Newport CAMA LUP Cert17NOV2006_Amended3JUNE2022

TOWN OF NEWPORT,
NORTH CAROLINA
CORE CAMA LAND USE PLAN
Adopted by the Newport Town Council: September 5, 2006
Certified by the Coastal Resources Commission: November 17, 2006
Prepared By:
Wilmington, North Carolina
The preparation of this document was financed in part through a grant provided by the North
Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management
Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
TOWN OF NEWPORT
CORE CAMA LAND USE PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
PREFACE .......................................................................i
SECTION I.INTRODUCTION ...................................................1
SECTION II.HISTORY ...........................................................2
SECTION III.REGIONAL SETTING ................................................5
SECTION IV.TOWN OF NEWPORT CONCERNS AND ASPIRATIONS ................7
A. KEY ISSUES/DOMINANT GROWTH-RELATED ISSUES .......................7
B. TOWN OF NEWPORT COMMUNITY VISION ................................8
SECTION V. ANALYSIS OF EXISTING AND EMERGING CONDITIONS ..............9
A. POPULATION, HOUSING, AND ECONOMY .................................9
1. Newport Permanent Population .......................................9
a. Carteret County and Newport Population Change, 1970-2000 .......9
b. Population Profile ............................................13
c. Age Composition ............................................15
d. Educational Attainment .......................................16
e. Population Summary .........................................17
2. Housing ...........................................................17
a. Housing Occupancy and Tenure ...............................17
b. Structure Age ................................................18
c. Housing Conditions ..........................................19
d. Single and Multi-Family Units .................................20
e. Housing Summary ...........................................20
3. Employment and Economy ..........................................21
a. Introduction .................................................21
b. Household Income ...........................................21
c. Employment by Industry......................................22
d. Employee Wages by Industry ..................................23
e. Industries ...................................................24
f. Economy Summary ..........................................24
4. Population Projections ..............................................25
B. NATURAL SYSTEMS ANALYSIS ...........................................25
1. Mapping and Analysis of Natural Features .............................25
a. Topography/Geology ........................................25
b. Climate .....................................................25
c. Flood Zones .................................................26
d. Manmade Hazards ...........................................34
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e.Soils ........................................................34
f. Water Supply ................................................38
g. Fragile Areas ................................................38
i. Significant Natural Heritage Areas/Protected Lands .......38
ii. Wetlands Defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act ....41
h. Areas of Resource Potential ....................................44
i. Regionally Significant Parks ............................44
ii. Marinas and Mooring Fields ............................45
iii. Floating Homes .......................................45
iv. Aquaculture ..........................................45
v. Channel Maintenance and Interstate Waterways ...........45
vi. Marine Resources (Water Quality).......................45
2. Environmental Composite Map.......................................48
3. Environmental Conditions ...........................................51
a. White Oak River Basin ........................................52
b. Subbasin 03-05-03 ............................................55
c. Registered Animal Operation s/Population Densities within
White Oak River Basin ........................................56
d. Growth Trends ..............................................57
C. ANALYSIS OF LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT ............................58
1.Introduction .......................................................58
2. Land Use in Relation to Water Quality.................................58
a. Introduction .................................................58
b. Subbasin 03-05-03 ............................................60
3.Existing Land Use ..................................................62
a. Corporate Limits Land Use ....................................64
b. ETJ Land Use ................................................65
4. Locally Design ated Historic Sites .....................................65
D.ANALYSIS OF EXISTING COMMUNITY FACILITIES/SERVICES ..............67
1. Transportation .....................................................67
2. Health Care ........................................................70
3. Law Enforcement ...................................................70
4. Fire/Rescue Services ................................................70
5.Administration .....................................................71
6. Water System ......................................................72
7.Sewer System ......................................................75
8.Solid Waste ........................................................75
9.Schools ............................................................77
10.Recreation .........................................................77
11.Electric Service .....................................................79
12.Telephone Service ..................................................79
13. Internet Service .....................................................79
14. Cable Service .......................................................79
15. Cell Phone Service ..................................................79
16. Paging Service .....................................................79
17. Amateur Radio Repeater Networks ...................................79
18. Storm Water Management ...........................................80
a. Introduction .................................................80
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b.Erosion and Sedimentation ....................................80
c.EPA Regulations .............................................81
d.Construction Activities .......................................82
e.North Carolina Shoreline Buffering .............................83
f.Town of Newport Storm Water Management ....................83
E LAND SUITABILITY ANALYSIS (LSA)......................................84
F. CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES, AND REGULATIONS .........................91
1.Town of Newport Zoning Ordinance ..................................91
2.Town of Newport Subdivision Regulations ............................94
3.Town of Newport Wellhead Protection Ordinance ......................94
4.NC State Building Code .............................................94
5.Minimum Housing Standards and Nuisance Abatement .................94
6. Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance (National Flood Insurance Program).95
7. Hazard Mitigation Plan .............................................96
8. Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)...........................96
9. Review of the 1996 Town of Newport CAMA Land Use Plan .............96
G. FUTURE DEMANDS .....................................................109
1. Introduction ......................................................109
2. Housing Trends ...................................................109
3. Commercial Lan d Use ..............................................110
4. Industrial Land Use ................................................111
5. Residential/Commercial/Industrial Land Use Summary ...............111
6. Transportation ....................................................111
7. Public Land Use ...................................................112
8. Education ........................................................114
9. Recreation ........................................................114
10. Water System .....................................................115
11. Sewer System .....................................................115
12. Solid Waste .......................................................115
13. Police, Fire, an d Rescue Services .....................................116
14.Stormwater Management ...........................................116
15. Redevelopment Issues ..............................................118
SECTION VI. PLAN FOR THE FUTURE ..........................................119
A. LAND USE/DEVELOPMENT GOALS AND IMPLEMENTING ACTIONS ......119
B. POLICIES/IMPLEMENTING ACTIONS ....................................120
1. Introduction ......................................................120
2. Policies Regardin g Land Use and Development in AECs ................123
C. LAND USE PLAN MANAGEMENT TOPICS ................................125
1. Introduction ......................................................125
2. Impact of CAMA Land Use Plan Policies on Management Topics ........125
3. Public Access .....................................................126
4. Land Use Compatibility ............................................127
5. Infrastructure Carrying Capacity ....................................134
6. Transportation ....................................................137
7. Natural Hazard Areas ..............................................139
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8. Water Quality .....................................................141
9. Local Areas of Concern .............................................145
D. FUTURE LAND USE .....................................................151
1. Introduction ......................................................151
2. Future Land Use Acreages ..........................................153
3. Future Land Demand Acreages ......................................160
4.Infrastructure Carrying Capacity Estimates ...........................164
SECTION VII. TOOLS FOR MANAGING DEVELOPMENT .........................168
A. GUIDE FOR LAND USE DECISION MAKING ...............................168
B. EXISTING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM ....................................168
C.ADDITIONAL TOOLS ....................................................168
D. ACTION PLAN/SCHEDULE ..............................................169
1. Citizen Participation ...............................................169
2. Action Plan/Schedule ..............................................169
E. RESOURCE CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN/POSITIVE AND
NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF LAND USE PLAN POLICIES ......................170
TABLES
Table 1 Town of Newport and Carteret County, NC Summary of Year-Round
Population Growth by Township and Municipality, 1970-2000 ............10
Table 2 Town of Newport and Carteret County Racial Composition , 1970-2000 ....13
Table 3 Town of Newport and Carteret County Age Composition , 1990-2000 ......15
Table 4 Town of Newport and North Carolina Educational Attainment, 2000 ......16
Table 5 Town of Newport, Carteret County and North Carolina Housing
Occupancy and Tenure, 1990 and 2000.................................18
Table 6 Town of Newport Housing Structure, 2000 .............................19
Table 7 Town of Newport, Carteret County and North Carolina Summary of
Housing Conditions.................................................19
Table 8 Town of Newport and Carteret County Units in Structure and Mobile
Home Count, 2000 ..................................................20
Table 9 Town of Newport and Carteret County Summary of Economic Indicators ..21
Table 10 Town of Newport Household Income, 2000 ............................22
Table 11 Town of Newport Employment by Industry, 2000 .......................22
Table 12 Carteret County Earnings by Industry, 2000 ............................23
Table 13 Town of Newport Industries .........................................24
Table 14 Town of Newport and Carteret County Population Projections ...........25
Table 15 Town of Newport Flood Hazard Areas ................................27
Table 16 Town of Newport Land Use Acreage in the 100-Year Floodplain ..........29
Table 17 Town of Newport Storm Surge .......................................29
Table 18 Town of Newport Soil Characteristics .................................36
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Table 19 Town of Newport Significant Natural Heritage Areas and Protected Lands..41
Table 20 Town of Newport 404 Wetlands ......................................41
Table 21 Wetland Fill Activities ...............................................44
Table 22 NC Division of Water Quality Water Body Classifications ................46
Table 23 Town of Newport Waterbodies .......................................48
Table 24 Town of Newport Environmental Composite Map Layers ................50
Table 25 Town of Newport Land Use Acreage by Class ..........................51
Table 26 Local Governments and Planning Units within
the White Oak River Basin ...........................................52
Table 27 Hydrologic Subdivision s in the White Oak River Basin ..................53
Table 28 Subbasin 03-05-03 Description ........................................55
Table 29 Registered Animal Operations........................................56
Table 30 Population Densities and Land Area Summaries ........................57
Table 31 Town of Newport and ETJ Land Use Acreages..........................62
Table 32 Newport Corporate Limits Minus Undevelopable Land Land Use Acreage..64
Table 33 Town of Newport Locally Design ated Historically Sign ificant Places ......65
Table 34 Town of Newport Water Wells .......................................72
Table 35 Town of Newport Water Usage Information ............................74
Table 36 Town of Newport Average Daily Water Use by Month in MGD ...........74
Table 37 Town of Newport Recycled Goods ....................................75
Table 38 Town of Newport Schools ...........................................77
Table 39 Land Suitability Analysis Criteria Table ...............................89
Table 40 Newport Corporate Limits LSA Acreage ...............................90
Table 41 Newport ETJ LSA Acreage ...........................................91
Table 42 Newport Total LSA Acreage .........................................91
Table 43 Town of Newport Zoning ............................................92
Table 44 Town of Newport Estimated Population Growth and Household
Characteristics .....................................................110
Table 45 Town of Newport Corporate Limits and ETJ 2003 Residen tial-Commercial-
Industrial Land Use Acreage Compared to Zon ed Acreage ...............111
Table 46 National Recreation Standards and Demand for Facilities in Newport .....114
Table 47 Town of Newport Future Land Use Acreages ...........................153
Table 48 Town of Newport Land Demand Forecast..............................163
Table 49 Town of Newport Infrastructure Demand Forecast Water System .........166
Table 50 Town of Newport Infrastructure Demand Forecast Sewer System .........167
Table 51 Town of Newport Policy Analysis Matrix ..............................171
MAPS
Map 1 Town of Newport Regional Location Map .............................6
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Map 2 Carteret County Townships ..........................................11
Map 3 Population Growth 1990 to 2000 North Carolina Counties ................12
Map 4 Town of Newport Flood Hazard Area .................................28
Map 5 Town of Newport Storm Surge - Slow Moving Model ...................30
Map 6 Town of Newport Storm Surge - Fast Moving Model ....................31
Map 7 Town of Newport Soils ..............................................35
Map 8 Town of Newport Significant Natural Heritage Areas ...................39
Map 9 Town of Newport Protected Lands ....................................40
Map 10 Town of Newport Wetlands ..........................................43
Map 11 Town of Newport Location of Hydrology ..............................47
Map 12 Town of Newport Environmental Composite Map ......................49
Map 13 General Location of the White Oak River Basin and Subbasins ............54
Map 14 Town of Newport Water Quality in Relation to Land Use ................61
Map 15 Town of Newport Existing Land Use ..................................63
Map 16 Town of Newport Areas of Historical Sign ificance ......................66
Map 17 Town of Newport Community Facilities ...............................68
Map 18 Town of Newport Average Daily Traffic Count .........................69
Map 19 Town of Newport Existing Water Lines ................................73
Map 20 Town of Newport Existing Sewer Lines ................................76
Map 21 Carteret County School Districts ......................................78
Map 22 Town of Newport Areas of Potential Stormwater Concern ...............85
Map 23 Town of Newport Land Suitability A nalysis ............................88
Map 24 Town of Newport Zoning Map .......................................93
Map 25 Town of Newport TIP Projects ........................................113
Map 26 Town of Newport Future Land Use ...................................152
GRAPHS
Chart 1 Town of Newport Racial Composition , 2000 ............................14
Chart 2 Town of Newport Age Composition ..................................16
APPENDICES
Appendix I Town of Newport Citizen Participation Plan
Appendix II Town of Newport Absentee Property Owner Survey
Appendix III Carteret County Hazard Mitigation Plan Policies
Appendix IV Graphic Representation of Various Roadway Levels of Service
Appendix V Land Suitability an d Land Use Planning Data Directory
Appendix VI Policy/Implementing Action Definitions of Common Terms
Appendix VII Amendment #1 to the Town of Newport Core CAMA Land Use Plan
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TOWN OF NEWPORT
CORE CAMA LAND USE PLAN
MATRIX OF REQUIRED ELEMENTS
CAMA CORE LAND USE ELEMENT
ELEMENT
DISCUSSED
(a)Organization of the Plan page i and 1
(b)Community Concerns and Aspirations
(1)Significant Existing and Emerging Conditions page 7
(2)Key Issues page 7
(3)A Community Vision page 8
(c) Analysis of Existing and Emerging Conditions
(1)Population, Housing, and Economy
(A)Population:
(i)Permanent population growth trends using data from
the two most recent decennial Censuses;
(ii)Current permanent and seasonal population estimates;
(iii)Key population characteristics;
(iv)Age; and
(v)Income
pages 9-17
(B)Housing Stock:
(i) Estimate of current housing stock, including permanent
and seasonal units, tenure, and types of units (single-
family, multi-family, an d manufactured); and
(ii)Building permits issued for single-family, multi-family,
and manufactured homes since last plan update
pages 17-20
(C)Local Economy pages 21-24
(D)Projections page 25
(2) Natural Systems Analysis
(A)Mapping and Analysis of Natural Features
(i)Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs);
(ii)Soil characteristics, in cluding limitations for septic
tanks, erodibility, an d other factors related to
development;
(iii)Environmental Management Commission water
quality classif ications and related use support
designations, and Division of Environmental Health
shellfish growing areas and water quality conditions;
(iv)Flood and other natural hazard areas;
(v) Storm surge areas;
(vi)Non-coastal wetlands including forested wetlands,
shrub-scrub wetlands, and freshwater marshes;
(vii)Water supply watersheds or wellhead protection
areas;
(viii) Primary nursery areas, where mapped;
(ix)Environmentally fragile areas; and
(x) Additional natural features or conditions identified by
the local govern ment.
pages 25-48
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CAMA CORE LAND USE ELEMENT
ELEMENT
DISCUSSED
(B) Composite Map of Environmental Conditions:
(i) Class I
(ii) Class II
(iii)Class III
pages 48-51
(C) Environmental Conditions
(i) Water Quality:
(I)Status and changes of surface water quality,
including impaired streams f rom the most recent
NC Division of water Quality Basin wide Water
Quality Plans, 303(d) List and other comparable
data;
(II) Current situation and trends on permanent and
temporary closures of shellfishing waters as
determined by the Report of Sanitary Survey by
the Shellfish Sanitation Section of the NC Division
of Environmental Health;
(III)Areas experiencing chronic wastewater treatment
system malfunctions; and
(IV)Areas with water quality or public health
problems related to n on-point source pollution
(ii) Natural Hazards:
(I) Areas subject to storm hazards such as recurrent
flooding, storm surges, and high winds;
(II) Areas experiencing significant shoreline erosion as
evidenced by the presence of threatened structures
or public facilities; an d
(III)Where data is available, estimates of public an d
private damage resultin g from floods and wind
that has occurred since the last plan update
(iii)Natural Resources:
(I)Environmentally fragile areas or areas w here
resource functions may be impacted as a result of
development; and
(II)Areas containing potentially valuable n atural
resources
pages 51-57
(3)Analysis of Land Use and Development pages 58-66
(A) A map of land including the following: residential,
commercial, in dustrial, institutional, public, dedicated open
space, agriculture, forestry, confined animal feeding
operations, and undeveloped;
page 63
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CAMA CORE LAND USE ELEMENT
ELEMENT
DISCUSSED
(B) The land use analysis shall including the following:
(i) Table that shows estimates of the land area allocated to
each land use;
(ii) Description of any land use conflicts;
(iii)Description of any land use-water quality conflicts;
(iv) Description of development trends using
indicators; and
(v) Location of areas expected to experien ce development
during the five years following plan certification by the
CRC and a description of any potential conflicts with
Class II or Class III lan d identified in the natural
systems analysis
pages 58-65
(C) Historic, cultural, and scenic areas design ated by a state or
federal agency or by local govern ment
page 65-66
(D) Projections of future land needs page 109-118
(4) Analysis of Community Facilities
(A) Public and Private Water Supply and Wastewater Systems pages 72-75
(B) Transportation Systems page 67
(C) Stormwater Systems pages 80-84
(D) Other Facilities pages 70-79
(5) Land Suitability A nalysis
(A) Water quality;
(B) Land Classes I, II, and III summary environmental analysis;
(C) Proximity to existin g developed areas and compatibility
with existing land uses;
(D) Potential impacts of development on areas and sites
designated by local h istoric commission or the NC
Department of Cultural Resources as historic, culturally
significant, or scenic;
(E) Land use and development requirements of local
development regulations, CAMA Use Standards and other
applicable state regulation s, and applicable f ederal
regulations; and
(F) Availability of community facilities, in cluding water, sewer,
stormwater, and transportation
pages 84-91
(6) Review of Current CAMA Land Use Plan
(A) Consistency of existing land use and development
ordinances with current CAMA Land Use Plan policies;
(B) Adoption of the land use plan’s implementation measures
by the governing body; and
(C) Efficacy of current policies in creating desired land use
patterns and protecting natural systems
pages 91-109
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CAMA CORE LAND USE ELEMENT
ELEMENT
DISCUSSED
(d) Plan for the Future
(1) Land Use and Development Goals:
(A) Community concerns and aspirations identified at the
beginning of the planning process;
(B) Needs and opportunities iden tified in the analysis of
existing and emerging conditions
page 119
(2) Policies:
(A) Shall be consistent with the goals of the CAMA, shall
address the CRC management topics for land use plans,
and comply with all state an d federal rules;
(B) Shall contain a description of the type and extent of analysis
completed to determine the impact of CAMA Land Use
Plan policies on the management topics, a description of
both positive and negative impacts of the land use plan
policies on the management topics, an d a description of the
policies, meth ods, programs, and processes to mitigate an y
negative impacts on applicable man agement topics;
(C) Shall contain a clear statement that the governing body
either accepts state an d federal law regarding land uses and
development in AECs or, that the local government’s
policies exceed the requirements of state and federal
agencies.
pages 120-150
(3) Land Use Plan Management Topics.pages 125-150
(A) Public Access page 126
(B) Land Use Compatibility page 127
(C) Infrastructure Carrying Capacity page 134-139
(D) Natural Hazard Areas page 139
(E) Water Quality page 141
(F) Local Areas of Concern page 145
(4) Future Land Use Map
(A) 14-digit hydrological units encompassed by th e planning
area;
(B) Areas and locations planned for conservation or open space
and a description of compatible land use and activities;
(C) Areas and locations planned for future growth and
development with descriptions of the following
characteristics:
(i) Predominant and supporting land uses that are
encouraged in each area;
(ii) Overall density and development intensity planned for
each area;
(iii)Infrastructure required to support planned
development in each area
(D) Areas in existing developed areas for infill, preservation,
and redevelopment;
(E) Existing and planned infrastructure, including major roads,
water, and sewer
pages 151-167
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CAMA CORE LAND USE ELEMENT
ELEMENT
DISCUSSED
(e) Tools for Managing Development
(1) Guide for Land Use Decision-Making
(2) Existing Development Program
(3) Additional Tools.
(A) Ordinances:
(i) Amendments or adjustments in existing developmen t
codes required for consistency with the plan;
(ii) New ordinances or codes to be developed
(B) Capital Improvemen ts Program
(C) Acquisition Program
(D) Specific Projects to Reach Goals
(4) Action Plan/Schedule
pages 168-176
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i
PREFACE
While the preparation of a comprehensive plan is required by the Coastal Area Management Act,
there are broader and equally important reasons to engage in the planning process. Basically,
planning begins with understanding your community and its people and learning how to care
for them. Local government plans and planning affect people’s lives. Tough choices must be
made about the natural, manmade, and financial resources in the community. The town’s
budget should be compared to the plan to ensure that public money will be spent in accordance
with the community’s goals and objectives.
The planning process also serves to educate us about ourselves, our attitudes towards others, and
our willingness to share a sense of community. Planning is often promoted as a means of
community decision-making through public participation. But planning also may involve conflict
and friction because it may divide us into opposing groups. Some conflict in the planning
process is good. It stimulates us to think and reminds us of the need to understand and tolerate,
and even support, the opinions of others.
A town should not undertake the preparation of a land use plan without understanding that a
plan should be:
1. Comprehensive in setting goals and objectives for all aspects of the community.
2. Part of a continuous planning process that is timely and responsive to the needs
and desires of the community.
3. The legal basis for land use regulations and a guide for a capital improvements
plan for town budgeting.
Once the plan is prepared, the town must realize that the plan is not the end of the process. The
town must continuously work at accomplishing plan implementation and establishing an
effective planning program. The Town of Newport must view the preparation of this document
as the first step in a continually evolving process.
1
SECTION I. INTRODUCTION
This Fiscal Year 2003/2004 - 2004/2005 Core CAMA Land Use Plan is prepared in accordance
with the requirements of the North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA).
Specifically, this document complies with Subchapter 7B, “CAMA Land Use Planning
Requirements,” of the North Carolina Administrative Code, as amended, August 1, 2002.
The 7B guidelines provide that each of the twenty coastal counties and municipalities within
those counties prepare and adopt a Core CAMA Land Use Plan that meets the planning
requirements adopted by the Coastal Resources Commission (CRC). If a county chooses not to
prepare a plan, the guidelines specify that the CRC will prepare and adopt a CAMA Land Use
Plan for that county and municipalities in the county which choose not to prepare their own
plan. Municipalities not preparing their own plan will be included in the plan for the county in
which the municipality is located.
In general, 7B requires that a plan include analysis of existing and emerging conditions, a plan
for the future including specific land use/development goals/policies, and tools for managing
development. The management tools must specify the actions which the Town of Newport will
take to ensure implementation of this plan. Please refer to Section VI.B., Policies and
Implementing Actions, page 120. This section specifically states actions which
will be taken by the Town of Newport Planning Board and Town Council to
accomplish implementation of this plan.
The Town of Newport has discussed its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) boundary and currently
has no plans for expansion of the ETJ. In addition, the town accepts the ETJ as the planning
boundary for this plan. The town is aware that in the future if land is annexed into the Town
that is not within the town’s Coastal Resources Commission Certified Planning Boundary, such
property will be subject to county rather than town policy. However, no annexations beyond the
ETJ are anticipated in the next five to ten years. Infrastructure construction beyond the existing
ETJ is not anticipated. This plan will be updated/revised in five to seven years. Expansion of
the plan area may be considered at that time.
At the beginning of the preparation of this document, the Town of Newport adopted a Citizen
Participation Plan which is intended to ensure that all interested citizens have an opportunity
to participate in the development of this plan through both oral and written comments. A copy
of the Citizen Participation Plan is included as Appendix I.
Following adoption of the plan by the Newport Town Council, it was submitted to the CRC for
certification. Certification of the plan was achieved on November 17, 2006.
2
SECTION II. HISTORY
The Town of Newport was granted a charter from the State of North Carolina January 30, 1866,
but its history begins almost 150 years before that. The river, called Newport, which rises in the
Lake Pocosin and empties into Beaufort Inlet, was the highway over which early settlers traveled
to the “rich upland country.” But the country was mainly pine forest, not the cleared land where
farmers grow brightleaf tobacco today.
Around a landing at the upper part of the river, the Town of Newport sprang up. There, barges
unloaded products landed at the port, Beaufort, and took on lumber and naval stores to be
shipped from Beaufort to other colonial ports or to the West Indies.
Near the Newport River landing, where a road from Harlowe connected with a road to Cedar
Point, a general store was established by a man named Bell – one of three Bell brothers, Ross,
Jasper, and George, who held early land grants in what is now western Carteret County.
Naturally, this point came to be known as Bell’s Corners. In the early part of the 18 Century,th
the settlement was also called Shepardsville, supposedly a connection with a man by the name
of Shepard, who was also a large landowner.
The name Newport is said to have come from two sources. One, that it was called “the new
port,” to distinguish it from the “old port” at Beaufort; and two, that the place was so called by
Quakers who came here from Rhode Island and named it for their native Newport in that New
England state. The Quakers arrived between 1720 and 1733. However, if they did call the
settlement Newport, it was not an established name, for the first post office in the community
was called “Shepardsville” and was so designated on June 27, 1859. That was more than a
hundred years after the Quakers had left the county, migrating westward, seeking territory in
which there was no slavery.
According to records in the Library of Congress, the post office name was not officially changed
to Newport until March 29, 1866. That the name, Newport, preceded the coming of the Quakers
and perhaps even the founding of the “old port” at Beaufort town, is borne out by land grants
of 1700 which describe land in what is now western Carteret County as bordering on “Newport
Sound.”
Forebears of the present Town residents engaged in lumbering and production of naval stores,
rosin, turpentine, and tar, all from the abundant pine. There were sawmills and grist mills. W.S.
Bell is said to have been the first mill owner to change from the sluggish water wheel for power
to the new-fangled steam engine. As forests were cleared and cotton came on the scene, he
operated a cotton gin in connection with his mill on the river.
3
Through the American Revolution and into the mid-19th Century, Newport remained as little
more than a crossroads town. Then the train came in 1858, a year after the first lots were sold
in a new little town to the east, called by John M. Morehead, its founder, “The City of
Morehead.” The train passed through Newport carrying in the summer time passengers from
the west, bound for the coast where they could enjoy the salt air. In addition to carrying them
back home again, it transported products of the sea to the inland cities of North Carolina.
During the Civil War, both Confederate and Federal troops lived in barracks north of Newport.
The barracks were built by their first occupants, the Confederates, who during the winter of the
war, moved to town to live in crudely constructed log huts. The men were of the Seventh North
Carolina Regiment and were ordered to New Bern in March 1862 to defend that town against
invading Yanks. The Victorious invaders then moved southward into Newport. A small group
of Confederates who remained at the barracks fought a retreating action, firing Newport’s
railroad trestle and wooden highway bridge, in the hope of holding off the Yankees. The trestle
burned but an advance force of Union men saved the highway bridge.
The history of public schooling in Newport does not quite span a hundred years. Although effort
was made to teach the three R’s in little one or two-room schools, the Peabody Education Fund
was the financial aid that had been lacking. Prior to 1870, two small schools were located in the
vicinity. The Union Point School was in the Deep Creek section where the present road branches
just north of the Canal Bridge. The Vanolia School was at the junction of the Nine-Foot and
Roberts Roads. Built by Richard and Randolph Roberts, it was used by Yankees as field
headquarters during the civil war.
Although the river gave the town a reason for existing in the early days, the river plays hardly
any role today in transportation. Mainly fishing skiffs and small trawlers traverse it, but no
major docks line its shore. The river is broad, shallow, and meandering.
A road eventually connected Onslow County to Newport. It crossed the White Oak River at
Stella. Even by the end of the 18 Century, most roads in Carteret County were little better thanth
trails. For 92 years after the arrival of the railroad, passengers could ride the train from
Goldsboro, through Newport, to Morehead City. The passenger service was discontinued March
31, 1950.
On January 12, 1932, town residents voted to sell their electrical system to Tidewater Power
Company for $4,950. One hundred ten voters registered. Eleven didn’t vote. All of the others
were in favor of the sale.
In 1949, the town bought a water system that had formerly been used by the Marine Corps at
nearby Bogue Field. Over the next few years it was gradually installed. In 1958, voters
authorized borrowing $120,000 to complete installation of a new water tank and water lines to
4
all areas in the town limits. In July 1961, voters authorized borrowing $15,000 to extend to
annexed areas the water system and another $20,000 to build the town hall and fire station.
Extension of the water lines was completed in mid-1962 and plans were immediately laid to get
federal assistance to install a town sewage system and make more improvements to the water
system.
The first church in Newport was the Primitive Baptist Church, built in 1783, and still existing in
the form of two congregations. The original church burned during the War Between the States
and later the federal government paid damages amounting to $170.
With foresight, town officials in 1955 set aside town-owned land that would serve as desirable
locations for industry. Located on 12 acres of that property was Conner Industries, manufacturer
of mobile homes. Construction of the plant was started in May 1964 and mobile homes were
rolling out by September. The business observed its first anniversary in the fall of 1965 with
plans for expansion under way. Conner Industries went out of business in 1989. However, a
new industry, Veneer Technologies, Inc., resides at the present location.
Newport and its immediate vicinity has well over three thousand (3,346) inhabitants. It is the
first established town in western Carteret County. While much of the town’s impetus may come
indirectly from the nearby Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station, native Newporters have a
vision and inner drive that defy anyone’s calling them residents of “a sleepy southern town”.
5
SECTION III. REGIONAL SETTING
Newport is located within Carteret County, which is situated in the tidewater region of North
Carolina. Carteret County is bordered on the East by the Pamlico Sound, Bogue Sound, Core
Sound and Atlantic Ocean to the South and East, on the Northeast by the Neuse River, on the
west by Craven County, on the Northwest by Jones County, and on the southwest by Onslow
County. The county is primarily comprised of flat and poorly drained areas that feed into a
complex estuarine system.
Newport is located along the Newport River with Highway 70 running north to south through
town. Newport is just 10 miles to the northwest of the State Port of Morehead City. The County
seat of Carteret County is Beaufort, which is located 13.5 miles to the southeast along Highway
70. The beach communities of Emerald Isle, Pine Knoll Shores, and Atlantic Beach can be
accessed through Newport along Highway 70 and Highway 24. See Map 1 for the regional
location of the Town of Newport.
7
SECTION IV. TOWN OF NEWPORT CONCERNS AND ASPIRATIONS
A. KEY ISSUES/DOMINANT GROWTH-RELATED ISSUES
On August 27, 2003, the Town of Newport conducted a publicly advertised meeting for the
purpose of identifying key issues confronting the town. Approximately thirty (30) people
attended the meeting. The following provides a prioritized listing of the issues which were
identified:
RANK ISSUE SCORE
1 Clearing Newport River 30
2 Pedestrian Access to Newport Middle School plus Bike Path 26
3 Develop Old Highway 70 21
4 Expansion Wastewater Treatment Plant 20
5 Maintain Newport’s Identity (Don’t Over Develop)19*
6 Reroute Commercial Traffic Out of Residential Areas 19*
7 Address Issue Ditch/Erosion in Town 12*
8 Development Parks and Ballfields 12*
9 Improve Availability of Infrastructure Residential Areas 11*
10 Pedestrian Crossing Highway 70 11*
11 Need Light to Medium Industry 11*
12 Locate Third School by Newport Middle School 11*
13 Support Development Highway 70 Corridor 11*
14 Protection Existing Residential Areas 10*
15 Protection Environmental Concerns 10*
16 Clean Ponds at White Sands 5
17 Protection Transportation Concerns 1
*Indicates a tie score.
In addition, the Town of Newport Planning Board believes that there is inadequate parking in
the Central Business District.
Surveys were mailed out to 317 absentee property owners. A total of 59 completed
questionnaires were received. See Appendix II for a comparison of these results and the in-town
results as well as the tabulation of additional questions from the absentee survey.
8
B. TOWN OF NEWPORT COMMUNITY VISION
This vision statement is an expression of the community character that the Town of
Newport would like to maintain and develop over the next ten years. Newport desires
to achieve balanced growth, with a focus on maintaining the quiet, rural, and
residential nature of the community. In the past, residents of Newport have strived
to create a safe, healthy, and secure place for people of all age g rou ps and ethnic
backgrounds. The town will seek to maintain this character while maintaining a
consistent population grow th rate. This grow th w ill be managed in a way that will
enrich the lives of its citizens, as w ell as attract new citizens. The town will refrain
from aggressive annexation, and will maintain a conservative annexation policy that
w ill respond to responsible requests for the provision of m unicipal services. The town’s
prim ary efforts w ill be focused on im proving the quality of existing services, while
seeking opportunities to expand services such as recreation, law enforcement, and
infrastructure. Newport will continue its economic developm ent efforts through the
promotion of commercial development along the Highw ay 70 and Old Highway 70
corridors, as well as the recruitment of light to medium industry. Growth will be
directly linked to sustaining/expanding the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station.
Specifically, Newport will strive to accomplish the following:
!Clearing of the Newport River.
!Pedestrian access to Newport Middle School (including a bike path).
!Redevelop Old Highway 70.
!Expansion of wastewater treatment plant.
!M aintain Newport’s identity (do not overdevelop).
!Reroute com m ercial traffic out of residential areas.
!Sustain/expand the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station.
9
SECTION V. ANALYSIS OF EXISTING AND EMERGING CONDITIONS
A. POPULATION, HOUSING, AND ECONOMY
1. Newport Permanent Population
a.Carteret County and Newport Population Change 1970-2000
The growth that the Town of Newport experienced during the period from 1970
to 2000 (92.85%) has continued over the last ten to twelve years. Newport increased in
population by 33.00% from 1990 to 2000. This rapid growth has occurred throughout
Carteret County, but a majority of the population growth has been focused in and around
the beach communities. Despite these rapid increases in population, the town has
maintained its small town atmosphere and has continued to provide a high quality of
service to its citizens. Table 1 provides a comprehensive breakdown of population
growth throughout Carteret County since 1970. It should be noted that the town does
not have any significant seasonal population. Data is provided for each township and the
municipalities located within each township (see Map 2 for the location of all township
boundaries within the county). The township boundaries provided on this map do not
have any jurisdictional significance, but are simply utilized in planning efforts and as
demographic regions. Carteret County overall has grown at a rate of 87.98% since 1970,
and has increased in population by 13.00% since the 1990 Census. Map 3 provides a
thematic representation of population growth by county throughout North Carolina.
10
Table 1
Town of Newport and Carteret County, NC
Summary of Year-Round Population Growth by Township and Municipality, 1970-2000
Township Municipality or Area Year Round Population Percentage Change
1970 1980 1990 2000 '70-'80 '80-'90 '90-'00 Overall '70-‘00
1) Atlantic Total Township 814 810 805 817 -0.49%-0.62%1.49%0.37%
2) Beaufort Beaufort 3,368 3,826 3,808 3,771 13.60%-0.47%-0.97%11.975
Unincorporated Areas 2,779 3,166 4,205 3,894 13.93%32.82%-7.40%40.12%
Total Township 6,147 6,992 8,013 7,665 13.75%14.60%-4.34%24.69%
3) Cedar Island Total Township 290 333 385 324 14.83%15.62%-15.84%11.72%
4) Davis Total Township 456 492 535 412 7.89%8.74%-22.99%-9.65%
5) Harkers Island Total Township 1,639 1,910 2,237 1,525 16.53%17.12%-31.83%-6.96%
6) Harlowe Total Township 762 956 1,190 1,272 25.46%24.48%6.89%66.93%
7) Marshallberg Total Township 525 580 646 535 10.48%11.38%-18.27%0.57%
8) Merrimon Total Township 330 426 542 657 29.09%27.23%21.22%99.09%
9) Morehead Atlantic Beach 300 941 1,938 1,781 213.67%105.95%-8.10%493.67%
Indian Beach 0 54 153 95 N/A 183.33%-37.91%N/A
Morehead City 5,233 4,359 6,046 7,691 -16.70%38.70%27.21%46.97%
Pine Knoll Shores 0 646 1,360 1,524 N/A 110.53%12.06%N/A
Unincorporated Areas 6,396 9,803 10,985 12,657 53.27%12.06%15.22%97.89%
Total Township 11,929 15,803 20,482 23,748 32.48%29.61%15.95%99.08%
10) Newport Newport 1,735 1,883 2,516 3,346 8.53%33.62%33.00%92.85%
Unincorporated Areas 2,191 3,586 4,817 4,977 63.67%34.33%3.32%127.16%
Total Township 3,926 5,469 7,333 8,323 39.30%34.08%13.54%112.07%
11) Sea Level Total Township 347 540 773 461 55.62%43.15%-40.36%32.85%
12) Smyrna Total Township 517 637 782 679 23.21%22.76%-13.17%31.33%
13) Stacy Total Township 257 322 401 206 25.29%24.53%-48.63%-19.84%
14) Straits Total Township 1,166 1,520 1,948 2,686 30.36%28.16%37.89%130.36%
15) White Oak Cape Carteret 616 944 1,008 1,214 53.25%6.78%20.44%97.08%
Emerald Isle 122 865 2,434 3,488 609.02%181.39%43.30%2,759.02%
Cedar Point 0 0 628 929 N/A N/A 47.93%N/A
Unincorporated Areas 1,758 2,493 2,413 4,442 41.81%-3.21%84.09%152.67%
Total Township 2,496 4,302 6,483 10,073 72.36%50.70%55.38%303.57%
Total Municipalities 11,374 13,518 19,891 23,839 18.85%47.14%19.85%109.59%
Total Unincorporated Areas 20,229 27,574 32,664 35,544 36.31%18.45%8.81%75.71%
Total County 31,603 41,092 52,555 59,383 30.03%27.90%13.00%87.98%
Sources: N.C. State Data Center; extrapolation of data for unincorporated areas by Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
13
b. Population Profile
Table 2 and Graph 1 provide a summary of the Town of Newport and Carteret
County populations by racial composition from 1970 to 2000. Over the last thirty years,
the Caucasian population as a percentage of the total population within Newport has
declined, while the African-American population has grown. This demographic shift is
representative of most eastern North Carolina counties and municipalities; however,
Carteret County overall has experienced a slight increase in its Caucasian population and
a decrease in its African-American population. From 1970 to 2000, the Caucasian
population as a percentage of Newport’s total population decreased from 90.0% to 80.1%
(-9.9%). By comparison, Carteret County’s Caucasian population as a percentage of the
county’s total population increased from 88.4% to 90.0% (+1.6%). From 1970 to 2000,
Newport’s African-American population as a percentage of total population increased
slightly from 9.8% to 14.2% (+4.4%), while the County overall experienced a slight
decline in its African-American population (-4.0%). Table 2 also indicates that Newport’s
male/female population is fairly even with 51.8% male and 48.2% female.
