Land Use Plan Update-1980

0
WASHINCTON COUNTY
LAND USE- PLAN
PROPERTY OF
DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT
PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE

TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
• 1
II. PRESENT CONDITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(A).
PRESENT POPULATION AND ECONOMY . . . . . .
3
(1)
Population. . . . . . . . . . .
. . 3
(a) Seasonal Population . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 10
(b) Roper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 12
(c) Creswell . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 13
(2)
Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 14
(3)
Employment. . . .
18
(B) .
COUNTY LAND USE. . .
25
(1)
Existing Land Use ... . . .
. . 25
(2)
Significant Land Use CompatibilityProblems . . . . .
. . 30
(3)
Unplanned Development . . ... . . . . .
. . 30
(4)
Existing Land Use in Roper and Creswell . . . . . . .
. . 32
(C).
CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES, AND REGULATIONS
(1)
Washington County Plans, Policies and Regulations . .
. . 34
(a) Regulations .
34
(b) Plans and Policies
35
(2)
Ro er Plans, Policies, and Regulations. . . . . . .
. . 38
.
( a� Plans and Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 38
(b) Regulations . .
. .. 38
(3)
Creswell Current Plans, Policies, and Regulations . .
. . 39
(a) Plans and Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 39
(b) Regulations. .. . . . . . . .
. . 40
(4)
State Licenses and Permits . . . . . . .
. 42
(5)
Federal Licenses and Permits. . . . . . . . . . . .
44
III. CONSTRAINTS
(A).
LAND
SUITABILITY
(1)
Physical Limitation for Development . .. . . . . . .
. . 46
(a) Hazard Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 46
(b) Soil Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 53
(c) Water Supply Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 56
(d) Air Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 64
(e) Steep Slopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 65
(2)
Fragile Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 66
(a) Public Trust Waters. . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 66
(b) Estuarine Waters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 68
(c) Coastal Wetlands . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 69
(d) Lake Phelps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 72
(e) Pungo Lake .. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 73
(3)
Area with Resource Potential. . . . . . . . . . .
. . 73
(a) Forest Land . . . . . .
73
(b) Agriculture . . . ... . . . .
73
(c) Natural Habitat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 75
(d) Peat Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 76
(e) Recreational Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 80
i

IV.
N
(B). CAPACITY. OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES
(1)
Community Facilities., • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• 82
(a) Solid Waste Disposal • • • • • • •
• 82
(b) Public Sewer and Water • • • • •
• 84
(c) Fire Protection • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• 84
(d) Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
84
(e) Recreational Facilities • • • • • •
89
(f) Roadways . . • • • • • • • • • • •
89
(C) .
FUTURE DEMANDS . . . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• 95
(1)
Projected Population
95
(2)
Future Economy•
97
(3)
.Future Land Needs :
98
COMMUNITY
ISSUES
(A).
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE LAND USE PLAN UPDATE PROCESS • • • •
• 102
(B)..
QUESTIONNAIRE ANALYSIS • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
106
(C).
WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMUNITY ISSUES • • • • • •.. • . •
119
(1)
County Growth • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
119
(2)
Industrial Development• • • • • • • • • • •
• 121
(3)
Public Facilities and Services.
123
(4)
Housing Opportunities •
125
(5)
Drainage . . . .
127
(6)
Environmental Quality • •
• 129
(7)
Energy Resources • •
• 134
(8)
Public Participation • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
136
(D).
COMMUNITY ISSUES IN ROPER AND CRESWELL• • • • • • • • • •
138
(1)
Resources Protection Issues in Roper • • • • • • • • • •
139
(2)
.Resources Production and Management Issues in Roper • •
141
(3)
Economic and Community Development Issues in Roper • • • •
• 143
(4)
Continuing Public Participation in Roper • • • • • • o
147
(5)
Special Issues in Roper • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . •
148
(6)
Other I.ssues in Roper • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• 149
Protection Issues in Creswell • • • • • • • • • •
• 150
WResource
Resource Production and Management Issues in Creswell• • • •
• 152
(9)
Economic and Community Development Issues in Creswell- • •
• 154
(10)
Continuing Public Participation in Creswell• • • • • • ••
• 157
(11)
Special Issues in Creswell • • • • • • • • •
158
(12)
Other Issues • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
159
(13)
A Review of Roper and Creswell Objectives from the 1976
Land Use Plan. . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . .
. . 160
LAND
CLASSIFICATION
(A).
LAND
CLASSIFICATION AND LOCAL POLICIES AND IMPLEMENTATION . . .
162
(B).
COUNTY LAND CLASSIFICATION, o o . .
. 164
(1)
Transition .
164
(2)
,
Community . . ,
164
(a) Community Service Areas . . . . . . . . . . . .
o 165-
(b) Community Cluster Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 165
(c) Community Transitional
165
(3)
Rural . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . .
165
(a) Rural Residential'. . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . .
. . 165
(b) Rural Natural Area .
. . 165
(c) Rural Forest Land .
. . 165
(d) Rural Agriculture. . . . . . . . .
. . 166
(4)
Conservation . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 166
i.i.

(C).
ROPER AND CRESWELL LAND CLASSIFICATION. . . . . . .
167
(1) Developed
167
(2) Transition..
167
(3) Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 167
VI. DATA
ANALYSIS . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 168
VII. APPENDIX
(A).
COUNTY LAND USE
171
(B).
COUNTY LAND USE CLASSIFICATION
172
(C).
CRESWELL LAND USE AND LAND CLASSIFICATION
173
(D).
ROPER LAND USE AND LAND CLASSIFICATION. . . . . .
. . 174
(E)..
SLIDE PRESENTATION TEXT . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .
. . 175
(F).
BROCHURE ... . . . . .
. . 180
(G).
HISTORIC AND ARCHITECTURALRESOURCES. . . . . . . . .
. . 182
0

DOCUMENT
WASHINGTON COUNTY LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
1980
PREPARED FOR: WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
MAYME W. DAVENPORT, CHAIRPERSON
C. M. STOKES JOSEPH W. FOSTER
.LANE P. SWAIN W. R. SEXTON
WASHINGTON COUNTY PLANNING BOARD
PETER MCNAIR, CHAIRMAN
JEANNIE ALLEN EDNA NORMAN
HAROLD BAUM ROBERT C. PHELPS
JESSE BOYCE GAIL RESPASS
ESTHER EVERETT NINA RICHARDSON
CHARLES LITTLE C. M. STOKES
T. C. MARTUS :BENNETT WHITE
ADDRESS
WASHINGTON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
P. '0. BOX 1007
PLYMOUTH,.NORTH CAROLINA 27962
PREPARED BY:
WASHINGTON COUNTY PLANNING OFFICE
IVANFIELD ASSOCIATES
WENDY MORRISON'PAINTER, PLANNER
BOB SNAPP, CONSULTANT
BRENDA G. MOORE, FIELD COORDINATOR
CAROL J. STOWE, TYPIST
THE PREPARATION OF THIS DOCUMENT WAS FINANCED IN PART
THROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL
MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, THROUGH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL
ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF 1972, AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINI-
STERED BY THE OFFICE OF COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL
OCEANIC 6 ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION.

INTRODUCTION
Washington County, located.on the Roanoke River and Albemarle Sound, is
a rural area primarily dependent on agriculture and the manufacturing of wood
products for its livelihood. A link between Piedmont North Carolina and the
Outer Banks, the County offers much in the way of scenic, recreational, and
historic resources.
One of twenty coastal counties regulated under the Coastal Area Management
Act, Washington County is responsible for updating the countywide Land Use Plan
every five years. Data is to be updated, changes assessed and impact.on natural
resources examined.
Public participation and local government involvement have been major ac-
tivities in the 1980 update process. The Land Use Plan is a framework that will
guide local leaders as they make decisions affecting development. Private in-
dividuals and other levels of government will also use the Plan to guide their
land use decisions.
The involvement of these groups in the planning process and their future
use of the Plan will hopefully lead to more efficient and economical provision
of public services, the protection of natural resources, sound economic develop-
ment, and the protection of public health and safety.
Extensive efforts have been made to provide a useful and practical tool
for Washington County in determining future land use. A tool which can be used,
which can become a part of the local government's decision making process.
The Plan is divided into four sections which relate directly to one an-
other. Initially, base data was compiled to reflect the population growth and
economic status of the County, inclusive'of'Roper and Creswell (Plymouth will
prepare an update in 1981), and the existing land use regulations in effect.
Combined with an assessment of land suitability and existing community facili-
ties, this information provides a basis for future projections of population
and land demand.
1

Compilation of public and local government attitudes concerning local land
use issues, in conjuction with base data provided in the first two sections of
the Plan, provide the basis for final land use issues, policies, and implementa-
tion methods contained in Section Three.
After gathering imformation and listening attentively, a plan of action
began to unfold which suggests how the County should develop in the future.
This is where the actual classification of land comes in, which constitutes
the final section of the 1980 CAMA Land Use Plan Update.
2

PRESENT POPULATION AND ECONOMY
Population
Approximately 44 percent of the County's population is
a
located in the three incorporated towns within the County: 54
percent of the total County population lives in or near Plymouth
(figure 1.).
Historical population trends reveal that the County has
experienced a continuous, steady growth during the past decade.
The County's rate of growth has been ahead of that for the
surrounding five counties until recently (figure 2 ). Population
figures in 1976 show only Beaufort and Chowan Counties exceeding
the growth rate of Washington County with 1980 figures also
estimating.a significant increase in population for Tyrrell County.
The Town of Plymouth has experienced a healthy growth rate
y in the past few decades, primarily due to the location of the
Weyerhaeuser plant just outside of town in Martin County. Plymouth
Township continues to experience the most consistent and signifi-
cant population increase of the County's Townships (figure 3 ).
Age distribution in the County shows a trend toward a stable
young adult population in the age group from 15 to 24. Significant
changes in outmigration of adults in age range of 25-44 are apparent
in increased white and nonwhite population figures for 1980
(figure 4 ).
3.

Figure 1
PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION BY TOWNSHIP
AND MUNICIPALITY
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
01970 OF COUNTY x1980 OF COUNTY
rurULHI 1UN ruruLHI1U11
ruruLHI lull
ruruLtAI W11
Washington County
14,038
15,345
Lees Mill Twsp.-
3,407
24%
3,733
24%
Roper
680 (750)2
5% (5%)
890
6%
Plymouth Twsp.
7,512
54%
8,213
54%
Plymouth
4,774
34%
5,405
35%
Scuppernong Twsp.
1,733
12%
1,889
12%
Creswell
670 (500)1
5% (4%)
530
3%
Skinnersville Twsp.
1,386
10%
1,510
10%
Notes: 1. The 1970
population of 670 for
Creswell was
incorrect.
A more realistic
estimate
would be 500 for 1970
and 530 for
1980 based on
projections for
Creswell
in the "201" Facilities Plan.
2. The 1970
population of 680 for -Roper
has been
contested
by the Town as an
underestimate.
SOURCE: o U. S. Census
x 201 Wastewater Facilities Plan
4

Figure 2
COMPARISON
OF POPULATION TRENDS.IN
SURROUNDING
COUNTIES
COUNTY
*1960 POP.
1970 POP.
%CHANGE
01976 POP. %CHANGE x1980 POP.
%CHANGE
Washington
13,488
14,038
+ 4.1
14,900
6.1
15,345
-2.9
Martin
27,139
24,730
- 8.9
25,200
1.9
25,354.
.6
Beaufort
36,014
35,980
- 0.1
38,800
7.8
40,495
4.4
Chowan
11,729
10,764
- 8.2
11,500
6.8
11,763
2.3
Bertie
24,350
20,528
-15.7
21,000
2.3
21,090
.4
Tyrrell
4,520
3,806
-15.8
3,800
-.15
3,975
4.6
Hyde
5,765
5,571
- 3.4
5,600
.52
5,688
1.6
SOURCE: o
Profile Department'of
Administration -:Update -
1978
x
NC Department
of Administration
Division of State
Budget
& Managment 1979
*
US Census 1960-1970
10 r�

r
0
Washington County
Lee Mill Twsp.
Roper
Plymouth Twsp.
Plymouth
Scuppernong Twsp.
Cherry
Creswell
Skinnersville Twsp.
Figure 3
SUMMARY
OF POPULATION
TRENDS
BY
COUNTY TOWNSHIPS
% CHANGE
% CHANGE
% CHANGE
%CHANGE
x1940
1950
FROM.'40
1960
FROM 150
1970
FROM '60
01980
FROM 170
12,323
13,488.
+10%
13,488
0%
14,038
+ 4%
15,345
+ 9%
3,229
3,435
+ 6%
3,444
2%
3,407
- 1%
3,733
+ 9%
716
793
+11%
771
-3%
6802(750)-12%
890
+30% (+18%)
5,237
6,294
+20%
6,948
+10%
7,512
+ 8%
8,213
+ 9%
25461
4,486
+82%1
4,666
+ 4%
4,774
+ 2%
5,405
+13%
2,019
2,244
+11%
1,629
-27%
1,733
+ 6%
1,889
+ 9%
108,
73
-32%
61
-17%
No record
459
425
- 7%
467
+10%
670
(500)+44%
530
-20% (+ 6%)
1,838
1,207
-34%
1,467
+22%
1,386
- 5%
1,510
+ 9%
Notes: 1. 82% population increase for Plymouth from 1940 to 1950 due to annexation.
2. The 1970 population of 680 for Roper has been contested by the Town as an underestimate. The Town's
own estimate of 750 population, however, still indicates a slow population decline.
3. The 1970 population of 670 for Creswell was incorrect. A more realistic estimate would be 500 for 1970
and 530 for 1980 based on projections for Creswell in "201" Facilities Plan.
SOURCE: x U. S. Census
o Department of Administration
201 Wastewater Facilities Plan
Bob Snapp
6

f �
� 1
i
♦
WASHINGTON COUNTY 0 W A M c 0
NORTH CAROLINA Figure 3A
TOWNSHIPS
AWtom`'
7a i
s
scars r•nc
LLJ
I

Figure 4
WASHINGTON COUNTY POPULATION
BY AGE AND RACE
WHITE
x1970
01980
AGE GROUP
POPULATION
POPULATION
% CHANGE,
under 5.
662
606
-8%
5-14
1648
1507
-8%
15-24
1285
.1492
+16%
25-44
2045
.2958
+44%
45-64
1838
1.903
+4
65 over,
7.31
997
+36%
NON WHITE
AGE GROUP
x1970
01980 .
%CHANGE
under 5
705
'61.3
-13%
5-14
1587
.1263
-20%
15-24
1168
1267
.+ 8%
25-44
1064
1223
+15%
45-64
912
1024
+12%
65 over
384
.492
+28%
SOURCE: x
Census.
o
Department of
Administration
8

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C ry"SF:i 0,ia ri::r�`,ii1� )v f 0 a,i }a i4 tf!!t
C}J s�)�{:+rt ;� cS �,
� � f✓i. �irf! fii 't^l�.'f'i- ��yft
. i r!ic:i:. i !ii 5 f;;,.;)X:. 51", Si 1 i'f .: fi:: i Fi''—I .salt ';ai1
aid, J�'l:o oti`i VS. nI S f[c0:=y z,.'
`..91 �i+JE bz.bo'v i �'^' (�•, p• r
�.: zi ..f i/�f •a 1
WASHINGTON COUNTY TOTAL POPULATION
BY AGE
r i of sub E,,75 r., eeiiq rjo ii ?c, SJ2 eliT
`I xT960'.xw; i�a:tti�tix]'97O�'.r�ucJs�`�r"tuf�.i �v91�8Q«rFc,ri�R
AGE GROUP
POPULATION POPULATION' %CHANGE POPULATION %CHANGE
Y t 4)3'34ZE-W Hfi
under 5
1778 1367 -23%
1219
-10%
fo J.'.%).,. Jfi, <::JJ"f�ri
ii
5-14
3375 3235 - 4% 2770
-14%
_
�i Vi <t:''::°„YIt�c'+�itJii .t iY' �... inc, O'k i l ,,e U" b;:' �iU t 31 :��1 .rV Jf a: r_� �• f1 3
15-24
1888 2453 +29% 2759
+12%
J,N1?i ;L+i> ii +: i�i _i�:s$ ')P;;y :i 37ii , 43 7�
25-44
3161 3101- - 1% 4181�
+35%
•ItIFiJi.1 ib ,i ii f'•i
45-64
2380 2750 +16% 2927
+ 6%
Sd 2,Z-,2 a 0 2 1 3 9:FFi l'U0 r:,,:) I J b-1C.;J b 0 f I Jsf7:+ 4 fi T
65 over
906 1115 _ +23% 1489
+33%
y,Fq tair3'--5,Its' ! i.;'.' ;J:u'0.21 it:, cftCt !..-I C7tiii; 3.0 Jt?t '!S3'%:S>if tilt;
�g 8
J
?J�3� ' ^axa u�d Ja r �. , , ra sw J S t J
J i}1 . , '.iSl.. .. c, # t3 , Q f t7 rf(?r:s" •� a .`,
SOURCE:
x Census
e"j l')�:;��' {li �a` � :,FLS?.� C' 1 ti..� fl .i `C �.li v fi��' a `�' ��11R? .a .`w .1. .� tri�� ✓4': :r`i i.1 '+'i�:l•s~iJ L.i
o Department of Administration
.
A�iaGi? v V \ i :irij iu VJ.ril o,". itolgnidcp. >q rw' f
i) -3_`6d o_o0 rtoI ty i•SjcF,451 f9 i ,, i" uoJ j r)dj 9br) 'i
nu'J j- S"I :: E)d ` Flii i xo,,, G fit u0 `.)..J !f"rl ii
-1130 a "3 Io `nj V FJ..19 iJ C,wf,•i• .l t.J ,r'atJl..�4•�1�:.
u t',; .V in 8-ryr76• _..,u'� at,: .:f�. .. ,f ,., Ga`{J ftef `�.- fif'iJ �'iiiS�w,.a il:. tf �1 :,-f ,'.f. ... �.:t iii `.. rt <:;.)
9 o

Seasonal Population
One factor of particular importance to North Carolina Coastal
Counties is the impact'of seasonal -visitors on population projections,
local economy and public facilities: These occasional visitors
are expected to grow in number., and they will demand the same
services as the native residents, with the.exception of schools.
If properly provided for, these people may become an asset, rather
than a drain, on the County's development.
The figures shown on page 11 are estimates due to the
unavailability of tourist statistics for Washington County. Very
little has -changed since the original Land Use Plan was prepared,
however due to the ever increasing cost of living some second
home owners have been forced to sell .to permanent homeowners. No
change has taken place in the number of overnight accommodations
within the County.
The method used to calculate the figures was to assess the
number of overnight accommodations presently available and multiply
that total by a reasonable number of persons who might be expected
to occupy these units at any given time --In this case the,"persons
per household" for Washington County from the 1970 Census. A
premise was made that tourism in Washington County is based
upon the County's proximity to the Dare County beaches.
The summer recreation traffic along Highway 64 is the best
indicator to support this. Thus projections of future tourism
can be made based upon Washington County's share of the estimated
tourist growth in Dare County.
10

FIGURE 5
ESTIMATED SEASONAL POPULATION
Motel/Hotel Units 60
Campsites 20. x 4.66 persons.
Vacation Cottages (1970) . 100 per household
280 units
280
93
466
839 total
tourists at any
one time, 1970.
FIGURE
PROJECTED SEASONAL POPULATION
1. 1970 estimate of tourist population: 839
2. 1970 estimate of tourists, Dare County: 23,720
3. proportion of 1970 count, Washington
County to Dare County 1:28 or 4%
4. Tourist Forecast, Tourist Forecast,
Dare County Washington County (1:28)
1980 35,106 1242
1990 48,481 to 70,000 1,715 to 2,476
2000 68,067 to ? 2,408 to ?
SOURCE: Dare County Data from Stephens Associates, 1974
Washington County Data, DNER estimates, 1975
From the figures shown, any estimate of tourism in Washington County has
only represented a small impact,on the local economy. A second indicator is
travel spending. The higher estimates, however, are possible if growth along
the Outer Banks occurs at the rate now experienced in areas such as Myrtle
Beach, Virginia -Beach or Ocean City.
' 11

Roper
Roper, the second largest municipality in the county, is now
experiencing growth at a moderate rate. According to the Town's
figures, Roper is recovering from a population decline that spans
20 years (figure 3 ). Although Roper has not experienced a signifi-
cant change in population due -to the absence of a significant
economic base and poor soils associated with -septic tank failures,
upcoming factors may change past trends.
Some growth should result from the increased agricultural
activity of corporate farming enterprises such as Tyson Foods
and First Colony Farms. Peat mining may add to the growth
potential.
The construction of a municipal sewer system (completion
date - May 1980) will eliminate the constraints caused by septic
tank failures. Private residential construction and subdivision
activities have increased because of this project..
Roper's population may also be increased by the location
of Mid -East Regional Housing Authority developments within the
existing corporate limits. There are currently twenty (20)
dwelling units operated by the Housing Authority in Roper.
Funding has been approved for the construction of thirty (30)
additional units.
Since poor soil -conditions will continue to impede
construction in the areas around Roper, it can be expected that
.12

most of the population growth in the area will occur within the
Town limits. Roper has adequate undeveloped land coupled with water
and sewer capacity to accommodate reasonable growth.
ueswell l
Creswell's population growth, consistent yet slight
(figure 3 ), seems to be the result of increased agricultural
activity. The large scale land clearing operations and agri-
business construction should continue to support a gradual
growth rate.
Mid-East.Regional Housing Authority developments may
also increase Creswell's population. Mid -East operates
fifteen (15) units within the Town limits. An additional
twenty'(20) units are expected to be funded.
Like Roper, Creswell's growth has been restrained by
septic tank failures caused by poor soil conditions and
flooding. Plans to construct a sewer system and a flood
prevention system should eliminate these constraints.
Another factor that will probably result in an increase
in the population of Creswell is annexation. As development
along the highway corridors leading into Creswell increases,
there will be pressure on the Town to extend water, sewer, and
other public services to these areas. The Town may want to
expand its tax base to compensate for the added cost of such
services.
13

Economy
Agriculture represents the largest segment of the County's economy,
showing continued increases in production and market sales.."This trend'is:
projected to.continue as corporate "super farms" and individual farmers
continue the development of previously unusable land for agricultural use.
The number of farms has dropped by 50 percent during the 10-year
period between 1960 and 1970, and between 1970 and 1978 from 800 to 350
farms, according to the Agriculture Extension Office. This can'be
attributed to a decrease in small family farms, due to the consolidation
of small farmers into larger farm units and the larger landholdings
farmed by a few corporate farms.
During the period of 1960-74, harvested acreage rose 78 percent,
reaching 76,716 acres in 1977. The continued increase in production of
soybeans and corn (figure 6) supports the potential for future contributions
to the economy.
Corn, soybeans, hogs, and lumber lead all other products in dollar
sales (these figures are not available for publication). The influx
of major hog operations such as Tyson Farms and the subsequent increase
and modernization of local operations has influenced these factors
as has the tremendous dependence on the production and processing of
wood products in and around Washington County.
Manufacturing production in apparel and wood products comprise the
second major component of the County's economy (figures 7`& 8).
14

Figure 6
CROPLAND UTILIZATION
PERCENTAGE
PERCENTAGE
PERCENTAGE
PERCENTAGE
PERCENTAGE
ACREAGE OF
ACREAGE OF
ACREAGE OF
ACREAGE OF
ACREAGE OF
OTHER
YEAR
CORN
SOYBEANS
WHEAT
PEANUTS
TOBACCO
1960
42
42
8
8
1961
34
47
.9
10
1962
32
51
8
9
1963
27
56
8
9
1964
27
54
8
11
1965
29
56
3
7
5
1966
29
59
6
6
1967
31
57
6
6
1968
28
62
6
4
1969
30
59
6
5
1970
38
53
5
4
1971
43
45
5
7
1972
42
46
5
7
1973
42
49
4
5
1974
44
46
4
6,
1975
45
47
4
3
1976
52
42
4
1
1977
46
47
4
10
1978
46
47
4
2
" 1979
46
47
4
2
SOURCE: NCDA Land Utilization Survey, Washington County
-15

WASHINGTON COUNTY -- - N ° V A N C
NORTH CAROLINA _ `, ', Figure 7
MAJOR AREA EMPLOYERS
A t
O 0 \\
a r cam_• s \
N 1
z
✓!:ti a - y
• r►�outN u• ,�
o % r
j .
LEGEND
r \
L A f l I m L L I S. -
me No. F.rrlvc.s
• J ..a • , ��� � 1. Reyt'il:dCuSCT Corp. 2747
?. True Temper Corp. 37
5 -
` y .• .-,, i 3, Corgta-Pacific Corp. 108
4 �
CJ —�• ��j, - _ \LARS i :. Plymouth Cararcnt Co. 244
t _ —� — i —� i� •— !--`"—• I 5. Plymouth Pallet Co. 12
I
i +I 6. Plyouth Fertilizer 31
a
z k ! 7. Williams Luber Co. 100
• • ! A Y • O a T I C O Y N T r
„ T° L c o u N T T 8. First Colony Farms 350
i
50.RCE: Chamber of Commerce
16 May, 1980

Figure 8
BUSINESS PATTERNS
Number of
Taxable
Employees
Payroll
Total
Mid -March
Jan. -Mar.
Reporting
Industry
Pay -Period
(11000)
Units
• Washington County
Total
2,386
4,147
183
Agricultural Services, Forestry,
Fisheries
(D)
(D)
1
Contract Construction
54
66
14
Manufacturing
1,463
3,049
22
Apparel & other textile prod.
(D)
(D)
1
Children's outerwear
(D)
(D)
1
Children's outerwear, NEC
(D)
(D)
1
Lumber & wood prod.
323
482
15
Logging camps & logging contr.
85
76
11
Sawmills & planing mills
(D)
(D)
2
Sawmills & planing mills, gen.
(D)
(D)
2
Paper & allied prod.
987
2,400
3
Paper mills, except bldg. paper
,(D)
(D)
2
Paperboard containers & boxes
(D)
(D)
1
Sanitary food containers
(D)
(D)
1
Transportation and Other Public
Utilities
28
52
4
Wholesale Trade
146
242
13
Retail Trade
426
477
75
Food stores
92
100
16
Grocery stores
(D)
(D)
15
Auto dealers & serv. stations
90
124
13
' Misc. retail stores
56
88
11
Finance, ins., & real estate
60
98
11
Serv-ices
169
136
37
Personal services
37
23
12
Unclassified.establishments
(D)
(D)
6
Source: 1976 CAMA Land Use Plan
17

Data on the value of products manufactured in Washington
County cannot be determined from the information available because
of figures withheld to avoid disclosure of individual firms.
However, 1978 labor force estimates from the Employment Security
Commission for the County, indicate a total of 570 persons in
manufacturing, principally in the Town of Plymouth. This amounts
to 8 percent of the locally -employed labor force.
A much larger segment of the manufacturing labor force lives
in the Plymouth area, but works at the Weyerhaeuser paper mill
adjacent to the County line, in Martin County. Work trips outside
of Washington County exceed those of surrounding counties to
a significant degree (figure 9 ).
Retail trade in the County is primarily concentrated in the
Town of Plymouth. Retail sales, although up 263 percent from 1973
to 1976, suffer due to the County's small population and the
proximity of Washington, Williamston, and Edenton. An estimate
of gross retail sales per person indicates that Washington County's
sales per person is now above the average of the surrounding six
counties (figure 10).
Employment Findings
The largest number of employed persons in the towns. and the
county are blue collar workers employed as operators (figure 11).
The second largest group are skilled blue collar craftsmen and
foremen. From 1960 to 1970, the.number.of persons with skilled
white collar jobs has increased significantly (by 150 percent in the
18

Figure 9
WORK TRIPS OUTSIDE COUNTY.OF RESIDENCE:
'WASHINGTON COUNTY AND OTHER AREAS
Percent of County Labor Force
Working Outside County
1960 1970 % Increase Over 1960
Washington County
25% 44%
+176%
Wake County
5% 14%
+280%
Mecklenburg County
4% 11%
+275%
Pitt County
8% 21%
+262%
Beaufort County
8% 18%
+225%
Bertie County
9% 31%
+444%
Chowan County
8% 23%
+287%
Hyde County
6% 19%
+416%
'Martin County
7% .18%
+257%
` Tyrrell County
9% 25%
+277%
SOURCES: Washington County Land Use Plan, 1976
19

