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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLand Use Plan Update-1999LAND USE PLAN UPDATE TOWN. OF SWANSBORO NORTH CAROLINA Adopted by the Swansboro Town Board: January 19, 1999 Certified by the Coastal Resources Commission: January 29, 1999 Prepared by THE WOOTEN COMPANY Engineering. Planning. Architecture Raleigh/Greenville/Hickory/Asheboro, North Carolina 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 1972, as amended, which is administered by the Olice of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. LAND USE PLAN UPDATE TOWN OF SWANSBORO NORTH CAROLINA Adopted by the Swansboro Town Board: January 19,1999 Certified by the Coastal Resources Commission: January 29, 1999 Prepared by THE WOOTEN COMPANY Engineering. Planning. Architecture Raleigh/GreenvMe/Hickory/Asheboro, North Carolina 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 1972, as amended, which is administered by the Ofice of Ocean and Coastal Resource Managemenh National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. I TABLE OF CONTENTS O1.000 INTRODUCTION AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................... 1-1 1.100 Purpose and Goals and Objectives......................................................... 1-1 1.200 Overview of the Land Use Plan Update . 1-1 .....•....•••..••...••...••..••...•...••.••••.... 1.300 Summary of Land Use Issues...... . 1-3 1.400 Summary of Data Collection and Analysis ............................................... 1-4 1.500 Summary of Policy Statements............................................................. 1-6 1.600 Summary of Land Classifications.......................................................... 1-8 1.700 Implementation and Management Strategies ............................................. 1-9 D2.000 DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS......................................................... 2-1 2.100 Existing Conditions.......................................................................:.. 2-1 2.110 Population...........................................................................2-1 a 2.111 Population Size and Growth Trends .............................. 2-1 2.112 Age Composition and Distribution .................. 2-2 2.113 Racial Composition .................................................. 2-3 D 2.114 Household Population ............................................... 2-3 2.120 Economy ............................................................................ 2-3 2.121 Employment...........................................................2-3 2.122 Income Characteristics .............................................. 2-4 2.123 Trade and Services ................................................... 2-4 2.124 Tourism................................................................ 2 5 (� u2.130 2.125 Commercial Fishing ................................................. Existing Land Use................................................................. 2-5 2-6 2.131 Residential Land Use ..... ....... .................................... 2-8 {� u 2.132 2.133 Commercial Land Use .............................................. Public/Institutional Land Use ...................................... 2-9 2-9 2.134 Industrial Land Use .................................................. 2-9 0 2.135 Undeveloped/Agricultural Land ................................... 2.140 Current Plans, Policies, and Regulations Affecting Land Use............ 2-9 2-9 2.141 Town of Swansboro Land Use Plan .............................2-10 D2.143 2.142 Town of Swansboro Land Use Plan Update ................... Town of Swansboro Land Use Plan Update ................... 2-10 2-10 2.144 Town of Swansboro Land Use Plan Update ................... 2-10 O 2.145 2.146 Community Facilities Element....................................2-10 Swansboro Growth Management Study .........................2-10 2.147 Capital Improvements Program..................................2-10 D2.149 2.148 NC State Building Code ........................................... National Flood Insurance Program .............................. 2-10 2-11 2.150 Swansboro Impact Fee Ordinance...............................2-11 2.151 2.152 Swansboro Sewer Ordinance......................................2-11 Swansboro Waste and Sewer Extension Regulations ......... 2-11 2.153 Thoroughfare Plan for the Town of Swansboro, 1993....... 2-11 2.154 2.155 Coastal Initiatives Program.......................................2-11. Storm Preparedness Plan ..........................................2-11 2.156 Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Swansboro ................ 2-12 OTable of Contents January 29, 1999 Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update t I 2.157 Subdivision Regulations ........2-12 ................................... 2.158 Waterfront Redevelopment Plan ..................................2-12 {� 2.200 Constraints to Land Development........................................................2-12 U 2.210 Land Suitability ........ 2-12 2.211Physical Limons.for Development .......................... 2-13 (� U 2.211.1 Hazard Areas ..................................................... 2.211.2 Soil Limitations..................................................2-15 2-13 2.211.3 Availability and Quality of Public Water Supply .......... 2-15 D 2.211.4 Water Quality Conditions ...................................... 2.211.5 Water Quality Classes and Standards ........................ 2-17 2-20 2.211.6 Water Quality Use -Support Ratings .......................... 2-20 2.211.7 Areas with Excessive Slope and High Erosion Potential. 2.212 Fragile Areas.........................................................2-20 2-20 2.212.1 Areas of Environmental Concern ........................... 2-23 Q 2.212.2 Other Fragile Areas.............................................2-23 2.212.3 Cultural Resource Fragile Areas .............................. 2-24 2.213 Areas with Resource Potential .................................... 2-24 2.220 Community Services Capacity Analysis.....................................2-25 2.221 Urban Services......................................................2-25 U 2.221.1 Water Service.....................................................2-25 2.221.2 Sewer...............................................................2-25 2.221.3 Police Protection ................................................. 2-28 �-+ 2.221.4 Fire Protection....................................................2-28 2.221.5 Emergency Medical Services..................................2-30 2.221.6 Solid Waste Collection and Disposal .........................2-30 2.221.7 Recreation......................................................... 2-30 2.221.8 Education..........................................................2-30 2.221.9 Code Enforcement ............................................... 2-30 2.221.10 Public Administration Ability................................2-30 2.222 Transportation Services ............................................ 2-31 2.230 Estimated Demand...............................................................2-33 2.231 Population Projections.............................................2-33 2.232 Economic Outlook .................................................. 2-33 D 2.233 Future Land Needs.................................................2-33 2.234 Summary of Community Facilities Needs......................2-34 (� 3.000 POLICY STATEMENTS AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES .................. 3-1 U General Vision Statement 3-1 3.100 Analysis Of Policy Statements In The 1991 CAMA Plan ............................. 3-2 Q 3.110 Former Resource Protection Policies .......................................... 3.120 Former Resource Production and Management Policies ................... 3-2 3-3 3.130 Former Economic and Community Development Policies ................ 3-4 3.140 Former Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery, and Evacuation Policies.......................................................... 3-5 3.200 Updated Resource Protection Policies and Implementation Strategies .............. 3-5 Basic Statement Regarding Community Attitude Towards Resource Protection....................................................................................... 3-5 3.210 Constraints to Land Development .............................................. 3-6 Table of Contents January 29, 1999 QSwansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update ii 3.211 Flood Hazard Areas ................................................. 3-6 3.212 Soil Suitability/Septic Tank Use .................................. 3-6 3.220 Areas of Environmental Concern ............................................... 3-6 3.221 Coastal Wetlands ..................................................... 3-7 3.222 Estuarine Waters and Public Trust Areas ....................... 3-7 3.223 Estuarine Shoreline .................................................. 3-7 3.224 Outstanding Resource Waters ...................................... 3-7 3.230 Other Fragile Areas ............................................................... 3-8 3.231 Sound and Estuarine System Islands ............................. 3-8 3.232 Freshwater Wetlands ................................................ 3-8 3.233 Historical and Archaeological Sites .............................. 3-8 3.240 Hurricane and Flood Evacuation Needs and Plans .......................... 3-8 3.250 Potable Water Supply Protection ............................................... 3-8 3.260 Use of Package Treatment Plants .............................................. 3-8 3.270 Stormwater Runoff, Water Quality Problems, and Management Measures...................................................... 3-9 3.280 Marinas, Piers, Docks, and Floating Home Development ............... 3-10 3.290 Industrial Impacts on Fragile Areas ........................................... 3-11 3.290.1 Sea Level Rise Impacts.......................................................... 3-11 3.290.2 Bulkhead Installation Damage to Marshes ................................... 3-11 3.300 Updated Resource Production and Management Policies and Implementation Strategies...................................................................................... 3-11 Basic Statement Regarding Community Attitude Towards Resource Production and Management..............................................................3-12 3.310 Productive Agricultural Lands ................................................ 3-12 3.320 Commercial Forest Lands ...................................................... 3-12 3.330 Mineral Production Areas......................................................3-12 3.340 Commercial and Recreational Fisheries ...................................... 3-12 3.350 Off -Road Vehicles................................................................3-13 3.360 Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Land Development Impacts on Resources ................................... 3-13 3.370 Peat or Phosphate Mining Impacts on Resources ..........................3-14 3.400 Updated Economic and Community Development Policies and Implementation Strategies......................................................................................3-14 Basic Statement Regarding Community Attitude Towards Economic and Community Development............................................................. 3-14 3.410 General Land Development Policies..........................................3-14 3.420 Desired Types of Urban Growth Patterns ................................... 3-15 3.430 Local Commitment to Providing Services to Development .............. 3-15 3.440 Redevelopment of Developed Areas .......................................... 3-16 3.450 Commitment to State and Federal Programs ................................ 3-16 3.460 Assistance to Channel Maintenance Projects................................3-16 3.470 Energy Facility Siting and Development .................................... 3-16 3.480 Tourism............................................................................ 3-16 3.490 Coastal and Estuarine Water Beach Access.................................3-17 3.490.1 Anticipated Residential Development and Requisite Support Services ..................................................... 3-17 3.490.2 Other Identified Local Land Development Issues .......................... 3-17 Table of Contents January 29, 1999 Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update iii 0 a3.500 Updated Continuing Public Participation Policies and Implementation Strate2ies...................................................................................... 3-18 3.510 Continuing Public Participation Policies.....................................3-18 3.600 Updated Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery, and Evacuation Policies and Implementation Strateizies.................................................. 3-19 3.610 Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery and Evacuation Policies............................................................................. 3-21 3.700 Plan Implementation and Management ................................................... 3-22 3.800 Intergovernmental Coordination and Implementation ................................. 3-23 4.000 LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM.............................................................. 4-1 4.100 Land Classifications.......................................................................... 4-1 4.110 Developed Classification......................................................... 4-1 4.120 Urban Transition Classification................................................. 4-1 a 4.130 4.140 Limited Transition Classification ............................................... Community Classification....................................................... 4-2 4-2 4.150 Rural Classification............................................................... 4-2 4.160 Rural with Services Classification 4-2 4.170 ............................................. Conservation Classification...................................................... 4-3 4.200 Uses Included In Each Classification...................................................... 4-3 4.210 Developed Classification......................................................... 4-3 4.220 Urban Transition Classification................................................. 4-3 4.230 Conservation Classification...................................................... 4-3 4.300 Land Classification Map..................................................................... 4-4 4.310 Developed Classification......................................................... 4-4 U U 4.320 Urban Transition Classification................................................. 4-4 4.330 Conservation Classification...................................................... 4-4 0 (� 4.400 Relationship of Policy Statements and Land Classifications .......................... 4-5 4.410 Developed Classification......................................................... 4-5 4.420 Urban Transition Classification................................................. 4-5 (� 4.430 Conservation Classification...................................................... 4-5 0 LIST OF TABLES Table Page a1 Population Size, Population Growth Rates.............................................................. 2-1 2 Travel -Related Employment, Expenditures, & Tax Receipts ........................................ 2-5 Q 3 Commercial Seafood Landings............................................................................. 2-6 4 Land Use By Type and Acreage, Swansboro Planning Jurisdiction ................................ 2-8 5 Water Classifications for the Town of Swansboro....................................................2-22 01 6 Description of Hurricane Categories..................................................................... 3-21 Table of Contents January 29, 1999 aSwansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update iv Q Figure I I III LIST OF FIGURES Page 1 General Location Map....................................................................................... 1-2 2 Existing Land Use Map..................................................................................... 2-7 3 Fragile Areas and Areas of Environmental Concern .................................................. 2-14 4 Soils Limitations for Septic Tanks....................................................................... 2-16 5 Water Quality Concerns.................................................................................... 2-19 6 Water Classification Map.................................................................................. 2-21 7 Existing Community Facilities............................................................................ 2-26 8 Existing and Projected Water Service Area............................................................2-27 9 Existing and Projected Sewer Service Area............................................................ 2-29 10 1995 Average Annual Daily Traffic Counts............................................................2-32 11 Composite Hazards Map................................................................................... 3-20 12 Land Classification Map..................................................................................... 4-6 0 Appendix LIST OF APPENDICES Page A Index of Data Sources ........................................... ............................................A-1 B Comparison of Growth Rate of Municipalities In the Region ........................................ A-3 C Components of Population Change........................................................................ A-5 D Age Distribution, Historical and Projected.............................................................. A-6 E Median Age of the Population............................................................................. A-8 F Racial Composition of the Population.................................................................... A-9 G Housing Characteristics, Household Population...................................................... A-10 H Employment by Industry Group, Swansboro.......................................................... A-11 I Commuting Patterns, Onslow County.................................................................. A-12 J Employment by Industry Group, Onslow County .................................................... A-13 K Income Characteristics, Onslow County ............................................................... A-14 L Retail Sales, Onslow County ............................................................................. A-15 MHousing by Structure Type............................................................................... A-16 N Authorized Construction By Building Permit, Swansboro.......................................... A-17 O Soil Limitations For Selected Land Uses.............................................................. A-18 P Soils with Severe Limitations for Septic Tank Absorption Fields ................................ A-19 Q Population Projections..................................................................................... A-20 R Future Residential Land Needs.......................................................................... A-21 S Summary of Alternative Policy Issues.................................................................. A-22 T Public Participation Process.............................................................................. A-28 UGlossary ...................................................................................................... A-31 V Excerpts From the Town of Swansboro Storm Preparedness Plan ................................ A-35 Table of Contents January 29, 1999 Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update v MATRIX OF THE CONTENTS OF THE SWANSBORO LAND USE PLAN UPDATE Element Required by Section Section of the Swansboro Land Use Plan .0201 of the 7 B Guidelines Update In Which the Element Can Be Found Executive Summary ........................................... 1.000, Introduction and Executive Summary Introduction....................................................... 1.000, Introduction and Executive Summary Goals and Objectives .......................................... 1.100, Purpose and Goals and Objective Data Collection and Analysis .............................. 2.000, Data Collection and Analysis Present Conditions ............................................. :Z.IUU, Existing conditions Constraints........................................................ 2.200, Constraints to Land Development Estimated Demands ............................................ 2.230, Estimated Demand Policy Statements ............................................... 3.000, Policy Statements and Implementation Strategies Land Classification ............................................ 4.000, Land Classification System Intergovernmental Coordination and ................... 3.800, Intergovernmental Coordination and Implementation Public Participation ............................................ 3.500, Updated Continuing Public Participation Policies and Implementation Strategies; Appendix T Table of Contents January 29, 1999 Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update vi r 1.000 INTRODUCTION AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY I a1.000 INTRODUCTION AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (� 1.100 Purpose and Goals and Objectives Land development generally involves a series of decisions by both private individuals O and the public sector. In order to promote the public interest in the land development process, the North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act (LAMA) requires that local governments prepare, adopt, and keep current a land use plan. The land use plan is intended to provide a framework that will guide local governmental officials as they make day -today and long-range decisions that affect land development. The land use plan will also be used by state and federal agencies in making project consistency, project funding, and CAMA permit decisions. QCAMA regulations require that an update be made of land use plans every five years. The Town of Swansboro's previous land use plan was updated in 1991. The update is designed to ensure that all current land development issues are reviewed and reflected in the land use plan. Also, the Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) recently adopted revised planning guidelines which include requirements not addressed in the town's 1991 plan. The land use plan update also provides an opportunity to evaluate policy statements and to determine their effectiveness in implementing the land development objectives of the community. The study area for this land use plan update is the Swansboro Planning Jurisdiction which includes the Town of Swansboro and its one mile extraterritorial planning and zoning jurisdiction (see Figure 1). The period for the land use plan update is ten years. planning The goals and objectives of the land use plan update include: D• to identify and analyze new and emerging land use issues and concerns. • to reexamine existing policies to determine their effectiveness. D • to revise existing policies and develop new policies that address current land use issues and concerns o• to reexamine the existing land classification system and map to determine what revisions are necessary to address new land use issues and concerns as well as a revised and newly developed policy statements. • to further explore implementation strategies. • to promote a better understanding of the land use planning process. • to promote citizen involvement in the process of preparing the update. j-j 1.200 Overview of the Land Use Plan Update u This land use plan update for Swansboro follows the methodology recommended by (� CAMA in its Land Use Planning Guidelines (Subchapter 7B of the North Carolina (� Administrative Code). Section 2.00 of this land use plan involves an analysis of existing conditions in Swansboro including population, economy, and land use as well as an analysis of plans and regulations that affect land use. Demographic, economic, and land use trends are identified and their implications for the future use of land are analyzed. Section 2.000 also 1.000 Introduction and Executive SummaryJanuary 29, 1999 Swansboro CAMALand Use Plan Update 1-1 D The preparation of this map was financed In part through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through the funds provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Act of 1972, as amended, which Is administered by the Office of ocean and Coastal Resource Management, I National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 06020060 11 03020106020010 i 06020030 Tow ofe Cedar Point- I r) Figure 1 General Location Map of the Town of Swansboro and Surrounding Communities Legend ETJ Town Limits F� Watershed Boundary 03020106020010 Watershed Number -------fxi - :: ..... .... :. .: .: ..:.•..::: Wooten en om an:<.The N ': W E � S Scale: 1" = 2,500' 1/29/99 The Queen Creek watershed, which encompasses the overwhelming majority of the incorporated area and the southern and southwestern portions of the town's ETJ, is more intensively developed. The predominant land use is residential but several large, undeveloped/agricultural tracts are located in the ETJ portion of this watershed. Table 4 LAND USE BY TYPE AND ACREAGE SWANSBORO PLANNING JURISDICTION 1996 Percent of Percent of Land Use Acres Developed Total Acreage Acreage Single -Family Residential 650 47.4 % 27.2 % Multi -Family Residential 21 1.5 % 0.9 % Manufactured Home 317 23.1 % 13.3 % Commercial 141 10.2 % 5.9 % Public/Institutional/Recreational 242 17.6 % 10.2 % Industrial 2 0.2% 0.1 % Undeveloped/Agricultural' 1,015 0.0% 42.5% Totals 2,388 100.0% 100.0% ' Includes developable land as well as land subject to flood hazard, wetlands, etc. Source: Estimated from existing land use maps prepared by The Wooten Company. 2.131 Residential Land Use. Over two-thirds of the residential land uses are comprised of single-family detached dwellings on lots generally ranging from 6,000 square feet to over one - acre. As seen in Appendix M, of the 578 dwelling units in the Town of Swansboro in 1990, approximately 70 percent were single-family residences, over 26 percent were multi -family dwellings, and about 3 percent were manufactured homes. Residential land uses in the town's planning region include more manufactured homes. Several manufactured home subdivisions are located in the western, southwestern, and northwestern portions of the planning region. One small manufactured home park is located on Hammock Beach Road. Manufactured homes on individual lots are scattered throughout the planning region. Concentrated areas of single-family residences are located west and northwest of a the central business district, within subdivisions on Old Hammock Road and on Mt. Pleasant Road, and along the White Oak River waterfront. The remaining single-family residences are generally scattered throughout the planning region. Multi -family housing constitutes approximately one quarter of the housing stock 0 in the Town of Swansboro. Relatively small, isolated apartment complexes are located along NC 24 and off of Old Hammock Road. The overwhelming Q 2.000 Data Collection and Analysis —January 29, 1999 Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 2-8 I LJ majority of recent residential construction has been traditional single-family housing (Appendix N). The majority of future residential land uses are expected to be infill development within the existing subdivisions as well as new residential developments on vacant land located throughout Swansboro's planning area. 2.132 Commercial Land Use. Most of the commercially -used land is located Q along the NC Highway 24 corridor and in the town's central business district located adjacent to the waterfront of the White Oak River. Other smaller, isolated commercial areas are located throughout the planning area. Sites along Old Hammock Road, Mt. Pleasant Road, and Norris Road are included in this group. The existing commercial land uses are primarily retail, professional service, and business service establishments. aThe town's current zoning patterns indicate that future commercial areas are anticipated to be located along the entire NC Highway 24 corridor, both within the town limits and within the town's planning region. Q2.133 Public/Institutional/Recreational Land Use. As mentioned earlier, this category represents the second largest percentage of land use within the town's D planning jurisdiction. Swansboro's four schools, the cemetery on Hammock Beach Road, and the municipal parks comprise the overwhelming majority of acreage in this land use category. A concentration of smaller -sized parcels of public/institutional/recreational use is located in the central business district along both sides of NC 24 between Old Hammock Road and the waterfront. Q 2.134 Industrial Land Use. There is currently one traditional industrial property within the town's planning region. This industrial use is located on Old Hammock Road just northeast of the NC 24/Old Hammock Road (-j intersection. Several heavy commercial uses are, however, located within the general business and highway business zoning classifications Currently, no large (� tracts nor large amounts of acreage are zoned for industrial use. L� 2.135 Undeveloped/Agricultural Land. Vacant, developable land is scattered throughout the planning region. As previously stated, approximately 43% of the a total acreage within Swansboro's ED is undeveloped land. Much of the undeveloped land is currently used for agricultural purposes. The largest undeveloped tracts are located in the southwestern, northern, and northeastern portions of the planning area. Some of the undeveloped land may not be suitable for development due to poor soils, flood hazard, wetlands, etc. 2.140 Current Plans, Policies, and Regulations Affecting Land Use. The Town of Swansboro has prepared various plans and has developed policies and regulations that have significant implications for land use planning. The town has an active Planning Board that advises the Town Board of Commissioners on planning and land use matters.. The Town Manager and other municipal department heads and. staff members assist the Board of Commissioners and the Planning Board with the administration and a2.000 Data Collection n a to llec on a dAn lysis—January 29, 1999 A Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 2-9 The preparation of this map was financed in part t through a grant provided by the North Carolina Y \ 1 Coastal Management Program, through the funds provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Act N of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, CO National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. rbett Rd. 5F?i}�3 v h• � �iy� � ° F ti ;,.....;::. . lI'Y f N iF..-4'F.•'..`?E�'•P: �. eji;:�'e:EFik:F:•l'EiiiEiiEiiiEE'r•�E?E!�����`��_ - i:l- • , -. IF:;: � i S-! 111Y I •� �.� 3 bf �beek Cr �1�• 1�� �Yllij•t: { !iF I � �' 'vp';.FE:°•.:: itl ii%i;t':i`:.ii:a�S`:.' _',`�.-- -, •l.t:.:::: �:::� _:: �•• S :. •,: ; .:.. wan to i`'s::,� �#a�• �'Cl _ ., Rd. 11='Y• ��'� Y IS:•t IVIl••I � �`. ;. CcrDeta CreeR 'F;'iF:e�e`��� 1/ �i'•.��!'4� ' °' //� '-��i-3. �� 1 � � /`i Fes. y{n�t'ti;PP:�iXiii°'.l":Y',.%. :' •'Gi°i:�:}� /� li' h t::::::�:7 Nwnlmy Creek IF umo.a, C,a d' , •�, ' l,. �:n•1=1i ��. a� I l I � I I Z I � I T T -'�� Figure 2 Existing Land Use Town of Swansboro November 1996 Legend Undeveloped/Agricultural Single -Family Residential Multi -Family Residential Manufactured Home Commercial ® �=iF'i;rFt: Institutional Industrial Recreational Town Limits ETJ Watershed Boundary School t Cemetery N W+L S Scale: 1" = 1,500' Wooten Company 1 /29/99 Qprovides a description of the major constraints to land development in the Swansboro area. The general suitability of land for development is analyzed and includes a discussion of physical limitations for development, fragile land and water areas, and areas with resource potential. The analysis of land suitability is particularly useful in preparing the land classifications which are discussed in Section 4.000. DExisting community facilities and municipal services are also reviewed and summarized in Section 2.000. An evaluation of Swansboro's ability to provide basic municipal services is made following an analysis of population projections and future land demands. The data analyzed in Section 2.000 provide important information upon which policy decisions are based. Data sources utilized in the preparation of this land use plan update are summarized in Appendix A. QSection 3.000 contains an evaluation of the 1991 Land Use Plan policy statements and outlines policies designed to address land development and growth management issues identified through the analysis of existing factors that affect land use. Policy statements concerning resource protection, resource production and management, economic and community development (including neighborhood -oriented land use policies), public participation, and storm hazard mitigation, post -disaster recovery, and evacuation are delineated in this section. The policies are intended to establish guidelines to be utilized by the town in making day -today local planning decisions and by state and federal agencies in project consistency, project Qfunding, and permit decisions. The policy statements were developed based upon the previously described analysis of (� existing conditions, land use trends, and constraints to land development as well as citizen input (� obtained through the town's public participation process. The land classification system described in Section 4.000 provides a means of assisting in the implementation of the land development policy statements. The land classification system provides a basic framework for identifying the future use of land and illustrates the town's (� policies as to where and to what density it wants growth to occur. The land classification (� system also delineates where the town wants to conserve natural and cultural resources. Section 4.000 provides a description of the land uses proposed within each land classification. The land I I classification map presented in this section graphically illustrates the land classification system as applied to the Swansboro Planning Jurisdiction. 