[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]
z. COASTAL ZONE INFORMATION CEN",TER ""N -7- S p,r - I pr Liz 14LO, ja - ts. City of Southport North Carolinbl LAND USE PLAN UPDATE 1980 -woMm" Draft Brunswick County Planning Department 0 COASTAL ZONE MFORMATION CENTER CITY OF SOUTHPORT North Carolina CLAND USE PLAN 1980 OV Final Draft CZIC COLLECmImION Prepared by The Brunswick County Planniw.j 1)epartwc-nt. June 1980 47 :000 0 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introducti on Acknowledgements List of Figures List of Tables PART 1: COMMUNITY PROFILE 1. Population Report 2. Housing Report 3. Economic Report PART 2: MAJOR ISSUES, PROBLEMS, AND POLICIES 1. Assessment of Past Land Use Plan 2. Public Participation Process 3. Summary of Major Issues and Problems 4. Goals and Objectives 5. New Policy Statements 6. Implementation Strategies 7. Capital Improvements Program PART 3: LAND USE SURVEY AND ANALYSIS 1. Existing Land Use 2. Development Trends 3. Existing and Proposed Services and Facilities PART 4: LAND CLASSIFICATION DEVELOPMENT 1. Constraints on Development 2. Principals and Standards for Future Development 3. Population Projections 4. Holding Capacity 5. Land Classification Plan INTRODUCTION The Coastal Area Management Act "In recent years the coastal area has been subjected to increasing pressures which are the result of the often conflicting needs of a society expanding in industrial development, in population, and in the recreational aspirations of its citizens. Unless these pressures are controlled by coordinated management, the very features of the coast'which make it economically, esthetically, and ecologi- cally, rich will be destroyed." In 1974, the North Carolina General Assembly passed the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) in an effort to effectively manage the development of twenty coastal counties. The Act notes that, "among North Carolina's most valuable resources are its coastal lands and waters. The coastal area, and in particular the estuaries, are among the most biologically productive regions of the state and of the nation. Coastal and estuarine waters and marshlands provide almost 90 per- cent of the most productive sport fisheries on the east coast of the " U'nited States. North Carolina's coastal area has an extremely high recreational and esthetic value which should be preserved and enhanced." Adoption of the CAMA empowered local governments in the twenty North Carolina coastal counties to exercise control over their future. The Act designs a state- local cooperative program in which local government shall have the initiative for planning by preparing a blueprint for their future growth and development and the State government shall establish Areas of Environmental Concern where lands are environmentally sensitive to the prospect of development. W.ith regard to planning, State government shall have an advisory role, setting guidelines and standards, and a reviewer's role, evaluating the local land use plans. In addition, the State makes grants to finance local planning and work jointly with local govern- nients to enforce the adopted plans. The CAMA permit process began March 1, 1978 throughout the entire coastal area of North Carolina. After this date, any development in an Area of Environmental Concern requires a permit. The permitting process is divided intO 2 classes; major permits for large scale developments, and minor permits for houses and other small structures. The major permitting process is administered by the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community Development. The minor permitting process process is administered locally by the Southport Building Inspector. The entire C41A planning process ha's been oriented towards citizen participa- tion and has continually provided mechanisms for citizen input into the preparation of the land use plan. The primary input has taken the form of future growth poli- ciesand identification of existing problems and issues and desired future services. Duri.ng the local planning process, efforts must be made to secure this public participation The land use plans which are prepared by local govenments in the coastal area are distributed widely and have many uses. Among the users of the plans are local governments, regional councils of government, state and federal permitting agencies and public and private funding and development groups. 0 Local Government Uses - Counties and municipalities may use the local land use plans in their day to day business and in plann- ing for the future. Often times, the land use plan provides guid- ance in local policy decisions relating to overall community development. The plans also provide the basis for development regulations and capital facility planning and budgeting. By deli- neating how the community wishes to grow, the land use plans help to assure the best use of tax dollars as public utilities can be extended to the best areas for growth. Regional Uses., The regional councils of government or planning and development commissions use the local land use plans as the basis for their regional plans and in their function as regional clearing- house for state and federal funding programs. The local plans can indicate to these regional decision makers what types of development the local community feels are important and where the development should take place. State and Federal Government Uses - The local land use plans are used as a major component in the granting or denial of permits for various developments within the coastal area. The State and federal agencies must be sure that their decisions consider the policies which are set out by the local governments in their plans. This is also true for decisions relating to the use of federal or state funds within the coastal counties. If a local plan sets out policies relating to various types and locations of development, the funding and permit decisions must be consistent with the local policies Pro- jects being undertaken by State and Federal agencies themselves must also be consistent with the local plans. 1980 Southport Land Use Plan The scope of the 1980 Southport Land Use Plan includes a community profile, land use update, land use survey and analysis, and a land classification map. Specifically, a summary of data collected and its analysis, maps of existing land use and desired land use, Areas of Environmental Concern, assessments of past and current problems, and new policy statements are presented. The 1980 Plan is an update of the 1976 Southport Land Use Plan. Much of the data presented in this document is based on previous information. For example, because the 1980 United States Census has not yet been published, population figures for 1980-on are projections based on information in the 1976 Land Use Plan. Therefore, some of the data presented needs to be updated with the publication of the Census , and it is possible that the data presented is deceptive, but is not totally unrealistic. In preparation of the Southport Land Use Plan, several techniques were used to elicit input from the public in the planning process. These include local meetings@ with citizens and planners, a citizen survey, local weekly newspaper coverage, and a "dial-a-planner" service. The citizens have also been encouraged to comment on preliminary land use and land classification proposals. Significant commenfs have been incorporated in the final land classification map appearing in thi's plan, The public participation process for the city of Southport is explained in further detail in the following text. 0 PART 1: COMMUNITY PROFILE I 'A I I T, COMMUNITY PROFILE 1. Population Report Current Population Estimates Population Change Household Composition Population Characteristics Migration Rates Seasonal Population 2. Housing Report Dwelling Units Substandard Housing Low Income Housing 3. Economic Report Industry Commerce Finance and Real Estate 1. Population Report In 1970 Brunswick'County's most populated municipality was Southport. In 1975, it still claimed the number one position, and currently in 1980, Southport continues to rank in the top spot. Its population represents approximately 8.24 percent of the County population. This represents a decrease of .92 percent since 1970. Current Population Estimates The population of Southport, as well as that Of Brunswick County has experienced a period of extreme growth since 1970. The establishment of two large industrial plants near the city has been accompanied by a major influx of workers which has added significantly to the total population. The 1970 United States Census (the last official enumeration) placed the total count of persons in Southport at 2220, and that of Brunswick County at 24,223. These figures represent increases from the 1960 Census of 9.1% and 19.4% respectively. With due regard to the 1970 statistics, however, it is a generally recognized fact that a great deal of change has occurred within the last ten years which would probably render 1970 data particu- larly deceptive. However, because the 1980 United States Census data is not yet available, current population estimates must be based on the 1970 figures. The Southport population for 1980 was projected to be approxi- mately 3136 in the 1976 Southport Land Use Plan, while the Brunswick County population for 1980 was projected to be 38,100 by the North Carolina Depart- ment of Administration. These figures represent increases of approximately 41.3 percent and 57.3 percent, respectively, since 1970. The vast majority of this upsurge is most likely an outgrowth of industrial expansion, particu- larly the Carolina Power and Light Company Nuclear Power Generating Station located just outside of town. This industry employed a large quantity of construction workers during the early part of the seventies, and has contin- ued to provide jobs for a large number of workers on a permanent basis. Population Cha Although County data is helpful in describing the population townsh' data may create a more accurate description. Southport is locat@d i.n Smllk- ville Township, which has approximately 18 percent of the,total county popu- lation. During the 1960-1970 decade, the Township where the CP&L plant'is, located registered a gain of 29.5 percent (about 1000 persons), Thi iS i,ndi.cated that some people were taking up residence near the plant, but outsi.de the cilty limits of Southport. From 1970 to 1980 itis estimated that Smi,thville Town- ship experienced a gain of 67.4 percent (about 2980 persons), indicating that the trend has continued. POPULATION CHANGE 1930-1980 Brunswick SMthville Twp. Southport 1930 15,818 2912 1760 1940 17,125 (+8.3%) 2936 '(+0.8%) 1760 (0.0%) 1950 19,238 (+12.3%) 2873 (-2.2%) 1748 (0.7%) 1960 20,278 (+5.4%) 3355 (+16.8%) 2034 (16.4%) 1970 24,223 (+19.5) 4346 (+29.5%) 2220 (+9.1%) 1980 38,100 (+57. Fl.) 7274 (+67.4%) 3136 (+41.3%) SOURCE: U.S. Census 1970, for years 1930-1970 N.C. Department of Administration, Brunswick County 1980 projection. Brunswick County Planning Department, Smithville Twp. 1980 projection. Southport Land Use Plan, 1976 While the total population of Brunswick County increased by 18,862 from 1950 to 1980, the-non-white population increased by only 4,465. Between 1950 and 1980, the percentage Of non-white population dropped from 36.7% to 30.18% in 1980. Of the 4,465 non-white increase, 2,073 were males and 2,392 females. Percentage wise, the non-white males in relationship to the total males dropped from 35.7% in 1950 to 29% in 1980, and the non-white females declined from 37.5% to 31.2%. It would seem that slightly more males than females migrated from the County but no natural increase statistics by sex is available to confirm this. Township statistics are available only for 1960 and 1970. Estimates for 1980 were made by the Brunswick County Planning Department 1980 Non-White Population Change by Township 1960 1970 1960 1970 Total Non- % Non- Total Non- % Non- 1960-1970 Pop white white Pop white White Change Brunswick Co. 20,278 7,175 35.4 24,223 7,443 30.7 268 Smithville Twp. 3,355 1,144 34.1 4,346 1,193 24.4 49 Non-white Population Change by Tovn Total Non- % Non- 197--1980 Population White White Change @ Brunswick Co. 38,100 9,335 24.5 1,921 Smithville Twp. 7,274 1,617 23.2 445 Household Composition Household composition was also estimated for Brunswick County and Sm'ithville Township. Analysis shows an approximate average household size of 3,47 for the whole county. The Township white household size is higher than that average for the county, and the Township non-white household size was smaller than that aver- age for the county. Township Household Composition 1980 Brunswick Smithville County Township Total Households 10,980 2,096 Household Population 38,100 7,274 Population per Household 3.47 3.47 White Households 8,359 1,596 Household Population 28,765 5,657 Population Per Household 3.44 3.52 Non-white Households 2,621 500 Household Population 9,335 1,617 Population per Household 3.56 3.32 Population Characteristics The median age of a population, that is, the point at which half of the people are older and half are younger, gives a description of the age composi- tion of a given population. The forces which normally act on the median age are births, deaths, and migration, and the complex interplay of these forces can drIve the age either up or down. There is presently a nationwide trend toward lower birth rates, and this has caused the median age to rise slightly, since young people became a lesser proportion of the total. From 1960 to 1970, each segment under study (male, female, black, white) grew older. The median age for all groups in Brunswick County was 26.4 in 1970 as opposed to 23.9 in 1960. Southport in 1970 stood at 32.2 and Smithville Township registered 32.4, while the North Carolina figure was 26.5. The reason for this difference appears to be that Southport contains a relatively large population of elderly people (those over 65) within its boundaries. North Carolina, for example, listed 34.6% of its people less than age 18 and Southport compared closely with 32.2%. In the over 65 category, however, Southport contrasted significantly with 12.9% versus the state average of 8.1% . . . nearly one and one half times as many. The elderly of Southport represent 12.1% of the Brunswick County population. This situation could have possibly changed since the last Census, but from these figures, it would appear that Southport is a favorable environment for the elderly, perhaps the retiree, and should take this into account when formulating policies and pro- grams in the future. POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS: 1970 Total Male Female White Black Under18 Over 65 Med.Age Brunswick 24,223 50% 50% 69% 30% 37.4% 8.4% 26.4% Smithville Twp 4,346 49% 51% 72% 26% 32.4% 12.1% 32.4% Southport 2,220 47% 53% 62%* 35% 32.7% 12.9% 32.4% North Carolina 5,082,059 49% 51% 77% 22% 34.6% 8.1% 26.5% SOURCE: U,S, Census, 1970 Estimates of population distribution by race, sex, and age groups were also made for Brunswick County and Smithville Township for 1980 by the Brunswick County Planning Department.i 1980 Population Distribution by Race, Sex, and Age Group Brunswick Smithville County Township Total Population 38,100 7,274 Male 18,959 3,548 Female 19,141 3,726 White 28,765 5,657 I Non-white 9,335 1,617 Median Age 28.4 N/A Number Under 18 13,335 2,357 L_@_Number over 65 4,191 880 Migration Rates Recent migration rates, population characteristics, and median age figures are not yet available for Southport or the County. To create a general descrip- tion of the population, 1970 Census figures are presented below as well as some analysis from the 1976 Southport Land Use Plan. It is expected that this general description will change with the analysis of 1980 Census data. Migration rates which were calculated for Brunswick County from 1960 to 1970 reflect the assumption that more and more of the County's people are staying in the County rather than moving out. A study done in 1969, for example, compared specific age groups in 1950 with the same groups a decade later in order to measure the percentage of persons who had remained within the County during that period (R.g. ages 25-34 in 1950 compared with ages 35-44 in 1960). In every case Brunswick had shown a loss of residents, that is, less than 100% remained ten years later. From 1960 to 1970, the situation was altered significantly. Most age groups exhi.bi.ted net gains (over 100%) during this span, and in each instance, the percentage of persons continuing to reside in the County was larger than during the previous enumeration. Although age breakdowns since 1970 have been unavailable, the reported substantial additions to the total population would lend support to the notion that currently, an even higher proportion of each age group is being retained.. These statistics tend to indicate that Brunswick County is becoming an increasingly attractive area in which to live and work. MIGRATION RATES: BRUNSWICK CO. 1950-60, 1960-70 0-4 5-9 10-14 15-19 20-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 Age Groups in 1960 2441 2469 2417 1928 1125 2298 2509 2155 Same Group in 1970 2653 2320 1840 1542 1326 2634 2677 2320 Percent Remaining 109% 94 76 80 118 115 107 .108 Percent Remai,ning 1950-1960 96% 81 54 -61 81 94 92 88 SOURCE: Southport Population & Economy Study 1969 and Calculated from U,S Census 1970 Seasonal Population The seasonal population in Southport is for below that of the nei.ghboring beach communities. However, it is i,mportant to consider visiltors. because of thei.r demand for city services and their effect on the economy, The following tables of seasonal population and visitation averages and projections were done in preparation of the Southeastern Brunswick County 201 Facilities Plan, The Pro- jections indicate that not much increase in the seasonal popula,ti.on is expected to the year 20-00. Peak Weakly Population Southport 1980 1990 2000 Permanent 3,477 4,562 5,665 Seasonal 214 235 259 Total 3,691 4,797 5,924 Visitation for Southport Average Week Peak Week Peak Day Season-Total Spring 78 160 274 785 Summer 168 214 1,036 Fall 104 160 1,246 Winter 77 2. Housing Report Dwelling Units The current residential dwelling count for the Southport planning area is-1069. In the following table this figure is broken down for units within th e city limits and those in the extraterritorial jurisdiction. Number of Dwelling Units Type Dwelling Dwelling Units Within City Limits Permanent Single Family 850 Permanent Multi-Family 42 Mobile Homes 18 Total 910 Within Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Permanent S ingle Family 112 Permanent Multi-Family 0 Mobile Homes 47 Total 159 Area Total 1,069 Substandard Housing The City of Southport contains a high number of substandard houses. Of the total 910 dwelling units, approximately 15.99% are in substandard condi- t1on. Although this figure is rather high, this housing is primarily located in the area of the Northwest quadrant in Southport, bounded by Howe, Burring- ton, Ninth, and Brown Streets. Here deteriorated and substandard housing is .overwhelming. of the total 89 dwelling units in this area, 70 units or'78.65 percent are in failing condition. Available vacant standard housing is non- existent in the area. There are eight vacant units which are all dilapidated beyond repair. These structures occupy unattended lots, they harbor rodents and the like, and contribute to the blight and health hazards of the community. Because many of these units are beyond repair, and in order to prevent endangering the safety and wellfare of the citizens of Southport, they need to be demolished. The City of Southport has provided funds to be used for demo- lition of deteriorated houses and in actively pursuing this program by assess- ing the home owners. The City has also applied for a Community Development Block Grant for rehabilitation of 62 units and demolition of 8 vacant units.i.n the neighborhood described above. Low Income Housing The low income residents of Southport are also provided ho us.ing assistance through the Brunswick County Public Housing DepartmenVs Section 8 existing housing program. Presently, there are 25 households in Southport receiving this rent subsidy. Other current housing characteristics and statistics are not yet avail- able. When the 1980 Census data is published, a more detailed housing report can be completed 3. Economic Report The economy of an area is constantly undergoing long te m change. These changes affect the population in total numbers, in density and, therefore, the level of services required, as well as the economic well being of each person. The destiny of an urban center is controlled by the extent and character of its productive and income - producing activity and its general vitality. That is, the urban, economy conditions the amount of land development that occurs. For these reasons, an investigation of the economy is an important part of the planning process. If the economic change is to industry, the population will normally increase with the concentration being near the major industrial area. However, with todays means of transportation, workers commute greater dis- tances than in past years. Too, industry normally increases the income of the area providing a higher standard of living. The type of economy an area has also affects the tax base. Again, industrial development normally means costly plants and equipment that make a major contri- bution to the Ad Valorem Taxes, thus relieving the individual of some of his tax responsibility. With so many areas being influenced by the economy the elements of the economy must be considered as to its foundation, strength, stability and future. While thit total economy of an area contributes to the total picture, certain activities are considered to be more important. These are the primary basic economic activities. The stability and growth of any area depends directly upon the stability and growth of these economic activities. The future growth of an area can be somewhat guided through guidance of economic development. Through planned development, especially of industry, growth can be guided to areas best suited to sustain such growth. These factors mentioned serve only as a brief and limited explanation of the i'@portance of the economy of an area to its past, present and future and the necessity of considering the economic aspects in the planning process. An accurate appraisal of the economy in Southport is difficult to gauge at the time of this report. The 1980 Cens,us data'has not yet been published and much has happened to influence the economy since 1970. It may be helpful to consider the Brunswick County Economic Report as a setting for Southport in creating a Picture of the City's economy, as well as some very general char- acteristics that can be determined in the City. Industry As Brunswick County has shifted from an agricultural/commercial fishing economic base to a more industrial base, during the past decade the economic well being of the County's residents has improved. There are many indicators of this other than the census reports. One such indicator is per capita personal--income. In 1973 the per capita Personal Income for Brunswick County was only $2,911. By 1978 it had risen to $5,071. Industrial development in Brunswick and New Hanover Counties has contributed to this increase in per capita income. In 1979, manufacturing was the leading employer and economic contributer to the County's economy. Commercial fisheries ranked second, and transportation and tourism ranked about third as employers. Agricultural activity was the second leading economic contributer, while tourism was the third. Southport lost its major employer in 1978 when the Brunswick County offices moved from Moore Street to near Bolivia. The County Board of Education, however, is still located there, but has future plans of moving to the complex site also. Manufacturing For its size, Southport has a good number of manufacturing establishments, which emfj.@oy County residents as well as Southport residents. Below is a list of firms located in the Southport area. This list was compiled by the Brunswick County Resources Development Office. Employment Year Firm Range Products Established Blake Builders Supplies 20-49 Building Supplies, 1950 Supplies.,, Inc. hardware, concrete Carolina -Power and Light Company 250-499 Electrical power 1975 Caroons Crab 20-49 fresh and frozen seafood 1965 Company, Inc. East Coast Ice 20-49 Manufacture ice 1975 and Fisheries Pfizer, Inc. 100-249 Citric acid 1975 Sea-Way Press 1-4 Commercial printing 1967 Standard Products of North *rolina, Inc. 20-49 Fish meal, fish oil, and fish solubles 1922 State Port Pilot 1-4 Weekly newspaper 1928 Woodcraft Cabinet 1-4 Custom- made cabinets, 1974 Shop misc. woodwork it Is important to note that no new industries or firms have located in the Southport area since 1975, when Carolina Power and Light and Pfizer companies located there. Both are major employers in the Southport area as well as the County. Fishing Fsihing is a major industry in the Southport area. Southport is the commercial .and sport fishing center of the county, with largest amount of registered/licensed fishing boats. This is significant since Brunswick County is one of the leading seafood producers in the State. Southport has a state owned boat harbor which was recently leased to a private operate! ' It is reported that the harbor is now doing much better and producing more revenue since the leasing. There is an adjoining harbor, the Old Boat Harbor, which is run down and dilapidated. It is being considered for rehabiliation and historic preservation, but could also contribute more to the fishing industry providing better access an.d facilities. In the present state, it is definitely not producing or pro- moting as much revenue as it could be if it was in better condition. Agriculture Agriculture activity in the Southport area is almost non-existent. In the 1976 Land Use Plan, it was reported that Smithville Township had so little agricultural activity, that all acres in agricultural use would be included in the Towncreek Township reports. Tourism Although tourism is the third largest contributor to the economy of Brunswick County, its contribution to Southport's economy is relatively low. Besides tourists filtering over from Oak Island, or passing through in route to Bald Head Island or the Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry, most visitors are attracted primarily by charter and commercial fishing. Although a few Southport businesses may benefit from chance shopping and patronage at eating establishment, most tourist money is spent elsewhere. Southport's geographical location may adversely affect its tourist business. It is in a rather out-of-the-way spot, and though this may be a charming asset to many residents, it could cause some prospective visitors to search for a more accessible place to vacation. This situation is compounded by the rising cost of gasoline which is already causing a decline in tourism throughout the entire county. To combat this, Southport must continue to be more aggressive in attracting tourism, that being the general attitude of the public. Many Southport residents and businessmen feel that tourism should be encouraged, but in a positive way. Since there is an overall desire to maintain the "fishing village" atmosphere, the City should take advantage of those assets, possibly by rehabilitation of historic *sites, cleaning up the downtown and waterfront area, and publicizing these hi@toric assets t6 draw tourists to the City. Commerce- The fo urth largest occupation of Brunswick County residents is that of.trade which includes all persons engaged in the sales of merchandise. Gross retail sales has risen steadily since 1973 for the County, with the greatest growth occurring since 1978. The annual increase, from 1978 to 1979 was as large as the total increase,for the three-year period from 1973 to 1976. Although recent retail figures for Southport are not available, it is probable that Southport merchants have not received their proportional share of the County increases due most probably to their failure to compete with other districts within the Southport market area. Central Business District In the past decade, the economic viability of the downtown and waterfront areas of Southport has been jeopardized. To arrest any negative trends in the commercial areas, city officials adopted a Downtown and Waterfront Revitalization Plan in September 1979. Studies done in preparation of this plan by the Brunswick County Planning Department indicated an extreme problem of vacant buildings, due largely to the move of Brunswick County Government offices, and vacant lots, due to lack of demand for floor space in the Central Business District (CBD). In addition, a large number of buildings in the area housed professional offices, primarily attorney. It was also found that large portions of the land in the CBD and-along the waterfront was owned by a few people, rather than a large number of individuals. A market analysis for the plan concluded that the CBD has been negatively affected also by the competition of shopping centers in the area. Southport has experienced reduced sales margins, vacancies and lack of capital for improvements. It has obvious from the analysis of goods and services offered in the CBD that business volume has decreased. (For a more detailed analysis, see, City of Southport Downtown and Waterfront Revitalization Plan, 1979.) The significance of the trends mentioned above is that the Southport central commercial areas are showing definite sign of decline. Jhe movement of the County offices to Bolivia has not only caused vacant buildings, it has also caused a decrease of pedestrian traffic. The professional offi,ces draw some people into the CBD, but not enough to make a real difference. The nearby shopping centers draw people away who would have otherwise shopped in the CBD. It seems obvious that the Southport CBD must become an active competitor, in the market area in order to draw people back to the central commercial areas. To do this, changes in its physical appearance are being planned according to the revitalization plan. This will not be enough, however. Changes must be made in the ownership patterns and marketing techniques of establishments. to make revitalization a success. Having a small number of people owning most of the commercial property stifles competition within the commercial areas. Competition between business establishments is a very important factor in the viability of a commercial area. Obsolete marketing techniques should be re- placed by more contemporary techniques, taking the lead from the successful shopping center. Steps to limit commercial development in outlying areas could also be taken in an effort to encourage new business to locate in the downtown areas. Currently, the Zoning Ordinance sanctions strip commercial development along North Howe Street, NC 133 and 211. This is a major threat to economic stability and revitalization of the CBD. In the past five years various retail establishments have located in the CBD, however, most have not survived longer than six months. Offers to buy certain downtown_properties have been made, but outrageous and prohibitive price tags have been attached to the deteriorating properties. Toursim, so far, has had little effect on the economy of Southport. Most tourists are headed for the surrounding beaches, just driving through, shopping by chance, or patronizing the eating establishments wi-thin Southport, and spending most of their money elsewhere. Other Commercial Areas Commercial development outside the downtown area along North Howe Street, NC 133 and 211 may act to mitigate the effect of the declining downtown. Southport intends to continue to develop these outlying areas. Many of establishments there benefit from the tourist traffic along these roads. Four major restaurants and four motels are supported in Southport. These establsihments do not depend solely on tourist traffic since they are open year round. The,.marinas' are also commercial enterprices which do well in Southport, althouqft, marina - type activities do not employ a large amount of people. Finance and Real Estate Activities of financial institutions, banks, and savings and loan associations ha ve increased significantly in the past decade.in the County. Southport, at present, contains three banks, the largest of which has two branches. A savings and loan is also located there. Real estate activities has also shown significant increases in the County, and Southport has a good share of real state establishments. Fiscal Year 1981 Revenue Each of the foregoing economic activities contributes to the general wealth and health of the City of Southport. Recently, the fiscal year 1981 operating budget was approved by Southport officials. An itemized list of revenues and revenue sources may help to create a more detailed picture of the economic health of the City. Below is a summary of the expected revenues in the approved budget. A copy of the FY 81 approved budget revenues and expenditures can be found in the appendix to this text. Note that the largest sources of revenue are received in electricity sales and general funds. Of the general fund revenues, property taxes and sales taxes comprise the major portion. ABC revenues,contribute a substantial portion also to this general fund. City of Southport FY 81 Budget - Revenues TOTAL REVENUE General Gov't $515,847 Powell-Bill 40,000 Electr4c 1,270,151 Water & Sewer 190,510 Revenue Sharing - 7,250 Total 2,023,758 GENERAL FUND REVENUE Tax Current Year 193,804 Tax Prior Year 7,000 Penalities & Interest 2,000 Motor Ven. Lic. 700 Priviledge Lic. 1,400 Dog Tags 200 Beer L.ic. 300 Build-Permits 1,000 Franch.ise Tax 30,000 intangible Tax 3,500 Beer and Wine 10,700 Local Options Sales 25,000 Refund of Tax (sales) 6,500 Refund of Tax (gas) 1,500 Cable TV 5,000 Cemetery Lot Sales 3,000 Traffic Fines 50 ABC Police Fund 1,200 ABC Distribution 13,000 Interest Income 300 Miscellaneous 12,500 Sale of Misc. & Junk 2,500 Boat Slip Rent 4,500 From Powell Bill 31,000 From Electric Bill ..