1996 Land Use Plan Executive Summary 1999

CARTERET COUNTY, NC
1996 LAND USE PLAN
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Adopted by the Carteret County Board of Commissioners: September 13, 1999
Certified by the Coastal Resources Commission: November 19, 1999
Prepared By:
Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
Wilmington, North Carolina
NO Q'4' 0
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.

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CARTERET COUNTY, NC
1996 LAND USE PLAN
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Adopted by the Carteret County Board of Commissioners: September 13, 1999
Certified by the Coastal Resources Commission: November 19, 1999
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.

_ CARTERET COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
1996 LAND USE PLAN
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The 1996 Land Use Plan Update for Carteret County was prepared in accordance with
requirements of the North Carolina Coastal Area Act (CAMA). Specifically, this executive
summary complies with Subchapter 78, "Land Use Planning Guidelines," Section. 0202 "Executive
Summary," of the North Carolina Administrative Code, as amended, January 1, 1996.
Subchapter 7B, Section .0202, defines the following intent of executive summaries:
"An executive summary shall be prepared and included as an introduction to the
Land Use Plan, or as a separate document. In either case, it shall be suitable for
distribution throughout the planning area. The executive summary shall contain a
summary of the land use issues which will affect the community during the planning
period, the policies which the local government has selected to address those
issues, and a land classification map. An executive summary is not required for a
i Sketch Land Use Plan."
It should be noted that the policy section of the land use plan contained in this executive summary
is the most important part of the document. State and federal agencies will use the local land use
policies in making project consistency, funding, and permit decisions.
SECTION I: ANALYSIS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS
A. PRESENT CONDITIONS
I. VISION STATEMENT
Carteret County will strive to develop an atmosphere and infrastructure which will be conducive
to business development and continued growth of the tourist industry while striving to maintain a
balance with protection of the natural environment. The county desires to blend the benefits of
new development with the area's rich history. Carteret County's natural resources and
environment are extremely important to its culture and community, past, present, and future. The
county needs to be creative in taking steps for the protection of its waters. The Board of
Commissioners wishes to state that protection of the county's water quality is equal to economic
development as a priority for the future.
II. DEMOGRAPHICS AND HOUSING
f
1. Carteret County Permanent Population
a. Regional and County
Seventeen of the twenty North Carolina counties regulated by the Coastal Area Management Act
(CAMA) experienced a net permanent population growth from 1970 to 1994. The three counties
with a negative population growth were Hyde, Washington, and Hertford.

Carteret County is one of the state's fastest growing counties. Based on detailed demographic
estimates provided by the State Data Center for counties and municipalities, between 1980-1994,
Carteret County was the sixth fastest growing CAMA-regulated county and the 24th in the entire
state. Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, Cape Carteret, Pine Knoll Shores, and Indian Beach have had
exceptionally high growth rates compared to municipalities of similar size within the state. Based
on the growth rate from 1990 to 1993, Emerald Isle was ranked 17th out of 117 municipalities with
populations between 2,500-9,999; Cape Carteret and Pine Knoll Shores were ranked 20th and
26th, respectively, out of 119 municipalities with populations between 1,000-2,499; and Indian
Beach was ranked 23rd out of 236 municipalities with populations less than 1,000. Based on the
growth rate from 1990-1994, Atlantic Beach and Cape Carteret were ranked 23rd and 24th,
respectively, out of 116 municipalities with populations between 1,000 and 2,499.
Carteret County's rate of growth from 1970 to 1980 was twice the growth rate of the 1960's. Since
1980, population growth, although extremely high, has occurred at a continually decreasing rate.
This trend has been forecast to continue through the year 2003. A large percentage of the growth
in Carteret County from 1970-1994 has occurred in the incorporated beach communities and in
areas near the extraterritorial jurisdiction of existing municipalities. This trend is evident in the
growth of Newport, Morehead City, and White Oak townships.
b. Geographic Distribution of Growth
During the period from 1970-80, the population in the county's unincorporated areas increased
to 27,574 which was almost double that of the municipalities that increased to 13,518. The fastest
growth in unincorporated areas appeared to be centered near areas with established infrastructure
and municipal government. This is demonstrated by the spurt in municipal growth from 1980-90,
which was as much the result of annexation of rapidly growing unincorporated areas as growth
within established city boundaries. The municipal growth rate in Carteret County from 1980-90
was over 2-1/2 times as high as the rate for unincorporated areas. As more land is annexed by
the municipalities, the ratio of municipal: unincorporated population rate will increase. Since 1990,
the growth rate of municipalities has slowed and the ratio of the unincorporated growth rate to the
municipal growth rate is much more equal. From 1990-94, municipalities grew at a rate of 9.54%
and unincorporated areas at 6.59%.
2. Carteret County Seasonal Population
Carteret County's total stock of seasonal housing grew 77% from 1980-90. This high growth rate
is largely attributed to the addition of private housing units and motel/hotel rooms. Private housing
units grew at a rate of 107% and motel/hotel rooms at a rate of 71 % between 1980-90. Campsites
and boat slips grew at a rate of approximately 14% and 13%, respectively, for the same decade.
The peak seasonal population grew at a rate almost six times that of the permanent population
from 1970-90. The estimated total peak population of Carteret County in 1990 was 2.5 times as
large as the permanent population. This fluctuation of population causes great pressure on the _
county's infrastructure and makes it increasingly difficult to preserve fragile areas as the need for
recreational access becomes greater. The positive economic effect of the seasonal population
generates a great deal of local support for continued recreational development, but the natural
resources which give the coastal region its population should, at the same time, be preserved.
2

3. Carteret County Housing Characteristics
The summary of population trends above indicates that the seasonal population grew much faster
than the permanent population in Carteret County from 1980-90. This trend is reflected by a
higher development rate for seasonal private housing units than year-round units over the same
period.
The number of seasonal private housing units grew nine times as fast as the number of year-
round private housing units in Carteret County from 1970-90. A growth in seasonal housing units
from 1970-80 was particularly rapid, with an average annual percentage increase of 33% over the
decade. The annual growth rate for seasonal units dropped to 10.7% from 1980-90, but was still
over 4-1/2 times the growth rate for year-round units from 1980-90. The average annual growth
rate for year-round units dropped from 5.4% to 2.2% between the decades 1970-80 and 1980-90.
The higher growth rate for seasonal units since 1970 is reflected in the fact that the ratio of
seasonal units/total units increased from 11 % to 39% from 1970-90.
The number of new housing units constructed annually has remained roughly the same for the
1970s and 1980s. Although the growth rate remains high, the fact that it is remaining stable is
important in the regulation of the housing industry and the planning of municipal services and
public facilities.
There was an aging population of housing in Carteret County from 1980-90. During this period,
- the percentage of total housing units less than eleven years old dropped from 45.0% in 1980 to
40.6% in 1990. This, in turn, means that the percentage of housing units older than ten years
increased from 55.0% in 1980 to 59.4% in 1990. The percentage of new homes between 0-1 year
of age also dropped from 5.8% in 1980 to 3.1 % in 1990, This illustrates a trend away from the
construction of new homes and toward the purchase of existing homes. It should also be noted
that if units defined as strictly "seasonal" by the U.S. Census Bureau were included in this
tabulation, the number of new homes would be considerably higher. The conclusion that can be
made is not that there isn't as much new construction in 1990 versus 1980, but that what was
constructed is considered "seasonal" housing and not year-round. The number of homes with
inadequate plumbing dropped from 1.3% in 1980 to 0.4% in 1990, and the number of mobile
homes grew from 4,979 to 9,612.
The rapid growth of mobile home development which began in the early 1970s has become an
increasingly important issue impacting zoning, building inspection, and other planning activities
in Carteret County over the last three decades. From 1980-90, the ratio of mobile homes to total
housing units increased 3.6% and in 1990 made up 27.8% of the total housing stock. Recent data
provided by the Carteret County central permit office shows that there were a total of 389 new
mobile home units located in the county between June, 1994 and June, 1995. The growth rate
for this one year period is almost identical to that experienced for a one year period between
1980-90.
The growth rates of multi -family and mobile home unit development were much greater than those
of single-family and "townhouse" development between 1980-90. Other than structures with 3 &
4 units, single-family units experienced the lowest percent increase of all housing units between
1980-90. More recent data provided by the Carteret County Central Permit Office shows that
there were a total of 284 single-family structures constructed between June, 1994 and June, 1995.
This rate of growth is even less than that experienced between 1980-90. It can be expected that
the growth rate of multi -family units will far exceed that of single-family units throughout the '90s.

4. Summary
The following provides a summary of significant demographic and housing findings:
-- From 1970-1994, Carteret County experienced a 79% population growth; 92% in the
incorporated areas and 72% in the unincorporated areas.
— The three fastest growing townships from 1970-1993 were White Oak, Sea Level, and
Newport, and the three fastest growing townships with no incorporated areas were Sea
Level, Straits, and Merrimon.
— The top three fastest growing age groups in Carteret County since 1970 have been ages
30-39, ages 60-69, and ages 70 and up.
— The growth rates of the preschool and school -age populations of Carteret County have not
kept up with the growth rate of the total population since 1970, and have continued to
shrink in terms of percentage of total population.
-- The black population grew at a rate well below the white population from 1970-1994.
However, the total non -block minority population (orientals, hispanics, etc.) grew almost
twice as fast as the white population during the same time period.
-- Carteret County's total stock of seasonal housing grew 77% from 1980-1990; Private
housing units grew at a rate of 107%, motel/hotel rooms at 71 %, campsites at 14%, and
boat slips at a rate of 13%.
From 1980-1990 peak seasonal population increased 84% to a total of 78,883 persons.
These figures do not include "day visitor" usage of Carteret County recreational facilities,
beaches, waters, and natural areas.
-- The number of seasonal private housing units grew almost nine times as fast as the
number of year-round private housing units from 1970-1990.
- From 1970-1990, the county's total housing supply increased by 172%.
-- In 1990, 32% of the total housing stock was greater than twenty years of age.
-- From 1980-1990, the ratio of mobile homes to total housing units increased almost 4% and
in 1990 made up 28% of the total housing stock.
- The growth rates of multi -family and mobile home unit development were much greater
than those of single-family and "townhouse" development between 1980-1990.
4

III. ECONOMY
General Economic Indicators
Since 1970, Carteret County has experienced increases in per capita income, retail sales, and
employed labor force. The average unemployment rate of Carteret County has consistently run
at or slightly above that of the state. It is not unusual for coastal areas to have a higher
unemployment rate due to the high number of seasonally employed workers. Since 1990, the
monthly unemployment rate has fluctuated between a high of 11.6% in 1992 to a low of 2.5% in
1990. During 1994, the unemployment rate ranged from a high of 10.3% in February to a low of
3.3% in June.
Between 1970 and 1990, Carteret County's per capita income increased 492%, which amounts
to an annual average increase of 20.5%. Although there has been considerable growth in per
capita income, Carteret County dropped from a rank of 31 st in the state in 1980 to 54th in 1991.
Total personal income and gross retail sales both experienced significant increases in dollar
amounts growing 273.3% and 317.7%, respectively, during the 24-year period.
The total employed labor force grew 39.4% between 1980-1990 compared to a growth rate of
27.9% for the total year-round population. The relatively high growth rate in employed working
force compared to total population indicates that the working age population has grown fasterthan
the 0-19 age group since 1970. It also indicates that a significant number of retirees are becoming
involved with Carteret County's growing economy. Although Carteret County has experienced
considerable growth in retail sales, the implications of this are not all positive. The jobs provided
by the retail industry are generally low wage with minimal benefits. A high percentage of jobs
concentrated in the retail industry, coupled with a lack of higher wage manufacturing jobs, has
kept Carteret County's wages down.
2. Employment and Income
The largest single employment category in 1994 was trade, which made up 35.0% of all those
t employed 16 years of age or older. Government employment accounted for the second largest
category with 21.1%. All service categories combined provide employment for 27.7% of those
_ employed who are 16 years of age and older. Construction employment accounted for 1,000jobs,
j or 5.4%, increasing 0.4% since 1991. Much of the employment in the construction and commercial
fishing occupations is not reported and not reflected in this total.
Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station and Naval Aviation Depot combined is the leading employer
of Carteret County residents. In 1994, approximately 2,000 civilian and 700 military employees
residing in the county worked at Cherry Point. Those 2,700 workers earned approximately
$107,000,000 in 1994 out of a total Cherry Point payroll of $469,467,700. The total direct
economic impact of the Cherry Point facility in Carteret, Craven, Jones, and Pamlico counties
combined was estimated to be $507,036,300 in 1994, of which Carteret County received the
second largest share.
_ According to the Employment Security Commission, in 1994 Carteret County had an average
wage rate of $6.99 per hour. This average wage rate ranked 93rd lowest of North Carolina's 100
counties. However, due to reporting methods, Carteret County's wage rate may be slightly
misleading. Jobs at the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and the related Naval Aviation
Depot are classified as Craven County jobs and are not reflected in the Carteret County figures.
5

