Land Use Plan-1976

TYRRELL COUNTY
Land. Use Plan
CAMA
1976
a
PROPERTY OF
DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT
PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE

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TYRRELL COUNTY
LAND USE PLAN
COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENT ACT
MAY 24, 1976
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'This Report Has Been Prepared.For
The Residents of Tyrrell County, North Carolina
Board.'of Commissioners
Lem A. Cohoon, Chairman
Joseph Landino Dan Davis
George Dawkins Floyd Hollis
Ray McClees, County Coordinator
-planning Board
Bet -tram DaVEnport, Chai�r°man
L. A. Keiser Floyd Patrick
Joseph Liverman, Jr. Warren Woddard
Citizens' Resource Committee
Joseph Landino Durwood Cooper
Claude Jones Joseph Liverman
Project Staff
Sue Ann Kulick, Community Planner
Debra Ingalls, Secretary
Mary Noe, Secretary
Danny Smdth, Df6ftsman
Mike `fount, Draftsman
May, 1976

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RESOLUTION 34
r A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE TYRRELL COUNTY LAND USE PLAN.
WHEREAS, the Coastal Area Management Act of 1974 establishes a
cooperative program of coastal area management between local and
r State governments, wherein local government shall have the initiative
for planning and State government shall establish areas of environ-
mental concern; and
. WHEREAS, the General Assembly of North Carolina has determined
and declared as a matter of legislative finding that among North
Carolina's most valuable resources are its coastal lands and waters,
and that the coastal area, and in particular the estuaries, are
among the most biologically productive regions of this State and of
the nation; and
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WHEREAS, the General Assembly has found that an immediate and
pressing need exists to.establish a comprehensive plan for the
protection, preservation, orderly development, and management of
the coastal area of North Carolina; now, therefore,
The Tyrrell County Board of Commissioners resolves:
That the Tyrrell County Land Use Plan is hereby adopted in
accordance with the Coastal Area Management Act of 1974, and the'.
guidelines established by the Coastal Resources Commission for,,
the purpose set forth above, and it is hereby declared to be
public policy.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
I. Introduction
A. Purpose and History of the Plan
1
Bo Geographical Setting
2
Co Climate
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II. Description of Present Conditions
A. General Population Trends
5
BEconomy.
15
Agricultural Trends
15
First Colony Farms
22
Co Existing Land Use
24
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General Development Pattern
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Problems from Unplanned Development
25
D. Constraints
27
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Physical Limitations
27
Hazard Areas
27
Soils
.30
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'Ground Water
32
Steep Slopes
33
Fragile Areas
33
Coastal Wetlands
33
Estuarine and Public Trust Waters
33
Wildlife
37
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Fish
38
Rare and Endangered Species
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Areas With Resource Potential
44
Agricultural Lands
44
Mineral Resources
45
Forest Resources
45
Community Tacllities
51
Water and Sewer Service Areas
51
Roads and Schools
51
III. Current Plans, Policies, and -Regulations
55
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A. Local
55,
B. State and Federal
58
IV. Public Participation Activities
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A. Land Use Issues
59
Population
59
Housing Characteristics and Conditions
60
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Economy -
65
Natural Resources
65
Historic and Cultural Resources
67
B. Goals and Objectives
68
V. Estimated Demand
74
A. Population and Economy
74
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Population
74 .
Projections 10—50-years
74
Carrying Capacity Issue
74
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Economy
75
B. Future Land Needs
78
C. Community Facilities Demand
78
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VI.
Plan Description
A. Land Classification
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The Land Classification System
81
The Five Classes of.Land
82
B. Allocation of Population
88
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VII.
Potential Areas of Environmental Concern
89
A. Coastal Wetlands
90
B. Estuarine Waters
92
C. State Parks
93
D. Areas that Sustain Remnant Species
94
E. Certain Public Trust Areas
95
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F. Estuarine and River Erodible Areas
97
VIII.
Implementation
98
IX.
Summary (Synopsis) UNDER SEPARATE COVER
X.
City -County Plan Relationship
Interpretations of Town/County Plans
101
XI.
Columbia Land Use Plan
102
A. Present Conditions
103
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Population
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Economy
106
Existing Land Use
106
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B. Constraints on Development
106
Land.Potential
106
Soils
106
Hazards
107
Fragile Areas
107
Community Facilities
107

C. Current ; P.l ans ..and M i ci es 108
D. Publ i.c..Partici.pation Activities 108
E. Estimated Future Demand 108
Population 108
Economy 109
Future Land Needs & CoMunity Facilities Demand 109
F. Plan Description 110
G. Potential Areas of Environmental tdotern 110
H. Implementation 110
XII. Appendixes.
A. Questionnaire Results 111
B. Public Participat on.Repcaft, tw Coastal Resources Commission 121
G. Bibliography 125
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INTRODUCTION
A. Purpose & History of the Plan
B. Geographical Setting

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The Coastal Area•Management ActP,passed in 1974, is more forceful than
enabling legislation: it requires.a.11 coastal counties to accept the re-
sponsibility of purposefully planning for -the wisest and best use of all
resources. Land use planning on such a scale has never before been attempted
• in North Carolina, and it is inevitable that a long maturing process must
follow the passage of such a unique program. This plan will also require
further refinesments and more specific studies in several planning areas.
• But planning is only the first step. A planning document is a useless
pile of paper unless both citizens andelectedrepresentatives commit them-
selves to making the plan work. Each decision, each action must add support
40 and structure to the plan. The legislature made many revisions in the Act
to insure a plan that both protects the resources and provides for the citizen,
and the county should be prepared to respond with the same effort. The
• Coastal Resources Commission, composed of appointed representatives from the
twenty coastal counties, has further worked to develop guidelines which have
specified,both the planning procedure and the planning document.
This document is the first step -toward satisfying the requirements of
the Act. Future action by the county -in implementing this program will affect
the status of grants and programs in Tyrrell and the county's acceptability
• as a receiving agent for these.
This Land Use Plan is a policy statement which attempts to show where,
when, and how the county expects to encourage the land uses throughout Tyrrell
to change or remain the same. The -strength of this plan rests almost entirely
on the willingness of the citizens to enact further land use regulations where
they see fit. However, within the areas of environmental concern (AFC's) land
use shall be regulated according to the guidelines set forth by the Coastal
Resources Commission.
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GEOGRAPHICAL SETTING
The Swanquarter area, a part of the east -central coastal plain of North
Carolina, includes Dare, Hyde, Pamlico, Tyrrell and Washington Counties.
Tyrrell County is bounded on the north by the Albemarle Sound, on the east
by the Alligator River, on the south by Hyde County, and on the west by
Washington County. The county lies within the Pamlico Terrace, a broad, •
flat eastward sloping plain that represents a former ocean floor. The ter-
race is one of a series of marine terraces formed by successively lower
stands of the sea during Pleistocene times. Much of the county is less than
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five feet above sea level. Lake Phelps is a prominent feature in the south-
west corner of the county. Oddly enough the lake is higher than the surround-
ing land. Pocosins occupy much of Tyrrell.
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The county is drained by slow moving streams, drainage ditches, and
canals which empty into the Scuppernong and Alligator Rivers and the Albemarle
Sound. .
Tyrrell is underlaid by sedimentary rocks that range in age from Cre-
taceous to Recent and represent deposition in both marine and non -marine
environments. The sedimentary formations include beds of limestone, sand,
unconsolidated shells, marl, clay, and unconsolidated sand stone. Through-
out most of the area, sediments of Pleistocene and Recent age form a layer
25 to 100 feet thick.*
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CLIMATE
The climate is mild with a 184 day growing season, average January tem-
perature of 43.7 degrees, and average July temperature of 77 degrees. The 0
average annual precipitation is 51.15 inches.**
*Geology and Ground Water Resources of the Swan Quarter Area, North •
Carolina. Division of Ground Water, Ground Water Bulletin Number 4, 1964.
**A New Geography of North Carolina. Bill Sharpe.
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TYRRELL COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
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TOWNSHIPS
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TYRRELL COUNTY
Location Map

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DESCRIPTION OF PRESENT
CONDITIONS
A. General Population Trends
B. Economy
C. Existing Land Use
D. Constraints

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GENERAL POPULATION TRENDS
The Coastal Area Management Act was passed to protect people through
careful management of natural resources, Man's presence is a major force
affecting natural resources. No matter how we view people in the environ-
ment we are both part of the problem --and part of the solution. The impact
of population must, therefore,'be considered as an important part of land
use plans.
In 1970, Tyrrell County had a total population of 3,806--the lowest
county population in the state. As seen in Table 11 the county population
has been decreasing at an ever increasing rate. Between 1960 and 1970 the
county lost over 15% of its population --a total decrease of 714 people.
During the same period, North Carolina had a population increase of 11.5%.
Table 2 shows the greatest losses occurred in age groups 0-4 (51% loss)
and 35-44 (31% loss). This population -trend is graphically shown in Table 3.
Tables 4 and 5 show township populations and indicate that Gum Neck Township
lost the greatest percentage of people while Scuppernong lost the smallest
percentage. The losses in children under 4 can be matched with the comparable
loss of women in the child bearing age groups (defined as women between the
ages of 15 and 49) Table 6,
Contrasting with the decreases in the two younger age groups are
increases in the number of people over 55 years of age, Not only did these
two age groups (55-64:- and. -65+) increase in- number, but- they also make up a
greater proportion {%) of the population.• this is shown in Table 7.
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As a result of the high percentage of older people, the median age
within the county is high, as can be seen in Table 8. Only 7 other counties
in North Carolina have a higher median age.*
The median age for the whole county is high, but the racial division
of age is even more informative. The white population median age is nearly
8 years older than the total population median age, while the Negro median
age is nearly 10 years younger than the combined population median. Tables
9 and 10 also show the Negro and white populations for 1960 and 1970 accord-
ing to age groups. The Negro population age group 5-14 is the only age
group that is not losing members faster than the white population group.
More importantly, the Negro age groups 20-24 have continued to lose members •
while the white age group 20-24 has experienced a 29% increase.
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*Median age is defined as that age which divides the population exactly
in half, with half the people older than the median age and half the people •
younger.
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TABLE I
TYRRELL COUNTY"POPULATION 1940-1970
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YEAR
POPULATION
CHANGE
PERCENT
1940
5,556
1950
5,048
-508
- 9.1
1960
4,520
-528
-10.5
1970
3,806
-714
-15.8
SOURCE:
Statistical.Analysis
System, N. C.
State
University,
1975.
TABLE 2
TYRRELL COUNTY
POPULATION BY AGE
GROUPS
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AGE GROUP
1960
1970
CHANGE
0 - 4
537
265
-272
5 - 14
1064
849
-215
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15 - 19
427
375
- 52
20 - 24
200
210
+ 10
• SOURCE: U. S. Census of Population 1960 and 1970.
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TABLE 4
POPULATION BY COUNTY AND TOWNSHIP
• TYRRELL COUNTY POPULATION BY TOWNSHIP
SOUTH
YEAR COUNTY
ALLIGATOR COLUMBIA GUM NECK
SCUPPERNONG
FORK
1940 5,556
607
2544 1198
1074
133
1950 5,048
587
2482 883
1002
92
1960 4,520
613
2212 732
901
63
1970 3,806
482
1910 523
838
56
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SOURCE: N. C. State University
Statistical-AbstractSystem-,
1975.
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TABLE 5
TYRRELL COUNTY.
COMPARISON- OF, ;TOWNSHIP- POPULATION'
CHANGES
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TOWNSHIP
1960
1970
CHANGE
PERCENT
Tyrrell Co.
3806
4520
-714
-15.8
A
Columbia Twp.
1910
2212
-302
-13.7
Columbia Town
902
1099
-197
-17.9
Gum Neck Twp.
523
732
-209
-28.6
Scuppernong Twp.
838
901
- 63
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South Fork Twp.
53
62
- 9
-14.5
All i-ga-tor Twp.
482
613
-131
-21.4
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SOURCE: N.� C.- State University
Statistical Analysis
System, 1975.
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9

1960
938
TABLE 6
TYRRELL COUNTY
WOMEN° OF CHILD-BEARING AGE
1970 Change Percent
446 -492 -52.6%
SOURCE: U. S. Census of Population 1960, 1970
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TABLE 7
TYRRELL COUNTY
TOTAL POPULATION BY AGE AND SEX
1960 M
1970
SUURCE: U. S. Census of Population

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Females
Negro White
1960 18.1 35.4
1970 21.2 40.6
TABLE 8
TYRRELL COUNTY
MEDIAN AGE
1960-1970
Males
White Negro
34.4 16.8
38.6 19.0
SOURCE: U. S. Census of Population 1960, 1970.
TABLE 9
TYRRELL COUNTY
Total
Population*
25.7
31.8
NEGRO
POPULATION BY
AGE GROUPS
Age Group
1960
1970
Change
0 - 4
321
135
-186
-57.9
5 - 14
558
505
- 53
- 9.5
15 - 19
222
193
- 29
-13.1
20 - 24
106
87
- 19
-17.9
25 - 35
161
118
- 43
-26.7
35 - 44
187
135
- 52
-27.2
45 - 54
181
170
- 11
- 6.1
55 - 64
117
168
+ 51
+43.6
64+
123
141
+ 18
+14.6
Non -white
Negro
*In 1960 there were only two people who were non -white and non -Negro.
SOURCE: U. S. Census of Population 1960, 1970.
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• TABLE 10
TYRRELL COUNTY
WHITE
POPULATION BY
AGE GROUPS
Age Group
1960
1970
Change
Percent
0 - 4
216
130
- 86
-39.9
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5 - 14
506
340
-162
-32.0
15 - 19
205
182
- 23
-11.2
20 - 24
94
122
+ 28
+29.8
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25 - 34
251
192
- 58
-23.1
35 - 44
339
229
-110
-32.4
45 - 54
345
295
- 50
-14.5
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55 - 64
257
306
+ 49
+19.1
65+
331
352
+ 21
+ 6.3
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SOURCE: U. S. Census of Population 1960, 1970.
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TABLE 11
REGIONAL POPULATION COMPARISONS
COUNTY
1900
1910
1920
1930
1940
1950
1.960
1970
Camden
5,474
5,640
5,382
5,461
5,440
5,223
5,598
5,453
Chowan
10,258
11,303
10,649
11,282
11,572
12,540
11,729
10,764
Currituck
6,529
7,693
7,268
6,710
6,709
6,201
6,601
6,976
Dare
4,757
4,841
5,115
5,202
6,041
5,405
5,935
6,995
Gates
10,413
10,455
10,537
10,551
10,060
9,555
9,254
8,524
Hyde
9,278
8,840
8,386
8,550
7,860
6,479
5,765
5,571
Pasquotank
13,660
16,693
17,670
19,143
20,568
24,347
25,630
26,824
Perquimans
10,091
11,054
11,137
10,668
9,773
9,602
9,178
8,351
Tyrrell
4,980
5,219
4,849
5,164
5,556
5,048
4,520
3,806
Washington
10,608
11,062
11,429
11,603
12,323
13,180
13,468
14,038
R
85,048
92,800
92,422
54,334
96,907
97,580
97,698
97,302
SOURCE: Region R Water and Sewer Study, Freeman and Associates.

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ECONOMY
Of the 100 counties in North Carolina, Tyrrell ranks 98th in per capita
• income ($1,562), leading only Bertie ($1,555) and Northampton ($1,514) counties.
Forty-four percent of the county's population lives below the poverty level.
The county has a small population and, therefore, a small labor force.
A Under -employment may be serious, as indicated by the high percentage (44%) of
persons below poverty level. Employment opportunities are scare with prac-
tically no industry in the county. The percentage of women in the labor
• market is low (34%) in comparison to percentages of women in the labor force
from areas which are more economically developed (generally about 50%). In
Tyrrell, most people (41%)'are blue collar workers. Thirty-six percent have
• white collar jobs. Sixteen percent are in farming and 11% are service workers.
Since 1960, white collar positions have increased 16%.
No single sector employs a large percentage of the work force. Agriculture,
• forestry, and fishing industries together account for 18% of the employment.
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Wholesale, retail, service, education, government and construction sectors
each employ about 10% of the labor force. Manufacturing employs about 20%.
Agricultural Trends
Fewer farms, larger farms, shifts -in tenure pattern and a large increase
• in value of agricultural real estate highlighted the changes in North Carolina
agriculture between 1964 and 1969.
The number of farms decreased 19% in the state. Average farm size in-
0 creased by 10% from 97 to 106.6 acres.
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Value of farm land and buildings increased by 45%. Average sales of
farm products per farm increased from $7,200 in 1964-to $10,000 in 1969, an •
increase of 39%. The proportion of commercial farms with sales of $10,000
or more increased slightly from 20% to 24%. The percentage of farms with
sales exceeding $5,000 was 40% in 1964 and 1969. Thus, 60¢ of all farms in
North Carolina continue as marginal or part-time operations with gross sales
of less than $5,000.
There was a slight decrease in part owners and a shift from tenants •
towards full ownership.*
For Tyrrell County, cash farm receipts went up between 1959 and 1969,
although receipts still fall behind the rest of the region. Of course, •
First Colony Farms has now begun operations, and these figures will change
drastically in the near future.
Tyrrell County employment in agriculture decreased by 40% between 1960 •
and 1970.
*SOURCE: Tar Heel Economist, November, 1972
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TABLE 12
INCOME
AND POVERTY CHARACTERISTICS FOR
FAMILIES,
UNRELATED INDIVIDUALS, AND PERSONS
TYRRELL COUNTY - 1970
Family
Income Distribution
Income
Number of Families
936 Families
11000
55
355 below poverty
level;
1,000
- 1,999
129
37.9% below poverty
2,000
- 2,999
144
level
3,000
- 3,999
117
4,000
- 4,999
75
Median Income $4,307
5,000
- 5,999
52
Mean Income $5,808
6,000
- 6,999
81
7,000
- 7,999
64
8,000
- 8,999
72
9,000
- 9,999
15
10,000
- 11,999
54
12,000
- 14,999
21
15,000
- 24,999
48
25,000
- 49,999
5
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50,000
or more
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Unrelated Individuals = 228 126 Below Poverty Level
55.3% Below Poverty Level
$1,750 = Median Income
$2,133 = Mean Income
Persons having income less than poverty level = 1,702
= 44.8% of all persons
Per capita income of persons = $1,562
Only Bertie and Northampton have lower per capita incomes
*SOURCE: U. S. 1970 Census of Population
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TABLE 13
1970 OCCUPATIONS OF EMPLOYED'PERSONS
Number
Total Employment
1220
Professional, Technical
132
Managers, Administrators
39
Sales
69
Clerical
146
Craftsmen, foremen
128
Operatives
204
Laborers, except farm
172
Farm labor & foremen
85
Farmers & managers
112
Service workers
104
Private households
29
White collar = 386 = 32%
Workers
* (333 = 25%)
Blue collar = 504 = 41%
Workers * (575 = 42%)
Farm = 197 = 16%
* (32 = 24%)
Services = 133 = 11%
* (135 = 10%)
* (1960 census totals)
TABLE 14
1970 INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION OF EMPLOYED PERSONS
Number
Percent of Total
Agriculture, forestry, fishing
225
18%
Construction
143
12
Manufacturing
243
20
Wholesale
76
7
Retail
128
10
Finance (Banking credit, insur-
ance, real estate)
51
4
Personal & community service
164
13
Education & government
125
10
SOURCE: U. S. Census, 1970.
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TABLE 15
REGIONAL
COMPARISON OF FARM CHARACTERISTICS
Value of Land
Average Size
and Buildings
Area and
No.
of Farms
of Farm
per Farm
County
1965— 1964
1969
1964
1969
1964
(acres)
(dollars)
Beaufort
1,467
1,683
133.6
130.6
41,259
33,028
Camden
221
215
254.8
252.1
89,020
55,554
Chowan
430
448
137.4
127.8
50,492
31,300
`O Currituck
205
307
256.2
226.2
79,084
44,907
Gates
614
620
140.5
145.1
36,137
23,537
Hyde
294
336
270.3
227.9
75,816
33,709
Pasquotank
379
446
178.1
164.6
77,625
53,853
Perquimans
492
603
165.5
150.8
54,878
37,913
Tyrrell
213
259
157.7
154.7
50,621
20,490
Washington
477
506
190.5
138.3
63,431
26,017
SOURCE: Dr. Stone, N. C. State Agricultural Extension Service

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Total
thousand dollars
Camden
4,062,831
Chowan
7,292,226
Currituck
4,323,619
Dare
N/A
Gates
7,657,181
Hyde
4,541,690
Pasquotank
6,988,753
Perquimans
6,153,846
Tyrrell
2,718,965
Washington
6,198,665
Region R
49,937,776
TABLE 16
CASH-fARM•RECEIPTS" REGIONAL*COMPARISON
1969 1 1959-69
Percent of Total
Livestock
Crops & Poultry
80.8
62.9
70.0
N/A
53.0
73.0
79.9
68.1
61.9
79.1
69.3
19.2
37.1
30.0
N/A
47.0
27.0
20.1
31.9
38.1
20.9
30.7
SOURCE: Dr. Stone, N. C. State Agricultural Extension Service.
Percent Change in Receipts
Livestock
Total
Crops
& Poultry
44.6
27.2
239.3
88.0
60.0
163.0
14.6
4.2
49.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
97.3
56.3
180.1
87.5
62.6
220.1
35.9
22.6
139.0
51.6
40.2
83.1
112.9
96.0
147.5
80.1
80.5
78.7
62.7
43.8
132.0
•

