2020 CAMA Land Use Plan

Adopted: September 8, 2020
Certified: November 18, 2020
CAMA Land Use PlanCAMA Land Use Plan
Part :
ii Certified: November 18, 2020
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Mayor and Commissioners
»Joe Benson, Mayor
»Tom Bridges, Mayor Pro Tem
»LeAnn Pierce
»JoDan Garza
»Steve Shuttleworth
Planning and Zoning
Commission
»Keith Bloemendaal, Chair
»Deb LeCompte, Vice chair
»Mike Hoffer
»Jerry Kennedy
»Wayne Rouse
»John Ittu
»Melanie Boswell
Steering Committee
»Adam Priest
»David Schifter
»Debra LeCompte
Many people helped to facilitate the update of the Town’ of Carolina Beach Coastal Area
Management Act (CAMA) Land Use Plan Update. In addition to the stakeholders and residents
who provided their input, the following people were integral to the process.
»Dennis Barbour
»Ethan Crouch
»Jay Healy
»Jeff Hogan
»Karen Graybush
»Steven Klem
»Todd Piper
»Wayne Rouse
»LeAnn Pierce
»JoDan Garza
Staff
»Ed Parvin, Assistant Town Manager
»Jeremy Hardison, Planning Director
»Miles Murphy, Planner
And the residents, business owners,
and visitors who participated
and contributed their time and
perspectives.
This plan facilitated and written by:
Adopted: September 8, 2020
Certified: November 18, 2020
iiiTown of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
CONTENTS
Continued on next page.
Introduction to Carolina Beach 1
Introduction 2
Study Area 4
Public Participation 4
Plan Assessments 4
Community Concerns & Aspirations 5
Significant Existing and Emerging Conditions 6
Community Vision Statement 9
Community Goals 10
Existing & Emerging Conditions 11
Population 12
Housing 14
Local Economy 15
Commuting 16
Natural Systems 17
Areas of Environmental Concern 17
Environmentally Fragile Areas 21
Soils, Erosion, and Water Quality 25
Hazards, Storm Surge, and Flooding 27
Vulnerability 27
Community Facilities 31
Part :
iv Certified: November 18, 2020
CONTENTS (CONTINUED)
Public & Private Water Supply & Wastewater Systems 31
Parks and Open Space 31
Other Areas 34
Existing Land Use & Development 36
Historic, Cultural, & Scenic Areas 37
Transportation Systems 37
Future Land Use 41
Future Land Use Map 43
Future Land Use Character Area Descriptions 44
Land Use Plan Management Topics 47
CAMA Management Topics and Recommendations 48
Public Access 48
Land Use Compatibility 50
Infrastructure Carrying Capacity 52
Natural Hazard Areas 54
Water Quality 58
Other Areas of Local Concern 61
Tools for Managing Development 71
Guide for Land Use Decision-Making 72
Development Program 72
Action Plan and Implementation Schedule 72
Appendix 73
vTown of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
Below is a copy of the Final Agency Decision by the Coastal
Resources Commission formally certifying this land use plan.
1 Certified: November 18, 2020
PARTPART
Introduction to
Carolina Beach
11
2Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
Introduction
In the 1920's Carolina Beach was
subdivided by developers and for the most
part, those actions set the tone for existing
development patterns ever since. The
Town's 1979 Land Use Plan, which was
required by the passing of the 1974 Coastal
Area Management Act (CAMA) by the State,
shows a town with opportunity remaining
for expansion onto undeveloped property.
Since that time, much of Carolina Beach
has been built out and redevelopment is
becoming the rule rather than the exception.
Looking to the future, the town embarked on
a planning process to update their land use
plan.
In the fall of 2018, the Town of Carolina
Beach engaged the planning firm Stewart
to facilitate the update to the Town's CAMA
Land Use Plan. A CAMA land use plan is
required by the State for the communities
in North Carolina's 20 coastal counties, The town's 1979 Future Land Use Plan.
Source: Town of Carolina Beach
Part 1: Introduction to Carolina Beach
3 Certified: November 18, 2020
and helps guide land use and development
decisions, as well as the issuance of CAMA
permits.
There are several reasons to create a Land
Use Plan (LUP). A LUP is an opportunity to
take a look at the "big picture” and to clearly
capture and communicate the community’s
vision for the future. A LUP establishes a
road map and policies to guide development
including public and private investment of
resources. It also communicates a cohesive
community direction and provides a framework
for making land use and infrastructure
investment decisions.
The LUP looks at the interconnectedness
between land uses, transportation, utilities,
recreation, economic development, and other
factors that form the town’s physical and policy
environment. This LUP is an opportunity for
the residents and business owners of Carolina
Beach to tell their story and help continue
the distinct vision and unique identity of the
community.
A LUP typically has a planning horizon of
20-30 years, but it's important to review and
update the plan in the interim to keep pace with
changes in the Town and to ensure the vision
still resonates with current residents. Land use
plans are usually reevaluated and updated
every 5-10 years, but this varies by community.
The plan development process included
extensive public outreach and comment.
Throughout the nearly year-long planning
process, information was gathered and
analyzed and the findings were vetted by
a Steering Committee appointed by the
Town Council. The Steering Committee was
composed of elected and appointed officials,
representatives of various committees and
boards, Town staff, residents, and business
Coastal Area Management Act
(CAMA)
The following is a summary of information
from the NC Division of Environmental Quality
(NCDEQ).
The Coastal Area Management Act
(CAMA) requires each of the 20
coastal counties to have a local Land
Use Plan (LUP) in accordance with
guidelines established by the NC Coastal
Resources Commission (CRC). The
CRC’s guidelines provide a common
format and a set of issues that must be
considered during the planning process.
The LUP may include policies specific
to the locality addressing growth
management, protection of productive
resources (i.e., farmland, forest
resources, fisheries) and natural
resources, economic development, and
reduction of storm hazards.
The Division of Coastal Management
(DCM) which serves as staff to the CRC,
uses the Plans to review proposed
projects and activities to ensure
consistency with rules and policies and to
make federally consistent determinations.
At the local level, the CAMA LUP
provides guidance for both review
and approval of individual projects,
public investments or resources, and
development of regulatory ordinances,
and broader policy issues. Public
involvement in the planning process
affords residents and business owners
the opportunity to help shape their
coastal community by providing policies,
recommendations, and support for a
resilient future.
4Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
owners. Ultimately, the final plan was
presented again to the public during an open
house workshop and a month-long public
review and comment period, before adoption
by the Town.
Study Area
The CAMA Land Use Plan covers the entire
area under the Town's planning jurisdiction,
including the Town's corporate limits and the
Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). This area
stretches from the Atlantic Ocean on the
east to the Cape Fear River on the west, and
from the inlet and Snow's Cut on the north to
Alabama Avenue and the Town of Kure Beach
on the south. The western portion of Carolina
Beach's jurisdiction are primarily covered by
Carolina Beach State Park and the Military
Ocean Terminal at Sunny Point (MOTSU),
both of which are lands managed by the State
and federal governments, respectively.
Public Participation
Public participation is a key component of
a CAMA LUP update and the community
was involved throughout the process. The
LUP update began with a community tour
and stakeholder interviews with key focus
groups and representatives of various
perspectives and community groups. Their
thoughts, ideas, and perspectives influenced
future information gathering efforts. The
Steering Committee reviewed and evaluated
all of the information and data assembled
for the update. Among other things, their
guidance shaped the public online survey,
goals and vision, future land use, policy
recommendations, and every other aspect
of the LUP. Two large public open house
workshops were held - one in the beginning
to assess the community's goals, vision,
preferences, and perspectives, and one
toward the end to make sure what emerged
from the plan conformed to the community's
expectations and aspirations.
Plan Assessments
The following plans were reviewed to
identify and incorporate relevant information
into the Land Use Plan update.
»2007 CAMA Land Use Plan
»Parks and Recreation Master Plan (2017)
»Water Use and Harbor Management Plan
(2008)
»Bicycle Multi-Use Transportation Plan
(2011)
»Draft MOTSU JLUS Recommendations
(Nov. 2018)
»Pedestrian Master Plan (2018)
»Central Business District Master
Development Plan (2008)
»Traffic Study Recommendations – N.
Lake Park Boulevard Corridor Study
(2018)
»Capital Improvement Plan (2018)
»Information on Proposed / Potential
Development / Redevelopment Projects
»Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances,
and Official Zoning Map
»2009 Future Land Use Map, Flood Zones
Map, and files and resources
See the appendix for more information on
plan assessments.
Public open house.
5 Certified: November 18, 2020
PARTPART
Community Concerns &
Aspirations
22
6Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
Significant Existing and Emerging Conditions
Through stakeholder interviews with focus
groups as well as Steering Committee issue
identification, and resident involvement
at the public open house workshop, the
following themes were identified. More
information can be found in the Appendix.
Stormwater and Flooding
In general, there are concerns about
stormwater and flooding. Hurricane Florence
exacerbated problems that already existed.
In particular, the following issues came up
frequently:
»Carolina Beach Lake
• Recent dredging project to mit-
igate localized flooding.
• Additional pumps have
also been installed.
»Canal Drive – floods during high tides,
stormwater drains fail
• A committee has been formed
to generate ideas.
• Current working plan is increase
seawall height and install pumps.
»Flooding of neighboring homes when
previously vacant lots develop
• Some vacant lots have served to
mitigate stormwater flooding, but when
they develop, the water they absorbed
is forced onto neighboring properties.
»NCDOT stormwater pipes
• The stormwater pipes on some streets
have proven to be undersized as
impervious surfaces and rainfall patterns
have increased through the years.
• Retrofitting and fixing these issues
are difficult and require coordination.
Traffic Congestion and Parking
Parking is perceived as lacking, particularly
Part 2: Community Concerns & Aspirations
7 Certified: November 18, 2020
in downtown and during the summer /
tourist season. Traffic congestion, especially
along Lake Park Blvd in the summer, is an
impediment to daily life.
Family-Friendly Community
The family-friendly character and vibe
of the town is cherished by residents.
Lower structure heights are viewed as
a contributing factor. The school is a
community-prized resource but is limited in
space and has some difficulty with regular
operations, especially parking.
Inlet, Marina, and Waterfront
These areas are critical to driving the local
economy. Access is plentiful. Public and
private marinas provide recreational tourism
and help support the local maritime culture
and industry. Maintenance costs at the inlet
are also high and include regular beach
nourishment.
Redevelopment
Redevelopment has become the norm rather
than the exception. A lot of concern revolves
around how to allow redevelopment,
especially if it results in more intense
development. A tension exists between
maintaining the charm and character of
the town's current configuration, while also
allowing redevelopment. Increased building
heights (especially in or near the downtown
area) may conflict with the character of
existing areas.
Downtown and Boardwalk
The downtown area and boardwalk are the
recreational and social hub of the town,
providing a family-friendly experience that
has come to define the town for visitors.
This unique experience requires protection
through zoning that restricts the area from
being developed as residential condos or
hotels. The appearance of this area was also
identified as an opportunity for improvement.
Highway & Appearance
There is a desire for upgraded appearance
requirements for the most visible part of
town - Lake Park Blvd - including enhanced
development and landscaping standards.
Reducing driveways to improve safety and
increasing pedestrian connectivity is desired.
Across the town, burying electric lines and
tree preservation are also concerns.
Pedestrian & Cyclist Connectivity
Carolina Beach is engaged in increasing
connectivity and upgrading pedestrian and
cyclist facilities throughout town. Many
groups expressed a desire for even more of
Highway and
Appearance
Stormwater and
Flooding
Healthy Year-
round Economy
Redevelopment
Traffic
Congestion and
Parking
Sea Level Rise
and Erosion
Environment
Significant Themes
8Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
these projects. Although not needed every-
where, residents welcome enhanced pedes-
trian and multi-use facilities along major
corridors and between key destinations.
Parks and Recreation
Abundant access to recreation is valued and
helps define the family-friendly character
of the town, and include state, public, and
private recreational opportunities. Expansion
of recreational opportunities is welcome,
including passive use of the MOTSU buffer
area.
Housing Affordability
There is a lack of affordable housing and it
seems that the most profitable development
project is residential in nature. Second
homes or vacation rental properties are
in high demand. Standalone residential
apartment or condos will displace
nonresidential uses if left unchecked, which
changes the character and balance of land
uses. The many short-term rentals are also a
concern.
Healthy Year-round Economy
Although tourism is recognized as a strong
economic driver, the residents are proud
to have the daily-life services on the island
that nearly eliminate reliance on mainland
facilities. A desire exists to strengthen the
non-tourism economy as a way to diversify
the local tax base and maintain livability year
round.
Sea Level Rise and Erosion
Sea levels have been rising and will continue
to do so. Erosion from the inlet and along the
north end requires regular and costly beach
nourishment. Much of the town is within
areas that are potentially vulnerable to storm
surge from hurricanes.
Environment
The natural environment is the key to
the quality of life in Carolina Beach. Tree
preservation and water quality are important.
Access to environmental amenities and
preservation of natural resources, including
wetlands and dunes, is essential.
Growth Outpacing Infrastructure
Aging infrastructure and maintenance
costs are recognized as a potential threat
to the town's viability. The Town's capital
improvement plan continually prioritizes
repairs and investments. New facilities
(especially sidewalks and the greenway)
have been welcomed, but some residents
voiced concern about the accrued costs of
maintenance.
Housing
Affordability
Growth
Outpacing
Infrastructure
Pedestrian
and Cyclist
Connectivity
Family-Friendly
Community
Downtown and
Boardwalk
Recreation and
Parks
Inlet, Marina,
and Beach
9 Certified: November 18, 2020
The vision and goals started with the Steering Committee's evaluation of the previous land
use plan's efforts and were reviewed and revised by the broader community at the public open
house workshop on February 6, 2019 in Town Hall.
Community Vision Statement
Establishing a clear vision statement for your community helps organize people around future
actions and provides a touchstone when evaluating decisions and priorities.
Community Vision and Goals
Carolina Beach is recognized for balancing
its past and unique coastal attributes and
challenges with integrity and enterprise. We
will remain an attractive and safe family-
oriented community, with a healthy ecosystem,
quality recreational opportunities and a
vibrant business environment that will connect
families, residents, and visitors now and into
the future.
10Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
Community Goals
Goals are specific actions that are tied to the overall vision statement, and provide direction for
the community on how to achieve its vision.
Goal 1: Enhance functionality and
appearance of major thoroughfares
and gateways.
Goal 2: Retain the traditional
character and density of single family
neighborhoods.
Goal 3: Promote and beautify the
town center as a focal point, including
increasing connections to the
surrounding community.
Goal 4: Continue to reduce overall
nonconformities in the town, but also
respect existing uses and entitlements,
and the rebuilding of structures.
Goal 5: Preserve natural beauty
through the protection of unique
habitats, water quality, wetlands, and
mature trees.
Goal 6: Protect barrier dunes,
beaches, floodplains, and coastal
features, recognizing their natural
storm protections.
Goal 7: Reduce and mitigate the
negative effects of stormwater and
flooding.
Goal 8: Sustain a healthy and
vibrant locally-oriented economy that
respects tourism.
Goal 9: Enhance and promote
family-oriented businesses and
services.
Goal 10: Enhance mobility for
pedestrians, bicyclists, and non-
traditional vehicles.
Goal 11: Reduce traffic and parking
congestion and ensure adequate
access for emergency services.
Goal 12: Balance the use and
accessibility of Myrtle Grove Sound,
especially among commercial, sport-
fishing, recreational, and transient
boaters.
Goal 13: Maintain and increase the
accessibility of public trust waters
and public recreational facilities
and assets, especially the beach,
waterfront, parks, and downtown.EconomyRecreation & AccessCharacter & AppearanceNatural ResourcesConnectivity & Mobility
11 Certified: November 18, 2020
PARTPART
Existing & Emerging
Conditions
33
12Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
Population, Housing, & Economy
Population
Carolina Beach has grown steadily over the
past 50 years.
Population Estimates
and Projections
The US Census reports the
town's population as 4,701
and 5,706 in 2000 and 2010,
respectively.
The year-round (permanent)
population was reported to be
6,270 in 2017 (2017 American
Community Survey, 5-year
estimates). By 2050, the
town may add approximately
4,000 year-round residents if
growth continues to match the
county rate projected by the
NC Office of State Budget and Management
projections.
Seasonal (visitor, vacation, and part-time
resident) population was estimated based
on two methods: water usage rates and
overnight lodging room and occupancy data.
Population Estimate and Projections.
(Base data from US Census and NC Office of State Budget and
Management (OSBM))
Source: American Community Survey 2016, and U.S. Census.
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
9,000
10,000
11,000
12,000
2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Historic growth (Census)
Match County projections (OBSM)
Match Town's prev. growth (2000-2017)
Match Town's prev. growth (2010-2017)
10,779
9,975
9,671
6,270
By 2050 the
town is
projected to
grow by
approximately
44,,000000 nneeww
ppeerr mmaanneenntt
rreessiiddeennttss if
current growth
rates continue.
Source: American Community Survey 2016, and U.S. Census.
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
9,000
10,000
11,000
12,000
2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Historic growth (Census)
Match County projections (OBSM)
Match Town's prev. growth (2000-2017)
Match Town's prev. growth (2010-2017)
10,779
9,975
9,671
6,270
By 2050 the
town is
projected to
grow by
approximately
44,,000000 nneeww
ppeerr mmaanneenntt
rreessiiddeennttss if
current growth
rates continue.
Source: American Community Survey 2016, and U.S. Census.
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
9,000
10,000
11,000
12,000
2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Historic growth (Census)
Match County projections (OBSM)
Match Town's prev. growth (2000-2017)
Match Town's prev. growth (2010-2017)
10,779
9,975
9,671
6,270
By 2050 the
town is
projected to
grow by
approximately
44,,000000 nneeww
ppeerr mmaanneenntt
rreessiiddeennttss if
current growth
rates continue.
Part 3: Existing & Emerging Conditions
13 Certified: November 18, 2020
10,887 as a baseline, to which
a 1.36% annual growth rate is
applied (to match the most recent
growth rate from 2010-2017)
to determine peak seasonal
population projections for the
planning period. This yields
a peak seasonal population
estimate of 16,793 in 2050. More
information on these calculations
can be found in the Appendix.
Demographic
Characteristics
The age distribution in Carolina
Beach is predominantly
individuals aged 45-64 (32%),
followed by 20-44 (29%), 0-19
(22%), and 17% aged 65 and older. The
largest change in any cohort has occurred
with those aged 65 and older, with 141.3%
increase in this age group between 2010
and 2016. The Median Age is 44.2 (2010
Using the average of the two methods, the
peak seasonal population is projected to be
as much as 74% higher than the permanent
population. That figure does not account
for day-trippers to the island. This method
projects a peak seasonal population of
Peak Seasonal Population Estimates and Projections, using water usage rates and overnight lodging occupancy.
(Data from US Census, NC OSBM, and the Town)
Population Type Definition
Peak
Population
Permanent plus seasonal
population. This is an
approximation of the
planning area’s
population on a “typical”
peak day during the high
season.
Peak
Seasonal
Population
Persons who are
temporarily residing in
the planning area, such
as tourists and
vacationers, but who
normally reside in
another location. This
estimate does not
include day-trippers.
Permanent
Population
Persons who usually
reside in the planning
area.
17,157 19,065
26,464
10,887 12,098
16,793
6,270 6,967
9,671
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
2017 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Peak Population Estimate Peak Seasonal Population Permanent Population
Definitions for Understanding Population Projections
Peak Population
Permanent plus seasonal population. This is an approximation of the
planning area's population on a "typical" peak day during the high
season.
Peak Seasonal Population
Persons who are temporary residents in the planning area,
such as tourists and vacationers, but who normally reside in
another location; does not include day-trippers.
Permanent Population
Persons who usually reside in the planning area, year-round.
14Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
higher than the state's median (2016 ACS
5-year Estimates). Of the 5,492 dwellings
34.2% of the housing units are located in
dwellings of 5 or more units. Single-unit
detached structures make up 35.6% of the
housing stock. Mobile homes make up 3.7%
of the housing units. The majority of homes
were built between 1980 and 1989 (33.0%)
followed by 20.6% between 2000 to 2009
(2016 ACS 5-Year Estimates). From 2010 to
2017, 546 units were constructed. (Town of
Carolina Beach Planning Dept, 2018). With
few vacant parcels remaining, the town is
at a time where redevelopment is the rule
Census, 2016 ACS 5-year Estimates)
The Median Household Income increased
62% from an average of $37,662 in 2000 to
$61,171 in 2016. Family poverty rate was
reported as 13.5% in 2016 (2000 Census,
2010 Census, 2016 ACS 5-year Estimates).
Home ownership rates have seen a decline
in the past two decades. Rates of home
ownership went from 65.7% in the year
2000 to 54.7% in 2016 while rental rates
have increased by 45.3% over the same
time period (2000 Census, 2016 ACS 5-year
Estimates). Nearly 40% of occupied rental
units in Carolina Beach are paying more
than 35% of household income on rent
(2016 ACS 5-year Estimates).
Housing
The median home value of owner occupied
units in Carolina Beach is $320,200 - 66%
Source: American Community Survey 2016.
Change by age group
(2010 to 2016):
•++3311..99%%for ages 0 to 19
•--99..44%%for ages 20 to 44
•--44..44%% for ages 45 to 64
•++114411..33%% for ages 65+
0-19
20-4445-64
65+
Age Distribution (2016)
Age distribution (2016) and % Change by
Age Group (2010-2016).
(Data from US Census and 2016 ACS 5-year
estimates)
Source: American Community Survey 2016.
Change by age group
(2010 to 2016):
•++3311..99%%for ages 0 to 19
•--99..44%%for ages 20 to 44
•--44..44%% for ages 45 to 64
•++114411..33%% for ages 65+
0-19
20-4445-64
65+
Age Distribution (2016)
1 unit -
detached
1 unit -
attached
2 units
3 or 4
units
5 to 9
units
10-19
units
20-49
Units
50+ Units
Mobile
Home
Other
Of the 55,,449922
ddwweelllliinnggss, about
a 11//33 of dwellings are
in structures holding 5
or more units.