In addition, wage rates are based entirely on insured employment and do not include
approximately 8,000 workers employed in fishing and construction industries.
In spite of these reporting deficiencies, Carteret County wage rates are low and should be a topic
of concern. The primary reasons for low wage rates are the disproportionate reliance on retail and
service employment, and the relatively low level of employment in the manufacturing sector.
3. Summary
The following provides a summary of the most significant economic trends in Carteret County.
- The state of Carteret County's economy may be described as fair compared to the
economies of all of the state's counties.
-- The total employed labor force increased from 11,290 in 1970 to 25,000 in 1994.
-- Retail trade constitutes the county's largest single employment category followed by
government and service.
-- Cherry Point is the leading employer of Carteret County residents.
-- Employees have a mean travel time to work of 19.1 minutes.
-- Between 1992-1994, the percentage of people receiving food stamps in Carteret County
was less than that of the state as a whole.
- In 1995, Carteret County trailed the state in terms of average and median incomes.
The Carteret County population 18 years of age or older in 1990 had a higher percentage
of high school graduates than that of the state. In 1994, approximately 75% of the
Carteret County population held high school degrees.
-- The tourism industry is the single most important contributor to the county's economy. In
1993, Carteret County ranked 10th among the 100 North Carolina counties in tourism
expenditure impact.
Since the late 1970s, Carteret County has been the number one ranking county in the
state in terms of total licensed commercial fishing vessels, total seafood landings, and total
dockside value of seafood landings.
- The research in marine science and fisheries conducted in Carteret County is recognized
throughout the world.
-- Carteret County continues to be plagued by low wage rates due to the lack of higher
paying manufacturing jobs.
-- The largest 1993 income producing commodities were: 1) corn, 2) soybeans, 3) tobacco,
and 4) fruits and vegetables.
11

IV. EXISTING LAND USE SUMMARY
General Land Use Summary
Carteret County has two distinct areas in terms of general land use. One consists of the "Down
East" area which lies east of the Intracoastal Waterway connecting Core and Adams Creeks. The
second area lies west of the Intracoastal Waterway and is referred to simply as Western Carteret
County. This division between Western Carteret County and the "Down East" area is slightly
different than that described in the 1991 land use plan. The 1991 land use plan divided Western
Carteret County from the "Down East" area at a line connecting the North River and Adams Creek.
Using the Intracoastal Waterway as the new dividing line provides a physical separation between
these areas and more accurately represents the "Down East" area, due to its inclusion of the
Beaufort Township. The factors influencing growth, development, and land use are different for
- each area. The "Down East" area continues to be predominantly rural with large areas of
wetlands and agricultural land usage. The population is concentrated in the Town of Beaufort and
in numerous unincorporated communities scattered along the shoreline areas. Western Carteret
County contains the major development and population base. This is concentrated in the
incorporated areas on Bogue Banks and in sound side areas along N.C. 24 west of Morehead
City. Since 1990, there has been heavy residential subdivision development along the N.C. 24
t highway corridor from Morehead City west to Cape Carteret in the White Oak and Morehead
townships. The majority of the county's zoned areas are in Western Carteret County in the areas
experiencing the heaviest growth.
During the five-year period between 1991 and 1995, an average of 18 subdivisions with 224 lots
were approved per year. Twenty-two (22) subdivisions with a total of 175 lots were located in the
j "Down East" area. Of the 22 subdivisions, nine were located in the Straits Township, nine in the
Beaufort Township, three in the Merrimon Township, and one in the Harlowe Township.
North Carolina's 17 major river basins have been divided into "sub -basins" which are currently
utilized as the foundation for basinwide water quality plans. Each watershed has been assigned
a 14-digit code for the purpose of identification. Most of Carteret County's subdivision
development occurred in watersheds 03020106020040 (King Creek, Neuse River),
03020106030050 (Adams Creek), and 03020106030060 (Great Lake, Hunters Creek). Less
significant residential development occurred in watershed 03020106030010 (South River,
Turnagain Bay) along the U.S. 70 corridor. In all of these watersheds, the average persons per
acre increased from 1980 to 1990.
Federal land holdings have remained unchanged since 1981. The largest single federal land
holding in Carteret County continues to be the Croatan National Forest. Approximately 57,000
acres of the forest's total 158,000 acres lie within Carteret County. The second largest holding
is the Cape Lookout National Seashore which includes approximately 28,400 acres on Core and
' Shackelford Banks. Only a portion of these areas are non -wetlands properties and are identified
as federal areas. The third largest federal holding consists of military properties at Atlantic Airfield,
Bogue Airfield, and on Marsh/Piney Island.
In addition to the residential development, there has been scattered commercial and industrial
development. Concentrated commercial and industrial development has occurred along the U.S.
70 corridor between Newport and Morehead City. Development in the "Down East" area of the
county has continued to be very limited. The areas converted to urban land use have been
concentrated in Baymeade-Onslow-Lynchburg, Altavista -Augusta -State, and Newhan-Corolla-
Beaches soil associations. While these areas are well drained and suited for development, they
are also some of the county's areas best suited for agricultural production.
7

The developed areas of the county extend well beyond the municipality's central water and sewer
systems. Some relief to this problem has been provided in Western Carteret County with the
construction of the West Carteret Water System. However, the lack of central sewer service in
rapidly developing areas continues to be a serious problem.
The development of Western Carteret County has created some transportation problems. The
only direct east -west traffic artery is N.C. 24. Congestion has increased annually, and further
development of the N.C. 24 corridor will only serve to compound the problem. Most of the
subdivisions approved from 1991 to 1995 have been located in this corridor.
2. Basinwide Water Quality Management
The North Carolina Division of Water Quality has initiated a basinwide approach to state water
quality management. The overall goal of basinwide management is to develop consistent and
effective long range water quality management strategies that protect the quality and intended
uses of North Carolina's surface waters while accommodating population increases and economic
growth.
The State of North Carolina has been divided into seventeen major river basins. For each river
basin, water quality problems are identified and appropriate management strategies developed.
The plan features basinwide permitting of pollution discharges, integration of existing point and
non -point source control programs, and preparation of a basinwide management plan report.
The purpose of the basinwide management plan is to communicate to policy makers, the
regulated community, and the general public, the state's rationale, approaches, and long-term
strategies for each basin. Preparation of a basinwide management plan is a five year process.
In general, this process involves the following five major phases of development:
- Collecting pertinent water quality and related information,
Analyzing the information and targeting problem areas,
-- Development management strategies,
Circulating a draft plan for public review and comment, and
-- Finalizing the plan.
The majority of Carteret County is located in the White Oak basin. A small portion of the county,
along its northern boundary with Craven County, extends into the Neuse Basin. The White Oak
basinwide management plan was submitted for staff review in January, 1996, and received
Environmental Management Commission approval in January, 1997. The Neuse basinwide
management plan received EMC approval in February, 1993.
The North Carolina Division of Water Quality has identified 24 watersheds within the White Oak
Basin, and six watersheds within the Neuse Basin which are located in Carteret County. Each
watershed has been assigned a fourteen -digit code for the purpose of identification. These 14-
digit watersheds are used as the basic unit for CAMA land use planning and are different from the
larger watersheds which are utilized as the basis for Basinwide Water Quality Plans such as the
White Oak and Neuse Basinwide Water Quality Management Plans.

Within Carteret County, the largest "non -point" source of water pollution comes from agricultural
runoff. Approximately 60,000 acres of land in the county are for agricultural use. The majority of
the agricultural acreage is located in the "Down -East" section of Carteret County in the Merrimon,
Straits, Smyrna, Davis, and Stacy townships. Non-agricultural non -point sources of pollution are
concentrated in the county's municipalities where the majority of the land is developed.
Approximately 25,000 acres of land in the county may be considered urban and built-up.
SECTION II: PROJECTED LAND DEVELOPMENT ANALYSIS
A. PROJECTED POPULATION GROWTH AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
1. Year-round Population Proiections
Based on Coastal Area Management Act planning guidelines, population projections prepared by
the Office of State Planning are the appropriate data to be utilized in projecting year-round
population for Carteret County from 1995-2005. Population projections by township for Carteret
County are unavailable. Therefore, the projections found in Table 1 "Summary of Year -Round
Population Growth by Townships and Municipality" are based on the assumption that the relative
growth rates by specific area will remain the same from 1994-2005 as experienced between 1990-
1994. In order to provide more accurate estimates, projections were made at five- and ten-year
intervals from the year of the last available hard data (1993).
Based on Table 1, the average annual population growth rate for the county, municipalities and
unincorporated areas should continue to decrease during the planning period.
Despite the expected decrease in annual growth rate, the population growth rate in Carteret
County will still be considerably higher than the North Carolina rate over the next ten years. From
1995-2005, the state population is estimated to show a 13.0% increase. The Carteret County
population is anticipated to grow 17.9% over the same period.

Table 1
Carteret County, NC
Summary of Year -Round Population Growth by Township and Municipality, 1990 - 2005
Township Municipality or Area Year Round Population Percentage Change
Overall
1990 1994 2000 2005 '94200 '00205 '94205
1) Atlantic
Total Township
805
803
799
796
-0.49%
-0.35%
-0.84%
2) Beaufort
Beaufort
3,808
3,997
4,351
4,600
8.85%
5.72%
15.08%
Unincorporated Areas
4_`
4,6644
5,467
6.045
17.71%
10.58%
30.16%
Total Township
8,013
8,641
9,818
10,645
13.61%
8.43%
23.19%
3) Cedar Island
Total Township
385
407
448
477
10.11%
6.46%
17.23%
4) Davis
Total Township
535
553
587
611
6.15%
4.08%
10.48%
5) Harkers Island
Total Township
2,237
2,375
2,634
2.816
10.90%
6.91%
18.56%"
6) Harlowe
Total Township
1.190
1,289
1,474
1,604
14.37%
8.84%
24.48%
7) Marshallberg
Total Township
646
674
726
763
7.75%
5.05%
13.20%
8)Menimon
Total Township
542
591
683
747
15.54%
9.46%
26.46%
9) Morehead City
Atlantic Beach
1,938
2,267
2,846
3.252
25.52%
14.30%
43.47%
Indian Beach
153
177
222
254
25.39%
14.24%
43.24%
Morehead City
6,046
6,384
7,017
7,462
9.91%
6.34%
16.88%
Pine Knoll Shores
1,360
1,543
1,886
2,127
22.21%
12.78%
37.82%
Unincorporated Areas
10,985
11,485
12,420
13,078
8.15%
5.30%
13.88%
Total Township
20,482
21,856
24,390
26,173
11.60%
7.31%
19.75%
10) Newport
Newport
2.516
2,778
3,269
3,614
17.66%
10.55%
30.08%
Unincorporated Areas
4.817
55,337
6,312
6,997
18.26%
10.86%
31.09%
Total Township
7,333
8,115
9,580
10,611
18.05%
10.75%
30.75%
11) Sea Level
Total Township
773
872
1,056
1,186
21.16%
12.28%
36.05%
12) Smyrna
Total Township
782
843
958
1,039
13.61%
8.42%
23.18%
13) Stacy
Total Township
401
434
497
541
14.40%
8.85%
24.52%
14) Straits
Total Township
1,948
2,129
2,468
2,706
15.91%
9.65%
27.10%
15) White Oak
Cape Carteret
1,008
1.179
1,499
1,724
27.16%
15.02%
46.25%
Emerald Isle
2,434
2,798
3,480
3,959
24.36%
13.77%
41.49%
Cedar Point
628
688
800
879
16.33%
9.87%
27.81%
Unincorporated Areas
2413
2.379
2,316
2.271
-2.66%
-1.92%
-4.53%
Total Township
6,483
7,044
8,095
8,834
14.92%
9.13%
25.41%
Total Municipalities
19,891
21,811
25,369
27,870
16.31%
9.86%
27.78%
Total Unincorporated Areas
32,662
34,813
38,840
41,673
11.57%
7.29%
19.70%
Total County
52,553
56,624
64,209
69,543
13.40%
8.31%
22.82%
Sources: N.C. State Data Center; extrapolation of data for unincorporated areas by Holland Consulting Planners, Inc
10