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
TABLE 17
VALUE OF FARM PRODUCTS SOLD
Farms Selling
$5,000-$9,999
$10,000
and Over
Area & County
1969
1964
1969
1964
percent)
Beaufort
18
22
30
35
Camden
11
14
35
34
Chowan
14
16
37
33
Currituck
14
14
41
30
Gates
19
20
30
23
Hyde
13
12
39
32
Pasquotank
15
15
41
37
Perquimans
18
18
39
26
Tyrrell
8
16
25
12
Washington
17
19
32
23
TABLE 18
.TENURE OF
FARM OPERATORS (Percent)
Full
Owners
Part
Owners
Tenants
1969
1964
1969
1964
1969
1964
Beaufort
52
41
28
38
20
20
Camden
47
39
35
46
18
15
Chowan
47
42
33
36
20
22
Currituck
43
46
39
39
18
13
Gates
59
48
25
34
16
18
Hyde
50
38
40
43
10
18
Pasquotank
48
41
36
40
16
19
Perquimans
43
45
39
38
17
17
Tyrrell
60
53
27
34
13
13
Washington
57
45
25
29
18.
25
Stone, N.
C. State
Agriculture
Extension
Service
SOURCE: Dr.
21

•
First Colony Farms
With a 375,000 acre -spread -in Washington, Tyrrell, Dare and Hyde Counties, •
the farm may be one of the -largest in the -country. Although the farm's
potential for major problems is well-known, it is not well documented. Environ-
mentally, the farm's effect has been less than feared. Sociologically, the •
impact on the various counties also appears minimal. It is a -generally
accepted principle that a single isolated industry (as First Colony Farms may
be considered) does not add enough value to pay for the service requirements •
it generates. In the case of First Colony Farms, the burden (costs/services)
may fall unequally among the surrounding counties as employees settle in
various places and as equipment warehouses and stock yards are located through- •
out the four counties. The impact on Tyrrell and Hyde may be quite different
from that on Dare and Washington Counties. In general, there should be limited
social impacts unless specific steps are taken to concentrate the work force. •
First Colony Farms has no plans to do so.
Most of First Colony Farms' buying, selling, and financing is done outside
the area; in fact, it is done predominantely outside the state. Few indepen-
dent buyers, sellers, or processors are therefore expected to establish in
the area.
The farm expects to hire a limitednumberof people every year (about 30).
Of these employees 1/3 will be skilled, 1/3 semi -skilled, and 1/3 professional.
As preferential assessment does not apply to First Colony Farms, the tax
dollars generated by land conversion in Tyrrell County added some $74,000 to the •
county's 1975-76 budget of $2,318,113 (or about 3% of the budget).
Socially, First Colony Farms is not creating a commotion in Tyrrell County
nor is it a drain on services of the budget. However, the massive land conver- •
sion may be negatively affecting wildlife habitats or other recreational resources.
22 •

1 \
J
01+pw
lwr�♦ f�f�++f�++f`+off++�I
♦��+��+• +ate►♦+�♦
►�++�f�++� +�++� • ♦ I,+++• '�+�+�++��♦v �+�++ 2a>•a► f` + f` f � + f � + ++ f � +'may .:, 1
► + � f �++j •pia•►j+j+j+j+j++�f
r
LEGEND
■'• PROPOSED PASTURE
OEI
RECREATION AND WILDERNESS
PROPOSED ROW CROP
w® CULTIVATED ROW CROP
OTHER OWNERSHIP _

•
EXISTING LAND USE
General Development Pattern
The county meets the census definition of a rural area --it has no "place"
•
or incorporated town of more than 2,500 inhabitants, Little acreage is devel-
oped in moderate-to-high'density residents or for-, commercial or industrial uses.
Columbia is the only municipality in the county, Various communities
•
exist in name, but are actually widely dispersed "neighborhoods" (perhaps with
a store and community center) in an Identifiable section of the county.
Commercial establishments are located primarily in Columbia. Some remain
•
in the central business district, but more are being attracted to the U.S. 64
bypass.
Small industrial enterprises --lumber yard, sawmill, farmers' supply --are
•
located on U.S. 64 west: of Columbia
•
Residential development occurs along the roads dispersed throughout the
county. There are 12 subdivisions or trailer parks in the county, `these are
all located along the shore of the Albemarle Sound and are a mixture of vacation,
retirement, permanent homes, and mobile homes. Mobile homes have nearly
quadrupled in number from 1970-75, or from 84 to 309. Most new development
•
of any sort occurs in Columbia, Scuppernong Community, or Sound Side Community°
Large farms and large commercial timber tracts dominate the land -holding
pattern in the county, Approximately° 68% of the land is corporately held
•
(First Colony Farms, Weyerhaeuser, Horner Waldorf, Connecticut General life
Insurance, and others).
Existing recreation sites, as-describedi-n the State Comprehensive
Recreation Plan, are: Bulls Bay Boatel, Gum Neck landing boat ramp, Columbia
boat ramp, Norman Smith Memorial Beach, Pettigrew State Park, Prichetts Marina,
Sawyers Marina, Scuppernong Community Center, Travis Playground, and Scuppernong
Travel Trailer Parka
24

0
Problems From Unplanned Development
Several problems have resulted from the unplanned development within 0
the county. Most obvious is the congestion along U.S. 64, both in Columbia
and throughout Scuppernong Township. Uncontrolled driveway access has per-
mitted every individual residence or place of business to have its own direct
driveway. A traffic hazard is created when cars are constantly turning off or
coming onto the highway. Speed is drastically lowered and the effectiveness
of the highway reduced. This loss can be counted in taxpayers'.dollars when
the road must be widened, traffic lights installed, or other traffic control
measures instituted.
Ill -planned development with poorly designed streets and inadequate lots
will be a handicap for a long time along the Sound Shore, in Goat Neck and
perhaps in Gum Neck. Any new development in these areas must now contend with
poor road systems, the lack of recreation areas, and anticipated water supply
and sewage disposal problems. Indiscriminate countywide dumping is evident,
due to the lack of a proper landfill and a solid waste collection system.
Three areas are experiencing, or can be expected to experience, major land
use changes: Scuppernong -community, Gum Neck, and the Sound Shore area.
Scuppernong, because of its better soil conditions and location on U.S. 64,
between Columbia and Creswell, is already showing signs of development. Several
commercial establishments and many residences already exist. Scuppernong's
population fell less than any other township between 1960 and 1970. One well
located subdivision would probably create considerable changes.
25
•
0

!
Massive land clearing and drainage operations for large scale farming are
•
the changes occurring throughout Gum Neck Township. Grain storage, shipping
facilities, and --expansion of the cattle and swine feed lots by First Colony
Farms can be expected in the -near future. Barge facilities and food processing
•
plants are possibilities, also, as secondary developments.
Now that the -southeast states are experiencing greater immigration --
especially to rural areas --recreation home development along the Albemarle
•
Sound can be expected to continue and possibly increase. Such development,
unless strictly regulated, can be expected to degrade water quality by septic
tank effluent or accelerated shore erosion.
•
The Scuppernong Niger is a natural area providing prime fish spawning
areas along the hardwood fringe. Any drainage operation upstream (in Washington
County) can be expected to modify downstream characteristics.
•
•
!
•
0 26

CONSTRAINTS
An analysis has been made of the general suitability of land for develop-
ment with special emphasis given to physical limitations, fragile areas, and 0
areas with resource potential,
PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS
Hazard Areas
Several man-made hazards exist, A USAF bombing range is. located in the
Albemarle Sound directly north of SR 1209 where -the road curves closest to the
Sound Shore near SR 1218 (Dewer'Pier),_ Boating is prohibited in the area although 0
the warning is frequently ignored. A privately owned landing strip is located
directly east of Dewey Pier. The owner of the air strip is subdividing the sur-
rounding land.
One oil tank storage facility is situated.on Columbia's waterfront in a
residential neighborhood;,another-is in a commercial area;and a third is in -a
residential neighborhood near the high school.
Coastal flood -prone areas are one of the major natural hazards in the
county. All land areas below 6 feet elevation have been designated flood prone.
Which means, according to the United States Geologic Service and Department of
Housing and Urban Development maps, most of the county has 'a 1% chance each year
of being flooded. Or, put differently, the flood prone -area will be inundated,
•
on the average, once every hundred years.
Riverine floodways and:flood plains have not been delineated for Tyrrell
County. This should be done for both the Scuppernong River and the Alligator River
because such areas serve as buffer zones to public trust and estuarine waters,
besides providing excellent habitat in the form of seasonally inundated wooded
swamp fringes for spawning herring.
A
Estuarine erosion areas have been determined bar the Soil Conservation
Service for 121 points along the Albemarle Sound and Alligator River. An
average 25-year erosion rate has been calculated.
2T
j r

40
ki
lluLL bAV
3
SAG SAVANNAK
4
5
waow GROUND yti
SWAMP
8 coo
4 M � � / Vj 1
wr
NS
Lw
o'
7
oo
TYRRELL COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Lmuuil 4-
SHORELINE
REACH EROSION
•
28

0
SHORELINE LOST TO EROSION 1947 - 1969
Reach No. 1
Erosion = 22.5 acres or 168,395
tons
Av. Width of Eroded Area = 61.8
Ft,
Tons Lost Per Year = 7,654
Ave. Height of Bank- 3.8 ft.
Distance - 3.0 Miles
Reach No. 2
Erosion = 98.3 acres or 403,083
tons
Av. Width of Eroded Area:= 42.8
Ft.
Tons Lost Per Year = 1.8,322
Av. Height of Bank = 2.1 Ft.
Distance = 19.0 miles
i
Reach No. 3
Erosion = 89.7 acres or 283,417
tons
Av. Width of Eroded Area = 43.4
Ft.
Tons Lost,Per Year = 12,883
Av. Height of" Bank = 1.6 Ft.
Distance = 17.1 miles
Reach No. 4
Erosion = 85.6 acres or 212,620
tons
Av. Width of Eroded Area = 66.4
Ft.
Tons Lost Per Year = 9,665
*
Av. Height of Bank'- 1.4 Ft,
Distance 10.6 miles
Reach No. 5
Erosion = 27.6 acres or 54,000 tons
Av. Width of Eroded Area = 40.0
Ft.
Tons Lost Per Year = 2,455
Av, Height of Bank:= 1.0 Ft.
Distance = 5.7 miles
Reach No. 6
Erosion = 77.5 Acres or 151,R20
tors
Av. Width.of Eroded Area = 4Q,0
Ft.
Tons Lost Per Year - 6,905
Av. Height of .Bank - 1.0 Ft.
Distance = 16.0 miles
Reach No. 7
'
Erosion = 70.3 acres or 206,550
tons
Av. Width of Eroded Area = 40.0
Ft.
Tons Lost Per Year = 9,389
Av. Height of Bank = 1.5 Ft.
Distance = 14.5 miles
w
Reach No. 8
Erosion = 14.1 Acres or 41,310 tons
Av. Width of Eroded Area = 30.6 Ft.
Tons Lost Per Year = 1,878
Av. Height of Bank = 1.5 Ft.
Distance = 3.8 miles
SUMMARY:
Total Erosion = 485,5 acres or 1,521,295 tons
Av, Width of Eroded Area = 44.7 Ft.
Tons Lost Per Year = 69,150
Ave, Height of Bank = 1.6 Ft.
Distance = 89.6 miles

0
Soils
Soils which occur together in a characteristic and repeating pattern on a
•
landscape constitute a general soil area or a "soil association." Soil asso-
ciations are named for two or more of the most extensive soil types found on a
particular landscape. The less extensive soil types may or may not be included
i
in the association name.
A generalized soils map showing the locations and extent of six associa-
tions in Tyrrell County has been prepared. This map, along with the accompany-
ing text and interpretations, provides the general soils data necessary for
planning the efficient use and orderly development of the county's land re-
sources. This map will be useful to those who are interested in the location •
and extent of soil types in the county, as well as to those who seek the loca-
tions of areas suitable for agricultural, industrial, or other broad land use
potentials within the county.
It should be emphasized that this general soils map has been prepared for
broad planning purposes only. It does not accurately depict specific soil types
R
on individual tracts of land and is not suitable for detailed planning of such !
tracts. A more detailed soil survey is necessary for detailed planning and
should be prepared by the county.
The accompanying soil interpretations table gives limitations of the main
M
soil types for dwellings, recreational areas, light industries, and highway
development, as well as suitability for general agriculture, woodland, and
pasture development:
The accompanying maps, legends and tables were prepared by the Soil Con-
servation Service assisting the Pamlico Soil and Water Conservation District.
As one can easily see from the --tables and map, the drainage issue is a i
serious matter for Tyrrell. At best, the soils have moderate limitations; at
30
•

APPENDIX D
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STATPErtl6 SEW � �FRYft�b �
PARK { f>;
1
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LAKE PHEI.I•`
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GRAPEVINE
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6 Cherry R�dq luM nq�; ',a. 5 e1H 5M. � \
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C
LEGEND
al
BERTIE—LUMBEE—JOHNS ASSOCIATION: Moderately
well drained, somewhat poorly drained and poorly drain-
ed soils with friable sandy clay loam subsoils; on nearly
level to gently sloping areas on the higher landscapes.
MYATT—COXVILLE ASSOCIATION: Poorly drained soils
with friable to firm fine sandy clay loam or sandy clay sub-
soils; on broad flat plains of the Coastal Plain.
HYDE—BAYBORO ASSOCIATION: Very poorly drained
soils with firm to very firm clay loam or clay subsoils;
on extensive broad "flats" or depressions.
TORHUNTA—PORTSMOUTH ASSOCIATION: Very poorly
drained soils with friable loamy sand or sandy loam to
sandy clay loam subsoils; on the "pocasin—like" areas
in the low areas.
PASQUOTANK—WEEKSVILLE ASSOCIATION: Poorly and
very poorly drained soils with friable silt loam subsoils
underlain by sandy substratum; on broad, flat areas of the
lower Coastal Plain.
BELHAVEN—DARE—DOROVAN ASSOCIATION: Very
poorly drained organic soils which are inundated through-
out most of the year; on low flat first bottom lands along
the major streams.
Note:
This General Soil Map is suitable for broad planning purposes only.
For more detailed planning on individual tracts of land, a detailed
soil survey is needed.
Base - General Highway Map, 1970 Revision, North Carolina State Highway Dept. and USDC. Bureau of Public
T
N
0 1 2 3 4
MILES
Approximate Scale 1: 164,571
Map prepared at 1:126,720 and reproduced without
regard to scale for maximum legibility on sheet size.
GENERAL SOIL MAP
TENTATIVE: SUBIECT TO CHANGE
TYRRELL COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
RALE IGH, NORTH CAROL NA
REV. 7-72 4—R-25, 137
u �n nnc
:S-FT. WORTH. TEXAS 1972 v

Soil Interpretations
General Soil Map
Tyrrell County, North Carolina
APPENDIX D
TABLE 1
*1/
_
LIMITATIONS FOR
SUITABILITY FOR
x of
County
Soil Association x of
Assoc.
Dwellings with
Recreation
Sewerage
Septic Tank
Intensive
Light
Roads and
General
Svstems
Filter Fields
Cam Sites
Picnic Areas
PlayAreas
Industries
Streets
Agriculture
Woods
Pasture
sx
1. BERTIE-LUMBEE-JOHNS
Bettie 35%
Sev. Wt.
Sev. Wt. Pert.
Mod. Wt. F1.
Mod. Wt. F1.
Mod. Wt. F1.
Sev.Wt.TSC
Sev.Wt.TSC
Fair
Good
Good
Good
Lumbee 20%
Sev. F1. Wt.
Sev. Wt. F1.
Sev. F1. Wt.
Sev. Fl. Wt,
ev, Fl. Wt.
Sev.Wt.TSC
Sev.Wt.TSC
Fair
Good
Good
Good
Johns 15%
Sev. Wt. F1.
Sev. Wt.
Mod. Wt.
Mod. Wt.
Mod. Wt.
Sev.Wt.ISC
Sev.F1.Wt.
'Good
Good
Good
Good
2%
2. MYATT-COXVILLE
Myatt 407.
Mod. Pert.
Sev,Wt.F1.Perc.
Sev. F1. Wt.
Sev. F1. Wt.
Sev. Wt. F1.
Sev. Wt. F1.
Sev.Wt.Fl.
Poor
Good
Good
Good
Coxvi a 0'/.:
Sev. Wt. F1.
Sev.Wt.F1.Perc.
Sev.Traf.ev.
ra
ev, ra
ev. .Wt,
ev, t,
Poor
Good
Good
Fair
Cor.
TSC
20%
3. HYDE-BAYBORO
Hyde 507.
Mod. O.M.
Sev. F1. Wt.
Sev. F1. Wt.
Sev. F1. Wt.
Sev. F1. Wt.
Sev.Wt.F1.TSC
Sev.F1.Wt.TSC
Poor
Good
Good
Good
av oro
Mod, O.M.
Sev. F1. Wt.
Sev. Wt.
ev.Fl. Wt.
Sev. t.
$e .Wt.F1.TSC
Sev.Fl.WT.TSGPoor-
Good
Good
Good
6%
4. TORHUNPA-PORTSMOUTH
Torhunta 55%
Sev. F1. Wt.
Sev. Wt. F1.
Sev. Wt. F1.
Sev. Wt. F1.
Sev. Wt. F1.
Sev.Wt.F1.TSC
Sev.Wt.F1.TSC
Poor
Good
Good
Fair
Portsmouth 30%
Sev. F1. Wt.
Sev. Wt. F1.
Sev. Wt. F1.
Sev. Wt. Fl.
Sev. Wt. F1.
Sev.Wt.Fl.Cor.
Sev.Wt.F1.TSC
Poor
Good
Good
Good
4%
5. PASQUOTANK-WEEKSVILLE
-
Pasquotank 55%
Sev. F1. Wt.
Sev. F1. Wt.
Sev.Fl.Traf.
Sev.Fl.Traf.
Sev.Fl.Traf,
ev.Traf.Fl.Cori
Sev. F1. TSC
Poor
Good
Good
Good
Wee svi le 35%
Sev. F1. Wt.
Sev. F1. Wt.
Sev.Fl.Traf.
Sev. .Traf.
Sev.Fl.Traf.
Sev.Tra .Cor.
Sev, F1. TSC
Poor
Good
Good
Good
63%
6. BELHAVEN-DARE-DOROVAN
(Histosols) Belhaven 35%
Sev. F1.
Sev. F1.
Sev. F1.
Sev. F1.
Sev. F1.
Sev. F1.
Sev. F1,
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
Dare 35%
Sev. F1.
Sev. F1.
Sev. Fl.
S. F1.
S.V. F1.
Sev. F1.
Sev. F1.
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
orovan 201.
Sev. F1.
Sev. F1.
Sev. F1.
Sev. 1.
Sev. F1.
Sev. Fl.
Sev. Fl.
JFoor JFoor
JPoor IFoor
Abbreviations for Limiting Factors: Abbreviations for degree of limitations:
F1 - Flood hazard Pert - Percolation rate Slt. - Slight; Mod. - Moderate; Sev. - Severe Structures whose footings are in subsoil.
Wt - Water table Cor - Corrosion potential 2/ Refers to roads and streets that have
Traf - Trafficability TSC - Traffic supporting capacity subsoil.
Sh-Sw - Shrink -swell potential Prod - Productivity
R - Rock AWC - Available water capacity 4/ Corn, soybeans s and bsoybeansand osmall grain.
O.M. - Organic matter,
DEFINITIONS OF LIMITATIONS
None to Slight Soils have properties favorable for the rated use. Limitations are so minor that they can be easily overcome.
Good performance and low maintenance can be expected from these soils.
Moderate Soils have properties moderately favorable for the rated use. Limitations can be overcome or modified with planning, design,
or special maintenance.
Severe Soils have one or more properties unfavorable for the rated use. Limitations are difficult -and costly to modify
or overcome, requiring major soil reclamation, special design, or intense maintenance.
*.I/ These rates reflect high level management.
U. 3. O[I�RIMIM) O[ ♦f.RICOLTYNL TOIL CONS[MITIOM ![MILL 7-72 4-R-25137

•
their worst, the soils are nearly underwater. This is not to say, however,
• that the soils are unuseable, but rather that any use would require some sort
of soil modification.
This problem of wet soils is probably the major land use constraint facing
0 the county. If a more balanced economy is sought, the business will need to
contend with severe soils limitations. If agricultural production is to expand,
land clearing must be united with water table management. If the housing short-
• age is to be eased, water and sewerage systems must be very carefully planned.
In short, soil conditions may be the strongest factor working against develop-
ment in Tyrrell.
A Ground Water
The Yorktown aquifer is the principal source of water supply in Hyde and
Tyrrell Counties. This aquifer consists chiefly of beds of marl, sand and
• consolidated coquina that are generally separated by beds of clay or sandy clay.
Yields of 5 to 20 gpm are common in most small diameter wells in the Yorktown
aquifer. Yields of 75 to 100 gpm may possibly be obtained from carefully con-
•
structed wells of large diameter. The aquifer is recharged directly in the.
area of out crop and indirectly by seepage of water through overlying surficial
sand. The chemical quality of water from the Yorktown aquifer varies with the
• lithology. The water is commonly moderately -hard to hard but is generally
acceptable for most domestic purposes throughout the area.
Surficial sediments of Pleistocene and Recent Age comprise the non -artesian
•
or water table aquifer of the Swan Quarter area. This aquifer is recharged
directly by precipitation and surface storage and, where it immediately over-
lies artesian aquifers, acts as a source of recharge to them. The water table
•
is usually within 2 to.3 feet of the land surface except in the swamp, where
it is at the surface.
32
•

