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Home My WebLink About1997 Land Use Plan TOWN OF CASWELL BEACH, NORTH CAROLINA 1997 LAND USE PLAN Adopted by the Caswell Beach Board of Commissioners: February 11, 1999 Certified by the Coastal Resources Commission: March 26, 1999 The preparation of this document was financed in part through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 1 1 TOWN OF CASWELL BEACH FY97 LAND USE PLAN UPDATE TABLE OF CONTENTS Page SECTION I: ANALYSIS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS A. INTRODUCTION: ESTABLISHMENT OF INFORMATION BASE .......... I-1 B. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES .................................... I-4 C. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: POPULATION, HOUSING, AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS ................................ I-6 1. Permanent Population .................................... I-6 2. Seasonal Population ..................................... I-8 3. Population Composition and Age ............................. I-8 4. Housing Characteristics .................................. I-10 5. Economy ........................................... I-11 6. Summary ...........................................I-13 D. PRESENT CONDITIONS: EXISTING LAND USE .................... I-14 1. Introduction ......................................... I-14 2. Residential Land Use ................................... I-14 3. Commercial Land Use ................................... I-14 4. Public, Semi -Public, Institutional, and Recreational Land Use ......... I-14 5. Public Transportation/Public Utilities/Private Utilities .............. I-16 6. Vacant Land ......................................... I-16 7. Water Quality Management ............................... I-16 8. Existing Land Use Problems ............................... I-18 9. Development Potential .................................. I-18 10. Existing Ordinances and Land Use Controls .................... I-18 a. CAMA Land Use Plan ............................. I-18 b. Building Ordinance ................................ I-18 C. Emergency Evacuation and Re-entry Plan ................. I-19 d. Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance .................... I-19 e. Subdivision Regulations ............................. I-19 f. Zoning Ordinance ................................. I-19 g. Off -Road Vehicle Ordinance .......................... I-19 11. Effectiveness of the 1990 Land Use Plan Policy Statements .......... I-19 E. DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS: LAND SUITABILITY .............. I-20 1. Topography/Geology/Groundwater/Climate ..................... I-20 2. Flood Hazard Areas .................................... I-20 3. Soils .............................................. I-24 4. Manmade Hazards/Restrictions ............................. I-26 5. Fragile Areas ........................................ I-27 1 Page a. Coastal Wetlands ................................. I-27 b. Estuarine Waters ................................. I-27 C. Estuarine Shorelines ............................... I-27 d. Public Trust Areas ................................ I-29 e. Ocean Hazard Areas ............................... I-29 f. 404 Wetlands .................................... I-30 g. Historical and Archaeological Sites ..................... I-31 h. Slopes in Excess of 12 % ............................ I-31 i. Excessive Erosion Areas ............................ I-32 j. Natural Resource Fragile Areas ........................ I-32 k. Maritime Forests ................................. I-33 1. Other Fragile Areas ............................... I-33 6. Areas of Resource Potential ............................... I-33 a. Regionally Significant Public Parks ..................... I-33 b. Marine Resources .................................. I-33 C. Closed Shellfishing Areas ............................ I-34 d. Agricultural and Forestlands .......................... I-34 e. Aquaculture..................................... I-35 E. DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS: PUBLIC FACILITIES .............. I-35 1. Water Supply ........................................ I-35 2. Sewer.............................................I-36 3. Solid Waste Disposal ................................... I-36 4. Schools ............................................ I-37 5. Transportation ........................................ I-38 6. Recreation .......................................... I-40 7. Drainage ........................................... I-40 8. Health Facilities ....................................... I-40 9. Energy Facilities ...................................... I-41 10. Police/Fire/Rescue..................................... I-41 SECTION II: ESTIMATED DEMANDS A. PROJECTED DEMAND FOR DEVELOPMENT ..................... 1. Permanent Population ................................... a. Brunswick County and Caswell Beach ................... 2. Caswell Beach Seasonal Population .......................... 3. Housing Trends ....................................... 4. Commercial and Industrial Land Use ......................... 5. Public Land Use ...................................... 6. Areas Likely to Experience Major Land Use Changes .............. 7. Summary ................. B. PROJECTED PUBLIC FACILITIES AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES NEEDS/AVAILABILITY ............................. 2 II-1 II-1 II-1 II-2 H-2 II-2 H-3 II-3 H-3 II-3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Il 1 PaZe C. REDEVELOPMENT ISSUES .................................. II-4 SECTION III: LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM ....................... III-1 SECTION IV: POLICY STATEMENTS A. INTRODUCTION TO POLICY STATEMENTS ..................... IV-1 B. VISION STATEMENT ...................................... IV-3 C. RESOURCE PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENTS ................. IV-3 D. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES .......... IV-10 E. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT POLICIES .......... IV-12 F. G. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION ... PUBLIC PARTICIPATION POLICIES ........................... IV-18 IV-18 1. Public Participation Plan ................................ IV-18 2. 