From 1994-2005, the county's municipalities should grow approximately 8.1% faster than its
unincorporated areas. The beach communities will continue to display high growth rates as their
recreational potential continues to attract retirees, younger professionals and entrepreneurs.
However, it is conceivable that growth in some of the beach communities may not keep up with
the projections in Table 1 due to building density restrictions or municipal inability to provide
services -- in particular, wastewater disposal. Morehead City is also anticipated to experience
appreciable population growth over the planning period as it develops as a commercial center for
the nearby waterfront recreational communities.
Continuing the trend of the '70s, '80s, and early '90s, the unincorporated areas in townships
containing incorporated towns are expected to grow faster than less urbanized townships
throughout the next ten years. This growth should be concentrated in areas where municipal
services are available or soon to be available, largely due to increasing difficulties associated with
sewage disposal near fragile areas and in areas with soils restrictions. As evidenced by the recent
incorporation of the Bogue community in White Oak Township, a general trend of annexation of
developing areas and incorporation of communities is expected to continue through the 1990s as
demand for municipal services increases.
As shown in Table 1, of the townships with no existing incorporated towns, Sea Level, Straits, and
Merrimon are expected to have the highest rates of growth through the year 2005. Development
in these and the other "rural" townships within the county's planning jurisdiction must be closely
regulated due to numerous environmental constraints including the existence of wetlands, fragile
estuarine shoreline areas, soil restrictions, and flood hazard areas.
3. Seasonal Population
The growing impact of seasonal population on the entire county is best demonstrated by the fact
that the county's seasonal population is expected to grow over three times as fast as its year-
round population throughout the planning period. In addition, Carteret County may have a total
peak population by the year 2005 of over 220,000, which is over three times the estimated
permanent year-round population.
4. Projected Housina Characteristics
Since the population analysis above indicated that Carteret County's seasonal population is
expected to grow over three times faster than the year-round population from 1990-2005, the
development rate for seasonal private housing units is expected to be much higher than the
j development rate for year-round units over the same period.
The growth rate for seasonal housing will continue to be higherthan the growth rate for year-round
housing throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. More importantly, the number of new seasonal
units constructed annually will begin to surpass the number of permanent units constructed
_- annually during the early 2000s. Of the total 32,000+ new housing units expected to be
constructed through the year 2005, 75% are anticipated to be seasonal units.
The geographic impact of this private housing development is expected to parallel the pattern of
I population growth discussed in the previous sections. The most rapid residential development will
be centered in and near the municipalities since higher density development will be constrained
by environmental conditions and the unavailability of adequate waste disposal in other areas of
the county. The documented trend of rapid growth in multi -family housing from 1980-1990 is
i
11

expected to continue. Almost all of the multi -unit construction is expected to take place in
urbanized areas outside of the county's planning jurisdiction due to unit density restrictions in
many unincorporated areas of the county. The majority of new year-round residential units
county -wide will continue to be single-family detached units. In particular, many year-round and
seasonal units constructed in areas under county planning jurisdiction will be higher priced, single-
family homes on relatively large building lots. In many predominantly rural areas, mobile home
development will be an important planning issue throughout the next decade. The overall trend
of continued rapid residential development in Carteret County will require increased efforts by
county and state regulatory and planning agencies, as well as cooperation between the county
and rapidly growing municipalities, to ensure that environmental quality is maintained.
B. PROJECTED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TRENDS AND RELATED LAND USE ISSUES
General Economic Projections
Based on population and housing projections included in the previous section, it is anticipated that
Carteret County's per capita income, retail sales, and total employed labor force will continue to
grow appreciably throughout the planning period. This continued healthy economic climate will
be primarily the result of the continued in -migration of retirees and seasonal population. As
Carteret County grows as a recreational/retirement center, the finance/real estate/construction
industries and retail and service industries will continue to thrive. Increased buying power by
resident employees in these industries will help to stimulate other sectors of the economy such
as manufacturing, fishing and agriculture, and wholesale trade. Retail purchases, housing
investment, and investment in local banks by civil service employees, local government
employees, and military personnel will further stimulate the economy. Although the county
unemployment rate is expected to continue at or above the state average due to the seasonal
nature of many retail businesses, the next decade should be marked by prosperity for most county
citizens.
Through the year 2005, employment in the retail trade, finance/real estate, and state and local
government sectors of employment will continue to show high growth rates. The growth rate of
total employment is expected to decrease between 1990-2005 from a rate of 39% experienced
in the 1980s to 22%. This amounts to a 17% drop in the growth rate of total employment.
Therefore, the majority of the individual employment sectors will experience growth at a rate
slower between 1990-2005 than that experienced in the 1980s. Wholesale trade and federal
civilian government are the only sectors expected to experience a growth rate higher throughout
the 1990s and early 2000s than that experienced in the 1980s. The farming industry has steadily
shrunk in terms of the percent of the total labor force since 1970, and by the year 2005 will make
up only 0.7% of the labor force. However, earnings in the farming industry are expected to remain
steady through 2005. The top three sectors in terms of growth in earnings from 1990-2005 are
expected to be finance/real estate, retail trade, and state and local government.
2. Tourism and Recreation
The projected growth of seasonal population indicated in the previous section will continue to
make tourism Carteret County's single most important source of income throughout the planning
period. Retail and service businesses and the real estate and construction industries will continue
to flourish as Carteret County grows as a retirement and recreation center. Demand for seasonal
housing, motel and marina development, and the growth of individual commercial buildings and
small shopping centers will demand a constant planning effort to avoid incompatible land use and
12

strip commercialization problems. Preservation of water quality and the county's areas of
environmental concern are mandatory if tourism is to continue as a viable industry in Carteret
County. To preserve environmental quality, developers of seasonal housing and tourism -related
commercial businesses will have to cooperate with planning and regulatory agencies to avoid
uncontrolled and incompatible development. While a controlled approach to seasonal
development may result in the loss of short-term revenue, the overall economic benefit will be
greater than that generated by a "hit and run" approach to recreational development.
C. PUBLIC FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT NEEDS AND LAND USE ISSUES
Transportation
Through 2000, traffic flow and congestion will undoubtedly increase in Carteret County as the
year-round and seasonal populations continue to grow. The highest daily traffic counts should still
continue to be on U.S. 70 west of Morehead City, N.C. 58 west of Atlantic Beach, N.C. 24 west
of the U.S. 70 intersection, and U.S. 70 in the Morehead City/Beaufort corridor. It is safe to say
that without continued improvements traffic congestion would appreciably discourage year-round
and seasonal development in Western Carteret County by the year 2005.
Some of the congestion in the western part of the county has been alleviated by the ongoing
project to widen N.C. 24 to four lanes east of Swansboro. However, it is likely that congestion on
sections of N.C. 24 will increase during the next four years since construction (scheduled through
the year 2000) will cause slowdowns and lane blockages, particularly during the summer months.
Due to increased congestion on N.C. 58 in the Bogue Banks area, public support for a third bridge
to Bogue Banks should grow during the 1995-2000 period. Also, support for widening N.C. 58 in
particularly congested areas, including the provision of turning lanes, should grow during the next
five years.
As traffic flow increases on U.S. 70 in the Morehead City/Beaufort corridor, the demand for
continued traffic synchronization and limited access improvements will grow. Several traffic
signal/railroad crossing projects in Morehead City are on the current Transportation Improvement
Plan. Other major projects on the current T.I.P include replacement of bridges at the White Oak
River (S.R. 1101 and S.R. 1442), Newport River (S.R. 1125), and Black Creek (S.R. 1154).
2. Parks and Recreation
The only major non -shoreline related recreational improvement made by the Carteret County
Department of Parks and Recreation since 1991 is the initial development of Western Park near
Cape Carteret. This new park facility (Western Park) in the western portion of the county provides
{ more equitable geographic distribution of the county's existing major park facilities. However, the
Western Park master plan calls for additional athletic and recreational facilities that have yet to
be constructed.
Though the state and federal parks are considered adequate to serve the passive recreation
_ needs of county residents and visitors, the county's offering of community and district parks,
school facilities, and ballfields is inadequate to serve the county's growing resident population and
demand for active recreation sites. The county Parks and Recreation Department operates one
community recreation center at Western Park. Other programs and particularly recreational
athletics, depend on schools for gymnasiums and indoor space. Schools need after school use
13

of their facilities more and more, causing them to be less available for recreational sports and
activities, a trend expected to continue. The county has experienced an increased demand for
athletic fields for softball, baseball, and soccer. The seasons of these sports often overlap,
causing competition for use of outdoor areas and overuse of field space. In general, seasonal
residents do not require the use of non -shoreline recreational facilities outlined above to the extent
that year-round residents do. Many resorts in Carteret County offer tennis and indoor recreational
facilities. However, the county needs to address residents' demands for more athletic and
recreational facilities, including ballfields, athletic complexes, playgrounds, picnic areas/shelters,
tennis courts, and basketball courts.
The provision of public access to estuarine waters is a major recreation -related problem facing
Carteret County today. The county should make every effort to cooperate with existing
municipalities and the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management to provide better estuarine
boat access, parking, picnic facilities, and related improvements to its estuarine areas during the
planning period. Carteret County should also recognize that the provision of adequate ocean
access improves tourism and trade throughout the entire county, and should actively support all
municipally -sponsored attempts to improve public ocean access areas throughout the planning
period. Due to environmental and budget considerations, providing new shoreline access areas
and shoreline parking will become increasingly difficult as time goes by.
3. Other County Facilities
Ongoing improvements to the county's existing two hospitals, health care facilities and programs,
and volunteer fire and emergency medical facilities should allow the county to provide adequate
medical and health care and fire protection to incoming residents over the next five years.
Construction of the 43,000 square foot county law enforcement center and the 10,000 square foot
addition to the county Social Services Department have both been completed. With the
completion of the law enforcement center, many of the parking spaces committed to the county
administration building have been relegated to the Sheriffs department and associated law
enforcement -related personnel. Lack of parking for county administrative building personnel and
visitors will continue to be a problem.
Lack of space in the county administrative building is also expected to become a more significant
problem during the next several years. In particular, the county tax office and register of deeds
offices are very short of space. The county government may construct new administrative office
space or renovate existing buildings to accommodate growth during the planning period; however,
impact on land use patterns in Beaufort should be minor unless a major parking project is
undertaken by the county.
D. REDEVELOPMENT ISSUES
Carteret County's greatest continuing redevelopment issue will be the preservation and renovation
of housing for its low -to -moderate income families and individuals. As stated in the existing
housing conditions section, the Merrimon and North River communities have the most severe
substandard housing conditions remaining in the county's unincorporated areas. While housing
conditions improved during the'80s and early'90s, substantial problems still exist. The county will
undertake the following in support of residential development:
-- Support applications for North Carolina Community Development
housing rehabilitation funds.
IM