Figure 10
RETAIL SALES PER'1000 POPULATION (Estimate only)
1973 Gross 1970
Retail Sales Population
Washington Co.
$15,017,000
14,038
$1782.08/person
Martin Co.
50,499,000
24,730
2042.00/person
Beaufort
92,615,000
35,980
257C O6/person
Bertie
29,620,000
20,528
1442.90/person
Chowan
25,244,000
10,764
2345.22/person
Hyde
5,931,000
5,571
1064.62/person
Tyrrell Co.
5,890,000
3,806
1547.55/person
SOURCE: Washington County Land Use Plan, 1976
1976-77
1976
Retail Sales
Population
Washington Co.
$54,544,801
14,900
$3660.70/person
Martin Co.
93,249,272
25,200
3700.36/person
Beaufort Co.
177,794,659
38,800
4582.33/person
Bertie Co.
43,818,867
21,000
2086.60/person
Chowan Co.
45,173,953
11,500
3928.16/person
Hyde Co.
12,521,008.
5,600
2235.89/person
Tyrrell Co.
9,615,670
3,800
2530.43/person
SOURCE: Dept. of Administration
7
20

Figure 11
OCCUPATIONAL BREAKDOWN OF EMPLOYED PERSONS
IN PLYMOUTH AND WASHINGTON COUNTY, 1960-1970
ti
PERCENT
OF
TOTAL
PERCENT
OF
TOTAL
PERCENT CHANGE
EMPLOYED,
1960
EMPLOYED,
1970
1960-1970
JOB TYPE
PLYMOUTH/COUNTY
PLYMOUTH/COUNTY
PLYMOUTH/COUNTY
Professionals
8%
/
3%
12%
/
7%
+150%/
+230%
Farmers
1%
/
13%
1%
/
6%
no change /
- 50%
Managers
8%
/
5%
10%
/
8%
+125%/
+160%
Clerical
10%
/
4%
12%
/
8%
+120%/
+200%
Sales
8%
/
6%
4%
/
3%
- 50%/
- 50%
Craftsmen
16%
/
12%
13%
/
18%
- 20%/
+150%
Operators
21%
/
20%
24%
/
25%
+115%/
+125%
Housekeepers
7%
/
6%.
4%
/
3%
- 40%/
- 50%
Service Workers
7%
/
4%
9%
/
8%
+130%/
+200%
Farm Labor
1%
/
11%
1%
%
47%
no change /
- 60%
Common Labor
8%
/
5%
7%
/
8%
- 10%/
+160%
Total employed,
Town of Plymouth,
1960:
1673;
1970: 1727.
Total employed,.
Washington Co.
outside
Plymouth,
1960: 2415 1970:
4679.
SOURCE: Washington County Land Use Plan, 1976
Note: Percentages shown have been rounded off. To get a close approximation of
the actual count of persons in a particular category, multiply the "total
employed" figure by the percentage for the give year.
21

Town of Plymouth and 230 percent in the County for professionals
and technicians).
Whereas, in the past unemployment in Washington County has been
slightly higher than the average rate for the surrounding six
counties, it has now decreased. The majority of these counties
have seen a slight to sharp increase in unemployment since 1973
(figure 12).
In the past Washington County has consistently averaged
higher than the rate for the State at any time, but has been about
average for this region. Presently Washington County has one of
the lowest unemployment figures of the six surrounding counties
and is equivalent to the 1979 North Carolina unemployment rate.
Family median income in the County rose 205 percent to $7,177
in 1970, or to a point two percent behind Plymouth's family median
-income of $7,313 (figurel3 ). The county -wide average of median
family income is ahead of that for the surrounding -six counties,
but behind that of the State.
22

Counties
Washington County
Wake County
Mecklenburg County
Pitt County
Beaufort County
Bertie County
Chowan County
Hyde County
Martin County
Tyrrell County
North Carolina
Figure 12
RATES OF UNEMPLOYMENT FOR
WASHINGTON COUNTY AND OTHER AREAS
+ Average Rate For
1965-1973
6.2%
2.3%
2.1%
5.9%
3.8%
6.3%
4.3%
6.7%
5.4%
7.8%
3.7%
°Average Rate For
1974-1977
6.2%
3.8%
5.0%
5.9%
4.5%
8.0%
6.8%
7.6%
8.8%
10.0%
6.3%
SOURCE: + CAMA Land Use Plan 1976
o N. C. Statistical Abstract
* N. C. Employment Security Commission
*Average Rate For
Most Recent Year
of Record, 1979
4.8%
3.1%
3.9%
5.3%
4.9%
5.9%
4.4%
6.1%
6.2%
9.1%
4.8%
23

Figure 13
MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME:
PLYMOUTH AND SURROUNDING TOWNS
1960 Median Income 1970 Median Income
All Families All Families
Plymouth $4665 $7313
Edenton 3918 7250
Washington 4410 6563
Williamston 3448 6510
MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME: WASHINGTON COUNTY
(NOT INCLUDING PLYMOUTH) AND OTHER AREAS
% Change
Over 1960
+157%
+185%
+149%
+189%
1960 Median Family
1970 Median Family
% Change
Income
Income
Over 1960
Washington Co.
$3495*
$7177*
+205%
Beaufort Co.
2409
6435
+267%
Bertie Co.
2117
4829
+228%
Chowan Co.
2714
6397
+236%
Hyde Co.
1979
4478
+226%
Martin Co.
2366
5711
+241%
Tyrrell Co.
1927
4307
+224%
North Carolina
3956
7774
+197%
SOURCES: Washington County Land Use Plan, 1976
Note: * Median family income for all of Washington County in 1970 was $7,182.
This includes the median family income for Plymouth. Without Plymouth,
the median family income for the "farm" and "non -farm" families of
Washington County (i.e., those families outside Plymouth) was $7,177. The
1960 statistic of $3495 was arrived at by the same method.
24

11
COUNTY LAND USE
Existing Land Use
Land use mapping information was compiled from the 1980 Tax Revaluation
Field Survey in which each tract of land within the County was examined and
information recorded relative to land use. This imformation has been trans-
ferred onto planning maps at a scale of 1" = 1,000' and also on a generalized
land use map included in the appendix.
Tax records show 113,091 acres in cleared farm real estate comprising 53
percent of the County's land use. Forty one percent or 88,566 acres of forest
land, 4.0 percent water area and 5.6 percent of urban uses make up the 342
square miles of Washington County land -area.
Of the urban tracts of land, including Roper, Creswell, and Plymouth, there
are 10 industrial units, 355 commercial uses, and 4293 residential sites.
Agriculture, the dominant land use throughout the County, is concentrated
east of Highway 99 toward Lake Phelps in the southernly section of the County.
During the period 1960-1977, acreage in farms increased 44%, with productive
row crops equivalent to 56% of the 136,113 acres in farmland (Figure 14).
The dramatic increase in productive farmland is attributable to large
scale land reclamation activities of First Colony Farms. Land clearing tech-
nology, made feasible by such corporate farms, has allowed for the use of
previously unsuitable land for successful crop production.
The scale of First Colony's operation has raised local hog production;
(now under management by Tyson Carolina) to an all time high, while greatly
increasing grain storage capacity in the County with its bonded commercial
elevator near Lake Phelps.
25

Figure 14
PERCENTAGE
UTILIZATIONS OF FARM LAND
IN
WASHINGTON COUNTY
Acreage of
Percentage. Percentage
Percentage
Percentage
Year
All Land in Farms
Row Crop Idle Crop
Pasture
Forest
1960
94,671
45 not reported
5
'50
1961
95,297
39 6
5
50
1962
101,475
41 7
5
47
1963
100,150
43 6
4
47
1964
102,364
43 6
5
46
1965:
102,765
43 6
4
47
1966
101,974
46 4
5
43
1967
104,015
50 4
4 .
42
1968
106,971
49 4
4
43
1969
.109,666
49 7
3
41
1970
114,466
53 4
4
39
1971
113,238
56 3
3
38
1972
113,511
56 6
3
35
1973
121,887
55 2
4
39
1974
123,840
51 6
3
40
1975
146,786
47 7
5,
40
1976
146,221
48 3
5
43
1977
136,113
56 2
3
39 ,
SOURCE:
North Carolina Department
of Agriculture,
Land Utilization and
Crop.Acreage Surveys
26

In 1973, First Colony's land holdingsequalled32,900 acres. Since that -
time, approximately 15,000 acres have been liquidated to foreign and domestic
concerns. The majority of the farmland sold to corporate concerns is being
leased to local tenant farmers.
The significance of large investments, suitable soils and the higher unit
prices farm products derive, reinforce.the continuation of agriculture as the
future major land use in the area.
Forest land covers 41% of the County's land area. Ownership is divided
among public agencies, the forest industry, individuals, and corporate interests.
All large timber tracts within Washington County are owned by corporate
interests (Figure 15), with only one sizeable.tract, owned by Juniper Farms,
.being converted to crop production.
Publicly owned forest lands include Pungo National Wildlife Refuge,
Pettigrew Park, and a tract of land on the southeastern side of Lake Phelps.
Other forested areas are scattered throughout the County, primarily in the,
4'
northern sector.
27

WASHINGTON COUNTY M o W A N C"
NORTH CAROLINA Figure 15
TIMBER TRACTS
� M
jr► i ®...r wuur
_RCS -- .-.
LEGEND
Georgia Pacific
O
Weyerhauser
Weyerhaeuser
Juniper Farms
Champion Internation
Union Camp/Weyerhauser
Burrus Land Company
6 1 A u IF 0 e r

Commercial and industrial activities are concentrated in or near the
Towns of Plymouth, Roper, and Creswell. Elsewhere, business activity is
sharply limited, consisting primarily of small grocery stores scattered
along the County's rural roads.
The largestindustry in the County is the Plymouth Garment Company in
Plymouth. Outside of Plymouth, industry in the County is limited to the
First Colony Farms grain elevator between Creswell and Roper on Newland
Road and the Williams Lumber Company at Mackey's, north of Roper.
With the proposed extension of water to a newly purchased industrial
site, the County envisions an increase in industrial development within
the next ten years. The proposed site, located on highway 45 east of
Plymouth, is 60 acres in size.
Residential land use in the County consists of scattered -site single
family homes and mobile homes on individual lots of record, fronting existing
roads. .Subdivisions and mobile home parks are primarily located around
Plymouth and along the shoreline of the.Albemarle Sound.
A 1980 tax revaluation survey of County land use estimated 4,293 single
family units in the County, inclusive of.the Towns. The same survey revealed
862 mobile homes in mobile home parks and on individual lots, which reflects
an increase of 107 percent since 1973. This increase is likely to continue
in the forseeable future until other forms of housing are made available in a
price range that local families can afford, or until new industry with higher
wage rates settles in the area.
Second home development along Albemarle Sound is expected to continue
at a slow pace over the next ten years. The forseeable change in this seasonal
housing is the occupancy of existing summer houses on a year-round basis..
New subdivision development has been minimal since the adoption of
29

County subdivision regulations in June of 1977. Existing subdivided lots
are being developed, with scattered new minor subdi'vi.sion of less than five
lots occurring throughout the rural areas. No major subdivisions, requiring
the paving of roadways, have been developed in the last three years.
i
Significant Land Use Compatibility Problems
At the present time, land use compatibility problems are limited in the.
County. The best example of a compatibility problem are hog parlors in proxi-
mity to homes and churches. Many times odor travels sgni.fi:cant distances and
is generally extremely offensive.
The intermixing of mobile homes with single family dwellings along the
Albemarle Sound has been a reoccurring complaint. Mobile homes are many
times rented and are not as.well kept as adjacent residences. Very few
respondents to the questionnaire wanted more mobile homes in the area im-
mediately surrounding the community where they lived, or in the County as
a whole.
Development is increasing in close proximity to the Plymouth Airport,
primarily on Reno Road located along the southern boundary of the airport
property. Continued residential construction close to the airport may perpe-
tuate future problems if airport expansion is necessary. The safety of
adjacent residents would also be in question if air traffic were to increase,
Unplanned Development
Thus far major impact has not been experienced due to unplanned devel-
opment, but the potential for significant problems exists.,
30

Highway 64, spanning the length of Washington County, and.a major link
between the Piedmont and the Outer Banks, is becoming congested due to
commercial and residential development along its corridor. As proven in
other localities, increased strip development promotes the burden of exten-
sive roadway improvements such as the widening of roadways and their
eventual replacement by bypasses.
Due to residential development along major roadways,speed limits have
been reduced, decreasing the utility of these roadways as thoroughfares, and
during the summer months, the increased tourist traffic and farm machinery.
use makes travel on the two - lane highway hazardous.
Increased development on paved roads has been encouraged by the adoption
of new roadway standards by the Department of Transportation in 1973, which
require that all new roads must be paved. Developers are using land on
existing paved roads due to the expense of constructing new hard surface
roadways into interior property. Recent subdivision regulation revisions
allowing for the subdivision of four lots on unpaved roadways have provided
an opportunity for the continuation of minor subdivisions.
Residential building along.the Albemarle Sound has impacted access.to the
shoreline. Traffic patterns are unplanned, promoting difficulty in optimum
land utilization. The majority of roads serving the Sound area are unpaved
and run along the Sound at the depth of one lot. Emphasis is on maximum
utilization of waterfront property, with no thought to future use of adjacent
land, nor potential erosion which may eventually destroy the waterfront lots
and the road.
Another impact of unplanned residential development has been the malfunc-
tioning of sewage disposal systems.in subdivisions located on unsuitable soils.
31

Area subdivisions developed proir to the adoption of Subdivision
Regulations, are experiencing difficulty with disposal systems and/or approval
of lots for systems, according to the County Sanitarian. Although some _
developments are in the early stages of development, others have�a number of
homes with existing systems which creates a question as to the alternatives
available to property owners.
In most older subdivisions, adequate land is not available for the in-
stallation of a second system and many times public services are not available.
Widespread malfunctioning in subdivided areas may put pressure on munici=
palities to service these areas, causing random extension of utilities and
suburban sprawl. With careful site analysis and Health Department approval,
new developments will hopefully be free 'of such problems.
The only areas subject to changes in predominant land use is the forested
area owned by Juniper Farms being cleared for agriculture, and.approximately
9,000 acres of pocossin related shrub land south of Lake Phelps which will be
mined for peat.
Existing Land Use in Roper and Creswell
In the Town of Roper, (.9 sq. miles) approximately 41 percent of the
area is devoted to harvested cropland. An additional 26 percent of the
town consists of forest and swamp which have no significant commercial value.
Residential land (approximately 18 percent of the town) is clustered around
the business district, with only 4 percent of the area in Roper used for .
commercial purposes.
Creswell ( .6 sq. miles ) has only 7-percent of the incorporated area in
harvested cropland. More significant is the 54 percent covered by non-commercial
forestland and swamp. Residential land consist of 19 percent of the area which
32

is clustered around the compact business district (approximately 5 percent). The
remaining area is used for public buildings and utilities.
Public lands consist of about 35 acres in Roper and 27 acres in Creswell.
School grounds are the largest part of this acreage with smaller tracts used
for fire departments, municipal offices, storage areas, and other community
utilities and facilities.
Land use compatibility problems are limited in Roper and Creswell.
Both towns have minor compatibility problems with livestock operations
located near the corporate limits. If such operations continue to expand, a
significant odor problem might arise. Both Towns are considering zoning
regulations as a means to prevent compatibility problems with future
development.
The major problems which have resulted from unplanned development are
all centered around the drainage problem. Since both Towns expect a growth
in population and neither Town has the option of moving to higher elevations,
drainage plans are being developed to enhance future land use.
Land now used.for agriculture in Roper and Creswell will tend to be converted
to other uses as growth -occurs. Due to the use of chemicals and heavy
equipment in agricultural production this conversion of land use is desirable.
There are no areas of environmental concern within the corporate limits
of Rop%r or Creswell.
1
Roper's AECs are the waters of Mill Creek and Deep Run. Since these water-
ways are blocked to navigation between Roper and the Albemarle Sound with
no solution in sight due to Federal Regulations, development is not likely.
In the event development occurs, appropriateuses are indicated on page 135 of.this
plan.
33

WASHINGTON COUNTY PLANS, POLICIES AND REGULATIONS
The following land use plans, regulations, and policies have been
prepared for the Washington County Board of Commissioners, and where.....
noted, the Towns of Roper and Creswell. A complete list of plans,
policies, and regulations for the Town of Plymouth will be included in
their updated Land Use Plan.
Regulations
Washington County Subdivision Qrdinance - Initially adopted in
June of 1977, subsequently amended in October 1977 and July
of 1979, the ordinance requires the platting and approval of
subdivided land in the County and Roper and Creswell. Minor
subdivisions and major subdivisions are reviewed by either a
Subdivision Review Committee, the Planning Board or the Board,
of Commissioners. The ordinance is administered by the County
Planner.
Mobile Home and Travel Trailer Park Ordinance - This ordinance
regulates the planning and construction of mobile home and
travel trailer parks throughout the County. The ordinance was
adopted in July of 1974 and subsequently amended in July of 1919.
The ordinance is enforced by the County Planner, Building Inspector
and the County Electrical Inspector.
Laws and Rules for Ground Absorption Sewage Disposal Systems -
These regulations control the use of sanitary sewage disposal
systems with 3,000 gallons or less design capacity serving a
single or multifamily residence, place of business, or place of
public assembly. The Washington County Health Department is
responsible for the administration of these regulations.
State Building and Electrical Codes - The codes call for the
inspection of new construction to assure conformance with
State standards. The County Electrical and Building Inspectors
are responsible for the permitting and inspection of such
construction.
Flood Hazard Ordinance - A flood study for the county will be
prepared within the next 18 months (exclusive of Creswell).
Upon completion of the study a local Flood Hazard Ordinance will
34

be adopted which will address building requirements in flood
prone areas. The enforcement officer will be designated upon
adoption of the study and ordinance. The County is now under
the emergency program.
Planned Unit Development Ordinance - An ordinance allowing the
construction of planned unit developments within the County has
been prepared for the Board of Commissioners. The ordinance,
proposed as a part of the Subdivision Regulations, has not been
adopted.
Plans and Policies
County Soil Survey - A detailed soil survey containing maps and
soils information has been prepared by the Soil Conservation
Survey.
Housing Survey - The Department of Natural Resources and Community
Development inventoried the structural conditions of county
housing in. 1973.
Community Development Program - Prepared by Williams and Works
in 1976, the Program is a documentation of the needs of low and
moderate income citizens in Washington County.
Washington County Community Development Plan - This planning
document was developed in order to provide the citizens of
Washington County with an objective review of certain neighborhood,
community, and county -wide improvements that are necessary to
upgrade the overall quality of living. It is intended to be a
planning guide by which certain actions and funds can be
directed over the next decade. '
Washington County Housing Plan - Prepared by the Community
Development office and adopted in December of 1977, the Housing
Plan assesses the County's present and anticipated housing
needs and proposes means by which to insure that these needs
are met.
Implementation and Permit Enforcement Plan - The Plan is an
outline for Washington County to follow in their efforts to properly
guide growth and development in Areas of Environmental Concerns.
Washington County Land Use Plan - The initial plan was adopted
in 1976 and included Roper and Creswell. The 1976 plan includes
statistical information relative to population and economy,.
local -goals and objectives concerning future growth, -identification
of areas suitable for future development and a plan by which future
land use will be guided. Reasonable and careful use of our
coastal resources is the primary focus of the Coastal Area
Management Plan.
35

Washington County Land Use Element - This document addresses
those requirements set forth by the Department of Housing.and.
Urban Development under section 701 guidelines.. The purpose
of the element is to provide direction for addressing land use
concerns of Washington County and its citizens.
Land Use Element Region R - The main purpose of this document
is to address, focus on and draw specific regional land use
goals, policies, objectives and implementation procedures
from the individual County CAMA Plans while leaving the more
traditional detailed analysis and projections in the individual
county land use plans. Ten counties constituting Region R, are
addressed in this 1977 Plan.
Recreation Plans - Washington County Recreation Plan prepared
by the Washington.County Community Development office; Outdoor
Recreation Potential for Washington County, N. C. prepared by
Soil Conservation Service and U. S. Department of Agriculture;
Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan for North Carolina
prepared by the State; An Appraisal of North Carolina's Potential
for Outdoor Recreation Development prepared by USDA Soil
Conservation Service: and Open Space -Recreation Plan Region R
prepared by Albemarle Regional Planning and Development Commission. ---
Each document assesses the recreational resources within the County,
projects future need in types of recreational uses and proposes
long range plans and goals. The plan prepared by the County is
more explicit and detailed than Regional and State Plans.
Economic Development Plans - Washington County Overall Economic
Development Plans, 1962, 1971; and Regional Overall Economic
Development Plan, 1977--Each plan lists recommendations for
priority needs based on available data. The regional plan
designates Plymouth and surrounding areas as a growth center and
provides comparative data for surrounding counties. ,
Solid Waste Planning Study - The report was prepared to assist
the County in evaluating the existing system of solid waste
disposal, to review the adequacy of the present landfill site
that is serving the County, and make recommendations concerning
the feasibility of alternative sites. Preparation of the plan
in 1979 was a joint effort between ARPDC, Talbot and Associates
and the County Planning Office.
Water Feasibility Study For Washington County - The study, com-
pleted in 1975 includes information concerning groundwater.
resources, existing water facilities, population projections and
present and future water requirements. A construction schedule
prioritizing proposed projects is also included.
36.

Albemarle Area Resource Conservation and Development Plan of
North Carolina - The plan, prepared by the Albemarle Resource
Conservation and Development Council, provides guidance in the
use and development of our natural.resources. It was completed
in 1977.
Shoreline Erosion Inventory - A study prepared by the Soil
Conservation Service in 1975, the erosion inventory lists the
physical factors associated with shoreline erosion in fifteen
coastal counties, and attempts to assess the magnitude of the
problem.
Pettigrew State Park Master Plan - The Division of Parks and
Recreation has outlined plans for.the expansion of recreational
facilities at Pettigrew Park along Lake Phelps.
Lake Phelps Lake Mana9ement Study - Also prepared by the North
Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, this 1980 report pro-
vides background information on the Lake'Phelps area , and
proposes a plan for the management of the lake level.
37

ROPER PLANS, POLICIES, AND REGULATIONS
Roper has prepared the following plans, policies, and regulations
in an attempt to effect good land use:
Plans and Policies
Community Profile 1978 - East Carolina University Regional
Development Institute
Drainage Plan 1980 - U. S. Soil Conservation Service and
Ivanfield Associates
Capital Asset Inventory and Five -Year Projection of
Capital Improvements 1979 - Department of Natural'
Resources and Community Development - DCA
Roper Sewer System (Plans, Specs and Construction Documents)
1979 - L. E. Wooten & Co.
Citizen Participation Plan 1978 - Department of Natural
Resources and Community Development - DCA
Washington County Land Use Plan 1976 - Washington County
(Roper is a part of this plan)
Roper has an established policy for the extension of sewer lines.
Open Space, Recreation and Transportation policies have not been
established.
Regulations
Subdivision Regulations 1978 - Department.of Natural Resources
and Community Development - DCA
Mobile Home and Travel Trailer Park Ordinance 1980 - Ivanfield
Associates
Fair Housing Ordinance 1980 - Ivanfield Associates
Zoning Ordinance (Draft Copy under consideration) 1979 -
Department of Natural Resources and Community Development - DCA

N. C. Building and Electrical Codes are administered in the Town
by Washington County. Septic Tank Regulations are administered by
the Washington County Health Department. Roper does participate
in the IFederal Flood Insurance Program.
Local regulations for historic districts, dune protection,
sedimentation and environmental impact have not been considered as
areas of concern beyond the requirements of specific projects such as
the sewer system.
Roper has established various nuisance regulations as a part
of the Town Ordinances.
CRESWELL CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES AND REGULATIONS
• Creswell has prepared the following plans, policies, and
regulations in an attempt to effect good land use:
Plans and Policies
Community Profile 1978 East Carolina University
Regional Development Institute
Flood prevention and Drainage Plan 1980 - U. S. Soil
Conservation Service and Ivanfield Associates
201 Sewer Facilities Plan 1979 - L. E. Wooten and Co.
Capital Asset Inventory and Five Year Projection of Capital
Improvements 1979 -
` Department of Natural Resources and Community
Development - DCA _
Citizen Participation Plan 1978 - Department of Natural Resources
and Community Development - DCA

Washington County Land Use Plan 1976 - Washington County
(Creswell is a part of this plan)
Housing Assistance Plan 1979 - Creswell Community Development
Department
The Town has not prepared a Transportation Plan, however, as a
matter of policy the Town Council supports the widening of U. S. 64.
In addition the Town has taken steps to alleviate its major traffic
problem by contracting for the widening, curbing, and paving of streets,
near the East Carolina Bank.
As a matter of policy, the Town has extended water lines along
the populated corridors outside the town. According to the 201 Plan
for sewer construction, these areas will also be served by sewer lines.
Open space and recreation policies have not been established.
Regulations
Subdivision Regulations 1978 - Department of Natural
Resources and Community Development - DCA •
Mobile Home and Travel Trailer Park Ordinance 1980 -
Ivanfield Associates
Fair Housing Ordinance 1980 - Ivanfield Associates
Zoning Ordinance (Draft copy under consideration) 1979 -
Department of Natural Resources and Community Development-DCA
The N. C. Building and Electrical Codes are administered in the Town
by the County. Septic Tank Regulations are administered by the Washington
County Health Department. Creswell -participates in the Federal Flood
Insurance Program.
40

Local regulations for historic districts, dune protection,
sedimentation and environmental impact have not been considered as areas
of concern. These areas are treated on an individual basis as they
arise in relation to specific projects such as Community Development
Block Grant Projects and Sewer Plans.
Various nuisance regulations relating to livestock, noise, health
and safety are included in the Town Ordinances.

