Core Land Use Plan Executive Summary 2008

TOWN OF ATLANTIC BEACH
0
CORE LAND USE PLAN
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Adopted
by
the
Atlantic
Beach Town Council: April 21, 2008
Certified
by
the
Coastal
Resources Commission:
Prepared by:
Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
Wilmington, North Carolina
The preparation of this document was financed in part through a grant provided by the North
Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management
Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

TOWN OF ATLANTIC BEACH
CORE CAMA LAND USE PLAN
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
PREFACE.............................................1
2. INTRODUCTION..........................................2
3. TOWN OF ATLANTIC BEACH COMMUNITY VISION .................... 2
4. KEY ISSUES/DOMINANT GROWTH -RELATED ISSUES .................... 4
5. POPULATION SUMMARY....................................5
6. HOUSING SUMMARY......................................7
7. EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMY SUMMARY ......................... 7
8. WATER QUALITY ........................................ 8
a. White Oak River Basin Watershed ........................ 9
b. Subbasin 03-05-03................................. 10
C. Registered Animal Operations in the White Oak River Basin ...... 10
d. Population, Population Densities, and Growth Trends ........... 11
9. ANALYSIS OF LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT ...................... 11
a. Introduction ..................................... 11
b. Land Use in Relation to Water Quality .................... 12
C. Existing Land Use .................................. 15
10. LAND USE/DEVELOPMENT GOALS AND IMPLEMENTING ACTIONS ......... 16 .
a. Introduction .........:........................... 16
b. Impact of CAMA Land Use Plan Policies on Management Topics .... 17
C. Public Access ..................................... 17
d. Land Use Compatibility .............................. 19
e. Infrastructure Carrying Capacity ........................ 31
f. Natural Hazard Areas ..............................:. 33
g. Water Quality .................................... 36
h. Local Areas of Concern .............................. 39
Town of Atlantic Beach A. LUP - Executive Summary

PAGE
TABLES
Table 1 Town of Atlantic Beach and Carteret County, NC Summary of Year -
Round Population Growth, 1970-2000 ................... 5
Table 2 Town of Atlantic Beach, NC Permanent, Seasonal, and Total Peak
Population Projections, 2000-2030 ..................... 6
Table 3 Subbasin 03-05-03 Area, Population, and Land Cover ......... 10
Table 4 Town of Atlantic Beach Existing Land Use, February 2005 ...... 15
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1. PREFACE
This plan is intended to fulfill the Coastal Area Management Act (LAMA) requirements for
the preparation of a Core CAMA Land Use Plan. This plan is organized to adhere to the
15A NCAC 7B requirements. This is a Core Land Use Plan.. The Core Plan is defined as
follows:
Core Plan: This plan addresses all of the plan elements in Rule .0702 of
Section 7B (Elements of CAMA Core and Advanced Core Land Use Plans) in
a complete and thorough manner. These are summarized as follows:
(1) Organization of the Plan, (2) Community Concerns and Aspirations,
(3) Analysis of Existing and Emerging Conditions with the jurisdiction, and
(4) Plan for the Future. This type of plan is the standard CAMA. Land Use
Plan required for all 20 coastal counties.
In addition to the CAMA requirements, there are other reasons to plan. Atlantic Beach
has a great deal of influence on the way in which the town develops. The buildings,
facilities, and improvements provided by Atlantic Beach affect the daily lives of its
citizens, give form to the town, and stimulate or retard the development of privately -
owned land. In addition, the workings of the real estate market help determine the uses
of private land, but these uses are regulated by Atlantic Beach. The town has an
opportunity to coordinate the overall pattern of physical development.
Atlantic Beach is inescapably involved in questions of physical development. At almost
every meeting of the Town Council, development decisions must be made concerning
rezoning, street improvements, sites for public buildings, and so on. Atlantic Beach — and
particularly the legislative body made up of lay citizens — needs some technical guidance
in making these physical development decisions. Atlantic Beach needs an instrument that
establishes long-range, general policies for the physical development of the community
in a coordinated, unified manner, and which can be continually referred to in deciding
upon the development issues that come up every week. The comprehensive plan is such
an instrument.
Once this plan is adopted, the town must realize that the plan is not the end of the
process. Atlantic Beach must continuously work at accomplishing plan implementation
and establishing an effective planning program. The town must view the preparation
of this document as the first step in a continually evolving process.
The policies and implementing actions section of this plan, pages 17 to 45 includes
numerous recommendations for new regulatory ordinances and revisions to existing
regulatory ordinances. These revisions are essential to the successful implementation of
this document.
Town of Atlantic Beach 1 LUP - Executive Summary

2. INTRODUCTION
This fiscal year 2004/2005 - 2005/2006 Core CAMA Land Use Plan is prepared in
accordance with the requirements of the North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act
(CAMA). Specifically, this document complies with Subchapter 7B, "CAMA Land Use
Planning Requirements," of the North Carolina Administrative Code, as amended,
August 1, 2002.
The 7B guidelines provide that each of the twenty coastal counties and municipalities
within those counties prepare and adopt a Core CAMA Land Use Plan that meets the
planning requirements adopted by the Coastal Resources Commission (CRC). If a county
chooses not to prepare a plan, the guidelines specify that the CRC will prepare and adopt
a LAMA Land Use Plan for that county and municipalities within the county which choose
not to prepare their own plan. Municipalities not preparing their own plan will be
included in the plan for the county in which the municipality is located.
At the beginning of the preparation of this document, the Town of Atlantic Beach adopted
a Citizen Participation Plan which is intended to ensure that all interested citizens have
an opportunity to participate in the development of this plan through both oral and
written comments. The citizen input received during the development of this plan has
greatly influenced the final contents of the plan and its policies.
The Town of Atlantic Beach guided the development of this plan. The Atlantic Beach
Planning Board was composed of the following members:
Joe Tarascio, Chairman
Larry Burke
Tom Outlaw
Karen Koenig
Norman Livengood
Vada Palma
Trace Cooper
Dewey L. Bordeaux, III
Jim Bailey
Ellen Womer
Following adoption of the plan by the Atlantic Beach Board of Commissioners, it was
submitted to the CRC for certification. Certification of the plan was achieved on
. 2008.
3. TOWN OF ATLANTIC BEACH COMMUNITY VISION
Since its establishment, the Town of Atlantic Beach has always served as an open, public
destination for all visitors and residents to come and enjoy the unique amenities offered
by a community located on a natural barrier island. It is the vision of the Town to
preserve its all-inclusive past while continuing to promote the community as a desirable
location to visit, live, work, and play.
Town of Atlantic Beach 2 LUP - Executive Summary

The Town desires to balance its year-round residential areas, second home areas with low
rental use, and its vital tourist population. The need to buffer these uses is necessary as
is allowing and encouraging appropriate commercial development to service these
populations. The protection of our environmental assets is of the highest importance as
the sound and ocean are what make all of us desire to be here. A high quality of life must
be maintained and a small town atmosphere preserved.
Atlantic Beach's mission is to establish development and redevelopment patterns that
preserve and promote its residential neighborhoods and commercial business areas while
protecting the vital natural resources that make Atlantic Beach a truly unique destination.
Atlantic Beach will achieve this through enhancement of Town services and infrastructure;
protection of the Town's wetlands, maritime forests, and natural areas of the Atlantic
Ocean and Bogue Sound; and through the encouragement of private investment that
utilizes creativity to promote sustainable development that is beneficial to all visitors and
residents of the Town.
The following issues are important to the Town's future:
■ Protection of environmental assets.
■ Preserving a small town atmosphere.
■ Prudent economic development.
■ Partnerships.
■ Balance needs of permanent, visitor, and seasonal population.
■ Encouraging mixed -use, including entertainment uses.
■ Open access to the beach and sound areas.
■ Encourage non -automobile transit improvements.
■ Enhancement of town services and infrastructure.
■ Sustainable development through encouragement of creative private investment.
■ Vibrant and diverse community.
Town of Atlantic Beach 3 LUP - Executive Summary

4. KEY ISSUES/DOMINANT GROWTH -RELATED ISSUES
This document will attempt to assess all issues and concerns that may affect the growth
and natural environment in the Town of Atlantic Beach over the 5-year planning period.
Due to resource and time limitations, however, primary, or "key" issues must be
identified and prioritized. These key issues are those that the Town will spend additional
resources in analyzing, assessing and developing goals, policies, objectives, and
implementing tasks to address over the planning period.
In order to identify these issues, the Town held an Issues Identification Meeting on
February 1, 2005. This meeting was widely advertised, through direct. solicitation of
citizens with known interests in civic affairs and representatives of organizations with
interest in these affairs (including representatives of State agencies responsible for LAMA
Plan oversight). Additionally, a notice was sent to ,a randomly selected 10% of all
landowners in the Town (43 landowners of approximately 435) and was advertised in the
Carteret County News -Times newspaper.
At the meeting, the Town's planning consultants, Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.,
provided an overview of the CAMA Land Use Planning process and then led the assembled
group of approximately 15 persons in a "brainstorming" session to identify issues that the
group adjudged to be significant to the Town of Atlantic Beach's growth and environment
over the planning period. These issues were then listed on large writing pads and affixed
to the wall of the Atlantic Beach Town Hall Boardroom where the meeting was held. At
the end of the meeting, participants received 10 "votes" and identified their 10 top issues
(1 vote per issue - no "multi -voting" with multiple votes per issue). The results are
recorded below:
Key Issues identified at the February 1, 2005 Issues Identification Meeting
Town Meeting
# of Votes
Rank
Issue
Absentee Ranking
8
1
Beach Maintenance
1
7
2
Beach Renourishment Efforts (especially from Brandt Island)
4
6
3
Density of Future Development
2
6
4
Development of Sewer System
3
6
5
Tree Ordinance/Tree Protection
10
5
6
Commercial and Residential Redevelopment
7
5
7
Development Regulations
5
5
8
Recreational Opportunities (Active and Passive)
9
5
9
Stormwater Management in Town
8
5
10
Water Supply/Water System
6
Town of Atlantic Beach 4 LUP - Executive Summary