- -- Support applications for North Carolina Housing Finance Agency
home improvement funds.
- Investigate the development and enforcement of a minimum
housing code.
A second area of concern will be redevelopment of areas following a hurricane or other natural
disaster. The specifics of such redevelopment are dealt with in the storm hazard mitigation and
post -disaster reconstruction plan. However, Carteret County will support the reconstruction of any
properties destroyed by natural disaster, consistent with applicable Carteret County ordinances.
In 1996, Carteret County was directly impacted by two powerful hurricanes. These were Hurricane
1 Bertha in July and Hurricane Fran in September. Both of these storms caused considerable
damage. Hurricane Bertha caused an estimated $125 million dollars in damages and the
damages caused by Hurricane Fran were estimated to be $175 million dollars. An estimated 95%
L.
of all damages were insured.
,- Carteret County Emergency Management coordinated a county -wide recovery process. The
county asked for state and federal assistance for debris removal and other clean-up efforts. Labor
and monetary assistance was given for most of the clean-up.
Carteret County has applied for a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. -This
grant will be used to develop a comprehensive hazard mitigation plan. This plan is designed to
identify hazardous building areas throughout the county and formulate a development plan for
those areas found to be susceptible to hazardous conditions.
SECTION III: LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS
As explained in the introduction to the policy statements, land use plans prepared to comply with
15 NCAC 7B regulations have three areas of impact on application: (1) to set policy to guide local
planning and land use management decisions; (2) review of projects for consistency with local
planning policies; and (3) the establishment of local policies for areas of environmental concern.
CAMA regulations require the establishment of a specific land classification system to support the
local government's policy statements. The CAMA 15A NCAC 7B regulations state:
"The land classification system provides a framework to be used by local
governments to identify the future use of all lands. The designation of land classes
I allows the local government to illustrate their policy statements as to where and to
what density they want growth to occur, and where they want to conserve natural
and cultural resources by guiding growth."
CAMA regulations provide for the following land classifications: developed, urban transition,
- limited transition, community, rural, rural with services, and conservation. These classifications
may be further defined by a local government. In applying these classifications, a local
' government should carefully consider where and when various types of development should be
encouraged. Additionally, the areas of environmental concern requiring protection should be
identified and mapped. Each applicable land classification must be represented on a land
classification map.
15

Carteret County will support growth and development at the average densities specified in the land
classification definitions. These densities are only a general guide and must be accomplished
through land use control ordinances.
The following land classifications will apply in Carteret County:
DEVELOPED: Areas included in the developed land classification are currently urban in
character, with only minimal undeveloped land remaining. Municipal types of services are in place
or are expected to be provided within the next five to ten years. Land uses include residential
(single and multi -family), commercial, institutional, transportation, industrial parks, open space,
industrial, and other urban land uses at high or moderate densities. Residential densities are
allowed in excess of an average of three dwelling units per acre, with a minimum single-family
residential lot size of 10,000 square feet.
URBAN TRANSITION: Areas included in the urban transition classification are presently being
developed for urban purposes, or will be developed in the next five to ten years. These areas will
eventually require complete urban services. The urban transition areas include mixed land uses
such as residential (single and multi -family), commercial, institutional, industrial, industrial parks,
transportation, and other uses approaching high to moderate densities. Residential densities are
allowed in excess of an average of three dwelling units per acre, with a minimum single-family
residential lot size of 10,000 square feet.
LIMITED TRANSITION: The purpose of limited transition class is to provide for development in
areas that will have some services, but are suitable for lower densities than those associated with
the urban transition class, or are geographically remote from existing towns and municipalities.
Areas included in the limited transition classification are areas which will experience increasing
development during the next five to ten years. Some municipal type services will be required.
This classification may be found near valuable estuarine waters or other fragile natural systems.
The limited transition classification is intended for predominantly residential use. However, some
scattered commercial, health care, and industrial development may occur. Clustering or
development associated with planned unit developments may be appropriate. Residential
densities at an average of three units per acre or less are acceptable. The minimum lot size shall
be 10,000 square feet, with the majority of the lots having 15,000 or more square feet. Clustering
or development associated with planned unit developments are acceptable in this classification.
This classification is necessary to accommodate increasing development north of the Town of
Beaufort along the N.C. 101 and U.S. 70 corridors; along the N.C. 24 corridor from Morehead to
Bogue; and in the area of the U.S. 58 corridor north of Cape Carteret. This classification will
support economic development and natural resources protection by supporting controlled
development with services, including sewage treatment. Areas classified as limited transition
occupy approximately 3.5% of the county's total land area.
North Carolina Administrative Code (NCAC) 7B states that the reliability of services such as
sewage treatment systems is critical in areas classified as limited transition and that if the local
government intends to allow the private provision of urban services such as sewage systems and
garbage collection, then the local government should require special assurances that these private
services will reliably protect the public resources and avoid unnecessary public expenses.
Carteret County has addressed this concern in its policy statements included in this plan.
Specifically, the county's policy regarding package treatment plant use requires that any approved
package plants prepare a specific contingency plan specifying how ongoing private operation and
maintenance of the plant will be provided, and detailing provisions for assumption of the plant into
16

a public system should the private operation fail. Operational plans should also address
elimination of package treatment plants when the system owner elects to connect to a central
sewer system.
COMMUNITY: Areas included in the community classification are presently developed at low
densities and are suitable for septic tank usage. Uses are limited to single-family residences,
isolated general and convenience stores, churches, public facilities, health care facilities, and
mixed land uses at low densities. Very limited municipal type services, including water service,
may be available. Sewer service may be provided to correct an existing or projected public health
hazard. Residential densities shall average two dwelling units per acre, with a minimum lot size
of 20,000 square feet.
RURAL: Areas included within the rural classification include lands that are appropriate for or
presently used for agriculture, forestry, mineral extraction, and other uses that should be located
in a relatively isolated and undeveloped area. The predominant land uses are agricultural and
residential. However, public facilities, health care facilities, and scattered industrial and
commercial uses are allowed. Rural water systems may be available to help avert poor water
quality problems. Residential densities shall average two dwelling units per acre, with a minimum
lot size of 20,000 square feet.
_ RURAL WITH SERVICES: Areas included within the rural with services classification are
developed at very low density. Land uses include residential use where limited water services are
provided in order to avert existing or projected health problems, public facilities, health care
facilities, and scattered commercial and industrial uses. Lot sizes will be large and the provision
of services will not disrupt the primary rural character of the landscape. Residential densities shall
average two dwelling units per acre, with a minimum lot size of 15,000 square feet. Development
should be low density in order to maintain a rural character.
CONSERVATION CLASSIFICATIONS:
Coastal Wetlands -- This classification includes all areas of coastal wetlands which include any
salt marsh or other marsh subject to regular or occasional flooding by tides, including wind tides.
However, tidal flooding is understood not to include hurricane or tropical storm tides. The North
i Carolina Division of Coastal Management must determine the presence and extent of coastal
wetlands on a site. Except as prohibited in the policies section of the Land Use Plan, only
development allowed by 15A NCAC 7H will be permitted in areas classified as coastal wetlands.
404 Wetlands -- This classification includes concentrated areas of 404 wetlands which meet the
wetlands definition contained in Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Only uses consistent with
the policy statements section of the Land Use Plan will be allowed.
There may be areas of the county considered to be 404 wetlands by the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers which have not been included in the Conservation 404 wetlands classification as
indicated on the Land Classification Maps (1A and 1 B). The policy statements addressing
404 wetlands which are included in Section IV of the Land Use Plan are intended to apply to only
those areas delineated as 404 wetlands on the Carteret County Land Classification Maps. In all
other areas of the county considered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to be 404 wetlands,
the applicable federal regulations shall apply.
17
V

Natural Heritage Areas --This classification includes lands which support native plant and animal
communities and provide habitat qualities that have remained essentially unchanged by human
activity. They may be surrounded by landscape that has been modified but does
not drastically alter conditions within the natural area. All areas within this classification have been
recognized by either the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program or the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service as having special significance. These areas should be primarily preserved in their
natural state with only the following development allowed:
-- Public facilities and improvements to provide shoreline access;
The use of areas by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as spoil disposal sites;
-- Development of public facilities by the National Parks Service and the State of North
Carolina. However, Carteret County requests the opportunity to review and comment on
all plans for development of public facilities.
-- Development of any sound or estuarine island that is consistent with the development of
sound and estuarine islands policy included on page IV-10 of the complete Land Use Plan.
-- Uses that are consistent with and allowed by the policies section of the Land Use Plan.
Estuarine Shorelines -- All areas lying 0-75 feet landward of the mean high water level of
estuarine waters not designated as outstanding resource waters are classified as estuarine
shorelines. Because of map size and scale, these areas cannot be accurately mapped. Precise
locations must be determined in the field.
ORW Estuarine Shorelines -- All areas lying 0-575 feet landward of the mean high water level
of estuarine waters designated as outstanding resource waters are classified as ORW estuarine
shorelines. Because of map size and scale, these areas cannot be accurately mapped. Precise
locations must be determined in the field.
Primary Nursery Areas -- This classification includes all areas designated as primary nursery
areas by the Marine Fisheries Commission.
Estuarine and Public Trust Waters -- All public trust areas and estuarine waters are included in
this classification. All waters of Carteret County are classified as estuarine waters as described
by 15A NCAC 7H.0206, or public trust waters as described by 15A NCAC 7H.0207.
Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) — This area includes all waters which have been
designated by the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission as Outstanding
Resource Waters. While not under the county's planning jurisdiction, the ORW designations
extend into the municipalities' areas of planning jurisdiction. The ORW locations are indicated on
Map 10 of the complete Land Use Plan.
Ocean Hazard Areas -- This classification includes all ocean hazard areas. These areas include
lands along the Atlantic shoreline where, because of their special vulnerability to erosion or other
adverse effects of sand, wind and water, uncontrolled or incompatible development could
unreasonably endanger life or property. These areas include beaches, frontal dunes, inlet lands,
and other lands with excessive erosion or flood damage. Development shall be permitted which
is allowed by 15A NCAC 7H.0306.
m

The Land Classification Maps provide the locations of the various classifications. Because of the
complexity and importance of Carteret County's areas of environmental concern, the conservation
classification was divided into nine subcategories of conservation areas. The classification map
indicates a continuation of existing development patterns with the following locations of land use
categories:
Developed: This area is located west of Morehead City's extraterritorial jurisdiction along
both sides of U.S. 70 for a distance of approximately 0.8 mile and south of N.C. 24 between
Morehead City's extraterritorial jurisdiction and S.R. 1147. Bogue Field and Cedar Point are also
classified as developed.
Urban Transition: This area is located along both sides of U.S. 70 from Newport's
extraterritorial boundary southeast of within 0.8 mile of Morehead City's extraterritorial area, south
from U.S. 70 to the north side of N.C. 24 and along the western side of S.R. 1147.
Limited Transition: This classification exists along the N.C. 24 corridor from Cape
Carteret and Bogue Field east to the urban transition and developed areas located along N.C. 24.
The limited transition category extends north of N.C. 24 for a distance of 0.5 mile.
Rural With Services: These areas are located north of Cape Carteret along S.R. 1107,
1108, 1111, 1109, and portions of 1106. Other areas are located along both sides of S.R. 1300
north of U.S. 70 fora distance of three and one-half miles, along S.R. 1163 between N.C. 101 and
S.R. 1300, along N.C. 101 between S.R. 1163 and the Intracoastal Waterway, and in the Sea
Gate Woods development north of N.C. 101 and west of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Rural: The rural areas are delineated on the Land Classification Maps. Major
concentrations are found in the northern two-thirds of Western Carteret County and in open
grounds areas of the Down East area of Carteret County.
Community: The community classification is found in the following locations: north of the
Cedar Point town limits; east of the White Oak River marshes; and in the Davis, Atlantic,
Marshallberg, and Sea Level communities.
Conservation: The conservation classification locations are described in detail in the
fragile areas section of the Land Use Plan,
DISTRIBUTION OF LAND CLASSIFICATIONS BY WATER BASIN
The watershed boundaries for Carteret County are delineated on the Land Classification Map.
The majority of the county's developed, urban transition, and limited transition classified areas are
concentrated in the Goose Creek -Deer Creek; Broad Creek-Bogue Sound; Gales Creek-Bogue
Sound; Newport River headwaters; Core/Harlowe Creek, Newport; Newport River; and North River
watersheds. These areas include most.of the county's developed shoreline and almost all of the
incorporated municipal areas. In addition, many of the county's AEC's are located in these
watersheds. The remaining watersheds are primarily classified as rural. Except for some
community classified areas and AEC's, all of the "Down East" area watersheds are classified as
rural.
19

