Currituck County, North Carolina / Land Use Element, Comprehensive Planning Assistance Program 1978 prepared by the McLean County Regional Planning Commission

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coastal Zone COASTAL ZONE
informat"On
center INFORMATION CENTER

CURRITUCK COUNTY

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LAND USE ELEMENT
CURRITUCK COUNTY
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Currituck County, North Carolina

Land Use Element
Comprehensive Planning Assistance Program
1978

Technical Assistance

Howard T. Capps & Associates
Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Table of Contents

Page

1. Introduction 1

2. Analysis of Existing plans, Policies and 2
Regulations
3. Data Collection and Analysis 2

4. Broad Goals and Annual Objectivs 3

5. Evaluation Criteria for Goals and Objectives 11

6. Plan for Future Land Uses (land Classification 11
Map)

7. Public Participation 11

8. Environmental Assessment 12

9. Historic Preservation Assessment 13

1. Introduction

Congress amended the Comprehensive Planning Assistance program, through

Title IV of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, to facilitate

comprehensive planning for urban and rural development, on a continuing basis,

by State and local governments, and to encourage such governments to establish

and improve planning on an areawide basis. Extending previous requirements for

comprehensive planning assistance, the Congress specified a basic planning

system for those States, local governments and areawide organizations which

utilize section 701 assistance. Each grantee must have a comprehensive plan-

ning process which over time leads to the preparation of a comprehensive plan.

This plan must include at least a land use and housing element. Citizens

within the grantee's jurisdiction must be involved in the preparation of the

comprehensive plan. On a two year cycle, each grantee is to review and update

its comprehensive plan and evaluate progress in meeting the planning objectives set

for itself. Planning and implementation activities undertaken by the grantee

must be coordinated so that the land use and housing elements are (1) internally

consistent, (2) coordinated with other functional elements of the comprehensive

plan, and (3) consistent with functional and land use plans of other jurisdictions.

After August 22, 1977 the Department may make conprehensive planning assistance

grants only to those applicants who have completed a land use and housing element.

2. Analysis of Existing Plans3 Policies and aegulations

The analysis of existing plans, policies and regulations can be found

in the CAMA Land Use Plan., which is available for ins-oection at the

County Courthouse.

3. Data Collection and Analysis

Data collection and analysis pertaining to the physical environment and

including such factors as geology, soil types and characteristics, toDo-

grapbyj, ground water and recharge areas, wetlands, rare and endangered

species habitats, unique natural areas and sensitive environmental

areas (AFEC) were all addressed in the CLvLk Land Use Plan.

The man-made environment, such as land use, as well as community

facilities.v such as water supply., sewerage disposal, transportation, edu-

cation, recreation and other government facilities and services, were

addressed in the CAMA Land Use Plan.

4. Broad Goals and Objectives

In 1976 the Currituck County Land Development Plan was approved pursuant

to the Coastal Area Management Act of 1974. Included in this plan were

several broad goals and objectives for Currituck County which were based

on citizen input during the planning process. Also, in 1976, the Albemarle

Area Resource Conservation and Development Plan was adopted. This plan

also included broad goals and objectives which will effect land use in the

County.

Goals, Objectives, and Policies

Mobile Homes: By 1985 mobile homes should be reduced from 26% if the County's
housing stock to 14%.

Comment: It is assumed that mobile homes will increase from about 8% of the
Statewide housing stock to 14% by 1985. However, it is hoped that mobile
homes will represent a smaller percent of the County's housing stock in
1985 due to the following policies and standards:

-No more mobile home parks should be permitted in the county.
Existing parks should not be expended.

-All mobile homes should be properly tied down and skirted.

-In mobile home subdivision, there should be standards set for the
type, placement and number of outside storage buildings.

-Mobile homes should be excluded from areas where there is a clear
community concensus favoring this. Local community meetings should
be held to "fine-tune" the zoning regulations.

-The County should ask nearby Virginia localities to relax their
restrictive treatment of mobile homes.

-All mobile homes should display a decal indicating that the mobile
home has been registered (and is paying taxes, if appropriate).

Growth: Zoning, Subdivision Regulations, Utility Policies, and Permit
letting under the Coastal Area Management Act should be directed toward
fh-e--m-a-ir'n-tenance of a rural, agriculturally-oriented community.