1997 Land Use Plan Survey .............................. IV-19 H. STORM HAZARD MITIGATION, POST -DISASTER RECOVERY, AND EVACUATION PLANS ................................. IV-19 ISECTION V: RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES AND LAND CLASSIFICATIONS A. DEVELOPED CLASS ....................................... V-1 B. CONSERVATION CLASS .................................... V-1 TABLES Table 1 Town of Caswell Beach/Brunswick County Summary of Year -Round Population Growth, 1980-1995 ......... I-6 Table 2 Total Population and Percent Change for CAMA-Regulated Counties and State, 1980, 1990 and 1995 ................... I-7 Table 3 Town of Caswell Beach, Estimated Year -Round and Total Peak I-8 Table 4 Seasonal Population ................................. Town of Caswell Beach and Brunswick County Table 5 1990 Population Characteristics by Age Group ............... Town of Caswell Beach/Brunswick County I-8 1990 Educational Attainment ........................... I-9 Table 6 Town of Caswell Beach/Brunswick County 1990 Population Distribution by Sex ...................... I-10 Table 7 Table 8 Town of Caswell Beach Housing Summary, 1980 and 1990 Census .. Town of Caswell Beach Dwelling Unit Construction, 1990 to 1997 .. I-10 I-11 1 3 Page Table 9 Town of Caswell Beach and Brunswick County 1989 Household Income Levels ......................... I-12 Table 10 Employed Persons 16 Years and Older by Industry, Caswell Beach, 1980 and 1990.................................... I-12 Table 11 Poverty Status, Caswell Beach, 1980 and 1990 ............... I-13 Table 12 Division of Water Quality Subbasin 03-06-17 Population (1970, 1980, and 1990) and Land Area Summaries ..... I-17 Table 13 Town of Caswell Beach Soil Susceptibility to Flooding .......... I-23 Table 14 Town of Caswell Beach Soil Associations - Degree and Kind of Limitation for Stated Use ............................. I-26 Table 15 Brunswick County School System ........................ I-37 Table 16 Town of Caswell Beach and Brunswick County Population Forecasts . II-1 Map 1 Regional Location Map ............................... I-5 Map 2 Town of Caswell Beach Existing Land Uses ................. I-15 Map 3 Town of Caswell Beach Flood Hazards .................... I-22 Map 4 Town of Caswell Beach Soils Map ....................... I-25 Map 5 Town of Caswell Beach Areas of Environmental Concern and Other Fragile Areas ..................................... I-28 Map 6 Oak Island Thoroughfare Plan .......................... I-39 Map 7 Town of Caswell Beach Land Classification Map .............. III-3 GRAPHS Graph 1 Brunswick County Water System ........................ 11-5 Graph 2 Caswell Beach Water System ........................... II-6 APPENDICES Appendix I 1990 Policy Statements Appendix II Town of Caswell Beach Fence Policy Appendix III Town of Caswell Beach Policies Considered But Not Adopted Appendix IV Town of Caswell Beach Citizen Participation Plan Appendix V 1997 Caswell Beach Citizen Survey Results 4 1 SECTION I: ANALYSIS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS A. INTRODUCTION: ESTABLISHMENT OF INFORMATION BASE This 1997 Land Use Plan Update for the Town of Caswell Beach is prepared in accordance with requirements of the North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). Specifically, this document complies with Subchapter 7B, "Land Use Planning Guidelines," of the North Carolina Administrative Code, as amended, February 1, 1996. IThe 7B guidelines define the following intent of land use plans: "Local governments, through the land use planning process, address issues and adopt policies that guide the development of their community. Many decisions affecting development are made by other levels of government, and local policies must consider and be consistent with established state and federal policies. Most development - related decisions, however, are primarily of local concern. Policies which address the type of development to be encouraged, the density and patterns of development, and the methods of providing public access to beaches and waterfronts are examples of these local policy decisions. By carefully and explicitly addressing development of these issues in the Land Use Plan, other levels of government will be able to consider local policies in their actions that affect those issues. State and federal agencies use ' the local land use plan and policies in making project consistency, funding, and permit decisions. " This land use plan provides a guide for development of the Town of Caswell Beach by addressing issues and adopting policies that are relevant to the town. Specifically, this land use plan addresses the following elements which are required by 15A NCAC 7B: ' 1) Executive Summary (not applicable to Sketch Plans); 2) Introduction; 3) Goals and Objectives; 1 4) Data Collection and Analysis; 5) Present Conditions; 6) Constraints; 7) Estimated Demands; 8) Policy Statements; 9) Land Classification; 10) Intergovernmental Coordination and Implementation; and 11) Public Participation. ' The policy section of the plan is the most important part of the document. The 7B guidelines dictate that policies must be included to address: 1) Resource Protection 2) Resource Production and Management Section I: Analysis of Existing Conditions I-1 I 3) Economic and Community Development 4) Continuing Public Participation 5) Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery and Evacuation Plans Listed below are some of the sources and documents utilized during the preparation of this Land Use Plan: ' -- Brunswick County 1993 Land Use Plan Update -- Town of Caswell Beach 1990 Land Use Plan Update -- Natural Resources Conservation Service, Brunswick County — NCDOT Planning and Policies Section -- Town of Caswell Beach Staff -- North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management -- North Carolina Division of Archives and History -- North Carolina Division of Coastal Management Staff -- Flood Insurance Study, 1990 (FEMA) -- Town of Caswell Beach Zoning Ordinance -- North Carolina Division of Community Assistance -- Brunswick County School System -- Dosher Memorial Hospital -- Town of Caswell Beach, 1997 Citizen Attitude Survey -- U.S. 90 Census -- Regional Center Composting Center Feasibility Study -- 1997 Land Use Planning Information Packet -- Town of Yaupon Beach 1990 Land Use Plan -- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District Office -- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service "windshield" These sources were supplemented by surveys conducted in October, 1997, to obtain data on existing land use patterns. It should be noted that the policy section of this plan is the most important part of the document. State and federal agencies will use the local land use policies in making project consistency, funding, and permit decisions. The 1990 Town of Caswell Beach Land Use Plan included policy statements which addressed the five policy areas of Resource Protection, Resource Production and Management, Economic and Community Development, Continuing Public Participation, and Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post - Disaster Recovery, and Evacuation Plans. Those policies are provided in Appendix I. The 15A NCAC 7B planning requirements dictate that the local government policies must meet or exceed the 15A NCAC 7H minimum use standards for areas of environmental concern. The following policies exceeded the 15A NCAC 7H use standards. Fencing: Except for sand fencing, the Town of Caswell Beach opposes the construction (including fence lighting) in ocean hazard areas, coastal wetlands, estuarine waters, and public trust waters. The repair or r Section I: Analysis of Existing Conditions I-2 1 1 replacement of fencing existing on October 1, 1990, shall be exempt from this policy.