LEGEND
DEVELOPED
URBAN TRANSITION
LIMITED TRANSITION
RURAL WITH SERVICES
'
RURAL
COMMUNITY
COASTAL WETLANDS
404 WETLANDS
frfit. �,c
=•.r �.
ESTUARINE SHORELINE
See NOTE 2
ORW ESTUARINE SHORELINE
See NOTE 3
PRIMARY NURSERY AREAS
_
ESTUARINE AND PUBLIC TRUST WATERS
See NOTE 4
OUTSTANDING RESOURCE WATERS
(ORW)
OCEAN HAZARD AREAS
See NOTE 5
r�A RIVER BASIN BOUNDARY
•'exemmmm WATERSHED BOUNDARY
COUNTY BOUNDARY LINE — — —
INCORPORATED AREA AND FORT
MACON NOT UNDER CARTERET
COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION
EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION AREAS NOT
UNDER CARTERET COUNTY PLANNING
JURISDICTION
Towns of Cedar Point and
Bogue Corporate Limit Line
NOTE Shockleford Banks, Cape Lookout, Core
Banks, and Portsmouth Island are a part of the
National Seashore System and not under the
planning lurlsdlctlon of Carteret County,
NOTE: THE EMERALD ISLE BEACH CORPORATE
LIMIT LINE EXTENDS 1.200 FEET INTO BOGUE
SOUND AND PARALLELS THE ROGUE SOUND
SHORELINE.
NOTE: The area of Carteret County lying between
the east and west areas of Indian beach Is
classified as developed except for the area along
the beach shoreline which complies with the
definition of an ocean hazard area.
The preparation of this map was financed
In part through a grant provided by the
North Carolina Coastal Management
Program, through funds provided by the
Coaslal Zane Management Act of 1972,
as amended, which is administered by the
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
REFER TO MAP 1A FOR NOTES 1 THROUGH S
20

0
i The pnpaofNn of INa map •ae
tloIQ n pare by the Northcora
t a 1
coaxvialMWAGNMM Prooram,
ands provided by the
Coos Zone Monagemenl Ad at
1972. a. av a ,Jo , rltkb Is
adnibinN or the Office at
Ocean and coastal Resource
_ Mm"emea Nodond oceende and
Atmoephork Admndstrallcm
SEEPAGE 20 FOR LEGEND
NOTE 1) Natural Heritage areas frequently coincide with other NOTE 5) The only Ocean Hazard area under Carteret County
conservation areas such as fresh water wetlands and jurisdiction is the ocean beach and dune area in Bogue
coastal wetlands. When Natural Heritage areas coincide Banks between the east and west incorporated areas of
with other conservation areas, the more restrictive policy Indian Beach. This area is classified as Ocean Hazard
statements will apply. The location of Natural Heritage Area.
areas have been provided on Map 11B.
NOTE 2) All areas lying 0-75' landward of the mean high water level NOTE 6)
or normal water level of estuarine waters not classified as
Outstanding Resource Waters are classified as estuarine
shoreline areas.
NOTE 3) All areas lying 0-575' landward of the mean high water
level or normal water level of estuarine waters classified as NOTE 7)
Outstanding Resource Waters are classified as estuarine
shoreline areas.
NOTE 4)
SCALE
1 O 1 2 3 4 MILES
y
Jo�OS 1 _
ke
r
l—
z
Z)
O
U
C_
All waters of Carteret County are classified as estuarine
waters as described by 15 NCAC 7H.0206, or Public Trust NOTE 8)
Areas as described by 15 NCAC 7H.0207. In areas not
designated as Outstanding Resource Waters or primary
nursery areas, all development shall be consistent with the
use standards contained in 15 NCAC 7H.0206 and .0207.
CRAVEN
A portion of the Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area has
been designated a Outstanding Resource Waters. The
designation does not extend into the saline waters of
Bogue Sound. This entire ORW is under the jurisdiction of
Pine Knoll Shores and is not delineated on the Carteret
County Land Classification Map.
Because of map scale, the conservation classification
cannot be accurately mapped. Precise locations for all
conservation classified areas must be determined in the
field.
The locations of all coastal wetlands and 404 wetlands
have not been mapped. " Exact locations must be
determined in the field by staff of the appropriate
permitting agency.
COUNTY
SOUND
A T L A N T I C
/
MAP 1A
CARTERET COUNTY
OCEAN LAND CLASSIFICATION MAP
WESTERN CARTERET COUNTY
21

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SEEPAGE 20 FOR LEGEND
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CARTERET COUNTY
LAND CLASSIFICATION MAP
"DOWN EAST"
22

SECTION IV: POLICY STATEMENTS
A. INTRODUCTION TO POLICY STATEMENTS
The previous sections of the Land Use Plan identify a number of areas of concern dealing with
growth, development, and the environment. The plan also discusses many opportunities and
assets that exist within Carteret County. This section provides policies designed to address
growth management and protect the county's assets. The policy statements should address the
desires and objectives of the citizens of Carteret County, and respond to the policy statement
requirements of the Coastal Resources Commission as defined by 15A NCAC 7B.
The policy statements are extremely important and have a day-to-day impact on businesses and
individual citizens within the county. The statements have an impact in three areas:
_ • CAMA minor and major permitting as required by NCGS 113A-118 prior to
it
undertaking any development in any area of environmental concern.
Establishment of local planning policy.
Review of proposed projects requiring state or federal assistance or
approval to determine consistency with local policies.
For the issuance of CAMA permits within areas of environmental concern, the state's minimum
acceptable use standards are defined by 15A NCAC 7H. A local unit of government must adopt
policies which are, at a minimum, equal to and consistent with the state's minimum use standards.
A local unit of government may adopt policies which are more stringent than the minimum use
standards. For example, the state standards allow marinas to be located within primary nursery
areas if some minimum conditions are met. A local government may adopt a policy stating that
marinas will not be permitted within primary nursery areas. If this were to occur, a CAMA permit
for marina construction in a primary nursery area would not be issued. IT IS CRUCIAL THAT A
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT OF ITS POLICIES WITHIN AREAS OF
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN.
The second area of land use plan application is that of establishing policies to guide the
jurisdiction's local planning. This may apply both within areas of environmental concern where
CAMA regulations apply and in non-CAMA regulated areas of the county. Under North Carolina
legislation, land use plans are not regulatory controls. Non-CAMA related recommendations must
be implemented with local land use ordinances such as zoning or subdivision ordinances. If a land
use plan recommends that the average residential density should be three dwelling units per acre
within a particular area, then that density must be achieved through local zoning ordinance or
other regulatory control. (This should not be confused with the interaction of the land use plan
with the CAMA regulations and 15A NCAC 7H use standards.)
The final area of application is that of "Consistency Review." Proposals and applications for state
and federal assistance or requests for agency approval of projects are normally reviewed against
a jurisdiction's land use plan to determine if the project is consistent with local policies.
Inconsistencies of a project with local policies could serve as grounds for denial or revision of a
project. For example, an individual or agency may request state or federal funding to construct
a 30-unit low -to -moderate income housing project. If the proposed location of the project is within
an area in which the land use plan states that the residential density should not exceed two
dwelling units per acre, the project may be judged to be inconsistent with the local land use plan.
23

The Coastal Resources Commission requires all governments to specify stated development
policies under each one of five broad topics. These topics include:
- Resource Protection
Resource Production and Management
-- Economic and Community Development
-- Continuing Public Participation
-- Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery, and Evacuation Plans
During 1995 and 1996, the NCAC 7B CAMA planning guidelines were revised. The revised
guidelines included new requirements for the development of policy statements. These changes
included the following policy statement additions:
-- A general vision policy statement describing the type of community
that the local government would like to become within the next ten
years.
A basic statement of the community attitude toward resource
protection.
-- A policy addressing the protection of wetlands identified as being of
the highest functional significance on maps supplied by the Division
of Coastal Management.
- A policy addressing moorings and mooring fields.
-- A policy addressing water quality problems and management
measures designed to reduce or eliminate local sources of surface
water quality problems.
-- A statement of the community attitude toward resource production
and management.
A policy addressing commitment to state and federal programs,
including housing rehabilitation, community development block
grants, housing for low and moderate income level citizens, water
and sewer installation, and rural water systems.
A policy addressing assistance to interstate waterways
Based on the analysis of existing conditions and trends, suggestions from the county's citizens,
and substantial input and guidance from the Carteret County Planning Board, the policies in the
following sections have been formulated to provide a guide for regulating growth, development,
and resource management throughout the planning period. In developing these policies, many
alternatives were considered by the Planning Board. The alternatives that Were not adopted are
included as Appendix 5 of the complete Land Use Plan.
24

B. VISION STATEMENT
Carteret County will strive to develop an atmosphere and infrastructure which will be conducive
to business development and continued growth of the tourist industry while striving to maintain a
balance with protection of the natural environment. The county desires to blend the benefits of
new development with the area's rich history. Carteret County's natural resources and
environment are extremely important to its culture and community, past, present, and future. The
county needs to be creative in taking steps for the protection of its waters. The Board of
Commissioners wishes to state that protection of the county's water quality is equal to economic
development as a priority for the future.
C. RESOURCE PROTECTION POLICIES
COMMUNITY ATTITUDE TOWARD RESOURCE PROTECTION
Carteret County will implement resource protection on policies which meet or exceed the state's
15A NCAC 7H minimum use standards for the protection of areas of environmental concern. The
county is sensitive to resource protection but does not desire to implement policies which will
exclude industrial and business development. Emphasis will be placed on protection of the
county's extensive coastal resources. The types of land uses which the county feels are
appropriate for its areas of environmental concern are provided in Section III of the Land Use Plan,
under Conservation Classifications.
PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS
SOILS
POLICIES:
To mitigate existing septic tank problems and other restrictions on development posed by soil
limitations, Carteret County will:
(a) Carteret County opposes the installation of package treatment plants and septic tanks or
discharge of waste in any areas classified as coastal wetlands, freshwater wetlands, or
publicly -owned natural heritage areas. Generally, this policy applies only to.areas shown
as coastal wetlands, freshwater wetlands, or publicly -owned natural heritage areas on
Maps 1A and B, Land Classification Maps. However, there may be areas of the county
considered to be 404 wetlands by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers which have not be
included in the Conservation 404 wetlands classification as indicated on the Land
Classification Maps (1A and 1B).
(b) Support planning for and the development of a central sewer system(s) to serve areas of
Carteret County classified as developed, urban transition, limited transition, and rural with
services. All areas which are provided central sewer service should be zoned, when
zoning is requested by the property owners.
(c) Carteret County will cooperate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the
regulation/enforcement of the 404 wetlands permit process.
25

