Holden Beach

[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

HD
108.6
H65
1976

Holden Beach

Article I Introduction

What's all this to-do about a long range Land Use Plan for growth
at Holden Beach?

"In recent years the coastal area has been subjected to increasing
pressures which are the result of the often conflicting needs of a society
expanding in industrial development, in population, and in the recreational
aspiration of its citizens," according to North Carolina's Coastal Area
Management Act of 1974 (CAMA). It goes on to say that "unless these pressures
are controlled by coordinated management, the very features of the coast which
make it economically, esthetically, and ecologically rich will be destroyed."

In adopting CAMA, the General Assembly empowered local governments in
20 N.C. coastal counties to exercise control over their future. Communities along
the coast are now blueprinting the best use of their valued resources--whether it's
their estuarine and marshland waters, which serve as a nursery for as much as 90
percent of the best sport fisheries in the East; or their beaches, which serve
as recreational havens for those employed in the ever-expanding urban centers.

The Act is designed to be a cooperative program: local governments are
authorized to initiate planning for their local values, and State government to
define those areas valued for more general use. In addition to granting some
financial support for local planning, the State is to provide guidelines and the
assistance necessary to enforce the plans adopted by a particular community.

Public participation in developing the Land Use Plan has been enlisted
by (1) public meetings held on Holden Beach by the Planning and Zoning Board,
Town Council, and Holden Beach Property Owners Association, Inc.; (2) two

COASTAL ZONE
Holden Beach-Page I
INFORMATION CENTER

surveys mailed to some 1,100 Holden Beach property owner's listed on the
Brunswick County tax scroll, approximately 90 percent of whom live off the
Beach; (3) ample coverage in a by-line column concerning Holden Beach, carried
in each of the county papers published weekly in Southport and Shallotte's, and
(4) numerous informal discussions with citizens regarding their interest's and

concerns.

A.0
Ne
benefits greatly from the "Staf6 Guidelines for Local Planning. adopted
by the Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) in January, 1975, and amended that
October.

Following its presentation to the Planning Board and the Council last
November, the Plan was forwarded to the Coastal Resources Commission for comments
and suggestions. In addition, some two dozen State and Federal agencies have
added observations from their particular frame of reference and expertise.

Appropriate revisions have been made

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Article II Present Conditions
Section 1: Population and Economy
Because of Holden Beach's small size and youth (incorporated 1969) much data is
unavailable. The 1974 permanent population is estimated at 180 persons with a
seasonal peak estimated at 50 00 persons.

The beach economy is based on tourism and the construction of second.homes
for retirement. Building permits over the last five years (1970-74) averaged
43.6 new dwelling units per year. Over the last five years, the Brunswick County
economic picture has been very bright. However, the beach community is more
dependent upon the state and national economy.

Section 2: Existing Land Use
There are approximately 1,765 acres of land on Holden Beach of which 144
acres are urban and built-up. The following uses and percentage constitute
the 144 acres as of July, 1973:
Use Acrea2e Percentage
Residential 107 74.3

Commercial 9 6.3
Public and Quasi Public 23 15.9
Mobile Homes 5 3.5
Total 144 100.0
See accompanying Land Use Map.

Section 3: Current Plant,'Policies, and Regulations
Holden Beach is a new community. It is in a very formativ'e stage in regard
to plans and policies. This is a very critical moment for the development of
this land use plan.. Much information derived from it should enable the community
to formulate needed policies and plans of action.

Holden Beach-Page 3,

Existing Holden Beach development regulations are: Subdivision Regulations,
Zoning Ordinance, Environmental Impact Statement Ordinance, and N.C. State
Building Codes (general construction, electrical, plumbing, heating and air
conditioning_). .@fforcement has been hampered by the turnover in,personnel and
lack of training for the Ruilding Thspector, and inadequate support by the
governing body.

In order for future growth and development to take place in accordance with
this land use plan, certain amendments to regulations will be necessary.
Specifically, if future services are to be provided as economi,cally as
possible and not degrade the natural environment, then higher residential
densities and more compact ty pe developments must be allowed and encouraged.