STATE LICENSES AND PERMITS
Agency Licenses and Permits
Department of Natural Resources and Community - Permits to discharge to surface
waters or operate waste water
Development _
Division of Environmental Management treatment plants or oil discharge
permits; NPDES Permits, (G.S. 143-
215)
- Permits for septic tanks with a
capacity over 3000 gallons/day
(G.S. 143-215.3).
Department of Natural Resources and
Community Development
Office of Coastal Management
Department of Natural Resources and
Community Development
Division of Earth Resources
- Permits for withdrawal of surface
or ground waters in capacity use
areas (G.S. 143-215.15).
- Permits for air pollution abate-
ment facilities and sources
(G.S. 143- 215.108).
Permits for construction of com-
plex sources; e.g. parking lots,
subdivisions, stadiums, etc.
(G.S. 143-215.109).
- Permits for construction of a well
over 100,000 gallons/day (G.S. 87-
88).
- Permits to dredge and/or fill in
estuarine waters, tidelands, etc.
(G.S. 113-229).
- Permits to undertake development
in Areas of Environmental Concern
(G.S. 113A-118 ).
NOTE: Minor development permits
are issued by the local
government.
- Permits to alter or construct a
dam (G.S. 143-215.66).
- Permits to mine (G.S. 74-51).
- Permits to drill an exploratory
oil or gas well (G.S. 113-381).
- Permits to conduct geographical
exploration (G.S. 113-391).
42

- Sedimentation'erosion control
plans for any land disturbing
activity of over one contiguous
acre (G.S. 113A-54).
Department of Natural.Resources and
- Permits to construct an oil refinery'.
Community Development
Secretary of NRCD
Department of Administration
- Easements to fill where lands are
proposed to be raised above the
normal high water mark of navigable
waters by filling (G.S. 146.6(c)).
Department of Human Resources
- Approval to operate a solid waste
disposal site or facility (G.S.130-
166.16).
- Approval for construction of any.
public water supply facility that
furnishes water to ten or more
residences (G.S. 130-160.1).
43

FEDERAL LICENSES AND PERMITS
Agency Licenses. and Permits
Army Corps of Engineers - Permits required under Sections 9
(Department of Defense) and 10'0'f the Rivers and Harbors
of 1899; permits.to construct'in'
navigable waters.
Coast Guard.
(Department of Transportation)
Geological Survey
Bureau of Land Management
(Department of Interior)
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Permits required under Section 103.
of the Marine Protection, Research
and Sanctuaries Act of 1972.
- Permits required under Section 404
of the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act of 1972; permits to
undertake dredging.and/or-filling
activities.
- Permits for bridges, causeways,
pipelines over navigable waters;
required under the General Bridge
Act of 1946 and the Rivers and
Harbors Act of 1899.
- Deep water port permits.
- Permits required for off -shore
drilling.
Approvals of OCS pipeline corridor
rights -of -way.
- Licenses for siting, construction
and operation of nuclear power
plants; required under the Atomic
Energy Act of 1954 and Title II of
the Energy Reorganization Act of
1974.
- Permits for construction, operation
and maintenance of interstate pipe-
lines facilities required under the
Natural Gas Act of 1938.
Orders of interconnection of elec-
tric transmission facilities under
Section 202(b) of the Federal Power
Act.
44

- Permission required for abandonment
of natural gas pipeline and asso-
ciated facilities under Section 7C
(b) of the Natural'Gas Act of 1938.
Licenses for non-federal hydro-
electric projects and associated
transmission lines under Sections
4 and 15 of the Federal Power Act.
45

PHYSICAL LIMITATION FOR DEVELOPMENT
The high water table and level terrain characteristic of Washington
County makes the use of land difficult at times. Soils with extreme
limitations, which cover the majority of the County, also make development
impossible in many areas.
Massive drainage has improved the utilization of county and municipal
land for urban, agricultural, and forestry uses, yet many areas are still
undevelopable due to physical limitations. These limitations include hazard
areas, soil limitations, water supply sources and excessive slopes.
Hazard Areas
Flood hazard and shoreline erosion areas are the two major natural hazard
areas which impact future development.
Potential flood hazard areas are shown on the Department of Housing and
Urban Development Flood Hazard Boundary Maps, effective June 9, 1978. The
most populated areas designated are Creswell and Cherry, with large areas along
the Albemarle Sound also considered subject to flood conditions (Figures 16
A more precise flood study will be completed within the next eighteen months*
and will more accurately reflect the areas within the County subject to periodic
inundation. The impact of flood hazard areas on future development can better
be assessed when this accurate study has been completed.
A shoreline erosion study was prepared by the Soil Conservation Service in
October of 1975 to determine the magnitude of the erosion problem, and to list
. factors associated with erosion. Divided into eight reaches (Figure 19.)
46

the County's shoreline erosion rate of 4.5.ft. per year ranks high compared
to other coastal counties (figure 20 ).
Reach number one, spanning from Plymouth to the mouth of Conaby Creek,
has experienced no measurable change in erosion over the last 32 years.
Over the same period,a section of shoreline from Conaby Creek to Albemarle
Beach has lost an average width of'120.2 feet, from Albemarle Beach to
Mackeys Creek 85.4 feet, and from Mackeys Creek to Skinnersville area 78.6 feet.
Batemans Beach has lost an average of 116.8 feet to erosion and Leonards Point
approximately 60.5 feet. The Laurel Point area had the most dramatic loss,
208.7 feet, with the shoreline west of the point to the Albemarle Sound
bridge experiencing'a loss of 111.4 feet.
A study conducted by ECU Geology Department attributes the majority of
shoreline erosion to high energy storms, with the amount of recession at
any specific location depending upon the storm frequency,' storm type and direction,
storm intensity and duration, and resulting wind tides, currents, and waves.
Generally, Washington County's erosion is due primarily to the orientation of
the Albemarle Sound, coupled with an extreme fetch (average distance of open
water in front of shoreline) of up to 50 miles. The type of shoreline vegetation,
topography, and parent material also has a bearing on the amount of erosion.
The shoreline a -long the Albemarle Sound consists of 43.9% Swamp Forest,
32.3% Low Bank, and 23.8% High Bank. Swamp forest shorelines.occur where
the topography is less than.one foot above normal sea level, and are
characterized by a mixture of cypress, black gum, and atlantic white cedar.
Low Bank shorelines are sediment banks composed of clay, silt, and sand
mixtures which rise 1 to 5 feet above normal water level. High bank
shorelines are sediment banks consisting of clay, silt and sand mixtures
which rise 5 to 20 feet above normal water level. The.average
47

/
WASHINGTON COUNTY A N o N'
NORTH CAROLINA \�`\ '� Figure 16
FLOOD PRONE .AREAS
SO
BULL ur
oe
Rt .y ewe �
h}nolew sm . PAM
r
00
k f'
s s A U i o a} C i 0 Y N} 1 f 0 ! C O 0 N } }
48

5U

r
1
1
WASHINGTON COUNTY N N
NORTH CAROLINA
Figure 19
`e SHORELINE EROSION .
If I
J 1
• O My _� bur � ` �1VLL MT
nr r a.r•a va.r •\
l .
f
LEGEND
REACHo.�+rs ♦ I
sow
J
l l -A U I O I T C O U N T T T T
1
51

Lciil;thof
:Le of
��-- - --
-'Total \vcra:c
:Average
:.\vcr;i c liiiltli:.\tcrii�,c
cl.cn�;tli of
It riixf ol`
:Shoreline
:Shoreline
Total
Sediment
Sediment
Aleight
of Area
:Erosion
:Shoreline
::ime Cox-eriNl
Studied
Eroding
:Area Lost: Produced
Produced
:of Bank
Eroded
IL-1te
:Accreting
by Sttkh•
Count}
(hli. )
(hli. )
(Ac.)
(Tons):(Tons/Mi./Yr.):
Ft.Z: Ft. __-
(Ft./Yr. ) (N:
(1'r. ) _
licnufort
118.4
126.5
968.1
6,430,365
1,588
3.4
53.8
1.7
0
.32
Bertie
26.7
19.4
95.5
2,939,520
4,735
15.7
29.5
0.92
0
32
Camden
38.8
32.0
308.2
1,032,778
1,041
2.1
6S.6
2.1
0
31
Carteret
178.89
146.63
891.31
7,097,700
2,689
4.1
S0.2
L 79
10.13
18
Chowan
42.1
25.0
147.9
1,S83,664
2.043
S.5
29.0
0.94
0.5
31
Craven
47.41
46.56
684.41
15,405,468
10,340
ll.S
121.0
3.8
0
32
Currituck
123.4
108.6
514.3
3,410,625
1,013
3.4
35.2
1.13
3.1
31
. Dare
82.0
80.1
437.3
1,285,841
730
1.5
44.0
2.0
0
22
Hyde
235.0
23S.0 22136.0
3,126,082
532
0.8
75.0
3.0
0
25
Onslow
64.5
26.0
5S.'0
1,000,736
2,138
9.3
17.S
1:1
5.7
*25
Pamlico
54.74
54.2S
738.16
8,164,S63
4,703
S.6
112.0
3.5
0 _
32
Pasgriotank
29.0
24.8
311.0
2,092,505
2,722
3.4
88.3
2.9
0
31
Perquimans
53.4
44.8
33S.0
3,S73,967
2,S73
5.4
51.8
1.7
0
31
Tyrrell
89.6
89.6
485.6
1,521,295-
772
1.6
44.7
2.0
0
22
Washington
25.6
24.7
445.1
2,030,923
2,S69
4.5
143.5
4.5
0
32
*Weighted rate
used for
two periods
of study:
1949 to 1970
and 1949 to
1964
SOURCE: Sho M ine Erosion Inventory
Figure
20
52
:AUNTY SLP44ARIES

erosion rate for the North Carolina estuarine system for these catagories are:
low bank 2.6 feet per year; high bank 1.9; and swamp forest 2.1 feet per Year.
Increased bulk heading of shoreline property in the more developed areas has
decreased erosion somewhat, however when adjacent property is not protected
the erosion damage to this property is dramatically increased.
Soil Limitations
Of the County's 214,690 acres, approximately 199,205 acres have severe
limitations for building foundations and septic tanks, according to the Soil.
Conservation Service 1979 Soils Survey (figure 21). The unsuitablilty is at-
tributable to clay content, organic matter, and the height of the water table.
Generally, shallow soils are not a deterent to development in Washington County.
Building foundations are negatively affected by soils with lack of strength
and high shrink swell potential. Cracks and or major structural damage may
result from constructing foundation on poor soils.
The location of sanitation systems on individual lots is directly affected
by soil type. The North Carolina Health Administrative Code is very specific
about the soil characteristics suitable for placement of sewage disposal systems.
Each potential site is inspected and a soils boring made. The soil texture,
structure, depth and drainage are then assessed prior to determining suitability.
Generally 2:1 (Montmorillonite) clays are unsuitable for installation of
sewer systems due to texture, as are organic soils. Clay soils having blocky
and platy structure may hamper movement of sewage effluent. Acceptable soil
depth is 48 inches when standard systems are to be used. Any soil profile
that has the greyish colors indicative of high water tables, or that is subject
to tidal or periodic high water within 36 inches of the surface have generally
been considered unsuitable as to drainage.
53

.r ,.
Although the majortiy of County soils.have severe limitations, the in-
stallation of modified systems and lot alterations involving elevating.the
system site, or lowering the water table, have allowed for the.use of marginal
land for residential use.
Soils suitable for building development are located in the northern sector
of the County adjacent to Plymouth and Roper, and scattered along Mackeys Road
and the Albemarle Sound. (see soils study for specific areas)
Roper soil limitations are discussed on page 134 of this plan under
constraints to development.
Creswell soil limitations are discussed on page 143.
54

SYMBOL
SOIL NAME
Figure 21
SOIL LIMITATIONS FOR
DRAINAGE SEPTIC TANK FOUNDATION NUMBER OF ACRES
3
Altavista fine sandy loam
Fair
None
None
6,530
6
Arapahoe..loamy sand
Poor
Severe
Severe
9,500
9
Argent silt loam
Poor
Severe
Severe
8,045
12
Augusta fine sandy loam
Poor
Severe
Severe
6,610
15
Belhaven muck
Poor
Severe
Severe
25,645
18
Bojac loamy fine sand
Good
None
None -
1,220
21
Cape Fear loam
Poor
Severe
Severe
28,755
24
Conaby muck
Poor
Severe
Severe
3,600
28
Conetoe loamy sand
Good
None
None
3,365
35
Dogue fine sandy loam
Fair
Severe
Severe
2,650
38
Dorovan muck
Poor
Severe
Severe
17,600
39
Dorovan mucky silt loam
Poor
Severe
Severe
2,255
41
Dragston loamy sand
Poor
Severe
Severe
4,950
43
Fortescue silt loam
Poor
Severe
Severe
720
51
Hyde silt loam
Poor
Severe
Severe
5,010
94
Wehadkee silt loam
Poor
Severe
Severe
2,115
57
Pettigrew muck
Poor
Severe
Severe
6,310
60
Ponzer muck
Poor
Severe
Severe
1,120
63
Portsmouth fine sandy loam
Poor
Severe
Severe
20,000
71
Pungo muck
Poor
Severe
Severe
14,815
75
Roanoke loam
Poor
Severe
Severe
15,550
78
Roper muck
Poor
Severe
Severe
6,590
80
Scuppernong muck
Poor
Severe
Severe
2,040
86
Tarboro sand
Good
None
None
945
88
Tomotley fine sandy loam
Poor
Severe
Severe
3,825
90
Wahee fine sandy loam
Poor
Severe
Severe
4,140
92
Wasda muck
Poor
Severe
Severe
7,360
98
Wickham loamy sand
Good
None
None
3,425
TOTAL
214,690
55

Water Supply Areas
Ground water - Washington County is currently well -endowed with a more
than ample supply of water. Its surface waters fall within the Roanoke River
basin and the Albemarle Sound. Private and municipal water supplies draw upon
two aquifers underlying the County.
.The Castle Hayne aquifer is highly productive and the principal source of
water supply in western Washington County. The aquifer consists predominantly
of porous and permeable limestone and lies,at depths ranging from about 120 ft.
in the Western part of the County to 400 feet in the eastern part. Yields of
several hundred gallons per minute are obtained from wells of four to eight
inches in diameter that penetrate only 15 to 30 feet of the aquifer.
The Yorktown aquifer, comprising all the confined water -bearing beds
above the Castle Hayne aquifer, has been developed extensively as sources of
domestic water supply in the County, and is the chief source of supply in the
eastern part where it is about 300 to 350 feet thick. The aquifer offers a
shallower and less highly mineralized source of water supply than the Castle
Hayne aquifer. Yields from individual wells range from.5 to 60 gallons per
minute.
Groundwater in Washington County, although not of uniform quality, is
satisfactory for most domestic uses. Water from the Castle Hayne limestone
is characteristically hard, high in iron and contains hydrogen sulfide.
Yorktown aquifer water ranges from hard to soft and generally contains iron.
Many county residents use water softners to generate palatable water for
domestic use, however the proposed provision of county water will relieve this
problem in many communities�Figure 22)•
56

r
v
a
t
�
WASHINGTON COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
\\\
a i/-''
Figure 22
COUNTY WIDE WATER SYSTEM
L
�►wi. n
J.
i
it
i
p
. f Irl
t
\•\L A L i I Y f L• a
- Legend
i—*ft Proposed Service Areas
s
�.1
LOWE
t t
(
1 a a A U t O a i c O Y N i
Y
I N T D
a C O O w T T
PRELIMINARY MAP
57
_MTE:

Due to their braquish nature the Roanoke River and Albemarle Sound are not
feasible as potable water sources, but the waters of Lake Phelps may represent
a future water source for the County,in years to come.
Surface Waters - The suitability of surface waters for various uses has been
categorized in North Carolina according to a system of water quality classifi-
cations which rank order fresh and tidal salt waters according to their levels
of pollution. Higher classifications which denote water for food processing
can include lower quality uses such as waste disposal as well, but not without
degrading the higher classification to a lower standard. Lower water quality
classifications can only be raised to higher classifications through control
and treatments of effluents. These nine classifications are depicted in the
form of a pyramid and are discribed in Figure 23.
Figure 24 reveals that there are only four classifications for surface
waters out of a possible nine in Washington County. Of these four, Class SB
has the highest water quality. These Class SB waters designate all of Bull's
Bay. The quality of Bull's Bay water is attributed primarily to the undisturbed
natural areas surrounding the Bay. Providing significant protection, this
forested wetland acts as a valuable buffer zone. Lack of massive drainage of the
areas adjacent to the Bay have also promoted clean water.
The quality of Public Trust and Estuarine waters is being affected. Fish
disease such as red sore disease, and algae bloom are becoming more and more
prevalent in the Albemarle system. The quality of surface waters had been of
major concern due to significant algae bloom development in the Chowan River.
Washington County has not experienced the extensive problems associated with
Chowan County, but pockets of low dissolved oxygen have been noted in the
Albemarle Sound according to NRCD Water Management personnel. These area
are many times responsible for fish diseases brought on by stressful reactions

I 1 y 141 %Z L..J
CLASS DESIGNATIONS FOR WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
HIGHEST USES
FRESH
WATERS
LOWEST USES
/B s6\
c sc
D SD
COMPARISON OF CLASS DESIGNATIONS
Tl DA L SA LT
WATERS
Fresh Waters
Class A -I - Suitable as source of water supply for drinking, culinary, or food
processing purposes after treatment by approved disinfection only,
and any other usage requiring.waters of lower quality.
Class A -II.- Suitable as a source of water supply for drinking, culinary or
food processing purposes after approved treatment equal coagulation,
sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection, etc. and any other
usage requiring waters of lower quality.
Class B - Suitable for outdoor bathing and any other usage requiring waters
of lower quality.
Class C - Suitable for .fishing and fish propagation, and any other usage requiring
waters of lower quality.
Class D - Suitable for agriculture and for industrial cooling and process water
after treatment by the user as may be required under each particular
circumstance.
Tidal Salt Waters
Class SA - Suitable for shellfishing for market purposes and any other usage
requiring water of lower quality.
Class SB - Suitable for bathing and any other usage except shellfishing for
market purposes.
Class SC - Suitable for fishing and any other usage except bathing and shellfishing
for market purposes.
Class SD - Suitable for navigation and any other usage except fishing, bathing,
and shellfishing for market purposes
Source: 1976 CAMA Land Use Plan
59

Figure 24
STREAM CLASSIFICATIONS
Classification
Name.of Stream
Description
Class
Date
Index No.
ROANOKE RIVER
From 18 mile market at
C
Sw
9/l/57
23-(53)
Jamesville to Albemarle
Sound (Batchelor Bay)
Broad Creek
From source to Roanoke
C
Sw
9/l/57
23-54
River
Welch Creek
From source to Main Line
C
Sw
7/1/73
23-55-(1)
SCL Railroad Bridge
Welch Creek
From Main Line SCL Rail-
D
Sw
4/l/71
23-55-(2)
road Bridge to Roanoke
River
Conaby Creek
From source to Roanoke
C
Sw
9/l/57
23-56
River
Albemarle Sound
(Batchelor
West of a line extending
B
Sw
9/l/74
24
Bay)
from a point of land on
the southside of the
mouth of Black Walnut
Swamp in a southerly
direction to a point of
land on the east side of
the mouth of Roanoke
River
Eastmost River
From Roanoke River to
C
Sw
9/l/57
24-1-(1)
'N. C. Hwy. 45
Eastmost River
From N. C. Hwy. 45,
B.Sw
9/l/74
24-1-(2)
including cutoff be-
tween Eastmost River
and Middle River to
Albemarle Sound
Kendrick Creek
(Mackeys
From source to U. S.
D
Sw
4/1/61
30-9-(1)
Creek)
Hwy. 64 at Roper
Kendrick Creek
(Mackeys
From U. S. Hwy. 64 at
Sc
7/1/73
30-9-(2)
Creek)
Roper to. Albemarle
Sound
Beaver Dam Branch
From source to Ken-
C
Sw
9/l/74
30-9-3
drick Creek
Skinners Canal
From source to Beaver
C
Sw
9/l/74
30-9-3-1
Dam Branch
Main Canal
From source to Ken-
C
Sw
9/l/74
30-9-4
drick Creek
Canal B
From source to Main
C
Sw
9/l/74
30-9-4-1
Canal
Canal A
From source to Main
C
Sw
9/1174
30-9-4-2
Canal
Lewis Canal
From source to Main
C
Sw
9/l/74
30-9-4-3
Canal
60

Bakers Swamp
Pleasant Grove Creek
Chapel Swamp
Newberry Ditch
Sleights Creek
Bull Bay
Bull Creek.
Deep Creek
Bunton Creek
Scuppernong River
Moccasin Canal and
connecting canals
Western. Ganal and
connecting canals
Ten Foot Canal
Wine Foot Canal
Mountain Canal and
connecting canals
Thirty Foot Canal
Old Canal
Phelps Lake
From source
to
Ken-
C
Sw
9/l/74
30-9-5
Brick Creek,
From source
to
Albe-
C
Sw
9/1/74
30-10
marle Sound
From source
to
Albe-
C
Sw
9/l/74
30-11
marle Sound
From source
to.Albe-
C
Sw
9/l/74
30-12
marle Sound
From Source
to
Albe-
C
Sw
9/l/74
30-13
marle Sound
Entire Bay
SB
7/1/73
30-14
From
too
Bull,Bay
C
Sw
9/l/74
30-14-1
.source
From source
to
Bull.Bay
C
Sw
7/1/73
30-14-2
From source
to
Bull Bay
C
Sw
7/1/73
30-14-3
From source
to
mouth of
C
Sw
4/1/61
30-14-4-1
Riders Creek (First Creek)
From sources to Scupper-
C
Sw
9/1/74
30-14-4-2
nong River
From sources to Scupper-
C
Sw
9/l/74
30-14-4-3
nong River
From source
to
Western
C
Sw
9/l/74
30-14-4-3
Canal
From source
to
Ten Foot
C
Sw
9/l/74
1
30-14-4-3
Canal
1-1
From sources
to Scupper-
C
Sw
9/l/74
30-14-4-4
nong River
From source
to
Scupper-
C
Sw
9/l/74
30-14-4-5
nong River
From source
to
Scupper-
C
Sw
9/l/74
30-14-4-6
nong River
Entire. Lake
C
Sw
4/1/61
30-14-4-6
61

to change in water conditions.
Extensive damage to water.quality has not occurred to date, but non
point and point source pollutants are slowly damaging the quality of our surface
waters. There are two,categories of pollutants , point and non point, both
of which are causing water quality degradation in the Albemarle System.
According to NRCD staff,non point pollutants are the most difficult to
control and are causing a significant amount of the problem. Two non -point
source pollutants prevalent in primarily rural agricultural areas are nutrients
and sediment.
Phosphorous and nitrogen are nutrients that algae and other aquatic plants
require in order to grow. If levels of these nutrients are too high, the plant
production in a body of water is overstimulated and algae bloom may occur.
Excessive nutrient input may occur from wastewater discharge , septic tank
leakage and runoff from agricultural areas. Streams draining agricultural
areas have higher nutrient concentrations than those draining forested wet-
. ,
lands. Comparatively, average total phosphorus concentrations for agriculture
were ten times greater, mean total nitrogen concentrations were about five times
greater than forested areas.
Pesticides and nutrients are used extensively in agriculture and may,
under runoff conditions, be transported to streams, attached to sediment or
dissolved in the runoff water. These nutrients have the potential for,
accelerating eutrophication and promoting algae blooms resulting in oxygen
depletion.
Almost 80% of the total annual soil erosion in North Carolina comes from
agricultural land. Generally, 25% of the eroded soil is discharged to large
62

rivers as sediment, adversely affecting acquatic organisms and reducing the
carry capacity of streams and rivers, and is considered by volume to be the
greatest potential pollutant.
Control of non -point source lies mainly with the property owner. Primary
efforts to reduce non -point pollutants will be those of education, technical
assistance and monitoring.
Point sources operate under National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System permits. Limits are derived for the level of pollutants.that may be
discharged from*a source and they are included in the permit. A compliance
schedule is provided and the industry, or point source, must develop means for
compliance within the specified time period. Statewide totals from 1978 indicate
that 61% of discharging facilities are now in compliance with permit limits.
Weyerhaeuser Company is considered a point source and efforts are presently
underway to improve their methods.of pollution control. The State Water Quality
Staff has notifed them of needed improvements and Weyerhaeuser is developing
specific methods for dealing with requested changes.
Point sources are regulated by. State and Federal agencies and must conform
to emission standards, however agricultural and other non -point pollutants,
have no regulatory controls. Efforts are now underway by NRCD to identify.
the sources of pollution affecting our waters so that preventive measures may
be taken to protect the quality of our surface waters. The general consensus
is that many of the sources are located as far away as Virginia due to the
location of 75% of the Chowan watershed within Virginia. Upstream pollution
of our waters is impossible to control on the local level,'thus we must
depend on State agencies to assure the protection of downstream users.
63

Major industries and farm operations may impact water supply on another,
level, by the removal of vast quantities of ground water, directly affecting the
water table. Presently there are no industries within Washington County
drawing extensively on ground water, such'as Texas Gulf.in Beaufort County,.
but the impact of such activities is being carefully observed. Farm drainage
may also have long term effects on ground water supply, but presently no data
is available upon which to confirm assumptions and suspicions.
Air Resources
According to State Air Quality staff, ambient air quality standards are not
being exceeded in Washington County due to the Weyerhaeuser Mill. A standard
is applied to each pollutant and if industries exceed this ceiling, corrective
measures must be taken. Although samples have been taken in Plymouth, not
adjacent to the Mill, the major impact is from Weyerhaeuser.
How does this relate to development constraints? If our ambient air quality
is poor, there is the possibility potential new industry, which might push
the pollutant standards beyond an acceptable level, would be turned away. The
combination of Weyerhaeuser and another industry may discourage the
location of the new industry,or encourage the reduction of pollutant levels by
Weyerhaeuser,so our total figure would be acceptable.
The North Carolina Administrative Code suggests that an atmosphere in which
these standards are not exceeded should provide for the protection of the
public health, plant and animal life, and property. As of yet,_ the monitoring
results do not exceed required standards, although nitrogen dioxide and sulfer
dioxide levels have increased over the last three years. The particulate
figure of 49.micrograms per cubic meter annually is fast approaching the
standard of 60 ug/m3 (Figure 25 ),
The purpose of ambient air quality standardsis to establish certain.
Y
64

maximum limits on parameters of air quality,:considered desirable for the
preservation and enhancement of the quality of the State's air resources,
according to State Environmental Management Guidelines. Ground level con-
centrations of pollutants are determined by sampling at.fixed locations in
areas beyond the premises on which a source is located. There have been two
areas, locations in Plymouth, wheresamples of air pollutants have been measured.
The three elements measured in Washington County include particulates,'
sulfer dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Below, is a brief description of the
standards which should not be exceeded.
The ambient air quality standards for sulfur oxides measured as sulfur
dioxide are:
1. 80 micrograms per cubic meter (0.03 p.p.m.) annual arithmetic mean.
2. 365 micrograms per cubic meter (0.14 p.p.m.) maximum 24-hour concentration
not to be exceeded more than once a year, and
30 1300 micrograms per cubic meter (0.5 p.p.m.) maximum three-hour
concentration not to be exceeded more than once per year.
The ambient air quality standards for suspended particulate matter are:
1. 60 micrograms per cubic meter annual geometric mean, and
2. 150 micrograms per cubic meter maximum 24-hour concentration not to be
exceeded more than once per year.
The ambient air quality standard for nitrogen dioxide is 100 micrograms
per cubic meter (0.05 p.p.m.) annual arithmetic mean.
Steep Slopes
No lands in the County exceed twelve percent slope except where highway
cuts and fills are made and along portions of the shore along Albemarle Sound
west of Leonard's Point. At this location, Sound erosion has created some
sharp cliffs rising to nearly seven feet in height.
65

Figure 25
Air Quality Data
Annual Means, ug/M3
1972
1974
1976
1978
1979
Particulates #1
-
-
-
43
49
#2
38
49
49
-
-
Sulfer Dioxide #1
-
-
-
6
12
#2
6
5
5
-
-
Nitrogen Dioxide #1
-
-
-
18
17
#2
21
12
12
-
-
FRAGILE AREAS
There are a number of natural areas throughout Washington County which
could easily be damaged by insensitive land development. Identification of
these fragile areas will help focus attention on these valuable resources
as the County grows. Included as fragile areas are public trust waters,
estuarine shot eline,- estuari-rie- waters, coastal wetlands, and -natural areas
around Lake Phelps and Pungo Lake.
Public Trust Waters— By definition, these waters are described as all
waters of the Atlantic Ocean and'the lands thereunder from the mean high
water mark to the seaward limit of state jurisdiction; all natural bodies of
water subject to measurable lunar tides and lands thereunder to the mean high

water mark; all navigable natural bodies of water and lands thereunder to the
mean high water level or mean water level as the case may be, except privately
owned lakes to which the public has no right of access; all waters in artificially
created bodies of water in which exists significant public fishing resources
or other public resources, which are accessible to the public by navigation
from bodies of water in which the public has rights of navigation; and all
waters in artificially created bodies of water in which the public has acquired
rights by prescription, custom, usage, dedication or any other means.
In Washington County these waters are those of Bull's Bay, Albemarle
Sound, the Scuppernong River, Roanoke River, Lake Phelps, Pungo Lake, Welch's
Creek, Conaby Creek, and Mackey's Creek. They are among the listing of streams
classified for water quality in figure 24.
The Scuppernong River, Welch's Creek, Conaby Creek and Mackey's Creek,
1 have been damaged for fishing and navigation through poor land clearing
practice. All of these streams exhibit poor water flow from siltation which
has settled in.the streams to block small boats and enlarge the floodplains.
The finer silt remains suspended in these waters killing fish habitats
and diminishing waterfowl populations.
Specific effects of development in Washington County upon the Albemarle
Sound, the Roanoke River and Bull's Bay are inconclusive due to lack of data;
however, recent reports by th Center For Rural Resource Development have
pointed to farm drainage and sediment as one of many potential pollutants of
our surface waters.
The waters of Pungo Lake are completely buffered by the federal government's
Pungo National Wildlife Refuge and consequently has little adverse impact
from poor land development. Lake Phelps, however, has no such buffer and has
67

been subject to past and present abuse.
Estuarine Waters - By definition these waters are defined in G. S.113A-
113 (b) (2) as, "all the water of the Atlantic Ocean within the boundary of
North Carolina and all the waters of the bays, sounds, rivers, and tributaries
thereto, seaward of the dividing line between coastal fishing waters and .
inland fishing waters, as set forth in an agreement adopted by the Wildlife
Resources Commission and the Department of Natural Resources and Community
Development filed with the Secretary of State entitled "Boundary Lines, North
Carolina Commercial Fishing - Inland Fishing Waters, revised March 1, 1965"
or as it may be subsequently revised by'the Legislature.
In Washington County,'estuarine waters are the Albemarle Sound,
Bull's Bay, and the Roanoke River. Their principal value is for recreation,
particularly sport fishing.
B1Uegill, white perch and other panfishes such as the warmouth and
flier comprise over 70 percent of the catch. Cat fish, crappie and redbreast
are next in fisherman -take. Largemouth bass, although it ranks first in pre-
ference as a game fish, comprises only about four percent of the catch, while
stripped bass makes up only about three percent. (Data form the N. C.
Wildlife Commission)
Coastal Wetlands - By definition, coastal wetlands are "any salt marsh or
other marsh subject to regular or occasional flooding by tides, including wind
tides (whether or not the tide waters reach the marshland areas through natural
or artificial watercourses), provided this shall not include hurricane or tro-
pical storm tides. Salt Marshland or other marsh shall be those areas upon
which grow some, but not necessarily all, of the following salt marsh and marsh
plat species: Smooth or Salt Water Cordgrass (Spartina alternflora);Black
.:

