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Home My WebLink AboutLand Use Plan 1986 Update-1986' PROPERTY OF DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE `Yauport 93eac1l 6*Laqd W,5e "Pl art 1� =6 Update YAUPON BEACH NORTH CAROLINA Local Adoption: May 19, 19861 CRC Certification: May 30,1986 , LAND USE PLAN 1986 UPDATE The preparation of this plan was financed in part through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Resources Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the Office of Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. I May 1986 Yaupon Beach, North Carolina YAUPON BEACH TOWN BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Robert H. Wilson, Mayor E. W. Rees, Mayor Protem Homer W. Brewer, Jr. Robert W. Brown May W. Moore J. M. Warren, Sr. TOWN PLANNING BOARD Walter Welsh, Chairperson Dorothy Essey, Assistant Chairperson Margaret Whisanhunt S. R. Rudd, Jr. Robert H. Harris TOWN CLERK Julie S. Cloninger PROFESSIONAL PLANNING ASSISTANCE provided by: route 4, box 426 pittsboro, nz. 27312 FI I — CONTENTS — ' INTRODUCTION............................................................. 1 ' COMMUNITY PROFILE........................................................ Population........................................................... 1 1 Housing.............................................................. 3 Economy.............................................................. 4 LANDUSE SURVEY AND ANALYSIS ............................................. 6 Residential...........................0.............................. 8 Commercial........................................................... 8 ' Public Facilities.................................................... 13 Religious............................................................ 13 Open Space/Recreational.............................................. 13 ' Transportation....................................................... 13 GROWTH MANAGEMENT GUIDANCE ............................................... 15 ' Zoning............................................................... 15 Subdivision Regulation ............................................... 15 Appearance and Image ................................................. 16 ' Architectural Compatibility .......................................... 16 Building Codes ....................................................... 16 Other State and Federal Controls ..................................... 16 CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES, AND REGULATIONS ................................. 17 Local ................ • ........................ 17 State and Federal .................................................... 17 ' LAND SUITABILITY......................................................... 18 Soil Suitability Analysis ............................................ 19 ' Septic Tank Problem Areas ............................................ Water Quality........................................................ 21 26 Fragile Areas ........................................................ 26 ' CAPACITY OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES ................ 0........................ 28 Drinking Water Sources and Facilities ................................ 28 Sewage Lines and Treatment Facilities ................................ 29 ' Recreation ...... :.......................... 0......................... 29 Primary Roads ........................................................ 29 ESTIMATED DEMAND......................................................... 30 Population, Housing, and Economy ..................................... 31 Future Land Needs and Limits to Growth ............................... 31 Community Facilities Demand .......................................... 32 CITIZENPARTICIPATION.................................................... 33 A Survey — Questions Concerning Yaupon Beach ........................ 34 The 1985 Town Hall Meeting ........................................... 34 J ' HURRICANE/STORM PLAN ..................................................... 35 Storm Hazard Mitigation ................. 0............................ 36 Recovery and Cleanup ................................................. 40 ' Evacuation........................................................... 44 POLICY STATEMENTS........................................................ 46 ' Resource Protection .................................................. 46 Physical Constraints to Development .................................. 53 Resource Production and Management ................................... 54 Provisions of Services to Development ................................ 55 Growth Patterns...................................................... 56 Community Appearance and Image ....................................... 59 Architectural Compatibility .......................................... 59 tPOLICY IMPLEMENTATION: GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND STRATEGIES ................. 59 Population........................................................... 60 Town Image........................................................... 60 Environmental Stewardship ............................................ 62 Hurricane/Storm Mitigation ........................................... 63 Post Disaster Recovery ............................................... 64 ' Evacuation........................................................... 65 Residential............................................0............. 65 Commercial........................................................... 66 ' Transportation and Traffic ........................................... 68 Public Participation................................................. 69 Public Safety........................................................ 69 ' Parks and Recreation ............................................ 69 Intercommunity Cooperation........................................... 70 " Water................................................................ 71 ' LAND CLASSIFICATION...................................................... 71 Purpose.............................................................. 71 Relationship of Land Classification Map to Policy Statements......... 72 ' Land Classes......................................................... 73 Changes in Classification from 1981.................................. 74 ' APPENDIX ................................................................. 77 A Survey — Questions about Yaupon Beach ............................. 77 A Survey — Questions Concerning Yaupon Beach A Comparative Analysis — 1980 and 1985.......................... 79 Nineteen Disaster Aid Sources ........................................ 87 Disaster Aid Forms ................................................... 90 The Saffir/Simpson Hurricane Scale ................................... 94 L I I I 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 J 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 -- TABLES — Permanent Population..................................................... Yaupon Beach Projections in Five—year Increments ......................... Residential Land Use Analysis ............................................ Commercial Land Use Analysis ............................................. Public Facilities Land Use Analysis ...................................... Religious Land Use Analysis .............................................. Open Space/Recreational Land Use Analysis ................................ Transportation and Streets Land Use Analysis ............................. Hurricane Forces......................................................... -- MAPS -- 2 2 9 12 14 14 14 14 37 Existing Land Use ........................................................ 7 Soils.................................................................... 22 Suitability.............................................................. 25 Fragile Areas............................................................ 27 Composite Hazards........................................................ 38 Land Classification...................................................... 76 1 ' INTRODUCTION ' A wise and sound provision of the 1974 North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act, as amended, is the required preparation and fifth —year updating of local land use plans. This stipulation gives coastal communities and counties the ' opportunity to assess their current status in growth and development and their furnishing of facilities and services.for their residents as measured against expressed intentions of five years ago. An important factor in this five—year cycle is that localities are also given opportunities to measure their ' stewardship in protecting fragile resources of the life—giving coastal environment which surrounds them. In a sense the responsibility of this stewardship is even more important than the planning for local resources alone, because the coastal environment provides sustenance not only for Yaupon Beach and North Carolina but for the world. Yaupon Beach's land use plan updating was completed during Fiscal Year 1984-85 under the guidance of the Town Board of Commissioners and Town Planning Board with the assistance of the permanent and seasonal residents of the town. Technical assistance was provided by Planning South, Inc. COMMUNITY PROFILE ' POPULATION Yaupon Beach ranked fifth in size among Brunswick County municipalities in the ' 1980 Census with 569 residents. It is estimated that the town has had a permanent population increase of 124 residents since 1980. This estimate is based upon projections provided by the County Planning Department.* It is very difficult to predict population growth, particularly in a community that has a seasonal population, large numbers of vacationing families, and an attraction for retirees. With the Congress' considering the removal of tax breaks on loans for second homes in its current tax reform endeavors, the future for continued seasonal residential development is uncertain. ' Some assumptions must be made when forecasting growth. For instance, the Town Board of Commissioners and Planning Board assume that population will continue to increase for at least the next 15 years at generally the same rate that it ' has in the past 25 years, namely: at about a 125 person increase every five years. If this turns out to be the case for Yaupon Beach, the permanent population for the year 2000 will be close to 1,100. ' From a sampling of the population derived from A Survey -- Questions Concerning Yaupon Beach**, it was found that the average age of responding permanent male residents was 32.7 years and of females 30 years. These 1 ' *Population and Housing Counts 1980-1985, Brunswick County Planning Department, Bolivia, June 1985. **See Citizen Participation, page 33. I figures were surprisingly low because of the town's attraction to retired people. The national average age for 1985 is 30.8 years. The median age in 1980 in Brunswick County was 30.7 and in Smithville Township, 34.2. The median age for.Yaupon Beach was 42.7, according to the U.S. Census. Among the retired population of the community, respondents' average ages were 64.3 for males and 63.9 for females, with only three more females reporting than males. In the returns, it was found that there were few widows, widowers, and single people in the retired category. Two surprises were found here, namely: (1) there were not many more females than males --the national survival rate is about 14 years for females over males; and (2) the average age of females is lower than that of males. An explanation for this might be that surviving females are less likely to participate in town affairs and questionnaires and/or many of the respondents are very recently retired to Yaupon Beach with a good life expectancy before them. PERMANENT POPULATION Brunswick Smithville Town of Year County Township Yaupon Beach 1960 20,278 — 89 1970 24,223 4,346 334 1980 35,767 6,828 569 1985 48,529 8,625 693 YAUPON BEACH PROJECTIONS IN FIVE—YEAR INCREMENTS Year Permanent Seasonal 1960* 89 1965 212 1970* 334 580*** 1975 452 805 1980* 569 1,029*** 1985** 693 1,200 1990 825 1,500 1995 950 1,800 2000 1,075 2,100 *The U.S. Census **Brunswick County Planning Department projections ***Seasonal population projections derived from 1970 and 1980 Brunswick County estimates The permanent population in 1980 was 569, and the seasonal residency amounted to an estimated 1,029. With an estimated population of 693 now at mid —decade, it is estimated that seasonal residency is currently about 1,200. This last figure is derived in part from calculations of land use studies conducted in I 1 LJ H C] — 2 — I 11 Id 1 March 1985, where it was found that there were 465 lots occupied by residential buildings with 502 dwelling units in them. Further, the seasonal projections are extrapolated from the straight—line projections used by Brunswick County. From the survey, it was found that permanent residency averaged 2.7 people per household and seasonal, 2.6 per household. It must be noted that these are 1985 estimates derived from A Survey -- Questions Concerning Yaupon Beach conducted in April 1985. From these figures it can be estimated conservatively that a peak of 1,900 persons could be expected to be in residence on the most popular weekends in season. The estimated 1;900 figure for 1985 is the rounded sum of 693 (permanent population) and 1,200 (seasonal population). If the 450 remaining vacant lots were to be developed with single—family dwellings at 2.7 occupants per unit, figures could increase ultimately by 1,215 people for seasonal residency. It is projected that there would be no more than 1,075 permanent and 2,100 seasonal residents by the year 2000. The physical carrying capacity of the town could not serve adequately more than these two estimated populations. Because it is adjudged that some 30 marsh — side lots should not be developed under standard construction methods and because about 9 ocean —front lots should not be developed, the 450 remaining lot figure is eroded by 39 unbuildable lots. This limits carrying capacity by approximately 105 residents overall by the year 2000. Sewerage and sanitary treatment facilities will need to be considered by Yaupon Beach if it intends to allow population to continue to grow at current rates past 1990. The seasonal —permanent population ratio of the town is no more than 2:1. Long Beach's ratio has been as high as 16:1, Caswell Beach's is 7:1, and Holden Beach's a very high 28:1. The nature of commercialism, residency, and size of Yaupon Beach are all functions contributing to a low ratio. The town's permanent population of retired residents and younger families with children narrows this ratio substantially. And being a "locked — in" community, where all available lands have virtually been subdivided, sets physical limits on continued population growth. Further, the Town also has adopted goals that limit growth promotion to single—family development. For additional population information on Brunswick County and Smithville Township characteristics, migration, and race, please refer to the 1981 Land Use Plan, pages 5-10. Because of the small size of Yaupon Beach, information was very limited in the 1981 publication with emphasis on Brunswick County and Smithville Township which composites information of Caswell Beach, Long Beach, and Southport. Specific population characteristics were not available. HOUSING The planning process of five years ago revealed that there were 391 dwelling units in Yaupon Beach in 1980. The land use survey of March 1985 shows 502 — 3 — 11 , units, an increase of 111 housing units in five years.■ In contrast, the earlier plan showed 88 multi —family units compared to 51 for 1985. It is surmised that motel units were taken into account in 1980 and added to the existing count. Interestingly, the 1980 plan states that there were 88 motel , rooms. The 1985 Land Use Survey, on the other hand, revealed that 24 lots are used for multi —family purposes with 18 lots having duplexes on them. In 1980 there were 40 structures tagged as multi —family as compared to a total of 21 ' for 1985. These figures reveal a significant drop in percentage of multi— family dwellings in the town from 23 to 10 percent of the total number of dwellings. ' There has been an increase from 5 to 11 ocean —front homes in the past five years. Seventeen lots remain vacant, however, with a 2-5 foot average annual beach erosion rate. Eleven of these vacant lots should not be developed at ' this time because of their immediate vulnerability. The other six could be built upon but with all caution expressed by the Town and with full knowledge that the new homes could well be intruded upon by the ocean, not only by minor ' hurricanes but by normal winter storms. See the section titled Hurricane Storm Plan on page 35. There are no mobile homes in Yaupon Beach, although there is zoning provision ' for them in parks of no less than five acres. In effect, mobile homes are precluded from the town because there no longer exist any undeveloped parcels of the five acres or more. Just to the west of 79th Street and across the , abutting corporate limits of Long Beach is an extensive area of some 20 blocks which allows for mobile homes. If annexation were to occur across the Intracoastal Waterway, the mobile home ordinance would be usable. , There are four motels in Yaupon Beach, offering some 88 rooms to accommodate 176 people. About 45 of the offerings are efficiency apartment type ' accommodations, allowing for vacationing families to spend more than 2-3 days in Yaupon Beach. At the time of the land use survey, two motels were offered for sale. , ECONOMY The economy of Yaupon Beach is geared to three general areas, namely: (1) ' servicing permanent residents of the town, Caswell Beach and Long Beach; (2) providing housing for seasonal and vacationing families, and (3) making available recreational outlets for day visitors. The commercial activities of , the town are generally limited to retail trade and services, tourism, finance and real estate. Service to Permanent Residents , The commercial activities found along Yaupon Drive and Country Club Drive provide a mixture of services, many of which are directed at the permanent ' *The Brunswick County Planning Department's Population and Housing Counts 1980-1985 shows these figures to be 435 units for 1980 and 526 units for 1985. — 4 — ' population not only of Yaupon Beach but of Caswell Beach and Long Beach. The strength of the economy can be attributed to a high percentage of permanent ' residents. Two financial institutions, a body shop, service stations, a pharmacy, ABC store, convenience and beverage stores, a hardware store, barber shop, a florist, beauty shops, restaurants and a self storage warehouse are all open year round. Although these services are not complete, nearby medical facilities in Southport and supermarkets at N.C. 133 and 211 complete the ' services and facilities generally thought to be basic to convenient living. Yaupon Beach's banking and service station establishments are also used by ' residents of Long Beach and Caswell Beach mainly because of geographical convenience at the entrance to Oak Island. There are an especially large number of year—round commercial services for a small town such as Yaupon Beach. Commerce is the town's largest year—round economic activity. ' Provisions for Seasonal and Vacationing Families ' Although the economy of Yaupon Beach depends on the mainstay of permanent residency, large segments of the commercial community are geared to servicing seasonal and vacationing families and individuals. The beach and ocean are the prime attractions along with the golf course and rental properties in quiet residential neighborhoods away from the beach. As compared to more commercialized resorts, such as Myrtle Beach where opportunities to spend large amounts of money are available, Yaupon Beach is more family and retired person oriented with fewer commercial recreational attractions. With four motels, three restaurants, a small arcade, golf course, and fishing pier, Yaupon Beach is more quiet than Long Beach and other neighboring beaches to the north and south. Several real estate establishments in Yaupon Beach cater to clientele who are generally interested in Oak Island and Southport properties. Their endeavors do not center exclusively on the town. Location in Yaupon Beach is a geographical convenience. Individual retail figures are not available for the town. Therefore, it is difficult to judge specifically the economic situation. It can be surmised, ' however, that Yaupon Beach's receipts from seasonal and vacationing occupants result in part from the family orientation of the town, its quiet nature, and its geographic location. ' Available Daytime Recreation Outlets Generally, the attractions of Yaupon Beach do not lend themselves to one —day go —to —the —beach type of visitation. First, the beach is limited in length (.7 mile) and second, concessions such as fast foods and refreshments vendors, restaurants, arcades, and parking are limited. Bath houses, picnic ' facilities, life guards, and related services are nonexistent. The Yaupon Beach pier attracts fishermen year—round, especially in the fall. ' There are six newly improved public access points to the beach located at. Crowell, Sherrill, Keziah, Norton, Mercer, and McGlamery Streets with dune — 5 — crossover bridges, parking, fencing, and trash receptacles. Two designated estuarine access points to the salt marsh at Barbee Boulevard and McGlamery are generally unused. . Employment Non —retired permanent residents are employed primarily at nearby industrial complexes such as Carolina Power and Light Company's nuclear power plant and at Pfizer, Inc., where citric acid is produced. Other smaller employers nearby are the seafood industry, printing, and woodworking. Both seasonal and permanent residents are also employed in the booming second — home construction industry which abounds in Long Beach and other beaches in the vicinity. And real estate firms provide continuing employment with seasonal cycles. Untapped Potential The Brunswick County Airport lies close to Yaupon Beach just across the N.C. 133 bridge. Services and facilities connected to this resource need to be explored. The airport's close proximity to Oak Island and the beaches alone is a given asset. Commercial Attractiveness One important factor in local economics is related directly to the attractiveness of a community. Although Yaupon Beach has very attractive residential settings, its business districts are basically unattractive. In spite of some recent efforts in constructing appealing individual new businesses, many eyesores remain. These detract from the overall economy of the town and its general image. They misrepresent the beauty of the town as a whole. This subject is dealt with in the land use analysis and plan sections of this publication in the following section. LAND USE SURVEY AND ANALYSIS A land use survey was completed in February 1985, and the information was plotted on an updated base map of the town. The Town Board of Commissioners, Planning Board, and Zoning Administrator checked the map for accuracy. To compare conformity of zoning to existing land use, a clear acetate zoning overlay showing districts was prepared. Statistical information concerning the findings of the land use survey is given in the Land Use Analysis chart on the following pages. Where applicable, comparisons of 1985 findings with 1980 findings are made. The 1980 land use analysis indicates that there are 454 acres within the corporate limits of Yaupon Beach with 57 percent of the land developed. By 1985 this acreage has not changed, but there has been an increase to 61.2 percent development. As in 1980, there was no space for corporate expansion of the town on Oak Island, but opportunities for annexation may lie beyond the Oak Island Bridge (N.C. 133). And possibilities for extraterritorial administration of zoning, subdivision regulations, and building codes may be 1 L! L LJ IJ rL FI L-I —6- e o e ° ®�; no �m •3'3� - a ¢ `o 00 la r �h•p�9 :fyy, ioolw- 1 �d a } - 7 - in the offing in the same area depending upon a definition of the existing configuration of corporate limits. RESIDENTIAL , Of the 915 residential lots in Yaupon Beach, 465 or 50.8 percent have been developed, leaving ultimate prospects for doubling the number of dwellings. ' The number of empty lots, however, is not the only indicator for measuring ability to grow. It is estimated that at least nine ocean —front properties and about 30 marsh —side parcels would have development problems if conventional building procedures were to be used in construction. Another , limitation is the capacity of the town's water system to serve new development. It should be noted, however, that the system has been tied to the county water system as a backup for emergency situations. Hence, , potential capacity is enhanced to a degree. Septic tank use capacity is another factor to consider. Where soil suitability and saturation are constraints, development will need to be limited until sewerage is installed. ' Please refer to text concerning land suitability on page 18. Residential neighborhoods in Yaupon Beach are generally pleasant and quiet. The grid system of streets in the older section of town, however, lends itself ' to promoting thru traffic, speeding, public access to private property, night riding, noise and vandalism in residential areas. Notwithstanding, the residential areas of Yaupon Beach are its greatest asset: one of the best —kept ' secrets of the town. This is because most vacationers on Oak Island pass through on Yaupon Drive to Long Beach and fewer numbers to Caswell Beach, and the Baptist Assembly Grounds, seeing only the generally unattractive ' commercial strips of Yaupon Beach. This gives the town as a whole an initial negative image. Appealing neighborhoods are not revealed unless vacationers deviate from Yaupon Drive. ' COMMERCIAL Commercial acreage in use in Yaupon Beach has increased markedly since 1980 , from approximately 18 acres to 28.4 acres in 1985. It should be noted, however, that of a total of 50.1 acres zoned for commercial use, 21.7 acres or 43 percent lie unused. Figures in the following Land Use Analyses chart are ' given in three commercial categories, namely: Central Business Area, Highway Business Area, and Recreation Business Area. The figures show commercial, public facilities, residential, and vacancy status of land in these three sections of town. , Central Business Area. For the purposes of the 1985 Land Use Plan, the , central business area is delineated generally by 79th Street (Long Beach) on the west and McGlamery Street on the east. This stretch of land includes all lots running perpendicular to Yaupon Drive, excluding the Ocean View Methodist , Church property. All 15.8 acres lying within this area are zoned CBD (Central Business District). Within this area 12.3 acres (78 percent) are developed, leaving less than four acres for new development. During the land use survey taken in February, a number of findings about the , central business area were recorded. These were based upon the general appearance of the area and upon the experience of visiting several properties , by driving into the parking lots and reentering traffic. The comments — 8 — , LAND USE ANALYSIS RESIDENTIAL 1985 1980 Total acreage in residential use 106.3a (23.4 percent of 94.7a (20.9 percent) total acreage) Total residential lots 915 Lots in use 465 (50.8 percent) Vacant lots 450 (49.2 percent) Total lots used for multifamily 24 (5.2 percent) Lots used for duplexes 18 (3.9 percent) Total single-family units 441u 393u I Total multifamily units 51u 88u Total acreage zoned residential 398a I Single-family acreage in use 101.4a (25.5 percent) 87.9a Multi -family acreage in use 4.6a (1.2 percent) 7.4a Total oceanfront lots in residential use 20 Used ocean -front lots zoned residential 6 Used oceanfront lots zoned commercial 14 Total ocean -front lots zoned residential 17 Unused ocean lots with development problems 9 Total marsh -side lots 85+/- Used marsh -side lots 27 (31.8 percent) Unused marsh -side lots 58+/- (68.2 percent) Unused lots with development problems 30+/- (51.7 percent) Unused lots elsewhere with development problems 37 concerning the physical arrangements of land uses and appearance in the area are given in the following. ' 1. There has been little or no evident overall planning for the development of the central business area. 2. Development has taken place with little apparent regard for position and relationship to other uses. For instance, a warehouse, automobile body shop, vehicular storage, and other incompatible uses such as service stations exist in the central business area. 3. The central business area has grown along Yaupon Drive in a strip. This pattern discourages multi —stop visitation of commercial establishments, requiring customers to move about from store to store in automobiles rather than walking. The arrangement along the strip does not lend itself to self —generating continuous shopping but to one—shot shopping and can be considered to be an economic disadvantage to the town. Strip commercial development along a thoroughfare also hinders thru traffic substantially creating non —shopping oriented congestion. In turn, people are discouraged from coming to a congested area to shop. 4. Uses are not compacted in the central business area: a. Parking is not shared. Movement of parking traffic in and out of the mainstream of thru traffic on Yaupon Drive is high, cutting flow and increasing opportunities for collision. b. The expense of maintaining individual business parking is high. c. Policing of the central business area is inefficient. 