Camden County, North Carolina, land use plan, 1975-1985

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

COASTAL ZONE
INFORMATION CENTER

Camden County
HD 1975
211 Land Use Plan 1985
.N8
C353
1976

COASTAL ZONE
INFORMATION CENTER

Camden County

Land Use Plan 1975 1985

T. F. "Buck@" LEARY, Chairman
FRANKLIN J. WILLIAMS, Vice-Chairman
M. J. JOHNSON, Sr.
JACK LEARY, Clerk
CARPEN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

OFFICE OF 'rHE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Camden, N. C. 27921

lots

Coastal,Resources Commission
P. 0. Box 27687
Raleigh, N. C. 27611

Sirs:
The County of Camden hereby transmits one certified copy
of the Camden County Land Development Plan to the Coastal

Resources Commission.
The plan was formally reviewed at a public hearing held at
the courthouse on May 10, 1976. : The plan was adopted by
the Commissioners at a special meeting held on May 27#

1976*

Chairmah

C'k le- 4!"
Clerk

(S E A L)

U S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA
COASTAL SERVICES CENTER
2234 SOUTH HOBSON AVENUE
CHARLESTON SC 29405-2413

CAMDEN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

LAND USE PLAN

1975 - 1985

Prepared Pursuant to the

Coastal Area Management Act of 1974

Proporty of csc Library

Technical Assistance provided by:

Howard T. Capps, ASLA
Landscape Architect - Planning Consultant
Elizabeth City, North Carolina

and

North Carolina Department of Natural and Economic Resoucces
Division of Community Assistance

Thomas B. Richter, Field Office Chief
Howard T. Capps, Senior Planner
Dee Holmes, Planner Technician
Wilbur Walker, Draftsman
Peggy Sawyer, Secretary
Debbie Branch, Secretary

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Purpose of Plan
B. History of Planning Effort 2

I1. DESCRIPTION OF PRESENT CONDITIONS

A. Population 4
B. Econony 8
C. Existing Land Use 14

1. Significant Compatibility Problems 17
2. Problems-from Unplanned Development 17
3. Areas Experiencing Major Land Use Change

D. Current Plans, Policies and'Regulations

1. Plans and Policies 19

a. 201 Facilities Plan
b. Transportation Plan
c. Community Facilities Plan
d. Land Use Plan

2. Local Regulatims 22

aL. Subdivisim Regulations
b. Zoning Ordinance
c. Septic Tank Regulaticns
d. Flood Ordinance

3. Federal and State Regulatians. 23

III. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ACTIVITIES

A. Identification and Analysis of Major land Use Issues 24
B. Alternatives Considered in Development of the Objec-
tives, Policies and Standards 26
C. Land Use Objectives, Policies and Standards 27
D. Determination of Objectives, Policies and Standards 31
E. Securing Public Participation 32

IV. CONSTRAINTS

A. Physical Limitations 33

1. Man-Made Hazard Areas
2. Natural Hazard Areas

a. Coastal Floodplains
b. Estuarine Erodible Areas

3. Soil Limitations

a. Hazards for Foundations
b. Poorly Drained Soils
c. Septic Tank Limitations

4. Sources of Water Supply

a. Ground Water Recharge Areas

5. Slopes Exceeding Twelve Percent

B. Fragile Areas 43

@1. Coastal Wetlands
2. Estuarine Waters
3. Public Trust Areas
4. Complex Natural Areas
5. Renmant Species Areas
6. Histor! c Sites

C. Areas with Resource Potential 63

1. Productive and Unique Agricultural Lands
2. Potentially Valuable Mineral Sites
3. Publicly Owned Forests and Parks

D. Capacity of Commmity Facilities 65

1. Existirg Water and Sewer Service Areas
2. Design Capacity and Percent Utilization of Water
Plant, Schools and Primary Roads

V. ESTIUM DEMAND

A. Pcpulation and EcanouV

1. Population 70

a. Ten-Year Population Projection
b. 5, 10, 25 and 50 Year Projections
c. Long-Term Projections and Desires of the People

d. Capabilities of Land and Water to Sustain
Growth
e. Seasonal Population
Carrying Capacity ISSILe - Existing Platted Lots

2. Econon7 76

a. Identification of Major Trends and Factors
in Economy

B. Future Land Needs 77

1. Land Demand for Land Classification

C. Community Facilities Demand 78

1. Demand m Commmity Facilities
2. Cost of Services to Accomodate Projected Growth
3. Ability of Local Economy to Finance Service
Expansion

V1. PLAN DESCRIPTION 79

A. Land:Classification System

VII. POTENTIAL AREAS OF EVIRONMENTAL CONCERN 90

VIII. SUMBRY 107

A. Data Assembly, Analysis, Major Conclusians and
Application of Data to Plan

IX. APPENDICES 108

A. Adult Planning Questionnaire Results
B. High School Seniors Questionnaire Resulta
C. Mnutes of Public Hearing held May 10, 1976

INTRODUCTION

Purpose of Plan
History of Planning Effort

The purpose of the Camden County Land Use Plan is to provide a plan-

ning tool which can be used by local, state and federal officials as

well as planning board members,, developers and citizens in understand-

ing the potentials and problem areas of the county. It is also intend-

ed to provide factual informaticn on which areas of the county can be

developed in future years without having detrimental effects on the

enviramment and which areas should be looked at very closely when deve-

lopment is being considered. Also, the plan identifies areas of the

county that would be adversely affected if certain types of development

should take place. These areas are not only important to citizens of

Camden County, but citizens of the state and nation, and should be

protected from certain types of development. In summ the purpose

of the Camden County Land Use Plan is to document how the county has

grown in the past and to provide direction for future growth, based

an the desires and reeds of Camden County citizens. The plan is also

intended to form the basis for a comprehensive plan for the protectica,

preservatian and orderly development and management of a portion of

Coastal North Carolina.

Purpose of the Pikan 1

The planning effort began with the appointment by the Governor of 3.3

members to the Coastal Resources Commission. The appointments were

made from lists of nominees submitted by local governments throughout

the twenty coastal counties. All commissimers are residents of the

coastal area and share a commaa concern for its future. Their task is

to assemble the plans submitted by local goverments into a coherent

framework; making sure that all plans conform to the guidelines of the

Act, and do not conflict with each other. They are also'charged with

the responsibility of making sure that periodic reviews of the plans

are undertaken by local goverment and necessary revisims made to

reflect changing public attitudes and economic trends.

In order to improve cammnicatims between the Coastal Resources Com-

mission and local governments, the Coastal Resources Advisory Council

was also appointed by the Governor from nominees .3ubmitted by local

government, and professional people with expertise in fields associated

with coastal management. This Council serves to keep the Commissian

informed as to local public opinion and professional judgements asso-

ciated with specific issues. This blend of local citizens and profes-

sionals serves to assure that the Commission will receive balanced

advice and recommendations from the Council.

It has been the responsibility of local governments, mder the Act, to

submit land use plans to the Commission; plans which follow the guide-

lines,of the Act and the desires of local people. To do this, the

Camden County Board of Commissimers chose to establish a 15 member

Histox7 of CAMA planning Effort 1

advisory board made up of 5 citizens representing each of the 3 town-

ships. The Camden County Growth Advisory Board was responsible for

establishing concerns and issues of citizens in the county and recomend-

ations m goals and objectives to resolve issues andconcerns. They

were also responsible for informing the public about the program.

History of CAMA.Planning Effort V

DESCRIPTION OF PRESEN-
CONDITIONS

Population

Eoonomy

Existing Land Use

Table 1

Population for Camden County

1900 1970

5700

-.5600
F5598
-5500
.-@474
-5400 .5453

5300

5200 15223

5100

5000

1900 1910 1920 1930 @1940 1950 060 1970 198V

Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census

Population

The 1970 census indicated a total population for the county of 5,453 peo-

ple which was a 2.6% decrease below the 1960 populatim. The county's

population has increased and decreased sporadically since 1900 (see

Table 1 and 2) with a net decrease in population of 21 people, which

represents a 0.4% decrease. This figure when compared to the region's

12.1% increase and the state's 168.4% increase since 1900 clearly shows

that the region's population growth has been below the state as a whole

and the county's growth has been far'below the region. The county is

divided into three townships with each containing approximately me

third of the total population. As can be seen in Table 3, all three

townships had gained in population from 1950 to 1960 and lost population

from 1960 to 1970.

As illustrated by Table 4 the county since the 1960 census has been

losing people in the 25-49 age group while at the same time increasing

in number the 50 to 65 and over age group. This outmigration of the

25-49 age group may be due to the lack of job opportunities in the

area, while the increase in the 50-65 and over age group may be due to

the fact that people find Camden County an ideal area to retire. Also,

long time residents of the area may have family ties or land holdings

that make this area the most desirable place to be.

Population - 1

Tab le 2

Rate of Population Increase
in Per Cent

Dates Camden Region R North Carolina

1900-10 3.0 7.8 16.5

1910-20 -4.6 -0.4 16.o
1920-30 1.5, 2.1 23.9

1930-40 '-0 4 .1.7 12.7

1940-50 -4.0 1.7 13.7

1950-60 7.2 0.1 12.2

1960-70 -2.6 -0.4 11.5

1900-70 -0.4 13.1 168.4

Source: Table 1, U. S. Bureau of Census

Table 3

Populatim by Township
1950-1970

1950 1,904 (36.5%)
1960 2,015 (36.0%) South 14ills
1970 1.9929 (35.4%)

1950 1,685 (32.2%)
1960 1,858 (33.2%) Courthouse
1970 1,848 (33.9%)

1950 1,634 (31.'3%)
!960 lp725 (30.8%) Shiloh
1970 1,676 (30.7%)

Total County Populatim 1950 5,223, 1960 5p598, 1970 5,453

Population 2

Table 4

Camden County Age DistributiarL
1950-1970
Age 1950 1960 1970
0-14 1,740 (33.3 %) 2JV002 (35.8%) 1.9706 (31.3%)
15-24 793 (15.2%) 782 (14.0%) 850 (15.6%)

25-34 686 (13.1%) 595 (10.6%) .592 (10.9%)
35-49 918 (17.6%) 950 (17.0%) 875 (16.0%)

50-64 699 (13.4%) 781 (14.0%) 844 (15.5%)
65+ 381 7.3%) 488 8.7%) 586 (10.7%)
TOTAL 5,223 (100%) 5,598 (100%) 5,453 (100%)

Source: U. S. Bureau ot the Census

Populattm!- 3

Camden County is a predominantly agricultural county with no major In-

dustries at the present time. The small industries in the county are

forest-oriented firms with few employees. Based on 1970 census infor-

mation, Camden County had the highest percentage in the state of resi-

dents, 61.8%, commuting outside the county for job opportunities. Mamy

citizens are commuting to the Elizabeth City'area or Tidewater, Virginia.

This candition has an obvious detrimental aff ect an the local economy.

As illustrated in Table 1, industries other than agriculture and numufac-

turing are becoming more important to the citizens as far as job oppor-

tunities are concerned. Since 1930 job opportunities in indlistries other

than agriculture and manufacturing have grown from 22.5% to 65.9% in.

1970 while at the same time the per cent of the civilian labor force in

manufacturing has risen from 4.7% in 1930 to 20.6% in 1970. Agricultural

employment had dropped from 72.8% in 1930 to only 13.5% in 1970. This

drop can be attributed to the fact that farms are becoming large and

more mechanized and require fewer people for operation. As pointed out

earlier, the county is predominantly agricultural and those manu acturing

and nonmanufacturing jobs listed above are for the most part jobs found

outside the county.

Agriculture, which is the major factor in the local economy, is relative-

ly strong as indicated on Table 2. Like many of the other coastal

counties of North Carolina, soybeans and corn are the two major money

crops of the area.

E@sting economy - 1

Table 3 indicates that Camden County has the smallest retail base of any

of the surrounding counties. This reflects the very rural conditions in

the county and the lack of retail outlets.

As mentioned earlier, Camden County has the highest percentage of work-

ers co=mlting outside the county for work. Specifically, 61.8% of the

work force, based on 1970 census information, is leaving the county for

jobs. Most citizens are either working in Elizabeth City or in Tidewater

Virginia as shown on Table 4.

Existing Eennomy 2 Camden

Table 1

Total Civilian Employed Labor Force by Job Type

Per Cent

100

90,

50 V
goo
0.0
40 X 0,*
000, Soo
040, 90.
30 000
*of V
.% 0,0
.00
.*o
20 000 0*0
90
0.0
0.. 'o., foe
10
0,0 0*0
.0.0
0.0

1930 1940 1950 1960 1970

Agriculture

Manufacturing

Industries other than Agriculture of Manufacturing

Source: Office of State Planning
North Carolina Population Trends Volume Three
1975

Table 2

Prinicipal Crops Harvested
1971-1972

Product Acres Harvested Productlon Total Value
1971 1972 1971 1972 1971 1972

Soybeans 19,100 22,900 A 382,000 733,000 $1,084,000 $3,025,000
Corn for Grain 16,400 13,800 A 1,427,000 1,380,000 1,527,000 1,882,000
Irish Potatoes 1,630. 1,400 B 2289000 1196,000 501,000 686,000.
Wheat 3,600 3,450 A 180,000 1.10,500 254,000 138,000
Sweet Potatoes 40 40 B 4,400 5,200 23,150 30,700
Peanuts 40 50 C 72 86 10,100 12,400

A. Bushels B. Hundredweight C. Thousand Pound

Source: Crop Reporting Service
Department of Agriculture 1973-74

Table 3--

Gross Retail Sales
(In Millions of Dollars)
$10 $20 $30 $@O $50 $@O $70 $80

Camden

Chowan .....

Currituck

Dare

Gates

. .........
................
PasquOtan

Perquimango .... *..I

1961-62
1971-72

Source: N.C, Department of Revenuej Division of T4x Research

COMMUTING PATTERN 1970
CAMDEN COUNTY

Table 4

Goter%6 Tidewater, Virginia
346

Perquimans 21
Currituck35

Posquotank 583
A Currituck

Dare5

Pasquotank87

Existing Land Use I&pping

The General Land Use Map has been developed based on 1973-1974 aerial

photographs at the 1:24,000 scale and field survey observations am-

ducted in July and August of 1975.

In an effort to provide the Planning Board and other local officials

with land use information at a scale large enough to serve as a good

planning tool, the following method was used:

A. Field survey of county in July and August of 1975 was am-

ducted utilizing 1973 and 1974 1:24,000 aerial photographs as

base.

B. Used photo quad aerials as base for 1:24,000 detail land use

,Map quads. Camden County consists of eleven quad maps which are:

Powells Point NW South Adlls NE
Wade Point NE South Mlls NW
Barco, SW Lake Drummond SE
Elizabeth-City SE Lake Drummond SW
Elizabeth City SW Lake.Drummond SW(A)
Elizabeth City NW

C. Each detail land use quad map has indicated under the scale

the communities which have been mapped at the 1" 400' scale.

Also, each map has at the right hand corner a county grid system

with the relationship of the quads to the overall county shown.

The grid has one quad crosshatched which indicates the relation-

ship of the quad to the other quads covering the county.

D. The General Land Use I&p has been prepared from reduced photo-

graphs of the 1:24,000 detail land use quads. In addition to the

General Land Use Map, a Key Map has been included to enable the

Camden - 1

user to relate detail quads to General Land Use Map.

E. Detail Community Maps at the 111 = 400' scale are based on

field survey of land use conducted in August, 1975, with tax maps

used as base.

It is hoped that this mapping will serve as a base for additional re-

finements. Also, hopefully these maps can be used in the future to

show in mor e detail such things as Land Classification designations

and general locatian of Areas of Environmental Concern. This detail

information will be helpful when relating proposed future develop-

ment to these two elements of the plan.

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CAMDEN CO LMFrY

EXISTING LAND USE MAP
x

Existing Land Use

Camden County has been and remains a very rural county with large land

areas under cultivation or in forestry. Housing is scattered throughout

the county with the largest concentrations of housing 'Occurring in the

South Mills area. ILIso, Camden, Belcross and the Texaco Beach/Shiloh

areas.are points of housing ccneentration. Since the county has no'

incorporated communities there is no real commercial- center. However,

most of the commercial businesses in the county are located in the South

Mls area and almg the U. S. Highway 158 from Elizabeth City bridge

to Belcross. The Dismal Sw6np State Park which is presently in the

early stages of development takes in a large portion of the north end

of the county. Forested areas are the predominant land use along the

Camden-Currituck County Line. Also, a large forested area exists ad-

jacent to the North River from the headwaters of the North River down

to Broad Creek. ThE southern end of the county is presently being

developed for second. homes. This development has been in progress

since 1966 and is proceeding very slowly. Existing industrial land

use cansists of agricultural and forest product oriented industries

of a rather Tninor nature.

