CAMA Land Use Plan Update 1994-1994

LAMA LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
1994
The County of Washington, North Carolina
Final
Prepared by
Washington County Board of Commissioners
and
The Cox Company
Urban Planners • Landscape Architects
Development Consultants • Civil Engineers
Charlottesville, Virginia
The preparation of this report was financed in part through a grant provided by the North Carolina
Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as
amended, which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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1994 CAMA LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
WASHINGTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
Uble of Contents
Chapter
Page
I. Introduction
Introduction to the Planning Process
I-1
The Coastal Area Management Act
I-2
Establishment of Demographic and Land Use Data Base
I-4
Establishment of Land Use and Environmental Goals
I4
Public Participation and the Planning Process
I-5
H. Data Collection and Analysis
Introduction
II-1
Establishment of the Information Base
II-1
Present Conditions: Population and Economy
II-1
Tables and Graphs
II-6
III. Existing Land Use
Summary of Existing Land Use III-1
Significant Land and Water Compatibility Problems III-3
Major Problems From Unplanned Development III-4
Areas Experiencing Major Land Use Changes III-4
Existing Land Use Analysis III-5
IV. Review of Current Plans, Policies and Regulations
Local Plans, Policy Studies and Regulations
IV 1
State Agency Plans
IV-3
Federal Regulations
IV-4
V. Constraints: Land Suitability
Introduction
V-1
Physical Limitations for Development
V-2
Fragile Areas
V-5
Areas With Resource Potential
V-12
Land Suitability Constraints Map
V-16
VI. Constraints: Carrying Capacity Analysis
VII. Estimated Demand
VIII. Goals, Objectives and Policies
Introduction
VIII-1
Policy Guidelines and CAMA Study Process
VIII-1
Consideration of Policy Alternatives
VIII-3
Recommended Planning Policies for Washington County VIII-4
Resource Protection
VIII-6
Resource Production and Management
VIII-13
Economic and Community Development
VIII-17
Public Participation
VIII-23
Storm Hazard Mitigation
VIII-26
IX. Land Classification System
Developed Areas
IX-3
Urban Transition
IX4
Limited Transition
DI-5
Community Areas
IX-7
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1994 CAMA LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
WASHINGTON COUNT%NORTH CAROLINA
Table of Contents (con't)
Chapter
IX. Land Classification System (con't)
Rural Areas
Rural With Services
Conservation
Intergovernmental Coordination and Implementation
Land Classification Map
X. Relationships of Policies and Land Classification
AI. Appendix h Public Participation Plan
AII. AppendixM- Policy CritiqueQuestionnA,*p
Page
IX-8
IX-8
IX-9
IX-12
IX-14

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' Introduction
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Washington County Land Use Plan • 1994
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1994 CAMA Land Use Plan Update
CHAPTER I:
General Introduction
A. Introduction to the Planning Process
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Washington County • North Carolina
The 1994Land Use Plan is designed to be used as a guide for the physical
development of Washington County focusing on the upcoming ten year time
frame. This Plan, along with responsible leadership in its
implementation, provides a means by which theCounty's future growth can
be successfully channeled and accommodated. The overall purpose of the
Land Use Plan is to encourage the development of a safe, healthy, and
economically sound living environment for the citizens of the County. The
Land Use Plan focuses on those factors which contribute to or hinder proper
growth and development, and identifies those areas in which the County
government can have a positive impact.
The Land Use Plan is not the gospel, but, rather, it is a document which
presents the County government's bestattemptat defining its "vision" for
the future and suggests ways to attain that "vision." The attitudes and
desires of County residents undergird the goals, policies and
implementation recommendations which will be adopted into this
document. The participation of Washington County's citizens has been an
essential contribution to setting the course for future land development and
environmental conservation activities.
By preparing a Land Use Plan which is integrally tied to its precedent
goals, objectives and planning policies and yet incorporates future goals
and objectives, the old adage that "it is not enough tobe what we have been"
is underscored. Towards this end, one of theinitial steps in this planning
process was to define these future goals, to translate those goals into
objectives by which they would be realized, and to establish policies and
strategies by which the goals can be implemented for thebettermentof the
community of interest. In arriving at the set of goals and objectives which
have been recommended for the Washington County Land Use Plan, three
major and distinct efforts were undertaken in order to ensure that the
planning process proceeded along this rational line and with the assurance
that the adoption of future land use recommendations would be constructed
on a firm social, economic, moral and legal underpinning.
The initial effort in this regard was to undertake a thorough review and
analysis of all previous County plans and growth management documents.
By carefully evaluating land use goals and objectives from earlier plans,
the County Commissioners were able to assess the "suitability" and
Introduction • I-1
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update
Washington County • North Carolina
"workability" of past planning strategies. In doing so, past planning goals
were then updated, refined and merged into the context of the current Plan's
study requirements.
Secondly, the Washington County planning process incorporated a range of
citizens' inputand participation opportunities which enabled all interested
parties to express their visions and expectations for the future of the County.
' An extensive citizen's attitude survey was conducted as well as multiple
work sessions with both public officials and private citizens. The
consolidated findings were used by the County officials in making the
final recommendations for the Plan. This effort complied with the
requirements of the Coastal Area Management Act and other State
guidelines affecting area -wide land use goals, objectives and
' implementation strategies for environmentally sensitive areas of the
County.
Thirdly, the Planning Board, County Staff and its Consultants kept a goals -
oriented "vigil" during the development of the multi -faceted land use
planning and growth management recommendations for the County. In
doing so, theywere able tomaintain ahigh level ofleadership and objective
focus as the many "nuts and bolts" aspects of this Land Use Plan were
being developed and as numerous land use alternatives were evaluated.
' The result of this thorough goals -directed planning effort yielded a more
consistent land use planning program and a more efficient framework for
the future management of growth in Washington County.
B. 'Ilie Coastal Area Management Act
' The Coastal Area Management Act of 1974--commonly know as CAMA--
established a cooperative program of coastal area management and
planning between local governments and the State. Washington County
has been an active and productive participant in theCAMA process since its
inception. Land use planning lies at the center of Washington County's
involvement with CAMA, inasmuch as it has provided County leaders an
opportunity and responsibility to establish and enforce policies to guide
land development on a 5-year cyclical basis.
The Coastal Resources Commission's Land Use Planning Guidelines are
' very clear on the Commission's position regarding the importance of local
planning:
1 The Car Company
Introduction • I-2
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1994 CAMA Land Use Plan Update
The Cox Company
Washington County • North Carolina
'Land development generally takes place as the result of
decisions by private individuals and government. If left entirely to
chance, the resulting pattern of development in a locality may well
not be in the best overall community interest. In order to promote
this community interest for both present and future generations, a
land use plan is to be developed, adopted and kept current by the
local governments in the coastal area.
The land use plan is a framework that will guide local
leaders as they make decisions affecting development. Private
individuals and other levels ofgovernment will also use the plan to
guide their land use decisions. Use of the plan by these groups will
lead to the more efficient and economical provision of public
services, the protection of natural resources, sound economic
development, and the protection of public health and safety. '
Washington County's leadership, through the CAMA land use planning
process, has addressed many issues and has adopted policies that serve to
guide thedevelopment of the County. This process recognizes thatmany
decisions affecting land development are made by other levels of
government (regional, state, federal), and that local policies must take
account of and harmonize with established state and federal laws.
However, most land use decisions are primarily those of local relevance,
concern and control. By comprehensively addressing these issues via the
Land Use Plam state and federal agencies will suPPort the County's Policies
that deal with these issues. These agencies will also use theCountyland
use plans and policies in making project consistency, funding and permit
decisions. It is important to note that in the absence of a regularly updated
and adopted Plan, the County relinquishes a number of local decision
making responsibilities to State and Federal agencies which may, or may
not, have the best interest of Washington County's citizens at heart.
Pursuant to the established guidelines of the Coastal Area Management Act
(as amended), the Coastal Resources Commission rules for planning
require the Washington County Land Use Plan to contain the following
four basic minimum elements:
• a summary of data collection and analysis
• an existing land use map
• a land use and environmental policy discussion
• a land classification map
Introduction • 1.3

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1994 CAMA Land Use Plan Update Washington County • North Carolina
C. Establishment of a Demographic and land Use Data Base
The data collection and analysis items required by CAMA are designed to
establish the information base necessary to make policy choices about
future land use and development in the County. These items have been
formulated so as not to place unnecessary burden on the local planning
resources. The data requirements can generally be fulfilled by utilizing
existing local plans and studies including the previous Land Use Plan
Updates, as well as information provided by the U. S. Census, regional
planning bodies and State agencies.
D. Establishment of IBnd Use and Environmental Goals and Policies
' TheCox Company
The County's Land Use Plan is required by CAMA to contain statements of
local policy on those land use issues which will affect the community
during the upcoming ten-year planning period. The major issues should
include, but are not limited to:
• ResourreProtection
• Resource Production and Management
• Economic and Community Development
• Public Participation
• Storm Hazard Mitigation and Recovery
Rather than incorporate additional topical areas for major issues, the
Planning Board has determined that the above categories are sufficient for
this Plan Update. Other traditional planning topics such as transportation,
recreation, education, employment and growth management controls have
been integrated into the examination and discussions of the five major
CAMA policy categories.
It is incumbent upon the drafters of the County Land Use Plan to ensure to
the greatest extent possible that there is consistency among individual
policies developed in each policy category. Particular attention should be
given to individual policies in the resource protection, resource production
and management, and economic and community development categories.
These three categories will often contain issues of overlapping as well as
conflicting ideologies and philosophies. The result is that potentially
competing and contradictory goals, policies and strategies must be
forcefully addressed and sensitively resolved during the planning
process.
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1994 CAMA Land Use Plan Update Washington County • North Carolina
E. Public Participation in the Planning Process
Public participation is the cornerstone of the planning process. In
complying with CAMA planning guidelines, the Land Use Plan must
document the means by which public involvement in the land use plan
update was accomplished. As a minimum, the Coastal Resource
Commission rules for planning mandate that the County's Plan must
address the following public participation issues:
• a description of means to be used for public education on
planning issues;
' a description of means to be used for continuing public
participation in planning; and
• a description of means to be used for obtaining citizen input
in developing land use plan policy statements.
In fulfilling these Coastal Resource Commission rules for public
involvement, the County leadership has prepared policies based upon data
analysis, land use inventories as well as detailed citizen input related to
thebest possible alternative for each land use issue. The Land Use Plan
includes a description of the methods by which the County intends to
implement its policy choices.
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The Car Company
Introduction • 1-5
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Chapter II.
Data Collection and Analysis
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1 1994CAMALand Use Plan Update
CEAPTER. II:
Data Collection and Analysis
Washington County " North Carolina
Introduction
The 1994Land Use Plan update for Washington County complies with the
"Land Use Planning Guidelines" of the North Carolina Administrative
Code (NCAC) Subchapter 7B as amended in October of 1989. This section of
the Code outlines the requirements of the Coastal Area Management Act
(CAMA) established in 1974. Italso "sets forth general standards for use by
the Coastal Resources Commission in reviewing and considering local
land use plans."
The first CAMA Land Use Plan for Washington County was prepared in
1976. The initial update was completed in 1980and the second update was
completed in 1985. The purpose of the update is primarily for the
examination of existing policies and the evaluation of the relevancy and
adequacy of the techniques for implementation based on demographic and
physiographic changes over the past eight years since 1985.
A. Establishment of the Information Base
' The following information base is provided to establish a statistical
foundation for use during the formation of goals, policies and
implementation techniques. Information on population, housing,
economics and land use was obtained from a variety of reliable public and
private sources. Most of the data related to demographics came from the
most recent U.S. 1990 Census of Population and Housing. Additional data
was acquired from State and Local sources such as the North Carolina
Statistical Abstracts (see Appendix for complete listing). Windshield
surveys and an analysis of building permit data were conducted to update
existing land use patterns and classifications. Interviews and work
sessions were conducted with various County staff as well as elected and
appointed officials. Information for theperiod preceding the 1985Land Use
Plan Update was obtained from that document and is presented, in part,
herein for comparison with more recent statistics.
B. Present Conditions: Population and Economy
1. Population
Washington County, located on the Roanoke River and the Albemarle
Sound of North Carolina, is a rural coastal area primarily dependent on
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Washington County • North Carolina
agriculture and forestry for its economic well-being. The County's 1990
population of 13,997persons is slightly less than its population in 1980 of
14,801persons and significantly less than the Census projected population
figure of 16,019persons for 1990. The population base in Washington
County has fluctuated slightly since 1970 around 14,000 persons.
Washington County is slightly smaller than some of its neighboring
counties. The decline in population between 1980 and 1990 is however
greater than its neighboring counties, by at least 2%. See Table 11-1 for a
regional comparison of population trends for WashingtonCounty and
selected population projections.
According to the 1990 Census, Washington County's female population
currently outnumbers its males, with females being 52.5% of the total
population. Projections to the year 2000indicate a continuation of this
pattern. This trend holds true for all of North Carolina as well. This
female predominance is partially attributable to the national demographic
trend of females outliving males. Within the older age cohorts of
Washington County, theresults of longer female lifespans are witnessed:
Ages 65-69,365females to303males; ages 70-74,285females to211males
and ages 75+, 506 to 268. See Table 11-2 for the figures which show these
trends.
' While the current data and projections indicate no major change in overall
age group percentages, a minor population aging pattern is predicted to
emerge from 1990 to 2000. Currently, the highest concentrations of
Washington County's residents occur in the age cohort groups of 5-19 and
30-44. It is expected thatas the "baby boom" generation ages, increasing
stress will be placed on housing facilities targeted for the older (55+) age
1 bracket. The high percentage of the population within the school age bracket
emphasizes the need for maintenance and/or improvements to the school
system.
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The Car Company
The racial composition of Washington County has shifted gradually since
1970,with an increasingly greater percentage of minorities living in the
County. Even though the number of non -whites, the majority of whom are
African -Americans, has decreased by approximately 18 persons from L980
to 1990, the percentage of non -whites in the County has increased by 2.4
percent. This seeming disparity is due to an overall decrease in the total
population by 804persons. The number of whites has correspondingly
decreased from being 56.4 percent of the population in 1980to 54.0 percent i n
1990. See Table 11.3 for population comparisons, as taken from the 1990
Census.
Data Collection and Analysis • 11- 2
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Washington County • North Cardin
The main purpose of providing population projections in conjunction with
the Land Use Plan is toestablish ademographic benchmark against which
land use decisions regarding type, mix and character of real estate as well
as potential impacts on Areas of Environmental Concern may be tested.
Population forecasting is, at best, an "educated guess," as witnessed by the
off -target figure of the projected (16,019) versus the actual(13,997) population
for 1990.
a. Population Summary
The analysis of existing and projected population figures in Washington
County suggests the following trends:
1. The total County population has not increased at the rate at which it
was expected from 1950 to 1990. It can be assumed that, barring any
unforeseen occurrence, the population will continue to fluctuate around
14,000 persons until the end of the decade.
2. The school age (ages 5-19) population is one of the largest age
-� groups. Attention given to the maintenance and possible improvements of
educational facilities should be a key priority in the coming decade.
3. The "middle" segment of the population (ages 30 to 44) is one of the
largest age groups in the County as well. As this group ages, it will be
necessary to increase facilities for health and nursing care.
4. The seasonal population fluctuation within the County is nominal.
5. The current population density for Washington County is
approximately 42 persons per square mile.
1� 2. Housing
According to the U.S. Census definition, a household includes all persons
who occupy a single housing unit. A housing unit is defined as a single
room or group of rooms occupied as a separate living quarter; single family
detached homes, townhouse units, apartments, and condominiums are all
i considered single housing units. Persons living in group quarters or
I� institutions, including hospitals, asylums and jails are not considered
members of households.
The Car Company
Washington County has 2.7 persons per household, with a total of 5,052
households. This number is slightly higher than the 2.5 persons per
household figure recorded for North Carolina. See Table M-4 for
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Washington County • North Carolina
Icategory with surrounding counties in the region, categorized by State
fiscal year. The source in all cases was the U.S. Census Statistical
Abstracts and County Business Patterns.
C. Tax Base
The tax base for Washington County has remained fairly steady between
theyears 1986 and 1992. The figures below show the total tax base for the
County, as recorded on January 1 of each year. Tax base information is
supplied from County records, as shown in Table 11-9.
1986 346,548,934
1987 344,144,947
1988 339,592,053
1989 376,706,122
1990 385,932,822
1991 388,420,540
1992 389,778,686
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1993 391,579,743
d. Employment
The labor force figures represent the employment status of the residents of
I� Washington County. Employment of the County's labor force increased by
314persons between 1986 and 1989. Employment decreased by 91persons
between 1989 and 1990,and again increased by 83 persons in 1991. From
I� 1991to 1992, therewas a dramatic decrease of 253employed workers, despite
no significant change in the unemployment rate between these years. The
drop in numbers between 1991 and 1992 is likely due to an overall decrease
'i of 232persons in the total County labor force. The employment statistics
(� table was obtained from the U.S. Census.
During thelast five years, theunemployment level peaked in 1992 with 417
of Washington County's labor force participants being without jobs, an
overall rate of 6.8 percent. The lowest number for unemployment was in
1989, when there were 237 unemployed persons for a rate of 4.2 percent. By
comparison, the unemployment ratefor North Carolina was 5.49 percentin
1992 and 3.5 percent in 1989. See Table 11-6 for employment statistics.
1 The Car Company Data Collection and Analysis • 11.5
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Washington County • North Carolina
Table II-2
Population by Age and Gender: 1990
Washinaton Countv
Age Cohort
Male
Female
Total
0-4 years
518
511
1,029
5-19 years
1,640
1,654
3,294
20-24 years
431
472
903
25-44 years
1,964
2,110
4,068
45-64 years
1,319
1,446
2,765
65 years and olderl
782
1 1,156
1 1,938
Totalsl6,654
7,349
1 13,997
Percentag4 47.50
52.50
1 100.00
Population by Age and Gender : 1990
North Carolina
Age Cohort
Male
Female
Total
0-4 years
233.576
225,379
458,955
5-19 years
703,101
671,190
1,374,291
20-24 years
288,510
265,446
553,956
25-44 years
1,064,393
1,087,093
2,151,486
45-64 years
611,002
674,606
1,285,608
65 years and olderl
313,708
1 490,633
1 804,341
Total 3,214,290
1 3,414,347
1 6,628,637
Percenta 48.49
51.51
100.00
' The Car Company
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Washington County • North Carolina
Table II.3
Population by Race: 1980-1990
Washinaton Countv
1980.1990
1980.1990
Race
1980
1990
Population
Percent
Change
Change
White
8,342
7,556
-786
-10.4%
Non -white
6,459
6,441
-18
-0.3%
Total
14,801
13,997
804
5.74
Population by Race: 1980-1990
North Carolina
1980.1990
1980.1990
Race
1980
1990
Population
Percent
Change
Change
White
4,460,570
5,008,491
547,921
12.3%
Non -white
1,421,196
1,620,146
198,950
14.0%
Total
5,881,766
6,628,637
746,871
12.7%
The Car Company
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Table li-4
Washington County
Housing Characteristics: 1990
Total Persons
13997
Persons in Households
13762
Persons Per Household
2.72
Total Households
5052
Total Single Family
2881
Total Multi -Family
10
Mobile Home/Trailer
797
Total Vacant Units
592
Total Renter Occupied
1333
Total Owner Occupied
3719
Average Rent Asked
$185
Average Price Asked
$49,155
ITlie Car Company
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Washington County a North Carolina
Table 11.5
Washington County Employment
by Place of Work
Employment sector
Washington County
Em to ee! % of Total
North Carolina
Em to ee! % of Total
Ratio (%)
County/State
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing
560
11.30
12.571
0.48
4.52
Mining
0
0.00
3.912
0.15
0.00
Construction
108
2.15
156,790
6.04
0.07
Manufacturing
Z709
53.88
868.534
33.45
0.31
Transportation d Public Utilities
215
4.28
145.984
5.62
0.15
Wholesale Trade
200
3.98
IS4,294
5.94
0.13
Retail Trade
807
16.05
527.271
20.31
MIS
Finance, insurance 6 Real Estate
99
1.97
134,832
5.19
0.07
somicas
283
5.63
573,484
22.09
0.05
Ilnclassilied Establishments
39
1 0.78
1 18,640
1 0.72
1 0.2t.
Tolsl3 5.026 100.00 2.596.312 100.00
Unclassl5ed Establishmonts
se.kes
Finance, Ynwance a Real
Estate
Retail Trade
�^ Wholesale 7,ade
° Tanspnrlalion 4 Pubs:
Utilities
i- Maialaclwing
Lensayelbn
Mining
AgOcutene. Fwes4y, Fishing
0
Washington County Employment by Place of Work 19 9 0
500 I.o00 1.500 2.000 2,500 3,000
N°mbw W Persons
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Table 11-6
County/State Employment Statistics
1986.1990
Labor Force by
Employed by
Unemployed by
Unemployment
County/State Year
Piaee of Residence
Place of Residence
Place of Residence
Rate (%)
Washington lose
5,443
5.099
344
6.3
1987
5,480
5,152
328
6.0
1988
5.548
5,270
278
5.0
1989
5.632
5.413
237
4.2
1990
5.583
5,322
261
4.7
North Carolina 1986
3,177,000
3,008,000
169,000
5.3
1987
3.276.000
3,130.000
146,000
4.5
1988
3.319.000
3.199.000
120.000
3.6
1989
3.391,000
3.272.000
119,000
3.5
1990
3.401,000
3.262.000
139.000
4.1
Washington County Unemployment Rate
1990
.r—rrr�-
1989 �.;�g-.F3',z s',`.I xxd?t x �.«45 ,'-.a,
a 1988 :ng5''ta,45i�t,`3`, Y4 Fe'rok�., 3b rF xs2 ='xkl Fri "5��ix{i icHFta `e.
1987
1986aFf
0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0
Unemployment Rate (%)
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Table II-7
Washington County
Businesses, Employees and Payrolls
1985-1989
Year
Number of
Establishments
Annual
Payroll
Number of
Employees
1989
267
$123,269,000
4,535
1980
262
$116,392.000
4,447
1987
261
$108,059,000
4,205
1986
256
N/A
N/A
1985
255
N/A
N/A
Number of Establishments
1985
1986
u 1987
r
1988
.j
248 250 252 254 256 258, 260 262 264 266 268
Number
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Table 11.10
1909 REGIONAL ASSESSMENT: TRAVEL & TOURISM
Stale
Local
County
Expenditures
Payroll
Employment
Tax Receipts
Tax Receipts
($000)
($000)
(Persons)
(S000)
($000)
Washington
$5,320
$830
90
$230
$100
Beaufort
18,730
2,710
250
810
420
Berke
3,390
350
30
150
60
Hertford
12,660
1,940
190
550
350
Marlin
12,660
2,340
250
520
310
Pitt
71,650
14,250
1,460
2,880
1,700
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Chapter III.
Existing Land Use
Washington County Land Use Plan • 1994
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CHAPTER III:
Eidsting Land Use Analysis
Summary of Existing Land Use
A. Introduction
IThe Car Company
Washington County • North Carolina
A major element in the formulation of the Land Use Plan Update is an
understanding of theland use changes which have taken place over thefive
year interim. It is important to understand the existing trends and patterns
of development when designing new goals, policies and implementation
techniques. Future development patterns and growth management
strategies will be greatly influenced by the County's current distribution,
pattern of development and concentration of existing land uses. The
following section describes the seven existing land use patterns, these
being Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Forestal, Agricultural,
Conservation and Recreational. See Table III-1 for an outline of existing
land uses.
1. Residential
The two primary patterns of residential land use are clustered in
crossroads development and in linear form along primary and secondary
transportation routes. The location of new housing constructed since the
1985 Land Use Plan Update seems to follow these two basic patterns, with
new development more specifically clustered around the U.S. 6f
transportation route as it passes through the three towns of Plymouth, Roper
and Creswell. Residential development in the form of vacation homes and
single family dwellings along the Roanoke River has also increased since
the last Plan Update. Residential building permits issued between 1986 and
1992 indicate a slightly fluctuating decline in residential construction,
with an average of 110anits built peryear. The rate of mobile home permits
issued during these years remained relatively steady at 114 permits per
year.
The County contains approximately 6,500 acres of residential use. These
residences are primarily single family dwellings. The County also
contains several compact residential developments occupied by bothsingle
family and duplex dwellings. These dwelling units are dispersed
throughout the community and are not concentrated in any one specific
area. There are nine subsidized housing developments which are of a
noticeably good quality. These developments are listed as follows:
Existing Land Use • HT I
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Plymouth
• Riverview Apartments
�,
• Old Towne Apartments
• Woodview Apartments
Plymblee Court
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• Paylor Court
Roper
0 Union Court
• Pinetree Court
' Creswell
• Sommerset Court
• Albemarle Court
2. Commercial
Washington County • North Carolina
Not unlike other communities in the State, real estate and transportation
pressures have resulted in the displacement of many retail locations from
central downtown locations to the highway commercial strip. Such a
commercial strip in Washington County is located along U.S. 64. This
area has been the primary location of retail and service growth over the last
ten years. The "strip" is characteristic of most other such "strip"
commercial developments and contains a broad array of gas stations,
small retail and dining franchises and large chain establishments, in
addition to the Washington County Hospital and a nursing home.
The Washington County government office building is located in
downtown Plymouth as are the Washington County Courthouse and
administrative buildings. Other County support services, such as police,
fire and rescue, are located in Plymouth as well.
3. Industrial
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The most concentrated development of industrial use within the County
occurs along the "Bypass" or commercial strip along U.S. Route 64.
Industrial facilities located there are relatively small and self-
contained.Wayerhaeuser is located directly adjacent tothe Roanoke River
which makes it clearly visible from the central business district of the
'
Town of Plymouth. Recent expansion of this plant is evident along Route
149 or Ken Towbridge Road. Most of the Weyerhaeuser employees reside in
Washington County or its towns. The County contains approximately 2500
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acres of industrial use.
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t1994CAMALand Use Plan Update Washington County • North Carolina
4. Forestal
There are significant private holdings of timber land located throughout
the County. Georgia Pacific and Weyerhaeuser own a timber tractbetween
Long Ridge Road and Highway 32; a large tract between Highway 99 and
the Town of Roper is owned almost exclusively by Weyerhaeuser. Bull's
Bay is a forest wetland. Some forestal tracts have been converted to
agricultural use since 1980. The County currently contains 101,858acres of
forest land.
1 6. Agricultural
Agricultural use is also prevalent throughout the County. Farm use and
other related agricultural uses make up nearly 108,306 acres of the County.
6. Recreational
In addition to several passive and active recreational opportunities offered
in theTowns of Plymouth, Roper and Creswell, there are several public and
private recreational areas within the County for the residents. The Pungo
National Wildlife Refuge, a federally owned property, offers non intensive
activities for the observation of wildlife and nature and limited waterfowl
hunting. The major state land holding, Lake Phelps and Pettigrew State
Park, offers similar recreation opportunities, plus boating and camping.
In addition, there are four separate boat launch areas throughout the County.
These include; Zeb Vance Norman Bridge, at Conaby Creek, Deep Creek
and the Downtown Ramp. The recently appropriated wildlife refuge at
First Colony Farms is another source for recreation.
IExisting land uses and acreages are included at the end of this chapter.
IB. Significant Land and Water Use Compatibility Problems
A land use compatibility problem generally concerns land use types which
somehow restrict expansion or additional investment on adjacent
properties with other land uses. The elimination of land and water use
compatibility problems is a primary goal of the CAMA regulations and
guidelines set by the Coastal Resource Commission. The County has
adopted and incorporated these regulations into its land use policies to
ensure consistency while also allowing some local flexibility in
determining growth management needs and strategies.
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1994 CAMA Land Use Plan Update Washington County • North Carolina
There is increasing concern about the nature of development in wetland
and flood plain areas, particularly along the waterfronts and shorelines.
Resource protection policies, in keeping with current CAMA statutes,
stipulate development guidelines in Areas of Environmental Concern
(AECs) in order to not only protect and preserve the resources themselves
but also to protect existing public rights of usage and access to navigable
waters and other public resources.
The County supports future land development in sensitive areas such as
Areas of Environmental Concern as long as such development does not
have significant and potentially negative impacts on land, air or water
resources. Such policies keep in mind the balance between resource
' protection and management and continued economic growth and reflect the
general use standards of the North Carolina Administrative Code (as
amended).
The improvement and maintenance of the existing water quality in the
County is another major concern, which includes the monitoring of
chemical discharges and other potentially hazardous substances into the
water system.
C. Major Problems from Unplanned Development
The County feels there currently exist no problems from unplanned
development.
D. Areas Experiencing or Likely to Experience Major Land Use Changes
' Concentrating new developments in towns and already developed areas
with vacant land and clustering residential developments in outlying
areas will serve to save valuable agricultural and forestal land and to
strengthen local communities. Plans for strategic development should be
drafted, supported, and implemented to ensure this balance between
development and conservation.
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The possible expansion of the Weyerhaeuser Corporation in the future could
also have a significant impact on the nature of both residential and
commercial development as well. In either case, it is the policy of
Washington County to balance the costs and impacts of these land use
decisions to the benefit of the general health, safety and welfare of the
County's citizens.
Existing Land Use • III-4
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Existing Land Use Rnalysis
Woodland 46.5%
CROPLAND & PASTURE
WOODLAND
RESIDENTIAL
INDUSTRIAL
49.4% Crop & Pst
108,306 AC.
101,858 AC.
6,500 AC.
2,500 AC.
TOTAL ACRES 219,164 AC.