1.300 Summary of Land Use Issues The major land use and development issues identified during the preparation of this land use plan update that will affect Swansboro during the next ten year period include the following (not presented here in any priority order): Resource Protection Issues • Stormwater runoff impacts. • Water quality of surface and ground waters. • Long-term solutions to wastewater treatment and disposal. • Guiding growth to areas best suited to accommodate development. 1.000 Introduction and Executive SummaryJanuary 29, 1999 Swansboro C"A Land Use Plan Update 1-3 0 a• The demand for and impacts of marinas. • Conservation of wetlands. Resource Production and Management Issues • The impact of land development activities on marine fisheries. • Protection of primary nursery areas. • The provision of public recreational space and water access. • The impact of urban development on prime agricultural land in the Swansboro Planning Jurisdiction. aEconomic and Community Development Issues • Maintaining low residential densities. • Redevelopment of the historic business area. • • Managing infill development in established residential areas. Commercial land use encroachment in residential areas. • Managing strip commercial development adjacent to NC Highway 24. (1 • The impact of tourism on Swansboro. ((�� • Improvements to major thoroughfares. • Promoting voluntary annexations. • Water and sewer extensions. • Coordination of comprehensive stormwater management practices and policies with Dadjoining local governments. • Regional solutions to wastewater disposal needs. Provision of waterfront access. • Annexation of outlying, developed areas. Ul 0 0 It Ul 1.400 Summary of Data Collection and Analysis The data analyzed in Section 2.000 were collected from a wide variety of sources (see Appendix A, Index of Data Sources) including published documents, governmental and private organizations, and individuals. Printed and digital map data were utilized in the preparation of this section of the plan. The major conclusions resulting from the data collection and analysis include: • The town's population is 1,351, an increase of 16 percent since 1990. • Swansboro is primarily a commercial services and retail center for the eastern portion of Onslow County. • The economy of Swansboro is based largely on the military, retail trade, services, tourism, and commercial fishing. The town is primarily a residential community and has no large industrial base. 1.000 Introduction and Executive SummaryJanuary 29, 1999 Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 1-4 • The predominant land use in Swansboro is single-family residences. 0 Most of the commercially -used land is located along the NC Highway 24 corridor and in the town's central business district located adjacent to the waterfront of the White Oak River. • A large amount of vacant, developable land is scattered throughout the planning region. Much of the undeveloped land is currently used for agricultural purposes. • The town's planning jurisdiction is located within two 14-digit watersheds, Queen Creek and Webb Creek. • Within the Swansboro planning jurisdiction, the primary water pollution sources of (� estuarine waters are estimated to be multiple nonpoint sources including agriculture, U forestry, urban runoff, septic tank runoff, and marinas. • Because of the large number of Outstanding Resource Water areas within the subbasin that Swansboro is located, the water quality in the area is considered to be generally excellent due largely to good tidal flushing. • The White Oak River Basinwide Water Quality Management Plan found that the Swansboro wastewater treatment plant did not appear to have a significant effect on the water quality of Foster Creek. a • The Division of Water Quality (formerly DEMI has classified waters in the Swansboro vicinity as SA and SC waters. • Identified fragile areas within the Swansboro planning jurisdiction include the state - Q designated Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs), Deer Island, and freshwater wetlands. • Public water and sewer service in Swansboro is provided by the Town of . Swansboro. o • Swansboro is participating in a Regional Wastewater Task Force (Onslow, Carteret, Craven, and Pamlico Counties) study that is exploring long-term regional solutions to wastewater needs. • The town has a municipal staff of 17 full-time and 5 part-time employees that o perform general administration, public works, public utilities, planning, and building inspection services. The current staffing level is considered sufficient to provide the level of municipal services. necessary to meet current and anticipated o demand • According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation's 1995 o Transportation Improvement Program Document, the only improvement or construction project currently underway for the Town of Swansboro is the widening of NC 24 from Swansboro to US 70 at Morehead City. a• A Thoroughfare Plan completed in 1993, but not officially adopted by the Town, recommended the construction of the NC 24 Bypass beginning at SR 1434 and reconnecting to the existing NC 24 near NC 58. • The town's population is projected to increase during the ten-year planning period from approximately 1,421 in 1996 to 1,736 in 2005. D 1.000 Introduction and Executive SummaryJanuary 29, 1999 (� Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 1-5 I • Swansboro's projected short-term growth rate is higher than that anticipated for Onslow County and for the state as a whole. • The economy of Swansboro and Onslow County is expected to remain based on government, retail trade, services, and tourism. Swansboro's employment is expected to continue to be centered around the services and retail trade sectors of the economy. Tourism is expected to continue to play a prominent role in the local economy. • Based upon the anticipated population increase of 315 persons by 2005 and the average household population size in the 1990 US Census of Population (2.22 persons per household), it is projected that an additional 142 residential units will be needed through the end of the 10-year planning period. • Based upon population projections and estimates of land needs, no additional major community facilities will be required during the 10-year study period to accommodate the anticipated growth. • Based upon population projections and community facility improvement which period to accommodate the anticipated plant capacity. estimates of land needs, the only major will be required during the 10-year study growth is expanded wastewater treatment 1.500 Summary of Policy Statements The issues delineated in Section 1.300 were discussed in the formulation of policy Qstatements which are outlined in detail in Section 3.00. The town developed three policy statements concerning floating homes, marinas in primary nursery areas, and drystack storage facilities that impose additional local requirements for Areas of Environmental Concern which are more restrictive than the CAMA minimum use standards. Many of the policy statements from the previous plan (1991 land use plan update) have been retained. The town's overall general policy concerning resource protection is to give the highest priority to the protection and management of U the area's natural resources, to safeguard and perpetuate their biological, social, economic, and U aesthetic values, and to ensure that development occurring within natural resource areas is compatible with the characteristics of the natural areas so as to minimize the likelihood of D significant loss of private property and public resources. It is the town's intent that its policies concerning resource protection policies be consistent with CAMA 7H Use Standards with the exception that the town's policy concerning floating homes and the policy concerning locating marinas in primary nursery areas are more restrictive than the CAMA 7H Use Standards. The town's overall general policy concerning resource production and management is to support the effective management of the area's natural resources so as to ensure the continued environmental (� and economic well being of the Swansboro planning jurisdiction. The town will continue to u consider the impacts on local and regional natural resources in all land development decisions and will seek to improve the cooperation and coordination with other public and private agencies (� involved with natural resource production and management. It is the town's intent that its policies u concerning resource production and management be consistent with CAMA 7H Use Standards except that the town's policy concerning locating marinas in areas classified as primary nursery areas is more restrictive than the CAMA regulations. Swansboro's overall general policy concerning economic and community development is to consider growth of the community as a desirable objective. Further, the town will promote only those types of development that do not U 1.000 Introduction and Executive SummaryJanuary 29, 1999 QSwansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 1-6 I I U i C I C 0 R I significantly impact natural resources and which retain and maintain the town's present character. New policy statements were developed which address a variety of issues and include: Resource Protection and Resource Production and Management Policies • Supporting voluntary annexation requests to facilitate adequate wastewater disposal so as to prevent the installation of additional septic tanks and to improve environmental conditions, particularly in areas with poor soil conditions for subsurface sewage disposal systems. • Encouraging the filling of coastal wetlands only in connection with activities and projects that are directly related to erosion control or that are water dependent uses. • Prohibiting the filling of freshwater wetlands except as permitted by the US Army Corps of Engineers. • Continuing to support the preservation and protection of the historic business district and other areas of architectural or archaeological value. • Not permitting marina construction in primary nursery areas. • Continuing to participate in meetings of the White Oak River Watershed Advisory Board and the Regional Wastewater Task Force. • Promoting the use of best available management practices to minimize the degradation of water quality resulting from stormwater runoff. • Encouraging marina siting and design which promotes proper flushing action. • Prohibiting the location of floating structures within its planning jurisdiction. • Prohibiting the location of drystack storage facilities within its planning jurisdiction. • Allowing public mooring fields in accordance with CAMA Use Standards. • Promoting the provision of adequate public access to the White Oak River for recreational purposes. Economic and Community Development Policies • Encouraging voluntary annexations as a mechanism for promoting orderly town growth and utility extensions. • Encouraging the redevelopment and restoration of the downtown historic business district as a retail and commercial marine center of the community; encouraging a variety of land uses including shopping and services; and promoting the adaptive reuse of existing buildings. • Evaluating commercial rezonings that promote neighborhood retail and service uses to monitor their impact on community character and scale. • Supporting local intergovernmental cooperation with regard to land use planning issues • Remaining committed to providing appropriate municipal services to support additional land development. 1.000 Introduction and Executive SummaryJanuary 29, 1999 Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 1-7 • Seeking to improve the town's capacity to provide municipal services. 0 Seeking to improve public water access in its downtown redevelopment planning efforts. • Promoting tourist support businesses and services in the downtown business district and in the highway -oriented commercial areas. 1.600 Summary of Land Classifications QThe Land Classification Map (see Figure 12) includes three land classifications: (i) developed; (ii) urban transition, and (iii) conservation. The Land Classification Map graphically illustrates the locations of the various classifications. Because of the scale of the Land Classification Map, the conservation classifications can not be mapped with any degree of accuracy. Precise locations for some areas classified as conservation must be determined by field investigation by the appropriate permitting agency. The general location of the various land classifications are described below. Developed Classification. The developed classification generally includes land that is being used for urban purposes. The developed area primarily includes the vast majority of the land that is currently within the town's corporate limits and, to a lesser degree, land that is located on the immediate fringes of the town's corporate area, particularly along the NC 24 Highway corridor. Municipal services are currently provided or can readily be extended to the overwhelming majority of the developed area. Urban Transition Classification. This classification includes the predominantly vacant, undeveloped areas and the existing agricultural areas located on the southwestern, northern, and northeastern fringes of the current Swansboro corporate limits. The majority of the area classified as urban transition is currently zoned R/A, Residential - Agricultural. Portions of the urban transition area are potential annexation areas. Municipal services are expected to ultimately be extended into the majority of such areas. Conservation Classification. This classification includes the AECs delineated in Section 4.230. Much of the area designated as conservation is within identified flood hazard areas. Because of the map scale, the conservation classification can not be accurately mapped. The precise location of coastal wetlands, freshwater wetlands, and the estuarine shoreline must be determined by field investigation by the appropriate permitting agency. The town concurs with CAMA AEC standards for properties located in the conservation classification and with the US Army Corps of Engineers regulations for `404' wetlands except for standards concerning floating homes, marinas in primary nursery areas, and dry stack boat storage facilities. The town's policies concerning these three areas are more restrictive than the CAMA AEC standards. The only major Land Classification Map change involved expanding the developed classification to include former urban transition areas on the periphery of the town that had developed more intensively since the 1991 Land Use Plan Update as well as areas that had been . annexed to the town since the 1991 Plan. 1.000 Introduction and Executive SummaryJanuary 29, 1999 Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 1-8 I Q1.700 Implementation and Management Strategies In order to implement the policies outlined in the Land Use Plan Update, the Swansboro Town Board and Planning Board will utilize the policy statements as one of the bases for decision - making when land development requests are made. Policy statements will be taken into D consideration when reviewing rezonings, zoning text amendments, special use permits, and subdivision plats. The Swansboro Board of Adjustment will also review policies outlined in this plan prior to making decisions on variances and special use permit requests. Swansboro will continue to administer and enforce its land use regulatory tools particularly the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations, and Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. The O town will review the current regulatory tools to eliminate inconsistencies which may exist between the tools and the policies outlined in this plan. Specifically, the Subdivision Regulations are currently being revised to more accurately reflect the town's current standards for new development. In addition, the town will review its current water and sewer extension policies for inconsistencies and to ensure the implementation of the adopted land use policies. The town will also seek grant assistance from the Division of Coastal Management for improving its base Omapping which is integral to providing water and sewer, street maintenance and repair, building inspection, zoning, and general planning services and for updating its zoning ordinance. a The town will ensure a continuous planning process by conducting periodic reviews of the Land Use Plan's policies. This review will be the responsibility of the Swansboro Town Manager who will coordinate such reviews with the Planning Board and Town Board. Al I I c Ul Ul 0 a I. APO Introduction and Executive Swnunary—January 29, 1999 0 Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 1 9 2.000 DATA COLLECTION - AND ANALYSIS 2.000 DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS The data collected and analyzed in this chapter are designed to provide an information base which will be helpful in making policy decisions about future land use and land development in the Swansboro Planning Region. Existing conditions regarding population, the local economy, land use, and current plans and policies that affect land use are described in Section 2.100. Constraints to land development are discussed in Section 2.200 which includes an analysis of land suitability, the capacity of Swansboro to provide basic community services, and the anticipated demand on community services. 2.100 Existing Conditions 2.110 Population. Population characteristics which are analyzed in this land use plan update include population size and growth trends, age distribution, racial composition, and household population. 2.111 Population Size and Growth Trends. Swansboro's 1995 population as estimated by the North Carolina Office of State Planning is 1,351. Table 1 below provides a comparison of the population size and rates of population growth for Swansboro with those of Onslow County and the State: Table 1 POPULATION SIZE Swansboro 1,104 1,207 976 1,165 1,351 Onslow County 82,706 103,126 112,784 149,838 147,912 North Carolina 4,556,155 5,084,411 5,880,095 6,632,448 7,194,238 POPULATION GROWTH RATES Swansboro 9.3 % -19.1 % 19.4 % 16.0 % Onslow County 24.7 % 9.4 % 32.9 % -1.3 % North Carolina 11.6 % 15.6 % 12.8 % 8.5 % Sources: US Census of Population 1960 - 1990; NC Municipal Population, NC Office of State Planning, 1996 a A review of the town's population since 1910 indicates a fluctuating pattern of growth (see Appendix B). The town's greatest growth occurred between 1980 and 1990 when it's rate of growth exceeded that of North Carolina's. Between a 1960 and 1980 however, the town's growth rate was consistently below that of the county and the state. The town lost population between 1970 and 1990. Projections by the NC Office of State Planning indicate that the town's growth O2.000 Data Collection and Analysis —January 29, 1999 Swansboro CRAM Land Use Plan Update 2-1 i rate since 1990 is exceeding the growth rate of both Onslow County and the state. aThe town's 1980-1990 growth rate of 19.4 percent was above average among the selected coastal municipalities in the immediate region surrounding Swansboro (see Appendix B). This trend of above average growth has continued since 1990. Between 1990 and 1994, Swansboro's growth rate ranking was ninth among the nineteen cities in the immediate region. Typically, Swansboro's growth rate has o not been as high as that of Onslow County as a whole. Onslow County's growth rate during the 1980-1990 time period, however, placed it as the 4th fastest growing county in North Carolina. As seen in Appendix C, Onslow County's growth is attributable in large part to natural increases of the population in the area. In 1990, the county's natural increase rate of 23.8% was substantially higher than that of counties in the region and that of the state. Projections by the NC Office of State Planning indicate that Onslow County's natural increase rate, a while remaining higher than the statewide and regional rates, will decrease in future years. In 1990, Swansboro contained 1,942 persons per square mile. The population density figure in 1990 statewide was 136 persons per square mile and for Onslow County, 195 persons per square mile. While seasonal and recreational population is an important part in the overall population of Onslow County, it does not have a significant impact on the total population of Swansboro. According to the 1990 US Census, Swansboro had 28 vacant seasonal and migratory housing units. By comparison, Onslow County had 1,912 such units in 1990. Based upon a December 1996 windshield survey of the town and its planning region, seasonal housing was determined to be an insignificant portion of the total housing stock, and thus the population as well. Two bed and breakfasts within Swansboro's planning jurisdiction are the only accommodations for temporary guests and is a relatively minor addition to the seasonal housing population. Seasonal and recreational population fluctuates with the tourist season but does have some influence on the overall population impacts on public facility needs and public services. 2.112 Age Composition and Distribution. The age composition of Swansboro's population in 1990 varied from that of the county [see Appendix D]. Generally, Swansboro's population is much older than that of Onslow County. This can be attributed, in large part, to the military personnel stationed at Camp O Lejeune. The town had a higher proportion of working -aged persons (25-64 years) and retirement -aged persons (65 years and older) than did the county. The town also had a lower proportion of school -aged persons (under 18 years) and college aged (18-24 years) than Onslow County. The town's age composition and distribution is more similar to that statewide. Long-term demographic projections by the North Carolina Office of State Planning for Onslow County (see Appendix D) indicate that the share of the population under the age of 18 years and the college -age population will decrease 2.000 Data Collection and Analysis —January 29, 1999 Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 2-2 I slightly and the working -age and retirement -age population will slightly increase. The anticipated aging of the population will have long-term implications for health care services as well as for the housing industry. A greater demand for medical care, in -home services, institutional care, and housing tailored for the elderly can be expected in future years. The population of Swansboro, reflective of the current national trend, is aging. The median age in Swansboro in 1990 was 33.4 years. However, the town's median age in 1990 was slightly higher than the national and state medians [see Appendix E]. a 2.113 Racial Composition. Racial composition data for Swansboro in the 1990 census indicate that the town is 95.7 percent white, 2.1 percent black, and 2.2 percent all other races. The town's minority population is considerably lower a that of the state (24.5%) and that of Onslow County (25.5%). Long-term projections forecast a moderately fluctuating minority population for both Onslow County and North Carolina [see Appendix F]. 2.114 Household Population. Swansboro's household population size, like that on the national level, has been steadily decreasing. In 1980, Swansboro had an a average of 2.51 persons per household. By 1990, the figure had decreased to 2.22 persons, a lower household population average than Onslow County (2.84 persons) and the state as a whole (2.54 persons). The average household population is projected to decline even further as the overall family size decreases and the number of single -person households increases [see Appendix G]. Single - person households in Swansboro in 1990 comprised over 29 percent of the town's total occupied housing. The continued trend of fewer persons per household will ahave an impact on the future types and sizes of dwelling units. 2.120 Economy. The economy of Swansboro and Onslow County is based largely on the military, retail trade, services, tourism, and commercial fishing. Swansboro is a commercial services and retail center for the eastern portion of the county. The town is primarily a residential community and has no large industrial base. The economic indicators reviewed in this section include employment, income, trade and services, tourism, and commercial fishing. a 2.121 Employment. As shown in Appendix H, 66 percent of the town's civilian labor force in 1990 was employed in two employment categories, the services sector and wholesale/retail trade sector. The construction and public administration sectors were the next largest employment categories. Although employment in Swansboro is centered around the services and retail trade sectors, many residents in the working -age category are employed in Onslow County and the surrounding area. The largest employment sectors in Onslow County in 1990 were the services, trade, and governmental sectors. When compared to the state, Onslow County's proportion of workers in the governmental, wholesale and retail trade, services, construction, and finance/real estate sectors is higher and is lower in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors. 2.000 Data Collection and Analysis January 29, 1999 Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 2-3 Governmental employment in the Onslow County area includes municipal and county employment, state employment, and federal employment. Federal D employment in Onslow County includes military employees and federal service employees. According to data from the 1990 census, approximately 6 percent of all employed residents commuted out of Onslow County to their workplace. The majority of out -commuters traveled to destinations outside of the immediate region (62 a percent). In -commuters came primarily from outside of the immediate region (38 percent). A larger number of workers also traveled from Carteret County (20 percent). Onslow County had more workers coming into the county (6,467) than it had commuting out of the county (5,056). A more detailed explanation of commuting patterns can be found in Appendix I. Projections made by the North Carolina Office of State Planning indicate that North Carolina's employment growth is expected to continue to be consistently higher than the national average through the year 2000. The largest employment gains are anticipated in the non -manufacturing sector, particularly the services and trade sectors. The local and state government sector is also expected to grow significantly as decentralization of the federal government increases. Specific employment projections for Onslow County by Woods and Poole Economics [see Appendix J] indicate increases in the wholesale and retail trade, construction, and service sectors from 1990 and 2010. Employment decreases are anticipated in the same time period for the agriculture; manufacturing; transportation, communication and public utilities; fire, insurance, and real estate; and government sectors. Government will continue to be the largest employment sector followed by the wholesale and retail trade sectors. 2.122 Income Characteristics. According to the 1990 Census, the per capita income in Swansboro was $12,919 compared to $10,713 for all of Onslow County and $12,885 statewide. Although projected data are not available for Swansboro, forecasts made for Onslow County provide some indication of future income trends that can be expected in the area. Appendix K delineates per capita projections for Onslow County and North Carolina through 2010. These projections indicate that while the per capita income in Onslow County will increase in the future years, it will continue to remain below that of the state as a whole. Mean household income data are also provided in Appendix K. 2.123 Trade and Services. According to the 1992 Census of Retail Trade, retail sales in Onslow County totaled $793,674,000. In 1992, the county contained 750 retail establishments that employed 9,082 persons. As shown in Appendix L, the leading retail categories were automobile dealers, food stores, general merchandise, and eating and drinking places. Retail sales projections by Woods and Poole Economics for Onslow County indicate that while there will be steady increases in the volume of annual retail sales. Retail sectors projected to show proportional increases in total sales include general merchandise, automobile dealers, furniture and home furnishings, and a 2.000 Data Collection and Analysis —January 29, 1999 Swansboro CAAM Land Use Plan Update 24 0 aeating and drinking places. These projections are consistent with long-term forecasts by the North Carolina Office of State Planning which predict somewhat aslower economic growth through the end of this century. 2.124 Tourism. Travel and tourism contribute substantially to the economy of O Swansboro and Onslow County. The table below shows a comparison of travel - related employment and expenditures in 1995 for Onslow County, selected coastal counties, and the state: I I I' J 0 it Table 2 TRAVEL -RELATED EMPLOYMENT, EXPENDITURES, & TAX RECEIPTS Selected Coastal Counties 1995 Expenditures - Payroll Local Tax Receipts Employment ($ Millions) ($ Millions) ($ Mesons) Beaufort 410 38.19 5.50 1.86 Brunswick 3,260 176.22 36.08 9.96 Carteret 3,430 187.26 37.82 9.57 Craven 950 60.01 14.25 1.19 Dare 7,750 349.82 80.00 15.21 New Hanover 4,380 220.91 56.23 7.56 Onslow 1,370 87.2 20.34 2.60 Pamlico 80 9.84 1.21 0.86 North Carolina 161,000 9,195.33 2,590.56 244.61 Source: Economic Impact of Travel and Tourism on North Carolina, US Travel Data Center, 1996. In 1995, Onslow County ranked 20th in the state in travel -related expenditures a and in travel -related employment. The economic impact of travel and tourism in Onslow County increased 26 percent from 1989 to 1994; the statewide increase during the same period was 32 percent. The greatest effect of travel spending D throughout North Carolina is felt in the food service, lodging, public transportation, and automobile transportation sectors of the economy. a The secondary effects of travel and tourism also has a major impact on the local economy of Swansboro and Onslow County. Each travel -related dollar enters the economy and creates secondary economic impacts. Travel -related expenditures become wages and salaries, capital to purchase other goods and services, sales tax, and income tax. The additional travel -related spending results in the creation of other jobs in the community. 2.125 Commercial Fishing. According to 1995 statistics, Onslow County was ranked 8th in the state in total seafood landings and 6th in total value of seafood landings. The county's share of 1995 seafood landings represented 5 percent of 2.000 Data Collection and Analysis --January 29, 1999 Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 2-5 I I I I I I the entire state's total commercial dockside value and 2 percent of the statewide landings. Like the tourism industry, commercial and sport fishing also have a economic multiplier effect that impacts other sectors of the local economy. Commercial seafood landings and commercial dockside value data for selected coastal counties are delineated below in Table 3. Table 3 CODIMERCIAL SEAFOOD LANDINGS Selected Coastal Counties 1995 Pounds Value Beaufort 10,341,860 $ 9,017,387 Brunswick 3,713,685 5,335,044 Carteret 80,721,183 26,029,720 Craven 526,009 512,115 Dare 39,350,171 27,537,823 New Hanover 2,269,979 3,277,344 Onslow 3,419,286 5,529,096 Pamlico 8,673,935 11,018,915 North Carolina 177,705,558 . 112,214,663 Source: Commercial Landings Statistics, North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries. 2.130 Existing Land Use. The predominant land use in Swansboro is residential. As indicated in Table 4, residential uses account for almost 72 percent of the developed acreage. Institutional uses represent the next largest land use category by accounting for almost 18 percent of total developed acreage. A considerable amount of agricultural and undeveloped land remains throughout the town's planning region, estimated at approximately 43 percent of the total acreage within the town's corporate limits and its a extraterritorial planning area. Figure 2 delineates the existing land use patterns within the Swansboro planning jurisdiction. The Swansboro planning jurisdiction is located within two 14-digit watersheds (Queen Creek, #03020106020060 and Webb Creek, #03020106020010) as delineated by the US Natural Resource Conservation Service. Both watersheds are within subbasin 030501 of the White Oak River Basin. The general boundaries of these two watersheds are delineated on Figures 1-11. U The Webb Creek watershed encompasses roughly the northern one-half of the Swansboro planning jurisdiction as well as the incorporated areas along the NC Highway a 24 west corridor. The predominant land use within this watershed is agricultural and undeveloped tracts. The NC 24 Highway corridor is the most intensively developed portion of the watershed and includes primarily commercial, institutional, and manufactured home use. a 2.000 Data Collection and Analysis —January 29, 1999 Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 2-6 enforcement of land development regulations. The following sections provide a brief description of the plans, policies, and regulations that affect land use in Swansboro. O2.141 Town of Swansboro Land Use Plan. This original CAMA Land Use Plan for Swansboro was adopted in 1976. With the assistance of the Department of Natural and Economic Resources, the Town of Swansboro prepared this plan to describe existing characteristics related to population, the economy, land use, and physical constraints to development. The plan also included projections for future needs and set goals, objectives, and policies to meet those needs. 