* Marina and Floating Home Development: Caswell Beach will enforce the following policies to govern floating homes and marina development. Marinas are considered to be any publicly or privately owned dock constructed to accommodate more than ten boats, as defined by 15A NCAC 7H.208(b)(5). (a) Caswell Beach opposes the construction of both upland and open water marinas within its planning jurisdiction. (b) Caswell Beach opposes the construction of dry stack storage facilities for boats associated either with or independent of marinas. (c) Caswell Beach opposes the location of floating structures in all public trust areas and estuarine waters. Floating structures are defined as any structure or vessel used, designed, and occupied as a permanent dwelling unit, business, office, or source of any occupation or any private or social club, which floating structure or vessel is primarily immobile and out of navigation or which functions substantially as a land structure while moored or docked on waters within county jurisdiction. Floating structures shall not be used commercially or inhabited in one place for more than 15 days. Development of Sound and Estuarine Islands: Caswell Beach opposes any construction on sound or estuarine islands. This policy will be supported through enforcement of the town's zoning ordinance. Bulkhead Construction: Caswell Beach opposes the construction of bulkheads in all conservation areas including ocean hazard and estuarine shorelines. Sea Level Rise: Caswell Beach opposes the construction of bulkheads which would prohibit migrating shorelines, including bulkhead construction behind coastal wetlands. Off -Road Vehicles: Caswell Beach prohibits off -road vehicles in the beach and dune areas, under the terms of a town ordinance adopted November 6, 1975. This ordinance excludes emergency vehicles. ' During 1995 and 1996, the NCAC 7B CAMA planning guidelines were revised. The revised guidelines included new requirements for the development of policy statements. These changes included the following policy statement additions: ' -- A general vision policy statement describing the type of community that the local government would like to become within the next ten years. ' -- A basic statement of the community attitude toward resource protection. *On October 13, 1994, the Town of Caswell Beach revised its zoning ordinance to incorporate a new fence policy. The new policy is included as Appendix Il. Section I: Analysis of Existing Conditions I-3 ' -- A policy addressing the protection of wetlands identified as being of the highest functional significance on maps supplied by the Division of Coastal Management. -- A policy addressing moorings and mooring fields. -- A policy addressing water quality problems and management measures designed to reduce or eliminate local sources of surface water quality problems. -- A statement of the community attitude toward resource production and management. -- A policy addressing commitment to state and federal programs, including housing rehabilitation, community development block grants, housing for low and moderate income level citizens, water and sewer installation, and rural water systems. — A policy addressing assistance to interstate waterways. B. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The following provides a list of the objectives/goals identified for this land use plan update: -- An updated land use plan based on an effective citizen participation process. -- Development of shoreline access preliminary plans and policies. -- Preservation of the town's residential character. -- Protection of the Areas of Environmental Concern. -- Assessment of utility needs. -- Development of new policies required to respond to the revised 15A NCAC 713 planning requirements. -- Oak Island intergovernmental coordination. Section I: Analysis of Existing Conditions I-4 1 GATES EN FOR S U E QUI N CH BERTIE S GTO RR LL DARE BEAUFOR HYDE EN PAMLIC ONSLOW PENDER / HANOVER 1 The preparafbn of M map was financed in pa through a grant provided by the North Cardr; CoastalManagemont Program, through furnla provide by the Coastal zone Menagemera Act of 1972, a anrnded which is adminlWared by the Office r Ocean and Coastal Resource Mawgwwt Nation Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. ' Section I: Analy, REGIONAL LOCATION MAP MAP 1 of Existing Conditions I-5 i C. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: POPULATION, HOUSING, AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS 1. Permanent Population Caswell Beach's population increased steadily from 1980 to 1995. During that 15-year period, ' the town's total year-round population increased by 99 people, an increase of 90%. Most of this growth has been the result of in -migration. There have not been any increases as a result of annexations. Within Brunswick County, only the municipalities of Bald Head Island and Belville have smaller year-round populations. Table 1 provides a summary of the Brunswick County population growth from 1980 to 1995. Table 1 ' Town of Caswell Beach/Brunswick County Summary of Year -Round Population Growth, 1980-1995 Year -Round Population Percent Change Overall Municipality/Area Bald Head Island (A) 1980* 1990* 1995** 0 78 87 ' 80 -' 90 ' 90-' 95 11.5 % ' 80 -' 95 Belville 102 66 93 -35.3 % 40.9 % -8.8 % Boiling Spring Lakes 998 1,650 1,976 65.3% 19.8% 98.0% Bolivia 252 228 251 -9.5 % 10.1 % -0.4 % Calabash 128 1,210 1,364 845.3% 12.7% 965.6% ' Caswell Beach Holden Beach 110 175 209(C) 232 626 782 59.1% 169.8 % 19.4% 24.9 % 90.0% 237.1 % Leland 1,545 1,801 2,050 16.6% 13.8% 32.7% Long Beach Navassa 1,844 3,816 4,674 439 445 492 106.9% 1.4% 22.5% 10.6% 153.5% 12.1 % Northwest (B) -- 611 727 -- 19.0 % -- Ocean Isle Beach 143 523 664 265. 