The Wrightsville Beach Access Plan-1979

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Division of Coastal Management
JOHN J HOOTON AND ASSOCIATES WILmUMu . IV..
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THE WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH ACCESS PLAN
Robert Sawyer, Mayor
Bill Golder, Planning Board Chairman
August, 1979
The preparation of this study was financed in part
by 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 Coastal
Zone Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
JOHN J HOOTON AND ASSOCIATES WILMINGTON, NC
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FOREWORD
The Wrightsville Beach Access Plan has been developed as a response to the increasing pressure
for access to public lands and waters and the conflict that arises between the public and neigh-
boring property owners. The plan is designed to strike a compromise between the auto -oriented
visitor and the taxpaying residents by encouraging the use of alternative modes of transportation
to improved access points. The plan also confirms and extends the Town's previous policies on
public access set out in the Coastal Area Management Act Land Use Plan. Grateful appreciation is
extended to the Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation Department and the Building and Land
Development Department for their assistance in the preparation of this plan.
JOHN J HOOTON AND ASSOCIATES WILMINGTON. NC

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TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
lil PROBLEMS AND ISSUES 1
1.2 PURPOSE AND SCOPE 3
2.0 LEGAL AND POLICY CONSIDERATIONS 4
2.1FEDERAL AND STATE POLICIES 4
2.2 LEGAL TOOLS FOR BEACH ACCESS ACQUISITION AND PRESERVATION 6
3.0 GUIDELINES FOR PLANNING AND DESIGN 12
3.1 PLANNING AND LOCATION 12
3.2 FACILITIES 13
3.3 MODIFICATIONS FOR HANDICAPPED ACCESS POINTS 14
3.4 DESIGN 15
3.5 LEGAL 16
4.0 SURVEYS AND PROJECTIONS
17
4.1 PHYSICAL CONDITIONS
17
4.2 LEGAL STATUS
P3
4.3 PARKING SURVEY
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4.4 PROJECTIONS
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5.0 CONCLUSIONS, POLICIES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
28
5.1 EVALUATION AND CONCLUSIONS
28
5.2 POLICIES
29
5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS
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JOHN J HOOTON AND ASSOCIATES WILMINGTON$ NC
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 PROBLEMS AND ISSUES
The issue of public access at Wrightsville Beach arises for mostly the same reasons that it does
at other beach Towns across the Nation. The first reason is demographic -that is, the Nations's
population is becoming more and more concentrated in coastal areas. Over 70 percent of the
U.S. population is within 70 miles of the coast(including the Great Lakes) and 50 percent within
50 miles. At Wrightsville Beach this pressure is also felt. The Beach 1.8 within a few minutes
driving time of over 100,000 area residents and within a half day drive of the entire Piedmont
crescent from Charlotte to Raleigh. Thus the proximity to large population centers and the
attractiveness of the beach as a recreational resource results in a demand for access by
the public which inevitably conflicts with the desire of local residents for the quiet enjoyment
of their homes. A second reason is legal. While the public owns the beach from the mean high-
water mark seaward(actually it is held in trust by the State with the public as beneficiary), from
the mean highwater mark landward is owned privately. The following illustration describes the
typical pattern of beach ownership in North Carolina and shows how the access problem can arise.
SuG pAHo �8��-'0A41G PRPlA'E
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Fortunately, because of previous layout.of public streets, this problem is almost non-existent
at Wrightsville Beach. A third reason is economic. Land prices of beach front property
have accelerated at a rapid pace and the cost of providing access has increased correspondingly.
The U.S. Department of the Interior estimated that in 1935 shorefront property could have been
purchased for $9,000 per mile, in 1955 for $110,000 per mile, and in 1975 at 1.5 million
dollars per mile. Today, estimates in terms of cost per mile are probably meaningless
because of the amount of development that has occurred. In the Wilmington area per front
foot prices of beach property range from $500 to $1,000 and every indication is that prices
will continue to rise. Thus the cost of providing additional access by local governments
can quickly become prohibitive. A fourth problem and the most serious one in controlling,and
providing access is the availability of parking. At Wrightsville Beach this is the limiting
factor for the general public seeking access as mell as the most persistent source of conflict
between visitors and residents. Due to high land costs additional parking could range as high
as $1,000 per space and even if additional spaces were provided this would provide only a
stopgap solution. The Town of Wrightsville Beach has responded to these problems by initiating
a program to increase and improve access to public lands and waters. This has included
development of parking areas, construction of steps at steeply eroded areas, participation
in the development of a boating access area on the intracoastal waterway, and the development
of a public park. Even with these initiatives the increasing number of visitors, and cars,
has limited access and created a constant source of conflict with residents.
