DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT. F
PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE

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TOWN OF SUNSET BEACH, NC
1992 LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION/DESCRIPTION PAGE(S)
SECTION I: INTRODUCTION 1
SECTION II: PRESENT CONDITIONS 4
A. Population 4
1. Year-round population 4
2. Seasonal Population 7
3. Population Summary 10
4. Population Projections 11
B. Economy 13
C. Existing Land Use
15
1.
Residential
15
2.
Commercial
16
3.
Governmental/Institutional
16
4.
Recreational
16
5.
Land Use Compatibility Problems and
16
Problems from Unplanned Development
6.
Areas Likely to Experience Changes in
17
Predominant Land Use
7.
Existing Land Use Summary
17
D. Current Plans, Policies, and Regulations
17
1.
Prior CAMA Land Use Plans
17
2.
Transportation
18
3.
Water Distribution Plan
18
4.
Waste Treatment Plans
18
5.
Utilities Extension Policy
18
6.
Recreation Policy
18
7.
Emergency Response Plan
19
8.
Local Regulations and Enforcement
19
Provisions
a. CAMA Permits
19
b. Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map
19
c. Subdivision Regulations
20
d. Dune Protection
21
e. Septic Tank Regulation
21
f. Building Code
22
g. Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
22
h. Proposed Sign Ordinance
22
9.
Federal and State Regulations
22

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SECTION III: LAND SUITABILITY
A. Areas of Environmental Concern
1. Estuarine System
a. Coastal Wetlands
b. Estuarine Waters
c. Public Trust Areas
d. Estuarine Shorelines
e. Outstanding Resource Waters
2. Ocean Hazards
a. Ocean Erodible Areas
b. High Hazard Flood Areas
c. Inlet Hazard Areas
B. Flood Hazard Areas
C. Estuarine Erosion Areas
D. Man-made Hazards
E. Areas with Soil Limitations
F. Sources and Estimated Quality of Water Supply
1. Groundwater
2. Surface Water Quality
G. Closed Shellfishing Areas
H. Slopes in Excess of 12 Percent
I. Fragile Areas
1. Natural Resource Fragile Areas
a. Coastal Complex Natural Areas
b. Areas that Sustain Remnant Species
c. Unique Geological Formations
d. Registered Natural Landmarks
e. Wooded Swamp
f. Prime Wildlife Habitats
g. Pocosins
h. Scenic and Prominent High Points
i. Maritime Forests
j. 404 Wetlands
k. U.S. Fish and Wildlife National
Wetlands Inventory
2. Cultural Resource Fragile Areas

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III
J. Areas with Resource Potential
1. Agricultural, Forest, and Mining Resources
2. Productive Water Bodies
3. Publicly Owned Forests and Fish and Gamelands
4. Privately Owned Wildlife Sanctuary
5. Non -intensive Outdoor Recreation Lands
SECTION IV: CONSTRAINTS - CAPACITY OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES
A. Existing Water Service Areas
B. Sewer Service Area
C. Schools
D. Transportation
E. Solid Waste Collection
F. Police Protection
G. Fire Protection
H. Emergency Rescue and Safety
I. Recreational Services
J. Administrative Services
aSECTION V: LAND USE POLICY STATEMENTS
A. Resource Protection
1. Areas
of Environmental Concern
a.
Estuarine System
(1)
Coastal Wetlands
(2)
Estuarine Waters
(3)
Public Trust Areas
(4)
(5)
Estuarine Shoreline
Outstanding Resource Waters
b.
Ocean Hazards Areas
2. Other
Natural Fragile Areas
a.
Coastal Complex Natural Areas
b.•Areas
that Sustain Remnant Species
c.
Prime Wildlife Habitats
d.
Wooded Swamps, 404 Wetlands, and
e.
National Wetlands Inventory
Maritime Forests
f.
Significant Archaeological Resources
g.
Shellfishing Waters

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3.
Constraints to Development
a
4.
Protection of Potable Water Supplies
5.
Use of Package Treatment Plants
6.
Stormwater Runoff
7.
Marina, Bulkhead, and Floating Home
Development
8.
Industrial Impacts on Fragile Areas
9.
Development of Sound and Estuarine System
Islands
10.
Rising Sea Level
B. Resource Production and Management
1.
Recreational and Fisheries Resources
2.
Off -Road Vehicles
C. Economic and Community Development
a1.
Growth Management
2.
Types of Development
3.
Capacity of Existing Facilities and
Local Commitment to Providing Services
4.
Desired Urban Growth Patterns
5.
Redevelopment of Developed Areas
6.
Commitment to State and Federal Programs
7.
Assistance to Channel Maintenance and
Beach Renourishment Policies
8.
Energy Facility Siting and Development
9.
Tourism
10.
Coastal and Estuarine Beach Access
aand
Parking
D. Continuing Public Participation Policies
a E. Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery, and
Evacuation Policies
1. Hazard Areas at Sunset Beach
2. Mitigation
3. Evacuation
a
4. Post Disaster Recovery
5. Reconstruction Policies
SECTION
VI: LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
A.
Developed
B.
Urban Transition
C.
Conservation
D. Conservation Spoil
APPENDIX 1: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
APPENDIX 2. SUNSET BEACH HURRICANE EVACUATION PLAN
III

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LIST OF TABLES AND MAPS
TABLES
Table
2.1:
Year-round Population for the Town of Sunset
Beach and Brunswick County, 1970-1990
Table
2.2:
Town of Sunset Beach Annexations, 1963-1992
Table
2.3:
Sunset Beach Building Permits, 1981-1991
Table
2.4:
Year-round and Seasonal Peak Population
Estimates for the Town of Sunset Beach, 1992
Table
2.5:
Monthly Golf Players at Championship Golf
Courses in Sunset Beach, June 1990-May 1992
Table
2.6:
Sunset Beach Population Summary, 1992
Table
2.7:
Town of Sunset Beach Year-round Population
Projections for 1997 and 2002
Based on Growth Rate
Table
2.8:
Projected 1997 Year-round and Seasonal
Population for Sunset Beach Based on
DResidential
Development
Table
2.9:
Sunset Beach Assessed Valuations, 1981-1991
Table
2.10:
1992 Residential Land Use by Type, 1992
Table
2.11:
Land Development Summary, 1992
Table
3.1:
Soil
Characteristics for Sunset Beach
DTable
3.2:
Classification of Water Systems in Sunset Beach
Table
4.1:
Town of Sunset Beach Water System Utilization,
July 1988 - June 1992
Table
4.2..
School Membership and Design Capacity, 1992
Table
4.3:
Average Daily Traffic Counts for Sunset Beach,
1981-1991
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MAPS
Map 1: Location of the Town of Sunset Beach
Map 2: Existing Land Use and Zoning Map, 1992
Map 3: Areas of Environmental Concern, 1992
Map 4: Flood Hazard Areas, 1992
Map 5: Closed She11fishing Areas, 1992
Map 6: Primary Nursery Areas, Spring 1992
Map 7: Land Classification Map
PACE
3
Attached
Attached
Attached
34
41
Attached

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SECTION I: INTRODUCTION
The North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act of 1974, better
known as "LAMA", requires that the 20 counties located in the State's
coastal region and their respective municipalities prepare Land Use
Plans. These land use plans, although developed according to State -
provided guidelines, allow local governments to establish and enforce
policies to guide and manage growth and development of their
communities. Local land use plans were developed initially in 1974-
1976. The plans were to have a 10-year outlook in terms of projecting
population, economic, land use, and community facility trends. However,
because of the social, economic, and environmental dynamics of the
coastal area, the State guidelines required that all plans be updated
every five years. Such periodic updates permit local governments to
reflect upon previously developed policies to see how they relate to
newly emerging trends.
Such is the case with the Town of Sunset Beach. The Town of Sunset
Beach was incorporated in 1963 and is located in southeastern Brunswick
County as shown on Map 1. The initial CAMA Land Use Plan was prepared
a in 1976 with updates being completed in 1980 and 1987. As indicated in
the previous plans, population growth which requires an increasing
utilization of land and 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 its Land Use policy document and enforcement of existing local
controls, is seeking to avoid the negative impacts of unmanaged growth.
This planning document will closely adhere to the CAMA planning
guidelines as contained in Subchapter 7B (as amended) of the State
Administrative Codes. Four major components which are required to be it
the Land Use Plan document are as follows:'
A. Data Collection and Analysis: This is an analysis of the
existing patterns and trends within the Town's jurisdiction as far as
population, the economy, land use, community facilities, environmental,
and other resources.
Section II of this report examines the present conditions of Sunset
Beach, Section III describes the environmental constraints, and Section
IV examines the constraints of the community facilities in terms of
projected growth.
B. Existing Land Use Map: Map 2 which is attached in the back of
this report shows the existing land use of Sunset Beach as of April
1992.
C. Policy Discussion and Policy Statements: Based on a thorough
analysis of existing conditions, trends, and developments, Section V
states the policy of the Town on a number of important issues.
D. Land Classification Map: Map 7 is the Land Classification Map
and is attached to the back of this report. This map is intended to be

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a a reflection of the Town's land use policies, based upon the projected
density of development, for all the lands within its jurisdiction.
a A number of data sources were utilized in the effort to analyze the
population, housing, economic, environmental, and land use conditions in
Sunset Beach. Various state, county, and local agencies were contacted
for both general and specific detailed information. Technical reports,
previous land use plans, the 1990 Census, and other documents were
reviewed as well. Extensive efforts were used to obtain citizen
participation. In April 1992 a survey was mailed to 200 property owners
in the Town and the extraterritorial area. This survey had an
excellent response rate of 62'percent and the results are included in
the Appendix. Issues were further identified during two well -attended
public meetings conducted on March 26 and
May 14, 1992. The key planning issues identified by public input for
the Town of Sunset Beach are listed below:
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* Maintain 35-foot building height requirement
* Need for a public sewer system
* Conservation of Bird Island
* Maintain current one -lane swinging bridge versus
building new bridge
* Commercial development
Other issues are also identified and addressed in other sections of
this planning document.

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MAP 1: LOCATION OF THE TOWN OF SUNSET BEACH
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Rs r_ �•
sewood /' of sboro •��3 tp� [
Mainers " Liltin ton 21 1 la;on '
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55 7 10 ��. ?i rMoua. 1C F�sr Institute Dawson
a, ,, ,,,. soN I igers
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Erwin lDtin 7` u • % ;3 n/R x' Walnui� �_ CaegiNe t ^
;6 Bunnkrel 7 s I' Grantham1' Creeki
1 Dudley --� 2 tnston }
I0 2 11 Seve fi __,.w «.,o.. i r +
Wit Springs 82 9/ 9 Newfoe Grove VON or m. N.w nn 70
2 mden A•"^— + 5 - \ obbersville , � .1Wysa
ea r.y.ow .
Godwin I o • 2 —/ 6 s I SS
iter 2 ' R • ' swrer's Sut one n 1Mountl 55 1) _ L E t N O 1 Rl�t
101 alcon I0 12 Olive 403 �- - a 7
corner 82 1 > i i a Deep Run is
ke • 10 - / wade i ;3 0 9 3 alypso
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258
J 87 R( A N/ 7 ) tl \ 1 /
+. / Piney 1 ,) Keener •I � Albertson \
S{. Faison 6
82 2 ` US S A M P S O 1 N 1 ^ + + ' Pleasant Hill
* f� �" Sanders;Kornegan Pink Hill
12 2
aDl 21 NC l."..+' + + 11 Cwn
59 / ) Salemburs A<oa.«. l 1 2 Warta,
)vander Autryriue IL Clinto8>I�. ,- o C°_
iewlan 6.5� f Ir 3 Stedman 1 / *M...w^ *+/ �0 71 S/ - 'H,
g 12 ! 1 2 Turkey �� 1 • ■ Kenansvdle 7
Elliot \ Potters\
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3 Cedar Creek la 2 c l eulardl \ �\ Peteru
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Richlands
1 301 7 • 81 \ 1 111 \ IQ .+ I 1 7 71 H 12 T{ /I Lyman 1 Catherine L-
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3 — 'gTeia.a 7 Par ur cX f Rose HIII CNnouapin CaMenne Lake S
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t
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+ lamY e' BI I a A 87 r.k. 10 < 421
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rr: 1 Il 'F, 9 i Atkinsool, v olks
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2 1i L;,>~ II�P E N 7 E R Holly Ridge
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" ampstea
ergreen
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6
jp 2a 5 2 1 )7iteville -� 1 Is Castle) \ 1 5\/• Neu• Topsail Inlet
6
/ 1 ly �-- + Riegelwood C ayne Scotts Hilt
V� 6 76 c I70 °\ Is Acme \\ g 6r 1p Mde 4 Old Topsail Inlet
EHallsb cewBolton Freeman Otico/ SN\ HA j7O// Rich Inlet
Fair Bluff Gord Chadbonaamaw Ph0 I Ilningt0% J�
Brunawick ccamau f Maw 71 r a
`7 C 1: O IQ UO U M • U S 7 LelaAd i ✓�Y1 �U 7a Is.S � -/n/N
fi Cherry Grove a 701 Q'I,*. n eak '� _ 9 3 * ' 16 OR a.. 1 A-
♦ C..=: 7 _ Ss N
+ nghtsville Bead
• (. I St-Il Iken. r - Bishop, �1°' , I ` R.g.or,or Seoch Arse
9 Sidney d _ Town 6e ° 421 s - d—lvm Inlet
� 1 + Ilia Id D
Tabor City O ... itl Winnabow, I 3
11 IronHlll Nakins 9 17 87 p - S
1 2 9n Sea ♦ S B R U N S W t C K I Caralma Beach Inlet
1 ♦ Il Bugndl 4 4. or, ,,t eabree e
9 6 ` lah Ain aa�801ivis0 Orr'9 `i`h
•
7 BUS on 7 3 + 1 Baling on i� K I I Ckaroq e10oraa....
+1 + fi ♦♦ Pifews, 7 130 Supp1 piing Lakes SUNNY I HEASURE rSUND
Allsbrook ` 7 _ 11 loco Shall otta - aBeTcfi�-
3 - - 2 Longwood �� 6 S Smith 87 R.q,ad S—h Age
ig S 7 ♦ 01 hic S 9 1 f R. A.h. St.r.11- Ara
701 Lmgs s 1♦e�Gnssettown 11 7' 130 Sunset s 1 1 Qat� a',;;-
6 7 %♦ + * t ��o (< to Carman Inlet
• ea Sid t Lon du t
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Diver Beach Casw« Ska7H ISLAND
faI Wocramaw' 9 OGaan Isle ��'4 `b`Vu 'a� Bead
)) ct Tird Bead �'r/y ,'�,9y '++v aALD HEAD ISLAND
Of d''•I7 4��,9jq LIGN2NOUSE Ci1/E /EAa
J liaonville yftle Bloc 0 Dtffy Grove Beach '� • 1T.�
cean Dtry* Bead
Crescent Bead
.SUNSET BEACH
r,.
\" 17
501

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SECTION II: PRESENT CONDITIONS
A. POPULATION
The beginning point of analysis for any Land Use Plan is an
assessment of the population trends and patterns. For
residential resort communities like Sunset Beach which are
heavily impacted by seasonal fluctuations, this analysis can be
rather complicated. However, many land use and growth management
policies relate to the number of people expected to use the land
and/or public facilities. The CAMA Land Use Planning Guidelines
require, logically, that the "peak" seasonal population be
considered by barrier island communities as the basis for public
facilities. Both the year-round or permanent population and the
seasonal population trends for Sunset Beach will be analyzed.
Estimates for beach and golfing day visitors are also given.
1. Year-round Population
Sunset Beach, like other resort communities, experiences a
wide fluctuation of population according to the season. Although
the year-round population has always been relatively small, it
has been steadily growing and more than doubled between 1980 and
1990. The Town was incorporated in 1963 and made its first
showing in the 1970 U.S. Census with a permanent population of
108 persons. In 1980, however, the U.S. Census showed a year-
round population of 304 persons. The Town subsequently disagreed
with this total and adopted revised population figures for the
years 1980 and 1985 for planning purposes in the 1987 CAMA Land
Use Plan Update. It was estimated that in 1980 the year-round
population of the Town was 140 and that the year-round population
rose to 180 in 1985. The 1990 U.S. Census reported 311 year-
round residents within the Town's limits and town officials
agreed with this census count. Table 2.1 details the population
characteristics for the Town and Brunswick County.
TABLE 2. 1: YEAR-ROUND POPULATION FOR THE TOWN OF SUNSET BEACH
AND BRUNSWICK COUNTY, 1970 - 1990
PERCENT
INCREASE
PLACE 1970 1980 1990 1980-1990
Sunset Beach
108
140
311
122.1%
Brunswick County
24,223
35,777
50,985
42.5%
Township
Lockwood Folly
4,748
7,361
10,705
45.4%
Northwest
3,356
4,657
7,454
60.1%
Shallote
4,877
6,582
11,818
79.6%
Smithville
4,346
6,838
9,488
38.8%
Town Creek
5,215
8,357
9,260
10.8%
Waccamaw
1,681
1,982
2,260
14.0%
Source: United States Census, 1970, 1980, and 1990.
Town of Sunset Beach CAMA Land Use Plan Update, 1987.
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The year-round population growth at Sunset Beach is somewhat
consistent with the strong overall growth trends in Brunswick
County, which grew by 47.7 percent between 1970 and 1980 and by
a
42.5 percent between 1980 and 1990. Over the twenty year period
between 1970 and 1990, Brunswick County had a significant
population growth of ill percent. As evident by the township
data, most of Brunswick County's growth occurred in the beach
areas and in the mainland adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway.
As a case in point, both Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle are located
in the Shallotte Township which experienced a 142 percent
population increase between 1970 and 1990 and a 79.9 percent
increase during the 1980's. Over one-third of Brunswick's County
a
population increase during the 1980's occurred in Shallotte
Township and the County projects that 56 percent of the 1990's
growth will occur in Shallotte Township.
The rapid average growth rate of 12.2 percent per year in
Sunset Beach was caused by extensive annexations on the
mainland and significant housing construction. Table 2.2 cites
the annexations of Sunset Beach since the Town's incorporation in
1963. Between 1963 and Spring 1992, the Town of Sunset Beach
undertook 13 annexations, of which 10 were voluntary per request
of the landowner, which increased the Town's land area by 417.1
acres for a 28.2 percent increase. The "voluntary annexations
are indicated on Table 2.2. Moreover, ten out of the twelve
annexations occurred in the early 1990's. Based on North Carolina
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annexation laws, at least 60 percent of land which is annexed by
a town must be developed. Most of the vacant land which was
annexed has been subsequently subdivided for residential or
commercial development.
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TABLE 2.2: TOWN OF SUNSET BEACH ANNEXATIONS. 1963-1992
HOUSING
LAND AREA/
YEAR
LOCATION
UNITS
ACRES
1977
Stanaland property*
0
4.0
1982
Oyster Bay Golf
0
5.5
1985
Sea Trail Golf Link*
0
50.0
1990
Pelican Square*
0
6.2
1990
King Trail*
0
25.0
1990
Sea Trail I*
0
88.3
1990
Sugar Sands*
66
23.9
1990-
Sea Trail II*
134
120.9
1991
Oyster Point I*
0
34.0
1991
Oyster Point II*
0
32.0
1991
Colony
97
21.3
1991
Seaside Center*
0
2.1
1992
U.S. Post Office
0
3.9
TOTAL ANNEXATION 297 417.1
1963 TOWN LAND AREA 1,476.5
1992 TOWN LAND AREA 1,893.6
PERCENT CHANGE 1963-1992 28.2%
* Voluntary Annexation (Property Owner/Developer petitioned to be
annexed and/or 100 percent of all property owners agreed to the
annexation)
Source: Town of Sunset Beach. The 1990 U.S. Census reported
that the land area of Sunset Beach in April 1990 was
2.4 square miles or 1,536 acres. The amount of.
acreage in 1963 was calculated by deducting the total
amount of land acquired by annexation prior to April
1990 from the 1990 Census land area.
The rapid growth during the 1980's is further evident by
examining building permit data for this decade. Notice Table
2.3. Between 1981 and 1991, the Town of Sunset Beach issued
1,206 building permits of which 693 were for single-family
development, 387 were for mobile homes, 55 were for duplexes, 65
were for multi -family buildings, and 6 were for commercial use.
These permits authorized a total of 1,470 dwelling units to be
constructed. Most of this development occurred on the recently
vacant annexed land or by constructing homes on previously
recorded lots. These figures include permits issued for both the
Town and the extra -territorial area.
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TABLE 2.3: SUNSET BEACH BUILDING PERMITS, 1981 - 1991
a
SINGLE- MULTI-
YEAR FAMILY DUPLEX FAMILY COMMERCIAL TOTAL
1981 49 [511 100
1982 99 [441 4 147
1983 14 [661 6 4 (16) 1 91
1984 104 [491 16 169
n
1985 95 [491 6 4 (24) 1 155
u
1986 35 [251 1 26 (104) 87
1987 66 [151 4 85
1988 60 [221 5 20 (80) 107
1989 61 [221 6 5 (20) 1 95
1990 30 [351 3 6 (36) 1 75
1991 80 [ 91 4 2 95
TOTAL 693 [3871 55 65 6 1206
(1080) (110) (280) -- (14701
()= Number of dwelling units permitted.
[]=.Mobile Home Permit
D
Source: Town of Sunset Beach Building Permit Records and
1987 CAMA Land Use Plan Update.
This rapid rate of growth will likely continue during the
a
1990's. Only 60.4 percent of all of Sunset Beach's residential
lots have been developed and construction in the golf -course
communities and the beach area has been widespread. In fact, 1992
population estimates based on the 1992 Land Use Survey confirm
this growth.. Table 2.4 shows the 1992 year-round population
estimates for the Town, the ETA, and the total Planning Area. It
is estimated that the 1992 year-round population in the corporate
limits is 491 and 292 in the ETA for a total year-round
population of 783 in the Sunset Beach's Planning Area.
2. Seasonal population
The seasonal population in Sunset Beach is comprised of
three groups: 1) property -owning summer residents; 2) the
overnight visitor population who rent beach cottages, duplexes,
condominiums, or motels; and 3).day visitors who come to Sunset
Beach to spend a few hours or the entire day at the beach.
Although it is difficult to differentiate between the
property owners who reside there versus the overnight rental
visitors, it is possible to estimate the peak seasonal total
population. Usually, the average number of persons per unit for
a
the seasonal occupation of units is larger than for the year-
round occupancy. The 1990 United States Census showed that 80
percent of the dwelling units on the mainland were vacant during
April, 1990 and that 88 percent of the housing units on the
a
island were vacant. These vacant housing units may be assumed to
be seasonal housing rather than year-round housing. Table 2.4
details the characteristics of seasonal housing and peak seasonal
population.

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TABLE 2.4: YEAR-ROUND AND SEASONAL PEAK POPULATION ESTIMATES
FOR THE TOWN OF SUNSET BEACH, 1992
NO. PERSONS
PEAK
TYPE
NO. UNITS
PER UNIT
POPULATION
Year-round
Island
112
2.21
248
Mainland
110
2.21
243
(Town)
(222)
---
(491)
ETA
132
2.21
292
(Planning Area)
(354)
---
(783)
Seasonal housing
Island
819
8.0
6,552
Motels
40
4.0
160
Mainland
441
4.0
1,764
(Town)
(1,300)
---
(8,476)
ETA
531
4.0
2,124
(Planning Area)
(1,831)
---
(10,600)
TOWN
1,522
8,967
ETA
663
2,416
PLANNING AREA
2,185
11,383
Source: Hayes & Associates, 1992. Housing count obtained from
1992 Land Use Survey. Occupancy rates and persons per
household for year-round housing were obtained from the
1990 U.S. Census. The number of persons per dwelling
unit for seasonal housing were estimated.
There appears to be substantial number of "summer -owner" and
"weekender" units in Sunset Beach both on the island and the
mainland. It is possible that when these vacation homes are not
being used by the owner that the units may be rented out and
thereby may be continuously occupied. There are two motels on
the island which have a combined total of 40 units. In summary,
when all of the cottage rentals, summer, and weekend units are
completely occupied, Sunset Beach's Planning Area's peak
population could be 11,383 which is a significant contrast to
the area's relatively small estimated 1992 year-round population
of 491 for the town limits and of 783 for the entire planning
area.
The next consideration in the Town's population is the
number of "day visitors" who come to Sunset Beach to enjoy its
resort attractions of the beach or to play a round of golf. The
typical peak day for beach day visitors is a Saturday during the
summer whereas the golfers play on the four championship golf
courses year-round. The "day visiting" population has a more
short-term impact upon the Town's public facilities and services
than the other components of the population. The most pronounced
impact of this group is upon traffic and parking while the impact
upon water and sewer service is noticed through restaurant,
retail, and golf clubhouse usage.

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It is rather difficult to estimate the total number of beach
"day visitors" to this resort community. Traffic count
information was inadequate to use as a measure. One possible
way to estimate beach "day visitors" is to assume that these
visitors must use legal parking spaces on the island to park.
According to a Spring 1992 survey conducted by the Sunset Beach
Police Department, there are now 283 legal parking spaces on the
island available to "day visitors." One could assume that the
turnover rate of these spaces is 2 hours and that most day
visitors would come to the beach between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. and
that each vehicle transported an average of 4 visitors.
Consequently, a rough estimate of beach day visitors would be as
follows:
4 shifts of parking spaces x 283 spaces x 4 persons/vehicle=
4,528 Beach Day Visitors
In other words, on a peak summer day such as a sunny July 4th
weekend, it is estimated that approximately 4,528 beach day
visitors come to enjoy the ocean at Sunset Beach.
Statistics from the four championship golf courses give an
indication about the number of "golfer day visitors." Table 2.5
cites the number of golfers by month from June 1990 through May
1992. It should be noted that these figures represent "outside
play" for three out of the four golf courses. In other words, it
was assumed that "membership play" was generated by residents
within the Sunset Beach Planning Area and was thereby excluded
from these figures for day visitors. As shown by the Table 2.5,
148,992 golfers played on the four courses from June 1990 through
May 1991 and 170,269 golfers played from June 1991 through May
1992 which was a 14.3 percent increase from the preceding year.
The daily average.number of "golfer day visitors" was 408 for
June 1990-May 1991 and 467 for the later year.
TABLE 2.5: MONTHLY GOLF PLAYERS AT CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSES IN
SUNSET BEACH, JUNE 1990 - MAY 1992
MONTH 1990-1991 1991-1992
a
June 7,868 11,523
July 9,957 14,727
August 9,383 11,870
September 10,486 9,188
October 17,605 18,150
November 14,121 13,721
December 5,547 7,488
January 5,981 9,554
February 11,529 17,308
n March 18,145 19,475
IL�I April 23,385 22,639
May 14,985 14,626
TOTAL 148,992 170,269
DAILY AVERAGE 408 467
USource: Oyster Bay and Sea Trail Plantation Golf Courses

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3. Population Summary
Table 2.6 presents a summary of the various components of
the "peak" seasonal population of Sunset Beach in 1992.
TABLE 2.6: SUNSET BEACH AREA POPULATION SUMMARY, 1992
EXTRA -
POPULATION CORPORATE TERRITORIAL
COMPONENT LIMITS AREA TOTAL
Year-round residents
Seasonal
491
8,476
292 783
2,124 10,600
Subtotal Residential
8,967
2,416 11,383
Beach Day Visitors
4,528
--- 4,528
Daily Golfer Average
466
--- 466
TOTAL PEAK 13,961 2,416 16,377
Source: Hayes & Associates. Based on housing count of 1992 Land
Use Survey and estimates of day visitors.
It is important to note that the 1987 Plan Update reported
an estimated seasonal peak population of 8,676 for the entire
planning area. The 1992 estimated peak population represents an
increase of 88.3 percent.
Social characteristics reported in the 1990 United States
Census reveals that Sunset Beach residents generally are older,
wealthier, and have recently moved to the area. The composition
of the Sunset Beach population in terms of age consists mostly of
middle -age adults and retirees which is significant in terms of
planning purposes. The 1990 Census reported that 42 percent of
the Town's population was 55 and over while only 13.8 percent was
under 18. Not surprisingly because of this age characteristic,
12 percent of Sunset Beach residents over 18 reported a mobility
or self -care limitation. The per capita income for Sunset Beach
residents was $31,658 in 1990 as compared to a per capita income
of $11,688 for Brunswick County residents and $12,885 for North
Carolina residents. Only 6.9 percent of all persons were
estimated to be below the poverty level in Sunset Beach as
compared to 15.4 percent for Brunswick County and 13.5 percent
for North Carolina. Moreover, Sunset Beach is a town of
"newcomers." Only 38 percent of the Town's population had lived
in the same residence as of 1985 and the remaining 62 percent
were predominantly "newcomers" to the area. Of these, 28 percent
had lived outside of North Carolina in 1985.

