2007 Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan

Transcription

1 2007 Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan Adopted by the Town of Carolina Beach on October 23, 2007 Adopted by the Coastal Resources Commission on November 30 th 2007 Technical Assistance Provided By: Cape Fear Council of Governments 1480 Harbour Drive Wilmington, NC Ph: Fax:

2 The Town of Carolina Beach 2007 Land Use Plan Town of Carolina Beach 1121 North Lake Park Boulevard Carolina Beach, NC Ph: Fax: Town Council Dennis Barbour, Mayor Pat Efird, Mayor Pro Tem Gary Doetsch Jack Lynch Joel Macon Planning and Zoning Commission Jerry Johnson, Chairman Sarah E. Harris John Keith Mike Kopitopoulos Detlev (Lank) Lancaster Mike Newkirk Daniel Wilcox Town Manager Calvin R. Peck, Jr. Town Attorney Al Clyburn Town Clerk Lynn Prusa Planning Director J. Scott Chase North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Coastal Management 2

3 Wilmington District Serves Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties, Onslow County south of the New River, and Topsail Island District Manager Jim Gregson District Planner Mike Christenbury Funding Acknowledgement The preparation of this document was financed, in part, through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Technical Assistance Provided By: Cape Fear Council of Governments 1480 Harbour Drive Wilmington, NC Ph: Fax: Penny Tysinger, Planner-in-Charge ptysinger@capefearcog.org Scott Logel, GIS / Regional Planner slogel@capefearcog.org 3

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS PART Section 1. Executive Summary, Introduction to the Planning Process, and Public Involvement Executive Summary Introduction to the CAMA Land Use Plan Process The Function and Utility of the Land Use Plan The CAMA Permit Process Public Involvement PART TWO Section 2. Carolina Beach and Local Community Concerns and Aspirations Key Planning Issues Impacting Carolina Beach Identification of Existing and Emerging Development Conditions The Vision of the Community s Future Summary of Community Issues, Concerns and Aspirations Section 3. Analysis of Trends and Emerging Conditions Population, Housing and Economy A Population Characteristics and Trends in Carolina Beach B Current Seasonal Population Estimates C Population Projections D Housing Characteristics and Trends in Carolina Beach E Economic Characteristics and Trends in New Hanover County Summary of Existing Population, Housing and Economic Characteristics Natural Systems Analysis Defining Natural Features and Areas of Environmental Concern Natural Systems and Hazards Inventory GIS Mapping of Natural Features and Hazards Assessment of Water Quality in Carolina Beach Assessment of Natural Hazards in Carolina Beach Assessment of Natural Resources in Carolina Beach The Environmental Composite Summary of Natural Systems Analysis Section Analysis of Land Use and Development Existing Land Use Land Use Conflicts and Land Use and Water Quality Conflicts Development Trends and Future Development Projections of Future Land Needs Summary of Land Use and Development In Carolina Beach Analysis of Community Facilities Status of Wastewater and Water Infrastructure in Carolina Beach Stormwater Systems Transportation Systems Summary of Community Facilities Analysis Land Suitability Analysis PART THREE

5 Section 4: Plan For The Future- Goals, Policies and Future Land Use Map Town Goals Town Policy Introduction Definitions of Action and Descriptive Words Used in Policies Town of Carolina Beach Policy Statements I Management Topic: Public Access II Management Topic: Land Use Compatibility III. Management Topic: Infrastructure Carrying Capacity IV. Management Topic: Natural Hazard Areas V Management Topic: Water Quality VI Management Topic: Local Concerns Future Land Use and Classification Map Future Land Classification Area Table Description of Existing and Future Development Characteristics in Land Classification Areas Allocation of Land to Future Land Use and Classification Areas Consistency between the Future Land Use and Classification Map and the CAMA Management Topics Policy Analysis: Overall Land Use Plan Consistency with Management Topics Management Topic: Public Access Management Topic: Land Use Compatibility Management Topic: Infrastructure Carrying Capacity Management Topic: Natural Hazard Areas Management Topic: Water Quality Management Topic: Local Concerns Policy Impact Analysis Policy Impact Analysis Table Potential Neutral-Negative Policy Impacts and Mitigation Steps to Minimize Such Impacts Tools for Managing Development Role and Status of the Plan Staff Flow Chart for Determining Consistency of Development Proposals and Ordinance Amendments Existing Development Program Existing Development Program in Implementing the Policies and Goals of the Land Use Plan Additional Tools for Managing Development Action Implementation Schedule (See Appendix V) Appendix Appendix I: Assessment of the 1997 Land Use Plan Policy Effectiveness and Implementation Appendix II: Future Land Classification Area Table Appendix III: Policy Impact Analysis Table Appendix IV: Existing Management Program in Implementing Goals and Polices of the Land Use Plan

6 Appendix V: Action Implementation Schedule Appendix VI: Citizen Participation Plan Appendix VII: Updated Building Permit Data Appendix Map Section

7 PART 1 Section 1. Executive Summary, Introduction to the Planning Process, and Public Involvement 1.1 Executive Summary Carolina Beach secured a grant to update its land use plan under the Coastal Area Management Act of 1974 and the Division of Coastal Management s Local Planning and Management Grant Program. As a part of the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA), coastal counties are required to periodically update their land use plans and policies. Municipalities within those coastal counties have an option to adopt the county s plan and policies as their own and waive the right to prepare their own community plan. Carolina Beach has retained their right to prepare a plan for their community to keep the goals and policies of a land use plan focused on their community itself and not county-wide. Working within a two-year process, divided into two planning phases, the Town of Carolina Beach will identify key issues impacting the community s quality of life, develop a vision of what they want their community to be, analyze data showing how the community is changing and developing, and develop policies for the Town to help preserve and protect cherished values and features of the community. Phase I of the two-year planning process was completed in the Summer of 2004, and Phase II will be completed in the Spring of Phase I will consist of Parts One and Two, described below, and Phase II of the land use plan will consist of Parts Three and Four. Part One of the Carolina Beach Land Use Plan introduces the public to the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) and its planning process and requirements. Part One includes an explanation of the regulatory authority the Division of Coastal Management exercises in managing development in coastal areas. Also included in Part One are tools used by the Town of Carolina Beach to encourage the help and guidance of the public in creating the community s land use plan and policies. Part Two of the Land Use Plan identifies and prioritizes development and quality of life issues being faced by the community. Part Two contains the community s vision statement, which provides a general description of the desired Carolina Beach of tomorrow. The bulk of Part Two is made-up of analyses of the Local Population, Housing and Economy; Natural Features and Environmental Conditions; Current Land Use and Development; Community Infrastructure and Facilities; and Suitability of Land for Development. In essence, Part Two of the land use plan provides the data and information base used to shape Town polices and identify future issue areas. Part Three of the Land Use Plan establishes the goals and policies set by the Town. The polices of the Land Use Plan are intended to provide approved courses of action for the Town to follow to assist in reaching its goals. The Town s policies were formulated to address and remain consistent with the six CAMA Management Topics (see last paragraph in Executive Summary). The Town has also established a Future Land Use and Classification Map and associated area descriptions which apply many of the land use and development policies to actual areas within the Town s jurisdiction. Part Four of the Land Use Plan provides an assessment and analysis of the desired growth and development pattern established by the Town through its policies and the direction of the Land Use Plan in general. As part of the analysis, the goals and policy direction of the Land Use Plan were compared with the goals and objectives of the CAMA Management Topics to ensure an overall consistency is maintained. Furthermore, the potential positive, negative or neutral impacts of each policy were assessed to identify potential inconsistency with Management Topics. In addition, the Town s Tools for Managing Development (existing regulations and plans) were identified and assessed for their role in implementing the goals and policies of the Land Use Plan. Finally, an Action Implementation Schedule was developed from key Town goals and policies to identify a priority list of tasks to accomplish and a timeframe in which to accomplish them. The Town of Carolina Beach Land Use Plan follows recently adopted revisions to land use planning guidelines (15A NCAC 7B) by the N.C. Coastal Resource Commission (CRC). Carolina Beach last prepared a CAMA land use plan in 1997 under the previous guidelines. Elements of the

8 Carolina Beach Land Use Plan that remained relevant to the community were included in the current plan where applicable. The CRC guideline revisions attempt to improve the quality of land use plans by establishing clear and distinct elements in the plan and requiring more in-depth analysis of land suitability and creating Management Topics to guide the development of local policies. Management Topics, as defined by the Division of Coastal Management (DCM), are categories of local land use policies determined by the CRC to be essential for proper use, development, and protection of natural and manmade resources in the coastal area. Management Topics to be addressed in the land use plan include Public Access, Land Use Compatibility, Infrastructure Carrying Capacity, Natural Hazard Areas, Water Quality, and Local Concerns. 1.2 Introduction to the CAMA Land Use Plan Process The Town of Carolina Beach and many similar coastal communities have become magnets over the years for families, tourists and retirees seeking enjoyment and relaxation. Panoramic ocean views, soothing sounds of birds and ocean breezes, as well as clean beaches and tidal waters for recreation have always been some of the primary characteristics that draw people to the coast. The desire for living in and visiting coastal communities has inevitably led to certain types of development that stress and degrade the very characteristics that make the coast so valued. In attempts to rescue our coastal areas and reverse or mitigate the inevitable trend towards degradation, a partnership of federal, state and local governments manage the development impacting our coastal area heritage. The United States Congress passed the Coastal Zone Management Act in 1972, which encouraged coastal states to preserve our coasts health by establishing programs to manage, protect and promote the nation s fragile coastal resources. The North Carolina General Assembly passed the landmark Coastal Area Management Act known as CAMA in CAMA established the Coastal Resources Commission (CRC), required local land use planning in 20 coastal counties and provided for a program for regulating development. A land-use plan consists of policies, maps and relevant technical data that serves as a community s blueprint for growth. These plans are a fundamental element of coastal management in North Carolina. Land-use plans provide guidance for both individual development projects and a broad range of policy issues at the local level, such as the shaping of regulatory ordinances and prioritizing public investment programs. According to the Division of Coastal Management s guide to learning about CAMA land use planning, once a land-use plan is certified by the CRC, the Division of Coastal Management uses the plan in making CAMA permit decisions and federal consistency determinations for development projects. Proposed projects and activities must be consistent with the enforceable policies of a local land-use plan, or DCM cannot permit a project to go forward. Land-use plans include local policies that address growth issues such as the protection of productive resources (i.e., wetlands, estuaries, and fisheries), desired types of economic and residential development, natural resource protection and the reduction of storm hazards particularly due to flooding and wind damage caused by hurricanes. The CRC's guidelines set forth a standard format for each plan and require a specific set of issues, in addition to any unique local issues, to be considered during the planning process. An important aspect of the planning process is that the policies included in each respective plan are those formulated and agreed upon by the local government, and are not policies dictated by the CRC. By law, the role of the CRC is limited to determining whether plans have been properly prepared. The Division of Coastal Management stresses that land-use planning provides one of the best opportunities for public involvement in the N.C. Coastal Management Program. DCM holds that by getting involved as your coastal community develops or updates its land-use plan, you have an opportunity to help shape the policies that will guide CAMA permit decisions in your community and the growth of your community in the future. In addition to overseeing the land use planning process for the entire coast of North Carolina, DCM awards grants for local planning and management projects, such as funding public access sites. DCM also stations four technical assistance planners throughout its four NC coastal districts to assist local governments with coastal planning and management issues. 8

9 By 1997, 72 cities and towns had adopted their own plans, although CAMA does not require them to do so. By 1999, each of the 20 coastal counties and many towns had updated their plans four times, improving the quality of the plan with each update, according to DCM. 1.3 The Function and Utility of the Land Use Plan The Town of Carolina Beach s 1997 CAMA Land Use Plan, prepared by Glenn Harbeck Associates, identified four key functions of planning, which still hold true but continue to evolve and expand. First, a land use plan provides a source of information for basing public policy and governmental decisions. The plan sheds insight into the local areas population, demographics, economy, natural environment, community capacity for growth, and overall development trends. Secondly, a plan provides guidance for government decisions in formulating future decisions on public and capital investment, as well as zoning and other development regulations. The third function of a plan is to reveal a preview or predictor of future government action. The public, local government staff and developers are better informed and able to understand and predict how a government will make decisions if a plan is in place and followed. The fourth function of a plan and the planning process is to provide the general public and its representatives, the Planning and Zoning Commission of Carolina Beach, the opportunity to address issues unique and important to the local area and shape the plan to best serve the purposes of the local community. An additional, but related, function of a land use plan with day-to-day practicality is basing approval of CAMA development permits in the local community on the proposed development s impact and use being consistent with the policies for growth set forth in the plan. The following section will provide background information on the permitting process and the role the land use plan plays in determining whether development permits will be issued. 1.4 The CAMA Permit Process The Coastal Area Management Act requires permits for development in Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC). A CAMA permit must be acquired if a development project meets all of the following conditions: The project is located within one of the 20 coastal counties of North Carolina The project is considered "development" under CAMA The project is within, or affects, an Area of Environmental Concern established by the Coastal Resources Commission; The project does not qualify for an exemption. Generally, development" includes activities such as dredging or filling coastal wetlands or waters, and construction of marinas, piers, docks, bulkheads, oceanfront structures and roads. The Coastal Area Management Act (NCGS 113A-103(5)(a)) defines development as: "any activity in a duly designated area of environmental concern... involving, requiring or consisting of the construction or enlargement of a structure; excavation; dredging; filling; dumping; removal of clay, silt, sand, gravel or minerals; bulkheading; driving of pilings; clearing or alteration of land as an adjunct of construction; alteration or removal of sand dunes; alteration of the shore, bank or bottom of the Atlantic Ocean or any sound, bay, river, creek, stream, lake or canal" According to DCM s CAMA Handbook for Development in Coastal North Carolina, Areas of Environmental Concern are the foundation of the Coastal Resource Committee s permitting program for development in coastal areas. An AEC is an area of natural significance, and requires special attention because it may be easily destroyed by erosion or flooding; or it may have environmental, social, economic or aesthetic values that make it a valuable resource. The CRC designates particular areas as AECs to protect them from unmanaged development, which may cause irreversible damage to property, public health or the environment. AECs cover almost all coastal waters and about 3 percent of the land in the 20 coastal counties. The CRC has established the following four categories of AECs: 9

10 The Estuarine and Ocean System (coastal wetlands, public trust and estuary waters, and estuarine shoreline); The Ocean Hazard System (ocean erodible setback area, un-vegetated beach area, inlet hazard area, and high hazard flood area); Public Water Supplies (small surface water supply watershed and public water supply wellfields); Natural and Cultural Resource Areas (coastal complex natural areas, coastal areas that sustain remnant species, unique coastal geologic formations, significant coastal archaeological resources and significant coastal historical archeological resources). See Section for descriptions of the above items in parentheses. See Section for Carolina Beach inventory and acreage of above items in parentheses. See Section for maps of above items in Carolina Beach. According to the Division of Coastal Management, if you're planning any sort of development -- from a sandbag structure to a bridge to a condominium -- in the coastal area, and your project is in an Area of Environmental Concern, you're probably going to need a CAMA permit. You'll also need to follow development rules specific to that AEC. You're probably in an AEC if your project is: in, or on the shore of, navigable waters within the 20 CAMA counties; on a marsh or wetland; within 75 feet of the normal high water line along an estuarine shoreline; near the ocean beach; within an ocean high hazard flood area; near an inlet; within 30 feet of the normal high water level of areas designated as inland fishing waters by the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission; near a public water supply; within 575 feet of Outstanding Resource Waters defined by the Environmental Management Commission. If your project is in one of these areas, contact the Division of Coastal Management office nearest you. Refer to the front of this document for contact information for the DCM Wilmington District Office. For more information on the CAMA Handbook for Development in Coastal North Carolina and specifics for mitigating steps required during development visit the following web-page; There are currently three types of development permits: major permits, general permits and minor permits. The Division of Coastal Management makes permit decisions after considering agency and public comments, and after determining whether a proposed project meets CRC rules and the local government's land-use plan. The CAMA permit system is divided into major and minor permits, based on the scale and potential impacts of a project. Major permits are necessary for activities that require other state or federal permits, for projects that cover more than 20 acres or for construction covering more than 60,000 square feet. Applications for major permits are reviewed by 10 state and four federal agencies before a decision is made. Minor permits are required for projects, such as single-family houses, that don't require major permits or general permits. They are reviewed, issued and administered to CRC standards by local governments under contract with the Division of Coastal Management. The minor permit program is part of the CRC's 10

11 efforts to minimize the burden on permit applicants. Under CAMA regulations, a minor permit is to be issued within 25 days once a complete application is in hand. If the project is simple, the review process often is shorter. The Town of Carolina Beach issues CAMA minor permits. General permits are used for routine projects that usually pose little or no threat to the environment. For detailed information on permit categories refer to Section 5: Applying for a CAMA Permit, located at the web address above. Some development may be authorized by exemption certificate. Section 103(5)(b) of the Coastal Area Management Act exempts the following activities from permitting requirements: road maintenance within a public right-of-way; utility maintenance on projects that already have CAMA permits; energy facilities covered by other laws or N.C. Utilities Commission rules; agricultural or forestry production that doesn't involve the excavation or filling of estuarine or navigable waters or coastal marshland (Note: these activities are not exempt from permitting requirements under the state's Dredge and Fill Law); agricultural or forestry ditches less than 6 feet wide and 4 feet deep; emergency maintenance and repairs when life and property are in danger; the construction of an accessory building usually found with an existing structure, if no filling of estuarine or navigable waters or coastal marshland is involved. In addition, CAMA allows the Coastal Resources Commission to exempt some types of minor maintenance and improvements. These types of projects are those with successful track records in protecting the resources around them. In all cases, you should check with the Division of Coastal Management to make sure that your project qualifies for an exemption (CAMA Handbook for Development in Coastal North Carolina). 1.5 Public Involvement Public involvement is the cornerstone in allowing for a fair and open process upon which policies set forth on a wide range of issues can be based on an overall community consensus. In addition to involving the public, the land use plan is intended to educate or inform the public on the importance of planning, possible impacts of un-managed development, and the importance of preserving natural resources that add so much to the enjoyment of our coastal areas. The Town of Carolina Beach adopted four policies in its 1997 Land Use Plan Update directly related to opening-up to the general public the planning process as well as the on-going management of land use issues. The policies adopted as part of the 1997 plan are described below. Basic Policy Statement Regarding Continuing Public Participation Carolina Beach believes that on-going, effective public involvement, combined with a coherent factual analysis of any public issue, is the key to creating and maintaining a direction for the community upon which all may agree. Land Use Plan Update Process Public involvement will be encouraged among all permanent residents, seasonal visitors, and property owners during each land use plan update. On-going Public Participation Public involvement in planning matters will continue beyond the plan update process through providing public education and information, utilization of the news media and mailers, and public opportunities for discussion and comment on land use issues. The Planning and Zoning Commission will advertise the public meetings held to discuss land use and associated matters. 11

12 Neighborhood Planning To encourage a high level of involvement by citizens and property owners in planning decisions, the Town shall institute an on-going neighborhood planning program, within which different parts of the Town will be addressed on a rotating basis as staff resources allow Citizen Participation Plan See Appendix VI for the 2003 Citizen Participation Plan Making the Town of Carolina Beach a Better Place In an effort to increase open and convenient lines of communication between citizens and town government, Carolina Beach has implemented a new web-based tool called Better Place. Better Place is an Internet website on which citizens can ask questions, request service, file a complaint, or voice opinions on services provided by the town. Citizens can find the Better Place link on the Town website at or they can go directly to the Carolina Beach Better Place web-site to post their comments at 12

13 PART TWO Section 2. Carolina Beach and Local Community Concerns and Aspirations The identification of community concerns and aspirations by the public, representatives of the public and local leaders, aids in creating general awareness of issues facing the community. The key issues facing the community are typically the result of the culmination of existing and emerging conditions beginning to directly impact the quality of life. Once issues are identified, consensus on prioritization of issues is achieved to establish a basis for formulating a vision of the desired community. In addition, prioritization of issues is vital in the creation of local policies intended to guide government action towards the community vision. The following portions of this section will list the existing and emerging conditions identified in Carolina Beach, and the community s main development issues needing to be addressed. 2.1 Key Planning Issues Impacting Carolina Beach Public meetings, Planning and Zoning Commission guidance, relevant issues carried over from the 1997 land use plan update, and a prioritization workshop held by the Town Council, all resulted in the identification of dominant issues facing the community. While brainstorming for the identification of issues produced an exhaustive list, issues were grouped and prioritized in order to best establish which issues were most critical for possible future allocation of government resources and attention. In order for the public and policy makers to understand the progression from the base of issues identified to a few key or priority issues, we will list the base issues identified, which issues were grouped, and the process of prioritizing the issues The List of General Issues Identified (In no particular order): Traffic Congestion island-wide Additional and adequate Water Sources North End development issues regarding density, vehicular access to beach and public beach access Myrtle Grove Sound public access, more recreation and tourism opportunities needed Environmentally sound amenities and facilities for transient boating visitors to Myrtle Grove Sound Understanding of LUP policies among Town Departments, have local government actions be consistent with LUP policies, if actions are not consistent, explain why. Need for a mechanism to monitor consistency of town activities with the Land Use Plan Maintenance, aesthetic placement and public education of Stormwater Retention Ponds, Detention ponds, and other Best Management Practices Town responsibility for remaining consistent with land use plan when taking public action Prevalence of signage and associated aesthetic problems and need for Code Enforcement Exploring possibility for underground utility options for improving Town appearance Exterior lighting regulation, particularly floodlight nuisance on ecosystem and residences Better manage density and scale of residential development Encourage alternatives to and limit strip development Diversify and promote local business Alleviating congestion at Dow Road Intersection & use of Dow as throughway or by-pass A need in Preserving or expanding sound-side shoreline public access Establish Myrtle Grove Sound Public Water Management Plan Decrease Stormwater problems associated with new development through use of Best Management Practices Improve on flood prone area mitigation measures Continue Boardwalk revitalization, increase family-orientation of Boardwalk Promote family-oriented tourism, economy & services Strengthen Capital Improvement Plan with continued water & sewer improvements Limit large scale and dense multi-family or high-rise lodging Improving parking and pedestrian/bicycle access and need for public parking deck Preserve and enhance existing and potentially historic sites Need more review of re-zonings regarding density issues and a plan of action to resolve them 13

14 Need for increased public property maintenance (public restrooms, parks, sidewalks) Improvement and compliance of town sidewalks to ADA standards Incorporate suggestions of the North End Committee in resolving North End issues Awareness of 421 and North End recommendations (transportation and traffic issues) Establish mechanism to monitor aesthetic and appearance of commercial development Enhance street paving, curbs and guttersexpand parks and youth facilitiessupport efforts to continue beach renourishment projects Combination of Similar or Related Issues Upon completing the above general list of issues, several issues were identified as being related or having a similar purpose. In an effort to simplify and prioritize issues, similar sets of issues were combined into a comprehensive issue statement. Below are the groupings of issues with similar or related purposes. The statements following each grouping of similar issues represents that group s new comprehensive issue statement. Additional and adequate Water Sources; Exploring possibility for underground utility options for improving Town appearance; Improving parking and pedestrian/bicycle access and need for public parking deck; Improvement and compliance of town sidewalks to ADA standards; Enhance street paving, curbs and gutters; Need for increased public property maintenance (public restrooms, parks, sidewalks); and strengthen Capital Improvement Plan with continued water & sewer improvements. The new issue item representing this combination is referred to as: A need for the Town to implement a Capital Improvement Plan to address: 1) Additional and adequate water supply sources 2) Enhancement of street paving, curbs and gutters 3) Improvement of public parking and possible parking deck 4) Improvement of pedestrian and bicycle mobility options 5) Compliance with Town sidewalks to the Americans with Disabilities Act 6) Underground placement of utilities 7) Increased public property maintenance Understanding of LUP policies among Town Departments, have local government actions be consistent with LUP policies, if actions are not consistent, explain why. Need for a mechanism to monitor consistency of town activities with the Land Use Plan; and Town responsibility for remaining consistent with land use plan when taking public action. The new issue item representing this combination is referred to as: A need for the Town to maintain, monitor and remain consistent with Town Land Use Plan policies Better manage density and scale of residential development; Encourage alternatives to and limit strip development; Limit large scale and dense multi-family or high-rise lodging; Need more review of re-zonings regarding density issues and a plan of action to resolve them. The new issue item representing this combination is referred to as: A need for the Town to re-evaluate existing zoning classifications, and more thoroughly review density standards during re-zonings Traffic Congestion island-wide; Awareness of 421 and North End recommendations (transportation and traffic issues); Alleviating congestion at Dow Road Intersection & use of Dow as throughway or by-pass. The new issue item representing this combination is referred to as: A need for the Town to adequately address traffic congestion and transportation management issues Diversify and promote local business; and Promote family-oriented tourism, economy & services. The new issue item representing this combination is referred to as: 14

15 A need for the Town to promote local businesses and businesses geared toward family-oriented tourism and services Prevalence of signage and associated aesthetic problems and need for Code Enforcement; and Establish mechanism to monitor aesthetic and appearance of commercial development. The new issue item representing this combination is referred to as: A need for the Town to address aesthetic issues regarding signage and the architectural appearance of commercial development Myrtle Grove Sound public access, more recreation and tourism opportunities needed; Environmentally sound amenities and facilities for transient boating visitors to Myrtle Grove Sound. The new issue item representing this combination is referred to as: A need for the Town to promote environmentally sensitive opportunities for more tourism, recreation and transient boating use of Myrtle Grove Sound North End development issues regarding density, vehicular access to beach and public beach access; and Incorporate suggestions of the North End Committee in resolving North End issues A need for the Town to pro-actively resolve the issues of building density, inadequacy of public access, and parking and traffic management problems facing the North End The Consolidated Issue List The list below represents the new list with the combined issues and the other issues that were stand-alone and not combined (in no particular order). A need for the Town to recognize necessary maintenance, aesthetic placement and public education of Stormwater Retention Ponds, Detention ponds, and other Best Management Practices A need for the Town to develop an exterior lighting regulation, particularly floodlight nuisance on ecosystem and residences A need for the Town to preserve or expand sound-side shoreline public access A need for the Town to establish a Myrtle Grove Sound Public Water Management Plan A need for the Town to decrease Stormwater problems associated with new development through use of Best Management Practices A need for the Town to improve on flood prone area mitigation measures A need for the Town to continue Boardwalk revitalization, increase family-orientation of Boardwalk A need for the Town to preserve and enhance existing and potentially historic sites A need for the Town to strengthen and implement the Capital Improvement Plan to address: 1) Additional and adequate water supply sources 2) Enhancement of street paving, curbs and gutters 3) Improvement of public parking and possible parking deck 4) Improvement of pedestrian and bicycle mobility options 5) Compliance with Town sidewalks to the Americans with Disabilities Act 6) Underground placement of utilities 7) Increased public property maintenance A need for the Town to maintain, monitor and remain consistent with Town Land Use Plan policies. A need for the Town to re-evaluate existing zoning classifications, and more thoroughly review density standards during re-zonings. A need for the Town to adequately address traffic congestion and transportation management issues A need for the Town to promote local businesses and businesses geared toward family-oriented tourism and services A need for the Town to address aesthetic issues regarding signage and the architectural appearance of commercial development A need for the Town to promote environmentally sensitive opportunities for more tourism, recreation and transient boating use of Myrtle Grove Sound 15

16 A need for the Town to pro-actively resolve the issues of building density, vehicular access to beach, inadequacy of public access, and parking and traffic management problems facing the North End The Prioritized Issue List From the consolidated issues list above, a prioritized list of the issues facing the community of Carolina Beach was established. The process of prioritizing issues involved a voting process in which members of the public, the planning and zoning commissioners, and town staff voted to establish the top five community issues. Voters cast their votes for each issue by a show of hands as the list of issues was called. Voters were allowed to raise their hands and vote five times on five separate issues they believed were the five most important issues facing the Town. At the end of the voting, each issue was tabulated to see how many votes it received. The following list are the issues prioritized based on the number of votes received. A need for the Town to strengthen and implement a Capital Improvement Plan to address: 1) Additional and adequate water supply sources 2) Enhancement of street paving, curbs and gutters 3) Improvement of public parking and possible parking deck 4) Improvement of pedestrian and bicycle mobility options 5) Compliance with Town sidewalks to the Americans with Disabilities Act 6) Underground placement of utilities 7) Increased public property maintenance (15 votes for inclusion as a top five issue) A need for the Town to adequately address traffic congestion and transportation management issues (14 votes for inclusion as a top five issue) A need for the Town to re-evaluate existing zoning classifications, and more thoroughly review density standards during re-zonings. (12 votes for a top five issue) A need for the Town to promote local businesses and businesses geared toward family-oriented tourism and services (7 votes for inclusion as a top five issue) A need for the Town to continue Boardwalk revitalization, increase family-orientation of Boardwalk (7 votes for inclusion as a top five issue) A need for the Town to maintain, monitor and remain consistent with Town Land Use Plan policies. (6 votes for inclusion as a top five issue) A need for the Town to pro-actively resolve the issues of building density, vehicular access to beach, inadequacy of public access, and parking and traffic management problems facing the North End (6 votes for inclusion as a top five issue) A need for the Town to promote environmentally sensitive opportunities for more tourism, recreation and transient boating use of Myrtle Grove Sound (1 vote for inclusion as a top five issue) A need for the Town to address aesthetic issues regarding signage and the architectural appearance of commercial development A need for the Town to preserve and enhance existing and potentially historic sites A need for the Town to improve on flood prone area mitigation measures A need for the Town to decrease Stormwater problems associated with new development through use of Best Management Practices A need for the Town to preserve or expand sound-side shoreline public access A need for the Town to establish a Myrtle Grove Sound Public Water Management Plan A need for the Town to recognize necessary maintenance, aesthetic placement and public education of Stormwater Retention Ponds, Detention ponds, and other Best Management Practices A need for the Town to develop an exterior lighting regulation, particularly floodlight nuisance on ecosystem and residences 2.2 Identification of Existing and Emerging Development Conditions Taking stock of the causes or driving forces behind the major community issues is a necessary step in resolving or alleviating those issues. Some driving forces that may be a factor behind our local community issues are broad in scope, such as overall national population growth and an emerging societal preference for coastal living. Trying to resolve these broad forces may seem impractical at the local level. However, those broad forces mentioned above have lead to conditions such as increased traffic congestion 16

17 and building density, which are more suitable to address at the local level. The following is a list of conditions and driving forces that have played a part in creating our community issues and concerns. (Existing and emerging conditions were identified by the Planning and Zoning Commissioners, Town Council, Town Staff, Local Studies and Documents, and by the public) Issue: Strengthen and Implement the Capital Improvement Plan Existing or Emerging Conditions and Driving Forces Related to Issue: Aging and inadequate water and sewer infrastructure Depletion of water pressure Potential exhaustion of water supply and need to identify alternatives Expected population growth will require expanded water and sewer capacity Inadequate condition of or lack of paved streets, curbs and gutters Increased population and visitation have caused shortage of parking Public desire and necessity for more alternative means of transportation and accessibility to locations via bicycle and pedestrian paths Necessity to keep public sidewalks up to Americans with Disabilities Act standards Under-maintained public property such as restrooms, parks and sidewalks Aesthetic and safety problems with above ground utilities Issue: Need to Address Traffic Congestion and Transportation Management Existing or Emerging Conditions and Driving Forces Related to Issue: Increased population growth and visitation has congested roads and caused shortage of parking Increased commercial driveways on such as 421 and Carl Winner has congested and hindered the smooth flow of traffic Dow Road has possibilities for diverting through traffic from congested roads Opportunities exist for alternative modes of transportation such as pedestrian and bicycle circulation, or mass transit such as the trolley Some commercial driveways have created dangerous conflict points during turning while entering or exiting Center turning lanes become dangerous conflict points as traffic increases Growing concern over unresolved one or two-way use of North End roads Perception of deterioration of streetscapes Issue: A Need to Re-evaluate Existing Zoning Classifications Regarding Density Existing or Emerging Conditions and Driving Forces Related to Issue: Concern about the density and large scale of new development which is believed may overshadow family and residential atmosphere Increased development of large multi-family units will lead to more overcrowding and traffic Issue: A Need to Promote Local Businesses and Businesses Geared Toward Families Existing or Emerging Conditions and Driving Forces Related to Issue: Chain businesses often out-compete and drive-out local businesses, however there is a local desire for chain restaurants Perception that the bar and night-life scene is deteriorating quality of life and safety for the majority of the community Desire for over-all family atmosphere in the community Issue: A Need to Revitalize the Boardwalk and Establish It as More Family-Oriented 17

18 Existing or Emerging Conditions and Driving Forces Related to Issue: Boardwalk is seen as potential unique attraction for the community and has traditionally been the center of Town Image of the Boardwalk has previously been less than desirable for the community Boardwalk has potential as a pedestrian-friendly commercial and entertainment center Repetitive wind and flood hurricane damage have deteriorated the Boardwalk buildings An improved Boardwalk with more shops and entertainment is seen as an economic generator for the Town Other existing and emerging conditions identified that are driving community issues: Frustration or belief certain Town actions have not always remained consistent with policies of the previous land use plan. If inconsistent actions are warranted, more public notification and explanation of why actions are necessary is desired Opposing arguments over allowing vehicular access to the North End beach area have become increasingly prevalent and unresolved Opposing arguments over type of traffic patterns for the North End residential area have been unresolved Density of buildings in certain portions of the North End residential area have caused parking availability issues Providing more marina or mooring space for transient boaters may help the local economy by capitalizing on the boat traffic traversing the Cape Fear River, AIWW and Snow s Cut Growth and development, particularly of commercial structures, has created an aesthetic concern over the prevalence of signs and architecture of certain buildings The Town and community have roots back to the 19 th century and many buildings date back to pre-world War II. A desire to preserve and protect remaining historical buildings and sites from redevelopment remains a priority As with any coastal community, flooding remains a problem and steps to improve structures capacity to resist flood damage should continue Best Management Practices of stormwater maintenance are needed to continue and off-set the water quality and flooding problems caused by new development and impervious surfaces Public education of the utility of stormwater ponds, and the best aesthetically pleasing design and placement of ponds, should be implemented whenever possible Growth and development has lead to increased levels of artificial light that is negatively impacting the local ecosystem and neighboring residential areas Growth and development has lead to a concern that public access to Myrtle Grove Sound has become, and will increasingly become, more limited 2.3 The Vision of the Community s Future The Town of Carolina Beach Vision Statement is the essential element for depicting the community s aspirations and goals. The vision statement is a consensus on a direction for the town, so all its citizens may continue to enjoy or more fully enjoy their living environment and surroundings, both natural and man-made. The Vision Statement should reflect the views of community citizens and community representatives, and present a shared plan for the future. According to the North Carolina Administrative Code Chapter 15A, Section 7B.0702, the Town s goal for their Land Use Plan is to establish a community vision that... consists of a description of the general physical appearance and form that represents the local government s plan for the future. The community vision shall include statements of general objectives to be achieved by the plan. These objectives shall serve as the foundation for more specific objectives and policies stated elsewhere in the CAMA Land Use Plan. The objectives shall include changes that the local government feels are needed to achieve the planning vision. In an effort to maximize the utility and scope of the Vision Statement of Carolina Beach, elements of community priority issues, local citizen values, and the preferences of the local government were blended and considered during the statement creation process. Community priority issues, local citizen values, and preferences of the local government were identified with the assistance of the Town s Planning 18

19 and Zoning Commission, citizen input, the 1997 CAMA Land Use Plan, and the results of a vision and priority setting workshop held by the Town Council. The 2005 Town of Carolina Beach Vision Statement The Town of Carolina Beach, its citizens, property owners, and business owners, hereby strive to safeguard the standards for living, work and recreation that have made Carolina Beach a preferred residential and vacationing community. The Town shall seek to promote a family-oriented residential community with entertainment, recreation and commercial services geared toward both the town s permanent and vacationing families. Shopping and dining at the Boardwalk, enjoying the entertainment area, and relaxing at the public beaches, waters, parks, or marinas are all activities to be preserved and enhanced in Carolina Beach. The Town recognizes the protection of its environmental and natural characteristics as being crucial in maintaining residents enjoyment of their surroundings and quality of life. Sustaining economic growth from tourism and recreation is also a Town goal relying on a healthy and preserved ecosystem. Therefore, the duty of the Town of Carolina Beach shall be to manage and encourage sustainable growth through its policies and regulations in the pursuit of a safe, healthy and small-scale family community. 2.4 Summary of Community Issues, Concerns and Aspirations The vision statement and discussion of key planning issues has provided knowledge of what Carolina Beach s objectives are. The Town and community of Carolina Beach desire to strengthen and enhance their Capital Improvement Plan to more effectively address locating additional water supply sources; enhancing street paving, curbs and gutters; improving public parking and consideration of a public parking deck; improving pedestrian and bicycling access; considering the feasibility of placing utilities underground; and increasing maintenance of public property. The community also wishes to proactively address traffic congestion, and re-evaluate the density and scale of new development allowed through current zoning. Strengthening local business activity and opportunity, as well as revitalizing the Boardwalk and Central Business District while focusing commerce and entertainment services toward families are additional objectives the community wishes to pursue. Providing adequate public access to public trust areas such as Myrtle Grove Sound and the North End are also issues Carolina Beach wishes to resolve. Stormwater and flood management, preserving the coastal ecosystem cherished by the community, managing lighting, signage, and architectural regulation, and assuring official town action remain consistent with land use plan policies are all part of the comprehensive list of issues the community wants to plan for in the future. Section 3. Analysis of Trends and Emerging Conditions The Analysis of trends and emerging conditions section consists of tables, charts and text that provide an insight into the characteristics of Carolina Beach s population, housing and economy. The sources of data used include the 1990 and 2000 U.S. Census, NC State Demographer estimates and projections, a 2001 Cape Fear Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau tourism marketing study, and a 2001 economic market study by Independent Opinion Research & Communications Inc. 3.1 Population, Housing and Economy According to the NC Division of Coastal Management s Technical Manual for Coastal Planning information on the planning area s population, housing and economy is one of four required components of the Analysis of Existing and Emerging Conditions Plan element. Current population size, both permanent and seasonal, and the degree to which it will change during the planning period determines the amount of land that should be allocated for future uses and the related pressure that may be expected on coastal resources. Demands placed on community infrastructure are directly related to population changes. Population characteristics, such as age and income help planners estimate requirements for different types of housing and related land uses and special needs of the community. (NC DCM, Technical Manual for Coastal Planning) Data on the existing housing stock and related household information in the Carolina Beach community provides a base for planning for future housing needs. Household size, the types of housing units, and the number of owners and renters, are all considerations in formulating future development policies. 19

20 Trends in the local economy are directly tied to changes in the planning area s population. Most planners believe that changes in the local economy drive population changes. However, for purposes of the CAMA land use plan, the local economic analysis focuses on a description of major employment sectors and business activity trends (NC DCM, Technical Manual for Coastal Planning). Also as part of characterizing local economic trends, the Carolina Beach Land Use Plan focuses on the results of surveys taken of businesses and residents regarding the local economy during a 2001 economic market study. A description of the areas allowing commercial activities within the planning jurisdiction is also included to provide insight on where commercial development will occur, and what types of commercial development are allowed where. 3.1.A Population Characteristics and Trends in Carolina Beach Table 1: Population Change from 1990 to 2002 (Source: U.S. Census 1990 and 2000, NC State Demographer) Municipality % Growth ( ) 2002 % Growth ( ) Acreage of Corporate Limits* Carolina Beach 3,630 4,778 31% 5,264 45% 2,126 Kure Beach 619 1, % 1, % 726 Oak Island 4,550 7,033 54% 5,761 Surf City (Pender) 970 1,166 6% 3,414 (all) Wrightsville Beach 2,937 2, % 2,612-11% 2,186 *Acreage totals include land and water areas As shown in Table 1, Carolina Beach population in 2000 was 4,778, which represents a 31% increase from the 1990 population. The latest population figure of 5,264 represents the 2002 State Demographer Certified Estimates and a 45% increase from the 1990 population. A portion of the population boost from 2000 to 2002 can be attributed to an annexation by the Town. Table 2: NC Coastal and Beach Municipality Comparison Population Growth Table: (Source: U.S. Census 1990 and 2000, NC State Demographer) Municipality % Growth ( ) 2002 % Growth ( ) Acreage of Corporate Limits* Bald Head Island % 3,128 Calabash 1,210 1,330 10% 938 Carolina Beach 3,630 4,778 31% 5,264 45% 2,126 Caswell Beach % 2,591 Holden Beach % 2,059 Kure Beach 619 1, % 1, % 726 Oak Island 4,550 7,033 55% 5,761 Ocean Isle Beach % 1,839 Southport 2,369 2,534 7% 1,412 Sunset Beach 311 1, % 3,883 Surf City (Part) 970 1,166 20% 3,414 (all) Topsail Beach % 3,867 Wrightsville Beach 2,937 2, % 2,612-11% 2,186 Emerald Isle 2,434 3,564 46% 3,322 Kitty Hawk 1,937 3,206 66% 5,248 Kill Devil Hills 4,238 6,282 48% 3,568 New Hanover 120, ,237 33% 166,072 38% As shown in Table 2, when comparing Carolina Beach to other coastal communities, Carolina Beach ranks 3 rd most populous among coastal/beach municipalities in North Carolina. The average size of the area of the coastal communities above is 2,879 acres. Given Carolina Beach s relatively higher population and its relatively smaller area compared with other coastal communities, it can be inferred that Carolina Beach is a densely populated community when compared to other coastal communities. Table 3: Decennial Census 2000, 2002 Municipal Estimates and Buffered Unincorporated Areas Permanent Population (Source: U.S. Census 2000, NC State Demographer) Municipality April 2000 July 2002 Growth from % Growth from 20

21 Decennial Census Estimates April 2000 April 2000 Carolina Beach 4,778 5, Kure Beach 1,512 1, Wilmington 75,838 91,458 15, Wrightsville Beach 2,593 2, New Hanover County 160, ,072 5, Unincorporated Areas of 75,516 65,109-10, * County Unincorporated Area up to about 1.5 mile north of Carolina Beach** Unincorporated Area up to about 5 miles (just south of Monkey Junction)** 1,752 10,043 **Figure calculated by buffering 1.5 miles and 5 miles, respectively, from the northern boundary of Carolina Beach and totaling population counts for each Census 2000 block within the respective buffer area. As shown in Table 3, the Town of Carolina Beach has a substantial population surrounding it to the north. This substantial population more than likely has an impact or potential impact on the local economy, number of day visitors on the roads and in parking areas, and water quality from urban run-off into upstream water bodies of Carolina Beach. Table 4: Families and Population in Families for Carolina Beach (Source: U.S. Census SF and 2000) Families With People Under 18 (2000) Family Household 1 1,004 1, (36% of Population in Families 2,781 (77% of Population) 3,249 (69% of population) Persons per Family Families) Families With No People Under 18 (2000) 799 Non-family Household 601 1,043 1,039 1 Family Households are those containing one or more children under the age of 18. The age group of represents 41% of non-family households in Carolina Beach. Female nonfamily households account for 445 or 43% of the non-family household total, and male non-family households represent 594 or 57%. The data suggest of non-family occupied homes, a notably higher percentage are male occupied. Female single parents account for (23%) or 107 of 454 family households with children under 18. Male single parents represent 10% or 46 of 454 families with persons under 18. The following table compares some key family statistics with coastal municipalities that share comparatively similar population or geographic location to Carolina Beach. 21

22 Table 4.1 (Source: U.S. Census SF1 2000) Family Household 2000 Population in Families (2000) Average Family Size (2000) Families with People Under 18 Oak Island 2,102 80% of Pop. In Families (29% of Families) Kure Beach % of Pop. In Families (23%) Surf City % of Pop. In Families (24%) Wrightsville Beach % of Pop. In Families (26%) Carolina Beach s percent of population in families (69%) is lower than the average percentage of all the towns above, 72%. In this data it is important to note that families can include a man and a woman household, in addition to households with children. In addition, out of the total number of families in each respective jurisdiction, Carolina Beach has a considerably higher percentage of their total families having children 18 and under as part of the family, when compared to the other jurisdictions. Also, the persons per family in Carolina Beach, (2.59), is higher than the average of 2.49 for the towns above. Table 5: Persons by Age and Sex 1990 and 2000 in Carolina Beach (Source: U.S. Census SF and 2000) Age 1990 Decennial Census 2000 Decennial Census Female 1990 Female 2000 Male 1990 Male 2000 Under (46%) 80 (47%) (3.5%) (48%) 97 (54%) (4.2%) (43%) 104 (49%) (4.5%) (41%) 64 (48%) (2.8%) (49%) 79 (46%) (3.4%) (49%) 226 (49%) (9.7%) (50%) 325 (45%) (14.1%) (51%) 455 (49%) (19.8%) (49%) 423 (50%) (18.3%) (50%) 228 (47%) (9.8%) (59%) 228 (57%) (9.9%) 115 (53%) 91 (53%) (3.5%) 91 (52%) 81 (46%) (3.4%) 116 (57%) 107 (51%) (4.5%) 72 (59%) 70 (52%) (2.9%) 111 (51%) 93 (54%) (3.8%) 203 (51%) 236 (51%) (9.9%) 334 (50%) 394 (55%) (16.4%) 273 (49%) 476 (51%) (19.9%) 209 (51%) 416 (50%) (17.4%) 204 (50%) 255 (53%) (10.7%) 103 (41%) 173 (43%) (7.3%) ,219 1,650 (35% of Population) 65 and up (12.7% of Population Median Age Note: Median is the central value where half of the rest of the other values are below and half are above. Mean is the statistical average The columns Female 2000 and Male 2000 have values for total number in age group, percent of total for both sexes in the age group, and percent the age group represents to the total count of each sex, respectively. 22