Significant Land Use Compatibility Problems

Significant lend use compatibility problems for the most part have been

avoided in the county for several reasons. First, the countyis present-

ly and will most likely remain a very rural area with a very small pop-

ulation. As mentioned earlier, industrial and comercial development

Is very limited and therefore has not caused any compatibility problems.

One area of the county that does present a potential future problem is

the Camden Point Shores Area. This is a second home development that

began in 1966 in an area with a very high water table. Although exten-

sive drainage has taken place to correct the problem, there still

appears to be a potential future problem if the area is developed with

septic tanks being used for sewage disposal. At present approximately

483 lots have been platted covering an are6 of some 5,000 acres, with

25 structures built in the development.

Problems from Unplanned Growth

Camden County has avoided any problems from unplanned growth simply

due to the fact@that the county is very rural andhas not experienced

a great deal of growth over the years. Also, the County Commissioners

and Planning Board are very aware of some.'of the problems adjacent

counties have had with unplanned growth. In fact, the county prepared

their awn Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations and Sketch Deve-

lopment Planlin 1972 to avoid such problem in anticipation of growth
in the f@,ture'.

Areas Experiencing or Likely to Experience Major Land Use Changes

The area around South bUlls may change during the ten-year planning

period in proportion to the extent and type of development that takes

place in the Dismal Swamp State Park. Also, the widening of U. S..17

through the South Ifills area may change the land use of areas adjacent

to any off ramps that are designed into the highway system.

201 Stu!IZ

The city of Elizabeth City has joined with Pasquotank County and Camden

County to submit an application for a 201 Facilities Planning Study.

This study is the first phase of a 3-part federal program for the deve-

lcpment and implementation waste water facility plans for the area.

The boundaries of the study area are delineated to evaluate important

area-wide geographic, demographic and hydrologic considerations and

include portions of Pasquotank County and Camden County, as well as-

the entire Elizabeth City Area.

The purpose of the first phase of this study will be to evaluate the

waste water treatment needs within the study boundary araa, including

the need for additional waste water treatment, problems of infiltration

into the existing sewer collector system in Elizabeth City and suggest

the most cost effective solution to deal with the area-wide need and

infiltration probleirs. . Later phases of the 201 Facilities Planning

program will involve implementation steps to construct the required

facilities,

The poor soil conditions in the area for septic tank use make this

planning study of great importance to prevent future health hazards,

correct existing health hazards and insure the drainage basins and

Pasquotank River system are kept free from potential waste water

contamination. Already desired growth in certain areas within the

study boundary has been prevented through the denial of septic tank

permits due to poor soil conditions. Only an area-wide waste water

CA@

management and planning program including facilities will address these

problems.

Specific planning elements of the phase 1 201 Facilities Planning pro-

gram will consist of analysis of environmental, infiltration/inflow,,

population, land use and topographical factors, as well as waste water

disposal alternatives, cost effective analysis and environmental assess-

ment. This planning work will be completed by the professicnal engineer-

ing services of J. N. Pease Associated. Elizabeth City has been desig-

nated the lead agency and work is expected to begin on phase 1 during-

1976. Implementatian would be expected within 3-5 years depending

upon availability of funds. The 201 facilities planning boundary area

was designated,by the state through the Department of Natural and Eco-

nomic Resources in conjunction with local input. This boundary includes,.

large amounts of undeveloped lands in both counties. Implementation

of the resulting waste water treatment alternatives in the 201 Facilities

Plan will insure that this growth can proceed without risIdng further

health hazards. T&st important economic benefits will accrue to the

individual land owner who desires to develop the land, as well as to

the entire area in terms of-sufficient facilities to take care of

growth.

Transportation Plans

Camden County, as do all other counties in North Carolina, comes under

the Highway Improvement Program 1974-1981. This plan represents a

state-wide schedule of highway improvement projects to be undertaken

during the seven-year period from 1974-1981. The widening of U. S. 17

north of Elizabeth City through the South IvElls area up to the North

Carolina-Virginia line In Camden County is called for during the plan-

ning period.

Com mun ity Facilities Plans

Two plans have recently been prepared pertaining to community facilities.

The first is the Water Resource Management Plan by William F. Freemen

Associates (1975) which inventories existing water distribution and

waste water collection and treatment systems for each county in the

Region R. It also makes recommendations for future facilities based

upon anticipated demand. The plan makes recommendations on expansion

of the South 14ills Water Association System. The second plan is the

Water Facilities Feasibility Study prepared by Moore, Gardner and Assoc-

iates. This plan also deals with the South hUlls Water Association

System and the feasibility of expanding to a county-wide water system

with the South Mills System serving as a base.

Land Use Plan'

In 1973 the County Planning Board and Board of County Commissioners

prepared a Sketch Development Plan. Some of the major elements included

a desire to preserve large portions of the county for agricultural and

Current Pians, Policies, Regulations Camden 1

timber use. Commercial development should be concentrated in existing

communities and the recreational potential of the area should be deve-

loped. All of the goals relate well to the goals recommended by the

Advisory Board after obtaining citizen input.

The county has not adopted utilities extension policies, open space or

recreation policies.

Subdivision Regulations

Subdivision plats have been reviewed by the Camden County Planning Board

since adoption of the regulations in November, 1972. 'The regulations

set design standards such as street location, building setback lines

and easement location. In essence the purpose of the regulations is

to reg ulate and control the subdivision of land within the county in

order to promote the public health, safety and general welfare of the

community. The Plaming Board and County Commissioners have the

responsibility of enforcing the regulations.

Zoning Ordinance

The zoning ordinance became effective November 1, 1972. The purpose of

ordinance is to promote the sound and harmonious development of Camden

County and to further the general welfare of all residents by safe-

guarding property values. The county has a full time zoning officer

who is responsible for the daily administration, and an appointed Board

of Adjustment with the power to hear appeals from the zoning officer's

decisions inmatters of the interpretation of the ordinance. The

Current Plans- Policies, Regulations Camden 2

/'Y

Board may also grant variances based on facts presented on an individual

case basis.

Septic Tank Regulations

Septic tank permits are issued by the County Sanitarian, who checks the

soil characteristics of each lot before a permit is issued. He also

makes recommendations on the size system.and locatim based on the

nunber of bedrooms in a home or other factors.

Flood Ordinance

The County Board of Commissioners passed a Flood Insurance Land Use

Ordinance in November, 1973, in compliance with the National Flood

Insurance Program. The Planning Board has the responsibility for

delineating or assisting in the delineation of areas that are special

flood hazard areas. Any new or substantially inpr.)ved.structures

located within the flood hazard area must record w.-*-th the Planning

Board the elevation of the lowest floor of the structure. The main,

purpose of the program is to encourage construction above the 100-year

flood level.

The co-unty has not adopted historic districts, nuisance regulations,

dune protection ordinance, sedimentation codes or environmental impact

statement ordinance.

Federal and State Regulations

Information on federal and state regulations was to be supplied to the

local government by the state to be included in the plan. As of this

date the information has not been received.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.
ACTIVITIES
Identification and Analysis of Major Land Use Issues
Alternatives Considered In Development of The Objectives, Policies and Standards
Objectives, Policies and Standards
Determination of Objectives, Policies and Standards
Securing Public Participation

The Camden County Growth Advisory Board determined at their secand meet-

ing that the best way to obtain citizen opinion an issues in the county

was the use of a plaming questionnaire,. A subcommittee was charged

with the respcnsibility of formulating a questionnaire for distribution

to citizens throughout the county. The Advisory Board decided to dis-

tribute the questionnaire to taxpayers in the county. This was done by

sending a copy of the questiannaire in the mail with return postage

paid. This method assured the Board of a wide distribution throughout

the county. Also, presentations were made to groups with a request for

their participation in the planning process. Based on this effort, the

County Growth Advisory Board established the following issues:

1. Issue: Future land use development in the county

Citizens of Camden County feel that future development of the

county should be orderly. They are also concerned that the rural

atmosphere of the ccunty be maintained.

Findings: When adults and high school students were asked about

future land development in the county over 90% of the adults answering

the auestion and over 87% of the high school students answering the

question felt that future development must be planned. Also, when

adults and students were asked about the need for more control on

land development 60% of the adults and 50% of the students agreed

that there should be more control. 21% of the adults and 36% of

the students that answered the question were neutral.

2. Issue: Location of future major development in the county
Future major development taking place in the county should be can-

Identificatim and Analysis of land Use Issues - Camden - 1

centrated in or near existing communities. This would make extensicn of

the South lElls water lines into an area feasible if there is a concen-

tration of development.

Findings: When citizens were asked about location of future growth

over 55% of the adults and over 76% of high school students responding to

the question felt that future growth should be concentrated in existing
communities (Example: South Mlls, Camden, Belcross). This concen-

tration of future growth would also help assure the protection of natural

resources and wildlife areas which was of major concern to both adults

and high school seniors. Specifically, when adults and high school

seniors were asked about natural resource protection over 90% of the

adults'and over 85% of the high school seniors indicated these areas

should be protected.

3. Issue: Tourist and recreational potential Of the area

Although citizens of the county desire to see the area remain a

predominantly rural area they are also cmeerned vrith additianal employ-

ment opportunities. The recreatian and tourist potential of the area

is seen as ane way of protecting the rural atmosphere and at the same

time allowing some economic expansim.

Findings: When citizens were asked about development of tourism

in the county over 65% of the adults and over 75% of the high school

seniors answering the questicn felt that the tourist potential of the

area should be developed. When recreation was discussed over 79% of the
adults and over 86% of the high school seniors answering the question

felt that more recreaticnal facilities were needed in the county.

4. Issue: Preservation of historic landmarks

Identification and Analysis of Land Use Issues - Camden 2

The county has a large number of significant historic sites and

based on citizen desires these sites should be considered for preserva-

tion. These structures represent a link with the historic past of the

area and should be protected if possible.

Findings: When citizens were asked if they would like to see his-

toric assets preserved over 82% of the adults and 75% of the high school

seniors indicated they would like to see historic structures preserved.

5. Issue: Preservation of agricultural and timber land

Agriculture is of great importance to the county's economic base.

This important natural resource should be protected from unrestricted

or uncontrolled growth.

Findings: The agricultural land of Camden County is some of the

most productive land in North Carolina. With the world crop demand

increasing each year it is important that prime agricultural land be

protected from unnecessary development. When citizens in the county

were asked about protection of agricultural lands over 67% of the adults

and over 59% of the high school students answering the question felt

that protecting agricultural land was very important.

During several meetings the Camden Growth Advisory Baord analyzed the

results of the planning questionnaires. The results of the tabulated

responses were studied and the findings as indicated were drawn up.

Identification and Analysis of Land Use Issues Camden -,Z3

The first meting of the Adv:Lsoi-j Board was spent discussing the need

for citizen involvement in the planning process and the best method to

obtain that involvement. One alternative that was discussed and decided

against was the distribution of a questionnaire to only those people in

the county that had large land holdings. This suggestion.was made based

an the fact that much of the Coastal Area Management Act requirements

affect land ovmers. There was some discussion of having several co=un-

ity meetings at which citizens in attendance would be asked for sugges-

ticns on preparing the plan. It was finally determined that distribu-

tion. of a,questiannaire prepared by the Advisory Board to all taxpayers

would be the best way to get citizen cpinian on issues and concerns

they had about the county. It was also recommended that high school

seniors be given an opportunity to respond to the planning questionnaire.

Alternatives considered in development of objectives, policies and

standards Camden 1

The Camden Growth-Advisory Board, after reviewing issues and problems

indicated by citizens throughout the county, translated these concerns

into recommended Policies and Objectives to be used by the county in

directing future growth'. These policies and objectives were then recom-

mended to the Planning Board and they reviewed the recommendations and

made several ch anges. The Planning Board then made their recommendations

to the County Board of Commissioners. The Commissioners adopted the

Policies and Objectives, after reviewing the recommendations at a regu-

lar meeting of the Commissim.

1. ISSUE: FUTURE LAND USE DEVELOPNENT IN THE COUNTY

Citizens of Camden County feel that fu ture development of the county

should be orderly. They are also concerned that the imiral atmosphere

of the county be maintained.

POLICY: Future growth should be orderly and the county shouldre-

strict large scale development of either housing or mobile homes.

Ob@jective:

A. By use of the zoning ordinance, development with 50 units or

more should be concentrated in existing communities.

B. Development of 50 units or more should be required to provide

for central sewerage and water facilities.

2. ISSUE: LOCATION OF FUTURE MAJOR DEVELOPMNT IN THE COUNTY

Future major development taking place in the county should be con-
centrated! in or near existing communities. This would make extension

of the South ldlls water lines into an area feasible if there is a con-

centratian of development.

Land Use Objectives, etc. 1

POLICY: Small business and light industry should be encouraged to

locate in the county, specifically in or adjacent to existing communities.

Objective:

A. The county should prepare a list of properties that are available

and suitable for commercial or industrial development.

B. Land that is identified as available and suitable for commer-

cial or industrial development should be tested for percolatim and re-

zoned multi-use if necessary and promoted as a development site.

C. Land zoned for commercial or industrial use would not be taxed

as such until: it was purchased for that use.

D. A brochure should be prepared to promote sites that meet perco-
lation requirements, zoning requirements, and are available for develop-

meat.

3. ISSUE: TOURIST AND RECREATIONAL POTENTIAL OF THE AREA

Although citizens of the county desire to see the area remain a pre

dominantly rural area, they are also concerned with additional employ-

ment opportunities. The recreation and tourist potential of the area

is seen asIone way of protecting the rural atmosphere and at the same

time allowing some economic expansion.

POLICY: The county should develop its vast recreational potential

and tourism to expand the economic base.

Objective:

A. The county should acquire property for public recreational use.

B. A survey should be conducted to determine the feasibility of

developing sites in the county for recreational use.

C6 A broc hure should be developed indicating points of interest in

Land Use Objectives, etc. 2 MB

the county such as historic sites and any future-r6creational facilities

including the Dismal Swamp State Park.

4. ISSUE: PRESERVATION OF HISTORIC LANDMARKS

The county has a large,number of significant h istoric sites and

based an citizen desires these sites should be considered for preserva-

tion. These structures represent a link with the historic past of the

area and should be protected if possible.

POLICY: The county should preserve existing historic landmarks.

Objective:

A. The county should determine which structures are of significance

to the area and have these structures considered for listing by the

North Carolina Historic Commission.

B. Historic structures that are being restored as an historic site

should be considered for a reduction in local taxes.

5. ISSUE: PRESERW.TION OF AGRICULTURAL AND TIMER LAND

Agriculture is of great importance to the county's economic base.

This important natural resource,should be protected from unrestricted or

uncontrolled growth.

POLICY: Large portion of the county should be protected for agri-

cultural and timber use.

Objective:

A. If during the 10-year planning period industrial or commercial

development takes place, the county should give consideration to reduc-

ing prime farm land taxes. This should only be done if the other land

uses can offset the taxes lost from fnrm land.

Land Use Obje ctives, etc.

The following standards were established as part of the stated objectives

as outlined ab.ove.

Land Use Development Standard

1. Zaning Ordinance should be used to concentrate future development of

50 units or more in existing commmities.

2. Developments of 50 units or more should be required to provide cen-

tral sewage and water facilities.

Recreatianal Development

1. Purchase sites based on feasibility survey.

Historic Preservation

1. Listing of sites by the North Carolina Historic Commission.

Land Use Objectives Camden - 4

The Camden County Growth Advisory Board utilized the results of the plan-

ning questiannaire and discussians with citizens in the county to deter-

mine issues and concerns and thereby recommended policies and objectives.

These policies and objectives were established after several meetings

of the Advisory Board and the Planning Board. Once the recommendations

were put in final form they were passed on to the County Planning Board.

The Planning Board made their recommendations to the County Board of

Commissianers after making several changes. The County Commissianers

gave their approval to the recommendations prior to submission of the

November draft of the plan.