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4. Population Projections
An important aspect of the planning process is forecasting
the future population of an area. Unfortunately, population
forecasts are usually the least precise element of a land use
plan since so many factors such as annexation, the economy, and
new development plans directly impact demographic projections.
This is especially true for a town like Sunset Beach which has
experienced a building boom during the 1980's as well as has
expanded its town limits by 28.1 percent through annexations
since its original incorporation in 1963.
The fluctuating nature of town and extraterritorial limits
do not make a good point of reference for long term projections.
What will be the Sunset Beach's town limits in 1997 and 2002?
For this planning document, it was assumed that most of the
extraterritorial limits may be annexed by 1997. Consequently,
population projections for both the corporate limits and the
current extraterritorial area are given.
A case in point is the population growth of Sunset Beach
which is estimated to have occurred from the time the United
States Census was taken in April 1990 and the population
estimates for April 1992. Based on the 1992 housing survey
discussed in Table 2.4, it is estimated that the April 1992
population is now 491, an increase of 180 persons over a two-year
period. An examination of annexations and building development
explains this phenomenal growth. Since April 1990, 297 housing
units have been annexed and building permits have been issued for
another 160 dwelling units which explains the year-round
population growth of 181 residents.
Two methodologies were used to project the Sunset Beach
population for 1997. First, it was assumed that the annual
growth rate experienced by Shallotte Township and Sunset Beach in
the 1980's would continue over the next 5 to 10 years. Table 2.7
shows the population projections based on the annual growth rate
method. During the 1980's, Shallotte Township had an annual
growth rate of 8.0 percent while Sunset Beach's annual growth
rate was 12 percent. Based on these projections, the Town of
Sunset Beach's current corporate limits would house between 721
to 873 year-round residents in 1997 and between 1,060 to 1,551
residents by the year 2002. For -the current planning area which
includes the town and extraterritorial limits, it is projected
that the 1997 year-round population would be between 1,150 to
1,392 residents in 1997 and between 1,690 to 2,586 residents in
the year 2002.
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TABLE 2.7: TOWN OF SUNSET BEACH YEAR-ROUND POPULATION PROJECTIONS
FOR 1997 AND 2002 BASED ON GROWTH RATE
1997 2002
AREA 1992 8% 12% 8% 12%
Town
491
721
ETA
292
429
TOTAL
783
1,150
873
1,060
1,551
519
630
1,035
1,392
1,690
2,586
Source: Projections by Hayes & Associates.
The second methodology used to project Sunset Beach's 1997
population focuses on the current amount of vacant subdivided
residential lots. Future residential development would be
restricted by the amount of vacant land available assuming that
current development and zoning patterns continue. Table 2.8
shows the amount of vacant residential lots as of April 1992
based on the land use survey. It was assumed that 80 percent of
these lots would be developed by 1997 and that there would be one
dwelling unit per residential lot. Furthermore, it was assumed
that the vacancy rates revealed by the 1990 United States Census
would remain the same, i.e. that 12 percent of all housing on the
island would be for year-round residents as compared to 20
percent for the mainland. On the other hand, 88 percent of all
housing on the island would be for seasonal residents as compared
to 80 percent for the mainland. Moreover, it was assumed that
the occupancy rates would remain the same and that there would be
2.21 persons per year-round households on the island and mainland
and that occupancy rates for seasonal housing would vary
according to its location. Seasonal housing on the island would
house 8 persons per unit while mainland seasonal housing would
house 4 persons per unit. This makes it possible to project both
the year-round and seasonal residential population for 1997.
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TABLE 2.8: PROJECTED 1997 YEAR-ROUND AND SEASONAL POPULATION
FOR SUNSET BEACH BASED ON RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
VACANT
80 %
YEAR-ROUND
SEASONAL
AREA LOTS
DEVELOPED
UNITS
OCCUPANTS
UNITS
OCCUPANTS
PROJECTED NEW
GROWTH
Island 622
498
60
132
438
3,504
Mainland 463
370
74
164
296
1,184
(Town)(1,085)
(868)
(134)
(296)
(734)
(4,688)
ETA 677 542
TOTAL 1,762 1,410
108
242
239
535
434
1,168
1,734
6,422
1992 ESTIMATES
TOWN
222
491
1,300
8,476
ETA
132
292
531
2,124
PLANNING AREA
354
783
1,831
10,600
TOTAL 1997
TOWN
356
787
2,034
13,164
ETA
240
531
965
3,858
PLANNING AREA
596
1,318
2,999
17,022
Source: Hayes & Associates
Based on this methodology, the 1997 population for the
current town limits would increase by 296 year-round residents
and 4,688 seasonal residents for an estimated total town
population of 787 year-round residents and 13,164 seasonal
residents. The projected planning area population is 1,318 year-
round residents and 17,022 seasonal residents for an estimated
peak seasonal residential population of 18,340. These
projections are consistent with the previous projections for
year-round population ranges shown in Table 2.7.
B. ECONOMY
While the resort characteristics of Sunset Beach's economy
has changed little since the 1987 Land Usa Plan Update, the
growth of the Town's economic base has been substantial. The
economy is still dependent upon real estate development, tourism,
golfing, and travel. Sunset Beach lies just west of two other
Brunswick County beach communities, Ocean Isle Beach and Holden
Beach, and lies southeast of Calabash which is famous for its
seafood restaurants. The Town offers sandy beaches with a gentle
surf, pier and surf fishing, and four championship golf courses
on the mainland. These attractions offer relaxing vacations to
thousands of visitors each year.
Sunset Beach's economic base consists mainly of services
such as the two motels, beach house rentals, restaurants, gift
and speciality shops, and privately -owned recreational facilities
which include the four championship golf courses and the fishing
pier. All of these services are generally geared toward the
traveling and vacationing public and, as such, are dependent upon

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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 year-round
population. In fact, the number of commercial facilities
remaining open is increasing as the year-round population is
expanding. For example, the regional year-round population is now
large enough to support a major grocery store in a local shopping
center.
Not surprisingly, there are no agricultural, farming,
forestry, manufacturing, or industrial uses in Sunset Beach's
jurisdiction. Real estate development and resort rentals are
still the most significant factor in the resort community's
economy. 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 which expanded to 863 in 1985
and to 1,482 in 1992 -- a dramatic increase of 226 percent over a
12 year period. Moreover, the impact of the four championship
golf courses is also significant as shown by the fact that
170,269 golfers used the four courses between June 1991 through
May 1992.
The continuing real estate development and sales in the Town
will most likely foster a continual growth in the number of
permanent 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 2.9:
TABLE 2.9: SUNSET BEACH ASSESSED VALUATIONS. 1981-1991
YEAR ASSESSED VALUATIONS PERCENT CHANCE
1981
$
32,984,286
---
1982
$
33,750,000
2.32
1983
$
36,911,668
9.37
1984
$
40,500,000
9.72
1985
$
45,000,000
11.10
1986
$
138,840,179*
208.85
1987
$
139,345,528
.36
1988
$
150,276,621
7.84
1989
$
153,327,320
2.03
1990
$
162,015,531
5.67
1991
$
179,383,395
10.72
Source: 1987
Town of Sunset
Beach CAMA Land
Use Plan Update,
Town
of Sunset Beach.
* Year of Re -valuation
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C. EXISTING LAND USE
The overall land use pattern in Sunset Beach has changed
little since the 1987 Land Use Plan Update, with the possible
exception of the development of the new commercial and
institutional corridor along Route 904. The development of the
Pelican Square community shopping center and the new Post Office
has generated traffic along this area.
Within the Town's corporate limits are approximately 1,900
acres of land, water, wetlands, and marshes. Approximately 1,400
acres consist of undevelopable marsh, beaches, and waterways.
Nearly all of the developed and/or platted acreage is for
residential use. Notice Map 2, the 1992 Land Use Map, which
shows the existing land use and zoning patterns and is attached
in the back of this report. In addition to residential uses,
there are some commercial areas, governmental uses, and
recreation uses (golf courses and fishing pier) of land within
Sunset Beach and its extraterritorial jurisdiction. Additional
discussion of land uses follows.
1. Residential Land Use
Most of the residential land uses in Sunset Beach consists
of single-family homes. On the island, 104 duplexes are
scattered along the ocean -front while 216 multi -family units are
concentrated in various complexes near the golf courses on the
mainland. The extra -territorial area is largely a mix of 216
single-family homes and 615 mobile homes. Notice Table 2.10:
TABLE 2.10: 1992 RESIDENTIAL LAND USE BY TYPE, 1992
PLANNING
TOWN
AREA
TYPE
ISLAND
MAINLAND
TOTAL
ETA
TOTAL
Single-family
828
239
1,067
261
1,328
Duplex
104
--
104
4
108
Multi -family
6
216
222
8
230
Motel
40
--
40
--
40
Mobile Home
--
--
--
615
615
TOTAL
978
455.
1,433
888
2,321
Source: 1992 Land Use Survey.
Currently, according to the Town's zoning ordinance, mobile
home units are allowed only in the extraterritorial area.
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H2. Commercial Land uses
Commercial land uses are concentrated in three areas of the
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Town. On the island, commercial uses are located along Sunset
Boulevard to Main Street and include two motels, 5 real estate
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offices, and several stores and shops. A cluster of commercial
uses are located near the bridge along N.C. 179 and include two
restaurants, a small grocery store, a convenience type store, an
air-conditioning service business, an ABC store, and several real
estate offices. A relatively new commercial shopping center,
Pelican Square, is located on NC 904 near the intersection of NC
179. This shopping center contains a major grocery store, three
restaurants, and several stores. The extraterritorial area along
the Route 904 corridor also includes a seafood market, a produce
market, a real estate office, an interior decorator's office, and
a Seaside Plaza shopping center which has a convenience mart, a
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bank, a surveyor's office, an attorney's office, a pool hall, and
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a real estate office. The only commercial uses in the ETA
located near the Calabash Creek along NC 179 are two seafood
stores. According to the Town's official zoning map, there are
substantial areas zoned for commercial activities within the
Town's planning area.
D3.
Governmental/Institutional
Both the Town Hall, Police and Fire Department buildings are
located on the mainland as well as the Town Garage and Water
Tower. The new U.S. Post Office has been annexed into Sunset
Beach and is located along Route 904. These are the only
structures utilized for governmental/ institutional purposes.
However, throughout the town are small parcels containing wells
or supporting facilities for the utility companies and these lots
a are also considered as governmental or institutional use. Two
churches in the ETA are also classified as institutional use.
4. Recreational Land Uses
The principal recreation areas, other than the beach -front,
are the four 18-hole championship golf courses and the fishing
pier.
5. Land Use Compatibility Problems and Problems From Unplanned
aDevelopment
At this time, there are no significant problems from
unplanned development in Sunset Beach, nor are there any
significant land use compatibility problems. During the summer,
there is a high demand for public beach parking spaces and there
is significant traffic congestion at the bridge, especially when
the bridge is closed for boat traffic and repairs. To avoid
a
future land use,problems, the Town will continue to enforce its
zoning and subdivision ordinances and regularly review each
ordinance in terms of its appropriateness and effectiveness in
achieving the Town's objectives for development.
growth and
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NOV 14 i°94
DIVISION OF
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO 1992 TOWN OF SUNSMSSM $dGA5E6F,4P4N UPDATE
-(ITALICS INDICATES NEW INFORMATION OR POLICY)
2. Commercial Land Uses (Page 17)
Commercialland uses are concentrated in three areas of the Town.
On the island, commercial uses are located along Sunset Boulevard to
Main Street and include two motels,'5 real estate offices, and several
stores and shops. A cluster'of commercial uses are located near the
bridge along N.C. 179 and include two restaurants, a small grocery
store, a convenience -type store, an air-conditioning service business,
an ABC store, and several real estate offices. A relatively new
commercial shopping center, Pelican Square, is located on NC 904 near
the intersection of NC 179. This shopping center contains a major
grocery store, three restaurants, and several stores. The
extraterritorial area along the Route 904 corridor also includes a
seafood market, a produce market, a real estate office, an interior
decorator's office, and a Seaside Plaza shopping center which has a
convenience mart, a bank, a surveyor's office, an attorney's office, a
pool hall, and a real estate office. The only commercial uses in the
ETA are two seafood stores located near the Calabash Creek along
NC 179 . According to the Town's official.zoning map, there are
substantial areas zoned for commercial activities within the Town's
planning area.
The extent of commercial development and zoning within the Sunset
Beach Planning Area is shown on Table 2.12 A and illustrated on
Diagram 2. 1. On the island approximately 2. 4 acres are now utilized
for commercial development while on the mainland nearly 30 acres of
land is being utilized for commercial purposes. This existing
commercial development is only 9.4 percent of all land zoned for
commercial purposes. An additional 10.5 acres on the island and 300
acres on the mainland could be developed as commercial. The key
question is: "How much commercial development is needed in a resort
community like Sunset Beach?"
TABLE 2. 12 A: APPROXIMATE ACREAGE OF COMMERCIAL LAND AND ZONING
AVAILABLE AND UTILIZED IN THE SUNSET BEACH PLANNING AREA, 1994
PLANNING
TYPE
ISLAND
MAINLAND
AREA
Existing Commercial Development
2.4
29.9
32.2
Existing Land Zoned Commercial
12.8
330.0
342.8
Vacant Land Zoned Commercial
10.4
300.1
310.6
Amount of Developable Land
294.0
2,400.0
2,694.0
Percent Developable Land
.8%
1.3%
1.2%
Used as Commercial
Percent Deve Iopab 1e- Land 4.4% 13.8% 12. 7%
Zoned Commercial
Source: Town of Sunset Beach and Hayes 8 Associates

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DIAGRAM 2.1: TOWN OF SUNSET BEACH COMMERCIAL ZONING, MAY 1994
® Existing Commercial
Zoning
JN-EkWl�ifi—gComrn�-erclalj-
.
Developmenfi
Island Mainland Total
Planning
Area
Source: Town of Sunset Beach and Hayes Associates

17 C
Utilizing per capita ratios is a valid parameter for assessing
Sunset Beach's commercial development and.zoning since adjustments can
be made to account for the seasonal population. One such planning
criteria is that there should be.a ratio of 12.4 acres of commercial
development for every 1,000 residents. Table 2.12 B notes the
application of this per captia ratio with the population estimates and
projections stated in the 1992 Land Use Plan Update. The ratio is
applied to two different seasonal populations in order to obtain a
range as well as to better estimate more typical year-round demand.
First, the ratio is applied to the average seasonal population which
comprises full-time residents as well as one-half the seasonal peak
population estimate. The ratio is,also applied to the peak seasonal
population which would be the maximum population anticipated on a. peak
summer weekend such as July 4th. Market demand is probably better
indicated by the 'average seasonal population figure, rather than the
peak seasonal population estimate, since this population figure is
more reflective of the Sunset Beach Planning Area population
throughout most of the year.
TABLE 2.12 B: LAND NEEDED FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
BASED UPON PER CAPITA RATIO FOR SUNSET BEACH PLANNING AREA
POPULATION ESTIMATES
Year -Round Population
Peak Seasonal Population
AVERAGE PLANNING AREA POPULATION
TOTAL PLANNING AREA PEAK POPULATION
COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT NEEDS
AVERAGE POPULATION
PEAK POPULATION
1994 COMMERCIAL ZONING AVAILABLE
1992 1997
783
10, 600
6,083
11,383
75.4 ACRES
141. 1 ACRES
342.8 ACRES
1,318
17,022
9,829
18,340
121.9 ACRES
227.4 ACRES
342.8 ACRES
POTENTIAL SURPLUS IN ACRES 201.7 to 267.4 115.4 to 220.9
Source: 1992 Town of Sunset Beach Land Use Plan Update, Planning
ratio of 12.4 acres of commercial development needed for every 1,000
residents stated by Uri P. A vin, AICP, 1994 APA Presentation, "Strip
Corridor Versus Travel Corridor."
Using the "per capita" ratio of 12.4 acres for every 1,000
seasonal and year-round residents, it is estimated that the Sunset.
Beach Planning Area would need from 121.9 to 227.4 acres of commercial
development by 1997. There is already 342.8 acres of land zoned
either BB-1 or MB-1 of which 310 acres are vacant. Based on this

17 D
criteria, Sunset Beach has ample, if not excessive, land zoned for
commercial use.
. Another major concern is that there is too much road frontage
along NC 179 and NC 904 currently zoned for commercial development.
The total road frontage from the Calabash Bridge on NC 179 to the
United States Post Office on NC 904 measures approximately 10.4 miles.
Currently, 4.7 miles or 45 percent of the main traffic corridor on the
Sunset Beach mainland is zoned for commercial use. These figures
exclude the .7 miles of NC. 904 from Leak Street to Sea Village which
has not yet been zoned. This extensive amount of potential commercial
road frontage could result in excessive strip commercial development
on the mainland.
The future location of commercial development is a major concern
on the mainland, but not on the island. Commercial development and
zoning on the island is now limited to parcels.border.ing Sunset
Boulevard. This compact commercial area is compatible with the
character of the island and.is deemed suitable in its present form.
The boundaries of the commercial zoning district BB-1 should not be
extended beyond its current boundaries in order to protect the
predominantly residential character of the island.

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6. Areas Likely Experience
to Changes in Predominant Land Use
The vacant land areas in Sunset Beach are the areas most
likely to experience land use changes. The prospect of Bird
Island being developed is a major concern to many. As of June
1992, the owner of Bird Island has applied for a major CAMA
permit to build a bridge and causeway to the undeveloped island.
Eventually, if the bridge causeway system receives a Major CAMA
permit, the owner wishes to develop the island as a low -density,
cluster residential development. Many Sunset Beach residents
would prefer for the island to remain undeveloped and become a
wildlife sanctuary or nature park. "To keep Bird Island as is"
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was the second highest priority concern at the March 26 public
meeting. A dilemma for the Town is that major portions of Bird
Island consists of developable land and therefore, it would not
be possible to prevent any development of the island through
zoning restrictions since such action would constitute "taking of
private property without just compensation." Public acquisition
would be the best means to prevent any development. Nearly 72
percent of the April survey respondents supported such action
while 22 percent believed that the owner had the right to develop
her land.
D7.
Existing Land Use Summary
As the attached 1992 Existing Land Use Map indicates, nearly
a
all the developable land has been subdivided into building lots,
mostly for single-family structures. There is still a significant
amount of undeveloped building lots remaining on the island,
mainland, and in the ETA. Some of these lots may not be able to
be developed because the lot is deemed unsuitable to obtain a
septic disposal permit. Notice Table 2.11:
aTABLE
2._11: LAND DEVELOPMENT SUMMARY, 1992
TOTAL PERCENT
PLATTED LOTS VACANT DEVELOPED DEVELOPED
Island 1,505 622 883 57.2
Mainland 1,381 463 918 66.5
Extraterritorial 1,563 677 886 56.7
TOTAL 4,449 1,762 2,687 60.4
Source: 1992 Land use Survey
D. CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES, AND REGULATIONS
1. Prior CAMA Land Use Plans
The Town of Sunset Beach had its first CAMA Land Use Plan
prepared in 1976, with additional 5-year updates being completed
in 1980 and 1987. All of these previous plans contained a
description of the Town and general development policies.

18
Ht 2. Transportation
The most significant feature of North Carolina's
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) pertaining to Sunset
Beach is the proposed construction of a new high-rise bridge
across the Intracoastal Waterway. The construction of the high-
rise bridge has been delayed until a court -ordered Environmental
Impact Statement has been completed and it is anticipated that
the preparation of the EIS will not be completed until 1994 or
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1995. Acquisition of the right-of-way for the bridge has already
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been completed. No funds for the construction of the bridge are
included in the 1992-1998 North Carolina Transportation
Improvement Program (TIP). Moreover, there are no other major
road improvements for Sunset Beach included in the 1992-1998 TIP.
Minor road improvements such as the repaving of Main Street, the
creation of a turning lane to Sea Trail Plantation, and the
widening of the Route 904 and 179 intersections are planned for
1992.
3. Water Distribution Plan
Sunset Beach, like many other smaller communities in
Brunswick County, is.a part of the Brunswick County Water System.
The Town's former water system consisted of six operating wells,
a treatment plant, and distribution lines. However, the
Brunswick County System bought the wells and incorporated the
wells into the regional system. The wells are currently used
only to meet peak demands during the height of the tourist
season. Otherwise, the wells are not used at all. It is the
Town's policy that developers pay all costs of expanding the
service into new areas.
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4. Waste Treatment Plants
Sunset Beach still relies on ground absorption systems for
all sewage disposal as permitted by the Brunswick County Health
Department. The Town of Sunset Beach has investigated the need
for a centralized sewer system and has submitted a Certificate of
Need for a sewer system to the N.C. Department of Environment,
Health, and Natural Resources on January 31, 1992. Depending
upon the review of the certificate of need, The Town of Sunset
Beach may prepare a 201 Facilities Plan for a centralized sewer
system.
5. Utilities Extension Policy
The Town's policy concerning extending waterlines to newly
developed areas is for the developer to pay all costs of
extension and installation. After construction, all the lines
become the Town's property.
6. Recreation Policy
The beaches provide most of the area's recreational
opportunities and public beach access is available at 33
locations. A new beach parking area with 45 parking spaces and a
gazebo has been built close to the fishing pier on the island. On

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the island, the Town does own three 10-feet wide drainage
easements which lead from North Shore Drive to the marshes which
are unimproved but could provide access to the estuary. There are
an additional 7 dedicated 5-foot paths to the estuary on the
eastern end of the island. Currently, the Town does not have a
formal recreation policy or operates parks, public boat accesses,
or similar public recreational facilities.
7. Emergency Response Plan
In 1986 the Town of Sunset Beach adopted an emergency
response plan which formulates a pre -designed plan of'action for
dealing with emergency situations such as hurricanes, fire,
chemical spills, bridge failure, earthquakes, or oil spills.
8. Local Regulations and Enforcement Provisions
(a) 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 a building inspector and a CAMA Local
Permit Officer. The Areas of Environmental Concern described in
the forthcoming section are areas which need protection.
Enforcement of the CAMA permit process is a major means of that
protection.
(b) 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
one -mile extraterritorial area. The zoning districts are briefly
described as follows:
MR-1 Mainland Residential District: Primarily for
residential use with provisions for single-family
residences, championship golf courses, as well as
primary and secondary uses. The minimum required lot
area per dwelling unit is 15,000 square feet.
MR-2 Mainland Residential District: Primarily for
residential use with provisions for single-family
residences, planned residential development, and
championship golf courses as well as customary and
secondary uses, and other uses permitted in MR-1. The
minimum required lot area per dwelling unit is 10,000
square feet.
MR-3 Mainland Multi -family Residential Development:
Exclusively for residential use with provisions for
single-family and multi -family development, and
customary and secondary uses as well as other uses
permitted in MR-1 such as championship golf courses.
MB-1 Mainland Business District: Primarily for retail trade
with provisions for retail and convenience -type
establishments and residential development.

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BR-1 Beach Residential District: Exclusively for residential
use with provisions for single-family and two-family
residences as well as customary and secondary uses.
BR-2 Beach Residential District: Exclusively for residential
use with provisions for single-family residences,
planned residential development, as well as customary
and secondary uses.
BB-1 Beach Business District: Primarily for general business
use with provisions for residential uses and
convenience -type trade establishments.
.
MH-1 Mobile Home/Conventional Home Residential District.
Exclusively for residential use with provisions for
single-family mobile homes and conventional housing as
well as customary and secondary uses. The minimum
required lot area per dwelling unit is 9,000 square
feet.
MH-2 Mobile Home Residential District: Exclusively for
residential use with provisions for double -wide mobile
homes. The minimum required lot size per dwelling unit
is 6,500 square feet.
AF-1 Agricultural -Forestry District: Primarily for the
production of agricultural and forestry products with
provisions for single-family homes provided that
lots are one -acre minimum in size and that all other
requirements of MR-1 apply for such residential lots.
R1-1 Recreational -Institutional District: Exclusively for
the use of government buildings, churches, schools,
parks, and like uses.
Notice that there are slightly different provisions which
apply to the mainland and beach portions of the Town. The Town
Administrator is also the Zoning Officer. In conjunction with
the Zoning Ordinance, the Town also has a Planning Board and a
Board of Adjustment. Supplementary enforcement provisions in the
ordinance include ocean set -back lines and dune protection.
(c) 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. A
subdivision is the division of any parcel or tract of land into
two or more lots for the purpose of development. 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;

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(b) To Provide space for safe and sanitary dwelling
accommodations within the Planning area of the town;
(c) To Provide for suitable residential neighborhoods 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 initial proper
construction of streets and utilities; and
(e) To provide proper land records for the convenience of
the public and for better identification and permanent location
of real estate boundaries.
In addition to a standard plat review procedures prior to
the approval of any "regular" subdivision, the regulations also
contain 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 land, a higher level of amenities, and more
creative designs than would otherwise be possible. In each case
tho- 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, MR-3
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.
The subdivision ordinance requires for the developer to
build the roads according to the Town's specification and then
the streets can be dedicated to the Town.
(d) Dune Protection
Sunset. Beach does have specific provisions for protecting
the dunes in the Building Code and general provisions forbidding
vehicular traffic on the beach in the Traffic Code. Moreover,
walkways are provided at each beach access and fences line these
walkways which guide pedestrian traffic from disturbing the
dunes. It is also illegal to walk, play, or alter the dunes in
any fashion.
( e ) 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 per day is designed by engineers and submitted to the North
Carolina Department of Human Resources for approval. Building

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permits are not issued until a septic tank permit or an approved
site plan is presented. A final inspection is not given or a
a certificate of occupancy completed until an inspection slip from
the Health Department is in the Town file indicating that the
waste disposal system was installed as permitted.
U(f) Building Code
In 1967, the Town of Sunset Beach adopted the N.C. State
(� Building Code. The Town Building Inspectors issue building
u permits and inspect construction to ensure strict compliance with
all code enforcement.
(q) Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
In 1974 Sunset Beach adopted a Flood Damage Prevention
Ordinance and began participating in the Emergency Phase of the
Federal Flood Insurance Program. However, in 1985, with the
publishing of the final Flood Insurance Rate Maps by the Federal
Emergency Management Administration, the Town entered the regular
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phase of the program. First floor building elevation
requirements vary in the Town, ranging from 13 feet in the "A"
zones to 17 feet in the "V" zones, including wave height
calculations. The Flood Ordinance is enforced as part of the
Town's building permit program. The Zoning Officer is also the
enforcement officer.
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(h) Proposed Sign Ordinance
Some sign restrictions are now included in the current
Zoning Ordinance. However, the Planning Board is currently
preparing a proposed sign ordinance which_ would further regulate
signs throughout the Town's jurisdiction. The proposed sign
ordinance is being revised and must be approved by the Town
Council before it can be implemented.
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9. Federal and State Regulations
In addition to the local ordinances and County regulations
listed and described above, there are also various State and
Federal regulations which could also affect land development in
Sunset Beach. For example, the 404 wetlands regulations which
are enforced by the Corps of Engineers would affect development
on land which meets the federal criteria of wetlands.
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SECTION III: LAND SUITABILITY
Development in a community such as Sunset Beach is
often limited by constraints, factors which preclude or
place restrictions on development. This section identifies
features of the land or landscape of the Town which limit or
could pose serious constraints to development such as Areas
of Environmental Concern, flood hazard areas, estuarine
erosion areas, man-made hazards, areas with soil
limitations, sources of water supply, natural resource
fragile areas, cultural resource fragile areas, and areas
with resource potential.
A. Areas of Environmental Concern
One of the most significant aspects of the legislation
which created CAMA was the designation of special "Areas of
Environmental Concern" (AECS). These areas which are
defined in the NC State Statues require special protective
consideration as far as land use planning is concerned.
AECS are further designated under two major groupings, the
Estuarine System and the Ocean Hazard AECS. Because of its
location on a barrier island and the mainland, Sunset Beach
has AECS in both categories which are described below and
the general location of the AECS is shown on Map 2 which is
attached. The statutory defined Areas of Environmentally
Concern (AECS) generally remain the same as described in the
1986 Plan Update. All development and development -related
activity within Sunset Beach's designated AECS is currently
regulated -by the Coastal Area Management Act permit process.
1. Estuarine System
The Estuarine System AECS include
Estuarine Waters, Estuarine Shorelines,
and most recently Outstanding Resource
and their general occurrence in Sunset
as follows:
a. Coastal Wetlands
Coastal Wetlands,
Public Trust Waters,
Waters. These areas
Beach are discussed
a These areas 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
courses), but not including hurricane or tropical storm
tides. In Sunset Beach, coastal wetlands generally occur in
a the marsh areas along both sides of the Intracoastal
Waterway extending from Bird Island to the border of Ocean
Isle Beach.
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These tidal marshlands serve as a critical component in
the coastal ecosystem. The marsh is the basis for the high
net yield of the estuary through the production of organic
detritus (partially decomposed plant material) which is the
primary input source for the food chain of the entire
estuarine system. Estuarine dependent species of fish and
shellfish make up over 90 percent of the total value of
North Carolina's commercial catch.
The roots and rhizomes and seeds of marsh grasses serve
as food for waterfowl, and the stems as wildlife nesting
material. Tidal marsh also serves as the first line of
defense in retarding shoreline erosion. The plant stems and
leaves tend to dissipate wave action while the vast network
of roots resists soil erosion. Coastal wetlands operate
additionally as traps for sediments, nutrients, and
pollutants originating from urban runoff. Siltation of the
estuarine bottom is reduced, and pollutants and excess
nutrients absorbed by plants do not burden the coastal
waters. (15A 7H .205)
These marshes should be considered unsuitable for all
development and for those land uses which alter their
natural functions. Inappropriate land uses include, but are
not limited to the following examples: restaurants and
businesses; residences, apartments, motels, hotels, and
trailer parks; parking lots and offices; spoil and dump
sites; wastewater lagoons; public and private roads and
highways; and factories. Examples of acceptable land uses
may include utility easements, fishing piers, docks, and
certain,agriculturai uses, except when excavation or filling
of navigable waters is involved.
b. Estuarine Waters
This AEC is defined as all the waters of the Atlantic
Ocean and the bays, sounds, rivers, and tributaries thereto,
seaward of the dividing line between coastal fishing waters
and inland fishing waters. In Sunset Beach, estuarine
waters include.the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal
Waterway, adjoining creeks such as Jinks Creek, the major
inlets on either end of the island (Tubb's Inlet on the east
end and Mad Inlet on the west end), the finger canals
located near the island's center, and the Calabash River
Creek.
The high productivity associated with the estuary
results from its unique circulation patterns caused by tidal
energy, fresh water flow, and shallow depth. The nutrient
trapping mechanisms add protection to the many organisms.
The circulation pattern of estuarine waters performs a
number of important functions, including transporting
nutrients, propelling the plankton, spreading seed stages of
fish and shellfish, flushing wastes from animal and plant