IMPLEMENTATION:
(a) Enforce, through the development and zoning permit process, all current regulations of the
N.C. State Building Code and North Carolina Division of Health Services relating to
building construction and septic tank installation/replacement in areas with soils
restrictions.
(b) Coordinate all development activity with appropriate county and state regulatory personnel,
and in particular with the Carteret County Building Inspector and Sanitarian.
(c) In areas not served by central or community sewer and water service, development on lots
of 20,000 square foot size or greater shall be promoted through existing zoning,
subdivision, and other regulatory ordinances.
(d) The county's subdivision ordinance requires that the following disclaimer be included on
all final plats: "This certifies that this copy of this plat accurately depicts the boundary of
the jurisdiction of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act pursuant to the 1987 Corps of
Engineers wetlands delineation manual as determined by the undersigned on this date.
Unless there is a change in the law or our published regulations, this determination of
Section 404 jurisdiction may be relied upon for a period of five years from this date."
SCHEDULE (a) - (d): Continuing activities, FY1997-2007.
(e) The county should prepare a complete and accurate land classification map. This map
may be developed by any such committee established for the purpose of developing a
county -wide Comprehensive Plan.
SCHEDULE (a): FY2000-2002.
FLOOD HAZARD AREAS
POLICY.- Carteret County desires to minimize the hazards to life, health, public safety, and
development within flood hazard areas.
IMPLEMENTATION:
(a) Carteret County will continue to coordinate all development within the special flood hazard
area with the county Inspections Department, North Carolina Division of Coastal
Management, FEMA, and the U.S. Corps of Engineers.
(b) Carteret County will continue to enforce its existing zoning and flood damage prevention
ordinances and follow the storm hazard mitigation plan contained herein.
SCHEDULE (a) - (b): Continuing activities, FY1997-2007.
GROUNDWATERIPROTECTION OF POTABLE WATER SUPPLIES
POLICY.- Carteret County desires to conserve its surficial groundwater resources.
26

IMPLEMENTATION.
(a) Carteret County will conserve its surficial groundwater resources by supporting CAMA and
- N.C. Division of Water Quality stormwater run-off 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 North Carolina Division of Water Quality. The county will
plan for an adequate long-range water supply. In the planning process, Carteret County
will cooperate with adjacent counties to protect water resources. Public and private water
conservation efforts will be encouraged.
(b) Carteret County will encourage and support water conservation efforts such as those
required by the N.C. State Building Code.
SCHEDULE (a) - (b): Continuing activities, FY1997-2007.
�4filaill_l7 �:T_FJ 17 �i=�
POLICIES:
(a) Expansions of Aviation Military Restricted Areas or Military Operations Areas in eastern
North Carolina must be consistent with civil aviation regulations, must comply with other
applicable state and federal regulations, and must be supported by environmental impact
statements addressing the cumulative impact of such airspace uses.
(b) Carteret County is opposed to the expansion of the Military Airspace (MOAs) designated
as Cherry I and Core.
(c) Carteret County supports growth and material expansion of the North Carolina State Port
Terminal when plans have been prepared which address the impact of associated rail and
road traffic increases on Morehead City and Carteret County.
(d) Carteret County supports plans for expansion of Michael J. Smith Field as detailed in the
airport's Master Plan.
(e) With the exception of bulk fuel storage tanks used for retail and wholesale sales, and
individual heating fuel storage tanks, Carteret County opposes the bulk storage of
man-made hazardous materials in areas classified as developed, urban, transition, and
limited transition which are not also zoned for industrial use. Storage of hazardous
materials (not toxic waste) in low density areas classified as rural or rural with services will
be allowed. In those areas within the county in which federal holdings are located,
applicable state and federal regulations shall apply.
(f) Carteret County is opposed to the establishment of toxic waste dump sites within the
county.
(g) Any expansion of fuel storage tank facilities on Radio Island must comply with applicable
state and federal regulations for which proper environmental safeguards have been
provided.
27

IMPLEMENTATION:
(a) Carteret County will coordinate the regulation of underground storage tanks with the North
Carolina Division of Water Quality. Carteret County will support 15A NCAC 2N, Sections
.0100-.0800, which includes the criteria and standards applicable to underground storage
tanks.
(b) Carteret County will rely on the State Port Authority to prepare plans which address the
impact of associated rail and road traffic increases on Morehead City and Carteret County
prior to any material expansion.
(c) Agricultural quarantine and decontamination facilities shall not be established on Radio
Island by the U.S. Navy or other agent of the federal government unless a full
Environmental Impact Statement with a finding of no significant effect on the environment
has been prepared and proper environmental safeguards are implemented. The
Environmental Impact Statement should include mitigation measures for the loss of any
public beach access.
(d) Carteret County recognizes that it does not have any authority to regulate the area or
elevation of military flights. However, the county opposes any low level military training
flights that are not in compliance with the minimum safe altitudes for aircraft operation as
described in the Federal Aviation Regulations, Part 91.
SCHEDULE (a) - (d): Continuing activities, FY1997-2007.
STORMWATER RUNOFF
POLICIES:
(a) Carteret County supports water quality maintenance in order to protect fragile areas and
to provide clean water for recreational purposes.
(b) Carteret County supports control of agricultural and forestry runoff.
(c) Carteret County supports the policy that all North Carolina Department of Transportation
projects should be designed to limit to the extent possible stormwater runoff into estuarine
waters.
IMPLEMENTATION.
(a) The county will support existing state regulations relating to stormwater runoff resulting
from development (Stormwater Disposal Policy 15 NCAC 21-1.001-.1003).
(b) Carteret County will control forestry runoff through implementation of "Forestry Best
Management Practices" as provided by the North Carolina Division of Forest Resources.
(c) Carteret County will control agricultural runoff through implementation of U.S. Soil
Conservation Service "Best Management Practices" program, and/or North Carolina State
"Best Management Practices."
PU

(d) Carteret County 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 county will actively support the Division of Water
Quality stormwater runoff retention permitting process through its subdivision regulations
which requires a stormwater management plan.
(e) Carteret County will rely on the North Carolina Department of Transportation and NCAC
7H guidelines to limit stormwater runoff impacts on estuarine waters resulting from NCDOT
projects.
SCHEDULE (a) - (e): Continuing activities, FY1997-2007.
CULTURAUHISTORIC RESOURCES
POLICY., Carteret County will protect its historic and archaeological resources as valuable cultural
and economic assets.
IMPLEMENTATION:
(a) Carteret County shall coordinate all housing code enforcement/ redevelopment projects
with the N.C. Division of Archives and History, to ensure that any significant architectural
details or buildings are identified and preserved.
(b) Carteret County will coordinate all county public works projects with the N.C. Division of
Archives and History, to ensure the identification and preservation of significant
archaeological sites.
SCHEDULE (a) - (b): Continuing activities, FY1997-2007
INDUSTRIAL IMPACTS ON FRAGILE AREAS
POLICY: Except as may be allowed by state and federal agencies, no industrial development of
any type shall be located in lands classified as coastal wetlands, freshwater wetlands (as shown
on Land Classification Maps 1A and 1 B), and Natural Heritage Areas.
IMPLEMENTATION. Carteret County will work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to
coordinate approval of industrial projects with the "404" permitting process.
SCHEDULE: Continuing activity, FY1997-2007.
MISCELLANEOUS RESOURCE PROTECTION
PACKAGE TREATMENT PLANT USE
POLICY. • Carteret County wishes to reduce the number of point source pollution discharges and
have sewage treatment systems within the county centralized. However, the county will not
oppose the construction of state -approved package treatment plants in areas not provided with
central sewer service. The county supports more effective monitoring by the state of the operation
of package treatment plants. This policy shall not prohibit the discharge of waste into wetlands.

If any package plants are approved by the state, Carteret County supports the requirement of a
specific contingency plan specifying how ongoing private operation and maintenance of the plant
will be provided, and detailing provisions for assumption of the plant into a public system should
the private operation fail. Operational plans should also address elimination of package treatment
plants when the system owner elects to connect to a central sewer system.
IMPLEMENTATION: Carteret County will rely upon the North Carolina Division of Water Quality
to implement this policy.
SCHEDULE: Continuing activity, FY1997-2007.
MARINA AND FLOATING HOME DEVELOPMENT
Marinas are considered to be any publicly or privately owned dock constructed to accommodate
more than ten boats, as defined by 15 NCAC 71-1.0208(b)(5). Docks and piers are defined by 15
NCAC 71-1.0208(b)(6). Carteret County will enforce the following policies to govern floating homes
and marina development.
POLICIES:
(a) Carteret County considers boating activities an extremely important part of its tourist
industry and overall economy. Subject to the policies stated herein, the county does not
oppose the construction of marinas.
(b) Carteret County opposes the location of floating structures in all marinas, primary nursery
areas, outstanding resource waters, public trust areas, and estuarine waters. Floating
structures are defined as any structure or vessel used, designed, and occupied as a
permanent dwelling unit, business, office, or source of any occupation or any private or
social club, which floating structure or vessel is primarily immobile and out of navigation
or which functions substantially as a land structure while moored or docked on waters
within county jurisdiction. Floating structures shall not be used commercially or inhabited
in one place for more than 15 days.
(c) Carteret County opposes marina construction or expansion in coastal wetlands and
primary nursery areas, and opposes upland marina construction with access channels
connected to primary nursery areas. Coastal wetlands that have volunteered within upland
marinas shall be exempt from this policy. Carteret County will allow access structures not.
exceeding six feet in width to be constructed above coastal wetlands for the purpose of
providing access to marinas which otherwise meet state standards.
(d) Carteret County opposes the construction of docks or piers with more than four boat slips
in primary nursery areas. One dock or pier with four or less slips used for residential
purposes or purposes directly related to commercial fishing shall be allowed per parcel of
land which borders a primary nursery area. Waterfront parcels of land with more than one -
quarter mile of shoreline bordering a primary nursery area shall be allowed one dock or
pier with four or less slips for residential purposes or purposes directly related to
commercial fishing within every one -quarter mile (1,320 feet) of shoreline along the primary
nursery area.
30

(e) Carteret County's policy for marina construction in ORW waters or ORW estuarine
shoreline shall be consistent with the state's management strategies of ORW designated
regulations.
(f) No marina associated dredging will be allowed through active shellfishing areas. When
dredging through coastal wetlands is essential for access to upland marinas, as provided
for in 15A NCAC 7H, the county requires replacement of lost wetland areas with mitigation
at a 1:1 ratio.
(g) Carteret County will allow construction of dry stack storage facilities for boats associated
either with or independent of marinas. All applicable zoning and subdivision regulations
must be satisfied.
IMPLEMENTATION: The county will rely on 15A NCAC 7H, and where applicable, its zoning
ordinance, to control the location of open water marinas, upland marinas, and floating homes.
SCHEDULE: Continuing activities, FY1997-2007.
MOORING FIELDS
POLICY. Carteret County supports the regulation of mooring fields within its planning jurisdiction.
IMPLEMENTATION: Carteret County is concerned with the potential for the development of
mooring fields. The county will pursue the development of an ordinance to regulate the
establishment of mooring fields.
SCHEDULE: FY1998-1999.
DEVELOPMENT OF SOUND AND ESTUARINE ISLANDS
POLICY. Carteret County will allow the development of estuarine islands consistent with state
minimum use standards and local ordinances. However, the county encourages public purchase
and conservation of sound and estuarine islands which have been identified by the North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program as important natural area locations. These areas are identified on the
Fragile Areas Map and the Land Classification Map.
IMPLEMENTATION: Carteret County will rely on 15A NCAC 7H to control sound and estuarine
island development.
SCHEDULE: Continuing activity, FY1997-2007.
BULKHEAD CONSTRUCTION
POLICY: Carteret County does not oppose bulkhead construction in any areas of the county as
long as they fulfill the use standards set forth in 15A NCAC 7H.
IMPLEMENTATION: Carteret County will rely on 15A NCAC 7H to implement this policy.
SCHEDULE: Continuing activity, FY1997-2007.
31