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1.2 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The major purpose of this plan is to provide improved and controlled access to the beach
and sound for the non -auto oriented public. The major emphasis will be on providing incentives,
positive and negative, for visitors to shift their mode of transportation from the auto-
mobile to some other method --bicycling, walking, or mass transit(e.g. shuttle bus). This
shift will not only provide more and improved access for the public but reduce the most
serious conflict between residents and visitors --the automobile. The plan was developed in
the following steps --analysis of legal and policy requirements(Section 2.0), establishment
of planning and design guidelines(Section 3.0), survey and evaluation of existing points
(Section 4.0), plan, recommendations(Section 5.0).
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2.0 LEGAL AND POLICY CONSIDERATIONS V
2.1 FEDERAL AND STATE POLICIES
Two major policies -one at the State level and one at the Federal level --have signif-
icance for local governments in beach access planning. The first is the Federal
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (P. L. 92-583), and the regulations promulgated
thereunder. This Act established the beginning of coastal management in the United
States by providing grants to States to develop their own coastal programs. North
Carolina's Coastal Area Management Act is a result of this law. The Federal Act
was amended in 1976 to require that each recipient State define the term "beach"
and provide a planning process for the protection of, and access to, public beaches
and other public coastal areas of environmental, recreational, historical, esthetic,
ecological, or cultural value. The implementing guidelines require that plans should
consider the supply of existing facilities, demand for future use, and the capability
of existing areas to support increased access. In addition consideration should be given
to visual as well as physical access. In defining the term "beach" states were directed
to do so in terms of physical and public characteristics but at a minimum the definition
must be as broad as allowed under existing State laws and constitutional provisions.
To implement these regulations Section 315(2) of the 1976 amendments provided authority
to make grants for up to 50 percent of the cost of land acquisition. Unfortunately,
no funds have ever been appropriated.
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The Federal Act provided the impetus for the enactment of the North Carolina Coastal
Area Management Act. Generally, CAMA provides that the public's opportunity to en-
joy the physical, esthetic, cultural and recreational qualities of the State's
shorelines shall be preserved to the greatest extent feasible. This general legisla-
tive directive was more clearly spelled out in the "General Policy Guidelines for
the Coastal Areas." These Guidelines defined the term "beach" as required by the
Federal directive, to extend from the mean low to the mean high water line and beyond
to where (1) the growth of vegetation occurs, (2) a distinct change in slope or el-
evation occurs, or (3) riparian owners have specifically and legally restricted ac-
cess above mean high water. Development shall not interfere with the public's right
of access where acquired through public acquisition. The most significant policy
statement places the major responsibility of insuring adequate access to public
trust lands and waters on local government, but to be assisted by State and Federal
governments. While, the extent of Federal and State assistance to be provided is
far from clear it is apparent that assistance for other beach projects (such as beach
renourishment) will be denied unless adequate access is provided. Further, this
access shall include not only access rights but adequate identification and parking.
To receive State or Federal funds for beach access localities must also provide for
protection of the frontal dunes. Land use plans must recognize the need of provid-
ing access to all socio-economic groups.
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These two legislative acts --Federal and State --with their implementing regulations
and guidelines form the policy basis for beach access planning by local governments
in North Carolina. Their net effect is a transfer of responsibility from the Federal
level to the State level and ultimately to the local level for providing public ac-
cess. Other than the inclusion of access rights, identification, and parking little
indication is given as to how local governments will provide access or the extent of
Federal and State participation.
2.2. LEGAL TOOLS FOR BEACH ACCESS ACQUISITION AND PRESERVATION
There are three general approaches to obtaining beach access -legislative, protection
and perfection of existing access, and acquisition of new access. Within these three
general approaches the options run from purchase in fee simple to condemnation of
access easements. There are excellent references available on this subject and only
those tools considered to be of possible use for Wrightsville Beach vfll be considered.
acquisition of fee simple interest - Purchase of fee simple title is the most direct
means of acquiring access but may also be an expensive method depending on the location
and amount of land sought. North Carolina local governments are granted the authority
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to acquire real property in General Statutes 153A-158 and 160-11. Authority to pur-
chase property for parks and recreation purposes is granted in N. C. General Statutes
15A-444 and 160A-353. Purchase of a fee interest at the neighborhood scale would be
most appropriate for purchasing narrow strips for access to the beach or providing
limited parking. At a larger scale the fee simple purchase would most likely be
used to acquire a relatively large park for State or municipal use.