Town Meeting
N of Votes
Rank
Issue Absentee Ranking
3
11
Need for/ of Native Plantings/Vegetation
3
12
Public Boat Access
3
13
Reduction of Commercial Areas in Some Parts of Town
3
14
Reuse of Public Facilities and Town Buildings
2
15
Public Beach and Sound Access
2
16
Transportation Improvements
1
17
Coastal Habitat Protection Plan (CHPP)
NOTE: The top ten "Key" or "primary" issues are in bold.
Source: Holland Consulting Planners, Inc., and the Town of Atlantic Beach Planning Department.
The top ten issues identified were flagged for additional analysis and consideration in the
remainder of this document.
Additionally, surveys were mailed out to 494 absentee property owners. A total of 211
completed questionnaires were received; and 10 survey responses were generated from
the web -site posting of the survey. The table above provides a comparison of these
results to the ranking from the Town meeting.
5. POPULATION SUMMARY
Historical population growth and forecast of population growth are summarized in the
following tables.
Table 1: Town of Atlantic Beach and Carteret County, NC
Summary of Year -Round Population Growth, 1970-2000
Year -Round
Population
Percentage
Change
Overall
1970
1980
1990 2000
'70-'80
'80-'90
190-100
'70-'00
Atlantic Beach
300
941
1,938 1,781
213.7%
105.9%
-8.1%
493.7%
Carteret County
31,603
41,092
52,553 59,383
30.0%
27.9%
12.9%
87.9%
The NC Office of State Planning provides the following population
estimates: Carteret County2005 population
estimate - 62,766;
Atlantic
Beach 2004
population estimate
- 1,791.
Source: NC State Data Center; extrapolation of data for unincorporated areas by Holland Consulting Planners,
Inc.
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Table 2: Town of Atlantic Beach, NC
Permanent, Seasonal, and Total Peak Population Projections, 2000 - 2030
Permanent
% Pop. Growth
Peak Seasonal
Peak Daytime
Total Peak Day
Year
Population Estimate
Previous 5 Years
Overnight Visitors
Only Visitors
Population
2000
1,770
N/A
12,448
9,000
23,218
2005
2,074
17.16%
12,913
9,369
24,355
2010
2,373
14.45%
13,240
9,753
25,367
2015
2,606
9.80%
13,143
10,153
25,902
2020
2,839
8.93%
13,015
10,570
26,423
2025
3,071
8.20%
12,887
11,003
26,962
2030
3,304
7.58%
12,759
11,454
27,517
Source: Holland consulting Planners, Inc.
The following provides a summary of the significant demographic factors:
■ From 1970 to 2000, Atlantic Beach experienced a population increase of 493.7%;
however, total population decrease by 8.1% from 1990 to 2000.
■ The Morehead City Township, which includes Atlantic Beach, is the fastest growing
township in Carteret County.
■ Most of the town's population growth has been the result of in -migration.
■ 2000 peak seasonal population was 27,431, 15.1 times the permanent year-round
population.
■ Atlantic Beach's peak day population (day visitors and seasonal/ permanent
residents) is estimated at 45,000 in 2004.
■ During the 1990s, Atlantic Beach's median age increased rapidly from 31.3 to 48.7.
■ Atlantic Beach's permanent population ranks ahead of the state's population in
college degree achievement.
■ Atlantic Beach has a very small minority population.
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■

6. HOUSING SUMMARY
■ There are 4,599 total dwelling units within Atlantic Beach. Of these,
approximately 80% (3,664) are considered vacant and 20% (935) are occupied.
■ There are 4,831 residential structures within Atlantic Beach as of 2004; 74% of
these have been constructed since 1970. This total has been quantified using a
combination of the 2000 US Census and building permit activity provided by the
Town of Atlantic Beach.
■ Residential structures within Atlantic Beach on average have 4.7 rooms per unit,
and 44% have three or more bedrooms.
■ Out of the 4,744 reported in the 2000 US Census, 30.8% are single-family homes
and 27.9% are mobile homes.
■ Approximately 90.7% of all owner occupant householders have moved into their
homes on Atlantic Beach since the year 1990.
7. EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMY SUMMARY
■ The per capita income for Atlantic Beach residents is $31,339 and the mean
income is $55,707.
■ The median household income for citizens of Atlantic Beach was $38,312 according
to the 2000 US Census, and 53.7% of the town's residents take in an annual income
of $35,000 or more.
■ The largest employer of Atlantic Beach residents is the retail trade industry,
accounting for seventeen percent (17%) of the total jobs reported in the census
for persons employed age sixteen and over.
■ Government jobs pay the highest average weekly wage to permanent residents of
Atlantic Beach. This data is based on information for Carteret County overall, due
to the fact that this information is not available at the municipal level.
■ Approximately fifty-three percent of all Atlantic Beach residents have commuting
time of fifteen minutes or more to work.
■ The largest number of non-residential building permits have been granted for
commercial construction dating back to 1990.
Town of Atlantic Beach 7 LUP - Executive Summary

■ Tourism is the major industry within Atlantic Beach.
■ Domestic tourism generated an economic impact of $224.26 million in 2003.
■ Carteret County is ranked 121" in the state for travel impact.
■ In Carteret County more than 3,310 jobs are directly attributable to travel and
tourism.
■ Commercial fishing still has a presence in Atlantic Beach; however, the number
of individuals relying on this industry has decreased over the last five to ten years.
B. WATER QUALITY
Water quality in and near the Town of Atlantic Beach is considered at many points in this
Plan. However, because of the significant relationship between land use and water
quality, a section focusing specifically on local and regional water quality is included
here, prior to detailed discussions of existing and future land use. This Plan will primarily
analyze water quality on the watershed and subbasin level.
A watershed is the area of land where all
of the water that is under it or drains off
of it goes into the same place.
Geographer John Wesley Powell put it
best when he said that a watershed is:
"that area of land, a bounded hydrologic
system, within which all living things are
inextricably linked by their common
water course and where, as humans
settled, simple logic demanded that they
become part of a community." (Source:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency).
Pictorial Representation of a Watershed (Source:
Lane County, Oregon, Council of Governments)
The Town of Atlantic Beach is located wholly in the White Oak River watershed and
(significantly) at the outfall of the watershed.
Subbasins are geographic areas that represent part of a watershed, made up of a
combination of drainage areas and/or distinct hydroponic features, all draining to the
primary watershed. The Town of Atlantic Beach is located in the Newport River subbasin,
also known by its USGS designation, subbasin number 03-05-03.
Town of Atlantic Beach 8 LUP - Executive Summary

In North Carolina, water quality is assessed primarily at the watershed or river basin (i.e.,
"basinwide") level, due to the interconnectedness of watersheds described above.
Basinwide water quality plans are prepared by the North Carolina Division of Water
Quality (DWQ) for each of the seventeen major river basins in the State and updated at
five-year intervals. The basinwide plan for the White Oak River Basin was developed by
DWQ in February, 1997 and updated in September, 2001. This document will be referred
to as "BWP" in this Plan.
The goals of the BWP are as follows:
■ Identify water quality problems and restore full use to impaired waters;
■ Identify and protect high value resource waters;
■ Protect unimpaired waters while allowing for reasonable economic growth;
■ Develop appropriate management strategies to protect and restore water quality;
■ Assure equitable distribution of waste assimilative capacity for dischargers; and
■ Improve public awareness and involvement in the management of the state's
surface waters.
The North Carolina Wetlands Restoration Program (NCWRP), in conjunction with the BWP,
developed a Basinwide Wetlands and Riparian Restoration Plan (BWRRP) in 1998 to
identify the need and opportunity for stream, riparian and buffer restoration in the White
Oak Basin where water quality has been or likely could be degraded. This document will
be referenced as the NCWRP.
a. White Oak River Basin Watershed
The White Oak River Basin is a 1,264-square mile watershed area that drains four
separate river systems and their tributaries: the New River, the White Oak River, the
Newport River, and the North River. It also drains the entirety of Core, Back, and Bogue
Sounds, the latter being the location of Atlantic Beach (Source: NCWRP, page 3).
DWQ has developed a draft third edition of its 5-year basin plan for the White Oak
River Basin. The draft was available in January 2007. Some of the information provided
here has been obtained from DWQ's draft 2006 basin plan.
The basin contains much of Onslow and Carteret Counties and small portions of
Craven and Jones Counties, and includes a total of 16 municipalities, including the larger
and fast-growing City of Jacksonville, as well as the Towns of Beaufort, Morehead City,
Emerald Isle, and Newport.
It also contains five subbasins, 417 miles of streams, over 130,000 acres of
estuarine waters and 91 miles of Atlantic Coastline.
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b. Subbasin 03-05-03
Subbasin 03-05-03 is comprised of central Carteret County from the Croatan
National Forest to Beaufort and Beaufort Inlet and contains the Town of Atlantic Beach,
all of Bogue Banks, and Cape Carteret, Newport, and Morehead City. Table 3 provides an
overview of the population and land use present in the subbasin.
Table 3: Subbasin 03-05-03
Area, Population, and Land Cover
Land and Water Area (square miles)
Total area: 228
Land area: 168
Water area: 60
Population Statistics
2000 Est. Population: 14,846 persons
Pop. Density: 65 persons per sq. mi.
Monitored Water Body Statistics
Aquatic Life:
Total: 15.1 mi./5,788.1 ac.
Total Supported: 5,847.9 mi.
Total Impaired: 140.2 ac.
Total Not Rated: 15.1 mi.
Shellfish Harvesting:
Total: 5.2 mi./23,867.4 ac.
Total Supported: 19,357.1 ac.
Total Impaired: 5.2 mi./14,410.3 ac.
Land Cover (%)
Forest/Wetland: 59
Surface Water: 26
Urban: 4
Cultivated Crops: 6.5
Pasture: 4
Recreation:
Total: 11.2 mi./17,912.9 ac.
Total Supported: 1.1.2 mi./17,764.7 ac
Total Impaired: 148.1 ac.
As Table 3 indicates, the subbasin is heavily forested and only contains one developed
area north of Morehead City - the Town of Newport. Although there are indications of
nutrient inputs in the upper Newport River, as well as elevated levels of fecal coliform
bacteria, the water quality in the subbasin is generally good, with 11,236 of 34,146 acres
of estuarine waters being classified by DWQ as Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW).
There are eight (8) facilities permitted to discharge wastewater into the subbasin
under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) with a total permitted
flow of approximately 4.75 million gallons per day (MGD).
C. Registered Animal Operations in the White Oak River Basin
The presence of animal operations is significant to water quality, since these
operations typically produce large amounts of waste that can negatively affect water
quality. This is particularly true in subbasin 03-05-03 where fecal coliform contamination
has been a significant concern, due to the impact on shellfishing and recreation described
above.
Town of Atlantic Beach 10 LUP - Executive Summary

According to the draft BWP, there are two swine operations with a total of 951
animals within Subbasin 03-05-03. These operations are located near Newport on the
mainland of Carteret County. While the number of operations remained constant
between 1998 and 2004, the number of animals decreased significantly from 3,375
animals in 1998 to the 951 cited above.
d. Population, Population Densities, and Growth Trends
According to the 2006 draft BWP, the 2000 population of the basin was estimated
to be 311,680, or approximately 3.9% of the State's 2000 population. The majority of this
population resides in Onslow County. The current density of the basin is 131 persons per
square mile.
For subbasin 03-05-03, the total estimated 2000 population was 14,846, an
increase of approximately 30.2% over the estimated 1990 population of 11,404. This
number reflects only the permanent population and does not reflect the huge seasonal
populations in Morehead City and the towns along Bogue Banks, including Atlantic Beach.
This population increase is reflected in the increase in urban land cover in the
White Oak River Basin watershed from approximately 52 acres in 1982 (4% of land area) .
to 95 acres in 1997 (8% of land area) - an 81 % increase. The vast majority of this increase
comes from the mainland, since Atlantic Beach is very nearly built out to its maximum
urbanized land cover, although densities could increase in the future. During this same
period, forested lands shrunk by 9.7% from 379 acres to 342 acres.
9. ANALYSIS OF LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT
a. Introduction
The Division of Coastal Management Land Use Plan Guidelines (15A NCAC 7B.0207)
require that existing land uses and water uses be mapped. The land and water use maps
in conjunction with the land suitability map should be utilized as working documents and
serve as a basis for the development of the future land use map(s). Specifically, this plan
should address the following:
■ Significant land use compatibility problems;
■ Significant water use compatibility problems including those -identified in
any water supply plan appendix and those identified in the applicable
Division of Environmental Management basinwide plan;
Town of Atlantic Beach 11 LUP - Executive Summary