Source: American Community Survey 2016.
About 1100%%are
duplexes (two-family
homes).
Housing by Type (2016) and Distribution
of Housing Units by Year Built 1950 to
the present.
(Data from US Census, ACS, and the Town)
Source: American Community Survey 2016, ), Town of Carolina Beach Planning Dept. (2010-2017).
546
1,231
922
1,973
518
320 282
142
45
-
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
2010 to
2017
2000 to
2009
1990 to
1999
1980 to
1989
1970 to
1979
1960 to
1969
1950 to
1959
1940 to
1949
1939 and
earlier
Year Built The town may be
approaching a time
where
rreeddeevveellooppmmeenntt
iiss tthhee rr uullee rather
than the exception.
Part 3: Existing & Emerging Conditions
15 Certified: November 18, 2020
Estimate shows only a slight increase to
2,979 units.
Local Economy
The majority of residents living in Carolina
Beach are employed in Educational
Services, Health Care and Social
Assistance (21%), followed by Retail
Trade (12%). Since 2000, the Information,
Finance, and Transportation, Warehousing,
and Utilities sectors have seen the highest
percentage increases in employment while
individuals employed in the Construction
sector have experienced a reduction of
approximately half (2010 Census, 2016
ACS 5-Year Estimates).
Employment data taken from Esri's
CensusOnTheMap, reports 2,811
rather than the exception.
Vacant housing makes up 54.2% of the
housing units within the Town. The 2,979
vacant units include occupancy status
of persons who have a typical residence
elsewhere. While vacant units increased
from 1,790 to 2,939 between the 2000 and
2010 Decennial Census, the 2016 ACS
Employment by Industry (Residents of Carolina Beach)#%
Educational services, and health care and social assistance 626 21.1%
Retail Trade 373 12.6%
Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services 341 11.5%
Professional, scientific,and manage-ment, and administrative and waste management services 302 10.2%
Construction 263 8.9%
Other services, except public administration 205 6.9%
Public administration 191 6.5%
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing 182 6.1%
Manufacturing 176 5.9%
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 145 4.9%
Wholesale Trade 76 2.6%
Information 57 1.9%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunt-ing, and mining 24 0.8%
2016 ACS 5-Year Estimates
Employment by Industry (Within Carolina Beach)#%
Health Care and Social Assistance 387 16.5%
Retail Trade 317 13.5%
Accommodation and Food Services 311 13.3%
Educational Services 209 8.9%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical 161 6.9%
Construction 143 6.1%
Public Administration 140 6.0%
Administration & Support, Waste Man-agement and Remediation 124 5.3%
Manufacturing 89 3.8%
Wholesale Trade 81 3.5%
Finance and Insurance 73 3.1%
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 62 2.6%
Information 61 2.6%
Other Services (excluding Public Administration)58 2.5%
Transportation and Warehousing 44 1.9%
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation 37 1.6%
Management of Companies and Enterprises 26 1.1%
Utilities 20 0.9%
2015 CensusOnTheMap
Rental Housing
The number of vacant housing (for
seasonal, recreational, or occasional
use) has doubled since 2000, and is
currently 45% of housing units in the
town.
16Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
individuals primarily employed within the
Town. The economic activity sectors within
Carolina Beach are categorized below.
Commuting
The mean travel time to work for residents
of Carolina beach is 28.2 minutes. The
majority commute by driving alone. The
majority of those employed in Carolina
Beach commute into the Town while a
smaller number are both employed and
living within the Town. Approximately 8% of
people in the town work from home (2017
ACS 5-yr est.). Conversely, of those living
in Carolina Beach that are employed, over
90% commute outside of the Town to their
place of employment.
Commute to Work #%
Car, truck or van, drove alone 2,108 76%
Car, truck or van, carpooled 212 8%
Walked 128 5%
Worked at home 111 4%
Other means 66 2%
Public transportation 53 2%
Ferryboat 53 2%
Bicycled 53 2%
2016 ACS 5-Year Estimates
Bicycling and walking are popular means of traveling to destinations in and around Carolina Beach for commuting,
errands, and recreation.
Part 3: Existing & Emerging Conditions
17 Certified: November 18, 2020
Grass, or Salt Reed Grass.
• Estuarine Waters. These areas
provide important habitat for a diverse
range of shellfish, birds, and other
forms of marine wildlife. They are the
dominant component of the entire
estuarine and ocean system. They
provide nursery areas and habitat for a
variety of marine and benthic species.
Conservation of estuarine waters is
usually the highest priority use for
these areas. Development activities
which are water dependent and require
water access and cannot function else-
where (e.g. simple access structures,
structures to prevent erosion, boat
docks, marinas, wharves and mooring
piling) may be allowed within this AEC.
• Public Trust Areas. Public trust
Natural Systems
The quality of life of residents and visitors
of Carolina Beach is inextricably linked to
the area's natural systems and one of the
primary purposes of a CAMA Land Use
Plan is to establish an integrated program
capable of rational and coordinated
management of coastal resources.
Identification and recognition of Areas of
Environmental Concern (AECs) is critical to
the plan.
Areas of Environmental
Concern
AECs are areas of natural importance
designated by the NC Coastal Resources
Commission (CRC). The State Guidelines
for Areas of Environmental Concern (15A
NCAC 7H) require that local land use plans
give special attention to the protection
of appropriate AECs because of their
environmental, social, economic, and
aesthetic value. Four categories of AECs
have been established:
»Estuarine and Ocean System: This
system is the coast's broad network
of brackish sounds, marshes, and
surrounding shores. CAMA permits are
required for development in the four
subcomponents of this system:
• Coastal Wetlands. These areas are
considered to be unsuitable for all
development activities and other land
uses that alter their natural functions.
They are defined as any salt marsh
or other marsh subject to regular or
occasional flooding by tides, including
wind tides and contains one or more
of the following plant species: Cord
Grass, Black Needlerush, Glasswort,
Salt Grass, Sea Lavender, Bulrush,
Saw Grass, Cat-tail, Salt Meadow Coastal wetland. (Source: Andrea Correll)
18Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
S
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SEVENTH STWOODYHEWETTAVETRAP W AYPRIVATE
EIGHTH STBASIN RDJARRETTBAY DR
TEXASAVE
CAR OLINA SANDS DR
GREEN CT
SOUTHCAROLINAAVE FOURTH STFIFTH STBAY
C T
ALABAMAAVE
TENNESSEE AVE
OCEAN BLV
NORTHCAROLINAAVE
H O U C K
A V E
SCRATCHCT
G
LE
N
N
AV
E
ELTON AVE
MACKEREL LNSEAFARER DR
STARFISHLN
SCOTCHBONNET LN
SEAOATS LN
SANDDOLLAR LN
SEAGULLLN
SAILFISHLN
OYSTERSHELL LN
SCALLOPLN
SALTMARSH LN
THIRD STSECOND STR I V E R R D
SIXTH STP E N I N S U L A D R
AUGUSTAAVE
SPARTANBURG AVE
LAKE DR
CARLWINNERAVEMERCHAN T LNHAMLET AVE
BONITO LNCAPE FEAR BLVCYPRESSISLAND DRSOUNDSIDE DR
DOW RDL O N G
P U T T C T MARINA STSI LV ER
SL OOP
WAY
LEES LN
B E N N E T L N
SPOT LNHIDDENHILLS DR
KEYS LN
SEARAY LNSWORDFISH LNSNAPPER LNHARPER AVESAINT JOSEPH STCAROLINABEACH AVEMAGNOLIAAVE
TARBOROAVEOLD DOW RDCANAL DRCLARENDONAVE
SUMTER AVE
RALEIGH AVE
BIRMINGHAM AVE
MONROE AVE
GOLDSBO RO AVE
ATLANTA AVE
STATE PARK RD
BOWFIN LNE A S T B A N K R D
BERTRAM DR
GREENVILLE AVE
S P E N C E R
F A R L O W D R
PINFISH LNFLORIDA AVE
G
E
O
R
GIA A
V
E
SEARIDGE LNVIR
GINIA A
V
ECOXELN
L
AKE PARK BL
VAN N IE
D RSHIPWATCHDR
LEWIS DR
CROAKER LNOCEANA WAYCAROLINABEACH RDNATURE PATH RD
Ryder
Lewis
Pa r k
Ch appel
Par k
Mc Don al d Park
C.B .
Lake
Par k
Pelican Watch
Golden Sands
& Tiki Bar
Carolina
Beach Elem.Carolina Surf
Carolina
Beach Marina
Waterfronte
Villas
Yacht Club Freeman Park
Ace Hardware
Food Lion
Post Office
Town
Offices
C.B. Parks
& Rec
Katie B.
Hines
Senior Ctr
The Boardwalk
Pier
Sea Witch
Fire Station
Marriott
Wastewater
Treatment
Plant
Atlantic
Towers
C a r o l i n a B e a c h C A M A L a n d U s e P l a n
C u l t u r a l R e s o u r c e s
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C a p e F e a r
R i v e r
DISCLAIMER: This map was created using the best available data, and is provided without
warranty of any representation of accuracy or completeness. The information herein does not
necessarily represent a legal survey. This data is dynamic and in a constant state of maintenance.
Freeman Park Inset
A t l a n t i c
O c e a n
Context
Town Limits
ETJ
Managed Areas
Estuarine Shoreline
Marsh
Sediment Bank
Modified
Miscellaneous
Shorelines, managed areas, and habitat.
Part 3: Existing & Emerging Conditions
19 Certified: November 18, 2020
areas include coastal waters and the
submerged tidal lands below the mean
high water line (MHWL). The water and
submerged tidal lands are held in trust
for the public to use through such activ-
ities as fishing, swimming, and boating.
The Town of Carolina Beach public trust
waters include all estuarine waters and
their tributaries, Snow's Cut, the Cape
Fear River, and the Atlantic Ocean.
The state’s policy is to ensure that
the public is able to maintain access
to these waters. All development,
structures, and land uses that interfere
with the publics right to the access and
use of these waters is inconsistent with
state policy. Structures and activities in
public trust areas must not be detri-
mental to the public trust rights and
the biological and physical functions
of the estuary. Projects which would
directly or indirectly block or impair
existing navigation channels, increase
shoreline erosion, deposit spoils below
normal high water, cause adverse
water circulation patterns, violate water
quality standards, or cause degradation
of shellfish waters are considered
incompatible with the management
policies of public trust areas.
• Coastal Shorelines. The estuarine
shoreline is the non-ocean shoreline,
extending from the normal high water
level or normal water level along the
estuarine waters, estuaries, sounds,
bays, fresh and brackish waters and
public areas (15NCAC 7H.0209).
Coastal Shorelines include all lands
within 75 feet of the normal high water
level of estuarine waters. This definition
also includes lands within 30 feet of the
normal high water level of public trust
waters located inland of the dividing
line between coastal fishing waters
and inland fishing waters. Generally,
development in this area must not
cause significant damage to any
estuarine resources, must not interfere
with public access to navigable waters
or public resources, have limited hard
(impervious) surfaces, should preserve
natural barriers to erosion, and must
take steps to prevent pollution of the
estuary by sedimentation and runoff.
»Ocean Hazard Areas: Oceanfront beaches
and dunes protect buildings and the
environment behind them by absorbing the
force of wind and waves. Carolina Beach
is situated on a barrier island between the
ocean and the mainland. Barrier islands
are often subject to significant shoreline
changes, high hazard flooding, and are
vulnerable to erosion and flooding. The
Ocean Hazard areas at Carolina Beach
includes the following:
• Ocean Erodible AEC
• Inlet Hazard AEC
• Unvegetated Beach AEC
»Public Water Supplies: Protection of fresh
(i.e. - drinking) water is vital to human
health and economy. Protection of public
water supply areas prevents damage to
fresh water supplies which are vulnerable
to sea-level rise and salt water intrusion.
The town's public wells are being actively
managed to preserve their capacity, and
current consideration is being given to
expanding public water supply through
desalination.
»Natural and Cultural Resources:
These are specific sites designated to
receive protection because they contain
environmental or cultural resources that
are important to the entire state. The
CRC formally designates these resources
through a nomination process.
20Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
S
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SEVENTH STWOODYHEWETTAVETRAP W AYPRIVATE
EIGHTH STBASIN RDJARRETTBAY DR
TEXASAVE
CAROLINA SANDS DR
GREEN CT
SOUTHCAROLINAAVE FOURTH STFIFTH STBA Y
C T
ALABAMAAVE
TENNESSEE AVEOCEANBLV
NORTHCAROLINAAVE
H O U C K
A V E
SCRATCHCT
G
LE
N
N
A
V
E
ELTONAVE
MACKEREL LNSEAFARER DR
STARFISHLN
SCOTCHBONNET LN
SEAOATS LN
SANDDOLLAR LN
SEAGULLLN
SAILFISHLN
OYSTERSHELL LN
SCALLOPLN
SALTMARSH LN
THIRD STSECOND STR I V E R R D
SIXTH STP E N I N S U L A D R
AUGUSTAAVE
SPARTANBURG AVE
LAKE DR
CARLWINNERAVEMERCHAN T LNHAMLET AVE
BONITO LNCAPE FEAR BLVCYPRESSISLAND DRSO UNDSIDE DR
DOW RDL O N G
P U T T C T MARINA STSI LVE R
SL OOP
WAY
LEES LN
B E N N E T L N
SPOT LNHIDDENHILLS DR
KEYS LN
SEARAY LNSWORDFISH LNSNAPPER LNHARPER AVESAINT JOSEPH STCAROLINABEACH AVEMAGNOLIAAVE
TARBOROAVEOLD DOW RDCANAL DRCLARENDONAVE
SUMTER AVE
RALEIGH AVE
BIRMINGHAM AVE
MONROE AVE
GOL DSBO RO AVE
ATLANTA AVE
STATE PARK RD
BOWFIN LNE A S T B A N K R D
BERTRAM DR
GREENVILLE AVE
S P E N C E R
F A R L O W D R
PINFISH LNFLORIDA AVE
G
E
O
R
GIA A
V
E
SEARIDGE LNVIR
GINIA A
V
ECOXELN
L
AKE PARK BL
VANN IE
D RSHIPWATCHDR
LEWIS DR
CROAKER LNOCEANA WAYCAROLINABEACH RDNATURE PATH RD
Ryd er
Lewis
Par k
Chap pel
Pa r k
McDonald Park
C.B.
Lake
Par k
Pelican Watch
Golden Sands
& Tiki Bar
Carolina
Beach Elem.Carolina Surf
Carolina
Beach Marina
Waterfronte
Villas
Yacht Club Freeman Park
Ace Hardware
Food Lion
Post Office
Town Offices
C.B. Parks
& Rec
Katie B.
Hines
Senior Ctr
The Boardwalk
Pier
Sea Witch
Fire Station
Marriott
Wastewater
Treatment
Plant
Atlantic
Towers
MOTSU Buffer
Zone N atural
Area
Carolina
Beach
State Park
CPF/Lower Cape Fear
River Aquatic
Habitat
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C a p e F e a r
R i v e r
DISCLAIMER: This map was created using the best available data, and is provided without
warranty of any representation of accuracy or completeness. The information herein does not
necessarily represent a legal survey. This data is dynamic and in a constant state of maintenance.
Freeman Park Inset
A t l a n t i c
O c e a n
Context
Town Limits
ETJ
Natural Heritage Element Occurrences
Natural Heritage Natural Areas
Wetlands (NC CREWS)
Biodiversity and H abitat Value
Medium
Medium-High
High
Biodiversity and natural heritage.
Part 3: Existing & Emerging Conditions
21 Certified: November 18, 2020
Environmentally Fragile
Areas
Wetlands
A number of wetlands and specifically
managed coastal wetlands rated as
"Beneficial," "Substantial," "Exceptional,"
and "Unrated" are located throughout the
planning jurisdiction including:
»Pocosin
»Depressional Swamp Forest
»Pine Flat
»Managed Pineland
»Freshwater Marsh
»Salt/Brackish Marsh
Wetlands cover a large portion of the
Planning Jurisdiction, including many
developed areas. Many wetlands have
been cut over, cleared or disturbed in other
ways by human impacts. A number of these
wetlands have potential for restoration or
increased protection.
There are four broad classifications of
Estuarine Shoreline within Carolina Beach,
where the water meets the land. Marsh
and Sediment Banks are found along
the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Fear River
and through the majority of Snow's Cut.
Modified, and Miscellaneous areas include
those where bank stabilization has occurred
particularly south of Freeman Park, on the
south bank of Snow's Cut, and various sites
within the Carolina Beach Yacht Basin.
Prime Wildlife Habitat and
Natural Resources
The planning jurisdiction of Carolina
Beach is flanked by substantial natural
resource areas. The buffer zone for the
Military Ocean Terminal at Sunny Point
(MOTSU) and Carolina Beach State Park
comprise roughly 765 acres. Although the
prime forest areas are located in state
and federally owned land falling within the
Town’s planning jurisdiction, the Town of
Carolina Beach has zoned these areas as
Conservation to preserve and protect their
character.
Areas of high biodiversity and quality
habitat for flora and fauna are generally
found at the water and land interface and in
undisturbed natural areas. A large portion of
the planning jurisdiction of Carolina Beach
contains areas of medium biodiversity or
higher, including all coastal marshes and
wetlands.
Carolina Beach State Park and the MOTSU
contain an area of Exceptional class rating
for Natural Heritage Natural Areas. This is
an area of special biodiversity significance
due to the presence of rare species,
unique natural communities, important
animal assemblages or other ecological
features. These areas are comprised of
mainly maritime forests, which are “forests
that have developed under the influence
of salt spray and that are found on barrier
islands or immediately adjacent to estuarine
waters". The State Park also has a number
of unique wetlands.
Seventy-two Natural Heritage Element
Occurrences or "elements of natural
diversity" are found within the Carolina
Beach planning jurisdiction, in many cases
contributing to the excellence rating for
the area's Natural Heritage Natural Areas,
including:
»24 Plants,
»20 Natural Communities,
22Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
»1
S
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SEVENTH STWOODYHEWETTAVETRAP W AYPRIVATE
EIGHTH STBASIN RDJARRETTBAY DR
TEXASAVE
CAR OLINA SANDS DR
GREEN CT
SOUTHCAROLINAAVE FOURTH STFIFTH STBA Y
C T
ALABAMAAVE
TENNESSEE AVE
OCEAN BLV
NORTHCAROLINAAVE
H O U C K
A V E
SCRATCHCT
G
LE
N
N
A
V
E
ELTON AVE
MACKEREL LNSEAFARER DR
STARFISHLN
SCOTCHBONNET LN
SEAOATS LN
SANDDOLLAR LN
SEAGULLLN
SAILFISHLN
OYSTERSHELL LN
SCALLOPLN
SALTMARSH LN
THIRD STSECOND STR I V E R R D
SIXTH STP E N I N S U L A D R
AUGUSTAAVE
SPARTANBURG AVE
LAKE DR
CARLWINNERAVEMERCHAN T LNHAMLET AVE
BONITO LNCAPE FEAR BLVCYPRESSISLAND DRSOUNDSIDE DR
DOW RDL O N G
P U T T C T MARINA STSILVER
SL OOP
WAY
LEES LN
B E N N E T L N
SPOT LNHIDDENHILLS DR
KEYS LN
SEARAY LNSWORDFISH LNSNAPPER LNHARPER AVESAINT JOSEPH STCAROLINABEACH AVEMAGNOLIAAVE
TARBOROAVEOLD DOW RDCANAL DRCLARENDONAVE
SUMTER AVE
RALEIGH AVE
BIRMINGHAM AVE
MONROE AVE
GOLDSBORO AVE
ATLANTA AVE
STATE PARK RD
BOWFIN LNE A S T B A N K R D
BERTRAM DR
GREENVILLE AVE
S P E N C E R
F A R L O W D R
PINFISH LNFLORIDA AVE
G
E
O
R
GIA A
V
E
SEARIDGE LNVIR
GINIA A
V
ECOXELN
L
AKE PARK BL
VAN N IE
D RSHIPWATCHDR
LEWIS DR
CROAKER LNOCEANA WAYCAROLINABEACH RDNATURE PATH RD
Ryd er
Lewis
Par k
Chappel
Park
McDo nal d P ark
C.B .
Lake
Park
Pelican Watch
Golden Sands
& Tiki Bar
Carolina
Beach Elem.Carolina Surf
Carolina
Beach Marina
Waterfronte
Villas
Yacht Club Freeman Park
Ace Hardware
Food Lion
Post Office
Town
Offices
C.B. Parks
& Rec
Katie B.
Hines
Senior Ctr
The Boardwalk
Pier
Sea Witch
Fire Station
Marriott
Wastewater
Treatment
Plant
Atlantic
Towers
C a r o l i n a B e a c h C A M A L a n d U s e P l a n
C u l t u r a l R e s o u r c e s
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Feet
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C a p e F e a r
R i v e r
DISCLAIMER: This map was created using the best available data, and is provided without
warranty of any representation of accuracy or completeness. The information herein does not
necessarily represent a legal survey. This data is dynamic and in a constant state of maintenance.
Freeman Park Inset
A t l a n t i c
O c e a n
Context
Town Limits
ETJ
Water Quality Class/Shoreline
SA;HQW
SA;ORW
SB
SC
Shellfishing Area Status
Closed
Open
Wetlands (NC CREWS)
Coastal Wetland Type
Salt/Brackish Marsh
Freshwater Marsh
NCCREWS Beneficial Wet lands
Depressional Swamp Forest
Pine Flat
Managed Pineland
Human Impacted Area
Wetlands and environmentally sensitive areas.
Part 3: Existing & Emerging Conditions
23 Certified: November 18, 2020
system in the ETJ. There are a number of
closed shellfish growing areas in the Myrtle
Grove Sound area.