E
Water from this shallow aquifer is characteristically soft,.irony
and corrosive. The vulnerability of this aquifer to local bacteriological Y A
or chemical contamination must be considered in well construction and adequate
safeguards taken,
Only a small fraction of the available ground water in Tyrrell County is •
now being used. Because of the relatively shallow depth to saline water
(120-160 fts),development of large ground water supplies at most places must
be carefully planned to insure proper well spacing and pumping rates in order
to prevent contamination of the aquifer,
Steep Slopes
• w
There are no steep slopes in Tyrrell County,
FRAGILE AREAS
Coastal Wetlands
Coastal wetlands.containing the species of vegetation included in the
statutory definitions of wetlands have been identified for Tyrrell County,
The majority of wetlands occur along the Alligator River and its tributaries,
with the largest wetland located on Long Shoal Point.' In total, about 850
acres of wetland are located on 15 sites, The majority of the wetlands are
in little danger from development. Most occur in completely.unpopulated
areas but remain subject to the pressures of drainage, clearing, and forestry
practices,
C
Estuarine and Public Trust Waters 0
Tyrrell County has a lake,` streams, canals and a sound which are all
public trust waters and include commercial fishing waters, important herring
nursery areas (along the Scuppernong and Alligator Rivers), and the Intra-
Coastal Waterway which provides access to all states on the eastern seaboard
as far north as New Jersey,
33
•

The relationship between any 0ody of water and adjacent land uses is
complex and various land uses may directly or indirectly damage the public
rights in these waters. For example, septic tanks may create water quality
problems at Lake Pfhelps or along the Albemarle Sound unless sanitation
regulations are strictly enforced.
The North Carolina Stream Classification System catagorizes all streams
according to their intended use, The system and its relationship to water
bodies in Tyrrell county are described here.
The use of water is only partially dependent on the quality of water in
the stream, If the stream is to be used for drinking water then water quality
40
must be high, However, if the stream is to be used as an open sewer, water
quality really isn't important. These distinctions are important in udder -
standing HOW stream classifications are determined. Streams are classified
according to how they will be used -and the classification does not
necessarily reflect the actual water quality,
The following list shows the classification of major water bodies in
Tyrrell County:
C Swamp Scuppernong River to Riders Creek and. -tribu-
taries.
Alligator River and tributaries to junction
of main forks.
Most canals, including Bee Tree, Batava,
and Somerset, Goose Creek, and Frying Pan
canals,
SB Bull Bay
SC Albemarle Sound
SC Swamp Alligator River
Class Al and All
Source of water supply for drinking, culinary, or food -processing
purpose or any other usage requiring water of lower quality.
34

Class B
Bathing and any other best usage except as source of water supply for 0
drinking,cc.iilinary, or food-processing.purposes
Class C
Fishing, boating, wading, and any other usage except for bathing or as •
a source of water supply for drinking, culinary, or food -processing purposes:
Class D
•
Agriculture, industrial cooling, and process water supply, fish
survival, navigation and any other uses except Class A, B, or C uses.
S stands for salt water.
•
•
•

0
0
c SWAMP CLASSIFICATION
36

Wildlife
A moderate population of the white-tailed deer occurs throughout the
county, and a very few -number of black bear are present in the dense swamp-
land in the vicinity of N.C. 94 between Kilkenny and Columbia. Most of the
• county is considered to be suitable for bear habitat. Currently, however,
large acreages of forested lands are being cleared for agricultural purposes.
This practice will seriously`reducethe carrying capacity of the cleared
areas for the black bear. Hunting for -bear is presently prohibited by county
law, All small game species- ar°e present, including quail, squirrel, rabbits,
dove, woodcock, snipe, raccoon:and:opposum, Highest populations are found in
•
those portions of the county.which contain agricultural lands. Wildcats and
foxes are common, Mink, raccoon and otter are common furbearers; muskrats,
however, are not as abundant as in other counties in the northern Coastal
•
Plain. The higher populations occur in drainage ditches, Waterfowl do not
occur in large numbers, Some wood ducks are present throughout the county,
and small numbers of several other species of ducks occupy the Alligator
•
River and Albemarle,Sound. A moderate population of Canada geese is present
on these larger bodies of water.
i Maps of Certain Wildlife Habitat Types and -Freshwater Fisheries.
The wildlife habitat types as delineated on the county map are only
those vegetative types which are considered.to be of particular importance
and which warrant special consideration in -land use planning, The types
shown are bog and pocosin, wooded swamp, and shallow fresh marsh,. Special
consideration of these habitats is indicated for several reasons. These
areas are "fragile" in that they are subject.to alteration by man's
activities, They are in relatively short supply and are commonly found only
in the Coastal Plain. They are of high value as they provide essential
• 37

habitat for certain forms of wildlife --waterfowl and black bear being two •
examples in point. Also, these habitats afford sanctuary or some other key
habitat component which contributes to the survival and abundance of those
wildlife forms which are common to other adjoining habitats.
The watercourses and lake that are shown on the map are not intended
to represent all of the fishery habitat which exists. Only the more important
areas of fisheries habitat are shown, including both inland and estuarine
waters which are of primary importance to the freshwater and anadromous
species for spawning, spawning runs, or day-to-day occupancy. Some indication
of such "multiple use" is demonstrated by application of more than one
symbol to some watercourses. Areas of high usage by fishermen are also
plotted. Most of these waters have been inspected and characterized by the
Wildlife Resources Commission's fish biologists. Three ecological types of
streams exist in Tyrrell County as shown by the numbers on the map.
•
•
Characteristics of each ecological type stream are summarized in Table 20 .
•
Fish
White perch and other panfishes comprise over 70 percent of the catch.
Catfish, crappie and redbreast are next in fisherman -take. Largemouth bass,
although it ranks first in preference as a gamefish, comprises only about
4 percent of the catch, while striped bass makes up only about 3 percent.
Rare and Endangered Species
The American alligator occurs along the Alligator River. Proximity to
Albemarle Sound would indicate that the Atlantic and short -nose sturgeons
•
occur. There are no recent records for the bald eagle; however, it has been •
reported for adjacent Hyde and Washington Counties. Habitat for the eagle
appears suitable.
Non Existent Resources '
No sand dunes, ocean beaches or shorelines, complex natural areas, unique
geologic formations, registered national landmarks, archeological or historic
sites are known at this time.
38
•

4
2 A L .� ....!
� �
•\.\ Y _ `t Wi �'. _.v.. 1. ' �!a , `iihl'�µq�y4l ��Q �I .\,\
• •`•\ DULL SAY 1. rW +� yam+ I ��: I�.n,� • i„ k •� fwI
rOY us
COLUVAIA
UVA A"
rr 'W •2 ,• ,W J � '� A M�IMr , "
44
1 r•.rf•I W � � • �' ! � t
YY .V ? i J.r•r 4Y , �r 1•
40
~ •"ti
IV
. • a "� �� j111
A V
°J
j°r �:, m . •• caAMINS
j1 �' IMI. •+ 8AY i
TYRRELL COUNTY
LEGEND. .0" r ��
r, NORTH CAROLINA
BOGS $ POCOSINS ~ �.,�..•wJ'
q_ WOODED SWAMP ( F R A G I LE
SHALLOW FRESH MARSH N.. C.. Wildlife Resources Corrmis5ion HABITAT
April 1975
39

•
•
•
TABLE 19
TYRRELL COUNTY
WILDLIFE
GAME SPECIES
•
Big Game
Deer
Bear
•
Turkey
Waterfowl
•
Ducks
Geese
Other Game
•
Squirrel
Rabbit
Dove
Quail
•
Racoon
Fox
Woodcock
Opposum
Wildcat
•
Clapper Rail
ESTIMATED MAN DAYS
OF RECREATIONAL PURSUIT
PROVIDED
(1972-1973)
29,416
1,100*
0
462
5,500
1,973
4,784
760
326
13,780
1,720
1,311
4,548
200
0
*Estimate of potential. Bear hunting currently prohibited by statute.
SOURCE: Wildlife and Land Use Planning with Particular Reference to Coastal
Counties. N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission, 1975.
• 40

L,
\ .. ate. •.. r "'�
.` �, � uu � rr a•
JJ
♦� J`yr w' -. �• •C9U�W�1A � ,�M✓R ?Rz,.M.g �'ss. - uY � r�(�!,�� "" J� ' J�
' � •'..rr uu • u+t t� rrn v � ! ur -�` 33. /� ;�� t
'Aw'� giii F:• 4 ' �•'
n' :1
fi
l�
hS sThe
xz s^.
3 '
rj 'u 3 s r 1 1
s. " `' r a�p.A�w1M� VRAPd17.Y/ 1
u* K Jby ttt1 .
® Bear Sanctuary 'Y
TYRRELL COUNTY
Unrestricted? ' .>� NORTH CAROLINA
GAME LANDS
(130,121 total acres)
41

TABLE 20
ECOLOGICAL
TYPE CLASSIFICATION
OF NORTH
CAROLINA
STREAMS
WIDTH
DEPTH
FLOW
TEMP.
TURB.
BOTTOM
ALK.pH
FAUNA
OTHER
1 Dace
Shallow
Sand,gravel
Dace,
Most Headwater
Trickle
0-5'
few pools
0-1 cfs
Varies
Clear
boulders
Varies
Shiners
Piedmont and
Coastal streams
*4 Largemouth
Over
Mod.deep
Over 5
Cool
Clear
Predomin-
L.M.B.
Mod. sized
Pickerel
10'
pools
antly sand
10 6
Suckers,
upper Piedmont
Bullheads
and some
Coastal Plain
streams
N *10 Tidal
Over
Sand, muck,
Bass, Cat-
Coastal streams
20'
Deep
Over 10
Warm
Varies
silt
Varies
fish, W.
influenced by
Perch,
tide
various
anadromous
species
12 Dredged
0-50
Shallow,
0-100
Shiners,
Coastal Plain
no pools
cfs
Warm
Varies
Sand, silt
small
and some
centrarehids
Piedmont
streams
*Tyrrell
County Streams
SOURCE: Wildlife Resources
Commission

'I,
um i
� ou" BAY Wi C ,aY lwA.W
y I �
ut
COLUMMA
f _ ! .. un•y 'a Ala �10. �� --.,. ` 9
.Yl• - �- •^Yu ' ,`� :li. \ 'JW ~ J,l-`1.fY �-�� i'%/
11,. r ♦ ILL L e ,JI V. 4 ten. {•���•`
.ter. . I'W • .l . (\
., 10
Sm
71
12 -w ; I
/ M1LL4W 4MN.'.YL
/ �p
11A.YI rr 1�
A 1.vq
I c•l'i. y;, j
CRAP6M/N6
��R...R ANADROMOUS FISH MIGRATION / ~ ~ 10
4 ...
.r aio - ALEW I FE AND BLUEBACK HER-, % I NG SPAWNING ` ;t ' <<�j
�r{t•l .;"FRESHWATER FISHERY IMPOANCE I ..-,•. � +
// tt
4 ECOLOGICAL TYPE CLASSIFIICATION TYRRELL COUNTY '
O FAVORED FISHING WATER%
NORTH CAROLINA
ECOLOGICAL
',,CLASSIFICATION
43

Areas with Resource Potential
Agricultural Lands
0 The areas with resource potential include productive and unique agricultural
land that consists of prime agricultural soils, potentially valuable agricultural
lands with moderate conservation efforts, and other productive or unique agricul-
tural lands.
Productive farmland is generally defined as land suited and available for
producing food, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops. Examples of productive farm-
land are cropland, pastureland, rangeland, forest land and other land that is not
urban built-up or water. Productive farmland has the soil quality, growing sea-
son and moisture supply needed to economically produce significant and sustained
crop yields when treated and managed according to modern farming methods, in-
cluding water management.
Unique farmland, in addition to other productive farmland, is land that is
suited and available for the production of specific high -value food and fiber
crops. Examples of such crops are citrus, olives, cranberries, fruit and
vegetables.
Once drained, much of Tyrrell County yields good farmland or forest acre-
age. Although unique soils do not exist in the county, a great deal of time,
effort, and money has been invested in bringing the productive lands into opera-
tion. An excellent example of such an investment is the Gum Neck drainage
project where the whole community has been diked and drained in order to control
the water table.
0 The Soil Management Map shows that the best agricultural land is in the
northern section of the county and that other productive agricultural land is
located in central and southern sections.
•
44
•

Outdoor Recreation Lands
Pettigrew State Park, located on the west border of Tyrrell County, in-
cludes all of Lake Phelps. Development around the lake is imminent.
Mineral Resources
A mineral resource is a concentration of an element, a chemical compound,
or a rock such that a usable mineral commodity can be extracted from it without
regard to profit. Mineral resources include undiscovered deposits as well as
identified deposits that cannot be recovered now.
The types of mineral resources in this region with recognized economic
value today are limestone, phosphate, and sand. One or more of these exists
in nearly every county to some degree. However, for most of the coastal plain,
detailed geologic data has not been developed.
Today in Tyrrell County, no mining is going on and none is expected. There
are poor deposits of shell, marl and, obviously, sand is available. The
Department of Transportation has 2 borrow pits along N. C. 64 (2 others have
been sold). The pits have been used for fill material during road construction.
Forest Resources
The 1970 Census estimates that 18% of the employed people in the county
work in agriculture, forestry, and fishing (see previous section, p. 13). Al-
though it is difficult to estimate the exact impact of the forestry industry on
the county, the industry certainly is not going to go under. If current trends
continue, the industry might even pick up. The South is expected to become the
leader in forestry.
•
r
•
M
•
•
•
•
•
45
•

The most current information on forestry is in the Forest Statistics for
the Northern Coastal Plain of N. C. 1974, United States Department of Agricul-
ture Forest Service Resource Bulletin SE-30. This report highlights the prin-
cipal findings of the fourth inventory of the timber resources in the 23-county
r Northern Coastal Plain of N. C. The inventory was started in July, 1973, and
completed in May, 1974. Three previous inventories, completed in 1937, 1955,
and 1963, provide statistics for measuring changes and trends over the past 37
years. The report emphasizes the trends since 1963.
The inventory is to measure and evaluate the timber resource to help provide
a basis for the forest policies and programs and the orderly development and use
of the resource. Because the sampling procedure was intended primarily to
furnish inventory data for the region, individual county estimates have limited
and variable accuracy. As county totals are broken down by various subdivisions,
• the possibility of error increases and is greatest for the smallest item.
The information shows extent and condition of the forest lands, volume of
timber and rates of timber growth and removal.
• The following list is a summary of the regional changes since 1963.
- Area of commercial forest land has decreased by more than 3%.
- W of the total land area is classified as commercial forest land.
♦ - Both the areas of commercial forest land owned by farmers and
forest industries have declined by 15% or more.
- Only 20% of the commercial forest is less than 60% stocked.
- Area occupied by saw timber stands has decreased by one million
♦ acres.
- Volume of softwood growing stock has decreased by 3% due to
increased removals.
- Removals of softwood growing stock exceeded growth by 19%.
- Annual removals have increased by more than 50%.
46
0

•
In Tyrrell County about 85% of the forest land is commercial forest, r
and the forest industry owns about 18% of that. Removals of timber have not
exceeded growth (as of 1974). It appears that Tyrrell is in a good position
to continue its forestry operations from either a county or regional view- 0
point.
Ll
r-
0
u
11
r,
47

•
Acres
•
TYRRELL COUNTY FOREST RESOURCES
Area - By Land Class - 1974
Forest Land
All
Commercial
Unproductive
Productive
Nonforest
Land
Total
Forest
Forest
Reserve
Land
249,600
216,555
213,411
2,605
539
33,045"
Area of Commercial Forest Land by Ownership Class - 1974
All
Ownership
National
Forest
Misc.
Federal
State
County &
Municipal
Forest
Industry
Farmer
Miscellaneous Private
Corporate
Individual
213,411
39,428
17,398
5,800
150,785
Area of Commercial Forest By Forest, Type Group 1974
Forest Type Group
All Type
Groups
White Pine
Hemlock
Spruce
Fir
Longleaf
Slash
Loblolly
Shortleaf
Oak.
Pine
Oak
ickor�
Oak Gum
Cypress
Elm/Ash
Cottonwood
Maple
Beech
213,411
87,276
30,589
8,698
86,848
Lim
•
•
•
Area of Commercial Forest Land By Stand Size Class 1974
Stand Size Class
All
Stands Sawtimber Poletimber Seedling Non -Stocked Areas
213,411 79,014 61,619 '64,514 8,264
Area of Commercial Forest Land, By Site Class 1974
All
Classes
1
2
Site Class
3
4
5
213,411
2,900
16,527
125,264
68,720
48

Area of Commercial Forest Land By Stocking Classes of
Growing Stock Trees - 1974
Stocking Percentage
Classes
Over 130
100-130
60-99
16.7-5.9
Less Than
16.7
213,411
11,600
66,978
72,782
53,787
8,264
•
L7
•
•
•
SOURCE: Forest Statistics for the Northern Coastal Plain of N. C., 1974. •
•
•
•
49 is

i • • • • • r • i
Ln
0
Volume of Sawtimber and Growing Stock on Commercial Forest Land By Species Group - 1974
Sawtimber Growing Stock
All
Species
Pine
Other
Softwood
Soft
Hardwood
Hard
Hardwood
All
Species
Pine
Other
Softwood
Soft
Hardwood
Hard
Hardwood
890,962
449,193
89,404
246,153
56,212
295,497
140,124
24,281
115,316
15,776
Net Annual Growth of Sawtimber and Growing Stock on Commercial Forest Land By Species Group-1973
Sawtimber , Growing Stock
All
Species
Pine
Other
Softwood
Soft
Hardwood
Hard
Hardwood
All
Species
Pine
Other
Softwood
Soft
Hardwood
Hard
Hardwood
41,185
24,931
3,475
10,737
2,042
10,684
5,186
908
4,055
535
Annual Removals of Sawtimber and Growing Stock on Commercial Forest Land By Species Group-1973
Sawtimber / Growing Stock
All
Species
Pine
Other
Softwood
Soft
Hardwood
Hard
Hardwood
All
Species
Pine
Other
Softwood
Soft
Hardwood
Hard
Hardwood
11,120
5,497
--
5,623
--
3,171
1,232
--
1,939
--

C7
COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Community Water and Sewer Systems
Columbia has the only central water and sewer services. The service areas
are shown on the following maps. The town and development immediately outside
the town are the only service areas. The water supply is obtained from one
300 gallon per minute (gpm) well and there is one back-up well. The treatment t
plant operates at 300 gmp but has a design capacity of 432 gpm. Elevated
storage is provided by a 200,000 gallon storage tank. The system was built in
1964 and as of 1971 35-40,000 gallons per day were being used. The plant is
capable of producing 180,000 gallons per 10 hour day and is therefore being
used at only 20% capacity.
Columbia also operates the only sewerage system. It was designed for a •
population equivalent of 1,500 including approximately 142,000 gallons per
day (GPD) of domestic waste with a biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of 200 parts
of oxygen per million parts of water, plus 7,500 GPD of fish processing waste
at the same BOD. The plant is running at little more than half capacity and
was designed for ease of expansion.
A county -wide water system has been proposed recently. Wells and treat- •
ment plant would be located near Woodley.
Roads and Schools
There are but two "primary" highways in Tyrrell County: U,S.64 and N.C.94.
The former is an east -west artery while the latter provides north -south
movements from Columbia to Hyde County. Both carry traffic volumes far below
their capacity. Both roads were built before modern road design standards 0
were developed in N.C.; however, both still need upgrading for safety.
Increased development in Dare County may eventually overload Route.64.
51
i
•

M
Both the high school and elementary school expect 1980 enrollments to
change very little. Present facilities are adequate for the student popula-
tion. However, a new auditorium seems to be a high priority as there is no
comparable structure in the whole county,and kindergarten facilities need to
be expanded.
�M
E�
•
•
•
•
•
C�
�2
C�

in
w
N
_ N
�Ow='Wli
S
i
SEWA' EATME .
FORCE ¢
o ,
= ST
MAIN (CCI
PUMP STA
z I i iN
'a ul ST / IJ
.IC* AAA
ti
� I • , z u / .
z ¢
p 1 > 57 Fc y/F1Y.P'IO�p�
Poi A
ti U S7 '
J A
_UM
e a.l SC;r N'
6 '
Sz o W Q,
C.,uug..
I C� � PPANn� RC.L: S Y CJ 1
AN
5• �3:
1
_ _ 1
11
t
i __ `IM175
TOV1M
o EXISTING SEWER SYSTEM
s MANHOLE
V n TOWN OF COLUMBIA
Z
o
ifs 2 4
W ► TYRRELL COUNTY, N.1t.
n
4
I. D 200 0 200 400 600 600
u SCALE r ET
�i 100
PRPPARFD my RIvER6 S •2t0-CW M-t2G_@4

to
.�
no
�.'
a�
Treatment $
♦ 200 DO— a1, tank
yf I
I„
n < I ST / li
- 1• — 7V 1 a- , 13
1
1 1 p 1 ¢ I Si I~ r.c W fOUo10LpND
1
10
1 1
1SE
S CTS410A 1 \`
TOWN
WATER SYSTEM
z cs TOWN OF COLUMBIA
h z
W TY RRELL COUNTY, N.t.
n
n
200 0 200 400 600 OW- SCALE /[[T
u 100
IIII' �
RCNRFD M/, RtvFRt • •ltDCMTtl�i10_. IL.."^�;'E"'.".3.5

r
0
III
CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES, AND REGULATIONS
•
•
•
C
Fj
•