2.142 Town of Swansboro Land Use Plan Update. This was the first update a of the CAMA Land Use Plan completed in 1976 and was officially adopted in 1980. This plan updated figures regarding population, economic, and land use data provided in the first CAMA Land Use Plan. The revised data were then Q used to identify community issues and re-examine the existing policies to determine if modification was needed. 2.143 Town of Swansboro Land Use Plan Update. This plan, adopted in o1986, was the second update to the original 1976 CAMA Land Use Plan. Prepared by Satilla Planning Consultants of St. Mary's, Georgia, this plan continued the process of revising and updating data, examining community issues, and re-evaluating existing goals, objectives, and policies. 2.144 Town of Swansboro Land Use Plan Update. This plan, adopted in 1991, was prepared by Ken Weeden and Associates. This plan continued the process of revising and updating data, examining community issues, and re- evaluating existing goals, objectives, and policies. 2.145 Communities Facilities Element. This plan, adopted in 1980, dealt with the need for community facilities within the Town of Swansboro. It identified a existing community facilities and needs. The plan also identified future needs of the community and plans to expand existing facilities to handle the increased need. 2.146 Swansboro Growth Management Study. This study, conducted by students and faculty from the Department of City and Regional Planning at the Q University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, was completed in 1988. The study analyzed various aspects of the town including the natural environment, infrastructure, and community services. It also provided ways to manage the atown's growth such that growth would meet citizens' preferences and needs. 2.147 Capital Improvements Program. This section of the town's annual budget concentrates on maintenance and repair needs of the town's water and sewer systems, improvements to the system, efficiency of daily operations, and efforts to comply with state and federal requirements. a2.148 NC State Building Code. The Town of Swansboro has adopted and enforces all volumes of North Carolina's state building code. Enforcement of the a 2.000Data Collection and Anal sis--Janus 29, 1999 Y rY Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 2-10 I 0 I I I 0 II it building code is provided by a building inspector employed by the Town of Swansboro. 2.149 National Flood Insurance Program. The Town of Swansboro participates as a member of the regular phase in the National Flood Insurance Program. Provisions of this program are incorporated in and enforced through the town's zoning ordinance and building inspection program. 2.150 Swansboro Impact Fee Ordinance. This ordinance states that the costs associated with providing water and sewer services to new developments shall be borne by the users. This ordinance was officially adopted in 1985. This ordinance is administered by the Town Manager and Director of Public Utilities. 2.151 Swansboro Sewer Ordinance. This ordinance requires that residents who live in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of Swansboro, but who wish to be served by Swansboro's sewer system must formally request sewer service and bear the cost of extending the service to their households. This ordinance was officially adopted in 1985 and revised in 1987. This ordinance is administered by the Town Manager and Director of Public Utilities. 2.152 Swansboro Waste and Sewer Extension Regulations. These regulations (-( established a system for extension of water and/or sewer services to areas in the u adjacent unincorporated areas. This system established a process for reviewing requests for service extension, summarized state agency approvals, engineering D specifications required, and provided a method of financing such extensions. These regulations are administered by the Town Manager and Director of Public Utilities. Fill it I I 0 0 2.153 Thoroughfare Plan for the Town of Swansboro, 1993. This plan was the first thoroughfare plan completed for the town. The plan identified thirteen transportation needs for the area and evaluated the costs and benefits associated with each proposed project. The plan has never been officially, adopted by the Town. 2.154 Coastal Initiatives Program. In 1988, the Town of Swansboro was designated as a pilot community for the Governor's Coastal Initiatives Program. The program's goal was to provide special technical assistance to the participating communities to help in their economic and community development. As part of the program, Swansboro has been involved in several coastal initiatives projects. Some examples include the completion of a Town boat dock and the dredging of Hawkins Creek. Other activities and projects are also planned to be completed. 2.155 Storm Preparedness Plan. This plan, which was originally adopted in 1991, was developed as a guide to assist Town officials with major storm preparedness and post disaster operations. A more detailed description of the plan is provided in Section 3.600. 2.000 Data Collection and Analysis —January 29, 1999 Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 2-11 0 2.156 Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Swansboro. Originally adopted in 1968, this ordinance provides use, dimensional, and developmental standards for all new development within the Town and its extraterritorial planning ajurisdiction. The ordinance establishes 14 zoning districts including 1 agricultural -residential, 9 residential, 2 commercial, 1 industrial, and a conservation district. Maximum residential densities range from 1 to 12.5 Odwelling units per acre. The majority of the residentially -zoned areas within the Town's jurisdiction, however, permit maximum densities that range from 1 to 7.2 dwellings per acre. The two commercial zoning classifications allow a variety of retail, wholesale, office, and business and professional service uses. The industrial classification permits light industrial uses. Various revisions have been made to the zoning ordinance since its original adoption. The Zoning OOrdinance is administered and enforced by the Town Manager and building inspector. 2.157 Subdivision Regulations. The Subdivision Regulations were originally adopted in 1968. Comprehensive revisions were adopted in July 1998. The Subdivision Regulations primarily provide platting procedures and developmental standards for residential subdivisions. The Subdivision Regulations are administered within the town's corporate limits as well as the extraterritorial planning jurisdiction. Subdivision plat review affords the Town an opportunity (� to coordinate street and utility layouts in emerging residential areas. The Town L� Manager assists the Planning Board with the enforcement and administration of �j the Subdivision Regulations. U 2.158 Waterfront Redevelopment Plan. The Waterfront Redevelopment Plan is being prepared to provide guidelines for improving the Swansboro waterfront (� and downtown area for the purpose of attracting tourism, particularly water- 1 j oriented tourism. in 0 I i I I The town considers the current plans and regulations to be adequate to effectively handle current land development activities. However, revisions to the zoning ordinance will be considered to keep the regulations current. Also, the town is currently undertaking the preparation of an overall comprehensive plan that will include components regarding land use, streets, parks and recreation, housing, and municipal services. The comprehensive plan will also include a strategy for implementing the recommendations contained in the plan. 2.200 Constraints to Land Development This section of the land use plan update analyzes the general suitability of land within the Swansboro Planning and Zoning Jurisdiction. Also included within this section is a discussion of Swansboro's capacity to provide basic community services as well as the projected demand on community services. 2.210 Land Suitability. The analysis of land suitability includes a discussion of physical limitations for development, the location of environmentally fragile areas, and the location of areas with resource potential. The Swansboro planning jurisdiction is located within two major watersheds (Queen Creek, #03020106020060 and Webb Creek, 2.000Data Collection andAnalysis—January 29, 1999 Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 2-12 f U located within two major watersheds (Queen Creek, #03020106020060 and Webb Creek, #03020106020010) as delineated by the US Natural Resource Conservation Service. Both watersheds are within subbasin 030501 of the White Oak River Basin. The general boundaries of these watersheds are delineated on Figures 1-11. 0 2.211 Physical Limitations for Development 2.211.1 Hazard Areas. The only major man-made hazard area in Swansboro is NC 24. NC 24 is listed as a hazard to the Town due to the risks associated with its use as a strategic military highway. The constant movement of troops and materiel to and from the Camp Lejeune Marine O Corps Base increases the risks associated with living in close proximity to a major roadway. Airports also present a hazard to the surrounding areas. In addition to Camp Lejeune, other military installations are located in n the region that conduct air operations. Because of their proximity to Swansboro they also present a potential risk to the town. Natural hazard areas include floodable areas. The following description of the principal flood problems in Swansboro is from the "Flood Insurance Study, Town of Swansboro" which was prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in 1983: "The dominant source of flooding in Swansboro is wind driven tides generated in the Atlantic Ocean by tropical storms and hurricanes. During such an event, these wind driven tides may enter the White Oak River estuary through Bogue Inlet causing flooding along the Swansboro Sound front. High winds associated with tropical storms can also produce extremely high waves which create higher than normal tides. The wave action during a tidal flood can be much more damaging than the higher water level. Areas located adjacent to Bogue Sound are subject to these wave attacks. Not all storms which pass close to the study area produce extremely high tides. Similarly, storms which produce flooding conditions in one area may not necessarily produce flooding conditions in other parts of the study area." Flood hazard areas have been delineated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and are identified in Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM). The latest update for the FIRM was conducted in 1983 and is available for review at the Swansboro Town Hall. The maps delineate the 100-year and 500-year flood boundaries and provide base flood elevation data. Areas of the 100-year coastal flood with velocity (3 feet or more of wave action) are also depicted on the flood hazard maps as Velocity (V) Zones. The 100-year flood area is the base flood for purposes of floodplain management measures. Base flood elevations within the 100- year flood area are minimal and are not valid here. The general location of the 100-year flood hazard area is shown in Figure 3. 2.000 Data Collection and Analysis —January 29, 1999 Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 2-13 Y-- 1 1 The preparation of this map was financed in part through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through the funds—,-- — provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Act of 1972, as amended, which Is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. \ i a 0 9 N O ti Va # ~ � lc D S�"anstoro Rd. fa-1 ti Figure 3 Fragile Areas & Areas of Environmental Concern Swansboro, NC Legend ETJ Town Limits Estuarine Shoreline AEC Watershed Boundary ® Primary Nursery Area 100-Year Flood Hazard Area NOTES: Areas of Environmental Concern include Coastal Wetlands, estuarine waters, public trust areas, and the estuarine shoreline. See Appendix U. Glossary for Definitions. The precise location of Coastal Wetlands, Freshwater Wetlands, and the Estuarine Shoreline must be determined by field investigation. All water areas in the Swansboro planning jurisdiction are either Estuarine Waters or Public Trust Waters. This map is not intended for CAMA Permit Decisionmaking. N W E S Scale: 1" = 1,500' 1/29/99 0 All development on land in identified flood hazard areas, including areas susceptible to sea level rise, is regulated by the town's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance which requires that new buildings be elevated above the base flood elevation. D 2.211.2 Soil Limitations. The study area consists of two general soil map units: (i) Norfolk-Goldsboro-Onslow and (ii) Bohicket-Newhan. Appendix O delineates the soils within these two general map units and shows the limitations of each soil type for building site development and subsurface sewage disposal. Figure 4 shows the general location of soil types that have overall severe limitations for building site development and 0 septic system use. The major limiting soil conditions for building site development include flooding, ponding, shrink -swell, low soil strength, wetness, and slope. The limiting conditions for septic tank absorption fields, which include wetness, flooding and ponding, low soil strength, rapid permeability, and slope, are shown in Appendix P. Soil limitations are considered severe if soil properties or site features are so unfavorable or difficult to overcome that special design, significant increases in construction costs, and possibly increased maintenance are required. Special feasibility studies may be required where soil limitations are severe. aA detailed soils analysis (Soil Survey of Onslow County, North Carolina; US Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, 1992) is Q available which highlights limitations and hazards inherent in the various soils. The Soil Conservation Service, located in Jacksonville, can provide more detailed information about specific soil types. Because the Onslow County Environmental Health Department determines the suitability of each site for septic tanks and absorption fields on a case -by -case basis, it should be consulted to obtain a specific site evaluation and permit. 2.211.3 Availability and Quality of Public Water Supply. Swansboro purchases its water from the Onslow County Water Department. The (� Onslow County water system obtains its water from thirteen wells with a U total capacity of 7,080 gallons per minute. Water storage is provided by seven elevated storage tanks and two ground storage tanks which have a (? combined storage capacity of 9.15 million gallons. The County operates (� two water treatment plants that each have a current capacity of 2.0 million gallons per day; these plants have the capability to be expanded to 6.0 (� million gallons per day. Recent improvements have increased the L county's pumping capacity to 11.6 million gallons per day. During 1996, the county's pumping- average was 5.6 million gallons per day and the highest pumping day recorded between 1993 and 1996 was 8.2 million gallons per day. Onslow County's water supply is obtained from the Cretaceous Middle Sand and Castle Hayne Aquifers. These aquifers are also used extensively by numerous municipalities and industries within the central coastal plain. 2.000 Data Collection and Analysis —January 29, 1999 OSwansboro CAAM Land Use Plan Update 2-15 Excessive concentrated pumping may reduce the productivity of the aquifers and could lead to salt water intrusion. While it has been determined that the county water system will be sufficient to meet immediate demands, there is concern that, long-term, the existing system may not be sufficient to meet urban development needs, particularly high density development. Additional county water system improvements may be necessary to meet future demands. The town has the ability to store 100,000 gallons of water. The town a presently uses approximately 130,000 gallons per day. As an ongoing improvement project, Swansboro is planning to loop the water mains to form a closed system. 2.211.4 Water Quality Conditions. The Town of Swansboro planning jurisdiction is located within Subbasin 030501 (White Oak River and tributaries) of the White Oak River Basin. This subbasin includes portions of Onslow, Jones, Craven, and Carteret Counties. Most of this subbasin is within the Croatan National Forest and Hoffman State Forest and is relatively undisturbed. A significant portion of waters in this subbasin are estuarine, including the waters around Hammocks Beach State Park, the intracoastal waterway, Bogue Sound, much of the White Oak River, and Most of Queen Creek and Bear Creek. Other than the Town of Maysville, the majority of major development within the subbasin is located along the coast at the Towns of Swansboro and Cape Carteret. There are no major a dischargers in the subbasin. The largest discharger, the Swansboro wastewater treatment plant, discharges 0.3 million gallons per day into Foster Creek. aWater pollution is caused by a number of substances including sediment, nutrients, bacteria, oxygen -demanding wastes and toxic substances such as a heavy metals, chlorine and pesticides. Sources of these pollutants are divided into two general categories: point sources and nonpoint sources. Point sources are basically discharges that enter surface waters through a pipe, ditch, or other well-defined point of discharge and often include discharges from wastewater treatment plants or large urban and industrial stormwater systems. Within the Swansboro planning jurisdiction, the only apoint source discharger is the town's wastewater treatment plant. Nonpoint sources generally include stormwater runoff from small urban O areas (less than 100,000 population), forestry, mining, agricultural lands and other. Examples of the types of land use activities that can serve as sources of nonpoint pollution include land development, construction, crop a production, animal feeding lots, failing septic systems, landfills, roads, and parking lots. Fecal coliform bacteria and nutrients are major pollutants associated with nonpoint source pollution. Unlike point source pollution, nonpoint pollution sources are diffuse in nature and occur at random intervals depending on rainfall frequency and intensity. I 2.000 Data Collection and Analysis —January 29, 1999 Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 2-17 Within the Swansboro planning jurisdiction, the primary water pollution sources of estuarine waters are estimated to be multiple nonpoint sources including agriculture, forestry, urban runoff, septic tank runoff, and marinas. Because of the large number of Outstanding Resource Water areas within this subbasin, water quality, according the draft "White Oak River Basinwide Water Quality Management Plan" prepared by the NC Division of Water Quality, Water Quality Section in July 1996, in the sounds is considered to be generally excellent due largely to good tidal flushing. Water quality concerns have arisen since a bridge was built across the White Oak River in the mid-1930's. It has been suggested that bridge development has decreased tidal flushing in the river which has resulted in elevated coliform and decreased salinity levels. During the planning of road improvements in the area, the NC Department of Transportation has been investigating potential ways to improve hydraulic exchange upstream and downstream of the bridge. The White Oak River Basinwide Plan found that the Swansboro wastewater treatment plant did not appear to have a significant effect on the water quality of Foster Creek. However, the heavy deposits of fine mud at Foster Creek are probably due, at least in part, to settled particulates from the plant's outfall. The main reasons for closures in shellfish waters in the 030501 subbasin appear to be related to land disturbing activities, agriculture, and large marinas. The activities that contribute to this condition include, but are not limited to, construction, urban stormwater, failing septic systems, and agricultural activities. Control of these types of activities include a wide variety of state agencies, local health departments, local municipal and county governments, and private property owners. There is no prescriptive remedy to solve the problem of closed shellfish waters. Rather, it will require a great deal of collaboration and coordination to achieve the common goal of protecting and restoring shellfish waters. Areas closed to shellfishing in the Swansboro area are delineated in Figure 5. The NC Division of Water Quality's monitoring program integrates biological, chemical, and physical data assessment to provide information for basinwide planning. The seven major monitoring programs utilized by DWQ include the following: Benthic macroinvertebrate monitoring Fish population and tissue monitoring Lakes assessment Aquatic toxicity monitoring Special studies and chemical/physical water quality investigations Sediment oxygen demand monitoring Ambient water quality monitoring 2.000 Data Collection and Analysis --January 29, 1999 Swansboro CAAM Land Use Plan Update 2-18 The preparation of this map was financed in part through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through the funds? ---- provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Act of 1972, as amended, which Is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Z� 1 ti� W. ijFigure 5 Water Quality Concerns Town of Swansboro SupportTown Limits Watershed Boundary - -Waters SA Waters Closed to Shellfishing 1 � I wTootl� Ire T N Company I 1 W E �. I S I Scale: 1" = 1500' 1/29/99 _ Each of these monitoring programs is described in more detail in the White Oak River Basinwide Plan. - 2.211.5 Water Quality Classes and Standards. All surface waters in North Carolina are assigned a primary water classification, and they may also be assigned one or more supplemental classifications. Figure 6 shows the water quality classifications for waters in the Swansboro vicinity. A portion of the White Oak River, located just outside of the southeastern portion of Swansboro's planning area, has also been designated as an ORW (Outstanding Resource Water). Table 5 summarizes surface water classifications and water quality standards applicable to the Swansboro aplanning jurisdiction. 2.211.6 Water Quality Use -Support Ratings. Another important a method for assessing water quality is to determine whether the quality is sufficient to support the uses for which the waterbody has been classified by the state. The word "uses" refers to activities such as swimming, fishing, aquatic life protection, and water supply. All surface waters are rated as either "fully supporting" (S), "support -threatened" (ST), "partially supporting" (PS), or "nonsupporting" (NS). The terms refer to whether the classified uses of the water are being fully supported, D partially supported, or are not supported. As an example, saltwaters classified for commercial shellfish harvesting would be rated as fully supporting if bacterial levels in the water were low enough to allow a harvesting. However, if fecal coliform bacterial levels were too high to allow shellfish to be harvested, but not too high to prevent swimming, then the waters would be rated as partially supporting since they only D support the swimming. If the waters were impacted to the point that even swimming was disallowed, the waters would be rated as nonsupporting. The use -supporting ratings for water bodies in the vicinity of the a Swansboro planning jurisdiction and the stormwater control requirements for those waters are delineated in Figure 5. The stormwater control requirements are applicable only when a major CAMA Permit or a a Sedimentation and Erosion Control Permit is needed and the impacted area is more than one acre in size. 2.211.7 Areas with Excessive Slope and High Erosion Potential. The topography of Swansboro rises fairly rapidly from the sound shore to a maximum elevation of about 42 feet above mean sea level (msl). Within O the town's planning region, where are no areas with slopes in excess of twelve percent. Consequently, excessive slope is not a constraint to land development. There are no significant estuarine erosion areas within the planning jurisdiction of the Town of Swansboro. 2.212 Fragile Areas. Fragile areas within the Swansboro planning jurisdiction which could easily be damaged or destroyed by inappropriate or poorly planned development include the state -designated areas of environmental concern, sound and estuarine system islands, and freshwater wetlands. 2.000 Data Collection and Anal sis—Janu 29, 1999 Y �Y Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 2-20 0 The preparation of this map was financed In part through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through the funds7✓ provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Act of 1972, as amended, which Is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 7 ti tea. ti o�gs Hi C� Figure 6 Water Classification Map Town of Swansboro Legend ETJ Town Limits i Watershed Boundary O Class SA Water Class SC Water N W E S Scale: 1" = 1500' A&M Company 1/29/99 -�- 0 I I I 0 0 Table 5 WATER CLASSIFICATIONS AND STORMWATER CONTROL REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER BODIES LOCATED IN THE TOWN OF SWANSBORO PLANNING REGION & Mill. Max. p Mill. SedimentationErosion Area --- --------- ro:i :_::., �,•: r_;.�.-.:._. ----------i.: z:'v!e' ._'.•M }..3.:::.i; f�:::...:"e �� -•{s..: ;t �<. �:{ ::},r _.... .�:.y.:x' -o.:d:.,w u; r•: - _ .- :jys r '}y.✓.fi. l s r R v-. ..• f i;.+r e ss;,�,, }j� '.}'h`.Y.•'r ?r<>R ; �J $': "';v"•° " y, . 'Yf` l`. is so %�8tecs; tt$ �,"s-'>'ima ,'filassif"isatioiis� SA *Commercial one Sedimentation Low Density . Low Density Low Density shellfish Control Commission has Ootion Oration O ion harvesting; as many as 5 increased 30 ft. from 25% 1/3 acre •plus SC and SB design standards for surface waters. Best Uses projects in all HQW zones. Engineered Eneineered See Sedimentation Control Controls Controls Rules for Design • N/A • N/A Standards in Sensitive Watersheds (15A NCAC 4B.0024). SC •Aquatic life •Standard erosion Low Density Low Density Low Density propagation; protection & sedimentation Option Option 22fim •Recreational req'd for all projects > 1 30 ft. from 30% 1/3 acre fishing, boating, acre. surface waters, & water related •Req'd to manage 10 year Eneineered Eneineered activities storm runoff. Controls Controls involving •Refer to the NC Division • N/A • N/A minimal skin of Land Resources contact ' 1$1Slor1.?O'' :a ' .... - na]it •:? nda TV SS1fIG1ti0 ,.. ts.',_<7�_ ',=w:�:M:.• .: ,. :. �,.. •,.,• :�,,,,. . Outstanding Resource •Excellent The Sedimentation Control New developments located within 575' of the mean high Waters (ORW) quality saltwater Commission has as many water level of ORW class waters must meet, at a and; as 5 increased design minimum, the Low Density Options specified in the •Outstanding standards for projects in all Coastal Stormwater Management Rules for SA class Fish Habitat; or HQW zones. See waters. Specific stormwater control strategies for •High Existing/ Sedimentation Control protecting ORW class saltwaters are developed during Attainable Rules for Design the process to reclassify waters with the ORW Recreation; or Standards in Sensitive supplemental classification. *Special Federal Watersheds (15A NCAC 11 or State 4B.0024). designation; or •Part of a State/National i Park/Forest; or t *High ecologicay scientific significance. Source: A Guide to North Carolina's Tidal Saltwater Classifications, Cape Fear Council of Government, 1994. Note: Stormwater controls are applicable only when a major CAMA Permit or a Sedimentation and Erosion Control Permit is needed and the impacted area is more than one acre in size. 2.000 Data Collection and Analysis —January 29, 1999 Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 2-22 0 Q2.212.1 Areas of Environmental Concern. Areas of environmental concern (AECs) include coastal wetlands, estuarine waters and public trust Q areas, and the estuarine shoreline. Coastal wetlands are defined as any marshes subject to regular or occasional flooding by lunar or wind tides. Estuarine waters are defined by the Coastal Management Act as all the waters of the Atlantic Ocean within the boundary of North Carolina and all the water of bays, sounds, rivers, and tributaries thereto seaward of the dividing line between coastal fishing waters and inland fishing waters. Public trust areas include waters and submerged lands in the coastal region where the public has rights of use and/or ownership, including rights of navigation and recreation. The estuarine shoreline area of environmental concern in Swansboro is defined as all the shorelands within 75 feet landward of the mean high water level, or normal water level, of the estuarine waters. Development within the designated areas of environmental concern is limited by CAMA regulations and development guidelines. Generally, the development standards for coastal wetlands, estuarine waters, and public trust areas permit only water -dependent uses such as navigation channels, dredging projects, docks, piers, bulkheads, boat ramps, groins, and bridges. Priority is, however, given to the conservation of these AECs. CAMA standards for estuarine shoreline development generally require that (i) the development not cause significant damage to estuarine resources; (ii) the development not interfere with public rights of access to a or use of navigable waters or public resources; (iii) the development preserve and not weaken natural barriers to erosion; (iv) impervious surfaces not exceed 25 percent of the lot area located within the AEC a boundary; (v) the development comply with state soil erosion, sedimentation, and stormwater management regulations; and (vi) the development comply with the Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan. Specific (� CAMA development standards for AECs can be found in 15 NCAC 7H. J Figure 3 shows the general location of the estuarine shoreline. Other AECs are not mapped. The precise location of coastal wetlands must be (� determined by field investigation; therefore, they are not included in u Figure 3. (� 2.212.2 Other Fragile Areas. This section describes areas of particular (� concern not covered under the AEC designation. Estuarine islands, such as Deer Island, and freshwater wetlands fall into this category and are (� present in the Swansboro area. The shorelines of estuarine islands are, U however, classified as areas of environmental concern. Freshwater wetlands include all other wetlands not classified as coastal wetlands. a These freshwater wetlands are not covered by CAMA regulations but are regulated by the Clean Water Act. Consequently, the US Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for regulating these `404' wetlands. Permits must be obtained from the Corps prior to disturbing any freshwater wetlands. As with coastal wetlands, the precise location of freshwater wetlands can only be determined through a field investigation and a 2.000 Data Collection and Anal sis—Janua 29 1999 Y �7' Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 2-23 D I I I III I 0 I analysis. Consequently, freshwater wetlands are not included in Figure 3. However, the US Fish and Wildlife Service has, through it's National Wetlands Inventory, identified the general location of wetlands. The National Wetlands Inventory Maps are available from the US Department of the Interior and the NC Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources, Division of Soil and Water Conservation. The wetlands maps are not intended to be utilized for regulatory purposes. 2.212.3 Cultural Resource Fragile Areas. The Swansboro Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic district is an approximate twelve block area located in the Swansboro central business district that also extends three hundred feet into the White Oak River. The Swansboro planning area also contains many archaeologically sensitive sites. The North Carolina Division of Archives and History has identified 23 sites, including one underwater site, that they deem significantly important. Most of these sites have, however, been disturbed by urban development. However, additional artifacts from the various sites are expected to be retrieved as a result of continued development. As a result, the NC Division of Archives and History has recommended that plans for further development in these areas be carefully reviewed. 