Chapter IV.
Review of Current Plans
IWashington County Land Use Plan • 1994
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CHAPTER TV -
Review of Current Plans, Policies and Regulations
L Local Plans, Policy Studies, and Regulations
1 The Cox Company
The following plans, policy studies and regulations have been
implemented by Washington County since 1971. It should be noted that the
County has recently revoked its previously adopted subdivision ordinance.
i .1 i ? , , :. .: , , L ... . . :....:..
This document was the initial land use plan under CAMA regulations for
Washington County.
B. CAMA Land Use Plan Update, Washington County. adopted 1981
This document was the first land use update to the original plan of 1976.
N:�1�T,T[17Fiiifj.T�Gf1ffAlR9, ,i3TT.5itK.T....�.ii7l.�
This document is the most recent CAMA update.
This code is in conformance to County and State regulations; a permitting
procedure is administered by the Washington County Building Inspector.
E. Mobile Home and Travel Trailer Park Ordinance. adopted July.
1974: amended July.1979
This ordinance regulates theplanning and construction of mobile home an
travel trailer parks throughout the County and is enforced by the County
Building Inspector.
F. Laws and Rules for Ground Absorption Sewage Disposal Systems
These regulations control the use of specified sanitary sewage disposal
systems in the County, and are administered by the District Health
Department.
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' 1994CAMAZandVsePlanUpdate Washington County North Carolina
G. Flood Hazard Ordinance. adopted August. 1985
This ordinance designates the Supervisor of Permits, Inspections &
Emergency Management as responsible for program administration.
' H. Housine Survey,1973
' Conducted by the Department of Natural Resources and Community
Development, this is an inventory of structural conditions of housing units
within the County. It does not include a list of historic structures and sites.
' I. Community Development Program. 1976
' The Program is a documentation of the needs of low and moderate income
citizens in the County.
' J. Washington County Community Development Plan
This plan provided guidance to the citizens of the County as a review of
county -wide improvements that would be necessary to upgrade the quality
of living standards.
' K. Washington County Housing Plan. adopted December. 1977
Prepared by the Community Development Office, this plan assessed the
' County's housing needs and offered proposals for the meeting of these
needs.
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The County has waved its right to participate in the CAMA Minor Permit
Program.
M. Recreation Plans
A number of recreation plans have been prepared for the County atthelocal,
state and regional levels. Each plan assesses therecreational resources
and needs within the County and proposes long range plans and goals.
N. Economic Development Plans, 1962, 1977
Each plan lists recommendations for priority needs based on available
data.
Review of Current Plans • IV-2
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O. Solid Waste Plannine Study.1979
The preparation of this Study allowed the County to assess County needs and
make recommendations as to alternatives sites for future landfills.
P. Water Feasibility Study for Washington County.1975
This study includes information on groundwater resources, existing water
facilities, population projections and future water requirements.
i b; .,a; .M, 1. ...o . :.
This brief document outlines a five year plan for the coordination of
transportation services for the Human Services Agency.
R. Shoreline Erosion Inventory.1975
Prepared by the Soil Conservation Service, this inventory lists the physical
factors associated with shoreline erosion in the coastal counties.
S. Ground Absorption Regulations (Septic Tanks)
' In conjunction with the regional Health Department, these regulations
stipulate the review process for application and permitting of septic tank
systems.
IL State Agency Plans
' A. Transportation Improvement Program. 1994-2000
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Prepared by the NC Department of Transportation, this document outlines
the statewide schedule of road improvements to be completed by the year
1996.
The CAMA minor permitting process is enforced by the Department of
Environment, Health and Natural Resources. This ordinance regulates
development within designated Areas of Environmental Concern.
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1994 CAMA Land Use Plan Update Washington County North Carolina
III. Federal Regulations
' A. 404 Wetlands Reeulations
The County recognizes the importance of protecting environmentally
sensitive areas, which includes thoselands designated as wetlands by the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It is the policy of the County that all
' development within these areas conform to federal, state, and local
regulations and ordinances regarding development.
B. Federal Licenses an
A number of federal agencies require a license or permit for designated
' activities having potential environmental effects, including the Army
Corps of Engineers, the Coast Guard, the Department of the Interior, the
Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Federal Energy Regulatory
ICommission.
' Summary
The land classification policies of Chapter VIII of this document are written
' in order to harmonize with existing regulations and policies regarding
land use; reference to these land classification policies is suggested while
reviewing and updating the existing land use policies.
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Review of Current Plans • IV-4

Chapter V.
Constraints: Land Suitability
' Washington County Land Use Plan • 1994
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CHAPTER V..
Constraints: Land Suitability
Introduction
Washington County • North Carolina
The purpose of identifying environmental constraints in the Land Use
Plan is to understand the unique geographic and physical characteristics of
various land areas in the County and to establish recommendations and
standards for their best and most compatible use. A thoughtful balance
between human needs for use and the intrinsic capacity of the land to
sustain development is the basic goal in this regard, a balance which tries
to mitigate future development based solely on existing property lines and
development trends and instead seeks to orchestrate future growth for the
benefit of property owner and community alike.
The following section analyzes the general suitability of the undeveloped
lands in Washington County. The accompanying maps illustrate the
location of the potential constraints to land suitability. The categories
include:
1) Physical Limitations for Development including natural and
man-made hazard areas, areas with soil limitations, sources and
' estimated quantity and quality of water supply, and areas
containing excessive (>1201o) slopes.
2) Fragile Areas including estuarine waters and estuarine
shorelines, public trust areas, coastal wetlands, areas identified by
the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, historic and
cultural resources and other areas containing fragile resources not
covered by a specific regulation.
3) Areas with Resource Potential containing productive
agricultural, forest, and fish/gamelands and other non -intensive
outdoor recreation lands.
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Much of the information contained in this chapter has remained
unchanged since the 1985 Land Use Plan due to the relative stability of
geologic features and resources. The information has been updated when
necessary. Policies related to thehazard areas are contained in the Policy
Chapter under Section E (Coastal Storm Hazard Mitigation Planning
Activities and Studies).
Constraints: Land Suitability • V-1
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1994 CAMA Land Use Plan Update Washington County • North Carolina
tL Physical Limitations For Development
' A. Hazard Areas
1. Natural Hazards
The flood insurance rate maps (FIRMS) as dictated and outlined by the
' Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) indicate that the
flooding classification zones for Washington County are limited to Zones
A, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9, B and C. The Zones under the "A"
' classification are designated as areas which are subject tovarying degrees
of inundation by a flood with a frequency of 100years. Washington County
also contains areas under Zone C, which are areas subject to flooding
' during a 500-year storm, or areas deemed to contain minimal danger from
flooding. There are no areas within the Zone V classification in the
County, which are classified as areas subject to coastal erosion caused by
intense wave action.
The County contains three major areas which are subject to hazardous
flooding as classified under Zones A and C: 1) the Roanoke River
shoreline and adjoining wetlands, 2) Conaby Creek and adjoining
wetlands, and 3) Welch Creek and adjoining wetlands.
2. Man -Made Hazards
Currently the majority of man-made hazards located within the County
are the result of the storage and transportation of chemicals and natural
resources.
' The concentration of petroleum industries along the Route 64 corridor is a
potential hazard. These industries currently meet or exceed all State and
Federal operating requirements, but should be monitored in regards to their
placement next to other land uses. Also, there are several companies that
store commercial quantities of bottled gas and/or oxygen.
Hazards which result from agricultural production are varied. Chemicals
in the form of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers can enter the water
supply through the soil, through stormwater runoff action and by the actual
dumping of chemical containers into local streams. Also, the contents of
grain elevators are highly combustible and represent a different kind of
hazard for agriculture.
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Washington County • North Carolina
B. Areas with Soil Limitations
' Many soil types have poor ground absorption or poor drainage capabilities.
Many problems related to these capabilities could be corrected with
appropriate alternative systems of drainage and waste water removal; for
residential development, however, the cost of such improvements could
render such development highly unaffordable.
' The U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Survey of Washington County
indicates seven general soil typesfor Washington County, which are listed
as follows with a brief description:
1) Augusta - Altavista - Wahee
' Nearly level, somewhat poorly drained and moderately well drained soils
that have a loamy surface layer and a loamy or clayey subsoil; on uplands.
' 2) Conetoe - Wickham - Tarboro
Nearly level and gently sloping, well drained and somewhat excessively
drained soils thathave a sandy surface layer and a dominantly loamy
' subsoil or sandy underlying material; on uplands.
3) Dragston - Conetoe - Altavista
Nearly level and gently sloping, somewhat poorly drained, well drained
and moderately well drained soils thathave sandy or loamy surface layer
and a loamy and sandy subsoil; on uplands
4) Cape Fear - Portsmouth - Roanoke
Nearly level, very poorly drained and poorly drained soils that have a
' loamy surface layer and a loamy or clayey subsoil; on stream terraces.
5) Dorovan
Nearly level, very poorly drained soils that are dominantly muck
throughout; on flood plains.
1 6) Belhaven - Wasda - Roper
Nearly level, very poorly drained soils thathave a mucky surface layer
and a dominantly loamy subsoil; on broad, level flats.
7) Pungo
' Nearly level, very poorly drained soils thatare muck toa depth of5linches
or more; on broad, level flats.
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' 1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Washington County • North Carolina
These soil types are generally not suitable for intensive urban uses
requiring septic drainage field installation and the construction of
foundations, except for the Conetoe-Wickh am -Tarboro classification and
limited Dragston-Conetoe-Altavista types. Almost all soil types are
conducive to agriculture, with the exception of Donovan and Pungo soils
types. Development should be limited in these areas as indicated on the
Washington County Land Classification Map.
' The large scale of the U.S. Soils Map may not show small areas of
potentially different soils with thebroad classifications. For this reason,
' site specific soil testing and analysis should always be undertaken with
any development. The policy section of this document contains growth
goals and policies for development which are sensitive to the constraints of
' the existing soils.
' C. Sources and Estimated Quantity and Quality of Water Supply
There are four basic ground water sources in Washington County: the
Quaternary deposits, the Yorktown formation, the Pungo River formation,
and the Castle Hayne limestone. Composed of sand -silk clay and shells,
the Quaternary deposits includes surface soils and the underlying
sediments to depths ranging from about 40 feet in western Washington
County to approximately 200feet in the eastern part of the County. Many
shallow wells in the County go no deeper than the quaternary sediment,
which is approximately 40 feet thick.
The Yorktown formation is about 150 feet thick in western Washington
County, with various yields dependent upon the size of the wells (5-20
gallons perminute from wells with 2 inch diameters and 75-100gallons per
minute from wells of6inches or more). The sand and limestone portion of
the Yorktown is the principle source of water. The Pungo formation is a
marginal water supply, occurring atless than 80feetin the western part of
the County.
The Castle Hayne limestone aquifer is the most important water source in
North Carolina. It is approximately 100feetthick in Washington County
and curves at about 150 feet below sea level in the County. Attheboundary of
Tyrrell County, the depth to the top of the aquifer is approximately 400feet.
' Yields of several hundred gallons per minute are readily obtainable from
this water source, which is used by many localities in the area.
The Car Company Constraints: Land Suitability • V-4
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1994 CAMA Land Use Plan Update Washington County• North Carolina
D. Areas Where the Predominant Slope Exceeds 12 Percent
Although a number of areas have been identified as susceptible to erosion
due to flooding, no significant areas in the County have been identified
' with slopes exceeding 12%. In some locations, the banks of the Roanoke
River are relatively high, as are some areas along the shoreline of the
Albemarle Sound, betas these areas are usually classified as conservation
' areas, development of these areas is neither likely nor highly feasible.
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Fragile Areas
The Car Company
Fragile areas may be defined as areas which could be significantly
affected by damage from unplanned or otherwise inappropriate
development. These areas include natural resource fragile areas, or areas
of natural beauty and wildlife production and sustenance, and cultural
resource fragile areas, which can include structures, districts or areas of
special historic or cultural significance to the local community. Natural
resource fragile areas are generally designated as Areas of
Environmental Concern, or "AECs." In Washington County, AECs are
limited to Estuarine Waters, Estuarine Shorelines, Coastal Wetlands and
Public Trust Areas. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers designates 404
wetlands as fragile areas falling under the Natural Resource heading as
well. A comprehensive listing of natural areas and animal species is
located on page V-9.
Development within Areas of Environmental Concern is limited by CAMA
regulations and development guidelines. Development standards for
AECs permit only water -dependent uses, such as navigation channels,
docks, piers and other boating facilities, bridges, bulkheads and seafood
industry support facilities. The protection and conservation of theAECs is
foremost, and CAMA standards require that estuarine shoreline
development follows these basic requirements:
1) Development should not cause significant damage to estuarine
resources;
2) Development should not interfere with public rights of access to public
trust areas;
3) Development should preserve natural barriers to erosion;
Constraints: Land Suitability " V-5