•
a
•
•
11
11
E
CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES, AND REGULATIONS
Local
Plans and policies often have significant implications for land use. The
following items are related to the planning process.
1964 Overall Economic Development Program,
Area Redevelopment Planning Board
Tyrrell County was designated a depressed
area by the Area Redevelopment Administration.
The County set up a Planning Board of eleven
people which investigated economic problems facing
the county. The board made specific recommenda-
tions on needed adjustments in Tyrrell County in-
cluding:
1. A concerted effort must be made to develop to
its fullest potential the resources available
to this area.
2. Limited sources of local risk capital for new
ventures.
3. Limited existing facilities for small industry
are inadequate.
4. The area does not have a large pool of trained
skilled workers.
5. No adequate facilities for tourist transients.
6. The physical appearance of the area must be im-
proved to present a more pleasant atmosphere for
prospective industry looking for a desirable
location.
7. The need for training in new skills for antici-
pated industry must be met.
The board investigated potential resources and
developed a program for achievement; including specific
action steps and the following goals (starred items
have been accomplished.)
Priorities of Tyrrell County's Goals
Listed below, in numerical order of the priority,
are the different segments of our county economy which,
in our opinion, if the recommendations made therein are
enacted and carried through would revitalize the entire
county economically.
1. Appoint a county manager to implement this and
other programs.
55 .
11

L]
1971
1972
2.
Develop industry to utilize our national
resources of timber. In this connection,
we request technical assistance to deter-
mine the feasibility of this and other
industry.
3.
We request technical assistance to determine
potential for tourist and recreation development.
4.
Develop adequate housing facilities, including
medium price -range housing. (Senior citizens
S
housing, slum clearance and urban renewal, low
cost public housing, and rest or nursing home).
*5.
Establish a community -owned hospital.
6.
Develop overall flood control, drainage and
shore erosion control project for resource
conservation and development.
7.
Develop-adequate,facilitiesJor consolidating
county offices.
8.
A complete standard soil survey•of Tyrrell County
is needed.as:.a basis of sound planning.
9.
A ground water survey of Tyrrell County needs to
be made.
*10.
Education. We -believe —that the numberiof "drop-
outs" and the outward flow -of our young people
would decrease if a greater emphasis by our public
schools was extended and broadened to include
"Trade Training" and "Industrial Arts."
Economic
Data on Tyrrell County - VEPCO
(Virginia
Electric Power Company)
A short summary of labor force statistics and
pertinent
data on county -facilities.
Operation
Discoverer, East Carolina University Regional
Development
Institute.
This was a un ique=program organized to alleviate
the county's deteriorating population and economic con-
ditions.. The project developed a master plan -for eco-
nomic improvement by focusing the attention of 25 state
agencies -on thecountyfor 3 intensive days of field
work. The final recommendations were reported to the
County Commissioners. No action has been taken to date.
Reconnaissance Survey - Division of -Community Assistance
A short report showing. -the -,need -for -comprehensive
planning -to address -the -problems of housing, declining
population, wastewater treatment, etc., and proposing
a 3-year planning-program"for the county. No action S
taken.
56

11
1972 Outdoor Recreation Potential, Soil
Conservation Service.
Appraisal of Tyrrell County resources indi-
cates there are opportunities for developing
recreational enterprises. The types of recrea-
tion having potential for development in Tyrrell
County are summarized as follows:
a Vacation cabins, cottages and homesites have medium
potential for future development.
Picnic and field sports areas have low potential for
future development.
Camping grounds for vacation campers have medium
potential and transient campgrounds low potential
for future development.
Natural, scenic, and historic areas have medium
potential for development.
Vacation farms have medium potential for development,
with the potential expected to decrease.
Hunting areas for small game, big game, and water fowl
all have high potential for future development.
Fishing waters have medium potential for future develop-
ment.
Water sports areas have a medium potential for development.
! -Shooting preserves have a low potential for development.
Riding stables have low potential for development.
Golf courses have low potential for development.
is
•
In 1973 the Tyrrell County Planning Board was organized "to undertake a compre-
hensive and continuous planning program." Although the Board's budget is small, a
subdivision ordinance is being administered. However, because there is no inspect-
ion program, "on the ground" enforcement is not assured.
The Federal Flood Insurance Program is in effect throughout the county. The
• State Building Code was adopted as required;but no inspection program has been
organized,and the county has not hired a building inspector.
57
Ll

R
Septic tank regulations are administered by the district health department
and sanitarian. Because of the poor drainage characteristics of the soil 0
throughout the county, septic tanks do not work very well anywhere. However,
if enopgh filter line is used, most septic Systems are operational. Cum Neck'
and Goat Neck have severe problems due to the high water table,and ponded
effluent frequently occurs.
Two grants which may affect land use have recently been awarded to the
county, The community development grant will be used for program planning and
management, for removal or upgrading of substandard homes, and for a multi-
purpose center for public health, social services, medical clinic offices and
space for other* multi -purpose community needs such as workshops and meeting
rooms. Under Title X of the 1975 Public Works and Economic Development Act,
money has been allocated to repair, rehabilitate and renovate the hospital,
school, and county offices.
State and Federal Plans, Policy and Regulations
(These will be supplied to the County by the N. C. Department of Natural
and Economic Resources.)
The county has no transportation plan of its own., but the State Seven Year
Improvement Program includes widening and improving U.S. 64 in parts of
Tyrrell County.
The county does not have its own recreation plans,and the Statewide
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan makes no proposals for future recreation
facilities in Tyrrell County,
Tyrrell County has no -"".utilities extension policies, prior land use plans
C�
or policies, zoning ordinances, flood ordinance, historic districts, nuisance
s
regulations, dune protection ordinances$ sedimentation codes, or environmental
impact ordinance.
58 0

t
IV
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION=ACTIVITIES
•
A. Land UserIssues
B. Goals and Objectives
S
•
•

•
•
•
LAND USE ISSUES
The major land use issues in Tyrrell suggest the old question of whether
the glass is half empty or half full. Problems to'one person are possibilities
for another. The county is simultaneously experiencing many of the development
problems a larger, growing county would have,as well as other problems resulting
from a small, declining population and a poor economy.
Population
The county is the smallest in population in the state (3,806) and is too
small to enjoy the benefits of economies of scale. This hampers the school
budget, the solid waste disposal program, water and sewerage services, police
protection and a myriad of other affairs. With a further decline in population
predicted, the ability of the county to provide basic services may be severely
restricted. Although fewer people may reside in the county, the expenditures
and facilities needed for each person can be expected to increase in response
to people's expectations of a higher standard of living. Furthermore,the number
of acres of land needed to supply each person's requirements will probably rise
as a result of increases in buying power and corresponding increased consumption
• of resources -per person, i.e.,indoor plumbing, washing machines, dryers, cars,
and other appliances. These in turn require more power plants, sewerage and water
treatment plants, better roads, expanded government facilities, more land for
garbage disposal and recreation. In short, each person will indirectly need more
land to supply his or her needs. Such situations already exist in the county
in the form of open dumping and sewage disposal problems and will not be improved
by a population change in either direction. However, the situation is not unique
to Tyrrell.
r
59

R
The population is expected to continue its 30 year decline. The higher •
portion of senior citizens has implications for the health facilities besides
all the associated problems of people on fixed incomes. The loss of those between
35 and 45 years of age means a loss of the county's best wage earners. •
Housing Characteristics and Conditions
Adequate housing stock is an important community resource. The condition
and supply of housing influences the economic and social character of an area.
•
Newcomers or visitors are discouraged from settling in the area if housing is
poor or unavailable.
Substandard housing perpetuates negative, defeating community feelings of
•
worthlessness and apathy. Such housing is evidence of the people's inability to
solve a very basic problem --that of adequate shelter.
Adequate shelter --those houses offering • q g protection from severe weather and
providing decent living conditions --is in short supply in Tyrrell. At a minimum,
50% of the housing is deficient in some manner.
•
Income is an important factor in determining sufficiency of housing stock..
People can afford to buy housing that costs about twice their yearly income, or
rent housing at approximately 25% of their monthly income. In Tyrrell County
•
the median income is $4,307. This means fewer than half the people can spend as
much as $8,614 on buying homes or $71.00 per month for rent. These figures are
for people making exactly $4,307. Three hundred fifty-five families in Tyrrell
County are below poverty level and are even more severely limited in their
selection of housing.
Taking into consideration overcrowded conditions and the lack of plumbing,
housing in Tyrrell County is at the very minimum 54% deficient,
60 0

Between 1960 and 1970, 260 new units were built. However, because
many of the units existing in 1960 were in poor condition, at least some of
these were no longer in existence as of 1970 (fallen down, burned, torn down,
etc.). Thus, the net housing.stock increased less than the-260 new units
would at first seem to indicate.
0 The 1960 census figures, showing sound-, deteriorated - or dilapidated
housing, should be used carefully. After the 1960censuswas compiled, a
number of houses were found to be wrongly classified as in better condition
• than they actually were. Taking the 1960 figures as they appear would show
that at least 608 units (deteriorating and dilapidated) were deficient in
some manner; i.e., 52% of the housing was deficient, according -to the 1960
census. This figure must be taken as an absolute minimum.
Several characteristics should be consideHd when determining -adequacy
of housing. Overcrowded conditions and lack of plumbing facilities are
objective types of information (compiled for the 1970 census) which can be
used to arrive at minimum estimates of housing conditions in the county as
of 1970.
0 If a house lacks plumbing --be it toilet facilities, hot and cold running
water, or bathing facilities --the house is not truly providing adequate
shelter. In addition, such a house is likely to be ina poor state of
w repairs. Low values may be an indication of poor housing.
Overcrowded conditions create more wear -and tear on a house-, causing
faster deterioration and higher maintenance -costs.- Overcrowding is often
0 associated with large families of low incomewhocannot afford maintenance.
Such a building does not provide adequate shelter.
•
61
40

Low values and low rent may be indications of poor housing. This
A
indicator should be used more cautiously than the others. The value of a house
reflects workmanship and quality of materials: the lower the value (relative
to others in the area),the poorer the quality. Poor quality results in rapid
•
deterioration and higher maintenance costs --costs often borne by people whose
income is generally low already.
Standard housing is all but unavailable for purchase or rental. Mobile
homes have therefore increased dramatically over the past five years. Such
units do not generate tax dollars to the extent that conventional homes do,
yet they generate similar costs to local government: the education of
•
children, police protection, and social services.
A
•
A
`7
•
62

•
TABLE 21
TYRRELL COUNTY
GENERAL HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS
• 1970
1322 Year -Round Units
873 owner occupied
• 566 lack some plumbing
169 units are overcrowded
(more than 1.01 person/room)
161 units (of the above 169 units) have all plumbing
•
A
•
TABLE 22
TYRRELL COUNTY
VALUE OF HOUSING
Owner Occupied
Vnliin of Hni+ 'dE of Ilni+c
Renter Occupied
Rent # of Units
• 5,000
247
$30
54
$5,000-9,999
127
30-39
17
10,000-14,999
73
40-59
31
15,000-19,999
32
60-79
9
• 20,000-24,999
11
80-99
25,000-34,999
4
100-149
35,000 +
6
150 +
No Rent
76
• *Figures do
not include homes on
lots larger than
10 acres,
or on lots also having
businesses.
SOURCE: U. S. Census of Housing, 1970.
0
•
63

TABLE 23
TYRRELL COUNTY
GENERAL HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS
1960
1322 Housing Units
1161 Occupied Units
809 owner occupied
352 renter occupied
714 Sound Units
452 units with complete plumbing
8 lack only hot water
254 lack other plumbing
364 Deteriorating Units
17 have all plumbing
347 lack some plumbing
244 Delapidated Units
242 Units have overcrowded conditions
(more than 1.01 persons/room)
Source: U, S. Census, 1960.
A
•
•
64

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
N
•
Economy
A poor economic environment lowers everyone's standard of living. The
county's very low per capita income (98th of the 100 counties in the State)
encourages a continuing population loss. If people cannot make a decent living,
they will move elsewhere,if possible. Even within Region R, an economically
poor region, Tyrrell ranks far below other counties in median income, percentage
of families below poverty level, and percentage of persons below poverty level.
On a questionnaire distributed to county boxholders, the people have shown
development to be the most severe problem in the county and the most important
area for public spending. With 44% of the population below poverty level, it
is difficult to justify inaction on economic development programs.
The lack of economic development is evident by the number of people below
poverty level and the run down appearance of houses throughout the county, including
Columbia. New enterprises are not attracted to the area because of the lack of
transportation facilities and the usual infrastructure needed to support new
business.
Natural Resources
Conservation of productive natural resources and protection of important
natural environments are major concerns to all people in Tyrrell.
Tyrrell County citizens are well aware of their reliance upon the agri-
culture, forestry, fish and recreation resources. Any depletion of the resource
base would be a blow to the county's unvaried economy.
65

n
Recreation -based business (marinas, vacation cabins and campgrounds, hunting
lodges) and private camps or vacation homes may expand in Tyrrell as people
become disillusioned by oceanfront crowds and prices, Of course, deterioration
of wildlife habitat, water quality and scenic amenities would jeopardize
•
existing resource oriented businesses and discourage new entirepreneurs.
Many of the citizens have already expressed during committee meetings.,
concerns about the massive land clearing operation.and the effect on fishing
•
and on the black bear habitat.
Poorly managed housing development not only diminishes scenic quality but
also lowers property values. Already developments along the Albemarle Sound
•
Shore have been ill -planned with inadequate roads, very small, poorly drained
lots, and no provision for parking or open space.
Unregulated residential and commercial development have marred-the.country-
•
side. Strip commercial development is incompatibly mixed with residential lots
along U. S. 64 creating congested traffic patterns and a high risk of accidents.
Because land drainage is absolutely essential in utilizing the full
Ell
potential of the soil for both farming and forestry, management and regulation
of drainage programs are. dominanti'ssues in Tyrrell. Furthermore, most of
the houses have individual wells and septic tanks and because of the poor
C
drainage characteristice of the soil, contamination of the county's water
resource may be occurring. Drainage programs may have negative side effects.
such as salt water intrusion into the water supply aquifer, land subsidence,
M
and water pollution from chemical treatments of the land (e.g. fertilizer,
pesticides, etc.).
•
66

L
Future large scale agricultural production of truck crops, cattle and hogs
may encourage processing plants to locate in the county. Such development, if
unsupervised, may create some unpleasant problems such as traffic hazards, odors,
or further secondary development problems.
•
Historic and Cultural Resources
Because there are no state or national historic sites nor any known sites of
significant cultural value, these were not considered to be major land issues.
•
•
•
•
C
0 67

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Public Participation
The planning procedure has been quite different under the Coastal Area
Management Act. Finding that most land use plans sat on a shelf, the General
Assembly decided to inform and involve as many citizens as possible in the
process of developing a plan. The legislature felt that if a wide spectrum of
people became dedicated to seeing the process through, then the plan would
work. For this reason citizen participation was a major emphasis of this
initial planning effort.
For Tyrrell County, continuous citizen participation efforts had never
7
before been organized. The county Planning Board appointed a seven -member r
committee to develop a citizen participation program for the county. This
committee wrote news articles, sent letters and helped organize county -wide
meetings. From these meetings and from a survey of public opinion, county
goals were developed and further refined by the Board of Commissioners,
If any plan is to work,it must be based on good information and the hopes
and needs of the people. During the series of public meetings,a good sampling r
of Tyrrell's people came together several times to express their feelings on
what direction the county should be taking. Also, the public opinion survey
was prepared and mailed to all bdxholders in the county. The results from the
returned survey and from the meetings were used to define and arrange in
priority the major problems facing the county. The following tables show the
ten most severe problems and areas for funding as expressed in the questionnaire.
The full results of the questionnaire are included in the appendix,and the
original questionnaires are on file at the county courthouse in.Columbia.
The citizen participation report sent to the Coastal Resources Commission •
is included in Appendix,B,
68 0

•
SELECTED QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS
•
The
10 most severe problems:
Responses
as % of'161
questionnairjs.
No
Slight or
Problem
Moderate
Severe
•
1.
Is Industrial Development Adequate?
14.4%
20.5%
65.1%
2.
Is Unemployment a Problem?
13.1
23.5
63.4
3.
Adequate Employment Opportunities?
10.9
26.5
62.6
4.
Are Recreation Facilities Adequate?
11.1
30.5
58.3
•
5.
Is Housing Available?
8.3
35.4
56.3
6.
Is Garbage Disposal Adequate?
20.9
23.0
56.1
7.
Are Medical Facilities & Staff Adequate?
9.9
39.5
50.7
8.
Do Citizens Participate?
11.1
43.1
45.8
•
9.
Is Garbage Collection Adequate?
25.0
29.3
45.7
10.
Are Tourist Facilities Adequate?
17.6
39.7
42.6
•
No
Some
More
The
10 most important areas for funding:
Funds
Funds
Funds
1.
New Employment Opportunities
8.5
14.2
77.3
•
2.
Industrial Development
25.6
17.0
67.4
3.
Health and Medical Care
5.4
30.6
63.9
4.
Solid Waste Disposal
5.1
33.8
61.0
5.
Solid Waste Collection
8.0
32.8
59.1
•
6.
Help to Find Jobs
12.2
30.7
57.1
7.
Assist to Old and Poor
5.6
37.3
57.0
8.
Enforce Building Standards
12.3
31.2
56.5
9.
Job Training
12.1
31.9
56.0
•
10.
Public Recreation Program
12.7
31.3
56.0
0 69

•
Goals
•
After identifying major problem areas, ten goals were developed.. Included
with each goal are objectives --possible ways of achieving the end. results (the
•
goal). These goals and objectives, as adopted by the County Commissioners,
are intended to guide policy --they are not a legally binding set of rules.
The goals are the foundation of the Tyrrell County Plan and .for the various
•
programs that will imlement the plan. Goals set the tone and direction for
action. These goals are statements with which most people in Tyrrell would
agree.
The usefulness of these goals depends on the willingness of the people to
be informed and involved. Explicit goals help.the citizen judge the decisions
of the government. The people need to know that governmental decisions are
•
leading to a desirable "someiere"; that they are not duplicating or nullifying
other actions, nor merely "keeping house". Goals are,the standards that help
the citizen make this judgment.
However, careful judgment must also be exercised in following the goals
and objectives. Elected representatives are expected to bring more information
to the decision process than would the "average" citizen,and this"detailed
•
information may often result in actions not directly in line with the goals.
Such decisions should be carefully explained so that the public can determine -
.the appropriateness of the decision. Economic constraints will'also affect
i
the implementation of these goals.
The following goals have been adopted by the Tyrrell County planning
Board -and Tyrrell County Board of Commissioners.
7D •

•
TYRRELL COUNTY GOALS
• 1. TO WEIGH EVERY GOVERNMENTAL DECISION IN THE BALANCE OF THESE GOALS AND
IN THE LIGHT OF THE PLANS WHICH FOLLOW FROM THESE GOALS.
r,
2. TO STOP THE POPULATION DECLINE BY ENCOURAGING THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE
COUNTY, ESPECIALLY AS A PLACE OF TRADE, AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND
RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES.
A. Establish an economic development commission.
B. Protect prime agricultural land from interfering.uses.
C. Encourage the development of year-round recreation
based businesses.
• 3. TO RECOGNIZE THE IKPORTANCE OF SUPPORTING COLUMBIA IN AN EFFORT TO REVITALIZE
THE TOWN AS THE COUNTY'S CENTER OF BUSINESS.
•
4. TO SEEK MAXIMUM PARTICIPATION BY TYRRELL COUNTY CITIZENS IN THE DECISIONS
WHICH WILL AFFECT THEIR LIVES: SPECIFICALLY, TO DEVELOP PROGRAMS WHICH
WILL INFORM CITIZENS IN A TIMELY MANNER OF ISSUES FACING THE COUNTY.
5. TO PROVIDE AN ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH EVERY RESIDENT MAY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY
TO SECURE ADEQUATE, DECENT, SAFE AND SANITARY HOUSING.
A. Direct residential growth into specific areas.
B. Limit the density of homes in rural areas.
• C. Enact a housing code.
D. Establish a housing authority to provide low-income
housing.
E. Improve deteriorated areas by strict enforcement of
State Building Codes and Housing Code.
• 6. TO PROMOTE THE MANAGEMENT AND USE OF ALL NATURAL RESOURCES ACCORDING TO THE
CAPABILITY OF THE RESOURCE.
A. Prepare and use a water resource development and management
plan so the county can --
- Improve drainage conditions,including ditch maintenance
and new drainage programs.
- Provide additional water supply for domestic, agricul-
tural, and industrial needs.
- Establish ample water -based recreation opportunities.
- Protect streams, lakes, rivers and sounds.
- Promote waterways for commercial and recreational
navigation needs.
- Properly manage and protect the shorelineand flood '
plain lands.
• 71