acquisition of less that a fee interest -easements - Easements, or the right to use
anther's land in some specifically designated manner, may generally be acquired by
either purchase or prescription. Easements are most appropriate in acquiring walk-
ways from a public area, across a landowner's property to the beach. The primary
consideration in acquiring easements is to insure that the accessway leads from the
beach to an area accessible to the public. Thus, to be of use to the public, parking
of some sort must be available. Purchase of easements may be expensive or unavailable
but landowners may be persuaded to sell if they are allowed a reduction in property
taxes because of diminution in value. Another type of easement is the prescriptive
easement. This easement is acquired because of the continued use of the landowner's
property by some other party and the law will recognize that party's right to continue
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that use. In the case of beach access the "other party" is the public. In many
beachfront communities, including Wrightsville Beach, .the public' has continually. usdd
certain areas to reach the beach. If such public use satisfies the requirements for
prescription, primarily as to duration of the use and prescription, then the public
has acquired a right to use that particular accessway irrespective of the desires of
the land titleholder. A prescriptive easement can be acquired only when it can be
shown that the use has been made by the public at large and to be legally recognized
must be established by litigation, followed by recordation of the encumbrance upon
title. The major stumbling block to establishing prescriptive easements in North
Carolina is the requirement of adverseness. Most cases have involved use of an access
road by a landlocked owner with adverseness won by a lack of overt permission. Thus
the use need not be hostile in the conventional sense, to be adverse. However if
permission is given by the servient owner the easement will be precluded and use of
vacant land is presumed to be with the permission of the owner.
land use controls - There are two basic tools that fall under the police power head-
ing available to local governments to acquire pedestrian access for the general
public. These are zoning ordinances and subdivision regulations. The simplest method
is to zone beachfront property recreational/residential with access provisions being
one of the requirements of the zone; this designation could apply to both commercial
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as well as residential uses. This approach has been utilized by Currituck County
since October of 1971. Under that ordinance a Recreational Residential Zone requires
the provision of public accessways of not less than 10 feet in width, from a public
roadway to a recreation area, for each development involving more than 600 feet of
recreational resource (beaches or sounds) frontage. The authortiy for establishing
such requirements in local zoning ordinances exists under the zoning enabling leg-
islation for North Carolina counties, N. C. General Statutes 153A-340. This Section
states: Where appropriate, the conditions may include requirements that street and
utility rights -of -way be dedicated to the public and recreation facilities be pro-
vided. The question is whether the provision of beach access is an "appropriate"
situation for the imposition of requirements relating to recreational space and fa-
cilities. For the same reasons discussed in the Introduction, a substantial case
can be made that the provision of access is "appropriate." The second land use
tool available to local governments is required dedication of roads to provide access.
Public access to beaches is afforded by requiring the extension of roads of rights -
of -way to the foreshore and dedication to the public. In application two require-
ments are necessary: (1) extension of all roads and rights -of -way not parallel to
the beach down to the foreshore, and (2) public dedication of all such roads and
rights -of -way not parallel to the beach. The Currituck County ordinance previously
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mentioned requires the extension of all roads and rights -of -way not parallel to,the
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ocean down to the foreshore in all developments having a minimum of 600 feet of
frontage. The land Subdivision regulations adopted by the Town of Nags Head requires
public dedication of all roads in subdivisions developed within the Town-beachfront
and nonbeachfront. The authority for requiring such a dedication is contained in
N. C. General Statutes 153A-331 which states: A subdivision control ordinance may
provide for... the dedication or reservation of recreation areas serving residents
of the immediate neighborhood and of rights -of -way or easements for streets or utility
purposes. A third method directly related to the one just discussed is the required
provision of water access lots in new subdivisions. Generally, a municipality could
not require public dedication of an entire lot without just compensation. However,
there are two possible methods of achieving access without unreasonable cost to the
municipality or developer. First, dedication, through the subdivision control ordi-
nance, of water access lots could be required in any subdivision containing interior
lots; that is, access for the entire subdivision not the general public. While this
would provide access only to lot owners in the subdivision the municipality could
later acquire the lot through eminent domain if the need arose. Using the "before
and after" valuation method required in condemnation proceedings the cost of acquisition
would probably be relatively low due to the difficulty of transfer caused by the
many owners of the lot. The Carolina Beach Subdivision regulations require the
provision of water access lots for any subdivision adjoining the sound, the Cape Fear
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River, the intracoastal waterway, or the Atlantic Ocean if interior lots are in-
cluded. Lots must be a minimum of ten feet in width and provided at the ratio
of one lot per 600 feet of frontage. Access lots must adjoin a public street and be
either dedicated to the general public or transferred in fee to interior lot owners.
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3.0 GUIDELINES FOR PLANNING AND DESIGN
The following guidelines are intended to provide generalized standards for location, design,
and improvements at beach access points. Improvements at any particular point will depend
upon site characteristics, degree of intended use, and budget constraints. At Wrightsville
actual site improvements will largely depend upon the extent of the proposed beach re -
nourishment project. The site plan and perspective is included only to illustrate a possible
alternative for access point development at Wrightsville Beach. More detailed planning and
design will be required when the renourishment project is completed and a method of financing
improvements is determined.
3.1 PLANNING AND LOCATION
location near customary use areas --Wherever - possible, access sites should be located near
or at areas that are normally used by the public.
avoid endangered species --The habitat, breeding or nesting areas of rare or endangered plant
and animal species should be avoided.
dune height --Areas where the dune height is so low that the beach is visible from the road
should be avoided. This will encourage the use of walkovers and provide an opportunity for low
or damaged dunes to rebuild; however, lower areas may have to be used as points selected for
handicapped modifications to insure adequate ramp slopes.