--159,193 Total $ 515,847 Powell Bill Revenue Est. FY 80 Est. FY 81 State@of North Carolina $43,000 --P-0-1000 Electric Revenue Sale of Electricity $ 1,268,551 Service Charge 1,600 Total $ 1,270,151 Water and Sewer Revenue Water.& Sewer Collection $ 180,010 Water & Sewer TAP FEE 8,000 MISC. Ont. Etc.) 1,500 TOTAL $ 190,510 Revenue Sharing Revenue FY 80 FY 81 Federal Grant $29,000 $ 7,250 a PART 2: 'MAJOR ISSUES, PROBLEMS, AND POLICIES V, - `Vl @ - ti 0 MAJOR ISSUES, PROBLEMS, AND POLICIES 1. Assessment of Past Land Use Plan City Administration Natural Resources Growth and Development Housing Transportation Character Preservation 2. Public Participation Process Citizen Questionnaire Report 3. Summary of Major Issues and Problems 4. Goals and Objectives 5. New Policy Statements Resource Protection Resource Production Management Economic and Community Development Continuing Public Participation Process 6. -Implementation Strategies Zoning Subdivision Regulation Flood Plain Protection and Management Land Classification Plan Health Department Regulations Ruilding Code Capital Improvements Program CANA Regulations Principles and Standards for Future Development Maintaining a Low Tax Rate Recruiting Industry and/or Business Other Possible Strategies 7. Capital Improvement Program Public Improvement Projects for Fiscal 1979-1984. Fiscal Year 1981 Budget Expenditures MAJOR ISSUES, PROBLEMS, ANb POLICIES The identification of major issues and problems in a community is an important part of the land use planning process. It involves listing problems/issues; identifying associated conditions, and specifying likely causes of these conditions. From such analysis, goals and objectives can be stated which address the specific problems/ issues. And, from stated goals and objectives, land use policies and plans for achieving the goals and objectives can be established. Implementation of the policies and plans will depend on the means which the community possesses. The means include a zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, and a capital improvements budget. In doing an update of a previous land use plan, it is necessary to assess and analyse past problems/issues, goals, objectives, and policies. In such analysis, problems/issues which no longer exist can be identified and eliminated from the updated plan. Achievement of goals and objectives is noted and the update is modified. Any items which have not been eliminated or achieved can be assessed for any progress or reasons why the problems/issues still exist or the goals have not been achieved. An assessment and analysis of past problems/issues and the Land Use Plan for Southport is included in the following text. Identification of new problerqs/issues which have developed since the previous plan was written was done with the help of the community's citizens. The entire CA1.1A planning process have been oriented towards public participation. The primary citizen input has taken the form of identification of existing problems and issues and the establish- ment of future growth policies. The public participation process is also described in the following text. An analysis of the relationship between problems/issues and policies helps to develop new policy statements for the updated land use plan which apply to current problems. New policy statements have been established for the City of Southport and are included in the following text, as well as the existing implementation tools in the community. 0 l.' Assessment of Past Land Use Plan In 1976, the Board of Aldermen of the City Of SOUthDort adopted a land use plan to quide the growth and development of tke city in the years to come. A major objective of this update plan is the assess- i,.lent of that previous plan's effectiveness and implementation. The following is a list of major issues for which goal and objective statemen't's were made in the Plan. In the text which follows each issue is discussed in terms of its existing conditions, changes since 1976 and future outlook. 1. City Administration A. Full time management B. Recreation Director C. Dog Ordinance II. Natural Resources A. CAMA Enforcement B. A. E. C.'s C. Flood Insurance III. Growth and Development A. Condensed Growth B. Recreation C. Services and Facilities 1. Boat Access 2. Dosher Hospital 3. Capital Improvement Plan 4. Programs for the Elderly 5. Fire Protection D. Industrial Development IV. Housing A. Rehabilitation B. Assisted Housing C. '@`,.obile Home Zoning V. Transportation A. Thoroughfare Plan B. Residential Development Plans VI. Character?reservation A. Appearance Commission B. Information Center - Museum r. - Brunswick Count Historic District Commission U Southport y D.' Harbor Preservation CITY ADMINITSTRATION A. Full Time Management An objective of the 1976 Land Use Plan was to "employ full-time qualified personnel in order to improve the city's management capability". This objective has been fulfilled by the employment of a city manager since 1976. B. Recreation..Director In the 1976 Southport Land Use Plan, one administration objec- tive was to employ a full-time recreational director. A full-time director was appointed in 1976. The full-time status of a recreational director has been of great benefit to @outhport's recreational program. Since that time there has been significant progress in Southport's recreational facilities and programs. C. Dog Ordinances Southport has experienced over the oast years some problems with dogs. Untethered dogs are a problem to the City of Southport. They provide a means for the transmission of rabies and other canine transferable diseases. In 1977, in recognition of this problem, the Southport Board of Aldermen passed a dog ordinance. It requires that all dogs be licensed and that no dog be permitted to run loose @,iithin the city. Unfortunately, this ordinance has done little to correct the situation for two reasons. First, Southport has no programs to enforce this ordinance. Due to lack of money the city has relied on the countY dog control program to capture loose animals. The County program has very little personnel or equipment and cannot provide adequate service for the entire county. The second reason for the ordinance's failure is the Southport residents' attitude towards dog treatment. Apparently most residents feel it is improper and unkind to tether their dogs. 0 NATURAL RESOURCES A. Coastal Area Management Act Enforcement The CA.MA permit process began March 1, 1978, throughout the entire coastal area of North Carolina. After this date, any development in an area of environmental concern requires a permit. The permitting process is divided into two classes; major permits for large-scale developments, and minor permits for houses and other small structures. The major permitting process is adminis- tered by the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community Development. The minor permitting process is admins- tered locally by the Southport Building Inspector. B. Areas of Environmental Concern The Coastal Resources Commission established fragile areas along the North Carolina Coast called Areas of Environmental Concern. It is in the AEC's that CAMA permits are necessary in order to construct or build. Areas of Environmental Concern in Southport include coastal wetlands, estaurine and river erodible areas, and areas subject to public rights. C. Federal Flood Insurance Program Southport adopted a Flood Plain Protection and Management Ordinance in 1976 as part of the requirements for residents to qualify for federally subsidized Flood Insurance. Southport is covered under the regular program as opposed to the emergency program which has higher policy rates. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT A. Condensed Growth Another objective of the 1976 Southport Land Use Plan was to encourage development within the existing corporate limits and avoid "urban sprawl". This objective was addressed by the 1973 Southport Zoning Ordinance with the establishment and positioning of the RA-20, R-1, and R-2 zones. RA-20 is defined as a low-density residential and agricultural district. The R-1 District is defined as single- family and two-family residential. The R-2 District permits the development of multi-family dwellings. It was hoped that a percentage of the new growth would occur in the developed land class (where water and sewer service is, and the density is already 4.5 persons per acre). In 1975 undeveloped land within the city limits accounted for 120 acres. It was suggested that fifty percent of this land should be used for new growth. The Southport Zoning Ordinance designated these areas within the city limits as R-1 and R-2 Districts. Zoning the land within the city at these higher densities promotes the development of land within the city limits first. The RA-20 District, the Transition land class was allocated to the 109 acres beyond the city limits near areas already devel- oped, principally along N. Howe Street where a two-inch water line was placed in the early 70's. The regulation of this district is intended (1) to insure that residential developments not having access to public water supplies and dependent upon septic tanks for sewage disposal will occur at sufficiently low densities to insure a healthful environment and (2) to protect agricultural and residential areas from an influx of incompatible uses which would render such areas undesirable for farms and future development. The minimum required lot areas for this district are 20,000 sq. ft. (without public water and sewer) or 15,000 sq. ft. (with either public water or public sewer). The Southport Land Use Plan Update is another tool which will guide the growth patterns of the city. Included in the Update is a detailed Land Classification System. it will designate industrial, commercial, residential, and recreational areas in an effort to guide development patterns. B. Recreation Since 1976, Southport has added a Qreat deal to its recreation facilities. Since that time a little league field, a multi-use basketball court, a mini-park, and two tennis courts have been developed. An objective of the past plan was to acquire property for a waterfront park. This has been done and a grant for the park's development has been secured from the North Carolina Department of Community Development and Natural Resources. C. Services and Facilities 1. Boat Access Boat access has been a major issue in the Southport area for a number of years. The new harbor facility constructed by the State contains two boat ramps which have been an issue of concern because of the fee charged for their use. These are the only boat ramps presently in Southport. Since the harbor facilities were built with State tax money, the fee for use of the ramps has been vigorously protested. Dosher Hospital In 1975, many citizens of Southport were concerned about the possible loss of Dosher Hospital. In was feared that the development of a County hospital in Supply would force the closing of Dosher Hospital. in 1977, County funds were withdrawn from Dosher to support the new County hos'Dital. Dosher Hospital remained operating only throuqh a special assessment in Smithville Township of an extra 4 cents per $100 valuation. This revenue also allowed the new addition to be constructed. This new addition will not increase the capacity of Dosher but merely provide more modern facilities. Because of the support of the people of Southport and surrounding Smithville Township, Dosher will remain an integral part of the Southport economy. 3. Capital Improvements Another objective of the 1976 Southport Land Use Plan was to implement the recommendations of Community Facilities Plan, Public Improvement Program, and Capital Improvement Budget, Southport, NC 1974. The following is a list of those Capital Improvements proposed and those actually implemented during the fiscal year 1978-79. Table II BRUNSWI-CK' COUNTY NEEDS ASSESSMENT: Age 60 and Over, December 15, 1975 I SEX R AC E AGE GROUPS N E E D TOTAL M F White Non-Whi te 60-64 65-69 70-74 75 & Over 1. Information & Referral 45 46 45 53 39 40 43 33 50 2. Transportation & Escort Ser. 52 54 48 56 43 33 52 56 75 3. Counseling 11 13 10 16 13 14 ll 0 4. Legal Services 19 19 18 1 3 21 20 29 22 0 5. In-Home Services 44 31 58 50 39 33 43 33 25 26 15 18 6. Recreation Services 31 20 33 24 11 1 0 17. Continuing Adult Educatio 13 117 1 10 6 16 27 10 22 25 L8. Employment Services 6 10 0 3 7 27 0 0 0 19. Outreach Services 20 13 30 25 18 27 14 0 25 110. Housing Assistance 24 23 25 6 34 20 33 78 25 11. Health Services 27 27 28 38 21 7 19 11 25 12. Nutrition Services is 25 13 -16 18 20 19 22 1 5.0 All numbers are percentages based upon the frequency the need was identified as one of the three greatest individual needs. Proposed Implemented. Fire Department 10 Horse Power Fire Siren 10 Horse Power Fire Siren 1,000 ft. Double-Jacket 2,500 ft. Double-Jacket 2 112" Fire Hose 2 1/2" Fire Hose Rescue Equipment Rescue Equipment Utility Truck Utility Truck Police Department 7 New Automobiles 1 State Automobile (Normal Replacement) and 1 Other Automobile City Administration City Hall Remodeling Some Rernodelina (moved to New Building) Water System Water Line Extension Water Line Extension to All Areas 4. Programs for the Elderly The 1976 Southport Land Use Plan addressed the issue of progranis for the elderly. In the over-65 population category, Southport averaged 12.9% versus the State average of 8.1%. The predominant factor for the higher percentage in Southport is the attractiveness of Southport as a retirement community. For this reason, it was felt that future policies and programs should increasingly take the elderly into aCCOUnt. There is a Senior Citizens Center in Southport which is located in the old marineology building. It offers a common meeting place for socializing as well as free meals, movies, various table games, and table tennis. A bowling team has also been organized for Southport's senior citizens and is just now getting started. A second Senior Citizens Center which is available to the elderly of Southport is the center recently opened in Shallotte. It offers free meals as well, a wide variety of recreational opportunities and transportation services to the center. It is hoped that the center will eventually provide information and guidance services as well. The elderly of Southport represents 12.1% of the Brunswick County population. Using this percentage, the following is a list of estimated needs assessment for the elderly of SouthDort based upon a needs assessment of Brunswick County elderly, December 1975, The study was done for the State 201 Facilities Plan,1975. The elderly of Southport are also included in an in-home services program, because the County finds an increasing need for human-related services. These needs are not always being provided through institutional type care. In an effort to meet these needs, the County, State, and local service organizations have in the past iMD]emented in-home services. An inventory report for fiscal year 1979-80 documented the need for continuing these services and projected the in-home services to be provided and the number of pe6ple to be served during fiscal years '81, '82, and '83. The in-home services to be provided are included in the following list. The number of peogle over 60 years of age t-:;io @@!ill be in need throughout the next three Nears is projected to be 386 in 1981, 403 in 1982, and 420 in 1983). In-Home Services Adult day care, transportation Chore services Homemaker, adjustment training service Housing and home improvements Casework, counseling Provide basic appliance Labor or material Preparation and delivery of rqeals Home delivery - congregate Home health - nursing, aide Physical therapy Speech therapy Occupational therapy Medical Social '14ork Nutrition 3. Fire Protection Another objective of the 1976 Southport Land Use Plan was to improve fire protection service by acquiring a Class 7 rating, which would require the employment of a full-time fireman. To date, Southport has not acquired a Class 7 rating., This is mainly because they still have a completely volunteer fire department. At present Southport has a Class 8 rating. Interest still continues in the Class 7 rating because of the improvement in fire protection services necessary to obtain the rating and because of the reduction in fire insurance rates it brings. The rating system is not entirely based on specific re- quirements, but rather on subjective scales of improvement within the city's fire protection services. It would seerq that Southoort would need to outlay significant capital funds for improvement in their fire protection services according to local priorities, standards, and requirements for a Class 7 rating. D. Industrial Development The jobs and tax base provided by business and industry are essential for-,the viability of any city. Southport has benefited in the last several years from the location of Pfizer and CP&L near the city. Unfortunately neither pay taxes to Southport because they are outside the city lim'its. Southport lost its major employer in 1978 when the Brunswick County offices moved from Moore Street to the Brunswick County Government Center near Bolivia. Southport could benefit from additional small industrial and commercial development. The city needs a larger tax base in order to keep the tax rate low and provide essential services to its citizens. Jobs are also needed to retain and attract the younger generations, so that Southport's young do not have to leave South- port to find work. One major Possibility for Southport is the development of a seafood industrial nark. The R'orth Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community Developnent has conducted a study to determine the feasibility of a seafood industrial park in Brunswick County. Three locations within the County have been evaluated for this industrial park. The best location was determined to be the area near the State Boat Harbor. In addition to ample land there are existing water and sewer services. The study determined that presently not enough fish are landed within the County to make the seafood industrial park profitable, but within 5 to 8 years there could be. Also the studv did not calculate the amount of fish that miaht be brouqht to the industrial park from outside Brunswick County. The establishment of a large scale stable purchaser of seafood within the County would attract more fishermen to the area and thereby increase the catches. The County or City could develop and operate the industrial park and subsidize its operation for the early years. Building space Would be rented or leased to seafood processing companies. Once the seafood industrial park had operated for several years it should become self-sufficient. The seafood industrial park would benefit the City and County in several ways. First, it would expand the commercial fishing industry in Brunswick County with its main base in Southport. Secondly, it would provide jobs, especially for low-skilled persons which make up the vase majority of the County's unemployed. The seafood industrial park would also be a revitalization force in Southport. The 1975 Southport Land Use Plan suggested that the area just northeast of the City limits would provide an excellent develop- ment site for future industrial activity. A portion of this area has been proposed for the site of the Southeast Regional sewer plant. The location of wastewater treatment facilities is governed by many facturs, but those considered most important in the South- port situation are proximity to wastewater source, size and nature of pbtential receiving stream, and availability of a suitable site. Industry and business are likely to be attracted to the area once sewage treatment capacity is available via a new,wastewater treat- ment facility. IV. HOUSING A. Rehabilitation Southport contains a high number of substandard houses. Of the 907 dwelling units in Southport, approximately 145 or 15.99% are in substandard condition. Many of these units are beyond repair, and in order to prevent endangering the safety and wel- fare of the ci'tizens of Southport, need to be demolished. The city of Southport has provided funds to be used for demolition of deteriorated houses and is actively pursuing this program by assessing the home owners. The City is also applying for a Com- munity Development Block Grant for rehabilitation of 62 units and demolition of 8 additional units. B. Assisted Housing The low income residents of Southport are also provided housing assistance through the Brunswick County Public Housing Department's Section 8 exisiting housing program. Presently, there are 25 households in Southport receivina this rent subsijv. C. Lot Zoning for Mobile Homes New mobile homes in Southport are presently allowed only to be located in Mobile Home Parks in the RA-20 zone. The PA-20 onlv occurs within the extraterritorial jurisdiction outside the cit@ limits. There are existing mobile hoi,,ies scattered within the city limits which are non-conforming uses. According to a 1978 amend- ment to the zoning ordinance, owners of these mobile homes are permitted to replace these with new mobile homes so long as they are no larger in size. The objective of establishing a zone where mobile homes are permitted on an individual lot has not been fulfilled. Newly located mobiles are permitted only in parks of 3 acres or more. This has the effect of limiting mobile home development and insuring that when it occurs it is done in a well-planned manner. Article VII Mobile Home Park Regulations of the Southport Zoning Ordinance requires that mobile home parks be provided with off street parking, 200 square feet of recreation space per mobile home, interior drivers and a buffer zone. These amenities increase the livability and acceptance of mobile homes near established neighborhoods. Allowing mobile homes to be sited on individual lots will eliminate the require- ments for these amenities. V. TRANSPORTATION A. Thoroughfare Plan A goal of the 1976 Southport Land Use Plan was to promote accessibility and safety in area transportation. One objective under this goal was to mutually adopt a detailed thoroughfare plan with the NC Department of Transportation, Division of High- ways. Such a plan was adopted by the County in 1978. Major roads of Southport and the Southport vicinity were included in the Thorouohfare Plan. The overall major goal of this plan was to assure that the road system was adequately developed to serve future transportation needs. The objectives under this goal were: 1. Develop short range, high priority rights-of-way 2. Develop priorities for County road improvements 3. Develop priorities for new road construction 4. Develop association between adopted land use plan . and transit priorities The improvements presented in the Thoroughfare Plan became a part of the State's Highway Inprovement Program for Brunswick County, 1978-19V,. Actual construction of these pro 'posals is contingent upon the availability of funding on the State and Federal levels. The proposed improvements in the plan in the Southport Planning area are: SHORT RANGE--Upgrade North Carolina 211 from Southport to S.R 1500 to desion capacity of 3,000 vehicles per day, widen existing two-lane road, increase shoulders, and resurface. LONG RANGE--Construct a major East-West link along Brunswick County's barrier island beaches. This proposal is parallel to the State's 1990 functional plan. The East-West link will begin at North Carolina 133 at Yaupon Beach, upgrade Oak Island Drive to a major collector to the end of Oak Island, and construct a bridge linking Long Beach with SR 1119 across Lockwoods Folly Inlet. From there continue the major collector to NC 130, follow NC 130 to SR 1139, to SR 1137, to SR 1138. At this point, construct a bridge from the end of SR 1138 to Little Beach across the Shallotte Inlet. From there continue the major collector on SR 1155 to SR 1156, to NC 904 in Gause Landing. Then follow NC 904 to SR 1163 and on to the SC state line. (See maps on following pages.) GOAL ('01rL 2 3) GOAL cx);"L 6 GOAL 7 "QA WIN PLj' BUNS11ICK MM' -11-10, OUGHF, r,),r.N LU C p "n:.IG'L- G01111ILS PROPOSED ROUTE 71= F/-"OrOSED BRIDGES lee 1-T lit, B. Residential Developnent Plans Brunswick County and Southport have two effective tools they can use to succesfully implement the Thoroughfare Plan. The first tool is subdivision regulations. The Planning Board has the opportunity to insure that proposed street plans conform with the Thoroughfare Plan so that construction of Subdivision Streets meets.the State's standards. The second tool is zoning regulations. Zoning regulations, along with the adopted Land Use Plan can be used to insure appropriate development along roads and highways. The zoning ordinance can ii,.iprove highway safety by requiring sufficient setbacks for build- ings, to provide adequate sight distances, and to provide for off- street parking. A. Appearance Commission Another objective of the 1976 Southport Land Use Plan was to .establish an Appearance Commission to preserve the community's aesthetic quality with authority to review architectural plans in accordance with GS 160A-451. Since 1976, the Community Appearance Commission was given the power to review architectural plans. Their review, power is not legally founded, however, they are recognized comnunitv-wide as having a great deal of influence. There have been a few instances of objections voiced by the Appearance Commission. in each instance the advice of the Commission was followed. The Commission appears to have been a great influence in main- taining community aesthetics. It is hoped that they shall continue to be a great influence in future projects. There are also several sites within the community that should be rehabilitated or removed. It would be beneficial if the Appearance Commission would act to advise on this issue also. B. -Information Center Another objective of the 1976 Southport Land Use Plan was to promote the history and heritage of the community by organizing and sponsoring an information center. In Southport there are two centers which have served as Community Information Centers. One is the Southport Library, the other is the Southport Chamber of Commerce. The Southport Library serves as a meeting place for many clubs and offers a variety of children's programs. In addition, they also have several display cases for local exhibits and a large section of North Carolina information. The Southport Chamber of Commerce offers information on local businesses, institutions, recreational facilities, and specific local points of interest. Both centers have met this objective of the So'uthport 1976 Land Use Plan. It is.hoped that these centers will continue to expand their programs to meet Southport's growing needs. C. Southport-Brunswick County Historic District Commission One objective of the Southport 1976 Land Use Plan was to cooperate with the County in the establishment of a Southport-Brunswick County Historic District Commission, Such a Commission was established in 1976. The purpose of this Commission was to designate historic sites and to protect existing historic sites. Servina on the Commission were three members from Southport and three fron, the County. Unfortunately, the Commission only met once and there was very little interest in attandance or purpose. Obviously, this objective has not been met satisfactorily. This objective needs to be reviewed for current validity. Recently published is a book entitled "The History of Brunswick County, North Carolina". The book was the project of the Brunswick County American Revolution Bicentennial Committee, of which Jack' Fairley of Southport was chairman. Dr. Lawrence Lee, history pro- fessor at the Citadel, was the author of the book. There is also a historic inventory of Southport currently underway for the nomination of a National Register Historic District. The establishment of Southport as a National Register Historic District would be an important commercial asset for the city. A list of locally recognized historic sites is provided in the Plan text under Fragile Areas. D. Waterfront Preservation The waterfront adds much to the character and appeal of Southport. The townspeople recognized this fact and in the 1976 Land Use Plan stated as one of their goals the preservation of the existing charac- ter of a "small fishing village". Besides preserving the waterfront, clean-up and development is needed to keep the area attractive and productive. The development of business is the key to preservation and redevelopment of the waterfront. It will product jobs and strengthen the economy of the Southport area. Over the past several years, Southport has begun the tasks necessary to preserve and redevelop the waterfront. In September, 1979, the Board of Aldermen adopted the Southport Downtown and Waterfront Revitalization Plan. This plan suggested basic steps that might improve the visual appearance of the waterfront. 