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



































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                                    1996 CAMA Land Use Plan
                                          Town of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina





                                               Adopted May 81 1997















                                              Town of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
                                                       1996 CAMA LAND USE PLAN


                                                            BOARD OF ALDERMEN
                                                            Herbert P. McKim, Mayor
                                                        Roy A. Sandlin, Mayor Pro Tern
                                                             Edward J. Miastkowski
                                                                Robert A. O'Quinn
                                                                Avery Roberts, Jr.

                                                               PLANNING BOARD
                                                           Barry Mowbray, Chairman
                                                         Peggy Gentry, Vice-Chairman
                                                                   David Cignotti
                                                                     Leon Stein
                                                                  Susan Watson
                                                                   Pat Woodard
                                                                    Gene Wyke

                                                                  TOWN STAFF
                                                         Tony Caudle, Town Manager
                                                 Ed Taylor, Assistant to the Town Manager
                                                           Sylvia Holleman, Secretary

                                                                  CONSULTANT
                                                           Glenn Harbeck Associates
                                               Community Planning and Public Involvement
                                                               5607 Keswick Court
                                                      Wilmington, North Carolina 28409

                                                         STATE REPRESENTATIVES
                                                          Zoe Bruner, District Planner
                                             Courtney Hackney, Ph. D., CRC Representative

                                             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.






                                                                                           Co         ntents

                               1.          EXECUTIVE SUMMARY                          ........................................................................                      1-1
                                           1.1         Summary of Local Land Use Issues                                ................................................             1,11
                                           1.2         Policy Statements                 ......................... .....                                            .............   1.2
                                           1.3         The Land Classification System at W                              rightsville Beach             .....................       1-11

                               2.          INTRODUCTION                  ............................                                                                          ..... 2-1
                                           2.1         Why prepare a CAMA Land Use Ian?                                    .......................                  .............   2,11
                                           2.2         Functions of the Land Use Plan                            ...................................................                2-1


                               3.          GOALS AND OBJECTIVES                             ...................................................................                     3-1
                                           3.1         Community Vision                 ......................................................................                      3-1
                                           3.2         Objectives           ...............................................................................                         3-1

                               4.          SUMMARY OF DATA COLLECTION and ANALYSIS                                                    ...................................           4-1
                                           4.1         Establishment of Information Base                             ................................................               4-1
                                           4.2         Some Findings from the Technical Studies                                     .....................................           4-2
                                           4.3         For Further Information                   ...............................................................                    4-3

                               S.          PRESENT CONDITIONS                          .......................................................................                      5-1

                                           5.1         Present Population and Economy                               .................................................               5-1
                                           5.1.1       Population and Housing               ......................................................................................... 5-1
                                           5.1.2       Local Economy           ...................................................................................................... 5-5
                                           5.1.3       Impact of Seasonal Population                  ................................................................................ 5-6
                                           5.2         Existing Land and Water Uses                          ......................................................                 5-7
                                           5.2.1       Existing Land Uses Mapped                  ................................................................................... 5-7
                                           5.2.2       Existing Building Heights Mapped                   ........................................................................... 5-8
                                           5.2.3       Existing Water Conditions Mapped                    .......................................................................... 5-8
                                           5.3         Current Plans, Policies and Regulations                                 ........................................             5-9
                                           5.3.1       Plans and Policies          .................................................................................................. 5-9
                                           5.3.2       Current Land Use Regulations                   .............................................................................. 5-11
                                           5.3.3       Relationship to Land Use Plan                  .............................................................................. 5-12

                               6.          CONSTRAINTS                  ..................................................................................                          6-1

                                           6.1         Land Suitability             .........................................................................                       6-1
                                           6.1.1 Uh sical Limitations for Development                          ...................................................................... 6-1
                                     --- -          t-'(a) 'Hazard Areas          ................................................................................................... 6-1
                                                       (15@ Areas with Soil Limitations               ................................................................................. 6-1
                                                       (c) Water Supply Areas               ......................................................................................... 6-2
                                                       (d) Areas with Slopes Exceeding 12%                       .................................................................... 6-2
                                                       (e) Shoreline Areas with High Erosion Potential                         ...................................................... 6-2
                                                            Small Watersheds Draining Into Special Waters                          .................................................. 6-2
                                                       Fragile Area's)      ......................................................................................................... 6-3
                                           6.1.3       Areas with Resource Potential                  ................................................................................ 6-3
                                           6.2         Community Facilities and Services Capacity                                    ....................................           6-3
                                           6.2.1       Wastewater Management                  ....................................................................................... 6-3
                                           6.2.2       Drinking Water Supply             ............................................................................................ 6-4
                                           6.2.3       Transportation         ....................................................................................................... 6-7
                                           6.2.4       Schools      ................................................................................................................. 6-9
                                           6.2.5       Solid Waste Disposal            ............................................................................................ 6-10
                                           6.2.6       Police Protection          ................................................................................................. 6-10
                                           6.2.7       Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services                          ................................................... 6-11
                                           6.2.8       Parks and Recreational Facilities              ............................................................................ 6-12
                          CI               6.2.9       Public Administrative Capability               ............................................................................. 6-12






                                                                       Contents Continued




                7.          ESTIMATED DEMAND                     .........................................................................               7-1

                            7.1        Population and Economic Projections                            ...........................................        7-1
                            7.2        Future Land Use Needs                   ...............................................................           7-2
                            7.3        Demand for Community Facilities and Services                                ................................      7-2

                 8.         POLICY STATEMENTS                     ........................................................................               8-1

                            Introduction to the Policies                  ..................................................................             8-1
                            Policy     Format      .....................................................................................                 8-1
                            8.0        General Vision Policy for Next Ten Years                           .......................................        8-2
                            8.1        Resource Protection Policies                    ......................................................            8-2
                            8.1.0      Basic Policy Staiement Regarding Resource Protection                       ........................................... 8-2
                            8.1.1      Constraints to Development             ................................................................................... 8-2
                                       A. Appropriate, Corrective Drainage Improvements                       ................................................ 8-3
                                       B. Application of Federal, State and Local Controls                   ................................................. 8-3
                                       C. Development in 100 Year Floodplain                  ................................................................. 8-3
                            8.1.2      Areas of Environmental Concern               ............................................................................. 8-3
                                       A. Coastal Wetlands           ............................................................................................. 8-3
                                       B. Estuarine Waters          .............................................................................................. 8-4
                                       C. Public Trust Waters          ........................................................................................... 8-5
                                       D. Estuarine Shorelines            ........................................................................................ 8-5
                                       E. Ocean Hazard Areas             ......................................................................................... 8-6
                            8.1.3      Turtle Nesting Areas        ............................................................................................... 8-7
                            8.1.4      Other Hazardous or Fragile Areas             ............................................................................ 8-8
                                       A.   Other Wetlands        ................................................................................................ 8-8
                                       B.   Maritime Forest and Tree Cover             ......................................................................... 8-8
                                       C.   Outstanding Resource Waters                .......................................................................... 8-8
                                       D.   Shellfishing Waters         .......................................................................................... 8-8
                                       E.   Water Supply Areas and Other Waters with Special Values                        .................................. 8-9
                                       F.   Cultural and Historic Resources            ......................................................................... 8-9
                                       G.   Man-Made Hazards           ........................................................................................... 8-9
                            8.1.5      Protection of Potable Water Supply              ......................................................................... 8-9
                            8.1.6      Package Sewage Treatment Plants                 ....................................................................... 8-10
                            8.1.7      Storm Water Runoff         .............................................................................................. 8-10
                            8.1.8      Marinas, Floating Home Development, Moorings and Mooring Fields, Dry Stack                                  ...... 8-10
                                       A.   Marinas, Wetslips        ........................................................................................... 8-11
                                       B.   Floating Home Development               .......................................................................... 8-11
                                       C.   Moorings and Mooring Fields             .......................................................................... 8-11
                                       D.   Dry Stack Storage         .......................................................................................... 8-11
                                       E.   Commercial Fishing Dockage              .......................................................................... 8-12
                                       F.   Vessels for Hire, Charter Boats, and Cruise Ships                  ............................................. 8-12
                            8.1.9      Industrial Impacts On Fragile Areas             ........................................................................ 8-12
                            8.1.10     Development of Sound and Estuarine System Islands                        ............................................ 8-12
                            8.1.11     Development Within Areas That Might be Susceptible to Sea Level Rise                              ................. 8-12
                            8.1.12     Upland Excavation for Marina Basins             ...................................................................... 8-13
                            8.1.13     Marsh Damage From Bulkhead Installation                   ............................................................. 8-13
                            8.1.14     Water Quality Problems and Management Measures Designed to Address Them                                       .... 8-13
                            8.2        Resource Production and Management Policies                                    ............................       8-13
                            8.2.0      Basic Policy Statement Regarding Resource Production and Management                                  ............. 8-14
                            8.2.1      Productive Agricultural Lands            ............................................................................... 8-14
                            8.2.2      Commercial Forest Lands             ..................................................................................... 8-14
                            8.2.3      Mineral Production Areas-Existing and Potential                     .................................................. 8-14
                            8.2.4      Fisheries Resources           ............................................................................................ 8-14
                            8.2.5      Off Road Vehicles         ................................................................................................ 8-14
                            8.2.6      Development Impacts           ........................................................................................... 8-15




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                                                                                      Contents Continued



                                       8.3        Economic and Community Development Policies                                    ...........................      8-15
                                       8.3.0      Basic Policy Statement Regarding Economic & Community Development                                  ............... 8-15
                                                  A.   Growth of Town's Jurisdiction            .......................................................................... 8.16
                                                  B.   Population Increases           ...................................................................................... 8-16
                                                  C.   Types of Development to be Encouraged                     ........................................................ 8-16
                                                  D.   Density of Development           .................................................................................. 8-16
                                                  E.   Building Standards, Generally            ......................................................................... 8-16
                                                  F.   Building Height       .............................................................................................. B-16
                                       8.3.1      Industries Desired and Local Assets Desirable to Such Industries                       ............................ 8-16
                                       8.3.2      Provision of Services to Development, Generally                   ................................................... 8-16
                                                  A. Potable Water Supply             ..................................................................................... 8-17
                                                  B. Wastewater Treatment and Disposal                   ................................................................ 8-17
                                                  C. Solid Waste Disposal             ...................................................................................... 8-17
                                       8.3.3      Urban Growth Pattern Desired             ............................................................................... 8-17
                                       8.3.4      Types of Residential Development Desired                  ........................................................... 8-17
                                       8.3.5      Types of Commercial Development Desired                   ........................................................... 8-18
                                       8.3.6      Redevelopment, Including Relocation of Threatened Structures                           ............................ 8-19
                                       8.3.7      Commitment to State and Federal Programs                    .......................................................... 8-19
                                       8.3.8      Channel Maintenance, Including Interstate Waterways, and Beach Nourishment                                 ...... 8-19
                                                  A. Assistance to Channel Maintenance, Including Interstate Waterways                             ................. 8-20
                                                  B. Assistance to Beach Renourishment                   ............................................................... 8-20
                                                  C. Beach Hardening            ........................................................................................... 8-20
                                                  D. Soundside Bulkheads              .................................................................................... 8-20
                                       8.3.9      Energy Facility Siting and Development                ................................................................. 8-20
                                       8.3.10     Tourism      .............................................................................................................. 8-21
                                       8.3.11     Public Beach and Waterfront Access                ..................................................................... B-21
                                                  A. Beach and Waterfront Access                ......................................................................... B-22
                                                  B. Soundside Waterfront Access                 ........................................................................ 8-22
                                       8.3.12     Parks and Recreation          ........................................................................................... 8-22
                                       8.3.13     Downtown Area          ................................................................................................... 8-23
                                       8.3.14     Community Appearance                ....................................................................................... 8-23
                                                  A. Neighborhood Character and Preservation                      ...................................................... 8-23
                                                  B. Scenic Views and Vistas            ................................................................................. 8-23
                                                  C. Historic Preservation            ...................................................................................... 8-24
                                                  D. Undergrounding of                                                                                        ..... 8-24
                                       8.3.15     Transportation, Traffic and Parking            ........................................................................ 8-24
                                                  A.   Transportation Planning Generally              ................................................................... 8-24
                                                  B.   Public Transportation          ..................................................................................... 8-24
                                                  C.   High Rise Bridge        ............................................................................................ 8-25
                                                  D.   Pedestrian and Bicycle Traffic           ......................................................................... 8-25
                                                  E.   Keel Street Intersection         .................................................................................. 8-25
                                                  F.   Parking     .......................................................................................................... 8-26
                                       8.3.16     The Wrightsville Sound Area           ................................................................................. 8-26
                                       8.4.       Continuing Public Participation Policies                           ......................................       8-27
                                       8.4.0      Basic Policy Statement Regarding Continuing Public Participation                         .......................... 8-27
                                       8.4.1      Land Use Plan Update Process               ............................................................................. 8-27
                                       8.4.2      Ongoing Public Participation          ................................................................................. 8-27
                                       8.4.3      Neighborhood Planning               ....................................................................................... 8-27
                                       8.5        Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post-Disaster Recovery & Evacuation Plans8-28
                                       8.5.0      Description of Storm Hazard Risk and Basic Policy Statement                       .................................. 8-28
                                                  A. Storm Effects         ................................................................................................. 8-28
                                                  B. Hazard Areas Mapped              .................................................................................... 8-28
                                                  C. Existing Development At Risk               ......................................................................... 8-28








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                                                                      Contents Continued



                           8.5.1      Storm Hazard Mitigation Policies            ............................................................................ 8-29
                                      A. Storm Effect Mitigation           ................................................................................... 8-29
                                      B. Discouragement of Hazardous Development                         ................................................... B-29
                                      C. Public Land Acquisition            .................................................................................. 8-29
                                      D. Evacuation         ..................................................................................................... 8-30
                           8.5.2      Post Disaster Reconstruction Policies               ................................................................... B-30
                                      A. Emergency Management Plan                   ........................................................................ 8-30
                                      B. Local Reconstruction Policies               ......................................................................... 8-30
                                      C. Recovery Task Force             ...................................................................................... B-30
                                      D. Staging Schedule for Reconstruction and Repair                       ............................................. 8-31
                                      E. Public Infrastructure Repairs and Replacement                     ................................................ 8-31

                9.         LAND CLASSIFICATION                     .......................................................................               9-1

                           9.1        Purpose of Land Classification and Relationship to Policies                                       ..............   9-1
                           9.2        The Land Classification System at Wrightsville Beach                                    .............................. 9-1
                           9.3        The Land Classification Map                    ........................................................            9-1
                           9.4        Developed Areas (Neighborhood Planning Areas)                                     ...........................      9-2
                           9.4.1      Central Beach Area          ................................................................................................ 9-2
                           9.4.2      The North End        ....................................................................................................... 9-2
                           9.4.3      The Parmele Area          .................................................................................................. 9-3
                           9.4.4      The Waynick Boulevard-South Lumina Area                     ............................................................ 9-3
                           9.4.5      The South End         ...................................................................................................... 9-4
                           9.4.6      Old Harbor Island       .................................................................................................... 9-5
                           9.4.7      Pelican Drive, Lees Cut, Channel Walk & Lookout Harbor                        ......................................... 9-5
                           9.4.8      Causeway Drive/Marinas Area              ................................................................................. 9-6
                           9.4.9      Town Government and Parks Area                 .......................................................................... 9-7
                           9.4.10     The Mainland/Wrightsville Sound Area                 .................................................................... 9-7
                           9.5 Conservation Areas                  .......................................................................               9-8


                10.        INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION and IMPLEMENTATION                                                          ..............     10-1


                           10.1       Uses of the Land Use Plan                    .........................................................             10-1
                           10.2       Coordination with Other Governmental Jurisdictions                                    ......................       10-1


                11.        PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN AND PROCESS                                          .....................................          11-1

                           I 1. 1 Public Participation Plan                     .............................................................................. 11 -1
                           11.2 Public Involvement Process                           ......................................................              11-1
                           11.3 Summary of Meetings Held During Planning Process                                            ......................       11-4

                12.        APPENDICES              .............................................................................................................. 12-1


                           12.1 Evaluation of Effectiveness of Previous Land Use Plan                                            ..................      12-1
                           12.2 Sources and Locations of More Detailed Information                                          ......................       12-2
                           12.3 Action Agenda For the Wrightsville Beach Land use Plan                                              ..................... 12-2














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                                                                Executive Summmy

                   1. Executive Summary

                           This executive summary consists of three parts:

                           1.1 Summary of Local Land Use Issues
                           A summary of some of the salient issues being faced by the Town at the present time and
                           anticipated to be an on-going concern over the coming months or years.

                           1.2 Policy Statements
                           The Town's officially adopted positions and statements of principle concerning growth and
                           development issues at Wrightsville Beach.

                           1.3 The Land Classification System
                           A method for translating the Town's growth and development policies to specific parts of the
                           community, recognizing that not all parts of the Town are alike.

                           Each element of the Executive Summary will now be presented in turn.


                        Summary of Local Land Use Issues

                   Unlike many other communities, which can grow and expand their borders, the Town of Wrightsville Beach
                   has a finite land base within which to operate. For all intents and purposes, the Town is essentially
                   developed. As Wrightsville Beach approaches the year 2000, however, the Town is entering a significant
                   new redevelopment phase which promises to be no less significant, in terms of its potential impact, than
              I    the initial development of the community. This land use plan addresses several emerging development
                   trends at Wrightsville Beach, which he reader will observe, are interrelated. Among the most critical issues
                   facing the community today are:

                           - The Advent of the Massive Single Family Residence.
                           Some owners of older beach cottages are seeking to "max out" the development potential
                           allowed on their lot under the Town's zoning ordinance. As the value of land at Wrightsville Beach
                           has continued to escalate during the 1970's, 80's and 90's, these older era beach cottages are
                           being replaced with larger and more massive residential structures. These new structures are
                           being built out to the maximum building set backs and building heights allowed under the
                           ordinance. They are oftentimes not compatible in terms of building scale and height with nearby
                           structures. They also place demands on municipal services far greater than the much smaller
                           "beach cottages'they replace. Traffic generated, parking demand created, fire protection
                           needed, solid waste produced, water consumed, and sewage volumes generated may all be
                           dramatically increased by these very large structures. Stormwater runoff into the sound is also
                           increased by the larger building footprints and areas of impervious surface. This plan recommends
                           that all structures, regardless of their single family or multi-family label, be treated by Town
                           ordinances according to their anticipated impacts on the neighborhood in which they locate and
                           on the service demands they create.

                             Continued Pressure for Multi-Family Residential
                           Even with the advent of massive single family structures, demand for higher density development
                           on ever more expensive real estate is pushing continued pressure for more multi-family
                           development. For many of the same reasons outlined above (traffic, parking, water consumption,
                           solid waste disposal, and storm water runoff, etc.) the Town wishes to discourage additional multi-
                           family development at Wrightsville Beach.

                           - The Walling Off of the Waterfront
                           As structures grow ever larger to consume the permissible building envelope, views to the water,
                           which were once available at regular intervals throughout the island community, are gradually
                           disappearing. A casual walk or bike ride down many streets at Wrightsville Beach no longer yield
                           the frequent glimpses of the sound or waterway. Instead, the walker is more apt to see the flat



                                                                      Page 1-1






                                                            Executive Summary


                         door of an enclosed garage or a privacy fence walling off the side yard between two structures.
                         This plan seeks to preserve views and vistas to the water whenever possible and discourages the
                         construction of structures (wall to wall on a lot) which would contribute to the further visual walling
                         off of the water's edge.
                         @
                            Potential loss of the community's commercial services base, including the
                           owntown area.
                         Current development pressures are working toward the displacement of the Town's existing
                         commercial services base by residential development. There are two primary factors working
                         together to create this displacement pressure. First, as the Wilmington-New Hanover urban area
                         has expanded rapidly eastward during the 1980'and 90's, many of the Town's citizens have
                         elected to reside at Wrightsville Beach but work and shop elsewhere in the County. As a result,
                         demand for residential units at Wrightsville Beach is outstripping demand for virtually every other
                         form of development, including commercial. Second, the emergence of the Wrightsville Sound
                         area as a commercial service center for the eastern side of the County has provided a new,
                         relatively convenient service base for Wrightsville Beach residents and visitors. Stores and
                         services on the mainland are typically larger and have larger inventories. They may also have lower
                         ground rents, on average, than businesses at the beach.

                 These emerging trends are not intended, by any means, to represent the full range of issues confronting
                 the Town of Wrightsville Beach. They are indicative, however, of a community caught in a wave of rapid
                 change, brought about by tremendous regional growth, and heightened by enormous demand for resort
                 living in the midst of an otherwise mainstream urban area. The growth management decisions necessary
                 to positively direct this change are not monumental, but they will require deliberate, focused attention and
                 many hard decisions. The policies which follow are intended to help guide those decisions.


                 1.2 Policy Statements

                 OVERALL COMMUNITY VISION

                 Policy 8.0 General Vision Policy for Next Ten Years
                 We, the residents, business, & property owners of the Town of Wrightsville Beach, shall seek to maintain
                 and enhance our community as one of the finest family oriented beach towns on the east coast of the
                 United States. To do so will require diligence in working to retain the small town character and quality of the
                 natural and man-made environment that has become the basis for our quality of life at Wrightsville Beach,
                 and which makes our community such a desirable place for both visitors and residents alike.

                 RESOURCE PROTECTION POLICIES

                 Policy 8.1.0 Basic Policy Statement Regarding Resource Protection
                 The natural and scenic resources of Wrightsville Beach are the reason for our existence and attractiveness
                 as a community, for the value of our properties, and for the quality of our lives. It shall be the policy of Town
                 to take no action nor approve any action, in singular or cumulative effect, which would jeopardize the long
                 term viability of our natural and scenic resources. Furthermore, actions should have the effect of
                 protecting and enhancing the quality of such resources whenever possible.

                 Policy 8.1.1 A Appropriate, Corrective Drainage Improvements
                 Development will not be allowed where poor drainage or seasonal flooding exists unless appropriate
                 corrective improvements are to be completed as part of the project. Appropriate corrective improvements
                 shall be defined as those which solve the drainage problem without increasing stormwater runoff on
                 adjacent properties or in area waters, whether directly or indirectly.

                 Policy 8.1.1 B Application of Federal, State, and Local Controls
                 Allowable land uses in areas posing physical constraints should be only those approved through, where
                 applicable, the Division of Coastal Management (CAMA), the Army Corps of Engineers "404" permitting
                 processes, the Town's Zoning and Pierhead Line Ordinances, and the Town Dune Maintenance and
                 Protection Plan.




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                                                                 Executive Summary


                   Policy 8.1.1 C Development in the 100 Year Floodplain
                   Development shall be permissible in the 1 00-year flood zone, provided that all new construction and
                   substantial improvements comply strictly with CAMA regulations and the Town        ,s Flood Damage
                   Prevention Ordinance.

                   Policy 8.1.2 Areas Of Environmental Concern
                   The Town will support and enforce, through its CAMA Minor 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, estuarine shorelines, and public trust areas
                   as stated in 15A NCAC Subchapter 7H.

                   Policy 8.1.2 A Coastal Wetlands
                   Due to the critical role that wetlands play in protecting the quality of estuarine waters and in providing
                   habitat for fish and wildlife, the Town strongly supports the designation and preservation of all remaining
                   coastal wetlands. Acceptable land uses may include utility easements, fishing piers, and docks. Examples
                   of uses NOT permitted include restaurants, businesses, residences, apartments, motels, hotels, parking
                   lots, private roads, and highways.

                   Policy 8.1.2 B Estuarine Waters
                   (1) Appropriate uses within estuarine waters may include simple access channels, structures which
                   prevent erosion, navigational channels, private boat docks, marinas, piers, and mooring pilings.
                   Expansion or construction of new marinas is discouraged. Piers and docks for non-water dependent
                   commercial uses are also discouraged.
                   (2) Any development or activity which will profoundly and adversely affect coastal and estuarine waters will
                   not be allowed. In the design, construction and operation of water dependent structures, efforts must be
                   made to mitigate negative effects on water quality and fish habitat, as determined by NCAC 15A
                   Subchapter 7H and the Coastal Resources Commission. The developer and/or owner will bear the cost of
                   any required mitigation.

                   Policy 8.1.2 C Public Trust Areas
                   (1) Any use which significantly interferes with the public right of navigation or other public trust rights shall
                   be strongly discouraged. Projects which would directly or indirectly block or impair existing navigational
                   channels, increase shoreline erosion, deposit spoils below mean high water, cause adverse water
                   circulation patterns, violate water quality standards, or cause degradation of shellfish waters shall be
                   prohibited.
                   (2) The Town shall seek to ensure the responsible use of jet skis and other similar "personal" watercraft
                   within the public trust waters of Wrightsville Beach. Responsible use shall mean controlled, predictable
                   movements similar to other powered watercraft while in navigation channels, marinas, and other regularly
                   trafficked areas, and their prohibition in marshes and other shallow water estuaries, where damage to the
                   resource is likely,
                   (3) CAMA standards designed to limit the length of docks and piers as they project into public trust waters
                   shall be considered the minimum standards, with the Town reserving the right to be more restrictive where
                   public trust waters use and environmental protection issues warrant.

                   Policy 8.1.2 D Estuarine Shorelines
                   Marina development or expansion is discouraged along estuarine shorelines. However, residential,
                   recreational, research and educational, and commercial land uses are all appropriate types of use along
                   the estuarine shoreline, provided that all standards of NCAC 15 Subchapter 7H relevant to estuarine
                   shoreline AEC's are met, and that the proposed use is consistent with policies set forth in this Plan.

                   Policy 8.1.2 E Ocean Hazard Areas
                   (1) The Town supports state policies for ocean hazard areas as set forth in Chapter 15A, Subchapter 7H of
                   the state CAMA regulations. Suitable land uses in ocean hazard areas include ocean shoreline erosion
                   control activities and dune establishment and stabilization. Residential, commercial, and recreational land
                   uses and parking lots for beach access are also acceptable types of use in ocean hazard areas, provided
                   that they meet all general and specific use standards of 15A: 7H.
                   (2) The Town supports the policies and regulations of State and Federal permitting agencies concerning
                   the development of ocean piers, and shall encourage the proper maintenance and safety of such piers.



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                                                             Executive Summaiy


                  Policy 8.1.3 Turtle Nesting Areas
                  The Town shall avoid undertaking any activity or approving of any activity which would destroy remaining
                  habitat for loggerhead turtle nesting.

                  Policy 8.1.4 A Other Wetlands
                  The Town supports the designation and preservation of all wetlands.

                  POLICY 8.1.4 B Maritime Forests and Tree Cover
                  Tree cover at Wrightsville Beach, whether maritime or otherwise, is a highly valued asset. The Town
                  encourages efforts to preserve existing tree cover in new development and redevelopment.

                  Policy 8.1.4 C Outstanding Resource Water Areas
                  The Town supports and encourages the designation and preservation of Outstanding Resource Waters.
                  The Town promotes surface water quality through its storm drainage and stormwater runoff policies.

                  Policy 8.1.4 D Shellfishing Waters
                  The Town supports and encourages the activities of the State's Shellfish Management Program. The
                  Town promotes estuarine water quality through its storm drainage planning and stormwater runoff policies.

                  Policy 8.1.4 E Water Supply Areas and Other Waters with Special Values
                  The Town encourages regional efforts to protect the water quality of the Castle Hayne aquifer and the
                  Cape Fear River as sources of potable water.

                  Policy 8.1.4 F Cultural and Historic Resources
                  The Town encourages the preservation of its older, potentially historic structures, both commercial and
                  residential.

                  Policy 8.1.5 Protection Of Potable Water Supply
                  The Town's groundwater resources shall be conserved for longevity through proper management of its
                  system of wells, and by the encouragement of water conservation practices, including measures which
                  can be taken in construction of all new structures.

                  Policy 8.1.6 Package Sewage Treatment Plants
                  All new developments are required to connect to the Town's central sewer system. Package sewage
                  treatment plants and septic systems are not allowed.

                  Policy 8.1.7 Storm Water Runoff
                  The Town encourages 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. (Note: As policy, the Town will continue to
                  require that the first 4" of rainwater in a 24 hour period be retained on site for all new developments.)

                  Policy 8.1.8 A Marinas, Wetslips
                  The Town will discourage the expansion and/or intensification of existing marinas and the development of
                  additional marinas, including upland marinas in excavated basins.

                  Policy 8.1.8 B Floating Home Development
                  Due to the limited amount of public trust waters surrounding Wrightsville Beach and the heavy use of
                  those waters by the public, the Town shall not allow the effective "permanent consumption" of public trust
                  waters by floating homes.

                  Policy 8.1.8 C Moorings and Mooring Fields
                  Additional freestanding moorings of any kind shall not be allowed within the public trust waters of
                  Wrightsville Beach.





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             Policy 8.1.8 D Dry Stack Storage
             While dry storage of boats by individual owners is preferred over wet slip storage, the Town shall
             discourage the expansion and development of additional dry stack storage facilities.

             Policy 8.1.8 E Commercial Fishing Dockage
             Commercial fisheries vessel dockage at currently used commercial facilities along the soundside
             waterfront is acceptable.

             Policy 8.1.8 F Vessels for Hire, Charter Boats -and Cruise Ship Dockage
             Vessels for hire and charter boats/cruise ships shall only be allowed in conjunction with existing marinas
             and shall not cause an expansion in the amount of surface water consumed or parking demand
             generated. Smaller charter and cruise ships shall be preferred over larger.

             Policy 8.1.9 Industrial Impacts On Fragile Areas
             Industrial development of any kind is incompatible with the overall land use pattern, economy, and quality
             of life at Wrightsville Beach. Therefore, no impact on fragile areas is expected nor will it be allowed.

             Policy 8.1.10 Development Of Sound And Estuarine System Islands
             All estuarine sound islands and spoil islands are subject to conservation (P-1) provisions. The Town also
             supports all county and state efforts to preserve Masonboro Island.

             Policy 8.1.11 Development Within Areas That Might Be Susceptible To Sea Level Rise
             The Town will encourage appropriate agencies of the State and Federal government to monitor research
             on sea level rise and its theoretical effect on coastal areas. The Town will consider any state and federal
             policies formulated prior to formulating specific policies regarding sea level rise; specifically, development
             within areas up to 5 feet above sea level which may be susceptible to sea level rise and wetland loss.

             Policy 8.1.12 Upland Excavation For Marina Basins
             The Town will discourage the expansion of existing marinas and the development of additional marinas,
             including upland marinas in excavated basins.

             Policy 8.1.13 Marsh Damage From Bulkhead Installation
             The Town urges proper maintenance of existing bulkheads and seawalls for health, safety and aesthetic
             reasons. The Town shall not allow marshes or beach areas to be damaged by the installation of new
             bulkheads, groins or seawalls.

             Policy 8.1.14 Water Quality Problems and Management Measures
             The Town shall continue to seek improved marina management and stormwater runoff standards which will
             protect and enhance the water quality of the estuarine system.

             RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES

             Policy 8.2.0 Basic Policy Statement Regarding Resource Production and Management
             Wrightsville Beach is located in the midst of one of the most biologically productive ecosystems on earth-
             estuarine waters and marshes. The Town shall take no action nor approve of any action which would
             seriously harm the long term viability and productivity of this ecosystem.

             Policy 8.2.1 Productive Agricultural Lands (Not applicable)

             Policy 8.2.2 Commercial Forest Lands (Not applicable)

             Policy 8.2.3 Mineral Production Areas-Existing and Potential
             Mineral production and extraction activities of any kind shall not be permitted within the planning
             jurisdiction of Wrightsville Beach. This shall not preclude removal of sand deposits for beach nourishment.







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                 Policy 8.2.4 Fisheries Resources (Commercial and Recreational)
                 (1) The Town supports projects which increase productivity of coastal and estuarine waters. Projects such
                 as oyster reseeding programs and properly constructed artificial reef construction will be supported in the
                 future.
                 (2) The Town supports the "Big Sweep" beach cleanup program and all other similar efforts to enhance
                 the cleanliness of the natural environment.
                 (3) The Town supports the NC Division of Marine Fisheries and the Division of Coastal Management in
                 their development of regulations and policies, including those on trawling and gill netting in ocean and
                 estuarine waters, activities in primary nursery areas (PNA's), and activities in outstanding resource waters
                 (ORW's).

                 Policy 8.2.5 Off Road Vehicles
                 Off-road vehicles (with the exception of emergency vehicles) are not allowed outside public right of ways
                 at Wrightsville Beach.

                 Policy 8.2.6 Development Impacts
                 New development and redevelopment activities shall not be permitted which would act to degrade the
                 quality of natural and scenic resources at Wrightsville Beach.

                 ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT POLICIES

                 Policy 8.3.0 Basic Policy Statement Regarding Economic            & Community Growth &
                 Development
                 Wrightsville Beach shall measure "progress" in terms of a continual refinement and enhancement of
                 existing development forms and services. This shall be viewed in contrast with the undesirable wholesale
                 displacement of existing development by larger, more intensive developments.

                 Policy 8.3.0 A Growth of Town's Jurisdiction
                 Expansion of the Town's ETJ and/or corporate limits on the mainland/Wrightsville Sound area shall not be
                 supported.

                 Policy 8.3.0 B Population Increases
                 The Town shall discourage large incremental amounts of growth and development and large increases in
                 population.

                 Policy 8.3.0 C Types of Development to be Encouraged
                 The Town will encourage single family and duplex residences, appropriate neighborhood-oriented and
                 local businesses, and parks and natural areas.

                 Policy 8.3.0 D Density of Development
                 The Town will consider reducing the maximum density limits of its zoning ordinance for future
                 development and redevelopment. The Town will also consider maximum size limitations for multifamily and
                 commercial structures.

                 Policy 8.3.0 E Building Standards, Generally
                 The Town shall support refinements in building standards throughout the community to reflect the unique
                 characteristics of different areas of Wrightsville Beach, including but not limited to: height, setbacks, lot
                 coverage, and floor area ratios.

                 Policy 8.3.0 F Building Height
                 The Town will not increase the Town's present building height limitation of, "not to exceed 40 feet" in all
                 residential (and all but one commercial) district(s). This maximum height may be reduced in neighborhoods
                 where the prevailing building height of existing structures is less than 40 feet. Maximum building height
                 shall be measured from the average ground plane of the lot, rather than from the nearest fire hydrant.

                 Policy 8.3.1 Industries Desired and Local Assets Desirable to Such Industries
                 "Industry" in the traditional manufacturing/ processing/ production sense will not be allowed at Wrightsville
                 Beach.




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                 Policy 8.3.2 Provision of Services to Development, Generally
                 The Town will make all municipal facilities 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. Connection to water and sewer lines will be at the expense of the developer. If water or
                 sewer facility upgrades or expansions would be required for new development, the needed
                 improvements would be at the expense of the developer.

                 Policy 8.3.2 A Potable Water Supply
                 The Town requires all new development to tie into its system for potable water supply and prohibits
                 individual wells for potable use. 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.

                 Policy 8.3.2 B Wastewater Treatment and Disposal
                 All new developments are required to connect to the Town's central sewer system, which is connected, in
                 turn, to the New Hanover County centralized sewer system. Package sewage treatment plants and septic
                 systems are not allowed.

                 Policy 8.3.2 C Solid Waste Disposal
                 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 the Beach.

                 Policy 8.3.3 Urban Growth Pattern Desired
                 The Town shall support a small town growth pattern which reinforces the community's existing residential
                 and commercial areas and protects the existing residential-commercial balance of the community.

                 Policy 8.3.4 Types of Residential Development Desired
                 The Town will not allow additional multi-family complexes and high-rise structures. Multi-unit complexes
                 shall be limited to sites where they are presently located. New or expanded single family and duplex
                 homes that are out of scale with other structures in their vicinity shall be discouraged.

                 Policy 8.3.5 Types of Commercial Development Desired
                 (1) The Town will encourage commercial establishments providing basic goods and services to year round
                 residents and visitors. Examples include appropriately scaled and designed grocery stores, drug stores,
                 sit down restaurants, etc.
                 (2) Architectural character and signage which is not in keeping with a small town atmosphere shall be
                 strongly discouraged.
                 (3) To preserve the economic viability of the community's commercial/retail/service base, the Town shall
                 consider mixed use ground floor commercial with upper floor residential on commercially zoned
                 properties.
                 (4) It is the Town's policy to help preserve the basic service function provided by community businesses at
                 Wrightsville Beach. The Town will carefully review proposals for the conversion of such existing
                 commercial sites to any residential uses, including additional multi-family complexes, motels or high rise
                 structures. Location of such multi-family complexes, motels, and high rise structures shall be encouraged
                 on sites where they are presently located.

                 Policy 8.3.6 Redevelopment, Including Relocation of Threatened Structures
                 Relocation of structures endangered or damaged by wave action and/or shoreline erosion is encouraged.
                 Redevelopment of damaged or destroyed structures will be permitted by the Town according to Town
                 ordinances, provided all current building standards and CAMA requirements are met.

                 Policy 8.3.7 Commitment to State and Federal Programs
                 The Town supports the State Coastal Area Management Act, the State's beach access program, State
                 and Federal channel maintenance and inlet projects, beach renourishment, and bridge and road
                 improvement programs.