■ Significant problems that have resulted from unplanned development and
that have implications for future land use, water use, or water quality;
■ An identification of areas experiencing or likely to experience changes in
predominant land uses;
■ Significant water quality conditions and the connection between land use
and water quality.
b. Land Use in Relation to Water Quality
This section will serve to take a closer look at how land use in the Town of Atlantic
Beach relates to water quality. This section has been compiled with information provided
by the 2006 draft BWP.
It should be noted that the results of the monitoring efforts are not intended to
provide precise conclusions about pollutant budgets for specific watersheds. Since the
assessment methodology is geared toward general conclusions, it is important not to
manipulate the data to support policy decisions beyond the accuracy of the data.
Two primary methods of water quality testing were performed in the Town of
Atlantic Beach. The details of this methodology are described below so that the
information on the results of this testing can be better understood. The methods utilized
were Benthic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring (BMM) and the Ambient Monitoring System
(AMS). DWQ also observes water bodies for the existence of algal blooms, which are an
indication of poor water quality.
Benthic macroinvertebrates are organisms, primarily aquatic insect larvae,.which
live in and on the bottoms of rivers and streams. The use of macroinvertebrate data has
proven to be a reliable water quality monitoring tool because most macroinvertebrates
are immobile and sensitive to subtle changes in water quality. Benthic communities also
respond to, and show the effects of, a wide array of potential pollutant mixtures.
The Ambient Monitoring System (AMS) is a network of stream, lake, and estuarine
(saltwater) water quality monitoring stations (about 420 statewide) strategically located
for the collection of physical and chemical water quality data (or parameters). Water
quality parameters are arranged by freshwater or saltwater water body classification and
corresponding water quality standards.
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Prolific growths of phytoplankton, often due to high concentrations of nutrients,
sometimes result in "blooms" in which one or more species of alga may discolor the water
or form visible mats on the water's surface. Blooms may be unsightly and deleterious to
water quality causing fish kills, anoxia, and taste and odor problems.
The results of monitoring at the AMS and BMM stations, together with the water
quality monitoring efforts at and near shellfish grounds by the North Carolina Division of
Environmental Health/Shellfish Sanitation office (DEH SS) indicate that relatively dense
land use with little buffering of the Sound, poorly controlled stormwater discharges, and
the presence of many poorly functioning septic systems is having a negative effect on
water quality.
The waters of Bogue Sound north of Atlantic Beach are classified as "SA" or
suitable for commercial shellfish harvesting - a categorization limited to only the highest
quality estuarine waters in the State. Unfortunately, there are four areas in Atlantic
Beach that are closed to shellfish harvesting due to fecal coliform bacteria contamination,
a component of human and animal fecal waste matter.
All waters are impaired on an evaluated basis in the fish consumption category
because of elevated mercury levels. No freshwater was Impaired in this subbasin, except
for fish consumption.
The 2001 BWP made the following recommendations regarding water quality in
subbasin 03-05-03 that are applicable to the Town of Atlantic Beach:
■ Bogue Sound Reclassifications: The bacteriological water quality of Bogue
Sound north of the Town continues to decline. Therefore, DWQ has
indicated that they may recommend an expansion of the areas of Bogue
Sound closed to shellfishing, depending on the frequency of temporary
closures caused by spikes in recorded fecal coliform counts.
■ Stormwater Pumping: DWQ and the Division of Environmental Health /
Shellfish Sanitation office (DEH SS) are "monitoring" the Town's discharge
of pumped stormwater onto beaches and estuarine areas and this
discharge's impact on shellfish harvesting waters. This stormwater
pumping can negatively impact shellfish harvesting and fish spawning
areas. The discharge of pumped stormwater onto beaches and
recreational waters results in a public advisory being released and a sign
posted at the discharge site that discourages swimming.
Town of Atlantic Beach 13 LUP - Executive Summary

The BWP also makes the following recommendations regarding land use planning
to improve water quality in the White Oak River basin:
■ Minimize number and width of residential streets
■ Minimize size of parking areas
■ Place sidewalks on only one side of residential streets
■ Minimize culvert pipe and hardened stormwater conveyances
■ Vegetate road right-of-ways to increase infiltration
■ Plant and protect natural buffer zones along streams and tributaries
Other recommended items include:
■ Controlling stormwater runoff
■ Protecting wetland areas through land use plans
The 2006 draft BWP provided the following local initiatives for the subbasin:
■ Land acquisition projects in this subbasin through North Carolina Coastal
Federation (NCCF) total 118 acres and include Hoop Pole Creek in Atlantic
Beach, Emerald Isle Woods in Emerald Isle, and Sugarloaf Island in
Morehead City. NCCF is investigating the possibility of the acquisition of
conservation easements on about 7,000 acres of land north of the Newport
River to protect water quality in the Newport and preserve forested
habitat. This is a high priority in the oyster plan.
■ NCCF has partnered on four stormwater projects in this basin, located at
Emerald Isle Woods (2001), Morehead City Visitor's Center (2004), Carteret
Community College (2006), and Hoop Pole Creek (2007).
■ Living Shoreline Projects provide shoreline stabilization while also restoring
wetland habitat area and providing a stormwater buffer. Living shorelines
projects in this subbasin are located at the NC Maritime Museum in
Beaufort (2001), Duke University Marine Lab in Beaufort (2002), NC
Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores (2002), and four private locations in
Morehead City, Beaufort, Pine Knoll Shores, and Salter Path.
■ Oyster habitat area has been restored through NCCF at Hoop Pole Creek in
Atlantic Beach. Four distinct oyster reef areas have been restored through
different projects from 1998-2006. These projects also included
educational opportunities for local students and research opportunities for
local universities.
Town of Atlantic Beach 14 LUP - Executive Summary

■ A shoreline stabilization and habitat restoration project was completed at
Carteret Community College in 2006. This project included sections of
living shoreline, offshore breakwaters, oyster reef habitat, and a
stormwater bmp.
■ This subbasin is targeted for conservation by Onslow Bight Conservation
Forum.
It should be noted that the NC Division of Water Quality determined that its
current coastal stormwater rules have not been adequately effective towards addressing
water quality impacts to public trust waters. Additionally, DWQ's review of scientific
studies has resulted in a determination that local governments simply deferring to state
and federal rules to address water quality issues still results in impaired local water
quality based on the following conclusions:
■ Areas with impervious surfaces of 10% or greater can be linked to local
stream degradation.
■ Biological diversity has been shown to drop when impervious surface areas
increase beyond 10-15%.
■ Stream stability is affected when impervious surfaces approach 10% in an
area.
■ Estuaries generally degrade with impervious surfaces of greater than 10%.
■ Sensitive fish species loss increase after about 12% impervious surface.
C. Land Use Summary
The following table provides approximate land use acreage summaries for the
Town of Atlantic Beach corporate limits. Atlantic Beach includes a total of 1,650.58
acres.
Table 4: Town of Atlantic Beach
Existing Land Use, February, 2005
Land Use Category
Parcels
Acres
% of Total Acres
Commercial
176
129.315
7.83%
Mobile Home
124
21.760
1.32%
Mobile Home Park
118
88.835
5.38%
Multi -Family
1,974
180.188
10.92%
Town of Atlantic Beach 15 LUP - Executive Summary

Table 4 (continued)_
Land Use Category
Parcels
Acres
% of Total Acres
Office and Institutional
8
7.128
0.43%
Recreation
5
1.315
0.08%
Single -Family Residential
1,589
351.800
21.31%
Utilities
10
79.286
4.81%
Vacant
426
466.321
28.25%
Right-of-way
N/A
178.322
10.81%
Water
N/A
146.310
8.86%
TOTAL
4,430
1,650.580
100.00%
Source: Holland Consulting Planners, Inc., and the Town of Atlantic Beach Planning Department.
10. LAND USE/DEVELOPMENT GOALS AND IMPLEMENTING ACTIONS
a. Introduction
The purposes of the Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) management topics are
to ensure that CAMA Land Use Plans support the goals of CAMA, to define the CRC's
expectations for the [and use planning process, and to give the CRC a substantive basis
for review and certification of CAMA Land Use Plans. Each of the following management
topics (Public Access, Land Use Compatibility, Infrastructure Carrying Capacity, Natural
Hazard Areas, Water Quality, and Local Areas of Concern) include three components: a
management goal, a statement of the CRC's planning objective, and requirements for the
CAMA Land Use Plan. These policies apply to all of Atlantic Beach's planning jurisdiction.
The local concerns which should be addressed in this plan are identified on pages 4 and
5. These concerns and issues were utilized to develop the goals and objectives which are
included in this plan. Most of the policies and implementing actions are continuing
activities. In most situations, specific timelines are not applicable. The policies and
implementing actions frequently utilize the following words: should, continue,
encourage, enhance, identify, implement, maintain, prevent, promote, protect, provide,
strengthen, support, work. The intent of these words is defined in Appendix IV of the
CAMA Core Land Use Plan. Please note: Policies and Implementing Actions are numbered
consecutively throughout this document with the letter "P" denoting a policy and the
Letter "I" denoting an implementing action.
Town of Atlantic Beach 16 LUP - Executive Summary

b. Impact of CAMA Land Use Plan Policies on Management Topics
The development of this land use plan has relied heavily on the CAMA-prescribed
existing suitability analysis which is included in Section 5.F of the CAMA Core Land Use
Plan. It is intended that this document is supportive of the. CAMA regulations for
protection of AEC's (15A NCAC 7H). This plan is intended to support the Atlantic Beach
vision statement which was developed based on the key issues identified on pages 4 and
5 of this document and the CAMA AEC regulations. No negative impacts are anticipated
by the implementation of the goals, objectives, and policies which are included in this
plan.
Note: Unless specifically excepted, it is intended that all policies are consistent
with (do not exceed) applicable state and federal requirements when state and federal
requirements apply.
C. Public Access
Management Goal: Atlantic Beach will protect, maintain and improve its existing
shoreline access facilities for both ocean access and sound facilities.
Planning Obiective: Atlantic Beach will endeavor to maintain adequate shoreline
access for both year-round residents and seasonal users.
Land Use Plan Requirements: Atlantic Beach's policies/implementing actions will
focus on providing adequate public access. The following summarizes the town's
policies/implementing actions for public access.
Policies:
PA - The Town of Atlantic Beach supports the redevelopment of the "Circle" area
as an action supportive of the town's provision of shoreline access.
P.2 - Atlantic Beach supports the frequency of shoreline access sites as defined by
15A NCAC 7M, Section .0300, Shorefront Access Policies. The Town also supports
the preservation and maintenance of areas that have traditionally been used for
public use (pedestrian and motorized boat access) and working waterfront areas.
P.3 - Atlantic Beach supports providing shoreline access for persons with
disabilities.
P.4 - Atlantic Beach supports state/federal funding for piers for crabbing and
fishing.
Town of Atlantic Beach 17 LUP - Executive Summary

