Land Use Plan Update-1987

LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
PREPARED FOR:
THE TOWN OF SURF CITY, N.C.
BY:
PLANNERS E3 LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
P.O. BOX 1110 • ST. MARYS, GEORGIA 31558
ADOPTED: SEPTEMBER 1, 1987
CRC CERTIFICATION: SEPTEMBER 25, 1987
PROPERTY OF
DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT
PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE

LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
Prepared for
THE TOWN OF SURF CITY, NORTH CAROLINA
by:
5MOLLA KANNONS
PLANNERS = LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
P.O. BOX 1110 • ST. MARYS, GEORGIA 3155L'
Adopted by the Town of Surf City: 9-1-87
Certified by The C.R.C.: 9-25-87
The preparation of this report was financed in part through a
grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management
Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone
Management Act of 1,972, as amended, which is administered by
j the Office of Ocean' and Coastal Resource Management, N.O.A.A.

CONTENTS
Page
INTRODUCTION
Local Government Uses
1
Local Land Development Uses
1
Regional Uses
1
State and Federal Uses
2
EXISTING CONDITIONS
3
Existing Land Use
3
Roadways and Transportation
8
Parking Conditions and Traffic
9
Community Facilities
9
Land Use Regulations
13
GROWTH TRENDS AND PROJECTIONS
15
CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT
17
Hazard Areas
17
Soils
18
Water Supply
20
Fragile Areas
21
Community Facilities Capacity
22
POLICY STATEMENTS AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
23
Assessment of 1981 Plan Policies
23
Background and Purpose
25
Resource Protection
26
Resource Production and Management
33
Economic and Community Development
34
Storm Hazard Mitigation and Post Disaster Planning
37
Continuing Citizen Participation
40
LAND CLASSIFICATION
43
Background and Purpose
43
Relationship of the Land Classification Map
43
to Policy Statements
Land Classes and The Land Classification Map
43
APPENDIX A
J Summary of Citizen Survey F..-1

LIST OF MAPS
Map No.
Title
Page
One
Existing Land Use
5
Two
Community Facilities
10
Three
Flood Hazard Areas
19
Four
Land Classification
.45
LIST OF TABLES
Table No. Title Page
One Existing Land Use 4
Two Developed Land 7
Three 1980 Population Projections 15
Four Existing Dwelling Units 15
Five Seasonal Population Projections 16

INTRODUCTION
The Coastal Area Management Act of 1974 establishes a
cooperative program of land planning and management
between local governments and the State. Land Use planning is
intended to be the focus of local government's involvement;
it gives local leaders an opportunity to establish and
implement policies designed to guide the development of their
community.
The Surf City Land Use Plan is an expression of both
short and long range planning goals in which the local
government has set forth its major policies concerning how
and where future development should occur over the next ten
years.
The Land Use Plan is an important policy document at
local, regional, state and federal levels. The users, in
addition to the Town of Surf City, are regional councils of
government, state and federal permitting agencies, and public
or private funding and development groups.
Local Government Uses
The plan provides policy guidance for decisions.related
to overall community development, while serving as the basis
for land development regulations and capital facilities
programming. Planning for the provision and extension of
capital intensive services, such as central sewer and water,
is aided by the land use plan's identification of likely
growth trends and by plan policies which direct growth.
Local Land Development Uses
Developers and investors (including prospective
residents) can use the land use plan as a primary source of
information about the community. The plan provides data and
analysis on present development patterns, capacity of
community facilities, growth patterns, and physical
limitations to development. The plan also provides
developers with information about the community's preferences
for development types, densities and locations.
Regional Uses
The Surf City Land Use Plan will be used by the Cape
• Fear Council of Governments for regional planning purposes
and in their function as Regional Clearinghouse (A-95) for
i
State and Federal funding programs.

State and Federal Uses
Coastal government's land use plans are used in
evaluating development proposals requiring approval by
various State and Federal agencies. These agencies must
ensure that permitting decisions consider and are consistent
with the policies and land classification system established
by the Land Use Plan. This requirement for consistency is
established by the North Carolina Coastal Area Management
Act. Similarly, the use of State and Federal funds, either as
grants or as direct agency expenditures, must be consistent
with the local plan.
2

EXISTING CONDITIONS
Existing Land Use
Existing land use in Surf City is displayed by Map One. It shows
how each parcel of land in the Town is currently used based on field
inventories conducted duringOctober, 1985 and aerial photography
flown in September, 1984. Existing land use was compiled by way of
eight categories:
o Single Family Residential
o Duplex
o Mobile Home
o Multi -Family
o Commercial
o Public/Institutional
o Transportation and Utilities
Q�-Vacant
Single Family Residential includes all detached Single Family
Homes on individual lots.
Duplexes are structures with two attached units.
Multi -Family residential structures are those with three or more
dwelling units.
_ The Mobile Home category includes both single mobile homes on
individual lots and mobile homes in parks. Recreational vehicle/travel
trailer parks are also included here.
The Commercial use category consists of retail sales and service
establishments including tourist oriented, recreational businesses.
Motels are also included as commercial uses.
Public/Institutional uses include government offices with related
areas, and churches.
Transportation and Utilities includes Road rights -of -way,
electric, telephone, and gas facilities.
Vacant land areas are those which currently are not in use but
which are generally developable under current local, state and federal
regulations.
Table One (following page) provides a quantitative breakdown of
land uses within the Town. Both results of the 1985 survey and
information from the 1981 Land Use Plan Update are provided.
3

N
TABLE ONE
Existing Land Use
Surf City, North Carolina
1981
Land Use Category Acreage
Spoil Islands 146.0
Water and Wetlands 2,152.0
Beach
34.0
Single Family
Residential -Detached
54.0
Duplex
(1)
Multi -Family
(1)
Mobile Home
38.0
Commercial
30.0
Public/Institutional
(2)
Transportation & Utilities
--
Vacant-Developable
470.0
2,924.0
1985
Acreage
146.0
2,152.0
34.0
111.0
5.1
20.4
67.1
29.2
19.4
101.9
339.6
3,025.7
Percent
Change
0
0
I$]
- 28%
+ 3.5% (5)
Notes:
(1) Included with Single Family detached; 1981 plan did not break out
individual residential categories.
(2) 1981 plan included Institutional with Commercial.
(3) Increase of Single Family, duplex and Multi -Family combined.
(4) Increase combined with Public/Institutional.
(5) Increased assumed due to updated maps; see page 6.
Source: Satilla Planning, Inc. from October, 1985 Field Survey and 1981
Surf City Land Use Plan Update.
4

The preparation of this map was financed in pan through agrant provided
by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds
provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. as amended.
which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management, N.O.A.A.
EXISTING LAND USE
s -__ _------ -
�� `---
RESIDENTIAL
r_ ,,� -
Single Family
Mobile Home
_
a _
*�"t `_"w►,fa, ®
Duplex
Multi -Family
--------
COMMERCIAL
COMMERCIAL
`a
�- —
PUBLIC/INSTITUTIONAL
.LI, : 1 �'� �'�
TRANSPORTATION & UTILITIES
I 0
VACANT
SURF CITY, N.C.
MAP 1
Praswod By. WILLA PLANO"
se. wn.. a.oroa IQ
p' gOd �00` 12W
mope" Data: JMr. 11104

The Existing Land Use Table accounts for both developed and
undeveloped land. According to the 1981 Land Use Plan update, there
were 470 acres of vacant, developable land. That is, vacant land areas
that are generally available for development under current local, state
and federal regulations. According to the October, 1985 field survey,
130 of these acres were converted to developed land uses. In addition
to these vacant areas, the 1981 plan identified 2,332 acres of dredge
spoil islands, water, wetlands, and beach. These areas did not change
during the past five years.
Table One indicates significant increases in all developed land
use categories. The 1981 plan did not break residential uses into
individual categories, however, as a group residential uses '(not
including mobile homes) increased by more than 82 acres or 153%. The
181 unit Surf Condominium project and the construction -of new single
family residences and duplexes on previously platted lots accounted for
most of this increase.
More than 67 acres of land are devoted to mobile homes and travel
trailers. This is an increase of 77% over the 1981 plan; however, it
does not appear that this many new units were actually added during the
past four years. This difference may be attributable to different
calculation methods or how travel trailer areas were categorized.
Commercial land uses increased but the exact amount is not known
because the 1981 plan combined commercial with public/
institutional uses. Together, these categories increased by 62%.
Additionally, road rights -of -way (transportation) and utilities
were not identified by the 1981 plan so comparisons cannot be made. It
is important to note that when the 1985 field survey and subsequent
land area calculations were totaled with the 1981 plan's 2,332 acres of
water, beach, spoil islands and wetlands (which are assumed to have
remained constant), a total of 3,026 acres were identified within Surf
City's Town Limits. This represents 102 acres more than the 1981 plan.
Where the discrepancies are between the two plans is not known; it is
assumed that the difference is due to updated mapping prepared as part
of this Plan.
Another way to view and analyze Surf City's existing land use
pattern is to examine the net, developed area only, excluding water,
marsh, vacant lands and street rights -of -way. This analysis is
presented by Table Two (page 7).
The developed land table demonstrates the residential character of
Surf City accounting for 83% of all developed land area. While mobile
homes and travel trailers comprise 27% of Surf City's developed area,
single family homes on individual lots constitute the largest single
land use category: 45%. An examination of the existing land use map
shows that certain key features of Surf City's land use pattern stand
out as follows:

TABLE TWO
Developed Land
Surf City,
North Carolina
1981
1985
Acres
% of Total
Acres %
of Total
Single Family Resi-
dential - Detached
54
44%
111.0
45%
Duplex
(1)
--
5.1
2%
Multi -Family
(1)
--
20.4
9%
Mobile Home/Travel Trl.
38
31%
67.1
27%
Commercial
30
25%
29.2
12%
' Public/Institutional
(2)
(2)
19.4
8%
Utilities
--
--
.2
1%
122 acres
100%
252.4 acres
100%
Notes:
(1) Included with Single Family in 1981 plan.
(2) Included with Commercial in 1981 plan.
Source: Satilla Planning, Inc. from October, 1985 Field Survey and
1981 Land Use Plan Update.
7