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connection to public areas --access points must be provided directly from an area open to the
public -such as a road or park.
sight distance --Where possible, adequate site distances should be provided between entry or
parking areas and intersections or curves --a minimum line of sight of 300 feet should be
provided in either direction.
required points —At least one access point should be provided for each 1,000 users using the
average(not peak) seasonal population as a base.
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parking and transit --All methods should be used to encourage the use of non -auto oriented
transit to access points. Mass transit, bikeways, and footpaths, are recommended as alter-
natives to conserve energy, protect air and water quality, increase access, and promote safety.
If feasible parking for 120 cars per 1000 visitors should be provided within 100 yards of
an access point.
spacing --Access points should be located every one-half mile where feasible.
points for the handicapped --A minimum of one access point with handicapped modifications should
be provided with one additional such point per 20 standard points.
3.2 FACILITIES
bike racks--0ne ten bike rack should be provided at every other access point and at all points
with imporved parking lots. Racks should be of steel or cast concrete and should be located
out of the parking area or protected by ties of bollards.
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litter receptacles --Two 20 gallon enclosed receptacles at access entry and one 10 gallon
receptacle at steps of walkover or oceanside
week during peak season.
Pickup should be a minimum of 3 times per
identification-- Signs should be placed at entry from highway at steps of walkover on
ocean and landside. Pennants on a mast or pole may be used in addition to or in lieu of
signs on oceanside. Wooden signs are recommended for esthetics. Signs should be approximately
24" R 36" on 4R4 posts at 8' heights. Signs should be double -aided with the faces toward
the direction of foot or vehicular traffic. Information signs(concerning safety, surfing, litter)
should be posted at walkover steps.
bathroom facilities, showers, water fountains —Because of maintenance costs these facilities are
recommended only in high use areas(over 1,000 visitors per day). Showers should be open air
cold water only, with pipes protected against vandalism. Foot showers only are recommended.
Bathrooms should be located near parking areas(away from beach) and conform to applicable
environmental regulations.
sand fences --Recommended for all walkovers. Thirty feet of 4' high fencing with posts every 10
feet on each side of walkovers. Place on dune ridge.
3.3 MODIFICATIONS FOR HANDICAPPED ACCESS POINTS
• handicapped parking spaces should be marked with the international symbol for the handicapped
and located immediately adjacent to a ramp or hardsurfaced walkway; spaces should be a
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minimum of 12'6" in width.
. designated public parking areas should have a minimum of 2% of the total humber of spaces
reserved for handicapped parking.
. bollards, posts or other barriers to wheelchairs or persons with walking aids should be
removed.
. dune walkovers should have maximum slopes of 12,5%(1:8) with steps eliminated or ramp by-pass
constructed. The transition from walkway to dune walkover should be smooth and continuous.
walkovers should have a minimum of a 100 square foot covered deck at the top of the structure.
• identification signs should include the international symbol for the handicapped.
3.4 DESIGN-
The illustrations that follow are intended as illustrations of designs and construction
alternatives for a typical access point and walkover structure at Wrightsville Beach. Several
features(e.g. handicapped facilities) are combined which would be included at a separate
or different point. The basic concept illustrated is a system of components that respect
the integrity of the dune and its protective vegetation but is flexible enough to be moved as
changes require. The construction drawings were developed by the Florida Sea Grant program
and have been used by the Town of Topsail Beach and by the Town of Wrightsville Beach.
JOHN J HOOTON AND ASSOCIATES WILMINGTON, NC 15
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Typical Beoch Profile
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Beoch Storm Profile
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EXISTING DUNE
Expected during a storm
CREST LINE
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Note: Sections of Dune
Wolkover structure should
be planned to the specific
profile of the area for
which it is desired.
Fig.I TYPICAL PLAN and ELEVATION VIEW
Scale: I" = 2d

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Section l-A-Landside
This Dimension Vries Depending cn
Dropoff Beh nd Dune
Note: Place steps on beach side
to level of maximum beach
• recession during a severe
storm or tropical hurricane
Section I-B - Deck Section /-C - Seaside
This Dimension Varies _ ' Thfs Dimension Varies
Depending on Width
of Dime
Depending on Dropoffin
Front of Dune Crest
Fig.2 TYPICAL SECTION No. I RScale: I°= 5'
Beach Storm Profile
(Maximum Expected Recesslw
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Scale: I"= I'-0"

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Scale: I"= 1'- 0"

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Fig.5 TYPICAL STEPS DETAIL
Scale: I "= I'- 0"

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2 x 10 x 7'-9"
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2 x 14 x 9'-0" notched for steps
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De2t Dimension
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Note: Bill of Materials based on ramp
length of 2l; deck length of 28 and 2
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Fig.6 TYPICAL STRINGER LAYOUT DETAIL
Scale: I " = 5�4'
7'-O" Varies 1 61-8"
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Deck/Steps Steps 7
Note: All splice blocks to be nailed
to stringers to provide both lateral
support of joints and bearing support.