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                 Policy 8.3.8 A Assistance to Channel Maintenance, Including Interstate Waterways
                 The Town supports State and Federal channel and inlet maintenance projects. All dredging and
                 stabilization operations must be performed so as to minimize any damage to fish and wildlife habitat. When
                 dredge material is suitable, the Town encourages such material to be used to nourish area beaches.

                 Policy 8.3.8 B Assistance to Beach Nourishment
                 The Town supports the application and designation of the local room tax in accordance with its original
                 intent- a minimum of 80% to provide a trust fund for beach renourishment projects, and a maximum of
                 20% to support tourism promotion and marketing efforts.

                 Policy 8.3.8 C Beach Hardening
                 The Town adheres to current CAMA policies and regulations concerning beach erosion control.
                 Structures, including but not limited to bulkheads, rip rap, groins, or other similar features which act to
                 harden the shoreline along the beach, shall not be permitted. Beach renourishment, retreat, or other
                 "non-hardening" measures shall be encouraged.

                 Policy 8.3.8.13 Soundside Bulkheads
                 The Town will encourage the appropriate construction and maintenance of estuarine bulkheads as
                 necessary within the context of the CAMA regulations.

                 Policy 8.3.9 Energy Facility Siting and Development
                 The Town is opposed to offshore continental shelf drilling for oil and gas. The location of shoreside OCS
                 facilities at or adjacent to Wrightsville Beach would be inappropriate, is inconsistent with current zoning
                 regulations, and would not be allowed within the Town's corporate limits.

                 Policy 8.3.10 Tourism
                 The Town of Wrightsville Beach shall welcome visitors to the area with a quality tourist experience within a
                 year round beach community. Factors related to this policy include public safety, an atmosphere
                 conducive to families, convenient services, a quality beach strand, and fishable, swimmable waters.

                 Policy 8.3.11 A Beach and Waterfront Access
                 (1) Public pedestrian access is limited to designated dune crossover access areas. The Town, through its
                 CAMA minor permit program, may also allow the construction of individual over-the-dune structures for
                 access to the beach at private access points. The intent of this policy is to encourage the construction and
                 use of appropriately designed and located overdune structures to prevent destruction of the berm.
                 (2) The Town shall continue to maintain and improve its existing public beach access facilities.
                 (3) The Town will seek County and State funding assistance for waterfront and beach access projects and
                 facilities.
                 (4) To relieve congestion at the Wrightsville Beach boat ramp, the Town shall encourage City and County
                 efforts to provide for boat ramp facilities on the mainland side of the intracoastal waterway.
                 (5) The Town shall encourage the conversion of public street ends into pedestrian friendly access points.

                 Policy 8.3.11 B Soundside Waterfront Access
                 The Town shall seek to protect the remaining lineal shoreline of public and commercial properties
                 providing for direct and indirect public access to the soundside and intracoastal waters of Wrightsville
                 Beach. Further exclusive residential development, which would further wall off the balance of the Town's
                 residents and visitors from the water, shall be discouraged.

                 Policy 8.3.12 Parks and Recreation
                 The Town supports the development, maintenance and enhancement of its parks and recreational
                 facilities for the benefit of Town residents.

                 Policy 8.3.13 Downtown Area
                 The Town supports the continuation of a commercial downtown area, to encourage a "village type"
                 atmosphere with appropriate local community businesses.






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                Policy 8.3.14 A Neighborhood Character and -Preservation
                The Town encourages the improvement, preservation and enhancement of the Town's areas of unique
                character and neighborhoods.

                Policy 8.3.14 B Scenic Vistas and Views
                In recognition and appreciation of the scenic vistas and views of coastal waters, the Town shall discourage
                development forms (i.e. "wall to wall" or lengthy, continuous buildings and privacy walls) along estuarine
                and ocean shorelines which would block views to the water. The west side of Waynick Boulevard shall
                receive particular protection; i.e. the Town shall not permit structures in this area, other than customary
                docks, piers, and associated small, see through, "gazebos".

                Policy 8.3.14 C Historic Preservation
                The Town shall encourage the regular maintenance and preservation of older historic structures where
                desired.

                Policy 8.3A4 D Undergrounding of Utilities
                As opportunities and budgeting constraints allow, the Town will work with neighborhoods to put utilities
                underground.

                Policy 8.3.15 A Transportation Planning, Generally
                The Town shall undertake a traffic management program which seeks to achieve a balance between
                pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular movement and safety.

                Policy 8.3.15 B Public Transportation
                The Town will consider proposals from private entities for establishing public transportation from
                Wrightsville Beach to the adjacent mainland areas.

                Policy  8.3.15 C High Rise Bridge
                The Town does not support the construction of a high rise and/or second bridge to the island.

                Policy 8.3.15 D Pedestrian and Bicycle Traffic
                The Town supports the use of bicycles as a functional means of reducing automobile traffic and parking
                demand at the beach.

                Policy 8.3.15 E Keel Street Intersection
                Ongoing efforts to correct operational deficiencies at the Keel Street intersection shall be supported.

                Policy 8.3.15 F Parking
                (1) The Town recognizes that on street parking is one of the most efficient forms of parking available at
                Wrightsville Beach. The Town shall avoid actions which would further eliminate on-street parking, unless
                necessary for public safety purposes.
                (2) Large off street parking areas or structures are viewed as an exceptionally inefficient use of limited land
                resources. Where such uses are created, however, they shall be in keeping with the small town character,
                scale and design of Wrightsville Beach.

                Policy 8.3.16 The Wrightsville Sound Area
                The Town shall seek to establish and maintain an on-going joint planning effort with New Hanover County
                (or the City of Wilmington, upon annexation) for the Wrightsville Sound Area emphasizing input from the
                Town on issues of land use, community appearance, open space and traffic management for areas
                outside the Town's corporate limits.

                CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION POLICIES

                Policy 8.4.0 Basic Policy Statement Regarding Continuing Public Participation
                Wrightsville Beach believes that on-going, effective public involvement, combined with factual analysis of
                any public issue, is the key to creating and maintaining a direction for the community upon which all may
                agree.





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                                      Executive Summary


           Policy 8.4.1 Land Use Plan Update Process
           Public involvement will be encouraged among all permanent residents, business owners, and property
           owners during each Land Use Plan Update.

           Policy 8.4.2 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 Board will advertise the public meetings held to
           discuss land use and associated matters.

           Policy 8.4.3 Neighborhood Planning
           The Town shall encourage a high level of involvement by citizens and property owners in planning
           decisions through neighborhood planning. With neighborhood support, the Town shall institute an on-
           going neighborhood planning program, within which different parts of the Town will be addressed on a
           rotating basis.

           STORM HAZARD MITIGATION/POST-DISASTER RECOVERY, AND EVACUATION
           POLICIES AND PLANS

           Policy 8.5.0 Basic Policy Statement Regarding Storm Hazard Mitigation/Post-Disaster
           Recovery, and Evacuation Policies and Plans
           The Town of Wrightsville Beach supports the establishment and implementation of policies, procedures,
           and actions which can reduce the potential for loss of life, minimize damage to property, and provide a
           framework for orderly reconstruction in the event of a damaging hurricane or other natural disaster.

           Storm Hazard Mitigation Policies

           Policy 8.5.1 A Storm Effect Mitigation
           (1) The Town shall require all new and substantially improved structures to meet federal, state and local
           standards for construction in flood prone areas.
           (2) The Town will only grant variances to the Flood Plain ordinance on a rare occasions to individual
           properties that meet the findings set forth under FEMA Guidelines.
           (3) To help mitigate the effect of storm related hazards, the Town shall continue to work with the Federal,
           State and County governments on regular beach renourishment through a Shore and Hurricane Wave
           Protection Project.

           Policy 8.5.1 B. Discouragement of Hazardous Development
           The Town shall use a variety of methods, including particularly, CAMA setback requirements and zoning,
           to discourage the development of property that can reasonably be foreseen as potentially hazardous.

           Policy 8.5.1 C. Public Land Acquisition
           (1) The Town supports advanced planning for acquisition of properties that are not suitable for
           development, where such acquisition serves a useful public purpose. Such public purpose may include,
           for example, public access to the beach or sound, where such access is needed. The Town shall not
           make poor investments, however, in properties which are in danger of completely eroding, or where other
           liabilities could render them useless'
           (2) 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. To provide a proactive approach,
           priority areas for acquisition shall be identified in advance of storm events.
           (3) Public acquisition of appropriate properties is also encouraged at the State and Federal level.

           Policy 8.5.1 D. Evacuation
           The Town's evacuation policies under a number of emergency situations shall be specified in the
           emergency operations plan of the Town. The plan shall be examined for possible revision or
           improvements on at least an annual basis.






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                                                                Executive Summary



                  Post Disaster Reconstruction Policies

                  Policy 8.5.2 A. Emergency Management Plan
                  The Town shall annually update its Emergency Management and Operations Plan, in concert with County
                  and State emergency management officials, and with input from Town residents. The plan shall
                  encompass pre-storm and immediate post storm activities and policies of the Town, including policies on
                  evacuation and reentry, debris pick up, and public health and safety issues.

                  Policy 8.5.2 B. Local Reconstruction Policies
                  The Town shall issue building permits as expeditiously as possible to property owners whose structures
                  have received minor damage by the event. If a structure has been damaged by more than 50%, the
                  property owner will have to rebuild or modify the structure to meet current development ordinances.

                  Policy 8.5.2 C. Recovery Task Force
                  Depending upon the degree of damage following a major storm event, the Town shall have on call a
                  variety of public officials to serve as a Recovery Task Force to orchestrate the Town's recovery activities .
                  The potential membership and duties of the Task Force shall be specified in the Town's Emergency
                  Management and Operations Plan.

                  Policy 8.5.2 D. Staging Schedule for Reconstruction and Repair
                  (1) To deal With the large number of request5 for permb after a major storm, the Town shall employ a
                  "building permit triage" for orderly issuance of building permits. Criteria for the order of issuance shall be
                  developed in advance, with the need for modification acknowledged based upon the specific
                  circumstances being faced.
                  (2) The Town shall also develop a planned sequence for the restoration of public utilities and services,
                  with allowance for adjustment to deal with circumstances at hand.

                  Policy 8.5.2 E. Public Infrastructure Repairs and Replacement
                  The Town of Wrightsville Beach will assess any damage to public infrastructure at the earliest time after the
                  event. Damage which may affect life and safety issues will be corrected to the extent that hazards have
                  been minimized. Long term repair or replacement will be prioritized based on resources available, impact
                  on the integrity of the infrastructure, mitigation of future hazardous situations, and on-going capital
                  improvement needs.


                  1.3 The Land Classification System at Wrightsville Beach

                  1.3.1 Purpose of Land Classification and the Land Classification Map

                  (a) Purpose

                  The CAMA Land Use Planning Guidelines suggest that local governments classify various parts of their
                  planning jurisdictions in accordance with the desired density and character of development for each area
                  of their community. For example, the Developed class is intended for areas that are already urban in
                  nature. The Transition class is intended for areas that are expected to become urban within the next
                  decade. The Rural class is intended for areas that are not exl2ected to become urban within the next
                  decade-and so forth.

                  In the case of Wrightsville Beach, however, the entire incorporated area, (excluding marshes, the beach
                  strand, and public trust waters) is essentially already urban in nature. In other words, the area is already fully
                  developed and is currently receiving the full range of urban services, including particularly, centralized
                  water and sewer. According to CAMA Guidelines, all of the developable area of Wrightsville Beach
                  qualifies for inclusion in the Developed class, with the balance of the area-i.e. marshes, the beach
                  strand and public trust waters-qualifying for the Conservation class.

                  Designating the entire land area of the Town into a single land class, however, defeats the purpose of
                  providing policy guidance to the Town for different parts of the community. For this reason, the Town has
                  elected to subdivide the Developed class into several sub-categories. These sub-categories


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                                                                Executive Summary


                   correspond to neighborhood planning areas within the Town with distinct development characteristics or
                   common attributes. Policy positions are then provided for each of these neighborhood sub-classifications
                   to help the Town maintain the distinguishable neighborhood qualities unique to each area.

                   (b) The Land Classification Map

                   Each of the neighborhood planning areas described below have been identified on a map of Wrightsville
                   Beach. (Accompanying) Factors employed in determining the extent of each area varied from area to area,
                   but generally related to one or more of the following: (1) The era or period in which the neighborhood was
                   first developed. (2) The size of platted lots. (3) The height and character of buildings. (4) The nature of
                   streets and parking. (5) The type(s) of land uses prevalent in the area. (6) The pedestrian or automobile
                   oriented nature of the area.

                   1.3.2 Developed Areas (Neighborhood Planning Areas)

                   (a) Central Beach Area

                   The policy emphasis of this plan is on retaining the modest scale of most of the structures in the Central
                   Beach Area, as well as its pedestrian-oriented nature. Additional large scale and/or intensive single family
                   (mini-castles) shall be discouraged. Building heights of three stories or less (total, from ground level) shall
                   be considered appropriate. Architectural designs shall be encouraged which continue to employ (1)
                   functional porches facing at least the street and (2) wooden exterior siding. Additional multi-family
                   residential or intensification of existing multi-family developments shall not be allowed. While new large
                   scale or intensified commercial development shall not be permitted, existing commercial areas shall be
                   protected for the useful services these businesses provide to the area.

                   (b) The North End

                   The policy emphasis of this plan is to allow for the continued use of each land parcel as currently built
                   upon, with no further multi-family development, whether by new development or by increases in
                   development intensity or scale. With the recent introduction of several four story single family residences
                   into the area, public sentiment about additional four story structures has been negative. For this reason,
                   this plan recommends that the Town seek to discourage or curtail the construction of single family
                   residences of greater than two to three stories (total from ground level) in the North end area. This is
                   consistent with building height policies for single family houses in all other areas of the community. The
                   Town will also apply pier length controls to the North End by extending the Town's pier head line to this
                   area.


                   (c) The Parmele Area

                   The policy emphasis of this plan is on maintaining the Parmele area for exclusive single family and duplex
                   residential uses. (Town public works facility not affected) A maximum building height of three stories (total,
                   from ground level) shall be considered appropriate for this area.

                   (d) The Waynick Boulevard-South Lurnina Area

                   The policy emphasis of this plan for the Waynick Boulevard-South Lumina Area is to encourage a
                   continuation of the predominant single family and duplex residential development. Consistent with the
                   modest size of most lots in this area, and with the objective of preserving views to both the ocean and
                   sound, building heights of two to no more than three stories (total, from ground level) shall be considered
                   appropriate. Existing commercial, multi-family and yacht club uses should continue to be allowed in their
                   present form, but with no greater intensification of building mass or height. The Banks Channel side of
                   Waynick Boulevard should continue to be used for docks and piers related to recreational boating in the
                   soundside area. The Town shall not permit improvements along the sound side of the road which would
                   block the open vista from Waynick Boulevard to Banks Channel.






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                                                            Executive Summary


                 (e) The South End

                 The policy emphasis of this plan is to allow the South End area to be used exclusively for the retention and
                 development of traditional single family beach cottages (Coast Guard Station not affected), at a scale
                 compatible with the original homes, modest lot sizes and street rights of way in the area. The avoidance of
                 single family "mini-castles" packed on to small lots will also help avoid fire safety problems related to fire
                  preading quickly from one large structure to the next. Building heights of two to no more than three
                 stories (total, from ground level) shall be considered appropriate in this area. Multi-family development
                 Sshall not be permitted in this area.

                 (f) Old Harbor Island

                 The policy emphasis of this plan is to allow for the continued enhancement and "healthy" redevelopment
                 of the area, while seeking to define reasonable limits for the height, size, mass and bulk of new
                 replacement homes. Building heights of two to no more than three stories (total, from ground level) shall
                 be considered appropriate for this area. If such height limits and other standards are not implemented in
                 the near future, and current trends continue, redevelopment will eventually destroy the current attractive
                 relationship of the scale the structures to the neighborhood's tree canopy and to other structures in the
                 area.


                      Pelican Drive, Lees Cut, Channel Walk & Lookout Harbor

                 The policy emphasis of this plan for this portion of Harbor Island is to allow for the continued use of each
                 land parcel as currently built upon, with no increases in development intensity or scale. In keeping with the
                 prevailing height and character of existing single family and duplex homes along Pelican Drive, building
                 heights of two to no more than three stories (total, from ground level) shall be considered appropriate
                 along this street. No further multi-family development, whether by new development or by increases in
                 development intensity or scale at existing locations, shall be allowed. Any redevelopment of the existing
                 commercial areas should be oriented toward community and neighborhood services.

                 (h) Causeway Drive/Marinas Area

                 The policy emphasis of this plan is to retain the existing land use mix for this part of Wrightsville Beach.
                 Existing single family, duplex, and multi-family development should be allowed to continue as presently
                 configured, with no significant intensification of development. Existing commercial land areas should be
                 retained for the services they provide to area residents as well as for the provision of indirect access to
                 Mott Channel and the intracoastal waterway. Future redevelopment proposals for the marina area, in
                 particular, should include the following objectives: (1) retention of boating access to the public, whether
                 by private or public means, (2) preservation of visual and physical access to the water's edge by the
                 general public, and (3) preservation of community-serving commercial services. Residential uses in this
                 area are not out of the question, provided that such uses shall not act to "wall off the water" in an
                 exclusionary way. Given the size and configuration of the properties in this area, an overall plan for the
                 future use of the entire commercial area south of the drawbridge would be in order. Such a plan could
                 include, for example, ground floor retail, with a continuous public boardwalk along the water's edge, and,
                 perhaps, residential units above. (This mixed use format with public access has worked successfully in
                 other waterfront communities, and would be one way to satisfy the objectives outlined above.)

                 (1) Town Government and Parks Area

                 Policy emphasis for this portion of Wrightsville Beach should be on the retention of this area for the
                 ongoing provision of local government services and parks and recreation. Recent initiatives to prepare a
                 long-range master plan for the use of this important resource should continue to be supported.

                 (j) The Mainland/Wrightsville Sound Area

                 The policy emphasis of this plan will be on working proactively with the City of Wilmington (and/or New
                 Hanover County) to address land development, traffic management and gateway appearance issues. The




                                                                 Page 1-13






                                                            Executive Summary


                  Town will also maintain an ongoing interest in maintaining and protecting its groundwater supply facilities in
                  the area.


                  1.3.3 Conservation Areas

                  (a) Purpose

                  The purpose of the Conservation class is to provide for the effective long-term management and
                  protection of significant limited or irreplaceable areas. Management of these areas is needed due to the
                  natural, cultural, recreational, scenic or natural productive values of both local and more than local concern.

                  (b) Location at Wrightsville Beach

                  Within the planning jurisdiction of the Town of Wrightsville Beach, the Conservation class includes all
                  wetland, beach and sound areas associated with the Atlantic Ocean, the intracoastal waterway and the
                  various channels and marshes surrounding Wrightsville Beach. Also included in this classification are
                  interior marshlands adjacent to the government complex on Harbor Island.

                  (c) Policy Emphasis

                  The policy emphasis of this plan for Conservation areas shall be to protect the natural integrity and
                  functioning of these areas, as well as in providing open space and visual relief. Approved uses shall be in
                  accordance with CAMA General Use Standards, with priority given to direct and indirect public access
                  having a minimal impact on the natural functioning of these systems. The Town shall also maintain an on-
                  going concern for the preservation of views and vistas to these areas, by carefully controlling
                  development along the water's edge which would serve to block or wall off the public from these valuable
                  scenic and recreational resources.





































                                                                 Page 1- 14







                                                                  Introduction


                  2. Introduction

                  2.1 Why Prepare a CAMA Land Use Plan?

                          "In many, many respects, the Town of Wrightsville Beach has done a commendable job
                          over the years of managing it's growth and development. Despite significant growth
                          pressures, the Town has generally responded well to maintain a community and quality of
                          development which is the envy of many other coastal localities. The kind of community
                          that has emerged at Wrightsville Beach does not happen by accident, but only through
                          the deliberate, caring efforts of many individual citizens, Town officials and community
                          leaders over a period of many decades. Clearly, the Town has a legacy of high standards
                          and expectations to carry forward...

                          ... In the decade of the '90s, however, Wrightsville Beach is entering a significant new
                          redevelopment phase which promises to be no less significant, in terms of its potential
                          impact, than the initial development of the community... (These) emerging development
                          trends at Wrightsville Beach are best dealt with now, rather than waiting until they take on
                          a potentially irreversible momentum of their own." (Study Model for Determining
                          Consistency of Local Land Use Ordinances with CAMA Land Use Plans, Demonstration
                          Project, Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC April, 1994)

                  The above statement, taken from a special report to the Wrightsville Beach Board of Aldermen in 1994,
                  provides a suitable introduction to this 1995 Update to the Wrightsville Beach Land Use Plan. While the
                  Town is indeed fully developed, it is not finished developing as a community. With the coming of Interstate
                  40 from the piedmont of North Carolina several years ago, the attractiveness of Wrightsville Beach as a
                  weekend retreat and second home vacation resort has increased markedly. At the same time, the Town's
                  convenient proximity to the Wilmington-New Hanover urban area has heightened interest in the
                  community as a year round residential locale.

                  As pressures for redevelopment have heightened, new problems must be faced, including: an
                  intensification of development on ever more expensive real estate, increased traffic congestion,
                  increased parking demand for day visitors and residents alike, a need for much greater fire fighting
                  capabilities, growing public expenditures for necessary services and facilities, and potential for
                  degradation of the natural environment and quality of life that have been the trademarks of Wrightsville
                  Beach for so long.

                  The intent of the Land Use Plan is to anticipate and deal with these development pressures in an
                  organized fashion. Such planning should work to protect and enhance the quality of life of area residents
                  and should also conserve and manage the natural resources with which the Town has been blessed. At
                  the same time, advanced planning and foresight can help minimize increases in the local tax burden,
                  through sound public and private investment decisions.

                  The North Carolina General Assembly recognized these issues when it passed the Coastal Area
                  Management Act of 1974, which requires local governments in the coastal area to develop land use plans
                  and update them regularly in accordance with the State Guidelines. The first Land Use Plan for Wrightsville
                  Beach was adopted in 1976, with updates following in approximate five year increments through 1990.
                  This plan updates the previous plan to address ever changing issues and development trends affecting
                  the Town.

                  2.2 Functions of the Land Use Plan

                  The Land Use Plan performs several important functions for local governing bodies and the general
                  public; these functions are briefly described below:






                                                                    Page 2-1







                                                              Introduction



                  Source of Information - The plan's technical studies provide information on a number of topics,
                 including the local economy, population, environmental features, land use trends and community facility
                 needs.

                 - Guidance for Government Decisions - Once the governing body adopts, the plan, it then has a
                 foundation for guiding future decisions on budgets and ordinances, including zoning and other
                 development regulations.

                 - Preview of Covernment Action - Decisions of the public in general, and developers in particular,
                 are easier to make when the probable outcome of governmental decisions is understood; the adoption of
                 a land use plan increases the predictability of government actions.

                 * Public Participation in Managing Development - Public meetings and hearings held during the
                 plan's preparation help to insure that the plan reflects, to the extent possible, the specific nature of the
                 current development issues facing the town.

                 The next section of the plan seeks to address several of the above functions by stating an overall
                 community vision for Wrightsville Beach, and a series of objectives to be implemented through the land
                 use plan.











































                                                               Page 2-2






                                                    Community Vision And Objectives

                 3. Community Vision And Objectives
                 3.1 Comm=4 Vision

                 The CAMA Land Use Planning Guidelines state that "land use planning offers the best chance for
                 developing a common vision and goals for the future that balance economic development and resource
                 protection necessary for a healthy coast." (NCAC 15A Subchapter 7B Land Use Planning Guidelines,
                 Section .0100 - Introduction to Land Use Planning, .0101 Purpose). For the Wrightsville Beach Land Use
                 Plan, the following overall vision for the community has been established:



                                             General Vision Statement for Next Ten Years

                         We, the residents, business, and property owners of the Town of Wrightsville Beach,
                         shall seek to maintain and enhance our community as one of the finest family oriented
                         beach towns on the east coast of the United States. To do so will require diligence in
                         working to retain the small town character and quality of the natural and man-made
                         environment that has become the basis for our quality of life at Wrightsville Beach, and
                         which makes our community such a desirable place for both visitors and residents alike.




                 3.2 Objectives

                 In addition, for the land use plan to be effective, it must be driven by a clear set of overall objectives.
                 These objectives help bring form to a distinct growth strategy that is consistent with the desires of the
                 community.



                                                     Land Use Planning Objectives

                         The Town's Land Use Plan and development regulations should:

                         ï¿½   Allow for new development and redevelopment consistent with the Town's long range
                             infrastructure and service capabilities-particularly traffic and parking, and required
                             fire flows* (*sufficient water volumes and pressures to effectively fight fires).

                         ï¿½   Allow for new development and redevelopment which recognizes legitimate
                             development interests while conserving the long range environmental quality of
                             surrounding waters and marshes.

                         ï¿½   Allow for development types, uses, and services which conserve and foster a family
                             beach atmosphere.

                         ï¿½   Discourage development and redevelopment that would result in additional high
                             density and "intense" development. Acknowledge that massive residential structures,
                             whether owned by a single owner or partitioned into several owner units, can be
                             equally "intense", in terms of the number of occupants, number of cars, water
                             consumed, etc.                     (continued)

                                                                 Page 3-1






                                                     Community Vision And Objectives


                         ï¿½   Pursue the most effective, financially feasible, equitable, and environmentally
                             acceptable methods of beach and shoreline preservation.

                         ï¿½   Establish a plan and system of ordinances that, following a natural disaster, provides
                             the community with a rational method for reconstruction consistent,with each of the
                             above community growth objectives.

                         ï¿½   Continue to accommodate day visitors and other visitors in a manner that is most
                             compatible with the long range function and appearance of the Town,

                         ï¿½   Encourage development types which pay for themselves over both the short and long
                             term.


                         ï¿½   Preserve the scale and ambiance of the Town's existing "downtown" business
                             district, but do so in moderation*.

                             Preserve the historic and architectural character of many of the remaining older
                             residential structures on the beach, but do so in moderation*.



                      Note. The above objectives were first developed during the preparation of the 1994 "Study
                      Model For Determining Consistency of Local Land Use Ordinances with CAMA land Use Plans,
                      Demonstration Project, Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC. Based upon the input received from
                      Town residents during the land use planning process, it is apparent that they are no less
                      applicable in 1996 than they were in 1994.

                      *When used in this context, the term moderation is intended to convey the idea of
                      encouragement and volunteer efforts in cooperation with business and property owners, as
                      opposed to mandatofy standards or legalistic requirements.


                 The above objectives are intended to provide the foundation for the specific policies of the Town's Land
                 Use Plan and ultimately, for changes in the Town's development regulations.


























                                                                 Page 3-2






                                                   Summary of Data Collection and Analysis

                  4. Summary of Data Collection and Analysis

                  4.1 Establishment of Information Base

                  4.1.1 Components of the Analysis

                  Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) guidelines for preparing land use plans in the coastal area of North
                  Carolina require that an analysis of existing conditions and future trends be performed prior to policy
                  development. The intent of this requirement is to ensure that the policies as developed respond as
                  closely as possible to current problems and issues facing the community. Key components of the analysis
                  may be described in four categories:

                          ï¿½  present conditions-including population, economy, existing land use, and current plans
                             and regulations;
                          ï¿½ land suitability constraints-including physical limitations for development, fragile areas,
                             and areas with resource potential;
                          ï¿½  community facility and service constraints-including water, sewer, transportation,
                             police, fire, schools, parks and recreation, and solid waste; and
                          ï¿½  estimated demand-including population and economic projections, future land use needs,
                             and community facility demands.

                  4.1.2 Subject Areas Examined

                  A number of basic studies are required so that a solid information base can be established for sound policy
                  decisions. These basic studies include the following subjects:

                             Population and Economy
                             Impact of Seasonal Population
                             Existing Land Use Analysis
                             Current Plans, Policies and Regulations
                             Evaluation of Previous Land Use Plan Effectiveness
                             Physical Limitations for Development
                             Fragile Areas
                             Areas with Resource Potential
                             Water Supply
                             Sewage Treatment and Storm Water Runoff
                             Transportation Facilities
                             Police
                             Fire and Rescue
                             Schools
                             Parks and Recreation'
                             Solid Waste
                             Population and Economic Projections
                             Future Land Use Needs
                             Community Facility Demands

                  The technical reports listed above we re geared to gathering and summarizing information related to the
                  development of the Town. Collectively, these studies summarize past and present conditions, while
                  providing the basis for estimating future conditions. Building upon this information, a number of policies
                  were prepared by the Town Planning Board for consideration by the Board of Aldermen.










                                                                    Page 4-1






                                                   Summary of Data Collection and Analysis


                  4.2 Some Findings from the Technical Studies

                  Population Growth Trends
                  After several decades of rapid population increases, population growth at Wrightsville Beach has slowed
                  relative to the County. Two factors have come into play. First, New Hanover County in recent years has
                  been witnessing a building and development boom of unprecedented proportions. Second, the Town
                  has essentially reached a near "built-out stage" in terms of substantial land area available for new
                  development. (Shell Island was the last remaining development parcel of any size.) Future population
                  increases will be determined by (1) the few remaining buildable lots left in Town and (2) the nature of the
                  redevelopment that is allowed.

                  Housing Types
                  About two thirds of all housing units at Wrightsville Beach are either a single family residence or a duplex.
                  About 15% of all housing units are multi-family units in relatively small structures, while the remaining 15%
                  are in structures with 10 or more units per building.

                  Economic Profile of Residents
                  An examination of employment patterns and occupations of residents at Wrightsville Beach reveals that
                  there are no remarkable differences between Town residents and County residents. This lends support to
                  the notion that Wrightsville Beach is, in some respects, a bedroom community for employers in New
                  Hanover County and the City of Wilmington. At the same time, household incomes of Town residents are
                  substantially higher than residents of the County as a whole.

                  Estimate of Peak Day Population
                  In recent years, estimates of Peak Day Population have ranged from 35,000 to over 40,000 people. While
                  there is no precise way to determine the actual number, methods employed have included aerial
                  reconnaissance counts of persons on the beach, and extrapolations of population levels derived from
                  drawbridge traffic counts and automobile parking levels throughout the Town on peak summer days. With
                  the advent of Interstate-40 and the tremendous growth of the permanent population of New Hanover
                  County since 1990, estimates of peak day population range as high as 50,000 by the year 2000. Because
                  available parking space typically reaches the saturation level by mid-morning on a peak summer day,
                  continued increases in peak day population will be dependent in the future upon higher vehicle
                  occupancy levels, shuffle services, public transportation, and other methods.

                  Water Supply                                                 I
                  From the flow data records for the past 10 years, water consumption has been increasing at an average
                  rate of 3 percent per year. However, in the two most recent years for which average flows are available
                  (1994 and 1995), the rate of increase has shown signs of slowing to about 1 % per year. Based on all
                  available trends and statistics, the average flow demands of the Town should be within the maximum
                  capacity of the system through at least the year 2005.


                  Waste Water Disposal
                  The highest peak pump day in 1995 was 1,328,570 gallons. Public Works Department records for the
                  past ten years indicate that the main pumping station pumped the highest peak flow of 1,987,000 gallons
                  in September, 1988. This peak flow is above the average capacity of the station but well within its current
                  peak pumping capability of 2.88 MGD. Thus, provided that New Hanover County continues to upgrade
                  the capacity of its central sewage treatment plants, the sewer system capacity should handle the sewer
                  service needs of the Town through at least the year 2006.

                  Transportation Facilities
                  The road system in Wrightsville Beach can easily handle the traffic on an average daily basis. However,
                  during peak days, such as the Fourth of July, the existing facilities are strained. It is estimated, for example,
                  that the peak traff ic day in 1996 generated 52,000 vehicles at the drawbridge. The designed carrying
                  capacity of the drawbridge is 50,000 vehicles per day.






                                                                    Page 4-2






                                                   Summafy of Data Collection and Analysis


                 4.3 For Further Information

                 The full studies from which the above findings were drawn are contained in Section 5, Present Conditions
                 and Section 6, Constraints. To find out more about various aspects of land use and development trends at
                 Wrightsville Beach, the interested citizen is also invited to visit the Town off ices'where a variety of studies,
                 plans, maps, aerial photographs and booklets are maintained on file.























































                                                                   Page 4-3






                                                               Present Conditions


                  5. Present Conditions

                  This section presents a variety of information about current human, economic and physical conditions at
                  Wrightsville Beach. Also included is a summary of local plans, policies, and regulations pertinent to the
                  formulation of the land use plan.
                  5.1 Present Population and Economy

                  5.1.1 Population and Housing

                  (a) Population Growth, 1960 to 1994

                  Year                  Wrightsville     % of County       New Hanover
                                        Beach            Population        County
                  1960                             723               1.0          71,742
                  1970                           1,701               2.1          82,996
                  1980                           2,786               2.7.        102,779
                  1990                           2,937               2.4         120,2ï¿½4
                  1995 (Estimate)              --3,114               2.2         139,5771

                  Absolute Increase

                  Decade                Wrightsville     % of County       New Hanover
                                        Beach            Growth            County
                  1960-70                          978               8.7          11,254
                  1970-80                          1085              5.5          19,783
                  1980-90                          151                 .9         17,505
                 11990-95                          1771                .91        19,2931

                  Source: Census of Population and Housing, 1960 through 1990 and North Carolina Office of Budget and
                  Management

                  The Population Growth table above shows that from 1960 to 1980, the Town grew faster than New
                  Hanover County as a whole. Since 1980, however, two factors have come into play which have caused
                  the community's rate of growth to slow relative to the County. First, New Hanover County in recent years
                  has been witnessing a building and development boom of unprecedented proportions. Second,
                  Wrightsville Beach has essentially reached a near "built out stage" in terms of substantial land area
                  available for new development. (Shell Island was the last remaining development parcel of any size.)
                  Future population increases will be determined by (1) the few remaining buildable lots left in Town and (2)
                  the nature of redevelopment which is allowed. Certain forms of development, for example, such as multi-
                  family development or single family replacement homes of greater size and scale, will act to intensify land
                  use and population levels.

                  (b) Racial Composition, 1990

                  Race                  Wrightsville     % of Total - New Hanover % of Total
                                        Beach                              County
                  Total                          2,937             100%          120,284             100%
                  White                          2,921               99%          94,895              79%
                  Black                                5             <11%         24,097              20%
                 IOther                              111             <1%j           1,3231             1%1

                  Source: 1990 Census of Population and Housing, STF 1 Profile 1-Characteristics of the Population, P7.
                  Race, for Wrightsville Beach and New Hanover County




                                                                     Page 5-1







                                                                Present Conditions



                  The Racial Composition, 1990 table shows that the Town is less than 1 % Non-White compared to
                  21 % for the County.

                  (c) Persons by Age, 1990

                  Age Group              Wrightsville     % of Total       New Hanover      % of Total
                                         Beach                              County
                  0-4                                59              2%             7,434              6%
                  5-17                             257               9%           19,880              17%
                  18-24                            551              19%           15,000              12%
                  25-44                           1,107             38%           39,155              33%
                  45-64                            621              21%           23,749              20%
                  65+                              342              12%           15,066              13%
                  Total                           2,937           100%.           120,284            100%

                  Source: 1990 Census of Population and Housing, STF 3 Page 2 of 29 Population: Age, Race and Sex
                  (Part 1), P13114115. Race by Sex by Age, for Wrightsville Beach and New Hanover County

                  The Persons By Age, 1990 table shows the relative distribution of age groups in the Town. In 1990,
                  on a percentage basis, the Town had fewer pre-school and school age children compared to New
                  Hanover County. This could be due, in part, to the high cost of housing at Wrightsville Beach and the
                  economics of young families. At the same time, there were higher numbers of young adults aged 18 to
                  24. This may be due to the attractiveness of Wrightsville Beach to this age group, including particularly
                  college students.

                  (d) Educational Attainment, Persons 25 and Over in 1990

                  Education              Wrightsville    % of Total        New Hanover      % of Total
                  Completed              Beach

                  <9th grade                         23              1%             5,279              7%
                  9-12 No Diploma                    68              3%           11,767              15%
                  H.S. Graduate                    327              16%           22,578              29%
                  College, no                      462              22%           15,760              20%
                  degree
                  Associates Degree                174               8%             6,045              8%
                  Bachelors Deqree                 728              35%           11,935              15%
                  Graduate or                      273              13%             4606               6%
                  Professional
                  Degree                                I
                 I Total                          20551            100%           77,970            1100%1

                  Source: 1990 Census of Population and Housing, STF 3 Page 10 of 29 Population: School Enrollment
                  and Educational Attainment, P57158159160. Educational Attainment by Race and Hispanic Origin, for
                  Wrightsville Beach and New Hanover County

                  Residents of Wrightsville Beach generally have more education than County residents in general. About
                  95% of all adults are high school graduates compared to 78% in the County. Nearly half of all residents
                  over the age of 25 have a bachelor's degree or additional advanced degrees. This compares with about
                  21 % with college degrees in the County as a whole.