-In reviewing proposed subdivisions particular scrutiny should be
applied to proposals to develop marginal land. Much of the recent
growth in the county has been due to the availability of cheap
lots, carved from low lying land with poor soils.

-Plans for water and sewer utilities should be held in abeyance for
several years.

-A "chamber of commerce" promotional mentality should be avoided.

Major Thoroughfares:

-A causeway should be built from Knotts Island to the Outer Banks.

-The N.C. 168/N.C. 34/U.S. 158 Corridor should be four laned.

(1) The first phase of the project should be in the Grandy area.

(2) Plans for the proposed high span bridge at Coinjock should
include relocation assistance to tourist-oriented businesses.

-Ferry service between Currituck and Knotts Island should be increased.

(1) To allow Knotts Island residents to participate in County affairs,
and

(2) To provide access to the Outer Banks via Knotts Island.

Access to Sound and Ocean:

-The State should acquire a public beach area on the outer banks.

-County subdivision regulations should require public access ways to
the beach every 15001 in ocean front developments.

-The State and/or County should establish additional boating access
points, with adequate parking facilities and picnic areas,

Industrial Development: The County, with State assistance, should try to
encourage appropriate industries to locate in Currituck. Development of the
airport industrial site is recommended, provided that necessary public facili-
ties can be made available there.

Currituck County

37-6005-053-001 - Initiate an accelerated soil survey, Outer Banks,
Currituck County.
Purpose: To provide soils information to be used by all planning
boards, units of government and individuals making land-
use decisions.
Sponsor: Land and Water Resource Committee, Albemarle Soil and
Water Conservation District and County Commissioners.
Benefits: To provide basic data for making sound land-use decisions.
Assistance: Technical and financial.

37-6005-053-002 - Initiate an accelerated soil survey, mainland,
Currituck County.
Purpose: To provide soils information for planning boards, units
of government and individuals making land-use decisions.
Sponsor: Land and Water Resource Committee, Albemarle Soil and
Water Conservation District and County Commissioners.
Benefits: To provide basic data for making sound land-use decisions.
Assistance: Technical and financial.

37-6005-998-004 - Visit Delqware and Maryland waterfowl areas, Hyde and
Currituck Counties.
Purpose: To study goose management and improve goose population.
Sponsor: Fish and Wildlife Resource Committee, Albemarle and
Pamlico Soil and Water Conservation Districts and
sportsman clubs.
Benefits: Better hunting, more sports days and improved economy.
Assistance: Technical and financial.

37-6005-053-013 - Develop a flood control and drainage plan for Barco
Community, Currituck County.
Purpose: To eliminate health and safety hazards due to stagnant water
and inoperative septic filter fields.
Sponsor: Land and Water Resource Committee, Albemarle Soil and Water
Conservation District and County Commissioners.
Benefits: Improved health of residents, reduced road maintenance,
improved appearance and better environment.
Assistance: Technical and financial.

37-6005-053-092 - Housing inventory, Currituck County.
Purpose: To compile and maintain an inventory of existing housing
facilities.
Sponsor: Community Facilities and Services Resource Committee and
Albemarle Resource Planning and Development Commission.
Benefits: Balanced housing stock, improved code enforcement.
Assistance: Organizational, technical and financial.

37-6005-053-093 - To provide ambulance service for the elderly,
Currituck County.
Purpose: To improve health care services for the elderly.
Sponsor: Community Facilities and Services Resource Committee,
County Health Department, Department of Social Services
and County on Aging of the Albemarle Resource Planning
and Development Commission.
Benefits: Emergency care of the elderly, transportation to hospital
when the service is needed.
Assistance: Organizational, technical and financial.

37-6005-053-094 - To provide more adequate emergency equipment, services
and better qualified personnel, Currituck County
Purpose: Expand Rescue Squad facilities and emergency training.
Sponsor: Community Facilities and Services Resource Committee, Emer-
gency Medical Services Council of the Albemarle Resource
Planning and Development Commission and County
Commissioners.
Benefits: Prompt and efficient volunteer services to those who are
hurt during work or play.
Assistance: Technical and financial.