E
B. Limit unnecessary destruction of vegetation.
C. Clean up eye -sores such as dumps, junk cars, •
and trash.
D. Require industry and business to protect the natural
resources.
E. Encourage the continued protection of wildlife habitat.
F. Encourage the gamelands system.
G. Preserve the rural character of the county. •
7. TO IMPROVE RECREATIONAL (OPPORTUNITIES
A. Provide a system of parks, beaches, playgrounds, and
boat ramps.
B. Develop recreational facilities and organized recrea-
tional programs.
C. Organize a recreation commission to oversee programs.
D. Encourage recreational enterprises.
8. TO PROVIDE THE MOST EFFICIENT QUALITY GOVERNMENT SERVICES
•
A. Manage water and sewer services to encourage quality
development.
B. Increase police protection for county and town.
C. Begin a solid waste management program.
D. Develop programs which will identify the health, medical, •
and welfare needs of the county.
E. Encourage cooperation and pooling of resources between the
town and county.
F. Seek state and federal programs to assist the county in
attaining each of these 10 goals.
9. TO PROVIDE FUNCTIONAL AND ATTRACTIVE TRANSPORT ROUTES
A. Discourage strip commercial or residential development
and billboards.
B. Encourage the use of the intra-coastal waterway.
72

•
Alternatives
• Consideration was given to various alternative actions which the county
might take. For instance, the questionnaire shows some people think the county
should encourage a large population increase and should not be concerned at all
• with regulating private property to protect natural resources. Many people
deplore the number of people on welfare, while at the same time taking a stand
against new business. But without new employment the population will probably
continue to decline, and the economy will continue to be tight. Other people
would like to start county -wide garbage collection and recreation programs
but do not want taxes to increase.
♦ Although black and white issues such as "more people vs fewer people" can
be discussed, the resolution usually involves some compromise. In Tyrrell's
situation some economic development is needed to stabilize the population; some
• private property rights must be regulated to protect the public good; some taxes
must be raised to provide garbage collection. But there is no reason to go
overboard in any direction for these programs. This plan is an attempt to out-
line a moderate program for the county which takes into account the highly -
valued rural life style enjoyed by Tyrrell citizens.
•
•
•
73
•

0
J
•
•
•
•
V
ESTIMATED DEMAND
A. Population -and- Economy
B. Juture Land'Needs
C. Community Facilities Demand
u

•
•
•
•
POPULATION AND ECONOMY
Population
The Planning Board.chose the population projection which predicts a slightly
lower population for the next ten years.
Projected Tyrrell County Population
3806 3600 3700 4000
Sources: 1970 Census of Population. Statistical Analysis System
NCSU for N. C. Office of State Planning, 1975.
Tyrrell County citizens heartily appreciate the uncrowded countryside. How-
ever, over the last 30 years the population has dropped 30%,and people feel that
is just too much. Most residents would be happy with a stabilized population.
Considering that the county citizens at one time numbered about 5,500 people,
it would seem likely that 4,000 people (at today's standard of consumptive living)
could be accommodated in Tyrrell County once more. There is certainly available
land acreage and ground water, although septic tank feasibility is limited.
r The carrying capacity issue should be considered here. Carrying capacity
refers to the capability of the land or water to handle human development without
damage to the natural resources. In Tyrrell County the issue is not nearly so
• important as in those counties with fragile salt water resources and greater
populations. This is because little, if any, population growth is anticipated in
Tyrrell for the foreseeable future. However, redevelopment and improvement of
•
present living conditions will continue. Any new development requiring water and
sewer will need to locate near Columbia where the facilities are capable of handling
considerably greater demands, With the trend towards rural living and vacation or
retirements -recreation homes, clearly the most vulnerable areas are those along the
74

C.
Sound Shore and near other water bodies. Rigid enforcement of existing
sanitation codes is mandatory if water quality is to be protected. The District
Sanitarian believes water quality degradation would occur today if vacation homes
were occupied continuously.
What seasonal population exists seems to be intra-county movement rather
than a large in -migration. There are no migrant worker camps in Tyrrell.
•
Economy
Long-term projections of Tyrrell's population- are not overly optimistic.
Although many people would like to see more economic development encouraged (and
more people) without aggressive action by either public or private agencies, such
development will be slow. As stated earlier, First Colony Farms does not appear
to be greatly affecting the number of people in Tyrrell County or the local 0
economy.
75

1980
5,000 A
TABLE
POPULATION PROJECTIONS
TYRRELL COUNTY
1990 2000 2010 2020
0 0 0
YEAR
4,000
1
Statistical. Analysis Sys,
2
OBERS�-jProjection
3,800
3
Series "E" Projection
4
Unpublished Projections
(3)
3,000
(4)
2,000
Population

TABLE 21
COMPARISON OF FOUR POPULATION PROJECTIONS
TYRRELL COUNTY
Projected County
Population
(in thousands)
SOURCE
1980
1990
2000
2010 2020
Reproduced from Region R
Water and Sewer Study
Based on OBERS Projections
3.4
3.3
3.6
4.0 4.5
Reproduced from Region R Water
and Sewer Study
Based on Series "E" Population
Projections
3.4
3.0
3.0
3.0 3.0
V
Statistical Analysis System by
N.C.S.U. for the Office of
State Planning
3.6
3.7
4.0
Unpublished Projections
Supplied by the Office of State
Planning
3.3
2.8
2.3
• • • • • • • • • • •

•
••
C
FUTURE LAND NEEDS
In view of the historic population decline, land demand wil-1 be determined
oy increased consumption per person, resulting from our higher standards of
living. Greater consumption - rather than more people - means that land demand
will not be for residential housing as much as it -will be for development and
redevelopment of public service facilities. The few additional people are
expected to settle mostly in the Rural and Community class areas. If any
industrial development occurs, it will probably be natural resource oriented
and therefore located in the Rural class.
COMMUNITY FACILITIES DEMAND
Any new demands for services in Tyrrell County will be generated by a higher
standard of living, not by growth. Therefore, the costs of any new or improved
services will be borne by the present taxpayers.
Water and sewer facilities are of major importance in terms of demand and
cost. In Tyrrell County the very poor soil conditions and low quality water
supply have encouraged people to investigate the possibility of a county -wide
water system. This facility would be financed partly by grants and partly by
a local bond referendum. Unfortunately, having a water system does not
alleviate the problem of poorly working septic tanks. Therefore, sanitation
codes -must be strictly enforced to prevent water pollution.
The Columbia water system is more than adequate but sewerage facilities
have been plagued by breakdowns. A sewage treatment facilities plan is being
conducted by Williams and Works Associates. This study when completed will
determine the feasibility of expanding the sewerage system and improving it
and the treatment plant. The plan will include recommendations for -financing
the proposed improvements.
following map.
The area being -considered is shown in the
• 78

'� uu
BULL AAr
AW
U��.n ` F. • I/f. SAVANNAH
• w ` any .+' W
FUND
2 �1�
•
A M r
a
•
•
Nouaw csouwn
SWAMI
SWAMI
✓ l ! I
' 'tI
f
(—
.THE
FNrH+c rwH
1 I
uu •
uu � �til
n..
~ 1
U4
y.,
(
1
A..,. J
nA r
4 I
w 1
wrw
SWAMI �•, 1 .
TYRRELL COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
COLUMBIA 201
'FACILITIES MAP
79

•
• The water system in Columbia is working far below capacity. Expansion.
policy is to extend water and sewer lines on request at the expanse of the
customer. The town is currently conducting an Annexation Study which should
• discuss predicted expenses in the area to be annexed and the town's ability to
cover these costs.
The superintendent of schools has stated that the county's school plan
predicts an increase of fewer than 20 students by 1980. However, a new
auditorium is needed; funds for which appear to be scarce. Kindergarten
facilities need to be expanded.
Other facilities are not expected to experience heaVy demands over the
next ten years. However, basic repairs and better maintenance are universally
needed. Currently planned and financed renovation of the courthouse,
agriculture building, school and hospital will be a great improvement.
Further consideration of recreation programs and facilities is an
important issue according to the citizen meetings' responses and the question-
naire results. Solid waste management including landfill sites selection
also rates as a high priority item. These programs appear to be of such
priority that they will most likely be initiated soon.

11
•
•
•
•
•
•
VI
PLAN DESCRIPTION
A. Land Classification
B. Allocation -of -Population
•

•
•
•
LAND CLASSIFICATION
The Land Classification System
The North Carolina Land Classification System covers five types of land:
developed, transition, community, rural, and conservation. Each of these
classes is defined in the CAMA Guidelines and all land in the county meets one
of the five definitions.
The five classes are used to identify the current use and the anticipated
• use of all land. However, in Tyrrell County, few changes in land use are
expected over the next ten years. Therefore the land has been classified
according to the existing use of land (which is expected to be much like the
a future use).
By using the Land Classification Map the county shows where growth will
occur and where the county's resources will be conserved.
As a statement of local policy consistent with statewide needs and goals,
the county land classification map will serve'as a basic tool for co.ordinating
numerous policies, standards, regulations, and other governmental activities
at the local, state and federal level. The classification system provides a
guide for public investment and a framework for budgeting and planning for
construction of community facilities such as water and sewer systems, schools,
and roads. Attention will be focused on valuable natural resources. Finally,
the system can help provide guidance for a more equitable distribution of the
land tax burden. `
The classification system allows a variety of land uses so that frequent
changes in maps are not necessary. However, the county's land classification
map must still be updated every 5 years.
•
0 81

The Five Classes of Land
40
Developed
Purpose: The Developed class identifies developed lands where existing popula-
tion density is moderate to high and where there are a variety of land uses which
are presently provided with -essential public services-. Consequently, the -developed
class is distinguished from Transition areas where significant growth and/or new
service requirements will occur. Continued--development-,and--redevelopment should
be encouraged to provide for the orderly growth in the developed area.
Description: Developed lands are areas with a minimum gross population density
of 2,000 people per square mile. At a minimum, these lands contain existing
public services including water and sewer systems, educational systems, and road
systems -- all of which are able to support the present population and its accom-
panying land uses including commercial, industrial, and institutional.
Location: Columbia is the only area which functions as a developed center in
Tyrrell County. Although the Town's population is small (890)--and declining, •
Columbia does support the -required minimum density within its jurisdiction and
has the --required public services, although the full capacity of those services
has not been -used.
•
Relationship -to Goals and Objectives: Columbia is recognized --as the county's cen-
ter of business and government. Redevelopment and revitalization of the town is
considered important to the economic and social well-being of the county -(goals
2-and 3). Moderate -to -high density development and the accompanying services
will lessen the human development impact on natural environments, while providing
safe and sanitary living conditions (goals 5 and 6). •
Tv,anci +inn
Purpose: The Transition class identifies lands where new moderate -to -high density
growth is to be encouraged and where any such growth that -is permitted by -local
regulations will be provided with the necessary public services. There are no
transition lands in Tyrrell County.
82

Conservation
Purpose: The Conservation Class identifies land which should be maintained
essentially in its natural state and where very limited or no public services
are provided. These lands are necessary to maintain a healthy environment and
•
needed to provide for the public health, safety or welfare.
Description: Lands to be placed in the Conservation class are the least desirable
for development because:
1) They are too fragile to withstand development without losing their
natural value; and/or
2) They have severe or hazardous limitations to development; and/or
•
3) Though they are not highly fragile or hazardous, the natural
resources they represent are too valuable to endanger by develop-
ment.
•
Such lands at a minimum should include:
1) Fragile areas
(a) Wetlands
(b) Steep slopes and prominent high points
•
(c) Frontal dunes
(d) Beaches
(e) Surface waters including
•
- Lakes and ponds
- Rivers and streams
- Tidal waters below mean high water
(f) Prime wildlife habitat
•
(g) Unique natural areas and historic and archaeological
sites
2) Hazards areas
• (a) Floodways
(b) Ocean erosive areas
•
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(c) Inlet.lands
•
(d) Estuarine erosive areas
3) Other
(a) Publicly -owned forest, park, and fish and game lands and
other non -intensive outdoor recreation lands
(b) Privately -owned sanctuaries, etc., which are dedicated
to preservation
(c) Publicly -owned water supply watershed areas
•
(d) Undeveloped key -parts of existing water supply watersheds
(e) Potential water impoundment sites
In addition to the above named types of land, the county may include other
•
areas to be maintained in an essentially natural state which are needed to im-
plement their stated policy objectivers,
Location: All of the conservation lands in Tyrrell County are associated with •
water bodies. These lands include surface waters, wetlands, and, -erosion.
Relationship to Goals and Objectives: Attention to resource --capability is
•
addressed in three Tyrrell County Goals (6, 7, 10).
•
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Community
• Purpose: The Community Class identifies existing and new clusters of low
density development not requiring major public services.
Description: The Community class includes existing clusters of one or more land
• uses such as a rural residential subdivision or a church, school, general store,
industry, etc. (Cluster is defined as a number of structures grouped together
in association or in physical proximity - Webster'*s Dictionary).
This class will provide for all new rural growth when the lot size is ten acres
or less. Such clusters of growth may occur in new areas or within existing
community lands.
0 In every case, the lot size must be large enough to safely accommodate on -site
sewage disposal and, where necessary, water supply so that no public sewer services
will be required now or in the future. Other limited public services,such as public
•
road access and electric power should be provided in the community class.
Location: Several community areas exist, mostly along the Albemarle Sound Shore
where soils with moderate limitations are found.
Goat Neck on S.R. 1223 is classified as community but further development should
not be encouraged. Goat Neck technically falls under the definition of "community:"
• However, the community is located in a severely swampy area. Privys are very
frequent,and septic tank fields are often flooded. These potential health problems
are further compounded by the closely -spaced houses. Designation of this area as
• "community" implies that extensive public services are not necessary. Such is not
the case.
•
• 85

0'.
Other areas classified as community include Colonial Beach (SR 1203), Bull Bay
(SR 1202), Travis (SR 113 and U.S. 64), Scuppernong Village (SR 1226), Albemarle
Shores and Rhodes Haven (SR 1212, Va-Lee Beach (SR 1213), Delshelvia subdivi-
sion (east of SR 1219), and Rider's Creek (south of SR 1301), and that part
of Sound Side Community near Delshelvia and along SR 1209.
•
Relationship to Goals and Objectives: In protecting the rural character of the
county (Goal 6) by directing residential growth to certain areas (Goal 5), the r
county hopes to protect the natural resources while assuring -adequate building
sites. In order to do this, designation of "community areas will serve as a
statement to all potential builders that these areas are safe to build in,
appropriate for septic tanks, and will NOT be receiving much more in the way
of government initiated services specifically designed for that area. (Goal 6
and 8). •
•
•
•
•
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Rural
Purpose: The Rural Class identifies lands for long-term management for produc-
tive resource utilization, and where limited public services will be provided.
Development in such areas should be compatible with resource production.
Description: The Rural Class includes all lands not in the Developed, Transition,
Community and Conservation classes.
•
Location: The vast majority of land in Tyrrell County has been designated rural
in conformance with the class descriptions and the county goals.
40 Relationship to County Goals and Objectives: Retaining the rural character of the
county is of primary concern to the majority of citizens in Tyrrell who have
expressed their thoughts in Goal 6.
•
•
•
11
•
0 87

A
Allocation of Population
Population density (how many people per square mile), present, and pro-
jected land use are all factors in establishing land classifications for
Tyrrell County. Because, however, the population is expected to continue its
historic decline, assigning population densities to the different classes is f
difficult. However, in view of the recent --changes in migration trends which
show people moving back into rural areas, it may be safe to say most people
will prefer first to live scattered throughout the countryside; next, to
live in the community, areas; then, perhaps, to live in or near Columbia.
Waterfront development will continue to be attractive. More detailed popu-
lation allocations would be inappropriate and misleading. 0
•
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7
•
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VII
POTENTIAL
•
AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL. -CONCERN
•
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[1
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9
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A
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POTENTIAL
AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN
The most important part of the Coastal Area Management Act is the designation
of and management program for Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC). The Coastal
Resources Commission has developed guidelines according to which Areas of Environ-
mental Concern are delineated. Following these guidelines,the counties are to
identify and describe each area within the county which may be an AEC, describe
the land uses to be allowed within each AEC, and describe the relationship between
the AEC and the surrounding land. The Commission will then review the county's
findings and will designate the final Areas of Environmental Concern so that all
coastal counties will have plans compatible with each other.
After these first steps, a permit letting system will be instituted to regu-
late each AEC. Within these areas any development must conform to the particular
requirements for that AEC,as well as to the county's land use plan,before a permit
can be issued and construction can begin.
Where two or more AEC's overlap, the more restrictive requirements shall determine
which land uses are acceptable. In no case shall any uses be allowed which would
result in any contravention or violation of any rules, regulations, or laws of
the State of North Carolina or of Tyrrell County or of Columbia. Neither shall any
development be allowed in any AEC which would have a substantial likelihood of
causing pollution of the waters of the State to the extent that such waters would
be closed to the taking of shellfish under standards set by the Commission for
Health Services pursuant to G. S. 130-169.01.
This section describes each kind of area of environmental concern which is
found in Tyrrell County, the AEC's location and extent, appropriate land uses,
and how the AEC is considered on the Land Classification Map.
0

A
Tyrrell County does not have the following Areas of Environmental Concern:
!
low tidal marshlands; small surface water supplies; special aquifers areas;
complex natural areas; unique geologic formations; historic places; registered
natural landmarks; sand dunes; ocean beaches and shorelines; coastal inlet
erosion lands; or ocean erodible areas.
Coastal Wetlands - Other Coastal Marshlands
•
Description:
Coastal Wetlands (which are considered in two categories (1) low tidal
marshlands and (2) other coastal marshlands which have different significance
•
and policy implications) are defined as "any salt marsh or other marsh subject
to regular or occasional flooding by tides, including wind tides (whether or not
the tide waters reach the marshland areas through natural or artificial water-
courses), provided this shall not include hurricane or tropical storm tides. Salt
marshland or other marsh shall be those areas upon which grow some, but not
necessarily all, of the following salt marsh and marsh plant species: Smooth or
salt water Cordgrass (Spartine alterniflora); Black Needlerush (Juncus roemerianus);
Glasswort (Salicornia spp.); Salt Grass (Distichlis Spicata); Sea Lavender
(Limonium spp.); Bulrush (Scir us spp.); Saw Grass (Cladium Jamaicense); Cat -Tail
•
(Typha spp.); Salt -Meadow Grass (Spartina Patens); and Salt Reed Grass (Spartina
cynosuroides)." Included in this statutory definition of wetlands is "such con-
tiguous land as the Secretary of NER reasonably deems necessary to affect by any a
such order in carrying out,'the purposes of this Section." (G. S. 113-230 (a))
911
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W
Location and Extent:
The majority of the wetlands occurs along the Alligator River and its tri-
butaries. The major wetland is located on Long Shoal Point. In total, about
850 acres of wetlands are located on 15 sites.
The majority of the wetlands in Tyrrell is in little danger from development.
Most occur in completely unpopulated areas but remain subject to the pressures of
r
drainage, clearing for farmland, or forest management.
•
Land Classification: Conservation
Appropriate Land Use:
The highest priority for these areas is to guard the biological, economic,
and aesthetic values of the marshes.
On
Second priority is given to development which requires water access and cannot
function elsewhere, such as ports, docks, and marinas. Any such development will
: be allowed only if each of the following conditions have been met.
1. Need for the project can be justified by the projected land use demands
and by community development objectives as stated in this plan.
w 2. Feasible alternatives regarding location and design have been adequately
considered and judged to be unacceptable.
3. Location of the facility considers coastal, physical and biological systems.
w In no case shall the allocation exceed the capacity of the marshland system
to sustain losses without harm to the estuarine ecosystem unless the losses would
be offset by a clear and substantial benefit to the public.
All of the wetlands have been mapped as "conservation" areas on the Land
Classification Map.
0 91

7
Estuarine Waters
Description. Estuarine waters are defined in G.S. 113-229 (n) (2) as, "all •
the water of the Atlantic Ocean within the boundary of North Carolina and all the
waters of the bays, sounds, rivers, and tributaries thereto seaward of the dividing
c
line between coastal fishing waters and inland fishing waters, as set forth in
an agreement adopted by the Wildlife Resources Commission and the Department of
Conservation and Development filed with the Secretary of State entitled 'Boundary
Lines, North Carolina Commercial Fishing -Inland Fishing Waters, revised March 1,
•
1965,11' or as it may be subsequently revised by the General Assembly.
Significance. Estuaries are among the most productive natural environments
•
of North Carolina. They not only support valuable commercial and sports fisheries,
but are also utilized for commercial navigation, recreation, and aesthetic purposes.
Species dependent upon estuaries such as menhaden, shrimp, flounder, oysters and
crabs make up over 90 percent of the total value of North Carolina's commercial
catch. These species must spend all or some part of their life cycle in the estuary.
The high level of commercial and sports fisheries and the aesthetic appeal of
f
Coastal North Carolina is dependent upon the protection and sustained quality of
our estuarine areas.
Appropriate Land Uses. Conservation of estuarine waters is to be the highest
•
priority.
Second priority shall be given to the development of navigation channels, the
use of bulkheads to prevent erosion, and the building of piers or wharfs provided
that:
1. No other feasible alternative exists
2. The uses will not be detrimental to the biological and physical estuarine
functions and public trust rights. "Detrimental uses" are those which directly
or indirectly:
•
92