                                                                     Page 5-2







                                                                     Present Conditions




                    (e) Housing Types, 1990

                                            Wrightsville       % of Total        New Hanover        % of Total
                                            Beach                                Countv
                    Total, All Housing                 2,41              100%             57,076              100%
                    Units                                                                         -
                    Total, All Single                  1,11C              46%             36,102               63%
                    Family Units
                        Detached                         82E              34%             33,587               59%
                        Attached                         28-e.            12%              2,515                 4%
                        (Townhouse)
                    Multi-family                       1,22x'             51%             15,683               28%
                        2 units per                      50@              21%              3,289                 6%
                        structure
                        3 to 9 units per                 3 5              15%              6,957               12%
                        structure
                        10 or more                       36E              15%              5,437               10%
                        units per
                        structure
                    Mobile Homes                           5                2%             4831                  9%
                    Other                  1               2@              1%1               4601              <1%1

                    Source: 1990 Census of Population and Housing, STF 1 Profile 8-Housing Unit Characteristics and
                    Tenure, H4 IIH42IH43. Units in Structure, for Wrightsville Beach and New Hanover County
                    Note: Due to the formatting of census geography, some small areas on the mainland of New Hanover
                    County are included in the figures for Wrightsville Beach. This explains the presence of mobile homes in
                    the statistics, despite the fact that there are no mobile homes within the corporate limits of the
                    Town.

                    As shown in the Housing Types, 1990 table, about two thirds of all housing units at Wrightsville Beach
                    are either a single family residence or a duplex. About 15% of all housing units are multi-family units in
                    relatively small structures, while the remaining 15% are in structures with 10 or more units per building.

                    (f) Owner vs. Renter Occupied Housing, 1990

                                            Wrightsville      % of Total         New Hanover        % of Total
                                            Beach                                County
                    Total, All Housing                2,413              100%             57,076               100%
                    Units
                    Occupied                           1,401              58%             48,139               .84%
                      Owner Occupied                     715              30%             30,193               53%
                      Renter Occupied                    686              28%             17,946               31%
                    Vacant                             1,012              42%              8.937               16%

                    Source: 1990 Census of Population and Housing, STF 1 Profile 5-Housing Unit Characteristics and
                    Tenure, H11H21H31H5. Housing Units, Tenure and Vacancy, for Wrightsville Beach and New Hanover
                    County

                    The Owner vs. Occupied Housing, 1990 table shows that in 1990, 58% of all housing units at
                    Wrightsville Beach were occupied on a year round basis, compared with 84% in the County as a whole. Of
                    the year round units in the Town, slightly more than 50% were inhabited by owner-occupants while slightly
                    less than 50% were occupied by renters.






                                                                           Page 5-3







                                                                Present Conditions




                   (g) Vacant and Seasonal Housing, 1990

                                         Wrightsville      % of Total       New Hanover % of Total
                                         Beach                              County
                   Total, All Housing             2,413            100%             57,076             100%
                   Units
                   Vacant                         1,012               42%            8,937              16%
                      For Seas 6nal,                603               25%            3,345               6%
                      Recreational &
                      Occasional Use
                      All other vacant              4091              17%1           5593               10%

                   Source: 1990 Census of Population and Housing, STF I Profile 5-Housing Unit Characteristics and
                   Tenure, HIIH21H31H5. Housing Units, Tenure and Vacancy, for Wrightsville Beach and New Hanover
                   County

                   The Vacant and Seasonal Housing, 1990 table shows that in 1990, 25% of all housing units at
                   Wrightsville Beach were being held for seasonal, recreational, and occasional use, compared with just 6%
                   in the County as a whole. (which includes the beach communities)

                   (h) Housing Value, Owner-Occupied Housing Units

                   Value                          Wri-ghtsville Beach       New Hanover County
                   Lower Quartile M                        $133,400                    $52,000
                   Median ($)                              $192,700                    $72,000
                   Upper Quartile M                        $288,500                  $103,700

                   Source: 1990 Census of Population and Housing, Summary Population and Housing Characteristics,
                   North Carolina, Table 9, page 158 for Wrightsville Beach and New Hanover County

                   In 1990, the value of Owner Occupied Housing Units at Wrightsville Beach was approaching three
                   times the value of housing units in the County as a whole.

                   (1) Contract Rent, Renter-Occupied Housing Units, 1990

                   Contract Rent                  Wrightsville Beach        New Hanover County

                   Lower Quartile ($)                            $375                      $241
                   Median ($)                                    $482                      $324
                 I Upper Quartile M                              $621                      $416

                   Source: 1990 Census of Population and Housing, Summary Population and Housing Characteristics,
                   North Carolina, Table 11, page 189 for Wrightsville Beach and New Hanover County

                   In 1990, the contract rent of renter occupied housing units at Wrightsville Beach was about one
                   and one half times the contract rent of housing units in the County as a whole. Keep in mind that these
                   contract rent figures apply only to rental units occupied on April 1 of 1990, the date of the official U.S.
                   Census. Thus, most "high season" rental rates would not be reflected in these figures.











                                                                      Page 5-4






                                                                 Present Conditions



                  5.1.2 Local Economy

                    (a) Industry, Employed Persons 16 and Over in 1990

                                                        Wrightsville   % of Total        New Hanover      % of Total
                                                        Beach                            County
                  Agriculture, forestry, & fisheries               29               2%               931              2%
                  Mining                                             0              0%                53              <11%
                  Construction                                    171              10%            5,243               9%
                  Manufacturing
                    Non durable goods                             118               7%            5,396               9%
                    Durable Goods                                  79               4%            4,093               7%
                  Transportation                                   47               3%            2,325               4%
                  Communications & public utilities                92               5%            1,901               3%
                  Wholesale Trade                                 101               6%            2,567               4%
                  Retail Trade                                    439              25%            13,161              22%
                  Finance, insurance & real estate                119               7%            3,371               6%
                  Services
                    Business and Repair                            54               3%            2,636               4%
                    Personal Services                              75               4%            2,228               4%
                    Entertainment and Recreation                   49               3%               969              2%
                    Professional & related services
                       Health Services                            141               8%            5,091               8%
                       Educational Services                       109               6%            4,718               8%
                       Other Professional and                     130               7%            3,322               6%
                       related services
                  Public Administration                            11               1 %           2,174               4%
                  Total, Employed Persons 16+                    17641           100%1           60,1791             100%

                  Source: 1990 Census of Population and Housing, STF 3 Page 12 of 29 Population: Industry and
                  Occupation, P77. Industry, Employed Persons 16 years and over, for Wrightsville Beach and New
                  Hanover County

                  The table above is a summary of employment patterns and occupations of Wrightsville Beachpe,manent
                  residents. There are no remarkable differences between permanent Town residents and County
                  residents. This lends support to the notion that Wrightsville Beach is, in some respects, a bedroom
                  community for employers in New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington.

                    (b) Household Income, 1989

                                         Wrightsville     New Hanover
                                         Beach             County

                  Median Household              $35,455          $27,320
                  Income
                  Mean Household                $46,789          $34,397
                  Income

                  Source: 1990 Census of Population and Housing, STF 3 Page 16 of 29 Population: Population: Income,
                  P801811107110811 10/111. Household, Family, and Non-Family Income in 1989, for Wrightsville Beach
                  and New Hanover County

                  Household incomes of Town residents in 1989 were substantially higher than residents of the County as a
                  whole. Given the hefty increases in property values at the beach relative to the mainland, this gap would
                  be expected to continue to widen over the coming years.



                                                                      Page 5-5






                                                               Present Conditions



                  5.1.3 Impact of Seasonal Population

                  (a) Estimate of Peak Overnight Population, 1995

                  Household Type:                Number of       Household or     Total Peak
                                                 Units/Parties   Party Size       Overnight
                                                                                  Population
                  Year Round, Occupied                  1,490               2.09           3,114
                  Residential Units
                  Guests Staying in 1/2 of                745                 2.0          1,490
                  Year Round Residences
                  Vacant and Seasonal                   1,068                 7.0          7,476
                  Residential Units
                  Hotel and Motel Rooms                   660                              1
                  Staying in Recreational                 100                 2.5            250
                  Vehicles, Tents and Boats
                  Total                                 4,028                  -          13,650

                  Source: 1990 Census of Population and Housing, NC Office of State Budget and Management,
                  Wrightsville Beach Chamber of Commerce, and Glenn Harbeck Associates for Wrightsville Beach. Basic
                  methodology is from "A Methodology for Estimating Seasonal Population in Coastal North Carolina, 1996
                  DRAFT    available from the NC Division of Coastal Management, Raleigh, NC.

                  The table immediately above is a matrix for calculating the estimated Peak Overnight Population for
                  Wrightsville Beach as it would likely have occurred over the July 4th holiday in 1995 (1995 is the most
                  recent year for which permanent population estimates are available from the State). In choosing the July
                  4th holiday, it is important to note that the occupancy rates and party sizes are assumed to be at their most
                  extreme limits for the year. This is consistent with the intent of the calculation: to determine the peak
                  overnight population for the entire year. The estimate consists of five components, in order from top to
                  bottom:
                      (1) Year round residents
                      (2) Visitors staying with year round residents
                      (3) Visitors and summer residents staying in vacation homes, second homes, or condominiums.
                      (4) Visitors staying in hotel and motel rooms
                      (5) Visitors staying in recreational vehicles, tents, boats and other similar portable or temporary
                          housing.
                  Assumptions, based on discussions with the Wrightsville Beach Planning Board, are as follows:
                      ï¿½ About one half of all year round homes at Wrightsville Beach would have an average of 2 overnight
                        visitors over the peak day of the July 4th holiday.
                      ï¿½ Vacation homes, second homes, and condos would house an average of 7 occupants-much
                        higher than the average household size of year round residents.
                      ï¿½ The figure for the total number of hotel and motel rooms at Wrightsville Beach was obtained from an
                        itemized list provided by the Wrightsville Beach Chamber of Commerce.
                      ï¿½ It is not unreasonable to expect that there would be a total of 100 temporary or mobile
                        accommodations throughout the Town and its marinas on July 4th, with an average party size of 2.5
                        persons.

                  (b) Estimate of Peak Day Population (including Day Visitors), 1994

                  In recent years, Peak Day Population Estimates have ranged from 35,000 to over 40,000 people.
                  While there is no precise way to determine the actual number, methods employed have included aerial
                  reconnaissance counts of persons on the beach, and extrapolations of population levels derived from
                  drawbridge traffic counts and automobile parking levels throughout the Town on peak summer days. With
                  the advent of Interstate-40 and the tremendous growth of the permanent population of New Hanover
                  County since 1990, estimates of peak day population range as high as 50,000 by the year 2000. Because
                  available parking space typically reaches the saturation level by mid-morning on a peak summer day,
                  continued increases in peak day population will be dependent in the future upon higher vehicle
                  occupancy levels, shuttle services, public transportation, and other methods.


                                                                    Page 5-6






                                                            Present Conditions


                 5.2 Existing Land and Water Uses

                 5.2.1 Existing Land Uses Mapped

                 (a) Categories of Land Use

                 The Existing Land Use Map 1996 provides a detailed, lot by lot inventory of existing land uses throughout
                 the Town of Wrightsville Beach. Categories of land use selected for the inventory, along with their working
                 definitions are as follows:

                         Single family residential- a free standing, site built structure intended for occupancy by a
                         single household unit.

                         Single Family, Manufactured Housing-a freestanding, factory built structure intended for
                         occupancy by a single household unit. (While there are no such structures within the corporate
                         limits of Wrightsville Beach, there are quite a number located in the Wrightsville Sound area of the
                         unincorporated County.)

                         Single Family and Duplex Residential-Some sections of Wrightsville Beach are
                         characterized by a mixture of single family and duplex (two separate living quarters in a single
                         structure) structures.

                         Multi-family residential-any structure with three or more separate living quarters in the
                         building. (Includes condominium buildings with multiple ownership but which may have a central
                         management service.)

                         Office, Institutional and Municipal- includes offices, churches, schools, public buildings
                         and lands, parks, utilities substations and similar use.

                         Private Clubs-includes yacht clubs, beach clubs and any other private club with buildings
                         and/or property specifically dedicated to the club's use.

                         Commercial-any income producing enterprise which cannot be characterized as an office.
                         (Includes, for example, retail establishments, commercial marinas, restaurants, and hotels with all
                         rooms under one ownership

                         Vacant-developable land that is not occupied. (Does not include, for example, tidal marshes
                         and other undevelopable "vacant" areas.)

                 (b) Existing Land Use Analysis

                 The distribution of existing land uses at Wrightsville Beach reflects a distinct pattern and predictable
                 mixture of residential and commercial development, influenced strongly by several critical factors.
                 Commercial uses, for example, are located at certain anchors or termination points in the community.
                 These "anchors" include locations at various bridge ends, at fishing piers, and at the historic central
                 business district or downtown area. Residential uses, on the other hand are influenced as much by the era
                 in which they were developed as by their proximity to other land uses. In this regard the existing land use
                 map illustrates the telltale lot sizes and land development styles associated with the @trolley era, the
                 immediate post war era, and the 1960's, 70's, 80's, and 90's.

                 Land use conflicts at Wrightsville Beach have customarily not been associated with the mixture of uses in
                 close proximity to each other. The fine-grained mixture of uses actually encourages a sense of community
                 and pedestrian traffic and reduces demand for the automobile. Most conflicts, on the other hand, center
                 on the scale and magnitude of uses, whether residential or commercial. Recent examples of such conflicts
                 have included church expansions, large-scale restaurants, and large-scale residential development.

                 Note: While Hurricanes Bertha and Fran (both 1996) caused damage to many structures at Wrightsville
                 Beach, such damage did not result in the total destruction of any buildings or lots within the Town.



                                                                  Page 5-7







                                                                 Present Conditions



                   For a more detailed analysis of land use and development patterns within various neighborhoods at
                   Wrightsville Beach, the reader is directed to Section 9, Land Classification.

                   5.2.2 Existing Building Heights Mapped

                   The Existing Building Heights Map 1996 provides a detailed, lot by lot inventory of the height of existing
                   buildings throughout the Town of Wrightsville Beach. Categories of building height selected for the
                   inventory, along with their working definitions follow. Please note that all buildings were categorized
                   according to the number of floors from the ground elevation to the peak of the roof, regardless of whether
                   the first habitable floor was elevated or not. The intent is to describe the height of each structure relative to
                   other structures, regardless of whether or not each "story" is inhabited.

                   (a) Building Height Categories

                            More than three stories- Structures over three stories in height, from ground plane to peak
                            of roof.

                            Three Stories- Structures three stories in height from ground plane to peak of roof.

                            One or Two Stories or Vacant- Structures one to two stories in height from ground plane
                            to peak of roof, or developable lots that are currently vacant.

                   (b) Existing Building Height Analysis

                   As noted previously in this document, most recently redeveloped properties at Wrightsville Beach have
                   sought to "max out" their allowable building setbacks and heights. With this in mind, an examination of the
                   Building Heights Map is a very good indicator of where either (1) recent new construction has occurred or
                   (2) recent redevelopment activities are occurring. New construction is most evident at the north end of the
                   outer island while redevelopment activity is observable at the south end of Wrightsville Beach and on
                   waterfront lots on Harbor Island.

                   For a more detailed analysis of building heights within various neighborhoods at Wrightsville Beach, the
                   reader is directed to Section 9, Land Classification.

                   5.2.3 Existing Water Conditions Mapped

                   CAMA land use planning guidelines call for the mapping and inventory of existing water conditions,
                   including the identification of DEM (Department of Environmental Management) stream classifications,
                   water quality use support (as identified by DEM), watershed boundaries, wetlands, primary and secondary
                   nursery areas, Outstanding Resource Waters, and other features such as shellfish beds, beds of
                   submerged aquatic vegetation. The intent is also to show these water quality conditions in relation to land
                   side development.

                   (a) Water Quality Categories

                   At Wrightsville Beach, water quality conditions of relevance to this evaluation include DEM water quality
                   use support classifications (SA, SB. etc.) and coastal estuarine wetlands. These categories of water
                   quality condition may be further described as follows:

                            SA Waters-suitable for commercial shellfish harvesting and primary recreation involving
                            swimming on a frequent or organized basis. (By inference, it may also be assumed that waters
                            designated SA will yield at least some level of shellfish harvest.)

                            SB Waters-suitable for primary recreation involving swimming on a frequent or organized basis,
                            but not for commercial shellfish harvesting.

                            Coastal Estuarine Wetlands-saltwater marshes, subject to regular or occasional flooding by
                            tides, including normal wind tides. Marsh plants found here include saltwater Cordgrass (Spartina



                                                                       Page 5-8







                                                                 Present Conditions



                           alternifl gra , Black Needlerush                          Glasswort (Salicornia, spp.), Salt Grass
                           (Distichlis spicata), Sea Lavender (Limonium, spp.), Salt Meadow Grass (Spartina patens), and Salt
                           Reed Grass (BpAftbacynosuroideM.

                   (b) Existing Water Conditions Analysis

                   The Fragile Areas, 1996 map shows the location of estuarine waters by their water quality
                   classification. At the northern and southern limits of the Town's jurisdiction, for example, these waters are
                   generally classified SA, suitable for shellfishing. Areas near Harbor Island, on the other hand, are generally
                   classified 8B, with the exception of the north shore, which is SA. Prospects for improving the water quality
                   adjacent to the marina areas of Harbor island are doubtful, given the pressures to intensify land and water
                   uses in these areas, with associated increases in pollutants and stormwater runoff.

                   As an aside, it should also be noted that Masonboro Sound, while outside the Town        ,s planning
                   jurisdiction, was nominated and designated as an Outstanding Resource Water (ORW) by the state. The
                   Town's efforts to reduce future increases in pollutants and runoff may result in long term benefits to the
                   preservation of water quality in these Outstanding Waters.

                   Regarding coastal estuarine wetlands, most of the Town's salt water marshes are located between the
                   islands of Wdghtsville Beach and the mainland, as well as in the Bradley Creek area. These marshes also
                   serve as primary and secondary nursery areas for many species of finfish, shellfish, and other wildlife.

                   For a more detailed analysis of water quality issues and the estuarine system of AEC's at Wrightsville
                   Beach, the reader is directed to Section 8.1.2, Areas of Environmental Concern.


                   5.3 Current Plans, Policies, and Regulations

                   5.3.1 Plans and Policies

                   (a) 1990, 1985, 1980. and 1976 Wrights.Ville Beach Land Use Plans
                   The Wrightsville Beach CAMA Land Use Plan, first adopted in 1976, has been used as a guide to help
                   future growth and development proceed at a rate and degree acceptable to the Town, while maintaining
                   the quality of life and environmental integrity of the area. The Land Use Plan can be imagined as an
                   umbrella which encompasses the Town's zoning ordinance and its other land use and regulatory
                   mechanisms.

                   Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) regulations require updates to the Plan be made regularly, as
                   specified in the State Guidelines. While previous versions of the Land Use Plan contained much valuable
                   research and information concerning the growth and development of Wrightsville Beach, they were
                   lacking in terms of specific, identifiable policy statements. The 1996 update to the land use plan seeks to
                   remedy this shortcoming by including specific policy statements, which can be referenced by number.

                   (b 1988 Land Use Plan Addendum for Wrightsville Sound
                   The 1988 Land Use Plan Addendum addresses growth and development in the Wrightsville Sound area,
                   the mainland adjacent to Wrightsville Beach. This plan was intended to encourage the application of good
                   planning techniques to prevent and/or solve growth and development problems in the area. It
                   encouraged a greater cooperative effort between the Town of Wrightsville Beach and New Hanover
                   County in planning and zoning matters. Basic information and most policies developed for the Wrightsville
                   Sound area were included in the 1990 Wrightsville Beach Land Use Plan Update. For the 1996 Update to
                   the Town's land use Plan, the Town continues to support cooperative planning with the County (or the
                   City of Wilmington, as applicable).

                   (c) Annexation Feasibility Study, !V_rightsville Sound Area, February, 1988.
                   This report explores the need for water, sewer and storm drainage improvements for a potential
                   annexation area, Wrightsville Sound, on the mainland. It describes the authority which enables
                   municipalities to undertake involuntary annexation and qualifies an area meeting statutory requirements. It
                   describes the Town's major services and their associated expenditures, and projects revenues and Town



                                                                       Page 5-9







                                                           Present Conditions



                 expenditures from service expansions under the annexation scenario. The study focuses on other facility
                 needs including drawbridge operations, police and fire protection, street improvements, solid waste
                 collection, building inspection services and recreation facilities improvements which would be required for
                 annexation of the area. Subsequent to this study, interest in annexing this area has subsided and is
                 reflected in the Town's land use planning policies

                 (d) Land Planning Study: Wrightsville qound Area, Deeember, 1009
                 This is an earlier study to investigate the feasibility of non voluntary annexation of portions of the
                 Wrightsville Sound area including the cost effectiveness of extending municipal facilities and services. It
                 was subsequently superseded by the 1988 study, above.

                 (e) The New Hanover County Li1nd Use Plan (1986 and 1993 Updates)
                 These two updates to the County's land use plan articulate policies for growth and development in effect
                 for the County, including the Wrightsville Sound area. In both updates, the County classified land in the
                 Wrightsville Sound area as Resource Protection or Conservation, both of which limit residential density to
                 a maximum of 2.5 units per acre. The County has a Conservation Overlay District (GOD) for the waterfront
                 area. The Special Highway Overlay District (SHOD) requires additional landscaping, setbacks, and signage
                 controls along Eastwood Road. Its intent is to preserve the aesthetic appearance of this main traffic artery
                 and gateway to Wrightsville Beach.

                 (f) Aildle Road Plan, May, 1983
                 While this area is not within the planning jurisdiction of The Town of Wrightsville Beach, land use policies
                 and actions in this area do influence the character of Wrightsville Beach and its immediate vicinity. This
                 plan was prepared by the New Hanover County Planning Department as a neighborhood development
                 plan for the area bounded by Airlie Road and Wrightsville Avenue. The plan seeks to guide future
                 development while maintaining the desirable characteristics of the area. Neighborhood issues and goals
                 are discussed, and policy actions and recommendations are given. The plan also includes alternative
                 development and future land use alternatives for the Airlie Road neighborhood.

                 (g) Greater Wilmington Area Thoroughfare Plan
                 This plan includes Wrightsville Beach, contains a list of planned improvements to thoroughfares within the
                 Wilmington area to the year 2005. The plan is prepared by NCDOT in cooperation with the City of
                 Wilmington Transportation Planning Staff, and adopted by NCDOT and the Metropolitan Planning
                 Organization (MPO), which is the area Transportation Advisory Committee.

                 (h) The Grealer Wilmington 201 Facilitiera Planning Study Bel2ort. Part 1. Town of
                 Wrightsville @each, North Carolina Final Revision, June, 1975
                 This plan was prepared to "develop a facilities plan for the construction of the most logical, economical,
                 socially acceptable and environmentally sound wastewater treatment and disposal facilities for Wrightsville
                 Beach".

                 (1) Dune Mai!3tenance and Protection Plan.
                 This Plan established procedures and methods for protection of the dune and berm through vegetation
                 maintenance and by the use of restrictive ordinances. This Plan has been implemented at Wrightsville
                 Beach through US Army Corps of Engineers projects.

                 (j) Wrightsville Beach Access Plan.
                 This Plan sets out policies for development of public access points and to encourage beach visitors to use
                 alternative modes of transportation, other than the automobile. With financial assistance from the Division
                 of Coastal Management, the Town has established an organized system of public access points up and
                 down the oceanfront. The implementation of this plan has provided visitors open accessibility to the
                 oceanfront at 300 to 500 foot intervals along approximately 70% of the length of Wrightsville Beach's
                 outer island.

                 (k) C8R!tal Iml2rovernent Plan,
                 The Town of Wrightsville Beach has prepared capital improvement plans , in various formats, since the
                 mid-1 980's. The current format, which is updated annually, is based on a five year schedule. The purpose
                 of this annual plan is to anticipate and budget ahead for major projects or needs of the Town where


                                                               Page 5- 10







                                                                  Present Conditions



                   substantial funding is necessary. A capital improvement project is customarily defined as a major, non
                   recurring expenditure that may involve such things as construction, non-recurring rehabilitation, purchase
                   of major equipment, or any planning, feasibility, engineering, or design study related to an individual
                   capital improvement.

                   5.3.2 Current Land Use Regulations

                   (a) Town Regulations

                   The Town of Wrightsville Beach, like other municipalities in the State, has been granted general statutory
                   authority by the North Carolina General Statutes to enact necessary ordinances designed to protect and
                   promote the health, safety and general welfare of its citizens. The local plans and policies of the Town of
                   Wrightsville Beach are enforced through ordinances adopted by the Town Board of Aldermen, which is
                   granted this power by the Charter ratified March 6, 1899 (now revised and consolidated, as adopted July
                   11, 1989). Below is a listing of Town ordinances and enforcement provisions related to land use and
                   development which are also applicable to the satellite annexation areas in the Wrightsville Sound area.
                   Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) major and minor permits must be acquired for development where
                   necessary.

                   (1) Wrightsville Beach Zoning Ordinance
                   The zoning ordinance is the most prominent land development regulatory tool used by the Town of
                   Wrightsville Beach. The ordinance was originally adopted in 1972. The ordinance attempts to carry out its
                   functions by regulating the location and height of buildings, establishing minimum building lot sizes, and
                   establishing certain districts in which particular uses relating to residential, commercial, or institutional uses
                   are either allowed or prohibited.

                   Currently the Town has twelve zoning districts: three residential districts (R-1, R-1 S and R-2); a Private
                   Club District; five commercial districts (C-1 through C-5); a public and semi-public district for institutional
                   uses; a shore district for the beachfront area; and a conservation district which restricts all uses except for
                   piers and marinas. In addition to the uses allowed within each district, certain "conditional" uses are
                   permitted on a case-by-case review basis. The zoning of Wrightsville Beach and the Wrightsville Sound
                   area as of mid 1996 is shown on the Zoning Map accompanying this plan.

                   (2) Subdivision Regulations
                   The Wrightsville Beach subdivision regulations regulate the conversion of raw land into building sites.
                   These regulations establish design standards for provision of certain facilities and infrastructure such as
                   streets, water and sewer service, and drainage facilities. Given the limited supply of raw land remaining at
                   Wrightsville Beach, subdivision regulations have limited application.

                   (3) Plerhead Line Orginanc
                   This set of regulations, enforced by the Town of Wrightsville Beach, concerns how far a pier can extend
                   out into the water.

                            Note: NCAC T15:7H.1205 (g) states: "The line of division of areas of riparian access
                            shall be established by drawing a line along the channel or deep water in front of the
                            property, then drawing a line perpendicular to the line of the channel so that it intersects
                            with the shore at the point the upland property line meets the water's edge."

                   Discussion between the Town Planner and the CAMA enforcement off icer for the Wilmington Regional
                   Field Office of the Division of Coastal Management indicated that potential differences for interpretation
                   regarding pier locations can be routinely handled and that if a conflict exists, the more restrictive regulation
                   prevails.

                   (4) State Building Cod
                   The Town of Wrightsville Beach has an active building inspections program and enforces the North
                   Carolina State Building Code. Volume No. 5, the Fire Prevention Code, is of great importance and
                   concern to the Town and its fire department.




                                                                       Page 5-11







                                                                   Present Conditions


                 2-
                   (5) Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
                   This ordinance provides development and construction criteria designed to mitigate potential flood
                   losses. Provisions of this ordinance meet and even exceed FEMA requirements.

                   (b) New Hanover County Regulations Affecting the Wrightsville Sound Area

                   (1) New Hanover County Zoning Ordinance
                   County zoning in the Wrightsville Sound area includes commercial (C), office/industrial (0&1) and low to
                   medium density residential (R-@15, R-20) uses. Additional provisions of the County Zoning Ordinance
                   applicable in this area include a Conservation Overlay District, a Planned Development District, and a
                 \,,Special Highway Overlay District (SHOD).
                   (2) New Hanover County Subdivision Regulations
                   The Subdivision Regulations require individuals and developers who wish to subdivide property into new
                   parcels or lots to go through a review and approval process with the County Planning Department and
                   Planning Board. Plats of the subdivision must be submitted, found consistent, and approved before lots
                   may be transferred to new ownership. These regulations also require certain improvements be performed
                   before a subdivision can be approved. Roads and utilities must meet certain construction specifications
                   and floodplains, existing facilities, and certain other items must be delineated.

                   (3) New Hanover County Sedimentation and Erosion Control Ordinance
                   The purpose of this ordinance is to reduce the potential for erosion and sedimentation associated with
                   land disturbing activities. This ordinance requires developers to meet certain specifications in performing
                   construction activities that disturb at least one acre of soil. The specifications include revegetation
                   practices, use of silt fences and rip-rap, reduction of velocity of discharge of runoff water, and other soil
                   conservation practices.

                   (c) Means of Enforcement (Staffing and Ordinance Adequacy)

                   The responsibility for enforcing local land use ordinances, including the State Building Code in
                   Wrightsville Beach, is the responsibility of the Town's Public Works Department. This department is
                   headed by a Director, with additional full-time personnel. The Town also has a staff planner/assistant to the
                   town manager to coordinate planning and zoning matters. All planning and land development matters are
                   brought before the Wrightsville Beach Planning Board, which meets monthly. The Planning Board
                   conducts reviews and makes recommendations to the Town Board of Aldermen, which has final
                   responsibility for making planning decisions. Ordinances having application in the Wrightsville Sound area
                   are enforced by appropriate personnel of New Hanover County planning and inspections.

                   5.3.3 Relationship of Land Use Regulations to CAMA Land Use Plan

                   Planning doctrine states that land use regulations should be prepared "in accordance with a
                   comprehensive plan". CAMA land use plans, if prepared properly, can serve the function of a
                   comprehensive plan. Unfortunately, this has often not been the case. In many localities, these regulations
                   were placed in force before the first land use plan was conceived. In other instances, the ordinances were
                   created with little regard for the policies or the land classification system of the land use plan. In still others,
                   there remains the viewpoint that the CAMA land use plan is simply a state mandated technical requirement
                   with which the local government must comply every five years. In the case of Wrightsville Beach, however,
                   the Town's development regulations were evaluated just two years ago in a systematic fashion. (See
                   Study Model For Determining Consistency of Logal Land Use Ordinances with CAMA
                   land Use Plans, Demonstration Project, Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC. 1994.) A
                   series of specific recommendations were provided regarding appropriate modifications to the Town's land
                   use plan and development regulations . Excerpts and exhibits from other plans and ordinances were
                   included in the appendices to the report, providing examples of how several of the report's
                   recommendations might be carried out. The repo rt'concluded: "...the measures necessary to address
                   these development issues do not require Herculean changes in the Town's growth management
                   system.... for the most part, the recommendations set forth in this evaluation involve limited, strategic
                   refinements of the Town's land use plan and existing development regulations ... (Letter of transmittal to
                   the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, 4/21/94).



                                                                        Page 5-12






                                                                   Constraints


                  6. Constraints

                  6.1 Land Suitability

                  6.1.1 Physical Limitations for Development
              @@(a) Hazard Areas

                  Hazardous areas at Wrightsville Beach may be described, for the most part, in one of three categories: (1)
                  areas subject to washover and "static" flooding (2) areas subject to storm surge and "dynamic" flooding,
                  and (3) areas subject to shoreline erosion and loss of property.

                  (1) Areas Subject To "Static" Flooding

                  The entirety of both Harbor Island and the Outer Island are subject to total inundation during the 100 year
                  storm. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has identified these areas on the flood
                  insurance rate maps (F.I.R.M.'s) as being in the A Zone, subject to washover and flooding. As older
                  structures have been replaced over the years, however, the Town has been successful in implementing
                  new construction standards that elevate most substantial improvements above the 100 year flood level.

                  (2) Areas Subject To Storm Surge And "Dynamic" Flooding

                  These are areas of the coast subject to high velocity wave action and storm surge during severe storms.
                  These areas typically extend along the shoreline and to some distance landward of the frontal dune. The
                  Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has identified these areas on the flood insurance rate
                  maps (F.I.R.M.'s) as being located in the V zone.

                  (3) Areas Subject To Shoreline Erosion

                  These are typically areas along the ocean shoreline which are especially vulnerable to effects of sand,
                  wind, water and erosion. Such hazardous areas may include beaches, frontal dunes, inlet lands, and other
                  areas in which geologic, vegetative and soil conditions indicate a substantial possibility of excessive
                  erosion or flood damage. Within CAMA such hazardous areas have been framed as the Ocean Hazard
                  system of Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC's), and may be further identified according to four
                  specific sub areas as follows:  (1) The ocean erodible area (2) The high hazard flood area (3) The inlet
                  hazard area and (4) The unvegetated beach area. Each of these areas is described in greater detail under
                  Section 8.1.2E of this plan.
               @1-
                  (b) Areas with Soil Limitations

                  Unlike many other localities, which may contain a large number of complex soil types and associations,
                  there are only three soil types within Wrightsville Beach's jurisdiction. These three soil types are: Newhan
                  fine sand, Tidal Marsh, and Urban Land. The three may be generally described as follows:

                          - Newhan Fine Sand. This soil type consists of gently sloping, excessively drained sands on
                          dunes and along beaches and coastal waterways. Virtually all of the barrier island portion of
                          Wrightsville Beach, including the beach area and all of the developed area backing up to Banks
                          Channel, consists of Newhan fine sands.

                          * Tidal Marsh. These are the soils of the tidal flood plains between the coastal sand dunes on
                          the ocean and the upland areas on the mainland. Most of these soils are covered by smooth
                          cordgrass, but farther inland may be increasingly covered by black needlerush. These soils are
                          very poorly drained, have slopes of zero to two percent, and are used mainly for natural habitat for
                          shore and water birds. Most of the area within Wrightsville Beach's jurisdiction, including the area
                          between Banks Channel and the Intracoastal Waterway (except for Harbor Island), is classified as
                          Tidal Marsh. Generally, tidal marsh areas have no potential for conventional development.




                                                                    Page 6-1







                                                                Constraints



                           Urban Land. This soil type exists in areas where the original soil profiles have been cut, filled,
                         graded, paved or otherwise changed so that the original soil types (mostly dry, poorly drained
                         sands) have been substantially altered or destroyed. All of the developed portion of Harbor Island
                         is classified as Urban Land.

                 Soils limitations for development at Wrightsville Beach are, for the most part, a non-issue. The Town has a
                 central sewer collection system to remove wastewater from the island, and "development" is generally
                 prohibited in marsh areas. However, there is still the need for on-site sampling, testing, and study of
                 specific sites before design and construction of projects.

                 Regarding the Wrightsville Sound area, most soils there belong to the Murville-Seagate-Leon association.
                 These soils may be described as "very poorly drained to somewhat poorly drained", and having a "fine
                 sand to sand surface layer and a fine sand, sand, sandy loam, and clay loam subsoil." Some of the soils in
                 the area (Johnston, Lynnwood and Murville) are subject to frequent flooding and wetness. This places
                 some constraints on building site development, particularly in terms of subsurface and surface features.

                 A more detailed explanation of the capabilities and characteristics of soil types found at Wrightsville is
                 contained in the Soil Survey g_f New Hanover County published by the US Department of
                 Agriculture Soil Conservation Service, 1977. The report also shows the general location and extent of
                 these soils on maps.

                 (c) Water Supply Areas

                 Well water in the region is drawn from the Cretaceous Aquifer, which lies 190 to 1,100 feet below the land
                 surface. This water supply is considered sizable, and the Town wells draw primarily from the Pee Dee
                 Formation. Overall mineral content is low but iron levels are often high. Water is brackish at this depth. The
                 aquifer receives recharge from infiltration through the overlying sediments and from upland recharge
                 areas to the west. Overlying this aquifer is a limestone-sand unconsolidated sandy layer some 130 feet
                 thick, the Castle Hayne aquifer. Here water is abundant and often rich in iron and hydrogen sulfide. Water
                 is salty at depth near the coast. Above the Tertiary system aquifer (0 to 60 feet) lie the Post Miocene,
                 Yorktown and surficial aquifers of predominantly sands and clay. Water in these aquifers is low in mineral
                 content, rich in iron, and often salty near the coast. Care and consideration must be taken not to overtax
                 the water supply; excessive pumping and depletion of the fresh water will likely result in salt water intrusion
                 into the aquifer on the island and even the mainland.

                 Presently, there are four providers of water to businesses and residents of the Wrightsville Sound area:
                 Cape Fear Utilities Company, private individual wells, the Town of Wrightsville Beach and the City of
                 Wilmington.

                 (d) Areas With Slopes Exceeding 12%

                 There are no known areas in the Town of Wrightsville Beach with slopes exceeding 12%, except perhaps,
                 very small isolated pockets of grade changes and the slopes of remaining natural and man-made berms
                 and sand dunes.

                 (e) Shoreline Areas With High Erosion Potential

                 Much of the north end of the outer island of Wrightsville Beach has the potential for high erosion rates.
                 This has become particularly evident in recent years, with the southward movement of Masons Inlet.
                 Virtually any portion of the oceanfront, however, may be subject to significant changes in
                 erosion/accretion rates.