Article III - Public Participation Activities
Section 1: Public Participation Process
Holden Beach is primarily a vacation community with over 1,100 property
owners and. only 180 permanent residents. Because of this, we decided to
use a combination of public meetings and surveys (August 1973 and August
1975) in order to involve the public. Three public meetings--two called
by the Town Council and one by the Holden Beach Property Owners Association---
were well attended and informative. A 30 percent response was received from
the mailed (1,100) questionnaires. The kminal 6roup Technique was employed
at one meeting to identify and prioritize issues as perceived by that group.
At other public meetings, the discussion centered on identification of AECs.
LIn addition to these efforts, numerous informal open meetings were held;
the events which transpired were reported by a local correspondent to the
two weekly newspapers. The survey and the meetings were responsible for
the identification of problems and issues. Further discussion of these
issues with public officials and individuals resulted in the articulation of
the Beach's goals and objectives.

Holden Beach-Page 4.

Secti on 2: Major Issues
Holden Beach is primarily a vacation community consisting of retired
families and second homes for summer tourism. The type of vacationer is
one who wants to get away from it all. and enjoy the unhurried pace and
remoteness of Holden Beach.

Holden Beach has no public/community water or sewer service. Present
development can be characterized as low-density sprawl which means a higher
cost for construction, operation, and maintenance of public utility systems.

Holden Beach is an island community. All surrounding waters are classified
"SA" and "SB" (suitable for shellfishing for marketing purposes and bath-
ing). Present development which relies solely on septic tank-nitrifica-
tion system places this classification, and therefore the health of citizens,
in jeopardy.

Erosion control and the protection of private property particularly 'in
"finger canal" subdivisions are of high interest. Most of these problems
can be traced to the location of these developments in very unstable areas.

Other issues are the need for beach access and the provision of municipal services,
such as recreation, water safety and rescue service, fire and police protection
and street improvement.

Information obtained through public participation indicated that the citizens
of Holden Beach want a viable community; yet, they do not want to lose the assets
which the community presently enjoys. Thus, in the broadest sense the goal
of the Beach is to improve the social, economic, and physical environment of
the community as economically as possible. Within this broadly stated aoal.

Holden Beach-Page 5

several 4ecific goals relating to the physical development of the community
can be stated:
--Provide a management system capable of preserving and managing the
natural resources in Holden Beach.
--Develop adequate and efficient public utilities and commu.nity facilities
in an equitable mFinner.
--Insure*sefe, decent, and a variety of housing for,all citizens.
--Promote accessibility and safety in,area transportation.
--Provide greater support of emergency service%.particUlarly rescue and
fire protection.
-Preserve the existing character and the aesthetic qualities of
Holden Beach.

Objectivas and tasks to bg completed in order to-realize these goals are
enumerated under Secti on 1: Objectives and Policies for Dealing with Issues.

Section 3: Development Alternatives

Long Range

Since the primary land use in Holden Beach is residential, we can use net
residential density to describe three development alternatives: low density)
with 1 to 8-dwelling units per acre; medium densitywith 8 to 16 dwelling
units per acre; and !jj@h density with 16 dwelling units or more per acre.
The following discussion assumes ) the availability of the necessary municipal
water and sewer service.

Current zoning regulations permit approximately 6.6 dwelling units per acre
when right-of-ways and -easements are subftracted. This is low density which
consists almost entirely of single-famil-y"dwellings in a traditional gridiron

Holden Beach-Page 6

pattern. This typo of development is an easy route for municipal approval and
a moderate land value return. However, land consumption is high and cost
benefit ratio formunicipal utilities is high.

At the other end is high density development with 16 dwelling units or more
per acre which necessitates multi-storied structures. While marketability is
often questionable, this density provides greater land value return. It is
a more economical way of providing services. Based on available information,
approval is unlikely by the municipal governing body because of local-
sentiment and prejudice.
in the middle of these two extremes is medium density with 8 to 16
dwelling units per acre. This.density may be accomplished by the use of
cluster development of townhouses. This type of development affords
lower land consumption, better cost benefit ratio for municipal services,
and positive compromise on other factors. Clustering in small groups
would result in minimum visual change to the property and marketability
would seem high. However, this density would require amendments to
development regulations.