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4) Development must comply with state soil erosion, sedimentation and
stormwater management regulations;
5) The surface of any given lot area within theAEC boundary should not be
covered by more than 30910 impervious material, and
6) Development must comply with the locality's most recent CAMA Land
Use Plan.
The following data indicating the specific classifications was obtained
from the Coastal Resources Commission and the 1985CAMA Land Use
Plan for Washington County.
A. Natural Resource Fragile Areas
The Car Company
1. Estuarine Waters
Estuarine waters are those bodies of water where fresh inland waters and
salty coastal waters intermingle. This includes all waters seaward of the
dividing line between coastal fishing waters and inland fishing waters.
Estaurine waters are the bonding element of the entire estuarine system,
and among the most productive natural environments of North Carolina,
with several species dependent upon its integrity and capacity for
supporting life. All but one of the ten leading commercially important
species spend all or some part of their life cycle within estuarine waters to
mature and reproduce.
Estuarine shorelines are especially vulnerable tothehazard of erosion and
flooding. Estuarine waters and public trust areas are also defined as Areas
of Environmental Concern (AECs). The waters falling under this
definition in the County include:
a) the Roanoke River and its adjacent shoreline up to75feetfrom average
standing water elevation.
b) Welch Creek and its adjacent shoreline up to 75 feet from average
standing water elevation.
c) Conaby Creek and its adjacent shoreline up to 75 feet from average
standing water elevation.
The conservation and protection of the estuarine waters and adjacent
shorelines are strictly regulated both by established Federal and State
guidelines as well as via the policy statements specified in this document.
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2. Estuarine Shorelines
Washington County • North Carolina
Although characterized as dry land, estuarine shorelines are considered a
component of the estuarine system because of the close association with the
adjacent estuarine waters. These non -ocean shorelines are especially
vulnerable to erosion, flooding and other adverse effects of wind and water.
The shoreline area extends from the mean high water level or normal
water level along the estuaries, sounds, bays and brackish waters as
defined by the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and
Natural Resources.
Development within estuarine shorelines influences the quality of
estuarine life and is subject to the damaging process of shore front erosion
and flooding. CAMA maintains development standards which aim to
ensure that shoreline development is compatible with thefluctuating nature
of shorelines and the continued integrity of the estuarine system. The Area
of Environmental Concern within the Estuarine Shoreline area is limited
to 75beyond average standing water elevation.
3. Coastal Wetlands
According to the CAMA state guidelines, coastal wetlands are defined as
.any salt marsh or other marsh subject to regular or occasional flooding by
tides, including wind tides (whether or not the tide waters reach the
marshland areas through natural or artificial watercourses), provided this
shall not include hurricane or tropical storm tides." The presence of
certain marsh grasses and other plant types will indicate areas as
wetlands also. These plant types provide a link in the natural food chain
through the entrapment of nutrients and essential food particles for various
species of fish, shellfish and waterfowl. In addition, coastal wetlands
serve as the first line of defense in retarding estuarine shoreline erosion
and as barriers against flood damage and erosion between the estuary and
upland areas. Pollutants and harmful sediments are absorbed or trapped
by marsh plants, providing a kind of natural and inexpensive water
treatment system.
4. Public Trust Areas
Public Trust Areas are defined as all areas of the Atlantic Ocean and the
lands thereunder from the mean high water mark to the seaward limit of
state jurisdiction; all natural bodies of water subject to measurable lunar
tides and lands thereunder to the mean high water mark; and all water i n
artificially created bodies of water containing significant public fishing
Constraints: Land Suitability • R7
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1 1994 CAM4 Land Use Plan Update Washington County • North Carolina
' resources or other public resources which are accessible to the public by
navigation. The previous plan also defines these as waters and adjacent
lands, the use of which benefits and belongs to the public and to which the
public has the right of access. The above stated estuarine waters lying
within theboundaries of Washington County are also defined as Public
Trust Areas. These waters are considered to beamong themost productive
natural environments within Washington County.
5. Other Natural Resource Designations
' Natural resource designations falling under this category include 401
Wetlands regulations as identified by the Fish and Wildlife National
Wetlands Inventory. Areas covered by freshwater or those which contain
' waterlogged soils for the majority of the growing season as well as those
areas containing plants capable of surviving under limited oxygen
conditions are categorized as '404' wetlands. Such wetlands include all
wetlands not classified as coastal wetlands and are protected by the U.S.
Clean Water Act. The Roanoke River, Welch Creek and Conaby Creek
tributaries and their adjoining shorelines represent the extent of '404'
designated wetlands in the County.
Washington County contains a diversity of habitats which support a wide
variety of wildlife species. Areas supportive of wildlife are generally rural
and forested, interspersed with wetlands, wooded swamps and other
general conditions of a drainage basin. Waterfowl habitat areas are
located along the estuarine system and adjacent to the lakes in the County.
Lake Phelps is known to be a primary wintering area for waterfowl. Wood
duck habitat is dispersed along Conaby Creek, Mackeys Creek, Deep Creek,
IBull Creek, and the Scuppernong River.
White-tailed deer are common throughout the County but are abundant in
I the southwestern area of the County. Black bear occupy an area running
along Long Ridge Road from the Beaufort County line, adjacent to
Plymouth along the Roanoke River, between Lake Phelps and Pungo Lake
and areas east and southwest of Roper. Areas known for bear sightings are
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near Bull's Bay and areas south of Plymouth.
The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program has identified several
species of animals, plants, and natural communities which are considered
to be either rare, endangered, or unique to the North Carolina coastal area
and worthy of state and/or federal protection. The resources listed under
this program are as follows:
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IVertebrates:
Golden Eagle
Star -nosed Mole
Waccamaw Killifish
Bald Eagle
Rafinesque's Big -eared Bat
Black Bear
1 Invertebrates:
Hessel's Hairstreak
Southeastern Cane Borer
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Vascular Plants
Bog Bluestem
Seven -angled Pipewort
Carolina Grasswort
Leafless Watermilfoil
Northeastern Bladderwort
Nonvascular Plants
A Liverwort
Natural Communities
Coastal Plain Small Stream Swamp
High Pocosin
Natural Lake Shoreline
Nonriverine Swamp Forest
Nonriverine Wet Hardwood Forest
Peatland Atlantic White Cedar Forest
Pond Pine Woodland
Tidal Cypress - Gum Swamp
Tidal Freshwater Marsh
The Registered Natural Heritage Areas for Washington County are listed
as follows:
Pettigrew State Park
Pungo Refuge Natural Areas
Conaby Swamp Natural Area
The Nature Conservancy is involved with theprotection of the EastDismal
Swamp, the Conaby Creek and Swan Bay Swamp area, and the Conaby
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Washington County * North Carolina
Swamp Natural Area. Lake Phelps State Lake is the only area incorporated
into the North Carolina State Park system in Washington County. Bull
Neck Swamp, Van Swamp, and the Nonriverine hardwood flat near
Highway 99 are also considered areas of significant biodiversity.
B. Cultural Resource Fragile Areas
Many significant historic and cultural resources within Washington
County have been identified by the North Carolina Department of Cultural
Resources. Policies regarding the protection of these resources are made
pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and
the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Regulations for
Compliance with Section 106, codified at 36 CFR Part 800.
The list of significant architectural structures in Washington County, as
taken from the Historic and Architectural Resources of the Tar Neuse
Basin, includes the following structures. Those structures marked by an
asterisk (*) are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and those
marked by the (-) sign have been placed on the study list and are eligible
for
inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. General
locations are given for each entry.
1)
Alexander House - N. end of SR 1319, Skinnersville vicinity.
2)
Arnold House - N. side of SR 1316 at junction with NC 32.
3)
Avres Farm - W. side of SR 1329, 1.2 miles south of junction with
SR 1300, Westover vicinity.
4)
*Belgrade - N. side of SR 1158, 0.3 miles east of junction with SR
1159, Creswell vicinity.
5)
Blount House - Faces Albemarle Sound, 1.5 miles north of SR
1324, Westover vicinity.
6)
Bower Farm - E. side of NC 32, 2.6 miles south of junction with SR
1101, Plymouth vicinity.
7)
Chesson House - At north end of SR 1320, Skinnersville vicinity.
8)
J.A. Chesson House - W. side of SR 1301, 1.0 mile north of junction
with SR 1136, Skinnersville vicinity.
9)
Will Chesson House.- On N. side of US 64, 1.0 mile west of junction
1
10)
with SR 1136, Skinnersville vicinity.
Joshia P. Davenport House - W. side of SR 1141, 0.2 miles south of
junction with US 64, Scuppernong vicinity.
11)
Furlough House - N. side of US 64, opposite junction with SR 1119,
Roper vicinity.
12)
—Garrett's Island Home - S. side of SR IU2, 1.8 miles east of
junction with SR 1113, Plymouth vicinity.
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13) Harrison -Blount House -SE comer of junction of SRM9and 1122,
Roper vicinity.
14) Holly Grove Plantation- Long drive on E. side of SR 1310, 0.1 miles
south of junction with SR 1311, Creswell vicinity.
15) Homestead Farm (Hassell House)- SW comer of junction of US 64
and SR 1120, Roper vicinity.
16) House- Private road on W. side of SR 1137, 0.3 miles south of
junction with SR 1136, Pleasant Grove vicinity.
17) Jackson House - W. side of SR 1100, 0.5 miles north of junction
with SR 1101, Hoke vicinity.
18) Johnson - Swain House- S. side of SR 1111, 0.7 miles east of junction
with SR 1113, Plymouth vicinity.
19) Mockingbird Hill Cottage- S. side of end of SR 1151, Cherry
vicinity.
20) Morattuck Church - N. side of SR 1106, 0.8 miles east of junction
with SR 1105, Plymouth vicinity.
21) Nichols - Vale House - N. side of SR MI, 0.8 miles SW of junction
with US 64, Plymouth vicinity.
22) Ephram Pritchett House - E. side SR 1303, at junction with SR 1308,
Creswell vicinity.
23) *Rehoboth Church - S. side of US 64, 0.4 miles west of junction with
SR 1317, Skinnersville vicinity.
24) 'St. David's Chanel - SE corner junction of SR 1158 and SR 1159,
Creswell vicinity.
25) "Somerset Place Historic Site-N. side of Lake Phelps, just south of
junction of SR 1167 and 1168, Creswell vicinity.
26) B.F. Shrine Farm - N. side of SR 1126, 0.3 miles east of junction
with SR 1149, Cherry vicinity.
27) Dewey Spruill House - Long drive on S. side of SR 1163, 0.1 miles
east of junction with SR 1162, Cherry vicinity.
28) Winfield Spruill House - N. side of SR 1300, 0.2 miles west of
junction with US 64, Pleasant Grove vicinity.
29) Swanner-Lamb House -Junction of SR 1318, 1319 and 1320,
Skinnersville vicinity.
30) �Thomnson House - SE side of SR 1119, 0.5 miles SW of junction
with SR 1120, Roper vicinity.
31) Walker House (Harrison House)- On E. side of SR 1119, 0.4 miles
north of junction with SR 1120, Roper vicinity.
32) -Westover Plantation - S. side of SR 1300, 0.3 miles west of junction
with SR 1329, Westover vicinity.
Numerous structures are also listed in the files of the North Carolina State
Historic Preservation Office in the Towns of Roper, Plymouth and
Constraints: Land Suitability • V-11

1994 CAMA Land Use Plan Update Washington County • North Carolina
C. Productive Water Resources
The estuarine and tributary waters of Washington County are classified as
coastal, joint or inland fishing waters, by agreement of the Marine
Fisheries Commission and the Wildlife Resources Commission. These
waters as so classified are subject to rules and guidelines by these two
agencies, designed to determine appropriate fishing activities. These
waters are defined as follows:
Coastal fishinr waters - includes the Atlantic Ocean; the various
coastal sounds; and estuarine waters up to the dividing line
between coastal fishing waters and inland fishing waters.
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Joint fishing waters - those coastal fishing waters determined by
agreement of the Marine Fisheries Commission and the Wildlife
Resources Commission as joint fishing waters, and all waters
tributary to these designated waters.
Inland fishinr waters- all inland waters except private ponds; and
all waters connecting with or tributary to coastal sounds or the
ocean extending inland from the dividing line between coastal
fishing waters and inland fishing waters, as determined by the
Marine Fisheries Commission and the Wildlife Resources
Commission.
In Washington County, the estuarine and tributary waters are specifically
classified:
Desienation:
Location:
Coastal
Albemarle Sound
Joint
Roanoke River - below US 258 bridge to mouth
Inland
Conaby Creek
Inland
Mackeys (Kendrick) Creek
Inland
Pleasant Grove Creek (Cherry Swamp)
Inland
Chapel Swamp Creek
Inland
Bull Creek
Inland
Deep Creek
Inland
Banton (Maybell) Creek
Inland
Scuppernong River
Constraints: Land Suitability • V-M

1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update ' Washington County • North Carolina
The Roanoke River is considered an especially valuable area of resource
potential. The waterfront location and waterside amenities afford varied
interaction for the citizens of the County. Fishing in the Roanoke River is
limited to recreational activities, with bass, herring, catfish and perch as
theprimary catches. There is considerable seasonal commercial fishing
activity at the mouth of the Roanoke River, Conaby and other creeks in the
vicinity as well. This resource has been and will continue tobe utilized i n
a manner sensitive to both environmental impacts and the needs of the
citizens.
Freshwater swamps are abundant in Washington County, the largest of
which are the East Dismal Swamp in the south-central part of the County,
Bull's Neck Swamp on Bull's Bay in the north-eastern part of the County,
and Van Swamp in the extreme southwestern part of the County. These
swamp areas contain significant botanical and animal species; these
areas are also important to the County economy by way of thefarming and
forestry industries. Efforts towards a creative management system for
these areas that would achieve a balance between conservation and
productive economic uses should be pursued by local and State officials.
D. Primary and Secondary Nursery Areas
The Division of Marine Fisheries does nothave any designated primary or
secondary nursery areas in the planning district as currently addressed in
their regulations. The agency is, however, in the process of developing
guidelines for the designation of anadromous spawning and nursery areas
and critical habitats. For Washington County, these designations would
v
include language for the maintenance of species found in the County's
waters such as alewife, blueback herring, stripedbass, American shad and
hickory shad. Descriptions and definitions have been drafted for these
areas and will be presented to the North Carolina Marine Fisheries
Commission for consideration in the near future.
1
E. Mining Lands
Washington County, like most eastern counties in North Carolina, is not
rich in mineral deposits. However, there is potential for the future
extraction of some mineral deposits, notably phosphate and titanium oxide.
Phosphate deposits have been found in eastern Washington County,
although no significant mining has occurred to date, due to difficulties in
drilling beneath an extensive overburden.
The Car Company Constraints: Land Suitability • V-14
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The shoreline along the Albemarle Sound is thelocation of extensive beach
deposits of titanium oxide, a mineral used chiefly in industry and the
manufacturing of pigments. Some commercial sand deposits are also
suspected due to the presence of certain types of soil groupings.
Fuel grade peat deposits are located in southeastern Washington County.
However, under the presentpublic ownership and the questionable wetland
classification, the peat deposit may be unreachable.
Constraints: Land Suitability • V-ZS

Areas of Environmental Concern
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THE COUNTY OF WASHINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA
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Constraints: Land Suitability • V.16