7 % 27.0 % 364 % Sandy Creek (A) 0 243 268 10.3 % -3 Shallotte 680 1,073 1,123 57.8% 4.7% 65.1% Southport 2,824 2,369 2,540 -16.1 % 7.2% -10.1 % Sunset Beach 304 311 778 2.3 % 150.2 % 155.9 % Varnamtown (A) 328 404 465 23.2% 15.1 % 41.8% Yaupon Beach 569 764 850 29.0 % 15.8 % 49.4 % Total Municipalities 10,498 15,782 18,666 50.0% 18.5% 77.8% Total Unincorporated Areas 25,279 35,203 42,073 39.4% 19.4% 66.4% Total County 35,777 50,985 60,739 42.5% 19.1 % 69.8% (A) This municipality has incorporated or reactivated between the 1980 and the 1990 Census. The 1980 figure shown is a separation count derived after incorporation and is not published in the 1980 Census ' reports. (B) This municipality has incorporated since the 1990 Census. The figure shown for 1990 is a Census separation count derived after incorporation and is not published in the 1990 Census reports. (C) The Town of Caswell Beach's 1997 permanent population is 286 residents according to the N.C. Municipal Planning Office. Sources: *1990 U.S. Census. **NC State Data Center. Section I: Analysis of Existing Conditions I-6 1 Brunswick County is a high growth area. The county and its municipalities are feeling the impact of being coastal communities and being located between the Wilmington and Myrtle Beach metropolitan areas. From 1990 to 1995, Brunswick County was the second fastest growing CAMA county. Table 2 provides a summary of the 1980 to 1995 population growth for the twenty coastal counties. Table 2 Total Population and Percent Change for CAMA-Regulated Counties and State, 1980, 1990, and 1995 Percent Change County 1980 1990 1995 '90-'95 Beaufort 40,355 42,283 43,330 2.5 % Bertie 21,024 20,388 20,638 1.2% Brunswick 35,777 50,985 60,739 19.1% Camden 5,829 5,904 6,316 7.0% Carteret 41,092 52,553 57,612 9.6% Chowan 12,558 13,506 14,031 3.9% Craven 71,043 81,613 85,816 5.1 % Currituck 11,089 13,736 15,818 15.2% Dare 13,377 22,746 25,758 13.2% Gates 8,875 9,305 9,798 5.3% Hertford 23,368 22,523 22,468 -0.2% Hyde 5,873 5,411 5,211 -3.7 % New Hanover 103,471 120,284 139,577 16.0% Onslow 112,784 149,838 147,912 -1.3% Pamlico 10,398 11,368 11,869 4.4% Pasquotank 28,462 31,298 33,290 6.4% Pender 22,262 28,855 34,671 20.2% Perquimans 9,486 10,447 10,650 1.9 % Tyrrell 3,975 3,856 3,812 -1.1 % Washington 14,801 13,997 13,766 -1.7% Total CAMA Counties 595,899 710,896 763,082 28.1 % State of North Carolina 5,880,095 6,632,448 7,194,238 22.3% Source: Office of State Planning. In 1995, Brunswick County was the fourth largest CAMA-regulated county ranking behind Onslow, New Hanover, and Craven counties. In addition, between 1990-1995, Brunswick County's population grew 19.1 % making it the second fastest growing CAMA-regulated county. Although the county's total population has increased, the town's percentage of the total population has increased slightly. Section I: Analysis of Existing Conditions I-7 1 11 I� 2. Seasonal Population ' In 1980, 47 (51 %) of Caswell Beach's 93 housing units were occupied. Of the 46 vacant units, 43 (93 %) were classified as "held for occasional use," which may indicate units used for seasonal housing. According to a study prepared by East Carolina University of ' recreational populations for North Carolina coastal communities ("Characterization of Baseline Demographic Trends in the Year -Round and Recreational Populations in the Albemarle Pamlico Estuarine Study Area," Paul D. Tschetter, Greenville, NC; East Carolina University, 1987), a reasonable average number of persons per household occupying seasonal housing units is 4.5. The 1980 permanent population of 112 persons plus the estimated seasonal population of 193 persons yields a peak seasonal population of 305 persons. By 1990, the ' total peak seasonal population had increased more than five times, with an increase to 1,612 persons. The 1995 total number of seasonal housing units has been estimated at 392 dwelling units, which results in a peak seasonal population of 1,973. Table 3 Town of Caswell Beach Estimated Year -Round and Total Peak Seasonal Population Year -Round Seasonal (# seasonal housing units x 4.5) Total Peak Seasonal Population 1980 1990 1995 112 177 209 193 1,435* 1,764 305 1,612 1,973 Sources: Brunswick County Planning Department, "Population and Housing Counts, 1980-1988." Holland Consulting Planners, Inc., and 1990 Post -Census Local Review, Preliminary Housing Unit and Group Quarters Population Counts for Caswell Beach, NC. *Assumes 90 % of vacant houses are seasonal. This is based on 1980 Census and empirical observations. Because of limited shoreline access facilities, the town does not experience significant day visitor traffic. 3. Population Composition and Age Table 4 provides a summary of the age distribution of the town's and county's 1990 population. Table 4 Town of Caswell Beach and Brunswick County 1990 Population Characteristics by Age Group Age Group Under 5 years 5 to 17 years ' 18 to 24 years 25 to 34 years 35 to 44 years Town of Caswell Beach 3 2% 11 7% 17 11 % 18 12% 30 19% Brunswick Coun 3,278 6% 8,766 17% 4,186 8 % 7,632 15% 7,232 14 % ISection I: Analysis of Existing Conditions I-8 1 Table 4 (Continued) Town of Age Group Caswell Beach 45 to 54 years 36 23 % 55 to 64 years 21 14 % 65 to 69 years 9 6 % 70 to 74 years 4 3 % 75 years & over 6 4 % Mean Age 42.9 Source: U.S. 1990 Census. Brunswick Coun 6,019 12% 6,411 13 % 3,191 6% 2,053 4 % 2,217 4 % 38.2 The majority of the town's population was in the 25 to 54 age group. Both the town and the county had 27 % of their total populations in the age group 55 years old or older. For comparison, in 1990 both the United States and North Carolina has 20.9 % of their populations in the 55 years old or older age group. The town's population is well educated. Approximately 40 % of the town's total population hold a college degree. In comparison, 18 % of Brunswick County's total population has a college degree. The town's school age population is extremely small. In 1990 only 11 students were enrolled in elementary or high school and five were enrolled in college. The town and county 1990 educational attainment is summarized in Table 5. Table 5 Town of Caswell Beach/Brunswick County 1990 Educational Attainment Town of Brunswick Educational Attainment Caswell Beach County Less than 9th grade 0 0% 4,013 12% 9th to 12th grade, no 9 7% 6,701 19% diploma High school graduate 22 18% 11,581 33% Some college, no degree 43 35 % 6,268 18 % College degree 50 40 % 6,192 I8 % Source: 1990 U.S. Census. The town's population is almost entirely white. In 1990, 97 % of the town's population was white. Only four persons were listed in the census as "other race." The town's 1990 population was predominantly female. Table 6 provides the town and county population distributions by sex. Section I: Analysis of Existing Conditions I-9 1 1 1 Ll Table 6 Town of Caswell Beach/Brunswick County 1990 Population Distribution by Sex Town of Caswell Beach Number % of Total Male 70 45 % Female 85 55 % Source: U.S. 1990 Census. Brunswick County Number % of Total 24,842 49% 26,143 51 % ' 4. Housing Characteristics The town's housing inventory has increased significantly since 1980. From 1980 to 1990, the ' total number of dwelling units increased from 93 to 421. This was a 452.7 % increase. Table 7 provides a comparison of the 1980 and 1990 housing conditions in Caswell Beach. ' Table 7 Town of Caswell Beach Housing Summary -- 1980 and 1990 Census 1980 1990 Total Year -Round Units 93 421 Occupied 47 66 ' Owner Occupied 26 47 Renter Occupied 21 19 Vacant Units 46 355 ' Condition and Age Total Year -Round Units 93 (100 %) 421 (100 %) Age 0-4 years 22 (24%) 117 (28%) 5-9 years 60 (64 %) 221 (52 %) 10-19 years 9 (10%) 46 (11 %) 20-29 years 2 (2 %) 23 (6 %) 30 or more years 0 (0 %) 14 (3 %) ' Condition Lacking complete bathroom facilities 0 0 Lacking complete kitchen facilities 0 0 Lacking complete heating equipment 0 0 Type Total Year -Round Units 93 (100 %) 421 (100 %) Single-family, Detached 82 (88.2%) 139 (33%) ' Single-family, Attached 3 (3.2%) 4 (1%) 2 to 4 units 4 (4.3 %) 35 (8 %) 5 or more units 4 (4.3 %) 238 (57 %) Other 0 (0.0%) 4 (1%) ' Source: 1980 and 1990 U.S. Census. 1 Section I: Analysis of Existing Conditions 1-10 1 Caswell Beach's housing inventory is in excellent condition. In 1990, 80 % of the town's total housing (338 dwelling units) were less than ten years old. None of the units were deficient in bathroom, kitchen, or heating facilities. The majority of the units, 355 dwellings, were vacant, which indicates the town's large seasonal population. From 1990 to 1997 the town's housing inventory increased by 117 new dwelling units. However, one unit was demolished, which resulted in a net increase of 116 new dwelling units. Thus, the 1997 dwelling unit inventory totals 537. Table 8 provides a summary of new dwelling unit construction from 1990 to 1997. Table 8 Town of Caswell Beach Dwelling Unit Construction 1990 to 1997 Single Two 3 & 4 Total Family Family Family 1990 16 8 24 1991 14 14 1992 11 11 1993 10* 12 22 1994 4 12 4 20 1995 6 6 12 1996 7 7 1997 7 7 Total 75 26 16 117 *One unit demolished 1993, net gain nine units. As indicated in Table 8, the majority of the construction, 59 %, was single family residential. No units larger than three and four family units were constructed. In 1990 the average value of owned homes was $167,778. For comparison, the average value of owned homes in Brunswick County was $83,520. The 1990 average monthly gross rent (without meals) in Caswell Beach was $714.00. This rent was almost twice the Brunswick County average of $397.00. 5. Econgmy The Caswell Beach population is affluent. In 1989 the average household income for Caswell Beach was $56,904. This was significantly higher than the county's average household income of $29,668. Table 9 provides a summary of the town and county household income levels. Approximately 38 % of the town's households had incomes at or above $50,000. Only 15 % of the county's households had incomes at or above $50,000. Section I: Analysis of Existing Conditions I-11 1 I Table 9 Town of Caswell Beach and Brunswick County 1989 Household Income Levels 1989 Income Caswell Beach Brunswick County Households 73 20,094 By 1989 Income Level: Less than $20,000 8 11% 8,455 42% $20,000 to $34,999 14 19% 5,392 27% $35,000 to $49,999 13 18% 3,255 16% $50,000 to $74,999 22 30% 2,060 10% $75,000 to $99,999 7 10% 574 3% $100,000 to $149,999 9 12% 228 1 % $150,000 or more 0 0% 130 1 % Source: 1990 U.S. Census From 1980 to 1990 Caswell Beach's employed population 16 years and older increased from 37 to 79, a 213.5 % increase. Table 10 provides the 1980 and 1990 employment by industry. Table 10 Employed Persons 16 Years and Older by Industry, Caswell Beach, 1980 and 1990 1980 1990 Industry Number Employed Number Employed Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Mining 0 0 Construction 8 21.6 % 7 8.9 % Manufacturing: Nondurable goods 0 3 3.7 % Durable goods 4 10.8 % 7 8.9 % Transportation 0 0 Communication, Other Public Utilities 10 27.0% 5 6.3% Wholesale Trade 3 8.1% 6 7.6% Retail Trade 0 16 20.3 % Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate 0 11 14.0% Business and Repair Services 0 7 8.9% Personal, Entertainment, and Recreation Services 0 0 Professional and Related Services: Health Services 0 2 2.5% Educational Services 9 24.3 % 2 2.5 % Other Professional and Related Services 0 8 10.1 % Public Administration 3 8.1 % 5 6.3 % TOTAL EMPLOYED 37 100.0% 79 100.0% Source: 1980 and 1990 U.S. Census Section I: Analysis of Existing Conditions 1-12 1 The most significant change from 1980 to 1990 was the increase of employment in the retail trade section. This increase reflects the influence of the tourist industry visiting the area. The second leading employment section was finance, insurance and real estate. The town's unemployment rate was low with only 3 % unemployed. In 1980 there were no residents of Caswell Beach below 75 % of poverty level and only 10 in the 75 % to 124 % poverty level range. By 1990 the income had improved with only three persons being below 75 % of poverty level range. The poverty status data for Caswell Beach is summarized in Table 11. Table 11 Poverty Status, Caswell Beach 1980 and 1990 1980 1990 Number of Number of Income Level Individuals Individuals Income below 75 % of poverty level 0 0 % 3 1.9 % Income between 75 % and 124 % of poverty level 10 8.9 % 0 0 % Income between 125 % and 149 % of poverty level 4 3.6 % Income between 150 % and 199 % of poverty level 18 16.1 % 5 3.2 % Income 200 % of poverty level and above 80 71.4 % 147 94.8 % TOTAL 112 100.0 % 155 100.0 % Source: 1980 and 1990 U.S. Census As stated in the 1990 Land Use Plan, Caswell Beach is a small residential community with no manufacturing or industrial concerns located in the town limits. Residents may rely on the area retail and service industry employers. Caswell Beach, by choice, has continued to remain a "bedroom" community. 