Sketch Land Use Plan-1994

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1994
Town of Varnamtown
Sketch Land Use Plan
Local Approval: Tull 20.1995
CRC Certified: Tull 28,1995
Technical Assistance
Howard T. Capps &-, Associates, Inc.
Land Planning • Landscape Architecture
201 N. Front Street, Suite 402
Wilmington, North Carolina 28401
PROPERTY OF
DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT
PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE

1994
Town of Varnamtown
Sketch
Land Use Plan
Technical Assistance
Howard T. Capps & Associates, Inc.
Land Planning • Landscape Architecture
201 N. Front Street, Suite 308
Wilmington, North Carolina 28401
The preparation of this document was financed, in part, through a grant provided by the North Carolina
Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as
amended, which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources Management, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

1994
Town of Varnamtown
Land Use Plan
I. Introduction
II. Data Collection and Analysis
A.
Population and Economy
B.
Existing Land Use
C.
Current Plans, Policies and Regulations
1. Subdivision Ordinance
2. Manufactured Home Ordinance
3. Manufactured Home Park Ordinance
III. Constraints
— Land Suitability
A.
Physical Limitations
1. Hazard Areas
2. Soils
3. Water Supply
B.
Fragile Areas
1. Coastal Wetlands
2. _ Estuarine Waters
3. Public Trust Waters
4. Archaeological and Historic Sites
IV. Constraints — Capacity of Community Facilities
A.
Existing Water and Sewer
B.
Schools
C.
Parks
D.
Primary Roads
E.
Police
F.
Fire
G.
Public Administration
H.
Medical Service
I.
Landfill
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6
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16
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V. Estimated Demand
17
VI. Policy Statements
17
A. Resource Protection
18
1.
Areas of Environmental Concern
18
2.
Constraints to Development Including Flood Prone
Areas, Soil Suitability and Septic Tank Use
25
3.
Development Density in Proximity to Designated
Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW's)
26
4.
Other Hazardous and Fragile Land Areas
27
a. Maritime Forests
27
b. Freshwater Swamps
27
C. Other Fragile Areas
27
5.
Hurricane and Flood Evacuation Needs
27
6.
Protection of Potable Water Supply
28
7.
Use of Package Treatment Plants
28
8.
Stormwater Runoff
29
9.
Marina and Floating Home Development and Dry -
Stack Facilities
30
10.
Industrial Impact on Fragile Areas
30
11.
Development of Sound and Estuarine System Islands
30
12.
Upland Excavation for Marina Basins
31
13.
Damaging of Existing Marshes by Bulkhead Installation
31
B. Resource Production and Management
31
1.
Productive Agricultural Lands
31
2.
Commercial Forest Areas
32
3.
Existing and Potential Mineral Production Areas
32
4.
Commercial and Recreational Fisheries, Including
Nursery and Habitat Areas
32
5.
Off -Road Vehicles
33
6.
Residential, Commercial and Industrial Development
33
7.
Peat and Phosphate Mining
33
C. Economic and Community Development
34
1.
Community Attitude Toward Growth
34
2.
Types and Location of Industries Desired
34
3.
Local Commitment to Providing Services to Development
34
4.
Urban Growth Patterns Desired
35
5.
Redevelopment of Developed Areas Including
Relocation of Structures Due to Erosion
35

6. Commitment to State and Federal Programs Including
Erosion Control, Public Access, Highway Improvements,
Port Facilities, Dredging and Military Facilities
36
7.
Channel Maintenance and Beach Nourishment Projects
• Including Financial Aid, Providing Spoil Areas or
Providing Easements
36
8.
Energy Facility Siting
36
9.
Inshore and Offshore Exploration or Development Including
Refineries, Storage
37
10.
Tourism
37
11.
Coastal and Estuarine Water Access
37
12.
Type, Densities, Location, Units Per Acre of
Anticipated Residential Development
37
13.
Recreation
38
D. Issue of Local Concern
38
1.
Future Road System Planning
38
VII. Land Classification
39
A. Land Classification Definitions
39
1.
Urban Transition
39
2.
Rural
40
3.
Conservation
41
B. Land Classification for Varnamtown
43
1. Urban Transition 43
2. Conservation 43
3. Rural 43
VIII. Public Participation Policy 43
IX. Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post Disaster Recovery and Evacuation Plan 44
Appendix 49
Public Participation Plan Questionnaire Results
Letter from David Brook
Maps: Existing Land Use Hazards
Land Classification Conceptual Park Sketch

L INTRODUCTION
' In 1974, the North Carolina General Assembly enacted the Coastal Area
Management Act (CAMA) for the purpose of establishing a state and local
program for managing coastal resources. This management program allows local
governments in twenty coastal counties to prepare land use plans which establish -
policies to guide growth and development at the local level. The land use plans
prepared under the Coastal Area Management Act form the basis for a
' comprehensive plan for protection, preservation, orderly development and
management of the coastal area of North Carolina.
I The Coastal Area Management Act recognizes that the key to more effective
protection and use of the land and water resources of the coast is the development
of a coordinated approach to resource management. CAMA provides two
iprincipal mechanisms to accomplish this: first, the formulation of local land use
plans such as Varnamtown's Sketch Land Use Plan which express the objectives of
local citizens and translate these objectives into future desired land use patterns;
' and second, the designation of areas of environmental concern for the protection
of areas of statewide concern within the coastal area.
' Both the development of local land use plans and the designation and regulation of
environmentally sensitive areas contribute to the management by local and state
' governments of our limited coastal resources. Varnamtown citizens and local
officials benefit from this planning process by reviewing where the community is
now and where it wants to be in five to ten years, and setting goals and policies to
Ireach those objectives.
IL DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
IA. Population ann_d Economy.
' Based on the 1990 Census data provided by the Brunswick County
Punning Department, Varnamtown had a 1990 population of 434. Of this
population,100.0% is considered rural. Varnamtown was incorporated in
' 1988; therefore, population information is not available prior 1990.
Of the 434 people living in Varnamtown in 1990, 278 were 25 years old or
over. Of this population, 54.3% were high school graduates or higher with
4.0% having a bachelor's degree or higher.
' Varnamtown is primarily a residential community with limited commercial
activity. Local commercial activity consists primarily of seafood operations
along the Lockwood Folly River, a convenience store and a restaurant..
Although there is limited commercial activity in Varnamtown,184 of the
434 people recorded in the 1990 Census are in the labor force (15 of whom
1994 Vanwntown Land Use Plan 1
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' are unemployed), which represents 5 1. 1 % of all people 16 years and over.
In 1990,176 people were not in the labor force, which represents the
population under 16 years old or that portion of the population that is
' retired from the labor force.
' - The 169 people actively employed in 1990 were working in the following
occupations:
' Occupation
Employed Persons 16 Years and Over
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Executive, administrative and managerial
10
Professional specialty
6
Technicians and related support
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Sales
35
Administrative support, including clerical
12
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Private household occupations
Protective service
4
-
Service occupations, except protective and household
16
Farming, forestry and fishing
Precision production, craft and repair
18
23
Machine operators, assemblers and inspectors
12
Transportation and material moving
23
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Handlers, equipment cleaners, helpers and laborers
10
Of the 169 people employed in 1990, nearly 50% were in sales
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occupations, precision, production, craft and repair occupations or
transportation and material moving occupations.
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Employment by Industry
for Persons 16 Years Old and Over
Agriculture, forestry and fisheries
16
Mining
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Construction
37
Manufacturing, nondurable goods
4
Manufacturing, durable goods
4
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Transportation
7
Communications and other public utilities
Wholesale trade
16
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Retail trade
26
Finance, insurance and real estate
2
Business and repair services
21
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Personal services
4
Entertainment and recreation services
5
1994 Varnamtown Land Use Plan
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' Health services 3
Educational services 13
' Other professional and related services 9
Public administration 2
' - - Of the 169 people employed in 1990, over 50% of all employment was in
agriculture, construction, wholesale trade and retail trade, with the largest
number, 37, employed in construction.
B. F.xi� Land Use
' Varnamtown is located on the west bank of the Lockwood Folly River and
east of State Road 1119, Stone Chimney Road. As shown in Table I,
Existing Land Use Acreage, the dominant land use for Varnamtown is
' agriculture and wooded sites, with 1,019.1 acres of land in these two uses.
Residential development is the second largest use with approximately 113.9
acres of land in this use. Commercial development makes up 4.3 acres of
' land with 1.4 acres in public use and 1.1 acres in private recreational use.
Churches in the community utilize 3.8 acres of land. Public street right-of-
way utilizes 44.7 acres of land, with public trust waters along the
Lockwood Folly River and the water body south of Riverside Drive
covering 26.6 acres of land area.
' Much of the residential land use is located adjacent to state maintained
roads such as Varnamtown Road SR 1122, Sabbath Home Road SR 1120,
' Stone Chimney Road SR 1119 and Fisherman Road SR 1123. The
Riverside I subdivision is a planned, single-family residential community
with private tennis courts and boat launching facility with parking along
Lockwood Folly River. Of the approximate 217 lots in the development,
approximately 47 have been developed with housing as of February 1994.
' Commercial land use is concentrated along the west bank of the Lockwood
Folly River. These uses are Beacon Seafood, Robinson and Thompson
Seafood, Garland's Seafood and Lockwood Folly Seafood. Other
' commercial uses include Carson's Shell Fish Market on the south side of
SR 1122 Varnamtown Road and east of Galloway Road, Maxton
Restaurant on the southwest side of Stone Chimney Road SR 1119 south
of Sabbath Home Road SR 1120, Lancaster Oyster House on Fresh Oyster
Lane, Ardy's Oysters on Robinson Drive and Betty's Mini -Mart on
Varnamtown Road.
The Town Hall of Varnamtown is located on the north side of
Varnamtown Road SR 1122 near the intersection of Gal-Var Road SR
' 1195. Two churches are located on the north side of Varnamtown Road.
n
1994 Vamamtown Land Use Plan

Table 1
'
Varnamtown Existing Land Use Acreage
'
Land Use
Acreage
Residential
113.9
Commercial
4.3
'
Public
1.4
Churches
3.8
Recreation
1.1
'
Public Street Right -of -Way 44.7
Agriculture/Wooded 1,019.1
Water
Total Area
4 1.21 .9
'
C. Current
Plans. Policies and Regulations
1.
Subdivision Ordinance
The Varnamtown Subdivision Ordinance, authorized under North
Carolina General Statute Chapter 160A, Article 19, Part 2, became
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effective on May 4, 1993. Following this date, all subdivisions of
land come under the jurisdiction of the Town of Varnamtown with
approval by the Varnamtown Planning Board. The ordinance
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contains the following sections.
'
Article I Title and Purpose
Article II Authority and Jurisdiction
Article III Prerequisite to Plat Recordation
'
Approval of Public Services
Article IV General Provisions
Article V Definitions
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Article VI Compliance with Official Plans
Article VII Procedures for Review and Requirements for
Approval of Minor Subdivision Plats
Article VIII Procedures for Review and Requirements for
Approval of Major Subdivision Plats
'
Article IX Required Improvements and Maximum Standards or
Designs for Major Subdivisions
t The Subdivision Ordinance Article VI,1, 2 and 3, requires that any
subdivision must comply with any thoroughfare plan, zoning
ordinance or land use plan that is applicable.
1994 Varnamtown Land Use Plan 4