2.213 Areas with Resource Potential. Areas with resource potential within the Swansboro planning jurisdiction include a designated Primary Nursery Area (PNA) and agricultural and forest lands. PNA areas have been designated by the State as being highly productive for a juvenile habitat of marine species. Halls Creek, which is located in the southwestern portion of the town's planning region, is the only area identified by the NC Marine Fisheries Division fulfilling this criteria (see Figure 3). I I t II I Prime agricultural and forest lands have been defined as those lands which possess the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food, feed, fiber (including forest products), forage, oilseed, and other agricultural products (including livestock) without intolerable soil erosion. Prime farmland and forest lands have been identified and mapped by the Soil Conservation Service. About 224,399 acres or 43 percent of the total acreage of Onslow County contains prime farmland soils. Only the extreme southern, southwestern, and eastern portions of the planning region do not contain prime farmland soils. Urban or built-up land cannot be considered prime farmland. Urban or built-up land is any contiguous unit of land containing ten acres or more that is used for such purposes as housing, industrial and commercial sites, sites for institutions or public buildings, parks, golf courses, cemeteries, railroad yards, airports, sanitary landfills, sewage treatment plants, and water -control structures. Some soils that have a high water table qualify as prime farmland only in areas where this limitation has been overcome by drainage measures. The soils identified as primeland in Onslow County include CrB, Craven; GoA, 2.000 Data Collection and Analysis —January 29, 1999 Swansboro C4AL4 Land Use Plan Update 2-24 Goldsboro; Gt, Grifton; Ly, Lynchburg; Md, Masontown; NoA, Norfolk; NoB, Norfolk; On, Onslow; Pn, Pantego; Ra, Rains; and To, Tohunta. D2.220 Community Services Capacity Analysis. The following analysis provides an evaluation of the ability of Swansboro to provide the basic community services necessary (� to meet the current and anticipated demand for such services. The existing community �J services are reviewed as well as the demand for services based upon population and land use projections. Major existing community facilities are shown in Figure 7. 2.221 Urban Services. Urban services evaluated in this section include water and sewer services, police and fire protection, emergency medical services, solid (� (j waste collection and disposal, recreation, education, and administrative services. 2.221.1 Water Service. As previously mentioned, Swansboro purchases water from the Onslow County Water Department. The county's source of water is groundwater drawn from deep wells. While it has been determined that the county water system will be sufficient to meet immediate demands, there is concern that, long-term, the existing system a may not be sufficient to meet urban development needs, particularly high density development. Additional county water system improvements may be necessary to meet future demands. The county is conducting hydrological studies to examine potential sites for additional wells. Concern has been expressed that concentrated pumping from the county's water supply source, the Cretaceous Middle Sand and Castle Hayne Aquifers, could result in the reduction of the aquifer's productivity and to salt water intrusion. Although Onslow County has not experienced any significant water shortages, a close monitoring by Onslow County of both pumping quantity and water quality will be necessary to protect the productivity of the aquifers. With additional well sites, the Castle Hayne afor Aquifer has been projected to supply Onslow County with sufficient water the next 20 years. In 1995, the Town of Swansboro serviced approximately 960 customers. U The average annual daily water use by these customers in 1995 was U 130,000 gallons. The largest water user in 1995 in Swansboro was the Swansboro Primary School. In November 1995, the school used 107,000 gallons of water. Other significant water users in the Swansboro area include the Swansboro Garment Factory and Captain Charlie's Restaurant. (� Projected average daily water use indicates that the town has sufficient (� supply and facilities to accommodate expected growth. The town's existing and projected .water service areas is delineated in Figure 8. 2.221.2 Sewer. The Town of Swansboro currently provides municipal sewer service to about 780 customers in the town. The system is Q composed of approximately ten miles of lines and fourteen pump stations that transport the sewage to the wastewater treatment plant. The plant, located off of Old Hammock Road, has a permit capacity of 0.30 MGD a 2.000 Data Collection and Analysis —January 29, 1999 DSwansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 2-25 The preparation of this map was financed in part through a grant provided by the North Carolina_ Coastal Management Program, through the funds---'- provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Act of 1972, as amended, which Is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 4-V i' "V �a ti ti ti ff.* CMA P ' Figure 8 0 Existing and Projected mom. Water Service Areas Swansboro, NC : �v i 0� Legend .;: =: o.. X. ETJ :; 4 • .-............ :.s ..:..::.......... Town Lim its Watershed Bou nda it ry ��:.�'':'.•°:°:�•°:'•'°•:':�'t••':`:°°,�•:'=:Y.:: .:::�:. .>:: ::: �� Existing Service Area 1997 ........�:::. � :. :: gyp:: �:i:• Projected Service Area, 201 r •. r A � I e I rr� N Company I W E I S I Scale: 1"=1,500' 1/29/99 �- The preparation of this map was financed In part through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through the funds provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. c I \\ / / / �` v �I v �a Figure 7 oF� Existing Community Facilities Swansboro, NC �. 2 qP 7 C D ,�► N O Legend tea. ETJ e of '� S`vansboro d. Town Limits � R ®® 4 �--� Watershed Boundary 1 Swansboro High & Elementary Schools ®D 3 1-42 Swansboro Middle School 3 Swansboro Primary School 4 Swansboro Town Park 0-, 5 Sanders Park u m o _ g Bicentennial Park Y 7 Edgewater Heights Park E 0 g CAMA Access Site = a� �� • • g Town Hall & Police Station a ¢ � 8 11001* 4001* 10 Fire Station Wastewater Treatment Facility 11 i f � 1 •� I I ��`e I wThooteo II N Company I w E �.. /J I 1 ,S / r T Scale: 1 =1,500 1/29/99 I (million gallons per day). The highest flow in 1995 was 0.25 MGD. The average annual daily discharge for the entire year was 0.15 MGD. n Current facilities will not be able to handle the expected increase in udischarge over the next ten years. Thus, improvements to the current plant are scheduled to allow the public utilities department to keep pace with the increase in service demand. The town's existing and projected sewer service area is delineated in Figure 9. Increasing the capacity of the Swansboro wastewater treatment plant from 0.30 MGD to 0.42 MGD has been proposed as part of a joint Swansboro/Onslow County economic development project to provide sewer service to a new manufacturing facility, Tiara Yachts, located on athe State Route 1507 approximately five miles southwest of Swansboro at the former Outboard Marine Corporation site. The project includes the construction of a sewage pumping station and 26,600 feet of 6-inch force main that will tie into the Swansboro sewer system east of the Queens Creek Road and NC Highway 24 intersection. The proposed wastewater treatment plant expansion would accommodate the additional needs of the a Tiara Yachts facility as well as anticipated growth in Swansboro, including in the vicinity of the Tiara Yachts facility. The capacity of the proposed sewer line between Swansboro and Tiara Yachts is limited to a maximum of 49,080 gallons per day and will only be considered for and utilized by commercial and industrial properties. l� Since the development of effective long-term wastewater management u strategies is one of the most critical issues facing the region, a Regional Wastewater Task Force has been formed to develop and evaluate options a for the long-term wastewater disposal in the Carteret, Craven, Onslow, and Pamlico County area. Swansboro participates in the Regional Wastewater Task Force. a2.221.3 Police Protection. Swansboro receives police protection from the Swansboro Police Department which is located at the Town Hall. The D Swansboro Police Department, with a staff of 5 full-time personnel, 1 part-time officer, and 3 reserve officers, appears to have adequate manpower to provide police services to the community. However, in situations when these resources are strained, the Onslow County Sheriff's Department provides secondary police support. The current ratio of police officers to the Town population is 1 officer per 284 residents. National law enforcement standards recommend two police officers per 1,000 population. 2.221.4 Fire Protection. The Swansboro Volunteer Fire Department aprovides fire prevention and fire suppression services to the town. The fire insurance rating within the Swansboro service area is a 5. Currently, the department is staffed by 20 volunteer firefighters. In 1995, the District responded to approximately 200 calls. The fire station is located I r 2.000 Data Collection and Analysis --January 29, 1999 Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 2-28 = = = = = = = C-] = 0 0 = O = Q = = = O zoc-Og y 8 C 70 -!3<Na9 d O NC1 Ella QO�gCa3+,e$ • 1 I River ~~0.../ V.-A V--A V_A cn * I r ii z N m CD CD xcp T m m rn cc CD 0 CA CD CO CD s �- � � CL Q: CL O n' ..0 a rn �_ oo O CD Cfl 2 o Z > �. D CL '�+- � CO)Q. i i 0"n N cco c) I aon NC 24 near the Town Hall. All firefighting equipment meets the National Fire Protection Association's standards. a2.221.5 Emergency Medical Services. The Swansboro Volunteer Rescue Squad provides emergency medical services to the town and surrounding area. The rescue squad is not a municipal service agency. The rescue squad is a volunteer agency that contracts with Onslow County to provide emergency medical services. The rescue squad, with 20 a volunteer personnel, responded to approximately 800 calls in 1995. Basic emergency medical treatment and transportation to hospitals are the general services provided by the rescue squad. The equipment and a staffing of the rescue squad appear adequate to provide emergency medical services through the study period. 2.221.6 Solid Waste Collection and Disposal. Solid waste collection services for the town are provided through a contract with a private garbage collector. The Swansboro Public Works Department provides collection services for yard waste. The frequency of brush and yard debris collection is determined by seasonal demands. No deficiencies with the existing collection system have been identified. Solid waste is currently disposed of in the Onslow County landfill. The county's new landfill, a 170-acre liner/leach facility, is capable of accommodating Onslow County's solid waste disposal demands through the year 2028. 2.221.7 Recreation. The Town of Swansboro operates a seventeen acre recreational facility located on Main Street Extension. The facility, named Swansboro Municipal Park, has athletic facilities for various sports including soccer, volleyball, basketball, tennis and horseshoes. A small municipal playground is also located near Broad Street, Shore Drive, and NC 24. Bicentennial Park, located on NC 24 adjacent to the White Oak a River, is the most visible of the town's parks. This area features a town dock, open space, and a statute memorial. All of these recreational facilities are managed by the Town of Swansboro. a2.221.8 Education. Onslow County operates four schools, Swansboro Primary School, Swansboro Elementary School, Swansboro Middle a School and Swansboro High School in the Swansboro area. Enrollment data for the 1995-1996 school year indicates that there are currently 724, 675, 711, and 820 students respectively. 2.221.9 Code Enforcement. Building inspection, planning, and zoning services are provided by the Town of Swansboro within the town limits as awell as within the town's planning region. 2.221.10 Public Administration Ability. The Town of Swansboro a operates under a council-manager form of government. The town has a municipal staff of 17 full-time, 5 part-time employees, and 20 volunteers that perform general administration, police, fire protection, public works, D 2.000 Data Collection and Anal sis—Tams� 29 1999 y . Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 2-30 0 public utilities, recreation, planning, and building inspection services. The current staffing level is considered sufficient to provide the level of (� municipal services necessary to meet current demand. (� 2.222 Transportation Services. The Town of Swansboro maintains about 9 miles of streets within its corporate limits. Major thoroughfares and other streets outside of the town limits are maintained by the NC Department of Transportation. The state also has maintenance responsibility for all bridges in the area. A Thoroughfare Plan for the Town of Swansboro was completed in 1993. However, the plan was never officially adopted. Several recommendations were made regarding improving the transportation network in the Swansboro area. The Swansboro Planning Board is currently reviewing a revised thoroughfare a plan that includes a proposed NC Highway 24 bypass. The Planning Board will be making recommendations to the Town Board regarding the bypass and the revised thoroughfare plan. Following its review, the Town Board will officially act on the revised thoroughfare plan and it is anticipated that the Town Board will arequest that the proposed bypass improvements be placed on the 1999 NCDOT Transportation Improvement Program. Figure 10 illustrates the average annual daily traffic counts for selected sites in the Swansboro area. Because of Swansboro's location in relation to vacation destinations along the barrier islands of North Carolina such as Emerald Isle and a Atlantic Beach, these numbers are skewed somewhat due to the inability to reflect the variation in traffic loads between the heavily traveled `beach season' and the rest of the year. The North Carolina Department of Transportation states that average daily traffic counts during this peak season may increase by up to 20 percent. Thus, a roadways may be over capacity during some months and at or below vehicle load capacity during others. a According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation's 1996 Transportation Improvement Program Document, one major highway improvement project is proposed for the Swansboro area. NC Highway 24 from Swansboro to US Highway 70 at Morehead City is proposed to be widened to a multilane facility. The project will widen all existing four -lane portions of NC 24 to five lanes and will widen all existing bridges. Portions of this widening D project are already completed and others are under construction. The Swansboro portion of the project is expected to be completed by 2001. 11 7 Air service to Swansboro is available through the commercial airport located in nearby Jacksonville. 2.000 Data Collection and Analysis —January 29, 1999 Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 2-31 0 0 0 0 a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2,200 I/j ff%1V41Ghb4 �i The preparation of this map was financed in part through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through the funds provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the - Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, --- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. OMNI 0a 11� Figure 10 Average Daily Traffic Counts Swansboro, NC 1995 Legend ETJ Town Limits H� Watershed Boundary 111 Average Daily Traffic Count �&-V 0 ���� •� I 16,500 1. N h� Company I W E - I � I S / I Scale: 1"=1,500' 1/29/99 ._ 2.230 Estimated Demand. In order to effectively address land development issues and to formulate community policies, it is necessary to project population and economic D change. Such projections are the basis for determining community facility and land use needs. Consequently, the following sections discuss population projections, local economic forecasts, future land needs, and demands on community facilities and services. 2.231 Population Projections. The town's population is projected to increase O during the ten-year planning period from approximately 1,421 in 1996 to 1,736 in 2005. This projection is based upon a growth rate that is comparable to that projected for Onslow County by the NC Office of State Budget and Management. D Swansboro's projected short-term growth rate is higher than that anticipated for Onslow County and for the state as a whole. Appendix Q provides historical and projected population data through 2010 for Onslow County and Swansboro. aPopulation growth has, in the past, resulted largely from in -migration. Given the town's current policies on expansion of the corporate limits and growth of the community, it is expected that annexation will play a larger role in the town's future population increases. 2.232 Economic Outlook. No significant economic changes are forecast during a the planning period. The economy of Swansboro and Onslow County is expected to remain based on government, retail trade, services, and tourism. Swansboro's employment is expected to continue to be centered around the services and retail a trade sectors of the economy. Overall, long-term employment growth in future years is anticipated to be concentrated in non -manufacturing sectors of the economy. Tourism is expected to continue to play a prominent role in the local Q economy. Consistent with long-term forecasts by the NC Office of State Budget and Management, Swansboro's economic growth is, however, projected to be somewhat slower through the end of this century than it was during the 1980s. 2.233 Future Land Needs. Based upon the anticipated population increase of 315 persons by 2005 and the average household population size in the 1990 US Census of Population (2.22 persons per household), it is projected that an additional 142 residential units will be needed through the end of the 10-year O planning period. Assuming that future residential construction will basically follow the existing housing distribution pattern, approximately 101 single-family units, 37 multi -family units, and 4 manufactured homes will be added to the a existing housing stock. Assuming also that current density levels will not be significantly changed in the future, new single-family residential uses are projected to account for 19 to 48 acres of land, multi -family residential 3 to 4 a acres, and manufactured homes 1 to 2 acres [see Appendix R]. Sufficient vacant land exists in the study area to accommodate the projected residential growth. a The demand for additional nonresidential land is also expected to increase during the planning period. Given the availability of commercially -zoned vacant land, it 2.000 Data Collection and Analysis —January 29, 1999 Swansboro CLAM Land Use Plan Update 2-33 is anticipated that new commercial development can be primarily accommodated in existing commercial areas on NC Highways 24 and 58. 2.234 Summary of Community Facilities Needs. Based upon population projections and estimates of land needs, the only major community facility improvement which will be required during the 10-year study period to accommodate the anticipated growth is expanded wastewater treatment plant capacity. Current plans call for expanding the permit capacity of the wastewater treatment plant from the existing capacity of 300,000 gallons per day to 420,000 gallons per day. 2.000 Data Collection and Analysis January 29, 1999 Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 2-34 3*000 POLICY STATEMENTS 4 0 I Li I I I I i 3.000 POLICY STATEMENTS AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES General Vision Statement Swansboro is a waterfront urban community that is comprised of an historic downtown area, a highway -oriented commercial corridor, and predominantly low -density residential areas. The Town offers a variety of municipal urban services and public community facilities. It is the Town's desire to maintain the historic character of it's downtown area and the current densities of it's residential areas. The Town of Swansboro favors environmentally responsible economic and community development which complements the residential, commercial, institutional, and recreational needs of the community. The majority of future growth is anticipated to be residential in nature. Commercial redevelopment in the downtown area and new commercial development along the NC Highway 24 corridor is expected over the. next ten years. Compatible and environmentally responsible development and redevelopment of the town's waterfront is considered desirable. Improvements to municipal services and facilities are anticipated to meet current and projected demand for urban services. The provision of such services shall be based upon the town's financial capacity and the economic feasibility of providing the municipal services. The primary purpose of the land use plan update is to develop policy statements on those land use issues which will affect the Town of Swansboro during the ten-year planning period. Previous sections of this update have addressed (i) existing conditions such as population, the local economy, natural features, and current land use; (ii) constraints to land development; and (iii) the projected demand on services. This section of the update provides policies designed to address land development growth management issues. The policy statements are particularly important not only for use by the town but by other governmental agencies as well. Specifically, policy statements have implications for: (i) local land planning in Swansboro, (ii) CAMA development permits, and (iii) the review of projects utilizing state or,federal funds as well as state and federal projects that may not be located with the town but which may have a direct impact on Swansboro. Policies must be developed which are, at a minimum, equal to and consistent with CAMA's guidelines and use standards for Areas of Environmental Concern. The town may, however, develop policies which exceed the minimum standards established by CAMA for Areas of Environmental Concern. Policy statements are useful to the town in establishing guidelines for day-to-day planning endeavors such as rezoning requests, site plan review, subdivision plat review, zoning text amendments, and requests for variances. Therefore, policy statements can serve as the basis for decision -making by the Swansboro Town Board, building inspectors and zoning administrators, Planning Board, and Board of Adjustment. Policy statements will also be utilized by CAMA to review requests for development permits in areas of environmental concern. Consequently, land development projects that are not consistent with the town's policy statements will not be approved by CAMA. Similarly, projects which propose to utilize state or, federal funds will be reviewed for consistency with the policy statements. This section provides an analysis of previous policy statements outlined in the town's 1991 Q land use plan and includes policy statements on resource protection, resource production and management, economic and community development, public participation, and storm hazard mitigation, post -disaster recovery, and evacuation. These policy statements have been developed based 3.000 Policy Statements (January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 3-1 upon the previous analysis of existing conditions, land use trends, and constraints to land development. Citizen input through public meetings and the Planning Board, which served as the Land Use Plan Advisory Committee, was also instrumental in formulating the policy statements. Sections 3.200 through 3.600 delineate updated policy statements as well as implementation D strategies which describe how the policies will be implemented. The timeframe for the majority of the implementation strategies is on -going. Where a new implementation activity is proposed, a specific time schedule for undertaking such activity is provided. OVarious alternatives were considered by the town. Alternative policies which were discussed but not adopted are summarized in Appendix S. Many of the policy adopted statements have not changed since the preparation of the 1991 Land Use Plan. Alternative policies were not considered for policy statements that were not changed from the 1991 Plan. Appendix S also provides a summary of the major land use and land development issues identified during the preparation of the Land Use Plan Update. 3.100 Analysis Of Policy Statements In The 1991 CAMA Plan Swansboro's 1991 CAMA Land Use Plan Update policy statements have been reviewed. This section provides a summary evaluation of the major policies and recommendations delineated in the 1991 Plan. 3.110 Former Resource Protection Policies. Resource protection policies in the 1991 plan addressed areas with constraints to development, areas of environmental concern (including coastal wetlands, estuarine waters and public trust areas, and the estuarine shoreline), other fragile areas (such as flood hazard areas, areas with soil limitations, sound and estuarine system islands, the historic district), potable water Q supply protection, use of package sewage treatment plants, stormwater runoff, marina and floating home development, and bulkhead construction. The previously developed resource protection policies were consistent with CAMA policies and use standards. Swansboro's policy concerning development in areas with constraints was to basically encourage growth in areas already served by the town's sewer system and to discourage growth in areas where soils are not suitable for septic tanks and where sewer lines are not available or not feasible. The town also developed a policy to protect areas with development constraints, partially through enforcing the policies aand guidelines stated in Subchapter 7H of NCAC 15 relevant to these resources. Swansboro's overall policy and management objective for areas of environmental concern was to give the highest priority to the protection and coordinated (,J management of these areas so as to safeguard and perpetuate their biological, social, economic, and aesthetic values and to ensure that development occurring within these a AECs is compatible with natural characteristics so as to minimize the likelihood of significant loss of private property and public resources. Swansboro developed a policy to permit those land uses which conform to the general use standards of the North Carolina Administrative Code (15 NCAC 7H) for development within the estuarine system. Generally, only those uses which are water dependent are permitted. Examples of such uses include: utility easements, docks, boat ramps, 3.000 Policy Statements (January 29, 1999) aSwansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 3-2 dredging, bridges and bridge approaches, revetments, bulkheads, culverts, groins, navigational aids, mooring pilings, navigational channels, simple access channels, and drainage ditches. Acceptable uses within coastal wetlands include utility easements, fishing piers, and docks. Unacceptable uses include, but are not be limited to, restaurants, businesses, residences, apartments, motels, hotels, floating homes, parking lots, private roads, and highways. The town's policy on freshwater wetlands stated that the town does not believe that all land uses within freshwater wetlands should be prohibited. Acceptable uses within coastal wetlands include utility easements, fishing piers, and docks. Unacceptable uses include, but would not be limited to, restaurants, businesses, residences, apartments, motels, hotels, floating homes, parking lots, private roads, and highways. Other town policies encouraged the preservation and protection of the town's historic district and recommended low density residential use for Deer Island, the only estuarine island located within the town's jurisdiction. The town's policy on package treatment plants was to encourage new development to a use the town's central sewage system but to allow package treatment plants within the ETJ at locations where the town's sewer system was not available and where the developer requested voluntary annexation. Stormwater management policies encouraged new developments to tie into the existing stormwater system and to minimize runoff by providing an adequate storm drainage system. The 1991 plan policies also allowed for the expansion of existing marinas and the construction of new marinas. However, the development of an excessive number of marinas was discouraged. Permanently occupied floating homes were discouraged from locating within the town's jurisdiction. j� Policies in the 1991 Plan allowed bulkhead installation provided CAMA use standards u were adhered to and there was no irreversible damage to existing sensitive marshes. (� In general, areas in the Swansboro Planning Jurisdiction with significant physical limitations have not been developed. Development within areas of environmental concern has been compatible with CAMA regulations and the town's land use controls. The Town of Swansboro believes that the resource protection policies included in the former plan have been effective in guiding development away from fragile areas. a3.120 Former Resource Production and Management Policies. The policies in the 1991 plan recognized the need for balanced management policies concerning a productive resources. Specific policy statements were developed which addressed agricultural lands and commercial and recreational fisheries. The town's policy concerning productive agricultural lands was to encourage these lands to remain in their current use. All development, except for low -density residences, was encouraged to locate in other, less productive areas. 3.000 Policy Statements (January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 3-3 I Policies concerning commercial and recreational fisheries discouraged development Q which would have a significant adverse impact upon the estuarine system. Developers were encouraged to mitigate negative effects on water quality and fish habitat both during construction and operational activities. The town also adopted a policy to support channel and inlet dredging projects only if such activities minimize their effects on fish habitat. (� The town has striven to approve land development projects which were consistent with its policy of allowing only water -dependent uses in coastal and estuarine waters which had no major significant adverse impact on water quality and fish habitats. Overall, the Town of Swansboro considers its policies regarding resource production and management to be adequate and effective. 