6. Summary The following provides a summary of the significant demographic, housing, and economic factors affecting Caswell Beach. -- From 1990 to 1995, Brunswick County was the second fastest growing CAMA county. -- Caswell Beach's population has increased steadily from 1980 to 1995. -- The town had a 1995 seasonal population of 1,764 and minimal day visitor population. -- The town's population is well educated. -- The town's percentage of retirement age population is above that of the state and the nation. -- Caswell Beach's housing inventory is in extremely good condition. -- From 1990 to 1995, the town's housing inventory increased by 102 dwelling units or 24%. Section I: Analysis of Existing Conditions I-13 1 u 1 -- Caswell Beach is an affluent community with an average 1989 household income of $56,904. ' -- The majority of the town's employment is concentrated in the retail and services trade industry. ' D. PRESENT CONDITIONS: EXISTING LAND USE 1. Introduction Caswell Beach remains a predominantly low density residential community. The town has effectively utilized its zoning ordinance to prohibit commercial development. The existing ' land use is depicted on Map 2. It is expected that the existing land use pattern will be sustained through the planning period. ' 2. Residential Land Use Since 1990 the residential land use has changed through the addition of 61 single-family residential units, 13 two unit structures, and 16 three to four unit structures. Most of the land ' within the beach strand is designated for low density residential use. There are 100 low density single-family residential lots located in the Arboretum subdivision. The town's multi- family development is concentrated in Caswell Dunes, Ocean Greens, and Oak Island Beach Villas. Thus, all of the multi -family development is located in the western one-third of the town. ' 3. Commercial Land Use Very little of the town's land area contains any commercial development. Commercial activity in Caswell Beach is limited to the concessions and restaurant at the Oak Island Golf Course. None of Caswell Beach's land area is used for industrial purposes. ' 4. Public Semi -Public Institutional. and Recreational Land Use Recreational use accounts for a large portion of Caswell Beach's land mass, with the expansive Oak Island Golf Course. The facilities include concessions and a restaurant which are not identified separately as commercial land uses. The 11-acre U.S. Coast Guard Oak Island ' Station and 248-acre NC Baptist Assembly, adjacent to although not part of Caswell Beach's jurisdiction, are large public/institutional uses. The Caswell Beach Town Hall, also a public use, is located on Jack B. Cook Road next to the Oak Island Beach Villas. Also, the parking ' lot at the CP&L pump station serves as a recreational use for beach access parking. The beach itself is also a public use. Section I: Analysis of Existing Conditions 1-14 1 iL lilt 1 - IN7-RA_ C Caswell Beach OAS1L WA rERWA- =�o=� Existing Land Uses MAP 2 r- - - �4 ; O ..wwwwwwwwww www www wwwww i , , i 1 , ELIZABETFq,RIVER ti .,..,.,..� ■, �, •F 1 - M ■ ■ •'1 ■• ■•1 1 :Y i•:i • 1 A •1 / 1 '•i A •1.1• •■ • ■• 1• ■ o 1 •1 o A , •■ . 1 1 ■��■•■•■•••• •,•;• •,�,•.j•..ift . ■,■,■ o o ®® off 1 . ;a.� ELIZABETH RIVER \ , 1 -------------- /\ ww q www w w , O � •• •1 i �"w CFq.:. iS :•':: .: 1 . w Legend '•1 • . ' Conservation Transportation V & Utiit e I i s I , \\ Ar ea ea ov of®Multi-Family Public/ o.00 ■.;.;.;.•:•:•. " �►.� sTws2aResidential - '4T Instituitional �4NT f .ii€•.i::';1•.;?€ The preparation of this map was financed in part Commercial 'i'ii;;ji;i;i;i ii:: Single Family - , q i::;;;;;;;;,i;.;i;,::;,;:;i; through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal � Residential - - •i•F�..•.°••�•�•°�•�•��•• Approximate Scale in Miles by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the Office of Vacant Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 0 .25 .50 I-15 Caswell Beach has one public beach access site which was funded by the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management. The site is located on Caswell Beach Road opposite the CP&L pumping station. Additionally, Caswell Beach has five (5) public beach access sites which were funded by the town. These sites do not provide parking and handicap access, but do provide dune crossover. The following provides a summary of the sites facilities: Handicap Dune Access Parking Spaces Crossover CP&L Parking Lot Yes Yes 75 Yes (3) Town -owned access 1-5 No No N/A Yes 5. Public Transportation/Public Utilities/Private Utilities Land in this category includes the Carolina Power and Light Company (CP&L) discharge canal; the town's 8" water lines; the wastewater treatment plants for Caswell Dunes and the Arboretum and Ocean Greens; the sewer service installation for Oak Island Beach Villas and the Yaupon Beach sewer system; and 0.1673 mile (0.0688 mile surfaced and 0.0985 unsurfaced) of town -owned roadway and 2.05 miles of state -maintained roadway. 6. Vacant Land Approximately 95 % of the Town of Caswell Beach is subdivided, and vacant unsubdivided land accounts for approximately 5 % of Caswell Beach's land area, excluding coastal wetlands. The majority of the unsubdivided land is not buildable as it lies in areas of environmental concern. 7. Water Quality Management The North Carolina Division of Water Quality has initiated a basinwide approach to state water quality management. The overall goal of basinwide management is to develop consistent and effective long range water quality management strategies that protect the quality and intended uses of North Carolina's surface waters while accommodating population increases and economic growth. Basinwide management is not a new regulatory program. Rather, it is a watershed -based management approach which features basinwide permitting of discharges, integration of existing point and nonpoint source regulatory programs, and preparation of basinwide water quality management plans for each of the state's 17 river basins by 1998. Plans will be updated at five year intervals. The purpose of the basinwide management plan is to communicate to policy makers, the regulated community, and the general public, the state's rationale, approaches, and long-term strategies for each basin. In general, this process involves the following five major phases of development: -- Collecting pertinent water quality and related information, -- Analyzing the information and targeting problem areas, -- Developing management strategies, Section I: Analysis of Existing Conditions I-16 1 -- Circulating a draft plan for public review and comment, and -- Finalizing the plan. Eight of North Carolina's