Chapter VI.
Constraints: Carrying Capacity Analysis
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I
CHAPTER VI:
Constraints: Carrying Capacity Analysis
To assist Washington County in determining its present ability to provide
basic community services, to anticipate future demand, and to identify
deficiencies which will need attention, an examination of the following
indicators has been undertaken.
1. Existing Water Supply
Washington County currently purchases its water from the water treatment
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facilities owned and operated by the three municipalities within the County,
Plymouth, Roper and Creswell. The three municipalities rely on the Castle
Hayne aquifer for their source of water. There are no operable surf icial or
reservoir sources in the County. The County currently serves
approximately half its residents, or 1800 households, with this water supply
purchased from the towns, and the other half of the County relies on private
wells.
The gallons per day allowed for purchase by each municipality is far
greater than the gallons per day the County uses on average, as shown
below:
Municipalities:
Plymouth
Roper
Creswell
Max. Amount
to be Purchased
Amount purchased
as daily. average
1 III •..
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Washington County currently maintains two water storage tanks. One
tank, located in the industrial park, holds up to 200,000 gallons of water,
and the other tank, located in the eastern part of the County, holds up to
100,000 gallons of water.
The County is considering the construction of its own water treatment
system at a site in the Town of Roper, with the intended goal of producing
enough water to be independent of the municipal water supplies. This goal
is at least three to four years from being realized, due to an estimated $2.7
million cost.
Constraints: Carrying Capacity Analysis • VI-1
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1994C4MALand Use Plan Update Washington County • North Carolina
2. Sewage Teatment
Washington County does not provid3 sewage treatment facilities. Most
County residents maintain private septic systems to dispose of sewage and
waste. The only County facilities which use the sewage system in the Town
of Plymouth are the New Pines Elementary School, the County Health
Department and the Industrial Park.
r3. Solid Waste
Washington County maintains a landfill site located off NC Route 308
(Mackeys Road), about six miles northeast from the Town of Plymouth.
Eighteen (18) acres of this landfill is still unused; it is estimated that the
landfill would reach its capacity in the latter half of 1998. Since the landfill
is unlined and therefore a potential source of ground and water
contamination, the State mandates that the County terminate the landfill by
1993.
Washington County is currently contracting with the regional landfill in
Bertie County as a non -hazardous solid waste landfill. The County plans to
maintain the existing landfill as a demolition site.
Pick-up schedules within the service district vary and can be obtained by
calling the solid waste disposal contractor at [phone].
4. Schools
Current enrollment figures are based on the 1992-93 school year. Pines
Elementary School contains grades K-4th and has a current enrollment of
850. This school was opened in 1985 and was designed to accommodate
students from the old Roper Elementary, Fourth Street Elementary, and
Washington Street Elementary School campuses. Washington County
Union School contains 5th-8th grades and has a current enrollment of 740.
Plymouth High School contains 9th-12th grades and has a current
enrollment of 650. Creswell High School, which contains grades K-12, has
an enrollment of 555 students.
Information on the carrying capacity of Washington County schools, and
anticipated expansions over the coming years is pending from the County
Superintendent of Schools.
The Car Company Constraints. Carrying Capacity Analysis • W-2
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1994 CAMA Land Use Plan Update Washington County " North Carolina
5. Library
The Pettigrew Regional Library contains @40,000books, 66 journals, 12
newspapers, and audio-visual materials; it also operates an inter -library
exchange program. The library staff consists of full time librarian, a
full time assistant and two part time clerks. This library serves
Washington County and the surrounding area.
6. Police, Fire and Rescue Services
Washington County currently maintains a Sheriffs Department of 15full-
time sworn officers including the Sheriff, 3 part-time, auxiliary deputies
and 4 civilian dispatchers. The main headquarters is located in the
Washington County Courthouse in Plymouth.
The County utilizes 6 Fire Stations. Equipment in these stations is
considered tobe in good operating condition. Rescue Squad services are
provided by Washington County Hospital and volunteers.
There is a basic "911" system operating in the County, which is operated
through the police department. All services are notlinked together under a
common number in the basic system. The need for an "enhanced" 911
system, where services are linked, will be necessary in the near future.
The Washington County sheriffs department is responsible for
coordinating law enforcement operations within the County. Other law
enforcement agencies (Plymouth and Roper Police Departments) are also
responsible for law enforcement within their jurisdictions. Law
enforcement in Washington County is provided on an up -scale level due to
extensive training of officials.
Fire Departments in theCountyare made upof organized and trained units
utilizing volunteer personnel and serve a specific geographical area.
Some fire departments include rescue personnel. The level of service
provided by the Fire Departments and Rescue personnel is at a level that
Washington County can be proud of.
7. Primary Roads
The major corridor into Washington County is US 64,a primary east -west
highway which extends from the North Carolina Outer Banks to Western
North Carolina. North Carolina Routes 32and 45are thelocal north -south
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' 1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Washington County • North Carolina
routes which connect Washington County with other counties and cities
along the coast. Beyond the County limits, N.C. Route 32connects with
rRoute 17 to areas south of the County.
8. General Transportation Systems
The nearest commercial airport is located in Greenville, NC. The local
Plymouth Municipal Airport is located in Washington County; this facility
is equipped with a single, lighted runway and fuel facilities. The nearest
railway station is also located in Rocky Mount, with service to all major
east coast destinations. The western end of the County is also served by CSX
and NS.
The Intercoastal Waterway is accessible via theAlbemarle Sound, located
east of Washington County. The nearest major port facilities are in
Norfolk, Virginia, about 98 miles away.
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Chapter VII.
Estimated Demand
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' 1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Washington County " North Carolina
' CHAPTER VII:
' Estimated Demand
Population Growth and Impacts on Community Facilities
The section of this document entitled "Existing Conditions" contains a
thorough analysis of the existing population counts and population
projection based on the 1990 Census data. The 1990Census indicated a
populationof 13,997for the County. The populationhas remained relatively
stable since 1970, around 14,000persons. Census data indicate a decrease of
804 persons between 1980 and 1990,adecline of5.4%. Projections totheyear
2000 indicate the possibility of a further population decline of 5.7 %.
t, Because existing population patterns indicate a current and projected
decrease over the next five to ten year period, services in Washington
County are considered to becurrently adequate to handle population needs
for this period. Should the population unexpectedly increase to a significant
degree, most services are still adequate at present to serve the population.
1. Existing Water Supply
Current capacities of the Washington County public water system indicate
substantial resources available for any sizable increase in population. The
County currently has an excess availability of nearly 200,000gallons of
water per day from the three municipalities. Engineering studies are
currently in process for a County -wide system.
The County is considering the construction of its own water treatment
system at a site in the Town of Roper, with the intended goal of producing
enough water to be independent of the municipal water supplies within the
next 10-20 year planning period. This goal is at least three to four years
from being realized, due to an estimated $2.7 million cost.
2. Sewage Treatment
Washington County does not provide sewage treatment facilities. Most
County residents maintain aprivate septic system to dispose of sewage and
waste. The only County facilities which use the sewage system in the Town
of Plymouth are the New Pines Elementary School, the County health
department and the Industrial Park. The County is pursuing plans to
construct a sewage treatment facility or to utilize more capacity from the
1 municipal facilities.
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3. Solid Waste
Washington County " North Carolina
The County is currently considering alternatives for a new landfill
facility and collection system, since its present landfill must be terminated
by 1998. The development of a 70 acre tract next to the present landfill for a
new landfill site is one such alternative for inert debris and construction
material only. Such a facility would be constructed according to improved
environmental standards, and would meet the needs of County residents.
The County has contracted with the Bertie Regional Landfill in Bertie
Countyfor thedisposal of sanitary solid wastefor thenext 20years. The
Bertie Regional Landfill became operational in October of 1993.
The County has a contract with a private company to collect waste from
households throughout the County, and in the Towns of Roper and Creswell;
Plymouth would use a separate collection system.
4. Library
The adequacy of the existing Pettigrew Regional Library is enhanced by
the inter -library loan program with North Carolina State University in
Raleigh. The library staff should be augmented as the increase in
available resources dictates. The library in general could benefit from
additional space and maintenance dollars.
b. Police, Fire and Rescue Squad Services
Existing police, fire and rescue services are believed to be adequate over the
next ten years. The County Officials have indicated the desire for
increased police protection. To this end, Washington County would like to
see four additional sworn officers added totheforce. This would amount to
one officer per shift. The County is currently examining the possibility of
upgrading the existing "basic 911" system to the"enhanced 911" program in
the nest year.
6. Tz-ansportation
Recent improvements to the U.S. 64 by-pass have greatly helped the previous
traffic congestion problems in the County. The existing system of roads are
deemed adequate based on development trends and resulting traffic counts.
The County should examine the possibility of drafting and adopting a
Thoroughfare Plan to assure adequacy of facilities within the County and
surrounding areas. The County encourages the State to pave all public
roads by 2003.
Estimated Demand• VH-2

Chapter VIII.
Goals, Objectives and Policies
' Washington County Land Use Plan • 1994
I

1994CAMA Land Use Plan Update
CHAPTER VIII:
Goals, Objectives and Policy Statements
Introduction
Washington County " North Carolina
Washington County s Land Use Plan is intended to express the County's "vision
for the future" and provide a means for achieving that vision. In pursuit of
defining the vision, the foundation of the Land Use Plan Update are its
commonly -held goals and objectives for the County. Since all future land use
decisions will rest on this foundation, it is important these goals be clear, com-
prehensive, and reflective of thecommunity's desires and the StaWs legislative
requirements. The goals and objectives have been developed into statements of
planning policy addressing the specific land use issues which will affect
Washington County during the upcoming ten year planning period.
In preparing the Land Use Plan Update, the elected leaders of the County believe
' that sound environmental and growth management policies are key compo-
nents to developing land use planning objectives and policies. In arriving at
the set of policies, the County Commissioners were responsible for resolving
' many conflicting issues and balancing the land planning objectives of the citi-
zens with those mandated by State and federal guidelines. In addition, great
care has been taken to be responsive to the needs of the Coastal Resource
' Commission and, specifically, the legislative guidelines of the Coastal Area
Management Act.
Policy Guidelines and CAMA Study Process
To assist in organizing and presenting the Plan's policy statements, the County
'
has adopted the Coastal Resource Commission's general topical categories.
These categories provide an excellent model for addressing areas of both local
'
and State concerns while providing Washington County with broad flexibility
in placing priorities on local land use issues. At the same time, all policies
adoptedby Washington Countyinto the 1994Land Use Plan should be consistent
with the overall coastal policy adopted by the Coastal Resources Commission.
The County's major land use and development policies are organized into the
'
following five policy categories consistent with current CAMA statutes:
A. Resource Protection
B. Resource Production and Management
C. Economic and Community Development
D. Public Participation
'
E. Storm Hazard Mitigation and Recovery
' The Cox Company Goals, Objectives and Policies • VIII--1
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Washington County • North Carolina
The Countyhas made every effort to ensure that thereis consistency among in-
dividual policies developed in each policy category. However, many individual
policy categories have overlapping, and potentially competing, impacts on other
adopted policies. The County Commissioners have given particular attention to
individual policies in the resource protection, resource production and manage-
ment, and economic and community development categories. For each of the
' five major planning categories, the following items have been thoroughly con-
sidered as outlined in T15A:07B .0203 of the State Code.
In defining relevant land use issues, the County Commissioners, in
conjunction with thepublic participation process, examined thosepriority issues
which will affect Washington County during the upcoming 10year planning pe-
riod.
• therange of alternative groals, obiectives and Y"cies which might be M-
Rlicable when addressing the particular land use issue:
As the County considered potential policy options, alternative scenarios
and the effect of their outcomes were discussed based upon traditional and con-
temporary approaches to public policy issues. An analysis of existing land use
conditions, economic and population projections, and environmental consider-
ations aided in developing thepolicy options. The costfbenefitof policy issues
on the County, including cost of providing services and increased revenues
generated from development, were analyzed. Further, the short and long range
impacts of County -wide social, political and environmental implications of pol-
icy alternatives were closely weighed. Those policy alternatives found to be in-
compatible with the County's overall planning goals and objectives have been
eliminated from further consideration.
• the specific Policy deemed apprapriateby the County for adoption into the
1994 Land Use Plan
The County's final selection and adoption of land use policies was based
'
upon an extensive land use and economic data analysis as well as a complete
examination of the bestpossible alternative for each land use issue. These poli-
cy choices are set forth in the following sections of this chapter. The County
Commissioners have found that the recommended policies are reasonable and
achievable by the County government and are sensitive to the fiscal constraints
' The Cox Company
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1994 CAAM Land Use Plan Update
Washington County • North Carolina
and the County's administrative system which will be in -place for the 10 year
planning period.
recommended ininlementation stratepies to ensure that the adopted Ian d
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In this document, the County presents desired strategies and methods for
achieving the policies which have been adopted for the five major land use issue
categories. In addition, the following sections of this document provide imple-
mentation strategies and a proposed time frame.
Consideration of Policy Alternatives and Policy Implementation Schedule
The Cox Company
Based on Coastal Resource Commission study requirements, a wide range of
land use policy options have been evaluated in order to ensure that all issues
have been fully explored. This process began with a detailed examination of
past planning policies. An analysis tool entitled the Policy Critique
Questionnaire was designed tofacilitate a thorough review of thesepast policies
(see Appendix II). A public participation process was developed in order to cre-
ate a forum for the input by Washington County citizens.
Attheconclusion of each ofthefollowing policy sections, thereis adescription of
those policies considered during the planning process, but which have been
eliminated. Those policies which have been stricken from consideration, in
some instances, maybe revisited at some future point in time. Other eliminat-
ed policies, after thorough examination within the context of the locality, were
found to be inconsistent with CRC, State and Federal planning requirements.
In the 1994 Land Use Plan Update, the County Commissioners have sought to re-
solve thecomplex issues while maintaining the central belief that Washington
County has a strong and competent local governmental structure. This struc-
ture is founded on political and economic thoughtdriven by the expressed needs
of the local constituents. This philosophical base fully respects State and
Federal statutes related to land development and the environment. The County
promotes a pro -active land planning stance by taking the lead in guiding and
managing local land use activities.
The County Commissioners, in conjunction with the County Staff, have outlined
a recommended schedule for the implementation of the following policies.
Since the implementation of many policies involve the pursuit, approval, and
allocation of public funding, continued refinement of the schedule, including
Goals, Objectives and Policies • WIT3

' 1994 CAMA Land Use Plan Update Washington County • North Carolina
' the possible elimination of some implementation objectives, may be required.
Further, certain implementation tasks and strategies outlined are considered to
be "ongoing and continued actions"with no specific time frame for execution.
' Recommended Planning Policies for Washington County
' In establishing goals and policies related to resource protection, Washington
County has assessed the Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs) located with-
in its jurisdiction and has classified the categories of land uses that are appro-
priate for the County. For each class of land use, the Plan Update has carefully
considered the specific rationale and reasons for the recommended land uses.
1 In this effort, the physical constraints to land development in the County have
been analyzed pursuant to T15A: 07B .0202(c) of the Coastal Resources
Commission administrative rules for land planning. Further, uses for areas
' with cultural and historic value have been analyzed to determine what will be
the benefits and/or liabilities which will accrue to the County and its citizens by
either encouraging the development or preservation of these areas.
' Washington County contains four Areas of Environmental Concern in its estu-
arine system, which are categorized as Coastal Wetlands, Estuarine Waters,
Estuarine Shorelines and Public Trust Areas. The Areas of Environmental
Concern are listed as follows:
Coastal Wetlands
Definition
' Coastal wetlands are defined as any salt marsh or other marsh subject to regu-
lar or occasional flooding by tides, including wind tides (whether or not the tide
waters reach the marshland areas through natural or artificial watercourses),
provided this shall not include hurricane or tropical storm tides.
' Management Objective
To give thehighest priority to the protection and management of coastal wet-
lands so as to safeguard and perpetuate their biological, social, economic and
aesthetic values: to coordinate and establish a management system capable of
conserving and utilizing coastal wetlands as a natural resource essential to the
functioning of the entire estuarine system.
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Estuarine Waters
Definition
Goals, Objectives and Policies " VIII-4