3.130 Former Economic and Community Development Policies. The town's basic policy thrust in the 1991 Plan was to encourage all types of development as long as growth could occur in an orderly, environmentally safe manner and in areas that were suitable for development. Physical developmental constraints and the limitations of community facilities and services were important considerations in determining suitability. Previous policies addressed the town's commitment to manage and direct growth in balance with available municipal services and to guide new development aaway from AECs and hazardous areas. Specific policy statements addressed general land development, desired types of urban growth patterns, local commitment to D providing services to development, redevelopment of developed areas, commitment to state and federal programs, assistance to channel maintenance projects, energy facilities siting, tourism, estuarine beach access, and anticipated residential development and requisite services. The town's general land development policies stated that Swansboro favored growth in the form of environmentally responsible economic and community development which was in keeping with the town's character. Policies also stated that residential development should be compatible with the scale and density of existing residential areas. Commercial development along the NC Highway 24 corridor was encouraged as was compatible revitalization of the waterfront area. Small to medium -scale industrial development that could take advantage of the area's existing natural resources was encouraged. Policies also discouraged the extension of municipal services to developing areas located outside of the corporate limits unless such areas requested voluntary Q annexation. The continued cooperation with Onslow County concerning the provision of water, fire protection, and emergency medical services was encouraged. A shoreline access improvement study was recommended as well as improvements to the (-j waterfront areas by adding or upgrading docks, piers, boat ramps, parking, and (� general recreational areas. At this time, a specific shoreline access improvement study has not been undertaken but proposed shoreline access improvements have been incorporated into the town's recently completed Downtown Redevelopment Plan. D 3.000 Policy Statements (January 29,1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 34 Policies encouraged the redevelopment and revitalization of areas experiencing deterioration and abandonment. Historic restoration and preservation within the town's historic district was particularly encouraged. . Overall, Swansboro has striven to adhere to the economic and community (� development policies outlined in the 1991 Plan. The Town of Swansboro believes (,J that its economic and community development policies have been effective in promoting growth that has occurred in an orderly, environmentally safe manner. O3.140 Former Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery, and Evacuation Policies. The town's former policies regarding storm hazard mitigation, storm recovery, and evacuation were basically concerned with minimizing the Q° potential damage caused by the effects of a hurricane or other major storm. Policies supported the enforcement of the NC State Building Code regarding wind resistance design and mobile home tie -downs and enforcement of state and federal programs which aid in the mitigation of hurricane hazards. Continued participation in the National Flood Insurance Program was advocated. The appointment of a special Recovery Task Force and a Damage Assessment Team were proposed. Generally, the town's policy regarding reconstruction after a storm was to allow redevelopment at the same standards as existed before the storm. Since the preparation of the 1991 Land Use Plan Update, the town has adopted a revised Storm Preparedness Plan which outlines specific responsibilities for town officials and provides an implementation plan in the event of a major threat or actual storm. The Town of Swansboro believes that its policies concerning storm hazard mitigation, post -disaster recovery, and evacuation plans have been effective. Q3.200 Updated Resource Protection Policies and Implementation Strategies The major issues discussed in the formulation of updated resource protection policy U statements include the following topics (not presented here in any priority order): • The demand for and impacts of marinas. • Guiding growth to areas best suited to accommodate development. • Stormwater runoff impacts. • Surface and ground water quality. U Long-term solutions to wastewater treatment and disposal. U Conservation of wetlands. a Appendix S provides a more detailed description of identified resource protections issues as well as a summary of policy alternatives discussed for the issues identified during the preparation of this updated land use plan. Alternative policies were not considered for apolicy statements that were not changed from the previous land use plan. Basic Statement Regarding Community Attitude Towards Resource Protection. The town's overall general policy concerning resource protection is to give the highest priority to the protection and management of the area's natural resources, to safeguard and perpetuate their biological, social, economic, and aesthetic values, and to ensure that 3.000 Policy Statements (January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 35 development occurring within natural resource areas is compatible with the characteristics of the natural areas so as to minimize the likelihood of significant loss of private property and public resources. It is the town's intent that its policies concerning resource protection LJ policies be consistent with CAMA 7H Use Standards except for the town's policy concerning floating homes (Section 3.280), locating marinas in primary nursery areas (Section 3.222 and (� Section 3.280), and prohibiting drystack storage facilities (Section 3.280) which are more (� restrictive than the CAMA use standards. After a discussion of resource protection issues, the updated policy statements delineated in Section 3.210 through Section 3.290.2 were developed. The timeframe for the majority of the implementation strategies is on -going. Where a new implementation activity is proposed, a specific time schedule for undertaking such activity is provided. 3.210 Constraints To Land Development. 3.211 Flood Hazard Areas. Policy: Minimize the location of land uses and structures in identified flood hazard areas. Implementation Methods: Swansboro will continue to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program and promote enforcement through the town building inspection program. Proposed developments which are not otherwise damaging to AECs may be permitted, provided protective measures which comply with flood insurance requirements are imposed. Swansboro. is supportive of the hazard mitigation elements of the National Flood Insurance Program. Swansboro also supports continued enforcement of the CAMA and 404 wetlands development permit processes in areas susceptible to flooding, and with state policies and regulations for ndevelopment in areas of environmental concern. 3.212 Soil Suitability/Septic Tank Use. Policy: Direct the most intensive development to areas with adequate water and sewer service. Implementation Methods: Swansboro will encourage, through its zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations, growth in areas already served by the town's sewer system and will discourage growth in areas where soils are not suitable for septic tanks and where sewer lines are not available or are not feasible. Septic tank installation, where permissible, shall be in accordance with applicable county health department f regulations. Development in areas where soil types have limited bearing capacity will not be encouraged. a 3.220 Areas of Environmental Concern Policy: The Town of Swansboro concurs with the CAMA 711 Use Standards for each of the Areas of Environmental Concern delineated below except that the town's policies concerning prohibiting marinas in primary nursery areas, not allowing floating �J homes, and not allowing drystack boat storage facilities are more restrictive than the CAMA standards. i 0 3.000 Policy Statements (January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 3-6 I 0 Li H 0 9 H I C I 3.221 Coastal Wetlands. Policy: Only those uses which are water dependent and cannot function elsewhere will be permitted in coastal wetlands consistent with the CAMA 7H management objective and use standards for coastal wetlands (15 NCAC 7H.0205) and local development regulations. Implementation Methods: Restrict land uses in coastal/estuarine wetlands to those land use that support wetlands conservation and do not adversely affect their delicate balance. Each proposed use shall be evaluated for compliance with state standards. Marina construction will not be permitted in coastal wetlands except as may be allowed by CAMA 7H Use Standards. Coastal wetlands should only be filled consistent with the CAMA 7H Use Standards. 3.222 Estuarine Waters and Public Trust Areas. Policy: Restrict development in estuarine waters and public trust waters to those uses which will not cause significant degradation of the natural function nor condition of the estuarine waters and public trust areas in accordance with the CAMA 7H management objectives and use standards for estuarine waters and public trust areas (15 NCAC 7H.0206 and 711.0207). Implementation Methods: Only those uses which require water access and cannot function elsewhere will be permitted in estuarine waters and public trust waters consistent with CAMA 7H Use Standards and local development regulations. Swansboro will promote the conservation and management of public trust water areas in accordance with CAMA 7H Use Standards. Marina construction, including the expansion of any existing marina, will not be permitted in estuarine waters which are classified as primary nursery areas. This policy is more restrictive than the CAMA 7H Use Standards in that the CAMA regulations may allow marinas which do not require dredging or which do not require dredging through primary nursery areas for access to be located in primary nursery areas. 3.223 Estuarine Shoreline. Policy: Swansboro concurs with the CAMA 7H management objective and use standards for estuarine shorelines (15 NCAC 7H.0209). Implementation Methods: The town will permit residential, commercial, public/institutional, and recreational development in the estuarine shoreline area provided that such development is compatible with both the dynamic nature of the estuarine shoreline and the -values of the estuarine system. Appropriate land uses within the estuarine shoreline include any permissible land uses authorized by the Swansboro Zoning Ordinance and Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance that conform to CAMA development standards. 3.224 Outstanding Resource Waters. There are currently no water bodies within the town's jurisdiction which are classified as Outstanding resource Waters. Therefore, a policy statement is not necessary. 3.000 Policy Statements (January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 3-7 0-- 3.230 Other Fragile Areas. (1 3.231 Sound .and Estuarine System Islands. Policy: Any use or development on estuarine islands shall be in accordance with applicable CAMA standards and local land development regulations. Implementation Methods: The only estuarine island located with the town's planning jurisdiction is Deer Island. This island has been developed for a long time and has historically been utilized for a variety of purposes. Currently, the island is zoned 0 R-8, which allows single-family dwellings with an 8,000 square -foot minimum lot size. Low density residential use is viewed as an acceptable use for this island. 3.232 Freshwater Wetlands Policy: The town concurs with federal standards for development within freshwater wetlands. Implementation Methods: The town will coordinate the review of land development plans with the US Army Corps of Engineers when site plans indicate development activities in areas identified as freshwater wetlands. The town prohibits any filling of freshwater wetlands except as permitted by the US Army Corps of Engineers. 3.233 Historical and Archaeological Sites Policy. The town supports the preservation and protection of the historic business district and other areas of architectural or archaeological value. Implementation Methods: Development within the historic business district shall be in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Historic Business District Overlay requirements of the Swansboro Zoning Ordinance as well as Section 10 of the Historic District Ordinance. 3.240 Hurricane and Flood Evacuation Needs and Plans. D(See Section 3.600). 3.250 Potable Water Supply Protection. Q Policy: Swansboro recognizes the importance of protecting potable water supplies and, therefore, supports the enforcement of regulations by the NC Division of Water Quality through NCAC Subchapter 2L and Subchapter 2C. Implementation Methods: The town will coordinate land development activities involving hazardous chemical or petroleum storage and disposal with the appropriate county and state regulatory agencies. The town also supports management practices which Q address the incidental use of hazardous materials such as insecticides, herbicides, fertilizers, etc. The town supports the use of water conservation practices and groundwater protection measures in order to prevent lowering the water table, to alimit the quantity of wastewater generated, and to protect the quality of water. 3.260 Use of Package Treatment Plants. Policy: The Town of Swansboro shall continue to encourage all new development to use the town's central sewage treatment plant, as is presently required by town ordinance for those developments within the town limits. However, for developments within the ED which can not tap onto the town's sewer system and be annexed, then package treatment plants may be permitted provided that they conform to state 3.000 Policy Statements (January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 3-8 i �J permitting requirements and are designed for compatibility with the Swansboro sewer system in the event of ultimately tying into the town's system. Implementation Methods:. The town will require, through its zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations, that a land development project proposing the use of a package treatment plant in those areas where municipal sewer service is unavailable shall include (i) the formation of a legal, private entity to properly operate and maintain such package treatment plant and (ii) the development of a contingency plan to own and operate such package treatment plant should the private operation Q fail. 3.270 Stormwater Runoff, Water Quality Problems, and Management O Measures. Policy: Mitigative measures to lessen the potential impact of stormwater runoff will be considered as new development proposals are presented to the Town. (� Implementation Methods: New development is encouraged, through the town's subdivision Uregulations, to tie into the existing storm water system and to minimize runoff by including an adequate storm drainage system. Planned unit developments are D required to designate at least twenty percent of the project's gross land area as open space. Q Swansboro will promote the use of best available management practices to minimize the degradation of water quality and to mitigate the impact of stormwater runoff on coastal wetlands, surface waters, and other fragile areas; examples of these practices include using pervious or semi -pervious materials for driveways and walks, aretaining natural vegetation along marsh, coastal wetland, and waterfront areas, and allowing stormwater to percolate into the ground rather than discharging it directly to coastal waters. DThe town will coordinate its approval of land development projects with (i) the permitting requirements and stormwater regulations of the North Carolina Division of Water Quality, and (ii) the soil erosion and sedimentation control regulations of the Land Quality Section of the North Carolina Division of Land Resources. The town promotes the coordination with adjoining local government jurisdictions of comprehensive stormwater management practices and policies to enhance water quality. Q The town will continue to participate in the Regional Wastewater Task Force which was formed to evaluate long-term wastewater treatment options for the Carteret, Craven, Onslow, and Pamlico County area and the White Oak Watershed Advisory aBoard which is examining issues of water quality in the watershed. The town encourages marina siting and design which promotes proper flushing action. Such design features include locating marinas near inlets, maximizing the u opening of entrance channels, and minimizing stagnant corners by using rounded corners, level bottoms sloping towards the entrance, and avoiding bends. 0 The town supports the management recommendations of the White Oak River Watershed Advisory Board concerning the recommendation that runoff from NC a 3.000 Policy Statements (January 29, 1999) 0 Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 3 9 Highway 24 be discharged south of the road causeway to reduce freshwater inputs to the estuary and the possible negative impacts of highway runoff on water quality. 0 3.280 Marinas, Piers, Docks, and Floating Home Development. Policy: Marinas and public mooring fields will be allowed in accordance with CAMA 7H o Use Standards [15 NCAC 7H.0208 (b) (5)] except that the Town will not permit marinas to be located within designated Primary Nursery Areas. Floating homes will not be permitted within the town's jurisdiction. ('1 Implementation Methods: Marinas and docking facilities are regulated by the town's zoning ordinance and by state and federal permitting systems such as CAMA. The town allows for the expansion of existing marinas and construction of new marinas, o consistent with policies stated elsewhere in this plan. However, the town would not encourage the construction of what it considers to be an excessive number of marinas within its jurisdiction. Through the zoning approval process, the town will evaluate the need for additional marinas as well as the location of any proposed marina. A determination, on a case -by -case basis, if additional marinas are warranted and are proposed to be located in acceptable locations. oThe town encourages marina siting and design which promotes proper flushing action. Such design features include locating marinas near inlets, maximizing the opening of entrance channels, and minimizing stagnant comers by using rounded corners, level bottoms sloping towards the entrance, and avoiding bends. Marina construction will not be permitted in estuarine waters which are classified as a primary nursery areas. This policy is more restrictive than the CAMA 7H Use Standards in that the LAMA regulations may allow marinas which do not require dredging or which do not require dredging through primary nursery areas for access to be located in primary nursery areas. Marina construction will not be permitted in coastal wetlands except as may be allowed by CAMA 7H Use Standards. o The town will continue to prohibit permanently occupied floating homes in its jurisdiction. Floating structures are defined as any structure, not a boat, supported by a means of flotation, designed to be used without a permanent foundation, which is used or intended for human habitation or commerce. A structure will be considered a floating structure when it is inhabited or used for commercial purposes for more than thirty days in any one location. A boat may be deemed a floating o structure when its means of propulsion has been removed - or rendered inoperative and it contains at least 200 square feet of living space area. A boat is defined as a vessel or watercraft of any type or size specifically designed to be self-propelled, o whether by engine, sail, oar, or paddle or other means, which is used to travel from place to place by water. This policy is more restrictive than CAMA minimum use standards for floating homes since the CAMA regulations may allow floating homes owithin permitted marinas. The town will permit the development of noncommercial docking facilities to serve (� individual residential lots in accordance with CAMA 7H Use Standards. Upland U marina construction will be permitted in areas located adjacent to primary nursery areas and where channel dredging for access to deeper waters would be through 0 3.000 Policy Statements (January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 3-10 0 primary nursery areas in accordance with the CAMA 7H Use Standards and the town's land development regulations. U The Town of Swansboro views drystack storage facilities as being inconsistent with the character. and aesthetics of the town. While the development of any_ new 0 facilities is not permitted by the town's zoning ordinance, the expansion of the one existing drystack facility is feasible contingent upon the approval of a special use permit. The policy is more restrictive than CAMA minimum use standards since O the CAMA regulations may allow drystack storage facilities in conjunction with marina development. D 3.290 Industrial Impacts on Fragile Areas. Policy: The Town of Swansboro is very much aware of the unique value of its special natural and cultural resources provided by the lands, waters, and history of its jurisdiction. D Therefore, the town does not wish to allow any industrial use which would adversely impact these special resources. Implementation Methods: The town, through its zoning ordinance, will ensure that industrial development that is permitted is as compatible as possible with identified fragile lands. 3.290.1 Sea Level Rise Impacts. Policy: Due to the uncertainty surrounding the extent and magnitude of sea level rise, the Town of Swansboro does not feel it is in a position at this time to develop a specific policy statement. Implementation Methods: The town supports continued state research into the problems associated with sea level rise and will consider the development of policies to address sea level rise as more data concerning problem definition and alternative solutions are made available. 3.290.2 Bulkhead Installation Damage to Marshes. (� Policy: Bulkheads will be permitted provided that all of the use standards of 15 NCAC u 7H.0208 (b) (7) are adhered to. Implementation Methods: The town will coordinate its review of requests for bulkheads with DCM. 3.300 Updated Resource Production and Management Policies and Implementation (� Strategies �j The major issues discussed in the development of updated resource production and omanagement policy statements centered around the following topics: • The impact of urban development activities on productive agricultural land. Q • The impact of land development activities on marine fisheries. • The provision of public recreational space and water access. a Appendix S provides a more detailed description of identified resource protections issues as well as a summary of policy alternatives discussed for the issues identified during the preparation of this updated land use plan. Alternative policies were not considered for policy O 3.000 Policy Statements (January 29, 1999) QSwansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 3-11 Ostatements that were not changed from the previous land use plan. The timeframe for the majority of the implementation strategies is on -going. Where a new implementation activity Ois proposed, a specific time schedule for undertaking such activity is provided. Basic Statement Regarding Community Attitude Towards Resource Production and Management. The town's overall general policy concerning resource production and management is to support the effective management of the area's natural resources so as to ensure the continued environmental and economic well being of the Swansboro planning 0 jurisdiction. The town will continue to consider the impacts on local and regional natural resources in all land development decisions and will seek to improve the cooperation and coordination with other public and private agencies involved with natural resource production and management. It is the town's intent that its policies concerning resource production and management be consistent with CAMA 7H Use Standards except that the town's policy concerning locating marinas in primary nursery areas (Section 3.340 and Section 3.360) is more restrictive than the CAMA regulations. 3.310 Productive Agricultural Lands. Policy: Much of the land within the town's ETJ is used for agricultural purposes while portions remain forested (non-commercial). The Town of Swansboro will encourage these lands to remain in their current use. Implementation Methods: All development, except for low -density residential uses, will be encouraged to locate in other, less productive areas. Other uses will be permitted in these areas, but only if no other suitable site is available. The town's zoning ordinance shall continue to be used to discourage intensive development in these aproductive resource areas. 3.320 Commercial Forest Lands. No commercial forest lands are located within the Swansboro planning area. Therefore, a policy statement is not necessary. it U 0 I I I Ell 3.330 Mineral Production Areas. - No existing nor potential mineral production areas are located within the Swansboro planning area. Mining operations would not be permitted within the town's planning jurisdiction under the current zoning regulations. Therefore, a policy statement is not necessary. 3.340 Commercial and Recreational Fisheries. Policy: Swansboro supports, at a minimum, maintaining the existing water quality in all productive water bodies and encourages the improvement of area water quality. Trawling activities in estuarine waters are not opposed by the town as long as such activities meet state and/or federal permitting requirements for acceptable impact on the estuarine waters. Implementation Methods: The town will allow only those developments which meet state and/or federal permitting requirements for acceptable impacts on riverine and estuarine water fish habitats. The town will cooperate with the Water Quality Section, NC Division of Water Quality to preserve and improve riverine and estuarine water quality. Swansboro will ensure, through its zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations, that developments locating adjacent to coastal waters make 3.000 Policy Statements (January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 3-12 U �J every effort to mitigate any adverse effects on riverine and estuarine -water quality and on fish habitat areas. The town will maintain it's current low density zoning a classifications and will ensure that subsurface sewage disposal systems are permitted only in conformance with county health department regulations. D Marina construction will be permitted in accordance with the local land development regulations and CAMA 7H Use Standards except that marinas will not be permitted in waters classified as primary nursery areas. This policy is more restrictive than a the CAMA regulations in that the LAMA use standards will allow marinas which do not require dredging or which do not require dredging through primary nursery areas for access to be located in primary nursery areas. I '1! The town will strive to provide adequate public access to the White Oak River for recreational purposes. Swansboro will allow in coastal wetland areas only those developments which are water dependent and cannot function elsewhere and which will meet state and/or federal permitting requirements for acceptable impacts on coastal and estuarine water fish habitats. The Town of Swansboro will support public and private projects such as channel and inlet dredging and stabilization projects as long as such activities meet state and/or federal permitting requirements for acceptable impacts. 3.350 Off -Road Vehicles. There are no traditional recreational beaches in Swansboro's jurisdiction. Therefore, the conventional threat of off -road vehicles is not considered an issue in the Swansboro planning jurisdiction. 3.360 Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Land Development Impacts on Resources. Policy: Swansboro views itself as being in a position to accommodate growth and development. Additional development, particularly commercial and industrial development, is regarded as desirable because of the important local revenue and employment generating impacts. Implementation Methods: Land development in conformance with existing regulatory controls will be encouraged in Swansboro. Only those uses which are water -dependent and cannot function elsewhere will be permitted in coastal wetlands consistent with CAMA permitting requirements. Residential, commercial, industrial, and public/institutional land development in the estuarine shoreline will be allowed only if the applicable permitting agency has determined that such development meets state and/or federal permitting requirements for acceptable impacts on estuarine resources and water quality. Marina construction will be permitted in accordance with the local land development regulations and CAMA 7H Use Standards except that marinas will not be permitted in waters classified as primary nursery areas. This policy is more restrictive than the CAMA regulations in that the CAMA use standards will allow marinas which do not require dredging or which do not require dredging through primary nursery areas for access to be located in primary nursery areas. 3.000 Policy Statements (January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 3-13 7 3.370 Peat or Phosphate_Mining Impacts on Resources. Peat or phosphate mining operations are not now nor are they anticipated to be located in the Swansboro planning area. Such mining operations would, however, not be permitted within the town's planning jurisdiction under the current zoning restrictions. 3.400 Updated Economic and Community Development Policies and Implementation Strategies A wide array of issues were identified as updated economic and community development Opolicy statements were being formulated. The major issues involved the following topics: • Maintaining low residential densities. a • The impacts of commercial development. • Preservation of the historic business district. • Managing strip commercial development adjacent to NC 24. O • The impact of tourism on Swansboro. • Improvements to major thoroughfares. • Provision of waterfront access. a• Promoting marina development. Appendix S provides a more detailed description of identified resource protections issues as C well as a summary of policy alternatives discussed for the issues identified during the preparation of this updated land use plan. Alternative policies were not considered for policy statements that were not changed from the previous land use plan. The timeframe for the majority of the implementation strategies is on -going. Where a new implementation activity is proposed, a specific time schedule for undertaking such activity is provided. Basic Statement Regarding Community Attitude Towards Economic and Community Development. Swansboro's overall general policy concerning economic and community development is to consider growth of the community as a desirable objective. Further, the town will promote only those types of development that meet state and/or federal permitting requirements for acceptable impacts on natural resources and which retain and maintain the town's present character. 3.410 General Land Development Policies Policy: Swansboro favors all types of development as long as it does not adversely affect the environment, especially designated fragile areas. Therefore, development is desired O if it can occur in an orderly, environmentally safe manner and in areas that are suitable for development. `Suitable' includes consideration of physical constraints and limitations of community facilities and services. Implementation Methods: The town will encourage land development in areas that currently have the necessary support infrastructure (water, sewer, streets, etc.) or where these services can readily be made available. Land development will be guided to areas that have public water and sewer and an adequate street system to accommodate a increased land development. Residential development should be compatible with the scale and density of existing residential areas without adversely affecting them. The town will support local intergovernmental cooperation with regard to land use planning issues, such as ETJ areas and thoroughfare planning. Continued revitalization and new investment in compatible, small-scale commercial uses in the r� waterfront area will be encouraged including innovative methods of providing U 3.000 Policy Statements (January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 3-14 aparking by businesses. Industrial development should also be in keeping with the existing scale and character of the town and should be limited to only small or medium -scale, clean industries. Swansboro would like to see industry developed which could take advantage of existing natural resources and fit the scale and character of the town. a3.420 Desired Types of Urban Growth Patterns. Policy: Generally speaking, the residents and officials of Swansboro are in favor of growth O in the form of environmentally responsible economic and community development which is in keeping with the character of the town. Swansboro will continue to promote a variety of land uses which complement the residential, commercial, institutional, and recreational needs of the community. Implementation Methods: Current residential densities will be maintained in order to preserve the overall low -density character of Swansboro's residential areas. Multi -family residential development will be encouraged at a moderate density range of approximately 6-12 dwelling units per acre. Such development will be guided to locations in which adequate utilities and a sufficient street system are available. Swansboro will promote the diversification of housing in varying types, densities, and costs to meet the demands of all income levels and age groups. The Town of Swansboro would like to encourage in -fill residential development. Swansboro will DThe encourage the development of commercial uses along the NC Highway 24 corridor. town will discourage the extension of municipal services to developing areas unless they agree to be annexed. The town will encourage voluntary annexations as a3.430 a mechanism for promoting orderly town growth and utility extensions. Local Commitment to Providing Services to Development. Policy: Swansboro will remain committed to providing appropriate municipal services to a support additional development. The provision of basic municipal services shall be based upon the town's financial capacity and the economic feasibility of providing the municipal service. D Implementation Methods: The Town of Swansboro will continue to provide sewage treatment services to areas inside the town limits. The town will also provide these services to areas outside of the corporate limits if capacity permits, if the cost of extending service is borne by the developer or user, and if the developer or user agrees to be annexed into the town (provided that annexation of the development is feasible in accordance with the requirements of the NC General Statues regarding annexation). a The Town of Swansboro will continue to cooperate with Onslow County in the provision of water service to newly developing areas and the provision of fire, police, and rescue services to the town and its ETL The Town of Swansboro will continue to seek means of providing expanded and improved recreation facilities to. the area. This may include' joint ventures with Onslow County. As a part of this goal, the town will consider, during the preparation of the Comprehensive Plan, undertaking a shoreline access improvement study and seek to improve its waterfront areas by adding or upgrading docks, piers, boat ramps, parking, or general recreation areas. a _ 3.000 Policy Statements (January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 3-1 S a The Town of Swansboro will continue to seek ways of improving its transportation system. This may be in the form of continuing lobbying of the NC Department of Transportation to ensure that the proposed thoroughfare plan is realized and that new projects are added to the ten year traffic improvements plan as they become necessary. 