•
a) block or impair existing navigation channels,
• b) increase shoreline erosion,
c) deposit spoils below mean high tide,
d) cause adverse water circulation patterns,
e) violate water quality standards, or
f) cause degradation of shellfish waters.
Land Classification: Lands adjacent to estuarine waters are classified as
•
Conservation along the All igator,and Rural, Community, or Conservation along the
Scuppernong River and Albemarle Sound. The surface waters themselves are classified
• as Conservation.
State Parks
Description: Pettigrew State Park, including Lake Phelps, lies partially
• within Tyrrell County along the Washington -Tyrrell boundary. Although the park
is in a rural farming section of the county, development along the Lake Shore
may adversely affect the park, The canals leading from the lake to the Scuppernong
• River are important to the fishing industry.
Appropriate Land Use: The State of North Carolina is responsible for all
uses of land and water within the State Parks and is developing a management policy
• specifically for Lake Phelps,
Land Classification: The lake and park are classified as Conservation,and
the surrounding land is classified as Rural.
•
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Areas that Sustain Remnant Species
Description: Areas that sustain remnant species are those places that A
support native plants or animals, rare or endangered, within the coastal area.
Such places provide habitat conditions necessary for the survival of existing
populations or communities of rare or endangered species within the county.
The continued survival of certain native plants and animals cannot be
assured unless the relatively few well defined areas providing necessary habitat
conditions are protected from development or land uses that might alter these
conditions.- These habitats and the species they:support provide a valuable
educational and scientific resource.
Unfortunately, delineation of specific habitat for the American Bald- •
Eagle and American alligator is not beyond the qualitative description stage.
The best information is available through the N. C. Wildlife Resources
Commission which has delineated prime wildlife habitat for North Carolina
(see Fragile Habitat map p. 3 ") Before this proposed Area of Environmental.
Concern can become final, more specific information is needed.
Location and Extent:
The American alligator and possibly the bald eagle •
may be found along the Alligator River. Protection of the wooded swamps along
the shoreline and perhaps other prime wildlife habitat areas will be necessary
to preserve these remnant species.
Appropriate Land Uses: Lands within the AEC shall not be planned for
uses or kinds of development that will unnecessarily jeopardize the habitat
conditions responsible for the continued survival of the respective plants or
animals.
Land Classification: Conservation and Rural
•
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40

Certain`'Public Trust Areas
• Description: All waters ofthe Atlantic Ocean and the lands'thereunder
from 'the mean`high'watermark'to the-seaward'1imit'of 'State jurisdiction; all
natural bodies of water 'subject to` F measurable°lunar tides'and lands thereunder
♦ to the mean high water mark; all navigable natural bodies of water and lands there-
underto the mean high "water mark or ordinary''high water mark as' the case may
be,' 'except privately' owned -lakes` to which the` public has no` right''of access;` all
A waters in'artificially' treated bodies of'water'Wwhich exist significant public
fishing resources``or other'public resources`, which' -are accessible to the public by
navigation from bodies of water in which the'public has acquired rights'by.pre-
• scription, custom, u"sage;'dedication or`any`other means. Iw determining whether
the public has,acquired,rights,in artificially.created bodies of water,. the following
factors shall be considered: (i) the use of the body of water by the public; (ii)
0 the length of time the public has used the area; (iii) the value of public resources
in the body of water; (iv) whether the public resources in the body of water are
mobile to the extent that they can move into natural bodies of water; (v) whether
40 the creation of the artificial body of water required permission from the State;
and (vi) the value of the body of water to the public for navigation from one
public area to another public area.
Location and Extent: Tyrrell County has lake, streams, rivers, canals, and
sounds which are public trust areas. Some of these water bodies are the Scupper-
nong River and the Alligator River and its major tributaries. These waters are
to be preserved and managed to protect their biological, economic, and aesthetic
values and the public rights of navigation and recreation.
•
0 95

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Appropriate Uses: Any land use which interferes with the public right of
navigation, or other public trust rights which the public may be found to have
•
in these waters, shall not be allowed. The development of navigational channels,
drainage ditches, the use of bulkheads to prevent erosion, and the building of
piers or wharfs are examples of land uses appropriate within public trust waters, !
provided that such land uses will not be detrimental to the biological and physical
functions and public trust rights. Projects which would directly or indirectly
block or impair existing navigation channels, increase shoreline erosion, deposit A
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 of public trust waters.
Land Classification: All surface water is classified as Conservation.
n

0 Natural Hazard Areas - Estuarine and River Erodible Areas
Description: Such areas are defined as the area above ordinary high water
where excessive erosion has a high probability of occurring. In delineating
9 the landward extent of this area a 25-year recession line has been determined
•
•
using the Soil Conservation Service, Tyrrell County Shore Erosion Inventory.
Location and Extent: Albemarle Sound Shore, Alligator River and Creek Shores,
and the Frying Pan Shores are all considered erosion areas. These total approxi-
mately 90 miles of shoreline.
Appropriate Land Uses: The main objective in managing erosion areas is to
insure that development will be compatible with the dynamic nature of the erodible
lands, thus minimizing the likelihood of significant loss of property,
Where shoreline protection construction has not been completed, recreation,
rural, and conservation are the only appropriate land uses.
Where the shoreline has been stabilized permanent or substantial residential,
r
commercial, institutional, or industrial structures are acceptable.
Land Classification: The erodible areas along the Albemarle Sound are prime
41 lands for development in the county, However, the erosion area has been classified
as Conservation,
•
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•
IMPLEMENTATION
The county has at least six possible ways of putting this plan into
• action:
1. Using the Land Classification System.
2. Controlling development in areas of environmental
• concern.
3. Purchasing land.
4. Providing services and programs.
• 5. Taxing.
6. Regulations.
Using the Land Classification System and controlling development in
areas of environmental concern are two actions which the State of North
Carolina requires the county to take, Both of these are described in
the previous sections of this article. The other four are discussed
•
here.
Government purchases of land may affect how other land is used,
• An example of this is a state or local park. Once a park is bought,
recreational businesses may be encouraged - horse stables, rental equip
ment, campgrounds, etc.; or perhaps new vacation homes will be built
near the park as is happening on'Lake Phelps. The location of the
county's new multi -purpose center may affect traffic, parking and noise,
or may encourage more building.
• When the government provides services and programs, land uses can
be affected. For example, if Tyrrell County decides to build a water
system, you can pretty well guess that most new houses will be built
• along the water lines. When the county organizes an economic development
'7

•
program, many changes can happen in Tyrrell: new businesses, more people,
new homes, and so on.
Taxes also affect how land will be used. If a farmer's taxes are too
high, he may not be able to make a profit; instead of farming, he turns
his land into a subdivision and retires. The county can grant farmers - and
some others - tax breaks to encourage them to keep their land in production.
Finally, the county can directly control land use by enacting certain
laws. In 1972 Tyrrell County adopted a Subdivision Ordinance which helps
the county make sure that roads are safe, that.lots are large enough and
properly laid out, and that the rights of a buyer are protected. Thore
are many other laws the county could use including one requiring an
environmental impact statement from large developers, a zoning ordinance which
would help protect farmland, and minimum housing codes which would make land-
lords repair their houses.
It is up to the citizens and elected officials to decide which of these
methods are best for Tyrrell. It is important to understand that all four
are being used right now but without considering their effect on land uses
•
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•
99
40

The following actions will assist the county in continuing a comprehen-
sive
planning program:
•
1.
Qualify as an agency for letting of permits for minor developments
in AECs in accordance with the CAMA.
2.
Consult the land use plan when making land use decisions.
3.
Prepare a Capital improvements Budget update it annually and key it to
the land use plan, particularly the land classification map,
4.
Construction of water and sewerage systems should be consistent
with the plan, especially the land classification map.
5.
Maintain close communication with large enterprises in order to
update the assessed long-range plans.
6.
Hire a building inspector to enforce the Building Code and other
ordinances as adopted (Minimum Housing Code, Zoning Ordinance).
7,
Consider a zoning ordinance to manage development along the U. S. 64
d
corridor and the Albemarle Sound Shore.
8.
Further investigate the importance of selected natural systems in
Tyrrell, especially wooded swamps and floodplains.
9.
Formally review and revise the plan every five years.
•
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100
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Ix,
SUMMARY
(SYNOPSIS)
UNDER SEPARATE COVER
•

•
•
11
•
11
CITY -COUNTY PLAN RELATIONSHIP
•
17,
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•
INTERPRETATION OF TOWN/COUNTY PLANS
•
It is nearly impossible to analyze Tyrrell County without considering
Columbia as well. Columbia acts as the focus of the whole county serving as
government seat, business center, and main residential community. County
policy directly affects Columbia's appearance and economy. For instance,
placement of the new multi -purpose center or building a water system that
• by-passes Columbia will certainly affect the town.
Citizen Participation meetings were held in Columbia and were open to
all interested people. Problems of l.and development were discussed with the
a town,as well as the county,in mind.
•
•
•
•
•
101

.I
XI
COLUMBIA LAND USE PLAN
A.
Present Conditions
Population
Economy
Existing Land Use
•
B.
Constraints
Land Potential
Community Facilities.
C.
Current Plans and Policies
D.
Public Participation
E.
Estimated Future Demand
Population
Economy
Future Land Needs and Community Facilities Demand
F.
Plan Description
G.
Potential Areas of Environmental Concern
H.
Implementation
•
•
102
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•
Columbia, the seat of government for Tyrrell County, is situated on
the east bank of the Scuppernong River. "Elizabeth" was the name of the
town from 1793 to 1801. In 1863, Union troops sacked -and burned Columbia,
r but it was not until the 1930's that the citizens finally tore down the stop-
gap buildings thrown up after the invasion. Despite relatively new build-
ings, the town still looks tired; and -although -it -seems a friendly little
r place, it offers few incentives to newcomers or high school graduates in
encouraging them to remain in the area.
A. PRESENT CONDITIONS
Population
Columbia's 1974 population vAas estimated at 890 people by the Office
of State Planning. This is a slight decline from the 1970 census count
of 902 people. The 1960 population was 1099, which -indicates the town has
experienced a loss of 18% of its population during the last decade.
During the same period, the county experienced a decline of 15.8%. The
town has a higher percentage of Negro residents (52.3q) than does the
county (43.3%).
•
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• 103

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•
TABLE 26
TOWN OF COLUMBIA
NUMBER OF PERSONS BY AGE & SEX 1970
AGE
MALES
FEMALES
TOTAL
PERCENT OF TOTAL
Under 5
29
35
64
7.10
5 - 14
89
89
178
19.73
•
15 - 20
48
53
101
11.20
21 - 24
19
32
51
5.65
25 - 34
28
26
54
5.99
•
35 - 44
35
34
69
7.65
45 - 54
58
76
134
14.86
55 - 64
56
59
115
12.75
1
65+
49
87
136
15.77
343 (38.027%) Total Population Under 21
136 (15.078%) Total Population 65 and Over
472 (52.328%) Negro Population
•
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104

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TABLE 27
TOWN OF COLUMBIA HOUSING STATISTICS
Average number of persons per household
40 Average number of persons per Negro household
C7
G
•
Number of occupied & vacant year-round housing
units
Number of owner occupied units
Number of occupied housing units with 1.01 or
more persons per room (overcrowded)
Number of occupied housing units with 1.51 or more
persons per room (severely overcrowded)
Number of occupied housing units lacking complete
plumbing
Negro housing units lacking complete plumbing
Number of occupied units lacking a toilet
2.973
4.428
345
201 (66.777%)
44 (14.618%)
21 (6.977%)
87 (28.904%)
68
58 (19.420%)
•
105

Economy
Columbia is largely residential along with a few government offices, small
businesses, and one fish -processing plant. The businesses are service oriented;
general merchandise stores, service stations, a bank, grocery stores, hotel, res-
taurants, etc.
The downtown area is losing establishments. Many buildings stand empty.
Waterfront buildings are presently a liability to the whole town because of their
unkept condition,but renewal of the area could produce a real asset.
Existing Land Use
Most of the town is developed as single-family residential. There are two
small apartment houses. A central business district is located near the water-
front and includes the courthouse and other government offices. Business estab-
lishments are attracted to the U.S. 64 By-pass. Both the elementary and high
schools are located outside the town limits as are the industries (lumber yards,
farmer's exchange, garment plant). The town is drained by two major open
ditches which drain into the Scuppernong River. Because of the proximity to the
River, the town has several sections which are much too wet for development.
B. CONSTRAINTS ON DEVELOPMENT
Facing Columbia are several natural and man-made constraints on development.
These constraints pose practical and economic limits --not absolute constraints --
considering society's engineering expertise.
Land Potential
Soils
Columbia has poorly drained soils which create construction problems. The
town has experienced difficulty in maintaining its sewer lines which often collapse
•
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due to pockets of "quick sand" or highly shifting subsoils.
Hazards
All,of Columbia is designated as within the 100-year flood prone area of
the Scuppernong River. This means the town has one chance in one hundred of
being flooded each year.
Three oil storage facilities are located in Columbia.
Fragile Areas
The town is located on the east bank of the Scuppernong River which is
both public trust water and estuarine water.
• Community Facilities
Columbia relies on groundwater and.has two 300-gallon per minute (gpm)
wells within the town limits. Water is supplied to all town residents and to
0 a limited extent, north;,south, and east of the town. The general policy. seems
to be to extend services when requested,with the customer paying all building
costs.
r Columbia owns and operates its own water and sewer facilities. The water
treatment plant operates at 300 gpm but is designed for 432 gpm. Elevated
storage is provided by a 200,000 gallon storage tank. The plant is running at
about 20% capacity. The distribution system utilizes 6" and 8" mains.
The sewage treatment plant is.designed for a population equiva.lent of
1,500 which includes approximately 142,50.0 gpd.of domestic waste at a
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) of approximately 200 parts per million (ppm)
and 7,500 GPD from the fish processing plant. The sewage treatment plant was
designed to be easl.ly expanded to double its present capacity..
School facilities are a county function,
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C. CURRENT PLANS AND POLICIES
The town has no previous -firsthand planning experience. By virtue of
regional planning and county initiated planning, Columbia has been "studied"
before. Few changes have resulted from such studies.
The town has none of the plans, policies, or regulations which the Coastal
Resources Commission is concerned with.
201 Facilities Planning is reportedly beginning soon.
•
D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ACTIVITIES
Public participation activities were conducted jointly with town and county
•
residents.
For the identification of major land use issues, please refer to the previous
section, page 101•
The previously discussed population and economic trends are most visible in
Columbia. Poor appearances, deteriorating housing; unpaved streets, empty houses,
all indicate a declining population and poor economic situation.
•
Conservation or protection of natural resources does not rate top priority.
However, it seems people are interested in the town but are stimied or frustrated
in trying to do something.
•
E. ESTIMATED FUTURE DEMAND
Population
Columbia has been losing population since 1940. This decline is expected to
continue for 3 reasons: response to the lack of basic job opportunities, a high
percentage of the population past child-bearing age, and a very small percentage
of young children.
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Economy
Columbia depends on a service -related economy which will be adversely affected
by the declining population.
0 Actions taken by the county are certain to affect Columbia. The housing
4
program should benefit the town as could the location of the county's multi-
purpose center.
Future Land Needs and Community Facilities Demand
Unless the population trend is reversed, little expansion of facilities or
• residences can be anticipated. However, Columbia is a developed area and, in
spite of poor soils, the obvious place for new urban development is adjacent to
the town because of its ability to service the area with water and sewerage systems.
Such development would probably benefit both the town and the county,provided
any growth that does occur is properly managed to guard against overburdening the
town or county in any manner.
The need for land to allow urban expansion`is not as great as is the need for
proper management and upkeep of already developed land. The town should concen-
trate on planning to encourage good development and redevelopment within its present
w service area. This planning should attempt to upgrade appearances, facilities,
and the economy.
The town should consider the ramifications of ill -planned development at its
• doorstep. The coming annexation study should provide more information on such
development.
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F. PLAN DESCRIPTION
Columbia is classified as "Developed" under the Land Classification System. 0
G. AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN
Columbia borders on the Scuppernong River which is both estuarine and public
trust water. Redevelopment of the waterfront, despite its AEC status, should
take priority.
H, IMPLEMENTATION
•
The town has already begun a planning program; With the hiring of a town
manager, the annexation study, and the capital improvements budget, the town
has begun to address the constraints which have previously hampered its healthy
development.
Further coordination between the county and the -,town would help all
citizens, especially in the areas of economic development, housing, recreation,
and community appearance.
A
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XII
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APPENDICES
A. Questionnaire Results
•
B. Public Participation Report
C. -Bibliography
7
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TYRRELL COUNTY
Board. of Commissioners
To: The Head of Household
Please thoughtfully fill out this questionnaire and return it
by mail in the enclosed, stamped envelope by June 6 or drop it off
at the County Coordinator's Office in the Columbia Courthouse.
Coastal Area Management is an extremely important issue and
your views are very much needed. If there is another person in
the household over 18 who wishes to fill out a separate questionnaire,
he or she may pick up another copy in the County Coordinator's Office.
Thank You.
UESTION
What is the one biggest problem or issue facing Tyrrell now?

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•
In your opinion, which of the following should the county adopt as its goal
for county population growth during the next 10 years? (circle one)
14% 1. Remain the same size (3,700)
.7% 2. Reduce population (we will continue to lose population if we continue
our present course of action).
47% 3. Small increase (to about 5,000)
39% 4. Large increase (over 8,000)
Have you written to the aldermen; county commissioners, or planning -board
members in the last year? 8 yes 92% no
Would you like to attend one of the above meetings? 72% yes 28% no
If you had $70,000 to -invest in Tyrrell, what type of investment do you think
' would be profitable?
•
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11

SECTION I
1. Which place do you live in?
Frying Pan
Scotia
Creeks
Colonial Beach
Fort Landing Other
2. What is your occupation?
3. Which Township do you live in?
11% Alligator
14% Gum Neck
Bulls Bay
Cross Landing
Goat Neck
Newfoundland
51% Columbia
0 South Fork
24% Scuppernong
4. Are you a male or female? 68% male 32% female
S. Are you white 80% black 20% other 0
6. How old are you? years old
7. Do you live on a farm? yes no
8. How many people in your immediate family, including yourself, are living in
your house all the time? number of people.
(Do not include boarders, renters, temporary guests, etc.)
9. How long have you lived in Tyrrell County? years.
10. What was the last grade.or class you completed in school?
11. Please check the blank which comes closest to your total household income
before taxes last year:
16% 1 ( ) under $2,000 14% 5 ( ) $8,OOO to $9,999
12% 2 ( ) $2,000 to $3,999 17% 6 ( ) $10,000 to $15,000
10% 3 ( ) $4,000 to $5,999 20% 7 ( ) over $15,000
13% 4 ( ) $6,000 to $7,999
59% 9% 23%
12. Are you presently (circle one) 1. employed 2. unemployed 3. retired
4. full time homemaker 5. full time student 6. other(specify) 3%
13. Do you work in Tyrrell 75% or another county? (specify) 25%
113
Kilkenny
Sound -Side
River Neck
Town of Columbia
R
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SECTION II
Check the place you would like to live:
1. 8% Near downtown
2. 90% Away from downtown but within the town limits
3. 40% Outside the town limits but within a short drive to town
4. 28% Outside the town limits with more than a 5 minute drive to town
S. 13% As far away from a town as possible
SECTION III
Please check one.
1. Is police protection adequate?
2. Is fire protection adequate?
3. Is water pollution _a problem?
4. Are water services adequate?
S. Are sewerage services adequate?
6. Is garbage collection -adequate?
7. Is garbage disposal adequate?
8. In general is county government
responsive to your needs?
9. Is the Town of Columbia government
responsive to your needs?
10. Is the elementary school.adequate
11. Is the high school adequate?
12. Are the vocational education
programs adequate?
13. Is the public library adequate?
14. Is the appearance $ condition of
the houses acceptable to you?
15. Are the cultural opportunities
(drama, music, art, etc.) adequate?
16. Are the kindergarten programs adequate?
17. Are the adult education programs adequate?
18. Are the tourist facilities adequate?
(1) No (2) Slight (3) Mod. (4) Severe
Problem Problem Problem Problem
23% 26% 25% 25%
49 24 18 10
26 .25 26 22
S2 14 18 16
38 18 1S 29
25 16 14 46
21 14 9 S6
22 29 22 27
31 21 20 29
46 23 18 13
42 19 26 13
S8 18 13 . 10
60 21 13 6
2S 30 26 21
46 18 14 22
53 18 15 14
44 19 22 15
18 16 24 43
0 114