Residential Land Use. Most of the developed oceanfront lots are single
family particularly southeast (toward Topsail Beach) from Batts Avenue.
There are numerous vacant building lots including many on the ocean in
this same area southeast of Batts Avenue. Mobile homes and travel
trailers constitute a significant portion of the Town's housing stock -
virtually all these units are located either side of Batts Avenue at
the Bridge entry to Town and northwest of Batts Avenue toward west
Onslow Beach. Multifamily development is limited due to the lack of
central sewage disposal facilities. The Surf Condominiums is the only
large scale multi -family development and has its own package sewage
.treatment system.
Commercial Land Use. Most commercial uses and services are located
near the bridge entry to Town along Batts Avenue and along New River
Drive, Topsail Drive and Shore Drive. A recent trend has been the
establishment of commercial uses along New River Drive northwest of
Batts Avenue.
Public/Institutional uses consist primarily of Town facilities and
churches. All of these uses are located northwest of Batts Avenue along
New River Drive, Topsail Drive and Shore Drive. Additinally, the
medical center at New River Drive and Goldsboro Avenue is included
in this category. ,
Transportation and Utilities. Road rights -of -way, both Town and State,
comprise virtually all of this category. Additionally, telephone and
L.P. gas facilities are located northwest of Batts Avenue
between New River Drive and Topsail Drive.
• Summary. Surf City can be characterized as a family vacation area
consisting primarily of single family homes, duplexes, and mobile homes
with one significant condominium project. Small motels and efficiency
apartments also provide vacation housing. Commercial facilities and
services are located primarily in the central part of Town.
Significant undeveloped areas, including ocean and sound land, are
located west of Batts Avenue toward Topsail Beach.
The future availability of sewer will have an obvious direct
report on how these vacant areas are developed.
Roadways and Transportation
Street networks in and around a community are important aspects of
future development. Road access can be a key determinant of the
attractiveness of land for various types of land development. There are
also critical reciprocal relationships between roads and land use.
On one hand, the availability of good road capacity and traffic
volume makes the adjoining land attractive for commercial uses that
depend on high visibility and accessibility for economic success.
On the other hand, the overloading of these roads with ill -designed
• land uses, such as strip commercial development with no control of curb
cuts, can lead to problems of traffic safety, road capacity and poor
visual appearance that can ultimately detract from the viability of the

land uses and the road itself.
As a long and narrow island with two access points, Topsail Island
Transportation System had four development alternatives. NC Route 210
and 50 connect Surf City to the mainland via the swing bridge across
the Intracoasstal Waterway. Route 210 breaks from 50 after crossing
the bridge and serves as the only Route connecting west Onslow Beach
(northeast of Surf City - New River Drive). Route 50 (Topsail
Drive) serves the opposite end of the Island providing access to
Topsail Beach.
A customary land use plan would identify the community's road
system in components such as Principal Arterials, Minor Arterials,
Major Collectors, etc. With one street access point by way of a bridge
over the Intracoastal Waterway (SR 210 and 50) and one major north east -
southwest road serving the island (SR 210 northeast and SR 50
southwest), this type of classification and analysis is unnecessary. it
should be sufficient to say that Topsail Drive (SR 50) and New River
Drive (SR 210) serve as Collector Streets feeding into Batts Avenue
which serves as a Minor Arterial in turn connecting with U.S. Route 17 -
a Principal Arterial.
Parking Conditions and Traffic
Parking issues in most beach communities inevitably relate to
beach access. Most residential and commercial areas have adequate
parking to serve their direct uses or customers. However, the demand
and capacity of the Town's beaches make the provision of adequate
parking a difficult task. Parking for beach access is addressed by the
Town's Beach Access Plan. The Beach Access Plan was reviewed by Town
officials and appropriate portions .were incorporated in to the policy
section of this plan. See page 12 Beach Access, for an inventory of
parking at public beach access areas. .
The Town's roads adequately serve current traffic levels. The
drawbridge across the Intracoastal Waterway adequately accommodates
traffic at this time. The Town is not aware of any Statelplans to
replace this bridge.
Community Facilities
Community facilities are an important land use planning.factor not
only because they can constitute significant land uses in themselves,
but also because the type, location and capacity of these facilities
bear an important reciprocal relationship to the areas they serve and
therefore to most other land use categories.
The location of Surf._City's existing Community Facilities are
identified by the accompanying map. As a small, family oriented
community with only 500 year-round residents, the Town does not have
extensive public facilities. The existing facilities identified are:
9

The preparationof this map was financed in part through agrant provided
by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds
provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 197Z as amended,
which is administered by the Office of C
Management, N.O.A.A.
Sun Pavilion
COMMUNITY FACILITIES
1-ELEVATED WATER TOWER
2-WATER STORAGE
3-VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
4-TOWN HALL & POLICE DEPARTMENT
5-RESCUE SQUAD
6-PRIVATE FISHING PIER
at CHURCH
* PUBLIC BEACH ACCESS
PRIVATE BEACH ACCESS
O PRIVATE BOAT RAMP
SURF CITY, N.C.
MAP 2
.W ,.w
blep w "w Jay. IM

o The water distribution system
- water tanks
- wells #1 and #2
o The Town Hall and Police Department
o The Rescue Squad
o Volunteer Fire Department
o Fishing Piers
o Churches
o Public beach access points
Public Schools. There are no schools in the Town. Residents attend
schools in the Pender County system about 15 miles from the Town.
Water Distribution System. The Town's water system is supplied by
two wells located approximately one mile north of the Introacastal
Waterway Bridge along NC 50 and 210. Water is chlorinated at each 8"
well. Well No. One has a pumping capacity of 350 gallons per minute
(gpm) and well No. Two is rated at 400 gpm. The system's capacity is
rated at 1.1 million gallons per day. Storage consists of one 100,000
gallon ground tank and one 100,000 gallon elevated tank. There are
currently 600 residential and 100 commercial meters. About 1,300
residential units are currently served by the Town's water system.
The Town is considering improvements to the system consisting of:
o 500,000 gallon concrete storage tank
o a new deep well and pump (#3)
o waterlines to connect into system
The engineer's estimated cost to complete these improvements is
slightly more than $600,000 (May, 1985).
Additionally, the Town plans to interconnect its water system with
Onslow County during 1986 for an estimated cost of $15,006. The
proposed connection to the Onslow County water system will provide
additional water capacity to Surf City. Emergency water supply can be
obtained from Onslow County as well as Topsail Beach.
Sewage Treatment. Sewage disposal is now handled almost exclusively by
individual ground infiltration systems (septic tanks and drain fields).
The Town's only condominium (181 units) maintains its own package
treatment system.
The Topsail Beach -Surf City 201 Facilities Plan, prepared in July,
1977 and revised in January, 1980, recommended that sewage treatment
for Surf City, Topsail Beach and West Onslow Beach be handled through a
combination gravity/forcemain collection system with a central 1.15
million GPD mainland treatment facility. The cost of this system was
pop

estimated at approximately $15 million in 1979 dollars.
More recently, Surf City has proposed construction of a 345,000
GPD land application mainland wastewater treatment facility. The total
estimated construction cost including all collection lines, pump
stations and treatment facility is $4.3 million (May, 1985). General
obligation bonds, approved by Surf.City's voters in January, 1986, will
serve as the primary means of financing the project.
Construction on the municipal sewer system is due to begin
in late 1987. Construction is expected to take about 18 months.
Therefore, the expected operational date of the municipal sewer
system for all of Surf City is the fall of 1988. Town policy has not
yet been established for hook-ups. -The Council is currently in the
final stages of adopting policy to govern the operation of the sewage
system. Construction of the sewage system is in keeping with a 1986
amendment to the Town's policies regarding the provision of public
sewage collection and treatment in the Surf City Planning Area (see
page 31).
Beach Access. The Community Facilities Map identifies-4 private and
20 public beach access points. These access points are located
primarily at the end of Town rights -of -way. This map also indicates
whether parking is available at specific access locations and indicates
the location of the Town's large central facility with handicap access.
• There are a total of 35 parking spaces at the 20 access points as
follows: Handicap access at the ends of New Bern and Wilmington
_ Avenues - nine and seven parking spaces respectively; Greensboro Avenue
seven; Raleigh Avenue five; Mecklenberg Avenue two; Jones Avenue two,
Craven Avenue three. Another public access is proposed for Charlotte
Avenue with parking available for twelve (12) vehicles. The remaining
beach accesses have not parking spaces available.
Solid Waste. The Town contracts for solid waste collection. Disposal
is currently handled at the Pender County landfill off NC 50 on the
mainland. The State extended its order to close this facility by one
year until -the fall of 1986. The County is considering the
installation of an incinerator to handle solid waste from Surf City,
Topsail Beach and Hampstead Acres if an incinerator or other method of
disposal is not in place by the fall of 1986, Surf City may be forced
to truck its solid waste to the only other County landfill site near
Burgaw.
Police, Fire and Town Administration. The Town provides full time
police protection. Its Police Department consists of a full time Chief
and three full time police officers. Dispatching is handled through the
Central Dispatch Center of the Pender County Sheriff's Department.
Operations are assisted by two auxiliary officers with backup provided
by the County Sheriff's Department.
Fire protection is provided by a volunteer department consisting
of a Chief and.30 firefighters. There are 130 hydrants strategically
located within 1000 feet of one another throughout the Town. The Town's
fire rating is 8AAA which indicates about the best fire rating
12

available for a volunteer force.
The Town's administrative affairs are handled by a Town Manager
and two full-time office personnel.
Police, fire and administrative staffing is considered to be
adequate at this time.
Land Use Regulations.
zoning. The Surf City Ordinance regulates the use of land within the
Town's corporate limits. The Town adopted its current ordinance on
March 2, 1965 and adopted major revisions to the ordinance in April,
1985. The Town does not exercise extraterritorial jurisdiction. The
land use districts provided for in the ordinance are as follows:
o R-5 Residential - one, two and multi -family dwellings
up to 16 units/acre.
o R-5 - Residential Mobile Home - mobile home and
travel trailer parks.
o R-10 Residential - one, two and multi -family dwellings
including townhouses up to 12 units/acre.
o R-20 Residential - single family dwellings at 2
units/acre.
o Planned Unit Development - condominiums, attached
single family, detached single family, two family
and townhouses up to overall maximum density of
16 units/acre.
o C-1 Central Business District
o C-2 General Commercial District
o Conservation District
Subdivision Regulations. Adopted April 15, 1977, the Town's
subdivision regulations establish design standards that apply when land
is subdivided or re -subdivided for immediate or future sale. Specific
objectives and areas regulated include:
o No Town services provided until final plat is approved.
o No dedication of streets or other improvements accepted until
final plat is approved.
o No construction permits issued until final plat is approved.
o New street.alignments must comply with any adopted
thoroughfare plan.
o Subdivisions must comply with the Town's zoning ordinance
13

or any other officially adopted plan.
o Subdivision platting requirements established including
design standards for lots, streets, etc.
o Construction standards for street grading and paving,
drainage, water, sewer (as available), street lights,
sidewalks, and underground utilities established.
Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Adopted April 5, 1977 to comply
with the National Flood Insurance Program, this ordinance requires the
following:
o All new residential construction or improvements greater
than 50% of structure's market value must be elevated to
or above 100-year base flood elevations.
o Commercial buildings must be elevated above base flood
elevations or flood proofed.
o Anchorings and piling designs must be certified by a
registered engineer or architect, or must be in full
compliance with the N.C. State Building Code.
o No alterations of frontal dunes with fill for structural
support is allowed in "V" or velocity zones except as
may specifically be allowed under C.A.M.A. regulations.
14