3.440 Redevelopment of Developed Areas. Policy: The Town of Swansboro shall encourage redevelopment and revitalization efforts in areas that have experienced deterioration or abandonment. Redevelopment is O especially desirable if it takes the form of historic restoration and preservation within the town's historic district. Implementation Methods: The town encourages the redevelopment of older, established' residential neighborhoods at the same density and intensity of scale as that currently existing in the neighborhoods. Replacement of existing structures within AECs shall be permitted in accordance with the CAMA requirements of 15 NCAC 7J.0210 and .0211. 3.450 Commitment to State and Federal Programs. Policy: The Town of Swansboro shall continue to support state and federal programs that D impact upon or are relevant to the town. Examples include the NCDOT road and bridge improvement program, the National Historic Properties Program, and others which provide benefits to the town. This may also include, after careful review, D military facilities. a 3.460 Assistance to Channel Maintenance Projects. Policy: The town will give whatever assistance possible and feasible to the US Army Corps of Engineers and the State of North Carolina in the maintenance of the White Oak QRiver and other area waterways. 3.470 Energy Facility Siting and Development. D Policy: Since energy -related heavy industrial development is generally considered not desirable nor compatible with the town's character and ability to provide municipal services, electric generating plants, onshore refineries, petroleum storage facilities, and related onshore support facilities are not considered desirable land uses within athe Swansboro planning jurisdiction. The Town of Swansboro does not oppose offshore exploratory drilling for oil or gas as long as the activities meet state and/or federal permitting requirements for acceptable impacts and any identified adverse Oeconomic impacts on Swansboro can be mitigated or negated. 3.480 Tourism. D Policy: The Town of Swansboro acknowledges tourism as having an important contribution to the town's economy. Swansboro will continue to promote and enhance tourism and related development opportunities in the town. Implementation Methods: The town will continue to promote tourism by encouraging the development of lodging facilities, better water access, preservation of the historic district, continuance of local festivals, development of informational brochures, and D protection of the town's character. The town will promote tourist support businesses and services in the downtown business district and in its highway -oriented commercial areas. 3.000 Policy Statements (January 29, 1999) DSwansboro C"A Land Use Plan Update 3-16 3.490 Coastal and Estuarine Water Beach Access. Policy: The Town of Swansboro will seek to improve access to its waterways and shorelines as noted in previously outlined policy statements and enhance tourism and related development opportunities in the town. Implementation Methods: The town will continue to require, through its Subdivision Regulations, requirements for common water access in waterfront subdivisions. The town, will seek to include improved public water access in its downtown redevelopment planning efforts. 3.490.1 Anticipated Residential Development and Requisite Support Services. Residential development which is projected for future years will primarily involve low -density single-family residences at a density of approximately 2 to 5 dwelling units per acre. Such development is anticipated principally in the northeastern, southern, and southwestern portions of the town's planning jurisdiction. Multi -family residential development is projected to occur, for the most part, at a moderate -density of 6 to 12 dwelling units per acre. Multi -family development is expected to locate in areas currently zoned for such use, primarily in the northern and western portions of the planning area. Existing basic public facilities and services are generally considered adequate to serve the projected residential development through the planning period. However, recreational space and long-term wastewater treatment are needs that will be generated by increased residential development. Policy: The town will promote residential densities as outlined above. Higher densities will be permitted only in areas with adequate utilities and with a street system that has the capacity to sufficiently handle increased vehicle trips Implementation Methods: The town will consider amending its subdivision regulations to include provisions for the dedication of recreational space or the payment of an in -lieu of fee in residential subdivision developments of five or more lots. The Town of Swansboro will not identify an area within the town or its ETJ for use as a landfill. This is due to the urban nature of the town and the abundant presence of wetlands which are unsuitable for use as a landfill. The town will continue to rely on the services of a waste disposal service and usage of the Onslow County landfill. This statement does not preclude the town from developing its own waste collection system. The Town will review its current zoning residential densities and the zoning map to determine if lower density patterns should be encouraged within portions of the town's planning jurisdiction. Proposed Time Schedule: The town will review its current zoning ordinance and zoning map as part of the preparation of the Comprehensive Plan which is expected to be initiated following the certification of the Land Use Plan Update. The Comprehensive Plan project is projected to be completed within 18 months after it is initiated. 3.490.2 Other Identified Local Land Development Issues. (� Policy: Swansboro will strive to improve and enhance. the town's visual quality and (� attractiveness. The town will seek to improve its capacity to provide municipal services. a 3.000 Policy Statements (January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 3-17 DImplementation Methods: The town will recently obtained grant assistance from the Division of Coastal Management to upgrade its base mapping which is integral to providing water and sewer, street maintenance and repair, building inspection, zoning, and general planning services. The town will seek to monitor and manage growth by monitoring staff and development service needs in planning, engineering, and inspections to maintain and improve quality development as growth increases. Swansboro will consider expanding its corporate limits within the existing ETJ as areas develop and a meet the statutory qualifications for annexation. In order to keep its land development regulatory tools current and to ensure that such tools are effectively implementing the policies of this updated Land Use Plan, the a town will investigate opportunities for grant assistance from the Division of Coastal Management to update and revise its zoning ordinance and map. Proposed Time Schedule: The town will review its current zoning ordinance and zoning map as part of the preparation of the Comprehensive Plan which is expected to be initiated following the certification of the Land Use Plan D Update. The Comprehensive Plan project is projected to be completed within 18 months after it is initiated. D3.500 Updated Continuing Public Participation Policies and Implementation Strategies 3.510 Continuing Public Participation Policies Policy: The Town of Swansboro recognizes the importance of providing citizens with Dopportunities to participate in the community's planning process. The town also recognizes that citizen participation and citizen education must be made available on a continuing basis. Implementation Methods: The town adopted a citizen participation plan during the initial stages of the CAMA Land Use Plan Update process. The Citizen Participation Plan provided for (i) the designation by the Town Board of the Planning Board as the advisory committee responsible for drafting an update of the land use plan (the Planning Board is composed of citizens that represent a cross-section of the community); (ii) meeting of the Planning Board to serve as both an orientation meeting and an educational opportunity to inform the general public of the purposes of the CAMA Land Use Plan and the process for updating the plan (iii) meetings of the Planning Board at strategic points in the land use update process; (iv) a second (� public information meeting following the completion of a preliminary draft land use (� plan; (v) newspaper releases concerning the land use planning process, preliminary plan, and final plan; (vi) a public hearing before the Town Board to review and adopt the Land Use Plan Update; and (vii) public notices in the local newspaper of meetings and the availability of the draft plan. A complete listing of activities which implemented the town's citizen participation plan as well as a copy of the Citizen DParticipation Plan adopted by the Town of Swansboro is. provided in Appendix T. The town has assessed the effectiveness of its citizen participation plan and has determined that the process permitted broad public participation at key formulative stages in the preparation of the land use plan update. In addition to allowing citizen input, the process also helped to educate the public about land use planning and the D 3.000 Policy Statements (January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 3-18 0 Dmanagement and protection of natural resources. It shall be the policy. of the Town of Swansboro to continue to use the local news media and public posted notices to a inform the citizens of the various opportunities for input into land use planning and related policy matters. The Swansboro Board of Commissioners has been involved with the Land Use Plan Update throughout the plan preparation process. The Board of Commissioners designated the Planning Board as the advisory committee responsible for drafting the a plan update as well as reviewed and adopted the Citizen Participation Plan. The Town Manager, serving as the liaison between the Board of Commissioners and the Planning Board, made periodic progress reports to the Board of Commissioners. The Board of Commissioners has provided written response to comments received by the town concerning the land use plan update process. The Board of Commissioners has also reviewed comments from the Division of Coastal Management concerning the preliminary draft of the plan update and has prepared revisions to the draft plan. A public hearing on the adoption of the final plan update will be conducted by the Board of Commissioners. The town will ensure a continuous planning process by conducting periodic reviews of the Land Use Plan's policies. This review will be the responsibility of the Swansboro Planning Board and Town Board. 3.600 Updated Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery, and Evacuation Policies and Implementation Strategies aThe Town of Swansboro originally adopted a Storm Preparedness Plan in October 1991 and has revised and updated the plan on several occasions. The latest revision was June 1998. The Storm Preparedness Plan was developed as a guide to assist town officials in the coordination of pre -storm preparedness operations, evacuations, and post -disaster recovery operations with other municipal, county, state, and federal agencies. The plan outlines specific responsibilities for town officials and provides an implementation plan in the event of a major threat or actual storm. The Storm Preparedness Plan (i) provides for the organization of an emergency operations center, (ii) identifies the locations of storm shelters, (iii) provides for the coordination of evacuation operations with the Onslow County Hurricane Evacuation Plan, (iv) outlines the emergency operation responsibilities of municipal staff, department heads, and the elected officials, (v) provides for a post -disaster plan of action. The Storm Preparedness Plan can be reviewed at the Town Clerk's Office at the Swansboro Town Hall. In addition to maintaining its Storm Preparedness Plan, the Town of Swansboro also supports the continuation of.hurricane awareness programs. Maps delineating hurricane surge inundation areas have been provided to the Town of Swansboro by the Division of Coastal Management. The surge areas are based upon National Hurricane Center model maps and have been recompiled by the North Carolina Center for Geographic a Information and Analysis onto USGS 1:24,000-scale quadrangles. Surge areas have been mapped to illustrate the extent of hurricane -induced flooding based upon slow moving (5-15 mph) and fast moving (15.1-35 mph) category 2, .3, and 5 hurricanes. Storm surge areas for fast moving hurricanes are a shown in the Composite Hazards Map, Figure 11. Since the extent of flooding is more severe with fast. moving hurricanes than with slow moving hurricanes, only the surge areas for fast moving hurricanes a3.000 Policy Statements (January 29 1999 Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update . 3-19 t The preparation of this map was financed in part i" i !� �� � � +# t•i : h��it"t , E t '�l'•.� i�:' !t f Eft . :i. through a grant provided by the North Carolina 4 tl E!' i• ..•.. 9 ii �lli Coastal Management Program, through the fundsi: a ••1=' 9 9 9 it _ I+•,� ii :wlE ill K ;�"1';%t`, provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the"" kOffice of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management,:,;'. CoNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ? e; ;t,• r Y CnD-O,k �!l i ii'ttt•} ':kiJ'• y ••� `'i�? •( �HaNn)GeeR .(,i;t Ixa• . �i''�:-"• - ���.•'•k .e:. [A IIL/�Ljj�" /d ' P" 0 ii� , •• � t:.-,: ��1`-. '•' i � `t-,^,. i i't�ti;.. 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A• ' k Tits •l•; �, • • . .Y :14� �'.O� : �`- i " -fjiii il!<' � itii• ',��[{�...''y y,�, $t :ct!�• ., : L , S. y ? hj1lry • �:.. sEttl'I!��.`',�',>' s •t:,,.s ci :,. : :ti•:-��i'cj 1',•�r �'< "0i � �Ffn �1. � � !p: ""it. . tl•t tiE•V'' � t, .: i:p?.r•. ��'tit t'•t't!i ,• �'" �. �'''i~. t t,3'i"Y":'F"' ii ?• C .E'E" t• tr'• y ii., ° g t't }E,+�'.G� `• ''vi _ •.�.~ €: y i t" , is . �• :: P �!c$ . •::: , . . -"�' S � i} i „ki +s « �� i:. .. , E:,: •.,,'• � ti' .ik. +}. \ 1t''��.''�fi•": •'{ ` " !t. • `'iti!-i!` �fl E}}$y: t '� j �'c� �" � :. �t,'�=5� • . •'s '�'F..•.>' .rie�tE.. 'w"::�." 'S'.�'•.e:` !t:.L=H::i.i:i+'G!S� t ..t:..t[:. Figure 11 Composite Hazards Map Swansboro, NC Legend ETJ Town Limits Category 1-2 Surge Areas Category 3 Additional Surge Area Category 5 Additional Surge Area Notes: The 100-Year Flood Hazard Area overlaps the designated storm surge areas. Storm surge areas are delineated to illustrate the general pattern of affected areas and are not intended to identify specific properties. N W E S Scale: 1" = 1500' weote n Company 1 /29/99 - - I are delineated in Figure 11. Complete copies of hurricane surge maps are available for review at the Town Clerk's Office at the Swansboro Town Hall. U While the identified hurricane surge areas often parallel the 100-year flood hazard area shown in Figure 3, there are some additional portions of the-Swansboro planning jurisdiction that are a subject to hurricane -induced flooding. These areas are generally located (i) in the . downtown waterfront area south of NC Highway 24 and between Water and Elm Street, (ii) north and east of Hawkins Creek to NC Highway 24, (iii) between Mt. Pleasant Road and the White Oak River along O Montford Creek, (iv) along Halls Branch between Hammock Beach Road and NC Highway 24, and (v) north of Halls Creek between Queens Creek Road and Hammock Beach Road. Of these five areas, the most intensely developed areas are those in the vicinity of the downtown waterfront, along Hawkins Creek, and along Halls Branch. It is estimated that the downtown waterfront area contains Dapproximately 25-30 businesses, 50-60 dwelling units, and one public park. The area north and east of Hawkins Creek encompasses approximately 45-50 dwellings, 3-5 businesses, a church, and two other institutional uses. The area along Halls Branch contains an estimated 10 to 15 dwellings and 2 Dbusinesses. The other two areas are either largely undeveloped with a few scattered single-family dwellings or are used for agricultural purposes. D Flooding as well as high winds would impact the Swansboro area during a major coastal storm. The table below describes the impact of the various categories of hurricanes: ill f, I Table 6 DESCRIPTION OF HURRICANE CATEGORIES ategory Winds =Storm Surge �rpected Damag Category 1 74-95 MPH 4-5 Feet Minimal Damage Category 2 96-110 MPH 6-8 Feet Moderate Damage Category 3 111-130 MPH 9-12 Feet Extensive Damage Category 4 131-155 MPH 13-18 Feet Extreme Damage Category 5 155+ MPH 18+ Feet Catastrophic Damage 3.610 Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery, and Evacuation Policies Policy: The Town of Swansboro has an adopted Storm Preparedness Plan and will continue to revise and update the Plan as changing conditions dictate. The Storm Preparedness Plan contains guidelines for preparedness activities and post -disaster operations. Appendix V contains excerpts from the Storm Preparedness Plan. Implementation Methods: Swansboro will continue to supportenforcement of the NC State Building Code, particularly requirements for construction standards to meet wind - resistive factors such as a design wind velocity. The town also supports provisions in the building code requiring tie -downs for newly installed mobile homes. D Swansboro will continue to participate in the Regular Phase of the National Flood Insurance Program and will continue to enforce the provisions of the town's Flood Q3.000 Policy Statements (January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 3-21 Damage Prevention Ordinance. Swansboro will avoid zoning areas susceptible to storm surge for higher density residential uses and intensive nonresidential uses. U Swansboro will continue to support and cooperate with the state and federal governments and other local units of government in emergency management planning and training. The town will continue to support enforcement of state and federal programs which aid in mitigation of hurricane hazards, including CAMA and the US Army Corps of Engineers 404 permit process. If any portion of the town's water or sewer system is significantly damaged, the affected portions shall be relocated or modified to prevent damage from recurring. Generally, reconstruction shall be held at ' least to the same standards as existed before the storm. Structures which were destroyed and which did not conform to the town's storm hazard mitigation policies, that is with basic measures to reduce Q damage by high winds, flooding, wave action or erosion, must be redeveloped according to those policies. The town's policy concerning the public acquisition of land in the most hazardous areas is not to acquire such lands. DFour primary storm shelters and three back up shelters are identified in the Storm Preparedness Plan. The general intent during a disaster is for citizens to leave the area. It is up to the individuals to determine where they should evacuate to. Storm shelters should only be used as a last resort if an individual has no other place to go. Westbound NC Highway 24 toward Belgrade Road will serve as the primary aevacuation route out of Swansboro, as posted on NCDOT highway signs. Eastbound NC Highway 24 will also be used, if possible. Additionally, Swansboro Loop Road (SR 1444) and Norris Road (SR 1445) will serve as alternate access routes to aBelgrade Road. 3.700 Plan Implementation and Management In order to implement the previously outlined policies, the Swansboro Town Board and Planning Board will utilize the policy statements as one of the bases for decision -making when land development requests are made. Policy statements will be taken into consideration when reviewing rezonings, zoning text amendments, special use permits, and subdivision plats. The Swansboro Board of Adjustment will also review policies outlined in this plan prior to making decisions on variances. Swansboro will continue to administer and enforce its land use regulatory tools particularly the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations, and Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. These D regulatory tools as well as the town's utility extension policies will be the primary mechanisms for implementing the policies delineated in this Plan. The town will review the current regulatory tools to eliminate inconsistencies which may exist between the tools and the policies outlined in this plan. a Specifically, Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations amendments which will be investigated in order to implement the policy statements involving the following topics: a Provisions for the dedication of recreational space or the payment of an in -lieu of fee in residential subdivision developments of five or more lots. 1000 Policy Statements (January 29,1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 3-22 • Reviewing the current residential density patterns to determine if lower densities should be encouraged in portions of the planning jurisdiction. U In addition, the town will review its current water and sewer extension policies for inconsistencies to ensure the implementation of the adopted land use policies. The town will also seek grant assistance from the Division of Coastal Management for updating its zoning ordinance. 3.800 Intergovernmental Coordination and Implementation As part of its endeavor to update the land use plan, the Town of Swansboro has also participated in several intergovernmental coordination efforts. The town has participated in meetings D of the Regional Wastewater Task Force which has been evaluating long-term options for wastewater treatment in Carteret, Craven, Onslow, and Pamlico Counties. The town has also participated in meetings of the White Oak Watershed Advisory Board which has examined issues of water quality in D the watershed. Other joint meetings to discuss development issues of regional significance include the North Carolina Municipalities meeting held in Emerald Isle in November 1996. I I IN 11 U R a 3.000 Policy Statements (January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Plan Update 3-23 F4.000 LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM 4.000 LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM a The land classification system was developed as a means of assisting in the implementation of the land development policies. The land classification system is intended to be supported and complemented by zoning, subdivision regulations, and other land management tools. The land D classification system is not a regulatory mechanism but is, rather, a tool to help implement land development policies. O The land classification system provides a framework to be used by the town to identify the future use of land. The designation of land classes allows the town to illustrate its policy statements as to where and to what density it wants growth to occur, and where it wants to conserve natural and Dcultural resources by guiding growth. 4.100 Land Classifications U The CAMA regulations delineate seven land classes: Developed, Urban Transition, Limited Transition, Community, Rural, Rural with Services, and Conservation. In applying the D land classification system, the town has placed particular attention on how, where, and when land development of certain types and intensity will be encouraged or discouraged. 4.110 Developed Classification. The purpose of the Developed land classification is to provide for continued intensive development and redevelopment of existing towns and their urban environs. Urban land uses and higher intensity uses, which presently require the traditional urban services, should be classified as Developed. Areas included in the 0 Developed classification are currently urban in character, have minimal undeveloped land remaining, and have in place or are scheduled to have in place municipal or public services. Urban in character includes mixed land uses such as residential, commercial, o industrial, institutional, and other uses at high to moderate densities. Services include water, sewer, recreational facilities, streets, and police and fire protection. Areas developed for predominantly residential purposes meet the intent of this classification if Othey exhibit: (i) a density of 3 or more dwellings per acre; or (ii) a majority of lots of 15,000 square feet or less which are provided or scheduled to be provided with the traditional urban services; and/or (iii) permanent population densities are high and seasonal population may swell (� significantly. 4.120 Urban Transition Classification. The purpose of the Urban Transition classification is to provide for future intensive urban development on lands that are suitable for development and that will be provided with the necessary urban services to support intensive urban development. aIncluded in the Urban Transition classification are areas presently being developed for urban purposes or areas which will be developed in the next five to ten Q years. These areas are in an urban `transition' state of development, going from lower intensity uses to higher intensity uses and as such will eventually require urban services. Examples of areas meeting the intent of this classification are lands included within a 4.000 Land Classification System (January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Update 4-1 I municipal extraterritorial planning boundaries and areas being considered for annexation. Areas classified as Urban Transition will provide lands for intensive urban growth when a lands in the Developed classification are not available. The Urban Transition classification includes mixed land uses such as residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and other uses at or approaching high to moderate densities. Areas that are predominantly residential meet the intent of this classification if: (i) they are approaching three dwelling units per acre, or (ii) a majority of the lots are 15,000 square feet or less and will be provided with essential urban services to support this high density development, or (iii) are contiguous to existing developed municipal areas. 4.130 Limited Transition Classification. The purpose of the Limited Transition classification is to .provide for development in areas that have some services but are suitable for lower densities than those associated with the Urban Transition classification and/or are geographically remote from existing towns. Areas meeting the intent of this classification will experience increased development during the planning period and will be in a state of development necessitating some municipal -type services. These areas are of modest densities and are often suitable for the provision of closed water systems rather than individual wells. a The Limited Transition classification is intended for predominantly residential development with a density of three units per acre or less, or the majority of lots are 15,000 square feet or greater. Clustering or development associated with planned unit developments may be appropriate in the Limited Transition class. In the case of the Swansboro Planning Jurisdiction, it has been determined that no areas would fall within this classification. I I I 0 Ell 4.140 Community Classification. The purpose of this classification is to provide clustered, mixed land uses at low densities to help meet the housing, shopping, and employment and other needs in rural areas. Since this classification is usually associated with `crossroads development' in counties, it has been determined not to be applicable to the Swansboro Planning Jurisdiction. 4.150 Rural Classification. The Rural classification is intended to provide for agriculture, forestry, mineral extraction, and other allied uses traditionally associated with an agrarian region as well as uses that, due to their hazardous or noxious nature, should be located in a relatively isolated and undeveloped area. Very low density dispersed residential uses on large lots with on -site water and. sewer are consistent with the intent of this classification. Because there are no large agricultural and/or forestry areas within the Swansboro planning jurisdiction, the Rural classification has been determined not to be applicable. 4.160 Rural with Services Classification. The Rural Services classification is intended to provide for very low density land uses including residential use where limited water services are provided in order to avert an existing or projected health problem. Because this classification is concerned with predominantly agrarian areas with known or 4.000 Land Classification System (January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Update 4-2 anticipated water quality problems, it has been determined not to be applicable to the Swansboro planning jurisdiction. (j 4.170 Conservation Classification. The purpose of the Conservation classification is to provide for the effective long-term management and protection of significant, limited, or irreplaceable areas. Areas meeting the intent of this classification include Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs) as defined by CAMA and other similar environmentally sensitive lands such as `404' wetlands (wetlands other than statutorily defined coastal wetlands). The Conservation classification is intended to be applied to areas that, because of their unique, productive, limited, cultural, or natural features, should be either not developed at all (preserved), or if developed, done so in an extremely limited fashion. Urban services, public or private, should not be provided in areas classified as Conservation as a catalyst to stimulate intense development. It is intended that limited, on -site services will adequately support any restricted development within this D classification. While AEC standards will occasionally permit urban -type development and limited services on a lot -by -lot basis within various AECs, it should be noted that this is the exception rather than the rule. The primary intent of the Conservation classification is to provide protection for the resources included therein. a4.200 Uses Included In Each Classification a The following general land uses are allowed within the land classifications applicable to the Swansboro planning jurisdiction: 4.210 Developed Classification. Mixed land uses (residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional) are included in the Developed classification. Residential densities generally range from a maximum of two to five dwelling units per acre. Higher densities, up to a maximum of 12 units per acre, are permitted within multi -family residential and condominium developments. Residential uses include single-family detached (including manufactured homes on individual lots) and attached dwellings, a multi -family structures, and manufactured home parks. Commercial land uses include a wide variety of retail, business service, and office and professional uses. Major shopping facilities, concentrated clusters of free-standing retail establishments, and commercial marine establishments are included. Industrial land uses include light manufacturing establishments. Institutional land uses include uses such as the four public schools in Swansboro as well as governmental, semi-public, and private Oinstitutional and recreational land uses. 4.220 Urban Transition Classification. Land uses in this classification may include mixed land uses but they are not as intensively developed as in the previous classification. The areas classified as Urban Transition in the Swansboro planning jurisdiction are predominantly undeveloped lands on the periphery of the. existing adeveloped areas. 4.230 Conservation Classification. The Conservation classification includes identified AECs (coastal wetlands, estuarine waters, public trust waters, estuarine shoreline) and freshwater or `404' wetlands protected by the Clean Water Act. No development other than those uses which require water access and cannot function elsewhere is allowed in 4.000 Land Classification System (January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Update 4-3 coastal wetlands and estuarine and public trust waters. The town concurs with CAMA AEC Standards for properties located in the Conservation classification and with the US Q Army Corps of Engineers regulations for `404' wetlands except for standards concerning floating homes, marinas in primary nursery areas, and dry stack boat storage facilities. The town's policies concerning these three areas are more restrictive than the CAMA (� AEC standards. Development within the estuarine shoreline must be in accordance with CAMA regulations and guidelines and the applicable Swansboro Zoning Ordinance provisions. Permits must be obtained from the US Army Corps of Engineers prior to Q disturbing any freshwater wetlands. Most of the land areas classified as Conservation are within identified flood hazard areas and permissible land uses are, therefore, restricted to those which create acceptable impacts on base flood levels. 4.300 Land Classification Map The Land Classification Map (see Figure 12) includes three land classifications: (i) Developed; (ii) Urban Transition; and (iii) Conservation. The Land Classification Map graphically illustrates the locations of the various classifications. Because of the scale of the Land Classification Map, the Conservation classifications can not be mapped with any degree of G accuracy. Precise locations for some areas classified as conservation must be determined by field investigation by the appropriate permitting agency. The general locations of the various land classifications as illustrated on the Land Classification Map are described below. 