19.. Is the availability of adequate
housing a problem?
20. Are there adequate employment opportunities?
21. Is unemployment a problem?
22. Is industrial development adequate?
23. Are recreation facilities adequate?
24. Do citizens participate in community
decisions?
25. Is there community pride and spirit?
26. Are medical facilities and staff adequate?
27. Is assistance to elderly people adequate?
28. Are child care or kindergartens adequate?
29. Are youth counseling services adequate?
30. Is assistance to the poor adequate?
31. Other (specify)
SECTION IV
Please check the column where you feel local
government should spend public money.
1. Crime prevention and control
2. Control of organized crime
3. Health and medical care
4. Assistance to old and poor
5. Retirement benefits
6. Water pollution
7. Solid caste disposal
8. Solid waste collection
9. Public kindergarten
10. Public education
8
15
20
56
11
10
17
63
13
8
15
63
14
8
13
65
11
10
20
58
11
18
25
46
.24
20
27
28
10
17
22
51
17
22
27
35
40
19
22
19
19
23
28
31
32
20
20
28
(1) No
Public
(2) Less
(3) Same
(4) More
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
2%
1%
_42 %
54%
9
3
43
45
8
8
31
64
1
4
37
57
7
2
44
47
2
2
45
50
2
3
34
61
4
4
33
59
5
6
57
32
1
4
47
49
40
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11. Community colleges $ technical institutes
12. Development of new employment opportunities
13. Job training for adults
14. Help in finding jobs
15. Regulations to control land use
16. Planning for preservation of wildlife areas
17. Development of tourist attractions
18. Develop agricultural production and
marketing
19. Industrial development
20. Purchase new land for public parks
21. Further development of forests and
parks for public use
22. Development of public recreational
facilities and programs
23. Support for libraries and museums
24. Preservation of historic sites
25. Public water system
26. Waterfront renewal
27. Enforcement of good building standards
28. Housing assistance
29. Other (specify)
15
2
36
47
6
2
14
77
8
4
32
56
9.
4
31
57
15
11
39
35
6
6
40
49
13
7
28
51
8
3
37
52
15
1
17
67
21
5
28
46
15
4
31
49
10
3
31
56
7
6
46
41
13
6
45
36
9
5
38
48
17
4
30
50
10
2
31
57
13
3
28
56
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SECTION V
If you had the opportunity -to choose the community in which you would live, how important
would the following characteristics be in making your decision?
None Slight Moderate Great
1. A good place to raise children
2. Quality of water and air
3. Quality of medical facilities
4. Quality of schools
5. Job opportunities
6. Friendliness of the community
7. Religious worship
8. Climate
9. Shopping facilities
10. Size of population
11. Racial integration
12. Recreational facilities.
13.. Near to .family and relatives
14. Opportunity for a voice in community affairs
15. Wide variety of clubs.and.organizations
16. Cultural opportunities
SECTION VI
Check the blank that indicates what size community you would like to live in.
1..
23%
In the country away from any city or village
2.
32%
In or near
a small town under 1,000 like Columbia.
3.
36%
In or near
a small town (under 10,000 people or about the size of Washington,
N.C.)
4.
7%
In or near
a small city (10,000 t0 50,000 people or about the size of
Greenville,
N. C.)
5.
1%
In or near
a medium sized city (50,000 to 200,OOO people or about the size
of Raleigh,
N. C.)
6.
1%
In or near
a metropolitan area (over 200,000 people or about the size of
Charlotte,
N. C. or Norfolk, Va.)
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SECTION VII
Please check whether you AGREE OR DISAGREE with
each statement about economic -development and
environmental development and environmental
protection in this county.
1. This county has enough -economic development
2. More -industry brought into the county will improve
the quality of life in'the county.
3. New industry locating in the county should be
required to protect natural resources.
4. Some type of control should be placed on mobile homes.
5. A person should be able to do anything he wants on his
land regardless of how it affects his neighbors.
6. A danger exists when development occurs very rapidly.
7. Economic development is more important than
environmental protection.
8. We would be better off if we controlled growth so
it occurred at a slow pace.
9. We have enough people living in the county now.
10. Some industries are not worth the problems they
bring with them.
11. We must plan our development so as to leavesomething
for future generations.
12. If I had a choice between more jobs and clean air and
water, I would choose more jobs.
13. If industry produced_goods.at.higher cost and did not
(1)
(2)
AGREE
DISAGREE
15%
85 %
73
27
67
14
76
19
62
21
79
95
32
pollute, I would be willing -to pay'for those goods. 71
14. Pollution from agriculture should be regulated 89
15. Other (specify)...
11
33
86
24
81
38
79
21
5
68
29
11
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SECTION VIII
Check the blank that indicates -how you feel about moving away if you had the opportunity.
1.
23%
I
would
never consider leaving.
2.
64%
I
would
move if I had to but would be reluctant to leave here.
3.
7%
It makes no difference to me whether I live here or in another community.
4.
4%
I
would
probably be more satisfied living in another community.
S.
2%
I
would
really like -to leave this community if I had the opportunity.
SECTION IX
1. In your opinion, which of the following suggestions for locating -structures on
mobile homes on waterfront property do you agree with-if.any:
53% 1.
16 % 2.
18 % 3.
14 % 4.
Require that all construction or location of -mobile homes on waterfront
property take place 100 feet inland from waters edge.
Require that all construction or location ofmobilehome on waterfront
property take place 50 feet inland from waters edge.
No requirements pertaining to setback from waters edge.
Any suggestions you may have pertaining to this question
2. Which of the following suggestions for retention of -existing trees along waterfront
property do you agree with if any:
20% 1. Require that all healthy trees 100 feet inland from waters edge be retained.
19% 2. Require that all healthy trees-50 feet inland from.waters edge be retained.
11% 3. Require that (circle one) 75% or 50% of all healthy trees 100 feet inland
from waters edge be retained.
20% 4. Require that (circle one) 75% or 50% of all healthy trees 50 feet inland
from waters edge be retained.
17% 5. No requirements for retention of any existing -trees along waterfront property.
13% 6. Suggestions you may have -pertaining -to this question
3. If in your opinion you feel the county would benefit from industry locating here,
what type would you.like to see. (specify)
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4. Where should industrial..sites be located in Tyrrell County? (Circle)
45% 1.
33% 2.
11 % 3.
5% 4.
Located in Columbia.and.fringe area
Scattered throughout -the county
Existing communit;i.es.(Gum Neck,.Scuppernong, Sound -Side,. etc..)
Other suggestions (specify)-.
S. Where should residential development be=located in Tyrrell County? (Circle)
29%
1.
Located in Columbia -.and fringe area
55%
2.
Scattered.throughout the county
•
11%
3.
Existing communities (Gum Neck, Scuppernong}..Sound Side, etc.)
5%
4.
Other suggestions (specify)
6..
Where should commercial development be -located in -Tyrrell County?
(Circle)
46%
1.
Located in Columbia and fringe area
36%
2..
Scattered.throughout:the county
12%
3.
Existing communities .(Gum Neck;.Scuppernong, Sound..Side, etc.)
6%
4.
Other suggestions.(specify)..
•
7.
In
general are there any other:comments or concerns you.have about
future develop-
.ment in your community which was not covered in this questionnaire.
(Please
specify)
•
If
you have any questions.concerning-this questionnaire or if we can assist you
in
any way, please call the County Coordinator or Planner's Office
at 796-7051
or
2551.
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APPENDIX
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SUMMARY
TYRRELL COUNTY
l.- Evaluation of your Public Participation Program
A. Does your land use planning depend on the local planner for direction
or does citizen involvement offer direction?
Particular emphasis and direction come. from the citizens, but organization
and structure are provided by the planner. "The planner does much of the work
because few others have the time needed to get such a new project underway."
Floyd Patrick, Planning Vice -Chairman.
• B. Unique features of your public participation program that might be
useful to other communities.
A teachers' workshop was conducted with John Buck from ECU to inform high
school educators of the issues and of the chance to involve their students.
• The nominal group process was used as a method to help the lay person go
through the steps of problem definition and solution. This process was used
to arrive at issues and goals statements.
C. How did you develop your Public Participation Program?
• The county commissioners and planning board appointed a citizens resource
committeq selected to have a representative from each township. The committee
discussed the Public Participation handbood suggestions and modified them to
fit Tyrrell situation.
D. Do -you consider your public involvement a success? Please explain.
Having started at point zero we have taken the first two steps: people are
informed and some are doing something. But a "success". can only be judged
over the long run, and the county program will be suddessful only if the effort
is encouraged, continued, and expanded under local leadership and initiative.
A Many people still feel a good deal of resentment towards the planning effort.
"They feel what they do with their land is nobody elsels business. They
wouldn't fill out the questionnaire,and they wont come to meetings because
they hope that if they ignore the situation it will all go away." Mildred
Walker,
Richard Reed, "It seems that 166 people have gotten involved by answering
the questionnaire. That's about 7% for this county. When San Bernadino,
California conducted a questionnaire survey they were very happy with a 3%
return."
Participation in general government has never before been an organized movement
' in Tyrrell. Usually it is limited to individuals or small groups "button-
holing" various county commissioners on a current crisis. Until CAMA came
along, land -use management was simply not seen as an issue. Even now,those
who have become -concerned about land -use issues still have trouble convincing
121

others of problems which may (or may'not) come in the future. The problems in
Tyrrell stem most ``often from lack of growth and not from too much growth.
Little has happened in this county - and people expect little to happen in the
future. So they do not participate in the numbers which one would expect from
a county like Dare. Yet, they are concerned: concerned about their declining
population, their housing shortage, and the high rate of unemployment. Because
of these concerns, many people have said they welcomed the chance to become
more aware of governmental tasks and responsibilities.
The people who have become involved here criticized others' lack of involvements
And they feel this stems from people's (and society's) tendency to react
rather than act. Those people who have been actively involved feel the
extension of the deadline and the draft plan may help to get others involved,
at least in refining the final document.
E. List some key citizens in your public participation program: names,
phone numbers.
Margaret Ann Griffin, Chairman, Citizens' Resource Committee 796-8971
Bert Davenport, Chairman, County Planning Board 796-6241
Floyd Patrick, Vice -Chairman, County Planning Board 796-8781
Joseph Landino, County Commissioner 796-3901
Claude Jones, Citizens Resource Committee 796-8541
Mildred Walker, Township Committee Member 796-8861
2. Steps taken to inform local citizens about the CAMA program
A. Newspaper
B. Radio
C. Television
D. Bulletins, Leaflets, Newsletters ,
E. Other Methods
The absence of any county -based media has been a large obstacle facing the
CAMA program in Tyrrell (no newspaper, radio, or TV station located in the
county). Thus, there is no way to keep the people informed of new develop-
ments short of direct person -to -person contact or massive mail campaigns. !j
The Coastland Times (Tyrrell circulation about 280) has frequently run
articles submitted by the planner, but there is enough information available
to have articles included in every issue (bi-weekly).
The Agriculture Extension program has worked well to inform people in extension
homemakers clubs and by frequent articles in the monthly newsletter. '
The major information program was carried out through meetings with clubs,
organizations, and through general county -wide sessions, The planner attended
approximately 26 meetings (as indicated in monthly reports) to explain the
purpose and requirements of the Act. Further.effort was organized according to
townships. But the township committees have been only partially effective. t
Good results have come fromt$cuppernong and Gum Neck Townships and, in the
absence of any response from the remaining three townships, we must rely on
the suggestions from Scuppernong and Gum Neck.
122

Peggy Griffin, Chairman of the Citizens1Resource Committee, wrote an open
letter to the Tyrrell Citizens which stated' the issues the county would be
facing. Included in this letter (mailed t6�approximately 1235 boxholders)
were dates for township meetings. After the township meetings, a questionnaire
was mailed to all boxholders,and another series of meetings was held. Posters
and news articles announced all meetings. All mailings went on county
commissioners I stationery.
3.; Opportunities for citizens to provide input.into land use planning
A. Personal interviews
Throughout the planning process, the planner has conducted numerous -personal
interviews with citizens of the county.
B. Surveys
A questionnaire on county issues was mailed to approximately 1235 boxholders._
Tt Was to be returned in a stamped, enclosed envelope.
C. Workshops and public meetings
Betsy Warren and David Stick held a special workshop with County Commissioners,
department heads, and other government people in Tyrrell. to explain CAMA.
All county -wide meetings have been publicized by posters, newsletter announce-
ments, and articles in The Coastland Times.
*
4. .Quality and quantity of feedback from the public
A. Approximate percentage of community providing input `
Approximately 7% of the adult population (226.2) answered the questionnaire.
Approximately 2% are involved regularly in meetings.
B. Are all ethnic groups and social strata involved?
.Economic Improvement Council and Senior Citizensf organizations were contacted
and involved in the issues and goals statement process. A special effort was
made to -include the black community,and good representation was obtained from
:i
Scuppernong township.
C. Resident non -voters were given the same opportunities to participate
in the planning process as were voters.
As non-residents constitute a.rather small percentage of county property
owners, no specific efforts were made to gain their participation.
D. Future participation activities planned
Future public participation activities will include more use of high school
students and more open meetings to discuss the draft plan.
1.23.

E. How are you reflecting the responses you are receiving into the land
use plans?
The actual land classification rests not only on the capability -of land but
also on the desires of the people. These people have been very straight -for-
ward on what they want (open country -side) and what they don't want (high
density development). Citizen response from the nominal group process has
been incorporated practically verbatim in the issues and goals section of the
plan.
The best thing that has resultedfrom these meetings is that people have come
together to talk about problems in general.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
•
Baker, Simon, Ed., Coastal Development and Areas of Environmental Concern, Chapel
Hill, University of North Carolina Sea Grant Program, 1975.
Barrick, Frank B., Critcher, T. Stuart., Wildlife and Land Use Planning With
Particular Reference to Coastal Counties, North Carolina Wildlife Resources
• Commission, Raleigh, April, 1975.
Barry, A. J., and Goodnight, J. H., Statistical Analysis System, Department of
Statistics NCSU, for N. C. Dept. of State Planning, Raleigh, N. C., 1975.
Board of Water and Air Resources, Rules, Regulations, Classification and Water
•guality Standards Application to the Surface Waters of North -Carolina,
Raleigh, Department of Natural and Economic Resources, 1972.
Carolina Population Center, Statistical Services Center, County Population Trends
in North Carolina 1790 - 1960, UNC and the N. C. Department of Adminis-
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•
Clark, John, Coastal Ecosystems, Ecological Considerations for the Coastal Zone,
The Conservation Foundation, Washington, D. C., March, 1974.
Coastal Resources Commission, Handbook on Public Participation in the Development
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• 1975.
Coastal Resources Commission, State Guidelines for Local Planning in the Coastal
Area Under the Coastal Area Management Act, Raleigh, 1975.
Coastal Zone Management in North Carolina, An Educational Program., N. C. Agri-
cultural Extension Service, NCSU, Raleigh, 1975.
East Carolina University.Regional Development Institute, Preliminary_ Data for
Tyrrell Counter Master Economic Development Plan, Workbook, Greenville, N. C.,
1971.
East Carolina University Regional Deveopment Institute, Participating State Agency
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N. C., 1971.
Endangered Species Committee, DNER, Preliminary List of Endangered Plant and Animal
Species in North Carolina, DNER, Resources management Section, Raleig , June,
• 1976,
Freeman, W. F. & Associates, Region R. Water Resources Management Plan, High Point,
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Freeman, W. F. & Associates, Water Resource Management Region R., Office of State
• Planning, Dept. of Administration, Raleigh, 1975.
Heath, Ralph C., Hydrology of the Albemarle -Pamlico Region, North Carolina, A Pre-
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F7
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•
McMillian, Martha N., A Study on Recreation and Park Planning in Northeastern
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Nelson, Perry F., Geology and Ground -Water Resources of the Swan Quarter Area,
• N. C., N. C. Dept. of Natural and Economic Resources, Ground -Water
Bulletin No. 4, Raleigh, 1964.
North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act, N. C. General Statute 113A-100,
1975 as amended.
a N. C. Department of Agriculture, North Carolina Agricultural Statistics, 1959,
U. S. Department of Commerce, Washington, D. C., 1960.
N. C. Department of Transportation, Seven -Year Highway Plan, N. C. Department
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• N. C. Department of Administration, North Carolina State Government Statistical
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N. C. Department of Administration, Profile of North Carolina Counties, Raleigh,
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North Carolina Soil and Water Conservation and Needs Committee, North Carolina
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North Carolina State University, Report on Master Plan Preparation First Colony
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Classification of the Alligator -Scuppernong Watershed, North Carolina
and Appendix, Raleigh, N. C., 1965.
Albemarle Regional Planning and Development Program, Overall Economic Development
Pro.qram, ARPDC, Edenton, N. C., November, 1971.
•
Ospina, E., and Danielson, L., North Carolina Land Use Data, N. C, Agricultural
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Population Research Unit, Office of State Planning, Population Estimates for N. C.
Counties and Municipalities, N. C. Dept. of Administration, Raleigh, 1975.
•
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•
Riggs, S. R., and O'Connor, M. P., Geological Bibliography of North Carolina's
Coastal Plain Coastal Zone and Continental Shelf, UNC Sea Grant Publi-
cation, Raleigh, June, 1975.
Rivers and Associates, A
Greenville, N. C.,
-ehensive Water and Sewer Study, Tyrrell Cou
1'.
Sharge, Bill, New Geography of North Carolina, Edward & Broughton, Raleigh,
N. C., 1966.
Soil Conservation Service, USDA, Outdoor Recreation Potential for Tyrrell County,
N. C., Columbia, N. C.
Soil Conservation Service, Shoreline Erosion Iventory of North Carolina, Raleigh,
August, 1975.
Tyrrell County Area Redevelopment Planning Board, Overall Economic Development
Program for Tyrrell County, Columbia, N. C., January, 1964.
U. S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Statistics for the Northern Coastal Plain
of North Carolina, 1974, Forest Service Resource Bulletin SE-30, Raleigh,
September, 19 4.
U. S. Dept. of Commerce Bureau of the Census, 1970 Census of Housing - Detailed
Housing Characteristics, N. C., HC(1)-635NC, USGPO, Washington, D. C.,-1972.
U. S. Dept. of Commerce Bureau of the Census1970 Census of Housing Characteris-
tics, N. C., HC(1)-A35 NC USGPO, Washington, D. C., 1971.
U. S. Department of Commerce Bureau of the Census, 1970 Census of Population
Characteristics, PC(1)-B35NC, USGPO, Washington, D. C., 1972.
U.
S. Department of Commerce Bureau of the Census, 1970 Census of Population
PC(1)C35NC, General Social and Economic Characteristics, USGPO, Washington,
•
D. C., 1972.
U.
S. Department of Commerce Bureau of the Census, 1970 Census of Po ulation-General
NC, PC(1 35CNC, Washington, D. C., 1961.
Social and Economic Characteristics,
•
U.
S. Department of Commerce Bureau of the Census, 1960 Census of -Population -Number
of Inhabitants, NC, PC(1)35ANC, USGPO, Washington, D. C., 1960
U.
S. Department of Commerce Natural Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National
Northern
Marine Fisheries Service, Anadromous Fisheries Research Pro ram
Coastal Region, St. Petersburg, Florida, March, 1975.
U.
S. Water Resources Council, Obers Projections, Series E., Bureau of the Census,
Washington, D. C., 1972.
Virginia
Electric and Power Company, Area Development Department, Economic Study of
Tyrrell County, North Carolina, Williamston, N. C., 1971.
0 127

0
Pt
f
•
1
This report was financed in part by the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration and the State of
North Carolina, and meets the requirements
of the North Carolina Coastal Area
Management Act of 1974.
0

810,ow,
COL
xw.
780,000'
720.000,
0P0,000'
Fil
H
s
d
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NOTE: MAP INCLUDES ONLY STATE MAINTAINED ROADS
OR IMPORTANT NON -SYSTEM ROADS.
MILEAGE NOT SHOWN ON FRONTAGE ROADS.
ROADS SHOWN AS OF JAN. 1, 1978.
LEGEND
PRIMITIVE OR UNIMPROVED ROAD
GRADED AND DRAINED ROAD
SOIL, GRAVEL OR STONE SURFACED ROAD
HARD SURFACED ROAD
�'�•�
4 LANE UNDIVM HIGHWAY
DIVIDED HIGHWAY
HIGHWAY WITH FRONTAGE ROADS
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FULL CONTROL ACCESS
FEDERAL ND INTERSTATE ROAD
FASFEDERAL
AID PRIMARY ROAD
FEDERAL AN) SECONDARY ROAD
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FEDERAL AID URBAN
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NON -SYSTEM ROAD
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PROJECTED LOCATION
INTERSECTION DISTANCE
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HIGHWAY INTERCHANGE
DETAILED HIGHWAY MEIECHANGE
10
MERSTAIE HIGHWAY
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U.S. NUMBERED HIGHWAY
NI
NC. NUMBERED HIGHWAY
1100
SECONDARY ROAD NUMBERS B 10,000'
UNDERGROUND CABLE
r---U--F-
RAILROAD, ANY NUMBER OF TRACKS
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RAILROAD, ANY NUMBER OF TRACKS
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LIGHT, NAUTICAL
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PROMINENT PEAK NUMERALS
:
INDICATE ELEVATION
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j
DRAW SPAN ON BRIDGE
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REST AREA
O
MONUMER-SMALL HISTORICAL SITE
O
BELL COUNTY
JORTH CAROLINA
PREPARED BY THE
XINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
HIGHWAYS —PLANNING AND RESEARCH BRANCH
IN COOPERATION WITH THE
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
SCALE
1 0 1 2 3 4 MILES
I,;�
0 0.5 1 MILE
SCALE FOR ENLARGEMENTS
10,000 FOOT GRID BASED ON NORTH CAROLNNA PLAN COORDINATE SYSTEBT
POLYCONIC PROJECTION
720,000,
690.000,
KEY TO COUNTY ROAD NUMBERS
I
SHEET 1 OF 1
DIVISION I DISTRICT 3 TYRRELL COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 177