1994CAMALand Use Plan Update
Washington County • North Carolina
Estuarine waters are defined in G.S. 113A-113 (b)(2) as all the waters of the
Atlantic Ocean within the boundary of North Carolina and all the waters of the
bays, sounds, rivers and tributaries thereto seaward of the dividing line be-
tween coastal fishing waters and inland fishing waters, as set forth in an
agreement adopted by the Wildlife Resources Commission and the Department
of Environment, Health and Natural Resources.
Management Objectives
To protectpublic rights for navigations and recreation and to preserve and
manage the public trust areas so as to safeguard and perpetuate their biological,
economic and aesthetic value.
Public 4}uat Areas
Definition
Public trust areas are all the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the lands thereun-
der from the mean high water mark to the seaward limit of state jurisdiction:
all natural bodies of water subject to measurable lunar tides and lands thereun-
der to the mean high water mark: all navigable natural bodies of water and
lands thereunder to the mean high water level or mean water level as the case
may be, except private owned lakes to which the public has no right of access; all
water in artificially created bodies of water containing significant public fish-
ing resources or other public resources which are accessible to the public by nav-
igation from bodies of water in which the public has rights of navigation; and
all waters in artificially created bodies of water in which the public has ac-
quired rights by prescription, custom, usage, dedication and any other means.
Management Objective
' To protect public rights for navigation and recreation and to preserve and man-
age thepublic trustareas so as to safeguard and perpetuate their biological, eco-
nomic and aesthetic value.
' Estuarine Shorelines
Definition
Estuarine shorelines are thosenon-ocean shorelines which are especially vul-
nerable to erosion, flooding, or other adverse effects of wind and water and are
intimately connected to the estuary. This area extends from the mean high
water level or normal water level along the estuaries, sounds, bays and brack-
ish waters as set forth in an agreement adopted by the Wildlife Resources
Commission and the Department of Environment, Health and Natural
Resources for a distance of 75 feet landward.
The Cox Company
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Management Objective
To ensure shoreline development is compatible with both the dynamic nature of
estuarine shorelines and the values of the estuarine system
A. Resource Protection Goals, Objectives and Policies
1. Identify and address areas of the County with land development con-
straints and guide appropriate and compatible land development activities.
a. Define and delineate land areas with development constraints as a part
of the Land Use Plan Update process.
' b. All commercial, industrial, institutional and residential subdivision
development should be sensitive to the flood prone areas and physiographic con-
ditions which impact septic tank use, private wells, and construction feasibility.
' c. Draft a County Water and Sewer Plan which would direct future envi-
ronmental quality efforts and potential construction of County facilities.
1 d. Continue to study new local growth management techniques.
2. Preserve andlmotectAreas of Environmental Concern (AECs) within
Washington County.
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a. Supportand complement Coastal Resource Commission efforts to protect,
preserve and manage Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs).
b. Create guidelines for land development which conform to the general
use standards of the North Carolina Administrative Code, as amended for de-
velopment within the defined estuarine system in the County.
c. Support development in AECs only if such development meets the man-
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agement objectives in 15 NCAC 7H.0203 and the use standards in 15 NCAC
7H.0208 and .0209.
d. Ensure thatdevelopment within the estuarine shoreline does not signifi-
cantly interfere with existing public rights, usage and access to navigable water
and other public resources. To this end, the County will continue to implement
the Washington county Mobile Home and Travel Park Ordinance, Flood
Damage Prevention Ordinance, National Electrical Code and all volumes of
the State Building Codes.
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e. Ensure that all land development plans within AECs have evaluated all
' alternatives to controlling pollution, limiting drainage, and reducing other po-
tentially negative impacts related to land use activities.
' f. Examine the potential for the future construction of marinas in the
County. This construction shall be according to the following Division of
Coastal Management standards which apply to timing of dredging activities as
' a condition ofCAMA permits. The Division of Coastal Management relies on
advice and council from Division of Marine Fisheries. The County does not
feel the need for more restrictive policies at this time.
' • new marinas are not to be located in Primary or Secondary
Nursery Areas;
' • the timing of marina construction involving dredging shall
be determined by Division of Marine Fisheries.
' g. Study alternative local growth management techniques which would
provide for thecontrols, land use types, densities and development criteria with-
in current AECs.
h. The County Board of Commissioners feel that there are State and
Federal Policies thatarenot in thebestinterest of Washington County. These
policies will be detrimental to development or harmful to the general public.
' The Cox Company
i . The County objects to the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service's introduction of the "Red Wolf' to any part of
Washington County and has formally approved resolutions objecting to such in-
troductions. The "Red Wolf" poses serious threat to humans, livestock, and
domestic animals. There is further potential threat to crops and farmers, and
due tothehighly rural and agricultural nature of Washington County, the intro-
duction of the "Red Wolf could threaten the general economy. Washington
County does not support the introduction of the "Red Wolf into the County.
j. Washington County does not support and objects to the mitigation ofprop-
erty from county to county due to the already declining tax base. Mitigation al-
lows property to beexchanged to provide for required wetlands as required by the
State.
k. Washington County objects and wishes to prevent further expansion of
Federal and/or State Refuges (wildlife or other). Washington County has a
severely limited tax base, and further expansion of such refuges will deteriorate
an already declining tax base in the county.
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3. Preserve and Protect natural, cultural, and historic resources within
W asbington County.
a. Encourage land use proposals which will have no negative impact on
historic, cultural, and/or archaeological resources in the County.
b. In cooperation with the Cultural Resources Commission and State
Preservation Office, periodically review, revise and update the inventory of
historic properties in the County.
' c. Support citizens'awareness programs and public educational opportuni-
ties for County historic and natural resources, including the conservation,
preservation and maintenance thereof.
' d. Draft and adopt a Transportation Plan which would supplement the
NCDOT document. The Washington County Transportation Plan would
provide a critical path for corridor expansion and improvement within the
County.
e. Draft and adopta Recreation Plan which would indicate potential loca-
tions for public owned recreational facilities.
1 4. Determine Hurricane and Flood Evacuation Needs and Plans.
a. Policy statements for hurricane and flood evacuation needs and plans,
as specified in Rule .0203(a)(6) of this Section are outlined in a separate policy
category in this chapter.
' 6. Protect the County's Water Supplies and Potable Water Resources.
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a. The County should make every effort to ensure that the protection of ex-
isting and future potable water supplies and resources will be consistent with all
State and Federal policies and guidelines.
b. Prepare and periodically update a Water and Sewer Plan which would
direct future expansion and current maintenance of County water and any fu-
ture sewer facilities. Prepare water and sewer maps in conjunction with this
Plan.
c. Ensure that the County's land development review process examines all
land use proposals to determine their impact on the County's potable water sup-
plies and resources.
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d. Support and promote to the extent feasible land use regulatory require-
ments near groundwater sources as regulated by the North Carolina Division of
Environmental Management, via N.C.A.C. Subchapter 2L and Subchapter 2C.
e. Support state and federal programs that regulate underground storage of
hazardous materials. Support regulations that require tightness testing for ex-
isting tanks and construction standards for new tanks. Immediate removal of
' leaking tanks should be required. Support establishment of a state fund to stop
tank leaks and to clean up affected water supplies.
f. Continue to support capacity use groundwater monitoring by the
Division of Environmental Management.
' g. Continue the extension and maintenance of public water supplies and
distribution systems into selected areas of the County.
h. Develop citizens' awareness programs related to expanding water sup-
plies and distribution systems, including information promoting access to
these systems.
6. Develop Guidelines and Policies for the use of sewer treatment package
plants in Washington County.
a. The County recognizes that private package treatment plants are appro-
priate alternatives tobeused in the support of future land development activities
' in the County.
b. The location of any proposed package treatment plants which would i m-
pact Washington County should be approved by the County. The engineering
plans of proposed package treatment plants must be submitted to the Permits and
Inspections Department upon application for a building permit. All proposed
package treatment plans must be authorized by the Division of Environmental
Management.
' c. Prepare a Water and Sewer Plan which would direct any future con-
struction of County water and sewer facilities. Prepare water and sewer maps
in conjunction with this Plan.
d. Private developers considering the use of private sewage treatment
plants within the County should prepare facility impact statements which in-
clude consideration of maintenance and operational requirements for the plant
and provisions for thededication of theplant into the public system where possi-
ble.
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1994 CAMA Land Use Plan Update Washington County • North Carolina
e. Any request for the approval of a private package treatment facility must
be accompanied by documentation of assurances that all applicable State and
rFederal health requirements will be satisfied.
f. The County supports and encourages the research, development, and use
of alternative waste -water and septic disposal methods for residential and com-
mercial use. Due to present State restrictions of septic tank use and substandard
1 soil types, alternative disposal methods are necessary for general residential
and economic growth. The Countyhas resolved to solicit State supportin obtain-
ing funding to provide programs which would conduct the necessary research to
' develop acceptable septic systems for Washington County.
g. The County encourages a County -wide waste -water system providing
waste disposal for both residential and commercial users: therefore providing
an avenue for economic growth. The County encourages seeking funds for re-
search, planning and development of such a system. The County will cooperate
with local municipalities to develop such a system.
OtherResoince Protection Policies for Washington County:
Pursuant to CAMA planning guidelines for Resource Protection
1 Policies, certain additional issues must be addressed in the mandatory CRC ap-
proval process for the Land Use Plan Update. Some of the following policies
have lower priorities than those hereinabove described due to the geographic lo-
cation of Washington County relative to some of the other areas within the
province of the Coastal Resource Commission. Notwithstanding, these policies
are deemed important to Washington County and are adoptedinto the Resource
' Protection policies of the community.
7. Stormwaterrunoff
The County recognizes the importance of private management of
stormwater runoff associated with agriculture, residential/commercial devel-
opment, and its impacts on wetlands, surface water or other fragile areas. The
County shall reexamine the level of demand and environmental need for a
County operated wastewater treatment facility and explore the possibilities ofre-
ducing its dependence on the three municipal collection and treatment systems.
The County will support existing guidelines and land development criteria for
' stormwater management and runoff related to private land uses. The County
will pursue studies which will help the management of tributaries and canals
during heavy storms. The County supports State and Federal stormwater runoff
criteria applicable to land development.
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S. Marina and floating homes
While not a major issue at this time, marina and floating home devel-
opment should be mentioned in this context as a potential future project within
the County. The County may encourage the development of marinas and dry
stack storage facilities at appropriate locations provided that such development
is consistent with other Resource Protection Policies as well as all State and
Federal regulations. Floating home development is not considered to be an
issue in Washington County at this point in time. At this time the County does
not feel the need for creating more restrictive policies relating to marinas and
floating homes.
9. Industrial impacts on fragile areas
County policies related to industrial development impacts on fragile
areas should be consistent with other Resource Protection policies as well as
general policies addressing Resource Development and Economic and
Community Development.
10. Development of sound and estuarine system islands
A policy on the development of sound and estuarine system islands is
not applicable to Washington County.
11. Restrictions on development within wetland loss and sea level rise
areas
A Policy on the restriction of development within areas up to five feet
above mean high water that might be susceptible to sea level rise and wetland
loss is not presently applicable to W ashington County. See Storm Hazard sec-
tion for further discussion.
12. Upland excavation for marina basins
At this time, upland excavation for marina basins does not apply to Washington
County.
13. The damaging of existing marshes by bulkhead installation
When necessary, bulkhead installation should be conducted employing
appropriate construction and resource protection techniques. Bulkhead instal-
lation, however, is not a critical issue in Washington County at this time.
Goals, Objectives and Policies • WH-IZ
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1994CAMALand Use Plan Update Washington County • North Carolina
Policy alternatives eliminated during the planning process:
' Based on CAMA requirements, the County Commissioners have listed
those policies considered, but eliminated. These are as follows:
a. Create an active program to support State efforts to remove leak-
ing underground storage tanks (USTs) and to restore adversely affected
water supplies.
b. Create an active program to support State regulations for the con-
trol of siting, construction and maintenance of underground storage
tanks.
' C. Where installation is required, development plans should con-
sider every feasible alternative to minimize the damage to existing
marshes.
' d. The County encourages the study of development guidelines for
marinas for inclusion.
e. The County will consider drafting and adopting a Stormwater
Management Plan in support of existing State, Federal and Local regu-
lations.
f. Continue to support and update existing subdivisions regulations
which address the control of underground storage tanks.
g. Support the Albemarle -Pamlico Estuarine Study (APES).
h. Initiate studies of the establishment of a land conservation fund
which would protectareas of environmental, recreational, and/or aes-
thetic importance by fee acquisition, dedication and/or permanent ease-
ment.
i. Initiate studies relative tothe identification of and nomination
procedure for expanded Areas of Environmental Concern under Section
.0500of 15ANCAC 7H for otherhazardous or fragile land areas, includ-
ing but not limited to freshwater swamps and marshes, and 404 wet-
lands, water supply areas and other waters with special values, cultural
and historic resources, and manmade hazards.
Schedule for policy implementation by County:
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Washington County • North Carolina
The County Commissioners, in concert with inputfrom the County Staff,
and Officials, shall outline a schedule for the implementation of the above poli-
cies.
B. Resource Production and Management Goals, Objectives and Policies
The County is acutely aware of the impacts of future land development on its ex-
isting resource production base. The water and waterfront represents a produc-
tive natural resource in Washington County which must be recognized in the
Plan's land use policies.
1. Encourage sensitive resource management policies and implementa-
tion techniques for productive agricultural lands in Washington County.
a. Support State and Federal agricultural programs, where applicable,
which assist farming and aid in identifying prime agricultural lands in
Washington County.
b. Enhance the degree of land use controls on agricultural lands in order
to provide opportunities for expansion and/or development as dictated by the
Washington County Land Classification Map.
C. Supportpublic awareness of agricultural BestManagement Practices in
the County, while encouraging farmers toimplement such practices tothe bene-
fit of their natural resource production activities.
d. Encourage the initiation of effort by the Agricultural Extension Service
and the Soil Conservation Service to work with the locality to develop farm mar -
Ikets targeted at benefiting local farmers.
e. Employ the Land Classification System to encourage and guide the loca-
tion of intensive land development activities in areas of the County which are
currently served by public utilities (or may be served in the future).
2. Encourage forestry as a valuable natural resource industry and pm -
serve and protect the County forest lands in areas as indicated by the Land
Classification Map.
a. Support State and Federal forestry programs which assist County (where
applicable) commercial forests and the forestry industry.
b. Support public awareness of forestry Best Management Practices in the
area, while encouraging the private forestry industry to implement such prac-
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tices to the benefit of their natural resource production activities. .
The Cox Company
C. Future public improvements should be planned and financed using fis-
cal mechanisms which avoid adverse tax impacts on the owners of prime
forestry lands where such lands will not directly benefit from the planned pub-
lic improvements.
d. Encourage forestry operators in the County to maintain vegetative
buffers between cleared areas and major public roadways.
e. Encourage replanting of areas within the County cleared for timber.
3. Support and encourage the County's commercial and recreational fish-
ing and other waterbased resources and production activities.
a. Commercial and recreational fishing resources and production activi-
ties, including nursery and habitatareas, and trawling activities in estuarine
waters, are recognized as minor contributors to the economy of Washington
County. The majority of the fishing activity is recreational.
b. The consideration of detailed policies, strategies and implementation
programs designed to protect and enhance commercial and recreational fish-
ing activities in the Roanoke River should be actively pursued by the County.
c. Support State efforts to reduce nutrient loading in the County's surface
waters.
d. Continue to support regulations which create incentives for private de-
velopment to preserve areas adjoining Primary and Secondary Nursery Areas.
e. Review the need for the most appropriate location of additional public
river access sites in the County.
4. Encourage responsible development of peatreserves throughoutflre
County.
a. Promote orderly development of peat resources located in Washington
County.
b. Cooperate with individual land owners interested in peat resource de-
velopment.
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1994CAMALand Use Plan Update Washington County • North Carolina
c. Consider taking an active lead in attempting to identify and attract in-
vestors interested in peat resource development.
d. Continue to pursue options for peat reserve reclamation.
e. Provide reclamation plan following resource recovery.
5. Mineral production areas
1 The mining of minerals in the community such as phosphate is not an
issue since commercially important deposits are not found in the immediate
area.
6. Off -mad vehicles
The County does consider off -road vehicles to be an issue of potential
concern. It is foreseen that regulations directed at controlling the use of off -
road vehicles will be required in the near future.
7. Residential, commercial and industrial land development impacts on
any resources
The relevant policies related to land development impacts on natural re-
sources are fully addressed in other policy sections of this document.
Policy alternatives eliminated during the planning process:
'
Based on CAMA requirements, the County Commissioners have listed
_
those policies considered, but eliminated. They are as follows:
a. Promote use -value assessment as a means of preserving the
farming base and encourage farmers owning parcels of 10 acres or
more to apply for use -value assessment.
b. Continue to support and amend alternative land use guidelines,
such as subdivision regulations, which ensure thatthe subdivision of
agricultural land can be optimally achieved without adversely impact-
ing adjacent agricultural lands.
c. Continue to promote use -value assessment as a means of pre-
serving the forestry resource base and encourage owners of parcels of 20
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Iacres or more to apply for use -value assessment.
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d. Continue to support and explore alternative land use guidelines
and subdivision regulations which ensure that the subdivision of
forestry land can be optimally achieved without adversely impacting
adjacent forestry lands.
e. Employ the Land Classification System to encourage and guide
the location of intensive land development activities in areas of the
County which are served by public utilities and facilities, while discour-
aging leap -frog subdivision of active forestry lands in areas without
County services.
f. The County may initiate studies which consider appropriate
marina siting criteria which serve to maintain and protect important
nursery areas.
g. Utilize thePlan's Land Classification System to recognize and
establish minimum protective buffers along waterways where adjacent
lands have soils and development constraints which create adverse en-
vironmental impacts.
h. In order to encourage the productivity of Washington County
aquiculture, studies should be initiated which examine opportunities for
locally initiated land development guidelines for freshwater runoff and
fecal coliform pollution in order toreduce the detrimental impacts on the
County's estuarine waters.
Schedule for policy implementation by County:
The County Commissioners, in concert with inputfrom the County Staff
and County Council, shall outline a schedule for the implementation of the
above policies.
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1994 CAMA Land UsePlart Update Washington County • North Carolina
C. Economic and Community Development Goals, Objectives and Policies
Washington County strongly supports the ongoing implementation ofresponsi-
ble economic and community development projects throughout the area.
Further,in light of the current economic downturn in thenational and regional
economy, the County's encouragement and active support of local employment
generating land uses is considered tobe an important goal of the 1994Land Use
Plan Update.
1. General County goal for economic development:
The County encourages and supports all types of economic development
land uses which can be shown to complement, and not adversely impact, the ex-
isting demographic, economic and environmental base within Washington
County. Generally, the County favors an aggressive pro -growth policy which
includes active industrial recruitment programs and focused Chamber of
Commerce efforts.
2. General County commitment to provision of supporting services to em-
nomic development:
The County is committed to providing appropriate levels of public ser-
vices, facilities and infrastructure in support of economically and environ-
mentally viable commercial and industrial development.
3. General locational and development characteristics for economic de-
velopment activities, including redevelopment:
a. Encourage location of new commercial/retail uses in vacant commer-
cial buildings.
b. Support funding for County revitalization in an effort to attract new
commercial development to the area.
c. Support development of affordable housing in the area including pub-
licly assisted units for the elderly, low/moderate income and rehabilitation of
existing units.
d. Remain committed to keeping locally developed regulations simple and
responsive in regards to permit application processes.
e. The County shall maintain and continue to intensify close cooperation
with the industrial recruitment program of the North Carolina Department of
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1994CAMALand Use Plan Update Washington County • North Carolina
Commerce.
' f. Continue to ensure maximum possible enforcement of housing con-
struction and maintenance codes.
g. The County emphasizes the importance of locating new economic devel-
opment in and around the existing urban area where public infrastructure and
acceptable transportation systems already exist or where such infrastructure
and systems can be reasonably extended.
h. The County places priority on encouraging new economic development
which provides employment -intensive opportunities for the local work force
and, in particular, offers viable job opportunities for theyouth and unemployed
of Washington County.
i . The County supports private ownership of housing units.
j . The County encourages the redevelopment and revitalization of existing
underutilized industrially and commercially developed areas, placing an em-
phasis on (1) improving those areas which currently exhibit deleterious envi-
ronmental and visual impacts and (2) increasing development densities on
properties which are capable of supporting higher land use intensities without
being deleterious to the environment and public infrastructure.
k. Enhance pedestrian interaction with the Portof Plymouth Museum and
waterfront. Continue to apply for funding dedicated to the enhancement of wa-
terfront areas and promote public interaction by supporting periodic
festival/market events such as Riverfest located in the lbwn of Plymouth.
4. Commitment to jurisdictional, regional, State and Federal economic
development activities:
a. The County will continue to provide leadership for commercial and in-
dustrial growth by supporting local, regional and State public interest groups
concerned with economic development.
b. Continue to support the Washington County Economic Development
Commission in their efforts to market the County's retail and industrial sites.
C. Support and provide public information pertaining to groups such as the
Albemarle Commission, the Regional Development Institute, and the Small
Business Institute at East Carolina University, which provide assistance to new
and small businesses and to economic development projects.
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rd. Constitute a County -appointed Committee on Economic Development to
actively solicit appropriate economic development and tourism activities which
emphasize promote the objectives and policies of the 1994 Land Use Plan.
e. The County remains committed to State and Federal programs in plan-
ning areas related to community and economic development, including ero-
sion control, public access, and highway improvements.
b. Tourism:
a. Continue to study and pursue programs aimed at promoting and en-
hancing levels of tourism and tourism -related development opportunities in the
County.
b. Support and promote the Downtown and riverfront areas of localities as
potential locations for seasonallannual festivals, markets and recreational ac-
tivities.
c. Continue to support the activities of local and regional public interests
groups responsible for promoting tourism in the County.
d. Develop an annual calendar of all special events to be held throughout
the County. Publicize monthly listing of events in appropriate local, regional
and national publications.
6. Coastal and estuarine water beach access:
a. Enhance opportunities in the County for riverfront and public trust ac-
cess and continue to undertake active efforts to increase such access.
b. Methods of attracting the County's permanent and seasonal population to
the pedestrian amenities along the Roanoke should be studied and pursued.
c. Estuarine water access must comply with State standards for access lo-
cations as expressed in 7M .0303. These access areas should be studied and i n-
dicated be incorporated into the Land Use Plan.
on maps which could
iThe Cox Company
d. Study the feasibility of identifying, selecting and developing additional
sites for public access on the Roanoke River and other public trust areas and
shorelines.
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1994 CAMA Land Use Plan Update Washington County • North Carolina
e. Continue to undertake necessary efforts with the State Division of
Coastal Management and Office of Water Resources to obtain public trust area
access assistance in funding theplanning, land acquisition and site develop-
ment of these improvements.
7. Land use trends and the management policies related tofutureCounty
»wtil:
a. Employ the Land Classification Map as a means of selecting and desig-
nating appropriate areas of the County for future commercial, industrial and
other economic development land uses.
b. Utilize the Land Classification Map at the Board level to guide growth -
related land use decisions in areas most conducive to commercial and indus-
trial development.
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C. Continue to provide for the orderly growth and economic viability of
land development in the County by establishing reasonable land use guidelines
which ensure the public's health, safety and general welfare.
d. Continue to study the most appropriate means by which to link land use
density requirements to the County's Land Classification Map.
S. Quality of life issues in the County:
a. Schools
• One of the primary reasons thatyoung families continue to be drawn to
other jurisdictions is the perceived difference in the educational quality be-
tween school districts. The County should continue to make concerted efforts to
aid in the improvement of existing school facilities. This includes replacing
existing mobile trailers with permanent structures where appropriate.
• A program of adult education has been introduced tothelocal school cur-
riculum. The goal of this program would be to introduce new
vocational/technical training, each of which would help to stimulate economic
development.
• Teacher training programs should continue to beheld in the school sys-
tems. These programs are designed toupdate the educators on current, "state of
the art" teaching methods.
b. Police Protection
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1994CAMALand Use Plan Update Washington County • North Carolina
• Establish and support an E911 system which will be used jointly by the
police, fire and rescue services.
• Encourage the organization of Community Watch programs. Citizens
should be periodically educated on crime prevention and crime awareness in
the County.
• Pursue possible additional financial and personnel support targeted at
the police/firelrescue services.
• Encourage the Stateto institute a Drug Task Force to help identify, reha-
bilitate and educate those County citizens with drug problems.
Mc. Support the development and enhancement of urban waterfront areas,
while ensuring such projects are compatible with all local, State and Federal
environmental requirements.
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d. Provide active leadership in ensuring that NCDOT roads and streets in
the County are adequately maintained and upgraded in a fashion consistent
with the 1994 Plan's land use objectives.
9. OtherEconomic and CommunityDevelopment Policies for Washington
County.
Pursuant toCAMA planning guidelines for Economic and Community
Development Policies, certain additional issues must be addressed in the
mandatory CRC approval process for the Land Use Plan Update.
• Channel Maintenance
The maintenance of channels does not currently apply to Washington
County.
• Energy Facility Siting
Washington County supports ongoing efforts to encourage the construc-
tion of electrical generating facilities using non-nuclear fuels. If peat is used
as a fuel in this endeavor, the County supports the construction of an electrical
generating station in or near Phelps Field if the developer follows sound envi-
ronmental planning guidelines as setforth in local, state and federal statutes.
Although top priority for fuel stocks is placed on wood and peat, the County sup-
ports coal as a fuel for use if air emissions are properly controlled and closely
Goals, Objectives and Policies • VIH-M
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1994 CAMAZand Use Plan Update Washington County • North Carolina
1 monitored.The siting of OCS energy facilities is not an issue with the County at
this point in time.
Policy alternatives eliminated during the planning process:
Based on CAMA requirements, the County Commissioners have listed
those policies considered, but eliminated. They are as follows:
a. Discourage the development of any future landfill operations in
Washington County.
' Schedule for policy implementation by County:
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The County Commissioners, in concert with input from the County Staff
and County Council, shall outline a schedule for the implementation of the
above policies.
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Washington County • North Carolina
A Public Participation Goals, Objectives and Policies
rThe Board of Commissioners believes that the greatest value of citizen partici-
pation in the planning process is that it allows each member of the community
the opportunity to influence governmental decisions. In order for the 1994 Land
Use Plan Update to be an effective document, it must represent the ideas, atti-
tudes, and concerns of residents. Meetings were advertised by local and re-
gional news media and were open tothe public. The dates of thepublic participa-
tion were: August 4 and September 13,1993 and March 4, March 30, July 26,1994.
In this regard, an intelligent and comprehensive plan cannot be structured
without the direction of the locality's vision for its future. The Board has recog-
nized that this vision must come from the residents of Washington County. To
achieve this end, at the outset of the planning process, the County
Commissioners designed a Public Participation Plan setting forth the specific
methodology tobe used by the County in its effort to achieve this essential repre-
sentation of its citizens.
The previously adopted Public Participation Plan and other documentation re-
lated to theCounty's ongoing citizens'involvement strategies are included in
the Appendix of this document.
t1. County Commissioners:
The County Commissioners and County staff were responsible for in-
1 vestigating land use issues, analyzing past County planning policies, prepar-
ing public news releases, organizing citizen meetings, conducting work ses-
sions to discussions policy options, presenting alternative goals and objectives
to the citizens, and synthesizing the community input into a consolidated set of
goals, objectives and policies for adoption into this document.
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2. Public notification of the planning process:
During the preliminary stages of the 1994 Land Use Plan Update pro-
cess, all County citizens were provided periodic official notices that the plan-
ning process was underway. These notices were intended to encourage the citi-
zens to express their attitudes and feelings regarding land use issues in the
County. The public was informed of when and where they could voice their con-
cerns. In most cases, the County Commissioners reserved time on their agenda
at each regular monthly meeting to obtain citizen comments. As the Land Use
Plan process matured, periodic updates which outlined completed and pending
tasks and policy -related decisions were made available to the citizenry for on-
going review.
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3. General public information on the planning process:
The County Commissioners drafted and distributed regular official no-
tices of the Land Use Plan Update process via the Roanoke Beacon. A reporter
from these publications was periodically informed by the County Manager of the
progress and status of the Land Use Plan Update. The local reporters were en-
couraged to act as "partners" with the County officials in the conveyance of in-
formation to the public.
The news media was informed of the time and location of the monthly
County Commissioners meetings and was encouraged to promote citizen atten-
dance and participation. An official public participation meeting was held on
' April 28, 1993.
4. Policy Critique Questionnaire:
The County Commissioners were asked to complete a "Policy Critique
Questionnaire." This document, prepared by theCounty's consultants, provided
a format for the examination of and revision to the 1985 Land Use Plan's poli-
cies and implementation recommendations. This "Policy Critique
Questionnaire" was subsequently distributed to the Board of Commissioners for
use in their evaluation and formulation of new policies for inclusion in the
Plan Update.
5. Public Attitudinal Survey:
Citizen involvement in the planning process was solicited via a "Public
Participation Survey." This questionnaire was designed by the County's con-
sultants and was thoroughly reviewed by the County Commissioners and
County Staff prior to its distribution. This survey document was particularly
useful in allowing the residents to register their individual concerns pertain-
ing to the character, degree and pattern of population growth as well as future
land use issues for the County.
Indirect distribution of the questionnaire was made through the local
newspaper, the Roanoke Beacon on April 28,1993. There is approximately a 95%
subscription rate for this paper. Also, the questionnaire was distributed to local
merchants as well as through interest groups. The general findings and statis-
tical results of this survey are presented in the Appendix of this document.
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6. Synthesis and incorporation ofpublic participation input into 1994Land
Use Plan Update:
Washington County officials understood the great value and necessity
of comprehensive public participation in the planning process. Community
participation was viewed as an opportunity which should continue through every
phase of the Land Use Plan Update and subsequent County decisions related to
land use. Through the implementation of this process, the Board feels that a rep-
resentative profile of theCounty's constituency has aided in formulating a clear
and attainable vision for the future of Washington County.
In summary, the primary purpose of this Public Participation Plan, is to
inform, educate and involve the citizens as fully as possible in matters related
' to land use planning in Washington County. In pursuit of this purpose, this par-
ticipation process was intended to remain flexible in format and execution,
while giving every Washington County citizen the opportunity to take part in
this democratic process.
7. Ongoing public participation in the County's governmental planning
activities and land use review process:
The Countyis committed toensuring thatall citizens have theopportuni-
tyto continue to participate in theplanning process subsequentto theadoption of
the 1994 Land Use Plan. To this end, the following policies and strategies will
be carried out by the County:
a. Official notification of all County Commissioners hearings involving
land use issues will be placed in the local media.
b. The County Staff may provide the local media with public interest infor-
mation to assist and ensure thepreparation of accurate and timely articles con-
cerning land use, economic development and community -related issues.
' c. The County may establish appropriate study committees, on a case -by -
case basis, to further investigate evolving land use issues as well as other policy
directives as outlined in the 1994 Land Use Plan.
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E. Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post-DisasterRecovery and Evacuation Planning
Goals, Objectives and Policies
The Cox Company
Storm hazard mitigation policies for Washington County are a mandatory re-
quirement of the Coastal Area Management Act and are included in the 1994
Land Use Plan. As related to contemporary land use issues in Washington
County, CAMAs primary aim in establishing these policies is to ensure that the
County government fully recognizes theneed topromulgate reasonable guideli-
nes for land development so thatthe risk of damage to property and the threat of
harm to human life from coastal storms is kept to a minimum level.
The officials of the County fully recognize thelocational potential for damaging
storms. While there has been a substantial reduction in the overall frequency
and severity of significant coastal storms over the past several decades, this
does not diminish the reality of the resulting havoc when the long predicted `big
one" finally, but predictably, arrives.
Although Washington County does not have the direct coastal exposure of many
other CAMA communities, the County's estuarine areas are considered to be po-
tentially threatened by hurricanes and tropical storms. The 1985 Land Use
Plan included a Storm Hazards Planning and Mitigation section as well as a
Post -Disaster Reconstruction Plan. These sections will beupdatedas partof the
1994 Land Use Plan.
In preparing the updated policies for the 1994 Land Use Plan, the 1985 Land Use
Plan studies were thoroughly reviewed in the context of (a) updated CAMA poli-
cies for storm hazard mitigation and (b) its application tothis document. While
not specifically presented in the format of thenew CAMA policy guidelines, the
1985 studies were found to be consistent in most areas with therecently amended
CAMA code and is referenced herein as being the source of themost current and
competently researched plan of action to date on this issue. The 1985 Land Use
Plan presents considerable background data which remains relevant, applica-
ble and, to a limited extent, is hereinafter incorporated by reference.
For storm hazard management and planning purposes, there are three cate-
gories of impacted land in Washington County which must be considered in
preparing policies: (1) Areas of Environmental Concern, (2) areas subject to
flooding, and (3) areas with highly erodible soils. The AECs in the County are
defined as public trust areas, and estuarine waters and shorelines. Areas
which are subject to flooding generally adjoin the AECs. Floodprone areas are
mapped by the Federal Emergency Management Agency; these areas being
graphically depicted on official floodplain maps which are on file at the Office
Goals, Objectives and Policies • VIH--26
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1994 CAMA Land Use Plan Update . Washington County • North Carolina
of Emergency Management. Areas with highly erodible soils are defined on
the soils maps of the Soil Conservation Service.
1. Coastal Storm Hazard Mitigation Planning Activities and Studies:
a. Effects of coastal storms on Washington County:
Of the many storm related hazards associated with coastal communi-
ties, Washington County is realistically subjected to three: 1) high winds asso-
ciated with hurricanes and tornadoes, 2) heavy rains causing flooding in low
lying areas, and 3) erosion.
1) High Winds
High winds area most frequently associated with the actions of hurri-
canes and tornadoes. To be classified as a hurricane, sustained winds must
reach a minimum speed of 73 miles per hour. Winds are typically dissipated
upon landfall. Being located inland relative to many other CAMA communi-
ties the County has a reduced potential danger of direct off -water winds.
Washington County, however, has been subject to extreme hurricane winds in
the past, and this hazard remains, potentially, Washington County's greatest.
2) Flooding
Flooding is limited to areas located adjacent to existing drainage chan-
nels, and the Albemarle Sound. Washington County contains five major water
sources: 1) the Roanoke River, 2) Conaby Creek, 3) Welch Creek, 4) Mackey's
Creek and 5) Albemarle Sound. The amount of development which has oc-
curred in areas deemed as 100year floodplain is substantial In the event of a
flood there is real potential for human and/or structural loss.
3) Erosion
Asignificant consequence of hurricanes, tornadoes and flooding is ero-
sion. Much like flooding it is likely thatWashington County would sustain
significant human or structural loss resulting from erosion. Current develop-
ment patterns in the County are located near areas most susceptible to erosion
damage.
b. Composite Hazards Map:
The County Multi -Hazard Plan is based on the most current informa-
tion available including NFIP maps and data, the Eastern N.C. Evacuation
Study, and AEC data. The County of Washington and all incorporated areas
within the County also utilize the Hurricane Evacuation Plan as amended and
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Tb. Policies related to discouraging development in Most Hazardous Areas:
• The County will continue to inform developers of the locations of
most hazardous areas.
• The County remains supportive of CAMA permitting processes
for development standards for shoreline stabilization and drainage along the
County's estuarine shoreline areas.
• The County utilizes the existing land use ordinances which re-
quire thelocation of new development in accord with the requirements and lim-
itations set forth in the County, State and Federal regulations as they apply to
natural hazard areas.
C. Policies related to land acquisition in Most Hazardous areas:
• The County, atthis time, does not intend to commit local funds to
implement any widespread public acquisition of land in the Most Hazardous
Areas, provided that certain areas may be deemed appropriate for purchase
where specific circumstances dictate.
d. Policies related to citizen evacuation:
• The County continues to support its Multi -Hazard Plan and
Hurricane Evacuation Plan, as amended, which outlines extensive procedures
for efficient and safe evacuation of the County citizens. These documents are
currently used as the primary guidance resource for County's evacuation ef-
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• The County encourages the adequate planning, development and
use of motels, condominiums and other large-scale residential structures for
adequate and sufficient emergency shelter for their occupants and residents.
• The County supports a policy of ensuring thatnew public build-
ings can be adequately prepared and used as emergency evacuation shelters.
• The County continues to supportongoing refinements and par-
ticipation in the regional evacuation planning process currently drafted by the
County.
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3. Post Disaster Reconstruction Plan and Policies:
Post disaster reconstruction policies are required byCAMA as part of the
1994 Land Use Plan in order to guide new development and redevelopment dur-
ing the reconstruction period following a natural storm disaster. In this re-
gard, the County leadership's major goal is to ensure that, as reconstruction ac-
tivities are planned, programmed and implemented, Washington County will
be less vulnerable to coastal storms than it was before the disaster.
a. Previous County planning studies related to post disaster recovery:
0 The post disaster reconstruction program for the County shall be
guided by the Washington County Multi -Hazard Plan and Hurricane
Evacuation Plan as amended and adopted.
• The County continues to support the generalized policies of the
Washington County Multi -Hazard Plan and Hurricane Evacuation Plan relat-
ed to establishing priorities and staging and permitting of reconstruction re-
pairs following a major natural storm disaster:
Priority Repair and rebuild essential service facilities such as elec-
tricity, water, and sewer.
Priority 2: Repair other public facilities as necessary for shelter.
Priority 3: Use a triage (worst damage last) approach to staging and per-
mitting the private sector reconstruction effort.
b. Update County policies governing the support, direction and manage-
ment of post disaster recovery activities:
• A Damage Assessment Team dictated by theMulti-Hazard Plan
shall take action before any major storm occurs for thepurpose of overseeing the
potential reconstruction process as well as establishing any recovery -related
policy issues which might arise after a given storm disaster.
• The Emergency Management Coordinator shall serve as the
chairman of the Damage Assessment Team and shall be directly responsible to
the Board of Commissioners.
• The County's Damage Assessment Team shall be responsible for
the establishment of a schedule for staging and permitting repairs, including
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' the imposition of construction moratoria. Any moratorium shall be in full ac-
cord with the Assessment Team established priorities assigned to therestoration
of essential services, minor repairs, major repairs and/or new development
based on the impacts of the particular storm.
' • Upon adoption of this Plan, the Emergency Management
Coordinator and its Damage Assessment Team shall be directed to convene to
review, update and reformulate a set of generalized action plans, logistical
structures and management strategies to be used for any given potential post
disaster recovery program, including (1) reconstruction scheduling and priori-
ty setting routines, (2) public information dissemination, (3) damage assess-
ments and accounting systems, (4) appropriate coordination and communica-
tion links with State and Federal agencies, (5) coordination of private and pubic
inquiries to appropriate sources, and (6) assistance programs as may be deemed
appropriate. The results of this study shall be presented to the County Council
and other appropriate agencies for review and adoption.
c. The County supports the establishment of general guidelines related to
the long term recovery and restoration process subsequent to natural disaster:
• Reconstruction shall be implemented under at least the mini-
mum standards in effect prior to the given storm.
• Structures not conforming to minimum standards and storm
hazard mitigation policies which were destroyed must be redeveloped to those
standards and policies.
• The County Manager shall serve as the overall Emergency
Coordinator for intermediate tolong term postdisaster recovery activities. The
Chairman shall delegate the oversight of the reconstruction and recovery effort
as well as implementation of the long term recovery plan to appropriate person-
nel.
• Upon receipt of sufficient information from the Damage
Assessment Team pertaining to any given storm disaster, the Emergency
Coordinator shall prepare and recommend a long term postdisaster recovery
plan for adoption by the County Council. The plan shall include, but not be lim-
ited to, the following: (1) development moratoria, (2) repair and reconstruction
priorities, (3) repair and reconstruction phasing and scheduling, (4) fiscal and
economic impacts of the plan, 5) emergency regulations governing all facets of
land use and land development permitting, (6) repair and/or replacement of
public infrastructure, and (7) setting timeframes and schedules for planning
and redevelopment activities.
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IThe Cos Company
Washington County • North Carolina
• The Emergency Coordinator shall establish a Damage
Assessment Team. The Damage Assessment Team shall conduct surveys of
damaged structures for the purpose of estimating the physical and economic im-
pacts of storm damage. Damage classification criteria shall be in terms of the
following:
Destroyed: Repairs costing more than 80% of value.
Major: Repairs costing more than 30% of value.
Minor: Repairs costing less than 3090 of value.
Habitable: Repairs costing less than 15% of value.
Goals, Objectives and Policies • WII--32