GROWTH TRENDS AND PROJECTIONS
Surf City has developed as a vacation/second home community with
permanent residents representing less than 10% of its seasonal
population. However, the 1981 Land Use Plan projected that this
percentage will increase during the 10-year planning period.
Table Three presents permanent, average seasonal and peak seasonal
population projections from the 1981 Land Use Plan.
TABLE THREE
Surf City Population Projections
From 1980 Land Use Plan
Year Peak Seasonal
1980 6,010
1990 7,340
2000 8,670
Source: 1981 Land Use Plan.
Average Seasonal Permanent
4,310 390
5,250 890
6,180 1,390
Residential unit counts from the land use and housing inventory
conducted during the fall of 1985 are presented by Table Four.
TABLE FOUR
Surf City Dwelling Units
1985
Single Family 619
Duplex 70
Multi -Family 286
Mobile Home/Travel Trailer 454
Motel 142
Total: 1,571
Source: Satilla Planning, Inc. from October, 1985 Field Inventory.
According to the 1980 U.S. Census, there were 1,037 housing units
in Surf City. Not including motel rooms, this has increased by 392
units or 38% in the past five years. There were 503 permanent residents
in 1986 (Source: Town of Surf City) representing 2% of Pender County's
total population.
15

Not including motel rooms, there were 1,429 dwelling units located
on 200 acres indicating an overall development density of 7.15 units
per acre. Construction and operation of the proposed central sewage
system will most likely result in higher overall densities. Current
zoning regulations allow densities in the range of 12 to 16 units per
acre.
Estimates as to seasonal population can be made once an average
number of persons per dwelling unit is established. The 1981
plan indicates the ratio of peak seasonal visitors per dwelling unit is
about 6. Motel room occupancy was estimated at 3.6 persons during peak
periods. Based on these assumptions combined with a 90% occupancy rate
during peak period the following projections were made (Table Five).
TABLE FIVE
Surf City Peak•Seasonal Population Projections
Year Dwelling Units
1986 1,571
1990 1,851
1995 2,201
2000 2,551
Peak Seasonal Population
8,176
9,689
11,.579
13,469
Source: Satilla Planning, Inc., 1986.
16

CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT
This section will serve to update the 1981 Land Use Plan which
identified the following as physical limitations to development:
o Hazard Areas
o Soils
o Water Supply
o Fragile Areas
o Community Facilities
Hazard Areas
Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC's) located in Surf City
include: ocean erodible AEC's; flood hazard AEC's; and estuarine
shoreline AEC's. Other hazard areas include the 100 year flood zone.
Additional AEC's (Fragile Areas) are described on page 21. Surf City
manages development in AEC's in accordance with State and Federal
guidelines. More detailed information on these guidelines is available
from the Corps of Engineers and North Carolina Division of Coastal
Management.
Ocean Erodible AEC's. These are areas.where a substantial possibility
of excessive erosion and significant shoreline fluctuation exists. The
ocean erodible AEC is based on a setback from the first line of stable
natural vegetation plus an additional area where erosion can be
expected from storm surges and wave action.
When the 1981 plan was prepared, the State rule was to multiply
the annual erosion rate factor by 30 to determine the boundary
of the ocean erodible AEC. This rule has now been modified to use 60
rather than 30 as the multiplier. The practical effects of this change
in Surf City was to increase the ocean erodible AEC from 210 feet to
270 on the northernmost 480 feet of the Town and from 215 feet to 275
feet along the remaining 4.8 miles of Town ocean frontage.
Estuarine Shoreline AEC's. Estuarine shorelines are defined as non -
ocean shorelines which are especially vulnerable to erosion, flooding
or other adverse effects of wind and water and are intimately connected
to the estuary. In Surf City, the estuarine shoreline encompasses the
area landward from Banks Channel for a distance of 75 feet from the
mean high water level for about 5.7 miles. Development is not
prohibited in any of these AEC's. However, it must conform with uses
and construction standards delineated in the State Guidelines for Areas
of Environmental Concern.
Flood Hazard AEC's. The flood hazard AEC corresponds to the National
Flood Insurance Program V-zones which refer to flood prone areas that
are also susceptible to high velocity wave surges.
Surf City was converted to the Regular Phase of the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP) in 1977 with the issuance of Flood Insurance
Rate Maps (FIRMS)_. In the fall of 1983, preliminary Flood Insurance
17

Studies for the Town were released by FEMA. These maps were
subsequently finalized and adopted by Surf City. The new maps are dated
February 15, 1985.
Map Three delineates the flood zones identified by the February
15, 1985 F.I.R.M. A comparison of the 1977 and 1985 maps reveals
considerable changes in the designation of flood hazard areas. The "V"
zones, or areas subject to high velocity water from wave momentum
r during the 100-year flood, cover considerably less land on the new
maps. According to the new FIRM maps; the V zones in Surf City
generally run parallel to.the beach and vary from 100 to 200 feet
inwidth. About 15% of the land area of the Town is now located in
the"V" zone. In comparison, the old rate maps indicated that about 50%
of the Town was located in "V" zones. Areas on the sound side of the
Island are no longer included as they previously were. .
Other Flood Prone Areas. The'1977 F.I.R.M. indicated that about 90% of
the Town of Surf City was estimated to be in the "A" zone below the 100-
year flood elevations, with about 30% of this area also being in the
"V" zone, The 1985 FEMA flood insurance rate maps indicate that about
70% of the Town remains below the100-year flood elevations. A
relatively extensive area in the central portion of the island is now
designated as "B" zone which is susceptible to flooding only from
storms between the 100 year and 500 year storms. The "B" zone varies
in width from less than 100 feet to about 600 feet in some central
portions of the Town where the zone is from 40% to 60% of the island's
width. About 30% of the Town lies in the "B" zone. The 1983 study
estimates that the 100-year storm will cause beach erosion of 169 feet
at the southwest end of Town and 189 feet at Batts Avenue.
Soils
According to the Soil Survey of the Outer Banks of North Carolina,
eight dominant soils are found within Surf City's jurisdiction. The
following describes these eight categories:
Beach-Foredune Association - This soil is found mainly on the
ocean side of the island and is the long, narrow area comprising
the frontal -dune and beach. The beaches are flooded daily, and
sand sizes range from fine to very coarse, but chiefly fine.
Because of the tidal flooding, activities other than beach -related
recreation are severely limited.
Carteret Soils - Low - This is a poorly drained, sandy marsh soil
found on the soundside of barrier islands. It is flooded daily and
has severe limitations for all types of active, primary uses.
Corolla - Fine Sand - These are the soils found on the broad,
level -to -slightly -sloping flats behind the foredunes. They have
a thin organic layer and are moderately drained throughout,
although during the wetter seasons the water table may be within
1.5 feet of the surface, thus posing problems for on -site sewage
disposal.

The preparation of this map was financed in pan through a grant provided
by the North Carolina Coastal Management program, through funds
provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 197Z as amended,
which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management, N.OAA.
---
FLOOD HAZARD AREAS
FLOOD HAZARD AREA-100 YEAR FLOOD
PLAIN ("A" ZONES)
_ FLOOD HAZARD AREA (" V" ZONES)
Source: Flood Insurance Rate Map
Dated: February 15, 1985
SURF CITY, N.C.
MAP
►ratsarod By; •ATM,LA ►LAMMING
iA Ularlra. GwrW
mapping Date: JULT, 19"
t

Dredge - Spoil - These are the soils created by dredging and
consist mainly of sand and shells. These soils are droughty
because of the texture and shell fragments and have a poor
filtering capacity of septic tank effluent, thus posing a threat
to surrounding estuarine waters.
Duckston - Fine Sand - This is a poorly drained soil occupying the
flats extending inland from the primary dunes. It has a high
percentage of coarse sand with a depth to water table that may
vary from 2 to 5 feet, to several inches, thus posing potential
problems for on -site sewage disposal.
Madeland - These soils are generally found on the sound side of
the island and result from dredging for homesites. They are
similar to the Dredge - Spoil soils, with poor filtering capacity
for septic tank effluent.
Carteret Soils - High - These are the irregularly flooded salt
marshes which are covered by tides at least once a month and
sometimes weekly. They are significant in the life cycles of many
forms of marine habitat and have a low support capacity for
structures.
Newhan-Corolla Complex - These two soils are consolidated and
cannot be separated in places. They are the low dunes and
intervening basins that separate the dunes.The Newhan soils are
mostly on the low dunes, with coarse sands and water tables below
7 feet. The Corolla soils occupy the basins and may have seasonal
water tables within 1 to 2 feet of the surface.
• Water Supply
Ground water constitutes the sole source of potable water for both
public and private systems in Surf City. Pender County is underlain by
a vast aquifer of ground water in the Surf City area.
Pleistocene and recent surficial sands constitute the principal
water source for most private wells in Surf City. In the surficial
sands, water usually occurs within 15 feet of the land surface, but may
be partially confined by clay in the lower part of the aquifer. The
productivity of this aquifer is limited primarily by its thickness; it
is recharged by rainfall and easily subject to contamination.
The Castle Hayne limestone aquifer is not extensively used for
water supply in the beach area, but is potentially valuable as a large,
long term supply. The formation begins at 35 feet below mean sea level,
where its waters occur under artesian conditions. Recharge to the
Castle Hayne aquifer does not occur in the immediate beach area and its
waters are therefore not as vulnerable to contamination as those of the
surficial sands.
The quality and quantity of water from.the Castle Hayne aquifer
vary locally. In the Surf City area, it is generally high in iron, low
in chlorides, with a pH of 7-8; at Holly Ridge, indications are that a
• specific capacity of 50-70 gallons per minute per foot drawdown can be
20