DetermLning Policies and Objectives Camden 1

The Camden Growth Advisory Board distributed approximately 2,600 plan-

ning questionnaires to persons listed on the tax books. This included

taxpayers residing inside and outside the county. Each questionnaire

had return postage paid with information on who to contact if assistance

was needed in completing the questionnaire. Prior to distributian of

the questionnaire several thousand brochures on coastal management were

distributed throughout the county. Also, several posters were placed

throughout the county indicating where information on the Coastal Area

Management Act and the planning process could be obtained. In addition

to qu stiannaires for adult citizens in the county, a separate question-

naire for high school seniors was used during three separate presentations

on the planning process in the county. All of the civic groups and many

of the Home Extension Clubs had a presentation on CAMA and were request-

ed to get involved in the planning process. Through the efforts of the

Advisory Board apprcximately 550 adults responded with 64 high school

seniors responding. Once the returned questionnaires were tabulated

and analyzed it was felt that the Advisory Board had a good basis to

establish issIues and concerns of citizens and subsequent recommendations

on policies and objectives. A copy of the adult and high school

questionnaires are enclosed in the appendix.

Method employed in securing public patticipatim Camden 1

CONSTRAINTS
Physical Limitations
Fragile Are"
Resource Potential Areas
Capacity of Community Facilities

Man Made Hazard Areas

Areas such as airports, bulk storage facilities for flammable liquids

and railroad lines have been included. These c6nsititute areas in

which potentially dangerous equipment or material is transferred..

stored or used. These man-made hazard areas are a constraint to deve-

lopment because of their potentially dangerous nature. Development of arq

kind in close proximity to a hazard area should be carefully considered.

The following areas have been identified:

1. Airports

No facilities at present

2. Private Airports

No facilities at present

3. Bulk Plants - Oil

M. J.Johnson, Sr., Oil Company Mobil Heating Oil

Location - South Mills
Tir-z-eof'fadilities - 20,000 gallons kerosene
21,000 gallons diesel fuel
15,000 gallons regular gasoline
6,000 gallons hi-test gasoline
Storage capacity - 62,000 gallons

H. T. Mullen Oil Company

Location - South Mills
Size of facilities 16,500 gallons regular gasoline
16,500 gallons kerosene
10,500 gallons hi-test gasoline.
16,500 gallons diesel and #2 fuel oil

Physical Limitations Camden

5. Railroad Lines

Norfolk Southern Railway

No. trains per day - six trains are regularly scheduled per day -
#120, 7T, 11-9, F79, 91, 92
No. trains using track at night - Two trains are regularly sched-
Uled - V8 and 79.
Hazardous material carried - Ammonia, agricultural chemicals..

In an effort to identify the potential hazards of this material the fol-

lowing information is provided:

Hazardous materials shipped_by train

Amonia

Human.toxicity: The inhalation of concentrated vapor causes edema
of the respiratory tract, spasm of the glottis and asphxia. Treat-
ment must be prompt to prevent death. The maximum concentratim of
vapor which can be tolerated for an eight-hour exposure is 100 parts
per million.

Source: (The Nbrck Index of Chemicals and Drugs, 7th edition,
Merck and Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J.y 1-960, p. 63)

Insecticides and Acaricides

1. Sevin slig..-itly hazardous*
2. Thimet hig*_Uy hazardous*

Fungicides and Nematicides

1. Orthocide 501V - slightly hazardous
2. Captan 50W - slightly hazardous
3. Orthocide 75 - slightly hazardous
4. Captan 75 - slightly hazardous

Herbicides

1. Lasso slightly hazardous
2. Aatrex (atrazine) - slightly hazardous
3. Aatrex (atrazine + propachlor) - slightly hazardous
4. Lorox slightly hazardous
5. Sencor slightly hazardous
6. Dyanap, Ancrack - moderately hazardous*
7. Ortho, Paraquat Cl - highly hazardous
8. 2, 4-D; Aqua-Kleen; Weedane 638 slightly hazardous

Physical Limitatims Camden 2

Plant Growth Regulators

1. Sevin.- slightly hazardous

Sources: (F. P. Wood and Son, Inc. Camden) N. C. and 1974 N. C.
Agricultural Chendcals Manual, School of Ai-riculture
and Life Sciences, NCSU, Raleigh, N. C., January, 1974)

*Slightly hazardous - low toxicity; ingestion of large quantities me'T
cause vomiting and diarrhea
*lVbderately hazardous - medium toxicity
*Highly hazardous poison

Physical Limitations Camden

Natural Hazard Areas

A natural hazard area is an area that is being damaged or has the poten-

tial of being damaged by natural forces. The following areas have been
identified as defined in@ the Coastal Area Management Guidelines:

Coastal Floodplains

Description. Coastal floodplains are defined as land areas adja-

cent to coastal sounds, estuaries or the ocean which are prone to flood-

ing from storms with an annual probability of one percent or greater
(100 year storm). These areas are analogous to the 100 year floodplain

on a-@river.

Significance. Coastal floodplains are those lands subject to flood-

ing or wave action during severe storms or hurricanes. They are lands

where uncontrolled, incompatible, or improperly designed building, struc-

tures, facilities, and developments can unreasonably endanger life and

property. Except for those portions of the areas lying within estuarine

or ocean erodible areas, they are not generally or necessarily subject

to severe erosion or dynamic action leading to replacement of the land

with a body of water. In most instancesY' structures within this area

do not obstruct the flow of waters or create any additional back waters.

Policy Objective. To ensure that all buildings, structures, facili-

ties and developments are properly designed and built to maintain their

stability., integrity, and safety in the event of flood surge from a

100 year storm.

Appropriate Land Uses. Appropriate land uses shall be those consis-

Natural Hazard Areas 2

tent with the above policy objective. It is reasonable to allow a cer-

tain degree of development if it is carefully controlled and meets strin-

gent engineering standards for stability, integrity and safety during

a 100 year storm. The land use plan may allow development activities,,

and if such development is undertaken, as a minimum it- must conform

with the standards of the Federal Insurance Administration for coastal

high hazard areas and safety during the.flood surge from a 100 year

storm. (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 24, Chapter 10, Subehapter

Natural Hazard Areas

Description. Defined as the area above ordinary high water where

excessive erosion has a high probability of occurring.

Significance. The estuarine and river erodible areas are natural

hazard areas especially vulnerable to erosion. Developmentwithin this

area is subjected to the damaging process of erosion unless special

development standards and preventive measures are employed.

Policy Objective. To insure that development occurring within the

25-year erodibility is compatable with the dynamic nature of the erodible

lands, thus minimizing the likelihood of significant loss of property.

Appr priate Land Uses. Appropriate land uses shall be those cm-

sistent with the above policy objective. Permanent or substantial

commercial, institutianal or industrial structures are not appropriate

uses in estuarine and river erodible areas unless stabilization has

been achieved along the effected reach. Recreati(mal, rural and con-

servation activities represent appropriate land uoes in those erodible
,areas where shoreline protective construciion has been completed.

Estuarine and River Erodible Areas

Hazards for Foundations

High water table and the shrink-swell characteristics of the soil are

two conditians that should be taken into consideration when founda-

tions for structures are being considered. Table 1 gives severity of

limitation for foundations under the column entitled Major Factors

Affecting Selected Use. It should be kept in mind that this repre-

sents general information based on the general soils map and any

determination for adequacy of soils for foundations should be made

based an detailed information an the specific site.

Poorly Drained Soils

The last colu mn of Table 1 indicates the drainage characteristics of

the general soils of the county. This represents natural soil con-

ditions or characteristics and does not take into account that some

of these soils can be drained economically for agricultural purposes.

Septic Tank Limitations

The first column of Table 1 indicates the limitation of soils for

septic tank waste disposal. Again, this is general informaticn and

is useful for broad planning purposes. Specific site analysis by

the county sanitarian prior to approval of a septic tank system

should be conducted.

Soil Limitations Camden 1

TABLE I
TAILIN voR csxnAL $OIL W

RIGION It Lam taTUNUM Ploncr

Aupwt U, 1976
OMCUL NOWSOIL SERIX$ PISCRIMOKS-USLIS PREPARED IT SOTL_CMZRVATUR BUTICI
L ps sult"ILITY 31001
DRUTIC 110"Til 0 VVkUW" RVARSION KUOR PACMRS AFT9MVG SELICM OR
so" is couP Pa."* Play. Lee*. Light - _@M Cewagal hrostly POIL, Flood sourdl/ Water if Shriek a, "C"" Ilty -$..I comereto 42, M., CLOM
Team ladwat" rrolizaaer -pi-c-Ation Table ..Lt (I 5@_ 30*
Ile. Bad. a". SM. Ile. Nod. fig. cow and 1. K40M Am* Deep I- Nod. Rapid IMF Rub US. V. Dr.
a". saw. 8". SM. off. AM. Md. Vale Pau PAML911 Part T. Brief Had. Oballow Lor "VIA Law Law It^ It. Nod. V. Dr.
Ut. Sit. $19. Sat. Ut. Bit. Of. Good cood SORYOU Sam Deep Low Nodefflate, Low a". :1t. V. be.
a". Bev. 8". sew. SM. SM. Bev. Fair toed . ?-ding V. Brief V. Shallm Hoderato Sim Blab' 84A, Ned. Fr. Dr.
SM. 100d. Bit. Saw. Sm. SM. sm. Go" P41C CRAV131 Nooo - Bad. Shallow "Metals slow Nish Nod. am., U. Dr.
low. am. SM. 8". 2". am. a". VAL Go" LWIR SM* - V. Shallow Moderate Sim Rio sit% Bad. S/W Pr. Dr.
Sm. Am. SM. ft.. Sm. ft.. AM. irit-amd Good 3. 51 c-MV, Brief T. shallow Hderato Sim V. via Bad. Bad. Fr. Dr.
AM. 8". Dow. Swo. SM. sm. FALIV-41"d Go" BATDM Cow"a Brief V. Sballow Moderate Slow Risk 1114h Md. V. Fr. ft.
SM. Sow. SM. ".. Sm. SM. SM. Coed coed sm cooled, arlof V. ftellow Low ".d. Sim sit* NSA load. T. ft. DC.
sor. SM. 1". a-. a". a-. #Pa. ftir4ioad good 4. lama P-dLoG V. Brief Sualloe jb4orate Hodarate Nish am. Alt. Bad. S/V Fr. Dr.
5M. a". sm. Saw. sm. So.. sm. Felt Good O"UJO P-odi-S Brief V. Shallow Moderate Sim Blab High Nod. PC. Dr.
5". VAWL. Ned. a". a". sew. SM. sow Qo,,d 01"STON poodlas V. stiat Shall- Low Nod. sold Bad. Hod, Ut. S/V ft. ft.
Sew. a". Saw. 5". SM. Sm. im. Fair a." L OnEILLO pleAlas $.let V. mallow xeder.t. Sim stab Us% VON. V. ft. Dr.
2". SM. sm. sow. sm. sm. sm. Good Coed "WUN P-dLkg V. brief T. Shall- Im Moderate stab uod@ sit. V. ft. Be.
a". Had. U". am. Sar. Bev. Mod. coed coed LULUT Poodles V. &ft*( Sballow Low Moderate milk Nod. Ut. Fr. ft.
SM. Bev. Nov. so.. AM. Sm. AM. owed Good S. NYM c-boo Brief V. Sballow I- Hod. Sim Blab Risk Md. V. ft. Dr.
Bev. Saw. AM. SM. SM. 8". sm. go" Good WEIKSVILU P..di., V, Shallow Low Hadersto milk Nod. Bit. ft.
T. AM. see. sm. Bev. 9". sm. Sm. Fair Fair PAHLICO Clams Loat-W. Lots V. Shallow Low ReFIA Blab 14A $we. ft.
1. sm. a.. a-. Saw. sm. a". sm. Fair-cmd Good 7. Man Co-own touS-T.Loag T. ShLllow Law, Had. Sim Rub Risk Bev. a.. Dr.
T. sm. a.. sow. 5". AM. SM. Bev. Fair-Good Coed VASUL c-Moo Long- V. Ueal .Sbollow am Hadarato lush Rio sit. Bad. W. be.
V. Am. sm. sm. SM. sm. sm. am. Poor you un Comors, %. Lam T, then- Lm swid lush BAO Sow. T. ft. ft.
Ut. SM. sm. ft.. Saw. saw. Nod. poor Fear a. NSVRAX fare V. arl.9 ft" Lee T. liarld stab Lew sit. ft. or.
SM. lbd. red. low. sm. Dow. sm. Poor poor OMLIA C-am T. art@( $bell- Low V. up" Lee, Low sit. Hod. V. or.
V. a-. a". sm. SM. T. low. 5". saw. poor Poor DUCKSTON Comm 1. 1.,* T. 51hollow Law T. lopu Rio Low Sit. ft. ft.
V. low. T. sm. 1. sm. V. sm. T. a". V. AM. T. Sew. Fear poor S. CAPLAN! Conoco If- LGAS 1. Sballow nab Sim Bev. V. ft. Dr.
I". V. sm. 1. 1". V. Saw. T. Saw. V. Bev. 1. sm. Fear Imrftu to. DOROV" comes V. Left V. Shallow I= V. Sim slob Rio Bev. V. ft. Dr.
VI. a". V. "T. T. Aff. V. SM' T' SM' V' SM' T. sm. poor You an Comm= V. Laos V. lb.Ilm Low Sapid New. ft. ft.
T. SM. V. a". V. sm. T. sm. V. AM. T. sm. I T. Bev. to" hit JOMTM Kooken Laws V. Shall- I Lw mod, milk :16b Ut.low. V. ft. Dr.

I/ noop RUM V rossialum
smortim a loFL-LTKT&Tlms asmurnm0ft A. ft--- aket Mouty at Mu
that Cook " It to Commit
comad by werfawe "a water eall.".
a- Sitalt- Sat" bw'a pe".ttlea favorable far the Mod was. Sught sed "I frow uress Lee. T, Sim- I- the. 0.06 tam
U"t t1owe are " eleor that thoy caft be eaeLl, NW.- H-derato Coneve, ?1--" 1000 wa@fiur sorwal al- 0.064.20 i.A.
.ft:-. Qd P-taCe-es -4 1- -1. S-4-ar. Nod. $am- 0.204.63 Wbe
Me be eapecud f- a- _11.. V. - V..7 1106. t- 0.43-2.00 Wk.
Wgrotton jbd.-Z:w 2.00-4.30 I./ke,
Sells be" Propertioe eadetawlY fererobte far the Bell 9C.Lood
od - LL.LtL- .. be -wroods or -dUUd led. V,." Septa- 6.30-30.00 faft
ft.. rd-..-Iy -11 fttMd R.. R.1.1-jober". thea 2 date V. Rqpl4- over 30.00 LO.
.1th pLaostag. destax. or apeclel mince-ace. S/V PC. or.- so-Ohat peorly 49"ood 1. a.l.f- -7 dly.
ft. @,- ft.Fly dr.1.4 arlt- 7 der. to I Mark I/ name arm" CRACM
0.116 be- Me Ce - pleve,11" -formable for V. ft d,. - very P-31 destood. to.#- I awath te & -the
'OIL

tat" vae. Liallarlwe ara@ 411floult and tartly to V. Lw4- am". tam 6 Mark@ Applied m,tqp Call- q."ll,
Q%equiri:g eejow recLuation. at ol-tal u 13-3r A."
.p.t.1 ".Lg.: V UTER TAVJ ac-Ale; ft alawpl.p .1 -
ft addtaLoo@l b of the saw" "also MY b . ..... raft Clawriteo A-agLation of SLAW
bear. Do*- t1wa 120P Ughway
Md. net&- 3o."
Very 1.91. hows woo or wer. top-i - - - C.-.bl. fee Shell- 15-W slash" a.."
p .. U.1a. - Chat --ang the I-Statlese I. Met T. shall-- o.-13" U."rete, a.." $4
"tly. aftl@ttoa as eetteae. Te"ift" 6- or - a..". a (ftgaafi-)
am -11 m=l be -.4. .1,1.4WI - c-pletely narog-suglz purvarrm
wedift".

Tkat quality so tes MU %"a
=-loea Its vote- thss.

10 -7

4-
3

7
4-

-5-

10
4
1 WAGRAM-PACTOLUS-NORFOIK __5
2 COXVILLE-CRAVEN-LENOIR 1G
3 BLADEN-BAYBORO-HYDE
4 BERTIE-OTHELLO-DRAGSTON
5 OTHELLO-PASQUOTANK-BARCLAY
6 HYDE-WEEKSVILLE-PAMICO
7 PONZER-WASDA-DARE
8 NEWHAN-COROLLA-DUCKSTON
9 CAPERS
10 DOROVAN-D ARE -JOHNSTON

General Soils Map.
7

Ground Water

There are several major aquifer underground water systems in the area.
The shallow aquifers include the water table aquifer and the Upper York---,

towi aquifer. There are deeper aquifers, including the Lower Yorktown

aquifer, Beaufort aquifers and Deep Cretaceous aquifer.. The aquifers

are at varying depths throughout the area. Water is drawn from the

deeper sources, but its chemical makeup in this area renders it use-

less for domestic or industrial purposes without very extensive treat-

ment. Also clays of considerable thickness and low permeability retard

the verticle recharge of these aquifers and thus limit withdrawals.