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Chapter IX.
Land Classification System
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CHAPTER DL
Land Classification System
1 The Car Company
Washington County • North Carolina
In its simplest form, the Washington County Land Classification System
(WCLCS) is a map and narrative which attempt toportray the County's "vision
for the future." The WCLCS is achieved through a study process during which
the physical, social, economic and environmental realities of the County are
examined. The Land Classification Map graphically outlines and assigns
recommended land use categories to individual geographical areas comprising
the County. The WCLCS map is intended to serve as a general guideline to
assist the County Council in implementing theadopted Land Use Plan's policies
and strategies. In theory, the WCLCS is one which:
1. Best accommodates the County's land use goals, objectives and policies,
2. Is capable of implementation within the context of satisfying both (a) the
demands of the marketplace, and (b) the ability of the County to responsibly
supply public service and infrastructure;
3. Provides positive community -wide benefits with the least negative
impact on the existing physical, social, political and economic environment;
4. Satisfies the regulatory requirements of the State's Coastal Area
Management Act (CAMA); and
5. Resolves the input of County citizens via theadoption of the WCLCS map
by the County Council.
By graphically delineating specific land use classifications, the County Board
is able to apply the most appropriate planning policies to specific geographical
areas within theCounty. Thus, themap is tobeemployed by theBoard to provide
thoughtful guidance to future land use activities and development based on its
commonly held "vision," as defined by this Land Use Plan. The North
Carolina CAMA regulations state:
"The land classification system provides a framework to be used by
local governments to identify the future use of all lands. The designation of
land classes allows the local governments to illustrate their policy statements
as to where and to what density they want growth tooccur, and where they want to
conserve natural and cultural resources by guiding growth.'
The WCLCS is intended to be supported, complemented and implemented by
growth management "tools" which are potentially available to the County via
Land Classification System " IX-1
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' 1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Washington County • North Carolina
' State enabling legislation. These "tools" include environmental controls and
other locally -adopted growth management mechanisms which serve to
implement local, State and Federal laws. However, in the strict sense of the
term, the WCLCS is not a regulatory mechanism.
' Under the CRC's administrative rules, the Washington County Land
Classification System may include seven separate land use classes: Developed,
' Urban Transition, Limited Transition, Community, Rural, Rural with
Services, and Conservation. At the County's option, the areas can be further
subdivided into more specific subclasses. If this is done, the subclass must
' closely relate to the precepts of the original major class. While, not all of the
seven major land use classes will necessarily apply to Washington County, the
classification system --commonly referred to as the 7-Tiered System --provides
' a clear, uniform process by which the County officials and its citizens can best
make decisions concerning future land development and environmental
issues.
' In assessing the optimal organization of the Washington County Land
Classification System, the planning process sought to focus on the statutory
requirements of the Coastal Area Management Act, which states that the
classification should "give particular attention to how, where and when
development of certain types and intensity will beencouraged or discouraged."
' For example, CAMA recommends that:
'Local governments are encouraged to make some distinction between
' urban transition areas, which are intended to reflect intensely developing
areas with the full range of urban services to be supplied, and limited transition
areas that are less intensely developed, may have private services and are
' frequently located in a rural landscape.'
"Urban land uses and higher intensity uses which presently require the
' traditional urban services should be directed to lands classified developed.
Areas developing or anticipated to develop at urban densities which will
eventually require urban services should be directed to lands classified
transition. Low density development in settlements which will not require
sewer services should be directed to areas classified as community.
' Agriculture, forestry, mineral extraction and other similar low intensity uses
and very low density, dispersed residential uses should be directed to lands
classified rural. Generally, public orprivate water or sewer systems will not be
provided in areas classified rural as an incentive for intense development."
With respect to the Land Classification Map for Washington County, the seven
' land use categories are defined as follows:
IThe Car Company Land Classification System 0 IX-2