4.310 Developed Classification. The Developed classification generally includes land that is being used for urban purposes. The Developed area primarily includes the vast majority of the land that is currently within the town's corporate limits and, to a lesser degree, land that is located on the immediate fringes of the town's corporate area, particularly along the NC 24 Highway corridor. Some undeveloped tracts are located within the area classified as Developed. Such undeveloped tracts are generally Q surrounded by existing urban -developed areas or are located adjacent to existing urban - developed areas. The overwhelming majority of these vacant tracts are located within or contiguous to the existing Swansboro sewer system service area or are located within the L� town's projected sewer system service area. Because of the proximity of the undeveloped l.i tracts to existing urbanized areas, existing utilities, and existing streets and highways, such tracts represent interior sections of the larger Swansboro urban area. Municipal services are currently provided or can readily be extended to the overwhelming majority of the developed area, including the existing vacant tracts. 4.320 Urban Transition Classification. This classification includes the predominantly �j vacant, undeveloped areas and the existing agricultural areas located on the southwestern, northern, and northeastern fringes of the current Swansboro corporate D limits. The majority of the area classified as Urban Transition is currently zoned R/A, Residential -Agricultural. Portions of the urban transition area are potential annexation areas. Municipal services are expected to ultimately be extended into the majority of asuch areas. 4.330 Conservation Classification. This classification includes the AECs delineated in Q Section 4.230 and `404' freshwater wetlands. Much of the area designated as Conservation is within identified flood hazard areas. Because of the map scale, the n Conservation classification can not be accurately mapped. The precise location of u 4.000 Land Classification System (January 29, 1999) aSwansboro CAMA Land Use Update 4-4 coastal wetlands, freshwater wetlands, and the estuarine shoreline must be determined by field investigation by the appropriate permitting agency. The town concurs with CAMA Q AEC standards for properties located in the Conservation classification and with the US Army Corps of Engineers regulations for `404' wetlands. 0 4.400 Relationship of Policy Statements and Land Classifications The following sections discuss how the land use policy statements contained in Section (� 3.000 apply to each of the classifications delineated on the Land Classification Map (Figure 12). U The Town of Swansboro does not propose to impose any additional local requirements for Areas of Environmental Concern which are more restrictive than the CAMA minimum use a standards except that the town's policies for floating homes and locating marinas in waters classified as primary nursery areas are more restrictive than CAMA use standards in that the town does not permit floating homes within its planning jurisdiction and does not allow marinas within primary nursery areas. The town concurs with the minimum 7H Use Standards administered by the NC Division of Coastal Management, except as noted above. 4.410 Developed Classification. Policy statements have been formulated which encourage a variety of land uses to meet the housing, employment, shopping, recreation, and cultural needs of the citizens of the Swansboro planning jurisdiction. Q Policy statements have also been developed which encourage land development that has or can readily obtain adequate support infrastructure. Moderate residential densities (2 to 5 dwelling units per acre) are promoted in areas with sufficient utilities and an adequate street system. Multi -family development (6 to 12 dwelling units per acre) is promoted in areas currently zoned R-8 and R-10. Commercial development and professional services are encouraged along the NC Highway 24 corridor and in the downtown waterfront area. The redevelopment of older, established residential neighborhoods is encouraged at the same density and intensity of scale as that currently existing within such neighborhoods. (-; 4.420 Urban Transition Classification. Policy statements have been developed which U apply to the Urban Transition classification. These policies address the provision of urban services and the density of development. Intensive urban development is guided (� to areas that currently have the necessary support infrastructure or where these services l� can readily be made available. Land development will be guided to areas that have public water and an adequate street system to accommodate increased land development. n Low -density residential uses are promoted as are the current maximum densities of �j approximately 1 to 2 dwelling units per acres. Policy statements have been developed which continue a commitment to provide, within the town's financial capacity, 0 appropriate municipal services to support additional development. 4.430 Conservation Classification. Policy statements which apply to areas within the (l Conservation classification are concerned with the appropriate use and management of AECs and other fragile areas and the protection of water quality. Policy statements have been developed which give priority to the conservation of coastal wetlands. Only uses o which require water access and cannot function elsewhere are allowed in coastal wetlands, estuarine waters, and public trust waters. Development within the estuarine shoreline is allowed only if it meets state and/or federal permitting requirements for 0 4.000 Land Classification System (January 29, 1999) 0 Swansboro CAMA Land Use Update 4 S oi C I f U I C C L ul I C u U. r it G I U acceptable impacts on estuarine resources and water quality and is consistent with the CAMA 7H Use Standards. Developments locating adjacent to coastal waters are (� encouraged to make every effort to mitigate any adverse effects on estuarine water quality and on primary nursery and fish habitat areas. Policies have been developed that promote the use of best available management practices to minimize the threat of pollution from stormwater runoff. The town encourages the coordination with adjoining local governments of comprehensive stormwater management practices and policies that enhance water quality. The town concurs with the `404' wetlands permitting regulations aadministered by the US Army Corps of Engineers. I I i 11 U it 0 4.000 Land Classification System (January 29,1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Update 4-7 I 0 APPENDIX A INDEX OF DATA SOURCES D During the preparation of this land use plan update, a wide variety of data sources were utilized. The general data sources are outlined below as are specific reference materials. OGENERAL DATA SOURCES Town of Swansboro. City of Jacksonville Planning Department. NC Department of Commerce, Travel and Tourism Division. a NC Department of Environmental Health and Natural Resources, Division of Coastal Management. NC Department of Environmental Health and Natural Resources, Division of Marine Fisheries. NC Department of Environmental Health and Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation. NC Department of Environmental Health and Natural Resources, Division of Soil and Water Conservation. NC Office of State Planning. Onslow County Inspections Department. Onslow County Planning Department. aOnslow County Schools. Swansboro Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department. US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service. aUS Department of Agriculture, Farmers Home Administration. US Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Services. US Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census. REFERENCE MATERIALS (� "A Guide to North Carolina's Tidal Saltwater Classifications", Cape Fear Council of Governments, 1994. U "Albemarle -Pamlico Estuarine System, Preliminary Technical Analysis of the Status and Trends," NC (� Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources, December 1989. u "Authorized Construction By Building Permit," Bureau of Census, Construction and Statistics Division, Building Permits Branch, 1991-1995. "t Census of Population, Housing, Retail Trade, Service Industries, and Wholesale Trade," US Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census, 1960-1990. a"Characterization of Baseline Demographic Trends In The Year -Round and Recreational Population In The Albemarle -Pamlico Estuarine Study Area," Paul D. Tschetter, East Carolina University, Greenville, aNC, May 1989. "Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan", Technical Document, Albemarle -Pamlico Estuarine Study, November 1994. Draft White Oak River Basinwide Water Quality Management Plan," NC Division of Water Quality, . Water Quality Section, July 1996. D Appendix A —(January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Update A-1 "Economic Impact of Travel and Tourism on North Carolina, NC Department of Commerce, Division of Travel and Tourism, 1995. Land Use Planning Information Packet, Onslow County/Swansboro, NC Division of Coastal Management, 1996. "North Carolina Municipal Population, 1995," NC Office of State Planning, 1996. O"North Carolina Population Projections, NC Office of State Planning, 1996. North Carolina State Profile. February 1995, Woods and Poole Economics, Washington, DC. Soils Survey of Onslow County. US Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, July 1992. Subdivision Regulations, Town of Swansboro, NC a"The Effects of Global Warming and Sea -Level Rise on Coastal North Carolina," R. Paul Wilms, Carolina Planning, Fall 1990. Town of Swansboro Land Use Plan Update, Ken Weeden and Associates, 1991. Town of Swansboro Storm Preparedness Plan, October 15, 1991 (Revised August 1996). flThoroughfare Plan for the Town of Swansboro, NC Department of Transportation, November, 1993. Transportation Improvement Program, NC Department of Transportation, 1996. Zoning Ordinance, Town of Swansboro, NC. U I it 0 0 Appendix A —(January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Update A-2 APPENDIX B POPULATION SIZE AND GROWTH RATES SWANSBOR09 ONSLOW COUNTY, AND THE STATE 1910-1990 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 Swansboro 390 420 394 454 559 1,104 1,207 976 1,483 Onslow County 14,125 14,703 15,289 17,939 42,047 82,706 103,126 112,784 131,526 North Carolina 2,206,287 2,559,123 3,170,276 3,571,623 4,061,929 4,556,155 5,084,411 5,880,095 6,632,448 1910-1920 1920-1930 1930-1940 1940-1950 1950-1960 1960-1970 1970-1980 1980-1990 Swansboro 7.7% -6.2% 15.2% 23.1% 97.5% 9.3% -19.1% 51.9% Onslow County 4.1% 4.0% 17.3% 134.4% 96.7% 24.7% 9.4% 16.6% North Carolina 16.0% 23.9% 12.7% 13.7% 12.2% 11.6% 15.6% 12.8% Sources: U.S. Census of Population, 1920-1990 Appendix B—(January 29, 1999) A-3 Swansboro CAMA Land Use Update 0 0 APPENDIX B (continued) COMPARISON OF SWANSBORO'S POPULATION GROWTH RATE WITH SELECTED MUNICIPALITIES IN THE REGION Jacksonville Onslow 18,259 30,398 75,069 64.5% 147.0% Emerald Isle Carteret 865 2,434 3,091 181.4% 27.0% Richlands Onslow 825 996 1,268 20.7% 25.3% New Bem Craven 14,557 17,363 21,696 19.3% 25.0% Morehead City Carteret 4,359 6,046 7,539 38.7% .24.7% Indian Beach Carteret 54 153 181 183.3 % 18.3 % Atlantic Beach Carteret 941 1,938 2,266 106.0% 16.9% DNewport Swansboro Onslow 976 1,165 1,351 19.4% 16.0% 15.4% . Carteret 1,883 2,516 2,919 33.6% D Pine Knoll Shores Carteret 646 1,360 1,570 110.5% 15.4% Cape Carteret Carteret 944 1,013 1,167 7.3 % 15.2% Oriental Pamlico 536 786 857 46.6% 9.0% Cedar Point Carteret 479 628 677 31.1 % 7.8% Maysville Jones 877 892 948 1.7 % 6.3 % Beaufort Carteret 3,826 3,808 4,014 -0.5 % 5.4 % aHavelock Craven 17,718 20,300 21,042 14.5% 3.7% Bayboro Pamlico 759 733 751 -3.4 % 2.5 % aAlliance Pamlico 616 681 667 10.5 % -2.1 % Trenton Jones 294 230 222 -21.8 % -3.5 % aSources: U.S. Census, 1980 and 1990; North Carolina Municipal Population, Office of State Planning, 1996. 9 D Appendix B-(January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Update A4 APPENDIX C COMPONENTS OF POPULATION CHANGE ONSLOW COUNTY AND NORTH CAROLINA 1980 TO 1990 Population Change 37,054 752,353 Births 31,893 901,708 Deaths 5,066 527,545 Natural Increase 26,827 374,163 Net Migration 10,227 378,190 Migration Rate' 9.1% 6.4% 'Migration rate is the difference between in -migration and out -migration expressed as a percentage of the total population. COMPONENTS OF POPULATION GROWTH SELECTED COUNTIES IN THE REGION 1980-2010 Beaufort 4.8 2.9 1.9 TT^ 4.7 2.1 2.6 2.0 0.0 2.0 Carteret 27.9 6.4 21.5 22.2 2.6 19.6 15.7 0.4 15.3 Craven 14.9 14.5 0.4 15.1 11.4 3.7 12.0 8.7 3.3 Onslow 32.9 23.8 9.1 13.2 18.3 -5.0 17.1 17.2 -0.2 Pamlico 9.3 2.4 - 7.0 8.7 -0.3 9.0 5.3 -2.5 7.8 NC 12.8 6.4 6.4 12.3 6.0 6.3 8.4 3.9 4.5 Source: N.C. Population Projections, Office of State Planning, 1995. Appendix C-(January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Update A-5 APPENDIX D AGE DISTRIBUTION 1990 :':'sfa�A.ti�,.6TiYY a W !� '>.•> DSY.! Age Category Number % of Total % of Total % of Total Under 18 Years 254 21.8 % 25.7 % 24.2 % School Age 18-24 Years 152 13.1 % 26.7 % 11.8 % College Age 25-64 Years 571 49.0 % 43.3 % 51.9 % Worldng Age 65+ Years 188 16.1 % 4.3 % 12.1 % Retirement Age Totals 1,165 100.0 % Source: U.S. Census of Population, 1990. 100.0 % 100.0 % Appendix D—(January 29,1999) Swansboro LAMA Land Use Update A-6 Age Category Under 18 Years School Age 18-24 Years College Age 25-64 Years Working Age 65 + Years Retirement Age Totals APPENDIX D (continued) HISTORICAL AND PROJECTED AGE DISTRIBUTION 1990-2010 Onslow North Onslow North Onslow North County Carolina County Carolina County Carolina 24.3 % 24.2 % 24.9 % 24.3 % 23.8 % 23.1 % 27.5% 11.8% 24.9% 9.9% 23.5% 10.4% 43.8% 51.9% 44.8% 52.9% 46.4% 52.5% 4.4% 12.1% 5.4% 12.9% 6.3% 14.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Source: North Carolina Projections, Office of State Planning, 1995. Appendix D-(January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Update A-7 APPENDIX E MEDIAN AGE OF THE POPULATION 1970-2010 Swansboro 1970 n/a 1980 n/a 1990 33.4 2000 2010 n/a n/a Onslow County 21.1 22.8 24.6 26.9 27.9 North Carolina 26.5 29.6 33.0 36.2 38.5 United States 28.0 30.0 32.8 35.7 37.5 Sources: U.S. Census of Population, 1970-1990. Woods and Poole Economics, North Carolina State Profile, 1995. N.C. Population Projections, N.C. Office of State Planning, 1995. Appendix E—(January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Update A-8 Swansboro Onslow County North Carolina Onslow County North Carolina APPENDIX F RACIAL COMPOSITION OF THE POPULATION 1990 1,115 95.7% 24 2.1% 26 2.2% 1,165 100% 111,718 74.6% 29,790 19.9% 8,330 5.6% 149,838 100% 5.008.491 75.5% 1,456,323 22.0% 163,823 2.5% 6,628,637 100% RACIAL COMPOSITION TRENDS 1970-2010 ----------------------- 19-7 V,201 - ---------- ---- - --- --------------- -'M iNi ♦M -11 ......... 84.0% 16.0% 77.6% 22.4% 74.6% 25.4% 75.7% 24.3% 74.9% 25.1% 76.8% 23.2% 76.6% 23.4% 75.5% 24.5% 77.8% 22.2% 75.1% 24.9% Sources: U.S. Census of Population, 1970-1990. .NC Population Projections, NC Office of State Planning, 1995. Woods and Poole Economics, North Carolina State Profile, 1995. Appendix F-(January 29, 1999) Swansboro C4AM Land Use Update A-9 APPENDIX G HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS 1990 Total Housing Units 586 47,526 2,818,193 Occupied Housing Units 522 40,658 2,517,026 % Occupied 89.1 % 85.6 % 89.3 % No. Owner -Occupied 294 21,831 1,711,817 No. Renter -Occupied 228 18,827 805,209 % Owner -Occupied 56.3 % 53.7 % 68.0 % % Renter Occupied 43.7 % 46.3 % 32.0 % % W/1.01 or More Persons Per Room 0.8 % 4.8 % 2.8 % Median Value, Owner -Occupied Units $60,800 $62,200 $65,800 Total Vacant Units 64 6868 301,167 For Seasonal, Recreational Use 28 1,912 98,714 Homeowner Vacancy Rate 3.0 % 3.6 % 1.8 % Rental Vacancy Rate 5.4 % 12.9 % 9.2 % Swansboro Onslow County Household Population (Persons Per Occupied Dwelling) S:: •: xYy�; :_ .., . .• ♦:cam'c;.y.:,J . ; .sag';r;c,.:. , .. ,e:.,. y.• ' .:�"�yt: Sx���J:{S-�'"i•,;�: .4•�•`.�FLi . o.�i'..Y :.y4�,•'•,�et7i�•',C r, Y ✓°n� '`:J�i"�'+J,.•y{ ��9 3.24 2.51 2.22 3.41 North Carolina 3.24 Source: U.S. Census of Housing, 1970-1990 3.10 2.84 2.78 2.54 Appendix G—(January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Update A-10 APPENDIX H EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY GROUP PERSONS 16 YEARS AND OLDER SWANSBORO 1990 Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries Mining Construction Manufacturing TCPUI Wholesale/Retail Trade FIRI? Services Public Administration TOTAL Transportation, Communication and Public Utilities Vinance, Insurance, and Real Estate Source: U.S. Census of Population, 1990 Appendix H—(January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAAM Land Use Update 8 1.8% 0 0.0 % 36 7.9 % 34 7.5 % 19 4.2 % 135 29.6% 18 4.0% 166 36.4 % 40 8.8% 456 100% A-11 APPENDIX I COMMUTING PATTERNS ONSLOW COUNTY 1990 No. % No. % Craven County 1,156 22.9 % Craven County 330 5.1 % Carteret County 750 14.8% Carteret County 1,303 20.2% Duplin County 174 3.4% Duplin County 723 11.2% Lenoir County 205 4.1 % Lenoir County 151 2.3 % New Hanover County 441 8.7% New Hanover County 270 4.2% Pender County 232 4.6% Pender County 789 12.2% Jones County 157 3.1 % Jones County 455 7.0% All Other Destinations 1,941 61.6% All Other Destinations (245) 2,446 37.8% (111) TOTAL 5,056 100.0% TOTAL 6,467 100.0% PERCENT OF 5.8 % --- PERCENT OF 7.3 % --- EMPLOYED RESIDENTS EMPLOYED PERSONS WHO ARE OUT- WHO ARE IN - COMMUTERS COMMUTERS 'Persons traveling from Onslow County to places of employment located outside of Onslow County. 2Persons traveling to jobs located in Onslow County from areas located outside of Onslow County. Source: 1990 Census of Population and Housing. Appendix I—(January.29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Update A-12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 APPENDIX J EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY GROUP ONSLOW COUNTY Else '110 63.73 59.31 72.59 83.86 89.71 TOTAL EMPLOYMENT (000's) Agriculture 2.9% 2.6% 1.8% 1.4% 1.3% Mining 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Construction 1.4% 2.8% 3.8% 4.5% 4.8% Manufacturing 2.2% 5.5% 3.8% 2.7% 2.6% TCPU' 2.0% 2.2% 2.2% 1.9% 1.8% Wholesale/Retail Trade 6.8% 10.0% 14.8% 17.1% 19.7% FIRE2 2.1% 3.4% 3.0% 2.7% 2.5% Services 5.4% 6.5% 10.2% 11.3% 11.7% Government 77.2% 67.0% 60.4% 58.4% 55.6% TOTALS 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 'Transportation, Communication & Public Utilities. 2Finance, Insurance & Real Estate. Sources: U.S. Census of Population Woods and Poole Economics, North Carolina State Profile, 1995. Appendix J-(January 29, 1999) Swansboro C4AM Land Use Update A-13 APPENDIX K INCOME CHARACTERISTICS_ ONSLOW COUNTY Per Capita Income (In Current Dollars) 1970 3,086 $3,228 95.6 % 1980 5,953 $8,002 74.4% 1990 10,202 $16,275 62.7 % 2000 17,033 $25,068 67.9 % 2010 27,088 $41,611 65.1% Mean Household Income (In Current Dollars) 1970 $10,928 $10,612 103.0 % 1980 $18,433 $22,392 82.3 % 1990 $30,123 $41, 695 72.2 % 2000 $45,953 $63,877 71.9% 2010 $77,365 $105,478 73.3 % Source: Woods & Poole Economics, North Carolina State Profile, 1995. Appendix K—(January 29,1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Update A-14 APPENDIX L RETAIL SALES ONSLOW COUNTY 1990-2010 Building Materials, Hardware, SIC 52 45.63 6.6% 47.29 6.4% 53.42 6.4% General Merchandise, SIC 53 88.66 12.8% 103.13 13.9% 121.45 14.5% Food Stores, SIC 54 120.92 17.3 % 108.35 14.6 % 111.20 13.2 % Automobile Dealers, SIC 55 180.88 26.0% 207.54 27.9% 234.35 27.9% Gasoline Service Stations, SIC 554 51.20 7.4% 49.66 6.7% 54.26 6.5% Apparel & Accessories, SIC 56 25.53 3.7% 25.41 3.4% 28.44 3.4% Furniture, Home Furnishings, SIC 57 46.70 6.7% 52.17 7.0% 58.70 7.0% Eating & Drinking Places, SIC 58 81.09 11.7% 92.64 12.5% 112.89 13.4% Drug Stores, SIC 591 17.64 2.5 % 18.60 2.5 % 21.79 2.6 % Miscellaneous Retail Stores, SIC 59 36.84 5.3 % 38.11 5.1 % 43.58 5.1 % 695.09 100.0% 742.89 100.0% 840.08 100.0% TOTAL RETAIL SALES 'In millions, 1987 dollars. Source: Woods and Poole Economics, North Carolina State Profile, February 1995. Appendix L-(January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Update A-15 APPENDIX M HOUSING BY STRUCTURE TYPE SWANSBORO Single -Family 410 70.9 % 1 Unit Detached 399 69.0% 1 Unit Attached 11 1.9 % Multi -Family 153 26.5 % 2-4 Units 101 17.5% 5-9 Units 50 8.8 % 10+ Units 2 0.5% Manufactured Home 15 2.6% TOTAL UNITS 578 100.0% Source: U.S. Census of Housing, 1990. Appendix M—(January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Update A-16 APPENDIX N AUTHORIZED RESDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION BY BUILDING PERMIT SWANSBORO 1993 - 1995 M a n ran InM1l Mnliryry!:Ix:l:i N!:I� 1 II 11 !�I m :1 mll n I ! xi. M.. ..I m nn .. Mxx • . I I .. i m. i n n n mn .I m l . i i n rI I: �IIr.ILITI:I,IIIIII:lI.�I:..f;uiII�I��.iI�l,IlI.IIIIfI�ImII��IIIIIIIL:I�iIII IliIlIlI�I�Ill��b:�1iu�I y1I::::: L�I, I:nIIL.:.It: iI.LI..ILI�I�.L lI.:L•::. Il. I I I i: II1f I1I� 1I LI:II:::iII i: .:: iI.. Single -Family Units 8 6 * 3 11 17 31 57.41 Duplex Units 0 0 * 0 0 0 0 0.00 3-4 Units 0 0 * 0 0 2 2 3.71 5+ Units 0 0 * 0 0 0 0 0.00 Manufactured Homes * * * 7 8 6 21 38.89 TOTAL RESIDENTIAL UNITS 8 6 * 10 19 25 54 100.00 RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISIONS APPROVED * * * 2 5 4 11 * Data Not Available Sources: Town of Swansboro and the Bureau of the Census, Maintenance & Construction Division. Appendix N—(January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Update A-17 APPENDIX O SOIL LIMITATIONS FOR SELECTED LAND USES Soil Name/Symbol Dwelling Without Basements Dwellings With Basements Small Commercial Buildings Local Roads and Streets Septic Tank Absorption Fields Alpin, AnB Slight Slight Slight Slight Slight Baymeade, BaB & BmB Slight Moderate Slight Slight Severe Bohicket, BO Severe Severe Severe Severe Severe Leon, Ln Severe Severe Severe Severe Severe Lynchburg, Ly Severe Severe Severe Severe Severe Marvyn, MaC Moderate Moderate Severe Moderate Moderate Muckalee, Mk Severe Severe Severe Severe Severe Norfolk, NoB Slight Moderate Moderate Slight Moderate Onslow, On Moderate Severe Moderate Moderate Severe Rains, Ra Severe Severe Severe Severe Severe Source: Soil Survey of Onslow County, NC; July 1992. Appendix 0—(January 29, 1999) Swansboro C'AMA Land Use Update A-18 APPENDIX P SOILS WITH SEVERE LD41TATIONS FOR SEPTIC TANK ABSORPTION FIELDS Baymeade, BaB & BmB X Leon, Ln X X Muckalee Mk X X o Ou :.:...:::.: Rains, Ra X Note: The "slope" limitation was not included in the table because none of the soils listed above exhibit that characteristic. Source: Soil Survey of Onslow County, NC, July, 1992. Appendix P—(January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Update A-19 Onslow. County Swansboro APPENDIX Q POPULATION PROJECTIONS 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 42,047 82,706 103,126 112,784 149,838 559 1,104 1,207 976 1,165 12000-2010 projections by NC Office of State Planning, NC Population Projections, 1996. 2000 2005 2010 156,414' 170,420' 181,7671 1,5932 1,736' 1,852' 'Based upon 1996 estimates, North Carolina Municipal Population, Office of State Planning, and projections by the Wooten Company. 'Based upon an identical 2000-2010 growth rate as projected for Onslow County by the N.C. Office fice of State Planning (2000-2005: 9.0%; 2005-2010: 6.7%). Source: The Wooten Company, 1997. Appendix Q—(January 29,1999) A-20 Swansboro C4AM Land Use Update APPENDIX R FUTURE RESIDENTIAL LAND NEEDS 1996- 2005 TOTAL PROJECTED RESIDENTIAL DWELLING UNITS: ' 142 DISTRIBUTION OF PROJECTED DWELLING UNITS:2 101 Single-family 37 Multi -family 4 Manufactured Homes TOTAL PROJECTED RESIDENTIAL LAND NEEDS: (Anticipated Density Levels in Parenthesis) 19-48 Acres Single -Family (2.1 to 5.4 DU/AC) 3-4 Acres Multi -Family (8.8 to 12.5 DU/AC) 1-2 Acres Manufactured Homes (4.3 to 8.7 DU/AC) 'Based upon a population increase of 315 persons and an average household population size of 2.22 persons per household. 2Based upon the same distribution pattern found in the 1990 Census of Population and Housing: single-family, 71 percent; multi -family, 26 percent; and manufactured home, 3 percent. Source: The Wooten Company, 1997. Appendix R—(January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Update A-21 F DAPPENDIX S DEFINITION OF ISSUES AND SUMMARY OF POSSIBLE POLICY ALTERNATIVES 0 a 1. Marinas, Piers, Docks, and Floating Home Development Definition of Issue: The demand for and impacts of marinas. The impact of marinas on water quality is discussed in Section 2.211.4. Floating homes and drystack boat storage facilities were discussed and determined to be inconsistent with Swansboro's character. Public mooring fields and noncommercial piers were determined to be acceptable uses. Discussion of Possible Policy Alternatives: Alternatives discussed included not allowing new marinas, greater restrictions on new marinas, prohibiting marinas in primary nursery D areas, promoting additional marinas, and prohibiting the expansion of existing marinas. The same basic alternatives were discussed for floating home development, drystack boat storage facilities, and public mooring fields. Selected Policies: Marina development will be permitted in accordance with local land use regulations and the CAMA 7 H Use Standards except that the Town will not permit marinas within designated Primary Nursery Areas (Section 3.222), will not allow floating a structures (Section 3.280), and prohibits drystack boat storage facilities (Section 3.280). The town encourages marina siting and design which promotes proper flushing action (Section 3.270). a Noncommercial piers are allowed in accordance with CAMA use standards (Section 3.280). 2. Location of and Impacts of New Development on Flood Hazard Areas, Areas with Limitations for Septic Tank Use, Sound Islands, and AEC's. Use of Package Treatment Plants Definition of Issue: Guiding growth to areas with the town's jurisdiction that are best suited to accommodate development. Issues related to areas with constraints to development are discussed in Sections 2.211.1, 2.211.2. 2.211.7, 2.212, and 2.220. The current policies regarding package treatment plants and the need for greater restrictions were discussed. The adequacy of the current zoning classification and density limits for sound islands was discussed. Measures to mitigate the impact of development on environmentally -fragile areas were discussed. Discussion of Possible Policy Alternatives: Alternatives discussed. included not allowing new intensive urban development in areas without municipal water and sewer service, D guiding growth to areas with sufficient utilities and street . access to accommodate new development, and allowing growth to occur as the market dictates. Greater restriction on the use of 0 package treatment plants were discussed. Changing the zoning classification of sound islands to less intensive classifications was discussed. Selected Policies: Policies were adopted which regulate development within flood hazard areas (Section 3.211); guide development to areas served by the town's sewer system (Section 3.212); restrict development in coastal wetlands (Section 3.221), estuarine and public trust areas (Section 3.222), estuarine shoreline (Section 3.223), and sound and estuarine islands (Section 3.231); discourage intensive development in productive agricultural areas (Section 3.310); n I and guide growth to areas that currently have the necessary infrastructure to support development (Section 3.410). The use of package treatment plants are permitted within the ETJ under specified endU S— anua 29 1999 APP JrY ( ) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Update A-22 it conditions (Section 3.260). The existing development controls applicable to sound islands were retained (Section 3.231). j 3. Stormwater Definition of Issue: Stormwater runoff impacts from new development. Issues related to stormwater runoff impacts on water quality are discussed in Section 2.211.4. Discussion of Possible Policy Alternatives: Alternatives discussed included requiring greater on -site stormwater controls for new development and preparation of a town -wide Q stormwater management plan. Selected Policies: Policies regarding stormwater are included in Section 3.270. See also water quality issues and policies below. I 7 I I 0 0 I 4. Water Quality Definition of Issue: Surface and ground water quality. Existing water quality conditions and ratings are discussed in Sections 2.211.4 through 2.211.6. Discussion of Possible Policy Alternatives: Alternatives discussed included requiring new development to provide greater on -site stormwater controls, support for state water quality regulations, and cooperating with adjoining governments in coordinating stormwater controls. Selected Policies: Policies regarding water quality are included in Sections 3.212, 3.221, 3.222, 3.223, 3.232, 3.250, 3.260, 3.270, 3.280, 3.340, and 3.410. See also stormwater issues and policies above. 5. Wastewater Treatment Definition of Issue: Long-term solutions to wastewater treatment and disposal. Wastewater treatment issues are discussed in Sections 2.221.2 and 2.234. Discussion of Possible Policy Alternatives: Alternatives discussed included improvements to the existing wastewater treatment plant and cooperating with adjoining governments in the development of a regional wastewater treatment system. Selected Policies: Policies regarding wastewater treatment are included in Sections 3.212, 3.260, 3.270, 3.340, 3.410, 3.420, 3.430, and 3.490.1. See also policy regarding package treatment plants (Section 3.260). 6. Wetlands Definition of Issue: Conservation of wetlands. Wetlands are discussed in Sections 2.212.1 and 2.212.2. . Discussion of Possible Policy Alternatives: Alternatives discussed included requiring greater restrictions than the CAMA 7H Use Standards for wetlands areas. Selected Policies: Policies regarding wetlands are included in Sections 3.221, 3.232, 3.340, 3.360, and 3.490.1. 7. Historical and Archaeological Sites See # 3 in the Economic and Community Development Section. 8. Other Policy Issues For the following policy issues, the Town of Swansboro determined that there was no significant change in the policy issue since the town's previous plan was prepared that warranted a detailed discussion of the issue or a delineation of policy alternatives: Appendix S—(January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Update A-23 • Flood Hazard Areas • Freshwater Wetlands O • Potable Water Supply Protection • Industrial Impacts on Fragile Areas • Sea Level Rise Impacts Q• Bulkhead Impacts on Marshes 1. Agricultural Land Definition of Issue: The impact of urban development activities on productive D agricultural land. Issues related to agricultural lands are discussed in Sections 2.130, 2.135, 2.211.4, and 2.213. Discussion of Possible Policy Alternatives: Alternatives discussed included not allowing urban development in areas designated as agricultural and limiting residential development in designated agricultural areas to a very low density. Changing to lower density zoning classifications for portions of the ETJ were discussed. Selected Policies: Policies regarding agricultural lands are included in Sections 3.310 and 3.490.1. (� 2. Commercial and Recreational Fisheries L1 Definition of Issue: The impact of land development activities on marine fisheries. Issues related to marine fisheries are discussed in Sections 2.125, 2.211.4, 2.211.6, and 2.213. a Discussion of Possible Policy Alternatives: Alternatives discussed included greater restrictions on development to reduce stormwater impacts on fishing areas. Water use ordinances were discussed. Prohibiting marina development in primary nursery areas was discussed. (� Selected Policies: . Policies related to marine fisheries are included in Sections 3.222, (� 3.223, 3.270, 3.280, 3.290, 3.340, 3.360, and 3.410. 3. Recreational Space and Water Access Definition of Issue: The provision of public recreational space and water access. Issues related to recreation and water access are discussed in Sections 2.133, 2.211.6, and 2.221.7. (� Discussion of Possible Policy Alternatives: Alternatives discussed the provision of u additional recreational space and water access, additional requirements for new residential development to provide recreational and open space, and development of a master park plan. D Selected Policies: Policies related to recreation and water access are included in Sections 3.280, 3.340, 3.420, 3.430, 3.480, 3.490, and 3.490.1. 