'What is needed now are means to carry out the improvements, such as public funding, regulation, and private investment. The City is also in the process of improving the City pier in the Old Boat Harbor. This will attract additional seasonal visitors, thus strengthening the economy. The !,Iaterfront Park is another step Southport is taking to implement the qoal of Waterfront preservation and improvement. 2. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS Several techiniques were used to involve residents in the land use planning process for Southport. Local meetings with county planners, City officials, and community residents were held. These meetings fostered public participation in the identification of-community problems and issues and in the review of preliminary land use plans and the Policy Statement for Southport. Efforts to inform residents of local planning activities were made also in the local weekly newspaper. All planning decisions, concerns, and meetings were reported on. Also, as a convenience to the community residents having questions, concerns, and ideas about land use planning for Southport, a "dial-a-planner" service was in operation and publicized from February 1, 1980 to June 15, 1980. The service allowed those people unable to attend local meetings to talk directly with a county planner. Finally, a survey was con- ducted by the Brunswick County Planning Department. The survey, a questionnaire to be completed by residents, sought opinions and attitudes that Southport residents hold on issues regarding local land use and development, service provision, and capital improvements. Citizen Questionnaire Report Initially, the questionnaire was put in the local weekly paper, The State Port Pilot, with a full-page layout. It was requested that residents answer the questions and either send the page to the Brunswick County Planning Department or take it to the Town Hall, where it would be picked up by the Planning Department. To encourage greater participation the questionnaires were also put in local grocery stores and banks and the Town Hall. A special effort to bring to attention the importance of the survey was made in regular notices in The-State Port Pilot, and the Southport telephone number of a planner was PuB-licized in order that people could call in their responses. Regardless of these efforts, after a two month period, the response was sparse. Thirty one responses were received by the Planning Department in total. The following represents analysis of the opinions and concerns of 31 people who responded. It is signif- icant to note that about 68 percent of those who responded were 61 years of age or over (21 responses). This is not representative of the community, since the median age of Southport's population in 1970 was 32 years of age. Resident Type All of the respondents classified themselves as permanent residents of Southport. There are one to five people per house, with a figure of two people per house having the highest response rate (17 responses). The average household size then indicated by the survey is 2.5, which is somewhat lower than the more accurate average of 2.9. The age and sex distribution in the residences of the respondents is as follows. Population (Age in Years) Male Female 0-25 9 7 26-40 6 5 41-60 2 7 61+ 9 12 Work Place The responses indicated that about 58 percent of the residents are employed in the immediate area of Southport, while about 32 per- cent are employed outside the immediate area. The remaining 10 per- cent are either retired or did not answer the question. Major Problems Facing Southport R esidents were asked to list the problems they felt were facing Southport currently. Their answers varied widely. Answers with the highest response rate (4 responses each) included litter, government integrity, and poor public facilities. These comprise 52 percent of the total 23 answers to the question. Answers with a lower response rate (2 responses each) included over taxation, erosion, poor business, and population increase. Problems of streets, zoning, and utilities costs were also noted (1 response each). Characteristics of Southport - Desirable and Undesirable When asked what characteristics made the City of Southport a desirable place to live, residents indicated its friendly people, climate, small quiet nature, and lack of crime. The beach location, beautiful scenery, and churches were also mentioned frequently. Other comments included "uncongested, good retirement place, public services, fishing and boating." As for undesirable conditions in Southport, a wide range of items were listed. Poor public facilities, over taxation, and litter seem to be the most undesirable characteristics. Other items listed in- cluded the light ship, erosion, vacant lots, and expensive utilities. Items noted by one respondent each include mistrust of officials, smell from the fish factory, nbn-aggressive business, lack of night life for teens, and crime. Public Facilities and Services Residents were also asked to respond to several questions evaluating facilities and services in the community and financing mechanisms for future facilities and services. Specifically, they were asked to rate ten service/facility related items on a scale of one to five. One was the lowest or worst rating while five was the highest or best. In general, town management,.building inspection, zoning administration, planning, and streets were all rated low to moderate. Water service and recreation were rated near moderate. Only the refuse service, fire and police protection were rated higher. Below is a tabulated summary of the responses. Rating Item 1 2 3 4 5 Town Management 8 6 6 5 1 Water Service - price 3 4 8 5 1 -quality 1 2 0 2 3 Refuse service 3 3 3 6 12 Recreation 6 2 10 6 2 Building Inspection 6 5 11 0 2 Zoning Administration 7 7 9 2 0 Planning 5 10 6 0 1 Fire Protection 1 1 2 6 17 Police Protection 2 4 8 4 8 Streets 5 4 15 3 0 Asked about additional or improved servi-ces they would like to see, a few residents responded with senior citizen activities, better roads, improved library, garbage clean up, and bus service. In a separate question regarding how new public facilities (to accommodate -future population increases) should be financed, approximately 20 percent chose assessment of property owners, 37 percent chose taxes, and 53 percent chose user charges/bond financing. Future Development Southport residents were asked what types of development should be discouraged or encouraged in their city. Permanent residential, single family dwellings came out on top of the types to be encouraged, followed closely by commercial and tourist-related business development. Mutli-family dwellings were primarily to be discouraged. Responses as to encourage or discourage development were less divided for seasonal residential, duplex, and industrial development. The following is a list of the different development types with the percentage of responses for encouragement or discouragement. Any percentages -not accounted for in the table are due to "no response." 0 Type Encourage Discourage Permanent Residential 97% 0% Seasonal Residential 32 36 Single Family Dwellings 81 0 Duplexes 39 23 Multi-Family 19 45 Commercial 61 13 Industrial 23 32 Touri st-Related ousi.ness 81 10 Polluted Shellfish Areas In reference to shellfish areas adjacent to Southport which were closed to harvesting because of pollution, the residents were asked what methods, if any, they would support to clean up these areas and permit harvesting. A total of 37 responses were given. Of these responses, "construction of sewage treatment facilities" received 41 percent, "prevention of building near wetlands (within 75 feet)" received 41 percent, and "increase lot size requirements for building homes" received 18 percent. Downtown Revitalization The downtown area of Southport has declined in recent years. Regarding this decline, the questionnaire asked residents what means they would support to revitalize the area. Twenty six percent of the respondents chose restricting commercial develop- ment outside the downtown area, 26 percent chose creating a special taxing district downtown to finance improvements, 19 percent chose recruiting a major employer to locate in the city, and 16 percent had various other suggestions. About 13 percent chose not to answer the question. Fisheries Industry Residents were asked what means they would support for preserving and expanding the fisheries industry which has played an important role throughout the history of Southport. The question received 29 responses. These responses were distributed as follows: 26 percent for a seafood processing plant proposed by the State of North Carolina, 66 percent for waterfront clean up and redevelopment, and eight percent for other (various) suggestions. Substandard Housing Regarding a current problem of 130 substandard houses in Southport, the questionnaire asked residents what means they would support to eliminate the problem. Southport citizens agreed for the most part that enforcement of a strict building code was a primary solut.ion. There were 28 responses to the question, and these were distributed as follows: 65 percent support enforcement of a strict building code, 21 percent support construction of public housing, and 14 percent had other (various) suggestions. This issue was discussed with town officials and they felt that the problem was already being addressed through their building code. CP&L Canal Residents were asked what should be done about the negative appearance of the canal used by the CP&L Nuclear Plant, since the cooling water canal may be discontinued in favor of cooling towers in the near future. Answers to the question indicated that residents would like to see the canals landscaped at road intersections to make them more attractive. They would also like to see continued use of the canals as they are rather than the construction of cooling towers. Oil Refinery An oil refinery has been proposed to locate on the Cape Fear River. It was recognized that there are dangers of oil spills and severe erosion of the shoreline in Southport; however, the refinery will help the economy of Brunswick County. Southport Citizens were asked what they favored in regard to the refinery. Responses were approximately divided equally on whether or not the refinery should be allowed to locate in Brunswick County. There was agreement, however, that any damages as a result of oil spoils and/or erosion should be paid for by the refinery company. Annexation When a-sked about lands presently in the one-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction of Southport, 71 percent of the respondents favored annexation of these lands, while 23 percent did not. Six percent chose not to answer the question. Abandoned Vehicle Ordinance When asked whether or not they would favor the adoption of an ordinance that limits abandoned unregistered vehicles which are allowed to remain on public streets and in-front years, Southport residents overwhelmingly favored such an ordinance. Emergency Preparedness Citizens who answered this last question felt, for the most part, that Southport was not well-enough pre-pared for hurricane and flood evacuation (55 percent). About 26 percent felt the city was well-enough prepared, and the remainder did not know or did not respond. 3. SUMMARY OF MAJOR ISSUES AND PROBLEMS The following list is a summary of current issues and problems facing Southport as indicated in the Citizen Questionnaire report and by City officials. Issues Downtown and Waterfront Revitalization CP&L Canal Proposed Oi.1 Refinery Muti-family -Residential Development Problems SubstaFdard Housing Sewage Facilities Litter Poor Business Abandoned Unregistered Vehicles Erosion Deteriorating Downtown and Waterfront Commercial Strip Development Areas Where Improvement is Needed T-own management Planning Zoning Administration Emergency Preparedness Senior Citizen Activities Streets 4. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Once problems and issues have been identified it is important to establish what ends are to be sought in dealing with problems and needs. This leads to the specification of goals and objectives. Goals are ends toward which actions should be directed; and, objec- tives are intermediate ends instrumental to achievement of a goal, they are target statements achievable in the scope of the Land Use Plan. The overall appearance of Southport shows signs of change and will no doubt continue to do so. The amount of change tolerated depends upon the citizens of the community. From all available information (surveys,, interviews, public meetings) , people in the Southport planning area-want a viable community, yet they do not want to lose the assets which the community presently enjoys. Thus, it is imperative that the City's elected and appointed officials and citizens vigorously support the goals and objectives enumerated herein. Only when these goals and objectives are adopted and adhered to as the City's policies for land development and future growth, will the community retain the pleasant charact- teristics it has today. In the broadest sense, the goal of Southport planning area is to improve the social, economic, and physical environment of the community as economically as possible. Within this broadly stated goal, several specific goals and objectives relating to the physical development of the area can be stated. I. Goal: Provide a management system capable of preserving and managing the natural resources in the Southport planning area. Objectives: Support the findings of fact and recommendations of appointed boards, commissions and professional staff. Continue to prohibit development in any Area of EnvironmenItal Concern which would have a detrimental affect on public trus-t waters to the extent that such waters would be closed to shellfish harvesting under standards set by the Commission for Health Services pursuant to G.S. 130-169. 01 or violate any rules, regulations, or laws of the State of North Carolina or the City of Southport and its extraterritorial jurisdiction in which development takes place. II. Goal: Provide safe, decent, and a variety of housing for all citizens. Objectives: � Aid property owners in the demolition of dwelling units unfit for human habitation. � Seek, encourage and support the development of publicly assisted housing projects available from Federal agencies such as the Farmer's Home Administration 502 Program and Community Development Act 1974. � Promote rehabilitation of substandard houses with grants received through the Community Development Act 1974. III. Goal: Promote accessibility and safety in area transportation. Objectives: * Emphasize safety and a continuous street improvement and construction program. * Review new residential development plans and insure that they comply with Subdivision Regulations. IV. Goal: Preserve the existing character of a "small fishing village." Objectives: * Promote the re-enactment of The Southport - Brunswick County Historic District Commission. . Develop and promote a Harbor Preservation Program utilizing recom- mendations from The Southport Revitalization Plan, 1979. . Develop strategy for obtaining public funding and private investment, and develop regulations for the implementation of aWaterfront Preservation Program. 0Promote the redevelopment of the downtown area throu gh.the recom- mendations in the Southport Downtown and Waterfront Revitalization Plan. V. Goal: Develop adequate and efficient public utilities, community facilities, services, and programs Objectives: .Encourage development within the existing corporate limits and avoid "urban sprawl" and commercial strip development. .Provide service and facilities to all areas within the corporate limits before annexing new areas. .Implement the recommendations of the Public Improvements Program 1979-1984. .Improve fire protection service by acquiring a class 7 rating. .Continue to promote and expand programs, facilities, and services for the elderly. .Expand the Cityls wastewater treatment facilities to meet future projected demands. .Extend the City's water and sewer lines within the city limits to meet future projected needs. ' .Develop a program for the enforcement of Southport's Dog Ordinance. .Improve collection and storage of municipal records and information to improve efficiency in providing and planning for facilities, services, and programs. .Adoption of an ordinance that limits abandoned unregistered vehicles which are allowed to remain on public streets and in front yards. .Strictly enforce City litter regulations to combat the increasing litter problems. 5. POLICY STATEMENTS The Southport Board of Aldermen have adopted the following policies for dealing with land use planning issues which will affect the community within the next ten years. These policies establish a systematic basis by which proposed developments are to be judged. If a proposed project or development would violate the intent of these policies, action to prevent it's construction would be taken by local, state and federal government agencies. These policies are to be used by local officials in their decision making process to increase the consistency and quality of their decisions. 0 Southport policy statements I Resource Protection 1. Southport will support and enforce through its CAMA Minor Permitting capacity the State policies and permitted uses in the Areas of Environmental Concern. The State policy statements for AECs offer protection for Southport fragile and significant environmental resources through the CAMA permitting procedures. In addition to those policies set forth in Subchapter 7H of the State CAMA regulations, Southport adopts the following policies concerning (AECs): A. Coastal Wetlands. Activities in, coastal be restricted to those which do not sionificantly effect the unique and delicate baiance of this reso"urce. Construction in the coastal wetland will be permitted only as is n-cessary to provide access, easements for those types of develop- ment activities that are water dependent. Such uses as docking facilities, fisiiijig piers and utility easements will be per- mitted so leng as they fulfill the require- ments of other applicable laws. Substantial @?ffort must be provided by the developer to disturb as little coastal wetland areas as possible in the design construction and operation of any facility placed in a coastal wetland AEC. B. Estuarine Waters. Southport, in recognition of the importance of estuarine water for the fisheries industries, shall promote the con- servation and quality of this resource. Suitable uses of this land/water area are those which do not permanently or significantly effect the functi-on, cleanliness, salinity, and circulation of estuarine waters. Permitted use in estuarine waters shall include access and navigation channels. Southport will also support-projects in estuarine water areas which aim to increase the productivity of these waters. Such projects include oyster reseeding programs, and inlet channeling and dredging operations for the purpose of increasiny the flushing action of tidal movement. C. Public Trust areas. Southport supports e N.C. State policies concerning public trust areas as it is set forth in Sub- chapter 7H .0207. D. Estuarine Shoreline. (75 ft. landward of Estuarine Waters). Southport realizes the dynamic nature of estuarine system and con- tinual interaction of estuarine waters and estuarine shoreline. The natural process of erosion transforms shoreline areas into public trust areas. It shall be the policy of Southport to allow this natural process to occur if life or structures are not in jeopardy. On-shore development also has a profound effect on adjacent estuarine waters. Effluent from poorly placed or poorly func- tioning septic systems can pollute shellfish areas which represent much greater economic benefits to the County's citizens than do the residential use of estuarine shoreline areas. In recognition of this fact, Southport dis- courages the use of estuarine shoreline areas for residential purposes where there is a substantial chance of pollution occuring. E. Ocean Hazard Areas. Southport supports the state policies for ocean hazard areas as outlined in Subchapter 7H .0304. However, Southport has no dune or beach area under its jurisdiction. 2. Physical Constraints to Development. Southport adopts the following policies relative to physical constraints to development A. Growth and development will be discouraged in areas where septic tanks will not function and sewer services are not available. Most areas within the city limits of Southport have sewage services. Further development is encouraged where these services are already provided. B. Growth and development will be discouraged in areas where soils will not support buildinqs. Where suitable alternative locations exist for a particular development project, Southport will discourage its location in an area where soils will not adequately support buildings. If no alternative sites exists, the project may be constructed if corrective measures to stabilizing the building foundation are incorporated into the project design. II. Resource Production Management Southports natural resources play a vital -role in fts economy. 5outhport's extraterritorial land is heavily utilized for forestry. Its waters are important not only for the fisheries industry, but for recreation as well. Protection of these resources is a prime concern of Brunswick County. To deal with issues that involve resource production and management, Southport adopts the following policies: A. Productive Forest Lands Growth and development will be discour- aged in productive forest lands when such growth is not in accordance with the Com- pact and Corridor Growth Policies. Land which is presently in productive forestry use will be encouraged to con- tinue in that use. Development other than low density residential will be encouraged to locate in non-resource productive areas. Only if no other suitable location exists for a partic- ular development project either because of locatioral, resource, or transportation needs should it he placed on productive agricultural or forest lands. Development projects which require state or federal permits, licensus or funds must meet this policy criteria. B. Commercial and Recreational Fisheries Southport will encourage preservation and expansion of its fisheries industry, both sports and commercial. Protection of coastal and estuarine waters is a prime prerequisite of this policy objec- tive. Habitats for shellfish and finfish in all portions of their life cycle must be preserved in order to maintain fishing as a viable economic and recreational activity. Therefore, any development which will profoundly adversely affect coastal and estuarine water will be discouraged. Only those developments which are water dependent, such as docking facilities, treatment plants, and marinas shall be allowed to be placed near and to effect coastal and estuarine water habitats. In the design, construction and operation of water dependent developments, every effort must be made to mitigate negative effec-ts on water quality and fish habitat. These efforts will be at the owners or operators own expense. In order to expand Southport's sport and commercial fisheries industry, Southport will support private and public projects which will positively affect those industries. Southport supports channel and inlet dredging and stabilization projects which will increase the water access for fishing boats. It-is recognized that in dredging and stabi- lization operations, some fish habitat damage may occur. Only those projects which have a reasonable likelihood.of providing greater benefit than damage to the fisheries industry will be supported. All dredging and stabiliz- ation operations must be performed so as to minimize any unavoidable damage to fish habitat. Southport supports projects which increase the productivity of coastal and estuarine waters. Projects such as oyster reseeding programs and artifical reef construction have proved successful in the past and, therefore, will be supported in the future. Southport recognizes the importance of boat building, ship maintainance and repair, docking and harbor facilities, and seafood processing industries as supportive and necessary for the fish- eries industry. These industries will be supported and allowed to locate on and near coastal and estuarine waters if they do not prove to injure fish habitat more than they Support and provide services for the fisheries industry. All developments which require State or Federal permits, license or funds must meet this policy criteria. Southport, in recognition that the fisheries industry has played an important role in the City of Southport since its beginning, supports waterfront redevelopment to preserve and expand this industry. C. E isting and Potential Mineral Production Areas Southport contains v@`rylittle known mineral deposits, none of which are being mined or have the likelihood of being mined in the next ten years. Therefore, no policy state- ment concerning this issue will be made. Economic and Community Development T .. The citizens of Southport believe that there is a place for selected types of development in Southport provided that proper and adequate measures are incor- porated into the desi.gn, construction and operation of the development to eliminate substantial negative _;mpacts of the development on neighboring uses of iand and the environment. Existing development and industry must be conserved and protected. Selected types of development as rated above will be encouraged and provided with the necessary public services. In order to bring about this policy objec- tive, Southport adopts the following policies'in regard to economic and community development. A. Industry 1. Southport will continue to encourage desirable industrial development and maintain a favorable climate for exist- ing and new industry. Suitable industries are defined as those which do not have the potential of destroying the small village atmosphere of Southport. 2. Southport encourages measures to be taken to stop air pollution from existing industries. to redluce il@@alth hazards ir,*Ju@try 11-1hrough r(..@quired improvements and emiergency P ans 4. Southport All discourage the location of any industry within their planning jurisdiction which may pose substantial environmental or health hazards. If an industry which is potentially environmentally or, health hazardous can prove corrective measures have been incorporated into the design, construction, and operation of the facility to eliminate the sub- stantial hazards, then it may be permitted to locate within Southport. The specific site of the'proposed facility must be one which will not cause undue inter- ference with or reduce the quality of existing neighbor- ing land uses. In assessing whether or not an industry should be permitted to locate within Southport, con- sideration will be given to the economic impacts of the proposed facility. Should a proposed industry prove to damage the viability of an existing more than it would increase the economic base of SOUtinport, it will not be permitted to locate within Soathport. B. Southport, recognizing that their downtown area has declined in recent years, would support any of the following efforts to revitalize the area:, 1. Commercial development in Southport will be encouraged to locate downtown and existing commercial zoned areas. This could be done through a revised zoning ordinance. 2. Help recruit a major employer such as a seafood processing plant to locate in the city here or around the new boat harbor. C. Airports No land within Southport is used or will be used as an airport. However, Southport is near the County Airport Approach Zones. Airport approach zones should be kept well away from residential development and "runner" areas because of: A. Noise B. Crash hazards C. Likelihood of industrial growth hear the airport. Heliports are excluded froin the above since all three are likely to exert a detrimental effect on residences, the Federal Housing Administration will not insure home mortgages within defined areas around airports where these factors are present. D. Southport supports the continuation of the cooling canal use by CP&A Nuclear Plant and discourages the construction of cooling towers. E. Provision of Services to Development 1. Southport presently provides sources of water for most of its residential, commercial and in- dustrial users. Water is necessary for all forms of development. It is Southport's responsibility to secure the sources of water for the public water supply. The cost of securing this supply, whether it be ground or surface water will be borne by the users. Southport uses some county water, so therefore, Southport supports the development of the County's Phase II Water System. 2. Southport will promote public water systems where needed. Public water systems provide safer water and in some circumstances more cost efficient water than do individual wells. Public water systems are not feasible for very low density areas. Where the population den- sity has reached the point where the instal- lation of water lines is not an unreasonable cost in relation to number of people served, public water systems will be encouraged where health problems or salt water intrusion is occuring in private wells. Southport commits itself to providing major trunk lines throughout Southport where public water is feasible and needed. Individual con- nections will be done at the user or property owners expense. Developers of new subdivisions will be encouraged to install water lines if the subdivision is located near existing or future main trunk lines. 3. Southport supports cleansing of polluted waters through the expansion of sewage treat- ment facilities. Poorly functioning septic tanks threaten to pollute estuarine and coastal waters. This in turn renders shellfish areas unfit for harvest. To avoid future pollution problems, 'Southport will work to expand sewage treat- ment facilities as they are currently near- ing peak flow capacity. Southport intends to finance these facilities through grants, taxation, And bond. referendums. Any future development that w-!'1i substantially harm or pollute estuarine or coastal waters using septic systems will not be Permitted. Lf: the developer will provide a sewage coliection and treatment system the developmen-1, :.-,ay be per- mi tted. 4. Southport will provide solid waste disposal for its citizens by the County landfill system. Southport recognizes its role as the provider of solid waste disposal service for Southport's residences and businesses. In order to carry Out this role, adequate means of final disposition must always be available. This may take the form .of land application, incineration, resource recovery, or, landfills. Since Southport is presently using a County landfill as its means of solid waste disposal and will do so in the foreseeable future, adequate landfill sites need to be retained for Southport by the County at all times. Southport supports the participation of the County in regional landfill projects so long as the County always retains, inaintail-Is, and guarantees suitable landfill sites for Southport. G. G.rowth Patterns 1. Southport will follow a "Compact Growth Policy." This policy will allow existing areas under development to devel@:)p fully before expansion into new areas. New development will occur as an expansion of existing fully developed areas. 