Animal Assemblage, and
»17 Animals
Endangered Species
Kemp's Ridley sea turtle, Leatherback
sea turtle, Red-cockaded woodpecker,
and West Indian manatee are all listed as
vertebrate species in danger of extinction.
The American alligator, Piping plover,
Loggerhead sea turtle and Green sea turtle
are listed as threatened species meaning
they are at risk of becoming endangered
within the foreseeable future throughout all
or a significant portion of habitat range.
The following vascular plants are listed as
endangered: Cooley's meadowrue, Golden
sedge, and Rough-leaved loosestrife.
The Seabeach amaranth is a threatened
species.
A number of additional species within New
Hanover County are considered at risk
including: Carolina gopher frog, Southern
hognose snake, Magnificent rams-horn,
Rare skipper, Carolina bishopweed, Raven's
seedbox, and the Venus fly trap which is
native only to this particular area of the
United States and is found within Carolina
Beach State Park.
Primary Nursery Areas
Primary fishing nursery areas are located
north of Carolina Beach along Masonboro-
Myrtle Grove Sound Area (west side)but
these areas are not located within the
Carolina Beach planning jurisdiction.
Shellfishing Areas
Within the planning jurisdiction of Carolina
Beach, all waters are classified as closed
to shellfishing except the north end marsh
Kemp's Ridley sea turtle, an endangered species.
Seabeach Amaranth, a threatened species.
24Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
This page intentionally left blank.
Part 3: Existing & Emerging Conditions
25 Certified: November 18, 2020
Soils, Erosion, and Water
Quality
Soil type, erodible areas, and water quality
are all factors that contribute to the potential
for and limitations to certain types of land
uses and activity within Carolina Beach. The
primary soil type(s) are sand variants. Like
many barrier islands, this area is generally
poorly aggregated, well-drained, well-
aerated, and highly erodible.
Carolina Beach Inlet was opened by private
interests in 1952 and has been used for a
borrow source for the US Army Corps of
Engineers beach renourishment projects.
During the past 50 years the inner and outer
segments of the main channel have shifted
toward Masonboro Island as much as 475
feet. After opening of the inlet, adjacent
oceanfront shorelines along Carolina Beach
and Masonboro Island began to erode at
rapid rates ultimately leading to a significant
landward offset of Carolina Beach. Higher
rates of erosion occur on the northern
oceanfront side of the island. Between the
rock embankment northward along Freeman
Park to Carolina Beach Inlet calculated
erosion rates exceed 5 feet per year. Areas
south of Freeman Park to approximately
Starfish Lane experience lower calculated
rates of erosion. The chronic erosion is
related to the inlet. Oceanfront areas south
of Starfish Lane, including the Boardwalk
area, have calculated average accretion
rates of approximately 2.5 feet per year.
The existing Inlet Hazard Area is currently
delineated on both sides of Carolina
Beach Inlet. Inlets have been documented
to increase nearby erosion or accretion
rates. A state-proposed 2019 change
could expand the recommended boundary
of the Inlet Hazard Area southward to
approximately Salt Marsh Lane due
to expanded recognition of the inlet's
influence.
Carolina Beach is in the Cape Fear and
White Oak River Basin and contains three
surface water classifications. All surface
waters in North Carolina are assigned a
primary classification by the NC Division
of Water Quality (DWQ). The tidal/salt
water classifications in the Carolina Beach
planning jurisdiction are SC and SB, and
there are Outstanding Resource Waters in
the Masonboro Island system north of the
Existing Inlet Hazard Area.
Source: Coastal Resources Commission online
mapping tool, 08/01/2018.
Existing Inlet
Hazard Area
Carolina Beach Estuarine Waters
Symbol Description Location
SA; HQW
Tidal Salt Waters (Com-mercial Shellfishing; High Quality Waters)
Intracoastal areas between Carolina Beach Inlet and Snow's Cut
SB Tidal Salt Waters (Pri-mary Recreation)Oceanfront areas & Caro-lina Beach Yacht Basin
SC Tidal Salt Waters (Secondary Recreation - minimal skin contact)
Cape Fear Riverfront areas and Snow's Cut from Carolina Beach Yacht Basin to the Cape Fear River
NC Division of Water Resources (DWR)
26Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
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SEVENTH STWOODYHEWETTAVETRAP W AYPRIVATE
EIGHTH STBASIN RDJARRETTBAY DR
TEXASAVE
CAR OLINA SANDS DR
GREEN CT
SOUTHCAROLINAAVE FOURTH STFIFTH STBAY
C T
ALABAMAAVE
TENNESSEE AVE
OCEAN BLV
NORTHCAROLINAAVE
H O U C K
A V E
SCRATCHCT
G
LE
N
N
AV
E
ELTON AVE
MACKEREL LNSEAFARER DR
STARFISHLN
SCOTCHBONNET LN
SEAOATS LN
SANDDOLLAR LN
SEAGULLLN
SAILFISHLN
OYSTERSHELL LN
SCALLOPLN
SALTMARSH LN
THIRD STSECOND STR I V E R R D
SIXTH STP E N I N S U L A D R
AUGUSTAAVE
SPARTANBURG AVE
LAKE DR
CARLWINNERAVEMERCHAN T LNHAMLET AVE
BONITO LNCAPE FEAR BLVCYPRESSISLAND DRSOUNDSIDE DR
DOW RDL O N G
P U T T C T MARINA STSI LVER
SL OOP
WAY
LEES LN
B E N N E T L N
SPOT LNHIDDENHILLS DR
KEYS LN
SEARAY LNSWORDFISH LNSNAPPER LNHARPER AVESAINT JOSEPH STCAROLINABEACH AVEMAGNOLIAAVE
TARBOROAVEOLD DOW RDCANAL DRCLARENDONAVE
SUMTER AVE
RALEIGH AVE
BIRMINGHAM AVE
MONROE AVE
GOL DSBO RO AVE
ATLANTA AVE
STATE PARK RD
BOWFIN LNE A S T B A N K R D
BERTRAM DR
GREENVILLE AVE
S P E N C E R
F A R L O W D R
PINFISH LNFLORIDA AVE
G
E
O
R
GIA A
V
E
SEARIDGE LNVIR
GINIA A
V
ECOXELN
L
AKE PARK BL
VAN N IE
D RSHIPWATCHDR
LEWIS DR
CROAKER LNOCEANA WAYCAROLINABEACH RDNATURE PATH RD
Ryder
Lewis
Park
Chappel
Pa r k
Mc Donald P ark
C.B .
Lake
Par k
Pelican Watch
Golden Sands
& Tiki Bar
Carolina
Beach Elem.Carolina Surf
Carolina
Beach Marina
Waterfronte
Villas
Yacht Club Freeman Park
Ace Hardware
Food Lion
Post Office
Town
Offices
C.B. Parks
& Rec
Katie B.
Hines
Senior Ctr
The Boardwalk
Pier
Sea Witch
Fire Station
Marriott
Wastewater
Treatment
Plant
Atlantic
Towers
C a r o l i n a B e a c h C A M A L a n d U s e P l a n
C u l t u r a l R e s o u r c e s
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Feet
Date: 5/20/2019 Document Path: M:\Projects\2018\C18126 - Carolina Beach CAMA Plan\GIS\Mapping\Final Document Maps\Erosion_11x17_20190520.mxd
C a p e F e a r
R i v e r
DISCLAIMER: This map was created using the best available data, and is provided without
warranty of any representation of accuracy or completeness. The information herein does not
necessarily represent a legal survey. This data is dynamic and in a constant state of maintenance.
-6.9
-6.7
-6.6
-5.9
-5.8
-5.4
-5.2
-4.8
-4.5
-6.6
Inlet Hazard Area (IHA-AEC)
Inlet Hazard Area (IHA-AEC)
Freeman Park Inset
A t l a n t i c
O c e a n
Context
Town Limits
ETJ
Ero sion Rat e (2013) ft./yr.
5' to 7' per yr (erosion)
0' to 5' per yr (erosion)
0' to 2.5' per yr (gain)
Ocean E rodable Area
60' or 120' setback
Inlet Hazard Area
Erosion vulnerability.
Part 3: Existing & Emerging Conditions
27 Certified: November 18, 2020
inlet.
Wastewater and sewer service is available
to all of Carolina Beach; there is no need for
septic systems. For more information about
soils, see the Appendix.
Hazards, Storm Surge, and
Flooding
Portions of Carolina Beach are at risk
from flooding from major storm events
and hurricanes. Over half of the assessed
property tax value of Carolina Beach occurs
on land within the footprint of the 100-year
floodplain. The majority of Carolina Beach is
affected by storm surge from a Category 3
Hurricane as indicated by the Sea Lake and
Overland Surge from Hurricanes (SLOSH)
Model. For a Category 5 hurricane, the
modeling indicates that the only area not
inundated by storm surge would be a strip
of inland parcels along Dow Rd between the
Post Office and the Fire Station.
Other areas of stormwater flooding concern
include Canal Drive and Florida Street.
Concerns about frequent flooding during
storm events on Town roads have prompted
further investigation and planning.
Vulnerability
A large portion of the inhabited parts of
Carolina Beach (i.e. - not state- or federally-
owned lands, or Freeman Park) are in
regulatory floodplains. Nearly 51% of the
assessed value (i.e. property tax) of the
town is within the footprint of the 100-year
floodplain. This means that a greater than
100-year storm event could potentially
damage every structure in that floodplain.
The adverse impact to the property values
in the town, and subsequently the town's
ability to raise funds used to provide
services, could be substantial. The age of
structures can also be a factor in determining
vulnerability to storms and weather.
Sea levels are rising faster in North Carolina
than other places on the east coast, and
are currently projected to rise by a minimum
of 1 foot by 2060 and a minimum 1.74 feet
by 2100. Although 2060 is outside the time
horizon of this land use plan, these time
frames are within the lifespan of any building
that is certified for occupancy today, and
consideration of potential impacts is prudent.
Currently, the town requires flood-proofing
of vulnerable building floors and/or elevation
of structures, in accordance with the flood
hazard prevention standards of the state.
The town also participates in the Community
Rating System, which results in greater
protection and lower flood insurance rates
town-wide. Hazard mitigation strategies are
also identified in the most current hazard
mitigation planning document (currently the
Southeastern NC Regional Hazard Mitigation
Plan (2016)).
The town's Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Source: NC Division of Emergency Management
(at https://em911.nhcgov.com)
28Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
S
LI
C
E
C
T
SEVENTH STWOODYHEWETTAVETRAP W AYPRIVATE
EIGHTH STBASIN RDJARRETTBAY DR
TEXASAVE
CAROLINA SANDS DR
GREEN CT
SOUTHCAROLINAAVE FOURTH STFIFTH STBAY
C T
ALABAMAAVE
TENNESSEE AVE
OCEAN BLV
NORTHCAROLINAAVE
H O U C K
A V E
SCRATCHCT
G
LE
N
N
A
V
E
ELTON AVE
MACKEREL LNSEAFARER DR
STARFISHLN
SCOTCHBONNET LN
SEAOATS LN
SANDDOLLAR LN
SEAGULLLN
SAILFISHLN
OYSTERSHELL LN
SCALLOPLN
SALTMARSH LN
THIRD STSECOND STR I V E R R D
SIXTH STP E N I N S U L A D R
AUGUSTAAVE
SPARTANBURG AVE
LAKE DR
CARLWINNERAVEMERCHAN T LNHAMLET AVE
BONITO LNCAPE FEAR BLVCYPRESSISLAND DRSOUNDSIDE DR
DOW RDL O N G
P U T T C T MARINA STSILV ER
SL OOP
WAY
LEES LN
B E N N E T L N
SPOT LNHIDDENHILLS DR
KEYS LN
SEARAY LNSWORDFISH LNSNAPPER LNHARPER AVESAINT JOSEPH STCAROLINABEACH AVEMAGNOLIAAVE
TARBOROAVEOLD DOW RDCANAL DRCLARENDONAVE
SUMTER AVE
RALEIGH AVE
BIRMINGHAM AVE
MONROE AVE
GOLDSBO RO AVE
ATLANTA AVE
STATE PARK RD
BOWFIN LNE A S T B A N K R D
BERTRAM DR
GREENVILLE AVE
S P E N C E R
F A R L O W D R
PINFISH LNFLORIDA AVE
G
E
O
R
GIA A
V
E
SEARIDGE LNVIR
GINIA A
V
ECOXELN
L
AKE PARK BL
VAN N I E
D RSHIPWATCHDR
LEWIS DR
CROAKER LNOCEANA WAYCAROLINABEACH RDNATURE PATH RD
Ryder
Lewis
Par k
Cha ppel
Par k
Mc Donal d Park
C.B.
Lake
Par k
Pelican Watch
Golden Sands
& Tiki Bar
Carolina
Beach Elem.Carolina Surf
Carolina
Beach Marina
Waterfronte
Villas
Yacht Club Freeman Park
Ace Hardware
Food Lion
Post Office
Town
Offices
C.B. Parks
& Rec
Katie B.
Hines
Senior Ctr
The Boardwalk
Pier
Sea Witch
Fire Station
Marriott
Wastewater
Treatment
Plant
Atlantic
Towers
C a r o l i n a B e a c h C A M A L a n d U s e P l a n
C u l t u r a l R e s o u r c e s
[0 750 1,500375
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Date: 5/20/2019 Document Path: M:\Projects\2018\C18126 - Carolina Beach CAMA Plan\GIS\Mapping\Final Document Maps\StructuresAndFlooding_11x17_20190520.mxd
C a p e F e a r
R i v e r
DISCLAIMER: This map was created using the best available data, and is provided without
warranty of any representation of accuracy or completeness. The information herein does not
necessarily represent a legal survey. This data is dynamic and in a constant state of maintenance.
Freeman Park Inset
A t l a n t i c
O c e a n
Context
Town Limits
ETJ
Community flooding concerns
Flood zones (annual probability)
VE (1% chance and waves)
AE (1% chance)
XO (0.2% chance)
all others are < 0.2% chance
Structure age
Year structure built
2005 to present
1995 - 2004
1975 - 1994
1950 - 1974
1949 or earlier
No structure (or no data)
Flood zones explained:
VE = coastal and 1% annual chance of flooding; within the 100-year floodplain;
also have additional wave hazard.
AE = 1% annual chance of flooding; within the 100-year floodplain.
XO = area of moderate flood hazard; within the 500-ye ar floodplain.
X = area of min imal flood hazard; generally outside of the 500-year floodplain.
* Are as within the Special Flood Hazard Are a (aka the 100-year floodplain) have
about a 26% chance of flooding during the lifespan of a typical 30-year mortgage.
Flood zones, community flooding concerns, and primary structure age.
Part 3: Existing & Emerging Conditions
29 Certified: November 18, 2020
The North End community along Canal
Drive has been experiencing high (king)
tide flooding along portions of Canal
Drive. A committee has been identified
to recommend mitigation actions or
improvements.
Currently the town coordinates with the
state and federal governments for beach
nourishment to replenish sand washed
away through typical coastal processes
as well as the occasional, more intense
storms and hurricanes. Nourishment
occurs approximately every three years
and requires millions of dollars. The town
intends to continue the beach nourishment
program as needed.
Reducing erosion through armoring with
hard structures (sea walls or rocks) helps
preserve assets in the near term, but also
may further enhance localized erosion
of the beach and natural features that
residents and visitors value, possibly even
reducing public access opportunities. This is
particularly of concern closer to the inlet and
Freeman Park, where erosion is higher. The
town will continue funding and implementing
storm damage prevention projects, which
remains a community priority.
Intermediate Scenario: Seas are 1.87
feet higher by 2060 (1' rise shown)
High Scenario: Seas are 3.67 feet
higher by 2060 (4' rise shown)
Source: NOAA Sea Level Rise Viewer (https://coast.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/tools/slr)
Sea - Level Rise
Projections
Unless mitigating
actions are taken,
NOAA projects
that sea level rise
will cause chronic
inundation of some
properties, with
major impacts
possibly occurring
as early as 2060.
Though 2060
is beyond the
horizon of this
plan, it is relevant
to long-range
decision-making.
30Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
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Ryder
Lewis
Park
Chappel
Park
McDonald Park
C.B. Lake Park
C.B.
Lake
Park
S
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SEVENTH STS
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I
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S
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WOODYHEWETT AVEFERN CREEK LNBEECH CTTR A P W A Y
PRIVATE
EIGHTH STBASIN RDJARRETTBAY DR
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TEXAS AVECAROLINASANDS DRDELAWARE AVEM A R Y L A N D
A V E
FOURTH STFIFTH STCOL
ONI
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LCIR
BAY CT
SOUTHCAROLINAAVE
TENNESSEE AVE
OCEAN BLV
NORTH CAROLINA AVE
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N
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MACKEREL LNTHIRD STSEAFARER DR
DONZICT
STARFISHLN
PELICAN LN
SCOTCHBONNET LN
SEAHORSELN
DOLPHIN LN
SEAOATS LN
SANDDOLLAR LN
SEAGULL LN
SANDPIPERLN
SAILFISH LN
PERIWINKLELN
SCALLOP LN
SALTMARSH LN
CLAMSHELL LN
SECOND STR I V E R R D
SIXTH STBLANCHEAVEP E N I N S U L A D R
SPARTANBURG AVE
LIGHTHOUSE DR
LAKEDR
PALMBREEZE DR MERCHANT LNWATERVIEWCT
OCEANWARDLNHAMLET AVE
FAYETTEVILLE AVE
BONITO LNCAPE FEAR BLVCYPRESS ISLAND DRSOUNDSIDE DR
DOW RDKINNEYDR
LO NG
PUTT C T
MASONBOROSTATEPARK RD
R IV E R C T
W IN N E R A V E
S P E N C E R
FA R LO W D R
OTTER RDMARINASTLEES LN
SILVER
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SUMMERSALT LN
B E N N E T
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WHITECAPS LNSWORDFISH LNWHELK LNSNAPPER LNISLAND
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TARBORO AVEOLD DOW RDWILSON AVE
ROCKYMOUNT AVE CANAL DRPLYMOUTHAVE
CHARLOTTE AVE
CLARENDON AVE
SUMTER AVE
AUGUSTA AVE
RALEIGH AVE
COLUMBIA AVE
BIRMINGHAM AVE
MONROE AVE
LUMBERTON AVE
GOLDSBORO AVE
SALTWATER LNATLANTA AVE
STATE PARK RD DRILLSHELL LNBOWFIN LNE A S TB A N K R D
GREENVILLE AVE
BERTRAM DR
TIDEWATER LNPINFISH LNNIFFER LNFLORENCE
AVEFISHER LNFLORI
DA AVEGEORGIA AVERIPTIDE LNKENNETHAVECOASTWALK LNSEARIDGE LNVI
RGI
NIA AVECOXE LNMYRTLE AVEL
AKE PARK BL
VANNIE DRSHIPWATCH DRLEWIS DR
CROAKER LNCHIPSHOT W AYTEAKWOODDR OCEANA WAYCAROLINA BEACH RDN A T U R E P A T H R D BRIDGE BARRIER RDCAMPGROUND RDPelican Watch
Golden Sands
& Tiki Bar
Carolina
Beach Elem.
Squigley's
Ice Cream
Carolina
Surf
Carolina
Beach Marina
Waterfronte
Villas
Yacht Club Freeman Park
Ace Hardware Federal Point
Shopping Ctr
Food Lion
Post Office
Town Offices
Carolina
Beach Parks
& Rec
Katie B. Hines
Senior Center The Boardwalk
Britts Donuts
Pier
Snow's Cut
Sea Witch
Fire Station
MarriottWastewater
Treatment
Plant
Atlantic
Towers
A t l a n t i c
O c e a nCapeFearRiver
C a r o l i n a B e a c h C A M A L a n d U s e P l a n
S t o r m S u r g e V u l n e r a b i l i t y
Date: 1/29/2019
Context
!(Points of Interest
Town Limits
ETJ
Modeled stor m surge inundation
Cat.1 storm surge
Cat.2 storm surge
Cat.3 storm surge
Cat.4 storm surge
Cat.5 storm surge
Document Path: M:\Projects\2018\C18126 - Carolina Beach CAMA Plan\GIS\Mapping\StormSurge_32x40_20190129.mxdCape FearRiverDISCLAIMER: This map was created using the best available data, and is provided without
warranty of any representation of accuracy or completeness. The information herein does not
necessarily represent a legal survey. This data is dynamic and in a constant state of maintenance.
A t l a n t i c
O c e a n
[0 500 1,000250
Feet
F r e e m a n Pa r k I n s e t
The National Weather Service developed the SLOSH
model (Sea, Lake, and Overrland Surges from Hurricanes)
in order to estimate a potential worst-case scenario for
coastal storm surge related to hurricanes.
Modeled storm surge inundation (Source: National Weather Service SLOSH model).
Part 3: Existing & Emerging Conditions
31 Certified: November 18, 2020
Wastewater Treatment
The town's wastewater treatment plant is
in the buffer area, and plans are in place
for expansion of the WWTP in the MOTSU
buffer area.
Parks and Open Space
Parks
The residents of Carolina Beach treasure
their parks system, and outdoor recreation
is abundant. A new park is underway (Ryder
Lewis), which will have trails and historic
interpretive resources.
New Hanover County Open Space, in
coordination with local governments,
manages areas along Snow's Cut, a
portion of Freeman Park, and areas in the
southwest area of Carolina Beach off Dow
Rd for multiple uses, including recreation.
Freeman Park, located at the northern end
of Carolina Beach, is a popular destination.
Community Facilities
The town provides drinking water,
wastewater, and stormwater management.
Public & Private Water
Supply & Wastewater Systems
Wellhead Protection Areas and
Drinking Water
There are no water supply watersheds
located within the Carolina Beach
jurisdiction. Carolina Beach maintains 13
public wells that supply drinking water for
the Town from the Castle Hayne and Pee
Dee aquifers. The town is also investigating
the possibility of expanding and protecting
public drinking water sources by adding
public wells in the MOTSU buffer area, or
the addition of a reverse osmosis water
treatment facility.