major river basins cross the coastal area: Lumber, Cape Fear, White Oak, Neuse, Tar -Pamlico, Roanoke, Chowan, and Pasquotank. The Division of Water Quality has further subdivided these basins into smaller "sub -basins," which are currently used as the foundation for their basinwide water quality plans. Even smaller watersheds were recently delineated for the entire state by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. These watersheds are referred to as "14-digit hydrologic units" (because of the unique 14-digit code assigned to each watershed) or simply "small watersheds." These small watersheds generally range in size from 5,000 to 50,000 acres. The Town of Caswell Beach is located in the Cape Fear River Basin. The Cape Fear basinwide management plan was completed in 1995. The long-range basinwide management goal is to provide a means of addressing the complex problem of planning for reasonable economic growth while protecting and/or restoring the quality and intended uses of the Cape Fear Basin's surface waters. In striving towards the long-range goal stated above, the Division of Water Quality's highest priority near -term goals will be the following: -- Identify and restore the most seriously impaired waters in the basin; -- Protect those waters known to be of the highest quality or supporting biological communities of special importance; -- Manage problem pollutants, particularly nutrients, biological oxygen demand and sediment and fecal coliform, in order to correct existing water quality problems and to ensure protection of those waters currently supporting their uses. The North Carolina Division of Water Quality has identified 17 river basins within the state and 24 watersheds within the Cape Fear Basin. Each river basin and watershed has been assigned a numerical code for the purpose of identification. Caswell Beach is located in USDA river basin 03030005070010 and Division of Water Quality sub -basin 03-06-17. The town occupies 3.4 % of the total watershed. Marine resources are discussed on page 33 and the tidal salt water classifications are provided on Map 5, AEC's and Other Fragile Areas. Table 12 Division of Water Quality Sub -basin 03-06-17 Population (1970, 1980 and 1990) and Land Area Summaries Land and Water Areas Population Population Density Sub -basin (Number of Persons) (Persons/Square Mile) Total Land and Water Land Water Area Area Area 1970 1980 1990 1970 1980 1990 Acres SgMi. Sq.Mi. Sq.Mi. 03-06-17 38,646 48,954 56,467 77 98 113 349,828 547 49 498 Source: Division of Water Quality. Section I: Analysis of Existing Conditions I-17 1 1 8. Existiniz Land Use Problems The Town of Caswell Beach has maintained land use controls through administration and enforcement of its zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations by the Inspections Department Code Enforcement Official. Thus, many of its land use compatibility problems have been ' eliminated as a result of the town's planning efforts. However, consideration should be given to the following existing land use issues: Control of commercialization Control of multi -family residential development -- Provision of a sewage system Beach renourishment and preservation Protection of Areas of Environmental Concern including dune preservation -- Preservation of town's residential atmosphere ' These problems are discussed under the policy statement section of this plan. Section VI of this plan provides a summary of the Caswell Beach 1997 Land Use Plan Survey. ' The results of this survey provides an indication of what is on the minds of the town's citizens in terms of significant issues. ' 9. Development Potential Approximately 175 vacant lots are available for development. Development may be ' constrained by land suitability as discussed on page I-20 of this plan. 10. Existing Ordinances and Land Use Controls ' Copies of the following ordinances and land use documents can be found at the Caswell Beach Municipal Building. ' (a) CAMA Land Use Plan The 1990 Land Use Plan Update for the Town of Caswell Beach superseded the 1985 ' plan and contained policy statements guiding growth and development for the town. This 1990 Sketch Plan updates and supersedes the 1985 Update. The Land Use Plan is enforced by the Town's Planning Board and Board of Commissioners. ' (b) Building Ordinance The Town of Caswell Beach Building Ordinance, dated June 9, 1983; amended May 23, 1988; June 30, 1988; January 12, 1989; April 12, 1990; November 13, 1997; and May 14, 1998, sets forth regulatory codes governing methods of construction and minimum standards for buildings or structures in the town. This ordinance is enforced by the town's building inspector. 1 Section I: Analysis of Existing Conditions I-18 1 (c) Emergency Evacuation and Re-entry Plan The Town of Caswell Beach Emergency Evacuation and Re-entry Plan, adopted May 11, 1989, and revised October 6, 1996, details the evacuation and re-entry procedures in the event of the threat of a severe storm or for other reasons. This plan is implemented by the Board of Commissioners. (d) Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance The National Flood Insurance, Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, adopted February 11, 1988, outlines provisions to control activity in the natural floodplains and ensure that areas prone to flood conditions are protected. This ordinance is enforced by the town's building inspector. (e) Subdivision Regulations The Town of Caswell Beach Subdivision Regulations, adopted August 11, 1983, establish procedures and standards for the subdivision of land for Caswell Beach. This ordinance is enforced by the town's building inspector. (f) Zoning Ordinance The Town of Caswell Beach Zoning Ordinance, adopted June 8, 1978, and amended in 1984; October 3, 1994; and April 10, 1997, divides the town into zoning districts and outlines densities and/or uses for each district in order to provide for developmental control. It also includes a section on Planned Unit Development (PUD). This ordinance is enforced by the town's building inspector. (g) Off -Road Vehicle Ordinance This ordinance, adopted November 6, 1975, prohibits off -road vehicles from the beach and dune areas year-round, except for emergency vehicles. This ordinance is enforced by the town's police department. Since 1990 these local ordinances have been codified into a Consolidated Municipal Code. Some legal references were revised during this process. 