2. Southport will also follow, wher,@, ap- plicable, a policy of "Compact GroWl-h within existing service corriduirs." This policy t@iill allow existing area5 under development and arc-as in existing service corridors to fully develop before expanding into new areas and new development will occur as an expails';on fro,fi these fully dev@!Ioppd arc-as. 3. Urban grovith ind developmeot be programmed to occur wherc adequate services are available or planred. -hDort's policy will be to dscourage 4. Sout a large amount of growth and development or large increase in population. 5. Spatial separation of conflicting land uses will be encouraged. 6. Southport will work to provide low income persons with safe, decent and sanitary housing b y taking advantage of all federal subsidy pro- grams and County instigated programs. 7. Southport will encourage a variety of housin g types including single family, duplex, and low profile apartments. Apartments will be restricted to appropriate zoning districts. Apartments will be permitted only where the full range of urban services are provided or will be made available. 8. Southport will work to provide neighborhood recreation areas. 9. Southport acknowledges that there are approx- imately 130 substandard houses in Southport. The City will continue strict enforcement of the existing building code. IV. Continuing Public_Participation A. Southport WIll encourage ITs citizens to become involved in the land use planning process. Southport realizes an important part of any planning program is citizen involvement. In order to provide for this public participation, Southport adopts the following public involvement policy. (1) All land use plan and updates will be done with public participation. Citizen participation in the land use planning process will be accomplished by utilizing the following plan: Time Use of One Year Planning Period 1/3 1. Education A. NewspAper 1 . News releases 2. LetterS tO, editors B. PAMPHLETS C PUBLIC MEETINGS 1/3 11. INPUT A. Public meetings B. Surveys 1. MaiL 2. Door to door, 3. Telephone C. Review and COMMENTS 1. Newspaper spread of plan summary. 2. Public review meeting 1/3 111. Support A. Use of education and input properly B. Public hearing (foRMAL) 6. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES In order to carry out the policies and goals which have been@ adopted by the City of Southport, implementation strategies are needed. Strategies are specific tools such as systems of taxation, public expenditures, regulations and ordinances. These tools can be used to promote the policies of the City as well as bring it closer to its desired end state. These strategies must be realistic in terms of the context in which they operate..-To be appropriate, they must be politically viable and enforceable. In Southport there are two local units of government which provide services to the City and have authority to levy taxes. These two units are: the City of Southport and the County of Brunswick. Historically, counties have been responsible for software services (i. e., health, education and welfare) while municipalities were responsible for hardware services (i. e., water, sewer, streets and sanitation). However,with a changing demographic picture, both cities and counties have initiated services of both types. Coordination of services between Southport and Brunswick County are very few. However, agreements in several areas should be explored. Possible areas for joint services include recreation, waste water treatment, historic district commission, water service, and housing rehabilitation. The degree to which any of these service agreements can be achieved will be determined by the cost involved. The cost in turn can be held to a minimum by land use control. Only Southport has authority to regulate the use of land outside AECs and within its jurisdiction. Southport has several implementation tools, which include a Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations, County Health Department Regulations, Building Codes, Land Classification Plan, and Capital Improvements Program. Other tools such as grant offerings and business recruiting could be employed also. The following is a list of existing and possible strategies for Southport. There is a brief description of each strategy and an explanation of how the strategy will operate to implement policies and goals. I. ZONING . Zoning is the enactment of a law by public authority that controls and regulates private property. Zoning consists of dividing the community into districts or zones and regulating within such districts the use of land and the use, height and area of buildings for the pur- pose of conserving and promoting the health, safety, morals, convenience, and general welfare of the people of the community. A county or town can be divided into any number of districts. Each district will have its own permitted uses, yard size, lot size and height requirements. All pieces of property within one district must be treated and regulated equally. A zoning ordinance consists of two things: (1) The Text which contains definitions, descriptions of the districts in terms of permit- ted uses, lot size, yard requirements, etc. A'lso the text contains information about procedures to get a building permit, a variance or special exception to amend the zoning ordinance. (2) The Zoning Map which shows how the community is divided into districts. Special Use or Special Exception Within one district, certain uses may be permitted with special requirements attach'ed. For example, within a residential zone, houses are permitted and must only meet the standard requirements of that residential zone. They must have a minimum lot size, yard dimensions and building requirements. A convenience store may be permitted in that residential district only if certain other requirements are met -as well. This special use might require that the convenience store provide landscape buffer strips, a parking lot, a larger lot, etc. Using the special use approach, certain possibly conflicting uses may be permitted within districts so that their negative impacts are reduced. Variance A variance is a permit which allows a property owner to use property in a way that the zoning ordinance restricts. A variance is a provision to insure that persons are not seriously injured:by the use of the Zoning Ordinance. It is a recognition that no law is perfect and thereby provides a means to reduce ir@ustice. The Board of adjustment can grant a variance if three findings can be made: 1. There is a practical difficulty in complying with the ordinance or that strict adherence to the ordinance would cause undue hardship. Five things must be proved by the applicant to show practical difficulty. A. If the property owner does comply with the ordinance, he can make no reasonable return on his property. B. The hardship results from the ordinance-itself. C. The hardship must be suffered by the lot and not the owner. D. The hardship cannot result from the property owners own action. For example if he had subdivided his lots to small to comply with the Zoning Ordinance. E. The hardship must be perculiar to the individual property. 2. The variance must be in harmony with the general intent of the Ordinance. If the vari *ance would cause a significant change in the character of neighborhood, the variance should by denied. 3. The public safety and welfare must be assured. If the granting of the variance would cause a dangerous situation, such as high traffic volume on a neighborhood street, the variance should be denied. 0 Enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance The enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance is the responsibility of the zoning administrator or building inspector. His duties are to issue building permits and inspect property for violations. When a person applies to the building inspector for a permit, the inspector determines if the porposed use and site layout is in -compliance with the Zoning Ordinance. If it is not, the permit is denied. The inspector also checks his jurisdiction for violations. If he finds a building is being erected without a permit, a stop-work order will be issued. A fine may then be imposed. Importance of the Zoning Ordinance The importance of a zoning ordinance for the City of Southport is evident. As the population of the Southport area increases, conflicts in land use begin to emerge. Factories may locate too close to neighborhoods. Mobile homes may invade a previously all single family- home neighborhood. A strip of commercial development along a major highway may cause traffic congestion and accidents. A zoning ordinance can prevent these events. It can alleviate sprawl problems by zoning areas within and immediately adjacent to developed areas at a higher density than outlying areas. The greater use to which land can be put will encourage development there. Zoning can be used to protect . natural and recreational resources. The coastal and estuarine waters ,are a major source of recreational activity. Dense development near these areas can pollute the waters from runoff. Near these areas, zoning can prohibit high densities and industrial development which may harm the fragile environment. II. SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS Subdivision regulation fosters planned and orderly development of the land in the Southport planning area. It determines efficient methods for the integration of proposed subdivision streets with existing and planned streets. Provisions for the dedication of street right-of-way and utility easements and for the planned arrangement of streets and structures that will enable the City to avoid overcrowding and congestion are included in the regulation. Such an ordinance has the general purpose of regulating land within the city limits and the extraterritorial jurisdiction in order to preserve the public health, safety, and welfare. Variance A variance to the ordinance may be granted if strict adherence to the regulations would cause unnecessary hardships or where topographical or other conditions peculiar to the site and a departure from these regulations will not destroy their intent. Enforcement of Subdivision Regulations The enforcement of the Regulations is the responsibility of all permit-issuing administrative agents or departments of the City of Southport. Their duty, aside from issuing development permits, is to determine if the proposed subdivision plan is in compliance with the Subdivision Regulations Ordinance. If it is not, the permit is denied. Enforcement is also a responsibility of the Brunswick County Register of Deeds who shall not file or record a plat of subdivision located within the territorial jurisdiction of the Cith of Southport without approval of the legislative body as required in the Ordinance. That body is to determine if the proposed subdivision plan is in com- pliance with the Regulations. Importance of Subdivision Regulations The regulations establi-sh general requirements and design standards for development regarding suitability of the land, different types of developments , public facility/service areas, existing and planned streets-'and community.amenities. Standards for street design, lot size, buffer strips, and easements are also established. The regulations are designed to insure an adequately planned street system and to avoid sharp curves, hazardous intersections; to avoid overcrowding of the land ahd extreme concentrations of the population; to secure safety from fire, panic, and other dangers; to provide for adequate.water and sewage systems, schools, recreational facilities, to facilitate an orderly system for the use of land; to insure the proper legal description and monumenting of subdivided land; and to provide for the resubdivision of large land parcels. III. FLOOD PLAIN PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT Southport adopted a Flood Plain Protection and Management ,Ordinance in 1976 as part of the requirements for residents to qualify for federally subsidized flood insurance. Land uses in flood plains must comply with development standards of the Federal Insurance Administration. Enforcement The building inspector has the responsibility for enforcing the Ordinance. IV. LAND CLASSIFICATION PLAN The general land classification system was developed by the State of North Carolina to help counties and municipalities in the implemen- tation oftheir goals, objectives,and policies. The use of the land classification system and map is strategy which will promote the orderly use of land within the city. By delineating land classes on a map, the local government can specify those areas where certain policies will apply. Identification will be made of the future use of all land in the Southport area. The designation of land classes allows the local government to identify the use and density of each area, and hereby plan for public services to service those areas. The land classification system and map will be used as a base to formulate more formal and regulatory tools such as zoning. The State and the Federal Government utilize the local land classification syatem and map to determine whether projects and development which requires government license, permits or funds will be permitted to locate in the Southport area. If the proposed project is inconsistent with the land classification at its proposed .location, the permit, license or funds will be denied. One of the objectives the State of North Carolina has set for local government in the land use plan update process is the further examination and refinement of the land classification system. In keeping with-that objective, a land classification plan has been developed for Southport. V. HEALTH DEPARTMENT REGULATIONS The Brunswick County Health Department, under the authority of a resolution passed by the Brunswick County Board Health, has the responsibility of administering the rules governing the protection of private water supplies, the rules governing public water supplies, and the laws and rules for ground absorption sewage desposal systems of 3000 gallons or less design capacity, of which were enacted'by the authority of the North Carolina General Statues. VI. BUILDING CODE A building code is a law which requires that minimum, standards, provisions, and requirements are met for safe and stable design, methods of construction and uses of materials in buildings and/or structures erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaved, moved, converted to other uses or demolished and to regulate the equipment, maintainance, use and occupancy of all buildings and for structures. The general purpose of a building code is to promote the public health, safety, and welfare, The State of North Carolina provides a 'standardized building code which is very comprehensive and insures that all buildings are adequate and safe. All local governments in North Carolina will be required to adopt this code by 1983 and enforce it with a building inspections department. The local government code may deviate fromthe State Building Code only if a compelling need can be proved. Southport can use the North Carolina Building Code to improve the quality of construction within the planning area. Many buildings and homes are substandard and do not provide adequate shelters for dwellings, businesses, or other uses. .VII. Capital Improvements Program A capital improvement program (CIP) is a list of capital projects that a locality expects to undertake in the future, It is designed to be an organized guide to structure the budget properly for the next five or six years. With a fiscal year dated for each project, priori- ties are set in a listing of projects that range from critically needed to desirable.Using a CIP is a continuous process that must be reviewed and updated every year to be an effective tool. As a tool for implementing goals and policies the program can include projects which will meet existing needs and trends. Examples of such budgeted projects include grants for the rehabilitation or demolition of substandard homes, new fire fighting equipment in an effort to upgrade the department for a Class 7 rating, or clean up of the old waterfront area. In this way, the CIP can be used to achieve goals and objectives stated by the Southport citizens in their current Land Use Plan. A CIP can also be used to guide growth into desirable areas as indicated by the future land use map or land classificaiton map of the Plan. An example of such use is providing water and sewer extensions to areas not yet developed, but that are the most desired areas for -future development. In this way the CIP is intended to guide the need for services, not just meet them. It is an effort to shape the conditions conducive to a desirable land use pattern. Enforcement The enforcement of a capital improvements program is the direct responsibility of the officials of the City of Southport. It is their duty to budget money for the projects listed in the program. In the order of the set priorities, the projects should be included in each fiscal year budget throughout the CIP period of five to six years. It is also the duty of City officials to review the CIP and to make sure that the projects are still needed and that the priorities have not changed. A CIP can be the most effective wa to meet certain goals and y objectives as stated in the Land Use Plan. 7. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM In 1974, the City of Southport adopted a ten-year public improvements program. It includes only the public improvements for Which the City is directly responsible and which must be provided for in the City's Capital Imporvement Budget. The program was divided into two schedules, phase I fo,r 1974 to 1978 and phase II for 1979 to 1984. Phase II is currently in effect. Items included in this phase and their justification are summarized below. P IC T UBL IMPROVEMENTS PROJECTS FOR FISCAL 1979-1984 Improvement Items Justification 1. Acquire sufficient land at the 1. This site would protect a end of Willis Drive to develop small portion of the river- a riverside park. front area and provide recreational facilities to the residents of Southpor and to the many tourists tha visit the area. 2. Purchase new patrol vehicles 2. This is done to insure de- at a two year interval. pendable, safe and low main- tenance transportation. Additionally, this would be a predictable and easily planned for expense. 3. Purchase new street, water and 3. This heavy equipment should sewer department equipment on be replaced on a regular a staggered basis at five year basis to insure low main- intf--rvals, tenance and high performance 4. Pa-ve the parking area of the town 4. This is needed for the over- ,garage and provide sufficient buffers all protection of the stored to shield the adjoining areas. vehicles and to shield the adjacent property from the activities and storage facilities of the area. 5. Pave the existing parking facili- 5. This would provide an adequa- ties adjacent to City Hall and mark parking area and would prevei off spaces. haphazard parking arrange- ments. 6. Construct a new fire station 6. The present fire station with room for expansion and has no room for expansion proper maintenance of equip- or for additional equipment ment. and the present facilities are inadequate for mainten- ance of equipment and training. 7. Purchase foam equpiment 7. This would provide better for the Fire Department. fire protection to the City and expand their present service. Furthermore, while it is not considered a capital improvement item, the City will have to consider the employment of a full time fireman due to projected growth. This will also permit the City to gain a lower class fire rating which will bring about a reduction in fire insurance rates. Fiscal Year 1981 Budget Expenditures Recently the operating budget for fiscal year 1981 was approved by officials or the City of Southport. Requested expenditures 'or capital outlays (improvements) were approved primarily for the fire department, h@alth and sanitation department, and electric department. Substantial general expenditures were approved for the City library and recreation facilities and programs. The following is a summary of the approved budget expenditures. A summary of the expected revenues for FY 81 can be found in the Economic Profile of this Plan. City of Southport FY 81 Budget - Expenditures Total Expenditures Administration 90,971 Police 150,767 Fi re &Rescue 30,915 Health & Sanitation 99,355 Street 85,539 General Gov't 58,300 Total 515,847 -An itemization of each department's approved expenditures can be found in the appendix to this text; however, significant expenditures for capital improvement projects are highlighted here. The fire department will receive $1,000 for maintenance and repairs in FY 81. This represents a 42 percent increase over the past allocation for this category. A capit3l outlay of $1,200 was also approved, which should contribute to efforts for obtaining a class 7 rating. Health and Sanitation expenditures for capital outlays of $39,632 was approved. This represents about 40 percent of the total allocation for health and sanitation. Under General Government significant budget allocations were made for the library ($13,110), recreation ($16,500), and the waterfront park ($11,700). An additional $ 1,500 from revenue sharing funds has been allo@ated for recreation. Each of these items were mentioned by respondents to the Citizen Questionnaire as needing improvement or development. Regarding the current problem of dilapidated structures in Southport, only $200 of the General Government expenditures has been allocated to building removal. It is possible that additional financing for,building removal is included under Health and Sanitation; however, it was not included in the itemization. 0 A.capital outlay of $36,000 was approved for the electric department, but it is not clear for what it shall be used. It is significant to note that, although several respondents to the Citizen Questionnaire indicated some repair of streets was needed, no budget allocations were made for such repair under street expenditures. This includes resurfacing, new paving, and sidewalks. However, small allocations for paving ($3,000) and patching ($6,000) were made under the Powell Bill expenditure of State funds. 0 PART 3: LAND USE SURVEY AND ANALYSIS I r" - I LAND USE SURVEY AND ANALYSIS 1 Existing Land Use Residential Commercial Industrial Office Recreati onal Transportation, Communication, and Utilities Publ,ic Institution Private Institution Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Undeveloped 2. Development Trends Residential Commercial Industrial Office Recreation Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Transportation, Communication, and Utilities; Public Institution; Private Institution 3. Existing and Proposed Services and Facilities Water Facilities Sewerage Facilities Transportation Facilities Educational Facilities Other Services and Facilities LAND USE SURVEY AND ANALYSIS In accordance with the State guidelines for Local Planning in the Coastal Area under the Coastal Area Management Act of 1974, an update of the 1976 Land Use Survey was completed in 1980. The 1980 Land Use Survey serves four major functions: First, an accurate dwelling unit count is made available. Second, existing acreages for each land use category are determined. Thirdly, the designation of each parcel of land is given. From this proces's land use compatability relationships are determined. Fourth, and most important, the Land Use Survey serves as the basis for an in- depth land use analysis. It will reveal, for example, the amount of unused but usable land available within Southport. This is an important consideration in shaping policies in matters of industrial, commercial and residential develop- ment, subdivision control, of facilities provision and needs assessment and in the future, the establishment of zoning districts. It will also reveal those land use changes from 1975, which in turn outline the city's development trends. The following analysis will deal primarily with the use of the land and the relationships of the various types of land uses. 1. EXISTING LAND USE The general land use of Southport is indicated on the Existing Land Use Map and the accompanying table. The acreage figures presented were calculated from data gathered from tax records, a windshield survey, and planimeter measurements of related maps. They are broken down for acreage within the corporate limits and acreages within extra terrirorial Jurisdic- tion. The following discussion briefly describes the various uses and their changing acreages since the 1976 Southport Land Use Plan. Residential Residential use accounts for approximately 30.5 percent of the total land use in the Southport corporate limits, which is about the same percentage as that in 1976. Residential structures are almost exclusively single family dwelling units; however, since 1976, there have been some increases in the acreages for multi family dwellings and mobile homes, 63.5 percent and 18.5 percent respectively. 'Single family residential land use in acres has increased only 4.2 percent since 1976. The-areas of extraterritorial jurisdiction experienced a decrease in acreages of residential land use, approximately 45.1 percent. This is due to large purchases of land for industrial purposes by local industries. There are no mult'i-family dwelling units in the jurisdiction, but mobile home develop- ments-have increased. In acres for mobile homes, there was an increase of approximately 109% land use since 1976. Commercial Approximately 6.2 percent of the total land use in the Southport planning area is devoted to commercial uses. Within the corporate limits there has been an increase of acres in commercial use of 23.3 percent, while the e@traterri- torial jurisdiction has experienced an increase of 447.8 percent. This extreme difference or increase, in relation to figures from the privious land use plan, reflects the fact that large tracts of land are owned, but are yet undeveloped, by commercial entities. Areas of commercial concentration include the downtown, the community shopping center at the intersection of North Howe Street and N.C. 87, and the areas adjacent to the small boat harbor marina and the Old Yacht Basin. Industry since the 1976 Land Use Plan, the percentage of total land use in acres fQr the Southport Planning Area has increased tremendously (.1267 percent). This large increase is due to substantial purchases of land throughout the extra- territorial jurisdiction (over 600 acres) by both CP&L and Pfizer companies. Within the corporate limits of Southport, the land use acreage has increased by approximately 19 acres. It should be noted that all land classified industrial is not developed and may not be for many years to come. It is also true that CP&L is classified a utility, but its land in the Southport area has been classi- fied industrial. Office Lands occupied by office uses comprise about .43 percent of the land in the total planning area - approximately .61 percent within the corporate limits and .34 in the 'extraterritorial jurisdiction. This 1980 classification cannot be compared with that of the 1976 Land Use Plan because it was previously not as well defined. However, it must be noted that Southport did lose a large number of offices in 1978 when the Brunswick County Offi@es moved from down- town Southport to the Brunswick County Government Center near Bolivia. Recreation Since 1976, Southport has greatly increased its amount of land in recrea- tional uses. A total--increase for the planning area, for acres of recreational land use, was about 150 percent. A little league field of three acres, a . multi-use basketball court of 1-2 acre, a mini park of 1-2 acre,and two tennis courts of !@ acre have been developed. A waterfront park of one acre is being planned also, and property has currently been aquired for the project. Other recrea- tional areas in Southport include historic sites, fishing pier, boat harbor marina, school athletic fields, neighborhood parks, and a community meeting cen- ter for local civic groups. The Frying Pan Lightship on the waterfront is also open to the public. Even with the 150 percent improvement, recreational land use comprises the smallest percentage of the total land use in the corporate limits of Southport. Transportation, Communication, and Utilities Transportation, Communication, and Utilities represent the third largest )and use within the corporate limits with approximately 15.2 percent of the total land. The bulk of this consists of street rights-of-ways, which are in many instances 99 feet in width. Other uses within this categroy include the sewage treatment plant on West Street and water pumping stations on Howe Leonard, and Moore Streets. Outside Southport in the extraterritorial planning areas,close to 14 percent of the total land use is in this category. Included in the classifica- tion are street rights-of-way, water stations, and the CP&L nuclear power plant. Public Institution Lands occupied by public institutions in Southport comprise about 1.6 percent of all land in the corporate limits. In the outside planning area they comprise about .21 percent. The category of public institutions includes entities su,ch as the police and fire station, town hall buildings,public schools, city garage, and the library. A comparison of the acres of land in this use between 1975 and 1980 figures cannot be made because the category in the previ- ous plan was not well defined. This is true for the following category also. Private Institution Land Use Private institution use of land includes such entities as the Dosher Memorial Hospital, Moose Club building, Masonic Lodge, churches, and the conva- lescent home. Approximately .74 percent of the total land use in the Southport corporate limits is devoted to this type. There is no private institution land use in the extraterritorial jurisdiction area. Agriculture, Forestry andFisheries Use of land for agriculture, forestry, and fisheries has declined in acreage since 1976. The total decline was about 9.1 percent within the Southport corpo- rate limits and 54.4 percent in the extraterritorial jurisdiction. For the whole planning area, this land use type comprises the largest percent(29.4) of all land use. The decrease in acreages are due to urban land use development, Undeveloped Undeveloped land is vacant, unimproved land without agriculture or forest use. For the Southport Land Use Plan, wetlands have been included in the acreage data. This category occupies approximately 29.8 percent of the total land use within the corporate limits and 14 percent within the area of extraterritorial jurisdiction. Of the total land use in the Southport Planning Area, undeveloped land comprises approximately 19.3 percent. SOUTHPORT EXISTING LAND USE Within Corporate Limits Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Total Acreage Approximate Approximate Average Averade . Average Number Acreage Total Number Acreage Total Number Acreage Total Land Use of Units Per Unit Acreage Percentage.of UnitsPer Unit Acreage Percentage of Units Per Units Acreage Percentag Permanent Single Family Residential 850 .43 365.71 29.44 112 .65 72.54 3.02 962 .46 438.25 12.04 Permanent Multi Family Residential 42 .20 8.34 .69 0 0 0 0 42 .20 8.34 .23 Mobile Homes 18 .26 4.62 .37 47 .21 10.03 .42 65 .23 14.65 .40 Commercial 76 .36 27.62 2.22 9 10.53 94.76 3.95 85 1.44 122.38 3.36 Industry 1 20.09 20-09 1.62 1 685.38 685.38 28.58 2 352,74 705.47 19.38 Office 22 .35 7.60 .61 3 2.71 8.12 .34 25 .63 15.72- .43 Recreation 6 1.15 6.88 .55 1 1.02 1.02 .04 7 1.13 7.90 .22 Trans.,Commun. & Utilities 8 23.58 188.61 15.18 4 82.38 329.51 13.74 12 43.18 518.12 14.23 Public Institution28 ..70 19.50 1.57 1 5.14 5.14 .21 29 .85 24.64 .68 Private Institu. 