Needlerush (Juncus roemerianus); Glasswort (Salicornia spp.); Salt Grass
(Distichlis S icata); Sea Lavender (Limonium spp.); Bulrush (Scir us sip_.);
Saw Grass (Cladium Jamaicense); Cat -Tail (Typha spp.); Salt -Meadow Grass (S ap rtina
Patens); and Salt Reed Grass (Spartina cynosuroides)." Included in this statutory
definition of wetlands is "such contiguous land as the Secretary of NRCD
reasonably deems necessary to affect by any such order in carrying out the.
purposes of this Section.." (G. S. 113-230 (a) )
In Washington County there are two small tracts..of coastal wetlands.,
One is located at the mouth of Deep Creek where it empties into Bull's Bay. This
area is completely surrounded by swamp and is inaccessible by means of trans-
portation except boat. Little is known about the species of wildlife at this
site. Because of the extremely poor drainage and remoteness of this area, it
is very unlikely that any adjoining land use will pose serious damage in the
foreseeable future. The other area is located just east of Batemans Beach.
Greater impact is expected here because the adjoining land area is being deve-
loped for residential use.
Lake Phelps - Lake Phelps, located in Scuppernong Township, covers
approximately 16,600 acres with 25 square miles of water surface. An integral
part of Pettigrew State Park, the.Lake is the second largest natural fresh
water lake in North Carolina.
The lake proper is connected to the Scuppernong River by a series of
canals dating back to 1787. Essentially there is no overland recharge of
the lake due to its high elevation, but comes primarily from precipitation
with a minimum amount attributed to underground acquifers. The average water
depth is five feet with the center of the lake reaching seven feet.
Pettigrew Park located on the north west border of Lake Phelps consists
of 167 acres including Somerset Place, a State Historic Site. Forty acres

of the park site, a cypress swamp, is a registered natural heritage area.
The pettigrew Cypress Natural Area( figure 26) is an excellent example
of a mature bald cypress -herb swamp. The desirability of cypress as a timber `
tree and general land clearing and drainage have resulted in the elimination
of most mature cypress swamps. The natural area is a s.ignificant represen-
tation of a coastal plain vegetation type. According to the North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program the threatened peripheral spotted pipewort (Eriocauion
Pellucidum) occurs in shallow pools within the site.
Endangered wildlife located in the Lake Phelps area includes the Waccamaw
killifish (Fundulus Waccamensis), and the Black bear (Ursus Americanus), con-
sidered of special concern, has been sited also.
The major threat to this particular natural area is the potential for
lowering the lake water level by a series of flood gates. If the lake level
is lowered for the majority of the growing season, hardwoods will invade the
draw down zone and the plant community type will. gradually change.
Due to the ability of man to alter the water level.at will by canal gates,
there is concern for all vegetated areas surrounding Lake Phelps. This concern
culminated in the nomination of Lake Phelps.and surrounding area as an Area
of Environmental Concern by the County Board of Commissioners.
Increased vegetative alteration due to residential development and hints
of algae bloom in the Lake warned of potential irreparable damage to the Lake
area. These issues, along with concern over the water level, served as a basis
for the nomination, as documented in "Information for Nomination of Lake Phelps
As An AEC" Developed by the County Planning Office.
Subsequent information relative to lake level management was produced by
the Division of Parks and Recreation and proposes varied lake levels according
to the time of year and local needs.
70

WASHINGTON COUNTY
�
O M
NORTH CAROLINA
Figure 26
} PETTIGREW PARK - LAKE PHELPS
1 �.\Avu.A•r
rMOU111 � � IN .
� i • • '� N
J ( �
7..
,A7E rAa Legend
a 1` L A r s P Y L L A
Big Point Access Area
` - J •, ��. (proposed)
Cypress Natural Area
• w _ I
Somerset Place
i
\`"`_` ® Evergreen Pocosin
1
I f A u r O• i• C O Y N r r
71

Support for designation of Lake Phelps as an AEC is still strong.
The area included in the designation would be the Lake proper and landward
seventy five feet from the 11.2 feet elevation. Within this zone, vegetation
removal, septic tank location, and building setbacks would be regulated by
CAMA permit requirements.
Development pressures will continue around the Lake as subdivided lots are
improved and the Pettigrew Park expansion begins. Peat mining adjacent
to the Lake will also generate impacts, which will be assessed in the coming
months. With the institution of an AEC designation, enforcement of County
Health Regulations, peat impact studies, and the implementation of the Lake
Level Management Plan, impacts on the Lake can hopefully be held to a minimum.
Pungo Lake - The National Wildlife Refuge consists of 12,350 acres. The
2,800 acre Lake Pungo is surrounded by a designated natural area 1,000 acres
in size.
This 1,000 acre pocosin, east of the Lake is a remnant of a large pocosin,
once typical of the flatlands of eastern N. C.. Extensive cypress and white
cedar swamp forest were destroyed by prehistoric fires, leaving stumps and
logs and a depression now occupied by Pungo Lake. The pocosin area and lake
have been designated as a natural area because of its "importance as a wild-
life habitat, its representation of a protected pocosin ecosystem, and its
illustration of geologic and geomorphic processes."
According to the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, endangered and
threatened species are located in the Pungo Lake Area. They include: Haliaeetus
leucocephalus Bald eagle, Aquila chrysaetos Golden eagle, Falco peregrinus _
Peregrine falcon and Ursus americanus Black bear.
Due to the valuable natural areas, and the special character of the
plant and animal life the Pungo Lake area should be preserved in the future
for scientific, ecological, educational and recreational purposes.
72

AREAS WITH RESOURCE POTENTIAL
Identification of areas with resource potential reflects natural
resources which should be used for their highest and best uses, and indicates
the possibility of building industry and housing elsewhere on lands with less
potential for resource production. Many areas in the County represent
potential resources which can have an impact on the way lands are used.
They include forestland, agricultural lands, wildlife habitat, peat resources
and recreation resources.
Forest Land
There are five timber tracts located throughout the County of significant
size (figure 15). One wooded area is located between Long Ridge Road and
Highway 32 and is owned by Georgia Pacific and Weyerhaeuser. This will
continue to be managed as timber land. A large area spanning between Highway
99 and Roper is owned almost exclusively by Weyerhaeuser. The primary large
timber holding which will be converted to agricultural use is a tract owned by
Juniper Farms on Newland Road. A tract adjacent to this owned by Champion
International will be utilized as forestland, as will.another forested area
close to Roper on Newland Road owned by Union Camp and Weyerhaeuser. Bull's
Bay is a forest wetland and is expected to continue as forestland.
As long as these areas are reforested and managed properly, they will
continue as renewable resource areas.
Agriculture
According to figures from Soil Conservation Service and the Agricultural
Extension Agency, 53% of the County's land area is used for agriculture production.
The largest tracts in production lie in the eastern two-thirds of the County.
73

Soils in this area are highly organic and until recently, virtually undrainable
However, corporate land reclamation efforts have made these areas conducive to
agricultural production.
The Washington County Soil. Survey identifies County soils which are
conducive to high agricultural yields, with and without management practices.
Capability of soils for agricultural use are based on the suitability of soils
for most types of field crops. The grouping of soils is based on the limitations
of the soils when used for field crops, the risk of damage when they are used,
and the way they respond to treatment. Initial classification does not take
in to consideration major management activities such as mass drainage and
expensive land forming.
Washington County soils which are considered to have few or moderate limi-
tations for agricultural use according to the County Soils Survey are:
PERCENTAGE OF
SOIL TYPES COUNTY SOILS ACREAGE
Altaviata fine sandy loam 3.0 6,530
Bojac loamy sand 0.6 1,220
Conetoe loamy sand 1.6 3,365
Dogue fine sandy loam 1.2 2,650
Dragston loamy sand 1._6 3,425
TOTAL 10.3 22,140
These soils are generally in small areas from 4 to 50 acres in size and
are located primarily in the northern sector of the County where the majority
of urban development is occuring. They make up only 10.3 percent of the
County's land area.
A
The majority of soils within Washington County can be successfully used
for agriculture with the aid'of management techniques. Those requiring
management are located primarily south of Highway 64 and make up 70.8 percent
74

A
of the County's soils and include the following:
PERCENTAGE OF
SOIL TYPES
COUNTY SOILS
ACREAGE
Conoby muck
1.7
3,600
Cape fear loam
13.4
28,755
Argent silt loam
3.7
8,045
Hyde silt loam
1.0
2,115
Fortescue mucky loam
0.3
.720
Pettigrew muck
2.9
6,310
Ponzer muck
0.5
1,120
Portsmouth fine sandy loam
9.3
20,000
Roanoke loam
7.2
15,550
Roper muck
3.1
6,590
Scuppernong muck
1.0
2,040
Wasda muck
3.4
7,360
Tomotly fine sandy loam
1.9
3,825
Belhaven muck
12.0
25,645
Augusta fine sandy loam
3.1
6,610
Arapahoe loamy sand
4.4
9,500
Wahee fine samdy loam
1.9
4,140
TOTAL
70.8
151,925
Natural Habitat
Washington County contains a diversity of habitats which support a wide
variety of wildlife species. The area is primarily rural and intensely
farmed, yet forested areas are interspersed with wetlands.which are valuable
to wildlife.
Dorovan muck, Dorovan mucky silt loam and Wehadkee silt loam soils are
associated with wetland, wooded swamp and drainage basin conditions. These
areas are important ecologically and productive as wildlife, water fowl and
fish habitat areas. These soils consisting of 21,970 acres, are very sensitive,
and serve an important function as natural environments and resource areas.
The intensive cropping operations on farmlands do not presently provide
optimum habitat for upland wildlife, particularly small game. The potential
exists for a substantial increase of most species in these areas through proper
75

habitat management according to the.Regional Resource Conservation and Develop-
ment Plan.
Waterfowl habitat areas in the County are located along the estuarine
system and adjacent to our lakes. -The primary wintering area is, Pungo Lake and
the secondary wintering area is Lake Phelps. Wood duck habitat is scattered
along Conaby Creek, Mackeys Creek, Deep Creek, Bull Creek and the Scuppernong
River.
White-tailed deer are common throughout the County but are abundant in 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 south-
west of Roper. Areas which are conducive_to bear siting are Bulls Bay and
an area south of Plymouth.
Peat Resources
First Colony Farms estimates there are 146,000 acres of fuel grade peat
spanning Washington, Dare, Hyde, and Tyrrell counties. (figure 26 A )
According to a recent Research Triangle Institute study, North Carolina's
Coastal Zone holds peat energy reserves which could supply 24 years of North
Carolina's annual energy consumption at 1976 rates. There are approximately
3 billion tons of peat in coastal bogs or pocosins.
Peat is a material made up of partially decomposed plant material and
inorganic.minerals that have accumulated in a water saturated environment A
over a period of time, sometimes referred to as young coal.
Experimental mining activities by First Colony, adjacent to Lake Phelps,
have shown that the mining of the peat is feasible, and productive cropland
remains after the removal of peat.. A state permit has been secured by First
76
i

Colony to mine 15,000 acres of peat, approximately 8,688 acres of which are
in Washington County (figure 27). Generally peat is harvested to an average
i
depth of 4 to 6 feet leaving a mineral soil which can be used for cultivation..
The planting of these areas has produced extremely good yields.
Due to the mild year-round climate in eastern North Carolina, the peat
harvesting season is 8 to 9 months, much longer than Northern.European
countries which are using peat for fuel and other states with potential peat
resources.
Peat may be used in various ways. It may be burned as fuel after drying,
processed into briquettes, pellets or coke before burning, or it can be converted
into gaseous or liquid fuels. An important use relavent to Washington
County is the direct combustion of field dried peat. Discussion has been
extensive, and.studies have been made to determine the feasibility of a peat
powered generating plant in the Washington, Dare, Hyde, and Tyrrell County area.
A more promising use for peat, now being discussed, is the conversion of
If
peat to methanol. Fconomic studies are now underway and should soon reveal
the feasibility of producing methanol from peat. If First Colony Farms
proceeds with the idea, a pilot plant one tenth scale for a projected 35,000
BPD plant, will be built in proximity to the peat resources.
The'3,600 BPD plant will use peat dried to 50% moisture and produce
3,600 bbl (500 tons) per day of methanol from 2,200 tons of peat. It will take
a plant of this size 35 years to exhaust the 15,200 acres of First Colony
Farm's Phelps Field.
Major items of significance is the potential for cogeneration of electricity;
the almost total amelioration of the air quality impacts from fugitive particulate
emissions; and the supply of fuel for farming, fishing and forestry.
77

Peat related environmental issues posed deal primarily with hydrology,
sediment runoff, fire, airborne dust and industrial pollution. The Reasearch
Triangle Institute briefly addresses these issues, but detailed studies will
not be available until Coastal Energy Impact Program grants get underway and
First Colony Farms completes their own evaluation.
78

WASHINGTON COUNTY '
i � O V A M C O Y
M
NORTH CAROLINA I
79
Figure 27
ASHINGTON COUNTY
PEAT RESERVES
Legend
ermitted mining acreage

Recreation Resources
The Pungo National Wildlife Refuge and Pettigrew State Park are the two
major public recreation lands in Washington County.
Presently the major emphasis in the National Wildlife Refuge is to pro-
vide resting and feeding habitat for migratory water fowl. Recreational uses
are non intensive and include primarily deer and waterfowl hunting and nature
study. Little or no fishing is done on the Lake and this will most likely
continue. Future potential uses include wildlife observation towers, nature
trails and environmental education facilities.
Recreation potential on Lake Phelps has been assessed during the Pettigrew
State Park Master Plan preparations. The Plan reviews the existing park
facilities and proposes improvements and expansion.
Attendance figures for the Park for 1976 reached 53,919 people, of which
31,206 users were boaters and fishermen. With the improvements proposed in
the Master Plan,attendance will almost double to 85,000 visitors per year.
Presently all of the recreation facilities at Pettigrew State Park
are located on 30 acres of the State owned 167 acre Park. After evaluating
the existing site for future recreational development, it was determined
there were a number of deficiencies due to the size of the area and the
adjacent silted lake bottom.
An additional 82 acres will be purchased to add to the existing Pettigrew
access area to develop overnight camping areas and picnic facilities. A fishing
pier, expanded boat launching and parking facilities are also planned.
Big Point located on the northern edge of the Lake connected to the State
natural area has potential for recreational activities (.figure 26). Not
presently owned by the State, the 130 acre area has a sandy deep lake area
.10

which would be ideal. for water recreation.
The Natural Heritage designated natural area joining Big Point with
Pettigrew Park would be used primarily for nature study with the development
of interpretive trails.
The 500 acre site owned by Division of Parks and Recreation on the
southern end of the Lake is primarily a peat, evergreen pocosin. Only 50
acres of this area are suitable for recreational use, and include only the
rim of the Lake. Due to the shallow nature of the shoreline? it would be
difficult to use for boat launching and swimming.
The County Recreation Plan identifies potential recreation areas and
access needs. For more information refer to this Plan.

COMMUNITY FACILITIES
An inventory of existing community facilities and their design capacities
will assist in the assessment of future needs. Are present facilities adequate?
Do they affect our ability to grow? The following information is an indication
of the capacity of Washington County's public services.
Solid Waste Disposal
Presently the approved sanitary landfill site in Washington County is a
9 acre site just northeast of Westover, approximately 1 mile north of State
Road 1300. The site is maintained by a private contractor who leases the land
from the property owner. The site serves three counties with approximately
24,000 people.
Collection of solid waste within the landfill service area is done by a
private contractor and municipalities.
Thirty-three dumpster sites are scattered throughout the County with a
capacity of 492 cubic yards. (figure 28). Seventy-nine commercial sites are
served twice weekly. Plymouth provides collection service for residential areas,
and Creswell and Roper service residential areasand commercial waste.
Presently some sites are inadequate for the volume of waste. More
containers must be provided or more frequent pickup must be instituted to
deal with present overflow.
Expansion of the nine acre site is planned for an additional 14 acres.
The site is approximately 95% full thus expansion will begin shortly, The
site is filling at the rate of 26 acre feet per year or about 1.1 acre per
1000 population. Estimates suggest the 14 acre expansion will be filled in
82

!
WASHINGTON COUNTY X O M A N
NORTH CAROLINA '\J Figure 28
DUMPSTER SIGHTS
' o V,Y �• ' .L ��_ wuv \ Jvtt air
• lr •r _ L
-
1
V � r
r � �
�t
q � /
L A J J I N J L J J ,'
to 2.01
LAKE
< r r
! ! A Y ! O! T C O Y N T V I I X T D !
C O Y N f Y
;
83

7 years. The report suggests the County review and make plans for future
solid waste disposal.
Public Sewer and Water
Roper and Creswell have water service throughout all of their incorporated
limits. Creswell water service also extends outside of its incorporated area
to serve approximately 35 County residents (figure 28A).
The Roper water system is at 50 percent of capacity with flow rates of
150 gallons per minute from two wells. The capacity of this system is
restricted by the filtering system.
The Roper sewer system which is scheduled to go into operation in July
of 1980 will have a capacity of 85,000 gallons per day. An expected peak
load of 85,000 gallons per day is projected to meet local needs through the
year 2000.
Creswell proposed to construct a pressure sewer system which will serve
the needs of the town and adjoining areas through the year 2000. Construction
is expected to start in 1981.
Fire Protection
Fire protection is provided by five volunteer fire departments within a
four mile radius of each other for all areas of the County except the Wenona
area ( figure 29 ).
Schools
.
Presently efforts are being made to assess the County's schools and out-
line a plan for improving them. The North Carolina State Building Code limits
the amount of alteration or repairs that can be made to a building to 50% of
the physical value. If more than 50% of the value is spent, then the whole
building must be brought up to current code requirements for a new building.
84

` w Rb
rw�rs �w wr��
FSf1'
1
�
s8
1
1

Figure 29
)LUNTEER.FIRE DEPARTMENTS
dD SERVICE AREAS
ication of Volunteer Fire
Departments
1. Plymouth
2. Roper
3. Skinnersville
4. Creswell
5. Lake Phelps
.re Department Service Area
( 4 mile radius )
URCE: Washington County
Manager's Office
LIM

This would include making all buildings accessible to the handicapped.
Each school has been examined by W. T. Doggett, AIA and the following
conclusions derived relative to handicapped accessibilty and structural problems:
Creswell Elementary,- Because of the age of the building, the wood
floor and roof system, the buildings poor condition, and it's small
size ( 7 classroom), this building is not recommended.for long term
use. Even after the investment of bringing the building up to code,
it would be suitable only for short term use.
Roper Elementary - To replace the two wood exit stairs, replace the two
fire escapes with stairs, install a new kitchen hood system, replace
2 interior set` -'of steps with noncombustible steps, replace the mechanical
room ceiling and make the building accessible to the handicapped, it
would exceed 50% of the buildings value. The architects' recommendation
is that the building should be removed from the school system as soon
as possible and should not be used over 5 years.
Fourth Street School - The main building is not recommended for long
range use due to the excessive cost of correcting the SafetyrTo'�Life
Requirementsand modifying the building for handicapped accessibility.
Due to the small size of the site, 3.6 acres, the Division of School
Planning would not approve replacement of the Main Building or major
expansion on this site. Due to the confining boundarys of the site,
a railroad and two streets, additional land would be difficult to ob-
tain at this location. Without additional land the site should not
be considered for long range use.
Washington Street. School -The replacement of the auditorl",um floor and
combustible stairs alone would exceed 50% of the building value thus
replacement,of the building is recommended. Annex 1 and the Gym should
only be used for a short term but Annex 2 and the Band/Shop Building may
be considered for long term use.
Washington County Union - Future expansion is feasible on this site
and the structure is of fire resisitive construction and in generally
good structural condition. The school is considered suitable for long
term use.
Creswell High School - Improvements can be made which will allow for
the use of the main building from 5 to 15 years. Although the build-
ing has wood structural systems for floors, roof and interior walls,
this is acceptable in small one story structures. The Cafeteria/Shop
and Gym Buildings are also suitable for long term use with the correction
of minor problems.

Plymouth High School - Considered in good structural condition the .
Main Building, Gymtorium, Library/ Classroom Building and shops are
suitable for long term use. Future expansion on the site will be
limited with any additions possibly being two story.
Figure 30 provides an indication of the capacity of each school and the
adequacy of special facilities. This information, combined with the Doggett
report, gives some indication of where the County is now and the Countys,
future needs relative to schools. The culmination of the study will be a
long range plan for the replacement of and improvements to educational
facilities throughout the County. The intense local committment to better
education will be the impetus for instituting this plan.
Recreational Facilities
In June of 1977 a Washington County Recreation Plan was developed to
assess existing recreational facilities and address future needs.
The majority of recreational facilities are located at school sites
throughout the County, as shown in figure 31. Some community ball fields
r and play grounds also are used. Presently a 13 acre County Recreation Park is
being constructed in the Pea Ridge Community on Highway 32. (figure 32).
Presently no facilities in the County are available solely for cultural
recreation. With the initiation of the Washington County Cultural Arts
Council, facilities are being sought for music, drama, art and literary
activities. Existing community facilities proposed for use in conjunction
with Council I s activities include the Library, Agriculture Extension Building,
Skills Training Center, High School Auditoriums, and local public parks. Efforts
are now underway to secure funds to build a Civic Center which can be used
by area citizens for cultural, acitvities.
Roadways
Department of Transportation traffic counts for 1979 (figure 33) indicate
59

that the average number of vehicles traveling over the streets in Roper and
Creswell and the major roads in the County, are well within design standards for
peak capacities. However, this capacity is gained at the expense of reducing
speed limits over sections of highway that cannot be widened economically, or
are not under consideration for widening at the present time, such as U. S.*
Highway 64. So 45 miles per hour speed limits become the rule over sections
that once were 55 miles per hour, and 25 miles per hour speed limits become
the rule over sections that once were 35 miles per hour.
90

k
a
FIGURE 30
FACILITY DATA FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY
PROFES
CLASSRMS
ADEQUACY OF SPECIAL
FACILITIE
SIONAL
OR
MO-
CA-
EDIA
AUDI
GYM
GYM
CAFE
YEAR
ADDI-
PERSON-
TEACHING
BILE
PAC-
ADM.
OR
TOR-
TOR
*NA
"TE-TMEMBER-
SCHOOL AND GRADES
ACRES
BUILT
TIONS
NEL
STATIONS
UNITS
ITY*
SPACE
LIBRARY
MUSIC
ART
IUM
IUM
SIUM
-RIA
SHIP
:reswell Elem. (4-7)
16.1
1948
--
10
7
1
175
I
I
A
I
216
:reswell High (1-3, 8-12)
14.2
1939
1938,
53,59
32
22
9
520
I
I
A
I
452
'ourth St. Elem. 1-2
3.6
1936
9,
1
1
4 0
I
I
5
'lymouth High 9-12
21.5
1958
1960,
48
35
11
190
A
A
A
A
I
894
68,70
toper Elem. 1-3
7.2
1924
1942,
14
13
2
325
I
I
A
A
I
248 .
59
lashington St. Elem. (3-6)
9.1
1930
1943,
32
29
1
725
I
I
A
I
569
48 52
5shington Union Elem. 4-8
21.2
1953
1945,
36
32
FT
720
I
I
A
A
695
1
60
Permanent facilities only
he capacity for elementary pupils was computed on the basis of 25 pupils per classroom and the capacity for secondary pupils
was computed on the basis of 25 pupils and 90 percent utilization.
ODE: A - Adequate; I - Inadequate
OURCE: 1976 CAMA Land Use Plan
Membership updated 1980
91

T
WASHINGTON COUNTY
� N o w A M c o u rt
NORTH CAROLINA
_ �� - Figure "31
+ - --- COUNTY SCHOOLS
A
G r
— r
r r
_ _JIR:.__�
V
M
L .
/
_ LEGEND ° � sr/tc Mrc
L A L• I l t L I J
t ------ High Schools
•�---------
Elementary
-
.. �� ✓ ` j Schools
" f
I
ir e A u r o It t c o u N t r ( r r o t c o u N t r
92

WASHINGTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
Exhibit I
EDUCATION FACILITIES
J
m
m
Q
U_
_J
im-
N
m
¢
CD
o
w
Q
J
Q
W
¢
a.
3
z
W
4
a
d
3
Z
4
a
W
W
N
O
Z
Y
W
d
LL_
<
W
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Plymouth High School
X
X
3
Multi -purpose football
(# of acres, 21.5)
Gym
Softball Field
Washington St. Elementary
*
X
X
(# of acres, 9.1)
Gym
4th Street Elementary
Gym
X
.(# of acres, 3.6)
Creswell High School
X
Gym
2
(# of acres, 14.2)
2 acres uncleared 15%
12 acres cleared 85%
Creswell Elementary
X
(# of acres, 16.1)
6 acres uncleared 63%
10.1 acres cleared 37%
Roper Elementary
Gym
X
(# of acres, 7.2)
7.2 acres cleared 100%
Washington County Union
X
Gym
X
2
Park
(# of' acres. 21.2)
5 g
al
12.2 acres cleared 57.6%
NON -EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
Sandhills Community
X
X
Jaycee Park
X
X
X
3
Pea Ridge
X
X
X
Wilson Street
X
X
ENCOIC
X
Housing Projects
X
+ under construction
* Unpaved outside basketball court
SOURCE: County Recreation Plan
93

WASHINGTON COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA �� �� �� Figure 33
AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC COUNT
►'� ¢p
(1979)
170
I� 2
360
IIONM - o y e y
ww
alo
♦
t •
� f �
f
f ' l
f / RT110flw LUTt M'K �
L A L i ♦ M f L I J
Irl
X
-- -� `- -- - - - - . . . -- Ora f .
f I A Y/ O f t C O Y N. Y Y I N Y 0 [ C O Y N Y Y
� I
94
•� t

FUTURE DEMANDS
Projected Population
Population projections for the next ten years suggest a moderate increase
in County residents. This moderate growth rate is compatible with the wishes
of County citizens and governing bodies. Based on Department of Administration
figures and the Plymouth Roper 201 Waste Water Facilities Plan, these figures
reflect an increase in population for all Townships within the County except
Skinnersville (figure 34 ). Skinnersville Township is the only township without
a municipality.
The major constraint to growth identified in the 1976 CAMA Plan was poor
soils, incapable of supporting urban growth. These conditions create foundation
and septic tank problems in homes and businesses, where public facilities are
not available. Installation of public sewer facilities in Roper, and proposed
facilities in Creswell, will assist in alleviating the problem of malfunctioning
septic tanks and promote development.
The construction of multi -family housing in Roper and Creswell will boost
population somewhat. The majority of units in Roper are expected to be filled
by Roper residents due to the high number of substandard dwelling units, however,
Creswell's units should draw residents from the County due to their high
percentage of standard houses.
With the expansion of public facilities in the incorporated areas of
the County much of the projected growth will occur adjacent to the Towns.
New homesites in the County must be 20,000 square feet in size thus will
hopefully provide adequate space for septic tanks. Subdivision review in
conjunction with Health Department approval will assist in developing rural
areas at a density and in areas where onsite wells and septic tanks can be
used successfully.
95

Figure 34
FUTURE POPULATION.ESTIMATES
1970+
Washington County
14,0.38
*
Lee's Mill Township
3,407
Roper (750)
680°
Plymouth Township*
7,512
Plymouth
4,774
Scuppernong Township*
1,733
Creswell (500)
670°
Skinnersville Township
1,386
1980
%Chan a
1990
%Change
15,345
9%
169987
11%
3,733
9%
4,175
12%
850.
(13%) 25%
890.
5%
8,213
9%
9,227
12%
5,405
13%
5,515
2%
1,889
9%
2,120
12%
530
(6%) -20%
650
23%
1,510
9%
1,465
-3%
* Township population includes Town population
+ U. S. Census data
o Roper and Creswell have contested the 1970 census. Figures in
parenthesis represent the Towns' recommendations.