5. The incompatible uses and deterioration on Yaupon Drive give a strong impression of an unkempt and untidy Town. 6. The parcels are very small, both in width and depth, making them difficult to work with in providing proper space for adequate parking, landscaping, and access. 7. There is no sewer in the area, requiring that parcels be larger than necessary to accommodate septic tank usage. This discourages compactness for a space efficient central business area. 8. There are few sections with curb and gutter parking/street separation along Yaupon Drive to control the movement of traffic on and off private properties and physically isolating parking from traffic on Yaupon Drive. 9. The Zoning Ordinance encourages strip development and discourages compatible concentrations of commercial uses into a more efficient node on Yaupon Drive. 10. More depth is needed for commercial development, such as that at United Carolina Bank at Barbee Boulevard. Some 21 vacant lots now zoned either R-6 or R-9 residential abut the central business area but are not zoned for commercial expansion. — 10 — i ' Highway Business Area. This section of town is delineated by McGlamery Street on the west, Country Club Drive (N.C. 133) on the east, the salt marsh on the ' north, and McDougle Street on the south. All 16.8 acres within this boundary are zoned CBD (Central Business District). Within this area 3.6 acres are developed as commercial, .3 acres as residential, and 3.5 acres as public facility. Some 9-10 acres, or 60 percent of this area, lie vacant. ' The highway business area is characterized by service stations, real estate offices, and convenience stores. A motel and bank are located here also with ' the largest land consumer being the offices and maintenance yard of the Brunswick County Electrical Membership Cooperative. Problems, comparable to those found in the central business area, beset this ' section of the community in that there is a need for traffic access control to establishments on Country Club Drive. Although appearance and upkeep are better than in the central business area, there remains an image that ' misrepresents the character of the town. Unplanned and uncoordinated architecture generally give an impression of incompatibility and low quality development. Unfortunately, this is the area that provides the first impression not only of Yaupon Beach but of all of Oak Island after crossing the Intracoastal Waterway. Being zoned CBD means that the uses allowed along Yaupon Drive in the central business area are the same as those allowed on Country Club Drive and vice versa. The list of uses for the CBD zoning district is so inclusive and extensive that an array of undesirable types of development could be allowed ' in both the central business and highway business areas. Since zoning districts in Yaupon Beach are not mutually exclusive, allowing for pyramiding, residential uses are also permitted in these commercial districts. A ' "pyramid" type of ordinance lets one district be very exclusive (R-15 in Yaupon Beach's case) and each succeeding district to be more. inclusive. Hence, any use permitted anywhere in town is generally allowed in the CBD district. This places the town at a tremendous disadvantage in guiding and ' maintaining compatibility in existing land use and growth and quality development and appearance in both the central and highway business areas. See recommendations for commercial zoning modifications on page 15. ' Recreation Business Area. This section of the community is limited to six blocks running along both sides of Ocean Drive between Crowell Street and Norton Street. Nearly one—half of the land is vacant, and that which is developed is almost evenly split between residential and commercial uses. Motels, a restaurant, a fishing pier, and commercial recreational establishments comprise the business uses in this district of 17.5 acres. ' Commercial uses consume 5.5 acres, residential 4.1 acres, and the remaining 8.8 acres are vacant. As in the central and highway commercial sections of town, parking access is generally unlimited with no curb cuts and entrances. The condition of several commercial structures gives the appearance of low quality and lack of ' attention to maintenance. This detracts from the other establishments, residences in the vicinity, and the quality of the town as a whole. It appears that modification of the zoning boundaries for this 'area would be appropriate to give the district a more compact delineation. The advantage to ' — 11 — Total Acreage in Commercial use Central Business District acreage (zoned CBD) Developed commercial Developed residential Developed public facility Vacant I Highway Business District (zoned CBD) F, Developed commercial N Developed residential Developed public facility I Vacant Total land zoned CBD Total lots zoned CBD Used lots zoned CBD Vacant lots zoned CBD Large vacant lots (100' x 300' +) Small vacant lots (50' x 250+/-) CBD lots used solely for residential CBD lots used partially for residential Recreation Business District (zoned CR) Developed commercial Developed residential Vacant LAND USE ANALYSIS 1985 28.4a (6.3 percent of total acreage) 15.8a 12.3a .7a .7a 3.5a 16.8a 3.6a .3a 3.5a 9.4a 32.6a 245 162 83 15 (15 acres) 68 (20 acres) 4 13 17.5a 5.5a 4.1a 8.8a 1980 18 Note: Figures comparable to those shown for 1985 are not available in the 1980 Land Use Plan I this would be that concentration would tend to cut down on traffic problems, promoting parking in central locations to visit a number of establishments. ' Another advantage would be the protection and enhancement of residential property values particularly between Crowell Street and Barbee Boulevard, while at the same time promoting the filling —in of some 16 vacant residential ' lots between 79th and Womble Streets. PUBLIC FACILITIES ' Three pieces of land are being used for public facilities. These include two town —owned parcels: in one case, accommodating Town Hall, the Fire Station, Water Tower and Well 01 on Yaupon Drive (1.3 acres), and in the other, Well 02 on N.C. 133 at Five Oak Drive next to the golf course (.2 acres). The site on ' Yaupon Drive at Trott Street also is used for the storage of materials. Another parcel (3.5 acres) is bounded generally by the salt marsh, McGlamery Street, Elizabeth Drive, and N.C. 133, where the offices and storage facilities of the electrical membership cooperative is situated. Hence, there are some five acres dedicated to public facilities use. ' RELIGIOUS The only church in Yaupon Beach is Ocean View United Methodist located between ' Keziah and Trott Streets on Yaupon Drive. The size of the parcel is approximately 1.7 acres. OPEN SPACE/RECREATIONAL There are no town —owned lands in Yaupon Beach used for recreational purposes. However, 34 +/— acres of the Oak Island Country Club's golf course (5 holes) lie within the town limits. This attractive green space winds its way through a curvilinear residential subdivision providing for a beautiful neighborhood setting. ' A low—lying wet area of approximately five acres, bounded on both sides by Elizabeth Drive, beginning at the end of Womble Street, and linked with the ' salt marsh, shows potential for a passive recreational area in the north central section of Yaupon Beach. This natural greenway could be extended to the southwest, across Elizabeth Drive and possibly behind United Carolina Bank, and across Barbee Boulevard as far south as Yaupon Drive where ' properties lie vacant. This strip of land has very severe soil limitations for development and floods easily. Normal types of construction should be discouraged here. Passive uses for this greenway could include a pathway for ' walking and biking, picnicking, and nature study and observance. TRANSPORTATION ' Of the 10.5 miles of streets in Yaupon Beach, 1.5 miles are State maintained. Calculations indicate that there are about 85 acres in dedicated streets right—of—way. With the exception of McDougle and Price Streets and one block ' of Ocean Drive amounting to 1,200 feet or .23 mile, all streets are paved. Because of sandy soils and the lack of curb and gutters or.paved swales, ' vehicular traffic has tended to take shortcuts at many intersections. This practice has broken down pavement and created potholes on the abutting ' — 13 — LAND USE ANALYSIS PUBLIC FACILITIES 1985 1980 Total Acreage in Public Facilities 5.Oa (1.1 percent) Town Hall. Fire Station and Water Tower 1.3a 1.3a Electric Cooperative 3.5a Town Water Pump /2 .2a .2a RELIGIOUS 1985 1980 Ocean View United Methodist Church 1.7a (less than 1 percent) 1.7a F� OPEN SPACE/RECREATIONAL 1985 1980 Total Acreage in Open Space/Recreational 39+/-a (8.6 percent) Golf Course 34+/-a Low Wet Area 5+/-a Beach Variable TRANSPORTATION 1985 1980 Streets 83.7a (18.4 percent) 109.60 'This discrepancy is unexplainable except that land in intersections may have been measured twice in the 1980 plan when calculating rights -of -way acreages (street length x width). I ' shoulders. These conditions are very expensive for residents who do not stay on the pavement because they create alignment problems and subsequent ' excessive front tire wear. GROWTH MANAGEMENT GUIDANCE ZONING ' The most important land use regulation tool at the disposal of Yaupon Beach is the zoning ordinance. This legal document can be the most effective means through which the 1985 Land Use Plan can be implemented. ' The current zoning ordinance was adopted in 1974 and amended in 1980. Although it has in part served its purpose as a regulatory tool, it has received much blame for recent development problems in the community. A ' number of new uses in the town have not been deemed compatible with the character and purpose of Yaupon Beach. Some worrisome developments are the proliferation of convenience store/service station combinations in recent months. The citizens have expressed strong concerns about these. In so many words it has been asked, "Why does a town of 700 people need seven gasoline stations?" And, 'why are they continuing to build more?' Also a new unattractive warehouse on Yaupon Drive, in the central business area, has raised eyebrows and anger of residents. There are increasing statements that the zoning ordinance no longer is able to protect the town from undesirable uses and to guide proper growth. These expressions of anxiety are indicative of an inadequate or out —dated zoning ordinance, or at least the signs of an ordinance that is not in sync ' with the thinking of the people and the Town Board of Commissioners and Planning Board. The 1974 Zoning Ordinance simply is not able to meet the current desires and demands of the residents of Yaupon Beach. Further, it ' would be ineffective in carrying out the new goals and objectives of the Town for the future as expressed in the 1985 Land Use Plan. Symptomatic of the weaknesses of the current zoning ordinance are the permitted mixtures of residential uses in commercial districts and the geographic extensiveness of the CBD district with its lengthy list of uses normally found to be incompatible in central business districts elsewhere. ' The lack of a specific highway business district is also a major shortcoming. Basically, the text of the ordinance is cumbersome and overly legalistic. It needs to be simplified so that it will be more understood and easier to use. The recommendation then therefore is to rewrite the current ordinance, customizing it to the needs of the people of the community through their expressed desires in the plan. This should be accomplished at a very early date to stem the continuing tide of undesirable development, particularly in commercial sections of the community. SUBDIVISIONREGULATION Since the town has been virtually subdivided from one end to the other, one might surmise that there is little or no need for subdivision regulations in Yaupon Beach. But the opposite of this would be true if ever there were a — 15 — LJ devastating storm. Sound regulations would come into play then and prove to be valuable.. The hitch, however, is whether the subdivision regulations adopted in 1974, are, adequate to meet the new standards for growth and development that the Town has set for itself in this Land Use Plan of 1985. A careful study of the document shows that the flexibility required for new approaches to street lay —out and modern lot configurations does not exist in the regulations. APPEARANCE AND IMAGE The citizenry has called for an improvement in the appearance and image of the town. In response, the Town Board of Commissioners and Planning Board propose the establishment of an Appearance Commission. The purpose of this group of citizens would be to set some standards for general town cleanliness, stewardship of buildings and landscape, and overall image. The Commission's first responsibility would be to prepare a plan to improve the overall appearance of the community for recommendation after hearings to the Town Board of Commissioners. The group would be given the responsibility to ,promote the wishes of the Town Board in improving the livability and general environment of the community. ARCHITECTURAL COMPATIBILITY For new development that takes place in Yaupon Beach, particularly in Commercial areas, it is recommended that either an architectural review committee or the Planning Board be given the responsibility of preparing policies and/or an ordinance that would address design compatibility for new construction for recommendation to the Town Board. The purpose of this endeavor would be to promote the image of the town by expressing its best architectural design, leading to appearance improvement and protection of quality development from inordinately garish construction which has had a tendency to show itself in a number of beach communities in recent years. BUILDING CODES Already in place, in accordance with state law, the Town's structural, electrical, and plumbing codes serve as the front line for quality construction and land use. These codes are enforced by issuing or withholding occupancy permits as to when all stipulations of other codes such as zoning are met. OTHER STATE AND FEDERAL CONTROLS Both North Carolina and the federal government administer numerous permit programs through their respective departments and agencies to protect the people and environment. The 1985 Land Use Plan has been prepared to be compatible with and to enhance the spirit, purpose, and provisions of these regulatory programs. The nature of these requirements can be learned by contacting the Town Clerk and the N.C. Department of Natural Resources and Community Development's regional offices in Wilmington. 11 H C [I 11 1 — 16 — ' CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES, AND REGULATIONS ' The primary plan document for the Town of Yaupon Beach is the 1985 Land Use Plan Update. The development policies of the community are documented herein. These policies include local, state and federal implications, where ' applicable, in the form of local ordinances, state coastal management policies and regulations, and federal flood insurance. State thoroughfare planning also figures into the scenario of plan policies and regulations. ' LOCAL Zoning ' The Town Board of Commissioners adopted a zoning ordinance in 1974. As amended in 1980, the ordinance applies to the entire town. The Building ' Inspector administers the ordinance, and enforces it primarily through the withholding of building permits for proposed construction that does not comply with the zoning ordinance. The zoning ordinance provides for the establishment of a Board of Adjustment which acts to interpret the ordinance ' and consider special exceptions and variances. Changes in zoning are provided through application to the Planning Board for an amendment to the ordinance. Recommendations are then carried to the Town Commissioners for action. ' Subdivision Regulations The Town adopted subdivision regulations in 1974 which are applicable throughout the town. This ordinance requires the preparation of both preliminary and final plats of which both must be reviewed by the Planning Board and recommended to the Town Commissioners. Final plat approval is made by the Town Board of Commissioners. Building Codes ' The Town enforces the State Building Code including general construction, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical provisions. The Building Inspector enforces the construction provisions and is responsible for the issuing of ' building permits, performing inspections to insure compatibility of construction with the code. The inspector also serves as the CAMA minor permit officer. Plumbing and electrical elements are administered by Brunswick County inspectors. The County Board of Health issues permits for septic tank installation, a ' prerequisite to issuance of building permits. STATE AND FEDERAL ' This section lists State and Federal land use related controls. The State agencies that these controls have stemmed from are the Department of Natural Resources and Community Development (Division of Environmental Management, ' Division of Coastal Management, Division of Earth Resources, and Secretary of NRCD), the Department of Administration, the Department of Human Resources, and the Department of Cultural Resources (Division of Archives and History). ' Federal agencies include: the Department of Defense (Army Corps of Engineers), the Department of Transportation (Coastal Guard), the Department — 17 — of Interior (Geological Survey Bureau of Land Management), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The controls cover all areas of land use development and management including water and sewer facilities, ground water, air and water pollution, construction guidelines in Areas of Environmental Concern and dredging and filling, dams, mining erosion control, historic and archeological sites, bridges, and energy facilities. Specific information can be attained with the help of the Town Clerk. State Applicable policies and regulations for Yaupon Beach administered and enforced by the State of North Carolina relate to waste water treatment plants, large septic systems, withdrawal of surface or ground water, air pollution, large construction projects, large capacity wells, dredging and filling, construction in areas of environmental concern, sedimentation, easements to fill above normal high water marks of navigable waters, solid waste sites and facilities, and public water supply facilities. Other state regulatory interests lie in the areas of historic, archeological and environmental policy. These areas come under the responsibilities of the State Departments of Administration, Natural Resources and Community Development, and Cultural Resources. Other applicable provisions are administered by the Department of Transportation. Federal Through a number of acts and agencies of the Federal Government policies and regulations are administered in the following applicable areas including: historic preservation, cultural and natural environment, and properties, and regulation of navigable waters, flood insurance. LAND SUITABILITY Analyses determine the suitability for development of vacant lands in Yaupon Beach. These consist of three major schemes: — Soil limitations and productive lands — Lands with severe restrictions for development — Land suitability The first scheme deals with general soil conditions in Yaupon Beach and how the natural soil properties present certain restrictions on development. The second scheme further identifies soil conditions where septic tanks will not function and where development should not occur unless public sewer service is made available. Soil associations which are sandy, poorly drained, and have relatively high water tables are combined. Included are those areas where septic tanks function but where deep sands have fast percolation rates causing contamination to nearby water wells. Since this type of pollution has a high probability of occurring, development within these areas should not occur unless either public water or sewer is available. 1 11 1 11 11 —1g- [J 1 1 1 1 1 i 1 i 1 1 i 1 1 1 1 1 C The third scheme illustrates lands within the town where no development should be allowed. These include coastal wetlands, ocean beaches, frontal dunes, and fresh water marshes. These soils were given very severe ratings. They are not distinguished from one another on the Suitability Map. SOIL SUITABILITY ANALYSIS All soils are classified as having some degree of physical limitations for future development. A general site map of the town locates those soil associations with natural properties that are not well suited for development. This analysis is a useful guide in planning residential growth, engineering works, recreational facilities and community projects. But it is not suitable for planning and management of a specific residence or lot, or for selecting exact locations for building roads, etc., because the soils in any one association ordinarily differ in slope, drainage, depth and other characteristics that could affect their management. The Outer Banks Soil Conservation Service Survey was used to develop the soil analysis. Soil Conditions Various soils associations having similar properties are grouped together to identify their natural conditions as having either resource potential or specific development limitation. Such interpretations encompass certain established tests for physical and chemical properties, including: Horizons — depth in inches of the major soil strata from surface to subsurface soils used to determine relative depth to water table and the soil chemical properties Texture — based on the relative amounts of sand, silt, and clay in a soil, giving rise to textured classes such as sand, sandy loam, clay loam, and clay Particle Size — based on the single soil unit and relates to shrink —swell potential, plasticity, and bearing capacity Permeability — that quality of a soil that permits the movement of water and air —the rate of time it takes for downward movement of water in major layers when saturated, but allowed to drain freely Structure — the arrangement and compaction of individual soil particles into the basic soil building blocks Available Water Capacity — the ability of soils to retain water for plant use Soil Reaction of ph — the degree of acidity or alkalinity Coastal Floodplain is defined as the land areas adjacent to coastal sounds, estuaries, or the ocean which are prone to flooding from storms, with an annual probability of one percent or greater (100—year flood). Land uses must comply with standards of the Federal Insurance Administration. See the Composite Hazards Map on page 38. The flood zone designations used on the Suitability Maps are those accepted by the Federal Insurance Administration. 