4 2.31 9.22 .74 0 0 0 0 4 2.31 9.22 .25 Agric. Forestry, Fisheries 6 35.70 214.17 17.24 1 857.44 857.44 35.75 7 153.09 1071.61 29.43 SUBTOTAL 1061 .82 872.36 70.25% 178 11.60 2063.94 86.05% 1240 2.37 2936.30 80 .65 Undeveloped- NA NA 369.84 29,75% NA NA 334.46 13.95% NA NA 704.30 19.35' TOTAL 1061 1.17 1242.20 100.00% 178 13.47 2398.40- 100.00% 1240 2.94 3640.60 100.00, IN-,1-,-.'Transpor tat ion, Communication, Utilities Agriculture , Forestry, Fisheries Single Family Residential .......... Multi- Family Residential Private I n s t i t u t' ion ............ ............ ................ ............. ................ .......... Public Institution ........ .......... ............ ............ :: .... :,:: .... ............ .............. ..................... .............. Mobile Hoi,,,--.,, .............. . .... . ... . ...... ......... .. ........... ................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Undeveloped .... ........... ......... ... .............. ........... ........ ............... Commercia' ...................... .............. ::::: -:: -: : ................... ............. ........... ............. .......... ................... Industry .............. .......................... l @i;;l tice ... ........ 0q", Of .................. ........... ... .. . ................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............. ULM . ....... ... fat Prepared by the Brunswick County Planninq Office, 1980 cpb Development Trends The population and economic trends from 1976 to 1980 appear to be much the same as those from 1970 to 1975. The Southport area has experienced unpara- lelled population and economic growth, bUt it is difficult to measure the long- term impacts of the development which haveoccurred. Benefits have accrued, includitg increased tax base to support governmental services., However, this growth-can cause-unmanageable consequences in terms of increased school enroll- ments, unmet health care needs, traffic congestion, spiraling demand for police and fire protection, increased social services demand, unavailable recreation facilities, and continued demand for water and sewer services. The following briefly discusses development and trends in each land use sector and some potential impacts of the trend&. Residential Population growth in the Southport area has increased community demand for "low density sprawl." Low density sprawl is defined as the entire community consisting of single family homes, 75 percent sited in a traditilonal' grid pattern and the rest clustered. Neighborhoods are in a leap frog pattern wilth li.ttle continuity. As indicated by the land use survey, Southport clearly exemplifies the pattern. The pattern not only appears in the city,'but i 's also occurrIng out in-the extraterritorial planning area with continued single family dwelling development in random areas. When compared to other patterns such.as multi- family*or mixed developments, sprawl has proven to be less effi,ci.ent.. The over- all cost to the neighborhood or community is significantly more for operati.ng and maintenance costs, water pollution generation, energy consumption, land utili.za- tion, water consumption, and capital costs. The existing Southport sewage treat- ment services will be particularly affected by continued growth and service 'demands since the plant is presently operating at near full capacity. It is essential that Southport begin to make,decisions on how best to provide such ser- vice for the projected population growth. It is also important for Southport to guide-the growth and development into areas where services are already provided or planned for reasons of efficiency and economy. A factor in sprawl patterns, strip development is also cocurring along the major thoroughfares, particularly in the extraterritorial area. This threatens to "land lock" quantities of desirable land located behind the roads and increases the possibility of future blight of houses presently being built along these roads. Another consequence of strip development is the nece3sity of connec- ting driveways along major thoroughfares. Numerous individual driveways decrease the utility of the road and increase the danger to residents and motoring public. In particular, along Jabbertown Road and Moore Street extension, residential development has occurred as opposed to the development of available residentially zoned land located within the city limits. The aging solution to this trend-- annexation--only perpetuates the problem. New mobile homes in Southport are presently allowed only to locate in mobile home parks outside the city limits within the extraterritorial jurisdiction. There are existing mobile homes scattered within the city limits which are non-conforming W uses. These homes can be replaced so long as the new home is not larger in size. Mobile home development has continued in the extraterritorial juris- diction. The amount of land occupied by them has more than doubled since 1976. The companies of CP&L and Pfizer have also increased their land holdings in the Southport area. A loss of land classified residential since 1976 can be attributed to this action, and it will be a significant factor in limiting fut- ure residential development to certain areas throughout the planning jurisdiction. Commercial The commercial land use in the Southport planning area has doubled to about 6 percent since 1976. It is still a small percentage of the total land use-- primarily a result of the retail marketing influence of Wilmington, Nevertheless, the expanding economic development in Smithville Township has helped to spur commer- cial trade and service development. Economic trends in the commercial community, however, indicate that growth has not taken place in the Central Business District (CBD). A land use analysis also shows this negative trend. An extreme problem of vacant buildings and vacant lots exists due to lack of demand for floor space in the CBD. Strip commercial development outside the CBD helps to stifle growth and rede- velopment in the CBD. Currently, strip commercial development along North Howe . N.C. 133 and 211 is permitted by the Zoning Ordinance. Commercial develop- Street'. ment h@s taken place along North Howe Street and N.C. 133. Industrial There has not been any additional industrial location since 1976 in the South- port planning area. As noted earlier, however, the two largest companies, CP&L and Pfizer, have aquired a great deal of additional land in the area, which has been classified industrial. Another important industry in the area is fishing. Southport remains the commercial and sport fishing center of the county. Office There has been a trend in Southport to Office development since 1976. The move of the County offices actually made a large amount of office space available; however, most of those offices remain vacant today, indicating a lack of demand. Recreation As a result of public demand for increased recreation facilities and programs, Southport has added significantly to its recreation facilities and programs. This demand only exemplifies the national trends toward spending more leisure time in various recreational activities, and the consequent demand for such. There is also increasing concern for the preservation of historic and arche- ological sites in the Southport area. Such preservation accompanied by national recognition is believed to be an important commercial aspect for the city Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries The loss of land in this category to urban land use development is a predo- minent trend throughout the country. Since extreme losses are concerns nation- wide, Southport should monitor closely any changing land uses in its jurisdic- tion. Owing to recent economic development pressure and urban sprawl, this category is likely to experience the greatest transformation in the future. Land that is owned by individual property owners but not forest product companies is more succep- tible to this pressure. Thus, it is important that agricultural and forestland conversion to urban land be given careful review so that new uses will be compati- ble. An example is best illustrated by the construction of the Pfizer plant which was previously an area of agriculture and forestry. These "pressures" will be exerted to develop lands between pfizer and Southport, thereby contributing to fur- ther urban sprawl and inefficient utility service. Transportation, Communication and Utilities; Public Institution; Private Instituf-ion The substantial population growth in the Southport area during the past decade has increased demand for public and private facilities and services. More demands are made of the government institutions, schools, organizations, churches nursing and health care centers. As residential and commercial development contin- ues, p-olice and fire protection must increase as well as water and sewage-facilities. C6rrently, the most pressing problem Southport will face with population growth is and overload for the existing sewage treatment facility. It is currently operat- ing at near full capacity. The sewage system operating in Southport will have to be improved upon with the prospect of increased demand. Other facilities and services are discussed in the Assessment of Southport's Past Land Use Plan. 3. EXISTING AND PROPOSED SERVICES AND FACILITIES Water Facilities Water System The water supply for Southport consists of three wells which tap the Tertiary System Aquifer. The wells are about 175 feet in total depth and collec- tively yield 700 gallons per minute. On a 12-hour demand schedule, this system could provide 504,000 gallons per day (pumping capacity). According to the Southport Land Use Plan prepared in 1976, the water system was operating at 43 per- cent capacity, using an average of approximately 218,206 gallons per day. In preparation of the Southeastern Brunswick County 201 Facilities Plan, 1977 water use records for the City of Southport were reviewed. A summary of the water consumption records for the city is presented in the following table. It shows that residential and commercial customers were using an approximate average of 26@-,055 gallons per day, or 55 gallons per day per capita. The water system was operating at 52.4 percent capacity. Southport Water Use Records 1977 Water Use Gallons Rate (per day) Per Capitz Residential and Commercial 96,380,125 264,055 55 gpd Industrial 0 0 0 Totd] 96,380,125 264,055 55 gpd Based on 1510 connections at 3.2 persons/connections A revi.ew of the 1979 Southport water -consumption records indicates that residential and commercial customers were using an approximate average of 291,550 gallons per day. The water system was operating at about 58 percent capacity in 1979, Water Supply-Hydrogeology An understanding of the hydrogeology of the area is the filrst step toward evaluating the availability, occurrence, and chemical quality of the groundwater supply in the planning area. The void spaces between the rock materi 'als that underlie Southport constitute the reservoir in which the water is stored and the conduits through which the water moves. While a thorough examination of the geology and groundwater has not been completed at this time, there are pertinent facts that have been identified by the Regional Hydrologist with the North Caro- lina Department of Natural and Economic Resources. Rick Shiverin a memorandum, r.eported the following analysis (-September 1975). "Although located in the Lower Cape Fear River Basin , Southport is not in a designated public water supply watershed since surface waters do not supply the city; class A2 surface waters are unavailable for use and hence groundwater resources supply all water needs. Hydrogeologica'tly,Southport is complex. A post-miocene aquifer exists between land surface and approximately 40 feet below land surface; this aquifer consists of sand and contains potable water under water table conditions. Below the post-miocene is the tertiary system aquifer, the primary source of South- port's water supply. Porus and permeable limestone provides the geologic frame- work in which excellent quality groundwater is stored under artesian or near con- ditions. The tertiary system aquifer is approximately 140 feet thick and extends from 40 feet below land surface and 200 feet below land surface. Probably, the post-miocene aquifer and tertiary system aquifer are hydraulically connected. Between 200 feet below land surface and 1550 feet below land surface is the upper, middle, and low cretaceous system aquifer. Brackish groundwater is con- tained within unconsolidated sands under artesian and flowing artesian conditions. Basement hard rock is encountered at 1150 feet below land surface. Groundwater recharge to the post-miocene aquifer by direct infiltration of rainfall is active in Southport. As the post-miocene aquifer is hydraulically connected to the tertiary system aquifer, recharge to the post-miocene aquifer results in effective recharge to the tertiary system aquifer. Groundwater from the post-miocene aquifer is of potable quality and exists in significant quantity. Groundwater from the tertiary system aquifer is of excellent potable quality and is available in large quantities. However, it is suspected that the quality and quantity of groundwater from both aquifers is in jeopardy. It is suspected (but not yet substantiated) that Brunswick Steam Elec- tric Plant CP&L canal, the inland waterway, and the dredge Cape Fear River are man-made activities which have allowed brackish water to enter the post-miocene aquifer and tertiary system aquifer. Therefore, these suspected sources are responsible for initiating/ accen- tuating a salt water encroachment problem. To preclude further quantity and quality problems, man-made activities which would have detrimental effects on the aquifers should be avoided. Southport is served by three wells which tap the tertiary system aquifer. The wells are nearly 175 feet in total depth and collectively yield 700 GPM. It is suspected that these wells are now beginning to exhibit a quality problem related to salt water encroachment; and, hence, deserve close quality monitoring, To date, quantity of water is not a problem and with future reasonable use should not present a problem. In summary, the aquifers of significance are the post-miocene and tertiary system aquifer. Past man-made activities are suspected to have resulted in quality problems in both aquifers. It is vital that future activities avoid additional quality impairment. Quantity of groundwater is not now a problem and future quantity problems are not anticipated, assuming reasonable use. Southport's impend- ing use of central supplies precludes a lengthy discussion on future water planning." Sewage-Facilities Southport is the only area served by a municipal wastewater collection and treatment system within Southeastern Brunswick County. Constructed between 1965 and 1974, the existing system serves most of the presently developed area within the city limits. The collection system consists of approximately 96,000 feet of eight inch gravity sewer of both concrete and clay construction with a total of about 275 manholes. A total of seven pumping facilities operate prior to final discharge into the wastewater treatment plant located on West Street. An infiltration/in- flow analysi,s, conducted as part of the preparation of the Southeastern Brunswick County 201 Facilities Plan (1978), indicated a maximum infiltration rate of approxi- mately 637 gallons per day, per inch-mile of pipe, and an inflow rate of 48,000 gpd/ mile. According to Environmental Protection Agency guidelines and professional engineering standards, these infiltration/inflow rates are not considered excessive. It was noted during this rate analysis that a standby source of power is needed at several pumping stations, particularly at the facility on Bay Street which carries flow from a large portion of the city to the treatment plant. The existing wastewater treatment plant serving Southport was cons,tructed in 1965. It has a design capacity of 300,000 gallons per day, or 0.30 mgd, and employs a contact stabilization process of biological treatment. The chlorinated effluent is discharged to Cottage Creek, a tributary of the Intercoastal Waterway. Sludge disposal is accomplished by aerobic digestion and on-site drying beds. All waste treated at the plant is either residential or commercial. There are no industrial discharges to the system. A population of 3,136 people is being served According to a study in preparation for the Southeastern Brunswick County 210 Facilities Plan, the treatment plant achieves acceptable secondary treatment of a flow of approximately 0.28 mgd. These figures indicate that the sewage system is currently operating at 94 percent capacity. Major industries in the area, including Pfizer and Standard Products, provide their own wastewater treatment capable of meeting effluent criteria. It should be noted that the ratio of the water supply pumping capacity (504,000 gallons per day) to the treatment facility capacity (3000,000 gallons per day) is below the non-n. (The capacity figures were taken from the 1975 Southport Land use Plan.) The ratio for Southport is about 0.6 or 60 percent, while the norm is about 85 percent in a range from 70 to 95 percent. This difference may be due to an extra- ordinary loss of water that does not flow to the treatment plant. The City of Southport is included in the planning area for the joint treatment facility being designed for Southeastern Brunswick County. It is anticipated that the Southport population will be served 100 percent (summer and winter season) during both Phase I and II of the treatment and transmission facility construction period. Forecasts of wastewater flows were calculated for Southport in preparation of the 201 Facilities Plan. The following tables show predicted flow levels for 1990 and 2000. -- --------------------- ---Water Line Sewer Line A tI C7 Brunswick County Planning Department 1980 cpb 1990 Forecast of Flow Population Flow Non-Excessive Non-commited Total #Served 60 gpd Extraneous Flow Industrial flow Total (gpd) (gpd) Flow Npd) ,Summer 4863 4863 291,780 130,000 42,178 463,958 lWinter 4562 4562 273,720 130,000 445,898 2000 Forecast of Flow Population Flow Non-ExCessive Non-committed Total Total #Served 60gpd Extraneous Flow Industrial Flow Flow(gpd) (gpd) (gpd) ISummer 5996 5996 389,740 149,900 53,964 593,604 Minter 5665 5665 368,225 149,900 572,089 Federal level budget problems and restraints, however, are holding up funding for the- start of this construction, at the present time. This may prove to be a problem for Southport, since its existing sewage treatment facility is operating at 94 percent capacity. If the construction of the county project is delayed for an additional two to three years, the City of Southport may consider the option of with drawing from the Southeastern Brunswick County 201 Facilities Plan in order to expand its own treatment facilities to accomodate growth. At this time, it is not clear which option the City of Southport may choose. Since any projection of expansion requirements amy depend on the option chosen, the Brunswick County Planning Department has not been able to determine expansion pro- jections for the present planning period. Transportation Facilities According to the Highway Capacity Manual the practical capacity for two lanes plus parking for two way traffic is 5,700-8,200 vehicles per day. Capacity is- defined as the maximum number of vehicles Which li@s a reasonable.expectation of passing over a given section of a 'lane or a roadway in@both directions du@ing a given time period u 'nder prevailing roadway and traffic conditions. Based on this! -.standard, the only thoroug.hfare in the Southport Planning-area which warrants . .improvement is North Howe Street at the city limits. This street is on.the State ,.Highway System (G.S. 136 - Article 3A) and in 1974 had an average d-aily.traffic Icount of 8850'vehicles per day. However, there'are other factors (i.e., design, .zost,,traffic generat6rs:;-.accident frequency, origin-dest'ination studies, etc.) besides- capacity analysis which must be considerea before alterations are made. Brunswick County adopted a detaile.d thoroughfare plan prepared by the N.C. Department of Transportation, Division of Highways in 1978. Major roads of South- port and the vicinity were included in the Thoroughfare Plan. For a summary of how the plan affects Southport, see the Assessment of Past Land Use Plan previously in this text, Educational Facilities There are three educational facilities administered by the Brunswick County Board of Education which serve the Southport Planning area. The City of Southport actually has little or no authority with regard to school policies. There are two schools within the city limits of Southport: Southport Primary School located on West George Street and SOLIthport Middle School located on 8th Street. South Brunswick High School is located near Boiling Springs Lakes. The three facilities-are: Southport Primary K-4 Design Capacity: 600 pupils 1979-80 Enrollment: 336 Southport Middle School 5-8 - Design Capacity: 500 pupils 1979-80 Enrollment: 762 South Brunswick High School 9-12 Design Capacity: 750 pupils 1979-80 Enrollment: 735 Note: Design capacities were taken from the 1976 Southport Land Use Plan. Enrollment figures were reported by the Brunswick County Board of Education. At present, a new middle school is being constructed near the South Brunswick High School location. No additional plans have been made for the existing Southport Middle School facility when the new school is completed. Other Services and Facilities The City of Southport provides the following services and facilities to its residents: City Hall, police and fire protection, public library, water and sewer service, electric distribution service, recreation,, refuse collection and disposal, streets, city garbage, cemeteries, street lighting and signs. Of those services and facilities, the following were recommended for major improvement in 1976: fire protection improvement by obtaining a class 7 rating; water and sewer service capacity and extension improvement; acquiring adequate and highly desirable recreational areas. To date, Southport has not acquired a class 7 rating. This. i.s mainly beca.use they still have a completely volunteer fire department. At present, Southport has a class 8 rating. Interest still continues in the class 7 rating because of the improvement in fire protection.services necessary to obtain the rating and also because of the reduction in fire-insurance rates it brings.. 7 Since 1976, Southport has added a great deal to its recreation facilities. - Since that time a little league field, a multi-use basketball,court, a mini park, and two tennis courts have been developed. Property for a waterfront park has also been acquired. A grant for development of the park was secured from the North Car'*oli Department of Community Development and Natural Resources, and it is planned to be completed by 1981. Residents of Southport are served by two hospitals for health care. In 1978 the Brunswick County Hospital located in Supply was completed to serve all county residents. During its construction, many Southport citizens were concerned that its development would force the closing of Dosher Hospital located in the City. The hospital, however, remained operating despite the loss of county funds in 1977. Revenue for its operation is obtained through a special assessment in Smithville Township of an extra 4 cents per $100 valuation. This revenue also allowed the new addition to be constructed which will provide more modern facilities, rather than increase capacity. Because of the support of the people of Southport and surroundin( Smithville Township, Dosher Hosiital will remain an intrical part of the community. Southport also has services and facilities to benefit the large portion of elderly in it community. There is a senior citizens cente.r in Southport which is located in the old marineology building. It offers a common meeting place for socializing as well as free meals, movies, various table games, and table tennis. A bowling team has also been organized for Southport's senior citizens and is just now getting started. A second senior citizens center which is available to the elderly of South- port is the center which recently opened in Shallotte. This center is located in the old health building in Shallotte. It offers free meals as well as a wide variety of recreational opportunities and transportation services to the center. It is hoped that the center will eventually provide information and guidance ser- vices as well. Transportation services to the center are provided to-senior citizen@ in out-lying areas where there is a lack of facilities for the elderly. The elderly of Southport are also eligible for in-home services provided by the County. 0 PART 4: LAND CLASSIFICATION DEVELOPMENT I r, - w I , SOUTHPORT CONSTRAINTS ON DEVELOPMENT Tr -. .@W- - !F-- A -1 SOIL SUITABILITY ANALYSIS Introduction This is an analysis of the general suitability of Southport soils for use as future sites for development. All of the Town's soils are classified as having some degree of physical limitations for future development@ This analysis uses a general site map of the City and locates those soil associations with natural properties that are not well suited for development. The analysis discusses each soil.and its interpretation. This analysis is essenti.ally a guide and aid in the preparation of a land classification map. The' maps and analysis (ire useful guides in planning residential growth, engineering works, recreational facilities and commun- ity projects. This is not a suitable analysis for planning and management of a specifiec residence or lot, or for selecting exact locations for I-)JIding roads, etc., because the soils in any one association ordinarily differ in slope, drainage, depth and other characteristics that could affect their management. The Outer Banks S.C.S. Soil Survey was used to develop the soil analysis sections for each association. The soil productive areas were identified by following certain established criteria. Agricultural lands were mapped according to capability class ratings from the S.C.S. which is explained in the text. Productive forest lands were separated according to the site index of the associations with only those of high value'being mapped. Loblolly pine was used as the reference species. Soil Conditions This section of the report groups together various soils associations having similarsoil properties and thus interj@retes their natural soil condition as having either resource potential 0 T or specific development limitattion. The soil ratirlis, are det r, 'ned or this basis. Such interpretations encompass certain established tests to each soils physical and chemical properties. They are as follows: 1) Soil Horizons- depth in inches of the major soil strata froai surface to subsurface soils. This is used to determine relatimve depth to water table and tile soils cheinical proper-ties. 2)- Texture- based on the relative aniounts of sand, silt, and clay in a soil, giving rise to testured classes,such as sand, sandy loam, loam, clay loam, and clay. 3) Particlo Size- based on the single soil unit and relates to shrink-swell potential, Plasticity, and bearing capacity. 4) Permeability- that QUality OF A Soil thaT pERMIts the movement of waTer and air. ESTIMATes of the rANGEof permeability is the rate of time it takes for downward movemenT of water in the major soil layers when saturated, but allowed to drain freely. 5) Soil Structure- the arrangement and compaction of indi- vidual soil particles into the basic soil building blocks. 6) Available Water Capacity- the ability of soils to retain water for plant use." 7) Soil Reaction or ph- the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a soil. Suitability Map Key Southport Sources: Soil Survey of the Outer Banks, North Carolina, Part I. United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service in cooperation with North Carolina Department of Natural and Econo- mic Resources and North Carolina State University Soil Science Department, June 1977. Federal Insurance Administration, flood zone designation. Tile soil types indicated on the soil map were rated for bearing capacity and septic tank filter field capacity. Bearing capacity is a soil limitation rating for dwellings based on soil properties that affect foundations. Conside- rations are also made of slope, susceptibility to flooding, seasonal high water table, and other hydrologic conditions in rating the soils. Septic tank filter field capacity is a rating based on soil properties that limit the absorption or 1reatment of effluent. These properties include: slope, susceptibilit.Y to flooding, presence of a seasonal high water table,'and permeability of the sub- soil and underlying material. Past performance of existing filter fields is also iiiiportant in determining the suitability of a site for the installation and design of a ground absorption sewage disposal system. EaEh rating has a different meaning. These are indicated below. Slight: Soil properties are generally favorable for the stated use, or limitations are minor and can be easily overcome. Moderate: Some soil properties are unfavorable, but limitations resulting from the properties can be overcome or modified by special planning, good design and careful management. Severe-. Soil properties are unfavorable and resulting limitations are too difficult to correct or overcome. Soil will require major soil recla- mation or special design for stated uses. This rating, however, does not imply the land cannot be used. Very Severe: This rating is a subdivision of the severe rating and has one or more features so unfavorable for the stated use that the limi- tation is very difficult and expensive to overcome. Reclamation would be very difficult, requiring the soil material to be re- moved, replaced, or completely modified. This rating is confined to soils that require extreme alteration and, generally, are not used for dwellings and septic tank fields. Coastal Floodplain is defined as the land areas adjacent to coastal sounds, Estuaries, or the ocean which are prone to flooding from storms, with an annual probability of one percent or greater (100-yr. flood). Land uses must comply with standards of the Federal Insurance Administration. The flood zone designations used on the suitability maps are those accepted by the Federal Insurance Administration. Flood zone A includes areas between the limits of the 100-year flood and 500-year flood boun- daries. The CAMA Areas of Env,i.ronmental Concern for Southport include Estuarine Waters, Estuarine and River Erodible Areas, and Coastal Marshland. Estuarine Waters are formally defindd as,"all the water of the Atlantic Ocean within the boundary of North Carolina and all waters of the bays, sounds, rivers, and tributaries there to seaward." Estuarine and River Erodible Areas are areas subject to excessive.erosion. They are defined as the areas above ordinary high water where excessive erosion has a high probability of occurring. In determining the landward extent of this area, a reasonable 25-year recession line is established using the best available information. Appropriate uses for this land include recreation, conservation, and easements for access. Land Uses that are not appropriate include permanent or substantial residential, commercial, institutional, or industrial structures. These uses should be dis- couraged in future development. The Coastal Marshland area in Southport is marshland which is not low tidal marshland. Appropriate land uses for this area are those which will not alter natural functions. Examples of acceptable land use may include utility easements, fishing piers, and docks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6A Very Severe ................... ............. ... .... ... .. . ....................... . ............... .................. . ............................ ...................... ......... ....... ................................... Severe . ..... . ................ .......... ............................ .................. ...... ......................... .. ......... .......... ....... .......... .. . ...... U: ................... ..... .... .. . .................. I ..... ................ r .............. Moderate ..... ...... ...... ir ... ......... .......... . ............. .......... Slight ........ ..... ........ ...... . CAMA AEC . . . ........ .......... .... . ...... ... .. ........... .... .............. ..... ........ . . . .......... .................... ............. ........... .................. ... ....... ........ ....... ..... .... .......... ............ ......... ............... ......................... ,x it Fil P.repared by the Brunswick County Planning Department 1 80 cp \Nando Fine sand Carpers Silty Clay Loom El Madeland Murville Fine Sand Dare Muck Johnston Series 4 i N Echaw AIA@ Seabrook Mandarin Hobonny rTI Leon Sand Ar- f .......... ... .. ...... -MMO- . . ......... .... . j., ........... ....... H. X ......... ............. .... ................ .............. ........... Brunswick County Planning Department 1980 cpb Soils in the Slight Category: Wando fine sand The soils are sandy and excessively drained. Rapid permeability is characteristic, as are drought conditions. Depth to high water table is greater than six feet. There is no flooding of the soils. In a represen- tative profile, the surface layer is dark brown loamy fine sand eight inches thick. Slopes range from zero to six percent'and the soils are found on the lower coastal plains. Kureb fine The soils are sandy and excessively drained. Permeability is rapid and depth to high water table is over six feet. There is no flooding. A sample profile shows a surface layer of dark gray sand, three inches thick. The soils are found on broad undulating ridges and short side slopes of the tower coastal plains. Soils in the Moderate Category: Johnston series The soils are very poorly drained and consist of extremely fine sand with excess organic materials. Typically, the surface layer is black mucky loam, 30 inches thick. Permeability is moderate*to rapid. Depth to high water table is about one-foot and flooding is frequent. The soils are found on nearly level flood plains of the coastal plain with slopes ranging from zero to two percent. aw- The soils are sandy throughout and permeability is rapid. Depth to high water ranges from two and one half to five feet. There is no flooding and the soils are droughty during dry periods. The surface layer is composed of gray fine sand. Level to gently sloping, the soils are on low ridges and island@s. Blanton fine sand The soils are sandy and moderately well drained. Permeability is rapid. Depth to the high water table is greater than six feet. In a representative profile, the surface layer is gray fine sand about nine inches thick. There is no flooding. With slopes ranging from zero to twelve percent, the soils are generally found in the coastal plain. 'Madeland( arteret complex) See @IadEla_ad_ soil above for a general description. These soils are primarily of the Carteret variety and are characterized by poorly drained sandy soi Is , very rapid permeability, and frequent flooding ( if located in tidal marshes). The sand is typically gray in color. Dn@@deLi I I These soils are the result of dredging maintenance of the Intercoastal Waterway. Most areas are composed of sand and shells. The soils are generally droughty because of' the coarse texture. Mandari n The soils are sandy and somewhat poorly drained. Permeability is rapid and depth to high water table is one and one half to three and one half feet. Typically, these soils have gray fine sand surface layers with slopes from zero to Lwo percent. The soils are found on areas slightly higher than the adjacent flatwoods and do not experience flooding. Seabrook Thi soils are sandy and moderately well drained. Permeability is rapid and depth to high water table ranges from two to four feet. The surface layer is a dark grayish brown loamy fine sand about nine inches thick. There is no flooding, and slopes are less than two percent. The soils can be found on the lower coastal plain. 0 Soils in the Severe Catogory: Madeland These soils have been pumped up or dredged during construction of canals and has been deposited between the canals for building site use. Essentially, it has been deposited over marsh. Average soil thickness is from three to six feet and water table fluctuates with changes in.the tide level. It is mainly sandy with varying amounts of shell fragments. Murville fine sand The soils are sandy and very poorly drained. Permeability is rapid. t4etness is characteristic of the soil and depth to high water table ranges from zero to one foot. The surface layer is black fine sand about eight inches thick. Flooding is rare since the soils are located on flats or in slight depressions on coastal plain uplands. Slopes are generally less than two percent. Leon sand The soils are sandy and poorly drained. Permeability is rapid to moderate and the depth to high water table rar-ios from ten to forty inches. The surface layer is composed of partly decomposed organic materials and light gray sand. The soils are ne.a-rly level to gently sloping and occur in the lower coastal plain. Depressional areas are ponded. Carpers Sil y ___Cla\L loam The soils consist of very poorly drained soils having a dark brown silty Clay Surface layer about 16 inches thick. Permeability is slow and depth to high water table is near or at the surface. The soils contain decomposed organic matter and characteristically.,-.Wet. Flooding is frequent. With slopes of less than one percent, the soils are found in the tidal.marshes. 0 Soils in the Very Severe Catogory: Carteret sandy loam The soils are sandy and very poorly drained. Permeability is moderate to slow and depth to high water table is one-to over three feet. Flooding is frequent. In a typical profile, the surface layer is dark grayish-brown and dark gray loamy'sand to a depth of ten inches. With slopes of zero to two percent the soils are found in the ti'dal marshes. Dare Muck The soils consist of extremely acid organic soils and are characteris--@ tically wet. They contain black, dark reddish brown, and very dark brown highly decomposed organic materials. Permeability is slow to moderate and flooding is frequent. High water table is near the surface, generally. The swampy s'oils are found in the lower coastal plain and have slopes less than one percent. Bohick-et silty clay loam The soils consist of very poorly drained soils with a surface layer of dark gray silty clay loam. Permeability is slow and depth to high water table ranges from zero to over three feet. The soils are characteristically wet and experience frequent flooding by sea water, being located in the tidal marshes. Hobonny The soils consist of very fine sand and organic materials. They are poorly drained and experience frequent flooding. Depth to high water table is near or at the surface. Permeability is slow. In a representative profile, beneath about two inches 'of silty clay loam material, it is dark reddish brown organic materials that are highly decomposed to a depth of 90 inches. Found on the lower coastal plain, the soils have slopes less than on percent.' Scuthport Soil Suitability Acreage Soil Total Acreage Total Acreage CO'mbined @ating I n Town Percentage C, @:xter ri tori a I Percentage Total Percentage SI i ght 707.1 56.9 98.5 4.1. 805.6 22.1 SI ijit 127.7 10.3 170.3 7.1 298.0 8.2 flood Zone A Slight 143.9 11.6 143.1 6.0 287.0 7.9 F1 ood Zone 9 Moderate 170.5 13.7 570.4 23.8 740.9 20.4 S@vere 40.2 3.2 741.7 30.9 781.9 21.5 19.9 T:)tdl 1242.2 100.0110' 2398.4 100.0% 3640.6 100.0% Fragile Areas In addition to items included on the Southport Soil and Suitability Maps, items on the Southport Fragile Areas Map were considered in determining the physical.suitability for development and land use. Included on the map are environmentally fragile areas, public trust areas, cemeteries, and areas of historic-@*and archeologic significance. Environmentally fragile areas are known as Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs). These areas need protection, and CAMA permits are required in order to construct or build in the AEC. In Southport the AECs are classified as Coastal Wetlands, Estuarine Waters, Estuarine and River Erodible Areas, Areas Subject to Public Rights. Coastal Wetlands Coastal Wetlands are defined as "any salt marsh or other marsh subject to regular or occasional flooding by tides, including wind tides (whether or not the tide waters reach the marshland areas through natural or artificial water- courses), provided this shall not include hurricane or tropical storm tides. (Soil Conservation Service An Appraisal of Potentials for Outdoor Recreational Development). Coastal Wetl-ands may be subdivided into two categories: low tidal marshland and all other coastal marshland. Low tidal marshland is defined to consist primarily of Spartina Alterniflora and to be subject to inundation by the nornia'l rise and fall of lunar tides. The marsh is the basis for the high yeild system of the estuary through the production of organ detritus (partially decomposed plant material) which is the prime input source for the food chain of the entire estuarine system. In addition, the roots and rhizomes of the Spartina alterniflora serve as waterfowl food and the stems as wildlife nesting material. Low tidal marsh also serves as the first line of defense in retarding shoreline erosion. Other coastal marshland contributes to the detritus supply and provides quality-wildlife and waterfowl habitat depending on the biological and physical conditions of the marsh. (Coastal Resources Commission, "State Guidelines for Local Planning . . ." January 27, 1975 page 51.) Appropriate land uses are those which do not significantly alter the natural functions of the marsh. Inappropriate land use include, but are not limited to the following examples: restaurants and businesses; residences, apartments, niotels, hotels, and trailer parks; parking lots and offices; spoil and dump sites; waste- water lagoons; public and private roads and highways; and factories. Examples of acceptable land uses may include utility easements, fishing piers, docks, certain agricultural uses except when excavation or filling affecting estuarine or navigable waters is involved, and such other uses which do not significantly alter the natural functions of the marsh. The higher marsh types offer quality wildlife and waterfowl habitat depending on the biological and physical conditions of the marsh. The vegeta- tion diversity in the higher marshes usually supports a greater diversity of wildlife types than the limited habitat of the low tidal marsh. This marshland type also serves as an important deterrent to shoreline erosion especially in those marshes containing heavily rooted species. The dense system of rhizomes and roots of Juncus roemerianus are highly resistant to erosion. In addition, the higher marshes are effective sediment traps. Appropriate land uses are those which function to preserve and manage the marsh, so as to safeguard and perpetuate their biological, economic, and aesthetic values. Highest priority shall be allocated to the conservation of existing marsh- lands. Second priority for land uses allocation of this type shall be given to development which requires water access and cannot function anywhere else, such as prots, docks and marinas, provided that the actual location of such facilities within the marsh considered coastal, physical and biological systems and further provided-that feasible alternatives regarding location and design have been adequate@y considered and need for such development can be demonstrated. Such allocation may only be justified by the projected land use demands and by community development objectives, but-in no case shall the allocation exceed the capacity of the marshland system to sustain losses without harm to the estuarine ecosystem unless the losses would be offset by a clear and substantial benefit to the public. The marsh near Southport provides good clapper rail shooting but public hunting opportunities for waterfowl in general are poor. Most waterfowl hunting is done on private property along the Cape Fear River. Except for a few marsh areas along the Cape Fear River and the coast and some swamp in the Waccamaw and Cape Fear River basins, the development potential for waterfowl in the county is poor. Estuari ne Waters Estuarine waters are defined in G.S. 113-229 (n)(2) as, "all the waters of the Atlantic Ocean within the boundary of North Carolina and all the waters of the sounds, rivers, and tributaries thereto seaward of the dividing line between---Coastal fishing waters and inland fishing waters, as set forth in an agreement adopted by the Wildlife Resources Commission and the Department of Conservation and Development filed with the Secretary of State entitled "Boundary Lines, North Carolina Commercial Fishing - Inland Fishing Waters, revised March 1, 1965." Estuaries are among the most productive natural environments of North Carolina. They not only support valuable commercial and sports fisheries, but are also utilized for commercial navigation, recreation, and aesthetic purpose-9-. Species dependent upon estuaries such as menhaden, shrimp, flounder, oysters and crabs make up over 90% of the total value of North Carolina's commercial catch. These species must spend all or some part of their life cycle in the estuary. The high level of commercial and sport fisheries and the aesthetic appeal of coastal North Carolina is dependent upon the protection and sustained quality of our estaurine areas. Appropriate uses are those which preserve and manage estuarine waters so as to safeguard and perpetuate their biological, economic, and aethetic values. Highest priority shall be allocated to the conservation of estuarine waters. The development of navigational channels, the use of bulkheads to prevent erosion, and the building of piers or wharfs where no other feasible alternative exists are examples of land uses appropriate within estuarine waters, provided that such land uses will not be detrimental' to the biological and physical estuarine functions and public trust rights. Pro 'jects which would directly or indirectly block or impair existing naviation channels, increase shoreline erosion, deposit spoils below mean high tide, cause adverse water circulation patte-rns, violate water quality standards or cause degradation of shellfish waters are generally con- sidered incompatible with the management of estuarine waters. Estuarine and River Erodible Areas Estuarine and river erodible areas are natural hazard areas. They are defined as the area above ordinary high water where excessive erosion has a high probability of occurring. In delineating the landward extent of this area, a @easonable 25-year recession line is determine using the best avail- able information. Appropriate land uses for this land include recreation, conservation, and easements for access. Land uses that are not appropriate include permanent or substantial residential, commercial, institutional, or industrial structures. These uses should be discouraged in future development. Areas Subject to P.ublic Rights Areas subject to public rights are defined as areas such as waterways.and lands uner or flowed by tidal waters or navigable waters, to which the public may have rights of access or public trust rights and areas which the State of North Carolina may be authorized to preserve, conserve, or portect under Article XIV, Section 5, of the North Carolina Constitution. Appropriate land uses for these areas are those which do not interfere with public rights of naviaation. The development of navigational channels, drainage ditches, the use of bulkheads to prevent erosion, and the building of piers or wharfs are examples of land uses appropr-i,:ate within public trust waters provided that such land uses will not be detrimen-tal to the biological and physical functions and public trust rights. Projects which would directly or i!ndirectly block or impair existingnavigation 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 are generally considered incompatible with the management of public trust waters. Southport recognizes other environmentally fragile areas such as wooded swanips-ftnd prime wildlife habitats particularly along Dutchman Creek and Price's Creek. One notable scenic area is along the Cape Fear River west bank. Development Standards Applicable to all AECs No development should be allowed in any AEC which would result in a con- travention or violation of any rules, regulations, or laws of the State of North Carolina or of local government in which the development takes place. No development should be allowed in any AEC which would have a substantial likelihood of causing pollution of the waters of the State to the extent that such waters would be closed to the taking of shellfish under standards set by the Commission of Health Services pursuant to G.S. 130-169.01. Archeological Sites The Southport area also contains one know n archeological site, and it is important to take note of its location in the planning process to insure it is not adversely affected by new development. Archeological resources are objects and/or areas made or modified by man and the data-associated with these artifacts and features. These resources rest in or on the ground. Any alteration of the land destroys the associated information and endangers the artifacts themselves. Although most of the known archeological sites in Brunswick County have not been evaluated for their significance, a majority are suspected to have been temporary camp locations used by early Indians for the purpose of shellfish harvesting. But until these sites can be properly evaluated by a competent archeologist, care should be taken to preserve them. However, archeological sites need not be a deterrent to development. The sig- nificance of their location in the planning process is to encourage their evaluation before any development is allowed to occur which might harm or destroy them. , The government requires all known archeological sites to be evaluated before con- struction begins on any project financed in whole or part with State or Federal money. Ideally, all sites should be evaluated before construction begins, regard- less of the source of funding. Historical sites His-torical sites and areas are abundant in the Southport area. They too need to be included in the planning process to avoid adverse effects of development which may destroy the site or the significance of the site. Historical sites can be an important asset in the community, especially for its tourist industry. It is therefore recommended that the joint Southport - Brunswick County Historic Preservation Commission renew their activity.to develop the means necessary to protect these important historical resources. Hi5-toric Sites are unique and non-renewable educational resources which owe their importance to associations with American history, archeology, architecture and culture of the past. These valuable resources constitute an integral part of the human environment by showing-the integrity of past generations which in turn develops a special character for Southport and Brunswick County. The following list of historic places in the Southport area corresponds to places designated on the Southport Fragile Areas map. The information was com- piled from these sources: i"Jorth Carolina Division of Archives and History, County. Historic Site Inventory; Brunswick County Historic Society; The Bald Head Island Gazette, M.A. Pag@'@,Southport Scenic Driving Town," 1975; and Brunswick 7own Historic Site Manager, 1972. Southport Historic Sites Fort Johnston - The Garrison location - Bay Street description - The Garrison housed his majesty's troops from 1745-1764; burned by Uhigs 1775, 'rebuilt in 1794-1809 present use residence of commanding officer of Sunny Point St. Phillips_Episcopal Church location - Courthouse Square -description - first established in Brunswick Town in 1754; present structure was erected in 1851; original furnishings are in evidence Old Southport Cemetery location - Moore Street description - dates from 1760 present use - Southport landmark Frying Pan Lightship location - foot of Howe Street description - ship guarded Fry Pan Shoals; built in 1929, replaced in 1964 by light tower, given to Southport by United States Coast Guard. present use - Southport landmark Brunswick County Courthouse location - Courthouse Square on Moore Street -description - third location but not the last, erected in 1842 Whittler's Bench location - foot of Howe Street description - orginally a Lombardy Poplar and two ancient gnarled cedars formed popular shady spot for sailors and townspeople to congregate. Old Thompson House location - Bay Street description - example of widow's watch used to scan horizon for returning ships or planning voyages; once owned by Captain Thomas M. Thompson, who collected treasures from over the world; he was also famous Civil War blockage runner present use - private residence Franklin_Square - "The Grove" location - Howe Street description - land bequeathed to town by Governor Benjamin Smith for educational, fraternal, religious, and recreational purposes; contains an old hand water p,ump City Hall description - stately colonial structure looks out upon Franklin Square; built in 1904 by Masonic Lodge; it has functioned as a school , American Legion Hut, community center and now seat of Town Government "Four Sisters" description a rare arrangement of canopying giant live oaks -hundreds of years old, directly behind City Hall Pri,ces Creek Lighthouse location - 2 miles north of Southport on Cape Fear River description - brick runins largely intact built in 1849 as a range light, taken over by South in 1861 used as telegraph signal station; after Civil War abandoned; Pfizer, Inc. plans to restore Price-Davis Family Cemetery location - West Street behind First Apostolic Church description - secluded old burying ground Indian Trial Tree - Keziah Park location - corner of Moore and Lord Streets -description - ancient and gnarled live oak is estimated to be .,-'over 800 years old; Believed that Indians bent this tree marking -route to fishing grounds reported in Ripley's Believe It or Not; Named in honor of W. B. Keziah known as "Mr. Chamber of Commerce" Old Southport Hospital location - Atlantic Avenue and West Street description - moved from North Bay Street sometime after Civil War; used as first real hospital reported to be the oldest remaining building in Southport prior to 1790's present use - private residence Bonnet's Creek location - East Moore Street description - Stede Bonnet, supposedly "Gentleman Private" hid his vessel The Royal James, here; Bonnet's lady love lived in Southport; she reportedly buried her diary here; this con- troversial pirate was captured November 8, 1718 by Colonel William Rhett, and died on the gallows with a handful of followers in Charleston, South Carolina Old Brunswick County Jail location - S W corner Moore and Rheit streets description - second oldest jail,in the state built in 1865 Old Brunswick Inn (Arrington House) location - Atlantic Avenue and Bay Street -description - two story frameh6use, dating from 1830 with Greek Revival exter ra-nd .Anterior 6tails, considered hauntei@ __ pr-@ent use - private residence Harper House location - north corner of Bay and How streets description - two story frame house, with square pillars extending the full height of the first and second floors House - - - 111 Bay Street location - Bay street description - one story frame cottage with low hip roof pierced with two interior chimneys House - - - 115 Bay Street location - West corner of Bay and Davis Streets description - two story frame house with pedimented roof Art Newton House (Bellamy Summer House) location - west corner of Bay and Atlantic streets description - two-and-one-half story frame house, dating from about 1790, reportedly one of the oldest houses in Southport. Southport Baptist Church location - corner of Howe and Nash streets description - brick church built in 1871, contains original furnishings Annie May Woodside House location - East Bay Street description - two story frame house with Greek Revival interiors, mid-nineteenth century. Ruark House location - corner of Nash and Lord streets description - home of Robert Ruark author of The Old Man and the Boy, a nostalgic f_ OY account o his own b hood in this house of his paternal grandparents. South2ort - Brunswick County Library description - in early 1900's members of Southport woman's club establsihed a reading room that was to become the nucleus of the present day public library, completed in 1968. Southport Boat Harbor description - facility of State Ports Authority present use - operates year-round to provide marine services and supplies to the public The Water front area of Southport is also known to contain' structures of historic interest, which have not been specifically identified. e PRINCIPLES AND STANDARDS FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT Depending on where a particular type of land use locates, it has economic, environmental, safety, and convenience'a'-ffects on the surroundi.ng land and society. For example, some locations are better for industrial uses than others. In orde'r to provide for the most efficient and beneficial effect of a particular development, principles and standards can be used to guide it's location. A principle is a general idealized relationship between a land use and the surrounding land and people. General principles relating to the location of land uses customarily identify three major functional areas in the urban complex: the work areas, the living areas, and the leisure time areas. Principles for each of the above areas are outlined in the following pages. Standards are specific measurement units used to quantify the terms appearing in the statement of principles. Standards are not absolute, but rather guides to be followed under average circumstances. For each of the three principle categories (work, living, & leisure time areas), standards are provided in several classes: environment; convenience; security; and performance. IR order to consistently and rationally review development proposals in and around Southport, the Board of Aldermen will use the following principles and standards. These principles and standards will form the basis of land use regula- tions and suggested amendments to existing regulations will be judged in relation with these statements. In -the case that a proposed development or some aspect of a proposed develop- ment is not covered by a law or ordinance, these principles and standards can be used by city elected and appointed officials as a foundation for negotiation with developers. LIVING AREA - GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS Residences are normally the largest users of land in the urban community. Most urban areas range from two-thirds to three-quarters developed for residential purposes. In a few cases, the proportion may run to 90 percent or more. In designating areas for residential development, it is desirable to think in terms of whole neighborhoods and communities from the earliest stages of planning as opposed to individual subdivisions and apartment developments. By so doing, we can assure the proper relationship of residences to non-residential uses, and an efficient street and utility network, minimizing the possibility of later disruption of the residential environment for such things as major new roadways,or-unwarranted changes, of land use. Neighborhoods are primarily dev,oted to homes--single-family and multi-- family-- and residentially oriented uses such as churches, elementary schools, neighborhood parks, and neighborhood shopping facilities. In their design, emphasis should be placed on tying these elements together by a system of collector streets and pedestrian ways. Neighborhoods should be bounded but not crossed by major traffic arteries. Where possible, neighborhoods should be structured and linked to each other by permanent open spaces - stream valley parks, sharp topo- graphy, etc. The same general principles are true for the community: an inden- tifiable system of neighborhoods linked to each other by the transportation system and focused on the community center; bounded by major highways, landforms, institutional uses. etc. LIVING AREA PRINCIPLES 1. Residential communities should be located in areas that are not extremely low, or poorly drained. 2. Where applicable, residential communities should locate in close proximity to major thoroughfares and the transit system with direct connections to work and leisure time areas. They should be bounded but not penetrated by major streets and internally served by a system of collector and service streets fitted to the terrain with due consideration of drainage, sunlight, and scenic views. 3. Local shopping facilities should locate on sites adequate for shops, accessory off-street parking and loading, and landscaping; convenient to specific local tributary trade areas and accessible for receiving goods. A. Neighborhood-serving stores should locate within convenient walking distance or driving distance (in low density areas), with due consideration for pedestrian access and the amenity of surrounding areas. B. Community-serving shopping centers should locate on major thoroughfares, at the intersection of a major crosstown street, or toward the edge of tributary trade area, with consideration for intergrated design of the center and amenities of surrounding areas. 4. Schools should locate on reasonably level sites, adequate for buildings, recreation facilities, and landscaping, and with due consideration of the safety of children as well as the amenity of surroundings. A. Upper-level schools should be within a convenient community range. B. Lower-level schools should be within walking distance of the age groups served, except in low density areas where convenient driving range rather than walking distance becomes-crucialL consi- deratilon. 53r"----Churches should locate on reasonably level sites, adequate for parking and landscaping, convenient to potential membership. A. For neighborhood-serving churches, walking distance is important. B For community -serving churches, accessibility to ri-iajor street systems is important. 