P.5 - Atlantic Beach supports the utilization of local, state, and federal funds for
the acquisition of additional shoreline access sites.
P.6 - Atlantic Beach supports the donation of land for additional and expanded
shoreline access sites.
Implementing Actions:
1.1 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will update its 1999 Public Access - Preliminary
Recreation Assessment and request Division of Coastal Management funding far the
preparation of the plan. Schedule: Fiscal Year 2008-2009.
1.2 - Atlantic Beach will pursue private sources of funding for the development of
shoreline access facilities, including the donation of land. Schedule: Continuing
Activity.
1.3 - Atlantic Beach may pursue funding under the North Carolina CAMA Shoreline
Access funding program (15A NCAC 7M, Section .0300, Shorefront Access Policies).
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.4 - Atlantic Beach will pursue funding from the North Carolina Wildlife
Commission for the provisions of soundside boat ramps. Emphasis should be
placed on the west end of town. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.5 - The town's public access sites should be clearly marked. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
1.6 - Atlantic Beach will make all improved shoreline access facilities handicapped
accessible. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.7 - The town will prepare a map for public distribution which clearly indicates
the location of all shoreline access sites and associated public parking. Copies of
the map will be placed in local businesses for distribution. Schedule: Fiscal Year
2008-2009.
1.8 - Atlantic Beach will pursue options for the increase of off-street parking for
shoreline access sites. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.9 - Atlantic Beach will continue to monitor the number of access sites with the
demand and consider expansion when feasible. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
Town of Atlantic Beach 18 LUP - Executive Summary

d. Land Use Compatibility
Management Goal: Atlantic Beach will support land uses which are mutually
compatible and which minimize adverse environmental impacts; avoid risks to public
safety/welfare; and consider the limitations of land suitability.
' Planning Obiectives: Atlantic Beach's planning program/efforts will provide
guidance to the local decision process while balancing development with a concern for
protection of the town's natural resources.
Land Use Plan Reouirements: Atlantic Beach's land use compatibility policies and
implementing actions support the development, preservation of land uses as depicted on
the future land use map. These actions reflect a desire for balanced residential and non-
residential preservation and growth.
Policies - Residential:
P.7 - Atlantic Beach supports the preservation of the "cottage" areas which are
depicted on the Future Land Use Map.
P.8 - Atlantic Beach supports residential development within commercial mixed -
use areas as depicted on the future land use map.
P.9 - Atlantic Beach supports residential development which meets the 15A NCAC
7H minimum use standards.
P.10 - Atlantic Beach supports revisions to the North Carolina state statutes which
would allow the local imposition of impact fees or special legislation to allow them
within the town's planning jurisdiction. Note: Impact fees would be levied against
Land developers to establish a revenue source to support the additional demand
for services generated by the people occupying the proposed developments such
as roads, water and sewer infrastructure, and recreational facilities.
P.11 - Atlantic Beach will continuously monitor the impact which the construction
of a central sewer system will have on the town.
P.12 - Atlantic Beach will restrict dense/intense development in areas where the
town wishes to encourage/preserve lower density development.
Town of Atlantic Beach 19 LUP - Executive Summary

Implementing Actions - Residential:
1.10 - Atlantic Beach will review its zoning and subdivision ordinances to ensure
consistency with the recommendations included in this plan. The town's zoning
ordinance must be revised to attain the densities which are delineated on the
Future Land Use Map. Schedule: Fiscal Year 2007-2008.
1.11 - Atlantic Beach will support residential development at the following
residential densities which are reflected on the future land use:
(1) Low -density residential/1-6 units per acre.
(2) Medium -density residential/7-10 units per acre.
(3) High -density residential/over 10 units per acre.
(4) Mixed use residential/over 10 units per acre.
(5) Mixed use commercial/7-10 units per acre.
(6) Conservation/green space - No development except buildings
accessory to recreational use in the IRS district. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
1.12 - In the "cottage" districts, the Town of Atlantic Beach will maintain buildings
at the existing. size, height, and density through enforcement of its zoning
ordinance. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.13 - Atlantic Beach will permit residential development to occur in response to
market needs provided that the following criteria are met:
(1) Due respect is offered to all aspects of the environment.
(2) If deficient community facilities and services are identified, the
town will attempt to improve such to the point of adequately
meeting demands.
(3) Additional residential development will concurrently involve
planning for improvements to community facilities and services if
excess capacity does not exist within those facilities and services.
(4) Residential development is consistent with other Atlantic beach
policies and the land use map as contained in this plan update.
This implementing action will be enforced through the Atlantic Beach zoning and
subdivision ordinances. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.14 - All re -zoning and subdivision. approvals will consider the existing and future
land use suitability maps and analyses which are included in this plan. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
Town of Atlantic Beach 20 LUP - Executive Summary

1.15 - Atlantic Beach will review its zoning and subdivision ordinances and consider
establishing floor area ratio requirements toe * nsure that development is consistent
with the density requirements of this plan. chedule: Fiscal Year 2007-2008.
The following defines floor area ratio: Floor area ratio is determined by dividing
the gross floor area of all buildings on a lot by the area of that lot.
Comment. The floor area ratio (FAR)
was developed as a more refined and
adaptable measure of intensity than
building coverage. It expresses in one
measure, instead of several, the
mathematical relation between volume
of building and unit of land. However,
FAR cannot replace more traditional bulk
controls entirely. Often, it is not a
sufficient height control nor does it
regulate the placement of the building
on the site.
E-0.3 F,42-i
(-20 FARE
aIN-%�ada►1 "1r.7
1.16 - It is town policy to promote, foster, and encourage the redevelopment of
old, poorly designed and underutilized areas. Redevelopment is preferred and
deemed more important than development of currently undeveloped areas. Many
developed areas are in poor condition with poor road design, lack of vegetation,
dilapidated housing, mixed uses, etc. The town will continue a program of strict
enforcement of the minimum code as a means to improve the quality of existing
development. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.17 - Atlantic Beach will take an active supervisory role in all future
redevelopment projects. All projects are required to consider the town's
environmental policies and to address the town's other public needs, especially
its needs for a sound street system. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.18 - Atlantic Beach will allow the reconstruction of any structures demolished by
natural disaster or by other causes in accordance with all applicable federal, state
and local regulations. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.19 - Atlantic Beach supports adoption by the U. S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development of stricter standards for the construction of mobile homes
which are to be located in the coastal zone. Such standards should increase wind
resistant capabilities to a level consistent with that which is required for
conventional site built housing. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
Town of Atlantic Beach 21 LUP - Executive Summary

1.20 - The Town supports rezonings that are appropriate for the area. Requests
for zoning changes will not be approved if the requested change will result in spot
zoning. Spot zoning is a form of discriminatory zoning whose sole purpose is to
serve the private interests of one of more landowners instead of furthering the
welfare of the entire community as part of an overall zoning plan. Spot zoning is
based on the arbitrary and inappropriate nature of a re -zoning change rather than,
as is commonly believed, on the size of the area being re -zoned. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
Policies - Commercial/Industrial:
P.13 - The Town of Atlantic Beach opposes any industrial development/land use
within its planning jurisdiction.
P.14 - The Town of Atlantic Beach supports commercial/mixed-use redevelopment
of "The Circle" area.
P.15 - The Town of Atlantic Beach supports the concept of commercial/residential
mixed use in all mixed use commercial areas as shown on the future land use map.
P.16 - The Town of Atlantic Beach opposes the construction of any privately -
owned signs (including commercial signs) in areas of environmental concern as
defined by 15A NCAC 7H. (It should be noted that this policy exceeds 7H
development standards.)
P.17 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will support commercial development within
AECs which meets the 15A NCAC 7H minimum use standards, Atlantic Beach zoning
and subdivision requirements, and all policies contained within this plan.
P.18 - The Town of Atlantic Beach desires that new commercial development
blend with surrounding neighborhoods. The concept of uniformity should be
supported in all zoning deliberations. Uniformity is a basic premise of zoning
which holds that all land in similar circumstances should be zoned alike; any
different circumstances should be carefully balanced with a demonstrated need
for such different treatment. Properly designed mixed use development is not
considered to be at variance with the concept of uniformity.
P.19 - The Town of Atlantic Beach has concerns with potential offshore drilling and
will oppose drilling operations and onshore support facilities for such operations.
The Town recognizes that this policy is not enforceable outside of State and local
waters.
Town of Atlantic Beach 22 LUP - Executive Summary

P.20 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will oppose the construction of any nuclear
power plants within Carteret County.
P.21 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will support commercial/recreational fishing
and marinas as significant contributors to the local economy.
Implementing Actions - Commercial/Industrial:
1.21 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will enforce its zoning regulations for type and
Location of commercial land uses (see the future land use map). Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
1.22 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will review its zoning and subdivision ordinance
and revise as necessary to ensure consistency with the policies and implementing
actions included in this plan. This review will focus on the following:
■ Significant land use compatibility problems;
■ Significant water use compatibility identified problems including
those in the applicable Division of Environmental Management
basinwide plan;
Significant . problems that have resulted from unplanned
development and that have implications for-future.land use,,water
use, -or. water quality;
■ An identification of areas experiencing or likely to experience
changes in predominant land uses;
■ Significant water quality conditions and the connection between
land use and water quality. Schedule: Fiscal Year 2007-2008. .
1.23 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will rely on its zoning and subdivision ordinances
and the LAMA permitting process to protect AECs. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.24 - All commercial development efforts will be coordinated with the Town of
Atlantic Beach Planning Board. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.25 - Commercial development will be coordinated with the Town of Atlantic
Beach updated shoreline access plan. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.26 - In guiding commercial development, the Town of Atlantic Beach will support
the following locational guidelines:
■ Encourage renovation of commercial areas including emphasis on
"The Circle" area.
Town of Atlantic Beach 23 LUP - Executive Summary

■ Encourage location of new commercial/retail uses in vacant
commercial buildings.
■ Encourage mixed residential/commercial and recreational
development. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.27 - The Town of Atlantic Beach Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery,
and Evacuation Plan provides policies for responding to hurricanes or other natural
disasters. Those policies address reconstruction needs. The town will allow the
reconstruction of any commercial structures demolished by natural disaster when
the reconstruction complies with all applicable local, state, and federal
regulations. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
`I.H -- The 'Town -of Atlantic Beach will review and possibly amend its zoning
ordinance to reduce/control pollution from commercial development. Schedule:
Fiscal Year 2007-2008.
1.29 During its review of proposed commercial development, the Town of Atlantic
Beach will consider the following: (1) a preference to have commercial and other
intense land uses that generate a substantial amount of traffic and other off -site
impacts develop as self-contained areas having minimal ingress and egress to main
traffic routes; (2) a preference to have the uses described above located with
entrances and exits along streets and roads that are perpendicular to the nearest
main traffic route; and (3) a preference to redevelop areas in poor condition.
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.30 - The Town discourages zonings and rezonings that will result in strip
development. Strip development is a melange of development, usually
commercial, extending along both sides of a major street. Strip development is
often a mixture of auto -oriented enterprises (e.g., gas stations, motels, and food
stands), and truck -dependent wholesale and light industrial enterprises along with
the once -rural homes and farms that await conversion to commercial use. Strip
development may severely reduce traffic -carrying capacity of abutting streets by
allowing for excessive and conflicting curb cuts. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
Policies - Conservation:
P.22 - The Town of Atlantic Beach supports 15A NCAC 7H for the protection of all
AECs.
P.23 - The Town of Atlantic Beach supports the regulation of off -road vehicles in
the beach/ocean hazard areas.
of Atlantic Beach 24 LUP - Executive Summary
s