1 — 19 — — Estuarine System Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC's) — Flood Zone A — areas of 100—year flood — Flood Zone B — areas between the 100—year and 500—year flood limits — Flood Zone C — areas outside the 500—year flood limits The CAMA Area of Environmental Concern for Yaupon Beach delineated on the Composite Hazards Map is the Ocean Erodible Area above the mean high water mark where excessive erosion has a high probability of occurring. In delineating the landward extent of this area, a reasonable 30—year recession line was determined based on the average annual erosion rate. Appropriate land uses in this AEC are recreation, conservation, and easements for access. Soil Categories Slight Limitations Wando fine sands are excessively drained. Runoff is slow, while infiltration and permeability range from rapid to very rapid. The seasonal high water table depth is usually greater than five feet. Found on the higher ridges and flats on the sound side of the barrier islands, these soil areas are commonly too far from the ocean to receive large amounts of sea spray. Kureb fine sands are excessively drained. Permeability is high, and available water capacity is very low, with a seasonal high water table below five feet. The soils are acid throughout and are found on the peninsulas between the Intercoastal Waterway and the dunes. Newhan fine sands range from well —drained to excessively drained, often experiencing drought conditions. Water percolation is very rapid through the stratified sandy deposits that range from fine to coarse sand with varying amounts of shells. Typically found in long ridges on dunes parallel to the ocean, the soil areas are subject to salt spray and blowing sand. Moderate Limitations Newhan—Corolla complex consists of two dominant types, Newhan and Corolla, which occur in an interrelated pattern on the landscape. Often this complex type occupies the transitional zone between the higher —lying dunes to the east and the broad flats to the west, consisting of low dunes and intervening basins that separate the dunes. Newhan soils are well— to excessively drained, dry, and have a low natural fertility. There is a thick surface layer low in organic matter and plant fiber. Sand is coarse and contains varying amounts of shell fragments. Typically the water table is within 15 to 20 inches of the surface. Severe Limitations Corolla fine sands are moderately well —drained and sandy throughout, with a thick surface layer that is very low in organic matter. The coarseness of the sand and the amount of shell fragments varies throughout. Percolation is rapid. Depth to the high table fluctuates with seasonal changes between one and one half to three feet. These soils are located on the flats that lie behind the foredunes. —20 — I Very Severe Limitations ' Bohicket Soils, low are poorly drained, clayey marsh soils. They are continuously wet, soft, and sticky. The soils are flooding daily with sea waters, and have a high water table ranging from zero to three feet. Found ' where rivers and streams empty directly into the ocean, the areas are limited for uses other than for wildlife, marine habitat, and aesthetic purposes. Generally, the soils are "acid sulfate" and therefore incapable of supporting vegetation. ' Leon fine sands are sandy throughout with rapid percolation. The seasonal high water table is at or near the surface during periods of high rainfall but ' may drop below 40 inches during the drier seasons. The surface layer contains some organic matter and plant fiber. The Beach—Foredune association area includes both the beach and the "frontal dune." The beaches are flooded daily by tidal action and contain sand ranging from fine to very coarse with varying amounts of shell fragments. The foredune portion consists of a dune just landward and parallel to the beach. ' It is subject to severe erosion by wind and wave action in the absence of vegetation. Permeability is rapid for both areas and the high water table ranges from zero to three feet on the beach and up to six feet at the ' foredunes. SEPTIC TANK PROBLEM AREAS Safe disposal of all human and domestic wastes is necessary to protect the health of the residents of Yaupon Beach and to prevent the occurrence of a bad public nuisance. The principal method used in the town to handle such wastes ' is the septic tank and filter field. To accomplish satisfactory, sanitary results, such wastes must be disposed of so that they meet the following criteria as set by State Health regulations. They will not: 1 1 1 1 — contaminate any drinking water supply. — give rise to a public health hazard by being accessible to insects, rodents, or other possible carriers which may come into contact with food or drinking water. — give rise to a public health hazard by being accessible to children. — violate laws or regulations governing water pollution or sewage disposal. — pollute or contaminate the waters of any bathing beach, shellfish breeding ground, or stream used for public or domestic water supply purposes, or for recreational purposes. — give rise to a nuisance due to odor or unsightly appearance. These criteria can best be met by the discharge of domestic sewage to an adequate public or community sewage system. Septic tanks are generally considered as an interim solution for waste disposal in urban settings. They are used when a public sewage disposal system is non—existent or not immediately available. When the above criteria are met and where soil and site conditions are favorable, however, septic tank systems can be expected to give satisfactory service. Experience has shown that adequate supervision and regular inspection and maintenance of all features of the system are required to insure compliance in this respect. When waste input exceeds design 1 — 21 — I I I I I I I I L I I I I I I I I I capacity output, like in some beach areas during summer visitation, systems fail. The Problem Malfunctioning Septic Tanks The problem of malfunctioning septic tank systems can be more than just a local problem within Yaupon Beach but an Oak Island problem as well. All too often a septic tank system does not function properly and creates an environmental problem in an otherwise healthful neighborhood. A study conducted for Brunswick County has indicated that 17.1% of the Town's total land acreage has been judged to be unsuitable for conventional septic tank systems.■ This percentage does not take into effect the spatial arrangement of development on the better soils, but it does indicate a large number of soils which cause septic tank failures. Failure will mean that either improperly treated sewage is being injected into shallow ground waters of the area, or that sewage effluent appears on the ground surface at sometime during the year to be washed into nearby surface waters with each subsequent rain storm. Natural Causes of Failures The most common cause of any septic tank failures in Yaupon Beach is the installation of septic tank systems in soils which have seasonally high water tables. In these areas the lot receives a percolation test by the County Health Department Representative and if the climatic conditions are such that the soils "perc" because of a seasonally low water table, the system is then designed according to the present condition and the waste disposal system is installed. After some time, seasonal changes cause the water table to rise and the new system stops functioning. See page 53. Another cause of failure would be from the presence of an impervious layer which reaches a certain saturation point after a rain and retards the vertical movement of water. These layers may be hardpans (clays), sandpans, and organic stain layers. The unique situation in Yaupon Beach is the fact that these impervious layers are scattered in a haphazard fashion and are somewhat unpredictable in determining their spatial arrangement. Percolation test points are not a good indication of well drained soils to be used for filter fields, because the test point may easily miss one of these layers that could be present in Yaupon Beach. Circumstantial Mistakes It is all too easy to attempt to point the blame for the failure of septic tanks at individuals such as the builder, the septic tank installer, the Health Department Official, the home owner, or some other State or Local Official. It is true that all of these people may make mistakes from time to time which can result in a septic tank failure. •"Soil Survey of the Outer Banks, North Carolina, Part I" I — 23 — Yaupon Beach could get in such a predicament because it is growing and more ' demands are placed on the septic tank regulation entities. With this additional pressure for growth, the following errors are commonly made: 1. Lots with high water tables which should have never been approved by the local Department and the soil scientists are approved, because the lot was ' inspected during the dry seasons. 2. Percolation tests which are not done properly because of limits on time and manpower are the beginnings of septic failures. Examples of this situation are not enough percolation test points, and test holes which were not saturated the day before readings are made. Most of these shortcuts are used only where work loads increase and result in the improper analysis of the proposed building lot. 3. If this percolation rate is in error then the design of the septic system ' is in error also. Usually this results in a waste water absorption system that is too small for the moist conditions that actually exist. In addition, many of the systems are placed too deep and the drainage lines ' become flooded from a rising water table. 4. Small lot size is another variable that restricts the effectiveness of a ' septic tank filter field by demanding smaller absorption field areas so the drainage system can stay within the boundary of the lot. 5. Septic tank system installation is a very important business to insure a ' functioning system. It is necessary to dig to the correct depth, place in the right drain tile, with the proper grade, on top of the most efficient filter gravel in the absorption trench, to match the individual site needs. ' All too often one of these important variables is overlooked. 6. Finally, maintenance and proper operation of the finished septic tank system by the home owners or occupants is a most important variable to ' insure a functioning, "healthy" system. Too often the wrong chemicals and objects are flushed into the tanks and too heavy of an overload is placed on the capacity of the filter fields to absorb the waste waters. Controls Direct Regulation. This method of controlling the problem of septic tanks is , being utilized by the County Sanitarian. Local health officials guide the installation of a septic tank system according to State Board of Health ' Regulations which are incorporated into the Brunswick County Ordinance.* There are many variables involved, and it is a complex system to regulate. Unfortunately not all required actions are followed all of the time, and ' septic systems will fail. Local health officials are in an awkward position, because they are not able to supervise installation thoroughly. This problem *Brunswick County Board of Health Regulations '24 1 arises in Yaupon Beach because of large housing demands creating large work loads on limited funding and manpower in the local health department. Yaupon Beach does not currently have a septic tank problem, but due to its residential growth and proximity to many environmentally fragile areas, it could develop public health problems in regard to septic tank systems. Although systems are functioning properly, there may be detrimental affects on the quality of ground and surface waters by too rapid filtering action in the coastal sands. WATER QUALITY Although Yaupon Beach currently has its own sufficient source of potable water and a backup source from Brunswick County, care must be taken to protect the quality of the Town's source, if it wishes to continue to depend upon it. See the discussion of this subject on page 28. Water quality is an issue of concern for all of Oak Island and the water bodies it abuts. Strict application of septic tank installation and use laws are paramount not only to protect the drinking water source but to protect the estuarine system. Since there is very little paved surface in the community, parking, streets and general building coverage do not present a major problem as non —point pollution sources do at present. Yaupon Beach continues to grow, however, and prospects of having increased impermeable surface parking in the CBD, the highway business area, and the beach section are increasing. Goal statements in this Land Use Plan regarding traffic separation and parking can be found on page 67. The implementation of these will increase the numbers of covered surfaces, just as the widening of Yaupon Drive with curb, gutter, and storm sewer will generate non —point source runoff increases. The prime concern with runoff in any community is the washing of urban surface waste into water bodies. In the case of Yaupon Beach, the low—lying wet areas, particularly along Elizabeth Drive, and the Salt Marsh to the north, receive much of that surface drainage of both point and non —point sources that cannot be absorbed into the soil. As development and improvements increase in the town this issue will become more critical. FRAGILE AREAS Yaupon Beach recognizes areas which are environmentally fragile and for which development is discouraged or subject to specifications. In compliance with the Coastal Area Management Act (1974), Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC's) have been designated for the Town and shown on the Fragile Areas Map on page 27. Policies for AEC's are given on pages 47-58. By their very nature, all CAMA designated AEC's are fragile. These are described intensively in the North Carolina Administrative Code, NRCD--Coastal Management, 15 NCAC 7H. AEC's normally are dynamic in that they are constantly changing in form and location. They are difficult, therefore, to map properly for the purposes of this plan. CAMA authorities should be contacted for precise delineation. Three specific areas are classified as AEC's in Yaupon Beach. The low—lying wet area along Elizabeth Drive serves as a drainageway from the western section of the community into the salt marsh. The strip which drains directly into the marsh 1s heavily vegetated with hardwoods and underbrush. Although — 26 — „ Brunsrke. Canty Planing Oeparemenl 1900 cpb �I�►III�IIIII� IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII I�IIIII�iIIL.-- .................„IiIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII �III�IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII�IIIIIII�IIIIIIlIIIIIIIIIIilllllr FRAGILE AREAS TOWN OF VAUSUb UCQ�i� IYNYe H 1w M rj MM[VKII ISIY/.{ aM1Y1111 ` �+ 1p ` Mash Area ■ Welland Wildlife Habilal D Ocean Shoreline 1N rN�NIN N W. ty wl /Iw[N b rrt lN[rP / rM rNNN b W 4rll t/nlb/ N4 b, n[rt; tbN/l IW8wNN bNW t/N\[1 /[INI[N II[N/MN ttl N 1//I. N N[NN. NIN N /NYIN[rN y O/ l/Ilt/ N INNN blNru et[Nwn\. bl1uJ l[/u 1s /N 1WNYb lYbbtnll[\ H the vegetation is thick and visually uninviting, the potential for t environmental. interpretation and passive greenway recreational use should be explored. The beach is another AEC where it is estimated that an average of 2-5 feet are lost per year over the past two decades. The area is very ' fragile in that dunes and retaining vegetation are almost nonexistent. To the north of Pebble Beach Drive is the third AEC. Here the salt marsh has been platted being encroached upon u, to 300 feet in width. All three areas are identified on the Fragile Areas Map on the preceding page. , The following development standards applicable to all AEC's have been established: , — No development should be allowed in any AEC which would result in a contravention or violation of any rules, regulation, or laws of the State of ' North Carolina or of local government in which the development takes place. — No development should be allowed in any AEC which would have a substantial likelihood of causing pollution of the waters of the State to the extent , that such waters would be closed to the taking of shellfish under standards set by the Commission for Health Services pursuant to G.S. 130-169.01. ' CAPACITY OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES Water and sewer are the prime limiting factors to growth and development in many communities. Yaupon Beach is not the exception, although the severe limitation of available land beyond existing corporate boundaries does weigh ' heavily with only small amounts available inside the town limits. Future demand for community facilities is discussed in the following section titled Estimated Demand. , DRINKING WATER SOURCES AND FACILITIES As the 1981 Land Use Plan reported, the Town of Yaupon Beach operates its own ' water system consisting of two deep wells which tap the Castle Hayne Aquifer and a 75,000 gallon overhead storage water tank. It is reported from town records that there were 435 service connections in 1980 and an average daily connection use of 128 gallons totalling 55,773 gallons per day for the entire system. Through April 1985 there are now 548 service connections with an average daily connection use of 193 gallons totalling consumption of 106,003 gallons per day. Not only have the number of subscribers to the system , increased by some 113 over 1980, but consumption has nearly doubled in the past five years. It is surmised by the town that the 1980-1985 increases of permanent residents (124) and seasonal residents (171), of business ' establishments, and of occupancy rates --both year—round for permanent residences and increased rentals for seasonal residences —are the reasons for this water consumption increase. The State of North Carolina requires a 400 gallon back—up reserve per connection. The town's reserve, however, is only 200 gallons. The significance of these figures should not be alarming because the town is ' connected to the Brunswick County water system which is currently capable of meeting Yaupon Beach's immediate back—up needs. It should be noted that the town has never had to use water available from the county. In 1980 the County ' — 28 ' 11 ' estimated that the community's subscribership would grow to 502 by 1990. It is noteworthy.to find that this projection was surpassed as early as 1984 with ' 548 connections now on record in 1985. SEWAGE LINES AND TREATMENT FACILITIES ' The Southeastern Brunswick County 201 Facilities Plan showed Yaupon Beach as having a sewage system through phasing up to 1990 and 2000. Because of federal cutbacks, this will not occur under that scheme. It appears now that ' the town would have to "go —it —alone" if it decided to enter into sewage removal and treatment. This places the community in a less than likely position for instituting a system. 11 LI r r The prospects for undertaking a large endeavor such as this are dim at most and point to the possibilities of a cooperative Oak Island Sewer Authority in the future. It should be noted here that those who participated in the 1985 Yaupon Beach citizens' survey listed sewerage as a high priority, with a bond referendum as their choice for financing community facilities improvements. The challenge for Yaupon Beach then is to maintain low density development to the best of its ability and to continue to use water solely from its own system as long as it can. This challenge, however, runs into direct conflict with the need to concentrate commercial development, as discussed in the land use section of this publication. RECREATION The 1985 town survey showed that the people of Yaupon Beach want town sponsored recreational outlets. This increase in desire since the 1980 questionnaire can be seen as a direct relationship to the growth of permanent residency. A community center and park areas received high response with programs for the elderly and youth following. These were popular requests in 1980 also, but the increased emphasis in 1985 shows a strong increasing interest at an increasing rate. Yaupon Beach has five beach access facilities off Ocean Drive. These have been improved in 1985 by constructing dune walkover bridges and increasing parking. Since there is little or no demand for access to the salt marsh, the two designated access points lie generally undeveloped. Access is readily available in Long Beach and to the north of the Intracoastal Waterway. PRIMARY ROADS Country Club Drive (N.C. 133) and Yaupon Drive are state maintained roads. Both are two lane which can readily handle traffic in late fall, winter, and early spring months. But during the vacation season, these thoroughfares receive larger amounts of traffic. Much of it is thru traffic which is funneled in the main to Long Beach and to a much lesser extent to Caswell Beach and the Baptist conference center. Flow is hindered on these two roads by a stop sign at the intersection of Yaupon and Country Club Drives and by the lack of control. of access to business establishments that line these two thoroughfares. Many commercial uses do not have curb cuts but uncontrolled access from the road. See the F — 29 — 11 analysis on this subject related to commercial establishments in the land use ' analysis on pages 8-13. Another problem during vacation season is providing access to Yaupon and ' Country Club Drives from residential neighborhoods. This is becoming more difficult as Oak Island grows. The mayors are currently meeting with state highway planners and engineers about these problems. , A continuing issue has again arisen in the 1985 Land Use Plan Updating, namely: the construction of another Oak Island Bridge. Supported strongly by a 9:1 margin in 1985, as compared to 2:1 in 1980, in the town survey, the citizenry are strongly calling for another outlet to the island not only to alleviate seasonal traffic but to provide safer evacuation during storm emergencies. The people said they prefer a second bridge in the mid —town area of Long Beach. ESTIMATED DEMAND ' The estimated demand for Yaupon Beach is expressed in terms of the holding capacity of the town. This is the maximum population that can be safely and economically supported by the present and planned facilities, regulations, and developable land of the Town. The holding capacity of a planning district refers to the ability of the natural and human —made systems of an area to support the demands of various land uses. It refers to inherent limits in the systems beyond which change cannot be absorbed without resulting in instability, degradation, or irreversible damage. Residentially speaking, the holding capacity of a planning district is the , number of dwelling units the vacant and renewal land in the planning district will accommodate to a prescribed pattern of residential densities. The basic elements used in determining holding capacity are projected population increases during the planning period, existing and proposed urban water and sewer facilities, future planned development, institutional and organizational constraints, transportation systems, vulnerable habitats, lands , with soils suitable for development, energy supplies, man—made hazard areas, and archeological and historical sites. Measurement techniques for holding capacity are necessarily dynamic rather than static. Measurement is based upon current existing and proposed holding capacity elements. In the future these elements may change and thus alter the holding capacity of the community. Changes in the elements may be brought about by technological advances, economic fluctuations, energy crises, new life style attitudes, and institutional changes. However, major changes are not brought about in very short time spans. The holding capacity analysis is under review every five years and should therefore keep up with all element changes that have occurred. Because of this, and because holding capacity analysis is based upon all current element trends, the resultant estimated ' demand is thought to be rather accurate. - 30 - 1 I I I 1 J i I I 1 I POPULATION, HOUSING, AND ECONOMY As shown in the Data Collection and Analysis: Community Profile section on page 1 of this document, permanent population for Yaupon Beach is expected to increase by 124 people in each of the next five years. This means that there will be an estimated population in 1995 of 950. Seasonal occupancy projections show 1,800 residing in the community by that year. Housing continues to meet demand in Yaupon Beach with an increase of 111 units by 1985 to 502, up from 391 dwelling units in 1980. If trends continue, showing an over 100 unit increase in the next five years, upwards of 270 people at an average household size of 2.7 people could be readily accommodated in both permanent and seasonal housing facilities. The economy is expected to lean toward serving permanent residents more since trends in Yaupon Beach indicate that permanent residency, both working and retired, is on the increase. The permanent family nature of residency will affect the direction of the economy. And policies of the Town Board of Commissioners to promote single—family residency, as opposed to multi —family types of dwelling, will tend to promote this direction. The Town Board is planning to give attention to commercial activities in the community as they relate to use, location, and type through revision of the 1974 zoning ordinance, as amended in 1980. Please refer to the analyses on economy on pages 4-6 and the goals, objectives, strategies, and policies statements made by the Board on pages 65 and 66. FUTURE LAND NEEDS AND LIMITS TO GROWTH Lands not suitable for development are primarily those with very severe soils. Yaupon Beach has a total of 197 undeveloped acres of which very severe soils account for 67 acres or 34 percent of the undeveloped acreage. With other community facilities limitations and constraints along with those discussed in the Land Use Survey and Analysis on page 6, this leaves approximately 100 acres suitable for development. There are 450 vacant residential lots in the town, 76 of which have development problems. This leaves 374 that could be built upon. Given a permanent and seasonal average household size of 2.7 according to A Survey -- Questions Concerning Yaupon Beach (1985), these could accommodate enough single—family residential units for 1,009 additional people, or an ultimate of 2,750 people by the year 2010. Population projections for 1995, however, show 950 permanent and 1,800 seasonal residents. By 2000 these figures are projected to be 1,075 and 2,100, respectively. Regardless of the capacity of the developable land in Yaupon Beach, the capacity of existing water facilities will be reached first. This would be the case unless: (1) pump capacity were increased; (2) more wells were added; or (3) the Brunswick County system were tapped to augment town system capacity. Numbers (1) and (3) appear to be the most viable and inexpensive alternatives at this point in time. This estimate could change of course given changes in existing developmental policies for single—family residential uses and with the possible provision of public sewer service. — 31 — Of the 454 acres within the town's corporate limits, approximately 257 acres are in current use leaving some 197 acres vacant. Hence, about 57 percent of the community has been, developed or is used for "urban purposes." Nevertheless, vacancy does not necessarily mean use potential. A very minimum of 30 platted acres in areas zoned residential (R-6, R-9, and R-15) for instance would not be usable under standard construction and current septic tank operation procedures. And all lots, residential and commercial, along the beach are continually losing their potential for use. Overall it is estimated that under 100 acres of the calculated 197 acres that lie vacant could accommodate any form of urban —type development by using standard construction and septic system methods. COMMUNITY FACILITIES DEMAND Water Facilities Capacity If Yaupon