SEA LEVEL RISE
POLICY: Carteret County recognizes the uncertainties associated with sea level rise. The rate
of rise is difficult to predict. Those factors combine to make it difficult, if not impossible, to
establish specific policies to deal with the effects of sea level rise. While a policy is not provided,
Carteret County will implement the following.
m�»�►��.r�urr rrcv.��
(a) Carteret County will cooperate with local, state, and federal efforts to inform the public of
the anticipated effects of sea level rise.
SCHEDULE (a): Continuing activity, FY1997-2007.
(b) Carteret County will monitor sea level rise and consider establishing setback standards,
density controls, bulkhead restrictions, buffer vegetation protection requirements, and
building designs which will facilitate the movement of structures.
SCHEDULE (b): FY1999-2000.
MARITIME FORESTS
Based on the CRC initiative Final Report of the Maritime Forest Working Group, May 24, 1990,
there are no major maritime forest sites that are under Carteret County jurisdiction. However,
Carteret County supports the recommendations contained in the report for the protection of
maritime forest areas.
WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT
POLICY: Carteret County supports addressing the following issues in the development of the
White Oak and Neuse Basinwide Management Plans:
Lona-term Growth Manaaement
-- Wastewater management (non -discharge, regionalization, ocean outfall).
-- Urban stormwater runoff/water quality.
Role of local land use planning.
Shellfish Water Closures
- Increases in number of acres closed.
- Examine link between growth and closures.
- Opportunities for restoration and prevention.
Animal Operation Waste Management
-- Between 1990-1994, swine population in the White Oak Basin more than doubled.
Nutrients/Toxic Dinoflagellate
-- Reduction in nitrogen and phosphorous levels.
32

IMPLEMENTATION.
(a) Carteret County will pursue development and adoption of a local ordinance to regulate
swine production.
SCHEDULE (a): FY1999-2000.
(b) The Carteret County Planning Department will undertake a review of all local land use
regulation ordinances during the period to determine if revisions should be undertaken to
respond to specific water quality management problems.
SCHEDULE (b): FY1997-2007.
D. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES
COMMUNITY ATTITUDE TOWARD RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
Carteret County will implement policies which support resource production and management. All
policies will meet or exceed 15A NCAC 7H minimum use standards. Resource production should
not be allowed to adversely affect Carteret County's sensitive coastal environment or natural
heritage areas.
1i7;H0= "W7E•]J
POLICIES:
(a) All lands classified as coastal wetlands and freshwater wetlands are considered valuable
passive recreation areas and should be protected in their natural state. Some
-- development, as allowed by this plan, may occur in these areas.
(b) Carteret County supports the development of additional estuarine and ocean shoreline
access areas to ensure adequate shoreline access within all areas of the county.
IMPLEMENTATION.
(a) Carteret County will rely on 15A NCAC 7H guidelines and its subdivision regulations to
protect coastal wetlands and freshwater wetlands.
(b) Carteret County will cooperate with municipalities and state and federal agencies to secure
adequate shoreline access. Areas that have traditionally been used by the public will be
given special attention.
SCHEDULE (a) - (b): Continuing activities, FY1997-2007.
(c) Carteret County will develop a shoreline access plan to define the need for additional
publicly -owned waterfront recreational facilities. This effort should be closely coordinated
with shoreline access planning by the municipalities.
SCHEDULE (c): FY1999-2001.
33

(d) Carteret County supports public access to Radio Island shoreline areas which is consistent
with state port plans for development of the Island.
SCHEDULE (d): Continuing activity, FY1997-2007.
PRODUCTIVE AGRICULTURAL LANDS
POLICIES.
(a) Carteret County supports and encourages use of the U.S. Soil Conservation Service "Best
Management Practices" program. This includes agricultural practices which limit the runoff
of sediment.
(b) Carteret County discourages the direct point source discharge of agricultural runoff into
primary nursery areas, productive shellfishing waters, and ORIN designated areas.
(c) As authorized by Executive Order 96, "Conservation of Prime Agricultural and Forest
Lands," Carteret County supports and encourages the mapping of prime agricultural lands.
IMPLEMENTATION: The county will undertake a review of its zoning ordinance to ensure
adequate protection of agricultural lands and to mitigate agricultural runoff. This shall include
consideration of zoning to allow for the transfer of development rights to encourage preservation
of prime agricultural lands.
SCHEDULE: FY1999-2001.
AQUACULTURE ACTIVITIES
POLICIES:
(a) Carteret County does not oppose all aquaculture activities. However, Carteret County
reserves the right to comment on all aquaculture activities which require Division of Water
Quality permitting.
(b) Carteret County objects to withdrawing water from aquifers or surface sources if such
withdrawal will endanger water supply from the aquifers or surface sources.
IMPLEMENTATION.
(a) Carteret County will support only aquaculture activities which do not alter significantly and
negatively the natural environment of coastal wetlands, estuarine waters, public trust
areas, natural heritage areas, and freshwater wetlands as shown on the Land
Classification Map.
(b) Carteret County will rely on the N.C. Division of Water Quality to implement these policies.
SCHEDULE (a) - (b): Continuing activities, FY1997-2007.
34

PRODUCTIVE FORESTLANDS
POLICIES:
(a) As authorized by Executive Order 96, "Conservation of Prime Agricultural and Forest
Lands," Carteret County supports and encourages the mapping of prime forest lands.
(b) Carteret County encourages and supports forestry best management practices as defined
in the Forest Best Management Practices Manual, 1989, North Carolina Division of Forest
Resources.
IMPLEMENTATION. The county will undertake a review of its zoning ordinance to ensure
adequate protection of prime forest lands. This shall include consideration of zoning to allow for
the transfer of development rights to encourage preservation of prime forest lands. However,
zoning will be imposed only where requested by property owners.
SCHEDULE: FY1999-2000.
RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IMPACTS ON RESOURCES
POLICIES:
(a) Except as otherwise permitted by state and federal agencies, residential, commercial, and
industrial development should not be allowed in coastal wetlands, freshwater wetlands, or
publicly -owned natural heritage areas, as those areas are shown on Land Classification
Maps 1A and 1 B.
(b) Carteret County discourages any additional point source discharges of pollution into
primary nursery areas, outstanding resource waters, and shellfishing areas. In addition,
Carteret County reserves the right to review and comment on the approval of outfalls on
a case -by -case basis.
(c) Residential development meeting the use standards of 15A NCAC 7H.0209 shall be
allowed in estuarine shoreline and ORW estuarine shoreline classified lands.
(d) All construction along estuarine shoreline will be in accordance with Carteret County
Subdivision and/or Zoning Ordinance.
(e) Carteret County encourages private acquisition of conservation areas by purchase or gift
from land owners.
(f) For all waterfront development, parking lots shall be set back from the shoreline 75' or 20%
of the depth of the lot, whichever is less. This setback issue shall be further studied by any
such committee established for the purpose of developing a county -wide Comprehensive
Plan.
IMPLEMENTATION. The county will rely on 15A NCAC 7H and where applicable its zoning and
subdivision ordinances to regulate development within areas of environmental concern. Outside
areas of environmental concern, development will be allowed consistent with the county's zoning
and subdivision ordinances where applicable.
35

SCHEDULE: Continuing activity, FY1997-2007.
MARINE RESOURCE AREAS
POLICIES:
(a) Carteret County supports the use standards for estuarine, public trust, and ORW waters
as specified in 15A NCAC 71-1.0207, with the following exceptions:
1. When new navigational channels and canals must be constructed through
coastal wetlands, Carteret County requires replacement of lost wetland
areas with mitigation at a 1:1 ratio.
2. Unless essential for mosquito and vector control, new drainage ditches
shall not be constructed which discharge into primary nursery areas.
Existing drainage ditches may be maintained but not increased in depth or
width.
3. Carteret County reserves the right to review and comment on individual
questions concerning trawling and other commercial and marine fisheries
issues.
4. Carteret County supports efforts by N.C. Marine Fisheries to identify areas
suitable for shellfish bottom leases.
IMPLEMENTATION: Carteret County will rely on 15A NCAC 7H standards and the CAMA
permitting process to implement these policies.
SCHEDULE: Continuing activity, FY1997-2007.
OFF -ROAD VEHICLES
POLICY: Carteret County supports the regulation of off -road or all terrain vehicles in areas of
environmental concern.
IMPLEMENTATION: Carteret County will investigate the development of an ordinance to address
the usage of off -road or ail -terrain vehicles in areas of environmental concern.
SCHEDULE: FY1999-2001.
PEAT OR PHOSPHATE MINING
POLICIES:
(a) Carteret County opposes any peat mining.
(b) Phosphate mining activities will be allowed when an Environmental Impact Statement has
been prepared with a finding of no significant effect on the environment.