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Developed Areas:
Washington County • North Carolina
As defined by CAMA, thepurpose of the Developed Areas class is to provide for
continued intensive development and redevelopment of existing cities, towns,
and their urban environs. Areas of the County meeting the intent of the
Developed Areas classification are currently urban in character where
minimal undeveloped land remains and have in place, or are scheduled for the
timely provision of, the usual municipal or public services. Land designated as
urban in character includes mixed land uses such as residential, commercial,
industrial, and other uses at high to moderate densities. The most intensely
developed areas currently exist in and around the incorporated towns of
Plymouth, Roper and Creswell. These areas are currently capable of supporting
moderate population growth. Public services within this area include water,
sewer, recreational facilities, streets and roads, police and fire protection. In
some instances a Developed Area may not have all the traditional urban
services in place, but if it otherwise has a "developed" character and is
scheduled for the timely provision of these services, it still meets the intent of the
Developed Area classification. Areas developed for predominantly residential
purposes meet the intent of this classification if they exhibit:
' a density of 3 or more dwellings per acre; or
• a majority of lots of 15,000square feet or less, which are provided or
scheduled to be provided with the traditional urban services; or
' permanent population densities which are high and seasonal
populations that may swell significantly.
' The County, atits option, may subdivide the Developed class into subclasses.
Developed/multi-family residential, Developed/single family residential,
Developed/commercial and Developed/industrial are examples. This further
' refinement of the Developed Area class will be helpful in future years when
Washington County elects to impose controls over the location of certain uses
which may notbefully compatible with each other. For example, future policies
may stipulate thatheavy industry and low -density residential housing should
not be located on adjacent parcels. In such case, then a distinction on the Land
' Classification Map between Developed/industrial and Developed/single-
family residential would provide the County Council with a means of more
responsibly guiding the location of these potentially incompatible land uses.
' In separating the Developed Area class into future subclasses, the County should
discuss how, when and where, it will provide the services necessary to support
' the unique needs of the urban area. In summary, the Developed Area class is
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designed to illustrate urban intensity development and the public facilities and
services necessary to support it. This class should be applied to existing cities
and towns and areas containing intense urban development requiring urban
services.
As stated above, the most intensely developed areas exist in and around the
incorporated communities of Plymouth, Roper and Creswell. The Washington
County Industrial Park, located between U.S. 64and Mackeys Road, just east of
Plymouth is the prime location for industrial growth. The park is served with
electricity, rail, and other public infrastructure improvements designed to meet
the needs of general industry. A recently completed paved access road serves
the park
' 2. Urban Transition
' The purpose of the Urban Transition class is to provide for future intensive
urban development on lands thatare suitable and that will beprovided with the
necessary urban services to support intense urban development.
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Geographical areas meeting the intent of the Urban Transition classification
can becategorized as either (a) presently being developed for urban purposes or
(b)will be developed within the next five to ten years to accommodate anticipated
population and urban growth. These Urban Transition areas are in, or will be
in an evolving, or "transitional," state of development going from lower
intensity uses to higher intensity uses and, as such, will eventually require
urban services to be supplied by either the County or incorporated communities.
Examples of areas defined by CAMA as meeting the intent of this class are
lands included within municipal extraterritorial planning boundaries and
areas being considered for annexation by incorporated communities.
Urban Transition areas in Washington County will provide sections for
intensive urban growth when lands in the Developed Areas class are not
available. Urban Transition lands must be able to support urban development
by being generally free of physical limitations and be served, or readily served,
by urban services. Urban development includes mixed land uses such as
residential, commercial, institutional, industrial, and other uses at or
approaching high to moderate densities. Urban services include water, sewer,
streets and roads, police and fire protection that will be made available at the
time development occurs or soon thereafter.
In choosing land for the Urban Transition class, CAMA regulations indicate
that such land should not include the following-
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' `Areas with severe physical limitations which would make the
provision of urban services difficult or impossible, lands which meet the
definition of conservation, lands of special value (unless no other alternative
' exists), such as productive and unique agricultural lands, forest lands,
potentially valuable mineral deposits, water supply watersheds, scenic and
tourist resources including archaeological sites, habitat for important wildlife
species, areas subject to frequent flooding, areas important for environmental
or scientific values, lands where urban development might destroy or damage
natural systems or processes of more than local concern, or lands where intense
development might result in undue risk to life and property from natural or
existing manmade hazards."
' Further, CAMA stipulates that"even though AEC standards occasionally permit
urban transition type development on a lotby lot basis within thevarious AECs,
this classification should generally not be applied to any AEC."
' Areas that are predominantly residential meet the intent of the Urban
Transition class if.
• they are approaching three dwelling units per acre, or
• a majority of the lots are 15,000 square feet or less and will be provided
with essential urban services to support this high density development, or
• are contiguous to existing developed municipal areas.
' The urban transition area of Washington County includes the strip of land
along U.S. Route 64 extending from Plymouth eastward to the Tyrrell County
line. Typical strip development is currently occurring along this corridor and
' will likely continue in the absence of zoning controls.
3. Limited Transition Areas
' As defined by CAMA, the purpose of the Limited Transition class is to provide
for development in areas of Washington County thatwill have some services,
but are suitable for lower densities than those associated with the Urban
Transition class, and/or which are geographically remote from existing towns
' and municipalities. Areas meeting the intent of this class will experience
increased development during the current 5-year planning period. The
Limited Transition Areas will be in a state of development necessitating some
' municipal infrastructure, facilities, and/or services. As opposed to Urban
Transition Areas, these areas are of modest densities and are often suitable for
the provision of closed water systems rather than individual wells.
The Car Company
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1994 CAMA Land Use Plan Update Washington County " North Carolina
' Within Washington County, geographical land which is classified Limited
' Transition will provide "controlled development" with services, butmay not be
applied on lands that are suitable for traditional high intensity urban
development normally associated with sewers or other services. The Limited
Transition lands may possess physical limitations or be applied to
environmentally sensitive areas of the County near valuable estuarine waters
or other fragile natural systems. Sewers and other services may be provided
because such services are already in the area or readily available nearby,
because the lands are unsuitable for septic tanks or the cumulative effect of
septic tanks may negatively impact significant public resources.
' The Limited Transition class is intended for predominantly residential
development with densities of three units per acre or less, or in development
' with the majority of lots 15,000 square feet or greater. In many areas, lower
densities would be necessary and should be considered. Clustering or
development associated with Planned Unit Development may be appropriate in
' the Limited Transition Class. Areas which meet the definition of the
Conservation class should not be classified Limited Transition.
CAMA guidelines recognize that due to its very nature, the Limited Transition
land classification maybe controversial because itforces the locality to "pick"
between potentially incompatible land development and conservation issues.
' As such, CAMA requires that if a local government chooses to implement this
class, it shall describe the circumstances making this classification necessary
and shall also describe how this class will help the local government achieve
' both its economic development and natural resources protection policies. This
discussion shall include statements as to why lands included in this
classification are appropriate for development which necessitates the provision
' of services.
As sewer and other services become more widespread in Washington County,
' they could potentially be extended into service areas that are not suitable or
conducive for high density urban development. The use of such services
generally increases environmental protection requirements in these areas if
' the density of development remains relatively low. The Limited Transition
class is intended to provide for appropriate moderate densities of development
' with the benefits of both urban services and sound environmental protection
guidelines. However, the reliability of services, such as sewage treatment
systems, is critical to the appropriate development of these areas. If the County
intends to allow theprivate provision of urban services, such as sewage systems
and garbage collection, then the County should require special assurances that
these private services will reliably protect the public resources and avoid
' unnecessary public expenses.
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' Both the Urban Transition and Limited Transition classes are designed to
' illustrate emerging and developing areas where some appropriate level of
services are required.
' The County of Washington has taken the approach of combining the definition
and intent of the Urban Transition and Limited Transition classification at
this time. Refer to the Urban Transition section for specific transition
classification locations.
4. CommunityAreas
The purpose of the Community Areas class is to provide for clustered, mixed
land uses at low densities to help meet the housing, shopping, employment and
'
other needs in the rural areas of Washington County.
The portions of the Countymeeting the intent of the Community Areas class are
areas presently developed at low densities which are suitable for private septic
'
tank use. These areas are clustered residential and/or commercial land uses
which provide both low intensity shopping and housing opportunities and
provide a local social sense of a "community." Municipal type services such as
fire protection and community water may be available. In some unusual cases,
sewer systems may bepossible, butonly to correct an existing or projected public
'
health hazard. Segments of the County developed in a low density fashion, in
small, dispersed clusters in a larger rural landscape with very limited or no
water and sewer services, meet the intent of this Community Areas class.
'
The Coastal Area Management Act stresses that the Community Areas class
applies to clustered low intensity development in a rural landscape. This
'
development is usually associated with "crossroads" and "country store
neighborhoods" in Washington County. Some Community Areas may have or
may require public type services to avert an existing or anticipated health
'
problem. Due to the small size of most Community Areas, they will appear as
small areas in a dispersed pattern on the County's Land Classification Map.
This Community Areas class illustrates small, dispersed groupings of housing
and commercial land uses in a rural landscape. Many parcels classified as
community are served by shallow wells and septic tanks. The County should
'
attempt to serve additional locations with water. Plat review in areas labeled
community, rural and conservation should take special note of the developer's
plans for water service, wastewater service and surface drainage. Where
individual parcels within the community classification can support industry,
this development should be supported within theconfines of environmental and
other related planning regulations Farming and forestry will continue to be
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important land uses in and around many of the areas classified as community.
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1 5.
Rural Areas
Washington County • North Carolina
The Rural Areas class is to provide a designation for agriculture, forestry,
mineral extraction, and other allied uses traditionally associated with an
agrarian region. Otherland uses, due totheirnoxious orhazardous nature and
negative impacts on adjacent uses may also be appropriate here if sited in a
manner that minimizes their negative effect on surrounding land uses or
natural resources. Examples of such uses include energy generating plants,
refining plants, airports, sewage treatment facilities, fuel storage tanks, and
otherindustrial type uses. Very low density dispersed residential uses on large
lots with private on -site water and sewer are consistent with the intent of the
' Rural Areas class. Development in this class should be as compatible with
resource production as possible.
' County land meeting the intent of the Rural Areas classification which is
appropriate for, or presently used, for agriculture, forestry, mineral extraction
and other uses, that due to their nature, should be located in a relatively isolated
and undeveloped area. Very low density dispersed, single family residential
uses are also appropriate within rural areas where lot sizes are large and where
densities do not require the provision of urban type services. Private septic
' tanks and wells are the primary on site services available to support residential
development, but fire, rescue squad and sheriff protection may also be
available. Population densities will be very low.
The Rural Area class is the broadest of the seven classes. In the future, the
County may wish to further subdivide the rural class into subclasses such as
' Rural/agricultural, Rural/forestry, etc. in order to illustrate where these basic
rural activities should be maintained within the County.
As illustrated on the Land Classification Map, the majority of the County has
been classified as rural. Currently it is projected that little development or
change of any kind will occur in the rural areas within the next five to ten year
planning window.
6. Rural with Services
The Rural with Services category is designed to complement with Rural Areas
category by recognizing that limited residential development may occur
without threatening the agricultural environmental with potential suburban
expansion. Thus, the Rural with Services class is intended to provide for very
' low density land uses including residential use where limited water services
The Carr Company
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1994 CAMALand Use Plan Update Washington County • North Carolina
are provided in order to avert an existing or projected health problem. It is
emphasized that any and all land development within this class should be
governed to ensure low intensity in_order to maintain a rural character. Rural
water systems, such as those funded by Farmers Home Administration, are or
may be appropriate in these areas due to the need to avert poor water quality
problems.
In summary, areas meeting theintent of this class are appropriatefor very low
intensity residential uses, where lot sizes are large, and where the provision of
services will not disrupt the primary rural character of the landscape. Private
wells and septic tank services may exist, but most development is supportedby a
closed water system. Other services such as sheriff protection and rural or
volunteer fire protection and emergency rescue, etc. may also be available.
' This class is intended tobe applied where thelocal government has provided, or
intends to provide, very limited water services to avert a known or anticipated
health problem in a predominantly larger agrarian region.
' Washington County has not chosen to classify any areas under the rural with
services heading at this time.
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7. Conservation
The purpose of the Conservation Areas class is to provide for the effective long-
term management and protection of significant, limited, or irreplaceable areas
t of Washington County. Land management is needed due to the natural,
cultural, recreational, scenic, and/or natural productive values of both local
and regional concern.
' Land areas in Washington County meeting the intent of this classification
include the following:
• AECs, including but not limited to public trust areas, estuarine
shoreline or estuarine waters as identified in 15A NCAC 7H,
• Other similar lands, environmentally significant because of their
natural role in the integrity of the coastal region and include butare not limited
to bottom land hardwoods, pocosins, swamp forests, areas that are or have a high
probability of providing wildlife habitat, forest lands that are essentially
undeveloped and lands thatotherwise contain significant productive, natural,
scenic, cultural, or recreational resources.
The Conservation Areas class is designed to illustrate the natural, productive,
The Car Company
Land Classification System • JX 9

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Washington County • North Carding
scenic, cultural and recreational features of the extra -territorial jurisdiction
which make it a desirable place in which to live, work, and visit. As such the
Conservation class should be applied to areas that because of their .unique,
productive, limited, cultural, or natural features should be either not developed
at all (preserved), or if developed, done so in a extremely limited and cautious
fashion. At a minimum all AECs as defined in 15A NCAC 711 should be
included in this class and the land use plan should so state, and the local
government is strongly urged to include other similar areas protected by either
other state or federal agencies. Examples include Army Corps of Engineers'
"404wetlands." As AECs should be included in the conservation class, the local
government should acknowledge the distinctions among the various uses the
Coastal Management Program permits within each AEC group. It should be
understood, however, the local government may develop its own more
restrictive standards as the state's are considered minimum. CAMA stipulates
that, at a minimum, each plan should include language such as:
• Estuarine Shoreline AECs - These areas are located adjacent to
estuarine waters AECs and are known for their contribution to the natural
productivity of the waters close by. Many uses may by permitted as long as the 37
percent impervious rule is met and development is well managed on individual
sites to ensure minimal degradation.
• Other similar lands that are afforded some protection by another
agency, such as "404 wetlands" where use and performance standards of that
agency will apply.
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• Other unique lands that may not be afforded protection by another
agency, but are known for their natural, scenic, historical, cultural, or
hazardous nature. These areas might include areas identified by the Natural
Heritage Program, pocosins, savannas, tracts of native forests, etc. When these
areas are included in the conservation class the local government should
describe the types of uses it deems appropriate, if any, within each area and
under what circumstances those uses might by appropriate.
CAMA emphasizes that even though AEC standards occasionally permit urban
type development on a lot by lot basis within the various AECs and that services
are occasionally provided, this is the exception rather than the rule, and the
primary intent of the conservation class is toprovide protection for the resources
included therein. Mapping of AECs in the conservation class on the local
government's land classification map should be accomplished with the
understanding the AECs are intensively defined by their characteristics in 15A
NCAC 7H, and therefore maps only indicate approximate locations and are not
definitive enough for site specific regulation purposes. Policy development in
Land Classification System • IX-10
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1994 CAMA Land Use Plan Update Washington County • North Carolina
' the land use plan should acknowledge the intent of this class and policies should
be consistent with the function of areas shown in the Conservation class.
The County has classified the shore of the Roanoke River and Albemarle Sound
1 as Conservation areas. The shoreline of Lake Phelps has also been classified
as conservation. While the majority of these areas are considered AEC's, and
therefore fall under state legislative control, they also retain natural hazard
1 characteristics such as flooding and potential hurricane and wind damage.
The County is presently enforcing its Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance in
these areas.
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1994 CAM Land Use Plan Update Washington County • North Carolina
Intergovernmental Coordination and Implementation
The Car Company
The land classification map for Washington County serves to guide the
activities of private developers and public agencies and to coordinate policies,
standards, regulations and other governmental strictures which affect
development within the County limits. In doing so, the development policies,
issues and concerns of adjoining jurisdictions shall also be considered, and
meaningful attempts at conflict resolution and coordination shall bernade with
these jurisdictions.
Throughout the constructing of this plan, continuous efforts were made to make
local policies and regulations consistent with the regulations of nearby
planning jurisdictions and therequirements of Stateand Federal governing
agencies. The implementation of this plan will also consider compatibility and
consistency with these governmental bodies.
The towns of Roper and Creswell fall within the County's jurisdiction. The
following is an outline of the recent changes in these municipalities.
The following changes have taken place in Roper since the last (1985)Land Use
Plan Update. Since the construction of the Roper central sanitary sewer system,
the town has made considerable progress in connecting existing development
into the new sanitary sewers. The town has placed an emphasis on repair of
deteriorating town streets and drainage structures. In recent years, the town
has been extremely successful in securing community development block
grants and has used a substantial portion of this money for street improvements
and drainage improvements including the construction of storm sewers.
Roper has also expressed concern about federal flood insurance regulatory
requirements and emergency management services. At the earliest
opportunity, the Town of Roper cooperated effectively with Washington County
and has secured program compliance under the Federal Flood Insurance
Program through the County permit process, Inspections and Emergency
Management Office. This same county department provides hurricane and
flood evacuation service. The County Manager and the Emergency
Management Supervisor provide Emergency Management services and the
level of services has been improved and stabilized. Both Roper and Creswell
previously expressed concern over the county's emergency management effort.
The County's Animal Control Office is providing services within the Roper
Land Classification System • IX-12