obtained. Most attempts to obtain good water from the Castle Hayne in
the immediate beach area have proved unsuccessful thus far. As
described on page 11, Water Distribution System, Surf City's two water
supply wells are located about one mile north of Town along NC 50/210.
Fragile Areas
In addition to the Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC's)
identified previously as Hazard Areas, there are additional AEC's
applicable to the Surf City Land Use Plan: Coastal Wetlands, Estuarine
Waters, and Public Trust Areas. The Maritime Forest Areas in Surf City
constitute Fragile Coastal Natural Resource Areas and are also part of
this section.
Coastal Wetlands. Coastal wetlands are generally composed of
estuarine tidal marshes and mud flats that cover all but the high
sand ridges, dunelands and maritime forests of Surf City along its
sounds, creeks and bays. The soils are poorly drained and are
subject to daily and frequent tidal flooding. Tidal marshes are of
two types - low tidal and high tidal. Low tidal marshland
consists mostly of Spartine alterniflora and is usually subject to
inundation by the normal rise and fall of lunar _tides. They are
particularly significant because of the high yield in organic
detritus which serves as a primary food source for various species
of fish and shellfish such as menhaden, shrimp, flounder, oysters
and crabs. The roots and rhizones of Spartine alterniflora serve
as waterfowl food, and the stems as wildlife nesting material. Low
tidal marshes also help to retard shoreline erosion. High tidal
marshland is subject to occasional flooding by tides, including
wind tides, and is characterized by Juncus roemarianus and various
species of Spartina. These marshes have many of the same
functions as the low tidal marshes - food supply for the estuarine
system, wildlife habitat, sediment trap, and deterrent
to shoreline erosion.
Estuarine Waters. Estuarine waters are defined as all the waters
of the Atlantic Ocean within the boundary of North Carolina and
all waters of the bays, sounds, rivers, and tributaries thereto
seaward of the dividing line between coastal fishing and inland
fishing waters. They are the dominant component of the entire
estuarine system and are the most productive natural environment in
North Carolina. They support the commercial and sport fishing
industries, since these species must spend all or part of their
life cycle within the estuarine system to mature and reproduce.
The high productivity of the system results from the circulation
patterns caused by tidal energy, fresh water flow and tidal depth.
The circulation transports nutrients, propels plankton, spreads
seed stages of fish and shellfish, flushes waste from animal and
plant life, cleanses the system of pollutants, controls salinity,
shifts sediments, and mixes the water to provide a multitude of
habitats. Important features are mud and sand flats, eel grass
beds, salt marshes, submerged vegetation flats, clam and oyster
beds and nursery areas.
21

Public Trust Areas. Generally, public trust areas within the
jurisdiction of the Town of Surf City are all waters of the
Atlantic Ocean and the lands thereunder from the mean high water
• mark to the seaward limit of the State's jurisdiction; all natural
water bodies subject to measureable lunar tides and lands
thereunder to the mean high water mark; and all navigable natural
bodies of water and lands thereunder to the mean high water level.
Their significance is that the public has rights in these areas
including navigation and recreation. In addition, they support
commercial and sports fisheries, have aesthetic value, and are
important resources for economic development.
Maritime Forests. One significant area that is fragile in the
sense of its vulnerability to development is the maritime forest
that exists primarily on the western side of N.C. 50 towards
the southern limits of Town. It is a highly variable complex of
upland, intermediate, and wet forest dominated largely by hardwood
tree species. It is thought to be the ultimate phase of forest
succession common to the barrier islands that takes up to 1,000
years to develop. The shape and structure of the forest are
governed by the interaction of salt spray kill and soil
growing conditions. In some areas, such as those found at Surf
City, stunting from salt spray and poorly developed soils have
produced a very low canopy, and species usually characteristic of
the sub -canopy have become part of the canopy. Some of the
subcanopy species are American Holly, yaupon, hornbeam, and
flowering dogwood. The maritime forest is significant for its
aesthetic appeal, wind buffering ability, sand trapping
capability, and as habitat for many bird and animal species.
Town policies governing development in maritime forest areas are
presented on page 31.
Cultural Resources. According to the North Carolina Department of
Cultural Resources, there are no known archaeological sites.or
structures of architectural or historic significance located
within the Town limits (its planning jurisdiction). There is,
however, a high probability of archaeological sites existing along
the mainland shoreline as indicated on Map 3 (page 19 .
Community Facilities Capacity
Specific community facilities within Surf City are identified and
their capacities discussed in the Existing Conditions Section of this
Land Use Plan Update (page 9).
040a

POLICY STATEMENTS
Assessment of 1981 Plan Policies
The 1981 Land Use Plan contained policies under major headings of:
o Public Participation
o Natural Resources
o Development
The purpose of this section is to assess the progress that has been
made since adoption of the 1981 plan in implementing these
policies. This assessment, in turn, provides a basis for formulation of
this plan's expanded policy statement.
Public*Participation
The primary policy was to ensure "that all.resident property
owners have equal participation status in land use or other public
decisions that may affect them." Since adoption of the 1981 plan the
Town has strived to maintain open lines of communication with its
citizens. Primary responsibility for citizen participation in land use
issues falls upon the Town's Planning Board. This board, consisting of
a broad cross-section of area residents, had the primary task of
formulating this land use plan for recommendation to the Town Board.
In developing this land use plan, the Planning Board, in
conjunction with the Town Board, determined to expand the scope of the
1981 plan's goal to include all "resident property owners" (by
including both property owners and residents). To accomplish this, a
_ citizen survey was mailed to all water customers in the Town. The
results of this survey are tabulated and appear as Appendix I.
The Town continues its strong commitment to public participation
in the planning process.
Natural Resources
This section of the 1981 plan contains policies for Constraints to
Development, Areas of Environmental Concern, Areas of Local Concern,
Recreational Fisheries, and Off -Road Vehicles.
Constraints to Development. This section recognizes the generally
poor soil conditions found within Surf City. It was the Town's policy
to ensure that all new development comply with State, Federal and local
rules concerning the installation of on -site sewage disposal systems.
Further, the Town's policy was to encourage new development to locate
in areas most suitable for on -site disposal. Surf City adhered to this
policy and, moreover, is addressing this issue in a more comprehensive
manner by pursuing the installation of a central sewage system.
Areas of Environmental Concern. This section included the
estuarine system, ocean hazard areas, and flood hazard areas. Estuarine
system policies were essentially to implement State guidelines within
these AEC's. The Town continues to support C.A.M.A. regulations
23

through its minor permitting authority and by way of cooperation with
State C.A.M.A. officials.
Ocean Hazard Area. These policies indicated the preferred method
' of erosion control to be beach renourishment projects and similar
comprehensive shoreline management programs. Individual small scale
methods are discouraged. Additionally, it was policy to promote the
creation of new dunes aligning, if possible, with existing adjacent
dune ridges. The Town continues to promote the creation of dunes
through the placement of Christmas trees, sand fences, etc. to assist
in dune creation and enforcement of policies to protect_ vegetation
stabilizing the dunes.
Ocean Erodible Areas. Policies were to allow those uses permitted
by the Town's zoning ordinance. Additionally, the 1981 Plan's Land
Classification Map essentially identified this area as a Conservation
Zone and thereby most uses not related to conservation of beach access
are restricted.
Flood Hazard Area. Policies consisted primarily of implementing
Federal Flood Insurance program regulations in conjunction with local
zoning regulations. The Town continues to participate in the Federal
Flood Insurance program and is now enforcing the Flood Insurance Rate
Maps adopted in February of 1985.
Areas of Local Concern
Maritime Forests. These areas were identified as being of local
concern. The Town's policy was to encourage the maintenance of existing
maritime forests by allowing only that development that will cause the
least practical disruption to maritime forest cover. Uses permitted
under the Town's zoning ordinance are allowed but development
must be consistent with this policy. Since adoption of the 1981 plan,
the Town undertook comprehensive revisions to the zoning ordinance
which included provisions to protect the maritime forest area.
Principally, the Town encourages the development of maritime forest
areas through its planned unit development regulations. This allows
the transfer of density on a site to allow a landowner reasonable use
of its property while protecting and leaving as much land in its
natural state as possible.
Recreational Fisheries.. The Town's policy was to encourage that
all existing and future fishing piers be open to the public at
reasonable fees and that such piers be constructed to the Town's
construction standards for piers.
Development Policies
The Town encouraged single family, commercial and institutional
land uses to locate under the terms of its zoning ordinance and in
accordance with its natural resource policies. Its stated preference
for.commercial uses are those intended to provide limited retail and
professional services designed to serve tourists and permanent
residents.
24

The timing of development is to be consistent with natural resource
policies and also within the capacity of the Town to provide water and
other municipal services. Density is to be consistent with the Town s
. zoning ordinance.
Carrying capacity focused, again, on the use of on -site sewage
• disposal systems. While continuing to adhere to all local and state
regulations governing such systems, the Town continues to work toward
implementation of a Town -wide sewage collection and treatment system.
Beach access, preservation and erosion control policies were aimed
at protecting the existing dune system by stabilizing vegetation,
restricting the flow of pedestrian traffic across dunes, and enforcing
the dune protection ordinance. The Town also has continued to actively
develop additional beach access areas in conjunction with the State
Division of Coastal Management.
There are no known cultural, historical or archaeological
resources in Surf City. Nevertheless, the Town's policy was to
cooperate with State and Federal agencies in the protection and
identification of any potential resources.
Hurricane and evacuation policies consisted of the plan in place
in 1981. In 1984, with assistance from the State Coastal Management
Program, the Town prepared Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster
Reconstruction and Hurricane Evacuation Plans and Policies in
accordance with State C.A.M.A. guidelines. This plan was done in
conjunction with the Town of Topsail Beach. The updated 1984 policies
are part of this document and continue to be utilized by the Town.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Land use policies serve several purposes. First, they act as
guides for desired future development and land use changes. In this
sense, they may be followed directly or used to interpret the more
specific standards set out in Town ordinances, such as the zoning
ordinance. When used to interpret ordinances, their function is to
provide insight into the desired purpose of a particular regulation, so
that its spirit is observed as carefully as its letter. However,
policies are not intended to take precedence over Town ordinances and
do not have the effect of ordinances. A second purpose is to serve as
an expression of Town opinion on land uses permitted within Areas of
Environmental Concern. They act as an accepted point of compromise
between federal and state agencies and the Town. Broad community
requirements and needed cooperation from these agencies are expressed
in the policies. This purpose is central to the Coastal Area Management
Act's mandate of a land use planning process involving a partnership
between state and local governments. A third and related use is as a
component of state and federal review of permits or grant applications.
Development permits must be consistent with local land use plans, as
must the expenditure of federal or state funds. These last two purposes
• pose potential sources of conflict and of opportunity in the land use
planning process.
• The State Guidelines for Land Use Planning require that five broad
25