37-6005-053-095 - To provide flood control and drainage for Central
Elementary School grounds, Currituck County.
Purpose: To remove standing water from walks, courts, lawns, build-
ing foundations and playground.
Sponsor: Community Facilities and Services Resource Committee,
Board of Education and County Commissioners.
Benefits: Improve general health conditions, reduce maintenance cost
on buildings and grounds, enjoy greater play area and
improve the appearance.
Assistance: Technical and financial.

37-6005-053-096 - Provide courses in local history, Currituck County.
Purpose: To acquaint residents of county with the history of their
ancestors.
Sponsor: Community Facilities and Services Resource Committee, His-
torical Society and Currituck County Public Library.
Benefits: To enable the residents to appreciate their heritage and
understand the unique characteristics of the county.
Assistance: Technical and organizational.

37-6005-053-097 - Conduct a feasibility study of an outdoor theater,
Currituck County.
Purpose: To introduce culture through entertainment without having
to travel long distances.
Sponsor: Community Facilities and Services Resource Committee,
Women's Club, Historical Society and Drama Club.
Benefits: Provide entertainment and recreation.
Assistance: Organizational, technical and financial.

37-6005-053-098 - Provide additional fire protection equipment and
facilities, Currituck County.
Purpose: To upgrade, update and look to the future with a minimal
cost in mind for both the mainland and outer banks areas
Sponsor: Community Facilities and Services Resource Committee,
Volunteer Fire Association and County Commissioners.
Benefits: Protection of lives, and to save natural resources and to
promote industry.
Assistance: Organizational, technical and financial.

37-6005-053-099 - Hold three seminars on organization and operation of
county government, Currituck County.
Purpose: To inform the residents about how their county operates
and to help replace the trust in gove rnm ent.
Sponsor: Community Facilities and Services Resource Committee,
County Commissioners, County Manager and College of the
Albemarle.
Benefits: Better harmony and good information for planning for
future growth of the county.
Assistance: Organizational and technical.

37-6005-053-100 - Protect natural resources by proper land use planning,
Currituck County.
Purpose: To provide harmony with manmade and natural resources as
much as possible.
Sponsor: Community Facilities and Services Resource Committee,
Albemarle Soil and Water Conservation District, Planning
Board and County Commissioners.
Benefits: A balanced growth and natural resources development.
Assistance: Organizational, technical and financial.

37-6005-053-101 - Promote industry that will employ residents, preferably
recreational, Currituck County.
Purpose: To increase job opportunities and diversify tax base.
Sponsor: Community Facilities and Services Resource Committee and
County Manager.
Benefits: More income to county for a higher standard of living.
Assistance: Organizational, technical and financial.

37-6005-053-102 - Develop Maple Airstrip, Currituck County.
Purpose: More efficient transportation that will promote industry
and recreational business.
Sponsor: Community Facilities and Services Resource Committee,
Albemarle Resource Planning and Development Commission and
Aviation Division of State Department of Transportation.
Benefits: More income for the people of county and provide easy
access to recreational and business facilities of county.
Assistance: Technical and financial.

37-6005-053-103 - Governmental management of development of Outer Banks,
Currituck County.
Purpose: To employ harmony in nature so as to not destroy coast line
but at the same time provide recreational facilities for
people to enjoy Outer Banks.
Sponsor: Community Facilities and Services Resource Committee, Albe-
marle Soil and Water Conservation District and County Manager
Benefits: Protection of lands, marshlands, shores, beaches and wildlife.
Assistance: Organizational, technical and financial.

37-6005-053-104 - Make a study of solid waste management and recommend
changes, Currituck County.
Purpose: To assist with a project that has already begun but needs
help.
Sponsor: Community Facilities and Services Resource Committee,
Albemarle Soil and Water Conservation District and County
Commissioners.
Benefits: Promote good health conditions and promote industry and
recreation.
Assistance: Technical and financial.

37-6005-053-105 - Promote water resources management for drinking
and for wildlife, Currituck County.
Purpose: To promote good water for recreational facilities and
good fresh water for wildlife, the entire county.
Sponsor: Community Facilities and Services Resource Committee,
Albemarle Soil and Water Conservation District and
County Commissioners
Benefits: Prevention of contamination of water for residents, visitors
and for recreational purposes; also wildlife.
Assistance: Technical and financial.