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life, cleaning the system of pollutants, controlling
salinity, shifting sediments, and mixing the water to create
a multitude of habitats.
Secondary benefits include commercial and sports
fisheries, waterfowl hunting, processing operations, and
tourist -related industries. In addition, there is
n considerable non -monetary value associated with aesthetics,
li recreation, and education. (15 7H .206)
Appropriate uses in and around estuarine waters are
those which preserve the estuarine waters so to safeguard
and perpetuate their biological, economic and aesthetic
values. Highest priority is to be allocated to the
conservation of estuarine waters. Second priority may be
given to water dependent uses such as navigable channels,
piers and docks, and mooring pilings, provided that they do
not directly or indirectly block or impair existing
navigation 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.
c. Public Trust Areas
aThese
are described as (1) all the waters of the
Atlantic Ocean and,the lands thereunder from the mean high
water mark to the seaweed limit of state jurisdiction;.(2)
all natural bodies of water subject to measurable lunar
tides and lands thereunder to the mean high water mark, (3)
all navigable natural bodies of water and land thereunder to
the mean high water level or mean water level as the case
may be, except privately -owned lakes to which the public has
no right of access; (4) all water in artificially created
bodies of water containing significant public fishing
resources or other public resources which are accessible to
the public by navigation from bodies of water in which the
public has rights of navigation; and (5) all waters in
artificially created bodies of water in which the public has
acquired rights by prescription, custom, usage, dedication,
or any other means.
Public Trust Areas within Sunset Beach are the
Intracoastal Waterway, Tubb's Inlet, Mad Inlet, Ocean
Beaches, and the Atlantic Ocean adjacent to the beaches.
Adjacent creeks and man-made canals may also be Public Trust
Waters. The significance of the public trust waters is that
the public has rights to them, including navigation and
recreation. In addition, these public trust waters support
valuable commercial and sports fisheries, have aesthetic
value, and are important resources for economic development.
(15A 7H .0207)
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The State allows appropriate private development within
Public Trust Areas, provided the development is not
detrimental to the environment or to public access.
Navigation channels, piers, marinas, and bulkheads to
control erosion are examples of uses which may be found
acceptable.
d. Estuarine Shorelines
Estuarine shorelines, although characterized as dry
land, are considered a component of the estuarine system
because of the close association with the adjacent estuarine
waters. Estuarine shorelines are those 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. The extent of the estuarine
shoreline area extends from the mean high water level or
normal water level along the estuaries, sounds, bays, and
brackish waters as adopted by the Wildlife Resources
Commission of the NC Department of Environment, Health, and
Natural Resources, for a distance of 75 feet landward.
The shorelines of the Estuarine Waters described
previously and 75 feet landward are the Estuarine Shorelines
in Sunset Beach. This include the shorelines of the
Intracoastal Waterway, Tubb's and Mad Inlets, adjoining
creeks, the finger canals, and the Calabash River Creek.
Because development within the estuarine shoreline AEC can
harm the marshland and estuarine waters, and because of the
inherent dynamic and hazardous nature of coastal shorelines,
specific standards have been adopted by the State for
construction in these areas as outlined in NCAC T1507H.029.
A CAMA permit must also be obtained. By regulation all
projects cannot weaken natural barriers to erosion, shall
have limited impervious surfaces, and shall take measures to
prevent pollution of the estuary by sedimentation and
runoff.
e. Outstanding Resource Waters
This AEC classification does not pertain to Sunset Beach.
2. Ocean Hazards
Ocean Hazard Areas of Environmental Concern are areas
along the Atlantic Ocean which are especially vulnerable to
erosion and other effects of wind, waves, and water. On the
unstable sands that form the island and its oceanfront,
uncontrolled and/or incompatible development can
a unreasonably endanger life and property. Improper
development can also disturb the natural barrier island
dynamics and sediment transport and can interfere with the

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beach's natural defenses against erosion. Three Areas of
Environmental Concern comprise the Ocean Hazard Areas in
Sunset Beach which are the Ocean Erodible Area, High Hazard
Flood Area, and Inlet Hazard Area. These hazard areas are
usually owned by a large number of individual owners and are
utilized by a vast number of visitors to the coast. Ocean
hazard areas are very important considerations in developing
aland
use policies in shore front communities.
a. Ocean Erodible Area
The Ocean Erodible Area is the portion of the island
where there exists a substantial possibility of excessive
erosion and significant shoreline fluctuation. The seaward
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boundary of this area is the mean low water line. The
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landward extent of this area is determined as follows:
(1.) a distance landward from the first line of stable
a
natural vegetation to the recession line that would be
established by multiplying the long-term annual erosion rate
times 60. Where there has been no long-term erosion or the
rate is less than two feet per year, the distance shall be
120 feet landward from the first line of stable vegetation;
and
(2.) a distance landward from the 100-year storm
recession line of 200 feet. (15A NCAC O7H .0304).
The total Ocean Erodible Area for Sunset Beach, based
on the above definition, would extend to 320 feet. For
setback purposes, the rate of erosion has been set at two
a
feet per year. The Town's ordinances restrict development
to no further than 125 feet seaward of the property lot
lines which abut Main Street.
ab.
High Hazard Flood Areas
D
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 zone V1-30 on
the Flood Insurance Rate Maps of the Federal Insurance
Administration, US Department of Housing and Urban
Development. (15A NCAC 07H .0304).
The High Hazard Flood Area in Sunset Beach have been
determined by the Flood Insurance Rate Maps prepared by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The initial
flood zones were determined in November 1972 and were
periodically revised with the latest revision dated April 2,
1991. All areas designated as Zone VE are high hazard flood
areas subject to wave action. The VE Zone comprises the
entire oceanfront as well as Bird Island and adjoining
marshes bordering the Intracoastal Waterway on the western
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end of the island and land bordering Tubb's Inlet on the
eastern end of the island. The entire barrier island,
however, is subject to the 100-year flood zone as well as
parts of the mainland bordering the Intracoastal Waterway
and the Calabash River Creek.
c. Inlet Hazard Area
aInlet
Hazard Areas are natural -hazard areas that are
especially vulnerable to erosion, flooding and other adverse
effects of sand, wind, and water because of their proximity
to dynamic ocean inlets. This area shall extend landward
from mean low water line a distance sufficient to encompass
that area within which the inlet will, based on statistical
analysis, migrate, and shall consider such factors as
previous inlet territory, structurally weak areas near the
inlet (such as an unusually narrow barrier island, an
unusually long channel feeding the inlet, or an overwash
a
area), and external influences such as jetties and
channelization . . . in all cases, these areas shall be an
D
extension of the adjacent ocean erodible area and in no case
shall the width of the inlet hazard area be less than the
width of the adjacent erodible area. (15A NCAC 07H .0304-3).
Sunset Beach has two Inlet Hazard Areas: Mad Inlet on
the western end of the island and Tubb's Inlet on the
eastern end of the island. Tubb's Inlet, in particular, has
been subject to a great deal of fluctuation.
B. Flood Hazard Areas
aAs
discussed in the High Hazard Flood Area AEC Section
previously, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
first identified flood hazard areas for the Town of Sunset
a
Beach in November, 1972. The most recent revision to the
flood insurance rate maps was in April, 1991 in order to
change special flood hazard areas, base flood elevations,
and zone designations. Map 3, which is attached, shows the
general location of Sunset Beach's flood hazard areas and
there are five classifications which are pertinent:
VE-Zone: The VE-zone corresponds to the 100-year
coastal floodplains which have additional hazards associated
with storm waves. Based on detailed hydraulic analysis,
FEMA projects that floodwaters during a 100-year storm
could reach depths ranging from 15 to 23 feet (i.e. base
flood elevations). The VE-zone corresponds to the High
Hazard Flood Area AEC and basically consists of the
oceanfront, Bird Island, land bordering Mad and Tubb's
Inlet, and lower elevation lands bordering both sides of the
Intracoastal Waterway.
Zone AE: These areas are within the 100-year floodplain
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and base flood elevations ranging from 13 to 17 feet were
derived by FEMA. Generally, slightly higher elevation lands
from the ocean dunes to the vicinity of the Intracoastal
Waterway on the island, slightly higher elevation lands
bordering the Intracoastal Waterway on the mainland, and
lands bordering the Calabash River Creek have been
designated as Zone AE.
Zone A: Zone A areas are also located within the 100-
year flood plain but FEMA has not conducted detailed studies
to determine base flood elevations. A section of Zone A
borders the upper region of the Calabash River Creek.
ZoneX Special Designation: These areas are designated
as a light gray on the FEMA flood insurance rate maps.
These Zone X areas correspond to the 500-year floodplain or
areas of 100-year flooding where average depths are less
n
than one foot, areas of 100-year flooding where the
ucontributing
drainage area is less than one square mile, and
areas protected from the 100-year flood by levees. No base
flood elevations are specified within this zone. Generally,
this Zone X area in Sunset Beach consists of the land
surrounding the Western and Eastern Lakes on the mainland.
Zone X and C: These Zone X and C areas are the higher
elevation lands on the mainland which are determined to be
outside the 500-year floodplain. These areas are not shaded
on the FEMA maps or regulated by the Flood Damage Prevention
Ordinance. In Sunset Beach, most upland areas on the
mainland not bordering water systems are classified as Zone
X and C which comprises a major portion of the Town's
mainland.
C. Estuarine Erosion Areas
The estuarine natural hazard area is defined as the
non -ocean shoreline subject to erosion or similar effects of
wind and water, which is usually the immediate estuarine
shoreline. Sunset Beach has extensive marshes bordering its
estuarine shorelines which protects its shorelines from
extensive erosion.
QD.
Man-made Hazards
Sunset Beach is a resort community and there are no
man-made hazards such as airports, industries, or waste
facilities located within its area.
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E. Areas with Soil Limitations
A soil survey for Brunswick County was completed in
1986 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation
Service. The report includes detailed descriptions of the
soil types and properties for Brunswick County with
"discussions of the suitability for various uses such as
dwellings without basements, septic tank absorption,
sanitary landfills, and recreation.
Soils in Sunset Beach are typical of those found on
developed coastal barrier islands and of lower coastal
plains of the mainland. Table 3.1 lists the general
characteristics and location of the fourteen soil types
found in Sunset Beach and discusses their suitability for
dwellings without basements and septic tank absorption. On
the island, the Bohicket and Carteret soils are found in the
marshes and tidal flats while the Corolla and Newhan soils
are found mainly along the oceanfront. All four of these
soil types have severe limitations for dwellings without
basements and septic tank absorption. Bohicket soils are
also found in the mainland marshes of the Intracoastal
Waterway. Ten out of the eleven soil types found on the
mainland likewise have severe limitations for septic tank
absorption because of wetness, flooding, ponding, or poor
filter characteristics. Only the Blanton soils which are
generally found north of the Calabash River Creek in the
recently extended extraterritorial limits have moderate
limitations for septic tank absorption. On the other hand,
eight out of eleven mainland soils have only slight to
moderate limitations for dwellings without basements. The
wetness of the Leon soils, the flooding, ponding, and
shrink -swell nature of the Bohicket soils, and the ponding
of the Murville soils impose severe limitations for
dwellings without basements. Pockets of the Leon and
Murville soils are scattered on the mainland while the
Bohicket soils are generally found along the Intracoastal
Waterway.
The lack of soils generally suitable for septic tank
placement is a major concern for Sunset Beach which
currently does not have a centralized sewer system.
However, the general declaration of limitations do not mean
that sites within these soil types are absolutely
unsuitable. Individual on -site investigations must be
conducted to determine final suitability. The Brunswick
County Health Department issues permits for septic tanks if
all applicable county, state, and federal regulations are
met. A final decision is based on soil testing and other
site requirements being determined by local subdivision and
zoning requirements.
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TABLE 3.1 : SOIL CHARACTERISTICS FOR SUNSET
BEACH
SOIL TYPES GENERAL
DWELLINGS
SEPTIC
CHARACTERISTICS
WITHOUT
TANK
BASEMENTS
ABSORPTION
ISLAND SOILS
Bohicket Very poorly drained soils
Severe
Severe
of the tidal marshes
Carteret
Very poorly drained soils
Severe
Severe
in tidal flats
Corolla
Fine sand along the coast
Severe
Severe
Newhan
Fine sand along the coast
Severe
Severe
Q
MAINLAND
SOILS
Baymeade
Gently sloping soils on
Slight
Moderate
lower coastal plains
Blanton
Moderately well drained
Slight
Moderate
sandy soil of interstream
areas
Foreston* Nearly level, well drained
Slight
Severe
soils in interstream areas
Kureb
Excessively drained soils
Slight
Severe
of lower coastal plains
Leon
Nearly level, poorly drained
Severe
Severe
soils in interstream areas
and depressions
Mandarin
Nearlylevel poorly drained
� p Y
Moderate
-
Severe
soils in interstream areas
and depressions
Murville
Nearly level, poorly drained
Severe
Severe
soils on depressions in
coastal uplands
Pactolus
Nearly level and gently
Moderate
Severe
sloping with moderate to
poorly drained soils
Tomahawk
Somewhat moderate to
Moderate
Severe
poorly drained soils on
uplands
Wando
Excessively drained soils
Slight
Severe
in interstream areas
* Prime
Farmland Soil
Source:
U.S.D.A., Soil Survey of Brunswick
County, NC.,
November 1986.

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F. Sources and Estimated Quantity of Water Supply
1. Groundwater
Although there are still deep wells in Sunset Beach, the
Town's primary source of water is the Brunswick County Water
System which generally does not use 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 limitation to development.
2. Surface Water Quality
Sunset Beach has substantial amounts of surface waters
which are affected by land development in terms of water
Q
quality. In November 1991, the North Carolina Department of
Environment, Health, and
Natural Resources issued reports for
a
the waters of the Lumber
systems of Sunset Beach.
River Basin which includes the water
Table 3.2 details these
classifications.
aTABLE
3.2: CLASSIFICATION OF WATER SYSTEMS IN SUNSET BEACH
WATER SYSTEM CLASSIFICATION DEFINITION
Calabash Creek
SA Tidal salt water used for
Intracoastal Waterway
shellfishing, primary
recreation, aquatic life
propagation and survival,
fishing, wildlife, and
secondary recreation.
aAtlantic
Ocean
SB Tidal salt water which offers
primary recreation, aquatic
life propagation and
a
survival, fishing, wildlife,
and secondary recreation.
Source: "Classifications
and Water Quality Standards Assigned to
a
the Waters of the Lumber
River Basin," NC Department of
Environment, Health, and
Natural Resources, November 1991.
The SA classification of the Intracoastal Waterway and
Calabash Creek indicates a high quality water system which has
best usage for shellfishing and swimming. The SA classification
coincides with waters being classified as Primary Nursery Areas
by the NC Marine Fisheries Commission. The SB classification of
the Atlantic Ocean indicates that the ocean is suitable for
swimming and other primary recreation uses, but is not deemed
suitable for shellfishing.
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G. Closed Shellfishing Areas
Most of the waters of Sunset Beach are closed for
shellfishing as shown on Map 5. The only exception is Tubbs
Inlet on the eastern end of the island which is open for
shellfishing as authorized by the NC Division of Marine
Fisheries.
H. Slopes in Excess of 12%
a
Sunset Beach lies on a low -elevation coastal barrier island
and gently sloping coastal plain. Generally, there is no land
within the planning area which has slopes in excess of 12
percent which would pose a constraint for development. A
possible exception is the frontal sand dunes which are ocean
hazard areas and are protected from development by CAMA and
provisions in local ordinances.
I. Fragile Areas
These are areas which could easily be damaged or destroyed
by inappropriate or poorly planned development. Fragile areas
include Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs) which were
previously discussed. However, there are othpr fragile areas in
Sunset Beach which are not classified as Areas of Environmental
a
Concern, but nevertheleFG, due to either natural or cultural
significance, are environmentally sensitive. These areas will
be identified and discussed below as either "Natural Resource
Fragile Areas" or "Cultural Resource Fragile Areas."
a. Natural Resource Fragile Areas
Natural resource fragile areas are generally recognized to
be of educational, scientific, or cultural value because of the
natural features of the particular site. Features in these
areas serve to distinguish them from the vast majority of the
landscape. These areas include: complex natural areas, areas
that sustain remnant species, unique geological formations,
pocosins, wooded swamps, prime wildlife habitats, or registered
natural landmarks.
(1) Coastal Complex Natural Areas
Coastal complex natural areas are defined as lands that
support native plant and animal communities and provide habitat
qualities which have remained essentially unchanged by human
activity. Such areas may be either significant components of
coastal systems or especially notable habitat areas of
scientific, educational, or aesthetic value. They may be
surrounded by landscape that has been modified but does not
drastically alter conditions within the natural areas. Coastal
complex natural areas are significant in that they function as a
key biological components of natural systems and provide habitat
suitable for threatened or endangered species or support plant
a

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CD
O? ,
a
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135
a
179
4 ••
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a+
,• w
--� CLOSED SHELLFISHING AREA
MAP 5: CLOSED SHELLFISHING AREAS IN THE SUNSET BEACH PLANNING AREA, SPRING 1992

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or animal communities representative of pre -settlement
conditions. Coastal complex natural areas may be designated as
an Area of Environmental Concern (ACE) by the Coastal Resource
Commission.
Bird Island is one of the few undeveloped barrier Islands
remaining in North Carolina and because of its undi3turbed state
is a prime example of a coastal complex natural area. A study
of Bird Island conducted by the North Carolina Natural Heritage
Program in December, :989 cites numerous plant and animal
species round on the island. Bird Island's vegetation can be
divided into a number of natural communities. Upper Beach, Dune
Grass, Maritime Dry Grassland, Maritime Wet Grassland, Maritime
D
Shrub, Maritime Shrub Swamp, Brackish Marsh, Salt Shrub, Salt
Flat, and Salt Marsh communities are found here. All of these
plant communities are in good to excellent condition, with a
minimum of human disturbance. Of greatest note is the Maritime
Shrub Swamp natural community. While not extensive on Bird
Island, this community is considered endangered on a state and
global basis.
A number of rare plant and animal species have been
reported on Bird Island. A rare plant, seabeach amaranth
(Amaranthus pumilus) is found on the overwash flat at the
western end of the island and on the upper beach and along the
base of the foredunes the length of the island. once
distributed from South Carolina to Massachusetts, this rare
plant is now limited to about twenty-five islands between Cape
Hatteras, North Carolina to Cape Romain, South Carolina. The
seabeach amaranth is listed as a State Threatened species and is
being considered for addition to the federal list of endangered
and threatened species.
The Island has been used sporadically by nesting colonial
waterbirds. Black Skimmers (Rynchops niger) have used Bird
Island as a nest site. Black Skimmers are considered a Special
Concern species in North Carolina because of declines in their
populations, apparently because of their sensitivity while
nesting to human disturbance. Bird Island has also been used by
Least Terns (Sterna albifrons) as a nesting site. This smallest
of the North America terns nests in colonies on beach and island
ends which are not too often disturbed by human visitors. While
not yet threatened, Least Terns are declining because of the
ever-increasing usage of their habitat by humans and their pets.
Bird Island serves as a refuge to these colonial nesters because
of its undeveloped condition and relatively light usage by human
avisitors.
It is likely that Bird Island is also a nesting site for
loggerhead turtles. The latest information from the Wildlife
Resources Commission is that 12 loggerhead nesting sites were
found in Sunset Beach during 1990 but the exact location of
athese
sites was not specified. Certainly, Bird Island, because

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of its uninhabitated nature with no street lights is a suitable
nesting site for this Federally Threatened Species.
The estuarine waters and marshes behind Bird Island serve
as a habitat for two other rare animals, the marked goby
(Gobionellus stigmaticus), a fish of Special Concern in North
Carolina, and knobbed whelk (Busycon Carica), a mollusk of
Special Concern. The status of these two aquatic organisms is
not well known.
For these reasons, the North Carolina Natural Heritage
C Program lists Bird Island as a Priority Natural Area of regional
concern and the island is considered worthy of protection.
(2) Areas that Sustain Remnant Species
Coastal areas that sustain remnant species are those areas
that support native plants or animals which are determined to be
rare or endangered (synonymous with threatened and endangered),
within the coastal area. Such places provide habitats necessary
for the survival of existing populations of rare or endangered
species within the coastal area and preserve our natural
heritage and protect natural diversity which is related to
biological stability.
The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program has identified
numerous rare species of plants and animals at Sunset Beach
besides those previously cited for Bird Island. These species
are briefly noted below by their general location on the island
and mainland:
BARRIER ISLAND
LOGGERHEAD TURTLE: This Federally Threatened species nests
(? along the shorefront of the entire Island.
�j GULL -TERN -SKIMMER COLONY: The State Special Concern Black
Skimmer and the State -Threatened Gull -billed Tern often nest at
the spit located on the western end of the Island. This tern
colony has been roped off in recent years.
(� PIPING PLOVER: This Federally Threatened species has nested
Li sporadically in recent years at the eastern end of the Island.
(� COMMON GROUND -DOVE: This is a State "significantly rare" bird
U which has been reported nesting on the western end of the Island
at least through 1990.
CSEABEACH AMARANTH: This State Threatened and Federal candidate
plant occurs on the sand flats at both the western and eastern
tips of the Island.
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The shorefront and in particular the western and eastern
tips of Sunset Beach is a significant natural area because of
the occurrence of these rare species.
MAINLAND
WOOD STORK: This Federally Endangered bird spends the summer and
early fall at the Twin Lakes. The birds feed at the lakes and
a
in the tidal marshes. They roost in the trees near the lakes.
These are post -breeding birds, and are present mainly from mid -
June into late September, after which they return to the states
farther south where they breed during the winter and spring.
This is the only roosting site for the Wood Stork in North
Carolina.
AMERICAN ALLIGATOR: This
species is State Threatened. It occurs
at Twin Lakes, and likely occurs in the Calabash River as well.
ANHINGA: This is a State "significantly rare" bird. It occurs
along the Calabash River and Twin Lakes, especially at Lake
Medcalf, where it likely breeds.
"significantly
CORALBEAN (Erythrina herbacea): This is a State
rare" plant that is near the northern edge of its range. It
occurs mainly in the mainland maritime forests, particularly in
a
sandy openings and edges. A fairly large population occurs in
the undeveloped, though seemingly understory-thinned, maritime
forest on the south side of NC 179, opposite of Western and
Eastern Lakes. Further development of these tracts would
eliminate or nearly eliminate the species from this site.
Most of the rare species on the mainland occur in the Twin Lakes
and Lake Medcalf area. In addition to the Wood Stork and
American Alligator, the lakes are home to many breeding birds
such as the Common Moorhen, the Pied -billed Grebe, the Least
Bittern, and other uncommon species. Large number of herons,
egrets, and other wading birds feed along the shoreline of the
lakes, and waterfowl feed along the lakes as well.
Consequently, this area is still considered a Priority Natural
Area of State Significance by the North Carolina Natural
Heritage Program despite the intrusion of golf course and
residential development.
(3) Unique Geological Formations
Unique geological formations are defined as sites that
contain geological formations that are unique or otherwise
significant components of coastal systems, or that are
especially notable examples of geological formations or
processes in the coastal area.
a There are no reported unique geological formations in
Sunset Beach.
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U(4) Registered Natural Landmarks
As of Spring 1992, there were no registered natural
landmarks within Sunset Beach's Planning Area. However, Bird
Island and the Twin Lakes -Lake Medcalf area are worthy of such
designation. At one time, the Colkins Neck Maritime Forest was
considered worthy of such designation, however, this area has
been impacted by development and is no longer considered a
priority area by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program.
(5) Wooded Swamp
Wooded swamps are simply forested wetlands. Some of the
wetlands along the upper reaches of the Calabash Creek are
considered wooded swamps.
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(6) Prime Wildlife Habitats
Prime wildlife habitats are areas supporting large or
unusually diverse populations of wildlife or are habitats for
species considered to be rare, endangered, or of special
concern. Bird Island and the Twin Lakes Natural Area serve as
prime wildlife habitats for coastal birds and wildlife.
In addition, the saltwater marshes along both sides of the
Intracoastal Waterway are prime wildlife habitats for many
species of birds and aquatic life.
(7) Pocosins
A pocosin is a wetland with vegetation consisting of scrub
swamp dominated by evergreen heath and hollies with pond pine in
the canopy. Generally, pocosins occur on acid, peats, or sandy
soil. There are no pocosins within Sunset Beach.
(8) Scenic and Prominent High Points
The elevations in all of Sunset Beach are very low,
thereby, there are few prominent high points.
(9) Maritime Forests
According to the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program,
most of the once extensive mainland maritime forests in Sunset
Beach have been destroyed by golf course and residential
development. The former extensive forest at Colkins Neck has
been severely impacted. So too have the maritime forests south
of NC 179 to the east of the bridge to the island and the Sea
Trails subdivision. These forests are now laced with roads and
lots.
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(10) 404 Wetlands
Some "404" wetlands have been identified in Sunset Beach.
Further identification of "404" wetlands requires specific site
analysis by the Army Corps of Engineers.
(11) U.S. Fish and Wildlife National Wetlands Inventory
In 1974, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service mandated that
an inventory of the nation's wetlands be conducted. The
National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) became operational in 1977.
Wetland maps for Sunset Beach were finalized in 1989 and were
produced by stereoscopically interpreting high altitude
photographs of the Town taken in 1983. The information was then
transferred to U.S. Geological Survey maps. Wetlands were
identified on the photograph by vegetation, visible hydrology,
and geography. Collateral information also included U.S.
Geological Survey topographic maps and Soil Conservation Service
soil surveys.
The intent of the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is to
provide information concerning wetlands to local, state, and
federal officials. The NWI maps do not define wetlands for
regulatory purposes, especially since the wetland boundaries may
not be exact. The NWI maps are to serve only as a "red flag"
showing that an area may contain wetlands. Those considering
land use changes in these areas should obtain a site -specific
wetlands determination from a private consultant or an
appropriate government agency such as the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or the U.S.
Soil Conservation Service.
It is not surprising that Sunset Beach has extensive
wetlands, given the amount of land which borders the Atlantic
Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway, the Calabash Creek, as well as
the extensive marsh areas. Basically, there are three types of
wetlands in Sunset Beach which are generally located in areas
with the lowest elevation. The marine classification (M2USN)
represents the unconsolidated shoreline or beachfront along the
Atlantic Ocean. The wetlands along the Intracoastal Waterway and
the Calabash Creek are classified as estuarine wetlands which
includes saltwater marshes and tidal mudflats with cordgrass and
needlerush being the primary vegetation. Wooded swamps along
the upper reaches of Calabash Creek and small pockets of
freshwater marshes typify the Palustrine wetlands on the
mainland.
b. Cultural Resource Fragile Areas
Fragile coastal cultural resource areas are generally
recognized to be of educational, scientific, aesthetic, or
cultural value because of their special importance to our
understanding of past human settlement.
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There are no Sunset Beach structures listed on the
National Register of Historic Places or identified as worthy of
preservation by the N.C. Division of Archives and History which
is not surprising given the area's relatively recent
development. However, the Sunset Beach area was inhabited by
Indian tribes. Consequently, this area has 32 pre-recorded
archaeological sites scattered mostly on the mainland. Most of
these known sites have been disturbed by modern development,
although several in the extra -territorial area have not yet been
disturbed.
J. Areas with Resource Potential
(1) Agricultural, Forest, and Mining Resources
Sunset Beach, being primarily a beach and golfing resort
community, has no major commercial agriculture, forest, or
mining activities. On the mainland there is a small pocket of
Foreston soil and this soil type has been designated as a prime
farmland soil in Brunswick County. However, the small scale of
this tract precludes it as being suitable for prime farmland.
Moreover, there are no peat or sand mining operations in the
Sunset Beach Planning Area.
(2) Productive Water Bodies
According to the N.C. Marine Fisheries Division, the waters
of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Calabash Creek are
designated as Prime Nursery Areas (PNA) in the Sunset Beach
Planning Area. The PNA areas have been designated by the State
as being highly productive for juvenile habitat for marine
species. Destruction of these beds, either physically by
dredging and filling or by pollution, reduces their
attractiveness of the PNA. The Primary Nursery Areas for Sunset
Beach are shown on Map 6.
3 Publicly Owned Forests and Fish and Gamelands
There are no publicly owned forests, fish or gamelands
within the Sunset Beach Planning Area.
(4) Privately -Owned Wildlife Sanctuary
The Twin Lakes area is a Wild Bird Sanctuary. There are no
other private wildlife sanctuaries in the Sunset Beach Planning
Area.
(5) Non -intensive Outdoor Recreation Lands
Thousands of visitors come to Sunset Beach each year to
enjoy the recreation provided by its beaches and waterways.
Areas used for swimming, fishing, boating, and other outdoor
recreation are important resources to consider in the
development of land use policies.
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as
A
�T
179
4 ••
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A •
17
PRIMARY NURSERY AREA
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MAP 6: PRIMARY NURSERY AREAS IN THE SUNSET BEACH PLANNING AREA, SPRING 1992

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IV. CONSTRAINTS: CAPACITY OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Of crucial importance to any community experiencing
growth and the pressures for more growth is its capacity to
accommodate that growth. In the case of a community, at the
point which the population growth reaches the maximum
service capacity of that community, it can be said to have
reached its critical threshold, or its "carrying capacity."
In a broad sense, carrying capacity is reached when any
necessary parameter reaches its limit, whether natural or
man-made. However, the concept of "carrying capacity" will
generally be applied to Sunset Beach with emphasis on
service provisions. The ability of the current and proposed
water, sewer, education, transportation, solid waste,
�j
police, fire, rescue, recreation, and town administrative
u
systems will be examined to determine that system's capacity
to accommodate the projected 1997 Planning Area's year-round
population of 1,150 to 1,392 residents and 17,022 peak
Ell
seasonal residents.
1. Existing Water Service Areas
The water system currently supplying the Town of Sunset
Beach and its extraterritorial area is owned and operated by
Brunswick County. Brunswick County acquires its raw water
'
from the Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority. This
authority obtains raw water from the Cape Fear River and the
raw water is transported by 13 1/2 miles of 48 inch lines to
a.24 MGD (million gallons per day) surface treatment plant
which has a 4 million gallon storage facility. The treatment
plant is located in the Leland area. After treatment, the
water is distributed throughout the county by a network of
distribution lines ranging from 48 to 8 inches. The
Brunswick County Water Service has a total treatment
Ccapacity
of 30 million gallons per day.
The Town of Sunset Beach actually buys its treated
water from the Brunswick County Water Service. Consequently,
the Town's system is a "floating system which is directly
dependent upon variations in pressure and flow from the
Brunswick County system. The Town is responsible for
El
distribution of the water throughout its jurisdiction. In
May 1989, the distribution system consisted of approximately
20,000 linear feet of 8 inch lines; 104,000 linear feet of 6
inch lines; 40,500 linear feet of 2 inch lines; and a
Q
200,000 gallon elevated storage tank. A May 1989
engineering study determined that the Town's distribution
system was sized properly to provide adequate flow and
pressure for existing domestic and fire demands under normal
flow conditions as long as there is water in the elevated
storage tank. However, water pressure problems on the
island now exist during the peak season because the elevated
storage tank is drained by the high demand. Insufficient
water pressure during the peak season does pose a constraint

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for adequate fire protection according to the Sunset Beach
Volunteer Fire Chief. The problem of the draining of the
elevated storage tank'is anticipated to be corrected by
current improvements to the Brunswick County Water
�! distribution system expected to be completed by the end of
u 1992.
As of April 1992, the Town had 1,262 customers in the
corporate limits and 756 customers in the extraterritorial
limits. The water consumption figures for Sunset Beach is
shown in Table 4.1. Between fiscal years 1988-89 and 1989-
90, water utilization in Sunset Beach increased by 17.4
percent and by 29.3 percent between fiscal years 1989-90 and
1990-91. The apparent decrease in water utilization between
1990-91 and 1991-92 probably is attributed to discrepancies
in water consumption figures rather than showing a real
decrease in water utilization.
TABLE 4.1: TOWN OF SUNSET BEACH WATER SYSTEM UTILIZATION
JULY 1988 - JUNE 1992
. TOTAL MILLION
FISCAL YEAR MILLION GALLONS GALLONS PER DAY
July
1988-June
1989
75.832
.208
July
1989-June
1990
89.027
.244
July
1990-June
1991
115.079
.315
July
1991-June
1992
92.360
.253
Source: Brunswick County Water Service and Town of Sunset
UBeach
Currently, the Brunswick County Water Service is
undertaking a $8 million capital improvement project which
will increase the size of the distribution lines to the
Sunset Beach area. Moreover, this improvement project will
replace the current dead-end line distribution system which
has pressure problems with a loop system as new lines are
built in the Calabash area. These improvements should
correct the water pressure problems associated with the
draining of the elevated storage tank previously mentioned.
The Brunswick County Water Service and the Town of
Q Sunset Beach water distribution system will have sufficient
capacity to accommodate the projected 1997 peak seasonal
planning area population of 17,022. At an assumed
consumption rate of 70 gallons per day for each resident,
the highest peak day demand would be 1.191 million gallons
per day. The improved Brunswick County system will have a
capacity of 30 million gallons per day. The projected peak
a demand for Sunset Beach is estimated to be only 4 percent of
the County's total capacity. Sufficient water supplies will
be available during this planning period.