                 (f) Small Watersheds Draining Into Special Waters

                 All of the planning jurisdiction of Wrightsville Beach drains into the sound waters east of the mainland of
                 New Hanover County. Waters immediately adjacent to and surrounding Harbor Island are generally
                 classified as SB (not suitable for shellfishing) while waters west of the northern and southern ends of the




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                                                                     Constraints



                   outer island are classified as SA (suitable for shellfishing). There are no particular small watersheds at
                   Wrightsville Beach draining into special waters.
                   6.1 .2 Fragile Area_s---@,
               ----------------------
                   "Fragile areas" are those areas which could easily be damaged or destroyed by inappropriate or poorly
                   planned development. Included are coastal wetlands, sand dunes, ocean beaches and shorelines,
                   estuarine waters and shorelines, outstanding resource waters, public trust waters, complex natural areas,
                   areas sustaining remnant species, unique geologic formations, national landmarks, wooded swamps,
                   prime wildlife habitats, scenic points, archaeological and historical sites, maritime forests, and "404"
                   wetlands.

                   As a coastal estuarine island, virtually all of Wrightsville Beach consists of or is adjacent to fragile areas
                   associated with the coastal environment: the tidal and nontidal wetlands, the ocean and estuarine areas,
                   dunes, scenic points, natural areas, and public trust waters. The general location and extent of important
                   fragile area resources at Wrightsville Beach, including tidal wetlands, historic structures, areas of high
                   probability for archaeological sites, and inlet hazard areas at Wrightsville Beach are identified on the Fragile
                   Areas Map, 1996.

                   Some of these fragile areas have been specifically designated by the State of North Carolina as being
                   critical resource areas; environmentally significant and vulnerable to damage and destruction by
                   development. These "Areas of Environmental Concern" or "AEC's" are described in detail, along with
                   applicable policies, under Section 8.1.2 of the Resource Protection Policies Section of this plan.

                   6.1.3 Areas with Resource Potential

                   As defined by CAMA, Areas with Resource Potential include productive and unique agricultural lands:
                   potentially valuable mineral sites; publicly owned forests, parks, fish and game lands, and other non-
                   intensive outdoor recreation lands; and privately owned wildlife sanctuaries. These areas may be
                   nominated for approval and designation as AEC's by the Coastal Resources Commission. Some may also
                   be a part of other AEC's.

                     ithin the jurisdiction of the Town of Wrightsville Beach there are no traditionally accepted areas with
                   resource potential. However, the Town does maintain significant park acreage. Also, it could be said that
                   W

                   the extensive marsh and estuarine waters surrounding the Town of Wrightsville Beach are indeed
                   productive fish and game lands. Residents of the Town expressed strong interest in preserving the
                   environmental quality and productivity of these critically important natural areas.
                   6.2 Community Facilities and Services Capacity

                   In this section, the design capacity and level of utilization of the existing community facilities and services
                   within the Town are examined and analyzed to determine if future demands can be met. Future demands
                   are projected ahead 10 years to the planning horizon of the year 2006.

                   6.2.1 Wastewater Management

                   (a) Background

                   The Town of Wrightsville Beach operates and maintains a central sewer       collection system. The system
                   extends throughout the present corporate limits that encompass the Outer Island and Harbor Island. It
                   includes four (4) small lift stations, and one (1) main lift station which is located at Parmele Boulevard and
                   North Lumina Avenue. The main lift station is connected to the County's Northeast Interceptor System
                   and ultimately to the City of Wilmington's Southside Wastewater Treatment Facility located on River Road
                   next to the Cape Fear River. The system is operated under an interlocal contract agreement between the
                   Town, New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington. This agreement was an outgrowth of Greater
                   Wilmington Area 201 Facility Planning Project of the 1970's. Construction of the Northeast Interceptor
                   and the Wrightsville Beach Connector and Pumping Station was funded in part by the U.S. Environmental
                   Protection Agency (EPA) under the Construction Grants Program of the Clean Water Act.



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                                                                  Constraints



                  (b) Capacity

                  The capacity (average daily flow) of the existing main pumping station at Wrightsville Beach is 1.44 MGD
                  (million gallons per day). However, the station has the capability to pump short duration peak flows of 2..88
                  MGD. The interlocal agreement between the City and Town of Wrightsville Beach is for a 60-day average
                  of 1.5 MGD. Average daily sewer flows for the past ten years at Wrightsville Beach are shown below.

                                                   DAILY SEWER FLOW (AVERAGE) - 10 YEARS
                                     Year                         total flow (gals)   average daily flow (qals
                                01/01/86-12/31/86                 256,855,000             703,712
                                01/01/87-12/31/87                 250,925,800             687,466
                                01/01/88-12/31/88                 233,950,000             639,208
                                01/01/89-12/31/89                 236,214,000             647,162
                                01/01/90-12/31/90                 291,136,000             797,633
                                01/01/91-12/31/91                 294,055,630             805,632
                                01/01/92-12/31/92                 276,110,840             754,401
                                01/01/93-12/31/93                 274,455,020             751,932
                                01/01/94-12/31/94                 248,472,860             680,748
                                01/01/95-12/31/95                 256,187,040             701,882

                  (c) Projected Flows

                  From these figures, a general projection of approximately 850,000 gallons per day can be determined for
                  the year 2000 and 925,000 gallons per day for the year 2006. These numbers should be considered
                  conservative (meaning on the high side) since the overall trend for the past five years has been one of
                  declining flows. (Declining flows are due to the Town's concerted effort over the past several years to
                  reduce groundwater infiltration and inflow into the collection system of underground pipes. Specific
                  projects have included slip lining of existing sewer lines and rehabilitation of existing manholes.) Thus, the
                  average daily volume projected for ten years f rom now is still well below the 1.44 million gallon per day
                  rated capacity of the Town's main pump station.

                  Beyond these annual average flows, the highest peak pump day in 1995 was 1,328,570 gallons. Public
                  Works Department records for the past ten years indicate that the main pumping station pumped the
                  highest peak flow of 1,987,000 gallons in September, 1988. This peak flow is above the average capacity
                  of the station but well within its current peak pumping capability of 2.88 MGD. Thus, provided that New
                  Hanover County continues to upgrade the capacity of its central sewage treatment plants, the sewer
                  system capacity should handle the sewer service needs of the Town area east of the waterway through at
                  least the year 2006.

                  (d) Wrightsville Sound

                  The Wrightsville Sound area has historically used septic tanks as its primary means of wastewater
                  treatment and disposal. In the time since the last update to the Land Use Plan, New Hanover County has
                  installed a county sewer system serving this area. This system is also connected to the Northeast
                  Interceptor and wastewater is treated at the City's Southside Wastewater Treatment Works. The collection
                  system in the Wrightsville Sound area should also have sufficient reserve capacity to serve anticipated
                  growth in this segment of the planning area through the year 2006.

                  6.2.2 Drinking Water Supply System

                  (a) System Overview

                  At present, the Town of Wrightsville Beach's municipal water system provides service to all areas of the
                  town east of the intracoastal waterway and to the satellite annexation areas at Wrightsville Sound west of
                  the waterway. Facilities located east of the waterway include two elevated storage tanks: one near the
                  north end and one near the south end of the barrier island. These elevated tanks have capacities of
                  300,000 and 200,000 gallons, respectively. The Town also has two water treatment centers (No. 1 on



                                                                   Page 6-4






                                                                  Constraints


                 Harbor Island near Town Hall and No. 2 at Aliens Lane on the mainland at Wrightsville Sound) which have
                 associated ground storage reservoirs with a total capacity of 1.5 million gallons. The storage capacity of
                 reservoir No. I is one million gallons and that of No. 2 is 0.5 million gallons. The Town has a total of ten (10)
                 active water supply wells. One is inactive at this time.

                 (b) Wrightsville Sound Area

                 In the Wrightsville Sound segment of the planning area, service is provided by the Town, Cape Fear
                 Utilities Company, and private individual wells. The City of Wilmington has a 24-inch finished water trunk
                 main running along Eastwood Road (US Highway 74) but its service at this time is limited to Landfall (a
                 Planned Unit Development) and its associated commercial development at the intersection of US 74 and
                 Military Cutoff (US Highway 17 Truck Route). Cape Fear Utilities Company's water supply wells are located
                 to the west of Wrightsville Sound. An 8-inch trunk main serves the central portion of the mainland
                 segment of the planning area, The Town has two water supply wells in service in the Wrightsville Sound
                 area which are connected to the Water Treatment Center No. 2 at Allen's Lane and to the water mains
                 which serve the satellite annexation properties.

                 The Town's distribution system in the Wrightsville Sound area connects the Town's mainland water
                 treatment facility and supply wells with the satellite annexation properties. The municipal distribution
                 system consists of 12-inch, 10-inch and 8-inch mains with fire hydrants and valving required to serve all
                 areas of the Town including the existing annexed tracts.

                 A 14-inch subaqueous waterline connection beneath the Intracoastal Waterway gives the Town
                 considerable flexibility of utilizing all ten (10) of its water supply wells and combined elevated and ground
                 storage of 2 million gallons both east and west of the Waterway to meet its water supply needs within its
                 total jurisdiction.

                 (c) Capacity

                 The rated capacity of a water system is based on a number of criteria, some established by State
                 regulations, and others by engineering considerations and practice. The State regulations pertinent to
                 rating the system are: (1) the well field should be able to produce the system design daily average flow in a
                 12-hour pumping period; (2) the total storage available should be at least one average day's flow. The
                 design daily flow applicable to these criteria are the average flows which occur in the system.

                 In a resort community such as Wrightsville Beach, the system flows are subject to unusual peaks which
                 occur seasonally. Therefore, while it is not necessary or practical to meet the above State criteria on those
                 peak days, the system must be able to handle those flows for short periods without running out of water.
                 To accommodate these periods, good engineering practice dictates that the well field should be able to
                 meet the peak daily flows in 24 hours pumping time with the largest well out of service. The capacities
                 listed below are based on the above criteria.

                                                       EXISTING WELL DATA
                                        Well Field                      Set Production
                          Well          Location                         Capacity                  Capacity
                          #1       1601 N. Lumina                  350 GPM                         228 GPM
                          #2       2399 N. Lumina                  400 GPM                         200 GPM
                          #3       1 West Raleigh               Rehabilitation In Progress
                          #4       225 Waynick                    350 GPM                          208 GPM
                          #5       435 Causeway                   318 GPM                          190 GPM
                          #6       7 Marina                       300 GPM                          200 GPM
                          #7       302 Pelican                    200 GPM                          100 GPM
                          #8       201 W. Salisbury               520 GPM                          330 GPM
                          #11      2009 Aliens Lane               325 GPM                          215 GPM
                          #12      1729 Aliens Lane               220 GPM                          100 GPM
                                  I Totals:                    12,975 GPM                        11,755 GPM





                                                                   Page 6-5






                                                            Constraints




                       Well Field Capacity               2,975 GPM x 12 HOURS = 2,142,000 GPD
                       Established Pumping Rate          1,755 GPM x 24 HOURS = 2,527,000 GPD
                       Established Pumping Rate          1,425 GPM x 24 HOURS = 2,052,000 GPD
                       (Well # 8 out of Service)

                       "Well #3 is in the process of being rehabilitated and returned to active service. Expected
                       production is 150 GPM or 108,000 GPD. Rated capacity maximum production is 216,000 GPD.
                       **Well #9, located at 308 Corbett Street, will likely be reactivated within the next 3 years.
                       Expected rated production is 100 GPM or 72,000 GPD. Maximum production is 144,000 GPO.

                (d) Average Daily Flows (Demand)

                Average daily water flows for the past ten years are as follows:

                                      AVERAGE DAILY WATER FLOW, 1986 TO 1995

                                         YEAR               TOTAL FLOW         AVERAGE DAILY
                                                              (GALLONS)              FLOW
                                                                                  (GAL NS)
                                 01/01/86-12/31/86            291,493,900             798,613
                                 01/01/87-12/31/87            381,007,546             824,678
                                 01/01/88-12/31/88            301,435, 00             823,594
                                 01/01/89-12/31/89            319,026,618             874,046
                                 01/01/90-12/31/90            361,557,568             990,569
                                 01/01/91-12/31/91            357,367,672             979,090
                                 01/01/92-12/31/92            347,947,000             950,675
                                 01/01/93-12/31/93            373,072,000           110 2-2-1115
                                 01/01/94-12/31/94            353,586,000             968,729
                                 01/01/95-12/31/95            358,269,000             981,559

                From the flow data records for the past 10 years, flow has been increasing at an average rate of 3 percent
                per year. However, in the two most recent years for which average flows are available (1994 and 1995), the
                rate of increase has shown signs of slowing to about 1 % per year. The following table presents projected
                average flow rates according to a high (2-3%), medium (1-2%) and low (.5-1%) growth trend. All numbers
                have been rounded for simplicity.

                            PROJECTED GROWTH IN WATER USE, AVERAGE DAILY FLOWS
                                             High, Medium, and Low Growth Scenarios
                                                            1996-2005


                                      Year         High          Medium            Low
                                     1996         1,065,000      1,020,000         995,000
                                     1997         1,085,000      1,030,000      1,005,000
                                     1998         1,115,000      1,055,000      1,015,000
                                     1999         1,145,000      1,065,000      1,025,000
                                     2000         1,170,000      1,085,000      1,035,000
                                     2001         1,200,000      1,105,000      1,045,000
                                     2002         1,225,000      1,125,000      1,055,000
                                     2003         1,255,000      1,140,000      110-6-5-10-00
                                     2004         1,305,000      1,160,000      1,075,000
                                     2005         1,330,000      1,180,000      1,085,000

                From this projection, the average flow demands should be within the maximum capacity of the system
                through at least the year 2005.




                                                            Page 6-6






                                                                 Constraints




                  6.2.3 Transportation Facilities Update

                  (a) General

                  The US 74-76 bridge across the Atlantic intracoastal waterway is the only means of ingress and egress to
                  the town from the mainland. Crossing the bridge onto Harbor Island, the four-lane drawbridge connects
                  into a five-lane road (US 76), which has a two-lane fork heading to the north end of the beach (US 74-
                  W.Salisbury Street), intersecting with North Lumina. On the other hand, the five-laned US 76 (Causeway
                  Drive) runs into Waynick Boulevard and Lumina across the Banks Channel Bridge at the center of the
                  town. Waynick Boulevard, which is four-laned, is the major thoroughfare to the southern end of the beach.

                  (b) Traffic Volumes and Roadway Design Capacity

                  Utilization of the main roads on Wrightsville Beach, like all other facilities, is subject to summertime
                  seasonal peaks. The Traff ic.Volumes table below shows the estimated peak traff ic volumes for 1990
                  and 1996, along with the estimated design capacities of each of the major thoroughfares.



                                     TRAFFIC VOLUMES AND ROADWAY DESIGN CAPACITY
                                                  Town of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

                                              Est. Peak           Est. Design             Peak
                                         Day Volume (YF_QJ          Capacity           Percent Use
                  Thorouahfare           1990+         1996+        (VPD)++            1990    1996        % Increase

                  AIWW Bridge            45,030      52,000         50,000              90.1  104.0          15@4
                  US 74                  14,315      20,800         35,000              40.9    59.4         31.1
                  US 76                  24,462      31,200         20,000             122.3  156.0          27.5
                  Waynick Blvd.          12,684       19,600        28,000              45.3    70.0         54.5

                          Sources of Data: NC Department of Transportation, Division 3, Wilmington, NC and
                          Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC.

                           *VPD = Vehicles Per Day.
                           +Peak usage is based on NCDOT count of vehicles using AIWW bridge on July 4th
                             Weekend. Peaks for other thoroughfares are derived by increasing AADT by factor
                             of 1.812 which represents the ratio of peak to AADT .
                          ++Provided by NCDOT, based on maximum "free flow" capacity, ( i. e., no traffic lights,
                             roadside parking or other obstructions) .



                  Compared to the maximum design capacities, U.S. 74 and Waynick Boulevard appear to have current
                  excess capacities, while the drawbridge at the intracoastal waterway and U.S. 76 are over capacity at peak
                  times. However, capacity estimates assume free and open flow on all thoroughfares, without obstructions
                  and limited roadside parking. Any significant variations from these assumed conditions renders design
                  capacities less the optimum shown.

                  In keeping with the dramatic increases in the population of New Hanover County since 1990 (See
                  Population Growth table at Section 5.1.1), percentage increases in peak percent use have also
                  increased dramatically over the same period.








                                                                   Page 6-7







                                                                   Constraints




                  (c) Wrightsville Beach (Heide-Trask) Drawbridge

                  The only roadway access connecting segments of the Town east and west of the Atlantic Intracoastal
                  Waterway is by the Heide-Trask Drawbridge on US Highways 74-76. The drawbridge is operated and
                  maintained by the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Since the summer of 1985, the Town has
                  maintained radio communications with the drawbridge operator by placing a Town radio in the operator's
                  control booth. The bridge operator also has radio contact with vessels using the Waterway. In November,
                  1987, the Town was successful in having the US Coast Guard place the drawbridge on a schedule of
                  opening every hour on the hour, year-round for pleasure craft, between the hours of 7:00 am and 7:00
                  PM. Commercial craft and vessels operated by governmental agencies can still pass through the
                  drawbridge on demand as necessary.

                  The average opening of the drawbridge lasts about four minutes per vessel passing through, but could be
                  longer. The bridge operator notifies the Town's police dispatcher in advance of any time the bridge will be
                  open longer than usual to accommodate the passage of a dredge or barge tow. The County's 911
                  emergency communication center also has radio communications with the bridge operator and notifies the
                  operator when an ambulance is approaching the bridge. In the same way, the Town's police dispatcher
                  notifies the bridge operator when there is a fire, police or medical emergency within the Town that requires
                  highway access across the bridge. Under these emergency circumstances, the bridge operator will not
                  open the bridge until the emergency has been cleared.

                  Should the bridge become inoperable because of mechanical problems or for other reasons'
                                                                                                              Poll many
                  beachgoers or resident travelers could find themselves stranded on the beach. Both the          ice and Fire
                  Departments maintain radio contact with the bridge and can assist with minor repairs. The Fire Department
                  maintains an initial response plan and plans for long term breakdown and ferry service in conjunction with
                  the North Carolina Department of Transportation. If the bridge were ever disabled during a storm or during
                  dangerous or threatening weather, a temporary ferry shuttle system would also be established, using DOT
                  supplied ferry boats. These ferries would be used to transfer cars and people across the AIWW to the
                  mainland. The boats would also be used to ferry emergency vehicles, school buses, commercial traffic
                  (food delivery trucks, for example). To supplement the ferries, smaller State-owned boats would also be
                  mobilized in order to move people without vehicles.

                  (d) Parking

                  Another problem related to traffic is the demand for public parking spaces. With ever-increasing numbers
                  of day visitors to the beach during the summer season, traffic congestion is compounded and the number
                  of parking space available is limited. Recent figures show that there are 1,899 public parking spaces in
                  Wrightsville Beach, down from 2,137 in 1990 (see Table below). This apparent decrease in parking
                  spaces may be attributed in some measure, however, to a change in the 1990 and 1995 methodologies
                  for counting spaces. In 1995, the Town did not count non-striped parking spaces on South Harbor Island        .
                  At the same time, some actual reductions in parking spaces were realized by the loss of about ten on-
                  street spaces along North Lumina Avenue for the creation of a fire lane. Virtually any loss of public parking
                  ,at Wrightsville Beach must be treated with significance, as an estimated 5,000 cars could be seeking
                  parking at any time on peak days.


                                                            PARKING FACILITIES
                                                    TOWN OF WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH


                                                                                             1990               1995
                  Parking Spaces in Lots                                                       337                350
                  Total On-Street Parking - Wrightsville Island                              1,373               1306
                  Town Park - Bob Sawyer Drive                                                 104                104
                  Total On-Street Parking - Harbor Island                                      323                139
                  Total Public Parking Within Town                                           2,137              1,899

                  Source: Town of Wrightsville Beach Public Works Department and Town Planning Department



                                                                    Page 6-8






                                                                     Constraints



                  (e) Wrightsville Sound

                  Three (3) major thoroughfares pass through the Wrightsville Sound area (US 74, US 76 and Military Cutoff
                  Road) and several "side streets" cross through the central portions of the area (Stokley Road and Aliens
                  Lane). Traffic routing can seem somewhat confusing at intersections, especially where the major
                  thoroughfares converge and diverge.

                  The vehicular use of these mainland roadways sometimes exceeds their capacity. Traffic congestion is
                  often a problem in the Wrightsville Sound area, particularly during the summer months, During summer
                  peak days, such as Saturdays in July, a peak of more than 52,000 vehicles can cross the AIWW bridge.
                  Traffic can back up Eastwood Road more than half way to Military Cutoff Road, especially when the draw
                  bridge goes up to allow multiple vessel passage. The increasing volume of traffic along Airlie Road is
                  frequently slowed by the growing number of bicyclists riding in the road and/or along its shoulder,
                  presenting a serious safety concern. However, the possibility of a bike path would alleviate much of this
                  problem. The narrow width of Airlie Road and lack of space for parking places a limit on the extent of
                  development which can occur along the northern portion of the road adjacent to the AIWW. Limited land
                  area, wetlands, trees, and residential homes prevent the widening of this part of Airlie Road. Not all
                  portions of the study area, particularly the interior of Airlie Road neighborhood, are accessible by
                  roadways, be they paved or unpaved. This may deter development of vacant undeveloped residential
                  areas.

                  (f) Transportation Summary

                  Based on the above information, it appears that the main thoroughfares serving the planning area have
                  sufficient capacity to handle traffic during most periods through the year 2000. However, traffic
                  congestion during certain peak periods will continue to occur. This periodic congestion will have to be
                  tolerated as a fact of life for area residents and visitors as there is no easy solution to the problem, given
                  the inherent limitations of the drawbridge over the AIWW. Nevertheless, further study of roadway, traffic
                  and parking issues is warranted,

                  6.2.4 Schools

                  The capacities and enrollments of New Hanover County public schools serving the Town of Wrightsville
                  Beach are as shown below.

                                                     School Capacities and Enrollments
                                                of Schools Serving Wrightsville Beach, 1996

                                                           Fall 1996                   Capacity                 Capacity
                  Name of School                          Enrollment               w/o mobile units          w mobile units

                  W6ghtsville Beach
                  Elem (K-5)                                  218                        154                     203

                  M.C.S. Noble
                  Jr. High School (6-8)                       959                        654                     692

                  EA Laney
                  High School (9-12)                         1858                       1540                    1782

                  Source: Mark Strickland, New Hanover County Schools Central Office, 8129196

                  While increases in the number of school aged children at Wrightsville Beach have been small at best, the
                  New Hanover County School System has experienced an explosion in the student population. As a
                  result, nearly all schools in the system are at or over capacity. Schools serving the Town of Wrightsville
                  Beach are no exception. Wrightsville Beach Elementary School, serving grades K through 5, is the only
                  school in the Town, and is currently over capacity, even with the addition of mobile classroom units.




                                                                      Page 6-9







                                                                Constraints



                 New Hanover County school officials do not anticipate much growth in the number of elementary school
                 age children within Wrightsville Beach proper over the next few years. However, growth in the elementary
                 school age population in the County is expected to continue to mushroom. Despite the approval of a
                 school bond referendum two years ago, County officials continue to struggle with the need for additiona
                 classroom space.

                 Other educational services in New Hanover County, in addition to the public school system, include
                 several private schools (primary, secondary, and special education), the University of North Carolina at
                 Wilmington, and Cape Fear Community College.

                 6.2.5 Solid Waste Disposal

                 The Town of Wrightsville Beach collects solid waste from all properties under its jurisdiction. Solid waste is
                 disposed of in the County incinerator facility, located on US Highway 421 North. Alternately, should the
                 incinerator be shut down for repairs or maintenance, solid waste is taken to the County Landfill which is
                 also located on US Highway 421 North.

                 There is no County trash collection system in the unincorporated County including Wrightsville Sound.
                 Private waste collection services are contracted by homeowners and businesses in this area. This
                 arrangement is presently adequate and will probably continue. The collected solid waste is disposed of in
                 the County incinerator or, if the unit is down for repairs, in the County landfill. These County facilities are
                 deemed adequate for current and future needs. The County has increased the capacity of the incinerator
                 to match projected demands.

                 Over the past few years, the State of North Carolina has required, and then relaxed, standards for
                 recycling and waste reduction at the local government level. Regardless of these requirements, the Town
                 of Wrightsville Beach has been a leader in the development and implementation of a voluntary recycling
                 program. The Town has set up a recycling center on Seawater Drive near the Police and Fire Departments.

                 6.2.6 Police Protection

                 The Town's Police Department staff presently consists of 19 sworn officers, 4 desk officers, one secretary
                 and one animal control officer for a total of 25 full-time employees. During the summer of 1990, the Town
                 added one part-time police officer to patrol the beach strand during the peak summer season. The Police
                 Department is also augmented by a reserve consisting of five officers, all of whom are volunteers.

                 The Department has nine patrolling automobiles (marked and unmarked), an animal truck, a parking meter
                 truck, and a life guard truck.

                 The Department offers law enforcement services ranging from investigative services to patrol of residential
                 and commercial property. The Police Department also maintains radio communications with the
                 drawbridge. The Department presently has an emergency response time of less than three minutes and a
                 non-emergency response time of five minutes.

                 The Police Department Headquarters is located at 321 Causeway Drive in the Municipal complex on
                 Harbor Island.

                 The New Hanover County Sheriff's Department serves the Wrightsville Sound area. The unincorporated
                 areas of the County are divided into twelve (12) service sectors. Each sector is patrolled by the Sheriff's
                 deputies, with a total of 52 marked and unmarked vehicles. County law enforcement is generally
                 considered adequate in the Wrightsville Sound area.

                 Police protection services in the planning area are adequate to meet present needs. However, through to
                 the planning horizon of the year 2006, additional staff and vehicles will be required to keep pace with
                 increasing day visitors population, and traffic.






                                                                Page 6- 10






                                                                    Constraints




                  6.2.7 Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services

                  Fire protection within the corporate limits of the Town of Wrightsville Beach is provided by its municipal Fire
                  Department, with the goal of vigilance to good protection and mitigating fire loss potential. The Town of
                  Wrightsville Beach provides fire protection service for the satellite annexed areas on the same basis and in
                  the same manner as such services are provided within the rest of Wrightsville Beach. The Department
                  provides first response, EMT-D based emergency medical services as well.

                  The Wrightsville Beach Fire Department is headquartered at the Municipal complex on Harbor Island. The
                  Department is staffed by ten, paid personnel with three men, for the most part, assigned to a rotating 24
                  hour shift. Qualified part time shift persons are used as much as possible to fulfill the objective of minimal
                  three-person manning.

                  The Town's present fire rating classification is 4. This high rating also extends to the Wrightsville Sound
                  annexation area. The Town's fire station and facilities are adequate to provide services to the present
                  Town limits including the Wrightsville Sound satellite annexation areas. Major fire equipment includes:

                           *1983, 1,250 gpm pumper with 50 feet telesquirt master stream - 500 gallon tank; 600 feet of
                               5-inch supply; 700 feet of 3-inch attack/supply; 200 feet of 2.5 inch attack; 400 feet 1.75-inch
                               attack.

                           *1988, 1,250 gpm pumper with 5-inch hose capacity.

                           -1996, 1500 gpm pumper/aerial with 300 gallon tank; 1500 feet 5-inch supply; 1000 feet
                               75' aerial; 400 feet 2.5-inch preconnect attack; 200 feet 1.75 inch and 200 feet 2 inch
                               preconnect attack.

                            Pickup truck for equipment, logistical support and primary EMS squad.

                  The Department has developed an in-house intern program and training facility which includes a fire
                  training structure, test/draft tank, and, drying and ladder training facilities.

                  The response time for the Fire Department within the present corporate limits is within four minutes to the
                  farthest points at the north and south ends of Wrightsville Island. Response time to the Galleria Mail at the
                  western end of the Wrightsville Sound area is within three minutes. These response times represent off-
                  season traffic conditions which exist between Labor Day and Memorial Day. Traff ic congestion which can
                  be expected in summer months may affect the response time of the firefighters.

                  New Hanover County has developed a Fire Service District for its unincorporated areas, funded by a
                  separate property tax. There are eight (8) volunteer fire departments serving the unincorporated areas.
                  The Wrightsville Sound area lies within the Seagate Fire District. A County-wide mutual assistance
                  agreement exists between all fire departments to help insure adequate services in extreme situations.

                  The increasing population over the past several years and the trend toward larger homes and multifamily
                  housing at Wrightsville Beach reinforces the need to maintain adequate equipment, water reserves, and
                  man power for firefighting. While the Town's water storage system (see Section 6-2.2) provides adequate
                  fire flow capacity, current growth patterns present an increasing consistency of heavier required fire flows
                  being created more uniformly throughout the community.

                  In addition, the number of volunteer firefighters available may not always be sufficient to meet ISO
                  standards for required fire flow. Despite community growth and minimal fire partitioning, average volunteer
                  response has remained constant for many years.

                  The Town will need to continually evaluate the need for additional manpower (recruitment and retention),
                  and training will help the department maintain its Class 4 rating and meet the increasing demand it faces.
                  Engines and firefighting equipment will also need to be maintained and upgraded as needs dictate.




                                                                     Page 6-11






                                                                  Constraints



                  6.2.8 Parks and Recreational Facilities

                  In addition to beach access facilities (see Section 4.1), the Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation
                  Department operates one 13-acre park and five "mini-parks". The mini-parks range in size from .5 to .85 of
                  an acre and are located on both Harbor Island and the barrier island portion of the Town.

                  Generally, the outdoor facilities are adequate to handle the resident population of Wrightsville Beach. Day
                  visitors also come from surrounding areas to visit the 13-acre park. These facilities are summarized below
                  and their locations are shown on the Recreation Facilities, -1996 Map, which accompanies this plan.

                          (1) Wrightsville Beach Park: 13-acre park with tennis courts/backwall, sand volleyball courts,
                              basketball court, shuffleboard courts, horseshoes, one softball field, soccer/football field,
                              jogging/fitness trail, tot lot, children's playground area and equipment, overlook deck and
                              picnic shelter with grilles, 104-car parking lot.
                          (2) Fran Russ Recreation Center: Adjacent to the park area and Town Hall, this building
                              provides indoor areas for recreation and programs, room for community meetings and events,
                              and has a fully equipped kitchen.
                              Old No. 2 Fire Station-also used for indoor recreational programs.
                          (4) Lees Nature Park: .5 acre nature-oriented park for plant and bird identification.
                          (5) Greensboro Street Park: .8-acre park with playground equipment.
                          (6) Wynn Plaza: .85-acre park on Banks Channel provides public "transient" dockage, a
                              gazebo, and waterfront walkways.
                          (7) South Channel Drive Park: .5-acre park on Banks Channel for water-oriented activities.
                          (8) Island Drive Park: .5-acre park with benches for passive atmosphere.
                          (9) Causeway Park: .5-acre park with benches located at the street under the bridge.
                          (10) Wings Plaza: Landscaped area with benches for passive uses, located in the downtown
                              area across from Wynn Plaza.

                  While no significant additions of park acreage are anticipated through the year 2006, there will be
                  continued demand to make more intensive use of existing facilities and to add additional facilities at
                  existing park sites. Such facilities may need to address for example, an expanded senior citizens
                  population and the types of recreational activities best suited to that age group.

                  6.2.9 Public Administrative Capability

                  The Town of Wrightsville Beach was incorporated in 1899. The Town has a Council-Manager form of
                  government. The Board of Aldermen consists of a Mayor and four Aldermen elected at large every four
                  years with staggered terms. The Mayor is elected for a two-year term. The Board of Aldermen is the
                  governing body of the Town with the Mayor as a voting member and the presiding officer. The Town
                  Manager is appointed by the Board of Aldermen and administers the daily operations of the Town as well
                  as being responsible for implementing and explaining the policies of the Board of Aldermen.

                  The Town provides a full range of services. These services include police and fire protection, sanitation,
                  the construction and maintenance of streets and infrastructure, beach rescue, first responder/defibrillator
                  medical service and parks and recreation. The Town also provides water and wastewater services. The
                  existing structure of government at Wrightsville Beach is performing its necessary functions well and there
                  is no anticipation regarding major changes in the form or size of local government in the Town. The
                  administrative structure of the Town is presented below.













                                                                  Page 6-12






                                                               Constraints




                                                        Town of Wrightsville Beach
                                                               Organization


                                                               Citizens of
                                                          Wrightsville Beach





                                                               Mayor and
                                                          Board of Aldermen





                                                            Town Manager




                                  General Management                                    Police
                                         Town Clerk                                  Administration
                                           Finance                                    Investigation
                                       Administration                                Patrol Division
                                         Accounting                                  Parking Control
                                           Billing                                     Lifeguards
                                         Collection                                  Animal Control
                                          Records



                                            Fire                                    Public Works
                                       Administration                                Administration
                                         Prevention                                 Water and Sewer
                                        Suppression                                    Sanitation
                                 Emergency Preparedness                                  Streets
                                  EMT-D Medical Services                             Zoning/Building
                                                                                      Maintenance


                                 Parks and Recreation                        Assistant to the Manager
                                       Administration                                Administration
                                     Programs/Activities                                Planning
                                      Park Maintenance
















                                                                Page 6-13






                                                            Estimated Demand


                 7. Estimated Demand

                 7.1 Population and Economic Projections

                 7.1.1 Projections of Permanent Population

                 Population projections for Wrightsville Beach are an extrapolation from overall County-wide growth trends
                 and historic patterns over the past several decades. (See Section 5.1.1 Population and Hoijsing) The
                 projections assume that the number of housing units being added to the County's housing stock will
                 resume a more normal rate of increase of 2000 units per year, down from the current torrid pace of 3000
                 units annually. At the same time, additions to the housing stock at Wrightsville Beach will continue to hold
                 the town's population level steady at about 2% of the County total. Tendencies toward greater year round
                 occupancy at Wrightsville Beach will be offset by economic forces (obtainable rents, property taxes) which
                 will increase incentives for rental properties.

                                                    POPULATION PROJECTIONS

                                   Year                 Wrightsville    % of County      New Hanover
                                                        Beach            Population      County
                                   1960                             723            1.0           71,742
                                   1970                          1,701             2.1           82,996
                                   1980                          2,786             2.7        102,779
                                   1990                          2,937             2.4        120,284
                                   1995 Estimate                 3,114             2.2        139,577
                                   2000 Projection               3,200             2.0        16,0,000
                                   2010 Projection               3,450             2.0        176,000

                 Source: Census of Population and Housing, 1960 through 1990, North Carolina Office of Budget and
                 Management, New Hanover County Planning Department, and Glenn Harbeck Associates.

                 Projections of Seasonal/Peak Day Population

                 With the advent of Interstate-40 and the tremendous growth of the permanent population of New Hanover
                 County since 1990, estimates of peak day population range as high as 50,000 by the year 2000 (from a
                 1996 level of approximately 35,000 to 40,000-See Section 5.3, Impact of Seasonal Population).
                 Because available parking space typically reaches the saturation level by mid-morning on a peak summer
                 day, continued increases in peak day population will be dependent in the future upon higher vehicle
                 occupancy levels, shuttle services, public transportation, and other methods.

                 7.1.2 Economic Projections

                 Section 5.1.2 of this plan provided a comparative examination of the employment characteristics of
                 Wrightsville Beach residents as opposed to New Hanover County residents. This comparison revealed no
                 remarkable differences between the employment patterns and occupations of Wrightsville Beach
                 residents and County residents. Due to Wrightsville Beach's increasing role as a residential "bedroom
                 community" for the Greater Wilmington area, the Town's economic outlook is apt to continue to reflect the
                 overall economic prospects for New Hanover County. In the absence of a major national economic
                 downturn, such prospects, as described frequently by economists at the University of North Carolina at
                 Wilmington, as well as by several financial institutions in the State, call for continued economic growth and
                 prosperity for the Greater Wilmington area for the foreseeable future. Such continued advances in
                 economic growth for the region can only result in increasing demand for properties at Wrightsville Beach
                 and continued inflationary pressures on real estate values, rents, and taxes, relative to the balance of the
                 region.






                                                                 Page 7-1







                                                             Estimated Demand



                  7.2 Future Land Use Needs

                  Because virtually all developable land at Wrightsville Beach is either currently in use, projections of future
                  land use needs are not relevant. Nonetheless, it is important to note that development pressures at
                  Wrightsville Beach continue, with special,emphasis on redevelopment for residential use. As real estate
                  values continue to mount and commercial services become more readily available on the mainland side of
                  the drawbridge, pressure for displacement of commercial uses by residential development has become
                  increasingly evident. This land use plan recommends that policies be implemented which seek to
                  preserve the existing commercial/residential balance of development at Wrightsville Beach.
                  7.3 Demand for Community Facilities and Services

                  For the sake of uninterrupted analysis and continuity of presentation, a discussion of community facilities
                  demands is included in each of the community facility evaluations provided in Section 6.2 of this plan.










































                                                                  Page 7-2






                                                             Policy Statements




                 8. Policy Statements
                 Introduction to the Policies

                 The data collection and analysis described in Sections 4 through 7 of this plan was geared to gathering
                 and summarizing information related to the future development and redevelopment of the Town of
                 Wrightsville Beach. Building on this information, a series of official local government policies are hereby
                 set forth. As officially adopted policies of the Town of Wrightsville Beach, they serve as the basis for future
                 decisions on land use, development and capital improvements.
                 Policy Format

                 Each major category in the policy section of the land use plan is addressed according to the following
                 format:

                 Discussion                   A brief summary of the issues, relevant findings and, where applicable,
                                              alternative policy responses.