policy groups be formulated where appropriate for the particular
locality. These are: Resource Protection, Resource Production and
Management, Economic and Community Development, Storm
Hazard Mitigation and Post Disaster Recovery, and Continuing Public
Participation. Within each of these areas issues are to be defined,
alternatives considered and policies and methods of implementation
selected. Specific policies are to be stated on certain issues within
each of the broad policy areas.
1. RESOURCE PROTECTION
A. Estuarine System. Within the estuarine system are included
coastal wetlands, estuarine waters,.estuarine shorelines and
public trust areas. The overriding issues with regard to
establishing land use policies for development within the
estuarine system are what uses will interfere least with the
interdependent components of the system and will not upset the
natural balance and relationship of these components that
create public, social and economic values; and, to the extent
that uses are permitted, how can these uses be controlled, so
that if the natural working system is interfered with, superior
public and economic values will be created by the allowed use.
Specific policies regarding the individual AEC's comprising the
estuarine system are stated below.
Policies•
1) Coastal Wetlands. Activities in the coastal wetland areas
shall be restricted to those which do not significantly
affect the unique and delicate balance of this
resource. Suitable land uses include those giving
highest priority to the protection and management of
coastal wetlands, so as to safeguard and perpetuate
their biological, social, economic, and aesthetic
values to establish a coordinated management system
capable of conserving and utilizing coastal wetlands as
a natural resource essential to the functioning of the
entire estuarine system. Highest priority of use shall
be allocated to the conservation of existing coastal
wetlands. Second priority shall be given to those uses
that require water access and cannot function
elsewhere.
Acceptable land uses may include utility easements,
fishing piers, and docks. Unacceptable uses may
include, but would not be limited to, restaurants,
businesses, residences, apartments, motels, hotels,
parking lots,.private roads, and highways.
Estaurine waters. In recognition of the importance of
estuarine waters for the fisheries and related
industries as well as aesthetics, recreation, and
26

education, Surf City shall promote the conservation
and quality of this resource. Activities in the
estuarine water areas shall be restricted to those
which do not permanently or significantly affect the
function, cleanliness, salinity, and circulation of
estuarine waters. Suitable land/water uses include
those giving highest priority to the conservation and
management of these areas so as to safeguard and
perpetuate their biological, social, economic, and
aesthetic values and to establish a coordinated
management system capable of conserving and utilizing
estuarine waters in order to maximize their benefits to
man and the estuarine system. Highest priority of use
shall be allocated to the conservation of estuarine
waters and its vital components. Second priority shall
be given to uses that require water access and cannot
function elsewhere.
Public Trust Areas. In.reconition of certain land and
water areas in which the public has certain established
rights and which also support valuable commercial and
sports fisheries, have aesthetic value, and are
resources for economic development. Surf City shall
protect these rights and promote the conservation and
management of public trust areas. Suitable land/water
uses include those which protect public rights for
navigation and recreation and those which preserve and
manage the public trust areas in order to safeguard and
perpetuate their biological, economic, social, and
aesthetic value, e.g. dredging, bulkheading, jettying.
• Estuarine Shorelines. CAMA defines the estuarine
shoreline at Surf City as the areas 75 feet landward of
the estuarine waters. Surf City recognizes: (1) the
close association between estuarine shorelines and
adjacent estuarine waters; (2) the influence shoreline
development has on the quality of estuarine life; and
(3) the damaging processes of shorefront erosion and
flooding to which the estuarine shorelines is subject.
Suitable land uses are those compatible with both
the dynamic nature of estuarine shorelines and the
values of the estuarine system.
Residential, recreational, and commercial land uses are
all appropriate types of use along the estuarine
shoreline provided that:
(a) a substantial chance of pollution occurring from
the development does not exist .
(b) natural barriers to erosion are preserved and not
substantially weakened or eliminated
(c) the construction of impervious surfaces and areas
27

not allowing natural drainage is limited to only
that necessary to adequately service the
development; see also page 26, D. Storm Water
Runoff.
(d) standards of the North Carolina Sedimentation
Pollution Control Act 1973, as amended, are met
(e) development does not significantly interfere
with existing public rights of access to,
or use of, navigable waters.
Policy Implementation:
1) The Town will implement estuarine system policies through
zoning ordinance enforcement and delineation of a
conservation zone on the Land Classification Map. Only
those uses consistent with the estuarine system policies
will be allowed. As stated, uses will be regulated through
the Town's Zoning Ordinance and by the Land Classification
Map's Conservation Zone.
2) The Town will require that all building construction
conform to applicable state building codes and acceptable
marine construction techniques.
B. Ocean Hazard Areas. The ocean hazard system consists of two
areas: 1 ocean erodible areas; 2) high hazard flood areas; and
3) unvegetated beach areas. The ocean erodible areas are areas
in which there exists a substantial possibility of excessive
erosion and signficant shoreline fluctuation. The high hazard
flood areas are those areas subject to high velocity waters in
a storm having a one percent chance of being exceeded or
equaled in any given year as_identified,on fiuod-insurance rate
maps (V .zottea)I, .or other approved flood elevation data. These
areas are considered hazardous because of their susceptibility
to change from the constant forces of waves, winds and water
upon the unstable sands that form the shore. During storms,
these forces are magnified and can cause significant changes in
bordering land forms (dunes and beaches) and to structures
located thereon. For this reason, the appropriate location of
structures on and near these land forms must be reviewed
carefully to avoid their loss or damage. The flexible nature of
the land forms, which is hazardous to development located..
immediately on them, also offers protection to
development located behind them. The most essential function of
these land forms is their capacity to store sand and dissipate
wave and wind energy. Establishing policies for ocean hazard
areas is complicated by the fact that many of these areas are
in private ownership and, because of their proximity to the
beach and ocean, are considered prime building sites. The most
critical issue with regard to land use policies is what
development controls and building requirements are necessary to
23

insure that construction in these areas does not endanger the
lives or property of ocean hazard area property owners or other
property owners who may depend upon the protection of land
forms associated with the ocean hazard areas, but will not
deprive existing or future property owners of the reasonable
use of their property.
Policies:
1) To the maximum extent feasible, and consistent with a
property owner's rights to reasonable use of his property,
use of land in ocean hazard areas shall be located,
designed and constructed so as to maximize a structure's
protection from wind and water and to minimize damage to
the protective land forms of dunes and beaches in
accordance with C.A.M.A. regulations.
2) Preferred erosion control measures to combat oceanfront
erosion shall be beach renourishment projects and
comprehensive shoreline management, which shall be
preferred over small scale methods.
3) Newly created dunes shall be aligned, if possible, with
existing adjacent dune ridges and shall be of the same
general configuration.
4) Adding to dunes shall be accomplished in such a manner
that the damage to existing vegetation is minimized.
Filled areas shall be immediately replanted or temporarily
stabilized until planting can be successfully completed.
5) Land uses permitted in the ocean erodible areas shall be
those uses permitted by the Town Zoning Ordinance.
6) Land uses in flood hazard areas shall be those permitted
by the Town Zoning Ordinance, which shall include
residential, commercial and institutional; provided,
however, that all new construction shall meet requirements
of the Surf City Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.
C. Cultural, Historical, and Archaeological Resources. While
there are no known or•identified significant cultural,
historical, or archaeological resources within the Town, the
Town recognizes that there may be significant resources that
may be identified in the future in the course of development.
The State Department of Natural Resources assisted in the
identification of potential resource as in Surf City. In an
effort to recognize these potential resources and provide
protection to the extent feasible, the following policy is
adopted.
Policy: It shall be the Town's policy to cooperate with state
and federal agencies or other individuals and institutions in
29

the protection and identification of significant existing or
unidentified cultural, historical or archaeological resources.
The Town will notify the State Department of Cultural Resources
of proposed development in the potentially sensitive area on
the mainland either side of S.R. 50/210 west of the bridge.
D. Storm Water Runoff. Uncontrolled development adjacent to
coastal waters can pose a serious threat to the estuarine
system through the rapid discharge pollutant as washed off of
impervious surfaces via storm water. Impervious surfaces
include streets, parking lots, and rooftops.
Surf City's existing development policies, as specified in
the Town's Zoning Ordinance limit lot coverage to a maximum of
from 35 to 50 percent in the residential districts.
Further it is the policy of the Town to promote the use of
best available management practices to minimize the threat of
pollution from storm water runoff. This will be accomplished
through site plan reviews, as required by the Town's
development ordinances (zoning and subdivision regulations).
Examples of these practices include using pervious or semi -
pervious materials,'such as turfstone or gravel -run for
driveways and walks, retaining natural vegetation along marsh
and waterfront areas to retain its natural filtering
properties, and allowing storm water to percolate into the
ground rather than discharging it directly to coastal waters.
Stormwater detention ponds can also reduce the direct discharge
of pollutants to coastal waters. The Town will comply with N.C.
Division of Environmental Management standards for storm water
runoff.
E. Marina and Floating Home Development. Marina and associated
Floating Home Development can impact surrounding land and water
areas in many ways. For example, alteration to natural systems
can significantly effect resource production. Recognizing this,
the State, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers have placed extensive limitations on
the Alteration of Natural Systems in conjunction with marina
development. Surf City's jurisdiction as to marina development
lies primarily with its zoning authority. The Surf City Zoning
Ordinance will allow the Town to consider location of any
proposed marina facility in conjunction with the location and
scale of operation.
The Town's zoning ordinance limits marinas to th C-1,
Central Business District; the only areas currently zoned C-1
adjacent to deep water are around the S.R. 50/210 bridge and
one area approximately three miles south of 'Batts Avenue
It is the policy of Surf City to consider the
appropriateness and desirability of any specific proposal to
construct a marina on the basis of impact on neighboring
uses including aesthetics, hours of operations; traffic
generation including ability of the existing road network to
30