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2. Sewer Service Area
As discussed previously, Sunset Beach does not now have
a centralized sewer system. Septic tanks systems as
permitted by the Brunswick County Health Department and a
package treatment plant serving the Colony provide on -site
disposal systems.
However, the Towns of Sunset Beach and Calabash are
a
pursuing submitting a joint application for a regional sewer
system to the Farmers Home Administration (FmHA). As of
June 1992, preliminary engineering and comprehensive
wastewater studies for the proposed regional wastewater
collection, treatment, disposal, and management systems has
begun.
The implementation of the proposed sewer system has
been a major planning issue for the Town of Sunset Beach.
Results of the April 1992 survey revealed that out of the
a
109 survey respondents who answered the specific question
about the proposed sewer system that 44 percent favored
implementing such a system while 40 percent did not.
Another 16 percent had no opinion at that time. Many survey
and public meeting participants stated that their support
for a central sewer system depended upon the environmental
need for such a system and/ or that the current 35 foot
building height restriction on the island could only be
changed by a public referendum.
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Relatively few school -age children in Sunset Beach
attend schools in the Shallotte area. According to the 1990
U.S. Census, there were 32 children in Sunset Beach who were
ages 5 thru 17. This comprises 10.3 percent of the 1990
year-round population. By and large, Sunset Beach residents

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consist of middle -age adults and retirees and this trend is
likely to continue. Growth in the Sunset Beach should have
little impact upon the Brunswick County School System.
Table 4.2 shows the 1992 school membership and the design
capacity for the schools that Sunset Beach residents attend.
While growth in Sunset Beach itself has probably had little
direct impact upon the school system, the growth of
Shallotte Township as a whole has impacted the schools.
Union Primary School was over 150 percent capacity during
the 1991-1992 school year. A new elementary school in
Supply which will open in the Fall of 1992 will somewhat
alleviate this overcrowding. The Brunswick County School
System is determining whether another elementary school may
be needed to be built in the Calabash area within a few
years.
TABLE 4.2: SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP AND DESIGN CAPACITY 1992
1992 DESIGN PERCENT
SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP CAPACITY UTILIZATION
Union Primary (K-3)
980
650
150.8
Shallotte Middle(4-8)
1,118
1,200
93.2
W. Brunswick (9-12)
948
1,000
94.8
Source: Brunswick County Board of.Education
4. Transportation
The major traffic arteries in Sunset Beach are NC 179
a
which is the main access road to and from the mainland,
including the Intracoastal Waterway bridge (S.R. 1172 and
Sunset Boulevard on the island) and Shoreline Drive on the
mainland. NC 904 is another state -maintained road which
connects Sunset Beach to U.S. 17 as well as provides access
to Georgetown Road. The other streets in the Town are
neighborhood streets which are maintained by the Town's
Public Works Department. With the exception of the one -lane
drawbridge, the design capacity of these state roads is
estimated to be sufficient to handle current traffic
volumes. Traffic congestion during the peak season is a
problem, especially by the drawbridge and at the
intersection of NC 179 and 904. Table 4.3 shows the Average
Daily Traffic (ADT) counts for the two locations in Sunset
Beach where traffic counts were consistently taken from 1981
to 1991.
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TABLE 4.3: AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC COUNTS FOR SUNSET BEACH,
1981-1991
NC 179
YEAR NC 179 NEAR 904 NEAR TOWN HALL
1981
2,100
2,000
1982
2,900
2,900
1983
3,000
3,400
1984
3,700
3,500
1985
-----
-----
1986
4,200
3,500
1987
4,000
3,500
1988
4,400
3,700
1989
5,400
5,800
1990
6,400
4,200
1991
5,900
4,200
Source: North Carolina Department of Transportation.
The NC Department of Transportation had plans to
replace the current one -lane swinging drawbridge with a
high-rise bridge. However, these plans have been delayed
until a new court -ordered Environmental Impact Statement is
completed. The 1992-1998 NC Transportation Improvement Plan
contains no construction funds for the high-rise bridge or
any other major road improvements in the Sunset Beach area.
Acquisition of the right -of way for the bridge has been
completed. Given the time frame needed to prepare the
Environmental Impact Statement, obtain court approval,
design, and then construct a new bridge, it is improbable
that a new bridge will be operational in Sunset Beach by
1997. However, the state and federal decision whether a new
bridge will be built may be reached during the next five
years.
The issue whether to maintain the current one -lane
swinging bridge or build a new bridge is a divisive planning
issue in Sunset Beach as shown by the public meeting and
survey results. The participants at the March 26, 1992
public meeting were evenly divided on this issue as shown by
the fact that "Build New Bridge" received 15 votes while
"Maintain Current Bridge" also received 15 votes. The April
1992 survey addressed the bridge issue with several
questions. The current bridge was listed as a major problem
by 44 respondents, as a minor problem by 18, and not a
problem by 45 respondents. Of the 117 respondents who
answered the question concerning their preference for a
bridge, 49 percent stated that their preference was to
maintain the current bridge; 23 percent wanted a new high-
rise bridge to be built; 25 percent wanted a new two-lane
bridge to be built; and 3 percent had no opinion. Note that
48 percent wanted some type of new bridge to be built as
compared to 49 percent who wanted to maintain the current
bridge. Concern about the bridge was also expressed when
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respondents evaluated fire and rescue services and
evacuation planning. The bridge was viewed as a deterrent
to providing adequate protection.
The public safety issue is the major concern of the
Town Council and Administration. Numerous incidents have
occurred when fire and rescue services have been delayed to
the island because of bridge congestion and closure. For
example, in March 1992, rescue services were delayed from
responding to a possible drug overdose on the island by one-
half hour because the bridge was closed for boat traffic.
Again, in June 1992, fire trucks were delayed from
responding to a brush fire on the island when the bridge was
closed for an apparent pleasure boat which identified itself
to the drawbridge as a commercial fishing vessel.
Fortunately, these time delays did not result in a loss of
human life or major property damage. Moreover, fire
protection services are severely hampered by the bridge
because larger fire trucks are too wide and/or too long to
fit across the bridge. For example, the 90 foot platform
a
truck stationed in Ocean Isle would be needed to fight a
fully involved structure on the island yet it is impossible
for this vehicle to cross the bridge under most tide
situations.
Two other road improvements are advocated by the Town
of Sunset Beach to help relieve traffic congestion. First,
the North Carolina Department of Transportation has been
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requested to determine whether a traffic light is warranted
at the intersection of NC 179 and 904. Traffic at this
a
intersection has increased substantially since the opening
of the U.S. Post Office and the Pelican Square shopping
center. This study should be completed by the Fall of 1992.
Secondly, the Town of Sunset Beach will recommend at the
next round of public hearings for the North Carolina
Transportation Improvement Program that the State extend
Georgetown Road (SR 1163) from NC 904 to SR 1184 near Ocean
Isle. This extension of Georgetown Road would reduce
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traffic on NC 179 between Ocean Isle and Sunset Beach and
would accommodate future development which is likely to
a
occur between the coast and U.S. 17.
5. Solid Waste Collection
Currently, Sunset Beach contracts with Chambers of
South Carolina for residential garbage collection and
dumpsters in the multi -family and commercial areas. Garbage
is collected once a week from October through April and
twice a week from May through September. This solid waste
is disposed of in,the 55-acre Brunswick County Landfill
after being dumped in a compaction unit at the Ocean Isle
Beach Transfer Station. The Brunswick County Landfill is
projected to last until 1998 at which time the County by
State mandate must operate a lined landfill. The County is

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now exploring its options on how best to meet the 1998 State
mandate.
The capacity of the solid waste management.will be
sufficient through 1997. The private contractor has the
capacity to respond to increased demand and the current
county landfill has sufficient capacity through 1997.
However, Brunswick County must begin seeking options to
accommodate future landfill needs of its growing population
which will satisfy stricter state and federal guidelines.
Sunset Beach residents now utilize the Brunswick County
recycling station on NC 904. This was the preferred option
of nearly 71 percent of survey respondents in the April 1992
survey. Only 18 percent preferred a local recycling center
in the Town while only 11 percent were willing to pay
additional fees for curbside recycling.
6. Police Protection
Sunset Beach provides police services for all the
corporate limits through one police chief and five full-time
police officers. Six auxiliary police officers are also used
during the peak summer season or when conditions warrant
their use. All police cars are equipped with celluar
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phones. The Sunset Beach Police Department has a mutual aid
agreement with the Brunswick County Sheriff Department. A
Community Neighborhood Watch is implemented town -wide.
Brunswick County implemented a 911 system in •June 1992 and
the town telephone system will be updated to expedite the
use of the 911 system. In the April 1992 survey, 100 out of
105 survey respondents expressed their satisfaction with the
Sunset Beach Police Department. Police protection services
will have sufficient capacity to accommodate the population
growth through 1997.
7. Fire Protection
a
The Sunset Beach Volunteer Fire Department is located
at 102 Shoreline Drive West and this department with 20
volunteers serves both the Town and the extraterritorial
area. The Town and County governments and local residents
make annual financial contributions to the Volunteer
Department. The fire station's equipment includes one 750
gpm pumper truck, one 2,001 gallon fire tanker, one 1,600
gpm brush truck, one 1,250 pumper tank and one salvage truck
which carries tools and equipment. The tallest fire ladder
available is a 35 foot portable ladder with an estimated
height access of 25 feet and it is estimated that the three-
story beach buildings would need a 35 to 40 ladder truck.
However, it is impossible for the larger fire trucks such as
the 90 foot platform truck stationed in Ocean Isle to cross
the bridge. The Volunteer Fire Department does not have
water rescue or chemical fire equipment although there is

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currently a fund-raising drive to purchase water rescue
equipment and install a Hatteras ramp near the fishing pier
on the island which would enable water rescue equipment to
cross the dunes. The Fire Department does have back-up call
agreements with the Calabash and Ocean Isle Volunteer Fire
Departments.
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The fire insurance rating for Sunset Beach is currently
7 for the town area where fire hydrants are available and a
9S for the area not served by hydrants. The current dead-
end water line distribution system has caused water pressure
problems during some fires; however, the new loop system
being installed should help reduce these water pressure
problems to some degree on the mainland. However, the
smaller size of water lines on the island as well as the
dead-end layout of these lines, the distance between fire
hydrants, and water pressure problems during the peak season
severely limits fire -fighting capabilities on the island.
8. Emergency Rescue and Safety
The Calabash Emergency Medical System provides services
to the Sunset Beach, Calabash, and Grissettown areas. This
volunteer squad has 20 members on its roster and these
volunteers have had EMT training. The squad has three
ambulances which are equipped with standard basic life
support systems and Advanced Life Support (ALS) systems.
This volunteer organization obtains donations from the towns
of Calabash and Sunset Beach and Brunswick County as well, as
donations from local residents. The squad dispatcher
contacts the Sunset Beach Drawbridge in the event of an
emergency on the island in order to try to have the bridge
open for the ambulance. However, there have been incidences
when the ambulance has not been able to get to the island in
a timely fashion because of the bridge being closed.
9. Recreational Services
The oceanfront and adjacent waterways and the four
championship golf courses provide the major recreational
opportunities for residents and visitors at Sunset Beach.
Sunset Beach now has 33 beach accesses and provides 283
public parking spaces for beach access including the new 45
space lot with a gazebo at the fishing pier. Currently, the
Town does not have a formal recreation policy or operates
parks, public boat accesses, estuary accesses, or similar
public recreational facilities. Over 50 percent of the
April 1992 survey respondents expressed support for the town
to develop public beach restrooms, pedestrian accesses and
parking to the Intracoastal Waterway, public boat ramps, and
bike paths.
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10. Administrative Services
The Town of Sunset Beach employs a town administrator
who is responsible for its management. The administrator is
assisted by two clerks, a Public Works Director, and 2
public works employees. The Public Works Director and one
of his staff also function as Building Inspectors for the
Town. The current Town Hall has insufficient space and
during fiscal year 1992-93, a feasibility study will be
completed to determine whether it is possible to add a
second -story to the current Town Hall or whether a new
(� structure should be built. The town administrative services
�j received very favorable ratings in the April 1992 survey: 90
percent of the survey respondents were satisfied with town
administrative and planning services; 84 percent were
satisfied with zoning; and 89 percent were satisfied with
building inspection.
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SECTION V: LAND USE POLICY STATEMENTS
The formulation of specific policies regarding growth,
development, and management objectives is perhaps the most
important part of any land use plan -- especially those
prepared under North Carolina's Coastal Area Management Act.
Because of regulatory requirements and local peculiarities,
the policies often attempt to strike a delicate balance
between desires and objectives of local citizens, the local
government, and the objectives of CAMA itself. Land
development policies, which should be based on analyses of
existing conditions (including consideration given to
natural and man-made constraints) and projected trends, are
to serve as general guides for future desired development.
Under CAMA, the overriding issue is that of growth
management while protecting coastal resources. The special
resources and constraints within Sunset Beach were
identified in the previous sections of this plan. The
policy statements contained in this section will both
address growth management and protection, and maintenance of
these resources.
The Coastal Resources Commission, recognizing the
diversities which exist among the coastal communities,
requires each locality to delineate specific development
policies under five broad categories, each with its own
subset of policy areas. The five required topics, addressed
in order in this section, are:
* Resource Protection
* Resource Production and Management
* Economic and Community Development
* Continuing Public Participation
* Storm Hazard Mitigation
0 Although policies developed under these topics cover most
of the local development issues, in some cases they do not.
In the latter case, the locality such as Sunset Beach, has
the flexibility to address its own locally defined issues.
It is important to understand the significance of local
CAMA policy statements and how they interact with day-to-day
activities of Sunset Beach. Three areas are affected.
First, the policy statements will regulate the issuance of
(?
CAMA minor and major permitting as required by N.C.G.S.-
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113A-118 prior to undertaking any development in any Area of
Environmental Concern. A local government must adopt
policies which are, at a minimum, equal to and consistent
a
with the State's minimum use standards. The local
government may, however, adopt minimum use standards which
are stricter than the State's and the local government's
(�
stricter standards would become the determining factor
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whether a CAMA permit should be issued.

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The second area of application is that of establishing
local policies and regulations which guide Sunset Beach's
growth and development. Under North Carolina legislation,
land use plans are not regulatory controls. Policy
statements must be consistent with and implemented through
local land use ordinances such as zoning or subdivision
ordinances.
The final area of application is that of "Consistency
Review." Proposals and applications for State and Federal
assistance or requests for agency approval of projects are
normally reviewed against a jurisdiction's land use plan to
determine if the project is consistent with local policies.
Inconsistencies of a project with local policies could serve
as grounds for denial or revision of a project.
The Town of Sunset Beach employed several means of
soliciting meaningful citizen participation in developing
policies. Monthly meetings with Sunset Beach Planning Board
and planning consultant were held since January 1992 in
order to prepare the Land Use Plan Update and these meetings
were open to the public. Well -attended public meetings were
held on March 26 and May 14 and citizens helped to identify
planning issues as well as to suggest policy alternatives.
A survey was mailed to 200 property owners in both the town
and its extraterritorial area in April 1992. By the April
15 deadline, 124 out of the 200 questionnaires had been
received for a total response rate of 62 percent. This is
an excellent response rate since most mail surveys usually
have a response rate between 30 to 35 percent. It should be
noted that the survey elicited a voluntary response and
therefore, it is not considered to be a scientific, random
survey. However, the survey was a valuable form of input,
especially since it gave non-resident property owners a
chance to state their opinions. A detailed summary of the
public meetings and survey results are included in
Appendix A .
The foregoing policies were developed to provide a
general framework for guiding growth and development in
Sunset Beach over the next five years.
A. RESOURCE PROTECTION
1. AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN
Sunset Beach will support and enforce through its CAMA
permitting capacity the State policies and permitted uses in
the Areas of Environmental Concern (AECS). The State's
policy statements for AECS offer protection for Sunset Beach
fragile areas through the CAMA permitting procedures. In
accordance with those policies set forth in Subchapter 7H of
the North Carolina Administrative Code, Sunset Beach adopts
the following policies concerning AECS within its

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a
.jurisdiction. The Areas of Environmental Concern for Sunset
Beach were previously discussed in Section III, pages 23 -
27 and the general location of the AECS is shown on Map 3
Qwhich
is attached.
a. The Estuarine System
QISSUE
IDENTIFICATION:
In recognition of the enormous economic, social and
(j
biological values the estuarine system has for North
�j
Carolina, Sunset Beach will promote conservation and
management of the Estuarine System as a whole which includes
the individual subsystems of coastal wetlands, estuarine
waters, public trust waters, and estuarine shorelines.
The management objective for the system shall be to
a give highest priority to the protection and coordinated
management of all the elements as an interrelated group of
AECs in order to safeguard and perpetuate the above stated
(� values, and to minimize the likelihood of significant loss
�j of private property and public resources.
Specific policies regarding acceptable and unacceptable
a
uses within the individual AECS of the estuarine system are
stated below. In essence, the permitted land uses in these
areas shall be those which are water dependent. In all
cases the particular location, use, and design
characteristics shall be in accord with the general use
standards for coastal wetlands, estuarine waters, and public
trust areas as stated in 15A NCAC 7H.
POLICY STATEMENTS:
a(1)
Coastal Wetlands
It shall be the policy of Sunset Beach to restrict land
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uses in coastal wetlands to those that guarantee wetlands
conservation and which do not affect their delicate balance.
Sunset Beach shall permit water dependent uses such as
docks, boat ramps, piers, marinas, utility easements, and
a
culverts, consistent with the definition and use standards
of 15 NCAC 7H. Each proposed use will be evaluated for
water dependency.
Unacceptable land uses may include, but would not be
limited to restaurants, businesses, residences, apartments,
amotels,
hotels, floating structures, and parking lots.
In some instances, it may be necessary and in the
public interest for roads to transverse wetland areas.
Where this is absolutely necessary, state and federal
regulations may allow such with certain safeguards and/or
mitigation measures.
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a(2) Estuarine Waters
In recognition of the importance of estuarine waters
for the fisheries and related industries as well as
aesthetics and recreation, Sunset Beach shall promote the
conservation and quality of this resource. Appropriate uses
may include simple access channels, structures which prevent
erosion, navigational channels, boat docks, piers, marinas,
and mooring pilings which are consistent with 15 NCAC 7H.
The proposed regional sewer system shall be encouraged
as a means to eliminate pollution from malfunctioning or
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inadequate septic systems and/ or package treatment plants.
The development of boat launching and dry -storage boat
docking facilities shall be supported as a means of
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providing public water access provided that their
development shall not adversely impact estuarine resources
or public trust waters.
Floating structures shall be banned in order to protect
our estuarine and public trust waters.
The Town will support those projects which will
increase the productivity of the estuary such as oyster
reseeding or dredging projects which will increase the
flushing actions of tidal movements.
(3) Public Trust Areas
aThe
State of North Carolina and the Town of Sunset
Beach holds its beaches and waters in public trust and
a
promotes public access to these areas. In the absence of
overriding public benefit, any use which significantly
interferes with the public right of navigation or other
public trust rights which apply in the area shall not be
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allowed. Projects which would directly or indirectly block
or impair navigational 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 shall not be allowed.
For the Town of Sunset Beach, a navigational channel
will be defined as any water channel which is passable by
boats during high tide.
Uses that may be allowed in public trust areas shall
not be detrimental to the public trust rights and the
biological and physical functions of the estuary. Examples
of such uses include the development of navigational
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channels or drainage ditches, the use of bulkheads to
prevent erosion, and the building of piers or docks.
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(4 ) Estuarine Shorelines
Suitable land uses within the estuarine shorelines are
those compatible with both the dynamic nature of estuarine
shorelines and the value of the estuarine system. Sunset
Beach recognizes the close association between estuarine
shorelines and the adjacent estuarine waters; the influence
that shoreline development has on the quality of estuarine
life; and that the damaging processes of shorefront erosion
and flooding to which the estuarine shoreline is subject.
Within the Estuarine Shoreline Area, the Town of Sunset
Beach believes that certain developed uses should only be
allowed to take place which are consistent with 15 NCAC 7H
and as further defined by the Town's building and
development ordinances, and which satisfy the following
d requirements: 1) natural barriers to erosion are not
weakened or eliminated; 2) development does not interfere
with present public access; 3) natural drainage is
unchanged; 4) no pollution is generated; 5) standards of the
North Carolina Sedimentation Pollution Act of 1973, amended
1990, are upheld; and 5) the construction of impervious
surfaces and areas not allowing natural drainage is limited
to that necessary for development.
Development of estuarine system islands shall be
Q permitted only if proper measures are taken by the developer
to provide for sufficient hurricane evacuation, utilities
provision, access on and off the island, pollution control,
ri and other design considerations that will ensure
compatibility of the development with the estuarine systems.
a(.5) Outstanding Resource Waters
There are no designated outstanding resource waters
within Sunset Beach.
IMPLEMENTATION:
Sunset Beach believes that the existing development
permit system enforced by CAMA, the U.S. Corps of Engineers,
combined with 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.
b. Ocean Hazards Areas
ISSUE IDENTIFICATION:
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

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have a special vulnerability 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 areas for Sunset Beach include
the AECS of ocean erodible areas, high hazard flood areas,
and inlet hazard areas.
For both the ocean erodible and inlet hazard areas,
development of any type is tightly controlled by existing
a
regulations and enforcement provisions. It is the
susceptibility to change from the constant forces of waves,
wind, and water which cause these areas to be "hazardous".
These forces are magnified during storms and can cause
Q
significant changes in land forms. It is the flexibility of
these dunes and beaches which also lends protection as being
the first line of defense for the 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
Dexcessive
wind and waves..
Thus it is important to consider policies which are
aimed both at protecting the land forms of dunes and beaches
as well as any structures which are allowed to be
constructed in those areas.
POLICY STATEMENTS:
Generally, all land uses in the area classified under
a
the Ocean Hazards category which are the ocean erodible,
high hazard flood, and inlet hazard areas for Sunset Beach
shall be consistent with the requirements of existing State,
n
Federal, and local regulations, and the Sunset Beach Zoning
uOrdinance,
Subdivision Regulations, Dune Maintenance and
Protection Plan, the Town's requirements for the National
D
Flood Insurance Program, and the Town's building set -back
line.
(1) Suitable land uses in ocean hazard areas are
generally those which eliminate unreasonable danger of life
and property, and which achieves a balance between the
financial, safety, and social factors involved in hazard
area development. Residential and recreational land uses
and parking lots for beach access are also acceptable types
of use in ocean hazard areas provided that:
a(a)
For small structures such as residences, setback
measurements begin at the first line of stable vegetation
and continue inland to a depth 60 times the average annual
Derosion
rate.
(b) Development does not involve the removal or
arelocation
of frontal dune sand or vegetation thereon.

57
a(c) Mobile homes are not allowed within the high hazard
flood areas on the island and on the mainland must conform
to federal flood insurance regulations and standards
established in the North Carolina Building Code.
a (e) Development is consistent with minimum lot sizes
and setback requirements established by local regulations.
(f) Development implements means and methods to -
mitigate or minimize adverse impacts of the project on the
environment and protect the habitat of threatened and
endangered plant and animal species.
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(g) Development of growth -inducing public facilities
such as sewers, water lines, roads, bridges, and erosion
control measures occurs only in the cases where:
(i) National and state interest and public
benefits are clearly the overriding factors.
(ii) Facilities would not exacerbate existing
hazards or damage natural barriers.
(iii) Facilities would be reasonably safe from
flood and erosion related damage.
(iv) Facilities would not promote growth in ocean
hazard areas.
(v) Development will not create undue interference
with the legal rights to public access and the use of such
areas.
(2) Sunset Beach continues to support comprehensive
shoreline management such as the Corps of Engineers beach
renourishment projects as the preferred control measure to
combat oceanfront erosion.
(3) When existing dunes are "added to" this shall be
accomplished 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.
(4) Prior to the issuance of any permit for development
in the Ocean AECS, there should be written acknowledgment
from the applicant that he is aware of the risks associated
in that area and whether participation in the Federal Flood
Insurance Program is possible.
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aIMPL EMENT.A T ION :
Sunset Beach will continue to enforce its local
regulations as cited above and continue to support the LAMA
major and minor permitting process, and the Corps of
Engineers 404 wetlands permitting programs.
a2. OTHER NATURAL FRAGILE AREAS
ISSUE IDENTIFICATION:
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Uncontrolled or incompatible development may result in
the major or irreversible damage to fragile coastal resource
areas which contain environmental, natural, historical or
archaeological resources of more than local significance.
In recognition of this, it is the policy of Sunset Beach to
encourage the protection of such natural or cultural
resources. Development of such areas should not be
permitted or if allowed, to be developed in such a fashion
as to preserve its natural significance.
As discussed in Section III, pages 33-41 of this
report, Sunset Beach has the following types of natural and
cultural resource areas within its jurisdiction: coastal
complex natural areas, coastal areas that sustain remnant
species, prime wildlife habitats, wooded swamps, 404
wetlands, maritime forests, and significant archaeological
resources. However, there are no unique geological
formations, currently registered natural landmarks,
pocosins, scenic or prominent high points, or historic
architectural resources located within the Town.
a. Coastal Complex Natural Areas
POLICY IDENTIFICATION:
Bird Island, which is currently undeveloped and is not
presently zoned by the Town of Sunset Beach, is a coastal
complex natural area since it is a habitat for numerous
threatened and endangered plant and animal species. For
these reasons, the North Carolina Heritage Program lists
Bird Island as a Priority Natural Area of regional concern
and is considered worthy of protection. A Major LAMA Permit
application to build a bridge and causeway system to Bird
Island was submitted by the owner in January 1992. The
owner has expressed interest in building a "family
residential compound" on the island. Since then private
citizen groups have sought ways to buy Bird Island for
conservation efforts. On April 6, 1992 the Sunset Beach
Town Council passed a resolution supporting the efforts to
purchase the island. However, it is not possible for the
Town to prevent development on the island through zoning
restrictions because such action would constitute " the
taking of private property for public use without just

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compensation." An environmental land management consultant
has been hired by the Town to do an environmental study in
order that an appropriate zoning classification may be
established which would permit low -density, residential
development based on the island's environmental
constraints. One consideration will be the preservation of
endangered plant and animal habitats. Moreover, NC
a
Representative Redwine has initiated a feasibility study
concerning the State acquisition of Bird Island.
POLICY STATEMENTS:
(1) The Town of Sunset Beach supports efforts to
acquire Bird Island in order to preserve the island for
conservation. In this regard, the Town supports the
feasibility study which is to be conducted by the State of
aBird
North Carolina to determine whether State acquisition of
Island is possible.
(2) An appropriate zoning classification based on the
a
environmental land management study will be developed for
Bird Island. If efforts to acquire Bird Island by the State
or another non-profit conservation group is successful, Bird
Island will be zoned for conservation and/ or public
recreation use. If Bird Island continues in private
ownership, the island will be zoned permitting low -density,
D
residential development without impacting the island's
significant natural
environment.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
aThe
Town of Sunset Beach Zoning Ordinance will be
amended as soon as the appropriate zoning classification for
aBird
Island is prepared.
b. Areas that Sustain Remnant Species
UPOLICY IDENTIFICATION:
Coastal areas that sustain remnant species are
those
areas that support native plants and animals which
are
threatened to be rare or endangered. Rare and endangered
species in Sunset Beach are located at Bird Island;
the
eastern and western tips as well as the shorefront
of the
island; and the Twin Lakes -Lake Medcalf Area which
is
considered a Priority Natural Area of State Significance
by
the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program and is
now
a
designated as a bird sanctuary. It should be noted
that the
island's endangered species are located along the shorefront
and development would be prohibited in these ocean
erodible
and inlet hazard areas. As noted previously, Bird
Island
may be developed for low -density residential use.
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Q(1)
Areas that contain remnant species will be
classified as Conservation for the 1992 Land Use
Classification Map.
(2) All development plans for areas that contain
remnant species will be carefully reviewed prior to the
issuance of development permits in order to protect the
habitat from disturbance.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
The Town of Sunset Beach will -amend its development
ordinances to require that development permits will not be
issued for areas that contain remnant species until it is
ascertained whether the development will impact the habitat.
c. Prime Wildlife Habitats
Bird Island, the Twin Lakes Natural Area, and the
coastal marshes serve as prime wildlife habitats.
Development in these areas will be regulated by the CAMA
major and minor permitting process and local development
ordinances discussed previously.
d. Wooded Swamps, 404 Wetlands, and National Wetlands
Inventory
All of these areas are types of wetlands which would be
regulated by the 404 wetlands regulations of the Corps of
a
Engineers. The Town of Sunset Beach supports the
preservation of wetlands through the enforcement of 404
regulations.
0 e. Maritime Forests
According to the North Carolina Natural Heritage
Program, most of the once extensive maritime forests in
Sunset Beach have been altered by golf course and
residential development.
f. Significant Archaeological Resources
POLICY IDENTIFICATION:
The mainland of Sunset Beach was inhabited by Indians
and 32 pre-recorded archaeological sites have been recorded.
a Most of these sites have already been disturbed by
development, although a few in the extra -territorial area
have not yet been disturbed.
POLICY STATEMENT:

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There are some undisturbed archaeological resources
within Sunset Beach's Planning Area. The Town believes that
all development plans in such identified areas should be
carefully reviewed prior to approval and that the NC
Division of Archives and History should be contacted.
Moreover, the State Division of Archives and History will be
contacted if any additional archaeological sites previously
not recorded are discovered.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
(1) The Town of Sunset Beach will maintain information
concerning the location of archaeological sites within its
Planning Area. If a development permit request is submitted
for an area that contains a prerecorded site, the applicant
will be informed and the State Division of Archives and
History will be contacted prior to the approval of the
requested permit.
q. Shellfishing Waters
Most of the waters of Sunset Beach are closed for
shellfishing. The only exception is Tubb's Inlet on the
eastern end of the island. Sunset Beach will preserve the
water quality of Tubb's Inlet by reducing water pollution
through more effective stormwater management. Moreover, a
major objective of the proposed centralized sewer system is
the protection of water quality for Sunset Beach.
3. CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT
POLICY IDENTIFICATION:
Sunset Beach has two major physical constraints for
development: the general lack of soils suitable for septic
tank use and the amount of land included in the 100-year
floodplain as discussed in Section III of this report on
pages 28 - 31. The lack of soils generally suitable for
septic tank use is a major concern for the Town which does
not currently have a centralized sewer system but is
pursuing developing a regional system with the Town of
Calabash. There are no man-made hazards such as industries
or airports within the Town.
POLICY STATEMENTS:
(1) Until such time as a central sewerage collection
and disposal system is 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 administration by the Brunswick
D
County Health Department.
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(2) Development may be constructed in areas with
limitations for building foundations only if corrective
measures for stabilizing foundations are incorporated into
the building design.
(3) All new construction and substantial improvements
in the 100-year flood zones must 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.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
The Town of Sunset Beach will continue to enforce its
Flood Damage Prevention ordinance and Building Code as well
as support the enforcement of the septic tank regulations by
the Brunswick County Health Department.
4. Protection of Potable Water Supplies
Since July 1984 Sunset Beach has been receiving all its
water supply from the Brunswick County Water System and the
existing deep wells are no longer the principal water source
for the Town. However, during the peak demand periods, the
Town's deep wells are activated by the County system which
now owns the wells. For most of the year, the wells are not
utilized and development near the wells does not pose any
hazards.
5. Use of Package Treatment Plants
POLICY IDENTIFICATION:
Ground absorption systems are the main means of
C
sewerage disposal for the Town, unless the regional sewer
system is built. There is one package treatment plant now
in Sunset Beach which serves the Colony complex in oyster
Bay. If the regional sewer system is not developed, one can
anticipate that additional package treatment plants may be
built to serve larger residential development on the
mainland. This is especially true since much of the
remaining undeveloped mainland soils are "hard -pan" soils
which are not suitable for septic tanks.
aPOLICY
STATEMENT:
(1) It shall be the policy of Sunset Beach to allow
package treatment plants where they are deemed necessary and
if they can be constructed with the overall intent of this
plan and meet all federal and state environmental
regulations.
E.