                 In addition, Section 12.1 of this Plan, entitled the Action Agenda, includes a number of potential
                 Implementation Actions designed to carry out the Policies of the Land Use Plan over the next five years.

                 It is important to understand that the narrative (discussion) is not policy, and does not carry the same
                 degree of importance as the actual policy statements. The narrative is designed to provide background
                 and rationale for the ensuing policy statement. In most instances, the discussion serves to identify a
                 problem or issue, and may present a summary of findings from,other technical studies. There is no intent
                 to establish policy within any discussion section. More detailed discussions of issues related to policies
                 are found in the earlier information sections of the Plan.

                 The policy statements, on the other hand, must be viewed in a wholly different light. As statements of local
                 government principle, the policies should remain substantially unchanged during the five year planning
                 period. Frequent changes to the policies would undermine their effectiveness in achieving intended
                 goals and objectives. Indeed, the policies are designed to maintain a consistent and predictable direction
                 for local government decisions affecting local growth and development during the planning period. In
                 reviewing the pages that follow, the reader is asked to focus greatest attention on the policies, while
                 relying upon the discussion primarily as explanations as to intent.















                                                                  Page 8-1







                                                                                  Policy Statements


                        8.0 General Vision Policy for Next Ten                                              Years
                        The CAMA Land Use Planning Guidelines suggest that the policy section begin with an overall guiding
                        policy regarding future growth and development. The Town of Wrightsville Beach is generally known
                        throughout the coastal area as having a high quality of life highlighted by its proximity to the services of the
                        Wilmington urban area, and the quality of its natural and built environment. The Town has also been
                        successful in directing development and redevelopment in keeping with a small town, family-oriented
                        community. The following policy statement emphasizes the need for diligence in working to retain the
                        these quality features.

                        Policy 8.0 General Vision Policy for Next Ten Years
                        We, the residents, business, and property owners of the Town of Wrightsville Beach
				shall seek to maintain and enhance our community as one of the finest family-oriented
				beach towns on the east coast of the United States. To do so will require diligence in
				working to retain the small town character and quality of the natural and man-made
				environment that has become the basis for our quality of life at Wrightsville Beach, and
				which makes our community such a desirable place for both visitors and residents alike. 

                                                                        
				8.1 RESOURCE PROTECTION POLICIES                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     l                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      _
                       	8.1.0 Resource Protection Policies

                        Most residents of Wrightsville Beach, when asked at public meetings to identify those features that make
                        Wrightsville Beach special, talked about such things as: the natural habitat for wildlife, good fishing, clean
                        air and water, natural beauty, and water quality. These are the features of the community that make
                        Wrightsville Beach such a unique place, and are so deserving of protection.

                        Policy 8.1.0 Basic Policy Statement Regarding Resource Protection
                        The natural and scenic resources of Wrightsville Beach are the reason for our
				existence and attractiveness as a community, for the value of our properties, and for
				the quality of our lives. It shall be the policy of Town not to undertake activities, nor
				approve of any activities. in singular or comulative effect, which would jeopardize the
				long term viability of our natural and scenic resources. Furthermore, actions should
				have the effect of protecting and enhancing the quality of such resources whenever
				possible. 
			
				(Note: In keeping with this policy, the Town shall consider each proposed development activity for its individual impact on natural and scenic
				resources. For example, while the addition of a single "privacy wall" blocking views to the water's edge may not have a significant impact
				on views and vistas to the water, the cumulative impact of a great many such walls would eventually have a profound adverse effect on
				scenic views to the water throughout the town.)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                n            
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                            

                        8.1.1 Constraints to Development

                        Development activities at Wrightsville Beach are constrained by a variety of natural and manmade limiting
                        factors, as discussed in sections 6.1 and 6.2 of this plan. Of the various natural limitations on development
                        in the town, the issue of storm water runoff and drainage is among the most significant. Without
                        appropriate development standards, more development typically means more impervious surfaces. In
                        turn, more impervious surfaces can result in more storm water runoff into the sounds or onto adjacent
                        properties. Fortunately, the Town has been active in addressing this issue, and has put in place standards
                        which require stormwater retention on site.

                        Another natural constraint to development at Wrightsville Beach, though one more readily accepted than
                        the storm water runoff problem, is flooding. The entirety of both Harbor Island and the Outer Island are
                        subject to total inundation during the 100 year storm. As older structures have been replaced over the
                        years, the Town has been successful in implementing new construction standards that elevate most
                        substantial improvements above the 100 year flood level. The effectiveness of this policy was especially
                        evident in the aftermath of hurricane Fran.

                        In addition to drainage standards and 100 year flood plain standards, properties in the Town of Wrightsville
                        Beach are also subject to the permitting requirements of the Division of Coastal Management, the Army

                                                                                        Page 8-2






                                              Policy Statements


             Corps of Engineers as related to wetlands, the Town's Zoning and Pier Head Line Ordinances, and the
             Town Dune Maintenance Protection Plan. The standards promulgated in each of these areas are
             important in protecting specific resources at Wrightsville Beach.

             Policy 8.1.1A  Appropriate, Corrective Drainage Improverne nts
                                                                           A IWI
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                                                 IA,





             Policy 8.1.1 8 Application of Federal, State, and Local Controls

                                                                           . . ..... . .
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             Policy 8.1.1 C Development in the 100 Year Floodplain
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             8.11.2 Areas of Environmental Concern

             The Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) of North Carolina calls for the identification of certain
             environmentally fragile and important land and water areas that are judged to be of greater than local
             significance. The Coastal Resources Commission (CRC), in cooperation with local governments in the
             twenty county coastal area, has developed a program of permit review within these areas of environmental
             concern (AEC's) . The intent of the regulatory program is'not to stop development , but rather to insure
             the compatibility of the development with the continued productivity and value of certain critical land and
             water areas. Each basic AEC category is summarized below with the applicable policy statement
             immediately following. The reader is urged to consult with the full definition and State-promulgated use
             standards of each AEC category before contemplating development in these areas.

             Policy 8.1.2 Areas Of Environmental Concern
                                                                            . . .... .....
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             Note: The first four AECs described below together make up the so-called estuarine system AECs:
             Coastal Wetlands, Estuarine Waters, Estuarine Shorelines, and Public Trust Waters. They are presented
             as a system of AECs due to the strong degree to which they are ecologically interrelated.

             8.1.2 A Coastal Wetland AEC'S

             Coastal wetland AEC's are marshes, subject to regular or occasional flooding by tides, including normal
             wind tides. At Wrightsville Beach, these are predominantly salt water marshes associated with the sounds
             and intracoastal waterway. These marshlands serve as a critical component in the coastal ecosystem. The
             marsh is the basis for the high productivity of the estuary which is the primary input source for the food
             chain of the entire coastal environment. Estuarine dependent species of fish and shellfish, such as
             menhaden, shrimp, flounder, oysters, and crabs, contribute tremendous value to the economy of North
             Ca rolina's commercial and recreational fisheries.
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             Marsh plants found in coastal wetlands include saltwater Cordgrass (5-partinag.1-temiflora), Black
             Needlerush (Juncus roemerianus), Glasswort (tia_licorNia spp.), Salt Grass (Distichlis spicata), Sea


                                                  Page 8-3







                                                                          Policy Statements


                      Lavender (Limonium, spp.), Salt Meadow Grass (Spartina patens), and Salt Reed Grass (Spartina
                      cynosuroides). The roots and rhizomes and seeds of the marsh grasses serve as food for waterfowl, and
                      the stems as wildlife nesting material. The tidal marsh also serves as the first line of defense in retarding
                      estuarine shoreline erosion. The plant stems and leaves tend to dissipate wave action while the vast
                      network of roots resists soil erosion. Coastal wetlands operate additionally as traps for sediments,
                      nutrients and pollutants originating from upland runoff. Siltation of the estuarine bottom is reduced, and
                      pollutants and excess nutrients are absorbed by the plants. These marshes should be considered
                      unsuitable for all development and for those land uses which would alter their natural functions.

                      Policy 8.1.2 A Coastal Wetlands
                      Due to the critical role that wetlands play in protecting the quality of estuarine waters
			    and in providing habitat for fish and wildlife, the Town strongly supports the
		          designation and preservation of all remaining coastal wetlands. Acceptable land uses
			    may include utility easements. fishing piers, and docks. Examples of uses NOT
			    permitted include restaurants. businesses, residences, apartments, motels, hotels
	  		    parking lots, private roads, and highways.

			    
                                                                                                                                                           
                                                  

			    8.1.2  estuarine water AEC'S
                      An estuary is a semi-enclosed water body having free connection with the open sea and within which sea
                      water is measurably diluted with fresh water drained from the adjacent land. The immense productivity of
                      estuarine waters results largely from unique circulation patterns, nutrient trapping mechanisms, and the
                      protective habitats they provide. Estuarine circulation, influenced by tidal currents, fresh water influx, and
                      shallow bottom depth, keeps the estuarine waters well flushed, dispersing nutrients, juvenile stages, and
                      wastes. In their natural state, these waters provide many diverse and productive habitats. Common
                      features in estuarine waters include mud flats, eel grass beds, clam and oyster beds, and fish and shellfish
                      nursery areas.

                      At Wrightsville Beach, estuarine waters are found in the Intracoastal Waterway and throughout the sound
                      area. At the northern and southern limits of the Town's jurisdiction, these waters are generally classified
                      SA, suitable for shellfishing . Areas near Harbor Island are generally SB, with the exception of the north
                      shore, which is SA. Masonboro Sound was nominated and designated as an Outstanding Resource
                      Water (ORW) by the state. Primary and secondary nursery areas are located between the mainland and the
                      island in the Shell Island and Bradley Creek areas, and Bradley Creek.

                      The high value of commercial and sports fisheries and the aesthetic appeal of coastal North Carolina are
                      dependent upon the conservation and protection of its estuarine waters. Appropriate uses in and around
                      estuarine waters are those which preserve estuarine waters so as to safeguard and perpetuate their
                      biological, economic and aesthetic values. Acceptable uses should be water dependent uses, such as
                      navigable channels, piers and docks, and mooring pilings, provided that they do not directly or indirectly
                      block or impair existing navigation channels, increase shoreline erosion, deposit spoils below mean high
                      tide, cause adverse water circulation patterns, violate water quality standards or cause degradation of
                      shellfish waters. In keeping with this objective, the Town's policy statement concerning estuarine waters
                      discourages the expansion or construction of new marinas.

                      Policy 8.1.2 B Estuarine Waters
                      (1) Appropriate uses within estuarine waters may include simple access channels,
			    structures which prevent erosion, navigational channels, and private boat docks,
			    piers, and mooring pilings. Expansion or construction of new marinas is discouraged.
		          Piers and docks for non-water dependent commercial uses are not allowed (NCAC 15A
			    7H).

		          (2) Any development or activity which will profoundly and adversely affect coastal and
		          estuarine waters will not be allowed. In the design, construction and operation of water
			    dependent structures, efforts must be made to mitigate negative effects on water
			    quality and fish habitat, as determined by NCAC 15A Subchapter 7H and the Coastal
			    Resources Commission. The developer and/or owner will bear the cost of any required
		          mitigation.

										Page 8-4






                                                                         Policy Statements




                      8.1.2 C Public Trust Waters AEC'S

                      Pubic Trust Waters at Wrightsville Beach generally are all ocean and estuarine waters from the mean high
                      water mark to the seaward limit of State jurisdiction. The State of North Carolina  supports the traditional
                      public rights of access to and use of Public Trust Waters for purposes including navigation, fishing, and
                      recreation. These areas support valuable commercial and sports fisheries, have aesthetic value, and are
                      important resources for economic development. Navigation channels, piers, marinas, and bulkheads to
                      control erosion are examples of uses which may be found acceptable in Public Trust Waters.

                      An issue of growing concern at Wrightsville Beach and on recreational waters throughout the nation, has
                      been the advent of the jet ski and other similar personal water craft. Concerns have been raised regarding
                      the tendencies of jet skiers to operate these watercraft in a reckless manner. Other concerns relate to their
                      operation in marshes and other shallow water estuaries, where damage to the marsh may occur and where
                      wildfowl is disturbed. Locally, New Hanover County has been taking the lead in coordinating the efforts of
                      various local governments in working with the jet ski industry in developing standards for the operation of
                      these watercraft.

                      A second issue of special concern at Wrightsville Beach, particularly at the north end of the Outer Island, is
                      the trend toward lengthy piers extending out into the town's estuarine waters. As prime waterfront sites-
                      those with deep water close to shore have become developed, remaining "waterfront" sites have been
                      building longer piers to reach water of adequate depth for boat dockage. This oftentimes results in
                      unsightly and environmentally damaging piers extending out into the coastal marsh. And, while State
                      regulations require that such piers shall not block stream channels, the effect in many instances is to
                      inhibit the movement of water craft in the shallow water estuary. This can be evident at high tide when
                      small boats, which would normally have free movement through the estuary, must constrain their
                      navigation to limited pockets of open water, essentially fenced in by these long pier lengths. In the case of
                      small shallow draft sailing craft, the presence of these long piers may totally prevent the craft from sailing
                      through the affected body of water. Thus, the Town's policy reserves the right to be more restrictive than
                      the State's standards where the public's right to the reasonable, unobstructed use of public trust waters is
                      being compromised.

                      Policy 8.1.2    C Public       Trust Areas
                      (1) Any use which significantly interferes with the public right of navigation or other
			    public trust rights shall be strongly discouraged. Projects which would directly or
	 		    indirectly block or impair existing navigational channels, increase shoreline erosion
			    deposit spoils below mean high water (except during beach renourishment), cause
			    adverse water circulation patterns, violate water quality standards, or cause
			    degradation of shellfish waters shall be prohibited.

			    (2) The Town shall seek to ensure the responsible use of jet skis and other similar
			    "personal" watercraft within the public trust waters of Wrightsville Beach. Responsible
			    use shall mean controlled, predictable movements similar to other powered watercraft
	  	   	    while in navigation channels, marinas, and other regular trafficked areas, and their
			    prohibition in marshes and other shallow water estuaries, where damage to the
			    resource is likely.

			    (3) CAMA standards designed to limit the length of docks and piers as they project into
			    public trust waters shall be considered the minimum standards, with the Town
			    reserving the right to be more restrictive where public trust waters use and
		 	    environmental protection issues warrant.	                                   


        

                      


                      8.1.2 D Estuarine          Shoreline AEC'S

                      Estuarine Shorelines are non-ocean shorelines extending from the mean high water level along the
                      Town's estuarine sounds for a distance of 75 feet landward. Although characterized as dry land and thus
                      potentially "developable", estuarine shorelines are considered a component of the estuarine system
                      because of the close association with adjacent estuarine waters. These shorelines may be especially


                                                                              Page 8-5






                                                               Policy Statements


                  vulnerable to erosion, flooding, or other adverse affects of wind and water and are intimately connected to
                  the estuary.

                  Because development within the estuarine shoreline AEC can harm the marshlands and estuarine waters,
                  and because of the inherent dynamic and hazardous nature of coastal shorelines, specific restrictions,
                  limitations and standards have been adopted by the State for construction in these areas, as outlined in
                  1 SA NCAC 7H at .0209. By regulation, projects cannot weaken natural barriers to erosion, shall have
                  limited impervious surfaces, and shall take measures to prevent pollution of the estuary by sedimentation
                  and runoff. A CAMA (Coastal Area Management Act) permit must also be obtained for compliance with
                  these standards.

                  As in the case of estuarine waters, the Town of Wrightsville Beach wishes to discourage additional marina
                  development in these areas.

                  Policy 8.1.2 D Estuarine Shorelines

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                  8.1.2E    Ocean    Hazard Area AEVS

                  These are natural hazard areas along the ocean shoreline which are especially vulnerable to effects of
                  sand, wind, water and erosion. Ocean hazard areas include beaches, frontal dunes, inlet lands, and other
                  areas in which geologic, vegetative and soil conditions indicate a substantial possibility of excessive
                  erosion or flood damage, and where uncontrolled or incompatible development could unreasonable
                  endanger life or property. Improper development can also disturb the natural barrier island dynamics and
                  sediment transport, and can interfere with the beach's natural defenses against erosion. Furthermore,
                  there is considerable evidence that sea level has been and is expected to continue rising steadily. This will
                  result in higher water levels, inundation of wetland areas, and loss of beachfront area.

                  Within the Ocean Hazard Area AEC are four sub areas as follows: (1) The ocean erodible area (2) The
                  high hazard flood area (3) The inlet hazard area and (4) The unvegetated beach area. Each may be
                  described as follows:

                   Ocean Erodible AEC. The ocean erodible area is the portion of the island where there exists a
                  substantial possibility of excessive erosion and significant shoreline fluctuation. The ocean erodible AEC
                  is based on a setback from the first line of stable natural vegetation plus an additional area where erosion
                  can be expected from storm surges and wave action. This area includes the ocean beaches and the
                  frontal dune system.

                  Ocean erodible areas are extremely dynamic lands highly susceptible to becoming displaced by the ocean
                  due to erosion, storms, and sea level rise. The sand deposits of ocean beaches and shorelines represent
                  a dynamic zone which does not afford long term protection for development. The nature of tidal action and
                  the force of storms is such that they cause the beach areas to constantly shift. In addition, littoral drift is a
                  natural phenomenon whereby sand is removed from beaches by wave action and littoral currents and is
                  deposited upon a different stretch of the beach.

                  The major management objective is to avoid unnecessary hazards to life or property and to maintain
                  reasonable requirements for public expenditures to protect property or maintain safe conditions. This area
                  must be preserved to the greatest extent feasible with opportunity to enjoy the ocean beaches of the
                  State. Appropriate development within the area must be that which will withstand the prevalent natural
                  forces, comply with CAMA and other state requirements, and not unreasonably interfere with the public's
                  use and enjoyment of the beach area.
                                                                                                                   hiC



































                   tflg-h Hazard Flood AEC. This is the area of the coast subject to high velocity wave action and storm surge
                  during severe storms. This area typically extends along the shoreline and to some distance landward of


                                                                    Page 8-6






                                                                 Policy Statements


                   the frontal dune. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) identifies flood zones for a "100
                   year" storm on the flood insurance rate maps (F.I.R.M.'s), and designates the high hazard flood AEC as
                   the V zone. The interior of the outer island, Harbor Island, and the Sound are in the A Zone, subject to
                   washover and flooding. The entire Town of Wrightsville Beach lies within the I 00-year flood area. The
                   extent of flood hazard areas on Wrightsville Beach and in Wrightsville Sound area is shown on the Fragile
                   Areas, 1996 map.

                    Inlet Hazard AEC. Inlet Hazard areas of environmental concern are especially vulnerable to erosion,
                   f-looding, and other shoreline changes due to their proximity to extremely dynamic, migrating coastal
                   inlets. The inlet hazard area is defined to "extend landward from the mean low water line a distance
                   sufficient to encompass that area within which the inlet will, based on statistical analysis, migrate, and shall
                   consider such factors as previous inlet territory, structurally weak areas near the inlet (such as an unusually
                   narrow barrier island, an unusually long channel feeding the inlet, or an overwash area), and external
                   influences such as jetties and channelization." The State's original inlet hazard areas were identified in the
                   report to the CRC entitled "Inlet Hazard Area" by Loie J. Priddy and Rick Carraway (September 1978). The
                   inlet hazard area "shall be an extension of the adjacent ocean erodible area and in no case shall the width
                   of the inlet hazard area be less than the width of the adjacent ocean erodible area."

                   At Wrightsville Beach, areas adjacent to both the Mason Inlet and Masonboro Inlet are designated hazard
                   areas. Within the past year,. considerable attention has been focused statewide on the situation regarding
                   the Shell Island Resort at the north end of Wrightsville Beach. Recently, the owners of this major resort
                   sought permission to place sandbags to stop the southward migration of Masons Inlet toward the Shell
                   Island Resort until a more permanent solution could be found. The State Coastal Resources Commission
                   voted in January of 1997 to approve the temporary placement of sand bags more extensive than what is
                   normally permitted under CAMA standards.
                   ..Unveaetated B-each AEC. These areas are fragile, unstab'le and unpredictable areas of barrier islands.
                   They are subject to rapid changes from wind and wave action. They include the sand reaches often found
                   near inlets and undeveloped beach strands. As in other beach areas, the public maintains a right to access
                   to these beaches. While there are some small areas of unvegetated beach at Wrightsville Beach, there is
                   no unvegetated beach AEC recognized by the Coastal Resources Commission within the Town.

                   Policy 8.1.2 E Ocean Hazard Areas              of Environmental Concern

                                                           . .. .... ..... .
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                   8.1.3 Turtle Nesting       Areas

                   The nesting habits of the loggerhead turtle are a unique natural phenomenon of coastal communities like
                   Wrightsville Beach. Opportunities for the study of loggerhead turtle nesting are becoming more rare. In
                   keeping with the Town's overall growth philosophy of preserving those natural features that are truly a
                   unique part of the heritage of the island community, the Town wishes to make a strong policy statement in
                   support of preserving and protecting the habitat,for loggerhead turtle nesting.

                   Policy 8.1.3 Turtle Nesting Areas







                                                                      Page 8-7






                                             Policy Statements



             8.1.4 A Other Wetlands

             Not too long ago in the United States wetlands where viewed as "wastelands" to be filled in and made
             "usable". Today, both the scientific community and the general population recognize the critical
             importance of wetlands in providing habitat for many, many forms of wildlife and- in helping to mitigate the
             severity of flooding and shoreline erosion. For this reason, the Town wishes to go on record regarding its
             support for the designation and preservation of all wetlands in its planning jurisdiction.

             Policy .1.4 A Other Wetlands



             8.1.4 B Maritime Forest and Tree Cover

             According to a report published by the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management in November of
             1988 (An Assessment Of Maritime Forest ResoUrces On The North Carolina Coast, Michael J. Lopazanski,
             et al) Maritime forests are the woody plant communities that develop as the end result of primary
             succession on coastal dune systems. The report further notes that maritime forests are generally
             restricted to coastal barrier islands. Unfortunately, the maritime forest, as a distinct environmental entity,
             has been largely eliminated at Wrightsville Beach. Even so, tree cover at Wrightsville Beach, whether
             officially maritime forest or not, is considered a highly valued asset. Some sections of Harbor Island, in
             particular, are blessed with a sizable number of significant trees that are worthy of attention and
             preservation.

             Policy 8.1.4 B Maritime Forest and Tree Cover
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             8.1.4 C Outstanding Resource Waters

             There are currently no OutstandingIResource Waters (ORW) within the planning jurisdiction of the Town
             of Wrightsville Beach. On the other hand, there are areas north and south of the town's estuarine waters
             that have received the ORW designation. In the case of Wrightsville Beach, stormwater runoff from
             landside development and the presence of a large number of marinas and boat traffic are the most likely
             causes of water quality degradation in the Wrightsville Beach area. Given current trends at Wrightsville
             Beach toward even more intensive development and impervious surface areas, it is unlikely that the
             waters around Wrightsville Beach would be likely to receive the ORW designation. On the other hand, the
             Town wishes to do its part in controlling storm drainage and stormwater runoff so that Outstanding
             Resource Waters within the general area of New Hanover County are not adversely affected.

             Policy 8.1.4 C Outstanding Resource Water Areas
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             8.1.4 D Shellfishing Waters

             For a number of years, the Town of Wrightsville Beach operated its own central sewage treatment plant
             and emptied its treated effluent into the sound area behind Shell Island. As a result, much of the water in
             the sound behind the Outer Island was closed to shell fishing. However, with the advent of the New
             Hanover County Centralized sewer system, and the tie in of Wrightsville Beach to that system, the waters
             around much of Wrightsville Beach have recovered. This has allowed many of these waters to be
             designated once more as suitable for shellfishing. Particular areas not suitable for shellfishing are
             specifically posted by the State shellfish authorities.
             11%e                                            to!"
                                                                               K!


































                                                 Page 8-8






                                                                 Policy Statements


                  Policy 8.1.4 D Shelifishing Waters
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                  8.1.4 E    Water    Supply   Areas and Other Waters with            Special Values

                  As noted in section 6.2.2 of this report (Drinking Water Supply), the Town of Wrightsville Beach relies
                  upon the Castle Hayne Aquifer for its source of water. Over the years, the Town has worked to continually
                  improve upon and expand the quality and pumping capacity of its system of wells. This has resulted in, for
                  example, the placement of wells in the Wrightsville Sound area of mainland New Hanover County. The
                  Town recognizes the critical importance of maintaining reasonable pumping rates for each of its wells. The
                  Town also recognizes that nearly all of southeastern North Carolina now depends on either the Castle
                  Hayne Aquifer or the Cape Fear River for its potable water. Therefore, the Town supports regional efforts
                  to protect the water quality of both the Castle Hayne Aquifer and the Cape Fear River.

                  Policy 8.1.4 E Water Supply Areas and Other Waters with Special Values




                  8,1,4 F Cultural and Historic Resources

                  The State Division of Archives and History has noted that areas along the sound shoreline, particularly
                  along Bradley Creek and the mainland side of the Intracoastal Waterway, may have a higher than average
                  probability for containing archaeological sites. In fact, at least two prehistoric archaeological sites have
                  been documented in the Wrightsville Sound area. Archaeological sites at Wrightsville Beach proper are
                  less likely, and if present would have been long ago destroyed by development and redevelopment
                  activities.

                  In recent years, support for the protection and enhancement of historic structures at Wrightsville Beach
                  has grown in some sectors of the resident population. At the same time, there is a natural dichotomy
                  between those who wish to preserve the historic leach cottage flavor of many of the older structures and
                  those who wish to redevelop these properties with sizable structures at a level commensurate with the
                  dramatically increased value of the real estate. The Town's position is that while it encourages the
                  preservation of its older, potentially historic structures, it cannot reasonably require property owners to do
                  so. The Town has, however, established a vehicle for the property owner to voluntarily have their structure
                  historically designated. Also, while the Town will not attempt to mandate historic preservation, it can
                  establish reasonable standards for redevelopment so that new structures are not grossly out of scale or
                  out of character with remaining older structures. (See Policy 8.3.4)

                  There is also some debate among residents as to whether there are any historic commercial structures at,
                  Wrightsville Beach. It could be argued, for example, that most commercial structures in the traditional
                  downtown area have limited architectural merit. In this case, it may be necessary to consider "historic" in
                  terms of an entire cluster of buildings, or in terms of an entire streetscape. Proponents of historic
                  preservation have often said that to remove one building from the streetscape of a downtown block has
                  the effect of creating a "missing tooth" in the face of a street. Thus, while the preservation of particular
                  buildings in this area may be subject to debate, the commitment of the Town to preserve the current
                  commercial use, building set backs, and village atmosphere in this part of the town is clear. (See Policy
                  8.3.13)

                  Policy 8.1.4 F Cultural and Historic Resources
                                                                                                             C  a rue.,



                  8.1.5 Protection of Potable Water Supply

                  As noted above under Policy, Section 8.1.4 E (Water Supply Areas) the Town of Wrightsville Beach is
                  dependent upon a system of wells for its potable water. Proper management of this system of wells is


                                                                      Page 6-9







                                                               Policy Statements


                  critical for the long term viability of the well system. At the same time, water conservation practices-
                  whether by construction, adaptive plumbing fittings, or behavioral modification-must also be supported.

                  Policy 8.1.5 Protection Of Potable Water Supply
		      The Towns groundwater resources shall be conserved for longevity through proper
			management of its system or wells, and by the encouragement of water conservation
		      practices, including measures which can be taken in construction of all new structures.
                

                  8.1.6.   Package     Sewage     Treatment    Plants

                  Package sewage treatment plans have not been an issue in the Town of Wrightsville Beach because the
                  Town, for most of its history, has had access to centralized sewage treatment. Initially, the Town
                  constructed and operated its own centralized treatment plant. Subsequent to that the Town's tied into the
                  New Hanover County centralized sewer system and abandoned its own facility.

                  Policy 8.1.6 Package Sewage Treatment Plants
			All new developments are required to connect to the Town's central sewer system.
			Package sewage treatment plants and septic systems are not allowed.


                  8.1.7 Stormwater Runoff

                  Noted North Carolina hydrogeologist, Ralph C. Heath, when speaking about the coastal area of North
                  Carolina, has stated that the ..."construction ... of multi story condominiums, motels and other vacation
                  facilities with their parking lots, tennis courts and swimming pools, is resulting in the creation of large
                  expanses of impervious areas. Disposing of the runoff from these areas during storms in a manner that is
                  not detrimental to. the adjacent sounds and ocean is among the most pressing water management
                  problems now confronting the developer and the public officials in this area." (News: Water Resources
                  Research Institute of the University of North Carolina, November 1986).

                  The construction of large, impervious services associated with commercial and residential development
                  accelerates the rate at which rain waters reach the estuarine sound waters. This rapid influx of fresh water
                  can change the natural salinity of the sound water and disrupt the biological balance of the natural system.
                  The water can also carry higher than normal levels of nutrients and other biodegradable materials that can
                  create excessive oxygen demand for decomposing the material.

                  Much of what is described above can be observed in the continued redevelopment of the Town of
                  Wrightsville Beach. While it may be too late to return the estuarine waters of the Town back to a pristine
                  condition, the Town continues to seek methods by which storm water runoff from new developments can
                  be minimized. The Town intends to give greater attention to this element'of development plan review in
                  the future, with the intent of more carefully controlling stormwater runoff into the estuary.

                  Policy 8.1.7 Stormwater Runoff
                  The Town encourages 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 retian its        
                  natural filtering properties, and allowing stormwater to percolate into the ground rather                                                                                               
		      than discharging it directly to coastal waters. (Note: As policy, the Town will continue
			to require that the first 4" of rainwater in a 24 hour period be retained on site for all
			new developments.)

                  8.1.8   Marinas, Floating Home Development,              Mooring    and Mooring     Fields   and   Dry
                  Stack   Storage

                  Due to its strategic location in the greater Wilmington/New Hanover urbanizing area, and the long-standing
                  presence of Masonboro Inlet, the Town of Wrightsville Beach has been a natural draw for marina
                  development. As a result, the sound and intracoastal waters adjacent to Wrightsville Beach are some of
                  the most congested waters for boating in the entire coastal area of North Carolina. More marinas and more


                                                                    Page 8- 10






                                                                Policy Statements


                  boat slips also mean increasing demand for landside parking spaces, and increased traffic congestion. For
                  these reasons, the Town wishes to discourage further development of marinas, whether by the addition
                  of new marinas, or by the intensification of existing marinas by creating more boat slips in the same amount
                  of surface water.


                  Policy 8.1.8 A Marinas, Wet slips
                                                                             r.14.n all.



                  Regarding floating homes, it is important to define exactly what a floating home, is. According to CAMA
                  Guidelines, a floating structure is ..."any structure, not a boat, supported by a means of flotation designed
                  to be used without a permanent foundation, which is used or intended for human habitation or commerce.
                  A structure will be considered a floating structure when it is inhabited or used for commercial purposes for
                  more than 30 days in any one location. A boat may be deemed a floating structure when its means of
                  propulsion has been removed or rendered inoperative and it contains at least 200 square feet of living
                  space area."

                  Floating home development is viewed by the residents of Wrightsville Beach as a waterbome activity
                  which permanently "consumes" public trust waters which are already in short supply. Potential
                  environmental and aesthetic problems associated with floating structures are also deemed to far outweigh
                  any potential economic benefits for the town.

                  Policy 8.1.8 B Floating Home Development




                  According to CAMA Use Standards, a "free standing mooring" is any means to attach a ship, boat,
                  vessel, floating structure or other watercraft to a stationary underwater device, mooring buoy, buoyed
                  anchor, or piling (as long as the piling is not associated with an existing or proposed pier, dock, or
                  boathouse). According to CAMA Standards, free standing moorings shall be permitted under only two
                  circumstances (1) to riparian property owners within their riparian corridors or (2) to any applicant proposing
                  to locate a mooring buoy consistent with a water use plan that may be incorporated into either the local
                  zoning or land use plan.

                  At Wrightsville Beach, concern for the limited amount of public trust waters available for public enjoyment
                  also creates a major disincentive for additional free standing moorings. Until such time as the Town of
                  Wrightsville Beach undertakes the developmental of a water use plan, and the issue can be addressed in
                  a comprehensive manner, additional free standing moorings will not be approved.

                  P           .8 C Moorings and Mooring Fields
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                  Dry stack storage facilities, while deemed preferable to wet slip storage, nonetheless require
                  substantial amounts of associated parking, are significant traffic generators, and contribute to boating
                  congestion on already overtaxed waters. For these reasons, the expansion and development of
                  additional dry stack storage facilities is discouraged at Wrightsville Beach.

                  Policy 8.1.8 D Dry Stack Storane
                                              Oa
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                  Commercial fishing is an important part of the coastal heritage of many communities in eastern North
                  Carolina, including Wrightsville Beach. While the Town is not interested in increasing the size of the
                  commercial fishing fleet in the waters in and around Wrightsville Beach, it is nonetheless committed to
                  preserving this important part of the area's coastal heritage.

                                                                    Page 8-11







                                                                                  Policy Statements


                        Policy 8.1.8 E Commercial Fishing Dockage
                        Commercial fisheries vessel dockage at currently used commercial facilities along the
                        soundside waterfront is acceptable.

                        The zoning ordinance of the Town of Wrightsville Beach contains special provisions for what is defined in
                        the ordinance as a vessel for hire. The provision requires that any vessel available for hire carrying ten
                        (10) or more passengers must apply for a special use permit as to where it can be docked and conduct it
                        business.

                        Policy 8.1.8 F Vessels for Hire, Charter Boats  and Cruise Ship Dockage
                        Vessels for hire and charter boats/cruise ships shall only be allowed in conjunction
                        with existing marinas and shall not cause an expansion in the amount of surface water                                    
                        consumed or parking demand generated. Small charter and cruise ships shall be                                   
                        preferred over larger.                                                                                                         

                        8.1.9    Industrial Impacts on Fragile Areas

                        The Town of Wrightsville Beach has a history of very little industrial development. Traditional reasons for
                        lack of industrial development include a lack of sufficient volumes of water and other utilities, a lack of
                        suitable extensive areas of land at reasonable prices, and a general incompatibility with the desired vision
                        of the community by many Wrightsville Beach residents. Opposition to any industrial development at
                        Wrightsville Beach was unanimous at Town meetings arranged to allow for input to the land use plan.

                        Policy       8.1.9 Industrial impacts On Fragile Areas
                                          
                        Industrial development of any kind is incompatible with the overall land use pattern,
                        economy, and quality of life at Wrightsville Beach. Thereford, no impact on fragile                                               
                        areas is expected nor will it be allowed.                                        
                                    
                                                                                                                                    
                                          
                                                                                              


                                                             

                        8.1.10       Development         of Sound         and Estuarine           System Islands

                        All sound and estuarine islands in the vicinity of Wrightsville Beach have extremely fragile environmental
                        conditions and would be highly unsuited for development. The residents of Wrightsville Beach also have
                        expressed universal support for County and State efforts to preserve Masonboro Island.

                        Policy 8.1.10 Development Of Sound And Estuarine System Islands
                                                                                                                                   
                        All estimate sound islands and spoil islands are subject to the conservation (P-1)            
                         provisions of the Town's zoning ordinance. The Town also supports all County and     
                         State efforts to preserve Masonboro Island.                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                                                                          AT     ..... I    ...
                                     
                      

                        8.1.11       Development Within Areas                  That     Might Be        Susceptible         to   Sea    Level Rise

                        There has been considerable discussion and debate over the past decade or more about sea level rise
                        and its theoretical affect on beach and shore line erosion along North Carolina's coast. One commonly
                        held viewpoint is that gradual sea level rise is causing the barrier Islands of the North Carolina coast to
                        migrate landward. Under this theory, individual oceanfront land owners are said to experience this
                        migration as "beach erosion". The scientific evidence to support this viewpoint is subject to considerable
                        debate. Regardless of what causes beach erosion, the Town supports a policy of regular beach
                        renourishment as the most practical means of balancing the public's interest in the beach shoreline with
                        the protection of private property investments. In the absence of renourishment, the Town's next policy of
                        choice is for relocation of threatened structures.

                        Policy 8.1.11 Development Within Areas That Might Be Susceptible To Sea Level Rise
                                                  
                        The Town will encourage appropriate agencies of the State and Federal government to                                                    
                        monitor research on sea level rise and its theoretical effect on coastal areas. The Town
                        will consider any State and Federal policies formulated prior to amending its policies
                        regarding sea level rise; specifically, development within areas up to 5 feet above sea
                        level which may be susceptible to sea level rise, and the need to renourish the beach
                        or relocate sructures as necessary.                                                                                                                                 
                                                  
                                                 Page 8-12                 
                                                                                                                                      
                               
                                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                                     
                                             
                                         
                                                               
                                                                                             
                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                     
                                                                               
                                                                                                                                                        Page 82






                                                  Policy Statements



              8.1.12 Upland Excavation for Marina Basins

              As the immediate coastal area of New Hanover County, indeed the State of North Carolina, has become
              more intensively developed for shoreline uses, natural sites for deep water marinas have become
              increasingly scarce. State regulations which discourage or prohibit the destruction of wetland habitats,
              primary nursery areas and other important, environmentally sensitive estuarine areas have made
              opportunities for new marina developments difficult at best. As a result, marina facilities carved out of
              upland areas have occasionally been viewed as a viable option. In the case of Wrightsville Beach,
              however, the value of "upland" real estate is so prohibitive that excavating such land for a marina basin is
              economically unfeasible. In addition, previously mentioned concerns about parking demands and traffic
              generation associated with any form of marina development cause the Town to discourage such
              developments.