The principle water source in north eastern North Carolina Is from

wells drawing water from the Upper Yorktown aquifer and water table

aquifer.

The quality of the Upper Yorktown aquifer and water table aquifer varies.

The most severe problems with ground water are ha-rdness,-irm concentra-

tion and chloride or salt content. The quality of the water table

aquifer, which is 5 to 13 feet below the surface and in places'130 feet

thick, is generally more acceptable for domestic purposes.

Aquifer Recharge

Recharge of the shallower aquifers is primarily through precipitation

via the water table aquifer. Deeper aquifers are recharged via vertical/

horizontal leakage through subsurface clays. The recharge rate depends

upon permaebility and thickness of subsurface sediments, as well as

hydralic head, but generally is very slow in the aquifers of northeastern

North Carolina because of the thickness and low permeability of subsur-

face clays.

Slope Exceeding Twelve Percent

The topography of the county is very flat with no slopes of twelve

percent or more.

Natural Hazvrd Areas

Coastal wetlands are defined as "any salt marsh or other marsh subject
to regular or occasicnal flooding by tides, including wind tides (whether
or not the tide waters reach the.marshland areas through natural or arti-
ficial watercourses), provided-this shall not include hurricane or trop-
ical storm tides. Salt marshland or other marsh shall be those areas

upon which grow some, but not necessarily all,, of the following salt
marsh and marsh plant species: Smooth or sa.1t water Cordgrass (Spartina.
alterniflora); Black Needlerush (Juncus roemerianus); Glasswort (Sali-
cornia epp.); Salt Grass (.Distichlis.Spicata); Sea Lavender (Limonium
spp.); Bulrush (Scirpus spp.); Saw Grass (Cladium Jamaicense); Cat-Tail
(Typha spp.); Salt-106adaw Grass (SEartina.Patens); and Salt Reed Grass
(Spartina cynosuroides)." Included in this statutory definition of

wetlands is "such contiguous land as the Secretary of NER reasonably

deems necessary to affect by any such order in carrying out the pur-

poses of this Section." (G.S. 113-230 (a))

For policy purposes, coastal wetlands may be considered in two categor-

ies: (1) law tidal marsh; (2) other coastal marshlands which have dif-

ferent significance and policy implicaticins.

Description. All other me shland which is not law tidal marshland

and which contains the species of vegetation as listed in the first

paragraph.

Significance. This marshland type also contributes to the detritUB

supply necessary to the highly productive estuarine system essential to

North Carolina's economically valuable commercial and sports fisheries.

Coastal Wetlands 1

The higher marsh types offer quality wildlife and waterfowl habitat

depending on the biological and physical conditions of the marsh. The
vegetative 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 root-
ed species. The dense system of rhizomes and roots of.Jundus roemer-
ianus are highly resistant to erosion. In addition, the higher shes

are effective sediment traps.

Policy Objectiv-e-. To give a high priority to the perservation and

management of the marsh so as to safeguard and perpetuate their biolo-

gical, economic and aesthetic values.

Appropriate Land Uses. Appropriate land uses shall be those con-

sistent with the above policy objective. Highest priority shall be

allocated to the canservation of existing ma shlands. 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

ports, docks and marinas, provided that the actual location of such

facilities within the mq qb consider coastal, physical and biological

systems and further provided that feasible alternatives regarding loca-

tian and design have been adequately considered and need for such deve-

lopment can be demonstrated. Such allocation may only be justified by

the projected land use demands and by commmity development objectives.,

but in no case shall the allocation exceed the capacity of the marsh-

land system to sustain losses without hnrm to the estuarine ecosystem

unless the losses would be offset by a clear and substantial benefit to

the public.

Coastal Wetlands 2

Description. Estuarine waters are defined in G.S. 113-229 (n) (2)
as., "all the water of the Atlantic Ocean within the boundary of North
Carolina and all the waters of the bays,, sounds., rivers, and tributaries
C thereto seaward of the dividing line between coastal fishing waters, as

set forth in an agreement adopted by the Wildlife Resources Commission

and the Department of Conservation and Development filed with the Secre-

tary of State entitled 'Boundary Lines, North Carolina Commercial Fish-

.ing Inland Fishing Waters, revised March 1, 1965111 or as it may be

subsequently revised by the Legislature.

Significance. Estuaries are among the most productive natural en-

viranments of North Carolina. They not only support valuable commer-

cial and sports fisheries, but are also utilized for commercial naviga-

tion, recreation, and aesthetic purposes. Species dependent upon es-

tuaries: such as menhaden, shrimp, flounder, oysters and crabs make up

over 90 percent of the total value of North Carolina's commercial catch.

These species Tmi t spend all or some part of their life cycle in the

estuary.. The high level of commercial and sports fisheries and the

aesthetic appeal of coastal North Carolina is dependent upon the pro-

tectian and sustained quality of our estuarine areas.

Policy Objective. To preserve and manage estuarine waters so as to

safeguard and perpetuate thei r biological, economic and aesthetic values.

Appropriate--Uses_ ---Appropriate -uses shall be those -cons istent-with

the -above policy objective. 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 otber feasible altemative'exists'--are examples

Estuarine Waters I

foo,

of land uses appropriate within estuarine waters, provided that such

land uses will not be detrimental to the biological and pbysical estua-

rine functions and public trust rights. Projects which would directly

or indirectly block or impair existing navigation channels, increase

shoreline erosion, deposit spoils below mean hig4 tide, cause adverse

water circulation patterns, violate water quality standards, or cause

degradation of shellfish waters are generally considered incompatible

with the management of estuarine waters.

Estuarine Waters 2'

Description. All waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the lands there-

under from the man high water mark to the seaward limit of State juris-

diction; all natural bodies of water subject to measurable lunar tides

and lands thereunder to the mean high water mark; all navigable natural

bodies of water and lands thereunder to the mean high water mark or

ordinary high water mark as the case may be., except privately owned lakes

to which the public has no right of access; all waters in artificially

created bodies of water in which the public has acquired rights by

prescript ion, custom, usage, dedication or aror other means. In determin-

ing whether the public has acquired rights in artificially created bodies

of water the following factors shall be considered: (i) the use of the

body of water by the public; (ii) the length of time the public has used

the area; (iii) the value of public resources in the body of water;

(iv) whether the public resources in the body of water are mobile to the

extent that they can move into natural bodies of water; (v) whether the

creation of the artificial body of water required permission from the

State; and (vi) the value of the body of water to the public for navi-

gatian from one public area to another public area.
Significance. The public has rights in these waters includinj navi-

gation and recreation. In addition, these waters support valuable

commercial and sports fisheries, have aesthetic value, and are important

potential resources for economic development.

Policy Objective. To protect public rights for navigation and re-

creation and to preserve and manage the public trust waters so as to

safeguard and perpetuate their biological, economic-and aesthetic

value.

Public Trust 1

Appropriate Uses. Appropriate uses shall be those consistent with-

the above policy objective. Any land use which interferes with the

public right of navigation, or other public trust rights, which the

public may be found to have in these waters, shall not be allowed. The

development of navigational channels,, drainage ditches, the use of bulk-

heads to prevent erosion, and the building of piers or wharfs are exam-

ples of land uses appropriate within public trust waters provided that

such land uses will not be detrimental to the biological and physical

functions and public* trust rights. Projects which would directly block

xisting navigation channels, increase shoreline erosion,
or impair e

deposit spoils below mean high tide, cause adverse water circulatim

patterns, violate water quality standards, or cause degradation of

shellfish waters are generally considered incompatible with the manage-

ment of public trust waters.

For purposes of the description, the following definitians shall apply:

1. Nban high water mark means the line on the shore established by the

average of all high tides. It is established by survey based on avail-

able tidal datum. In the absence of such datum, the mean high water mark

shall be determined ty physical markings or comparison of the area in

question with an area having similar physical characteristics for which.

tidal datum-is readily availablew----

2. Navigable means navigable-in-fact.
3. Navigable-in-fact means capable of being navigated in its natural
condition by the ordinary modes of navigation including modes of navi-

gation used for recreatianal purposes. The natural condition of a bo(tr

Public Trust - 2

of water for purposes of determining navigability shall be the condition

of the body of water at mean high water or ordinary high water as the

case may be, and the condition of the body of water without man-made

obstructions and without temporary natural obstructions. Temporary

natural conditions such as water level fluctuation and temporary natural,

obstructions which do not permanently or totally prevent navigation do

not make an otherwise navigable stream non-navigable.

4. Ordinary high water mark means the natural or clear line impressed

It
an the land adjacent to the waterbody. may be established by erosion

or other easily recognized characteristics such as shelving., change in

the character-of the soil, destruction of terrestrial vegetation or its

inability to grow, the presence of litter and debris, or other appropriate.

means which consider the characteristics of the surrounding area. The

ordinary high water mark does not extend beyond the well defined banks

of a river where such banks exist.

Publi c Trust

DescriEtion. Complex.natural areas are defined as lands that sup-

port native plant and animal communities and provide habitat conditions

or characteristics that have remained essentially unchanged by human

activity. Such areas are surrounded by landscapes that have been modi-

fied but that do not drastically alter the conditions within the natural

areas or their scientific or educational value. Such areas will be deter-

mined by the Commission, after consideration of written reports or tes-

timony of competent experts, to be rare within a county or to be of

particular scientific or educational value.

Significance. Complex natural areas provide the few remaining ex-

amples. of conditions that existed within the coastal area prior to

settlement by Western man. Often these natural areas provide habitat

conditions suitable for rare or endangered species or they support plant

and animal communities representative of presettlement conditions. These

areas help provide a historical perspective to changing natural condi-

tions An the coastal area and together are important and irreplaceable

scientific and educatimal resources.

Policy Objective. To preserve the natural conditions of the site

so asto safeguard its existence as an example of naturally occurring,

relatively undisturbed plant and animal communities-of major scientific

or educational value.

Appropriate Land Uses. Appropriate land uses shall be those consis-

tent , with -the above policy objective. Lands within the AEC shal I not

be planned for uses or kinds of development that will unnecessari3,v

jeopardize the natural or primitive character of the natural area

directly or indirectly through increased accessibility. Additionally,,

Complex Natural Areas .1

lands adjacent to the complex natural area should not be planned for

additional development that would unnecessarily endanger the recognized

value of the AEC. The variability between kinds of complex natural

areas and between lwid uses adjacent to those natural areas means that

the range of permissible uses and intensity of use must be carefully

tailored to the,individual areae

Complex Natural Areas --2

Description. Areas that sustain remnant species are those places

that support native plants or animals,-rare or endangered, within the

coastal area. Such places provide habitat conditions necessary for the
r survival of existing populations or communities of rare or endangered

species within the county.

Significance. The continued survival of certain native plants and

animals in the coastal area that are now rare or endangerea cannot be

assured unless the relatively few well defined areas providing necessary

habitat conditions are protected from development or land uses that

might alter these conditions. These habitats and the species they

support provide a valuable educational and scientific resource.

PoUcy Objective., To preserve habitat conditions necessary to the

ccntinued survival of rare or endangered native plants and animals and

TainiTnize development or land uses that might, jeopardize known areas

that support remnant species.
Appropriate Land'Uses. Appropriate land'uses.shall be-those con-

sistent with the above policy objective. Lands within the AEC shall

not be planned for uses or Icinds of development that will unnecessarily

jeopardize the habitat conditions responsible for the continued survival

of the respective plants and animals.

Remnant Species 1

Description. Defined as existing sites that have been acquired for'

use as naticnal or state parks,, as identified by the Secretary of

Natural and Economic Resources.

Significance. Existing naticnal or state parks are areas contain-

ing environmental or natural resources of more than local significance

where uncantrolled or incompatible development could result in major
or irreversible damage to important historic, cultural, scientific.,

or scenic values, or natural systems., or would be detrimental to the

recreational uses of natural systems. These sites provide: (1) areas

of unique or scenic value; (2) recreational uses of natural resources;

portrayal and interpretation of plent and animal life, geology and

natural features; and (4) Preservatian of scientific sites and natural

areas of statewide importance.

Policy Objective. To protect and preserve the scenic, historic,

cultural, scientific and natural values of national or state parks.

Appropriate Land Uses. Appropriite land uses shall be those co'n-

sistent with the above policy objective. All development in parks shall

be. planned and executed so as to in no way impair., damage or detract

from the values for which the areas were established to preserve and

protect. In parks or parts of parks that.do not contain natural areas

or scientific sites, facilities for such outdoor activities as picnick-

ing, swimning-,-boating, fishing. biking.. nature study, ar
camping;

and facilities normally associated with simple play fields incident

to picnicking and organized camping are examples of appropriate land
uses. Facilities for recreaticnal activities such as organized sports

and athletic contests are examples of inappropriate uses. 'In pa

Fragile, Historic or Natural Resource Areas Existing National or State*Parks

or parts of parks containing natural areas of scientific sites, miniolm

developed paths and trails are examples of appropriate land uses. Fac-

ilities for recreational activities such as swimming, camping, picnick-

ing, and the like are examples of imappropriate land uses in.these areas.

Fragile, Historic ew Natural IREsource Areas Existing National or State Parks

The following locatims for fragile areas have been found.in Camden
County based cn published reports and maps provided by the N. C. Depart-

ment of Natural and Economic Resources.

Coastal Wetland - I!kibutaries adjacent to North River portion. of

Raymond Creek.

Estuarine Waters - All waters of the Pasquotank River Basin doin-
r
stream of the Highway 158 Bridge between.Elizabeth City an@ Camden

County. The Albemarle Sound and all waters of the North River south

of the dividing line between coastal fishing waters and inland fishing

waters.

Natural Hazard Area - Estuarine and River Erodible Areas Note

Areas that presently have stabilization such as blilkheading would not

be included.

Based cn a Soil Conservation Study conducted over a 31-year p@eriod the

following 25-year recession lines have been established.

Along the North River from Broad Creek -up to the intersection of State

Road 1101 on the Pasquotank River. 95-foot recession line.

Along the Pasquotank River from State Road 1101 north along the river

approximately 2 miles. 50-foot recession line.,

Along the Pasquotank River from Areneuse north along the river appro-

ximately 3 1/2 miles. 46-foot recession line.

Fragile, Historic or Natural Resource Areas Complex Natural Areas

Large forested area west of North River from Broad Creek north to the

intersection of Indiantown Creek and U. S. 158. Forested area adjacent

to the Pasquotank -Rive=-from the Camden- County-Bridge- of.- U. S.- _158 up

to the northern comer of the County. This does not include areas that

were developed as of the adoption November 1975. Dismal Swamp State

Park Area and adjacent forested areas at northern end of county.

Fragile, Historic'or Natiirdl'Res6iitc6'A�6Eis *-;'Areas'That Sustain

Remnant Species - Iarge forested aTea west of North River from Broad

Creek to the intersection of Indiantown Creek and U. S. 158. Forested

area adjacent to the Pasquotank River from the Camden County Bridge of

U. S. 158 up to the northern corner of the county. This does not

include areas that were developed as of adoption November 1975.. Dismal'

Swamp State.Park Areas and adjacent forested areas at northern end of

county.

Areas Subject to Public Rights - Certairi'Public Trust Areas Pas-
quotank River, North River and Albemarle Sound and all tributaries that

have public ascess by navigation.
Fragile, Historic or Natural Resource Areas Existing National or

State Parks - The Dismal Swamp State Park is located in the northeriL

end of the county adjacent to the Dismal Swamp Canal and along the

North Carolina-Virginia state line.

The guidelines indicate that structures that have been approved for

listing by the North Carolina Historical Commission or are in the

National Register of Historic Places should be considered as fragile

areas. Because of the marW potential historic structures in the county

and the interest of citizens to preserve historic structures, the fol-

lowing structures havebeen included as potential sites for listing by

the North Carolina Historic Commission..

Archaeological and Historic Sites Camden County

1. Colonel Dennis Dozier Ferebee House

Location - South Ifills, N. C. 343
Significance - Dwelling was erected by Dennis Dozier Ferebee
after his marriage to Sarah McPherson, daughter of
very wealthy planter, Willie McPherson. Col. Ferebee was a
state political figure both before and after the Civil War.
The house has been restored by present owners Mr. and Mrs. J..
R. Hobbs.