4. Land Development Impact on Resources 0 (See # 2 under Resource Protection) a 5. Other Policy Issues For the following policy issues, the Town of Swansboro determined that there was no significant change in the policy issue since the town's previous plan was prepared that warranted a detailed discussion of the issue or a delineation of policy alternatives: • Commercial Forest Lands Appendix S—(January 29,1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Update A-24 • Mineral Production Areas • Off -Road Vehicle Use D 1. Anticipated Residential Development and Requisite Support Services Definition of Issue: Maintaining the existing low residential densities. Issues related to residential density are discussed in Sections 2.131, 2.211.1, 2.211.2, 2.211.3, 2.233, and 3.700. Discussion of Possible Policy Alternatives: Alternatives limiting residential development in designated agricultural areas to a very low density and a general reduction of residential densities throughout much of the ETJ area. D Selected Policies: Policies regarding residential densities are included in Sections 3.212, 3.231, 3.310, 3.360, 3.410, 3.420, 3.430, 3.490.1, and 3.600. (� 2. Commercial Development u Definition of Issue: The impacts, both beneficial and adverse, of commercial development. Issues related to commercial development are discussed in Sections 2.120, 2.132, 2.232, and 2.233. Discussion of Possible Policy Alternatives: Alternatives discussed included encouraging commercial in appropriate locations so as to reduce adverse impacts on water quality and the capacity of major thoroughfares, restricting marina development, improving tourism, and promoting the downtown waterfront. Selected Policies: Policies regarding commercial development are included in a Sections 3.222, 3.223, 3.280, 3.340, 3.360, 3.410, 3.420, 3.430, 3.440, 3.470, 3.480, 3.490, and 3.490.2. 3. Historic Resources Definition of Issue: Preservation of historic resources, particularly the historic business district. Issues related to historic preservation are discussed in Section 2.212.3. Discussion of Possible Policy Alternatives: Alternatives discussed included promoting historic -related tourism, improving the downtown waterfront, balancing commercial growth, and historic preservation in the downtown business district. Selected Policies: Policies regarding historic resources are included in Sections 3.233, 3.360, 3.410, 3.420, 3.440, 3.450, 3.480, 3.490, and 3.490.2. 4. Strip Commercial Development Definition of Issue: Managing strip commercial development adjacent to NC Highway 24. Strip commercial development is discussed in Sections 2.132, 2.222, and 2.233. Discussion of Possible Policy Alternatives: Alternatives discussed included reducing the impacts of strip development on the functional capacity of NC Highway 24 and promoting commercial development patterns other than along the Highway 24 corridor. Selected Policies: Policies regarding strip commercial development are included in DSections 3.410, 3.420, 3.480, and 3.490.2. 5. Tourism Definition of Issue: The impact of tourism on Swansboro. Tourism is discussed in Section 2.124. I Appendix S—(January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Update A-25 I Discussion of Possible Policy Alternatives: Alternatives discussed included promoting tourism, preserving the character of the downtown business district, and improving water access. Selected Policies: Policies regarding tourism are included in Sections 2.158, 3.223, 3.233, 3.340, 3.360, 3.410, 3.420, 3.430, 3.440, 3.480, 3.490, and 3.490.2. D6. Thoroughfare Improvements Definition of Issue: The need for and impact of improvements to major thoroughfares. Thoroughfare improvements are discussed in Sections 2.153 and 2.222. Discussion of Possible Policy Alternatives: Alternatives discussed included participating with NCDOT in the preparation of an updated thoroughfare plan, the impact of the proposed NC Highway 24 bypass, and the need for local thoroughfare planning. Selected Policies: Policies regarding thoroughfare improvements are included in Sections 3.410, 3.430, and 3.450. 7. Water Access Definition of Issue: The need for improving waterfront access. Water access is n discussed in Sections 2.221.7 and 2.222. Ju( Discussion of Possible Policy Alternatives: Alternatives discussed included means of requiring water access in development regulations and improvements to the downtown waterfront area. Selected Policies: Policies regarding water access are included in Sections 3.223, 3.280, 3.430, 3.480, and 3.490. D8. Marina Development See # 1 in the Resource Protection Section above. 9. Commitment to Providing Services to Development U Definition of Issue: Providing services to areas outside of the town's corporate limits was discussed as was capacity limitations for accommodating new development. Discussion of Possible Policy Alternatives: Alternatives discussed included greater restrictions on providing services to new development. Selected Policies: Policies regarding providing services to development are included Din Section 3.430. See also Section 3.490.1. 10. Other Policy Issues For the following policy issues, the Town of Swansboro determined that there was no significant change in the policy issue since the town's previous plan was prepared that warranted a detailed discussion of the issue or a delineation of policy alternatives: • Redevelopment of Developed Areas • Assistance to Channel Maintenance Areas D• Offshore Exploratory Drilling I Appendix S—(January 29 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Update A-26 I 7TOxi: . H.-N. 1. Improving Citizen Participation Definition of Issue: The need for improving general citizen participation in the land use planning process. Alternative ways to provide public information and improve public education was discussed. Better use of the local media to provide information on all planning and development matters was discussed. Citizen participation policies are discussed in Section 3.500. I I I I ru I I I iu I u fh I 1. Storm Preparedness Definition of Issue: The need for improving and updating Storm preparedness planning and storm hazard mitigation measures. Storm preparedness and storm recovery policies are discussed in Section 3.600. 1. Resource Protection Policy Issues Protection of agricultural lands through zoning restrictions, such as increasing the minimum lot area requirements. 2. Resource Production and Management Policy Issues Developing a water use ordinance. 3. Economic and Community Development Policy Issues Decreasing residential densities throughout the entire planning jurisdiction. Appendix S—(January 29, 1999) Swansboro C4AM Land Use Update A-27 APPENDIX T PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS A. CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE D The Swansboro Town Board, on December 17, 1996, designated the Planning Board as the Swansboro Land Use Plan Advisory Committee. The Planning Board is composed of the following persons: Frank Scott Leland Ziegler Bob Nichols Don Prescott Phil Whited Frances Corbett Jim Cushine Burwell Jackson Robert Fisher B. MEETING DATES (1) Planning Board Meetings December 10, 1996 (� February 11, 1997 (� March 11, 1997 April 8, 1997 May 13, 1997 u July 8, 1997 August 12, 1997 September 9, 1997 October 14, 1997 October 1, 1998 (2) Public Information Meetings D December 10, 1996 October 14, 1997 (3) Intergovernmental Coordination Meetings Meetings of the Regional Wastewater Task Force Meetings of the White Oak River Watershed Advisory Board North Carolina Municipalities meeting in Emerald Isle, November 1996 (4) Town Board Meetings October 1, 1998 (5) Public Hearing January 19, 1999 C. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN A copy of the Citizen Participation Plan adopted by the Swansboro Board of Commissioners on December 17, 1997 is attached. 0 Appendix T—(January 29, 1999) 0 Swansboro LAMA Land Use Update A-28 I U CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN CAMA Land Use Plan Update D Town of Swansboro December 17, 1996 Subchapter 7B of the North Carolina Administrative Code, Land Use Planning Guidelines, requires that the Land Use Plan update process include a variety of educational efforts and participation techniques to assure that all segments of the community have a full and adequate opportunity to participate in all stages of the land use plan development. It is therefore the responsibility of the town to involve, inform and educate a broad cross-section of the town's populace. It is the town's intent to have a continuous citizen participation process that achieves these purposes. D The following steps will be taken to provide information to the public and to encourage citizen involvement: 1. Designation of an Advisory Committee �j The Board of Commissioners of the Town of Swansboro will designate the Planning Board as the agency responsible for drafting an update of I the land use plan. The Planning Board will serve in a review and advisory capacity to the Town Board and the town's Planning Consultant, The Wooten Company. The Planning Board will meet on a periodic basis with the Planning Consultant to review draft materials prepared by the Planning Consultant, assist the Planning Consultant with defining land use issues and concerns, and provide general input. The Planning Board will keep the Town Board apprised of its activities and progress through regular oral and/or written reports to the Town Board. The Planning Board is composed of citizens that represent a broad cross-section of the population of the Town of Swansboro and its extraterritorial planning jurisdiction. 2. Initial Public Information Meeting A meeting of the Planning Board will be held in December 1996 to serve as both an orientation meeting for the Planning Board and an educational opportunity to inform the general public of the purpose of the CAMA Land Use Plan and the process for updating the Plan, to review the policy statements contained within the town's 1991 Land Use Plan, and to outline the town's public participation process. 3. Periodic Planning Board Meetings It is anticipated that the Planning Board will meet at strategic points throughout the land use planning process to provide general input into the plan development and to review materials prepared by the Planning Consultant. Meetings will be held to identify goals and objectives; identify land use issues; review a preliminary report on existing conditions, constraints to land development, and estimated demands on land and community facilities and services; review draft policy Appendix T—(January 29, 1999) Swansboro LAMA Land Use Update A-29 a I 0 r I I 0 I 0 I I statements; and review a draft of the entire land use plan update. Planning Board meetings will be conducted from January to July 1997 and will be held as part of the regularly scheduled Planning Board meeting or as a special meeting. Notices will be published prior to each meeting. An opportunity for public comment and input will be afforded at each meeting. 4. Public Information Meeting on the Preliminary Draft Plan Following the completion of a preliminary draft Land Use Plan Update, a second public information meeting will be held by the Planning Board. The purpose of this.meeting will be to review the draft Plan, particularly the policy statements that have been developed and the proposed land classifications. The meeting will afford another opportunity for public involvement prior to a formal public hearing on the adoption of the updated Plan. The meeting date is projected to be in October 1997. Copies of the preliminary draft Land Use Plan will be available at the town hall. 5. Public Hearing A formal public hearing will be held by the Town Board to review the final draft Plan and to solicit citizen comments on the update of the Land Use Plan. Following the public hearing, the Town Board will consider action on adoption of the Plan. The public hearing will be advertised by newspaper notice at least 30 days prior to the date of the public hearing which is anticipated to be held in December 1997. Notice of the public hearing will also be posted at the town hall. Copies of the final draft Land Use Plan will be available for review at the town hall. 6. Additional Means of Soliciting Public Involvement In addition to the meetings outlined above, the town will utilize the following means to increase public involvement and information: • news releases prior to the public information meetings and the public hearing. It is anticipated that the news releases will lead to newspaper articles and public service announcements. • presentations by town staff and/or Planning Board members to civic, business, church, and similar groups. • preliminary report on existing conditions, constraints, and estimated demands. • preliminary report on preliminary draft policy statements. The preliminary reports will be available for public review at the town hall. Copies of the reports will also be made available to the media. Appendix T—(January 29,1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Update A-30 I QAPPENDIX U 0 GLOSSARY ADT (Average Daily Traffic). The average number of cars per day that pass over a given point. Anadromous. Ascending rivers from the sea for breeding. Fish species, such as shad, herring, and (� striped bass, migrate from their primary habitats in the oceans up freshwater rivers and streams to spawn. It D 0 I 0 Areas of Environmental Concern. The Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) designates four categories of areas of environmental concern (AEC's): the estuarine system, the ocean hazard system, public water supplies, and natural and cultural resource areas. These AEC's, and the standards for development within them, cover almost all coastal waters and three percent of the land in the twenty coastal counties in North Carolina. Benthic. Living in or on the bottom of a body of water. Best Management Practice (BMP). A method, activity, maintenance procedure, or other management practice for reducing the amount of pollution entering a body of water. Coastal Complex Natural Areas. Lands that support native plant and animal communities and provide habitat qualities which have remained essentially unchanged by human activity. Coastal Wetlands. Any salt marsh or other marsh subject to regular or occasional flooding by tides, including wind tides (whether or not the tide waters reach the marshland areas through natural or artificial watercourses), provided this shall not include hurricane nor tropical storm tides. Coastal wetlands contain some, but not necessarily all, of the following marsh plant species: Cord Grass . Bulrush Black Needlerush Saw Grass Glasswort . Cat -tail Salt Grass Salt Meadow Grass Sea Lavender . Salt Reed Grass Also included in this definition is such contiguous land as the Secretary of the NC Department of Environment , Health and Natural Resources reasonably deems necessary to affect by any such order in carrying out the purposes of the CAMA regulations. Estuarine Shorelines. Those non -ocean shorelines which are especially vulnerable to erosion, flooding, or other adverse effects of wind and water and are intimately connected to the estuary. This area extends from the mean high water level or normal water level along the estuaries, sounds, bays and brackish waters for a distance of 75 feet landward. For those estuarine shorelines immediately contiguous to waters classified as Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW), the estuarine shoreline extends 575 feet landward from the mean high water level or normal water level. Appendix U—(January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Update A-31 Estuarine System. The coast's broad network of brackish sounds, marshes, and the shorelines surrounding them. The following components of the estuarine system have been designated as AEC's: estuarine waters, public trust areas, coastal wetlands, and estuarine shorelines Estuarine Waters. All the waters of the Atlantic Ocean within the boundary of North Carolina and all the waters of the bays, sounds, rivers, and tributaries thereto seaward of the dividing line U between coastal fishing waters and inland fishing waters, as set forth in an agreement adopted by the Wildlife Resources Commission and the Department of Environment, Health, and Natural (� (J Resources. Estuary. A semi -enclosed body of water where fresh water draining from the mainland mixes with salt water from the ocean. Floating Structures. Any structure, not a boat, supported by a means of flotation, designed to be used without a permanent foundation, which is used or intended for human habitation or commerce. A structure is considered a floating structure when it is inhabited or used for commercial purposes for more than thirty days in any one location. A boat may be deemed a floating structure when its means of propulsion has been removed or rendered inoperative and it contains at least 200 square feet of living space area. A boat is defined as a vessel or watercraft of any type or size specifically designed to be self-propelled, whether by engine, sail, oar, or paddle or other means, which is used to travel from place to place by water. Fecal Colilform. Bacteria from the intestinal tracts of warm-blooded animals. High numbers of fecal coliform bacteria in a water body may indicate a recent release of untreated wastewater and/or the presence of animal feces. Fecal coliform is used as an indicator for managing the closure of shellfish beds to protect the public health. Freshwater Wetlands. Swamps and inland wetlands that are not covered by the Coastal Area Management Act, unless the Coastal Resource Commission designates them as a natural resource AEC. Freshwater wetlands are protected by the Clean Water Act and a US Army Corps of Engineers permit is required for work in them. Freestanding Moorings. Any means to attach a ship, boat, vessel, floating structure or other f; water craft to a stationary underwater device, mooring buoy, buoyed anchor, or piling (as long as u the piling is not associated with an existing or proposed pier, dock, or boathouse). Impaired Waters. Surface waters that are negatively impacted by pollution resulting in decreased water quality. Marinas. Any publicly- or privately -owned dock, basin, or wet boat storage facility constructed to t.! accommodate more than 10 boats and providing any of the following services: permanent or transient docking spaces, dry storage, fueling facilities, haulout facilities, and repair service. (� Excluded from this definition are boat ramp facilities allowing access only, temporary docking, and (,J none of the preceding services. (� Natural and Cultural Resource Areas. Areas containing environmental, natural or cultural j resources of more than local significance in which uncontrolled or incompatible development could U Appendix U—(January 29,1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Update A-32 result in major or irreversible damage to natural systems or cultural resources; scientific, educational, or associative values; or aesthetic qualities. t� U Normal High Water. The ordinary extent of high tide based upon site conditions such as presence and location of vegetation, which has its distribution influenced by tidal action, and the location of Othe apparent high tide line. Normal Water bevel. The level of water bodies with less than six inches of lunar tide during periods of little or no wind. It can be determined by the presence of such physical and biological indicators as erosion escarpments, trash lines, water lines, marsh grasses, and barnacles. O Ocean Beaches. Lands consisting of unconsolidated soil materials that extend from the mean low water line landward to a point where either the growth of vegetation occurs or a distinct change in slope or elevation alters the configuration of the landform, whichever is farther landward. Ocean Hazard Areas. Beaches, frontal dunes, inlet lands, and other areas along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline in which geologic, vegetative, and soil conditions indicate a substantial possibility r� of excessive erosion or flood damage. The ocean hazard system of AEC's contains the following ]U' areas: ocean erodible areas, high hazard flood areas, inlet hazard areas, and unvegetated beach areas. On -site Wastewater Treatment Systems. Systems, including septic tanks and package treatment plants, which treat wastewater where it is produced. These systems are smaller in scale than municipal central sewage treatment plants. OutstandingResource Waters. Estuarine waters and public trust areas classified b the NC P Y Environmental Management Commission as waters of exceptional state or national recreational or ecological significance. Primary Nursery Areas. Areas in the estuarine system where initial post larval development of finfish and crustaceans takes place. They are usually located in the uppermost sections of an estuarine system where populations are uniformly early juvenile stages. f Public Water Supplies. Public water supply AEC's include small surface water supply (,1 watersheds and public water supply well fields. Small water supply watersheds are catchment areas situated entirely within the coastal area which contain a water body classified as A-H by the Environmental Management Commission. Public water supply well fields are areas of well - drained sands that extend downward from the surface into the shallow ground water table which supplies the public with potable water. Public Trust Areas. All waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the lands thereunder from the mean high water mark to the seaward limit of state jurisdiction; all natural bodies of water subject to (� measurable lunar tides and lands thereunder to the mean high water mark; all navigable natural bodies of water and lands thereunder to the mean high water level or mean water level as the case may be, except privately -owned lakes to which the public has no right of access; all water in artificially created bodies of water containing significant public fishing resources or other public resources which are accessible to the public by navigation from bodies of water in which the public has acquired rights by prescription, custom, usage, dedication, or any other means. Public trust Appendix U—(January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAMA Land Use Update A-33 areas overlap with the estuarine waters AEC, but they also cover inland fishing waters that are not in the estuarine waters AEC. Riparian. Relating to the bank or shoreline of a body of water. Runoff. Water which is not absorbed by soil and which drains off the land into bodies of water. Significant Coastal Archaeological Resources. Areas that contain archaeological remains (objects, features, and/or sites) that have more than local significance to history or prehistory. Significant Coastal Historic Architectural Resources. Districts, structures, buildings, sites or objects that have more than local significance to history or architecture. Stormwater. Water which is generated by rainfall, causes runoff, and often is routed into drainage systems. Unique Coastal Geologic Formations. Sites that contain geologic formations that are unique or otherwise significant components of coastal systems, or that are especially notable examples of geologic formations or processes in the coastal area. Water -dependent Uses. Uses that must be located near or in water to accomplish their intended purpose. Examples include navigation channels, drainage ditches, docks, wharfs, piers, bulkheads, utility easements, revetments, culverts, mooring pilings, boat ramps, groins, bridges, and bridge approaches. Watershed. The geographic region within which water drains to a particular river, stream, or body of water. Appendix U—(January 29, 1999) Swansboro CRAM Land Use Update A-34 QAPPENDIX V EXCERPTS FROM THE TOWN OF SWANSBORO 0 STORM PREPAREDNESS PLAN D The Town of Swansboro Storm Preparedness Plan was originally adopted in 1991 and has been n revised on several occasions. The latest revision was made in June 1998. The following pages contain the post -disaster operations and a listing of storm shelter locations. I L' I 0 I I 0 11 L' Appendix U—(January 29, 1999) Swansboro CAAM Land Use Update A-35 TOWN OF SWANSBORO STORM PREPAREDNESS PLAN a 0 �sBo O w U �0 e��SHED � OCTOBER 15,1991 REVISED: SEPTEVIBER,1992 SEPTEMBER,1993 AUGUST,1994 (� AUGUST,1995 (� JULY,1996 AUGUST,1996 JUNE,1997 U JUNE,1998 U I III - POST DISASTER OPERATIONS aA. GENERAL With the end of condition landfall and when conditions are as safe as possible, post disaster Doperations begin. The post disaster plan includes three (3) separate reconstruction periods. 1. Emergency Period: Reconstruction phase immediately after a storm. The (i emphasis is on restoring public health and safety, assessing the nature and extent of storm ttJJ damage and qualifying for and obtaining whatever federal and state assistance might be available. 2. Restoration Period: Weeks and months following a storm disaster. The emphasis during this period is on permanently restoring Town facilities, utilities, essential business, etc., so the Town can once again function in a normal manner. 3. Replacement Period: Period during which the community is rebuilt. The period could last from months to years depending on the nature and extent of damages incurred. (� THIS PART OF THE PLAN WILL FOCUS PRIMARILY UPON THE EMERGENCY („J PERIOD AND ITS CONTINUATION INTO THE RESTORATION PERIOD. (� B. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER (EOC) U The current location of the EOC during preparedness operations will continue to serve as the Emergency Operations Center for condition preparedness until such a time as the Emergency Management Coordinator deems it to no longer be necessary. C. FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING Costs relating to the disaster shall be charged to the Emergency Management Account which is coded 11-620. For major storm damage, the restoration of existing services will need complete documentation for reimbursement, if applicable. i.e., contracts, if possible; invoices, etc. U I 5) Public parks and recreational facilities including U playgrounds, swimming pools, tennis courts, golf courses, bathhouses, concession and other park buildings. Damaged facilities are restored to their pre -disaster condition and design, subject to applicable codes, standards and specifications. Insurance proceeds and salvage are deducted from Othe approved grant. Included in the Appendix VI is a general listing of O subaccount numbers and descriptions for detailed coding of invoices, etc. D. DEPARTMENT/AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES U During the post disaster operations, the various departments/agencies will be responsible for tasks which fall within their normal scope of operations. If possible, departments may assist other departments but will fall under the primary department heads supervision and responsibility. E. EMERGENCY ROUTES In order to provide initial access for emergency evacuation the following streets shall be designated as emergency routes and thereby be the first streets cleared of debris: 1. Highway 24 2. Church Street 3. Front Street 4. Walnut Street 5. Broad Street (� F. DAMAGE ASSESSMENT (j Requirements for authorizing financial and direct assistance to both the Town of Swansboro government and individual citizens and businesses are generally stated in the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 (P.L.93-288). It is imperative that the joint Federal - State -Local procedures are carried out efficiently and properly in order to be eligible for the various types of financial assistance which are available. 1. Damage Assessment Team. The Town's Damage Assessment (� Team shall consist of the following personnel: (� Code Enforcement Superintendent - Team Coordinator o Fire Department Representative -Fire Inspector Public Works Representative Police Department Representative Rescue Squad Representative 2. Damage Assessment Procedures. Upon post disaster operations beginning, the Town's Damage Assessment Team shall (� make a very rough visual initial assessment. The rough initial (j assessment should include an approximate: Ell I 1. Number of persons killed. 2. Number of damaged properties. 3. Cost of damage to: a. public properties (j b. private properties D The assessment report should be given to the Emergency Management Coordinator within 1-2 hours maximum from the commencement of the post disaster operations. A more detailed second assessment can be made after the initial reports are filed. Damage assessment reporting should follow the format and j� terms.as established by the Onslow County Emergency (� Management Office. n G. RECOVERY OPERATIONS lu; After the emergency operations to restore public health and safety and initial damage assessments are completed, the State guidelines suggest that a Recovery Task Force to guide restoration and reconstruction activities be created. In Swansboro, the Mayor and Commissioners shall assume the responsibilities of the task force with the Town Manager s (� directing day-to-day operations based on policy guidance from the U Mayor and Commissioners. The following tasks must be accomplished: 1. Establish an overall restoration schedule. 2. Set restoration priorities. 3. Determine requirements for outside assistance and request such assistance when beyond local capabilities. 4. Keep appropriate County and State officials informed using Situation and Damage Reports. 5. Keep the public informed. 6. Assemble and maintain records of actions taken and expenditures and obligations incurred. 7. Proclaim a "state of emergency" , if warranted. 8. Commence clean-up, debris removal and utility restoration activities. 9.. Undertake repair and restoration of essential public (� facilities and services in accordance with priorities (� developed through the situation evaluations. 10. Assist private businesses and individual property owners in obtaining information on the various types of assistance that might be available to them from federal and state agencies. L I H. CONSTRUCTION PERMITTING In order to assure residents receive the best possible repair work to damaged property, all contractors doing said work should be licensed and permitted and it shall be the duty of the lj Police and Code Enforcement Department to check on the licensing of contractors. I. FOOD AND SUPPLIES DISTRIBUTION To coordinate and facilitate the distribution of food and supplies, donations shall be delivered to the Fire Department building, located on Highway 24. It shall be the Fire Chief's responsibility to develop a n layout plan at the Fire Department Building and to coordinate �j such distribution of food, ice, etc. to the general public in as efficient manner as possible. Such plan shall be reviewed and approved by the Emergency Management Coordinator. No public requests for items shall be made by any representative of the Town except for the Emergency Management Coordinator and their designee. Requested items include: food, ice, etc. No donations (j shall be requested for clothing, since clothing distribution (j shall be by the Hem of His Garment, located on Highway 24. J. LANDFILL AND DISPOSAL INSTRUCTION Disposal site location will be determined by the Onslow County Emergency Management Coordinator. Dissemination of information shall be provided to the public as soon as possible. K. UTILITIES CAROLINA POWER AND LIGHT 1. Most of the Town of SWANSORO is served by Carolina Power and light (CP&L). Their response.time to a disaster, will be approximately 1 1/2 to 3 hours depending on the type of storm. .2. The EOC shall notify CP&L as soon as possible regarding the extent of damage and power failure 3. Upon initiating emergency operations, a representative will check in at the EOC and communicate CP&L's plan of action. Crews will work intently 36 hours straight; 6 hours off, then rotate 16 hours work and 8 hours off until the emergency phase has subsided. At no time will the feeder lines serving our area be cut off/shut down by CP&L. In case of power failure, emergency restoration will focus on life support systems as the main feeders serving Swansboro. Lift stations are not considered as primary focus during emergency restoration. 0 (� CAROLINA TELEPHONE UUU 1. All of the Town of Swansboro and its ETJ is served by Carolina Telephone. ( 2. Even though there may be a power outage in Swansboro, the (j Central Office in Swansboro, which will probably be staffed, has battery backup and generator. 3. The EOC shall notify Carolina-Telephcne as soon as possible regarding the extend of damage to the Town and general area. 4. On commencing emergency operations, a representative will check in at the EOC. A survey of the estimated damage will be performed by Carolina Telephone at the earliest possible safe time. However, because of safety reasons, the survey and damage repairs will be conducted during day light hours, unless an extreme emergency requires immediate attention. There are specific personnel who will respond to the Swansboro area. Emergency numbers such as Police Department, (� Fire Department, Town Hall and Rescue Squad will have �I priority for repairs. TIME WARNER CABLE 1. All of the Town of Swansboro is serviced by Vision Cable. 2. In the event of a natural disaster, Vision Cable will have crews standing by to begin repair work as soon as it is D reasonably safe to do so. 3. Time Warner Cable will repair main trunk lines first and the order of priority would then be feeder lines followed by individual service drops. Repair efforts would be around the clock until full restoration. 4. Repair work would be contingent upon obtaining clearance from the local power company since they do not own any poles but rent space. Downed or unsafe power lines would need to be repaired before Time Warner would be allowed to work on lines. N [fi I I Ell LOCATION 1. SWANSBORG MIDDLE 2. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 3. PRIMARY SCHOOL 4. SWANSBORO HIGH APPENDIX II STORM SHELTERS CONTACT SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS JOE BEASLEY (PRINCIPAL) - BACK UP STORM SHELTERS 1. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH REV. WILKERSON 2. SWANSBORO METHODIST REV. BROADWELL 3. ST. MILDRED CHURCH REV. DUSEAULT TELEPHONE 455-2211 32603601 SCHOOL 455-2211 326-5350 SCHOOL 455-2211 326-4574 SCHOOL 326-4343 SCHOOL. 326-3525 HOME 326-5768 326-4822 326-4370