              Policy 8.1.12  Upland Excavation For Marina Basins

                                                                   VS        S

              8.1.13 Marsh  Damage   From  Bulkhead Installation

              The Town of Wrightsville Beach supports State standards for bulkheads and rip rap as identified in the
              State's general permit for the construction of such structures in estuarine and public trust waters. To meet
              the requirements of the general permit, proposed bulkheads and/or rip rap can be placed only along
              shore lines either (1) void of wetland vegetation-including marsh grass and wooded swamp--or, (2)
              where all construction is to be accomplished landward of such vegetation.

              Policy 8.1.13 Ma' rsh Damaae From Bulkhead Installation

                              1A
                               Pf RM




              8.1.14 Water  Quality Problems and Management Measures Designed to Address Them
              The majority of the Resource Protection Policies stated above, including but not limited to policies
              concerning Areas of Environmental Concern, marina development, and stormwater runoff, are designed
              to curtail or halt the further degradation of water quality of sound and beach waters at Wrightsville Beach.
              The Town continually seeks to develop new management practices and measures to implement
              improvements in water quality.

              Policy 8.1.14 Water Quality Problems and Management Measures Designed to
              Address Them
                               ......... ..
                                      ...... .....
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              8.2  Resource Production And Management Policies

              8.2.0 Resource Production and     Management

              Due to the fully developed, urban nature of Town of Wrightsville Beach, resource production and
              management of the land resource, in the traditional sense of those words, is not applicable at Wrightsville
              Beach. Real estate values are so high as to preclude the use of available (and for productive agricultural,
              commercial forest lands, and mineral production areas. Nonetheless the estuarine system within which the
              town is located is one of the most "productive" ecosystems on earth. For this reason the Town has
              committed itself to participating in no activity nor approving of any activity which would seriously damage
              the long-term productive capability of the estuarine system.



                                                     Page 8-13


              
          
                        Policy Statements

       Policy 8.2.0 Basic Policy Statement Regarding Resource Production and Management
Wrightsville Beach is located in the midst of one of the most biologically productive
ecosystems on earth-estuarine waters and marshes. The Town shall undertake no
activity nor approve of any activity which would seriously harm the long term viability
and productivy of this ecosystem.
      Policy 8.2.1 Productive Agricultural Lands
      Not applicable
      
      Policy 8.2.3 Mineral Production Areas-Existing and Potential
      Mineral production and extraction activies of any kind shall not be permitted within

the planning jurisdiction of Wrightsville Beach. This shall not preclude removal of sand
deposits for beach nourishment.
     8.2.4 Fisheries Resources
 Commerical and recreational fishing are an intregral part of the eonomic, social and cultural heritage of the
Town of Wrightsville Beach. While commercial fishing has generally declined as the community has
become more urbanized, it nonetheless continues to play a significant role in shaping the overall coastal
environment of the community.
 For that matter, commercial fish landings aree not the sole indicators of the impact of the fisheries resource
on the overall economy of Wrightsville Beach. Much of the town's tourism-driven economy is derived from
both the real and perceived image of an area with close ties to the sea. During the public meetings held for
the land use plan, this concern was most apparent in the amount of support given to the protection of wild
life habitats and the proper management of the area's natural resources, including the fisheries resource.
State law precludes local governments from regulating the marine fisheries resource. The Marine
Fisheries Commission and Division of Marine Fisheries however, welcome the input of local governments
and residents in decisions regarding marine fisheries regulations. Also, the Town does have the ability
and responsibilty to control landside development to minimize adverse impacts on water quality in the
estuary and, particularly, in the nursery areas and shellfish areas associated with coastal wetlands.
 Policy 8.2.4 Fisheries Resources (Commercial and Recreational)
  (1) The Town supports projects which increase productivity of coastal and estuarine
waters. Projects such as oyster reseeding programs and property constructed artificial
reef construction will be supported in the future.
 (2) The Town supports the "Bigh Sweep" beach cleanup program and all other similiar
efforts to enhance the cleanliness of the natural environment.
 (3) The Town supports the NC Division of Marine Fisheries and the Division of Coastal
Management in their development of regulations and policies, including those on
trawling and gill netting in ocean and estuarine waters, activities in primary nursery
areas (PNA'S), and activies in outstanding resource waters (ORW'S).
8.2.5   Off Road Vehicles
Concern for the environmental impacts of off road vehicles in coastal North Carolina has traditionally been
oriented toward beach and near-beach dune areas. Due to the intensive use of the beach strand and the
need to protect any remaining duen areas, the Town of Wrightsville Beach prohibits the use of off road
vehicles anywhere outside public rights of way or in private drives.
                                                Page 8-14






                                                                Policy Statements


                  Policy 8.2.5 Off Road Vehicles




                  8.2.6 Development Impacts

                  All of the town's major development impact issues, such as the intensification of residential development,
                  management of stormwater runoff and marina expansions, are covered under specific policy headings in
                  various parts of this plan. The table of contents provides a means of quickly identifying location of policies
                  concerning particular development issues. Nonetheless, this approach to addressing development
                  impacts points up the need to consider the "cumulative impacts" of a whole host of development activities
                  occurring simultaneously at Wrightsville Beach. It is ultimately the combined effect of all development and
                  redevelopment activities that together define the impact on the area's natural resources, particularly water
                  quality. The Town, therefore, recognizes the need to address each new development or redevelopment
                  activity on a case-by-case basis to minimize the cumulative effect of incremental impacts.

                  Policy 8.2.6 Development Impacts



                  8.3    Economic And Community Development Policies

                  8.3.0 Economic and Community Growth and Development

                  This policy section is concerned with those issues associated with the development and redevelopment
                  of the Town of Wrightsville Beach. Among the several issues discussed are the types of development to
                  be encouraged, the density of development, provision of public facilities to serve development, the urban
                  growth pattern desired, local support for State and Federal programs influencing development, and the
                  provision of access to public open space and land and water recreational areas.

                  The Town's overall policy statement in this subject area calls for the incremental refinement and
                  enhancement of the town, as opposed to wholesale destruction and replacement of older structures by
                  larger, more intensive developments. This overall policy position also calls for the preservation and
                  retention of existing neighborhoods at Wrightsville Beach, rather than their destruction and replacement
                  with more intensive multi family developments, or even the type of massive single family home that is
                  surfacing at various locations at Wrightsville Beach.

                  A commitment to this policy implies follow through on a range of other policies and actions. For example,
                  the Town will take steps to discourage large incremental amounts of growth and development and large
                  increases in population that might be associated with larger or more intensive multi family developments.
                  Also, rather than allowing for more intensive development and its associated increases in stormwater
                  runoff, parking demand, and traff ic congestion, the Town will act in support of a continued emphasis on
                  single family and duplex residences and appropriate neighborhood-orientbd and local businesses. At the
                  same time, the Town will also work to preserve and enhance parks and natural areas within and around the
                  community.

                  Implementation actions in furtherance of this policy will require a reexamination of the Town's zoning
                  ordinance and building standards to encourage building forms in keeping with the existing character of
                  development at the beach. Current building heights, in particular, should be reviewed as to their
                  appropriateness in neighborhoods where the predominant building height is clearly less than 40 feet.

                  Policy 8.3.0 Basic Policy Statement Regarding Economic & Community Growth &
                  Development
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                                                                     Page 8-15


                                            Policy Statements
  Policy 8.3.0 A Growth of Town's Jurisdiction
  Expansion of the Town's ETJ and/or corporate limits on the mainland/Wrightsville
Sound area shall not not be supported.
   Policy 8.3.0 B Population Increases
  The Town shall discourage large incremental amounts of growth and development and
large increases in population.
 Policy 8.3.0 C Types of Development to be Encouraged
The Town will encourage single family and duplex residences, appropriate
neighborhood-oriented and local businesses, and parks and natural areas.
 Policy 8.3.0 D Density of Development
The Town will consider reducing the maximum density limits of its zoning ordinance for
future development and redevelopment. The Town will also consider maximum size
limitations for multifamily and commercial structures.
Policy 8.3.0 E Building Standards, Generally
 The Town shall support refinements in building standards throughout the community
to reflect the unique characteristics of different areas of Wrightsville Beach, including
but not limited to: height, stebacks, lot coverage, and floor area ratios.
Policy 8.3.0 F Building Height
 The Town will not increase the Town's present building height limitation of, "not to
exceed 40 feet" in all residential (and all but one commercial) district(s). This, maximum
height may be reduced in neighborhoods where the prevailing building height of
existing structures is less than 40 feet. Maximum building height shall be measured
from the average ground plane of the lot, rather than from the nearest fire hydrant.
8.3.1 Industries Desired and Local Assets Desirable to Such Industries
Section 8.1.9 above discussed several of the reasons why the Town of Wrightsville Beach has traditionally
not received nor pursued significant levels of industrial development. Chief among those reasons were
for example, a lack of suitable extensive areas of land at reasonable prices and the general incompatibility
of industrial development with the desired vision for the future of Wrightsville Beach by most town
residents. In addition, the Town's position as a "bedroom community" for the greater Wilmington
urbanizing area allows industries to be located elsewhere in the southeastern North Carolina on lands
more suited for such use.
Policy 8.3.1 Industries Desired and Local Assets Desirable to Such Industries
"Industry" in the traditional manufacturing/processing/production sense will not be
allowed at Wrightsville Beach.
 8.3.2. Provision of Services to Development Generally
The Town's philosophy of providing services to development has two principal components. First, the
Town is committed to providing the best quality services possible while holding the tax rate to a
reasonable level. This means for example, that the Town's water system, garbage collection, law
enforcement and parks and recreation should be among the best available in southeastern North Carolina
for a community the size of Wrightsville Beach. Second, additions or expansions to the Town's public
facilities or services made necessary by new or expanding development should be paid for by that new or
expanding development. The Town feels that existing residents and property owners should not be
burdened with the expense of subsidizing new development.

                                      Page 8-16







                                                          Policy Statements


                 Policy 8.3.2 Provision of Services to Development, Generally
                 The Town will make all municipal facilities 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. Connection to
                 water and sewer lines will be at the expense of the developer. If water or sewer facility
                 upgrades or expansions would be required for new development, the needed
                 improvements would be at the expense of the developer.

                                                                                                                                                      till
                                                
                               
                                                 
                                   




                 Policy 8.3.2 A, Potable Water Supply
                 The Town requires all new development to the into its system for potable water supply
                 and prohibits individual wells for the potable use. 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.
                 Policy 8.3.2 B Wastewater Treatment and Disposal
                 All new developments are required to connect to the Town's central sewer system,
                 which is connected, in turn, to the New Hanover County centralized sewer system.
                 Package sewage treatment plants and septic systems are not allowed.
                                             
                                                  
                                                  
                                                                        
                                         
                             
                                                                
                                               
                                                                 
                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                                                             
                                                                                            



                


                                                                                     

                 Regarding solid waste disposal in particular, the Town has been quite successful in establishing a
                 recycling program that has earned the support of Town residents as well as the admiration of visitors to the
                 beach. While finding markets for the recycled material continues to be challenge for most recycling
                 programs, the Town is committed to an ongoing recycling effort.

                 Policy 8.3.2 C Solid Waste Disposal
                 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 the Beach.




                 8.3.3 Urban Growth Pattern Desired

                 The urban growth pattern at Wrightsville Beach is strongly influenced by its historic relationship to the
                 town's abundance of beach and sound shoreline. This has created strong incentives for a relatively high
                 intensity of use throughout the community, but particularly along the community's waterfront margins.

                 In recent years, the demand for additional residential development has outstripped the demand for other
                 land uses at the beach. For example, the economic returns or "land rents" associated with the commercial
                 development at Wrightsville Beach have been outstripped by the economic returns associated with
                 residential development. To retain its small town character with a reasonable complement of services close
                 at hand, the Town recognizes that it must act to reinforce the community's existing development pattern,
                 including the protection of both existing commercial and residential areas. More will be said about the
                 specifics of such a policy in Section 8.3.13, dealing with the traditional downtown area of Wrightsville
                 Beach, and in the Land Classification section of this plan.

                 Policy 8.3.3 Urban Growth Pattern Desired
                 The Town shall support a small town growth pattern which reinforces the community's
                 existing residential and commercial areas and projects the existing residential-
                 commercial balance of the community.

                 




                 8.3.4 Types of     Residential Development Desired

                 In keeping with the general vision statement for the community, including preservation of the small town
                 character and quality of the natural and built environment, the Town has elected to take a firm stance in
                 opposition to the development of additional multi family complexes and high rise structures at Wrightsville
                 Beach. At the same time, the Town also wishes to address perhaps the single greatest development
                 issue facing the town today-the mass and bulk of new single family residential structures.

                 These massive single family structures involve dramatic increases in square footage, bedrooms, baths,
                 etc. over first or second generation beach cottages. Despite the favorable connotation typically

                                                              Page 8-17






                                                                                           Policy Statements


                          associated with the "single family" structures, the development impacts associated with these structures
                          can be similar in nature to the impacts associated with multi family development. These impacts can
                          include: the number of people the structure can (or should) accommodate, the amount of additional
                          automobile parking required, the amount of water consumed, the amount of sewage generated, the
                          volume of trash produced, the amount of stormwater runoff diverted into the sound, and the additional fire
                          risk and suppression capabilities needed.

                          The following policy reflects the position that the Town will review all proposed "developments"
                          objectively on their merit and on their impact on the community, regardless of their building "label". (i.e.
                          single family home). Implementing this policy may involve revisions to the Town's development
                          regulations to explicitly address the mass, bulk and size of new residential structures. Modifications to
                          building regulations may involve refinements in building standards for new residential structures as they
                          relate to (1) surrounding structures and neighborhood context (2) building size and proportional lot size
                          and (3) impacts of such structures on Town services, infrastructure and the environment.

                          Policy 8.3.4 Types of Residential Development Desired
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                          8.3.5       Types        of Commercial              Development              Desired

                          Many Town residents have had a long-standing concern about the potential introduction of franchise-type
                          commercial businesses along with their "anywhere USA" architectural building facades and signage. While
                          the architectural design and character of commercial development is at the core of the issue, there are also
                          traffic generation and parking related issues.

                          Wrightsville Beach has severe traffic congestion during a growing pail of the year. Therefore, businesses
                          locating at Wrightsville Beach should serve primarily the basic service needs of Wrightsville Beach area
                          residents and visitors. Such businesses help reduce travel demand by Wrightsville Beach residents and
                          visitors who must otherwise travel the length of the island and over the drawbridge to obtain services on
                          the mainland. Businesses serving an area-wide clientele should be located in appropriate commercial
                          areas on the mainland so as not to add unnecessarily to the traff ic burden at Wrightsville Beach.

                          As noted previously, the existing commercial base of Wrightsville Beach is being threatened by
                          redevelopment into residential uses. One development concept that gained support during the public
                          involvement process for the land use plan was a mixed use form of development allowing for ground floor
                          retail uses with second floor residential uses above. In this manner, the community-serving ground floor
                          retail uses are allowed to continue while upper story residential uses assist in increasing the ground rent
                          generated by the real estate. This form of development may be especially appropriate for the traditional
                          downtown area of Wrightsville Beach. This development form may also be suitable for the current marina
                          area near the drawbridge. The application of this development form in the marina area is more fully
                          described in the Land Classification section of this plan.

                          At the same time, there are some justifiable questions about mixed use developments a                                             s they might occur
                          at Wrightsville Beach. For example, what type of parking standards would be appropriate for apartments or
                          condominiums over retail businesses in the traditional downtown area? What types of ground floor
                          commercial uses might qualify as "community serving"? These are the questions that the Town must seek
                          to answer before any such development could be approved. (See Implementation Action 8.3.5 under
                          Section 12 of this plan)

                          Policy 8.3.5 Types of Commercial Development Desired
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                                                                                                 Page 8-18


Policy STatements
(2) Architectural character and signage which is not in keeping with a small town atmosphere shall be strongly discouraged.
(3) To preserve the economic viability of the community's commercial/retail/service base, the Town shall consider mixed use grund floor commercial with upper floor residential on commercially zoned properties.
(4) It is the Town's policy to help preserve the basic service function provided by community businesses at Wrightsville Beach. The Town will carefully review propsals for the conversion of such existing commercial sites to any residential uses, including additional multi-family complexes, motels or high rise structures. Location of such multi-family complexes, motels, and high rise structes shall be encouraged on sites where they ar presently located.
8.3.6 Redevelopment including Relocation of Threatened Structures
Wrightsville Beach residents who attended the pblic meetings for the land use plan were in agreement that, beach renourishment aside, the next policy priority  of the Town ought to be relocation of structures that are endangered or damaged by wave action and shore line erosion. This policy raises important issues regarding the current situation regarding the Shell Island Resort at the north end of Wrightsville Beach, In the Shell Island situation, the size and mass of the builidng preclude the possiblity of relocating the structure away from it's endangered location. thus, while this relocation policy may not be applicable to the Shell Island Resort, it does support the Town's policy position that no additional multi family complexes and high rise structures should be built anywhere at Wrightsville Beach. By keeping the relative size and scale of new construction to a reasonable size, options are left open regarding the possibility of relocating structures to safer locations, should the need arise.
Policy 8.3.6 Redevlopment , Including Relocation of threatened Structures
Relocation of structures endangered or damaged by wave action and/or shoreline erosion is encouraged. Redevelopment of damaged or destroyed structures will be permitted by the Town according to Town ordinances, provided all current building standards and CAMA requirements are met.
8.3.7 Commitment to State and Federal Programs
CAMA Guidelines suggest that local governments address the level of local commitment to State and Federal programs including items such as erosion control, public access, highway improvements, dredging and other related government activities.
The Town of Wrightsville Beach acknowledges and supports applicable State and Federal programs which work to improve the quality of life of town residents and protect the quality of the natural environment. The Town attempts to cooperated and assist in the implementation of these programs whenever possible. Federal and State assistance programs of most importance to Wrightsville Beach include the State's beach access program, State and Federal channel maintenance and inlet projects, beach renourishment, and bridge and road improvement programs.
It is worth noting that for each Federal or State prgram mentioned above, both the local area residents as well as residents from outside the community are benefited. This is consistent with what the Town believes State and Federal programs should do.
Policy 8.3.7 Commitment to State and Federal Programs 
The Town supports the State Coastal Area Management Act, the State's beach access program, State and Federal channel maintenance and inlet projects, beach renourishment, and bridge and road iomprovement programs.
Page 8-19






                                                                                           Policy Statements


                          Policy 8.3.8 A Assistance                         to Channel Maintenance, Including Interstate Waterways



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                          Regarding beach             renourishment in particular, the Town continues to have concerns                                       regarding the
                          use of a-disproportionately large percentage of room tax revenues to support tourism promotion and
                          marketing efforts. With the advent of Interstate 40 into the Wilmington area, the need to aggressively
                          promote Southeastern North Carolina relative to the attractiveness of other areas of North and South
                          Carolina has diminished. At the same time, the need to employ these revenues for beach renourishment
                          has reached critical levels. The Town, therefore, supports the return of the local room tax revenues in
                          accordance with its original formula - a minimum of 80% for beach renourishment, and a maximum of 20%
                          for tourism promotion.

                          Policy 8.3.8 B Assistance to Beach Nourishment

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                          With regard to the Town's beach                    hardening policy, town residents support a position consistent with
                                                                                                                                -rather than hardening the shore
                          that of renourishing the beach and relocating structures as necessary
                          line. in the case of the Shell Resort Island situation, Town officials viewed their support for protective
                          measures at the north end of Wrightsville Beach as a temporary means of protecting the resort and the
                          Town's public access way until a more permanent solution to the inlet migration can be found.

                          Policy 8.3.8 C Beach                     Hardening
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                          Polic 8.3.8.D Soundside Bulkheads
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                          8.3.9 Energy Facility                  Siting and Development

                          As defined in the CAMA Guidelines, "major energy facilities are those energy facilities that, because of
                          there size, magnitude and scope of impacts, have the potential to significantly effect the coastal zone. For
                          the purposes of this definition, major energy facilities include but are not necessarily limited to (1) all oil
                          refining facilities, (2) natural gas terminals and associated facilities, (3) oil and gas storage facilities storing
                          more than 15 million gallons on a single site, (4) electric generating facilities of 300 MGW or larger, (5)
                          thermal energy generation, (6) pipe lines greater than 12 inches in diameter that carry crude petroleum,
                          natural gas, or LNG-LPG or synthetic gas."

                          In the past several years, proposals have been brought forward by energy companies to explore the outer
                          continental shelf of the coast of North Carolina for natural gas and/or oil. These proposals would typically
                          be located approximately 25 miles or more off the coast with exploration occurring in deep water. Offshore
                          activity normally generates land-based support facilities and operations. Public input on this subject has
                          demonstrated consistent strong local opposition to both off shore drilling and land-based activities-not
                          only in Wrightsville Beach but anywhere along the coast of North                               Carolina.
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                                                                                                Page 8-20






                                                                 Policy Statements


                  policy 8.3.9 Energy Facility Siting and Development
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                  8.3.10   Tourism

                  While tourism and visitation to Wrightsville Beach from outside the community has general support from
                  the residents and property owners of Wrightsville Beach, such support is not without some reservations.
                  A natural dichotomy exists between those residents who choose to make Wrightsville Beach their year
                  round home and those who own rental properties and have businesses catering to the tourism trade. The
                  conclusion coming out of this discussion is one that basically says "We the residents and property owners
                  of Wrightsville Beach will provide a quality tourism experience in hopes that this will draw a "quality"
                  tourist." The Town feels that it can best achieve this objective by providing for adequate law enforcement,
                  business activities that cater to families, convenient, quality services, a well maintained, attractive beach
                  strand and clean waters capable of supporting swimming and fishing.

                  Policy 8.3.10 Tourism
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                  8.3.11    Public Beach      and Waterfront       Access

                  Compared to many coastal     beachfront communities, the Town of Wrightsville Beach provides a sizable
                  number of public access points to both the beach and sound areas of the community. These access
                  points are most evident in the older, central part of the community on the Outer Island where street ends
                  provide access to the beach on the east and to the sound on the west.

                  Concerns about beach access tend to focus primarily on the north and sound ends of the Outer Island. To
                  the north, for example, there are several private streets which do not allow for public access to the
                  beach-nor do they allow parking on the streets. Public access on Shell Island is focused entirely within
                  designated parking lots provided for that purpose.

                  The south end of the island, on the other hand, presents a different situation. In this case, while there are
                  several beach access points along the south strand, a lack of parking associated with these beach access
                  points effectively precludes their use.

                  Regarding the sound side access points in the older, central part of the Outer Island, there has been
                  discussion regarding the need to specifically identify the west end of all streets as official public access
                  points to the sound. The intent of this action is to head off actions on the part of some property owners
                  who would seek to block off these public access ways by constructing fences or other barriers within the
                  right of way.

                  There has also been a fair amount of debate regarding the permitting of individual over-the-dune
                  structures for individual property owners. While the Town recognizes that over-the-dune structures are
                  advantageous in minimizing wear and tear and ultimate destruction of the frontal dune system, there is
                  also a recognition that the construction of too many of these individual dune crossovers would eventually
                  destroy the aesthetics of the beach strand and frontal dune. Therefore, the Town will continue to address
                  requests for over-the-dune crossovers on a case-by-case basis.

                  The Wrightsville Beach Wildlife ramp for boat access to the sound has also been a subject of considerable
                  debate within the town. State reports have indicated that this ramp is the most. heavily used ramp in all of
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                  Southeastern North Carolina. It is also generally known that the great majority of boaters using the ramp
                  are not residents of the town. Parking at the ramp is very congested on weekends and competition for use
                  of the three existing ramps is oftentimes at a premium. Plans have been formulated to increase the


                                                                     Page 8-21






                                                                 Policy Statements


                   capacity of the number of boat ramps at the facility. Even so, given the current and anticipated demand for
                   boating access over the coming years, Town officials wish to go on record as requesting that New Hanover
                   County and other appropriate public agencies take action to provide for boating access from sites on the
                   mainland. This is designed to relieve pressure on the Wrightsville Beach boat ramp and the associated
                   traffic congestion and parking.

                   Finally, Town residents have expressed their support for a Town policy of discouraging the development
                   of soundside waterfront property for exclusive residential use that effectively walls off the waterfront from
                   the public. Recently, the Town turned down a request for a multi-family residential waterfront development
                   that would do exactly that. (More on this subject is presented in the land classification section of the plan,
                   specifically the Marina Area discussion.)

                   Policy 8.3.11 A Beach and Waterfront Access
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                   8.3.12 Parks and Recreation

                   In addition to the beach strand and permanent open space associated with the estuarine marshes in the
                   sound area of the community, the Town of Wrightsville Beach is fortunate to have a significant amount of
                   park and open space land located on Harbor Island near the Town government complex. The Town
                   received the municipal complex and park area from the U.S. Department of Interior by legislative act in the
                   early 1980's.

                   In addition, the linearity of much of the town's land area affords a very high percentage of all properties in
                   the community with direct or very convenient access to the ocean or sound. The Town has also shown a
                   consistent commitment to providing public access to the ocean beach through numerous public
                   accessways. These multiple accessways are supported by off-street parking lots as well as widespread
                   use of on-street parking spaces, particularly in the older, central part of town.

                   Because of these existing opportunities for recreation and the near built-out condition of the town, there
                   is not significant pressure to create additional park and open space areas. However, increasing demands
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                   and pressures on the active use of the Town's existing facilities call for continued attention to
                   improvements and enhancements to the existing facilities.



                                                                     Page 8-22






                                                               Policy Statements


                  Policy 8.3.12 Parks and Recreation




                  8.3.13 Downtown area

                  Compared to commercial areas in many other communities, the downtown commercial district of
                  Wrightsville Beach is in pretty good shape, economically. Nonetheless, most residents and property
                  owners in the community would offer the opinion that the downtown commercial area could stand to be
                  upgraded from a physical standpoint. Effectuating these physical improvements may require a public-
                  private partnership, wherein the Town provides technical assistance and the property owners improve
                  their buildings.

                  From the Town's standpoint, improvements such as new sidewalks, street lights, landscaping, etc., can be
                  used as appropriate leverage to get the private sector to act. Such improvements might be offered in
                  exchange for the property, owners in the area agreeing to commit to the development of appropriate
                  design guidelines and building standards for building rehabilitation. Several specific implementation
                  actions are listed in the action agenda of this plan in furtherance of this policy. Whatever improvements are
                  made, town residents affirmed the perspective that the downtown area should retain a traditional
                  pedestrian-oriented, village type atmosphere as opposed to a more modern suburban/automobile
                  shopping center type atmosphere.

                  Policy 8.3.13      Downtown Area
                                                                                                                    jib 111il


                  8.3.14 Community Appearance

                  The overall community vision for Wrightsville Beach calls for the retention for the "small town character and
                  quality of the natural and man made environment". In contrast to many non-resort towns, the community
                  appearance of Wrightsville Beach is critical to the perceived quality of the town. Several components of
                  community appearance are addressed in the policies under this heading, One distinguishing feature of
                  this land use plan update is its emphasis on the identification and preservation of neighborhoods
                  within the community. The purpose of this effort is to preserve those aspects of each neighborhood that
                  make it unique within the Town of Wrightsville Beach. At the same time, those aspects of neighborhoods
                  which are not desirable can be eliminated.

                  Policy 8.3.14 A Neighborhood Character and Preservation



                  One of the outstanding features of Wrightsville Beach is the degree to which properties within the
                  community have exposure to either the ocean or sound waters. It is these scenic vistas and views that give
                  value to the real estate and make Wrightsville Beach such a pleasant place to visit. In recent years,
                  however, there have been proposals brought forward to develop sections of the waterfront in a manner
                  which would effectively wall off the water from the public right of way. Recently, the Town turned down a
                  development application for multi family residential development that would have done essentially that.
                  The Town's policy therefore is to discourage development from acting to block off scenic vistas and views.

                  Policy 8.3.14    B   Scenic   Vistas and Views
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                                                                   Page 8-23







                                                                                           Policy Statements


                          As noted previously under Section 8.1.4F, there is a natural debate between those citizens of the
                          community who wish to preserve the more modest beach cottages of previous eras and those who wish to
                          maximize development on the extremely valuable real estate on Wrightsville Beach. At the present time,
                          requiring owners of property to preserve the historic character of the structures on their lots is not
                          deemed feasible. At the same time, however, the Town does wish to encourage owners of older homes
                          to keep them in good condition. In the meantime, the Town will work to develop standards to keep new
                          development from becoming grossly out of scale with existing structures.

                          Policy 8.3.14 C Historic Preservation
                          The Town sall encourage the regular maintenance and preservation of older historic                                                                                                                                                       
                          structures where desired.                                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                                                                         
                          Regarding overhead               utilities, there is strong support for placing overhead poles and wires
                          underground. While the costs of putting utilities underground on a wholesale basis may be prohibitive,
                          the Town will continually look for opportunities to place utilities underground as redevelopment may occur
                          in different neighborhoods within the community. In addition, there may also be opportunities to put
                          utilities underground following a major storm event.

                          Policy 8.3.14 D Underarounding of Utilities
                          As opportunities and budgeting constraints allow, the town will work with                                 
                          neighborhoods to put utilities underground.                                                                                                                   
                                       

                          8.3.15 Transportation Traffic                          and Parking

                          Based on public input received, most residents and visitors would agree that traffic congestion and
                          parking are two of the greatest constraining factors for future of growth and development or
                          redevelopment within the Town of Wrightsville Beach. While road and street capacities are not strained on
                          an average annual basis, traffic volumes and parking demand must be practically measured according to
                          peak loads during the high summer season.

                          Policy 8.3.15 A Transportation Planning, Generally
                           The Town shall undertake a triffic management program which seeks to achieve a                                                                                                                                                        
                            balance between pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular movement and safety.                                                                                      
                                                    
                                                    
                          The Town recognizes that the long term viability of the comT                                 munity's transportation system will be
                          dependent upon a balanced mix of automobile, pedestrian, and bicycle transportation. Regarding public
                          transportation, the Town feels that this is best handled by the private sector. The Town remains open
                          to proposals from private companies wishing to provide shared ride services to, from, and within the town.

                          Policy 8.3.15 B Public Transportation
                          The Town will consider proposals from private entities for establishign public                                                                                                     ..... ... . .. . . . . ..... . . .....
                          transportation from Wrightsville Beach to the adjacent mainland ares.
                                                               
                       
                          The notion of a high rise bridge replacing the Heide Trask draw bridge has been debated for many
                          years. Generally, a high rise bridge is not favored by most community residents for at least two basic
                          reasons. First, the construction of a high rise bridge would dramatically change the gateway appearance of
                          the community for travelers coming over the Intracoastal Waterway. Such a bridge would dominate the sky
                          line and radically change the whole image of this part of New Hanover County.

                          Second preliminary designs have shown that a much larger area of land would be required on both sides
                          of the Intracoastal Waterway to accommodate the slope of a taller bridge as it returns to grade. The
                          consumption of extremely valuable real estate for the accommodation of massive bridge ramps seems
                          imprudent at best.

                          A third argument, though less clear, holds that Wrightsville Beach is essentially already completely
                          developed, and therefore, has limited ability to generate significant amounts of additional traffic. With few
                          areas of raw land available for significant new development, this argument goes, future increases in traffic
                          generation should be minimal. However, there are several factors working against this argument. First,

                                                                                                 Page 8-24






                                                                 Policy Statements


                  automobile ownership levels per capita have been increasing dramatically for decades. Also, despite the
                  lack of vacant, undeveloped land, current trends at the beach are toward a dramatic intensification of
                  residential development density. As a result, it could be argued that there will indeed be substantial
                  increases in traff ic volumes as the beach continues to redevelop over the coming years. For example, a
                  new, seven-bedroom single family "mini castle" housing people from three different families with three or
                  more cars will generate more traffic volumes than an older, single family beach cottage with one or two
                  cars. Multiply this example by hundreds of residential lots at Wrightsville Beach and the increases in traff ic
                  volume become apparent. All that said, it remains to be seen whether such traffic increases would ever be
                  sufficient to turn public opinion in favor of a high rise bridge.

                  Po cy 8.3.15 C High Rise Bridge

                                                                                                                          UlF


                  Regarding pedestrian and bicycle traffic, Wrightsville Beach is a natural fit for these alternatives to
                  the automobile. The success of the loop around the center of Harbor Island is the most obvious example
                  of local area support for such walking, running and biking by Wrightsville Beach area residents and visitors.
                  Also, the compact development forms of the older parts of Wrightsville Beach lend themselves very well to
                  pedestrian and bicycle movement. While there have been calls for the establishment of designated bike
                  lanes on many streets on the island, it would appear that a more practical solution to the bike lane issue
                  would be to allow for the mixing of the bicycle and automobile traff ic on, for example, Lumina Avenue
                  where slow speeds are in order anyway.

                  Policy 8.3.15 D Pedestrian and Bicycle Traffic



                  The most troublesome intersection within the Town of Wrightsville Beach is the US 74/76 Keel Street
                  intersection with Causeway Drive at the eastern foot of the draw bridge. At this single intersection,
                  traffic from both major roads from the Outer Island converge at a single point. Traffic congestion at this
                  location is compounded by volumes of automobile traff ic emerging from the commercial/marina area just
                  south of the draw bridge and from he public boat ramp north of the draw bridge. Improvements to the
                  traffic circulation system in this part of the island are strongly supported by Town officials working with the
                  North Carolina Department of Transportation. Future development of properties north and south of this
                  intersection, whether for changes in development at the marina area, or for planned increases in the size
                  of the public boat ramp should be given consideration.

                  Policy 8.3.15 E Keel Street Intersection
                  10h                                               '144 1

                  The popularity of the Town of Wrightsville Beach as a destination has increased dramatically with the
                  advent of 1-40 connecting southeastern North Carolina with the Piedmont area of North Carolina. "Locals"
                  have been known to measure demand for parking by noting the hour at which day visitors to Wrightsville
                  Beach can no longer easily find a convenient, non-metered parking space. Over the past four or five years
                  that benchmark hour has fallen from late morning to much earlier in the day.

                  Much of the older part of Wrightsville Beach was developed in an era when off-street parking was not part
                  of the standard developmentmodel. As a result, both overnight guests and day visitors find themselves
                  competing for the same on-street parking spaces. Nonetheless, studies have shown that on-street
                  parking is one of the most efficient forms of parking in terms of the amount of land area consumed relative
                  to the number of parking spaces provided. (This is because the travel lanes for the street also serve as
                  maneuvering lanes for the parking spaces). On-street parking has also been shown to have a "calming"
                  influence on the speed of traffic on the street.






                                                                     Page 8-25






                                                            Policy Statements


                 Policy 8.3.15 IF Parking
                 (1) The town recognizes that on street parking is one of the most efficient forms of 
		     parking available at Wrightsville Beach. The Town shall avoid actions which would 
		     further eliminate on-street parking, unless necessary for public safety purposes.
		     (2) Large off street parking areas or structures are viewed as an exceptionally 
			ineficient use of limited land resources. where such uses are created, however, they	
			shall be in keeping with the small town character, scale and design of Wrightsville 
			Beach.                                                                                          
                                                                                                              
                                                      

                 8.3.16 The Wrightsville Sound Area

                 The Wrightsville Sound area of mainland New Hanover County is of fundamental concern to the Town of
                 Wrightsville Beach. This is understandable, given the fact that the area leading to the drawbridge is the
                 sole point of access to the Town. Also, the Town has annexed certain properties within the Sound area for
                 reasons related primarily to water supply and tax revenues. Given these interests, the Town wishes to
                 pursue the development of a joint plan, in cooperation with the County (or the City of Wilmington, if
                 annexed), for the short and long range development of the Sound Area. Over the long run, it is hoped
                 that a uniform approach to planning and development regulation in the Wrightsville Sound area will bring a
                 more consistent quality of development to the area. Consistent standards for signage, landscaping,
                 building setbacks, parking, and drainage, etc. could do much to prevent this area from degenerating into
                 intense strip development.

                 Policy 8.3.16 The Wrightsville Sound Area
			The Town shall seek to establish and maintain an on-going joint planning effort with New Hanover County
			(or the City of Wilmington, upon annexation) for the Wrightsville Sound Area emphasizing input from the
			town on issues of land use, community appearance, open space and traffic management for areas
			outside the Town's corporate limits.
                 







                                                                                Policy Statements




                         8.4 Continuing Public Participation Policies

                         The public participation plan and program for the Wrightsville Beach land use plan is discussed fully in
                         section 11 of this document. For the sake of completeness, however, a summary of the importance of
                         public participation in the Wrightsville Beach land use plan is included h               ere.

                         Since its inception, North Carolina's Coastal Area Management Act land use planning program has placed
                         a high level of emphasis on public participation in the development of local use plans and policies. The
                         intent is to insure that the resulting plan and policies reflect, as closely as possible, the will of the people in
                         the community. Two key elements must be included in any effective public participation program: (1)
                         public education, and (2) public involvement. The most effective format for public participation involves
                         two way communication between citizen            s and local planning officials.