Seasonal population is not expected to be a large factor in Washington .
County's growth since the County is not a destination for tourist coming to the
region. The most lasting impact will be upon second home development, but again
the magnitude of impact will be small.
The 1976 CAMA Plan noted dwelling units -along the Albemarle Sound had in-
creased from forty units in 1951 to one hundred in 1975., In the ensuing five
years, development along the Sound has increased by approximately fifty homes.
Beech Bay subdivision is the primary Sound development that has been platted
and recorded since 1975 and contains forty three lots. This development combined
with approximately fifty undeveloped lots of record constitute the available
waterfront homesites.
. Any new subdivision along the Albemarle Sound will require paved roadways
sixty feet in width, and lots equivalent to 20,000 square feet.
Future. Economy
County labor patterns continue to show a higher level of employment for
> men compared to women. With increased financial pressures facing middle and
lower income families, the number of women in need of, and desiring jobs, is
increasing. There is a great need for industry in the County which can utilize
the female work force, although some progress has been made.
Continued efforts to draw food processing and other agri-business related
industries will hopefully be successful. The foundation has been laid with the
increase in the capacity of commercial grain storage facilities associated with
First Colony Farms and the productive hog operation owned by.Tyson Carolina.
Dependence on wood products and agriculture as the basis for the County's
economy is expected'to continue. The emergence of peat mining and subsequent
farming of the mined land should have a s.ignificant impact on the local economy
as well.
97

Future Land Needs
In general, future trends suggest a continued increase in land under
cultivation and increased urban development in the County. No large scale
clearing efforts are expected, other than the Newland Road tract owned by
Juniper Farms presently undergoing transformation from forestland to agriculture.
Small average tracts will be logged and put into cultivation but not to
the degree experienced on First Colony lands.and those areas immediately west.`
Demand for waterfront lots will continue, possibly at a rate of double
the 1980 figures by 1990. Sufficient homesites are presently available to
accommodate this increase.
Land demands in figure 35 for the 1990 population are based upon
ten year population projections for each County Township. These acreage'
demands are only for residential housing and are shown only for areas with
a projected increase in population.
.0
Actual development could occur on less land than the amounts shown,
but the maximum acreage indicates the land that should be available for 4
development throughout each jurisdiction. More than enough land is available--.
in Lees Mill, Plymouth and Scuppernong Townships to facilitate projected growth. -
Agricultural land within Plymouth Township will eventually be converted
to urban uses, especially acreage close to the Town of Plymouth. Rolling Pines
and Liverman Heights are the primary subdivisions in the Plymouth area which
have accommodated new residents in the past. A small number of lots are
vacant in Rolling Pines, with adjacent acreage available for expansion, and
Liverman Heights has fifty four vacant lots. The approximate thirty acres
this provides would not facilitate.the 244 households projected, but lands
with adequate soils are available throughout Plymouth Township to make up
the difference.

R
Figure 35
Future Land Demand
Number of
Number of
1980
1990 People
Households
Washington County
15,345
16,987
1,642
443
Lees Mill Township
3,733
4,175
442
119
Roper
850
890
40
10
Plymouth Township
8,213
9,227
1,014
274
Plymouth
5,405
5,515
110
30
Scuppernong Township
1,889
2,120
231
62
Creswell
530
.650
120
32
Skinnersville Township
1,510
1,465
-45
-12
*One household is estimated
to equal 3.7
persons.
New
Density
Maximum
Households
Per Acre
Land Demand
Lees Mill Township
119-
1 hsehld/1
acre
119 acres
Roper
10
3 hsehld/l
acre
3.3 acres
Plymouth Township
.274
1 hsehld/l
acre
274 acres
Plymouth.
30
3 hsehld/l
acre'
10 acres
Scuppernong Township
62
32
1 hsehld/l
3 hsehld/1
acre
acre
62 acres
1006 acres
Creswell
99

The Town of Plymouth has sufficient area adjacent to public utilities
to meet the thirty acre demand over a ten year period, but future annexation
will be necessary to meet future economic needs. Urban renewal and community
development activities have assisted provision of new commercial and residential sites
by removing substandard structures.
Lees Mill Township includes a good percentage of developable soils
located along the Albemarle Sound and on the periphery of Roper. Subdivisions
containing undeveloped lots are limited to Albemarle Beach and the Merlin Chesson
tract just north of Roper. Of the one hundred lots, sixty eight are inhabited.
The balance of these lots, coupled with developable land along Mackeys Road,
the Albemarle Sound and adjacent to Roper will be more than sufficient to
accommodate 116 households.
The Town of Roper (.9 sq. mi.) also has a more than adequate reserve of
vacant land to satisfy its urban land demand. The principal kinds of existing
land use in town are residential, 18 percent; commercial, 4 percent; government
and semi-public, 7 percent; forest and swamp, 26 percent; row crop, 41 percent;
and barren areas not under cultivation, 4 percent. The 41 percent of land
for cropland equals approximately 236 acres which is more than an.ample
stock of land for the estimated 3.3 acres of urban land demand by 1990.
The major constraint on future development in Creswell (.6 sq. mi.) is
the lack of an adequate method of drainage from swampy and.flood prone areas.
Floodprone areas presently constitute about 56 percent of the town's incorporated
limits. Cleared and drained cropland only comprises seven percent or about
27 acres of'the total land area within the existing town limits. This acreage
is adequate fo"r the estimated 10.6 acres needed for growth.
The majority of homesites in Scuppernong Township, outside of Creswell,
are scattered and vary in size. The sixty acres required to meet future
100

demands can be accommodated on suitable soils which surround Creswell and
Cherry. With proposed extension of water and sewer in the County, by Creswell,
smaller lots can be used for homesites thus reducing the acreage demand.
101

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE LAND USE PLAN UPDATE PROCESS
Public participation in the Land Use Plan Update process was extensive and
beneficial to the development of land use issues, policies and implementation
19 methods. Efforts were made to not only obtain information from the public, but
also to inform them of the planning process and suggest County land use issues
to be considered..
Initially, a meeting was held with the Board of Commissioners, Planning
Board and representatives of the Office of Coastal Management to acquaint County.
officials with OCM's objectives and the importance of the Plan Update.
Subsequent meetings were held to determine means for obtaining public input.
Various ways of involving the public were discussed. A steering committee simi-
lar to that utilized during the preparation of the Plan was considered, but due
to the existence of an active Planning Board, familiar with planning issues,
and also sufficiently representative of the public, they were designated as the
advisory body which would work with the Planner. The Board of Commissioners,
familiar with the resources of the County and the feasibility of proposed actions,
were also recognized as a vital participant in -the process.
Different techniques were considered for involving the public inclusive
of questionnaires, brochures, radio spots, newspaper articles, public meetings,
and organizational meetings. All of the methods discussed were used in some form.
The meeting.format was decided upon after concern was voiced over general
lack of participation by the citizenry in public hearings. Controversial issues
generally bring out crowds but speculation was that the Land Use Plan would not
be a drawing topic, thus efforts would be made to convince people of its
importance.
102

An alternative means for getting people together was meeting with existing
groups where a guaranteed number of persons would be present. Although interest
in planning issues was not guaranteed, it was hoped we could generate interest
once we had the attention of the group..
Plans were made to meet with existing county organizations, present.an,
educational slide presentation on land use issues and the planning process,
and issue a questionnaire to determine public opinion, needs and desires.
Development of participation materials began at this point. A fifteen
minute slide presentation, explaining.the update process and suggesting county-
wide land use issues, was prepared (see appendix). Tn addition, a
questionnaire was developed to determine public attitudes on land use issues.
This was not a scientific survey or random sample. Approximately six hundred
(600) questionnaires were disseminated with a 33% return rate.
A joint meeting was held at the invitation of the Board of Commissioners
with Roper, Creswell, and Plymouth Town Council members. The slide presentation
was shown and questionnaires handed out for'review and comments. Plans were .
made for a meeting of special interest groups, Councils, and Commissioners to
identify County land use issues.
The following groups or organizations were notified and/or represented at
a special interest group meeting: Weyerhaeuser Company, First Colony Farms,
Plymouth Garment Company, Williams Lumber Company, Georgia Pacific, Tyson Farms,
local banks and realty companies, contractors, Carolina Telephone and Telegraph,
VEPCO, Department of Transportation, Agricultural Extension Agency, Soil Conser•-
vation Services, Chamber of Commerce, Hospital, Health Department, Tax Supervi-
sor's Office, School Board, Social Services,, County Water Management, local farmers,
103

Wildlife Commission, Roanoke Beacon --the local newspaper, and WPNC radio.
Approximately forty (40) people attended the Land Use Plan session.
Four group leaders were trained to implement the Nominal Group Technique
as a means for acquiring input from each ten member group. Each group generated
a list of -prioritized issues which were then voted on by the.entire group to
determine the top five County issues. Six issues were identified as primary
concerns: drainage, environmental quality, industrial expansion, school expan-
sion and improvement, energy use and housing. These issues incorporated
land use issues specified in the CAMA guidelines.
Subsequent meetings with County professionals such as the Sanitarian, Tax
Supervisor, Soil Conservation Agent, County Manager, Agriculture Extension Agents,
Water Management Supervisor and the Board of Commissioners and Planning Board,
and discussions with Industrial Development Commission members, Environmental
Management staff, CAMA Permit Officer and others, led to the development of
specific policies and implementation methods.
Concurrently, efforts were launched to obtain input from the general public.
Phone calls were made to organization presidents and program chairpersons to
schedule meetings over a two -month period. Radio announcements were made and
newspaper articles written to request groups in need of a speaker to contact
the Planning Office.
Churches, Community Organizations, Ruritans, Jaycees, Jaycettes, Home
Extension Clubs, Senior Citizens Groups and PTA's were contacted. Due to
conflicting meeting dates, not all organizational meetings were attended.
Approximately 250 persons were reached through these meetings.
104

In addition, two public meetings were held, one in Creswell and another
in Plymouth. Meeting dates were advertised by radio and newspaper, one
hundred (100) brochures (see.appendix) were mailed randomly.to county
property owners, and 150 were distributed door to door. Attendance was
poor.
105

PUBLIC QUESTIONNAIRE ANALYSIS
The following information was compiled from questionnairesdistributed to
the general public. It should be remembered when looking at the tabulation of
responses on the following pages that this was not a scientific survey or random
sample. Responses were tabulated according to County Townships and -include. -
municipal residents.
TABLE A
AGE AND SEX OF RESPONDENTS
AGE
SCUPPERNONG
SKINNERSVILLE
PLYMOUTH
LEE'S MILL
Less than 20
1
1
1
1
20 - 29
3.
10
18
3
30 - 39
2
12
18
10
40-49
3
4
5
5
50 - 64
4
13
12
.7
65 and over
7
5
'24
14
20
35
78
40
SEX
Male
11
21
34
27
Female
8
27
45
11
19
48
79
38
From the above Table, one
can see that the
respondents were
equally divided,
male and female,
with the majority between the
ages of 20 to 39
and 50 and over.
TABLE B
OCCUPATION
SCUPPERNONG
SKINNERSVILLE
PLYMOUTH
LEE'S MILL
Farmer
2
2
2
6
Student
-
2
-
-
Unemployed
2
10
4
White Collar job
3
10
31
7
Blue Collar job
5
6
8
6
Homemaker
1
5
4
1
Retired
3
4
22
14
Other
3
5
6
4

f
TABLE C
RELATIONSHIP OF RESPONDENTS TO LAND AND HOUSING
SCUPPERNONG TOWNSHIP
I own property' in Washington County 6 Creswell• Roper Plymouth,
I own my home 11
I own rental property in Washington County'_�Z Creswell _1Roper' Plymouth
I own a farm in Washington County which I farm myself'
I own "a farm in Washington County which I do not farm myself
I rent my home, which is in Washington County ' Creswell 2 Roper' Plymouth';
I own more than ten acres of land in Washington County Creswell''- Roper r
PlymoutV
I own my own business in Washington County - Creswell'i Roper Plymouth -
I live in: 19 A single family house
A duplex
1 An apartment
- A mobile home
- A hotel, motel, boarding house
107

TABLE (continued)
RELATIONSHIP OF RESPONDENTS TO LAND AND HOUSING
LEE'S MILL TOWNSHIP
I own property in Washington County 18 Creswell - Roper 11 Plymouth
I own my home 26
I own rental property in Washington County -. Creswell
Roper 1 Plymouth _
I own a farm in
Washington County which I farm myself 6
I own a farm in
Washington County which 1 do not farm myself 2
I rent my home,
which is in Washington County 1 Creswell
- Roper l Plymouth r
I own more than
ten acres of land in Washington County 4
Creswell - Roper --
PlymoutF -
I own my own business in Washington County 3 Creswell* -
Roper-- Plymouth -
I live in: 35
A single family house
-
A duplex
2
An apartment
5
A mobile home
-
A hotel, motel, boarding house.
m

• TABLE (continued)
RELATIONSHIP OF RESPONDENTS TO LAND AND HOUSING
P"LYMOUTH TOWNSHIP
I own property in Washington County 13 Creswell 1 Roper' 4 Plymouth-3r6
I own my home 41
I own rental property in Washington County 4 Creswell - Roper 4 Plymouth 2
I own a farm in Washington County which I farm myself 'I
I own a farm in Washington County which I do not farm myself 2_
I rent my home, which is in Washington County '4 Creswell - Roper Plymouth'20
I own more than ten acres of land in.Washington County 3 Creswell' Roper
• PlymoutF
I own my own business in Washington County 1 Creswell'- Roper l Plymouth'1
I live in: 61 A single family house
1 A duplex
9 An apartment
4 A mobile home
- A hotel, motel, boarding house
109

TABLE (continued)
RELATIONSHIP OF RESPONDENTS TO LAND AND HOUSING
SKINNERSVILLE TOWNSHIP
I own property in Washington County 24 Creswell _ Roper Plymouth
I own my home 11
I own rental property in Washington County'__L Creswell. Roper Plymouth
I own a farm in Washington County which I farm myself''2
I own a farm in Washington County which I do not farm myself 1
I rent my home, which is in Washington County 4 Creswell _ Roper 1 Plymouth-1
I own more than ten acres of land in Washington County 2 Creswell Roper T
PlymoutF_
I own my own business in Washington County 2 Creswell - Roper Plymouth -
I live in: 31 A single family house
1 A duplex
1 An apartment
15 A mobile home
A hotel, motel, boarding house
110

Table E deals with the popularity of various types of development. This
is based on responses to a question which listed a number of types of develop-
ment and asked the respondents which types they would like more or less of in
the area immediately surrounding their community, and the County as a whole.
In many cases, the respondents left a number of spaces blank, preferring to
check only those they felt strongly about.one way or the other. In the follow-
ing Table, the number who checked less for a particular type of development has
been subtracted from the number who checked more,,and the types of development
listed in rank order -according to their scores.
TABLE E
POPULARITY OF VARIOUS TYPES OF DEVELOPMENT
LEE'S MILL TOWNSHIP
Near My Community In Washington County
Public.recreation and parks +20 Industrial +17
Single family houses +19 Public recreation a-lparks +15
Shopping centers +12 Shopping centers. +14
.Industrial + 8 Single family houses +14
Commercial recreation + 8 Small businesses +10
Small businesses + 7 Commercial recreation + 8
Apartments 5 Apartments + 5
Condominiums - 5 Condominiums - 1
Mobile homes -10 Mobile Homes -10
PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP
Single family houses
+47
Public recreation and parks
+41
Shopping centers
+42
Shopping centers
+38
+37
Public recreation and parks
+38
Commercial recreation
Commercial recreation
+30.
Single family houses
+32
Small businesses
+30
Industrial
+32
Industrial
+28
Small businesses
+30
Apartments
+26
Apartments
+22
+ 4
Condominiums
+ 3
Condominiums
Mobile homes
-25
Mobile homes
-16
ill

TABLE .(continued)
SKINNERSVILLE TOWNSHIP
Near My Communit-v In Washington Count
Public recreation and parks
+31
Small businesses--
+15 -
Single family houses
+28
Shopping centers
+14
Industrial
+24
Public recreation and parks
+14
Small businesses.
+21
Apartments
+13
Shopping centers
+21
Single family houses
+12
Commercial recreation
+13
Industrial
+12
Apartments
+13
Commercial recreation
+10
Mobile homes
+ 7
Mobile homes
+ 7
Condominiums
- 1
Condominiums
0
SCUPPERNONG TOWNSHIP
Single family houses
+12
Industrial
+11
Commercial recreation
+
9
Small businesses
+
9
Public recreation and parks
+
8
Public recreation and parks
+
9
Industrial
+
8
Apartments
+
9
Small businesses
+
7
Shopping centers
+
8
Apartments
+
7
Commercial recreation
+
6
Shopping centers
+
6
Condominiums
+
5
Condominiums
+
2
Single family houses
+
5
Mobile homes
-
8
Mobile homes
-
9
.0

Table D shows the results of questions, which asked the respondents to
decide what they think population trends in their area will be over the next
ten years and what they would like them to be.
TABLE D
POPULATION TRENDS
THINK POPULATION WILL:
SCUPPERNONG
SKINNERSVILLE
PLYMOUTH
LEE'S MILL
Increase greatly
9
31
28
18
Increase moderately
5
16
33
20
Remain the same
1
2
9
1
Decrease slightly
2
-
5
-
Decrease greatly
1
-
2
2
WOULD LIKE POPULATION
TO:
Increase greatly
8
27
30
13
Increase moderately
9
15
37
22
Remain the same
-
1
5
5
Decrease slightly
1
1
1
-
Decrease greatly
1
-
-
-
The majority of respondents in all areas felt the population would increase
and also wanted it to. Skinnersville Township would like for their population
to increase greatly whereas the other Townships wish for moderate growth. This
supports the growth policies adopted.by the Board of Commissioners and is re-
flected in future population projections.
113

From Table E it is clear that the majority of County residents prefer
single family housing and recreation facilities in their community and would
like more businesses and industrial uses in the County as a whole. Mobile homes
and multi -family housing is not popular in the immediate community or the County
as a whole. Adopted policies relative to industrial development and housing
needs were based on the results of Table E.
Respondents were asked who should.pay for needed services associated with
growth in the County. Table F reflects the opinions of each Township.
SEWER LINES
Developer
Local Government
SCHOOLS AND PARK SITES
Developer
Local Government
TABLE
F
FINANCING OF
IMPROVEMENTS
SCUPPERNONG
SKINNERSVILLE
PLYMOUTH
LEE'S MILL
7
14
33
16
11
35
41
25
SCUPPERNONG
SKINNERSVILLE
PLYMOUTH
LEE'S'MILL
1
11
11
6
18 .
36
57
39
Local governments policies and implementation methods reflect their desire
and intentions to improve public facilities.
0'
114

4
TABLE G
RESPONSES TO SPECIFIC ISSUE QUESTIONS
The following responses were to questions asking specific attitudes about
development density and patterns.
Do you feel that different types of land uses such as residential, commercial,
and industrial should be:
74 separated as much as possible
26 allowed to develop unrestricted
located where public services are available
Do -you feel dense residential development should be allowed to occur where
individual septic tanks and wells are used?
yes 41
no 137
Would you rather:
1. Limit growth 27
2. Promote the development of additional services such as public
water and sewer systems in areas where development could not
take place without such services 84
The general attitude here appears to be in favor of dense development where
services are available.
In order to develop a list of issues to be addressed in the CAMA Plan Update,
along with CAMA guideline issues, respondents were asked to identify the biggest
problems facing their communities, as shown in Table H.
115

TABLE H
BIGGEST PROBLEMS FACING YOUR COMMUNITY ARE:
SCUPPERNONG
Improper functioning of septic tanks
9
Unemployment
9
Substandard housing
7
Deteriorating water quality (lakes, sound)
6
Inadequate residential sites
6
Flooding
5
Urbanization of farmland
3
Quality of drinking water
3
Environmental degradation due to development
2.
Residential development along major highways
2
Poor air quality
2
1
Excessive seasonal traffic
Commercial,development along major highways
1
Incompatible uses
1
*No recreation
1
SKINNERSVILLE
Quality of drinking water
37
Unemployment
36
Substandard housing
30
Commercial development along major highways
29
Improper functioning of septic tanks
27
Poor air quality
Deteriorating water quality (lakes, sound)
27
26
Residential development along major highways
26
Excessive seasonal traffic-
24
Underemployment
24
Incompatible uses
24
23
Urbanization of farmland
Inadequate residential sites
22
Flooding
21
Environmental degradation due to development
12
116

TABLE (continued)
BIGGEST PROBLEMS FACING YOUR COMMUNITY ARE:
PLYMOUTH
Unemployment'
37
Substandard housing
32
Quality of drinking water
24
Poor air quality
22
Inadequate residential sites
17
Commercial development along major highways
17
Deteriorating water quality (lakes, sound)
17
Underemployment
15
Excessive seasonal traffic
14
Flooding
13
Improper functioning of septic tanks
12
Incompatible uses
10
Environmental degradation due to development
10
Residential development along major highways
9
Urbanization of farmland
8
*Schools
2
LEE'S MILL
Unemployment
14
Improper functioning of septic tanks
14
Substandard housing
13
.Incompatible uses
9
Deteriorating water quality (lakes, sound)
8
Flooding
8
Underemployment
7
Excessive seasonal traffic
7
Quality of drinking water
7
Commercial development along major highways
6
Inadequate residential sites
6
Urbanization of farmland
5
Poor air quality,
5
4
Residential development along major highways
Environmental degradation due to development
3
* written in by respondent
Unemployment, substandard housing, improper functioning of septic tanks,
quality of drinking water and poor air and water quality, were all concerns
which led to the establishment of the community issues addressed by the Board
of Commissioners.
117

Table I reflects the need for more funds to be expended on public services.
Respondents overwhelmingly wished for more funds to be spent on all services.
TABLE I
EXPENDITURES ON PUBLIC SERVICES
MORE
Crime prevention and control
124
Drug control
136
Animal control
99
Traffic offenses
55
Assistance to elderly
118
Assistance to low income people
89
Industrial recruitment
95
Public recreation programs
112
Purchase of new park land
96
Fire protection
108
Civil defense
86
Rescue squad
107—
Library
81
Cultural activities
98
Historical preservation
82
Public transportation
104
Road construction
122
Street paving
103
Maintenance of existing streets
108
Public sewer facilities
101
Curb and gutter
82
Traffic signals
82
Sidewalks
Street lighting
103
Drainage
116
Junk car removal and control
126
Removal of abandoned buildings
119
Building code enforcement
83
Provision of low and moderate
Income housing
92
LESS
SAME AMOUNT
4
33
3
25
14
33
13
60
6
26
19
32
8
26
7
25
16
26
2
39
9
49
2
37
4
42
10
27
10
38
8
24
5
22
5
26
4
. 26
6
29
9
42
.—�
49
5
40
4
.32
3
-23
10
19
9
20
5
39
22
27
If
118

WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMUNITY ISSUES
ISSUE: County Growth
Washington County has experienced slow growth to date with. population
concentration primarily in Plymouth. Creswell and Roper also are population
• centers but growth has been basically nonexistent in recent years. Future
population projections suggest growth throughout the"County, inclusive of,the
three Towns.. Scattered rural growth will continue throughout the County
due to dependence on agriculture,but dense development in the majority of
our rural areas would be impossible due to the lack of public sewer and water..
Septic tanks and wells can be used in the County on individual lots of
at least 20,OOO square feet in area. Due to the high water table and poor
soils, septic tank permits have been refused in some areas and many existing
systems malfunction. The proposed provision of water by the County will ease
present problems somewhat and allow for future growth in service areas.
Guiding development to areas which are served with water and/or sewer will
confine the majority of growth to Roper, Plymouth, Creswel1�and areas adjacent
thereto, thus preventing massive septic tank failures and/or water contamination
which might occur in rural_ areas.
According to the Land Use Plan questionnaire, residents expect and want
moderate growth in the County. Although growth is desired, preference has
been voiced for an increase in population and development at a rate and in
a manner such that the rural character of the County can be,protected. How-
ever, if measures are not taken to promote growth, present trends of slow.to
stagnate growth will continue.
Successful promotion of industry will hopefully generate desired growth.
Small industry, located in proximity to the municipalities will create new
119

jobs to keep our young workers in the County, and promote an influx of new
workers. The promotion of agriculture or commercial uses will not s.i.gnificantly_
impact population growth.
It is the attitude of the Board of Commissioners that growth should be
encouraged, but, at a rate and in a pattern which can be efficiently and
effectively handled by the County's facilities and resources.
Specific policies include:
1. Allowing development to occur in an orderly manner- according to
the County's Plans.
2. Insuring development will occur in a manner which will continue
our present quality of life, and
3. Permiting intense development to proceed from presently served
areas, or areas planned to be served, in a compact and orderly manner..
In order to grow, yet retain a quality of life inherent in a rural area,
we must carefully evaluate steps which will promote. growth and examine where
we want growth to occur.
Means for implementing policies include;
1. Establish a Land Development Plan by which development proposals
may be reviewed for consistency therewith,
2. Conform to the state's Balanced Growth Policy.
3. Extend public water in accord with the County's F(ater Feasi-
bility Study, and
4. Support the development of utility extension policies by
Roper, Creswell and Plymouth,
Primary responsibility for these activities will lie with the Board of
Commissioners, the Planning Board, and.the County Manager. Support for acti
vities in Roper, Plymouth, and Creswell can only be in the form of suggestions
and letters of support.
120

ISSUE: Industrial Development
The lack of industry in Washington County is a primary issue recognized by
the professional community and the general citizenry. Not only would incoming
industry reduce the tax burden on the citizens of the County, but would assist
in alleviating unemployment and underemployment.
There is a demand for more jobs, better paying jobs. The future of the
young people in the County must be considered. An outmi-gration of young adults
noted in the 1976 CAMA Plan emphasizes the need, as does present economic con-
ditions. The number of women forced to enter the working public due to economic
necessity and/or by choice would also benefit.from increased employment oppor-
tunities.
More realistic is the.potential for bringing in a number of smaller indus-
tries, possibly agri-business related. Food processing facilities were discussed
by the Boards, as were industries dependent on wood products. The recent purchase
by the County of an industrial park site just outside of Plymouth will go far in
the.realization.of such a prospect.
The mining of peat in Washington County and surrounding areas poses a very
real possibility for additional industry with the county.
The present County tax base of $160,000,000.00,.with a moderately high tax
rate of $.94, suggests the need for more taxable resources. An increase in any
use other than industry will not bring the necessary increase in jobs or. taxable
resources, thus there are few alternatives.
One option is to not seek industry, which will perpetuate our existing
problems, or there is slight potential for expansion of existing industry. The
increase would however be in production, not necessarily in employment.
121

More unreasonable would be the promotion of all industries, no matter what
the type, causing potentially irreparrab:le damage to our resources and incompat-
ibility with the Washington County community,
The Board of Commissioners feel in order to provide increased employment
opportunities for present and future residents of Washington County and an imp
proved tax base, industry should be encouraged to locate in the County,
Proposed policies reflecting an interest in the impact of industry are;
1. Encourage industry that is compatible with the surrounding
community,and will not require variance from State and Federal standards.
2. Support improved public facilities as inducement for locating
industry in the County, and
3. Evaluate the impact of new industry on the County"s resources.
The County needs industry. Despite this intense need, industry will be
evaluated so that the environmental quality and standard of community life can
be maintained.
Methods for implementing policies include:
1. Developing an evaluation criteria for new industry..
2. Continuing financial support of the Industrial Development
Commission, and
3. Identifying potential industrial sites throughout the County.
A joint effort between the Board of Commissioners and the Industrial Deve-
lopment Commission will be an effective means for developing an evaluation cri-
teria'l,-to be applied to prospective industries. County taxes are the primary
funding source for the Industrial Development Commission. Funds for an i'ndus
trial site study may be secured through HUD 701 Planning Funds or CAMA Funds.
This activity would primarily be.the responsibility of the County Planner.
122