P.24 - The Town of Atlantic Beach opposes all projects which would block or
impair existing navigation channels, increase shoreline erosion in non -ocean
hazard areas, private deposition of spoils below mean high tide, cause adverse
water circulation patterns, violate water quality standards, or cause degradation
of shellfish waters.
P.25 - In the event of a "blow-out," the Town of Atlantic Beach supports inlets
being filled or returned to their original condition.
P.26 - The Town of Atlantic Beach supports preservation of its maritime forest
areas.
P.27 - The Town of Atlantic Beach opposes the location of floating homes within
its jurisdiction. This policy exceeds state requirements.
P.28 - Except for Money Island, the Town of Atlantic Beach opposes the
development of sound and estuarine islands. This policy exceeds state
requirements.
P.29 - The Town of Atlantic Beach supports the construction of all marinas, docks,
and piers which minimize or eliminate adverse effects on coastal wetlands and
subaquatic vegetation and comply with 15A NCAC 7H minimum use standards.
P.30 - Except as otherwise permitted in this plan, the Town of Atlantic Beach will
not support residential and commercial development in coastal wetlands.
P.31 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will support residential and commercial
development which meets 15A NCAC 7H use standards in estuarine shoreline,
estuarine water, and public trust areas.
P.32 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will support the preservation and maintenance
of its environmentally sensitive areas while promoting tourism and capitalizing on
its natural resources. The Town will rely on NCDENR regulations to ensure that
development has a minimal impact on environmentally sensitive areas. The Town
will continue to employ a local permit officer to enforce these regulations.
P.33 - The Town of Atlantic Beach supports state and federal regulations for the
preservation/protection of freshwater (404) and coastal wetlands.
Town of Atlantic Beach 25 LUP - Executive Summary

Implementing Actions - Conservation:
1.31 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will review its zoning and subdivision ordinances
to ensure compliance with policies P.21 through P.32. Schedule: Fiscal Year2007-
2008.
1.32 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will utilize printed materials and public service
announcements to educate the public about environmentally sensitive areas and
what actions may be taken to support preservation. Schedule: Continuing Activity
1.33 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will review all development proposals to ensure
the protection of Hoop Hole Creek. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.34 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will enforce/pursue the following actions to
regulate floating homes and both open water and upland marina development:
(1) Atlantic Beach considers boating activities an extremely important
part of its tourist industry and overall economy. Subject"to the
policies stated herein and the town's zoning ordinance, the town
does not oppose the construction of both open water and upland
marinas. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
(2) The Town of Atlantic Beach supports revisions to the zoning
ordinance or adoption of a separate ordinance to prohibit floating
homes and live -aboard boats. Schedule: Fiscal Year 2007-2008.
(3) The construction of all marinas, docks and piers shall minimize or
eliminate adverse effects on coastal wetlands and subaquatic
vegetation and comply with 15A NCAC 7H minimum use standards.
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
(4) Atlantic Beach will allow construction of dry stack storage facilities
for boats associated with or independent of marinas. Dry stack
storage is generally defined as the storing of multiple boats out of
the water and off of the ground. Marinas store boats in the water.
All applicable zoning, subdivision, 15A NCAC 7H, or other
regulations must be satisfied: Water access to dry stack storage
facilities should not disturb shellfishing waters or subaquatic
vegetation. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
Town of Atlantic Beach 26 LUP - Executive Summary

(5) Existing marinas, docks and piers may be reconstructed to their
prior size so long as all local ordinances and other applicable
policies of this plan are satisfied and met when reconstruction
occurs. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.35 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will protect ocean hazard areas by the following
actions:
(1) Atlantic Beach will support only uses within the ocean hazard areas
which are allowed by 15A NCAC 7H and are consistent with the
town's zoning and land protection ordinances. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
(2) Atlantic Beach supports the deposit of dredge spoil by the US Army
Corps of Engineers on the beach and relocation as the preferred
erosion control measures for ocean hazard areas. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
(3) The Town of Atlantic Beach will vigorously enforce Article X of the
town's zoning ordinance which establishes stringent requirements
for the preservation and protection of sand dunes and vegetation
thereon. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
(4) The town supports state requirements pertaining to shoreline
stabilization in ocean hazard areas. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
(5) Atlantic Beach will support the limited adjustment of the LAMA
setback line in association with ongoing deposit of sand from
dredge spoil projects and the establishment of new permanent
dune and vegetation lines. However, it is understood that this
action will not impact permit decisions regarding CAMAsetback line
in ocean hazard areas unless the Coastal Resources Commission
modifies the State use standards for this AEC. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
1.36 - Except in ocean hazard areas, the Town of Atlantic Beach will not oppose
bulkhead construction within its jurisdiction as long as construction fulfills the use
standards set forth in 15A NCAC 7H and the town zoning ordinance. The town is
opposed to all bulkhead construction in ocean hazard areas. Schedule: Continuing
Activity.
Town of Atlantic_ Beach 27 LUP - Executive Summary

1.37 - Atlantic Beach recognizes the uncertainties associated with sea level rise.
Although the rate of rise is difficult to predict, the town will support the following
actions:
(1) The Town of Atlantic Beach will cooperate with county, state, and
federal efforts to inform the public of the anticipated effects of
sea level rise. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
(2) The Town of Atlantic Beach will continuously monitor available
information on sea level rise and revise as necessary all local
building and land use related ordinances to establish setback
standards, long-term land use plans, density controls, buffer
vegetation protection requirements, and building designs which will
facilitate the movement of structures. Schedule: Continuing
Activity.
(3) Atlantic Beach will allow the construction of bulkheads which
satisfy 15A NCAC 7H in all areas, except ocean hazard areas, to
protect. structures and property from rising sea level. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
1.38 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will implement the following to protect
maritime forests:
(1) , The Town of Atlantic Beach will require large lot sizes in maritime
forest areas and limit the amount of clearing of vegetation to only
as much as necessary to site a home and provide access. This will
be supported by the town's zoning and subdivision ordinance.
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
(2) . The Town of Atlantic Beach will enforce Article VIII of the town's
zoning ordinance which establishes stringent requirements for lot
clearing. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
(3) The Town of Atlantic Beach will review and strengthen its dune
protection ordinance. Schedule: Fiscal Year 2008-2009.
Policies - Stormwater Control:
P.34 The Town of Atlantic Beach supports reducing soil erosion, runoff, and
sedimentation to minimize adverse effects on surface and subsurface water
quality.
Town of Atlantic Beach 28 LUP - Executive Summary

P.35 - The Town of Atlantic Beach supports the improvements of surface water
quality to protect fragile areas and to provide clean water for recreational
purposes.
P.M.- The Town of Atlantic Beach supports the use of "best management
practices" to minimize the rapid release of pollutants_ into coastal water.
P.37 - The Town of Atlantic Beach recognizes comments that were made to the
CRC by DWQ regarding coastal stormwater rules. DWQconcluded that its current
coastal stormwater rules have not been adequately effective towards addressing
water quality impacts to public trust waters. Additionally, DWQ's review of
scientific studies resulted in a determination that local governments' simply
deferring to state and federal rules to address water quality issues still results in
impaired local water quality based on the.following conclusions:
0 Areas with impervious surfaces of 10% or greater can be linked to
local stream degradation.
■ Biological diversity has been shown to drop when impervious
surfaces increase beyond 10-15%.
■ Stream stability is affected when impervious surfaces approach 10%
in an area.
■ Estuaries generally degrade with impervious surfaces of 10% or
greater.
■ Sensitive fish species loss increases after about 12% impervious
surface.
Therefore, the Town of Atlantic Beach supports reducing impervious surface areas
for existing and proposed developments.
Implementing Actions - Stormwater Control:
1.39 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will adopt a local stormwater control ordinance.
The ordinance will support the following basic phases:
(1) Site Planning and Design Development Phase,
(2) Assessment Phase,
(3) Control Selection/Design Phase,
(4) Certification/Verification/Approval Phase,
(5) Implementation/Construction Phase,
(6) Final Stabilization/Termination Phase.
(7) Incorporation of the following EPA objectives:
■ Public Education and Outreach on Stormwater Impacts.
Town of.Atlantic Beach 29 LUP - Executive Summary

■ Public Involvement and Participation.
■ Elicit Discharge Detection and Elimination.
■ Construction Site and Stormwater Runoff Control.
■ Post -Construction Stormwater Management, and New
Development or Redevelopment.
■ Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping for Municipal
Operations.
Schedule: Fiscal Year 2008-2009.
1.40 - The stormwater control ordinance will require xeriscaping (native
vegetation) in estuarine shoreline areas. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.41 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will support existing state regulations relating
to stormwater runoff resulting from development (Stormwater Disposal Policy 15
NCAC 2H.001-.1003) through enforcement of the town's subdivision ordinance.
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.42 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will cooperate with the NCDOT, the North
Carolina Division of Water Quality, and other state agencies in mitigating the
impact of stormwater runoff on all conservation classified areas. The town will
support the Division of Water Quality stormwater runoff retention permitting
process through its zoning permit system by verifying compliance prior to issuance
of a zoning permit. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.43 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will attempt to apply for grant funds, and utilize
Powell Bill funds, to improve stormwater drainage systems associated with existing
rights -of -way. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.44 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will support existing state regulations relating
to stormwater runoff resulting from development (Stormwater Disposal Policy 15
NCAC 2H.001-.1003) through enforcement of the town's subdivision ordinance.
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.45 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will emphasize elimination of stormwater
drainage problems for those areas delineated on Map 18 of the CAMA Core Land
Use Plan. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.46 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will support the State of North Carolina
shoreline buffer rules in the review and approval of all development proposals.
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
Town of Atlantic Beach 30 LUP - Executive Summary

e. Infrastructure Carrying Capacity
Management. Goal: The Town of Atlantic Beach supports the construction of
adequate infrastructure systems throughout the town including water, sewer, and
transportation systems.
Planning Obiective: The Town of Atlantic Beach's planning objective is to support
infrastructure systems which are compatible with the town's environmentally sensitive
areas including AECs and fragile areas.
Land Use Plan Requirements: The Town of Atlantic Beach's infrastructure carrying
capacity policies and implementing actions are intended to provide for the town's peak
population. The following provides the policies/implementing actions for infrastructure
carrying capacity.
Policies:
P.38 - The Town of Atlantic Beach supports efforts to determine if the provision
of central sewer service (collection and treatment) throughout the town is the
proper method of wastewater treatment for the town. For the purposes of this
plan, service areas will encompass the Town's entire corporate limits.
P.39 - The Town of Atlantic Beach supports maintenance of its central water
supply system including wells and storage tanks.
P.40 - The Town of Atlantic Beach supports transportation projects which will
improve the efficiency of its transportation system including pedestrian and
bicycle access safety.
Implementing Actions:
1.47 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will pursue all available state and federal
funding to continue the study of viable options for the establishment of
economically feasible/environmentally acceptable central sewer service.
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.48 - The Town of Atlantic Beach supports the construction of package treatment
plants that are approved and permitted. by the State Division of Environmental
Management and by the Carteret County Health Department/Division of Health
Services. If any package plants are approved, Atlantic Beach supports the
requirement of a specific contingency plan specifying how ongoing private
operation and maintenance of the plant will be provided, and detailing provisions
Town of Atlantic Beach 31 LUP - Executive Summary