adequately handle peak traffic loads; environmental impacts
including water quality and dredge spoil disposal sites;
and consistency of the proposal with other policies of the Land
Use Plan. Further, Floating Homes are prohibited as Town
ordinances prohibit living aboard any vessel.
F. Development of Sound and Estuarine Islands. The Town recognizes
the significant aesthetic and ecological values of these areas
that could be lessened by careless development.
Policy: It shall be the policy of the Town to provide the same
degree of protection and priority of use as that afforded the
estuarine system areas and to include them in the
Conservation Zone in the Town Zoning Ordinance and the
Conservation Zone of this Plan's Land Classification Map. The
placement of signs in these areas is regulated by the Town's
zoning ordinance and the N.C. State Building Code, Vol. I.
G. Maritime Forests. The major value of the maritime forest
is aesthetic, although it is an important component of the
barrier island eco-system that provides wildlife habitat and
helps to stabilize the soil and sand. The basic issue is how
much protection should be provided to these areas..
Conservation is the preferred choice and the following policy
is adopted as a guideline for this choice.
Policy: It shall be the policy of the Town to encourage the
maintenance of the existing maritime forest by allowing only
that development that will cause the least practicable
disruption to the maritime forest cover. All uses currently
permitted under the Town Zoning Ordinance will be allowed in
areas with maritime forest, but only if consistent with the
above policy. To allow for specific implementation, it shall be
the Town's policy that any development over four (4) dwelling
units within a designated maritime forest area, shall file a
site plan with the Town prior to the issuance of any building
permits. Further, the Town's zoning ordinance will be amended
to designate all maritime forest areas as a "Conservation -
Overlay Zone" and any multi -family development within such zone
shall be permitted only as a conditional use.
Implementation: The Town will adopt as a part of its procedures
for the administration of its building code requirements that
plans submitted to the building inspector show maritime forest
areas and construction procedures that will cause the least
practicable disruption to these areas.
Enforcement shall be through the zoning ordinance.
H. Constraints to Development - Septic Tank Suitability. Most of
the major constraints to development and policies that
recognize these constraints fall within other policy sections.
However, the constraints imposed by soil conditions are severe
enough to merit specific policies. The problem has been
created in the past when septic tanks were poorly designed and
installed and, most importantly, were located either in areas
31

with high water tables which brought effluent to the surface
during wet periods or in areas with rapid percolation rates
which allowed effluent to reach ground waters. In either case,
lateral movement, either across the surface of the ground or in
the groundwater system, of the inadequately aerated effluent
reached surrounding estaurine waters, resulting in pollution
and eventual closing of shellfishing areas. This effect was
documented in a joint study conducted by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, the N.C. Department of Natural Resources and
Community Development, and the N.C. Department of Human
Resources which focused on the Old Settlers Beach area
immediately north of Surf City's town limits. This study, and
similar occurrences in other areas on the North Carolina coast
led to the enactment of several rules and regulations for the
location and installation of septic tanks. Generally, those
rules require, for both single family detached dwellings and
for multiple family and commercial structures, that septic tank
systems be located away from shellfishing waters and in areas
with suitable percolation rates and low water tables. The
enforcement of these rules is primarily in the N.C. Division of
Environmental Management and county health department. In
addition, the CAMA AEC requirement impose stricter requirements
on portions of systems that may approach shellfishing waters.
Sites not meeting these requirements must be modified, or the
proposed development must be reduced in scope or abandoned. The
Town of Surf City, and all development occurring therein, must
conform to these regulations; thus, assuming the regulations
and their enforcement are adequate, future development should
not result in pollution of either groundwater or surrounding
estuarine waters.
The primary issues in Surf City,.as in other barrier
island towns in North Carolina, is whether future development
goals at projected densities will result in groundwater or
estuarine pollution despite adherence to applicable on -site
sewage disposal regulations. Alternative solutions to this
problem logically fall within the purview of the State
because of the complexity of the problem and highly technical
information needed to determine optimum densities. Further,
because pollution of surrounding estuarine waters has more than
local significance. The State, with the support and cooperation
of local government, should take the lead in addressing this
issue. The Town is equally concerned because of possible
health hazards and also because of the potential loss in a
valuable economic resource. However, at the present time, the
state has yet to require or recommend optimum densities on a
city-wide scale, but has chosen to follow the current approach
of requiring adequate sites under the assumption that
adequately designed sites will not collectively result in the
pollution to be avoided. Without adequate information to
indicate otherwise, the town has no authority to restrict
projected densities through zoning or other means as long as
property owners are adequately complying with existing
regulations.
32

Policy: 1) It shall be the policy of the Town to insure that
all future development adheres to all applicable local and
state regulations governing the operation, location, and
installation of on -site disposal systems. It shall further be
the policy of the Town that any action by the Town that may
result in an increase in density above that currently permitted
under existing ordinances will consider the effects of such
action on water quality; and should such effects be negative,
the Town will take whatever action is required to mitigate
those effects.
2) To the extent that such action does not substantially
interfere with an owner's use of his property, the Town's
policy shall be to encourage new development to locate in areas
with the best on -site capability.
3) The Town will pursue the construction of a central sewage
treatment system in accordance with the January 28, 1986 Bond
Referendum.
I. Package Sewage Treatment Plants. Package treatment systems are
the preferred interim method of sewage treatment; however, all
such systems must connect with the municipal system upon
availability. Further, package treatment plants must be in
keeping with the Town's policies for The Provision of Services
to Development (page 31, E).
J. Water Supply Protection. Surf City derives its water via wells
supplied by Castle Hayne limestone aquifer. The wells are
located about a mile inland because of poor water quality (e.g.
iron, chlorides, etc.) in the immediate beach area. Recharge of
this aquifer occurs inland.and the Town therefore has no
policy jurisdiction as to protect its water supply.
2. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
The Guidelines for local planning require discussion and
formulation of policies for a wide range of issues, several of
which are not applicable to the Town of Surf City and therefore
policy statements are appropriate. These issues include productive
agricultural lands, commercial forest lands, and mineral production
areas.
A. Off -Road Vehicles. It shall be the policy of the Town to allow
vehicles on the beach between September 15th and May 10;
(off -tourist season to protect beach users) provided such
vehicles are used for commercial fishing purposes only; cross
at designated crossover points (to protect the dune system),
are manufactured four wheel drive vehicles and have a valid
Beach Permit issued by the Town of Surf City.
B. Recreational Fisheries. While the Town has little influence
over the quantity of fish caught, it does have a vital interest
in assuring that recreational fishermen have access to the
ocean, beaches, and sounds. Access policies to the beach are
33

discussed in following sections (page 32). To assure continued
access for fishing to the ocean and sound, the Town adopts the
following policy.
Policy: It is the policy of the Town that existing and future
commercial piers constructed within the Town will be open to
the public at reasonable fees and shall be constructed
according to the Town's construction standards for piers and
docks set out in Chapter 6 of the Town Code. Further, the Town
supports State fishing regulations and the enforcement thereof.
3. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Surf City's development policies are established to
provide a general guide to resolving the basic land use issues
of type, timing, location and density of growth. As such, they
are an extension and expansion of the plan's other policies, a
confirmation of existing policies and ordinances, and an
expression of public opinion. Timing of development, or when
development will occur, is largely dependent upon the
availability of facilities. Location is determined by the
desired spatial relationship between land uses and is
influenced heavily by natural constraints. Density of
development is a function of the ratio of population and number
of dwelling units per unit of land. The interaction of each of
these determinants of land use shapes the pattern and character
of the Town and its environs. Formulation of policies for each
of these issues requires consideration of broad alternative
growth patterns and selection of a general growth objective.
The degree or amount of growth that any community chooses
to accept is generally stated in broad terms of no growth,
unlimited growth, or controlled growth between the two
extremes. These choices represent the Town's overall
development alteration. A more specific statement and
definition of these choices is generally expressed by the terms
and restrictions of land use ordinances, such as zoning
ordinances and subdivision regulations.
A. General Development Objective. It is the objective of the
Town to adopt policies and ordinances and take appropriate
actions to promote low to moderate density controlled
growth and development of the Town as a predominantly
residential community with supporting retail services and
tourist oriented uses. The term "single family
residential" includes multi -family ownership units (for
example, condominiums), provided such development is
consistent with other Town policies and ordinances.
B. Types of Development. It shall be the policy of the Town
to permit single family, commercial, and institutional
land uses within the Town under the terms of the zoning
ordinance and in accord with the other policies of this
plan. Preferred commercial uses are those necessary to
34

provide adequate goods and services to visitors and
residents while not interfering with surrounding
residential development.
C. Location of Development. The location of development shall
be consistent with the Town Zoning Ordinance and the
other plan policies. Commercial, multi -family or single
family attached developments shall be planned and located
so as not to interfere with surrounding residential
development.
D. Timing and Density of Development. The timing of
development shall be consistent with the plan's other
policies and the capacity of the Town to provide water and
sewer services to additional projected development. Water
and sewer facilities should not be expanded to a capacity
greater than that required to accommodate projected
permanent or peak populations; that is, no facility
expansions should be provided to induce or promote growth
beyond that which is needed. The density of development
shall be consistent with the Town Zoning Ordinance.
E. Provision of Services to Development. Surf City is
committed to providing municipal services to all approved
development within the Town. This includes water supply,
solid waste collection, police protection, and fire and
rescue through support of volunteer departments. The Town
is also committed to providing public waste water
collection and treatment to residents and property owners.
To accomplish this, the Town has completed a preliminary
engineering and feasibility study for a sewage system.
During October, 1985, the Town Council approved a General
Obligation Bond referendum for funding the proposed system.
The referendum is scheduled to be held during 1986.
Policy: The Town will provide water, solid waste
collection, and police services to its residents and
property owners. Fire and rescue services will be provided
through financial support of volunteer departments.
Policy: It is the Town's policy that waste water
collection and treatment be provided only as a municipal
service by the Town Government. The Town will continue to
make good faith efforts to construct a sewage system. This
policy precludes the provision of waste water collection
and treatment as a utility system by any entity other than
the Town Government of Surf City. It does not preclude the
construction of on -site sewage systems designed only to
service a specific single development. Further, it shall
be inconsistent with this policy to allow any portion of
any waste water collection and/or treatment system not
owned and operated by the Town to be constructed in Surf
City whether or not the stated intent of such system is to
serve development outside the Town of Surf City.
35

F. Beach Access, Preservation and Erosion Control. The basic
issue is which of the alternative methods of beach
preservation and erosion control will, consistent with
state and local policies, provide the most economical, safe
and environmentally acceptable protection. The two basic
alternatives are structural measures, such as bulkheads
(not allowed on the oceanfront) or groynes and
renourishment, and non-structural methods, such as
vegetation maintenance and access control. The following
policies are adopted for this issue:
Policy: 1) Renourishment, supplemented by land use
controls, access control and vegetation maintenance, is the
preferred alternative for erosion control.
Policy: 2) Since the dune and berm is a resource used by
persons throughout the region and state, the cost of its
maintenance should be distributed among the user -
beneficiaries in equal proportion to the benefit received.
Policy: 3) The expenditure of public funds for dune and
berm protection must be complemented by the provision of
public access to the beach and shore.
Policy: 4) To protect the dune system and its stabilizing
vegetation by (1) routing the flow of pedestrian traffic to
central points of access to the water; and (2) enforcing
dune protection ordinances.
Policy: 5) To implement the policies and recommendations
of the Surf City Beach Access Plan.
G. Types and Location of Industry Desired. There are no
industrial uses in Suri City. The Suri City Zoning Ordinance
does not permit industrial uses.
H. Redevelopment of Developed Areas. The.Town supports
redevelopment and upgrading of property in accordance
with its zoning and subdivision regulations. Further,
the re -subdivision or in -fill of already platted areas
is preferred over the development of new areas requiring
new roads, utilities, etc.
I. Assistance to Channel Maintenance and Beach Nourishment
Projects. The Town supports such state and federal
projects and will assist with providing dredge spoil
sites including temporary easements.
J. Energy Facility Siting and Development. Offshore energy
development is not expected to occur during the 10-year
planning period and industrial uses are not currently
allowed by the Town's zoning ordinance.
36