2. Dismal Swamp Canal and Locks

Location Soutt Mills on Highway 17
Significance - AMR* - Oldest surviving artificial waterway in the
United States. Under the leadership of Virginia Governor Patrick
Henry, legislation approving the project for the canal from the
Elizabeth River in Virginia to the Pasquotank River in North
Carolina. Excavation by slave labor was begun in 1792 and the
first vessel (of very light draft) passed through the canal in
1805. Locks were found necessary in order to impound water drain-
ing from Lake Drummond so as to provide sufficient water for float-
ing boats. The center of the swamp is higher than the adjacent
rivers.

3. McBride Methodist Church

Location - South MIlls off N. C. 343 on State Road 1224, 2 miles
east
Significance First house of worship erected on this site was
authorized in 1715 under auspices of Episcopal Church. In 1792
htthodist Society was given permission to use sanctuary, provided
they help complete a new sanctuary and to keep it in repair. In
time, Ikthodists absorbed the congregation. Currently in use.

4. Nosay or Gordcn House

Location 7 South Mills off N.C. 343 on State Road 1224, 2 miles South
Significance - Residence erected by William Riley Abbott in 1850's.
Shortly afterwards Abbott sold place to Joseph Gordm. Federal
troops used it as a.hospital after Battle of Oamden in 1862.

5. Battleground, unmarked

Location - South Mills Township, N. C. 343 Bumt Mills
Significance - The Battle of Camden was fought at Sawyers Lane.
Southern troops ret and routed Yankee soldiers enroute to destroy
the Canal1ocks on the Dismal Swamp Canal. This was the only Civil
War Battle on Camden soil. Woodland and cropland on paved road.

6. Thomas Relfe House (Milford Manor)

Locatim Courthouse Township. State Road 1205, 4 miles NW of Cam-
den
Significance - N.R.* - Similar to dwellings erected by Dutch who
spread out from New York region when colony of Amsterdam was estab-
lished by Holland. Thomas Relfe, Dutch extraction, came from New
Jersey, obtained a patent for 1,650 acres in -the vicinity in 1696.
It is therefore probable that he built the house since only those
of English descent have owned this place since Relfe's time. Now
the residence of Dr. W. K. Wassink.

7. Caleb Grandy House

Location -@Courthouse Township N.C. 343 at Camden.
Significance - NR - Is not known when the houae was built, but
Caleb Grandy died here in 1795. Grandy was elected a representative
in State legislature in 1777 when thecounty was formed, and
succeeded hmmself twice. A State Senator in 1793 and 1795; year
of his death.

8. Camden County Courthouse

Locatim - Courthouse Township. N.C. 343 at Camden.
Significance - NR - County Seat. Building erected in 1847 is
second,on this site. The first was of frame and erected in 1782.
For five years after the formation of the county in 1777, com-
mission'ers met in the residence of Joseph Jones, legislator, who
introduced the bill in Legislature to.form the county. The con-
crete cover just south of the courthouse marks a well which was
used by a tavern erected in 1791 for entertainment of those having
to do business with the courts and county.

9. Alfred Gatlin House

Location Courthouse Township, S. R. 1138, 1 mile South of Camden.

Significance - This house was built in the decade after 1823, when
Alfred Moore Gatlin, formerly a resident of Edenton,-defeated in-
cumbent, Lemuel Sawyer and a Camden County man, for a seat in the
lower house of U. S. Congress. He was not re-elected and moved to
Florida about 1835. He was third man elected to Congress from
Camden County.

10. Chantilly Ancient Ferry
Location - Courthouse Tomship, S. R. 1138, 2 miles South of Camden
on the Pasquotank River.
Significance - From 1740 to around 1775, Colonel John Solley operated
a ferry from this point to Relfels.Point (now Winslow Acres) across
the river. It ceased to operate shortly after Enoch Sawyer obtained
a franchise to operate a ferry across the Pasquotank River where the
width is about 200 yards. About 1810, this property was .conveyed to
a member of the Lamb family, which continued
operation until 1910.
It was known as Lamb's Ferry. Rivershore to Chantilly.

3-1. Treasure Point

Location - Courthouse Township, S. R. 1130, 4 miles south of Camden
an the Pasquotank River..
Significance - Junction of the 2 branches of Areneuse Creek just
before it enters Pasquotank River, affords a pleasing scene. In,
1740, Samael Saban Plomer obtained a franchise to operate a ferry
from this point to New Begun Creek across the river. Distance was
too great for effective operation. Residential development.

12. Fairfield (Isaac Gregory House)

Location - Courthouse Township, S. R. 1121, 3 miles SE of Camden
Significance - Dwelling was the residence of Bri. Gen_ Isaac Gregory
during the Revolution. A visiting governor transacted official
business here. William Biddle Shepard had bought the plantation
and was living here when he was first elected to the U. S. Congress
in 1830. Shepard was the fourth man to be elected to U. S. Congress
from Camden County.

13. Indiantown

Location - Courthouse Township, Junction of S. R. 1107, 1121 and
Currituck County.
Significance - A 10,240 acre tract granted by John Granville and
other Lord Proprietors to the King and Nation of Yawpin Indians
on October 2, 1704. All rights and privileges "except me half
of all gold and silver mines." The upland portion of the Indian
village is now farmland. The greater portion is swampland.

14. Residence of Dr. S. G. Wright

Location - Courthouse Township, S. R. 1107, 6 miles east.of Camden.
Significance - Residence is an excellent example of better type of
dwelling erected in area roundabout from the time of the Revolution
until after the Civil War. House was repaired and remodeled by
Burfoot Family in 1810. Dr. S. G. Wright residence.

15. Shiloh Academy

Location ---Shiloh Township, N. C. 343, 8 miles Southeast of Camden.
Significance - Building was erected in 1830 when the highway ran
South of the house. Lower floor was used as schoolroom known as
"Shiloh Academy," and 2nd floor housed Widow's Son Lodge of the
Masonic Order. Noted teacher Ezekiel Gilman was once principal here.

16. Milltown

Location Shiloh Township, S. R. 1113, 6 miles southeast of Camden
on Pasquotank River.
Significance - Five windmills once stood on the immediate area, now
called Texaco or Elizabeth City Beach., Until recent years, it was
understandably known as "Milltown." Riverside residential develop-
ment.

17. Shiloh Baptist Church

Location - Shilch Towhahip N. C. 343, 7 miles southeast of Camden.
Significance - 1his congregation is the "oldest continuing Baptist
Congregation in N. C." dating from 1727. The building was used as
Federal Arsenal during the occupation of Shiloh during the Civil
War.

18. Residence of Mr. and Mrs.. W. Grady Stevens

Location - Shiloh southeast of Camden.
Significance - Dwelling, with altered porch, is typical of homes
often-built in the region roundabout the Revolutionary era. Near-
by residence of Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Forehand affords a vivid contrast
between "the old and the new." Grady Stevens residence.

19. Tommy's Point

Location - Shiloh, S. R. 1102, 15 miles southeast of Camden on
Pasquotank River
Significance - An exploring party sent by Sir Walter Raleigh's
colony,on Roanoke Island in 1585 located an Indian Village on this
site which the Indians called Pasquenoke. Before erosion, site
afforded an excellent view of Albemarle Sound and upper Pasquotank
River thereby offering protection from surprise attack. The
patrician John Hawkins lived here in very early 1700's. Thomas Wilson

became owner in post-revolutionary period and from his time the
place has been called ToraV's Point. Residential development.

20. Camden Point

Location - Shiloh Township, S. R. 1100, southeast end of Camden.
Significance - A unique development in the pocosin area between
Broad Creek and Albemarle Sound. Area was suggested as a good place
naturally affording forage for cattle during winter months by Lord
John Carteret in 1666. Site of Camden Island Corporation and.Camden
Point Shores Land Developments.

21. Pine Bluff Site

Location - Shiloh Township, off N. C. S. R. 1100, North River
at Albemarle Sound.
Significance - Undeveloped site, Sherds located here.

*ANR - Historic places that have been approved for listing by the North
Carolina Historical Commission in the National Register of
Historic Places pursuant to the National Historic Preservatian
Act of 1966.

*NR - Historic places that are listed in the National Register of His-
toric Places pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act
of 1966.

National Register of Historic Places

The National Register of Historic Places is a roster maintained by the
National Park Service under provisions of the National Historic Preser-
vation Act of 1966. Properties listed are considered "significant in
American history, architecture, archaeology, and culture -- a compre-
hen'sive index of the significant physical evidences of our national
patrimony." Nominations of properties.meeting strict criteria are sub-
mitted by the director of the Department of Archives and History. Owner-
ship of the,properties entered in the National Register is.not affected,
although their preservation by owners is encouraged as a part of the
cultural heritage of the nation.

Sources: 1. SCS Recreational Potential
2. fWg_ion7RT1_ Publication
3. Corps-Atlas
4. 1 Lonesome Place Against the Sky N. C. Department
of Archives and History

Sand dunes along the outer banks, ocean beach and shoreline, areas can-
taining unique geologic formatians, registered national landmarks and
archaeological sites were found to be non-existent in the county based

on information available.

Historic Sites

Productive Agricultural Lands

Suitability for general agriculture and forestry are shown in Table 1.

This information is very general in nature and is based on the soil

characteristics. It does not take into consideration the management

techniques used by the land owner.

Camden

TABIE I
Dromporrativs TASLIS MR GINUAL POIL WAS

IMUM A LAM 9912WOMINT Poo=

ALWmt 23, L974
RATOW AND LIMATIONS BUD co OMCM1 ISM-12II, SZRTII OnCRIMOPM-TAUSS PWAXU It BOIL CONSISTAnow IIRVXB

SIMIAMIrr MR
anurme C" LICILLATION Una G MR" IVAU ow WN FACTORS AFFEMW StLKCT9D tot
9"414 pit"o ?I"- L.,A. Lisbt - _ViW_r C-.1 Forestry SOIL n." lb",dl/ gbuk y I Forown ty t -A-SNN
UfA, J161419L 111"Im ASSMIATION Ff-snev -1) .. t -@& Tbl. U.11 CL."
0.4 H-L so.. SIT. UPS. Sit. Go" Go" I .WAGRAM so" - Dwo Lm IN. afta I= 04b 19. W. Ar.
Sw. so.. 5". 0". Sm. NOT. Mod. vou fair PACWLW so- W. Mat rd. SmIlm Lm "Pid L" Lm 110 :It. obd. W. or.
Sit. Sit. .SIT. at&. us. sit. Sit. am& 0-4 HOINOLK So" - D-W I- ftd@t. U. mad. sit. V. ft.
mv. Sov. Nw. S_' Rff. SW, FLAT Cmd "IUJ P-dftg W. In" W. Sh"Zow Abdarms, Sim SIA - Eta FT. Dr.
S". M.L SIT. shod. .&-. Rev. ITT. F"T CRAVO u- - Md. Mallow m"arsto slow atab Nub mm@ W. ft.
s". Iam. NOW. S_. 9". SM. Sww. coft LOOM sma - V. Sb.Uft mpdarat. Slow Rio all* INS. SIR ft. Dr.
S_. 6-. ft.. Sm. S". sm. Far-so" aeft 3. RAM C-mm Ifftf 7. SWIM 1bkc.t. BI- W. 010 U.S. va 4. ft. Dr.
S". sm. ftir-G." good SATOM C@ BrIet V. sball- Hd.rto Sim Bid' no owd. W. FT. or.
saw. sm. S". sm. I". Now. and 0-4 ME Q@ WO V. 81.11- 1@ W. Sim Rio Rio INS. W. FT. Of.
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&w. X.C Ud. U.S. for. Saw. S". 0-4 G." , F'"im V. aria shall" L_ mod. Rapid SM. Mod. Its. Sim ft. Dr.
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"r. ad. ad. S". off. 6". low. peft 7-1 CMUA C@ T. %via Sholl" tm 1. 9"14 Law L@ sit. mm. V. ft.
W. sm. sm. aw,. "w. V. New. 5". Sov. Poor San SUCKSIM C@ to" V. Sh.Ilm Ift V. a"" L@ sit.
ftv. . . W. sm. . . W. I.I Saw. Pow PM 0. Cons C@ Low V. Imilm Rio Sim W. 11* a* uv. Dr.
sm. W. . V. a". V. 8-. V. off. Ifte P-r-wair it. D=WAV C.- L." V. M.11" Lm It. Sim Rio
W. &.. V. "T. I. . V. Stow. 1. 1".
V. ft.. 1. sm. pw Ira" an If- F. Sh.IIM L@ IOU at* IIIA, "v.
V. I-- W. S-. W. Sm. V. 5". W. so.. V. Saw. Pmr I Fair JOURI'm I I-% 1 1. Mal" I Low Wd. 216 Bub ft.

now mum
ymmos, Chat ""Lev a O.U
P-MI-Ir C-WW by -t- Gq@jm -mb3m t 6. com"
S*iL. b@ pnp@ua f-rahle 1. 00 m d A..
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Mbd.. M"@ $1- L_ tb-
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General- Soils Map

Y&neral Sites.

Five sand pits are present in the county. Three are located to the

east of state road 1107 in the Indiantown area. These pits are owned

by Wilson Lee Forbes, Russel Perkins and Bailey Forbes. The Macpher-

son Pit owned by Dickersan, Incorporated, is located off of Highway

343 approximately half way between Camden and South 11ills. The Roberts

,Sand Pit owned by Roberts Brothers, Inc., is located in the Hastings

Corner area.

Publicly Owned-Forests and Parks

Two areas have been identified as shown on the Forests and Parks Map.

The Dismal Swamp State Park is located along both the Dismal Swamp

Canal and the Camden County-Virginia State line. The second forest

area is located m the eastern Camden County line. This area extends

into Currituck County.

'Resource Potential Camden 1

CAMDEN COUNTY

MINERALSITES'

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IN.

CAMDEN COU@ITY

PUBLICLY OWNED F ORESTS AND PARKS

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Existing Water and Sewer Service Areas

Wells are the primary source of water for industrial, municipal and

domestic use for Camden County. Potable water is obtained from three

aquifers: Water table aquifer, the upper and lower Yorktown aquifers.

Surficial sands of the water table aquifer furnish water to more wells

in the county than any other aquifer. Dug, driven and jetted wells
I
range from 8 to 50 feet and yield from 1.5 to 8 gallons per minute.

Rotary-drilled gravel wall wells yield from 18 to 58'gallms per,minute.

Jetted and driven wells obtain water from sand, conquinas, and indurated

shell mar of the upper and lower Yorktown aquifers. Artesian wells

screened in the Yorktowx upper aquifer are almost as numerous as water

table wells. The Yorktown upper aquifer wells range in depth from 60

to 123 feet and yeild 2 to 50 gallans per minute with diameters of 2

inches and 94 to 400 gallons per minute for single or multiple screen

wells with diameter of 6 to 10 inches. The Yorktown lower aquifer wells

range in depth from 124 to 169 feet and yield from 5 to 47 gallons

per ndnut e.

The lower aquifer is present only in the southern and east central por-

tians of both Camden and Pasquotank County. Groundwater in both counties

is generally of poor quality with most of the water supply containing

large quantities of iron or hardness requiring treatment to improve.

quality to accepted standards.

The South )Rlls Water Association was constructed in 1966. Initially"

Existing Water.and Sewer Service Areas Camden 1

the system served approximately 300 people in and around the community.

Recent additions to the system included the additionof one well to

augment the existing well and to bring total pumping capacity to 180

gallcne per minute. Also, a new 100pOOO gallon ground reservoir has

been added to the existing elevated 75,000 gallon tank and mains have

been extended to Morgans Comer in Pasquotank County. Traatment facili-

ties have been expanded and now the water is aerated, settled, treated

for iron removal, and chlorinated prior to distribution. The system

serves approximately 1,225 people. When all of the new customers are
acrmeated to the recent extensims, approximately 1,575 people will

be served.

The South Mills Water Lssociatim is currently planning to expand its

distribution system; north to Tar Comer, south to Lambs Comer@ and

west to include are&i between Morgans Corner and Lynch's Comer. This

expansion will donsi:3t of an additional well, approximately 40,000

linear feet of water distribution lines and an additional 110 new ser-

vice connections in Camden County.

Camden County does not have a community or municipal sewer system,.