for public assumption of the plant should the private operation fail. Additionally,
it is the town'.s policy that existing package treatment plants continue to operate
but must be tied into the municipal sewage treatment system upon its completion.
The town will revise its zoning and subdivision ordinances to require that, as part
of the development approval process, ongoing operational plans be provided and
provisions for incorporation of package treatment plants into a central sewer
system be specifically approved. Schedule: Continuing Activity and revise zoning
and subdivision ordinances Fiscal Year 2007-2008.
1.49 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will promote water saving devices and
incorporate appropriate modifications to its existing water rate structure.
Schedule: Fiscal Year 2008-2009.
- 1.50 - Atlantic Beach will conserve its surficial groundwater resources by
supporting CAMA and NC Division of Environmental Management stormwater runoff
regulations, and by coordinating local development activities involving chemical
storage or underground storage tank installation/abandonment with Carteret
County Emergency Management personnel and the Groundwater Section of the NC
Division of Environmental Management. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.51 - Atlantic Beach will encourage and support water conservation efforts. This
will include limiting the maximum output of each town well to a rate which will
ensure that the town's water conservation policies will be met. Motels and rental
units will be requested to post notices encouraging water conservation by tourists.
Schedule: Continuing. Activity. -
1.52 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will support efforts by Carteret County to ensure
that aquifer recharge areas are adequately protected. Schedule: Continuing
Activity.
1.53 - The Town of Atlantic Beach recognizes the potential for well contamination
from salt water intrusion due to over pumping of individual wells. The town will
continuously investigate measures which may be taken to avoid such
consequences. Atlantic Beach will support state and federal groundwater
research, monitoring, and management programs. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.54 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will pursue NC Department of Transportation
Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Grant Funds to develop a comprehensive
pedestrian/bicycle plan. Schedule: Fiscal Year 2009-2010.
Town of Atlantic Beach 32 LUP - Executive Summary

1.55 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will support the transportation improvements
identified in Section VI, Plan for the Future - A.5., Transportation, page 155 of the
LAMA Core Land Use Plan. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.56 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will review its zoning and subdivision ordinances
to ensure support of mixed use development which will aid in reducing adverse
impacts from traffic. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.57 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will support the development of a third bridge
from the mainland to Bogue Banks, initially called for to connect the Salter
Path/Indian Beach area to the mainland and included in the 1993-1999 NCDOT
Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.58 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will consider studying the feasibility and cost-
effectiveness of seasonal trolley service, water taxi service, pedestrian
improvements, and/or other methods of transportation system improvement that
do not involve significant investments in new roadway infrastructure as a method
of reducing the increase in seasonal traffic loads. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.59 - The Town will ensure that zoning regulations are made in accordance with
the Atlantic Beach Land Use Plan and designed to lessen congestion in the streets;
to secure safety from fire, panic, and other dangers; to promote health and the
general welfare; to provide adequate light and air; to prevent the overcrowding
of land; to avoid undue concentration of population; and to facilitate the
adequate provision of transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks and other
public requirements.. The regulations shall be made with reasonable
consideration, among other things, as to the character of the district and its
peculiar suitability for particular uses, and with a view to conserving the value of
buildings and encouraging the most appropriate use of land in Atlantic Beach's
planning jurisdiction. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
f. Natural Hazard Areas
Management Goal: The Town of Atlantic Beach will conserve and maintain its
barrier dunes, beaches, floodplains, storm surge areas, coastal wetlands, estuarine
shorelines, and other coastal features (refer to 15A NCAC 7H) for their natural protection
features. Refer to the Conservation policies and implementing actions on pages 24 to 28.
Planning Obiective: The Town of Atlantic Beach will acknowledge and protect all
natural hazard areas in its review and approval of proposals for development, including
redevelopment activities.
Town of Atlantic Beach 33 LUP - Executive Summary

Land Use Plan Requirements: The Town of Atlantic Beach recognizes that the
protection of its natural hazard areas is essential to the community's public health,
safety, welfare, and economic stability. The following are Atlantic Beach's
policies/implementing actions for natural hazard areas.
Policies:
P.41 - The Town of Atlantic Beach supports the protection of its natural hazard
areas which are defined in this plan and by 15A NCAC 7H. Please refer to the
Conservation policies on page 24.
P.42 - Atlantic Beach supports the relocation of structures endangered by erosion,
if the relocated structure will be in compliance with all applicable Federal, State,
and local policies and regulations.
P.43 - The Town of Atlantic Beach supports its hazard mitigation plan which was
adopted in January 2005. The goals and mitigation implementation measures that
were developed as part of the plan are included as Appendix III to the CAMA Core
Land Use Plan. The land use plan and the hazard mitigation plan should be
consistent with one another. Should they ever be inconsistent, the land use plan
will take precedence.
P.44 - The Town of Atlantic Beach supports beach renourishment efforts at least
once every eight to ten years. NOTE: Implementation of this policy is essential for
the following reasons, including protection of natural hazard areas:
■ Protection from land loss, due to erosion.
N Elimination of the need for hardened/engineered erosion
protection structures, such as jetties and seawalls.
■ Increased public safety, due to protection of private property and
roads needed for use by emergency services in a storm/disaster
event.
■ Recreational benefits, due to increased shoreline availability.
■ Increased business and tax revenues due to attractiveness and
availability of beachfront.
■ Enhanced property values.
■ Increased property tax revenues.
■ Job creation.'
■ Improvement of habitat for sea turtles, shore birds, and shoreline
vegetation, if projects are properly designed.
■ Aesthetic benefits.
Town of Atlantic Beach 34 LUP - Executive Summary

P.45 - The Town of Atlantic Beach supports programs designed to foster
development and building practices that will minimize flood damage from storms
and erosion.
P.46 - The Town of Atlantic Beach acknowledges and endorses the 404 wetlands
permit process as defined by the Corp of Engineers' 1987 Manual for Wetlands
Identification.
Implementing Actions:
1.60 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will permit the redevelopment of developed
areas provided all applicable policies, regulations, and ordinances are complied
with. All redevelopment should be designed to withstand natural hazards.
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.61 - Atlantic Beach will continue to enforce its existing zoning and flood damage
prevention ordinances and follow the storm hazard mitigation plan. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
1.62 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will support and implement the community
rating system which allows for reduced flood insurance rates. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
1.63 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will utilize the future land use map and its
zoning ordinance to control development. The land use map and any zoning
changes will be coordinated with the land suitability map. Schedule: Continuing
Activity.
1.64 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will continue to enforce its dune protection
ordinance and revise the ordinance when necessary to ensure continued
effectiveness. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.65 - To regulate development in natural hazard areas, the Town of Atlantic
Beach will support the densities indicated on the future land use map. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
1.66 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will continue to enforce its Beach and Shoreline
Regulations and update them as necessary to ensure their continued effectiveness.
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.67 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will support the implementing actions for sea
level rise contained in 1.37, page 28. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
Town of Atlantic Beach 35 LUP - Executive Summary

g. Water Quality
Management Goal: In keeping with the Town of Atlantic' Beach vision statement
(see page 2), the town will protect its environmental assets to preserve sound and ocean
water quality. This includes consideration of the waters in all coastal wetlands, estuarine
waters, and both natural and man-made drainage corridors.
Planning Obiective: The Town of Atlantic Beach's water quality planning objective
is to adopt/enforce implementing actions which will support the White Oak River Basin
water quality management plan and to maintain water quality and improve/eliminate
impaired waters.
Land Use Plan Requirements: The following policies/implementing actions are
intended to control nonpoint discharges and to protect shellfishing waters. The reader
should refer to 1.15, floor area ratio requirements, page 21; the conservation
policies/implementing actions, page 24; and the stormwater policies/implementing
actions, page 28.
Policies:
P.47 - The Town of Atlantic Beach supports the goals of the White Oak River Basin
Water Quality Management Plan.
P.48 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will oppose all aquaculture activities which will
have a negative impact on water quality.
P.49 - The Town of Atlantic Beach supports the guidelines of the Coastal Area
Management Act and the efforts and programs of the NC Department of
Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Coastal Management and the
Coastal Resources Commission to protect/preserve the coastal wetlands, estuarine
waters, estuarine shorelines, 404 wetlands, and public trust waters of the Town.
P.50 - The Town of Atlantic Beach supports commercial and recreational fishing
and will cooperate with other local governments and state and federal agencies
to control pollution to improve water quality so that commercial and recreational
fishing will increase.
P.51 - The Town of Atlantic Beach recognizes the value of water quality
maintenance to the protection of fragile areas and supports the control of
stormwater runoff to aid in the preservation of water quality. The Town will
support existing state regulations relating to stormwater runoff resulting from
development (Stormwater Disposal Policy 15 NCAC 2H.001-.1003 and CAMA rule
15A NCAC 7H.0205-.2008). The.Town also supports development of more stringent
Town of Atlantic Beach 36 LUP - Executive Summary

impervious surface requirements based on comments presented by DWQ to the
CRC (see policy P.37, page 29).
P.52 - The Town of Atlantic Beach supports the policy that all public and private
projects will be designed to limit stormwater runoff into coastal waters and areas
of environmental concern.
P.53 - The Town of Atlantic Beach supports the following actions by the General
Assembly and the Governor:
■ Sufficient state funding should be appropriated to initiate a
program of incentives grants to address pollution of our rivers from
both point sources and nonpoint sources.
■ An ongoing source of state funding should be developed to provide
continuous support for an incentives grant program.
■ The decision -making process for the award of incentives grants
should involve river basin organizations representing local
governments and other interest groups in the review of all
applications for state funding.
■ The ongoing effort of the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources to develop administrative rules implementing the White
Oak River Basin Management Strategy should continue to involve
local government officials in the development, review, and
refinement of the proposal.
Implementing Actions:
1.68 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will require the preparation/approval of a water
quality control statement for all proposed developments. The statement will
specifically define how the following will be addressed:
■ Use watershed -based land use planning.
■ Protect sensitive natural areas, including coastal wetlands.
■ Establish buffer network.
■ Minimize impervious cover in site design.
■ Limit erosion during construction.
■ Maintain coastal growth measures.
■ Restoration of impaired waters.
of Atlantic Beach 37 LUP - Executive Summary

■ Management of the cause and sources of pollution to ensure the
protection of those waters currently supporting their uses allowing
for reasonable economic growth.
■ Reduction of nutrients in Atlantic Beach waters.
■ Reduction of bacterial contamination sources to all waters.
This implementing action requirement will be addressed in the update of the
Town's zoning and subdivision ordinances (1.31, page 26) and in the adoption of
a stormwater control ordinance (1.39, page 29). Schedule: Fiscal Year 2007-2008
and Fiscal Year 2008-2009).
1.69 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will revise its zoning ordinance to regulate
aquaculture activities. Schedule: Fiscal Year 2007-2008.
1.70 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will revise its zoning ordinance to regulate
mooring. Schedule: Fiscal Year 2007-2008.
1.71 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will review and amend the local zoning
ordinance with regard to underground chemical and gasoline storage regulations
to ensure a minimum of risk to local groundwater resources. Schedule: Fiscal Year
2007-2008.
1.72 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will continuously enforce, through the
development and zoning permit process, all current regulations of the NC State
Building Code and NC Division of Health Services relating to building construction
and septic tank installation/replacement in areas with soils restrictions. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
1.73 - Through its public awareness program (see 1.32, page 26 and 1.51, page 32)
and preparation of a stormwater control ordinance (see 1.39, page 29), the Town
of Atlantic Beach will support the following water quality and water conservation
related actions:
■ Avoid planting turf in areas that are hard to water such as steep
inclines and isolated strips along sidewalks and driveways.
■ Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost instead and save
gallons every time.
■ Plant during the spring and fall when the watering requirements
are lower.
■ Use a layer of organic mulch around plants to reduce evaporation
and save hundreds of gallons of water a year.
Town of Atlantic Beach 38 LUP - Executive Summary