STORM HAZARD MITIGATION A.IID POST DISASTER PLM'MING
A. Storm Hazard Mitigation
The Surf City Storm Hazard Mitigation Plan dated June, 1984
contains the following policies:
The entire Town of Surf City is susceptible to
significant storm damage from a hurricane or a storm of
similar magnitude. About 70% of the development in the Town
is located in AEC's or in areas susceptible to flooding
associated with the 100-year storm. The entire Town is
susceptible to wind damage. In general, the Town's existing
mitigation policies meet the requirements for Hazard
mitigation planning outlined in Before the Storm; McElvea,
Brower and Godschalk, 1982. Specifically:
(1) The Town's policies support and are consistent with State
policies and regulations for development in Areas of
Environmental Concern.
(2) All new development must conform with the provisions of
the N.C. Building Code.
(3) The Town's flood plain development policies conform with
all Federal and State requirements.
(4 The Town does an adequate job of controlling mobile home
- developments in order to minimize hazard damages. While
mobile homes are still permitted and will be damaged by a
major storm, they are at least restricted to specific
districts and must conform with elevation and other
requirements..
B. Post Disaster Reconstruction
The Town's Post Disaster Reconstruction Plan is dated
June, 1984 and is organized in the following sections:
o Introduction
o Organization of Local Damage Assessment Team
o Damage Assessment Procedures and Requirements
o Organization of Recovery Operations
o Recommended Reconstruction Policies
The following provides a summary of the Plan's most
important provisions and policies from each of these five
sections:
(1) Introduction. Defines plan purpose and use; identifies
3 distinct reconstruction periods: Emergency,
Restoration, and Replacement/Reconstruction. Outlines
sequence of procedures to be followed to meet State and.
Federal Disaster Relief regulations: 1) Assess storm
damage and report to County; 2) County com Iles and
summarizes individual community reports; 3} State
compiles County data and makes recommendaton to the
37

Governor; 4) Governor requests Presidential declaration;
5) Federal relief programs available.
(2) Organization of Local Damage Assessment Team. Outlines
personnel available; establishes team members; designates
building inspector as team chief.
(3) Damage Assessment Procedures and Requirements. The
purpose of this phase is to rapidly determine immediately
following a storm disaster: 1) number of structures
damaged; 2) magnitude of damage by structure type;
3) estimated total dollar loss; and 4) estimated total
dollar loss covered by insurance. To accomplish this, the
Plan establishes four categories of damage: 1) destroyed -
(repairs over 80% of value); 2) major (repairs over 30%
of value); 3) minor (repairs under 30% of value); and 4)
habitable (repairs under 15% of value). A color coding
system in conjunction with County tax maps is recommended
for this phase of damage assessment. Total damage in
dollars is estimated by taking the Conty tax valuations
times a factor to make prices current and then factoring
these figures according to the above damage
classifications. Estimated insurance coverage is made by
utilizing information as to average coverage obtained
from insurance agencies on an annual basis.
(4) Organization of Recovery Operations. The Mayor and
Council assume the duties of a Recovery Task Force. The
Task Force must accomplish the following:
o Establish reentry procedures
o Establish overall restoration schedule
o Set restoration priorities
o Determine requirements for outside assistance and
request such assistance when beyond local capabilities.
o Keep appropriate County and State officials informed
using Situation and Damage Reports
o Keep the public informed
o Assemble and maintain records of actions
taken and expenditures and obligations incurred
o Proclaim a local "state of emergency" if warranted
o Commence cleanup, debris removal and utility
restoration activities undertaken by private
utility companies
o Undertake repair and restoration of essential public
W

facilities and services in accordance with priorities
developed through situation evaluations
o Assist individual property owners in obtaining
information on the various types of assistance that
might be available from federal and state agencies
A schedule outlining tasks and general time frames is
provided in the plan.
(5) Recommended Reconstruction Policies. The policies
outlined are for the Mayor and Council Members to
consider after a storm occurs. It is not practical to
determine at this time what specific responses are
appropriate. The following policy areas are discussed:
o Reentry of Surf City Town residents to Topsail Island
shall not be permitted until 1) the critical damage
assessment has been completed; and 2) the Mayor
proclaims the Town safe to reenter.
A list of Surf City (and Topsail Beach and West Onslow
Beach property owners shall be maintained at the N.C. 210
and N.C. 50-210 bridge entrances to Topsail Island. Valid
identification must be shown in order to proceed on to
the Island. Passes shall be issued and displayed at all
times until the State of Emergency is officially lifted
(this policy is to be coordinated with the Town of
Topsail Beach and with Onslow County.)
o Permitting. Permits to restore previously conforming
structures outside AEC's issued automatically.
Structures suffering major damage allowed to rebuild to
original state but must be in compliance with N.C.
Building Code, Zoning and Flood Hazard Regulations.
Structures with minor damage allowed to rebuild to
original state before the storm. Structures in AEC's
and all mobile home concentrations allowed to rebuild
only after determination has been made as to adequacy
of existing development regulations in these special
hazard areas.
o Utility and Facility Reconstruction. Water system
components repaired or replaced must be flood -proofed
or elevated above 100-year flood levels.
o Temporary Development Moratorium. To be considered
after major storm damage for AEC's if existing
regulations appear inadequate to protect structures
from storm damage.
C. Hurricane Evacuation
Surf City has adopted a Hurricane Emergency Plan in
39

conjunction with the Town of Topsail Beach. The Surf City
hurricane evacuation procedures are very thorough. The plan
presents a program for carrying out evacuation operations as
_ part of a five phase effort: Condition 3 - Hurricane Watch
(approximately 48 hours to forecasted landfall); Condition 2 -
Hurricane Warning (approximately 24 hours to forecasted
landfall); Condition 1 - Evacuation Phase-(12 hours or less to
expected landfall); Condition 0 - Landfall Imminent; and
Reentry. The plan describes how specific preparatory,
shutdown, warning and evacuation operation will be conducted
by Town personnel during each phase of the evacuation process.
Shore Drive (NC. Highway 50) is the only north -south
evacuation route available from the Surf City/Topsail Beach
city limits northward to the intersection of Shore Drive and
Topsail Drive. Fortunately, Shore Drive is elevated above the
100 year flood elevation over this entire 2.3 mile stretch.
Both Topsail Drive and Shore Drive are available as
evacuation routes from their intersection northward to Roland
Avenue. Both routes are below the 100-year flood elevation
over this stretch. North of Roland Avenue, Topsail Drive,
Shore Drive and New River Drive are available for use as
evacuation routes. According to the latest FEMA flood
insurance rate maps, both New River Drive and Topsail Drive
are located below the 100-year flood plain elevation.
Because there is only one evacuation route available for
use of Town residents south of the intersection of Shore Drive
and Topsail Drive, it is recommended that residents south of
this area be evacuated.prior to the setting of Condition 1.
While the high dunes along this stretch of roadway should
protect the roadway from flooding, the concern is that high
winds could result in damage that blocks this single
evacuation route.
5. CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The most fundamental objective of democratic practice is to
insure that public policies correspond closely with the
needs and preferences of affected citizens, and to prevent
government from overstepping the bounds of its authority.
Such an objective must acknowledge and respect the primary
purpose of public participation -- increasing the
responsiveness and accountability of government to
citizens. Because of the great sensitivity to land use
regulation, public participation programs should be
responsive to the individual property owner as well as
special interest groups and the general public.
A public participation program consists of three basic
components: (1) education; (2) public participation; a (3)
governmental accountability. In preparation, the public
must be educated on the basic concepts and process of
40

decision making, and notified of opportunities to
participate. The primary objective of the education
component is to improve comprehension and communciation
between affected citizens and local officials. The second
component, public participation, requires two things:
first, identification of policy options, and second,
estimating support from the public for each alternative.
The planners' responsibility is to help structure the
public debate by highlighting common viewpoints and weeding
out policy options that are not feasible on technical,
legal or other grounds. The final component,
accountability, requires that the rationale for particular
policy decisions be explained and opportunities be provided
for testing decisions for fairness and responsiveness.
Surf City actively encouraged citizen participation in
the preparation of the 1986 Land Use Plan Update. Planning
Board meetings on the subject of the Land Use Plan were
announced to the public through press releases to local
media and through the posting of notices at Town Hall.
Eight meetings were held over the course of the planning
process during late 1985 and the first half of 1986.
A citizen's survey was developed and mailed to
Town water customers in March, 1986. About 850 surveys
were distributed; more than 200 or 25% were returned.
Survey results are presented under separate cover by the
report: 111986 Land Use Plan Update: Citizen Survey
Results". A summary is provided by Appendix I.
The results of the survey were analyzed and discussed
by Town officials prior to the development of new Town
policies. The survey results provided insight into
community values and were used to guide policy development
and refinement.
In keeping with the Town's action in the development
of the 1986 Plan Update, the following public participation
policies will continue to be implemented:
All land use plans and updates will be prepared with
public participation. Citizen participation in the land use
planning process will be accomplished by using the follow-
ing plan.
I. Citizen Education
A. Newspaper: News Releases
B. Working Papers, Draft Plans
C. Public Meetings
II. Citizen Input
A. Public meetings
B. Surveys: mailed and returned.via
41

postal service or delivered door
to door in condominiums
C. Review and comments: public review
meetings
III. Citizen Support — Ongoing
A. Ongoing use of I and II above
B. Formal public hearings
E,N