A32 sewage is presently being treated by individual septic tanks as
required by the county health department or privies. Based on 100
Census Bureau information there were at that time 1,221 families using

septic tanks in the county and 1,723 families without access to a cen-

tral sewer system.

Existing Water and Sewer Service Areas Camden 2

Schools

The Camden County school system consists of three schools. Grandy

School includes as of May, 1976., 413 kindergarten through third grade

students. Camden h1iddle school has a total enrollment of 581 students

in grades 4 through 8. Camden High School includes grades 9 through 12
with 464 students enrolled. All three schools are located in the Camden

area and serve the entire county from this central point.

Primary Roads

U. S. 17 and U. S. 158 are two federal highway facilities serving Camden

County. Based on 1974 information compiled by the Department of Trans-

portation the section of U. S. 17 between South Mills and the North

Carolina-Virginia line had an ADT of 3,800 vehicles per day. Based on

the same 1974 information U. S. 158 between Elizabeth City and the

Camden Conmmity had an ADT of 8,000 vehicles per day. Also serving the

County are North Carolina 343 and North Carolina 168. 343 is serving

the area between South Mills, Camden, and the Shiloh/Old Trap area of

the county. This facility based on 1974 information had a maxi

ADT of 1,500 vehicle's in the area south of the Camden Community with

1,000.between Camden and South Mills. Taking into'consideration the

slow growth history of the county and the fact that many citizens have

indicated they wish the county to remain an.essentially rural area all

of the above mentioned facilities should be adequate to serve the needs

of residents and others for the ten-year planning period,

Existing Facilities 3

CAMDEN COUNTY
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71. US 17, From North of Elizabeth City_to the Virginia State
Line, Camden-Pasquotank Colmifies
The project will provide four lanes by upgrading some
portions of the existing two-lane highway and utilizing some
cp new location segments bypassing the communities of South
Mills and Morgan's Corner.

Design Capacity and Percent Utilization of Water Treatment Plant..
Schools and Primary Roads

The county's only water treatment facility is part of the South Mills

Water Associatim Syatem located in the South Mills area. As mentioned

earlier the system presently has a new 100,000 gallon ground reservoir

and a 75,000 elevatel tank. Based an the Water Management Report pre-

pared by William F. Freeman Associates two additional wells should be

added to the system by 1985 and one additional well by the year 2000.

Taking the projected popalation in mind the service demand on the system

should stay well within the design capacity.

The school system consists of three schools with a total enrollment, as

of May 12, 1976, of 1,458 students. Grandy School has a design capacity

of 475 students with 413 presently enrolled. Camden Middle school has

an enrollment of 581 students with a design capacity of 600. Camden

High School's total enrollment is 464 students with a design capacity

of 500 students. Based an information from the Superintendent of

Schools, no large capital expense is anticipated based on current down-

ward tIreads for school age children in the county. The county does

plan to expend some funds for the replacement of a 1926 wing of the

high school.

With the small population increase expected during the ten-year planning

period the existing primary road system should be adequate. However,

any improvements made are the responsibility of the North Carolina

Department of Transportation.

ESTIMATED DEMAND

Population and Economic Projections
Future Land Needs
Community Facilities Demand

Ten-Year Population Projection

Camden County's population is projected to grow. to approximately 5,650

by 1985. This is from an estimated population of 5,530 in 1975. This

estimated population for 1975 and projected population for 1985 is

based an interpolation of 1970 census information and 1980 OBERS pro-

jectians.

5, 10, 25 and 50 Year Projections

Year Projection Population Estimate

1975 Base Year 5,530

1980 5 Years 59600

1985 10 Years 5,650

2000 25 Years 5,900

2025 50 Years 6,150

The 1975, 196 and 2025 population projections are based an inte:rpola-

tion of OBERS projections. OBERS were felt to be the best information

available. Seasonal population information was not available. However,

during discussions with the County Commissioners it was determined

that during the summer months there is presently a negative effect

with local citizens traveling to the beach for weekends because of the

close proximity to the county. HoweverY during the fall and winter

hunting season there is some impact of hunters an the locality, but

specific information on the subject does not seem to be available.

Long-Term Projections and Desires of the People

Population Projections 1

The Camden County Growth Advisory Board included a question pertaining

to population growth in the planning questionnaire which they prepared

and distributed. Both adults and high school students were given an

opportunity to indicate what their preference was. Specifically,

approximately 550 adults responded with'the following results:

16.0% - Remainthe same size

50.3% Small increase in population

31.5% Substantial increase in population

2.2% Reduce population

When 64 high school seniors were asked about future population growth,

the following was learned:

32.3% Remain the same size

22.6% Small increase in population

33.9% Substantial increase in population

11.3% Reduce population

With these results in mind the following information was presented to

the Board of County Comissioners to determi ne the desires of the

citizens pertaining to population growth. It was felt that the elected

officials of the county should make the final determination on desired

growth based on. input from citizens in the county. In addition to

the planning questionnaire results the following information was

provided to the Commissioners to assist them in making their decision.

Population Projections 2.

CANDEN COUNTY
DESIRED POPUIJ4TION

Past Population Trends '1900 - 1970
% Increase
Years Population People or Decrease

1900 - 1910 5,474 to 5,640 166 increase 3.0
1910 - 1920 5,640 to 4082 258 decrease -4.6
1920 - 1930 4,382 to 5,462 80 increase 1.5
19,30- 1940 5,462 to 5,441 21 decrease -0.4
1940 - 1950 5,441 to 5,223 218 decrease -4.0
1950 - 1960 5,223 to 5,598 375 increase 7.2
1960 - 1970 5,598 to 5,453 145 decrease -2.6

5,453 People
1920 -5,382 People

71 People 1.3% Increase

Projected Population 1970 2020 50 Years
% Increase
Years Population People or Decrease

1970 - 1980 5,453 to 5,600 147 increase 2.7%
1980 - 1990 5,600 to 5,700 100 increase 1.8%
1990 - 2000 5,700 to 5,900 200 increase 3.5%
2000 - 2010 5,900 to 6,000 100 increase 1.7%
2010 - 2020 6,000 to 6,100 100 increase 1.7%

2020, 6,100 People
1970 -5,453 People

647 People 11.9% Increase

Estimated Housing Units

1970 - 1980 43 Units
1980 - 1990 29 Units
1990 - 2000 59 Units
2000 - 2010 29 Units
2010 - 20@O 29 Units

1970 Census 1,757 Year-round Housing units
1970 Census 3.386 Persons Per Household
1914 New Households,during the Next 50 Years

Population Projections 3

The County Commissioners determined after reviewing all information

available that the population projections represented a steady small

increase in population. They also determined that based on desires
r
expressed by citizens concerning population growth the projections were

consistent with the desires of the majority of people in the county.

Capabilities of Land and Water to Sustain Growth

One of the main objectives of the Coastal Area Management Act is to

provide a management tool the local governments can use to direct future

growth. As can be seen by past population trends and projected popu-

lation growth very little growth has taken place and is expected to take

place during the next 5 to 50 years. Based on the population projec-

tions there should be no problem accommodating the expected growth with

existing zaning and subdivision regulations used as planning tools.

Also, implementation of several of the objectives as stated in the plan

should assure no problems with future development. One of the strongest

deterents to problems in the future is the enforcement of septic tank

regulations by the County Health Department

Seasonal Populatim

Seasonal population information for the county was not available.

Population Projections

Carrying Capacity issue - Existing Platted Lots

The following information is provided in an effort to determine the

extent of existing platted lots in the county and the extent of actual

construction. This information is based on a review of subdivision plate
recorded since the Flaming Board began reviewing plats in November,

1972. Also, the Register of Deeds provided information on major deve-

lopments in the county that had taken place prior to November,, 1972.

Year Number of Lots Number of Plats

1964 302 2
1965 None Observed None Observed
1966 222 11
1967 Nane Observed None Observed
1968 None Observed None Observed
1969 None Observed None Observed
1970 None Observed Nane Observed
1@71 261 4
1972 None Observed None Observed
1973 37 2
19.74 78 3
1975 None Observed None Observed
1976-May None Observed None Observed

Two developments in the county are represented by most of the lots

shown in the table above. Specifically, the 302 lots platted in 1964

and 78 in 1974 are in the White Hall Shores Area. This area has been

developing very slowly with medium to high price homes. Based on in-

formation from the Zoning Officer most of the new families locating

in the county locate in this subdivision. Specifically, of the 380

lots available 36 have been built on with many of the others sold for

future construction. Camden Point Shores is represented by the bulk

of the remaining platted lots. Specifically, 222 lots in 1966 and 261

Populatibon 5

in 1971. This area is a very slowly-developing second home community

located at the southern tip of the county. Since 1966 25 lots have

been built on. Based an discussions with the County Sanitarian, many

of the homes built have*obtained canditianal septic tank permits. In

the permit the owner of the lot acknowledges the fact that because Of

soil characteristics septic tank problems may occi= and in the event

they do, problems will be corrected by the owner.

Population'.- 6

Identification of Major Trends and Factors in the Economy

Several factors can be expected to have an impact on the local ecmOMY

during the ten-year planning period. First is the development of the

Dismal Swamp Park located at the northern end of the county. At the

pres ent time the scope of development for the park has not been defined.

However, a North Carolina Welcome Center is presently being cmsidered

for the area that would serve as a focal point for the park and a begin-

ning point for nature trails, possible canoeing and picnic areas., etc.

With the park's location in relation to the Tidewater area of Virginia,

the park coula serve the recreational needs of that area as well as

county citizens. In this respect it would be very instrumental in

accomplishing me of the objectives as stated in the plan, to develop

recreational potential and tourism to expand the economic base. As the

state develops its plans for the types of facilities to be located In

the park, the county should'take int@p emsideration the impact the park

will have on the county. Hopefully@prior to the required five-year

review of the plan, more definitive informatim will be available con-

cerning facilities to be located in the park. The second factor that

can be expecte d to have some impact on the future economy of the area

is the planned improvement of U. S. Highway 17 from the North Carolina-

Virginia Line dawn through Pasquotank County to Elizabeth City. This

improvement is called for in the 7 year state highway plan. If com-

pleted during the ten-year planning period it can be expected to make

the area more accessible and therefore more desirable for both light

industrial development and tourism, both of which are desires of the

citizens. This activity will most likely not have a great deal of

impact until the latter part of the planning period.

Land Demand for Land Classification

As shown in the existing population section, Camden County has had a

Sporadic increase and decrease in population for the past 70 plus years.

In projecting future growth during the ten-year planning period it was

det ermined that the county can expect to grow at a rather slow rate,

specifically, approximately 120 people during the next ten years. This

very small expected growth does not place a heavy burden on the land.

In fact, most of the population increase could be accommodated inside

existing developments. Future growth inside these existing communities

was also indidated as a desire of citizens in the community.

Demand on Community Facilities

Schools

All three schools in the county's school system are cansidered to be

adequate to handle the future population of the county. In fact, the

school officials are presently anticipating a decrease in student en-

rollment during the ten-year planning period. This trend is reflected

in the.previous census figures for the elementary school age group.

Roads

The primary road system should be adequate during the planning period.

However, any improv ements are the responsibility of the North Carolina

Department of Transportation.

Water

The South NUlls Water Association System has the capability to expand

if and when density in or near South hUlls,becomes high enough to

eccnomically justify expansion. Also, industrial development an a

small scale would be feasible utilizing this system for a water source.

Cost of Services to Accommodate Projected Growth

The cost for providing existing and projected population with services

will depend upcn the demands citizens of the county place m their

county government. Most citizens are aware of the fact that, like

most things, providing county services is costing more each year.

However, the county's tax rate is rather low, which gives county

government the flexibility to increase taxes if demand for services by

citizens requires such action.

Ability of Local Econorq to Finance Service Expansion

Because of the very rural nature of the county,, very limited services

are presently being provided. With the anticipated small increase in

population over the next ten years there sl@ould be little problem in

handling future growth financially...

PLAN DESCRI.PTION

Land Classification System

Allocation of Population Growth

Camden County does not have a municipality located within its planning

jurisdiction. Also, the county does not have an area that meets the

minimun requirements for designation as a developed area; thereforep

the transition designation has not been used. Because of the very low

population increase anticipated during the ten-year planning periods

it has been assumed that most of the'additional population will locate

in or adjacent to existing co=nunities. Based on current trends, there

should be no problem accomnodating expected growth.

The North Carolina Land Classification System contains five classes Of

land:

Developed - Lands where existing population.density is moderate to

high and where there are a variety of land uses which have the necessary

public services.

Transition Lands where local government plans to accomodate mod-

erate to high density development during the following ten-year period

and where necessary public services will be provided to accommodate

that growth.

Commmity - Lands where low density development is grouped in

existing settlements or will occur in such settlements during the foi-

lowing ten-year period and which will not require extensive public ser-

vices now or in the future.

Rural - Lands whose highest use is for agriculture, forestry, min-

ing, water supply, etc., based on their natural resources potential.

Also, lands for future needs not currently recognized.

Conservation - Fragile, hazard and other lands necessary to main-

tain a healthy natural environment and necessary to provide for the

public health, safety or welfare.

These five classes provide a framework to be used by local governments

to identify the general use of all lands in each county. Such a system

presents an opportunity for the local government to provide for its

needs as well as to consider those of the whole state. Also, they

can make a statement of policy on where and to what density they want

Plan Description Land Classificatton System 1

growth to occur, and where they want to conserve the county' s natural

resources by guiding growth.

As a statement of local policy consistent with statewide needs and goals,,

the county land classification map will serve as a basic tool for coor-

dinating numerous policies, standards, regulations., and other governmen-

tal activities at the local, state and federal level. Such coordination

may be described by five applications:

1. The Land Classification System encourages coordination and consis-
r
tency between-local land use policies and those of State Government.

Lands are classified by the local governments. The Coastal Resources

Commission then reviews those classifications to ensure conformance

with minimum guidelines for the system. Me coastal county maps taken

together will be the principal policy guide for governmental decisions

and activities which affect land uses in the coastal area.

2. The System provides a guide for public investment in land. For

example, state and local agencies can anticipate the need for early

acquisition of lands and easements in the Transition class for schools,

recreation, transportation, and other public facilities.

3. The System can also provide a useful framework for budgeting and

planning for the constructian of community facitities such as water

and sewer systems, schools and roads. The resources of mary state and

federal agencies, as well as those of the local goverment which.are

used for such facilities, can then be more efficiently allocated.

4. In addition, such a System will aid in better coordination of

regulatory policies and decisions. Conservation and Rural Production

Plan Description Land Classification System 2

lands will help to focus the attention of state and local agencies and

interests concerned with the valuable natural resources of the state.

On the other hand, lands in the Transition and Community classes will
be of specia 1 concern to those agencies and interests who work for high

quality development through local land use controls such as zoning and

subdivision regulations.

5.- Finally, the System can help to provide guidance for a more equitable

distribution of the land tax burden. Private lands which are in the

Rural and Conservation classes should have low taxes to reflect the policy
that few, if a:ny, public services will be provided to these lands. In

contrast., lands in the Transition class should be taxed to pay for the

large cost of new public services which will be required to support

the density of growth anticipated.

The local land classification map must be updated every five years.

Ea6h class is designed to be broad enough so that frequent changes in

maps are not necessary. In extreme cases, such as when a large key

facility, causing major repercussions, is unexpectedly placed in a

county, the Coastal Resources Commission can allow a county to revise

its classification map before the five year period is aver.

In addition, the Land Classification System allows a variety of detail-

ed land uses such as residential, commercial, industrial, recreational,

etc. to occur within these classes. There is flexibility under exist-

ing zoning enabling statutes to change these detailed land uses when-

ever necessary.

Plan, Description Land Classif ication System -

Policies, rules and actions concerning Areas. of Environmental Concern

shall take precedence over policies., rules and actions concerning the

Land Classifications, in the event of any conflicts.

Listed below are the technical definitions for the five land use classes.

1. Developed

Purpose: The Developed class identifies deveVped lands which are
presently provided with essential public services. Consequently,. it is

distinguished from areas where significant growth and/or new service

requirements will occur. Continued development and redevelopment should

be encouraged to provide for an orderly growth in the area.

Description: Developed lands are areas with a minimum gross popula-

tion density of 2,000 people per square mile. At a minimum, these lands

contain existing public services including water and sewer systems.,

educational systems, and road systems, all of which are able to support

the present population and its accompanying land uses including commer-

cial, industrial, and insititional.

2. Transition

Purpose: The Transition class identifies lands where moderate to

high density growth is to be encouraged and where any such growth that

is permitted by local regulation will be provided with the necessary

public services.