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POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
The Town of Sunset Beach will support enforcement of
package treatment plant regulations by the Brunswick County
Health Department. The Town of Sunset Beach subdivision
ordinance will be amended in order to require that the
developer of a package treatment plant must submit a
maintenance plan to ensure proper servicing of the plant and
that the package treatment plant is sited to provide minimal
negative impact on the environment and proposed development.
6. Stormwater Runoff
POLICY IDENTIFICATION:
The Town of
State Division of
stormwater runoff
to declining surf
Maintenance of wa
The Town recogniz
both in terms of
fishing resources
recreational purp
about the potenti
large open -area r
stormwater manage
was a major conce
Sunset Beach shares the concern of the
Environmental Management (DEM) that
from urbanized areas may be contributing
ace water quality in some areas.
ter quality is a concern to Sunset Beach.
es the value of water quality maintenance
protecting commercial and recreational
and providing clean water for other
oses. The Town is also very much concerned
al adverse effect -in water -quality from
ecreational development. Improving
ment in order to protect the coastal waters
rn expressed in the April 1992 survey.
POLICY STATEMENTS:
(1) The Town of Sunset Beach will review its stormwater
control building code regulations and ascertain how to
upgrade the Town's current provisions to meet the
requirements of the North Carolina Stormwater Control
Regulations (effective January 1, 1988) and the North
Carolina Sedimentation Pollution Act of 1973, amended 1990.
(2) The Town of Sunset Beach encourages the use of
"innovative" systems which encourage the use of pervious or
semi -pervious materials and the retention of natural
vegetation which functions as a filter which minimizes the
rapid release of pollutants to coastal waters through
stormwater runoff. The general intent of the stormwater
regulations will be to encourage the percolation of
stormwater into the ground and avoid direct discharge of
stormwater into the coastal waters.
(3) The proposed regional sewer system may be
incorporating stormwater collection into its design as a way
to further reduce stormwater pollution.

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(4) The Town will
including the outfalls
estuary, and determine
site basis.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
64
review its current drainage system,
on the island which drain into the
optimal improvements on a site by
The Town of Sunset Beach will continue to enforce its
building code regulations which pertain to stormwater
control. The Town will determine whether these regulations
need to be revised to conform to the North Carolina
Stormwater Control and the State Sedimentation and Erosion
Control policy. The proposed regional sewer system may
incorporate stormwater collection into its design. The
existing stormwater drainage system will be evaluated.
7. Marina, Bulkhead, and Floating Structure Development
The development of bulkheads and private boatslips in
Sunset Beach are permitted uses in the Town's zoning
ordinance and must meet CAMA regulations. Damage to
existing marshes or beaches by bulkhead installation,
groins, or seawalls will not be permitted.
According to the CAMA guidelines T15A:07H.0208, marinas
are defined as any publicly or privately owned dock, basin
or wet boat storage facility constructed to accomodate more
than 10 boats and providing any of the following services:
permanent or transient docking spaces, dry storage, fueling
facilities, haulout facilities and repair service. Excluded
from this definition are boat ramp facilities allowing
access only and temporary docking facilities which do not
have any of the preceeding services. In order to minimize
environmental impact, the Town of Sunset Beach prefers dry -
boat stacking storage rather than wet slip marinas.
Commercial marinas and boat dry -stacking storage
facilities, however, are not currently permitted uses and
the zoning ordinance would have to be modified before such
development could occur. Upland excavation for marina
basins will not be allowed.
According to CAMA guidelines T15A: 07M .0602, floating
structures are defined as any structure, not a boat,
supported by a means of floatation, designed to be used
without a permanent foundation, which is intended for human
habitation or commerce. A structure will be considered a
floating structure when it is used for human habitation or
commercial purposes for more than 30 days in one location.
A boat may be deemed a floating structure when its means of
propulsion has been removed or rendered inoperative and it
contains at least 200 square feet of living space.

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a In Sunset Beach, the issue of floating structures has
not been a significant problem and the Town has never
adopted any ordinances or regulations regarding floating
Q structures. The Town is supportive of the State's policies
on floating structures and believes that they should not be
allowed within the Town's Public Trust Areas.
a8. Industrial Impacts on Fragile Areas
There are no industries located within Sunset Beach and
industrial use is not a permitted use in the Town's zoning
ordinance. Consequently, the Town does not anticipate any
industrial development and there are no negative impacts by
industrial use on the Town's fragile areas.
9. Development of Sound and Estuarine System Islands
a
Policies related to the growth and development of these
environmentally sensitive areas are included in the policy
statements for Areas of Environmental Concern and Coastal
Complex Natural Areas. Bird Island is specifically
addressed in these sections and is classified as
Conservation on the 1992 Land Classification Map.
10. Rising Sea Level
The Town of Sunset Beach will closely monitor research
on sea level rise and its effects on coastal areas. It is
the policy of the Town to consider any State or Federal
policies prior to issuing specific statements regarding sea
a
level rise and restriction of development in potentially
susceptible locations. Specifically, development within
areas up to 5 feet above sea level may be prone to sea level
arise
and wetland loss.
B. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
U In most coastal counties and towns, "resource
U production and management" usually relates to agriculture,
forestry, and mining activities as well as recreational and
fisheries resources. For Sunset Beach, only recreational
and fisheries resources pertain since there are no
commercial agricultural, forestry, or mining resources
within the Planning Area.
1. Recreational and Fisheries Resources
aPOLICY IDENTIFICATION:
In resort
communities such
as Sunset Beach, the
abundant water,
beach, and marsh
areas become the
predominant resource supporting
recreational and fishing
activities. The Town recognizes
the value of water quality
amaintenance
in
terms of protecting
commercial and

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recreational fishing resources and providing clean water for
other recreational purposes such as swimming, water skiing,
and boating. Most of the marshes within Sunset Beach are
designated as Primary Nursery Areas by the North Carolina
Division of Marine Fisheries. The water systems, beaches,
and marshes are also classified as Areas of Environmental
Concern previously discussed. The Calabash Creek and the
Intracoastal Waterway are classified as SA waters while the
Atlantic ocean is classified as SB. For these reasons,
Sunset Beach recognizes that by protecting the water quality
within its jurisdiction that it is also protecting its
economic_. base.
POLICY STATEMENTS:
(1) The Town of Sunset Beach encourages the protection
and enhancement of North Carolina's sport and commercial
fisheries industry. Any development or activity which will
profoundly affect coastal and estuarine waters will be
discouraged. Only those structures which are water
dependent will be allowed to be placed adjacent to coastal
and estuarine waters. In the design, construction, and
operation of water dependent structures, efforts must be
made to mitigate negative effects on water quality and fish
habitat, as determined by 15A NCAC 7H, the Division of
Environmental Management, and the Coastal Resources
Commission. The developer and/or owner will bear the cost
of any such mitigation.
(2) Sunset Beach supports the NC Division of Marine
Fisheries in their development of regulations and policies,
including those on trawling and gill netting in ocean and
estuarine waters.
(3) In order to expand Sunset Beach's sport and
commercial fishing, Sunset Beach will permit private and
public dredging activities which will positively affect
those industries. It is recognized that in dredging and
stabilization activities, some fish habitat damage may
occur. Only those projects which have a reasonable
likelihood of providing greater benefits than damage for
marine life will be supported. All dredging and
stabilization projects must be performed in order to
minimize any unavoidable damage to fish habitat.
(4) Sunset Beach supports projects which increase the
productivity of coastal and estuarine waters. Projects such
as oyster reseeding programs and properly constructed
artificial reef construction have proved successful in the
past, and therefore, will be supported in the future.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
II

My visiting the North Carolina State Museum
of Natural Sciences, you will experience the
excitement of your natural heritage in ways you
never imagined! Get close to wildlife in hands-
on, minds -on educational activities. Begin to
appreciate the extraordinary biodiversity of your
state through the museum's exhibits of plants
and animals. Staff -conducted field experiences,
special events like An Afternoon in the Tropics,
classes, workshops, videos, and interactive
exhibits add new understanding of the natural
world around us. You'll find this and much
more when you visit the North Carolina State
Museum of Natural Sciences, a museum as
great as all outdoors!
STARE INTO THE MOUTH
OF A BEAR AND THINK... _
The first museum established by an act of the
North Carolina General Assembly, the State
Museum of Natural Sciences preserves, studies,
interprets, and exhibits ever-growing natural
history collections begun more than 100 years
ago. Staff members provide statewide leadership
in environmental studies and offer educational
services to citizens in all 100 counties. The
museum helps teachers improve their ability to
teach natural sciences. Nearly a quarter million
children and adults visit the museum or benefit
from museum services each year.
STAND NEXT TO A DINOSAUR
AND ASK `WHAT IF10 * .
Like the world around us, the North Carolina
State Museum of Natural Sciences is changing.
There's a new building in our
:ure! In the new museum, a
tropical conservatory will
house a living laboratory
of exotic plants and
brightly colored
butterflies. In a
dramatic two-story
marine hall, giant whale
)ns will float above sand
uuiica, LIUCII POo10, and a coral reef. In
other exhibits, visitors will dig for fossils,
experiment with agriculture, and explore the
varied habitats of our state's mountains, streams,
and Carolina bays. Temperature and humidity
controls will preserve delicate specimens. Better
security will protect irreplaceable collections.
Exhibit space will increase 250%, classroom
space will increase 500%, and the teaching staff
will double. The facility will also include
libraries, laboratories, a naturalist center, and a
multipurpose auditorium.
BECOME A FRIEND!
Join the Friends of the North Carolina State
Museum of Natural Sciences. You'll help to
protect your state's natural heritage and help
build a museum as great as all outdoors!
YES! I want to help build a museum as great as all outdoors. I have
marked the appropriate box below for my membership and am enclosing
a check payable to the Friends of the North Carolina State Museum of
Natural Sciences. Please send me a full list of the benefits I will receive.
Membership Categories (Check One):
❑ Supporter .................. $ 35 ❑ Benefactor ............... $ 500
❑ Associate ................... 50 ❑ The Dinosaur Club.. 1,000
❑ Sponsor ..................... 100 ❑ State Affiliate* ........ 15
❑ Patron ......................... 250
*A special membership limited to those living outside Wake and adjoining counties.
Name(s)
Address
City State Zip
County —
Employer
Phone
(for matching gift purposes)
Number of people included in this "Member Family"
If you are ordering by credit card, please fill out the following:
❑ VISA or ❑ MasterCard z
Expiration Date
NO. ❑ I do not want to become a member of the Friends at this
time, but I would like more information on membership benefits and
the plans for the new museum building.
Please return to:
Friends of the
North Carolina. State Museum of Natural Sciences
Bicentennial Plaza, PO Box 27647, Raleigh, NC 27611
[phone]
A Museum As Gjreat As All Outdoors!

Mrom the dense forests
Of our mountains... to the rolling
hills and gentle rivers of our
piedmont... to the pine savannas
Of our coastal plain... to the shores
Of our Atlantic -washed beaches...
North Carolina is a state rich in
natural contrasts. A visit to the
North Carolina State Museum of
Natural Sciences is like a treasure
hunt for all that's best about our
natural heritage — it's a museum
as great as all outdoors!
n PEA E ^
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A=t-
QIF
POLK
A N R ❑
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JON❑ES IF
L� EIR mznwns I�
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XILLSBOROUGX ^ Capia NEW BERN
7E MOR�GAN M. ❑
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-1nF7_nnnF_
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ing
8 UMW avrgrou Car Pa , g
u�,m a.moy.
0 Entrance Museum of Natural Silences
Museum Hours
Monday -Saturday,
9 AM-5 PM
Sunday, 1-5 PM
Museum Store Hours
Monday -Saturday,
10 AM-4 PM
Sunday, 1-4 PM
Closed for State Holidays
North Carolina State Museum
of Natural Sciences
Betsy Bennett, Director
Bicentennial Plaza, PO Box 27647
Raleigh, North Carolina 27611
[phone]
Printed on Recycled Paper
G;�_PeA'Division of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture
James A. raham, Commissioner
o6c6
NORTH CAROLINA
STATE MUSEUM OF
Natural
Sciences
FOUNDED 1879
STROLL UNDER A
50-FOOT WHALE SKELETON
AND WONDER.. .

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The Town of Sunset Beach supports current State and
Federal programs designed to enhance the proper utilization
of water resources. The CAMA major and minor permitting
program will be enforced to protect these Areas of
Environmental Concern. Establishment of a centralized sewer
system and effective stormwater management will help to
n maintain water quality in Sunset Beach.
2. Off -Road Vehicles
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It is important to the Town of Sunset Beach that the
aesthetics of the beach strand and the stability of the sand
dunes be maintained. The intrusion of off -road vehicles
onto the strand and dunes is inconsistent with these
management objectives. In accordance with the Town's Traffic
Code; Sunset Beach does not allow vehicles in the shoreline
area, with the notable exception of public service or
emergency vehicles. These provisions shall continue to be
enforced.
C. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
POLICY IDENTIFICATION:
The Town of Sunset Beach experienced rapid growth
during the 1980's and early 1990's. Growth will continue
during the next 5 to 10 years as a result of new residential
construction as well as the extension of the town corporate
and extraterritorial limits. During this planning process,
there has been much discussion about what type of growth
should occur. The consensus of the public meetings and the
April 1992 survey was that Sunset Beach should remain a low -
scale family resort town with predominantly single-family
residential development. The prospect of high-rise
development is widely viewed as a threat to this image of
the Town. Proper management of growth was likewise a
concern. Growth management was ranked third among the major
issues in the April survey. Nearly 60 percent of the survey
respondents considered that the rate of growth was about
right while the remaining 40 percent thought that the rate
of growth was too high or that the Town had enough growth.
On the other hand, the summer seasonal and tourist
population was considered about right or low compared to
other beaches by 83 percent of all the survey respondents.
The Town of Sunset Beach recognizes that improperly
managed growth can actually harm or "destroy" the very
appeal which attracts new residents and seasonal visitors to
the area in the first place. Therefore, the Town's
overall attitude toward growth is expressed in the following
policy choices.
I
POLICY STATEMENTS:

`1
2. REVISION TO EXISTING POLICY STATEMENTS (Page 68)
The current policy statements regarding commercial development
are stated below. The 1992 policy statements which have been
accomplished have been updated.
COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
(b) The Town wishes to enhance and promote quality commercial
development through the following:
* Sunset Beach's economic base consists mainly of services
pertaining to tourism. Intense commercial development beyond that
necessary to serve tourists and the year-round population will not be -
encouraged. - There is sufficient land zoned for commercial development
to meet the needs of the seasonal and year-round population.
* The Town will continue to enforce its current development
ordinances and local building permit process in order to. achieve a
desired balance between commercial and residential development.
Adequate buffering between residential and commercial development will
be required. Requests for additional commercial zoning will be
carefully evaluated as to the needs of the community for such
de ve 1 oilmen t .
* The Town will encourage commercial development to Toca'te in
commercial nodes in order to avoid strip commercial development. The
commercial node on the island is the BB-1 district bordering Sunset
Boulevard and on the mainland the major commercial node is the MB-1
commercial district at the NC 904 and NC 179 intersection.
* The =eatabl � ffient-af a A Mainland Professional Zoning
Classification was established as of October
4, 1993. The Mainland Prefe--ss4^ al Diet" - et will This
classification is limited to professional business such as architects,
accountants, doctors, lawyers, and engineers. The Mainland
Professional Zoning Classification District could ho mnro
landseaped; r-egw4r-e-fewer raagar requires more landscaping and less
signage than the commercial zoning districts and would be more
compatible with adjoining residential districts.
* The appearance of commercial development will be
enhanced by the enactment of stricter sign and landscaping regulations
Stricter sign regulations were adopted on November 2, 1993 and new
landscaping regulations were adopted on October 4, 1993.
* The Town of Sunset Beach will continue to support the efforts
of'the Sunset Beach Beautification Committee, a civic group who
landscapes and beautifies public areas within the Town.

68 A
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
The Town of Sunset Beach will continue to enforce its zoning and
subdivision ordinances with the necessary amendments to reflect the
policies stated above: that the building height limit on the island
will be restricted to 35 feet and that the building height limit on
the mainland will be restricted to 50 feet; that a Mainland
Professional Zoning Classification D;^+r;^+ will ~^ has been
established; that commercial spot zoning would be eliminated and that
stricter sign and landscaping regulations for commercial use -will lhe-
has been adopted. Requests for rezoning for commercial use will be
carefully.examined to ascertain the community need for additional
commercial development. The Town Council wiil _ the
of Fequ4F4RS has enacted that the building height restrictions on the
island will only be changed by the approval of a public referendum.
The Town will continue to enforce the State LAMA permit process. The
Town will also support the State Health regulations regarding septic
tank placement until such time that a central sewer system may serve
the entire Planning Area.

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POLICY STATEMENTS:
(1) Growth Management
a. Generally, Sunset Beach believes in managing and
directing the Town's growth and development in balance with
the availability of municipal services.
b. To protect the Town from adverse development and growth
by considering these factors when considering land use:
* the suitability of land to accommodate the use;
* the capacity of the environment;
* the compatibility of the land use with the goals and
objectives of the Town;
* density of the development and the proposed height
of the structures; and
* the availability of support facilities and services.
c. To prepare for a continuing population growth.
d. To institute continuous land use planning and growth
direction by enforcing the relevant ordinances.
e. To guide new development away from Areas of Environmental
Concern (AECS) and other special and sensitive areas, as
reflected in the policies for Resource Protection and
Resource Production and Management.
f. To guide new development away from hazardous areas where
there is a tendency for septic tank problems, flooding, and
washover.
g. To institute annexation proceedings and the extension of
Q the extraterritorial limits in a timely manner in order to
guide growth in the surrounding areas adjacent to Sunset
Beach.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
The Town of Sunset Beach will administer its
development ordinances such as zoning and subdivision
regulations with these above policies in mind. Improvements
to the Town's infrastructure will be done as needed in order
Q to provide adequate services as demand from population
growth increases. As new development occurs in the areas
surrounding the town limits, Sunset Beach will evaluate the
feasibility of annexation and the extension of the Town's
aextraterritorial limits.
The above statements reflect the Town's general
attitude towards growth. Additional policy issues required
to be addressed by the LAMA Planning Guidelines as well as
additional locally recognized issues are addressed below.
`$

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(2) Types of Development
POLICY STATEMENTS:
aRESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENT
a
(a) It shall be the policy of Sunset Beach to encourage
the development of a variety of housing types to meet the
needs and desires of current and future citizens through the
following:
a*
To maintain areas exclusively for conventional
single-family dwellings for the growing population.
+tne,
on % slated a,r\ a -}he. matin land i
* To provide areas for mobile home and manufactured
housing development;
a
* To allow multi -family and condominium development
within the golf course developments as permitted by
zoning;
* To retain the predominantly single-family residential
character of the island. Conversion of single-family
homes to duplexes will be generally restricted to the,
residential lots bordering the beach strand.
* To retain a 35 foot height limitation for
residential, commercial, and institutional structures
on the island.
a
* As specified by the current zoning ordinance, the
building height on the mainland will predominantly be
35 feet with the exception of a 50 foot building
height maximum limit for multi -family units in the
MR-3 zoning district. With the exception of the MR-3
zoning district, there is a provision in the other
mainland zoning districts that the building height
may be adjusted by 2 feet for every additional foot
it is situated from the front and side setback
requirements.
* The Town Council will study the feasibility of
requiring that the building height restrictions
can only be changed by a public referendum.
COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
(b) The Town wishes to enhance and promote quality
commercial development through the following:
* Sunset Beach's economic base consists mainly of
services pertaining to tourism. Intense commercial
development beyond that necessary to serve tourists
and the year-round population will not be encouraged.

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* The Town will continue to enforce its current
development ordinances and local building permit
process in order to achieve a desired balance
between commercial and residential development.
Adequate buffering between residential and commercial
development will be required.
* The establishment of a Mainland Professional Zoning
District will be pursued. The Mainland Professional
District will be limited to professional business
such as architects, accountants, doctors, lawyers,
and engineers. The Mainland Professional District
could be more attractively landscaped, require fewer
signs, and would be more compatible with adjoining
residential districts.
* The appearance of commercial development will be
enhanced by the enactment of stricter sign and
landscaping regulations.
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
The Town of Sunset Beach does not view industrial
development as either desirable or compatible with the
character and capacity of the Town. Industrial use is not
now and probably never will be a permitted use in the Zoning
Ordinance. Moreover, land costs in this resort community
very likely precludes the possibility of industrial
development.
INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
With the exception of churches, institutional use in
Sunset Beach is now limited to those government and utility
sites necessary to provide adequate services to the Town and
its Planning Area. This land use pattern will continue.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
The Town of Sunset Beach will continue to enforce its
Zoning and subdivision ordinances with the necessary
amendments to reflect the policies stated above: that the
building height limit on the island will be restricted to 35
feet and that the building height limit on the mainland will
be restricted to 50 feet; that a Mainland Professional
District will be established; and that stricter sign and
landscaping regulations for commercial use will be adopted.
The Town Council will study the feasibility of requiring
that the building height restrictions will only be changed
by the approval of a public referendum. The Town will
continue to enforce the State CAMA permit process. The Town
will also support the State Health regulations regarding
a

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septic tank placement until such time that a central sewer
system may serve the entire Planning Area.
S. Capacity of Existing Facilities and Local Commitment to
Providing Services to Development
POLICY IDENTIFICATION:
The capacity of community facilities was discussed in
Section IV, pages 42-50, of this report. The Town of Sunset
Beach and the Brunswick County Water System will have
sufficient capacity to serve the projected 1997 peak
seasonal population. Water pressures problems on the island
during the peak season should be corrected after the
County's loop system improvements are completed by 1992.
These system improvements will enable the Town's elevated
storage tank to be maintained at the proper level to insure
adequate pressure. Depending upon its funding and passage
of the bond referendum, the regional sewage system may be
built by 1997 which is eventually planned to serve the
entire Planning Area of Sunset Beach. Population growth of
Sunset Beach is anticipated to have minor impact upon school
enrollment in Brunswick County. Three road improvements are
recommended to improve traffic flow and public safety in
Sunset Beach: improved bridge access to the island in order
to provide adequate fire, rescue, police, and evacuation
services; the extension of Georgetown Road to SR 1184; and
the installation of a traffic light at the intersection of
NC 904 and 179. Sunset Beach will ensure that its private
contractor for solid waste collection has the capacity to
handle the peak seasonal population in 1997. The Town urges
Brunswick County to upgrade its landfill capacity to meet
stringent federal and state regulations which will be
effective by 1998. The Town of Sunset Beach supports the
recycling program of Brunswick County. Police protection,
with perhaps some additional manpower and equipment, should
be sufficient during this planning period. Fire protection
services, especially on the island, are now hampered by
water pressure problems associated with excessive demands on
the Brunswick County Water System during the peak season.
The water pressure problems should be corrected with the
current planned improvements.- Careful monitoring of the
water pressure problem will be done to ensure that the water
pressure problems are corrected. The Sunset Beach Town Hall
will be expanded to provide adequate space for town
administrative services.
POLICY STATEMENTS:
(1) As areas develop, it is the policy of the Town that
the developer/owner share in the financial responsibility of
providing basic town services.

72
(2) In order to protect the duality of its coastal
waters, the Town of Sunset Beach will pursue developing a
regional sewerage treatment and collection system with the
Town of Calabash.
(3) In order to protect its coastal waters, the Town of
Sunset Beach will improve stormwater management.
(4) To promote public safety, the Town of Sunset Beach
supports improved bridge access to the island.
(5) To alleviate traffic congestion, the Town of Sunset
Beach advocates the extension of Georgetown Road to SR 1184
and the installation of a traffic light at the intersection
of NC 904 and 179.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
The Town of Sunset Beach will continually evaluate its
provision of services to determine whether there is
sufficient capacity. As undeveloped areas of the Planning
Area are developed, it is the policy of the Town that the
developer/owner share in the financial responsibility of
providing town services. The Town of Sunset Beach will
recommend the extension of Georgetown Road to SR 1184 during
the public input process of the North Carolina
Transportation Improvement Program.
(4) 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 promoting high-rise
development or manufacturing industries within its Planning
Area. Also, intense commercial development, beyond that
necessary to serve year-round residents and tourists, will
not be encouraged. Residential development is considered as
desirable as long as there is no major or irreversible
damage to environmentally sensitive areas. It is the Town's
intentions, as reflected in its zoning ordinance and zoning
map, to allow a mixture of residential development in a
balanced manner throughout its Planning Area.
(5) Redevelopment of Developed Areas
Given its rather recent development, the Town of Sunset
Beach has no major consideration for redevelopment. The
major type of redevelopment which has occurred is the
conversion of older single-family beachfront homes into
duplexes. Such conversion may only occur in the BR-1 zoning
district which is limited to the beach side of Main Street.
In order to retain its predominantly single-family
character, Sunset Beach will not allow duplexes to be a
permitted use in other beach residential zones. As the

TOWN OF SUNSET BEACH LAND USE PLAN AMENDMENT
The following amendment concerning bicycle traffic improvements
has been proposed:
page 73 A
11. BICYCLE TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS
POLICY IDENTIFICATION:
Provision of bicycle traffic improvements is an important
consideration for Sunset Beach for numerous reasons. First of
all, bicycle traffic improvements such as wide paved shoulders
promote bicycling and enhance bicycle safety. Local residents
and visitors would be more likely to utilize bicycles, rather
than their automobiles, if a safe place to ride their bicycles is
provided. Increased utilization of bicycles would help to
alleviate traffic congestion as well as reduce the need for
vehicular parking. Parking is now at a premium throughout the
Town, especially at the heavily congested beach access areas
during the peak season. It is far more economical and more
efficient to provide bicycle storage facilities, rather than
vehicular parking.
Three other benefits need to be considered. Bicycling is an
excellent form of recreation which has many enthusiasts in .beach
communities. Nearly 43 percent of the 1992 Sunset Beach survey
respondents supported expenditure of town funds for the provision
of bicycle paths. Moreover, provision of bicycle improvements
helps to support the local tourist economy as evident by the MS
Bike -A -Thou, a bicycle race between Charlotte and Sunset Beach
which has been conducted over the past three years. Promotion of
non -motorized forms of transportation such as bicycling is also
an excellent means to protect the environment, to reduce air and
water pollution, and to conserve valuable energy resources.
POLICY STATEMENT:
The Town of Sunset Beach supports the provision of bicycle
improvements along NC 179 and SR 1172 in order to promote
bicycling as an alternative means of transportation, improve
bicycle safety, reduce the demand for vehicular parking, increase
recreational activities, support the local tourist economy,
protect the environment, and conserve energy resources.
Moreover, the Town of Sunset Beach Supports the development of a
regional bicycle route system throughout Brunswick County and
adjoining municipalities.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
The Town of Sunset Beach will recommend the provision of
bicycle improvements during the public input process of the North
Carolina Transportation Improvement Program as well as study the
feasibility of applying for other federal and state grants.