Beach were to experience construction of homes on its remaining 374 developable residential lots by the year 1995, modifications to the existing water system, such as drilling more wells and adding more storage capacity, would have to be made. These capital investments could be avoided, however, by using water from the county system to which the town is connected. But the ramifications of this could be: (1) a gradual rising of the town's water table and bringing about septic tank problems, resulting from inter —basin transfer of water; and (2) the raising of water rates since the county supply would be metered at a higher cost than that of the town's current rate. See goals and policies statements on page 70. Decisions should be made now to avoid future costly problems as much as possible. Adjusting pumps to increase flow from wells to a more rapid rate is another way to avoid high capital investments. The pumps can be adjusted to 170 GPM. Currently the town is pumping 125 gallons per minute supplying 106,003 gallons per day to its customers. From May 1984 to May 1985, the pumps have been run on an average of 16 hours per day. In short, projected customer volume is less than potential capacity through 1995 given population projections of 950 permanent and 1,800 seasonal residents. Since the Town plans to extend service to all future residents, it can be assumed that the capacity number of connections is 932. If the 2.7 average number of people per household is used, given present growth rate and residential densities, current capacities will not be reached until 2000. It should be noted here that the permanent and seasonal household size of 2.7 persons derived from the public participation survey is used here rather than the 3.5 person figure for Brunswick County. This gives the town a conservative estimate of its water capacity into the future. Because of the nature of the increasing permanent and retirement residency of Yaupon Beach, it has been adjudged that the 2.7 figure is more realistic to use. Sewer Demand Currently there are no significant septic tank problems in Yaupon Beach. If those areas where severe soil problems exist continue to be avoided for development, problems should be kept to a minimum through 1995. — 32 — I I 11 7 !J I 1 Consideration will have to be given to a public sewer system, however, if the town wishes to promote more compact development in its central business area. One disadvantage to efforts for compaction and improving efficiency in this commercial section of the community, among others, is the lack of sewerage. Please refer to the analysis of commercial development in the land use analysis where the subject is treated on page 8. It should be noted that the citizenry pointed out that one of its very top priorities for the community is public sewerage and treatment. Given the cutbacks of federal funds, it appears that the answer to the situation would be an Oak Island sanitary sewer authority. Recreation Need The people again have called for recreational facilities for the elderly and youth of the community as they did in 1980 through questionnaires. The dilemma here is that taxes would need to be raised or bonds sold to finance undertakings such as a community building and/or park called for in the surveys. The alternative to these would be through local industry, business, and civic organization sponsorship in cooperation with the town. The Town Board is beginning to deal with this difficult issue as can be seen in the goals, objectives, strategies and policies sections of this document on pages 68 and 69. Primary Roads Improvements Proposals for curb cut requirements for new developments in the zoning ordinance are given in the goals, objectives, strategies sections on pages 65 and 66 to alleviate congestion in the future. Studies for providing traffic signals on Yaupon Drive and changing traffic signage at Yaupon and Country Club Drive to stop traffic from Caswell Beach to allow for heavier flow from Long Beach are proposed. The State Highway Division has been receptive to these requests. It is felt that these two major changes that the town can participate in bringing about are significant. The State Department of Transportation holds an important key also to the situation. That is the widening and curbing of Yaupon and Country Club Drives at an early date. Otherwise congestion will continue to mount as Oak Island continues to develop. A goal of Yaupon Beach is to take the lead in pursuing the construction of an additional bridge. Please see goals, objectives and strategies in this report. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION Early in the land use planning process, the Town Board of Commissioners and Planning Board established a citizen participation program. The purpose of the ongoing effort is to seek out the help of residents so that town leaders can better identify their needs and desires. One effort to date consisted of conducting a town survey of the people, parallel in nature to a questionnaire sent out in March 1980. These are - 33 - compared in the Appendix. Another endeavor was to hold the first annual Town Meeting for residents on February 20, 1985. The purpose of this heavily advertised meeting was for the Commissioners to hear the suggestions and ideas of the people face-to-face and to discuss alternatives for the future. The people were invited to attend through the newspaper and a letter from the Mayor distributed by volunteer firemen along with the survey. Subsequent planning sessions of the Town Board and Planning Board meetings have been held (March 12 and 26, April 16 and 30, May 21 and 28, and June 4, 1985) and they continue to be announced in the newspaper. The Town Hall Meeting report follows the comparative analysis. Based upon the information gathered from these participatory efforts and the analyses of existing land use, population, housing, economy, land suitability, and projections along with goals, objectives and strategies were prepared by the Commissioners and Planning Board. These are all presented later in this publication. A SURVEY — QUESTIONS CONCERNING YAUPON BEACH The 1985 questionnaire was returned by April 20. Generally, the information solicited was the same as that asked for in a similar survey in March 1980. Several questions were added in 1985, primarily in the areas of growth and financing improvements. At the same time, a number of questions were dropped where they were no longer applicable, particularly in the areas of beach motor vehicle usage and access. A copy of the 1985 survey can be found in the Appendix, along with a synopsis of the results of both surveys. THE 1985 TOWN HALL MEETING On April 16, a Town Hall meeting was held at the Ocean View United Methodist Church. Over 80 people were in attendance. Mayor Robert Wilson presided with members of the Town Board of Commissioners serving as co-respondents to the questions, suggestions, compliments and complaints. Overall, the Town Administration received good grades for its providing facilities and services, with applause for police and fire protection and with good comments about rescue service provided through arrangements with the Town of Long Beach. Major concerns were expressed primarily about increasing traffic congestion, the appearance and quality of buildings in the business areas, and the increasing number of service stations on Yaupon Drive. Most comments reflected those made in the town survey conducted in the preceding week. There were a number of expressions of concern about flooding, emergency evacuation, the possibilities of multi -family and condominium dwellings coming to Yaupon Beach, the need for sewers and a treatment plant, beach cleanliness, and street lighting. Suggestions included having all-night police patrol, levying rental taxes on vacationers, annexation of lands along N.C. 133 across the Intracoastal Waterway bridge, better litter pick-up, recreation services and facilities, stop lights on Yaupon Drive, and traffic speeds in neighborhoods. - 34 - Recommendations were made for establishing an appearance commission and an architectural review board, for putting new requirements in the zoning ' ordinance, for removing old cars from the right—of—way on Yaupon Drive at body shops and service stations, and for controlling unleashed dogs. The meeting ended with several expressions of thanks, "job —well—done" ' statements to the Town Board of Commissioners and Planning Board and applause. The Town Board was pleased with the results of the public meeting. Several ' statements were made regarding holding such sessions annually and even more frequently. Mayor Wilson invited all to come to the Commissioners' meetings held regularly on a monthly basis at Town Hall. He said that citizens were welcome, and that the Town would be increasing its efforts to make people more aware of these meetings. ' HURRICANE/STORM PLAN Two effective tools for implementing the updated 1985 Land Use Plan are the ' storm hazard mitigation and post —disaster recovery plans. There are four basic phases in dealing with storm hazards. These are mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. The mitigation and post —disaster reconstruction phases relate closest to land use planning because these present opportunities for lightening the damage of future storms and for the "redoing" of past land use patterns resulting from the lack of planning years ago. ' Mitigation encompasses activities which can reduce the probability of disaster, minimizing the damage in Yaupon Beach caused by storms. Adoption of regulations, such as zoning in accordance with the Land Use Plan, which ' discourage residential and commercial construction in areas that are easily flooded is an example. Mitigation is not only geared to dealing with a specific disaster, but for avoiding damages in the long term future. Preparedness activities occur immediately before a disaster. Preparedness is a way Yaupon Beach can cope with the unavoidable aspects and immediate threats ' to its people and property. It is a way that disaster response operations can be more effective. Preparedness planning needs to be extensive and thorough, including evacuation and emergency operations. Mitigation is longer term in ' its nature, but preparedness is more immediate which includes hurricane warnings, evacuation, and operating shelters. This kind of planning involves cooperation with Long Beach, Caswell Beach, Brunswick County and the State's ' Division of Emergency Management. Response activities follow a disaster. Search and rescue, temporary housing and emergency medical care, temporarily curtailing utility operations, and assessing damages, all are important functions. Assisting the injured and displaced, and avoiding secondary damages, (broken electrical lines and polluted water systems), and putting Yaupon Beach back on the road to recovery as soon as possible is the function of the response element. Recovery planning for Yaupon Beach involves the full range of reconstruction ' and rehabilitation activities. These are geared to return the town back to "normal" or an even better state than it was before. Included are financial — 35 — assistance, economic recovery planning, reassessment of the town's land development and growth management policies, and the repair, rebuilding and relocation of utilities and damaged structures. So there are two distinct functions which relate to mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. One is emergency management which is directly linked to preparedness and response. The other is development management which is associated with mitigation and recovery. These last two are emphasized in the Land Use Plan for Yaupon Beach. The skills required are different. Where those for emergency operations are more tactical in nature, the skills for mitigation and recovery are more strategic which require the setting of long range goals and objectives, the design of specific policies, and the identification of strategies to achieve them. STORM HAZARD MITIGATION Storm Frequency Yaupon Beach and Oak Island in general have been fortunate not to have experienced a major hurricane since the 19501s. Occasional storms and lesser hurricane landings, however, have taken their toll on the beaches. The average annual beach erosion loss over the past ten years has been from two to five feet. Two tiers of lots and a town street have been overtaken since the town was platted in the 19401s. Hurricane David made landfall in South Carolina during the 1979 season causing much beach to be lost, and Hurricane Diana in 1984, which touched shore on Oak Island, provided the most erosion in recent years. The southeastern section of North Carolina has a six percent chance that a hurricane will strike in any given year. In Yaupon Beach, hurricanes have averaged about every 17 years. All indications are that Oak Island is due for a major storm. Components of Hurricane Damage A critical factor is storm surge in determining damage effects from hurricanes. This is the most dangerous of hurricane forces. Most recorded damage results from surge effects. Ninety percent of hurricane related deaths are from drowning. In the case of the worst hurricanes (classes 5 and 4), Yaupon Beach would be entirely flooded. Wind and rain also are important components of a hurricane. Wind force is the prime factor in categorizing a hurricane, but surge and barometric pressure figure into the scale prominently. See the reference to the Saffir/Simpson Hurricane Scale in the appendix. The speed at which a hurricane is moving determines the rates of rainfall released. Oak Island's shoreline could be changed significantly by a severe hurricane. Hazard Mapping Yaupon Beach's vulnerability can be indicated relatively accurately through hazard mapping. This mapping is derived from two sources: the Federal Insurance Administration's Flood Hazard Boundary Map and the Yaupon Beach Land — 36 — 11 Use Plan which depicts Areas of Environmental Concern, low—lying and wet areas, marshes, and street patterns. These factors have been combined into a Composite Hazards Map on page 38. The hazards that can be expected in each of the areas on the Composite Map are given in the following table. HURRICANE FORCES* Wave High Area Erosion Action Flooding Winds Boundaries 1 x x x x AEC Areas 2 x x x x V Flood Zone 3 x x A Flood Zone 4 x Remainder of Yaupon Beach ;McElyea, Brower and Godschalk, Before the Storm: Managing Development to Reduce Hurricane Damages, Chapel Hill, 1982. The above table is just a "rule of thumb" because the impact of hurricane forces is highly variable. The impact is influenced by many factors, including but not limited to: ocean floor configuration and slope — tidal pressures and moon phase — the shapes and locations of inlets — the direction, angle and force of the storm A Class 5 storm as indicated earlier, and probably a Class 4 storm, would inundate Oak Island, and backwash of a storm surge through the salt marsh would likely cut through the island in up to three places in the neighboring Town of Long Beach severing the island into two or three pieces temporarily or permanently. In Yaupon Beach, an area of concern for this to happen would be through the low—lying wet area along Elizabeth Drive crossing Barbee Boulevard, Yaupon Drive, and Sherrill Avenue, generally running in a northeasterly —southwesterly direction. The Hazards Map should be replaced with a computer simulation model to give a more accurate portrayal of expected damages under certain given conditions. Sophisticated computer, models have been developed to depict results from a variety of storm levels and approaches. This should be a joint effort for the municipalities on Oak Island with the help of the State. - 37 - < TOWN OF YAUPON BEACH N1.-w II COMPOSITE HAZARDS a AECs \ 1 i V flood zone �`-_�� A flood zone { \` �\� B zone and \ \ remainder NN w rlw<N • \ \ \ 1N r(W(Ilw ([ w N wt NNN(( MNI (rNIM 61 tN 4<N NM W NNto Y.gwN • \ \ M1TK lY([M ([N{ NNIM y W .uywN Nt (I \ + `\ Nul(1 N[Nrtn N[1. ([ NMM. MIN .t wIN<lv[I ' �< IN tI11([ (1 L(NNI L<ININ •� .� { \\\ kKRll (alit 14�IY� NN�IIIYf \ l pal 8-11116 M Magnitude of Risk The higher the population and the value of property, the higher the risk from the damaging effects of a storm. As Yaupon Beach grows in population, the assessed valuation of the town will increase. On the Composite Hazards Map on the preceding page, there are 23 single-family homes and 4 businesses located in the V Flood Zone. Further, there are 71 single-family dwellings, 5 duplexes, and 6 businesses in the A Flood Zone. The only area where there are potentially hazardous materials stored is in the yards of the Brunswick Electrical membership Cooperative between Country Club Drive (N.C. 133), McGlamery Street, and Elizabeth Drive in the A Flood Zone. Population growth will be constrained by the availability of land for residential development. It is estimated that about one-half of the 915 platted residential lots lie vacant with some 39 located in areas where conventional construction would not be acceptable or where septic tanks would not function well. Hence, it is conceivable, that given this single ' constraint, the town's population should no more than double in the next 10-15 years. There are other constraints including water and sewer di'acussed on pages 28 and 29. ' Total assessed valuation for Yaupon Beach has risen from $17,889,712 in 1980- 81 to $22,306,174 in 1984-85. Recent economic recoveries nation-wide, and ' resultant surges in building activities in the town, account for the increased valuation. Values should increase even more when reassessment studies are conducted by Brunswick County in 1986. Identification of Hazards The Beach lies entirely within the Area of Environmental Concern designated by the N.C. Division of Coastal Management. Encroachment of the ocean to date has been the most severe between Barbee Boulevard on the west and Sellers Street to the east. Loss elsewhere has been moderate with the most recent taking place to the west of Barbee Boulevard. Several business establishments ' will soon be in jeopardy from normal erosion as the ocean continues its average annual two -five foot migration. The Salt Marsh lies on the northern periphery of Yaupon Beach with an irregular border which dips into the residential sections along Elizabeth Drive. Two major indentations are situated between Womble and McGlamery Streets. Here appear to be two areas where storm surge backwash would be a hazard if the pressures of high waters and swollen rivers were strong enough in their attempt to find least resistant paths back to the ocean. In its wisdom, Yaupon Beach has not located any community facility and utility structures in hazard areas. Water well 02 on Country Club Drive does lie, however, in flood zone B (shown on the Hazards Map) which would be subject to ' 100-year floods of one foot or less. ' - 39 - Street flooding takes place along the street stub —outs to the ocean along Ocean Drive during severe thunderstorms. These along with Elizabeth Drive, which generally follows the border of the salt marsh, can be expected to be the first to flood from heavy rains associated with a hurricane. N.C. 133 beyond the Intracoastal Waterway bridge toward the mainland oftentimes floods before low—lying areas on Oak Island. This road is the only access to Yaupon Beach. It is shared with Long Beach and Caswell Beach. Uncontrolled commercial development along this highway will magnify access problems in the next few years. RECOVERY AND CLEANUP After a hurricane, Yaupon Beach would be faced with the difficulties of returning the town to a livable condition. Those who wish to return to normal in a speedy fashion often find themselves in conflict with those who want to avoid the dire consequences of another disaster. Reconstruction offers a community with the rare opportunity to make improvements. But if plans are overly ambitious or require too much study, they may fail to bring about good results. After a storm there will be a great deal of confusion and fear about the future. Delays and uncertainties can occur if the Town is unable to instill confidence. Town goals, objectives and strategies of the 1985 Land Use Plan should be followed faithfully. Decisions should be made in a timely manner after a storm. Information should be dispensed quickly, and rules should not be changed. A feeling of confidence in Town Government will speed recovery and assure compliance with emergency regulations. Frequent changes and not sticking to the plan for recovery will magnify the preexisting confusion and slow the recovery process. Immediate Cleanup and Removal Activities Certain actions need to be taken by the Town to restore immediately basic facilities and services. Access. The Town will do all within its capacity to open major streets for access to critical locations in the community. First priority for debris removal and cleanup will be on Yaupon Drive, Country Club Road, Trott Street, Barbee Boulevard, Sellers Street, Ocean Drive and Oak Island Drive. These streets will serve as an emergency transportation net for access to most important areas including: Town Hall, the fire station, water tower and well 01, Methodist Church, well #2, access to the bridge, and Long Beach rescue services. Downed wiring cleanup and replacement will be conducted concurrently by crews and contractors of the Brunswick Electrical Cooperative. Potable Water. Restoration of public water service for drinking and fire protection should follow. Water should be made available either through the facilities of the Town or via the county system depending which is available first and is declared to be safe to drink first. If necessary, the water system should be restored only in part by the use of major street cutoff — 40 — valves to isolate parts of the system that have been damaged and remain contaminated.. Communications. Telephone and radio services will be restored first to Town Hall and the fire station, then to residential sections. Relocation of Community Facilities. Currently all Town run community facilities are outside AEC and V and A Flood Zone areas. This does not mean, however, that severe storm activity will not change the vulnerability of these facilities. In regard to the Town Hall, fire station, water tower and wells, need for relocation may become a reality depending upon storm damage, wash over, and flooding. Land use planning and policy, and land classification, should be adhered to if still applicable when replacement and restoration take place. If the classification plan is no longer applicable because of severe destruction, careful consideration should be given to relocation of new or replacement facilities within the context of a new planning process customized to the new, residual land form. Damage Assessment To determine the extent of damage, the Town should create a Damage Assessment Team appointed by the Mayor, consisting of the building inspector, and director of public works, as well as people from the County Tax Office and Health Department. Private assessors and real estate agents should also be considered for the team. Their work will support damage claims and participate in seeking federal assistance. The team should be created before the storm season begins. It should learn about the following procedures and meet annually to rehearse its duties. — The team should meet immediately after the storm and take either a field survey or fly over the Town. It should prepare a survey report of the disaster to request immediate assistance. — A detailed survey then should follow and be completed within the first weeks after the storm. — The team should designate every damaged structure for the following action: 1. To be demolished (RED) 2. To require inspection before reconstruction (ORANGE) 3. To be repaired with a permit (YELLOW) 4. To be repaired without a permit (GREEN) Each damaged building will be color coded for designated action, spray painted on the right hand front corner readily seen from the street. Percent of damage, conformity to town codes, congruence with the Emergency Land Use Zoning Overlay (see following section), and assessed value will all figure into the damage assessment process. Land Use Examples in other storm disaster areas have shown that development trends in progress before a storm are greatly accelerated after the storm. It is assumed that Yaupon Beach's growth rate will increase after the storm. — 41 — Care must be taken not to underestimate the amount of space that will be needed for emergency housing and debris cleanup and collection. Often more than twice the amount,of the damaged area is needed for temporary housing, commercial buildings and debris clearance. The following procedures should be used, — The Planning Board and Commissioners should prepare an Emergency Land Use Zoning Overlay before reconstruction begins. As the emergency subsides the overlay classifications can be gradually phased back into normal zoning standards. District 1 — Heavily damaged area requiring complete redevelopment --a 30-45 day moratorium on new construction. District 2 — Inspected areas that may be restored --repairs should be made as quickly as possible. District 3 — Undamaged areas which may be reinhabited immediately —zoning density standards would be lifted for up to 12-18 months to allow temporary housing for those displaced by the storm. — Reconstruction of buildings that were nonconforming prior to the storm will be prohibited under the provisions of the Yaupon Beach Zoning Ordinance. Similarly, structures not meeting the standards stipulated in the building code, for flood insurance, and structural and flood proofing standards will not be allowed to continue. Public facilities provided by the Town likewise will be analyzed as to current location and impact and as to where redevelopment recurs. — The adequacy of the zoning ordinance will be assessed to direct redevelopment properly away from Brown hazard areas. It has been shown that development after a storm often occurs at much greater density than before. Since residents have expressed fears about condominium development in the area, the zoning ordinance takes on increased importance in managing redevelopment of uses at densities which are acceptable to the community. — All repair and construction contractors shall be registered for privilege licenses. — Property owners shall be placed on notice that they may need to obtain building permits for reconstruction based upon findings of the Damage Assessment Team. Buildings will be color —coded, — The Board of Adjustment shall hear citizen appeals of damage assessments and emergency zoning designations. The Mayor may make appointments to fill Board vacancies. Operating rules shall be the same, but decisions should be made as rapidly as possible. — Prior arrangements should be made with the Ocean View United Methodist