IMPLEMENTATION. Carteret County will rely on the N.C. Division of Water Quality to implement
these policies.
SCHEDULE. Continuing activity, FY1997-2007.
E. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
COMMUNITY ATTITUDE TOWARD ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Carteret County desires to expand its economic base, including agriculture and forestry, tourism,
recreation, commercial and recreational fishing, retirement communities, retail and wholesale
trade, real estate and construction, industrial development, and continued growth and
development of the State Port. However, Carteret County does not want to jeopardize fragile
areas and vital natural resources. Community Development will be supported with emphasis
placed on housing rehabilitation, provision of low -to -moderate income housing, water and sewer
installation, and provision of rural water systems.
Carteret County will support growth and development at the average densities specified in the land
classification definitions. These densities are only a general guide and must be accomplished
through land use control ordinances. Major development of urban nature should be concentrated
in the developed, urban transition, and limited transition areas. Western Carteret County will
contain the majority of the county's urban type development. The "Down East" area is expected
to remain a low density, relatively undeveloped area. The county supports zoning where property
owners request it.
WATER SUPPLY
POLICIES:
(a) Carteret County supports efforts to extend central water service in the county.
(b) Carteret County recognizes that rural classified areas of the county may not be provided
central water service within the planning period. However, the county supports
development of a county -wide plan for the provision of central water service.
IMPLEMENTATION.
(a) Carteret County will cooperate with and support the West Carteret Water Corporation's
efforts to construct a central water system in Western Carteret County along portions of
the N.C. 24 corridor and U.S. 58 immediately north of Cape Carteret.
(b) Carteret County will continue to support the efforts of the Carteret County Interlocal
Agency (CCIA) in their efforts to establish regional sewer system and ultimately a regional
water system.
SCHEDULE (a) - (b): Until achieved, continuing activities.
(c) Carteret County should revise its Subdivision Ordinance to ensure adequate water system
design standards.
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SCHEDULE (c): FY1999-2001.
SEWER SYSTEM
POLICIES:
(a) Carteret County recognizes that rural classified areas of the county may not be provided
central sewer service within the planning period. However, the county supports
development of a county -wide plan for the provision of efficient and cost-effective waste
water disposal.
(b) Carteret County supports the extension of central sewer service into all areas classified
as developed, urban transition, limited transition, community, and rural with services, when
service is requested by the citizens in those areas. Carteret County encourages, but does
not require, that such extensions should be preceded by zoning of the areas to receive
sewer service.
IMPLEMENTATION.
(a) Carteret County encourages the consolidation of municipal systems and the centralization
of high density development in areas served by municipal sewer systems.
(b) Carteret County will continue to support the efforts of the Carteret County Interlocal
Agency (CCIA) in their efforts to establish a regional sewer system.
SCHEDULE (a) - (b): Continuing activities.
SOLID WASTE
POLICY. Carteret County supports a regional multi -county approach to solid waste management.
The county will support and dispose of its solid waste in the Tri-County Landfill.
IMPLEMENTATION.
(a) The county will cooperate with any efforts to educate people and businesses on waste
reduction and recycling. The county supports recycling by the county and other users of
the landfill and supports setting up practical collection methods and education efforts to
achieve a high degree of county -wide recycling.
(b) Carteret County favors the siting of recycling centers within all land classifications except
those within the conservation category.
SCHEDULE (a) - (b): Continuing activities, FY1997-2007.
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ENERGY FACILITY SITING AND DEVELOPMENT
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(a) There are no electric generating plants located in or proposed for Carteret County.
However, Carteret County supports the development of responsible and environmentally
safe energy production and distribution facilities.
(b) Carteret County does not oppose offshore exploratory drilling for oil or gas.
IMPLEMENTATION:
(a) The county will review proposals for development of electric generating plants on a
case -by -case basis, judging the need for the facility by the county against all identified
possible adverse impacts.
(b) In the event that oil or gas is discovered, Carteret County will not oppose drilling operations
-- and onshore support facilities for which an Environmental Impact Statement has been
prepared with a finding of no significant impact on the environment. Carteret County
supports and requests full disclosure of development plans, with mitigative measures that
will be undertaken to prevent adverse impacts on the environment, the infrastructure, and
the social systems of the county. The county also requests full disclosure of any adopted
plans. Offshore drilling and the development of onshore support facilities may have severe
costs for the county as well as advantages. The costs should be borne by the
company(ies) which profits from offshore drilling and onshore support facilities.
SCHEDULE (a) - (b): Continuing activities, FY1997-2007.
COMMUNITY FACILITIES
POLICY., Carteret County supports the provision of adequate community facilities to meet the
demands of its residents and visitors.
IMPLEMENTATION. During the planning period, Carteret County will develop a community
services/facilities plan (as a stand-alone document, not as an expansion of this plan), which will
define existing deficiencies in police protection, fire protection, local administrative buildings, public
recreational facilities, public shoreline access, and public parks. This plan will not address school
system needs. The plan will prioritize needs and make specific recommendations concerning
financing and budgeting the high priority needs. The county will coordinate facility planning with
the school system and the municipalities.
SCHEDULE: FY1997-2007.
REDEVELOPMENT OF DEVELOPED AREAS
POLICY., The most significant redevelopment issues facing Carteret County through 2007 are
substandard housing and deteriorating commercial structures. During the planning period, the
county will attempt to correct its worst substandard housing conditions.
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IMPLEMENTATION:
(a) Supporting the development and enforcement of a Minimum Housing Code.
(b) Applying for Community Development Block Grant Community Revitalization funds.
(c) Coordinating redevelopment efforts with the Carteret County Building Inspection
Department.
SCHEDULE (a) - (c): Continuing activities, FY1997-2007.
(d) Preparing a county -wide housing strategy to increase the quantity and quality of affordable
housing.
SCHEDULE (d): FY1999-2001.
LAND USE REGULATION
POLICY: Carteret County will review and update its subdivision and group housing ordinances.
This will be done to make the ordinances more responsive to current county needs and conditions.
IMPLEMENTATION: Funding assistance for revision of the ordinances will be requested from the
North Carolina Divisions of Coastal Management and Community Assistance.
SCHEDULE: FY1999-2001.
ESTUARINE ACCESS
POLICY: Carteret County supports the state's shoreline access policies as set forth in NCAC
Chapter 15, Subchapter 7M.
IMPLEMENTATION.
(a) The county will conform to CAMA and other state and federal environmental regulations
affecting the development of estuarine access areas.
SCHEDULE (a): Continuing activity, FY1997-2007.
(b) Carteret County will apply for CAMA funding to assist in financing the funding of a
shoreline access plan.
SCHEDULE (b): Until funding is granted.
TYPES AND LOCATIONS OF DESIRED INDUSTRY
Industrial development is extremely important to the continued economic growth and stability of
Carteret County. The county's heavy reliance on employment in the service and retail trade sector
should be balanced by the development of a stronger base of industrial/manufacturing
employment. However, the county desires to achieve responsible industrial development which
will not adversely affect the natural environment or the quality of established residential areas.
40

POLICIES:
(a) Carteret County encourages the development of industrial sites which are accessible to
municipal/central water and sewer services.
1 (b) Industrial development should occur in areas classified as developed, urban transition, and
limited transition. Industries generating only domestic sewage are acceptable in areas
classified as community and rural with services. Carteret County does not oppose
industries locating within rural classified areas. Industrial uses that are not water
dependent or related to fishing or aquaculture activities will not be allowed in estuarine
shoreline and ORIN estuarine shoreline areas. This policy shall not apply to the estuarine
shorelines of mosquito ditches.
(c) Industries which are noxious by reason of the emission of smoke, dust, glare, noise, and
vibrations, and those which deal primarily in hazardous products such as explosives,
should not be located in Carteret County.
IMPLEMENTATION:
(a) Carteret County encourages the location of industries in "industrial park" settings. The
county will develop industrial park standards to be incorporated into the county's zoning
ordinance. Industrial park development will be encouraged in areas zoned for industrial
development.
SCHEDULE (a): FY1999-2000.
(b) Carteret County fully supports the concept of developing a marine resources complex for
marine research and education. Carteret County supports marine related employment and
industrial opportunities.
SCHEDULE (b): Continuing activities, FY1997-2007.
(c) Carteret County will investigate the development of an ordinance requiring industries to
pre -treat non -domestic waste prior to discharge into any central sewer system.
SCHEDULE (c): FY1999-2000.
COMMITMENT TO STATE AND FEDERAL PROGRAMS
POLICY., Carteret County is generally receptive to state and federal programs, particularly those
which provide improvements to the county.
IMPLEMENTATION: The county will continue to fully support such programs, especially the North
Carolina Department of Transportation road and bridge improvement programs, which are very
important to Carteret County.
Examples of other state and federal programs that are important. to and supported by Carteret
County include: drainage planning and erosion control activities carried out by the U.S.D.A. Soil
Conservation Service, which is valuable to farmers; dredging and channel maintenance by the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; federal and state projects which provide efficient and safe boat
41

access for sport fishing; and community development block grants, low -to -moderate income
housing, housing rehabilitation, and North Carolina Housing Finance Agency housing
improvement programs. However, Carteret County does not support expansion of military
restricted airspace in eastern North Carolina.
SCHEDULE. Continuing activity, FY1997-2007.
ASSISTANCE IN CHANNEL MAINTENANCE
POLICY. • Proper maintenance of channels is very important to Carteret County because of the
substantial economic impact of commercial fisheries, boating, sport fishing, and successful
operation of the State Port. If silt or other deposits fill in the channels, this could impede efficient
docking of the commercial fishing and transport vessels.
IMPLEMENTATION. Carteret County will provide assistance to the U.S. Corps of Engineers and
state officials by either helping to obtain or providing spoil sites, especially to maintain all inlets.
SCHEDULE: Continuing activity, FY1997-2007.
ASSISTANCE IN INTERSTATE WATERWAYS
POLICY: Carteret County considers the interstate waterway to be a valuable economic asset.
Carteret County supports continued maintenance and protection of the interstate waterway.
IMPLEMENTATION: The county will provide assistance in maintaining the waterway by helping
to obtain or providing dredge spoil sites and, when possible, providing easements across county -
owned property for work.
SCHEDULE: Continuing activity, FY1997-2007.
TOURISM
POLICY: Tourism is extremely important to Carteret County and will be supported by the county.
IMPLEMENTATION:
(a) Carteret County will support North Carolina Department of Transportation projects to
improve access to and within Carteret County.
(b) Carteret County will support projects that will increase public access to shoreline areas.
(c) Carteret County will continue to support the activities of the North Carolina 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.
(d) Carteret County will continue to support the activities of the Carteret County Tourism
Development Bureau.
SCHEDULE (a) - (d): Continuing activities, FY1997-2007.
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- TRANSPORTATION
POLICY. • Carteret County supports transportation improvements which will improve highway
safety, regional accessibility, and traffic flow within the county's planning jurisdiction.
IMPLEMENTATION.
(a) Carteret County will support the development of a county -wide thoroughfare plan.
(b) Carteret County supports the following priorities for transportation improvements:
Carteret County Projects of Highest Priority for Consideration
— Replacement of the current Gallants Channel Bridge with a new bridge.
— To provide for the connection of Highway 70 south of Havelock to 101 east
of Newport, to serve as a northern bypass of Morehead City to Beaufort.
This project would redirect traffic from Highway 70 north of Morehead City
and create improved access to the Morehead City Port through Beaufort by
Highway 101. The project should be multi -lane and utilize the existing Core
Creek Bridge.
— Convert U.S. 70 into a limited access highway from Carteret County to
Raleigh by (i) expediting right-of-way acquisition and construction of limited
access by-passes of Havelock, Kinston, Goldsboro, and Clayton, and (ii)
eliminating at grade intersections in remaining areas. This highway is the
critical corridor between the Morehead City Port, the Global TransPark, and
the state's interstate highway system.
-- The widening of N.C. 24 (R-2105) from Swansboro to U.S. 70 at Morehead
City to five lanes with an overpass on Highway 24 at intersection of
Highway 58.
2. Additional Projects for Consideration
- Expand from two lanes to four lanes Highway 58 from N.C. 24 to U.S. 70
in Kinston.
- N.C. 101: If traffic counts indicate substantial increased traffic resulting
from the replacement of the Core Creek Bridge, feasibility studies should
be undertaken for highway improvements and possible widening to three
or four lanes to accommodate for future Beaufort Airport expansions.
-- Improve N.C. 12 and U.S. 70 from Atlantic to Beaufort. Although much has
been done to widen and repave portions of this highway, completion of the
project should be accelerated, and the highway should be regularly
maintained.
a,

New Railroad Bridge: Replace railroad bridge crossing Newport River in
Morehead City for access to Radio Island and expansion of the Morehead
City Port System.
3. Maior Regional Projects Supported by Carteret Countv
-- U.S. 17 South Carolina to Virginia. Expansion to four lanes is an urgent
need. This highway is the major north -south transportation link in eastern
North Carolina, and it is critical to the economic success of the region.
— N.C. 24 must be expanded to four lanes from Morehead City to Charlotte.
The improvement of this highway would be a catalyst to the North Carolina
Ports, to the State's tourism industry, and to employment growth along the
Highway 24 corridor. The highway improvement would divert substantial
commerce and tourism from South Carolina to North Carolina.
(c) If a need is demonstrated, Carteret County will support the construction of a third bridge
between Bogue Bank and the mainland.
(d) Carteret County will work with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to ensure
that all road hazards are clearly marked or corrected. The county will identify and report
hazards to the NCDOT.
SCHEDULE (a) - (d): Continuing activities, FY1997-2007.
LAND USE TRENDS
POLICY.- The county's land use trends have been thoroughly discussed in other sections of this
plan (see reference above). The county supports addressing the following trends during the
planning period:
— Increasing waterfront development.
— Development of the N.C. 24 corridor.
-- Anticipated low density development in the "Down East" area.
— Continued concentration of urban development in areas served by municipal water and
sewer facilities.
— Continued minor losses of agricultural and forest lands
-- Continued expansion of the mainland municipal areas.
IMPLEMENTATION: These land use changes should be controlled through existing local, state,
and federal land use regulations including CAMA "404" regulations, sanitary regulations, and the
county's subdivision and zoning ordinances and building inspections program. Carteret County
will establish zoning in all areas of the county where it is requested by the property owners.
Carteret County will establish an educational program to advise property owners of the benefits
of zoning. The County will work towards county -wide zoning but will not arbitrarily force zoning
upon unreceptive citizens.
SCHEDULE: FY1997-2007.
m

In addition to the county policies provided in this Executive Summary, the 1996 Land Use Plan
includes Continuing Public Participation and Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery, and
Evacuation Plans sections. A complete copy of the 1996 Land Use Plan, including the Continuing
Public Participation section and the Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery, and
Evacuation Plans section, is on file at the Carteret County Planning Department and is available
to the public.
45

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