6. Playground and park areas should be located on reasonably level sites, possibly in conjunction with schools, within easy walking distance of age groups served (or within convenient driving range for low density areas), and adequate for appropriate active recreation facilities and for surrounding planted strips. Quiet parks should locate on steep, level, or low sites and fingers of open space along water courses and in low areas, intergrated with active and passive recreation areas and the larger open space system of the city according to the opportunities offered by the topography of the locale. 7. A range of choice in residential densities should exist, with high densities in close proximity to permanent open space and nearest to the thoroughfare and transit systems and community shopping centers. 8. Different housing types and densities should be located with considera- tion of the potential for degredation of the environmentally sensitive areas and areas of high natural value. 9. Low cost housing should be located throughout the city, with various density levels available to low income persons in proximity to employ- ment centers. 101.1 Residential development should be kept well away from airport approach zones and "runup" areas because of: A. Noise B. Crash hazards C. Likelihood of industrial growth near the airport. Since all three of these are likely to exert a detrimental effect on residences, the Federal Housing Administration will not insure home mortgages within defined areas around airports where these factors are present. Many conventional lending institutions now follow similar prac- tices. Because locations near airports are extremely attractive to many industries, there is no real problem in finding alternatives to residen- tial use. LIVING AREA STANDARDS Definitions. 1. High Density Residential = 8 Dwelling units or above per acre. 2. Middle Density Residential = 2 to 7 Dwelling Units per acre. 3. Low Density Residential = 1 Dwelling Unit per acre or less. 4. Low-Low Density Residential = 1 Dwelling Unit per 2-5 acres. Environmental Location Standards 1. Areas that are wooded and have interesting topography and views should be utilized for residential purposes. 2. Low-Low Density Residential should be the only density development in headwater areas of the water supply reservoirs. 3. All housing with a density greater than 1 dwelling per acre should be served by a public sewerage system. 4. Low density housing utilizing on-site disposal methods for sewage (septic systems) shall be located in areas with soils that have a minimum perculation rat-P of 1" per hour and of general,ly we] I established good permeability. 5. Construction,of new housing with density great enough to require sewer line extensions shall be located in areas where the stormwater run-off will not cause pollution of the water supply and the exten- sion of line shall not cause an undue burden of public expenditures. Environmental Performance Standards 1. Maximum percentage of lot covered by imprevious surface is to be as follows: a. Low-low Density Residential - 10% b. Low Density Residential - 20% c. Middle Density Residential -30% d. High Density Residential - 30% 2. In construction of new housing, only those trees which are necessary to remove for construction, should be removed. Safety Standards 1. No housing should be located below a 100-year flood plain. Housing which is located on a flood prone area shall be built on stilts so that all habital space is above the, 100 year flood elevation. 2. All housing should be located within four miles of a fire station. 3. Roads in middle density or greater residential areas longer than 800 feet should have at least two access points. Convenience Standards The table below indicates standards for the desirable time-distances from residential areas to locations of various facilities. Facility High Middle Low Employment Centers 20 min. 30 mi'n. 45 min. Central Business District 25 min. 40 min 60 min 11pal Shopping Center 10 min. 15 miln. 20 min Elementary School 1-2 mile 11-, miles* 5 mil'es Junior High School 1 mile 3 miles 10 miles Senior High School 1 mile 4 mi ' les, 15 miles Playgrounds and Local Parks 10 min 20 min. SUPPORT STABILITY - POPULATION REQUIRED The figures below represent the number of people required to support each type of shopping facility for it to be viable in the community. These should be taken into account when planning commercial development. Local family shopping 1000-2500 people Convenience Items 2500-3000 people Neighborhood Shopping Center 7500-20,000 people Community Shopping Ce'niter 20,000-100,000 people Regional Shopping Center 100,000-250,000 people STABILITY - LOCATION REINFORCEMENT 1. NEIGHBORHOOD SHOPPING CENTER OR STORE: Stores or neighborhood shopping centers should locate in a non-competitive position at least a 2 - mile distance from any competing tenter. Any condi- tion promoting further commercial strip development should be eliminated. 2. COMMUNITY SHOPPING CENTER: Community Shopping Centers should locate such that no competing center is within 5 - 10 miles that draws on the same market population. 3. REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTER: Regional Shopping Centers should locate such that no competing center is within 10 - 25 miles that draws on same market population. BASIC CONSIDERATIONS - REASONABLE SIZE Local-Family Shopping 5 - 10,000 sq. ft. with 30-50% in storage Neighborhood Shopping Center 5 acres for 7500 pop.; 20 acres for 20,000 POP- Community Shopping Center 20 acres for 20,000 pop. Regional Shopping Center 40 acres for 100,000 pop. 60 acres for 25,000 pop. Definitions Neighborhood Center 40,000 sq. ft. selling area Community Center 100,000 to 300,000 sq. ft. Regional Center One to Four major department stores. REGIONAL SERVING BUSINESS AREA PRINCIPLES 1. In' eneral, regional serving business areas should locate near adjoining traitit flows, central to their tributary trade areas. 2. The central business district should be located close to the peak flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Retail, professional, financial, and related services should be conveniently accomodated and made easily accessible to adequate parking, transit, and regional transportation services for clientel and employee groups patronizing or working in the CBD. Facility High Middle Low Playfields and Recreation 10 min* ?0 min* Centers Public Park or Reservation 45 min. 45 min. Regional Shopping Center 20 min. 30 min. 40 min. Transit System Shop 5min. 20 min. Major Thoroughfare 5min. 5 min. 20 min. *It is assumed that because of the nature of the life style and private amenities of low density housing-public parks, playgrounds, recreation centers and public transits need not be provided by the government. EDUCATION PLANNING STANDARDS 1. SIZE OFSCHOOL ENROLLMENT Ultimate enrollment projected 77rooms needed average class size Average class size = pupils/room for grades 1-6 (Set by N.C. Department of Public Instruction): Elementary 400-700 Ju6ior High School 500-1,200; optimum 700-1,000 Senior High School 500-1,800; optimum 700-1,500 2. Size of School Site a. Elementary: (min) 20 acres and one additional acre/100 pupils b. Junior High School (min) 20 acres and one additional acre/100 pupils c. Senior High School: (minO 30 acres and one additional acre/100 pupils 3. Travel Distances - Service Radius Vehicl (miles) Walking (miles) Elementary -I, - 3/4 3/4 Junior High School 1 11-1 11-2 Senior High School 1-1, 2 2 4. Senior'High Schools are best placed near major thoroughfares because they generate their own traffic and are accessible to the public for auditoriums, stadiums, etc. SOURCE: N.C. Department of Instruction COMMERCIAL STANDARDS TRANSPEWTATION-STANDARDS 1. Commercial areas should be located at the intersection of arterial streets, with limited access, that is no less than 1300' from the intersection. Additional lanes for access and egress traffic should be provided. 2. A 3/1 to 6/1 parking / sales area ratio should exist, with all parking within 400' maximum of magnet uses 3. Regional Business Centers: A. Regional shopping centers should be located in two major arterials in tributary trade area (50 - 100,000 families). The site should be adequate to accomodate peak parking needs and a complete line of shop and store types, eating and entertainment facilities, and branch business and financial services sufficient fill several of a shopper's time (30 to 150 acres). B. Satellite CBD centers (office parks, automobile sales and service centers, Appliance centers,'*farmers market, service centers, etc.) should be located on intersections or radial and circumferential arteries and on one or more major transit routes with adequate parking and service areas. C. Highway Service Centers should be located in outlying areas on major high- way approaches to urban areas. Sites should be adequate for integrated design of drive-in services and motel accomodations. Proper consideration is given to highway safety, roadside beauty, and the general amenity of adjoining uses. 4. The site must be physically suitable for development as one center internally arranged or , where appropriate, in an integrated series of sub centers, with consideration given to parks and other open spaces, approaches and general amenity within the area and in adjoining use areas. MANUFA@'TURING, WHOLESALE, AND RELATED USE AREA PRINCIPLES 1. In general, manufacturing, wholesale, and related use areas should be located. on reasonably level land, preferrably with not more than 5 percent slope or capable of being graded without undue expense. 1 2. A range of size and choice inclose - in fringe, and dispersed locations should ex-ist. A. Extensive manufacturing requires large open sites for modern one-story buildings and accessory storage, loading and parking areas in fringe and dispersed location. Usually, 5 acres is the minimum size. With some sites 10, 25, 50, 100 or more acres, depending on the size of the urban area and economic outlook for industrial development of extensive lines of activity. B. Intensice manufacturing requires a variety of sizes for modern one- story buildings and accessory storage, loading, and parking areas in close-in and fringe locations. Site size is usually under 5 acres. 3. Locations should have direct access to commercial transportation facilities. Fringe and dispersed locations should have access to railroad, major trucking routes, cargo and airports. A major portion of the sites should have access to.koth railroad and trucking routes, while the rest at least have.access to adjWning trucking throughfares. 4. Locations should be within easy commuting time of residential areas of labor force and accessible to transit and major thoroughfare routes directly connected with housing areas. 5. utilities at or near the site such as power, water, and' waste disposal facilities should be available. 6. Proposed developments and locations in.the extra-terrirorial jurisdiction should be compatible with surrounding uses, possibilities of protective belts or open space, development of "industrial parks" and other factors as amenity both with the manufacturing area and in relation to adjoining lan*d uses. INDUSTRIAL STANDARDS Definitions of Den.sity Classes Workers per Acre Net Gross Intensive 147 50 Intermediate 40 18 Extensive 18 6 ENVIRONMENTAL LOCATION STANDARDS 1. Location of industry, especially that which has a high possibility of pro- r-. . ducing non-point sources of pollution should not be near water courses or the Cape Fear River unless control measures can be incorporated into the design of the facility to limit runoff. 2. The location of polluting industries should be banned from airsheds of resi- dential and central areas, space must be allocated for these industries where they will do the least harm. 3. Buffer zones should be required between industry and neighboring residential areas which effectively screen all negative effects such as noise, vibration, etc. TRANSPORTATION LOCATION STANDARDS 1. A site of 20 acres or more and employs over 800 persons per shift, needs direct access onto arterial street. Under all other conditions, access should be indirect via an industrial street. 2. Locations require short, fast and direct truck access via major or arterial streets from service industries upon which the industry will depend. 3. Sites should be near sources of labor (residence areas) with specific emphasis on-convenience for type employed. Maximize walk to work potential to reduce pa@&Jng and travel demands. T- A. Industries which employ part time unskilled females or males primarily should locate close to low-middle and low income housing areas, foster- ing a walk-to-work pattern. B. Industries which employ full time highly skilled technicians or professionals should locate in convenient driving distance from middle and upper-middle income residence areas. GENERAL SITING CONSIDERATIONS 1. No'industrial sites should be less than 200 feet in depth.and 100 feet in width. 2. Railroads should be located at side or rear of Industrial property lines. 3. For industrial developments, off-street parking should be provided in accord with the following schedule: A. 1 space for each 1000 sq. ft. of warehouse floor area B. 1 space for each 500 sq. ft. of manufacturing or research floor area C. 1 space for each 400 sq. ft. of office floor area GENERAL SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS Minimum Front Minimum side and Bilding Industry Type Yard Setback Rear Yard Setback Coverage Warehousing and General Industry 25 feet 10 feet 700% Ne@ghborhood Industry, Prestige Industry 100 feet 100 feet 25% Nuclear, Explosive or Erosive Industry 2000 feet 2000 feet 10% TRAFFIC GENERATION Average trip generations have been established for different types of indus- tries. These are presented in the Industrial Traffic Generation table on the following page. When planning industrial locations and devleopment, such standards should-be considered for estimating impacts the development may have on the trans- portation system in the area as well as the safety of area citizens. INDUSTRIAL TRAFFIC GENERATION Density Range Typical Range Typical Land Use (Employees/ Acre) (Number/Acr6,, (Number/1000 square feet floor) Highly automated industry ................ 5 2.8 4 0.2-1.0 0.6 low employee density (refinery, warefiouse) Light service industry ... 5-20 6-30 16 1.4-1.2 0.8 Single-lot industry (lumber yard) Industrial tract ......... 20-100 30-160 70 0.6-4.0 2.0 (5 acres) (machinery factory) Office campus .......... 100 150-2dO 170 3.8 4 research & development (research industry) Mixed central industry.. varies 10-200 1.4 Population Projections IA order to better understand population trends. Past population and current estimates are summarized below. Population change is the result of birth, deaths and migration. Migration is the most difficult variable to predict because it is subject to so many outside factors. Under the past population count we see that the City of Southport percent increase from 1930 to 1970 has been less than either Smithville Township or Brunswick County. It should also be noted that Southport from 1930 to 1970 has represented an average 9.8 percent of the county's total population. (See table of Historic Population). Due to Southport's small size and lack of a data base, it is necessary to discuss population changes at the County level. The first Census of Brunswick County was taken in 1790, and listed a population of 3,071., From 1790 through 1900, each ten year Census period had a population increase of 140/10 or more with two exceptions, 1830 to 1840 and 1860 to 1870. Since 1910, the percentage growth has been 80% or less except-:in the 1940-1950 and the 1960-1970 decades. The growth has been 47.1% from 1970 to 1975. The growth from 1975-1980 was 7.0%. Below is the County's most recent population change data. BRUNSWICK COUNTY POPULATION CHANGE 1960 1980 Year Population (From) Percentage Change 1960 29,278 1,040 (1050) 5.4 1970 24,223 3,945 19.5 1975 35,621 11,398 47.1 1980 38,100 2,479 7.0 Source: 1960, 1970, U.S. Census 1975, 1980, N.C. Department of Administration Population projections for Southport and Brunswick County have been calculated to the year 2000. These are based on data reported in the 1970 U.S. Census and are taken from different sources. The projections are presented in the following table. SOUTHPORT POPULATION PROJECTIONS Brunswick Southport Year County Permanent 1970 24,223 (1) 2220 (3) 1974 32,200 (5) 2900 (3) 1980 38,100 (.1 ) 3136 (3) 1985 51,200 (1) 3641 (3) 1990 64,300 (1) 4145 (3) 2000 78,000 (2) 5341 (3) Source: 1. N.C. Department of Administration, 1980 2. Cape Fear C. 0. G., 1980 3. The SOUTHPORT LAND USE PLAN, 1976 4. -Co-ns-oer, Townsend & Associates, SOUTHEASTERN BRUNSWICK COUNTY FACILITIES PLAN, September, 1978 5. Offices of State Budget and Management, 1980. Holding Capacity T@e holding capacity of a planning district refers to the ability of the .naturai and man-made systems of an area to support the demands of various land uses. It refers to inherent limits in the systems beyond which change cannot be absorbed without resulting in instability, degradation, or irreversible damage. Residentially speaking, theholdling capacity of a planning district is the number of dwelling units the vacant and renewal land in the planning dis- trict will accommodate to a prescribed pattern of residential densities. The basic elements used in determining holding capacity are projected population increases during the planning period, existing and proposed urban water & sewerage facilities, future planned development, institutional and organizational constraints, transportation systems, vunerable habitats, acquifer recharge zones, air and water quality standards establsihed by the EPA, engery supplies, man-made hazard areas and archeological and historical sites. 1,16asurement techniques for holding capacity are necessarily dynamic rather-than static. Measurement is based upon current existing and proposed holding capacity elements. In the future these elements may change and thus alter the holding capacity of the planning area. Changes in the elements may be brought about by technogical advances, economic fluctuations, energy crises, new life style attitudes, and institutional changes. However, major changes are not brought about in very short time spans. The holding capacity analysis is under review every five years and should therefore keep up with all element changes that have occurred. Because of this, and because the following holding capac+ty analysis is based upon all current element trends, the resultant land use projections are thought to be rather accurate. The result of a holding capacity analysis is aLand Use Design Map for 1990. Placement of proposed land uses, such as residential, are accurate only in their adherence to suitability and policy-criteria. Regardless ' the result is a farily accurate representation of future densities and land use compatability relationships. The Land Use Design Map for Southport revealed the need of the City of plan for expansion of facilities to meet projected growth. Following in this relationship, the Land Use Design Map is an instrumental factor in the determination of the Land Classification Map for 1990. The Land Classification Map is one of the most importanttOOls of federal, state, and local level planning for land use related issues. Therefore, it is obvious that the holding capacity analysis is a valuable element in the development of The Southport Land Use Plan. The following chart is the result of the holding capacity analysis process. The actual process is presented in outline form in the appendix. Southport Holding Capacity Summary New 1990 New 1990 Acreage Total 1990 Land Use Units Requirement Total 1990 Units Acreage Single family Residential 355 161.36 1317 599.61 Mul ti -f ami ly Residential 7 1.39 49 9.73 Mobile Homes 12 2.70 77 17.35 Commercial 27 39.00 112 161.38 Industry 0 0 2 705.47 Office 8 5.04 33 20.76 Recreation 2 2.26 9 10.16 Transportation, communi cati on, and utilities N/A N/A 12 518.12 Public Institution 9 7.65 38 32.29 Private Institution 1 2.31 5 11.53 Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries -12.26 8 1059.35 Subtotal 422 222.45 1662 3158.75 Undeveloped N/A 0 N/A 481.85 Total 422 222.45 -T6-62- 3640.60 One forestry unit was decreased by 13 acres while one fishery unit of .74 acre was added. SOUTHPORT HOLDING CAPACITY APPENDIX .rl - i @Q -@W- I Southport Holding Capacity Part I: Residential Land Use I. Residential Existing Land Use A. Summary Existing Stock of Dwelling Units On Southport there are approximately 962 permanent single family dwelling units, 42 permanent multi-family, and 65 mobile home units. B. Summary of Existing Acreages in Residential Use in Southport In Southport there are approximately 438.25 acres in permanent single family use, 8.34 acres in permanent multi-family use, and 14.65 acres in mobile home use. C. Summary of Prevailing Net Densities Residential Total Average Acreage Category Number of Units Acreage Per Unit Permanent single family 9.62 438.25 .46 Permanent multi-family 42 8.34 .20 Mobile Homes 65 14.65 .23 Total 1069 461.24 .43 --Density Calculation Total Acreage Average Acreage A-pproximate Number Per Unit or units Southport Population Data Year Permanent 1980 3136 1990 4145 Average Household Size Calculation Total 1980 Permanent Population Average Permanent Household Total-Permanent Units* Size 3136 Permanent Residents 2.93 Average Permanent 1069 Permanent Units Household Size All of Southports Residential are to be considered permanent. 2) RESIDENTIAL PERCENTAGE S Acreage in Residential subcategory Residential Subcategory acreage as a percentage Total acres in Residential use of total developed acreage 438.25 acres in permanent single family use .9501561 .461.24 total acres in residential use The permanent single family land use is 95.02% of the total residential acreage of Southport. 8.34 acres in permanent multi-family use 461.24 total acres in residential use .180816 The permanent multi family land use is 1.81% of the total residential acreage of Southoort. 14.65 acres in mobile home use .0317622 461.24 total acreage iF-residen ial use The mobile home land use is 3.18% of the total residential acreage of Southport. II. Estimate of Future Residential Needs Assumptions: -1. The average permanent and seasonal household sizes - are assumed to remain constant through 1990. Z. The average acreages per unit for all residential subcategories are assumed to remain constant through 1990. 3. The relative residential percentages given in I.C. are assumed to remain constant thorugh 1990. A) Household Size Assumptions By applying the present average household size to the present population and the assumed future household size to the estimated future population, the difference between these two results provides a crude unadjusted estimate of the total new dwelling unit requirements. Ct--culatibns: (1) present permanent Existing number of permanent Population - dwelling units present permanent average household size 3136 existing permanent residents 2.93 existina permanent residents 1069 existing permanent @V per household residential units estimated 1990 permanent projected number of permanent population dwelling units for 1990 assumed permanent average household size for 1990 4145 estimated permanent 1415 projected number of residents for 1990 permanent dwelling units 2.93 assumed average for 1990 household size for 1990 Projected number of permanent Existing number of permanent dwelling units for 1990 dwelling units Unadjusted estimate of the total new permanent dwelling units required for 1990 1415 projected permanent 1069 existing permanent dwelling units needed for 1990 dwelling units An unadjusted estimate of 346 total new permanent dwelling unit for 1990 The total 1990 permanent dwelling unit requirement is 346. B. Assumptions of Dwelling Unit Losses There has been an annual average of 16 dwelling units lost by fire during the past five year period in Southport. This figure is 1.5% of the existing permanent dwelling units. This percentage applied to the 1990 figure of 1415 D.U. results in 21 units lost by fire. Therefore, the total permanent need for 1990 is increased by this amount. The new figure, the adjusted estimate of permanent dwelling unit need for 1990 is 367. The vacancy rate will further adjust this figure in the following section C. C. Vacancy Rate Assumptions Estimates of dwelling unit replacements to cover the residential loses by fire were tallied above in section B. The final cumulative totals of permanent and seasonal estimated dwelling unit requirements for 1990 are increased to make allowance for a normal vacancy rate. An estimated vacancy rate of 2% is applied to the figures os 346 for permanent dwelling unit need. The result of 7 units is then added to the adjusted estimate of 367. The 1970 Census of Population and housing The residential percentages from I.C.) are then applied to the total estimate of 374 for the breakdown of the permanent category. The re- sult of this is: Permanent single family .9502 X 374 = 355 Permanent multi-family .0181 X 374 = 7 Mobile Homes .0318 X 374 = 12 Total 1.00 X 374 = T74 A. Holding Capacity Analysis 1. The most developable vacant, platted areas of Southport will be used for the Land Design Map of 1990. In these areas the streets already exist, so no allowance shall be made for them in the pro- jected acreage needs of 1990. Residential Net Density Table Total Net dwelling units Land Use Number of Units Acreage Density (Per Acre) Permanent !@ingle family 962 438.25 2.20 Permanent multi-family 42 8.34 5.04 Mobile homes 65 14.65 4.44 Total 1069 461.24 2.32 Total Residential Acreage Requirements For 1990 Unit Projected 1990 Land Use Projected 1990 Need Net Density Acreage Need Permanent single family 355 2.20 161.36 Permanent multi-family 7 5.04 1.39 Mobi-le homes 12 4.44 2.70 Vt a 1 374 2.26 165.45 4. When distributing new dwelling units, priority is given to these areas with the following characteristics: Existing platted areas Existing accessibility to streets � Within the existing pattern of development as determined from the 1975-1980 building permit records � Existing and proposed facilities available. � Existing historical and/or archeological sites are not present � The soils are suitable for bearing capacity and a septic tank if no sewerage facilities are presently available. � No conflict of-use with adjoining and nearby properties. � The Zoning Ordinance, The Subdivision Ordinance, and the Flood Prevention Ordinance and consistent with and favor- able to the dwelling unit placement. 5. Refer to the Southport Land Use Deisgn Map for the resulting proposed allocation of permanent single family, permanent multi-family, and mobile home residential uses for 1990. Part 11: Commercial Land Use I. Existing Commercial Land Use .A. Summary of Existing Stock of Commercial Units In Southport there are 85 existing commercial units B. Summary of Existing Acreage in Commercial Use. In Southport there are approximately 122.38 acres in commercial use. C. Summary of Prevailing Net Densities 1. Total existing commercial acreage Existing average Total existing commercial units commercial acreage per unit 122.38 Existing commercial acres 1.44 existing average 85 Existing commercial units commercial acreage per unit 2. Total existing commercial acreaqe Existing commercial Total existing developed acreage acreage as a percentage of total existing developed acreage. 122.38 Existing commercial acres .0416783 2M6.30 Total existing developed acreage The total existing commercial land use is 4.17% of the total existing developed acreage. 3. Total existinT commercial units Existing commercial To-tal existing population units per capita 85 Total existinq commercial units .027 3136 Total existing population There are presently .027 commercial units per capita in Southport. II. Estimate of Future Development Assumptions: 1. The commercial units per capita are assumed to remain constant through 1990. 2. The average commercial acreage per unit is assumed to remain constant through 1990. A. Applied per capita assumptions By applying the present average per capita sizes to the present population and the assumed future per capita size to the estimated future population, the difference between these two results provides a crude unadjusted estimate of the total new commercial unit requirements. Calculations: .T')- Existing population X Existing number of commercial units Existing commercial units per permanent capita 3136 existing permanent population X 85 existing commercial unit .027 existing commercial units per capita -2) projected 1990 permanent population X = projected number of existing commercial units per capits commercial units for 1990 4145 projected 1990 permanent population X = 112 projected commercial .027 existing commercial units per permanent units for 1990 capita 3) 112 projected commercial units for 1990 85 existing commercial units. 27 total new commercial units needed for 1990 Assu-mptions of Commercial Unit Losses A fire loss percentage cannot be applied to the estimate of 1990 commercial unit need and because of the unavailability of information on commercial fire loss and the trend of the information that is avail- able to indicate a large majority of residential fire loss. C. Vacancy.,.Rate Assumptions A vacancy rate percentage cannot be applied to the estima-ke of 1990 commercial unit need because the available information applies to residential units only. 3. Fitting Space Needs to Land Supply A. Holding Capacity Analysis 1. The most developable vacant, platted areas of Southport will be used for the Land Design Map of 1990. In these areas the streets already exist, so no allowance shall be made for them in the projected acreage needs of 1990. Commercial Net Density Table Total Net (Units) Land Use Number of Units Acreage Density (Per Acre) Couji-ne rc i a 1 85 122.38 .69 3. Total Commercial Acreage Requirement For 1990 Projected 1990 Unit Projected 1990 Land (Ise Unit Need Net Density Acreage Need Commercial 27 .69 39.00 4. Distribution Criteria When dis'tributing new commercial units, priority is given to those areas with the following,characteristics: Existing platted areas Existing accessibility to streets Within the existing pattern of development as determined from the 1975-1980 building permit records Existing and proposed facilities available. Existing historical and/or archeological sites are not present The soils are suitable for bearing capacity and a septic tank if no sewerage facilities are presently available. No conflict of use with adjoining and nearby properties. The Zoning Ordinance, The Subdivision Ordinance, and the Flood Prevention Ordinance are consistent with and fivorable to the unit placement. 