All pile bolted connections to be 1/2"
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3.5 LEGAL
The best planned and designed access points will be of little use unless the public's right
to use the points is adequately established. The basic standard is that the general public
have an unrestricted right to travel from an accessible, publicly owned area(such as a park,
parking lot or public road) to the beach. The most important consideration is that the type
of right be long term or perpetual and that the public, through a public or governmental agency,
hold title to the right. The most desirable protection is fee simple ownership through donation,
dedication, condemnation or purchase. If fee ownership cannot be obtained permanent or
long-term(50 to 100 year) partial interests such as easements or rights -of -way should be
obtained. Where the right to access is questionable the governmental body should take measures
(access signs, maintenance and improvements) to establish dominion and control over the area.
JOHN J HOOTON ANO ASSOCIATES WILMINGTON. NC 16

4.0 SURVEYS AND PROJECTIONS
4.1 PHYSICAL CONDITIONS
In May of this year, all points of public access within the Town were surveyed to evaluate the
parking available, identification, facilities provided (litter receptacles, walkover structures,
bike racks) and general condition of the area. The points surveyed, and results, are shown on
the following map and pages.
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Point
#1 - Shell Island
(65' unopened public
accessway)
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#2 - Holiday Inn
III
#3 - Mallard
#4 - Crane
#5 - Sandpiper
#6 - Heron
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH ACCESS SURVEY
BEACH ACCESS POINTS
Signs and Improvements
Identification and Facilities
none none
public access,
public parking,
restrictions
restrictions
restrictions
restrictions
restrictions
litter, screen-
ing on north side
of parking lot,
sand fencing
litter
litter,
steps
litter
litter
Parking
No off-street parking and
no on -street parking north
from Holiday Inn - unavailable
from public road.
56 standard spaces,
2 handicapped.
16 on -street
10 on -street
27 on -street
27 on=street
JOHN J HOOTON AND ASSOCIATES WILMINGTON. NC 17
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Signs and
Improvements
Point
Identification
and Facilities
Parkin
#7
- Shearwater
none
litter
25 on -street
#8
- Seagull
restrictions
litter
26 on -street
A9
- Salisbury
public access
litter,
113 on -street
phone booths,
bike rack
#10
- Greensboro
restrictions
litter
31 on -street
#11
- Henderson
restrictions
litter,
27 on -street
steps
912
- Oxford
restrictions
litter
32 on -street
#13
- Fayetteville
restrictions
litter,
divider fence
21 on -street
#14
- Ashville
restrictions
litter,
27 on -street
steps
#15
- Augusta
restrictions
none
34 on -street
616
- Raleigh
restrictions
none
None marked - road edges
ravelling, with narrow
pavement width.
#17
- Charlotte
restrictions
litter
29 on -street
#18
- Atlanta
restrictions
litter
14 on -street
#19
- Columbia
no parking
litter
25 on -street
#20
- Birmingham
none
litter
unpaved street with no
marked spaces,
20 on -street
JOHN J HOOTON ANO ASSOCIATES WILMINGTON@ NC 18
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Signs and
Improvements
Point
Identification
and Facilities
Parkin
#21 -
Oceanic
restrictions
litter,
5 on south side of street
3' divider fence
railroad tie border
#22
- Stone
restrictions
litter,
11 on -street, south side
bike rack
#23
- Chadbourn
restrictions
none
None - no marked spaces on
Chadbourn from Lumina to
Waynick.
024
- Arringdale
no parking
bench on berm
none
#25
- Seashore
none
none
approximately 14 on -street
#26
- Taylor
none
none
on -street
#27
- Bridger
none
none
none
#28
- Wright
no parking
none
west side of Lumina
#29
- Corbett
pedestrian
none
west side of Lumina
access to beach,
no parking
#30
- Albright
no parking
none
west side of Lumina
#31
= Northrop
no parking
none
west side of Lumina
#32
- Jack Parker Blvd.