Althoughg the unit family cost to provide water and sewerage facility for
a low-density classification is high relative to that for a high density
classification, the property owners have expressed their preference via
surveys for the low density pattern. If at a later date, the cost is shown
to be greater than the property owners arelwi.,Tling to pay, the density
would be modified accordingly.

Short Range

Approximately 670,000 acres or 1/3 of the State's coastal waters,are closed
to our oyster and clam fishermen. More areas-are closed every year. State
and federal.-a dily admit_th_a!_gxd@@@,AW, ... ragUIA.0,10,Ds. do,.
not adequately control the problems associated with the use of septic tanks.
These problems occur in sandy soils where shallow wells are used for water
supply and where-development is adjacent to bodies of water, as in the
coastal area. LS imply stated, the ability of the natural, and, man-made systems
of the area to support the demands of@various land uses is approaching its

Holden Beach-Page 7

limits (carrying capacity). It is unknown when the area will exceed its
capacity; yet then it will be too late.

The solution is to provide acceptable water supply and wastewater-treatment
systems to service the Island. However because of more pressing priorities
at the county, state, and federal level% an inordinate amount of time and
expense will be required to construct these systems. Estimates show that
WaA@r system construction will require another two years while sewerage system
construction will require at least seven years.

What happens to Holden Beach in the interim period prior to water and
sewer system serv ice?. Do we allow development to continue at its present
pace, risking public health and environmental degradation? Or do'we opt
for controlled growth by placing a temporary moratorium on development?

Section 4: Objectives and Policies for Dealing with Issues
It is imperative that Holden Beach's elected and appointed officials and
citizens vigorously support the goals and objectives enumerated below.
Only if these goals and objectives are adopted and adhered to as the
Town's policies for land development and future growth, will the community
retain the pleasant characteristics it has today. Thus, planning is
pointless unless the plan impacts decision-making.

Goal: Provide a management system capable of preserving and managing
the natural resourc'es in Holden Beach.

Objectives:
--Designate a Code Enforcement Official to enforce the adopted

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N.C. State Building Code, Subdivision Regulations, Zoning
Ordinance, and Environmental Impact Statement Ordinance.
--Support the findings of fact and recommendations of appointed
boards, commission S) and professional staff.
--Prevent development in any Area of Environmental Concern (AEC) which
would result in a contravention or violation of any rules, regula-
tions, or laws of the State of North Carolina or of the Town of
Holden Beach in which development takes place.
--Prevent development in any AEC which would have a substantial
likelihood of causing pollution of the waters of the State to the
extent that such waters would be closed to the taking of shellfish
under standards set by the Commission for Health Services pursuant
to G.S. 130-169.01.
--Adopt a flood plain district as part of the Zoning Ordinance which
would protect the flood prone areas@as identified by the U.S. Corps
of Engineers and HUD - Federal I.Inspr,4.rir..e,AOminis.tration.
--Employ ful Aime qualified personnel in order to. improve the City's
management capability.
--Prohibit future construction or expansion of-"finger canal" type
residential developments.
Goal: Develop adequate and ei4c-ient public-utilities and community facilities.

Objectives.:
--Encourage development near the bridge and avoid "urban sprawle.10
--Construct an efficient and economical water system for all people.
--Construct an efficient and economical wastewater treatment system.
--Acquire title or permanent use to.beach access ways for all citizens
to enjoy beach recreational activities
--Limit future commercial establishments on the beach to convenience-type
-shopping facilities.

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Goal: Insure safe, decent, and a variety of housing for all citizens.

Objectives:
--Permit higher density of residential development in order that services
and facilities can be provided reasonably.
--Adopt a minimum hou _s i ng code.
--Enforce ordinances to protect homeowners from natural hazards.

Goal: Promote accessibility and safety in area transportation.