Description: The area to be designated as Transition must be no

greater than that required to accommodate the estimated county population

growth at a minimum gross density of 2,000 people per square mile.

For example, if the population increase for the following ten year period

Plan Description Land Classification System 4

is proJected to be 10,000 people, and it is planned that 8,000 of them

will be accommodated in the Transition area, then no more than four

square miles of Transition area should be shown. In additicn, the mini-

Tm1m services which will be required are the necessary water and sewer

facilities, educational services and roads. Cmsideration'must be given

to the cost of-public services in the Transition area. Each local
r
government is encouraged to estimate the approximate cost of providing

public services where they do not already exist.

Land;to be classified Transitian should be considered in the following

order:

(1) First priority is for-lands which presently have a gross popu-

lation density of more then 2,000 people per square mile, but do

not qualify as Developed because they lack the necessary minimum

public services. These areas may not be expected to accommodate

additional population, but they will require funds for services to

avoid public health and safety problems.

(2) Secand priority is for lands that have all the necessary public

services in place, but which lack the minimum gross population den-

sity of 2,000 people per square mile nee ded to qualify the area as

Developed. These areas therefore have not utilized the capacity of

the existing services.

(3) Additional lands necessary to accommodate the remainder of the

estimated Transitian growth for the ten year planning period.

In choosing lands for the Transition class, such lands should not include:

(1) Areas with severe physical limitations for development with

Plan Description Land Classification. System 5
0

public Services.

(2) Lands which meet the definition of the Conservation class.
(3) Lands of special value such as the following unless no other

reasonable alternative exists:

(a) Productive and unique agricultural lands

(b) Productive forest lands

sheds

(e) -Scenic and tourist resources

(f) Habitat for economically valuable wildlife species
(g) Flood fringe lands

(h) Open coast flood hazard areas, exclusive of ocean

erosive areas

(i) Estuarine flood hazard areas, exclusive of estuarine ero

sive areas

community

Purpose: The Conmunity class identifies existing and new clusters

of low density development not requiring major public services.

Description:

(1) The Community class includes existing clusters of one or more

land uses such as a rural residential subdivision or a church.,

school., general store, industry, etc. (Cluster is defined as a

number;of structures grouped together in association or in physical

proximity Webster's Dictionary).

(2) This class will provide for all new rural growth when the lot

Plan Description Lend Classification System - 6

size is ten acres or less. Such clust@rl-'Of growth may occur in new
areas, or within existing community land.,.\,' In choosing lands for
Community growth, such lands should noi ` clude:
(a) Areas with severe physical 1. 1 "tations for development
(b) Areas meeting the definition J@ the Conservation class
-,(c) Lands of special value such as ,'@,the following unless no

other reasonable alternative exists:

(1) Productive and unique agricultural lands

(2) Productive forest lands

(3) Potentially valuable mineral deposits
(4) Potential aquifers and key parts of water supply

watersheds

(5) Scenic and tourist resources

(6) Habitat for rare and endangered wildlife species

and economically valuable wildlife species

(7) Flood fringe lands

(8) Open coast flood hazard areas, exclusive of ocean

erosive areas

(9) Estuarine flood hazard areas, exclusive of estuarine

erosive areas

New development in the Community class areas will be subject

to subdivision regulations under the Enabling Subdivision Act

(G.S. 153A-330 et.seq.)

(4) in every case, the lot size must be large enough to safely

accommodate on-site sewage disposal and where necessary water supply

so that no public sewer services will be required now or in the

Plan Description Land Classification System - 7

future.,

(5) Limited public services should be provided in the Community

class such as public road access and electric power.
(6) As a guide for calculating the amount of land necessary to

accommodate new rural commmity growth, a gross population density

of 640 people per square mile or one person per acre should be used.

For example, if 1,000 new people are expected to settle in low den-

sity clusters during the following ten year period, then roughly

1,000 acres of land should be allocated for new growth in Commmity

class areiis.

4. Rural

Purpose: The Rural class identifies lands for long-term management
for productive resource utilization, and where limited public services

will be provided. Development in such areas should be compatible with

resource production.

Descriptim: The Rural class includes all lands not in the Develop-

ed, Transition, Community and Conservation classes.

5. Conservation

Purpose: The Conservation class identifies land which should be

maintained essentially in its natural state and where very limited or

no public services are provided.

Description: Lands to be placed in the Conservation class are the

least desirable for development because:

(1) They are too fragile to withstand development without losing

their natural value; and/or

(2) They have severe or hazardous limitations to development; and/or

Plan Description Land Classification System - 8

4@_

POTENTIAL AREAS OF
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN

The Coastal Area Management Act provides that local land use plans "shall

give special attention to the protection and appropriate development of

Areas of Enviramental Concern."

The 1974 Legislature found that "the coastal area, and in particularthe

estuaries, are-among the most biologically productive regions of this

state and of the natim" but in recent years the 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

Act states, "the very features of the coast which make it economically,

aesthetically, and ecologically rich will be destroyed."

To prevent this destruction the Act charges the Coastal Resources Com-

mission with the responsibility for identifying types of areas, and

designating specific areas, water as well as land, in which unccntrolled

or incompatible development might result in irreparable damage. It

b
further instructs the Commission to determine what types of use or

development are appropriate within such areas, and it calls on local

governments to give special attention to these enviraamentally fragile

and important areas in developing their land use plans.

Thus, the Coastal Resources Commission and local government, with the

assistance and guidance of the Coastal Resources Advisory Council,

Areas of Environmental Concern - 1

share a unique statutory assignment,'for this is the first time North

Carolina has undertaken such a massive and comprehensive determination

of its critical land and water areas. Further, this is an unprecedented

opportunity., in that none of the other coastal states has given this

authority and responsibility to local government and a lo, cally oriented

commission.

The Commissicn has chosen to emphasize this intended local involvement

by acting on a Coastal Resources Advisory Council recommendation that

provides local governments the opportunity to become a more effective

participant in the AEC process. This recommnndation gives the local

governments the option of preparing maps delineating the boundaries of

specific AECs within their respective jurisdictions.

This delineation will serve to assist the Commission in the ultimate

designation of AECs and will provide data for use in local land use

planning. The Commission will use the delineations supplied by local

governments for the purpose of analyzing the territorial extent of the

various proposed AEC categories.

The identification and delineation by local governments will not serve

as a designation of AECs for the purposes of permit letting. The desig-

nation of AECs for purposes of the permit program shall be by a written

description adopted by the Commission, and such designations will be

equally applicable to all local governments in the coastal area.

Areas of Environmental Concern 2

'IV

Coastal wetlands are defined as "any salt marsh or other marsh subject

to regular or.occasianal flooding by tides, including wind tides (whether

or not the tide waters reach the marshland areas through natural or arti-
ficial watercourses),, provided this shall not include hurricane or trop-

ical storm tides. Salt marshland or other marsh shall be those areas

upon which grow some, but not necessarily all, of the following salt

marsh and marsh plant species: Smooth or salt water Cordgrass (Spartina
alterniflora); Black Needlerush (Juncus roemerianus); Glasswort (Sali-

cornia spp.); Salt Grass (Distichlis Spicata); Sea Lavender (Limonium.
spp.); Bulrush (Scirpus spp.); Saw-Grass (Cladium Jamaicense); Cat-Tail
(Typha spp.); Salt-l&adaw Grass (Spartina Patens); and Salt Reed Grass
(Spartina cynosuroides)." Included in this statutory definition of

wetlands is "such contiguous land as the Secretary of M reasonably

deems necessary to affect by any such order in carrying out the pur-

poses of this Section." (G.S. 113-230 (a))

For policy purposes, coastal wetlands may be considered in two categor-

ies: (1) law tidal marsh; (2) other coastal marshlands which have dif-'

ferent significance and policy implicaticna.

Description. All other marshland which is not low tidal marshland

and which contains the species of vegetation as listed in the first

paragraph.

Significance. This marshland type also contributes to the detritus

supply necessary to the highly productive estuarine system essential to

North Carolina's economically valuable commercial and sports fisheries.

Coastal Wetlands 1

The higher marsh types offer quality wildlife and waterfowl habitat

depending on the biological and physical conditions of the marsh. The

vegetative 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 me shes containing heavily root-

ed'species. The dense system of rhizomes and roots of Juncus roemer-

ianus are highly resistant to erosion. In addition, the higher marshes

are effective sediment traps.

Policy Objective. To give a high priority to the perservation and

management of the marsh so as to safeguard and perpetuate their biolo-

gical, economic and aesthetic values.

Appropriate Land Uses. Appropriate land uses shall be those coa-

sistent with the above policy objective. Highest priority shall be

allocated to the conservation of existing me shlands. 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

ports, docks and marinas, provided that the actual location of such

facilities within the marsh consider coastal, physical and biological
b systems and further provided that feasible alternatives regarding loca-

tion and design have been adequately considered and need for such deve-

lopment 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 marsh-

land 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.

Coastall Wetlands 2

Description. Estuarine waters are defined in G.S. 113-229 (n) (2)

as, 11all the water of the Atlantic Ocean within the boundary of North

Carolina and all the waters of the bays, sounds, rivers, and tributaries

thereto seaward of the dividing line between coastal fishing waters, as

set forth in an agreement adopted by the Wildlife Resources Commission

and the Department of Conservatian and Development filed with the Secre-

tary of State entitled 'Boundary Lines, North Carolina Commercial Fish-

ing - Inland Fishing Waters, revised March 1, 1965"' or as it may be

subsequently revised by the Legislature.

Significance. Estuaries are amang the most productive natural en-

viranments of North Carolina. They not only support valuable commer-

cial and sports fisheries, but are also utilized for commercial naviga-

tion, recreation, and aesthetic purposes. Species dependent upon ea-

tuaries such as menhaden, shrimp, flounder, oysters and crabs make up

over 90 percent 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 sports fisheries and the

.aesthetic appeal of coastal North Carolina is dependent upon the pro-
tectian and'sustained quality of our estuarine areas.

Policy Objective. To preserve and manage estuarine waters so as to

safeguard and perpetuate their biological, economic and aesthetic values.,

Appropriate Uses. Appropriate uses shall be those consistent with

the above policy objective. Highest priority shall be allocated to the

ccnservatian 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

Estuarine Waters 1

of land uses appropriate within estuarine waters, provided that such'

land uses will not be detrimental to the biological and physical estua-

rine functions and public trust rights. Projects which would directly

or indirectly block or impair existing navigation channels, Increase

shoreline erosion, deposit spoils below mean high tide, cause adverse

water circulation patterns, violate water quality standards, or cause

degradation of shellfish waters are generally considered incompatible

with the management of estuarine waters.

Estuarine Waters 2

Descripticn. All waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the lands there-

under from the mean high water mark to the seaward limit of State juris-

diction; all natural bodies of water subject to measurable lunar tides

and lands thereunder to the mean high water mark; all navigable natural

bodies of water and lands thereunder to the mean high water mark or

ordinary high Water mark as the case may be, except privately owned lakes

to which the public has no right of access; all waters in artificially

created bodies of water in which the public has acquired rights by

prescription, custom, usage, dedication or any other means. In determin-

ing whether the public has acquired rights in artificially created bodies

of water, the following factors shall be considered: (i) the use of the

body of water by the public; (ii) the length of time the public has used

the area; (iii) the value of public resources in the body of water;

(iv) whether the public resources in the body of water are mobile to the

extent that they can move into natural bodies of water; (v) whether the

creation of the artificial body of water required permission from the

State; and (vi) the value of the body of water to the public for navi-

gation from one public area to another public area.

Significance. The public has rights in these waters including navi-

gatian and recreation. In addition, these waters support valuable

comercial and sports fisheries, have aesthetic value, and are important

potential resources for economic development..

Policy Objective. To protect public rights for navigation and re-

creation and to preserve and manage the public trust waters.so as to

safeguard and perpetuate their biological, economic and aesthetic

value.

Public Trust 1

Appropriate Uses. Appropriate uses shall be those consistent with-

the above policy objective. Any land use which interferes with the

public right of navigation, or other public trust rights, which the

public may be found to have in these waters, shall not be allowed. The

development of navigational channels, drainage ditches, the use of bulk-

heads to prevent erosion, and the building of piers or wharfs are exam-

ples of land uses appropriate within public trust waters provided that

such land uses will not be detrimental to the biological and physical

functiaas and public trust rights. Projects which would directly block

or impair existing navigation channels, increase shoreline erosion.,

deposit spoils below mean high tide, cause adverse water circulatim

patterns, violate water quality standards, or cause degradation of

shellfish waters are generally considered incompatible with the manage-

ment of public trust waters.

For purposes of the description, the following definiticns shall apply:

1. Aban high water mark means the line on the shore established by the

average of all high tides. It is established by survey based on avail-

able tidal datum. In the absence of such datum, the mean high water mark

shall be determined by physical markings or comparison of the area in

question with an area having similar physical characteristics for which

tidal datum is readily available.

2. Navigable means navigable-in-faet.
3. Navigable-in-fact means capable of being navigated in its natural

condition by the ordinary modes of navigation including modes of navi-

gation used for recreatianal purposes. The natural condition of a body

Public Trust 2

of water for purposes of determining navigability shall be the condition

of the body of water at mean high water or ordinary high water as the

case may be, and the condition of the body of water without man-made

obstructicns and without temporary natural obstructions. Temporary,

natural conditions such as water level fluctuation and temporary natural

obstructions which do not permanently or.totally prevent navigation do

not make an otherwise navigable stream non-navigable.

4. Ordinary high water mark means the natural or clear line impressed

on the land adjacent to the waterbody. It may be established by erosion

or other easily recognized characteristics such as shelving, change in

the character of the soil, destruction of terrestrial vegetation or its

inability to grow, the presence of litter and debris, or other appropriate

means which consider the characteristics of the surrounding area. The

ordinary high water mark does not extend beyond the well defined banks

of a river where such banks exist.

Public Trust 3

A@ k@@

Description. Complex natural areas are defined as lands that sup-

port native plant and animal communities and provide habitat canditicna

or characteristics that have remained essentially unchanged by human

activity. Such areas are surrounded by landscapes that have been modi-

fied but that do not drastically alter the conditions within the natural

areas or their-scientific or educational value. Such areas will be deter-

mined by the Commissian, after consideration of written reports or tes-

timony of competent experts, to be rare within a county or to be of

particular scientific or educational value.

Significance. Complex natural areas provide the few remaining ex-

amples of ccnditians that existed within the coastal area prior to

settlement by Western man. Often these natural areas provide habitat

conditions suitable for rare or endangered species or they support plant

and animal communities representative of presettlement conditions. These

areas help provide a historical perspective to changing natural.condi-

tions in the coastal area and together are important and irreplaceable

scientific and educaticnal resources.

Policy Objective. To preserve the natural conditions of the site

so as to safeguard its existence as an example of naturally occurring.,

relatively undisturbed plant and animal communities of major scientific

or educational value.

Appropriate Land Uses. Appropriate land uses shall be those consis-,

tent with the above policy objective. Lands within the AEC shall not

be planned.for uses or kinds of development that will unnecessarily

jeopardize the natural or primitive character of the natural area

directly or indirectly through increased accessibility. Additional.3,y,

Complex Natural Areas 1

lands adjacent to the complex natural area should not be planned for

additional development that would unnecessarily endanger the recognized

value of the AEC. The variability between kinds of complex natural

areas and between land uses adjacent to those natural areas means that

the range of permissible uses and intensity of use must be careful3,v

tailored to the individual area.

Complex Natural Areas 2

Description. Areas that sustain remnant species are those places

that support native plants or animals, rare or endangered, within the

coastal area. Such places provide habitat conditions necessary for the

survival of existing populations or commmities of rare or endangered

species within the county.

Significance. The continued survival of certain native plants and

animals in the coastal area that are now rare or endangered cannot be

assured unless the relatively few well defined areas providing necessary

habitat conditions are protected from development or land uses that

might alter these conditions. These habitats and the species they

support provide a valuable educational and scientific resource.

Policy Objective. To preserve habitat conditions necessary tothe

continued survival of rare or endangered native plants and animals and

minimize development or land uses that might jeopardize known areas

that support remnant species.

Appropriate Land Uses. Appropriate land uses shall be those con-

sistent with the above policy objective. Lands within the AEC shall

not be planned for uses or kinds of development that will unnecessarily

jeopardize the habitat conditions responsible for the continued survival

of the respective plants and animals.

Remnant Species 1

Description. Defined as existing sites that have been acquired for

use as national or state parks, as identified by the Secretary of

Natural and Economic.Resources.