Stormwater Systems
Stormwater is managed through standard
drains that empty to the sound
and Henniker's ditch. Pumps
have recently been installed
to the newly-dredged Carolina
Beach Lake Park that serve to
regulate flooding from storms.
The town is undertaking
measures to regulate sunny
day flooding on Canal Drive,
which is a very low road subject
to regular king tide flooding. A
committee has studied the issue
and is recommending elevated
bulkheads (sea walls) and one-
way drain pipes and pumps.
Canal Drive is partially built on
fill created during the dredging of
the sound. Mike Chappell Park playground.
32Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
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EIGHTH STBASIN RDJARRETTBAY DR
TEXASAVE
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GREEN CT
FIFTH STBA Y
C T
TENNESSEE AVE
OCEAN BLV
NORTHCAROLINAAVE
H O U C K
A V E
SCRATCHCT
G
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N
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MACKEREL LNTHIRD STSEAFARER DR
STARFISHLN
SCOTCHBONNET LN
SEAOATS LN
SANDDOLLAR LN
SEAGULLLN
SAILFISHLN
OYSTERSHELL LN
SCALLOPLN
SALTMARSH LN
SECOND STR I V E R R D
SIXTH STP E N I N S U L A D R
AUGUSTAAVE
SPARTANBURG AVE
CARLWINNERAVEMERCHANT LNBONITO LNCYPRESSISLAND DRSOUNDSIDE DR
DOW RDL O N G
P U T T C T MARINA STSILVER
SL OOP
WAY
B E N N E T L N
SPOT LNHIDDENHILLS DR
KEYS LN
SEARAY LNSWORDFISH LNSNAPPER LNHARPER AVESAINT JOSEPH STCAROLINABEACH AVEMAGNOLIAAVE
TARBOROAVEOLD DOW RDCANAL DRCHARLOTTE AVECLARENDONAVE
SUMTER AVE
RALEIGH AVE
COLUMBIAAVE
BIRMINGHAM AVE
MONROE AVE
STATE PARK RD
BOWFIN LNE A S T B A N K R D
BERTRAM DR
GREENVILLE AVE
S P E N C E R
F A R L O W D R
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Ch appel
Par k
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Par k
Pelican Watch
Golden Sands
& Tiki Bar
Carolina
Beach Elem.
Carolina Surf
Carolina
Beach Marina
Waterfronte
Villas
Yacht Club
Freeman Park
Ace Hardware
Food Lion
Post
Office
Town
Offices
C.B. Parks
& Rec
Katie B. Hines
Senior Ctr The Boardwalk
Pier
Sea Witch
Fire Station
Marriott
Wastewater
Treatment
Plant
Atlantic
Towers
WELL # 03
WELL # 11
WELL # 02
WELL # 08
WELL # 01
WELL # 04
WELL # 06
WELL # 07
WELL # 09
WELL # 10
WELL # 12
WELL # 13
WELL # 14
WELL # 05
Effluent
discharge
C a r o l i n a B e a c h C A M A L a n d U s e P l a n
C u l t u r a l R e s o u r c e s
[0 750 1,500375
Feet
Date: 5/20/2019 Document Path: M:\Projects\2018\C18126 - Carolina Beach CAMA Plan\GIS\Mapping\Final Document Maps\PublicUtilities_11x17_20190520.mxd
C a p e F e a r
R i v e r
DISCLAIMER: This map was created using the best available data, and is provided without
warranty of any representation of accuracy or completeness. The information herein does not
necessarily represent a legal survey. This data is dynamic and in a constant state of maintenance.
Freeman Park Inset
A t l a n t i c
O c e a n
Context
Town Limits
ETJ
Effluent Discharge (WWTP)
[ÚPump Station
Wellhouse
Stormwater lines
Flood zones (annual probability)
VE (1% chance and waves)
AE (1% chance)
XO (0.2% chance)
all others are < 0.2% chance
Flood zones explai ned:
VE = coastal and 1% annual chance of flooding; within the 100-year floodplain;
also have additional wave h azard.
AE = 1% annual chance of flooding; within the 100-year floodplain.
XO = area of moderate flood hazard; within the 500-year floodplain.
X = area of minimal flood hazard; generally outside o f the 500-year floodplain.
* Areas within the Special Flood Hazard Area (aka the 100-year floodplain) have
a bout a 26% chan ce of flooding during the lifespan of a typical 30-year mortgage.
Public utilities and flooding vulnerability.
Part 3: Existing & Emerging Conditions
33 Certified: November 18, 2020
Enforcement of proper use of the property
has been a recent priority for the Town. The
site is privately owned, and identified as high
quality conservation and wildlife habitat,
including shellfish. Active public management
of this land as a conservation and recreation
resource is a priority.
Beaches and waterways
The town provides many public access points
to the ocean and waterways, including the
sound. The State Park provides good access
to the Cape Fear River. These are well-
utilized and prized assets in the community.
Greenways and Trails
The town's recent construction of the Island
Greenway has been well received, and all
intentions point toward continuing to expand
greenway and trail infrastructure. A general
desire exists to have Kure Beach extend
the greenway to Fort Fisher, the aquarium,
and the ferry. Extension of pedestrian
infrastructure across the bridge over Snow's
Cut is also big desire, and will likely involve
coordination with NCDOT.
The recently constructed Island Greenway is a hit with residents and visitors.
34Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
Other areas
Military Ocean Terminal Sunny
Point (MOTSU)
The largest military terminal in the world is
located just outside of the ETJ. Because it
is the Army's primary east coast deep-water
port and one of a handful of Department
of Defense terminals equipped to handle
containerized ammunition, it serves as
a transfer point between rail, trucks, and
ships for the import and export of weapons,
ammunition, explosives, and military
equipment for United States Army.
There are 689 acres of land in the ETJ that
are regulated by the existing MOTSU Buffer/
Blast Zone. The MOTSU Joint Land Use
Study (JLUS) is currently being conducted
to protect the continued operation of its
military facilities while also accommodating
the growth in population and tourism in the
area. Outcomes could include allowing new
uses in the buffer area on the island such as
public utilities expansion and recreation.
Remainder of this page
intentionally left blank.
Part 3: Existing & Emerging Conditions
35 Certified: November 18, 2020
Existing Land Use
Note: Freeman Park
is identified as "parks
and open space."
36Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
Existing Land Use & Development
Overall, Carolina Beach is
primarily composed of residential
neighborhoods organized
around the commercial corridor
of Lake Park Blvd, and open
spaces such as the state park,
sound, and beach. The central
business district contains a mix
of all land use categories with
several of the town's iconic
restaurants, hotels, and the new
boardwalk. The majority of land
area for Commercial and Office &
Institutional uses is clustered on
North Lake Park Blvd. Multi-family
Residential and Hotels are primarily
located along the oceanfront or
within the first two blocks from the
ocean.
Existing Land Use
Patterns
Nearly half of all land within
Carolina Beach's jurisdiction
functions as Parks & Open Space
(48.3%), primarily due to the
state and federal lands. Single
Family Residential and Duplexes
constitute 26.5% of the total land
area. Of the remaining area, nearly
half is vacant or undeveloped while
the other half is split between Multi-
family Residential and Hotel; Commercial;
Office & Institutional; and Marinas.
Existing Land Value
Single Family Residential and Duplexes
account for nearly 70% of the Town's
assessed value (which is a proxy for tax
base). Considering the low ratio of year
around residents to housing stock, this
information further highlights the impact
rental and vacation housing has on the
community's character and economy.
Single Family
Residential &
Duplex, 26.5%
Multi-family
Residential &
Hotel, 5.3%
Commercial,
3.3%
Marina, 1.8%
Office &
Institutional,
2.0%
Parks & Open
Space, 48.3%
Parking &
Utilities, 0.7%
Vacant &
Undeveloped,
11.7%
Water, 0.3%
Existing Land Use (Acreage)
Single Family
Residential &
Duplex, 69.0%
Multi-family
Residential &
Hotel, 11.4%
Commercial,
5.0%
Marina, 1.1%
Office &
Institutional,
3.2%
Parks & Open
Space, 1.4%
Parking &
Utilities, 0.8%
Vacant &
Undeveloped,
8.2%
Water, 0.0001%
Existing Land Use (Value)
Part 3: Existing & Emerging Conditions
37 Certified: November 18, 2020
Historic, Cultural, & Scenic
Areas
The Town and community have roots
back to the 19th century. A number of
archaeological and historic sites are
found within Carolina Beach due to its
rich history. Many buildings date back to
pre-World War II. Notable historic sites
include the Boardwalk and 17 historic
points of interest. These include various
buildings that have been plaqued through
the Federal Point Historic Preservation
Society, North Pier and Center Pier. The
Joy Lee Apartment Building and Annex is
included in the National Register of Historic
Places. Sugarloaf Civil War Earthworks is
being developed as a historic site within
Carolina Beach State Park. There are no
historic districts located within the town's
jurisdiction.
Transportation Systems
Carolina Beach has made a commitment
to creating a more balanced and multi-
modal transportation system for it's citizens
and visitors. Dow Road and Lake Park
Boulevard serve as primary transportation
facilities, and the town continues to make
progress in the planning, design and
construction of numerous projects to
increase the safety and visibility of these
modes while accommodating motorized
traffic on Town maintained roads and
negotiating improvements on NCDOT
roadways to the extent possible.
Recent improvements
»Implemented two right-turn lanes on
Carl Winner Avenue outbound to US 421
northbound with expanded storage bays.
»Completed 1.2 mile Island Greenway from
Mike Chappell Park to Alabama Ave.
»Completed a multi-use-path along Cape
Fear Blvd from 3rd St to Dow Rd.
»Completed over a mile of new sidewalks
in the central residential areas as part of
Carolina Beach State Park entrance.
Inside Carolina Beach State Park.
38Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
S
LIC
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SEVENTH STT R A P W A Y
PRIVATE
EIGHTH STBASIN RDJARRETTBAY DR
CAR OLINA SANDS DR
SOUTHCAROLINAAVE FOURTH STFIFTH STBAY
CT
ALABAMAAVE
TENNESSEE AVE
OCEAN BLV
NORTHCAROLINAAVE
SCRATCHCT
G
LE
N
N
A
V
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ELTON AVE
MACKEREL LNOAKOUTLOOKWAYSEAFARER DR
DONZI CT
STARFISHLN
SCOTCHBONNET LN
SANDDOLLAR LN
SEAGULLLN
SAILFISHLN
OYSTERSHELL LN
SALTMARSH LN
CLAMSHELL LN
THIRD STSECOND STR I V E R R D
SIXTH STP E N I N S U L A D R
AUGUSTAAVE
SPARTANBURG AVE MERCHANT LNHAMLET AVEFAYETTEVILLE AVE
BONITO LNCAPE FEAR BLVCYPRESSISLAND DRSOUNDSIDE DR
DOW RDL O N G
P U T T C T MARINA STSI LVE R
SL OOP
WAY
LEES LN
B E N N E T L N
SPOT LNKEYS LN
SEARAY LNSWORDFISH LNSNAPPER LNHARPER AVESAINT JOSEPH STCAROLINABEACH AVEMAGNOLIAAVE
TARBOROAVEOLD DOW RDCANAL DRCHARLOTTE AVE
CLARENDON AVE
SUMTER AVE
RALEIGH AVE
COLUMBIAAVE
BIRMINGHAM AVE
ATLANTA AVE
STATE PARK RD
BOWFIN LNE A S T B A N K R D
GREENVILLE AVE
S P E N C E R
F A R L O W D R
PINFISH LNFLORIDA AVEG
E
O
R
GIA A
V
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SEARIDGE LNVIR
GINIA A
V
ECOXELN
L
AKE PARK BL
VAN N I E
D RSHIPWATCHDR
LEWIS DR
CROAKER LNO
L
D
E
M
A
R
I
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E
R
SWA
Y OCEANA WAYCAROLINABEACH RDNATURE PATH RD BRIDGE BARRIER RDRyder
Lewis
Pa r k
Chappel
Park C.B.
Lake
Par k
LORAN-C Station
Historic District
Joy Lee Apartment
Building and Annex
Freeman House
Benway's
Variety StoreWanda Inn
Wrenn HouseEfird-Morris
House
Center Pier
North Pier
Nielsen House
Carolina Beach Gulf
Service Station
Beach Tree
Apartments
Copley House
Bobby's
Bait Shop
Carolina Beach
Drug Store
C a r o l i n a B e a c h C A M A L a n d U s e P l a n
C u l t u r a l R e s o u r c e s
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C a p e F e a r
R i v e r
DISCLAIMER: This map was created using the best available data, and is provided without
warranty of any representation of accuracy or completeness. The information herein does not
necessarily represent a legal survey. This data is dynamic and in a constant state of maintenance.
Freeman Park Inset
A t l a n t i c
O c e a n
Context
Town Limits
ETJ
Historic Resources
Historic Points of Interest
National Register Sites
Cultural and Historic Resources.
Part 3: Existing & Emerging Conditions
39 Certified: November 18, 2020
S
LI
C
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C
T
SEVENTH STWOODYHEWETTAVETRAP W AYPRIVATE
EIGHTH STBASIN RDJARRETTBAY DR
TEXASAVE
CAROLINA SANDS DR
GREEN CT
SOUTHCAROLINAAVE FOURTH STFIFTH STBA Y
C T
ALABAMAAVE
TENNESSEE AVE
OCEAN BLV
NORTHCAROLINAAVE
H O U C K
A V E
SCRATCHCT
G
LE
N
N
AV
E
ELTON AVE
MACKEREL LNSEAFARER DR
STARFISHLN
SCOTCHBONNET LN
SEAOATS LN
SANDDOLLAR LN
SEAGULLLN
SAILFISHLN
OYSTERSHELL LN
SCALLOPLN
SALTMARSH LN
THIRD STSECOND STR I V E R R D
SIXTH STP E N I N S U L A D R
AUGUSTAAVE
SPARTANBURG AVE
LAKE DR
CARLWINNERAVEMERCHAN T LNHAMLET AVE
BONITO LNCAPE FEAR BLVCYPRESSISLAND DRSO UNDSIDE DR
DOW RDL O N G
P U T T C T MARINA STSI LV E R
SL OOP
WAY
LE ES LN
B E N N E T L N
SPOT LNHIDDENHILLS DR
KEYS LN
SEARAY LNSWORDFISH LNSNAPPER LNHARPER AVESAINT JOSEPH STCAROLINABEACH AVEMAGNOLIAAVE
TARBOROAVEOLD DOW RDCANAL DRCLARENDONAVE
SUMTER AVE
RALEIGH AVE
BIRMINGHAM AVE
MONROE AVE
GOL DSBO RO AVE
ATLANTA AVE
STATE PARK RD
BOWFIN LNE A S T B A N K R D
BERTRAM DR
GREENVILLE AVE
S P E N C E R
F A R L O W D R
PINFISH LNFLORIDA AVE
G
E
O
R
GIA A
V
E
SEARIDGE LNVIR
GINIA A
V
ECOXELN
L
AKE PARK BL
VAN N IE
DRSHIPWATCHDR
LEWIS DR
CROAKER LNOCEANA WAYCAROLINABEACH RDNATURE PATH RD
Ryder
Lewis
Pa r k
Ch app el
Park
McDonal d P ark
C.B.
Lake
Park
Pelican Watch
Golden Sands
& Tiki Bar
Carolina
Beach Elem.Carolina Surf
Carolina
Beach Marina
Waterfronte
Villas
Yacht Club Freeman Park
Ace Hardware
Food Lion
Post Office
Town
Offices
C.B. Parks
& Rec
Katie B.
Hines
Senior Ctr
The Boardwalk
Pier
Sea Witch
Fire Station
Marriott
Wastewater
Treatment
Plant
Atlantic
Towers
C a r o l i n a B e a c h C A M A L a n d U s e P l a n
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C a p e F e a r
R i v e r
DISCLAIMER: This map was created using the best available data, and is provided without
warranty of any representation of accuracy or completeness. The information herein does not
necessarily represent a legal survey. This data is dynamic and in a constant state of maintenance.
Freeman Park Inse t
A t l a n t i c
O c e a n
Context
Town Limits
ETJ
Parcels
Roadway Improvements
Widening
Streetscape / Bike-Ped
Greenways
Existing
Under Construction
Planned
Sidewalks
Proposed Connections
Trails
Transportation Systems.
40Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
the Phased Infrastructure Improvement
Project.
»Carolina Beach Avenue North and Canal
Drive have both been established as two
way traffic streets to promote improved
traffic flow.
»Pedestrian activated rapid flashing
beacons have been installed at the
following high visibility crosswalks: Hamlet
Avenue/Lake Park, Atlanta/Lake Park,
Carolina Sands/Lake Park, Tennessee/
Lake Park, Ocean/Lake Park, Alabama/
Lake Park, Dow Road/Harper, Sumter
Avenue/Island Greenway, Spartanburg
Avenue/Island Greenway
»All sidewalks have been replaced in
the area of the Phase 1A and Phase B
Infrastructure projects.
Planned Improvements
A number of multi-modal facility
improvements are underway in Carolina
Beach. A number of these projects are
recommended within the existing bicycle
and pedestrian plans (see Appendix) along
with additional improvements:
»N. Lake Park Boulevard Corridor:
the Town is considering 5-lane and
one-way couplet options to increase
connectivity and mobility for all travel
modes while improving congestion
»Harper Ave Streetscape Project:
Sidewalk, multi-use path, median, two-
stage mid-block crossing improvements,
and angle parking between Dow Rd and
US 421/South Lake Park Road. The project
is in design phase and construction is
anticipated in late 2019/early 2020.
»Pedestrian Crossing Improvements:
Pedestrian activated flashing beacons
have been installed at Hamlet Avenue
and North Lake Park Boulevard.
Staff is also actively coordinating with
NCDOT to implement improvements
that will increase safety and mobility for
pedestrians, bicyclists and golf cart drivers
on major thoroughfares within the Town on
NCDOT maintained roadways:
»Lake Park Boulevard and Winner
Avenue: Crosswalk and Sidewalk
Improvements
»Lake Park Blvd & Hamlet Ave: Crossing
and Safety Improvements
»Lake Park Blvd and Atlanta Ave:
Crossing and Safety Improvements
»South Lake Park Boulevard: Multi-use
Path
»Dow Rd and Harper Ave: Crossing and
Safety Improvements
»Lake Park Blvd and Cape Fear Blvd:
Traffic Calming, Crossing and Safety
Improvements
Newly installed Rectangular Rapid Flashing
Beacons (RRFBs) were installed to improve
pedestrian and bicycle safety and driver yielding
compliance on Island Greenway crossings.
(Photo credit: VisitNC)
41 Certified: November 18, 2020
PARTPART
Future Land Use
44
42Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
Although the Land Suitability Analysis that
was performed (see appendix) did help
guide the creation of the Future Land Use
Map (FLUM), it was not the only guiding
force. Community input and preferences,
previous infrastructure investments and
commitments, environmental constraints,
and other factors influence the designation
of the Future Land Use character areas that
will shape the town's future. Environmental
factors and projected future conditions
also contributed to the arrangement of the
proposed character areas.
The FLUM represents the community's
vision for the future and will be one of
the factors that guides future rezoning
or permit issuance decisions by local
decision makers. A FLUM is also valuable
for communicating public investment
priorities to the private sector development
community. Higher intensity character
areas in the FLUM can be expected to have
sufficient public infrastructure and service
investments to support the activity levels
shown, while other areas may experience
less growth or infrastructure support.
The FLUM does not rezone properties,
prevent rebuilding, take property, or create
a nonconformity. It is the explicit desire of
the community that the FLUM not prevent
the possibility of constructing a single family
home or rebuilding a structure, and the
FLUM should not be construed to do such.
As the FLUM guides the community's slow
transition toward its desired future, it is not
intended to unduly burden property owners
that seek to develop within the regulations
of their current zoning district. The FLUM
shows the desired, general arrangement
of land uses at a point 15-30 years into
the future, although a full realization of
that vision may not even occur by that
point. As town leaders and staff weigh
each incremental land use decision, the
specifics of the proposals will factor heavily.
Its possible that a request is denied, even
if it is consistent with the FLUM, simply
because the timing is too soon.
Future Land Use Map and Character Areas
43 Certified: November 18, 2020
S
LIC
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SEVENTH STWOODYHEWETTAVECABOCTTRAP W AYPRIVATE
EIGHTH STBASIN RDJARRETTBAY DRACCESSRDTEAKWOOD DR
TEXASAVE
CAROLINASANDS DR
GREEN CT
FOURTHSTFIFTH STBAY
CT
ALABAMA AVE
SOUTHCAROLINA AVE
TENNESSEE AVE
OCEAN BLV
NORTH CAROLINAAVE
H O U C K
A V E
SCRATCHCT
GLE
N
N
AVE
ELTON AVE
MACKERELLNTHIRD STSTARFISHLN
PELICANLN
SCOTCHBONNET LNSEAHORSELN
SANDDOLLAR LN
SEAGULLLN
SAILFISHLN
OYSTERSHELL LN
SCALLOPLN
SALTMARSH LN
CLAMSHELL LN
SECOND STR I V E R R D
SIXTH STP E N I N S U L A
D R
SPARTANBURG AVE LAKEDR MERCHANT LNHAMLET AVEFAYETTEVILLE AVE
BONITOLNCAPE FEAR BLVCYPRESSISLAND DRSO UNDSIDE DR
DOW RDL O N G
P U T T C T
W IN N E R
A V E
S P E N C E R
F A R L O W D R
OTTERRDMARINA STLE ES L N
B E N N E T L N
HIDDENHILLS DR
KEYSLN
SEARAY LNTAHITI CT
WHITECAPSLNSNAPPERLNHARPER AVESAINT JOSEPH STCAROLINABEACH AVEMAGNOLIAAVE
TARBOROAVEOLD DOW RDWI LS ON AVE CANALDRAUGUSTAAVE
CHARLOTTE AVE
CLARENDON AVE
SUMTER AVE
RALEIGH AVE
COLUMBIA AVEBIRMINGHAMAVE
MONROE AVE LUMBE RTON
AVE
GOLDSBORO AVE
ATLANTA AVE
STATE PARK RD
BOWFINLNE A S T B A N K R D
GREENVILLEAVE
PINFISHLNSPOTLNGREENTURTLE LN FLORIDA AVEG
E
O
R
GIA A
V
E
RIPTIDELNSEARIDGELNVIR
GINIA A
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ECOXELN
MYRTLEAVEL
AKE PARK BL
VAN N I E
D RSHIPWATCHDR
LEWIS
DR
CROAKERLNOCEANA WAYCAROLINABEACH RDNATURE PATH RD BRIDGE BARRIER RDC a r o l i n a B e a c h C A M A L a n d U s e P l a n
F u t u r e L a n d U s e M a p - D R A F T
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C a p e F e a r
R i v e r
DISCLAIMER: This map was created using the best available data, and is provided without
warranty of any representation of accuracy or completeness. The information herein does not
necessarily represent a legal survey. This data is dynamic and in a constant state of maintenance.