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Article V, F, 5, requires that any designated public or private street
shall have a minimum 60' right-of-way.
2. 'Manufactured Home Ordinance
The Varnamtown Manufactured Home Ordinance adopted October
5, 1992, is authorized under Chapter 160A, Article 8, Section 174,
of the General Statutes.
The ordinance requires that all manufactured homes be placed on a
lot of 20,000 square feet or more. All manufactured homes must be
properly connected to a water and sewer system approved by the
Brunswick County Health Department. Homes are not to be more
than 12 years old.
3. Manufactured Home Park Ordinance
The Varnamtown Manufactured Home Park Ordinance became
effective May 4,1993. The purpose of the ordinance is to inform
the developer and the design engineer of the minimum requirements
of the Town of Varnamtown for both design and construction of
utilities, pavements, easements, parks, buffer zones, drainage of
lands, etc.
A mobile home park shall mean a minimum and not less than two
manufactured homes per tract of land which consists of one acre of
land excluding public utilities, right-of-way for streets, and
additional land as the Varnamtown Planning Board may deem
necessary to conform to this ordinance. (Ordinance on page 1 and
page 5 is inconsistent as it pertains to minimum size of park area.)
The ordinance contains the following dimensional requirements:
Minimum manufactured home park area: 2 acres
• Minimum park width without public or
community utilities: 100'
• Maximum density: 2 units per acre
Minimum manufactured home space depth: 200'
• Minimum setbacks on sides for a manu-
factured home within space: 20'
1994 Varnamtown Land Use Plan 5

• Minimum setbacks for manufactured home
to external park boundaries: Front 50'
Side & Rear 20'
Building Height 35'
• Space for 2 cars
- - Paved or crushed
stone
• Park should be located so as not to be
susceptible to flooding
• Road surface width One-way, no parking 11'
One-way, parking one side 18'
Two-way, no parking 20'
Two-way, parking one side 26
Two-way, parking both sides 32'
• Buffer around entire perimeter is required
• All utilities shall be installed underground
• Ground anchors shall be installed for each
manufactured home
III. CONSTRAINTS — LAND SUITABILITY
A.
Physical Limitations
1. Hazard Areas
The only known hazard areas for Varnamtown include the 100-year
flood area which has been reflected on the Hazard Map found in the
Appendix. (Area at high bluff not included.)
2. Soils
Based on the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation
Service Soil Survey for Brunswick County, there are seven soil
types represented in Varnamtown, with varying limitations, as
outlined below.
a. BaB — Baymeade fine sand,1 to 6 percent slopes.
1994 Varnamtown Land Use Plan
6

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b.
1994 Varnamtown Land Use Plan
This well drained soil is on low ridges and convex divides.
Most of the acreage of this map unit is used for woodland.
The rest is used for cropland or urban areas. Surface runoff
is slow. Permeability is moderately rapid, and the available
water capacity is low. The soil is very strongly acid or
strongly acid throughout, unless the surface layer has been
limed. The seasonal high water table is 4 to 5 feet below
the surface.
Many areas of this soil are used for crops. Leaching of
plant nutrients and the hazards of drought and wind erosion
are the main limitations in the use and management of this
soil for crops.
This soil is suited to some urban uses. Seepage and caving
of cutbanks are the main limitations. Lawns and shrubs are
difficult to establish and maintain because of droughtiness
and leaching of plant nutrients. Irrigating, fertilizing
frequently, and adding organic matter increase growth of
lawns and shrubs on this sandy soil. This soil is poorly
suited to recreational uses. The sandy nature of the soil is
the main limitation.
Bo — Bohicket silty clay loam.
This nearly level, very poorly drained soil is on tidal flats at
elevations of 0 to 3 feet above sea level. It is dissected by
narrow areas of water. Surface runoff is very slow.
Permeability is very slow. 'The water table fluctuates with
the rise and fall of the daily tides. The soil is flooded each
day by tidal water. Included with this soil in mapping are
long, narrow areas of Carteret soils that are adjacent to
waterways.
Bohicket soil has native vegetation adapted to tidal marsh.
The vegetation consists of smooth cordgrass and black
needlerush. The edges of these tidal marsh areas are
important as habitat for raccoons, white-tailed deer, river
otter, and marsh rabbit,. Birds using these areas are clapper
rail, sora rail, gallinule, cattle egret, American egret, blue
heron, black duck, lesser scaup, hooded merganser, and
eastern brown pelican. During high tides these areas are
used by crab, shrimp, and many kinds of fish, such as
flounder, minnows, mullet and menhaden. Reptiles, such as
American alligators and young sea turtles, also use this area.
7

C.
e.
1994 Vaniamtown Land Use Plan
This soil is generally not used for forestry, cropland or
residential sites. Daily tidal flooding, wetness and excess
salt are the main limitations. Recreational uses are hunting
and fishing.
Fo — Foreston loamy fine sand.
This nearly level, moderately well drained soil is on slightly
convex interstream areas. Surface runoff is slow.
Permeability is moderately rapid, and the available water
capacity is moderate. Ditchbanks and trench walls cave,
and the soil has a high seepage rate. The seasonal high
water table is 2.5 and 3.5 feet below the surface.
This soil is suited to most urban uses; however, it is poorly
suited to sanitary facilities. Wetness and seepage are the
main limitations. This soil is well suited to recreational
uses.
KrB — Kureb fine sand, 1 to 8 percent slopes.
This excessively drained soil is in undulating areas. Nearly
all of the acreage is in woodland. Surface runoff is slow.
Permeability is rapid, and the available water capacity is
very low. Seepage is rapid, and trench walls and ditchbanks
cave.
This soil is suited to most urban uses. Lawns and shrubs are
difficult to establish and maintain because of leaching of
plant nutrients and droughtiness. Irrigating, fertilizing
frequently, and adding organic matter increase growth of
lawns and shrubs. This soil is poorly suited to recreational
uses because of the sandy nature of the soil.
Lo — Leon fine sand.
This nearly level, poorly drained soil is in broad, smooth,
interstream areas and in depressions in undulating areas.
Most of the acreage of this map unit is in woodland.
Surface runoff is slow. Permeability is rapid in the surface
layer and moderate to rapid in the subsoil. The available
water capacity is low. Ditchbanks cave, and the soil has a
high seepage rate. The soil is extremely acid or very
strongly acid throughout, unless the surface layer has been

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f.
9.
limed. The seasonal high water table is at or near die
surface.
A few small areas of this soil have been artificially drained
and are used for cropland. Leaching of plant nutrients,
seasonal high water table and caving of cutbanks are the .
main limitations. This soil is generally not used for
residential or recreational development.
PaA — Pactolus fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes.
This moderately well drained and somewhat poorly drained
soil is in slight depressions and on terraces. Surface runoff
is slow. Permeability is rapid, and the available water
capacity is low. This soil has a very high rate of seepage,
and trench walls cave. The seasonal high water table is 1.5
to 2.5 feet below the surface.
This soil is poorly suited to residential and recreational
development because of wetness, seepage, caving of
cutbanks, and the sandy nature of the soil.
1994 Vanmmtown Land Use Plan
WaB — Wando fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes.
This excessively drained soil is on interstream areas.
Surface runoff is slow. Permeability is rapid, and the
available water capacity is low or very low. This soil has
rapid seepage, and trench walls cave.
Wando soil is mostly in native woodland. 'This soil is suited
to most urban uses. It is poorly suited to sanitary facilities
because of seepage and caving of cutbanks.

Table 2
Water Table of Soils
Bab Bo Fo KrB Lo PaA WaB
Table represents the maximum level in feet below ground surface
to which water rises at its seasonal high level
BaB Seasonal high. water table is 4' to 5' below surface
Bo Soil is flooded each day by tidal water
Fo Seasonal high water table is 2S' to 3.5' below surface
KrB Seasonal high water table is 6'
Lo Seasonal high water table is at or near surface
PaA Seasonal high water table is 1.5' to 2.5' below surface
WaB Seasonal high water table is 4' to 6'
Source: Table 18, Brunswick County Soils Report
Having a knowledge of the seasonal water table for the community's soils is
important from a land use planning standpoint for two primary reasons:
1) Soils with seasonal high water tables such as Pactolus fine (PaA) and Foreston
loamy fine sand (Fo) are not suited for residential development because of wetness
and unsuitability for sanitary facilities.
2) Soils such as Baymeade fine sand (BaB) are subject to leaching of plant
nutrients into the soil that can have a negative impact on adjacent surface waters.
1994 Vamamtown Land Use Plan
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Table 3
Acreage and Proportionate
Extent of the Soils
fW
BaB
55,973
10.2
145.0
28.9
Bo
13,427
2.5
23.4
4.7
Fo
26,692
4.9
120.5
24.0
KrB
16,573
3.0
20.6
4.1
Lo
45,611
8.3
65.4 '
13.0
PaA
3,994
0.7
58.5
11.7
WaB
8.305
1.5
Lm
13.7
Total Acreage
550,713
502.4
Source: Brunswick County Soils Report
Table 4
Yield Per Acre of Crops
Bu
Bu
Lbs Bu
�tl
f=
,Solbeans
Tobacco Wheat
BaB
69
37
2,500 50
Bo
—
—
— —
Fo
115
35
2,600 60
KrB
—
—
— —
Lo
50
20
— —
PaA
65
25
1,800 —
WaB
55
20
— —
Bu Tons
DjU Grass H
60 4.5
70 4.5
— 4.0
— 3.5
— 4.5
— 4.0
Highest
Yield of
all Soil
Types 117 45 3,000 60 70 .5.1
Bu = Bushel Lbs = Pounds Tons = Tons
Source: Brunswick County Soils Report
19% Varnamtown Land Use Plan 11

Table 5
Limitations for Building Site Development
Dwellings
Small Commercial
Local Roads
without Basements
Bufldingg
and Streets
BaB
Slight
Slight
Slight
Bo
Severe'.2.3
Severe'.2-3
Severe2,3,4
Fo
Slight
Slight
Slight
KrB
Slight
Moderates
Slight
Lo
Severe6
Severe6
Severe6
PaA
Moderate6
Moderate6
Moderate6
WaB
Slight
Slight
Slight
Notes: 1
Flooding
4 Low Strength
2
Ponding
5 Slope
3
Shrink -Swell
6 Wetness
Source: Brunswick County Soils Report
Table 6
Limitations for Sanitary
Facilities
Septic Tank
Absorpfion Field
Sewagg
Lagoon Areas
BaB
Severe'
Severe2
Bo
Severe3.4.
Severe3.4
Fo
Severe6
Severe2,6
KrB
Severe'
Severe2
Lo
Severe6•'
Severe2.6
PaA
Severe6.'
Severeu
WaB
Severe'
Severe2
Notes: I Poor Filter
4
Ponding
2 Seepage
5
Peres Slowly
3 Flooding
6
Wetness
Definitions: Poor Filter — Because of rapid permeability the soil may not adequately
filter effluent from waste disposal system.
See__uage — The movement of water through the soil. Seepage adversely
affects the specified use.
1994 Vamamtown Land Use Plan
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F
wing— Subject to flooding.
ponding— Standing water on soils in closed depressions. Unless the soils
are artificially drained, the water can be removed only by percolation or
- � evapotranspiration.
Peres Slowly. — The slow movement of water through the soil adversely
affects the specified use.
Wetness — Soil is wet.
Source: Brunswick County Soils Report
3. Water Supply
Individual wells are used for all water supply.
'
B. EmWle Areas
'
Fragile areas are areas which could easily be damaged or destroyed by
inappropriate or poorly planned development. There are several fragile
areas in Varnamtown including the following areas identified by the CAMA
as Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs): coastal wetlands, estuarine
waters and public trust waters.
'
1. Coastal Wetlands
One of the major fragile land areas in the Town of Varnamtown is
the coastal wetlands along the Lockwood Folly River.
Coastal wetlands are defined as any salt marsh or other marsh
subject to regular or occasional flooding by tides, including wind
tides (whether or not the tide waters reach the marshland areas
through natural or artificial watercourses), provided this shall not
'
include hurricane or tropical storm tides. Coastal wetlands contain
some, but not necessarily all, of the following marsh plant species:
(1) Cord Grass (Spartina alterniflora),
(2) Black Needlerush (Juncos roemerianus),
'
(3) Glasswort (Salicomia spp.),
(4) Salt Grass (Distichlis spicata),
(5) Sea Lavender (Limonium spp.),
(6) Bulrush (Scirpus spp.),
(7) Saw Grass (Cladium jamaicense),
1994 Vamamtown Land Use Plan 13