37-6005-053-106 - Provide library facilities and services, Outer Banks,
Currituck County.
Purpose: To provide library services in an isolated area and to
enrich the lives of residents.
Sponsor: Community Facilities and Services Resource Committee, County
Commissioners and Regional Library.
Benefits: Increased reading and educational base for residents of
all ages.
Assistance: Technical and financial.

37-6005-998-151 - Conduct a workshop to provide information on hog
marketing alternatives, Camden, Currituck and Pasquo-
tank Counties.
Purpose: To let hog producers know how they can maximize their income
through marketing.
Sponsor: Agriculture Resource Committee and Agricultural Exten-
sion Service
Benefits: Increased marketing knowledge and more income for area
farmers.
Assistance: Organizational and instructional.

Annual Objectives

Broad Goals Annual Objectives

A. By 1985, mobile homes should (1) Encourage development of con-
be reduced from 26% of the County's vential housing in the County.
housing stock to 14%.
(2) Review ordinances to see if
Met Objective Did not Meet Objective standards exist for the number, type
and placement of storage buildings
(1) in mobile home parks.

(2) (3) Make local ordinances more
restrictive to discourage development
(3) of mobile home parks in the county.

B. Work toward the improvement of (1) Monitor N.C. DOT Highway Improve-
the major thoroughfares serving the ments Program to ensure that the
County. improvement scheduled for 1984 remains
on schedule.
Met Objective Did not Meet Objective
(2) Encourage the State Department
(1) of Transportation to increase ferry
service to Knotts Island.

(3) Continue to work with DOT on
(3) resolving Outer Banks access problem.

C. Encourage appropriate industries (1) Prepare detail study of the
to locate in the County. feasibility of developing the airport
site for industry.
Met Objective Did not Meet Objective
(2) Work with state in obtaining
industrial prospects.

(2)

5. Evaluation Criteria for Goals and Objectives

To ensure that the broad goals and annual objectives adopted by the

Commissioners are being addressed, the Commissioners will make an

annual assessment of annual objectives established during the previous

year. This assessment will determine if the annual objectives were met

or if progress is being made., using the check list provided in the

goals and objectives section.

6. Plan for Fature land Use (Land Classification Map)

As part of the Coastal Area Management Planning process,, a Land

I'lassification Mai) was prepared based on analysis of existing land use,
C

population projections and the CAIMA guidelines. The map has been developed

to serve as the primary tool to direct future growth. The map and text

are discussed in detail in the CAMA Land Use Plan.

7. Public Participation

Public participation was a primary concern throughout the planning

process, and particularly during the establishment of goals and objectives.

For detail information on the public participation process, see the

public participation section of the QUIA land Use Plan.

8. Environmental Assessment

The County Board of Commissioners desiresto maintain the good quality of

life now enjoyed in Currituck County and proposesno action that would adversely

affect the environment. Also, based on the results of the Coastal Area Managment

Act Land Use Plan, there was a clear desire by citizens of the County to have

continued slow-growth in the area but growth that is sensitive to the environ-

ment. The land use plan identified physical limitations for future development,

fragile areas such as estuarine waters, public trust waters and coastal wetlands

and areas with resource potential, All of this information should be helpful

in guiding future residential and other development to insure that there will be

as little adverse effect on the environment as possible. For detailed information

on the natural environment of the County a copy of the CANA Land Use Plan is

available for inspection at the Currituck County Courthouse.

Impact of Proposed Act Outlined in Housing Element

All of the actions discussed in this document are proposed and intended to

have a positive impact upon either the natural or man-made environment. Safeguards

against unneceasary adverse effects are also called for under the Coastal ATea

Management Act of 1974, and under state and regional clearinghouse proqedures.

9. Historic Preservation Assessment

At the present time there:.,are two structures that are listed in the

National Register of Historic Places. The Twin House which is located in

Shawboro and the Currituck Beach Lighthouse which is located on the Outer

Banks of Currituck County. Other structures that are presently unlisted but

are being considered for listing are:

Culong
Shaw House
Currituck Courthouse District
Whaleshead Club
Currituck Shooting Club

Structures that are not listed in National Register of Historic Places
include:

Corolla Light Lifeboat Station
Currituck Jail

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