ISSUE: Public Facilities and Services.
The expansion and improvement of public facilities and.services is a major
issue identified by the general public and County officials.
.Public services could be reduced but public sentiment supports expansion.
Past efforts to reduce services to prevent tax increases has not been totally
successful. The majority of services disbanded were reinstated due to strong
public sentiment. Attempts to maintain services at their present level will
also demand cutting programs due to inflationary program costs.. Land Use: Plan
questionnaires suggest support for increased expenditures for almost every County
service.
A tax increase is the most available means for subsidizing service improve'
ment and expansion. Grant funds.are also used to finance particular County pro-
grams and will be pursued in the future. Public opinion is with tax reduction,_
which would affect both means of program support, yet response to the CAMA Plan
questionnaire demands improved services.
Public services and facilities should be expanded and improved to meet the
needs of County residents within the capabilities of our resources according to
Board sentiment.
County policies are:
1. Develop services and facilities in concert with expected growth,and
2. Locate facilities and services where they may best serve the County's
population. -
In order to provide required services and facilities, the needs and desires
of.the public must be determined and the capability of County government to fi-
nance them evaluated.
123

Accepted means for accomplishing specific policies are:
1. Prepare and administer a citizen survey periodically to determine
service needs. The County Manager and County Planner would be
responsible for the preparation and distribution.
2. Address service needs identified through public participation in
the Land Use Plan Update process. -
a. Undertake measures with an overall goal of reducing.crime
in the County. Evaluate and study our existing control
methods by 1983 and implement study recommendation by
1987. FUNDS: Law Enforcement Assistance Administration,
Coastal Plain Resources Commission, HUD 701 Planning Funds.
b. Promote improvement of our transportation network in order.
to foster economic development. Continue to promote the
widening of Highway 64 and 17, paving of secondary and
primary roads, bridge improvements, improved channelization of
the Roanoke River, and the extension of a railway spur into
the eastern part of the County. FUNDS: Department of Trans-
portation, Corps of Engineers, Railway Company, private industry.
c. Continue to improve the quality of our recreational facili-
.ties. Complete Bureau of Outdoor Recreation site on Highway
32, continue support of County Recreation Commission,.and pro-
mote expeditious implementation of the Pettigrew Park Master
Plan. FUNDS: County taxes, Bureau of Outdoor Recreation Funds.
d. Improve the structural quality and capacity of our educational
facilities. Evaluate our existing facilities and make recom-
mendation by 1983. Prepare an implementation plan by 1985.
FUNDS: County Bond Referendum.
e. Provide water service to industrial sites and homes with
inadequate water supply. Complete revised Phase I of the
proposed countywide water system by 1985 and Phase II by 1990.
FUNDS: Farmers Home Administration, HUD-CDBG, Coastal Plain
Resources Commission, State Clean Water Bond, County Bond
Referendum, Economic Development Administration.
3. Develop an evaluation criteria for the location and future construc-
tion of County facilities by first studying the growth patterns of
the County to determine the best location.for facilities by 1985
and second, develop a facilities plan to identify needed facilities
and a capital improvements plan by 1990. A combination of County
Funds, CAMA Funds and.HUD 701 Planning.Funds would be used.
124

ISSUE: Housing Opportunities
Housing opportunities in Washington County are in need of great improvement.
The Washington County Housing Plan,.adopted in December of 1977, provides a de- .
tailed analysis of the County's housing needs, The Housing Plan reflects an
unmet need of 824.housing units based on population projection for 1980, V.
continued increase in population will magnify this lack of resources.
Even if Washington County's population continues to grow at a slow rate,
adequate housing will not be available for its' citizens. Presently, 47% of
our housing is substandard, and in 1970, over half of the residents in the County
were effectively priced out of the home buying market.
These factors will place increased demand on rental property located in
the County, and generate increased purchases of mobile homes. Compounding the
problem is our lack of surplus housing. As reported in the 1970 Census, 32%
or 56 out of 165 vacant structures for sale or rent are structurally substandard.
Few alternatives are available aside from single family homes other than
mobile homes and multi -family rental units: Multi -family housing must have)
public water and sewer, thus the County residents have to rely on the. municipali-
ties for placement in apartments and subsidized housing. Placement of mobile
homes in the County have more than doubled since 1973 and most likely will con-
tinue to increase as housing costs soar.
Washington County has demonstrated its commi.ttment to the redevelopment of
communities throughout the County with the use of Housing and Urban Development
funds. Two deteriorating areas, have been revived due to the foresight of County
leaders. Funds will be sought in the future to assist low and moderate income
families in preserving their communities and revitalizing the County's housing
resources.
125

0
Continuation of housing improvements with HUD-CDBG monies becomes more
bleak each year as HUD designates more funds, for municipalities and less for
rural counties. If we do not seek further grant funds for rehabilitation of
low and moderate income housing units, they will soon be beyond repair, thus
intensifying our housing inadequacies.
Present and future residents of Washington County should have the opportunity
to be housed in a comfortable and safe environment.
The policies which reflect this attitude are;
1. Encourage the development of various housing types, built to
quality standards, and
2. Support efforts to improve the living environments of Vashington
County residents.
Implementation tools for improving new housing include:
1. Supporting multi -family dwelling unit projects where utilities
are available.
2. Adopting a Planned Unit Development Ordinance by 1990.
3. Continuing to enforce the existing State Building Code with
Building and Electrical Inspections, and
4. Continuing to actively enforce County Subdivision and Mobile
Home Regulations.
Methods for improving existing communities are:
1. Continue to seek funds such as Community Development Block Grants
to improve housing and public services.
2. Serve dense development,experiencing water quality problems,with
the proposed County water system according to feasibility study.
3. Continue enforcement of health and sanitation regulations.
4. Seek more Section VIII rehab units for the County.
5. Organize a seminar with the Agriculture Extension Agency -and Social
Services for local.resi:dents on housing maintenance and preservation
by 1985, and
6. Continue drain.age activities in and around residential areas.
126

The lack of Community Development funds, will disperse the present Community
Development staff, thus, responsibilityfor housing activities will lie with the
County Manager and Planner. Funds for housing programs would come from Farmers
Home Administration and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, as in
the past.
ISSUE: Drainage
Due to the level terrain and high water table characteristic of Eastern
North Carolina, drainage is a major problem in.Washington County. Drainage
directly affects the capability of much land to be used for urban, agricultural
and forestry activities.
Even with drainage, many areas of the County are subject to, frequent flooding
due to the high water table and improper outlets: According to the Center for
Rural Resource Development, only.2.3% of the Coastal Area does not require drain-
age. Approximately 32% has already been drained with 45% potentially drainable.
The majority of agricultural land has been drained but 73% of our forestland is
potentially drainable, as is 32% of our wetlands. If 45% of Coastal lands are
drained, many problems experienced due to past drainage may reoccur.
Massive drainage has caused the clogging of streams and rivers with sediment,
increased water pollution due to pesti:ci;des and fertilizers, and damage to our
acquatic nurseries due to increased fresh water entering streams. Human life,
health and property are directly influenced by drainage activities. Future mas-
sive drainage would no doubt have significant impacts on our natural resources
and human resources.
Various policies were discussed relative to drainage. The need for protect-
ing County residents while allowing utilization of our land was a major concern.
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Methods to prevent flooding were considered, such as flood control structures,
flood hazard ordinance,discouraging development in flood areas, and maintenance
of drainage outlets. County plans for coping with hazards associated with flood-
ing such as hurricanes, were reviewed and considered adequate. An Emergency
Management Coordinator is retained by the County and a Hurrican.Evacuation.Plan
was adopted in June 1977.
Concern was expressed over problems encountered due to massive farm drain-
age. As the water table is lowered, potential for salt water intrusion into our
drinking water supply is increased.
Water.that took months .to filter through to the estuarine system, now flows
more rapidly into our creeks and rivers , carrying with it insecticides and fer-
tilizer from productive fields. This influx of fresh water into our sensitive
aquatic nurseries has taken its toll on fisheries production.
The dicotomy is, drainage represents some negative impacts, yet provides
buildable land and increased crop production, two essentials -for Washington County.
The long term effects of no drainage would be to basically stop growth, increase
flood hazard, and encourage the use of farmland for urban uses. It is accepted
that drainage must continue, but should be implemented with careful evaluation.
Policies adopted by the Board of Commissioners include:
1. Promote activities which will assist citizens in preventing
damage by flooding. .
2. Promote alternative means for drainage which will diminish
negative impacts from pollutants ,and
3. Evaluate the long term effects of mass.drainage.
Means for implementing these policies are:
1. Institute flood control measures by adopting a County Flood Hazard
Ordinance upon completion of our County flood study -- target date
1985.
2. Study the possible adoption of a water shed ordinance by 1985.
This effort would involve Soil conservation Service, the County
Water Management Supervisor and the County Planner.
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3. Seek funds for the completion of the Scuppernong River, Conaby
Creek and Mackeys Creek Watershed projects in the next ten years.
County funds and Department of'Human Resources are potential
financers.
4. Promote the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements for
the Beaver Dam and Conaby Creek projects..
5. Continue the local Mosquito Control Program,
6. Promote further study of the impacts of mass drainage, and
7. Support the drainage permitting program of the Corps, CAMA and
State Fisheries.
Funds for proposed drainage projects will come primarily through the
Department of Human Resources and Washington County, The County Water Management
Supervisor, the Corps of Engineers and the Board of Commissioners will be responR
sible for the projects.
ISSUE: Environmental Quality
It is difficult, actually impossible, to put a value on our natural environ-
ment. Many times damage is irreparable. The County is sensitive to this value,
but is also sensitive to the desire for growth which means more development,
more people. The more growth we have, the greater the potential for damaging our
resources and destroying the rural character of the County.
There are three alternatives available. We can stop all development, which
will assure protection of the natural environment, however the consequences would
be damaging to the. County's_economy. A more reasonable alternative would be to
develop our County with sensitivity.to the existing built environment and the
natural environment. Growing at.a rate our resources can handle will hopefully
promote preservation of our rural character.. A third option is to promote any
type of growth, anywhere. The potential damage to our natural environment could
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be irreversible, the pressure applied to.our public resources irreconcilable.
The Board's attitude relative to environmental quality reflects their feel-
ing that we should utilize our resources according to their constraints, value to
the public and greatest potential use.
This attitude of concern for our resources is reflected in the following
policies.
1. Encourage the use of prime farm land for farming.
2. Encourage the careful development and use of our forestry resources.
3. Insure the quality of our water resources for recreational purposes
and commercial and sport fishing.
4. Assess land constraints prior to location of a particular use to
determine feasibility and
5. Protect areas of historical value from encroachment of incompatible uses.
Implementation of these policies will hopefully ensure the conservation.
and protection of the natural and manmade environments and harmonize the
relationship between the two.
Implementation methods includes such activites as:
1. Using soil survey in evaluating soils capability for proposed
development.
2. Preparing a flood study.and adopting a County Flood Hazard Ordinance.
3. Developing an evaluation criteria to be used when industries are
proposed for location in the County.
4. Promote water quality standards which will insure the protection
of our aquatic resources.
5. Developing improved access to public waters by encouraging the
North Carolina Wildlife Commission to locate a boat landing on
Deep Creek, and the Department of Parks and Recreation to improve
and expand boating access on Lake Phelps, and
6. Supporting our existing forestry management programs.
The protection of our Areas of Environmental Concern and other environmen-
tally sensitive areas is the second policy adopted by the Board of Commissioners.
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Each AEC within the Estuarine System will bediscussed and appropriate uses
identified below.
A. Coastal Wetlands. In Washington County, nonforested wetlands are
present at.the mouth of Deep Creek where it enters Bull's Bay, and
east of NC Hwy. 32 near Bateman's Beach. Suitable uses shall be
those consistent with'the CAMA management objective relative to
wetlands. Highest priority shall be the conservation of the existing
coastal wetlands. Second priorty shall be given to those activities
which require water access and cannot function elsewhere. Rural uses
exclusive.of building development such as piers, utility easements,
docks and agricultural uses shall be allowed.
B. Estuarine Waters. Estuarine waters in Washington County consist of
the Albemarle Sound, Bull's Bay, and the Roanoke River. Proposed
uses shall be consistent. with management objectives outlined by CAMA.
Conservation of the waters and its vital components is of upmost im-
portance. Uses shall be allowed which require water access or uses
which cannot .function elsewhere such as access channels, erosion
control structures, navigational channels, boat docks, marinas, pears,
wharfs, mooring pilings and bridge abutments.
�. Public Trust Waters. These waters include the Albemarle Sound,
Bull's Bay, Lake Phelps, Pungo Lake, Welch's Creek, Conaby Creek,
Roanoke River, Mackey's Creek and the Scuppernong River. Proposed
uses shall be consistent with management objectives. Uses which do
not impair access or cause biological or physical damage to the estuary
are allowed, such as navigational channels, drainage ditches, erosion
control devices, piers, wharfs, marinas, and bridge abutments.
Uses should be monitored to assure navigation will not be hindered,
erosion will not be perpetuated, and water quality will not be
degraded.
D. Estuarine Shoreline. A strip of land-75 feet wide from the normal water
level of Albemarle Sound, Bull's Bay and the Roanoke River. This area
should be managed to ensure shoreline development is compatible with the
nature of estuarine shorelines and the values of the estuarine system.
Uses allowed should primarily consist of recreational and rural -uses.
Low density housing development and commercial uses which will not
perpetuate severe erosion shall'be allowed.
Other Valuable Natural Areas within Washington County which should be,pro-
tected include:
A. Lake Phelps. The County's committment to protect its valuable natural
resources is evidenced by attempts to nominate Lake Phelps as an Area
of Environmental Concern. Information relative to the value of the
Lake Phelps area is in the Land Suitability Section. 'Concern over
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increased residential development may be quieted as committment to
enforcement of the septic tank regulations has been made. Much of
the border- surrounding the Lake is primarily organic soils which
are unsuitable for septic tanks. Peat mining south of the Lake has
generated concern as to the -impacts on the Lake area. Funds have been
secured through the Coastal Energy Impact Program to study the impacts
and develop a mitigation plan. The Board is committed to seek
further funds to study the impact of peat mining on the Lake'through
the Coastal Energy Impact Program and to pursue their.nomination
of the Lake area as an Area of Environmental Concern.
B. Pungo Lake. Recently named in the North Carolina Registry of.Natural'
Heritage Areas, 4,000 acres of the Pungo Lake Refuge has-been identified
as a valuable natural area. Presently.under State and Federal controls,
the Lake -is adequately protected by a wide natural buffer.
C. Forested Wetlands. Located throughout the County along the Scuppernong
River, Bull's Bay, Conaby Creek,.Pungo Lake, Lake Phelps, Mackey's Creek,
and Chapel Swamp Creek are forested wetlands, these areas are presently
under the controls of the Army Corps of Engineers. Wetlands are sensitive
areas which should be watched carefully as the County develops.
Presently the County plans to take no specific.measures relative
to forested wetlands other than to recognize their sensitive
nature and encourage the Corps of Engineers and the Office of
Coastal Management to require careful analysis of the impact of
activities prior to permitting.
D. Historical Areas. Historic resources are listed in the Appendix.
Historicalareas should be preserved and protected from encroachment
of imcompatible uses. The Division of Archives and History is
responsible for the preservat.ion of such significant areas as Somerset
Place. Past efforts by local citizens to preserve such landmarks as
the Latham House in Plymouth have been very difficult. Initial funds
have been secured through a Historical Preservation Grant to assist
in the rehabilitation of the home but much more is needed. Frankly,
the only successful efforts have occurred where Archives and History
have taken an interest in a particular site. Efforts should continue
to involve Archives and History, as Washington County does not have
the resources to finance such projects.
Few means are available to protect historic landmarks from incompatible
development other than the purchase of adjacent land by local government
and concerned citizens, or zoning.
Again, our monetary resources are few, thus we much depend on private
citizens or grant funding. Zoning is not feasible at this time due to
its inability to resolve problems relative to agricultural uses. Future
review of new development in accordance with the Land Use Plan by the
Boards may assist in encouraging location of uses not compatible, away
from historical areas. The Board will continue to support the interest
and activities of the local.Historical Society and individual citizens.
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Implementation methods for the protection of our AEC's and other sensitive
areas are:
1. Continue to.support our local CAMA Permit Officer.
2. Support careful evaluation and required permitting of activities
in our environmentally sensitive areas by,the Corps of Engineers,
State Fisheries and the Office of Coastal Management.
3. Enforce the health regulations relevant to septic tank placement.
4. Protect areas by guiding the location of new development in accor-
dance with the CAMA Plan.
5. Seek CEIP and CAMA Funds to evaluate and protect our resources, and
6. Request a Countywide Natural Heritage Survey.
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ISSUE: Energy Resources
A local issue, as well as a national issue, is the need to conserve our
existing energy resources and to identify and develop new,resources. Continued
dependence on fossil fuels will significantly hamper growth -and possibly reduce
local crop production due to fuel cost.
Easily identifiable energy resources throughout the.County include peat,
wood, corn, chicken and swine manure, and garbage. All have reasonable poten-
tial as alternate energy resources, but feasibility of development cannot be
determined without further study. Studies conducted by the Research Triangle
Institute and First Colony Farms do recognize peat as valuable and developable.
Development of alternative energy resources to reduce dependence on fossil
fuels appears to be the primary action that can be promoted on the local level.
With reduced energy cost and a plentiful supply of resources, Washington County
may be more appealing to industry.
.Another consequence of rising energy cost mentioned was the impact on
agricultural production. The extensive amount of fuel used to harvest and
transport agricultural products, and the rising cost, may eventually reduce
production. Hopefully, locally produced alternative fuels at a reduced cost,
can provide the needed impetus to continue increased crop production.
The County's policies relative to energy resource development include:
1. Evaluate our energy resources so that we may plan for effective
utilization,
2. Evaluate the impact of the development of our energy resources
on the surrounding environment to ensure future quality, and
3. Promote the development of locally produced alternative fuels.
J
134

Future action relative to these policies will be similar to present acti-
vities involving peat mining within. the County. The Board supports the develop-
ment of such resources, but not unrestricted development. When there are
146,000 acres of peat deposits spanning four counties, the best approach is a
conservative one.
Washington.County supports the careful evaluation of; the mining activities,
and recently has received a grant to assess the impact of peat mining on Lake
Phelps as an Area of Environmental Concern. The attitude of the Board of Commis-
sioners as specified in the Coastal Energy Impact Program grant application is;
through careful and persistent analysis, we can protect a valuable and unique
resource, yet provide for the increasing energy needs so necessary for the future.
Implementation methods are:
1., Seek grant funding for an evaluation of our developable energy
resources.
. 2. Support the preparation of.an Environmental Impact Statement for
energy development projects, and .
3. Seek funds to assess the impact of proposed energy projects on the.
County's socioeconomic and environmental resources.
The Department of Energy Programs and the Coastal Energy Impact Program
would be the primary funding sources for such activities. The County Manager,
County Planner and the Board of Commissioners would be responsible for initiation
of projects.
The necessity of educating the public as to the need and means for energy
conservation .has been discussed.as a policy. Present educational programs.
through the Department of Energy and the Agriculture Extension Agency are con-
sidered valuable to the County. No new programs are planned on the County level,
but an energy coordinator will be identified to collect and retain information
concerning energy programs for public use. The County will also continue its
135

insulation permitting procedure through the Building Inspections Program.
Plans are to assess the County's energy assets and liabilities and develop
a strategy for improving the energy efficiency of County government, an activity
coordinated by the County Manager.
The final energy related policy is to encourage residential and light
industry in close proximity to support facilities. This can be achieved through
locally adopted water and sewer policies and by the eventual des.ignation of
Areas adjacent to Roper and Creswell as growth -centers.
ISSUE: Public Participation
Public participation has played an important role in planning issues in
the past and will continue in the future.
Education is an important aspect of this involvement, although difficult
in a rural area with ascattered population. Dissemination of educational
brochures and radio and newspaper coverage are the most generalized method for
reaching the largest number of people. Materials placed in the library, or
other public places, also provides an opportunity to become enl.ightened on i
County issues. The distribution of a questionnaire periodically to request public
needs and desires can also be used as an effective educational tool.
Requesting the public's involvement, personally contacting individuals by
mail or phone, can many times encourage citizens to gather for public meetings
where they may receive information and.become..involved. Legal .advertisements;
for public hearing located in a noncentral area, are not viable means for in-
volving the public. Whenever possible, holding meetings in a community that
will be.affected by a particular issue, or addressing organized groups in an
area are more valuable and effective.
136

Without a competent staff person to provide advice and expertise, public
education and participation activities may not be successful. A responsible
party who does not understand the importance of citizen involvement will lack
the enthusiasm and interest needed to develop an effective program.
The County recognizes the direct relationship of planning issues to the
public,and feels the need to create better communication between citizens and
local government.
The Board of Commissioners consider the following as feasi,ble'means for
implementing this policy:
1. Assure citizens representation on decision -making boards.
2. Inform the public of County issues on a regular basis by the
use of -radio announcements, newspaper articles, letters, brochures,
slide presentations and personal contact, and
3. Support a qualified planner to coordinate and develop effective
educational and participatory activities.
137

COMMUNITY ISSUES IN ROPER AND CRESWELL
Public participation in a comprehensive planning process for Roper and
Creswell began in 1978 when community development workshops were held in
each town. Forty-three citizens provided the input for establishing a list
of needs, goals, and strategy for each of the towns. In addition, the
concept of working together and pooling resources was adopted.
Since that time, the Town Councils of Roper and Creswell have held
periodic joint meetings. They have shared planning and management resources
while pooling support for mutual.projects.
The preparation of this document provided an opportunity to validate
and revise previous efforts. Several public participation processes were used;
1. A joint public hearing was held in Creswell for citizens of
both towns.
2. A Land Use Plan Questionnaire was distributed by the -Washington
County Planning Office. Those questionnaires returned by Creswell
and Roper residents were tabulated and analyzed.
3. Creswell used a resource allocation process called the Creswell
Money Game. This process involved the placing of a large list of
local government issues in the Tax Listing Office. Each issue
had an envelope attached to it.
During the tax listing period (January 1980) each tax lister was
given an opportunity to participate. They were given a limited
amount of fake money to spend on the various issues. Liriited
resources combined with numerous needs forced them to establish
priorities.
4. Roper distributed a questionnaire to each family in town as an
attachment to their water bill.in 1979. This input was considered
current for this plan.
5. Various organizations were provided with programs on the Land
Use Plan Update by either Washington County or Town Planning
officials.
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In addition, all Town residents were afforded the same opportunities as
County residents to participate in the CountyAs public participation process.
The input generated by these various processes was considered.in
establishing issues, goals, and policy.
Resource Protection Issues in Roper
ISSUE: Constraints to Development
Roper's major constraint to development has been the health hazards
caused by septic tank failures. This problem should be eliminated during the
summer of 1980 when a new municipal sewer system is placed into operation.
Poor drainage and soil conditions represent severe limitations for
development. Most of Roper's soils are Wahee fine sandy loam which is
poorly drained, has slow permeability, and moderate shrink -swell potential.
. Flood prone areas are restricted to the areas directly adjacent to Mill
Creek and Deep Run. Most development has occurred above the flood area. The
exception being mill related businesses which used water as a source of.power
and a means.of transportation. These operations have.been terminated.
GOAL: The elimination, reduction or avoidance of constraints to development..
POLICIES:
1. The Town's governing board will operate and maintain a municipal sewer
system to prevent the discharge of sewage into the surface and sub-
surface waters of Roper. The operator for this system has been hired
and is in training.
2. The Town Council and Washington County Health Department will enforce
regulations requiring all structures containing toilet facilities to
connect to the municipal sewer system.
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3. The Town Council will seek funds to implement the proposals contained
in a comprehensive drainage plan being prepared for the Town. U. S.
Soil Conservation Service, Albemarle Resource Conservation and
Development District, and Washington County are being investigated -
as sources of funding.
4. Utilize existing resources such as CETA employees, local government
employees, local equipment and Powell Bill funds to implement minor
drainage projects such as cleaning ditches and tiles.
5.. Encourage all property owners to use good soil conservation and
drainage practices on their property:.
6. Participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.
7. Promote floodproofing of structures which are located in areas
subject to -flooding. This will be implemented by the Roper Planning .
Board through regulations such as the Mobile Home Ordinance and
Subdivision Regulations.
Alternate policies considered while selecting the above policies were:-
1. Do nothing and let development.occur.or not occur without direction
.of regulation. This was rejected as not being in the best interest
of the public at large or individual citizens.
2. Install a storm drain system for the entire town with all streets
curbed and guttered. This was rejected as not being within the
forecastable resources of the town during the planning period.
ISSUE: Areas of Environmental Concern
The Town of Roper does not have any designated AECs other than the public
trust waters of Mill Creek and Deep Run. Appropriate uses shall be those
which do not impair access or cause biologicalor physical damage to.the
estuary such as drainage channels, erosion control devices,piers, wharfs,
marinas, bridge abutments, and utility crossings. Uses should be monitored
to assure erosion will not be perpetuated and water quality will not be de-
graded.
ISSUE: Other Hazardous Fragile Land Areas
There are no hazardous or fragile land areas which are being considered
140