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0
(8) Cat -tail (Typha spp.),
(9) Salt Meadow Grass (Spartina patens),
(10) Salt Reed Grass (Spartina cynosuroides).
-Included in this definition of coastal wetlands is "such contiguous
land as the Secretary of EHNR reasonably deems necessary to
affect by any such order in carrying out the purposes of this
Section." [G.S. 113-230(a)].
The unique productivity of the estuarine system is supported by
detritus (decayed plant material) and nutrients that are exported
from the coastal marshlands. The amount of exportation and
degree of importance appears to be variable from marsh to marsh,
depending primarily upon its frequency of inundation and inherent
characteristics of the various plant species. Without the marsh, the
high productivity levels and complex food chains typically found in
the estuaries could not be maintained.
2. Estuarine Waters
Both estuarine waters and estuarine shorelines are present along the
Lockwood Folly River.
Estuarine waters are defined in G.S. 113A-113(b)(2). The
boundaries between inland and coastal fishing waters are set forth
in an agreement adopted by the Wildlife Resources Commission and
the Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources and
in the most current revision of the North Carolina Marine Fisheries
for Coastal Waters, codified at 15A NCAC 3Q .0200.
Estuarine waters are the dominant component and bonding element
of the entire estuarine system, integrating aquatic influences from
both the land and the sea. Estuaries are among the most productive
natural environments of North Carolina. They support the valuable
commercial and sports fisheries of the coastal area which are
comprised of estuarine dependent species such as menhaden,
flounder, shrimp, crabs and oysters. These species must spend all
or some part of their life cycle within the estuarine waters to mature
and reproduce. Of the ten leading species in the commercial catch,
all but one are dependent on the estuary.
3. Public Trust waters
The Lockwood Folly River and all navigable tributaries in
Vamamtown are part of the public trust waters in North Carolina.
1994 Varnamtown Land Use Plan 14

i
Public trust areas are 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 rights of navigation; and all waters in artificially
created bodies of water in which the public has acquired rights by
prescription, custom, usage, dedication, or any other means. In
i
determining whether the public has acquired rights in artificially
created bodies of water, the following factors shall be considered:
'
(1) the use of the body of water by the public,
(2) the length of time the public has used the area,
(3) the value of public resources in the body of water,
(4) whether the public resources in the body of water are mobile to
the extent that they can move into natural bodies of water,
i
(5) whether the creation of the artificial body of water required
permission from the state, and
(6) the value of the body of water to the public for navigation from
'
one public area to another public area.
The public has rights in these areas, including navigation and
recreation. In addition, these areas support valuable commercial
'
and sports fisheries, have aesthetic value, and are important
resources for economic development.
4. Archaeological and Historic Sites
There are no known archaeological or historic sites in Vamamtown.
(See August 24,1994, letter from David Brook in Appendix.)
IV. CONSTRAINTS — CAPACITY OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Vamamtown does not have a water or sewer system. One small area of the
community along Stone Chimney Road, SR 1119, and Sabbath Home
Road, SR 1120, in the southwestern comer of the community is served by
a water line from the Lockwood Folly development. Individual septic
1994 Vamamtown Land Use Plan 15
1

tanks are used for sewer; however, as discussed in Section III, Constraints
— Land Suitability (Table 6) reflects all soils in the community have severe
' limitations for septic tank use. This increases the need for a community
sewer system when financially feasible to eliminate need for use of septic
tanks.
' B. Schools
' Varnamtown is served by Supply Elementary, Shallotte Middle and West
Brunswick High Schools. The table below shows the 1995 student
enrollment for each school along with the design capacity for each.
' Design Calla, city 1995 Enrollment
Supply Elementary (K-5) 750 735
Shallotte Middle (5-8) 900 888
West Brunswick High (9-12) 850 911
' Source: Office of Brunswick County Superintendent of Schools
C. ad a
' Vamamtown is currently in the planning process to develop a small park to
serve the community. The park contains approximately 2.83 acres and is
located in the southwestern part of the community. Current plans call for a
softball field, picnic shelter, play area, restrooms and parking (Appendix:
Conceptual Map).
D. Primary Roads
' Primary roads serving Varnamtown include Vamamtorn Road, SR 1122;
Sabbath Home Road, SR 1120; and Stone Chimney Road, SR 1119.
These three primary roads are all two-lane roads providing vehicular access
' to much of the community. These roads are maintained by the N. C.
Department of Transportation and should be adequate to serve the area
during the five- to ten-year planning period
E.
' The Varnamtown area is served by the Brunswick County Sheriffs
Department. Currently the Town is too small to provide its own police
department.
F. Eicg
1994 Vamamtown Land Use Plan 16

L
V.
_W
G.
H.
L
The community is served by the Tri-Beach Fire Department, which has two
pumper trucks to serve the community.
Since incorporating the Town in 1988, the community has purchased a
residential property and converted the space into a Town Hall which is
located on Vamamtown Road.
Varnamtown is served by The Brunswick Hospital in Supply, which is
approximately 10 to 15 minutes from Varnamtown. Ambulance service is
dispatched from Coastline Rescue Squad in Holden Beach by dialing 911.
Varnamtown, like other municipalities in Brunswick County, is utilizing the
Brunswick County Landfill site. The site consists of 100 acres of land
which should be suitable to accommodate solid waste through 1998 based
on information from the Landfill Director.
Effective in 1998, the County will be required to begin operation of a lined
landfill following State and federal regulations, or work out an agreement
with adjacent counties to take landfill material from Brunswick.
Funds have been requested to fund a study to identify potential sites in the
County in the event a suitable site is not established in either Columbus or
Sampson County, both of which are considering such sites. The Landfill
Director would prefer a site within a 60-mile distance of Brunswick
County.
ESTIMATED DEMAND
Varnamtown is a small rural residential community with very limited commercial
activity. With no water and sewer system in place and little desire to develop one
based on the public participation process, the community will likely experience
very limited growth during the five- to ten-year planning period. For that reason,
community facilities such as schools, primary roads, fire department and police
protection should be adequate to serve community needs.
POLICY STATEMENTS
1994 Varnamtown Land Use Plan 17

One of the primary purposes of this Land Use Plan Update is to develop policy
statements that will help guide land use development in Varnamtown during the
five- to ten-year planning period. The Coastal Area Management Act guidelines
require that policy statements be included that address resource protection,
resource produetion and management, economic and community development,
citizen participation and storm hazard mitigation
Prior to establishing land use policy as part of the 1994 Land Use Plan, the
Varnamtown Planning Board prepared and distributed a planning questionnaire for
_ the purpose of using the results in formulating local policy.
'
A. Resource Protection
1. Areas of Environmental Concern and Appropriate Land Use in
'
AEC's
One of the basic purposes of the North Carolina Coastal Area
'
Management Act (LAMA or the act, 15A NCAC 7l) is to
establish a State program and local management plan that are
capable of rational and coordinated management of coastal
resources. The act, which is administered through N. C. Code 15A,
Section 7, recognizes that the key to more effective protection and
use of the land and water resources of the coast is the development
of a coordinated approach to resource management. The Coastal
Area Management Act provides two principal mechanisms to
accomplish this purpose. They are first, the formulation of local
1
land use plans articulating the objectives of local citizens and
translating these objectives into future desired land use patterns;
'
and second, the designation of areas of environmental concern for
the protection of areas of statewide concern within the coastal ar
ea.
Both the development of local land use plans and the designation
and regulation of critical resource areas contribute to rational
management by encouraging local and state governments to
exercise their full authorities over coastal resources and to express
their management goals in a comprehensible and uniform manner.
Local objectives benefit through their incorporation into a state
management scheme, and the statewide and local objectives of
resource protection and development benefit through an integrated
and comprehensive management approach.
Varnamtown officials recognize the primary concern of the Coastal
Management Program is to provide a means for planning sound
economic growth that is sensitive to the need to protect natural
resources. Town officials share this concern for the protection and
1994 Vamamtown Land Use Plan 18
1

11
sound management of these environmentally sensitive lands and
waters. Vamamtown has the following Areas of Environmental
Concern (AEC's):
.a.
i Description. Coastal wetlands as defined in Section
T15A:7H.0205 are 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 or tropical storm tides.
Coastal wetlands contain some, but not necessarily
all, of the following marsh plant species:
1) Cord Grass (Spartina alterniflora)
2) Black Needlemsh (Juncus roemerianus)
3) Glasswort (Salicornia spp.) -
4) Salt Grass (Distichlis spicata)
5) Sea Lavender (Limonium spp.)
6) Bulrush (Scirpus spp.)
7) Saw Grass (Cladium jamaicense)
8) Cat -tail (Typha spp.)
9) Salt Meadow Grass (Spartina patens)
10) Salt Reed Grass (Spartina cynosuroides)
Included in this definition of coastal wetlands is
"such contiguous land as the secretary of EHNR
reasonably deems necessary to affect by any such
order in carrying out the purposes of this Section."
[G.S. 113-230 (a)].
1 Use Standards. Suitable land uses shall be those
consistent with the management objectives in this
Rule. Highest priority of use shall be allocated to
the conservation of existing coastal wetlands.
Second priority of coastal wetland use shall be given
to those types of development activities that require
water access and cannot function elsewhere.
Examples of acceptable land uses may include utility
easements, fishing piers, docks, and agricultural uses
such as farming and forestry drainage, as permitted
under North Carolina's Dredge and Fill Act and/or
1994 Varnamtown Land Use Plan 19

k
1
1
other applicable laws. Unacceptable land uses may
include, but would not be limited to, the following
examples: restaurants and businesses; residences,
apartments, motels, hotels, and trailer parks; parking
lots and private roads and highways; and factories.
- In every instance, the particular location, use and
design characteristics shall be in accord with the
general use standards for coastal wetlands, estuarine
waters, and public trust areas described in Rule
T15A:07H .0208.
b. Estuarine Waters (T15A:07H.0206)
i. Description. Estuarine waters are defined in G.S.
113-A-113(b)(2). The boundaries between inland
and coastal fishing waters are set forth in an
agreement adopted by the Wildlife Resources
Commission and the Department of Environment,
Health and Natural Resources and in the most
current revision of the North Carolina Marine
Fisheries Regulations for Coastal Waters, codified at
15A NCAC 3Q.0200.
I Management Objective. To give the highest priority
to the conservation and management of the
important features of estuarine waters so as to
safeguard and perpetuate their biological, social,
aesthetic, and economic values; to coordinate and
establish a management system capable of
conserving and utilizing estuarine waters so as to
maximize their benefits to man and the estuarine
system
iii. Use Standards. Suitable land/water uses shall be
those consistent with the management objectives in
this Rule. Highest priority of use shall be allocated
to the conservation of estuarine waters and its vital
components. Second priority of estuarine waters
use shall be given to those types of development
activities that require water access and use which
cannot function elsewhere such as simple access
channels; structures to prevent erosion; navigation
channels; boat docks, marinas, piers, wharves, and
mooring pilings.
1994 Varnamtown Land Use Plan 20