■ Divide your watering cycle into shorter periods to reduce runoff and
allow for better absorption every time you water.
■ Only water your lawn when needed. You can tell this by simply
walking across your lawn. If you leave footprints, it is time to
water.
■ Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. Longer grass shades
root systems and holds soil moisture better than a closely clipped
lawn.
■ Use porous materials for walkways and patios to keep water in your
yard and prevent wasteful runoff.
■ Direct downspouts and other runoff towards shrubs and trees, or
collect and use for your garden.
■ Water your summer lawns once every three days and your winter
lawn once every five days.
■ Reduce the amount of grass in your yard by planting shrubs, and
ground cover with rock and granite mulching.
■ Don't water your lawn on windy days. After all, sidewalks and
driveways don't need water.
■ When watering grass on steep slopes, use a soaker hose to prevent
wasteful runoff.
■ While fertilizers promote plant growth, they also increase water
consumption. Apply the minimum amount of fertilizer needed.
■ Next time you add or replace a flower or shrub, choose a low water
use plant for year-round landscape color and save up to 550 gallons
each year.
■ Landscape with Xeriscape trees, plants and groundcovers. Call your
local conservation office for more information about these water
thrifty plants.
■ Water only as rapidly as the soil can absorb the water.
■ Aerate your lawn. Punch holes in your lawn about six inches apart
so water will reach the roots rather than run off the surface.
Schedule: Continuing Activity and implementing action 1.39, page 29.
1.74 - The Town will consider revising its zoning ordinance to provide for parking
requirements for compact cards in larger developments (developments with 25 or
more spaces). Schedule: Fiscal Year 2007-2008.
h. Local Areas of Concern
Management Goal: The Town of Atlantic Beach supports local concern policies/
implementing actions which will strengthen the Town's planning program and respond to
the overall goals of CAMA.
Town of Atlantic Beach 39 LUP - Executive Summary

Planning Objective: The planning objective is to address local concern policies and
implementing actions which may not be specifically addressed in the CAMA Land Use Plan
guidelines.
Land Use Plan Reauirements: The following policies/implementing actions focus
on areas of local concern to specifically address cultural, historical, and scenic areas;
economic development; general health and human services needs; redevelopment; and
funding options.
Policies - Cultural, Historical, and Scenic Areas:
P.54 - The Town of Atlantic Beach does not have any nationally significant historic
sites within its jurisdiction, but it will strive to protect any discovered sites.
P.55 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will support preservation of the cultural
significance of "The Circle" area.
P.56 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will support preservation /protection of the
Fort Macon State Park.
P.57 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will support preservation/protection of the
estuarine, inlet, and ocean shoreline areas as valuable scenic assets.
P.58 - The Town of Atlantic Beach supports the North Carolina Aquarium in Pine
Knoll Shores in their efforts to provide a regional and cultural destination.
Implementing Actions - Cultural Historical and Scenic Areas:
1.75 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will emphasize the protection of scenic areas in
the update of its 1999 Public Access - Preliminary Recreation Assessment (see 1.1).
Schedule: Fiscal Year 2008-2009.
1.76 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will guide/encourage development and
redevelopment to protect any historic properties identified within the Town.
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.77 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will coordinate all Town public works projects
with the NC Division of Archives and History to ensure the identification and
preservation of significant archaeological sites. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
Town of Atlantic Beach 40 LUP - Executive Summary

Policies - Economic Development:
P.59 - The Town of Atlantic Beach supports the economic development efforts of
the Carteret County Tourism Development Authority.
P.60 - The Town of Atlantic Beach supports redevelopment of "The Circle" area
as essential to the Town's economic growth.
P.61 - The Town of Atlantic Beach supports the following development/growth
objectives as crucial to effective economic development:
■ Supports feasibility studies relating to the development of a central
sewer collection and treatment system.
■ Protect maritime forest and dunes areas.
■ Maintain existing overall average residential density.
■ Redevelop deteriorated residential and commercial areas.
■ Maintain an adequate water supply.
■ Improve traffic flow, especially on NC 58.
■ Continuing regular, periodic deposit of dredge spoil projects in
conjunction with the Corps of Engineers.
Implementing Actions - Economic Development:
1.78 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will review its zoning and subdivision ordinances
and revise, if necessary, to accommodate redevelopment of "The Circle" area.
Schedule: Fiscal Year 2007-2008.
1.79 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will support the activities of the NC Division of
Travel and Tourism. Specifically, the monitoring of tourism -related industry,
efforts to promote tourism -related commercial activity, and efforts to enhance
and provide shoreline resources. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.80 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will support mixed -use development through its
zoning ordinance. The ordinance will be reviewed and amended, as necessary, to
support mixed -use (residential/non-residential) development. Schedule: Fiscal
Year 2007-2008.
1.81 - The Town of Atlantic Beach is receptive to state and federal programs,
particularly those which provide improvements to the Town. The Town will
continue to support fully such programs, especially the following: North Carolina
Department of Transportation road and bridge improvement programs,
environmental protection, tourism, planning, the US Army Corps of Engineers
Town of Atlantic Beach 41 LUP - Executive Summary

regulatory and permitting efforts, dredging and channel maintenance by the US
Army Corps of Engineers, the North Carolina shoreline access grant program, flood
insurance, and federal and state projects which provide efficient and safe boat
access for commercial and sport fishing. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.82 - The Town of Atlantic Beach considers tourism to be the cornerstone of its
economy and will implement the following to improve opportunities for tourism:
■ The Town will continue to support the activities of the Carteret
County Tourism Development Bureau and the North Carolina
Division of Travel and Tourism.
■ The Town's development priorities and goals of environmental and
resource protection clearly state its strong desire to encourage and
promote tourism. This policy will be implemented through the
network of conservation -related policies contained in this plan.
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
Policies - General Health and Human Service Needs:
P.62 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will support the development of the following
community facilities:
■ New municipal administration building/police department/fire
station complex as circumstances dictate.
■ Expansion of the town's water system to include supply wells and
storage tanks.
■ Stormwater drainage facilities.
■ Construction of additional shoreline access facilities.
■ State and local transportation facilities, including roads.
■ Construction of general use year-round recreational facilities.
■ Extension of electrical utilities.
P.63 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will implement its Hazard Mitigation Plan to
improve public safety in the event of a natural disaster.
P.64 - The Town of Atlantic Beach supports a comprehensive recreational program
to provide a broad range of recreation facilities for its citizens.
P.65 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will support waste recycling efforts.
Town of Atlantic Beach 42 LUP - Executive Summary

P.66 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will continue to support a private contract for
collection of residential refuge and disposal of solid waste at the Tuscarora
regional landfill.
P.67 - The Town of Atlantic Beach supports mutual aid in the form of Fire/EMS
service with Carteret County and area municipalities.
Implementing Actions - General Health and Human Services Needs:
1.83 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will prepare a specific capital improvements
plan (CIP) with emphasis on services/facilities which will affect growth,
development, and human services needs. This will support policies P.61 to P.66.
Schedule: Fiscal Year 2009-2010.
1.84 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will provide sufficient emergency services to all
residents by ensuring the implementation of the following:
(1) Require that all necessary infrastructure firefighting
capability/capacity be provided in new developments. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
(2) Continue to maintain an effective signage and addressing system
for all streets and roads. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.85 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will appoint a community appearance committee
to establish guidelines and procedures for community appearance awards and to
address the problem of litter on beaches and along roads. Schedule: Fiscal Year
2008-2009 and Continuing.
1.86 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will selectively support state and federal
programs related to the Town's general health and human services needs. The
Town, through its boards and committees, will monitor state and federal programs
and regulations. It will use opportunities as they are presented to voice support
for or to disagree with programs and regulations that are proposed by state and
federal agencies. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.87 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will, through its public information efforts,
educate people and businesses on waste reduction and recycling. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
Town of Atlantic Beach 43 LUP - Executive Summary

Policies - Redevelopment:
P.68 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will promote, foster, and encourage the
redevelopment of old, poorly designed and underutilized areas. Redevelopment
is preferred and deemed more important than development of currently
undeveloped areas. Many developed areas are in poor condition with poor road
design, lack of vegetation, dilapidated housing, mixed uses, etc.
P.69 - The Town of Atlantic Beach supports redevelopment of "The Circle" area.
Implementing Actions - Redevelopment:
1.88 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will continue a program of strict enforcement
of the minimum code as a means to improve the quality of existing development.
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.89 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will take an active supervisory role in all future
redevelopment projects. All projects are required to consider the Town's
environmental policies and to address the Town's other public needs, especially
its, needs for a sound street system and for public access to the beaches.
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.90 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will allow the reconstruction of any structures
demolished by natural disaster or by other causes in accordance with all
applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
1.91 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will consider, on a case -by -case basis, the
expenditure of local funds to acquire unbuildable lots in hazardous areas..
Donations of such lots will be accepted. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
Policies - Funding Options:
P.70 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will selectively support state and federal
programs related to the Town. The Town, through its boards and committees, will
monitor state and federal programs and regulations. It will use opportunities as
they are presented to voice support for or to disagree with programs and
regulations that are proposed by state and federal agencies.
Town of Atlantic Beach 44 LUP - Executive Summary

Implementing Actions - Funding Options:
1.92 - The Town of Atlantic Beach will continue to support state and federal
programs that are deemed necessary, cost-effective, and within the
administrative and fiscal capabilities of the Town. These include, but are not
necessarily limited to:
(1) Emergency Medical Services
(2) Coastal Area Management Act, including shoreline access funds
(3) Small Business Association
(4) Economic Development Administration Funds
(5) Federal Emergency Management Program
(6) Parks and Recreation Trust Fund
(7) NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund
(8) NC Division of Water Quality Section 319
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
Town of Atlantic Beach 45 LUP - Executive Summary

NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Coastal Management
Michael F. Easley, Governor James H. Gregson, Director William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
CRC-08-32
MEMORANDUM
To: The Coastal Resources Commission and Coastal Resources Advisory Council
From: Maureen Meehan Will, DCM Morehead City District Planner
Date: July 9, 2008
Subject: Town of Atlantic Beach Core Land Use Plan (July CRC Meeting)
The Town of Atlantic Beach is requesting certification of their joint 2008 Core Land Use
Plan (LUP).
Overview
The Town of Atlantic Beach is located on the eastern most end of Bogue Banks across Bogue
Sound from the Town of Morehead City. Atlantic Beach has always been a popular tourist
destination and today is facing the challenges of balancing redevelopment pressures and the
traditional character of the beach town. The LUP provides a solid foundation for development
and especially redevelopment patterns, which will be implemented through local ordinances.
The main issues that are included in the vision statement and further outlined in the policy
statements include: protection of environmental assests, preserving a small town atmosphere,
prudent economic development, partnerships, balancing the needs of tourists and full time
residents alike, encouraging mixed use development, providing open access to a each and
sound areas, encourage non -automobile transit improvements, sustainable development through
encouragement of creative private investment, and create/maintain a vibrant and diverse
community.
The following policy statements exceed State development regulations:
P. 16 The Town of Atlantic Beach opposes the construction of any privately -owned signs
(including commercial signs) in areas of environmental concern as defined by 15A NCAC
7H. This policy exceeds state requirements.
P. 27 The Town of Atlantic Beach opposes the location offloating homes within its jurisdiction.
This policy exceeds state requirements.
P. 28 Except for Money Island, the Town of Atlantic Beach opposes the development of sound
and estuarine islands. This policy exceeds state requirements.
The Atlantic Beach Town Council adopted the land use plan in a meeting on April 21, 2008.
400 Commerce Avenue Morehead City, North Carolina 28557
Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone] Internet: www.nccoastalmangement.net
An Equal Opportunity 1 Affirmative Action Employer - 50% Recycled 110% Post Consumer Paper

AQ
The public had the opportunity to provide
written comments on the LUP up to fifteen (15)
business days prior to the CRC meeting. No comments were received.
DCM Staff recommendation: DCM staff has determined that the Town of Atlantic Beach has
met the substantive requirements outlined in the 2002 Land Use Plan Guidelines and that there
are no conflicts evident within either state or federal law or the State's Coastal Management
Program.
DCM staff recommends that the CRAC forward the Atlantic Beach Land Use Plan to the CRC
for certification.
As a reminder, please bring the pre -circulation memo and review guide (you received during the
first week of July) to the CRAC/CRC meeting. If you have any questions please do not hesitate
to contact me (Maureen Meehan Will) at 252-808-2808.
OUtzi �
Page 2 of 2

r
NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Coastal Management
Michael F. Easley, Governor James H. Gregson, Director William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
MEMORANDUM
To: The Coastal Resources Commission and Coastal Resources Advisory Council
From: Maureen Meehan Will, Morehead City District Planner
Date: June 30, 2008
Subject: Pre -Distribution of the Town of Atlantic Beach Core Land Use Plan (July 2008 CRC
Note: As with recent Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) meetings, the Land Use Plan (LUP)
certification process will first go through the Coastal Resources Advisory Council (CRAC) on
Wednesday for comment and recommendations, and for certification by the CRC on Thursday.
A digital version of the LUP, the executive summary, and policy statements can be found on the
DCM web page.
http://www.nccoastalmanagement.net/Planninglunder review.htm
The purpose of the early mailing is to provide the CRC and CRAC time to review the document
prior to the official CRC packet mailing.
The Town of Atlantic Beach is requesting Certification of their 2008 Core Land Use Plan (LUP).
Overview
The Town of Atlantic Beach is a barrier island community located in eastern Carteret County.
The town is reached by crossing Bogue Sound via a causeway from Morehead City or by
traveling along Highway 58 from Cape Carteret. The town has a peak seasonal population of
27,431, which is 15 times the permanent population.
The town has several unique characteristics that were considered when creating the future land
use plan map and supporting policy and implementation statements. These characteristics
include a limited amount of vacant land, an active Coast Guard Station, a State park, large areas
of protected land, and that a majority of the housing is occupied by long-term and short-term
tenants.
Atlantic Beach only has approximately 50 acres of undeveloped land that is not protected by
Federal, State, or Town development regulations. Due to the limited amount of land for
development the plan emphasizes redevelopment and has land use policy outlining
redevelopment patterns. A few of the redevelopment areas that are specifically outlined in the
plan include the former circle, which is now called `The Grove', the causeway, which includes a
majority of the commercial activity throughout the town, and some historical residential areas
that have been classified as cottage districts.
400 Commerce Avenue, Morehead City, North Carolina 28557
Phone: [phone] \ Internet: www.nccoastalmanagement.net
An Equal Opportunity \ Affirmative Action Employer - 50% Recycled \ 10% Post Consumer Paper
0

Some of the notable policies of the Town are listed below:
P. 7 Atlantic Beach supports the preservation of the "cottage" areas which are depicted on the
Future Land Use Map.
P. 16 The Town of Atlantic Beach opposes the construction of any privately -owned signs
(including commercial signs) in areas of environmental concern as defined by 15A NCAC
711. This policy exceeds state requirements.
P. 27 The Town of Atlantic Beach opposes the location of floating homes within its jurisdiction.
This policy exceeds state requirements.
P. 28 Except for Money Island, the Town of Atlantic Beach opposes the development of sound
and estuarine islands. This policy exceeds state requirements.
The Town of Atlantic Beach Town Council adopted the land use plan on April 21, 2008. The
plan was prepared through a facilitated process utilizing workshops with citizens, the Town
Council, and the Land Use Planning Committee. The goals and policies in the plan are a result
of detailed analysis and discussion of key issues identified in the workshops.
Attached you will find a chart titled "Guide for Review of Core Land Use Plan" that outlines
where specific content can be found within the plan. Please note that the page references in the
chart refer to the digital pdf document page numbers rather than actual pages of the LUP.
A separate memo including a recommendation to the CRC for approval will be provided in the
regular CRC meeting packet.
The public has the opportunity to provide written comments up to fifteen (15) business days
prior to the CRC meeting. To date no comments have been received. Any comments received
will be provided in the formal CRC memo.
Please bring this memo and an executive summary to the CRC meeting. If you have any
questions please do not hesitate to contact me (Maureen Meehan Will) at 252-808-2808 or
[e-mail].
Page 2 of 2

e
f
GUIDE for REVIEW
OF CORE LAND USE PLAN
TOWN OF ATLANTIC BEACH
The page numbers correspond with each digital section and the .pdf page number
pdf pages
is listed. not the actual page number of the document. Required maps are in a
separate digital folder.
Organization of the Plan. If document does not follow the outline of Rules, a matrix shall
02Contents
be included showing the exact location of required elements.
8 13
04 Section
Community Concerns and Aspirations: Key issues & Vision statement:
1-5(A)
11- 13
Analysis of Existing and Emerging Conditions within the planning Jurisdiction.
Population, Housing and Economy. Including 5 - 10 — 20 year) projections.
13-37
Naturals stems anal sis.
Section
o Mapping and analysis of natural features.
5(B)-(F)
1-43
o Composite map of environmental conditions: Breaks community into 3 classes of
43-48
clevelopability based on environmental conditions.
o Description of Environmental conditions:
48-52
Analysis of Land Use and Development: Existing Land Use Map
53-83
o Analysis of conflicts, trends, and areas expected to grow within next 5 years and areas of
53-66
any potential conflicts w/com osite map.
o Proiections of future land needs. Short term (5-10-20 year) projections population & land
needs. May be increased up to 50%. Low or no growth projections of land needs may
consider economic strategies.
Analysis of Community Facilities. Existing/planned capacity, location, & adequacy of key
66-121
facilities that serve community's existing/planned population and economic base including:
o Public and private water supply and wastewater systems.
72-76
o Transportation systems.
66-68
o Stormwater systems & other systems & services
79-84
Land Suitability Analysis &Map
109-112
Review of Current CAMA Land Use Plan.
85-109
06 Section
Plan for the Future: Land use and development goals & Policies
6-7
Land Use Plan Management Topics
Public Access: Goal: Maximize public access/ Objective: Access opportunities for the public
o Requirements: Establish local criteria for frequency and type of access facilities & criteria
18-20
for areas targeted for beach nourishment.
Land Use Compatibility: Goal: Ensure development/use of resources or preservation
minimizes direct & secondary environmental impacts, avoids risks to public health, safety &
welfare & is consistent w/capability of the land based on considerations of interactions of
natural & manmade features.
o Obiective: Policies balancing protection of natural resources/fragile areas w/economic
development; provides clear direction for local decision -making, consistency findings for
zoning, divisions of land, & projects.
o Requirements: Establish building intensity & density criteria for each land use designation
20-31
on the FLUP Ma ; Establish local mitigation criteria and concepts.
Infrastructure Carrying Capacity: Goal: Ensure public infrastructure systems are
appropriately sized; located & managed so quality & productivity of AECs/fragile areas are
protected or restored.

Theepe numbers correspond with each digital section and the .pdf page number
pdf pages
is listed not the actual page number of the document. Required maps are in a
separate digital folder.
o Obiective: Establish level of service policies/criteria for infrastructure consistent
w/Projections of Future Land Needs.
o Requirements: Identify/establish service area boundaries; Correlate FLUPM categories
32-34
w/existing and planned infrastructure.
Natural Hazard Areas: Goal: Conserve/maintain barrier dunes, beaches, flood plains, &
other coastal features for natural storm functions & their natural resources w/recognition to
public health, safety, and welfare issues.
o Objective: minimize threats to life, property, & natural resources from development
located in/adjacent to hazard areas.
o Requirements: density/intensity criteria for new/existing development & redevelopment
34-37
including public facilities and infrastructure to better avoid or w/stand natural hazards;
Correlate existing and planned development with existing and planned evacuation
infrastructure.
Water Quality: Goal: Maintain/protect where possible enhance WQ in all coastal wetlands,
rivers, streams 9-estuaries.
o Objective: help ensure that WQ is maintained if not impaired & improved if im aired.
o Requirements: Policies that help prevent or control nonpoint source discharges; policies &
37-41
land use categories aimed at protecting open shellfishing waters/restoring closed or
conditionally closed.
Local Areas of Concern: Goal: Integrate local concerns with the overall goals of CAMA.
o Requirements: Evaluate local concerns and issues for the development of goals, policies
41-46
and implementation strategies.
Future land use map. Depicts policies application for growth and development, desired
future patterns of land use/development with consideration given to natural system constraints
46-60
& infrastructure policies.. Shall include at.a minimum:
0 14-digit hydrological units encompassed by the planning area;
o areas/locations planned for conservation/o ens ace w/descri tion of compatible uses
o areas/locations planned for future growth/development w/descri tions of:
o predominant & supporting land uses that are encouraged in each area;
0 overall density/development intensity planned for each area;
o areas for infill, preservation, and redevelopment;
o existing/planned infrastructure, including major roads, water, and sewer.
Tools for Manacling Development. (initial five-year action plan for implementation)
14-17
61-64
o Guide for land use decision -making
o Existing development program. This description of community's approach to coordinating
these codes and rules to implement the LUP.
Policy Impact Analysis
65-72
o Contain description of type/extent of analysis to determine the impact of Plan policies on
management topics; both positive & negative; description of policies/methods/programs &
processes to mitigate negative impacts on applicable management topics.
o If local policies exceed the State and Federal requirements, such policies must be
identified & to what extent. If the local body intends to rely on Federal/State laws &
regulations it shall reference in the plan.
If development patterns/uses are not consistent w/natural systems analysis, or the LSA,
then includes description of steps local government will take to mitigate the impacts.
•S Include estimate/cost of any facilities or services that shall be extended or developed.
:• Amount of land allocated to various uses shall be calculated and compared to the
49-58
projection of land needs. The amount of land area thus allocated to various uses may not
exceed projected needs; except for slow growth communities.