LAND CLASSIFICATION
Background and Purpose
The North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act Guidelines
require that each city, town and county located in the twenty
county coastal areas develop a land classification map
classifying all -of the land within its jurisdiction into one of
five classes and their subclasses.
A land classification system for Surf City has been developed
as a means of assisting in the implementation of the goals,
objectives, and policies of this Plan. By delineating land classes
on a map, the Town and its citizens can specify those areas where
certain policies (local, state and federal) will apply. Although
specific areas are outlined on the Land Classification Map, it is
merely a tool to help implement policies and not a strict
regulatory mechanism. The designation of land clases therefore
allows the Town to illustrate its policies as to where and to what
density growth is desired, and where natural and cultural
resources will be preserved.
Relationship of the Land Classification Map to Policy Statements
The land classification map is a graphic representation of
the policy statements formulated and adopted through the citizen
participation and plan development process. The classification of
land reflects existing development patterns as well as the desired
pattern of development as specified in the policy statements.
Additionally, development in AEC's must conform to all applicable
C.A.M.A. requirements.
Land Classes and the Land Classification Map
The Land Classes -applicable to Surf City are described below.
Each of the five broad classes identified by the C.A.M.A. are not
used in Surf City. The two applicable broad classes with
subcategories are:
Developed
o Developed - Maritime Forest
Conservation
o Conservation - Marshland
o Conservation - Public Access
43

The inclusion of a land area into one of these classification
categories or subcategories does not dictate the type of land use
that will be allowed in a particular location. The classes
provide for and are designed to encourage a variety of different
land uses. The classifications and subclasses are defined below.
Map Four delineates each of the classes and subclasses adopted by
Surf City.
Developed. This class is intended to insure that future
development within the Town occurs at rates and densities that are
consistent with the Town's capacity to provide necessary sewage
disposal facilities and protect surrounding coastal waters.
Developed - Maritime Forests. This subclass is intended to
protect the Town's maritime forest areas while providing for
reasonable development as allowed by the Town's Zoning Ordinance
and other development regulations.
Conservation - Marshland. This subclass includes coastal
wetlands, estuarine waters, estuarine shorelines, public trust
areas and spoil islands. It is intended to implement estaurine
system policies and AEC guidelines.
Conservation - Public Access. This subclass is intended to
protect the public's right of access to and along the beach while
protecting dune areas and related wildlife. It is intended to
implement the following policies: Recreational Fisheries, Off Road
Vehicles, Beach -Access, Preservation and Erosion Control.
44

The ptepeationofthis ampvas faeaced in pan tbr**Sb a ram provided
by the North Carodw Coeur Maaaaemeat Ptopam, throujh fuadt
provided by the Coastal Zow Manalemcut Act of IM as amended.
Which it admiaivaed by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Maaagcmeat, N.0AJL
LAND CLASSIFICATION
DEV
DEVELOPED
DMF
DEVELOPED -MARITIME FOREST
CON
CONSERVATION -MARSHLAND
CPA
CONSERVATION -PUBLIC ACCESS
SURF CITY, N.C.
MAP
fff: G"reft
taus•
moon Door: imy. Af t ,�

Citizen Survey Summary
o 845 Survey forms mailed to water customers/landowners
o 212 or 25% returned
o 96% of respondents land owners; 87% live in single
family house
o Development Preferences
- in undeveloped residential areas
45% low; 51% moderate; 4% high
o Extraterritorial jurisidiction; should the Town
exercise? 58% yes
o Types of development denied:
- more low density residential: 45%
about the same: 42%
- more high density residential: 3%
less 74%; about the same 23%
i
A--1

SURF CITY
Citizen Survey '
CATEGORY: All Responses.
TOTAL RESPONSES: 204
1. a. Are you a permanant resident of Surf City? 39/19% Yes 165/81% No
b. If No, how many weeks per year do you reside in Surf City? -see Non-resident
Less than 1 week Five - Eight weeks
One week Nine - Fifteen weeks
Two weeks Sixteen or more weeks
Three weeks
Four weeks
c. What type dwelling do you live in? Total-195/100%
Single family.169/87% Duplex 21/11% Mobile Home 2/1% Other 3/2%
d. Do you own real estate in Surf City? 191/967-Yes 8/4% No 199/100%
e. If yes, is there housing on the property? i90/967.Yes 8/4% No 198/100%
2.. In general, what levels of development should the town's growth policy
promote for the areas listed below?
a. Within undeveloped residential areas inside.the Town limits? Totals
Low 88 45% Moderate 100/51% High 7/4% 195/100%
b. Within commercial areas inside Town limits?
Low 46/26% Moderate 104/59% High 26/15% 176/100%
c. Within vacant - undeveloped areas?
Low 92 48% Moderate 85/45% High 13/7% 190/100%
d. Should the Town exercise 1 mile extraterritorial jurisdiction?
113/58%Yes 41/21% No 42/21% No Opinion 196/100%

Page 2
All respondents, contin.
3.
Should the Town have more or less of
the following types of development?
More
Less About the same
Totals
a. Low density
residential 95/45%
27113% 871427K
209/100%
b. Medium density
residential 36/19%
67/35% 89 46%
" 192/100%
c. High density
residential 5/3%
125/74% 391237,
169/100%
d. Commercial 55 34
47/29% 62/3R%
.-164 100%
e. Recreation/ 74 61%
3/2% 45/37%
122/100%
Open Space .
f. Other 51/96%
2 4% 0 0
4.
Are you generally satisfied with the
level and delivery of services
offered by the Town?
.171/86%Yes 15/8% No 13/7% Undecided
199/100%
5.
Would you be willing to pay a special assessment tax for storm water
"
drainage improvements throughout the
Town?
.
33/30%Yes 73 67% No 3/3% Undecided
109/100%.
6.
What type of recreational facilities
do you feel are needed in
Surf City?
Parks/Picnic area 104
Waterfront access
improvements (boat
ramps, parking, ets.) 127
Active recreation facilities
(tennis, basketball, etc.) 106
Community Center 56
Walking/jogging paths 98
No.other facilities 24
7.
What are the most important planning
problems/needs facing Surf
City
over the next five years?
1
F-3

S:.F CITY
Citizen Survey
CATEGORY: Permanent Resident
TOTAL RESPONSES: 39
1. a. Are you a permanant resident of Surf City? 39 Yes ---- No
b. If No, how many weeks per year do you reside in Surf City? N/A
Less than 1 week Five - Eight weeks
One week Nine - Fifteen weeks
Two weeks Sixteen or more weeks
Three weeks
Four weeks
c. What type dwelling do you live in?
1-Apt./3%
Single family 35/92% Duplex 1/3% Mobile Home ---- Other 1-condo/3
d. Do you own real estate in Surf City? 36/97% Yes 1/3% No
e. If yes, is there housing on the property? 35 97%Yes 1/3% No
2. In general, what levels of development should the town's growth policy
promote for the areas listed below?
a. Within undeveloped residential areas inside the Town limits?
Totals
Lew 10/ . Moderate 28 74% High 0/0 38/100%
b. Within com:ercial =fees incide Tcwn limits?
Low 6 15% Moderate 26/67% High 7/18% 39/100%
c. Within vacant - undeveloped areas?
Law 11J28% Moderate 27/69% High _1/3% _ 39/100%
d. Sb ould the Teen exercise 1 mile extraterritorial jurisdiction?
18/51% Yes 12/34% No 5/14% No Opinion 35/100%
C -,

Perrianent Pesidert, ror_t'd., Pape ?_
3.
Should the Torn have more or less of the following types of de-;elo-=ent?
More
Less
About the sa=e
Totals
a. Low density
residential
22 61%
0 0%
14 39%
36/100%
b. Medium density
residential
12 33%
4/11%
20/56%
36/100%
c. High density
residential
0/0
28/80%
7/20%
35/100%
d. Commercial
21/54%
5/13%
13/33%
39/100%
e. Recreation/
32/82%
1/3%
6/15%
39/100%
Open Space
f. Other
9/90%
1/10%
0/0%
10/100%
4.
Are you generally satisfied
with the
level and
delivery of services
offered by the Town?
36/92% Yes 3/8% No
0/0%
Undecided
39/100%
5.
Would you be willing to pay
a special
assessment tax for storm
water
drainage improvements throughout the
Town?
-'
11 32% Yes 20159 ro
3/9%
Undecided
34/100%
6.
What type of recreational facilities
do you feel are needed in
Surf City?
Parks/Picnic area 16
Waterfront access
improvements (boat
ramps, parKing, ets.)• 19
Active recreation facilities
(tennis, basketball, etc.)
18
Corrunity Center 13
Walking/jogging paths 19
No other facilities 0
7.
What are the most important
planning
prcblens/ Beds facing Surf
City
over the next five years?
s
P.-5

SURF CITY
Citizen Survey
CATEGORY: Non -Resident
TOTAL RESPONSES: 165
1. a. Are you a permanant resident of
Surf City? ---- Yes
165 No
b. If No, how many weeks per year
do you reside in Surf City?
Less than 1
week 4/3%
Five - Eight weeks
22/16%
One week
9/7%
Nine - Fifteen weeks
26/19%
Two weeks
24/18%
Sixteen or more weeks
21/15%
Three weeks
13/10%
Total
136/100%
Four weeks
17/13%
c. What type dwelling do you live in?
Single family 134 85% Duplex 20/13% Mobile Home 2/1% Other 1/1%
d. Do you own real estate in Surf City? 155/96%Yes 7/4% No
.• e. If yes, is there housing on the property? 155/96%Yes 7/4% No
2. In general, what levels of development should the town's growth policy
,• promote for the areas listed below?
a. Within undeveloped residential areas inside.the Town limits? Totals
Low 78 50%
Moderate
72/46%
High 7/4%
157/100%
b. Within commercial
areas inside Town
limits?
Low 40 29%
Moderate
78/57%
High 19/14%
137/100%
c. Within vacant -,undeveloped
areas?
Low 81 54%
Moderate
58/38%
High 12/8%
151/100%
d. Should the Town
exercise
1 mile extraterritorial
jurisdiction?
95/59 Wes
29/18% No
37/23% No Opinion
161/100%
A-6

Non-residents, contin.
Page 2
3. Should the Town have more or less of the following types of development?
More Less About the same Totals
a. Low density
residential 73/42% 27/16% 73/42% 173/100%
b. Medium density
residential
24/15%
63/40%
69/44%
156/100%
c. High density
residential
5/4%
97/72%
32/24%
134/100%
d. Commercial
34/27%
42/34%
49/39%
125/100%
e. Recreation/
42/51%
2/2%
39/47%
83/100%
Open Space
f . Other
42
1
0
4. Are you generally satisfied with the level and delivery of services
offered by the Town?
fides 12_N0 _Undecided 160/100%
5. Would you be willing to pay a special assessment tax for storm water
drainage improvements throughout the Town?
2 JI29% Yes 53/71% No 0 Undecided 75/100%
6. What type of recreational facilities do you feel are needed in Surf City?
Parks/Picnic area R _—
Waterfront access
improvements (boat
ramps, parking, ets.) . 10g
Active recreation facilities
(tennis, basketball, etc.)
Community Center 43
Walking/jogging paths 79
No other facilities 24
7. What are the most important planning problems/needs facing Surf City
over the next five years?
A-7