1
C.
In every instance, the particular location, use and
design characteristics shall be in accord with the
general use standards for coastal wetlands, estuarine
waters and public trust areas described in Rule
T15A:07H .0208.
Public Trust Areas (T15A:07H.0207)
i. Description. Public trust areas are 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 rights of navigation;
and all waters in artificially created bodies of water
in which the public has acquired rights by
prescription, custom, usage, dedication, or any other
means. In determining whether the public has
acquired rights in artificially created bodies of water,
the following factors shall be considered:
1994 Van=town Land Use Plan
1) the use of the body of water by the public,
2) the length of time the public has used the
area,
3) the value of public resources in the body of
water,
4) whether the public resources in the body of
water are mobile to the extent that they can
move into natural bodies of water,
5) whether the creation of the artificial body of
water required permission from the State,
and
6) the value of the body of water to the public
for navigation from one public area to
another public area.
21

'
I Management Objective. To protect public rights for
navigation and recreation and to preserve and
manage the public trust areas so as to safeguard and
perpetuate their biological, economic and aesthetic
value.
'
iiL Use Standards. Acceptable uses shall be those
consistent with the management objectives in this
'
Rule. In the absence of overriding public benefit,
any use which significantly interferes with the public
right of navigation or other public trust rights which
the public may be found to have in these areas shall
not be allowed The development of navigational
channels or drainage ditches, the use of bulkheads to
prevent erosion, and the building of piers, wharves,
or marinas are examples of uses that may be
acceptable within public trust areas, provided that
such uses will not be detrimental to the public trust
rights and the biological and physical functions of
the estuary. Projects which would directly or
'
indirectly block or impair existing navigation
channels, increase shoreline erosion, deposit spoils
below mean high tide, cause adverse water
'
circulation patterns, violate water quality standards,
or cause degradation of shellfish waters are generally
'
considered incompatible with the management
policies of public trust areas. In every instance, the
particular location, use and design characteristics
shall be in accord with the general use standards for
coastal wetlands, estuarine waters, and public trust
areas.
d. Estuarine Shorelines (T15A:07H.0209)
i Description. Estuarine shorelines are those non -
ocean shorelines which are especially vulnerable to
erosion, flooding, or other adverse effects of wind
'
and water and are intimately connected to the
estuary. This area extends from the mean high
water level or normal water level along the estuaries,
tsounds,
bays, and brackish waters as set forth in an
agreement adopted by the Wildlife Resources
Commission and the Department of Environment,
Health, and Natural Resources [described in Rule
19% V&mamtown Land Use Plan 22

.0206(a) of this section] for a distance of 75 feet
landward.
ii. Significance. Development within estuarine
shorelines influences the quality of estuarine life and
- is subject to the damaging processes of shore front
erosion and flooding.
iii. Management Objective. To ensure shoreline
development is compatible with both the dynamic
nature of estuarine shorelines and the values of the
estuarine system
iv. Use Standards.
1) All development projects, proposals, and
designs shall substantially preserve and not
weaken or eliminate natural barriers to
erosion, including, but not limited to, peat
marshland, resistant clay shorelines, and
cypress -gum protective fringe areas adjacent
to vulnerable shorelines.
2) All development projects, proposals, and
designs shall limit the construction of
impervious surfaces and areas not allowing
natural drainage to only so much as is
necessary to adequately service the major
purpose or use for which the lot is to be
developed. Impervious surfaces shall not
exceed 30 percent of the AEC area of the
lot, unless the applicant can effectively
demonstrate, through innovative design, that
the protection provided by the design would
be equal to or exceed the protection by the
30 percent limitation. Redevelopment of
areas exceeding the 30 percent impervious
surface limitation can be permitted if
impervious areas are not increased and the
applicant designs the project to comply with
the intent of the rule to the maximum extent
practical.
3) All development projects, proposals, and
designs shall comply with the following
1994 Varnamtown Land Use Plan 23

1
mandatory standards of the North Carolina
Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of
1973:
(A) All development projects, proposals,
and designs shall provide for a buffer zone
along the margin of the estuarine water
which is sufficient to confine visible siltation
within 25 percent of the buffer zone nearest
the land disturbing development.
(B) No development project proposal or
design shall permit an angle for graded
slopes or fill which is greater than an angle
which can be retained by vegetative cover or
other adequate erosion -control devices or
structures.
(C) All development projects, proposals,
and designs which involve uncovering more
than one acre of land shall plant a ground
cover sufficient to restrain erosion within 30
working days of completion of the grading;
provided that this shall not apply to clearing
land for the purpose of forming a reservoir
later to be inundated.
4) Development shall not have a significant
adverse impact on estuarine resources.
5) Development shall not significantly interfere
with existing public rights of access to, or
use of, navigable waters or public resources.
6) No major public facility shall be permitted if
such facility is likely to require extraordinary
public expenditures for maintenance and
continued use, unless it can be shown that
the public purpose served by the facility
outweighs the required public expenditures
for construction, maintenance and continued
use. For the purpose of this standard,
"public facility" shall mean a project which is
paid for in any part by public funds.
1994 Vamamto%m Land Use Plan 24

7) Development shall not cause major or
irreversible damage to valuable, documented
historic architectural or archaeological
resources.
'
- - 8) Established common-law and statutory
public rights of access t the public trust lands
and waters in estuarine areas shall not be
'
eliminated or restricted. Development shall
not encroach upon public accessways nor
shall it limit the intended use of the
'
accessways.
9) Within the AEC for shorelines contiguous to
'
waters classified as Outstanding Resource
Waters by the EMC, no CAMA permit will
be approved for any project which would be
inconsistent with applicable use standards
adopted by the CRC, EMC or MFC for
estuarine waters, public trust waters, or
'
coastal wetlands. For development activities
not covered by specific use standards, no
'
permit will be issued if the activity would,
based on site specific information, materially
degrade the water quality or outstanding
resource values unless such degradation is
'
temporary.
POLICY:
The Town of Varnamtown policy shall be to support those actions
taken by State and federal agencies with jurisdiction to protect and
'
preserve natural resources found in coastal wetlands, estuarine
areas and public trust waters.
2. Constraints to Development Including Flood Prone Areas, Soil
Suitability and Septic Tank Use
'
ISSUE:
Two major constraints to development in Varnamtown include the
floodplain associated with the Lockwood Folly River and poor soils
for spetic tank use and lack of a sewer system.
1994 Varnamtown Land Use Plan 25
1

The Town participates in the National Flood Insurance Program.
Also, some of the area subject to flooding falls under either the 404
wetland permitting regulations or CAMA AEC regulations which
require an application and permit before some types of construction
. can take place.
As discussed in Section M.A.2. of this plan, much of the soil in
Varnamtown is not suitable for septic tank use. For that reason, the
Town acknowledges the need to work toward development of a
sewer system as soon as financially feasible to help protect adjacent
surface waters from the adverse impact septic tanks can have on
surface waters and ground water.
POLICY:
Varnamtown policy shall be to support State and federal agencies in
their efforts to protect fragile, flood prone areas.
Town policy shall also be to develop a community sewer system
when financially feasible in an effort to reduce dependence on septic
tanks.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
1. The Town will cooperate with the regulatory efforts of
State and federal agencies in discouraging future
development from occurring within the floodplain and
AEC's of the Lockwood Folly River and its tributaries.
2. Town officials question the accuracy of FEMA maps and
will request that FEMA review flood elevations along the
bluff in Varnamtown and correct maps based on their
review.
3. Town officials will begin the process of establishing a
community sewer system as soon as financially feasible in an
effort to protect surface and ground waters in the area.
3. Development Density in Proximity to Designated Outstanding
Resource waters (ORW's)
ISSUE:
Varnamtown does not have any ORW designated waters in the
Town jurisdiction.
1994 Vanmmtown Land Use Plan 26

POLICY:
ORW waters are not applicable in Vamamtown.
4. Other Hazardous and Fragile Land Areas
POLICY:
There are no known stands of Maritime Forests in
Varnamtown's planning jurisdiction; however, Town
officials support State efforts to regulate and control
development in Maritime Forests.
0 ..
Vamamtown policy shall be to continue to support the
Army Corps of Engineers' administration of Section 404 of
the Clear Water Act which has jurisdiction in regulating
development in freshwater swamp and freshwater marsh
areas and pocosins.
971T r•a �r
Town policy on protection of shellfish waters, water supply
areas and historic resources shall be that all use of these
resources shall follow applicable local, State and federal
regulations.
5. Hurricane and Flood Evacuation Needs
I ISSUE:
The Town of Varnamtown has participated in the National Flood
' Insurance Program for several years. Flood insurance rate maps
have been prepared for the Lockwood Folly River and its branches,
and the floodway areas are not difficult to identify due to
topographic and vegetative conditions.
1 1994 Varnamtown Land Use Plan 27

1
POLICY:
The Town will continue to discourage development from occurring
within the flood prone areas of the Town, and shall actively
participate in all storm even evacuation procedures as coordinated
by the County Emergency Management Coordinator.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY:
1. The Town will continue to enforce the regulations under the
Federal Flood Insurance Program to ensure that structures
are protected against flood damage.
6. Protection of Potable Water Supply
ISSUE:
Town residents continue to use the local groundwater aquifer as the
Town's water supply.
POLICY:
The Town will not permit development of land uses which will
' degrade the quality of the groundwater or significantly lower the
water quantity in the aquifer.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY:
0
1. The Town will review all development proposals carefully
to determine their effect on groundwater.
7. Use of Package Treatment Plants
ISSUE:
The use of treatment plants versus individual septic tanks may be a
desirable alternative if such facilities are properly located and
POLICY:
The Town of Varnamtown policy is to permit the development of
package sewage treatment plants serving developments within the
corporate limits if properly located, designed and managed. Such
1994 Vamamtown Land Use Plan 28