Objectives:
--Emphasize safety and a continuous street-improvement and construction

program.
--Review thoroughly new residential development plans and i,nsure that
they comply with Subdivi sion Regulations.
--Mutually adopt a detailed thoroughfare plan with the N.C. Department
of Transportation, Division of Highways.

Goal: Preserve the existing character and the aesthetic qualities of Holden
Beach.

Objectives:
--Establish an kppearance Commission to preserve the community's
aesthetic quali ty with power to review architectual plans in accordance
with G.S. 160A-451.
--Promote the cultural amenities of the community by organizing and
sponsoring an information center and communityS@ide events.
--Establish an adequate park and recreational area on either end of the
island.

Article IV - Constraints
Section 1: Land Potential
a. Physical Limitations
While there are no man-made hazard areas on Holden Beach, there are three

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natural hazards: ocean erodible areas, estuarine erodible areas, and
flood hazards.

From the soils information, we note that the three soil series are
generally unsuitable in their natural state for community-development
4"m uses and that only the Newhan series is provisionally suitable for
septic tank-nitrefication system.

From the hydrogeology, we notethat Holden Beach is a-barrierisla d and
@its groundwater problems may be summarized: 1) shallow wells,are near
to septic tanks; 2) overdrafting supply of fresh groundwater initiates/
accentuates salt water encroachment; and 3) individual wells prevent the
monitoring of groundwater quality changes which occur.

b. Fragile Areas,
The following are areas which could easily be damaged or destroyed by
inappropriate or poorly planned development:
Coastal Wetlands
Sand Dunes along the Outer Banks
Ocean Beaches and Shorelines

Estuarine Waters

Public Trust Areas
CoastalAnlet Lands
Special Aquifer Areas Outer Banks & Barrier Islands
Coastal Flood Plains
Ocean Erodible Areas
Estuarine, Sound and River Erodible Areas

A description of each of these areas appears under Article VI, Section 3:
Areas of Environmental Concern.

Holden Beach-Page 1.1

c. Areas of Resource Potential
Those lands adjacent to the inlets have resource potential as possible
State or local parks.

Section 2: Capacity of Community Facilities
With the exception of one small private water system serving approximately
12 cottages, there are not a-ny,communi.ty or public water or wastewater treat'
ment systems. Soils in their natural state are highly porous which invites
high intensity development; but the rapid mQvement of wastewater with
reduced effectiveness of treatmen t results high potential for degrada-
tion of both surface.and groundwater quality.

Article V Estimated Demand
Section 1: Population'and Economy
Future permanent and'seasonal peak population 'is expected to increase arith-
metically in the coming decade due to the attractiveness of the beach.
Population Projections
Holden Beach 1980 1985 1990
Permanent 250 300 350
Seasonal Peak 6,800 8,600 10,400

Two of the most important factors which would seem to indicatecontinued
economic improvement for Holden Beach are the,growth and expansion of-leisure

and recreational activities and an increase in its use as a retirement
J@111____d upon the condition that
Tunity. These conditions are piad there
!w no severe economic recession boom, such as the locating of a petro
chemical complex. There are too many factors-beyond the local decision-making
capacity to make certain assumptions about the future.

Section 2: Future Land Use Needs
'Holden Beach has a finitelamount of land upon.w1itch to develop. If present
residential land uses continue, the beach WilThave approximately 574.4 acres
for future residential development. Consequently, residential land'is

Holden'Beach-Page 12

available to accommodate anticipated population demand without degrading
fragile areas, provided essential community facilities (water and sewer)
and prudent and responsible planned development occur.

Section 3 Community Facilities Demand
Holden Beach has to have two essential community services with facilities
to accommodate not only future development, but present development as
well. The cost of these services shall be borne by all property.owners
as it will enhance the value of each parcel.

Total water system cost including construction and administrative cost was
estimated in August, 1973, at' $780,000. This estimate has since been
revised as of September, 1975, to $1,100JO00.