HAMLET AVE
CAPE FEAR BLVTHIRD STCANAL DRATLANTA AVE
FAYETTEVILLE AVE
CHARLOTTE AVE MYRT
L
E AVEHARPER AVE
RALEIGH AVE
WOODY HEWETT AVECANAL DRDowntown Inse t
Freeman Park Inset
A t l a n t i c
O c e a n
Inset not to scale
The Town of Carolina Beach Future Land Use Map.
Future Land Use Map
44Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
Future Land Use Character Area Descriptions
Medium Density Residential
Mostly medium-sized lots (min. 5,000 sq ft) with primarily single family detached residences.
Smaller-scale, attached residences (two-family homes and townhomes) allowed occasion-
ally if contextually compatible. Some small-scale commercial, restaurants, or offices are
encouraged at
select locations
with good ac-
cess. Low- to
medium-traffic
streets with pe-
destrian facilities.
High Density Residential / Light Commercial
Primarily attached, multi-story residential units (up to four stories) located within walking
distance of activity centers and/or the waterfront. Structures are condominiums and apart-
ments, and are often used as vacation and rental units. Streets move automobiles and
pedestrians efficiently. Limited commercial may also be acceptable at select locations if the
surrounding con-
text is appropri-
ate. Some single
family structures
may also persist.
Low Density Residential
Primarily large-lot, single family detached residential such as many of the town's established
neighborhoods. Lots are larger than in other areas; usually ~9,000 sq ft and larger. Gener-
ally characterized by low traffic, local streets and pedestrian-scale structures. Smaller lots
on occasion. Note: Existing, by-right, entitled, higher intensity uses will continue to be sup-
ported in LDR
areas, including
allowances for
rebuilding struc-
tures.
Future Land Use Map and Character Areas
45 Certified: November 18, 2020
Downtown Business Area
This is the boardwalk commercial area and central recreation district of town. 3-4 story build-
ings maintain a pedestrian-scaled environment with active ground floor uses; residential
and other uses
permitted above.
Highly walkable
with limited on-
street parking.
Mixed Use Commercial
Higher density area with a mix of uses, within the district and individual buildings. Residen-
tial uses allowed only on upper stories; ground floor encouraged to be active. 4-5 story
structures pos-
sible, unless
adjacent to low
or medium den-
sity residential.
Attractive street
facades.
Low Intensity Commercial
Smaller-scale, lower intensity commercial uses that complement the neighborhood or a dis-
tinct node of activity. Structures (3 stories max.) have active ground floor uses. Streets serve
pedestrians and
automobiles; in-
cludes on-street
parking wherever
possible.
Marina Commercial/Industrial Mixed Use
Water-based commercial, service, and light industrial uses, and sometimes water-related
businesses (such as restaurants). These businesses rely on water access, so structures are
purpose-built
and traditional
maritime activi-
ties are common.
46Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
Office, Industrial, & Employment
Mix of office, commercial, light industrial, and employment-generating uses. Typical uses
include higher intensity offices, workspaces, indoor manufacturing/fabrication, microbrewery,
and freight/transport. 3-4 story purpose-built structures. Streets accommodate truck traffic
and balance the
needs of pedestri-
ans and automo-
biles.
Recreation, Civic, & Conservation
Areas not likely to be developed due to location, risk of flooding, environmental resources,
or recreational importance. Prevents development in unsuitable areas. Potential uses include
boating and related infra-
structure (boat houses,
docks, lifts, etc.), recre-
ational and commercial
water access, parks,
beachfront, trails, parking,
etc.
Proposed Connections
These proposed connections serve to link areas of town that have limited pedestrian, bicy-
cle, golf cart, or vehicular connectivity in areas without established right-of-way. Most often,
these are simply sidewalks. Exact alignments have not yet been determined, and the intent
on this map is only to show a general connection desired between two areas.
47 Certified: November 18, 2020
PARTPART
Land Use Plan
Management Topics
55
48Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
PA-1 Maintain marina operations
The marina provides recreational,
commercial, and tourist access to the water.
Action steps (anticipated timeline)
• PA-1.1 Continue the
program (ongoing)
CAMA Management Topics and Recommendations
A CAMA-compliant land use plan
must address the Coastal Resources
Commission's (CRC) management topics to
ensure that plans support the goals of the
CRC. Each CAMA-required management
topic includes a Management Goal and a
Planning Objective.
Public Access
»Management Goal: Maximize public
access to the beaches and the public trust
waters of the coastal region.
»Planning Objectives: The plan shall
include policies that address access
needs and opportunities, with strategies to
develop public access and provisions for
all segments of the community, including
persons with disabilities. Oceanfront
communities shall establish access policies
for beach areas targeted for nourishment.The commercial fleet at dock.
Part 5: Land Use Plan Management Topics
49 Certified: November 18, 2020
PA-2 Piers
Carolina Beach used to have three ocean
piers, which were significant public access
amenities. These were mentioned by
stakeholders as regional recreational
resources. Any of the public CAMA
access points operated by the town could
suffice, provided that adequate access
and parking are provided. Further study is
necessary to gauge public interest, potential
environmental impacts, and potential costs.
Action steps (anticipated timeline)
• PA-2.1 Provide political support
for rebuilding pier(s) in one or more
locations, to facilitate action by
nongovernmental actors (ongoing)
PA-3 Acquire high vulnerability
properties to enhance access
The town should continue to seek
opportunities to enhance access to public
trust waters by acquiring repeated flooding/
erosion, high vulnerability, and/or high
hazard properties from willing sellers and
turning them into an opportunity for low-
investment access points.
Action steps (anticipated timeline)
»Remain open to opportunities to
increase public access through the
acquisition of high vulnerability
properties (ongoing)
PA-4 Public moorings
Continue to support public mooring buoys,
mooring opportunities, and the transient
boating community.
Action steps (anticipated timeline)
• PA-4.1 Continue the
program (ongoing)
PA-5 Maintain and improve
public trust water access points
The town currently maintains many beach
access points and a public marina in the
yacht basin, and the state park provides
The pier on the North End.Just outside of the mouth of Myrtle Grove Sound.
50Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
access to the Cape Fear River. The town
should continue to maintain and improve
existing access points, provided that they
enhance the natural environment and do
not increase the probability for erosion
or vulnerability to stormwater or flooding.
Increasing the number of access points to
the yacht basin and Myrtle Grove Sound
should continue. In addition, increasing
access opportunities for people with
disabilities or mobility impairment, including
ADA accessible paths and facilities, should
continue to be a priority.
Action steps (anticipated timeline)
• PA-5.1 Assess facilities, opportunities,
and condition of public access points,
and potential upgrades (Ongoing;
recommend semi-annual basis)
• PA-5.2 Budget for
improvements (annually)
PA-6 Signage and Wayfinding
Provide a uniform and educational signage
system identifying public trust water access
points, safety risks, and hazardous areas.
Ensure that signage is compatible with the
scenic quality of the area.
Action steps (anticipated timeline)
• PA-6.1 Develop an enhanced
wayfinding signage system
that catalogs public trust
water access points and other
coastal features, including high
hazard areas (2021-2022)
Land Use Compatibility
»Management Goal: Ensure that
development and use of resources or
preservation of land balance protection of
natural resources and fragile areas with
economic development, and avoids risks to
public health, safety, and welfare.
»Planning Objectives: The plan shall
include policies that characterize future
land use development patterns and
establish mitigation criteria and concepts to
minimize conflicts.
North end beach access with signage.Neighborhood CAMA access to Snow's Cut.
Part 5: Land Use Plan Management Topics
51 Certified: November 18, 2020
LU-1 Implement the Future Land
Use Map and character areas
The Future Land Use Map (FLUM)
represents the community's vision for
guiding rezoning and land use decisions.
It is also important to regularly review and
update zoning districts and development
regulations to help realize that community
vision. In all cases, public involvement
and restraint are advisable in rezoning
(especially upzoning) any properties prior
to any actual proposed development plan
or other land use action. Community- or
district-wide or leapfrog rezonings are
inadvisable. If any lot does not meet the
standards of the FLUM, such lot should
still be developable or rebuildable as a
single commercial or residential unit per the
allowable regulations of the current zoning
district and by-right uses, and in accordance
with other Town adopted ordinances.
Action steps (anticipated
timeline)
• LU-1.1 Review the
Future Land Use Map
when deciding rezoning
decisions (ongoing)
• LU-1.2 Review existing
zoning districts, dimensional
standards regulations, and
land development regula-
tions for the potential to
implement character area
recommendations (nonres-
idential, mixed use, and
residential character areas
- update when opportunity
presents, at some point in
fiscal years 2021-2030)
LU-2 Canal Drive flooding
improvements
Continue investigation for solutions to
flooding on Canal Drive. Consider long-term
viability and impacts to the Myrtle Grove
Sound, yacht basin, and habitat. Ensure
that any solutions contribute positively to,
or at least have no net reduction in, water
quality.
Action steps (anticipated timeline)
• LU-2.1 Assess the problem(s)
and potential solutions, working
with the established Canal Drive
Flooding Committee (2020)
• LU-2.2 Determine a preferred solu-
tion, assess adjacent property owners
for any requested improvements that
are beyond standard maintenance
and replacement costs typically
incurred and covered by the Town, and
implement (TBD; est. 2021-2030)
The lake was recently dredged and upfitted with larger pumps to
better manage stormwater.
52Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
LU-3 Maximize
Carolina Beach Lake as a
stormwater management
feature
Carolina Beach Lake was recently
dredged to increase its stormwater
storage capacity. Pumps were
also installed to mitigate local
flooding. The lake and associated
drainages, including Henniker's
Ditch, must continue to be
maintained. In the future, steps
should also be taken to better
predict what challenges future sea
level rise may bring to the area
and the impact that might have on
stormwater management activities.
In the short term, development in
flood prone areas in and around
the lake should be discouraged or
prohibited.
Action steps (anticipated timeline)
• LU-3.1 Encourage development
around the lake in flood prone areas
to implement best practices for drain-
age and flooding. (2020-2021)
• LU-3.2 Continue maintenance of
Henniker's Ditch and the lake (ongoing)
LU-4 Maintain Freeman Park
operations
Continue to operate and maintain Freeman
Park as a recreational resource that
preserves environmental assets and
character. This environmental resource is
of high value and vulnerable to erosion.
Protection of the dunes is key. The Park's
highest value is as conservation land with
public water access. Continue to enforce
regulations prohibiting activities that
irreparably damage the natural state of the
land.
Action steps (anticipated timeline)
• LU-4.1 Continue Freeman
Park operations (ongoing)
• LU-4.2 Explore the possibility
of beach nourishment projects
on Freeman Park (2023)
Infrastructure Carrying
Capacity
»Management Goal: Ensure that public
infrastructure systems are sized,
located, and managed so the quality and
productivity of AECs and other fragile
areas are protected or restored.
»Planning Objectives: The plan shall
include policies that establish service
criteria and ensure improvements minimize
impacts to AECs and other fragile areas.
Freeman Park is a regional recreational amenity and a state
environmental resource.
Part 5: Land Use Plan Management Topics
53 Certified: November 18, 2020
solutions, especially those that balance
time of use. Require innovative parking lot
design that results in net zero runoff and
water quality impacts. Continue to actively
manage the public parking resource,
and remain open to parking decks, if
appropriately and centrally located.
Action steps (anticipated timeline)
• IC-2.1 Continue to actively manage
the public parking resource (ongoing)
• IC-2.2 Develop enhanced guidelines
for stormwater design and management
of parking areas (2020-2023)
• IC-2.3 Quantify the desire of private
businesses to pay for the acquisition
of property and construction of
public parking (2021-2022)
IC-1 Expand public water wells
and wastewater treatment
facilities
The expansion of public water wells
and the wastewater treatment plant are
currently being considered for location on
the MOTSU buffer area. Expansion in this
area is preferred, as it minimizes impact
on existing neighborhoods. Desalination
facilities may also be an important future
component of the town's water provision
infrastructure.
Action steps (anticipated timeline)
• IC-1.1 Continue to expand public
water and wastewater infrastructure to
accommodate desired level for future
growth and redevelopment (ongoing)
• IC-1.2 Continue
coordination with MOTSU
regarding expansions
desired in the buffer
area (ongoing)
• IC-1.3 Continue to
require connection to
the public water and
wastewater system for
all development, and
continue disallowing
septic systems or private
wastewater treatment
systems (ongoing)
IC-2 Public parking
Seek opportunities to preserve
and expand public parking,
and include multi-modal
connectivity, and low impact
design strategies when
constructing new parking
facilities. Allow shared parking
The town manages parking for automobiles and golf carts.
54Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
NH-1 Balance the protection
of private property with public
use of public trust lands (beach,
waterfront, etc.)
The beach along Freeman Park and the
rock embankment on the North End will
continue to face inlet-related erosion as well
as natural, weather-related erosion. The
rock vetment was installed decades ago and
protects properties and assets immediately
behind it. The pedestrian connection along
the beach at the rock vetment was entirely
missing at the beginning of the land use plan
update process, and was only restored after
the beach nourishment project of February
2019. In some jurisdictions along the coast,
properties that are in high hazard erosion
areas have been asked to share in the local
costs of erosion protection measures.
Action steps (anticipated timeline)
• NH-1.1 Continue to use public
funds for the costs of maintaining
the rock vetment (ongoing)
• IC-2.4 If support exists, partner with
private property owners for acquisition
and construction of public parking areas,
based on proximity and likelihood of use
by customers, residents, and employees;
if necessary and desirable, develop a
proportional fundraising method to pay
for public parking improvements (TBD)
• IC-2.5 Expand opportunities
for golf cart parking (2025)
Natural Hazard Areas
»Management Goal: Conserve and maintain
the barrier dune system, beaches, flood
plains, and other coastal features for their
natural storm protection functions and their
natural resources giving recognition to
public health, safety, and welfare issues.
»Planning Objectives: The plan shall
include policies that establish mitigation
and adaptation concepts and criteria for
development and redevelopment, including
public facilities, and that minimize threats
to life, property, and natural resources
resulting from erosion, high winds, storm
surge, flooding, or other natural hazards.
The rock vetment/embankment on the North End protects the properties behind it. These images compare the
severe erosion caused by Hurricane Florence in 2018 and the beach following the nourishment project of 2019.
Part 5: Land Use Plan Management Topics
55 Certified: November 18, 2020
NH-3 Maintain Carolina Beach
inlet
The inlet is a major local economic
driver, and must be maintained regularly
to ensure navigable passage. The town
should continue to maintain the inlet for
recreational and commercial operations.
Action steps (anticipated timeline)
• NH-3.1 Continue maintenance of
Carolina Beach inlet and access
from Myrtle Grove Sound and
the yacht basin (ongoing)
NH-4 Maintain Snow's Cut
Snow's Cut is an important connection and
must be maintained in a navigable state.
Action steps (anticipated timeline)
• NH-4.1 Continue to partner
to maintain Snow's Cut as a
navigable waterway (ongoing)
NH-2 Continue beach
nourishment
Continue to provide beach nourishment
to combat erosion in front of developed
properties along the ocean. Evaluation
of the costs and benefits should be
performed periodically to ensure that this
costly procedure continues to have a net
gain for the community and not just the
properties located in high hazard areas
along the oceanfront. Public beach access
to nourished areas should continue to be
required and provided.
Action steps (anticipated timeline)
• NH-2.1 Continue to plan for beach
nourishment in the absence of
federal aid, to ensure the program
can continue if needed (ongoing)
• NH-2.2 Implement dune restoration
program with sand fencing and grass
planting where appropriate (2022)
Carolina Beach's February 2019 beach nourishment
project on 2.7 miles of beach cost $7.8 million.
Snow's Cut is a major economic, transportation, and
recreational natural resource.
56Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
accommodations for higher buildings may
be necessary.
Infrastructure elevation
Roads and other infrastructure (lift stations,
potable water wells, emergency operations
facilities, wastewater infrastructure, etc.)
should be identified for additional elevation
and armoring so that they can resume post-
storm operations as quickly as possible
after an event. Not all facilities are proposed
for this treatment, but a careful evaluation
based on operational and community
priority should be conducted.
Action steps (anticipated timeline)
• NH-5.1 Explore the potential for
ordinance update(s) that encourage,
incentivize, or require the floodproofing
or elevation of nonresidentialor
residential structures above and beyond
the minimum base floor elevation that
is required by FEMA (2020-2022)
• NH-5.2 Explore potential ordinance
NH-5 Increase resiliency
to flooding
As seas continue to rise,
floodplains will expand and flooding
events will be more frequent.
Increase the community's resilience
to stormwater flooding through
enhanced development standards,
such as reducing the maximum
amount of fill allowed, requiring
additional freeboard elevation, and
investing in proactive stormwater
infrastructure upgrades.
Nonresidential structure
elevation
Recent FEMA flood maps for
the area indicate reduced risk of flooding
for some properties in the town. There is
growing concern that preparing for the
federally-mandated minimum flood event
may not provide enough protection or
security for a community that is extremely
vulnerable to flooding, king tides, storm
surge, and storms. The town should
encourage, incentivize, or require the
floodproofing or elevation of nonresidential
structures above and beyond the minimum
base floor elevation required by FEMA
and adopted in the town's flood hazard
prevention ordinance.
Residential structure elevation
In addition to the proper siting of
structures, there are also benefits to
requiring additional freeboard elevation
for residential structures. Any base floor
elevation requirement must be balanced by
careful consideration of maximum height
restrictions and the need for structures to
have adequate habitable space; additional
An elevated home.
Part 5: Land Use Plan Management Topics
57 Certified: November 18, 2020
2023); budget for upfits accordingly
(beginning 2022 and ongoing)
• NH-5.4 Continue to seek and
implement improvements in
development standards which will
result in more resilient structures
and lower insurance premiums
for property owners (ongoing)
updates for higher regulation and
scrutiny of fill as it relates to stormwater
and flooding resiliency (2020-2022)
• NH-5.3 Assess and prioritize other
infrastructure (roads, lift stations,
wells, EOCs and public safety
facilities, etc.) for upfits that will
make them more resilient to future
storm and flooding events (2021-
Resilient regulation
New York City has developed guidelines for the elevation of structures based on their
useful lifespan. While Carolina Beach is certainly not New York City, some lessons and
concepts are transferable. The Town could evaluate development standards using NOAA's
sea level rise projections (https://coast.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/tools/slr) and codify similar
standards into the town's development regulations.
Taken from the NYC Mayor's Office of Recovery and Resiliency, Climate Resiliency Design Guidelines -
Version 3.0 (March 2019).
58Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
• NH-5.5 Through the
Community Rating
System, continue to
implement the Hazard
Mitigation Plan and
maintain best practices
for emergency
evacuations (ongoing)
• NH-5.6 Continue to
educate the public and
property owners on
ways they can reduce
their vulnerability
to weather-related
hazards (ongoing)
NH-6 Reduce
vulnerability by
selectively siting uses
Do not allow vulnerable
populations (assisted living
facilities, dialysis centers,
etc.) or sensitive community infrastructure,
structures, or populations, (i.e. - hospitals,
EMS/Fire/Police stations, etc.) to be located
in high hazard areas. This may include high
flood risk areas, areas vulnerable to storm
surge, areas with access by roads that
are subject to flooding, and areas that are
not easily evacuated or do not have utility
redundancy. Sewage pump stations should
be elevated high above the regulatory
floodplain and armored against inundation.
Review the land development regulations to
restrict vulnerable or essential uses in high
hazard areas.
Action steps (anticipated timeline)
• NH-6.1 Inventory assets, evaluate
options, and take action and amend
ordinances accordingly (2022-2025)
NH-7 Utilize living shorelines
Wherever practical, utilize living shorelines
instead of hard-armoring (rip-rap,
bulkheads, etc.) to combat erosion or other
natural hazards.
Action steps (anticipated timeline)
• NH-7.1 Consider living shorelines
as a first resort in any future erosion
mitigation projects (ongoing)
Water Quality
»Management Goal: Maintain, protect, and
where possible enhance water quality in
all coastal wetlands, rivers, streams, and
estuaries.
»Planning Objectives: The plan shall
include policies that establish strategies
and practices to prevent or control
nonpoint source pollution and maintain or
improve water quality.
Although no building code regulations can completely protect against
rising seas and increasingly damaging storms, significant elevation of
new structures will help reduce vulnerability to stormwater flooding.
Part 5: Land Use Plan Management Topics
59 Certified: November 18, 2020
WQ-1 Enhance yacht basin and
Myrtle Grove Sound water quality
Wetlands in the yacht basin and Myrtle
Grove Sound will also be impacted by
sea level rise, and soft erosion deterrent
measures should be used when possible,
especially where bulkheads do not already
exist. Enhancement of habitat in these
areas may also have the double-benefit of
improving water quality in the sound.