' facilities must be approved by all applicable County, State and
federal agencies.
8. Stormwater Runoff
'
- - ISSUE:
The problem of Stormwater runoff flowing from development and
other activities into the Lockwood Folly River and its tributaries
was identified as a priority concern at the public meetings for the
Land Use Plan. There was considerable concern that developments
'
within the watershed of the river not significantly degrade the
estuarine resource through excessive or contaminated stormwater
runoff.
As Varnamtown continues to develop, impervious surfaces
associated with parking lots, driveways and rooftops will continue
to increase the flow of stormwater runoff into the Lockwood Folly
River. The Town does not wish to discourage future development
but does intend to take measures to control the runoff problem.
POLICY:
' The policy of Varnamtown is to take measures to protect the
Lockwood Folly from excessive runoff from development and
' agricultural activities. Measures taken will attempt to balance the
Town's desire for development with its concern for the quality of
the River. Vamamtown will consider establishing an ordinance that
will require that runoff and drainage from development and
agricultural activities shall be of a quality and quantity as near to
natural conditions as possible.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY:
1. Varnamtown may study the possible establishment of a
'
Stormwater Management Ordinance and procedure to be
followed on all future development to ensure that
stormwater runoff from future development will have a
minimal impact on the Town's surface waters.
'
2. Varnamtown encourages the voluntary use of Best
Management Practices (BMFs) to control agricultural and
development runoff.
1994 Vam mtown Land Use Plan
29

' 3. Vamamtown encourages active citizen education and
participation to control individual toxic waste dumping.
9. Marina and Floating Home Development and Dry Stack
• Facilities
' ISSUE:
' Marina and floating home development has not been an issue in the
Town of Vamamtown to date, and it is unlikely that it will become
an issue in the near future. There are no areas appropriate for
' floating homes within the Town limits and there is apparently no
market demand for this housing type at this time. Marina
development is also highly unlikely due to the nature of the
' shoreline of the river and the existing development pattern in the
Town.
'
POLICY:
Varamtown policy shall be to support existing marinas in
'
Vamamtown and support efforts to upgrade existing marina
facilities that can serve the Vamamtown area and that meet all
federal, State and local requirements. Vamamtown policy shall be
to not support development of commercial marinas, not permit
floating home development, and not support construction of dry
'
stack facilities within Vamamtowds jurisdiction.
10. Industrial Impact on Fragile Areas
'
POLICY:
To maintain the rural character of the Town of Vamamtown, Town
'
policy shall be to not permit industrial development within the
Town limits.
1
11. Development of Sound and Estuarine System Islands
' ISSUE:
There are no estuarine system islands in the Town of Vamamtown
t that are capable of supporting any development. Any areas of
"land" within the Lockwood Folly River are comprised of wetlands
and soils which would be totally inappropriate for development. It
tis also highly improbable that these areas could ever be developed
1994 Vamamtown Land Use Plan 30
1

' under the current CAMA and Corps of Engineers regulatory
standards.
POLICY:
' - Town officials believe all estuarine islands are marsh islands and do
not include high ground suitable for development. Town Land Use
Plan policy shall be to not support development of marsh islands
' consistent with federal, State and County regulations.
12. Upland Excavation for Marina Basins
' POLICY:
' Varnamtown policy shall be to allow upland excavation for
expansion of existing marina basins adjacent to the Lockwood Folly
River if all zoning, CAMA and other applicable County, State or
' federal regulations are complied with and all applicable permits are
secured prior to beginning excavation work.
' 13. Damaging of Existing Marshes by Bulkhead Installation
1
ISSUE:
The Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA), in section 15A
NCAC 7H.0205, includes the definition, in part, of a coastal
wetland as any salt marsh or marsh subject to regular or occasional
flooding by lunar or wind tides. Freshwater swamps and inland
wetlands are not covered by CAMA; however, these areas are
protected by the Clean Water Act and a Corps of Engineers permit
is required for work in such wetlands.
POLICY:
Vamamtown policy shall be to allow bulkhead installation in
freshwater swamps or salt marsh areas if all necessary local, State
and federal permits can be obtained and all applicable regulations to
protect freshwater swamps or salt marsh areas are followed.
1. Productive Agricultural Lands
ISSUE:
1994 Vamamtown Land Use Plan 31

' The Town of Varnamtown contains a significant amount of land in
agricultural use. This land should remain in agricultural use until
' the land owner desires to change the use in keeping with any
applicable land use plans or ordinances.
' - POLICY:
The continued agricultural use of the Town's remaining farmlands
shall be encouraged, but with all normal and permitted rights to use
the land for other purposes reserved to the land owner.
1
2. Commercial Forest Lands
POLICY:
There are no commercial forest lands in the Town of Varnamtown;
therefore, no policy is necessary.
3. Existing and Potential Mineral Production Areas
ISSUE:
There are no known existing or potentially valuable mineral
resources located within the corporate limits.
POLICY:
The Town of Vamamtown policy is to not allow the development
of mines and quarries within the Town limits.
4. Commercial and Recreational Fisheries, Including
Nursery and Habitat Areas
POLICY:
Varnamtown policy shall be to continue to work to maintain or
improve the water quality in the coastal waters as well as all the
other water bodies of the community.
IMPLEMENTATION:
Town officials will consider adopting a stormwater management
plan which, when implemented, would help protect water quality by
reducing stormwater runoff.
1994 Varnamtown Land Use Plan 32

5. Off -Road Vehicles
ISSUE:
There is concern regarding the inappropriate use of off -road
- vehicles within the Town limits.
POLICY:
The town discourages the inappropriate use of off -road vehicles.
IMPLEMENTATION:
1. The town will continue to work with law enforcement
agencies to enforce existing laws and regulations.
2. The town will consider establishing additional ordinances
governing the inappropriate use of off -road vehicles.
6. Residential, Commercial and Industrial Development
ISSUE:
A primary concern of the Town regarding future development is the
potential adverse impact that industrial, commercial and residential
development could have on water quality within the Lockwood
Folly River since the Town does not have a water or sewer system.
Varnamtown policy is to maintain the residential and rural character
of the community. Town policy shall be to limit commercial
growth and not allow industrial development within the Town
limits.
&MLEM ENTATION:
1. Town officials will direct the Planning Board to investigate
establishment of an ordinance and map to direct future
growth.
7. Peat and Phosphate Mining
POLICY:
1994 Vamarntown Land Use Plan
33

There are no known phosphate deposits in Vamamtown.
Vamamtown policy shall be to not allow peat or phosphate mining
within the Town's limits.
MITI 1 1= I III,, I
1. Community Attitude Toward Growth
ISSUE:
Varamtown citizens enjoy the rural lifestyle of the community and
wish to maintain that lifestyle.
POLICY:
Vamamtown policy shall continue to be to encourage both
economic and community growth and development. Local officials
will work to insure Vamamtown citizens' prosperity while
maintaining the rural quality of life citizens of Vamamtown enjoy.
IMPLEMENTATION:
1. Town Planning Board and Town Clerk will track on a Town
map the number of houses, etc., built each year. Map will
be reviewed annually by Town Planning Board and Town
Aldermen.
2. Types and Location of Industries Desired
Town policy is to not allow industrial development within Town
limits.
3. Local Commitment to Providing Services to Development
ISSUE:
During the early planning process citizens of Vamamtown were
given the opportunity to respond to a written planning
questionnaire. When asked about providing water and sewer
service, of the 69 responding 24 thought the Town should provide
water, 29 disagreed, and 16 were neutral. When asked about the
Town providing a sewer system, 21 agreed, 26 disagreed and 23
were neutral.
1994 Vamamtown Land Use Plan 34

Because this is such a critical issue for the Town's future growth
'
and the necessity of not adversely affecting water quality in the
Lockwood Folly River, Town officials have established the
following policy concerning commitment to providing services:
- - POLICY:
'
The Town of Varnamtown supports extension of water and sewer
service to the Town if such extension can be accomplished through
the use of State or federal grant programs and not by increasing
local taxes. At this time, sewer is not available for extension.
IMPLEMENTATION:
1. The town will pursue State or federal funds to extend water
and sewer service to the town.
'
4. Urban Growth Patterns Desired
ISSUE:
'
Town officials will continue to encourage future growth to take
place in an orderly manner to make Vamamtown an attractive place
in which to live.
POLICY:
' Town policy shall be to continue to use the Town Subdivision
Ordinance to ensure that future residential development is meeting
the Town's minimum design standards.
S. Redevelopment of Developed Areas Including Relocation of
Structures Due to Erosion
POLICY:
In general, the Town has developed a policy which requires that
any reconstruction of substantially damaged structures must comply
with current regulations and building codes.
Redevelopment of structures affected by erosion or flood waters in
Varnamtown shall be allowed to be rebuilt as permitted by the
Flood Insurance Program and if new construction meets all
applicable local, State and federal regulations.
1994 Vamamtown Land Use Plan 35

6. Commitment to State and Federal Programs Including Erosion
'
Control, Public Access, Highway Improvements, Port
Facilities, Dredging and Military Facilities
'
- POLICY:
Vamamtown policy shall continue to be to support State policy on
'
erosion control, public access programs, highway improvements
and dredging operations necessary to maintain the Lockwood Folly
River. Varnamtown policy shall continue to be to request financial
'
assistance from State or federal agencies in providing Town
services such as water, sewer, roads, and park improvements.
'
7. Channel Maintenance and Beach Nourishment Projects
Including Financial Aid, Providing Spoil Areas or Providing
'
Easements
ISSUE:
The Town relies upon the Lockwood Folly River as a primary
source of commerce; therefore, there is considerable support in the
community for the continued maintenance of the River's navigable
channel. The River is perhaps the single most important natural
feature of the community, and there is considerable interest in
seeing that the River is maintained in a useful and attractive
condition. If the River were to become unnavigable, commercial
fishing and recreational boating and fishing would cease, and the
overall quality of life for many residents would decline measurably.
POLICY:
The Town of Varnamtown policy shall be to support maintenance
of the Lockwood Folly River channel as a navigable stream for
boating and fishing.
IM PLEN ENTATION STRATEGY:
1. The Town will continue to cooperate with the U. S. Army
Corps of Engineers in its effort to maintain the navigability
of the Lockwood Folly River.
& Energy Facility Siting
POLICY:
1994 Vamamtown Land Use Plan 36
1

Vamamtown policy is to oppose the location of energy facilities
'
and related activities in the area.
9. "Inshore and Offshore Exploration or Development Including
'
Refineries, Storage
POLICY:
Vamamtown policy is to not support offshore exploration and
inshore development of refineries or large gas or petroleum storage
facilities in Vamamtown. Town policy shall be to permit the
exploration of gas or oil on inland properties as long as all State
and federal regulations are followed Offshore exploration policy
shall be implemented through the State and federal permit review
process.
' 10. Tourism
'
POLICY:
Tourism is not an issue in Vamamtown. No policy is needed.
'
11. Coastal and Estuarine Water Access
'
POLICY:
Varnamtown policy will be to continue to work to obtain funds
through State and federal programs such as the CAMA Access
Program and Land and Water Conservation Funds. Vamamtown
will purchase and develop coastal and estuarine water access areas
'
and access areas along the Lockwood Folly River if funding sources
can be secured.
MPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
1. Vamamtown may seek grant funds to prepare a Waterfront
Access and Development Plan.
2. Vamamtown may prepare a waterfront access plan
including cost estimates for acquisition and development of
improvements.
12. Type, Densities, Location, Units Per Acre of Anticipated
Residential Development
1994 Vamamtown Land Use Plan 37