                         The public participation strategy employed in the development of the Wrightsville Beach land use plan
                         involved a variety of activities. Included were key town meetings held at the beginning, midpoint and
                         conclusion of the planning process. Numerous meetings with the Town Planning Board, all advertised
                         and open to the public, focused the Board's attention on the plan and its policies. It should also be noted
                         that the Planning Board was pleased at the level of newspaper coverage given to the development of the
                         plan including, particularly, fairly in depth articles appearing in the Wright Times.

                         Regarding neighborhood planning in particular, the intent of this plan is to encourage planning to be as
                         responsive as possible to the specific wishes of the residents of various neighborhood within the Town.
                         At the same time, neighborhood planning has been found to be effective in gaining the participation of
                         more citizens in the future of their community. As a consequence, the Town achieves greater participation
                         and resident commitment to the proper governance of the community, and the citizens gain a greater say
                         in decisions affecting their everyday lives.

                         The following policies are designed to affirm the Town's position on public participation during plan
                         development, as well as following plan adoption.

                         Policy  8.4.0 Basic          Policy Statement            Regarding Public Participation
                          
				Wrightsville Beach believes that on-going, effective public involement, combined
				with factual analysis of any public issue, is the key to creating and maintaining a 
				direction for the community upon which all may agree.
				Policy 8.4.1 Land Use Plan Update Process
				Public involvement will be encouraged among all permanent residents, business
				owners, and property oweners during each Land Use Plan Update.
				Policy 8.4.2 On-going Public Participation
				Public involement 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 Board will advertise the public meetings held to discuss land use and
				associated matters.
				Policy 8.4.3 Neighborhood Planning
				The Town shall encourage a high level of involement by citizens and properly owners
				in planning decisions through neighborhood planning. with neighborhood support, the
				Town shall institute an on-going neighborhood planning program, within which
				different parts of the town will be addressed on a rotating basis.



									Page 8-27






                                                                Policy Statements




                  8.5 Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post-Disaster Recovery And
                  Evacuation Plans

                  8.5.0 Description of Storm Hazard Risk

                  8.5.0 A. Storm Effects

                  During coastal storms, including both hurricanes and northeasters, Wrightsville Beach is subject to beach
                  erosion, storm surge, wave action, flooding, high winds, and beach washover. Of these, storm surge and
                  high winds are typically the two most damaging storm effects at Wrightsville Beach. These storm effects
                  may be listed at the following levels during hurricane events of increasing magnitude(as measured on the
                  Saffir-Simpson scale):

                  Hurricane                         Storm Surge                               Maximum
                  Catego1y                                                                Sustained Winds
                  Category 1                             4-5'above normal                         74-95 mph
                  Category 2                             6-8'above normal                        96-110 mph
                  Category 3                            9-12'above normal                       111-130 mph
                  Category 4                          13-18'above normal                        131-155 mph
                  Category 5                         over 18'above normal                      over 155 mph

                  8.5.0 B. Hazard Areas Mapped

                  All properties within the Town of Wrightsville Beach east of the Intracoastal Waterway are located in an area
                  susceptible to flooding during a storm event. Areas closest to the beach and near the north and south
                  inlets, however, are at a higher level of risk, due to the effects of storm surge and wave action. These
                  areas are shown as "V" zones on the FEMA flood insurance rate maps and are identified as the Highest
                  Risk Area at Wrightsville Beach on the Fragile Areas Map.

                  8.5.0 C. Existing Development at Risk

                  By comparing the Fragile Areas Map with the Existing Land Use Map, a determination can be made as to
                  the degree to which existing development is at risk at Wrightsville Beach. Based on this comparison, it is
                  estimated that approximately 20% of all structures within the Town are at a high level of risk (storm surge
                  and high winds), while the remaining structures (80% of the total) are at a lesser level of risk ("static
                  flooding and high winds). In addition, structures closer to the beach usually have a higher real estate value
                  than structures away from the beach. However, hurricane Fran demonstrated that building codes and
                  flood regulations can significantly reduce the risk of catastrophic loss. That is, those structures that were
                  well elevated suffered less damage than those built closer to sea level.

                  Another way to examine the degree to which properties are at risk is to compare the value of development
                  within the three distinct geographic areas of the community: the Outer Island, Harbor Island, and the
                  Mainland. The Town has complied the following figures:

                                                                     % of Total             % of Total
                                                                     Residential           Commercial
                                                                     Tax Value              Tax Value
                                   Outer Island                         78%                   50%
                                   Harbor Island                        21%                   28%
                                   Mainland                             1 %                   21%

                  Presumably, structures located on the Outer Island and Harbor Island would be more susceptible to loss in
                  the event of a major storm than would be structures on the Mainland.




                                                                     Page 8-28







                                                    Policy Statements


               8.5.1 Storm Hazard Mitigation Policies

               8.5.1 A. Storm Effect Mitigation

               In the case of severe storms, conditions exist which pose a serious threat to life and property at
               Wrightsville Beach . Accordingly, the Town has adopted a Flood Plain ordinance which benefits storm
               hazard mitigation. Wrightsville Beach is an active participant in the National Flood Insurance Program and is
               supportive of its hazard mitigation elements. The Town exceeds the FEMA Criteria for minimum structure
               elevation in both the "A" and "V" zones and also allows less enclosed storage space on the first floor than
               is allowable under the National Flood Insurance Program.
               Poll cy 8.5.1 A.(1) Standards For Construction In Flood  Prone  Areas.
               The Town shall require all new and substantially improved structures to meet Federal, 
               State and local standards for construction in flood prone areas.               

                                                                                        


               Policy 85.1 A.(2)   Flood Plain Ordinance
               The Town will only grant variances to the Flood Plain ordinace on a rare occasions to 
               Individual properties that meet the finding set forth under FEMA Guidlines.
                     

               Policy 8.5.1 A.(3)  Shore and  Hurricane  Wave  Protection  Project.
               To help mitigate the effect of storm related hazards, the Town shall continue to work
               with the Federal, State and County governments on regular beach renourishment 
               through a Shore and Hurrican Wave Protection Project.



               8.5.1 B. Discouragement of Hazardous Development
               The Town strictly follows the CAMA development guidelines and has used land use tools, such as zoning,
               to discourage development in hazardous locations.

               Policy 8.5.1 B. Discouragement of Hazardous Development
               The Town shall use a variety of methods, including particularly, CAMA setback
               requirements and zoning, to discourage the development of property that can 
               reasonably be foreseen as potentially hazardous.                                                                  
                                          
                                                       
                                                                            
                                                                                
                                                                           

               8.5.1 C. Public Land  Acquisition

               Due to the multiple street ends providing public access to both the beach and sound, and the sizable land
               area in public ownership around the Town Hall complex, there is little incentive for the Town to acquire
               additional properties for public use. However, the Town remains open to opportunities for selective
               property acquisitions on a case by case basis, including the donations of property for tax benefits.

               Policy 8.5.1 C (1) Advanced Planning   for Acquisition
               The Town supports advanced planning for acquisition of properties that are  not
               suitable for development, where such acquisition serves a useful public purpose.
               Such public purpose may include, for example, public access to the beach or sound,
               where such access is needed.  The Town shall not make poor investments, however, in
               properties which are in danger of completely eroding, or where other liabilities could
               render them useless.
                                                                 
                 
                                                                                                                                                                                                          
                     
                                                   
                                                                       
                                  
               





               Policy 8.5.1 C (2) Proactive Approach to Land Acquisition
               The Town shall investigate outside funding sources for land acquistion and shall
               encourage gifts and donations for tax credits, as a mitigative measure for future storm
               events. To provide a proactive approach, priority areas for acquisition shall be
               identified in advance of storm events.








               Policy 8.5.1 C (3) State and Federal  Public Land  Acquisition
               Public acquistion of appropriate properties is also encouraged at the State and 
               Federal level.


                                                


                                                       Page 8-29
 





                                                          Policy Statements



                8.5.1 D. Evacuation

                The Town of Wrightsville Beach coordinates its evacuation efforts with the County, primarily related to the
                opening of shelters. Due to the Town's close proximity to the mainland, evacuation issues related to
                development density and evacuation times are of lessor significance at Wrightsville Beach. Special
                contingencies are in place to ensure the use of the drawbridge and the safe evacuation of the Town
                under a variety of emergency scenarios.

                Policy 8.5.1 D. Evacuation


                                                           .'N




                8.5.2 Post Disaster Reconstruction Policies

                8.5.2 A. Emergency Management Plan

                The Town of Wrightsville Beach coordinates disaster related activities with New Hanover County.
                Coordination focuses primarily on return access, debris pick up, and County health inspections.

                Policy 8.5.2 A. Emeraency Management Plan
                                                                                                r
                                                                                         'd
                                                     -At'                         en-
                                                           ... .......







                8.5.2 B. Local Reconstruction Policies

                The Town of Wrightsville Beach has adopted, by ordinance, the establishment of an Emergency
                Management Agency. This Emergency Management Agency is activated during disaster or potentially
                disastrous situations. The Town has established mutual aid agreements for assistance in the areas of
                clean up, damage assessment and reconstruction activities.

                Policy 8.5.2.13 Building Permits
                                                     . . ... ...
                               fi, 31,   lijr` fldi

                                     t


                8.5.2  C. Recovery    Task   Force

                Immediately following a storm event, the Town shall first assess the extent of the structural damage to
                determine a further course of action. Depending on the extent of damage caused by the event, various
                personnel will be involved in land use decision-making. Those who may be involved include:

                                1. Mayor and Board of Aldermen
                                2. Town Manager
                                3. Public Works Director
                                4. Chief Building Inspector
                                5. Fire Chief
                                6. Police Chief
                                7. Assistant to the Manager
                                8. Representative from CP&L
                4, n
                @Tp




































                                9. CAMA Officials
                                10. Representative from NCDOT
                                11. Representative from Telecommunications Industry


                                                              Page,6-30







                                                            Policy Statements



                 Policy  8.5.2  C Recovery Task Force                                                                        
                 Depending upon the degree of damage following a major storm event, the Town shall
                 have on call a variety of public officials to serve as a Recovery Task Force to 
                 orchestrate the Town's recovery activities. The potential membership and duties of
                 the Task Force shall be specified in the Town's Emergency Management and 
                 Operations Plan.      
                                                                                                                 
                 8.5.2 D. Staging Schedule        for Reconstruction and Repair

                 The staging schedule for the re-establishment of essential services and the reconstruction and repair of
                 properties damaged during a storm event, will depend on the severity of the storm and the damage
                 inflicted. The Town will be working to restore essential services related to the public health safety and
                 welfare first. Properties suffering minor damage will have building permits issued as expeditiously as
                 possible. Properties suffering major damage will be allowed to implement temporary protective measures
                 to protect their property from further damage, or to correct a public safety problem.

                 Policy 8.5.2 D (1) Building Permit Triage
                 To deal with the large number of requests for permits after a major storm, the Town
                 shall employ a "building permit triage" for orderly issuance of building permits. Criteria 
                 for the order of issuance shall be developed in advance, with the need for modification
                 acknowledged based upon the specific circumstances being faced.

                  
                 
                                                           



                                                   
                                
                                                                                                                                 ... .. .......

                                                       
                                                                 
                                                                   
                                               


                                                             t
                                                              
                 Policy 8.5.2 D (2) restoration of public utilities and services
                 The Town shall also develop a planned sequence for the restoration of public utilities
                 and services, with allowance for adjustment to del with circumstances at hand.


                 8.5.2 E. Public Infrastructure Repairs and Replacement

                 As a part of the Town's on-going infrastructure planning activities, the Town shall maintain assessments of
                 current infrastructure usage and need for expansion, repair or replacement. Then, following a major storm
                 event, damage to existing public infrastructure will be evaluated as to potential opportunities for
                 expansion or replacement. in keeping with capital improvement planning and repair needs.

                 Policy 8.5.2 E. Public Infrastructure Repairs and Replacement
                 The Town of Wrightsville Beach will assess any damage to public Infrastructure at the 
                 earliest time after the event. Damage which may affect life and safety issues will be 
                 corrected to the extent that hazards have been minimized. Long term repair or
                 replacement will be prioritized based on resources available, impact on the integrity of
                 the infrastructure, mitigation of future hazardous situations, and on-going capital 
                 improvement needs.
                







                                                                Page 8-31
 





                                                            Land Classification


                 9. Land Classification

                 9.1 Purpose of Land Classification and Relationship toPolicies

                 The CAMA Land Use Planning Guidelines require that local governments in the coastal area classify
                 various parts of their planning jurisdictions in accordance with the desired density and character of
                 development for each area of their community. By delineating land classes on a map, the Town can
                 specify where various forms of development and redevelopment might best occur, and where natural and
                 cultural resources should be conserved. Unlike zoning, however, which has the force of law, land
                 classification is merely a tool to help implement policies and is not, in the strict sense of the term, a
                 regulatory mechanism.

                 The State's land classification system has several suggested categories. For example, the Developed
                 class is intended for areas that are already urban in nature. The Transition class is intended for areas that
                 are expected to become urban within the next decade. The Rural class is intended for areas that are not
                 expected to become urban within the next decade-and so forth.

                 In the case of Wrightsville Beach, however, the entire incorporated area, (excluding marshes, the beach
                 strand, and public trust waters) is essentially already urban in nature. In other words, the area is already fully
                 developed and is currently receiving the full range of urban services, including particularly, centralized
                 water and sewer. According CAMA Guidelines, all of the developable area of Wrightsville Beach qualifies
                 for inclusion in the Developed class, with the balance of the area-i.e. marshes, the beach strand and
                 public trust waters-qualifying for the Conservation class.

                 Designating the entire land area of the Town into a single land class, however, defeats the purpose of
                 providing policy guidance to the Town for different parts of the community. For this reason, the Town has
                 elected to subdivide the Developed class into several sub-categories. These sub-categories
                 correspond to neighborhood planning areas within the Town with distinct development characteristics or
                 common attributes. Policy positions can then be included in each of these neighborhood sub-
                 classifications to help the Town maintain the distinguishable neighborhood qualities unique to each area.
                 9.2 The Land Classification System at Wrightsville Beach

                 The purpose of the land classification system for the Town of Wrightsville Beach, therefore, is to identify
                 areas of similar character and association for which custom-tailored development policies may be drafted
                 and implemented. For example, the Old Harbor Island area has a development character quite different
                 from the development character of the Shell Island area. To employ the same development policies for
                 each of these areas would be inappropriate, eventually resulting in the total loss of the unique character of
                 each of these areas. In other words, as development and redevelopment occurs at Wrightsville Beach, it
                 should be designed in context of the neighborhood planning area in which it is located.

                 This section describes the several "neighborhood planning areas" at Wrightsville Beach. All
                 neighborhood planning areas fall into the broad classification of Developed under the State guidelines
                 for planning in the coastal area. For each neighborhood, a Description Of Area Character is presented,
                 followed immediately by a statement of Policy Emphasis to be employed by the Town in making
                 development decisions for that area.
                 9.3 The Land Classification Map
                 The land classification map for Wrightsville Beach is provided at the back of this document. The general
                 location of each land class (neighborhood planning area) in the town is also provided as a part of each area
                 description below.








                                                                 Page 9-1







                                                                 Land Classification


                   9.4 Developed Areas (Neighborhood Planning Areas)

                   9.4.1 Central Beach Area

                   Description of Area Character

                   The Central Beach Area extends from Stone Street on the south to Mallard Street on the north. This
                   centrally located area is one of the most "self contained" sub areas of Wrightsville Beach, having a good
                   range of services close at hand. While the area is characterized by a predominance of traditional single
                   family and duplex beach cottages, it also contains the traditional central business district of the Town of
                   Wrightsville Beach, a church, Johnnie Mercer's Fishing Pier, etc. Many of the cottages in this area are
                   quite old and, therefore, have historic interest. Lot sizes are consistently some of the smallest in the town.
                   Most residential structures are three stories or less in height and are characterized by wide, functional
                   porches fronting on at least the street. Building materials tend to be of wood and asbestos.

                   The Central Beach Area is perhaps the most pedestrian-oriented of any part of the beach, with heavy foot
                   traffic on area sidewalks and considerable on-street bicycling. Off-street parking is limited in this area with
                   designated on-street parking "up for grabs" by overnight visitors and day visitors alike. Public access to
                   the shoreline is plentiful with all east-west running streets providing access to the beach strand at their
                   eastern end. The Town also retains right of way easements at the west end of all east-west running streets
                   (where they intersect with Banks Channel).

                   While single family and duplex beach cottages are the predominant land use in the area, there are also a
                   few examples of multi-family accommodations, particularly near the area's two commercial service districts:
                   (1) The traditional central business district area, and (2) Johnnie Mercer's Pier area. The commercial
                   service districts for the central beach area are compact in nature and individual businesses are generally
                   small in scale.

                   The water quality of sound side public trust waters in Banks Channel adjacent to the Central Beach area is
                   classified as SB (suitable for swimming but not for shellfishing). There is a noticeable absence of tall
                   sailboats in this section of Banks Channel because the area is framed by the two low-level bridges to the
                   north and south.

                   Policy Emphasis:

                   The policy emphasis of this plan is on retaining the modest scale of most of the structures in the Central
                   Beach Area, as well as its pedestrian-oriented nature. Additional large scale and/or intensive single family
                   (mini-castles) shall be discouraged. Building heights of three stories or less (total, from ground level) shall
                   be considered appropriate. Architectural designs shall be encouraged which continue to employ (1)
                   functional porches facing at least the street and (2) wooden exterior siding. Additional multi-family
                   residential or intensification of existing multi-family developments shall not be allowed. While new large
                   scale or intensified commercial development shall not be permitted, existing commercial areas shall be
                   protected for the useful services these businesses provide to the area.

                   9.4.2 The North End

                   Description of Area Character

                   The North End extends from Mallard Street on the south to Mason's Inlet on the north. The North End is
                   one of the "newest" parts of the Town of Wrightsville Beach, having been developed in the 1970's and
                   1980's. The area is characterized by medium to large scale single family homes on relatively large lots, as
                   well as a high number of multi-family residential units, housed in large scale, high density structures. With
                   the exception of hotel developments (Holiday Inn and the Shell Island Resort), there are no commercial
                   uses in this part of the town. Building materials are of wood, stucco and concrete construction. Building
                   heights tend to be two or three stories for single family detached residential structures and four or more
                   stories for multi-family residential units. In recent years, the area has witnessed the introduction of several
                   four story single family homes. These taller residential structures are still clearly in the minority.




                                                                      Page 9-2







                                                               Land Classification



                  While bicyclists may be seen traveling to the north end of the island, this area is perhaps the least
                  pedestrian-oriented of any part of Wrightsville Beach. Unlike the balance of the barrier island, public
                  access to the beach is confined to designated, special purpose parking lots. Most side streets in this
                  section of the town are private with no opportunities for on-street parking or public access at street ends.
                  Off-street parking associated with each residential unit is adequate, however. ,

                  The sound side public trust waters adjacent to this portion of Wrightsville Beach have a water quality
                  classification of SA (suitable for swimming and for shellfishing). Navigable water, however, is quite limited,
                  with the predominance of the sound side estuarine system consumed by coastal marshes. The
                  predominance of marshes and limited navigable waters has resulted in instances of private piers being
                  constructed great distances into the marsh. Such lengthy piers have raised concerns about aesthetics
                  and environmental impacts on the marsh ecosystem.

                  Policy Emphasis:

                  The policy emphasis of this plan is to allow for the continued use of each land parcel as currently built
                  upon, with no further multi-family development, whether by new development or by increases in
                  development intensity or scale. With the recent introduction of several four story single family residences
                  into the area, public sentiment about additional four story structures has been negative. For this reason,
                  this plan recommends that the Town seek to discourage or curtail the construction of single family
                  residences of greater than two to three stories (total from ground level) in the North end area. This is
                  consistent with building height policies for single family houses in all other areas of the community. The
                  Town will also apply pier length controls to the North End by extending the Town's pier head line to this
                  area.


                  9.4.3 The Parmele Area

                  Description of Area Character

                  The Parmele Area of Wrightsville Beach consists of a small peninsula of streets extending landward from
                  the point of intersection of Parmele Boulevard and Lumina Avenue. This area is characterized by single
                  family and duplex residential structures. At the far end of Parmele Boulevard, the Town maintains its public
                  works complex. Lot sizes in this area of Wrightsville Beach are larger than those found in the central beach
                  area, but clearly smaller than those found, on average, in the North End of Wrightsville beach. Buildings
                  are typically two or three stories in total height. Homes built in this area tend to maximize their building
                  envelopes from side lot line to side lot line, creating a solid wall of houses along the water's edge.

                  This area contains the highest percentage of permanent residents of anywhere on the oute island. There
                  is no on-street parking permitted and, due to its configuration as a peninsula, there is no through traffic.
                  With the closing of the Town's sewage treatment facility at the site of the current public works complex
                  some years ago, the estuarine waters adjacent to the Parmele area are classified as SA (suitable for
                  swimming and for shellfishing).

                  Policy Emphasis:

                  The policy emphasis of this plan is on maintaining the Parmele area for exclusive single family and duplex
                  residential uses. (Town public works facility not affected) A maximum building height of three stories (total,
                  from ground level) shall be considered appropriate for this area.

                  9.4.4 The Waynick Boulevard-South Lumina Area

                  Description of Area Character

                  The Waynick Boulevard-South Lumina Area extends along both sides of Waynick Boulevard and South
                  Lumina Avenue from Stone Street on the north to the point where Waynick Boulevard ultimately turns at
                  Sunset Street on the south. (The Surf Motel, at the intersection of Sunset Street and South Lumina, is
                  included in this area). The area is characterized by a predominance of single family and duplex land uses,




                                                                    Page 9-3







                                                                 Land Classification



                   but with a fair number of multi-family and hotel accommodations. Building forms tend to be a mixture of
                   traditional beach cottages and more modem, large scale residences.

                   Due to its exposure to Banks Channel along the entire length of Waynick Boulevard, this area has a strong
                   emphasis on boating. The water quality of sound side public trust waters in Banks Channel adjacent to this
                   area is classified as SB (suitable for swimming but not for shellfishing).

                   Lots tend to be somewhat larger in size than in the Central Beach Area of the outer island. Most lot owners
                   on the east side of Waynick have property ownership across the boulevard on the west side, adjacent to
                   Banks Channel. As a result, there are a large number of docks and piers along Waynick Boulevard
                   associated with homes located on the east side of Waynick Boulevard. Adding to the emphasis of boating
                   in this section of the outer island, are the presence of two boating/yacht clubs.

                   Waynick Boulevard itself is characterized by large volumes of automobile traffic, and unmetered parallel
                   parking spaces. While Waynick Boulevard is not pedestrian oriented, the abundance of on-street parallel
                   parking here brings many pedestrians to the area. South Lumina, on the other hand, is a quiet street in
                   this part of Town and is well used by pedestrians. Despite its relatively high traff ic volumes, Waynick
                   Boulevard is a popular route for bicyclists due to the continuous view from the Boulevard to the sound.

                   Compared to the Central Beach Area, there are, perhaps, fewer than half as many public access points
                   (street ends) to the beach in this section of the outer island. This results in a quiet beach strand relative to
                   the Central Beach Area. Pier head lengths along this section of the outer island are well established due
                   to the heavy use of the Banks Channel area by recreational and commercial boaters alike.

                   Policy Emphasis:

                   The policy emphasis of this plan for the Waynick Boulevard-South Lumina Area is to encourage a
                   continuation of the predominant single family and duplex residential development. Consistent with the
                   modest size of most lots in this area, and with the objective of preserving views to both the ocean and
                   sound, building heights of two to no more than three stories (total, from ground level) shall be considered
                   appropriate. Existing commercial, multi-family and yacht club uses should continue to be allowed in their
                   present form, but with no greater intensification of building mass or height. The Banks Channel side of
                   Waynick Boulevard should continue to be used for docks and piers related to recreational boating in the
                   soundside area. The Town shall not permit improvements along the sound side of the road which would
                   block the open vista from Waynick Boulevard to Banks Channel.

                   9.4.5 The South End

                   Description of Area Character

                   The South End area extends from the turn in Waynick Boulevard at Sunset Street on the north to
                   Masonboro Inlet on the south. The area has been developed predominantly for single-family uses. Lot
                   sizes tend to be quite small (comparable in size to the Central Beach Area) except along the ocean front.
                   There are also more empty lots here than in any other area of the outer island. Older homes in this area
                   tend to be quite small, consistent with the small size of the originally platted lots.

                   Recently, there has been a noticeable trend toward dramatically taller (greater than three stories-total
                   height from ground level) residential structures in this part of the outer island. This recent construction has
                   been out of scale with the modest size of the lots in this area.

                   While public accessways to the beach are available at several locations in the area, there is very little
                   parking available for day visitors. As a result, public accessways to the beach are used predominantly by
                   residents (home owners and renters) in the immediate area. While there are public right of way easements
                   to Banks Channel at the western end of each street in the area, limited public parking has traditionally
                   precluded any significant use of these right of ways for access to the sound.

                   Water quality in the sound area adjacent to the South End varies from SA (suitable for swimming and for
                   shellfishing) near Masonboro Inlet to SB (suitable for swimming but not for shellfishing) in Banks Channel.



                                                                       Page 9-4






                                                                Land Classification




                  This is one of the few areas on the outer island where side streets run in both an east-west and north-
                  south grid pattern. The street system grid is not continuous, however, with interruptions from one block to
                  the next. Right-of-ways can be quite narrow, further contributing to the prevailing intimate scale of
                  development at this end of the Beach.

                  Policy Emphasis:

                  The policy emphasis of this plan is to allow the South End area to be used exclusively for the retention and
                  development of traditional single family beach cottages (Coast Guard Station not affected), at a scale
                  compatible with the original homes, modest lot sizes and street rights of way in the area. The avoidance of
                  single family "mini-castles" packed on to small lots will also help avoid fire safety problems related to fire
                  spreading quickly from one large structure to the next. Building heights of two to no more than three
                  stories (total, from ground level) shall be considered appropriate in this area. Multi-family development
                  shall not be permitted in this area.

                  9.4.6 Old Harbor Island

                  Description of Area Character

                  Old Harbor Island is that portion of Harbor Island generally east of the intersection of Island Drive and
                  Causeway Drive. This area is characterized by a predominance of small to medium scale single family
                  residential homes under a canopy of tree lined streets. This area has a very cohesive neighborhood
                  feeling, with a large number of permanent residents, including many long term residents. The area's
                  commercial uses are clustered at the west end of bridge to the outer island. The town's only public school,
                  Wrightsville Beach Elementary School, is also located in this area at the north end of Coral Drive.

                  Lot sizes tend to be quite small in Old Harbor Island. Recently, the area has witnessed the replacement of
                  several formally modest homes with significantly larger residential structures. Many homes in this part of
                  Wrightsville Beach are of traditional ground level construction and one to two stories in total height. While
                  it is recognized that redevelopment may eventually increase the average height and bulk of structures in
                  the area, recent new construction has been grossly out of scale with the character of the area.

                  The configuration of streets and compact scale of the neighborhood lends itself well to pedestrian
                  movement and a lack of through traffic. Sidewalks are present throughout much of the area, and speed
                  humps work to slow automobiles..

                  The water quality of Mott Channel and Banks Channel is classified as SB (suitable for swimming but not for
                  shellfishing). There are a large number of private piers and docks along the entirety of the water's edge.

                  Policy Emphasis:

                  The policy emphasis of this plan is to allow for the continued enhancement and "healthy" redevelopment
                  of the area, while seeking to define reasonable limits for the height, size, mass and bulk of new
                  replacement homes. Building heights of two to no more than three stories (total, from ground level) shall
                  be considered appropriate for this area. If such height limits and other standards are not implemented in
                  the near future, and current trends continue, redevelopment will eventually destroy the current attractive
                  relationship of the scale the structures to the neighborhood's tree canopy and to other structures in the
                  area.


                  9.4.7 Pelican Drive, Lees Cut, Channel Walk & Lookout Harbor

                  Description of Area Character

                  This area is that portion of Harbor Island generally north of West Salisbury Street adjoining Lees Cut, plus
                  Lookout Harbor and the adjacent commercial area near the west end of the Salisbury Street bridge. Most
                  of this area was developed in the 1970's and consists of a mixture of single family and duplex residential
                  along Pelican Drive and multi-family residential elsewhere.



                                                                     Page 9-5







                                                                Land Classification




                  Pelican Drive consists of a single row of single family and duplex homes situated between West Salisbury
                  Street on the south and Lees Cut to the north. Until very recently, all homes along Pelican Drive were two
                  stories in total height and of a very similar scale, age and architectural character. Recently, however, two
                  homes were increased to three stories and two others to more than three stories in total height.

                  Channel Walk and Lees Cut are two multi-family developments located on the north side of West Salisbury
                  Street as it approaches the draw bridge. These two and three story units have their own recreational
                  amenities and function independently from one another as well as-from the balance of the town.

                  Lookout Harbor and several commercial and office uses anchor the east end of West Salisbury Street just
                  before the bridge crosses over Banks Channel to the outer island. The multi-family units at Lookout
                  Harbor are each greater than three stories in height.

                  The water quality classification of Lees Cut is SA (suitable for swimming and for shellfishing). The entire
                  area has good proximity to the Town's recreational facilities and pedestrian "loop" around the central
                  portion of Harbor Island. According to wildlife authorities, the public boat ramp on the north side of the
                  draw bridge adjacent to the intracoastal waterway is the most heavily used launching facility in
                  southeastern North Carolina.

                  Policy Emphasis:

                  The policy emphasis of this plan for this portion of Harbor Island is to allow for the continued use of each
                  land parcel as currently built upon, with no increases in development intensity or scale. In keeping with the
                  prevailing height and character of existing single family and duplex homes along Pelican Drive, building
                  heights of two to no more than three stories (total, from ground level) shall be considered appropriate
                  along this street. No further multi-family development, whether by new development or by increases in
                  development intensity or scale at existing locations, shall be allowed. Any redevelopment of the existing
                  commercial areas should be oriented toward community and neighborhood services.

                  9.4.8 Causeway Drive/Marinas Area

                  Description of Area Character

                  This area of Harbor Island extends from the intracoastal waterway on the west along the south side of
                  Causeway Drive to its intersection with Island Drive. The area is characterized by a mixture of single and
                  multi-family residential, marine, service, and retail land uses. Residential uses range from single family
                  homes to modestly scaled multi-family residential units to the high rise Seapath Boataminiums. The
                  mixture of marine service and retail land uses provides for "indirect" public access to Mott Channel and the
                  intracoastal waterway in this area. This area generally has the largest concentration of commercial uses of
                  anywhere on the island.

                  Street access to the commercial area south of the drawbridge is hampered by traffic congestion and
                  turning movements at the Keel Street intersection. Any future redevelopment in this area will need to take
                  this problem into consideration.

                  The non-residential portions of this sub-area are currently undergoing pressures for change. Recent
                  development applications have included a proposal to replace an existing dry and wet slip marina with
                  multi-family residential development. The application was denied by the Town.

                  The water quality of Mott Channel and the intracoastal waterway south of the drawbridge is classified as SB
                  (suitable for swimming but not for shellfishing). The relatively narrow adjoining channels are some of the
                  most intensively used coastal waters in the State of North Carolina. The number and density of boat slips,
                  both wet and dry, is very high in this area. This, combined with a large number of marine services and
                  water-oriented restaurants on both sides of the intracoastal waterway, makes these waters very popular for
                  recreational boating. Weekend boating traffic is especially heavy.





                                                                     Page 9-6






                                                                 Land Classification



                  Policy Emphasis:

                  The policy emphasis of this plan is to retain the existing land use mix for this part of Wrightsville Beach.
                  Existing single family, duplex, and multi-family development should be allowed to continue as presently
                  configured, with no significant intensification of development. Existing commercial land areas should be
                  retained for the services they provide to area residents as well as for the provision of indirect access to
                  Mott Channel and the intracoastal waterway. Future redevelopment proposals for the marina area, in
                  particular, should include the following objectives: (1) retention of boating access to the public, whether
                  by private or public means, (2) preservation of visual and physical access to the waters edge by the
                  general public, and (3) preservation of community-serving commercial services. Residential uses in this
                  area are not out of the question, provided that such uses shall not act to "wall off the water" in an
                  exclusionary way. Given the size and configuration of the properties in this area, an overall plan for the
                  future use of the entire commercial area south of the drawbridge would be in order. Such a plan could
                  include, for example, ground floor retail, with a continuous public boardwalk along the water's edge, and,
                  perhaps, residential units above. (This mixed use format with public access has worked successfully in
                  other waterfront communities, and would be one way to satisfy the objectives outlined above.)

                  9.4.9 Town Government and Parks Area

                  Description of Area Character

                  The core of Harbor Island is a triangle-shaped area of land and marsh. This centrally located property
                  accommodates most Town government functions, as well as providing for significant organized recreation
                  and passive open space.

                  Policy Emphasis:

                  Policy emphasis for this portion of Wrightsville Beach should be on the retention of this area for the
                  ongoing provision of local government services and parks and recreation. Recent initiatives to prepare a
                  long-range master plan for the use of this important resource should continue to be supported.

                  9.4.10 The Main land/Wrightsvi lie Sound Area

                  Description of Area Character

                  The Mainland/Wrightsville Sound area consists of those land areas transected by the three principle roads
                  through the area approaching the draw bridge to Wrightsville Beach: Airlie Road, Wrightsville Avenue and
                  Eastwood Road. The Town's interests in this area are related primarily to ground water supplies, traffic
                  management, and "gateway" appearance issues. This area also provides an important service function to
                  Town residents, by accommodating large scale or intense commercial and retail service functions that
                  would not be appropriate within the Town proper.

                  The Town's interests in groundwater supplies in the Wrightsville Sound Area include two wells and a
                  500,000 gallon storage tank located on Allens Lane.

                  In recent years, the area has become increasingly commercial as long-standing residential uses of modest
                  scale and value have been replaced by much more intensive commercial uses and upscale residential
                  developments. All traffic to and from Wrightsville Beach must pass through this "gateway" area. As a result,
                  the Town has an interest in the safe and efficient traffic movement through the area and in the appearance
                  of developments along these corridors approaching Wrightsville Beach. While planning jurisdiction over
                  this area has been the responsibility of New Hanover County, recent annexation initiatives by the City of
                  Wilmington will soon bring this area under the City's planning and zoning controls. Both of these local
                  governments have shown a willingness to work together with the Town on planning issues related to the
                  Wrightsville Sound area.








                                                                      Page 9-7







                                                             Land Classification



                  Policy Emphasis:

                  The policy emphasis of this plan will be on working proactively with the City of Wilmington (and/or New
                  Hanover County) to address land development, traffic management and gateway appearance issues. The
                  Town will also maintain an ongoing interest in maintaining and protecting its groundwater supply facilities in
                  the area.


                  9.5 Conservation Areas

                  Purpose

                  The purpose of the Conservation class is to provide for the effective long-term management and
                  protection of significant limited or irreplaceable areas. Management of these areas is needed due to the
                  natural, cultural, recreational, scenic or natural productive values of both local and more than local concern.

                  Description of Area Character

                  Within the planning jurisdiction of the Town of Wrightsville Beach, the Conservation class includes all
                  wetland, beach and sound areas and shoreline AEC's associated with the Atlantic Ocean, the intracoastal
                  waterway and the various channels and marshes surrounding Wrightsville Beach. Also included in this
                  classification are interior marshlands adjacent to the government complex on Harbor Island.

                  Policy Emphasis:

                  The policy emphasis of this plan for Conservation areas shall be to protect the natural integrity and
                  functioning of these areas, as well as in providing open space and visual relief. Approved uses shall be in
                  accordance with CAMA General Use Standards for AEC's, with priority given to direct and indirect public
                  access having a minimal impact on the natural functioning of these systems. The Town shall also maintain
                  an on-going concern for the preservation of views and vistas to these areas, by carefully controlling
                  development along the water's edge which would serve to block or wall off the public from these valuable
                  scenic and recreational resources.
































                                                                  Page 9-8






                                                         Intergovernmental Coordination

                  10. Intergovernmental Coordination

                  10.1 Uses of the Land Use Plan

                  The Wrightsville Beach Land Use Plan, including the policy statements and the land classification map, will
                  serve to coordinate numerous policies, standards, regulations, and other governmental activities at the
                  local, State and Federal levels. Such coordination is achieved in three ways:

                           1. State and Federal government agencies are required to review local land use plans when
                           considering any actions or activities under their jurisdiction. Their actions are to be consistent,
                           whenever possible, with the intent of the local land use plan.

                           2. The policies and land classification system described in the land use plan provide a basis for
                           planning and budgeting for the provision of public facilities and services such as water and sewer
                           systems, roads and schools.

                           3. The land use plan can serve as a coordinating instrument in helping to bring together the
                           various regulatory policies and decisions of the local government into one document.

                  At Wrightsville Beach, all three categories of coordination were employed during development of the plan,
                  and will continue to be employed until the next plan update is prepared in approximately five years. As
                  such, the information contained in the plan serves as a benchmark for the condition of the Town in 1996,
                  and a baseline from which to measure change over time.