EXISTING LAND USE
1976
LEGEND:
014
BULL
LAND CLASSIFICATION •NIP
1976
1200
LEG E N D: r35*55'_
Developed
z
��xl= Community
Rural
...........
Conservation U
(INCLUDES ALL SURFACE WATERS)
A E 0
jj
2
1220
2
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1709 41
1224
BAY 3
1214
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. . . . . . 1209
FAS n, 1h
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.27
1 209
COLUMBIA
902
1229
5*55'
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Trvi. BIG SAVANNAH
1300 Alligator
112 64
1y 117 1.2 t I 4U5 94
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-2
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V 1107
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YRRELL COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
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TYRRELL COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
SCALE
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EXISTING LAND USE
7976
LEGEND:
Residential
Commercial
Industrial
d Government �• ���� ���..�� �l ',�`/ N**
Institutional. _ '�
.,:. Cultural,zz
Entertainment, ^
Recreation 33`SO' a s" .,s" - -- 3550' -
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Land
Agriculture / 9`�
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Water
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(9 , o
PARK
Z �; A� r' d ! ��1 . 1!i ' Oi sre� " y m f ✓�/ a'�� ' ��� OlV e� n E" i
THE LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
Taking all this information together, it is possible to see which
land is suitable for development, which should remain farm-
land, and which should be preserved in its natural state. In order
to pull together this information we will use a system that
groups lands according to how they can best be used. This land
classification map generally shows how the land is being used
today, and how we want it to be used in the future. It shows
where and how much the county should grow, and where the
county has natural resources which should be protected. In the
future, the map will serve as a means of organizing govern-
mental activities at the local, state and federal level by provid-
ing a guide for public investment: that is, the construction of
community facilities. Simply stated, the map shows what,
when, and where we will need to build in order to have the right
facilities for the number of people we expect. The land classifi-
cation system should also help to provide a more equal sharing
of the land tax burden.
The land classification system only indirectly controls how
the land will be used by private citizens. Any of the government
bodies (local, state, or federal) can enforce a land classification
by giving or refusing money for public projects, depending on
how well the project follows the land classification system. For
example, if Tyrrell County wants to build a water system and
applies for a grant, certain conditions must be met. The county
would be expected to show that the water line was necessary
either for health reasons, or to serve built-up areas. In other
words, it would have to be in the developed or transition
category (see following description).
Farming and forestry are allowed in any of the five categories
of land.
The five types of land in the classification system are defined
below with a brief description of what they mean in Tyrrell
County.
DEVELOPED —Lands where existing population density is
moderate to high, and where there are many land uses which
have the necessary public services such as water and sewer,
good streets, hospitals, schools, etc.
Columbia is the only area which meets this definition.
Although the town does have all the essential services, it has not
used them to the fullest.
TRANSITION —Lands where either Columbia or Tyrrell Coun-
ty government plans to accommodate moderate to high density
development during the next ten years, and where necessary
public services will be provided to accommodate that growth.
COMMUNITY —Lands where low density development is
grouped in existing settlements or will occur in such settlements
during the following ten year period, and which will not require
sanitary sewer service now or in the future.
Several community areas exist mostly along the Sound Shore,
where the soils with moderate limitations are to be found.
Goat Neck on SR 1223 is classified as community, but no
more development should be encouraged in the area because of
the severely wet conditions.
Other areas classified as community include Colonial Beach
(SR 1203), Bull Bay (SR 1202), Travis (SR 113 and U.S. 64),
Scuppernong Village (SR 1226), Albemarle Shores and Rhodes
Haven (SR 1212), Va-Lee Beach (SR 1213), and Delshelvia
(east of SR 1219).
CONSERVATION —Fragile, hazard and other lands necessary
to maintain a healthy, natural environment; and necessary to
provide for the public health, safety, or welfare.
All of the conservation lands are associated with water
bodies. These lands include flood plains along the Scuppernong
River, prime wildlife habitat along the Alligator River, and
wetlands such as those on Long Shoal Point.
RURAL —Lands where highest use is for agriculture, forestry,
mining, and similar activities, based on their resources po-
tential.
All land in the county not classified as developed, transition,
community, or conservation is classified as rural.
Q
3
LAND CLASSIFICATION
1976
LEG E N D:
Developed "7`
z
Community
Rural
Conservation
( INCLUDES ALL SURFACE WATERS)
Z
0
0
Z
to
Q
3
L
A
R
M
a
O
o U Sr
1223
1121
SWAMP' l
1209 R r1 I
Fod L.
RRELL COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
SCALE
1 0 1 2 3 4 MUS
TYRRELL COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
SCALE
1 1 2 3 A #AZ5
This report was financed in part by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, the Coastal Plains Regional Commission, and the State of North
Carolina; and meets the requirements of the North Carolina Coastal Area
Management Act of 1974.
-L

Tyrrell County has some fine wildlife and fisheries habitat; it
seems that fishing is the major pastime for many people.
However, the Albemarle Sound has been closed to shellfishing
for a long time, and people say the fishing is not as good as it
once was. The black bear, bald eagle, and American alligator
can be found in the County. Pettigrew State Park, which
includes Lake Phelps, is the only public recreation area in
Tyrrell County. Legion Beach is privately -owned and publicly
managed.
Right now only Columbia offers water and sewer services.
However, the County is considering a county -wide water system
which would be built in stages with the plant located near
Travis.
The County is also in the process of planning a multi -purpose
community center for which it obtained a grant. The grant
monies are also to be applied towards improving housing
conditions throughout the County, since 50% of the residences
are not in good condition.
A WORD FROM THE CITIZENS
Getting all this information together means nothing until
people get together to take action. Unless someone decides
what's important and what's worthless, we all run around doing
a little bit here and a little bit there, but never getting anything
done.
In order to find out what was important to the people in
Tyrrell County, several open meetings were held and people
came and talked about what they thought the problems were,
and what could be done. A questionnaire was also mailed to
each box holder in the county, and the following tables show
the answers from 161 returned questionnaires. The following list
shows what these people felt were the 10 most important issues
in the county:
1. Lack of industrial development
2. Unemployment
3. Lack of employment opportunities
4. Lack of recreation facilities
5. Lack of available housing
6. No proper garbage disposal
7. Lack of medical facilities and staff
8. No citizen participation
9. No proper garbage collection.
10. Lack of tourist facilities
Further discussion at the meetings brought out more ideas
about other types of problems. As we sit down and think about
these we can see that one problem affects another problem,
which in turn affects yet another problem. This makes it hard to
solve one problem without making another problem worse. For
an example, let's look at two important issues in Tyrrell County
which affect many other areas -Population and Economy.
Tyrrell has the smallest population of any county in North
Carolina. People like it that way -friendliness, the open spaces,
the rural scenes. But the county is losing population -especially
its y(?ung-and people don't like the effect on the county:
problems like not having enough money to spend on garbage
collection and disposal, recreation programs, or a school audi-
torium; problems that come from having a small economy
where jobs are few and far between, and where 44% of the
people live below poverty level, and 50% of the housing is in
poor repair. New business doesn't come to the county because
there are so few people, and people don't stay in the county
because there are few businesses (job opportunities.) If there is
to be any change in this vicious circle, strong steps must be
taken to encourage economic development. Tyrrell's history
shows improvements won't just happen by themselves.
0 0 �
x
3
� N -
0
z
N W
� W
SUMMARY
n
0
3
3
of the
TYRRELL COUNTY
LAND USE PLAN
Prepared by the
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
and
CITIZENS
of Tyrrell County
North Carolina
With Assistance from
The Local Planning and
Management Services Section
Department of Natural and
Economic Resources
1976
0
m3 W
A� �c
3 Z D o PROPERTY OF
o ° D DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT
n> L) m
IJ J M
t, PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE
On the other side of the coin, many of the problems facing
the county are directly caused by people -no matter how many
or how few they may be. For instance, building a home means
taking either farmland or forest land. Too many homes means
that we may be seriously cutting back on forest and agricultural
production. Homes in the wrong place could mean that septic
tanks won't work, creating water pollution problems and pos-
sibly health problems. Homes built up and down the highways
create traffic hazards, result in lower speed limits, and ruin the
scenic qualities we all enjoy. The cost of county services needed
to correct these problems falls on the tax payer.
Most importantly, each person today has a greater effect on
natural resources than did the person who lived in Tyrrell
County 50 years ago. Even though we have 2000 fewer people in
Tyrrell County, we have more dumps, more cars, more mobile
homes, more water and sewer lines, more buildings, more
cleared land, more drainage channels, more hunters with better
guns, and more people looking for places to spend their leisure
time. We use more gas, spray more pesticides, eat more food,
wear more clothes, and use more water. All of this means the
natural resources in Tyrrell County are being used faster than
ever and this may harm the qualities we all find important. Even
if the population increases very little, we can expect a large
change in the effects on the natural resources.
So the main problems facing Tyrrell County are:
1. The loss of population
2. The poor economic situation
3. Increasing human needs and desires
-medical care
-government services (water, sewer, roads, schools)
-recreation
4. Increasing stress on natural systems
After these topics were discussed at the meetings, nine goals
were developed that seemed to address the major issues and
problems. These goals point out what the county is trying to
work towards, and help set the tone and direction for the Tyrrell
County Land Use Plan. These goals are not law, they do not
require the county to do anything, they only suggest or ask. The
Commissioners must decide what to do about these goals based
on common sense and economic considerations. For instance,
many people would like to see the county start a recreation
program, yet few seem willing to increase taxes or take money
from other programs to spend on recreation.
The accomplishment of these goals rests on how much you
are willing to do to keep the county on the right track. No
citizen support means no Commissioners' support. The follow-
ing goals have been accepted by the Planning Board and Board
of County Commissioners:
TYRRELL COUNTY GOALS
1. To weigh every governmental decision in the balance of
these goals and in the lights of the plans which follow from
these goals.
2. To stop the population decline by encouraging the improve-
ment of the county, especially, as a place of trade, ag-
ricultural production, and recreation opportunities.
A. Establish an economic development commission.
B. Protect prime agricultural land from interferring uses.
C. Encourage the development of year-round recreation
based businesses.
3. To recognize the importance of supporting Columbia in an
effort to revitalize the town as the county's center of
business.
4. To seek maximum participation by Tyrrell County citizens in
the decisions which will affect their lives: specifically to de-
velop programs which will inform citizens, in a timely man-
ner, of issues facing the county.
Did you know that in Tyrrell County
-90% of the soils cannot handle septic tanks
-69% of the county is owned by corporations
-Trailers increased 300% between 1969 and 1974
-44% of the people live below poverty level
-50% of the housing is in poor condition
-Only Bertie and Northhampton have lower income per
person (of 100 counties in N.C., Tyrrell is 98th)
and despite all this, most people would not live anywhere else!
If you knew more than half of this information you're very
well informed. Now, the Planning Board, Board of County
Commissioners, and Coastal Resources Commission asks that
you carefully read and study the rest of the information in this
article.
The idea behind this Synopsis -which is actually a summary
of a 100 page plan -is to bring each citizen the basic informa-
tion about how land use planning can work for Tyrrell County.
The information covers three major points:
1. Important issues facing the county -population size, hous-
ing, land drainage and clearing, water pollution, economic
development.
2. A land classification system which describes each piece of
of land in the county such as areas where public services
are available, areas to be protected, new subdivision areas,
and rural areas.
3. Areas of Environmental Concern which identify those lands
that are especially important such as marshland, bear habi-
tat, erosion areas, and public waters; and describes which
uses will be allowed in these areas.
As you can see these topics are close to each person's heart
(and purse) in Tyrrell County. But it's not just the importance to
Tyrrell County that makes this plan special. In 1974 the North
Carolina Legislature passed a law that required plans to be
prepared for Tyrrell County (and the 19 other coastal counties).
Why? Because among North Carolina's most valuable resources
are its coastal lands and waters which are some of the most
biologically productive regions of this State and of the nation.
In recent years, the coastal area has been experiencing increas-
ing pressures that result from expanding industrial develop-
ment, population, and recreational desires of citizens. Unless
these pressures are controlled, the very features of the coast
which make it rich will be destroyed. In 1974 the General As-
sembly found the need to create a comprehensive plan for the
protection, preservation, orderly development and manage-
ment of the Coastal Area of North Carolina.
This Synopsis explains the Coastal Area Management Act and
what it means to Tyrrell County. It has been sent to all
households in Tyrrell County and more copies can be picked up
at the Courthouse in Columbia. Copies of the full Land Use Plan
are also available.
WHAT IS A LAND USE PLAN
Basically a plan describes what it is you want, and how you
expect to get it. A land use plan describes how we want to use
the land in the county, and tells what we will do to encourage a
certain use of land. In the following sections, the past and
present conditions in Tyrrell County will be discussed in order to
show how and why land is used in a certain way today. As we
look at the past and present we will be able to see what forces
and working to change the future use of land: forces like popu-
lation changes, unemployment, economic development, land
taxes, farm mechanization, and government services.
5. To provide an environment in which every resident has the
opportunity to secure adequate, decent, safe, and sanitary
housing.
A. Direct residential growth into specific areas.
B. Limit the density of homes in rural areas.
C. Enact a housing code.
D. Establish a housing authority to provide low-income
housing.
E. Improve deteriorated areas by strict enforcement of
State Building Codes and Housing Codes.
6. To promote the management and use of all natural resources
according to the capability of the resource.
A. Limit unnecessary destruction of vegetation.
B. Clean up eye -sores such as dumps, junk cars, and trash.
C. Require industry and business to protect the natural
resources.
D. Encourage the continued protection of Wildlife habitat.
E. Encourage the gamelands system.
F. Encourage the use of flood plains as recreation places.
G. Properly manage and protect the shoreline, flood
plains, and wetlands.
H. Preseve the rural character of the county.
7. To improve recreational opprotunities
A. Provide a system of parks, beaches, playgrounds, and
boat ramps.
B. Develop recreational facilities and organized recrea-
tional programs.
C. Organize a recreation commission to oversee programs.
D. Encourage recreational enterprises.
8. To provide the most efficient quality government services
A. Manage water and sewer services to encourage quality
development.
B. Increase police protection for county and town.
C. Begin a solid waste management program.
D. Develop programs which will identify the health, med-
ical, and welfare needs of the county.
F. Seek state and federal programs to assist the county
in attaining these goals.
9. To provide functional and attractive transport routes
A. Discourage strip commercial or residential develop-
ment and billboards.
B. Encourage the use of the intra-coastal waterway.
MAKING THE PLAN WORK
The county has at least 6 possible ways of putting this plan
into action:
1. Using the Land Classification System.
2. Controlling development in Areas of Environmental Con-
cern.
3. Purchasing land.
4. Providing services and programs.
5. Taxing.
6. Regulations.
Developing a Land Classification System and controlling
development in Areas of Environmental Concern are two actions
which the State of North Carolina requires the county to take.
Both of these are described in the last two sections. The other
four are discussed here.
Government purchases of land may affect how other land is
used. An example of this is a state or local park. Once a park is
bought, recreational businesses may be encouraged -horse
stables, rental equipment, campgrounds, etc.; or perhaps new
vacation homes will be built near the park as is happening on
Lake Phelps. The location of the county's new multi -purpose
community center may affect traffic, parking and noise; or may
encourage more building.
When the government provides services and programs, land
uses can be affected. For example, if Tyrrell County decides to
build a water system in Scuppernong, you can pretty well guess
that most new houses will be built there. If the county organiz-
ed an economic development program, many changes could
happen in Tyrrell: new businesses, more people, new homes,
and so on.
Taxes also affect how land will be used. If a farmer's taxes are
too high, he may not be able to make a profit; instead of
farming, he turns his land into a subdivision, and retires. The
county can grant farmers -and some others -tax breaks to
encourage them to keep their land in production.
Finally, the county can directly control land use by enacting
certain laws. In 1972 Tyrrell County adopted a Subdivision
Ordinance which helps the county make sure that roads are
safe, that lots are large enough and properly laid out, and that
the rights of a buyer are protected. There are many other laws
the county could use including one requiring an environmental
impact statement from large developers, a zoning ordinance
which would help protect farmland, and minimum housing
codes which would make landlords repair their rental houses.
It is up to the county to decide which of these methods are
best for Tyrrell. It is important to understand that all four are
being used right now, but without considering their effect on
land uses.
POTENTIAL AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN
Even with the Land Classification System, there are still some
environmentally sensitive areas that need special protective
care, more care than the Land Classification System gives.
These lands are currently under study in all North Carolina
coastal counties to determine proper management procedures.
The following fragile areas are under study within Tyrrell
County.
Coastal Wetlands
Marshlands in Tyrrell County occur mostly along the Alligator
River and its tributaries, especially Goose Creek. The major
wetland is located on Long Shoal Point. In total, about 850 acres
of wetlands are located on 15 sites.
The majority of the wetlands in Tyrrell are in little danger
from development. Most occur in completely unpopulated
areas; but remain subject to the pressures of drainage, clearing
for farmland, or forest management. The wetlands have been
classified as Conservation. The preferred use for these areas is to
leave them in their natural state in order to guard the biological
and economic values of the marshes. Second choice is given to
development which requires water access and cannot function
elsewhere, such as ports, docks, and marinas. Any such de-
velopment will be allowed only if each of the following con-
ditions have been met.
1. Need for the project can be shown by the projected land
use demands and by community development objectives
as stated in the plan.
2. Other locations and designs have been considered and
judged to be unacceptable.
Estuarine and River Erodible Areas
Nearly 90 miles of Tyrrell's shoreline are losing soil at a rapid
rate. The Soil Conservation Service has determined how rapidly
the Albemarle Shore and Alligator Shore are eroding, and an
estimate has been made of how far the shoreline will erode in 25
years.
TYRRELL COUNTY -PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE
No one would argue that Tyrrell County is anything but rural.
With a population of 3,800 it is the smallest of 100 counties in
North Carolina. The popultion has fallen 30% since 1950, a loss
of 500 people. Another 200 people are expected to leave by
1980. Not until 2000 will the population be near 4,000 people
again. Scuppernong Township population has declined the
least, which may mean the area will be developing more in the
future. Gum Neck Township lost the most people.
Looking at the land use map, the yellow area shows us that
most people live in the northern part of the county; while Gum
Neck and Kilkenny are the only "pockets" of population in the
southern portion of Tyrrell. Houses have been built in strips
along the roads, most often along the edges of agricultural land.
Many of the new residences today are mobile homes. Subdivi-
sions are found mostly along the Albemarle Sound Shore. As
leisure time increases, people will continue to be attracted to
the waterfront; we can expect to see more development in these
areas.
Business and commercial (red) development is also found
mostly in the north, especially along Route 64 and in Columbia.
There is actually very little business or commercial development
of any sort in the county. Most businesses are service related
(hardware and grocery stores, service stations, etc.). A fish
processing plant operates inside Columbia and a small cut and
sew plant, farmers supply, lumber yards, and the government
are about the only other employees outside of agriculture.
There are no public or private economic development pro-
grams.
Today, as in the past, most of Tyrrell County is covered in
forests (green cross -hatched) or used for farming (brown cross-
hatched). There are no forest resource businesses other than
lumber yards, although Wayerhaeuser and other lumber com-
panies manage a good deal of land throughout the county.
Much of Tyrrell County is productive farmland, but there have
been some major changes made in farming operations. Farms
are fewer in number but larger in acreage, and machinery has
taken over many jobs while helping to improve crop yields.
Land clearing is rapidly changing forest to farm in Gum Neck,
and future development of animal feed lots can be expected.
The effect of First Colony Farms on individual farmers or on
other social characteristics of Tyrrell is not expected to be great.
Soil conditions greatly affect the use of land in Tyrrell
County. Of the 7 types of soils found here, five have major
drawbacks for development. Today's farms and managed forests
exist on good productive soils only because huge networks of
drainage channels have been built. These five soils types are not
good for sewerage systems, septic tanks, recreation develop-
ment, light industries, or roads and streets because of their
severely wet or flooded conditions.
The other two types of soil have fewer drawbacks. From an
agricultural standpoint, with some drainage these soils are
among the most productive in the Coastal Plains. In the future,
more development on these agricultural lands can be expected.
It is interesting to note that the better soils are found only in the
northern part of the county, where most of the people live. All
soils in Tyrrell require careful construction of septic tanks so
that the wastes do not pollute the ground water or surface
waters.
Within the area between the high water mark, and the 25-year
erosion line, permanent or substantial residential, commercial,
institutional, or industrial structures should not be built unless
erosion in the area has been controlled.
The areas along the Albemarle Sound are prime lands for
development in the county. These areas are affected by erosion.
Some of the areas are classified as Community and some as
Rural.
Public Trust Areas Including Estuarine Waters
Tyrrell County has many acres of lakes, streams, rivers,
canals, and sounds which are public trust areas. Public trust
means that the public has the right to freely use these waters.
Albemarle Sound and parts of the Scuppernong River, and the
Alligator River and its major tributaries are also estuarine
waters. (Estuarine water is where fresh water and salt water
mix). These waters are to be preserved and managed to protect
their biological, economic, and aesthetic values, and the public
rights of navigation and recreation.
Development of navigation channels, the use of bulkheads to
prevent erosion, and the building of piers or wharfs, where no
feasible alternative exists, are examples of land uses appropriate
within estuarine and public trust waters.
Any land use which would directly or indirectly block or
impair existing navigation channels, increase shoreline erosion,
deposit soil below mean high water, cause adverse water circu-
lation patterns, violate water quality standards, or compromise
other public trust rights, is not appropriate.
State Parks
Pettigrew State Park, including Lake Phelps, lies partially
within Tyrrell County along the Tyrrell -Washington boundary.
Although the park is in a rural farm section of the county,
development along the land shore may harm the park. The
canals leading to the Lake are important to the fishing industry.
The State of North Carolina is responsible for all uses of land
and water within the State Parks. The park is classified as
Conservation.
Rare and Endangered Species
The alligator and possibly the eagle occur along the Alligator
River. Protection of the wooded swamps is necessary to pre-
serve sutitable habitat; any land use which would harm the
habitat would not be allowed.
The lands are classified as Conservation.
IN CONCLUSION
The Coastal Area Management Act was designed to protect
people by protecting the natural resources on which we all
depend. As we look at Tyrrell County's plan we must realize that
there are no final answers to our problems -only intelligent
choices -and each of us has a responsibility to ourselves and to
future generations to see that our choices are put to work, and
kept up to date. Only with time and effort can we expect to
accomplish the goals we set out in the plan.
Thank you for your continuing interest and concern in
developing the Tyrrell County Land Use Plan.
Sincerely,
Lem Cohoon Joe Landino
Dan Davis Floyd Hollis
George Dawkins