73
(� structures begin to age in Sunset Beach, additional
LJ redevelopment of residential and commercial buildings may
occur. Sunset Beach supports such activity as a positive
a re -use of land resources which enhance the Town as a whole.
Such redevelopment may 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.
(6) Commitment to State and Federal Programs
Sunset Beach is generally receptive to State and
Federal programs, particularly those which either enhance or
improve the Town's facilities. Examples of State and
Federal programs which are important to and supported by the
Town include: CAMA major and minor permitting program;
dredging, channel maintenance, beach renourishment, and 404
wetlands permitting by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers;
the NRCD Beach Access Program; and Federal and State
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projects which provide efficient and safe boat access for
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sports fishing.
(7) Assistance to Channel Maintenance and Beach
Renourishment Projects
Proper maintenance of channels, particularly the
Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, is very important to Sunset
LJ 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 major problem at
Sunset Beach, beach nourishment is still an important
concern. Sunset Beach is supportive of beach nourishment
and dune stabilization projects in the area and if
necessary, will seek State and Federal assistance.
(A) Energy Facility Siting and Development
The Town of Sunset Beach discourages offshore
continental drilling for gas and oil. Also, the location of
support facilities for offshore drilling at Sunset Beach
would be inappropriate and is strongly discouraged.
(9) Tourism
The Town of Sunset Beach draws most of its livelihood
a from tourism (especially summer rentals), golfing, marine
recreation, and fishing activities. The Town supports the
continuation of these activities.
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(10) Coastal and Estuarine Beach Access and Parking
POLICY IDENTIFICATION:
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 beach accesses, located at the end of most
streets, which provide public access to the beach and have
crosswalks over the dunes in order to protect the dunes from
pedestrian traffic. These beach accesses have been marked
with the LAMA beach access signs, unfortunately some of
these signs have "disappeared" and the Town is waiting for
additional replacements.
There are also 10 dedicated easements providing
public access to the estuarine waters. The three on the
western portion of the island are 10 feet wide, currently
overgrown, and not marked. The seven on the eastern end of
the island are 5 feet wide and are not marked. The Town of
Sunset Beach provides 283 public parking spaces on the
island which are used by beach day visitors. This total
includes the new 45 spaces of street parking with a gazebo
located near the fishing pier. There are no public
restrooms on the island or the mainland.
Access to other water areas mainly for sports fishing
is also open to the public. There is one private fishing
pier on the island which also has a parking lot. Sea Trail
Plantation has improved a boat launching ramp on the
mainland.
Strong support was expressed in the April 1992 survey
for the Town of Sunset Beach to provide public beach
restrooms, public boat accesses, and better access and
parking for the Intracoastal Waterway.
POLICY STATEMENTS:
(1) The Town of Sunset Beach will continue to study the
feasibility of providing a public restroom on the island to
accommodate the needs of beach visitors.
(2) If a new bridge is
Beach proposes that a public
provided in order to promote
Intracoastal Waterway.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
constructed, the Town of Sunset
boat ramp and parking be
better access to the
The Town of Sunset Beach will continue to seek a
suitable site for a public restroom on the island and will
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advocate that a public boat ramp be provided if a new bridge
is constructed.
Q. CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION POLICIES
POLICY IDENTIFICATION:
Sunset Beach recognizes that an important element in
developing and implementing any local policies or plans is
the involvement of its citizens. Public involvement with
this CAMA Land Use Plan Update started in January 1992 as
the planning process began. Monthly meetings with the
Sunset Beach Planning Board composed of seven members were
held. Public meetings, which were advertised in the
newspaper, by radio, and on notices posted in key locations
throughout the Town, were held on March 26 and May 14, 1992.
Approximately 50 people attended the March 26 meeting.
In order to identify major planning issues in the Town, each
participant was given the opportunity to state issues most
important to them and 28 issues were identified. Then each
person was given 5 "stars" and each participant put a star
by the 5 most important issues to them. A summary of these
issues and their ranking is included in Appendix A.
A survey of 200 Sunset Beach permanent and non-resident
property owners was conducted in April, 1992. Of these 150
were sent to town residents and 50 were sent to persons
living in the Town's extraterritorial area. The questions
on the survey addressed issues identified in the March 26
meeting as well as concerns of the Planning Board and Town
Administration. By the April 15 deadline, 124 out of the
200 questionnaires which had been mailed had been received
for a total response rate of 62 percent. This is an
excellent response rate given that most mail surveys usually
have a response rate of 30 to 35 percent. It should be noted
that the survey elicited a voluntary response and therefore,
is not considered a scientific, random survey. However, the
survey was a valuable form of input, especially since it
gave non-resident property owners a chance to state their
opinions. A detailed summary of the survey results is also
included in Appendix A.
The May 14 public meeting was attended by 34
participants, not including members of the Planning Board
and Town Council. At this meeting, the planning consultant
gave a brief presentation about the issues identified at the
March 26 meeting and the April survey results. The
preliminary population projections were also presented.
Then the meeting was divided into four discussion groups
which were lead by a Planning Board Member. Each group was
given issue papers on the five major planning issues
ascertained thus far in the planning process. These issues
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public sewer system; conservation of Bird Island; the need
for a new bridge versus maintaining the current bridge; and
commercial development. Each group participant was given the
Opportunity to address each issue. The issue papers
presented at the May 14 meeting are also included in
Appendix A.
In terms of future public participation, a joint
planning workshop with the Sunset Beach Planning.Board and
Town council will be conducted in August to review the
preliminary land use plan update, especially the draft of
the policies. The draft will then be revised and the public
will be notified by the newspaper that the preliminary plan
is available for review at the Town Hall. A public hearing
concerning the preliminary draft plan will be held prior to
the submission of the update to the Coastal Resources
Commission in September 1992.
Throughout the plan updating process, Sunset Beach has
demonstrated its desire to keep citizens informed of the
planning process by giving them opportunities to provide
public input and thereby participate in the decisionmaking
process.
UPOLICY STATEMENT:
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Sunset Beach believes that its Planning Board which has
regularly scheduled meetings, all of which are open to the
public, provides opportunities for citizens to air their
views and concerns about planning matters. The Planning
Board will continue to be the primary vehicle for citizens'
input.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:
The Town will continue to use published public notices
in the local newspaper to inform citizens of pending
decisions involving land use planning matters in order to
provide opportunities for input.
E. SUNSET BEACH STORM HAZARD MITIGATION, POST -DISASTER
RECOVERY, AND EVACUATION PLAN
Sunset Beach's Storm Hazard Mitigation, Evacuation, and
Post -Disaster Recovery Plan is integral with and
incorporated in the Brunswick County Storm Hazard
Mitigation, Evacuation, and Post -Disaster Plan. The Town of
Sunset Beach does have a hurricane evacuation plan and an
emergency response plan which are included in Appendix B.
The island portion of the Town is susceptible to
significant damage from a hurricane or a storm of similar
magnitude. All of the island development is located in
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a Town is subject to wind damage which accompanies storms of
any magnitude.
1. Hazard Areas at Sunset Beach
Certain areas within Sunset Beach lie within the hazard
areas identified in the 1987 report Before the Storm which
defined ways to manage development to reduce hurricane
damage for the State of North Carolina. The hazard areas at
Sunset Beach are identified as the following Areas of
a
Environmental Concern: Inlet Hazard Areas, the Ocean
Erodible Areas, the Estuarine Shoreline AECS, and the Flood
Hazard AECS. With the exception of the Estuarine Shoreline
AEC located along the Calabash River, these hazard areas
coincide with the V-zones identified on the National Flood
Insurance Rate Maps which are generally shown on Map 4 which
is attached. These hazard areas are subject to a number of
local, state, and federal standards which limit the
placement or replacement of built structures.
2. Mitigation
Sunset Beach's mitigation policies meet the
requirements for hazard mitigation planning as outlined in
Before the Storm. The policies consist of a combination of
accompanying Land Use Plan policies and regulations
established by the Town's land development ordinances.
Specifically:
(a) All new development must meet as a minimum the
provisions of the North Carolina Building Code.
(b) The Town's zoning ordinances set out requirements
for low density residential development by setting standards
for lot sizes, building heights, and building setbacks. The
proposed sewage treatment system is likewise being designed
for low -density development.
(c) The Town's policies are in support of and
consistent with State policies and regulations for
development in Areas of Environmental Concern.
(d) The Town's flood plain development policies conform
with all Federal and State requirements and are enforced by
the Town Administrator and/ or zoning officer.
(e) Sunset Beach has not permitted mobile homes or
a
modular housing on the island or within the Town's limits.
Most of the mobile homes in the extraterritorial area are
located outside the 100-year floodplain, and all are tied
down and blocked to meet North Carolina design -wind
requirements for this area.
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The Town of Sunset Beach enforces these stated policies
through its zoning ordinance, the Flood Ordinance, North
Carolina Building Code, and the LAMA minor development
permit process. Through these policies and equipped with
these tools for enforcement, Sunset Beach is dedicated to
the mitigation of future storm damage.
3. Evacuation
Sunset Beach participates in a regional evacuation
planning process administered by the Brunswick County Office
of Emergency Management. Adequate shelter for evacuees is
present on the mainland at designated shelters. Total
evacuation to mainland shelters is the safest procedure for
Sunset Beach to follow when a significant storm is imminent.
Sunset Beach does not have a warning system, therefore,
evacuation efforts as directed by the Sunset Beach Police
Department will be done by use of a public address system or
by sending personnel door-to-door. Sunset Beach's detailed
evacuation plan is included in Appendix B.
4. Post Disaster Recovery
Sunset Beach has a Post -Disaster Recovery Plan which is
included in Appendix B. This plan identifies three distinct
reconstruction periods: Emergency, Restoration, and
Replacement. This plan outlines the sequence of procedures
to be followed to meet State and Federal Disaster Relief
regulations including the organization of a Damage
Assessment Team, criteria for assessing the damage, and the
organization of recovery operations.
S. Reconstruction Policies
Sunset Beach's Hurricane Evacuation Plan included in
Appendix B also states the Town's reconstruction policies.
These reconstruction policies outlines the procedures for
allowing residents to return to their properties, the
issuance of building permits, and the restoration of public
facilities.
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SECTION VI: LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
The land classification system provides a uniform way
of looking at how the use of land interacts with
environmentally sensitive areas and with the development
needs of a particular locality. It is not a strict
regulatory device in the sense of a zoning ordinance or a
zoning map. It represents more of a tool to aid in the
understanding the relationships between various land use
categories and how these relationships shape local policy.
Particular 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. 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) (b)
"By delineating land classes on a map, local
government and its citizens can specify where certain
policies (local, state, and federal) will apply. The
land classification system is intended to be supported
by zoning, subdivision and other local growth
management tools and these local tools should be
consistent with the classification system as much as
possible. Although specific areas are outlined on a
land classification map, it must be remembered that
land classification is merely a tool to help implement
policies and not in the strict sense of the term a
regulatory mechanism." (7B.204) (a)
The seven alternative land classifications authorized
by 7B.204 (c), along with the Land Classification Map, are
therefore intended to serve as a visual representation of
the policies stated in Section V of this plan. The map
depicting these classifications must be as flexible as the
policies that guide them. (See the attached Map 7: Land
Classification Map for the Town of Sunset Beach.)
Only three of the Coastal Resources Commission's seven
types of land classifications are relevant to Sunset Beach.
a
The developed, urban transitional, and conservation classes
are further identified and described below. In addition,
the Town of Sunset Beach has devised a conservation spoil
subclassification in order to control spoil sites within the
Town's jurisdiction.
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A. DEVELOPE0
According to the CAMA planning regulations, the
developed class of land provides for continued intensive
development and redevelopment of existing cities, towns, and
their urban environs. Areas meeting the intent of the
developed classification are currently urban in character
where minimal undeveloped land remains, or are scheduled for
the timely provision of public services such as water,
sewer, streets and roads, police and fire protection.
Urban in character includes mixed land uses such as
residential, commercial, institutional, and other uses.
(7B.0204) (d) (1)
Within Sunset Beach, the areas complying with the above /
definition include the existing residential and commercial
areas on the island and the mainland, including those
developed portions of the extraterritorial area. Lots in
these ares are nearly completely developed, and the
undeveloped acreage could be developed by or before the year
2,002.
B. URBAN TRANSITION
According to the CAMA planning regulations, the purpose
of the urban transition class is to provide for future
intensive urban development on lands that are suitable and
that will be provided with the necessary urban services to
support urban development. Areas meeting the intent of the
urban transition classification are presently being
developed for urban purposes or will be developed in the
next five to ten years. These areas are in, or will be in
an urban "transition" state of development going from lower
intensity uses to higher intensity uses and as such will
require urban services. Examples of areas meeting this
class are lands included within the municipal
extraterritorial planning boundaries and areas being
considered for annexation. This classification should not
be applied to any Areas of Environmental Concern, lands of
special value such as those containing archaeological sites
or wildlife habitats, or areas subject to frequent flooding.
(7B.0204) (d) (2)
The lands in Sunset Beach which are classified as urban
a transitional are those vacant land areas adjacent to
currently developed areas on the island and the mainland,
including the extraterritorial area. This includes some
r, areas where lots have been platted as well as some
uunsubdivided land on the mainland.
The relationship between the "developed" and "urban
transition" classification is an important one to
understand. The first class is meant to define the already
intensively developed areas and/or those areas where
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intensive development urban -type development is likely to
occur. Urban transitional lands are those where public
investment decisions will be required to provide the
necessary urban services. These become important areas to
monitor.
The Coastal Resources Commission has further clarified
this relationship. The Developed and Urban Transition
classes should be the only lands under active consideration
by a local government for intensive urban development
requiring urban services. The area within these classes is
Q
where detailed local land use and public investment planning
will occur. State and federal expenditures on projects
associated with urban development such as water, sewer, and
urban street systems will be guided only to these areas.
Most of the urban transition lands of Sunset Beach,
including those in the extraterritorial area, already have
access to the Town's water distribution system and fire
protection system. Other urban services such as police
protection and solid waste collection are only available to
those areas within the corporate limits.
The development of primarily single-family structures
and golf course development is likely to continue in Sunset
Beach and its extraterritorial areas. The developed and
urban transition classes were specifically designed to
accommodate these more intensive developments and land uses.
D
This may include commercial, community facilities, and
transportation facilities. Hazardous or offensive uses such
as power plants, industries, airports, and storage
facilities will not be included in these classes. Where
(�
identified constraints such as poor soils, AIWW easements,
U
or other fragile areas occur within these classes, the areas
will not be considered as Developed or Urban Transition.
aC.
CONSERVATION
The purpose of the Conservation class is to provide for
the effective long-term management and protection of
significant, limited, or irreplaceable areas. Areas meeting
the intent of this classification include Areas of
a
Environmental Concern such as public trust waters, estuarine
waters, coastal wetlands, ocean hazards, and estuarine
shorelines as well as other unique lands that may not be
afforded protection by another agency but are known for
their natural, scenic, historical, cultural, or hazardous
nature.
Because of their unique, productive, cultural, or
natural features, lands within the Conservation class should
not be developed at all, or if developed, done so in an
extremely limited and cautious fashion. Urban services,
public or private, should not be provided in these areas as
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limited on site services will adequately support any limited
development within this class and will also protect the very
features which justify the area's inclusion in the
Conservation class. It should be understood that even
a though AEC standards occasionally permit urban development
on a lot by lot basis within the various AECS and that
services are occasionally provided, this is the exception
a rather than the rule, and the primary intent of the
conservation class is to provide protection for the
resources included therein. (7B.0204) (d) (7)
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In Sunset Beach, the lands described as the following
Areas of Environmental are listed in this classification:
Coastal Wetlands; Estuarine Shorelines, excluding those
areas adjacent to already -developed lots; Inlet Hazard
Areas; Ocean Hazard Areas; and the Ocean Erodible Areas.
Bird Island is included in the Conservation class
because this island is considered an Area of Environmental
Concern and has regional significance as a Coastal Complex
Natural Area as cited by the North Carolina Heritage
Program. Preservation of Bird Island through acquisition by
the State or by a non-profit organization is the ultimate
objective of the Town and most of the residents. However,
if public acquisition does not occur, sections of Bird
Island may meet the AEC lot -by -lot criteria for development.
Such development will be regulated by appropriate zoning
restrictions which will require that the significant natural
features of the island will not be disturbed and that only
low -density residential development will be allowed.
Provision or urban services such as water and sewer
improvements will not be extended to Bird Island. Moreover,
Bird Island does not meet the criteria for Federal Flood
Insurance as mandated by the COBRA Act because it is an
undeveloped coastal barrier island.
D. CONSERVATION SPOIL
This is a subclass of conservation and will be used to
classify 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.
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APPENDIX 1:
PUBLIC PARTICIR4TION

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Town of Sunset Beach, N.C.
1992 Land Use Plan Update
Public Participation Plan
C Subchapter 7B of the N.C. Administration Code, CAMA Land Use Planning
Guidelines, requires that the plan update process be conducted in the
public arena. It is therefore the responsibility of the local
government to involve, inform and educate a broad cross-section of the
a population. There should be a continuous structure in place which
both reaches out and invites diversified segments of the community to
participate within its jurisdictional boundaries.
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The Town of Sunset Beach is aware of this responsibility and will seek
to carry out this obligation throughout the updating of the 1992 LAMA
Land Use Plan. The following steps will be taken in order to provide
information to the public and to maintain citizen involvement
throughout the process:
1. Designation of Principal Local Board and Planner -in -Charge
Ms. Margaret H. Hayes of the firm Hayes & Associates will
serve as Planner -in -Charge and will supervise the project.
Ms. Linda Fluegel, Town Manager, will be the preliminary
contact between the Town of Sunset Beach and the Planning
Consultant. The Sunset Beach Planning Board will be the
principal local board directing the 1992 Land Use Plan Update
with the Mayor and Town Council being involved.
2. Public Information Meetings
Included as part of this plan is a schedule of events to
inform and receive input from the citizens as well as Town
elected officials. The schedule includes three (3) public
meetings. The March 26, 1992 Public Meeting will focus on the
identification of planning issues and an explanation of the
LAMA land use planning process. A survey of 200 Sunset Beach
residents will then be conducted in April. The May 14, 1992
Public Meeting will focus on the survey results, the
presentation of data analysis and the existing land use map,
and an assessment of the Town's land use policies. In July,
the draft policies and plan will be presented to the Mayor,
Town Council, and Planning Board. Copies of the preliminary
plan will be available for public review during August 1992.
The final public meeting will be conducted on September 14,
1992 prior to the submission of the preliminary plan to the
Coastal Resources Commission. In addition to the meetings
outlined above, it is anticipated that the Planning consultant
will meet at least monthly with the Sunset Beach Planning
Board. These meetings will be open to the public and will be
conducted from January through August, 1992.
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3. Public Notification of Land Use Plan Update Meetings
its
for
The public will receive notice of all opportunities
input through the legal advertisement of the public
meetings
in the Brunswick Beacon, the local newspaper which
is widely
a
read by many Sunset Beach residents. Periodic press
releases
will also be issued to the Brunswick Beacon and WDZD
radio.
Announcements concerning the public meetings will
also be
posted in the Sunset Beach Town Hall and key
locations
a
throughout the Town. Citizens will also be notified
about the
land use plan update through the Survey Questionnaire.
All
economic, social, ethnic and cultural viewpoints
will be
considered in the development of the land use plan.
Adopted this the 3rd day of February
1992 at
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Sunset Beach, North Carolina.
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By: 2�
Title: Administrator
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citizen Participation Plan
Schedule of Events
1992 Sunset Beach Land Use Plan Update
Tentative Date* Event
Jan. 16, 1992 CAMA Planning Workshop with Mr. Haskell
Rhett of NC Division of Coastal
Management, the Sunset Beach• Planning
Board, and the Planning Consultant.
a Feb. 3, 1992 Adoption of the Citizen Participation Plan
by the Sunset Beach Town Council.
March 26, 1992 Public Meeting: Assessment of Land Use
Issues for Sunset Beach.
April
1992
Citizen Survey Questionnaire
May 14, 1992
Public Meeting: Assessment of Current
Land Use Policy Statements, Discussion of
Survey Results and March Public Meeting,
and Presentation of Data Analysis and
Existing Land Use Map.
May -
July 1992
Development of Policy Statements and land
a
Classification Map.
July
1992
Informal Meeting: Mayor, Town Council,
and Planning Board review draft policies
a
and plan overview.
Aug.
1992
Draft Plan Available for Review in Town
Hall.
Sept.
14, 1992
Public Meeting: Sunset Beach Town Council
approves submission of Draft Final Plan to
Coastal Resources Commission.
* Actual dates subject to change as needs and circumstances dictate.
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aThe Brunswick 3eacon
Sunsef'Residehis-PTO: ,Help
With .Town Land -.Use Plan.._:.
Residents of. Sunset Beach will
-public hearing tentatively scheduled
have several chances in the next few -
: for May'14
months to tell town officials what
The land use plan' for each town ,
they think about the town's growth
in North Carolina's 20.coastal coun-
a
and development.. '
ties . is . due every: fiver Years, +Ms.:.
Fluegel said, and Sunset Beach's "
Linda
last_, plan-, was icompleted ia,1Q87. •:
l[
tor, said that several public hearings=
' Hayes .and Associates, a .-planning
will be -scheduled as part. of the'.
consulting firm; was been hired to
towns -1992 land' use plan =""update.
., `assist the town in developing a plan. .
The 'fast public hearing .. will be
The town council and :planning
Thursday; March 26; at 7 p.m. at the
board will '. be- working together to
town halL- .
come up :with a preliminary plan by,.:
August, she said, and should submit
At that. meeting;.. she said, resi-,
e final - thnal version in September to the .
dents willbe'encouraged-to assess
I.C. Division of Coastal Manage-;
and comment on land use issues
mu►t for review
Later , in March, Ms.. Fluegel`
. _ `
added, 200 residents will be asked to -
T-larch 12, 1992
participate in a survey covering pop-
ulation trends, land use, and envir-
-
onmental and —_'economic. 'issues:
Those results-wffl be announceA at
-NOTICE"OF-PUBLIC HEARING
TOWN OFSUNSET BEACH =
A public- meeting. will be held Thursday, Mar: 26 at7
p.m. at the Sunset Beach Town. Hall concerning the
.1992 CAMA Land:Use Plan Update. -The objective of
the meeting is, to assess land use issues for the Town .
of Sunset Beach The public..is invited to, attend.
f
' Linda Fluegels Town Admipistrator
Larch 19,1'992
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PUBLIC 'MEETING
The Town of Sunset Beach will hold a public meeting
Thursday, May. 14, 1992, at 7:00 p.m. to receive cit-
izen input on the 1992 CAMA'Land Use Plan Update.
The meeting will fbe held at the.Sunset Beach Fire
Station. -The public is invited to attend.
r_ Linda Fluegel; Administrator
i:iay-;14, 1992

The Brunswick Beacon-
...............
NOTICE OF PUBLIC- HEARING I
The Town of Sunset -Beach -will hold a public hearing -
Monday, Sept. 21, 1992, at 7:30. p.m. at the Town Hall
of Sunset. Beach. The purpose of: hearing is to
hear comments and receive written: comments on the
proposed Land Use -Plan Updatd. The plan is avail-
able for -review -at the Sunset Beach Town Hall during
regular office hours: Monday -Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to
4:30 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Linda Fluegel, Town Administrator
September 10, ',"L-99Z
R. (NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Beach
T e own of Sunset Be h will hold a a public hearing
&pcay,' September 21, 1992,1. at -7:30, p.m.- at the
TowmHall of Sunset Beach. -
Purpose: To hear comments and receive written com-
ments on the proposed land use plan update. The
plan is available for review at the Town Hall of Sunset
Beach during regular office -hours Monday thru . Wed-
nesday 8:30 a.m. till 4:30 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m.
till - 4:30 -p.m: The plan, is also available for review* at
the Brunswick County Planning Department, at the
,-Brunswick County Co-m"plex, during regular office
hours
Linda Fluegel, Administrator
September 17,1992
I

The Brunswick Beacon, April, 2, 1992
Height Limit Top
Concern At Sunset
Land Use Hearing
BY SUSAN USHER
If informal polling at a public
hearing last Thursday is an indica-
tor, a majority of Sunset Beach resi-
dents would like to see a 35400t
height limit on island construction
that could only be changed by vote
of town residents.
Twenty-nine of the approximately
50 people who attended a land use
plan hearing at Sunset Beach Town
Hall last week ranked such a height
limit among their top five concerns
relating to land use in the town.
"I think some of us are afraid of
getting something like they have at
Ocean .Isle Beach," said Eloise
Sams after she placed a gold star by
the issue. A high-rise condominium
project on Ocean Isle Beach's exclu-
sive west end is visible from Sunset
Beach.
To put such a height limit in place
would require the town council to
ask state legislators to adopt a local
bill, similar to legislation previously
adopted for Holden Beach and Long
Beach.
Trailing behind with the second
largest number of votes as keeping
Bird Island as is, referring to the
barrier island's owner efforts'to ac-
quire permits to build a new bridge
to the island and possibly develop it
on a limited basis.
Participants were almost evenly
divided on an issue relating to an-
other island —the bridge connecting
the island and mainland sections of
Sunset Beach. Sixteen voted for
maintaining the current bridge and
15 for replacing it with another un-
specified type of bridge. .
"That seems to be a very evenly
divided issue in this town," said
planning , consultant Margaret
(Peggy) Hayes as she tallied the vot-
ing results.
She had participants take turns
listing one planning concern at a
time, allowing all an opportunity to
be heard. An hour and a half later,
the group had compiled a list of 28
issues, many of them relating to
conservation or protection of natural
resources, or providing more control
over the type of growth that is al-
lowed to occur in the town.
Then each person was allowed to
"vote" for his or her top five issues,
using one gold star per issue.
Separating commercial and resi-
dential development garnered - 15
votes, verifying the environmental
need for a sewer system before the
town contracts to build one drew 10
votes, as did development of a sewer
system.
A generic "protecting the envi-
ronment" received nine votes, as did
maintaining the current level of den-
sity of development
Many of the other issues raised by
(See HEIGHT, Page 2-A)

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THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1992
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STAFF PHOTO BY SUSAN USHER
ELOISE SARVIS of Pfafftown uses a gold star to express support for a 35 foot height limit for island
construction that can only be changed by a vote of Sunset Beach residents. She was one of approxi-
mately 50 people to participate in a land use plan meeting Thursday.
AT SUNSET BEACH LAND USE PLAN HEARING
Height Limit Top Concern
(Continued From Page 1-A)
participants but not getting at least
nine votes related in some way to
the issues that did get more stars.
The rest of the list included these
items: road and traffic patterns;
stormwater runoff; adequate fire
protection with growth, town ap-
pearance; development of a compre-
hensive plan for the town; annexa-
tion of Seaside Station; annexation
of the entire extraterritorial area; in-
suring no conflict of interest for con-
sultants (in relation to the sewer sys-
tem study in particular); convenient
recycling; mandatory recycling; no-
tification of property owners of the
mosquito spraying schedule; light
pollution; maintaining proper num-
ber of beach access areas; providing
estuarine and marsh access; provid-
ing boat access; and providing park-
ing at the beach for town residents.
Those attending the hearing
Thursday represented 14 island
households and 17 mainland house-
holds, including several within the
town's extraterritorial area. Resi-
dents of that area come under the
town's zoning ordinances, but do
not vote and do not pay taxes.
The hearing was the fast of sever-
al opportunities Sunset Beach resi-
dents will have to tell town officials
what they think are the main issues
relating to the town's growth and
development over the next five
years.
This month Ms. Hayes said 200
property owners will be asked to re-
spond to a survey questionnaire be-
ing mailed by the town. It covers
questions relating to population
trends, land use and environmental
and economic concerns.
The 200 questionnaires are dou-
ble the number sent out when the
town last updated its land use plan
five years ago, said Ms. Hayes. She
chose the recipients at random. "I
have no idea who I picked. I don't
know anything about them or their
affiliations."
"There's nothing on here that's
not on the survey," she told the
group Thursday, referring to the list
of issued developed by participants.
Results of the hearing comments
and the survey will be compiled and
the results announced at a second
public hearing tentatively schedule 7
p.m. Thursday, May 14. Ms. Hayes'
and Richard (Dick) Good, planning
board chairman, encouraged partici-
pants at last week's meeting to re-
turn for the second meeting. At that
point the town may be ready to be-
gin discussing policy alternatives on
how to address the issues identified
by townspeople.
Each town and county in North
Carolina's 20 coastal counties pre-
pares a land use plan update every
five years. Once a plan is approved
by the town planning board and
town council, it goes to N.C. Office
of Coastal Management for review
and then to the state Coastal
Resources Commission for consider-
ation and approval. Sunset Beach's
last plan was completed in 1987.