no parking
litter,
21 on south side of road
sand fencing
#32A
- S•)uth Lumina
Public Parking
litter
90 spaces - no handicapped
Public Parking Area
signs
JOHN J HOOTON ANO ASSOCIATES WILMINGTON, NC 19
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WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH ACCESS SURVEY
SOUND ACCESS POINTS
FROM BEACH ISLAND
Signs and
Improvements
Point
Identification
and Facilities
Parkin
#33
- Northrop
none
none
:.. none
#34
- Albright
none
none
none
#35
- Corbett
none
none
none
#36
- Short
none
none
none
#37
- Wright
none
none
none
#38
- Sunset
none
none
on -street,
Waynick
939
- Nathan
none
none
on -street,
Waynick
A40
- Iula
none
none
on -street,
Waynick
#41
- Bridgers
none
none
on -street,
Waynick
#42
- Taylor
none
litter
on -street,
Waynick
#43
- Arringdale
none
none
on -street
944
- Chadbourn
none
none
on -street
#45
- Latimer
none
none
on -street
#46
-
no parking
4' wooden fence,
none
concrete bulkhead
#47
- Columbia
none
fence,
13 on -street
steps to water,
bulkhead
is JOHN J HOOTON AND ASSOCIATES WILMINGTON, NC 20

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Signs and
Improvements
Point
Identification
and Facilities
Parking
#48 -
Atlanta
no parking
2' fence
20
on -street
#49 -
Charlotte
none
none
10
off-street
#50
- Raleigh
none
none
3 cars off-street
#51
- Augusta
none
steps to water
5 cars off-street
#52
- Ashville
none
fence,
20
cars on -street
bulkhead,
ladder to water
#53
- Fayetteville
none
4' fence,
70
on -street
bulkhead
#54
- Oxford
none
4' fence,
60
on -street
steps to water
#55
- Henderson
none
ladder to water,
65
on -street
bulkhead
056
- Greensboro
none
4' fence,
65
on -street
bulkhead
057
- Bay Street
no parking
4' fence
10
on -street
#58
- Mallard (Crane)
none
none
20
on -street
#59
- Jasmine Place
"Sailing Site -
sailboat launching
5-10 on -street
WBRD"
ramp, hand winch,
locker, water tap,
grassed median with
sprinklers, sidewalks,
ladder to water, litter
#60
- Lindy Lane
none
none
4-5 on -street
JOHN J HOOTON AND ASSOCIATES WILMINGTON. NC 21

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Signs and
Improvements
Point
Identification
and Facilities
Parking
061
- Live Oak Drive
none
fence,
5 on -street
sidewalk
062
- Island Drive
"Mini -Park
sidewalks,
10-15 on -street
- WBRD"
basketball goal
963
- First Street
none
none
3-5 on -street
#64
- Second Street
none
none
3-5 on -street
665
- Third Street
none
none
3-5 on -street
666
- Fourth Street
none
none
3-5 on -street
067
- Fifth Street
none
none
3-5 on -street
#68
- Sixth Street
none
none
3-5 on -street
#69
- Auditorium
none
none
none
#70
- Reel
none
fence,
15-20 on -street
bulkhead
971
- Marina
none
none
5 on -street
#72
- N.C. Wildlife
from highway
3 launch ramps,
unpaved parking area for
Boat Ramp
on -site
litter
100 cars with trailers
073
- Harbor Island
from highway
benches,
2-3 off-street
Bird Sanctuary
on -site
bird houses
JOHN J HOOTON AND ASSOCIATES WILMINGTON# NC 22
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4.2 LEGAL STATUS
Almost all identified public access points are well protected legally. This is because most
access points are provided at the ends of public roads which dead-end either at the tide line
or the building line. On the beach side, access is insured not only at the ends of public
roads, but by Article 4 of the Town's Corporate Charter. Section 1 of this Article provides
that all land lying east of a defined building line "shall be, at all times, kept open for the
purposes of streets and highways for the use of the public, and further for the development
and uses as a public square or park" as determined by the Town. Access to the sound, Banks
Channel and Motts Channel is from the ends of dedicated public streets. Access to the
Intracoastal Waterway is from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Access Area. Additional
access is provided on Harbor Island from Town owned property at the sailing center and Town
Mini -Park. Access to the water from the Mini -Park is limited due to rip -rap at the water's
edge. Almost all access points have some indication of the Town's continued exercise of control
over these areas. In some cases, this is provided by public access and directional signs, and
in almost cases by parking control signs (see Conditions Surveys).
At only a few points does public access appear restricted. First, at both ends of Bridgers
Street, access to the sound and beach is blocked by a wooden fence. The second place where
access appears restricted is at the soundside ends of First through Sixth Streets on Harbor
JOHN J HOOTON AND ASSOCIATES WILMINGTON, NC 23

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Island. Adjoining property owners are using street right-of-ways for parking and boat storage.
While none of these streets are significant access points and no improvements are recommended
for them, their continued use by adjoining owners without some indication of ownership and
control by the Town could create a source of conflict if these areas are needed by the Town
in the future. The last and most significant point is a 65 foot dedicated accessway lying
approximately 600 feet north of the end of North Lumina. This accessway is shown on the plat
entitled "Shell Island Extension of Section II," dated February 1970, and recorded in Map
Book 11 at Page 14, New Hanover County Register of Deeds. This accessway can only be reached
by trespassing over private property and is further restricted because of prohibition of park-
ing from the Holiday Inn access point north.