11. Effectiveness of the 1990 Land Use Plan Policy Statements The Town of Caswell Beach has relied on its zoning ordinance and 15A NCAC 7H to enforce the policies in the 1990 CAMA Land Use plan. Those policies have been effectively implemented. In particular, the town has prohibited marinas, floating homes, and dry stack storage facilities. Areas of environmental concern have been protected in accordance with the 15A NCAC 7H minimum use standards. Section I: Analysis of Existing Conditions I-19 1 n H IE. DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS: LAND SUITABILITY ' 1. Topography/Geology/Groundwater/Climate Caswell Beach is situated in a geologically complex area. A post -Miocene aquifer exists ' between the land surface and a depth of 40 feet below surface. The aquifer consists of sand and contains potable water. Below the post -Miocene is the tertiary system aquifer. The aquifer contains porous and permeable limestone, providing conditions in which excellent quality groundwater is stored under artesian conditions. The tertiary system aquifer is approximately 140 feet thick and extends down from an approximate 40-foot depth to 200 feet deep. The Miocene and tertiary aquifers appear to be connected. Thus, rainfall in the Caswell Beach area aids in aquifer recharge. Caswell Beach is hot and humid in summer, but the coast is frequently cooled by sea breezes. ' Winter is cool with occasional brief cold spells. Rain falls throughout the year and is fairly heavy. Annual precipitation is adequate for all crops. The town is periodically subjected to damaging hurricanes. During the winter the average temperature is 47 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average daily minimum temperature of 37 degrees. In the summer, the average temperature is 78 degrees, and the average daily maximum temperature is 86 degrees. ' Of the total annual precipitation, 32 inches, or 60 percent, usually falls in April through September. In two years out of ten, the rainfall in April through September is less than 25 ' inches. The total annual precipitation is approximately 54 inches. Thunderstorms occur on about 45 days each year, and most occur in summer. Snowfall is rare. The average seasonal snowfall is less than 1 inch. ' Caswell Beach's jurisdiction is mostly flat, with its highest elevation approximately 20-25 feet above sea level; these elevations exist primarily in the primary and frontal dune areas along ' the oceanfront. The town's many low-lying areas are extremely susceptible to sea level rise. Flooding resulting from sea level rise may be a long-term problem. Over the last 100 years, the sea level has risen approximately one foot. Most experts agree that the rate of sea level ' rise will increase over the next 100 years. The maximum increase has been forecast to be as much as four to seven feet. An increase of that magnitude would be disastrous to the town. Approximately 60 to 70 percent of the town could be inundated. The impact of sea level rise ' has serious implications for Caswell Beach. The rate of rise should be carefully monitored. 2. Flood Hazard Areas ' Caswell Beach contains many flood -prone areas. The 1990 Flood Insurance Rate Map, amended April 2, 1991, provided the following flood zones: Zones AE Area of 100 year flood; base flood elevations and flood hazard factors (FHF's) determined. ISection I: Analysis of Existing Conditions I-20 1 Zone X Areas of 500-year flood; areas of 100-year flood with average depths of less than one (1) foot or with drainage areas less than one square mile; and areas protected by levees from the 100-year flood. Zone VE Coastal flood with velocity hazard (wave action); base flood elevations determined. The Zone X flood area, in which Caswell Dunes, the Arboretum, and Ocean Greens are located, is depicted on Map 3, Flood Hazard Areas. Zones AE and VE cannot be depicted on the land use map because of map size and scale. The Zone AE flood area covers the remainder of town's corporate area except for portions of the beachfront area within and forward of the primary or frontal dune; basically the ocean hazard area. Part of this beachfront property is located within the VE zone. A Flood Insurance Rate Map is available for review at the Caswell Beach Municipal Building. One area particularly subjected to flooding problems is a portion of State Road 1100 west of the CP&L pump station and east of the Caswell Dunes entrance. The road has been relocated once, but severe flooding persists. In 1997, the North Carolina Department of Transportation installed sand bags to protect the threatened road (S.R. 1100) from ocean encroachment. This problem is discussed further under "Development Constraints: Public Facilities." In 1986, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers prepared maps of coastal North Carolina which delineated the flooding which may be expected to occur as a result of hurricanes. The maps were prepared utilizing a computer base model named SLOSH, Sea Lake Overlaid Surge From Hurricanes. The model plots hurricane related flooding which may result from a number of characteristics including wind speed, wind direction, time, tide, etc. The greatest storm surge will occur from hurricanes. Except for some limited areas north of Caswell Beach Road in the Arboretum and along the CP&L Discharge Canal, all of Caswell Beach's planning jurisdiction would be inundated by a Category Two hurricane. A category five storm would inundate all of Caswell Beach except for areas along the CP&L discharge canal. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale is a rating system based on hurricane intensity. Within each category is a description of wind speed, storm surge, and estimated damages. Examples of each category are noted. Category One Hurricane: Winds 74-95 mph. Storm surge generally 4-5 feet above normal. No significant damage to permanent structures. Damage limited to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Some damage to poorly constructed areas. Limited coastal road flooding and minor pier damage may occur. Hurricanes Allison and Noel of 1995 were Category One hurricanes at peak intensity. Category Two Hurricane: Winds 96-110 mph. Storm surge generally 6-8 feet above normal. Some roofing material, door, and window damage to buildings. Considerable damage to shrubbery and trees. Some trees blown down. Considerable damage to mobile homes, poorly constructed signs, and piers. Coastal and low-lying escape routes flood 2-4 hours before the arrival of the hurricane center. Small craft in unprotected anchorages break moorings. Hurricane Bertha of 1996 was a Category Two hurricane when it hit the North Carolina coast. Section I: Analysis of Existing Conditions I-21 1 0 L L F C 0 n Mr i14' ►WIr