111L 00.N�`IJ rr ��..�� uLI1�-v�`I, ­..... , .. v- 1 .. 1, . 1 71­L i --
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STAFF PHOTO BY SUSAN USHER
DISCUSSION IS INTENSE at this table group led by planning board member Mary Nell Eaddy (back
to camera). Clockwise from left are sewer system consultant Joseph Tombro, Warren "Bud" Knapp,
Charles Van Winkle, Marie Summerlin, John Warring, Neil Melvin and Zane Winters.
34 RESIDENTS PRESENT
Sunset Beach Property Owners
Talk Policy At Land Use Meeting
BY SUSAN USHER
Thirty-four residents of Sunset Beach and its ex-
traterritorial area talked about key issues affecting the
town's future last Thursday night.
At a two-hour public meeting at the fire station on
the town's CAMA land use plan update, participants di-
vided into small groups for discussions led by four
members of the town's planning board.
Suggestions from the participants will be used by the
town planning board and governing council to help
shape policies affecting land use in the community over
the next five years, consultant Margaret Hayes of Hayes
and Associates said.
Five issues identified earlier as important to the
town's future were on the agenda: a 35-foot height zon-
ing requirement that may only be changed by referen-
dum, a public sewer system, commercial development,
and, more difficult for townspeople to influence, conser-
vation of Bird Island and the future of the bridge to the
island.
Preventing high-rise development was the No. 1 is-
sue identified in a survey of property owners both main-
land and island, and that was the general sentiment over-
heard at most tables at Thursday's meeting.
"We were attracted to Sunset Beach by what it is,
not what it could become," said Henry Satterwhite in a
comment generally reflecting that of many of the re-
tirees at the meeting. Others at the same table nodded in
agreement.
The consensus at that table: nothing higher than
what the town already allows, which includes 50 feet
maximum height for the condominiums in the MR-3
area on the mainland. The 35-foot height limit in force
on the island results in a roof peak height of about 50
feet for houses on pilings.
Table discussion turned around the possibility that
funds to buy Bird Island might not become available; if
that is the case, participants generally agreed that low
density development of the island is the alternative
choice.
Several speakers expressed concern about zoning a
strip along N.C. 179 from the bridge to the N.C. 904 in-
tersection for commercial use, saying the road could not
handle the additional traffic.
Opinion varied on the sewer system, with most resi-
dents wanting more information on its actual cost and
evidence that it is needed.
While views also varied on the bridge and its impact
on island residents and visitors, those at one table at
least concurred that the state should offer the townspeo-
ple some alternative other than a high-rise or the exist-
ing bridge, such as a two-lane drawbridge.
Island resident Sue Weddle suggested that the state
might be influenced by the pressure of public opinion to
change its thinking.
"I think this was great, to see people sit and talk,"
said Ms. Hayes. "There was good discussion, with typi-
cally not one person dominating."
The format of the meeting also pleased Haskell
Rhett; a field representative of the N.C. Office of
Coastal Management. Rhett said he may recommend use
of the technique to other communities.
Sunset Beach has an estimated year-round popula-
tion of 491, which is expected to increase to at least 511
in five years, then to 1,000 by 2000.
Mrs. Hayes estimated the seasonal population at
about 11, 383 now, including about 8,970 in the town
and 2,416 in the extraterritorial area r

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PAGE 4 A, THURSDAY. MAY 21, 1992 ;
fic on N.C. 179was whisking! by
in' =°the background. Inside the
Sunset -Beach fire station, a shell of
a building with high ceilings and a
concrete, floor, all you could hear
was the buzz of lively conversa- Usher,
tion. At four long tables, sitting in ,
hard metal folding chairs, 34 "lay
people" plus another eight ,or ten
town council and.planning board;
members were ut deep discussion Yo.0 could tell from their faces that the
topics were important to them Pr
':They'came from the island, from the mainland town and the extratei-
ritorisl ores: ;Mostof the group were retuiees, many of wpom had chosen
Sunset Beach aftera,deliberate.search 1fo a gear place to spend the bal-
once of their.lives. Some were working people, trying to make a ivmg: in
the sariae community.ui.which they_live ,_> < = _ - _ -
-Working fiom an agenda of five broad issues,- Wey. talked for nearly
two hours -about the town's future. They "laid= out what they want and
don't -want. What they;like and:don't Ift"now, Their::concern;'s; th(,
I ears. Why they chose to live in Sunset Beach n' the fast place.:-
,-They listened intently and usually politely to each other, asked ques-
tions and offered opinions: And 'on the few points on which they were
not in general accord; : such as the future of the ' Sunset : Beach Bridge,
most sought compromise
:.What was going on? An old fashioned New England town meeting?
Not exactly:
Sunset Beach is trymg to update its CAMA=land use'plan, a docu-
ment that will help guide'dedsions relating to land use in -the -town for
the next five years while protecting,the'natural resources,of. the. fragile
coastal area. It is to reflect in part the town's vision for its'future; *a ,melt
as setting out some of the policies needed to make that-wiiottbecome a
reality.
Every coastal community goes' through the process, but'it works
differently from place to place.
Some communities view the requirement with Hostility, as simply
one more hoop they have to. jump through for the state, a chore, a for-
mality. That resentment is reflected in how they develop their plan. They
write generalities by formula; or simply brush up the last plan and send it
in, with minimal encouragement of public participation along the way.
The smartest community leaders, though,_ see the plan as something
more,- a good investment, a time to stop and look at where they're headed
asa community. It'.s a chance to -gauge the.sentiments of the people, to
inform them on critical issues and to involve them in helping make deci-
sions.

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"A Town Talks About Its Future", cont.
�-=And, let's_admit it 8 chance i'arresidents to,lef off'steam about all
the little things that Mistrateand.annoy -
-These leaders know that any decision members of a community have
been actively involved in staking; is much more likely to have their_ sup-
port later. There's less "us" versus "them kinds of conflict.. -
Sunset- Beach and its consultant, -Peggy Hayes, are trying to do it
right, giving people plenty of opportunity to comment on and debate_ the
issues. Other communities could use them as a role model.
:This land use plan update comes at a good time for Sunset Beach, If
ever, there was a town whose_ people needed to talk, it's this community
right now.
We've been led to believe over the past.several _years that mainland
and island residents were becoming divided, a polarization fueled by dif
ferences of_opinionover the bridge, high=rise development and the like.'
But maybe that_was just a`divide=and-conquer rumor:
A non -scientific, -but'random mail poll conducted last- -month with -an
excellent response=rate':suggests that, niainland;or island, -the townspeo
pie_are in general agreement on most issues. The- points on which� rrggssi-
dents are in disagreement don't fall cleanly into mainland versus is7at►d.
And, the table- talk last_Thirsday;convinced me that Sunset Beach is a
fortunate :communi
ty, with people 'willing; to listen, to each other and
work together to solve any problems they might have..
I:eft to its -every.. y..people, I convinced;Sunset Beach .wouldn't
long be a town divided. r
The'next step' is up to "the town council and:Planning board: -'They -
must take the information receiv4,2i ktranslafe it into policies and de-
cisions that reflect the desires -and needs of the community as a whole. .
No easy. task perhaps, but, that's what they were chosen.to do. I'm
confident they can do it. Anythw* g:else Avould make a mockery of the en-
t���.,yy
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PUBLIC ISSUE IDENTIFICATION
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FO R THE TOWN OF SUNSET BEACH
1992 CAMA LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
The Town of
Sunset. Beach as required by the Planning Guidelines
contained in the
North Carolina Coastal Area Management. Art. (CAMA)
a
must. update its
property owners
land use Plan during 1992. Thus far, residents and
of the Town have been given two opportunities to help
the Planning Board
and Town Council identify key Planning issues for
the 1992 update.
First of all, the Planning Board conducted a Public
meeting on March
26, 1992 of which approximately 50 People attended.
a
Each person was
given the opportunity to state issues important to
them and 28 issues
were identified. Then each person was given 5
"stars" and put
summary of these
a star by the 5 issues most important to them. A
issues and their ranking follows.
A survey of 200 Sunset Beach area permanent and non-resident
a property owners was conducted in April, 1992. Of these, 150
questionnaires were sent to town residents and 50 were sent to persons
living in the Town's extraterritorial area. The questions on the
survey addressed issues identified in the March 26 meeting as well as
concerns of the Planning Board and Town Administration. By the April
15 deadline, 124 out of the 200 questionnaires which were mailed had
been received for a total response rate of 62 percent. This is an
excellent response rate given that most mail surveys usually have a
response rate of 30 to 35 percent. It should be noted that the survey
elicited a voluntary response and therefore, is not considered a
scientific, random survey. However, the survey was a valuable form of
input, especially since it gave non-resident property owners a chance
to state their opinions. A detailed summary of the survey results is
also attached.
The third opportunity for public input will he given on May 14,
1992 at. 7:00 in the Sunset Beach Fire Station. At this meeting, Hayes
a&. Associates will give a brief presentation about the status of Sunset.
Beach. The meeting will then be divided into 5 discussion groups
which will be led by Planning Board members. Each group will discuss
the 5 major planning issues deemed most suitable for group discussion.
These issues are as follows:
- 35-foot height building'requirement.
- Need for Public Sewer System
- Conservation of Bird Island
- Maintain current bridge versus building new bridge
- Commercial Development
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SUMMARY OF PLANNING ISSUES IDENTIFIED AT THE
MARCH 26, 1992 TOWN OF SUNSET BEACH PUBLIC MEETING
RANK*
ISSUES
29
Change 35-foot building height requirement only by
referendum
a18
Keep Bird Island as is
15
Build New Bridge
15
Maintain Current. Bridge
15
Concentrate Commercial Zoning
Issues Pertaining to Sewer:
10
Need Sewer Development
10
Verify Environmental Need for Sewer
6
No Sewer System on Island
8
No conflict among consultants
a9
Protect Environment.
9
Maintain current level of density and mix in Town
Issues Pertaining to Annexation:
6
Favor annexation of Seaside Station
2
Annex all extra -territorial area
6
Build Boat Access
Issues Pertaining to Recycling:
a
5
Mandatory Recycling
0
Convenient. Recycling
D5
Stormwater Management
3_
Town Appearance
3
Develop Comprehensive Plan
2
Adequate Fire Protection with Growth
2
Notification of Mosquito Spraying- Time and Day
a
2
Maintain Proper Number of Beach Accesses
2
Control Cost of Public Services
1 Light. Pollution on Beach
1 Conflict Between Island and Mainland Residents
0 Road and Traffic Patterns
0 Estuary Access
0 Develop private beach access for Sunset Beach residents
* Rank indicates number of meeting participants who cited issue as
problem

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March 27, 1992
MEMBERS OF THE SUNSET BEACH COMMUNITY:
The Town of Sunset Beach is currently involved in the
Preparation of its 1992 Land Use Plan Update, and has
received a planning grant from the N.C. Division of Coastal
Management to assist with the update. The Land Use Plan is
a very important policy document on local, regional, state
and federal levels. The Land Use Plan addresses land use
problems and constraints to development, community
facilities, future Populations and needs, and environmental
concerns. The Plan states the Town's objectives and
policies towards land use issues, growth, development, and
environment. protection.
As a concerned citizen, property owner, and/or business
operator, your opinions are very important in establishing a
plan which will accurately reflect the direction that the
community wants Sunset Beach to take over the next five
years. The results of the questionnaire will be compiled,
presented, and discussed during an upcoming public meeting
scheduled for May 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall, during
which additional comments from the public will be
encouraged. Your answers to the questionnaire and your
input toward the completed plan update will help guide local
government decisions affecting the future of Sunset Beach.
This is one of the most important opportunities you will
have to inform your local governing body about how you would
like Sunset Beach to'become in the next five years.
We appreciate your taking a few moments to answer the
following questions, and we thank you for participating. It
is not necessary to sign your name or to provide your
address on the questionnaire. Please return the
questionnaire in the pre -addressed and stamped envelope
provided and mail by April 15, 1992. Questionnaires are
being mailed directly to Hayes &. Associates, the planning
consultant firm who is developing the land use plan update,
in order to facilitate processing and insure
confidentiality. Thank You.
Sincerely,
M. Mason Barber, Jr.
Mayor

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SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE
1992 CAMA LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
TOWN OF SUNSET BEACH, NC
INSTRUCTIONS: Please check your answers to each of the following questions.
Some questions ask for a written response. There is also a special section
for additional comments 'on the last page of the questionnaire.
THANK YOU
1. Which of the following best describes your relationship to the Town of
Sunset Beach?
a. Permanent resident on island
b. Permanent resident on mainland
c. Non-resident property owner/seasonal visitor on island
d. Non-resident property owner/seasonal visitor on mainland
e. Owner/operator of a business in Sunset Beach
f. Other (Please specify)
2. Do you own or rent your property in Sunset Beach?
a. Own property
b. Rent property
3. What, in your opinion, is the most important issue facing Sunset Beach
that the Town can do something about?
4. If you are a permanent resident, what was the major reason why you
choose Sunset Beach as your home?
D a. To enjoy the quiet family atmosphere
b. Proximity of ocean and waterway
c. Golfing facilities
d. Low taxes
e. Climate
f. Other
5. If you are a non-resident property owner, what was the major reason why
0 you acquired your property?
a. For rental purposes
,b. Investment property
c. For your family's enjoyment of the ocean and waterway
d. Low taxes
e. Golfing
f. Other

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6.What do you think are the most important problems now facing Sunset
Beach? Rank each item below according to the following scale:
1= Major Problem; 2= Minor Problem; 3= Not a problem
Comments:
ill
a. Traffic Congestion
b. Shoreline Erosion
c. Parking
d. Stormwater Runnoff(Drainage)
e. Growth Management/Development
f. Environmental Protection/ Water Quality
g. Lack of Centralized Sewer System
h. Preventing high rise/ condo development on island
i. One -lane swinging bridge
j. Conservation of Bird Island
k. Other:
U7. In future years, would you like to see Sunset Beach develop as:
a. A Family Resort Community
a
b. A Tourist Resort Area
c. A Golfing Community
d. Other:
8.
Do you feel that growth in Sunset Beach is progressing . . .
a. Too fast
b. Too slow
c. Just about right
d. Sunset Beach has had enough growth
9.
Do you feel that the summer seasonal and tourist population is . . .
a. Too high/ exceeds Town's capacity
b. About right
c. Low compared to other beaches
10.
What types of development would you like to see encouraged or
a
discouraged
on the island and the mainland of Sunset Beach?
Island Mainland
Yes No Yes No
a.
Permanent Residential
b.
Seasonal Residential
c.
Single Family Residential
d.
Duplexes
e.
High Rise Development
f.
Multi -family/ Condos
g.
Commercial
h.
i.
Mobile Homes
Parks and Natural Areas
j.
Motels
k.
Industry
Q

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Li 11. Sunset Beach now has a 35-foot height limitation for all buildings.
you feel that the limitation should be . . .
a. Increased
b. Decreased
c. Remain the same
(� d. Remain the same and require a referendum to be changed
U e. No Opinion
12. Do you feel that the zoning ordinance is sufficient to protect your
property interests?
a. Yes
b. No, Why not?
c. No Opinion
Do
13. Should the Town attempt to annex developing areas adjacent to the Town
limits?
a. Yes
b. No
c. No Opinion
14. Are you currently
available in Sunset Beach?
satisfied with the following public services
If no, why not?
YES NO
IF NO, WHY NOT?
(�
A.
Town Management
�j
B.
Planning
C.
Zoning Protection
D.
Building Inspection
E.
Police Protection
F.
Fire Protection
G.
Rescue Services
H.
Garbage/Trash Service
I.
Public Access to Intracoastal Waterway
J.
Parking for Intracoastal Waterway
K.
Beach Access
L.
Beach Access Parking
M.
Recreational Facilities
N.
O.
Storm Drainage
Street Maintenance
P.
Street Paving
Q.
Street Lighting
R.
Traffic Control
S.
Town Cleanliness
T.
Town Appearance
U.
Mosquito Control
D
V.
Evacuation Planning
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ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

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15. From the following list, please select those recreational facilities
for which _you feel that there is'a strong enough interest to justify
constructing at the Town's expense:
a. Additional Ocean Accesses
b. Additional Beach Parking Areas
c. Beach Restrooms
d. Additional accesses to Intracoastal Waterway
e. Parking for Intracoastal Waterway Accesses
f. Public Boat Ramps
g. Playgrounds
h. Ballfields
i. Tennis Courts
j. Bike Paths
k. Sidewalks
1. Picnic Facilities
m. Lifeguards
n. Other:
16. Do you want a public sewer system in Sunset Beach?
a. Yes Comments:
b. No
c. No opinion
17.. What is your preference for a bridge to the island?
a. Maintain the current one -lane swinging bridge
b. Construction of a new high-rise bridge
c. Construction of a new two-lane drawbridge
d. No Opinion
18. Do you believe that Sunset Beach is prepared for emergency evacuation?
a. Yes
b. No Why not?
c. No Opinion
19. Do you feel that the Town of Sunset Beach should encourage day visitors
and provide facilities such as parking and restrooms for them?
a. Yes
b. No
c. No Opinion
20. Bird Island across from Mad Inlet on the western end of the island is
currently undeveloped but there are plans for the construction of a private
bridge and single-family homes. The best means of preserving Bird Island
in its natural state is for it to become a public park or wildlife
sanctuary. Would you support public acquisition of Bird Island?
a. Yes Comments:
b. No
c. No Opinion
Q

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21. During 1992 Brunswick County will open a recycling station in the
vicinity of Route 904 and Highway 17. Sunset Beach would have to use this
facility or arrange to fund a local recycling station or curbside pick-up
of recylables. What is your preference?
a. Use the Brunswick County recycling station
b. Arrange for a local recycling station which would be
financed by the Town of Sunset Beach
c. Arrange for once a week curbside pick-up of recyclables
at an estimated cost of $8.50 per month
22. Would you be willing to pay an appropriate tax increase to fund the
improvements which you supported in this questionnaire?
a. Yes
b. No
c. No Opinion
Comments:
In closing, the following information will be helpful in evaluating the
results of the survey. Your responses will be kept confidential and will
not be used for any other purpose.
23. Please indicate your family income:
a. Under $10,0000
b. $10,000 - $20,000
c. $20,000 $30,000
d. $30,000 - $50,000
e. over $50,000
24. What is your age group?
a. 18-35
b. 56-50
c. 51-65
d. over 65
25. Respondent
Male
Female
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: (Use the back of this page if you need more space)
After completing the questionnaire, please remove the cover letter and mail
the questionnaire in the enclosed pre -stamped and self-addressed envelope.
The questionnaires are being mailed directly to Hayes & Associates in order
to facilitate processing and to insure confidentiality.
Please mail the questionnaires no later than April 15, 1992.
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e
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RESULTS OF SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE
1992 SUNSET BEACH LAMA LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
APRIL, 1992
NO.
SUBJECT
TOTAL
ISLAND
MAINLAND OTHER
ETA
Number of surveys
124
48
48 4
24
(Percent*)
(100%)
(39%)
(39%) (3%)
(19%)
62 Percent. Return
1 . Relati
_unship to Town
a.
Permanent Resident.
55
13
34 --
8
b.
Seasonal Visitor
65
35
14
16
c.
Other
4
--
-- --
--
2.
Property Ownership
a.
Own
119
47
46 4
22
b.
Rent.
5
1
2
2
4.
Permanent Resident:
Major Reason
Live at
Sunset Reach
a.
Family Atmosphere
27
9
14 --
4
b.
Ocean and Waterway
17
7
8 --
2
r_..
Golfing Facilities
3
--
2 --
1
d.
Low Taxes
6
--
5 --
1
e.
Climate
7
2
2 --
3
f.
All of Above
20
6
11 --
3
5. Seasonal Resident: Major Reason Choose Stinset Reach
a.
Rental Purposes
2
--
2
--
--
b.
Investment. Property
9
4
2
2
1
c.
Ocean and Waterway
44
24
7
1
12
d.
Low Taxes
8
2
2
--
4
e.
Golfing
6
--
3
1
2
f.
All of Above
18
6
6
2
4

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6. Ranking of Manor Problems
NUMBER OF SURVEY RESPONDENTS ISSUE IN RANK ORDER
A. MAJOR PROBLEM
(RANKED AS
83
1.
67
2.
58
3.
51
4.
44
5.
23
6.
22
7.
18
8.
18
8.
17
9.
1)
Preventing High Rise Development.
Growth Management/Development.
Environmental Protection/Water Quality
Conservation of Bird Island
One -Lane Swinging Drawbridge
Lack of Centralized Sewer System
Shoreline Erosion
Stormwater Runoff (Drainage)
Parking
Traffic Congestion
B. MINOR PROBLEM (RANKED AS 2)
61
1.
Stormwater Runoff (Drainage)
60
2.
Traffic Congestion
50
3.
Parking
42
4.
Shoreline Erosion
40
5.
Environmental Protection
31
6.
Lack of Centralized Sewer System
21
7.
Conservation of Bird Island
18
8.
One -lane Swinging Drawbridge
18
8.
Growth Management
9
9.
Preventing High Rise Development.
c. NOT A PROBLEM
(RANKED AS
3)
45
1.
One -lane Swinging Drawbridge
40
2.
Shoreline Erosion
39
3.
Parking
35
4.
Lack of Centralized Sewer System
30
5.
Conservation of Bird Island
29
6.
Traffic Congestion
25
7.
Stormwater Runoff (Drainage)
17
8.
Growth Management
12
9.
Preventing High Rise Development
9
10.
Environmental Protection
SUMMARY RANKING OF MAJOR ISSUES
RANK
VALUE
ISSUE
1
267
1.Preventing High Rise Development.
2
254
2.Environmental Protection/Water Quality
3
237
3.Growth Management/Development
4
195
4.Conservation of Bird Island
5
176
5.Stormwater Runoff (Drainage)
6
171
6.Traffic Congestion
7
168
7.One-lane Swinging Drawbridge
8
149
8.Parking
9
144
9.Shoreline Erosion
10
122
10.Lar_.k of Centralized Sewer System

IN
NO,
SUBJECT
TOTAL
ISLAND
MAINLAND
OTHER
ETA
7.
In the future, Sunset Reach should
develop
as:
a.
Family Resort
99
38
39
2
20
b.
Tourist. Resort.
7
2
1
2
2
c.
Golfing Resort.
8
1
4
1
2
8.
Growth is progressing:
a.
Ton fast
20
7
9
--
4
b.
Ton Slow
2
--
--
1
1
c.
About. Right.
69
23
31
1
14
d.
Had enough growth
29
15
9
2
3
9.
Summer seasonal and tourist population
is:
a.
Too high
20
5
9
1
5
b.
About Right.
84
35
35
1
13
c.
Low compared to other
15
5
3
2
5
beaches
10.
what type of development
should be
encouraged
or discouraged
on
the island and mainland?
TYPE
OF DEVELOPMENT
ISLAND
MAINLAND
YES
NO
YES
NO
a.
Permanent Residential
108*
9
104*
1
b.
Seasonal Residential
89*
16
68
17
c.
Single-family Residential
97*
6
100*
0
d.
Duplexes
34
58
33
89
e.
High -Rise Development
8
98
7
89
f.
Multi-Family/Condo
8
93
28
67
g.
h.
Commercial
Mobile Homes
5
4
94
95
38
29
55
79
i.
Parks and Natural Areas
87*
14
93*
4
j.
Motels
13
89
27
74
Qk.
Industry
6
92
15
77
* More than 70 percent of respondents
support
this type of
development.
11.
Do you feel that the current
35-foot
height
limitation
should be:
a.
Be Increased
4
1
--
3
b.
Be Decreased
5
1
3
1
c.
Maintain the 35
font height.
limitation
41
12
16
1 12
d.
Maintain the 35
foot height
limitation and
require a
63
34
20
2 7
e.
referendum for
No Opinion
it to he changed
4
--
3
-- 1
a

NO.
SUBJECT
TOTAL ISLAND MAINLAND OTHER
ETA
12.
Satisfied with
current zoning pattern and zoning regulations:
a.
Yes
82 38 29 --
15
h.
No
11 5 3 1
2
c.
No Opinion
25 5 12 2
6
a13.
Should
Town annex developing areas a.dtiacent. to Town's limits:
a.
Yes
54 15 24 --
15
h.
No
40 23 13
4
Q
c.
No Opinion
10 4 3
3
14.
Are you
currently satisfied with the following public services:
YES
NO-
PUBLIC SERVICE
85
10
a. Town Management
74
8
b . Planning
74
14
c. Zoning
81
10
d. Building Inspection
100
5
e. Police Protection
95
10
f. Fire Protection
88
8
g. Rescue Services
90
9
h. Garbage/Trash Service
61
48*
i. Public Access to Intracoastal Waterway
47
47*
j. Parking for Intracoastal Waterway
88
14
k. Beach Access
�(
78
23
1. Beach Access Parking
U
71
25
m. Recreational Facilities
59
28
n. Storm Drainage
76
18
o. Street Maintenance
73
19
p. Street. Paving
71
22
q. Street Lighting
80
15
r. Traffic Control
a
88
9
s. Town Cleanliness
57
37*
t.. Mosquito Control
79
5
u. Evacuation Planning
a*
More than
25 percent of survey respondents are not pleased with
this
service
15.
Are you
pleased with the Town's appearance:
a.
Yes
89 36 30 4
19
(�
�}
h.
No
29 12 13 --
4
YES NO
(1)
Enact stricter
sign ordinance 23 12
a
(2)
Enact stricter
landscaping 24 6
(3)
Improve
Commercial Areas 34 5
(4)
Require
uniform architectural design 14 12
Q(5)
Improve
litter
clean-up 23 10

NO. SUBJECT TOTAL ISLAND MAINLAND OTHER ETA
16. Recreational facilities which there is strong enough interest to
construct at Town's expense:
a.More ocean Accesses
30
5
13
1
11
b. More Beach Parking
36
3
18
1
14
c. Beach Restrooms
56
15
22
1
14
d. More Accesses to
Intracoastal Waterway
51
21
19
1
10
e. Parking for Int.ra-
coast.al Waterway
50
21
18
1
10
f. Public Boat Ramps
47
17
18
1
10
g. Playgrounds
19
10
4
1
4
h. Ballfields
12
8
2
--
2
i. Tennis courts
23
14
4
1
4
j. Bike Paths
53
23
18
1
11
k. Sidewalks
31
18
8
1
4
1. Picnic_. Facilities
22
5
12
--
5
m. Lifeguards
28
11
10
--
7
17. Do ,You .support a public
sewer
system in
Sunset Beach?
a. Yes
48
15
19
2
12
b. No
44
29
10
1
4
c. No Opinion
17
3
8
--
6
18. What .is your preference for a. _bridge to the island?
a. Maintain one -lane
bridge
57 33
13
2 9
b. Build High Rise
27 4
11
2 10
c. Build Two -Lane
29 11
15
-- 3
d. No opinion
4 --
3
-- 1
19. Do you believe that Sunset Beach is prepared for emergency
evacuation ?
a. Yes 63 31 23 1 8
b. No 20* 7 6 2 5
c. No Opinion 30 10 11 1 8
* All cited one -lane bridge as reason for Sunset Beach not being
prepared for evacuation

0
0
0
0
0
a
0
0
0
0
0
0
a
0
u
0
NO.
SUBJECT
TOTAL
ISLAND
MAINLAND OTHER ETA
20.
Should Sunset
Reach provide
facilities
for day visitors?
a.
Yes
49
11
12 3 14
b.
No
62
31
25 6 --
c.
No Opinion
6
2
4 -- 2
21. Do you support Public acquisition of Bird Island?
a.. Yes 83 38 24 4 17
b. No 25 6 13 -- 6
c. No Opinion 7 2 4 -- 1
22. Should ,Sunset Reach use the Brunswick County recycling center,
arrange for a local recycling center, or arrange for curbside Pick -tip
of recyclahles at an approximate cost of $8.50 per month?
a. Use County center 81 28 34 4 15
b. Arrange local center 21 13 3 -- 5
c. Arrange curbside 13 4 6 -- 3
23. Would you be willing to pay an appropriate tax increase to fund
the improvements which you supported in this questionnaire?
a. Yes 87 35 30 3 19
b. No 22 9 10 -- 3
c. No Opinion 3 1 2 -- --

4
ANALYSIS OF COMMENTS
QUESTION 3: What is the most important issues facing Sunset Beach?
a. Responses Pertaining to Growth Management
9
- Keep as Family Beach
2
- Preserve Quality of Life
6
- Control Quality of Development.
a
2
- Stop any more building development.
5
- Too high population density/ overdevelopment.
1
- Stop development YES! But don't stop improvements- you can
have one without the other
1
- Too rapid growth
1
- Too many daytime visitors
1
1
- Future Growth
- Preserve last family resort on the NC Coast.
2
- Impose multi -family housing restrict -ions
2
- Limit. Condo Development
2
- Have strict. zoning
5 - Have no structures above 35 feet/ no high-rise development
TOTAL RESPONSES 45
b. Responses Pertaining to Bridge
14 - Need New Bridge
1 - Not safe evacuation because of bridge
2 - No High Rise Bridge
QTOTAL RESPONSES 17
c. Responses Pertaining to Public Services
a1 - Water Drainage
1 - Storm guttering
Q 2 - Bury Phone Lines
1 - Slow gung-ho police department. down
1 - Better police protection
1 - Better trash service
1 - Street. Design
1 - Street Lighting
1 - Street paving
a 1 - Storm Drainage
2 - Keep taxes down- no increase
2 - Traffic congestion, especially 179-904 intersection
1 - Litter pick-up
TOTAL RESPONSES 16
d. Responses Pertaining to Sewer System
8 - Need Public Sewer System
1 - Reduce Pollution of Septic Tanks
Q3 - Do not. implement Sewer system
TOTAL RESPONSES 14
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e. Responses Pertaining to Environment and Bird Island
a 2 - Conserve Bird Island
2 - Protect Environment.
TOTAL RESPONSES 4
f. Responses Pertaining to Improvements
2 - Need more beach accesses
a 4 - Need more beach parking
1 - Help Businesses with parking
(l TOTAL RESPONSES 7
QUESTION 14: Comments about public services available in St;nset Reach
a. Town Management
- I think Linda and Larry are doing a great job
- Manager and Council should do as majority wishes, not what they
a think best
- Been impressed with Town Management and Board
- Town management is top notch
D - Town Board is too development and annexation oriented
- Some Town Commissioners are too self-serving
- Management should not have fired Bill Hill
ab. Planning
- No long term development plan
- Planning is too haphazard
- Not specific planning goals
- Too liberal with commercial zones
- Why May 14th meeting being held when owners not present,
awhy not. May 23rd?
c. Zoning Protection: No Comments
Qd. Building Inspection
- Need permanent building inspector in office
- Building Inspection needs to be stronger
- Building Inspection is changing for the better
- Fair, professional, courteous building inspection
e. Police Protection
3 commented that police should not give tickets for seat belt
violations because that is the role of the State Police
f. Fire Protection
- Volunteer fire department not sufficient
- Island properties do not have sufficient protection because of
Q bridge
- 4 stated that a fire station is needed on island
- Fire station is too far and slow
- Need more volunteer firemen
- 2 stated that fire department needs updating
- Very poor fire protection services
a