for nomination as areas of environmental concern within Roper's jurisdiction.
Freshwater swamps and marshes, maritime forests, and man-made hazards were
not identified as issues of concern.
Cultural and historic resources.were not identified as specific issues -
in Roper.
ISSUE: Hurricane and Flood Evacuation Plans
Roper will participate in hurricane and flood evacuation planning with
the County. Local resources such as .public buildings and equipment would be
available to the County Civil Preparedness Office to help with any influx of
people evacuating the Outer Banks..As a matter of policy, the Town Council has
gone on record as supporting and encouraging the funding of a County.Cibil
Preparedness Officer. When funds for this function were,cut from the County
Budget in 1979,the Town Council instructed the Mayor to ask that they be rein-
stated.
RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT ISSUES IN ROPER
ISSUE: Productive Agricultural Lands
Farming, with its use of.large equipment and chemicals, represents a
compatibility problem in a compact residential area like Roper. The size of
plots and proximity to housing will probably make the.use of existing
agriculture land unfeasible for long range crop production.
Since the County has adopted policies for the preservation of prime
agricultural land, Roper's existing farmland could best be used for development
which might otherwise locate on prime rural farmland.
GOAL: To reduce compatibility problems caused by farming operations inside
Roper's Town Limits..
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POLICY: Encourage .the conversion of agricultural land in Roper to other
uses such as residential, commercial, industrial and institutional
in order to preserve prime farmland in the county.
ALTERNATE POLICY: Since farming in rural towns is common, don't get -
involved with the issue.
Commercial forest lands, mineral production,,fisheries, and off -road
vehicles were not considered relevant.
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ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ISSUES IN ROPER
Virtually all of the input received from the various public participation
processes dealt with economic and community development issues. The following
information is ranked in the order of priority established from public input:
ISSUE: Streets and Related Drainage
Due to the very limited financial resources of Roper, streets and
related drainage have been neglected for many years. Most areas next to the
streets are higher than the streets. There are very few graded ditches to
carry water to the outlet ditches. Large trees on the sides of streets
are damaging the streets with their roots. In addition, the installation of
graded ditches will be impossible without removing these trees.
GOALS: To upgrade the streets and drainage system.
POLICIES:
1. Prepare a comprehensive drainage plan which will include street related
drainage.
2. Request technical assistance from the U. S. Soil Conservation Service
in determining elevations and drainage patterns, etc.
3. While the sewer system is being constructed make very few repairs,
to streets. This will allow for the accumulation of Powell Bill
Funds for more extensive work after damage from sewer work is completed.
4. Utilize repair and replacement funds included in sewer grants to
upgrade streets and drainage.
5. Seek Community Development Block Grant Funds to improve drainage
and access to designated areas.
ALTERNATE POLICIES:
1. Let individuals take care of draining their property.
2. Accept the condition as natural and unsolvable.
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ISSUE: Police Protection
Roper has used its very limited resources to provide a part-time police'
officer. This level of service is inadequate in view of rather serious crime
problems. Residents are concerned with increased drug traffic and vandalism.
GOAL: To increase the amount of police protection offered in Town.'
POLICIES:
1. Implement an agreement with the County to combine Roper, Creswell,
and Washington County police services.
2. Seek grant funds to allow the Washington County Sheriff's Department
to expand service in the Town.
3. Support the Crime Watch Program which is being sponsored and
organized by the Roper Ruritan Club.
ALTERNATE POLICY: Reduce other services and use local funds to increase
police protection.
ISSUE: Economic Development
There are very few employment opportunities in the Roper area. This is
a severe problem for young people and women seeking primary or second family
incomes.
GOAL: To provide additional employment opportunities in -the area.
POLICIES:
1. Encourage new industry to locate in or near Roper. The most
needed type of industry would be environmentally cleah companies such
as clothing manufactures, electronic assembly companies, and
agricultural processors which employ unskilled and .semi -skilled
women and.young people.
2. Support the Washington County Economic Development Commission in
its efforts to secure a site for an industrial park -and to attract
industries to the County.
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3. Promote efforts to improve the qualifications of unskilled workers.
4. Encourage owners of land which is suitable for business'or industry
to make sites available. Several sites have been identified as
suitable and available.
5. Utilize the Comprehensive Education and Training Act to provide jobs
in Roper. The Town has worked with Washington County and the Albemarle
Regional Planning and Development Commission to secure several positions.
ALTERNATE POLICY: Let the county worry about economic development.
ISSUE: Housing
Roper has a pressing need for improved and expanded housing. Housing for'
the elderly, handicapped and low-income presents a particular problem which
must be met with housing assistance programs. The U. S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development has recognized Roper's need for additional assisted housing.
The most desired type of housing from the governing body's point of view
is privately owned taxable property.
GOAL: To improve.the housing situation in Roper.
POLICIES:
1. Prepare Community Development Block Grant Application for housing
related projects. Roper has been unsuccessful with this program
in the past years. As each new funding period comes up, the Town
Council will investigate the chances of using this resource.
2. Continue to work with the Mid -East Regional Hous.i.ng Authority to
meet the assisted housing needs of the town.
An architect is now working on. plans for 30 units of housing which
will be funded by HUD. A site.has been located and construction is
expected to start in 1980. Mid -East will operate these units. This
project should meet the present assisted housing needs. If additional
needs are identified, they will be addressed by the Planning Board in
cooperation with the.Mid-East Authority.
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3. Encourage local property owners'to develop lots for residential
construction. The Town.Council has worked with several.;property
owners to have sewer lines provided to vacant lots as an inducement
to development.
4. Provide public with information about funding sources for residential
construction.. Through personal contacts, news letter articles and
public hearings, the Town Council will provide information about
such programs as Farmers Home Administration home loans.
5. Enforce regulations which control and improve the quality of housing.
Subdivision Regulations along with various.building codes are enforced
in Roper by Washington County. A Mobile Home and Travel Trailer
Park Ordinance has been prepared for the Town which will also be
enforced by both the Roper Planning Board and Washington County Officials.
ALTERNATE POLI'CIES:
1. Allow growth to occur without direction or regulation.
2. Let individuals provide for their housing needs without help.
ISSUE: Public Services
During the next ten years, Roper will offer most of the public services
normally found in larger urban areas. The level of service, along with the
ability to provide service for new development will be.limited by the small
local tax base.
GOAL: To provide adequate services to the existing population while providing
the required services to encourage and support a moderate growth rate.
POLICIES:
1. Water and sewer will be available to virtually every property line
within the corporate limits. Both systems. will have enough excess
capacity to provide for a moderate rate of growth for residential,
commercial, industrial and institutional users.
2. A tentative agreement has been approved by the Town Council to
provide municipal water service to areas outside the corporate limits.
If sewer services are needed outside the corporate limits, a similar
agreement could be arranged.
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3. Sanitation, police, transportation and other public services will be
provided to the highest level possible within local resources.
4. Roper's commitment to redevelopment of developed areas has been
demonstrated by the use of Economic Development Administration funds
to demolish dilapidated buildings. This commitment has and will
continue to cause the Town Council and Planning Board to investigate
sources of funds for redevelopment projects. Some of the sources
being considered are Community Development Block Grants and Farmers
Home Administration Business Loans.
5. Roper endorses the county's efforts to study energy facility siting
and development. The town may seek grant funds to study energy
siting and impact if future developments warrant such studies.
ALTERNATE POLICIES:
1. Forget about future services until they are required or demanded
by the public.
2. Concentrate on service to encourage new development at the expense
of existing population.
3. Let the County worry about areas outside the corporate limits.
the Town Council recognizes the mutual needs of the County and Town
and is committed to working together to find solutions.
ISSUE: Recreation
Roper residents expressed.a great deal of concern for additional re-
creational opportunities. The Town Council did not feel that local revenue
will allow the town to provide programs beyond what the,County offers. A
donation was made to the Community Schools program to provide additional
cultural and recreational activities.
CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN ROPER
The Roper Town Council is committed to seeking the widest possible
public input in all areas of public decision making.
ISSUES: Public Education On Planning Issues
G;AL To fully informon planning issues.
47

POLICIES:
1. Roper will follow its adopted Public Participation Plan in
preparing notices and holding public hearings.
2. The Town Newsletter will be used to provide information about
planning issues.
3. All citizens are encouraged to attend Planning Board and Council
meetings.
ISSUE: Continuing Public Participation In Planning
GOAL: To involve as many people as possible in planning Roper's future.
POLICIES:
1. In appointing members of boards and committees, the Town Council
will seek a cross-section of persons to represent all segments of
the. population.
2. Use the Town Newsletter (which is .mailed to all water customers
monthly) to keep the public informed about planning efforts.
3. Provide public service releases to the local media.
ALTERNATE POLICIES:
1. Let the public find out for themselves about planning issues.
2.. Only involve those persons who are perceived to know what.they are
doing in planning work.
3. Don't confuse the public with facts.
SPECIAL ISSUES IN ROPER
The Coastal Resources Commission has specified that Roper address the
issues of septic tank suitability and a central water and sewer system.
Roper has operated a central water system for many years. The system
was upgraded recently and service is available to all residents.

Septic tank failures were so common in Roper that various agencies declared
.the Town to have a health hazard. Local citizens approved a bond issue of
• $180,000.00 to be used as the local match for over one and a -half million dollars
in State and Federal grants for construction of a central sewer system. The
system is expected to be in operation as of June 1980. Due to the extent of
health hazards associated with septic tanks, regulations are expected to be
enforced which will require the elimination of all such tanks within -the corporate
limits.
OTHER ISSUES IN ROPER
Types of urban growth desired were discussed under housing and economic
development issues. The Town has not established policies to direct growth
in a particular pattern.
Relevant federal and state regulations were listed on pages 42-45.
Roper is committed to and endorses those state and federal programs which
promote and regulate the best interest of the Town. The Coastal Area Manage-
ment Act has been most valuable to the Town in developing plans and projects
which improve the quality of living in Roper.
Beach nourishment,channel maintenance,waterfrontaccess, beach access and
tourism were not considered relevant. While tourism may have some impact on
local sales, no specific policies were established to promote it.
i4

RESOURCE PROTECTION ISSUES IN CRESWELL
ISSUE: Constraints to Development
.Creswell's major constraints to development are health hazards caused
by septic tank failures, flooding caused by wind tides and/or soil conditions.'
The Washington County Health Department has estimated that over 80% of
the septic tanks in Creswell are failing. A "201 Facilities Plan" has been
developed to address this problem. A solution in the form of an innovative
pressure sewer system is expected by 1984.
Flooding and poor drainage relates to the fact that two-thirds of the
land area within the Town is below elevation 3 ms.l. During high yearly tides,
51 homes are flooded and a daily wind tide elevation exceeding 1.5,feet mean
sea level will flood 25 years and most drainage channels.
Creswell's soils are in the Augusta-Altavista-Wahee series which are
poorly -drained with slow permeability and moderate shrink -swell. potential.
These soils are affected by tidal fluctuations which raise the water table to
the ground surface.
GOAL: To reduce the impact of constraints to development.
POLICIES:
1. The Town Council will continue to pursue funding for a municipal
sewer system. The first phase of a "201 Facilities Plan" has been
funded and is near completion. Grant applications are being prepared
which seek $1,500,000.00 for construction of the system in 1981.
Creswell citizens approved a $200,000.0.0 local bond issue for sewer
-work by a vote of 91 to 12. L. E. Wooten and Company and Ivanfield
Associates, Creswell°s consulting and engineering firms,have been
instructed to develop this project as the Town's number one priority..
2 Creswell has prepared (with the help of the U, S. Soil Conservation
Service, Albemarle Resource Conservation and Development-District,.and
Coastal Area Management Act) a plan for flood prevention and drainage,
.150

Much of the detailed survey and engineering work has been started by
the Soil Conservation Service. The project has been approved by the
U. S. Department of Agriculture under their.Small Watershed Program
(PL-566) for work as resources are available.
i
3. Participate in the.National Flood Insurance Program.
4. A Mobile Home Ordinance which requires floodproofing of units placed
in flood prone areas will be implemented during 1980. In addition
the county has been authorized to enforce it's building codes inside
Creswell's limits.
ALTERNATE POLICIES:
1. Let development.occur without direction or regulation.
2. Encourage development to locate elsewhere to avoid local constraints.
ISSUE: Areas Of Environmental' Concern
Creswell does not have any designated Areas of Environmental Concern
within its jurisdiction. Since there are no plans for future designation,
this issue was not considered.
ISSUE: Other Hazardous Fragile Land Areas
There are no hazardous or fragile land areas which are being considered
for nomination as areas of environmental concern within Creswell's jurisdiction.
Freshwater swamps and marshes, maritime forests, and man-made hazards were not
identified as issues of concern.
Cultural and historic resources were not identified as specific issues
in Creswell.
ISSUE: Hurricane And Flood Evacuation Plans
Creswell considers hurricane and flood evacuation planning to be a
function of the County. As a matter of policy, the Town Council has gone on
record as supporting and encouraging the funding of a County Civil Prepardness;
151

Officer. When funds for this function were.out from the County Budget in 1979,
the Town Council instructed the Mayor to ask that they be reinstated.. Local
resources such as public buildings, equipment and town employees would be used
to help the County Civil Preparedness Office with an influx of people evacuating
the Outer Banks.
RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT ISSUES IN CRESWELL
ISSUE: Productive Agricultural Lands
Farming, with its.use of large equipment and chemicals, represents.a
compatibility problem in a compact residential area like Creswell., The size
of plots and proximity to housing will probably make the use of existing
agriculturalland unfeasible for long range crop production.
Since the County has adopted policies for the preservation of prime
agricultural land, Creswell's existing farmland could best be used for
development which might otherwise locate on prime rural farmland.
Productive agricultural and forest lands outside of Creswell are the
most important economic factor for the town. As stated under the economic
development section, growth of those industries related to.agriculture and
forestry is the town's first priority. While attempts will be made to expand
economic activities, there is no desire to shift to a new economic base.
GOAL: To reduce compatibility problems caused by farming operations inside
Creswell's Town limits.
POLICY: Encourage the conversion of agricultural land in Creswell to other
uses such as residential, commercial, industrial and institutional
in order to preserve prime farmland in the County. This encouragement
will take the form of providing services and reducing constraints
to development.
152

ALTERNATE POLICY: Since farming in rural towns is common, don't get involved
with the issue.
Commercial forest lands, mineral production, fisheries and off -road
vehicles were not considered relevant to the Creswell Plan. Peat mining
was discussed as a specific mining issue which might affect Creswell, based
on past experience with the First Colony Operation, it was felt that the
possible impact did not justify planning and policy statements at this time.
The Town may seek funds to study -this issue if activity increases.
153

ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ISSUES IN CRESWELL
Virtually all of the input received from the various public participation
processes dealt with economic and community development issues. The following ,
information is ranked in the order of priority established from public input:
ISSUE: Wastewater Treatment
As a result of citizen concern with this issue.and the problems related
to building a conventional gravity sewer system, a plan has been prepared for
an innovative pressure system. This system utilizes septic tanks for collection
and storage of waste. A sump pump is installed for each customer to pump liquids
from the tank.to a central lagoon system for treatment.
Policies and goals related to this issue were addressed under constraints
to development.
ISSUE: Flooding and Drainage
This issue was considered by many citizens to be as important as
wastewater treatment. A plan to install dikes., floodgates and pumps is `
being developed.
Policies and goals for this issue were also addressed under constraints
to development.
ISSUE: Housing.
Substandard housing and a shortage of assisted housing has been and is
a severe problem in Creswell. The solution for a majority of these problems
have been initiated by the Town Council.
GOAL: To reduce substandard housing and increase the assisted housi.ng stock.
154

POLICIES:
1. The Town Council through the Creswell Community Development Department
will complete a Community Development Block Grant Program during 1980-81.
CDBG funds of $264,000 are being used to-re.habili.tate 16 substandard
units. Ten dilapidated houses will be demolished. Several families
are being relocated to mobile homes.
2. Work with the Mid -East Regional Housing Authority to meet the assisted
housing needs in Creswell. Funding by the U. S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development has been approved for the construction of 20 units
of low income housing to be operated by the Mid -East Authority.
Planning for this project should be completed in 1980 with construction
to start in 1981.
3. Adopt and enforce regulations which improve the quality of housing.
Subdivision Regulations, a Fair Housing Ordinance, Mobile Home Ordinance,
and Building Codes are enforced in the Town.
Because of the limited resources of Creswell, much of the enforcement
program must be provided through cooperative agreements with Washington
County Officials.
ALTERNATE POLICIES:
1. Let individuals take care of their own housing needs..
2. Do not infringe on the private use of property..
ISSUE: Economic Development
Creswell's primary concerns are new jobs to stop the forced out -migration
of young people and second family jobs.for women. Citizens have indicated a
preference for preserving the good qualities of a rural life style.
GOAL: To provide additional employment opportunities in the area,while
preserving the present environment..
POLICIES:
1. The Creswell Town Council will. promote a moderate growth rate for the
area. New industries related to agriculture or forestry which can
maintain existing air and water quality standards are the first
priority.
155

By removing the physical barriers such as septic tank failures and
flooding, it is believed that a moderate rate of growth will occur.
2. Support the activities of the Washington County Economic Development
Commission to attract new industry. Their efforts to develop a
county -wide water system has very strong support from the citizens,
organizations, and governing body of Creswell. The Town has agreed
to expand its system and provide water and related services for such
a county system. In addition, proposed sewer services will be -
extended beyond the corporate limits.
ALTERNATE POLICIES:
1. Leave the entire burden of economic development to the County.
2. Promote any kind of economic. development without concern for the
quality of living.
ISSUE: Police Protection
Creswell enjoys a relatively good situation in terms of existing crime
problems. Because of the lack of adequate police services, this situation
could change very fast. The increase in efforts of surrounding area to improve
their police services may tend to shift criminal activities to Creswell, The r
Town Council recognizes a real need to improve law enforcement services as a
precaution.
GOAL: To improve law enforcement and crime prevention.services..
POLICIES:
1. Implement existing agreement with Roper and Washington County to
combine police services.
2. Join with Roper in seeking funds to expand the Washington County
Sheriff's Department. _
3. Continue to involve citizens, employees, and Town officials in
crime prevention activities. While not participating in a formal
Crime Watch Program, local citizens and Town employees have provided -
a very effective night watchman service when paid police officers were
not available.
156

ALTERNATE POLICY:
1. Ignore the issue until it becomes a major problem.
ISSUE: Public Services
Even though -Creswell is not adjacent to a developed urban area ,the Town
has taken on the character of a transitional area. Services will be required
to support a relatively high density which resembles a developed area.
GOAL: To provide a quanity and quality of public services which will promote
a moderate rate of -growth.
POLICIES:.
1. To continue to make municipal water service available to all property
owners within Town and where density justifies -,areas outside the
corporate limits. Approximately 15% of existing water users are
located beyond the corporate limits.
ALTERNATE POLICIES:
1. Only provide those services demanded.by the public or required by
law.
2. Leave the question of services outside the corporate limits to the
County.
ISSUE: Recreation
While town residents did express concern for the lack of recreational
opportunities, the Town Council was not able to provide resources to fund
such programs asa Town function. A donation was made to the Community Schools
program which will help with recreation.
CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN CRESWELL
The Creswell Town Council will seek the widest possible public input in
all areas of public decision making.
ISSUE: Public Education On Planning Issues
GOAL: To fully inform the public on planning issues.
157

POLICIES:
1. Creswell will follow its adopted Public Participation Plan in
preparing notices and. holding public hearings.
2. Public notices will be posted and distributed to provide information
about planning issues.
3. All citizens are encouraged to attend Council meetings.
ISSUE: Continuing Public Participation In Planning
GOAL: To involve as many people as possible .in planning Creswell's future.
POLICIES:
1. In appointing members of boards and committees, the Town Council will
seek a cross-section of persons to represent all segments of the
population.
2. Provide public service releases to the local media.
ALTERNATE POLICIES:
1. Let the public find out for themselves about planning issues,
2. Don't confuse the public with facts.
SPECIAL ISSUES IN CRESWELL
Creswell has been requested by the Coastal Resources Commission to address
the specific issues of septic tank suitability, central water and central sewer
systems.
The Town now operates a central water system with service available to
every structure within the corporate limits. Approximately 35-County residents `
are also connected to the system. Health hazards associated with shallow wells
on the same lots with septic tanks, caused the Town to adopt regulations
requiring all occupied structures to connect to the central system. These
regulations have been enforced.
158

An estimated 80% of all septic tanks in Creswell are failing. .The Town
Council is committed to solving this problem with the construction of.a central
sewer system. When this system becomes operational, regulations will be
adopted to eliminate the use.of septic tank drain ,fields.
OTHER ISSUES IN CRESWELL
Types of urban growth desired were discussed under other sections such
as housing and economic development. The provision of public services is
directed toward serving all sections of town. No attempt has been made to
use policies to direct specific types of development to specific areas. The
town has not established any particular patterns for development.
159

A REVIEW OF ROPER AND CRESWELL OBJECTIVES FROM THE 1976 LAND USE PLAN
In 1976 both Creswell and Roper set objectives relating to zoning and
subdivision regulations. Both Towns have adopted subdivision regulations
and have a zoning ordinance written which is being considered for adoption.
Since establishing housing related objectives in 1976, both Towns addressed
the issue. Roper has completed a demolition project of substandard buildings
and a 30 unit public housing project is scheduled for construction in 1980-81.
In addition several new privately owned homes are under construction because
of the towns efforts to build a central sewer system.
Creswell will complete a Community Development Project in 1980 which will
result in the demolition of 10 delapidated houses and the comprehensive re-
habilitation of 16 homes. This project is now 70% complete with many families
occupying standard housing for the first time. In addition,Creswell has
received funding and selected a site for 20 units of public housing. The
Mid -East Regional Housing Authority will construct and operate the.public
housing units in both Roper and Creswell.
Roper has met its.1976 objective of securing a central sewer system and im-
proving the water system.
Creswell, has completed a sewer facilities plan which calls for the con-
struction of an innovative pressure sewer system by 1983.
In 1976 both towns agreed to.petition the county for increased police
patrol service at night. While some improvement has been achieved, the problem
remains a high priority in.the goals established in this plan.
Even though Roper has worked toward the 1976 objective of improving storm
drainage within the town, this -problem continues to be of major concern. A
160

CAMA funded drainage plan has established goals and strategy for dealing with the
problem.
Creswell's 1976 objectives to expand and publicize library and health
care has resulted in the establishment of a weekly story hour conducted by
the Pettigrew Regional Library. The Washington.County Health'Department is
conducting a very successful Blood Pressure Clinic in Creswell.

LAND CLASSIFICATION
Now, for discussion of the land.classification system which is the means
by which we use statistical data, population projections, development constraints,
and community policies. Developed as a tool for guiding future activities, the
classification system consists of five classes to be applied to geographic areas.
Developed - Lands wherg existing population density is moderate to
high and -have necessary public services.
Transition•- Lands where local government plans to accommodate moderate
to high density development during the next ten years and where public
services will be provided.
Community - Lands where clustered mi.xed uses occur in rural areas and
public sewer is not required.
Rural - Lands identified as appropriate for resource management and
allied uses.
Conservation - Fragile, hazard and.other lands necessary to maintain
a healthy natural environment.
The Washington County Land Classification is in accord with the CAMA'
requirements and is shown on the Land Classification Map in the Appendix. To
provide a more tailored system of classification for the County, the five land
classes have been subdivided further, as discussed on Page 154.
The relationship between County policies and the Classification system
is a very important one. Classification of areas should reflect County poli-
cies adopted by the governing boards.
Land Classification and Local Policies and Implementation
County policies promote dense development where public services are -avail. -
able. Consistent with this policy, the location of all developed and transition
areas will be within the jurisdiction of the municipalities, with one exception.
Creswell plans to service two areas adjacent to the Town and will probably
162

extend their jurisdiction to include these areas. The majority of the County'.s
projected population within the next ten years can be provided for within the
three municipalities of Roper, Creswell, Plymouth and surrounding areas, yet
scattered residential development will continue to take place throughout the
County. This is primarily due to the rural character of the County which the
Board of Commissioners is committed to protect as reflected in their adoption
of policies.
Preservation of existing communities is supported by the County's poli-
cies to seek housing assistance, and to service areas experiencing problems
with public water. The communities designated as service areas and cluster
areas will continue as moderate density mixed use areas in the future. With
the installation of public water in designated community service areas, resi-
dential development may increase in these communities.
Industrial development in close proximity to the Towns is being encouraged
by the purchase of an industrial site by the County on Highway 45, close to
Plymouth. This sixty acre site, designated community transitional, can be
utilized by several small industries. With the use of land close to our Towns
for industrial use, County policies addressing energy and industrial develop-
ment will be compatible.
Protection of undeveloped natural areas, designated rural natural areas,
is supported by the County's efforts to ensure the conservation and protection
of the natural and manmade environments and harmonize the relationship between
• the two. Natural areas adjacent to Lake Phelps, Albemarle Sound, and Bull's
Bay are recognized as sensitive areas which should be protected. Development
is expected to occur in these areas but the County has outlined parameters for
this development within the classification system.
163 '

Concern for surface water quality expressed in the Community Issues Sec-
tion is reflected in the classification of all surface waters as conservation.
Past efforts by the Board of Commissioners to have Lake Phelps designated as
an Area of Environmental Concern emphasizes their commitment to protect our.
Areas of Environmental Concern and other environmentally sensitive areas.
County Land Classification
Transition
The purpose of the transition class is to provide for future intensive
urban development within the ensuing ten years on lands that are most suitable
and that will be scheduled for provision of necessary public utilities and
services. The transition lands also provide for additional growth when adequate
lands in the developed class are not available, or when they.are severely
limited for development.
The only transition areas within the County's jurisdictions are along.
State Roads 1142 and Highway 6.4 east, emanating from Creswell. Future plans
are to.service these areas with sewer and water, according to Town representa-
tives. Installation of a proposed sewer system in Creswell should begin in
1981. Other transition areas are located within the Town limits of. Creswell
and Roper.
Community
The purpose of the community class.is to provide for clustered land deve-
lopment to help meet housing, shopping, employments and public services within
the rural areas of the County.
164

Community service areas - Designated service areas are in need of public
water primarily due to poor water quality. These areas are moderately
well developed and are proposed for water service by the County. These
communities will be served in sequence according to,the density, construc-
tion cost, and the number of residents requesting service.
Community cluster areas - These rural areas are characterized by a small
grouping of mixed land use and are suitable for small clusters of*rural
development not requiring sewer service.
_Community transitional - These areas connecting rural uses and community
areas are lands which will eventually be:converted to mixed use.develop
ment.. Characterized as rural, these areas have potential for development
as community areas and are located in the northern.sector_of the County
and around Creswell. Due to suitable soils and access to major roadways,
they are potential industrial sites. Chances are these areas will have
residential development in the years to come and more likely, some
industrial development in the near future.:
Rural .
The purpose of the rural classes is to provide for agriculture, forest
management, mineral extraction and other low density uses.
Rural residential -Areas with scattered residential development are
located throughout the County. The majority of these rural residential
areas are along 'State Roads and generally do not have commercial or
industrial uses intermixed. Homesites range from 20,000 square feet
upward and have onsite.wells and septic tanks. Density to be encouraged
in this area is one household per -acres.
Rural natural area - Undeveloped shoreline areas within the County are
considered sensitive and should be protected. Building development
will most likely occur in some of these areas, but should take place'in
a manner which will preserve as much vegetation as possible. Lot size.
should be 20,000 square feet or larger to promote low density development,
thus the impact on the natural environment and providing adequate space
for onsite water and sewage disposal facilities.
Rural forestland - Lands with high.potential for forestry resource manage-
ment are included in this category. Large timber tracts which have signi-
ficant value as renewable resources are shown in this rural classification.
In general, the soils in these designated areas are poor for urban deve-
lopment, and in the case of the Conaby Creek and,Bull's Bay tracts, the
soils are saturated with water.
165

Rural agriculture - These designated areas include lands which are
presently in agricultural production and will continue as such indefinitely.
Areas to be mined for peat and then put into agricultrual production are
also included in this classification,
Conservation
The purpose of the conservation class is to provide for effective long
term management of significant limited or irreplaceable areas. This manage-
ment is needed due to natural, cultural, recreational, productive and scenic
values.
Areas designated conservation :include surface waters such as Lake Phelps,
Pungo Lake, Albemarle Sound, Scuppernong River, Mackeys Creek, Welch Creek,
and Conoby Creek, coastal wetlands, swamp forest lands, historic sites,
and government holding, such as Pungo National Wildlife Refuge and Pettigrew
State Park. The Roanoke River is also a conservation area.
166

Roper and Creswell Land Classification
Developed
The purpose of the developed class is to provide for continued intensive
development and redevelopment of existing municipalities.
Areas designated developed include the central areas of Roper which -are
densely developed and served by public sewer and water.
Transition
The transition class is for future intensive urban development within the
next ten years, which will be provided necessary public services. When adequate
land is not available in the developed class for additional growth, transitional
areas are designed to provide for additional development.
Other than small conservation areas, the entirety of Creswell is considered
transitional in nature. The northeast and southwest edges of Roper are also
designated transitional. These are areas which are proposed for public services.
Conservation
The purpose of the conservation class is to provide for effective 1png term
management of significant limited or irreplaceable areas.
School sites in both Towns and Kendri.cks Creek in Roper are designated con-
servation.
167

.
DATA ANALYSIS
Data.concerning the Washington County area was collected from a number of
sources, including various publications and indirect sources, such as con-
versations or meetings with staff members of many organizations and agencies,
or other contacts concerning information about the area.
PRESENT CONDITIONS
1970 and 1960 and Subsequent U. S. Census'Publications
N. C. Department of Administration, Office of State Planning, Population Branch,
Washington County Population Estimate by Age, Color and Sex, 1980, 1990
McGarrity, John, Washington County Land Use Plan, May 1976
N. C. Department of Agriculture, Washington.County Land Utilization and Crop
Acreage Survey, 197 -1979
Chamber of Commerce, Plymouth, North Carolina
ARPDC, Overall Economic Development Plan, 1977
Washington County OEDP Committee, Overall Economic Development Plan, Washington
County, NC, July 1971
Employment Security Commission, Federal State and Local Government Insured
Employment and Wage Payments By county,.1979
Employment Security Commission, Washington County Average Labor Force Estimates,
1970-1978
Division of State Budget and Management, Research and Planning Services, North.
Carolina State Government Statistical Abstract, 1979
Washington County Tax Office and Revaluation Staff, 1980
Daniel, Charles C., III, Land Use Land Cover, and Drainage of the Albemarle,
Pamlico Peninsula, Eastern N. C., 1974
-- Brockett, Samuel R., Washington County Land Use Element, July 1978
- Brockett, Samuel R. Zoning Considerations and Land Develo meat Conflicts for
Washington County, i977
CONSTRAINTS
U: S. Dept. of HUD, Washington County Flood Hazard Boundary Maps, June, 1978
East Carolina University Geology Dept., Shoreline Erosion and Accretion: -A
Process - Response Classification of the S ore Zone Environments�of North`Carolina,
a1R y 1�
168