4.3 PARKING SURVEY
A general survey was made of the number and location of parking spaces available to the general
public. This survey did not include spaces provided on private property, i.e., at motels,
restaurants or private residences. Since most parking spaces are provided in undivided lanes,
on -street, an estimate was necessary in most cases. The following table shows the results of
this survey.
JOHN J HOOTON AND ASSOCIATES WILMINGTON. NC 24
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PARKING SPACES AVAILABLE
TO GENERAL PUBLIC
BEACH ISLAND
Waynick Boulevard
231
South Lumina
290
Jack Parker Blvd.
21
South Lumina Parking Lot
90
North Lumina
221
Mallard to Stone - east side
546
Greensboro to Columbia - west
side 443
Holiday Inn - public parking
56
Scattered on -street
120
TOTAL BEACH ISLAND
2,018
HARBOR ISLAND
Causeway Drive
62
Wildlife Access Area
100
Wrightsville Beach Park
100
Scattered on -street
250
TOTAL HARBOR ISLAND
412
TOTAL PUBLIC PARKING
29'430
JOHN J NOOTON AND ASSOCIATES WILMINGTON, NC 25

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4.4 PROJECTIONS
The most significant projection for Wrightsville Beach in planning for public access is the
number of day visitors that may be expected in the future. This projection is significant
because the parking problem created by these visitors is not only the most serious potentially
limiting factor for beach access, but is a constant source of conflict with Town residents.
The 1976 Coastal Area Management Act Land Use Plan estimated average peak (June, July, August)
day visitor population based on assumptions about traffic count information available at the
Intracoastal Waterway bridge. The 1976 average peak estimate for a Saturday or Sunday during
the months of June, July or August of day visitors traveling to the beach at some time during
the day was approximately 12,500 persons.
Traffic count information for 1978 indicates an approximate increase of 18.25 percent in average
daily traffic during the months of June, July and August. Assuming a corresponding percentage
increase in day visitors, the 1978 day visitor population estimate would be approximately
14,780 persons. If the average annual rate of increase of 4.5 percent continued into 1979, the
1979 day visitor population would be 15,460 persons. Assuming an average of two persons per
car, as many as 7,730 cars would be traveling to and from the beach during peak periods.
During peak hours of the day, as many as one-third of these cars, ox 2,576, may be searching
for public parking space at the same time. This exceeds the total number of parking spaces
by almost 150. Assuming 85 percent of these visitors are seeking access to the beach, the
JOHN J HOOTON AND ASSOCIATES WILMINGTON, NC 26

availability of parking on the "beach" island is exceeded by 200 spaces.
This figure represents only a projection for parking spaces available (or unavailable)
to the general public. It does not evaluate the adequacy of parking available to residents
and visitors on private property at homes, restaurants, or motels.
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V,
5.0 CONCLUSIONS, POLICIES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 EVALUATION AND CONCLUSIONS
There are four major criteria for evaluating the adequacy of public access --the number and
location of points, legal protection of these points, quality of improvements, and the avail-
ability of parking. These four criteria and the planning and design standards set out in
Section 3.0 were used to evaluate the points of public access at Wrightsville Beach. With
regard to the two most important criteria, the number of points and legal protection, access
at Wrightsville is excellent. There are 74 points of public access almost all of which are
open for public use. Thirty one of these points are actively used by the public as access to
the beach. Based on the criteria of one point per 1,000 users per day and an average peak
seasonal day visitor population of 15,460 persons more than twice the number of needed access
points are available. Access to the sound is possible at 29 points from the "Beach" island
and from 13 points on Harbor Island. Boating access to the intracoastal waterway is provided
at the N.C. Wildlife Resources Access Area. With the exception of First through Sixth Streets
on Harbor Island, Bridgers Street on the "Beach" island and the 65 foot public accessway at
the north end of North Lumina all accessways are open to the public and have adequate leg,Al
protection. All are either in public ownership, State or Town, or lead directly from a public
street to the water or publicly held land.
With regard to the quality of improvements and the availability of parking access at Wrights-
JOHN J HOOTON ANO ASSOCIATES WILMINGTON, NC 28

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ville is adequate at present but is near a saturation point. Protection of the dune and berm,
access for the handicapped, and positive incentives for direction and control of visitors will
require improvements at all beach access points. Three choices are possible to reduce the prob-
lem of parking --do nothing, increase parking, decrease parking and shift to other modes of
transportation. If nothing is done the problem will increase and the availability of access
will decrease. To increase parking is prohibitively expensive and self-defeating. It would
be impossible to provide sufficient space for all visitors expected in the future under current
land prices. Such factors as energy conservation, environmental protection and safety weigh
heavily against the policy of converting Wrightsville Beach into a parking lot. The third and
most desirable choice is to provide incentives for shifting the dominant mode of transporta-
tion from cars to bus, foot, or bike. As both gasoline prices and the number of persons seeking
access to the beach increases these methods will become increasingly feasible and may become
the only alternative. Based on these conclusions and recommendations the following policies
and recommendations are made
5.2 POLICIES
• To provide reasonable means and opportunity for all members of the public to have=access to
the beach and other public trust lands and waters, provided such means do not conflict with the
rights of residents to the use and enjoyment of their property(Wrightsville Beach Land Use Plan).