Action steps (anticipated timeline)
• WQ-1.1 Inventory bulkheads that can
be removed and restored to marsh
land and encourage, incentivize,
or implement (2021-2024)
• WQ-1.2 Identify areas projected
to be chronically inundated by sea
level rise and remove obstacles to
wetland migration, if practicable;
prohibit intensification, and/or explore
the possibility of amortization of
uses in these areas; recommend
using the same time horizon as the
proposed Coastal High Hazard Zoning
Overlay (2021-2025); reevaluate
periodically (every 5 years); amend
ordinances as necessary (ongoing)
WQ-2 Preserve water quality in
and behind Freeman Park
Freeman Park offers the highest quality
waters and shellfishing areas in the study
area. These resources should be preserved
and protected, so that they can continue to
contribute to the quality of life for residents,
visitors, and wildlife.
Action steps (anticipated timeline)
• WQ-2.1 Prohibit activities that
degrade water quality in and
around Freeman Park (ongoing)
WQ-3 Control litter
Continue (and enhance) outreach and
enforcement with respect to litter and proper
beach etiquette.
Action steps (anticipated timeline)
• WQ-3.1 Continue and enhance
the anti-littering public awareness
campaign (ongoing)
• WQ-3.2 Establish town-
sponsored and organized beach
cleanup events (ongoing)
WQ-4 Reduce nonpoint source
water pollution
Evaluate and identify nonpoint source water
pollution activities and minimize or regulate
them, in order to improve water quality.
Action steps (anticipated timeline)
• LC-4.1 Evaluate contributions of
nonpoint source water pollution and
prioritize solutions based on potential
gain; amend and/or enforce ordinances
as necessary; monitor and track
progress, and reevaluate effectiveness
periodically (2021-ongoing)
Capturing stormwater on site
Some North Carolina towns have
heightened stormwater regulations in their
land development ordinances to include
restrictions on bringing fill to lots and/or
requiring a certain amount of stormwater
to be captured on site (i.e. - the first 1.5
inches of the 24-hour, 10-year storm
event). This helps prevent some lots from
shunting stormwater to their neighbors.
Examples include Wrightsville Beach,
Atlantic Beach, Oak Island, Surf City, etc.
60Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
WQ-5 Stormwater runoff
Continue efforts to mitigate the negative
impacts of stormwater runoff and flooding.
Action steps (anticipated timeline)
• WQ-5.1 Review and potentially
increase the standards for
stormwater (quality and quantity)
mitigation of new and existing
development (2022-2025)
• WQ-5.2 Study and implement
best practices in capital
project construction and
facility maintenance to reduce
adverse stormwater quantity
and quality impacts (ongoing)
• WQ-5.3 Continue to manage (and
expand where possible) public
stormwater infrastructure (ongoing)
• WQ-5.4 Use the watershed plan
(currently being updated with NCCF,
CFCOG, et. al.) to recommend
small- to large-scale stormwater
best management practices and
infrastructure improvements (2020)
• WQ-5.5 Encourage and utilize low
impact development strategies for
stormwater management (ongoing)
Stormwater features can also be public or private
recreational amenities.
Stormwater retrofits can give temporary reprieve from
sea level rise for many years.
Part 5: Land Use Plan Management Topics
61 Certified: November 18, 2020
Other Areas of Local Concern
A CAMA land use plan also affords the
opportunity for a government to address
local areas of concern, which may be
programmatic, regulatory, geographic, or
otherwise. These issues were identified
during the land use plan development
process and are included herein. Not all of
them contain specific action items, but that
should not be perceived as any less a call
to action. These recommendations are not
required to have associated timelines for
completion or implementation, although in
some cases these are provided.
LC-1 Support for local
businesses.
Prioritize locally-owned and
originated stores, and minimize
chain stores (especially national
or international chains). A
focus on local businesses
maintains the unique character
and charm of the town, while
also invigorating the local
economy. Look for opportunities
to promote locally-originated
or small chain businesses.
Evaluate the Table of Uses to
determine which Conditional
Uses could instead be allowed
by-right.
Action steps (anticipated timeline)
• LC-1.1 Research and update
ordinances to achieve the goal of
restricting chain stores (2022-2024)
LC-2 Enhance the function of
Lake Park Boulevard
During the public input sessions, the
community expressed concern about the
appearance, function, and perception for
visitors and residents traveling on Lake
Park Boulevard. This is the entrance into
town and should make a good impression.
The town (and NCDOT) are also currently
evaluating options for enhancing operations
and function of the corridor. Some
recommendations may be implemented
sooner than others, depending on factors
such as when properties redevelop or town
funding of improvements in the right-of-way.
The following improvements, requirements,
and design recommendations are proposed:
"Keep the quirky!"
-Stakeholder
Continuing work on redesigning and upgrading Lake Park Blvd should
also focus on pedestrian, bicycle, and golf cart accommodations.
62Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
Action steps
• LC-2.1 Improve traffic
function and reduce
congestion by:
• LC-2.1.a Limiting
turning movements
and left-over turns.
• LC-2.1.b Eliminating
redundant driveways by
requiring and upgrading
cross access between
parcels and eliminating
redundant driveway cuts
for parcels, businesses,
or parking areas with
multiple driveways.
• LC-2.1.c Relocating
major entrances to secondary
and side roads.
• LC-2.2 Enhance pedestrian facilities.
• LC-2.2.a Install upgraded pedestrian
facilities, including sidewalks of at
least 6' width, but preferably 8' width.
• LC-2.2.b Explore the
potential for bicycle lanes.
• LC-2.2.c Install pedestrian-scale
lighting along the sidewalk.
• LC-2.2.d Install pedestrian
crosswalks and signals at
major intersections.
• LC-2.2.e Add pedestrian-supportive
infrastructure: covered bus stops,
trash cans, benches, etc.
LC-3 Building and
landscaping aesthetics
Review existing requirements for building
aesthetics, including potentially stronger
requirements for portions of a site that are
highly visible from the right-of-way. Review
and consider revisions to code enforcement
policies, especially for dilapidated
structures and sites, as these can have
a disproportionate impact on surrounding
properties and activities.
LC-4 Pedestrian, bicycle,
and non-automobile
transportation
Increasing mobility and safety for non-
motorized transportation modes along
roadways and at street crossings is
important. Bike/ped connections are desired
between destinations within town, and to
the neighboring community of Kure Beach
Local businesses contribute to the unique character of the town.
"We need a way to safely
accommodate golf carts."
-Resident
Part 5: Land Use Plan Management Topics
63 Certified: November 18, 2020
and across Snow’s Cut to the mainland.
The following recommendations build on
recommendations from previous bicycle and
pedestrian planning efforts. These other
plan(s) should also be implemented as
designed, and these recommendations may
also serve to bolster these efforts.
Action steps
• LC-4.1 Increase safe non-motorized
connectivity to activity centers in
general, and to downtown specifically.
• LC-4.2 Non-automobile transportation:
• LC-4.2.a Golf carts should be
considered when designing
and implementing community
upgrades, including parking
facilities for golf carts.
• LC-4.2.b Establish bicycle
lanes on Lake Park Blvd from
Charlotte Ave to the Carolina
Sands entrance, and beyond.
• LC-4.2.c Add bicycle lanes,
expanded sidewalks on Lake
Park Blvd between Harper Ave
and Charlotte Ave. Relocate
parking to the adjacent blocks on
Harper Ave and Cape Fear Ave.
• LC-4.3 Increase pedestrian
mobility and connectivity.
• LC-4.3.a Pedestrian
crossing improvements.
• LC-4.3.a.1 A number of existing
street crossings were identified as
safety concerns, especially where
thoroughfares intersect priority
pedestrian corridors and multi-use
paths. Pedestrian connections
and safety should be enhanced,
especially to destination centers,
such as the new Publix and along
St. Joseph Street. In order to
prevent accidents and injuries
design modifications and/or
improvements should be studied
at the following locations:
»Dow Rd, Harper Ave, and the
Carolina Beach Greenway
»Island Greenway at Ocean Blvd
»Across US 421 (Lake Park Blvd)
at signalized intersections.
• LC-4.3.b Introduce sidewalks,
bicycle lanes and traffic calming
devices on Carolina Beach
Avenue North and Canal Drive.
• LC-4.3.c Yielding Enforcement
Campaign: Continue
participating in the "Be a Looker"
"The greenways - we love
them!"
-Resident
Carolina Beach Island Greenway.
64Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
campaign to maintain motorist
awareness of pedestrians.
• LC-4.3.d Increase pedestrian
crossing safety.
• LC-4.3.d.1 Add and/or
upgrade crosswalks at major
pedestrian crossings
• LC-4.3.d.2 Investigate the
potential for a pedestrian
bridge or enhanced crossing
at Winner Drive.
• LC-4.3.e Increase
pedestrian connections.
• LC-4.3.e.1 Create a bicycle/
pedestrian connection through the
Carolina Sands neighborhood at
Pinfish Lane and Riptide Lane,
per the adopted Pedestrian Plan.
• LC-4.3.e.2 Relink Cape Fear
Blvd and Canal Drive with Hamlet
Ave and Woody Hewett Ave by
reestablishing a bicycle/pedestrian
connection near the Marriott.
• LC-4.3.f Increase safety
and connections for
children walking to the
elementary school.
• LC-4.3.g Build on the
success of the Island
Greenway and keep
making greenways (aka
multi-use paths). Complete
the connections along
Clarendon Rd, Hamlet
Ave, and Ocean Blvd with
particular attention to
providing safe intersection
crossings. All crossings
of Dow Rd and US-421/
Lake Park Blvd should
include marked crosswalks
and additional safety
countermeasures, such as a
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon
and pedestrian refuge islands where
possible, to create a safe walking
and bicycling environment for
individuals of all ages and abilities.
• LC-4.3.h Increase interju-
risdictional connectivity
• LC-4.3.h.1 Access to and from
the island from the north is
limited for non-motorized modes.
To the south, a ferry carries
passengers between Federal
Point and Southport. To provide
non-motorized accessibility to
the island, evaluate the feasibility
"The elementary school is our
most important place."
-Stakeholder
The elementary school and town have been successful in recent
coordination efforts.
Part 5: Land Use Plan Management Topics
65 Certified: November 18, 2020
of alternatives for bicycle and
pedestrian connections from
the ferry, through Carolina
Beach, and across Snow's Cut
to the mainland, River Road,
and the greater Wilmington trail
network, including opportunities
for a bridge accompanying
US-421, options for a standalone
bridge, and/or a sidepath.
• LC-4.3.h.2 Explore opportunities
to extend the greenway from
Carolina Beach to Kure Beach,
Fort Fisher, and the ferry.
• LC-4.4 Continue to invest in
major pedestrian corridors such as
Harper Road. This locally-significant
pedestrian corridor and improved
pedestrian facilities will be installed
in conjunction with the upcoming
road improvement project.
• LC-4.5 Bicycle infrastructure
• LC-4.5.a Continue to invest in
bicycle infrastructure, and require
bicycle-supportive infrastructure
standards in new development
and upfits/renovations.
LC-5 Family-oriented
character
Even though demographics have been
shifting steadily over the past decades,
the community still prides itself on being
a family town and wants to preserve that
character and value, for all types of families.
Action steps
• LC-5.1 Support families that work
from home or otherwise reinforce the
family-oriented character of the town.
• LC-5.1.a Continue to support
Carolina Beach as a family-oriented
town with year-round residents.
• LC-5.1.b Consider ways to
increase the ability of residents
to work from home, through a
review of the allowances for home
occupation business operations.
Allow more people to work from
home and reduce the need to
commute off the island.
• LC-5.2 Charm and character
• LC-5.2.a Protect the operational
capacity of the elementary school.
• LC-5.3 Maintain the small-town
and community atmosphere.
LC-6 Short-term rentals
Often short-term rentals are zoned
residential and developed to residential
standards, but these properties may
actually function more like small-scale
commercial hotels. This affects zoning,
use and nuisance regulation, traffic, and
building standards (including fire safety).
Short-term rentals may be strong economic
"Keep the families!"
-Stakeholder
"We're a three-legged stool:
residents, businesses, and
tourism - and you gotta
balance them all."
-Resident
66Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
engines for tourism, but also have the
potential to diminish the character of
established neighborhoods, akin to the
impact of a predominance of vacation
rentals. To give certainty to homeowners,
residents, investment property owners,
rental managers, and vacationers, the
Town should consider establishing clear
geographic boundaries, policies, and
guidelines for short-term rentals. Nearby
jurisdictions such as Wilmington have
recently adopted regulations and can be
looked to for guidance.
LC-7 Minimize congestion on
Dow Road
The last major piece of
undeveloped property (~70 acres)
in the town is west of Dow Road.
This property is currently zoned
as industrial and the Future Land
Use Map designates it as Office,
Industrial, & Employment. This
is the property owner's preferred
land use unless the property
can be developed with a large,
unified plan or campus such as a
research institute, conservation
area, major employer, or master-
planned community. If the property
does not develop in a large,
master planned development or
campus, it will be important to
control access and driveways onto
Dow Road in order to preserve
the low traffic congestion and
relatively high capacity of this
local thoroughfare. As such,
driveways onto Dow Road
are prohibited, with all access
occurring on secondary streets
(which are shown as red dashed
arrows on the Future Land Use Map). These
access streets will align with the existing grid
network, and will facilitate a connection with
the existing community. Ideally, additional
pedestrian connections would also be created
at the remaining roadway extensions.
!(
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!(DOW RDHAMLET AVEHARPER AVEEIGHTH STSEVENTH STSIXTH STMONROE AVE
RALEIGH AVE
PLYMOUTHAVE
CAPE FEAR BLV
FAYETTEVILLE AVEATLANTAAVE
MAGNOLIA AVE
ROCKYMOUNT AVE
TARBORO AVE
CHARLOTTE AVEOLD DOW RDFire Station
C a r o l i n a B e a c h C A M A L a n d U s e P l a n
F u t u r e L a n d U s e M a p
[0 150 30075
Feet
Date: 10/15/2019 Document Path: M:\Projects\2018\C18126 - Carolina Beach CAMA Plan\GIS\Mapping\Tucker_FLUM_working_32x40_20190708.mxd
DISCLAIMER: This map was created using the best available data, and is provided without warranty of any representation of accuracy or completeness. The information herein does not necessarily represent a legal survey. This data is dynamic and in a constant state of maintenance.
Context
Parcels
Roads
Greenway / multi-use trails
Future Land Use
Low Density Residential
Medium Density Residential
Low Intensity Commercial
Office, Industrial, & Employment
Recreation, Civic, & Conservation
Proposed Connections / Realignments
Carolina Beach
State Park
MOTSU
Buffer Area
Properties west of
Dow Road
(~70 acres)
!(
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!(
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!(
!(
!(DOW RDHAMLET AVEHARPER AVEEIGHTH STSEVENTH STSIXTH STMONROE AVE
RALEIGH AVE
PLYMOUTHAVE
CAPE FEAR BLV
FAYETTEVILLE AVEATLANTAAVE
MAGNOLIA AVE
ROCKYMOUNT AVE
TARBORO AVE
CHARLOTTE AVEOLD DOW RDFire Station
C a r o l i n a B e a c h C A M A L a n d U s e P l a n
F u t u r e L a n d U s e M a p
[0 150 30075
Feet
Date: 10/15/2019 Document Path: M:\Projects\2018\C18126 - Carolina Beach CAMA Plan\GIS\Mapping\Tucker_FLUM_working_32x40_20190708.mxd
DISCLAIMER: This map was created using the best available data, and is provided without warranty of any representation of accuracy or completeness. The information herein does not necessarily represent a legal survey. This data is dynamic and in a constant state of maintenance.
Context
Parcels
Roads
Greenway / multi-use trails
Future Land Use
Low Density Residential
Medium Density Residential
Low Intensity Commercial
Office, Industrial, & Employment
Recreation, Civic, & Conservation
Proposed Connections / Realignments
Carolina Beach
State Park
MOTSU
Buffer Area
Properties west of
Dow Road
(~70 acres)
The ~70 acre property west of Dow Road is undeveloped.
Part 5: Land Use Plan Management Topics
67 Certified: November 18, 2020
Action steps
• LC-7.1 Preserve Dow Road
as a local thoroughfare.
• LC-7.1.a Prohibit and actively
reduce driveways that open
directly onto Dow Road.
• LC-7.1.b Require parcels that
front on Dow Road to have
access via secondary streets.
• LC-7.1.c Require cross
access between or behind
nonresidential properties.
• LC-7.1.d Require extensions
of public right-of-ways at
logical intersections that
compliment vehicular and
pedestrian connectivity.
LC-8 Redevelopment
Encourage, support, and find a path forward
for reuse or renovation of existing structures
to allow local businesses to grow into
underutilized buildings where a tear-down/
rebuild is not the best possible outcome.
LC-9 Restrict Density
Only allow increased density and
development (above existing standards)
if it also maintains the quality of life and
environment.
LC-10 Develop broadband
infrastructure
Development of high-capacity broadband
infrastructure is necessary for supporting
the jobs of tomorrow. It will also allow those
employees to live/work in Carolina Beach.
To the extent possible, the Town should look
for opportunities to partner or develop these
facilities.
"The laid back community -
[it's] quiet - different than
anywhere else around."
-Steering Committee member
Residents value the town's recreational opportunities.
Exploring options to allow older structures to reinvent
themselves within the limits of public safety and
welfare can help preserve the quirky beach town
character that defines Carolina Beach.
68Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
LC-11 Central Business
District
Continue to support the central business
district as a destination downtown with
activities for families, residents, and visitors.
Protecting the character of the district is
important. Expanding opportunities for
public activities, including events, should be
pursued.
LC-12 Parks and recreation
Residents value the town's parks and
recreational access and assets and support
continued investment in these facilities.
Some tension exists in the community
about the expansion of facilities and
associated maintenance obligations and
liabilities, and some residents would prefer
to maintain the current level of service while
others support the continued expansion of
facilities and services.
LC-13 Preserve existing
mature tree cover
Continue to implement and support
efforts to preserve existing tree cover
and use indigenous landscape materials
in new development and redevelopment.
Efforts should also continue to preserve
and protect maritime forests due to
their vulnerability to disturbance and
development, and their regional importance.
LC-14 Preserve wetlands
Continue to protect wetlands and
investigate and implement disincentives
and possibly prohibitions to the filling of
jurisdictional wetlands, including but not
limited to "404" wetlands.
Mature trees are both a valuable community asset
and a potential storm hazard, and the benefits and
liabilities must be carefully weighed.
The waterfront and coastal ecology are the primary
source of economy and quality of life.
Part 5: Land Use Plan Management Topics
69 Certified: November 18, 2020
Beach Avenue North (CBAN), which
handle fairly high traffic volumes due to
the recreational draw of Freeman Park.
These two roads, although designed to be
local, neighborhood streets, handle much
higher traffic volumes, in part due to the
draw of Freeman Park. The existing land
use pattern on the North End is primarily
single family detached residential with some
multifamily attached residential dispersed
irregularly throughout.
The foundation of this narrow isthmus are
old dunes, and the western side is built at
least partially on spoils excavated during
the dredging of the yacht basin. The low
lying land surrounding Canal Drive and the
"state" streets (Florida, Georgia, Virginia,
and Delaware Avenues), is identified as
particularly susceptible to sea level rise,
storm surge, flooding, and king tides. The
Florida Avenue / Canal Drive intersection
regularly floods during king tides, and this
areas is particularly vulnerable to sea level
rise. There is a local high spot between
Marina Street and Oceana Way, which is
above the Coastal A flood hazard zone.
The rock embankment from Freeman Park
to almost Periwinkle Lane was installed to
protect private property and CBAN from the
erosion that has previously claimed homes
along that stretch.
Due to the unique natural vulnerabilities
of the North End, this area of the town is
identified in the future land use map by
character areas that are equal to or less
intense than the current land uses. The
different future land use character areas
were chosen in recognition of the slightly
more vulnerable conditions around Canal
Drive and the state streets compared to
the slightly higher ground around CBAN.
LC-15 Preserve the high
quality beaches and natural
areas
The beaches and natural areas are a
primary draw for residents and visitors.
Heavy industrial uses, such as mineral
extraction (onshore or offshore) have the
potential to disturb these areas and should
continue to be prohibited and advocated
against. Protection of dunes and beach
ecology is also important.
LC-16 Reduce traffic
congestion and increase
safety
Continue to budget for and partner with
NCDOT for traffic improvements that reduce
congestion, particularly on Lake Park
Boulevard and Ocean Boulevard. Consider
lower speeds on Dow Road and traffic
calming on other streets.
LC-17 Bury electric lines
Continue to bury electric lines, especially
in coordination with other maintenance and
capital improvement projects.
Action steps
• LC-17.1 Continue to evaluate and
implement electric line burial as part of
other major maintenance and capital
improvement projects (ongoing)
LC-18 The North End
One of the unique areas in Carolina
Beach is the North End - the spit of land
that connects downtown to entrance of
Freeman Park. The North End is served
primarily by Canal Drive and Carolina
70Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
This future land use
strategy (which does not
downzone properties
or take them for public
use) allows existing
uses to persist, but
does not encourage
future intensification in
this vulnerable isthmus.
Although seemingly
counterintuitive to
designate future
land use in this way,
it strikes a balance
between respecting
investment that has
already occurred, but
not allowing future
population to invest in
this more vulnerable
area.
The North End is a unique blend of uses, vulnerability,
recreation, community, economy, and activity.
71 Certified: November 18, 2020
PARTPART
Tools for Managing
Development
66
72Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
Guide for Land Use Decision-Making
The Future Land Use Map and associated
character area descriptions should be
used by decision makers (in accordance
with state requirements, such as NC G.S.
§160A-383) when weighing rezoning and
quasi-judicial permit requests. The land
development regulations and ordinances
of the town should also be reviewed and
updated to better achieve the goals of this
plan and the community.