Church and the Oak Island Golf Club directors for providing emergency housing, — 42 — — Prior arrangements should be made for depositing debris either at the abandoned County Landfill, land owned by Long Beach to the north of the Intracoastal Waterway, or in other locations on the mainland. Assistance Coordination ' Households are disrupted by injuries, deaths, loss of homes, employment, and personal possessions. These problems require community policy decisions and assistance before reconstruction gets under way. A wide variety of public and ' private sources must be coordinated for an effective assistance effort. The following procedures are identified for implementation. C I 1] 1 — A Disaster Aid Coordinator should be appointed before the storm season begins. This person can be a public employee or private citizen who is familiar with potential sources of family assistance. — Volunteers should be dispersed from one site to various work stations. — Stations should be established in strategic locations where need is the most, at the church, motels, restaurants, etc. for dispensing food, clothing, pastoral counseling, housing, and financial assistance' — Recovered personal belongings should be catalogued and returned to owners where possible. — Arrangements should be made prior to the hurricane season with the Methodist Church, Golf Club, motels and restaurants for use of their facilities during storm recovery periods. — The Disaster Aid Coordinator should work closely with the Damage Assessment Team to be kept abreast of conditions in the town. Financial Aid Financing is a major issue following a disaster. Aid to victims may be tied to requirements of the 1985 Land Use Plan, new land use and construction policies, zoning non —conformity provisions, and other town codes and policies. Individuals having easy access to funds in the predisaster situation will recover most quickly. Some with good financial backing even may profit from a disaster --improving their homes and businesses through the reconstruction process. Those with limited capital resources, however, will be slow to rebuild. The following procedures should be adhered to so that difficulties can be averted as much as possible. — Federal and state aid program assistance applications should be filed as soon as damage assessments are completed. — A disaster contingency fund should be established with Long Beach and Caswell Beach to cover large public expenditures that must be made even after tax revenue will be greatly reduced. — 43 — — Yaupon Beach should request the Division of Coastal Management to purchase manufactured emergency housing to be stored inland for disaster use. CAMA Permits All CAMA (Coastal Area Management Act) regulation should be strictly adhered to so that future storms will not be as devastating to life and property. After a major storm, Yaupon Beach must implement the CAMA minor permits program which involves the siting of structures in relation to required ocean front setbacks. The following procedures should apply. — CAMA regulation will apply for any new construction. — Buildings damaged over 50 percent of their structural value and located below the Mean High Water Mark, and those situated between the MHW mark and the appropriate setback line, will not be given CAMA permits for reconstruction. MHW marks and setback lines will more than likely be moved significantly inland after a storm. — Coordination in compliance with the Town Building Code, Zoning Ordinance, and Subdivision Regulations will be assured before CAMA permits are issued. Federal and State Assistance Sources Assistance programs normally require a Presidential declaration of an emergency or major disaster. Often the Governor makes the request for this declaration, and the President concurs when it is found that significant damage beyond the capabilities of local and state government to deal with the situation has occurred. Some assistance programs are available without this declaration, but most all require it. In the appendix is a list of 19 disaster aid sources, which could be applicable for Yaupon Beach. Basic application forms and resolutions are given, too. EVACUATION Determining evacuation time is one of the major objectives of any planning effort. By definition, evacuation time represents the minimum amount of time before projected land fall that local decision —makers must allow for safely completing evacuation under storm conditions. An evacuation plan is especially important for Yaupon Beach because the population in neighboring Long Beach has increased at a rapid rate while evacuation routes have not changed. Evacuation planning and implementation are not only the responsible function of Yaupon Beach, but they are, out of necessity and common sense, in the interest of other governmental units, too. The town participates with Brunswick County and the N.C. Division of Emergency Management in effecting evacuation. Cooperative evaluation of evacuation plans should be done among these units, and with Long Beach and Caswell Beach, to determine adequacy and to assure that they are based on sound analysis. If required evacuation time, for instance, exceeds warning time provided by the National Weather Service, P J I I I 11 MEW Yaupon Beach in cooperation with its neighbors and County should consider new evacuation capacity policies. Storm surge is a critical factor in evacuation planning. The term "storm surge" refers to a dome of water, driven by the wind that is 50 to 100 miles wide and moves across the coastline. The National Weather Service's Saffir— Simpson Scale projects a 15 foot storm surge for a Class 5 (worst case) hurricane. However, surge heights can be amplified to higher levels if there are a gradual sloping of the ocean floor, tidal pressures, and bays and inlets. Surge can flood low points in highways and cut—off evacuation routes such as N.C. 133. When Hurricane Hazel (Class 4) hit the North Carolina coast, a surge of 16 feet was recorded at Holden Beach. In the event of a Class 5 Hurricane, Yaupon Beach would be entirely flooded. Only one bridge is available to evacuate Oak Island. Once off the Island, traffic would be directed to Routes 87, 211 or 133. Evacuees would have to clear the bridge, low—lying areas, and a major intersection at N.C. 133 and 211. The recurrent flooding of N.C. 133 from normal thunderstorms will be increased by the torrential rains associated with a hurricane. Low—lying escape routes may be cut by flooding some five hours ahead of the hurricane's arrival. The State Highway Division has modified the low—lying areas of N.C. 133 to alleviate flooding. The success of this work, however, will be tested by a future storm itself. Wind and rain are also components of a hurricane's destructive force. The storm category given a hurricane is based on the intensity of its winds. The speed at which a hurricane is moving determines how much rainfall is released on a given area. Evacuation from Yaupon Beach requires travel over a bridge that is 65 feet above the water. Hurricane force winds and blinding rain can combine to make it impossible to drive across the Inland Waterway from Oak Island. Studies in Florida indicate that gale force winds may precede landfall by six hours. The bridge will be closed to traffic when winds reach 50 miles per hour. The Yaupon Beach street network lends itself to many bottlenecks in an evacuation situation. Traffic must flow onto Yaupon Drive and Country Club Drive from many cross streets. On peak vacation weekends, each intersection has the potential of being a trouble spot. Traffic from Long Beach and Caswell Beach will complicate the process greatly, suggesting that an additional one —hour lead time should be given to Yaupon Beach residents so that evacuation can be staggered. Evacuation travel is based on the length of the evacuation route and the assumed uninterrupted speed of the evacuation vehicles. Assuming an evacuee lives at the western end of Yaupon Beach, he or she must travel about 2 miles to reach the bridge. It is another 16 miles to Bolivia, giving a total evacuation distance of 18 miles. Assuming a maximum 25 mph speed with storm conditions and evacuation traffic, the uninterrupted travel time would be 24 miles x 25 mph = one hour. An ideal of uninterrupted travel on the evacuation route should never be assumed. — 45 — Florida studies have shown that about 20 percent of the population leaves before there .is a notice to evacuate.* Studies also show that evacuees in coastal areas average about 2.5 people per car. On a fall weekend, Caswell Beach has about 400 people in residence, and Yaupon Beach has about 1,200. If Long Beach has about 10,000 people, the following bridge delay could be expected: 11,600 people 2,320 leave early (20%) 9,280 people = 3,712 cars a ',. people/car The Florida studies show that 2 lane bridge capau.ty is approximately 400 cars per hour. With one lane reserved for emergency use, travel slowed due to wind, rain and blowing debris as expected conditions, in this scenario it would take traffic about 9 hours to clear the bridge. It should be noted that Long Beach has estimated its peak weekend population to be between 30-40,000. People usually leave within 3.5 hours after an evacuation notice has been given. Using this estimate, the delay time at the bridge can be calculated: Assuming 3,712 cars over 3.5 hours = 1,060 cars/hour Delay time = 3.5 hours x 1 — bridge capacity (400) cars/hour (1,060) Nearly a 3—hour delay Since flooding of N.C. 133 can occur 5 hours before a hurricane, notice to evacuate must be made at least 14 hours before the storm arrives if 11,600 people are on Oak Island. POLICY STATEMENTS RESOURCE PROTECTION It is the policy of Yaupon Beach to support and enforce, through its CAMA permitting responsibility, state policies as they relate to Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC's). State policy statements for AEC's offer protection for Yaupon Beach's fragile and significant environmental resources through the application of CAMA permitting procedures. In accordance with the State CAMA regulations, Yaupon Beach adopts the following policies concerning AEC's within its jurisdiction. Further, reference should be made to related discussions on soils and fragile land areas in the land suitability section on *Hurricane Evacuation Plans for Southwest Florida and the Treasure Coast 1981-82, 1983. 1 I 1 I i t I pages 18-26, the water quality section on page 26, and evacuation section immediately above. The Town of Yaupon Beach is located on a fragile barrier island. The implications of its physical actions are manifest far beyond its corporate limits. It is realized that the community must do its part to protect the Coastal Resources of North Carolina. Water Quality Protection of the drinking water aquifer and the estuarine and beach systems is the policy of Yaupon Beach. Surface runoff (non —point and point source). and erosion are important issues to the town just as are septic tank suitability and proper operation. Coastal Management Policy It is the policy of Yaupon Beach to uphold the guidelines and regulations of the Coastal Area Management Act not only to the letter of the law but in spirit by consistently dispensing its CAMA permitting responsibilities in a conscientious manner. The Estuarine System In recognition of the enormous economic, social, and biological values the estuarine system has for North Carolina, Yaupon Beach will promote conservation and management of the estuarine system as a whole, which includes individual AEC's: coastal wetlands, estuarine waters, public trust areas, and estuarine shorelines. The management objective for the system shall be to give highest priority to the protection and coordinated management of all the elements as an interrelated group of AEC's, so as to safeguard and perpetuate their biological, social, economic, and aesthetic values, and to ensure that any development which does occur in these AEC's is compatible with natural characteristics so as to minimize the likelihood of significant loss of private property and public resources. In general, permitted land uses in the coastal wetlands, estuarine waters, and public trust areas shall be those which are water dependent. Examples may include: docks, boat ramps, and drainage ditches. Land uses that are not water dependent shall not generally be permitted in coastal wetlands, estuarine waters, and public trust areas. Examples that are not water dependent may include: restaurants, residences, apartments, motels, and parking lots. Specific policies regarding individual AEC's of the estuarine system are stated below. In every instance, the particular location, use, and design characteristics shall be in accord with the general use standards for coastal wetlands, estuarine waters, and public trust areas as stated in subchapter 7H of the State CAMA regulations. —47 — Coastal Wetlands. Activities in coastal wetland areas shall be restricted to those which do not significantly affect the unique and delicate balance of this resource. Suitable land uses include those giving highest priority to the protection and management of coastal wetlands, so as to safeguard and perpetuate their biological, social, economic, and aesthetic values and to establish a coordinated management system capable of conserving and utilizing coastal wetlands as a natural resource essential to the functioning of the entire estuarine system. Highest priority of use shall be allocated to the conservation of existing coastal wetlands. Second priority shall be given to those uses that require water access and cannot function elsewhere. Acceptable land uses may include utility easements, fishing piers, and docks. Unacceptable uses may include, but would not be limited to, restaurants, businesses, residences, motels, parking lots, and highways. Estuarine Waters. In recognition of the importance of this resource for the fisheries and related industries as well as aesthetics, recreation, and education, Yaupon Beach shall promote the conservation and quality of estuarine waters. Activities in these areas shall be restricted to those which do not permanently or significantly affect the function, cleanliness, salinity, and circulation of estuarine waters. Suitable land/water uses include those giving highest priority to conservation and management so as to safeguard and perpetuate biological, social, economic, and aesthetic values and to establish a coordinated management system capable of conserving and utilizing estuarine waters to maximize their benefits to humans and the estuarine system. Highest priority of use shall be allocated to the conservation of estuarine waters and its vital components. Second priority shall be given to uses that require water access and cannot function elsewhere. Appropriate uses may include simple access channels, structures which prevent erosion, navigation channels, boat docks, and piers. Yaupon Beach will also support projects in estuarine water areas which aim to increase the productivity of these waters. Such projects include oyster reseeding programs and inlet channeling and dredging operations for the purpose of increasing the flushing action of tidal movement: Public Trust Areas. In recognition of certain land and water areas in which the public has certain established rights and which support valuable commercial and sports fisheries, have aesthetic value, and are resources for economic development, Yaupon Beach shall protect these rights and promote the conservation and management of public trust areas. Suitable land/water uses include those which protect public rights for navigation and recreation and those which preserve and manage the public trust areas in order to safeguard and perpetuate their biological, economic, social, and aesthetic value. In the absence of overriding public benefit, any use which significantly interferes, as with the public right of navigation or other public trust rights which apply in the area, shall not be allowed. Projects which would directly or indirectly block or impair existing navigation channels, increase shoreline erosion, deposit spoils below mean high tide, cause adverse water circulation patterns, violate water quality standards, or cause degradation of shellfish waters shall not be allowed. Uses that may be allowed in public trust areas shall not be detrimental to the public trust rights and the biological and physical functions of the estuary. ' Examples of such uses ,include the development of navigational channels or drainage ditches, the use of bulkheads to prevent erosion, and the building of piers, docks, or marinas. ' Estuarine Shoreline. CAMA defines the estuarine shoreline at Yaupon Beach as the area 75 feet landward of the estuarine waters. Yaupon Beach recognizes: (1) the close association between estuarine shorelines and adjacent estuarine waters, (2) the influence shoreline development has on the quality of estuarine life, and (3) the damaging processes of shorefront erosion and flooding to which the estuarine shoreline is subject. Shoreline development has a profound effect on adjacent estuarine waters. Effluent from poorly placed or malfunctioning septic systems can pollute shellfish areas which represent much greater economic benefits to the town's citizens than do the residential uses of estuarine shoreline areas. In recognition of this fact, Yaupon Beach will use all available means of law to restrict the use of estuarine shoreline areas for residential purposes where there is a substantial chance of pollution occurring. The natural process of erosion transforms shoreline areas into public trust ' areas. It shall be the policy of Yaupon Beach to allow this natural process to occur if life or structures are not. in jeopardy. ' Suitable land uses are those compatible with both the dynamic nature of estuarine shorelines and the values of the estuarine system. Residential, commercial, and recreational land uses are all appropriate types of use along the estuarine shoreline provided that: ' a. a substantial chance of pollution occurring from the development does not exist, b. natural barriers to erosion are preserved and not substantially weakened or eliminated, ' c, the construction of impervious surfaces and areas not allowing natural drainage is limited to only that necessary to adequately service the development, d..standards of the North Carolina Sedimentation Pollution Control Act 1973 are met, ' e. development does not have a significant adverse impact on estuarine resources, and f. development does not significantly interfere with existing public rights of access to, or use of, navigable waters or public resources. Ocean Hazard Areas In recognition of the critical nature of ocean hazard .areas due to vulnerability to erosion and to the dynamic processes that can be dangerous to life and property, Yaupon Beach supports the State CAMA policies for Ocean ' — 49 — 7 Hazard Areas. Ocean hazard forces are the most dynamic in ocean erodible and ' high hazard flood areas. Suitable land uses in ocean hazard areas generally are those which are not , vulnerable to unreasonable danger to life and property and which achieve a balance between the financial, safety, and social factors involved in hazard , area development. Ocean shoreline erosion control activities, dune establishment/stabilization, and structural accessways are all acceptable types of land uses. Residential, commercial, and recreational land uses are also acceptable types of use in ocean hazard areas provided that: , 1. Development is landward of the crest of the primary dune; where no primary dune exists, development is set back a minimum of 30 times the average ' annual erosion rate (140 feet at Yaupon Beach) from the first line of stable vegetation. 2. Development does not involve the significant removal or relocation of , primary or frontal dune sand or vegetation thereon. 3. Development is consistent with minimum lot size and set back requirements ' established by zoning ordinance. 4. Development implements means and methods to mitigate or minimize adverse , impacts of the project. 5. Development of growth —inducing public facilities such as sewers, ' waterlines, roads, and erosion control measures is permitted only in cases where: a. national or state interests and public benefits are clearly overriding factors, , b. facilities would not exacerbate existing hazards or damage natural buffers, ' c. facilities would be reasonably safe from flood and erosion related damage, and , d. facilities do not promote growth and development in ocean hazard areas. 6. Prior to the issuance of any permit for development in the ocean hazard ' AEC's, there shall be a written acknowledgement from the applicant stating awareness of the risks associated with development in this hazardous area. ' 7. The Town of Yaupon Beach believes that the 0.7 mile of Ocean Shoreline is a valuable natural recreational resource that should be kept clean and safe for public use. Therefore, it is the policy of Yaupon Beach to provide ' appropriate beach access and parking facilities, trash receptacles, stump removal when deemed to be hazardous to public safety, and any other beach service which would be feasible and appropriate, excepting erosion control activities. , —50— ' I ' 8. The natural process of erosion transforms shoreline areas into public trust areas. It. shall be the policy of Yaupon Beach to allow this natural process to occur. Natural and Cultural Resource Areas Uncontrolled or incompatible development may result in major or irreversible damage to fragile coastal resource areas which contain environmental, natural, or cultural resources of more than local significance. In recognition of ' this, Yaupon Beach will seek to protect such natural systems or cultural resources; scientific, educational, or associative values; and aesthetic qualities. ' Individual AEC's included in this general category are: coastal complex natural areas, coastal areas that sustain remnant species, and unique coastal geologic formations. ' In general, these resources are noted to be valuable educational, scientific, and aesthetic resources that cannot be duplicated. They may be important ' components in a natural system. Their importance serves to distinguish the designated areas as significant in relation to the coastal land scape and archaeological remains. Yaupon Beach will support the following actions regarding these irreplaceable resources: ' 1. Protection of unique habitat conditions that are necessary to the continued survival of threatened and endangered native plants and animals and to minimize land use impacts that might jeopardize these conditions. 2. Protection of the features of a designated coastal complex natural area in order to safeguard its biological relationships, educational and scientific values, and aesthetic qualities. Specific objectives for each of these functions shall be related to the following policy statements either singly or in combination: ' a. To protect the natural conditions or sites that function as key or unique components of coastal systems. The interactions of various life forms are the foremost concern and include sites that are necessary for the completion of life cycles, areas that function as links to other wildlife areas (wildlife corridors), and localities where the links between biological and physical environments are most fragile. b. To protect the identified scientific and educational values and to ensure that the site will be accessible for related study purposes. c. To protect the values of the designated coastal complex natural area as expressed by Yaupon Beach and its citizenry. These values should be related to the educational and aesthetic qualities of the feature. 51 — J 3. Conservation of coastal archaeological resources of more than local ' significance to history or prehistory that constitute important scientific sites, or are valuable, educational, associative, or aesthetic resources. Specific objectives for each of these functions shall be related to the , following policy statements either singly or in combination: a. to conserve significant archaeological resources including their spatial and structural context and characteristics through site preservation or ' scientific study, b, to insure that the designated archaeological resource, or the , information contained therein, be preserved for and be accessible to the scientific and educational communities for related study purposes, and c, to protect the values of the designated archaeological resource as , expressed by Yaupon Beach and its citizens; these values should be related to the educational, associative or aesthetic qualities of the resource. , Development may be permitted in designated fragile coastal natural or cultural resource areas provided that: ' 1. The proposed design and location will cause no major or irreversible damage to the stated values of a particular resource. One or more of the ' following values must be considered depending upon the stated significance of the resource: a. Development shall preserve the values of the individual resource as its , functions as a critical component of a natural system. b. Development shall not adversely affect the values of the resource as a , unique scientific, associative, or educational resource. c. Development shall be consistent with the aesthetic values of a resource , as identified by Yaupon Beach and its citizens. 2. No reasonable alternative sites are available outside the designated AEC. 3. Reasonable mitigation measures have been considered and incorporated into the project plan. These measures shall include consultation with recognized authorities and with the Coastal Resources Commission. ' 4. The project will be of equal or greater public benefit than those benefits lost or damaged through development. , — 52 — , ' Vulnerability and Hazard Mitigation Policies 1. Yaupon Beach will appoint a work group made up of members of the Town Board of Commissioners, Planning Board, staff, and private citizens to ' serve as a Hurricane Safety Committee. Its responsibilities would be to: (a) review emergency activities and roles of respective groups; (b) identify high risk individuals who need assistance in evacuation; and (c) ' seek ways to improve existing codes and assure that they are in fact being enforced as called for by the Town Commissioners. ' 2. The Town will prepare locally customized brochures which give safety advice and town policy for residents in the event of hurricanes, other storms, and flooding regarding medical care, evacuation, and temporary ' shelter. 3. The Town will adhere strictly to the administration of a zoning ordinance geared to the 1985 Land Use Plan, the building code, and CAMA regulations ' for the future safety of its citizens and their property. 4. Yaupon Beach will seek to take the lead in seeking to have a second bridge ' to the island built at mid —town Long Beach. 