1 1994 CAMA Land Use Plan Update
Washington County • North Carolina
town limits. The town has a full time police force.
Roper has also expressed concern over lack of employment and housing
opportunities. Housing opportunities have increased with the addition of more
subsidized housing units constructed by the Mid -East Housing Commission.
Employment opportunities have increased slightly due to the construction of a
small shopping center near the old Roper Elementary Gym site. Recreation
opportunities continue to be a concern.
Creswell
Creswell has also completed the construction of a central sanitary sewer
system. Since this construction, the town has concentrated on tapping existing
development into the system and in developing an operations and maintenance
program. Creswell shared Roper's concern aboutthe County's ability to provide
realistic emergency management services. This service, as in the case of
Roper, has been improved by assigning this function tothe County Manager and
the Emergency Management Supervisor. Another concern shared by bothtowns
was thelimited employment opportunities available in or near Creswell. This
situation has not changed exceptthatTyson Carolina has drastically reduced its
workforce.
The Town of Creswell, in conjunction with the Soil Conservation Service
' completed a sizable flood control project which has been extremely effective in
managing stormwater. The Town of Creswell also participates in the County's
flood insurance inspections and permit program.
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Municipal officials appear to be slightly relieved regarding the adequacy of the
police protection due to contractual agreement with the Washington County
Sheriff's Department deputiesfor police protection within the corporate limits of
Creswell. Both towns continue to be sensitive to the need to convert agricultural
land within the town limits to developed uses in order to increase revenue from
utility systems and to enhance the tax base. Twenty units of subsidized housing
has been added to the Creswell housing stock and are owned and managed by
the Mid -East Housing Commission. Land use conversion has increased at a
very slow rate.
Land Classification System • IX-13
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Land Classification
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CAMA LAND USE PLAN
LINTY OF WASHINCTON, NORTH CAROLINA
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Chapter X.
Relationships of Policies and
Land Classification
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Washington County Land Use Plan • 1994
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1994CAMALand vsePlan Update
Washington County • North Carolina
CHAPTERX
Summary. Relationships of Policies and Land Classification
The guidelines set forth by CAMA in section T15A: 07B .0205 require that
this Land Use Plan Update relates the general policy statements (Rule
.0203) to the Land Classification categories. The comparison shall indicate
which land uses are deemed appropriate for the community within the
specific land classifications. The following section serves as a summary
of the Land Classification Chapter of this document.
1. Developed Class
Washington County contains four sub -categories within the Developed
classification: multi -family residential, single family residential,
commercial, and industrial. The County will continue to monitor the
compatibility of these uses through implementation of the existing
ordinances. Further development in these areas will be executed as
indicated on the Land Classification Map. The existing infrastructure
will be improved, expanded and maintained as necessary to provide for the
continuance of these services to areas falling under this classification.
Other public services such as police and fire protection will be expanded
and/or improved as needed and indicated in this document.
2. Urban Transition Class (combined with Limited Transition)
The Urban Transition class indicates land areas which will accommodate
future urban growth patterns. Necessary steps will be taken to assure that
areas classified as Urban Transition will be able to support urban
development bybeing generally free of physical limitations and be served
or readily served by urban services. Transition areas as indicated on the
Land Classification Map are positioned so as togreatly reduce or eliminate
potential land use compatibility problems even in the event of full scale
urban development.
3. Limited Transition Class (combined with Urban Transition)
Areas falling under this classification will contain controlled
development of lower density than the Urban Transition class. These
lands are generally suited to residential development rather than high
density commercial or industrial. The Limited Transition class within
Washington County is intended to provide for moderate development
Idensities with thebenefits of bothurban services and sound environmental
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1994CAMALand Use Plan Update
Washington County • North Carolina -
protection guidelines. The County may allow controlled private
installation of urban services in this class. The County has chosen to
combine the Urban Transition and Limited Transition classifications into
one category.
The portions of Washington County which are indicated as Limited
Transition are those having special environmental or geological features
such as estuarine waters.
4. Community Areas Class
The Community Area class indicates primarily low density residential
which is supported by minimal municipal services such as fire protection.
In some cases, community water may be available. Due primarily to the
low density format, public sewer service is generally not provided.
Community areas usually take the form of crossroad and limited strip
developments in Washington County.
b. Rural Areas Class
This classification contains uses dedicated to agriculture, forestry,
mineral extraction and other allied uses. Very low density residential
areas served by private on -site water and sewer services also fall under
this heading.
6. Conservation Class
1 The Conservation Class applies to areas requiring strict management and
protection of irreplaceable land features located within Washington
County. These areas include AECs and other lands having
environmentally significant features due to their role in the integrity of the
coastal region. All policies relating toAECs and public trust areas as well
as other environmentally significant features including butnotlimited to
' swamp forests, bottom land hardwoods and prime wildlife habitat areas
apply to this class.
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Appendix L
Public Participation Plan
IWashington County Land Use Plan • 1994
I

R E S O L U T I O N
1993 CA14A LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
1 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN
WHEREAS, the greatest value of citizen participation in the
planning process is that it allows each member of the community
the opportunity to influence governmental decision making. In order
' for the 1993 Land Use Plan Update to be fully effective, it must
accurately represent the ideas, attitudes, and concerns of the
residents; and
WHEREAS, an intelligent and comprehensive plan cannot be
structured without the direction of the locality's vision for its
future. This vision must come from the County's residents. The
following Public Participation Plan outlines the methodology to be
used by Washington County in its effort to achieve this essential
representation of its citizens.
I The County Commissioners will be officially designated
as the lead agency for obtaining citizen input to the
planning program.
During the preliminary stages of the Land Use Update
process, Washington County citizens will be provided
periodic official notices that the planning process is
underway. Notice shall be given through paid advertise-
ments in the local newspaper. Notice will be given by the
County of these events. This notice shall encourage the
citizens to express their attitudes and feelings regard-
ing land use issues in the County. The public will be
informed of when and where they may voice these concerns.
In most cases, the Board of Commissioners will reserve
time on its agenda at each regular work session to obtain
citizen comments. As the planning process matures, peri-
odic updates which outline completed -and pending tasks
and decisions will be available to the citizenry for
further review. To further insure opportunities for
public input, the Commissioners will allocate a segment
of each meeting for citizens to provide comment on the
Plan and to review working papers which may be in progress.
The Board of Commissioners will distribute official no-
tice of the Land Use Plan Update process by various
means deemed appropriate by the County officials. A
reporter from the local newspaper will be periodically
informed by the County Planner of the progress and status
of the Land Use Plan Update process.
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An initial Public Hearing will be held for the pur-
poses of critiquing the Public Participation Policy
section of the Land Use Plan Update. This hearing
will be conducted during a regularly scheduled Board
of Commissioners meeting.
The local news media will also be informed of the time
and location of the Board of Commissioners work sessions
and are encouraged to promote citizen attendance and
participation.
The Board of Commissioners will be asked to complete a
•"Policy Critique Questionnaire." This document provides
a format for examination and revision to the status of
the 1985 Land Use Plan's policies and implementation
recommendations.
Citizen involvement in the planning process will be
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solicited via a "Citizen Survey." This document will
allow the residents to register their; concerns pertain-
ing to the character, degree and pattern of population
growth as well as a variety of future land use issues
within the County. Distribution of the questionnaire
may be through:
(a) various public publications in the form of
an insert
(b) a number of highly trafficked public places
(c) direct handouts as may be deemed appropriate
by County officials
rIn
an effort to reach the greatest audience, a represen-
tative from various local interest groups will be asked
to regularly attend Board of Commissioners meetings.
These representatives will be given both the "Policy
Critique Questionnaire" and the "Citizen Survey."
THEREFORE, be it hereby resolved by the Washington County Board
of Commissioners that the Washington County officials understand the
great value and necessity of comprehensive public participation in
the planning process. .Citizen participation will be viewed as an
opportunity which continues throughout every phase of the Land Use
Plan Update. Accurate representation of the County's constituency
will result in a clear and attainable vision for the future of
Washington County. The primary purpose of this Public Participation
Plan, therefore, is to inform, educate and involve the citizens
of the County as fully as possible. In pursuit of this purpose,
this process is intended to remain flexible in format and execution,
while giving every Washington County citizen the opportunity to
take part in this democratic process.
ADOPTED this the 5th day of April, 1993.

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Washington
ty Board of Commissioners
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WASHINGTON COUNTY CITIZEN'S SURVEY
CITIZEN'S ATTITUDE SURVEY
1993 LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
THE COUNTY OF WASHINGTON
The County Commissioners are currently undertaking an update of the Land Use Plan for the County. The purpose of the Land Use Plan is
to Establish the character and pattern of population growth and land use for Washington County's future.
This questionnaire is designed to allov you to voice your opinion about key issues. Please circle just one number that reflects your
attitude for each question; for example, circle /5 if you strongly agree, circle /3 if your attitude 1s neat— rT you are non-comittod,
and circle /1 if you strongly disagree.
The land use plan must balance what Is best for the County's resources, the environment and the maintenance of a healthy economy. Vital
to setting goals and policies for the County is an understanding of citizen needs and desires.
Yov can complete the questionnaire In about ten minutes. Your answers will be held in confidence. Your response to these questions is
extremely important for the County's future. Please complete these questions and return them immediately.
1. Population
1.
AS of 31
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1.
2.
3.
4.
The current
population of Washington County is 13.397.
Population
growth has
decreased over the
past twenty years. Population
krovth
should be encouraged.
Strongly
1 2
3 4 5
Strongly
Disagree
1{ p
1 1 11
Agree
Without more
local industry
and job opportunities, young people in
Washington
County will seek
employment and residence elsewhere.
Strongly
1 2
3 4 5
Strongly
Disagree
` O
0 % a3
Agree
General Attitudes on Growth
and Land Use
The unemployment rate (g.Oi annually) is a major concern in the
County.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree ti a 5 a a1 Agree
The -quality of life' in Washington County is very good.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree Ll %\ 9 3 0% Agree
Growth in industry and commerce is a high priority in the County
and should be Promoted in the Land Use Plan.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5�y Strongly
Disagree 3 c1 5 a'3 Agree
Support of the farming industry is an important goal for the future.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree O c 11 Agree
5. Increased emphasis on tourism should be a County Goal.
Strongly 1 2 3 /4 5 Strongly
Disagree 5 a 5 P \-� Agree
6. The preservation of historic sites and building is an
Important goal for the County.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree 5 6 r0 1) Agree
7. The County should encourage research and development
of new methods that will allow the installation of
septic tanks In areas with marginal soil conditions.
Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree a 1 'T t\ q -1\1 Agree
III. Land Use Concerns
1. Existing land use controls are
adequate to
protect the
quality of the environment.
Strongly
1 2 3
4
5
Strongly
Disagree
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Agree
2. There needs
to be an increased
County -wide
effort towards
recycling goods and conserving
landfill space.
Strongly
1 2 3
4
5
Strongly
Disagree
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Agree
3. The current
regulations concerning
the commercial
use of forest land are excessive.
Strongly
1 2 3
4
5
Strongly
Disagree
5 2 (�
(�
1 ^1
Agree

4,
The location of new industry and residential development
should be
2.
Washington County
has sufficient recreation activities and
left to the 'marketplace' and not to County guidance.
facilities to serve the needs of its citizens.
Strongly
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly
Strongly 1
2 3 4 S Strongly
Disagree
fa �1 6 (0 %
Agree
Disagree VI
5 3 a 'l Agree
5.
The County should
set standards to guarantee that new subdivisions
3.
Senior citizens programs
and facilities In the County are
have properly designed streets and utilities.
adequate for the needs of Its retired citizens.
Strongly
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly
Strongly 1
2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree
3 O y % aO
Agree
Disagree 8
6 1 0 5 S g A rea
6.
The County should
guide the location of Industry and commerce
A.
The Public school
system provides adequate facilities and
to protect ex sting residential areas.
education for the
County's children.
Strongly
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly
Strongly 1
2 3 4 5 Strongly
Disagree
1 1 5 AD oZ 0
Agree
Disagree ci a
A rea
55 \ a. g
7.
The County has no
ordinances for governing the loco Lion
end type
S.
The County does a
goodjobwith my real estate tax dollars.
of future growth.
Minimum regulations (such as subdivision
and
zoning) for future
land use should be adopted.
Strongly 1
Disagree y
2 3 4 5 Strongly
Agree
Strongly
1 2 3 4 S
Strongly
% % y
Disagree
A 3 3 \\ \y
Agree
6.
Leadership in the
County has improved compared to five
8.
To protect the environment,
new residential and commercial
years age.
development along
Washington County's waterfront areas should
Strongly 1
2 3 4 5 Strongly
be controlled by
the County.
Disagree 10
G 1R. 5 5 Agree
Strongly
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly
y,
No regional authority
should be joined by Washington
Disagree
C ', \\ t� C1
Agree
County that would
be given power to condemn land for
Tp,
Residential Rooming
any purposes.
Strongly 1
2 3 4 S Strongly
1.
More private housing
Is needed in Washington County to serve the
Disagree (A
1 \ v a \ Agree
needs of low and
moderate income residents.
S.
Lend taken for Federal
Wildlife refuges and conservation
Strongly
1 3 4 5
Strongly
areas should pay
annual fees In lieu of taxes equal to the
Disagree
/2
^ 10 b C1
Agree
amount of taxes paid
if the land was in private ownership.
2.
More housing for
W
the elderly should be constructed In Washington
Strongly 1
2 3 4 S Strongly
County.
Disagree `
0 2 :5a 5 Agree
Strongly
1 2 4 S
Strongly
9.
Other Comments:
••7
Disagree
d3
,, JC O % 10
Agree
3.
Existing housing
is sufficient to meet the needs of the
citizens
of the County.
Strongly
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly
In your opinion,
what are the two most Important Issues now
Disagree
^
1 10 \ y
Agree
facing Washington County?
V.
County Services
1)
2)
1.
Construction of water lines to areas that are economically
feasible should be a high priority.
I live In the unicorporated area of Washington County. YES NO
Strongly
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly
I live in one of
the Incorporated communities. YES NO
Disagree
tt 1 ;1 1 C,
3 1
Agree

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Appendix II.
tPolicy Critique Questionnaire
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Policy Critique Questionnaire
The County of Washington, North Carolina
1993 CAMA Land Use Plan Update
In developing the updated planning policies for the 1993 Land Use Plan, we
believe that it is a CAMA mandate that you review the previously adopted
goals and objectives from the previous plan. By doing so, the County of
Washington can assess the suitability of past planning strategies in the context of
what is appropriate during the coming decade. We believe that by
thoughtfully updating these policies and implementations/actions you can
better respect and reflect the evolving nature of your County while at the
some time achieving the primary objectives of the Coastal Area
Management Act.
In reviewing each of the previously adopted planning goals and policy
statements you should evaluate the following questions:
1. What is your evaluation of the outcome (either
positive or negative) of the efforts to implement this
goal?
2. Has this goal/objective caused any conflicts with any
other planning goal or strategy?
3. What have been the economic, social, and political
impacts of the subject goal/policy.
4. Should the goal/policy continue to be a viable
pursuit with respect to current CAMA policy statement
requirements?
In addition to these questions and in the interests of thoroughly representing the
intentions and positions of the Planning Board, we have drafted the following
"policy critique questionnaire." Beginning with the 1985 Land Use Plan, we
have summarized in this document the various categories of adopted
planning goals, policies and implementation strategies.
Please respond to the questions as prompted by the columns to the right of
each policy and implementation. If you believe the goal or policy statement
is in need of a "redraft", do not hesitate to rewrite it in your own words. Further,
you will note that many of the 1985 policy statements are not specific policies
but loosely knit observational statements and/or ideological thoughts. Policies
to be included in the 1993 Update should be crisp, clear and focused
statements relating to specific perceived planning goals and objectives.
In closing, keep in mind that if goals and policy statements are to be fruitful,
they must be founded within a "local mindset and philosophy" and not
inspired by consultants. Thus, you should view this task as the most important
r facet of this Plan Update.
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COUNTY GROWTH-
-The County favors an aggressive pro -growth policy.
-The County proposes to continue an active industrial recruitment program and to
explore new points of emphasis in this program including but not limited to
participation on regional and State boards and committees, and the expiration of
moderately priced advertising programs.
-The County commits itself to keeping locally developed regulations simple and
responsive, especially in regards to plat review and permit application processes.
-The County will maintain and intensify close cooperation with the industrial
recruitment program of the North Carolina Department of Commerce.
-The County will attempt to focus its recruiting efforts In a way that maximizes its
peculiar circumstances and unique factors of the local community, without creating an
undue burden on County resources.
AND USF PLANNING COORDINATION'
-The County will pursue an increased coordination and dialogue with the Town of Plymouth
In regards to land use planning efforts.
-The County will provide the Town of Plymouth with a complete set of County land use
planning documents Including the land use plan text and maps.
-The County will provide a briefing once the final plan is adopted.
-The County will invite Plymouth town officials to the County s final public hearings.
-The County will hold one joint meeting of the Plymouth Planning Board and the
County Planning Board each yeae
COASTAL MANAGEMENT:
-The five planning areas related to coastal management, namely marina development,
floating home development, Island development. the protection of maritime forests and the
protection of sand dunes, have been determined to have no bearing upon County policies,
as there is an absence of problems associated with these issues. Therefore, no policies have
been made in regards to these issues. The County however feels that potential marina and
floating home developments should be monitored in the future.
WATER SUPPLY STORMWATER AND AGRICULTURAL RUNOFF'
-In regards to water supply issues, the County will attempt to utilize and expand the existing
programs available for monitoring and protecting water supplies. If the present rate of growth
and land use conversion should change and development projects should put Groundwater
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supplies at risk, the County should be prepared to examine additional planning programs
and regulatory controls.
PEAT RESOURCES'
-it Is the policy of the County to encourage the orderly and careful development of Phelps
Field and other local peat resources. Such development should be consistent with existing
State and Federal environmental regulations.
-The County's Economic Development Commission will work closely with First Colony
Farms and other organizations to encourage the orderly development of peal located
In Phelps Field.
-The County will cooperate with other land owners and developers interested In peat
resources development.
-if the first two tactics are not successful, the County should consider taking an active
lead in attempting to identity and attract investors Interested in peat resources
development.
WASTEWATER PROBLEMS:
-The County should attempt to monitor the extent and nature of wastewater problems and at
least offer technical assistance to land owners and Investors Interested in building Industries
or commercial properties In the County.
-The County should reexamine the level of demand and environmental need for a County
operated wastewater treatment facility and explore the possibilities of reducing its
dependence on the three municipal collection and treatment systems.
RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT:
-The County will continue to operate its local planning programs already In place, carefully
monitor future development, and add additional controls where State and Federal programs
break down and where a particularly critical situation arises.
-The County will continue to participate in State and Federal programs in regards to
environmental Issues.
-The County encourages its Agricultural Extension Service and Soil Conservation
Service to promote sound farm and forestland management practices through the
educational approach. Where possible, educational efforts should be augmented by
financial incentives such as those included in the cost share program operated by the
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ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:
•lt is a key policy of Washington County to Increase the rate of economic growth and to
diversify economic growth and community, development
-The County should attempt to reduce he reliance on agriculture and wood products
manufacturing, but not to the point where it would discourage additional wood
products or agricultural development.
-The County should emphasize non-traditional type industries, commercial
development and service Industries in its promotional and recruiting practices.
-County officials should work cooperatively with municipal officers in Plymouth and
Roper to explore all economic development and community development possibilities
as they apply to the three surplus elementary school campuses. These campuses
should be redeveloped to remove any possible blighting Influences and to examine
the possibility of creating new passive recreational resources.
-The County might consider offering up residential development tracts to private
developers for the construction of unsubsidized housing.
-The County should attempt to monitor all development permit applications to State
agencies.
-The County plans to Implement the Scuppernong River snagging and Gearing project
to reduce flooding of cultivated fields.
-The County should attempt to increase shoreline access resources for County
residents through the construction of a local shoreline park. swimming area or pier.
ENERGY FACILITIES*
-Washington County supports ongoing efforts to encourage the construction of electrical
generating facilities using non-nuclear fuels.
-if peat is used as a fuel in this endeavor. the County supports the construction of an
electrical generating station in or near Phelps Field if the developer follows sound
environmental planning guidelines.
-Although the top priority for fuel stocks is placed on wood and peat. the County
supports coal as a fuel for use if air emissions are properly controlled.
STORM HAZARD MITIGATION-
-High Winds:
The County supports enforcement of the N.C. State Building Code. particularly
requirements of construction standards to meet wind-resislive factors. The County also
supports provisions in the State Building Code requiring fie -downs for mobile homes.
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-Flooding:
The County supports the hazard mitigation elements of the National Flood Insurance
Program. The County also supports continued enforcement of the CAMA and 404 Wetlands
development permit processes In areas potentially susceptible to flooding.
-Wave Action and Shoreline Erosion:
Washington County is supportive of the CAMA development permit process for
estuarine shoreline areas and the requisite development standards which encourage both
shoreline stabilization and facilitation of proper drainage.
-Washington County enforces a building inspection program with the services of a building
Inspector enforcing all provisions of the NC State Building Code.
-The County will continue to support enforcement of State and Federal programs which aid in
mitigation of hurricane hazards. Including CAMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 404
permit process.
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