D.
POLICY:
Varnamtown policy pertaining to residential density will be to
• continue to develop the community with low density residential
development. Town officials would like to maintain the rural
character of the community.
13. Recreation
POLICY:
Varnamtown policy shall be to support recreational opportunities in
Vamamtown as financially feasible. Varnamtown will pursue all
opportunities to expand recreational opportunities and improved
public access to the Town's river, creeks, streams and tributaries
through utilization of CAMA access funds, Land and Water
Conservation funds and any other State or federal funds that might
be used for recreational facility acquisition and development. The
Town will also work in cooperation with the Brunswick County
Recreation Department.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY:
1. The Town will apply for State or federal financial assistance
as necessary to acquire and/or develop more recreational
facilities and park sites.
1. Future Road System Planning
ISSUE:
Although Varnamtown is currently a very rural community, its
location on the Lockwood Folly River and its close proximity to the
Lockwood Folly development might put additional growth pressure
on the community during the five- to ten-year planning period.
Having an adequate road system to accommodate future growth is
important in maintaining the quality of life residents of Varnamtown
now enjoy. In addition, during the public participation process
many local residents who participated expressed the desire to have
sidewalks that would eliminate the need to walk along the edge of
roads.
1994 Vamamtown Land Use Plan 38

II
POLICY:
Varnamtown policy shall be to adequately design future roads to
accommodate future development
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
1. Request assistance from DOT in preparing a Varnamtown
Thoroughfare Plan. Contact Dr. M. R. Pool, Statewide
Planning Branch, Division of Highways, P. O. Box 25201,
Raleigh, North Carolina, 27611, 919-733-4705.
2. Revise Subdivision Ordinance as appropriate to provide for
the location of new thoroughfares as shown on the official
Thoroughfare Plan once adopted.
VIL LAND CLASSIFICATION
F.110IFF-TT Kai rr-TiMMMM CM
1. Urban Transition
a. fig. The purpose of the urban transition class is to
provide for future intensive urban development on lands that
are suitable and that will be provided with the necessary
urban services to support intense urban development.
b. DescriFtion and characteristics. Areas meeting the intent of
the urban transition classification are presently being
developed for urban purposes or will be developed in the
next five to ten years to accommodate anticipated
population and urban growth. These areas are in, or will be
in, an urban "transition" state of development going from
lower intensity uses to higher intensity uses and as such will
eventually require urban services. Examples of areas
meeting the intent of this class are lands included within
municipal extraterritorial planning boundaries and areas
being considered for annexation.
(i) Areas classified urban transition will provide lands
for intensive urban growth when lands in the
developed class are not available. Urban transition
lands must be able to support urban development by
being generally free of physical limitations and be
served or readily served by urban services. Urban
1994 Vam mtown Land Use Plan 39

F
development includes mixed land uses such as
residential, commercial, institutional, industrial and
other uses at or approaching high to moderate
densities. Urban services include water, sewer,
streets and roads, police and fire protection that will
be made available at the time development occurs or
soon thereafter. Permanent population densities in
this class will be high and the seasonal population
may swell significantly.
(ii) In choosing land for the urban transition class, such
land should not include: areas with severe physical
limitations which would make the provision of urban
services difficult or impossible, lands which meet the
definition of conservation, lands of special value
(unless no other alternative exists) such as
productive and unique agricultural lands, forest
lands, potentially valuable mineral deposits, water
supply watersheds, scenic and tourist resources
including archeological sites, habitat for important
wildlife species, areas subject to frequent flooding,
areas important for environmental or scientific
values, lands where urban development might
destroy or damage natural systems or processes of
more than local concern, or lands where intense
development might result in undue risk to life and
property from natural or existing manmade hazards.
(iii) Areas that are predominantly residential meet the
intent of this class if
a. they are approaching three dwelling units per
acre, or
b. 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
C. are contiguous to existing developed
municipal areas.
2. Rural
1994 Vanmmtown Land Use Plan 40

3.
a. moose. The rural class is to provide for agriculture,
forestry, mineral extraction and other allied uses
traditionally associated with an agrarian region. Other land
uses, due to their noxious or hazardous nature and negative
impacts on adjacent uses, may also be appropriate here if
sited in a manner that minimizes their negative effect on
surrounding land uses or natural resources. Examples
include energy generating plants, refining plants, airports,
sewage treatment facilities, fuel storage tanks and other
industrial type uses. Very low density dispersed residential
uses on large lots with on -site water and sewer are
consistent with the intent of the rural class. Development in
this class should be as compatible with resource production
as possible.
b. Description and characteristics. Areas meeting the intent of
this classification are appropriate for or presently used for
agriculture, forestry, mineral extraction and other uses, that
due to their hazardous or noxious nature, should be located
in a relatively isolated and undeveloped area. Very low
density dispersed, single family residential uses are also
appropriate within rural areas where lot sizes are large and
where densities do not require the provision of urban type
services. Private septic tanks and wells are the primary on -
site services available to support residential development,
but fire, rescue squad and sheriff protection may also be
available. Population densities will be very low.
Con.4ervation
a fig. The purpose of the conservation class is to
provide for the effective long-term management and
protection of significant, limited, or irreplaceable areas.
Management is needed due to the natural, cultural,
recreational, scenic or natural productive values of both
local and more than local concern.
b.
1994 Vamamtown Land Use Plan
Delad9tion and characteristics. Areas meeting the intent of
this classification include:
(i) AECs including, but not limited to, public trust
waters, estuarine waters, coastal wetlands, etc., as
identified in 15A NCAC 7H;
41

n
(ii) other similar lands, environmentally significant
because of their natural role in the integrity of the
coastal region and include but are not limited to
bottomland hardwoods, pocosins, swamp forests,
• areas that are or have a high probability of providing
wildlife habitat, forest lands that are essentially
undeveloped and lands which otherwise contain
significant productive, natural, scenic, cultural or
recreational resources.
C. Discussion The conservation class is designated to
illustrate the natural, productive, scenic, cultural and
recreational features of the coastal zond which make the
region a desirable place in which to live, work and visit. As
such, the conservation class should 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
and cautious fashion. At a minimum all AEC's as defined in
15A NCAC 7H should be included in this class and the land
use plan should so state, and the local government is
strongly urged to include other similar areas protected by
either other stage or federal agencies. Examples include
Army Corps of Engineers "404 wetlands." As AECs should
be included in the conservation class, the local government
should acknowledge the distinctions among the various uses
the Coastal Management Program permits within each AEC
group. It should be understood, however, the local
government may develop its own more restrictive standards
as the State's are considered minimum At a minimum each
plan should include language such as:
(i) Coastal Wetlands — These areas are the most
restrictive of all AECs and very few uses are
permitted therein; the highest priority is for their
preservation as they are well documented in their
contribution to the natural productivity of the
coastal area.
(ii) Estuarine Shoreline AEC's — These areas are
located adjacent to estuarine waters AEC's and are
known for their contribution to the natural
productivity of the waters close by. Many uses may
be permitted as long as the 30 percent impervious
1994 Vamamtown Land Use Plan 42

rule is met and development is well managed on
individual sites to ensure minimal degradation.
'
(iii) Other similar lands that are afforded some protection
by another agency, such as "404 wetlands," where
_ use and performance standards of that agency will
apply.
'
B. Land Classification for Varnamtown
Using the definitions described above, the Vamamtown community has
been divided into three areas which are Urban Transition, Rural and
Conservation. Without a water and sewer system, the developed
designation has not been used.
Transition
1. Urban
The Urban Transition area as shown on the Land Classification
Map includes undeveloped lots in the Riverside residential area.
Also, the area near the Lockwood Folly River has been included
'
due to the interest in building near the River. The last area included
is the area adjacent to Sabbath Home Road, SR 1120, and Stone
Chimney Road, SR 1119, the the southwestern corner of the
'
community.
2. Conservation
The Conservation classification includes the Lockwood Folly River,
marsh areas and tributaries along the Lockwood Folly River and
portions of the 100-year flood area.
3. Rural
The Rural classification includes all areas not in the Transition and
Conservation classifications.
Determination of Land Classification is made through text reference. The
' Land Classification Map is for general use only. Final determination of
location for Conservation Classification shall be made by the responsible
federal, State or local official having regulatory authority and such
' determination shall be made based on a field investigation of any area in
question.
I VIII. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION POLICY
1994 Vamamtown Land Use Plan
43
11

' Prior to beginning the land use planning process, a written Public Participation
Plan was prepared and adopted by the Varnamtown Board of Aldermen during a
' regular meeting held on January 10, 1994. (See plan in Appendix.)
The Town Planning Board has served as the designated principal local board with
' the lead role in preparing this initial Sketch Level Land Use Plan.
Notifications of upcoming meetings were posted at the Town Hall and at other
' locations throughout the community prior to each meetng at which the Land use
Plan was discussed. Meetings were held on the following dates:
'
January 24, 1994 June 6, 1994
February 7, 1994 August 8, 1994 -
March 28, 1994 September 12, 1994
'
April 25, 1994
In addition to the public meetings held to discuss the plan, a planning questionnaire
'
was prepared and distributed throughout the community. A total of 71 responses
to the questionnaire were received and tabulated for use of the Planning Board and
'
Board of Aldermen. (See questionnaire in Appendix.)
joint
meetings with the Planning Board and Board of Aldermen, the
Following J g two
draft plan was sent to the State for review and comment. Following review, the
tcomments
received were used by the Planning Board and Board of Aldermen to
refine the plan prior to advertising for a public hearing and local plan adoption.
The Town advertised 30 days prior to the public hearing and local adoption of the
plan.
IX, STORM HAZARD MITIGATION, POST DISASTER RECOVERY AND
EVACUATION PLAN
' The Town of Varnamtown, as with many of the other smaller communities in
Brunswick County, comes under the County's Multi -Hazard Plan. The Brunswick
County Multi -Hazard Plan was originally adopted in 1981 and is updated on an
' annual basis. The hurricane emergency portion of the plan is scheduled for update
in June,1995. The plan covers all natural and man-made disasters.
In the event of a natural or man-made disaster, the County Emergency
Management Officer makes a recommendation to the County Board of
Commissioners on what action should be taken. The County Commissioners in
turn direct the Emergency Management Office to contact local communities in the
County on what action they should take. In the case of Vamamtown, the Mayor is
contacted and advised of what action should be taken in the community.
1994 Vamamtown Land Use Plan