While very little information is available at this time on a sewer system
for.Holden Beach, an engineering firm has b en,,ret ined to prepare an
EPA 201 Vstewater 6cilities Pan which most of Southwest
Brunswick County. It has been estimated thatgiven the present development
pattern on Holden Beach, a sewer system would cost 4 times as much as a
water system,for the beach alone. In light of this information, present
density restrictions will have to be re-examined in order to permit the
construction of the necessary wastewater facilities in an economical manner.

Article VI - Plan Implementation
Prior to 1974, local land use plans were purely advisory in nqt re. Local
governments often adopted-comprehensive plans and then 4:xto ignore
them by zoning land and buildin ties in a manner inconsistent with
the'plan. Under the development of
land use plans is just the initial phase of the coastal area management
program; for this is a continuing process calling for periodic review (at
.1east'once afterfive years) and revision. to keep the plan current.

Holden Beach-Page 13

The Act also calls for the management of other governmental actions in a
manner consistent with the plans.
.. .... ..... -------

The law requires each town desiring to develop its own implementation and
enforcement plan to identify a "designated local official" to review,
process and issue permits in Areas of Environmental Concern.

Regulations called for in the Act relate only to.pem.it authority affecting
designated Areas of Environmental Concern;'however, the permits need to
be coordinated with both the local land use plan and other existing
regulations. The really crucial part of the program will be to see if the
local plans can be effectively used to guide government actions--by local,
state, and federal agencies--within the local jurisdiction.

Section 1: Intergovernme@tal Coordination
On Holden Beach, there are two local units of government which provide services
to the island and have authority to levy taxes. T hese two units are: the
Town of Holden Beach and the County of Brunswick. Historically, counties have
been responsible for software services (i.e., health, education and welfare))
while municipalities were responsible for hardware services (i.e., water,
sewer, streets and sanitation). However
,with a changing demographic picture,
both cities and counties have initiated services of both types.

Coordination of se rvices between Holden Beach and Brunswick County has been
achieved in some instances such as fire protection, refuse disposal, and
water service. However,-new agreements in other areas should be explored.
Possible areas for joint services include recreation, wastewater treatment,
emergency rescue service, building inspection, and beach erosion contro.l.
The degree to which any of these service agreements can beachieved will be
determined by the cost involved.. The cost in turn can be held to a minimum
by land use control. Only Holden Beach has authority to regulate the use
of the land on the island.

Holden Beach-Page 14

Coordination in th e development of the Land Use Plan between Bruns,wiIck
County,and Holden Beach has been achieved through informal meetings by
the planning sta and by citizen.attendance at County Advisory.Committee
meetings.

Section 2: Land Classification System
'The,Z'North Carolina Land Classification System contains five classes of land:
a. Developed--Lands where existing population density is moderate to
high and where there area variety of land uses which have the
necessary public services.
b. :Transition--Lands where local government plans to accommodate
moderate to high density development during the following t
en- t@ 0@
period and where necessary public services will be provided
to accommodate' that growth.
c. Comunity--Lands where low density development is grouped in
eIx1isting settlements.or will occur in such settlements during
the following ten year period and which will not require extensive
public services now or in the future.
d._ Rural--Lands whose highest use is for agriculture, forestry, mining,
water supply, etc., based on their natural resources potential.
Also, lands for future needs not currently recognized.
Conservation--Fragile, hazard and other lands necessary to
maintain a healthy natural environment and necessary to provide
for the public health, safety, or welfare.

These five classes provide a framework to be used by the.Town to identify
the general use of all lands within the corporate limits. Such a system
presents an opportunity for Holden Beach to provide for its needs.as-well
as to consider those of the whole state. Also,'it is the basis for a
statement of policy on,@where and to wha.tdensity we want growth to occur,
and where we want to conserve the-beacW@S' nAtural resources by guiding
growth.

Wden Beach-PageI5

Applying this system to Holden Beach as shown on the accompanying map,
land falls into three categories: Conservation, Transityn, and Rural.
Conservation represents all land identified as n fere solil condition
will not support development. Transition includes land that will be pro-
vided water and sewer service within the next ten years. Incidentally,
the unit cost of water and sewer depends upon the density of development
permitted. The higher the density, the less unit cost per.subscriber. The
remainder of the land area is classified as Rural for future land needs not
currently recognized.