Table 2
Town of Newport and Carteret County
Racial Composition, 1970-2000
New port Carteret County
Total Percentage Total Percentage
1970 Population*1,735 100.0%31,603 100.0%
Caucasian 1,561 90.0%27,946 88.4%
African-American 170 9.8%3,517 11.1%
Other 4 0.2%140 0.4%
1980 Population*1,883 100.0%41,092 100.0%
Caucasian 1,667 88.5%36,955 89.9%
African-American 194 10.3%3,857 9.4%
Other 22 1.2%280 0.7%
1990 Population**2,516 100.0%52,555 100.0%
Caucasian 2,089 83.0%47,445 90.3%
African-American 334 13.3%4,385 8.3%
Asian or Pacific Islander 41 1.6%293 0.6%
American Indian, Eskimo, Aleut 18 0.7%269 0.5%
Other 34 1.4%164 0.3%
(Continued on next page)
Table 2 (continued)
New port Carteret County
Total Percentage Total Percentage
14
2000 Population***3,346 100.0%59,383 100.0%
Caucasian 2,679 80.1%53,443 90.0%
African-American 475 14.2%4,191 7.1%
Asian or Pacific Islander 46 1.4%282 0.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 10 0.3%341 0.6%
Some Other Race 42 1.3%392 0.7%
Two or More Races 94 2.8%734 1.2%
Hispanic or Latino (of any race)****204 N/A 929 N/A
M ale 1,732 51.8%29,041 48.9%
Female 1,614 48.2%30,342 51.1%
*Racial breakdow n available for the 1970 and 1980 Census.
**Racial breakdow n available for the 1990 Census.
***Racial breakdow n available for the 2000 Census.
****In the 2000 Census, the Hispanic race was not considered an ethnic group. However, this is the
number of individuals who reported being of Hispanic origin.
Source: 2000 US Census.
15
c. Age Composition
Table 3 and Graph 2 provide a summary of Newport and Carteret County’s age
distribution for 1990 and 2000. From 1990 to 2000, the town has experienced a slight
increase in its elderly population. The elderly population increased from 9.1% to 13.2%
(+4.0%). Newport also experienced minor increases in its school age (+5.6%) as well
as working age populations (+9.8%). These increases can be attributed to both the
aging existing population, as well in-migration experienced during the period from 1990
to 2000. Carteret County overall has seen comparable increases in each of these age
categories. The median age of the population within Newport is 37.4. This is younger
than the Carteret County median age which is 42.3 according to the 2000 US Census.
The largest age group represented in Newport is between the ages of 35 and 54. This
represents a shift in the overall population of the town since the largest age bracket in
1990 was 15 to 34.
Table 3
Town of Newport and Carteret County
Age Composition, 1990-2000
Newport Carteret County
1990
Total
1990 %
of Total
2000
Total
2000 %
of Total
1990
Total
1990 %
of Total
2000
Total
2000 %
of Total
0 to 14 years 516 20.5%661 19.8%9,870 18.8%9,937 16.7%
15 to 34 years 972 38.6%863 25.8%15,632 29.7%12,990 21.9%
35 to 54 years 591 23.5%1,091 32.6%13,745 26.2%18,691 31.5%
55 to 64 years 189 7.5%292 8.7%5,794 11.0%7,538 12.7%
65 to 74 years 162 6.4%213 6.4%4,850 9.2%5,993 10.1%
75 and over 86 3.4%226 6.8%2,664 5.1%4,234 7.1%
Total Population 2,516 100.0%3,346 100.0%52,555 100.0%59,383 100.0%
M edian Age N /A*--37.4 --N /A*--42.3 --
School Age
Population (5-17)335 13.3%633 18.9%7,244 13.8%9,384 15.8%
W orking Age
Population (16-64)1,396 55.5%2,185 65.3%31,309 59.6%38,501 64.8%
Elderly Population
(65+)229 9.1%440 13.2%7,095 13.5%10,182 17.1%
*M edian age was not calculated for the 1990 Census.
Source: US Census Bureau.
16
d. Educational Attainment
Newport compares favorably with North Carolina overall for those individuals
having graduated from high school and those having received at least some partial
college education or Associates Degree. Table 4 provides a summary of the town’s 2000
educational attainment compared to North Carolina overall, based on persons 25 years
or older. The town lags behind the state in the percent of its population which has
received a Bachelor’s degree or Graduate/Professional degrees.
Table 4
Town of Newport and North Carolina
Educational Attainment, 2000
Newport North Carolina
Total % of Total Total % of Total
Less than 9th grade 155 7.0%413,495 7.8%
Ninth to Twelfth grade, no diploma 385 17.3%741,229 14.0%
High School graduate 740 33.2%1,502,978 28.4%
Some college, no Degree 608 27.3%1,080,504 20.5%
Associate Degree 135 6.1%358,075 6.8%
Bachelor's Degree 118 5.3%808,070 15.3%
Graduate/Professional Degree 87 3.9%378,643 7.2%
Total Population 25 years and over*2,228 100.0%5,282,994 100.0%
Source: US Census Bureau.
17
e. Population Summary
The following provides a summary of the significant demographic factors:
!From 1970 to 2000, the Town of Newport experienced a population
increase of 92.85%, an overall increase of 1,611 individuals.
!Since 1990, the town has seen a significant population increase (33.00%)
growing from a population of 2,516 to 3,346.
!The town has experienced net in-migration.
!From 1970 to 1990, Newport’s minority population has increased.
!The town’s male/female population is almost evenly divided.
!The largest age bracket within Newport has shifted from the 15 to 34
bracket to the 35 to 54 bracket.
!Through high school graduation and some college education, Newport
ranks ahead of the state in educational attainment. However, for
Associates, Bachelor’s, and Professional degree attainment, the town
ranks behind the state.
2. Housing
a. Housing Occupancy and Tenure
According to the 2000 Census, the Town of Newport contains a total of 1,257
dwelling units, an increase of 337 over the 1990 Census. Approximately 7.8% of these
units are vacant, which is significantly lower than the vacancy rate for Carteret County
overall (38.6%). Out of the 92.2% of the units that are occupied, 67.7% are owner-
occupied and 24.5% are rental properties. The percentage of owner-occupied housing
in Newport is significantly higher than Carteret County overall (45.6%). Table 5
provides a summary of housing occupancy and tenure.
18
Table 5
Town of Newport, Carteret County, and North Carolina
Housing Occupancy and Tenure, 1990 and 2000
Tow n of New port
Carteret
County
North
Carolina
1990 2000 2000 2000
Total
% of Total
Housing
Units Total
% of Total
Housing
Units
% of Total
Housing
Units
% of Total
Housing
Units
Total Housing Units 920 100.0%1,257 100.0%N/A N/A
Vacant:64 7.0%119 9.5%38.6%11.1%
For Rent 27 2.9%34 28.6%5.0%2.7%
For Sale Only 14 1.5%20 16.8%1.6%1.5%
Rented or Sold, Not
Occupied
8 0.9%28 23.5%0.6%0.9%
For Seasonal, Not Occupied
For Seasonal, Recreational
or Occasional Use
4 0.4%0 0.0%29.3%4.2%
For Migrant Workers 0 0.0%0 0.0%0.0%0.0%
Other Vacant 11 1.2%37 31.1%2.0%1.8%
Occupied:856 93.0%1,138 90.5%61.4%88.9%
Owner-Occupied*609 66.2%811 71.3%45.6%61.6%
Renter-Occupied*247 26.8%327 28.7%15.8%27.2%
M ean Monthly Housing Cost:
With a Mortgage
Without a Mortgage
$883
$273
$1,086
$ 297
$1,121
$ 282
*Indicates a breakdown of occupied household types.
Source: US Census Bureau.
b. Structure Age
Table 6 indicates that in 2000 the median age of housing structures in Newport
was 1976. Roughly 38.5% of the housing within Newport was built prior to 1970. Due
to the increasing population as a result of in-migration, a majority of the housing in
Newport has been established over the last thirty years. Since 1970, there have been 773
new housing units built in Newport comprising 61.5% of the town’s housing stock. Since
1990, 17.2% of the town’s housing units have been constructed.
19
Table 6
Town of Newport
Housing Structure, 2000
Year
Number of
Structures Built % of Total
1999 to March, 2000 21 1.7%
1995 to 1998 132 10.5%
1990 to 1994 63 5.0%
1980 to 1989 327 26.0%
1970 to 1979 230 18.3%
1960 to 1969 239 19.0%
1940 to 1959 188 15.0%
1939 or earlier 57 4.5%
Total Structures 1,257 100.0%
Median Year Structure Built 1976
Source: US Census Bureau.
c. Housing Conditions
Table 7 provides a summary of existing household size, as well as the percentage
of units lacking general household needs. The statistics in this table provide a good
summary of the condition of the overall housing stock in Newport.
Homes in Newport on average are slightly larger than those throughout Carteret
County overall. The percentage of homes in Newport with 3+ bedrooms is 72.5%,
compared to 62.6% for Carteret County. The percentage of homes lacking complete
kitchen facilities is slightly higher than the county, while the percentage of homes lacking
complete plumbing is also slightly higher than the county. Nearly every dwelling unit
within Newport has a working telephone (97.5%), compared to just 59.6% for Carteret
County.
Table 7
Town of Newport, Carteret County, and North Carolina
Summary of Housing Conditions
Newport Carteret County North Carolina
Average Room s Per U nit 5.4 5.2 5.5
Percent with no bedroom 0.3%0.5%1.1%
Percent with 3+ bedrooms 72.5%62.6%60.8%
Percent lacking complete kitchen facilities 1.1%0.4%1.1%
Percent lacking complete plumbing 1.7%0.5%1.1%
Percent occupied with telephones 97.5%59.6%86.2%
Source: US Census Bureau.
20
d. Single and Multi-Family Units
Table 8 provides the number of single-family housing units versus multi-family
units and the number of mobile homes for both Newport and Carteret County overall.
Newport has a substantially greater amount of single-unit detached housing (74.6%)
than Carteret County (55.7%), while the percentage of multi-family housing is lower
than the county. The percentage of housing in Newport comprised of mobile homes is
13.8%, compared to 25.7% for the county.
Table 8
Town of Newport and Carteret County
Units in Structure and Mobile Home Count, 2000
Town of Newport Carteret County
Units in Structure Total % of Total % of Total
1-unit, detached 938 74.6%55.7%
1-unit, attached 23 1.8%4.5%
2 units 54 4.3%3.7%
3 or 4 units 48 3.8%2.9%
5 to 9 units 6 0.5%2.5%
10 to 19 units 7 0.6%1.1%
20 units or more 0 0.0%3.9%
Mobile home 174 13.8%25.7%
Boat, RV, van, etc.7 0.6%0.0%
Total 1,257 100.0%100.0%
Source: US Census Bureau.
e. Housing Summary
!According to the 2000 US Census, the Town of Newport contains a total
of 1,257 housing units, of which approximately 7.8% are vacant. Out of
the 92.2% occupied units, 67.7% are owner-occupied and 24.5% are
rental properties.
!The median age of all residential structures in the county is 27 years,
while approximately 61.5% of all structures within Newport have been
constructed since 1970.
!The percentage of homes in Newport with 3+ bedrooms is 72.5%,
compared to 62.6% for Carteret County and 60.8% for the state overall.
21
!Newport has a substantially greater amount of single unit detached
housing (74.6%) than Carteret County overall (55.7%)
!The percentage of residential structures within Newport comprised of
mobile homes is much lower than that of Carteret County.
3. Employment and Economy
a. Introduction
The Town of Newport’s economy is based around retail business. The town
enjoys the luxury of being located along a major thoroughfare leading to one of the states
more popular tourist destinations. Table 9 provides a summary of economic indicators
for the Town of Newport and Carteret County. Due to the lack of available data, the
figures provided in the table below are from several different years. The per capita
income for Newport is significantly lower than that of Carteret County. The mean
income for Newport is also significantly lower than the county, however the
unemployment rate for Newport is half that of the County. The poverty rate for Newport
is approximately the same as the county, at 10%.
Table 9
Town of Newport and Carteret County
Summary of Economic Indicators
Year New port Carteret County
Per Capita Income 1999 $14,260 $21,260
Mean Income 1999 $17,924 $25,560
Unemployment Rate 2000 2.3%4.9%
% of Population in Labor Force 2000 55.4%47.5%
Poverty Rate 2000 10.0%10.7%
Source: NC Department of Commerce.
b. Household Income
Household income is an effective way to evaluate the overall wealth of an area.
Table 10 provides the number of individuals within varying income brackets, and how
these figures compare to state percentages. The Town of Newport’s household incomes
compare favorably to state percentages. Approximately 30% of Newport’s households
make less than $25,000 annually compared to 22.3% for the state overall.
22
Table 10
Town of Newport
Household Income, 2000
Town of Newport North Carolina
Total % of Total % of Total
Less than $10,000 55 5.0%5.9%
$10,000 to $14,999 76 6.9%4.6%
$15,000 to $24,999 199 18.1%11.8%
$25,000 to $34,999 183 16.7%13.1%
$35,000 to $49,999 225 20.5%18.7%
$50,000 to $74,999 244 22.2%22.9%
$75,000 to $99,999 86 7.8%11.1%
$100,000 to $149,999 29 2.6%7.6%
$150,000 to $199,999 2 0.2%2.1%
$200,000 or more 0 0.0%2.2%
Total Families 1,099 100.0%100.0%
Median Income $36,629 $39,184
Source: 2000 US Census.
c. Employment By Industry
Table 11 provides a summary of employment by industry in Newport for those
persons 16 years and over. The leading employment industries are Education, Health,
and Social Services (14.9%); Arts, Entertainment, Recreation, Accommodation, and Food
Services (13.3%); and Retail Trade (13%). The industries supporting the least
employment are Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Mining (0.8%); and Information
Services (1.6%).
Table 11
Town of Newport
Employment By Industry, 2000
Industry # Employed % Employed
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Mining 11 0.8%
Construction 155 11.9%
Manufacturing 105 8.1%
Wholesale Trade 44 3.4%
Retail Trade 169 13.0%
Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities 81 6.2%
Information 21 1.6%
Table 11 (continued)
Industry # Employed % Employed
23
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, and Rental and Leasing 52 4.0%
Professional, Scientific, Management, Administrative,
and Waste Management Services
90 6.9%
Education, Health, and Social Services 194 14.9%
Arts, Entertainment, Recreation, Accommodation, and
Food Services
173 13.3%
Other Services (except Public Administration)65 5.0%
Public Administration 141 10.8%
Total Persons Employed 16 Years and Over 1,301 100.0%
Source: US Census Bureau.
It should be noted that the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining employment
data that has been provided is somewhat misleading because the figures reflect insured
employment and do not include many seasonal, migratory workers. Although the exact
number of individuals employed in these industries is unknown, this sector of industry
only employs a small number of individuals in Newport. Beyond these figures, there is
no quantitative method to track seasonal employment.
d. Employee Wages By Industry
Table 12 gives an overview of weekly earnings by industry for Carteret County
as well as the North Carolina average. This data is provided for Carteret County because
the information is not available at the municipal level. According to this information the
highest paying industry in the county is the government sector. The lowest paying sector
is Retail Trade. Across the board weekly wages within the county are much lower than
state averages.
Table 12
Carteret County
Earnings by Industry, 2000
Average Weekly Earnings
Carteret County North Carolina
Agriculture $381.20 $416.35
Construction $430.72 $598.43
Finance/Insurance/Real Estate $437.14 $907.31
Government $579.53 $622.30
Manufacturing $412.41 $716.21
Retail Trade $265.09 $336.64
Table 12 (continued)
Average Weekly Earnings
Carteret County North Carolina
24
Wholesale Trade $453.71 $783.87
Service $390.79 $580.23
Transportation/Communications/Public Utilities $552.30 $775.01
*N um bers provided are only available at th e County level.
Source: NC Department of Commerce.
e. Industries
The Town of Newport is fairly limited in terms of industrial development. The
following table lists all industrial employers within the town’s jurisdiction.
Table 13
Town of Newport
Industries
Company Product Em ployees Year Established
Veneer Technologies, Inc.Export 135 1993
Frank Door Company Export 25 2000
Source: NC Department of Commerce.
f. Economy Summary
!The unemployment rate for Newport (2.3%) is much lower than that of
Carteret County overall (4.9%).
!The poverty rate for Newport is comparable to that of Carteret County.
!Approximately 30% of the households within Newport make less than
$25,000 annually.
!The leading employment industries are Education, Health, and Social
Services (14.9%); Arts, Entertainment, Recreation, Accommodation, and
Food Services (13.3%); and Retail Trade (13%). The industries
supporting the least employment are Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and
Mining (0.8%) and Information Services (1.6%).
25
!The highest paying industry in the county is the government sector. The
lowest paying sector is Retail Trade.
4. Population Projections
Table 14 provides Newport population projections through 2025. These projections were
prepared using data provided by the North Carolina Office of State Planning as well as the land
demand forecast discussed on page 156. According to these projections, Newport is expected
to grow significantly over the next 25 years. This reflects the influx of growth that will occur as
more people move to eastern North Carolina for retirement. These retirees will flock to towns
such as Newport that are located immediately adjacent to the coast.
Table 14
Town of Newport and Carteret County
Population Projections
2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 % Change ‘00-‘25
Newport 3,346 4,386*5,517 7,050 9,206 12,356 269.2%
Carteret County**59,383 61,825 64,928 67,128 69,000 70,406 18.6%
*The 2005 population estim ate accounts for the new FA-18 squadron that is being m oved to Cherry Point.
**The Town of Newport would like to note the population projections for Carteret County appear to be
extremely conservative. Additionally, Newport comprises approximately 22% of the land in Carteret
County considered to be highly suitable for developm ent.
Source: NC Office of State Planning and Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
B. NATURAL SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
1. Mapping and Analysis of Natural Features
a. Topography/Geology
The Town of Newport is located in the lower coastal plain of eastern North
Carolina. Newport consists of 18,486 acres, or roughly 28.9 square miles. Overall,
Newport is a low-lying area gently sloping towards the coastal areas to the east. The
Newport River traverses through the center of town. The Newport River is a shallow
body of water which meanders through the town’s planning jurisdiction.
b. Climate
Newport is hot and humid in the summer, but is frequently cooled by sea breezes.
Winter is cool with occasional, brief cold spells. Rain occurs throughout the year and is
fairly heavy at times. Average annual participation is generally adequate for all crops.
26
In winter, the average temperature is 47 degrees F, and the average daily
minimum temperature is 38 degrees. The lowest temperature on record, which occurred
on January 13, 1962, is 4 degrees. In summer, the average temperature is 78 degrees
and the average daily maximum temperature is 85 degrees. The highest recorded
temperature, which occurred on July 26, 1952, is 107 degrees.
The total average annual precipitation is roughly 52.5 inches. Of this, 30 inches,
or 57 percent, usually falls in April through September. The growing season for most
crops falls within this period. In 2 years out of 10, the rainfall in April through
September was less than 25 inches. The heaviest one day rainfall during the period of
record was 8.5 inches at Morehead City on June 11, 1966. Thunderstorms occur on
about 45 days each year, and most occur in summer.
The average seasonal snowfall is one inch. The deepest snowfall accumulation
according to local accounts occurred in 1989 when 19 inches of snow fell in the Newport
area.
The average relative humidity in mid-afternoon is about 65 percent. Humidity
is higher at night, and the average at dawn is about 80 percent. The sun shines 60
percent of the time in summer and 50 percent in winter. The prevailing wind is from the
southwest. Average wind speed is 12 miles per hour in winter and spring.
c. Flood Zones
Based on the updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMS), officially adopted
July 16, 2003, 19% of Newport’s planning jurisdiction is located within a floodplain.*
Table 15 provides acreage breakdowns for areas within Newport that are located within
a flood hazard area. The figures are totaled as well as broken down between the
corporate limits and ETJ. Approximately 2,551 acres, or 13.80%, are located within the
AE zone. The AE zone is defined as an area of 100-year flood, where base flood
elevations and flood hazard factors have been determined. Approximately 622 acres, or
3.37%, are located within the AEFW zone that is also referred to as the Floodway. The
AEFW zone is defined as the land immediately adjacent to the bank of a water course.
Approximately 332 acres, or 1.80%, are located in the Shaded X zone. The Shaded X
zone is defined as the area located within the 500-year flood boundary.
*NOTE: All maps contained in this plan are based on the most recent flood maps.
27
Table 15
Town of Newport
Flood Hazard Areas
Town and ETJ Town Limits ETJ
Flood Zones Acres % of Total Acres % of Total Acres % of Total
AE 2,550.56 13.80%438.59 9.84%2,111.97 15.06%
AEFW 622.24 3.36%174.98 3.93%447.26 3.19%
SHADED X 332.47 1.80%54.34 1.22%278.13 1.98%
A creage in
Flood Zone
3,505.27 18.96%667.91 14.99%2,837.36 20.23%
Total Acreage 18,485.56 4,457.41 14,028.15
Source: Holland Consulting Planners, Inc., and Federal Em ergency Managem ent Agency.
Map 4 represents the location of all flood hazard areas within the Town of
Newport. The flood hazard areas within Newport’s planning jurisdiction are located
primarily within the ETJ. The flood zones are derived from the Newport River and its
tributaries. The only flood hazard areas located within the corporate limits are directly
along the Newport River channel in the center of town.
To provide a sense of how existing development could be potentially affected
during a flooding event, Table 16 provides land use acreages for properties located
within the 100-year floodplain as well as the floodway. This table provides acres, total
count of parcels, and the percentage of total Newport acreage for Newport’s planning
jurisdiction. According to this table, a significant number of residential properties will
be affected by a 100-year storm. Approximately 277 residential properties comprising
726 acres will be impacted by a flooding event of this magnitude. These properties have
a total estimated structure value of $12,004,452. The total structure value of all
properties that will potentially be affected by a 100-year storm is $15,289,470 (659
parcels, 3192 acres).
The Town of Newport is under the jurisdiction of the 2003 Carteret County
Hazard Mitigation Plan (see Appendix III for the plan’s policies). In addition, the reader
should refer to the following implementing actions contained in this plan: I-16, I-24, I-47,
I-49, I-55, and I-77.
29
Table 16
Town of Newport
Land Use Acreage in the 100-Year Floodplain
Land Use Total Parcels Acreage
% of Total
Newport Acreage
Agricultural 33 226.9 1.2%
Commercial 15 54.8 0.3%
Multi-family 9 60.8 0.3%
Office & Institutional 13 76.3 0.4%
Residential 277 725.8 3.9%
Recreation/Open Space 5 157.0 0.8%
Vacant 307 1,890.0 10.0%
Total 659 3,191.6 16.9%
Source: Holland Consulting Planners, Inc., and Federal Emergency M anagement Agency.
Storm surge creates a flooding hazard, and is associated primarily with hurricane
events. Maps 5 and 6 show the general areas that will be affected by slow moving as
well as fast moving hurricanes.
While a fair amount of Newport’s planning jurisdiction lies within one of three
floodplain designations, a much greater threat is posed by storm surge. An average of
10% of Newport’s jurisdiction will be inundated by a Category 1 or 2 hurricane, 18% by
a Category 3 storm, and 45.2% by a Category 4 or 5 storm. Table 17 provides a
complete summary of the total acreage affected by storm category, according to both the
fast and slow moving hurricane models.
Table 17
Town of Newport
Storm Surge
Fast Moving Slow Moving
Acres % of Total Acres % of Total
Category 1 and 2 1,475.9 7.98%2,229.6 12.06%
Category 3 2,520.1 13.63%4,213.1 22.79%
Category 4 and 5 9,044.1 48.93%7,657.8 41.43%
Source: Federal Em ergency Managem ent Agency.
32
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale is a rating system based on hurricane
intensity. Within each category is a description of wind speed, storm surge, and
estimated damages. Examples of each category are noted.
Category One Hurricane: Winds 74-95 mph. Storm surge generally 4-5 feet above
normal. No significant damage to permanent structures. Damage limited to unanchored
mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Some damage to poorly constructed areas. Limited
coastal road flooding and minor pier damage may occur. Hurricanes Allison and Noel
of 1995 were Category One hurricanes at peak intensity.
Category Two Hurricane: Winds 96-110 mph. Storm surge generally 6-8 feet
above normal. Some roofing material, door, and window damage to buildings.
Considerable damage to shrubbery and trees. Some trees blown down. Considerable
damage to mobile homes, poorly constructed signs, and piers. Coastal and low-lying
escape routes flood 2-4 hours before the arrival of the hurricane center. Small craft in
unprotected anchorages break moorings. Hurricane Bertha of 1996 was a Category Two
hurricane when it hit the North Carolina coast.
Category Three Hurricane: Winds 111-130 mph. Storm surge generally 9-12 feet
above normal. Some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings with a
minor amount of curtainwall failures. Foliage blown off trees. Large trees blown down.
Mobile homes and poorly constructed signs are destroyed. Flooding near the coast
destroys smaller structures, with larger structures damaged by floating debris. Terrain
lower than five feet above mean sea level may be flooded eight miles inland. Evacuation
of low-lying residences within several blocks of the shoreline may be required. Hurricane
Fran of 1996 was a Category Three hurricane.
Category Four Hurricane: Winds 131-155 mph. Storm surge generally 13-18 feet
above normal. More extensive curtainwall failures with some complete roof structure
failures on small residences. Shrubs, trees, and all signs are blown down. Complete
destruction of mobile homes. Extensive damage to doors and windows. Low-lying
escape routes may be covered by rising water 3-5 hours before the arrival of the
hurricane center. Major damage to the lower floors of structures near the shore. Terrain
lower than ten feet above sea level may be flooded, requiring the massive evacuation of
residential areas as far inland as six miles. Hurricanes Opal and Hugo were Category
Four hurricanes at peak intensity when they struck the Florida and South Carolina coasts,
respectively. Both storms eventually passed over the western part of North Carolina. At
this time, wind speeds had dropped to tropical storm force winds.
33
Category Five Hurricane: Winds greater than 155 mph. Storm surge generally
greater than 18 feet. Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings.
Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown down. All shrubs,
trees, and signs blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Severe and
extensive window and door damage. Low-lying escape routes are cut by rising water 3-5
hours before the arrival of the hurricane center. Major damage to lower floors of all
structures located less than 15 feet above sea level and within 500 yards of the shoreline.
Massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5-10 miles of the shoreline
may be required. Hurricane Gilbert of 1988 was a Category Five hurricane at peak
intensity and is the strongest Atlantic tropical cyclone of record. Gilbert passed over
Jamaica, the Yucatan Peninsula, and Northern Mexico.
The following provides a brief history of hurricane activity over the last ten years:
!September 14 to 16, 1999 - Hurricane Floyd. This hurricane caused the largest
peace time evacuation in the nation’s history. It also caused massive record
flooding in eastern North Carolina.
!Septem ber 4 to 5, 1999 - H urricane D ennis. The rem nants of H urricane D ennis
ended a drought in the middle part of the state. Carteret and Ocracoke Island
displayed the heaviest rainfall estim ates on the Doppler Radar.
!August 28, 1998 - Hurricane Bonnie. The most damaging winds were contained
in the precursor bands where localized downbursts produced significant damage,
especially along the coast of Carteret County w hich appeared to sustain the most
damage from the storm.
!September 4 to 6, 1996 - Hurricane Fran. Hurricane Fran caused extensive
damage throughout North Carolina. In Carteret County, Emerald Isle reported 67
homes destroyed and 409 with major damaged from Hurricane Fran.
! A ugust 29 to 31, 1996 - Hurricane Edouard. Hurricane Ed ouard p assed w ithin
250 miles of Cape Hatteras on its northward journey. High swells and heavy surf
affected the coastline.
! July 12 to 13, 1996 - Hurricane Bertha. Hurricane Bertha caused severe damage
to property, utilities, and roads. Heaviest dam age was in T opsa il Beach and all
of Onslow County up the coast to Emerald Isle in Carteret County.
!August 15 to 17, 1985 - Hurricane Felix. Hurricane Felix came within 200 miles
of Cape Hatteras, stalled for several hours, and then drifted north and east away
from the coast.
!November 17 to 18, 1994 - Hurricane Gordon. Hurricane Gordon remained
offshore, but caused significant flooding and strong winds along the central and
northern Carolina coast.
34
d.Manmade Hazards
There are currently no manmade hazards located within Newport’s planning
jurisdiction. The Atlantic and East Carolina Railway runs through Newport, but does not
currently serve any customers within the corporate limits or ETJ. There are several
businesses and industries that utilize minimal amounts of hazardous materials. The
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all facilities with chemicals on the EPA’s
list of Extremely Hazardous Substances present in a quantity equal to or in excess of their
established threshold planning quantity or a 500 pound threshold (whichever is less), as
well as any hazardous chemicals present on-site in a quantity equal to or greater than
10,000 pounds be reported annually in what is titled a Tier II report. There are currently
no facilities in Newport that must meet this requirement. As noted earlier, Newport has
developed a wellhead protection plan to address potential problems that could result
from the use of these materials. This ordinance is discussed in further detail under the
review of existing plans and ordinances.
It should be noted that although the Atlantic and East Carolina Railway does not
service any businesses or industry within Newport, the railway does transport cargo
through Newport from the NC State Port in Morehead City. Although it is not possible
to identify specific materials that are transported through Newport, it is known that
Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station utilizes this stretch of railway as well as industries
throughout North Carolina.
e. Soils
A detailed soil survey was issued for all of Carteret County in September of 1978.
That report, Soil Survey of Carteret County, North Carolina, identifies 27 soil series
located within Newport’s planning jurisdiction. The soil series are presented on Map 7,
and their characteristics are summarized in Table 18.
It is significant that eighteen (18) of the soil series in Newport are Hydric Soils.
A hydric soil is a soil which is saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough during the
growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part (anaerobic is defined
as a situation in which molecular oxygen is absent from the environment). These soils
may meet the definition of 404 wetland areas if found in combination with certain 404
vegetation and require permitting by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Wilmington
office prior to any disturbance. Within Newport’s planning jurisdiction, 98% of the soils
have severe limitations for use as septic tank absorption fields. The impact of this is
reflected on Map 23, Land Suitability Analysis (page 88).
36
Table 18
Town of Newport
Soil Characteristics
Map
Symbol Description Acres
% of
Total
Depth to Seasonal
High W ater Table (ft)
Flooding
Frequency
(Surface)Streets & Roads
Septic Tank
Absorption Fields
AaA Altavista loamy fine sand,
0 to 2 percent slopes
6.51 0.04%1.5 to 2.5 feet N one M oderate: wetness Severe: wetness
Ag*Augusta loamy fine sand 88.25 0.48%1.0 to 2.0 feet None Moderate: low
strength, wetness
Severe: wetness
Ap*Arapahoe fine sandy loam 35.15 0.19%0 to 1.0 feet Rare Severe: wetness Severe: wetness,
poor filter
AuB Autryville loamy fine sand,
0 to 6 percent slopes
151.89 0.82%>5.0 feet None Slight Slight
ByB*Baym eade fine sand, 1 to
6 percent slopes
782.28 0.35%4.0 to 5.0 feet None Slight Severe: poor filter
CnB Conetoe loamy fine sand,
0 to 5 percent slopes
10.35 0.06%>6.0 feet None Slight Slight
CrB Craven loam, 1 to 4
percent slopes
153.18 0.83%2.0 to 3.0 feet None Severe: low
strength
Severe: wetness,
percs slow ly
CT*Croatan muck 63.82 0.35%0.5 to 1.0 feet Rare Severe: ponding Severe: ponding,
percs slow ly
D O *D orovan m uck, frequently
flooded
409.56 2.22%0.5 to 1.0 feet Frequent Severe: ponding,
flooding
Severe: flooding,
ponding
GoA Goldsboro loamy fine
sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes
1,300.28 7.03%2.0 to 3.0 feet N one M oderate: wetness Severe: wetness
HB*Hobucken muck,
frequently flooded
469.65 2.54%0 to 1.0 foot Frequent Severe: ponding,
flooding
Severe: flooding,
ponding
KuB*Kureb sand, 0 to 6 percent
slopes
570.24 3.08% >6.0 feet None Slight Severe: poor filter
Ln*Leon sand 2,701.86 14.62%0 to 1.0 feet N one Severe: wetness Severe: wetness,
poor filter
Table 18 (continued)
Map
Symbol Description Acres
% of
Total
Depth to Seasonal
High W ater Table (ft)
Flooding
Frequency
(Surface)Streets & Roads
Septic Tank
Absorption Fields
37
Ly*Lynchburg fine sandy
loam
1,001.93 5.42%1.0 to 1.5 feet N one Severe: wetness Severe: wetness
MA*Masontown mucky loam,
frequently flooded
357.90 1.94%0.5 to 1.0 foot Frequent Severe: ponding,
flooding
Severe: flooding,
ponding, poor
filter
M n*M andarin sand 1,575.62 8.52%1.5 to 3.5 feet None M oderate: w etness Severe: w etness,
poor filter
Mu*Murville m ucky sand 2,700.63 14.61%1 foot None Severe: ponding Severe: ponding,
poor filter
NoA Norfolk loamy fine sand,
0 to 2 percent slopes
48.08 0.26%4.0 to 6.0 feet None Slight Moderate:
w etness
NoB Norfolk loamy fine sand,
2 to 6 percent slopes
204.55 1.11%4.0 to 6.0 feet None Slight Moderate:
w etness
O n O nslow loam y sand 325.07 1.76%1.5 to 3.0 feet None M oderate: w etness Severe: w etness
Pa*Pantego fine sandy loam 932.31 5.04%0 to 1.0 foot N one Severe: wetness Severe: wetness
Ra*Rains fine sandy loam 1,490.91 8.07%0 to 1.0 foot N one Severe: wetness Severe: wetness
Ro*Roanoke loam 13.90 0.08%0 to 1.0 foot None Severe: low
strength, wetness
Severe: wetness,
percs slow ly
Se*Seabrook fine sand 66.29 0.36%2.0 to 4.0 feet N one M oderate: wetness Severe: wetness,
poor filter
Tm*Tom otley fine sandy loam 57.67 0.31%0 to 1.0 foot N one Severe: wetness Severe: wetness
To*Torhunta mucky fine
sandy loam
2,955.39 15.99%0 to 1.0 foot N one Severe: wetness Severe: wetness
WaB Wando fine sand, 0 to 6
percent slopes
12.77 0.07%>5.0 feet None Slight Severe: poor filter
TOTAL 18,486.01 100.0%
*Hydric soils due to saturation for a significant period during the growing season.
Source: Soil Survey of Carteret County, North Carolina.
38
f.Water Supply
Groundwater water is plentiful throughout Carteret County as well as Newport.
It is near the surface in most places, particularly during the winter and early spring.
Thousands of feet of sedimentary deposits underlie the area. The upper part of these
deposits contains aquifers that supply water for domestic use. The surficial aquifer
ranges from near the surface to a maximum depth of about 75 feet. The water is
generally hard but is low in iron.
g.Fragile Areas
In coastal North Carolina, fragile areas are considered to include coastal
wetlands, ocean beaches and shorelines, estuarine waters and shorelines, public trust
areas, complex natural areas, areas sustaining permanent species, unique geological
formations, registered natural landmarks, swamps, prime wildlife habitats, areas of
excessive slope, areas of excessive erosion, scenic points, archaeological sites, historical
sites, and 404 wetlands. While not identified as fragile areas in the 15A NCAC 7H use
standards, maritime forest and outstanding resource waters (ORWs) should also be
considered fragile areas. The only fragile areas of note within the Town of Newport’s
jurisdiction are: several Significant Natural Heritage Areas, several defined protected
lands, 404 Wetlands, and locally designated historical landmarks. Other fragile areas are
not discussed in the context of this plan due to the fact that they are not applicable to
Newport’s jurisdiction.
i. Significant Natural Heritage Areas/Protected Lands
Significant Natural Heritage Areas/Protected Lands are generally
recognized to be of educational, scientific, or cultural value because of the
natural features of the particular site. Features in these areas serve to distinguish
them from the vast majority of the landscape. These areas include complex
natural areas, areas that sustain remnant species, pocosins, wooded swamps,
prime wildlife habitats, or registered natural landmarks.
The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program of the Division of Parks and
Recreation works to identify and facilitate protection of the most ecologically
significant natural areas remaining in the state. Natural areas may be identified
because they provide a important habitat for rare species or because they contain
outstanding examples of the rich natural diversity of this state. Maps 8 and 9
depict the Significant Natural Heritage Areas and Protected Lands located within
Newport and its ETJ. Table 19 presents acreage summaries for these areas.
41
Table 19
Town of Newport
Significant Natural Heritage Areas and Protected Lands
Acres % of Total
Significant Natural Heritage Areas 3,628.90 19.63%
Hibbs Road Pine Ridges 3,077.73 16.65%
Masontown Pocosin 36.79 0.20%
Nine Mile Road/Roberts Road Limesink Ponds 435.47 2.36%
Union Point Pocosin 0.18 0.00%
Walkers Millpond and Black Creek 78.73 0.43%
Protected Land 5,021.96 27.17%
Croatan 4,759.36 25.75%
ENR - Newport Public Boating Access Area 0.64 0.003%
Newport Community Park 8.14 0.04%
Walkers Millpond 253.82 1.37%
Source: North Carolina Natural Heritage Program.
ii. Wetlands Defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act
404 wetlands are areas covered by water or that have waterlogged soils
for long periods during the growing season. Plants growing in wetlands are
capable of living in soils lacking oxygen for at least part of the growing season.
404 wetlands include, but are not limited to, bottomlands, forests, swamps,
pocosins, pine savannahs, bogs, marshes, wet meadows, and coastal wetlands.
Map 10 provides the location of all wetlands located within Newport’s
jurisdiction. Table 20 provides a summary of acreages for all wetlands displayed
on Map 10.
Table 20
Town of Newport
404 Wetlands
W etland Name Acres % of Total
Bottomland Hardwood 253.89 1.37%
Cleared Bottomland Hardwood 17.46 0.09%
Cleared Depressional Swamp Forest 0.39 0.00%
Cleared Hardwood Flat 13.45 0.07%
Table 20 (continued)
W etland Name Acres % of Total
42
Cleared Headwater Swamp 4.09 0.02%
Cleared Pine Flat 23.01 0.12%
Cleared Pocosin 0.11 0.001%
Cutover Bottomland Hardwood 29.27 0.16%
Cutover Depressional Swamp Forest 2.35 0.01%
Cutover Hardwood Flat 91.06 0.49%
Cutover Headwater Swamp 5.31 0.03%
Cutover Pine Flat 40.94 0.22%
Cutover Pocosin 31.92 0.17%
Depressional Swamp Forest 27.95 0.15%
Drained Bottomland Hardwood 72.59 0.39%
Drained Hardwood Flat 4.18 0.02%
Drained Pine Flat 104.15 0.56%
Drained Pocosin 8.16 0.04%
Estuarine Shrub/Scrub 11.40 0.06%
Freshwater Marsh 15.49 0.08%
Hardwood Flat 948.40 5.13%
Headwater Swamp 90.80 0.49%
Human Impacted 0.20 0.00%
Managed Pineland 2,343.25 12.68%
Pine Flat 1,816.09 9.82%
Pocosin 2,039.00 11.03%
Riverine Swamp Forest 1,555.18 8.41%
Salt/Brackish Marsh 284.94 1.54%
Total 9,835.02 53.20%
Source: North Carolina GIA.
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act requires that anyone interested in
depositing dredged or fill material into “waters of the United States” including
wetlands, must apply for and receive a permit for such activities. The
Wilmington office of the US Army Corps of Engineers has regulatory authority in
Newport’s planning jurisdiction. The specific locations of wetland areas must be
determined by an on-site analysis in the event of a permit application. It should
be noted that in some Areas of Environmental Concern, both the US Army Corps
of Engineers and the regulatory requirements of the Coastal Area Management
44
Act may have overlapping jurisdiction. Simultaneous to the preparation of this
plan, amendments to the federal definition of wetlands were being considered.
These changes could reduce the areas afforded protection under the wetlands
legislation.
In 1989, the NC Environmental Management Commission (EMC) passed
a rule directing the Division of Water Quality to review wetland fill using a
review sequence of avoidance, minimization, and mitigation of wetland fill. After
extensive public review, the EMC passed rules, effective October 1, 1996, to
restructure the 401 Water Quality Certification Program. These rules are not a
new regulatory program since DWQ has issued approvals for wetland fill since
the mid-1980s. The rules consider wetland values – whether or not the wetland
is providing significant uses or whether the activity would remove or degrade
uses. The rules also specify mitigation ratios, locations, and types to make the
mitigation process more predictable and certain for the regulated community.
The table below provides the total number of wetland fill activities for subbasin
03-05-03, within the White Oak River Basin.
Table 21
Wetland Fill Activities
Subbasin 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
03-05-03 6.96 8.95 30.37 2.76 37.98
*Incidence are reported in acres
Source: NC Division of Water Quality White Oak Basinwide Water Quality Plan.
h. Areas of Resource Potential
i. Regionally Significant Parks
Aside from the Newport Community Park which is listed under the
protected lands for the Town of Newport, the Croatan National Forest is the only
other significant natural area. Although this is not a park, it is a national forest
and therefore falls under this discussion. The Croatan National Forest’s 161,000
acres of land offer an exciting variety of opportunities. The Croatan’s wide
diversity of ecosystems ranges from freshwater pocosins to longleaf pine
savannahs to salt marshes. With such an array of habitats, it is no surprise that
the Croatan is home to a variety of wildlife: waterfowl, wading birds, deer, bears,
snakes, and alligators. The US Forest Service manages the forest for many uses
– recreation, water quality, timber, fish and wildlife habitat, and wilderness.
Conserving the Croatan’s resources while making them available for people to
enjoy is the Forest Service’s challenge.
45
ii. Marinas and Mooring Fields
Marinas are defined as any publicly- or privately-owned dock, basin, or
wet boat storage facility constructed to accommodate more than ten boats and
providing any of the following services: permanent or transient docking spaces,
dry storage, fueling facilities, haulout facilities, and repair service. Excluded from
this definition are boat ramp facilities allowing access only. Based on this
definition, there are currently no marinas located within Newport’s planning
jurisdiction, nor are there any mooring fields.
iii.Floating Homes
A floating home or structure is any structure, not a boat, supported by
means of floatation and designed to be used without a permanent foundation
which is used for human habitation or commerce. A structure is considered a
floating home or structure if it is inhabited or used for commercial purposes for
more than 30 days in any one location. A boat may be deemed a floating
structure if its means of propulsion have been removed or rendered inoperative
and it contains at least 200 square feet of living area. There are no floating
homes located within Newport’s planning jurisdiction.
iv. Aquaculture
Aquaculture is currently not an issue in the Town of Newport’s planning
jurisdiction.
v. Channel Maintenance and Interstate Waterways
Proper maintenance of water courses can become a problem due to the
potential for flooding in the event of a disaster. The Newport River channel has
never been dredged, and over time has become silted in. Dredging of the river
channel was identified by citizens of Newport as a top priority in the issues
identification workshop held in August 2003. The dredging of the Newport River
is an issue that will be discussed in further detail in the plan.
vi. Marine Resources (Water Quality)
The North Carolina Division of Water Quality assigns water quality
classifications to all named waters of the State of North Carolina. The
classifications are based upon the existing or contemplated best usage of the
various streams and segments of streams within a basin, as determined through
46
studies, evaluations, and comments received at public hearings. The state water
classification system is summarized as follows:
Table 22
NC Division of Water Quality Water Body Classifications
PRIMARY FRESHW ATER AND SALTW ATER CLASSIFICATIONS*
CLASS BEST USES
C and SC Aquatic life propagation/protection and secondary recreation
B and SB Primary recreation and Class C uses
SA Waters classified for commercial shellfish harvesting
WS W ater Supply watershed. There are five W S classes ranging from W S-I through W S-V.
WS classifications are assigned to watersheds based on land use characteristics of the
area. Each water supply classification has a set of management strategies to protect the
surface water supply. WS-I provides the highest level of protection and W S-V provides
the least protection. A Critical Area (CA) designation is also listed for watershed areas
within a half-mile and draining to the water supply intake or reservoir where an intake
is located.
SUPPLEMENTAL CLASSIFICATIONS
CLASS BEST USES
Sw Swamp W aters: Recognizes waters that will naturally be more acidic (have lower pH
values) and have lower levels of dissolved oxygen.
Tr Trout Waters: Provides protection to freshwaters for natural trout propagation and
survival of stocked trout.
HQW High Quality W aters: Waters possessing special qualities including excellent water
quality, Native or Special N ative Trout W aters, Critical habitat areas, or W S-I and W S-II
water supplies.
ORW Outstanding Resource W aters: Unique and special surface waters that are unimpacted by
pollution and have som e outstanding resource values.
NSW Nutrient Sensitive Waters: Areas with water quality problems associated with excessive
plant grow th resulting from nutrient enrichm ent.
* Primary classifications beginning w ith an “S” are assigned to saltwaters.
Source: NC Departm ent of Environm ent and Natural Resources.
Water quality varies slightly within Newport’s planning jurisdiction.
Table 23 provides a listing of all waterbodies within the Town that are classified
by the NC Division of Water Quality along with their assigned classification.
Map 11 identifies the location of these waterbodies. The Newport River and
Sandy Branch are currently listed as High Quality Waters by the NCDWQ.
However, the waters of the Newport River within Newport’s planning jurisdiction
are not rated because of the existence of swamp waters. Water conditions
frequently changing makes it difficult to classify waters of the Newport River
upstream from Little Creek Swamp.
48
Table 23
Town of Newport
Waterbodies
Name of
Stream Description
Current
Classification D ate Basin
Stream
Index #
Sandy Branch From source to
Hannah Branch
SA, HQW 06/01/56 W hite Oak 20-36-7-1-1-1
Shoe Branch From source to
Newport River
C 06/01/56 W hite Oak 21-6
Cedar Swamp
Creek
From source to
Newport River
C 06/01/56 W hite Oak 21-7
Deep Creek From source to
Newport River
C 09/01/74 White Oak 21-11
Hull Sw am p From source to
Newport River
C 06/01/56 White Oak 21-15
Black Creek
(Mill Pond)
From source to
Newport River
C 06/01/56 White Oak 21-16
Newport
River
From Little Creek
Sw am p to Atlantic
Ocean with exception
of Morehead City
Harbor restricted
area
SA, HQW 06/01/56 White Oak 21-17
Source: NC Division of W ater Quality.
2. Environmental Composite Map
The environmental composite map (Map 12) is a requirement under the new CAMA Land
Use Planning guidelines. This map is intended to work in conjunction with the Land Suitability
Maps discussed earlier in this plan and should be utilized for future land use map impact analysis
(see Future Land Use Map, page 152). The Environmental Composite Map breaks down land
masses within the county into three different categories based on natural features and
environmental conditions. The categories utilized are as follows:
Class I – Land that contains only minimal hazards and limitations that can be addressed
by commonly accepted land planning and development practices. Class I land will generally
support the more intensive types of land uses and development.
Class II – Land that has hazards and limitations for development that can be addressed
by restrictions on land uses, special site planning, or the provision of public services, such as
water and sewer. Land in this class will generally support only the less intensive uses, such as
low density residential, without significant investment in services.
Tom Mann RdHibbs RdRoberts RdHoward BlvdE C h a th a m S tNine Foot RdNine Mile RdMill Creek RdN e w p o r t L o o p R d
Masontown RdOrange StChurch StTown of Newport Land Use Plan Environmental Composite MAP 12LegendCorporate Limits ETJEnvironmental Composite Class IClass IIClass III0 0.6 1.2 1.8 2.40.3MilesPage 49(NOTE: Approximate Locations)
50
Class III – Land that has serious hazards and limitations. Land in this class will
generally support very low intensity uses, such as conservation and open space.
The Environmental Composite Model was prepared in a similar fashion to the Land
Suitability Map. An overlay analysis was performed, breaking the county into one acre cells
utilizing only map layers determined to be environmental factors. The layers used, and their
assigned classes, are outlined in Table 24.
Table 24
Town of Newport
Environmental Composite Map Layers
(Subject to Change)
Layer Class I Class II Class III
Coastal Wetlands T
Exceptional or Substantial Non-Coastal
Wetlands T
Beneficial Non-Coastal Wetlands T
Estuarine Waters T
Soils with Slight or Moderate Septic
Limitations*T
Soils with Severe Septic Limitations T
Flood Zones T
Storm Surge Areas T
HQW/ORW Watersheds T
Water Supply Watersheds T
Significant Natural Heritage Areas T
Protected Lands T
*Class 1 lands are not a factor within Newport due to the presence of a central sewer system.
For a given cell, the computed value of the cell will be determined by the highest class
theme that contains the cell. For example, if a cell is in a coastal wetland (Class III) and in a
storm surge area (Class II) and intersects a soil with a slight or moderate septic limitation (Class
I), the cell value will be Class III. In other words, if a cell does not meet the criteria for Class III,
but qualifies as Class II, it has Class II for a value. If a cell does not qualify for either Class III
or Class II, then it is Class I by default. This order enables the modeler to leave out themes that
are not associated with Classes II or III to simplify the model (yielding the same results).
51
The resulting Environmental Composite Map is similar to the Land Suitability Map in that
Class III areas are consistent with the Least Suitable category and the Class I areas are related
to the Most Suitable areas. The primary difference is the absence of infrastructure in the
Environmental Composite Map that heightens the emphasis on environmental sensitivity and
relative land conservation value. The Future Land Use Map reflects the Class I, II, and III
criteria.
Table 25 provides a summary of the land use acreages by class for the town as a whole
as well as by subbasin.
Table 25
Town of Newport
Land Use Acreage by Class
Town of Newport
Class I 2,590.2
Class II 5,108.8
Class III 11,055.8
TOTAL 18,754.8
Source: Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
3. Environmental Conditions (Water Quality, Natural Hazards, and Natural
Resources)
The White Oak River Basinwide Water Quality Plan was adopted by the Division of Water
Quality in 1997 and updated in November of 2001. The following are the goals of DWQ’s
basinwide program:
!Identify water quality problems and restore full use to impaired waters;
!Identify and protect high value resource waters;
!Protect unimpaired waters while allowing for reasonable economic growth;
!Develop appropriate management strategies to protect and restore water quality;
!Assure equitable distribution of waste assimilative capacity for dischargers; and
!Improve public awareness and involvement in the management of the state’s
surface waters.
As existing and future land uses are considered within Newport, these goals should be
kept in mind.
52
White Oak River Basin Statistics
Total area: 1,264 sq. miles
Stream Miles: 446
Estuarine Acres: 130,009
Atlantic Coastline: 91 miles
No. of Counties: 4
No. of Municipalities: 16
No. of Subbasins: 5
Population (1990): 146,240*
Estimated Pop. (2015): 188,403*
% Increase (1998-2015): 26%
Pop. Density (1990): 141 perso ns/sq. m i.
*Based on % of county land area estim ated to
be within the basin.
Within the White Oak River Basin, Newport is located entirely within subbasin 03-05-03.
The White Oak River Basin and subbasin boundaries are shown on Map 13. It should be noted
that there are currently no outstanding resource waters or high quality waters located within
Newport’s planning jurisdiction.
The following provides a summary of existing conditions in the White Oak River Basin
and subbasin 03-05-03 along with the DWQ recommendations from the 2002 Basinwide Plan:
a. White Oak River Basin
The White Oak River Basin lies
entirely within the southern coastal
plain. The basin includes four separate
river systems: the New River and its
tributaries in the southwestern section;
the White Oak River and its tributaries;
the Newport River and its tributaries;
and the North River in the eastern
section. The basin also includes Bogue
and Core Sounds. The Newport River
bisects Newport’s planning jurisdiction.
The White Oak River Basin encompasses all or portions of four counties and
sixteen municipalities. Table 26 provides a listing of these municipalities, along with an
identification of the regional planning jurisdiction (Council of Governments), and an
estimation of what percentage of the county area is within the river basin.
Table 26
Local Governments and Planning Units within the White Oak River Basin
County
% of County in
Basin**Region Municipalities
Carteret 49%Region P
Neuse River Council of Governm ents
New Bern
Atlantic Beach
Beaufort
Bogue
Cape Carteret
Cedar Point
Em erald Isle
Indian Beach
M orehead City
Newport
Peletier
Pine Knoll Shores
Craven 4%Region P None
Table 26 (continued)
County
% of County in
Basin**Region Municipalities
53
Jones 19%R egion P M aysville
O nslow 77%R egion P Jacksonville
North Topsail Beach*
Richlands
Swansboro
*Located in more than one major river basin.
**Estimated by Center for Geographic Inform ation and Analysis.
N O TE: Counties are not included as part of a river basin if o nly a trace am ount of the county (<2%) is
located in that basin unless there is a municipality.
Source: White Oak River Basinwide Water Quality Plan.
Most federal government agencies, including the US Geological Survey (USGS)
and the US Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), use a system of defining
watersheds that is different from that used by the Division of Water Quality (DWQ) and
many other state agencies in North Carolina. Under the federal system, the White Oak
River Basin is made up of two hydrologic areas referred to as hydrologic units. One of
these units includes the entire White Oak basin, except the New River watershed area,
which is assigned to the other unit. Each hydrologic unit is defined by an 8-digit number.
DWQ has a two-tiered system in which the state is subdivided into 17 river basins with
each basin further subdivided into subbasins. Table 27 compares the two systems. The
White Oak River Basin is subdivided by DWQ into five subbasins.
Table 27
Hydrologic Subdivisions in the White Oak River Basin
Watershed Name and
Major Tributaries
USGS 8-digit
Hydrologic Units
D W Q Subbasin
6-digit Codes
N ew River 03030001 03-05-02
Bogue-Core Sounds
W hite Oak River
Newport River
North River
Jarrett Bay and Nelson Bay
Core Sound and Back Sound
03020106 03-05-01
03-05-01
03-05-03
03-05-04
03-05-04
03-05-05
55
Table 28
Subbasin 03-05-03 Description
Land and Water
Total area:228 mi2
Land area:168 mi2
Water area: 60 mi2
Population Statistics
1990 Est. pop.:11,404 people
Pop. density:68 persons/mi2
Land Cover
Forest/Wetland:59.0%
Surface Water:26.0%
Urban: 4.0%
Cultivated Crop: 6.5%
Pasture/Managed
Herbaceous: 1.0%
Water Area
Stream Miles:18
Estuarine Acres:34,723
Coastal Miles:25
Shellfish Harvest Acres:34,146
b. Subbasin 03-05-03
The Newport River watershed
(subbasin 03-05-03) is located just east of the
White Oak River. It flows into the eastern
end of Bogue Sound before entering the
Atlantic Ocean near Morehead City. The
Newport River watershed begins in Craven
County and flows through Newport. There
are 18 stream miles, 34,723 estuarine acres,
and 25 miles of Atlantic coastline. With the
exception of Newport, most of the
development in this subbasin is along the
coast, including Morehead City, Beaufort,
Atlantic Beach, and Bogue Banks. Land use
in this subbasin is predominantly forested.
The highest population densities are in the
Beaufort and Morehead City areas along the
waterfront.
There are indications of nutrient inputs in the upper Newport River. There are
also elevated fecal coliform bacteria levels after rainfall events. The tributaries to the
Newport River are characteristic swamp streams. Water quality in the estuarine waters
of this subbasin is generally good. Most of the waters in this subbasin are estuarine, with
the Newport River being the only major freshwater source. There are 34,146 acres of
estuarine water classified for shellfish harvesting; 11,368 of these acres are outstanding
resource waters (ORW).
The Town of Newport operates the only National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) permit facility in the mainland portion of subbasin 03-05-03. In
addition, there are no intensive livestock operations located within Newport’s planning
jurisdiction.
2002 Recommendations: Continued development, road building, wetland
ditching and draining, and poor de-snagging practices have the potential to cause
degradation of aquatic habitats and water quality in the upper Newport River as well as
increase the potential for eutrophication problems in the Newport River estuary. These
land uses should implement best management practices to reduce water quality impacts.
56
Because bacteriological water quality no longer meets approved area criteria, the
Division of Environmental Health (DEH) is reclassifying areas along the north shore of
Bogue Sound to conditionally approved-open. These areas are currently rated as fully
supporting the shellfish harvesting use support category. During the next basinwide
assessment, these areas may be rated partially supporting if temporary closures continue
to increase in frequency.
There have been beach closures on Bogue Banks and Atlantic Beach because of
storm water pumping. The affected areas are pursuing options other than pumping
storm water onto beaches and into shellfish harvesting waters. DEH and DWQ will
continue to monitor this situation and pursue a resolution that does not involve potential
contamination of surface waters with storm water.
c. Registered Animal Operations/Population Densities within White Oak River
Basin
The following table provides a summary of registered animal operations within
White Oak River subbasin 03-05-03. It should be noted that the only registered animal
operations within this subbasin consist of swine production. Only one of the facilities is
located near Newport, northeast of the town’s planning jurisdiction (see Map 14 on page
61).
Table 29
Registered Animal Operations
Swine*
Subbasin No. of Facilities N o. of Anim als
Total Steady State
Live Weight**
03-05-03 2 3,375 542,655
*There are no other registered animal operations located within subbasin 03-05-03.
**Steady State Live Weight (SSLW) is the result, in pounds, after a conversion factor has been
applied to the number (head count)of sw ine, cattle, or poultry on a farm . The conversion factors,
which come from the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) guidelines, vary depending
on the type of animals on the farm and the type of operation (for example, there are five types of
hog farm s). Since the amount of w aste produced varies by the size of the anim al, SSLW is the best
way to compare the sizes of the farms.
Source: NC Division of Water Quality White Oak Basinwide Water Quality M anagement Plan.
57
Table 30 provides population densities and land area summaries for the White
Oak River Basin. In using these data, it should be noted that some of the population
figures are estimates because the census block group boundaries do not generally
coincide with subbasin boundaries. The census data are collected within boundaries such
as counties and municipalities. By contrast, the subbasin lines are drawn along natural
drainage divides separating watersheds. Therefore, where a census block group straddles
a subbasin line, the percentage of the population that is located in the subbasin is
estimated, assuming that population density is evenly distributed throughout a census
block group. This is not always the case; however, the level of error associated with this
method is not expected to be significant for the purposes of this document. It is also
important to note that the census block groups change every ten years so comparisons
between years must be considered approximate. Subbasin 03-05-03 is overestimated,
as there are very few residents in this subbasin.
Table 30
Population Densities (1970, 1980, 1990) and Land Area Summaries
Population Population Density Land and Water Areas
(Number of Persons)(Persons/Sq. Mile)Total Land & Water Water Area Land Area
Subbasin 1970 1980 1990 1970 1980 1990 (Acres)(Sq. Miles)(Sq. Miles)(Sq. Miles)
03-05-01 27,748 30,640 39,388 86 95 122 224,923 351 29 322
03-05-02 58,060 63,497 84,359 138 152 201 295,882 462 43 419
03-05-03 6,858 8,917 11,404 41 53 68 146,026 228 60 168
03-05-04 5,120 6,657 8,514 50 65 83 108,875 170 67 103
03-05-05*1,549 2,014 2,575 0 0 0 33,063 52 44 8
Totals 99,335 111,725 146,240 96 107 141 808,769 1,263 207 1,040
*Subbasin 03-05-05 is mostly National Seashore and very sparsely populated; therefore, density data is not considered
to be representative of actual density in this subbasin.
Source: NC Division of Water Quality White Oak Basinwide Water Quality Plan.
d. Growth Trends
Basinwide, the percentage increase in population from 1970 to 1980 was 30.0%,
and 27.9% from 1980 to 1990. These growth rates exceed state averages over the same
periods (1970 to 1980, 23.3% and 1980 to 1990, 11.2%). The projected population
figures indicate that the entire subbasin will continue to see growth at significant rates.
This growth can be attributed to two primary influences, Cherry Point expansion and the
influx of retirees over the next ten to twenty years.
58
C. ANALYSIS OF LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT
1. Introduction
The Division of Coastal Management Land Use Plan Guidelines (15A NCAC 7B.0207)
require that existing land uses and water uses be mapped. The land and water use maps should
be utilized as working documents and serve as a basis for the development of the future land use
map. Specifically, this plan should address the following (note: some of these
issues/requirements are addressed in other sections of this plan in greater detail):
!Significant land use compatibility problems;
!Significant water use compatibility problems including those identified in any
water supply plan and those identified in the applicable Division of
Environmental Management basinwide plan;
!Significant problems that have resulted from unplanned development and that
have implications for future land use, water use, or water quality;
!An identification of areas experiencing or likely to experience changes in
predominant land uses, including agricultural and forestry land being converted
to other uses and previously undeveloped shoreline areas where development is
now occurring;
!Significant water quality conditions and the connection between land use and
water quality.
2. Land Use in Relation to Water Quality
a. Introduction
This section will analyze how land use in Newport’s planning jurisdiction relates
to water quality. This section has been compiled with information provided by the North
Carolina Division of Water Quality (DWQ). Under the Basinwide Management Program,
the DWQ completes Basinwide Water Quality Plans.
Basinwide water quality planning is a non-regulatory, watershed-based approach
to restoring and protecting the quality of North Carolina's surface waters. Preparation
of a basinwide water quality plan is a five-year process, which is divided into three
phases. While these plans are prepared by the DWQ, their implementation and the
protection of water quality entails the coordinated efforts of many agencies, local
59
governments, and stakeholder groups in the state. The first cycle of plans was completed
in 1998, but each plan is updated at five-year intervals.
It should be noted that the results of the monitoring efforts are not intended to
provide precise conclusions about pollutant budgets for specific watersheds. Since the
assessment methodology is geared toward general conclusions, it is important not to
manipulate the data to support policy decisions beyond the accuracy of the data.
Two primary methods of water quality testing were performed in Newport’s
planning jurisdiction. The details of this methodology are described below so that the
information on the results of this testing can be better understood. The methods utilized
were Benthic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring, Ambient Monitoring System, and Fish
Tissue Analysis. DWQ also observes water bodies for the existence of algal blooms,
which are an indication of poor water quality.
Benthic macroinvertebrates are organisms, primarily aquatic insect larvae, which
live in and on the bottoms of rivers and streams. The use of macroinvertebrate data has
proven to be a reliable water quality monitoring tool because most macroinvertebrates
are immobile and sensitive to subtle changes in water quality. Benthic communities also
respond to, and show the effects of, a wide array of potential pollutant mixtures.
The Ambient Monitoring System (AMS) is a network of stream, lake, and
estuarine (saltwater) water quality monitoring stations (about 420 statewide)
strategically located for the collection of physical and chemical water quality data (or
parameters). Water quality parameters are arranged by freshwater or saltwater water
body classification and corresponding water quality standards. Under this arrangement,
waters are assigned minimum monthly parameters with additional parameters assigned
to waters with classifications such as trout waters and water supplies.
Since fish spend their entire lives in the aquatic environment, they incorporate
chemicals from this environment into their body tissues. Therefore, by analyzing fish
tissue, determinations about what chemicals are in the water can be made.
Contamination of aquatic resources, including freshwater, estuarine, and marine fish and
shellfish species has been documented for heavy metals, pesticides, and other complex
organic compounds. Once these contaminants reach surface waters, they may be
available for bioaccumulation either directly or through aquatic food webs and may
accumulate in fish and shellfish tissues. Therefore, results from fish tissue monitoring
can serve as an important indicator of contamination of sediments and surface water.
Fish tissue analysis results are also used as indicators for human health concerns, fish and
wildlife health concerns, and the presence and concentrations of various chemicals in the
ecosystem.
60
In evaluating fish tissue analysis results, several different types of criteria are
used. Human health concerns related to fish consumption are screened by comparing
results with federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) action levels and US
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommended screening values for contaminants.
b. Subbasin 03-05-03
This subbasin lies in the center of Carteret County, extending from the Croatan
National Forest to Beaufort and Beaufort Inlet. Most of this subbasin is estuarine, with
the Newport River as the only major source of freshwater. With the exception of
Newport, most of the development in this subbasin is along the coast: Morehead City,
Beaufort, Atlantic Beach, and Bogue Banks. There are four significant dischargers in this
subbasin. The Newport WWTP (0.5 MGD) discharges to the Newport River. Map 14
provides the locations of the Ambient, Benthic, and Fish Tissue sampling stations located
within Newport’s planning jurisdiction.
The Newport River drainage has five AMS sites, three on the Newport River
(Newport, Newport Marshes, and Morehead City Harbor) and two in Bogue Sound
(Salter Path and Emerald Isle). Four of these sites are on the Intracoastal Waterway.
The Newport site had four (14.3%) excursions below the dissolved oxygen criterion, five
(31.3%) excursions above the fecal criterion, four (23.5%) excursions above the iron
action level, four (14.3%) excursions below the pH criterion, and one (3.4%) excursion
above the zinc action level. While these individual excursions are not violations of the
fecal coliform standard, they serve as a useful screening tool for further investigation.
This site is downstream from the Newport WWTP and some of the excursions recorded
may be from the effects from this plant.
The Newport River at Newport has intermittent low dissolved oxygen and pH
values. These low values were probably the result of high concentrations of organic
matter being drawn out of flooded swamps following periods of high water. This also
may or may not be the source of periodic elevated fecal coliform counts. Additional
water quality data is included in Section V(B).
In order to minimize the impact of land use on water quality, the following
should be implemented with Newport’s planning jurisdiction.
!Implement agricultural and forestry Best Management Practices.
!Establish vegetative buffers along shorelines.
!Eliminate direct storm water discharge into waterbodies.
!Improve storm water and sediment control.
!.s70Swine Operation Town of Newport Land Use Plan Land Use in Relation to Water Quality LegendCorporate LimitsETJ!.Ambient Station Fish Spawning AreasFish Sampling Community SitesMajor HydrographyNC DOT RoadsExisting Land UseAgriculturalCommercial Industrial High Density Residential Middle Density ResidentialLow Density Residential Office & Institutional Undevelopable Open SpaceVacant 0 0.6 1.2 1.8 2.40.3MilesMAP 1461
62
3. Existing Land Use
The existing land use in the Town of Newport was mapped by a windshield survey
conducted by Holland Consulting Planners, Inc., with assistance from the Town of Newport,
throughout the month of August 2003. The existing land use is depicted on Map 15.
Table 31 provides approximate land use acreage summaries for the entire Newport
planning jurisdiction, as well as the corporate limits and ETJ. Newport includes a total of 18,486
acres. Roughly half the land within Newport’s planning jurisdiction remains vacant (47.2%).
This percentage is misleading, however, due to the fact that nearly all (44%) of the vacant land
is located within the town’s ETJ. Within the corporate limits of Newport, the predominant land
use is Recreation/Open Space (63.5%), and the next most significant land uses are vacant land
(14.6%) and residential property (13.3%).
Table 31
Town of Newport and ETJ
Land Use Acreages
Town Limits ETJ Total
Land Use Acres % of Total Acres % of Total Acres % of Total
Agricultural 0.9 0.02%1,617.5 11.4%1,618.4 8.8%
Commercial 107.1 2.5%253.4 1.8%360.4 1.9%
Industrial 34.7 0.8 0.0 0.0%34.7 0.2%
Office & Institutional 223.0 5.2%13.9 0.1%237.0 1.3%
High Density Res 36.1 0.8%166.8 1.2%202.8 1.1%
Medium Density Res 97.1 2.3%17.8 0.1%115.0 0.6%
Low Density Res 439.0 10.2%2,253.6 15.9%2,692.6 14.6%
Recreation/Open
Space
2,727.6 63.5%1,765.9 12.4%4,493.4 24.3%
Vacant 627.6 14.6%8,103.5 57.1%8,731.1 47.2%
Total 4,293.2 100.0%14,192.4 100.0%18,485.6 100.0%
Source: Holland Consulting Planners, Inc./Newport Windshield Survey, August 2003.
It should be noted that all of the land determined to be Recreation/Open Space is made
up entirely of Croatan National Forest Lands. The Croatan National Forest offers a variety of
recreation activities, including hiking, fishing, camping, swimming, biking, and boating. To
compensate for the effect that this large area has on the acreage data, Table 32 has been added,
and the national forest land has been removed from the acreage figures within the corporate
limits.
64
Table 32
Newport Corporate Limits Minus Undevelopable Land
Land Use Acreage
Land Use Acres % of Total
Agricultural 0.9 0.06%
Commercial 107.1 6.8%
Industrial 34.7 2.2%
Office & Institutional 223.0 14.2%
High Density Res 36.1 2.3%
Medium Density Res 97.1 6.2%
Low Density Res 439.0 28.0%
Vacant 627.6 40.1%
Total 1,565.6 100.0%
Source: Holland Consulting Planners, Inc./Newport Windshield Survey, August 2003.
a. Corporate Limits Land Use
As noted, a unique situation exists within the corporate limits of Newport. The
town annexed a large portion of the Croatan National Forest adjacent to the
southwestern boundary of the town’s previous corporate limit line. The new corporate
limit line was established under a North Carolina House Bill, and was a neutrally agreed
upon boundary between Newport and Morehead City, located just to the south. By
annexing this large portion of undevelopable land, the land use acreages within the
corporate limits are significantly skewed. The term undevelopable is used here because
it is not anticipated that this land will be available for development within the planning
period. In order to compensate for this, Table 32 was added to provide a better
representation of what actually exists on the ground.
According to this modified acreage table, the two most predominant land uses
within the corporate limits are vacant land (38.65%) and residential properties
(38.24%). A majority of the vacant properties reflected in these figures are large
properties located adjacent to farmland within the town’s ETJ. Overall, the most
significant developed land use is residential properties. The large number of residences
within Newport is reflective of the type of development that will continue to take place
in and around town. Newport supports a large number of citizens who use the town as
a bedroom community. A majority of these families are military personnel stationed at
Cherry Point, located to the north along Highway 70. Newport also continues to support
a growing number of retirees. Roughly 22% of the population is age 55 or older
according to the 2000 Census.
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Commercial development within the corporate limits is located primarily along
the Highway 70 corridor. Development along this corridor is expected to increase during
the planning period. It is anticipated that eventually the property fronting Highway 70
within the Town of Newport will be developed.
b. ETJ Land Use
A majority of the land within Newport’s ETJ remains vacant (57.99%). The
vacant properties are mainly made up of large tracts, and either are wooded or lie
adjacent to farmland. Residential properties make up the second largest land use
category in the ETJ (16.21%). There are several large subdivisions within the ETJ, and
there are plans for several more in the near future. Due to the dense residential
development within the corporate limits of Newport, a majority of subdivision
development is expected to take place within the ETJ. The ETJ also contains 1,681 acres
(11.98%) of recreation/open space. As with the land within the corporate limits, this
acreage is also made up of Croatan National Forest Land. Several pieces of this property
have the potential for development, but immediate development of this land is not
anticipated.
4. Locally Designated Historic Sites
The Town of Newport is not home to any structures or places listed by the NC
Department of Cultural Resources, Division of Archives and History or the National Register of
Historic Places. The town has, however, designated several structures and sites as having local
historical significance. The sites are depicted on Map 16, and Table 33 provides the name and
location of each site.
Table 33
Town of Newport
Locally Designated Historically Significant Places
Historic Site Location
The Potato House 123 Chatham Street
Old High School Gymnasium 219 Chatham Street
O ne Room School House
(O ld African Am erican School)
153 Howard Boulevard
Newport River Primitive Baptist Church 901 Church Street
Newport River Primitive Baptist Cemetery Chatham Street
Cedar Grove Cemetery Mann Street
Old Newport Community Cemetery Vine Lane
A Dozen Pre-Civil W ar Hom es Scattered throughout the corporate
limits of Newport
Source: Town of New port.
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D. ANALYSIS OF EXISTING COMMUNITY FACILITIES/SERVICES
Map 17 provides a listing and location of all facilities owned and operated by the Town of
Newport, as well as the state and federal government, located within the planning jurisdiction
of Newport.
1. Transportation
One major route runs through the center of Newport’s corporate limits and ETJ – NC
Highway 70 traverses through town running north-south. This thoroughfare is a four-lane road
which provides access to the beach communities of Bogue Banks, as well as the towns of
Beaufort and Morehead City, from New Bern to the north. The remaining roads within the
jurisdiction are considered by NCDOT to be collector and local access streets.
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, there are approximately
103 miles of roadway located within the Town of Newport’s planning jurisdiction. Based on
NCDOT’s average daily traffic counts (ADT), the most traveled stretch of road is the Highway
70 corridor which runs through the center of town. This stretch of highway has an ADT of
21,000. See Map 18 for a listing of all recorded 2003 ADTs.
LOS is a method of characterizing the relationship of travel demand to roadway capacity
used by transportation planners. Six distinct levels-of-service are possible, with letter
designations ranging from LOS A, which represents the best operating conditions, to LOS F,
which represents the worst operating conditions. LOS D indicates “practical capacity” of a
roadway, or the capacity at which the public begins to express dissatisfaction. Appendix IV
provides a graphic representation of various roadway levels of service.
According to NCDOT, a majority of the minor thoroughfares and local access streets
throughout Newport’s planning jurisdiction operate at LOS A to LOS B. The US 70 corridor
which traverses through the center of town operates at LOS C and, during peak summer months,
LOS D to LOS E. At this time, traffic congestion along all corridors throughout the town’s
corporate limits and ETJ is not an issue. Level of service will continue to be monitored as growth
occurs to ensure that LOS levels remain acceptable.
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2. Health Care
Citizens of Newport have access to a wide variety of local physicians, as well as regional
care facilities. Within Newport, there are two family practice facilities, a dermatologist, and a
dentist office. The nearest urgent care facility is Carteret County General Hospital. The hospital
has 117 beds with an average of 87 inpatients each day and performs over 410 surgeries each
month. In addition, over 4,000 outpatient tests or treatments are provided each month. Services
provided by the hospital include:
!Cancer care center
!Outpatient clinics for
neurology and blood
transfusions
!Nuclear medicine
!CT Scanning
!Mobile lithotrypsy
!Laser surgery
!Laparoscopic surgery
!Maternity facilities
!Urgent and Emergency Care
!Extended Care Facilities
!Home Health
For services not provided at Carteret County General Hospital, citizens of Newport also
have regional access to both Craven County Regional Medical Center, located in New Bern, and
University Health Systems of Eastern North Carolina located in Pitt County. The Pitt County
facility is located approximately 70 miles from Newport, and provides service to 29 counties
throughout Eastern North Carolina. University Health Systems includes Pitt County Memorial
Hospital in Greenville, NC, community hospitals, physician practices, home health, and other
independently operated health services. University Health Systems is affiliated with the Brody
School of Medicine at East Carolina University.
3. Law Enforcement
The Town of Newport Police Department is located at 255 Howard Boulevard. The
department currently employs nine officers; six of the officers are full-time and three are reserve
officers. There are seven response vehicles available for use by the department. The department
receives its response calls through the Carteret County Emergency Response Center; however,
Newport does maintain its own Records Management System. This system provides the
department with information that can be utilized to identify high crime areas and repeat
offenders.
4. Fire/Rescue Services
The Town of Newport Fire Department has an Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating of
6 within town and 9 outside of the corporate limits. The ratings are on a scale of 1 to 9, with
1 being the best rating. The insurance industry uses these ratings to determine homeowners’
insurance rates.
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The department employs eight full-time and 42 volunteer personnel. Four of the full-time
employees are paramedics and the remaining four are firemen. There are also four volunteer
paramedics and four EMTIs or intermediate paramedics. Calls for the department are dispatched
through the Carteret County Communications Center. The Newport Fire Department receives
an average of four fire response calls and 60 EMS calls per month. Last year, they received
roughly 800 calls in total.
Major equipment includes the following:
Year M odel Pum p Capacity Tank Capacity
2001 Hammer 1,250 gpm 1,000 gallons
1988 Ford Emergency 1 1,000 gpm 1,000 gallons
1987 Seagrave 1,000 gpm 1,000 gallons
1974 Ford 750 gpm 1,000 gallons
1968 Military Weapons Carrier 200 gpm 300 gallons
1979 White (portable pump)300 gpm 1,250 gallons
1978 Dodge Support Vehicle n/a n/a
1990 GM C Jimmy (Chief’s vehicle)n/a n/a
1990 (2)EM S Units n/a n/a
The department also has the equipment required to fill their air bottles at the station.
In addition to this system, the town has a portable cascade system which can be used to fill air
bottles at the scene of a fire.
5. Administration
The Town of Newport utilizes a mayor-council-administrator form of government. The
Town currently has 36 full-time employees and six part-time employees. The following provides
a summary of governmental organizations and employees.
Administrative Staff 7
Fire/Rescue 12
Police Department 11
Street/Building Department 5
Water/Sewer Department 7
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6. Water System
The Town of Newport water treatment plant is a well system with an iron removal filter
system, water softening, addition of chlorine for disinfection, a corrosion control inhibitor
compound, and sodium fluoride addition. The system currently services roughly 1,310
connections within the corporate limits and portions of the ETJ. The water system was updated
in 2000 to increase the overall capacity and efficiency of the system. The project included
replacing the existing 100,000-gallon water tank with a 500,000-gallon tank. With the upgrades,
the capacity of the water system was increased over 50%. The town currently pumps roughly
350,000 gallons per day (gpd), but with the upgraded system capacity, this was increased to
900,000 gpd. The water system is currently interconnected with Morehead City for assistance
in the case of emergencies. The town plans on establishing a similar agreement with the West
Carteret Water Company in the near future. The Town of Newport municipal water system is
shown on Map 19.
Newport currently operates three wells. The following table provides pertinent data
regarding the wells.
Table 34
Town of Newport
Water Wells
W ell Status Yield D epth
Casing/D epth
Screened Interval
Casing
Diameter
2 Permanent 190 gpm 122'105' - 122'8"
3 Permanent 600 gpm 123'94’ - 123’8"
4 Permanent 450 gpm 162'65’ - 162’10"
Source: Town of New port.
The Town of Newport has established a Wellhead Protection Plan to ensure that potential
contaminants will not reach the wells listed above. As a part of the program, it has identified
vulnerable areas around its wells called “Wellhead Protection Areas.” Chemicals and other
pollutants spilled or dumped in these areas can be drawn into the wells, possibly contaminating
the community’s drinking water supply. Residents and businesses in these areas must be very
careful with chemicals and other potential pollutants. Many things done in daily life can pollute
surface and groundwaters. Sources of groundwater pollution include: (1) used oil, paint thinner,
gasoline and other chemicals poured on the ground; (2) leaking storage tanks (aboveground and
underground); (3) overuse of pesticides and fertilizers on lawns, golf courses, and agricultural
fields; (4) chemical spills at businesses, farms, and along highways; (5) illegal dumps and poorly
managed landfills; (6) failing septic tanks; (7) leaking sewer lines; (8) improperly abandoned
wells; and (9) unlined waste pits, ponds, and lagoons. The Wellhead Protection Plan allows the
town to take charge of protecting the quality of the town’s water supply and to mitigate any
potential contamination. Map 24 provides an overview of the town’s Wellhead Protection
Overlay zoning district.
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North Carolina General Statute 143-355(I) requires all local units of government that
provide, or plan to provide public water supply service, prepare a local water supply plan and
to update that plan at least every five years. A local water supply plan is an assessment of a
water system’s current and future water needs and its ability to meet those needs. The following
tables provide a summary of water use information included in the Town of Newport’s most
recent local water supply plan. The plan was submitted to the NC Division of Water Resources
in April, 2000. The Division of Water Resources is still reviewing the reports, therefore the plan
is still in draft form.
Table 35
Town of Newport
Water Usage Information
Total Water Use for 2002 including all purchased water:129.754 million gallons (MG)
Average Annual Daily Water Use in 2002:0.355 million gallons per day (MGD)
2002 Average Annual Daily Water Use by Type in Million Gallons Per Day (MGD):
Type of Use Number Average Use (MGD)
Residential 1,206 0.217
Commercial 88 0.064
Industrial 0 0.000
Institutional 6 0.189
System Process water ---0.010
Subtotal ---0.480
Average Annual Daily Water Use ---0.355
Unaccounted-for Water ----0.125
Percent Unaccounted-for Water ----35%
Source: Town of Newport Local Water Supply Plan.
Table 36
Town of Newport
Average Daily Water Use by Month in MGD
M onth Average Daily Use M onth Average Daily U se
January 0.349 July 0.391
February 0.331 August 0.367
March 0.346 September 0.341
April 0.362 October 0.352
May 0.382 November 0.332
June 0.399 December 0.311
Source: Town of Newport Local Water Supply Plan.
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7. Sewer System
Newport operates an oxidation ditch wastewater treatment plant. The plant has an
average flow of roughly 400,000 gallons per day. The plant currently services approximately
1,200 customers. A majority of these customers reside within the corporate limits; however, the
town does provide some service to individuals in the ETJ. Discharge from the treatment plant
is emptied into the Newport River. The Town of Newport municipal sewer system is shown on
Map 20.
The town is currently operating under an active National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) permit. A permit renewal was received in January of 2004 to expand the
permitted flow from 500,000 gpd to 750,000 gpd.
8. Solid Waste
Newport currently provides curbside solid waste removal to all residences. The town
currently provides solid waste removal for a limited number of businesses. Solid waste removal
services have been contracted out to Waste Industries. Curbside pickup is performed once a
week and the waste is delivered to the Craven County Landfill. Recyclables are picked up by
Waste Industries once every two weeks. Newport does provide yard waste removal once per
week; the Public Works Department provides this service.
The total solid waste tonnage generated by Newport for FY 2002 was 1,182.66 tons. The
town also generated 52.31 tons of recyclables. The following table provides a breakdown of the
recycled goods.
Table 37
Town of Newport
Recycled Goods
Recyclable Goods Tonnage
Mixed Glass 15.71
Mixed Plastic 3.64
Steel Cans 4.68
Mixed Paper (MPW)22.02
BLEND 6.26
Total 52.31
Source: Town of Newport Solid Waste Management Plan.
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9. Schools
The Carteret County School System oversees all public schools providing service to
Newport citizens. There are two private schools located within Newport’s planning jurisdiction:
Gramercy Christian School and Grace Christian School. Both of these facilities support
kindergarten through twelfth grade. Table 38 provides a summary of the schools that fall within
Newport’s school district. The Carteret County school districts are shown on Map 21.
Table 38
Town of Newport
Schools
School Enrollment Capacity Staff Recreational Facilities
Newport Elementary School
Grades K-5
807 1,056*111 Multi-purpose room, playground
facilities, nature trail
Newport Middle School
Grades 6-8
495 600 58 Gym, Athletic Fields
West Carteret High School
Grades 9-12
1,198 1,480**134 Gym , Athletic Fields, Track
*Includes nine modular units; **Includes five modular units.
Source: Carteret County Board of Education.
Higher education is offered for Newport citizens through Carteret Community College,
located in Morehead City. The school offers more than 100 courses, and students can pursue
programs leading to a certificate, diploma, or associate degree. East Carolina University is a
major four-year university, and is part of the University of North Carolina system. The university
is located in Greenville, North Carolina, roughly 70 miles from Newport.
10. Recreation
The Town of Newport does not currently have a parks and recreation department or any
personnel overseeing recreational facilities or programs. There have been discussions of adding
this position in an effort to better serve citizens. The Town of Newport maintains three parks.
The Newport Community Park, located on Howard Boulevard, next to the town library, offers
a ball field, picnic area, and play apparatus. The Newport Minipark, although quite small, adds
to the aesthetic appearance of downtown. This park is well maintained and contains a variety
of shrubs and flowers. Babe Ruth Field, located on Orange Street next to the State Prison, is
primarily used for little league baseball games and provides additional open space. There are
several youth programs offered within Newport, but volunteers oversee all programs. The
following list provides a summary of all youth sports activities offered within Newport.
! Babe Ruth Baseball, Age 13+ – Newport
! Babe Ruth Baseball, Age 13+ – County
! Little League Baseball, Age 6-12 – Newport
! Youth Basketball, Age 7-18 – Newport
! Youth Basketball, Age 7-18 – County
! Pop Warner Football, Age 7-15 – Newport
! Youth Soccer, Age Under 14 – Newport
! Seashore Youth Soccer, Age 4+ – Newport
! Youth Softball, Age Under 18 – Newport
! T-Ball, Age 4-6 – Newport
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11. Electric Service
A majority of the residences and businesses within the Town of Newport’s planning
jurisdiction receive electric service from Progress Energy. A small number of residences in the
ETJ receive their electric service from the Carteret-Craven Energy Cooperative.
12. Telephone Service
Sprint provides telephone service to all businesses and residences in the Town of
Newport.
13. Internet Service
Time Warner Cable currently provides Roadrunner broadband cable internet service to
Newport. Starfish Internet provides wireless broadband internet service, dial-up internet service,
and Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) service by utilizing Sprint telephone cable.
14.Cable Service
Time Warner Cable currently provides cable service to all households within Newport’s
planning jurisdiction.
15. Cell Phone Service
Cell phone service is provided by all the major cell phone service providers including, but
not limited, to: Sprint, US Cellular, Cingular, and SunCom.
16. Paging Service
Pager service is provided by Sprint and AnswerQuik Paging Service.
17. Amateur Radio Repeater Networks
Amateur radio service is provided by the following:
145.45 MHZ Repeater
146.805 MHZ IRLP (VOIP) Worldwide Link
440 MHZ Repeater
10 Meter Repeater
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18. Storm Water Management
a. Introduction
Storm water discharges are generated by runoff from land and impervious areas
such as paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops during rainfall and snow
events. They often contain pollutants in quantities that can adversely affect water quality
and create flooding problems. When roads, parking lots, sidewalks, homes, and offices
replace the natural and permeable landscape, rainfall that would once soak into
vegetated ground is now available for storm water runoff. As surfaces become more and
more impermeable, water simply moves across them. These impermeable surfaces
connect to form a storm water super highway. One of the effects of this water super
highway is that more and more storm water reaches streams because there is less
opportunity for it to infiltrate the ground. Peak flows also increase, transporting runoff
from large areas rapidly. Velocities in streams increase causing more erosion potential,
and lastly, base flow is lower during dry weather because of a lack of infiltration. Using
a traditional analysis, such as the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) storm
water model, TR 55, or the United States Corps of Engineers’ (USCE) many versions of
HEC, it can be shown that peak flows alone can increase by as much as four times from
pre-post development conditions. Flooding is the result of this urbanization.
b. Erosion and Sedimentation
Erosion and sedimentation have long been recognized as water quality concerns.
The North Carolina legislature passed laws to curb sedimentation in 1973; however,
sedimentation remains the number one pollutant in NC waters. In the 1990s, the focus
of the Piedmont and Eastern NC watersheds turned towards excess nutrients in surface
waters. The excess was due to extensive farming operations in the area. Fertilizers
contain nutrients for plants to grow, but if excess fertilizer is inadvertently applied to
pavement, these nutrients enter the waters during runoff periods causing harm to water
quality. Even proper amounts of applied fertilizer can allow nutrients to enter streams
in other ways, such as atmospheric deposition, wildlife and pet waste, and septic system
malfunctions.
There are numerous ways to reduce pollutant loading. Proper application of
fertilizer and proper maintenance of septic systems can reduce loading. Structural
devices can also help curb this problem. These structural devices, known as Best
Management Practices (BMPs), can be constructed to treat runoff, thereby reducing the
amount of pollutant that enters the waterways. These BMPs include wet ponds, storm
water wetlands, infiltration trenches, wells, sand filters, bioretention rain gardens, rubble
spreaders, riparian buffers, and reinforcing grassy swells.
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c. EPA Regulations
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has begun implementation of Phase
II of the Storm Water Management Plan. These policies apply to municipalities with
populations greater than 10,000 and with densities of 1,000 per square mile. For
municipalities that meet these parameters, submittal of a storm water management plan
is required. Phase II regulations also apply to entities designated under the 1990 census
as a Small MS4 (Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System). MS4's are defined as
a publicly-owned conveyance or system of conveyances designed or used for collecting
and conveying storm water. MS4's are not combined with sewer and are not part of a
publicly-owned treatment facility. Municipally-owned MS4's can include counties, towns,
airports, federal properties, hospitals, schools, etc. Small community MS4's are regulated
if they discharge into impaired or sensitive US waters. In addition, counties classified as
a Tier 4 or Tier 5 county are regulated. At this time, the Town of Newport is not
required to meet the new EPA Phase II Storm Water Management Program regulations.
Newport will be required to submit a stormwater management permit application
under the next phase of the NPDES program. At this time, it is unclear when this will be
implemented. Additionally, the White Oak River Basinwide Management Plan will be
updated in 2006. It is possible that this update will involve stormwater management
requirements for named communities within Carteret County. At this time it is not
possible to determine how this update will directly impact Newport.
The Town of Newport has decided to take a proactive approach to dealing with
the potential requirements of the NPDES Phase II program. The town will move forward
with establishing a comprehensive stormwater management program that will address
all of the program’s defined criteria. Establishing a stormwater management program
involves laying out a plan for how the town will deal with stormwater pollution. This
plan is broken down into six components referred to as minimum control measures.
Newport will have to establish specific actions and goals that address each of these
measures. The following provides a summary of the six minimum control measures:
•Public Education and Outreach
•Public Participation/Involvement
•Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
•Construction Site Runoff Control
•Post-Construction Runoff Control
•Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping
The EPA has developed guidelines for implementing the Phase II Storm Water
Management Program. The storm water pollution problem has two main components:
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the increased volume and rate of runoff from impervious surfaces and the concentration
of pollutants in the runoff. Both components are directly related to new developmental
and urbanizing areas. Both components also cause changes in the hydrology and water
quality that result in a variety of problems, such as habitat modification, increased
flooding, decreased aquatic biological diversity, and increased sedimentation and
erosion. Effective management of storm water runoff offers a multitude of possible
benefits. Benefits include protection of wetlands and aquatic eco-systems, improved
quality of receding water bodies, conservation of water resources, protection of public
health through flood control, and improved operation and hydraulic characteristics of
streams receiving runoff; all of which can cause higher peak flow rates that increase
frequency and duration of bank full and sub-bank full flows. Increased occurrences in
downstream flooding can also be reduced by lowering base flood levels, such as with
traditional flood control methods that rely on the detention of the peak flows. They are
generally not targeted to the reduction of flooding and in many cases have exacerbated
the problems associated with changes in hydrology and hydraulics. The EPA
recommends an approach that integrates control of storm water peak flows and the
protection of natural channels to sustain physical and chemical properties of aquatic life.
The EPA has outlined six (6) steps for the development of BMP’s for a storm
water management plan. The six steps are as follows:
(1) Public Education and Outreach on Storm Water Impacts
(2) Public Involvement and Participation
(3) Elicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
(4) Construction Site and Storm Water Runoff Control
(5) Post-Construction Storm Water Management, and New Development or
Redevelopment
(6) Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations
d. Construction Activities
Storm water runoff from construction activities can have a significant impact on
water quality, contributing sediment and other pollutants exposed at construction sites.
The NPDES Storm Water Program requires operators of both large and small construction
sites to obtain authorization to discharge storm water under a NPDES construction storm
water permit. In 1990, the Phase I Storm Water Management Program regulations
addressed large construction operations that disturbed five (5) or more acres of land.
The NPDES program also addresses small construction activities – those that disturb less
than five (5) acres of land – which were included in the Phase II final rule. Construction
activities that disturb over one (1) acre of land are required to develop and implement
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a storm water pollution prevention plan specifically designed for the construction site.
The development implementations of the plan follow the basic phases listed below:
(1) Site Planning and Design Development Phase
(2) Assessment Phase
(3) Control Selection/Design Phase
(4) Certification/Verification/Approval Phase
(5) Implementation/Construction Phase
(6) Final Stabilization/Termination Phase
e. North Carolina Shoreline Buffering
In August of 2000, the State of North Carolina developed a thirty (30) foot
buffering rule for all new development in the twenty coastal counties governed by the
Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). This rule applies to all navigable waters,
excluding the ocean, which has previously established setback requirements. The
development of this buffer does not restrict the construction of water dependent
structures, such as docks and boat ramps. The benefits of the buffering include the
following:
(1) Flood Control – by reducing the velocity and providing a collection area
for storm water runoff and precipitation. Buffers encourage water
infiltration into the ground, rather than flooding low-lying areas.
(2) Groundwater Recharge – buffers are also beneficial to recharging the
ground water supply and promoting ground water flow.
(3) Soil Erosion Prevention – vegetated buffers stabilize the soil and reduce
sedimentation.
(4) Conservation of Coastal Riparian Wildlife Habitats – these natural areas
provide breeding, nesting, and habitat, and protect wildlife from
predication. Vegetated buffers help increase the diversity of wildlife
while providing site for foraging and corridors for dispersal.
f. Town of Newport Storm Water Management
The Town of Newport experiences occasional flooding and runoff from heavy
rains. Although heavy rainfall can cause flooding in the Newport River, Deep, and Little
Deep Creeks, major problems normally only occur during nor’easters. These nor’easters
can create a storm surge from the Atlantic Ocean which propagates up the Newport
River. In addition, the swamps and other low-lying areas in Newport’s planning
jurisdiction impede storm water runoff.
84
Management of storm water runoff is an important issue in the Town of Newport.
There is a direct connection between land use, storm water runoff, and water quality.
Improvement of water quality in the Newport River and adjoining tributaries is important
to both the tourist and fishing industries in the county. Urban development, industrial,
and agricultural runoff are all contributors to water pollution. There is no single culprit.
The primary impact on storm water runoff in Newport results from residential
construction and agricultural uses.
As urban development continues in Newport’s planning jurisdiction, so will the
construction of impervious and semi-permeable surfaces, and the potential for surficial
water contamination will continue to increase. The areas of potential storm water
flooding are depicted on Map 22.
E. LAND SUITABILITY ANALYSIS (LSA)
A thorough analysis of all impediments to development, as well as existing community facilities,
has been completed in the preceding sections. All of these variables factor into suitability for
development for a specific piece of property. In order to assess what effect the various man-
made and environmental constraints will have on development throughout the Town of
Newport, an overlay analysis was performed. This overlay analysis is a GIS-based process geared
toward evaluating the suitability of land for development. The procedure is very similar to the
practice developed by Ian McHarg, in which geospatial data layers are referenced to each other
in an effort to determine what portions of a land mass appear to be the most favorable sites for
a specific land use.
The land suitability analysis methodology involves the application of criteria to the landscape
to assess where land is most and least suitable for development of structures and infrastructure.
A computer application is not essential for this analysis, but greatly simplifies the process and
improves accuracy. There are eight key steps to completing the overlay analysis:
1. Define criteria for the analysis – the criteria utilized for the LSA were based on
CAMA guidelines, and modified according to available GIS data sets. The criteria
for land suitability are listed in Table 39, and were given a rating of high,
medium, low, and least suitable for each one-acre portion of land analyzed.
2. Define data needed – the GIS data used for the LSA was compiled from several
sources. A majority of the data was provided through the North Carolina Center
for Geographic Information & Analysis, although some of the data used was
compiled form the Town of Newport’s GIS database. All of the data used in this
process are listed on pages 86 and 87 (in bold).
Tom Mann RdHibbs RdRoberts RdE C h a th a m S tNine Foot RdNine Mile RdMill Creek RdMasontown RdOrange StTown of Newport Land Use Plan Areas of Storm Water Flooding ConcernBayberry RdW R a ilro a d B lv dThompson S tN Lakeview Dr W h ite S a n d s B lvd Windy Trail RdRed Fox Trail RdS Lakeview DrE Forrest DrHoward BlvdHoward BlvdE Forrest DrW Forrest D rMason LnMarket StO ra n g e S tC h u r c h S tMann StNew Bern StWestfield RdHargett StK e lly S tWesley LnHill StE Chatham StKirby LnChatham StLegendCorporate LimitsETJNC DOT RoadsAreas of Storm Water ConcernMAP 2285
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3. Determine what GIS analysis operations should be performed – this step involved
determining what GIS operations would be required to effectively execute the
overlay analysis.
4. Prepare the data – all of the datasets defined in step 2 are prepared to be run
through the model.
5. Create a model – this step involved the actual construction of the LSA computer
model.
6. Run the model – the GIS data is run through the developed LSA model.
7. Analyze results – the LSA map as depicted in Map 23 is the output of the model,
and the results of the model must be analyzed to determine if the model needs
to be revised.
8. Refine model as needed – modifications are made to the model, and then the
process starts again from step 6 until satisfactory results are reached.
All of these steps have been completed and the end product is displayed on Map 23, Town of
Newport Land Suitability Map. Prior to producing the map, data was compiled and each data
layer in conjunction with criteria was assigned a weight. The criteria utilized in the LSA are
listed below, along with the GIS data set associated with each criterion (the bold type indicates
which GIS layer is a function of each criterion, see Appendix V for further detail):
!Land within Beneficial Non-Coastal Wetlands have low suitability
!Land within Storm Surge Areas have low suitability
!Land within Severe Septic Limitations (based on soils data) have low
suitability; moderate limitations have medium suitability; slight limitations have
high development suitability
!Land within 100-year Flood Zones have low development suitability
!Land within HQW/ORW Watersheds have low suitability
!Land within Water Supply Watersheds have low suitability
! Land within 500 feet of a Significant Natural Heritage Area have low
suitability
!Land within 500 feet of a Hazardous Substance Disposal Site have low
suitability
!Land within 500 feet of an NPDES Site have low suitability
!Land within 500 feet of a Wastewater Treatment Plant have low suitability
!Land within 500 feet of a Municipal Sewage Discharge Point have low
suitability
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!Land within 500 feet of a Land Application Site have low suitability
!Land within a half-mile of Primary Roads have high suitability; within a half-
mile to a mile have medium suitability; areas greater than one mile outside of
primary roads have low suitability
!Land within a half-mile of Developed Land have high suitability; areas within
a half-mile to a mile have medium suitability; areas further than one mile away
from developed land have low suitability
!Land within a quarter-mile of Water Pipes have high suitability; areas within
a quarter-mile to a half-mile of water pipes have medium suitability; areas further
than a half-mile away from water pipes have low suitability
!Land within a quarter-mile of Sewer Pipes have high suitability; areas within
a quarter-mile to a half-mile of sewer pipes have medium suitability; areas
further that a half-mile away from water pipes have low suitability
!Land within Coastal Wetlands are LEAST suitable
!Land within Exceptional and Substantial Non-Coastal Wetlands are
LEAST suitable
!Land within Protected Lands are LEAST suitable
!Land within Estuarine Waters are LEAST suitable
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########################################################################## ########## ##################################################################### ########## ######################################################### ############################################################################################################### ########################################### ############################################################################################ #############################Tom Mann RdHibbs RdHoward BlvdRoberts RdE C h a th a m S tNine Foot RdMasontown RdN e w p o r t L o o p R d Mill Creek RdOrange St Nine Mile RdChurch StTown of Newport Land Use Plan Land Suitability Analysis0 0.5 1 1.5 20.25MilesMAP 23Page 88LegendCorporate LimitsETJLand Suitability Analysis#Least Suitable#Low Suitable#Moderate Suitable#High Suitability
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The following table further defines the criteria used in the LSA. This table displays a tabular
account of what determines whether a specific portion of property has a high or low suitability
rating based on the criterion listed above.
Table 39
Land Suitability Analysis
Criteria Table
Criteria and Rating
Layer Name
Least
S uitable
Low
Suitability
Medium
Suitability
High
Suitability
0 -2 1 +2
Coastal W etlands Inside --Outside --
Exceptional & Substantial Non-Coastal
Wetlands
Inside --Outside --
Estuarine W aters Inside --Outside --
Protected Lands Inside --Outside --
Storm Surge Areas --Inside --Outside
Soils (Septic Limitations)--Severe Moderate Slight
Flood Zones --Inside --Outside
HQW/ORW Watersheds --Inside --Outside
Natural Heritage Areas --<500'-->500'
Hazardous Substance Disposal Sites --<500'-->500'
NPDES Sites --<500'-->500'
Wastewater Treatment Plants --<500'-->500'
Discharge Points --<500'-->500'
Land Application Sites --<500'-->500'
Developed Land (extracted from the
Tow n of Newport existing land use
survey)
-->1 mi .5 - 1 mi <.5 mi
Roads -->1 mi .5 - 1 mi <.5 mi
Water Pipes (Town of Newport)-->.5 mi .25 - .5 mi <.25 mi
Sewer Pipes (Town of Newport)-->.5 mi .25 - .5 mi <.25 mi
*Data layers that are slated as exclusion have a suitability of 0 or 1, meaning that if a specific one-acre piece
of property falls within one of these areas, it is automatically considered least suitable for developm ent.
Source: NCGIA and CAMA.
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The town was divided into one-acre squares of land to conduct the analysis. Each of these one-
acre squares of land was given a score based on how that respective piece of property related to
each of the criteria listed above. The scores for each layer were added together to determine a
suitability rating for that one-acre square of property.
The overall process utilized Arcview GIS software with the Spatial Analyst extension along with
a variety of data layers as listed above including: several layers provided by the North Carolina
Center for Geographic Information and Analysis (NCGIA), water and sewer data obtained
through the Newport Planning and Inspections Office, and existing land use data discussed
earlier in this plan. The analysis takes into consideration a number of factors, including natural
systems constraints, compatibility with existing land uses and development patterns, existing
land use policies, and the availability of community facilities. The end product of this analysis
is a land suitability map which depicts underutilized land that is suited or not suited for
development (see Map 23). This map can be used as a foundation for the discussion and
formation of town-wide land use policy.
Overall, land in Newport is fairly suitable for development according to the LSA. Tables 40, 41,
and 42 provide a summary of land suitability acreage based on the results of the overlay analysis.
The majority of the land within the town determined to have a high suitability rating is located
centrally within Newport’s corporate limits, as well as along portions of Highway 70. A large
percentage of the land cover within Newport’s planning jurisdiction is comprised of wetlands and
federally owned property. Thus, large portions of Newport’s jurisdiction are automatically
considered unsuitable for development regardless of how these areas relate to the rest of the
factors in consideration.
Table 40
Newport Corporate Limits LSA Acreage
Suitability Acreage % of Total
Least Suitable 1,340 29.4%
Low Suitability 1,212 26.6%
Medium Suitability 1,134 24.9%
High Suitability 871 19.1%
Total 4,557 100.0%
Source: Holland Consulting Planners (December, 2003); North Carolina
Center for Geographic Inform ation and Analysis.
91
Table 41
Newport ETJ LSA Acreage
Suitability Acreage % of Total
Least Suitable 7,341 52.3%
Low Suitability 2,716 19.4%
Medium Suitability 2,691 19.2%
High Suitability 1,280 9.1%
Total 14,028 100.0%
Source: Holland Consulting Planners (December, 2003); North Carolina
Center for Geographic Inform ation and Analysis.
Table 42
Newport Total LSA Acreage
Suitability Acreage % of Total
Least Suitable 8,629 46.7%
Low Suitability 3,909 21.1%
Medium Suitability 3,806 20.6%
High Suitability 2,142 11.6%
Total 18,486 100.0%
Source: Holland Consulting Planners (December, 2003); North Carolina
Center for Geographic Inform ation and Analysis.
F. CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES, AND REGULATIONS
The Town of Newport currently operates under the authority of a council-mayor-manager form
of government. The Newport Town Council is made up of five (5) members. The town employs
a full-time zoning administrator/building inspector who oversees all development-related issues
within the planning jurisdiction. The Town also has an active eight (8) member planning board
that reviews and comments on all proposed developments, and a five (5) member Board of
Adjustment to review all variances and special use permits.
The following provides a summary of the Town’s land use-related codes and ordinances:
1. Town of Newport Zoning Ordinance
The current Town of Newport Zoning Ordinance was adopted October 7, 1997. This
comprehensive zoning ordinance is a total revision of the zoning ordinance dated April 1970,
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as amended January 1979, and is based on the Land Use Plan. It contains the criteria for use
of all land within the Town of Newport and its extraterritorial jurisdiction along with
requirements for land use, setback, different type uses, special requirements, etc. The town
currently employs a full-time zoning administrator.
Map 24 and Table 43 Provide the location and acreage figures of all zoning districts
within Newport’s planning jurisdiction. The two largest zoning districts within Newport’s
planning jurisdiction are R-20 and R-20A. These two districts account for 83.4% of Newport’s
total jurisdiction. Overall, Newport is zoned residential (92.8%), and the majority of commercial
zoning is centered on the intersection of Highway 70 and Howard Boulevard.
Table 43
Town of Newport - Zoning
Districts Acres % of Total
Residential 17,149 92.8%
R-10 237 1.3%
R-15 1,266 6.8%
R-15-CU 10 0.1%
R-15D 16 0.1%
R-20 8,235 44.5%
R-20A 7,197 38.9%
R-20MH 18 0.1%
R-8 48 0.3%
RO 122 0.7%
Commercial 944 5.1%
CD 42 0.2%
CH 901 4.9%
NB-1 1 0.0%
Industrial 333 1.8%
IW 202 1.1%
LI 124 0.7%
LI-CU 7 0.0%
PUD 60 0.3%
Total 18,486 100.0%
WPOD*1,077
*The W ellhead Protection Overlay D istrict serves as an overlay district,
all property ow ners m ust comply w ith underlying districts.
Source: Holland Consulting Planners, Inc./Town of New port.
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2. Town of Newport Subdivision Regulations
The current Town of Newport Subdivision Regulations was adopted on November 4,
1998. The current regulations are a total revision of the Subdivision Ordinance dated April 6,
1972, as amended, and is also based on the current land use plan. The regulations contain the
criteria for the subdivision of all land within the Town of Newport and its extraterritorial
jurisdiction.
3. Town of Newport Wellhead Protection Ordinance
The Town of Newport developed a Wellhead Protection Program to protect its water
supply from contamination. The town has identified vulnerable areas around its wells called
Wellhead Protection Areas. These areas are monitored and considered high risk for potential
hazardous waste being introduced into the water supply. The Wellhead Protection Overlay
District is depicted on Map 24.
4. NC State Building Code
The Town of Newport utilizes the North Carolina State Building Code to oversee the
erection of all structures within its planning jurisdiction. The town employs a full-time building
inspector to oversee the inspections process.
The minimum use standards, provisions, and requirements for safe and stable design,
methods of construction, and usage of materials in buildings and structures erected, enlarged,
altered, repaired, moved, converted to other uses, or demolished, and the equipment,
maintenance, use, and occupancy of all buildings and structures in the town and its
extraterritorial jurisdiction, are regulated in accordance with the terms of the North Carolina
State Building Code.
5. Minimum Housing Standards and Nuisance Abatement
Minimum Housing Standards and Nuisance Abatement procedures have not changed
since the adoption of the 1996 Land Use Plan. The town provides regulatory authority for
enforcement of the town’s building code. As stated in the 1996 Plan, the ordinance includes the
following finding and purpose:
(a) Pursuant to G.S. § 160A-441, it is hereby declared that dwellings exist in the
town and within its extraterritorial jurisdiction which are unfit for human
habitation due to dilapidation; defects increasing the hazards of fire, accidents,
and other calamities; lack of ventilation, light, and sanitary facilities; and other
conditions rendering such dwellings unsafe or unsanitary, dangerous and
95
detrimental to the health, safety, and morals, and otherwise inimical to the
welfare of the residents of the town and extraterritorial area.
(b) In order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the town and
extraterritorial area as authorized by G.S. § 160A-412 et seq., it is the purpose of
this article to establish minimum standards of fitness for the initial and continued
occupancy of all buildings used for human habitation within the town and its
extraterritorial area.
The Town of Newport Code also provides regulatory authority for enforcement of the
town’s Health; Noise; and Junked, Wrecked, and Abandoned Property Ordinances. The
regulations and specifications contained in these ordinances can be found in Chapter 11 of the
Newport Code.
6. Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance (National Flood Insurance Program)
The Town of Newport has been a standard member of the National Flood Insurance
Program (NFIP) since 1998. Prior to their standard membership, the town participated in the
emergency phase of the program. The NFIP has recently completed updated floodplain maps.
The new maps were adopted on July 16, 2003. The floodplain maps will be discussed further
in the Natural Systems Analysis Constraints section of the plan.
In accordance with regulations under the NFIP, Newport has an updated Flood Damage
Prevention Ordinance. The current ordinance is an update of the 1988 ordinance, and was
adopted on July 15, 2003. The purpose of the new ordinance is as follows:
(1) Restrict or prohibit uses which are dangerous to health, safety, and property due
to water or erosion hazards, or which result in damaging increase in erosion,
flood heights or velocities;
(2) Require that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities which serve such uses,
be protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction;
(3) Control the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and natural
protective barriers which are involved in the accommodation of flood waters;
(4) Control filling, grading, dredging, and all other development which may increase
erosion or flood damage; and,
(5) Prevent or regulate the construction of flood barriers which will unnaturally
divert floodwaters or which may increase flood hazards to other lands.
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7. Hazard Mitigation Plan
The Town of Newport originally adopted a Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) in 1984. This
plan was then updated in 1993. The town currently falls under the jurisdiction of the Carteret
County HMP Plan, which was adopted in 2003. This plan was developed and adopted in
response to new federal and state legislation. This legislation, the Disaster Management Act
2000 (Federal) and NC Senate Bill 300 (State), makes it mandatory that each jurisdiction must
adopt a current Hazard Mitigation Plan in accordance with new guidelines in order to receive
Public Assistance and HMGP funding in the event of a disaster. Under these new guidelines,
local municipalities have the option to be included under the umbrella of a county plan, but the
town must be thoroughly represented in the scope and adoption of the report.
8. Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
The TIP Unit of the North Carolina Department of Transportation develops the
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The TIP contains funding information and
schedules for various transportation divisions including: highways, aviation, enhancements,
public transportation, rail, bicycle and pedestrians, and the Governor's Highway Safety Program.
The scope of the current program is through FY10. Under the current program, there are two
projects located within the Town of Newport’s ETJ. Bridge #26 located along SR 1154, which
crosses the Newport River, is scheduled to be replaced. Work on this project is scheduled to
begin in FY04. Project R-3437 proposes to construct a connector from US 70 to NC 101.
Although unfunded, this project is identified in the state’s TIP and can be allocated funding
during a future TIP cycle.
9. Review of the 1996 Town of Newport CAMA Land Use Plan
In 1996, Newport completed its current CAMA land use plan update. The Coastal
Resources Commission certified this document on July 25, 1997. The current plan addresses a
variety of issues, with a focus on transportation, community development, economic
development, and hazard mitigation. This document has served as the town’s primary land use
management guide since its adoption by the Newport Board of Commissioners on June 3, 1997.
The 1996 Town of Newport CAMA Land Use Plan included 97 specific policy statements,
and a detailed summary of the town’s storm hazard mitigation procedures, post-disaster recovery
operations, and evacuation plans. Of the 97 policy statements, 85 have either been
accomplished or are in progress, and are listed below. There are two policy statements from the
1996 plan which have been partially implemented and ten that have not been carried out. These
are also listed below, and those actions that have not been completed will be revised and
addressed in the policy action section of this plan. This list (pages 97 to 109) is a verbatim
reproduction of the text from the 1996 Town of Newport Land Use Plan; there are
duplications in the text. Some of these statements are inconsistent with current
circumstances and requirements. However, they were not changed in order to accurately reflect
the contents of the 1996 plan.
97
ACCOMPLISHED
1.Enforce, through the development and zoning permit process, all current regulations of
the N.C. State Building Code and the N.C. Division of Health Services relating to building
construction and septic tank installation/replacement in areas with soils restrictions.
2.Coordinate all development activity with appropriate Carteret County and state
regulatory personnel, and in particular with the Carteret County Sanitarian when septic
tank permits are required.
3.Cooperate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the regulation/enforcement of the
404 wetlands permit process.
4.Support the development of central water and sewer systems in all areas of the town's
planning jurisdiction.
5.Newport will continue to coordinate all development within the special flood hazard area
with the town's Inspections Department, North Carolina Division of Coastal Management,
FEMA, and the U.S. Corps of Engineers.
6.Newport will continue to enforce its existing zoning and flood damage prevention
ordinances and follow the storm hazard mitigation plan contained herein.
7.Newport's policy is to conserve its surficial groundwater resources by supporting CAMA
and N.C. Division of Water Quality storm water run-off regulations, and by coordinating
local development activities involving chemical storage or underground storage tank
installation/abandonment with Carteret County Emergency Management personnel and
the Groundwater Section of the North Carolina Division of Water Quality. The Town of
Newport Building Inspections Department will coordinate building inspections with state
and federal regulations governing underground storage tanks and will endeavor to advise
building permit applicants of those regulations.
8.Newport will support the technical requirements and state program approval for
underground storage tanks (40 CFR, Parts 280 and 281), and any subsequent state
regulations concerning underground storage tanks adopted during the planning period.
9.With the exception of fuel storage tanks used for retail and wholesale sales, Newport
opposes the bulk storage of fuel or other manmade hazardous materials within any areas
not zoned for industrial usage. The town's zoning ordinance will be revised to support
this policy.
98
10.The Town of Newport opposes the disposal of any toxic wastes, as defined by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency's Listing of Hazardous Substances and Priority
Pollutants (developed pursuant to the Clean Water Act of 1977) within its planning
jurisdiction.
11.Newport recognizes the value of water quality maintenance to the protection of fragile
areas and to the provision of clean water for recreational purposes. The town will
support existing state regulations relating to storm water runoff resulting from
development (Storm water Disposal Policy 15 NCAC 2H.001-.1003) through enforcement
of the town's subdivision ordinance.
12.Newport supports control of agricultural runoff through implementation of U.S. Soil
Conservation Service "Best Management Practices" program.
13.Newport shall coordinate all housing code enforcement/redevelopment projects with the
N.C. Division of Archives and History, to ensure that any significant architectural details
or buildings are identified and preserved.
14.Newport will coordinate all county public works projects with the N.C. Division of
Archives and History, to ensure the identification and preservation of significant
archaeological sites.
15.Industrial development which can comply with the use standards specified by 15A NCAC
7H, the Town of Newport zoning ordinance, and federal regulations may be located
within conservation classified areas. Newport aggressively encourages the development
of industry. The town does not want any policies contained within this plan to prohibit
industrial development which meets all applicable state and federal regulations.
16.The Town of Newport, in cooperation with Carteret County, will continue to support an
active industrial recruitment program, seeking low pollution, light manufacturing
industries and those which do not require large commitments of water and/or sewer.
The town will discourage any agricultural or industrial development which requires large
groundwater yields for operation.
17.Newport supports requirement of a specific contingency plan specifying how ongoing
private operation and maintenance of the plant will be provided, and detailing provisions
for assumption of the plant into a public system should the private operation fail or
management of the system not meet the conditions of the state permit (see policy 4).
99
18.Any request for the approval of a private package treatment facility must be accompanied
by environmental assessments or, if required, environmental impact statements and
documentation of assurances that all applicable state and federal health requirements
will be satisfied. Prior to the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS),
a report will be prepared which examines the possibilities for wastewater disposal
alternatives. This report will follow the prescribed format outlined in the Division of
Water Quality's Guidance for Evaluation of Wastewater Disposal Alternatives: Proposed
Discharge. When an EIS is determined necessary, it will be prepared in accordance with
15 NCAC 1D.0201.
19.All development and subsequent construction of wastewater facilities shall be consistent
with the regulations set forth by the Newport zoning and subdivision ordinances in
conjunction with the adopted land use plan.
20.Newport allows the discharge of package treatment plant effluent into 404 wetland
areas.
21.Because of shallow water depth, marina and floating home development has not been
an issue within Newport's planning jurisdiction. However, the town would oppose the
location of floating structures within its jurisdiction.
22.Newport supports the construction of bulkheads as long as they fulfill the use standards
set forth in 15A NCAC 7H.
23.The Town of Newport will continuously monitor the effects of sea level rise and update
the land use plan policies as necessary to protect the town's public and private properties
from rising water levels.
24.The Town of Newport will support bulkheading on the mainland to protect its shoreline
areas from intruding water resulting from rising sea level.
25.Newport supports addressing the following issues in the development of the White Oak
Basinwide Management Plan:
Long-term Growth Management
--Wastewater management (non-discharge, regionalization, ocean outfall).
--Urban storm water runoff/water quality.
--Role of local land use planning.
100
Shellfish Water Closures
--Increases in number of acres closed.
--Examine link between growth and closures.
--Opportunities for restoration and prevention.
Animal Operation Waste Management
--Between 1990-1991, swine population located in the White Oak River Basin more
than doubled.
Nutrients/Toxic Dinoflagellate
--Reduction in nitrogen and phosphorous levels.
26.The Town of Newport will undertake a review of all local land use regulation ordinances
to determine if revisions should be undertaken to respond to specific water quality
management problems.
27.Newport will implement policies which support resource production and management.
All policies will meet or exceed 15A NCAC 7H minimum use standards. Resource
production should not be allowed to adversely affect Newport's conservation areas.
28.Subject to available funds, the Town of Newport supports a comprehensive recreational
program to provide a broad range of recreational facilities for its citizens and will work
cooperatively with Carteret County to provide a year-round recreation program.
29.The town will seek donations of land, bargain sales, or grant funds in order to obtain
sites suitable for development as recreational facilities.
30.The Town of Newport supports the development of aquaculture and mariculture
facilities.
31.The town supports existing policies and/or regulations directed at the management of
off-road vehicles on public land. The existing policies are dictated by the National
Forestry and Wildlife Commission, and as stated, the town fully complies with and
supports these policies. The town does not have policies directed at regulating off-road
vehicles.
32.Newport supports a regional multi-county approach to solid waste management.
33.Newport favors the siting of recycling centers, transfer stations, and solid waste collection
sites within all land classifications except those within the conservation category when
the facility(ies) is(are) consistent with the Town of Newport zoning ordinance.
101
34.Newport supports federal protection and management guidelines directed at preservation
of the Croatan National Forest.
35.The town supports promotion of public awareness of forestry Best Management Practices
in the area, while encouraging the private forestry industry to implement such practices
to the benefit of their natural resource production activities.
36.Newport supports and encourages use of the U.S. Soil Conservation Service "Best
Management Practices" program.
37.The Town of Newport supports the use standards for public trust areas as specified in
15A NCAC 7H.0207.
38.Newport reserves the right to comment on the individual policies and requirements of
the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries.
39.The town will support enforcement of current state, federal, and local regulations to
improve water quality.
40.Residential, commercial, and industrial development which is consistent with local
zoning and meets applicable state and federal regulations will be allowed in conservation
areas.
41.Newport opposes the construction of any signs, expect public regulatory signs, in public
trust areas.
42.Newport desires to expand its economic base. A reasonable policy of annexation will be
maintained. Newport will support growth and development at the densities specified in
the land classification definitions. In guiding development, the following locational
guidelines will be supported:
--Encourage renovation of commercial areas downtown and along Chatham
Street.
--Encourage location of new commercial/retail uses in vacant commercial
buildings downtown.
--Encourage new residential, commercial, and recreational development to
take the form of infill in the downtown area as prescribed by the
subdivision and zoning ordinances.
102
--Continue to support and fund development of affordable housing in the
Newport area.
--Continue to encourage a variety of choice in existing neighborhoods
through a balance of preservation, rehabilitation, and new development.
--Continue to ensure enforcement of housing construction and maintenance
codes. Explore alternatives to demolition of substandard housing.
--The town emphasizes the importance of locating new economic
development in and around the existing urban area where public
infrastructure and systems can be reasonably extended.
--Continue to support growth and development of the Cherry Point Marine
Corps Air Station.
43.The town will allow the installation of private wells for irrigation only through the
NCDEM permit process.
44.The town will extend water services beyond its extraterritorial area if an adequate
demand for service exists.
45.The Town of Newport supports the construction of lines to and through conservation
areas to serve development which meets all applicable state and federal regulations.
46.Newport is aware that inappropriate land uses near well fields increase the possibility of
well contamination. Land uses near groundwater sources are regulated by the North
Carolina Division of Water Quality through NCAC Subchapters 2L and 2C.
47.The Town of Newport supports all efforts to secure available state and federal funding
for the construction and/or expansion of public and private water systems.
48.Newport will support the development of central sewer service throughout its
incorporated area and its unincorporated planning jurisdiction.
49.Newport supports the discharge of effluent into 404 wetland areas.
50.The town supports all efforts to secure available state and federal funding for the
construction and/or expansion of public and private sewer systems.
51.The town will rehabilitate older sections of wastewater collection lines as needed.
103
52.The town will support treatment of waste in either a centralized Carteret County sewage
treatment system or a regional, four county treatment system. In the absence of a
County or Four County Regional treatment plant/system, the Town of Newport will
continue development of its own waste treatment system and treatment plant. The town
will also investigate and support other cost effective options which may be available such
as: contracting with another municipality for the treatment of a portion of its sewage
and/or contracting with the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station for the treatment of
a portion of its sewage.
53.Newport supports Carteret County's participation in a regional multi-county approach to
solid waste management. This includes disposal of waste in the Tri-County Regional
Landfill.
54.The town will support efforts to educate people and businesses on waste reduction and
recycling. The town vigorously supports recycling by all users of the Tri-County Landfill
and supports setting up practical collection methods and education efforts to achieve a
high degree of county-wide recycling.
55.Newport will cooperate with the NCDOT, the North Carolina Division of Water Quality,
and other state agencies in mitigating the impact of storm water runoff on all
conservation classified areas. The town will support the Division of Water Quality storm
water runoff retention permitting process through its zoning permit system by verifying
compliance prior to issuance of a zoning permit.
56.The town will attempt to apply for grant funds, and utilize Powell Bill funds, to improve
storm water drainage systems associated with existing rights-of-way.
57.There are no electric generating plants located in Newport's planning jurisdiction. The
town will consider the need for establishing energy facilities on a case-by-case basis,
judging the need for development against all identified possible adverse impacts.
58.All redevelopment efforts will be coordinated with the Town of Newport Planning
Department and Planning Board.
59.Promote funding for downtown revitalization and implementation in an effort to attract
new development to the central business district.
60.The town will be pro-active in pursuing state and federal assistance and other methods
of funding to be utilized for revitalization and other improvements as deemed
appropriate.
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61.The Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post-Disaster Recovery, and Evacuation Plan provides
policies for responding to hurricanes or other natural disasters. Those policies address
reconstruction needs. The town will allow the reconstruction of any structures
demolished by natural disaster when the reconstruction complies with all applicable
local, state, and federal regulations.
62.Newport supports the state's shoreline access policies as set forth in NCAC Chapter 15A,
Subchapter 7M. The town will conform to CAMA and other state and federal
environmental regulations affecting the development of estuarine access areas. The town
will consider development of a detailed shoreline access plan during the five-year
planning period.
63.Support low to moderate income housing.
64.Review the town's zoning and subdivision ordinances regarding possible impediments to
the construction of affordable housing. Items to be considered may include, but not be
limited to: planned unit developments, zero lot lines, cluster housing, increased density,
revised subdivision design standards, and reduced yard setback requirements.
65.Strict enforcement of the town's minimum housing code.
66.Pursue state and federal funding of projects to improve and increase moderate income
housing.
67.Support state and federal programs which assist with housing rehabilitation.
68.When economically feasible, the Town of Newport will extend water and sewer lines to
serve new residential developments.
69.Newport desires to achieve responsible industrial development which will not adversely
affect the natural environment or the quality of established residential areas. Large
vacant areas exist within the town's planning jurisdiction which have the potential for
industrial development.
70.Industrial sites should be accessible to municipal/central water and sewer services.
71.Industries which are noxious by reason of the emission of smoke, odor, dust, glare, noise,
and vibrations, and those which deal primarily in hazardous products such as explosives,
should not be located in Newport.
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72.Industrial development and/or industrial zoning should not infringe on established
residential development.
73.Newport is generally receptive to state and federal programs, particularly those which
provide improvements to the town. The town will continue to fully support such
programs, especially the North Carolina Department of Transportation road and bridge
improvement programs, which are very important to the Town of Newport.
74.Examples of other state and federal programs that are important to and supported by
Newport include: dredging and channel maintenance by the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers; federal and state projects which provide efficient and safe boat access for
sport fishing; public beach and coastal waterfront access grant funds; and community
development block grants, housing for the elderly, moderate income housing, housing
rehabilitation, and North Carolina Housing Finance Agency housing improvement
programs.
75.Newport continues to support state and federal efforts to maintain channels for
navigation. The town also supports the private maintenance of channels providing that
such action is in accordance with all local, state, and federal environmental regulations.
76.Newport will support North Carolina Department of Transportation projects to improve
access to the town and Carteret County.
77.Newport will continue to support the activities of the North Carolina Division of Travel
and Tourism; specifically, the monitoring of tourism-related industry, efforts to promote
tourism-related commercial activity, and efforts to enhance and provide shoreline
resources.
78.All uses which are allowed in a zoning district must be considered. A decision to rezone
or not to rezone a parcel or parcels of property cannot be based on consideration of only
one use or a partial list of the uses allowed within a zoning district.
79.Zoning decisions will not be based on aesthetic considerations.
80.Requests for zoning changes will not be approved if the requested change will result in
spot zoning. Spot zoning is a form of discriminatory zoning whose sole purpose is to
serve the private interests of one or more landowners instead of furthering the welfare
of the entire community as part of an overall zoning plan. Although changing the zoning
classification of any parcel of land to permit a more intensive use could possibly
constitute spot zoning, the test lies in its relationship to the existing zoning pattern and
guidelines of the local comprehensive plan. Spot zoning is based on the arbitrary and
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inappropriate nature of a rezoning change rather than, as is commonly believed, in the
size of the area being rezoned.
81.Zoning which will result in strip development will be discouraged. Strip development
is a melange of development, usually commercial, extending along both sides of a major
street. Strip development is often a mixture of auto-oriented enterprises (e.g., gas
stations, motels, and food stands), truck-dependent wholesaling and light industrial
enterprises along with the once-rural homes and farms that await conversion to
commercial use. Strip development may severely reduce traffic-carrying capacity of
abutting streets.
82.The concept of uniformity will be supported in all zoning deliberations. Uniformity is a
basic premise of zoning which holds that all land in similar circumstances should be
zoned alike; any different treatment must be justified by showing different
circumstances.
83.Zoning regulations will be made in accordance with the Town of Newport
Comprehensive Plan and designed to lessen congestion in the streets; to secure safety
from fire, panic, and other dangers; to promote health and the general welfare; to
provide adequate light and air; to prevent the overcrowding of land; to avoid undue
concentration of population; and to facilitate the adequate provision of transportation,
water, sewerage, schools, parks, and other public requirements. The regulations shall
be made with reasonable consideration, among other things, as to the character of the
district and its peculiar suitability for particular uses, and with a view to conserving the
value of buildings and encouraging the most appropriate use of land throughout the
Town of Newport planning jurisdiction.
84.Specifically, the Planning Board and Board of Commissioners should ask the following
questions:
--Does the town need more land in the zone class requested?
--Is there other property in the community that might be more appropriate for this
use?
--Is the request in accordance with the town plan?
--Will the request have a serious impact on traffic circulation, parking space, sewer
and water services, and other utilities?
--Is there a good possibility that the request, as proposed, will result in lessening
the enjoyment or use of adjacent properties?
--Will the request, as proposed, cause serious noise, odors, light, activity, or
unusual disturbances?
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--Does the request raise serious legal questions such as spot zoning, hardship,
violation of precedents, or need for this type of use?
85.As the initial step in the preparation of this document, Newport prepared and adopted
a "Public Participation Plan." The plan outlined the methodology for citizen involvement.
Public involvement was to be generated through public information meetings, advertising
in local newspapers, establishment of a land use planning advisory committee to work
with the Board of Commissioners and Planning Board on the development of the plan.
PARTIALLY COMPLETED
Asterisks (*) denote portion of policy not completed.
1.The Town of Newport supports the following improvements to its water supply system:
--enlargement of the water treatment plant;
--rehabilitation of the older sections of water distribution lines;
--addition of another elevated storage tank;
--installation of an emergency power system at the water treatment facility; and
--the possible addition of a fifth well*
2.Newport supports implementation of the following land transportation improvements:
--SR 1247 is Chatham Street (Old Highway 70). This street needs to be widened,
curbed, and guttered.*
--SR 1183 (Church Street) needs widening with improved drainage.*
--SR 1124 (Nine Mile Road), SR 1756 (Lake Road, part Craven County), and SR
1154 (Mill Creek Road) all need widening and resurfacing.*
--Construct driveway connection on Highway 70E approximately 250' from Roberts
Road intersection for industrial growth.*
--Completion and adoption of a Town Thoroughfare Plan.
--Coordination with NCDOT to ensure that town streets are adequately maintained
and upgraded.
--Extension of Howard Boulevard to Chatham Street.*
--Extension of Orange Street to East Chatham Street.*
--Removal of traffic islands and installing turn lanes at the intersection of Nine
Foot Road/Howard Boulevard with U.S. 70 Bypass.
--Careful planning of commercial and industrial development along U.S. 70 Bypass.
Strip development connecting directly to U.S. 70 should be avoided and service
roads required.
--Improve pedestrian access and foster pedestrian-friendly environment.
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NOT ACCOMPLISHED
1.Newport will support the development of a comprehensive town-wide storm water
drainage plan.
2.The Town of Newport will consider revising its zoning and subdivision ordinances to
reduce the areas covered during development by impervious surfaces. This will reduce
storm water runoff. Changes may include, but not necessarily be limited to:
--Stabilized but not paved parking lots.
--Paving with "grass stones" (paving blocks which have open areas to allow passage
of water).
--Strip paving of streets.
3.The town does not support the use of private package sewage treatment plants within
the town limits. However, in the ETJ, in special cases where the use of private systems
is the only available option, the town may permit the use of private systems only if the
associated development meets the following criteria:
--The said development is consistent with the town's policies and
ordinances.
--The system meets or exceeds the state and federal permitting
requirements.
--The project will have no adverse impacts beyond its boundaries.
--The perpetual operation and maintenance of the system is guaranteed
without obligation to the town in any way.
4.The Town of Newport will pursue development and adoption of a local ordinance to
regulate swine production. The town is also in favor and fully supports adoption of such
an ordinance by the county.
5.Newport supports the siting of recycling centers within commercial and industrial zoning
classifications.
6.The town will develop a comprehensive master drainage plan.
7.Newport has some concerns over offshore drilling. In the event that oil or gas is
discovered, Newport will not oppose drilling operations and onshore support facilities
for which an Environmental Impact Statement has been prepared with a finding of no
significant impact on the environment. Newport supports and requests full disclosure of
development plans, with mitigative measures that will be undertaken to prevent adverse
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impacts on the environment, the infrastructure, and the social systems of Newport and
Carteret County. The town also requests full disclosure of any adopted plans. Offshore
drilling and the development of onshore support facilities may have severe costs for the
county and its municipalities as well as advantages. The costs should be borne by the
company(ies) which profits from offshore drilling and onshore support facilities.
8.The town may apply for Community Development Block Grant Community
Revitalization/Housing Development and North Carolina Housing Finance Agency funds.
9.Apply for Community Development Block Grant Community Revitalization and North
Carolina Housing Finance Agency funds.
10.During the planning period, Newport will develop a community services/facilities plan
(as a stand-alone document, not as an expansion of this plan), which will define existing
deficiencies in police protection, fire protection, local administrative buildings, public
recreational facilities, public shoreline access, and public parks. This plan will not
address school system needs. The plan will prioritize needs and make specific
recommendations concerning financing and budgeting the high priority needs.
G. FUTURE DEMANDS
1. Introduction
The 92.85% growth rate which occurred in Newport from 1970 to 2000 is expected to
diminish somewhat. However, growth is expected to continue through 2015 at 72.0% for the
15-year time period. Development in Newport’s planning jurisdiction will continue to strain the
capacity of the existing transportation system; increase demand for municipal supplied water and
wastewater and solid waste disposal; and place increasing demands on school facilities,
recreational facilities, police and fire departments, and administrative/regulatory agencies. The
basic demand for housing – in particular, affordable housing – will continue to be an important
need to be addressed by the town in the coming decade.
The goals, policies, and implementing actions section of this plan must address these
demands for future infrastructure needs, balanced by protection of sensitive areas of
environmental concern.
2. Housing Trends
From 1980 to 2000, the Town of Newport averaged the addition of 27 dwelling units per
year. However, this trend declined slightly during the 1990s to 22 units per year. Construction
of dwelling units is expected to continue in Newport’s planning jurisdiction.
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The average household size for all units decreased slightly from 2.73 persons per
household in 1990 to 2.66 persons per household in 2000. For forecast purposes, through 2015
this trend has been continued. The forecast growth of households is provided in Table 44.
Table 44
Town of Newport
Estimated Population Growth and Household Characteristics
2005 2010 2015
Total Population 4,386 5,018 5,771
# of Households*1,674 1,944 2,272
Persons per Households 2.62 2.58 2.54
*includes group quarters.
Source: Office of State Planning and Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
Table 44 indicates that between the years 2005-2015, approximately 598 new dwelling
units will need to be constructed to meet the needs of the growing population. This represents
a 36% increase in housing units. If the average lot size in Newport is .5 acres, then
approximately 399 acres of land will be needed for this new residential construction. A total of
approximately 668 acres of vacant land lie within Newport and 8,062 acres in the town’s ETJ.
Approximately 1,502 acres lie within the 100-year floodplain. Ample land is available to
accommodate new residential construction.
3. Commercial Land Use
Commercial land use is expected to expand during the planning period. However, no
significant changes in the location/distribution of commercial land use are expected.
Commercial area comprises 2.52% of the total land use acreage within the corporate limits and
1.84% of the total land within the town’s ETJ. The percentage of commercial land use within
the town limits is lower than indicated in the town’s 1996 land use plan (3.5%) and higher in
the ETJ than in the 1996 land use plan (0.9%). The differences are believed to be the result of
improved mapping and not actual changes in land use.
The majority of commercial development is expected to continue downtown, along
Chatham Street and along the US 70 Bypass near the intersections of Nine Foot Road and
Masontown Road. Eventually the majority of the property fronting on US 70 Bypass is expected
to be developed. The need for redevelopment or renovation of commercial areas downtown and
along Chatham Street may become necessary for new businesses desiring to locate in Newport
as the age of existing commercial structures increases and buildings deteriorate.
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4. Industrial Land Use
Industrial land use within Newport’s planning jurisdiction is very limited. In August,
2003, only 34.68 acres (0.78%) of the town’s corporate area was being utilized for industrial use.
There was no industrial usage in the town’s ETJ. The Carteret County Economic Development
Council has continued aggressive industrial recruitment efforts. In support, Newport should
continue to provide sound infrastructure including water, sewer, and electrical service. As
industrial development occurs, land use compatibility problems should be avoided.
5. Residential/Commercial/Industrial Land Use Summary
The comparison of residential, commercial, and industrial existing land use compared
to existing zoned acreage for these uses indicates more than ample land available for
development. The following table provides a comparison.
Table 45
Town of Newport Corporate Limits and ETJ
2003 Residential-Commercial-Industrial Land Use Acreage
Compared to Zoned Acreage
Actual Land
Use Acreage
Zoned
Acreage
Percentage of
Zoned Acreage
Residential*3,124.29 17,149.0 18%
Commercial 370.08 944.0 39%
Industrial 34.68 333.0 10%
*Excludes Office and Institutional and PUD zoned areas.
Source: Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
There is ample zoned undeveloped land to accommodate growth during the planning
period (2004 - 2015).
6. Transportation
The 1996 CAMA Land Use Plan identified seven important transportation issues. These
continue to be important issues and are identified as follows:
!Coordination with NCDOT to ensure that town streets are adequately maintained
and upgraded.
!Extension of Howard Boulevard to Chatham Street.
!Extension of Orange Street to East Chatham Street.
!Extension of SR 1154, intended to connect US 70 to NC 101.
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!Careful planning of commercial and industrial development along US 70 Bypass.
Strip development should be avoided and service roads required.
!Improve pedestrian access and foster pedestrian-friendly environment.
During the planning period, two bridge projects are expected which are included in the
North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) Transportation Improvement Program
(TIP). These include a new bridge on SR 1154 on the east side of Newport over a branch of the
Newport River and a new bridge on SR 1124 over a branch of the Newport River immediately
west of Newport’s ETJ. The following summarizes both bridge improvements:
Location ID No.Description
Total Est.
Cost
(Thou.)
Prior Yrs
Cost
(Thou.)Work Type
Funding
Source
Cost
Estimates
(Thou.)
Schedule
(Fiscal Years)
SR 1154 B-3626 Branch Newport River
Replace Bridge No. 26
877 102 Right-of-way
Construction FA*
775 In acquisition
FFY04
SR 1124 B-4055 Branch Newport River
Replace Bridge No. 22
755 150 Right-of-way
Construction
FA
FA
55
550
FFY05
FFY06

*Bridge replacement on federal aid system.
Both of these bridge projects will improve the safety of access to the Town of Newport.
The projects are delineated on Map 25. The TIP also proposes a Havelock Bypass and a US 70
to NC 101 connector (please note that the NC 101 connector project has not been funded).
While the Havelock Bypass is not located within Newport’s planning jurisdiction, this project will
improve access to the Town of Newport and is anticipated to have an impact on development
immediately north of the town. The Town of Newport supports this proposed transportation
improvement and will work closely with the NCDOT, as well as the Down East Rural Planning
Organization (RPO) to ensure the projects funding. The following summarizes the project:
Location ID No.Description
Length
(mi)
Total
Est. Cost
(Thou.)
Prior Yrs
Cost
(Thou.)Work Type
Funding
Source
Cost
Estimates
(Thou.)
Schedule
(Fiscal Years)
US 70 R-1015*Havelock Bypass,
north of Pine Grove
to north of Carteret
County line. Four
lane divided on new
location.
9.0 118228 8828 Design
Right-of-way
Right-of-way
Right-of-way
Construction
Construction
NHS*
T**
NHS
T
2050
2350
59200
45800
In progress
Part in acquisition
FFY04
SFY04
FFY06 08
SFY06

*National Highway System.
**Highway Trust Fund.
7. Public Land Use
Public land use is not expected to change substantially during the planning period. No
significant construction or land acquisition is anticipated. The town will continue to maintain
and improve its existing public facilities. In particular, the town will focus on improving the
quality of its infrastructure systems which include water and sewer.
)) Masontown RdNine Foot RdHoward BlvdN e w p o r t L o o p R d Mill Creek Rd’TO NC HIGHWAY 101Hibbs RdSR 1141SR 1154B-4055B-3626Tom Mann RdHibbs RdRoberts RdE C h a th a m S tNine Mile RdOrange StChurch StTown of Newport Land Use Plan North CarolinaDepartment of Transportation Transportation Improvement Projects 0 0.5 1 1.5 20.25MilesLegendCorporate LimitsNC DOT RoadsNC Highway 101 Connector)Bridge Replacement Projects Thoroughfare PlanExisting MajorExisting MinorProposed MinorMAP 25113
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8. Education
At this time, Newport Middle School and West Carteret High School are full but not
experiencing overcrowding problems and have no plans for expansion. Newport Elementary
School, with approximately 800 students, is at capacity utilizing twelve mobile units. Carteret
County plans to build a new Elementary School on property that the county owns, near the
Middle School. However, due to budget constraints it is unclear when the school will be built.
It is possible that phases of development could be started in three to four years.
9. Recreation
The National Recreation and Parks Association published the Recreation, Parks, and Open
Space Standards and Guidelines, 2001 to provide national guidelines which could serve as an
expression of reasonableness and adequacy with respect to quality service delivery. Table 46
provides a summary of the national standards for selected recreational facilities and Newport’s
existing and future demand for new facilities.
Table 46
National Recreation Standards and Demand for Facilities in Newport
Standard
Existing
Facilities*
Existing Facility
Demand**
Year 2015
Additional Facility
Demand***
Baseball 1 per 10,000 persons None No demand None
League Softball 1 per 4,000 persons None No demand +1
Practice Fields 1 per 3,000 persons None 1 +1
Y outh Baseball
Fields
1 per 3,000 persons 1 1 +1
Tennis Courts 1 per 1,000 persons None 3 +3
Basketball Goals 1 per 500 persons None 6 +5
Football/Soccer 1 per 6,000 persons 1 No demand No demand
Swimming 900 square feet per
1,000 persons
None 2,700 SF +2,430 SF
*This column represents park sites only.
**This column represents the number of additional facilities the town currently needs to serve its existing
population.
***This column represents the number of additional facilities the town will need to serve a population of
approximately 5,771 in 2015.
Source: National Recreation and Parks Association, 2001.
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As indicated in Table 46, according to National Recreation Standards, the town’s future
demands include increased basketball goals, tennis courts, a youth baseball field, a practice field,
a softball field, and a swimming facility. However, it should be noted that these guidelines
reflect professional judgement, rather than an assessment of community needs, and no two
communities are the same. Furthermore, many communities have found the national guidelines
difficult to meet. Therefore, the pursuit of achieving national recreation standards should not
take the place of common sense and recognizing the needs of the community. It should also be
noted that many communities have taken out basketball courts or are not constructing additional
courts because they are often a breeding ground for illegal activity. Finally, Newport is located
in an area that is rich in natural outdoor recreational opportunities. Therefore, the National
Recreational Guidelines may not be considered the absolute standard.
10. Water System
As the result of improvements which occurred in 2000 (see page 72), the capacity of the
Newport water system is adequate through the planning period. In addition, the town intends
to execute a water supply agreement with the West Carteret Water Company. The only water
supply needs in the planning period will be the extension of water lines as growth occurs.
11. Sewer System
During the planning period, the major sewer system need will be the increase of the
town’s sewer treatment plant capacity. This will occur as soon as the state issues a permit for
plant expansion. The town continues to have a serious problem with sewer line infiltration. As
funding permits, the town is repairing sewer lines to reduce infiltration. The sewer system
capacity and upgrades are discussed extensively in the future land demand and infrastructure
carrying capacity section of this plan (page 160). The estimated cost of these improvements as
of FY2006 is approximately $8 million dollars. The improvements will be made at the town’s
existing wastewater treatment plant location. For funding see policy/implementing actions P.71,
I.77 Capital Improvements Plan, and I.78.
12. Solid Waste
The Tri-County Landfill, located in Craven County, serves Carteret, Craven, and Pamlico
counties and is expected to serve solid waste disposal needs through 2020. It is not currently
experiencing any capacity problems.
The Town of Newport should make every feasible effort to minimize the generation of
waste and to recycle materials for which viable markets exist. Any waste generated by Newport
that cannot be beneficially reused or recycled must be disposed of at a solid waste management
facility permitted by the Division of Waste Management. The nearest facility to the town is the
Carteret County Transfer Station, Permit #16-04, located at 801 Hibbs Road in Newport.
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13. Police, Fire, and Rescue Services
In estimating the impact of growth, planning standards for public services have been
estimated; the following figures are averages, and are intended to help quantify the impacts of
growth: Per 1,000 persons in population growth, a town is likely to need two additional police
officers, 0.6 vehicles, and 200 square feet of facility space for law enforcement. Likewise, fire
protection will involve 1.65 personnel, 0.2 vehicles, and 250 square feet of facility space for
every 1,000 persons. Increased demand on emergency medical services amounts to 36.5 calls
per 1,000 population, one vehicle, and 4.1 full-time personnel per 30,000 persons.
As previously discussed, Newport is expected to have a net gain of approximately 632
persons by 2010. Based on this assumption, the following provides a summary of additional
equipment and staffing required to accommodate growth:
Police Fire Rescue
Vehicles 1 2 0
Square Feet 200 250 –
Police Officers 1 1 0
Calls ––23
Source: Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
As reflected above, the impact on the town’s police, fire, and rescue services from
anticipated population growth is moderate. However, as discussed elsewhere in this plan, these
estimates do not include population growth resulting from annexation. It is anticipated that the
town will pursue the annexation of unincorporated areas. However, it is impossible to estimate
the impact from these annexations at this time. Furthermore, when the town decides on areas
for annexation, detailed annexation reports will need to be prepared describing how all town
services will be extended/provided to the area.
14. Stormwater Management
In an effort to provide a comprehensive solution that will address both water quality and
quantity, the town has elected to establish a stormwater management program. This program
will consist of four primary components: a stormwater management ordinance, a technical
manual, a utility ordinance, and a stormwater management program (this program will target
non-point source water quality in a manner consistent with the rules outlined in the EPA’s
NPDES Phase II Stormwater Regulations).
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This strategy is based on proactive management by the Town Council and Administration
of Newport. It is likely that the town will soon fall under the jurisdiction of the NPDES Phase
II requirements. The town would like to take advantage of this opportunity to initiate
implementation of the following program, which will provide a truly comprehensive approach
to addressing all aspects of stormwater runoff including: water quality, localized flooding,
erosion, elimination of illicit discharges, storm drainage maintenance, street sweeping, storm
drain stenciling, etc. There will be a stormwater management citizen's advisory committee
(SMC) to oversee and discuss issues regarding the development of these documents and
procedures.
The proposed Stormwater Management Program will involve the following tasks:
1)Provide input and background information regarding the following items to the
town and SMC:
!information on how to address each of the components of the program,
both regulatory and organizational
!regulatory options for improving stormwater conveyance and quality
!financial mechanisms for improving stormwater conveyance and quality
(utility options)
!administrative issues related to implementing and overseeing a
stormwater management program
2) Act as the liaison between the SMC, Town Council, and public regarding the
issues listed in task 1, as well as through the development of all documents and
programs.
3) Work with the SMC and Town Council to identify the most equitable and efficient
methodology for establishing a stormwater utility fee.
4) Hold public hearings to obtain input regarding development of the stormwater
management ordinance, utility ordinance, and stormwater management program
5) Develop an administrative plan that will outline staffing procedures, stormwater
rates, and coordination between the planning/inspections department and the
finance department of the town, in an effort to ensure that the new system is
implemented and carried out efficiently.
6) Develop a stormwater management ordinance in conformance with North
Carolina and Federal Laws for adoption by the Town Council.
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7) Develop a technical design manual that will support the policy goals and
objectives of the stormwater management ordinance. This manual will specify
the design and maintenance of privately and publicly installed stormwater
management detention/retention and conveyance devices and will specify best
management practices for improvement of stormwater quality.
15. Redevelopment Issues
The Town of Newport’s greatest continuing redevelopment issue will be the preservation
and renovation of housing for its low-to-moderate income families and individuals. While
housing conditions improved during the 1990s, problems still exist. The town will undertake
the following in support of residential development:
!Support applications for North Carolina Community Development housing
rehabilitation funds.
!Support applications for North Carolina Housing Finance Agency home
improvement funds.
!Investigate the development and enforcement of a minimum housing code.
Newport is not subject to major coastal storm damage. Convectional storms and
tornadoes pose a greater threat. However, some wind damage could result from the inland
movement of a major hurricane. Flooding of the Newport River, Deep, and Little Deep Creeks
is also possible in the event of a nor’easter. While storm related damage is not a significant
redevelopment issue, the town will support the reconstruction of all storm destroyed structures
when reconstruction complies with all current local, state, and federal regulations and the
policies contained in this plan.
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SECTION VI. PLAN FOR THE FUTURE
A.LAND USE/DEVELOPMENT GOALS AND IMPLEMENTING ACTIONS
This section of the plan is intended to guide the development and use of land in Newport’s
planning jurisdiction. The future land use maps and policies are intended to support Newport’s
and CAMA’s goals. Specifically, this section includes Newport’s goals, land use development
policies, and the future land use map for the town’s planning jurisdiction. The future land use
map and the specified development goals are based on the Town of Newport community
concerns (identified on pages 7 and 8 of this plan) and the future needs/demands (identified in
Section V(G) of this plan).
In addition, this document is intended to serve as Newport’s Comprehensive Plan and Future
Land Use Plan. The future land use plan or “map” is an essential tool for implementing land use
planning. The map is intended to serve as a guide for the Planning Board and Town Council
when they review private development proposals and make decisions on the location of public
facilities.
The land use plan also provides a framework upon which zoning and subdivision regulations and
the capital improvements program should be based. In fact, the preparation of a land use plan
and map is mandated by legislation as a prerequisite for zoning. North Carolina General Statute
153A-341 states that:
Zoning regulations shall be made in accordance with a comprehensive plan and
designed to lessen congestion in the streets; to secure safety from fire, panic, and
other dangers; to promote health and the general welfare; to provide adequate
light and air; to prevent the overcrowding of land; to avoid undue concentration
of population; and to facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water,
sewerage, schools, parks, and other public requirements. The regulations shall
be made with reasonable consideration, among other things, as to the character
of the district and its peculiar suitability for particular uses, and with a view to
conserving the value of buildings and encouraging the most appropriate use of
land throughout the town’s planning jurisdiction.
A land use plan is intended to accomplish three primary objectives. These objectives are as
follows:
!To promote economic efficiency by coordinating the size and location of publicly
provided future community facilities with the location and intensity of future private
residential, commercial, and industrial activity.
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!To optimize resources by allocating land for its most suitable use. For example, a town
may want to encourage industrial development on sites accessible to existing water and
sewer lines and in areas with suitable soil conditions. Or, a town may choose to arrange
land uses in such a way as to protect environmentally sensitive areas.
!To provide a land use form that reflects the vision of the town’s residents, is unified,
avoids conflicting land uses, optimizes resources, preserves the town’s character and is
pleasing: providing open space, vistas, and distinguishable districts.
It is important that Newport understands that merely completing the land use plan, illustrating
the town’s vision for the future, does not ensure that its objectives will be met. Newport must
continuously work at accomplishing plan implementation and maintaining an effective planning
program.
B.POLICIES/IMPLEMENTING ACTIONS
1. Introduction
It is intended that the policies included in this plan are consistent with the goals of
CAMA. This plan will address the CRC management topics for land use plans and comply with
all state and federal rules and regulations. The following will serve as a guideline to assist in
assuring that this land use plan will guide the development and use of land in a manner that is
consistent with the management goal(s), planning objective(s), and land use plan requirements
of this plan. These policies/implementing actions will apply to the town’s entire planning
jurisdiction. All policies/implementing actions shall be used for consistency review by
appropriate state and federal agencies.
Resource conservation and impact analysis issues are addressed throughout the policies
and implementing actions included in this plan. However, the following conservation related
policies and implementing actions are emphasized:
!Public Access, page 126.
!Conservation, page 132.
!Stormwater Control, page 133.
!Natural Hazard Areas, page 139.
!Water Quality (including Wellhead Protection), page 141.
!Cultural, Historical, and Scenic Areas, page 145.
Specifically, in implementing this plan, the Town of Newport Planning Board and Town
Council will continually do the following:
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!Consult the Land Use Plan during the deliberation of all re-zoning requests.
!Consider the following in deliberation of all zoning petitions:
"Consider the policies and implementing actions of this plan and all applicable
CAMA regulations in their decisions regarding land use and development
(including 15A NCAC 7H).
"All uses that are allowed in a zoning district must be considered. A decision to
re-zone or not to re-zone a parcel or parcels of property cannot be based on
consideration of only one use or a partial list of the uses allowed within a zoning
district.
"Requests for zoning changes will not be approved if the requested change will
result in spot zoning. Spot zoning is a form of discriminatory zoning whose sole
purpose is to serve the private interests of one or more landowners instead of
furthering the welfare of the entire community as part of an overall zoning plan.
Spot zoning is based on the arbitrary and inappropriate nature of a re-zoning
change rather than, as is commonly believed, on the size of the area being re-
zoned.
"Zoning which will result in strip development should be discouraged. Strip
development is a melange of development, usually commercial, extending along
both sides of a major street. Strip development is often a mixture of auto-
oriented enterprises (e.g., gas stations, motels, and food stands), and truck-
dependent wholesale and light industrial enterprises along with the once-rural
homes and farms that await conversion to commercial use. Strip development
may severely reduce traffic-carrying capacity of abutting streets by allowing for
excessive and conflicting curb cuts.
"The concept of uniformity should be supported in all zoning deliberations.
Uniformity is a basic premise of zoning which holds that all land in similar
circumstances should be zoned alike; any different circumstances should be
carefully balanced with a demonstrated need for such different treatment.
"Zoning regulations should be made in accordance with the Newport Land Use
Plan and designed to lessen congestion in the streets; to secure safety from fire,
panic, and other dangers; to promote health and the general welfare; to provide
adequate light and air; to prevent the overcrowding of land; to avoid undue
concentration of population; and to facilitate the adequate provision of
transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks, and other public requirements.
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The regulations shall be made with reasonable consideration, among other
things, as to the character of the district and its peculiar suitability for particular
uses, and with a view to conserving the value of buildings and encouraging the
most appropriate use of land throughout Newport’s planning jurisdiction.
"Specifically, the Planning Board and Town Council should ask the following
questions:
-Does Newport need more land in the zone class requested?
-Is there other property in the town that might be more appropriate for
this use?
-Is the request in accordance with the Newport land use plan?
-Will the request have a serious impact on traffic circulation, parking
space, sewer and water services, and other utilities?
-Will the request have an impact on other town services, including police
protection or fire protection?
-Is there a good possibility that the request, as proposed, will result in
lessening the enjoyment or use of adjacent properties?
-Will the request, as proposed, cause serious noise, odors, light, activity,
or unusual disturbances?
-Does the request raise serious legal questions such as spot zoning,
hardship, violation of precedents, or need for this type of use?
-Does the request adversely impact any CAMA AECs or other
environmentally sensitive areas including water quality?
It is intended that this plan will serve as the basic tool to guide development/growth in
Newport’s planning jurisdiction subject to the following:
!The Town of Newport Land Development Ordinances should be revised from time to time
to be consistent, as reasonably possible, with the recommendations of this plan and the
evolving nature of the town’s growth and development policy.
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!Land development regulations should be designed: to lessen congestion in the streets;
to secure safety from fire, panic, and other dangers; to promote health and the general
welfare; to provide adequate light and air; to prevent the overcrowding of land; to avoid
undue concentration of population; and to facilitate the adequate provision of
transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks, and other public requirements.
!The Town of Newport will coordinate all development proposals with appropriate State
and/or Federal agencies.
2. Policies Regarding Land Use and Development in AEC’s
The Town of Newport accepts state and federal law regarding land uses
and development in AECs. By reference, all applicable state and federal regulations are
incorporated into this document. However, Newport does not consider the following issues to
be relevant/applicable within Newport’s planning jurisdiction:
!Outstanding Resource Waters
!Maritime Forests
!Shellfishing Waters
!Development of Sound and Estuarine System Islands
!Peat or Phosphate Mining’s Impact on any Resource
!Dredging
!Beach Nourishment
The Areas of Environmental Concern and Fragile Areas within Newport’s planning
jurisdiction include the following:
!All waters under the jurisdiction of the Town of Newport are public trust areas as defined
in 15A NCAC 7H.0207 public trust areas.
!Coastal wetlands areas exist in the Town of Newport. Because of map scale, coastal
wetlands areas must be determined through on-site analysis.
!404 jurisdiction determinations can only be made by Corps of Engineers personnel
through individual on-site analysis.
!The Newport River is an anadromous fish spawning area.
!Areas along the Newport River and Deep Creek are groundwater recharge/discharge
areas.
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!There are fragile natural areas located within the Hardwood Swamps of the Newport
River and Deep and Little Creeks.
For the issuance of CAMA permits within areas of environmental concern, the state’s
minimum acceptable use standards are defined by 15A NCAC 7H. A local unit of government
must adopt policies which are, at a minimum, equal to and consistent with the state’s minimum
use standards. Newport may adopt policies which are more stringent than the minimum use
standards. For example, the state standards allow marinas to be located within primary nursery
areas if some minimum conditions are met. Newport could adopt a policy stating that marinas
will not be permitted within primary nursery areas (this is only an example, not a
recommendation). If this were to occur, a CAMA permit for marina construction in a primary
nursery area would not be issued. IT IS CRUCIAL THAT A LOCAL GOVERNMENT
UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT OF ITS POLICIES WITHIN AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL
CONCERN.
The second area of land use plan application is that of establishing policies to guide the
jurisdiction’s local planning. This may apply both within areas of environmental concern where
CAMA regulations apply and in non-CAMA regulated areas of the county. Under North Carolina
legislation, land use plans are not regulatory controls. Non-CAMA related recommendations
must be implemented with local land use ordinances such as zoning or subdivision ordinances.
If this plan recommends that the average residential density should be three dwelling units per
acre within a particular area, then that density must be achieved through local zoning ordinance
or other regulatory control. (This should not be confused with the interaction of the land use
plan with the CAMA regulations and 15A NCAC 7H use standards.)
The final area of application is that of “Consistency Review.” Proposals and applications
for state and federal assistance or requests for agency approval or projects are normally reviewed
against a jurisdiction’s land use plan to determine if the project is consistent with local policies.
Inconsistencies of a project with local policies could serve as grounds for denial or revision of a
project. For example, an individual or agency may request state or federal funding to construct
a 30-unit low-to-moderate income housing project. If the proposed location of the project is
within an area in which this land use plan states that the residential density should not exceed
two dwelling units per acre, the project may be judged to be inconsistent with the local land use
plan.
All policies and implementing actions are to be utilized by the State of North Carolina
for consistency review. Note the following:
!No policy is subordinate to another.
!All management topics have equal status.
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!The future land use map may show some areas in a developed category which may also
include sensitive habitats or natural areas. The intent is that development should be
designed/permitted to protect these areas through utilization of concepts such as cluster
development. Development/project approval will be based on project design which
avoids substantial loss of important habitat areas.
C. LAND USE PLAN MANAGEMENT TOPICS
1. Introduction
The purposes of the Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) management topics are to
ensure that CAMA Land Use Plans support the goals of CAMA, to define the CRC’s expectations
for the land use planning process, and to give the CRC a substantive basis for review and
certification of CAMA Land Use Plans. Each of the following management topics (Public Access,
Land Use Compatibility, Infrastructure Carrying Capacity, Transportation, Natural Hazard Areas,
Water Quality, and Local Areas of Concern) include three components: a management goal, a
statement of the CRC’s planning objective, and requirements for the CAMA Land Use Plan. The
local concerns which should be addressed in this plan are identified on pages 7 and 8. These
concerns and issues were utilized to develop the goals and objectives which are included in this
plan. Most of the policies and implementing actions are continuing activities. In most situations,
specific timelines are not applicable. Refer to page 150 for a list of those policies/implementing
actions which have a specific schedule. The policies and implementing actions frequently utilize
the following words: should, continue, encourage, enhance, identify, implement, maintain,
prevent, promote, protect, provide, strengthen, support, work. The intent of these words is
defined in Appendix VI. Please note: Policies and Implementing Actions are numbered
consecutively throughout this document with the letter “P” denoting a policy and the letter “I”
denoting an implementing action.
2. Impact of CAMA Land Use Plan Policies on Management Topics
The development of this land use plan has relied heavily on the CAMA-prescribed existing
suitability analysis which is included in Section V(E) of this document. It is intended that this
document is supportive of the CAMA regulations for protection of AEC’s (15A NCAC 7H).
This plan is intended to support the Town of Newport vision statement which was
developed based on the key issues identified on pages 7 and 8 of this document and the CAMA
AEC regulations. No negative impacts are anticipated by the implementation of the goals,
objectives, and policies which are included in this plan. Also refer to Tools for Managing
Development, page 161.
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Note: It is intended that all policies are consistent with (do not exceed) applicable State
and Federal requirements when State and Federal requirements apply.
3. Public Access
a.Management Goal
The Town of Newport supports access to the public trust waters within its
planning jurisdiction.
b. Planning Objective
Newport supports the state’s shoreline access policies as set forth in NCAC
Chapter 15A Subchapter 7M. The town will conform to CAMA and other state and
federal environmental regulations affecting the development of estuarine access areas.
c. Land Use Plan Requirements
The following are Newport’s policies/implementing actions for waterfront access.
All policies are continuing activities.
Policies:
P.1 Newport supports providing shoreline access for persons with disabilities.
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.2 Newport supports the frequency of shoreline access as defined by 15A NCAC 7M,
Section .0300, Shorefront Access Policies. However, emphasis will be placed on
providing access to the Newport River as opposed to its tributaries and adjacent
swamp. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.3 Newport supports state/federal funding of piers for fishing and pedestrian access.
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
Implementing Actions:
I.1 Newport will pursue funding under the North Carolina CAMA Shoreline Access
funding program (15A NCAC 7M, Section .0300, Shorefront Access Policies).
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
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I.2 Newport will utilize its subdivision recreation land reservation/dedication
provisions to assist with the provision of shoreline access sites. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
I.3 Newport will pursue private sources of funding for the development of shoreline
access facilities, including donation of land. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
I.4 Newport will prepare a shoreline access plan and request Division of Coastal
Management funding for the preparation of the plan. Schedule: Fiscal Year
2007-2008.
4. Land Use Compatibility
a.Management Goal
The Town of Newport will strive to ensure that inconsistent/conflicting land uses
are not permitted within its planning jurisdiction. This is intended to avoid adverse
impacts on public safety, health, welfare, transportation, and the environment.
b. Planning Objective
– Local policies should balance growth demands with protection of
the environment.
– Newport’s policies should be utilized to assist in making decisions
for consistency findings, zoning and subdivision changes, and
approval of public and private projects.
c. Land Use Plan Requirements
The following are Newport’s policies/implementing actions for land use
compatibility.
Policies - Residential:
P.4 Newport supports maintaining an inventory of standard housing. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
P.5 The Town of Newport supports providing affordable housing. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
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P.6 Newport encourages wooded buffers between residential areas and adjacent
thoroughfares. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.7 Newport supports the establishment of buffers between residential and non-
residential areas. Schedule: Continuing Activity and see I.31.
Implementing Actions - Residential:
I.5 Apply for Community Development Block Grant Community Revitalization and
North Carolina Housing Finance Agency funds. Schedule: As needs are
identified.
I.6 Review the town’s zoning and subdivision ordinances regarding possible
impediments to the construction of affordable housing. Items to be considered
may include, but not be limited to: planned unit developments, zero lot lines,
cluster housing, increased density, revised subdivision design standards, and
reduced yard setback requirements. Schedule: Fiscal Year 2006-2007.
I.7 Strict enforcement of the town’s minimum housing code. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
I.8 Pursue state and federal funding of projects to improve and increase moderate
income housing in response to identified needs. Schedule: Continuing
Activity.
I.9 Support state and federal programs that assist with housing rehabilitation.
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
I.10 When economically feasible, the Town of Newport will extend water and sewer
lines to serve new residential developments. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
I.11 Continue to support and fund development of affordable housing in the Newport
area. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
I.12 Continue to encourage a variety of choice in existing neighborhoods through a
balance of preservation, rehabilitation, and new development. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
I.13 Continue to ensure enforcement of housing construction and maintenance codes.
Explore alternatives to demolition of substandard housing. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
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I.14 Revise the Town of Newport zoning and subdivision ordinances to incorporate
revisions to support affordable housing and variety of choice in housing.
Schedule: Fiscal Year 2006-2007.
I.15 Revise/update the town’s minimum housing code. Schedule: Fiscal Year
2007-2008.
I.16 The Carteret County Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post-Disaster Recovery, and
Evacuation Plan (which includes the Town of Newport) provides policies for
responding to hurricanes or other natural disasters (Note: See Appendix III).
Those policies address reconstruction needs. The town will allow the
reconstruction of any residential structures demolished by natural disaster when
the reconstruction complies with all applicable local, state, and federal
regulations. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
Policies - Commercial/Industrial:
P.8 Industrial development that can comply with the use standards specified by 15A
NCAC 7H, the Town of Newport zoning ordinance, and federal regulations may
be located within Newport’s planning jurisdiction. Schedule: Continuing
Activity.
P.9 Newport aggressively encourages the development of industry. The town does
not want any policies contained within this plan to prohibit industrial
development which meets all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
(See Commercial/Industrial implementing actions I.17 through I.24) Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
P.10 The Town of Newport, in cooperation with Carteret County, will continue to
support an active industrial recruitment program, seeking low pollution, light
manufacturing industries and those which do not require large commitments of
water and/or sewer. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.11 Newport desires to achieve responsible industrial development which will not
adversely affect the natural environment or the quality of established residential
areas. Large vacant areas exist within the town’s planning jurisdiction that have
the potential for industrial development. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.12 The town will discourage any agricultural or industrial development which
requires large groundwater yields for operation. Schedule: Continuing
Activity.
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P.13 Newport opposes the construction of any signs, expect public regulatory signs, in
public trust areas. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.14 Newport desires to expand its economic base. A reasonable policy of annexation
will be maintained. Newport will support growth and development at the
densities specified on the future land use map. Schedule: Continuing
Activity.
P.15 There are no electric generating plants located in Newport’s planning jurisdiction.
The town will consider the need for establishing energy facilities on a case-by-
case basis, judging the need for development against all identified possible
adverse impacts. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.16 Newport has some concerns over offshore drilling. In the event that oil or gas is
discovered, Newport will not oppose drilling operations and onshore support
facilities for which an Environmental Impact Statement has been prepared with
a finding of no significant impact on the environment. Schedule: Continuing
Activity.
P.17 Industrial sites should be accessible to municipal/central water and sewer service.
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.18 Industries that are noxious by reason of the emission of smoke, odor, dust, glare,
noise, and vibrations, and those that deal primarily in hazardous products such
as explosives, should not be located in Newport. Schedule: Continuing
Activity.
P.19 Industrial development and/or industrial zoning should not infringe on
established residential development. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
Implementing Actions - Commercial/Industrial:
I.17 Newport supports and requests full disclosure of development plans, with
mitigative measures that will be undertaken to prevent adverse impacts on the
environment, the infrastructure, and the social systems of Newport and Carteret
County. The town also requests full disclosure of any adopted plans. Offshore
drilling and the development of onshore support facilities may have severe costs
for the county and its municipalities as well as advantages. The costs should be
borne by the company(ies) which profits from offshore drilling and onshore
support facilities. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
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I.18 In guiding commercial/industrial development, the following locational
guidelines will be supported:
!Encourage renovation of commercial areas downtown and along Chatham
Street.
!Encourage location of new commercial/retail uses in vacant commercial
buildings downtown.
!Encourage new residential, commercial, and recreational development to
take the form of infill in the downtown area as prescribed by the
subdivision and zoning ordinances. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
I.19 The town emphasizes the importance of locating new economic development in
and around the existing urban area where public infrastructure and systems can
be reasonably extended. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
I.20 Continue to support growth and development of the Cherry Point Marine Corps
Air Station. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
I.21 All commercial/industrial redevelopment efforts will be coordinated with the
Town of Newport Planning Department and Planning Board. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
I.22 Promote funding for downtown revitalization and implementation in an effort to
attract new development to the central business district. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
I.23 The town will be pro-active in pursuing state and federal assistance and other
methods of funding to be utilized for revitalization and other improvements as
deemed appropriate. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
I.24 The Carteret County Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post-Disaster Recovery, and
Evacuation Plan (which includes the Town of Newport) provides policies for
responding to hurricanes or other natural disasters. Those policies address
reconstruction needs. The town will allow the reconstruction of any
commercial/industrial structures demolished by natural disaster when the
reconstruction complies with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations
(Note: See Appendix III). Schedule: Continuing Activity.
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Policies – Conservation:
P.20 Except as otherwise permitted in this plan, residential, commercial, and industrial
development should not be supported in natural heritage areas or coastal
wetlands. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.21 Residential, commercial, and industrial development which meets 15A NCAC 7H
use standards will be allowed in estuarine shoreline, estuarine water, and public
trust areas. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.22 The Town of Newport will revise its zoning and subdivision ordinances to require
larger lots in conservation classified areas. Schedule: Fiscal Year 2006-
2007.
P.23 The town supports existing policies and/or regulations directed at the
management of off-road vehicles on public land. The existing policies are
dictated by the National Forestry and Wildlife Commission, and as stated, the
town fully complies with and supports these policies. The town does not have
policies directed at regulating off-road vehicles. Schedule: Continuing
Activity.
P.24 Newport supports federal protection and management guidelines directed at
preservation of the Croatan National Forest. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
Implementing Actions - Conservation:
I.25 Protect Newport’s fragile areas from inappropriate, unplanned, or poorly planned
development through the following:
!By implementing the Newport Zoning Ordinance, limit land uses in the
vicinity of historic sites and natural heritage areas to compatible land
uses. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
!Newport will coordinate all housing code enforcement/redevelopment
projects/public works projects with the NC Division of Archives and
History to ensure the preservation and identification of significant historic
structures and archaeological sites. Significant historic sites are identified
on page 65 of this plan. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
I.26 Newport will review its zoning and subdivision ordinances to ensure compliance
with policies P.20 through P.24. Schedule: Fiscal Year 2006-2007.
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Policies – Stormwater Control
P.25 The town supports promotion of public awareness of forestry Best Management
Practices in the area, while encouraging the private forestry industry to
implement such practices to the benefit of their natural resource production
activities. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.26 Newport supports and encourages use of the U.S. Soil Conservation Service “Best
Management Practices” program. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.27 Newport supports reducing soil erosion, runoff, and sedimentation to minimize
the adverse effects on surface and subsurface water quality. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
P.28 Newport supports the enforcement of all controls and regulations, specifically
design standards, tie-down requirements, construction and installation standards,
elevation requirements, flood-proofing, CAMA regulations, and FEMA
regulations, deemed necessary by the Board of Commissioners to mitigate the
risks of lives and property caused by severe storms and hurricanes. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
Implementing Actions – Stormwater Control:
I.27 Newport will prepare a comprehensive town-wide stormwater drainage plan.
Schedule: Fiscal Year 2007-2008.
I.28 The Town of Newport will revise its zoning and subdivision ordinances to reduce
the areas covered during development by impervious surfaces. This will reduce
stormwater runoff. Changes may include, but not necessarily be limited to:
!Stabilized but not paved parking lots.
!Paving with “grass stones” (paving blocks which have open areas to allow
passage of water).
!Strip paving of streets. Schedule: Fiscal Year 2006-2007.
I.29 Newport will consider adopting and enforcing a soil erosion and sediment control
ordinance. Schedule: Fiscal Year 2007-2008.
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I.30 The town will support existing state regulations relating to stormwater runoff
resulting from development (Stormwater Disposal Policy 15 NCAC 2H.001-.1003)
through enforcement of the town’s subdivision ordinance. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
I.31 Newport will consider incorporating a landscaping provisions into its zoning and
subdivision ordinance to ensure that a buffer of trees/vegetation be left between
rights-of-way, that any clear cut areas be consistent with applicable state and
federal regulations, and that buffers exist between residential and non-residential
areas. Schedule: Fiscal Year 2007-2008.
I.32 Newport will consider adopting and enforcement a stormwater control ordinance
which should include regulations for water detention and/or retention facilities
in new developments and provide regulations to control the amount of
impervious surfaces in a development. Schedule: Fiscal Year 2007-2008.
I.33 Newport will cooperate with the NCDOT, the North Carolina Division of Water
Quality, and other state agencies in mitigating the impact of stormwater runoff
on all conservation classified areas. The town will support the Division of Water
Quality stormwater runoff retention permitting process through its zoning permit
system by verifying compliance prior to issuance of a zoning permit. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
I.34 The town will attempt to apply for grant funds, and utilize Powell Bills funds, to
improve stormwater drainage systems associated with existing rights-of-way.
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
5. Infrastructure Carrying Capacity
a.Management Goal
The Town of Newport supports the construction of adequate infrastructure
throughout its planning jurisdiction. However, the AECs and other fragile areas should
be protected when infrastructure systems are constructed.
b. Planning Objective
The construction of future infrastructure should be consistent with future
growth/land use needs. It is recognized that some service lines will have to extend
through environmentally sensitive areas.
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c. Land Use Plan Requirements
The following are Newport’s policies for infrastructure carrying capacity.
Policies:
P.29 The town will allow the installation of private wells for irrigation only through
the NCDENR permit process. NCDENR requires that all proposed water systems
that will utilize more than 100,000 gallons per day obtain a permit prior to
construction. All well systems must meet the well construction standards
established in NCAC 02C.0100 regardless of water usage. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
P.30 The town will extend water services beyond its extraterritorial area if an
adequate demand for service exists. Cost of this extension will be the
responsibility of the developer unless grant funding is secured. Extension of this
service will also be contingent on an agreement to be annexed. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
P.31 The Town of Newport supports the construction of lines to and through
conservation areas to serve development which meets all applicable state and
federal regulations. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.32 Newport opposes inappropriate land uses near well fields and supports regulation
of land uses near groundwater sources by the North Carolina Division of Water
Quality through NCAC Subchapters 2L and 2C. This is regulated through the
town’s existing wellhead protection overlay districts, which restricts development
dealing with hazardous materials in these respective areas (see Map 24, page 93).
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.33 The Town of Newport supports all efforts to secure available state and federal
funding for the construction and/or expansion of public and private water
systems. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.34 Newport will support the development of central sewer service throughout its
incorporated area and its unincorporated planning jurisdiction, which is
delineated by the ETJ boundary as shown on all maps. It should be noted that
extension of sewer lines will be contingent on available sewer capacity.
Additionally, the cost burden for the extension will be placed on the developer.
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
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P.35 Newport supports the discharge of effluent into 404 wetland areas. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
P.36 The town supports rehabilitation of older sections of wastewater collection lines
as needed. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.37 The Town of Newport will continue development of its own waste treatment
system and treatment plant. The town will also investigate and support other
cost effective options which may be available such as: contracting with another
municipality for the treatment of a portion of its sewage and/or contracting with
the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station for the treatment of a portion of its
sewage. Aside from these alternatives, the town will promote the use of on-site
WWTP in an effort to promote growth. If and when capacity issues are resolved,
service will be made available to all developments utilizing package plant
facilities. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.38 Newport supports Carteret County’s participation in a regional multi-county
approach to solid waste management. This includes disposal of waste in the Tri-
County Regional Landfill. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.39 The town supports efforts to educate people and businesses on waste reduction
and recycling. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.40 Newport supports the siting of recycling centers within commercial and industrial
zoning classifications. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
Implementing Actions:
I.35 The town does not support the use of private package sewage treatment plants
within the town limits as long as sewer capacity is available. However, in the
ETJ, where the use of private systems is the only available option, the town will
permit the use of private systems only if the associated development meets the
following criteria:
!The said development is consistent with the town’s policies and
ordinances.
!The system meets or exceeds the state and federal permitting
requirements.
!The project will have no adverse impacts beyond its boundaries.
!The perpetual operation and maintenance of the system is guaranteed
without obligation to the town in any way.
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Newport supports requirement of a specific contingency plan specifying how
ongoing private operation and maintenance of the plant will be provided, and
detailing provisions for assumption of the plant into a public system should the
private operation fail or management of the system not meet the conditions of
the state permit. If a respective development within the ETJ agrees to be
annexed, the town will assume all operation and maintenance requirements.
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
I.36 All development and subsequent construction of wastewater facilities shall be
consistent with the regulations set forth by the Newport zoning and subdivision
ordinances in conjunction with the adopted land use plan. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
I.37 Newport will allow the discharge of package treatment plant effluent into 404
wetland areas. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
I.38 Newport will develop a master water and sewer plan as a guide to establishing
service and capacity priorities for developing areas. However, it should be noted
that the town will not take a proactive approach to water and sewer line
extensions. This burden will be placed on developers. Schedule: Fiscal Year
2007-2008.
I.39 Newport will amend the future land use map, when needed, to reflect the town’s
water and sewer extension projects as they are planned. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
I.40 Newport will consult the future land use map when considering new public
facilities and private development. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
6. Transportation
a. Management Goal
The Town of Newport will support improvements which address the
transportation needs identified in the future transportation needs section (page 111).
b. Planning Objective
The Town of Newport will strive to improve the efficiency of traffic flow and
pedestrian safety.
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c. Land Use Plan Requirements
The following are the Town of Newport’s policies/implementing actions for
transportation.
Policies:
P.41 The town supports limited access from development along all roads and highways
to provide safe ingress and egress. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.42 Newport supports interconnected street systems for residential and non-
residential development. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.43 Newport supports state and federal funding for maintenance and dredging of the
Newport River. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.44 The Town of Newport will support road/transportation improvements to improve
the efficiency of its ground transportation system, including bicycle and
pedestrian access. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
Implementing Actions:
I.41 The Town of Newport supports the following transportation improvement
actions:
!Update the town’s thoroughfare plan. Schedule: Fiscal Year 2010-
2011.
!Coordination with NCDOT to ensure that town streets are adequately
maintained and upgraded. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
I.42 The Town of Newport supports completion of the following transportation
improvements:
!Extension of Howard Boulevard to Chatham Street. Schedule: Fiscal
Year 2008-2009.
!Extension of Orange Street to East Chatham Street. Schedule: Fiscal
Year 2009-2010.
!Careful planning of commercial and industrial development along US 70
Bypass. Strip development connecting directly to US 70 should be
avoided and service roads required. Schedule: Revision to zoning
and subdivision ordinances Fiscal Year 2006-2007.
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!Improve pedestrian access and foster pedestrian-friendly environment.
Schedule: Revision to zoning and subdivision ordinances Fiscal
Year 2006-2007.
!Replace Bridge No. 26 Branch Newport River. Schedule: Fiscal Year
2004.
!Replace Bridge No. 22 Branch Newport River. Schedule: Fiscal Year
2006-2007.
!Construct Havelock Bypass, north of Pine Grove to north of Carteret
County line (four lane divided). Schedule: Fiscal Year 2006 - 2008.
I.43 Newport will require where reasonably possible the utilization of frontage roads
in non-residential development along federal and state major highways.
Schedule: Revision to the town’s zoning and subdivision ordinances
Fiscal Year 2006-2007.
I.44 Newport will establish a requirement for reverse frontage lots within subdivisions
to orient lots towards internal subdivision streets, not secondary roads and
highways. Schedule: Revision to the town’s zoning and subdivision
ordinances Fiscal Year 2006-2007.
I.45 Newport will require the construction of acceleration/deceleration lanes for the
entrances to major commercial and residential developments. This should be
accomplished through revisions to the town’s subdivision ordinance. Schedule:
Fiscal Year 2006-2007.
7. Natural Hazard Areas
a. Management Goal
The Town of Newport will support preservation of the Newport River, the river
shorelines, associated swamp areas, and Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC).
b. Planning Objective
The Town of Newport will support policies which minimize development in
natural hazard areas such as floodplains, AECs, and wetlands.
c. Land Use Plan Requirements
The following are Newport’s policies/implementing actions for natural hazard
areas.
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Policies:
P.45 Newport supports the construction of bulkheads as long as they fulfill the use
standards set forth in 15A NCAC 7H. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.46 The Town of Newport opposes the location of floating structures within its
planning jurisdiction. Refer to page 45 for a definition of floating structures.
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.47 Because of shallow water depth, mooring fields are opposed within Newport’s
planning jurisdiction. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.48 The Town of Newport will continuously monitor the effects of sea level rise and
update the land use plan policies as necessary to protect the town’s public and
private properties from rising water levels. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.49 Newport supports the US Army Corps of Engineers’ regulations and the applicable
guidelines of the Coastal Area Management Act and the use of local land use
ordinances to regulate development of freshwater swamps, marshes, and 404
wetlands. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.50 Newport supports relocation of structures endangered by erosion, if the relocated
structure will be in compliance with all applicable policies and regulations.
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.51 The Town of Newport is supportive of resource protection, in particular
preservation of conservation areas as defined by this plan. All 15A NCAC 7H
minimum use standards will be supported by the policies contained in this plan.
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
Implementing Actions:
I.46 Newport will monitor development proposals for compliance with Section 404
of the Clean Water Act and will continue to enforce local land use ordinances to
regulate development of freshwater swamps, marshes, and 404 wetlands.
Schedule: Continuing Activity and revise the town’s subdivision
ordinance Fiscal Year 2006-2007.
I.47 Newport will continue to enforce its Floodplain Ordinance and participate in the
National Flood Insurance Program. Subdivision regulations will be enforced –
requiring elevation monuments to be set so that floodplain elevations can be
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more easily determined. Schedule: Continuing Activity and revise the
town’s subdivision ordinance Fiscal Year 2006-2007.
I.48 Newport permits redevelopment of previously developed areas, provided all
applicable policies, regulations, and ordinances are complied with.
Redevelopment, including infrastructure, should be designed to withstand natural
hazards. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
I.49 Newport will support the Carteret County Hazard Mitigation Plan, which is
incorporated herein by reference. Changes to this Land Use Plan or the 2003
Carteret County Hazard Mitigation Plan may result in subsequent changes to the
other document. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
8. Water Quality
a. Management Goal
The Town of Newport will strive to protect and improve water quality within the
Newport River, its tributaries, and adjacent swamps. Preservation of water quality is
important to the town’s environment and development of eco-tourism.
b. Planning Objective
The Town of Newport will work with Carteret County to ensure that water quality
is improved.
c. Land Use Plan Requirements
The following provides Newport’s policies and implementing actions for water
quality.
Policies:
P.52 Newport’s policy is to conserve its surficial groundwater resources by supporting
CAMA and NC Division of Water Quality stormwater runoff regulations, and by
coordinating local development activities involving chemical storage or
underground storage tank installation/abandonment with Carteret County
Emergency Management personnel and the Groundwater Section of the North
Carolina Division of Water Quality. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
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P.53 Newport supports the White Oak Basinwide Management Plan (see Section
V.C.2., page 58). The goals of the plan are:
!identify water quality problems and restore full use to impaired waters;
!identify and protect high value resource waters;
!protect unimpaired waters while allowing for reasonable economic
growth;
!develop appropriate management strategies to protect and restore water
quality;
!assure equitable distribution of waste assimilative capacity for
dischargers; and
!improve public awareness and involvement in the management of the
state’s surface waters. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.54 Newport supports the policy that all State of North Carolina projects should be
designed to limit to the extent possible stormwater runoff into coastal waters.
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.55 Newport supports management of problem pollutants, particularly biological
oxygen demand and nutrients, in order to correct existing water quality problems
and to ensure protection of those waters currently supporting their uses in the
Newport River and its tributaries. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.56 With the exception of fuel storage tanks used for retail and wholesale sales,
Newport opposes the bulk storage of fuel or other manmade hazardous materials
within any areas not zoned for industrial usage. Schedule: Continuing
Activity.
P.57 The Town of Newport opposes the disposal of any toxic wastes, as defined by the
US Environmental Protection Agency’s Listing of Hazardous Substances and
Priority Pollutants (developed pursuant to the Clean Water Act of 1977) within
its planning jurisdiction. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.58 The Town of Newport supports the use standards for public trust areas as
specified in 15A NCAC 7H.0207. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.59 The town will support enforcement of current state, federal, and local regulations
to improve water quality. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
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Implementing Actions:
I.50 Newport will enforce, through the development and zoning permit process, all
current regulations of the NC State Building Code and the NC Division of Health
Services relating to building construction and septic tank
installation/replacement in areas with soils restrictions. Schedule: Continuing
Activity.
I.51 Newport will coordinate all development activity with appropriate Carteret
County and state regulatory personnel, and in particular with the Carteret County
Sanitarian when septic tank permits are required. Schedule: Continuing
Activity.
I.52 Newport will cooperate with US Army Corps of Engineers in the
regulation/enforcement of the 404 wetlands permit process. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
I.53 Newport will support the development of central water and sewer systems in all
areas of the town’s planning jurisdiction. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
I.54 Newport will continue to coordinate all development within the special flood
hazard area with the town’s Inspections Department, North Carolina Division of
Coastal Management, FEMA, and the US Corps of Engineers. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
I.55 Newport will continue to enforce its existing zoning and flood damage prevention
ordinances and follow the Carteret County Hazard Mitigation Plan (Note: See
Appendix III). Schedule: Continuing Activity.
I.56 Newport will monitor development proposals for compliance with Section 404
of the Clean Water Act and will continue to enforce local land use ordinances to
regulate development of freshwater swamps, marshes, and 404 wetlands.
Schedule: Revision to the town’s zoning and subdivision ordinances
Fiscal Year 2006-2007.
I.57 Newport will permit redevelopment of previously developed areas, provided all
applicable policies, regulations, and ordinances are complied with. The town will
encourage redevelopment as a means for correcting housing problems, upgrading
commercial structures, and historic preservation (through rehabilitation and
adaptive reuse). Redevelopment, including infrastructure, should be designed to
withstand natural hazards. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
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I.58 Newport will utilize the future land use map to control development and make
rezoning decisions. This map is coordinated with the land suitability maps and
proposed infrastructure maps. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
I.59 The Town of Newport will undertake a review of all local land use regulation
ordinances to determine if revisions should be undertaken to respond to specific
water quality management problems. Schedule: Fiscal Year 2006-2007.
I.60 The Town of Newport will continue to support and implement its Wellhead
Protection Plan. Schedule: Fiscal Year 2006-2007.
I.61 The Town of Newport will establish and implement a detailed Stormwater
Management Program. Refer to page 109 of the Future Demands section for
details on this program. The town has already secured funding through the NC
Division of Coastal Management to implement this program. Schedule: Fiscal
Year 2006-2007.
I.62 The Town of Newport Building Inspections Department will coordinate building
inspections with state and federal regulations governing underground storage
tanks and will endeavor to advise building permit applicants of those regulations.
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
I.63 Newport will support the technical requirements and state program approval for
underground storage tanks (40 CFR, Parts 280 and 281), and any subsequent
state regulations concerning underground storage tanks adopted during the
planning period. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
I.64 Newport will review and amend the local zoning ordinance with regard to
underground chemical and gasoline storage regulations to ensure a minimum of
risk to local groundwater resources. Schedule: Fiscal Year 2006-2007.
I.65 Newport will continuously enforce, through the development and zoning permit
process, all current regulations of the NC State Building Code and North Carolina
Division of Health Services relating to building construction and septic tank
installation/replacement in areas with soils restrictions. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
I.66 Preservation of wetlands is important to the protection/improvement of water
quality in Newport’s planning jurisdiction. The following will be implemented:
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!Coordinate all development review with the appropriate office of the US
Army Corps of Engineers and the Soil Conservation Service. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
!Require that wetland areas be surveyed and delineated on all preliminary
and final subdivision plats. Schedule: Fiscal Year 2006-2007.
9. Local Areas of Concern
a. Management Goal
The Town of Newport will reflect the requirements of NCAC 7H and NCAC 7B in
its goals addressing local concerns.
b. Planning Objective
The Town of Newport will implement policies to address local concerns which
include economic development, general health, funding sources, preservation of the
town’s rural character, and preservation of cultural and historic areas. These objectives
include decreasing residential density within the town.
c. Land Use Plan Requirements
The Town of Newport will support the following policies/implementing actions
that address areas of local concern. All policies are continuing activities.
Policies - Cultural, Historic, and Scenic Areas:
P.60 The town supports local, state, and federal efforts to protect historic properties
within its borders and to perpetuate its cultural heritage. Sites of historic
significance are identified on page 65. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.61 Newport will coordinate all town public works projects with the NC Division of
Archives and History, to ensure the identification and preservation of significant
archaeological sites. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
Implementing Actions - Cultural, Historic, and Scenic Areas:
I.67 Newport will guide development so as to protect historic and potentially historic
properties in the town and to perpetuate the town’s cultural heritage. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
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I.68 Newport will undertake a survey of historical sites within its planning jurisdiction
by local volunteers or state and federal agencies and will seek grant monies to
complete an inventory of historically significant structures and sites. Schedule:
Fiscal Year 2007-2008.
I.69 Newport shall coordinate all housing code enforcement/redevelopment projects
with the NC Division of Archives and History, to ensure that any significant
architectural details or buildings are identified and preserved. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
Policies - Economic Development:
P.62 Tourism is important to the Town of Newport and will be supported by the town.
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.63 The town will encourage development in Newport’s planning jurisdiction to
protect the town’s resources, preserve its small town atmosphere, and
simultaneously promote industrial and retail growth. Schedule: Continuing
Activity.
P.64 The town will encourage industrial and commercial development in areas that do
not infringe on existing residential areas. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.65 The Town of Newport supports the development of aquaculture and mariculture
facilities. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.66 In support of eco-tourism, Newport continues to support state and federal efforts
to maintain channels for navigation. The town also supports the private
maintenance of channels providing that such action is in accordance with all
local, state, and federal environmental regulations. Schedule: Continuing
Activity.
P.67 The town supports the location of staging areas and support facilities for energy-
related activities – particularly exploration. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
Implementing Actions - Economic Development:
I.70 The Town of Newport will support Carteret County in its economic development
efforts. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
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I.71 The Town of Newport will pursue funding through state and federal programs
that are considered supportive of local economic development efforts:
!Newport is generally receptive to state and federal programs, particularly
those which provide improvements to the town. The town will continue
to fully support such programs, especially the NC Department of
Transportation road and bridge improvement programs, which are very
important to the town. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
!Examples of other state and federal programs that are important and
support by Newport include: dredging and channel maintenance by the
US Army Corps of Engineers; federal and state projects which provide
efficient and safe boat access for sport fishing; public beach and coastal
waterfront access grant funds; and community development block grants,
housing for the elderly, moderate income housing, housing rehabilitation,
and North Carolina Housing Finance Agency housing improvement
programs. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
I.72 Newport will continue to support the activities of the NC Division of Travel and
Tourism; specifically, the monitoring of tourism-related industry, efforts to
promote tourism-related commercial activity, and efforts to enhance and provide
shoreline resources. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
I.73 In support of eco-tourism, Newport will support projects that will increase public
access to shoreline areas. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
I.74 Newport will support NC Department of Transportation projects to improve
access to and within the town. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
I.75 Newport will support the following in the pursuit of industrial development:
!Encourage placement of new heavy industrial development to have
minimum adverse effect on the town’s ecosystem and by encouraging
areas of concentrations of such uses be considered first when suitable
infrastructure is available consistent with the growth policy of the future
land development map. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
!Encourage industrial development in industrial park sites by improving
the provision of services such as water, sewer, and natural gas.
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
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Policies – General Health and Human Services Needs:
P.68 The Town of Newport supports the continued public provision of solid waste
disposal, law enforcement, and educational services to all citizens within its
planning jurisdiction. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.69 The town supports local, state, and federal efforts to minimize the adverse impact
of man-made hazards within its borders. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
P.70 In an effort to improve health conditions, Newport supports the following water
and sewer policies.
!Newport supports the extension of central water service into all areas of
the town shown on the land suitability analysis map as suitable for
development, including the construction of lines to and through
conservation areas to serve development which meets all applicable state
and federal regulations. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
!The town is aware that inappropriate land uses near well fields increase
the possibility of well contamination. Land uses near groundwater
sources are regulated by the NC Division of Environmental Management
through NCAC Subchapter 2L and Subchapter 2C. Newport recognizes
the importance of protecting potable water supplies, and therefore
supports the enforcement of these regulations. Schedule: Continuing
Activity.
!Newport supports efforts to secure available state and federal funding for
the construction of public and private water and sewer systems.
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
Implementing Actions - General Health and Human Services Needs:
I.76 During the planning period, Newport will develop a community services/facilities
plan (as a stand-alone document, not as an expansion of this plan), which will
define existing deficiencies in police protection, fire protection, local
administrative buildings, public recreational facilities, public shoreline access,
and public parks. This plan will not address school system needs. The plan will
prioritize needs and make specific recommendations concerning financing and
budgeting the high priority needs. Schedule: Fiscal Year 2007-2008.
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I.77 Floodplain regulation is a concern in Newport. To accomplish protection of
public health and service needs, Newport will:
!Continue to enforce the flood hazard reduction provisions of the Newport
Land Development Ordinances. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
!Revise the town’s zoning ordinance to prohibit the installation of
underground storage tanks in the 100-year floodplain. Schedule: Fiscal
Year 2006-2007.
!Revise the town’s zoning ordinance to require open space, recreational,
agricultural, and other low-intensity uses within the floodplain.
Schedule: Fiscal Year 2006-2007.
!Revise the town’s zoning ordinance to prohibit the development of any
industry within the 100- year floodplain that may pose a risk to public
health and safety. Such industries may include but not be limited to:
chemical refining and processing, petroleum refining and processing,
hazardous material processing, or storage facilities. Schedule: Fiscal
Year 2006-2007.
I.78 To effectively manage Newport’s investment in existing and proposed community
facilities and services, the town will:
!Develop a specific capital improvements plan (CIP) with emphasis placed
on services and facilities which affect growth and development.
Schedule: Fiscal Year 2006-2007.
!Provide the Carteret County Board of Education with locational
information on all residential development. Schedule: Continuing
Activity.
I.79 The National Forest Service is considering the sale of some of its national
inventory of forestland. This may affect land contained in the Croatan National
Forest. If land is disposed of within the Croatan National Forest, the Town of
Newport will assess the negative impacts of such land disposition and will
respond on a case-by-case basis, including general health, environmental, and
economic considerations. This may require revisions to this Land Use Plan.
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
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Implementing Actions – Funding Options:
I.80 The Town of Newport will support state and federal programs that are necessary,
cost-effective, and within the administrative and fiscal capabilities of Newport.
Schedule: Continuing Activity.
I.81 The Town of Newport will continue to work with state and federal agencies to
ensure continued dredging and maintenance of channels in the Newport River
needed to maintain the river as public trust waters. These efforts shall comply
with applicable state and federal regulations. Channel maintenance has major
economic significance and is worthy of state and federal funding. Schedule:
Continuing Activity.
I.82 The Town of Newport will implement the following to support the NC Division
of Waste Management requirements/objectives:
!Removal of any abandoned or out-of-use USTs within the project area.
The UST section should be notified of any commercial USTs to be
permanently closed or installed as well as the county Fire Marshall.
Owners and operators must obtain an operating permit and pay fees for
all commercial USTs “in use.”
!Any UST systems installed within 500 feet of a public water supply well
or within 500 feet of any surface water classified as HQW, ORW, WS-I,
WS-II, or SA must be secondarily contained.
!Any aboveground fuel tanks must be installed and maintained in
accordance with applicable local, state, or federal regulations.
!Any chemical or petroleum spills must be contained and the area of
impact property restored. Spills of significant quantity must be reported
to the Division of Water Quality.
!Any soils excavated during removal of USTs or any soils excavated during
demolition or construction that show evidence of chemical or petroleum
contamination, such as stained soil, odors, or free product must be
reported immediately to the local Fire Marshall and the UST Section to
determine whether explosion or inhalation hazards exist. Contaminated
soils must be properly disposed. Schedule: Continuing Activity.
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D. FUTURE LAND USE
1.Introduction
The future land use map (Map 26) depicts application of the policies for growth and
development and the desired future patterns of land use and land development. The areas
indicated as low suitability are not intended to prohibit development but are
intended to indicate areas where careful review of proposed development should
be undertaken. The future land use map must include the following:
!Areas and locations planned for conservation or open space and a description of
compatible land uses and activities.
!Areas and locations planned for future growth and development with descriptions
of the following characteristics:
"Predominant and supporting land uses that are encouraged in each area;
"Overall density and development intensity planned for each area; and
"Infrastructure required to support planned development in each area.
!Land use which reflects existing and planned infrastructure.
!Reflect the information depicted on the Composite Map of Environmental
Conditions (Map 12) and Map of Existing Land Suitability Analysis (Map 23).
!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(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0 Masontown RdNine Foot RdHoward BlvdN e w p o r t L o o p R d Mill Creek RdTom Mann RdHibbs RdRoberts RdE C h a th a m S tNine Mile RdOrange StChurch StTown of Newport Land Use Plan Future Land Use 0 0.4 0.8 1.2 1.60.2MilesLegendETJCorporate LimitsNC DOT RoadsFuture Land UseCommercialIndustrialMixed UseO&IHigh-Density ResidentialMedium-Density ResidentialLow-Density ResidentialConservationMAP 26152Least Suitable Land
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2.Future Land Use Acreages
Table 47 summarizes the future land use acreages. This table reflects future decreases
in some future land use categories as a result of reflecting data shown on Maps 12 and 23.
Based on these maps, some areas are committed to the conservation categories on the future
land use map. The future land use plan map depicts areas for development which are consistent
with the land suitability map (Map 23, page 88).
Table 47
Town of Newport
Future Land Use Acreages
Corporate Limits ETJ Total
Acres % Acres %Acres %
Commercial 152.0 3.5%371.6 2.6%523.6 2.8%
Conservation 1,151.4 26.8%7,114.8 50.1%8,266.2 44.7%
Industrial 18.5 0.4%196.4 1.4%214.9 1.2%
Low-Density Residential 1,845.0 43.0%5,793.9 40.8%7,638.9 41.3%
Medium-Density Residential 687.5 16.0%500.6 3.5%1,188.1 6.4%
High-Density Residential 187.0 4.4%25.0 0.2%212.0 1.1%
Mixed Use 56.6 1.3%7.3 0.1%63.9 0.3%
O&I 195.2 4.5%182.8 1.3%378.0 2.0%
TOTAL 4,293.2 100.0%14,192.4 100.0%18,485.6 100.0%
*The acreages in this table assume total build-out of the attached future land use map.
Source: Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
All future land use acreages are based on suitability of land for development and not
forecast market demand for future acreages. The land uses in each of these areas have been
coordinated with the town’s zoning ordinance and are classified as follows:
High-Density Residential
R-8 Residential Single-Family District. The purpose of this district shall be to maintain a
minimum lot size of 8,000 square feet, to allow for single-family dwellings and such other uses
as special uses which would not substantially interfere with the district and would not be
detrimental to the quiet residential nature of the areas included within the district.
!Allowable density: Densities within this district will be a minimum of 8,000
square feet (5.5 units per acre).
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!Maximum building height: 35 feet for primary structure, and 25 feet for all
accessory structures.
!Preferred uses: This district is primarily reserved for single-family dwellings;
however, municipal facilities, parks, schools, and churches will also be permitted
through obtaining a special use permit. All other uses that will not pose a threat
to the residential character of this district will be considered.
!Uses to be discouraged: All uses, primarily non-residential, that will have an
adverse impact on the residential nature of these established contiguous
neighborhood areas including multi-family housing.
Medium-Density Residential
R-10 Residential Single-Family District. The purpose of this district shall be to maintain a
minimum lot size of 10,000 square feet and to allow for single-family dwellings and such other
uses permitted as special uses which would not substantially interfere with the district and would
not be detrimental to the quiet residential nature of the areas included within the district.
R-15 Residential Single-Family District. The purpose of this district shall be to maintain a
minimum lot size of 15,000 square feet, and to allow for single-family dwellings and such other
uses permitted as special uses which would not substantially interfere with the district and would
not be detrimental to the quiet residential nature of the areas included within the district.
R-15D Residential Single-Family District. The purpose of this district shall be to maintain a
minimum lot size of 15,000 square feet, and to allow for single-family dwellings of the
townhouse type as defined in the North Carolina Building Code and such other uses permitted
as a special use which would not interfere with single-family residences in the district and would
not be detrimental to the quiet residential nature of the areas included within the district.
R-15CU Residential Single-Family District. Identical to R-15 except that a Conditional Use Permit
is required as a prerequisite to any use or development.
!Allowable density: Densities in this district range from 10,000 (4.5 units per acre)
to 15,000 (3 units per acre) square feet depending on the corresponding zoning
district. NOTE: Within the R-10 zoning district, multi-family housing will be
permitted, if required minimum lot size is increased by a factor of 5,000 square
feet per dwelling unit.
!Maximum building height: 35 feet for primary structure, and 25 feet for all
accessory structures.
!Preferred uses. This district is intended to be utilized for the construction of
single-family homes on moderate density lots. As noted, the town will allow for
multi-unit development within this district assuming that the minimum lot size
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is increased to correspond with requirements for the R-10 zoning district. Multi-
family housing will be discouraged within the R-15 zoning district, in an effort
to reserve this area for additional single-family homes. In addition to housing,
the following may be constructed in this district by obtaining a special use
permit: parks, municipal facilities, cemeteries, schools and nursing homes.
!Discouraged uses: All non-residential uses will be discouraged in this district in
an effort to maintain the overall quiet residential nature of Newport.
Additionally, multi-family housing will be discouraged due to the sewer capacity
issues currently facing the town. This will be discussed further in the
Infrastructure Carrying Capacity discussion.
Low-Density Residential
R-20 Residential-Agricultural District. The purpose of this district shall be to maintain a
compatible mixture of residential and agricultural uses, to preserve land best suited for
agricultural use from encroachment of incompatible uses, and to preserve in agricultural use land
suited to eventual development in other uses, pending proper timing for the economical
provision of utilities, major streets, and other facilities, so that compact, orderly development
will occur; to maintain a minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet, a density of approximately ten
families per acre in accordance with the NC State Health Department’s recommendations for
residential areas not served with public water and sewer.
R-20A Single-Family Residential District. The purpose of this district shall be to maintain a
minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet, a single-family dwelling density of approximately two
families per acre; to allow for single-family dwellings and such other uses allowed as special uses
which would not be detrimental to the quiet rural nature of the area.
R-20MH Residential Single-Family, Manufactured Home (Mobile Home). The purpose of this
district is maintain a minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet and to provide for mobile home
subdivisions in proper locations in relation to other districts, transportation, and other facilities.
!Allowable density: Minimum lot size for this residential district is 20,000 square
feet (2 units per acre).
!Maximum building height: 35 feet for primary structure, and 25 feet for all
accessory structures.
!Preferred uses: This district is intended to be utilized for a mixture of existing
agricultural activities, as well as low density housing development. Preferred
uses in this district include single-family homes (including mobile homes),
farming activities and low impact non-residential uses (day care centers, nursing
homes, and churches). Duplex housing will be allowed in this district, assuming
that a septic tank permit is issued through the County Health Department.
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Apartment type housing will be permitted in this district through special use
permit; however, on-site wastewater treatment facilities will be required.
!Discouraged uses: A majority of this district falls within Newport’s existing ETJ.
The town does not currently provide sewer service to a this area. Due to sewer
system capacity restraints the town does not intend to extend service to these
areas during the planning period. All uses that will require central sewer service
will be discouraged. Additionally, at this time the town will aim to concentrate
all high impact non-residential uses into existing industrial and commercial
districts. This will help maintain the rural nature of the town’s existing ETJ.
Mixed Use Residential
PUD Planned Unit Development. Within districts now existing or which may hereafter be created,
it is intended to permit and encourage, on application and approval of detailed development
plans, establishment of new Planned Unit Developments for specified purposes where tracts of
land suitable in location, area, and character are to be planned and developed as a whole and
in a unified manner. Ownership in PD-R projects in all residential district may be by
condominiums, cooperative, individual, municipal, or other types as approved. Maximum
housing density is ten dwelling units per acre.
!Allowable density: An average single-family residential lot size of 8,000 square
feet (5.5 units per acre) will be utilized in this district depending on a respective
developer’s proposed site plan.
!Maximum building height: As with other residential districts within town, the
maximum building height will be 35 feet for the primary structure, and 25 feet
for accessory structures.
!Preferred uses: This district is intended to serve a variety of uses. It is anticipated
that these large tracts of land will be developed as high density residential
housing developments. Provision of sewer service by the town to any proposed
development on these properties will be based on available capacity. In addition
to housing, this district will also accommodate convenience retail outlets,
community facilities, care facilities, and office and professional uses.
Development of these tracts will be based on approval of a master plan to be
approved by the Town of Newport Town Council.
!Discouraged uses: Any industrial or other non-residential use that is considered
a threat, through the generation of noise and air pollution, to adjacent residential
development that is anticipated within this land use district.
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Office and Institutional
RO Residential-Office District. The purpose of this district shall be to create and protect areas in
which residential, business, and professional uses may be and are compatibly mixed, achieving
a healthful living environment for the residents of the district and at the same time preventing
the development of blight and slum conditions. This district is limited to those sections of the
community in which the mixing of such uses has been found to be necessary and desirable for
the buffering of residential from commercial and industrial uses. All lots shall contain a
minimum of 6,000 square feet for the first dwelling and 3,000 square feet for each additional
dwelling unit.
!Allowable density: Minimum lot density for the initial unit within this district will
be 6,000 square feet (7 units per acre); for each additional unit, the minimum lot
size must be increased by 3,000 square feet accordingly.
!Maximum building height: No building in this district is permitted to exceed 35
feet.
!Preferred uses: This district is intended to provided a buffer between established
residential districts and commercial and industrial centers. Desirable land uses
in this district include low impact/traffic generating uses as follows: office space,
medical/veterinary offices, home occupations, boarding houses, churches, civic
buildings, parks, municipal structures. Single-family homes and two-family
dwellings (duplexes) will also be allowed within this district.
!Discouraged uses: Primarily commercial and industrial development will be
discouraged within this district. As stated, the primary intent of this district is to
minimize traffic generation and noise associated with land uses generating either
large volumes of consumer traffic and/or industrial traffic related to the shipping
or delivery of goods and materials.
Commercial
CD Commercial Downtown. This district is designed to stabilize, improve, and protect the
commercial characteristics of the central business district of the town. The aggregate area
available for the district is limited, the types of business and activities will be limited so as to
provide for traffic control, parking and any activity that may not be compatible with the adjacent
zoning district.
CH Limited Access Commercial Highway District. The purpose of this district shall be to provide
for, encourage, and protect the compatible grouping and development of commercial uses which
are appropriate on major arteries. Such uses are dependent upon vehicular traffic and are
subject to public view, requiring that provisions are made for appearance, parking and loading,
and controlled traffic movement to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens.
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NB-1 Neighborhood Business District. The purpose of this district is to provide areas where a
limited range of business establishments can be located near or adjacent to residential
development without adversely impacting the adjacent residential area. The lot area shall be a
minimum of 20,000 square feet and a maximum of 43,560 square feet.
!Allowable density: There is no minimum lot size requirement within this district;
however, all proposed commercial developments within this district will be
required to comply with all off-street parking requirements as outlined in the
Town of Newport zoning ordinance.
!Maximum building height: No building in this district is permitted to exceed 50
feet.
!Preferred Uses: This district is intended to serve commercial establishments
serving a wide range of clientele. A predominant portion of this district either
falls within the town’s central business district, or along the US Highway 70
corridor running through the town’s corporate limits and ETJ. Uses within this
district should be provide convenient retail establishments for Newport residents
and serve as an economic development tool for the town. Uses outlined in the
office and institutional district discussed above will be permitted within the
commercial district; however, residential construction will be discouraged.
!Discouraged uses: Residential construction will be discouraged within the
commercial district. Land falling within this district is situated in portions of
town that will not infringe on existing residential areas. Additionally, industrial
land uses will be discouraged in this district.
Industrial
LI Light Industrial. To develop and reserve areas for industrial uses which involve
manufacturing, processing, assembly operation, storage of materials or equipment, and public
utility operations. The lot area shall be 20,000 square feet.
IW Industrial Warehousing. The purpose of this district shall be to provide for and protect areas
for those uses of an industrial, warehousing, and storage nature which do not create an excessive
amount of noise, odors, smoke, dust, airborne debris, or other objectionable characteristics
which might be detrimental to surrounding neighborhoods, either residential, commercial, or
industrial, or to the other uses permitted in the district.
!Allowable density: Minimum lot size for this district is 20,000 square feet.
!Maximum building height: No structure within this district may exceed 50 feet.
!Preferred uses: This district was established to accommodate both existing and
future light industrial operations. Light industries by definition can be
characterized as an operation dealing in light manufacturing, assembly, and
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storage of materials. The town will continue to recruit additional light industrial
operation, but will aim to locate these facilities into portions of town designated
as industrial areas on the future land use map.
!Discouraged uses: All uses not related to the expansion or establishment of an
industrial operation. The town intends to reserve a portion of its excess sewer
capacity for future industrial development, and therefore, will aim to focus this
development into areas slated for industrial use on the future land use map.
Conservation
The conservation class is designated to provide for effective long-term management of significant
limited or irreplaceable areas which include the following categories: natural resource fragile
areas, 404 wetlands, 100-year floodplain areas, and public trust waters. Policy statements in this
plan address the town’s intentions under this classification and support the 15A NCAC 7H CAMA
regulations for protection of AEC’s
!Allowable density: The minimum lot size for development within the conservation
zone is 20,000 square feet (2 units per acre).
!Maximum building height: Maximum building height for this district is 35 feet for
the primary structure and 25 feet for accessory structures.
!Preferred uses: This district was established in response to environmentally
sensitive and natural hazard areas identified through the land suitability analysis
and environmental composite discussion earlier in this plan. Due to these factors,
land use within this district should consist of low density residential housing. All
development should be contingent on whether all environmental impacts have
been assessed, and potential effects of natural hazards taken into account.
Additionally, all development within this district will be required to establish on
site wastewater treatment facilities.
!Discouraged uses: All non-residential uses will be discouraged in this district.
Proposals for non-residential development will be assessed on a case-by-case
basis through making a determination regarding a given development impact on
environmental conditions won property falling within this district.
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3. Future Land Demand Acreages
The Town of Newport faces a difficult situation with respect to future growth and
development mainly due to issues related to sewer carrying capacity. This issue was noted
earlier in the discussion related to future community facilities needs. At this time the town is
working with NCDENR in an attempt to secure a sewer discharge permit for an additional
250,000 GPD in capacity. This will bring the town’s total sewer capacity to 750,000 GPD.
Although this increased carrying capacity will provide some room for additional growth, a
majority of this capacity is already spoken for, and is expected to be exhausted in close to a year
(FY 06-07). Additionally, this increased capacity will maximize the treatment capacity for the
town’s existing wastewater treatment system. This issue has forced the town to begin the
planning stages for a new wastewater treatment plant facility. The town is currently in the early
stages of this process, and is working with the NC Shellfish Sanitation Department on an impact
study regarding increased sewer discharge into the Newport River. The study being conducted
with oversight from the Coastal Federation is in response to increasing concerns over water
quality in waterbodies adjacent to, and downstream from Newport. The explosion of growth in
and around Newport has taken a significant toll on the water quality within the Newport River,
as well as Bogue Sound downstream.
Due to the constraints of operating under the town’s existing wastewater treatment
system, the inspections department is now at the point of denying requests for medium to high
density multi-unit residential developments. It should be noted, however, that the town does
not have a problem with water system capacity, and does not anticipate a problem throughout
the planning period (5-10 years) or throughout the extent of the land demand forecast time
frame (through 2025). This fact will be documented throughout the infrastructure demand
analysis within the next section.
The town does feel that the permit for the additional 250,000 GPD sewer capacity will
simply serve as a quick fix. The town does plan to reserve a percentage of this capacity for future
commercial and light industrial development that is expected to take place over the next five to
ten years. The town is focusing its economic developments efforts on recruiting both retail
commercial and light industrial operations. This is evidenced by both the future land use map,
and land demand forecast estimates outlined in Table 48 below. The town’s current plan of
action in relation to sewer carrying capacity is to allocate the 250,000 between single family
residential and commercial/industrial development. Based on building permits already applied
for; however a majority of this capacity has already been spoken for. The town will continue to
approve future development, but will earmark a portion of the remaining capacity for
commercial and industrial growth as noted above. Plans related to capacity of the town’s new
wastewater treatment plant will rely on the results of the impact study currently being conducted
by the NC Shellfish Sanitation Division. It is anticipated that the new plant will have a capacity
ranging from 2.0 to 3.0 Million Gallons Per Day (MGD).
161
Due to the issues outlined above, the town is not in the position to halt development, and
therefore has made a decision to start approving proposed developments that will require the
installation of package or localized wastewater treatment plants. This effort is mainly focused
on medium to high density residential development at this time. The town will hold off
requiring commercial/office & institutional and light industrial developments to take this route
until all available capacity has been utilized. The town will propose that these package plants
be installed with the understanding that once capacity is available the town will eventually
provide sewer to these developments. Once the additional capacity, throught the new plant
discussed above comes online, the town will provide the additioanl capacity to developments
which were established requiring on-site wastewater treatment, assuming sewer lines extend to
these areas. In areas that are not currently within the town’s sewer service area, mainly the ETJ,
developers will be required to fund sewer and water line extension to proposed building sites
unless grant funding is secured by the town to assist in this effort. When this development
occurs, the town will request that these properties be annexed, with the understanding that the
town will maintain all private septic and package WWTP’s established within these future
developments. All statements related to infrastructure carrying capacity are further detailed in
the policy statement section of the plan (see pages 134-137, Infrastructure Carrying Capacity).
Under this scenario, growth within all future land use categories defined above is
intended to move forward. Growth within Newport, mainly residential, has exploded over the
last twelve to fifteen months. This can be attributed to both an increase in population related
to growth at Cherry Point, as well as housing development occurring as a result of in-migration
pressures. To put this growth in perspective, there were 54 permits for new residential
development in FY 2005. Within the first quarter of FY 2006, 71 permits have been issued, and
it is anticipated that approximately 300 new units will be constructed within Newport by the end
of 2006. According to town staff this trend is expected to continue. Developers are focusing on
Newport due to its cheaper land prices, and close proximity to services, retail outlets, and the
Bogue Banks beaches.
Based on these reports, housing development and population growth within Newport will
be substantial over the next twenty years. The town, as indicated on the town’s future land use
map, is encouraging low density residential development in a majority of its unincorporated
jurisdiction (ETJ). This is evidenced by the fact that approximately 41% of the town’s future
land use acreage is dedicated to this use. It is also anticipated that the future land use category
with the highest growth rate will be medium density residential (MDR) development. This can
mainly be attributed to the fact that most lots within new subdivisions being proposed in
Newport are approximately .25 to .35 acres in size, which corresponds with the MDR
classification defined in the future land use discussion.
162
Within the Town of Newport, there is currently 14,843 acres of vacant/open
space/agricultural land, which comprises 80% of the town’s overall planning jurisdiction.
Approximately 45% of this land is designated as conservation on the future land use map. This
leaves 10,187 acres of land considered suitable to support large scale development including
both residential and nonresidential uses. As noted above these are areas that are very unsuitable
for development, and in some cases unavailable for development. An example of this is the large
portion of the Croatan National Forest that falls within the southwest corner of the town’s ETJ.
A large percentage of this acreage has been designated as conservation due to the property’s
location within the 100 year floodplain and/or coastal wetland areas. The town will not deny
request for development in these areas, but the provision of sewer capacity will not be promoted
in areas designated as conservation on the future land use map. Additionally, there are
approximately 1,600 acres of land designated as having a low suitability for development
according to the NC DCM LSA model. This land is considered available for development in areas
outside of defined conservation districts. Proposed development in these areas will be assessed
on a case-by-case basis. As long as these developments comply with all town codes and
ordinances, and will not have an adverse impact on adjacent properties and/or environmental
conditions, they will not be discouraged.
The following table forecasts the shift in land use within the Town of Newport’s planning
jurisdiction (ETJ) through the year 2025, based on the scenario outlined above. These land
demand forecasts serve as a density & intensity analysis required to satisfy requirements outlined
in NCAC 7B. These forecast take into account the fact that non-residential growth within
Newport is expected to occur but will be modest. These forecast are also subject to the
assumption that the town will not let the current and forecasted lack of sewer capacity to halt
growth and development. If sewer capacity is not available, the town will refer developers to
NCDENR to research possibilities related to localized package treatment plants.
Table 48 breaks down the projected development trends for the Town of Newport
through the year 2025. It is difficult at this point to make a determination of how much of an
impact the sewer service capacity issue will impact growth. It is clear that the recent boom in
construction, is directly related to the impending lack of sewer capacity. This is reflected in the
proposed growth rates listed. The recent surge in growth is expected to continue, however, it
is expected to taper off to some degree, once package treatment plants become a requirement
for development approval. The modest estimates regarding high density residential development
reflects the town’s desire to limit this type of growth. As this growth moves forward, it should
be focused within the core of the town’s planning jurisdiction, which currently has sewer service.
This does not mean however, that when plan submittals take place there will be capacity
available to support this growth. Redevelopment proposals through the town’s jurisdiction will
be handled on a case by case basis, in order to make a determination on how the future use will
increase or relieve the strain on town services.
163
Table 48
Town of New port
Land Dem and Forecast
Future Land Demand Forecast
Existing
Land Use
2010 2015 2020 2025 % Growth 05-25 Additional Housing
Units (2025)
Average Units
Per Acre*
Agricultural/Open Space/Vacant 14,843 14,556 14,208 13,772 13,204 -11.0%n/a n/a
Commercial (10% growth rate)360 396 436 479 527 46.4%n/a n/a
Industrial (40% growth Rate)35 49 69 96 134 284.2%n/a n/a
High Density Residential
(5% growth rate)
202 212 223 234 246 21.6%274 6.2
Medium Density Residential
(60% growth rate)
115 184 294 471 754 555.4%2,226 3.5
Low Density Residential
(5% growth rate)
2,693 2,828 2,969 3,117 3,273 21.6%580 1.0
Office and Institutional
(10% growth rate)
237 261 287 315 347 46.4%n/a n/a
Total 18,485 18,485 18,485 18,485 18,485
*For the purposes of these forecasts, categories reflected on the existing land use map have been redefined based on densities. These densities are
defined in the future land use discussion of the plan.
**This table does not reflect build-out as is indicated on the Future Land Use map.
***It is assumed that there w ill be high density residential, office and institutional, and low intensity com m ercial developm ent w ithin the M ixed Use
land use district shown on the future land use map.
****The land dem and fo recast outlined above w ill result in a to tal p opulation increase of 7,946 through 2025. This assum es an average household
size of 2.58 as established by the 2000 US Census. For a m ore detailed breakdown of population projections based on these forecasts, refer to
Table 14, page 25.
Source: Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
164
4.Infrastructure Carrying Capacity Estimates
The Town of Newport faces a difficult situation with respect to infrastructure carrying
capacity based on the issues outlined above. As noted, the town is in the initial phase of
addressing it’s sewer capacity problem, which is putting a substantial strain on the town’s ability
to grow and promote economic development. The following tables provide estimates of water
and sewer capacity demands based on the land demand forecast outlined in Table 48. The most
significant in crease in sewer capacity demand is expected to result in the residential customers.
According to the land demand forecast Newport will experience an estimated increase of 3,080
housing units by the year 2025. This growth assumes that either sewer capacity will be available
to support this growth, or housing development will have to rely on private wastewater
management systems.
The growth estimates outlined in the two tables make assumptions regarding the growth
of commercial, office and institutional, and industrial growth. It is difficult to make a
determination regarding the number of new structures or operations under these land use
categories based on acreage and minimum lot size calculations. Projections of growth under
each of these land use categories has been based on a realistic growth rate for the establishment
of new businesses, industrial operations, and office spaces. Residential growth over the twenty
year planning period has been based strictly on the estimated increase in acreage under each
land use category divided by the average allowable density for a respective land use category.
The following two tables summarize the estimated infrastructure capacity demands through the
year 2025. Average usage rates for each land use category have been established as follows.
The rates outlined in this table are average usage rates as reported by the American Water Works
Association (AWWA). The sewer usage rates assume that 95% of all potable water use will be
channeled through a respective jurisdictions wastewater treatment system.
Water System Average Daily Usage Rates(Gallons Per Day)
Residential: 170
Commercial:100
Office & Institutional:100
Industrial:200
Water System Average Daily Usage Rates(Gallons Per Day)
Residential: 161
Commercial: 95
Office & Institutional: 95
Industrial:190
165
Current Infrastructure System Capacity and Usage:
Water System:
System Capacity: 900,000 GPD
Capacity Utilized:385,000 GPD
Sewer System:
System Capacity:750,000 GPD
Capacity Utilized:650,000 GPD*
*Nearly 100% of this remaining capacity has been allocated based on approved building permits.
Based on Table 49, Newport should have adequate water capacity to support growth
through the year 2025. Although the estimates in the table exceed the town’s existing capacity
by 20,208 GPD, the town has taken steps to make upgrading the system efficient and affordable.
The system was upgraded in 1998, and as part of these upgrades measures were taken to ensure
that further expansion would be possible. The town will continue to monitor the systems
utilized capacity, and address the issue of expansion when it is necessary. Based on the forecast
above it is anticipate that the town may upgrade the system between the years 2015 and 2020.
As is evidenced in Table 50, the town’s sewer capacity of 750,000 GPD is inadequate to
support any further growth. This issue is exacerbated by the fact that the town is dealing with
a significant sewer system infiltration problem. The town’s sewer lines are constructed of old
terra cotta pipes biried deep within the underlying water table. Based on evidenced compiled
through remote camera testing, the town has identified a number of the more problematic areas.
This infiltration can at times add up to 300,000 GPD of water to the treatment system.
Realistically this problem will not be solved in the near future,; however it will take many years
to rectify. The forecast above exhibit the dire situation that the town faces with respect to
wastewater treatment capacity. As noted the town is moving forward with plans to construct
a new plant, and anticipate that this plant will be online within the next 8 to 10 years with a
capacity of approximately 2.5 million GPD.
The estimates for infrastructure carrying capacity demands shown in Tables 49 and 50
reflect future growth estimates outlined in Table 48 through 2025. These tables do not account
for build-out; however, they do reflect development of a majority of the town’s buildable land.
A majority of the land to remain vacant falls within the town’s ETJ. It should be noted that it
is very likely that Newport will expand both its existing corporate limits and ETJ during the
planning period. As development along the US Highway 70 corridor continues to increase, this
will have a direct impact on the infrastructure demands of the town.
166
Table 49
Town of Newport
Infrastructure Demand Forecast Water System
2010 2015 2020 2025
Additional
Units
Increased
GPD
Capacity
Total GPD
Capacity
Additional
Units
Increased
GPD
Capacity
Total GPD
Capacity
Additional
Units
Increased
GPD
Capacity
Total GPD
Capacity
Additional
Units
Increased
GPD
Capacity
Total GPD
Capacity
Commercial 20 2,000 10 1,000 20 2,000 20 2,000
Industrial 1 200 0 0 1 200 1 200
High Density
Residential
62 10,540 68 11,560 70 11,900 74 12,580
Medium Density
Residential
242 41,140 385 65,450 620 105,400 979 166,430
Low Density
Residential
135 22,950 141 23,970 148 25,160 156 26,520
Office and
Institutional
10 1,000 5 500 10 1,000 15 1,500
Total Utilized
Capacity*
470 77,838 462,838 609 102,480 565,318 869 145,660 710,978 1,245 209,230 920,208
*The total utilized capacity factors in the existing system capacity being utilized (385,000 gpd).
Source: Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
167
Table 50
Town of Newport
Infrastructure Demand Forecast Sewer System
2010 2015 2020 2025
Additional
Units
Increased
GPD
Capacity
Total GPD
Capacity
Additional
Units
Increased
GPD
Capacity
Total GPD
Capacity
Additional
Units
Increased
GPD
Capacity
Total GPD
Capacity
Additional
Units
Increased
GPD
Capacity
Total GPD
Capacity
Commercial 20 1,900 10 950 20 1,900 20 1,900
Industrial 1 190 0 0 1 190 1 190
High Density
Residential
62 9,982 68 10,948 70 11,270 74 11,914
Medium Density
Residential
242 38,962 385 57,638 620 99,820 979 157,619
Low Density
Residential
135 21,375 141 22,701 148 23,828 156 25,116
Office and
Institutional
10 950 5 475 10 950 15 1,425
Total Utilized
Capacity*
470 73,719 723,719 609 92,712 816,431 869 137,958 954,389 1,245 198,164 1,152,553
*The total utilized capacity factors in the existing system capacity being utilized. In addition to the capacity estimates above, an additional 204,250 GPD on average
must be added to account for infiltration.
Source: Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
168
SECTION VII. TOOLS FOR MANAGING DEVELOPMENT
A. GUIDE FOR LAND USE DECISION MAKING
It is intended that this document be an integral part of the Town of Newport decision making
process concerning future land use. This document should be consulted prior to any decision
being made by the Newport staff, Planning Board, and/or Town Council concerning land use and
development. (Please refer to Section VI.B., page 120 for continuing implementing actions by
the Town of Newport)
B. EXISTING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The existing management program includes the following ordinances: Town of Newport Zoning
Ordinance, Town of Newport Subdivision Ordinance, North Carolina Building Code, National
Flood Insurance Program, the 1996 Newport Land Use Plan, and the Carteret County Storm
Hazard Mitigation Plan. Preparation of the 1996 Land Use Plan was coordinated with the land
use related codes.
C. ADDITIONAL TOOLS
The Town of Newport will utilize the following additional tools to implement this plan:
!Conduct annual training sessions for the Town of Newport Planning Board and Board of
Adjustment.
!The Planning Department staff, in concert with the Planning Board, shall prepare an
annual report assessing the effectiveness of plan implementation. This report shall be
presented to the Town of Newport Town Council.
!At a minimum, update the Land Use Plan and implementation process every six to seven
years.
!Revise the town’s zoning and subdivision ordinances to support the policies and
implementing actions contained in this plan.
!Prepare a capital improvements plan/program to address the following community
facilities: water, sewer, stormwater, and transportation.
!Rely on the policies and implementing actions included in this plan and summarized in
Table 49.
169
D. ACTION PLAN/SCHEDULE
1. Citizen Participation
For the preparation of this plan, the Newport Town Council adopted a citizen
participation plan on July 28, 2003. A copy of that plan is included as Appendix I. Following
adoption of this plan, Newport will implement the following to ensure adequate citizen
participation:
!The town will encourage public participation in all land use decisions and
procedure development processes and encourage citizen input via its boards and
commissions.
!The Town of Newport will advertise all meetings of the town’s Planning Board
and Board of Adjustment through newspaper advertisements and public service
announcements.
!The town will, at least annually, conduct a joint meeting of the Town of Newport
Town Council and the town’s Planning Board to identify planning issues/needs.
!Ensure that the membership of all planning related and ad hoc advisory
committees has a cross section of Newport’s citizenry.
2. Action Plan/Schedule
The policies and implementing actions which have specific time frames are summarized
below; policies and implementing actions which are shown as continuing activities are not listed.
Please note: implementing action I.42 addresses multiple transportation improvements which
extend from Fiscal Year 2006-2007 to Fiscal Year 2009-2010.
Fiscal Year 2006-2007
P.22, I.6, I.14, I.26, I.28, I.43, I.44, I.45, I.46, I.47, I.56, I.59, I.60, I.61, I.64, I.66, I.77, I.78
Fiscal Year 2007-2008
I.4, I.15, I.27, I.29, I.31, I.32, I.38, I.68, I.76
Fiscal Year 2010-2011
I.41
170
E. RESOURCE CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN/POSITIVE AND
NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF LAND USE PLAN POLICIES
The Town of Newport believes that the policies, management goals, planning objectives, and
land use plan requirements contained in this document will have positive impacts for the town.
However, the following could have some negative impacts:
!Possible degradation of water quality in the Newport River and the adjacent
swamp/wetland areas.
!Infrastructure improvements which extend through sensitive environmental areas.
!Potential infringement of growth on sensitive areas.
!Increased stormwater runoff.
!Increased development in some floodplain areas.
The management objectives, policies, and implementing actions address the issues associated
with these possible negative impacts. Mitigating polices are stated in the conservation
policies, page 132; stormwater control policies, page 133; infrastructure carrying
capacity, page 134; and water quality, page 141.
Table 51 provides an analysis matrix which summarizes this plan’s policies and identifies them
as beneficial, neutral, or detrimental.
171
Table 51
Town of Newport
Policy Analysis Matrix – Land Use Plan Management Topics
Management Topics
Policy Benchmarks – Indicate whether policy beneficial (B), neutral (N), or detrimental (D)
Public Access
Land Use
Compatibility
Infrastructure Carrying
Capacity Natural Hazards Water Quality Local Concerns
Land Use and
Development Policies
• more planned access
locations
• upgrades to existing
access locations
• increase pedestrian
access
• comply with state access
standards to enhance
opportunities for state
funding
• reduction in habitat
loss and fragmentation
related to impacts of
land use and
development
• reduction of water
resource and water
quality degradation
• balance growth demands
with protection of the
environment
• water, sewer, and other key
community facilities and
services being available in
required locations at adequate
capacities to support planned
community growth and
development patterns
• during construction of
infrastructure systems,
AECs and other fragile
areas should be protected
• transportation improvements
should support the efficiency
of traffic flow and pedestrian
safety
• land uses and
development patterns
that reduce vulnerability
to natural hazards
• land uses and
development patterns
that take into account
the existing and planned
capacity of evacuation
infrastructure
• minimize development in
floodplains, AECs,
wetlands, and other
fragile areas
• land use and
development criteria
and measures that
abate impacts that
degrade water quality
• coordinate water
quality efforts with
Carteret County
• preservation of
cultural, historic, and
scenic areas
• support of economic
development
• development of
human resources
• preservation of the
town’s rural
character
• decrease residential
density within town
Public Access: P.1 - P.3 P.1(B), P.2(B), P.3(B)
Land Use Compatibility:
P.4 - P.28
P.4(B), P.5(B), P.6(B),
P.7(B), P.8(B),
P.9(potentially D),
P.10(B), P.11(B), P.12(B),
P.13(B), P.14(N), P.15(N),
P.16(B), P.17(potentially
D), P.18(B), P.19(B),
P.20(B), P.21(B), P.22(B),
P.23(B), P.24(B), P.25(B),
P.26(B), P.27(B), P.28(B)
Infrastructure Carrying
Capacity: P.29 - P.44
P.29(B), P.30(potentially D),
P.31(potentially D), P.32(B),
P.33(B), P.34(potentially D),
P.35(B), P.36(B), P.37(B),
P.38(B), P.39(B), P.40(B),
P.41(B), P.42(B), P.43(B),
P.44(B)
Table 49 (continued)
Management Topics
Policy Benchmarks – Indicate whether policy beneficial (B), neutral (N), or detrimental (D)
Public Access
Land Use
Compatibility
Infrastructure Carrying
Capacity Natural Hazards Water Quality Local Concerns
Land Use and
Development Policies
• more planned access
locations
• upgrades to existing
access locations
• increase pedestrian
access
• comply with state access
standards to enhance
opportunities for state
funding
• reduction in habitat
loss and fragmentation
related to impacts of
land use and
development
• reduction of water
resource and water
quality degradation
• balance growth demands
with protection of the
environment
• water, sewer, and other key
community facilities and
services being available in
required locations at adequate
capacities to support planned
community growth and
development patterns
• during construction of
infrastructure systems,
AECs and other fragile
areas should be protected
• transportation improvements
should support the efficiency
of traffic flow and pedestrian
safety
• land uses and
development patterns
that reduce vulnerability
to natural hazards
• land uses and
development patterns
that take into account
the existing and planned
capacity of evacuation
infrastructure
• minimize development in
floodplains, AECs,
wetlands, and other
fragile areas
• land use and
development criteria
and measures that
abate impacts that
degrade water quality
• coordinate water
quality efforts with
Carteret County
• preservation of
cultural, historic, and
scenic areas
• support of economic
development
• development of
human resources
• preservation of the
town’s rural
character
• decrease residential
density within town
172
Natural Hazards:
P.45 - P.51
P.45(B), P.46(B), P.47(B),
P.48(B), P.49(B), P.50(B),
P.51(B), P.52(B)
Water Quality: P.52 - P.59 P.52(B), P.53(B),
P.54(B), P.55(B),
P.56(B), P.57(B),
P.58(B), P.59(B)
Local Concerns:
P.60 - P.70
P.60(B), P.61(B),
P.62(B), P.63(B),
P.64(B), P.65(B),
P.66(B), P.67(B),
P.68(B), P.69(B),
P.70(B)
173
Notes to the Policy Analysis Matrix:
1. Public Access
P.1 (B) – P.3 (B) - Policies P.1 through P.3 address public access within Newport’s planning
jurisdiction. These policies are intended to improve existing access facilities and provide for
acquisition of additional public access sites in compliance with NC CAMA standards. The town does
not include specific locational access site standards. Locational decisions will be based on land
availability, environmental conditions, and available funding. State funding will be essential,
therefore, state access standards will be followed.
2. Land Use Compatibility
P.4 (B) – P.5 (B) - Policies P.4 and P.5 are related. Both support maintaining a safe and viable
inventory of housing. The town will enforce its minimum housing code, regulate residential
development through its zoning and subdivision ordinances, and pursue available state and federal
funding to improve substandard housing.
P.6 (B) – P.7 (B) - Both of these policies are intended to improve the quality of and protect
residential development. Implementation of these policies will require revisions to the town’s
zoning and subdivision ordinances.
P.8 (B), P.9 (D), P.10 (B), P.11 (B) - Newport supports the aggressive recruitment of clean
industries. Identified negative environmental must be mitigated.
P.12 (B) - The policies and implementing actions contained in this plan are intended to
protect/preserve water quality. This objective applies to both surficial and surface waters.
P.13 (B) - In order to protect its scenic attributes and available degradation of natural/fragile
areas, the Town of Newport desires to eliminate construction of signage within public trust areas.
P.14 (B) - It is intended that the densities proposed on the future land use map will initially apply
to annexed areas. The town acknowledges that densities in annexed areas may change as a result
of future land use map and zoning ordinance amendments.
P.14 (B) – P.16 (B) - Policies P.14 and P.15 address energy-related issues. There may be
numerous questions associated with construction of electric generating plants or off-shore drilling
facilities. The Town of Newport reserves judgement on such facilities until specific proposals are
submitted and mitigating actions for negative impacts identified.
174
P.17(B) – P.18(B) - Implementation of this policy is essential to minimizing/mitigating negative
environmental impacts.
P.19(B) - While the Town of Newport supports industrial development consistent with the policies
and implementing actions contained in this plan, preservation/protection of residential land use is
a priority concern in the consideration of any industrial development.
P.20 (B) – P.22 (B) - The Town of Newport supports protection/preservation of its natural
heritage areas, coastal wetlands, estuarine shorelines, and public trust areas. This will be
accomplished through implementation of its zoning and subdivision ordinances and on-going review
of proposed developments to ensure mitigating actions are taken to eliminate/resolve identified
negative impacts.
P.23 (B) – P.24 (B) - These policies are directed at preservation/protection of state and federal
lands which are vital to support of Newport’s environment.
P.25 (B) – P.28 (B) - These policies are directed at improving stormwater control. The town
acknowledges that voluntary private action and state/federal action will be required. Local
implementing actions are specified in I-27, I-28, I-29, I-30, I-31, I-32, and I-34.
3. Infrastructure Carrying Capacity
P.29 (B) - The Town of Newport will support private wells which are approved through the proper
permitting process.
P.30 (D) - Extensions of town water services beyond the extraterritorial jurisdiction area are not
anticipated during the planning period (2015). It is anticipated that such extensions will be paid
for with private funds, not public funds. Such extensions would require revision of this plan to
enlarge the planning area.
P.31 (d) - This policy is essential to the construction of cost-effective infrastructure systems.
However, appropriate mitigating actions must be taken to reduce or when possible eliminate
negative environmental impacts.
P.32 (B) - The Town of Newport will continuously solicit state assistance in the protection of
wellfields located within its jurisdiction. This will be supplemented through enforcement of the
town’s zoning ordinance.
P.33 (B) – P.34 (D) - The town will pursue available funding, when necessary and fiscally
feasible, to expand water and sewer systems throughout its planning jurisdiction. However,
emphasis will be placed on the private financing of such systems.
175
P.35 (B) - The Town of Newport supports innovative and environmentally safe methods for the
disposal of sewer effluent.
P.36 (B) – P.37 (B) - The Town of Newport places priority on improving and maintaining its
existing wastewater collection and treatment system. Emphasis will be placed on
eliminating/reducing infiltration through the replacement or repair of older collection lines.
P.38 (B) – P.40 (B) - The Town of Newport will continue to support effective solid waste disposal
collection efforts. This will include regional solid waste disposal and education of the public.
P.41 (B) – P.42 (B) - Through its zoning and subdivision ordinances and the development review
process, Newport will support development of a comprehensive integrated transportation system.
P.43 (B) - The Town of Newport considers the Newport River to be an important component of
its transportation system.
P.44 (B) - This will be accomplished through the development review process and support of the
town’s Thoroughfare Plan.
4. Natural Hazards
P.45 (B), P.51 (B) - The policies contained in this plan consistently support the 15A NCAC 7H use
standards.
P.46 (B) – P.47 (B) - These policies reflect the town’s desire to protect its public trust areas.
P.49 (B) – P.51 (B) - This plan supports minimizing development in hazardous areas, in
particular, areas which are or will be subject to flooding. Long-term sea level rise is expected;
however, the impacts are uncertain.
5. Water Quality
P.52 (B) – P.59 (B) - The Town of Newport places emphasis on the protection of water quality.
This is evidenced by these policies. Implementation will require state, federal, and local action.
The local commitment is evidenced by the town’s efforts in fiscal year 2007-2008 to prepare a
stormwater control ordinance and associated technical manual.
6. Local Areas of Concern
P.60 (B) – P.61 (B) - These policies reflect the town’s commitment to preservation of its historic
resources. This commitment is reflected in implementing actions I-66 to I-68.
176
P.62 (B) – P.66 (B) - The Town of Newport supports growth and development. However, these
policies reflect the town’s desire to preserve its existing small town atmosphere and those natural
and scenic assets which support tourism.
P.67 (B) - Refer to policy P.15 and the associated note.
P.68 (B) – P.70 (B) - These policies support the Town of Newport’s efforts to reduce its general
health and human services needs.
APPENDIX I
TOWN OF NEWPORT
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN
PREPARATION OF A CORE LAND USE PLAN
PHASE I
The Town of Newport has received a Coastal Area Management Act grant for preparation of a Core
Land Use Plan, Phase I. Adequate citizen participation in the development of the plan is essential
to the preparation of a document responsive to the needs of the citizens of the Town of Newport.
To ensure such input, the following citizen participation program will be utilized by the town.
The Newport Town Council will appoint a Town of Newport Land Use Plan Committee (LUPC) to
work with the town's planning consultant to ensure that the final product will be a plan suitable for
adoption by the town. The committee will include representatives from the Planning Board and
Town Council.
Specifically, the planning consultant and the LUPC will be responsible for ensuring accomplishment
of the following:
•Develop and adopt the Citizen Participation Plan; conduct public information
meeting; and conduct a town-wide meeting to identify community concerns, key
planning issues, and aspirations. In addition, prepare analysis of existing and
emerging conditions.
•Complete analysis of existing and emerging conditions; prepare natural systems
analysis and analysis of land use and development (including Existing Land Use
Map).
•Prepare community facilities analysis; prepare/review land suitability analysis and
map; review existing CAMA plan, ordinances, and policies.
The following schedule will be utilized for Phase I:
1.July, 2003
–Conduct public information meeting.
– Town Council adopt the Citizen Participation Plan.
– Conduct initial meeting with LUPC and review Citizen Participation Plan and
process for preparing the land use plan.
2.August, 2003
– Conduct town issues identification meeting.
3.August, 2003 to April, 2004 – Prepare preliminary draft land use plan which will
include analysis of existing conditions, land suitability analysis, natural systems
analysis, and community facilities analysis. Conduct monthly meetings with the
LUPC.
4.May, 2004 – Present draft of Phase I to the Planning Board.
5.June, 2004 - Present draft of Phase I to the Town Council.
All meetings of the LUPC and Town Council at which the Plan will be discussed will be advertised
in a local newspaper. The public information meeting, town meeting, and public hearing will also
be advertised in a local newspaper. In addition, public service announcements will be mailed to
local radio stations and posted at the Town Hall and other public buildings as directed by the LUPC
and Town Council. All meetings will be open to the public. The town will encourage and consider
all economic, social, ethnic and cultural viewpoints. No major non-English speaking groups are
known to exist in the Town of Newport.
6/6/02
TOWN OF NEWPORT
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN
PREPARATION OF A CORE LAND USE PLAN
PHASE II
The Town of Newport has received a Coastal Area Management Act grant for preparation of a Core
Land Use Plan, Phase II. Adequate citizen participation in the development of the plan is essential
to the preparation of a document responsive to the needs of the citizens of the Town of Newport.
To ensure such input, the following citizen participation program will be utilized by the town.
The Newport Town Council has appointed the Town of Newport Planning Board to work with the
town's planning consultant to ensure that the final product will be a plan suitable for adoption by
the town.
Specifically, the planning consultant and the Planning Board will be responsible for ensuring
accomplishment of the following:
•Adopt and implement Citizen Participation Plan for Phase II.
•Revise preliminary plan based on public review.
•Complete plan for the future (including future land use map and tools for managing
development).
•Present the draft plan to the Town Council.
•Submit plan to state/DCM for review; provide plan to adjacent jurisdictions for review;
conduct public information hearings.
•Review plan based on state and local review; conduct public hearing; Town Council
adoption; submit for CRC certification.
The following schedule will be utilized for Phase II:
1.September - October, 2004
–Update Citizen Participation Plan
–Begin preparation of Phase II portion of LUP
2.November, 2004 - February, 2005
– Hold monthly meetings with Planning Board
– Revise preliminary plan based on public review
3.March, 2005 – Provide plan to adjacent jurisdictions to review
4.April, 2005 – Submit plan to the Newport Planning Board
5.May, 2005 – Submit draft plan to state for DCM review
6.June, 2005
– Revise plan based on state and local review
– Conduct public hearing for Town Council to adopt plan
– Submit to CRC for certification
All meetings of the Planning Board and Town Council at which the Plan will be discussed will be
advertised in a local newspaper. The public information meeting, town meeting, and public hearing
will also be advertised in a local newspaper. In addition, public service announcements will be
posted at the Town Hall and other public buildings as directed by the Planning Board and Town
Council. All meetings will be open to the public. The town will encourage and consider all
economic, social, ethnic and cultural viewpoints. No major non-English speaking groups are known
to exist in the Town of Newport.
9/27/04
APPENDIX II
TOWN OF NEWPORT
2003-2004 CAMA CORE LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
ABSENTEE PROPERTY OWNER SURVEY
SURVEY RESULTS
1. Newport needs to provide more recreational facilities and programs to its citizens.
Disagree No Opinion Agree
7 37 32
2. Newport should increase its economic development efforts, and provide incentives, where
feasible, in an effort to attract more light industry to the town.
Disagree No Opinion Agree
6 11 59
3.Newport should focus commercial development and office space development along the
Highway 70 corridor, which will provide efficient ingress and egress for automobiles and
keep traffic away from residential areas.
Disagree No Opinion Agree
5368
4.In light of the recent increased restrictions regarding stormwater runoff control currently
being implemented in a majority of counties and municipalities across the state, Newport
should begin implementing a more pro active stormwater control program.
Disagree No Opinion Agree
5 20 51
5. Newport should increase parking spaces, and address a need for increased pedestrian
access to the central business district.
Disagree No Opinion Agree
9 41 26
6. Newport should protect residential districts from encroaching commercial and industrial
development.
Disagree No Opinion Agree
6 13 57
7. Newport should increase efforts to provide a retirement friendly community.
Disagree No Opinion Agree
6 17 53
8. Newport should work to provide affordable owner-occupied housing in an effort to boost
the percentage of owner occupied housing units.
Disagree No Opinion Agree
8 35 33
9. The Town of Newport should make the revitalization of the central business district a top
priority during the planning period.
Disagree No Opinion Agree
8 26 42
10. At a public meeting held on August 27, 2003, Town of Newport citizens identified the top
ten problems confronting the Town. The following provides a comparison of the in-town
meeting and absentee property owners’ ranking of the Town of Newport key issues:
Key Issue
Absentee
Rank
In-Town
Rank
Expansion Wastewater Treatment Plant 1 4
Reroute Commercial Traffic Out of Residential Areas 2 6
Improve Availability of Infrastructure Residential Areas 3 9
Address Issue Ditch/Erosion in Town 4 7
Pedestrian Access to Newport Middle School plus Bike Path 5 2
Clearing Newport River 6 1
Maintain Newport's Identity (Don’t Over Develop)7 5
Develop Old Highway 70 8 3
Development Parks and Ballfields 9 8
Pedestrian Crossing Highway 70 10 10
DCM /CGIA November 2003
Land Suitability Analysis Data Directory 1
Appendix III
Land Suitability and Land Use Planning Data D irectory
Theme name Definition
County boundaries A reas depicting jurisdictional boundaries of counties in
North Carolina; contains county line features only. The
dataset includes the follow ing attributes: arcs coded with
type number; polygons coded w ith county FIPS code,
county name, county abbreviation, acres, and population.
This does not include a depiction of the shoreline.
W etlands Subsets of coastal wetlands in the 20 coastal counties
(CAM A counties) by type and functional significance,
delineated by Division of Coastal M anagement.
Developed land H igh intensity developed and low intensity developed
land cover classifications as a subset of land cover
classified from 1994-95 LandSAT TM satellite imagery,
CGIA.
HQW and ORW
watersheds
W aters identified as having excellent w ater quality in
association with an outstanding resource. Point and
non-point source pollution management strategies are
applicable to these waters. Polygons are assigned High
Quality W ater (HQW ) and Outstanding Resource
W ater (O R W ) designations.
Hazardous substance
disposal site
Locations of uncontrolled and unregulated hazardous
w aste sites (formerly called Superfund Sites). The file
includes sites on the CERCLA Information System
(CERCLIS) National Priorities List, the State Inactive
Hazardous Sites list, the Sites Priority List, and some
Department of Defense files. Polygons are coded with
NC DENR, Division of Waste M anagement, Superfund
Section ID; state or federal status; longitude and
latitude coordinate; and a site name.
Estuarine waters A subset of 1:100,000-scale hydrography based on
classification (SA,SB, or SC).
DCM /CGIA November 2003
Land Suitability Analysis Data Directory 2
Theme name Definition
M unicipal discharge points Location of municipal waste treatment plants, derived
from the water and sewer survey.
Lands managed for
conservation and open space;
or “protected lands”
Lands in NC managed for conservation and open space
relating to many purposes including recreation, wildlife
habitat, w ater quality, and farmland preservation. This
is a composite layer from 13 sources, representing an
integrated depiction of lands that have been permanently
protected or designated for open space. Polygons are
coded with owner name and type, manager name and
type, acres, area name, whether it counts toward the
M illion Acre Initiative goal, and other attributes.
M ultiple legends display alternative groupings of
properties.
Major and minor NPDES
dischargers
Surface water discharge locations as recorded on permits
issued for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System Sites (N PDES). Points are coded with owner of
permit, name of stream receiving discharge, site latitude
and longitude, number of discharge pipes, county of
discharge, subbasin number, technician review date, and
map index numbers.
Primary roads Interstate routes, U S routes, and selects state routes in
NC, to be used as a general-purpose roads layer. Arcs are
assigned US, state and interstate route designations and
numbers.
FEM A flood zones Flood hazard areas delineated as FEM A Q3 digital files
in eastern NC, for planning purposes only, NC Division of
Emergency M anagement. Includes areas in flood hazard
zones for 52 counties only (divided into eastern NC and
western NC sets).
Land application sites Locations where treated wastewater or sludge is applied
to be absorbed into the soil. Points are coded with the
following attributes: id, permit expiration date,
construction date, renovation date, and estimated area.
Significant Natural
Heritage areas
Areas containing ecologically significant natural
communities or rare species. NOTE: Due to its
dynamic nature, this data becomes out-dated very
quickly. The Natural Heritage Program (NHP) M UST
authorize release of this data, in w riting, prior to
distribution, access or hardcopy output of this layer.
Polygons are coded with NHP site number, name, and
acres.
Detailed Soils Detailed soil surveys by county, including soil types
with septic limitations, CGIA.
Sewer pipes Locations of pipelines for wastewater distribution.
Arcs are coded with the following attributes: system id,
material, diameter, type (pressure, gravity, vacuum),
utilization type (interceptor, outfall, collection),
construction date, and renovation date.
DCM /CGIA November 2003
Land Suitability Analysis Data Directory 3
Theme name Definition
Hurricane storm surge fast Hurricane storm surge inundation areas, fast moving
storm, from 1993 study, CGIA.
Municipal sewer treatment
plants
Locations of facilities used to treat wastewater and the
related appurtenant w orks. Points are coded with the
following attributes: id, treatment plant location
descriptor, permitted flow capacity, maximum daily flow,
average daily flow, type of treatment technology, sludge
disposal technology, infiltration/inflow, estimated area,
installation date, and renovation date.
W ater pipes Locations of pipelines for w ater distribution.
Arcs are coded with the follow ing attributes: system
identification number, original construction year,
renovation year, material, and diameter.
W ater supply watersheds W ater supply w atersheds classified as W S-I, W S-II,
and WS-IV in the Division of Water Quality's (DWQ)
Classification Schedule, effective August 3, 1992, and
as originally mapped by CGIA and D W Q staff.
Protected and critical watershed designations are
included. Polygons are coded with DW Q index
number, stream classification, river basin name,
primary stream name, DW Q classification date,
protected/critical area designation, acres per polygon.
Appendix IV
Graphic Representation of Various Roadway Levels of Service
DCM/CGIA November 2003

Land Suitability Analysis Data Directory 1
Appendix V
Land Suitability and Land Use Planning Data Directory

Theme name Definition
County boundaries Areas depicting jurisdictional boundaries of
counties in North Carolina; contains county line
features only. The dataset includes the following
attributes: arcs coded with type number; polygons
coded with county FIPS code, county name, county
abbreviation, acres, and population. This does not
include a depiction of the shoreline.

Wetlands Subsets of coastal wetlands in the 20 coastal
counties (CAMA counties) by type and functional
significance, delineated by Division of Coastal
Management.
Developed land High intensity developed and low intensity
developed land cover classifications as a subset
of land cover classified from 1994-95 LandSAT
TM satellite imagery, CGIA.
HQW and ORW
watersheds
Waters identified as having excellent water
quality in association with an outstanding
resource. Point and non-point source pollution
management strategies are applicable to these
waters. Polygons are assigned High Quality
Water (HQW) and Outstanding Resource Water
(ORW) designations.
Hazardous substance
disposal site
Locations of uncontrolled and unregulated
hazardous waste sites (formerly called Superfund
Sites). The file includes sites on the CERCLA
Information System (CERCLIS) National Priorities
List, the State Inactive Hazardous Sites list, the
Sites Priority List, and some Department of
Defense files. Polygons are coded with NC
DENR, Division of Waste Management, Superfund
Section ID; state or federal status; longitude and
latitude coordinate; and a site name.
Estuarine waters A subset of 1:100,000-scale hydrography based
on classification (SA,SB, or SC).
DCM/CGIA November 2003

Land Suitability Analysis Data Directory 2

Theme name Definition
Municipal discharge points Location of municipal waste treatment plants,
derived from the water and sewer survey.
Lands managed for
conservation and open
space; or Aprotected lands@
Lands in NC managed for conservation and open
space relating to many purposes including
recreation, wildlife habitat, water quality, and
farmland preservation. This is a composite layer
from 13 sources, representing an integrated
depiction of lands that have been permanently
protected or designated for open space. Polygons
are coded with owner name and type, manager
name and type, acres, area name, whether it counts
toward the Million Acre Initiative goal, and other
attributes. Multiple legends display alternative
groupings of properties.
Major and minor NPDES
dischargers
Surface water discharge locations as recorded on
permits issued for National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System Sites (NPDES). Points are
coded with owner of permit, name of stream
receiving discharge, site latitude and longitude,
number of discharge pipes, county of discharge,
subbasin number, technician review date, and map
index numbers.
Primary roads Interstate routes, US routes, and selects state
routes in NC, to be used as a general-purpose
roads layer. Arcs are assigned US, state and
interstate route designations and numbers.
FEMA flood zones Flood hazard areas delineated as FEMA Q3 digital
files in eastern NC, for planning purposes only, NC
Division of Emergency Management. Includes
areas in flood hazard zones for 52 counties only
(divided into eastern NC and western NC sets).
Land application sites Locations where treated wastewater or sludge is
applied to be absorbed into the soil. Points are
coded with the following attributes: id, permit
expiration date, construction date, renovation date,
and estimated area.
Significant Natural
Heritage areas
Areas containing ecologically significant natural
communities or rare species. NOTE: Due to its
dynamic nature, this data becomes out-dated
very quickly. The Natural Heritage Program (NHP)
MUST authorize release of this data, in writing,
prior to distribution, access or hardcopy output
of this layer. Polygons are coded with NHP site
number, name, and acres.
Detailed Soils Detailed soil surveys by county, including soil
types with septic limitations, CGIA.
Sewer pipes Locations of pipelines for wastewater
distribution. Arcs are coded with the following
attributes: system id, material, diameter, type
(pressure, gravity, vacuum), utilization type
(interceptor, outfall, collection), construction
date, and renovation date.
DCM/CGIA November 2003

Land Suitability Analysis Data Directory 3

Theme name Definition
Hurricane storm surge fast Hurricane storm surge inundation areas, fast
moving storm, from 1993 study, CGIA.
Municipal sewer treatment
plants
Locations of facilities used to treat wastewater and
the related appurtenant works. Points are coded
with the following attributes: id, treatment plant
location descriptor, permitted flow capacity,
maximum daily flow, average daily flow, type of
treatment technology, sludge disposal technology,
infiltration/inflow, estimated area, installation date,
and renovation date.
Water pipes Locations of pipelines for water distribution. Arcs
are coded with the following attributes: system
identification number, original construction year,
renovation year, material, and diameter.
Water supply
watersheds
Water supply watersheds classified as WS-I, WS-
II, and WS-IV in the Division of Water Quality's
(DWQ) Classification Schedule, effective August
3, 1992, and as originally mapped by CGIA and
DWQ staff. Protected and critical watershed
designations are included. Polygons are coded
with DWQ index number, stream classification,
river basin name, primary stream name, DWQ
classification date, protected/critical area
designation, acres per polygon.

Appendix VI
Policy/Implementing Action
Definitions of Common Terms
1. Should: An officially adopted course or method of action intended to be followed to
implement the community goals. Though not as mandatory as “shall,” it is still an
obligatory course of action unless clear reasons can be identified that an exception is
warranted. Town staff and Planning Board involved at all levels from planning to
implementation.
2. Continue: Follow past and present procedures to maintain desired goal, usually with Town
staff involved at all levels from planning to implementation.
3. Encourage: Foster the desired goal through Town policies. Could involve Town financial
assistance.
4. Enhance: Improve current goal to a desired state through the use of policies and Town staff
at all levels of planning. This could include financial support.
5. Identify: Catalog and confirm resource or desired item(s) through the use of Town staff and
actions.
6. Implement: Actions to guide the accomplishment of the Plan recommendations.
7. Maintain: Keep in good condition the desired state of affairs through the use of Town
policies and staff. Financial assistance should be provided if needed.
8. Prevent: Stop described event through the use of appropriate Town policies, staff actions,
Planning Board actions, and Town finances, if needed.
9. Promote: Advance the desired state through the use of Town policies and Planning Board
and staff activity at all levels of planning. This may include financial support.
10. Protect: Guard against a deterioration of the desired state through the use of Town policies,
staff, and, if needed, financial assistance.
11. Provide: Take the lead role in supplying the needed financial and staff support to achieve
the desired goal. The Town is typically involved in all aspects from planning to
implementation to maintenance.
12. Strengthen: Improve and reinforce the desired goal through the use of Town policies, staff,
and, if necessary, financial assistance.
13.Support: Supply the needed staff support, policies, and financial assistance at all levels to
achieve the desired goal.
14. Work: Cooperate and act in a manner through the use of Town staff, actions, and policies
to create the desired goal.
Appendix VII
Amendment #1 to the
Town of Newport, North Carolina
Core CAMA Land Use Plan
Amendment Justification
Following certification of the current Core CAMA Land Use Plan by the North Carolina Coastal Resources
Commission in 2006,the Town of Newport sewage treatment system was placed under a SOC (Standing
Order of Consent). Subsequently, the town secured approval for construction of a new sewage treatment
plant which began operation in the spring of 2015. The new treatment plant has a capacity of 1.2 million
gallons per day. The 2015 average daily discharge is 400,000 - 500,000 gallons per day. The new sewage
treatment plant surplus capacity allows the Town of Newport to extend central sewer service throughout
its planning jurisdiction.
As a result,some areas of the town’s planning jurisdiction which were previously deemed least suitable for
development because of a lack of sewer service may now be provided central sewer service and considered
for viable development proposals. The town's zoning and development code and map have undergone
substantial revisions. These revisions necessitate amendment to both the text describing the future land
use categories and the future land use map.
The town's population has increased from 3,346 in 2000 to 4,359 in 2013,an increase of 30.3%. By
comparison,Carteret County experienced a 13.2%population increase and North Carolina had a 19.9%
increase. In view of Newport's limited area, 3,141 acres classified for development, and its significant
population growth,the town needs greater flexibility in the development of its residential areas. Such
flexibility will allow for innovative design of residential areas and better preservation of natural resources.
The PUD classification will serve to allow a range of residential density which will replace the moderate to
high residential density allowed in the high density residential land use category and the R-8 zoning district
(which has been eliminated). Because of these changing conditions, the following revisions are considered
essential to the proper management of the town's future growth. These revised sections replace the
sections of the plan as noted on each revision.
1
Recommended Revisions
SECTION VI. PLAN FOR THE FUTURE
D.FUTURE LAND USE
2.Future Land Use Acreages
Table 47 summarizes the future land use acreages. This table reflects future decreases in some future
land use categories as a result of reflecting data shown on Maps 12 and 23. Based on these maps, some areas are
committed to the conservation categories on the future land use map. The future land use plan map depicts areas
for development which are consistent with the land suitability map (Map 23, page 88).
Table 47
Town of Newport
Future Land Use Acreages
Corporate Limits ETJ Total
Acres %Acres %Acres %
Commercial 406.76 8.6%478.57 3.5%885.33 4.8%
Conservation 1,292.00 27.2%7,020.37 50.6%8,312.37 44.6%
Industrial 45.09 0.9%161.91 1.2%207.00 1.1%
Low-Density Residential 1,350.59 28.4%5,067.23 36.5%6,417.82 34.4%
Medium-Density Residential 1,107.18 23.3%356.69 2.6%1,463.87 7.9%
Mixed Use 176.23 3.7%199.74 1.4%375.97 2.0%
O&I 70.93 1.5%90.92 0.7%161.85 0.9%
Right-of-Way/Surface Water 308.47 6.5%498.00 3.6%806.47 4.3%
TOTAL 4,757.25 100.0%13,873.43 100.0%18,630.68 100.0%
*The acreages in this table assume total build-out of the attached future land use map.
Source: Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.
All future land use acreages are based on suitability of land for development and not forecast market
demand for future acreages. The land uses in each of these areas have been coordinated with the town’s zoning
ordinance and are classified as follows:
High-Density Residential
R-8 Residential Single-Family District.SECTION DELETED.
Mixed Use Residential (with supporting services)
PUD Planned Unit Development. Within districts now existing or which may hereafter be created, it is intended
to permit and encourage,on application and approval of detailed development plans, establishment of new
Planned Unit Developments for specified purposes where tracts of land suitable in location,area,and character
2
are to be planned and developed as a whole and in a unified manner. Ownership in PD-R projects in all
residential districts may be by condominiums,cooperative,individual,municipal,or other types as approved.
PUDs may include but are not limited to industrial,commercial,and/or residential and/or a combination of uses.
Maximum housing density is fourteen dwelling units per acre.
!Allowable density: An average single-family residential lot size of 10,000 square feet (14 units per
acre) will be utilized in this district depending on a respective developer’s proposed site plan.
!Maximum building height: As with other residential districts within town, the maximum residential
building height will be 35 feet for the primary structure.The maximum highway commercial
and industrial building height is 70 feet and the downtown commercial building height is 50
feet.
!Minimum project size: 5 contiguous acres.
!Maximum land coverage: 40% of gross project area.
!Preferred uses: This district is intended to serve a variety of uses. It is anticipated that these large
tracts of land will be developed as high density residential housing developments. Provision of
sewer service by the town to any proposed development on these properties will be based on
available capacity. In addition to housing, this district will also accommodate convenience retail
outlets,community facilities,care facilities,and office and professional uses. Development of
these tracts will be based on approval of a master plan to be approved by the Town of Newport
Town Council.
!Discouraged uses: Any industrial or other non-residential use that is considered a threat, through
the generation of noise and air pollution,to adjacent residential development that is anticipated
within this land use district.
Office and Institutional
RO Residential-Office District. The purpose of this district shall be to create and protect areas in which residential,
business,and professional uses may be and are compatibly mixed,achieving a healthful living environment for
the residents of the district and at the same time preventing the development of blight and slum conditions. This
district is limited to those sections of the community in which the mixing of such uses has been found to be
necessary and desirable for the buffering of residential from commercial and industrial uses. All lots shall contain
a minimum of 10,000 square feet for the first dwelling and 5,000 square feet for each additional dwelling unit.
!Allowable density: Minimum lot density for the initial unit within this district will be 10,000
square feet (7 units per acre);for each additional unit,the minimum lot size must be increased
by 5,000 square feet accordingly.
!Maximum building height: No building in this district is permitted to exceed 35 feet.
!Preferred uses: This district is intended to provide a buffer between established residential
districts and commercial and industrial centers. Desirable land uses in this district include low
impact/traffic generating uses as follows:office space,medical/veterinary offices, home
occupations,boarding houses, churches, civic buildings, parks, municipal structures. Single-
family homes and two-family dwellings (duplexes) will also be allowed within this district.
!Discouraged uses: Primarily commercial and industrial development will be discouraged within
this district. As stated, the primary intent of this district is to minimize traffic generation and
noise associated with land uses generating either large volumes of consumer traffic and/or
industrial traffic related to the shipping or delivery of goods and materials.
3
Conservation
The Conservation class is designated to provide for effective long-term management of significant limited or
irreplaceable areas which include the following categories:natural resource fragile areas,404 wetlands,100-year
floodplain areas,and public trust waters. Policy statements in this plan address the town’s intentions under this
classification and support the 15A NCAC 7H CAMA regulations for protection of AEC’s.
!Allowable density: The minimum lot size for development within the conservation zone is 20,000
square feet (2 units per acre).
!Maximum building height: Maximum building height for this district is 35 feet for the primary
structure and 25 feet for accessory structures.
!Preferred uses: This district was established in response to environmentally sensitive and natural
hazard areas identified through the land suitability analysis and environmental composite
discussion earlier in this plan. Due to these factors, land use within this district should consist
of low density residential housing. All development should be contingent on whether all
environmental impacts have been assessed,and potential effects of natural hazards taken into
account. Additionally, all development within this district will be required to establish on-site
wastewater treatment facilities.Infrastructure,including water lines,sewer lines,streets and
power distribution facilities,may be constructed in the Conservation category when federal,
state, and local required mitigative actions are accomplished (refer to policy P.31).
!Discouraged uses: All non-residential uses will be discouraged in this district. Proposals for non-
residential development will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by determining development
impact on environmental conditions for property located within this district.
4