23 Extrapolated from the data categories above, we find that in Carolina Beach the age group represents 35% of the population in 2000, the age group represents 10.5% of the total and 65 and up represents 12.7% of the total in For comparison, the table below depicts some other coastal municipality statistics for age. Carolina Beach has a lower median age of all the comparative communities with the exception of Kill Devil Hills and Wrightsville Beach. However, Carolina Beach has a larger portion of its population in the age range than those communities compared. Table 5.1 (Source: U.S. Census SF1 2000) Municipality Median Age 65 and up Age Kure Beach % 28.9% Oak Island % 26.5% Surf City % 29.1% Wrightsville Beach % 26.7% Emerald Isle % Kill Devil Hills % Table 6: Income Characteristics of Carolina Beach Households (Source: U.S. Census SF3 2000) Income Number of Households Less than $10, $10,000 - $14, $15,000 - $19, $20,000 - $24, $25,000 - $29, $30,000 - $34, $35,000 - $39, $40,000 - $44, $45,000 - $49, $50,000 - $59, $60,000 - $74, $75,000 - $99, $100,000 - $124, $125,000 - $149, $150,000 - $199, $200,000 or more 58 In Carolina Beach the median household income is $37,662 and the average household income is $48,917. According to SF3 data there are 439 individuals below the poverty level, the majority, (84%), are between the ages Poverty thresholds are set by the Census Bureau and the Office of Management and Budget, their guidelines establish a matrix of money income thresholds that vary based on family size. These thresholds are adjusted annually using the Consumer Price Index to compensate for inflation, but the thresholds do not change based on geography. Regarding decennial census data, the poverty threshold is the same across the nation. If a family's total income is below the established poverty threshold, they are considered to live below the poverty level or in poverty. The following table shows the mean and median household income and percent of population below poverty level for our comparative municipalities. Table 6.1 (Source: U.S. Census SF3 2000) Municipality Median Mean Population Below Poverty Level Carolina Beach $37,662 $48,917 9% Kure Beach $47,143 $57,411 6% Oak Island $40,496 $51,337 8% Surf City $40,521 $52,954 15% Wrightsville Beach $55,903 $73,304 9% Emerald Isle $53,274 $66,320 Kill Devil Hills $39,713 $47,700 Table 7: Household Income in 1999 by Age of Householder (Source U.S. Census Bureau SF3 2000) 23

24 Householder Age Group Median Mean Under 25 $21,094 $20, $26,944 $30, $37,241 $56, $45,500 $51, $43,917 $61, $39,554 $46, and Up $38,819 $45,505 Trends may tentatively be inferred about future increases in overall household income by comparing, for example, what those in the age group earn now, and infer that the current substantial population that will be entering the age group in 5-10 years will earn the same as the group. Therefore, since there will be more people in the age group, and if that group s mean and median income remain constant, the overall income mean and median may be increased as a result. Table 8: Source of Household Income in 1999 (Source U.S. Census Bureau SF3 2000) Source Households with Source Mean from Source Earnings 1,968 $42,826 Wages or Salary 1,818 $39,510 Self Employment 442 $28,170 Interest, Dividends, or Net 816 $14,909 Rental Social Security 505 $12,226 Supplemental Security 53 $5,783 Public Assistance 36 $767 Retirement 500 $16,327 Other Types 211 $12,625 Table 8 shows a generalization of where the income comes from, for households that have an income. As expected, in Carolina Beach the majority of households are of working age and primarily living off of earnings, wages and salaries. Table 9: Educational Attainment of Carolina Beach Population 25 and Over (Source: U.S. Census SF3 2000) Education Total Male Female Population 25 and Up 3,734 1,897 1,837 No School Completed Nursery to 4 th th to 8 th th th th th, No Diploma High School, GED equivalent 1, <1 year College >1 year, No Degree Associate Degree Bachelor s Degree Master s Degree Professional Degree Doctorate Degree According to the data, 89% of the population over 25 has a high school degree or greater. From that 89%, 31% has attained an Associates Degree or higher. 24

25 3.1.B Current Seasonal Population Estimates In order to adequately plan for infrastructure, housing, commerce and recreation needs that may occur as a result of population growth, it is critical to consider the impact the influx of vacationers, visitors and temporary residents presents to the planning area on a seasonal basis. The land use plan will attempt to attach a numerical figure to the wave of population that arrives during the peak season of May through September. To conceptualize the task of estimating seasonal and peak population, standard definitions of each type of population should be followed. Persons who reside in the planning area for the majority of the year, or refer to it as their primary residence, will comprise the permanent population. We can derive that figure for Carolina Beach by using the 2002 certified municipal estimate of 5,264. Persons who temporarily vacation, visit, or reside in the planning area for the peak season comprise the seasonal population. While there is no standard method or survey for tabulating seasonal population for a given jurisdiction, CAMA guidelines provide three basic approaches for estimating the seasonal population. The first approach is to apply a simple ratio derived from Census 2000 housing data tabulating occupied units and seasonal units, i.e. if there are 2,000 people in 1,000 occupied units and there are 1,000 vacant or seasonal units we could infer that a peak population would be 4,000. The first approach may produce a conservative figure given it does not differentiate as to type and capacity of varying accommodations, nor does it account for commercial transient lodging. A second approach is to derive a formula for the number of persons per each type of accommodation available in the planning jurisdiction, i.e. if we assigned 3 people per hotel room and had 1,000 hotel rooms, the seasonal population could be inferred as 3,000. The second approach may not include all vacant housing units available however, particularly vacant units offered for seasonal use through private individuals and not easily tracked commercial sources. A third approach is to compare water usage data during non-peak season, and the usage data during the peak season, i.e. if there were a million gallons per day used in January for 1,000 people, a 2 million gallon per day usage in July could infer that 2,000 people were using water. It is important to note that there are variables that could skew the simplified comparison approaches just mentioned, and it is reiterated that seasonal and peak population figures are best-guess estimates. Table 10: Method 1, Seasonal to Permanent Housing Stock Ratio as of 2000 (Source U.S. Census SF1 2000, NC State Demographer) Occupied Housing Vacant Housing Units Of the Vacant Housing Units; Seasonal, Recreational or Population in 2,269 Occupied Units Persons per Unit Units; Owned and Rented Occasional Use Units 2,296 (36.9% are Owned) 1,790 1,236 (30.2% of Vacant Units) 5, The 2.32 persons per unit multiplied by 1,236 seasonal units gives a product of 2,868 seasonal persons. The permanent population of 5,264 plus and estimated seasonal population of 2,868 results in a peak population of 8,132. It is important to note that this number represents overnight seasonal visitors, and does not include day-trippers. According to building permit records from 2001 to March 31, 2004, there were a total of 314 additional housing units built. When the 2.32 persons per unit constant was applied, we got an additional 728 persons towards a peak population which equals 8,860. It is important to note that the available building permit data does not distinguish whether the units built are vacant or occupied. For our estimating purposes, we assumed that the units were all occupied during peak season. 25

26 Table 11: Method 2, Seasonal Population by Number and Type of Accommodation (Source: Cape Fear Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau, NC Division of Tourism, and Peter Barber, Town of Carolina Beach Marketing Director) Type of Accommodation Persons Per Unit Actual Number of 26 Total Number of Persons Per Accommodation Units Full Service Hotel/Motel Limited Service ,486 Bed and Breakfast Real Estate Offered Vacation Condos/Cottages/Houses ,970 Total 1,973 8,071 Seasonal Population Applying a person per unit constant for each accommodation type towards the actual number of units in Carolina Beach produces a figure of 8,071 seasonal visitors. The 8,071 estimated seasonal population plus the 5,264 permanent population results in a peak population of 13,335. It is important to note that this number represents overnight seasonal visitors, and does not include day-trippers. Adding the assumed occupation of the built housing units, we could add 728 and get a peak population of 14,063. Table 12: Method 3, Water/Sewer Usage of Peak Season Versus Usage of Non-Peak Season (Source: Town of Carolina Beach Operations Department) Year Water Use February Water Use July ,814,007 19,351, ,746,903 21,349, ,087,640 19,515, ,079,592 27,560,667 TOTAL 42,728,142 87,777,036 The months used for comparison were February and July, February having the least consumption and July having the most consumption. The average consumption for February from 2000 to 2003 was 10,628,035 gallons and the average consumption for July for 2000 to 2003 was 21,944,259 gallons. This represents an average increase of 105% consumption difference between February and July. A 105% increase to the permanent population of 5,264 equals a peak population of 10,791. Judging water usage trends, we find that the peak population should be around 10,791. It is important to note that 10,791 may actually be overestimating the peak population when you consider that during the summertime, extra consumption is caused from watering lawns, taking more showers after swimming or being in the heat, and increased hotel and restaurant water usage in the summer. Adding the assumed occupation of the built housing units, we could add 728 and get a peak population of 11,519. In conclusion, a recap of the peak and seasonal population estimate used in Method 1 shows a peak population of 8,132 when comparing permanently occupied to seasonal housing units. In Method 2, a peak population of 13,335 was produced when applying people per unit constants to number of units by type of available accommodations. The Method 3 consumption approach produced a peak population of 10,791. The three methods used produced a wide-range of population estimates. It can be safely assumed the peak population fluctuates every year, and since there is currently no CAMA standard for estimating peak population, each estimate should be retained for the purposes of having a conservative estimate of 8,800, a generous estimate around 14,100 and a practical estimate of around 11,500. Another consideration when gauging seasonal population impact on community infrastructure is the effect of day-trippers. Unlike or estimates of overnight visitors above, day-trippers travel for brief stays in the community, typically to enjoy the recreation activities. Day-trippers would primarily have an impact on traffic congestion and parking availability. Again, there is no standard method for calculating day-trippers and the CAMA guidelines do not suggest an approach. However, for our planning purposes a conservative estimate will be derived by tabulating availability of public parking. According to the Town of Carolina Beach Central Parking System, there are 200 metered parking spaces, 200 timed spaces and

27 close to 500 available spaces for parking in 14 general parking lots. If day-tripping visitors were limited to these 900 parking spaces and averaged 4 to 5 people per car, we would have approximately 3,600 4,500 day-trippers in the jurisdiction. Additional through traffic can be expected as the Fort Fisher Aquarium estimates 500,000 visitors a year, and Fort Fisher and its museums and grounds approximate 800,000 a year. 3.1.C Population Projections Chart 1: County Permanent Population Projections to 2010 and 2020 County Permanent Population Projections to 2010 and ,000 Population 250, , , , , , , ,032 New Hanover County 50, Year Source: North Carolina State Demographer Chart 2: Municipal Permanent Population Projections* Municipal Permanent Population Projections Population 9,000 8,000 7,000 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1, ,029 7,173 6,646 6,091 5,264 5, Year Carolina Beach *Data providing municipal population projections is not readily produced. County population projections are prepared by the North Carolina State Demographer for each year until Municipal projections were calculated using a ratio approach which applies a fixed percentage based on Carolina Beach s current portion of the county population and applying that percentage portion to projections of future county population in five-year increments. The municipal projections rely on the Town s growth to stay constant with county growth. It is important to note that variation in projections can be a result of factors such as job creation and relocation, availability of land to sustain a constant population growth, or municipal population growth caused from annexation. Population of beach towns may also widely fluctuate based on whether homes that had been used as seasonal homes are transitioned to permanent residents. 27

28 IMPORTANT NOTE: The ratio approach for projected population is strengthened by the historical trend in similar percent growth figures for the county and Carolina Beach from the periods between 1990 and 2000 and 1990 and 2002, which are 33% to 31% and 38% to 45%, respectively. Formula for estimating municipal population growth was to apply a continuation of the roughly 3.1% Town annual ratio proportion of the County estimated population (31% growth per decade) that has historically occurred. Example: 259,032 x.031 = 8, D Housing Characteristics and Trends in Carolina Beach Analyzing the type of existing housing stock enables the community and planners to get an overall picture of the range of housing opportunities available or needed in the jurisdiction. Other housing attributes such as the building year of the structure, owner versus renter occupation, value, household size by tenure, and others act as indicators to the nature and characteristic of the existing housing stock. Table 13: 1990 and 2000 Housing Units by Tenure and Vacancy (Source: U.S. Census SF and 2000) 1990 Census 2000 Census Percent Increase or Decrease Total Housing Units 3,342 4,086 22% Owner Occupied 801 (24% of 1990 Housing) Renter Occupied 804 (24.1%) Vacant - for Rent 505 (15.1%) Vacant - for Sale 72 (2.2%) Vacant - Rented or Sold, Not 81 Occupied (2.4%) Vacant - Seasonal 1,040 (31.1%) Vacant - Other 39 (1.2%) 1,509 (36.9% of 2000 Housing) 787 (19.3%) 404 (9.9%) 104 (2.5%) 19 (.5%) 1,236 (30.2%) 27 (.7%) 88% -2% -20% 44% -76% 19% -30% In 1990, Carolina Beach had a total of 1,605 occupied housing units or 48% of total units, and 1,737 vacant housing units or 52% of total units. In 2000, Carolina Beach had 2,296 occupied units or 56.2% of the total units, and 1,790 vacant or 43.8% of the total housing units. An important statistic is the 88% rise in ownership from 1990 to In 1990, a significantly lower ratio of owner-occupied units to seasonal units, and fewer owner-occupied to renter occupied units could be interpreted as a tourist oriented and seasonal community. The substantial rise in ownership, the drop in renter occupied, and the much greater ratio of owner unit growth (88%) to seasonal unit growth (19%) from 1990 to 2000 could be inferred as a shift to a more permanent and family-oriented community. Table 14: Units and Population by Type of Structure (Source: U.S. Census SF1 1990, SF1 and SF3 2000) Type of Structure 1990 Census Number of Units 2000 Census Number of Units 2000 Population in Type of Structure Single Family Detached 1,191 1,743 (43% of Structures) 2,685 (57% of 2000 Population) Single Family Attached (Townhome) Multi Family Multi Family 3 or Multi Family 5 to Multi Family 10 to Multi Family 20 to Multi Family 50 or more Mobile Home Table 14 shows that 57% of the population of Carolina Beach lives in single family detached homes, 2% lives in mobile homes, 5% lives in townhomes, and 36% lives in some type of multi-family building. 28

29 Table 15: Occupied Housing Units By Householder s Age and Tenure (Source: U.S. Census SF1 1990, SF1 and SF3 2000) Age Group 1990 Census 1990 Census Renter 2000 Census Owner 2000 Census Renter Owner (1.1% of owner occupied) 93 (11.8% of renter occupied) (9.7%) 211 (26.8%) (17.6%) 187 (23.8%) (25.8%) 170 (21.6%) (21.8%) 74 (9.4%) (14%) 75 and up (10%) 29 (4.2%) 19 (2.4%) According to the data in Table 15, the largest percentage of household owners are in the age group A slightly lower percentage of owners are in the age group. The largest percentage of renters are in the age range. Table 16: Value of Owner-Occupied Housing Units (Source: U.S. Census SF1 1990, SF1 and SF3 2000) Value 1990 Census 2000 Census 2000 Percent of Owner- Occupied Housing Units Less than $15, % $15,000 - $19, $20,000 - $24, $25,000 - $29, % $30,000 - $34, % $35,000 - $39, $40,000 - $49, $50,000 - $59, $60,000 $69,999 43* 31 2% $70,000 $79,999 43* 42 3% $80,000 $89,999 78** 44 3% $90,000 - $99,999 78** % $100,000 - $124, % $125,000 - $149, % $150,000 - $174, % $175,000 - $199, % $200,000 - $249, % $250,000 - $299, % $300,000 - $399, % $400,000 - $499, % $500,000 - $749, % $750,000 - $999, $1,000,000 or more % Median $146,900 Mean $202,914 *1990 Census Data aggregates $60,000 - $74,999 into one category with a value of 86 units. **1990 Census Data aggregates $75,000 - $99,999 into one category with a value of 157 units. As shown in Table 16, the majority of owner occupied housing units are in the $100,000 to $200,000 value range. The median house value is $146,900 and the average housing unit value is $202,914.

30 Table 17: Year Structure Built of Housing Units (Source: U.S. Census SF and Town of Carolina Beach Building Permit Data) Year All Housing Units March , or earlier 136 Median year built 1983 Table 17 shows a timeline of the peaks and spurts of growth and development in Carolina Beach. Development of housing units peaked in the 80 s and subsided until a spurt in the mid to late 90 s. 1,555 housing units were constructed from , while 908 were built from 1990 to early 2000, a drop of 41%. According to available Town records, from 2001 to early 2004 there were 314 housing units built. An update of new building permit data between late 2004 through 2006 (See Appendix VII) shows that there were an additional 670 units built in Town. However, the data did not show a continuous increase. The period from late 2004 through 2005 accounted for nearly 400 of the new units built, while the year 2006 level was below the 2003, 2004 and 2005 levels. Table 18: Year Householder Moved Into Unit (Source: U.S. Census SF3 2000) Year All Occupied Housing Units Owner Occupied Housing Units Renter Occupied Housing Units 1999 March Before Median year The data in Table 18 infers that a substantial number of current permanent residents (60%) have lived in Carolina Beach for less than 10 years. The typical renter tenure of housing units appears to be one year, given that the median year renters moved into unit was the year the census was taken. Table 19: Vehicles Available by Tenure of Occupied Housing Units (Source: U.S. Census SF3 2000) Number of Vehicles Total of Occupied Units Owner Occupied Housing Units Renter Occupied Housing Units No Vehicle Mean Table 19 infers that the vast majority of residents (78%) in Carolina Beach have 1 to 2 cars per household. The amount of cars per household can be a pretext to identifying how much citizens of Carolina Beach rely on vehicles for transportation. 30

31 3.1.E Economic Characteristics and Trends in New Hanover County The character of the local economy can play a role in determining the type of residents and residential development that takes place in the future. Over- commercialization can lead to a deteriorated sense of small-town and residential atmosphere, and under-commercialization could lead to an automobile dependent community, having to seek entertainment and goods several miles away. The scope of the CAMA land use plan will be to identify the predominant types of services and commerce available to residents and visitors, present data from surveys inquiring about needed or wanted businesses, identify the areas established and zoned for business, and present broader county economic data to establish a picture of the economy in the surrounding area. The land use plan will present specific pieces of data to establish a foundation for understanding where the local economy is focused and how it may impact future residential life Economic Market Study In late 2001, a market study by the Town of Carolina Beach and Independent Opinion Research & Communications Inc. was created with the intent to substantiate the need for revitalization efforts of the Central Business District and the Boardwalk area. The 2001 Market Study provides the primary source for data about the local economy and commercial preferences of the Town. Several key pieces of data from the study will be used to generalize the state of the local economy. Data used in the market study was gathered during extensive public meetings, surveys of local businesses and residents, and consultation with Town Staff and Town committees. The design of the 2001 surveys was based upon consultation with the UNCW Cameron School of Business, Carolina Beach Planning Department, Carolina Beach Boardwalk Revitalization Committee and the Director of the Cape Fear Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau. As described in the 2001 Market Study, Carolina Beach has a busy Central Business District established around an active yacht basin. Several charter fishing boats, headboats and cruise boats base at the town marina at the head of the yacht basin. The oceanside Boardwalk entertainment and shopping area is also part of the Central Business District, and efforts are ongoing to revitalize the Boardwalk s commerce opportunities. The town has miniature golf, a 24-hour full service pier, a movie theatre and other activities and entertainment for families. Several annual fishing tournaments and festivals are based at Carolina Beach (Independent Opinion Research & Communications, Inc Carolina Beach Market Study). Chain pharmacies and a major grocery store have also recently located in the Town of Carolina Beach. Carolina Beach has approximately three-dozen hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts, including a full-service oceanfront Marriot Hotel with conference handling capabilities. A survey of 220 local businesses by Independent Opinion Research and Communications, Inc. (IOR&C) found that gift, retail and beach apparel accounted for 25% of the local business respondents; 19% were in the lodging service; 12% in restaurant services; 11% reported services of all kinds; 7% were in businesses related to fishing and boating; another 7% reported they were bars, 7% reported other, 6% were in real estate services, and 3% reported being in construction or home supply and hardware businesses. The survey went on to report that of the respondents, 13% have been in business one year or less, 14% have been in business three years or less, 30% have been in business four to ten years, and 44% have been in business eleven or more years. The survey reported that the bulk of the long-term businesses were real estate services, food supply, professional services, and building and supply businesses. Seventysix percent of the businesses surveyed reported themselves as open year-round and sixty-six percent reported that the business owner is a resident of Carolina Beach. The survey of local businesses went on to show that 85% of the businesses employed one to five full-time employees, 7% reported six to ten employees, 3% reported eleven to fifteen employees, 2% reported fifteen to twenty, and 1% had twenty or more employees. Of the business respondents, 64% stated that they receive half or more of their business from tourists, while only 10% of business respondents reported permanent residents as their main source of revenue. A key piece of data that supports the community desire for more family-oriented business was the survey result finding 81% percent of business respondents reported receiving over half of their revenues from adults 18 and over. The 2001 Market Study by IOR&C included surveys and meetings with residents of Carolina Beach to identify what the community wanted out of their Central Business District. The study states that in a meeting with approximately 70 to 100 residents, there was a consensus that residents were interested in more family friendly activities and businesses that are more upscale but conducive to utilization by the 31

32 whole family. Examples given by residents that would create a more family-friendly business atmosphere in the community and CBD included adding miniature golf; bike and walking paths; sidewalks; better and more retail development; gathering space and green space areas; more fast food or chain restaurant establishments; and better grocery stores and fresh markets. In a survey question from the market study asking residents what their first choice was for a type of business they would you like to see added to the Central Business District; 21% responded more diversity in restaurants; 21% responded more or better shopping; 13% responded a full service hotel; 12% responded family style recreation; 6% responded bigger stores such as Wal Mart; 5% responded better grocery stores; 4% responded better nightclubs or bars; and the remainder consisting of miniature golf, public docks, arts and crafts, pool hall, and outlet shopping. Areas Designated for Local Commerce The Town of Carolina Beach has seven districts designated by its zoning ordinance that allow varying degrees, intensities and densities of commerce. The Highway Business (HB) District surrounds the main portion of Highway 421 entering the Town from the north, which then becomes Lake Park Boulevard. The HB District includes a large grocery store, pharmacies, varying restaurants, retail, motels, lodging, amusement park activities, medical offices, real estate offices, tackle and fishing supply, and various other offices and services including storage and mechanical repair. The Central Business District (CBD) is located seaward of the convergence of Highway 421 and Lake Park Blvd. The CBD encompasses the traditional core or downtown of Carolina Beach and includes the oceanside Boardwalk shopping and entertainment area. The CBD includes hotels, motels, gift shops, beach apparel, restaurants, bars and other various beach and tourist-oriented services. The Mixed Use Transitional District (MX) and the Tourist District (T-1) surround the CBD and the majority of the remainder of Lake Park Boulevard heading south in Town limits. The MX and T-1 allow commerce activities that blend into more traditional residential areas, including lodging and residential and tourist oriented services. The Neighborhood Business District (NB) is located in the North End portion of Town adjacent the oceanfront. The NB is similar to T-1 and MX in commerce activities is geared toward residents and tourists, and is not vehicular and parking intensive. The Marina Business District (MB-1) is situated at the head and western portion of Myrtle Grove Sound, also known as the Carolina Beach Yacht Basin, and allows commerce and services for water dependent activities. The MB-1 district encompasses a substantial fleet of charter fishing, headboat and cruising boats for-hire by both tourists and residents. The Industrial District (I-1) allows light industry that has negligible environmental impact and is conducive to a residential coastal community. The I-1 district currently has businesses utilized as automotive parts storage and a fitness center. The following descriptions of each district come from the Town of Carolina Beach Zoning Ordinance. HB Highway Business District This district is established to accommodate business oriented toward the motoring public and which require a high volume of traffic. In many cases, businesses in the HB district serve the entire community and beyond. For the most part, they are located on major thoroughfares so that they can be conveniently reached by automobile and to avoid sending heavy automobile traffic through smaller streets or residential areas. Certain wholesale activities are also permitted in HB district. CBD Central Business District This district is established to accommodate, protect, rehabilitate and maintain the traditional central business district and boardwalk area of Carolina Beach. This area accommodates a wide variety of pedestrian-oriented, commercial and service activities including retail, business, office, professional financial, entertainment, and tourism. The regulations of this district are intended to encourage the use of land for concentrated development of permitted uses while maintaining a substantial relationship between land uses and the capacity of the town s infrastructure. Developments, which would significantly disrupt the historic balance between pedestrians and automobiles within the district, thereby, destroying the pedestrian-oriented nature of the area, are specifically discouraged. Large, off street parking areas are encouraged to locate outside the district. Similarly, buildings and structures should have pedestrianoriented activities at ground level. 32

33 Mixed Use Transitional District (MX) This district is established to provide for an area of transitional land uses between intensified use districts intensified use districts or elements and residential districts. This district includes an area of mixed land uses between the intensive, commercial, central part of town and the quiet residential areas and may also be employed as a transitional area between busy major thoroughfares and quieter residential areas. The regulations of the district seek to maintain a modest scale of structures, as well as pedestrian oriented nature, so that uses in the district may provide a suitable transition from commercial to residential areas. Permitted uses include a mixture of single-family homes, duplexes, and small-scale office and institutional uses. Small hotels and motels and multi-family housing of modest density and size may also be permitted in this district. T-1 Tourist District This district is established to provide land for the town s tourist industry, and as a complementary district to the CBD Central Business District. The primary land uses intended for this zoning district are moderate to high-density residential development, as well as hotels, motels and restaurants. NB Neighborhood Business District This District is established to accommodate and provide for the development of small, pedestrian oriented shopping and service activities providing necessity goods and personal services to the immediate neighborhood. Such districts should be located at the intersection of a major street or collector. Uses in NB districts should have architecture and site layouts which are compatible with nearby residential structures and uses. The regulations of this district are intended to discourage any use which, because of its character, would not be in harmony with the residential community or which would be detrimental to the surrounding residential uses. MB-1 Marina Business District This district is established to reserve areas along the water s edge for maritime uses, water dependent uses, and water oriented uses. This district also provides for certain residential and other non-water dependent uses which are closely aligned with water-oriented uses. Land uses, which would wall off the public from public trust waters, are specifically discouraged. I-1 Industrial This district is established to provide for warehousing and storage and light industrial activities compatible with a small, tourist oriented, environmentally sensitive, coastal community. Light industries are generally characterized as having small physical plants, lower land requirements and higher worker to land ratios. Such industries typically generate few objectionable impacts in terms of noise, lights, heavy truck traffic, fumes, smoke, dust, odor or other similar characteristics. Furthermore, any negative environmental impacts associated with these industries may generally be mitigated through proper site planning, buffering, and operations management. This district is located in areas that are readily accessible from major thoroughfares, so as to minimize traffic impacts on non-industrial areas of the community. New Hanover County Economic Statistics The following data tables represent economic indicators and statistics for New Hanover County. New Hanover County has a relatively small size with a fairly dense population and trends in the economy at the county level bear impact on the trends of the economy at the local level. With the relatively small size of the county, many residents of Carolina Beach may be employed outside the Town and commute to work. Alternatively, many residents of the county may frequent Carolina Beach, therefore a connection between the two economies could be assumed. Carolina Beach does not contain the heavy industry and large office complexes as can be found in other parts of the county, but the major county employment sectors of retail trade and accommodation and food services is a fair representation of the major employment sectors in the community of Carolina Beach. Table 20: Key Trend and Status Indicators for New Hanover County (Source: NC Department of Commerce, 2000 County and Regional Scans) 33

34 Indicator Years New Hanover Brunswick Pender North Carolina Employment Change Net Migration Real Wages Change Business Failure Rate New Business Rate Unemployment Rate Poverty Rate Per Capita Income Average Annual Wage Fiscal Capacity (<=100) % % 6.2% 12.2% 3% 14.1 $26,346 $27, % % 7.6% 13.3% 4.3% 15.2 $19,731 $25, % % 8.1% 13.2% 4.8% 15.7 $18,535 $20, % 9.5% 6.2% 7% 11.6% 3.2% 13.1% $25,181 $29,321 Table 21: Employment and Wages by Sector for New Hanover County in 1999 (Source: NC Department of Commerce, 2000 County and Regional Scans) Sector 1999 Employment Percent of County Employment Percent Change in County Employment Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing 89.1% $396 Mining Utilities 307.4% $1,476 Construction 6, % $562 Manufacturing 6, % $986 Wholesale Trade 2, % $683 Retail Trade 12, % $535 Transportation and Warehousing 2, % $771 Information 1, % $461 Finance and Insurance 2, % $473 Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 1, % $380 Professional and Technical Services 4, % $800 Management of Companies and 1, % $1,126 Enterprises Administrative and Waste Services 4, % $522 Educational Services 7, % $ Annual Average Wage Agriculture 828 1% 7.7% $17,179 Construction 6, % 6.5% $27,568 Finance/Insurance/Real 3, % -1.3% $34,259 Estate Government 15, % 9.7% $30,206 Manufacturing 8, % -0.7% $47,188 Services 22, % 3.3% $25,198 Wholesale Trade 3, % -2.7% $33,155 Retail Trade 21, % 4% $16,952 Transportation/ Communication/ Public Utilities 3, % 1% $31,306 Total 86, % $27,309 Table 22: New Hanover County Trends Profile First Quarter 2003 (Source: NC Department of Commerce, Economic Development Information System) Sector Average Employment Percent of County Employment Average Weekly Wage Total All Industries 85,905 $567 Total All Government 16, % $778 Total Private Industry 69, % $541

35 Health Care and Social Assistance 13, % $749 Arts, Entertainment and Recreation 1, % $309 Accommodation and Food Services 9, % $203 Other Services Excluding Public 2, % $357 Administration Public Administration 4, % $791 Unclassified 114.1% $339 AVERAGE $621 Items in bold and italics represent county employment sectors that could be related to the prevalent types of employment sectors in Carolina Beach. According to the data, the average weekly wage for Accommodation and Food Services is the lowest paying employment sector in the county. The Retail Trade sector weekly wage is also less than the average weekly salary of all the sectors. Table 23: The Top 25 Employers in New Hanover County (Source: Greater Wilmington Area Chamber of Commerce) A substantial portion of the top 25 employers in the county are industrial type manufacturers. Medical Services and government related work is another substantial portion of the top employers in the county. None of the 25 employers are located in the community of Carolina Beach. No. Company Product/Service Employees New Hanover Regional Medical Center Hospital 4, New Hanover County School Education 3,126 3 General Electric (Global Nuclear Nuclear/Aircraft 1,650 Fuel/Aircraft/Nuclear Energy) 4 University of NC at Wilmington Higher Education 1,627 5 New Hanover County County Government 1,368 6 City of Wilmington Government 1,131 7 Progress Energy - Southport & Wilmington Electricity 1,100 8 WalMart Retail 1,055 9 International Paper Bleached Pulp & Bleached Paperboard PPD, Inc. Pharmaceutical Corning, Inc. Optical Fiber Cape Fear Community College Education aaipharma Pharmaceutical Product Sales and Drug 630 Development Services 14 DAK Americas, LLC Dacron Polyester Louisiana Pacific Corp. Laminated Veneer Lumber KoSa Chemicals DEL Laboratories Pharmaceutical Manufacturing L L Building Products Home Building Products Wilmington Star News Communications VisionAir Software Development for Law Enf Bedford Fair Industries Women's Apparel - Mail Order Chemtex Engineers - Plant Consulting Elementis Chromium LP Sodium Bichromate International Paper Carton Div. Paperboard Cartons Sam's Club Wholesale/Miscellaneous

36 Tourism and Travel Research Data New Hanover County ranked 8 th among all North Carolina Counties in travel and tourism revenues for the year 2002, according to the NC Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development and the Travel Industry Association of America s Research Department. Domestic tourism in New Hanover County generated an economic impact of $ million in 2002, representing a 0.6% increase from New Hanover County brought in more tourism revenues than all other NC coastal counties with the exception of Dare County. Travel and tourism in New Hanover provided more than 5,230 jobs with wages totaling $84.7 million. In addition, travel and tourism is the states second largest industry. The following data are the results of a survey conducted by the Cape Fear Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau and Randall Travel Marketing in December 2000 through June The average length of stay of vacationers was 5.56 nights 56.75% of vacationers in New Hanover County stayed at area beaches; 32.43% in Carolina Beach, in Wrightsville Beach, and 10.81% in Kure Beach. The top lodging sources were 50% hotel/motel and 23.91% rental house/cottage/condo The demographic of the respondent travel party was 77.08% adults only and 22.92% traveling with children Summary of Existing Population, Housing and Economic Characteristics The Town of Carolina Beach permanent resident population has increased 45% through 1990 to 2002 from 3,360 people in 1990 to around 5,264 people in Carolina Beach is the third most populous coastal/beach community in North Carolina, but is slightly smaller in area than the average area of North Carolina beach communities. Higher population in a smaller area could be an indicator of dense development or more permanent residents per acre in Carolina Beach. However, it is important to note that many coastal communities have substantial areas of water and marsh as part of their corporate limits, more so than does Carolina Beach. The Town also has substantial population areas to the north and south of its planning jurisdiction. To the north there are as many as 10,000 people between Snow s Cut and Monkey Junction, and there are approximately 1,600 people in Kure Beach to the immediate south. Almost 70% of the population of Carolina Beach is in a family household and 36% of the family households have children under 18 years old present. Compared to other coastal towns in the region, Carolina Beach has a higher percentage of its family households having children present, and the average size of families in Carolina Beach is larger than those other communities as well. In other words, Carolina Beach has younger and larger families than the comparable coastal communities. Individuals in the age range make up the substantial portion of the Carolina Beach population, while the median age for the community is 43.6 years old. The median age of Carolina Beach is generally lower than comparable coastal communities and the percentage of individuals in age group for Carolina Beach is typically more substantial than the percentage for other coastal communities in the region, which tend to have larger portions of more residents in the 50 and above range. The median and mean household income in Carolina Beach is typically lower than that of other regional and comparably sized coastal communities. Carolina Beach has nearly 2,000 seasonal accommodation units and, as with other coastal towns, the extra population influx during the peak summer months can strain community infrastructure. The peak population, those residing permanently and those visiting at least overnight, was estimated anywhere from 8,500 to a high of about 14,000 total town population during a typical summer period. An additional 3,600 to 4,500 day-trippers, those visiting just for the day and not staying overnight, can be expected during a peak summer day when the full extent of available public parking is utilized. The permanent population of Carolina Beach is expected to continue to grow over the next fifteen years. If the town continues to grow proportionate to the county as it has over the past 12 years, Carolina Beach can expect a permanent resident population of about 5,500 in the year 2005 and as many as 7,200 in the year This figure could vary widely based on the limited availability of developable land and the capacity of infrastructure to adequately handle a population over a certain threshold. Since 1990, Carolina Beach has seen a transition from a larger portion of the housing stock being used by renters and seasonal visitors to a larger portion being owner-occupied year round. According to 2000 census data, owner occupation has increased 88% over its 1990 levels. The owner occupied portion of the overall housing stock has also increased from 24% of the overall stock in 1990 to 40% of the overall stock in The percentage of the overall housing stock used for seasonal units has shown a slight decrease from In 2000, 43% of housing units were single family detached homes, and 57% of the town s population lived in those single family detached homes. The census data indicate the typical homeowner in Carolina Beach is between 45 and 54 years old, and the typical value of a housing unit is 36

37 between $100,000 to $200,000. Development of housing units peaked in the 1980 s and subsided until a spurt in the late 1990 s. Development has remained steady from 2001 to early 2004 with approximately 314 new housing units having been built. Overall the typical householder in Carolina Beach has lived in or occupied their current home for 10 years or less. According to the 2001 Market Study, Carolina Beach Merchants have a profile of being owner operated and managed businesses, the bulk of which have been in the community over ten years. Those who have survived or thrived have had gross revenues under a half million dollars or less, are over 46 years old and have run a business directed toward a tourist trade. The businesses describe their preferences for business development as wanting to encourage family oriented business to the area. At the same time, eighty-one percent of the businesses claim their revenue comes from adults. Also according to the 2001 Market Study, the interest in family-oriented activities is clarified by the results of the resident surveys and meetings. Residents would like to see more diversity in the choices of local restaurants and the addition of upscale retail and shopping. Both the survey and the meetings suggest that residents would consider increasing taxes to accomplish changes in the business mix and atmosphere of the Town. There is substantiated interest by residents in beautification, green space, bike and walking paths, miniature golf, and more water and beach activities, which are all in line with the desire for family-oriented activity (Independent Opinion Research & Communications, Inc Carolina Beach Market Study). 3.2 Natural Systems Analysis The Natural Systems Analysis section of the land use plan is intended to define, describe and analyze the natural features and environmental conditions of Carolina Beach. An assessment of the natural system s capabilities and limitations for certain types of development is depicted in the Town s Environmental Composite Map. This section contains a series of natural feature maps and inventories used to help establish the condition and extent of the natural environment in the planning jurisdiction. The section concludes with an evaluation of water quality, natural hazards and natural resources impacting quality of life and future development Defining Natural Features and Areas of Environmental Concern As mentioned in the introduction to CAMA and the permit process, the Division of Coastal Management places emphasis on protecting Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs). Definitions for AECs were taken from the CAMA Guide to Development in Coastal North Carolina Features 1 7 are all considered and regulated as Areas of Environmental Concern. 1) Coastal Wetland - The Coastal Resources Commission's rules define Coastal Wetlands as any marsh in the 20 coastal counties that regularly or occasionally floods by lunar or wind tides, and that includes one or more of 10 plant species: Salt Marsh (Smooth) Cord Grass, Black Needlerush, Glasswort, Salt (or Spike) Grass, Sea Lavender, Bulrush, Saw Grass, Cattail, Salt Meadow Grass, Salt Reed or Giant Cord Grass. Salt/Brackish Marsh is any salt marsh or other marsh subject to regular or occasional flooding by tides, including wind tides (whether or not the tide waters reach the marshland areas through natural or artificial watercourses), as long as this flooding does not include hurricane or tropical storm waters. Marshes in this category are also called Coastal Marshes. Freshwater Marshes are herbaceous areas that are flooded for extended periods during the growing season. Included are marshes within lacustrine systems, managed impoundments, some Carolina Bays, and other non-tidal marshes (i.e. marshes which do not fall into the Salt/Brackish Marsh category). Typical communities include species of sedges, millets, rushes and grasses that are not specified in the coastal wetland regulations. Also included are giant cane, arrowhead, pickerelweed, arrow arum, smartweed, and cattail. The type of coastal wetlands in Carolina Beach planning jurisdiction is Salt/Brackish Marsh mainly in Myrtle Grove Sound and the North End area, there is also a 3.1 acre Freshwater Marsh site just southeast of the intersection of Old Dow and Dow. (See Map 1 and inventory table for additional information) 2) Inlet Hazard Area - These areas cover the lands next to ocean inlets. Inlet shorelines are especially vulnerable to erosion and flooding and can shift suddenly and dramatically. For each inlet along the coast, the Division of Coastal Management prepares a hazard area map that is reviewed and approved by the Coastal Resources Commission. Each area is mapped based on a 37

38 statistical analysis of inlet migration, previous inlet locations, narrow or low lands near the inlet, and the influence of man-made features, such as jetties and channelization projects. In each case, the distance the inlet hazard AEC extends inland is estimated to be large enough to encompass those lands where the inlet can be expected to migrate. At a minimum, this distance is the same distance inland as the ocean erodible AEC. Inlet hazard AECs range in width from about 250 feet for a fairly stable inlet to about 4,000 feet for the most dynamic inlets. Carolina Beach has an inlet hazard area at the northern most portion of the North End area adjacent to Carolina Beach Inlet. (See Map 3 and inventory table for additional information) 3) Estuary Waters and Estuarine Shoreline - Estuarine Waters are the state's oceans, sounds, tidal rivers and their tributaries, which stretch across coastal North Carolina and link to the other parts of the estuarine system: public trust areas, coastal wetlands and coastal shorelines. For regulatory purposes, the inland, or upstream, boundary of estuarine waters is the same line used to separate the jurisdictions of the Division of Marine Fisheries and the Wildlife Resources Commission. However, many of the fish and shellfish that spend parts of their lives in estuaries move between the "official" estuarine and inland waters. Estuarine Shorelines include all lands within 75 feet of the normal high water level of estuarine waters. This definition also includes lands within 30 feet of the normal high water level of public trust waters located inland of the dividing line between coastal fishing waters and inland fishing waters. Along Outstanding Resource Waters, this definition includes lands within 575 feet of the normal high water level. Estuarine shoreline in Carolina Beach encompasses all shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean, Myrtle Grove Sound, Snow s Cut, the Intracoastal Waterway, Carolina Beach Inlet, and the Cape Fear River. (See Maps 1 and 2 and inventory table for additional information) 4) Ocean Erodible Area Setbacks This area covers North Carolina's beaches and any other oceanfront lands that are subject to long-term erosion and significant shoreline changes. The seaward boundary of this AEC is the mean low water line. The landward limit of the AEC is measured from the first line of stable natural vegetation and is determined by adding: a distance equal to 30 (small structures) or 60 (large structures) times the long-term, average annual erosion rate for that stretch of shoreline to the distance of erosion expected during a major storm. The width of the AEC varies from about 145 feet to more than 700 feet. The CRC updates long-term erosion rates about every five years, using aerial photographs to examine shoreline changes. General maps of erosion rates are available free from the Division of Coastal Management; detailed erosion rate maps are available for inspection at all Coastal Management field and local permitting offices. Carolina Beach has an erosion rate of 2 per year, with the exception of the undeveloped North End area where the erosion rate ranges from 4 to 8 per year. The ocean erodible setback area for the Town is 60 for small structures and 120 for large structures. (See Map 3 and inventory table for additional information) 5) Un-vegetated Beach Area - The un-vegetated (sand) area of the main beach strand typically submerged at high tide. 6) High Hazard Flood Area (Derivative of storm surge and ocean flooding) covers lands subject to flooding, high waves and heavy water currents during a major storm. These are the lands identified as coastal flood with velocity hazard, or "VE zones," on flood insurance rate maps prepared by the Federal Insurance Administration. "VE zones" are determined by an engineering analysis of expected flood levels during a storm, expected wave and current patterns, and the existing topography of the land. The high hazard flood AEC often overlaps with the ocean erodible and inlet hazard AECs. 38

39 Carolina Beach s high hazard flood area encompasses roughly 304 acres or 14% of the area in the Town limits. (See Map 9 and inventory table for additional information) 7) Public Trust Areas - The coastal waters and submerged lands that every North Carolinian has the right to use for activities such as boating, swimming or fishing. These areas often overlap with estuarine waters, but they also include many inland fishing waters. The following lands and waters are considered public trust areas: all waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the lands underneath, from the normal high water mark on shore to the state's official boundary three miles offshore; all navigable natural water bodies and the lands underneath, to the normal high watermark on shore (a body of water is considered navigable if you can float a canoe in it). This does not include privately owned lakes where the public doesn't have access rights; all water in artificially created water bodies that have significant public fishing resources and are accessible to the public from other waters; and all waters in artificially created water bodies where the public has acquired rights by prescription, custom, usage, dedication or any other means. The public trust waters within or adjacent the Carolina Beach planning jurisdiction include Carolina Beach Lake, Myrtle Grove Sound, the Atlantic Ocean, Snow s Cut, the intracoastal waterway, the Cape Fear River and Carolina Beach Inlet. Other natural features and conditions in the planning jurisdiction in addition to AECs are described below. Definitions for Water Quality Classifications come from the NC Division of Water Quality. 8) Water Quality Classifications - All surface waters in North Carolina are assigned a primary classification by the NC Division of Water Quality (DWQ). The tidal/salt water classifications that are applicable to the Carolina Beach planning jurisdiction are SC and SB, there are Outstanding Resource Waters in the Masonboro Island system which start approximately 3,100 feet north of the southern shore of Carolina Beach Inlet. SC - All tidal salt waters protected for secondary recreation such as fishing, boating and other activities involving minimal skin contact; aquatic life propagation and survival; and wildlife. Stormwater controls are required under CAMA and there are no categorical restrictions on discharges. SB - Surface waters that are used for primary recreation, including frequent or organized swimming and all SC uses. Stormwater controls are required under CAMA and there are no categorical restrictions on discharges. Carolina Beach water quality classifications are SB for the Myrtle Grove Sound area and north into the intracoastal waterway, and SC for Snow s Cut and the Cape Fear River Area. (See Map 1 and inventory table for additional information) The Definition for special flood hazard areas comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency 9) Special Flood Hazard Areas (100-yr flood zones) - The SFHA is defined as an area of land that would be inundated by a flood having a 1% chance of occurring in any given year (previously referred to as the base flood or 100-year flood). AE - Zones AE is the flood insurance rate zone that correspond to the 100-year floodplains that are determined in the Flood Insurance Study by detailed methods. In most instances, Base Flood Elevations derived from the detailed hydraulic analyses are shown at selected intervals within this zone. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply. 39

40 VE - Zone VE is the flood insurance rate zone that corresponds to the 100-year coastal floodplains that have additional hazards associated with storm waves. BFEs derived from the detailed hydraulic analyses are shown at selected intervals within this zone. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply. The 100-yr flood zones in the Carolina Beach planning jurisdiction are AE and VE. The AE zone encompasses 692 acres or 34% of the total Town corporate limits. There are roughly 2,178 of 4,732 parcels in the Town Limits in the AE zone. The VE zone, as mentioned earlier, encompasses roughly 304 acres or 14% of the area in the Town limits. There are roughly 88 of 4,732 parcels considered in the VE zone. (See Map 9 and inventory table for additional information) The flood data used to derive the above figures, which is the best available, dates back to the 1990 s. According to Rodger Durham of the North Carolina Floodplain Mapping Program, New Hanover County should receive updated flood zone data around October The definition for Hurricane Storm Surge Innundation Area comes from the National Hurricane Center 10) Hurricane Storm Surge Innundation Area (Fast Moving Storm) - The National Hurricane Center, in cooperation with the North Carolina Center for Geographic Information and Analysis, developed the GIS data set, Hurricane Storm Surge Inundation Areas (1993), to reevaluate the extent of the areas affected by hurricane inundation along the North Carolina coast. The data depicts the extent of hurricane storm surge inundation areas based on SLOSH (Sea, Lake, and Overland Surges from Hurricanes) models, for the North Carolina coast. The FAST model depicts hurricanes with forward velocities greater than 15mph. Storm surge is water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm. This advancing surge combines with the normal tides to create the hurricane storm tide, which can increase the mean water level 15 feet or more. In addition, wind driven waves are superimposed on the storm tide. This rise in water level can cause severe flooding in coastal areas, particularly when the storm tide coincides with the normal high tides. The storm surge inundation area data used for the planning jurisdiction is based on the SLOSH Model developed by NOAA s National Weather Service. The SLOSH (Sea, Lake and Overland Surges from Hurricanes) Model is a computerized model run by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) to estimate storm surge heights and winds resulting from historical, hypothetical, or predicted hurricanes by taking into account Pressure Size Forward speed Track Winds For more information on hurricane storm surge and SLOSH modeling visit In Carolina Beach, approximately 231 acres or 16% of the area in the corporate limits is considered outside of possible hurricane storm surge innundation. 54% of the total area in the corporate limits is likely to be innundated during a Category 1 or 2 hurricane, 69% in a Category 3 hurricane, and 84% of the total area in the corporate limits is likely to be inundated in a Category 4 or 5 hurricane. (See Map 10 and inventory table for additional information) The definition for non-coastal wetlands (NC-CREWS) comes from the NCDENR Division of Coastal Management GIS Data Guidance Document GIS Wetland Type Mapping for the North Carolina Coastal Plain 40

41 11) Non-coastal wetlands/propable 404 wetlands (NC-CREWS) - Section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( the Clean Water Act) defines wetlands as areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation adapted to life in saturated soil conditions. The North Carolina Coastal Region Evaluation of Wetland Significance, or NC-CREWS, is a watershed-based wetlands functional assessment model that uses geographic information systems (GIS) software and data to assess the level of water quality, wildlife habitat, and hydrologic functions of individual wetlands. The primary objective of the NC-CREWS wetland functional assessment is to provide users with information about the relative ecological importance of wetlands for use in planning and the overall management of wetlands. NC-CREWS uses a hierarchical structure in which individual parameters are combined to produce an overall wetland rating that indicates each wetland s functional importance. NC- CREWS produces 3 possible overall wetland rating scores: Exceptional Significance, Substantial Significance, or Beneficial Significance. NC-CREWS also evaluates the potential risk to watershed integrity if identified wetlands were lost. The types of wetlands located in the Carolina Beach planning jurisdiction are: Pine Flat, Managed or Non-Managed Pineland, Pocosin, Depressional Swamp Forest, Estuarine Shrub Scrub, Human Impacted Wetlands, and Cutover Wetlands. The bulk of wetlands are located adjcent to St. Joseph s Road, southeast of the Dow Road Ballfield, and a large area south of Carolina Sands Road. (See Maps 4 and 5 and inventory table for additional information) Pine Flats Palustrine (non-tidal), seasonally saturated pine communities on hydric (saturated) soils that may become quite dry for part of the year, generally on flat or nearly flat areas that are not associated with a river or stream system. Usually dominated by Pinus taeda. This category does not include managed pine systems. Managed Pinelands - Seasonally saturated, managed pine forests (usually Pinus taeda) occurring on hydric soils. This wetland category may also contain non-managed pine forests occurring on hydric soils. Generally these are areas that were not shown on National Wetland Inventory maps. These areas may or may not be jurisdictional wetlands. Pocosin - Palustrine scrub/shrub communities (i.e. non-estuarine Scrub/Shrub) dominated by evergreen shrubs. Typically occur on saturated, acid, nutrient poor, sandy or peaty soils; usually removed from large stream sand subject to periodic burning. Depressional Swamp Forest -Very poorly drained non-riverine forested or scrub/shrub communities which are semi-permanently flooded or including temporarily flooded. Estuarine shrub scrub - Any shrub/scrub dominated community subject to occasional flooding by tides, including wind tides (whether or not the tidewaters reach the marshland areas through natural or artificial watercourses). Human Impacted Wetlands - Areas of human impact have physically disturbed the wetland, but the area is still a wetland. Impoundments and some cutovers are included in this category, as well as other disturbed areas such as power lines. Cutover Wetlands - Areas for which satellite imagery indicates a lack of vegetation in These areas are likely to be still be wetlands, however, but they have been recently cut over. Vegetation in these areas may be revegetating naturally or may be in use for silvicultural activities. The definitions for Fish Nursery Areas comes from the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries 12) Fish Nursery Areas - Salt marshes and estuaries along our coast serve as nursery grounds for 90 percent of our fisheries. The Carolina Beach planning jurisdiction consists of Primary Nursery areas in the north end ETJ area and Special Secondary Nursery areas along the Cape Fear River adjacent but not within the ETJ. 41

42 Primary Nursery Areas are located in the upper portions of creeks and bays. These areas are usually shallow with soft muddy bottoms and surrounded by marshes and wetlands. Low salinity and the abundance of food in these areas are ideal for young fish and shellfish. To protect juveniles, many commercial fishing activities are prohibited in these waters; including the use of trawl nets, seine nets, dredges or any mechanical methods used for taking clams or oysters. If a violator is caught in a Primary Nursery Area, he is faced with a very substantial penalty. Special Secondary Nursery Areas are located adjacent to Secondary Nursery Areas but closer to the open waters of our sounds and the ocean. The majority of the year when juvenile species are abundant, these waters are closed to trawling. There are 80,144 acres designated as Primary Nursery Areas in North Carolina, the Carolina Beach planning jurisdiction contains acres or about 1 thousandths of a percent. There are 31,362 acres designated as Special Secondary Nursery Areas, the Carolina Beach planning jurisdiction does not contain special secondary or secondary nursery areas. (See Map 6 and inventory table for additional information) The definition for Environmentally Fragile Areas (Significant Natural Heritage Areas) comes from the NCDENR Natural Heritage Program 13) Environmentally Fragile Areas (Significant Natural Heritage Areas) - Significant Natural Heritage Areas (SNHA) are areas identifying sites (terrestrial or aquatic) that have particular biodiversity significance. A site's significance may be due to the presence of rare species, rare or high quality natural communities, or other important ecological features. The natural areas preserved and thriving in the MOTSU buffer zone and Carolina Beach State Park represent the bulk of the SNHAs within the planning and extraterritorial jurisdiction of Carolina Beach. (See Map 6 and inventory table for additional information) The definition for Closed Shellfishing Areas comes from the NC Center for Geographic Information and Analysis BasinPro Metadata 14) Closed Shellfishing Areas - NC DENR-Division of Environmental Health, Environmental Health Services Section, Shellfish Sanitation Branch in cooperation with the NC Center for Geographic Information and Analysis, developed the digital Closed Shellfish Harvesting Areas data to enhance planning, siting and impact analysis in areas directly affecting these areas. Closed shellfish areas depict areas where shellfish harvesting is prohibited by law due to unsafe levels of pollutants caused by wastewater discharge and non-point source stormwater run-off. Within the planning jurisdiction of Carolina Beach, all waters are classified as closed to shellfishing except the north end marsh system in the ETJ. (See Map 8 and inventory table for additional information) The definition for Hazardous Substance Disposal Areas comes from the NC Center for Geographic Information and Analysis BasinPro Metadata 15) Hazardous Substance Disposal Areas - The North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources, Division of Waste Management, Superfund Section in cooperation with the North Carolina Center for Geographic Information and Analysis developed the GIS data set, Hazardous Substance Disposal Sites, to enhance planning, siting, and impact analysis in areas directly affected by Hazardous Substance Disposal Sites. The areas identify locations of uncontrolled and unregulated, hazardous waste sites (formerly called superfund sites) in North Carolina. The file includes sites on the CERCLA Information System (CERCLIS), the National Priorities List, the State Inactive Hazardous Sites List, the Sites Priority List, and some Department of Defense sites. The Carolina Beach planning jurisdiction does contain a hazardous substance disposal site identified as a New Hanover County/Carolina Beach landfill, which is located near the WWTP in the ETJ. (See inventory table for additional information) 42

43 The definition for NPDES Sites comes from the NC Center for Geographic Information and Analysis BasinPro Metadata 16) NPDES Sites (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) - The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality, Planning Branch in cooperation with the NC Center for Geographic Information and Analysis, developed the GIS data set, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Sites (NPDES), to enhance planning, siting, and impact analysis in areas which are directly affected by these sites. The file identifies outfall locations for individual NPDES permitted wastewater discharges to surface waters in North Carolina. The Carolina Beach planning jurisdiction contains one outfall regulated as an NPDES site, which is located on the Cape Fear River via the Town WWTP. There is another NPDES site adjacent the Town s jurisdiction in Snow s Cut via the Inlet Point/Dolphin Bay subdivision utility. (See Map 8 and inventory table for additional information) Natural Systems and Hazards Inventory The information on natural features and hazards in the table below was gathered by the Cape Fear Council of Governments through geo-processing and statistical summarization of spatial data using geographic information systems (GIS). The majority of spatial (geographic) data used in this land use plan was provided by the North Carolina Center for Geographic Information and Analysis and the Division of Coastal Management. Spatial data was also provided by the Town of Carolina Beach and New Hanover County. Table 24: Natural Systems Inventory Natural Feature Acres in Corporate Limits Acres in ETJ Comments Total 2,069 1,542 AECs Coastal wetlands Corp. Limits = 3 Freshwater Marsh, 37 Salt/Brackish Marsh ETJ = 141 Salt/Brackish Marsh Estuarine waters 9 (SC); 114 (SB); 50 (SC) Cape Fear River (SC), Lake Area near WWTP (SC), Carolina Beach Yacht Basin (SB), and Myrtle Grove Sound (SB) Estuarine Shoreline +/- 32 +/ shoreward buffer of estuary waters Public trust area (Land areas)/protected Land Carolina Beach Lake, Snows Cut Access, State Park, NCCLT Lands Un-vegetated beach area +/- 51 +/- 61 Digitized from 1/2002 Ortho at 1:10,000 or 1 = 833. Tide level estimated for mean high. Ocean erodible area +/- 22 N/A to C.B. This is the total acreage of land in the 60 setback area from first line of beach vegetation High hazard flood area See comment See comment 100 Yr Flood areas in VE and storm surge Inlet hazard area N/A to C.B. +/- 120 North End IHA Historic/Archaeological Area Land inside HD N/A to C.B. N/A to C.B. 9 buildings honored as historic landmarks. 2 on the National Register. Land w/in 500 of historic or archaeological area 43 Over three-dozen archaeological sites surveyed and recorded by the Office of State Archaeology in Planning Jurisdiction. None established as significant importance. Non-coastal wetlands (CREWS) Beneficial, not high potential risk The major features are located in the ETJ at the southern end, east of Dow. Type is managed or non-managed Pineland. Risk factors refer to the importance of the impact the loss of the wetland would have to the watershed Beneficial, high potential risk 42 N/A to C.B. Undeveloped area behind the movie complex and west of St. Joseph. Types are Pine Flat

44 Substantial significance, not high potential risk Substantial significance, high potential risk Exceptional significance, not high potential risk Exceptional significance, high potential risk and Pocosin The major wetland areas for this feature are located near the Southern end near the ballfield. Major areas are classified as managed or non-managed pineland and pine flats w/ hydric soils. 30 N/A to C.B. Areas west of Carolina Beach Yacht Basin next to St. Joseph s and Island Marina Rds. Major areas are classified as managed or nonmanaged pineland and depressional swamp forest N/A to C.B. 25 Type is mainly managed or non-managed pineland, and pineflats N/A to C.B. N/A to C.B. Natural Feature Acres in Corporate Limits Acres in ETJ Comments Water Quality HQW/ORW watersheds N/A to C.B. N/A to C.B. Data and Maps of watersheds can be obtained through the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service and the North Carolina Center for Geographic Information and Analysis Water supply protection watersheds N/A to C.B. N/A to C.B. Data and Maps of wellhead protection areas can be obtained through the NC DENR Div. of Water Quality, Water Quality Planning Section and the North Carolina Center for Geographic Information and Analysis Soils with Septic Limitations N/A to C.B. N/A to C.B. N/A due to mandatory sewer hook-up regulations. Data and Maps of wellhead protection areas can be obtained through the New Hanover County Agricultural Cooperative Extension Office and the North Carolina Center for Geographic Information and Analysis Significant Natural Heritage Area State Park and MOTSU natural areas. Fish Nursery Areas Primary North End Area/Myrtle Grove Sound Area Special Secondary None in ETJ, but the Cape Fear River from the CB WWTP vicinity southward is special secondary fish nursery area. Shellfishing Area Conditionally Approved See comment See comment None in New Hanover Closed See comment See comment Primarily entire water areas in jurisdiction Natural Hazards Within 100-yr flood 692 (AE); 304 (VE) Within storm surge area 866(Cat. 1 & 2); 231 (Cat. 3); 248 (Cat. 4 & 5) Man-made Hazards (AE) 70 (VE) Fast Moving Hurricane Model. Category 3 acreage inundation actually includes the 1 & 2 total plus The Category 4 & 5 figure includes 1 & 2 & 3 plus

45 MOTSU Buffer/Blast Zone 689 NPDES WWTP Outfalls Hazardous Substance Disposal Site Carolina Beach WWTP into Cape Fear River; Inlet Bay Utility-Dolphin Bay into Snow s Cut. There are an additional four WWTP outfalls within four miles of Carolina Beach up the Cape Fear. +/- 25 New Hanover and Carolina Beach Landfill GIS Mapping of Natural Features and Hazards See Appendix Map Section: Map Numbers Assessment of Water Quality in Carolina Beach Shellfish Sanitation Surveys The Shellfish Sanitation and Recreational Water Quality Section of the Division of Environmental Health in the Department of Environment and Natural Resource is responsible for monitoring water quality in shellfish growing areas and establishing the level of safety for human consumption of shellfish. The corporate limits and the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the Town of Carolina Beach are located adjacent to two Shellfish Sanitation Section monitored growing areas. The two areas are designated as B-4 and B-5 by the Shellfish Sanitation Section. The Sanitary Survey for Area B-4 was conducted December 1999 through December 2003, the Sanitary Survey for Area B-5 was conducted September 1997 through February Area B-4 is composed of the lower Cape Fear River, its tributaries, and Buzzard Bay. The Town of Carolina Beach has no jurisdiction over the waters of B-4, but the Waste Water Treatment Plant discharges into the area. The majority of the B-4 area is closed to shellfishing and there are no conditionally managed shellfish harvesting areas. Area B-5 is composed of the waters of Myrtle Grove Sound, Everett Creek, Snows Cut, Carolina Beach Yacht Basin, and Carolina Beach Inlet. The areas of Snow s Cut and Carolina Beach Yacht Basin are the largest areas categorized as closed to shellfish harvesting in B-5. There are no conditionally approved harvesting areas in B-5. The watershed encompassing B-5 is relatively small, with less than 30 square miles of water. Water quality is influenced by Carolina Beach Inlet and also by the waters of the Cape Fear River. Area B-5 has the most relevance to the planning jurisdiction of Carolina Beach with its inclusion of the Carolina Beach Yacht Basin, Snow s Cut and the Carolina Beach Inlet area. B-4 Shellfish Growing Area There are 13 water quality and shellfish monitoring stations in the B-4 growing area. Monitoring station # 21 is the only current station in the immediate vicinity of the Carolina Beach planning jurisdiction. Station # 21 is located on the eastern edge of Snow s Cut in the Cape Fear River. According to the most recent Report of Sanitary Survey compiled from December 1999 to December 2003, each station sampled has shown improvement in water quality since the last sanitary survey. However, since actual shellfish production in Area B-4 is poor, no new openings were recommended at the time of the report. The report states that the Fort Fisher State Historic Park System, Kure Beach, Carolina Beach, Carolina Beach State Park, and Snow s Cut impact the waters and shellfish growing areas of B-4. The Report of Sanitary Survey describes Fort Fisher as a historic park with natural beaches, marsh, maritime forest, and intertidal zones. The Fort Fisher museum, Fort Fisher/Southport Ferry, N.C. Aquarium, and the Carolina Beach State Park Recreational Area were considered part of the Fort Fisher State Historic Park System for the purposes of the report. The Fort Fisher ferry terminal uses an on-site septic system to serve its restroom facilities, the N.C. Aquarium has been connected to the Carolina Beach WWTP, the State Park Recreational Area utilizes an on-site septic system, and the Fort Fisher Museum has also been connected to the WWTP at Carolina Beach. The report identifies Carolina Beach State Park as having a 42 slip marina with launching ramp, fueling docks, and sewage pump out facilities. The waters surrounding the marina are closed to 45

46 shellfishing. The State Park has campsites, bathhouses and a park ranger station all served by several onsite subsurface wastewater systems that are all well maintained and have additional capacity if needed. Other populated or inhabited areas in the Carolina Beach planning jurisdiction vicinity identified as contributors to run-off or wastewater discharges were The Cape Golf Course and Subdivision and general development of River Road areas. The Cape Golf Course and Subdivision is located North of Snow s Cut off Highway 421 (Carolina Beach Rd.). The residential areas of The Cape consist of both single family homes and townhouses. The Report of Sanitary Survey identified 372 houses and 70 townhomes served by an on-site package Waste Water Treatment Plant which discharges into the river just north of the Snow s Cut access along River Road. The WWTP at The Cape has a capacity of 260,000 gallons per day but currently functions at around 160,000 gallons per day. The plant receives additional wastewater from the New Hanover County collection systems that serve the subdivisions of Tidal Homes, Lambs Bluff, Ship s Watch and other subdivisions on the southern peninsula. The Report of Sanitary Survey identified The Cape WWTP as having had past water quality deficiencies with its effluent. River Road runs adjacent to the shores of the Cape Fear River north of Snow s Cut. New development has been identified in this area and more than 5,000 homes are in planning stages according to the report. Homes developed along River Road will connect to county sewer; however, storm water runoff from new homes and driveways will have an impact on the water quality of the river and its estuarine shoreline. The Shellfish Sanitation Section s overall evaluation for Area B-4 is that improved water quality has occurred, but there is questionable benefit to re-classification of closed shellfishing waters to allow shellfish harvesting due to the heavily trafficked shipping channels of the Cape Fear River Inlet access. Much of the area remains classified as prohibited to shellfish harvesting and historically there have been problems with septic systems in the southern beach areas as well as frequent breaches in the integrity of the WWTPs at Southport and Carolina Beach. The improvement in water quality in area B-4 may be attributable to the improvements made to the WWTPs over the past few years, and to many of the homeowners tying into the municipal sewer systems. Upon the completion of the remainder of the Carolina Beach sewer line renovation, this trend in improved water quality should continue, provided effective stormwater control measures are implemented and building density and impervious surfaces are limited. B-5 Shellfish Growing Area There are 23 water quality and shellfish monitoring stations in the B-5 growing area. Monitoring station #s 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 30 are the only current stations in the immediate vicinity of the Carolina Beach planning jurisdiction. Station # 4 is located in Snow s Cut west of the bridge. Station # 5 is located at the convergence of the Carolina Beach Yacht Basin and Snow s Cut. Station #s 6, 7 and 8 are located adjacent to and just north of the Sea Breeze area in the ICWW. Station # 30 is located north of the Spinnaker Point area. According to the most recent Report of Sanitary Survey for B-5, compiled from September 1997 to February 2002, the growing area has shown slight improvement in water quality since the last sanitary survey. B-5 areas closed to shellfish harvesting in proximity to the Carolina Beach planning jurisdiction are the Carolina Beach Yacht Basin, Snow s Cut, and the marina areas of Inlet Point and Dolphin Bay on the ICWW. The most noted improvement has been at Station #4, located in the closed area of Snows Cut. However, the classification will remain prohibited due to pollution sources in the area. Classification of the remainder of the growing area is adequate at this time, and no changes are recommended. A comprehensive shoreline survey of Area B-5 was conducted from January 2 through February 8, In addition, annual updates were completed in January 2000 and January The shoreline survey inventoried marinas, WWTP discharges, and other possible sources that may degrade water quality. Area B-5 encompasses the southeastern quadrant of New Hanover County and is divided in half by Snows Cut channel which provides access to the Cape Fear River from Carolina Beach Inlet and the Intracoastal Waterway (ICWW). The area includes the town of Carolina Beach to the south of Snows Cut and the Myrtle Grove Sound area to the south. The B-5 area south of Snows Cut includes, in addition to the town of Carolina Beach, portions of the Carolina Beach State Park, the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) of Carolina Beach, and portions of the Sunny Point Military Terminal buffer zone, which prohibits development along that portion of the Cape Fear River. The Carolina Beach WWTP serves about 96 percent of the residences and businesses in Carolina Beach in Area B-5 and Kure Beach in Area B-3. The plant has an average daily flow of approximately 1 to 2 million gallons per day (MGD) with a maximum capacity of 3 million gallons per day. The report states that the Carolina Beach WWTP has a modern design, utilizing aeration basins, settling ponds, a filter and chlorine contact chamber. Chlorine is removed from the effluent before being discharged into the Cape Fear River south of the state park in a closed shellfishing area. There are thirteen 13 lift 46

47 stations located adjacent to the waters of Area B-5. Three are operated by New Hanover County, and four are operated by Aquasource, Inc. for Dolphin Bay subdivision. The Town of Carolina Beach operates six lift stations that surround the boat basin. The Town of Carolina Beach utilized about 4.9 million dollars in grants and other funding to replace aging sewer lines, and the project is 99% complete according to the Town s Operations Director. The old sewage collection system was made of terra cotta clay and concrete pipes. During heavy rainfall events, the amount of wastewater and infiltration in the aging lines caused the WWTP to treat double the normal flow amounts. Dolphin Bay subdivision, located north of Snows Cut on Carolina Beach Road, operates a package wastewater treatment plant. The plant has an average daily flow of approximately forty thousand (40,000) gallons per day (gpd) and a design capacity of sixty thousand (60,000) gpd. The effluent is treated and chlorinated before being discharged into Snows Cut, a closed shellfishing area. Johnson's Trailer Park, located near the Carolina Beach Boat Basin, was inspected for possible septic system failures as part of the survey. The park has had problems in the past; however, no malfunctions were observed at the time of the survey. The Carolina Beach Boat Basin is a significant contributor of nonpoint source pollution in Area B- 5. The basin is comprised of thirteen marinas with approximately 714 boat slips, forty to fifty charter fishing boats and three large fishing boats. The charter and fishing boats are active throughout the year, with passengers ranging from fifty to one hundred people per cruise. All stormwater runoff from the streets and parking lots goes directly into the boat basin. Poisonous or deleterious substances are not a particular concern in the B-5 growing area. There are no major sources of pollution and no industry located in the area that would have an adverse impact on the area water quality. Current patterns indicate that Carolina Beach Inlet is the main influence on currents in the area. The close proximity of the inlet affords good flushing and relatively high salinities throughout the area. The Shellfish Sanitation Section s overall evaluation for Area B-5 is that classification of the water quality in the area is adequate at this time, and no changes are recommended. Cape Fear River Basinwide Water Quality Plan The Cape Fear River Basinwide Water Quality Plan data cited in this land use plan was completed in 2000 and reflects data gathered from 1993 to According to Cam McNutt of the NC Division of Water Quality, the Cape Fear Water Quality Plan should be updated by April or May of Basinwide water quality plans are prepared by the NC Division of Water Quality for each of the seventeen major river basins in the state. Water quality plans aid in the identification of sources of pollution and the identification of waters not able to support certain uses by the public. Water quality plans also play a part in helping to manage and mitigate the causes of water pollution and restoring waters to fully supporting safe use by the public. Waters are classified according to their best intended uses. Determining how well a waterbody supports its designated uses is an important method of interpreting water quality data and assessing water quality. This determination results in a use support rating. The use support ratings refer to whether the classified uses of the water (such as water supply, aquatic life protection and swimming) are fully supported, partially supported or not supported. For instance, waters classified for fishing and water contact recreation (Class SC) are rated as fully supporting if data used to determine use support (such as chemical/physical data collected at ambient sites or benthic macroinvertebrate bioclassifications) did not exceed specific criteria. However, if these criteria were exceeded, then the waters are rated as partially supporting or not supporting, depending on the degree of exceedence. Streams rated as either partially supporting or not supporting are considered impaired. (2000 Cape Fear River Basinwide Water Quality Plan, NC DWQ) According to Cam McNutt, as of 2000, Snow s Cut and the Masonboro Island system just north of Carolina Beach were fully supporting their respective designated uses. At the time of the 2000 Water Quality Plan, the Division of Water Quality did not have data to designate the use capabilities of the Carolina Beach Yacht Basin. However, the descriptions of the Carolina Beach Yacht Basin in the Shellfish Sanitation Survey above indicate that marinas and development in the area have impacted the water quality. The Carolina Beach Yacht Basin is currently used for recreational fishing, swimming and boating. The Cape Fear River area adjacent to Carolina Beach is classified as partially supporting its designated uses of recreational fishing and swimming. The classification is due to pollution from point 47

48 source (industry and WWTP outfalls) and non-point source (stormwater runoff and fecal coliform from septics). There is currently a study by the Division of Water Quality to establish in 2005 a Total Daily Maximum Load (TMDL) for dissolved oxygen in the Cape River area adjacent to Carolina Beach. A TMDL is a calculation of the maximum amount of a pollutant that a waterbody can receive and still meet water quality standards, and includes an allocation of that amount to the pollutant's sources. Dissolved Oxygen, associated with algal blooms, is attributed to animal waste and improperly contained or treated human wastewater. As the algal blooms die and decompose, aerobic bacteria consuming the algae deplete the oxygen in the water thereby depriving marine life of the oxygen (1998, April J. Cleveland for Science Junction, NC State University). It is anticipated that the use support designation for this area of the Cape Fear River will improve as a result of the TMDL Assessment of Natural Hazards in Carolina Beach As discussed previously in the description of natural features and inventory of natural features, large portions of Carolina Beach are susceptible to the hazards of flooding and erosion damage primarily caused by hurricane and tropical storm events. The Town s Hazard Mitigation Plan, prepared in 2003 by L. Gina White Consulting, provides detailed information about the history of natural hazards and the potential for damage within the planning jurisdiction. The Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) shows that properties in Carolina Beach having been damaged repeatedly during storm events are primarily within the Category 1 and 2-Storm surge zone. The Plan also states that according to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) there are 365 structures located within the areas of repetitive damage which have a replacement building and contents value of $7,449,074. The HMP states that historical records indicate that hurricanes and tropical storms have repetitively affected the Town of Carolina Beach. In the past 102 years, the Town has been in the path of 22 storm events. That on average is 1 event in every 4.6 years. However, in the past 10 years storm events have increased in frequency. The area has suffered the effects of 11 events meaning the average 1.1 events a year. As a result, it is highly likely storm events will continually affect New Hanover Counties and the Town of Carolina Beach (L. Gina White Consulting, 2003 Town of Carolina Beach Hazard Mitigation Plan). Since the last CAMA land use plan of 1996/1997 the following storm events have occurred. July 1996: (Category 2) Hurricane Bertha hit New Hanover County causing $18M in structural and property damage and $1M in crop damages. Carolina Beach reported four piers seriously damaged and stated that the areas around the marina and Carolina Beach Lake were covered in two feet of water. Parts of Carolina Avenue had accumulated three feet of sand. A sewage pumping station failed and raw sewage flowed into a street near the Boardwalk. There were minor wind damages to approximately 12 homes near the north end of the Town. There were no reported deaths or injuries. There was a 2-day loss of electricity and 1 week loss of sewer and water to many areas of the Town. Evacuation time for some parts of the Town during Bertha was 4 days. September 1996: (Category 3) Hurricane Fran hit New Hanover County causing $200M in structural and property damage and $1M in crop damages. The storm surge in Carolina Beach was 8-12 feet. Carolina Beach reported more than 930 damaged homes, 41 destroyed homes, 75 damaged businesses, and over $33M in private property losses. There were no deaths or injuries. There was a 1-week loss of electricity and 10 days to 2 weeks loss of water and sewer facilities. Evacuation for Fran was more than 10-days. July 1997: Tropical Storm Ana affected Carolina Beach. Strong Rip Currents associated with the storm resulted in 14 emergency rescues at Carolina Beach. There was no reported property damages. There was 1 reported injury in Carolina Beach and no deaths. There was no loss of critical facilities. July 1997: Tropical Storm Claudette affected Carolina Beach. Strong Rip Currents were reported but there were no emergency rescues, injuries or deaths. There was no loss of critical facilities. August 1998: (Category 2) Hurricane Bonnie hit Hew Hanover County causing $26.2M in structural and property damage and no crop damage. Carolina Beach reported 1½ to 2 feet of water at the north end as a result of storm surge and precipitation. There were no deaths or injuries. There was no loss of critical facilities but evacuations lasted approximately 3 days. 48

49 August 1999: (Category 1) Hurricane Dennis hit New Hanover County causing $75K in structural and property damage and no reported crop damage. Carolina Beach experienced no major damage from Dennis alone. There was a loss of electricity for 1 day but sewer and water were not lost. Evacuations for Dennis lasted 2 days. September 1999: (Category 2) Hurricane Floyd hit New Hanover County causing $109M in structural and property damage and $4M in crop damage. Wind gust were reported to reach 112mph in Carolina Beach causing siding and shingle damage to most homes in the area. The most significant in Carolina Beach was a result of the storm surge, precipitation, and prior ground saturation from Hurricane Dennis which caused 4 feet of water in most areas within the Town limits. Total damages in Carolina Beach were reported at approximately $2M, which included five homes that were submitted for buyout under the hazard mitigation grant program. Town officials stated that there was a 3-day loss of electricity and a 3- day partial loss of water and sewer. According to town officials, the Town was evacuated for 4 days. October 1999: (Category 1) Hurricane Irene hit New Hanover County causing the floods from Hurricane Floyd to worsen. Carolina Beach reported a loss of critical facilities for several hours and the length of evacuation was 1 day. September 2002: Tropical Storm Gustav grazed Northern parts of the Outer Banks. However, Carolina Beach was at the tail end of the storm receiving higher than average seas (8-12 swells). There was no reported damage in Carolina Beach from this storm. September 2003: (Category 2) Hurricane Isabel the storm grazed the area without much damage, however, 1,781 FEMA claims were approved in the county at a total of $1.95 million. The Hazard Mitigation Plan studied the period from for information on flood events. A majority of the major flooding events in Carolina Beach have been a direct result of hurricane and tropical storm events. As mentioned previously, Carolina Beach intersects two special flood hazard areas designated as AE and VE. These zones cover almost half the town limits showing that the town has a moderate to high vulnerability to flooding (L. Gina White Consulting, 2003 Town of Carolina Beach Hazard Mitigation Plan). The table below identifies the approximate tax assessed real property value of all residential and commercial units in the floodplain. Table 25: Value Assessment of All Residential and Commercial Units in Flood Zones Residential 3,491 units* $373,992,704* Commercial 198 units* $57,920,515* Other (Primarily Government 221 parcels/units $18,178,535 Owned and HOA Common Land) TOTAL 3,910 $450,091,754 Source: Cape Fear Council of Governments GIS and 4/2004 New Hanover County Tax Data *Counts each unit within a multi-unit building The Hazard Mitigation Plan states that large amounts of precipitation periodically caused problems with overflow from Carolina Beach Lake, as well as storm water drainage issues on Colonial Circle, Winner Ave., Goldsboro, Columbia and portions of 5 th. In the past 52 years the Town has been affected by 17 significant flooding events. However, in the last 10 years there has been 11 significant flooding events meaning the frequency of flooding events has increased to 1.1 events annually. Due to the historical frequency of hurricanes and tropical storm events and the geographical location and topography of the planning jurisdiction, future flooding in Carolina Beach is highly likely (L. Gina White Consulting, 2003 Town of Carolina Beach Hazard Mitigation Plan). A final natural hazard to be discussed affecting Carolina Beach is erosion. The Division of Coastal Management has produced the Carolina Beach Long-Term Average Annual Shoreline Study & Erosion Factors Map (See Map 11) identifying areas of Carolina Beach that are considered to be erosion hot spots. The northern most part of the community just north of the Carolina Beach Inlet has the highest rate of erosion which registered as 12 feet per year in In some portions of this area the erosion rate has increased from 7 feet per year in 1992 to the current 12 feet per year. This is due largely to the numerous hurricane and tropical storm events that effected the North Carolina coastline between 1992 and Areas just south of 49

50 Carolina Beach Inlet have also seen an increase in erosion where in 1992 the rate was 5 feet per year and in 1998 the rate was feet per year. The largest portion of the island (i.e. the middle section) the erosion rate has remained at a consistent rate of 2 feet per year (L. Gina White Consulting, 2003 Town of Carolina Beach Hazard Mitigation Plan). The 2003 Hazard Mitigation Plan states that Carolina Beach has been a proactive community in mitigating the hazards of coastal erosion. The Town is currently lobbying the federal legislature to secure continued beach nourishment funding. The Town has been actively participating in beach nourishment projects since 1955 and have spent and been awarded in excess of $30,752,988. The most recent project will begin in the Spring of 2004 and is in conjunction with Kure Beach. The nourishment will occur from the North End beach area south to Oyster Shell Road. The Hazard Mitigation Plan s historical review of the effects of erosion from hurricanes, tropical storm events and flooding has shown that the Town has suffered significant damage to property as a result of erosion. However, there have been no injuries or fatalities reported in Carolina Beach due to erosion. The areas most vulnerable to the effects of erosion are the first row of beach-front structures. The Zoning Map of Carolina Beach shows that this area is primarily zoned for high-density residential use, with periodic zones of multi-family residential use and commercial use dispersed within. The table below identifies the approximate tax assessed real property value of all first-row beachfront residential and commercial units at risk to erosion. Table 26: Value Assessment of All Beachfront Residential and Commercial Units Residential 970 units* $106,794,010* Commercial 34 units* $29,187,367* Other 2 parcels/units $15,704 TOTAL 1,006 $135,997,081 Source: Cape Fear Council of Governments GIS and 4/2004 New Hanover County Tax Data *Counts each unit within a multi-unit building Assessment of Natural Resources in Carolina Beach As shown in the Significant Natural Heritage and Fish Nursery Area Map (See Map 6) and in the inventory table in section 3.2.2, the planning jurisdiction of Carolina Beach is literally flanked by substantial natural resource areas. The buffer zone for the Military Ocean Terminal at Sunny Point and the Carolina Beach State Park compromise roughly 765 acres or nearly 1 and a quarter square miles of Carolina Beach s planning jurisdiction. The majority of the buffer zone area in the planning jurisdiction and the entire park are classified as significant natural heritage areas by the NC Natural Heritage Program. These areas are comprised of mainly maritime forests, which are forests that have developed under the influence of salt spray and that are found on barrier islands or immediately adjacent to estuarine waters; dominated by oak, red cedar, holly, and pine trees and evergreen shrubs (NC Division of Coastal Management, Protecting Maritime Forests through Planning and Design, 1990). Among the maritime forests are also coastal wetlands and non-coastal wetlands, as well as a number of recorded archaeological sites. Although the prime forest areas are located in state and federally owned land falling within the Town s planning jurisdiction, the Town of Carolina Beach has zoned these areas as Conservation to preserve and protect their character. As shown in the Wetlands Restoration and Enhancement Sites Map (See Map 7), Carolina Beach has substantial opportunity to enhance or restore wetlands and their functions within the Town limits as well in the extraterritorial area. Identified by the Division of Coastal Management, the restoration and enhancement sites can be used as a planning tool for local governments, developers and other groups to identify areas with significant wetland characteristics, with the intent to conserve them The Environmental Composite Table 27: The Environmental Composite Categorization of Features 50

51 The environmental composite refers to the geographic extent and overlap of the natural features and hazards described previously in this section. The Environmental Composite Map categorizes the area of the planning jurisdiction into three classes of land. The class a particular area of the jurisdiction is Environmental Class Class I Land containing only minimal hazards and having only slight limitations that may be addressed by sound land planning and development practices Mapping Symbol (Graduated Color Scale) Natural Features and Hazards Constraints -Non-wetland area or wetland rated beneficial and not high potential risk (NC- CREWS) -Land located outside 100 year flood hazard area -Land located outside storm surge area Class II Land containing development hazards and limitations that may be addressed by methods such as restrictions on types of land uses, special site planning, or provision of public services -Estuarine shoreline -Ocean erodible area -High hazard flood area -Land located outside designated historic districts or more than 500 from a historic or archaeological site -Soils with moderate to severe septic limitations -Soils with moderate to severe erosion hazards - Non-coastal wetland area rated beneficial and high potential risk or substantial significance (NC-CREWS) -Land located within a 100 year flood hazard area -Land located within storm surge area Class III Land containing serious hazards for development or lands where the impacts of development would cause serious damage to the values of natural systems -Inlet Hazard area placed into is based on the extent of natural features and hazards present in that particular area. Table 1 below shows the three general but distinct classes of land established for the composite. The table also identifies the natural features and hazards the Town believed corresponded best to each respective class, and its associated development activities. Map 12: Environmental Composite Map See Appendix Map Section: Map Number 12 -Coastal Wetland -Estuarine Waters -Public Trust/Protected lands -Unvegetated beach area -Non-coastal wetlands rated as substantial significance with high potential risk or exceptional significance with or without high potential risk (NC-CREWS) -Significant Natural Heritage Area 51

52 3.2.8 Summary of Natural Systems Analysis Section The natural systems of Carolina Beach are an important piece in the attraction of the community to residents and vacationers. Carolina beach has a substantial supply of natural features in its planning jurisdiction, and it will require proper recognition and management of these features to preserve them for the future benefit of the community. In this section of the land use plan we have identified the locations and functions of these features, which is the first step in preserving them. Later sections of the land use plan outline management strategies and policies to strengthen preservation efforts. Coastal wetlands, estuary waters and its shorelines, shellfishing areas, and fish nursery areas are all vital to the scenic beauty of the area as well as the local seafood and fishing industries. All of the natural features above have serious limitations on the type and intensity of development that can be compatible with sustaining their functionality. DCM and local governments, under the authority of Coastal Area Management Act, regulate development of these areas through their permitting process. Carolina Beach also has an abundance of non-coastal wetlands within its jurisdiction. Noncoastal wetlands aid in trapping and cleansing stormwater runoff, mitigating floods and acting as habit for a wide range of species. There are roughly 319 acres of area in the corporate limits alone that display characteristics of non-coastal wetlands. Many of the wetlands are in areas undeveloped but zoned for future development. While these non-coastal wetland areas can be compatible with light development such as residential, extra care should be taken in controlling the density and intensity of future development in these areas to preserve the functionality and benefits of the wetland systems. In addition to wetlands, there is over a square mile of significant natural heritage areas in the buffer zone and state park areas of the planning jurisdiction. The natural heritage areas are zoned conservation (limited development or open space) by the Town, and the Town supports the continued maintenance of these areas by the state and federal governments as natural areas. The water quality is moderate in the planning jurisdiction of Carolina Beach. Carolina Beach is not within a high quality waters or outstanding resource waters watershed and is not within a water supply protection watershed. The lands of the jurisdiction drain into waters classified as SB (Myrtle Grove Sound and the AIWW) and SC (Snow s Cut and the Cape Fear River) by the Division of Water Quality. The use of these waters include boating, fishing and swimming. However, all waters in the immediate planning jurisdiction are closed to shellfish harvesting due to pollution, particularly from the development and heavy marina traffic of the yacht basin. According to the Division of Water Quality (DWQ), the Cape Fear River is partially supporting its uses based on pollution up river from industry, wastewater treatment plants in the area, and development occurring along River Road. However, DWQ monitoring of the area has shown slight improvement in the water quality due to improvements in the wastewater treatment plants and less septic tank use. Also according to the Division of Water Quality, Snow s Cut and the intracoastal waterway just north of Carolina Beach are fully supporting their uses. As with most coastal communities, natural hazards have significant impact on Carolina Beach. Land in flood zones and storm surge inundation areas have serious hazards to all types of development, any development in these areas should attempt to mitigate susceptibility to flooding, wave action, erosion, and high-winds. Nearly half the area in the Town limits is in a 100-year flood zone. According to the Town s 2003 Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP), there have been 17 significant flooding events in the past 52 years and the areas around Carolina Beach Lake, as well as the streets of Colonial, Winner, Goldsboro, Columbia and portions of 5 th are particularly vulnerable during flooding. The Hazard Mitigation Plan also states that the primary cause of flooding in Carolina Beach is a result of hurricanes and tropical storms. The HMP states that historical records indicate that hurricanes and tropical storms have repetitively affected the Town of Carolina Beach and millions of dollars in property damage have occurred. In the event of strong storm events it is possible for 84% of the Town to be inundated by flooding and storm surge wind and wave action. Future development and re-development in Carolina Beach must recognize and be designed to minimize this threat to maintain the safety of the public and property. 52

53 3.3 Analysis of Land Use and Development This section provides the local planning staff and policy makers with a picture of the existing land use patterns in the Town. The assessment of existing land use patterns and the identification of available areas for development aids in forecasting where, what type and how much development will and can occur. This section will assist in identifying current and potential land use conflicts, such as residential in close proximity to hazardous areas, as well as identify areas in development transition and areas where in-fill or redevelopment are feasible and foreseeable. The Analysis of Land Use and Development should act as a key piece of the foundation for which the Town s land use policies and Future Land Use Map are based Existing Land Use The Planning Jurisdiction Evaluation Table below shows the breakdown of the area within the planning jurisdiction of Carolina Beach based on its ability to support a use identified in the Existing Land Use Categories Table. Table 28: Planning Jurisdiction Land Use Evaluation Area Acreage (Approximations) Total Corporate Limits 2,069 Extraterritorial Jurisdiction 1,542 Land Area within Corporate Limits 1,178 Assigned an Existing Land Use Classification Roads and Rights of Way in Corporate 303 Limits Ocean and Beach Strand Area of 414 Corporate Limits Myrtle Grove Sound Area in Corporate 159 Limits Carolina Beach Lake Park Area 15 Source: Cape Fear Council of Governments Geographic Information Systems, New Hanover County Tax Data and 2002 Orthophoto Aerial Photography When just considering the 1,178 acres of land area used in categorizing existing land use, the persons per acre ratio is currently around 4.4 to 1, in the year 2020 it will be 6 to 1. When considering the total 2,069 acres in the corporate limits, the ratio becomes 2.5 to 1 currently, and it will be 3.5 to 1 in the year The Existing Land Use Table below shows the land use categories used in inventorying and assessing the predominate land use patterns in the Town of Carolina Beach. The following land use categories make up the bolded land area listed in the above table. Only the land area in the corporate limits was evaluated, land in the extraterritorial jurisdiction is primarily zoned Conservation with the existing land uses being the MOTSU blast buffer zone, a State Park with recreation facilities and a Municipal Waste Water Treatment Plant with associated Public Works facilities. 53

54 Table 29: Existing Land Use Categories Land Use Residential (Single family, duplexes, townhomes and multi-family) Land Use Commercial (General businesses, hotel and motel, transient lodging, professional services, and establishments currently in the Industrial District) Government Owned (Public buildings, government structures, school, parks, etc. Includes 112 acres of dedicated open space)*** Institutional (Religious, group homes/quarters, and clubs)**** Public Access Areas (Pathway-side Parking and Access Pathways) Questionable Status (possibly not developable due to natural characteristics or setback restrictions) Other (BellSouth Utilities) (Progress/CP&L in ETJ) # of Parcels/Parcel Units in use 5,074 (includes each unit in multiunit buildings) Acreage Totals 648 (only includes ground surface area, does not include area of each unit in multi-storied building) Acreage Totals # of Parcels/Parcel Units in use sites (not parcels) Undeveloped (Raw aggregate of land 1, * without vertical or horizontal structures, does not imply that all parcels in the totals are developable) TOTAL 1,178 Source: Cape Fear Council of Governments Geographic Information Systems, New Hanover County Tax Data and 2002 Orthophoto Aerial Photography Approximately 64% (145 acs) of the 226 acres of undeveloped land consists of platted subdivided lots around an eighth to a fifth of an acre in size. The vast majority of these lots are inland and not water or shoreline adjacent and would be considered buildable (Corp of Engineers still have jurisdiction of 404 inland wetlands and should be consulted prior to development of lots with characteristics of wetlands). Approximately 6% (15 acs) of the 226 acres of undeveloped land consist of water or shoreline adjacent lots. These lots are more than likely within the jurisdiction of 404 wetlands regulations and may have development restrictions. These lots are located around Carolina Beach Lake, the area around St. Joseph and Lewis Ave, along Myrtle Grove Sound, and water front lots in the Spinnaker Pointe/North End area. The approximate 30% remainder of the 226 undeveloped acres largely consists of un-subdivided lots off Lake Park Boulevard North and Dow Road. These lots are generally inland and/or in urban areas out of the 100 year flood zone (Corp of Engineers still have jurisdiction of 404 inland wetlands and should be consulted prior to development of lots with characteristics of wetlands). Notes: The acreage of parcels used as parking lots was included as part of the parking lot s principle use Land classified undeveloped does not include undeveloped local, state or federal lands Land used as parking lots (paved or unpaved) were not classified as undeveloped 54

55 As shown above, 647 acres (or 55%) of the land area in the Town corporate limits are used for some type of residential use, while 128 acres (or 10%) are used for some type of commercial use. 12% of the land area in the corporate limits is owned or maintained by government, of which is mostly parks and open space areas. There are approximately 227 acres undeveloped on 1,128 parcels in the Carolina Beach Town limits as of April 2004, which constitutes 19% of the land area. Among the undeveloped parcels, 18% of the parcels are of 1 acre size or greater, the remaining 82% of undeveloped parcels are less than an acre in size. Map 13: The Existing Land Use Map See Appendix Map Section: Map Number Land Use Conflicts and Land Use and Water Quality Conflicts Residential vs. Commercial Land uses typically causing conflicts in smaller communities are the encroachment of commercial nuisances into residential areas. The Carolina Beach Zoning Ordinance is the mechanism for regulating the standards and potential impacts of commercial use on residential areas. Traffic generation, signage, lights and noise are all aspects of some commercial uses that conflict with residential character. As mentioned in previous sections and in later parts of this section, the bulk of commercial activity in Town is around the downtown or Central Business District, and the Highway Business District paralleling the Highway 421/ N. Lake Park corridor. The commercial uses in the CBD are typically pedestrian-friendly and avoid heavy traffic generation. The CBD is not in direct proximity to large residential areas and is buffered by a Mixed Use Zone to soften the transition to residential areas. Some parts of the CBD have gotten a reputation for nightlife, therefore noise and lighting can be a periodic issue. The Highway Business (HB) District relies on heavy traffic volume, which may bottleneck traffic on the way to residential areas, but on the whole the HB District is situated away from most heavy residential areas and commercial traffic generation is not a direct problem in neighborhoods. Lighting, aesthetic issues, and noise generated from parking lot floodlights and large signs in the HB District does effect the immediate residential areas. The Town is currently re-viewing its Zoning Ordinance to include signage and lighting regulations, in addition to its landscaping regulations. Residential vs. Large-scale and Dense Residential Large-scale and dense residential uses can also conflict with more passive residential uses. Typically in Carolina Beach, large-scale and dense multi-family or lodging have occurred along soundfront and oceanfront areas. While these areas for the most part are away from the passive* residential areas inland, large-scale and dense development can have the effect of walling-off the rest of the residents from public trust areas and open views. A primary issue included in the community concerns list, and an issue to be addressed by the Town Planning and Zoning Commission, is the density and scale of new multifamily buildings. *Passive residential areas are those areas that contain less intense and dense residential uses such as singlefamily and duplex, typically on larger lots (7,000 to 12,000 sq. ft.), and with a lower height profile generally between 30 and 40, and no more than 50. MOTSU vs. Residential A potential hazard to residents of Carolina Beach is the Military Ocean Terminal at Sunny Point (MOTSU), located approximately 3 miles to the southwest. Roughly 2,115 acres were purchased on the east bank of the Cape Fear River in New Hanover County in the 1950 s as an explosive safety buffer zone. A substantial portion of the safety buffer zone is in the Town s extraterritorial jurisdiction and abuts the corporate limits of Carolina Beach. The Town currently has the areas in the buffer zone primarily established as a conservation district, however, according to Town Planning Department Staff, several developers and property owners are planning for future residential development in areas alongside the perimeter of the explosive safety buffer zone. According to Richard Lockwood, an Environmental Engineer for the Military Ocean Terminal, there is no federal regulation or warning regarding land use on the outside perimeter of the buffer zone. Hazardous Sites vs. Residential 55

56 Other conflicting land uses in the Carolina Beach extraterritorial jurisdiction include the municipal wastewater treatment plant and an inactive landfill monitored by the NC Division of Waste Management, Inactive Hazardous Waste Sites Branch. Both of the sites are zoned Conservation and in the MOTSU buffer zone, and it is highly unlikely that future residential or commercial development will occur on or in proximity. Flooding vs. Developed Land Use As mentioned in the Natural Systems Analysis Section, substantial portions of the Town s residential and commercial areas are within 100-year flood zones and storm surge inundation areas. The Town adopted a Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance in 1978 and last updated it in According to the 2003 Town of Carolina Beach Hazard Mitigation Plan, the Town has devised several strategies in its Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, Zoning Ordinance, and Stormwater Management Ordinance to address the impacts of flooding, establish building elevations and standards to prevent flooding, and to aid in directing and containing stormwater. The Town of Carolina Beach has been a member of National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) since May 2, The Town began to participate in the Community Rating System (CRS), part of the NFIP, on October 1, 1993 and currently holds a class 7 in the program. There are ten classes within the CRS system, with 1 providing the greatest premium reduction in flood damage and 10 providing no reduction. Deteriorated vs. General Land Use The Boardwalk commercial area of Carolina Beach is in the traditional downtown area of the community. Many of the buildings within the Boardwalk area are oceanfront and have become deteriorated or in a deteriorating condition due to their age and long term exposure to hurricane flooding and wind events. The Town, business owners, residents and a Boardwalk Revitalization Committee are exploring options to redevelop blighted structures in the Boardwalk area. Land Use and Development vs. Water Quality Land Use in relation to its impact to water quality can best be witnessed in the Myrtle Grove Sound area, also known as the Yacht Basin. As reported in the Area B-5 Shellfish and Sanitation Survey the Carolina Beach Yacht Basin is a significant contributor of nonpoint source pollution. The basin is comprised of thirteen marinas with approximately 714 boat slips, forty to fifty charter fishing boats and three large fishing boats. In addition, according to Town Staff, a new development for 34 townhomes with boat slips is planned for the southern end of the Yacht Basin. Along the western shore of the Yacht Basin are multi-family buildings with accompanying parking lots and along the eastern edge of the Yacht Basin the shoreline is nearly 100% built-out with primarily single-family and scattered multi-family buildings. The Town of Carolina Beach is a sewered community and development and redevelopment requires sewer hook-up. According to the Town Operations Director and Operations Department Staff, there are about 8 residents in the recently annexed Wilmington Beach area that still run on septic systems and have not hooked-up to Town sewer. The Operations Department says a court order is now requiring their immediate hook-up. As mentioned in the Natural Systems Analysis Section and the Community Facilities Section, the Town operates a 3 million gallon per day wastewater treatment plant that is permitted to discharge into the Cape Fear River. The Town also receives wastewater from parts of Kure Beach and Fort Fisher in addition to its own waste Development Trends and Future Development Map 14: The Development Timeline Map See Appendix Map Section: Map number 14 NOTE: The time period used to depict phases of growth vary from 40 years to 6 years and are not equal intervals. Time periods were grouped in order to establish a period with a significant number of units built (i.e. 300 units built between 1900 and 1950 and 300 units built between 2000 and 2005). 56

57 Development Trends The Development Timeline Map depicts data identifying the year the primary structure was built on a parcel and it includes all types of land uses (i.e. residential, commercial, etc.). It is important to note that redevelopment could have occurred on certain parcels masking the original date a parcel was developed, but for general planning purposes the map does a good job showing development trends. The map also includes dedicated historical structures and potential dedication structures as determined by the Federal Point Historic Preservation Society. The Development Timeline Map shows development activity started and then orbited outward up through the 1950 s and 60 s around what is referred to as the traditional downtown area or Central Business District (CBD). This area includes the centrally located parts of Lake Park, Harper, Raleigh, St. Joseph s, Carl Winner, Third, and Fourth streets. Residential development through the 1970 s continued on an outward orbit of the CBD while more development along the oceanfront and areas closer to the ocean occurred both north and south of the CBD. Through the 1980 s and 1990 s development became more scattered, however, the relatively large Carolina Sands subdivision on the south central part of Town showed substantial growth. The subdivisions off Peninsula Drive and Spinnaker Point as well as the north end of Canal Drive also showed growth in the 80 s and through the 90 s. Many of the multi-family and condo areas along Myrtle Grove Sound developed in the 80 s and 90 s. During and since the last land use plan in 1997, development was again scattered across the Town, with development clusters in the subdivisions of Oceanridge off Fern Creek Lane, Portside Village off Bertram Drive in the north, Carolina Beach Village on Lighthouse Drive, and developments off Seventh Street. The bulk of commercial development grew along the North Lake Park Boulevard corridor from the 1970 s and continues to develop and redevelop along this corridor today. Future Development Undeveloped Land in Areas Primarily Zoned for Residential (Figures calculated using Geographic Information Systems data geo-processing techniques) Of the undeveloped land in the Town limits, there are approximately 175 acres undeveloped on 873 parcels in the R-1, R-1B, R-2 and R-3 zoning districts. Out of the 175 acres of undeveloped land in these zoning districts: R-1 has approximately 76 acres on around 500 parcels. R-1 allows single and two-family dwellings at moderate to high-density (minimum 5,000 sq. foot lots and structures no higher than 50 ) R-1B has approximately 22 acres on around 125 parcels undeveloped. R1-B allows single-family dwellings at moderate density (same lot and height requirements as R-1) The R-2 district has approximately 42 acres on around 130 parcels undeveloped. R-2 allows single-family dwellings at moderate density (minimum 7,000 sq. foot lot and structures no higher than 50 ). R-3 has approximately 35 acres undeveloped on around 115 parcels. R-3 allows single-family at moderate to low density (12,000 sq. foot lots and structures no higher than 50 ). As noted in the Environmental Composite Map and the Land Suitability Map, the R-1 area has potential environmental characteristics for being less suitable for development. It is estimated by Town Staff and Army Corps of Engineers site surveys of land in the area that between 8 to 10 acres of the area south of Carolina Sands and additional lots south of Carolina Beach Lake may be 404 wetlands and therefore may not be built-upon or filled without mitigative measures. As stated in Town Policies and 82, the Town supports the proper identification and preservation of jurisdictional wetlands. Of the undeveloped land in the Town limits, there are 24 acres undeveloped on 190 parcels of land in the MH zoning district. The MH district allows mobile homes, single-family and two-family dwellings at moderate to high density. The minimum lot size is 5,000 square feet and no structures higher than 50 are permitted by right. acre). The amount of undeveloped land in the Multi-Family (MF) zoning district is negligible (less than 57

58 There are six acres of undeveloped land in the Tourist (T-1) and Mixed Use (MX) districts. T-1 allows moderate to high density residential. MX allows single-family, duplexes, and multi-family of modest density and size. 88% of the remaining total undeveloped land in the town limits is within a zoning district with a primary residential use, those being R-1, R-1B, R-2, R-3 and MH. Without any major re-zonings to commercial uses and heavy commercial re-development, it can therefore be assumed that nine out of ten future developments will be residential, giving a rough Town built-out ratio of land uses as 70 75% residential to 10 15% commercial*. The remaining percentage of built-out land use being primarily government use, public parks and open space, and institutional uses. *Figures calculated by assuming 90% of current undeveloped land, which is 19% of current land use total, will become residential, and adding those undeveloped percentage portions as following; 17% of 19% to current residential percentage and 2% of 19% to current commercial percentage. Undeveloped Land in Areas Primarily Zoned for Commercial (Figures calculated using Geographic Information Systems data geo-processing techniques) Of the undeveloped land in the Town limits, there are approximately 18 acres undeveloped on 28 parcels in the CBD and HB. Out of the 18 acres of undeveloped land in these zoning districts: The CBD has a little over 1 acre of undeveloped land on 5 parcels. The Central Business District accommodates pedestrian oriented retail, business, office, entertainment, and tourist services. The CBD encompasses the Boardwalk area which is a Town priority for redevelopment activities to allow family-oriented entertainment, goods and services. The HB zoning district has approximately 16 acres on around 23 parcels undeveloped. The bulk of the undeveloped Highway Business areas are on the east side of North Lake Park Boulevard between Lewis and Bennett Streets. There are also two relatively large out-parcels around the new Food Lion development area Projections of Future Land Needs Land needs projections are estimates of the amount of land that will be required to meet the residential housing needs of Carolina Beach s population over the next 20 years. As stated in earlier in Section 3, part 3.1.C, the population growth of Carolina Beach is expected to reach 6,091 in the year 2010, 6,646 in 2015, and 7,173 by the year Based on the relative abundance of undeveloped land in the jurisdiction zoned for residential uses and current lot size standards, it was found that Carolina Beach could meet its residential housing needs in the year With the 2002 estimated Town population of 5,264, there are roughly 205 acres of undeveloped land in zoning districts that currently allow at least some type of residential use. Generally, if the 205 acres were divided into quarter acre lots (approx. 11,000 sq. feet) it would produce 820 lots*. The average family size in Carolina Beach of 2.59 persons was used to calculate future housing needs. If 820 housing units were built on all 820 lots with approximately 2.59 persons contained within, that would provide housing for an additional 2,124 persons. Carolina Beach s 2020 population projection estimates an additional 1,909 persons. Therefore it is seemingly possible to meet or exceed the housing needs for the future population of Carolina Beach based on the availability of undeveloped land. *A quarter acre lot scenario was used for simplification purposes, it is important to note that most of the undeveloped land has already been platted into lots smaller than a quarter acre. Many residential zones allow lots with a minimum of 5,000 square feet. 58

59 Table 30: Projections of Permanent Population and Housing Needs* Year Projected Town Permanent Population Projected Housing Units Needed Based on Average Family Size and Future Population 59 Projection of Housing Units Possible Based on Amount of Undeveloped Land , more units needed 820 units possible YES , more units needed between the years 2010 and possible units remaining after 2010 YES , more units needed between the years 2015 and , more units needed between the years 2020 and possible units remaining after possible units remaining after 2020 *Based on single family housing units on quarter acre lots and 2.59 persons per housing unit Formula: Projected population minus existing population divided by average family size equals number of units needed Example: (8,033 5,264) / 2.59 = 1069 units may be needed by Ability to Meet Housing Needs YES NO based on possible units buildable on remaining land as singlefamily only. POSSIBLE, if multi-family units are included. Factors That May Limit Use of Some of the Undeveloped Land It is important to keep in mind that all 205 acres of the undeveloped land may not be able to be developed. There have been upwards of 80 parcels in the undeveloped areas off North Carolina, Tennessee, Pinfish, Mackerel and Bonito Avenues already identified as 404 jurisdictional wetlands by the Army Corp of Engineers. Most of the 80 or so parcels are a tenth of an acre in size, which would decrease the amount of developable land by 8 to 10 acres. This same area also displays some Class III environmental hazards according to the Town s Environmental Composite Map. Another factor that may decrease the actual amount of developable land for future housing units may be the requirement of some land to be used for things such as government easements and development common areas or required open space. Factors That May Allow More Residential Housing Units on Some of the Undeveloped Land The above projection of 820 possible future lots on the undeveloped land allowed for lots as big as a quarter acre (11,000 square feet). Many of the residential zones allow lots ranging at a minimum of 5,000 square feet to 7,000 square feet. Therefore, it may be possible to allow for more than the 820 lots used in the all quarter acre projection. The development of multi-family units with multiple stories can also be a factor in the number of actual housing units that can be provided on the available undeveloped land. There is currently less than an acre of undeveloped land available in the Multi-Family zoning district, but it could provide several housing units on a lot with a relatively small surface area. The Town is however addressing a desire to reduce the density and scale of new multi-family development. There is also an additional amount of acreage of undeveloped land in areas currently zoned for commercial, mixed-use buildings or re-zoning to allow some residential uses could provide even more opportunity to meet future housing needs Summary of Land Use and Development In Carolina Beach The amount of land area within the corporate limits that supports a land use, as identified in our Existing Land Use Categories Table, is 1,178 acres. Currently 55% of this land area is being used for residential uses, while 10% is used for commerce and around 19% is undeveloped as of December 2003 through April Over 80% of the undeveloped land has already been platted and lies on lots less than an acre in size, with many ranging from a fifth to a tenth of an acre. The remainder of undeveloped land consists of about six parcels at least two acres or more in size. Two of those parcels are located in the Highway Business Zone, one is located in the Industrial Zone, and three are located in Residential areas. According to Town Staff, the undeveloped lot in the Industrial Zone is 10 acres and the owners have inquired about re-zoning to a residential use, in addition, one of the large undeveloped lots in a residential area has currently only been allowed one housing unit due to jurisdictional wetlands.

60 When the location of undeveloped parcels is compared to existing zoning, it is found that just about nine out of ten undeveloped parcels are in areas primarily zoned for residential uses. If every nine out of ten of the remaining parcels are developed as residential, the Town built-out land use ratio will be approximately 75% residential to 15% commercial, with the remaining percentage primarily government owned and institutional uses. The R-1 zoning district contains about 76 acres of undeveloped land, which is the largest amount for any residential district. The portion of the R-1 district south of Carolina Sands contains the bulk of undeveloped land with upwards of 41 acres. As identified earlier in this section, some land use conflicts due exist at Carolina Beach. The Town is addressing some of these issues by establishing revitalization committees, and updating and reevaluating their zoning ordinance pertaining to density and scale of structures, lighting, signage, landscaping and impervious surface standards. The projection of future land needs for residential housing shows that Carolina Beach should be able to meet the housing needs of its expected population growth. 820 housing units providing housing for 2,124 people were estimated to be possible using a rough formula dividing the total amount of undeveloped land in residential areas into quarter acre lots. Those 820 units were then theorized that they would be filled by the average family size of Carolina Beach. The year 2020 population projection for Carolina Beach shows an increase of only 1,909 people. 60

61 3.4 Analysis of Community Facilities The analysis of community facilities provides the Town with information about key types of infrastructure including water, sewer, streets, secondary roads, primary roads, and storm water management systems. Such types of infrastructure have been termed growth shapers for the impact they have in facilitating and managing local land development. In addition, the Town s policies for the operation, maintenance, extension, and development of infrastructure can have a serious impact on the Town s natural environment and ability to adequately manage future growth and development. The Town of Carolina Beach Operations Department is responsible for the safe, compliant and efficient operation and maintenance of community-serving infrastructure. The principle components of the Department serve in providing potable water supplies, wastewater collection and treatment, general maintenance of streets and parking, and stormwater mitigation and management. Other divisions within the Town Operations Department include an Environmental Division for keeping all areas of the Town clear of debris and vegetative overgrowth, a Mowing Division, and Fleet Maintenance. The Town of Carolina Beach has recently appointed an Operations Advisory Committee. The new committee membership will consist of five members and the Operations Director. The purpose of the committee will be to provide a forum for two-way communication between the Operations Department and the community, and when appropriate, make recommendations to the Town Council. Members must be citizens of the Town. Representation will include one member from the following areas: engineer, central business district, highway business district, low-density residential, and high-density residential. The Operations Director envisions the new committee will aid in making recommendations on updating Town ordinances pertaining to utilities, and make the Department more user friendly and efficient. The Operations Advisory Committee will also recommend improvements and plans of action for drainage and stormwater issues Status of Wastewater and Water Infrastructure in Carolina Beach The CAMA planning guidelines require mapping of existing and planned water and sewer systems, provide a description of existing capacity and conditions of those systems, and address future capacity needs based on population projections. The identification of sewer over-flows, bypasses of treatment facilities, and other wastewater permit violations that could harm public health, water quality and the environment must be considered in order to adequately describe current facility conditions. The main sources of information available to identify problems and describe capacity are Annual Wastewater Reports and Local Water Supply Plans produced by the Town Operations Department Town Land Use Plan Update Regarding Wastewater Treatment At the time of the last land use plan update in 1997, the Town wastewater treatment plant capacity was at 1.85 million gallons per day (MGD) and it was reported that peak summer usage wastewater flow rates approached and sometimes exceeded the average daily flow rate allowed per month. Since that time, the Town has increased capacity to 3.0 MGD and has plans to increase capacity again to 4.0 MGD within the next 3 to 5 years. The permanent population being served by the 1.85 MGD plant was estimated to be about 4,625 in The peak seasonal population in 1996 was expected to be around 12,000 to 14,000. The permanent population is expected to rise steadily to about 7,000 to 7,500 by 2020, with a seasonal peak population over the next 20 years ranging from 15,000 to 20,000. A 116% increase in gallons per day capacity from 1.85 in 1996 to 4.0 by 2010 would comparatively seem to serve the Town s expected increase in permanent population of about 60% from 1995 through the year The peak seasonal population is expected to increase anywhere from 25% to 66% from mid 90 s levels through the year 2020*. *Figures derived earlier in the plan (see section 3.1.B and 3.1.C). The current peak population estimate of 15,000 represents a 25% increase from the low 1996 peak population estimate of 12,000, the future high peak population of 20,000 represents a 66% increase over the 1996 low peak population of 12,000. A variable that may seriously affect capacity projections includes underestimating peak season ( over-night ) populations. Peak season populations are estimated in this land use plan to be around 15,000 based on water/sewer consumption data, accommodation and lodging availability and seasonal housing counts. An additional variable that may affect capacity projections is the fact that Carolina Beach receives wastewater from the Town of Kure Beach and the Fort Fisher area. An unexpected growth in the permanent or seasonal demand in these areas could also seriously impact the capacity handling of the Carolina Beach WWTP. 61

62 A variable that could potentially add capacity is the recent multi-million dollar grant project to replace terra cotta (clay) sewer lines. The terra cotta sewer lines had allowed rainwater infiltration and lead to increased inflow amounts to the wastewater treatment plant. Eliminating infiltration could conceivably allow for some extra capacity at the plant. The Town s Operation Department has also been permitted to utilize innovative projects for using some of the waste effluent for irrigating and growing sea oats, bermuda grass and rye grass. Annual Wastewater Report for Fiscal Year 2002/2003 The 2002/2003 wastewater report is the most recent report currently available. According to the 2002/2003 report, the Town of Carolina Beach has fourteen lift stations in the collection system and 28.6 miles of 10 and 8 gravity sewer lines. The Town also has a wastewater treatment facility with a permitted flow of 3.0 million gallons per day (MGD). To operate the wastewater facilities in compliance with state and federal law, the Town currently has a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permit, a Land Application Permit, a permit for spray irrigation, and an operational permit for their wastewater collection system. In late 2002, the spray irrigation system began operating on a nearly seven acre field adjacent to the WWTP. The Town is currently permitted to spray a maximum daily average of 30,000 gallons of treated effluent water on the application field. The spray field is planted seasonally with different grasses, which are grown for later utilization by the Town. The effectiveness and compliance of the spray field is due to be evaluated in the fiscal year 2003/2004 report. Fiscal year 2002/2003 Permit Violations According to the Town s fiscal year 2002/2003 wastewater report, the Town of Carolina Beach wastewater facility had one permit limit violation during the fiscal year. This violation was an effluent total chlorine residual exceeding the permitted daily maximum of 17 micrograms per liter. There were eleven monitoring and reporting violations and three sanitary sewer overflows. Corrective measures were taken to address the violations, such as regularly scheduling cleaning of problem sewer mains. There were no known environmental impacts due to the permit violations reported. Permit Limit Violations March 3, 2003 Effluent Residual chlorine exceeded daily maximum (caused by air leak in vacuum line) Sanitary Sewer Overflows August 2002 Estimated total monthly volume of 450 gallons (caused by grease build-up) September 2002 Estimated total monthly volume of 30 gallons (caused by blocked sewer main) March Estimated total monthly volume of 450 gallons (caused by blocked sewer main) For the 2002/2003 wastewater report, the monthly average flow out or discharge from the plant was at its highest in April at MGD due to infiltration and inflow, the lowest was January with MGD, and the yearly average was MGD. The plant is permitted to discharge up to 3.0 MGD. Annual Wastewater Report for Fiscal Year 2001/2002 As of the 2001/2002 report, the Town operated fourteen lift stations in the collection system with 28.6 miles of 10 and 8 gravity sewer lines. In 2001/2002 there were two permit limit violations relating to the effluent total chlorine residuals exceeding the permitted daily maximum. There were also three sanitary sewer overflows. The sewer spills, caused by contractors, were reported to have reached Myrtle Grove Sound from a Canal Drive spill and a ditch leading to Carolina Beach Lake from the Greenville Avenue spill. Samples taken downstream of the Canal Drive spill indicated fecal coliform exceeding state standards. No fishkills were reported due to the spill. Permit Limit Violations July 7, 2001 Effluent Residual chlorine exceeded daily maximum Sanitary Sewer Overflows October 2002 Estimated total monthly volume of 15 gallons 62

63 April 2002 (caused by grease build-up) Estimated total monthly volume of 7,700 gallons (caused by 2 contractor accidents breaking sewer mains) For the 2001/2002 wastewater report, the monthly average flow out or discharge from the plant was at its highest in September at MGD, the lowest was December with MGD, and the yearly average was MGD. The plant is permitted to discharge up to 3.0 MGD. Annual Wastewater Report for Fiscal Year 2000/2001 As of the 2000/2001 report, the Town operated thirteen lift stations in the collection system with 28.6 miles of 10 and 8 gravity sewer lines. In 2001/2002 there were seven permit limit violations relating to the effluent total chlorine residuals exceeding the permitted daily maximum. The permit limit violations were reported to be caused by low temperatures, detention timeframe, and feed rates. There were also twenty-two sanitary sewer overflows. The sewer overflows were reported to be caused by inflow and infiltration by high amounts of precipitation, with a few sewer line breaks. There were no known environmental impacts due to the violations. Permit Limit Violations January 3-4,8-9, Effluent Residual chlorine exceeded daily maximum Sanitary Sewer Overflows July 2000 Estimated total monthly volume of 30 gallons August 2000 Estimated total monthly volume of 800 gallons September Estimated total monthly volume of 16,040 gallons October Estimated total monthly volume of 5,050 gallons March Estimated total monthly volume of 500 gallons April Estimated total monthly volume of 50 gallons For the 2000/2001 wastewater report, the monthly average flow out or discharge from the plant was at its highest in September at MGD, the lowest was February with MGD, and the yearly average was MGD. The plant is permitted to discharge up to 3.0 MGD. Annual Wastewater Report for Fiscal Year 1999/2000 As of the 1999/2000 report, the Town operated thirteen lift stations in the collection system with 28.6 miles of 10 and 8 gravity sewer lines. In 1999/2000 there was one permit limit violation relating to the effluent total chlorine residuals exceeding the permitted daily maximum. The permit limit violation was reported to be caused by a switch over problem. There were also twenty-one sanitary sewer overflows. The sewer overflows were reported to be caused by inflow and infiltration during Hurricanes Dennis and Floyd. There were no known environmental impacts due to the violations. Permit Limit Violations January 18, 2000 Effluent Residual chlorine exceeded daily maximum Sanitary Sewer Overflows July 1999 August 1999 September November December Estimated total monthly volume of 125 gallons Estimated total monthly volume of 8,600 gallons Estimated total monthly volume of 50,500 gallons Estimated total monthly volume of 850 gallons Estimated total monthly volume of 400 gallons For the 1999/2000 wastewater report, the monthly average flow out or discharge from the plant was at its highest in September at 2.6 MGD, the lowest was January with MGD, and the yearly average was MGD. The plant is permitted to discharge up to 3.0 MGD. 63

64 Water Supply Infrastructure The Water Division of the Carolina Beach Operations Department is responsible for producing and delivering safe drinking water to the community. The source of the Town s water supply is the Castle Hayne aquifer, which is tapped by fourteen municipal water wells at 130 feet deep or more. The Town had 10 wells at the time of the previous land use plan update. In addition to the wells, the Water Division operates and maintains two half million gallon elevated water towers, and a one million gallon ground level reservoir for the storage of water. The Town is considering additional water supply sources to prepare for future possible water shortages due to expected increased demand. The North Carolina Division of Water Resources has also advised on locating additional sources to meet future needs. The Town is commissioning an engineering study to explore water source alternatives. The engineering study is expected to begin in July 2004 Alternative sources mentioned by the Operations Director and the NC Division of Water Resources include a desalinization plant and interconnecting with other local water systems such as the County or the City of Wilmington. The water currently tapped from the Castle Hayne aquifer is treated with a chlorine disinfectant and two of the wells are treated with Calgon C5 phosphate for iron (hard water). The Carolina Beach water system has met the Lead and Copper Action Level for the previous three consecutive years of monitoring, allowing a cost-saving reduction in sample sites and frequency of sampling. The Lead and Copper Action Level refers to water safety standards regarding the two metals. Lead enters drinking water primarily as a result of corrosion, or wearing away of materials containing lead in the water distribution system, it can build up in the body over many years and result in damage to the brain, red blood cells and kidneys. The presence of copper in drinking water is also primarily a result of corrosion. Acute exposure to copper can result in nausea and diarrhea. The Town s recent Annual Drinking Water Quality report states that the Town s treated drinking water met all federal and state requirements. The Town water system has had recent water quality issues due to water distribution problems involving lack of circulation due to broken valves and cast iron pipe deterioration. Water pipes installed in the 1940 s have caused noticeable water quality issues since August of 2003 for residents living on the 600 through 1000 blocks of Carolina Beach Avenue North (from Seagull to Scotch Bonnet Roads). In January of 2004, the Town was notified by the state Division of Environmental Health, Public Water Supply Section that iron levels exceeded allowable secondary limits in those areas. Secondary limits are based on cosmetic and aesthetic effects such as taste, color and odor. In May of 2004, the Town approved replacement of the failing cast iron water lines with new PVC lines. However, similar water quality situations are expected to arise in other service areas in the future. To track and plan for water use demand, the Town prepares a Local Water Supply Plan which is updated in five-year cycles and provides information on population served by the system, current usage, water supply (source and amount), water demand projections, and future water supply needs. As would be expected, there has been an increased demand in water between 1997 to 2002 (see below). In addition, for the 2002 Plan, unaccounted for water consumption made up 29% of water used in the Town. The 2002 Plan notes that the Town will be working to identify and reduce unaccounted-for water use Local Water Supply Plan Total Water Use in 2002 = MG Average Annual Daily Water Use =.892 MGD Average Annual Daily Water Use by Type o Residential =.605 o Commercial =.024 o Industrial =.000 o Institutional =.001 o Unaccounted for use =.262 Total 12 Hour Supply of All Wells Available for Regular Use = Average Daily Use by Month o Jan =.679 o Feb =.655 o Mar =.757 o Apr =.916 o May = o Jun = o Jul =

65 o Aug = o Sep =.884 o Oct =.789 o Nov =.695 o Dec =.670 Largest Water Users and Their Average Annual Daily Use o Residential =.001 o Commercial =.001 Estimated Total Miles of Water Distribution Lines = 57 miles Primary Types of Distribution Lines o Cast Iron = 14% o Ductile Iron = 14% o Galvanized Iron = 10% o PVC = 62% 1997 Local Water Supply Plan Total Water Use in 1997 = MG Average Annual Daily Water Use =.63 MGD Average Annual Daily Water Use by Type o Residential =.605 o Commercial =.024 o Industrial =.000 o Institutional =.001 Total 12 Hour Supply of All Wells Available for Regular Use =.890 Average Daily Use by Month o Jan =.472 o Feb =.486 o Mar =.426 o Apr =.610 o May =.464 o Jun =.809 o Jul =.824 o Aug =.860 o Sep =.870 o Oct =.656 o Nov =.530 o Dec =.544 Largest Water Users and Their Average Annual Daily Use o Jubilee Park Water Slide =.003 o Suds by the Sea Laundromat =.003 o Sun Spree Laundromat =.002 Estimated Total Miles of Water Distribution Lines = 34 miles Primary Types of Distribution Lines o Cast Iron = 15% o Ductile Iron = 15% o Galvanized Iron = 10% o PVC = 60% Map 15: Water and Sewer Community Facilities Map See Appendix Map Section: Map Number Stormwater Systems Stormwater runoff from developed areas, construction sites, rooftops, driveways, roads, and other impervious surfaces can carry a wide variety of pollutants to nearby waters. As stated in the Division of Coastal Management s Stormwater Runoff from Impervious Surfaces: Basics for a Healthy Coastal Environment, cumulative effects of increased stormwater runoff pollution can pose public health threats, economic losses in commercial fisheries and tourism, and damage to aquatic environments. Pollutants and contaminants found in stormwater runoff can include sediment from construction sites, nutrients from fertilizers, bacteria from animal and pet waste, oil and grease from cars, and toxic chemicals from everyday pesticides and insecticides. 65

66 The Town Operations Department includes a Stormwater Division responsible for regulating runoff caused by development through the use of stormwater control measures. The Stormwater Division is also responsible for maintaining and constructing drainage systems to prevent flooding and preserve the quality of Town surface waters. As part of the authority to implement and enforce stormwater controls, the Town Stormwater Management Ordinance is structured on the North Carolina Division of Environmental Management requirements set forth in 15A NCAC 2H This section of the administrative code regulates the density of developments and mandates standards for engineered stormwater controls. The Carolina Beach Stormwater Management Ordinance was last updated in 2003 to better adapt to local conditions and trends. The regulations set forth in the Administrative Code and the Town stormwater ordinance, in addition to other applicable state and federal regulations, provide Carolina Beach with the ability to restore and preserve water quality. The regulations provide for management of existing developments, future developments, and other construction activities, as well as instituting mandatory requirements to prevent careless or illicit pollution to surface waters. As stated in the Town Stormwater Management Ordinance, It is the policy of the Town that all developed land within the Town have sufficient stormwater management controls so as to ensure the adequate protection of life and property. To this end, at a minimum, developed land within the Town shall be provided with management of post-development run-off from a ten-year frequency storm, so that the on-site and off-site effects of development are the same or better than the pre-development state. In order to provide an effective and long-term approach to stormwater management, adequate funding must be provided for the planning, construction, operation and maintenance of a public stormwater management program and system. Except as otherwise provided in the ordinance, the stormwater control regulations apply to the following: 1) Any development creating (500) square feet or more of impervious surface area 2) All new major subdivisions as defined in the Town Code Stormwater discharge permits are required prior to the approval of the above activities. Application for a permit requires a complete and detailed stormwater management plan with design plans and specifications for on-site stormwater management facilities, or, the specifics of any off-site stormwater management facilities to be utilized. The utilization of off-site stormwater facilities typically requires payment of a fee in lieu of construction of on-site management facilities. According to Town staff, the fee in lieu of is the more common of the stormwater discharge permit requirements used. The fee in lieu of payment is based on the formula; 10% of the land value, plus the standard construction cost of on-site management ($4,830), multiplied by the site acreage and percent of impervious development. Fees in lieu of approved and accepted by the Town for off-site stormwater management may be used by the Town for acquiring land and easements. Other uses of fees include the study, design, purchase, construction, expansion, repair, maintenance, landscaping or inspection of public stormwater management facilities. Development utilizing on-site stormwater management facilities is permitted and encouraged to implement the following strategies listed in order of Town preference: 1) Flow attenuation by use of open vegetated swales and natural depressions, except that open vegetated swales as roadside ditches in lieu of curbs and gutters are not allowed; 2) Infiltration; 3) Retention (permanent pool structures); and 4) Detention (non-permanent pool structures) The Town of Carolina Beach has also established a stormwater utility to provide continued stormwater management services. Revenues generated by the stormwater utility fees are used to pay the principal and interest on the debt incurred for stormwater planning, construction, operation, and maintenance purposes. Stormwater utility fees apply to all property within the Town limits except land that is considered undeveloped according to Town definition. 66

67 As part of the revisions of the Town stormwater ordinance, the Town created and established a Drainage Advisory Committee in The committee has since been disbanded and its duties have been absorbed under the Operations Advisory Committee. Existing Drainage Problem Areas Identified Include: (Source: 2003 Carolina Beach Hazard Mitigation Plan) Carl Winner Avenue at the Town Marina; Goldsboro Avenue; Columbia Avenue near Carolina Beach Lake Park; Portions of Fifth Street; Areas around the 900 block of Canal Drive between Starfish Lane and Sand Piper Lane; Portions of the Carolina Sands development; and (under construction as of 4/11/05). Florida Avenue adjacent to Myrtle Grove Sound (under construction as of 4/11/05). The Town Stormwater Division recently installed a drainage system in the north end peninsula area of Canal Drive and Starfish Lane to mitigate future flooding problems on those streets and adjacent properties. The Town Council also recently approved an easement on MOTSU buffer zone land to build a nearly 3 acre detention pond to serve the existing Carolina Sands development and any new development that occurs in that area. According to reports in the Island Gazette and discussions with Town staff, the pond will be located behind the Carolina Sands neighborhood and will serve as a stormwater runoff detention pond for that neighborhood and for a planned development south of Carolina Sands in the Wilmington Beach area. Stormwater runoff will be drained to the detention pond, and the pond is intended to detain the runoff and allow suspended pollutants to settle. The pond will then allow subsequent conveyance through Henniger s Ditch and eventually out-fall into the Cape Fear River. The Town has included in its Capital Improvement Plan a project to re-profile Henniger s Ditch to allow conveyance from the pond to the river. Currently, the Town s main drainage basins receiving stormwater include Carolina Beach Lake, the Cape Fear River via Henniger s Ditch, and Myrtle Grove Sound. There is a conveyance that allows emergency Carolina Beach Lake drainage to Myrtle Grove Sound via a tidal gate/flap positioned near the Town Marina bulkhead. The North Carolina Division of Water Quality has advised that this is not the best scenario for preserving water quality in Myrtle Grove Sound. The 2003/2004 Capital Improvement expenditures did include a pump for Carolina Beach Lake maintenance. An engineering drainage study for the Wilmington Beach (south end) area is scheduled for the upcoming budget year, with specifications and implementation of strategies expected in Within the planning jurisdiction there are four retention/detention ponds receiving stormwater runoff. Three of the retention/detention ponds are maintained by the Town, while the remaining pond belongs to a private entity. Water Quality Impacted by Stormwater Runoff As mentioned in the Shellfish Sanitation Survey Report and the Cape Fear River Basin Water Quality Plan in Section 3.2, the status of water quality of the Cape Fear River area adjacent to Carolina Beach is classified as partially supporting its designated uses of recreational fishing and swimming. According to the river basin plan and shellfish reports, the classification is due to pollution along the river from point source (industry and WWTP outfalls) and non-point sources (stormwater runoff). Also according to the reports, the surface water in Myrtle Grove Sound is heavily impacted by stormwater runoff from adjacent development, roads and marinas. NPDES Phase II Stormwater Program As of Census 2000, Carolina Beach has become part of the Wilmington Urbanized Area and is expected to comply with state stormwater guidelines mandated as part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency s Phase II Stormwater Program. The guidelines will require communities operating municipal separate stormwater systems to design a stormwater management plan to reduce the discharge of pollutants caused by urban runoff. The Town stormwater plan must include the following six elements: 1) A public education an outreach program that informs citizens how to reduce pollutants in stormwater. 2) A public involvement program that meets minimum requirements established by the state 3) A program to detect and eliminate illicit discharges into the stormwater system 4) A program to reduce pollutants in the stormwater system from construction 67

68 5) A program to reduce pollutants in the stormwater system from new development and redevelopment that disturbs one acre or more 6) A pollution prevention/good housekeeping program for municipal operations that addresses operation and maintenance, including a training component, to prevent or reduce pollutant runoff from those operations According to the Carolina Beach Stormwater Superintendent, the Town has completed portions of its stormwater management plan and is requesting funds in the upcoming fiscal year to provide for staff assistance in implementing the plans core educational and outreach elements Transportation Systems According to the 1997 Carolina Beach Land Use Plan, the Towns of Kure Beach and Carolina Beach had originally adopted a thoroughfare plan in 1973, which was later updated in Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, with assistance from the Department of Transportation, updated their thoroughfare plan again in 1992 to identify transportation needs, describe existing transportation conditions, and prioritize future projects. Three of the 1992 thoroughfare plan s most significant recommendations included: 1) Dow Road should be emphasized as a by-pass to avoid through-traffic congestion of the already congested Lake Park Boulevard 2) Harper and Carl Winner Avenues should be converted into a one-way pair system to alleviate congestion of traffic leaving and entering the northern end beach area 3) Alternative transportation systems, such as a trolley and increased bike lanes, should be created The 1997 Land Use Plan also mentioned that by 1995 the thoroughfare plan had been shelved due to lack of consensus by the business community on implementing significant portions of the plan, such as the Comprehensive Street System and Traffic Management initiatives. Today, traffic and transportation issues remain among the top of community concerns. Enhancement of street paving and of curbs and gutters, improvement of public parking and exploring possibilities for a public parking deck, and improvement of pedestrian and bicycle mobility options are all current issues. In addition, there still remains a community desire for the Town to proactively address traffic congestion and transportation management issues. To that end, in April 2004 the Town approved traffic improvement strategies recommended in a transportation study conducted by Wilbur and Smith Associates and funded through the Wilmington MPO. The purpose of the study was to improve traffic conditions in the CBD and North End Penninsula, improve pedestrian and bicycle circulation, improve streetscapes, address one way or two way traffic on Carolina Beach Avenue North, and to recommend parking enhancements. In Spring 2004, the Town adopted the Carolina Beach North End Traffic and Circulation Study and selected a set of improvements from the study s recommended traffic scenario alternatives. The traffic improvements include: 1) Establishing Carolina Beach Avenue North to Sandpiper as a one-way traffic pattern. 2) Implementing two right-turn lanes on Carl Winner Avenue outbound to US 421 northbound with expanded storage bays. 3) Introduce sidewalks, bicycle lanes and traffic calming devices on Carolina Beach Avenue North and Canal Drive. 4) Add a landscaped median, bicycle lanes, expanded sidewalks on US 421 between Harper and Charlotte. Relocate parking to the adjacent blocks on Harper and Cape Fear. 5) Establishing bicycle lanes on US 421 south from Charlotte to Carolina Sands. The specific project components recommended and approved in the study are estimated to cost $1,860,000, which is to be phased in over a 5-year period. As of Spring 2004, the Town Council is still pursuing funding options for the approved recommendations. Department of Transportation (DOT) grant funds are anticipated to pay for a majority of the project, but the Town is required to furnish matching funds. The Town currently receives $175,000 annually in Powell Bill funds to assist in traffic and street maintenance projects. However, current available Powell Bill funds are expected to pay for street improvement projects on Snapper Lane and other Wilmington Beach roads. It is expected that other Town capital improvement funds will be required to meet the grant match. 68

69 In the DOT Division 3 Transportation Improvement Program, Carolina Beach has the following projects scheduled: Dow Road (SR 1573) (Not currently funded) - Widen 3.9 miles to multi-lanes from US 421 (Lake Park Boulevard) to US 421 (Fort Fisher Boulevard) in Kure Beach. Construction of an off-road bike/multi-use trail connecting Carolina Beach s inner city bikeway path (Boardwalk/CBD to Carolina Beach Lake bike loop) west to Dow Road. As of the 2000 Census, the expansion of the Wilmington Urbanized Area resulted in Carolina Beach s inclusion as part of the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization (MPO). As part of the membership, the Town will be included in the MPO s Thoroughfare Plan update. According to the Wilmington Urban Area MPO, the MPO provides the regional, cooperative planning process that serves as the basis for the expenditure of all Federal transportation funds in the area for streets, highways, bridges, public transit, bicycle and pedestrian paths. The MPO is also assisting the Town in seeking funding sources for some of the traffic enhancement projects mentioned in the Town s Traffic and Circulation study. In addition, the MPO can assist in integrating NCDOT traffic engineering and other transportation planning expertise to aid in the Town s development review process, particularly in developments that will generate large amounts of traffic. Discussion with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (9/05) established that there had not been any studies done regarding unacceptable Levels of Service (LOS) for road segments in Carolina Beach, and such studies were typically done upon the request of the Town or by contracting Engineering consultants. Map 16: Transportation Systems Map See Appendix Map Section: Map Number Summary of Community Facilities Analysis The analysis of community facilities provides information for the local planning team on the capacity and condition of the Town s growth shaping infrastructure. Analysis and inventory of key infrastructure can play a vital role in determining the level and type of development a community can support while still remaining sustainable. Policies on infrastructure related needs should be based on part with the information available in the analysis of community facilities section. Other dominate sources of information for formulating infrastructure policy should come from Town staff, Department heads, elected officials, and of course, the public. The analysis of community facilities discussed the capacity and condition of water and sewer (wastewater) as it exists in Town today, as well as the capacity during the previous land use plan update, and annual wastewater reports dating back to The Town currently operates nearly 30 miles of 10 and 8 sewer lines and 14 lift stations to convey the wastewater to the treatment plant. Since the last land use plan in 1997, The Town has upgraded its wastewater treatment plant capacity from 1.85 MGD in 1996 to a 3.0 MGD capacity today to more safely and efficiently handle peak season populations and short-term population growth. The Town plans to increase capacity again within 3 to 5 years to 4.0 MGD, which seems to meet expected permanent and seasonal growth. Some factors discussed that could cause fluctuation in meeting capacity needs were unexpected and extreme permanent and seasonal populations in not only Carolina Beach but in Kure Beach as well. Carolina Beach currently pumps in wastewater from the Kure Beach area and the non-residential Fort Fisher parks and buildings. Another factor that until recently stressed the capacity of the plant was aging sewer lines that allowed inflow and infiltration caused primarily from precipitation. The Town recently replaced the problem lines, and eliminated some of the inflow and infiltration is expected to free up some additional capacity. Discussion of wastewater Permit violations showed repetitive sewer overflows being caused by grease build-up and blockage, infiltration from heavy rain events, and contractor error in correctly locating lines. The Town has proposed a regularly scheduled cleaning process to prevent build-up and blockage, the Town has also replaced the lines stressed by infiltration, and the Town is planning to survey and map accurate locations of community infrastructure lines to avoid excavating accidents. It is also interesting to note that according to the annual wastewater reports, the average monthly inflow and discharge amounts has gradually decreased from 1999 to the 2001/2002 reporting year, and only a slight increase in amounts in 69

70 2002/2003. The monthly average MGD for the year 1999 was 1.629, in 2000 it was MGD, and in 2001 it was MGD, for 2002 it was MGD. According to the plant performance data for that same time period, September has consecutively been the highest average use month, with the exception of April 2003, when especially high inflow and infiltration was experienced. The Town s source of potable water comes from 14 wells tapped into the Castle Hayne aquifer. The Town has increased from the 10 wells present at the time of the 1997 land use plan. The Town recognizes the need for additional water resources and has commissioned an engineering study to look into available options. Options currently discussed include interconnecting to New Hanover and Wilmington water infrastructure or possibly establishing a desalinization system. At the time of the 1997 Land Use Plan, water was also an issue and some options included a reverse osmosis plant and interconnecting to the Brunswick County water system. The Town currently meets all state and federal standards for water safety and has done especially well in meeting lead and copper levels. Secondary or aesthetic type water quality problems have been caused by lack of adequate circulation and aging cast iron pipes in the water system. The Town is currently replacing some of the failing cast iron pipes but expects other areas to become problematic in the near future. It is Town policy to have sufficient stormwater management controls during and after development on sites so that the off-site and on-site effects following a 10-year storm event are the same or better than the site s pre-development state. The Stormwater Division issues stormwater discharge permits for regulated development or redevelopment activities and operates a stormwater utility to provide for continued stormwater management services. Carolina Beach has become a designated NPDES Phase II stormwater community and will be required to implement a stormwater management plan to mitigate the surface water quality effects of stormwater runoff. The most recent water quality reports indicated stormwater runoff into Myrtle Grove Sound was a major detriment to the Sound s water quality. As water quality reports are updated in 2005, 2006 and beyond, a more thorough evaluation of the effectiveness of the new Phase II stormwater mitigation measures and recent updates to the Town s Stromwater Ordinance can be made. Traffic and transportation management still remain one of the top community concerns. The 1997 Land Use Plan echoed recommendations of an earlier thoroughfare plan to use Dow Road as a by-pass for through traffic, rearrange Carl Winner Avenue to alleviate congestion points, and promote alternative transportation systems. Carolina Beach has recently adopted recommendations to address the congestion on Carl Winner Avenue, as well as the North End Peninsula. The Town has approved recommendations to enhance US 421 and has also increased the number of community-wide bicycle and pedestrian paths and continues to discuss more accessibility options. The Town has also recently become part of the Wilmington Urban Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization, allowing for more access to technical expertise in managing traffic problems and planning for more efficient transportation systems. 70

71 3.5 Land Suitability Analysis The land suitability analysis is a CAMA required process for determining the supply of land in the planning area that is suitable for development. The supply of land and its suitability rating is depicted in the Land Suitability Map. The overall purpose of the analysis is to provide the local planning team with information on the best and least suited areas for development in order to guide the formulation of local policies. The supply of land in the analysis primarily refers to actual undeveloped land which may experience future development, but all land in the planning jurisdiction was evaluated whether developed or undeveloped. Therefore, for the purposes of describing the suitability process, we will from now on primarily refer to the evaluation of land, as the evaluation of undeveloped land. As a result of the overall analysis process, the undeveloped land received a rating based on the degree to which was suitable for future development. The suitability ratings for undeveloped fall into one of four categories ranging from Least Suitable for Development, Low Suitability, Medium Suitability, and Highly Suited for Development The suitability rating is based on several factors that may exist on or near the undeveloped land which would affect its overall suitability. For example, consider an acre of undeveloped land which has access to water and sewer infrastructure (a positive factor for development suitability), but also has a wetland area present (a negative factor for development suitability), therefore the overall rating of this land would probably be medium suitability. This example was a simplification however, and each acre of undeveloped land was evaluated based on a number of factors in addition to the factors of access to water and sewer, or presence of a wetland. It is important to note that the coastal wetland, exceptional and substantial wetland, estuarine water, protected lands, and state and federal land factors were automatically categorized as least suited for development and were excluded from Town ranking. Also note that for the purposes of measuring suitability across different areas or pieces of land, the land of the planning jurisdiction was divided into one acre grid cells. Each one acre grid cell was measured for suitability based on the totality of factors affecting it. Therefore it is important to remember that when we say we are evaluating factors on the land, we are actually talking about evaluating the factors for each acre of land in the planning jurisdiction. Some of the factors used to evaluate undeveloped land are generalized below: The presence or lack thereof of all the natural features characteristics that were included in the Environmental Composite Map Proximity to existing development and man-made features (whether services are near and other development has occurred in proximity) Compatibility with nearby existing land uses (proximity or presence of negative uses such as NPDES site or WWTP, etc. to the undeveloped land) Potential impact of development on historically, culturally significant, or scenic Sites (proximity or presence of such features to the undeveloped land) Availability and capacity of community facilities (proximity of the undeveloped land to existing water and sewer, roads, and other adequately supporting infrastructure) Regulatory restrictions on land development (whether the undeveloped land is owned or restricted from development by local, state, or federal governments) The following factor criteria table shows the applicable factors found in the planning jurisdiction and the relevancy weights that were assigned to each of these factors to produce the Town s Land Suitability Map. 71

72 Table 31: LSA Criteria Weights: The weight ratings used were the default state recommended weights Factor' Name Least Suitable Low Suitability Medium Suitability High Suitability Town Assigned Importance (1, 2 or 3) Coastal Wetlands Exclusion An Area Inside An Area Outside Not Ranked Exceptional and Substantial Noncoastal Wetlands Exclusion An Area Inside An Area Outside Not Ranked Estuarine Waters Exclusion An Area Inside An Area Outside Not Ranked Protected Lands Exclusion An Area Inside An Area Outside Not Ranked Federal Lands An Area Inside An Area Outside Not Ranked State Lands An Area Inside An Area Outside Not Ranked Beneficial Noncoastal Wetlands Weighted An Area Inside An Area Outside 1 High Quality Waters An Area Inside An Area Outside 1 Storm Surge Areas Weighted An Area Inside An Area Outside Yr Flood Zones Weighted An Area Inside An Area Outside 2 Significant Natural Heritage Areas Weighted Area < 500' from Area > 500' from 2 Hazardous Substance Disposal Sites Weighted Area < 500' from Area > 500' from 1 NPDES Sites Weighted Area < 500' from Area > 500' from 1 Wastewater Treatment Plants Weighted Area < 500' from Area > 500' from 1 Developed Land Weighted Area > 1 mi from.5-1 mi <.5 mi 1 Primary Roads Weighted Area > 1 mi from.5-1 mi <.5 mi 2 Water Pipes Weighted Area >.5 mi from mi <.25 mi 3 Sewer Pipes Weighted Area >.5 mi from mi <.25 mi 3 Total Town Assigned Weight: 1 = Important 2 = Very important 3 = Highest importance for development Map 17: The Land Suitability Analysis Map See Appendix Map Section: Map Number 17 72

73 PART THREE (Phase II) Section 4: Plan For The Future- Goals, Policies and Future Land Use Map for the Town of Carolina Beach 4.0 Town Goals The Town and community identified several existing and emerging needs and issues facing Carolina Beach at the outset of the planning process (refer to Sections 2.0 through 2.2 for a comprehensive listing). From the needs and issues expressed by the community and Town officials, the Town developed a core set of goals to achieve during the next five years. The goals are as follows: Revitalize the local economy and make it sustainable. Retain the traditional character and density of single family neighborhoods and areas. Enhance and promote family-oriented business and services. Balance the use and accessibility of Myrtle Grove Sound among commercial, sport-fishing, recreational and transient boaters. Enhance and increase pedestrian and bicycle mobility and interconnectivity. Enhance and increase public parking and public access facilities. Reduce the negative effects of stormwater and flooding. Reduce traffic congestion. In addition to the Town s set of core goals, the Coastal Resource Commission (CRC) and the Division of Coastal Management (DCM) have integrated a set of goals to assist the Town in meeting the requirements of the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). These goals are related to six development-related Management Topics established by the CRC. Consistency with the Management Topics was determined to be essential for the proper use, development, and protection of natural and manmade resources in coastal areas. The Town s goals under the Management Topics are as follows: Maximize public access to the beaches and the public trust waters of the jurisdiction. Ensure that development and use of resources or preservation of land minimizes direct and secondary environmental impacts, avoids risks to public health, safety and welfare and is consistent with the capability of the land based on considerations of interactions of natural and manmade features. Ensure that public infrastructure systems are appropriately sized, located and managed so the quality and productivity of areas of environmental concern and other fragile areas are protected or restored. Conserve and maintain barrier dunes, beaches, flood plains, and other coastal features for their natural storm protection functions and their natural resources giving recognition to public health, safety, and welfare issues. Maintain, protect and where possible enhance water quality in all coastal wetlands, rivers, streams and estuaries. Integrate local concerns with the overall goals of CAMA in the context of land use planning. 4.1 Town Policy Introduction The Town has established a set of development and quality of life related policies to act as guidelines for decision making in pursuit of Town goals, and also to maintain the predictability and reasoning of official actions. Policies were established based on the Town s Vision Statement, goals set from the identification of needs and issues facing the community, and the analysis of local demographics, natural resources, existing land uses, and availability of community facilities. For simplification, all policies have been separated by their subject matter into six more general development-related categories that relate to the policies respective subjects. The development-related categories used are the Coastal Resource Commission s six Management Topics; Public Access, Land Use Compatibility, Infrastructure Carrying Capacity, Natural Hazards, Water Quality, and Local Concerns. 73

74 4.2 Definitions of Action and Descriptive Words Used in Policies The following is a list of definitions for the action-words used in the Town s policy statements. This list is used to help in clarifying a policy s meaning and intent. Shall: An obligation to carry out a course of action. Should: An officially adopted course or method of action intended to be followed to implement the community Goals. Though not as mandatory as "shall", it is still obligatory course of action unless clear reasons can be identified that an exception is warranted. Town staff and Planning and Zoning Commission involved at all levels from planning to implementation. May: Implies permission to pursue a course of action or implies that a course of action is probable and likely. While may leaves room for flexibility for a range of choices, it does not imply a may or may not status as used in policy statements. Create: Bring about the desired goal, usually with Town staff and Planning and Zoning Commission involved at all levels from planning to implementation. May involve the Town's financial assistance. Continue: Follow past and present procedures to maintain desired goal, usually with Town staff involved at all levels from planning to implementation. Encourage: Foster the desired goal through Town regulation, staff recommendation and decisions. Discourage: Inhibit the undesired course or action through Town regulation, staff recommendation and decisions Enhance: Improve current regulations and decisions towards a desired state through the use of policies and Town staff at all levels of planning. This could include financial support. Identify: Catalog and confirm resource or desired item(s) through the use of Town staff and actions. Implement: Actions to guide the accomplishment of the Plan recommendations. Maintain: Keep in good condition the desired state of affairs through the use of Town regulations and practices by staff. Financial assistance should be provided if needed, Prevent: Stop described event through the use of appropriate Town regulations, staff actions, Planning and Zoning Commission actions, and Town finances, if needed. Promote: Advance the desired state through the use of Town policies and codes and Planning and Zoning Commission and staff activity at all levels of planning. This may include financial support. Protect: Guard against a deterioration of the desired state through the use of Town policies and regulations, staff, and, if needed, financial assistance. Provide: Take the lead role in supplying the needed financial and staff support to achieve the desired goal. The Town is typically involved in all aspects from planning to implementation to maintenance. Support: Supply the needed staff support, policies, and financial assistance at all levels to achieve the desired goal. Sustain: Uphold the current state through Town policies, decisions, financial resources, and staff action. Work: Cooperate and act in a manner through the use of Town staff actions, and policies to create the desired goal. 74

75 4.3 Town of Carolina Beach Policy Statements All of the Town policies have been separated and categorized under one of the six Management Topics. For conciseness, policy statements that may be applicable to multiple Management Topics are only stated once under the Management Topic they apply to the most, but are referred to under any subsequent Management Topics they also may apply. The format for listing policies consists of first identifying the Management Topic and stating the Management Topic s goal. Also included in the format is a description of the Town s objectives and background discussion and information that led to the formulation of the policy statements. Sub-headings (i.e. Establishment of Shoreline Access Plan) were used under respective Management Topics (i.e. Public Access) to further separate policy statements into more distinct subject topics. Policy statements under the sub-headings directly relate to the sub-heading and then more generally to the Management Topic. The Town s policy statements are numbered using consecutive whole numbers (i.e. 1, 2, 3, and so on) for easier distinction and simplification. I Management Topic: Public Access Goal: Maximize public access to the beaches and the public trust waters of the jurisdiction. Objectives and Background Discussion Although most public street-ends on the ocean side in Carolina Beach are used and dedicated as public access points, the Town would like to establish a Shoreline Access Plan to address public access needs along Myrtle Grove Sound and to increase parking and accessibility at existing access facilities. The Town has 16 Neighborhood Access Sites along 3.5 miles of beach (Avg. 2.3 per half mile), 2 Regional Access Sites roughly in the center of the beach strand, and several Local Access Points (public street ends). Continued improved and managed access with CAMA approved parking and restroom facilities for the Freeman Park (North End) beach strand area will be established in The Town would like to increase public access by exploring the feasibility of converting public or private lands that are threatened by erosion or other severe and continuous natural hazards to dedicated public access sites. Due to the limited surface area of public trust waters for use and enjoyment by the public, the Town wishes to discourage certain activities and facilities such as private mooring fields. However, the Town wishes to explore the feasibility of public mooring fields, to attract transient and recreation boaters to the Town and boost the local economy. Public Access Policies Establishment of Town Shoreline Access Plan 1) The Town shall seek funding from the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management for the preparation of a Shoreline Access Plan to address the needs of public access along Myrtle Grove Sound. 2) In the absence of CAMA funding for a Shoreline Access Plan, the Town shall integrate shoreline public access considerations into the Myrtle Grove Sound Water Use Plan. 3) Soundfront public access may consist of Local Access Sites at a desired ratio of one per block. The Conversion of Threatened and Eroding Land to Public Access 4) The Town may seek to identify and prioritize land along Myrtle Grove Sound that is severely threatened and/or impacted by repeated erosion, and where development of such land for uses other than passive recreation, is not feasible or allowed by law. 75

76 5) The identified land may be evaluated for public access opportunity, including consideration of public safety and the impact on neighboring areas. 6) When feasible, the identified lands may be sought through acquisition, dedication, easement, or some other form of transfer of rights of use to the Town, state, federal or non-profit entity. Shoreline Access for People with Disabilities 7) In areas where the topography and character of the natural environment permit, applicable accessways and paths shall be provided for the disabled by building paths and ramps for wheelchairs if this can be done without significant alterations to major landforms, damage to sensitive habitats or unreasonable financial burden. 8) In using state and federal funds for public access, the Town shall adhere to all applicable federal and state law requirements regarding public trust access for people with disabilities. Public Access Signage 9) A uniform system of signs that clearly identify all public accessways, access boundaries, vista points, bicycle paths, specific shoreline destinations and areas where access is hazardous and/or restricted shall be provided by the appropriate managing agency or the Town. 10) Natural or visually compatible materials shall be used and signs and accessway boundary markers shall be compatible with the scenic quality of the area. 11) All unimproved accessways available to the public shall have signs posted regarding possible safety risks. 12) Hazardous areas that are closed to the public shall be appropriately signed to prohibit access. North End Natural Area Access 13) The Town shall support the continued development, use and enjoyment of Freeman Park (previously known as North End Natural Area) as outlined in the North End Management Plan. 14) Given the nature of Freeman Park, which includes coastal wetlands, unvegetated beach areas, inlet hazard areas with highly-erodible shores, and primary fish nursery areas, the Town shall not allow any type of development in Freeman Park that requires anything more than minor infrastructure support (such as trash receptacles, sand fencing and public signage). 15) The Town shall implement and strictly enforce regulations on vehicular traffic, camping, pet activity, trespassing on off-limit areas, and any other activities which are deemed to be irreparably damaging to the continued natural state of Freeman Park. Public Parking Retention, Acquisition and Location 16) The Town shall not allow development that would decrease the number of public parking spaces within Town. 17) (A) To better serve the needs of the growing permanent and seasonal populations, the Town shall continue to seek land that can be feasibly converted to public parking areas. Such identified areas that are underserved by public parking shall be based on their cost, proximity to existing or planned public access or other benefits. (B) Opportunity for pedestrian or bike path interconnectivity should also be a consideration in planning for public parking areas. (C) The Town may support public/private partnerships to establish long term lease agreements with existing lots and parking decks around the perimeter in Commercial 1.1 and 2 areas. 76

77 (D) The Town may work to maximize existing public parking lots by building parking decks in these areas. 18) Public parking areas, particularly paved and heavily used areas, should avoid land that is environmentally sensitive. 19) Public Parking areas should be designed to minimize total impervious surface (such as utilizing angled spaces and using pavers or other semi or pervious surface for a percentage of the spaces). The parking area should be designed to the maximum extent possible to retain stormwater onsite (such as adding bioretention areas or wetlands around the perimeter of the parking area). Public Moorings 20) The Town shall support public mooring buoys designed to serve currently unmet needs of transient and recreational boaters who could contribute substantially to the local economy. 21) The Town shall prepare a Water Use Plan for Myrtle Grove Sound and all other steps necessary to meet the requirements of a major mooring field permit as issued by the NC DCM under 15A NCAC 7H (b) (10). II Management Topic: Land Use Compatibility Goal: Ensure that development and use of resources or preservation of land minimizes direct and secondary environmental impacts, avoids risks to public health, safety and welfare and is consistent with the capability of the land based on considerations of interactions of natural and manmade features. Objectives and Background Discussion The Town believes the natural and scenic resources of Carolina Beach enable business owners to earn a livelihood, residents to have an outstanding quality of life, and property owners to realize continued appreciation of real estate values. Tree cover at Carolina Beach whether maritime or otherwise is a highly valued asset. A recent update in the Landscape Ordinance seeks to protect and provide more vegetative cover in the community. With limited land available soundside, the Town would like to encourage low intensity wateroriented restaurant or other low intensity water-oriented commercial services with public docking and water access to develop soundside in place of dense multi-family units with private-only marina and docking facilities. Land Use Compatibility Policies Development Patterns 22) The Town shall support a growth pattern which reinforces the community s existing commercial areas and protects existing residential areas from inappropriately designed and scaled nonresidential development. The Town shall promote and encourage rules that ensure the compact, pedestrian oriented nature of the Town s historic center the boardwalk/ area and boat basin area shall receive special diligence in this regard. 23) The Town will encourage moderate density (5,000 to 12,000 sq. ft. lots) single-family homes as the predominant housing form at Carolina Beach. 24) The Town opposes development of new multi-family residential uses in Residential 1-4. The Town shall review existing zoning in these areas and consider changes to zoning designations to allow only single-family and dual-family structures. 25) The Town shall not permit high density or intense development including multifamily complexes, condominiums, high-rise structures, and large hotels/motels in Residential

78 26) In an effort to revitalize the Central Business District the Town shall consider new economic development and redevelopment projects that support a resort-market niche, family-oriented businesses and year-round residency and does not diminish the quality of life or environment. 27) The Town will encourage new and expanding businesses that provide goods, services, and family oriented entertainment to year round residents and visitors. Examples include appropriately scaled and designed grocery stores, drug stores, restaurants, and entertainment. 28) Businesses locating in or near the boardwalk and marina/boat basin area shall be pedestrian oriented, while those locating along US 421, away from the town center, may be more automobile oriented. 29) Architectural design which is not in keeping with the character of the coastal community atmosphere shall not be supported by the Town. 30) Building Height shall be defined as that distance measured from the highest appurtenance on the structure to: 1. The front street line. 2. The nearest front street line where there is not an adjacent right-of-way. 3. An average of each front street line on through lots. 31) With the exception of Commercial 2, the Town shall support and implement maximum building heights throughout the community not to exceed fifty (50) feet. (A) (B) Exceptions to this height may be permitted up to sixty (60) feet maximum with one additional foot on the front and both side setbacks for each additional foot in height for land classification areas: Mixed use 1 north of Commercial 2; Commercial 1; North Pier Commerce; Residential 5; Marina Mixed Use; Mixed Use 3 east of Carolina Beach Avenue South; and Industrial. No exceptions above 50 feet shall be granted for land classification areas: Boardwalk; Commercial 1.1; Mixed Use 1 south of Carolina Beach Lake; Mixed Use 2; Mixed Use 3 west of Lake Park Boulevard; Conservation; and Residential 1-4 areas. The Town supports maximum building heights of forty(40) and forty-five (45) feet in the traditional, single-family residential zoning districts as they exist in the Town s Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map on August 6, ) The Town policy on height for the Commercial 2 area shall require no commercial structures to exceed 115 feet. Any structure with residential units shall not exceed a maximum height of 50 feet unless the one to one rule is applied not to exceed 60 feet. The Town will undertake a master planning effort with ample public participation in the Commercial 2 area and other areas that tie into the Commercial 2 and Boardwalk Area. 33) To diversify the economy of the Town, and to provide for desirable wages to community residents, the Town shall be open to limited, appropriate, light industrial development in locations as allowed for under the Town s Zoning Ordinance, and that will do no harm to the fragile coastal environment. 34) Dry Stack storage facilities shall be prohibited at Carolina Beach. Natural Resource Protection 35) The Town of Carolina Beach, through its policies and actions, shall not support or approve any action, in singular or cumulative effect, which would jeopardize the long-term viability of our natural and scenic resources, and does not diminish the quality of life or environment of the Town. 78

79 36) New economic development and redevelopment activities which would act to degrade the quality of natural and scenic resources at Carolina Beach, or diminish the character of the residential areas of the community shall not be permitted. 37) The Town shall promote development that offers significant benefits to the community and that will secure the protection of the Town s natural and scenic resources. New economic development and redevelopment that provides more open space, pedestrian facilities, interconnectivity, and on-site retention of stormwater are strongly encouraged. All new development is encouraged to have pedestrian friendly design with landscaping and sidewalks on street fronts and rear yard parking. 38) Proposed development activities in areas identified on the Town s Land Suitability Map as Least Suited and/or on the Town s Environmental Composite Map as a Class III area shall receive additional evaluation in the Town s development plan review process. 39) On-site evaluations or studies, by certified wetland delineators or other certified environmental scientists may be required of the developer to survey and establish the actual environmentally sensitive areas to be protected. 40) The Town supports CAMA regulations pertaining to Areas of Environmental Concern, Sections 404 and 401 of the Clean Water Act, the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act, and local development ordinances intended to protect environmentally sensitive areas. 41) The Town shall hold all private and public development activities to the strict following of the above mentioned regulations, and any other related regulations, when said regulations are applicable to the development activity. In addition, the Town shall review private parking and road standards to encourage: 1. surfaces that allow infiltration; 2. innovative ways to limit on-site parking; off-street parking with transit options; and cross-use of parking spaces. 42) The Town supports and shall prefer the utilization of Planned Unit Development which seeks to cluster structures in such a way as to avoid sensitive wetland or other natural areas, and which preserve a percentage of the development to open space and wetland preservation. Designated 404 and coastal wetlands, as well as existing surface waters shall not be included in meeting the development s preservation percentage requirement. 43) The Town shall support and enforce, through its CAMA permitting capacity, the State policies and permitted uses in the Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC s). Such uses shall be in accord with the general use standards for coastal wetlands, estuarine waters, public trust areas and ocean hazard areas as stated in 15A NCAC Subchapter 7H. Development and Infrastructure 44) The Town shall require that new overhead utility and high voltage transmission lines that cannot feasibly be placed underground to be planned and routed in such a way as to minimize environmental and scenic impacts. 45) The Town shall require new residential or commercial high density/intensity development or redevelopment in the Central Business District to provide off-street parking for the public in addition to the standard parking requirements of the development as found in the Zoning Ordinance. 46) The Town will make all municipal utilities available to existing and future development/ redevelopment, provided that such development is compatible with the growth and development objectives embodied in this land use plan, and that all development pays for the growth impacts it causes. 47) Connection to water and sewer lines will be at the expense of the developer. 79

80 48) If water or sewer upgrades or expansions would be required for new development, the needed improvements would be at the expense of the developer. Tree Cover and Landscaping 49) The Town shall promote efforts to preserve existing tree cover in new development and redevelopment. 50) (A) The Town shall also promote the generous use of indigenous landscape materials in new and existing developments to improve appearances, absorb stormwater runoff and reduce ambient air temperatures. (B) The Town shall support a streetscape plan that enhances the community appearance by incorporating landscaping and stormwater design that are architecturally consistent and promote beach character. 51) The Town shall establish an overlay district to preserve and protect the remaining maritime forests and natural vegetation located in the most vulnerable natural areas or areas recognized to be essential to the community and regional eco-system in accordance with the Town Landscape Ordinance and associated ordinances. Redevelopment, Relocation and Demolition of Threatened Structures 52) Relocation of structures endangered or damaged by wave action and or shoreline erosion is encouraged. 53) Redevelopment of damaged or destroyed structures will be permitted by the Town according to Town ordinances, provided all setbacks and other CAMA requirements are met. 54) (A) The Town requires owners of run-down buildings to rehabilitate their structures in violation. If the structure is not historic in nature or part of an assembly or streetscape of interrelated buildings, and the owner has failed to bring the structure into compliance with the minimum housing code after warning by Town designated officials, a lien shall be placed against the real property in accordance with the State minimum housing code. (B) If the structure poses an immediate threat to public safety the Town shall require demolition and clearance of the structure which shall be at the owners expense or as a lien against the property according to the Town of Carolina Beach Minimum Housing Standards Code Sec Myrtle Grove Sound and Marina Land Use Compatibility 55) Land use activities in the immediate vicinity of Myrtle Grove Sound shall be compatible with continued recreational and commercial retail operations of the sound, and similarly, plans for significant increases in activities in the Sound shall consider impacts on, and be compatible with, land-based activities, transportation modes, and infrastructure capacity (dinghy docks, pump outs, waste disposal) and other commercial activities in the immediate vicinity. 56) The Town shall encourage low intensity restaurants or similar low intensity commercial to develop soundside. Restaurants and water dependent commercial retail could provide public access and public small craft facilities. Scenic Vistas and Views 57) The Town shall actively seek Grant Funding and available Capital Improvement Funding for the protection and enhancement of natural views and vistas provided by street corridors and street ends, and open spaces. 58) The scenic and visual qualities of coastal areas shall be protected as a resource of public importance. 80

81 59) The Town shall promote development that protects existing scenic vistas and views and shall encourage all new economic development and redevelopment, where feasible, to restore and enhance visual quality of the Town s Coastal Environment. 60) The Town shall not permit development activity that completely obstructs the view of public trust waters from public viewsheds. Where possible, development and redevelopment activity surrounding public viewsheds should allow visual access to public trust waters from public roadways. 61) The Town shall avoid installing structures or excess vegetation that completely obstructs the view of public trust waters from Town land and/or public roadways. Parks and Recreation Facilities See Local Concerns Section Policy Number 103 III. Management Topic: Infrastructure Carrying Capacity Goal: Ensure that public infrastructure systems are appropriately sized, located and managed so the quality and productivity of areas of environmental concern and other fragile areas are protected or restored. Objectives and Background Discussion The Town is pursuing steps to increase its water capacity from the current 14 operating well sites producing 1.60 MGD in a 12 hour pump time up to a possible MGD in a 12 hour pump time. That represents a nearly 50% increase in capacity. The steps are following: The Town has submitted an application to the Public Water Supply to up-grade pumping capacities at Town Well sites 13 and 14. The two well sites are now producing 400 gallons per minute and would be increased to 700 gallons per minute each which is an additional.432 MGD. The Town is also in negotiations for 2 sites within the North Carolina State Parks System; one, to take over any existing well site within the Park, and another site which will need to be cleared and tested. The Town tested the existing site in the Winter of The Town Operations Department believes the site can produce 500 gallons per minute with an upgrade. The site could provide an additional 360,000 gallons per day or.36 MGD. The Operations Department believes the Park Well could be tied-into the Town s distribution system within 180 days. The second State Park site is estimated to produce at least 250 gallons per minute up to 700 gallons per minute. The Operations Department will have confirmation of the amount after a test well is drilled. Operations estimates the site will take up to at least one (1) year to get permitted and built. Policy 64 also sets direction on establishing alternative sources for potable water beyond well taps. The Waste Water Treatment Plant for the Town of Carolina Beach is rated and permitted to treat 3 million gallons of wastewater per day (3MGD). The total treated wastewater in 2004 was 563,623,000 million gallons. This is an average of MGD. The treatment peak time is August, averaging 2 MGD, and the lowest treatment time is April at 1.21 MGD. The current annual average of the wastewater plant is at 50 percent of its permitted capacity. The Operations Department Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) has a plant expansion to 4MGD in the 2007/2008 Annual Budget. The Town has recently completed a traffic study for the Central Business District area and the North End Beach roads of Canal Drive and Carolina Beach Avenue. The Town is pursuing funding from the Department of Transportation to help pay for the strategies and improvements recommended by the study. The Town Planning Department has requested through the Capital Improvement Plan a funds allocation to prepare a jurisdiction-wide Traffic Management Plan in the 2006/2007 Annual Budget. The widening of Dow Road from the Lake Park Intersection to Ft. Fisher Rd. is listed as project # 4708 in the MPO/DOT Long-range Transportation Improvement Plan ( ). It is currently listed as an unfunded project and was scheduled as a post-year project, meaning ROW and construction planning would probably not begin until

82 Residential and commercial sanitation services are contracted to a private waste disposal system, Waste Industries. Recycling is also contracted to Waste Industries. The Town plans to continue to contract services to a private contractor for at least the immediate future. Infrastructure Carrying Capacity Policies Development and Infrastructure See Land Use Compatibility Section Policy Numbers Potable Water Supply 62) (A) The Town requires all new development to tie into its system for potable water supply and prohibits individual wells for potable use. (B) The Town shall continue to take measures to ensure that the water supply system is adequate to meet the needs of Town residents and businesses. Special emphasis shall be given to this policy during the next two to five years, to avert a potential water crisis concerning the capacity of the Town s well system to serve increased pumping demands. (C) The Town shall strive to increase water quality and taste. 63) In addition to the tapping of wells into the Castle Hayne aquifer, the Town shall seek alternative sources of potable/drinking water (such as connecting to other jurisdictional systems), and seek to develop an effective water conservation program to eliminate unaccounted for and excessive water use. The Town shall consistently provide public progress updates for these areas. Wastewater Treatment and Disposal 64) All new developments are required to connect to the Town s central sewer system. 65) Package sewage treatment plants and septic systems are not allowed within the corporate limits of Carolina Beach. 66) The Town shall continue to take measures (including on-going wastewater treatment plant expansions) to ensure that the wastewater treatment system is adequate to meet the needs of Town residents and businesses. The Town shall consistently provide public progress updates for these areas. Solid Waste Disposal 67) The Town supports measures to recycle and reduce the amount of solid waste generated by all permanent residents and businesses, as well as visitors to Carolina Beach. Dow Road Intersection 68) The Town shall support efforts by the Department of Transportation, acting in cooperation with the Town of Carolina Beach to correct operational deficiencies at the Dow Road/North Lake Park Boulevard Intersection. IV. Management Topic: Natural Hazard Areas Goal: Conserve and maintain barrier dunes, beaches, flood plains, and other coastal features for their natural storm protection functions and their natural resources giving recognition to public health, safety, and welfare issues. Objectives and Background Discussion 82

83 The Town completed a Hazard Mitigation Plan in The plan details the Town s risk to multiple hazards and provides recommendations and strategies for minimizing risk to natural and man-made hazards, as well as recommendations for coordinating emergency management and recovery efforts. The Town is an active participant in the National Flood Insurance Program and is supportive of its hazard mitigation elements. The Town seeks to implement such measures that would improve the Town s Community Rating System score and reduce costs of insurance. The Town supports enforcement of the NC State Building Code, especially as it relates to the standards for structures to resist wind and storm surge. Natural Hazard Areas Policies Flood Hazard Reduction 69) The Town shall enforce rigorous development standards consistent with the Town NFIP and the CRS program for flood hazard reduction including: location of buildings landward of the reach of the mean high tide; requirement to elevate structures two (2) feet above base flood elevation as specified on FEMA and other official maps; anchoring standards to resist flotation, collapse, and lateral movement; prohibiting fill used as structural support in V flood zones, and; prohibiting alteration of sand dunes which would increase potential flood damage. Storm Effect Mitigation 70) (A) High Winds: The Town will continue to enforce the State Building Code on wind resistant construction with design standards from 120 to 150-mph wind loads. (B) Storm Surge: The Town supports and is a participant with the State in administering the development standards of the CAMA Ocean Hazard Area of Environmental Concern (AEC). These standards help ensure those structures particularly susceptible to storm surge (e.g. first row) are set back from the ocean a distance based on the average annual erosion rate at that location. (C) Flooding: Town shall continue to seek improvements in development standards which would result in lower insurance premiums for Town property owners. The Town also supports proper enforcement of State and Federal wetlands development permit processes in areas potentially susceptible to flooding. (D) Wave Action and Shoreline Erosion: The Town supports the CAMA development permit process for estuarine shoreline areas and the requisite development standards which encourage both shoreline stabilization and facilitation of proper drainage. Evacuation & Post-Disaster Recovery Plans 71) (A) The Town shall continually seek to establish procedures and take actions to reduce the potential for the loss of life and property damage prior to a storm event, and to provide a framework for orderly reconstruction in the aftermath of a hurricane or other significant damaging event. (B) The Town shall work to achieve all objectives in the action matrix of the Hazard Mitigation Plan in accordance with the plan implementation strategy. (C) The Town shall maintain consistency between the Hazard Mitigation Plan and Land Use Plan. Proposed amendments to either plan shall be reviewed for consistency with our long range planning documents. 83

84 72) The Town, in cooperation with County and State officials, shall periodically evaluate the impact of continued growth on existing transportation facilities with regard to evacuation routes and times. Actions to meet needed transportation improvements shall be taken well in advance of need. 73) (A) By May 1 st of each year The Town shall annually update an Emergency Response and Reentry Plan, in concert with County and State emergency management officials, and with input from Town residents. (B) The plan shall encompass pre-storm and immediate post storm activities and policies of the Town, including policies on evacuation and reentry. (C) The Town shall publicize the availability of the plan and shall have a copy of the plan available for review by the public. 74) The Town shall have a predetermined Damage Assessment Team to orchestrate the Town s recovery activities following a major event. The composition and duties of the Team shall be specified in the Town s Incident Command Plan. Development Planning in Natural Hazards Areas 75) In reviewing development proposals, the Town shall act in concert with CAMA standards which discourage or prohibit development in hazardous locations. 76) The Town shall conduct a public education and information sharing program approximately once per year with the goal of making the town more resistant to the forces of a storm. This will include a public outreach program to educate the public as to storm resistant building design and construction standards, as well as the Town s policies on evacuation, reentry, restoration of services and reconstruction. 77) The Town will periodically conduct studies to analyze both the feasibility and benefits of revising local development controls to lessen the effects of storm damage. Included shall be an examination of the Town s floodplain management and building standards which could have the effect of reducing flood insurance rates for Town property owners. 78) (A) The Town supports advanced planning for property acquisitions in areas of extreme and high hazards, where such acquisition serves a useful public purpose, such as for public access to the beach, where such access is needed. In evaluating potential property purchases, the Town shall take into consideration rates of erosion or other factors, which could have a bearing on the longevity and ultimate usefulness of the property for public use. (B) The Town shall investigate outside funding sources for land acquisition and shall encourage gifts and donations for tax credits, as a mitigative measure for future storm events. (C) To provide a proactive approach, priority areas for acquisition shall be identified in advance of storm events. V Management Topic: Water Quality Goal: Maintain, protect and where possible enhance water quality in all coastal wetlands, rivers, streams and estuaries. Objectives and Background Discussion The Town implemented a Stormwater Management Ordinance in 2003 to meet the requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Stormwater rules. The Town is assessing the feasibility of creating a special stormwater overlay district for areas in Flood Zones. The overlay district would likely require on-site retention of stormwater, or the required use of BMPs to retain as much stormwater as is possible. 84

85 The Town is assessing the feasibility of allowing pervious materials as BMPs and discounts to stormwater development fees. However, the Town seeks further direction from the state to clarify the utility and allowance of pervious materials as effective stormwater mitigation devices. Water Quality Policies Stormwater Runoff 79) The Town shall ensure that all developed land within the Town has sufficient stormwater management controls required to ensure the adequate protection of life and property. To this end, at a minimum, the Town shall ensure that all developed land within the Town shall be provided with management of post-development run-off from a ten-year frequency storm, so that the on-site and off-site effects of development are the same or better than the pre-development state. 80) In order to provide an effective, long-term approach to stormwater management, the Town shall provide adequate funding for the planning, construction, operation and maintenance of a public stormwater management program and system. 81) (A) Future developments must meet all local, state and federal stormwater runoff regulations as applicable to the individual development. (B) The Town shall require the use of best management practices to minimize the release of pollutants to coastal waters through stormwater runoff. Examples include using pervious or semi-pervious materials, such as turfstone or gravel for driveways and walks, retaining natural vegetation along marsh and waterfront areas to retain its natural filtering properties, and allowing stormwater to percolate into the ground rather than discharging it directly to coastal waters. Protection of Wetlands for Water Quality 82) Unless it is for a prevailing public purpose, the Town shall not undertake any activity, nor allow any private development activity, which would result in the destruction of remaining jurisdictional 404 wetlands within the Town s jurisdiction whether fresh or saltwater. If allowed by the appropriate regulatory agencies, jurisdictional wetlands may be replaced or relocated, on a no net loss basis, to another location on site or to another location in the Town jurisdiction if it is deemed absolutely necessary for the development and for the continued healthy functioning of the wetland system. Wetlands - See Land Use Compatibility Section Policy Numbers Development in Estuarine Watershed Areas 83) The Town shall continue to strengthen controls over development and redevelopment in estuarine watershed areas to prevent further degradation of water quality in Myrtle Grove Sound, Snow s Cut (including the Intracoastal Waterway) and the Cape Fear River. Strengthening development and redevelopment control is intended to enhance the protection of public health, and to ensure the protection of vital natural resources by reducing nutrients, pesticides, sediment and other harmful pollutants through density controls, setbacks, buffers, impervious surface limits, and other means. Fisheries Resources 84) The Town will continue to support state and federal regulations to insure the water quality of local waters that support both commercial and recreational fishing and aggressively seek funding to implement mitigation strategies to help preserve this resource. Marina Environmental Stewardship 85

86 85) The Town shall require new and existing private and public marinas to follow the North Carolina Clean Marina Program s management and operations techniques and the practices outlined in the Best Management Practices Manual for North Carolina s Marinas. VI Management Topic: Local Concerns Goal: Integrate local concerns with the overall goals of CAMA in the context of land use planning. Objectives and Background Discussion The Town visioning process in Phase I of the land use plan process included identifying community concerns and aspirations regarding development issues and overall quality of life issues (refer to Sections 2.0 through 2.2 for a comprehensive listing). The issues list in Sections 2.0 through 2.2. identifies the Local Concerns of the community. Also, see Section 4.0 Town Goals for more Local Concerns. The Town Council has identified economic revitalization that is consistent with the CRC requirements as its number one goal. The Economic Revitalization Committee, Chamber of Commerce, and Pleasure Island Merchant s Association are publicly active and in support of the revitalization of the economy, specifically the Central Business District and Boardwalk. The Town of Carolina Beach seeks to promote and increase family oriented businesses and activity. Increasing public access to Myrtle Grove Sound, establishing a public mooring in Myrtle Grove Sound and managing the Sound for a more equitable use among commercial and recreational boating uses is a Town objective. With increased visitation by tourists and other seasonal visitors, The Town seeks to expand public parking by requiring additional public parking allotment as part of new large-scale developments in the Central Business District. Economic and Community Growth and Development 86) (A) The Town of Carolina Beach shall work to diversify the local economy while at the same time protecting the natural and man made environment and improving the area as a more attractive community in which to work, live and play. (B) New economic development and redevelopment of the Boardwalk and Marina Area shall seek to preserve the rich heritage so much enjoyed by visitors and residents of the Town of Carolina Beach. (C) The Town shall promote new economic development that secures the pedestrian nature of this area and promotes family-oriented businesses, entertainment, and a resort market niche. (D) The Town shall not approve any development or redevelopment that would degrade the small town character of the Town s Traditional Single Family Districts. (E) Vested Rights Pursuant to N. C. Gen. Stat. 160A The Town recognizes that projects have been approved by Town Council under the provisions of Article 14 ( Conditional Use Permit ) of the Town s Zoning Ordinance with a Site Specific Development Plan and have been granted Vested Rights under the Town s Ordinances and the provisions of N. C. Gen. Stat. 160A In recognition of the Town s obligations under N. C. Gen. Stat. 160A , these projects shall not be deemed in conflict with the Town s land use plan provided that the projects are constructed during the applicable vested rights period and pursuant to N. C. Gen. Stat. 160A ) (A) Carolina Beach shall continue to work with merchants and property owners on efforts to revitalize the Central Business and Boardwalk area. (B) Town officials will also seek grants and/or low interest State or federal loans to revitalize the Boardwalk area. 86

87 (C) Redevelopment of the Boardwalk shall seek to preserve the rich heritage so much enjoyed by visitors and residents of the Town of Carolina Beach. (D) The Town shall promote new economic development and redevelopment of the Boardwalk that secures the pedestrian nature of this area and promote family-oriented businesses, entertainment and amusements. 88) Due to the regional economic benefits of the State Port at Wilmington, the Town supports its continued expansion. 89) (A) The Town of Carolina Beach shall seek to provide residents with a high quality of life, and visitors to the area with a quality tourist experience, including factors related to public safety, community image and appearance, an atmosphere conducive to families, pedestrian and bicycle oriented movement, convenient shopping and services, a quality beach strand, and fishable and swimmable waters. (B) Businesses oriented toward higher per capita expenditures by visitors to the Town shall be especially encouraged. Myrtle Grove Sound 90) The Town shall prepare a Water Use Plan for the management of activities related to Myrtle Grove Sound. The Planning and Zoning Commission shall be responsible for reviewing and recommending the water use plan. 91) (A) The Town shall prepare a Water Use Plan for Myrtle Grove Sound to manage and balance the interests of commercial boating and fishing enterprises with the interests of recreational and transient boaters. (B) The plan shall include an evaluation of the current uses of the limited docking facilities within Myrtle Grove Sound and provide solutions for the equitable and most efficient use of those facilities. 92) Due to the important role of commercial and recreational fishing to the economy and ambient character of Carolina Beach the Town shall encourage and support commercial fishing operations and sport fishing operations provided that such operations meet all applicable development standards and are otherwise consistent with the policies of this plan. 93) Due to the potential beneficial economic impacts that recreational and transient boating add to the local economy and ambient character of Carolina Beach, the Town shall encourage recreational and transient boaters, and support the development of associated accommodating facilities, provided that such accommodations and boater impacts meet all applicable development standards and are held to remain consistent with the policies and goals of this plan. 94) (A)The Town shall continue to provide financial support and managerial guidance to the Carolina Beach Boat Basin and Marina, including periodic major capital improvement projects as may be authorized and budgeted by the Town. (B) Day-to-day management of the marina shall be handled by a semiautonomous Town Council appointed Marina Authority. Alternatively, the Town may elect to lease the boat basin out to a private management company, but with the Town maintaining ownership of all facilities. Under either management option, the marina s normal operation and maintenance shall be selfsustaining through revenues received. (C) Future improvements to the marina area shall be in keeping with the pedestrian-oriented character if the central part of Town. 87

88 95) Due to the limited surface area of public trust waters for use and enjoyment by the public, floating homes shall not be permitted within the jurisdictional waters of Carolina Beach. Public Parking Mooring Fields - See Public Access Section Policy Numbers 20 and ) (A) In the absence of parking under elevated structures, the Town recognizes that on-street parking is one of the most efficient forms of parking available at Carolina Beach. The Town shall avoid actions which would eliminate on-street parking. (B) The Town shall seek opportunities to increase parking in the Town s Central Business District. The Town of Carolina Beach has several surface parking areas located within the Central Business District. The Town of Carolina Beach will carefully assess the benefits of public/private partnerships in the pursuit of adequate and efficient public parking areas. (C) The Town shall seek to more carefully tailor fee parking spaces to match actual demand by time of year, day of week and time of day. Parking See Public Access Section Policy Numbers and Land Use Compatibility Section Policy Number 45. (D) The Town shall avoid any actions that would diminish existing parking spaces. (E) All public parking shall be ADA compliant. (F) Review parking to include dual use parking, while maintaining consistency and fairness. Historic Preservation 97) The Town encourages the preservation of its older, potentially historic structures and sites, including recent efforts by the Federal Point Historic Preservation Society to inventory important historic resources within the entire area of the county south of Snow s Cut. Growth of Town Jurisdiction 98) The Town shall periodically evaluate the costs and benefits of annexing additional areas into the Town. Before considering such annexations, first priority shall be given to addressing infrastructure and service needs within the existing corporate limits, prior to taking on additional responsibilities. Mineral Production Areas Existing and Potential 99) Mineral production and extraction activities are not consistent with the limited, valuable land and water resources of Carolina Beach. Mineral production and extraction activities, excepting those directly related to channel maintenance and beach renourishment, shall not be permitted within the planning jurisdiction of Carolina Beach. Off-Road Vehicles 100) Off-Road vehicles (with the exception of emergency vehicles or other vehicles specifically permitted by the Town) are not allowed on the Beach Strand within the corporate limits of Carolina Beach. Beach Maintenance 101) The Town supports all State, Federal and inter-local efforts to determine, finance and implement environmentally and aesthetically acceptable methods of beach renourishment consistent with locally adopted policies. Innovative approaches to beach preservation and renourishment shall be 88

89 supported, including the testing of new prototypical research projects at Carolina Beach, consideration of shared equipment for renourishment, etc. Informing Property Owners on the Benefits of Scenic Easements 102) The Town supports inventorying scenic viewsheds and developing and distributing brochures or flyers to property owners with information that the option to donate certain development rights on their property to non-profit agencies or the Town may make the property-owner eligible for tax credits, such as state personal or corporate income tax. Parks and Recreation 103) (A) As the community of Carolina Beach grows and annexes, the Town shall support a commensurate increase in the development, maintenance and enhancement of its parks, open space and recreational facilities, including sound and ocean access facilities. (B) The Town shall employ national and State recreation standards as the minimum for such facilities for the benefit of both residents and visitors alike. The Town shall explore alternative means of funding for parks facilities, including State and Federal grants, development impact fees, general obligation bonds, and other sources of revenue. 4.4 Future Land Use and Classification Map The Future Land Use and Classification Map is meant to visually depict the major land use and development goals and policies to be implemented by the Town. The Map is intended to show desired future growth patterns in respective areas (future land classification areas) within the Town s planning jurisdiction. The Map also shows the desired future boundaries of those respective areas to ensure incompatible uses or development do not encroach. To be used in conjunction with the Future Land Use and Classification Map is the Future Area Classification Table, the classification table lists the desired predominant land uses and development patterns for each respective area, as well as intensity and density goals for each area. While the Future Land Use and Classification Map and Future Classification Table establish goals and policy direction for respective areas in the Town s planning jurisdiction, it shall be the Town s Official Zoning Map and Ordinance that codifies the actual development regulations within the various areas of the planning jurisdiction. Map 18: Future Land Use and Classification Map See Appendix Map Section: Map Number Future Land Classification Area Table The Future Land Classification Area Table outlines key desired development characteristics for each future land classification area. See Appendix II Description of Existing and Future Development Characteristics in Land Classification Areas The Description of Existing and Future Development Characteristics Section provides information on the general existing growth patterns for each future land classification area, as well as the Town s desired future growth patterns for each of the respective areas. It is important to note that many of the areas are primarily built-out, and therefore desired future characteristics may not substantially differentiate from existing characteristics. Residential 1 According to U.S. Census 2000 statistics, the Residential 1 area has approximately 1,700 permanent residents with approximately 1,689 total housing units. Existing zoning districts (as of 4/2005) in the Residential 1 area allow up to 15 units per acre density and a 5,000 square foot minimum lot size, and 89

90 a 50 foot height allowance with additional height upon Conditional Use Permit approval. Residential 1 is separated into 5 sub-areas (see Future Land Use and Classification Map). The first sub-area encompasses the Canal Drive and Carolina Beach Avenue area bordered by Scallop Drive to the south and Freeman Park to the north. This area was developed primarily in the 1970 s through the 1980 s, with redevelopment continuing through today. The area is currently a mixture of single-family homes, duplexes and intense multi-family units (up to 16 units per lot). The predominant lot size is 6,000 square feet, with typical density around 8 units per acre and lot coverage around 40%. The predominant building height is less than 45 feet. The area has a mixture of about 90% residential and 10% commercial (lodging with intermittent neighborhood business). The second sub-area runs just south of Snow s Cut and north of Spencer Farlow Drive. The area is currently a mixture of single-family and duplex units, with some intense multi-family along the waterfront. Average building height is less than 45 feet on typical 6,000 to 7,000 square foot lots. The area is 100% residential. The third sub-area is located between the northernmost segment of Seventh Street and Lake Park Blvd. The area is currently a mixture of more recently developed multi-family, duplex and single-family. The average height is less than 50 feet on typical 5,000 to 6,000 square foot lots. The area is 100% residential. The fourth sub-area makes-up an eastern perimeter around the Residential 3 area, from Sumter Ave south around to Fourth Street and east. The area contains some of the traditional neighborhood areas of the Town, with single-family and duplex mixed with intermittent multi-family. Predominant building height ranges from 40 to 50 feet (newer developments and redevelopments). Typical lot sizes range from 5,000 to 6,000 square feet. The area is over 95% residential. The fifth sub-area runs from just south of the Carolina Sands development (roughly Tennessee Ave.) to Ocean Boulevard. The area is currently a mixture of single-family, duplex and some multi-family closer to Lake Park Boulevard. The western half of the area is undeveloped, without infrastructure. The average lot size is 5,000 square feet and typical building height is 40 to 50 feet. The area is 100% residential. Future Characteristics of Residential 1 The desired Future Land Use of the Residential 1 area includes a predominance of single-family and duplex units. Building height will not exceed a 50 height maximum and shall be consistent with Section 4.3, II. Management Topic: Land Use Compatibility Policies, 31 (B). Density will be moderate with a minimum of 5,000 square foot lots and around 8.7 units per acre, with up to 15 units per acre allowed. Lot coverage will not be allowed to exceed 40%. Provision of infrastructure to undeveloped and un-served areas will be at the expense of the developer. New multi-family residential development shall be prohibited. Residential 2 According to U.S. Census 2000 statistics, the Residential 2 area has approximately 900 permanent residents with approximately 760 total housing units. Existing zoning districts (as of 4/2005) in the Residential 2 area allow between 6.2 and 8.7 units per acre density and a 5,000 7,000 square foot minimum lot size, and a 50 foot height allowance with additional height upon Conditional Use Permit approval. Residential 2 is separated into 5 sub-areas (see Future Land Use and Classification Map). The first sub-area makes-up the peninsula west of Canal Drive up to Oceana Way. The area is predominantly single-family with 6,000 square foot lots with a density average around 8.7 units per acre. The typical building height is around 45 feet. The area is 100% residential. The second sub-area lies west of St. Joseph Avenue, roughly form Lighthouse Drive to the South up to Spencer Farlow Avenue to the north. The area is a mixture of single-family and duplex units. Lot sizes average around 7,000 square feet and building height is typically around 45 feet. Average density is between 6.5 to 8 units per acre. The area is 100% residential. The third sub-area encompasses the development surrounding Fern Creek Lane, Bay Court and Beech Court near the geographic center of the Town. The area is predominantly made-up of single-family units. Lot sizes average around 7,000 square feet and building height is typically less than 45 feet. Density is around 6 units per acre. The area is 100% residential. The Fourth sub-area makes-up the Carolina Sands development which is on streets that connect to Carolina Sands Drive off of Lake Park Boulevard. The area is predominantly single-family with a mixture of duplex units. Lot sizes average around 5,000 to 6,000 square feet and building height is typically around 45 feet. Density is around 8 units per acre. The area is 100% residential. Future Characteristics of Residential 2 The desired Future Land Use of the Residential 2 area includes single-family units only. Building height will not exceed a 50 height maximum and shall be consistent with Section 4.3, II. Management Topic: Land Use Compatibility Policies, 31 (B). Density will be low-moderate with a minimum of 5,000 7,000 square foot lots and around 6.2 to 8.7 units per acre. Lot coverage will not be allowed to exceed 40%. 90

91 Provision of infrastructure to undeveloped and un-served areas will be at the expense of the developer. New multi-family development shall be prohibited. Residential 3 According to U.S. Census 2000 statistics, the Residential 3 area has approximately 833 permanent residents with approximately 382 total housing units. Existing zoning districts (as of 4/2005) in the Residential 3 area allow 3.6 units per acre density and require a 12,000 square foot minimum lot size, and a 50 foot height allowance. The Residential 3 area is the Town s core traditional residential area and it has the highest concentration of permanently occupied housing units to seasonal units. The predominant housing type is single-family. The typical density is 3 units per acre on 12,000 square foot lots. Average building height is less than 40 feet. Residential 3 includes the area west of Fourth Street, east of Dow Road, approximately south of Harper Avenue, and north of Sumter Avenue. Future Characteristics of Residential 3 The desired Future Land Use of the Residential 3 area includes single-family units only. Building height will not exceed a 40 height maximum and shall be consistent with Section 4.3, II. Management Topic: Land Use Compatibility Policies, 31 (B). Density will be low with a minimum of 12,000 square foot lots and around 3.5 units per acre. Lot coverage will not be allowed to exceed 40%. New multi-family development shall be prohibited. Residential 4 According to U.S. Census 2000 statistics, the Residential 4 area has approximately 191 permanent residents with approximately 245 total housing units. Existing zoning districts (as of 4/2005) in the Residential 4 area allow 15 units per acre density and require a 5,000 square foot minimum lot size, and a 50 foot height allowance with additional height upon Conditional Use Permit approval. The predominant housing type is manufactured housing, with some single-family and duplex. The western-most portions of the area are largely undeveloped and un-served by infrastructure. The typical density is 6 units per acre on 5,000 square foot lots. Average building height is less than 35 feet. The area is 100% residential. Residential 4 includes the area south of Ocean Boulevard, north of Alabama Avenue, and west of Bowfin Lane. Future Characteristics of Residential 4 The desired Future Land Use of the Residential 4 area includes an eventual transition from manufactured housing to single-family and duplex units. Building height will not exceed a 50 height maximum and shall be consistent with Section 4.3, II. Management Topic: Land Use Compatibility Policies, 31 (B). Density will be moderate with a minimum of 5,000 square foot lots and around 8.7 units per acre, with up to 15 units per acre allowed. Lot coverage will not be allowed to exceed 40%. Provision of infrastructure to undeveloped and un-served areas will be at the expense of the developer. New multi-family development shall be prohibited. Residential 5 According to U.S. Census 2000 statistics, the Residential 5 area has approximately 150 permanent residents with approximately 405 total housing units. Existing zoning districts (as of 4/2005) in the Residential 5 area allow 17 units per acre density and require a 5,000 square foot minimum lot size, and a 50 foot height allowance with additional height upon Conditional Use Permit approval. The predominant housing type is multi-family, with single-family and duplex. The typical density is 10 units per acre on 5,000 square foot lots. Average building height is less than 50 feet. The area is 80% residential and 20% commercial (lodging and restaurant and service). Residential 5 includes the oceanfront areas east of S. Lake Park Boulevard and or Carolina Beach Ave South and extends from Hamlet Ave south to Alabama Ave. Future Characteristics of Residential 5 The desired Future Land Use of the Residential 5 area includes a continued multi-family use with singlefamily and duplex units. Building height on property abutting Highway 421/Lake Park Boulevard shall not exceed a 50 maximum and shall be consistent with Section 4.3, II. Management Topic: Land Use Compatibility Policies, 31 (A). Building height on property not abutting Highway 421/Lake Park Boulevard 91

92 shall not exceed a 60 height maximum. Density will be high with a minimum of 5,000 square foot lots and around 17 units per acre. Lot coverage will not be allowed to exceed 40%. Marina Mixed Use According to U.S. Census 2000 statistics, the Marina Mixed Use area has approximately 385 permanent residents with approximately 270 total housing units. Existing zoning districts (as of 4/2005) in the Marina Mixed Use area do not specify units per acre density, but require a 10,000 square foot minimum lot size. 50 foot building height is permitted-by-right with additional height allowed upon Conditional Use Permit approval. The predominant housing type is single-family and duplex with frequent multi-family. The typical density is 20 units per acre on 15,000 square foot lots. Average building height is around 45 feet. The area is 90% residential and 10% commercial (restaurant and service). Marina Mixed Use includes the soundfront areas west of Myrtle Grove Sound, from approximately Carl Winner Avenue to the south up to Lewis Drive to the north. Marina Mixed Use is bordered by St. Joseph Avenue to the west. Other portions of Marina Mixed Use are found at the mouth of Myrtle Grove Sound and contain some multifamily use with marina facilities. Future Characteristics of Marina Mixed Use The desired Future Land Use of the Marina Mixed Use area includes a future predominance of singlefamily and duplex units. Commercial uses shall include low intensity water-oriented restaurants and services which provide additional public access opportunity. Building height will not exceed a 60 height maximum and shall be consistent with Section 4.3, II. Management Topic: Land Use Compatibility Policies, 31 (A). Density will be moderate with 10,000 square foot lot minimums and around 15 to 17 units per acre. A ratio of roughly three-fourths residential to one-fourth commercial is desired. Lot coverage will not be allowed to exceed 40%. Mixed Use 1 According to U.S. Census 2000 statistics, the Mixed Use 1 area has approximately 130 permanent residents with approximately 165 total housing units (non commercial lodging). The area serves as a transition and buffer from the more intense and dense uses of the oceanfront multi-family and central business districts with the traditional residential areas found more landward. Existing zoning districts (as of 4/2005) in the Mixed Use 1 area have a wide range of density standards, from 17 units per acre up to 60 units per acre for commercial lodging uses. Minimum lot size also ranges from 5,000 to 6,000 for residential uses up to 25,000 square feet for commercial lodging. 50 foot building height is permitted-by-right with additional height allowed upon Conditional Use Permit approval. The predominant housing type is multi-family with a mix of single-family and duplex. The predominant commercial uses are commercial lodging, commercial services and restaurant. The typical building height is 50 feet and density ranges form around 12 units per acre to considerably more dense for oceanfront multi-family and commercial lodging. The Mixed Use 1 area includes 3 sub-areas. The first sub-area includes the blocks south of Scallop Drive to just north of Pelican Lane, with Myrtle Grove Sound bordering to the west and the ocean to the east. Building height is generally around 45 feet and density is around 20 or more units per acre. The second sub-area includes the area between Lake Park Boulevard and Second Street, south from Carolina Beach Lake to Carolina Sands Drive. The area is predominantly vehicle-oriented commercial services and retail, with a mixture of single-family and duplex housing units. Building height is generally around 40 to 50 feet and density is around 10 or more units per acre on close to 10,000 square foot lots. The third sub-area consists of a mix of single-family and duplex with multi-family. The area commercial activity is predominantly vehicle-oriented commercial services and retail. Average building height is around 40 to 50 feet with a density of between 12 to 17 units per acre on 5,000 to 6,000 square foot lots. The third sub-area is located between Lake Park Boulevard and Second Street from just south of Carolina Sands Avenue to Alabama Avenue. Future Characteristics of Mixed Use 1 The desired Future Land Use of the Mixed Use 1 area includes a future predominance of single-family and duplex units. Commercial uses shall include lower intensity restaurants and commercial services and retail. Building height shall not exceed a 50 height maximum and shall be consistent with Section 4.3, II. Management Topic: Land Use Compatibility Policies, 31 (A) and (B). Density will be moderate with 5,000 to 6,000 square foot lot minimums for residential uses, with around 15 to 17 units per acre density in Mixed Use 1 areas west of Lake Park Boulevard, and higher density ratios around 29 units per acre for Mixed Use 92

93 1 areas east of Lake Park Boulevard (oceanside). A ratio of roughly two-thirds residential to one-third commercial is desired. Lot coverage will not be allowed to exceed 40%. Mixed Use 2 (Manufactured Housing) According to U.S. Census 2000 statistics, the Mixed Use 2 area has approximately 100 permanent residents with approximately 50 total housing units. The Mixed Use 2 area is a relatively small area (apprx. 20 acres) off Dow Road between the Highway Business zoning district and the Carolina Beach State Park. Existing zoning districts (as of 4/2005) in the Mixed Use 2 area allow 15 units per acre density and require a 5,000 square foot minimum lot size, and a 50 foot height allowance with additional height upon Conditional Use Permit approval. The predominant housing type is manufactured housing. There are currently no commercial uses in the Mixed Use 2 area. The typical building height is less than 20 feet and the average density is around 3 units per acre on 5,000 square foot lots. Future Characteristics of Mixed Use 2 The desired Future Land Use of the Mixed Use 1 area includes an eventual transition from manufactured housing to single-family and duplex units. Manufactured housing will continue to be permitted in the Mixed Use 2 area. Given the areas adjacency to the Highway Business zoning district, a future allowance of mixed residential and commercial uses is desired. Commercial uses in Mixed Use 2 shall include lower intensity and less vehicle-dependent businesses and retail than is permitted in the neighboring Highway Business district. A ratio of roughly three-fourths residential to one-fourth commercial is desired. Building height will not exceed a 50 height maximum and shall be consistent with Section 4.3, II. Management Topic: Land Use Compatibility Policies, 31 (B). Density will be moderate with 5,000 to 6,000 square foot lot minimums, and density ratios around 10 to 15 units per acre maximum. Lot coverage will not be allowed to exceed 40%. Mixed Use 3 According to U.S. Census 2000 statistics, the Mixed Use 3 area has approximately 485 permanent residents with approximately 545 total housing units. Similar to Mixed Use 1, the Mixed Use 3 area serves as a transition and buffer from the more intense and dense uses of the oceanfront multi-family and central business districts with the traditional residential areas found more landward. Existing zoning districts (as of 4/2005) in the Mixed Use 3 area have a wide range of density standards, from 17 units per acre west of Lake Park Boulevard up to 60 units per acre for commercial lodging uses adjacent the oceanfront. Minimum lot size also ranges from 5,000 to 6,000 for residential uses up to 25,000 square feet for commercial lodging. 50 foot building height is permitted-by-right with additional height allowed upon Conditional Use Permit approval. The predominant residential uses are a mix of multi-family, duplex and single-family. Predominant commercial uses include commercial lodging, office, and some restaurant and commercial service and retail. The typical building height is 50 feet. Typical density is around12 to 15 units per acre on 6,000 square foot lots. The area is around 30% commercial and 70% residential. Future Characteristics of Mixed Use 3 The desired Future Land Use of the Mixed Use 3 area includes a continued relatively dense residential and commercial lodging use, with single-family and duplex units becoming more prominent for the more landward portions of Mixed Use 3 (west of Lake Park Boulevard). Commercial uses in Mixed Use 3 shall primarily include office, restaurant, commercial lodging and service and small-retail. A continued ratio of roughly two-thirds residential to one-third commercial is desired. Building height on property abutting Highway 421/Lake Park Boulevard and west of Carolina Beach Avenue South shall not exceed a 50 foot maximum and shall be consistent with Section 4.3, II. Management Topic: Land Use Compatibility Policies, 31 (A) and (B). Building height on property east of Carolina Beach Avenue South will not exceed a 60 height maximum. Density will be comparatively high with 5,000 to 6,000 square foot lot minimums, and density ratios averaging around 17 units per acre, with higher density ratios for commercial lodging. Lot coverage will not be allowed to exceed 40%. Commercial 1 (Highway Business) According to U.S. Census 2000 statistics, the Commercial 1 area has less than ten permanent residents with fewer total housing units. Note: Recent (winter 2005) multi-family development in the northwestern-most portion of Commercial 1 will increase residential population by an indeterminate amount and the housing unit count by 56. The Commercial 1 area serves as the highway business corridor for the Town. The Commercial 1 area is heavily vehicle-dependent and the primary commercial uses are 93

94 retail, office, restaurant, entertainment and other commercial services. Existing zoning districts (as of 4/2005) in the Commercial 1 area do not specify density standards. However, minimum lot size required is 10,000 square feet. A 50 foot building height is permitted-by-right with additional height allowed upon Conditional Use Permit approval. The Commercial 1 area is located at the gateway of the Town just south of the Snow s Cut Bridge and runs south along Lake Park Boulevard (US 421) to Goldsboro Avenue. Future Characteristics of Commercial 1 The desired Future Land Use of the Commercial 1 area includes a continued use as a highway business corridor. Single-family residential uses will be allowed if they are dependent and subordinate to commercial uses. Transportation and traffic improvements are encouraged and will be sought from sources such as the Metropolitan Planning Organization s Long-range Transportation Plan, the North Carolina Department of Transportation s Transportation Improvement Program, the North End Traffic and Circulation Study, and a planned Fiscal Year Town-wide Transportation Plan. Commercial uses in Commercial 1 shall primarily include retail, office, restaurant, entertainment, and service. Building height on property abutting Highway 421/Lake Park Boulevard shall not exceed a 50 maximum. Building height on property not abutting Highway 421/Lake Park Boulevard shall not exceed a 60 height maximum and shall be consistent with Section 4.3, II. Management Topic: Land Use Compatibility Policies, 31 (A). 10,000 square foot lot minimums will be required. Lot coverage will not be allowed to exceed 60%. Stormwater, signage and lighting regulation should continually be addressed to meet future needs, issues or problems, given the predominant commercial use of the area. Commercial 1.1 (Highway Corridor of Town Center) According to U.S. Census 2000 statistics, the Commercial 1.1 area has approximately 25 permanent residents with around 25 total housing units. Note: Proposed development projects in the area may significantly increase population and housing unit statistics for the Commercial 1.1 area in the immediate future. Existing zoning districts (as of 4/2005) in the Commercial 1.1 area do not specify density standards and minimum lot sizes. A 50 foot building height is permitted-by-right with additional height allowed upon Conditional Use Permit approval. The Commercial 1.1 area serves as a transition area from the main Town highway business corridor to the traditional Town center which is predominantly a tourism and pedestrian-oriented commerce area. Typical building height varies among use, average height would be 40 to 50 feet. Predominant commercial uses in the Commercial 1.1 area are targeted towards tourist-oriented services and retail, with some restaurant and entertainment uses. Multi-family and single-family are intermittent and according to the existing Zoning Ordinance (as of 4/2005) future residential development must be dependent and subordinate to a commercial use. Existing density is relatively high on typical 10,000 square foot lots. The area is currently 90%+ commercial. Future Characteristics of Commercial 1.1 The desired Future Land Use of the Commercial 1.1 area includes a continued use as a transition or buffer from the highway business corridor and the traditional Town center. Predominant use of Commercial 1.1 will be for tourist and family-oriented retail and services, with other less vehicle-dependent commercial businesses such as offices, restaurant and entertainment. The area will foster increased pedestrian/bicycle accessibility and interconnectivity with the Town center and adjacent parts of Town. Single-family and multi-family residential uses will be allowed if they are dependent and subordinate to commercial uses. Transportation and traffic improvements are encouraged and will be sought from sources such as, the North End Traffic and Circulation Study, the Metropolitan Planning Organization s Long-range Transportation Plan, the North Carolina Department of Transportation s Transportation Improvement Program, and a planned Fiscal Year Town-wide Transportation Plan. Building height on property abutting Highway 421/Lake Park Boulevard shall not exceed a 50 maximum and shall be consistent with Section 4.3, II. Management Topic: Land Use Compatibility Policies, 31 (B). CUP approval will be based upon each individual development/redevelopment s benefit to the local economy, increased public access/parking opportunity, and other positive characteristics deemed desirable by the Town. Stormwater, signage and lighting regulation should continually be addressed to meet future needs, issues or problems, given the predominant commercial use of the area. Encouraging atypical or unique developments in Commercial 1.1 will be primarily based upon the Town goal of revitalizing the area and local economy. In conjunction and as a by-product of that goal, the need for density standards will be continually evaluated as growth and development in Commercial 1.1 impacts other Town goals such as providing adequate infrastructure carrying capacity, managing evacuation and emergency response, and managing safe and efficient traffic systems to alleviate congestion. 94

95 Commercial 2 (Town Center) According to U.S. Census 2000 statistics, the Commercial 2 area has approximately 35 permanent residents with around 45 total housing units (commercial lodging not included). Note: proposed development projects in the area may significantly increase population and housing unit statistics for the Commercial 2 area in the immediate future. Existing zoning districts (as of 4/2005) in the Commercial 2 area do not specify density standards and minimum lot sizes. A 50 foot building height is permitted-byright with additional height allowed upon Conditional Use Permit approval. The Commercial 2 area serves as the traditional Town center which is predominantly a tourism and pedestrian-oriented commerce area. Included in the Commercial 2 area is the Town marina and boat basin at the head of Myrtle Grove Sound. The marina and boat basin portions of the Commercial 2 area are oriented-toward charter, sport and recreational boating activities. Typical building height varies among use, typical height would be 50 to 60 feet with some structures considerably taller. Predominant commercial uses in the Commercial 2 area are targeted towards tourist-oriented services and retail, with commercial lodging, restaurant and entertainment uses. Multi-family and single-family are sparse and according to the existing Zoning Ordinance (as of 4/2005) future residential development must be dependent and subordinate to a commercial use. Existing density is relatively high on typical 10,000 square foot lots. The area is currently 95%+ commercial. The Town will undertake a master planning effort with ample public participation for the Commercial 2 area and other areas that tie into the Commercial 2 and Boardwalk Area. Future Characteristics of Commercial 2 The desired Future Land Use of the Commercial 2 area includes a continued use as the traditional Town center. Predominant use of Commercial 2 will be for tourist and family-oriented retail and services, with other considerably less vehicle-dependent commercial businesses such as offices, commercial lodging, restaurant, and entertainment. The area will increase pedestrian/bicycle accessibility and interconnectivity within the Town center and to adjacent parts of Town. Emphasis on retaining the architectural style and traditional building appearance of the beach community should be a continued consideration in approving future developments and redevelopments. Single-family and multi-family residential uses will be allowed if they are dependent and subordinate to commercial uses. Transportation and traffic improvements are encouraged and will be sought from sources such as the North End Traffic and Circulation Study, the Metropolitan Planning Organization s Long-range Transportation Plan, the North Carolina Department of Transportation s Transportation Improvement Program, and a planned Fiscal Year Town-wide Transportation Plan. Building height will not exceed 50 in height unless Conditional Use Permit (CUP) approval is granted in accordance with the policies as set forth in Section 4.3, II. Management Topic: Land Use capability Policy 31 and 32. Commercial 2 will have separate and distinct standards (including height, density, open space, and setbacks) which shall be established in a CBD zoning overlay. CUP approval will be based upon each individual development/redevelopment s benefit to the local economy, increased public access/parking opportunity, and other positive characteristics deemed desirable by the Town. Stormwater, signage and lighting regulation should continually be addressed to meet future needs, issues or problems, given the predominant commercial use of the area. Encouraging atypical or unique developments in Commercial 2 will be primarily based upon the Town goal of revitalizing the area and local economy. In conjunction and as a by-product of that goal, the need for density standards will be continually evaluated as growth and development in Commercial 2 impacts other Town goals such as providing adequate infrastructure carrying capacity, managing evacuation and emergency response, and managing safe and efficient traffic systems to alleviate congestion. North Pier Commerce Area The North Pier Commerce area encompasses a small portion of land in the northernmost section of the Town Limits off Carolina Beach Avenue. The area includes the Town s only ocean pier and pier-related commercial services and retail. Existing zoning districts (as of 4/2005) in the North Pier Commerce Area allow up to 15 units per acre density and a 5,000 square foot minimum lot size, and a 50 foot height allowance with additional height upon Conditional Use Permit approval. Density is low with one unit per acre. Typical building height is feet. Future Characteristics of the North Pier Commerce Area The desired Future Land Use of the North Pier Commerce Area is its continued use as an ocean pier with small-scale pier-related commerce. Long-term expansion of pier facilities may be acceptable provided it 95

96 meets applicable Town, state and federal regulations. The North Pier Commerce Area shall not exceed a maximum building height of 50 and shall be consistent with Section 4.3, II. Management Topic: Land Use Compatibility Policies, 31 (A). Boardwalk The Boardwalk area may be considered as the center of the Town Center. The Boardwalk is the Town s core traditional entertainment and tourist related retail and restaurant area. The condition and use of the structures in the Boardwalk has been of considerable discussion for the past several years and into the present. The Town is planning to fund a Boardwalk revitalization plan in to reach a consensus on direction for future redevelopment and use of the Boardwalk. Current uses include restaurant, bars, small-scale retail and small-scale restaurant with typical heights of around 20 feet in one-story buildings. Density is very high with multi-unit structures on a range of lot sizes. Given the pedestrian-only nature of the Boardwalk, the area is without uniform setbacks and only minimal rights-of-way are present. Future Characteristics of the Boardwalk The desired Future Land Use of the Boardwalk is still being debated (as of 4/2005) and is contingent upon the Boardwalk Revitalization Plan (see above) which should provide focused attention and consensus building to determine the desired future redevelopment patterns of the Boardwalk. However, some future use direction has been discussed which would encourage more family and tourist oriented services and retail. Also, direction of the discussion has pointed toward a much lower-profile for future Boardwalk redevelopment as compared with the surrounding Commercial 2 (Central Business District) area. Consistent with these discussions, building height will not exceed a maximum of 50 in the Boardwalk Area and shall be consistent with Section 4.3, II. Management Topic: Land Use Compatibility Policies, 31 (B). Industrial The Industrial area of Town is located in the Town Limit areas west of Dow Road (a portion of the Industrial area falls within the Town ETJ). Existing Zoning (as of 4/2005) for industrial areas does not specify a maximum density nor minimum lot size. Building height up to 50 is permitted-by-right, with additional height allowance contingent upon Conditional Use Permit approval. With the exception of a parcel with a one-story warehouse/storage structure and a parcel with utility facilities, the remaining areas of the Industrial area are undeveloped. The undeveloped areas of the Industrial area are un-served by infrastructure. Future Characteristics of the Industrial Area The desired Future Land Use of the Industrial area includes environmentally low-impact and infrastructure low-impact industrial uses. Provision of infrastructure to undeveloped and un-served areas will be at the expense of the developer. Density and height of future industrial structures will be encouraged to be as minimal as possible. Building height will not exceed a maximum of 50 in the Industrial Area and shall be consistent with Section 4.3, II. Management Topic: Land Use Compatibility Policies, 31 (A). Conservation The Conservation areas of Town encompass the majority of the Town s extraterritorial jurisdiction. Conservation areas within Town Limits include the area east of Dow Road and west of the northernmost segment of Seventh Street, the entire Myrtle Grove Sound waterbody to the bulkhead and/or mean highwater mark, the marsh/wetland area north of Virginia Avenue, and the area immediately surrounding Carolina Beach Lake. Existing zoning districts (as of 4/2005) in the Conservation area permit single-family units on a minimum 80,000 square foot lot with a density of.5 units per acre. However, given the status of the Conservation areas as falling under either federal or state property, public trust waters, coastal and freshwater wetlands, or un-vegetated beach, development for residential uses is highly unlikely. The predominant uses of the Conservation area include recreational-type uses, with piers, docks and other marine-related structures found on surface waters. An additional use found in the Conservation area includes the Town s wastewater treatment facility located on land leased form the U.S. Department of Defense. Future Characteristics of the Conservation Area 96

97 The desired Future Land Use of the Conservation area includes recreational uses which are as environmentally low-impact as possible, including the managed recreational use of Freeman Park in the north end of the ETJ. Only CAMA and Town approved piers, docks and other related structures will be allowed in public trust waters and other Areas of Environmental Concern. Development of the Conservation area for residential units is not encouraged given the serious limitations mentioned above. Needed expansion to the Town s wastewater treatment facilities will be allowed as needed provided applicable state and federal regulations are met. Building height shall be consistent with Section 4.3, II. Management Topic: Land Use Compatibility Policies, 31 (B) Allocation of Land to Future Land Use and Classification Areas It is very important to note that the figures in the table below are an estimation and maximumcase scenario of potential growth in the Town given currently regulated density standards. Furthermore, the undeveloped acreage totals in the Future Land Use/Classification Areas below are not necessarily contiguous, therefore it is highly unlikely that maximum allowable densities could occur. In addition, by using the maximum allowable density allowance as a variable to calculate potential number of units assumes that each future development will be a dense (8 to 17 unit) multi-family development, which is also a highly unlikely scenario. The estimate of possible infrastructure demand (column to far right) is calculated by multiplying the estimated future units by a standard state consumption variable for an average household (400 GPD Water and 179 GPD Wastewater) and an average commercial use (100 GPD Water and 100 GPD Wastewater). The purpose of this estimation is not necessarily to pinpoint the exact amount of infrastructure capacity needed to handle maximum growth. The estimation is more useful when used as a tool to identify which areas have the highest potential for growth and density, therefore the greatest infrastructure demand, given existing zoning and development regulations in those respective areas. NOTE: Table 32 below differs from Table 30 found earlier in the Plan. Table 30 estimated housing needs to match an expected population growth based on historic and current growth rates. Table 32 outlines a maximum build-out number of housing units per Classification Area based on currently allowed maximum zoning density, and do not correspond to an actual projected population growth. As mentioned above, the purpose of Table 32 is to provide an awareness of possible infrastructure demand based on current maximum allowable growth, but understanding that development that occurs in the future will not always be at the maximum density allowable. Table 32: Land Use and Classification Area Estimation of Growth and Infrastructure Demand Future Land Use and Classification Area Total Acres Undeveloped Acres Estimate of Possible Maximum Growth in Units (using current zoning maximum density allowable) 97 Estimate of Possible Maximum Growth in Infrastructure Demand Residential / ,000 GPD water 182,580 GPD wastewater (residential uses) Residential /- 335 to ,000 to 188,000 GPD water 60,300 to 84,600GPD wastewater (residential uses) Residential / ,600 GPD water 23,091 GPD wastewater (residential uses) Residential / ,000 GPD water 51,015 GPD wastewater (residential uses) Residential N/A N/A Marina Mixed Use /- 60 to 80 units 24,000 to 32,000 GPD water 10,740 to 14,320 GPD wastewater (residential uses) Mixed Use /- 76 units 30,400 GPD water 13,604 GPD wastewater (residential uses) Mixed Use 2 (Manufactured /- 30 units 12,000 GPD water 5,370 GPD wastewater

98 Housing) (residential uses) Mixed Use /-17 to 29 units 6,800 to 11,600 GPD water 3,043 to 5,191 GPD wastewater (residential uses) Commercial 1 (Highway Business) /- 38 units (commercial) 56 units (residential) 3,800 GPD water 3,800 GPD wastewater (commercial uses) 22,400 GPD water 10,024 GPD wastewater Commercial 1.1 (Town Center Highway Corridor) Commercial 2 (Town Center) (residential uses) /- 150 units (redevelopment) 60,000 GPD water 26,850 GPD wastewater (residential uses) /- 250 units (redevelopment) 100,000 GPD water 44,750 GPD wastewater (residential uses) N/A N/A North Pier Commerce Area Boardwalk /- 25 units (based on total redevelopment and 6,000 square foot lots) 2,500 GPD water 2,500 GPD wastewater (commercial uses) Industrial to 10 industrial sites 200 GPD water* 200 GDP wastewater* Conservation 1,776 +/- 1,770 N/A N/A TOTAL* 2,786 to 3,105 Res. Units 65 Comm. Units 1,120,900 to 1,248,500 GPD water 482,103 GPD wastewater *Total Water/Sewer use in table above is in addition to current usage Consistency between the Future Land Use and Classification Map and the CAMA Management Topics Assessment of the consistency between the CAMA Management Topics and the development designations and patterns of the Future Land Use and Classification Map is a useful tool to identify and address any potential conflicts in DCM or Town goals or policies that may arise as a result of pursuing the development patterns established as part of the Future Land Use and Classification Map. Specifically, as part of this assessment, DCM requires local governments to: Summarize the residential density and development intensity encouraged by each of the land classifications or designations on the map; Identify any material differences between the development patterns shown on the future land use map and the development constraints shown on the environmental composite and LSA maps; Describe any material differences between future land classification areas that anticipate future development and needs for extension of water and sewer; Describe development planned for natural hazard areas, how uses are consistent with associated risks, and the capacity of the evacuation infrastructure; and, Describe how land classifications and growth patterns on the map will protect open shellfish waters and restore closed or conditionally closed shellfish waters. 1) Summarization of the Residential Density and Development Encouraged by the Future Land Use and Classification Map Table 33 Land Use/ Classification Area Land Uses Desired Area Density Average Desired 98 Area Lot Size Area Lot Coverage Area Building Height Desired

99 Area Residential 1 Single-Family and Duplex Only 8 to 10 units/acre on avg. 15 units/acre maximum 5,000 sq. ft min. Residential 2 Single-Family Only 5 to 6 units/acre on avg. 5,000 7, to 8.7 units/acre maximum sq. ft min. Residential 3 Single-Family Only 2 to 3 units/acre on avg. 12,000 sq. ft. 3.6 units/acre maximum min. Residential 4 Single-Family and 8 to 10 units/acre on avg. 5,000 sq. ft Duplex Only 15 units/acre maximum min. Residential 5 Multi-Family, Single- 15 units/acre maximum 5,000 sq. ft Family, and Duplex min. Marina Mixed Use Mixed Use 1 Mixed Use 2 (Manufactured Housing) Mixed Use 3 Single-Family, Duplex and Multi- Family Single-Family, Duplex and Multi- Family Single-Family, Duplex and Multi- Family Single-Family, Duplex and Multi- Family 10 to 15 units/acre on avg. 10,000 sq. ft min. 15 units/acre maximum 5,000-6,000 sq. ft min. 15 units/acre maximum 5,000 sq. ft min. 15 units/acre maximum 5,000-6,000 sq. ft min. 40% max. 35 to 45 on avg. 50 maximum 40% max. 35 to 45 on avg. 50 maximum 40% max. 35 to 45 on avg. 50 maximum 40% max. 35 to 45 on avg. 50 maximum 40% max. 45 on avg. 50 maximum (Hwy 421 corridor)60 max. 40% max. 45 on avg. 60 maximum 40% max. 45 on avg. 50 maximum 40% max. 35 to 45 on avg. 50 maximum 40% max. 45 on avg. 50 maximum (Hwy 421 corridor) 60 maximum Allowable residential density is expected to decrease in Residential 1-4 and remain relatively stable with zoning amendments (scheduled for 2006 and 2007) that will prohibit new multi-family development in Residential ) Identify any material differences between the development patterns on the Future Land Use and Classification Map and the development constraints shown on the Environmental Composite and Land Suitability Analysis maps The Environmental Composite and Land Suitability Analysis Maps show Class III and Least Suitable (low development suitability) areas; 1) south of Carolina Sands Drive; 2) between the southernmost segments of Fifth and Eighth Streets, and 3) in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the Town. The first area south of Carolina Sands is undeveloped and lies within the Residential 1 future land use/classification area. Residential 1 and current zoning (as of 4/2005) would allow a maximum of up to 15 units per acre on the undeveloped land. With approximately 30 acres of undeveloped land, that would yield up to 450 units. However, a development proposal has been submitted to the Town and Army Corp of Engineers (404 wetland jurisdiction) to build approximately 125 units on the 30 acres of land (approx. 4.1 units/acre) with jurisdictional wetlands remaining intact. Stormwater from the development will be diverted to a newly constructed two acre retention pond adjacent the proposed development area. Sewer connection will be required and no septic systems will be permitted. The second area between Fifth and Eighth Streets falls within the Residential 3 classification area. Residential 3 is the least dense classification area in the Town and is primarily already built-out in the least suitable/class III area identified on the maps. The third area comprising the extraterritorial jurisdiction is undeveloped and as classified as Conservation, and is intended for use as recreation only. 3) Describe any material differences between future land classification areas that anticipate future development and needs for extension of water and sewer The only future land classification areas that are un-served by infrastructure include the undeveloped areas in the ETJ classified as Residential 2 and the northernmost portion of the Industrial area, respectively. Other un-served areas include the undeveloped area south of Carolina Sands Drive mentioned above. Town policy (see policies 44-48) states that any new development that requires infrastructure extension shall be at the expense of the owner. See Table 32 for estimates on water and wastewater demand based on a maximum growth scenario for each respective future land classification area. Infrastructure will not be extended by the Town to areas designated as Conservation, with the exception of the Town Wastewater Plant and other Town facilities in the ETJ. 99

100 4) Describe development planned for natural hazard areas, how uses are consistent with associated risks, and the capacity to manage evacuation infrastructure According to FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps, the AE flood zone encompasses the Town s northern ocean and sound-side jurisdiction all the way down to approximately Carolina Sands Drive and landward to Fourth Street. The lands east of St. Joseph Avenue are also included in the AE flood zone. The future land classification areas that are impacted by the AE flood zone are the Marina Mixed Use, Residential 1, Boardwalk, Commercial 2, Commercial 1.1, Conservation and portions of Mixed Use 1 and 3, and Residential 2 and 5. With a considerable portion of the Town designated an AE flood zone, the Town proactively manages its floodways and flood zones by implementation of its Flood Prevention Ordinance (FPO). The FPO targets managing building and site development standards to eliminate or alleviate alteration and obstruction of the natural floodway. The Town is preparing amendments to its FPO (scheduled for 2005) to strengthen flood prevention standards to match Community Rating System and National Flood Insurance Program standards. According to FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps, the VE flood zone does not impact landward of the vegetated dune line. The Town FPO prohibits alteration of the dune barrier system. The NOAA SLOSH Storm Surge model for a fast moving hurricane indicates that the majority of the Town is vulnerable to storm surge from a category 1 to 5 hurricane. The Town utilizes its FPO and building codes to strengthen structures to resist hurricane surge and winds. The Town annually updates an Incident Command Plan prior to hurricane season to prepare and plan for possible evacuation and emergency response. The future classification areas within the AE flood zone, and to an extent, the storm surge inundation areas are primarily built-out. If redevelopment of older structures, built prior to the FPO and building codes and which are deteriorating due to repeated storm and flood damage, occurs and is allowed, such redevelopment will be required to meet current FPO and building code standards. 5) Describe how land classifications and growth patterns on the map will protect open shellfish waters and restore closed or conditionally closed shellfish waters The estuarine waters within and surrounding the Town of Carolina Beach are all closed to shellfishing, with the exception of the waters surrounding the north end natural area in the ETJ. The Cape Fear River on the Town s western edge is closed due to upstream point (industrial and wastewater treatment plants) and non-point (urban growth and boating) pollution. Myrtle Grove Sound which lies within the Town limits, is closed due to relatively heavy marina and boat traffic, and dense development along the sound s edge. The eastern edge of the sound has been built-out since the 1980 s and 1990 s with a mix of multi-family, single-family and duplex. The western edge of the sound is primarily built-out with a mix of multi-family and single-family, undeveloped lots are intermittent. The future land classification of the western edge of the sound is for Marina Mixed Use which requires a minimum of 10,000 square foot lots. Low-intensity water-oriented commercial service and restaurant development is encouraged for the remaining lots along the sound s western edge. The Town s Stromwater Division is analyzing (spring/summer 2005) the feasibility of instituting more stringent stormwater retention standards for development in flood zones (watersheds) adjacent to surface waterbodies. The open and/or conditionally approved shellfishing areas in the north end ETJ waters fall within the Conservation future land classification area and shall be protected from degradation by the regulation of the area s use through the Freeman Park Management Plan (scheduled for 2005). Management of marina and boating activity on Myrtle Grove Sound through the Myrtle Grove Sound Water Use Plan (scheduled for 2006) shall seek to address water quality issues through instituting clean marina programs and providing adequate pump-out and waste collection systems. 100

101 4.5 Policy Analysis: Overall Land Use Plan Consistency with Management Topics It is important to demonstrate how the Town s land use plan, its goals and policies, and its future land use map will be used to guide development in a manner that remains consistent with the state s broader Management Topic goals, planning objectives, and planning requirements. Overall, the Town s Land Use Plan with its goals and policies does remain consistent with the Coastal Resource Commission s Management Topics. As stated in earlier sections of the land use plan, the Management Topics were established to ensure that the coastal planning and management intents and purposes of the Coastal Area Management Act are fulfilled at the local level. The Management Topics are intended to give local governments flexibility in addressing unique local issues while providing a broader parameter to ensure such local actions remain consistent with statewide goals and regulations. The following sections through provide a general analysis and assessment of how the Town s (Land Use Plan) goals, policies and Future Land Use and Classification Map remain consistent with the intents and objectives of the Management Topics. The following sections will analyze and assess consistency by: 1) Describing the consistency between the plan s goals and the goals and objectives of the Management Topics; 2) Summarizing the direction of the plan s policies to ensure consistency with the Management Topics planning objectives and requirements; and by 3) Describing the consistency between the Future Land Use and Classification Map and the Management Topics planning requirements. The following Town goals used to analyze consistency with the goals and objectives of the Management Topics were derived from: 1) a needs assessment and an identification of existing and emerging conditions (described in Sections 2 through of this Land Use Plan); 2) a community Vision Statement (Section 2.3); and 3) the Town policy formulation process (described in Sections 4.0 through 4.3) Management Topic: Public Access Management Goal: Maximize public access to the beaches and the public trust waters of the jurisdiction. Planning Objective: Develop Comprehensive policies that provide beach and public trust access opportunities along the shoreline of public trust waters. Policies shall address access needs and opportunities, include strategies to develop public access, and identify feasible funding options. Planning Requirements: Policies on public waterfront access shall establish local criteria for frequency and type of access facilities. Policies shall contain provisions for public access for all segments of the community, including persons with disabilities, and shall establish access criteria for beaches targeted for nourishment. Consistency of Town Goals with Public Access Management Topic Main Goals: The Town goal of balancing the use and accessibility to public trust waters, particularly Myrtle Grove Sound, displays consistency with the Management Topic goal. In addition to the goals for increasing access to Myrtle Grove Sound, the Town currently has 16 Neighborhood Access Sites along its 3.5 miles of beach strand (Avg. 2.3 per half mile), 2 Regional Access Sites roughly in the center of the beach strand, and several Local Access Points (public street ends). Town goals and policy are to maintain and improve such public access sites, including increasing handicapped accessibility. Another Town goal is to increase the number and amenities of public parking areas that serve public access sites. A Town goal is also to continue to improve the management of public access to Freeman Park (North End) with CAMA approved parking and restroom facilities. Town goals and policy also include requiring certain large private developments in the central business part of Town to provide public parking facilities and access. Refer to Town Public Access policies 1-21 for more information on Town policy direction for 1) identifying public access needs and opportunities (such as establishing a Myrtle Grove Sound management plan and identification of threatened land for conversion to public access); and 2) developing strategies for increasing public access (such as pursuing available funding for public access projects and planning and implementing development standards whereby public parking and access provisions are required). 101

102 Consistency of Overall Town Policy Direction with Planning Objectives and Requirements (Reference to Policies 1-21) The strategies incorporated by the Town into its policies to create, maintain and improve public access are to: Seek funding from the Division of Coastal Management to prepare a shoreline access plan, in the absence of such funding the Town will incorporate portions of public access planning into a water use plan for Myrtle Grove Sound (in Town Capital Improvement Plan for FY ) Strive to establish a desired ratio of one Local Access Site per block. Identify and prioritize threatened and eroding land for possible conversion to public access sites. Strive to provide handicapped accessibility where applicable. Establish signs to inform the public of the location of access sites and facilities, off-limit hazardous or environmental areas, and off-limit private property. Establish the Freeman Park area (formerly North End) as a Town managed park and public access area with monitoring and enforcement of regulations. Prohibit any development which would result in a net loss of public parking spaces. Continue to identify and acquire land that could be utilized as public parking, as well as requiring larger private developments to provide for public parking in addition to regular parking requirements. Manage water-borne use and access to Myrtle Grove Sound to increase public recreational and transient uses Management Topic: Land Use Compatibility Management Goal: Ensure that development and use of resources or preservation of land minimizes direct and secondary environmental impacts, avoids risks to public health, safety and welfare and is consistent with the capability of the land based on considerations of interactions of natural and manmade features. Planning Objective: A) Adopt and apply local development policies that balance protection of natural resources and fragile areas with economic development. B) Employ local development policies to provide clear direction to assist local decision making and consistency findings for zoning, subdivisions, and public and private projects. Planning Requirements: A) Establish building intensity and density criteria such as floor area ratio and units per acre, consistent with the land suitability analysis for each land use designation in the upcoming Future Land Use Map. B) Establish local mitigation criteria and concepts. These may include, but are not limited to the following: cluster subdivision design, enacting local buffers, impervious surface limits, and effective innovative stormwater management alternatives. Consistency of Town Goals with Land Use Compatibility Management Topic Main Goals: A Town goal to reduce the impacts of land use and development on natural resources includes the implementation of a stormwater management ordinance to establish development standards regarding impervious surface and stormwater retention, and the provision of a stormwater utility and associated infrastructure to manage the negative effects of water-pollution and flooding caused by stormwater runoff. Other goals and regulations of the Town include retaining mature tree canopies and as much original vegetative cover as possible (also see policies 49-51), this goal is codified in a recent 2004 landscape ordinance. Town goals to reduce and prohibit the loss of functioning wetlands (coastal and freshwater) are carried-out in regulations on jurisdictional wetlands and on Town policies that encourage innovative development designs that retain wetlands and increase open space. Town policies, specifically 35-37, seek to provide a balance between economic growth, development, and redevelopment and the preservation of the natural and scenic qualities that make the Town a desirable resort and residential community. The Town intends to implement policies such as through the open space requirements of its Zoning Ordinance, the conservation and preservation standards of its Landscape Ordinance, the impervious limit restrictions and best management practice requirements of its Stormwater Management Ordinance, and by supporting other local, state and federal regulations that seek to protect natural resources and public trust areas. The Town s Future Land Use and Classification Map depicts Town goals and policies that are 102

103 intended to keep incompatible uses and developments from encroaching into certain areas. The Town s goal and intention is to use the Future Land Use and Classification Map as a basis for future rezoning decisions and Zoning Ordinance development requirement decisions. Consistency of Overall Town Policy Direction with Planning Objectives and Requirements (Reference to Policies 22-61) The strategies incorporated by the Town into its policies to mitigate the impacts of land use and development in incompatible residential areas, natural resources and fragile areas are to: Encourage through zoning and zoning amendments a predominant housing-type of moderate density (5,000 to 12,000 square foot lot) single-family homes throughout the Town s main residential areas. Discourage through zoning and zoning amendments the development of new multi-family units (triplex or greater) in areas that are predominantly single-family and duplex. Encourage through zoning and zoning amendments pedestrian-oriented businesses and developments within the Central Business District and marina/boat basin areas of Town. Encourage through zoning and zoning amendments the clustering or compact design of planned unit developments to protect the greatest possible amount of open space and/or wetland areas. Enforce through its landscaping and associated ordinances the retention and preservation of mature tree canopies and native vegetation. Manage through its stormwater ordinance the cumulative negative effects of increasing impervious surfaces through development and other sources by requiring best management practices and infrastructure to adequately handle stormwater runoff Management Topic: Infrastructure Carrying Capacity Management Goal: Ensure that public infrastructure systems are appropriately sized, located and managed so the quality and productivity of areas of environmental concern and other fragile areas are protected or restored. Planning Objective: Establish level of service policies and criteria for infrastructure consistent with future population needs. Planning Requirements: A) Identify or establish service area boundaries for existing and future infrastructure. B) Correlate future land use map categories with existing and planned infrastructure such as wastewater, water infrastructure and transportation. Consistency of Town Goals with the Infrastructure Carrying Capacity Management Topic Main Goals: Generally, the Town sets as a goal, the continued provision and upgrade of infrastructure services such as water and sewer to adequately meet the needs of increasing development. The Town of Carolina Beach has fourteen lift stations in the collection system and 28.6 miles of 10 and 8 gravity sewer lines that serve all but two relatively small areas in Town. The two areas are the undeveloped land south of Carolina Sands and the tract in the ETJ west of Dow Road. The undeveloped areas are classified on the Future Land Use Map as future low to moderate and moderate density residential, respectively, with the developer paying all infrastructure construction and installation costs. The Town also has a wastewater treatment facility with a permitted flow of 3.0 million gallons per day (MGD). A Town goal is to increase the wastewater treatment plant capacity to 4.0 MGD which is anticipated to successfully handle predicted growth based on the ratio of current capacity use per current population and a 4.0 capacity per expected population growth. The wastewater plant upgrade is scheduled to be implemented through the CIP process in the 2007/2008 fiscal year. Wastewater lines were recently replaced in 2002/2003 to eliminate inflow and infiltration problems which caused occasional line blockage and subsequent illicit discharge of wastewater. It is Town policy and regulation that all development hook-up to water and sewer (see policies and 62-66). This policy is consistent with the Management Topic goal of managing wastewater to ensure the quality and productivity of areas of environmental concern and other fragile areas are protected or restored and not threatened by septic use and discharge. 103

104 Consistency of Overall Town Policy Direction with Planning Objectives and Requirements (Reference to Policies 63-68) The strategies incorporated by the Town into its policies to manage the provision of water and sewer to the community and new development are to: Require all new development to utilize the Town water system while prohibiting the use of private wells for potable use. Require all new development to utilize the Town wastewater system while prohibiting the use of septic systems. Implement engineering studies, etc to determine options and feasibility of increasing Town water supply through increasing well productivity and adding more wells to the system. Increase water supply by evaluating and seeking feasible alternative sources such as procurement of water form neighboring systems, constructing a Reverse Osmosis Plant, and implementing a water conservation program. Increase water supply by adding more wells and improving current well productivity when feasibility, funding and permitting are in place. Increase the wastewater treatment plant capacity by 30% (3.0 MGD to 4.0 MGD) over the next five years Management Topic: Natural Hazard Areas Management Goal: Conserve and maintain barrier dunes, beaches, flood plains, and other coastal features for their natural storm protection functions and their natural resources giving recognition to public health, safety, and welfare issues. Planning Objective: Develop policies that minimize threats to life, property and natural resources resulting from development located in or adjacent to hazard areas, such as those subject to erosion, high winds, storm surge, flooding, or sea level rise. Planning Requirements: A) Develop location, density, and intensity criteria for new, existing development and redevelopment including public facilities and infrastructure so that they can better avoid or withstand natural hazards. B) Correlate existing and planned development with existing and planned evacuation infrastructure. Consistency of Town Goals with the Natural Hazard Areas Management Topic: Main Goals: A main goal of the Town is to reduce the damaging effects of flooding and stormwater to public and private property, as well as to the natural features (such as wide beach strands) that attract people to the area. To reduce damages to flooding, the Town participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and the Community Rating System (CRS) which obliges the Town to plan and regulate development in areas susceptible to flood damage (see policies 69 & 70). To this end, the Town has adopted and implements a Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance which regulates the elevation and flood-proofing of structures in designated flood zones and flood plains, as well as preventing the destruction of dunes and other natural barriers that protect against storm surge and erosion. The Flood Ordinance also prevents grading and infill of areas in the floodplain that would negatively alter the floodway functions of those areas. Even with the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, and associated ordinances such as the Stormwater Management Ordinance and other building codes, the Town strives to continue to improve its CRS rating and reduce insurance costs. Consistency of Overall Town Policy Direction with Planning Objectives and Requirements (Reference to Policies 69-78) The strategies incorporated by the Town into its policies to protect and conserve the storm protection function of the Town s floodplains and natural features are to: Prohibit the alteration of dunes and associated protective natural barriers and vegetation. Restrict or prohibit uses which are dangerous to health, safety, and property due to water or erosion hazards, or which result in damaging increases in erosion or in flood heights or velocities. Require that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities which serve such uses, be protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction. 104

105 Control the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and natural protective barriers which are involved in the accommodation of flood waters. Control filling, grading, dredging, and other development which may increase erosion or flood damage. Prevent or regulate the construction of flood barriers which will unnaturally divert flood waters or which may increase flood hazards to other lands. Source: Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance Section Annually update an Incident Command Plan that establishes Town policies and guidelines for pre-storm evacuation and post-storm re-entry and recovery, the plan shall consider population and development changes in evaluating evacuation times (see policies for more information) Management Topic: Water Quality Management Goal: Maintain, protect and where possible enhance water quality in all coastal wetlands, rivers, streams and estuaries. Planning Objective: Adopt policies for coastal waters within the planning jurisdiction to help ensure that water quality is maintained if not impaired, and improved if impaired. Planning Requirements: A) Devise policies that help prevent or control nonpoint source discharges (sewage and storm water) such as, but not limited to the following: impervious surface limits, vegetated riparian buffers, natural areas, natural area buffers, and wetland protection. B) Establish policies and land use categories aimed at protecting open shellfishing waters and restoring closed or conditionally closed shellfishing waters. Consistency of Town Goals with the Water Quality Management Topic: Main Goals: A goal of the Town is to reduce the negative water quality effects due to stormwater runoff to area surface waters that include Myrtle Grove Sound, Carolina Beach Lake, Snow s Cut, the ICWW and the Atlantic Ocean so that their continued recreational and commercial uses can be maintained. To reduce effects from stormwater runoff, the Town has adopted and implemented a Stormwater Management Ordinance with a stormwater utility to better manage and mitigate the effects of development on surface water quality (see policies 79-81). Town policy and regulation is to require all development to connect to the Town s wastewater infrastructure which eliminates the negative water quality effects caused by septic system discharge. Another Town goal is to preserve water quality through protection of functioning wetlands, this goal has been implemented through the Zoning Ordinance which encourages planned unit developments to design development in such a way as to maintain the greatest possible amounts of wetlands and open space. The previously stated Town goal of conserving and protecting remaining mature tree canopies and natural vegetative cover can also aid in protecting water quality by acting as vegetative buffers and filters to trap sediments and pollutants traveling in stormwater runoff. A Town goal is also to work to establish a development management program that can encourage and provide incentives for the use of pervious materials for driveways, parking spaces, etc. The shellfish waters of Myrtle Grove Sound are closed due to the level of development adjacent to the Sound and the abundance of marinas. A Town goal is to maintain water quality in Myrtle Grove Sound by requiring new marina developments to adhere to the North Carolina Clean Marina Program guidelines and the best management practices as outlined in the Best Management Practices Manual for North Carolina s Marinas (see policy 85). Consistency of Overall Town Policy Direction with Planning Objectives and Requirements (Reference to Policies 79-85) The strategies incorporated by the Town into its policies to protect and restore water quality are to: Ensure that post-development stormwater runoff from a ten-year frequency storm is managed onsite or through the stormwater utility infrastructure to a degree that the effects are equal to or better than the pre-development state. Source: Stormwater Management Ordinance Section Establish a development incentive for the use of pervious materials. 105

106 Establish programs under the NPDES Phase II guidelines that inform the public of the negative effects, sources and types of stormwater runoff. Establish programs under the NPDES Phase II guidelines that identify previously unknown sources of stormwater discharge and seek to eliminate such discharge. Establish a Water Use Plan for Myrtle Grove Sound that establishes an authority for monitoring public and private marinas, and other boating activities in general, for the proper disposal of wastes. Re-evaluate stormwater development requirements and best management practices in targeted watershed and/or flood plain areas so that maximum on-site retention of runoff may be achieved and/or impervious surface limits reduced Management Topic: Local Concerns Management Goal: Integrate local concerns with the overall goals of CAMA in the context of land use planning. Planning Objective: Identify and address local concerns and issues, such as cultural and historic areas, scenic areas, economic development, downtown revitalization or general health and human services needs. Planning Requirements: Evaluate local concerns and issues for the development of goals, policies and implementation strategies. These may include timelines and identification of funding options. Consistency of Town Goals with the Local Concerns Management Topic: Main Goals: Local Concern goals identified by the Town cover a wide range of topics, many of which overlap with other Management Topics and are thus found in previous goal consistency statements. The following goals were locally focused and did not easily overlap with other Management Topics. A goal of the Town is to revitalize the local economy while maintaining the natural and scenic resources that help attract visitors and residents. Along with revitalizing the local economy, a Town goal is to maximize the development of family-oriented businesses while limiting the amount of adult-oriented businesses. The Town sets as a goal to increase the pedestrian and bike accessibility (paths, lanes, etc.) and amenities (racks, signs, etc.) of the Central Business, Boardwalk and Marina Basin areas. The Town has also established the goal of balancing the uses, accessibility, and facilities of Myrtle Grove Sound between commercial, recreational and transient users. Finally, a main Town goal is to increase the availability of public parking. Consistency of Overall Town Policy Direction with Planning Objectives and Requirements (Reference to Policies ) The strategies incorporated by the Town into its policies to address the local concerns as identified in Section are to: Ensure that new development and redevelopment preserve the natural and man-made (historic) heritage through the Zoning Ordinance and special conditions and requirements established through the Conditional Use Permitting process. Encouragement of the efforts of the Federal Point Historic Preservation Society is also a strategy incorporated by the Town to help preserve historic heritage. Ensure that new development and redevelopment provide pedestrian and bicycle accessibility through the Zoning Ordinance and special conditions and requirements established through the Conditional Use Permitting process. Transportation and traffic plans shall promote and design for the increased accessibility of pedestrian and bicycle access. Prohibit new development and redevelopment that allows multi-family in Residential 1-4 through the Zoning Ordinance and special conditions and requirements established through the Conditional Use Permitting process. Seek grants or low interest state or federal loans to be used to support the revitalization of the Boardwalk. Work with local merchants, business owners and Town citizens during the planning processes for the revitalization of the Boardwalk. Fund and prepare a Water Use Plan for Myrtle Grove Sound to balance the uses and facilities of the public trust waters. 106

107 Continue to provide support and funding for the Carolina Beach Boat Basin and Marina and its Marina Authority. Prohibit new development and redevelopment that would cause a net decrease in public parking. Provisions for increasing public parking may be made of certain developments through the Zoning Ordinance and special conditions and requirements established through the Conditional Use Permitting process. Summary and Statement of Support for CAMA In summary, the goals and policy direction of the Town Land Use Plan are consistent with the overall planning goals and objectives of the Coastal Resource Commission s Management Topics. The Town continues to support and enforce the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) rules and permitting process, in particular the rules regarding the proper management and preservation of Areas of Environmental Concern (for more information on AECs see Section 3.2.1). 4.6 Policy Impact Analysis The policy impact analysis resembles the previous consistency analysis but it is intended to identify potential negative, neutral, or positive impacts to Management Topic goals on a policy by policy basis. Some policies may have a range of potential impacts such as neutral-negative or neutral-positive. For example, the degree to which promoting expansion of commercial businesses is neutral or negative to water quality goals depends on the degree to which such promotion and expansion occurs and whether it can be mitigated by other courses of action. Policies with the potential for negative or neutral-negative impacts should receive the most attention and forethought when implementing given their expected impacts on other Town goals. The following list defines the impact designations: Negative - Implementation of the policy will more than likely have an immediate or long-range negative impact on the Management Topic goals. The policy could conflict with the attainment of other goals. Neutral - Implementation of the policy will more than likely not have any impact on the Management Topic goals. The policy will probably not effect the attainment of other goals. Positive - Implementation of the policy will more than likely have an immediate or long-range positive impact on the Management Topic goals. The policy could foster the attainment of other goals. Neutral-Negative - Implementation of the policy could range from no impact to an immediate or longrange negative impact on the Management Topic goals. The policy may not effect the attainment of other goals if carried-out with other polices or goals in mind, or the policy could conflict with the attainment of other goals if carried-out without mitigation or management activities. Neutral-Positive - Implementation of the policy could range from no impact to an immediate or longrange positive impact on the Management Topic goals. The policy may have no effect on the attainment of other goals or the policy could foster the attainment of other goals if actions are coordinated or expanded Policy Impact Analysis Table For simplification, a cross-referenced table (matrix) was used to list impacts of each policy in boxes under each Management Topic (see Appendix II). If a policy has the potential to have a negative impact on a goal or goals of any of the Management Topics, a course of action or policy must be established to mitigate the negative impacts (see Section 4.6.2). See Appendix III for Policy Impact Analysis Table Potential Neutral-Negative Policy Impacts and Mitigation Steps to Minimize Such Impacts It is important to note that the following policies contain statements and direction that is intended to reach a specific goal of the Town. However, certain side-effects that may result through implementation of the policies may have the potential for creating negative impacts on the attainment of other Town goals. For instance, the Town goal of increasing public parking will have positive effects for 107

108 increasing public accessibility to public trust areas, but will also have the potential for negative effects on water quality due to increased impervious surface created by the parking lot. The following identifies the policies with negative impact potential and are followed by Mitigation Measures that refer to other policies or courses of action that can be used to mitigate those negative impacts. Policy 1 - Public Access Funding and Creation: Potential neutral-negative impact by causing a reduction in natural habitat as a result of public access facilities construction. Mitigation Measures: Follow natural resource protection policies which require planning and consideration in achieving the least environmental impact during development. Policy 3 - Soundfront Access Sites: Potential neutral-negative impact by increasing infrastructure demand as a result of public access facilities construction. Potential neutral-negative impact on water quality resulting from public access facilities construction and subsequent use. Mitigation Measures: Follow infrastructure carrying capacity policies 63 and 66 which call for upgrades in water and sewer capacity as needed as development increases. Follow natural resource protection policies and which require planning and consideration in achieving the least environmental impact during development and stormwater runoff standards. Policy 4 - Identification of Land: Potential neutral-negative impact by causing a reduction in natural habitat as a result of public access facilities construction. Mitigation Measures: Follow natural resource protection policies and policy 5 which require planning and consideration in achieving the least environmental impact during development. Policy 7 - Access for Disabled: Potential neutral-negative impact by reducing natural habitat as a result of public access facilities construction. Mitigation Measures: Follow natural resource protection policies which require planning and consideration in achieving the least environmental impact during development. Policy 13 Freeman Park : Potential neutral-negative impact by reducing natural habitat as a result of public access facilities construction. Potential neutral-negative impact by increasing infrastructure demand as a result of public access facilities construction. Potential neutral-negative impact by causing floodway obstructions (facilities, parking, etc.) and possible transgressions on dune barriers. Potential neutral-negative impact by increasing water quality degradation as a result of public access facilities construction and subsequent use. Mitigation Measures: Follow policy 14 which requires planning and consideration in achieving the least environmental impact during use and development of Freeman Park. Implement and enforce (with Police and Parks and Recreation) Freeman Park management rules regarding such things as off-limit areas (dunes). If public access facilities are constructed, follow policies 69 and 70 and the Flood Prevention Ordinance. Policy 17 Public Parking Creation: Potential neutral-negative impact by reducing natural habitat as a result of public access parking construction. Potential neutral-negative impact by increasing water quality degradation as a result of public access facilities construction and subsequent use. Mitigation Measures: Follow policies 18 and 19 regarding planning and considerations for public parking siting and construction. Follow policies regarding stormwater standards and the Stormwater Management Ordinance. Policy 20 Public Moorings : Potential neutral-negative impact by increasing water quality degradation as a result of increased public use of mooring fields. Mitigation Measures: Follow policies and 21 regarding marina environmental stewardship and standards, and adhere to all state and federal regulations regarding the creation and management of a public mooring field. 108

109 Policy 22 Growth Pattern: Potential neutral-negative impact on natural habitat as commercial and residential development occurs. Mitigation Measures: Follow natural resource protection policies which require planning and consideration in achieving the least environmental impact during development. Enforce the Town Zoning and Landscape Ordinance provisions for vegetation and tree cover preservation and replacement. Policy 24 Multi-family Placement: Potential neutral-negative impact by increasing water quality degradation as a result of Multi-family construction and use due to stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces. Mitigation Measures: Follow natural resource protection policies and which require planning and consideration in achieving the least environmental impact during development and stormwater runoff standards. Policy 26 - CBD: Potential neutral-negative impact by increasing water quality degradation due to stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces as a result of Multi-family and larger-scale construction and use. Potential neutral-negative impact on evacuation time and efficiency as a result of multi-family unit construction and dense population. Potential neutral-negative impact by increasing infrastructure demand as a result of multi-family and larger-scale unit construction. Mitigation Measures: Follow natural resource protection policies and which require planning and consideration in achieving the least environmental impact during development and stormwater runoff standards. Follow natural hazard areas policies 72 and 73 which require periodic reevaluation of evacuation routes and emergency management planning and preparedness as development increases. Follow infrastructure carrying capacity policies 62, 63 and 66 which call for upgrades in water and sewer capacity as needed as development increases. Policy 27 Promotion of Business: Potential neutral-negative impact on natural habitat as commercial development occurs. Potential neutral-negative impact by increasing infrastructure demand as a result of commercial construction. Potential neutral-negative impact by increasing water quality degradation due to stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces as a result of commercial construction and use. Mitigation Measures: Follow natural resource protection policies and which require planning and consideration in achieving the least environmental impact during development and stormwater runoff standards. Follow infrastructure carrying capacity policies 62, 63 and 66 which call for upgrades in water and sewer capacity as needed as development increases. Policy 31 Building Height: Potential neutral-negative effect by creating vulnerability and danger from high winds and storm surge in certain areas of Town. Potential neutral-negative impact on evacuation time and efficiency as a result of larger-scale construction in certain areas of Town. Potential neutral-negative impact by increasing infrastructure demand. Mitigation Measures: Follow natural hazard areas policies 69 70, building codes and the Flood Prevention Ordinance which require building standards to resist flooding, storm surge and high winds. Follow natural hazard areas policies 72 and 73 which require periodic re-evaluation of evacuation routes and emergency management planning and preparedness as development increases. Follow infrastructure carrying capacity policies 62, 63 and 66 which call for upgrades in water and sewer capacity as needed as development increases. Policy 32 Building Height in CBD: Potential neutral-negative impact by increasing infrastructure demand as a result of multi-family and larger-scale unit construction. Potential neutral-negative effect by creating vulnerability and danger from high winds and storm surge in the CBD. Potential neutral-negative impact on evacuation time and efficiency as a result of larger-scale and multi-family unit construction in the CBD. Mitigation Measures: Follow infrastructure carrying capacity policies 62, 63 and 66 which call for upgrades in water and sewer capacity as needed as development increases. Follow natural hazard areas policies 69 70, building codes and the Flood Prevention Ordinance which require building standards to resist flooding, storm surge and high winds. Follow natural hazard areas policies 72 and 73 which require periodic re-evaluation of evacuation routes and emergency management planning and preparedness as development increases. 109

110 Policy 33 Light Industrial Option: Potential neutral-negative impact by increasing infrastructure demand as a result of certain types of intense industrial uses. Mitigation Measures: Prohibit/discourage infrastructure intense industrial uses from locating in Town. Follow infrastructure carrying capacity policies 62, 63 and 66 which call for upgrades in water and sewer capacity if industrial development occurs. Policy 56 Low-intensity Restaurant/Commercial Soundside: Potential neutral-negative impact by reducing natural habitat as a result of commercial development. Potential neutral-negative impact by increasing water quality degradation as a result of commercial development and subsequent use. Mitigation Measures: Follow natural resource protection policies and which require planning and consideration in achieving the least environmental impact during development and stormwater runoff standards in post-development. Policy 64 Wastewater and Development: Potential neutral-negative impact by increasing wastewater infrastructure demand and subsequent reduction in capacity as a result of required utilization of Town sewer system for all development. Mitigation Measures: Follow infrastructure carrying capacity policy 66 which calls for upgrades in sewer capacity as needed as development occurs. Policy 65 Package Sewage and Septics: Potential neutral-negative impact by increasing wastewater infrastructure demand and subsequent reduction in capacity as a result of prohibiting package treatment and septic systems. Mitigation Measures: Follow infrastructure carrying capacity policy 66 which calls for upgrades in sewer capacity as needed as development occurs. Policy 86 - Economic and Community Growth and Development: Potential neutral-negative impact by increasing infrastructure demand as a result of commercial construction and increased tourism. Mitigation Measures: Follow infrastructure carrying capacity policies 63 and 66 which call for upgrades in water and sewer capacity as needed as development increases. Policy 87 - Boardwalk: Potential neutral-negative impact by increasing infrastructure demand as a result of commercial construction and increased tourism. Potential neutral-negative impact by increasing water quality degradation as a result of commercial development and subsequent use. Mitigation Measures: Follow infrastructure carrying capacity policies 62, 63 and 66 which call for upgrades in water and sewer capacity as needed as development increases and stormwater runoff standards in post-development. Policy 92 - Support for Commercial Fishing: Potential neutral-negative impact by increasing water quality degradation as a result of commercial fishing development and subsequent use. Mitigation Measures: Follow policies 84 and 85 which support state and federal regulations intended to preserve marine fishery resources and water quality, and call for marina environmental stewardship within the Town s jurisdiction. Policy 93 - Support for Recreational Boating: Potential neutral-negative impact by increasing water quality degradation as a result of increased recreational boating use. Mitigation Measures: Follow policies 84 and 85 which support state and federal regulations intended to preserve marine fishery resources and water quality, and call for marina environmental stewardship within the Town s jurisdiction. Policy 94 - Carolina Beach Boat Basin and Marina: Potential neutral-negative impact by increasing water quality degradation as a result of increased marina development and use. 110

111 Mitigation Measures: Follow policies 84 and 85 which support state and federal regulations intended to preserve marine fishery resources and water quality, and call for marina environmental stewardship within the Town s jurisdiction. Policy 96 Public Parking: Potential neutral-negative impact by reducing natural habitat as a result of public parking construction. Potential neutral-negative impact by increasing water quality degradation as a result of public parking construction and subsequent use. Mitigation Measures: Follow policies 18 and 19 regarding planning and considerations for public parking siting and construction. Follow policies regarding stormwater standards and the Stormwater Management Ordinance for Best Management Practices. 5.0 Tools for Managing Development The Tools for Managing Development Section provides: 1) a description of the role the Land Use Plan and its policies and goals shall play in determining development approval; 2) a description of the Town s existing development management and regulation program; 3) a description of additional tools used to implement the polices of the Land Use Plan; and 4) an Action Implementation Schedule for setting an implementation timeframe for the Town s priority goals. 5.1 Role and Status of the Plan The Town Land Use Plan is a guiding tool that establishes the desired direction for land use and development in the Community. Although the statements and policies in the Land Use Plan do not have the authority of a code or regulation, many state and federal decisions on permitting local actions rest on a determination of consistency with the Town s Land Use Plan. Such state permitting decisions include CAMA major permits (see Section 1.4) issued by the Division of Coastal Management. The Land Use Plan may be amended if situations arise where the Land Use Plan becomes in conflict with new local, state or federal policy direction (consult NCAC 7B Section.0900 for Amendment Rules). The Land Use Plan shall at a minimum be used for the following: The approval of routine and major developments (including redevelopments) shall be consistent with the policy direction and goals of the Land Use Plan. Amendments to development related ordinances (e.g. rezoning petitions), conditional use permit review and approval and creation of new ordinances shall be consistent with the policy direction and goals of the Land Use Plan. The approval of capital improvements, and related projects, shall be consistent with the policy direction and goals of the Land Use Plan. Town Planning Staff shall consult the Plan and use it as a basis for making recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Town Council in such actions as development approval and ordinance amendments. If the proposed development or amendment is in conflict with the policy direction or goals of the Land Use Plan, staff shall notify the Planning and Zoning Commission and Town Council of the possible inconsistency. The policy direction and goals of the Land Use Plan are in Sections 4.0 through 4.3. A more general policy direction of the Land Use Plan can be found in the Community Vision Statement (Section 2.3). The Land Use Plan may also be used by: The Public - The Land Use Plan shall be available to any interested member of the public. The Plan can inform the public of the direction and future of their community and give them a sense of knowing and understanding what is going on. Public knowledge of the goals and policies of the Land Use Plan will also assist the public in forming support or opposition for actions in their community, to act as caretakers of their community. Land Owners and Developers - The Land Use Plan provides developers and property owners with guidance and expectations on the types of land uses and development that are desired by the community. Knowledge of expectations and possible requirements of development will aid developers and land owners in preparing sound proposals and plans which will be more likely to be approved by Town officials in a more time-efficient manner. The Land Use Plan and its 111

112 mapping and analysis can also provide land owners and developers with general information that could make them aware of possible capabilities and limitations of their property. Town Staff - Town staff, beyond the Planning Department, can use the plan as a tool for evaluating project proposals (such as new parks or bike paths) and for preparing plans for public facilities and infrastructure (such as water/sewer upgrades). Town Staff could also use the plan and its policies and goals when preparing its budget requests and recommendations, and make reference to the plan when preparing applications for grants and other assistance. Area Jurisdictions Local jurisdictions that may be affected, either positively or negatively, by actions of Carolina Beach can use the plan to understand and predict the intents and purposes behind such actions. Area jurisdictions may also want to coordinate with the Town on achieving certain common goals, or in implementing similar policies. Such common goals could be the improvement of Dow Road to use as a throughway, which is shared by both Kure Beach and Carolina Beach Staff Flow Chart for Determining Consistency of Development Proposals and Ordinance Amendments The following flow chart is an example of the process by which Town Staff may determine consistency of local development and regulatory decisions with the policy direction and goals of the Land Use Plan. Staff receives request to review development proposal or amendment Staff identifies which policies and/or goals (Sections 4.0 through 4.3) are key (both pro and con) to the development proposal or ordinance amendment Staff determines based on available information and direction derived from the Plan whether the development proposal or ordinance amendment is consistent or in conflict with the intent of the Land Use Plan. (Staff discretion in interpreting consistency may be necessary in cases where adequate information is lacking and/or in cases where policy direction may be open-ended with the intent of allowing flexibility for case-by-case determinations on unique development proposals or ordinance amendments) Staff documents in their recommendation report the key (both pro and con) policies and goals Staff reviews Policy Impact Analysis (Sections and 4.6.2) to determine if the key policies in support of the development proposal or ordinance amendment will negatively impact any other goals or policies Staff documents in their recommendation report any applicable mitigation measures that may need to be considered if the proposal is approved Staff recommendation report goes to Planning and Zoning Commission and/or Town Council (whichever is applicable) for decision-making 112

113 5.2Existing Development Program The Town Code of Ordinances contains all the local ordinances and many of the regulations used by the Town to manage growth and development. Some of the primary ordinances, regulations and plans regarding land use management are listed in the table below. The Capital Improvements Plan is also included as a tool for managing development given its use as a mechanism for planning for the expenditure of large funds on projects that may have direct impacts on growth and development. Table 34: Existing Development Program Ordinances/Regulations Zoning Ordinance Code Enforcement Subdivision Regulations Flood Prevention Ordinance Landscape Ordinance CAMA Local Permitting Officer Authority Building Code (State Building Code) Minimum Housing Standards Abandoned Structures Standards Fire Prevention Code Sewer Use Ordinance Stormwater Management Ordinance Harbor and Marina Code Harbor-front property and Pier-Head Line Standards Privilege (Business) Licensing Plans CAMA Land Use Plan North End Traffic and Circulation Study Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization - Long-Range Transportation Plan (includes North Carolina DOT TIP Projects) Hazard Mitigation Plan Emergency Operations Plan Capital Improvements Program Scheduled Fiscal Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Responsible Department Planning Planning Planning Planning Planning Planning/Fire Operations Operations Administration/Harbor Master/Planning Finance Officer Planning Planning/Operations Planning/Operations Contains Implementation Measures for All Departments Contains Implementation Measures for All Departments Contains Implementation Measures for All Departments Additional Stormwater Division Management Programs In conjunction with the Stormwater Management Ordinance and the NPDES Phase II Program, the Town implements several programs to maintain surface water quality in its system of stormwater retention and detention ponds. The primary stormwater pond is Carolina Beach Lake, the Lake receives the following treatments to maintain adequate surface water quality: Raking of the water column to remove algae. The program is ongoing. TrueBlue eco-friendly additive to block Ultra-Violet rays to the water column. The program is ongoing until other programs achieve elimination of algae. Clearing of ditches/conveyances leading to the Lake to allow water flow and prevent stagnation. The program is ongoing. Increase and maintain pumping capacity at the Lake to divert water to Henniger s ditch to prevent flooding of the Lake. The program is ongoing. Aeration fountains to circulate water in the Lake. One additional fountain will be added to the Lake in 2005, and a portable fountain will be added to allow use among all the Town stormwater ponds. Filter feeding carp to reduce algae in the Lake. The program is ongoing. Carp will be added to other adequately sized ponds in

114 Coordination of the Development Management Program for Major Projects The Town has established and uses a Technical Review Committee (TRC) to coordinate the Town s process for review and enforcement of regulations regarding special development projects in the Town s jurisdiction. The TRC reviews and coordinates regulation of all development projects that require a Conditional Use Permit, Subdivision and/or any other special requirement that is heard by the Planning and Zoning Commission and/or Town Council. The Technical Review Committee consists of the Town Manager, Operations Director, Planning Director and staff, Stormwater Superintendent, Zoning Administrator, Building Inspector, Code Enforcement Officer, Public Information Officer, and Police and Fire Chiefs, and any other staff deemed necessary. The Technical Review Committee is in the process of developing standard operating procedures with functional checklists to improve the efficiency and organization of the TRC process. Completion and establishment of standards for TRC operation are to be completed in the summer of Existing Development Program in Implementing the Policies and Goals of the Land Use Plan See Appendix IV for a table describing how the existing ordinances and plans will assist in implementing the policies and goals of the Land Use Plan. 5.3 Additional Tools for Managing Development In addition to the existing development management program described in the previous section, the Town may seek to establish additional programs or plans or amend current ordinances to address currently unmet and/or future needs. Acquisition programs for the purchase of land for public uses or for infrastructure improvements may also be used as an additional tool for managing development. Some of those additional tools, their estimated implementation date and their responsible department are listed in the table below. Table 35: Scheduled Additional Management Tools Ordinances/Regulations To be Done in Department Responsibility Fiscal Year Zoning Ordinance Amendments Set Height limit in all residential land classification areas Remove MF from Residential Planning Stormwater Management Ordinance Amendments Require Sod instead of seed/straw for erosion control on new developments Require use of slotted grade device on driveways/roadways to minimize sheet flow area Require setbacks for adjacent driveways to allow for pervious space (grass) in between Consider alternative permeable surfaces for driveways 2005 Operations 114

115 Flood Prevention Ordinance Amendments Amend ordinance to comply with the 2004 NC Model Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance to satisfy all current State and Federal minimum requirements for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program with regards to the adoption of required floodplain management regulations All Departments: Continue implementation of activities that allow us to maintain our class 7 rating. Planning: Enhance mitigation efforts and further reduce flood insurance rates through implementation of new activities listed in the CRS Coordinator s Manual Plans Boardwalk Revitalization Plan 2005 Planning Freeman Park Management Plan 2005 Parks and Recreation Water Use and Harbor Management Plan 2006 Planning Shoreline Access Plan 2006 Planning Unified Development Ordinance 2007 Planning Town-wide Addressing Study 2007 Planning Bicycle Pedestrian Plan 2008 Planning Town-wide Transportation Plan 2008 Planning/Operations Capital Improvements Program Scheduled Fiscal Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Water System Expansion Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade 2005/ /2008 Operations Operations Additional Stormwater Division Management Programs In addition to the scheduled Stormwater Management Ordinance Amendments mentioned above, the Town intends to implement the following programs to address stormwater problems: Install bulkheads on public street ends along Canal Drive to aid flood prevention. Program will be implemented in Implement a Capital Project to pipe a ditch running approximately from Fifth Street to Carolina Beach Lake. Program is scheduled for Action Implementation Schedule (See Appendix V) The Action Implementation Schedule is a listing of the priority actions the Town has set to accomplish in the planning period of this Land Use Plan (typically 5-6 years). The actions to implement are derived from the goals and policy statements of the Land Use Plan. Actions may be added to the list in the future if situations change or new needs arise. The Action Implementation Schedule should be referenced with Section 5.3 Additional Tools for Managing Development which shows scheduled plans and ordinance amendments intended to assist in reaching some of the goals and policies found in the Action Implementation Schedule and the Land Use Plan in general. Finally, the Action Implementation Schedule will be used as the benchmark to prepare a CAMA required implementation status report every two years for the life of the plan (see North Carolina Administrative Code 15A 7L.0511). 115

116 Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan Appendix 116

117 Appendix I: Assessment of the 1997 Land Use Plan Policy Effectiveness and Implementation An assessment of whether the policy direction and the associated objectives and goals of the 1997 Land Use Plan have been reached is a useful exercise to identify any strengths and/or weaknesses in the Town s development management program. It should be noted that the Town is in the process of formally amending certain 1997 Land Use Plan policies to establish a more accurate reflect the growth patterns of that have been approved by the Town over the last few years and into today. The amended policies include 8.1.0, 8.2.6, 8.3.0, B, 8.3.3, 8.3.4, 8.3.5, and D. Table Matrix: Consistency, Implementation and Effectiveness of the 1997 Land Use Plan Policies Management Topic and 1997 Policies Public Access C Public Beach and Waterfront Access (Parts 1 & 2) Have Zoning Regs. remained consistent with policy? Part 1 N/A Part 2 Inconsistent. Zoning has not prohibited soundfront walling-off. 117 Has the policy been implemented by the Town? Part 1 Yes Part 2 Not effectively. Zoning has not prohibited soundfront walling-off. Has the policy been effective in reaching a Town goal? Part 1 Yes Part 2 No. Zoning has not prohibited soundfront wallingoff A Marinas N/A No. Water Use Plan not developed. No. Sound water use is still in conflict B Floating Home Development Yes Yes Yes C Moorings and Mooring Fields N/A No. Water Use Plan not developed. No. Public Mooring field not planned for or established A Assistance to Channel N/A Yes Yes Maintenance 8.3.8B Beach Maintenance N/A Yes Yes Land Use Compatibility Basic Policy Statement Regarding Resource Protection Minimal. Some Large-scale projects have impacted Moderately. Moderately. scenic views. Yes. Yes. Moderately B Maritime Forest and Tree Cover I North End Natural Area Yes. Yes. Moderately, but new management programs have been implemented K,L,M Buffer Zone/Carolina Beach State Park/ Snow s Cut Protection of Potable Water Supply Yes. Yes. Yes. Minimally. Dense development allowed. New amendments seek to reduce MF development. Moderately. Addt nl wells and other water infra. have been added/repaired Package Sewer Treatment Yes. Yes. Yes. Plants D Dry Stack Storage Yes. Yes. Yes Industrial Impacts on Fragile Yes. Yes. Yes. Areas Development of Sound and Yes. Yes. Yes. Estuarine System Islands Upland Excavation for Yes. Yes. Yes. Marina Basins Marsh Damage From Yes. Yes. Yes. Bulkhead Installation Basic Policy Statement Regarding Resource Production and Management Moderately. Growth inevitably has effect on natural resources without full stormwater, etc. mitigation. Moderately. Density is relatively high, but new stormwater and zoning standards are intended to help. No. Water supply and quality still a major Town issue. Moderately. Growth inevitably has effect on natural resources without full stormwater, etc. mitigation Productive Agricultural Lands Yes. Yes. Yes Commercial Forest Lands Yes. Yes. Yes Development Impacts No. Policy amended in No. Policy amended in No. Policy amended in

118 Land Use Compatibility Cont d 8.3.0B Building Height Have Zoning Regs. remained consistent with policy? No. Policy amended November 12, 2005 Changed from 35 to Has the policy been implemented by the Town? No. Policy amended in Has the policy been effective in reaching a Town goal? No. Policy amended in Industries Desired and Local Yes. Yes. Yes. Assets Desirable to Such Industries Urban Growth Pattern Desired No. Policy amended in No. Policy amnd No. Policy amended in Types of Residential Part 1 Yes. Part 1 Yes Part 1 Yes Development Desired Part 2 No. Policy amended in Part 2 No. Policy Part 2 No. Policy amended in Part 1 & , zoning amended in amended in Types of Commercial Development Desired Part 1 & Redevelopment, Including Relocation of Threatened Structures 2005 to address deficiencies. Part 1 Yes. Part 2 No. Policy amended in 2005, zoning amended in 2005 to address deficiencies. Yes. Part 1 Yes Part 2 No. Policy amended in Yes. However, debate about soundness of Boardwalk area is still ongoing Boardwalk Area N/A Moderately. Process is ongoing. Policy amended in B Neighborhood Character and Preservation Infrastructure Carrying Capacity Provision of Services to Development 8.3.2A Potable Water Supply Moderately. Recent zoning amendments shall preserve SF nature of Trad. Res. Areas. Moderately. No neighborhood planning program established. Yes. Yes. Yes. Moderately. Density will impact water supply. Need to revisit supply source. Moderately. Water crisis still at issue B Wastewater Treatment and Yes. Yes. Yes. Disposal 8.3.2C Solid Waste Disposal Yes. Yes. Yes A Highway Improvements Moderately. HB corridor increase traffic on Lake Park Blvd. Moderately. No improvement or use of Dow Road as bypass. However, recent Transp. Studies address traffic on Lake Pk B Street System Planning N/A Moderately. The function has been assumed by the MPO C Bikeways N/A Yes. Ongoing. Yes. Ongoing E Dow Road Intersection N/A Moderately. No improvement or use of Dow Road as bypass E Public Infrastructure Repairs and Replacement E Water Supply Areas and Other Waters with Special Values Natural Hazards 8.5.2B Local Post Disaster Reconstruction Policies 8.5.2D Staging Schedule for Reconstruction and Repair N/A Moderately. Ongoing Yes. Ongoing Moderately. Density will impact water supply. Need to revisit with regard to supply source Moderately. Water crisis still at issue. Yes. Yes. Yes. N/A Yes. Yes E Ocean Hazard AECs Yes. Yes. Yes Development Within Areas N/A Yes. No definitive That Might be Susceptible to Sea impact or rate of sea Level Rise level rise established. Part 1 Yes Part 2 No. Policy amended in Yes. However, debate about soundness of Boardwalk area is still ongoing. Moderately. Process is ongoing. Policy amended in Moderately. Recent development has encroached, but 2005 zoning amendments aimed to stop encroachment. Moderately. Water crisis still at issue. Moderately. No improvement or use of Dow Road as bypass. Moderately. The function has been assumed by the MPO. No improvement or use of Dow Road as bypass. Moderately. Water crisis still at issue. Yes. No definitive impact or rate of sea level rise established.

119 Natural Hazards Cont d 8.5 Storm Hazard Mitigation/Post Disaster Recovery & Evacuation Policies and Plans Have Zoning Regs. remained consistent with policy? 119 Has the policy been implemented by the Town? Yes. Yes. Yes A Storm Effect Mitigation Yes. Yes. Yes B Discouragement of Yes. Yes. Public outreach is Hazardous Development being strengthened Constraints Caused by Soil Limitations and Flood Prone Areas Has the policy been effective in reaching a Town goal? Yes. Public outreach is being strengthened (website/brochures). (website/brochures). Yes. Yes. Moderately. Stormwater rules need to be strengthened to reach mitigative goal C Public Land Acquisition Yes. Yes. Ongoing. Yes. Ongoing D Evacuation Moderately. Lack of density standards in key areas may impact future evacuation. Yes. Ongoing. Yes. Ongoing A Emergency Management N/A Yes. Ongoing. Yes. Ongoing. Plan and Near Term Response 8.5.2C Recovery Task Force N/A Yes. Ongoing. Yes. Ongoing. Water Quality Stormwater Runoff Yes. Yes. Yes Areas of Environmental Yes. Regulated by law. Yes. Regulated by law. Yes. Concern A Coastal Wetland AECs Yes. Regulated by law. Yes. Regulated by law. Yes B Estuarine Waters AECs Yes. Regulated by law. Yes. Regulated by law. Yes C Public Trust Waters AECs Yes. Regulated by law. Yes. Regulated by law. Yes D Estuarine Shoreline AECs Yes. Regulated by law. Yes. Regulated by law. Yes A Freshwater Wetlands Yes. Regulated by law. Yes. Regulated by law. Yes C Outstanding Resource Yes. Regulated by law. Yes. Regulated by law. Yes. Waters D Shellfishing Waters Yes. Yes. Yes H Myrtle Grove Sound and Yes. In conjunction with Yes. Yes. Cape Fear River Stormwater Ord J Carolina Beach Lake Yes. Yes. Yes Water Quality Problems and Yes. Yes. Yes. Management Measures Designed to Address Them Local Concerns Marina/Boat Basin N/A Yes. Yes D Parking Yes. Yes. Yes Mineral Production Areas- Yes. Yes. Yes. Existing and Potential Parks and Recreation N/A Yes. Yes F Cultural and Historic Moderately. No historic Yes. Yes. Resources district overlay established E Commercial Fishing N/A. Yes. Yes Operations Fisheries Resources N/A. Yes. Yes (Commercial and Recreational) Off-Road Vehicles Yes. Yes Yes Basic Policy Statement Moderately. Policy amended Moderately. Policy Regarding Economic & Community in amended in Growth & Development Moderately. Policy amended in A Growth of Town s Yes. Yes Yes. Jurisdiction Commitment to State and Yes. Yes Yes. Federal Programs, Generally Energy Facility Siting and Development Yes. Yes Yes Tourism Yes. Yes Yes State Port Facilities N/A Yes. Yes A Scenic Vistas and Views Yes. Yes Yes. Public street ends remain unobstructed or are used public access.

120 Local Concerns Cont d C Historic Preservation Basic policy Statement Regarding Continuing Public Participation Have Zoning Regs. remained consistent with policy? Moderately. No historic district overlay established. Has the policy been implemented by the Town? Yes. Has the policy been effective in reaching a Town goal? Yes. N/A Yes. Yes Land Use Plan Update Process N/A Yes. Yes On-going Public Participation N/A Yes. Yes Neighborhood Planning N/A No. Has not been No. implemented. To summarize the implementation and effectiveness of the 1997 Land Use Plan (LUP), the scale of certain development and redevelopments since 1997 have occurred in a manner that was not consistent with some of the preferences outlined in the 1997 Land Use Plan. Such inconsistencies are being remediated through a Land Use Plan Amendment process as well as through scheduled zoning amendments (2005). However, such developments have moved the Town towards meeting other goals as outlined in the 1997 Land Use Plan (such as economic revitalization). Other non-implemented policies of the 1997 LUP include the preparation of a Water Use Plan for Myrtle Grove Sound and the identification and utilization of alternative sources of potable water supply. Alleviating or adequately managing traffic congestion and the effective utilization of Dow Road as a Lake Park Boulevard bypass have not been fully accomplished. On the other hand, policies and goals towards public parking and access creation and beach maintenance have been implemented effectively. Given that many of the issues form the 1997 Land Use Plan still remain issues at present, it is recommended that Town further its dialogue on prioritizing and accomplishing those needs that have lingered the longest and receive the most consensus for resolution, such as securing an adequate water supply, establishing long-term traffic management, continue to implement effective stormwater management, revitalizing the Central Business District and Boardwalk area, and developing a Water Use Plan for Myrtle Grove Sound. 120

121 Appendix II: Future Land Classification Area Table Future Area Name Future Res. Density Future Commercial Density/Intensity Future Predominant Residential Land Uses Future Predominant Commercial Land Uses Residential Residential 1 Moderate N/A Single Family and Duplex. 50 Height Maximum. Residential 2 Low-Moderate N/A Single Family Only. 50 Height Maximum. Residential 3 Low N/A Single Family Only. 50 Height Maximum. Residential 4 Moderate N/A Single Family and Duplex. (Transition from Manufactured Housing). 50 Height Maximum. Residential 5 High N/A Multi-Family, Single Family and Duplex. 50 Height Maximum. Mixed Use N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Commercial Marina Mixed Use Moderate Low Duplex and Single-Family. 60 height maximum. Mixed Use 1 Moderate Low Duplex, Single-Family. 60 height maximum. Mixed Use 2 Moderate Low Single-Family, Duplex, Manufactured (Manufactured Housing) Housing. 50 height maximum. Mixed Use 3 High Low to Moderate Multi-Family, Duplex, Single-Family. 60 height maximum. Commercial 1 (Highway Business) Commercial 1.1 (Town Center Highway Corridor) Commercial 2 (Town Center) Special Commercial Industrial Conservation Moderate-High Moderate Single-Family Subordinate to Commercial Use. 60 height maximum. High Moderate Multi-Family and Single-Family Subordinate to Commercial Use. High High Multi-Family and Single-Family Subordinate to Commercial Use. Restaurants, Water-oriented Business. 60 height maximum. Small-Scale Service and Retail. 50 height maximum. Small-Scale Retail and Service. 50 height maximum. Hotels and Motels, Restaurants, Retail. 50 height maximum on Hwy 421/Lk Park corridor and west of Carolina Beach Ave. South. 60 height maximum east of Carolina Beach Avenue South. Vehicle-Oriented General Business. 50 height maximum on Hwy 421/Lk Park corridor. 60 height maximum other areas. Pedestrian-Oriented Commercial Uses, Services, Entertainment. 50 Height maximum limit on Hwy 421/Lk Park corridor. Pedestrian-Oriented Commercial Uses, Services, Entertainment.. 50 Height Permitted by Right with exceptions requiring Conditional Use Permit. North Pier Commerce Area Moderate Low Duplex, Single-Family. 50 Height Pier-Oriented Commercial and Restaurant. 50 Height Maximum. Maximum. Boardwalk N/A High N/A Smaller-Scale Pedestrian-Oriented Commercial Uses, Services, Entertainment. 50 height maximum. Industrial N/A N/A N/A Light Industrial (Shall have Low Impact on Environment and Neighboring Residential Areas). 50 Height Maximum. Conservation N/A N/A CAMA and Town approved low-impact structures such as Docks and Piers. N/A 121

122 Appendix II Cont d: Definitions for Density Terms- Residential Low Density- 12,000 square foot or larger lot size with 40% Maximum Lot Coverage. Single-Family units only. Future Land Use Map Areas: Residential 3 (See Map). Residential Low-Moderate Density- 5,000 7,000 square foot minimum lot size with 40% Maximum Lot Coverage. Single-Family units only. Future Land Use Map Areas: Residential 2 (See Map). Residential Moderate Density- 5,000 square foot minimum lot size (10,000 square foot minimum lot size for Marina Mixed Use Area) with 40% Maximum Lot Coverage for Single Units and Duplex. Predominantly Single-Family and Duplex units. Future Land Use Map Areas: Residential 1, Residential 4, Marina Mixed Use Area, Mixed Use 1, Mixed Use 2 and North Pier Commerce Area (See Map). Residential High Density- 5,000 6,000 square foot minimum lot size with 40% Maximum Lot Coverage for Multi-Family and 40% for Duplex and Single- Family units outside of Central Business District (Commercial 2 and Commercial 1.1). Future Land Use Map Areas: Residential 5, Mixed Use 3, Commercial 1, Commercial 1.1, and Commercial 2 (See Map). Multi-family units Triplex or greater Commercial Low Density/Intensity- 10,000 square foot minimum lot size (6,000 square foot minimum lot size in Mixed Use 1 area) with small scale office, retail, service and/or water-oriented business (Marina Mixed Use Area). Access shall be less dependent on vehicular traffic intensity. 40% Maximum lot coverage. Future Land Use Map Areas: Marina Mixed Use Area, Mixed Use 1, Mixed Use 2, Mixed Use 3, Neighborhood Business and North Pier Commerce Area (See Map). Commercial Moderate Density/Intensity- 10,000 square foot minimum lot size (minimum lot size in Commercial 1.1 is not applicable) with predominantly small to mediumscale general commercial services and retail oriented toward vehicular traffic. 60% Maximum Lot Coverage. Future Land Use Map Areas: Mixed Use 3, Commercial 1, Commercial 1.1 (See Map). Commercial High Density/Intensity- General office and commercial services ranging from small to larger scale with minimal or no vehicular traffic access. Access shall be predominantly pedestrian-oriented. Large Scale (exceeding 50 feet in height) shall be dependent upon conditional use review and approval. Building height shall not exceed 50 in Boardwalk Area. Future Land Use Map Areas: Commercial 2 and Boardwalk (See Map). 122

123 Appendix III: Policy Impact Analysis Table Policy Impact Analysis: Indicates Whether Policy Has a Negative, Neutral or Positive Impact on The Management Topic Goals Management Topics Public Access Land Use Compatibility Infrastructure Natural Hazards Water Quality Local Concerns More Planned Access Locations LUP Policies: Public Access Policy 1 Public Access Funding Policy 2 Public Access Funding Policy 3 Soundfront Access Sites Policy 4 Identification of Land Policy 5 Evaluation of Land Policy 6 Acquisition of Land Policy 7 Access for Disabled Policy 8 Access for Disabled Policy 9 Access Signage Policy 10 Access Signage Policy 11 Access Signs and Safety Policy 12 Access Signs and Safety Upgrades to Existing Access Locations Reduction in Habitat Loss and Fragmentation Related to Impacts of Land Use and Development Reduction of Water Resource and Water Quality Degradation Water, Sewer and Other Key Community Facilities and Services Being Available in Required Locations at Adequate Capacities to Support Planned Community Growth and Development Patterns 123 Land Uses and Development Patterns That Reduce Vulnerability to Natural Hazards Land Uses and Development Patterns That Take Into Account the Existing and Planned Capacity of Evacuation Infrastructure Land Use and Development Criteria and Measures That Abate Impacts That Degrade Water Quality Policies That Address Local Concerns and Promote Activities such as Economic Revitalization, Preserving Scenic Areas, Increasing Public Parking, and Promoting Family- Oriented Business. Local Concern Policies Should be Consistent With Other Policies and the Goals of the Management Topics. Positive Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policies Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive Positive Neutral Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policies 62, 63 and 66 Positive Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policies 5, and Neutral Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policies and Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive Positive Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral-Positive Positive Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive Positive Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policies Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral Positive Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Positive Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral Positive Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral Positive

124 Management Topics Public Access Land Use Compatibility Infrastructure Natural Hazards Water Quality Local Concerns More Planned Access Locations Policy 13 Freeman Park Policy 14 Freeman Park Enviro. Policy 15 Freeman Park Regs. Policy 16 Public Parking Retention Policy 17 Public Parking Creation Policy 18 Public Parking Enviro. Policy 19 Public Parking Enviro. Policy 20 Public Moorings Policy 21 Public Moorings Upgrades to Existing Access Locations Positive Reduction in Habitat Loss and Fragmentation Related to Impacts of Land Use and Development Reduction of Water Resource and Water Quality Degradation Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policy 14 Water, Sewer and Other Key Community Facilities and Services Being Available in Required Locations at Adequate Capacities to Support Planned Community Growth and Development Patterns Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policy 14 Land Uses and Development Patterns That Reduce Vulnerability to Natural Hazards Land Uses and Development Patterns That Take Into Account the Existing and Planned Capacity of Evacuation Infrastructure Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policy 69 and 70 Land Use and Development Criteria and Measures That Abate Impacts That Degrade Water Quality Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policy 14 Policies That Address Local Concerns and Promote Activities such as Economic Revitalization, Preserving Scenic Areas, Increasing Public Parking, and Promoting Family- Oriented Business. Local Concern Policies Should be Consistent With Other Policies and the Goals of the Management Topics. Positive Positive Positive Neutral Neutral-Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Positive Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive Positive Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policy 18 and 19 Neutral Neutral Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policies and Positive Positive Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Positive Positive Positive Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Positive Positive Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policies Neutral Neutral Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policies Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive Positive Positive 124

125 Land Use Plan Policies: Land Use Compatibility Policy 22 Growth Pattern Policy 23 Moderate Density Policy 24 Multi-Family Placement Policy 25 Reduction of High- Density Neutral Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policies Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policies and Positive Neutral Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Positive 125

126 Management Topics Public Access Land Use Compatibility Infrastructure Natural Hazards Water Quality Local Concerns More Planned Access Locations Policy 26 CBD Policy 27 Promotion of Business Policy 28 Pedestrian-Oriented Policy 29 Architectural Design Policy 30 Building Height Defined Policy 31 Building Height Policy 32 Building Height CBD Policy 33 Light Industrial Option Policy 34 Dry Stack Policy 35 Nat. Resource Protection Policy 36 Nat. Resource Protection Policy 37 Promotion of Enviro. Development Policy 38 Development in Enviro. Sensitive Areas Policy 39 Wetland Evaluations Policy 40 Support of CAMA Policy 41 Enviro. Regulation Enforcement Upgrades to Existing Access Locations Neutral- Positive Neutral Reduction in Habitat Loss and Fragmentation Related to Impacts of Land Use and Development Reduction of Water Resource and Water Quality Degradation Neutral Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policies Water, Sewer and Other Key Community Facilities and Services Being Available in Required Locations at Adequate Capacities to Support Planned Community Growth and Development Patterns Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policies 62, 63 and 66 Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policies 62, 63 and Land Uses and Development Patterns That Reduce Vulnerability to Natural Hazards Land Uses and Development Patterns That Take Into Account the Existing and Planned Capacity of Evacuation Infrastructure Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policies Neutral Land Use and Development Criteria and Measures That Abate Impacts That Degrade Water Quality Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policies and Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policies and Policies That Address Local Concerns and Promote Activities such as Economic Revitalization, Preserving Scenic Areas, Increasing Public Parking, and Promoting Family- Oriented Business. Local Concern Policies Should be Consistent With Other Policies and the Goals of the Management Topics. Positive Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policies and Neutral Neutral Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policies 62, 63 and 66 Neutral Neutral Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policies 62, 63 and 66 Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policies and Neutral Neutral Positive Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral Positive Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral Positive Neutral Positive Neutral Positive Positive Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral Positive Neutral Neutral Positive Positive Neutral Positive Neutral Neutral-Positive Positive Positive Neutral Positive Neutral Positive Positive Positive Neutral- Positive Neutral Positive Positive Positive Positive Neutral Positive Neutral Positive Positive Positive

127 Management Topics Public Access Land Use Compatibility Infrastructure Natural Hazards Water Quality Local Concerns More Planned Access Locations Policy 42 Preservation in Development Design Policy 43 CAMA and AECs Policy 44 Overhead Utilities Land Use Compatibility Cont d Policy 45 Off-street Parking Requirements Policy 46 Development and Infrastructure Policy 47 Connection to Infra. At Developer s Expense Policy 48 Upgrades to Infra. At Developers Expense Policy 49 Tree Cover Policy 50 Use of Indigenous Vegetation Policy 51 Landscape Ordinance and Overlay Policy 52 Relocation of Structures Policy 53 Redevelopment of Structures Policy 54 Liens and Demolition of Structures Upgrades to Existing Access Locations Reduction in Habitat Loss and Fragmentation Related to Impacts of Land Use and Development Reduction of Water Resource and Water Quality Degradation Water, Sewer and Other Key Community Facilities and Services Being Available in Required Locations at Adequate Capacities to Support Planned Community Growth and Development Patterns Land Uses and Development Patterns That Reduce Vulnerability to Natural Hazards Land Uses and Development Patterns That Take Into Account the Existing and Planned Capacity of Evacuation Infrastructure Land Use and Development Criteria and Measures That Abate Impacts That Degrade Water Quality Policies That Address Local Concerns and Promote Activities such as Economic Revitalization, Preserving Scenic Areas, Increasing Public Parking, and Promoting Family- Oriented Business. Local Concern Policies Should be Consistent With Other Policies and the Goals of the Management Topics. Neutral Positive Neutral Positive Positive Positive Neutral Positive Neutral Positive Positive Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral Positive Positive Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral Positive Neutral Positive Positive Positive Neutral Positive Neutral-Positive Positive Positive Positive Neutral Positive Neutral Positive Positive Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral Neutral-Positive 127

128 Policy Impact Analysis: Indicates Whether Policy Has a Negative, Neutral or Positive Impact on The Management Topic Goals Management Topics Public Access Land Use Compatibility Infrastructure Natural Hazards Water Quality Local Concerns More Planned Access Locations Policy 55 Land Use Adjacent Marina Policy 56 Low-intensity Restaurant/Commercial Soundside Policy 57 Funding to Protect Scenic Views Policy 58 Scenic View Protection Policy 59 Scenic View Protection Policy 60 Scenic View Protection Policy 61 Scenic View Protection LUP Policies: Infrastructure Carrying Capacity Policy 62 Potable Water Supply Policy 63 Alternative Water Sources Policy 64 Wastewater and Development Policy 65 Package Sewage and Septics Upgrades to Existing Access Locations Reduction in Habitat Loss and Fragmentation Related to Impacts of Land Use and Development Reduction of Water Resource and Water Quality Degradation Water, Sewer and Other Key Community Facilities and Services Being Available in Required Locations at Adequate Capacities to Support Planned Community Growth and Development Patterns Land Uses and Development Patterns That Reduce Vulnerability to Natural Hazards Land Uses and Development Patterns That Take Into Account the Existing and Planned Capacity of Evacuation Infrastructure Land Use and Development Criteria and Measures That Abate Impacts That Degrade Water Quality Policies That Address Local Concerns and Promote Activities such as Economic Revitalization, Preserving Scenic Areas, Increasing Public Parking, and Promoting Family- Oriented Business. Local Concern Policies Should be Consistent With Other Policies and the Goals of the Management Topics. Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policies and Neutral Neutral Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policies and Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral-Positive Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral-Positive Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral-Positive Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral-Positive Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral-Positive Positive Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policy 66 Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policy 66 Neutral Positive Positive Neutral Positive Positive 128

129 Management Topics Public Access Land Use Compatibility Infrastructure Natural Hazards Water Quality Local Concerns More Planned Access Locations Policy 66 Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion Policy 67 Solid Waste Disposal Policy 68 Dow Road Intersection Land Use Plan Policies: Natural Hazard Areas Policy 69 Flood Hazard Reduction Policy 70 Storm Effect Mitigation Policy 71 Pre-storm Procedure Policy 72 Evacuation and Growth Policy 73 Incident Command Plan Policy 74 Damage Assessment Team Policy 75 CAMA Standards in Hazard Areas Policy 76 Public Hazard Education Policy 77 Periodic Evaluation of Ords. Policy 78 Land Acquisition Upgrades to Existing Access Locations Reduction in Habitat Loss and Fragmentation Related to Impacts of Land Use and Development Reduction of Water Resource and Water Quality Degradation Water, Sewer and Other Key Community Facilities and Services Being Available in Required Locations at Adequate Capacities to Support Planned Community Growth and Development Patterns Land Uses and Development Patterns That Reduce Vulnerability to Natural Hazards Land Uses and Development Patterns That Take Into Account the Existing and Planned Capacity of Evacuation Infrastructure Land Use and Development Criteria and Measures That Abate Impacts That Degrade Water Quality Policies That Address Local Concerns and Promote Activities such as Economic Revitalization, Preserving Scenic Areas, Increasing Public Parking, and Promoting Family- Oriented Business. Local Concern Policies Should be Consistent With Other Policies and the Goals of the Management Topics. Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral Neutral-Positive Positive Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral- Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral Positive Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral Positive Neutral-Positive Positive Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral Positive Neutral-Positive Positive Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral Positive Neutral Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral Positive Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral Positive Neutral Positive Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral Positive Neutral-Positive Positive Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral Positive Neutral-Positive Positive Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral Positive Neutral Positives 129

130 Management Topics Public Access Land Use Compatibility Infrastructure Natural Hazards Water Quality Local Concerns More Planned Access Locations Land Use Plan Policies: Water Quality Policy 79 Stormwater Runoff Policy 80 Stormwater Mngmnt. Prog. Policy 81 Stormwater Devlpmnt. Standards Policy 82 Protection of Wetlands Policy 83 Devlpmnt. In Estuarine Watersheds Policy 84 Fisheries Policy 85 Marina Environmental Stewardship Upgrades to Existing Access Locations Reduction in Habitat Loss and Fragmentation Related to Impacts of Land Use and Development Reduction of Water Resource and Water Quality Degradation Water, Sewer and Other Key Community Facilities and Services Being Available in Required Locations at Adequate Capacities to Support Planned Community Growth and Development Patterns Land Uses and Development Patterns That Reduce Vulnerability to Natural Hazards Land Uses and Development Patterns That Take Into Account the Existing and Planned Capacity of Evacuation Infrastructure Land Use and Development Criteria and Measures That Abate Impacts That Degrade Water Quality Policies That Address Local Concerns and Promote Activities such as Economic Revitalization, Preserving Scenic Areas, Increasing Public Parking, and Promoting Family-Oriented Business. Local Concern Policies Should be Consistent With Other Policies and the Goals of the Management Topics. Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Positive Positive Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Positive Positive Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Positive Positive Neutral Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Positive Positive Neutral Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Positive Positive Neutral Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Positive Positive Neutral Positive Neutral Neutral Positive Positive 130

131 Management Topics Public Access Land Use Compatibility Infrastructure Natural Hazards Water Quality Local Concerns More Planned Access Locations Land Use Plan Policies: Local Concerns Policy 86 Econ. And Community Growth and Development Policy 87 Boardwalk Policy 88 State Port Policy 89 Quality of Life Policy 90 Water Use Plan Review Policy 91 Water Use Plan Policy 92 Support for Commercial Fishing Policy 93 Support for Recreational Boating Policy 94 Carolina Beach Boat Basin and Marina Policy 95 Floating Homes Policy 96 Public Parking Policy 97 Historic Preservation Policy 98 Growth of Town Jurisdiction Upgrades to Existing Access Locations Neutral- Positive Neutral- Positive Reduction in Habitat Loss and Fragmentation Related to Impacts of Land Use and Development Reduction of Water Resource and Water Quality Degradation Neutral-Positive Neutral Water, Sewer and Other Key Community Facilities and Services Being Available in Required Locations at Adequate Capacities to Support Planned Community Growth and Development Patterns Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policies 62, 63 and 66 Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policies 63 and 66 Land Uses and Development Patterns That Reduce Vulnerability to Natural Hazards Land Uses and Development Patterns That Take Into Account the Existing and Planned Capacity of Evacuation Infrastructure Land Use and Development Criteria and Measures That Abate Impacts That Degrade Water Quality Policies That Address Local Concerns and Promote Activities such as Economic Revitalization, Preserving Scenic Areas, Increasing Public Parking, and Promoting Family- Oriented Business. Local Concern Policies Should be Consistent With Other Policies and the Goals of the Management Topics. Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral-Positive Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policies Neutral- Positive Neutral Neutral Positive Positive Positive Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral-Positive Positive Neutral- Positive Neutral- Positive Neutral- Positive Positive Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral-Negative Mitigation: See policies Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral-Negative Positive Mitigation: See policies Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral-Positive Positive Neutral-Negative See policy 18 and 19 Neutral Neutral Neutral-Negative See policy and Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive 131

132 Management Topics Public Access Land Use Compatibility Infrastructure Natural Hazards Water Quality Local Concerns More Planned Access Locations Policy 99 Mineral Production Policy 100 Off-Road Vehicles Policy 101 Beach Maintenance Policy 102 Informing Property Owners About Scenic Easements Policy 103 Parks and Recreation Upgrades to Existing Access Locations Reduction in Habitat Loss and Fragmentation Related to Impacts of Land Use and Development Reduction of Water Resource and Water Quality Degradation Water, Sewer and Other Key Community Facilities and Services Being Available in Required Locations at Adequate Capacities to Support Planned Community Growth and Development Patterns Land Uses and Development Patterns That Reduce Vulnerability to Natural Hazards Land Uses and Development Patterns That Take Into Account the Existing and Planned Capacity of Evacuation Infrastructure Land Use and Development Criteria and Measures That Abate Impacts That Degrade Water Quality Policies That Address Local Concerns and Promote Activities such as Economic Revitalization, Preserving Scenic Areas, Increasing Public Parking, and Promoting Family- Oriented Business. Local Concern Policies Should be Consistent With Other Policies and the Goals of the Management Topics. Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral- Positive Neutral- Positive Neutral- Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral-Positive Neutral Neutral-Positive Neutral-Positive Positive 132

133 Appendix IV: Existing Management Program in Implementing Goals and Polices of the Land Use Plan Existing Management Program Ordinances/Regulations Zoning Ordinance Code Enforcement Public Access More Planned Access Locations Upgrades to Existing Access Locations CUP process allows for more Public Parking. Land Use Compatibility Infrastructure Natural Hazards Water Quality Local Concerns Reduction in Habitat Land Uses and Development Land Use and Loss and Fragmentation Patterns That Reduce Development Criteria Related to Impacts of Vulnerability to Natural Hazards and Measures That Land Use and Abate Impacts That Development Degrade Water Quality Reduction of Water Resource and Water Quality Degradation Density and intensity standards in traditional residential areas provide less impact on habitat. Subdivision Regulations Clustering within PUDs to avoid wetland loss and to maximize open space. Flood Prevention Ordinance Dune preservation and floodway building requirements for public access sites. Dune preservation requirements provide preservation of natural habitat. Landscape Ordinance Preservation and restoration of vegetation and tree canopy. Water, Sewer and Other Key Community Facilities and Services Being Available in Required Locations at Adequate Capacities to Support Planned Community Growth and Development Patterns Developer pays for infrastructure improvements in developing un-served areas. Developer pays for infrastructure improvements in developing un-served areas. Requirements for increased native and drought resistant vegetation will lessen water demand. Requirements for increased vegetative buffers and corridors will lessen stormwater runoff effects. Land Uses and Development Patterns That Take Into Account the Existing and Planned Capacity of Evacuation Infrastructure Zoning in coordination with the Flood Prevention Ordinance require structural elevations or flood-proofing and other development standards in floodways. Requirements for building standards, dune preservation, and other floodway restrictions will lessen damage from storm and flooding effects. Requirements for increased vegetative buffers and corridors will lessen stormwater runoff effects. Increased tree canopies may help reduce wind damage. Clustering of PUDs to avoid wetland loss and to maximize open space. Requirements for building standards, dune preservation, and other floodway restrictions will lessen damage from stormwater runoff. Requirements for increased vegetative buffers and corridors will lessen stormwater runoff effects. Policies That Address Local Concerns and Promote Activities such as Economic Revitalization, Preserving Scenic Areas, Increasing Public Parking, and Promoting Family-Oriented Business. Local Concern Policies Should be Consistent With Other Policies and the Goals of the Management Topics. Zoning enables the planning and management of commercial areas for the furthering of Town economic revitalization and the promotion of family-oriented businesses while controlling adult-oriented businesses. Subdivision regulations enable enforcement of planning and management standards with regard to the unit type, number and size of developments that are preferable to the community. Public and private property development is managed to minimize the effects of storm damage. Scenic views and aesthetically pleasing developments can be achieved through enforcement of landscaping requirements 133

134 Ordinances/Regulations Cont d CAMA Local Permitting Officer Authority Building Code (State Building Code) Minimum Housing Standards Abandon Structures Standards Fire Prevention Code Public Access Ensures no AECs are encroached upon as part of development, including public trust areas. Land Use Compatibility Infrastructure Natural Hazards Water Quality Local Concerns Ensures no AECs are Most AECs have hazard mitigation encroached upon as functions such as barrier dunes to part of development resist storm surge and erosion. including coastal Proper management of AECs can wetlands and estuarine ensure a reduction in natural shorelines. hazard s damaging effects. Sewer Use Ordinance Ensures proper public and private use of the Town wastewater treatment system. Stormwater Management Ordinance Harbor and Marina Code Harbor-front property and Pier-Head Line Standards Privilege (Business) Licensing Prohibits encroachment into public trust areas. Stormwater Best Management Practices can include provisions for vegetated buffers and other natural habitat to act as stormwater filtration. Building and other structural soundness related codes require standards for resisting wind and other related natural hazard damage. Enforcing standards for on-site retention of stormwater and proper management of stormwater infrastructure can assist in preventing community flooding. AECs serve functions that preserve and protect water quality and estuarine habitat. Local CAMA permitting assists in properly managing the AECs. Mandatory hook-up to wastewater treatment system avoids surface water quality degradation associated with septic Requirements for developments stormwater retention and treatment will lessen surface water quality degradation from Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs) are typically associated with the recreational and scenic use characteristics that are valued by the community. Preservation and protection of AECs can ensure repeat visitation among tourists. Enforcement of building codes can provide a storm resistant housing stock that can lessen collateral damage potential, lessen storm clean-up costs, and expedite recovery and re-entry to the community after a storm. Community insurance rates can also be reduced through enforcement of building codes. Intended to ensure proper management of the Town s wastewater treatment system to provide adequate services to existing development as well as providing adequate service to future development. Reduction in flooding and surface water quality degradation furthers the Town s appeal to tourism and to quality of life for residents. Provides management standards for pier-heads and other related structures to preserve the use of public trust areas by the public. Sets standards for fees among business operating in the community. 134

135 Town Plans Public Access Land Use Compatibility CAMA Land Use Plan Policies and goals Policies and goals set further the desired development expansion of patterns that seek to public access by retain open space. actions such as identification of land with public access site potential. North End Traffic and Circulation Study Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization - Long-Range Transportation Plan (includes North Carolina DOT TIP Projects) Hazard Mitigation Plan Incident Command Plan Capital Improvements Program Scheduled Fiscal Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Programs in the CIP include public parking and access creation and improvement. Infrastructure Natural Hazards Water Quality Local Concerns Policies and goals set direction for the expansion of Town infrastructure such as water and sewer. Recommendations of the study provide courses of action for resolving traffic and congestion in the North End/CBD area of Town. Recommendations of the study provide courses of action for resolving traffic and congestion, as well as identify any nonmunicipal street systems in need of improvement. Programs in the CIP include expansion of potable water supply and wastewater treatment capacity. Policies and goals establish the need for addressing increased development impacts on evacuation and other safety-related issues. The plan identifies the Town vulnerability to hazards as well as recommends courses of action for managing events such as hurricane evacuation. The plan provides the framework and chain of command for managing emergency events and their aftermath. Policies and goals seek to protect wetlands and address stormwater runoff issues related to increased development. Programs in the CIP include items for stormwater infrastructure and utilities. The Land Use Plan is intended to establish the Town s goals and provide courses of action for reaching those goals. Town goals of relieving traffic congestion and increasing pedestrian accessibility are addressed as part of the planning process. Town goals of relieving traffic congestion and increasing pedestrian accessibility are addressed as part of the planning process. Town government understanding of vulnerability, as well as public outreach, can assist in mitigating potential monetary and human losses to storms and other events. Town responsibility for managing emergency situations is strengthened by a clear chain of command and implementation of a standards of operation plan. The CIP provides capital for key Town projects. 135

136 Appendix V: Action Implementation Schedule Policy Left Blank for Inclusion of Public Participation Actions Policy Direction Actions Action Left Blank for Inclusion of Public Participation Actions Responsible Department Scheduled Implementation Year Policy 1 Public Access Funding The Town shall seek funding from DCM for a Shoreline Access Plan Planning Policy 4 Identification of Land Identification and inventory of possible public access land along Myrtle Grove Sound Planning Policy 7 Access for Disabled Incorporating disabled accessibility into construction of new public access sites Planning Policy 9 Access Signage Posting of signs for the identification of public access sites and site rules Planning Policy 13 Freeman Park Establish and adopt a management plan and rules for Freeman Park Parks and Recreation Policy 17 Public Parking Creation Identify and acquire land for the purpose of public parking creation Planning/Operations/ Administration Policy 21 Public Moorings Policy 23 Moderate Density Policy 24 Multi-Family Placement Policy 31 Building Height Policy 51 Landscape Ordinance and Overlay Policy 57 Funding to Protect Scenic Views Policy 62 Potable Water Supply Policy 66 Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion Policy 71 Pre-storm Procedure Policy 72 Evacuation and Growth The Town shall prepare a Water Use Plan in preparation for an application for Public Mooring permit Encourage moderate density (6,000 10,000 sq. ft lots) Single-Family housing (Zoning Amendment) Prohibit new Multi-family construction in Residential 1-4. with the exception of Residential 1 in the vicinity of Canal and Carolina Beach Ave. N. (Zoning Amendment) Incorporate a maximum building height of 50- height for primary residential areas (Zoning Amendment) Establish a vegetation preservation overlay district for remaining old/mature growth areas The Town shall seek funding for the protection and enhancement of scenic views provided from public rights-of-way such as public street ends The Town shall take measures to ensure adequate potable water supply The Town shall take measures to ensure adequate wastewater handling and treatment capacity The Town shall take measures to plan for the management, evacuation and re-entry of Town during emergencies The Town shall take measures to plan for the management, evacuation and re-entry of Town during emergencies Planning Planning Planning Planning Planning Planning Operations Operations All Departments All Departments 136 Implemented Annually Implemented Annually

137 Policy Policy 73 Incident Command Plan Policy 76 Public Hazard Education Policy 77 Periodic Evaluation of Ords. Policy Direction Actions Action The Town shall take measures to plan for the management, evacuation and re-entry of Town during emergencies Conduct public education and information sharing annually regarding storm preparedness Conduct studies to re-evaluate effectiveness of local storm mitigation ordinances Responsible Department All Departments Planning/Fire/Police Planning Scheduled Implementation Year Implemented Annually Implemented Annually Policy 80 Stormwater Management. Program Policy 87 Boardwalk Define Large and Small-Scale Multi-family in Zoning Ordinance The Town shall continue to provide adequate funding for the Stormwater Management Program The Town shall work in cooperation with local business owners in revitalization planning for the Boardwalk The Town shall define within the Zoning Ordinance the standards for determining differences between large and small multi-family developments Operations Planning Planning 137

138 Appendix VI: Citizen Participation Plan CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN TOWN OF CAROLINA BEACH CAMA CORE LAND USE PLAN PHASE ONE I. Introduction The Town of Carolina Beach is beginning development of a Core Land Use Plan under the North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). The CAMA planning program emphasizes public participation in the planning process and land use planning provides one of the best opportunities for public involvement in the NC Coastal Management Program. Interested citizens and non resident property owners will have an opportunity to help shape the policies that will guide CAMA permit decisions in the community and the growth of the town in the future. Coordination and discussion with area/island municipalities and County officials on policy matters will be a part of this process. All socio-economic, ethnic, and cultural viewpoints will be considered through the review and revision process. To the extent possible, persons representing diverse viewpoints will be identified and specifically notified and asked for their input. II. Purpose of Citizen Participation Plan This Citizen Participation Plan has been prepared to describe a process by which the public will be encouraged to participate in the planning process leading to the revision of the Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Core LUP. This Citizen Participation Plan has been designed to meet the requirements for public participation as outlined in 15A NCAC 7L It is the intent of the process described herein that the public would have ample opportunity to become a meaningful part of the planning process. This plan addresses the following objectives. 1. To share information about the CAMA planning process and its requirements; 2. To increase the community s understanding of the impact that land use and development issues have on quality of life; 3. To provide opportunities for the residents and property owners to participate in the identification of land use and development policies and to assess the impact of the policies on the community; and 4. To provide a forum where all economic, social, ethnic and cultural viewpoints will be considered throughout the land use process. Views gathered as a part of this process will be informative and instructional for citizens of the Town of Carolina Beach, interested parties, and the Town s elected and appointed Boards. Interested citizens shall have an opportunity to participate in the development of the CAMA Core LUP through oral and written comments as provided for in the Citizen Participation Plan. Copies of informational CAMA Core LUP materials shall be provided at all meetings. The Citizen Participation Plan shall be available to the public throughout the planning process. All socio-economic, ethnic and cultural viewpoints will be considered through the review and revision process. To the extent possible, persons representing diverse socio-economic, ethnic and cultural viewpoints will be identified and specifically notified and asked for their input. The CPP is a working document, and may be amended on an as needed basis. III. Designation of Lead Planning Group and Points of Contact By designation of the Mayor and Town Council, the principle local board responsible for supervision of the planning process will be the Town of Carolina Beach Planning and Zoning Commission. The principal points of contact for land use plan preparation shall be the Jerry Johnson, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission; Penny Tysinger, Planner in Charge; and Jeremy Hardison, Interim Planning Director. The names and contact information for the Planning & Zoning Commission and Town Council are listed in Attachment A, attached hereto and made a part of by reference. The Planning & Zoning Commission is responsible for providing overall leadership and guidance for preparation of the land use plan. The members of the Planning & Zoning Commission have the following specific duties and responsibilities: 138

139 1. Faithfully attend Planning & Zoning Commission meetings and provide overall direction for development of the draft land use plan; 2. Serve as a public contact to make it easier for citizens to get information and to make comments on the plan; 3. Review technical planning materials to help ensure that they accurately represent the current situation and recent trends in Carolina Beach; 4. Assist the Town s planning advisors with preparation of major plan elements, which includes identifying concerns and key plan issues, developing community vision, developing goals, and preparing draft policies and the future land use map; 5. Assist with organization, management, and facilitation of public participation events; 6. Help publicize public participation events in the community and recruit residents and property owners to attend; and 7. Recommend and present a land use plan to the Town Council. IV. Public Information and Public Input Planning & Zoning Commission Meetings The Planning Board meets regularly on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM in Town Hall. Workshops will be held on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 PM in Town Hall. Special meetings may be called as necessary. In order to comply with the NCGS to , a schedule of the Planning & Zoning Commission s meetings is available from the Planning Department. This schedule is also provided to the Town Clerk for posting and distribution of the required notices. The Planning & Zoning Commission Chairman will notify Town staff of any changes to the schedule and of any special meetings so that proper notice may be given. All Planning & Zoning Commission agendas will allocate time to hear comments on the land use plan from the public. The Town will keep a record of all residents, property owners, and others who speak at any of the Planning & Zoning Commission meetings or other events and will retain any land use plan comments that it receives. The names of speakers and written comments will be kept in a file and will be provided to the NC Division of Coastal Management District Planner for draft plan review. Attachment 2 provides a general outline of the meeting schedule and gives a purpose for each meeting. Initial Public Information Meeting The initial public information meeting, which is a required portion of the CAMA planning process, is tentatively scheduled for January 12, The Town must give two public notices of the initial public information meeting. The first notice must appear not less than 30 days before the meeting and the second must appear not less than 10 days before the meeting. Affidavits of publication will be kept as evidence that this requirement has been met. In addition to the public notices, CAMA grant requires the Town to notify the Coastal Resources Advisory Council area representative(s) and the NC Division of Coastal Management District Planner of the date, time, and place of the public information meeting. The planning team will periodically issue press releases and make efforts to notify the local media of available information on the Town s land use planning program. The purpose of the initial public meeting will be to inform citizens about the purpose of the CAMA land use plan and the steps that will be taken to update it. V. Participation Methods The Town will use two methods of public participation in the preparation of the land use plan. The first method will be to hold a community meeting that will allow residents and property owners to express concerns about land use and development and to set priorities for development of the land use plan and the second method will hold a community open house where the community can review draft information available as a part of phase I of the land use plan preparation. Community Meeting 139

140 The Planning & Zoning Commission will conduct a facilitated community meeting to assist in identifying a broad range of land use issues, concerns, and opportunities. At this meeting residents and property owners will create a single list of issues and opportunities about which there is a high level of agreement among those attending. The community meeting will be conducted in two parts. The first part will include a brief introduction to the CAMA planning process and background planning materials. The second part will involve small group brain storming sessions on land use planning concerns, issues, and opportunities. After the small group sessions, the entire group will generate a single list of the most important issues and opportunities. The Planning & Zoning Commission Chairman will chair the meeting. Town staff and planner in charge will provide background information and will assist with the overall group exercise. Planning & Zoning Commission members will assist as facilitators for the small group exercises. The community meeting will be publicized through the local media, information flyers, posting on the Town s web page, and through recruiting by members of the Planning Board and other interested citizens. The intended audience for this public participation opportunity includes residents, resident and nonresident property owners, business owners and operators, real estate professionals, members of Town committees and associations and other parties with a stake in the Town s land use plan. Community Open House The Town of Carolina Beach will hold a community open house near the end of Phase I of the land use planning process. The open house is expected to be held in late April, The open house will be held on a Saturday to allow non resident property owners a convenient opportunity to attend. The open house will provide residents with an easy opportunity to review the information prepared as a part of the planning process. By review of the material presented, residents will be able to assess trends, find out about their community, and to express support or recommend adjustments. The attendees will be able to interact informally with lay and professional members of the planning team. VI. Citizen Participation Plan Evaluation The Planning & Zoning Commission will conduct an on going evaluation of the citizen participation plan and will make amendments to this plan as it becomes necessary. It is expected that Phase II of the LUP will begin at the beginning of fiscal year A major review of the process and a reevaluation will be conducted at that time. Any needed changes will be reviewed by the Planning & Zoning Commission and recommended to the Town Council. This Citizen Participation Plan is adopted this the 9th day of December_, 2003 at the Town of Carolina Beach, North Carolina. By /s Dennis Barbour, Mayor Town of Carolina Beach ATTEST: By /s Lynn Prusa, Town Clerk Attachment A By /s Calvin R. Peck, Jr., Town Manager 140

141 Planning & Zoning Commission [Mailing] Address List Home Phone Work Phone Appointment / Re-Appointment Date Expiration Date Daniel Wilcox 614 Monroe Avenue Carolina Beach, NC Originally appointed 11/18/ /18/03 11/18/06 Mike Kopitopoulos 505 Carolina Beach Avenue, N, 2F Carolina Beach, NC Originally appointed 8/12/03 Jerry Johnson, Chairman PO Box Canal Drive Carolina Beach, NC Originally appointed 3/1994 Detlev (Lank) Lancaster 104 S. 6 th Street Carolina Beach, NC Orginially appointed 2/12/02 Appointed 2 nd time 11/18/03 John Keith PO Box 1705 Carolina Beach, NC Originally appointed 7/1984 Mike Newkirk 511A Carolina Beach, NC Originally appointed 10/8/02. Sarah E. Harris 401 Jarrett Bay Drive Carolina Beach, NC Originally appointed 11/18/ /12/03 8/12/ pager /8/03 4/8/ /18/03 2/15/ /12/02 2/12/ /8/02 10/8/ /18/03 11/18/06 Pat Leisenring Secretary of Planning & Zoning Commission Administrative Secretary Jeremy Hardison Interim Director of Planning & Development

142 TOWN OF CAROLINA BEACH MAYOR & COUNCIL Name/Title/Address Telephone Numbers Appointment Date Expiration Date Dennis Barbour, Mayor 511 Clarendon Avenue Carolina Beach, NC (home) (work) (cell) (pager) 12/9/ Pat R. Efird, Mayor Pro-Tem P.O. Box Canal Drive, Unit A3 Carolina Beach, NC Joel A. Macon, Councilman P.O. Box 413 Carolina Beach, NC Gary L. Doetsch, Councilman 209 Greenville Avenue Carolina Beach, NC Jack L. Lynch, Councilman 1515 S. Lake Park Blvd. Carolina Beach, NC (home) (work) (cell) Unlisted (home) (work) (cell) (home) (work) (cell) (home) (cell) (fax) 12/9/ /9/ /11/ /9/ MAIL CORRESPONDENCE TO: Town of Carolina Beach 1121 N. Lake Park Blvd. Carolina Beach, NC TOWN MANAGER ADDRESS: Calvin R. Peck, Jr., Town Manager 303 Fern Creek Lane Carolina Beach, NC CORRESPONDENCE TO: Mayor & Council TOWN HALL OFFICE NUMBERS: Mayor & Council Lynn N. Prusa, Town Clerk Calvin R. Peck, Jr., Town Manager TOWN HALL FAX NUMBER (910) Lynn N. Prusa, Town Clerk Calvin R. Peck, Jr., Town Manager 142

143 Attachment B Meeting November meeting December meeting January meeting February meeting March meeting April meeting May meeting Items Covered Hold Orientation session with Planning & Zoning Commission. Presentation of Citizen s Participation Plan (adoption by Council at Dec meeting). Discussion of CAMA regulations, planning process, & key growth issues & planning issues. Begin to create vision statement. Initial public information meeting. Discussion of existing & emerging conditions. Discussion of natural systems analysis Discussion of land use & development (including existing land use map) Discussion of Community facilities. Land Suitability Analysis (LSA) Joint meeting/public hearing with Council to discuss plan elements. Community Open House Public Hearing on plan elements produced. Phase I completed and presented to Council. 143

144 CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN TOWN OF CAROLINA BEACH CAMA CORE LAND USE PLAN PHASE TWO I. Introduction The Town of Carolina Beach is beginning development of a Core Land Use Plan under the North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). The CAMA planning program emphasizes public participation in the planning process and land use planning provides one of the best opportunities for public involvement in the NC Coastal Management Program. Interested citizens and non resident property owners will have an opportunity to help shape the policies that will guide CAMA permit decisions in the community and the growth of the town in the future. Coordination and discussion with area/island municipalities and County officials on policy matters will be a part of this process. All socio-economic, ethnic, and cultural viewpoints will be considered through the review and revision process. To the extent possible, persons representing diverse viewpoints will be identified and specifically notified and asked for their input. II. Purpose of Citizen Participation Plan This Citizen Participation Plan has been prepared to describe a process by which the public will be encouraged to participate in the planning process leading to the revision of the Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Core LUP. This Citizen Participation Plan has been designed to meet the requirements for public participation as outlined in 15A NCAC 7L It is the intent of the process described herein that the public would have ample opportunity to become a meaningful part of the planning process. This plan addresses the following objectives. 1. To share information about the CAMA planning process and its requirements; 2. To increase the community s understanding of the impact that land use and development issues have on quality of life; 3. To provide opportunities for the residents and property owners to participate in the identification of land use and development policies and to assess the impact of the policies on the community; and 4. To provide a forum where all economic, social, ethnic and cultural viewpoints will be considered throughout the land use process. Views gathered as a part of this process will be informative and instructional for citizens of the Town of Carolina Beach, interested parties, and the Town s elected and appointed Boards. Interested citizens shall have an opportunity to participate in the development of the CAMA Core LUP through oral and written comments as provided for in the Citizen Participation Plan. Copies of informational CAMA Core LUP materials shall be provided at all meetings. The Citizen Participation Plan shall be available to the public throughout the planning process. All socio-economic, ethnic and cultural viewpoints will be considered through the review and revision process. To the extent possible, persons representing diverse socio-economic, ethnic and cultural viewpoints will be identified and specifically notified and asked for their input. The CPP is a working document, and may be amended on an as needed basis. III. Designation of Lead Planning Group and Points of Contact By designation of the Mayor and Town Council, the principle local board responsible for supervision of the planning process will be the Town of Carolina Beach Planning and Zoning Commission. The principal points of contact for land use plan preparation shall be the Jerry Johnson, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission; Penny Tysinger, Planner in Charge; and J. Scott Chase, Planning Director. The names and contact information for the Planning & Zoning Commission and Town Council are listed in Attachment A, attached hereto and made a part of by reference. The Planning & Zoning Commission is responsible for providing overall leadership and guidance for preparation of the land use plan. The members of the Planning & Zoning Commission have the following specific duties and responsibilities: 1. Faithfully attend Planning & Zoning Commission meetings and provide overall direction for development of the draft land use plan; 144

145 2. Serve as a public contact to make it easier for citizens to get information and to make comments on the plan; 3. Review technical planning materials to help ensure that they accurately represent the current situation and recent trends in Carolina Beach; 4. Assist the Town s planning advisors with preparation of major plan elements, which includes identifying concerns and key plan issues, developing community vision, developing goals, and preparing draft policies and the future land use map; 5. Assist with organization, management, and facilitation of public participation events; 6. Help publicize public participation events in the community and recruit residents and property owners to attend; and 7. Recommend and present a land use plan to the Town Council. IV. Public Information and Public Input Planning & Zoning Commission Meetings The Planning Board meets regularly on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM in Town Hall. Workshops on the Land Use Plan update will be held on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 PM in Town Hall. Special meetings may be called as necessary. In order to comply with the NCGS to , a schedule of the Planning & Zoning Commission s meetings is available from the Planning Department. This schedule is also provided to the Town Clerk for posting and distribution of the required notices. The Planning & Zoning Commission Chairman will notify Town staff of any changes to the schedule and of any special meetings so that proper notice may be given. All Planning & Zoning Commission agendas will allocate time to hear comments on the land use plan from the public. The Town will keep a record of all residents, property owners, and others who speak at any of the Planning & Zoning Commission meetings or other events and will retain any land use plan comments that it receives. The names of speakers and written comments will be kept in a file and will be provided to the NC Division of Coastal Management District Planner for draft plan review. Attachment 2 provides a general outline of the meeting schedule and gives a purpose for each meeting. Initial Public Information Meeting The initial public information meeting, which is a required portion of the CAMA planning process, was held on January 12, The Town will conduct a second public information meeting in February The Town must give two public notices of the initial public information meeting. The first notice must appear not less than 30 days before the meeting and the second must appear not less than 10 days before the meeting. Affidavits of publication will be kept as evidence that this requirement has been met. In addition to the public notices, CAMA grant requires the Town to notify the Coastal Resources Advisory Council area representative(s) and the NC Division of Coastal Management District Planner of the date, time, and place of the public information meeting. The planning team will periodically issue press releases and make efforts to notify the local media of available information on the Town s land use planning program. The purpose of the initial public meeting will be to inform citizens about the purpose of the CAMA land use plan and the steps that will be taken to update it. V. Participation Methods The Town will use two methods of public participation in the preparation of the land use plan. The first method will be to hold a community meeting that will allow residents and property owners to express concerns about land use and development and to set priorities for development of the land use plan and the second method will hold a community open house where the community can review draft information available as a part of phase I of the land use plan preparation. Community Meeting The Planning & Zoning Commission will conduct a facilitated community meeting to assist in identifying a broad range of land use issues, concerns, and opportunities. At this meeting residents and property owners will create a 145

146 single list of issues and opportunities about which there is a high level of agreement among those attending. The community meeting will be conducted in two parts. The first part will include a brief introduction to the CAMA planning process and background planning materials. The second part will involve small group brain storming sessions on land use planning concerns, issues, and opportunities. After the small group sessions, the entire group will generate a single list of the most important issues and opportunities. The Planning & Zoning Commission Chairman will chair the meeting. Town staff and planner in charge will provide background information and will assist with the overall group exercise. Planning & Zoning Commission members will assist as facilitators for the small group exercises. The community meeting will be publicized through the local media, information flyers, posting on the Town s web page, and through recruiting by members of the Planning Board and other interested citizens. The intended audience for this public participation opportunity includes residents, resident and nonresident property owners, business owners and operators, real estate professionals, members of Town committees and associations and other parties with a stake in the Town s land use plan. Community Open House The Town of Carolina Beach will hold a community open house near the end of Phase I of the land use planning process. The open house was held on June 26, The open house will be held on a Saturday to allow non resident property owners a convenient opportunity to attend. The open house will provide residents with an easy opportunity to review the information prepared as a part of the planning process. By review of the material presented, residents will be able to assess trends, find out about their community, and to express support or recommend adjustments. The attendees will be able to interact informally with lay and professional members of the planning team. A Joint Meeting with Town Council was held immediately after the Open House. Council was presented with the draft plan of Phase I. VI. Citizen Participation Plan Evaluation The Planning & Zoning Commission will conduct an on going evaluation of the citizen participation plan and will make amendments to this plan as it becomes necessary. It is expected that Phase II of the LUP will begin at the beginning of fiscal year A major review of the process and a reevaluation will be conducted at that time. Any needed changes will be reviewed by the Planning & Zoning Commission and recommended to the Town Council. This Citizen Participation Plan is amended and adopted this the 12th day of October, 2004 at the Town of Carolina Beach, North Carolina. By /s Dennis Barbour, Mayor Town of Carolina Beach ATTEST: By /s Lynn Prusa, Town Clerk Attachment A By /s Calvin R. Peck, Jr., Town Manager 146

147 Planning & Zoning Commission [Mailing] Address List Home Phone Work Phone Appointment / Re-Appointment Date Expiration Date Daniel Wilcox 614 Monroe Avenue Carolina Beach, NC Originally appointed 11/18/ /18/03 11/18/06 Mike Kopitopoulos 505 Carolina Beach Avenue, N, 2F Carolina Beach, NC Originally appointed 8/12/03 Jerry Johnson, Chairman PO Box Canal Drive Carolina Beach, NC Originally appointed 3/1994 Detlev (Lank) Lancaster 104 S. 6 th Street Carolina Beach, NC Orginially appointed 2/12/02 Appointed 2 nd time 11/18/03 John Keith PO Box 1705 Carolina Beach, NC Originally appointed 7/1984 Mike Newkirk 511A Carolina Beach, NC Originally appointed 10/8/02. Sarah E. Harris 401 Jarrett Bay Drive Carolina Beach, NC Originally appointed 11/18/ /12/03 8/12/ pager /8/03 4/8/ /18/03 2/15/ /12/02 2/12/ /8/02 10/8/ /18/03 11/18/06 Mary Grady Secretary of Planning & Zoning Commission Administrative Secretary J. Scott Chase Director of Planning & Development

148 TOWN OF CAROLINA BEACH MAYOR & COUNCIL Name/Title/Address Telephone Numbers Appointment Date Expiration Date Dennis Barbour, Mayor 511 Clarendon Avenue Carolina Beach, NC (home) (work) (cell) (pager) 12/9/ Pat R. Efird, Mayor Pro-Tem P.O. Box Canal Drive, Unit A3 Carolina Beach, NC Joel A. Macon, Councilman P.O. Box 413 Carolina Beach, NC Gary L. Doetsch, Councilman 209 Greenville Avenue Carolina Beach, NC Jack L. Lynch, Councilman 1515 S. Lake Park Blvd. Carolina Beach, NC (home) (work) (cell) Unlisted (home) (work) (cell) (home) (work) (cell) (home) (cell) (fax) 12/9/ /9/ /11/ /9/ MAIL CORRESPONDENCE TO: Town of Carolina Beach 1121 N. Lake Park Blvd. Carolina Beach, NC TOWN MANAGER ADDRESS: Calvin R. Peck, Jr., Town Manager 303 Fern Creek Lane Carolina Beach, NC CORRESPONDENCE TO: Mayor & Council TOWN HALL OFFICE NUMBERS: Mayor & Council Lynn N. Prusa, Town Clerk Calvin R. Peck, Jr., Town Manager TOWN HALL FAX NUMBER (910) Lynn N. Prusa, Town Clerk Calvin R. Peck, Jr., Town Manager 148

149 Attachment B Meeting August meeting Items Covered Review of the 1997 Plan & Evaluate implementation of Policies to date. September meeting October meeting November meeting December meeting Presentation of amended Citizen s Participation Plan (adoption by Council at October meeting). Formulate and update LUP Policies. Continued discussion of LUP Policies. Continued discussion of LUP Policies. Discussion of Future Land Use Map. January meeting February meeting March meeting April meeting May meeting Discussion of Development Management tools and policy implementation actions. Analysis of developed policies for compliance with management topics. Review of Draft Plan. Public Information meeting. Submit to DCM Staff for review. Submit to adjacent jurisdictions for review. Revise plan as needed per comments and recommendations received from DCM. Final review by the P&Z Commission. Conduct public hearing and Council adoption. Submit plan for CRC Certification. 149

150 Appendix VII: Updated Building Permit Data Month Single Family Duplex Building Permitted Residential Development Duplex Units Multifamily Buildings Multifamily Units Month Single Family 150 Duplex Building Duplex Units Multifamily Buildings Jan Jan Feb. 4 Feb Mar Mar 4 Apr 4 Apr May 3 May Jun Jun 6 Jul Jul Aug Aug 4 Sep 4 Sep 5 Oct 1 Oct Nov 1 Nov Dec 1 Dec Total Total Total Units Permitted 60 Total Units Permitted 93 Month Single Family Duplex Building Duplex Units Multifamily Buildings Multifamily Units Month Single Family Duplex Building Jan Jan Feb Feb Mar Mar Apr Apr Duplex Units Multifamily Buildings Multifamily Units Multifamily Units May 3 May Jun Jun Jul Jul Aug Aug Sep Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec Total Total Total Units Permitted 131 Total Units Permitted 246

151 Month Single Family Duplex Building Permitted Residential Development Duplex Units Multifamily Buildings Multifamily Units Month Single Family Duplex Building Duplex Units Multifamily Buildings Multifamily Units Jan Jan Feb Feb Mar Mar Apr Apr May May Jun Jun Jul Jul Aug Aug Sep Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec Total Total Total Units Permitted Total Units Permitted

152 Town of Carolina Beach CAMA Land Use Plan Appendix Map Section 152

153 Map 1 153

154 Map 2 154

155 Map 3 155

156 Map 4 156

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158 Map 6 158

159 Map 7 159

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161 Map 9 161

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