Development Program
The Town manages land use and zoning,
subdivision, floodplain regulation, and
development through a code of ordinances,
which are available through the town's
website.
Action Plan and Implementation Schedule
See Action steps and anticipated timeline
under each CAMA-required Land Use Plan
Management Topic (Part 5).
73 Certified: November 18, 2020
APPENDIXAPPENDIX
Appendix
AA
74Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
nears build-out, the types of development
pressures and land use interactions
change from those in the past. However,
the natural resources and natural areas
may have changed little over this time,
especially since the constraints on the
largest of these areas (the state park and
the federal buffer zone) are imposed by
outside government agencies. There are
many current Future Land Use categories,
and these tend to read more like zoning
and development code than as future land
PLAN ASSESSMENTS
The following plans were reviewed for the
identification and incorporation of relevant
information into the Land Use Plan update.
These plans and informational resources
were identified though either the initial
Request for Proposal, scope of work, or
through interviews with stakeholders or
town staff. Where a year or date of the
document is not specified, the appropriate
documents and resources were identified by
staff as relevant to the update process.
2007 CAMA Land Use Plan
It has been over 10 years since the
adoption of the previous CAMA Land
Use Plan for the Town. Some previously
identified issues will likely continue to be
a concern, such as traffic congestion and
stormwater management, while other
issues may be less pressing today than
they were a decade ago. As the town

Part A: Appendix
75 Certified: November 18, 2020
use policy guidance. Some of the standards
of the Future Land Use categories may
warrant reconsideration, such as the overall
limitation of lot coverage to 40%, regardless
of context or category. As part of the current
land use plan update process, the goals of
the current plan will be reviewed with the
public to determine to what extent they are
still relevant.
Parks and Recreation Master
Plan (2017)
This 5-year plan outlines existing and
anticipated parks and recreation needs
with a focus on land acquisition, facility
development, program development,
policy and procedure considerations, and
staff development. Expansions to existing
facilities and acquisition of new areas
are proposed, while also recognizing that
the town serves the recreational needs
of areas outside of its jurisdiction, such
as unincorporated parts of New Hanover
County. For coastal communities, public
access to public trust waterways is as
important as providing more traditional
parks and recreational facilities for
residents. In terms of physical park
priorities, the plan calls for an expansion
of existing facilities (the Recreation Center,
Mike Chappell Park, Carolina Beach Lake
Park), the expansion of a non-motorized
pedestrian and cycle network, enhancement
of public trust water access, and new parks
in the northern and southern end of town.
Recent parks projects suggest that the town
has faithfully pursued the recommendations
of this planning document. Specific physical
project recommendations of the plan
include:
»Development of a bike/ped network
that connects public, residential, and
commercial areas
»Development of a multi-purpose,
comprehensive Recreation Center/
Fitness Center / Aquatics Center Facility
Water Use and Harbor
Management Plan (2008)
The recreational and working waterfront
are major drivers in the town’s economy.
The harbor is a working waterfront, tourist
destination, and major component of the
downtown experience as well. The harbor
supports many public and private marinas.
Stormwater from surrounding areas con-
tinues to be discharged into the harbor.
76Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
Pollutants from recreational boating activ-
ities, as well as stormwater and non-point
source pollution are the major environmental
impacts to the basin. There are no fish or
shellfish nursery areas within the harbor.
This plan recommends the following:
»Protect the harbor’s sensitive public
trust resources from degradation
»Increase public access to the harbor and
its shoreline
»Preserve traditional water dependent
uses like marinas
»Protect riparian rights of shoreline land
owners
»Minimize user conflict associated with
uses of the harbor area
Recommendations include a recognition
of increased boater demand and associ-
ated demands on the mooring and marina
facilities, maximizing the use of the munic-
ipal marina, development of additional
boat launch facilities, and increasing pub-
lic access to the harbor. Concurrently with
these recommendations, there are needs to
reduce user conflicts and minimize negative
water quality and environmental impacts,
especially related to stormwater manage-
ment. Since the adoption of the plan, the
Town has renovated the public marina and
improved mooring conditions.
Bicycle Multi-Use
Transportation Plan (2011)
The stated purpose of this plan is to connect
the town’s various destinations by bicycle
and multi-use paths. The plans’ goals also
recognize the desire for improving safety,
usage, recognition, and mileage of this non-
auto network. Proposed projects are laid
out by priority and time horizon, and include
physical construction projects as well as
educational and programmatic programs.
The plan proposes a total of 19 miles of
bicycle multi-use paths, which is fairly
ambitious for a town of this size. However,
past and current multi-use path construction
projects suggest that the town will likely
achieve this goal. The overall goal to link
destinations through a cohesive pedestrian
and bicycle network can be integrated with
land use planning to reinforce community
cohesion while also strengthening sense of
place. Some of the key recommendations
in this plan were the expansion of the
greenway network and to improve safety on
existing bike routes. A total of 48 projects
were identified in the plan. The following
corridor projects identified in the plan have
been completed:
»Cape Fear Blvd Multi-Use Path: A 10’
wide multi-use path serving bicyclists and
pedestrians was recently constructed from
N 3rd Street to Dow Rd along Cape Fear
Boulevard.
»Island Greenway Extension: A 1.2
mile section of the Island Greenway was
completed in 2019. The multi-use path now
serves bicyclists and pedestrians between
Mike Chappell Park to the intersection of
Alabama Ave and Spot Lane.
Part A: Appendix
77 Certified: November 18, 2020
Pedestrian Master Plan
(2018)
The vision of this master plan is to create an
appealing, walkable environment. Primary
plan goals include:
»Promote a culture of walking and active
living.
»Enhance access to local businesses,
neighborhoods, parks, and the beach by
foot.
»Emphasize the safety of pedestrians
while accommodating motorized traffic
in an efficient manner.
»Create an aesthetically attractive
environment that will appeal to
residents and visitors.
Proposed projects are ranked and
coordinated with existing facilities and
destinations. The primary and secondary
corridors identified provide for a
well-connected pedestrian environment. In
addition to suggested facility improvements,
recommendations are also provided for
programs and policies to enhance the
pedestrian experience. The town is currently
in the process of establishing enhanced
pedestrian facilities along major pedestrian
corridors, and has been particularly
successful at incorporating these efforts into
other public infrastructure upgrade projects.
This plan identified priority corridors and
itemized 38 recommended intersection and
corridor improvement projects. Four of the
projects were selected as pilot projects:
»Multi-use path on Alabama Avenue
between the Island Greenway to Lake Park
Boulevard
»Sidewalk on Canal Drive from Carolina
Beach Avenue to Salt Marsh Ln
»Intersection improvements at Lake Park
Boulevard and Atlanta Ave
»Intersection improvements to improve
multi-use trail crossing at Dow Rd and
Harper Avenue
Central Business District
(CBD) Master Development
Plan (2008)
The fundamental purpose of this plan
is “to provide a clear and exciting vision
for the CBD that stimulates revitalization
and provides guidance and direction to
the Town as it endeavors to pursue its
future.” Although already a decade old, the
goals of the plan for the CBD are largely
still relevant, including creating a mix of
uses, supporting economic development,
creating a unique built environment,
protecting natural resources, and facilitating
multi-modal circulation. Many of the
vii Executive Summary
Carolina Beach Pedestrian Plan
Figure ES-1. Facility Recommendations Map
Town of Carolina Beach
Pedestrian Plan
Prepared for:Prepared by:
MAY 2018
Photo: Paul Baroznoff, Southern Digital Art
78Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
recommendations and goals of this plan
have been or continue to be implemented,
such as reinforcing the tourism industry
and marina, creating a mix of uses and
recreational destinations, and enhancing
pedestrian facilities and tourism-supportive
facilities such as lodging and parking.
Preventing a preponderance of residential
and lodging uses, such as hotels or condos,
is important to preserving the commercial
character of the area. Of the two conceptual
future alternatives presented for the CBD
area, it appears that the Town Square
Concept is the alternative that is evolving.
The plan also calls for increased building
height allowances and stepped vertical
setback requirements. Community concerns
about the condition and future of the CBD
continue today and will likely be part of
the conversation during the land use plan
update process.
Draft MOTSU JLUS
Recommendations (Nov. 2018)
The Military Ocean Terminal at Sunny Point
(MOTSU) is undergoing an update to its
land use plan, which includes consideration
and coordination with surrounding
jurisdictions in order to ensure future
operational capacity is not compromised.
The following draft recommendations affect
Carolina Beach, although this list is not
exhaustive:
»Include MOTSU more closely in land use
plan updates and development review
that might impact their operations.
»More clearly regulate and communicate
approved and appropriate uses within
the buffer zone.
»Allow potential expansion of
compatible, low impact uses (including
recreational uses) within the buffer
zone.
»Negotiate longer term leases for
uses within the buffer zone, to allow
better long-term planning by local
jurisdictions.
»Work with local governments to resolve
and prevent any storm drainage issues
within the buffer zone.
»Work with local governments to develop
contingency plans for relocation of vital
municipal services uses, in the event
that MOTSU is required to reclaim full
use of the buffer zone.
Part A: Appendix
79 Certified: November 18, 2020
Traffic Study
Recommendations – N. Lake
Park Boulevard Corridor
Study (2018)
A study of the main entrance corridor to
Carolina Beach was conducted in order “to
explore [potential improvements to] peak
and off-peak hour congestion, enhance
mobility through improved connectivity, and
create an enhanced equilibrium for all travel
modes along the corridor.” The 1.1-mile long
section of roadway is owned by NCDOT,
carries significant traffic volumes, and has
a high crash rate. It is also the primary
route for cars to get on and off the island.
Most signalized intersections are already
failing (level of service lower than “C”). Two
alternatives for the corridor were proposed:
1) a five-lane section and 2) a “couplet”
that splits a portion of the road corridor into
two one-way roads, cutting through the
proposed Harris Teeter and Publix sites.
Thoroughfare Plan
The Towns of Carolina Beach and Kure
Beach originally adopted a thoroughfare
plan in 1973 which was updated most
recently in 1992. As of the 2000 Census,
the expansion of the Wilmington Urbanized
Area resulted in Carolina Beach’s inclusion
as part of the Wilmington Urban Area
Metropolitan Transportation Planning
Organization (MPO). As part of the
membership, the Town will be included in
the MPO’s Thoroughfare Plan update.
North Carolina 2018-
2027 State Transportation
Improvement Plan (STIP)
There are currently no projects within
Carolina Beach jurisdiction programmed in
the current STIP. Within the draft 2020-2029
STIP, a multi-use path along Dow Rd from
Clarendon Ave to Lake Park Blvd is planned
to improve multi-modal access and safety.
Wilmington MPO
Comprehensive
Transportation Plan (2016)
Several multi-use paths, on-road
bicycle facilities and sidewalks are
recommended throughout Carolina Beach
and are documented in the most recent
Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP)
North End Traffic and
Circulation Study
In Spring 2004, the Town adopted the
study and selected a set of improvements
from the recommended traffic scenario
alternatives. The traffic improvements
include (current status indicated in
parentheses):
»Implementing two right-turn lanes on
Carl Winner Avenue outbound to US 421
northbound with expanded storage bays.
(Implemented)
»Establishing Carolina Beach Avenue North
to Sandpiper as a one-way traffic pattern
and introducing sidewalks, bicycle lanes
and traffic calming devices on Carolina
Beach Avenue North and Canal Drive.
(Not fully Implemented, incremental
improvements have been made)
»Adding a landscaped median, bicycle
lanes, expanded sidewalks on US 421
between Harper and Charlotte. Relocate
parking to the adjacent blocks on Harper
and Cape Fear. (Not implemented)
»Establishing bicycle lanes on US 421 south
from Charlotte to Carolina Sands. (Not
implemented)
80Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
Capital Improvement Plan
(2018)
The Capital Improvement Plan sets out
the Town’s major priority projects for the
upcoming 10 years. These projects are
above and beyond the regular operations
and expenditures, although they may
include major maintenance projects.
Major scheduled projects for the next 5
years include:
»Fiscal Year 2018/19:
• Park facilities
»Phase 1 of Ryder Lewis Park
»Playground at Carolina
Beach Lake Park
• Water distribution, particularly
potable well improvements
• Wastewater facilities, particu-
larly a lift station upgrade
• Stormwater management, particularly
maintenance to Heniker Ditch
• Various equipment and vehi-
cle replacements
»Future years
• Potable water system projects:
»New 3-million-gallon water tank
»Major water line replacement projects
»New Water Treatment Plan
• Wastewater system projects - major
sewer (north end) and wastewater
line repair and replacement projects
• Stormwater system projects -
stormwater repairs (north end)
and replacement projects
• Marina - southside and east-
side improvement projects
»Other projects where a timeline for
construction has not yet been identified:
• Canal Drive stormwater solution
• Expansion of Police Depart-
ment building
• New lifeguard station
• Swimming pool
• Community center
• Parking deck
Information on Proposed /
Potential Development /
Redevelopment Projects
At present, the largest and possibly most
impactful redevelopment project is the
Harris Teeter / Publix site on Lake Park
Boulevard. This vacant shopping center
has been demolished and redeveloped
into a commercial shopping plaza. This
redevelopment represents a fairly large
investment, but has not happened yet,
and a date-certain for commencement
of construction is uncertain. The Town is
also developing a park property in close
proximity to this site. These two high
profile projects are on the main community
gateway, Lake Park Boulevard.
TOWN OF CAROLINA BEACH, NORTH CAROLINA
ANNUAL BUDGET -FISCAL YEAR 2018/2019
TOWN COUNCIL
Joe Benson,Mayor
LeAnn Pierce, Councilmember
JoDan Garza,Councilmember
Tom Bridges, Mayor Pro-Tem
Steve Shuttleworth, Councilmember
Part A: Appendix
81 Certified: November 18, 2020
Zoning and Subdivision
Ordinances, and Official
Zoning Map
The Town’s zoning and subdivision
ordinances govern how land is used and
developed. It is important to survey and
evaluate the land use and regulatory
landscape that currently exists in order to
determine any potential deficiencies or other
opportunities that might inform the land
use plan development process. Ultimately,
these regulations may be amended to better
reflect the new Land Use Plan.
The Official Zoning Map does not allow
a general mixing of uses, although in
several places in town, there are a close
relationship (both vertical and horizontal)
between dissimilar uses. Strip zoning
along the major entrance corridor, Lake
Park Boulevard, has created a large
swath of commercial uses with multiple
driveways directly on the highway. This has
increased congestion on this corridor. Some
incongruencies also exist between large
districts zoned for multi-family, where single
family and other uses have been allowed to
intersperse in an unpredictable pattern.
82Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
Current Future Land Use
Map, Flood Zones Map, and
GIS files and resources
These existing resources were reviewed
for their potential impact on and potential
to be impacted by the land use plan
update. The Future Land Use Map will
likely be superseded by an updated map
to accompany the updated land use
plan. Flood zone maps will not change,
although this information will inform the
decisions made throughout the update
process regarding risk and the appropriate
location of certain land uses. Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) files are
geospatial data resources from the town,
regional and state agencies, and other
sources that are used throughout the
update process to document resources,
analyze trends and patterns, communicate
information, and gather feedback from the
Steering Committee. The datasets and
information necessary for a CAMA Land
Use Plan have been gathered for this plan
update.
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Part A: Appendix
83 Certified: November 18, 2020
»Low-rise attached residential, 2- to
3-stories, pedestrian-scaled, private or
shared parking
Likes: 14 Dislikes: 20 No Opinion: 2
»Mid-rise attached residential, 3- to
5-stories, shared parking
Likes: 3 Dislikes: 34 No Opinion: 0
Development Character and Preference Survey
Meeting attendees at the first public open
house workshop ranked various types of
residential and commercial development.
Residential
In terms of residential development, the
majority of respondents showed strong
support for single-family detached homes
and duplexes. Attendees also expressed
moderate support for low-rise attached
residential units with 2-3 stories, although
there was little support for mid-rise attached
units with 3-5 stories.
»Single-family detached homes, front-,
side- or rear-driveways, small yards
Likes: 34 Dislikes: 2 No Opinion: 0
(Plus, four attendees noted dislike for small yards)
»Duplexes (two-family homes), front- or
rear-garages underneath, small yards
Likes: 25 Dislikes: 9 No Opinion: 0
84Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
Commercial
Attendees showed more balanced
preference for various commercial
development styles. Mixed use commercial
centers and small-scale commercial
development mixed into neighborhoods
were most popular. Overall, meeting
attendees expressed support for walkable
commercial centers and aesthetically
appealing development.
»Lifestyle center, outdoor seating, ample
landscaping, auto-oriented destination
Likes: 23 Dislikes: 13 No Opinion: 0
(Plus, four attendees noted dislike for auto-oriented)
»Mix of uses, walkable, outdoor activity,
retail and restaurants below with
residences or offices above
Likes: 35 Dislikes: 2 No Opinion: 0
»Traditional commercial, convenience-
driven, auto-oriented destination
Likes: 8 Dislikes: 28 No Opinion: 0
»Neighborhood commercial and office,
mixed in and around residential
neighborhoods, small-scale, walkable
Likes: 37 Dislikes: 4 No Opinion: 0
Part A: Appendix
85 Certified: November 18, 2020
Stakeholder Interviews
The following major themes were identified
in the stakeholder interviews. These
interviews were held over a full day and
involved in-depth conversations with
stakeholders representing the following
groups:
»Neighborhood leaders, citizen and
advisory boards, and Homeowner
association representatives
»Developers, builders, realtors, and
appraisers
»Land planners, architects, engineers,
surveyors, stormwater and
environmental groups, and parks and
open space advocates
»Business groups, chamber of
commerce, economic development and
industrial business representatives
»Town staff, state parks representative,
federal (MOTSU), NCDOT, and Kure
Beach leadership
The following themes either came up
frequently or are otherwise important to
informing or developing the plan.
Stormwater and Flooding
In general, there are concerns about
stormwater and flooding. Hurricane
Florence exacerbated problems that already
existed. In particular, the following areas
came up frequently:
»Carolina Lake
• Dredging project is progressing, but
slower than most would prefer. (Note:
the dredging project has since been
sped up and is nearing completion.)
• Additional pumps have been installed.
»Canal Drive – floods during high tides,
stormwater drains fail
• Committee has been formed
to generate ideas.
• Current working plan is increase
sea wall height and install pumps.
Parking
Parking is perceived as lacking, particularly
in downtown and particularly during the
summer / tourist season. Some questions
were raised about a previous plan for a
public parking garage. The Town currently
manages on-street parking in downtown
through meters.
Elementary School
The school is a critical and prized
community resource but is limited in
space and has some difficulty with regular
operations, especially parking. Current
plans or desires for facility expansions are
for enhancing or upgrading facilities, not to
add capacity for additional students.
Inlet, Marina and Beach
These areas are critical to driving and
diversifying the local economy. Maintenance
costs are also high and include inlet
maintenance and beach renourishment.
Public and private marinas provide
recreational tourism and help support the
local maritime culture and industry.
Redevelopment
A lot of concern revolves around how to
allow redevelopment, especially if it results
in a more intense development pattern.
A tension exists between maintaining the
charm and character of the town, while
also allowing redevelopment, especially
86Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
with land costs as high as they are.
New development is rarely “affordable”
for blue collar folks. Tension also exists
between wanting to increase building
height (which is often a way to make more
housing affordable and bring residents
to the downtown area) and keeping the
lower height buildings that contribute to
the charm, particularly at the boardwalk /
downtown / central business district. Other
select areas throughout town also present
significant redevelopment opportunities.
Character & Improvement
Nearly every group prizes the family-friendly
character and vibe of the town. Several
groups expressed desire for upgraded
appearance requirements for the most
publicly visible parts of town – Lake Park
Drive and the boardwalk / downtown area.
Some desire exists for increasing quality
through enhanced development standards.
Pedestrian & Cyclist
Connectivity
The Town is engaged in increasing
connectivity and upgrading pedestrian and
cyclist facilities throughout town. Many
groups expressed a desire for even more of
these projects. There is some debate about
needing sidewalks everywhere, especially
along small, narrow, low traffic residential
streets, but major corridors and connections
are ripe for enhanced pedestrian and multi-
use facilities. Some obstacles currently exist
when considering extending the greenway
through Kure Beach (to the ferry) and
across the Snow Cut bridge (to the greater
Wilmington area).
Recreation
Community recreation is important and
helps define the family-friendly character of
the town.
»Public (local)
• The Boardwalk and greenway system.
• Fitness center is a success.
• Mike Chappell Park, Carolina
Lake, and other local parks.
• Music stages in board-
walk / downtown area.
• Some desire for a public
community pool.
»Public (state and federal)
• Carolina Beach State Park,
especially hiking trails.
• Compatibility of public recreation with
Sunny Point is uncertain, at best.
»Private
• Carnival rides in the boardwalk /
downtown area were never intended
to be permanent, and are now being
phased out by development.
• Mini-golf course.
»Freeman Park
• Future of this resource is uncertain,
but it is a major community asset
Part A: Appendix
87 Certified: November 18, 2020
Weaknesses:
»Parking, esp. in tourist season (6 votes)
»Flooding (4 votes)
»Flooding / stormwater, esp. Canal St and
Carolina Beach Lake (3 votes)
»Traffic / congestion (2 votes)
»Local, year-round employment
opportunities (2 votes)
»Stormwater issues, drainage (2 votes)
»Land-locked / future ETJ expansions
unlikely
»Infrastructure
»Need traffic lights and crosswalks
»Central Drive
»Texas Ave pump
»Staffing for project management
»Limited public space
»Limited fund balance
»Overly strict regulation of commercial
development
»Traffic safety / congestion and lack of
cooperation from NCDOT
»Affordable / workforce housing
»Disjointed
Strengths:
»Tourism, including shoulder seasons (5
votes)
»Parks and rec (3 votes)
»Unique character, family-friendly
atmosphere, small community (3 votes)
»Implementation, planning of
infrastructure, and coordinated
improvements (3 votes)
»Location / lots of amenities and events
(3 votes)
»Diversity (2 votes)
»Healthy development trend, economy (2
votes)
»Bicycle / pedestrian connectivity and
vision (2 votes)
»Effective Town staff
»High quality elementary school
»First responders
»Self-sufficiency (aka “no OTB”)
»High ratio of commercial uses (tax base)
»Mix of land uses – commercial next to
residential
»Entrepreneurial spirit
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT Analysis)
During the first Steering Committee meeting on 11/27/2018, members identified the
community’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT). This information
furthers the conversation about land use and other issues facing the town that a land use plan
can address.