5. Refer to the Southport Land Use Design Map for the resulting proposed allocation of commercial use for 1990. Part III: Industrial Land Use I. Existing industrial land use A. Summary of existing stock of commercial units. In Southport there are 2 existing industrial units B. Summary of existing acreage in industrial use In Southport there are approximately 705.47 acres in industrial use. C. Summary of Prevailing Net Densities 1. Total existing industrial acreage Existing average industrial Total existing industrial units acreage per unit - 705.47 existing industrial acres 352.74 existing average 2 existing commercial units industrial acreage per unit 2. Total existing industrial acreage Existing industrial acreage Total existing developed acreage as a percentage of total existing developed acreage 705.47 existing commercial acres .2402581 2936.30 total existing developed acreage II. Estimate of Future Development Within the past five years the industrial development of Southport has claimed a significant amount of acreage. This has been due to the development of the Pfizer Chemical Co. in Southport's extraterritorial jurisdiction. The estimate of future industrial development cannot be based upon the units per capita ratio used for residential as well as various other land uses. There are many variables which interact to determine the estimate of future industrial development need. Zoning, land use policy statements, existing facilities, environmental impact, physical suitability permit acquisitions, and property @.V---Ownership are several of these variables. 'The development of an ,industry is a difficult process which usually must begin several years in advance. Southport at this time has no industrial development planned. It is also the opinion of the Brunswick County Planning Department that Southport could not physically support another industry the size of Pfizer due to their limited extraterritorial space, physical tharacteristics of the land, and the existing facilities. I It is for this reason that no future industrial development is being projected for 1990. However, to allow for an error in this many - variabled projection, the Southport Land Classification Map shall allow for possible industrial development through the use of the Transitional Mixed Use Category. The purpose of this category is to provide for those areas which are expected to be intensely de- veloped within the next ten years and which have or will have public facilities (minimum of water and sewer). The uses within this category may be one of several types, i.e., residential, commercial, office, recreational, industrial, etc. . The final determination is made by the municipality via their Land Use regulations. Also used will be the developed mixed use category. I Part IV: Office Land Use 1. Existing Office Land Use A. Summary of existing stock of office units In Southport there are 25 existing office units. B. Summary of Existing Acreage in Office Use In Southport there are approximately 15.72 acres in 15.72 acres in office use C. Summary of Prevailing Net Densities 1. Total existing office acreage Existing average office Total existing office units acreage per unit 15.72 Existing office acres .63 Existing average office 25 Existing office units acreage per unit 2. Total existing office acreaqe Existing office acreage T-otal existing developed acreage as a percentage of total existing developed acreage 15.72 existing commercial acres .0053536 2936.3 Total existing developed acreage The total existing office land use is .54% of the total existing developed acreage. 3. Total existing office units Existing office units Total existilng population per capita 25'total existing office units .008 3136 total existing population There are presently .008 office units per capita in Southport. 11. Estimate of Future Development Assumptions: (1) The office units per capita are assumed to remain constant through 1990. (2) The average office acreage per unit is assumed to remain constant through 1990 A. Applied Per Capita Assumptions By applying the present average per capita sizes to the present population and the assumed future per capita size to the estimated future population, the difference.between these two results provides a crude unadjusted estimate of the total new office unit requirements. Calculations: (1) Existing population Existing number of X office units Existing office units per capita 3136 existing permanent population X 25 existing commercial units .008 existing commercial units per permanent capita (2) projected 1990 population Projected number of X office units for 1990 existing office units per capita 4145 projected 1990 population Total of 33 projected X office units for 1990 .008 existing commercial units per permanent capita (3) 33 projected office units for 1990 25 existing office units 8 total new office units needed for 1990. B. Assumptions of Office Unit losses A fire loss percentage cannot be applied to the estimate of 1990 office unit need because this information is not cornple-+e and from inspection of the information that is available, it would appear that the vast majority of fire losses were residential. C. Vacancy Rate Assumptions A vacancy rate percentage cannot be applie d to the estimate of 1990 office need because this information is available only in residential te rms. 3. Fitting Space needs to Land Supply A. Holding Capacity Analysis 1. The most developable vacant platted areas of Southport, will be used for the land design map of 1990. In these areas, the streets already exist, so no allowance shall be made for them in the projected acreage needs of 1990. 2. Office Net Density Table Total Net (Unit per) Land Use Number of Units Acreage Density acre Office 25 15.72 1.59 -3. Total Office Acreage Requirement for 1990 Projected 1990 Net Projected 1990 Land Use Unit Need Density Acreage Need Office 8 1.59 5.04 4. Distribution Criteria When distributing new office units, priority is given to those areas with the following characteristics: Existing platted areas Existing accessibility to streets 'within the Existing pattern of development as determined from the 1975-1980 building permit records Existing and proposed facilities available Existing historical and/or archeological sites are not present The soils are suitable for bearing capacity and a septic tank if no sewerage facilities are presently available * No conflict of use with adjoining and nearby properties. The Zoning Ordinance, the Subdivision Ordinance, and the Flood Prevention Ordinance are consistent with and favor- able to the unit placement. 5. Refer to the Southport Land Use Design Map for the resulting proposed allocation of use for 1990 office. Part V: Recreational Land Use I. Existing Recreational Land Use A. Summary of existing stock of Recreational units In Southport there are seven existing recreational units. B. Summary of existing acreage in recreational use In Southport there are approximately 7.90 acres in recreational use. C.T1 Summary of Prevailing net densities 1. Total existing Existing average recreational acreage recreational T a] existing acreage per recreational units unit 7.90 existing 1,13 existing recreational acres average recreational 7 existing acreage recreational units per unit 2. Total existing Existing recreational recreational acreage acreage as a percentage Total existing of total existing developed acreage developed acreage 7.90 Existing recreational acres .0026904 2936.30 Total existing developed acreage The total existing recreational land use is .27% of the total existing developed acreage. -3. Total existing recreational units Existing units Tot4l existing population per capita 7 total existing recreational units .0022 3136 total existing population There are presently .0022 recreational units per capita in Southport. Estimate of future development Assumptions: 1. The recreational units per capita are assumed to remain constant through 1990. 2. The average recreational acreage per unit is assumed to remain . constant through 1990 A. Applied per capita assumptions By applying the present average per capita sizes to the present population and the assumed future per capita size to the estimated future population, the difference between these two results provides a crude unadjusted estimate of the total new recreational unit re- quirements. Cal cu 1 ati ons 1. Existing population Existing number - X of Existing recreational Recreational units per capita units 3,136 existing population Existing X Recreati onal .0022 existing recreational Units units per capita 2. Projected 1990 population projected number X of Existing recreational units recreational units per capita for 1990 4145 projected 1990 population 9 projected X recreati onal .0022 existing recreational units for units per capita 1990 3. 9 projected re creational 7 existing 72 total new units for 1990 - recreational units recreational units needed for 1990 B._ Assumptions of Recreational unit losses Southport has not lost any recreational units by fire over the past five years. Therefore, a fire loss percentage cannot be applied to the estimate of 1990 recreational unit need. C. Vacancy Rate_Assumptions Southport has not had any recreational units vacated over the past five years. Therefore, a vacancy rate percentage cannot be applied to the estimate of 1990 recreational unit need. 3. Fitting Space needs to-Land Supply A. Holding capacity Analysis 1. The most developable vacant, platted areas of Southport will be used for the Land Design Map of 1990. In these areas, the streets already exist, so no allowance shall be made for them in the projected acreage needs of 1990. 2. Commercial Net Density Table Total Net (unit) Land Use Number of Units Acreag Densi (per ) (acre) Recreational 7 7.90 .886 -3. Total Commercial Acreage Requirement for 1990 Projected 1990 Unit Projected 1990 Land Use Unit needed Net Density Acreage needed Recreational 2 .886 2.26 4. Distribution Criteria When distributing new Recreational units, priority is given to those areas with the following characteristics: Existing platted areas Existing accessibility to streets within the Existing pattern of development as determined from the 1970- 1980 building permit records. Existing and proposed facilities available Existing historical and/or archeological sites are not present. The soils are suitable for bearing capacity and a septic tank if no sewerage facilities are presently available. No conflict of use with adjoining and nearby properties. The Zoning Ordinance, the Subdivision Ordinance, and the Flood Prevention Ordinance are consistent with and favorable to the unit placement. 5. Refer to the Southport Land Use Design Map for the resulting proposed allocation of recreational use for 1990. Part VI: Public Institutional Land Use (P.I.) I. Existing P.I. Land use A. A summary of existing stock of P.I. units. In Southport, there are 29 existing P.I. Units. B. 'Summary of existing acreage in P.I. Use In Southport, there are approximately 24.64 acres in P.I. use. C.1.Summary of prevailing Net Densities Total existing P.I. Acreage Existing average P.I. Total existing P.I. units Acreage per unit 24.64 existing P.I. acres .85 existing average P.I. 29 existing commercial unit-s Acreage per unit 2.Total existing P.I. acreage Existing P.I. acreage as a percen- Total existing developed acreage tage of total existing developed acreage. 2-4.64 existing P.I.acres .0084 2936.30 total existing developed acreage. The total existing P.I. Land Use is .0084% of the total existing developed acreage. 3.Total existing P.I. Units = Existing P.I. Units Total existing population per capita 29 total existing P.I. Units .0092 3136 total existing population There are presently .009 P.I. Units per capita in Southport. II. Estimate of future development Assumptions: 1. The P.I. Units per capita are assumed to remain constant through 1990. 2. The average P.I. acreage per unit is assumed to remain constant through 1990. A.*--Applied per capita Assumptions By applying the present average per capita sizes to the present population and the assumed future per capita size to the estimated future population, the difference between these two results provides a crude unadjusted estimate of the total new P.I. unit requirements. Calculations: 1. Existing population Existing X Number of Existing units per capita P.I. Units 3136 Existing population X 29 existing P.I. units .0092 Existing P.I. units per capita 2. Projected 1990 population Projected X number of Existing P.I. units per capita units for 1990 4145 Projected 1990 population 38 Projected X P.I. units .0092 existing P.I. Units per capita for 1990 3. 38 projected 29 existing 9 Total new units -P.I. units for 1990 P.I. units needed for 1990. Net Density Table Total Net Land Use Number of Units Acreage Density (unit per acre) Public Institutional 29 24.64 1.18 Total P.I. Acreage Requirement for 1990 ProJected 1990 Unit Projected 1990 Land Use Unit Needed Net Density Acreage Needed Public Institutional 9 1.18 7.65 4. Distribution Criteria When distributing new P.I. units, priority is given to those areas with the following characteristics: Existing platted areas Existing accessibility to streets within the Existing pattern of development as determined from the 1975-1980 building permit records Existing and proposed facilities available Existing historical and/or archeological sites are not present The soils are suitable for bearing capacity and a septic tankif no sewerage facilities are presently available No conflict of use with adjoining and nearby properties. The Zoning Ordinance, The Suvdivision Ordinance, and the Flood Prevention Ordinance are consistent with and favorable to the unit placement. 5. Refer to the Southport Land @Use Design Map for the resulting proposed allocation of P.I use for 1990. B. Assumptions of P.I. Unit losses Southport has not lost any unit by fire over the past five years. Therefore, a fire loss percentage cannot be applied to the estimate of 1990 unit need. C. Vacancy Rate Assumptions Southport has not had any P.I. units vacated over the past five years, Th6re-fore, a vacancy rate percentage cannot be applied to the estimate of 1990 P.I. unit need. 3. Fitting Space needs to Land Supply. A. Holding Capacity analysis 1.The most developable vacant platted areas of Southport will be used for the Land Design Map of 1990. In these areas the s ,treets already exist, so no allowance shall be made for them in the projected acre- age needs of 1990. Part VII: Private Institutional Land Use (Pr. I.) I. Existing Pr.I. Land Use A. Summary of Pr. I. existing stock of units In Southport, there are approximately 9.22 acres in Pr. I. use. C. Summary of Prevailing net densities. :V1. Total existing Pr. I. Acreage Existing average Pr. I. Total existing Pr. 1. units Acreage Per Unit 9.22 existing Pr. I Acreage 2.31 existing average 4 existing Pr. I. units acreage per unit 2. Total existing Pr. I.acreage Existing Pr.. I. acreage as a Total existing developed percentage of total existing developed acreage acreage. 9.22 existing Pr. .I acres .00314 2936.3 Total existing developed acreage The total existing Pr. I. Land Use is .314% of the total existing developed acreage. 3. Total existing Pr. I units = Existing Pr. I. Total existing population units per capita 4 total existing.Pr. 1. units = .0013 3136 total existing population There are presently .0013 Pr. I. units per capita in Southport. II. Estimate of Future Development. Assumptions 1. The Pr. I. units per capita are assumed to remain constant through 1990. 2. The average Pr. I. acreage per unit is assumed to remain constant through 1990. A.r"Applied per capita assumptions By applying the present average per capita sizes to the present population and the assumed future per capita size to the estimated future population, -the difference between these two results provides a crude unadjusted estimate of the total new unit requirements. Calculations: 1. Existing population Existing X Number Existing Pr. Lunits of per capita Pr. I. units 3136 existing permanent population 4 existing X Pr. 1. .0013 existing Pr. 1. Units units per capita per capita'. 2. Projected 1990 population Projected X number of Assumed Pr. I. units per capita Pr. I. units for 1990 4145 projected 1990 permanent population 5 projected X Pr. I. units .0013 assumed Pr. 1. units per capita for 1990 3. 5-1projected 1 total new Pr.J. units 4 existing Pr. I. units for 1990 Pr. I. units needed for 1990 B. Assumptions of Pr. I. unit losses Southport has not'lost any Pr. Lunits by fire over the past five years. Therefore, a fire loss percentage cannot be applied to the estimate of 1990 Pr. I unit need. C. Vacancy Rate assumptions Southport has not had any Pr. I units vacated over the past five years. Therefore, a vacancy rate percentage cannot be applied to the estimate of 1990 Pr. I. unit need. 3. Fitting Space Needs to Land Supply .A. Holdina capacity analysis 1. The most developable vacant, platted areas of Southport, W-11 be used for the LanJ Design Map of 1990. In these areas the streets already exist, so no allowance shall be made for them in the projected acreage needs of 1990. 2. Pr. 1. net density tabie Total Net (Units Per) Land Use No. of Units Acreage Density Acre Pr. 1 4 9.22 .4338 3. Total Pr. Inst. acreage requirement for 1990 Projected 1990 Unit projected 199C Land Use Unit Need Net Density Acreage need Pr. I 1 .4338 2.31 4. Distribution Criteria When distributing new Pr. I. units, priority is given to those areas with the following characteristics: . Existing platted areas . Existing accessibility to streets . Within the pattern of development as determined from the 1975-1980 building permit records Existing and proposed facilities available Existing historical and/or archeological sets are not present The soils are suitable for bearing capacity and a septic tank if no sewerage facilities are presently available. No conflict of use with adjoining and nearby properties. The Zoning Ordinance, The Subdivision Ordinance, and The Flood Prevention Ordinance are consistent with and favorable to the unit placement. 5. Refer to the Southport Land Use Design Map for the resulting proposed allocation of commercial use for 1990. Part VIII: Agricultural, forestry, and fisheries Land Use (A.F.F.) I. Existing A.F.F. Land Use (51) A. Summary of Existing Stock of A.F.F. units In Southport, there are 7 existing A.F.F. units B. Summary of existing acreage in A.F.F. use. In Southport there are approximately 1071.61 acres in A.F.F. use. C. Summary of prevailing net densities 1. Total existing A.F.F. acreage Existing average A.F.F. Total existing A.F.F. units Acreage per unit 1071.61 existing A.F.F. acres 153.09 existing average 7 existing A.F.F. Units A.F.F. acreage per unit 2. Total existing acreage Existing A.F.F. acreage as Total existing developed a percentage of total existing acreage developed acreage acres 1071.61 existing A.F.F. acres .3649524 2936.30 Total existing developed acreage II. Estimate of Future Development Within the past five years, the Agriculture and Forestry acreage of Southport has decreased significantly due to the development of CP&L and Pfi!-r Chemical Co. within Southports planning jurisdiction The estimate of future agricultural, forestry, and fisheries needs or losses cannot be based upon the units per capita ratio used for residential as well as various other land uses. lhere.are many variables which interact to determine the estimate of future need. To apply a past decrease percentage to this category would be an error. The future decrease of Southport's forested acreage will depend heavily upon their pattern of industrial, commercial, and residential development. Southport presently has no further industrial development planned, nor does it appear that their will be any additional ex- panion of CP&L or Pfizer into Southport's forested acreage. Therefore, no forestry acreage shall be allowed for this use in the 1990 Land Design and Land Classification Maps. In accordance with Southport's Growth Policy as derived from their Land Use Policy Statements, all commercial and residential development was projected into existing undeveloped acreage within existing service corridors in compliance with their Zoning Ordinance. The projected commercial acreage took away no acreage from the forestry category. However, residential projection did claim 13 acres of forestry land based upon present growth rates and patterns along existing service corridors. The appropriate unit number for the category does not change, but acreage and thus the prevailing net densities do change. The other land use to be addressed in this category is fisheries. At present there is one fishery unit proposed along the Cape Fear River. The acreage of the proposed fishery site is .74 acres. Therefore, this amount will be added to the estimate of future need as well as an additional unit. The resulting estimate of future agriculture, forestry, and fishery land use is as fol lows: 1990 1990 acreage Percentage Total Total 1990 Land Use Unit Need Change Decrease 1990 units acreage Agriculture, 1 12.26 1.14% 8 1059.35 Forestry, and Fisheries 5. Southport Land Classification The North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act Guidelines require that each c@ty, town, and county located in the twenty county coastal area develop a land classification map classifying all of the land within a given juris- diction into one of five classes. The criteria for the allocation of land into these categories are explicitly set forth in the State Guidelines, and the final adopted land classification maps for the twenty county coastal region will be combined into a coordinated, consistent expression of local policy at the large regional scale. A land classification system for Southport was developed as a means of assisting in the implementation of goals, objectives, and policies. By delineating land classes'on the map, the City officials and citizens can specify those areas where certain policies (local, state and federal) will apply. Although specific areas are outlined on the land classification map, it must be remembered that land classification is merely d tool to help implement policies and not a strict regulatory mechanism. Tibe State and the Federal Government utilize the local land classification system and map to determine whether projects and development which requires government license, permits or funds will be permitted to locate in the Southport area. If the proposed project is inconsistent with the land classification at its proposed location, the permit, license or funds will be denied. The land classification 'System provides a framework to be used by the local government to identify the future use of all lands in the City. The designation of land classes allows the illustration of the policy statements in regards to where and to what density growth will occur, and where natural and cultural resources will be preserved. The land classification system includes five broad classes, some of which have been further subdivided to better classify existing development in the City. The five general land classes are developed, transition, community, rural, and conservation. The inclusion of a land area into a land classification category does not dictate the type of land use that will be allowed in a particular location. Several of the classes provide for and are designed to encourage a variety of land uses. Although, as indicated above, the specific requirements of the land classifi- cation system are set forth at the State level, each jurisdiftion's land classifi- cation map is developed locally and adopted by the local governing body prior to submission to the Coastal Resources Commission. As a result of this process, the land classification map represents a graphic statement of local government policy with regard to where, when and to what densities future land development will be encouraged. The Land classifications and their subcategories which appear on the Southport Land Classification Map are defined as follows: 1. Developed The purpose the the Developed class is to provide for continued intensive development and redevelopment of existing cities. To be classified Developed, the area should have a minimum density of 500 dwellings per square mile or 1000 people per square mile provided with usual public services including at least water, sewer, recreational facilities, police and fire protection. The Developed class is divided into two types: Developed Mixed Use and Developed Industrial. A. Developed Residential areas are those where both water and sewer services are provided, as well as all other municipal services. Further residential development is first encouraged to occur in what ever vacant land is -available in these areas. B. Develop Mixed Use areas are those with a full range of municipal services, yet are more suitable for a wide variety of development ranging from residential to commercial and recreational. C. Developed Industrial specifically includes the land owned by existing industries currently operating in the County. 2. Transition The purpose of the Transition class is to provide for future intensive urban-development within the ensuing ten years on lands that are most suit- able and that will be scheduled for provision of necessary public utilities and services. The Transition lands also provide for additional growth when additional lands in the developed class are not available or when they are severely limited for development. The Developed and Transition classes should be the only lands under active consideration by the county or municipality for intensive urban development requiring urban services. The area within these classes is where detailed local land use and public investment planning must occur. State and federal expenditures on projects associated with urban development (water, sewer, urban street sytems, etc.) will be guided to these areas. The Transition class is divided into two types of use: Transition Residential and Transition Mixed Use. A. Transition Residential includes the areas with partial municipal facilities provided usually adjacent to developed residential areas. Only residential use is encouraged in these areas. B: Transition Mixed Use includes those areas provided with partial municipal services, yet more suitable for a wide rang:e of activity including commercial, recreational, office, and institutional uses, often because of its location to main traffic arteries. 3. Rural The purpose of the Rural class is to provide for agriculture, forest management, mineral extraction and oth,.,r low intensity uses. Residences may be located within "Rural" areas where urban services are not required and where natural resources will not be permanently impaired. The Rural class is divided into two types of uses: Rural Residential and Rural Productive. A. Rural Residential provides for low density residential development where urban services are not provided or planned and where natural resources will not be permanently impaired. B_@ Rural Productive provides for the effective management of large agriculture and forestry areas. 4. Conservation The purpose of the Conservation class is to provide for effective long- term management of significant limited or irreplaceable areas. This manage- ment may be needed because of its natural, cultural, recreational, productive or sc-enic values. These areas should not be identified as transition lands in the future. The Conservation class is applied to lands that contain: major wetlands; essentially undeveloped shorelands that are unique, fragile, or hazardous for development; necessary wildlife habitat or areas that have a high probability for providing necessary habitat conditions; publicly owned water-supply, water- sheds and aquifers: and forest lands that are undeveloped and will remain undeveloped for commercial purposes. The projected permanent and seasonal 'population for Southport in 1985 is the primary input used in the preparation of the land classification map. The Developed and Transition class allocations are all directly related to the expected population level in 1990. While the Rural class is not directly a result of population projections, these are lands which are not expected to be needed for higher density development and are essentially "left over" from the above three allocations. The Conservation category is the only class which is in no way related to population, but is allocated based on completely independent criteria. A. Conservation -Industrial Access - The purpose of this class is to pro- vide ingress and egress to the Cape Fear River for industry. Lands in this category v-ould be maintained in their natural state. Most.of the land in the Southport City limits meets the criteria for allocation to the developed class. Lands allocated to the Transition class are those which are planned to accommodate a minimum gross density of 2,000 persons per square mile in 1985. They are also areas in which local government, city or county', plans to provide both wAter and sewer service within the up-coming ten year period. It is basica4ly those areas in which local government will encourage a change to the, Devel oped category by 1990. In accordance with the State Guidelines requirements, the first priority lands for allocation to the Transition category were those areas which presently exhibit a gross population density of 2,000 persons per square mile. The second priority included those areas which have experienced septic tank problems and/or face potential public health threats in terms of contamination of on-site wells or pollution of estuarine waters to which much existing residential development is adjacent. The third priority provides for inclusion of more areas where future development is expected and can be clustered through the provision of services. The forth priority includes lands located along existing or proposed service corridors in which higher density development is to be encouraged. The State Guidelines identify Conservation lands as areas that are naturally fragile to intensive development, or areas which due to natural or man.-made hazards offer some potential threat to development and the public.'health, safety and welfare. Lands allocated to the Conservation Class should be maintained in a natural state with only very limited non- intensive use. Those lands in the Conservation class within the Southport area are: a) Lands included in Areas of Environmental Concern. b) Fragile fresh water wetlands with exceptional scenic and aesthetic qualities and potential for future passive and active recreational uses. ,c) Natural and man made hazard areas d) Cemetaries All of the remaining area in the Southport area not included in the about allocations is classified as either Rural-Residential or Rural-Productive. Rural-Residential lands are areas where low density.residential growth has occured, or is projected to occur in the coming years. Although they are not provided with water or sewer facilities, connection to the existing county or city water and sewer systems would be permitted if the cost was borne by the developer. Rural -Productive lands are large tracts of land in use as agriculture or forestry producing areas. Developed Residential Developed Mixed Use ................. . . . ............ Developed Industrial ......... ... . ....... ... .............. Transition Residential ............... . . . .. . . . . . ............ . . . . . . . . . . . Transition Mixed Use ....... ..... ....... ...... .... ..... ...... ...... .......... ......................... Rural Residential ........ .............. ---------- ............. ........ ...... . . . . . . . ...................... ........ v e Rural Producti . ........ ........ .. .......................... .................. Conservatiorl . .......... ....... ... . .......... ....... ..... ... ........... .......... .. .......... ........... ........... .... 1101, M.- 15 I N I ........... .............. ............. ............. ............... .......... Prepared by the Brunswick County Planning Department, 1980 V--@ cpb NOAA COASTAL SERVICES CTR UBRA 3 6668 14112966 IRIY