Section 3: Potential Areas of"tnvironmental Concern,
Holden Beach is a barrier island which contains the following en.Viron-
mentally fragile areas. These areas are currently under study to determine
what types of development are suitable to them.
3.1 Coastal Wetlands--Low.Tidal Marshland
Description. Defined'as marshland consisting primarily.of
Spartina alterniflora and usually subject to inundation by
the normal rise and fall of lunar tides.
3.2 Coastal Wetlands-Other Coastal Marshland
Description. All other marshland which is not low tidal
marshland.
Appropriate land uses are those which will-no,t alter natural
functions. Examples of acceptable land uses may include
utility easements, fishing piers, and docks.

Holden Beach-Page 16

3.3 Estuarine Waters
Description. Estuarine waters are defined in G.S. 113-229(n) (2)
as, "all the water ofthe Atlantic Ocean within the boundary of
North Carolina and all the waters of the bays, sounds, rivers,
and tributaries thereto seaward.,,
3.4 Renewable Resource Areas@-Watersheds or Aquifers--Special
Aquifer Areas--Outer Banks and Barrier Islands
Description. Areas of well-drained sands that extend downward
from the surface to include an extensive area of fresh water that is
an important source for a public water supply identified by the
North Carolina Department of Human Resources, Division of Health
Services, or that are classified for water supply use pursuant to.
G.S. 143-214.1. Appropriate land uses are those which do not rely
upon subsurface waste-disposal system or result in salt water
intrusion.
3.5 Areas Subject to Public Rights
3.5.1 General
Description. Areas such as waterways and lands under or
flowed by tidal waters or navigable waters, to which the
public may have rights. of access or public trust rights;
and areas which the State of North Carolina may,.be autho-
rized to preserve, conserve, or protect under Article XIV,
Section 5, of the North Carolina Constitution.

Holden Beach-Page 17

3.5.2 Certain Public Trust
Description. All waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the
lands thereunder from the mean high water mark to the
seaward limit of State jurisdiction; all natural bodies
of water subject to measurable lunar tides and lands
thereunder to the mean high water mark; all navigable
natural bodies of water and lands thereunder to the
mean high water mark or ordinary high water mark as the
case may be, excqpt.privately owned lakes to which the
public has no right of access. Appropriate land
uses are those-which do not interfere with public
right of navigation. Navigational channels, drainage
ditches, bulkheads and piers are:appropriate land uses.

3.6 Natural Hazard Areas--Sand Dunes along the Outer-Banks
Description. Dunes are defined as ridges or mounds of loose
wind-blown material, usually sand. Appropriate land uses are
those employing engineering practices and site preparation to
minimize unnecessary damage.
3.7 Natural Hazard Areas--Ocean Beaches and Shorelines (on the
Outer Banks)
Description. These are defined as land areas without vegetation
covering, c onsisting of unconsolidated soil material that extends
landward from the mean low tide to a point where any one or

Holden Beach-Page.18

combination of the following occur: (1) vegetation, or (2) a

distinct change predominant soil particle size, or (3) a

change in slope or elevation which alters the physiographic

land form. Appropriate land uses are those which preserve to

the greatest extent feasible, the opportunity to enjoy the

physical aesthetic, cultural, and recreational qualities of

the shorelines.

3.8 Natural Hazard Areas--Coastal Floodplains

Description. Coastal floodplain is defined as the land areas

adjacent to coastal sounds, estuaries, or the ocean which are prone

to flooding from storms with an annual probability of one percent

or greater (100-year storm). Land uses must comply with

standards of the Federal Insurance Administration.

3.9 Natural Hazard Areas--Excessive Erosion Areas

3.9.1 General

Description. Areas where geologic and soil conditions

are such that there is substantial possibility of

excessive erosion or seismic activity.