A summary of the SWOT analysis is below:
88Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
Threats:
»Flooding (2 votes)
»MOTSU (2 votes)
»Parking (2 votes)
»Development could outpace supporting
infrastructure (2 votes)
»Too much tourism / overcrowding (2
votes)
»High density growth
»Deferred infrastructure maintenance
costs
»Stormwater infrastructure improvements
»Aging multi-family structures
»Staff / Town Council turnover
»Sea level rise
»Erosion
»Only one way on and off the island
(Snow Cut Bridge)
Opportunities:
»Parks and recreation (2 votes)
»Expand walking / biking opportunities (2
votes)
»Flooding / stormwater management (2
votes)
»Historical preservation
»Carolina Beach State Park
»Carolina Beach Lake
»Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point
(MOTSU) – expand uses on military
buffer land
»Parking
»Affordable housing
»Solar/wind power
»Finding ways to connect community
facilities
»Expansion of resources
»Family activities
»Tourism
»Some undeveloped land still exists
Part A: Appendix
89 Certified: November 18, 2020
Seasonal Population Calculation Methodology
Similar to many coastal communities,
Carolina Beach’s population fluctuates
throughout the year between high and low
seasons. When planning for infrastructure,
housing, commerce transportation and
recreation it is important to consider the
impacts of visitors and temporary residents.
People who live inside the Town limits for
much of the year and refer to Carolina
Beach as their primary residence make
up the Permanent Population. Seasonal
population estimates are difficult to calculate
and require making assumptions based
on demographics, habits of visitors, and
available data. While there is no standard
method for calculating seasonal population
for a given jurisdiction, we employ two
differing methods to estimate the influx
of visitors based on available data: water
usage rates and overnight lodging room
and occupancy data. The figure reported
is the peak seasonal population based on
the combination of overnight tourists that
visit on a peak summer weekend day rather
than a typical weekday. Day-travelers are
not accounted for in these calculations and
may be significant, especially for popular
festivals and events. Both methods yielded
estimates in a similar range with the water
usage method estimate falling between the
high and low estimate for the peak season
based on the overnight visitor method.
An average of the two methods is used to
calculate seasonal population projections.
Population types are defined as:
»Peak Population
• Permanent plus seasonal population.
• This is an approximation of the planning
area’s population on a “typical” peak
day during the high season.
»Permanent Population
• Persons who usually reside
in the planning area.
»Peak Seasonal Population
• Persons who are temporarily residing
in the planning area, such as tourists
and vacationers, but who normally
reside in another location. This esti-
mate does not include day-trippers.
Water Usage
For this estimate, we utilize current well
pumping data from 2017 and 2018 to
determine and average water usage
Total Well Pumping Volume in Carolina Beach (i) by Month Measured in MGD (ii)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
2017 25.5 23.0 23.5 -- 32.8 36.0 42.0 36.8 29.0 28.3 24.5 24.0
2018 22.0 23.5 53.0 28.5 29.0 39.0 42.0 36.0 30.0 30.0 24.0 22.5
Avg 23.8 23.3 38.3 28.5 30.9 37.5 42.0 36.4 29.5 29.2 24.3 23.3
i) Combined data from 8 Wells, does not include Kure Beach pumping volume; data from April
2017 omitted due to missing data from 4 wells
ii) Millions of Gallons per Day
90Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
volumes for the peak period. Assuming that
water usage volumes during the low season
are based generally on the permanent
population, we use this data to estimate the
increase in population during the rest of the
year.
Overnight Visitor Method
This method reviews data from four types
of available lodging to determine the peak
overnight visitor population in Carolina
Beach. A low and high estimate was
calculated for four following occupancy
types within Carolina Beach: short-term
rentals, guests of year-round residents,
room counts (including full-service, limited-
service and bed and breakfasts), and
campgrounds. For the peak season this
yielded an additional seasonal population
estimate of between 9,671 and 11,379
overnight visitors in the high season. A
description of the assumptions and methods
follows.
Estimated Seasonal Population Increase in Water Usage Measured Against Low Season
Baseline
Low Season Average Difference from Low Season
Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov
23.4 14.8 5.1 7.5 14.1 18.6 13.0 6.1 5.7 0.8
Estimated Seasonal Population Increase by Month
Water Usage per Resident (iii)
Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov
0.003735 3,970 1,360 2,000 3,770 4,980 3,480 1,630 1,540 220
(iii) Based on Low Season Average and Carolina Beach Population Estimate of 6,270
residents (American Community Survey 2017 population estimates)
Peak Seasonal Population Estimate
Method I – Water Usage
Low Season Baseline Mar Apr May June July (iv) Aug Sept Oct Nov
6,270 10,240 7,630 8,270 10,040 11,250 9,750 7,900 7,810 6,490
Percent Above Baseline 63% 22% 32% 60% 79% 56% 26% 25% 4%
iv) July estimates are used the for peak seasonal population projection.
Part A: Appendix
91 Certified: November 18, 2020
Short-Term Rentals
AirDNA data pulled from February 2019
indicates a peak month of July with a
90% occupancy, an average rental size
of 2.8 bedrooms, with an average of
7.4 guests per rental, and an average
occupancy of 2.6 persons per bedroom.
Data on the overall number of short-term
rentals is difficult to ascertain. While the
most current data from the 2010 U.S.
Census indicates there are 2,126 vacant
housing units for seasonal or recreational
Peak Seasonal Population Estimate
Method II – Overnight Visitors
Low Estimate High Estimate
Short-Term Rentals 5,301 6,925
Guests of Year-Round Residents 628 2,513
Rooms - Hotel/Motel/B&Bs 1,347 2,597
Campgrounds 594 1,145
Total 7,870 13,180
Average 10,525
Estimated Peak Seasonal Occupancy for Short-Term Rentals
Occupancy Occupancy
# Bedrooms Rate Units Low Est. High Est.
Studio 90% 18 17 33
1 bedroom 9% 83 150 293
2 bedrooms 33% 320 1,438 1,985
3 bedrooms 41% 392 2,467 3,137
4 bedrooms 13% 120 972 1,177
5+ bedrooms 3% 26 257 301
Subtotal 960 5,300 6,923
Source: American Community Survey 2016 data on unit distribution in Carolina Beach
92Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
use, there are only 571 vacation rentals
that have been verified with New Hanover
County Tourism Development Authority in
2018. For comparison, AirDNA indicate 369
active rentals, though this only accounts for
listings active on AirBnB and not the whole
short-term rental market. The following
assumptions are made:
»Number of Short-Term Rentals is equal
to the verified seasonal vacation rentals
(571) plus 25% of the remaining vacant
housing units (389) reported from the
census data for a total of 960 short-term
rentals.
»The short-term rentals reflect the
general housing stock within all of
Carolina Beach (based on the number of
bedrooms and unit distribution).
»Peak occupancy rate for units is 90% for
the peak month of July.
»Occupancy ranges from 1-13 persons
per housing unit are assigned based
on the number of bedrooms. A low and
high estimate of persons is used based
on bedrooms for each type of housing
unit.
Guests of Year-Round Residents
Overnight guests of the permanent
population also factor into the peak
seasonal population. A low estimate of 0.25
guests per permanently occupied housing
unit and a high estimate of one guest per
unit is used to estimate peak seasonal
guests.
Estimated Peak Seasonal Occupancy for Short-Term Rentals
Number of Bedrooms Occupancy Rate Housing Unit Distribution (i) Housing Units
Low Occupancy Estimate High Occupancy Estimate
Studio 90% 2% 18 17 33
1 bedroom 9% 83 150 293
2 bedrooms 33% 320 1,438 1,985
3 bedrooms 41% 392 2,467 3,137
4 bedrooms 13% 120 972 1,177
5 or more bedrooms 3% 26 257 301
960 5,300 6,923
i) American Community Survey 2016 data on unit distribution in Carolina Beach
Part A: Appendix
93 Certified: November 18, 2020
Nightly Lodging - Hotel/Motel/
B&Bs
Nightly lodging makes up a portion of the
overnight visitor options for Carolina Beach.
Full-Service lodging makes up the majority
of options, while some limited-service and
bed and breakfasts also contribute to the
number of rooms available. The lodging
unit data from 23 verified businesses were
obtained from the New Hanover County
Tourism Development Authority. A high
estimate assumes 90% of the inventory
is available while a low estimate of 70%
inventory availability is given due to
properties being renovated or partially
closed.
Campgrounds / RV Parks
Carolina Beach has two campgrounds and
one RV Park which also contribute to the
overnight population. Data was obtained
from websites to determine the overall
number of sites. A high estimate assumes
90% of the inventory is available while a
low estimate of 70% inventory availability is
used.
Peak Seasonal Population
Projection
Using the average of the two methods,
the peak population in Carolina Beach is
estimated to be 10,887 people using the
water usage estimates (Method I, 11,250)
and the estimate of overnight visitors
(Method II 7,870 - 13,180). This equates
to a peak seasonal population that is as
much as 74% higher than the permanent
Estimated Peak Seasonal Guests of Year-Round Residents
Persons per Unit (i) 2.29
Permanently occupied housing units (ii) 2,513
Low Estimate High Estimate
Guests of Year-Round Residents 0.25 1
628 2,513
(i, ii) 2016 American Community Survey data on Permanently Occupied Housing Units
Estimated Peak Seasonal Nightly Lodging
Units Low Estimate High Estimate
Full Service (2) 244 342 659
Limited Service (20) 711 995 1,920
Bed and Breakfast (1) 7 10 19
Total 962 1,347 2,597
94Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
population, not taking into account day-
trippers to the island. Using the average of
these methods, a peak seasonal population
of 10,887 as a baseline, we apply a 1.36%
growth rate to match the most recent
growth rate from 2010-2017 to determine
peak seasonal population projections for
the planning period. This yields a peak
seasonal population estimate of 16,793 in
2050.
This growth in this figure is dependent on
factors that influence seasonal population
including an increase in second or vacation
homes. Historical data indicates there has
been a trend in an increase in the number
of seasonal housing units. Data from 2000
indicates that 30% of the city’s housing units
were being used for seasonal, recreational,
or occasional use. By 2010 this proportion
had increased to 38%. Between 2000 and
2010 the number of seasonal, recreational
or occasional use housing units were
experiencing an annual growth rate of
5.6%, much higher than the growth rate in
housing units. This indicates a portion of the
existing housing units have been converted
to occasional use. Seasonal population
increases would be highly dependent upon
an increase in the number of housing units,
hotel rooms or other accommodations
that would be built or expanded during the
planning period. An increase or decrease in
the overall number of short-term rentals
due to expansion or regulation of the
residential sharing economy could also
greatly impact this projection.
The second is based on occupancy of
short-term rentals, guests of year round
residents, rooms in full/limited service
hotels, and campgrounds in the peak
season.
Seasonal Data from UNC Carolina Demography:
Estimated Peak Seasonal Camping / RV Sites
Sites Low est. High est.
Carolina Bch State Park 91 63.7 81.9
Winner's RV Park 21 14.7 18.9
Freeman Park 100 70 90
Subtotal 212 594 1,145
Part A: Appendix
95 Certified: November 18, 2020
Land Suitability Analysis
A suitability analysis
quantifies the factors of
land that contribute to its
economic and physical
suitability. These factors,
both constraints and
attractors, work together
and against each other
to help inform land use
decisions. This type
of analysis does not
judge the willingness of
owners to sell or develop
property, but speaks
more to the investments
in and near land that
make it suitable for
development, as well
as the environmental
constraints that deter
development or make it
more costly to develop.
Taken together, these
physical, economic,
and environmental
factors create an overall
suitability map. This
information, along with
many other data points
and perspectives,
contributed to the
creation of the future
land use map. A
summary of factors is
shown to the right, as
well as the composite
land use suitability map.
Summary of factors that contribute to suitability.
Physical &
Economic
Factors
Environmental
Constraints
Development
Suitability
Composite
Excluded
areas
(“masked”)
Transportation
Major
intersections
Major
corridors (ped
and auto)Wet utilities
Water lines
(major)
Sewer lines
(major)
Utility
buffers
Wellsheds
WWTP
“Attractors” to development
Deterrent to development
Activity nodes
Commercial
Activity
centers
Residential
density
Habitat
Shellfish and
High Quality
Waters
Wildlife and
Natural
Heritage
Flooding and
stormwater
Flood zones
Storm surge
Chronic
flooding areas
Wetlands and
waterfront
Wetlands
(coastal and
non-coastal)
Erosion-prone
areas and
steep slopes
CAMA
setbacks
“Deterrents” to development
State, Federal,
& protected
lands
Excluded from
development
potential
(“masked”)
Canal St; Lake area;
No buffered
streams in CB
jurisdiction.
96Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
Land Use Suitability composite map.
Part A: Appendix
97 Certified: November 18, 2020
Matrix for Land Use Plan Elements – 15A NCAC 7B .0702
Matrix for Land Use Plan Elements – 15A NCAC 7B .0702
Page Reference(s)
Organization of the Plan
• Matrix that shows the location of the required elements as set forth in this Rule 97
Community Concerns and Aspirations
• Description of the dominant growth-related conditions that influence land use,
development, water quality and other environmental concerns in the planning
area
12-13
Description of the land use and development topics most important to the future of the
planning area, including:
• Public Access 48-50
• Land Use Compatibility 50-52
• Infrastructure Carrying Capacity 52-54
• Natural Hazard Areas 54-58
• Water Quality 58-60
Community Vision
• Description of the general physical appearance and form that represents the
local government’s plan for the future. It shall include objectives to be achieved
by the plan and identify changes that may be needed to achieve the planning
vision.
9-10, 43-46
Existing and Emerging Conditions
Population, Housing and Economy
Discussion of the following data and trends:
• Permanent population growth trends using data from the two most decennial
Censuses
12-13
• Current permanent and seasonal population estimates 12-13
• Key population characteristics including age and income 13-14
• Thirty-year projections of permanent and seasonal population in five-year incre-
ments
13
• Estimate of current housing stock, including permanent and seasonal units, ten-
ure, and types of units (single-family, multifamily, and manufactured)
14-15
• Description of employment by major sectors and community economic activity 15
Natural Systems
Description of natural features in the planning jurisdiction to include:
• Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs) as set forth in Subchapter 15A NCAC
07H
17-20
• Soil characteristics, including limitations for septic tanks, erodibility, and other
factors related to development
25-26
98Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
• Environmental Management Commission (EMC) water quality classifications and
related use support designations
25-26
• Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) shellfish growing areas and water quality
conditions
23
• Flood and other natural hazard areas 27-30
• Storm surge areas 30
• Non-coastal wetlands, including forested wetlands, shrub-scrub wetlands and
freshwater marshes
20-22
• Water supply watersheds or wellhead protection areas 31
• Primary nursery areas 23
• Environmentally fragile areas, such as wetlands, natural heritage areas, areas
containing endangered species, prime wildlife habitats, or maritime forests
21-23
Natural Systems, contd. Page Reference(s)
• Additional natural features or conditions identified by the local government 18-20, 33
Environmental Conditions
Discussion of environmental conditions within the planning jurisdiction to include an
assessment of the following conditions and features:
• Status and changes of surface water quality; including:
- Impaired streams from the most recent Division of Water Resources (DWR)
Basin Planning Branch Reports
17-19, 21-22, 25-26
- Clean Water Act 303 (d) List 17-19, 21-22, 25-26
- Other comparable data 17-19, 21-22, 25-26
• Current situation and trends on permanent and temporary closures of shellfish-
ing waters as determined by the Report of Sanitary Survey by the Shellfish Sani-
tation and Recreational Water Quality Section of the DMF
22-23
• Areas experiencing chronic wastewater treatment malfunctions 3, 53
• Areas with water quality or public health problems related to non-point source
pollution
25-26
• Areas subject to recurrent flooding, storm surges and high winds 27-30
• Areas experiencing significant shoreline erosion as evidenced by the presence of
threatened structures or public facilities
25-29
• Environmentally fragile areas (as defined in Part (c)(2)(A)(ix) of this Rule) or ar-
eas where resources functions are impacted as a result of development
21-22
• Natural resource areas that are being impacted or lost as a result of incompati-
ble development. These may include, but are not limited to the following: coast-
al wetlands, protected open space, and agricultural land.
17-22
Existing Land Use and Development
MAP of existing land use patterns 35
• Description of the existing land use patterns 36
• Estimates of the land area allocated to each land use category 36
• Characteristics of each land use category 36, 44-46
MAP of historic, cultural, and scenic areas designated by a state or federal agency or by
the local government
38
Part A: Appendix
99 Certified: November 18, 2020
• Descriptions of the historic, cultural and scenic areas 37
Community Facilities
Evaluation of existing and planned capacity, location and adequacy of community facilities
to include:
MAP of existing and planned public and private water supply service areas 32
• Description of existing public and private water supply systems to include:
- Existing condition 31
- Existing capacity 31
- Documented overflows, bypasses or other problems that may degrade
water quality or constitute a threat to public health as documented by the
DWR
31
- Future water supply needs based on population projections 31
MAP of existing and planned public and private wastewater service areas 32
• Description of existing public and private wastewater systems to include:
- Existing condition 31
- Existing capacity 31
- Documented overflows, bypasses or other problems that may degrade
water quality or constitute a threat to public health as documented by the
DWR
31
- Future wastewater system needs based on population projections 31
MAP of existing and planned multimodal transportation systems and port and airport
facilities
39
• Description of any highway segments deemed by the NC Department of Trans-
portation (NCDOT) as having unacceptable service as documented in the most
recent NCDOT Transportation and/or Thoroughfare Plan
37-40
Community Facilities, contd.Page Reference(s)
• Description of highway facilities on the current thoroughfare plan or current
transportation improvement plan
37-40
• Description of the impact of existing transportation facilities on land use pat-
terns
35-40
• Description of the existing public stormwater management system 31
• Identification of existing drainage problems and water quality issues related to
point-source discharges of stormwater runoff
31-32
Policy
Citation(s)
Page
Reference(s)
Future Land Use
Policies
• Policies that exceed the use standards and permitting requirements found in
Subchapter 7H, State Guidelines for Areas of Environmental Concern
LU 1.1 – LU 4.2,
IC 1.2 – IC 2.5
51-52, 53-54
Policies that address the Coastal Resources Commission’s (CRC’s) management topics:
100Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan
Public Access Management Goal:
Maximize public access to the beaches and the public trust waters of the coastal region.
The planning objectives for public access are local government plan policies that:
• Address access needs and opportunities PA 1.1-6.1 49-50
• Identify strategies to develop public access PA 1.1-6.1 49-50
• Address provisions for all segments of the community, including persons with
disabilities
PA 1.1-6.1 49-50
• For oceanfront communities, establish access policies for beach areas targeted
for nourishment
PA 3.1, 5.1 49-50
Land Use Compatibility Management Goal:
Ensure that development and use of resources or preservation of land balance protection
of natural resources and fragile areas with economic development, and avoids risks to
public health, safety, and welfare.
The planning objectives for land use compatibility are local government plan policies that:
• Characterize future land use and development patterns LU1.1 - 1.2 51
• Establish mitigation criteria and concepts to minimize conflicts LU 2.2-4.2 51-52
Infrastructure Carrying Capacity Management Goal:
Ensure that public infrastructure systems are sized, located, and managed so the quality
and productivity of AECs and other fragile areas are protected or restored.
The planning objectives for infrastructure carrying capacity are local government plan
policies that:
• Establish service criteria IC 1.3, 2.1-2.4 53
• Ensure improvements minimize impacts to AECs and other fragile areas IC 1.1-1.3, 2.2 53
Natural Hazard Areas Management Goal:
Conserve and maintain barrier dunes, beaches, floodplains, and other coastal features for
their natural storm protection functions and their natural resources giving recognition to
public health, safety, and welfare issues.
The planning objectives for natural hazard areas are local government plan policies that:
• Establish mitigation and adaptation concepts and criteria for development and
redevelopment, including public facilities
NH 1.1 – 7.1 54 - 58
• Minimize threats to life, property and natural resources resulting from erosion,
high winds, storm surge, flooding, or other natural hazards
NH 1.1 – 7.1 54 - 58
Water Quality Management Goal:
Maintain, protect and where possible enhance water quality in all coastal wetlands, rivers,
streams, and estuaries.
The planning objectives for water quality are local government plan policies that:
• Establish strategies and practices to prevent or control nonpoint source pollu-
tion
WQ 1.1 – 5.5 59 - 60
• Establish strategies and practices to maintain or improve water quality WQ 1.1 – 5.5 59 - 60
Future Land Use Map Page Reference(s)
Part A: Appendix
101 Certified: November 18, 2020
MAP of future land uses that depicts the policies for growth and development and the
desired future patterns of land use and development with consideration given to natural
system constraints and infrastructure
43
• Descriptions of land uses and development associated with the future land use
map designations
44
Tools for Managing Development
• Description of the role of plan policies, including the future land use map, in lo-
cal decisions regarding land use and development
72
• Description of the community’s development management program, including
local ordinances, codes, and other plans and policies
72
Action Plan and Implementation Schedule
• Description of actions that will be taken by the local government to implement
policies that meet the CRC’s management topic goals and objectives, specifying
fiscal year(s) in which each action is anticipated to start and finish
48-70
• Identification of specific steps the local government plans to take to implement
the policies, including adoption and amendment of local ordinances, other
plans, and special projects
48-56, 58-63, 65, 66, 69
102Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan