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CURRITUCK COUNTY A-N D U.S EPLAW 1980: CURRITUCK COUNTY Board of Commissioners Baxter Williams, Chairman James M. Voliva, Vice-Chairman Ernie Bowden R.H. Ferrell Stanley Griggs Land Use Planning Advisory Committee. Stanley Griggs, Chairman Ernie Bowden Robert Byrne Milton Etheridge Alvin Keel Tommy Moore Travis Mooris Tillie Powell Jerry Wright Consultants Coastal Consultants, Ltd. Southern Pines, N.C. The preparation of this report 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 Coastal Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION PAGE I PRESENT CONDITIONS .................................................... 2 Population ............................................................ 2 Economy and Employment ................................................. 6 Existing Land Use ...................................................... 10 Significant Land Use Compativility Problems ............................ 10 Problems From Unplanned Development .................................... 10 Areas Likely to Experience Major Land Use Changes ...................... 11 Areas of Environmental Concern ......................................... 11 Current Plans, Policies and Regulations ............................... 12 II CONSTRAINTS: LAND SUITABILITY .......................................... 19 Hazard Areas .......................................................... 19 Soils ................................................................. 19 Groundwater ............................................................ 20 Topography ............................................................. 25 Fragile Areas .......................................................... 25 Currituck Sound ....................................................... 26 Complex Natural ....................................................... 27 Areas That Sustain Remnant Species ..................................... 29 Productive Agricultural Land ........................................... 29 Potentially Valuable Mineral Sites ..................................... 30 Publicly Owned Forests, Parks, etc ..................................... 31 Historic Sites ......................................................... 31 Recreational Opportunity ............................................... 31 Inventory of Public and Commercial Recreation Places ................... 32 County Expenditures for Recreation ..................................... 33 Privately Owned Conservation Areas ..................................... 34 III COMMUNITY FACILITIES Water and Sewer Services .......................................... 35 Other Facilities ................................................... 36 IV ESTIMATED DEMAND ................................................... 38 Population Projections ............................................. 38 Future Land Use Needs .............................................. 39 Consideration of Constraints ....................................... 39 Standards for Land Use Projections ................................. 41 Land Use Projections ............................................... 42 Community Facilities Needs ......................................... 42 V POLICY DISCUSSION ................................................. 44 Soils .............................................................. 44 Flood Hazard ....................................................... 44 Wetlands ........................................................... 44 Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs) .............................. 45 Maritime Forest ........................................................... 45 Cultural and Historic Resources ........................................... 46 Hurricane Evacuation ...................................................... 46 Quality of the Currituck Sound ............................................ 47 Erosion ................................................................... 49 Agriculture ............................................................... 50 Commercial Forest Lands ................................................... 51 Mineral Resources Production .............................................. 52 Commercial And Recreational Fisheries ..................................... 52 Off Road Vehicles ......................................................... 53 Industrial Development .................................................... 54 Services to Development ................................................... 54 Growth Patterns ........................................................... 55 Beach Access .............................................................. 56 Recreation ................................................................ 60 Redevelopment ............................................................. 66 Commitment to State and Federal Programs .................................. 67 Energy Facility Siting and Development .................................... 67 Mobile Homes .............................................................. 67 Public Participation ...................................................... 68 VI LAND CLASSIFICATION ....................................................... 72 Relationship of Policies and Land Classification .......................... 73 Intergovernmental Coordination ............................................ 76 GENERAL REFERENCES ........................................................ 77 APPENDIX A: PLANTS AND ANIMALS ............................................ 79 APPENDIX B: INVENTORY OF HISTORIC SITES ................................... 85 APPENDIX C: BOAT ACCESS AND RECREATION AREAS .............................. 88 APPENDIX D: HOUSING ANALYSIS (INCLUDING MOBILE HOMES) ..................... 90 APPENDIX E: SANITARY AND BACTERIOLOGICAL SURVEYS .......................... 101 APPENDIX F: PUBLIC ATTITUDE QUESTIONNAIRE ................................. 129 APPENDIX G: SUMMARY ....................................................... 135 ENCLOSURES: FACTOR MAPS ii INTRODUCTION The 1980 Land Use Plan Update f or Currituck County was .prepared by the Currituck County Land Use Advisory Committee with technical a@sistance by Coastal Consultants, Ltd. The purpose of theoPlan Update is to assist the citizens of the County, State and Federal governments in making decis- ions concerning natural resources, fac,ilities, services, and growth of the County. Previous .policies were reviewed to determine which-policies were still desired, and and what new ones were necessary* Included in this update are analyses of special areas about which information was developed in order for the Committee to determine policies( e.g. mobile homes, Currituck Banks). Currituck County'-is located in the northeastern corner of North Carolina. It is'bounded on the north by Virginia, on t'he east by.the Atlantic Ocean, and on the west by Camden County and the North River. Currituck County is divided into three major land areas by natural features. The main portion of the County is the peninsula projecting between the North River and Currituck Sound, Knotts Island is a peninsula that extends into Currituck Sound from Virginia, the third portion is the Currituck Outer Banks, which extends 'from the Virginia Line to Dare County. PRESENT CONDITIONS Section I The purpose of this section of the Land Use Plan Update is to evaluate existing conditions within the County, specifically demographic and economic patterns. POPULATION. The consultant's planning approach involves a study of population and housingg.together with an understanding of their implications on the useof the land, the capacity of the land to absorb the growth, the capacity of major capital facilities to absorb the growth and finally an adjustment of growth rates through management tools in order to ac- complish growth management goals. Because Currituck County had special'problems which would interfere with growth pro- jections, it became incumbent to deal with those problems first.- Thus, Coastal Consultants, Ltd. began their analy- sis with a study of the Outer Banks in order to determine the growth policies towards the "subset". This was necessary be- cause any determination of a right of access and development would profoundly affect the projected population and the need for facilities. Having completed that analysis, we studied problems attendant to popi4lation. The population of Currituck County was determined by the U.S. Census of 1970 to be 6,976 people. By township, this pol5ulation was estimated as: Fruitville 508 !Voyock 1494 Crawford 2487 Poplar Branch 2487 Since 1970, @.,Ihe North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management has attempted to estimate population changes. They,estimated that in 1978, the population had risen to 10,600 people. This represents an estimated 5.3% annual growth rate. Furthermore, they estimated t t based on the 1976 OBERseries the population in 1990 woul@'be p r ximately 24,400 people, with an annual growth rate-from 197 to 1990 of 7.3%. Until the 1980 census is completed, the county will have to rely on estimated data. In order to check the State estimates, we decided to physically count the number of struct- ures currently being used for residential purposes. We felt thatthis information would offer us the most reliable gauge of growth. We determined that as of March 1980, there were appro xim- ately 4156 housing units in Currituck County. This number does not include houses that are clearly not-in residential use, structures that were removed from the housing stock by fire or flood or collapse. By consulting the. property records in the county tax office, we were able to determine when most of the houses were built. (We resorted to this methodology because the county does not have a record of building starts before 1978.) From this information, we determine@d: that 671 units were added within the last five years and 955 units. 2 were added between 1970 and 1975. One of the difficulties with this information is the necessity of counting mobile homes. New additions,to the- housing stock from mobile homes were estimated to b e 29@ between 1975 and 1980 and 587 be- tween 1970 and 1975. In order to count mobile homes, we were,forced to presume that mobile home additions came from the placement of new or relatively new mobile homes on prop- erty (a risky assumption). Furthermore, our method of analysis presumes that even among inhabitable structures there is a 7@6 vacancy rate. The Office of S.tate Budget and. Management determined that the housing size in the cbunty in 1975 was 3.17 persons per household. We adjusted.this rate to reflect declining house sizes Of new residents and the vacancy rate.and hence used a multiplier of 2.9 persons per house. For purposes of comparison we used a lower vacancy rate of 3@o and did not adjust for de- clining house size. This left us with a multiplier of 3.1 .persons per household.' The only way to determine the actual rate would be to conduct a random sample of counted structures to measure vacancy and house size. When we checked our re- sults With the census data, we found we had several hundred more people in the county in 1970; this seemed to affirm our judgment that the methodology was appropriate, the excess being'seasonal residents. For purposes of land use analysis, we have found that it is not usually advisable to remove seasohal residents from the study. Seasonal residents impact as much as permanent residents on the environment and the land. Many facilities, particularly water and sewer, must meet sustained peak demand occasioned by regular seasonal use. Other facilities, such as fire and police, roads, and health, must plan to meet seasonal capacity. In fact, only schools and welfare seem planned to permanent population (seasonal residents would be expected to send their children to school 'in the area in which they are permanent residents), We have attempted to indicate a percentage of sea- sonal use, altifough there were too many problems in inter preting the data to use this projection relibLbly. When the 1980 Census is complete, we will again be able to determine seasonal residents in mobile units and brick and frame housing by subtracting the estimated population from the census pop- ulation. The housing data on seasonal and permanent residents does not include persons living in camper trailers or vehicles, nor does it include possible "bulges" in house sizes from summer visitation and passers-through. Given these reservations, we estimate the population as. follows: Although the growth rate for the nine year pericd was est- imated at 5.6@,,,"the growth rate for the last 4"years was projected at only 4.%-, representing some decline. T h'is estimate is higher however than the growth rate projected by the State Office of Budget and Management in that they pro- jected a 3.% annual incrPase. 3 We should note that house size in ocean beach communities appear to exhibit 4.5 persons per unit during peak season. Whether this appliesto soundside seasonal communities is not capable of determination. Permanent housing stock and population should be expected to decrease further in house size. If we break this information into the township unit, we can learn something about those areas of the county which are realizing the most growth. In terms of net increase in pop- ulation, Poplar Branch township has shown the most growth, namely 549 new housing units (approximately 1593 people) in the last ten years. On the other hand, the highest rate of growth occurred in Moyock township where the annual growth rate exceeded 7.3%. This information is set out in more detail in the table below: POPULATION (1970-1980) Rate of growth Township 1980 1975 1970 1970-80 70-80 75-80 Fruitville 1360 1157 1056 304 2.9% 4.0% Crawford 3602 3056 2184 1418 5.7 4.3 Moyock 2567 2056 1369 1198 7.3 5.5 Poplar Branch 4524 3836 2931 1593 5.0 4.2 TOTAL 12053 10105 7540 4513 Graphically, growth patterns appear as follows: 5,000 4,500 4,000 3,500 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 1970 1975 1980 4 Currituck County has incurred a strong growth rate since 1970 which has added an estimated 4500 persons to the total population since 1970. The growth has been fairly evenly distribute throughout the County except in Fruitville Township, which has the smallest population as well as the slowest growth rate. Currituck County does get a substantial amount of seasonal visitors. (Approximately 25% of its peak population.) The Atlantic flyway and winter resting place for waterfowl and the well-known bass fishery of the Sound generate considerable early and late season tourism, as well as longer term seasonal residents in campgrounds and second homes. The effects of the increased seasonal population as well as the increased permanent population on land use and services are discussed in the sections on capacity, facilities and services. 5 ECONOMY and EMPLOYMENT Agriculture is the main economic activity within Currituck County due to the climate, soil conditions and the working habits of the people. The trend is increased value of agriculture products, with fewer farms, mechanization and specialization, and less tenancy. 1 Agricultural No. of farms 191 Ave. size of farms (acres) 283 Ave. value of land & bldgs. $180,771(per farm) Value of agric. prod. sold Crops $8,962,000 L/S Poultry 3,450,000 Forest prod. 20,000 TOTAL $12,432,000 Tenure of Operators Full owners 47% Part owners 38% Tenants 15% Estimated Farm Receipts Crop $10,478,585 L/S &Poultry 6,544,000 Forestry 414.000 TOTAL $17,436,585 1 Paul S. Stone, Coordinator, Center for Rural Resource Dev- elopment, North Carolina State University, 1979. 6 2 Farmland and Income Acres'of Karvest6d and Estimated Farm Income Idle Cropland 1965 38,714 $ 8,397,628 1966 38,699 7,794,928 1967 39,391 .6,795,621 1968 38,550 7p888,630 1969 39,580 9iO75,630 1979 39,154 6,621,000 1971 40,848 5,760,oob 1972 39,47i--. 7,1?3,000 19?3 43.109 11,123,000 1974 41,590 14,938,000 1975 38,914 13,013,000 1976 41,328 15,o46,ooo 1977 38,545 11,672,000 1978 4o,614 9,288,000 1979 41,500 12,432,000 Labor Force Total Labor @Force Rate Of Unemployment 1970 29'710 5-5% 1971 2,710 5-5% 1972 2,700 5.2% 1973 2,670 4.9% 1974 2,710 5.2% 1%75 2,720 6-3%. 1976 2,61o 6-5% 1977- 2,890 6.6% 1978 40660 3.9% Industrial Employment Total Manufacturing Other 1970 660 6o 600 1971 740 110 630 1972 780 120 660 1973 930 16o 770 1974 940 130 810 1975 ItO10 120 89.0 1976 1,98o 150 930 1977 :10110 180' 930 1,180 1.60 1,020 2 Office*of State'Budget and management, Profile, NC'Counti6s,1979. 3 Office of State Budget and Management 4 qffice of State Budget and Management ? Sales and Use Tax Gross Callections and Gross Retail Sales Fiscal Sales and Use Tax. Ret@lil Sales 1965-66 $ 9?t224 7043,601 1966-6? 95,987 8,029tO93 1967-68 1100,463 8,058,464 1968-69 .-,109,280 8,791,866 1969-?0 i14,754 9t182,794 138 , 1?4, llpl49,289 1970-71 1971-72 167t159 12,45?,525 1972-?3 212,BO6 17,205,298 1973-74 257-019 25,605,882 1974-75 298t9O7 34,084,482 1975-?6 362,394 35,103,924 1976-77 393t884 39t362,049 197?-78 473j650 40,292,764 1978-'79 547,412 40,168,364 6 Industry-New-and-Expanaea Cumulative Total for Investment Employees the Years (in 000s)' New Expanded New Expanded 196o-1964 $950 $6oo ?5 15 1965-1969 55 0 8 0 19?0-1974 @5 15 70 0 1975-19?9 0 0 0 0 5 Office of State Budget.and Management 6 Office of State Budget and Management 8 The majority of new growth in the County stems from the in-migration of persons who work in the Norfolk-Portsmouth area. In effect, the income to the County derived from taxes is from the property taxes of the "bedroom community" and the farms. The County is also experiencing an increase in the number of retired persons. Although industrial land use continues to be a small contributer of County income, the tourist industry continues to be a large source of income. The North Carolina Division of Tourism and Travel Promotion reports that receipts from travel expen- ditures during 1977 amounted to $2,619,000, and in 1978, the latest year figures were available, $2,918,000 came into the County. This amounts to about 21% of total retail income in the County. 9 EXISTING LAND USE The existing land'use map included in this report shows generally how the development (structures) are distributed throughout the Countye The purpose of this map is to indicate the scattered development pattern of the County, with strip development along major roads. This pattern emphasizes the diffi6u'lty of providing services in an economical manner to all residents of the County-, Pockets of development are'shown, especially trailer parks and growth cen-'Zers such as Moyock and Grandy, where public services are feasible with appropriate densities. Development of the Currituck Banks contir-@ues to progress slowly. Access problems, the state of the economy, and the speculative nature of many of the lot sales are probable causes. Furthermore, many lots were purchased by those who are waiting for retiremeiit before building. In 1979, Howard T. Capps. PA, completed a land use inventory of Currituck County at a scale of 1" =2000' which served as a basis for analysis of existing land use. On these maps are shown forested areas, agricultural uses, roads, water, marshes, and types of structures. Due to their size, they are not included in the report, although they are available for review at the County Building Inspector's office. Another source of land use information was obtained from the NASA satellite. Vie obtained color infrared photography of the County for 1979 from which we were able to determine extent of marshland,.forest resources, agricultural lands, and water turbidi 11 ty. Significant Land Use Compatibility Problems Many @ompatibil ity problems such as commercial or'indL2@;trial activities in residential areas have been alleviated by enforcement of-reg n ,ulations in the'zo'ing ordinance. Other compatibility problems are complaints about hog lots.about odors, removal of fill from the County (soil mining),-and mobile home development. These problems are discussed in Section V-Policy. Problems From Unplanned Development The primary land use problems in the County have arisen from high density mobile home.parks, and mobile home sub- divisions which have@been located in areas which were pre- viously agricultural. This growth'has occurrcd in a sprawl pattern which has made the provision of facilities and services difficult. Development has taken place in many'areas which are environmentaliy unsuitable (e.g. soils unsuitable for septic tanksp marshlandp productive rarmiand). 10. Areas Likely to Experience Major Land Use Changes Much land which could be considered marginal for develop- ment (e.g. wet soilso low-lying areao, marehes, shoreline areas) is being developed for residential use, especially for mobile-hoi-rie development. Some agricultural land is also being sold off so that profit can be made for residential development. There is also pressure for developmentof soundfront and C@Arrituck Banks property for retirement and second homes#- If the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Proposed Purchase of the Currituck Banks north of Corolla and associated wetlands is carried out, a major land use change will occur for that area. the area, which is presently platted with hundreds- of lots would be turned into a wildlife preserve. Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs) Currituck County has the following AECS within its boundaries: Ocean hazard areas, estuarine shoreline, estua.rine and public trust waters, and AEC wetlands. (For descriptions of these AEC'types see DNRCD State Guidelines for Areas of Environ- mental Concern-North Carolina Administrative Code, Subchapter 7H). The ocean hazard area of Currituck County occurs al6ng the Currituck Banks, a peninsula", jutting southward from Virginia into Dare County. The Banks are about 23 miles long and range in width from less than 2000 feet to more than one mile. Estuarine shoreline and waters of Currituck County include the Currituck So@And, Albemarle Sound, and parts of @he North and the Northwest Rivers. These waters total nearly two hundred square miles. Public trust waters in Currituck County include the,upper reaches of the North and Northwest Rivers, and a number of small'creeks(c.g, Tulls Creek, Landing Creek). Other water areas @iould incliido t11-Le Atlantic Ocean offshore from Currituck Banks to the seaward limit of State jurisdiction, and all other estua.rine waters. That is- public trust waters include all surface waters except those in privately-owned lakes up-stream of the.point of impoundment(e.g. farm ponds at the head of,a watershed). Approximately 40% of the County's geographic area is occupied by public trust water and subject to all regulations appertaining to such waters. Coastal wetland in Currituck County is extensive. The largest area of Coastal wetland occurs along the Currituck Banks (about 11iOOO acres.) Other areas include areas of Knotts Island within Makay Island Refuge , areas along the North and Northwest Rivers., the-western portion of Church@Island, and other area's as shown on the included AEC wetlands map. CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES AND REGULATIONS STATE AGENCY PLANS Transportation Improvement Program, 1980-19861 Prepared by the N.C. Department of Transportation ib'a statewide schedule of highway improvements to be undertaken during the seven year period 1980-1986. The following projects are proposed for Currituck Countyi Project R-5201 Widen existing two lane roadway of U.S. 15B to a four-lane (five-lane inc@'some areas) divided facility from Barco to Point ha:@bor..The project will include removal of existing Intraco 'astal Waterway bridge at Coinjock and replacement with a four-lane 65 foot high bridge. The project is planned for construction in fiSCELI year 1984, with a total cost of 34,0,00,000 dollars. In addition, project K-710 planned for fiscal year 1985 includes a rest area included with the R-520 improvements. Project W-711i NC 34 from .1 miles north of SR 1232 to Nc 168. Project includes construction of 2 foot paved shoulders on NC 34 and installation of side road warning signb.near NC 1234. Feasibility Study of State Acquisition of the Private Road From Dare County to Corolla, September 1, 1979. This study d'escribes the problems with public accessto Corolla from Dare County and the alternatives to this action. The conclusion reached was that the only financially feasible and environ' mentally sound action which could be undertaken in the near ft@ture was the State taking of the road from Duck to Corolla. An environmental impact analysis is currently underway to determine if significant environmental impacts will be expected from the proposed action. Statewide ComprehE@nsive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) The purpose of the SCORP is to compile and analyze the existing supply.of and demand for recreation facilities in the State. The SCORP analysis is by regions, and has no specific analysis for each County. Currituck County is in Region R, along with Camden, Chowan, Dare, Gates, Hyde, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington Counties. North Carolina Water Resources Framework Study: The Study was completed in 1977,by the North Carolina Department of'Natural and Economic Resources. The purpose of the @,tudy was to identify water resource needs for River Basins of North Carolina. Currituck County is in the Chowan-Pasquotank River Basin. Resources indicated for protection are: 1) Coastal Marshes in the County, 2) designation of the North River as a public fishing stream, and 3) establishment of a Yloyock'Cree'k small flood control project 4) designation od a wooded swamp conservation area along Northwest River. 12 LOCAL PLANS Outer Banks Developmpnt".Plan (1973)1 This plan discusses development of the Outer @anks and recommends 1) protection of the marshes and dune systems, 2) State acquisition of historic and recreation sites, 3) "cluster" design schemes and water and sewer utilities in new developments, and 4) ferry access from the mainland. Communitv FacilitiesiPlan (1973): This plan contains an inven- tory and analysis:,of existing community facilities and makes estimates of future needs based upon anticipated population growth and planned land use patterns. County Development Guide (1974)1 The Guide designates future land use in various areas as Residential, Employment, Agri- cultural Production,@Timbpr Production or Conservation. The Guide proposes a limited access scenic coastal highway through the County. Initial access to the Banks is to be provided by a ferry across from Aydlett and Corolla. Feasibility Study on Water and Sewer Facilities(1974)i This study explores requirements, cost estimates, and proposes a financing plan for@,water and sewer utilities for the Banks and Yiainland.through@ 1990. Currituck County Schools Viaster Plan (1974): The Plan out- lines school constru ction needs during the period 1975-1985- Currituck County Economic Development Plan (1975)1 This plan analyzes population,growth and the County economy and proposes recommendations to improve the economy: 1) formulate policies concerning the deveiopment of County facilities and services 2) establish a County Recreation Commission and create a Recreation Department within county government 3) establish an economic development commission 4) create an expanded vocat.ional education program within the County school system. Currituck County Land Use Plan(1976): This Plan was prepared to meet State regulations of the 1974 Coastal Area Kanagement Act.The Plan included background material and analyses, and identified land use issues and discussed alternative solut- ions to solving land use related problems. HUD 701 Planning Progra (19?6): This program compiled a list of potential projects fo.-@, the County which indicated project purpose, sponsor, benefits and assistance. -A Fiscal Im@act Ass essment of Development on the Currituck Tanks k1979) i This report, detailsthe likely. fiscal impacts (the public costs of serving development contrasted with the potential tax revenue that would be generated) on Currituck County if the Outer Banks are developed (and preserved) 'in different ways. 13 FEDERAL Draft Environmental Imoac't Statement of the Proposed National Wildlife Refuge on t@e Currituck Outer Banks(1979)t The Draft Statement discusses the proposal of the Fish and Wild- life Service to-protect and preserve,approximately 15,880 acres of Barrier Beach in Currituck County. Alternatives are addressed, as well as the ecological impacts of present and proposed development along with the projected socioeco- nomic implications-if acquisition were to occure- Maintenance of the Intracoastal Waterway: The Army Corps of Engineers is working with the State in the proposed bridge replacement in Coinjock. The Corps has held in abeyance plans for maintenance of project depth of the Intracoastal Water- way through Currituck,County due to problems in determining suitable sites for dredged disposal. LOCAL-LAND USE REGULATIONS The land use regulations listed below are in effect in Currituck County: Zoning-Ordinance: The entire county is covered by the ordinance. The-ordinance separates the County into districts and regulates and restricts the use of land, buildings, and structures within these districts. Subdivision Regulations: The regulations govern the arrange- ment of lots and streets in new subdivisions, and the pro- vision of improvements. Building Permits: The)County has adopted the State Building Code and enforces,the Code through the services of a full time building inspector. SeDtic Tank Permitsi@Septic tank permits are required by the County before on-lot sewage disposal systems can be.used. Flood Protection: Provision for flood protection is incorpor- ated in the zoning ordinance, The ordinance requires proposed new construction or substantial improvements to be designed to prevent flood damage and that utilities be designed to prevent flood damage., Ordinance Regulatfng, Restricting, and Prohibiting the Use of Power Driven Vehicles on the Outer Banks Barrier Strandi This Ordinance, passed in 1977, regulates the use of power driven vehicles on on public property, and regulates their speed and manner of operation. 14 STATE LICENSES AND PERMITS Agency Lice nses and Permits Department of Natural Resources and@Community Permits to discharge to surface Development waters or operate waste water Division of Environmental Management treatment plants or oil discharge permits; NPDES Permits, (G.S. 143- 215) Permits for septic tanks with a capacity over 3000 gallons/day (G.S. 143-215.3). Permits for withdrawal of surface or ground waters in capacity use areas (G.S. 143-215.15). Permits for air pollution abate- ment. facilities and sources (G. S. 143-215. 108). Permits for construction of com- plex sources; e.g. parking lots, subdivisions, stadiums, etc. (G.S. 143-215.109). Permits for construction of a well over 100,000 gallons/day (G.S. 87- 88). Department of Naiural Resources and Permits to dredge and/or fill in Community Development estuarine waters, tidelands, etc. Office of Coastal Management (G.S. 113-229). Permits to undertake development in Areas of Environmental Concern (G.S. '113A-118 NOTE: Minor development permits are issued by the local government. Department of Natural Resources and Permits to alter or construct a Community D6v6lopment dam (G.S. 143-215.66). Division of Earth Resources Permits to.mine (G.S. 74-51). Permits to drill an exploratory oil or gas well (G.S. 113-381). Permits to conduct geographical QL@ exploration (G.S. 113-391). 15 Sedimentation erosion control plans for any land disturbing activity of over one contiguous acre (G.S. 113A-54). Department of Natural Resourcs and Permits to construct an oil refine: Community Development Secretary of NRCD Department of Administration Easements to fill where lands are proposed to be raised above the normal high water mark of navigabl waters by filling (G.S. 146.6(c)). Department of Human Resources, Approval to operate a solid waste disposal site or facility (C.S.130 166.16). Approval for construction of any public water supply facility that serves at least 15 connectic for year-round residences or 25 or more year-round residents. 16 FEDERAL LI.CENSES AND PERMITS Agency Licenses and Permits Army Corps of Engineers Permits required under Sections 9 .(Department of Defense) and 10 of the Ri,..-,,ers and Harbors of 1899; permits' to construct in n4vigable waters. Permits required under Section 103 of the Marine Protection,*Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972. 7 Permits required under Section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972; permits to undertake dredging and/or filling activities. Coast Guard Permits for bridges, causeways, (Department of Tran sportation) pipelines over navigable waters; required under the General Bridge Act of 1946 and the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. Deep water port permits. Geological Sur-ve@y - Permits required for off-shore Bureau of Land Management drilling. (Department of Interior) - Approval.s of OCS pipeline corridor rights-of-way. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Licenses for siting, construction and operation of nuclear power plants; required under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and Title 11 of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Permits for construction, operation and maintenance of interstate pipe- line's facilities required under the Natural Gas Act.of 1938. Orders of interconnection of elec- tric transmission facilities under Section 202(b) of the Federal Powe.r Act. 17 Permiision reqUtred for abandonment of natural gas pipeline and asso- ciated facilities under Section 7C (b) of the Natural Gas Act of 1938. Licenses for non-federal hydro- electric projects and associated transmission lines under Sections 4 and 15 of the Federal Power Act. CONSTRAINTS; LAND SUITABILITY Section II Hazard Area: Man-Made Currituck County leases from the State a large tract of land on US158 and SR1244. This property includes a concrete air strip. Plans are being made to designate this area for industrial development. The County landfill at this site is under study for expansion. Potential groundwater pollution will be determined before the State will permit expansion. Hazard Areas: Natural Soils: The soils in Currituck County are generally unsuitable for septic systems. However, there are varying degrees of unsuitability, and the areas of unsuitability are site specific and depend on the level of detail used for planning purposes. The mapping of soils presented in this plan follow the detailed soil mapping units and the recommendations for their use limitations by the US Soil Conservation Service. 7 Mainland Soil Unit Depth to Rating Reason Water Table Altavista fine sandy loam 1.5-2.5 severe wet,floods Ballahack fine sandy loam 0-1 " " Barclay very fine sandy 1. 1.5-2.5 " " Bertie fine sandy loam 1-2 " " Bibb fine sandy loam 0-1 " " Cape fear loam 1/2-1 " " Marshland 0-1 " " Conetoe loamy sand 6 slight - Dare Muck 0-1 severe wet,floods Dogue fine dandy loam 0-21/2 " wetness Dorvan soils 0-1/2 " wet,floods Dragston fine sandy loam 0-1 " wet,ground- water conta Hyde loam 1/2-1.5 " wet,floods Johnston mucky loam 0-1.5 " " Nixonton silt loam 3-5 moderate wet Ogeechee fine sandy loam 0-1 severe wet Pasquotank silt loam 1-2 " " Ponzer muck 0-1 " wet,floods Portsmouth fine sandy loam 0-1 " wet Roanoke fine sandy loam 0-1 " wet,floods State fine sandy loam 6 slight " Wando loamy sand 6 severe inadequate filtration Wahee fine sandy foam 0-1 severe wet,floods Wasda muck 0 " wetness Weeksville silt loam 0-1 " Wickham fine sandy loam 5 slight Rumford loamy sand 6 " - U.S. Soil Conservation Service, Soil Survey of Currituck Co. 19 Currituck Banks flood Beach-foredune Beach 0-3 v.severe Foredune 6 wet, poor Corolla fine sand severe filtering Corolla 'Duckston 1-3 Duneland 6 severe unstable Currituck 0-3. v,severe wet,flood poor, Newha n fine sand 6 slight filtering It is apparent that few suitable so'ils exist either on the mainland or the banks for on-lot sewage disposal without potential'for health-or environmental degredation. Even the more suitable soils pose special problems due to their extreme permeabilityLwhich.will allow effluent to enter the groundwater or adjacent water bodies, By overlaying -the map showing past residential growth with the map showing soils suitable for septic Sy3tems, we notice that past growth utili7,ed many of the more suitable soilsi However, present and future growth will probably utilize many of the more marginal and unsuitable soils. Furthermore, the past growth was generally rural residential and occurredat distances furtherest from the Sound, whereas future growth is likely to be commuter residential and recreational, and occur near the Sound. GROUNDWATER SYSTEM Surficial clay, sand, and gravel deposits of post-Miocene age extend-over the entire County. The surficial deposits range in thickness from about 30 feet in the northern part to about 110 feet along the North River in the southern part of the cou'nty,, Sand ridges are c-onspicuous topographic' features. The surf,icial deposits are underlain throughout the.county by the upper Miocene Yorktown formation. This formation consists of clays, sands, shells and limestones, The Yorktown formation generally increases in thickness progressively in the direction. of its stratigraphic dip to the southeast. The Ndocene units thicken from about 660 feet in the western part of the County to more' than 800 feet at Church-Island. Miocene sediments are underlain [email protected] throughout the County by the Beaufort Formation of,the Paleocene Age. The water level in the surficial sands is generally I foot to 8@ feet below the land surface. North of Aydlett, water from the water.table 'aquifer discharges.directly into Currituck Sound from a peat bed at the -base of the cliff formed by the Aydlett "Narrow Shore Ridge." Moore,.Gardner and Associates, Inc. Report on Currituck County Comprehensive Study as to Population, Economy and Water and Sewerage Requirements to 1990, 1970. Water in the Yorktown upper and lower aquifers occurs under artesian candit.ions.(Water under some pressure)The surface of the Yorktown upper aquifer ranges from about 15 feet in the northwestern part of the County to about 5-10 feet along most of the Pungo-Powells Point Ridge to mean sea level a-long the sounds and major rivers. This surface is slightly below mean sea level.in the pumping area of influeiice in the cone of depression near Moyock. It is about @-14 feet below the surface at Point Harbor. Annual fluctuations of water levels in the Yorktown upper aquifer are not nearly as large as in the overlying water- table aquifer. The surfacij*of the groundwater aquifer is highest in September-October and lowest in Mdrch-May. Aquifers Potable water is obtained from the water table aquifer and However the Yorktown the Yorktown aquifer throughout the County. lower aquifer is utilized for domestic water supplies only in the southern part of the County. Surficial sands of the water- table aquifer furnish more water to wells in the county, and in particular the' central and southern pa;.,ts of the County, than any other aquifer. Wells range in depth from 3 to 40 feet, and yield from 2 to 10 9pm. Quality of Groundwater .In Currituck Gountyj fresh ground water can be obtained in most aXeas fr 'om the water table aquifer and the Yorktown upper aquifer and in some areas the Yorktown lower aquifer. Much -of this water contains objectionable amounts of iron or hardness-causing constituents, but water which is satisfactory for most purposes is available in a few localities. Water Table Aquifer the least The water -table aquifer will generally contain, mineralized water in Currituck County. Sums of 'dissolved mineral constituents vary from about 35 to 1,000 PPm, but most water tables contain less than 500 ppm total dissolved solids. Chloride co,ncentrations in the.aquifer range from 4-5 to 316 ppm, and are less than 100 ppm. except in some areas adjacent to the brackish Hardness rivers and sounds. Iron ranges from -@05 to 15 PPm- -table as calcium carbonate ranges from 8 to 621 ppm. Many water wells yield water whi*ch is classified as soft. These soft waters are from localized sandy -zones that contain little shell material and no real pattern of areal distribution can be established for them. Yorktown-Upper Aq ifer The chemical quality of the ground water in the upper Yorktown ,aquifer in Currituck County is not,uniform. Sums of dissolved mineral constituents ranged from 187 to 1,620 ppm. Chloride ;concentrations range from 12 to 818 ppm. Iron ranges,from .01 to 6.4 ppm. Hardness as calcium carbonate ranged from 78 to 524.. 21, Yorktown Lower Aquifer Few wells are known to produce water from the Yorktown Lower Aquifer in Currituck County. Fresh water can'probably be obtained. from this aqu ifer throughout most of the County. Beaufort Aquifers No wells are known to produce water from the Beaufort aquifers in Currituck-County. It is b6lieved that there is no possibility of obtaining fresh wat.er''from these water-bearing zones. Surficial water is not avallab16 in sufficient quantities to be considered a sourIce of sup-ply in Currituck County.- At the present time, the cost of-treating brackish water such as the North Ri e S) or Currituck Sound'remainshigh.($1.00 to $2.00 per 1000 gallon Pdtable water is bbtainable from the watsr table aquifero.an@d the Yorktown aquifer throughout the County. The aquifer at Shawboro appears to be the best source for a proposed County water supply system, since-sufficient quantity is available, as, well as relatively low chlorides. Test wells'show that the chloride content of water from deep wells lessens from the north part of the County to the south.11 Most private''wells,in the County rely on the surficial aquifer. Since densities remain low in the County, and yearly rain--@ fall about 50 inches per year, surficial aouifer'recharge is generally sufficient for private wells* However, due to the use of shallow wells,'groundwater contamination from on-lot sewage disposal systems is a problem, especially in denser areas. In growing areas such as Moyock and Grandy, a public water system will probably be required in the next ten to twenty years. r The figure on page 24,"Relation of the 'dater Table-to PhysiQgraphic Features," indicates,areas on the Currituck Beach Barrier Spit as. having 7.4 and-8-5 feet %v@Lter table above Mean sea level. Their location's are possible sources of water table well fields.12 9 River and Associates.p Greenville, NC. 10 Moore, Gardner and Associates, P-13 Office of Water Resources' @2 Moore., Gardner:,and Associates, Figure 5- 22 The surficial a(; 'uifer on the Currituck Banks is recharged by rainfall. It is estil'nated"that precipitation in excess of potential evapotranspiration losses, results in about 20 inchas of surplus water. Because runoff.is negligible, all of this water is used to charge the groundwater system, The,amount of recharge is consider- able if one considers'the theoretical amount of water the rainfall reoresehts. Twenty inches of r.Pcharae, falling over the 9000 acres of the Banks is about 5 billion gallons or on a daily average,. about 14 million gpd. The recharge water is,however, relatively thinly layered. Extensive horizontal collector3 are required to obtain sufficient pumping for 'more than single unit systems.,The Ocean Sands development, utilizing horizontal cy@lectors has been shown 'to pump over 200gpm for a 24 hour period. The major problem in using th,,! shallow well horizontal system is the potential which exists for contamination from on-lot sewage disposal-systems or other contaminants such as from an oil soill or other chemical material entering the sUrface aquifer. Such'systems are only feasible if larre amounts of space are left openfor groundwater recharge and prevention of contamination. Wells'drilled deep (100'-300 ft.) by the North Carolina Office'of Water Resources have shown availability of water in large quantities in the Duck area. Chloride contents are hi-h, ran-ing,from,680ppm C:) at 120 ft. to 4000ppm. at 300 ft.. The maximum standard for chlorides is 250PPm- Under certain development circumstance , potabl-e water can be obtained from de-salination of such water@@(Ocracoke, for example has such a system, but costs are high at'$2.00 per 1000 gal.) 13 DNRCP. Office of Water Resources .14 DNRCD,. Office of Water Resources, 23 W @o I R G I N I A Oll CURR T Urf, 10 ip 15 -4/ A C M D E N PASOUOTA@K EL AgE T. -71@ lol@I IL PE-('UlM4NS c .0 5 J' /0 - ..... 6@ -leoll S 0 AID is L C L RELATION OF THE WATER TABLE TO PHYSIOGRA FEATURES Slopes The Currituck mainland is --I enerally flat Rising gradually toward the J north and west, it variesIin elevation between sea level and about .25 feet. The Curritu'ck'Danks have a mean elevation of,about six feet, bu.t a few of the.dunes @ise' a.bo*ve '70 feet. Less than ten percent Sf the County's area occurs in gradients of more than two percent. 16 Fragile Areas Areas defined as Areas of Environmental Concern (AIECs) by the State are fragile areas in Cur'tltuck County. These areas include ocean haza-rd areas, estaurine shor.eline, estuarine and public trust waters and AEC wetlands in Currituck County. (See Section I, p. 11 for ''general location of ar(@as and Section V regarding policy). Other areas.considered fragile, but are not designated as AEC are discussed below. The Outer Banks: Sand Dunes, Ocean Beaches, Shoreline Sand dunes,are barren, partly vegetated deposits of windblown sand. Although the largest, so-called barrie-r dunes, occur immediately inland from the ocean beach, dunelands (lands influen*ced by windblown sand deposition) extend from the inland base of -the barrier dunes to the line of estuarine water on the sound side. Dunes and dunelands comprise-a major portion of the Outer Banks and barrier islands and constitute a protective marshes and mainland. barrier between the.ocean and the sounds, Although dunes and dunelands are found along the entire coastr the largest dunes occur in Dare and Currituck Counties. ocean apd estuarine beaches and shorelines occur along the entire coast. These are land areas without vegetation, consisting of unconsolidated soil material that extends landward from the mean low tide to a point'where veg'etation occurs or there is a distinct change in pred@mlnant soil particle size oi@ there is a change in slope or elevation which alters the physiographic land form, and thus constitutes the transition into dunes or wetlands. The Outer Banks portion of Currituck County is a slim, elongated penninsula jutting southward from Virginia Beach into Dare County. Slightly less than 8800 acres -in area, they a-re 23 miles, long and range in width from less than 2,000 feet to more than one mile. Approximately 6,000 years old, the banks were the product of wind and sand and water. Theories concerning their was origin vary. They may have been born when a mainland ri-3 surrounded by,rising se-a levels. it is possible that they were generated by the elongation of a coastal sand spit. Another, possibility is that they were fotmed by the gradual rise of an ,offshore bar. However, it is clear that they envolved into a shifting string of barrier isla nds. 15 North Carolina Department of Conservation and Development, Land Potential Study, Currituck County, 11G, 1966, P- 15- 16 c-@North*Carolina DNRCD, Currituck County Land Use Plan, 1976. The CurriLuck'Banks are composed of highly mobile sand particles. Constantly eroded and redeposited by the forces of wind and moving water, the particles form a matrix of shifting beaches, dunes, sand hills, plains, and wetlands, Though the strand's mean elevation,is only si;@, feet above sea level, a number of the migrating hills tower @5 feet above their surroundings. Inlets have periodically pierced CurriEuick's length, only to be reclosedr by sands setting from longshore currents. Still evident on the banks is oceanic overwash, a process which drives them slowly landward. Vegetation is,the stabilizing element i'n this dynamic environment. Grasses, shrubs, and scrub forest tracts capture the migrating.sands, and the plants' root, systems stabilize the porous soils; reinforcing dune systems. The plants' distribution is governed by wind e:@posure, water supply, and the sands' nutrient supply and.salt content, Currituck 6ound Because of its biological importance, Currituck Sound deserves special attention here., The sound covers approximately 166 square miles. It is of very low salinity and is fringed with marsh. land. Formerly sa-line, it haLs become a fresh water body since the closing'of the Currituck Banks in the 1800's. An extensive'and productive bass fishery has developed, and its marshes are a critical link in the Atlantic Flyway, providing food for great numbers of migratory water-fowl. It is probably the most productive hunting and fishing area in North Carolina, and it serves as"a rookery for many shore birds. It is fed by the Northwest and North Rivers,. numerous farm drainage ditches, and by Virginia's Back Bay. It receives much swamp drainage. Much of this influx is slightly acid dnd low in oxyqen. The sound and its mar'ahes form a complex community of inter- dependent plants and organisms in an aquatic-environment. Through an intricate system of cycles, the community members share vital resources such as nutrients and energy. The sun is the ultimate energy source, while decaying marsh vegetation and water grasses are the supplier of nutrients. The mechanism through which nutrients and energy are shared is the -food chain. Plants utilize the sun's energy, in the formation of organic matter. These plants are in turn eaten by herbivorous animals, while flesh-eating carnivores occupy the final links in th8 chain. Enetgy.flows through the system in only one direction. Thus the sound community requires a continuous input of sunlight. Nutrients,'however,.must often be recycled. Decay organisms, primaril.y bacteria and fresh water worms, provide this feed back mechanism, breaking down organic debris into forms utilized by the' plant community. 26:. Currituck is a very special sound. It is.low in salinity. It is not affected by lunar tides. And it is very shallow. This 'uniqueness,/'however, makes it especially vulnerable to external influences. The sound has been abused'and has reacted accordingly. Extensive dredging has inducbd high turbidity and.harmf'ul siltation in.its waters. Sporadic wind tides are insufficient to flush this turbidity from the sound and serve only to resuspend settled si 'lt, thus increasing the water's murkiness. The sound's all important grasses' ha*ve been adversely affected. Salt water is an eff.ective remedy for excessive-turbidity, floculating suspended sediments and causing them to settle to the bottom. Thus,@'many.persons have advocated returning the sound to a saline condition. These persons-also contend that 6 salt@,sound would be a greater benefit to the Currituck County economy. Complex Natural Areas Complex n.atural areas are lands that support native plant and animal communities and provide habitat conditions or characteristics that have remained essentially unchanged by human activity. Such areas are surrounded by landscapes that have been-modified but that do.not drastically alter the conditions within the natural areas or their scientific or educational value.' Compdex natural areas provide the few remaining examL-.les of condi'tions that existed within the coastal area prior to settlement by Western man. Often these.natural areas provide habitat conditions suitable for rare or endangered species br they support plant-and animal communities representative of pre-settlement 'Conditions. These areas help provide an historical perspective to changing natural conditions in the coastal area and together are important and irreplaceable scientific and-educational resources. In a broad but real sense, most of Currituck County is a complex natural area: the vast expanse of water, the Outer Banks, the wetlands. Coastal wetlands (fresh marshes) are @discussed elsewl@ere in this'report:'this section deals with two other wetland types, bogs and wooded swamps. A close relationship exists'between these lands and the areas that sustain remnant species (discussed bel *ow) for the swamps and, bogs are the preferred--indeed, necessary--habitat for many [email protected] endangered plant and.animal-species. 27 Bog land, nearly 14,000 acres of it, occurs in the northwest corner of the,;'county and extends into Camden County. Nomen- clature is confusing for the bog is known as the Dismal Swamp (wooded swamps are-disc 'ussed below). Bog land is the result of poor drainage. Large areas of the Dismal Swamp are higher in elevation than the surtounding land, but,the high water retention capabilities of the soil and the lack of sufficient drainage ways have acted to create the wetland. Bog soils are usually moist.to water-logged and aj@e often flooded in the winter. Over time, bogs become overlaid with a layer of organic soil formed by decaying plants and plant materials. It is not uncommon for fallen trees to become embedded in the muck. With proper drainage, bog land can be converted to fertile farm land, although the range of'suitability for crops is somewhat limited. Some tracts of bog in Currituck are being drained and converted to farm land or to more extensive use as timber land. Principal tree species include pond pine and loblolly pine. It is probable that much-of,the existing bog 1and in the county will-be used for one of these two purposes in the future. Bog used for timber land under intensive manaqement could still provide refuge for the big game, deer and bear, founa in the county. However, bog converted to agricultural use would have less value for wildlife purposes: in fact, it would be deleterious to certain wildlife communities, particularly deer and bear. Wooded swamps in the county cover approximately 22,0 00 acres in the lowlying areas bordering the streams and water course.s. The largest swamp areas adjoin the North River. They are ofte n flooded, especially in the winter, by more ,Ihan a foot of water. These areas tend to dry up during the'growing �,easons, when growing plants greatly increase the demand for, the available water, The dense shade of trees (gum, cypress, and oak) growing 'in the swamps. restricts the growth of aquatic plants that serve as food for ducks and muskrats. Because swamps lie in what is usually termed flood plain areas, they have very little potential usefulness as agricultural lands. They serve as refuge areas for a variety of wildlife and are excellent areas for growing certain types of timber. Modern engineering practices make it possible to fill swamps and convert such land to other uses, but the expense is very great and there is little demand for filling swamp land. Currituck will probably retain its swamp land intact for many years to come. In time, it is probable that swamps will be managed much more extensively for timber purposes than they have been in Ithepast. The land will continue to provide -,refuge for wildlife in keeping with its present function. More intensive forest management is not likely to decrease the value of swamps for wildlife. With some planning, proper forestry practices could actually enhance their usefulness as rbfug.e areas. 28 Areas that Sustain Remnant'Species Areas that sustain remnant species are those places that support native plants or animals, rare or endangered, within the'coastal area. Such places provide habitat conditions necessary for the survival of existing populations or communities of rare or endangered species within the county. The continued survival of certain native plants and animals in the coastal area that are now rare or endangered cannot be assured unless the relatively few well defined areas providing necessary habitat conditions are protected from development or land Uses that might alter these conditions. These habitats and the species they support are a valuable educational and scientific resource. The North C-arolina Endangered Species Committee, convened by the Department of Natural and Economic Resources,'@as compiled a list of endangered plants and animals in North Carolina. The list provides a knowledge of those plant and animal species in North Carolina that are threatened with extinctior.,,... In many'cases, such as the Venus Fly-trap, Shortia and the alligator, these are species that lend character to our state and that should never be allowed to disappear from our native flora and fauna. In some.cases, the threats to-the species are not related to man's activities.. In others, however, through his destruction of the species' habitat., man is inadvertantly dooming the.species to extinction. By identifying species so endangpred,-,and by identifying projects and actions that thre0aten the species' habitat, State agencies should be able to develop action programs to protect the species and insure, their perpetuation. In addition, many of these species are especially useful as.living monitors of environmental quality in our state and itris important that they be protected for that reason. (See Appendix A for listing.) Productive and Unique Agricultural Land- Corn, soybeans, and hogs are presently the county's principal agricultural out.puts and are likely to remain so in view of the constantly increasing demand for them. Soils in the north central part of the county, and in the northwest section adjacent to the.Dismal Swamp are particularly well.suited to soybean, corn, and Irish potatoe production. Since the Dismal Swamp is actually a bog (a wetland with a highly organic muck soil), there would be an-excellent crop potential if partg of it were drained and converted to agricul- tural use. Muck soils, when properly drained and prepared, can qive very,high yields of.corn and soybeans. 29 The Pandy loa'm soils in the areas stretching from Barco, near the middle of the peninsula, to Point Harbor, at the southern tip,, are quite suitable for growing vegetables and fruits. The most important of these crops were snapbeans, peachest cabbage,' cantaloupes,.cU*'cumbers,,sweet corn,-tomatoes.and water- melons. The ',comm.ercial acreage planted in these crops is' 6xpected to decrease because of labo.r and marketing conditions. Growing and marketing fresh produce is one of the main 'Many residents commercial retail*:enterprises in the county. have taken aavAntage of the busy tourist flow to and from the Dare County outer banks during the summer season and have erected small roadside produce stands from which they sell produce at retail prices. Often the grower-seller can more than,double the return for his crop by retailing it himself rather than by selling it to produce buyers. The gross return from truck crops is almost equal to that of either soybeans or corn. However, the acreage used for truck crop production is less than one-fifth the amount used for the two major crops. Agricultural workers-and. farmers expect a modest increase in the production of truck crops in Currituck for roadside marketing. The main.reason is that the available market is relatively unlimited. As it is current 'ly operated, the market serves primarily tourists andIocal residents. Very few farmers sell their produce to commercial wholesalers, and very little contract farming i@ don'e. Contract farming offers the best possibilities for a large increase in commercial truck crop production. if vegetable,processing is begun in the �eneral region of which-Currituck is a part then tarmers in the county might find it profitable to enter into contractual arrangements to help provide part of the needed vegetable supply. At the.present'time, however, the acreage devoted to these crops will"probably increase as a function of the increase in tourist traffic using the county. Potentially_Valuable Mineral Sites The mineral resources of Currituck County are few. Small quantities of titanium oxide, used in paint man'ufacture occur along the shore of the Currituck and Albemarle Sounds. Because of their small quantity and low grade, they "iave,not attracted commercial interests. There are large quantities of peat in the Dismal Swamp area. Recent interest in the u-se of peat for energy source could, cause future-interest in its use. (See Section V, Pol.icy).. The County has benn experiencing the removal of soil materials for use.in other arease This mining activity is a County concern. (See Sbction V, Policy). .30 Publicly Owned Forests,@Parks, etc. The 7,000 acre Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge is located on Knott's Island in the Currituck Sound. It is owned and operated by the Bureau of Sports Fisheries and Wildlife 'of the U. S. Depar'tm..eq-t of the Interior. The North Carolina Wildlif'e Resources Commission operates7the North River and Northwest,River Wildlife Management Areas on leased land. These occupy several thousand acres of land. The Commission also operates two water access (boat launching) areas: one near.Corolla on the Sound side of the Outer Banks; -the other at Coinjock. There are several commercial camping grounds in the county and numerous duck blinds. -The County itself operates no recreation facilities other than those'which are part of its public school property. Historic Sites The Twin Houses at Shawboro, the Currituck Beach Liahthouse at Corolla an the Currituck Banks, and the County Court- house and Jail are listed on the National Register of historic Places.(See Appendix B for additional'historic sites.) I? Recreational Opportunity Without having a county'. recreatiorx departmen't, a- considerablet amount of public recreatiork 'Service's are;- provided irl the@ county.' A significant Community Schools program Is @rovided by thEr. Board of Education@ Jointly'funded by the Stater, 8oard of Education. budget,. and-other. county funds,.. programs- ara-,held at all'publiQ schools.in the'county, and include thesfollowing activitiest, Adult Basketball - 4 gyms Adult Slimnastics Crafts, including ceramics, flower arranging, macrame, -crocheting, quilting,.needlepoint and flower making, 3 - Dart, photography and cake decorating. Interior Decorating Disco and square dancing. Youth Baseball (Community Schools pays umpires and field maintenance), T-Ball and Babe Ruth Leagues. Day Camp (Free lunch provided.), summer rogram. Knott's Island Elementary School, ; days,'5 dayg/wk.'' G.riggs Elementary School, 12 days, 2 days /wk.' High School, 3 days per week Open Gym Program. Sundays at H.S. and Moyock Elementary. Gymnastics for school children )7 Coastal Consultants, Ltd. and Ronald D. Johnson, Recreat- ion and-ODen Space, Currituck County, 1980. 3 In addition. schools are available for rent by community groups. No charge is made when there is "school or county benefit." The program director reports they attempt to do small things widely. rather than conduct large programs ata central location. He reports that boys and girls are in all school-sponsored prog- rams and that there is good non-white participation. The Agricultural Extension program in the county appears to provide more recreation-related services than most. The most unique of these is the operation of the Coleman Youth Camp. Seen by some as a 4-H camp, no restrictions are placed on participation. Children are bussed from their home areas alternating transportation between north and south county routes. Children can attend with private transportation also. An attendance of 5,000 was reported for 1979. Lifeguards are hired by the County. Through the good will of the camp owner, the county enjoys a cost-free lease until 1985. Taxes continue to be paid on the property. Facilities at the camp, which is located near Moyock, include two tennis courts, a swimming area, recreation hall, and a rather poor boat ramp used for canoe launching only. A horsemanship ring is pro- vided, lessons are offered. County residents are reportedly free to use the area at other than day camp times. The camp is located on the North West River, across from the state gameland. Seven staff members are employed during the summer. The 4-H Ski and Outing Club, now a family activity, is unique. Other farm and home improvement and 4-H activities typical to Ag. Extension are also provided. The program is jointly financed by federal, state and county government. A four-county library system operates in the county, with a facility located near the high school. The county pays for utilities, maintenance and salaries for three full time staff, one of whom operates the bookmobile. The staff conducts a story hour and summer program consisting of movies, reading program and puppet shows an average of 30 elementary students attend once a week. The meeting room receives extensive use by Agricultural Extension and other groups. Including uses for art exhibits, 4-H sewing, needlepoint, writers workshops, craft workshop, Girl Scout training, self defense classes, and senior citizen clubs. The librarian reports circulation between 30,000 and 40,000 per year. Ruritan Clubs in the county are reportedly very active, several churches have adjacent ba11 fields and basketball standard (although some are very poorly maintained), and Currituck Athletic Association and an adult softball assoc- iation function in the county. Inventory of Public and Commercial Recreation Places 20 recreation facilities, and additional support businesses, were listed in the September 1979 bulletin, "Welcome to Currituck County." Except for the Coleman Youth Camp, facilities listed cater primarily to non-residents. The Maple Picnic area is a highway rest stop. School grounds are not included in the list. (See Appendix C for list.) 32 In addition to facilities.listed, Currituck County owns a "de, immediately north of Corolla 30 acre strip, 400 feet wi stretching from Sound to Atlantic Ocean. On the sound side,.- there is very little land not.fronted by marsh. The county also owns.40 acres of marsh *at Ocean Hill, and approximately four acres of scattered lots inWhalehead, south of Corolla. One lot was deeded to the county by the Coastland Corporation. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission reports licen'sin*g 7-37 waterfdw-1 hunting blinds on the sound; hunt clubs have additional blinds. tMost hunting access is by boat across the sound. Deed restrictions imposed on the NCWRC at the time of acquisition of Poplar Branch Access Area require provision of slips for use by guides. 3oth CD fishing and hunting guides use the 37.slips. To many, the state ferry operating between Clurrituck and Knott's Island is a recreational facility, use of which is worth a detour. To others, the free ferry provides access to recreation (hunting or fishing) on Knott's Island. The ferry operator reDorts near maximum use from tMemorial Day through Labor Day. 23 miles of ocean beaches are also public property below the mean hioh water mark. Issues related to this are dis cussed later in the report.- The Twin Houseaat Shawboro, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse,. the County Jail and Courthouse are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and are recreation resources. (See App@kndix B for-. additional. hiataric sites.) County Expenditures for Public Recreation The Fiscal Year' 1979 1980 codnty budget included items for, the following: Library: P29, 459 Community Schoolsi 11,028. Camp Coleman Operationsi 5,00.0- Rebuild Pier: 2.500. Total: :@'47.987- oome may question including the library budget within recre- ation expendituresi none can argue about the significance of leisure time spent reading. The county has previously funded other recreation-rplated projects. Funds were'provided for ball*field-lights at the Knott's Island Elementary School. A year ago, the.county. matched a state grant to the county arts council. 18 Privately Owned Conservation Areas Swan Island Hunt Club- The Swan Island Hunt Club was recently purchased by the Nature Conservancy. It consists of 812 acres of beach and dune, with a conservation easement on the remaining 5095 acres of shoal and marsh. The clubhouse on an island in the Sound remains in private ownership. Monkey Island- Monkey Island Tract was the second of the recent purchases by the Nature Conservancy. It is an un- developed tract of about 775 acres. Pine Island Area- This involves the southern four miles of the Currituck Banks. Primary ownership includes private owners and the National Audubon Society. 18 U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, Draft Environmental Impact Statement of the Proposed National Wildlife Refuge on the Currituck Outer Banks, 1980.pp.173-74. 34 COMMUNITY FACILITIES iSection I Water and 3'ewer -Service Currituck County owns and maintains one community water Lind sewer system in Ocean' Sands subdivision on the Currituck Banks. This system, however, is restricted to that particular development at the present time. Other developments using a Cpackage type system" are the prison unit at IMaple, and the public schools. Other thaan Ocean-Sands, the water well systems throughout the County are private. The use ainountsof the systems and 0 19 approximate persons served are listed bel w. . Use Persons Griggs Elementary School 4500gpd 300 Central,Elementary 6500gpd 430 Knotts Island K-8 2000gpd 130 Moyock Elementary 4500gpd 300 J.P. Knapp Jr. High 6000gpd 4oo Cur,rituck High 10000gpd 650 Tulls Bay Colony 2000gpd 50 Universal Park 100000gpd Camp Lazy B 18000gpd 180 Victor Sawyers 12000gpd 120 Maple Prison Unit 11000gpd 200 Capacities of each syst'em are variable and information is lacking in many cases. Generally, however the wells are at an average of fifty feet and deliver potable water with little treatment necessary at about about 20 to 60 gpm. ,Thp Ocean Sands sewer and water system was put into operation in July, 1978. Presently, 63 units are on the system. The, sewer system-is presently (lesigned for 1OOtOOOgpd with a 24 hour retention. The water pumping system is designed with two wells pumping 50gPm. The wells use a horizontal collector system. The water system incorporates a 50,000 ecrallon stor-@@-e area. The wattr and suwer sy8tem is at the present time at about 25% of capacity. Presently, about 10 to 15 units are planned for next year. It will probably be another 10-15 years before the present system is 'it capacity. The wells have been shown by the engineers to be capable of pumping over 200gpm without salt-water intrusion. Six other wells in the area have been explored a'nd could be added to the system in the future. The sewer system is designed for expansion (1,500,000gp'd is possible), however, such expansion would require Ocean outfall.(Prpsontly not permitted, b@t being studied as part of the Dare County Sewer Project). 0 19. D-iyision of Water Resources, NCDNRCD .20 Telephone interview with Jack Sherill, CoaStl`@Lnd Corp. i I eU. C.,.L I i t i e S olice and fire protection, along with health services are available in the Count@l*,'41 Police protection is provided by the County'Sheriff's,De@,partment and by the State Highway Patrol. The Gluter Banks: is presently serviced by a deput .1 . "I y sheri-ff. Four volunteer fire departments, located throughout the County, provide fire protection.'The Outer banks has limIted fire protection in the southernmost section through cooperation with Dare County volunteers, and some fire protection in the north from Virginia. However this service is from such distance is of questionable use in an emergency. Rescue suqads on the CurrituGk mainland provide emergency health services, although.no-regular ambulance service is available. The nearest hospital is in Elizabeth City. Two local doctors and two dentists,provide general medical care to Currituck County residents, Currituck County operates six schools. The following table shows registration and acreage of facilities$ School 80 Registration Acreage 3/ Griggs Elementary 299 13-38 Central Elementary 431 51-87 Knotts Island K-8 132 11.46 Moyock Elementary 305 10-51 High 41o 46.1 J.P. Knapp Jr. Currituck high 651 90 The Virginia Electric and Power Company is the loc:al service for electrical power. No natural gas supplier is available io the County. The major fuels available are oil and liquid petroleum gas* The primary r oad system in Currituck County consists of U-S- 158, NC 3, NC 34, and NC 68, which are two lane highways, -c except for some segments of US 158. The roads were design-d with a maximum capacity of 7,500 vehicles per day. Capacity problems have occurred at approximately 5,000 vehicles per day. U.S. 168-158 is the most'direct route from Virginia to resort areas of the Outer Banks, and during peak periods, traffic volume far exceeds the road capacity. In 19?8, 13,586 vehicles per qay was the estimated volume for an average Saturday in July. To alleviate the traffic volume, U-S 158 will be widened to four lanes'(five in some areas) from Barco to Point harbor. In addition, the two lane swing bridge at Coinjock over the Intracoastal Waterway will be replaced by a four lane high span bridge. 36 Solid waste is provided,by@j'ah;arrangement with a private contractor. The County provides dumpstdrs,at Spot, Moyock, and Corolla. Thc private contractor charges'for dumpster use at businpsses and institutions. The contractor also provides house to'h-ouse pickup, although this s@ervice is' scheduled to end soon. Other residents must haul their own tras"h to the County landfill at Maple. The landfill is presently near capacity and the County has asked the State for a permit to expand. The County will be studying the potential for groun4water pollution from the landfill in the 1980. fiscal year. 37 ESTIMATED DEMAND Section IV Population Projections The North Carolina State Office of Budget and Management projections are as follows: Year Population 1980 11,900 1985 18,100 1990 24,400 The above projections were based on 1970 and previous census information. Based on recent economic trends and an analysis of housing and school enrollments, we belive the project- ions may be too high. The following table shows school enrollments: Year Students 1959-60 1446 1964-65 1677 1969-70 2646 1979-80 2300 The methodology used to incorporate the housing analysis into the population projections is detailed in Section I, pp. 2-4 and Appendix D, Housing Analysis. In order to project this information into our planning period (1980-1990) we extended the more recent trends and the trends of the past decade. Our projection represented tabularly and graphically is as follows: Year Population 1980 12,052 1985 15,825 1990 20,781 Population 20,000 18,000 16,000 14,000 12,000 10,000 1985 1990 Year 1980 5.6% Growth 38 A projected population,by, Township is as followst Township Growth Rate 1980 1985 1990 Fruitville 2.9% 1360 1569 1810 Crawford 5.7% 2602 L@752 627o Mloyock 7-3% 2567 3651 5193 Poplar Branch 5-0% 4524 5774 7369 All Townships are showin g a strong growth rate except Fruitville. The slower growth rate in this Township is probably due to the problem of access, since a great deal of the Township is made up of Knotts Island and the Currituck Banks north of Corolla. if the proposed US Fish and Wildlife Purchase of the Currituck Banks north of Corolla is'carried out, the growth rate of Fruitvil' would be expected to fall somewhato Although growth rates are strong, they are not as problem inducing as the rates of some are,as of Dare County which show rates at 12% per year. The County should be able to provide services and facilities to the planning period expected populations without serious difficulty. However, certain areas( such as dense development on poor soils) will present problems for water and sewer if allowed to continue to develop without land use control. (See Policy Section V). Future Land Needs The following analysis is presented to project the amounts of land needed to accomodate the projected population to 1990. The analysis is intended to serve as a general indicator of amounts of land which could be used given general standards for land consumed for various development uses. A brief discussion follows of the kinds of uses or factors through which areas were "removed" from potential development in the land use projection model. The policies and meth ods of r o _-3- implementation for those uses h were removed f if ev- elopment poten-tia-1 in the model are- addressed. in gection V. The.purpose of the analysis is,to determine if enough I area exists to accomodate the planning period'development in areas suitable for development given the areas which the County wishes to constrain with policies indicated and implemented. Consideration of Constraints Seweri The model makes no provision for a County sewer system being built within the ten year planning period. The provision of sewer by developers under PUD would increase the ability of an area to accomodate population. Water: The model does not consider water to be a constraint given the projected population in the ten year.planning period on a County-wide basis. However, only if.-..-)olicies indicated and implemented occur will this be a viable consideration. wetlands: Coastal wetlands which meet AED definition were considered as constraintS and removed from development potential. Other wetlands would be virtually removed from development by implementing the proposed additions to the subdivision regulations which would nbt permit dredging or filling for development. Currently, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is enforcing 404 jurisdiction over wetlands. Soils Unsuitable for On-lot Sewage Disposal: Implementation of proposed subdivision regulations would require one acre min- imum lot size on soils unsuitable for on-lot sewage disPOSaL. The model first removes these soils entirely from develop- ment potential to determine if theoretically enough land area is available to develop without resorting to use of these soils.(No such imPlementation strategy is actually included). Then the model "puts back" these areas with the one acre minimum lot size as the only restriction. Ocean Hazard Areas: Ocean hazard areas regulated by the State as AECs were removed from potential development in the model by virtue of the restrictions regulating these areas. Estuarine Shorelinet Although the rules and regulations which apply to these areas do not restrict development completely, the areas approximately 100 ft. from the shorelines were remov- ed from development potential in the model due to the possibility of development being denied a permit. Woodlands: Other than woodlands which are included in Coastal Marshes, woodlands were not considered a constraint. Flood Hazard Areas: Currituck County is currently not enforcing flood hazard regulations since no detailed study has been done for the County and no elevations are available. Even should such a study be completed during the planning period, the regulations would require certain development standards, but would not prevent development from occurring. Zoning: Zoning was considered a constraint to the extent that permitted densities were used in the analysis. State and Federally Owned Land: Areas owned by governmental agencies for recreational and other purposes are constraints to development. Areas on the Currituck Banks considered under the proposed Fish and Wildlife purchase were considered a constraint.(e.g. the model considers assumption of implementation of proposed policies). Developed Areas: Areas already developed with structures, roads, etc. were removed from development potential. Hurricane Evacuation: The projected population with policies from the Plan implemented caused the consideration of evacuation to not be a constraint to development. 40 STANDARDS FOR LAND USE PROJECTIONS -7 Land Use Land Consumed pe-r Person(acres) Residential -33'33 Com@ercia'l .0020 Institutional .0026 Recreation 00?9 Industrial :01 In developing the above standards, residential use was descriptive of the actual situation* For other uses, we consulted national standards and used our experience from similarly.situated Counties. Projections Toproject the amount of land that would be needed to meet the 1990 population, we used standards below to estimate the need. The equasion for determining land use requirements is as follows3 L90 L80 + P80-90' (Kh + Kr + Ke + Ki + Kt) Where: L90 = Land required for urban uses in 1990 L80 = Land required for urban uses.in 19801 therefore L80-96 is land required for urban uses from additionb-to the population during these years P90 = Population added to County between 1980 and 1990 Kh = Standard requirement for residential use Kr = Standard land requirement for recreational use Kc = Standard land requirement for commercial use Ki. = Standard land requirement for institutional use Kt = Standard land requirement for industrial use 41 8729. (See P.38) Projected population increase to 1990 Land Acreage Needs 1980 to 1990: Residential 2909.6 Commercial 17.5 Institutional 22.7 Recreational 30.6 Industrial 104.7 Total 3085.1 Land suited for development with constrained areas considered = 5500 acres. Thus, enough land is available to handle the 1990 growth without using constrained areas. However, by the year 2000, the suitable areas would be used up without public sewer and water. If we consider the more realistic approach in the model 'that soils unsuitable for septic tanks will be used (we should note that these soils in many cases will support development with with modifications and may receive septic tank permits, but are considered not developable in the first application of the model, and in the second application, one acre minimum lot size Is the constraint as proposed in the plan)the following analysis results: Land suited for development with constrained areas considered for plan implementation: = 30,000 acres. This analysis indicates that various land controls can be implemented without significantly reducing development potential or limiting area choice. 21 Community Facilities Needs Schools: Although school enrollments declined this past year, the trends would indicate that the Currituck County schools may have an additional 1500 students by the year 1990. Present facilities can accomodate approximately 400 additional students. Therefore, additional facility space and faculty must be considered. Health and Social Services: Additional population and more stringent regulations by governmental agencies indicate an increase of staff and equipment by 50% for 1990. A new office building should be considered to house these services. 21 Currituck County Service Departments 42 I-'olice ci.nd Fire. 1990 popull'tion projections indicate a need to increase the police'department budget and manpower by -iff activities and County jail operations. 50 for both Shei k, I I Increases in spasorial visitors require that police pro- tection mu:@,t meet peak needs. If the US Fish and Wildlife pro'PMEd is carried out, one additional policeman would probably be able to handle development in the planning period. 14owpver, shouild this policy not be implemented and access from the mid-counfy.or north be instituted, police,protection need:-- would incr@qas'e greatly. Fire protection is presently adequate,for the mainland, but not for theCurrituck banks. The volunteer fire protection on the mainland,plans on an incremental basis, and as Population increases, the department responds with more manpower and equipment on a volunteer basis. However on the Currituck Banks, the full time population base is insufficient to support a station. Since this i's not a County provided service, the r"I,:-,idents must take it upon themselves t-o provide adequate fire protection. Sewer and Watert The County has not made specific plans for provision of sewer or water to residents in the plhnning period. With the population densities anticipated in the planning neriod, it is anticipated that residents should continue to be able to obtain groundwater and septic tank permits in most areas of the County, other than those areas constrained by law. Implementation of the propose 'd zoning and subdivision, changes to carry out policy (see Section V, Policy) should al.low development throughout the planning period without significantly harming the health, safety and,welfare of County .residents. However, failing to to implement control strategies could cause many problems tn oc cur in areas settled densely. Althougn a C.)unty-wide water system is not considered feasibie during the Planning period, efforts are underway to plan for public water in limited areas, such asithe upper Currituck area. Solid Waste: Solid wa,-JGc.removal could continue to be a problem throughout the planning period, but is generally not considered to be a limitation to development, since it is a matter of priority of County expenditure. A study will be underway in the next fiscal year to determine alternatives to handling the problem. DiSPOSal sites should not be a problem technically, since a number of suitable sites exist; however actually finding sites acceptable politically is another matter. The County will have to allocate more money during the planning period to provide for dumpsters and pick-up contracts to allow better and more reliable service-. Maintaining good solid wCa"'ste removal service on the Currituck Banks will continue to b '"Ln ex- pensive proposition. 43 ,POLICY DISCUSSION Section V Resource Protection S-211,51: The soils in Currituck County are generally poor for development and-especially the use of on-lot sewage disposal systems due to either wetness or poor filtering capacity. @.see Section II, po'19) However, the areas of unsuitability .a.re site specific and there are-man@ general'areas (such as along NC Route 158) which are suitable. The,County considered the follow ing alternatives for dealing with this problemi .1) not allowing development on soils.unsuitable for develop- ment 2) restrictint, development on such soils to large minimum lot sizes @3 acres or more) 3) providing for greater distances of vertical separation than presently required 4) -.tatu::7 qyo Sele cted Policyt 2estrict new,lot development to a minimum lot size of one acre on soils shown on the Currituck County Soil Survey and rated by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service as unsuitable for on-lot sewage disposal. Implementation: Revise the zonong and subdivision regulation s to 1)req,ldre minimum lot size of one acre for new development on soils rated unsuitable for on.-lot sewage disposal systems 2) change boundaries of zoning districts to provide for lower densities on poor soils and higher densities on good soils. F.LO0D HAZARD Currituck County is still in the preliminary phase of the Federal Flood Program. Therefore,-a detailed flood study has'not been done for the County in which flood elevations are given. The County building Inspector is current- ly not implementing flood hazard area restrictions due to the ].@,,ck of information. The'following alternatives,.,@ere consideredt 1) allow no development in flood hazard areas 2) attempt to determine from topographic maps where flood boundaries and estimated elevations exist, and require structures to be used for habitation to be elevated above this estimated elevation 3) status Quo I Selected Policy: The County determined that until a detailed flood study wa6 completed in Curritilck County by the Federal government, enforcement of any regulations could-not be carried out. The County will adopt appropriate regulations and comply with the Federal Flood Program when the studies are made. W='ANDS: The County has determined that the wetlands in the County are a valuable resource. Since many other areas exist for development and wetlands are also poor for on-lot sewage disposal, filling of wetlands for development is neither necessary or desirable. The County,considered the following alternatives to the selected policys 1) requiring-large lots on wetlands 2) requiring submission of an environmental impact statement before ,"evelop ipg, wetlands 3)status quo Selected Policyt Ailqw-,no'oevelopment on areas designated as wetland which would require dredging or filling except for farm uses, placement of'u@ilities, or uses which would require the interface of wetland areas with water uses (such as marina development) and only with adherence to rules and regulations of CAYU@ ana Corps of Engineers 4o4 permits Implementation: Amend the zoning and subdivision regulations to restrict development in wetlands except in accordance with the, above policy. AECS Currituck County has the following AECs within its boundariesi Ocean hazard areas, estuarine shoreline, estuarine and public trust waters, and AEC wetlands. The County recognizes the importance'of these resources and su)ports the State's re,,- p ulations and standards governing the use of these areas. Alternativ.es considered in dealing with these areas included 1) listing., specific uses which would@be appropriate in each of the AECs 2) allowing no-development in 'AEC6 3) attempting to enforce more stringent regulation's than the current State regulations on AECs. Selected Policyt The County has dete@ rmined that present State regulations on AECs are sufficient to protect them from s,@-- nificant damage. However in the.case of Coastal Wetlands d@slg_ nated as AECs, the proposed policy on wetlands also includes the Coastal Wetlands. Uses allowed iln the AECs would be those -permitted under the zoning and subdivision regulations. The County proposed to amend the zoning and subdivision regulations to effect.greater protection(see Proposed r4anagement Tools for Currit@,uck County, Coastal Consultants, Ltd., 1980)in doing so,' AEC areas will have mor"e protection (e.g. poor soils on estua'rine shoreline, Water qU,Llity of surface waters). The poli@cy to support the proposed Fish and Wildlife purchase will further protect importa'nt AEC areas on the Currituck Banks. The major thrust of protecting estuarine 2ind public trust waters is to reduce density on soils unsuitable for on-lot sewage disposal, and to prohibit development on adjacent wetlands. Coliform counts in Currituck Sound, however, do not correlate very well with densely develop- ed areas (see Appendix D). High colilform'counts could be due to wildlife Populations and polluti6n from Virginia's Back bay. Currituck County wishes to try to pr@vent additional coliform from septic t@Lnk effluent as much as .possible. MARITIlya FORESTt Forest resourctas u, i the Currituck Banks are considered to be resources which are associated with other resources such as coastal marshes and land areas con- sidered valuable in conjunction with the proposed U.S. Fish and Wildlife purchase. Therefore the' County proposes no additional policy on these areas other than expressed in conjunction with protection of associated resouices. 45 QUALITY OF THE CURRITUCK-'SOUND The Currituck Sound is a marsh fringed estuary of extremely low salinity. Though once saline, it has become a fresh water aquatic system. An extensive and productive bass,:-.,fishery has developed, and its marshes are a critical link in the Atlantic Flyway, providing food for great numbers of migratory water-fowl. It is fed by the Northwest and North Landing Rivers, numerous drainage ditches, and bu Virginia's Back Bay. It receives much swamp drainage and much of this influx is slightly acid and low in oxygen.,Because of its high nutrient load shallownesso and slow movement, the sound is suffering from eutrophication. Each year a continuing trend of more milfoil hinders recreation and altered the successful bass fishing methods. Portions of the Currituck Sound(from Webster Creek north, see Appendix -E) have been closed to the taking of fresh water clams due'to high coliform bacteria counts4, There have boon destructive algae blooms.'Large agricultural developments, including livestock operations can increase nutrient 10ELdE3. DrELinage canals may lower salinities and introduce P0111,ItELnts into the Sound. The control over potential problems in the Souna rests in a collection of overlapping government controls. The Commission of health Services sets standards for use of septic systems which are enforced by the County Health Department. The CHS makes regular reports on the quality of shellfishing. The Environmental Management Commission sets standards for wastes and water quality parameters. The EMC monitors water quality in each of the river basins discharging into the Sound. The counties and the municiPalities therein are responsible for controlling iana use, ana among other things, preveAtitig high density of development on unsuitable soils adjacent to the Sound. Although man-ma-de pollution from industry, commerce and residentia development can be controlled by some layer of government, agricultural uses have been exempted by the State from almost all direct and indirect control. In their 1979 Water Quality Management Plan, the N.C. Department of Natural Resources and Community Development noted that it is highly probable that many streams and coastal waters are degraded but undected at this time due to a lack of water quality monitoring. DNRCD is concerned with several water pollutan namely oxygen demanding substances, bacteria, sediment, nutrients and toxics. Wastes from all sectors of development -Dor,e demands on oxygen in the water-an essential.to aquatic life. Generally a level of 5mg/l of dissolved oxygen is required to sustain acceptable biological activity. Pathogenic bacteria can be found i both domestic wastewater and runoff from animal feedlots. Pathogen which are most frequently transmitted through water are those which cause infections of the intestinal tra-t,namely typhoid, and paratyphoid fevers, dysentery and cholera-, Livestock operation may cause bacterial contamination of shellfish. Also extensive ditching(agricultural, construction, and residential) can cause bacteria to enter estuaries.- J, n As we noted before, sediment loads have served an important function in the sound, espobially by interfering with photo- synthesis and p"reventingialgae bloom despite ample presence of nitrogenous materials. Sedimentation in the co 'astal area is largely the result of erosion from a ricultural use and urban use construction activities. SedTments in the Sound and streams disrupts the food chain. At moderate concentrations, fish cannot spawni at high concentrationst gills of fish clog and they die. Sediments also cover up bottom food for fish, Fish starve or move awaye Nutrients(phosphorus and nitrogen) are required by plants in order to'grow.-,However, if these levels become too high, algae blooms occuri Excessive nutrient inputs may occur from wastewater discharges, septic tank leachate, heavy concentrations of wildlife, rainfall'runoff from agriculture and residential areas. The Currituck Sound has been shown to have high fecal coliform.counts by both the Commission for Health Services and an independent study (Groundwater Transport Study At Carova Beach Subdivision, 1977, Moore Gardner and Associates). The Moore,Gardner study observed the following background fecal coliforralevels in Currituck Sound adjacent to Carova Beacht Location Fecal Coliform/100ml Currituck Sound, J mile south of 540000 Carova Canals Currituck Sound, mile*north of 138,000 Carova Canals It is also important to note that the dieoff rates for fecal coliform in fresh water are considerably less than that for salt water. The following data is excerpted from the Waccamaw 208 Regional Planning Report. The.fecal coliform die-off rates were compared in Waccamaw River fresh water and Intercoastal Waterway seawater. Time-(hours) Fecal Coliform (Count/100ml)_ Fresh Water Salt Water 0 10,000 10,000 6 -9,050- 2,865 12 8,200 820 18 7,400 235 24 6,700 67 48 4,500 1 Class Standard(tolonies/ml.) 'Class A-1 wate@rs 50/100 ml, Calss A-2 waters 100YO100ml Class B and SB waters (fecal) 200 @11 Class C and SC waters (f 'ecal). 1000/ml Class SA waters (shellfishing) 70/ml 48 s' The County believe thdt -,@here is no conclusive evidence which indicates the exact,'cause of coliform. pollution of,the Sound. Probable causes are wildlife, pollution from Back bay, runoff of agricultural pollutants, and on-lot sewage disposal sYstems. At this time, the County's attempts at addressiln,-,- water quality are limited to decreasing septic tank densities .ti-id. considering methods.to increase salt content of the Sound. The following alternatives were consideredt 1) allow no septic, tanks on"S'oils unsuitable 2) restrict , development on unsuitable.spils to large minimum lot sizes(3, acres or Tore) 3) provide'for-greater distances of vertical separat- ion than pr@esently required 4) allow new development only with public sewer 5) allow no septic tanks closer than 1000 feet of estua-rin6 shoreline6) status quo "c-lc@cted Policyi Restrict new lot development to .(-.I minimum lot size of one a*cre on soils shown on the Currituck County soil Survey and rated by the U.S. Soil Conservation.Service as unsuitable for on-lot sewage disposal. Restrict all new lots'on the Currituck Banks to one acre minimum lot size- on all soils for single family development. All PUD dev- elopment must be provided with public sewer by developers. The County supports the U.S. Fish and.Wildlife purchase proposal to reduce total density' o'n the Currituck Banks. The County will study methods to determine a feasible way to introduce greater salt content in Currituck Sound. Implementation: Revise zoning and subdivision regulations to 1) reouire minimum lot size of one'acre for new development 4on soils unsuitable for on-lot sewage disposal systems 2) change boundaries of zoning districts to,-provide for lower densities on poor soils and higher densities on good soils 3) include a provision for the Currituck Banks to require minimum lot sizb-,of one acre for single family development,@ and PUD development to have sewer provided by the developer. EROSION Factors which s,eem to affect,the rate of erosion most sig- nificantly are fetch, exposure, wind tides, soils, bank height and land use. Northeast and southeast exposures seem to be the nost severe. Major storms of long duration occurring with high tides generally produce the greatest erosion rates. Soils 22 bank height, and lan'd use appear to have the slightest ef@ect. The Currituck Banks ocean front is subject to varying degrees of eros 'ion. The recommended recession line varies 25 rom 60:feet at the Dare County border to 200 feet at Corolla. 22 USDA-Soil Conservation Service, Shore Erosion In-ventor 1975- '23 -U.S* Fish and Wildlife Estuarine shoreline erosion occuring in Currituck County indicates that recess'ion lines should vary from twenty to :Ihirt,,r feet along Currituck Sound and the mouth of the North River. The.most erosion occurs along the southwest tip of the County which borders the Albemarle Sbu where recommended rece..ssion rates are about forty feet. In addre@i;sing'the problem of erosion, the County,.@onsidered the following alternatives: 1) allow no development within 100 feet of a'water body 2) adopt a policy to build erosion control structures 3)require all developers to build erosion control structures when developing shoreline areas4)status quo Selected Policyi Amend the zoning and subdivision regulat- ions to require plans for@development to address erosion mitigation . The County relies on the enforcement of CAP,,@l permits.and the standards therein in applicable areas, as well as adherence to the NC Sedimentation Pollution Control Act. Implementation: Revis ions in the zoning and subdivision reg- ulations Resource Production and Management AGRICULTURE Prime agricultural lands are difficult to locate due to the absenee of a universally acceptable definition. Although 'some soil types are better than others for agricultural production, markets and management are often more impor- tant to agricultural prodection than the soil type. One measure of prime agricultural lands may be determined from the Countyrgeneralized.soil interpretations. The Wagram-Ocilla-Dragston Association are the only soils in the County which are rated as good for such crops as peanuts, and corn soybeans, small grains and truck farming. These soils occupy about 15% of the County's land aroa. Soils good for corn, soybeanst small grain and truck farming in addition to those above occupy about 40% additional arpa. The best,s'oils occupy the central portion of the Currituck mainland peninsula to Coinjock, border the Sound north to Tull Bay, and include areas arund Moyock and Shawboro, as well as the eastern ed4es of Church and Knotts Islands.(See agricultural maP included) These soils are also best for development, and much4of the areas mention- ed above are used for residential purposes. Soils which are rated poor for ao,-,-riculture2@ re generally those which are wet or frequently flooded. 24, Conservation Service 2@5 USDA-Soil 'Conservation Service 50 Agricultural. production is an important source of income in Currituck County.(See pp.6 7). Soybeans, corn, and truck crops are the most important crops. The County considered the following alternatives regarding agriculture: 1) limit growth by reuriring large lot sizes (25 acres) for residential development in order to prevent agricultural land from being used for development 2) reg- iring mobile homes(the form of housing growing at the fastest. rate)' to locate 'in mobile home parks to prevent scattered development in agricultural areas 3)status quo Selected Policy: By 1990, it is estimated that mobile homes will reach 43% of the total housing stock. Since mobile homes are the greatest threat to encroachment of agricultural land, County policy is to restrict mobile home developments in agricultural lands except as allowed by law as an accessory to farm use. The County supports the State farm use tax programs Implementation: Restrict mobile homes to a special use which require: the mobile home repiace a stick and brick house of grade D or E condition, or an existing mobile home. COMMERCIAL FOREST LANDS Over one-half Of the total land area in Currituck County is in forest and wooded wetlands. In colonial times, longleaf pine in the County was commercially valuable for pitch and turpentine. When these trees were harvested, second and third growth trees of less value took their place. Generally, commercial forestland has been decreasing in the County duo to clearing for agricultural use. The clearing has occurred at a rate of about 1 to 2% peryear. The clearing has generally occurred on the Currituck peninsula along major routes. The County currently has about 75,000 acres of forest,land. About 70% is in private ownership, about 15% in commercial ownership, and the remaining in governmental ownership. For commercial production, most of the wood harvested is soft wood such as yellow pine for saw timber, and soft hardwoods (maple, gum) for veneer plywood. About 2000 cords of wood are harvested for pulpwood. 26 Regarding commercial forestry operation, the County consider- ed the following alternatives: 1)adopt a severence tax on harvesting 2) adopt strict regulations regarding draining of lands and placement of spoil 3)adopting an ordinance providing for reclamation and replanting of cleared areas. Selected Policy:The County supports the various County, State and Federal programs for managing forest resources. 26 DNRCD, Forest Resources Division 51 MINERAL RESOURCE PRODUCTION are limited in the County, potential Although mineral resources exists for the mining of sand, peat in the Dismal Swamp, and soils to be used as fill adjacent communities(See P.30). The County considered the following alternatives: 1) adopting a mined land reclamation ordinance 2) prohibiting mining in the County 3) statuis quo Selected Policy: Mining is considered an undesirable land use in the County and is to be restricted. Implementation: Revise the zoning ordinance to allow mining operations only as a special use which would include perfor- mance standards restricting the operation of mining and pro- viding for reclamation. COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL FISHERIES Commercial fisheries are a significant resource in Currituck County. The following species and respective pounds and values were reported in 1979: 27 Species Pounds Value Blue 51,000 $7,500 Catfish 48,000 9,000 Eel 77,000 62,006 W.Perch 40,000 12,000 Crab 630,000 105,000 Other 74,000 16,500 Total 1920,000 $ 212,000 Six processor companies are located in Currituck County. There are 90 full time fishermen, 200 part time, and 60 per-sons who have commercial licenses but fish for personal use. The Bass fishing is the most popular recreational fishing in Currituck Sound. Sales of fishing licenses in the County last year were 4,000. The DNRCD Marine Fisheries Division has noted that the dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in Currituck Sound are found in many areas to be less than 4ppm.(Generally, 5ppm is needed for good fisheries health). Generally, the entire Albemarle Basin system is under- going increasing eutrophication. Alteration of drainage patterns causing higher peak loading,septic tanks, and lack of inlets for salt water have contributed to this condition'. 27 DNRCD, Marine Fisheries Division 52 The DNRCD Marine Fisheries @'Divis ion has indicated thEA for- 1 1. mation of an inlet to Currituck Sound would vastly improve the water c'uality as well as improve commerciv.1 fisheries. Mo-e valuable species could then enter the 6ound. Recreational fisheries could be increased with more attention to D-:eneral recreational improvements for the County. (See policies on recreation and tourism.) The County considered the following alternatives regarding commercial fisheriesi, 1) make plans to constru 'ct a public sewer system to eliminate possible organics from septic tanks 2', establish 1@,rue lot Oacres or more) sizes to slow growth and reduce septic tank densities 3) develop a County drainage plan which would attempt to limit high drainage peaks into the 'Sound 4) prevent development within 300 feet of shorelines to help reduce sedimentation and organic pollutants which enter the Sound 5) status quo Selected Policyt a) slow growth by restricting mobile home development b) require a minimum lot size on one acre on Door soils for septic tanks c) require a minimum lot size for single f,amily development on the Currituck Banks on land not yet pl,,itted of one acre minimum d) require developers of PUDs to install public water and sewer e) support the proposed US Fish and Wildlife purchase to reduce total density on the Banks f) work with the State to determine a suitable method to introduce greater salt content in Currituck Sound. "Implementation: Amend the zoning and subdivision regulations to require minimum lot sizes as stated above, add requirements for PUDs as noted above with an increased requirement for open space, and prohibit mobile homes from agriculturELl districts P-Xcept as allowed by law for associated farm use, Work with %-he state and federal government to support the purchase, and to determine a suitable method to increase the salt content of the Sound. OFF ROAD VEhICLES The County has determined that the use of power driven vehicles on the Currituck Banks must be regulated to insure" public safety and protection of the environment. The County has in effect an ordinance which regulates and rz-6-Gricts the use of power driven vehicles on the Curritu6k Banks The ordinance essentially prohibits the operation of power driven vehicles on the Currituck Banks on areas other than a "cartway, EL neighborhood public road, a dedicated right-of-way, or on the foreshore or t.,.-..ach strand." Furthermore, the ordinance restricts speed limits and careless operation. 5) Economic and Community Development INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT SignifiCant industry in Currituck County is practically non-existent. Small industry in Currituck County includes the manufacture Of fiberglass, plastics, and liquid 28 fertilizer, as well as agricuiture, forestry, and fisheries. Over half of the labor force of Currituck County commutes from the County to jobs. About 40% commute to the Norfolk- Portsmouth area. The total industrial employment is about 1200, with about 150 in manufacturing. It is unlikely that the County will be able to attract significant industry during the planning period. Although an industrial site area has been identified near Maple, without sewer and water it will be difficult to attract industry. The County considered the following alternatives: 1) develop a County water and sewer system to help promote industry 2) establish an industrial development committee 3) set up an industrial development fund to set aside monies to develop an industrial park Selected Policy; The dominant economic activities in the County are agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. The County does not desire the location of heavy industry in the County. however, the County would welcome some form of small manufacturing operation which does not pollute the water and air, but does capitalize upon the available work force in the County. Implementation: Continue to seek out light industry to locate in the County. SERVICES TO DEVELOPMENT Services currently provided by the County are schools,health and social services,police, and to a limited extent sewer and water(Ocean Sands) and solid waste(County landfill and and some dumpsters)(see pp.42-43) Increasing costs and the general economic picture for the planning period indicates that maintaining existing levels of services may prove difficult. It is not anticipated that increased services nor additional major facilities (County-wide sewe Water, recreation programs, County community building, etc.) can be provided in the planning period. However, the County intends to maintain existing levels of service to the pop- ulation increase during the planning period.(See P.38).Planning, is underway for a limited water system in northern Currituck. 28 .C. Department of Commerce,Industrial Development Division 29 Webb Fuller, Currituck County Finance Officer 54 A number of policy alternatives were discussed which would snecify increasing and adding a number of services and facilities (e.,,7,. a cornzrit@@-ir-@nt to bpgihing development of public sewer arid witer, implementation ofla;recreation program),. Selected Policy: Continue to maintain the existing level of services to accomodate the population increase. Work toward development of public sewer and water for the Moyock and Grandy areas for t 'he future as these areas grow large enough to make such services feasible. If the economy improves to the extent that surplus funds are available, seek to imple- ment expanslon of,s6rvices, facilities and.recreational goals. Require developers**of PUDs to provide sewer and water. Im'plementationt Revise the zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations to change zoning boundaries and densities to guide development around Yloyock and Grandy. Require developers to provide for construction and maintenance of sewer and water in PUDs. Planning is underway for a limited water system in northern Cdrrituck where water problems eicWt. GROWTH FATTL@RNS Selected Policies and Alternatives% Currituck County is primarily a rural County with a number of small communities or nodes of development, as well as scattered development along trdnsportation routes. The County wishes to continue the nodal concept, but desires to reduce the scatter- ations [doyock and Grandy should develop as the primary nodes for the County. The County desires a slow growth concei)t(3 to 5-1,@) population increase per y@ar. The County desires to reauce the number of mobile homes in the County, and make provisions for some multi-family development on the mainland. -,On the Currituck Banks, the County wishes to maintain the nodal community of Corolla, but supports the U.S. Fish @Lnd 'dildlife purchase proposal.to reduce total densities on the Banks. The County has determined that it is in their best in- terest to allow 'development of the Banks south of Corolla iq order to maintain the tax base and allow access to the banks for public and private use. On lots already platted, the County relies on the County sanitarian to insure that septic tanks mpet.proper requirements before permits are issued. The County ..encourages replatting to larger lot sizes, but does not feel that forcing a replatting is feasible. On areas not yet platted, the County wishes to allow flexibility in the development pattern by allowing for single-family development on one acre minimum lot size, and for PUD development, multi-family, and condominium development, the developer must provide sewer and water, The County considered the,alternative of attempt- ing to prevent development on the Banks through application of growth control devices such as Transfer Development Rights, Land Banking and other slow growth devices. Consideration war, given to zoning measures such as,.eliminatln-- any form of multi-family development and requiring 25 acre minimum lot sizes. The County wishes to emphasize trie point that the intent of support of the proposed wildlife refuge on the Banks, while at the same time supporting growth in the arezt south of Corolla is 'to reduce the total density of the entire Banks, since thic@ would ,provide for 'a very low density north of Corolla, whereas under the existing situation, the density of the entire Banks could be @Igh ir t@)p flitlir-p* 3r The County cons"Idered dir'lec., purchase of large are,-_@_s. These alternatives were rejected.'I'T'he policies selected above rely on the oro-oosed Fish and'#hdlife purchase being implem(,nted. The Countv believes that 'th@ natural resources of the Curri- tuck Banks cannot support development.of the entire Banks. If the proposed purchase is not implementedp the County will, study growth timing devices and implement appropriate controls (e.,,-,-. a moritorium,on building until availability of public sewer and water). Implementation of the above mentioned policies will occur through revisions in the zoning and subdivision regulations which will change boundaries and 'densities to promote growth around Moyock and C;'@randy,, limit. mobile hom'e development throughout the County, require minimum lot sizes of one acre on the Currituck Banks for single-family development, require the provision of water and sewer .uy developers for PUD, multi-family development, require op,-@n space dedications and public access to the ocean beach. The County has reviewed the,NC DOT study on access to the Cur'rituck Banks from Dare 00. and has determined tbat the most desirable access to the Banks is a ferry or a bridge from mid-county, and the State taking of the road from Duck to Corolla. Although other alternatives were considered(e.g. northern access by ferry or bridge,a state parallel road from Duck to Corolla; theywere rejected. The support of the state taking of' the road from Duck to Corolla is based upon the prelimin@Lry assessment by the DOT that no significant environ- mental impaCtS will result,. The DOT is currently undertaking an environmental impact study of this proposal. If the study sriould conclude that significant environmental impacts will result from the State taking of the road, the County will determine what actions are necessary based on the severity of impacts determ.Lne,d. r BEACH ACCESS Currituck Outer Banks, with exception of some nodes, are essentially undeveloped. No public transportation is avail- able so that the area is inaccessible to the general public. Present.use is almost exclusive to landowners, reaters and their guests. Development of a road. public beach facilities and information about thefa will induce visitation, perhaps increasing annually for at least the Mrst five years by 20 percent. Hammocks Beach State Park, in Onslow County, with only passenger-ferry access, has experienced a growth rate in visitation averaging 12.9 percent for the la's@@'t four years. It is a wilderness beach with a bathhouse, and @0,000 uses. s6 If a 1979 visitation of 20,0 01, Visitor days can be assumed. a projection can,be made. (,!@, 509 residents used the beach every day for.60 days, 30,540' visitor days would be recorded.) It is likely actual visitatio'n is higher, not counting hunt- ing and fishing uses. A@rate@of 10 percent Increase is.sho'wns 1979 20,000 visitor days 1980 22,000 1981 24,200 1982 26.6-20 1983 29,262 1984 32,270 19B5 35.497 I At least a 120 day season can:be assumed, with weekend use before and after summer vacation period. If access was provi- ded by road, several thousand cars per day could be expected with anlaverage of 2.5 persons per car. N64 free ferry access, for pedestrians only, perhaps operating from Aydlett to the Corolla area, could easily generate 24,000 visitor days per year. Half of these would be on the weekends. tylost of the users would be from outside the county. A fee applied would reduce demand considerably, but not use. Less affluent resi- dents would become content with an annual viaiti outsiders would use up carrying capacity. ditli the'above discussion orovided as an example, several alternatives appear, just on the passenger ferry issue. If access is to he provided for a determined use level. then ferry size can be determined. Ferries'could be operated by the county or'stite, they could be owned by a public agency and leased to a concessionnaire, or the boats could be owned and operated by a concessionnaire. Docking facilities would be needed. Mainland parking needs could be pre-determined. Comfort stations and information services would be needed. Access to the ocean beach from the ferry dock is necessary.. An emergency plan is needed for 3anks evacuation in the event of impending disaster.. Channel dredging, buoy maintenance, fuel supply facilities, ship-to-shnre communications, safety equipment, dockside shelters and signs would be needed. Personnel salaries, 'insurance and contr@ct maintenance costs would have to be assumed - by a puolic agency or concessionnaire. Depreciation and replacement costs would have to be accommodated. On the beach, depending on the level of use. there may be need for a public safety officer and a,maintenance person. The ' Sheriff's Deputy at Corolla would probably satisfy the former. With an increase in both day users and vacation housing, it is expected that there will be some conflict between those who want beach access and I those would like to restrict it. Beach Access Poiicies and,Public Use Rightsi, Chapter 7B, .0320 of the North Carolina Administrative Coda defines ocean beach as followst "land areas without vege- tation covering, consisting of unconsolidated soil material. that extends landward from the mean low tide to a point where any one or a combination of the following occurs (1) vege- tation, or (2) a distinct change in predominant soil particle size, of (3) a.change in slope -or elevation which alters the physiogra'hic land-form." p section .0301 of'the same chapter, a d6claration of general policy on shorefront access policies, reads as,followst It is hereby declared to be the policy of the State of North Carolina to foster,protect, improve and ensure optimum access t*o recreational opportunities at beach areas consistent with public rights, rights of private property owners and the need to p,-,otect natural resources from overuse. These policies reflect the position that in areas other than State 'Parks, the responsibility of providing adequate beach access rests primardly with local units of government. Section .0302'adds the possibility that the beach may extend to the point 'where riparian owners have specifically and legally restricted access above the Mean High Water'line: This is intended to describe those shorefront areas historicaily used oy the public. Jhether or not the public has rights in the defined areas above the NHA mark can only be answered by,the courts. The public does have clear rights below the *.,Hfi mark. The Coastal Resour..-es Ccmmission, following,a public hearing on January 12, 197�, adopted eight policy statements on shorefront access& (a@) Development shall not interfere with the public's 'right of access to the shorefront where acquired through public acquisition, dedication, or customary use es- tablished by the courts. (b) The responsibility of insuring that the public can obtain adequate access to public trust resources of the ocean, sounds. rivers and tributaries is primarily that-of local governments to be shared and assisted by state and federal government. C@ (c) Public beach area projects funded by the state and federal government will not receive initial or additional funds unless provisions are made for adequate public access. This must include access rights, adequate identification and adequate parking. 58 (d) Policies regardigg State and Federal properties with shotefront area'liintended-to be used by the public must encourage#, permit-and provide public access and adequate'parking so as to achieve maxi- mum oublic use and'benefit of these areas consis- tent with establishing legislation. (e) State and Federal funds for beach access will be provided only to localities that also provide protection of the frontal dunes. (f) The state should continue in Its efforts to supplement and improve highwAy, bridge and ferry access to and within,the twenty county,coastal area consistent with the-'approved local land use plans. Further, the state should wherever practical work to add public fishing catwalks to appropriate highway brida, es and should incorporate catwalks In all plans for new construction and for remodeling bridges. It is the policy of the.state to seek repeal of ordi- nances preventing fishing from bridges except where public safety would be compromised. (g) In order to av'oid weakening the protective nature of.frontal dunes, no deviblopment will be permitted which would involve the removal or relocation of frontai dune sand or frontal dune vegetation (15 NCAC .7H.0306 (c). The sands held in the frontal dune are recognized as vital for the nourishment and protection of ocean beaches. (h) All land use plans and state actions to provide additional shorefront acce 'ss must recognize the need of providing access to all socio-economic groups. At th.e county level, access or open space dedication is .1 suggest'ed"'In th6 subdivision ordinance, but not required. An informal dedication procedure may have been working in the past, where a developer may have deeded land to the county in order to receive subdivision approval. Except for one parcel, county-owned land on the Outer Banks would not fill the need for recreation space. There is no plan by developers to accommodate day users on the beach; access is usually provided those who'purchase lots. Property owners are not required to allow access across one's property unless another's land has access blocked. Where more than one owner is involved, it may require judicial action to determine the party who is to p@ovide an easement or'other access. To encourage landowners to allow recreational use of their land, Article 10B was added to Ch4pter 113 of the General Statutes of North Carolina. -Immunity from tort liability is provided owners or lessees.who allow others to hunt, fish., trap,, camp.- hike or use fot other recreations. whether. 'permission was granted or not. It does not*relievt@ owners' responsibility whea a fee is receiveck from other-than a governmental unit. or when there ia failure.to maintain a safe place or issue a warning about it -to those securing., permission who are subsequently injured., Selected Policies: The County supports the State policies mentioned above regarding beach access. The County desires public access to the ocean beach as well as on the Currituck Sound. Implementation: Amend the subdivision ordinance to require developers to set aside public access to the ocean and sound when subdividing land contiguous to the ocean and Sound. The County will continue to work with the State Boating Division to obtain a boat landing at the Corolla Lighthouse area, as well as additions and improvements to the existing Wildlife ramps in the County. RECREATION Time off from work is to many a status symbol equal to amount of income earned and the material possessions it brings.. Yet, the shorter work week earlier predicted is not arriving on the scene as rapidly as expected. Many, however. have three day weekends and thirty-five to forty hour work weeks. Many people see the meaningful portion of their lives as the hours spent in recreation; work merely supports this. We have sprung from the Protestant work ethic into a recreation culture. In spite of increa- sing amounts of time spent watching television, people are spending more time in museums, attending, plays and concerts, reading, jogging, cycling, walking, boating, camping, swimming and in rugged wilderness experiences. Robert C. Lucas predicts that wilderness uses will in- crease 359 percent between 1960 and the year 2000.30 Hiking was predicted to increase by 366 percent, camping by 447 percent, nature study by 180 percent. These are recreation activities that few farmers enjoy;' wilderness is something to be conquered in order to live. While the number of farm families in Currituck County is. not significantly decreasing, the percentage of farm families because of in-migration can be expected to he no more than five percent in the 1980 census. In rural areas such as this, recreation attitudes and activities are often in the process-of accelerated change during planning process. making trend applications difficult. 30 Robert C. Lucas, "Natural Amenities, Outdoor Recreation and Wilderness,'' Ecology-Economics-Environment, 1971. 31 Frederic O. Sargent, Rural Environmental Planning, 1976. 6o Factors affecting recreation in Currituck County in the next ten years will be population migrations, land use patterns, trends in rural life, cultural and economic development, energy,use and consumption and transportation. Tourism pressure will come as an expansion of the Nags Head resort area, as capacity is reached or as access to Cape Hatteras National Seashore is blocked by repairs to or loss of the Oregon Inlet bridge. Currituck County is next. Local Interests Paraphrasing a statement from Rural Environmental Planning, rural recreation planning must be sensitive to local atti- tudes, institutions and values, land ownership goals, and citizen participation. Moderate income people, who,usually are not included in the planning process, are often the majority of rural residents and they need to be accommodated.32 Results of the Currituck County Land Use Questionnaire (See Appendix F) indicate the followings. 1. 77% favor transportation to the Currituck Banks: first and second choices of method found 46%.favoring the Duck- Corolla road and 49% favoring ferry access. Purpose of access was not identified: recreation is judged as having been,a major influence. 32% were undecided on a method. 2. 57% approved high density zoning which would allow open space adjacent: 32% were undecided. 3. 83% favor zoning of some lands for recreation and con- servation use only; 3% had no opinion. 4. Respondents were asked to identify, in priority order, inadequacy of county recreation facilities. Ocean Beach Access" was written in by respondents. Of the first through fourth priorities, those judged to have been most important, the following results were obtained,by averaging choicest 32 Sargent 61 Local Opinions on i@ecreation Facility Inadequacy Facilit Priority of Need Ocean beach access I (Least adequately provided) Swimming 2 Fishing access 3 Golf Course 4 Tennis courts 5 ,laygrounds 6 Valking Trails 7 Camping Areas 3 Hunting Areas 9 Picnic Areas 10 Ball fields 11 5. 7i%'indicated they would pay an additional five cents tax per $100. valuation to provide for the recreation facility they listed as most inadequat6. Local interest was also expressed in development of two specific areas; Expansion of the. N.C. Department. of. Trans- portation, rest stog near Mapler wa6 seen as@ desirable. . Ins- ta-llation. of more picnic tablea and trails at this location, and development of a similar area south of Coinjock to give trpLil access t-,o the North River Game Land Black Bear Preserve were proposed to serve both residents and travelers. and foster roadside businesses. The NCWRG has indicated they are not interested in building trails into the game lands, but that local government c.,ould contact..the Wildlife Resources Com- mission requesting permission to build locally-financed facilities. It -is seen as having too low a priority in this study to be included as a recommendation. Anticipated Demand Need and interest,- coupled with abilfty to pay costs necessary for oarticioation, identify demand. Demand may exist for a faciiity or'activity unable to be provided because of climate or other environmental condition. As an example, there Is a demand in Currituck County for skiing.' Becaus-e a ski and outing club has been provided through the 4-K program, demand is easily measured-at the level of present costs. It is sur- prising that more than' 100 nine to 18 year olds and families pay $200 to $300 per 'year per person. Skiing goes on elsewhere, with trips to North Carolina resorts and even to Vermont. 62 This a good example showing obviously non-traditional -values and goals surfacing, perhaps from an individual interest and promotion; and it may be an example of self- fulfilling projections discussed in the section on trends. It identifies the difficulty one might have in identifying various demands in urbanizing rural areas such as Currituck. .Dargent suggests that attitude survevs in rural areas be sent to 100 percent of the citizens. He suggests that natioti-wide standards -are not applicable because of the dynamic-.'chahges in attitudes and preferences. @Jith exception of walkin g for pleasure, watching television, S'Ni!nming, and afew other leisure activities, only a small @ninority of 'any given pooulation can be expected to have an interest in a specific recreation activity. The ski club mentioned has attracted about one percent of Currituck 00,oulation. It provides a life-enriching experience to those involved, just 'as otiter types of activities have the same potential. Demand analysis would riot show a need for the activity; neither will trend projection or urban plan- ning standards. Unincorporated urbanizing areas reach. a point in development where provision of typical municipal service - is sought.. If there is no other vehicle than county government either incorporation is sought or the county is expected to provide -the service. A look at population projections suggests the.. ttme is coming when municipal recreation services including provision of op,en space will be required. A supply of facili- ties will create a demand. just as the Coleman Youth Camp has. Private sector demand and that for sizable urban areas uset.t larger numbers lending themselves to analysis. It is not part of this study to estimate such demand. It is antici- pated. however, that such a study would show potential for a marina with significant dry storagel camping and cabin -facilities on the Outer Banks and a modest amount of com- mercial recreation enterprises discussed in the SCS Report mentioned earlier. It is likely that a golf course would be self-supporting if one could be located close enough to Nags Head,on. the peninsula. A given recreation resource within easy reach of a large number of people is potentially a ri,ore valuable resource than a similAr area located far from users. Demand, however, is dependent upon a number of inter-related variablest population, incomes, urbani- zation, mobility, leisure time and estimates of the future t)ased on judgment. Extent of development, road (travel) quality and intensity of advertizement are other affecting conditions., A price or money outlay per unit of recreation 63 is needed in order to construct a demand schedulei the lower the cost. the higher the demand. There is a different de- mand curve for every income group. In outdoor recreation,@ the natural resource alone has little or no productivity unless it is combined with capital, labor and management., .1hen considering th 'e tourist market, the following popu- lation. information is of interests SMSA 1979 Population Estimate Raleigh 495,016 Norfolk 814.6o6 Richmond, VA 601,873 People living in the above areas have the option o f many competing attractions. The primary competition for Cur- rituck County attractions is Dare County. Dare Cou'nty 0+ summer population is informally estimated to be 100,00 1 with many iniles of ocean beach and other attractions, and with significant amounts of promotion. Population pro- jections are often the basis for attendance projections, consumption projections which imply some relation of demand to supply, increases in demand and expanding levels of supply. Statistics developed by the'North Carolina Department of Transportation show increases in traffic going into Dare County. On both the Gurrituck Sound Bridge (Highway U.S. 158) and the Allig'ator River Bridge (U.S. 64) , a-n average six percent annual increase can be expected. Included in the data base for the averages was a',,9.5 pjArcent drop in Highway 158 traffic and a two percent drop in Highway 64 dourits during 1974.. 1978 Currituck Sound traffic was 25 percent higher than 1975 traffic and 72.5 percent higher than in 1970. 1979 figures are expected to show a one per cent decrease for Highway 158, and 22 percent drop on the other. two. 40 percent of all monthly traffic occurs on the weekends. Weekend traffic on Highway 158 during June, July and August, c::' 1978, increased ten percent over 1977p, at a time when the average daily traffic count increased only fou-r percent. The Oregon Inlet Bridge regularly receives 38 Percent of the total. traffic coming into'the county. More than 60 percent of the traffic stays closer to Nags Head. The Inlet tridge count was significantly less than the closer locations during the 197.4 recession/aasoline shortagel a 52 percent drop in traffic was recorded. IQ 64 July 1978 weekend day traffic @.-.rerages were as followst Highway 64 3,345 (Combines east and west traffic) Oregon Inlet Bridge 6,56o Highway 153 Bridge 13,532 In general, it appe 'ars that orincipal demand for attractions in the Currituck area comes from north or west of the county. There is an increasing demand, reduced somewhat by economic ,conditions and gasoline-prices or supply, for potential recreation resources in Currituck County. There must be an awareness of opportunity and a feeling on the part of potentialiusers that facilities are attractive an&cost is reasonable. It is likely, therefore. that with development of similar attractions, promotion and other affecting conditions in Curri- tuck:#7. Dare County beaches and attractions would lose some or share increases in use with Currituck County beaches. As indicated earlier, as conditions change in Dare County, either from growth or adversity, Currituck County'can ex- pect additional tourist pressure. Some assumptions and projections with demand relationships 'Were included in the trend section earlier. Both public and private outd 'oor recreation organizations must make plans to acquire,"land relatively early in relation to need. For user-oriented areas, playgrounds and neighborhood parks, location of sites must be near the users. For.major county parks, campgrounds and intermediate'-type areas, location is more flexible, but quality factors are dominant - woods, waters, vistas. For seashore. wilderness and other resource-based areas, the quality factor is very dominant, for there is no substitute for unique areas if lost. and no marketable demand, even to residents. A detailed analysis of open s pace and recreation is available through the document Open Space and Recreation, Currituck County, 1980,'Coastal Consultants, Ltd. and Ronald Johnson. Selected Policiest Although alternatives mentioned above as well as 27 recommendations proposed by the recreation study were discu@3sed, the County feels that in viEkw of the many needs of the Couny, recreation expenditures must'be held in abeyance until other needs are met. However, there are many actions which can be accomplished without significant expenditures. The following recommendations from the Open Space and Recreation Plan will be implemented during the'planning periodi A. Identify school 'ground facilities, which if repaired or improved would add to leisure opportunities. Implementation-Work with the Board of Education to identify needs. Bi@Contact the North Carolina, Wildlife Resources Commission to rpquest improvement of the Coinjock Access Area. Implementation- Work with the North Carol'inalResources Commission. C. Locate a private concessionnaire to provide a passenger ferry service to the Currituck Banks. Implementation- Seek out through advertisement and State'agency assistance a suitable concessionnaire*. Request the State to provide docking facilities and channel maintenance. D. Secure voluntary. easements along the ocean beaches from the boundary of the proposed National Wildlife Refuge south to the County line, -to allow legal access parallel to the coast at time of high tide. Permanent easements ten feet wide above the Mean High Water Mark are proposed as realistic minimum. An alternative would be to secure easements to a point two feet above Mean High Water Mark elevation. Implementation- Begin an ongoing program to contact landowners to discuss the easements. E. Establish water access points on the Sound and ocean. Future subdivision approval will be contingent upon dedication of road rights-of way to thewater. Implementation-Revise subdivision regulations. F. Establish a requirement of dedication of land for public recreat- ion or a cash payment to the County for subdivision approval. Recreation facilities for exclusive use of residents will not be a sub,,,,titute. Implementation-Revise the subdivision reiirulations. G. Establish bike and canoe trails throughout the County. Implementation-Ask for assistance from the State agencies. H.'Establish a County Parks and Recreation Commission. Implementation-Seek volunteers to participate. I. Establish voluntary programs for recreation and special evei@ts in the County.*Implementation-Utilize the volunteer time of a Parks and Recreation Commission. REDEVELOPMENT At the Dresent time, the County does not have significant areas in need of redevelopment. However, some areas have numbers of dilapidated structures. Some of these structures could have historic and cultural value. In some areas, dilapidated mobile homes exist. Alternative policies included setting aside County funds to assist in 'improving structureq, and maintaining -the status quo situati6n of no particular actions. -,elected Policyt Before structures are destroyed or rebuilt, a determination will be made by the County if the structures have historic or cultural value. If potential exists, Lin attempt will be made to place such structures on the State and National re'gister of historic places. The County will work toward identify- ing natural areas (e.g. Pennys hill) which could have historic or cultural significance., Implementationt Amend County regulations to require a' permit before destruction of buildings. Before a permit is issued, require a historic and cul tilral analysis to determine potential. The planning board will'bp'r6quired to review land areas in the County which could have cultural and historic significance and work toward methods to preserve these areas. =,JiMITMENT TO. STATE' -AND FEDERAL PROGRAMS The County supports state and federal programs in the County which include some programs required by law (e.g.,CANA permits). The County supports the Proposed National Wildlife Refuge on the Currituck Banks, state highway improvements, the state taking of the road from Duck to Corolla (in the absence of significant environmental problems if determined by the ongoing environmental analysis by NCDOT) dredging and maintenance of the Knotts Island Ferry, and maintenance of the Intracoastal Waterway. The County also su 'pports state and federal attempts at erosion control and beach nourishment. The County however, does not find that County financial assistance for any of the above mentioned projects will be available during the planning period#,The County will work with state and federal agencies to obtain easements and spoil areas for necessary work. County government and agencies will agsist state and federal agencies upon request to work out with private landowners necessary arrangements. ENERGY FACILITY SITING AND DEVELOPMENJ Currituck County wishes to continue to be rural in nature and continue to be oriented toward agriculture, fisheries and tourism. The Coiinty does not support the locating @ind development of energy faciliti@,es. MIOBILSt H01,1ES In the past ten-years, mobiie homes grew from about M@ of the housing @-.tock to about 36%. (See AppendixW for analysis).' In the past five years, the-n-@bile homes as a percentage of total housing starts was about 45%. If this percentage continues, over 1200 mobile homes could be added to the housing stock by 1990. Mobile homes are found throughout the County, and many are found in mobile home parks, About 1500 mobile homes exist in the County, with a-bout 550 located in mobile home parks. The largest park, Universal Park'in Moyock Townshipt has has about 380. Another large park, the Camp Lazy B, has 60. Mobile homes are located in 14 other mobile home parks. In terms of grade and condition of the mobile home stock, we find that companed to the total housing stock, mobile homes are rated by "the tax aF@,�essors as-as higher overall in condition and gradeo 67 Most of the mobile homes in the County are taxed as personal property, and therefore for the square footage of living space which mobile homes have compared to "stick and brick" housing, generally pay about an equal amount of tax as a stick and brick house in the same overall condition and grade. However, the' upcoming reValuation could caUSe a considerable change in this pattern, with stick and brick housing valuations exceeding that of mobile homes. Furthermore, it is widely held that police and social services calls to mobile homes are substantially higher than CallS to stick and brick type housing 33 thereby causing a higher degree of expense. Ignoring the aspects of revenue generation, costs, and long term effects on housing quality mobile homes generally appear to be considerably depreciated after about 15 years), it is likely that encouraging mobile mome building in areas with poor- est housing, quality will, if coupled with enforcement of the housing, code, most likely result in the immediate improvement of the quality of life in terms of housing. The overall proliferation of mobile homes in terms of revenue generation, costs, and long term effects on the housing stock appears to be generally deter- mental. Alternatives: The County considered the following: 1) encourage mobile homes 2) allow mobile homes only in mobile home parks 3) require large (5 to 10 acre) minimum lot sizes for mobile homes 4) allow mobile homes only in one small zone 5) require extensive anchoring, skirting, foundations etc. for mobile homes 6) do nothing Selected Policy; Restrict mobile homes to a special use which requires the mobile home to replace a stick and brick house of Grade D or E and poor condition as determined by the County tax assessor, The County will continue to work with the state and federal governments,and private developers to provide Alternate hou Implementation: Revise the zoning ordinance to provide for the above selected policy. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION A. Objectives: The public participation program is designed as an integral part of the planning process. The following objectives are to be strived for during this process: (1) to develop an understanding among citizens and the organized private interests in the community of the principal physical problems and needs of the area and the role of planning in dealing with them and bringing about a more liveable environment; (2) to cultivate a practice among. civic leaders and interest groups of sharing in the planning process; (3) to overcome the lack of, of, problems of, established political mechanisms so as, to reach segments of the population not adequately represented in the planning and decisionmaking process; (4 to serve as a forum for communicating the concerns of intereste citizens and interest groups; (5) to educate the public in technical matters; to keep them well- 33 Currituck County Sheriff's Dept. and Health Dept. informed on matters,i' controversy, proposed and 'existing lays, n policies and regul4tib'"ns and the rationale behind them; (6) to reflect changes in the public perception of their area, i needs and resources, and the best use of these resources, B. Approach: The approach of the public participation program is to combine a educational process with issue raising sessions, questionnaires and public meetings. In order to assure participation of appro- priate groupsi a sector analysis will belprepared to determine what publics exist and their relative makeup of the community's population and importance. DETERM-INATION OF PUBLICS It is important to recognize that. the public is made up of many of sec@tor's. These sectors vary in the time they spend in the community, the degree and role they play, in the political proceE their economic and social importance and, their interrelationshil with each other. In Currituck Co. , we have attempted toldentify many of these groups according to political and economic-social interests. Groups krranged By Political;Interests: A. Permanent residents' who participate in the electora' process; B. Permanent residents who do not participate in the electoral process; C. Temporary residents (summer inhabitants,.monthly an weekly residents, day users) D. Interested non-residents (absentee landowners, land speculators, absentee landowners) Groups Arranged By Economic-Social Interests A. Builders anq Contractors H. Low Income Pprsons B. 'Realtors and Developers I. Retirement Persons C. Commercial Businessmen J. Farmers D. Commercial Fishermen K. Laborers E. Sport Fishermen L. Industrialist F. Beach Users M. Military Personnel G. Government Workers N. Environmentalists In order to involve all these publics in the planning process, the Planning Board has identified persons who represent these interests. Specific ii,vitc.tions have been given to persons in these groups to attend meetings during which issues of interesi to them would be addressed. Edticational material was mailed tc -them and questionnaires to elicit their response to community issues-was mailed to them4 The Planning Advisory Committee -and the County Manager determin representative publics for Currituck County. Individuals were selected to represent various,publice.,through this process, a of publics was prepared. Educational Process A. Newspapersi In order to'ptepare citizens for the input process, a number of newspa-per articles were run in newspapers regarding planning issues. Many general problems were mentioned, such as transportation, water and sewer, and environmental problems. Be Forum i A public forum was held with specific invitations to various interest groups in the community. The first part of the forum was educationall the second part sought to elicit community issues and problems, as well as a ranking of the issues. C. Meetingst The planning process has been developed through the presentation of'paperB on various subject areas which served as discussion material through which policies were formulated. Members of the public as well as the Advisory Committee attended the meetings and helped in the formulation of ideas. Public Input A. Advisory Committee on Land Use The Committee served as the decisionmaking group in determining policies. Because many of the members are elected officials, decisions were cons idered to be reflective of the citizens who they represented. The Consultant presented information, analyses, alternatives, and advice to this Committee, and through discussion, decisions on policy were formulated by the Committee. Be Issue Forum The issue forum was designed to -elicit planning issues from the community. Special invitations to representatives from selected interest groups as well as the general publio were invited. In addition to determining issues, a ranking of issues was accom- plished. These issues were uses to design the informational questionnaire which helped the Committee in policy formulation. In order to determine the issues and priorities, a modified nominal group method was used. C. The Method The process began when the Committee welcomed the citizens to the forum and explained the purpose.(To solict citizen's ideas about community problemst goals, priorities). It was explained that no attempt would be made at the forum to arrive at solutions at that time. Thereafter, the participants were given introductory instruction about what land.uBe means, as well ets a discussion of how services. budgeting, and special issues relate to the planning process. At this point an identifiable example from a different situation(not relating to Currituck County) indicating the type of responses desired (issues, not subject areas) was shared with the audience. The citizens were instructed to work individually and silently on compiling a list of issues of concern to them regarding problems in the County. Each individual was asked in a "round-robin" fashion for one of his statements of an issuee Each response was recorded on a blackboard. No debate, rewording, or combining of Items was allowed. The purpose of this phase was to get as many responses as possible listed without .@,he immediate burden of defense. This process was continued until each participant had the opportunity to enumerate all of his concerns, After this phase was completed, participants @iere separated into groups of about five persons each. The subgroups were asked to discuss the issues and agree on the five issues of highest priority on the list. Then the members of each subgroup were asked to vote silently and privately on each of the five most important issues before the subgroup. The voting was done by setting weights on problems selected. The votes on each item were tallied within each subgroup. When all subgroups had completed the voting, a member of the' subgroup was asked to report the tallies on 'each item. These tallies were placed on the blackboard beside each item. When the tallies from each subgroup on each item were t 'otalled, a score for each item was indicated, showing priorities, Following a brief discussion of the'r'esults, the citizens were informed about the use oftheir concerns in drafting the questionnaire, as well as policy formulation. In drafting the questionnaire, the priorities from the issue forum were used to design questions in order,to determine how the general public 'Viewed the problems which the Advisory Committee on Land Use would be considering during the process of completing the Land Use Plan Update. Since the persons answering the questionnaire would not have the advantage of the monthly meetings to review information, the Committee used the results o'f the questionnaire as an indicator of public attitude. rather than a"vote" on the issueso When the time came for making policy on the issues, .the answers on the questionnaire were discussed and included in the alternative discussions. 'The public was notified at the' beginning of the process of the monthly meetings of the Committee and the public was invited to partici@pate@'in the process' Many from the 'general public attended initial meetings, bu; the attendance fell, off through the process..Generally, at least two meetings per month we.ce held. A copy of the questionnaire and results are included in j1ppendix F For continued and bettet.participation, the following alternatives were consideredt 1) issue a monthly newsletter to all residents of the County informing them of modifications ofIthe land use plan and attempts at implement'ation 2) hold monthly meetings to discuss possible plan revia@ons and implemen- tation 3) pur6hase television and @adio time to'discuss per- tinent Dtnd use issues and implementation strategies. Selected Policy% The planning board 'will hold a special land use meeting annually to discuss the land use plan and iniplementat Before the meeting,the County will attempt to get newspaper rticles.printed to ann meeting and briefly discuss a ounce the issues and implementation* 71 LAND CLASSIFICATION 6ection VI The land classification system has been developed as a means of assisting in the implementation of selected policies. by delineatina land classes on a map (Se@ map@ 4p:psnded)the C. County can specify those areas where certain policies (local state, and f6deral) will apply. The followinP, classes have been determined to apply in Currituck, Countyi D1,-V',: 7.0 FED The purpose of the developed class is to provide for continued intensive development of areas currently at or approaching a density of 500 dwellings per square mile that are provided wit,.h usual municipal or p@abjic services including at least public water, sewer, recrerAtional facilities, police and fire urotection. Although Currituck County'has no municipalities within its boundaries, two areas generally meet the above criteria These areas are Universal Trailer Park in Moyock Township, and Walnut Island in Poplar Branch Township, These areas have a water, and sewer system and are densely developed with mobile homes. TRANSIT16N The purpose of the transition class is to provide for future intensive'development within the ensuing ten years on lands that are most 'suitable and that will be scheduled for pro-. vision.of,necessary public utilities and services. The trans- ition lands also provide for additional growth when additional lands in the developed class are not'available or when they are severely limited for development. Areas in the County classified as transition include the communities of Moyock and Grandy, and the Currituck Banks south'of Corolla(not including AEC areas). Through'implementation of policies selected in the plan, the areas around Moyock and Grandy are expected to grow to the extent that the provision of public water and sewer may be feasible by the end of the decade, The area south of Corolla is the area which the County hopes will develop to allow for public access as well as increase the County tax base. Developers will be required to provide water and sewer. (See next section for policy and land use tie-ins), C -3:'1.-.10 i'i 1 `11 Y The pur'po'se of the community class is to provide for clustered land development to'help meet housing, shopping,employment 72 and public service'ne eds within rural areas of the County. The lands shown on the,classification mape, *,;,,nded are those in the rural areas of the County characterized by st-iiall groupings of mixed land uses,(residences. general store, church, school,etc.) and which are suitable and appropriate for small clusters'of rural development not requiring municipal sewer service(e.ge Point Harbor, Bertha, Shawboro). RU!ViL The purpose of the ritral class is to provide for agriculture, forest management, and other low intensity uses. Residences may be located in rural areas where urban services are not re- quired and where natural resources will not be perr,,ianently impared. In Currituck County, most-of these areas are in agricultural use. CONSERVATION The purpose of the conservation class is to provide for effective long term management of significant limited or irreplace- able areas. This management may be needed because of its natural, cultural, recreational, productive or scenic value. In Currituck County, this class is applied to major wetlands, state and federal recreation and wildlife conservation areas, ai.1 land north of Corolla and wetland south of Corolla included in the proposed U.S. Fish and Wildlife National Wildlife Refuge, and all AEC areas. RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES AND LAND CLASSIFICATION Devc1opedl The trailer parks indicated as developed, Univer- sal Park and.Walnut Island are classified in this manner . due primarilf'to the densities# and the provision of sewer Y and water. The@lare not considered as areas where the County wishes to have additional growth. As indicated previously, these areas have a high demand for services, especi@--tlly police and social services, and therefore have been considered in the services needs for 1990. The County policy is to reduce mobile home development. It is anticipated that due to changes in zoning and subdivision regulations, no more such tr_,Al(_-r parks will be permitted. It is not probable that any other areas which could be classified as developed will occur dur- ing the planrling period, althoughit is hoped that the designate,' -,-r,.-.)wth areas of Moyock 'and Grandy will approach such a stage i7. the next ten year planning period. Transitions Two of the three general areas designated as transit- ion, Moyock and Grandy, are hoped to be the major growth centers of the County in the future. These areas are located along the major transportation routes through the County, and pre- sently have the land use mix (stores, residential, institutions) appropriate to.a potential municipality. The area south of Coroll is expected to develop,with a mix of single-family and multi- family, with public water and sewer provided to multi-family. as serve a useful function in a ruMl Community: Community. County by serving a@-, focal point for rural residenoes and providing limited services such as a store, post office, church etc. As shown on the classification@map, the County has many communitv areas which serve this function. Althour-,h the County recognized the need for these these small communities, -.t is not County policy to support the growth of all of them. The County wishes to consolidate its facilities and services in the future to.make them more cost effective. ln the attempt to reduce sprawl development, implementation of zoning and subdivision changes(.larger lot sizes on poor soils, revision of zoning boundaries) will serve to concentrate growth in the transition classification areas. Ceveloped, Transition, and Community-Appropriate Uses, Appropriate uses in these areas are those which could be consid- nre,@ "urbanized uses,' that'is residences, commercial, instituti- onal, and industrial. The zoning ordinance will determine the specific uses allowed an' *well as densities. The exceptione-are thf-' @Lreas presently indicated in tho developed classificat- ion. As noted previously, these areas are not intended to represent "municipality" type uses of land which would include the urbanized uses noted above. Instead, they are only high density residential use. Rurali The rural class includes areas used primarily for agriculture, or c-ontain forest areas. County policy is to. keep these areas in agriculture-by implementing zoning and -cubdivision changes which would limit mobile home use (which in the past has utilized agricultural land in many instances). Appropriate uses,-in these areas are farming, forestry, Lind rural residential. Other appropriate uses would be industrial, Mineral extraction, and utility lines and pipes. Changes in the present zoning ordinance would place standards on industrial. mineral extraction, or utility use. Conservation; The conservation class, which includes all [email protected], state a.-id federal recreation and wildlife pro- tectton areas, the proposed Currituck Banks Wildlife Refure, and other AEC areas which include ocean hazard areELS, estuarine shoreline, coastal wetlands, estuarine and public trust waters, are intended for long-,@erm management to maintain these resources. The overall policy concept and the major thrust of implementation, is to manage development so that the location and density of development- is steered away from areas where associated results of development (e.g. septic tank pollution, erosion) will be of less possible harm to conservation class areas. Furthermore, proposed changes in'zoning and subdivision regulation's will impose 1c, 74 These areas also have @011 conditions in and around the areas which could support a.,gradual increase in densities. Once appropriate densities'are reached# it would then be feasible to serve these areas with sewer and water, and serve as concentrated nodes for provision of services. The major method to implernent-this policy is through changes in the zoning and subdivision regulations. Proposed changes (See Panagement Tools, Currituck County) would change district boundaries and densities to provide for lower densities throughout much of the Countyt and allow higher densities around Moyock and Grandy. In this way, the intent is to alter the present sprawl pattern of development to a nodal concept. The purpose is not 'only to allow for more efficient provis- ion of services, but also to protect the environment by reducing, development on marginal soils and in environmentally sensitive areas. .On the Currituck Banks south of Corolla, the third general area designated as transition, the intention is to provide for some development and@public access on the banks. The County has determined that a compromise concept of environ- mental protection and development is necessary for the Banks. The policy support of the proposed National Wildlife Refuge will mean that a large portion of a County resource will be given up to federal control. The Refuge will be closely controlled by the federal government, and very minimal human use will be permitted. In the area south of Corolla (other than wetlands included in the proposal and AEC areas) it is ,proposed that the County allow for flexibility of dev- elopment by the private sector. Transition cleissification ,-is indicated because implementation of the policy will require developers of PUD, multi-family development to provide sewer and water. The County is committed to provide other services to the area.to the same degree that it is . provided to mainland residents. It must be noted, however, that in keeping withthe flexibility concept, that development of the area. in single family detached use could occur. This could happen due to a number of reasonst 1) developers may not be able to provide sewer and water due to in@,,bility to find enough water for proposed development, 2) t@eir nroposed package plants may not meet County and state and federal requirements for a permit 3) the costs of providing the services, as well as the requirement to give up open space and provide for public access may not be cost effective to make high density development worthwhile. Single family 'detached units will be required to locate on minimum lot sizes of one acre. Even-so, many lots may not be able to meet septic, tank requirements, and therefore some areas may not be able to be developed, It is the intention of the County, then, to rely on.governmental controls to provide standards which will control development, but allow the private sector to attempt development. 75 Standards nroposed tool,:,- -,&,ould :@-trol managem, ont Ment. For exampl6, llihg of wetlands for development would be prohibited. (See Management Tools, Currituck County). The proposed zoning chahges would include a new zoning district, conservation, which would have the boundaries of the class of conservation on the classification map. Uses in'this-class would include water dependent uses such as marinas, fish..@atcheries and fish ponds, game preserves, lodges, public@:or private parks, single family detached dwellings,, and utility lines or pipes. Minimum lot zize for a single family detached use would be ten acres. The location and construction of any of the above uses would be subjeot to oth6r standards in the zoning and pubdivision regulations, as well as other restrictions such as MNLA regulations on standards in AECs* INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION WrinIg the planning proc 'ess, the County contacted adjacent municipalities, as well as stat6 and federal agencies to di@cuss alternatives and exchange information. For example, potential problems of hurricane evacuation were discussed with the Dare County Civil Preparedness Coordinator, meetings with the D11CDOT were held to discuss road improvements, the Ar@iy Corps of Engineers was contacted regarding the bridge at Coinjock and'dredging of-the Intracoastal Waterway, rnunici;palities in Virginia were contacted to discuss mobile home control, and many oth6r agencies on various issues per- tinent to the Land Use Plan Update. The same consultan-'l-, who helped to prepare the Currituck County Plan also assisted the Town of Southern Shores and other Dar'e County Beach Communities. A continuous dialog and flow of information between the municipalities was therefore made possible. The County will continue to maintain intergovernmental coordination by exchange of plan documents, and through attendance of meetings by County officials on is@--,ups of mutual interest, 76 GENERAL REFERENCES Albemarle Regional, Overall Economic Development Plan, hertford,1977. Brower, David J et al., Access to the Nations Beaches: Legal and Planning Perspectives, UNC-SG-77-18, Raleigh, 1978. Capps, Howard T. and Assoc., Land Use Element, Currituck County, Elizabeth City, NC,1978 Coastal Consultants, Ltd.and and Ronald D. Johnson, Recreation and Open Space,_ Currituck County, Southern Pines, 1980. ------------ Management System, Currituck Proposed County, Southern Pines, 1980. Envirotek, Inc., The Currituck Plan, NCSU, Raleigh, 1972. Moore, Gardner & Associates, Inc., Report on Currituck County Comprehensive Study As To Population, Economy and dater and Sewerage ReQuirements to 1990, Greensboro, 1974. North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community Develop- ment, Land Potential Study, Currituck County, Raleigh, 1966. ------------------------ Land Use Plan, Currituck County, Raleigh, 1976. ------------------------ North Carolina Water Resources Framework Study, Raleigh, 1977. ---------------------- Statewide Comprehensive Recreation and Open Space-Plan, Raleigh, 1979, North Carolina Department of Transportation, Feasibility Study of State Acquisition of the Private Road from Dare County to Corolla, Raleigh, 1979. ----------_------------ Transportation Improvement Program, Raleigh, 1979- North Carolina Office of State Management and Budget, Profile, North Carolina Counties, Raleigh, 1979. Pilkey, Orrin H. Jr., et al., From Currituck to Calabash, N.C. Science and Technology Research Center, Research Triangle Park, N.C., 1978. ---------------------- how To Live With An Island, N.C. Department of Natural and Economic Resources, Raleigh, 1975 Roberts and Eichler Associates, Inc., A Fiscal Impact Assessment of Development on the Currituck Outer Banks, Decatur, 1979. Sargent, Frederic 0., Rural Environmental Planning, University of Vermont, 1976. 77 Stephens Associates, Currit.i@ck; County.Economic Development Plan, Raleigh, 107)- United States Department of Agricultureo Soil Conservation Service, Outdoor Recreation Potential, Currituck County, Currituck, 1973, ----------------------- , Shoreline Erosion Study, Raleigh, 1975- --------------------- , Soil Survey, Currituck County, Currituck, 1979. United States Depa rtment of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Proposed National Wildlife Refuge on the Currituck Outer Banks, Newton Corner, MA, 1979- APPENDIX A Animals and Plants INVERTEBRATES SPECIES RANGE IN N. C. PREFERRED HABITAT GENERAL COMMENTS STATUS MILLIPEDS Onomeris australora Macon County, (Milliped) Highlands vicinity. Also found in Georgia Endangered. Pseudopolydesmus Endemic to Dismal paludicolus Dismal swamp area only. Swamp, N.C. & Va. Endangered. MOLLUSKS Bivalves-(Fresh- water clams) Alasmidonta Wake County,Neuse & Moderately flowing Found only in 5 heterodon Little Rivers; water, gravel, sand,- rivers outside of (Mollusk:bi- Franklin County, Tar or muddy sand. N. C. Endangered. valve) River; Pitt County, Chicod Creek. Catinella Currituck County.' Occurs in S. C. Underdermined. pugilator VERTEBRATES BIRDS Pelecanus Uncommon local Coastal infringe, Nests only in Ocracoke occidentalis resident along sounds & inlets. Inlet Production, Brown Pelican coast. Nests on low about 40 young. Endangered. islands. VERQ'RA'TES con't SPECIES RANGE IN N. C. PREFERRED HABITAT GENERAL COPIMENTS STATUS Haliaeetus Rare local resident -0 Last known nesting le cocephalus along coast. Rare Shores of sounds & site in N. C. in now Endan-.@ere._' Bald Eagle visitor elsewhere. large lakes unproductive. Falco peregrinus Uncommon to rare Coast-, mtns. & East U.S. breeding Peregrinus winter visitor woodlands. Nests population nearly Falcon along coast. on cliffs. extirpated.. E n d a r; 9 Sterna common-uncommon Coastal fringe. Terns unceasingly albifrons summer resident. Nests on beaches use,dredge islands for 1L'east Tern or low sandy nesting. I;ow nesting islands. sites of this species very vulnerable to -Enciangere,-- ----tides and storms. Coturnicops Uncommo.n-rare Marshes and noveboracensis winter resident grassy fields. Abufidance & dist. in Ilow Rail on coast N. C. poorly known. Rare. Habitat loss is threat. Latterallus Uncommon-rare Marshes, wet As above. Rare. jamaicensis summer resident grassy fields. Black Rail on coast and perhaps inland. VERTEBRATES con't SPECIES RANGE IN N. C. PREPERRED HABITAT GENERAL COMMENTS STATUS Gelochelidon Rare summer Coastal'fringe.Nests Terns increasingly use Rare. i=iotica resident along on beaches or low dredge islands for Gull-billed coast. sandy islands. nesting- Tern Passerculus Uncommon-rare Found in beach Outer Banks may become princeps %@inter resident grasses on sand major wintering area due Ipswich along outer banks. dunes.- to habitat los!@ Rare. sparro@4 elsewhere. Pandion Uncommon summer Large lakes & N.C. population relatively- haliaetus resident along rivers, &'sounds. stable, but populations U -ft d-e t@e r mc- M Osprey coast.Transient to north are threatened. Thalasseus Fairly common Coast al gringe.Nests Terns increasingly use. Undeterminc maximus summer resident. on beaches or low dredge islands for Royal Tern sandy islands. nesting. Limnothlypis Locally uncommon- Swamps & rivers High nest mortality from swainsonii rare summer floo8plains in natural causes on coastal Swainson's resident coastal coastal plain and plain; distribution in Undetermir, Warbler plain&mountains.. Rhododendron thickets mountains poorly known. in mountains. tY VERTEBRATES con't SPECIES RANGE IN N. C, PREFERRED HABITAT GENERAL COMMENTS STATUS Charadrius Locally uncommon- Beach nesting birds like Peripheral- melodus rare summer resident Dry, sandy beaches.- this threatened by Rare breeder ,Piping on coast. heavy recreational use in N. C. Plover of beaches. Sterno hirundo Uncommon-rare breed- Coastal fringe. Nests Tern-s increasingly use Peripheral- Common Tern ing summer resident. on beaches or low dredge islands.-for Rare );@Teede_- sandy islands. nesting. -in N.C. Thalasseus Uncommon summer As above. As above. Pefiphe_-a-_,.- sandvicensis resident. Undetermine--: Sandwich Tern in,.N. C. A@ IIAMMALS Sorex longir- @@s-tris fisheri Dismal Swamp Endemic. Endangered. (Merriam) South- eastern Shrew Blarina telmalestes (Merriam) Dismal Swamp Endemic. Endangered. Swamp Short- tailed Shrew VERTEBRATES coni t SPECIES RANGE'IN N. C. PREFERRED HABITAT GENERAL COMMENTS STATUS. Synaptomys cooperi N. C., range Endanaere@@- Helaletes Dismal Swamp periphery. (Merri-am) Southern Bog Lemming Felis concolor Eastern swamps Endemic Endancere- cougar (Kerr) Western mountains. Cougar VASCULAR PLANTS .Kalmia Coastal-plains Pocosin Rare-endemic. Rare cuneata of N.C. & S.C. APPENDIX R. Inventory of historic Sites INVENTORY OF HISTORIC SITES* Map Name or Identity Location No. of Site Township Highway Description of Site 1. Twin Houses Crawford Shawboro, No known date. Two identical frame houses NC 168 which are joined by a hall way. 2. Forbes House Crawford- Shawboro ca. 1820. Two story house with a gable roof and vicinity, a shed porch around three sides. NC 188 3. Currituck County Crawford Currituck ca. 1766. An early jail jail Courthouse NC 34 Pilmore Methodist Crawford Currituck 1928. On the site of the first. Methodist sermon Church Courthouse delivered in North Carolina in 1722. NC 34 4. Swan Island Club Poplar Currituck Old Sportsman Club Branch sound, 5. Indian Town Crawford Indian Town Undeveloped sit& Academy vicinity 6. Balance Site Crawford Bell Island Undeveloped archaeological site, found project SR 1245 tile points and stone axes. 7. Goose Site Poplar Cray Vicinity Undeveloped archaeological site, found to be, Branch SR 1142, possible site of large Indian village. Church's Island 8. McKnight Crawford Indian Creek- Undeveloped. 1st in North Carolina. Shipyard North River 9. Waterlilly Site Poplar E. Share of Undeveloped archaeological site.,. Branch Currituck Pen. 10. Currituck Beach Fruitville Corolla Outer 1875. A brick tower 158 feet tall Built to fill a Lighthouse Banks dangerous gap between Cape Henry to the north and Bodie Island to the south. Reprinted from An Appraisal of Potential for Outdoor Recreation, Currituck County, NC, SCS, USDA. Currituck. NC. 1973. 86 INVENTORY OF HISTORIC SITES Map Name or Identity Location No. of Site Township Highway Description of Site 11. Currituck Shooting Fruitville Currituck Private Sportsman Club 1870. club Sound, Outer Banks 12. Caffey's Inlet Life Fruitville Duck vicinity ca. 1890 An excellent prototype of stations built saving & Life Boat Outer Banks in the period. Station 13. Whaley Site Fruitville Albermarle Undeveloped archaeological sits. Sound 14. Harbinger Site Poplar 1/3 mil.sq.an Undeveloped archaeological site. Branch SW shore of Currituck Pen. 15. Sampson Point Site Poplar Sampson Point Undeveloped archaeological site. Branch vicinity. us 158 Wright Brothers Poplar US 158 Located at the western terminus of the bridge. Memorial Bridge Branch Undeveloped archaeological site. site 87 APPENDIX C Boat Accees and Recreation Areas 88 ''I C" L L. , A L L ; @L o Name & Location Acreage, Doat Launch Ramp Parking COIT,ments if known UnimprovedImproved Capacity I - Indian Creek x 6-8 Canoe Cartop launch S. of Shawboro oa road R -O.W. 2 - Newberns Lndng. No.River, Powellp Pt. x 6-8 Dirt Road, Shallow 3 - Ski La-oon Motel x t@ Road parking only End of SR 1102 "Motel Guests only" End of SR110 ,6 "For Property Owners Pt. Harbor and Guests" (Swimming) 5 - Hog Quarter 7-8 Slips, Dirt Ramp Landing, SQot 6 - qalnut Island X, 20 3oats for Rent Trailer Court, (,randy 7 - Waterview Shores, - P.resumed private Grandy 3 - Poplar Branch 4 x 30 Heavy local use. NC dRC Access Area 9 - Riviera Lodge. Access to N. River & S. of Coiniock x 10-15 Intracoastal Waterwy. 10 - Stoney's Fish 2-5 x 25-30 6 Camp sites, IC14 Camp, CoinJock dockside services 11 - Coinjock NC 5 x 50 Inaccessible when -9RC Access Area grounds are wet 12 - Hampton Lodge 110 x T@4-50 200 Camp sites,. Campground,Coinjock, Recreation.Bldg. 13 Currituck Bait x 9 Barn, _Maple 4o 14 Bell's-Island 1 x 150 Camp 3itesr other Campground..- private facilities 15 - Tull's Bay 3 )C 10-15 lo-,12. Sllpq@ -Marin:!, Moyock Coleman Youth x 10-15 Canoe launch only. Camp, Moyock swimming,tennis 17 - Barnes Marina & 17 -Camp, Knott's Is. 18 - Williams Lodge ? SR 1260 Road end Knott's Is. 19 - Bay Villa Maxina, ? &--Camp, Knott's Is. 20 - Brumley RQad. SR 1257 Road end; Knott's Is. road parking only 21 - Back Bay Ramp X* 25-30 In Virginiap access N. Knott's Is. through Knott's Is. @-2- Corolla Beach Access 5 Not accessible -excep- Area, NCWRC by boat(to gen'l. pu@ 23 Coinjock Esso and Gulf --7- Marinas - docking and dockside services on Intracoastal Waterway. 2 Mackay Island Nat'l. Access from Knott's I Wildlife Refuge 700 325 North West River 1251 ,Game Land, NCWRC -@,16 North River Game Bear Preserve 84)0 10 Land, Caipj!L)ck 27 Airpta-, Airstrip Leased by county KY. 158 & SR 1246 from Stxt_q of NC X Lazy B, Hy. 81 x 10-1.5 300 tent sited, plus Kriottl� Is. with full hookups. APPENDIX D Housing Analysis (Including Mobile homes) 90 CURRITUCK PUNTY HOUSING ANALYSIS From our population analysis we found that Currituc,k County has a strong, although not outrageous, growth rate. From the housing analysis we were able to verify that the county has an aging housing stock, a lar- ger than usual percentage of substandard housing and a large number of mobile homes. The use of mobile homes reached a peak early in the 1970's. The large number of substandard housing and the large number of mobile homes posit some imp-lications fot the county in its future development, both in terms-of tax base and suitable housing environments for its resi- dents. In order to complete our housing analysis, we needed (1) to determine the number of units in the housing stock; (2) to determi,ne the condition of the housi,ng stock, both initially in terms of construction and in terms of present condition; (3) to determine the age of the housing stock; (4) to determine the valuation of the housing stock; (5) to determine how the tra- ditional housing stock compares with mobile homes in terms of age, const.ruc- tion,condition and valuation; (6) to determine the location of each class of housing stock, so as to profile condition and change. In the end, we hoped our information would allow us to determine what poli cy the county should adopt to mobile homes and other aspects of the futur@@ housing mix. STICK & BRICK HOUSING Methodology: The Tax Assessor's Manual provides a system for tax assessors to use in evaluating a home for assessment purposes. Thi-s manual calls on the assessor to determine the grade of the structure on a scale of I to E; the age of the structure; the condition of the structure - Good (G) Fair (F) - Poor (P). The tax assessors evaluate the structure of every-pro- perty owner in terms of the above criteria. We have examined every 'property card in Currituck 'County in order to extract information on the tax assessment value, the age, con@iition and structural grade of the housing. Each house can be presented at the mapping unit scale. The tax office has divided the county into approximately 120 mapping units. Suitability of Housing for Habitation: The Tax Assessor's Manual attempts to establish a degree of uniformity by setting up standards by which to measu@re the quality of a dwelling. According to the manual, a Class D dwelling is described as "Cheap Quality Construction," whereas a Class E dwelling is de- scribed as substandard. Base specifications for these housing types a're in- cluded in the appendix. The condition of the house is a function of its ghysica*1 and functional depreciation. Physical depreciation is the loss of value in a structure due to deterioration caused by physical wear and tear and exposure to the elements. There are two kinds of physical depreciation, one is curable and measured by the cost of repair. The other is incurable, representing deterioration of 91 the basic structure and a loss in-! 'strength. It is measured by estimating the actual,remaining life. Functionall-depreciation is concerned with the lessening of value due to the effect of economic causes. Among the factors to be con- sidered here,are (1) structural obsolesence, (2) lack of appeal, (3) lack of livability, (4) inadequacy, (5) neighborhood, (6) insufficiency of utilities, (7) hazards. The Tax Assessor's Manual notes that because "individuals in the low income group are more tolerant of conditions that often affect the cheaper houses which they occupy," more expensive houses tend to suffer more from functional depreciation. Most houses that ' were rated Poor (P) In Currituck County had an appriasal value below $1000.00. A hou-se with a 1975 market value of $6000.00 that had used 60% of its physical life would be worth $1000.00. Most "E houses" lack heating and sometimes plumbing. A substandard house which is substantially deteriorated is considered to be unfit for habitation. To a lesser extent, most substandard housing can be expected to reac 'h,uninhabitable condition within the plann,ing period. Finally, some cheap quality construction that is in marginally fair condition may deteriorate to Poor condition during the planning period. We have surveyed the housing stock in the county and by township, and have found the following. HOUSING STOCK BY GRADE A B C D E TOWNSHIP UNITS % % % % % Fruitville 261 2 0.8 3 1.2 51 19.5 156 59.8 49 18.8 Crawford 821 1 1.0 32 3.9 246 30.0 355 43.2 187 22.8 Moyock 510 0 0.0 9 1.8 129 25.3 225 44.1 147 28.8 Popl*ar Branch 1084 4 0.3 54 5.0 215 19.8 541 49.9 270 24.9 County 2676 7 0.2 98 3.6 641 23.9 1277 47.7 653 24.4 HOUSING STOCK BY CONDITION G F P TOWNSHIP UNITS % % % Fruitville 261 101 38.7 147 56.3 13 5.0 Crawford 821 195 23.8 501 61.0 125 15.2 Moyock 510 249 48.8 175 34.3 86 16.9 Poplar Branch 1084 358 33.0 629 58.0 97 8.9 County 903 33.7 1452 54.3 321 12.0 Accordingly, 12% of the county's housing stock is substandard and in poor condition. The largest percentages of substandard housing are in Moyock and Crawford townships. Ideally, 321 units should be replaced with structurally sound units in the nearer part of the planning period. This represents a substantial housing need for nearly 1000 people within the county. 92 In addition to the 12% of,poor housing, which is mostly deteriorated, we have another 12.4% which is "'of'!,"E Grade" but currently In fair condition. An additional 10 years of depreciation will probably result in a large per- centage of this group being constdi.- !. uninhabitable. Most noticeable results will robably occur in Poplar Branci,, although all townships.are relatively p in about the same shape. SUBSTANDARD HOUSING TOWNSHIP P % E but not P % D % Cumulative % Fr@uitville 5.0 13.8 % 59.8 % 77.7 % Crawford 15.2 7.6 43.2 66.0 Moyock 16.9 11.9 44.1 72.9 Poplar Branch 8.9 24.9 49.9 83.9 County 12.0 12.4 47.7 72.1 In terms of immediate housing needs, the county should probably emphasize its efforts in Moyock and Crawford townships. By evaluating all age profiles, we notice that a substantially larger percentage of housing units were built within the last ten years in Fruitville and Moyock township. Much of the new housing in Fruitville township is of "Cheap Quality Construction." AGE OF HOUSING 0-5 6-10 0-10 TOWNSHIP % % % Fruitville 48 18.4 45 17.2 93 35.6 Crawford 97 11.8 120 14.6 217 26.4 Moybck 78 15.3 82 16.1 160 31.4 Poplar Branch 150 13.8 121 11.2 271 25.0 County 373 13.9 368 13.8 741 27.7 In all, the stick and brick housing stock in the county is in extremely poor condition, suffering from old age and inferior workmanship. MOBILE HOMES During the last ten years, the'county has had to cope with not only the prob- lem of increasingly more and more outsiders, but also with a growingly larger por- tion of the housing stock in mobile homes. Due to the large number of views held on this subject, we decided to gather some of the available data. We discovered that mobile units were treated sometimes as realty and sometimes as personalty within the county. We-found that the mobile home as realty included about 30% "double wides." The questions we needed answers to included (1) what was the per- centage of mobile units in the county (by township); (2) what areas are experienc- ing more rapid mobile home growth; (3) what is the age, structural quality and condition of the mobile units; (4) how do these units relate to stick and brick housing units in quality. Methodology: Our methodology',@elied on information from the real pro- perty cards for determining qua 'lity.of units used as real property. We examined the personal property cards to extract data on units described as personalty. Regrettably, information on these'later units is sketchy, generally including only age, square footage and appraised value.. We removed from the total count any units that were smaller than .400 square feet. When mobile homes are con- sidered as personalty, @hey are taxed at 100% of market value. This value does .not depreciate and is adjusted yearly for,inflation. Mobile Homes and Total Housin@ Stock: Mobile homes make up a dramatically large perdentage -of the housing units T-nCurrituck County. If we assume that the greater majorit@`of units moved into the county are new units or units 1-2, years in age, th 'en we can determine that during the past ten years mobile homes grew from 19.6% of the'housing stock to 36%. The majority of new housing units in the county are mobile homes. This profile appears as follows: @MOBILE HOMES & TOTAL HOUSING STOCK (1970-1980) Number of Number of % of Years Mobile Homes Housing Units Mobile Homes 1970 495 2530 19.6 1975 1082 3485 31.0 1980 1480 4156 36.0 *(Mobile Homes Includes Double Wides and Units Described. as Realty) These numbers do not tell the"entire story. A more important question is whether mobile homes are increasing or decreasing in tems of the new housing starts. Here, we observe that the mumber of mobile homes to stick and brick units'was highest during the early 70's and appears to have declined and leveled out in the late 70's. MOBILE HOMES ADDED IN 1970's iCumber of Mobile Number of Total Years Homes Added Housing Units Added % 1970-75 585 955 61.5 1975-80 298 671 44.4 1970-80 885 1626 @54.4 If the next ten years were to continue the trend of the past 5 years, the county could expect approximately 1020 mobile units to be added to the housing stock. (Using 4.5% annual growth rate.) Thus, 55.6% of all new units will be mobile homes. Assuming a continuation of recent trends, thus, the housing Imix w6uld take on the following characteristics: 10 94 HOUSING MIX, 198040 Units Added Total Units % of Housing Type 1980-1990 1990 Total 1990 Stick and Brick 1020 3696 57.2 Mobile Home Units 1278 2758 42.7 Total Units 2298 6454 This would mean that the mumber of mobile units would reach 42.7% of the total stock and level off at near that percentage, presumably even to the year 2000. In terms of the grade and condition of the mobile home stock, we notice that compared to the total housing stock, mobile homes have a higher structural quality and are in better condition. Since 1970,*the adoption of construction standards for the mobile home industry has resulted in higher quality construc- tion. However, we have only limited experience. upon which to test the average useful life of even the good structures. The Tax Assessor's Manual leads us to believe that stick and brick homes are over 50% physically depreciated in about 30 years. A mobile unit may reach the same level of actual depreciation in 15 years. (tax assessors do not depreciate mobile units in Currituck County.) Due to the fact that mobile home use is a fairly recent phenomena nationally, we can note that tbe mobile home stock is newer - although it may age more quickly. Mobile homes treated as realty comprise a smaller percentage of the housing stock. However, because approximately 40% of the total units in existence were built prior to 1970, we feel comfortable in transferring information on inade- quacies gleaned from mobile homes as realty to the entire mobile home stock. Thus, we can surinise that approximately 8.2% of the total mobile home stock is in Poor Condition, another 0.8% can be classified as of substandard construction, "Cl"ass E," and finally, 29.6% can be classified as "Class D," or cheap quality housing. This contrasts favorably with the stick and brick housing stock. SUBSTANDARD HOUSING STOCK (1980) Number of Poor Grade Grade Housing Type Units Condition E (only) D Mobile Home 1480 121 8.2 12 .08 438 29.6 Stick and Brick 2676 321 12.0 33Z 12.4 1277 47.7 We can obtain a profile of the relationship between age (over 10 years old) and condition (Poor) by contrasting mobile home stock in two townships. In Fruitville township, 70% of the mobile homes are over 10 years of age, result- ing in 16.2% being described as in Poor Condition. Whereas, in Crawford township, 33% of the mobile homes are over 10 years of age, resulting in 5.3% being described as in Poor Condition. We should note that very few mobile homes. in the county are older than 20 years, however, there are fewer mobile homes 10-15 years old than 15-20 years old. We tend to believe that when the mobile home stock reaches 10+ years, that we will add 8 to 16% additional units to the class of Poor Condition. (For purposes of completing our analysis, we have assumed that 35% of all mobile units will be,,completely physically depreciated after 20 years of age - this is difficult to predict since we have few mobile homes of high caliLre construction that are this old.) 95 We can contrast the' housing stock,'in 1990, and its projected quality. Number,,of Added Number Likely Poor Poor Condition Poor Condition Condition for Housing Type 1980 2000 Mobile 121 162 468 Stick and Brick 321 329 653 20 year old mobile home, 50% of Grade D (1980) In terms of the quality of the housing stock, the addition of mobile homes should improve the quality over the short run, although by 1995, the number of mobile homes,'age 20 and over, will probably be a major source of poor quality housing. This factor assumes that people will not "trade up" their units, something that may in fact be happening now; also, that construction standards in the mobile home industry will not prove our basic assumption erroneous. We can observe that in 1980 mobile units are a viable alternative to.living in poor condition housing. As we hinted earlier, the mobile home picture is not the same'throughout the county,. Poplar Branch with its larger population has the largest number of mo- bile homes in 1980 with 476 units. However, the heaviest growth areas appear to be in Moyock and Crawford townships. The details are 'as follows: 1980 MOBILE HOME COMPOSITION Mobile Horxi. Total Housing Township Units Units' % Fruitvifle 208 469 44.3 Crawford 420 1242 33.8 Moyock 375 885 42.3 Poplar.Branch 476 1560 30.5 1975 MOBILE HOME COMPOSITION Mobile Home Total Housing Units Units % Fruitville 186 399 39.6 Crawford 329 1054 31.2 Moyock 278 709 39.2 Poplar Branch 389 1323 29.4 1970 MOBILE HOME COMPOSITION Mobile Home Total Housing Units Units Fruitville 148 364 40.6 '6 Crawford 148 753 19. Moyock 123 472 26.0 Poplar Branch 198 1011 19.6' 96 From the above table we can',ls6e that Moyock and Crawford township, which are the fastest growing townships, are experiencing.the greatest increase in mobile home construction.,. 500 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 1970 1975 Fruitville Moyock Crawford Poplar Branch- Expressing the increase in mo6ile homes in terms of the annual growth rate, we find- ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: MOBILE UNITS Mobile Units Growth Rate Town,$hip 70 75 80 70 - 80 75 - 80 Fruitville 148 186 208 3.8% 2.8% Crawford 148 329 420 12.3% 6.2% Moyock 123 278 375 13.3% 7.8% Poplar Branch 198 389 476 10.2% 5.2% PERCENTAGE MOBILE HOMES TO TOTAL HOUSING STOCK ADDED 1975 - 1980 Number Mobile Number Stick % Mobile Fruitville 22 48 31.4 Crawford 91 97 48.4 Moyock 98 78 55.6 Poplar Branch 87 150 36.7 97 PREDICTED 1980 1990 HOUSING MIX A91k Added Number Added-Number Total Num- Township Hobile Stick' ber Units Fruitville 72 225 Crawford 315 335 650 Moyock 349 278 627 Poplar Branch 291 503 794 Certainly this information on growth rates or pressure for mobile home development, with information on housing units in poorest condition, we find that the townships,of Crawford and Moyock had the greatest percentage of hous- ing units in Poor Condition', and the greatest rate of increase in mobile units. INCREASE MOBILE RATE VS SUBSTANDARD HOUSING % of Stick & Brick units in Poor Annual Mobile Unit Units Condition Growth Rate Township, Poor Condition Stick/Brick''Mobile 1970 - 1980 Fruitville 5.0% 13 16 3.8% Crawford 15.2 125 22 12.3 Moyock 16.7 86 30 13.3 Poplar Branch 8.9 97 17 5.2 Ignoring the aspects of revenue generation and long term (20 to 30 years) effects on housing quality, it appears that encouraging mobile home building in areas with the poorest housing quality will, if coupled with enforcement of the housing code, most likely result in immediate improvement of the quality of life, in terms of housing, in the county. On the other hand, efforts to restrict mobile homes in Fruitville and to a lesser extent in Poplar Branch, will have the least effect on reducing the poor quality of the housing stock and therefore seem most justified. Seasonal Units: It is interesting to note that Fruitville and Poplar Branch also appear to have the largest number of mobile units (.not realty) and probably total housing units in seasonal use. We estimated that 120 of the 310 mobile units in Poplar Branch were used on a seasonal basis, and perhaps as many as 50 of the 103 units in Fruitville. In Crawford and Moyock, only about 10% of the units appeared to be restricted to seasonal use.' (We judged seasonal use from personal property records, where an individual had an out of state address and no other property listed for taxation except the mobile home.) Figures on Fruitv@ille town- ship pose a problem since most mailing addresses have a Virginia post office box. 98 CLASS D DWELLINGS CHEAP QUALITY CONSTRUCTION Cheap materials with inferior workmanship. Houses costing $7,500 to $12,500 are usually in or near this class of construction. BASE SPECIFICATIONS FOUNDATION 8" concrete block walls or masonry piers. No basement. EXTERIOR WALLS 5/8" lap siding or 1" drop siding painted-, no sheathing,2" x 4" studs, 16" O.C. 1 3/8" pine doors and double hung windows. Brick, Veneer Construction similar - Use' Masonry Schedule. ROOF - Double pitch or hipped type; cheap asphalt shingles, I." sneathing 2" x 4" rafters 24" O.C. No cornice. FLOORS - Flat grain Y.P. flooring, 1" subfloor, 2" x 8" joists, 18" O.C.,timber beams and sills. No attic floor. INTERIOR FINISH - Y.P. doors and trim throughout; cheap cabinets. Rock lath and plaster, sheet rock or beaded walls and ceilings, papered or painted. No tiling in bath. HEATING - Hone included in base price, add from schedule. FIREPLACE - None included in base price', add from schedule. PLUMBING - Kitchen sink, automatic. water heater, cheap 3 fixture bathroom. LIGHTING - Electric lighting, concealed knob and tube wiring. Cheap fixtures. CLASS D GARAGES BASE SPECIFICATIONS FOUNDATION - Concrete block or brick piers. WALLS - 1" drop siding. 2" x 4" studs, 24" O.C. ROOF - Cheap asphalt shingles on 1" sheathing, 2" x 4" rafters, 24" 0. C. FLOOR - Cinders or gravel. LIGHTING - None. DOORS - Cheap sash panel or batten hinged garage doors. (Brick Veneer Garages same except for wall construction). CARROL PHELPS COMPANY WINSTON-SALEM. NORTH CAROLINA CLASS E DWELLINGS SUB-STANDARD CONSTRUCTION Very cheap materials w1th Interior workmanship. Buildings are often without modern improvements, Cheap cottages costing up to $6,000 are in this class of construction. BASE SPECIFICATIONS FOUNDATION Brick, stone, or concrete piers. No basements. EXTERIOR WALLS 1" drop siding painted; no wall sheathing, 2" x 4" studs, 24" O.C. 1 3/8" pine doors and windows.. ROOF Double pitch type roof, cheap metal or asphalt shingle roofin 1" sheathing, 2" x 4" rafters, 24" O.C. No. cornice, gutters or conductors., FLOORS - Flat grain Y.P. flooring painted, 2" x 6" joists, 16" O.C. INTERIOR FINISH - Cheap pine doors and trim, few cabinets and closet beaded or sheet rock walls and ceilings. HEATING - No heating system. FIREPLACE - Cheap fireplace or flue Included in base price. LIGHTING - Electric lighting, knob and tube wiring. Drop cords. PLUMBING - No plumbing base. Add from schedule for fixtures. CLASS E GARAGES BASE SPECIFICATIONS FOUNDATION Brick or concrete block piers. WALLS - eap drop siding or corrugated metal on light framin MY-- Double pitched corrugated metal on wood strips, 2" x 4 rafters 24" O.C. FLOOR - Earth. LIGHTING - None. DOORS None. CARROLL a. PHELPS COMPANY WINSTON-SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA 100 APPENDIX B Sanitary and BacterioloikiaRl Surveys 101 REEPORT OF Si@NITARY AND BACTERIOLOGICAL CURRITUCK SOUND AREi@' A REA 1-16 FEBRUARY 1976 -.MARCH 1979 JUNE 61 1979 102 AREA 1-16 EXI-11BIT I STATI ON LOCATIONS @'AN'V AREA MAP, EXHIBIT II SHORELINE SURVEY ROME EXHIBIT III SEWAGE VIOLATIONS FOULIBIT IV BACTERIOLOGICAL R:-3ULTS AND MPN MEDIAl'S EXHIBIT V PROCiAKA.TION AND CLOSED AREA MAP 103 Preface Total Acres ............... .......... ........... 90 000. Proh.ibited Acres .......... ......................... 74)500. Oyster Production .......... ................ 0........... ; ...... None. Ran' gia Clam Produc4on ......................................... Good. Cormnercial Value.'.-:,., . o............. ............................ None. Recommended Changes .................... ......................... Open 15,500 Acres. 104 AREA I-16 By SHELLFISH SANITATION PROGRAM NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF HEALTH SERVICES I. INTRODUCTION Area I-16 consists of the waters in Currituck Sound from Popular Branch on the north boundary,to the Wright Memorial Bridge on the south.(See Exhibit I for area map.) The area is basically considered a brackish area with the only shellfish found in the area being the Rangia clam. The population in the survey area is approximately 3,000 permanent residents, with another 1,000 added as seasonal residents*. There are no major pollution sources found in the area, although swine operations are numerous throughout Curri This area has no commercial value in regard to shellfish production but has been included, in the program because of possible utilization of Rangia clams by local residents and tourists. SANITARY EVALUATION OF SOURCES OF POLLUTION, INCLUDING SEWAGE SYSTEMS A comprehensive shoreline survey of Area I-16 was begun on January 22, 1977, and was completed on March 1, 1979. Conducting the survey was Steve VOhs of the Shellfish Sanitation staff. Mr. Vohs and Charlie Jackson, also of the Shellfish Sanitation staff, visite Mr. Donald G. Brown, sanitarian of the Currituck County Health Department, prior to beginning the survey. The purpose of this visit was to outline, with Mr. Brown, the procedure that would be followed and to what extent that Mr. Brown would be involved. It was agreed that Mr. Vohs would conduct all of the field work, including follow-up on corrections. He would also initis Mr. Brown agreed to assist by Promptly advising property owners on repairs issuing the necessary permits, and by appearing, if necessary, as a witness in any possible legal action. The survey was conducted in this manner; and, and the time' of this report, follow-up work is still being conducted. Because of the peculiar drainage pattern around Currituck Sound, the route that was followed while conducting the survey was complex. It can best be described by observing Exhibit II. All residences., businesses, and places of public assembly were visited. Where the tenants or property owners were present, their sewage disposal systems were inspected. Notices of Violation were issued in cases where malfunctions were found. At the time of this report 5 of the 9 malfunctioning systems that were found have been corrected. A total of 1079 inspections of individual sewage disposal systems were made. (See Exhibit III for sewage violations.) One section of Area I-16 was not surveyed in the usual manner. The Outer Banks portion, in the vicinity of Corolla, is inaccessible except through the use of a four-wheel drive vehicle. Steve Vohs and Charlie Jackson, along with Bill Biggs, who furnished a four-wheel drive truck, visited this area. 'No situation was found that was considered to be a potential source of pollution. This village consists of' approximately 25 residences and no businesses. There is also some development of beach property for resort use. All of these structures are located well away from the water and their sewage disposal systems. are in a sandy. soil. Therefore, because of the inacessibility of the area and the apparent favorable conditions of the sewage disposal systems, a house-to-house survey was not conducted. There are approximately 4,000, residents in this area. Approximately 1,000 of these are seasonal, using their vacation homes only during the summer months. The animals found ware as follow. Hogs 6400 Cows 235 Horses 30 Dogs 290 Fowl 400 Part of this area is also comprised of a Wildlife Refuge. Thousands of ducks, geese, and swans frequent the area.every year. According to the Soil Conservation Service, there are 5 soil associations in Area 1-16; Wagram-Ocilla-Dragston, Ponzer-Pamlico, Capers, Newhan, and Bladen- Bayboro-Hyde. A brief discription of these, concerning their suitability for septic tank systems is on file in the Area I-16 shoreline report and is avail- able upon request. There was only one marina found in Area I-16. This is the Tulls Creek Only 18 boats with marine heads were found. The vegetation of Area I-16 consists, of row-crops, mixed pine and hardwood forests, and marsh grasses. There are no sanitary landfills located in the area. Solid waste is handled through the use of a greenbox collection' system, but' some open dumping of trash was noted on SR 1270, SR 1239, SR 1165, SR 1133, and SR 1115. No source of chemical, nuclear, or radiological pollution was found. III. EVALUATION OF HYDROGRAPHIC FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SPREAD OF POLUTION Current directions are influenced by winds. There are no sewage treatment plants located in this area and current studies are not needed. Soils in much of the area are not conducive to proper septic tank operation and fresh-water run-off causes problems throughout the area. 107 OF SHELLFISH GROWING WATERS AS INDICATED The bacteriological survey was begun in February, 1976, and concluded in November, 1978. During the survey 159 water samples were collected from 17 sampling stations. Results indicate that the upper part of the Sound in the sampling area has high coliform medians.The lower end of the Sound meets standards for an approved area. (See Exhibit I for station locations and Exhibit IV for MPN data.) It should be noted also that fecal coliform counts have been low throughout the survey. Station #1, located near the west end of the Wright Memorial Bridge, had 2 coliform readings exceeding 330; but fecal counts were 3.6 and less than 3.0. There have been no chemical or radiological samples examined during -this survey period. V. ANALYSIS OF THE INTER-RELATIONSHIPS OF THE FOREGOING FACTORS AND RESULTING AREA CLASSIFICATION The bacteriological and shoreline surveys indicate that some of the area can be safely opened to shellfish harvesting. The area to be recommended opened will be the area south of a line from Webster Creek, on the west side of the Sound, to Station #14, on the east side of the Sound. It should be noted that this will have little if any commercial value, but will permit tourists to harvest Rangia clams. Rangia is the only shellfish found in this area. No other changes are recommended in this area at this time. (See Fxhibit V for closed area proclamation and map.) 108 TIC IA. Js Q-.jl 3i - At M. I CKA V MI 4 it'll Mll e 68 .pl. %n 10 .0 p 4 A@d J- 110 -------------- 00, Ll Ak I've V:: 73 - V71 .71 ov cc Cf z- AI c a 7< @Qzs,@@t- Z, FA -Ile Lk"ZI, @- 7- e-2 @?mLn, 95- 3. 4, //too 15- /100 q-3 /,5-0 00 HOO 7/100 do 1160 93 --- q622- 0 'Z1100 711 yo L3 23 -IJ 5 -2 3 //0 VLl 1) 93 Z/- z 2 t1o /S-O 00 L-) -'-Lt-c7'2--LLOO l7q_ @73 43 _9, L @71 113 PROCLAMATION RE: SHELLFISH POLUTED AREA By virtue fo the authority vested in me as Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Natural Resourced and Community Development, and upon the recom- mendation of Connel Puryis, Director, Division of Marine Fisheries, and Dr. Hugh B. Tilson, Director, Division of Health Services, North Carolina Department of Human Resources, it is hereby announced that effective at sunrise, Monday, June 11, 1979, the following changes in shellfish harvesting areas will take effect: No person shall take or attempt to take, any oysters or clams or possess, sell or offer for sale any oysters or clams taken from the following polluted area: CURRITUCK SOUND All those waters in Currituck Sound upstream of a line across the sound beginning at a point on the east shore at 36*09' 36" N - 75* 49' 15" W; thence in a straight line to a point on the west shore at 36* 12' 25" N-75* 46' 05" W, to include all creeks and tributaries. [1] This proclamation is issued under the authority of G.S. 113-182 and N.C. Marine Fisheries Regulation 15 NCAC 3B .1101. [2] This action amends Regulation 15 NCAC 3B .1111 (1)(a), and opens approximately 15,500 acres. [3] Watched areas on map indicate areas closed to shellfishing. BY AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. BY: Connell Purvis, Director Division of Marine Fisheries June 7, 1979 9:30 A.M. /mjr 114 V, % C WE 10 LM tA vwk- 3!1a,11 oi- attompt to talize, any w- or 3oll, or offer f r w SL -115 OF tulum from thc following iny t:linc,: S'ound upstroam of it lino- in Gurri-Luck .-d LI poij)-t on the east 'shore tit 3 36fl N 75c' 491 .151; Oc .1 i I Ic: to 't point on the west shore at 1;--" 25" 14 75"' 46' Lo ilW. M:.. !,i-ji al.1 creelis and tributarIc!,n, RE-PORT OF ISANITARY AND BACTkRIOLOGICAL SURVEYS NORTH RIVER AREA AREA,I-1 JANUARY 1976 - JANUARY l< )79 JULY 17., 1979 AREA I-I EXHIBIT I AREA MAP AND STATION LOCATIONS EXHIBIT II SHORELINE SURVEY ROUTE EXHIBIT III SEWAGE VIOLATIONS EXHIBIT IV BACTERIOLOGICAL RESULTS AND MPN MEDIANS EXHIBIT V PROCLAMATION AND PROHIBITED AM MAP 117 Preface Total AcrEs .................................................. 25,000. Prohibited Acres ............................................. 15,000. Oyster Production ........................................... None. Clam Production (Rangia, Only) ................................ Fair. Commercial Value............................................... None. Recommended Changes ......................................... open Additional 10,700 Acres. 118 REPORT OF SANITARY AND BACTERIOLOGICAL SURVEYS NORTH RIVER AREA AREA, I-I BY SHELLFISH SANITATION PROGRAM NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF HEALTH SERVICES INTRODUCTION Area I-1 consists of all the waters and tributaries of North River upstream to the ICWW Bridge at Coinjock. The area is sparsely populated, with no major sources of pollution. The only shellfish. produced in the area are Rangia clams and there is no commercial harvesting done in the area. There are. presently 10,000 acres of the 25,000 acres in the area opened to shell- fishing. (See Exhibit I for map of the area.) II. SHORELINE SURVEY REPORT A shoreline survey of Area I-1 was begun on March 19, 1979, and was completed on March 20, 1979. Conducting the survey were Steve Vohs and Doug Penland, Shellfish Sanitation. Mr. D. G. Brown, sanitarian with the Currituck County Health Department, was notified of the planned survey prior to beginning. It was not necessary to contact. the Camden County Health Department since there are no roads providing, access to North River on the western side. The survey began at the intersection of SR 1129 and US 158, near Grandy. All. of SR 1129 was included. A southerly course was continued along the western, side of SR 1125 to SR 1124. From this point, a westerly direction along SR 1124 was taken to the River. Also included were SR 1126, SR 1126, SR 1123, SR 1122, SR 1157, SR 1120, the western side of US 158 between SR 1120 and SR 1116, SR 1112, SR 1130, SR 1109, SR 1163, and SR 1100. All other roads, paths, and drives, both public and private, between US 158 and North River were included. 119 (See Exhibit 11 for a detailed Graphic exhibit of the route.) All residences, businesses, and places of public assembly along the above- described route were visited. Their individual sewage disposal systems wore inspected arid Notices of Violation were issued in cases where malfunctions were found. Only 2 notices were issued. Copies of these were sent to the Currituck County health Department. Mr. Vohs will conduct the follow-up of obtaining these corrections. The soil conditions along the east side of North River, regarding their suit- ability for septic tank systems, are described in detail in the Shoreline Report arid this information is available upon request. Most of the septic tanks in Area I-1 are located in soils described as having, "slight" to "moderate" limitations for septic tanks. It is suspected that this, along with the fact that Mr. Brown has been requiring separate systems for washing Machine and kitchen wastes for some time, accounts for the low number of failing systems that were found. Out of the 258 inspections that were made, only 2 notices were written. (See Exhibit III for sewage Vioations.) Practically all of Area I-1 on the eastern side of North River is a farming community. Very little of it is densely populated. Much of the populated area is inhabited by summer or weekend residents. Of the approximately TOO people living in the area, approximately 300 of them are weekend residents. All of the area west of North River is comprised of swamp and woodland. The, animals found in Area I-1 -were as follow: Hogs 100 Dogs 25 Horses 6 Fowl 270 These estimates were derived from a combination of actually counting, esti- mation, and by information gathered by talking with residents of the area. The area is also frequented by some migratory wildfowl during, the winter Months. 120 All sewage disposal in the area is, achieved through the use, of privately owned and maintained ground absorption systems. There are no large sewage treatment plants in the area. Solid waste is disposed of outside the area. There are no sanitary land- fills, nor was any open dumping of trash and garbage observed. There are no marinas in the area, nor are there a significant number of large boats with marine heads. No source of chemical, nuclear, or radiological pollution was found. III . HYDROGRAPHIC FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SPREAD OF POLLUTION This area is a brackish to fresh water area, with the only water movement caused by wind direction. There were no major sources of pollution found in the area;.therefore, current studies are not needed. Heavy rains do cause problems in this area as in all of the areas of low salinity. IV BACTERIOLOGICAL, CHEMICAL, AND RADIOLOGICAL SURVEYS OF GROWING WATERS Bacteriological results have been obtained in this area on A random basis since 1974. For the purpose of this report only the data since 1976 will be included. however, it should be noted that the bacteriological results of 1974-75 tire similar to the more recent results and are supportive of the recommendations to be made in this evaluation report. Results of the 1974-75 sampling period are available upon request. Sample Stations #1, #2, #3, and #5 had unsatisfactory coliform medians during the 1976 1979 survey. Samples collected on 1-11-79 showed coliform counts that exceeded an MPN of 330 at 17 of the 20 stations sampled. It should be, noted, however, that focal col- ifqorm results were acceptable at 13 of the stations find no station exceeded an MPN of 23. All stations exceeding limits for tin approved area are located in the upper section of North River. (See Exhibit IV for MPN results from all stations and Exhibit I for station locations.) 121 V. SUMMARY AND RESULTING AREA CLASSIFICATION As has been mentioned previously in this report, the North River area has little commercial significance as a, shellfish area. However, some of the present prohibited area can be safely reclassified to an approved area. This will have very little if any affect on the commercial value of shell- fish taken from the area. It will give local residents and tourists the opportunity,to harvest Rangia clams if they so desire. The area to be opened consists of approximately 10,700 acres. Proclamation and now prohibited area map will be Exhibit V of this report. 122 A,,o. M@Pla S-Jaf@p A&d C, IN\911 ff G'149^ Qk Ft opt 17 4C H,.Aw rz ta ZY % 040 DAT F 7 AREA po I NOS. /'5-0 1/00 noo -1/3 fLa ljo D 2-yo __93 .240 --Z@l .4'1 4 @2 1/0 z1-3 9-3 V-3 9-; q3 3.e., 3 C) q".,O.. go @-2 9./ 9,/ q6ol 3 Q3 39 '13-' q y -i r.7-3 4-3 Ll 43 -31-L 2,10 93 91/ 3, 1,.:, . . . ............ //00 23 @3 4/k) zgo q3 ej,Y- ?j 2.-1) 4, I Lo-D. North Carolina Department of Natural Resources & Community Development James B. Hunt,Jr., Governor Howard N. Lee,Secretary DIVISION OF MARINE FISHERIES, PO POX 769, MOREHEAD CITY, N. C. 28557 PROCLAMATION RE: SHELLFISH POLLUTED AREA By virtue of the authority vested in me as Secretary Of the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources arid Community Development, and upon the recommendation of Connell Purvis, Director, Division of Marino Fisheries, and Dr. Hugh H. Tilson, Director,Division of Health Services, North Carolina Department of Human Resources, it is hereby announced that effective at sunrise, Friday, July 20, 1979, the following changes in shellfish harvesting areas will take effect: No person shall take or attempt to take, any oysters or clams or possess, sell or offer for sale any oysters Or clans taken from the following polluted area: ALBEMARLE SOUND - NORTH RIVER All waters upstream of a line drawn from a point on the west shore Of NOrth River at 36* 14' 06" N - 75* 57' 03" W; thence across the river through Beacon #159 to a point on the Vast shore at 36* 14'5O" N - 75* 55' 42" W, to include all tributaries uPstream from said line. NOTES. [1] This proclamation issued under tile authority of G. S. 113-182 and V. C. Marinc Fisheries Regulation 15 NCAC 3B .1101 [2] This action amends Regulation 15 NCAC 3B .1111 (1) (b) and opens approximately 10,700 acres. [3] Hatched areas on map indicate areas closed to shellfish. BY AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. BY: CONWELL PURVIS, DIRECTOR DIVISION OF MARINE FISHERIES July 17, 1979 11:00 A.M. SF-45 /jfg P.O.Box 27687 Raleigh, North Carolina 27611 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employe 127 No Person shall take or attempt to take any Oysters or clams or Possess. sell. or offer for sale any oysters or clams taken from the following areas, at any time: (b) North River All waters upstream of a line drawn from a point on the west shore of North River at 36*, 14', 06" N -75* 57' 03" W; thence across the rIver through ICW Beacon #159 to a point on the east shore at 36*, 50" N 75* 55' 42" W, to include all tributaries upstream from said line. (c) Pamjuctant River All waters Upqstream from A line beginning on the west shore 36* 09', 07" N- 76* 03" 34" W on Wade Point; thence to a point on the east shore at 36* 10' 42" N - 75* 59' 38" W. (d) LITTLE RIVER AND FLATTY CREEK All waters upstream from a line beginning on Stevenson Point at 36* 06' 15" N - 76* 11' 42"; thence to a point on the east shore of Flatty Creek: at 36* 08' 13" N - 76* 06' 16" W. (c) ALBEMARLE SOUND All water upstream from a straight line in Albemarle Sound beginning at: a point on Stevenson Point 36* 06' 15" N - 76* 11' 42" W; thence across the Sound to Ship Point at 35* 59' 38" N - 76* 10' 14" W. Includes all tributaries. 128 APPENDIX F Public Attitude-Ques'tionna'lre 129 Questionnaire of Public Attitu@e@.' In order to determine the public attitude on issues indicated to be of interest to the County at the@public forum (See pp. 68-71)t a questionnaire was developed.1A scientific random sample was drawn from the voter registration list in order to obtain a confidence level of 85%-_(That is, there is an 85% confidence that the sample reflects the r6sponses of the entire,population from the voter list. National polls such as the Harris poll use a much lower confidence level).'The persons from the sample were interviewed by telephone by rrie!--,bers of the Advisory Committee on Land Use. The questionnaire was also made available to the general public. The results@lof the scientific @urvey are given in this appendix. Only the results of the scientific survey are give?i. since the results are the only ones which can be given a 'confiden6e level. However the only questions where any significant differences of opini-)n oc6ured were questions 12 and 18. For question 12, the preference re@arding alternatives to "package plants" was,,for Ithe developers to build and maintain them with the scienti@kic sample, whereas the general re@ults indicated a desire for central -o sewer systems. For question 18, "Should the County attempt 4. zone lands for conservation and recreation only, the scientific S,mnple results indicated a strong yes, whereas the general response was undecided. @30 CURRITUCK COUNTY QUESTIONARE Although the northern extention of North Carolina Outer banks lies very near the major population center of Norfolk, Virginia, Currituck bank has remain, argely undeveloped, The reasons for such sparse development of As 23 mile stretch are related to the constant changing nature of the area and lack, of easy access* Despite 'the difficult access, Currituck Banks is developing. The Banks however is one of the most complex and sensitive environments therefore costs to the environment,as well as costs to the government must be weighed against benefits Of access* The following are some methods of access which could be considered: A) A corridor through Mackaylsland Refugee to the Outer Banks A road from Duck to Corolla C A ferry system to provide access directly to the Currituck Banks 1. Do ycu feel that transportation access to the Currituck Banks is desireable? Yes No No opinion If YES. which of the above alternatives would you rank as the most desireable? A B 3- Which would you rank as second most desirable? A C 4. What other alternative should be considered? The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering the purchase of large amounts of land north of Corolla. This would keep the area from further development protect some natural resources, effectivel stop any access from the north through Currituck Banks, and remove the purchased land from the County tax rolls. However, this does riot necessarily mean that* it would result in a net loss of revenue to the County, as revenue sharing or tax money that would not have to be spent on providing services to the area would be issued to be considered. 5. Do you favor the above mentioned purchase? Yes No No Opinion Currituck County presently has about 45% of its housing stack In mobile homes. Most of the population increase from 1970 housed in mobile homes. The County, presently does, not a11ow mobile home parks, has strict building requirements in effect, and only allows mobile homes in iminor subdivisions. 6. Sould the County continue to prohibit mobile home parks? Yes No No Opinion Should the County continue to allow mobile homes only in minor sub divisions( ) Yes No No Opinion 8. Should the County attempt to prohibit any more mobile homes, other than the ones alreadyhere? Yes No So opinion 9 Should the County adopt even stricter. standards regarding mobi1e homes. such as more tie downs, requiring fastening to foundations etc.? Yes No No opinion 10. Should there be a regional "fair share" plan under which nearby Virginia localities would change their zoning ordinances to allow More mobile homes taking some of the pressure To absorb -this type of housing from Currituck County? Yes No' No ;Opinion 11. Should the Soldiers and Sailors Relief Act be amended to allow mobile homes owned by non-resident servicemen to be taxed by Currituck County? Yes No No Opinion Due to the lack of areas where on-lot sewage disposal can be permitted. developers must use "package plants to accomoadate development .Because upkeep is difficlt over a long period of time and monitoring Is infrequent, these systems can potentially cause problems. The following alternatives could be considered. A. Maintaining existing procedures (developers or home owners associations responsible for upkeep and maintenance, with minimal county and state monitoring) B. Requiring completed "package plants" to be "dedicated- to. the County when completed* thereby requirinig strict County monitoring. and maintenance C. Prohibiting further construction of such facilities and making plans for central sewer systems, around which further dense development-must take place 12. Which of the above alternatives would you rank as most. desireable? A B C None of the above 13. If you relected None of the Above, what alternative would you suggest? q0 q1q@ Many areas experiencing rapid growth find that Growth occurs along road frontage in a haphazard,manner. Sometimes this growth occurs along in environmentally sensitive. areas. or' cause a using up" of"all the valuable spots, thereby preventing access by others. Also, as areas develop, allowing for high density development can allow many areas to be left in open space. 14. Would you like' to see Curituck County's future development occur around already developed areas? yes No ( ) No opinion 15, Should the County. zone some areas for high density development such as townhouses, thereby allowing some, areas to remain in open space? Yes No No Opinion 16. Should growth in -the County be slowed by Introducing a timed development", management tool (allowing only a certain amount, of development. per year tied closely to County facilities and revenues? Yes No No Opinion Each year, agricultural land is lost to development. Generally this is because the land is sold off in small lots for homes. Also due to the natural properties of the land, good farmland is usually good development land 17. Should the County enact large lot zoning In rural areas in order to prevent small lots being sold off for residential development? Yes No No Opinion Currituck County has special problems relating to open space and recreation due to lack of access lack of funds and sites for parks and playgrounds. and the long, narrow formation of ,the County boundary. 18. Should the County zone some lands which could be used for- recreation and conservation only? Yes No No Opinion 19. Which of the following types of recreation do you feel are A inadequately provided for in the County?(Place (I)for most inad quate (2) for second most inadequate A.Swimming E. Playgrounds I. Camping Area B. Picnic Areas F. Tennis Courts J. Hunting Area C. Walking Trails G. Ball Fields K. D. Fishing Access H. Golf C0urses 20. Would you pay an additional 5 cents per 100 of assessed valuation to provide for the recreational type which you listed as most inadequate? Yes No 21. Do you favor a County industrial park for the creation of heavy industry in one locagion Yes No No Opinion CURRITUCK COUNTY QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS Scientific Samplet (percent) 14 77% 'yes 20% no 3%undecided 4 2; 17 A 29 B 23 C 31 undecided 3& 14 A 17 B 26 c 33 undecided 4. Not enough response to tabulate 5. 40 yes 46 no 14 undecided 6. 74 yes 20 no 6 undecided 7. 74 yes 17 no 9 undecided 8, 54'yes 43 no 3 undecided 9, 71 yes 23 no 6 undecided 10. 69 yes 31 no - undecided 11v 86 yes 14 no - undecided 12. 49 A 14 B 31 C 6 undecided 13, Not enough response to tabulate 14. ?4 yes 17 no 9 undecided 15. 5? yes 11 no 32 undecided 16. Bo yes 20 no - undecided 17. 63 yes 37 no - undecided 18. 83 yes 14 no 3 undecided 19.. See Dage.61 for results* 20. 71 yes 2@ no 6 undecided 21. 83 yes 17 no - undecided 134 APPENDIX G Summary 135 Currituck County Contract 4864 Grant Amount $8,100 The Plan ate first describes present conditions. The present population of thd County is about 12,000 persons. Unplanned development in the County has contributed to a sprawl development pattern, thereby making services difficult and expensive to provide. The major land use change facing the County is the possibility of the prioposed Wildlife Refuge on the Currituck Banks. The Plan next addresses constraints. One of the greatest constraints to the County is poor soils for on lot sewage disposal. -This has caused concern about ground and surface water-pollution (especially Currituck Soundi. The County presently does not offer public water and sewer facilities, although a subdivision on the Currituck Banks, Ocean Sand, is provided with :such a service. The County is planning to guide growth to Moyock and Grandy, with intentions of establishing a public water and sewer system in the future. County policy toward alleviating pollution problems lies in revisions to the zoning and subdivision regulations which will reduce mobile homes, generally reduce densities on poor soils, guide growth to suitable soils, and require developers of multi- family units and PUDs to provide sewer and water and open space. The County wishes to continue to promote its rural character and Currituck County does not desire rapid growth', energy facilities, or mining. In the Plan the Co@rity has.classified most of its land as rural.' Areas desigtlated@as transition are Moyockand Grandy. Two large trails parks 'have been classified as developed due. to high.densities a,nd availability of sewer and,water. 'Areas classified as communities include many crossroad community areas presently existing with minimal services (e.g. church, store). The conservation areas include'state and federal conservation areas, the proposed Wildlife Refuge on the Currituck Banks, wetlands, and AEC areas. On the Currituck Banks, the County desires to support the Proposed U.S. Fish and Wildlife purchase, while allowing development to occur on the Banks south of Corolla (except in AEC areas). The County supports the State taking of the road from Duck to Corolla, and desires a mid-county access to the Banks. The CAMA Land Use Plan Update has been endorsed by County government. -The draft will undergo public hearing in the fall, and will be submitted to the CRC for approval. The County has not yet revised or instituted new management procedures as a result of the project. 137