.3.9.2 Coastal Inlet Lands

Description. Defined as the natural zone of migration

of coastal inlets. Recreation,

conservation, and easements for access are appropriate

uses. Moveable temporary structures are recommended

for recreational purposes.

3.10 Natural Hazard Areas--Excessive Erosion Areas--Ocean Erodible Areas

Description. Defined as the area above mean high water where

excessive erosion has a high probability of occurring. In delineating

Holden Beach-Page 19

the landward extent of this area,-a reasonable 25-year
recession line, shall be determined using the best scien-
tific data available. Appropriate land uses are recreation,
conservation, and easements for access.
3.11 Natural Hazard Areas--Excessive Erosion Areas--Estuarine and
River Erodible Areas
Description. Defined as the area above ordinary high water
where excessive erosion has a high probability of occurring.
In delineating the landward extent of this area, a reasonable
25-year recession line shall be determined using the best
available information. Permanent or substantial residential,
commercial, institutional, or industrial structures are not
appropriate land uses.

Development Standards Applicable to All AECs
No development should be allowed in any AEC which would result in a contra-
vention or violation of any rules, regulations, or laws of the State of
North Carolina or of local government in which the development takes place.

No development should be allowed in any AEC which would have a substantial
likelihood of causing pollution of the waters of the State to the extent
that such waters would be closed to the taking of shellfish under standards
set by the Commission for Health Services pursuant to G.S. 130-169.01.

Section 4: Location and Development Standards
O-Pstandards serve two purposes: as a basis for the Land Use Plan, and
as a guide to public officials and citizens for evaluating development pro-
posals. These standards state where the various land uses should be located
and how land should be developed for each land use.
Residential areas should:
--Have public water and.sewer service within corporate limits.

Holden Beach-Page 20

--Have minimum lot sizes of 20,000 square feet where community/public water and sewer
service is unavailable; or of 15,000 square feet, if either water and
sewer facilities are available, but not both.
--Be bound but not crossed by major thoroughfares.
--Construct utilities including electric and telephone lines under-
ground; where the groundwater table prohibits underground electric
wires, utility poles should follow rear property lines.
--Not locate in flood-prone areas or, in the case of beach communities,
be above minimum building elevation and floodproofed as
determined by HUD - Federal Insurance Administration.
--Provide locations for churches, schools, recreation, and neighborhood
serving stores near their center.
--Be buffered from other land uses.

Commercial areas should:
--Locate near intersections of major thoroughfares to better serve
trade areas.
--Not be permitted to develop in strips, but rather in
consolidated functional units.
--Provide adequate off-street parking with designated entrances and
exits.
--Have adequate space; neighborhood shopping centers should range from
3 to 6 acres in size while community shopping centers, from 10 to
30 acres in size.
--Have compatible signs which do not obstruct sight.

Office and institutional areas should:
--Serve as buffers between residential areas and commercial or
industrial uses.
--Located in planned office and institutional parks.
--Have adequate off-street parking facilities.
--Have compatible signs which do not obstruct sight.

Holden Beach-Page 21

Article VII Conclusion
The Land Use Plan culminates six months' work by the Holden Beach Planning
Board and planning advisor, plus the substance of several public meetings
'k
and 11s urvey where input was given by property owners and residents of the
Island.

Obstacles to presentand future development are clearly identified. Means
and methods for dealing with development problems are recommended. The
protection of the public health,.safety, and welfare of present and future
residents can be assure provided Town Council implements the recommendations
listed herein as development policy.

Major concTusions of the Land Use Plan are:
--Existing development threatens the quality of surface waters
and groundwater.
--Providing water and sewer service and other municipal services
to the present pattern of development (density) will result in
higher economic, environmental, and personal costs.
--Beach access, recreation facilities, water safety, rescue service,
fire and police protection, and street surfacing are all municipal
services in need of improvement.
--Holden Beach requires the professional services of ful time qualified
personnel to insure the efficient and wise management of the Island's
resources. r

--Unless the proper controls are implemented,11JIP& face signiftdant
deterioration which would lessen the attractiveness of the Beach
and would violate the laws of the State of North Carolina.

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