                  10.2 Coordination With Other Governmental Jurisdictions

                  The preparation of the Wrightsville Beach Land Use Plan and Policies has proceeded in a manner which
                  recognizes the growth issues and planning activities of other local government jurisdictions, as well as
                  State and Federal agencies. In preparing the plan, the policies and land classification designations of the
                  Wilmington-New Hanover CAMA Land Use Plan for the nearby Wrightsville Sound area were reviewed. In
                  addition, The Town has been actively engaged in certain joint local government issues specifically
                  relevant to the land use plan throughout its development. These issues have included, for example, joint
                  meetings to address the NC DOT Transportation Improvement Program, the jet ski issue, and the
                  southward movement of Mason's Inlet, among others.

                  State and local representatives involved in population projections, marine fisheries, water quality
                  monitoring, and historic, archaeological preservation and local zoning were also consulted. Federal
                  authorities in charge of wetlands identification, channel maintenance, and flood insurance were
                  contacted. Further, within Town government, representatives of the following local government functions
                  were consulted and involved in plan preparation: General Management, Fire Protection, Police, Parks and
                  Recreation, Planning, and Public Works.


















                                                                     Page 10-1






                                                      Public Participation Plan and Process

                     1. Public Participation Plan and Process
                  11.1 Public Participation Plan

                  Introduction

                  Since its inception, North Carolina's Coastal Area Management Act Program has placed a high level of
                  emphasis on public participation in the development of local land use plans and policies. The intent is to
                  insure that the resulting plan and policies reflect, as closely as possible, the will of the people in the
                  community.

                  Meaningful public involvement was an important element in preparing an updated land use plan for the
                  Town of Wrightsville Beach. For the public involvement program to be effective, two key factors were
                  included:
                           1) public education and
                          2) public input.

                  The most effective format for public involvement includes this two-way communication between citizens
                  and local officials.

                  The public involvement strategy employed for the Wrightsville Beach Land Use Plan provided numerous
                  opportunities for effective communication. First and foremost was the appointment of the Town Planning
                  Board as the Steering Committee for the Plan. This 7-member board is appointed by the Board of
                  Aldermen and represents various interests and geographic areas of the community.

                  The Planning Board had an active, leadership role throughout the preparation of the Land Use Plan. The
                  Committee's role was particularly critical during the formulation of the Land Use Policies and the Land
                  Classification Map. In this capacity, the Planning Board offered local perspectives, providing input on the
                  accuracy of information gathered, and feedback on the policies as they developed. All Planning Board
                  meetings were open to the public and several, jointly hosted with the Board of Aldermen, were designed
                  specifically to garner public input in an organized, constructive fashion.

                  The following is a summary of program phases and key meetings for public involvement in the preparation
                  of the Town of Wrightsville Beach Land Use Plan:

                  11.2 Public Involvement Process

                  1. Strategy Development and Public Participation Plan

                  The first priority in carrying out the public participation strategy for the Land Use Plan was to meet with key
                  local officials to discuss and receive approval of the planning process for citizen involvement. During this
                  phase, the planning consultant, the Town Staff, the Planning Board and the Board of Aldermen each had
                  a constructive role in preparing, reviewing, and approving the proposed planning and public involvement
                  strategy. Also, State concerns, suggestions, and requirements for the planning process were conveyed
                  to the Town staff and officials during a special presentation made by a representative of the Division of
                  Coastal Management at the Town Hall.

                  2. Issue Identification by the Public (Town-Wide Meeting No. 1)

                  Issue identification for the Land Use Plan consisted of a major Town meeting held at Wrightsville Beach
                  Elementary School. A concerted effort was made to schedule the meeting date to maximize public
                  exposure and media attention. The meeting was jointly hosted by the Planning Board and the Board of
                  Aldermen. Special meeting announcements were prepared and efforts were made to distribute them to a
                  wide cross section of community interests. Announcements were also sent to local news media.

                  The purpose of this meeting was to provide the public with the opportunity to make their concerns known
                  about growth and development issues facing the Town. The intent was to accomplish this task as early as


                                                                    Page 11-1






                                                       Public Participation Plan and Process


                   possible in the planning process, so that these concerns might be recorded and used as a foundation for
                   the preparation of the Plan.

                   The specific involvement technique used to solicit public input was a modified nominal group process
                   using index cards and display sheets. Following the identification of issues, the'relative priority of each
                   issue was identified by a simple voting process. After the meeting was completed, all issues were typed
                   up exactly as recorded and sorted into policy categories consistent, to the extent possible, with subject
                   areas compatible with the CAMA guidelines. The complete listing and ranking of all issues as identified at
                   the meeting was then presented. to the Planning Board for discussion and review. This written tabulation
                   of growth issues was also made available for public information and review.

                   3. Discussion of Public Input and Growth Factors

                   Based in part on the issues identified during Phases 1 and 2 above, and in keeping with the data
                   collection and analysis requirements of the CAMA land use planning guidelines, a growth factors analysis
                   was prepared for initial review by the Planning Board. To accomplish this task, a draft of the analysis was
                   distributed to the Planning Board for their review and comment. Each Planning Board member was asked
                   to review the document for both its scope and its accuracy. As a result of the review, changes were made
                   and additional research was conducted to address specific comments and points felt to be in need of
                   clarification.

                   4. Policy Development Work Sessions with Planning Board

                   With the results of the initial public input in hand, and with the major findings of the Growth Factors
                   Analysis complete, the consulting planner, working closely with the Town planning staff and Planning
                   Board, prepared a draft set of land use policies. The format for reviewing the draft policies involved several
                   lengthy work sessions designed to give the Planning Board the opportunity to review the Town's existing
                   policies and to compare them to the set of proposed policies. These work sessions were beneficial in
                   identifying draft policies most in need of modification, deletion or addition.

                   Based on the direction received during these work sessions, the consulting planner then prepared a
                   revised set of draft Polices for public review.

                   5. Public Open House on Draft Policies and Land Classification System (Town-Wide
                   Meeting No. 2)

                   Once a set of draft land use policies were in place, the Planning Board hosted an open public meeting at
                   Wrightsville Beach Elementary School to receive public input and comment on the work to date. To
                   facilitate efficient and equitable input from the public, the draft policies were enlarged on poster sized
                   sheets and arranged on the walls of the meeting room in a "walk-around questionnaire" format. The public
                   was then invited to circulate around the room expressing their level of agreement or disagreement with
                   each policy statement as well as being able to provide additional written comments on the sheets. Also,
                   planning board members were positioned around the room at the various stations to allow for informal
                   discussions regarding the various policies, or to clarify technical terms or issues. This meeting was well
                   attended and quite productive.

                   6. Joint Meeting Between Planning Board and Board of Aldermen to Discuss Draft
                   Policies and Public Comments Received

                   A joint work session on the draft policies and land classification system was held to provide the opportunity
                   for the Planning Board and Board of Aldermen to meet in a round table discussion. The purpose of the
                   meeting was not to formally adopt the plan, but rather to seek consensus as to the adequacy of the
                   policies for formal public review, and generally, for submission to the CAMA program staff. While this
                   meeting,was also open to the public, (and several members of the public did attend) its primary intent was
                   to allow the two boards to concentrate their time and attention on the draft policies, rather than on
                   receiving additional public input at this time.





                                                                    Page 11 -2






                                                 Public Participation Plan and Process


                7. Completion of Draft Land      Use Plan for Public Review

                After the joint work session on the draft plan was completed, appropriate revisions to the policies were
                made in accordance with directives received from the two boards during the round table discussion. Also,
                explanatory narrative was prepared as background for each policy section of the plan, and incorporated
                into a complete draft of plan, combining all sections prepared to date. Also included in this draft was the
                Implementation Actions section. Unlike the Town's previous land use plans, however, this plan section
                was prepared as a separate element, allowing this section to be updated on an annual basis without
                altering the balance of the plan. A formal public meeting was then scheduled by the Board of Aldermen to
                accept public comment on the full plan.

                8. Public Comment Meeting /Follow-up Review Session (Town-Wide Meeting No. 3)

                A formal public meeting (courtesy hearing) was then scheduled by the Board of Aldermen for October 30,
                1996 to accept public comment on the full plan. Notification for the meeting included an announcement
                printed in the newspaper of general circulation as well as regular notification through the public meetings
                notification process. All comments received at the meeting, whether favorable, neutral or negative, were
                noted for the record and for further action as appropriate.

                Once public comments were accepted and recorded, the Board of Aldermen provided direction as to
                those changes that would be appropriate before sending the draft plan on to the State for review. Plan
                revisions were then completed in accordance with directives received.

                9. State Review and Comment/ Prepare Revisions As Appropriate

                Following additional revisions to the plan in accordance with directives received from the Planning Board
                and Board of Aldermen, the plan was sent to the State CAMA program staff for review and comment in
                early November 1996. Comments were received from the State in late- January, 1997. The consulting
                planner then prepared revisions to the Plan for review by the Planning Board. The Planning Board
                approved the changes at a meeting held on February 4, 1997. The Board of Aldermen, at their meeting
                on February 13, 1997, then reviewed and approved the revisions as authorized by the Planning Board.
                The Board of Aldermen then met on February 27, 1997 to set a date for a formal public hearing on the land
                use plan, as required, no less than 30 days hence. The public hearing was set for April 10, 1997.

                10. Board of Aldermen Adoption of Plan (Town-Wide Meeting No. 4/Public Hearing)

                The Board of Aldermen held a formal public hearing on April 10, 1997 to formally present the plan for
                public review and comment. Notice of the meeting was in accordance with requirements for public
                hearings for the local adoption of CAMA Land Use Plans, as well as the Town's normal protocol. Following
                the hearing, the plan was reviewed for a final time by the Town Planning Board, with revisions made and
                recommended to the Board of Aldermen. Adoption of the plan was then completed on May 8, 1997 by
                formal action and vote of the Board of Aldermen. The plan was then submitted to the Coastal Resources
                Commission for certification by that body.

                11. Coastal Resources Commission Certification

                The officially adopted Town of Carolina Beach Land Use Plan was submitted to the North Carolina Coastal
                Resources Commission for certification by that body at their regular meeting on May 29-30, 1997.












                                                              Page 11 -3






                                                 Public Participation Plan and Process


                11.3 Summary of Meetings Held During Planning Process

                The following phases and meetings correspond to the phases of the public involvement process
                described above.

                1. Strategy Development/ Public Participation Plan

                    1/2/96      Planning Board         Town Hall           Introduce Consultant and CRC
                                                                           Representative/Staff
                                                                           Discuss land use planning

                2. Issue Identification by the Public (Town-Wide Meeting No. 1)

                    1/30/96     Ping Brd /Brd Aldrmn   W.B. Elem School    Town Meeting to identify issues

                3.  Discussion of Public Input and Growth Factors

                    2/13/96     Planning Board         Town Hall           Review of Citizen Input
                                                                           Overview of Plan

                    4/30/96     Planning Board         Town Hall           Review of Growth Factors Analysis
                                                                           Discuss Land Classification

                4.  Policy Development Work Sessions with Planning Board

                    5/28/96     Planning Board         Town Hall           Review Draft Policies
                                                                           Review Neighborhoods
                    6/9/96      Planning Board         Town Hall           Review Draft Policies

                    6/24/96     Planning Board         Town Hall           Review Draft Policies

                5.  Public Open House on Draft Policies and Land           Classification System (Town-Wide
                    Meeting No. 2)

                    7/29/96     Ping Brd/Brd Aldrmn    W.B. Elem School    Town Meeting to Review Policies


                6.  Joint Meeting Between Planning Board and Board of Aldermen to Discuss Draft
                    Policies and Public Comments Received

                    8/7/96      Ping Brd/Brd Aldermen Town Hall            Joint Meeting to Review Public Input on
                                                                           Policies

                7. Completion of Draft Land Use Plan for Public Review

                    No public meetings; writing and editing completed during this time.

                8.  Public Comment Meeting /Follow-up Review Session (Town-Wide Meeting No. 3)

                    10/30/96 Board of Aldermen         Town Hall           Public Hearing to receive public input on the
                                                                           completed draft plan

                9.  Review of State Comments Received and Revisions Made

                    2/4/97      Planning Board         Town Hall           Review Comments and Revisions to Plan;
                                                                           approve changes; forward to Brd of Aldrmn
                    2/13/97     Board of Aldermen      Town Hall           Review Comments and Revisions to Plan
                                                                           Approve changes



                                                             Page 11-4






                                                Public Participation Plan and Process
                10. Public 'Hearing (Town-Wide Meeting No. 4)

                    2/27/97    Board of Aldermen      Town Hall          Set date for forma I public hearing.

                    4/10/97    Board of Aldermen      Town Hall          Public Hearing by the Board of Aldermen for
                                                                         consideration of adoption. Received
                                                                         comments from public and staff. Asked
                                                                         Planning Board to review.

                11. Planning Board Final Review and Recommendation

                    5/6/97     Planning Board         Town Hall          Reviewed comments-made
                                                                         recommendations to Board of Aldermen to
                                                                         adopt with comments inserted.

                12. Local Adoption of Plan

                    5/8/97     Board of Aldermen      Town Hall          Adopted the land use plan.


                13. Coastal Resources Commission Certification

                    5/30/97    Coastal Resources Commission              Regular meeting to certify the Plan.




































                                                             Page 11-5






                                                                  Appendices

                  12. Appendices

                  12.1 Evaluation of Effectiveness of Previous Land Use Plan

                  While the previous land use plan contained much detailed information about existing conditions in the
                  Town , its effectiveness as an instrument of local government policy was limited. Three specific
                  shortcomings of that plan, and measures taken in this land use plan update to correct those deficiencies
                  are outlined as follows:

                  Plan Deficiency:
                  - The policy section of the Town's previous land use plan had few discrete policy
                  statements. Rather, this section consisted of a running narrative within which the reader may or may
                  not have found statements which reflect the Town's official position on a given issue

                  Corrective action taken       for this plan update:
                  For each policy area, a discrete policy statement consisting of no more than one or two sentences has
                  been developed to clearly state the Town's position on that issue. Further, each policy statement has
                  been assigned a unique policy reference number so that specific policies can be easily referenced in
                  evaluating development proposals, rezoning petitions, etc. brought before the Planning Board and the
                  Town Board of Aldermen.

                  Plan Deficiency:
                  * The Town's previous land use plan did not specifically identify implementation
                  actions.
                  Implementation actions are a fundamental requirement of the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA)
                  guidelines for land use plans. Without implementation actions, the Town did not have the benefit of an
                  agreed upon strategy for carrying out the Policies. Nor is there any way to assess whether the Town was
                  effective in carrying out implementation action actions since none were listed.

                  Corrective action taken for this plan update:
                  A new section of the land use plan has been created which brings together in one place all suggested
                  implementation actions designed to carry out the policies. Rather than scattering these actions
                  throughout the text of the Policies, this section provides an appropriate means of clearly organizing all
                  potential actions for convenient review and use. A further benefit of this approach is that the action
                  section may be updated on a regular basis (e.g. annually in conjunction with the Town's budget process)
                  without changing the policy portion of the plan. If the document is maintained in a three ring binder for
                  frequent users of the plan, the previous year's action agenda may be simply removed and a new section
                  inserted. This approach should make monitoring of the plan    ,s implementation easier as well

                  Plan Deficiency:
                  * The format of the previous land use plan's land classification system offered little or
                  no policy guidance.
                  The Land Classification Map prepared for the last land use plan was basically a tracing of the Town's
                  mapped zoning districts. Essentially, the Town's Land Classes were the result of sub-categories created
                  within the Developed classification which conformed very closely to the Town's zoning districts. While this
                  clearly reflects a high degree of consistency between the Land Classification Map and the zoning
                  ordinance, it afforded no additional guidance to development decisions beyond that already contained in
                  the Town's zoning ordinance.

                  Corrective action taken for this plan update:
                  For this plan, the Land Classification Map has been restructured to differentiate between the various
                  unique neighborhoods in the Town that have similar design, function, age, and/or character. Policy
                  positions were then formulated and included in the Land Use Plan to help the Town maintain the
                  distinguishable neighborhood qualities unique to each of these neighborhood areas. These policy
                  positions, in turn, provide consistent guidance to Town Officials in applying the rules of the Town's zoning
                  ordinance to specific developments.



                                                                   Page 12-1






                                                     Appendices


              12.2 Sources and Locations of Additional Information

              To find out more about various aspects of land use and development at Wrightsville Beach, the interested
              citizen is invited to visit the Town offices where a variety of studies, plans, maps, aerial photographs and
              booklets are maintained on file.
              12.3 Action Agenda For the Wrightsville Beach Land Use Plan

              Introduction to the Action Agenda

              The Action Agenda of the Wrightsville Beach Land Use Plan is provided to identify specific
              implementation actions in furtherance of the Town's development policies. (For a complete listing
              of the full policy statements associated with each issue, see Section 1 Executive Summary
              or Section 8 Policies) These actions are normally intended to be accomplished within the five
              year planning period between adoption of this plan and the next land use plan update (scheduled
              for 2001).

              Implementation actions are designed to suggest possible courses of action available to the Town to carry
              out the Policies. In some instances, a single implementation action may be listed in support of more than
              one policy. In other instances, where the Town is already implementing a policy, an on-going program of
              implementation may be mentioned. In still others, a particular policy may not warrant or require a specific
              implementation action to be effective.

              The suggested actions are not all-inclusive nor are they binding; additional actions may be added and
              others removed as conditions change. In fact, it is suggested that this summary of policies and
              implementation actions be reviewed on an annual basis during development of the Town's work program
              and budget approval process. In this manner, the effectiveness of the policies and implementation actions
              can be better evaluated. Further, by making this Action Agenda a separate section of the plan (as
              opposed to scattering the implementation actions throughout the text of the plan), these actions can be
              updated and re-inserted into the document on a regular basis.
                               Policy Area                          Implementation Action(s)

              OVERALL COMMUNITY VISION

              Policy 8.0 General Vision Policy for Next Ten Years    Action 8.0 The Town staff, Planning
                                                                     Board, and Board of Alderrhen shall
                                                                     employ the policies contained in this
                                                                     land use plan on a routine basis in
                                                                     evaluating building proposals and
                                                                     other matters concerning growth and
                                                                     development.

              RESOURCE PROTECTION POLICIES

              Policy 8.1.0 Basic Policy Statement   Regarding        See specific Implementation Actions
              Resource Protection                                    listed below as they pertain to specific
                                                                     policy issues.

              Policy 8.1.1 A Appropriate, Corrective Drainage        Action 8.1.1 A The Town shall
              Improvements                                           study the issue of impervious surfaces
                                                                     related to new construction and
                                                                     redevelopment with an eye toward
                                                                     minimizing paved surfaces which
                                                                     would increase runoff onto adjacent
                                                                     properties or into estuarine waters.




                                                     Page 12-2






                                                                       Appendices


                   Policy 8.1.1 B Application of Federal, State, and
                   Local Controls

                   Policy 8.1.1 C Development in the 100 Year                               Action 8.1.1 C Recognizing the
                   Floodplain                                                               critical role of the National Flood
                                                                                            insurance Program in protecting
                                                                                            private property and lives at
                                                                                            Wrightsville Beach, the Town shall
                                                                                            continue to strictly enforce ordinance
                                                                                            provisions which bring structures into
                                                                                            compliance with the Town's flood plain
                                                                                            protection standards.

                   Policy 8.1.2 Areas Of Environmental Concern                              Action 8.1.2 The Town shall
                                                                                            continue to administer the CAMA
                                                                                            Minor Permit Program in accordance
                                                                                            with CAMA standards for Areas of
                   Policy 8.1.2 A Coastal Wetlands                                          Environmental Concern.

                   Policy 8.1.2 B Estuarine Waters

                   Policy 8.1.2 C Public Trust Areas                                        Action 8.1.2 C (1) The Town shall
                                                                                            develop a water use and harbor
                                                                                            management plan to address the
                                                                                            competing interests for use of public
                                                                                            trust waters at Wrightsville Beach.

                                                                                            Action 8.1.2 C (2) The Town shall
                                                                                            continue to participate on the special
                                                                                            local government committee
                                                                                            appointed to address the
                                                                                            management and proper regulation of
                                                                                            jet skis and similar personal watercraft.

                                                                                            Action 8.1.2 C (3) The Town shall
                                                                                            extend the pierhead line to the north
                                                                                            end of Wrightsville Beach.

                   Policy 8.1.2 D Estuarine Shorelines                                      Action 8.1.8 D As part of its water
                                                                                            use and harbor management plan
                                                                                            (See Action 8.1.2 c (1)), the Town shall
                                                                                            address the issue of marina
                                                                                            development and expansion.
                                                                                            Development along estuarine
                                                                                            shorelines shall be subject to zoning
                                                                                            and site plan approval in accordance
                                                                                            with the intent of these policies

                   Policy 8.1.2 E Ocean Hazard Areas

                   Policy 8.1.3 Turtle Nesting Areas                                        Action 8.1.3 The Town shall explore
                                                                                            the feasibility of having one or more
                                                                                            appropriate areas of the Town
                                                                                            designated as a turtle nesting
                                                                                            sanctuary.




                                                                        Page 12-3






                                                                    Appendices


                   Policy 8.1.4 A Other Wetlands

                   Policy 8.1.4 B Maritime Forests          and Tree Cover               Action 8.1.4 B (1) The Town shall
                                                                                         work with the New Hanover County
                                                                                         Agricultural Extension Service and
                                                                                         utility companies to reduce tree
                                                                                         trimming damage.

                                                                                         Action 8.1.4 B (2) The Town shall
                                                                                         investigate participation in the Tree
                   Policy 8.1.4 C Outstanding Resource Water Areas                       City USA program.

                   Policy 8.1.4 D Shellfishing Waters

                   Policy 8.1.4 E Water Supply Areas and Other
                   Waters with Special Values

                   Policy 8.1.4 F Cultural and Historic Resources                        Action 8.1.4 F The Town shall
                                                                                         continue to work with the Historic
                                                                                         Landmark Commission in its efforts to
                                                                                         preserve historic structures at
                                                                                         Wrightsville Beach.

                   Policy 8.1.5 Protection Of Potable Water Supply

                   Policy 8.1.6 Package Sewage Treatment Plants

                   Policy 8.1.7 Storm Water Runoff                                       Action 8.1.7 The Town shall study
                                                                                         the issue of impervious surfaces
                                                                                         related to new construction and
                                                                                         redevelopment with an eye toward
                                                                                         minimizing paved surfaces which
                                                                                         would increase runoff onto adjacent
                                                                                         properties or into estuarine waters.

                   Policy 8.1.8 A Marinas, Wetslips                                      Action 8.1.8 A As part of its water
                                                                                         use and harbor management plan
                                                                                         (See Action 8.1.2 c (1)), the Town shall
                                                                                         address the location and operation of
                                                                                         wet slip marinas.

                   Policy 8.1.8 B Floating Home Development                              Action 8.1.8 B As part of its water
                                                                                         use and harbor management plan
                                                                                         (See Action 8.1.2 c (1)), the Town shall
                                                                                         continue current policies which
                                                                                         prohibit floating homes from
                                                                                         occupying limited public trust surface
                                                                                         water areas.

                   Policy 8.1.8 C Moorings and Mooring Fields                            Action 8.1.8 C As part of its water
                                                                                         use and harbor management plan
                                                                                         (See Action 8.1.2 c (1)), the Town shall
                                                                                         address the location and design of
                                                                                         moorings and mooring fields.





                                                                      Page 12-4






                                                                     Appendices


                   Policy 8.1.8 D Dry Stack Storage                                        Action 8.1.8 D As part of its water
                                                                                           use and harbor management plan
                                                                                           (See Action 8.1.2 c (1)), the Town shall
                                                                                           address the location and operation of
                                                                                           dry stack storage facilities.

                   Policy 8.1.8 E Commercial Fishing Dockage                               Action 8.1.8 E As part of its water
                                                                                           use and harbor management plan the
                                                                                           Town shall address the location and
                                                                                           operation of commercial fishing
                                                                                           dockage.

                   Policy 8.1.8 F Vessels for Hire, Charter Boats and                      Action 8.1.8 F As part of its water
                   Cruise Ship Dockage                                                     use and harbor management plan the
                                                                                           Town shall address the size, location
                                                                                           and operation of vessels for hire,
                                                                                           charter boats, and cruise ship
                                                                                           dockage.
                   Policy 8.1.9 Industrial Impacts On Fragile Areas

                   Policy 8.1.10 Development Of Sound And
                   Estuarine System Islands

                   Policy 8.1.11 Development Within Areas That Might
                   Be Susceptible To Sea Level Rise

                   Policy 8.1.12 Upland Excavation For Marina Basins                       Action 8.1.12 As part of its water
                                                                                           use and harbor management plan
                                                                                           (See Action 8.1.2 c (1)), the Town shall
                                                                                           address the issue of upland
                                                                                           excavation for marina basins. Such
                                                                                           development shall also be subject to
                                                                                           zoning and site plan review in keeping
                   Policy 8.1.13 Marsh Damage From Bulkhead                                with the intent of these policies
                   Installation

                   Policy 8.1.14 Water Quality Problems and                                Action 8.1.14 The Town shall
                   management measures                                                     continue to enforce the existing
                                                                                           stormwater retention ordinance which
                                                                                           requires on-site retention of the first 4"
                                                                                           of rainfall in a 24 hour period.

                   RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
                   POLICIES

                   Policy 8.2.0 Basic Policy Statement Regarding                           Action 8.2.0 The Town shall
                   Resource Production and Management                                      request a meeting with state water
                                                                                           quality monitoring officials to receive
                                                                                           an update on water quality conditions,
                                                                                           monitoring programs,. and to identify
                   Policy 8.2.1      Productive Agricultural Lands                         significant water quality issues.

                   Policy 8.2.2 Commercial Forest Lands

                   Policy 8.2.3 Mineral Production Areas-Existing
                   and Potential




                                                                       Page 12-5






                                                        Appendices



               Policy 8.2.4 Fisheries Resources (Commercial and          Action 8.2.4 The Town shall,
               Recreational)                                             through proclamation and public
                                                                         awareness, assist in promoting the
                                                                         annual Big Sweep clean-up.

               Policy 8.2.5   Off Road Vehicles

               Policy 8.2.6   Development Impacts                        Action 8.2.6 The Town shall
                                                                         conduct a review of its development
                                                                         standards to identify and prevent
                                                                         potential adverse impacts on natural
                                                                         and scenic resources at Wrightsville
                                                                         Beach.


               ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
               POLICIES

               Policy 8.3.0 Basic Policy Statement Regarding
               Economic & Community Growth & Development

               Policy 8.3.0 A Growth of Town's Jurisdiction

               Policy 8.3.0 B Population Increases

               Policy 8.3.0 C Types of Development to be
               Encouraged

               Policy 8.3.0 D Density of Development                     Action 8.3.0 D The Town shall
                                                                         conduct an examination of its zoning
                                                                         ordinance to identify acceptable
                                                                         density and building sizes in each of
                                                                         the various zoning districts.

               Policy 8.3.0 E Building Standards, Generally              Action 8.3.0 E As part of the
                                                                         Town's neighborhood planning effort,
                                                                         the Town shall conduct a survey and
                                                                         inventory of prevailing building
                                                                         heights, setbacks, lot coverage, and
                                                                         other factors for the particular
                                                                         neighborhood under study. The
                                                                         purpose of this survey shall be to
                                                                         establish a baseline from which to
                                                                         measure appropriate change in the
                                                                         neighborhood.

               Policy 8.3.0 F Building Height                            Action 8.3.0 F The Town shall
                                                                         undertake ordinance revisions to
                                                                         clarify building height measurements
                                                                         and standards.

               Policy 8.3.1 Industries Desired and Local Assets
               Desirable to Such Industries

               Policy 8.3.2 Provision of Services to Development, Action 8.3.2 The Town shall review
               Generally                                                 and update fees associated with water
                                                                         and sewer extensions and hook-ups.




                                                         Page 12-6






                                                                     Appendices


                   Policy 8.3.2 A Potable Water Supply                                     Action 8.3.2 A The Town shall
                                                                                           continue to enhance the existing
                                                                                           water supply system, and shall explore
                                                                                           alternatives for supplementing the
                                                                                           existing system.
                   Policy 8.3.2 8 Wastewater Treatment and Disposal

                   Policy 8.3.2 C Solid Waste Disposal                                     Action 8.3.2 C The Town shall
                                                                                           continue to monitor the recycling
                                                                                           market to identify additional items for
                                                                                           recycling.

                   Policy 8.3.3 Urban Growth Pattern Desired                               Action 8.3.3 The Town shall not
                                                                                           significantly alter the existing balance
                                                                                           of commercial and residential uses
                                                                                           through zoning actions or other policy
                                                                                           decisions.

                   Policy 8.3.4 Types of Residential Development                           Action 8.3.4 The Town shall not
                   Desired                                                                 approve rezonings which would allow
                                                                                           for additional multi-family complexes,
                                                                                           high-rise structures, and motels at
                                                                                           Wrightsville Beach. As part of the
                                                                                           Town's neighborhood planning, the
                                                                                           zoning ordinance shall be examined
                                                                                           for possible amendments to
                                                                                           encourage appropriate, compatible
                                                                                           building forms.

                   Policy 8.3.5 Types of Commercial Development                            Action 8.3.5 (1) The Town shall
                   Desired                                                                 amend the zoning ordinance to
                                                                                           establish building size, height, mass,
                                                                                           and setback standards which support
                                                                                           the existing development character of
                                                                                           nearby properties.

                                                                                           Action 8.3.5 (2) The Town shall not
                                                                                           issue permits for projects which would
                                                                                           allow for additional multi-family
                                                                                           complexes, high-rise structures, and
                                                                                           motels at Wrightsville Beach. Such
                                                                                           development forms shall be permitted
                                                                                           only on sites where they are presently
                                                                                           located.

                                                                                           Action 8.3.5 (3) The Town shall
                                                                                           explore the desirability and feasibility
                                                                                           of amend its zoning standards to allow
                                                                                           for appropriate mixed use
                                                                                           developments in keeping with the
                   Policy 8.3.6 Redevelopment, Including Relocation                        intent of policy 8.3.5(3)
                   of Threatened Structures

                   Policy 8.3.7 Commitment to State/Federal Programs





                                                                       Page 12-7






                                                                      Appendices


                    Policy 8.3  '8 A Assistance to Channel Maintenance,
                    Including Interstate Waterways
                    Policy 8.3.8 B Assistance to Beach Nourishment                         Action 8.3.8 B (1) The Town shall,
                                                                                           as part of its capital improvement
                                                                                           planning process, budget appropriate
                                                                                           funds necessary to support on-going
                                                                                           beach renourishment at Wrightsville
                                                                                           Beach

                                                                                           Action 8.3.8 B (2) The Town shall
                                                                                           support the reinstitution of the original
                                                                                           80/20 apportionment of room tax
                                                                                           revenues with priority for beach
                    Policy 8.3.8 C Beach Hardening                                         renourishment.

                    Policy 8.3.8.D Soundside Bulkheads

                    Policy 8.3.9 Energy Facility Siting and Development

                    Policy 8.3.10 Tourism                                                  Action 8.3.10 The Town shall
                                                                                           continue to work n partnership with the
                                                                                           Wrightsville Beach Chamber of
                                                                                           Commerce to promote quality tourism.

                    Policy 8.3.11 A Beach and Waterfront Access                            Action 8.3.11 A The Town shall
                                                                                           review the integrity of the existing
                                                                                           dune system to determine the
                                                                                           necessity of dune
                                                                                           walkovers/crossovers in preventing
                                                                                           ocean water washovers.

                    Policy 8.3.11 B Soundside Waterfront Acces                 s           Action 8.3.11 B (1) The Town
                                                                                           shall review its development
                                                                                           regulations to discourage
                                                                                           development forms which would act to
                                                                                           wall off views of the water.

                                                                                           Action 8.3.11 B (2) The Town
                                                                                           shall develop and implement an action
                                                                                           plan to identify and protect public
                                                                                           street ends for public access to the
                                                                                           water. Such a plan may include, for
                                                                                           example, the placement of tasteful
                                                                                           signage at each street end noting that
                                                                                           the street end is a public right of way
                                                                                           for access to the water (whether such
                                                                                           access is "improved" or not).

                    Policy 8.3.12 Parks and Recreation









                                                                       Page 12-8






                                                        Appendices


               Policy 8.3.13   Downtown Area                             Action 8.3.13 The Town shall
                                                                         encourage and assist downtown
                                                                         property owners in the development
                                                                         of architectural design guidelines for
                                                                         the traditional downtown area of
                                                                         Wrightsville Beach.

               Policy 8.3.14 A Neighborhood Character and                Action 8.3.14 A The Town will
               Preservation                                              undertake a program of neighborhood
                                                                         based meetings on a rotating basis.

               Policy 8.3.14 B Scenic Vistas and Views                   Action 8.3.14 B The Town shall
                                                                         review its development regulations to
                                                                         discourage development forms which
                                                                         would act to wall off views of the water.

               Policy 8.3.14 C Historic Preservation                     Action 8.3.14 C The Town shall
                                                                         continue to work with the Historic
                                                                         Landmark Commission in its efforts to
                                                                         preserve historic structures at
                                                                         Wrightsville Beach.

               Policy 8.3.14 D Undergrounding of Utilities               Action 8.3.14 D The Town shall
                                                                         budget funds to match neighborhood
                                                                         efforts to place overhead utilities
                                                                         underground.

               Policy 8.3.15 A Transportation Planning, Generally        Action 8.3.15 A The Town shall
                                                                         continue to work with the NCDOT on a
                                                                         program to achieve a better balance
                                                                         between vehicular and non-vehicular
                                                                         movement at Wrightsville Beach.
               Policy 8.3.15 B Public Transportation

               Policy 8.3.15 C High Rise Bridge

               Policy 8.3.15 D Pedestrian and Bicycle Traffic            See Implementation Action 8.3.15 A
                                                                         above

               Policy 8.3.15 E Keel Street Intersection                  Action 8.3.15 E The Town shall
                                                                         continue to work with the NCDOT and
                                                                         the NC Wildlife Commission on
                                                                         improvements to traffic flow at the Keel
                                                                         Street intersection.

               Policy 8.3.15 F Parking

               Policy 8.3.16 The Wrightsville Sound Area                 Action 8.3.16 The Town shall re-
                                                                         initiate a dialogue with the New
                                                                         Hanover County and/or the City of
                                                                         Wilmington regarding the future
                                                                         development of the Wrightsville
                                                                         Sound and development standards for
                                                                         the Wrightsville Avenue and Eastwood
                                                                         Road travel corridors.







                                                         Page 12-9






                                                                   Appendices



                   CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION POLICIES

                   Policy 8.4.0 Basic Policy Statement Regarding
                   Continuing Public Participation

                   Policy 8.4.1 Land Use Plan Update Process

                   Policy 8.4.2 On-going Public Participation

                   Policy 8.4.3 Neighborhood Planning                                 Action 8.4.3 The Town will
                                                                                      undertake a program of neighborhood
                                                                                      based meetings on a rotating basis.

                   STORM HAZARD MITIGATION/POST-DISASTER
                   RECOVERY, & EVACUATION POLICIES AND PLANS

                   Policy 8.5.0 Basic Policy Statement Regarding                      Action 8.5.0 The Town shall review
                   Storm Hazard Mitigation/Post-Disaster Recovery,                    damage caused by hurricane Bertha
                   and Evacuation Policies and Plans                                  and Fran, as well as other storms, to
                                                                                      determine refinements in emergency
                                                                                      management plans and procedures.

                   Storm Hazard Mitigation Policies

                   Policy 8.5.1 A Storm Effect Mitigation                             Action 8.5.1 A Recognizing the
                                                                                      critical role of the National Flood
                                                                                      insurance Program in protecting
                                                                                      private property and lives at
                                                                                      Wrightsville Beach, the Town shall
                                                                                      continue to strictly enforce ordinance
                                                                                      provisions which bring structures into
                                                                                      compliance with the Town's flood plain
                                                                                      protection standards.

                   Policy 8.5.1 B. Discouragement of Hazardous                        (See Implementation Action 8.5.1 A
                   Development                                                        above)

                   Policy 8.5.1 C. Public Land Acquisition

                   Policy 8.5.1 D. Evacuation                                         (See Implementation Action 8.5.1 A
                                                                                      above)

                   Post Disaster Reconstruction Policies

                   Policy 8.5.2 A. Emergency Management Plan                          (See Implementation Action 8.5.1 A
                                                                                      above)

                   Policy 8.5.2 B. Local Reconstruction Policies                      (See Implementation Action 8.5.1 A
                   Policy 8.5.2 C. Recovery Task Force                                above)

                   Policy 8.5.2 D. Staging Schedule for Reconstruction                Action 8.5.2 D. The Town shall
                   and Repair                                                         establish a mutual assistance program
                                                                                      with several other communities in
                                                                                      North Carolina for building inspection
                                                                                      operations.





                                                                   Page 12-10






                                           Appendices


           Policy 8.5.2 E. Public Infrastructure Repairs and Action 8.5.2 E. The Town shall
           Replacement                                   inventory all damage to capital items
                                                         after storms and include needed
                                                         repairs and replacement in the
                                                         following yeaT's CIP.























































                                           Page 12-11






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                                                                                                                             OAA COASTAL SERVICES CTR LIBRARY



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