I
g.
Rescue Services
a
- Volunteer rescue services not. sufficient.
- Island Properties do not have sufficient. Protection because of
bridge
- Rescue services too far, too slow
Q
- Sunset. Beach needs own rescue services
- Rescue squad needs full-time staff
h.
Garbage/ Trash Service: No Comments
i.
Public Access to Intracoastal Waterway
- 3 stated that there is no access or parking for Intracoastal
a
Waterway
- Access to Intracoastal Waterway not a town problem
j.
Parking for Intracoastal Waterway
- No access or parking for Intracoast.a.l Waterway
a
k.
Beach Access
- Have beach access for Sunset. Beach residents only
- 2 stated that the walkways should be completed at the beach
access areas
1.
Beach Access Parking
Q
- 4 stated that there is not enough parking at the ends of the
island
m.
Recreational Facilities
- There are on recreational facilities
- Need public tennis facility
- Need more natural areas
a-
No park at beach for children
n.
Storm Drainage
n
Jl�l
- 3 stated that storm drainage is not suffic_.ient for runoff
- Beach island drainage is not. good
- 3 stated that water stands in street after rain
o.
Street. Maintenance
- Mainland streets need attention
- Need Canal Avenue paved
- Main Street and Bay Streets are cracked
- Bumpy entrance to community garage-
- Bumpy potholes
ap. Street Paving
- State Roads not.satisfactory
- 3 stated that the island streets should be brought up to NC
State standards
- Put a crown in the road to improve runoff
D q. Street Lighting
3 stated that more street lighting is needed
1 stated that there is too much street lighting

R
r. Traffic_. Control
Traffic and Parking on Shoreline Drive
- Lower speed limit. on Ocean Street. and Canal Drive
- 2 stated that there is very poor traffic control at bridge
Left -turn lanes needed at intersections
s. Town Cleanliness
- Town area near bridge needs cleaning tip
- All commercial areas need landscaping and improvements
- 2 cited litter along the roads
- Litter on beach, especially near fishing pier
- Cans near Bill's Restaurant.
- A vacant lot. on 2nd Street has had building pillars for years
- Commercial areas could he nicer
t. Mosquito Control
- 6 stated that more spraying is needed
LJ - Don't spray enough on mainland
LJ - To improve mosquito control, property owners should not have
standing water on property
Du. Evacuation Planning: No Comments
OTHER
6 stated that underground utilities are needed
Septic tanks are in good working order
To he satisfied is to go downhill! Keep Working! Improvements
can always he done!
of
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ill

MAJOR PLANNING ISSUES
SUNSET BEACH, SPRING 1992
ISSUE: 35-FOOT HEIGHT ZONING REQUIREMENT MAY ONLY BE CHANGED BY
REFERENDUM
PUBLIC INPUT.
March 26 Public Meeting: This was the highest ranking issue at the
0 public meeting with a total of 29 votes.
April 1992 Survey Results: Concerns about the 35-foot height
requirement and fears about the prospect of high-rise development
were expressed throughout the survey. Preventing high-rise
development was the number 1 issue when ranked against 9 other
issues in Question 6. Nearly 92 percent of the survey respondents
did not want high-rise development on the island or on the mainland
when asked about their preferences for future development in
question 10. Question 11 directly addressed the 35-foot height
requirement issue. Of the 117 respondents who answered this
question, 35 percent wanted to maintain the 35-foot requirement and
54 percent thought that the height requirement should remain at 35
D
feet and require a referendum for it to be changed.
DISCUSSION OF ISSUE IN 1987 CAMA LAND USE PLAN:
This plan did not directly address the 35-foot height
requirement. However, the survey results indicated that single-
family dwellings in a quiet, low density setting was the preferred
U
urban development type. Respondents indicated a desire to see less
commercial and multi -family developments. (p.45) Moreover, the
Q
1987 Plan stated that the density requirements for redevelopment
areas conform to existing Town building and zoning regulations
which imposed a 35-foot height limitation for development. (P.45)
a
CURRENT STATUS: The Town of Sunset Beach Planning Board and Town
Council are currently studying the 35-foot building height
requirement. It has been proposed that the wording of the building
height restrictions regarding island development be changed so that
the building height for any structure within the Beach Residential
districts ( BR-1 and BR-2) and Beach Business district (BB-1) would
not exceed 35 feet measured vertically from the Base Flood
Elevation to the highest part of any building or any structure
attached to the building, excluding chimneys or other necessary
mechanical features. A joint public hearing on the proposed
Dchanges
to the building height requirement will be held on June 15.
SUGGESTIONS FOR 1992 CAMA LAND USE PLAN:
11

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ISSUE: COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
PUBLIC INPUT:
March 26 Public Meeting: At this meeting, 15 participants stated
that commercial development should be concentrated.
April 1992 Survey Results: An overwhelming 94 percent stated that
they did not support future commercial development on the island
while only 40 percent favored future commercial development on the
mainland. On the other hand, 70 percent were satisfied with the
current zoning pattern and regulations. Concerns about commercial
development were also expressed regarding the Town's appearance as
shown by 34 stating the the appearance of the commercial areas
needed to be improved. Nearly 20 percent supported stricter sign
and landscaping requirements.
DISCUSSION OF ISSUE IN 1987 LAND USE PLAN UPDATE:
Sunset Beach's economic base consists mainly of services pertaining
to tourism. (p.10) According to the Town's zoning map, there are
substantial areas zoned for commercial development. (p.13) Intense
commercial development, beyond that necessary to serve tourists,
will not be encouraged. (p.46) The Town will continue to enforce
its current ordinances and local building permit process to achieve
a desired balance between commercial and residential development.
(p.46) Sunset Beach will continue to support 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 public. (p.48)
CURRENT STATUS:
A substantial amount of vacant land is zoned for commercial use
which is typical for many communites. The Sunset Beach Planning
Board is studying the merits of creating a new Mainland Business
zoning classification, the Mainland Professional District. The
Mainland Professional District would be limited to professional
businesses such as architects, accountants, doctors, lawyers, and
engineers. A Professional District could be more attractively
landscaped, require fewer signs, and would be more compatible with
adjoining residential districts. The proposal is not intended to
rezone any existing mainland business districts, but rather provide
an option that might be attractive to an existing zoned business
area.
SUGGESTIONS FOR 1992 CAMA LAND USE PLAN UPDATE:
I

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ISSUE: MAINTAIN CURRENT ONE -LANE SWINGING BRIDE OR BUILD NEW BRIDGE
PUBLIC INPUT:
March 26 Public Meetinq:
The participants at the March 26 meeting were evenly divided on
this issue as shown by the fact that "Build New Bridge" received 15
Cvotes
while "Maintain Current Bridge" also received 15 votes.
April 1992 Survev Results:
The survey results likewise showed the diversity of opinion about
the bridge issue. In question 6, 44 respondents listed the bridge
as a major problem, 18 cited the bridge as a minor problem, and 45
(�
stated that the current bridge was not a problem. Question 18
(�
asked what was the respondent's preference for a bridge. Of the
117 who responded to this question, 49 percent stated that their
preference was to maintain the one -lane bridge, 23 percent
preferred for a new high rise bridge to be built, 25 percent wanted
a two-lane drawbridge to be built, and 3 percent had no opinion.
Note that 48 percent wanted some type of new bridge built as
compared to 49 percent who wanted to maintain the current bridge.
Concern about the bridge was also expressed when respondents
evaluated fire and rescue services and evacuation planning. The
bridge was viewed as some°as being a deterrent to providing
adequate.protection.
DISCUSSION OF ISSUE IN 1987 CAMA LAND USE PLAN UPDATE:
The bridge was cited as the only man-made hazard in the Town of
Sunset Beach. (p.23) The design capacity of the existing bridge
was deemed to be inadequate to handle increasing traffic volumes.
(p.28) A new two-lane bridge was viewed as necessary to improve
access to the island. (p.32) Bridge access was viewed by survey
respondents to be one of the five major problems facing the Town.
(p.44) Finally, this plan stated that the Town was looking forward
to the construction of a new high-rise bridge in the early 1990's
by the N.C. D.O.T. (p.47)
CURRENT STATUS:
The building of a new high-rise bridge has been delayed by a court -
mandated Environmental Impact Study. The N.C. D.O.T. is in the
very early stages of starting the study which is estimated to take
two to three years to complete. It is very likely that a new
bridge will not be completed during the five-year time frame of the
1992 Land Use Plan Update.
SUGGESTIONS FOR 1992 CAMA LAND USE PLAN UPDATE:
0

ISSUE: PUBLIC SEWER SYSTEM FOR THE TOWN OF SUNSET BEACH
PUBLIC INPUT:
March 26 Public Meeting: This issue received various comments at
the March 26 meeting of which 10 stated that there was a need for
the public sewer system; 10 stated that the environmental need for
a sewer system must be verified; 6 said that there should be no
G sewer system on the island; and 8 said that there should be no
conflict of interest with the consultants.
April 1992 Survey Results: The lack of a centralized sewer system
was seen by 23 to be a major problem; by 31 to be a minor problem;
and by 35 not to be a -problem. Question 17 directly addressed the
need for a public sewer system. Of the 109 who answered this
a question, 44 percent supported implementing a centralized sewer
system; 40 percent did not want such a system; and 16 percent had
no opinion. Many respondents stated a new public sewer system had
to be contingent upon the Town having a referendum in order to
change the 35-foot building height requirement.
DISCUSSION OF ISSUE IN
1987 CAMA LAND
USE PLAN UPDATE:
The 1987 CAMA Land Use
Plan is now being
amended to clarify the
Town's support of a centralized
sewer
system. A public hearing on
the proposed amendment
will be held on
May 15 at 7:00 in the Sunset
Beach Town Hall and the
amendment will
be reviewed by the Coastal
Resources Commission on
May 28.
CURRENT STATUS:
The development of a centralized sewer system is a rapidly changing
situation. A Citizen Advisory Group reflecting widespread opinion
is being formed to guide the Town Board. There appears to a
growing support of a joint effort between Calabash and Sunset Beach
to develop a regional system. Both towns have recently passed
resolutions supporting submitting a joint application to build a
regional sewer system to the Farmers Home Administration. Moreover,
the system may be designed to include stormwater. Furthermore, the
Town of Sunset Beach is reviewing the 35-foot building height
requirement.
USUGGESTIONS FOR 1992 CAMA LAND USE PLAN UPDATE:
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ISSUE: CONSERVATION OF BIRD ISLAND
PUBLIC INPUT:
March 26 Public Meeting:
"To Keep Bird Island As Is" received 18 votes at the public meeting
and was the second highest ranked issue.
Argil 1992 Survey Results:
Conservation of Bird Island was ranked fourth when ranked against
nine other issues in Question 6. Question 21 directly asked
whether the survey respondent supported public acquisition of Bird
rj Island to preserve the island in its natural state. Nearly 72
percent of the 115 people who answered this question supported
public acquisition while 22 percent did not support such action.
DISCUSSION OF ISSUE IN 1987 CAMA LAND USE PLAN UPDATE:
Only a small portion of Bird Island was within Sunset Beach's
a
planning area.in 1987 and consequently, the conservation of this
island was not addressed in the 1987 Plan Update.
CURRENT STATUS: The owner of Bird Island has submitted a major CAMA
permit application to build a bridge to the island and divide the
island into 15 residential lots. However, the owner has stated that
she would entertain offers to purchase the island for conservation.
Q
Several conservation groups are investigating whether it would be
feasible to buy the island. Meanwhile, Bird Island is not
currently zoned and the Sunset Beach Planning Board is studying
what type of low -density, residential zoning classification would
be most appropriate. However, because the island has land which
can accomodate development, it is not legal to zone the island to
a
prohibit any type of development. Such action would constitute the
"taking" of private property for public use.
USUGGESTIONS FOR 1992 PLAN UPDATE:
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APPENDIX 2:
HIURRICANP" EVACUJI IrO ' D! ?l N
F�

PAGE # 499.22
Chapter 92 Civil Emergencies
TOWN OF SUNSET BEACH, N. C. EMERGENCY PLAN
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR MAYOR
Linda Fluegel H. Mason Barber, Jr.
CHIEF OF POLICE MAYOR PRO TEH
J. B. Buell Edward M. Gore, Sr.
PUBLIC UTILITIES DIRECTOR COUNCIL
Larry Crim Mary Griffith
Al Odom
FIRE CHIEF DeHart Scrantom
Craig Cain Julia Thomas
CHIEF, RESCUE SQUAD, CALABASH
Lina Angstadt
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
TOWN OF SUNSET BEACH
SUNSET BEACH, N. C.
I. Purpose: The purpose of this plan is to formulate and
establish a pre -designed plan of action for dealing with
major emergency situations which may occur in or near the
Town of Sunset Beach.
a
This plan further strives to insure that all departments,
agencies, and resources available in Sunset Beach; will be
used completely and efficiently. The primary concern of this
n
plan, is to insure the safety and well-being of the
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residents of this Town.
II. Contingencies: This plan takes into account the possibility
that the emergency may be beyond the realm of capabilities
which the Town of Sunset Beach has at its disposal. It
includes outside agencies who can and would assist in such
emergency situations.
III. Types of Emergencies:
A Fires- 1) Chemical
2) Structural
Q
3) Forest or Woodlands
B. Chemical Spills - 1) Truck
2 ) Nuclear Plant
C Severe Weather - 1) Hurricane

PAGE #499.23
5) Damaging Wind
D Bridge Failure
E. Earthquakes
F Oil Spills - 1) Boat and Barges
IV. Crisis Team
A Town Administration - will be the agent to declare any
emergency and notify other agencies and Town employees
if affected.
B Police Department
C Public Works Department
D Fire Department and Fire Marshall
E Calabash Rescue Squad
F Department of Transportation
G. Brunswick Electric Membership Corp.
V. Manpower:
A ADMINISTRATION:
M. Mason Barber, Jr.
Mayor
579-4164
Linda Fluegel Town
Administrator
754-7722
B POLICE DEPARTMENT:
J. B. Buell
Chief
579-6042
Sam Grantham
Ptlm.
579-4811
Edward Rudloff
Ptlm.
579-8259
Anna Redmond
Ptlm
754-7975
Lisa Hoagland
Ptlm.
754-5037
Brunswick County Sheriff's
Department
253-4321
Auxiliary Police
Hal Macon 579-5454
Anna Katherine Hill 579-3261
Steve Benevento 754-9672
C.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT:
Larry Crim Director
579-4685
Allen Gurganus
287-4343
Rocky Cochran
842-8705
D.
CALABASH RESCUE SQUAD:
Lina Angstadt Captain
579-7490
E
Department of Transportation:
Head of Bridge Maintenance, Jimmy Lee
733=4362
F
Brunswick Electric Membership Corp.
Bobby Gore
754-6722
G.
Sunset Beach Fire Department
Greg Cain Chief
579-5788
Greg Faulk Assistant Chief
579-2456

PAGE ; 499.24
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Greg Wood Captain 253-4322
VI. EQUIPMENT:
POLICE DEPARTMENT
1 - 1991 Ford LTD Police Car w/99 channel Radio Siren,
Scanner, PA & Blue Lights, mag light, shovel, Traffic
Cones, Shotgun 12 ga.
1 - 1990 Chevrolet Caprice Police Car w/99 channel Radio
Siren, Scanner, PA, K-55 Radar, Cage & Blue Light Bar,
mag light, shovel, Traffic Cones, Shotgun 12 ga.
1 - 1989 Ford LTD Police Car, w/4 channel Radio, Town Radio,
Siren, Scanner, PA, CB Radio, Cage, M-80 Radar,.Blue
Light Bar, mag light, shovel, Traffic Cones, Shotgun 12
ga.
1 - 1986 GMC 4X4 w/4 channel Radio, Town Radio, Siren,
Scanner, PA, Blue Light Bar, Shovel, Traffic Cones
1 - 1972 16 Ft. Boat w/40 Hp Motor & Accessories
1 - 4400 Watt Generator
1 - 16 Channel Base Radio
1 - Case 30 minute Flares
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT:
1 - 1987 Chevy 302 Pick-up w/Motorola Radio
1 - 1990 4 Cylinder -4WD Nissan w/Motorola Radio
1 - 1982 C-60 Chevy flat -Bed w/Motorola Radio
1 - 1990 Long 460 Tractor
1 - Ditch -Witch 3500 Trencher/Backhoe
1 - Galion T-500 Motor Grader
1 - London-aire Mosquito Sprayer
1 - 6' Box Blade for Tractor
1 - Rake for Tractor
1 - 3Hp Mud Pump
1 - 4000 Watt Gasoline Powered Generator
1 - 40 Husgvarna 18" Straight Blade Chain Saw
1 - Homelite Multi -purpose Saw
1 - Set Cutting Torches
1 - 230 Amp Dual -Range Welder
5 - Fold -up Barricades
1 - 10,000 BTU Kerosene Heater
1 - Motorola Base Unit in Public Works Office
1 - Motorola Hand Held Unit
RESCUE SQUAD:
1 - 1987 Type III Ambulance w/5 channel Base Radios 155.280
1 - 1989 Type II Ambulance w/4 channel vhf radios 155.280
8 - Stretchers
8 - Long Spinal Backboards & Straps, Pediatric Spinal
Mobilization Keds Immobilization, Stair Chairs, Scoop
Stretcher, Head Immobilization, Auto CPR Machine, Oxygen,
Heat Monitor
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
1 - 1954 GMC Tanker 1/2 Ton
1 - 1969 Ford Tanker 2 Ton

I
PAGE r499.25
1 -
1972 Ford Pumper 2 Ton
1 -
1975 Ford Pumper 2 Ton
a
1 -
1978 Ford Van 3/4 Ton
150
feet of 2 1/2"
200
feet of 1 1/2 " hose
1 -
1 1/2 " select-o-matic nozzle
2 -
flat shovel
1 -
Flat head axe
1 -
2 1/2" quick connect
a
3 -
Hydrant Wrench
2 -
2 1/2" Hard suction
1 -
15 foot wood Pike Pole
a
1 -
3 foot wood Pike Pole
1 -
32A Hurst Spreaders (Hyd)
1 -
HurstCutters (Hyd)
1 -
Hurst 60" Ram (Hyd)
2 -
Rechargeable Lanterns 8 watt
1 -
Pick head axe
1 -
Air hammer
a
1 -
Air Shears
1 -
Clear Plastic Goggles
2
Hacksaw
D
1 -
pack x-tra blades
3
Prybar
1 -
Crow bar
2 -
Shackles and hook
2 -
Aircraft tips
4 -
sections 10 foot chain with hooks
n
1 -
Disp. ambo bag
3 -
Emergency blanket
2 -
Body bag (Disp.)
1 -
Oz kit
Q
10 -
SCBA bottles 2.2
2 -
Long Spine Board
1 -
Short Spine Board
1 -
Litter Stretcher
a
4 -
Cot Extinguisher
1 -
Pkp Extinguisher
1 -
pair battery cables
2 -
wraparound ceruical bollars
3 -
Sheets
7 -
10x12 tarps
2 -
Portable Floodlight
2 -
Stokes harness
1 -
Bolt Cutters
70 foot rescue rope
150 feet lifeline
1 -
exhaust fan
a
1 -
1 -
Window bar
Stokes Basket
2 -
15 foot Pike Pole
2 -
24 foot extension ladder
2 -
axes
Spanner
it

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PAGE # 499.26
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Rubber mallot
2 - hose carriers
2 1/211x2" cuppling
1 _ 2 1/2"x2" Wozzle
1 - 4 1/2"x2" Cuppling Suction Hose
25 feet poney hose
Halesaw
4 - Scottair Packs
4 - Scott bottle
First aid kit
1 - 12 foot ladder
Attic ladder
1 - large Pike Pole
400 foot 1 1/2" hose
1 3/4" hose
2 1/2" hose
500 feet 3" supply line
1 - quick connect for tanker
3 - 4 1/2" hard suction 10 feet
3 - Saftey cones
VII. COMMAND POST: This is the nerve center for the emergency
personnel responding to the emergency. The command post
should be manned by an adequate number of telecommunications.
There should be a radio system at the command post which is
capable of communications with all responding agencies. If the
situation permits, there should be a telephone system at the
command post.
The department head or a delegate from each responding agency,
should be present at the command post to make any necessary
decisions. The command post shall be located at the Sunset
Beach Police Department. The Toem Administrator would need to
be available at the command post in a decision -making capacity
should it be necessary.
If the Situation precludes using the police station, then the
command post can be set up at a strategic point with respect
to the emergency operations.
The responsibility of the command post is to coordinate the
entire emergency response insuring that each agency is advised
of their respective roles. A further responsibility is to serve
as a line of communications between all of the responding
agencies.
It is also the responsibility of the Town Administrator who will
be present at the command post to request support from
outside agencies.
Any press releases dealing with the emergency situation would be
made through the command post by the Administrator, or person
appointed by the Administrator. A tape recorder must be present
during any interview with the news media.

PAGE # 499.27
LIST
OF RADIO FREQUENCIES: TRANSMIT RECEIVE
Brunswick Co. Law Enf Repeater 458-450 453-450
a
Brunswick Co. Law Enf Tack 453-450 453-450
Brunswick Co. Departments 458-575 453-575
Mutual Aid 458-700 453-700
Town 453-725 453-725
New Hanover Co. Law Enf. Repeater 458-500 453-500
New Hanover Co. Law Enf Tack 453-500 453-500
a
Columbus Co. Law Enf Repeater 458-050 453-050
Columbus Co. Law Enf Tack 453-050 453-050
MONITORING CAPACITY:
N. C. Highway Patrol
National Weather Service
Sunset Bridge
ry
Emergency Law Enf. Mutual Aid
UCalabash
Rescue Squad
Coast Guard
a
Wildlife
Marine Fisheries
VIII.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: Through a method of triage in the field
D
the injured persons would be sent to the designated medical
facilities in the area. The following medical facilities in our
area would be used:
Brunswick County Hospital
a
Grand Strand Memorial Hospital
New Hanover Memorial Hospital
Depending on the number of fatalities, a temporary morgue
U
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could be established at a site designated by the Regional
Medical Examiners Office.
VIX.
FUEL SUPPLY: During emergency operations, large amounts of fuel
will be used by vehicles and equipment. The Acme Oil Company
has agreed to dispatch those trucks necessary to supply fuel
a
for emergency operations. The telephone number is 287-6510
and the alternate is 287-3037 (Al Ward).
a
The request for such mass deliveries would be handled through
the command post.
X.
ASSISTING AGENCIES: When the emergency response needs exceeds
the capabilities of the Town's Agencies, then outside agencies
should be contacted for assistance. Emergency Management
Coordinator, Cecil Logan, should be contacted at 253-4376.
a
The coordinator should be summoned to the command post and
further request for outside assistance should be routed
through him.
XI.
EVACUATION: Such action should be taken only when the residents
are in immediate danger. Sunset Beach does not have a warning
system, therefore, evacuation efforts would be done by use of
a public address system or by sending personnel door to door.
0

n PAGE F 499.28
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A. Evacuation to be carried out under the Sunset Beach Police
Department with the Chief of Police directing the
evacuation.
B. Evacuation should be decided upon if possible by Town
a Administrator in conjunction with the Chief of Police and
heads of other emergency agencies.
C . Evacuation should be as orderly as possible and can be
ncarried out by Police, Fire, Rescue, State Patrol, Red
l; Cross, and National Guard Officials.
a D. The area to be evacuated will be determined by
recommendations from technical support personnel.
a E. Major roads and highways should be used for evacuation to
minimize congestion.
XII. EMERGENCY SHELTERS: Under various major emergency situations,
there will be a need to relocate residents into emergency
shelters. The Red Cross, Salvation Army, and Department of
Social Services will assist in providing food, water, and
clothing to those in the shelters as well as those not in
shelters.
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XIII. 1. The Administrative Staff of the Town will be located in the
command post to insure all needs from the Department heads
are met thru whatever means are available thru other agencies.
2. The Police Department thru the Chief of Police would insure
the safety of the public and the businesses from looting
should that occur. Should evacuation be necessary, the Police
Department would coordinate the orderly evacuation process
utilizing the Fire Department, Rescue Squad, Public Utilities
Department to assist in this process.
3. The Fire Department thru the Fire Chief would insure during
an emergency that fires and chemical spills were handled.
Should a Natural Disaster occur, the Fire Department would
assist the Public Works Department in keeping roads cleared
and traffic lanes open.
4. The Rescue Squad thru the Rescue Captain would care for
individuals who might be hurt, depending on the emergency and
assist the Police Department in evacuation should there be a
need to evacuate.
5. The Public Works Department thru the Director will insure
that all roads are kept open from debris insure the
Towns water from pollution and assist in evacuation
should it be necessary.

PAGE # 499.29
Assisting Agency
Contact Person
Capabilities
Emergency Management
Cecil Logan
Liaison with other assist.
253-4376
person at agency resource
command post.
Fire Marshal
Cecil Logan
Technical assist. in fire
253-4376
with situations, liaison
other fire dept.,
assis in establishment of
C.P. Extensive-Communi-
cations abilities.
NC Forestry Service
287-3200
Maintain equipment
readiness for clearing
roadways.
NC National Guard
General of NG
Manpower for combating
733-3770
emergency situations,
equipment resources
security assist. to Law
NC Coast Guard
256-3469
Emergencies involving
ocean going vehicles.
NC. Dept. of Trans-
Jim Cook
Technical assistance in
portation
343-0440
matters of severe weather,
chemical spills, or road
hazards. Assistance with
manpower and equipment,
bridge operations.
NC Marine Fisheries
Bill Hogarth
Assist in alert
726-7021
and notification on
intercoastal waterway

R1�ER
Ar -/
1 � �
MAP 2: EXISTING LAND USE AND ZONING- MAP, 1992..
® 'RESIDENTIAL
MOBILE HOMES
INSTITUTIONAL
COMMERCIAL
RECREATIONAL
GOLF COURSE
UNDEVELOPED
GEORGETOWN ROAD SR 1 163
I_ - /NTRA - COASTAL WATERWAY
y AIL �l Al, + �' ' 'kIt— i
It vY
At
IN IL I j
V AL It
Ar At'
t� t� y r
N ,� 1 4- / •k wr l 1 t Y ' y l
g I At 1 t k It
I• %k
r 1.
! tl ' 1. J. L 'G All '/ r •L •/ v! ,j tL d 1 4 . 4 1 J IL` ; ! y j sLL
k.
` L N ,� •l l % t4 j IA
` �i. ,L \ J + 1 r r i •L J, ` d.. i
A ..— + a It ,L 4• � + � � { a' d + i1 } � y + 11 ' 1 '1 d 1 y -`—.
It
,t. + ,l �• ; CREEK �i �► .t r * .1 0ji
IL IL It v
it A ILl ► L ,l `T 1-_,1 1 k 1 y
f al It I _ ` r
/ 1 1C • .1 •p y it
li �-E2z i rEws s ,1
I J l MET It
1l .
• ,
sEll
I � AV - MET �
BIRD ISLAND ` �•
"i ATLANTIC OCEAN
d d
HAYES & ASSOCIATES
4.� UNSET- BEACH9 N.C.
TOWN
THE PRFpARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED -IN PART THROUGH A GRANT FUNDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM THROUGH
FUNDS Pi2ovID�D flY THE COASTAL ZONE MANP `FMENT ACT OF 1972. AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT N.O.A.A.
..__._....._ rrrry,rrer.rlvrnr........r..0 ... ..__._ —_ .. a.. •�+°.
..r,..u. ....... . r....... w. •.y..vv • --...---- — ._...r•u•w+u.ns a: ewu•rw'N.•. • . i •i •.sa: Y.4.... :y IIYR6Y'ICrnt•:•' �T-T•Yt::t•:L:1%%i
U mlinall

R'VER
GpLp8A5
HAYES & ASSOCIATES
e
q F —1
MAP 3: AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN, 1992
ESTUARINE SYSTEM
COASTAL WETLANDS
ESTUARINE WATERS
ESTUARINE SHORELINES
U PUBLIC TRUST AREAS
— GEORGETOWN ROAD SR 1 163
TOWN OF SUNSET- BEACH.9 N.C.
THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED'IN PART THROUGH A GRANT FUNDED 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 DF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT N.O.A.A.
4

MAP 4: FLOOD HAZARDS MAP, 1992.
GEORGETOWN ROAD SR 1 163
ZON
V/VE - 100
YEAR FLOOD PLAIN WITH WAVE ACTION
®
ZONE
A/AE - 100
YEAR FLOOD PLAIN
ZONE
X SPECIAL
- 500 YEAR FLOOD PLAIN
ZONE
X -OUTSIDE THE 500 YEAR FLOOD PLAIN
ETL
ZONE
C AREAS
DF MINIMAL FLOODING
NOTE: MAP SHOWS THE GENERAL FLOOD PLAIN LOCATIONS.
EXACT LOCATION AND BASE FLOOD ELEVATION
SHOULD BE DETERMINED BY FIRM MAPS. loci)
•
1
aIVEa
cpLAe'43
HAYES & ASSOCIATES
• 1•
TOWN OF SUNSET- BEACH-9 N.C.. .. -
THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED -IN PART THROUGH A GRANT FUNDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL 'MANAGEMENT PROGRAM THROUGH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF 1972, AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINIS -EKED BY THE OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT , N.O.A.A.'
lk
i

4
R1�ER
CptAepsN
MAP 7: LAND CLASSIFICATION MAP, 1992.
i
DEVELOPED
URBAN TRANSITIONAL
�`�. 4 r CONSERVATION
=- - - CONSERVATION SPOIL AREA ( 1000' R.O.W.)
1
OFAWA
A y!
AL
,t
,t
It
d. \
`l �l J, ' y t I • CREEK
.\ . ,t oil
♦ it J X
It
s ` ,► .n j ,t r z
IL 4-
' BIRD ISLAND
ATLANTIC Ot£AN
GEORGETOWN ROAD SR 1 163
1
1
■
'mil �� \\ `��� ���� ►��'i: ►��� � � � ,•�
S ! ��!i► Maw,:
L mill
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1.11� 11.1EM
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10
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HAYES ASSOCIATES a ,�
v * f�_
TOWN OF SUNSET- BEACH, N.C.:
THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED'IN PART THROUGH A GRANT FUNDED 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 DF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT N.O.A.A.
0