' The following items have been taken from the Brunswick County Multi -Hazard
Plan.
' 2.5.1 Storm Hazard Mitigation
' Storm hazard mitigation involves "activities which reduce the probability that a
disaster will occur and minimize the damage caused by a disaster. Such activities
can range from the establishment of a nationwide hurricane tracking system to the
' adoption of local land use regulations which discourage residential construction in
flood prone areas. Mitigation activities are not geared to a specific disaster, they
result from a long-term concern for avoiding the damages of future natural
' disasters." (McElyea, et al, Before the Storm: Managing Development to Reduce
Hurricane Damages, 1982.)
' Current Measures
Current storm hazard mitigation measures are incorporated in various County and
State ordinances and guidelines including the following:
- Brunswick County Flood Damage Preventors Ordinance
- Brunswick County Building Code Ordinance
- Brunswick County Subdivision Ordinance
' - Brunswick County Flood Insurance Rate Maps
- Guidelines for Areas of Environmental Concern
- N. C. Residential Building Code
Brunswick County regulates development in hazard areas primarily through the
flood plain management regulations which are outlined in Article 5, Articles A-# in
Ordinance No. 62, an Ordinance Enacting a Building Code for Brunswick County,
North Carolina. All development occurring in AEC areas must conform to State
guidelines.
The following is a summary of findings relevant to the ability of current Brunswick
County regulations to adequately manage development in hazard areas.
BRUNSWICK COUNTY BUELDING CODE ORDINANCE
The Brunswick County Building Code Ordinance which was enacted April,1985,
contains an element entitled "Provisions for Flood Hazard Reduction," (Article 5).
This section cites the requirements for new construction or substantial
improvements in areas of special flood hazard.
GENERALSTANDARDS
All structures shall be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement.
1994 Varnamtown Land Use Plan 45
1

C
k
Construction materials and utility equipment must be resistant to flood damage.
Construction shall be by methods and practices that minimize flood damage.
All new and replacement water supply systems shall be designed to minimize or
eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the system.
New and replacement sanitary sewage systems shall be designed to minimize or
eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the systems and discharges from the
systems into flood waters.
On -site waste disposal systems (e.g. septic) shall be located and constructed to
avoid impairment to them or contamination from them during flooding.
THE NORTH CAROLINA UNIFORM RESIDENTIAL BUILDING CODE
The North Carolina Uniform Residential Building Code is the tool that the County
uses to manage development to minimize potential wind damage. Structures must
be designed upon the size of the unit. The County does not have the authority to
modify the Building Code to better meet its needs. Under the laws of the State
each county must enforce these uniform regulations.
BRUNSWICK COUNTY SHALL DISCOURAGE HIGH INTENSITY USES
AND LARGE STRUCTURES FROM BEING CONSTRUCTED WTTHIN THE
100-YEAR FLOODPLAIN, EROSION -PRONE AREAS, AND OTHER
LOCATIONS SUSCEPTIBLE TO HURRICANE AND FLOODING HAZARDS.
'
BRUNSWICK COUNTY, IN COOPERATION WITH THE STATE OF NORTH
CAROLINA, SHALL CONSIDER PURCHASING PARCELS LOCATED IN
'
HAZARD AREAS OR RENDERED UNBUILDABLE BY STORMS OR
FOR THE PURPOSES OF SHOREFRONT ACCESS.
OTHER EVENTS,
DEVELOPERS MAY ALSO BE REQUIRED TO PURCHASE SUCH
PROPERTIES FOR PUBLIC ACCESS AS A CONDITION FOR PROJECT
APPROVAL.
' 1994 Varnamtown Land Use Plan
C51

U
BRUNSWICK COUNTY SHALL CONTINUE TO ENFORCE THE NORTH
CAROLINA BUILDING CODE, PARTICULARLY THOSE PROVISIONS
WHICH REQUIRE CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS TO MEET WIND
RESISTIVE FACTORS, I.E. DESIGN, WIND VELOCITY.
BRUNSWICK COUNTY ENCOURAGES THE PLACEMENT OF UTILITIES
UNDERGROUND FOR ALL NEW DEVELOPMENT.
FEMA can approve or prescribe hazard mitigation measures that a
community must undertake as a prerequisite for issuing federal disaster aid.
This can take the form of developing land use regulations, construction
standards, and other means of avoiding storm hazards.
' The County has a listing of the Federal Disaster Assistance Programs that it
may be eligible for after a major storm event. The programs listed fall in
the categories of Temporary Housing, Home/Personal Property Loans, Aid
' to Major Sources of Employment, Repair of Public Facilities, and a variety
of others. The County, due to Hurricane Diana in September, 1984, has
considerable expertise in identifying and applying for aid for which it is
' eligible.
A local damage assessment team must necessarily be composed of individuals who
are capable of giving reliable estimates of the original value of structures,
estimations of the value amount of damages sustained, and an account of repairs.
Due to the vast amount of land and structures found in the unincorporated area,
this calls for the organization of several assessment teams. The following are
recommended team members as are delineated in the Brunswick County Disaster
Relief and Assistance Plan.
Building and Grounds (driver)
Parks and Recreation Department Representative
Building Standard and Code Enforcer (Captain)
Architect
Tax Collector (Captain)
1994 Varnamtown Land Use Plan 47

Building Inspector
Realtor
Volunteer Fireman (driver)
PRIVATE DWELLINGS SURVEY TEAM
Tax Supervisor (Captain)
Volunteer Fireman (driver)
A copy of the complete Brunswick County Multi -Hazard Plan is available for
reivew at the following address:
Mr. Cecil Logen, Director
Emergency Management Office
3325 Old Ocean Highway
P. O. Box 9
Bolivia, North Carolina 28422
Phone [phone]
FAX [phone]
FAX [phone]
Policy: Varnamtown policy shall be to continue to operate under the Brunswick
County Multi -Hazard Plan in the event of a natural or man-made hazard or
emergency in the area.
1994 Vamamtown Land Use Plan
48

o.
z
a

1994 Public Participation Plan
' for
Varnamtown Land Use Plan
The Varnamtown Planning Board will serve as the designated principal local board with
' the lead role in preparing the 1994 Land Use Plan. To insure adequate public participation
in the planning process, the Planning Board has proposed the following schedule of public
meetings to give citizens the opportunity to be involved in the planning process. Meetings
' have been tentatively scheduled for the following dates, times and locations:
Varnamtown 1994 Land Use Plan
Public Information/Education Schedule
Time/Location Purnose of Meeting
' Jan. 24, 1994 7:00 PM/Town Hall General review of requirements to prepare
Planning Board Land Use Plan, discuss Public Participation.
' Feb. 7, 1994 7:00 PM/Town Hall Public Information Workshop. Citizens'
Planning Board opportunity to outline their desires for
Varnamtown's growth including economic
' development, environmental protection,
parks, beautification, waterfront access, etc.
'
March 21, 1994
7:00 PM/Town Hall
Public Information Workshop. Review
Planning Board
trends in population, land use and economy.
Review identified environmental issues.
'
Review results of public information
meeting.
'
May 2,1994
Agenda Item/Town Hall
Review results of public information
Board of Aldermen
meetings.
'
June 6, 1994
7:00 PM/Town Hall
Review Existing Land Use Map, resource
Planning Board
data, Land Use Plan policy. Review
Hazards Map, Land Classification Map and
'
definitions.
Aug. 1, 1994
7:00 PM/Town Hall
Review draft plan and finalize policy section
'
Planning Board
of plan document prior to submittal to Board
of Aldermen.

Sep. 12, 1994 Agenda ItemfTown Hall Presentation of Plan to Board of Aldermen
'
Board of Aldermen prior to submittal of Plan to State for review
and comment.
To be announced 7:00 PM/Town Hall Meeting with Planning Board to discuss
Planning Board review comments from State and obtain
direction from Planning Board on response
'
to comments and modifications to draft plan.
To be announced 7:00 PM/Town Hall Adoption of revised Plan and submittal to
Planning Board Aldermen for local approval.
To be announced Agenda ItemfTown Hall Hold Public Hearing for local adoption of
'
Board of Aldermen Plan and submittal to CRC for adoption.
In an effort to obtain as much public input as possible during plan preparation, the Town
will place notices in local newspapers for each meeting date set to discuss the plan and its
preparation. The Town will also work closely with local newspapers to have
informational articles in the paper prior to each meeting. Tow officials will also notify by
direct mail local interest groups that might have a specific interest in the meeting dates at
which the plan will be discussed. The Town will also notify the County of plan
preparation and encourage their attendance at any meetings being held. During public
'
information meetings, citizens will be given the opportunity to provide input on plan
preparation and policy issues. Information on dates, times, locations and numbers of
participants at each meeting will be included in the final Land Use Plan Public
Participation section.
This Public Participation Plan was adopted by the Vamamtown Board of Aldermen during
' a regular meeting held on January 10,1994.
C

Varnamtown Land Use Plan
Public Information Meeting
January 24,1994
7:00 PM
' In addition to Planning Board, four citizens attended the first public information meeting.
' Consultant briefly reviewed purpose and content of land use plan including existing land
use, land classification, existing data collection such as population and economy and policy
section of the plan. Citizens were then asked what they would like to see happen in
' Vamamtown during the next five to ten years. Items mentioned included the following:
• Some sections of community do not have good water. Some would like to see water
lines extended to Vamamtown.
' • Some would like to see sewer system developed to eliminate need for septic tanks.
Sewer system could also help with surface and ground water quality.
' • Citizens want Varnamtown to remain a family -oriented community. No adult
entertainment businesses.
' • No trailer park development.
• The need for improved trash pick-up was mentioned.
' • Some would like to see sidewalks developed in the community.
' • Storm water drainage needs to be addressed better so this runoff does not adversely
affect surface waters in Lockwood Folly River and other tributaries in the community.
1

Varnamtown Land Use Plan
Public Information Meeting
February 7,1994
7:00 PM
Twelve citizens plus the Planning Board attended this public information meeting. After
the consultant briefly reviewed the purpose and content of the land use plan, he asked
those present what they would like to see happen in Vamamtown during the five- to ten-
year planning period. The following comments were made by those in attendance:
• Community needs improved trash collection.
• Water system is needed for community. Would like to see grant funds pursued so
property tax won't be raised to pay for water system.
• Town should upgrade roads (many roads, particularly near waterfront, are dirt roads
with narrow or no public right-of-way).
• A post office is needed.
• Service station is needed.
• Town does not need any adult entertainment businesses or businesses that sell beer.
No liquor stores.

' 1994 VARNAMTt7 WN LAND USE PLAN OUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS
' Are you presently a resident of Varnamtown?
Yes = 61
'
In your opinion, which of the following should the Town adopt as its policy for
population growth during the next 10 years?
A. Remain the same size = 29 B. Small increase = 31
tC.
Substantial increase = 9 D. Reduce population - 0
Varnamtown's future development must be planned.
'
A. Agree = 57 B. Disagree = 4 C. Neutral = 8
Our natural resources and wildlife should be protected.
'
A. Agree = 64 B. Disagree = 3 C. Neutral = 4
More residential development should be encouraged.
A. Agree = 24 B. Disagree = 24 C. Neutral = 22
More commercial development should be encouraged.
'
A. Agree = 19 B. Disagree = 30 C. Neutral = 22
The town should provide water system through increased taxes and/or federal and
'
state grants.
A. Agree = 24 B. Disagree = 29 C. Neutral = 16
The town should provide sewer system through increased taxes and/or federal and
state grants.
tA.
Agree = 21 B. Disagree = 26 C. Neutral = 23
The appearance of the community needs to improve.
'
A Agree = 52 B. Disagree = 5 C. Neutral = 14
Having a sidewalk and playground equipment at Town Hall and cleaning up around
'
peoples homes and roadsides were the most frequent responses, including fixing up
the town park.
' Speeding, mini -bikes on roads, and dogs running loose were also issues of major
concern.