USDA - Soil Conservation Service, Soil Survey Maps and Interpretations'for
Washington County, N. C., 1978
County Sanitarian, Washington County Health Department
North Carolina Department of Human Resources,,Division of -Health Services,
Laws and Rules for Ground Absor tion Sewage Dis osal S stems.of 3,000 Gallons
or less Design Capacity,.July
Heath, Ralph C., Hydrology of the Albemarle -Pamlico Region, N. C'., May 1975
Jim Mulligan, Regional Supervisor, Division .of Environmental' Management, NRCD
Division of Environmental Management, NRCD, Water Quality Management Plan,
January 1979
Center for Rural Resource Development, NCSU,.Overview: Agricultural and Forest
Land Drainage in North Carolina's Coastal Zone, June 1978
North Carolina Administrative Code, Ambient Air Quality Standards, 1976
North Carolina Administrative Code, Subchapter 7B - CAMA Land Use Planning
Guidelines, September 1979
Division of Parks and Recreation Natural Heritage Program, NRCD, Pungo National
Wildlife Reguge and Pettigrew Cypress Natural Area, 1979
Division of Parks and Recreation, NRCD, Lake Phelps Lake Level -Management Study,
1980
Division of Parks and Recreation, NRCD, Pettigrew State Park Master Plan,
November 1977
Painter, Wendy M., Information for Nomination of Lake Phelps as an Area of
Environmental Concern, August 1
Campbell, R. N., Jr., First Colony Farms, Inc. Peat for.Energy Program,
February 1979
Research.Triangle Institute, Impact and Feasibilit of Wood - and Peat - Fired
Electric Generating Plants in the coastal Zone o December 1979
Floyd Williams, Regional Engineer, Division of Land Resources, NRCD
James D. Simons, State Mining Specialist, Land Quality Section, NRCD
The Albemarle Resource and Conservation Council, Albemarle Area Resource
Conservation and Development Plan of North. Carolina, 1977
Talbot and Associates, Solid Waste Planning Study for Washington County,
September 1979
ARPDC, Open Space - Recreation Plan Region R, May 1975
169

USDA Soil Conservation Service, Outdoor'Recreation Potential for Washington
County, N. C., January 1973
Brockett, Samuel R., Washington County'_Recreation Plan, 1977
N. C. Department of Transportation, Average Daily Traffic.Count, 1979
John Everett, Business Manager, Washington.County Board of Education
Bill Hartman, Washington County Manager
Guy Whitford, Agriculture Extension Agent, Washington County
COMMUNITY ISSUES
Pelbecg, Group Techniques for Program Planning,. 1975
Washington County Planning Department, Land Use Plan Questionnaires, 1980
Doggett Architects, Washington County Schools Report, 1980.
James F. Smith, Methanol Conversion: Probable Fate of First Colony`s
Phelps Field Peat, 1980
170

LAND CLASSIFICATION MAP
1980
LEGEND
TRANSITION
CONSERVATION
CRESWELL
NORTH CAROLINA
JULY 1980 SCALE:I"= 800' �
CIO
f
EXISTING LAND USE MAP
1980
LEGEND
RESIDENTIAL INSTITUTIONAL
® COMMERCIAL ® AGRICULTURE
UNDEVELOPED LAND v. °►* FORESTLAND
® CULTURAL, ENTERTAINMENT UTILITIES 8
® RECREATION COMMUNICATION

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LAND CLASSIFICATION
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WASHINGTON COUNTY T Y,
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MA

APPENDIX

LAND USE PLAN
SLIDE PRESENTATION TEXT
Land development generally.takes place as.the result of a series 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 community interest for *both present and *future
generations-,
a *Land Use Plan was developed and adopted by the Washington County
Board_-
of Commissioners in 1975. According to the Coastal Area Management Act
this plan must be updated every 5 years.
The updated plan will consist *of`four primary segments:
1. Data Collection
2. Community Goals
3. Land Use Projections
4. Land Use Classification
*Data collection includes the compilation of information relative to
present population, land use, and economic trends.
Although generally ahead of most rural areas, *Washington County has
experienced a small percentage of growth in the last 10 years. The
majority of growth has occured *around Plymouth, with *Roper and *Creswell
experiencing a decline due to outmigration of young adults.
*Agriculture represents the largest part of the Countys economy and
also is the major land use. *Although agricultural production has in-
creased,*less farm labor is required due'to mechanization. (Pause)
*First Colony Farms represents the second largest single employer in the
County. *Large scale land clearing technology make feasible by such
corporate farms has contributed to increased farm production over
the past 10 years. The significance of *large farm investments, suitable
soils, and the higher unit prices derived, reinforce continuation of
agriculture as the major land use in the area.
*Manufacturing production of apparel and wood products is the second
major contributor to the County's economy with *Weyerhaeuser as the number
one employer, *Plymouth garment #3-*Georgia Pacific and Williams Lumber
Co. rank #s 4 and 5 as area employers.
Retail*trade located primarily in the*urbanized areas of the County, and*
also scattered along major highways, comprises only 1% of the County's
land use. Below the average of 6 surrounding counties, County sales
suffer due to the close proximity of Washington, W.illiamston and
Edenton.
175

*Residential land use in the County consists of *scattered single family
homes and *mobile homes on individual homesites. Mobile homes have greatly
increased in number in the last 10 years -the trend may continue until
other affordable housing alternatives occur. The housing stock within
the County is primarily standard but there are areas scattered through the County
with *concentrations of substandard housing.
Second home development along the *Albemarle Sound and Lake Phelps
is expected to continue as is the present *trend of the clustering of
single family units around Roper and Creswell.
V. have discussed the existing use of land, now we must address the land
which may be developed in the future. When thinking about the future
development of Washington County an analysis of *undeveloped land must
be made. Four factors which may.determine whether land can be developed are:
1st - physical constraints
2nd - fragile areas
3rd - areas of resource potential
4th availibility of public facilities
*First let's look'at physical conditions which will affect future
developments; for example *inadequate drainage -this is a problem which.
plagues the majority of Eastern North Carolina Due to *the level terrain
surface water runoff has no where to go at times Vithout man made
drainage canals.
*Washington County has a large flood plain area where *Federal Flood.
Insurance is required and in some instances certain uses may be prohibited
or must be built at higher elevations.
*Many soils in the County pose development constraints due to their
*limitations. Building on these poor soils will many times *cause cracking
foundations and malfunctioning septic tanks.
The only alternatives are to:
1. not build
*2. or use public utilities where available
*New development must have *water. Ground water is the exclusive source
of water for *municipalities, *farms and domestic use in the County.
Although abundant the groundwater is generally hard and in need of
treatment before consumption. .
*The second factor which may *inhibit developemnt are *fragile areas.
These areas were recognized in the Land Use Plan as areas which are
important and should be protected.
176

It
w
*The Albemarle Sound and Bull's Bay, defined as estuarine waters,
are among the most productive *natural enviroments,in North Carolina.
*Historic places such as Somerset Place, Rehobeth Church, and the Cypress
trees near Lake Phelps are also considered fragile areas.
*Lands such as Pungo National Wildlife Refuge that support *native plant
and *animal communities should remain unchanged to support these natural
processes.
Public Waters such as take Phelps, Albemarle Sound and local creeks
throughout the County should be carefully considered before development
occurs in order to protect the *interest of the general public.
*Thirdly an identification will be made of areas with *resource potential
which could easily be damaged gr destroyed by inappropriate or poorly
planned development. These can include *productive and unique agricultural
lands; potentially valuable mineral sites and *publicly owned forests or
parks.
*A 4th constraint which.will significantly affect development is the
capacity of *community facilities.
Roper, Plymouth and Creswell have existing* sewer and water service.
These systems were designed for a specific capacity thus they will only
be able to handle a certain amount of *growth without making additions
to these systems.
The number and capacity *of schools must be'reviewed and a determination
made as to their life span.
*Roadways are designed for a certain amount of traffic -when this
capacity is exceeded, plans must be made for *construction of new road-
ways or *existing roads must be improved.,
We have outlined the proposed assessment of *present land use, *population,
*economic trends, and the* constraints relative to development. Now
we must look at the demand that willbe placed on the County's resources
within the next 10 years. Will we be able to handle projected population
and economic trends?
When looking toward the *future,in providing adequate space and facilities,
*population is a primary consideration.
Projected population figures for a 10 year period were included in the
original plan suggesting a moderately slow growth rate for Washington
County.
177

*Seasonal population which affects* many other Coastal Counties more
severly than Washington County is of the *"pass through" variety and
does not contribute greatly to the County's:economy.
*Expanded use of land reflects growth in population. A continuing trend
in the.County appears to be the *increase in land under cultivation. The
use of *agricultural land for homesites is increasing somewhat, with
the demand for waterfront property intensifying development along the
Albemarle Sound *and Lake Phelps.
Future demand for *public services will be dependent upon the capacities
of existing facilities in Roper, Creswell and Plymouth due to the widely
scattered population of the County. This suggests several issues: should
future development be guided to *Roper, Creswell and Plymouth? Can
*they handle expected growth? What are the alternatives to *expanding
public facilities within the Towns?
Future *growth may place great demands on *recreational facilities, *natural
resources, *transportation network, and *public facilities. *In order to
determine the capability of government to provide for the demands discussed,
local governments will issue statements of local policy on those land use
issues which will affect the community during the 10 year planning period.
These policies will be a very important portion of the Plan. Three topics
which governments are to address include:
1. AEC's
2. Resource Production & Management
3. Citizen Participation
CAMA regulations state that local governments are to discuss each of
the *Areas of Environmental Concern located within its jurisdiction and
are to list the types of land uses which i.t feels are appropriate:
1. What types of land uses should be allowed to.develop along the
*Albemarle Sound, Lake Phelps, Bulls Bay?
2. Should development occur in the *floodplain or on poorly drained
soils?
3. Should industrial or commercial uses be allowed to encroach on
sites of historical value?
4. How will mining peat directly adjacent to Lake *Phelps affect it? (HOLD)
After determining the types of land use to be encouraged or discouraged
they must explain *what methods they will use to protect sensitive areas.
*The discussion of Resource Production.and Management shall include the
importance of *agriculture,`*forestry , *fisheries, *and recreational
resources to Washington County. How valuable are these resources? Is it
important to protect them? How can they.be protected?
178

L
r�
*Thirdly, local governments must determine how they will *involve the public
in the land use planning process and how they will *continue to solicit
public input on land use issues
*This is the reason for my being here - to solicit your comments and
concerns on the issues discussed tonight. What types of
residential, commercial, *industrial and institutional development
should be encouraged? Where should they be located? Is it more
beneficial to *redevelop,older areas or to *develop new subdivisions
or industrial parks? Are *existing facilities capable of servicing new
development? If not what is the potential for establishing'*new public
support facilities? Should urban growth continue to develop around
*existing urban clusters or *throughout the County? How important are'bur
natural resources? Last of all, what are *your family needs for the future?
*The culmination of this information gathering will be a *plan for future
development in Washington County - a guide which will assist *local
government and the *citizens of Washington in guiding future development.
Hopefully, your input.this evening will make this plan represent the needs
of the residents of Washington County.
179

A 1
f
WHAT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY?
As a resident of Washington
County, you have a responsibility
to yourself and to your family to
take an interest in the future de-
velopment of the County. The
update process is designed to as-
sure the public an opportunity to
voice concerns and desires relative
to growth.
The County Planner is available
to clubs and organizations to dis-
cuss this topic, share a slide
presentation, and administer a
questionnaire throughout February.
Two public meetings will also be
held on:
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1980
IN CRESWELL AT 8:00 PM AT THE
CRESWELL MUNICIPAL BUILDING
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1990
IN PLYMOUTH AT 7:00 PM IN
THE COURTROOM
Growth is occurring: as citi-
zens we can let it continue on an
unguided path, or we can try to
steer it in a way that creates civic
pride and requires less tax money to
service. The choice and responsi-
bility for good growth management
is ours. It takes work --and revi-
sions --but is almost always a good
investment in time and money.
Attend and participate in the public
meetings. We hope you will help
when you can --please participate.
landufe
plan
update
180

How :dhoutd Washington County grow
and develop in the next ten yeaxs?
Shou,Cd growth occur adjacent to
ex ,sting- mwtici.pa iti.ea, or thtough-
out the County? 1.6 it appropriate
Got commeAci,at, indudtti.at and te,6-
.i,denti,ae uzes to exi6t tide by .6 i-de?
How can we protect owc natwcae
resources and continue to attow the
County to grow? Ass a rea.i.dent o6
Waahington County, you have the
right to expreaa your concetnZ and
needs relative to .anal ube deveeop-
ment. Thi 6 opportunity .us now
available during the updating o6
the Washington County CAMA Land U.Se
Plan.
WHAT IS LAMA?
In 1974, the N.C. General Assem-
bly passed the Coastal Area Manage-
ment Act, designed to protect the
most sensitive and productive of
North Carolina's coastal resources
and to assist local areas with using
these resources wisely.
CAMA authorized the development
of land use plans in 20 coastal
counties. Twenty coastal counties
and 34 municipalities have written
and adopted land use plans.
WHAT IS THE CAMA LAND USE PLAN?
The CAMA of 1974 establishes a
cooperative program of coastal area
management between local governments
and the state.
Land use planning lies at the
center of local government's involve-
ment, as it gives the local leaders
an opportunity and responsibility
to establish and enforce policies to
guide development of their community.
These plans serve as a blueprint for
future growth and development in the
coastal area and provide guidance to
state and federal governments making
public investment decisions that im-
pact population growth and economic
development.
Each county and the municipalities
within the coastal counties are en-
couraged to develop a plan which re-
flects the desires, needs and best
judgement of its citizens.
The existing Plan for Washington
County inclusive of Roper and Creswell
was prepared in 1975 and adopted by
local governments in 1976. The text
includes:
-present land use, population
and economy.
-constraints which may affect
future development such as
physical conditions, fragile
areas, areas of resource poten-
tial and availability of public
facilities.
-description of the land classi-
fication plan which will guide
development.
-a list and description of areas
considered Areas of Environmental
Concern.
WHY IS THE PLAN BEING UPDATED?
The State guidelines require the
Land Use Plan be updated every five
years. The major purpose of periodic
updating of the local land use plan
is to identify and analyze emerging
community issues and problems. The
following objectives'will be of major
importance in the plan update:
-to further define and refine
local policies and issues;
-to further examine and refine
the land classification map and
the land classification system;
-to assess the effectiveness of
the existing land use and its
implementation;
-to further explore implementation
procedures; and
-to promote a better understanding
of the land use planning process.
WHAT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF LOCAL
GOVERNMENT?
Very simply, local government has
a responsibility to plan. Elected
officials bear a responsibility to
plan and budget the County's resources
for health services, drainage, and
police and fire -protection. All of
these are a part of Washington County's
public interest, and we expect our
elected officials to define that
interest and protect it.
Without a scheme to develop the
County in an orderly fashion, the
very features which make this area
attractive may disappear under the
kinds of growing pains now experienced
along the Outer Banks. Clearly, more
jobs, better services, an attractive
community in which to live, and the
efficient use of taxes --these needs
of the people --will demand better
planning and management in the future.
So this Plan is intended to be used
in the future by the Board of County '
Commissioners, members of Town Councils
and others in government, as a guide
for making policy and adopting pro-
grams. -
181

Information taken from:
HISTORIC and ARCHITECTURAL RESOURCES
4x of the
TAR-NEUSE RIVER BASIN
APPENDIX "
for
REGION Q & R
Prepared By
North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
Division of Archives and History
r
182

WASHINGTON COUNTY
v
1. Alexander House. N. end of SR 1319, Skinnersville vic.
Two-story Federal era house with double -shoulder
chimneys. Private.
2. Arnold House. N. side SR 1316 at jct. with NC 32.
Leonard's Point vic..Early nineteenth century.
Two-story frame dwelling, three bays wide and
two deep. Exterior end chimney, front shed
porch and rear addition, Federal interiors,
flush sheathing under porch. Private.
3. Ayres Farm. W. side. SR 1329, 1.2.mi. S. of jct. with
SR 1300, Westover vic:CA. 1892. Two-story
frame building, L-plan. •Exterior chimneys,
six -over -six sash, eave returns, beaded tongue
and groove sheathing. Entrances with sidelights.
Private.
4.. Belgrade. N. side of SR 1158, 0.3 mi. E. of jct. with
SR 1159, Creswell vic. One -and -one -half -story
frame Federal style house with gable roof and
double exterior chimneys of Flemish bond; built
about 1800; original simple interior trim
remains intact; was -,home of "Parson Pettigrew
who was elected first bishop of the Episcopal
church in North Carolina(but never consecrated).
Private. SL.
5. Blount House. Faces Albemarle Sound, 1.5 mi. N. of SR
1324, Westover vic. Fine two-story frame center -
hall plan Federal style dwelling with two
exterior chimneys, built about 1800; wide porch
on south side of house and ell constructed during
Victorian.era; interiors intact. Private. SL.
6. Bower Farm. E..side NC 32, 2.6 mi. S. of jct. with SR
1101, Plymouth vic. Two-story gable roof frame
nineteenth century house. Exterior end chimneys
one rebuilt, six -over -six sash with casement
windows in gable end on righ side. Private.
7. Chesson House. At N. end of SR 1320, Skinnersville vic.
Nineteenth century. One-story frame dwelling;
center -hall plan two room deep with later wing;
original nine -over -nine window sash; interesting
interiors include doors with unusual painted
designs. Private.
183

8. J..A. Chesson House. W. Side of SR 1301, 1.0 mi. of N.
of jct. with SR 1331, Roper vic. Two-story frame
Federal dwelling with single -shoulder chimney
with tumbled weatherings at each end; hall -and -
parlor plan with late Victorian two-story ell
added; stairway enclosed and attic floored.
Private.
9. Will Chesson House. On N. side of US 64, 1.O mi. W. of
jct. with SR 1136, Skinnersville vic.. Fine, large
scale center -hall plan Federal era house built
about 1820 by sea captain; vernacular interior.
Private.
10. Joshia P. Davenport House. W. side SR 1141, 0.2 mi. S.
of jct. with US 64, Scuppernong vic. Two-story
frame Greek Revival farmhouse, three bays wide
and two deep. Exterior end chimney, central
entrance, front shed porch and rear addition.
Private.
11. Furlough House. N. side of US 64, opp. jct. with SR 1119,
Roper vic.. Two-story frame dwelling built during
the Federal era; unusually small windows at the
second level; first floor altered. Private.
12.. Garrett's Island Home. S. side SR 1112, 1.8 mi. E. of
jct. with SR 1113, Plymouth vic. Built about
1750, probably by Daniel Garrett; small frame
house with gambrel roof, shed dormers, and
exterior brick.chimnevs; interior contains fluted
mantel with paneled overmantel. Private. SL.
13. Harrison -Blount House. SE. corner of,jct. of SR 1119
and 1122, Roper vic.. Federal style center -hall
plan dwelling with Victorian alterations. Probably
built by James J. Harrison. Nearby is site of
Lee's Mill, begun in 1702 by Capt. Thomas Blount,
operated until 1.921. Private. SL.
14. Holly Grove Plantation.. Long drive on E. side of SR 1310,
0.1 mi. S. of jct. with SR 1311, Creswell vic.
One-story cottage with gable roof and front shed
porch. Nine -over -nine sash on first level,
six -over -six on second. Exterior end chimneys,
Federal and Greek Revival elements in interior.
Private.
184

15. Homestead Farm (Hassell House). SW. corner of jct. of
US 64 with SR 1120, Roper vic. Original two -
room frame Federal style farmhouse built about
1800, later two-story front portion Private.
16. House. Private road on W. side of SR 1137, 0.3.mi. S.
of jct. with SR 1136, Pleasant Grove vic. Two-
story frame mid -nineteenth century house, three
bays wide with gable roof. Front hip roof porch,
interior chimneys, six -over -six sash, central
entrance. Private.
17. Jackson House. W. side SR 1100, 0.5 mi. N. of jct. with
SR 1101, Hoke vic. Main block is a two-story
center -hall weatherboarded frame dwelling, three
bays wide and two deep. Gable roof on main house,
shed porch along front, two exterior end.double
shouldered and stepped brick chimneys. Kitchen
had exterior end single -shoulder mud and stick
chimney, now gone one of very few known standing
recently in North Carolina. Private.
18. Johnson -Swain House. S side of SR 1111, 0.7 mi. E. of
jct. with SR 1113, Plymouth vic. Two-story frame
house with large double -shouldered brick chimney.
Private.
19. -Mockingbird Hill Cottage. S. side of end of SR 1151,
Cherry vic. One-story and attic frame cottage,
mid -nineteenth century. Gable roof with full
length shed porch, replaced end chimney. Private.
20. Morattuck Church. N side of SR 1106, 0.8 mi. E. of jct.
with SR 1105, Plymouth vic Congregation estab
lished in 1785. first building burned and was
.replaced by the present structure built in 1865,;
one-story frame gable roof building, two bays wide
and four deep Abandoned and deteriorated. Private.
21. Nichols -Vale House N side of SR 1111, 0.8 mi. SW. of
jct. with US 64, Plymouth vic. Ca.. 1800. Two-
story frame Federal style house, center -hall plan;
exterior double -shouldered chimneys. Private.
22. Ephram Pritchett House. E. side SR 1303, at jct. with
SR 1308, Creswell vic. Two-story frame dwelling
with double tier front porch with shed roof. Three
bays wide, two deep, exterior end chimneys, -later
rear addition. Second half nineteenth century.
Private.
185

23. Rehoboth Church. S. side of US 64, 0.4 mi. W. of jct.
with SR 1317, Skinnersville vic. One-story
frame temple -form church completed in 1853;
said to have been constructed and finished by
slaves of J.S. Norman who donated the land. -
Private. NR.
24. St. David's Chapel. SE corner jct. of SR 1158 and 1159,
Creswell vic. Original portion of this frame
church was built in 1803 by the Reverend Charles
Pettigrew of Belgrade and known as Pettigrew's
Chapel; building altered in 1857 after a design
by Richard Upjohn and in 1858 reorganized under
the name of St. David's Chapel. Private. SL.
25. Somerset Place State Historic Site. N. side of Lake
Phelps, just S. of jct. of SR-1167 and 1168;
Creswell vic. The plantation itself was
developed in late eighteenth century with a
vast system of canals, draining swampland and
providing irrigation for early rice -crops. The
machinery there, very advanced for the period,
was widely admired. Slaves brought direct from
Africa late in eighteenth century retained their
African culture to a remarkable extent. House,
outbuildings, much of canal system remain. The
house, built for Josiah Collins III about 1830,
is one of the best extant examples of coastal
plantation houses of the period. State Historic
Site. Public. NR.
26. B. F. Spring Farm. N. side SR 1126, 0.3 mi. E. of jct.
with SR 1149, Cherry vic. One-story frame
cottage with gable roof and engaged front shed
porch and rear shed. Beaded siding, brick
exterior end chimneys. Typical small nineteenth
century dwelling. Private.
27. Dewey Spruill House. Long Drive on S. side of SR 1163,
0.1 mi. E. of jct. with SR 1162, Cherry vic.
Two-story mid -nineteenth frame dwelling three
bays wide, six -over -six -sash. Exterior end
chimneys, single -stepped shoulders. Much
original interior fabric intact, deteriorated
condition. Private.
186

28. Winfield Spruill -House. N. side SR 1300, 0.2 mi. W.
of jct. with US 64, Pleasant Grove vic. Two-
story frame dwelling, three bays wide and two
bays deep. Central entrance, gable roof, two
exterior stepped double -shoulder chimneys,
nine -over -six sash Enclosed stair, much
original fabric. Deteriorated. Private.
29. Swanner-Lamb House. Jct. of SR-1318, 1319, and 1320.
Skinnersville vic. Mid -nineteenth century
two-story frame house, wide shed front porch
and enclosed rear shed.. Private.
30. Thompson House. SE. side SR 1119, 0.5 mi. SW. of jct.
with SR 1120, Roper vic. Simple two-story frame
Federal house;_unusual is the New England type
saltbox form, rare in -North Carolina. Private.
SL.
31. Walker House (Harrison House). On E. side SR 1119, 0.4
mi. N. of jct. with SR 1120, Roper vic. Saltbox
type dwelling with exterior chimneys and unusually
high water table; said built by retired New
England sea captain. Private.
32. Westover Plantation. S. side SR 1300, 0.3 mi. W. of jct.
with SR 1329, Westover vic. A two-story, three -
bay frame structure in the Greek Revival style.
A one-story porch covers the center bay. Numerous
outbuildings. Private. SL.
CRESWELL
33. Creswell Commercial.Buildings. Creswell. Cohesive group
of late nineteenth century, early twentieth
century commercial structures, mostly frame with
gable fronts. SL.
34. Houses. Collection of mid -through late nineteenth
century and early twentieth century frame structures
showing Greek Revival and Victorian influences.
Many ornamental porches•. Private.
PLYMOUTH
35. Armistead House. 302 W. Main Street. Mid -nineteenth
century. Two-story frame dwelling, five bays
wide with exterior end chimneys, Greek Revival
interior detail. Private.
187

36. Addis Brinkley House. 201 E. Main Street. Handsome
two-story Victorian house with bracketed eaves,
other ornament. Private.
37. Dave Brinkley Cottage.. 212 Jefferson Street. Mid -
nineteenth century. One-story frame cottage,
central entrance with transome and side -lights.
Front shed porch with turned posts, interior
end chimney, later addition at rear. Private.
38. David Clark House. 219 Jefferson Street. Built ca.
1811. Two-story frame side -hall -plan Federal
style dwelling. Private.
39. Fort Williams. N.'side of 1325, opp. jct. with SR 1342.
Site of Confederate fort captured by Federal
troops early in Civil War and recaptured by
Confederate forces in April 1864. Private.
40. Grace Episcopal Church. SW corner of Madison and Water
Streets. Established 1837; constructed after
plans drawn by Richard Upjohn; brick Gothic
Revival structure completed 1861. Private. SL.
41. Hampton Academy. Across from 109 E. Main Street. Two-
story brick building with hip roof and front
cross gable, round arched window surrounds.
Private.
42. Hornthall House. 108 W. Main Street. Two-story frame
house with hip roof intersected by cross gables
with sawn.bargeboards and finials. Recent
two-story porch and altered central entrance.
Late nineteenth century. Private.
43. Latham House. 311 E. Main Street. Ca. 1850. Two-story
center -hall plan frame dwelling; Greek Revival
style with bracketed cornice. Built by Charles
Latham, lawyer, state legislator and sheriff.
Private. SL.
44. Nichols House. 220 Washington -Street. Ca. 1804.
Two-story center -hall plan frame Federal style
dwelling. Altered. Private.
45. Plymouth. Depots(Passenger and Freight). Four one-story
gable roof structures, two of brick and two of
frame. Typical early twentieth century railroad
buildings. Private.
::

46. Plymouth United Methodist Church. SW. corner of 3rd
at Adams Street. One-story brick veneered
gable end church, one -by -five bays. 'Two-story
central bay tower. Built ca. 1832, brck veneered
1932. Congregation founded in 1832. Private.
47. Spruill House. 326 Washington Street. Late nineteenth
century, story -and -a -half cottage ornee: Frame
structure with a hip roof intersected by cross
gables. Sawnwork, interior chimneys and an
ornate finial. Private. SL.
48. Stubbs House. Winesett Circle. Ca. 1830. Large two-
story Greek Revival frame dwelling. Porch recent.
Private.
ROPER
49. Roper Commercial District. Small late nineteenth -early
twentieth century commercial district with brick
and frame structures. Similar period frame
houses, forming a homogeneous townscape. .
50. Downing -Spruill House. N. side US 64, 0.1 mi. W. of jct.
with SR 1301. Two-story Federal period house.
with hip roof. Private.
51. Hebron Methodist Church. N. side Buncombe Avenue, opp.
jct. with Bunk Street. Greek Revival era
structure built in 1842. Private.
52. Mizell -Lewis House. NW. side of Buncombe Avenue, just
SW. of Deep Creek. Greek Revival era dwelling
constructed about 1850 by Anson Mizell; interior
chimneys, pedimented gable ends. Private.
53. St. Luke's Episcopal Church. E. side Bush Street between
John Street and Buncombe Avenue. Early twentieth
century. Small frame church with pointed arch
windows, entrance tower with belfry. Private.
R Note: N.R.-National Register Properties
S.L.-Cultural Resources Study List
189