5. The Town will seek out a "sister town" on the mainland, so that additional staff and equipment can be made available during emergencies. The "sister ' town" should be inland far enough to be less vulnerable to the same storms as Yaupon Beach. 6. Yaupon Beach will cooperate fully in all efforts to assess the preparedness and response activities that took place on Oak Island during Hurricane Diana in 1984. This should be done to avoid, in the future, situations that brought about confused directives from various entities resulting in conflicts before, during, and after Hurricane Diana. ' 7. It is the policy of Yaupon Beach to curtail to the greatest extent Possible development and additions in areas susceptible to,high winds, flooding, wave action, and erosion. 8. It is the policy of Yaupon Beach to allow no building construction in AEC's including the salt marsh, low—lying wet area along Elizabeth Drive, and ocean hazard areas. 9. It is the policy of the town to limit development in the V Flood Zone as shown on the Composite Hazards Map in accordance with CAMA and Federal ' Flood Insurance regulations and the zoning ordinance to alleviate as much as possible damage from wave action and erosion. ' 10. Action limit will be taken by the town, with the approval of the commercial development in the V and A Flood Zones by citizenry, to modifying the zoning ordinance as proposed in goals, objectives and strategies on page 65 and as shown on the Land Classification Map on page 75. 11. The Town will not allow further construction and additions not conforming to these hazard mitigation policies, which would increase vulnerability ' and nonconformity to the zoning ordinance, building codes, and CAMA regulations. ' PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT Yaupon Beach adopts the following policies regarding physical constraints to development. 53 — Septic Tank Suitability In conformance with State and Health regulations, growth and development will not be allowed in areas where septic tanks will not function and sewer services are not available. Some areas of Yaupon Beach contain soils which do not permit adequate percolation necessary for septic system functioning. Also, some areas have high water tables which similarly inhibit septic system functioning. These areas, as they are delineated on the Soil Suitability Maps, will not be allowed to be developed unless sewer service is available. Where necessary, the Town will modify its Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations to implement these policies and will work with the County Health Officer to assure compliance with sanitary codes. Drainage There are two types of conditions in certain areas of the town, where need exists to assure that development, if permitted, will not contribute to danger to life or other property. In those areas identified by the Federal Emergency Management Administration as Flood Prone Areas under the Federal Flood Insurance Program, development shall conform to standards of that program, such as no liveable areas being located lower than the identified 100 year flood elevation. Some areas of the town are either by nature or by earlier development of low— lying character, without adequate natural drainage pattern. Some of these areas are flooded frequently by rains that can be expected often over the seasons. Yaupon Beach will discourage development of such areas unless there is adequate assurance by the developer for correcting any such problems of flooding or water storage, and in such manner that there is no adverse condition created on adjoining land areas. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT Yaupon Beach's natural resources play a vital role in its economy. Yaupon Beach's beaches are utilized for recreational uses as well as for fishing. Protection of these resources is a prime concern of Yaupon Beach. To deal with issues that involve resource production and management, Yaupon Beach adopts the following policies: Net Fishing The use of nets for fishing within 300 yards of the beach between 78th Street (Town Limits on the west) and the municipality of Caswell Beach (Town Limits on the east) is prohibited between May 15 and September 15. This town resolution was adopted on July 8, 1977. Coastal and Estuarine Waters Yaupon Beach feels that protection of Coastal and Estuarine Waters is a prime prerequisite. Habitats for shellfish in all stages of their life cycle must be preserved in order to maintain fishing as a viable, economic and recreational activity. Therefore, any development which will profoundly and adversely affect coastal and estuarine waters will be restricted. In the 11 -54- L i I J ' design, construction, and operation of coastal and estuarine development, ' every effort must be made to mitigate negative efforts on water quality and fish habitat. These efforts will be at the owners' or operators' own expense. Off Road Vehicles In November, 1979, the Town Board of Commissioners enacted an ordinance to ban all vehicular traffic upon beach areas within the corporated limits, with the ' exception of those vehicles involved in emergency or rescue operations. Recreational Resources The beach and ocean are the prime public physical attractions for recreation in Yaupon Beach. In recognition of this valuable resource, the Town in 1985 identified six public access points from Ocean Drive. Equipped with dune 1 bridges, fencing, and parking, these are located at the ends of Crowell, Sherrill, Keziah,.Norton, Mercer, and McGlamery Streets. There is little or no demand for access to the salt marsh, and the designated access points at ' Barbee Boulevard and McGlamery Street are generally undeveloped. Because of numerous requests received in the resident survey of April 1985 for ' additional town recreational facilities and specifically a community center, the Town Board of Commissioners will explore this possibility as expressed on page 68. ' Commercial Land Use Yaupon Beach supports the development of low and medium density commercial ' development in those areas designated by the Zoning Ordinance. Because successful commercial enterprise to service permanent and seasonal residents of all three municipalities on Oak Island is an important source of income to the community, Yaupon Beach has adopted several goals, objectives, and strategies for protecting and enhancing this resource. These are given on the following pages. PROVISIONS OF SERVICES TO DEVELOPMENT Public Water Supply ' All development in Yaupon Beach is currently completely serviced with water. The cost of securing this water supply is borne by the users in the form of user charges. Solid Waste Disposal ' Yaupon Beach recognizes its role as the provider of solid waste disposal services for its residents. It is the policy of Yaupon Beach to have this service provided in an efficient, safe, and sanitary manner. In order to carry out his role, adequate means of final disposition must always be available. Yaupon Beach presently uses the County's "Southport Landfill" on Route 211. Yaupon Beach supports the County's participation in regional ' landfill projects so long as adequate landfill sites are retained, maintained, and guaranteed. -55 - Fire Protection Yaupon Beach supports. the Town's Volunteer Fire Department. The Town has cooperative fire protection arrangements with Long Beach and Caswell Beach and other communities and volunteer departments in the county. Rescue Squad Yaupon Beach does not operate a rescue squad of its own. However, the Town does contribute funds to the rescue squad in Long Beach. Yaupon Beach coordinates its volunteer fire department operations with Long Beach's rescue squad through the Long Beach Civil Preparedness Program. Public School System Yaupon Beach is served by a County wide School System. Yaupon Beach encourages continued and expanded multi —purpose use of these facilities for recreation and other purposes. New Development It is the policy of Yaupon Beach to encourage new development in areas which have full town service and infrastructure, no major flooding problems, septic tank suitability, and where there is no encroachment upon fragile areas. Transportation Yaupon Beach does not operate a transportation system for the elderly or handicapped. However, Yaupon Beach encourages the expansion of such existing programs within Brunswick County. Yaupon Beach supports the construction of a second bridge to Oak Island in mid —town Long Beach. Tourism Yaupon Beach will promote and encourage growth in its tourist industry. GROWTH PATTERNS The town is locked —in on all sides by other communities, the ocean, and the salt marsh. Development will continue in the form of "in —filling" of vacant lots. Extraterritorial rights and annexation are being studied for lands beyond the Intracoastal Waterway. Modifications to town policy will be required if these possibilities are found to be feasible at a later date. Provision of Service Urban growth and development will be directed to occur in areas where adequate services are available. Segregation Of Conflicting Land Uses Spatial segregation of conflicting land uses will be encouraged. — 56 — ' Recreation ' Yaupon Beach will work to provide recreation areas. Yaupon Beach also supports the development of a multi —purpose community center. The center could be used for indoor recreational purposes. The Town will work to maintain designated beach access points off Ocean Drive with proper dune ' protection, walkover bridges, adequate parking and signage, and receptacles for trash. I 11 Residential Development It is the policy of Yaupon Beach to limit residential development in the future to single—family structures in R-6 (6 units per acre), R-9 (4 units per acre), and R-15 (3 units per acre) zoning districts. The citizenry has stated that it would like Yaupon Beach to be more single—family, permanent residence oriented. This is a trend that has developed over the years as the community has grown, giving it a family —oriented, quiet residential beach reputation. Commercial Facilities Yaupon Beach supports its commercial and recreational activities and will work to make and keep them attractive and economically sound. Zoning It is the policy of Yaupon Beach to modify the zoning ordinance from time —to — time to improve its effectiveness of implementation as the Land Use Plan is updated, thereby insuring implementation of the plan. Growth Activities It is the policy of Yaupon Beach to monitor growth and its impacts to the best of its ability to assure that the environmentally sensitive areas (Areas of Environmental Concern) abutting its borders will be protected and enhanced. Storm Mitigation The prospects of major storms are always in the thinking of the elected officials and administration of the Town of Yaupon Beach. Mitigation and recovery are two major growth and development elements of hurricane/storm planning which relate directly to overall goals, objectives, planning, strategy, and policy. It is the policy of Yaupon Beach to mitigate as much as possible the human — made hazards of hurricanes and major storms through land use planning, land classification and code enforcement. The Vulnerability and Hazard Mitigation Policies expressed on pages 40 and 41 are hereby stated by reference. Airport Approach Zones A portion of Yaupon Beach is in an approach zone of the Brunswick County Airport. The Yaupon Beach Zoning Ordinance restricts building. heights to 35' to prevent interference with airport traffic. —ST— Marinas and Floating Homes There are no marinas or floating homes in Yaupon Beach. 11 D Energy Facilities The substation facilities of the Brunswick Electrical Membership Cooperative ' are situated on Country Club Drive (N.C. 133) to the south of the salt marsh. There are no energy generating facilities in the community. The Carolina ' Power and Light Company's Brunswick Nuclear Generating Plant is located on the mainland near Southport. Channel Maintenance Yaupon Beach is located next to waters that are maintained for navigation, namely, the Intracoastal Waterway which is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of ' Engineers. 1 1 —58- I 1 COMMUNITY APPEARANCE AND IMAGE The citizenry has expressed strong feelings about the overall appearance of the community, particularly in commercial sections. The policy statements are meant to assist in rectifying this legitimate concern. ICleanliness CI 1 1 I 1 I It is the policy of Yaupon Beach to encourage the maintaining of litter —free property by informing owners of unacceptable conditions and cleaning property at their expense if owners fail to act. Property Improvement It is the policy of Yaupon Beach to encourage the improvement of appearance of the community by sponsoring annual paint —up clean—up campaigns. ARCHITECTURAL COMPATIBILITY A function of appearance and image is compatibility of structures, color, and general siting. Residents of the town have stated that this is an issue to cope with. Appearance and Image It is the policy of Yaupon Beach to protect personal investments in property and to enhance the image of the community by insuring that compatibility in design, structure, and color is encouraged. Architectural Review Policy It is the policy of Yaupon Beach to review architectural renderings of new development in commercial areas to assure compatibility of new construction with existing structures to improve the image and appearance of the community. POLICY IMPLEMENTATION: GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND STRATEGIES Based upon (1) the analyses of population, housing, economy, land use, water supply, and sewage disposal and upon the various identified physical and natural constraints in Yaupon Beach, based upon (2) the expressed needs and desires of the citizenry as garnered through the 1985 survey, at the Town Hall meeting, and at open Town Commissioners' and Planning Board meetings, and based upon (3) stated policies of the Town Board of Commissioners, the following goals, objectives and strategies for the town have been developed by the Town Commissioners. Goals, objectives, and strategies are statements of the Town's intent to deal with the issues it faces through the implementation of its policies. It must be recognized that all goals cannot be met entirely early on, but priority can be given to them so that sequential progress can be made. — 59 — I. POPULATION GOAL STATEMENT To maintain and enhance a community atmosphere that fosters stability and promotes permanent residency, limiting population growth as practicable to 2750 total residents (950 permanent and 1800 seasonal) by the year 1995. Supporting Objectives A. Encourage a gradual growth within the limitations of land availability, water availability, septic tank suitability, environmental constraints, and Town financial ability. Strategies 1. Estimate the town's population annually and determine the ability of the existing infrastructure to meet adequately the needs of the residents. 2. Monitor closely the town's ability, relative to population increase, to provide quality services. 3. Consider the halting of building permit issuance if population growth exceeds the Town's ability to provide services and limitations in land availability. II. TOWN IMAGE GOAL STATEMENT To improve the appearance and image of Yaupon Beach. Supporting Objectives A. Emphasize the availability of town trash removal among residents so that they will know to call for this service when needed. B. Announce the Town's seriousness about cleaning vacant lots and removing debris, and advertise its policies about doing it for property owners and charging them fees for this activity when they are unwilling or unable to accomplish the task themselves. C. Establish an appearance commission by ordinance to work toward the improvement of the town's physical image. Strategies 1. Hold a town meeting to present the intent of the Town and to solicit ideas, direction, and support. 2. Ask for volunteers to serve on the appearance commission. 3. Appoint an appearance commission with staggered terms. —60— �1 1 I 1 I I CI 1 1 I I I 1 1 4. With the help of the citizens, set goals and objectives for enhancing the quality of development and compatibility in commercial and residential areas, especially along Yaupon Drive. 5. Prepare a plan for improving commercial sections first and then residential neighborhoods. 6. Work with merchants, groups of neighborhoods, public schools, and the church to promote the quality of appearance and development. 7. Seek out civic organization help and the assistance of the Towns of Caswell Beach and Long Beach to improve the appearance of the entrance to Oak Island from N.C. 133. D. Sponsor an annual spring paint —up clean—up week, led by merchants, school children and community leaders. Strategies 1. Establish a planning committee to oversee the organization of the effort. 2. Institute a Mayor's Proclamation for the week. 3. Provide a challenge stipend of funds, to be matched by the private sector, for use in promoting the week and daily activities related to it including the awarding of prizes. 4. Associate the week with an annual Town Hall meeting, festival, volunteer fire department fund raising, and fish fry/barbeque. E. Establish an architectural review process for commercial areas at first and then for residential development if found to be acceptable and appropriate. Strategies 1. Amend the Zoning Ordinance, or adopt a special ordinance, to include architectural review provisions where found to be crucial to town image and appearance. F. Increase the sensitivity of visitors and residents about town and beach cleanliness, and increase clean—up activities. Strategies 1. Situate more trash and litter receptacles in strategic locations. 2. Put out signs asking for help in keeping the beach, access areas, and the remainder of the town litter free. 3. Increase policing of problem litter areas by hiring, temporary help during the summer. — 61 — III. ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP GOAL STATEMENT ' To continue to protect and promote the enhancement of those fragile coastal environmental features which are a part of the town and in fact provide sustenance for the community's well—being, the state, and the world. Supporting Objectives A. Administer on a continuing basis in a conscientious manner the CAMA ' permitting responsibilities of the town. B. Continue to protect the dunes and their vegetation from destruction caused by construction by consistently enforcing town policies of at ' least 90 feet for construction behind the first line of vegetation. C. Continue to provide adequate access to the beach via signs and walkovers at strategic locations (street ends) with adequate parking. ' li D. Continue to maintain strict prohibition of vehicles on the beach. , E. Weigh the need to establish more accommodating access to the salt marsh from the designated access points at Barbee Boulevard and ' McGlamery Street. F. Continue to protect wetlands, estuarine waters, and public trust areas from uses that are not water dependent and from other ' incompatible uses which would be injurious to the salt marsh. G. Seek ways to promote the restoration of shellfishing in the marshes ' and to increase productivity. Strategies , 1. Work toward the institution of sewage treatment facilities as the demand increases, taking into consideration Farmers Home Administration and the Community Development Block Grant program ' of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as potential financial sources for this work. The Town will seek assistance from these agencies. ' 2. Prevent building construction near wetlands. 3. Increase lot sizes where practicable. ' ff. Establish restrictions for advertising and signage in the salt marsh. Strategies ' 1. Incorporate stipulations into the Zoning Ordinance that would ' regulate uses such as signs and billboards and other offensive uses in the salt marsh with retroactive provisions for the removal of existing signs. , — 62 I 7 1 t I. Continue to guard against non—functioning septic tank systems. Strategies 1. Strictly administer septic tank regulations, health code requirements, and subdivision regulations to prohibit development in areas where soil is poor and erosion is prevalent. IV. HURRICANE/STORM MITIGATION GOAL STATEMENT To prepare better for storm events. Supporting Objectives A. Provide more security for people and property in Yaupon Beach. Strategies 1. Adopt, and implement the hurricane/storm plan for the town. 2. Choose people, town employees and volunteers, for specific tasks as identified in the plan, as soon as possible. 3. Declare a storm awareness week with instructional meetings and displays. 4. Require and schedule annual rehearsals for all participants involved in the mitigation, evacuation, and recovery processes. B. Amend all codes of the town to bring them in line with the policy implementation elements of the Land Use Plan and specifically with the Hurricane/Storm Plan. Strategies 1. Rewrite portions of the zoning ordinance to bring them in line with measures promoted in the plan to mitigate storm damage. 2. Modify the zoning ordinance to insure that postdisaster reconstruction will be in accordance with the provisions, policies, goals, objectives, and strategies of the Land Use Plan. 3. Review the subdivision regulations and amend them as necessary to assure that they will be applicable to meet today's new design and development attitudes, possibilities, and standards set in the Land Use Plan in the event for the need of town redesign after a devastating storm. C. Implement faithfully the Vulnerability and Hazard Mitigation Policies proposal of the Hurricane/Storm Plan. — 63 — V. POST DISASTER RECOVERY GOAL STATEMENT To do all within the Town's capacity to bring the community back to normalcy within the context of the Land Use Plan. Supporting Objectives A. To instill confidence in the citizenry Strategies 1. Have in place a plan for recovery that is open and above board with information about the planning process available to all concerned. 2. Post bulletins at Town Hall and have standard information available for the people both in verbal and written form. 3. Establish communications facilities operations (public announcements via vehicles in neighborhoods, radio, and telephone). 4. Follow the plans that have been set wherever possible to avoid confusion. B. Conduct damage assessment surveys and analyses as soon as practicable. Strategies 1. Publish explanations of the survey system and what designation of structures means in terms of restoration, repair, and conformity to the Land Use Plan. 2. Designate space for short— and long—term emergency housing. 3. Prepare an Emergency Land Use Zoning Overlay so that people will understand what and where reparation may be carried out. 4. Appoint a damage assessment team so that it will be able to go into operation immediately. C. Establish an emergency licensing system for qualified contractors to work in the community. D. Establish a Disaster Aid Coordinator position for Yaupon Beach. Strategies 1. Identify the tasks of the coordinator. 2. Seek out persons with experience in the area. IMPiW I ' 3. Appoint a person and alternate so that they will be available and ready to work on call immediately. ' VI. EVACUATION GOAL STATEMENT ' To insure that evacuation of people from the community is effected in a timely manner. ' Supporting Objectives A. Keep in close contact and work cooperatively with the County and N.C. Division of Emergency Management. ' B. Monitor closely the reports of the U.S. Weather Bureau. ' C. Keep in radio and telephone contact with the Towns of Long Beach and Caswell Beach, necessitating a cooperative effort with these municipalities in evacuation, bridge use, and N.C. 133 access via ' Yaupon Drive and Country Club Drive. Strategies for Objectives A, B, and C 1. Institute an Oak Island emergency network meeting and workshop with Long Beach and Caswell Beach. ' 2. Talk over common evacuation problems and issues with these municipalities on a regular basis. 3. Identify common policy measures which would enhance smooth evacuation activities. 4. Evaluate required evacuation time to determine cooperative ' evacuation capacity policies. VII. RESIDENTIAL GOAL STATEMENT ' To provide permanent and seasonal housing opportunities for younger growing families, individuals, retirees, and the elderly. ' Supporting Objectives A. Promote the present residential character of Yaupon Beach, retaining ' Its appeal for.permanent residency including employees of local commercial and industrial enterprises and retirees. ' B. Foster the continuing development of single—family residential neighborhoods. Strategies 1. Through modifications of the zoning ordinance encourage single— family —type resort and retirement seasonal residency, discourage ' multi —family residential development --condominiums and apartments. ' — 65 — I C. Promote the infilling of platted vacant residential lots. Strategies 1. Identify lots where there are no environmental constraints such as low—lying, wet and flood areas. 2. Point out where all municipal infrastructure and services are available. 3. Show where there is septic tank use suitability. 4. Meet with realtors and developers to discuss the promotion of residential development in most suitable areas. D. Identify residences that are in a state of disrepair. See Town Image Goal Statement on pages 59 and 60. Strategies 1. Point up residential areas of the community or individual properties that need attention through the work of the proposed appearance commission. 2. Contact property owners and ask them to clean up their premises of litter, junk vehicles and appliances, and debris. 3. If there is no response over a given period of time, clean up the property at the owner's expense and bill them accordingly. E. Enhance the sanctity of residential neighborhoods by discouraging thru traffic along the traditional grid system of streets. See the Transportation Goal Statement on page 67. Strategies 1. Identify streets that can be closed with cul—de—sac applications. 