' 1994
TOWN OF VARNAMTOWN
LAND USE QUESTIONNAIRE
'
What is the most serious problem in Varnamtown?
'
♦
Lack of communication between the people of the town.
'
♦
Need to progress.
♦
Lack of police protection and regular patrolling.
'
♦
Speeding in residential areas.
♦
Old cars and trash in yards.
'
♦
Dirt bikes and lack of animal control.
♦
There is no place for recreation.
♦
Not enough pride in keeping up personal property.
♦
Drugs and fast traffic.
'
♦
Vandalism, speeding, river pollution, trash on roadsides.
♦
Streets not large enough for emergency vehicles and lack of protection.
♦
Lack of interest in town.
'
♦
Lack of pride in community.
♦
Trash and litter.
'
♦
Lack of concern and understanding for our town and its importance.
♦
Keeping children under control.
♦
Teenage vandalism, drug use, stealing.
♦
Appearance of the town.
'
♦
Appearance of the town.
♦
Disputes over the town. We are making enemies out of friends.
'
♦
Varnamtown is not ready to become a town.
♦
Yards not being kept.
♦
Lack of at least a full-time Varnamtown government "staffer".

' 1994
' TOWN OF VARNAMTOWN
LAND USE QUESTIONNAIRE
'
What is the most serious problem in Varnamtown?
♦ Lack of sheriff patrol and lack of cleanliness.
'
♦ Being poor.
♦ We need trash pick up!
'
♦ People taking no pride in the community.
♦ Sidewalk is desperately needed from the landing to the store due to traffic increase.
'
♦ Barking dogs.
'
♦
Trash and pollution.
limits,
♦
Enforcing regulations, speed etc.
'
♦
Water and sewer.
♦
Lack of education, teenage vandalism, not enough unity.
'
♦
Sewer drainage.
♦
Spending money that is not needed.
♦
Pollution.
♦
Waste of tax money.
'
♦
Too much opposition.
♦
Speeding and too much noise from cars passing.
'
♦
Need sidewalks due to increase in traffic.
♦
Property maintenance.
'
♦
Clean up the river.
♦
Stray cats and dogs running loose.
♦
Lack of zoning (trash in yards).
'
♦
Night patrol by police is needed.
♦
Pollution.
'
♦
Trash around homes, crime.
♦
We need sidewalks for bikes and walking..

1994
TOWN OF VARNAMTOWN
LAND USE QUESTIONNAIRE
' What is the most serious problem in Varnamtown?
11
r
P
♦ Trash.
♦ Need park finished for our young people.
♦ No entertainment/employment for young people.
♦ Water, sewer and pollution.
♦ Development planning.

' 1994
TOWN OF VARNAMTOWN
LAND USE PLAN QUESTIONNAIRE
'
What
do you like most about Varnamtown and what do you like least?
♦
I like the people, the boat ramp, basketball goal.
'
♦
It is a peaceful town (needs to improve area). Don't like junk in yards.
♦
It is a good place to raise kids, but needs more police protection.
♦
Varnamtown is quiet and we all know each other, but we need sidewalks.
♦
Like the smallness and helpful people.
♦
I like that some people care about each other but don't like that others do only what
'
benefits themselves.
♦
I like the f iendliness of people and the fact that almost everyone knows each other.
'
♦
I like the people of Varnamtown and their feeling about others in trouble. There is
nothing that I dislike about our town.
'
♦
I dislike the lack of friendship to outsiders.
♦
I think the people here are great. At present there is nothing I dislike.
'
♦
I like the friendly people, no crime and quiet surroundings. I dislike the junk cars in
yards and other trash.
'
♦
Varnamtown is improving. Some people are never satisfied with anything that is done
to improve the town. There are some that sit back and criticize everything but never
tattend
meetings to see exactly what is going on.
♦
I like the peacefulness, coming together as a town.
'
♦
We need water and parking in back of Town Hall.
♦
People are willing to help each other.
♦
I like the quiet rural setting and the wonderful future for our town, if property
'
nourished and controlled. I dislike the self interest displayed versus interest in the
good of our town when any project, controls or planning are proposed.
♦
It's home.

1994
■ TOWN OF VARNAMTOWN
� LAND USE PLAN QLTESTIONNAIItE
What do you like m t about Varnamtown and what do you like least?
Y �.
'
♦
It's a community that is willing to pull together when someone needs help. What I like
least is the lack of education, the unwillingness to learn about issues that face our
'
community and do something constructive rather than condemn those who are
working to help our community.
♦
It's a nice, quiet place and the people are nice.
♦
Nice, quiet place to live.
♦
It's a nice, quiet place to live, but the water isn't good and we need trash pick up.
♦
There are not enough people living in Vam mtown to have water or sewer system.
The cost would be too high.
♦
I like the people.
'
♦
I like the way our town has always been. Changing the town is what I don't like.
♦
I like the rural "Mayberry RFD" atmosphere, quaint docks and shrimp boats, quiet
'
surroundings. I dislike trashy roads, signstbillboards and junky single -wide trailers
slapped up everywhere, not to mention that eyesore Varnum junkyard up Stone
Chimney Road.
♦
I like most that the people form a close community. What I like least is that some
people do not care about the appearance of their property.
♦
Street lights.
♦
It's always been a nice place to live. I just hope change doesn't ruin that.
'
♦
I like the boat ramp the most and I like the trash in certain people's yards the least.
We need to pick the best yard of the month - and the worst!
'
♦
I like the way its run (letting outsiders influence our officials is what I don't like).
♦
I like that it is a small community with mostly friendly people. I dislike the people who
'
keep trashy yards and we need a beautification program.
♦
I like my good neighbors and our church. We need speed limit enforcement.

1994
TOWN OF VARNAMTOWN
LAND USE PLAN QUESTIONNAIRE
What do you like most about Varnamtown and what do you like least?
♦ I like the low crime rate, but I dislike that all our taxes seem to have paid for is street
lights. I feel we need trash pick up more than a park. Empty lots should be left
empty, not filled with junk.
♦ I like the quiet rural area, but I don't like the litter discarded along the roadsides.
♦ Safety.
♦ I like the location and slow pace. I dislike the fact that there is no sewer system which
can help clean the river.
♦ I like the people of Varnamtown. Most everybody is like part of my family. I can't
find anything to dislike about Varnamtown.
♦ I like Varnamtown because it is my home, but I feel that money is being spent that
isn't helping the town.
♦ What I like most is the people, the efficiency of the governing body. I dislike the litter.
♦ I like Lockwood Folly river the most and the Board of Alderman the least.
♦ I like the boat ramp, street lights, and the use of the town hall is convenient for parties.
I dislike that there is so much opposition.
♦ I like that it is a nice, quiet, friendly neighborhood.
♦ I like the small community and safe feeling. I dislike pitting neighbor against neighbor
when decisions need to be made concerning the town.
♦ It's a nice town and the church is nice. People are friendly and considerate.
♦ I like the small community atmosphere, but we need a beautification program.
♦ I like the small town community but dislike the unkept properties.
♦ I like the good way of life and the closeness to the beach but dislike the unkept
properties.
♦ I like that it's a quiet community and it's home.

1994
' TOWN OF VARNAMTOWN
LAND USE PLAN QUESTIONNAIRE
'
What do you like most about Varnamtown and what do you like least?
'
♦
I like the nearness to the beach, but dislike the lack of zoning and the refusal to
books.
enforce the zoning laws already on the
'
♦
I like the closeness of the people here and dislike that our park is not yet finished.
♦
This is a quaint little town, but it needs a good clean-up.
'
♦
It is home to me and I dislike outsiders coming in and telling long-time residents what
they should do to my town.
'
♦
I dislike other people telling us what to do with our land.
♦
This is a quiet community, which I like, but its appearance needs help.
'
♦
I like that people help each other in this town, but I dislike not having a night light at
the loading ramp.
'
♦
I dislike the litter on the roads.
♦
Friendly people and peacefulness.
'
♦
It's a friendly place, but I dislike the fact that some people don't have to pay taxes like
others.
t♦
I like the people, but dislike the trash on the roadsides.

North'Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
James B. Hunt. Jr., Governor
Betty Ray McCain, secretary
August 24, 1994
Howard T. Capps
Howard T. Capps & Associates, Inc.
201 North Front Street
Suite 308
Wilmington, NC 28401
Re: Information request for Varnamtown Land Use
Plan, Brunswick County, ER 95-7248
Dear Mr. Capps:
Division of Archives and History
William S. Price, Jr., Director
Thank you for your letter of August 3, 1994, concerning the above project.
According to our files, no archaeological sites have been recorded within the
boundaries of Varnamtown. However, no surveys have been conducted within
the area. The possibility exists that archaeological sites ranging from the
prehistoric to the historic period may be located in the town, particularly along
Lockwood Folly River and in areas with the highest elevation above sea level.
There is also a chance of underwater archaeological resources in the river. We
recommend that the Varnamtown Land Use Plan reference this potential and the
need for careful review of all development plans situated within previously
undisturbed areas.
We have conducted a search of our files and are aware of no structures of
historical or architectural importance located within the planning area.
The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act of 1966 and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's
Regulations for Compliance with Section 106, codified at 36 CFR Part 800.
Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions
concerning the above comment, please contact Renee Gledhill -Earley,
environmental review coordinator, at 919/733-4763.
Sinc@rely,
David Brook
Deputy State Historic
DB:slw
V "4
Preservation Officer
log Fast Jones Street • Raleigh. North Cataiioa 27601-2807

AWF
SR
The preparation of this map was financed, in part, through a grant provided
by the North Carolina Coastal Managemeut Progrun, through funds provided
by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered .�
by the office of Ocean and Coastal Resources Management, National Oceanic MAPLE CREEK
and Atmospheric Administration.
Lead ® Church
Residential
- Commercial
Public
tacKv.mo rOLLY EST 0 Agriculture/wooded
1 Beacon Seafood
2 Robinson & Thompson Seafood
3 Garland's Seafood
4 Lockwood Folly Seafood
STANBUHY HOTS, 5 Varnamtown Town Hall
6 Dixon Chapel United Methodist Church
7 Carson's Shellfish Market
8 Betty's Mini Mart
9 Church
10 Private Tennis Courts
11 Maxton Restaurant
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Existing Land Use
Town of
Varnamtown
0 200' 400' 600' 800, 1000,

The preparation of this map 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 1M as amended, which is administered ---ut CA
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by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources Management, National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration.
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® Conservation
sTAHBURY HOTS
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This Land Classification Map is for general use only. Final
determination of location for Conservation Classification shall
be made by the responsible federal, State or local official having
regulatory authority, and such determination shall be made based
on a field investigation of any area in question.
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,and Classirication Map
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Scale: 1" = 400'

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Hazards Map
Town of
Varnamtown
0 200' 400' 600' 800' 1000'
1 (5
Scale: 1" = 400'

The preparation of this map was financed, in part, through a grant provided
by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through finds provided
by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered
by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources Management, National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration.
Park includes:
29 Parking spaces (2 HQ
Regulation softball field
50 sq. ft. Play area designed to accommodate modular play structure
25' x 50' Picnic shelter
Sufficient perimeter for screening from adjacent land uses
Town of
Varnamtown
Conceptual Park Sketch
0 Zo qo 6o so
North
Howard T. Capps & Associates, Inc.
Land Planning • Landscape Architecture
201 North Front Street, Suite 308
Wilmington, North Carolina 28401