• To encourage the use of non -auto oriented transportation methods such as bicycling,.
JOHN J HOOTON AND ASSOCIATES WILMINGTON, NC 29
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walking, or mass transit.
o In accord with the above policy to provide additional parking only at remote parking lots served
by transit facilities and bikeways.
• To prohibit all traffic on the dune and berm except at designated access points and upon a ramp
or walkover structure.
• To designate access points as high, moderate, and low use based on the following definitions,
and to provide appropriate facilities for each use.
HIGH USE ACCESS POINT --Those areas presently served by parking facilities and commercial
establishments which are currently being intensively used by the public. The purpose of this
designation is to provide adequate facilities and services so that the majority of day visitor
traffic is directed to these points and away from residential areas.
MODERATE USE ACCESS POINT --These points are generally reached through residential areas
and served by limited parking. Their purpose is to provide limited improvements that will cnn-
trol access and protect the dune and berm.
LOW USE ACCESS POINT --These areas receive only limited use by the public and should not
be developed at the present for general public access.
5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendation are made for designation of access points as high, moderate or
low use and for the provision of the indicated facilities and services. Recommendations are
JOHN J HOOTON AND ASSOCIATES WILMINGTON, NC 30

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either First Priority, to be completed by the end of 1980, or Second Priority, to be completed
as soon as feasible thereafter. These recommendations are summarized on the maps which follow.
FIRST PRIORITY RECOMMENDATIONS
HIGH USE ACCESS POINTS--SALISBURY STREET, NORTH LUMINA PUBLIC PARKING AREA, STONE STREET
TO OCEANIC
FACILITIES AND SERVICES
.public access signs at street ends and beach -or mast with pennant
• information and restrictions signs
• litter barrels at ramp and beach
tramps, walkover structures with observation decks. Interconnecting walkway from
Stone to Oceanic access ramps
• foot showers
• bike racks--30 bikes
• shuttle bus service
•life guards
• umbrella and chair concessions
MODERATE USE POINTS-- to beach --HOLIDAY INN, MALLARD TO SEAGULL, GREENSBORO TO COLUMBIA.
CHADBOURN, ARRINGDALE, SEASHORE, TAYLOR,.BRIDGERS,.CORBETT, ALBRIGHT,
NORTHROP, JACK PARKER BOULEVARD
JOHN J HOOTON ANO ASSOCIATES WILMINGTON. NC 31
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FACILITIES AND SERVICES
•public access signs at street ends and beach --or masts with pennants
• information and restrictions signs
• litter barrels at ramp toe and beach
• ramps and walkover structures
MODERATE USE POINTS --to sound--CHADBOURN, ARRINDALE, SEASHORE, BRIDGERS, SUNSET, IULA
FACILITIES
• public access signs and litter barrels
• information and restrictions signs
LOW USE ACCESS POINTS--BAHAMA, BERMUDA, PALMETTO, MALLARD, GREENSBORO TO STONE, WRIGHT, CORBETT,
ALBRIGHT, NORTHROP, JACK PARKER, ALL POINTS ON HARBOR ISLAND EXCEPT NC
WILDLIFE RESOURCES BOATING ACCESS AREA
FACILITIES
• no improvements recommended at this time
• minimum maintenance and restrictions signs
RESTRICTED USE POINTS--WRIGHT STREET TO OCEAN AND UNOPENED ACCESSWAY ON NORTH LUMINA
WRIGHT STREET --develop as handicapped access point in accord with design guidelines
develop second handicapped access point at appropriate location between
Stone and Salisbury Streets.
JOHN J HOOTON AND ASSOCIATES WILMINGTON, NC 32
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UNOPENED ACCESSWAY ON NORTH LUMINA --develop as access point for bicycle and foot
traffic only.
FACILITIES
.ramp and walkover, public access signs, information and restrictions signs
litter barrels at ramp toe and beach
ADDITIONAL PRIORITY ONE RECOMMENDATIONS
• study use of parking registration with sticker system for parking in designated areas
• establish bikeway system in accord with recommendations for Wrightsville Parks and
Recreation.Department
• begin implementation of Wrightsville Dune Maintenance Plan as soon as rehourishment
project is complete
SECOND PRIORITY RECOMMENDATIONS
• develop small sail boat launching area on Waynick Boulevard at Bridgers, Iula or Chadbourn
Streets to include launching rails, winch and restricted parking lane for transferring
boat to rails.
• develop soundside swimming area at end of Sunset on Waynick Boulevard to include roped
swimming area, bulkheading, steps, and landscaped berm.
JOHN J HOOTON AND ASSOCIATES WILMINGTON. NC 33
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