2. Study flow on cross—town residential streets and discourage thru traffic through the use of "stop" and "yield" signage. VIII. COMMERCIAL GOAL STATEMENT To provide three types of commercial retail and service areas to meet the needs of permanent and seasonal residents, tourists, and vacationers. Supporting Objectives A. Encourage the concentration of commercial activities into three different areas. CI I 1 1 1 F ' Strategies ' 1. Concentrate commercial activities and needs of the permanent population into a more compacted central business area along Yaupon Drive. ' 2. Focus vacation and resort commercial activities in the commercial recreation area along Ocean Drive. ' 3. Provide for the placement of automobile oriented land uses along Country Club Drive. ' 4. Amend the Zoning Ordinance accordingly, with the 1985 Land Use Plan as the guide. a. Begin to move the extreme limits of the Central Business ' District in towards the center. b. Attempt to make the Central Business District wider, where ' vacant lots exist at first, and where property owners would be willing to sell and have their homes moved to more: appropriate locations. c. Create a Highway Business District along the west side of Country Club Drive from Yaupon Drive to the Intracoastal Waterway bridge causeway. d. Begin to pare down the size of the Recreation Commercial District to protect residential property values and to promote ' a more compact tourist business atmosphere. B. Begin a concerted, continuing effort to improve the appearance and r quality of commercial areas. Strategies ' 1. Meet with owners of businesses in Yaupon Beach to discuss how their enterprises can be enhanced to their.benefit and the community's. 2. Foster the formation of a merchants' association which would take up a number of issues that face the commercial community ' including: a. planning; b. parking and congestion; ' c, appearance and image; and d. surrounding competition and mutual support. ' 3. Prepare a plan for the improvement of the Central Business District, leading to compaction, convenience, better appearance, and improved access and parking, and general improvement of the local economy, working cooperatively with the proposed town appearance commission. ' — 67 — I IX. TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC GOAL STATEMENT ' To enhance access to employment, shopping, and personal services, to ' promote an unencumbered flow of traffic, and to accommodate parking in appropriate locations. Supporting Objectives ' A. Take the lead in supporting the construction of a second bridge to Oak Island at mid -town Long Beach. , Strategies 1. With officials of the Towns of Caswell Beach and Long Beach, meet ' with the local Highway Commissioner to discuss the issue and to seek out direction and support. 2. Contact the State Highway Division's Advance Planning staff to ' assist in the site location of a new bridge and to assist in the modification of the Thoroughfare Plans of the three communities. B. Separate thru traffic from parking traffic in Business Districts. Strategies 1. Amend the Zoning Ordinance to require that all new development in business districts be required to separate parking from traffic on ' Yaupon, Country Club, and Ocean Drives through the use of curb cuts and adequate parking access design. 2. Begin to rectify existing traffic/parking conflicts by amendment ' to the Zoning Ordinance through the requirement that after a certain date, some one-two years hence, that all property owners ' will have to modify their access points to Yaupon Drive, Country Club Drive and Ocean Drive to meet the minimum requirements for curb cuts and access. C. Discourage thru traffic in residential neighborhoods. ' Strategies 1. Choose several residential streets that have access to Country Club Drive in accordance with the proposals of the 1985 Land Use ' Plan and close them to thru traffic by redesigning them into culs- de-sac, deeding residual properties to abutting property owners or selling them at public auction. D. Explore ways to provide for better traffic flow on, and access from , residential streets to, Yaupon Drive. Strategies 1. Meet with Highway Division planners on these matters and seek out ' their help. - 68 - ' 2. Promote the changing of design and flow of traffic through the Yaupon Drive --Country Club Drive intersection providing for the ' right of way for Yaupon Drive high —volume traffic from Long Beach and for stopping low —flow traffic at the intersection from Caswell Beach. ' X. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION GOAL STATEMENT ' To establish a permanent, regular means of providing the citizenry with emphasized opportunities to express their opinions, ideas, suggestions, and compliments on town operations and affairs to the Town Board of Commissioners and Planning Board. ' Supporting Objectives 1 I I I 1 A. Hold an annual Town Hall meeting in the spring of each year, in conjunction with spring paint —up clean—up week, to air the feelings and ideas of the people, to inform them about "The State of the Town," and to solicit their suggestions for the future and the improvement of facilities and services. B. In the fall of every year, prepare and send out a questionnaire to seek further direction from residents with results to be published in the following spring in conjunction with the annual town meeting. C. Advertise Town Board of Commissioners and Planning Board meetings more heavily, encouraging citizens to attend, by giving the tentative agendas a week ahead of time in the newspaper. XI. PUBLIC SAFETY GOAL STATEMENT To provide the best fire, police, and rescue services possible within the means of Yaupon Beach. Supporting Objectives A. Explore the possibilities of extending police protection throughout the night. B. Patrol residential neighborhoods more frequently. C. Extend current studies for street lighting to meet newly expressed needs and desires of residents more comprehensively. XII. PARKS AND RECREATION GOAL STATEMENT To attempt to provide recreational facilities and programs needed and desired by residents with whatever money allotted for this purpose supplemented where possible by state and federal grant monies. Supporting Objectives A. Explore the possibilities of having a multi —purpose community center in Yaupon Beach. 1 —69 — Strategies 1. Weigh the advantages, disadvantages, costs, and funding sources. 2. List income producing activities (weddings, dinners, civic club activities, etc.). 3. Find sponsors and donors. 4. Seek out alternative sites. 5. Conduct a space needs/use potential study. 6. Decide upon action of construction. B. Identify lands in the town that can be utilized for both passive and active recreation purposes. Strategies 1. Publicize the requests made by the respondents to the 1985 town survey and point out the call for park facilities. 2. Emphasize what the value of green space and parks could be to Yaupon Beach. 3. Seek out civic and private co—sponsors for parks in the community. C. Continue to uphold the town policy on public access to the beach which provides rights —of —way with dune bridges, signage, fencing, and parking along Ocean Drive at the ends of Crowell, Sherrill, Keziah, Norton, Mercer and McGlamery Streets. D. After storms, identify parcels of land that would be unbuildable (unable to meet CAMA and local standards) due to newly developed constraints, and consider their appropriateness for public access to the beach and estuarine waters. XIII. INTERCOMMUNITY COOPERATION GOAL STATEMENT To assume initial leadership in exploring cooperative measures between Oak Island municipalities and Southport. Supporting Objectives A. Identify traffic flow and control as an issue and create a cooperative working relationship to rectify these. Strategies 1. Host an initial meeting with Mayors of Caswell Beach, Long Beach, and Southport. 2. Follow procedures identified in the Transportation Goal Statement. — 70 — ' B. Identify sewage collection and treatment as a common issue among Oak Island towns and proceed to work for rectification with a joint sewer authority as an alternative objective. C. As a cooperative unit of four municipalities, approach the Brunswick ' County Commissioners with proposals for establishing developmental plans and zoning controls along N.C. 133 and 211. Strategies 1. Establish a common working agreement for effecting this proposal among the mayors and boards of commissioners. ' 2. Seek out professional assistance to develop sound and acceptable proposals for presentation to the County Commissioners. XIV. WATER GOAL STATEMENT To monitor closely the increases of the consumption of water and to pay ' close attention to the increasing number of hookups to the system, assuring that adequate and safe water supply is maintained -as the town grows. Supporting Objectives ' A. Identify viable alternatives to augmenting the capacity of the system. Strategies 1. Weigh the merits of adjusting pumps to higher capacities from a current 125 GPM up to as high as the 170 GPM pump capabilities. ! 2. Consider pumping water from wells for longer periods of time each day. Currently times are running an average of 16 hours per day, ' measured from May 1984 to May 1985. 3. Estimate the advantages and disadvantages of using water from the Brunswick County system to which the town is already connected, tconsidering rate increases and interbasin transfer of water. 4. Look into longer range prospects such as adding wells, increasing ' pump capacity, and adding storage facilities. ' LAND CLASSIFICATION PURPOSE ' CAMA guidelines require that Yaupon Beach develop a classification map of land within its jurisdiction showing up to five classes and their subdivisions. The criteria for these classes are set forth in state guidelines, so that a coordinated, consistent expression of local policy at the large regional scale can be seen for coastal North Carolina. ' — 71 — C A land classification system is a means for implementing goals, objectives, and policies.. By delineating land classes on a map, the Town has specified those areas where certain policies (local, state, and federal) will apply. The map is merely a tool to help implement policies and not a strict regulatory mechanism. The land classification system provides a framework to identify the future use of all lands in the Town. The designation of land classes allows Yaupon Beach to illustrate its policy decisions as to where and to what density growth might occur, and where natural and cultural resources will be preserved. The map also provides the basis for development regulations and capital improvements programming and budgeting. On a regional scale, the Land Classification Map is used as the basis for regional plans and for the regional clearinghouse purposes of state and federal government. On a state and federal level, the local plans are used as a major component in the granting or denial of permits for various developments in the coastal area. State and federal agencies must be certain that plans and decisions relating to the use of federal or state funds are consistent with local governmental policies. Likewise, projects being undertaken by state and federal agencies themselves must be consistent with the local plans. RELATIONSHIP OF LAND CLASSIFICATION MAP TO POLICY STATEMENTS The Land Classification Map is a graphic representation of the policy statements formulated and adopted through the citizen participation process and planning workshops with the Town Board of Commissioners and Planning Board. The classification of land reflects existing development patterns as well as the desired pattern of development as reflected in the policy statements. For example, residential development, classified as a category of Transition, is designated for areas with existing urban facilities being those areas consistent with the town's policy of compact growth. The Transition Mixed Use Classification reflects the policy of the Town to guide commercial development in existing primarily commercially zoned areas. This category, however, is not prohibitive to residential, institutional, or recreational development if permitted by zoning and town policy. Since it is town policy to guide commercial development among three areas, Yaupon Drive, Country Club Drive, and Ocean Drive, the Transition Mixed Use is shown in these areas. Likewise, the Conservation Classification placement corresponds to the Town policy of prohibiting development in hazard areas due to danger from flooding, severe erosion, or bearing capacity or septic tank suitability. These areas can be seen along oceanfront and estuarine shorelines and marshlands. — 72 — I I 1 11 I I I I I 1 1 1 I I i 1 F-I LJ I LAND CLASSES The land classification system includes five broad classes which can be subdivided into more specific land use designations. The five general land classes are Developed, Transition, Community, Rural, and Conservation. Two of these classes are applicable to Yaupon Beach. They are Transition and Conservation. Transition The purpose of the Transition class is to provide for future intensive urban development within the ensuing ten years on lands that are most suitable and that will be scheduled for provision of necessary public utilities and services. The Transition lands also provide for additional growth when additional lands in the developed class are not available or when they are severely limited for development. Transition classes are the only lands under active consideration by Yaupon Beach for intensive urban development requiring urban services. The area within these classes is where detailed local land use and public investment planning continues to occur. State and federal expenditures on projects associated with urban development (water, sewer, streets, etc.) will be guided to these areas. The Transition class is divided into two types of use: a. Transition Residential includes the areas with partial municipal facilities most suited for residential development. b. Transition Mixed Use includes those areas provided with partial municipal services, yet more suitable for a wide range of activity including commercial, recreational, and office and institutional uses, often because of their location to main traffic arteries. Conservation The purpose of the Conservation class is to provide for effective long—term management of significant limited or irreplaceable areas. This management may be needed because of its natural, cultural, recreational, productive or scenic values. These areas should not be identified as transition lands in the future. The Conservation class in Yaupon Beach is applied to lands that contain: major wetlands —essentially undeveloped shorelands that are unique, fragile, or hazardous for development or necessary wildlife habitat or areas that have a high probability for providing necessary habitat conditions. Classification Plan The projected permanent and seasonal population for Yaupon Beach in 1995 is the primary input used in the preparation of the Land Classification Map. The Transition class allocations are all directly related to the expected population level in 1995. The Conservation category is the only class which is in no way related to population, but is allocated based on completely independent criteria. — 73 — In accordance with State Guidelines requirements, the priorities for ' allocation to the Transition category included those areas which have experienced septic tank problems and/or face potential public health threats in terms of contamination of on —site wells or pollution of estuarine waters to ' which much existing residential development is adjacent. Another priority provides for inclusion of more areas where future development is expected and can be clustered through the provision of services. In Yaupon Beach these ' areas are also where lands are located along existing water and proposed sewer service corridors where higher density development can be expected. The Transition —Mixed Use category was allocated to those areas meeting the above criteria but, more specifically, allowing for a variety of land uses such as residential, commercial, recreational and institutional. , In contrast to the above category, the Transition Residential Category, while meeting all the same location criteria of a Transition Class, would allow only for residential development. ' CHANGES IN CLASSIFICATION FROM 1981 Six changes have been made on the Land Classification Map for Yaupon Beach , since 1981. These are reflected on the 1985 map which follows and which are described below. The changes are indicative of the dynamics of growth and development in Yaupon Beach between 1981 and 1985. Change 91 All lands to the east of Country Club Drive shall henceforth be classified as Transition Residential. All parcels are zoned R-15 Residential. Change U2 , All those parcels fronting on the east side of McGlamery Street and backing on highway business properties on the west side of Country Club Drive, between the salt marsh and the northern tier of lots on Yaupon Drive, shall henceforth be classified as Transition Mixed —Use. In this block of land which is zoned CBD Central Business District is located land being used for storage by the , electrical cooperative. Also there are vacant lands with potential for commercial development here. Change 03 ' The entire block bounded by Yaupon Drive, Country Club Drive, McDougle and ' McGlamery Streets is henceforth classified as Transition Mixed —Use. Currently this parcel is zoned CBD and is earmarked for commercial development in the near future. ' Change p4 Two parcels zoned R-9 on Norton Street, abutting commercial property on Yaupon ' Drive to the south and residential property to the north, and Town property to the west, are henceforth classified as Transition Residential. — 74 — , Change 05 ' All properties fronting on both sides of Ocean Drive between 79th Street (Long Beach) on the west and Barbee Boulevard on the east are henceforth classified as Transition Residential, including one lot fronting on Barbee Boulevard. ' The first block on the west, between 79th Street and Crowell Street, is zoned R-6 Residential. The other two, between Crowell Street and Barbee Boulevard, are zoned CR Commercial Recreation with all occupied properties in residential use. One parcel has a vacant/for sale commercial building on it. ' Change d6 ' One block of properties fronting on Ocean Drive between Norton and Mercer Streets, with two additional abutting lots fronting on these two streets, respectively are henceforth classified as Transition Residential. All these properties are currently zoned R-9 Residential and are used for residential purposes where occupied. I I I I — 75 — - 9L - I 11 l I 1 F A SURVEY -- QUESTIONS CONCERNING YAUPON BEACH 1. I am a ( )Permanent or ( )Seasonal Resident. [Please check one] ' 2. 1 work in [Geographic location] 3. I am ( )retired but am working ( )part time ( )full time. [Please check] ' 4. Number of persons living in my home _ [Permanent] Males _ Ages Females _ Ages 5. Number of pets in my home. Dogs _ Cats _ Other _ 6. What characteristics does Yaupon Beach have that make it a desirable place in which to live? 7. What undesirable conditions are there in Yaupon Beach? S. What do you consider to be the major problems facing Yaupon Beach? ' 9. For you, is the Town: ( )Growing too fast ( )Growing too siowly ( )Growing at the right pace ( )Yaupon Beach has grown enough Comments: ' 10. What type of growth should be encouraged or discouraged? 1 ENCOURAGED DISCOURAGED ENCOURAGED DISCOURAGED ENCOURAGED DISCOURAGED Permanent Residential Multi -family _ Seasonal Residential Condominiums _ Single Family Dwellings Mobile Homes Duplexes Commercial Industrial Tourist Business 11. Please rate Town services and facilities: 1 is worst and 5 is best. [Please circle one] Town Management 1 2 3 4 5 Building Inspection 1 2 3 4 5 Rescue Service 1 2 3 4 5 Other 1 2 3 4 5 Water Service Price 1 2 3 4 5 Zoning Protection 1 2 3 4 5 Street Maintenance 1 2 3 4 5 Water Quantity 6 Quality 1 23 4 5 Planning 1 2 3 4 5 Street Lighting 1 2 3 4 5 Garbage and Refuse Service 1 2 3 4 5 Fire Protection 1 2 3 4 5 Traffic Congestion 1 2 3 4 5 Recreational Facilities 1 2 3 4 5 Police Protection 1 2 3 4 5 Parking 1 2 3 4 5 12. What improvements do you feel are needed in present services? ' 13. What other services and facilities should the Town provide? 14. As population increases, more public services and facilities will need to be provided by Yaupon Beach Town Government. These could include water, sewer, streets, and services as sanitation, administration of zoning and inspection, and fire and police protection. Now do you believe that new public services and facilities should be financed? 1 ( ) Assessment of property owners, meaning that the bills would be paid proportionally by those benefiting. ( ) Taxation, meaning that facilities and services would be paid for out of the general tax fund to which all property owners contribute. ( ) User fees and bond financing, meaning that the Town could borrow the money (bonds) and pay back the loan through billing for services and facility use. ' Comments: - 77 - 15. She IIfishing areas next to Yaupon Beach are closed due to pollution. What measures would you support to clean-up these areas and open them again to harvesting? ' ( ) Construction of sewage treatment facilities and installing sewerage ( ) Prevention of building construction near wetlands (75 feet) ' ( ) Increase lot sizes for all new construction ( ) Other, please explain: 16. Do you believe that Yaupon Beach is well prepared for hurricane and flood evacuation? ' ( )Yes ( )No Comments: 17. Beach erosion continues at a rate of 3-5 feet per year in Yaupon Beach. It is estimated that new buildings ' constructed on the ocean front can have a life expectancy of up to 30 years if they are set back at least 90 feet from the first line of vegetation. Is this a good policy for Yaupon Beach? , ( ) It should remain as is and continue to be enforced ( ) It should be repealed ( ) People should be able to build closer to the water, but no public funds should be used to clean-up debris ' resulting from damage and destruction, and federal flood insurance should not be made available to the owners. ( ) Other: , 18. What kind of recreational facilities does Yaupon Beach need? ( )A community center ( )Programs for youth ( )Programs for the elderly ( )Park areas ( )Other: ' 19. Would you support the construction of an additional bridge on the island? ( )Yes, on the west end ( )Yes, in midtown Long Beach ( )No Comments: 20. If there were a proposal to consolidate the Towns of Caswell Beach, Long Beach, and Yaupon Beach, would you be ' 1n favor? ( )Yes Under what conditions? ( )No Comments: 21. What basic cooperative efforts could be performed by 2 or all 3 of the municipalities? ( )Safety ( )Rescue ( )Government ( )Inspections ( )Traffic Control ( )Evacuation Comments: 22. What should Caswell Beach, Long Beach, and Yaupon Beach be doing to be better neighbors? Comments: 23. What should Brunswick County be doing to protect the entrance to Oak Island from poor development patterns and 'I tacky uncontrolled land uses? What should Caswell Beach, Long Beach, and Yaupon Beaches do together? Comments: ' li 24. Would you be willing to pay higher taxes for the suggestions you have made in the above? ( )Yes ( )No ' THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION AND GOOD CITIZENSHIP! ' Results will be posted at Town Hall in the near future. You are invited to attend a Town meeting at Ocean View United Methodist Church on Yaupon Drive on Tuesday, ' April 16, 1985 at 7 P.M. to discuss issues about the future of Yaupon Beach. - 78- ' A SURVEY -- QUESTIONS CONCERNING YAUPON BEACH A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS April 1985 March 1980 Comments 1. Number of Respondents 1. Number of Respondents The difference in participating permanent and seasonal respondents is difficult to explain. Permanent 88 Permanent64 The 1980 survey was in March, and the 1985 Seasonal 19 Total 107 Seasonal 55 Total 109 survey was taken in Early April. Easter fell on April 6 in 1980 and April 7 in 1985. Weather, timing of distribution, and increased population, certainly figure into the situations 2. Place of Work 2. Place of Work Yaupon Beach - 10 Immediate Area 30 Southport - 8 Other 72 i Brunswick Co. - 5 J Long Beach - 3 Oak Island - 2 Wilmington - 2 i Boiling Springs Lakes - 2 Smithville Township - 1 New Orleans - 1 Baltimore - 1 3. Respondents' Status Over half of the 1985 respondents were retired indicating the appeal of Yaupon Beach Retired 57 as a permanent place to live. but working parttime 3 working fulltime 7 April 1985 March 1980 Comments 4. Average Number per Household - Age and Sex of Respondents Permanent 2.7 41 males, Ave. Age 32.7 42 females, Ave. Age 29.9 Seasonal 2.6 17 males, Ave. Age 43.2 11 females, Ave. Age 49.6 Retired 1.9 57 males, Ave. Age 64.3 60 females, Ave. Age 63.9 5. Pets 1 Dogs 40 CD CD Cats 42 Other O 6. Desirable Characteristics [most mentioned of 231 entries] 1. Quiet, peaceful, slow pace - 38 2. Friendly people - 27 3. Small town feeling/size - 26 4. Family oriented - 21 5. The ocean and beach - 17 6. Mostly permanent residential - 13 7. Uncrowded - 11 8. Weather/climate - 8 '9. No high-rises and condos - 7 10. Safety/police protection - 6 11. Trees - 4 11. No mobile homes - 4 11. Not commercialized - 4 12. Uncrowded beach - 3 12. Convenient shopping - 3 12. Good fishing - 3 12. Efficiently run town - 3 12. Convenient location - 3 3. Number of Persons in your Home 7 homes - 1 person 76 homes - 2 persons 11 homes - 3 persons 2.0 persons per household 4. Age and Sex of Respondents Male 0-25 - 11 Female 0-25 - 5 26-40 - 13 26-40 - 9 41-65 - 27 41-65 - 26 65* - 19 65+ - 12 2. Desirable Characteristics of Yaupon Beach Family oriented - 57 Friendly people - 32 Beach - 24 Both permanent and seasonal average household populations for 1985 are considerably higher than the figure for 1980. Community growth including permanent younger families may be a factor, but retired households showed less than two people per unit. Ninety-seven percent of the pets of respondents were found to be in permanent households. Generally, the same desirable characteristics were identified in 1980 and 1985. with family orientation dropping from first to fourth place. The increasing number of permanent retired people moving in, replacing vacationing families with children, could be a factor here. April 1985 7. Undesirable Conditions [most mentioned of 153 entries] 1. Poor appearance of Yaupon Drive - 38 2. Traffic (access, lights, congestion) - 30 3. Messy looking areas (junk, unkept properties, etc.) - 18 4. Loose dogs and cats - 11 S. Too much construction/overcrowding - 9 6. Too much litter - 8 7. Better police protection - 7 8. Street maintenance and paving - 7 9. Street and ditch drainage - 4 10. Beach erosion - 4 11. People moving in and trying to control our growth - 2 11. Hurricane hazard - 2 11. Remove stumps from the beach i 11. Sewerage - 2 11. Better debris pick-up - 2 8. Major Problems [most mentioned of 200 entries] 1. Traffic problems - 34 2. Sewerage/treatment plant - 18 3. Beach erosion - 11 4. Stop lights on Yaupon Drive - 8 5. Storm drainage - 6 6. Another bridge - 5 6. Commercial and resort business crowding - 5 7. Developer greed - 2 7. Street lights - 2 7. Wider streets - 2 7. Refuse pick-up - 2 7. Four -lane Yaupon Drive - 2 7. More fire hydrants - 2 7. Summertime growth - 2 7. Spin-off problems from condos in Caswell Beach - 2 7. Stumps on the beach - 2 March 1980 Comments 3. Undesirable Conditions Appearance, traffic, and unleashed pets became the leading undesirable condition over the past five years, indicating that quality 1. Litter - 36 growth is becoming an important issue. The 2. Odor from fish factory - 30 fish factory has ceased operations. 3. Streets - 20 4. Inadequate public services - 20 1. Major Problems 1. Erosion - 41 2. Public Services - 16 3. Litter - 15 4. Sewerage Facilities - 11 Traffic issues and the fear of indiscriminate location of multifamily dwellings have moved up to the top of the list in 1985 with the need for sewerage and waste treatment. April 1985 9. Growth Rate [103 entries] 1. Growing at the right pace - 43 42 percent 2. Growing too fast - 30 29 percent 3. Has grown enough - 27 26 percent 4. Growing too slowly - 3 3 percent 10. Type of Growth for Yaupon Beach Encourage Discourage 96 Permanent Residential 0 95 Single Family Dwellings 0 50 Seasonal Residential 24 50 Tourist Business 38 40 Commercial 47 29 duplexes 65 9 Multi -family 89 8 Condominiums 90 1 5 Mobile Homes 89 Co 1 Industrial 83 N I 11. Rating Town Services: 1 is worst, and 5 is best 1 2 3 4 5 Town Management 8 7 29 22 24 Water Service Price 3 7 12 20 57 Water Quality and Quantity 5 10 22 21 42 Garbage and Refuse Service 3 2 15 17 61 Recreational Facilities 36 12 26 10 8 Building Inspection 8 7 35 17 17 Zoning Protection 8 6 54 20 12 Planning 10 10 49 23 7 Fire Protection 1 4 12 30 52 Police Protection 5 7 15 26 45 Rescue Service 2 4 15 19 49 Street Maintenance 17 13 35 16 14 Street Lighting 22 10 23 20 17 Traffic 37 23 21 10 6 Parking 16 17 32 16 13 March 1980 Comments Although 42 percent of the population feels that the Town is growing at a reasonable rate, some 55 percent think that growth is too fast or there has been enough. 6. Type of Growth for Yaupon Beach There has been little change in the feelings between the respective groups of respondents Encourage Discourage from 1980 to 1985.. Two areas of some change, however, are Seasonal Residential where 80 Permanent Residential 2 significantly more want to discourage it in 75 Single Family Dwellings 3 1985 and Commercial where more people would 63 Seasonal Residential 5 like to have better shopping opportunities in 49 Tourist Business 29 town. 25 Duplexes 36 24 Commercial 50 18 Condominiums 60 9 Multi -family 58 4 Industrial 65 7. Rating Town Services: Confidence in Town management has increased I is worst, and 5 is best in general, with the desire for recreational facilities and programs remaining the highest 1 2 3 4 5 by far. The new category of traffic gives the Town bad marks, with street maintenance, Town Management 11 12 22 13 13 lighting and parking as priority concerns in Water Service Price 6 3 8 17 50 1985. Water Quality and Quantity 7 5 16 11 25 Refuse Service 6 1 7 16 3 Recreation 28 15 14 5 3 Building Inspection 12 11 26 8 6 Zoning Administration 19 9 26 2 7 Planning 13 11 26 7 2 Fire Protection 7 5 17 18 26 Police Protection 7 5 22 16 28 Streets 22 13 22 16 4 April 1985 March 1980 12. Improvements Needed in Present Services 8. Additional Services Needed 6 [most mentioned of 178 entries] 13. Other Services and Facilities Needs 1. Sewerage - 16 2. Parks/ recreation/community center - 15 3. Trash pick-up - 15 3. Traffic lights - 13 3. Street maintenance/paving - 13 4. All-night police/ better coverage - 11 S. Water quality - 9 5. Street lights - 9 5. Storm drainage - 9 6. Littering control - 8 6. Speed limits - 8 6. Beach access (toilets, fountains, etc.) - 8 6. Beach cleanup - 8 7. Clean-up vacant lots - 4 7. Bridge - 4 14. Financing Public Service [110 entries] Improvements 1. User fees and bond financing - 49 44 percent 2. Taxation - 36 33 percent 3. Assessment - 25 23 percent 15. Shellfishing Area Cleanup [155 entries] 1. Building construction prevention - 64 41 percent 2. Construction of sewage treatment facilities - 60 39 percent 3. Increase lot sizes - 31 20 percent 1. Improved sewerage and trash cleanup - 12 2. Fix streets --paving and repair - 6 3. More recreational facilities - 5 4. Life guards on beach in summer 4 5. Fire hydrants - 2 5. Financing Public Facilities 1. User charges/bond financing - 56 2. Taxes - 43 3. Property owner assessment - 21 4. Shellfishing Area Cleanup 1. Construction of sewage treatment facilities - 72 2. Building construction prevention - 56 3. Increase lot sizes - 27 Comments Sewerage and treatment facilities, recreation, trash, and street maintenance remain as prominent concerns of the residents. Traffic lights, police protection, street lighting, water quality and storm drainage have entered into the picture in 1985 along with beach issues and residential speed limits. Little change of opinion from 1980 to 1985. Little change of opinion from 1980 to 1985. April 1985 March 1980 Comments 16. Hurricane Preparedness [94 entries] 1. Yes - 64 68 percent 2. No - 30 32 percent 17. Building on the Beaches [96 entries] 1. Policies should remain and be enforced - 71 2. People should be able to build, but no help to clean up - 22 3. Policies repeal - 3 18. Recreational Needs [135 entries] 1. Community center - 43 2. Parks - 41 3. Elderly programs - 26 4. Youth programs - 25 9. Hurricane Preparedness 1. Yes - 51 72 percent 2. No - 20 28 percent 10. Beach Renourishment Projects - Yaupon Beach support 1. Finance portion of cost - 24 2. Provide barrow and spoil areas - 16 3. Provide work easements - 13 11. Building on the Beaches 1. Policies should remain as is and be enforced - 57 2. People should be able to build closer with flood ins. - 14 3. The requirements should be cancelled - 5 12. Off road vehicles on the beach 1. No - 71 2. 4-wheel drive only - 3 13. Beach access problems 1. improve parking - 44 2. Construct dune walkovers - 36 14. Recreational Needs 1. Community center - 48 2. Youth program - 34 3. Increase park areas - 34 4. Elderly programs - 29 Slight change of opinion possibly resulting from experiences in Hurricane Diane of 1984. The responses are virtually the same in 1980 and 1985. Vehicles are not allowed on the beaches in 1985. Walkovers were constructed in February and March, and parking improvements are in the offing. Park facilities moved into a very strong second place in 1985. just two points from tying for first. Overall, nest to traffic and 'downtown' appearance, recreational needs have become more prominent since 1980. This indicates that little or no progress has been made in this area by the Town and that permanent residency is increasing. April 1985 19. Construct a Bridge [109 entries] 1. Yes, mid -town Long Beach - 68 62 percent 2. Yes, west end Long Beach - 29 27 percent - 89 percent 3. No - 12 11 percent 20. Consolidation of Yaupon, Long and Caswell Beaches [107 entries] 1. No - 63 59 percent 2. Yes - 44 41 percent 21. Cooperative Efforts Needed on Oak Island [257 entries] 1. Evacuation - 64 2. Safety - 61 2. Rescue - 61 3. Traffic control - 57 CD 4. Government - 34 Ln 5. Inspections - 32 22. What should the three towns do to be better neighbors? [most mentioned of 27 entries] 1. Neighborly consideration and cooperation - 11- 2. One Oak Island/Consolidate - 6 3. Communications with each with each on regular basis - 5 4. Hold joint meetings on a regular basis - 3 4. Joint fire, police, and rescue service - 3 S. Establish consistency in government and zoning - 2 March 1980 Comments 15. A Bridge at West End of Oak Island The bridge issue showed a great change from 1980 to 1985. Nine of every ten respondents 1. Yes - 52 66 percent want another bridge to Oak island, with their 2. No - 26 34 percent preference being for its location at midtown Long Beach. 10. Merging of Caswell Beach, Yaupon Beach Opposition to consolidating the three towns and Long Beach on Oak Island increased primarily because respondents feel that the other two have many 1. No - 55 52 percent problems and a different philosophy about 2. Yes - 51 48 percent growth and the future. Although opposition to consolidation has stiffened, the respondents believe that there are a number of areas where there is need for cooperation between the three towns. When asked about their own ideas about what to do for better cooperation, respondents were hard pressed for suggestions with only 27 entries. April 1985 23. What Brunswick County Should Do to Protect the Oak Island Entrance [most mentioned of 42 entries] 1. The County should adopt zoning - 21 2. All three towns and Southport should work for zoning - 10 3. Annexation and control - 9 3. Widen N.C. 133 - 9 4. Control unsightly signs - 2 24. Will You Pay Higher Taxes to Support Your Suggestions? [104 entries] 1. Yes - 71 68 percent 2. No - 33 32 percent March 1980 Comments Several respondents believe that it is too late to protect N.C. 133 from unplanned development. but the response was to encourage Brunswick County to zone the area through a concerted effort with the help of Southport. Annexation of those areas nearest to Yaupon Beach was also proposed. More than 2 to 1 of the respondents said they would be willing to pay higher taxes to support their desires. NINETEEN DISASTER AID SOURCES ' A. Aid to Major Sources of Employment Agency: Small Business Administration and Farmers Home Administration ' Type of Assistance: After a Presidential declaration of a disaster, loans are made to any industrial or commercial enterprise which has constituted a major source of employment in the area and which is no longer in ' substantial operation. B. Economic Injury Disaster Loans Agency: Small Business Administration Type of Assistance: After a Presidential declaration of emergency, ' disaster loans may be made to pay current liabilities which could have been paid if the disaster had not occurred. ' C. Debris Removal Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency ' Type of Assistance: After a Presidential declaration of emergency, grants may be made to State or local governments for the removal of debris and wreckage. Federal agencies may be requested to arrange for the debris ' removal. D. Emergency Protective Measures ' Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency Type of Assistance: Emergency assistance to provide protective measures to ' save lives, remove health and safety hazards and to protect property. E. Emergency Relief for Federal Aid Roads ' Agency: Federal Highway Administration, N.C. Department of Transportation ' Type of Assistance: After a declaration of emergency by the Governor, funds may be provided through the State Highway Division for the repair of damaged elements of Federal —aid highways. ' F. Food, Water and Shelter Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency ' Type of Assistance: After a Presidential declaration of emergency, specialists may be sent to survey the availability of food and shelter and ' to supervise the distribution of these items. G. Public Transportation ' Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency ' — 87 Type of Assistance: After a Presidential declaration of emergency, transportation can be provided to governmental offices, supply centers and other necessary locations. H. Flood Fighting and Rescue Operations Agency: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Type of Assistance: Specialized emergency assistance in all phases of flood fighting and rescue operations to supplement local efforts. I. Protection of Essential Highways, Bridge Approaches and Public Works Agency: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Types of Assistance: Specialized services for designing and constructing bank protection of highways and bridges endangered by floods and erosion. J. Crisis Counseling Assistance Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency with the Public Health Service Type of Assistance: After a Presidential declaration of emergency, professional counseling services will be made available to disaster victims. K. Adjustments to Federal Loans — HUD Agency: Department of Housing and Urban Development Types of Assistance: After a Presidential declaration of emergency, HUD may authorize the refinancing of any note or obligation which is held by that agency in connection with any HUD loan. L. Adjustments to Federal Loans — VA Agency: Veterans Administration Types of Assistance: After a Presidential declaration of emergency, counseling and other services are available to property owners holding VA loans who suffered property damage as a result of the storm. M. Mortgage Insurance Agency: Office of Housing, Department of Housing and Urban Development Types of Assistance: After a Presidential declaration of emergency, victims of the storm may receive insured loans to purchase single—family housing. N. Temporary Housing Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency —gg— Types of Assistance: After a Presidential declaration of an emergency, individuals may receive temporary housing in the form of government, ' private and commercial resources or grants for repairs to damaged structures. 0. Food Distribution Program — Emergency Assistance Agency: Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture Type of Assistance: Victims of the disaster may receive food commodities ' for mass feeding programs. P. Food Stamp Program — Emergency Issue Agency: Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture ' Type of Assistance: Victims are eligible for emergency food stamps. Q. Individual and Family Grants Agency: The State of North Carolina funded by Federal Emergency Management after a request from the Governor. Type of Assistance: Individuals or families may receive grants of up to $5,000 to meet disaster —related expenses. ' R. Legal Services Agency: State Bar Association ' Type of Assistance: After a Presidential declaration of emergency, low income residents may receive legal services if needed. S. Physical Disaster Loans Agency: Small Business Administration ' Types of Assistance: After a Presidential declaration of emergency, direct loans are available to repair property damaged in the storm. Loans can be ' made to homeowners, renters, businesses, and churches. ' — 89 NOTICE OF INTEREST Form AOFIFwe e s Mu. m41.R067a FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FEMA DECLARATION NUMBER DISASTER RESPONSE AND RECOVERY DATE NOTICE OF INTEREST Firs NUMBER JN APPLY NG FOA FEDERAL DIS4STEJt A=STANCE The purpose of this form Is W list the damap s to property and facilities so that inspectors may be appropriately assigned for a formal survey. REOUIREMENTS FOR FEDERAL DAMAGE SURVEY$ A. DEBRIS CLEARANCE F. PUBLIC UTILITY SYSTEMS O On Public Roads A Streets including ROW ❑ Water O Storm Drainage O Other Public Property O Sanitary Sewerage O Light/Power O Private Property (When undertaken by O Other' local Govemmenr forces) Q Structure Demolition B. PROTECTIVE MEASURES G. FACILITIES UNDER CONSTRUCTION 8 O Lift and Safety ❑ Health O Public Facilities• O Property O Stream/Drainage Channels ❑ Private Non•Profrt Facilities" C. ROAD SYSTEMS H. PRIVATE NON-PROFIT FACIL ESF e O Roads O Streets O Educational O Medical ❑ Bndges O cwvtru O Emergency O Custodial Care O Traffic Control O Other* ❑ Utility D. WATER CONTROL FACDJTIES L OTHER (Not in above categories) O Dikes O levees O Dann O Park Facilities O Drainage Channels ❑ Eruption Works O Recreational Facilities E. PUBUC BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT O Public Buildings O Supplies or inventory O Vehicles or other equipment O Transportation Systems O Higher Education Facilities • IINbN rype Of feealry. re /rpUMr "me Of o r (many end Of Fr11eR RewFNJlr OMIfI. NAME ANO TITLE OF REPRESENTATIVE WHO WILLACCOM►ANY THE SURVEY TEAM. NAME OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OR ELIGIBLE APPLICANT COUNTY 11 BUSINESS ADDRESS ZI• CODE BUSINESS TELEPHONE (Aber code/Number) HOME TELEPHONE (ANO Code/Number) 3 APPLICANT'S AUTHORIZED RE1RLIEMATIVE SuSiNEss TELEPHONE rANe Code/Numb") 4 FEMA FORM BOY 13/00) —90— DAMAGE SURVEY REPORT FWM AM o.W OMe NO. 3067-0027 [1 11 FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY DAMAGE SURVEY REPORT 5 DISASTER RESPONSE AND RECOVERY ISrr brrnocw" rot IOrwul 3. DECLARATION NO. PIMA 4. INSPECTION DATE 1. TO M# .REGION FEDERAL EMERGENCY YAMAOEMENT AO[NCY 6. WORK ACCOMPLISHED BY ❑ CONTRACT ❑ FORCE ACCOUNT 2. APPLICANT 13ba Afwwr, Crwnrr, Oty. rmU 1 PA NO. t T. WORK CATEGORY ! X-APPIX461r /ail OSR NO. ❑ EMERGENCY O A ❑ B ❑►ERMANENT ❑C ❑O ❑E OF OG ❑II ❑1 1 100001 6. PERCENTAGE OF WORK COMPLETED TO DATE % A. DAMAGED FACILITIES fLonfion. iOonti/iJsr/on rn00r¢rlptionl BA. FACILITY IN OR AFFECTS FLOOD PLAIN OR WIT LANDS ❑ YES O NO B. DESCRIPTION OF DAMAGE 10. SCOPE OF PROPOSED WORK it. ESTIMATED COST OF PROPOSED WORK QUANTITY Ir1 UNIT IDI MATERIAL AND/OR DESCRIPTION UNIT PRICE -- I - COST (oartrn) Irl 12. EXISTING INSURANCE (Type) 1 `MOUNT TOTAL No S 13, R E COMMENDATION B r F EDE RAL INS►E CTOR IStpwrvrr, AMner. ortr) ELIGIBLE ❑ YES ❑ NO ATTACHMENTS 14. CONCURRENCE IN REPORT BY STATE INSPECTOR (Sfttrrun, AffmV. OrN) CONCUR .❑ YES O NO ATTACHMENTS j 15- CONCURRENCE IN REPORT BY LOCAL REP ENTATIVE fSfrtrrurr,Afrner,01,11 CONCUR O YES O NO ATTACHMENTS rFTiDERAL REVIEW fSprrrlrr6 Afrney, IYtr/ FEMA REVIEW f/nittuirnO Ortrl 1 FEMA fr.M FVOJ, JAN O1V Ortttwir avu rvm.", - 91 - COPY 1 • FERIA EFGION INSTRUCTIONS 1. 7be Damage Survey Report (DSR) is not a Federal approval of this proposed project and does not obligate Federal funds. DSR's are field recommendations rrbich are attached as supporting justification to the applicant's project application, which must be approved by the Governor's Authorised Representative and the FEMA Regional Director. 71e applicant can be given no assurance of Federal reimbursement for any of the proposed work prior to approval of the project appli• cation by the Regional Director. 2. Use this form for the Federal Inspector's Damage Survey Report when required for emergency assistance, debris removal, temporary housing, or permanent repairs, replacement, or other restorative work. Separate DSR's will be prepared for emergency and for permanent work. S. 7be Federal Impactor will attach properly captioned and eras referenced maps, sketches, or photo&, as necessary to locate or describe the damages and the proposed scope of work Additional sheets reporting comments by the DSR team members or any other pertinent Information may be attached by the Federal Inspactor to the original DSR. 4. Description of damages and "Scope of Proposed Work" should be stated In quantitative terms. For example, provide estimated quantities of debris removal or earth movement In cubic yards or tons; provide paving estimates In square feet or square yards; and provide principal dimensions of bridge&, retaining walls or other structures as appropriate. 6. 7be Federal Inspector will attach his comments on each question of eligibility that ari"L He should contact the Regional Director forguidaoce when necassM. 6. Cost estimates must be realistic; bond on local conditions for the eligible scope of work without any contingency allowances. Cast breakdown should be sufficiently detailed for professional reviser including deductions such as savage or insurance when appropriate. Under DSR Item 12 record the type of insurene v coverage in force such as flood or casualty. 7. Under DSR Item 16, the "Federal Review" will be accomplished normally at the FEMA field office by a Federal engineer designated by the Regional Director. 7be FEMA review will be accomplished prior to distribution of the completed DSR's as indicated below. Based on these DSR reviews, a Federal Impactor may be acquired to correct errors in the DSR or to repeat field inspections when necessary. !. 7Lree copies of the DSR will be completed and signed at the time of the inspection. 71ie applicant's representative will retain copy S. 7be Federal Impact= will submit copy 1 to the Regional Director for review and copy g for automated data entry. 7be Regional Director will distribute two reproduced copies of the reviewed DSR to the Ooveroor's Authorised Representative and two reproduced copies to the Federal agency wbieb provided the impactor. 7be original (copy 1) will be ratelned for TMA record Me. 9. Force Account In Item 6 means work performed by Applicant's own forces. [_1 L JI I' 11 — 92 — �J ' SAMPLE RESOLUTION WHEREAS, on the day of , 19_9 the President declared a "major disaster" in the State of under the provisions of Public Law 288, 93rd Congress, an ' WHEREAS, , is a public entity within said State; NOW THEREFORE, Be it Resolved, by Governing Body of that the Federal Emergency Management Public Entity Agency hereby is requested to arrange to have the appropriate Federal Agency perform the following work: ' (Describe the work or other assistance requested) This body certifies that: (1) lacks resources and is unable to perform the requested work with its own forces, or by contract, for reasons shown in the attached statement; and (2) to the best of its knowledge and belief, the requested work is eligible under Public Law 288, 93rd Congress. ' This body agrees to: (1) provide without cost to the United States all lands, easements, and rights -of -way necessary to accomplishment of the approved work; (2) hold and save the United States free from damages due to the approved work or Federal ' funding. This body assures its compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Pub. ' L. 88-352, 78 Stat. 241 142 U.S.C. 2000d-2000d-41, and Section 311, Pub. L. 93-288. Passed and approved this day of , 19 `_ Name and Title Name and Title Name and Title - 93 - THE SAFFIR/SIMPSON HURRICANE SCALE The Saffir/Simpson Hurricane Scale to used by the National Weather Service to give public safety officials a continuing assessment of the potential for wind and storm surge damage from a hurricane in progress. Scale numbers are made available to public safety officials when a hurricane is within 72 hours of landfall. Scale assessments are revised regularly as new observations are made, and public safety organizations are kept informed of new estimates of the hurri- cane's disaster potential. Scale numbers range from 1 to 5. Scale No. 1 begins with hurricanes in which the maximum sustained winds are at least 74 mph, or which will produce a storm surge 4 to 5 feet above normal water level, while Scale No. 5 applies to those in which the maximum sustained winds are 155 mph or more, which have the potential of producing a storm surge more than 18 feet above normal. The scale was developed by Herbert Saffir, Dade County, Florida, consulting engineer, and Dr. Robert H. Simpson, former National Hurricane Center director, and projects scale assessment categories as follows: Category No. 1 - Winds'of 74 to 95 mph. Damage primarily to shrubbery, trees, foliage, and unanchored mobile homes. No real damage to other structures. Some damage to poorly constructed signs. Storm surge 4 to 5 feet above normal. Lov-lying coastal roads inundated, minor pier damage, some small craft in exposed anchorage torn from moorings. Category No. 2 - Winds of 96 to 110 mph. Considerable damage to shrub- bery and tree foliage; some trees blown down. Major damage to exposed mobile homes. Extensive damage to poorly constructed signs. Some damage to roofing materials of buildings; some window and door damage. No major damage to buildings. Storm surge 6 to 8 feet above normal. Coastal roads and low-lying escape routes inland cut by rising water two to four hours before arrival of hurricane center. Considerable damage to piers.Marinas flooded. Small craft in unprotected anchorages torn from moorings. Evacuation of some shoreline residences and low- lying island areas required. Category No. 3 - Winds of 111 to 130 mph. Foliage torn from trees; large trees blown down. Practically all poorly constructed signs blown down. Some damage to roofing materials of buildings; some window and door damage Some structural damage to small buildings. Mobile homes destroyed. Storm surge 9 to 12 feet above normal. Serious flooding at coast and 71 ' many smaller structures near coast destroyed; large structures near coast damaged by battering waves and floating debris. Low- lying escape routes inland cut by rising water three to five hours before hurricane center arrives. Flat terrain 5 feet or less above sea level flooded inland 8 miles or more. Evacuation of low-lying residences within several blocks of shoreline possible ' required. Category No. 4 - Winds of 131 to 155 mph. Shrubs and trees blown down; all signs down. Extensive damage to roofing materials, ' windows, and doors. Complete failure of roofs on many small residences. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Storm surge 13 to 18 feet above normal. Flat terrain 10 feet or less above ' sea level flooded inland as far as six miles. Major damage to lower floors to structures near shore due to flooding and battering by waves and floating debris. Low-lying escape routes inland cut by rising water three to five hours before hurricane ' center arrives. Major erosion of beaches. Massive evacuation of all residences within 500 yards of shore possibly required, and of single -story residences on low ground within two miles of shore. Category No. 5 - Winds greater than 155 mph. Shrubs and trees blown down; considerable damage to roofs of buildings; all signs down. Complete failure of roofs on many residences and industrial buildings. Extensive shattering of glass in windows and doors. Some complete building failures. Small buildings over -turned or ' blown away. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Storm surge greater than 18 feet above normal. Major damage to lower floors of all structures less than 15 feet above sea level within 500 ' yards of shore. Low-lying escape routes inland cut by rising water three to five hours before hurricane center arrives. ' Massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground within five to ten miles of shore possibly required. Dr. Neil Frank, present National Hurricane Center director, has adapted atmos- pheric pressure ranges to the Saffir/Simpson Scale. These pressure ranges, along with a numerical break -down of wind and storm surge ranges are: SCALE CENTRAL PRESSURES WINDS SURGE ' NUMBER MILLIBARS INCHES MPH (FT.) DAMAGE 1 980 28.94 74- 95 4- 5 Minimal ' 2 965-979 28.5 -28.91 96-110 6- 8 Moderate 3 945-964 27.91-28.47 111-130 9-12 Extensive 4 920-944 27.17-27.88 131-155 13-18 Extreme ' 5 920 27.17 155+ 18+ Catastrophic 71 J ' - 95 - Mean Sea Level Normal day. The sea rises and falls with astronomical tidal action. There are the usual small waves. 1 Above Normal Tide Mean Sea Level A hurricane is 12 hours away. The tide is a little above normal; the ' water moves further up the beach. Swells are beginning to move in from the deep ocean. Waves as high as 5 to 8 feet run up the beach. 15 Foot Storm Surge Above Normal Tide--' Mean Sea Level Hurricane is moving close ashore. A 15-foot surge is added to the normal 2-foot tide creating a 17-foot storm tide. This mound of water is moving ashore along an area of coastline 50 to 100 miles wide. Development of Storm Surge Along the -Coastline" ' "Storm Surqe and Hurricane Safety," U.S. Department of Commerce, OAA, U.S. GPO, 1979. - 96 -