Significance. Existing natimal or state parks are areas contain-

ing environmental or natural resources of more than local significance

where uncontrolled or incompatible development could result in major

or irreversible damage to important historic, cultural, scientific.,

or scenic values, or natural systems, or would be detrimental to the

recreational uses of natural systems. These sites provide: (1) areas

of unique or scenic value; (2) recreational uses of natural resources;
(3) portrayal and interpretation of plant and animal life, geology and

natural features; and (4) preservation of scientific sites and natural

areas of statewide importance.

Policy Objective. To protect and preserve the scenic, historic,

cultural, scientific and natural values of national or state parks.

Appropriate Land Uses. Appropriate land uses shall be those con-

sistent with the above policy objective. All development in parks shall

be planned and executed so as to in no way impair, damage or detract

from the values for which the areas were established to preserve and

protect. In parks or parts.of parks that do not contain natural areas

or scientific sites, facilities for such outdoor activities as picnick-

ing, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, nature study, and camping;

and facilities normally associated with simple play fields incident

to picnicking and organized camping are examples of appropriate land

uses. Facilities for recreational activities such as organized sports

and athletic@contests are examples of inappropriate uses. In parks

Fragile, Historic or Natural Resource Areas Existing National or State Parks

or parts of parks cantaining natural areas of scientific sites, minimum

developed paths and trails are examples of appropriate land uses. Fac-

ilities for recreational activities such as swimming, camping, picnick-

ing, and the like are examples of imappropriate land uses in these areas.

Fragile, Historic Natural REsource Areas - Existing National or State Parks

124

The following locations for fragile areas have been found in Camden

County based an published reports and maps provided by the N. C. Depart-
SO
ment of Natural and Economic Resources.

Coastal Wetland Tributaries adjacent to North River portion of

Raymond Creek.

Estuarine Waters All waters of the Pasquotank River Basin down-

stream of the Highway 158 Bridge between Elizabeth City and Camden

County. The Albemarle Sound and all waters of the North River south

of the dividing line between coastal fishing waters and inland fishing

waters.

Natural Hazard Area Estuarine and River Erodible Areas Note

Areas that presently have stabilization such as bu.1kheading would not

be included.

Based cn a Soil Conservatim Study conducted over a 31-year period the

following 25-year recession lines have been established.

Along the North River from Broad Creek up t o the !ntersection of State

Road 1101 on the Pasquotank River. 95-foot recession line.

Along the Pasquotank River from State Road 1101 north along the river

approximately 2 miles. 50-foot recession line.

Along the Pasquotank River from Areneuse north along the river appro-

ximately 3 1/2 miles. 46-foot recession line,

Fragile, Historic or Natural Resource Areas - Complex Natural Areas.

Large forested area west of North River from Broad Creek north to the

intersection of Indiantown Creek and U. S. 158. Forested area adjacent

to the Pasquotank River from the Camden County Bridge of U. S. 158 up

to the northern corner of the County. This does not include areas that

were developed as of the adoption November 1975. Dismal Swamp State

Park Area and adjacent forested areas at northern end of county.

Fragile, Historic or Naturdl'Res6utc6'Areas - Areas That Sustain

Remnant Species - Large forested area west of North River from Broad

Creek to the intersection of Indiantown Creek and U. S. 158. Forested

area adjacent to the Pasquotank River from the Camden County Bridge of

U. S. 158 up to the northern corner of the'county. This does not

include areas that were developed as of adoption November 1975. Dismal

Swamp State Park Areas and adjacent forested areas at northern end of

county.

Areas Subject to Public Rights - Certain Public Trust Areas - Pas-

quotank River, North River and Albemarle Sound and all tributaries that

have public ascess by navigation.
Fragile, Historic or Natural Resource Areas - Existing National or

State Parks The Dismal Swamp State Park is located in the northern

end of the county adjacent to the Dismal Swamp Canal and along the

North Carolina-Virginia state line.

46%-

SUMMARY,

,Data Assembly, Analysis, Major Conclusims and Application to Plan,

The first two months of the planning process were spent assembli.ng

data from local, state and federal sources. Two sources of informa-

tion were very helpful in identification of Potential Areas of Environ-

mental Ccncern., 'Wildlife*and Land Use Planning, dated April, 1975,

was written by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

This report was used to provide the Camden County Planning Board and

Board of County Commissioners information for their identification

of potential remnant species areas and natural habitat areas. Also,

the Present and Future Status of Eastern North Carolina Wetlands by

the Water Resources Research Institute of the University of North

Carolina was very helpful.

Analysis

The Camden County Growth Advisory Board-utilized the results'of the

planning qusstiannaire to analyze issues and concerns of people in the

county. Policies and objectives to resolve concerns and.problems were

recommended to the Planning Board. Potential Areas of Environmental

Concern were reviewed and analyzed by the Planning Board and Board

of County Commissioners prior to submission of the November draft of the

plan. The Land Classificatim designaticns were analyzed by the

Planning Board and Board of County Commissioners.

Major Conclusions

The following conclusions were arrived at based on data analysis:

Populaticn The population of the county has remained essentially

Camden 1

unchanged during the past seventy years due to the sporadic increase

and decrease. Lack of non-farm job opportunities in the county can

be expected to hold down future population growth in.the county.

Existing Iand Use Camden is a very rural county with agriculture

and forestry land uses making up most of the county.

Land Use Controls Camden County has adopted county-wide zoning and

subdivision regulations which are enforced by the County Zoning Officer

and Planning BO'ard. County officials feel that existing land use

controls are more than adequate to control future land development in

the county.

Land Use Issues Citizens of the county feel that future development

in the county should be orderly and the rural atmosphere of the county

should be maintained. They feel that the recreational and tourist

potential of the area should be developed. Historic preservation is

very important to citizens in the county as is protection of agricul-

tural and timber land.,

Design Capacity of Water System and School System - The South Ifills

Water Association System should be adequate to meet the needs of exist-

ing and potential customers. All three schools are presently operating

with enrollments under their design capacity. The school board pre-

sently anticipates a decrease in school enrollment during the ten-

year planning period.

Cahden 2

APPENDICES

personal characteristics
1. are you presently a resident of camden county. yes 86.2% no 13.6%
2. in which township do you live (circle one)
A. south mills B. courthouse c. shiloh
33.2% 35.8% 31.0%

3. educational attainment (circle one) A. grammar school c. high school
A. 17.8% b. 10.3% c.45.7% d. 26.2% B. junior high d. college
4. Occupation

5. which age group are you in (circle one)
a. 15-18, b. 19-25, c. 26-35, d. 36-45, e. 46-55, f. 56-65
g. 66-over. a. 0.2% b. 3.4% c. 11.7% d. 18.7% e. 21.2% f. 22.8% g. 22.0%

6. sex (check) male 70.1% female 29.9%

7. race a. caucasian b. black c. other 1.4%
72.8% 25.8%
8. give total number of years you have lived in county 39 years was mean

9. family size 1 pr. 11.9%; . 2 pr. 31.3% 3 pr. 17.8%

10. which of the following applies to you (circle)
a. own home b. rent home c. own other property in county
83.1% 7.6% 9.3%

11. marital status (circle)
a. single b. married c. widow or widower d. divorced
5.9% 75.0% 15.4% 3.6%
12. Family income A. over $8,000 B. 4,651-7,999 C. 4,650 or under
56.1% 15.3% 28.4%
13. are you presently (circle one) a. employed b. unemployed
C. Retired D. Full-time homemaker e. Full-time Student
F. Other A. 56.1% B. 5.8% C. 23.6% D. 8.6% E. 0.8% F. 5.0%

14. where is most or all of your income derived (circle)
a.carden county b. tidewater virginia c. adjacent counties specify
d. other
A. 35.3% b. 24.0% c. 18.1% d. 22.6%

15. have you ever attended a public hearing or meeting of the county board of
commissioners or county planning board. yes 24.3% no 75.7%

16. how do you obtain most of your information about activities in the county?
(circle) a. through newspaper b. through radio c. through tv
D. by word of mouth e. by others ( please specify
17. if you have teenage children living with you do you think they will remain in
camden county after completing their education yes 30.2% no 69.4%

18. if the answer to the previous question is no please give reason.

community assessment

1. Please indicate the seriousness of each of the following problems for your
community using these responses.

No means not a problem in my community
slight means a slight problem in my community
moderate means a moderate problem in my community
Serious means A very serious problem in my community

Extent of problem in your community
(check your response)
No Slight Moderate Serious
a. adequacy of law enforcement 43.7 24.4 17.6 14.3

B. Adequacy of fire protection 53.7 18.1 20.1 8.1
C. Garbage collection and disposal 76.5 10.0 10.7 2.8

D. Availability of special education
for retarded and handicap 24.1 16.2 26.3 33.4

E. Adequacy of elementary and high
schools. 35.4 19.2 31.8 13.6

F. availability of vocational
training in high schools 25.9 23.7 28.9 21.5
G. Adequacy of libraries and 27.6 15.2 25.5 31.7
museums

H. Availability of adequate housing 26.9 19.8 19.6 33.7
I. Industrial development 22.9 9.3 15.5 52.3
J. mental health services 33.4 16.4 25.5 24.7

2. What do you like most about Camden County?

3. what do you like least about camden county?

4. what do you think is the most serious problem in camden county?

5. in your opinion is there a problem of insufficient or inadequare shopping
facilities and if so what kind would you like to see here?
Great 32.3% moderate 24.8% 10.6% none 19.4% don't know 12.9%
what kind

6. Are you pleased with the direction camden county development is taking?
yes 53.7% 46.0% if so, please use this space to write the reasons you

are pleased. if not, please use the space to indicate the changes you would
like to see and your reasons for them.

III possible goals

1. What is your attitude towards the following statements:

agree agree neutral disag. disapra
strongly strongl
(a) economic development is
more important than en-
vironmental protection 15.8% 17.5% 24.0% 24.7% 18.0%

(b) the counties future
development must be planned 49.1 41.1 5.0 2.7 2.0

(d) There should be more control 24.4 35.6 21.1 8.2 10.8
on land development.
(e) Our historic assets should be 42.2 40.4 14.2 1.4 1.8
preserved.

(f) The appearance of our 41.8 37.8 15.7 3.6 1.1
community needs to be
improved.

(g) More industry is needed to 40.5 30.1 13.7 9.8 5.9
supplement existing
agricultural base.

(h) Should empbasis on future
growth be concentrated 24.9 30.8 26.6 11.5 6.1
in existing communites
example (South Mills, Shiloh)

(i) the area needs more
agricultural related indus- 26.7 43.2 20.4 7.2 2.6
tries.

(j) the area needs more technical
industries. 29.7 34.8 18.9 11.8 4.8

(k) the area's agricultural lands 69.5 20.1
are very important and must be
protected or maintained from
uncontrolled or unrestrained 35.9 33.6 10.5 12.4 7.7
residential, commerical or
industrial development.

2. would you like to see more tourists come to camdem county?
yes 65.1% no 34.9%

3. What, if any, type of tourist facilities do you think should be
developed in this area?

4. What, if any, additional recreational facilities would you like to
see in this area?

5. whatis your attitude toward addressing the following:

Agree Disagree
strongly Agree neutral disag. strongly

A. Provide Better
Housing for the Poor 35.0% 33.0% 17.2% 7.8% 7.1%

B. Provide Better
Housing for the Elderly 41.5 36.6 12.0 5.4 4.5

C. Provide Increased
Services to the
Elderly 45.8 36.9 10.0 3.1 4.2

D. In general Provide
More Recreational 44.9 35.1 10.7 2.7 6.6
Facilities and
Programs

E. Develop More Natural
Parks, Forest, Pic-
nicking, Camping 44.8 34.2 9.5 5.4 6.1
Areas-or Biking
Trails

F. promote a rehabilitation
program for existing
sub-standard housing 33.1 34.0 20.l 5.4 7.3

G. Other
comments:

6. In your opinion which of the following should the county adopt as its poli
for county population growth during the next 10 years. (circle one)

a. remain the same size 16.0%
b. small increase 50.3%
c. substantial increase 31.5%
d. reduce population 2.2%

7. Which of the 5 alternatives proposed for widening of U.S. 17 north of Sout
Mills do you prefer. (Circle One).

A. Alt. 1 11.1%
B. Alt. 2 0.6%
C. Alt. 3 7.0%
D. Alt. 4 0.9%
E. Alt. 5 0.3%
F. None of the Above 12.5%
G. Not Sure 67.6%

8. In general are there any other comments or concerns you have about this
community that was not covered by this questionnaire.

If you have questions concerning this questionnaire or if we can assist you
in anyway please call Val Bridgers, Camden Planning Office 338-6222 or
Howard Capps, DNER, ARPDC 338-3991.

1. PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

1. Are you presently a resident of Camden County? Yes 98.4% No 1.6%

2. In which township do you live (Circle One)
South Mills 2. Courthouse 3. Shiloh
40.6% 28.1% 25.0%
3. Which age group are you in (Circle One)
1. 15 2. 16 3. 17 4. 18 S. 19 6. 20
6.3% 17.1% 39.0% 26.6% 9.4%
4. Sex (Check) Male 74.6% Female. 25.4%

5. Race A. Caucasian B. Black C. Other
36.0% 61 .4% 2.6%
6. Give total number of years you have lived in county 14 yrs. avgrage

7. Family Size 6.5 average.

8. Marital status (Circle)
Single 2. Married 3. Widow or widower 4. Divorced
100.0%
9. Have"you ever attended a public hearing or meeting of the County Board
of Commissioners or County Planning Board? 'Yes6.3% No 93.7%

10. How do you obtain most of your information about activities in the
county? (circle) 1, Through newspaper 2. Through radio
3. Through TV 4. By word of mouth 5. By others (Please
specify) 1) 51.6% 2 ) 20.3% 3) 6.3% 4) .28.1% 5) 7.8%

11. Do you plan@to remain in Camden County after completing your
education? yes 46.8% No 53.2%

12. If the answer to the previous quistion is no please give reason,

Actual answers no. 12

Jobs 14
Dull place 7
Move 6
Tour Country 6
Service 4
College 3
No aciivities 3
People I
Teachers 1
Marriage I

II. C0MMUNITY ASSESSMENT

Please indicate the seriousiousness of each of the following problems for
your community using these responses.

No means Not a problem in my community
Slight means A slight problem in my community
Moderate means A moderate problem in my community
Serious means A very serious problem in my community

Extent of problem in your community
(check your response) (check your response.)

No Slight Moderate Serious
A. Adequacy of Law enforcement
43.8% 34.4% 10.9%
B. Adequacy of fire protection 26.6% 42.2% 15.6% 23.4%
C. Garbage collection and disposal 60.9% 17.2% 12.5% 6.3%
D. Availability of special education 17. 2% 17.2% 35.9% 29.7%
for retarded and handicapped
E. Elementary and high school 21.9% 25.0% 29.7% 26.6%
facilities.

F. Availability of vocational 18.8% 35.9% 26.6% 20.3%
training in high schools

G. Adequacy of libraries and 15.6% 31.3% 14.1% 37.5%
museums

H. Availability of adequate 35.9% 25.0% 26.6% 15.6%
housing
I. Industrial development 12.5% 25.0% 26.6% 32.8%
J. Mental Health Services 25.0% 15.6% 31.3% 23.4%

2. What do you like most about Camden County?

3. What do you like least about Camden County?

4. What do vou think is the most serious problem in Camden County?

5. In your opinion is there a problem of insufficient or inadequate
shopping facilities, and if so what kind would you like to see here?

Great 44.8% Moderate 13.8% Slight 3.4% None 18.7% Don't Know 18.7%
What Kind Shopping Centers - 9 Recreation and Parks - 3
Super Markets - 4 Mini-Mall - 2

6. Are you pleased with the direction Camden County development is taking?
Yes 54.8% No 45.2%. If so, please use this space to write the reasons you
are pleased. If not, please use the space to indicate the changes you
would like o see and your reasons for them.

III. POSSIBLE GOALS

1. What is your attitude towards the following statements:

Agree Disagree
Strongly Agree Neutral Disag. Strongly
(a) Economic development is
more important than en-
vironmental protection. 26.6% 12.5% 26.6% 12.5% 20.3%
(b) The counties future 87.5
development must be planned. 34.4% 53.1% 10/9%

(d) There should be more control 56.3%
on land development. 21.9% 34.4% 36.0% 6.3%

(e) Our historic assets should be 75.0%
preserved. 46.9% 28.1% 14.1% 7.8%

(f) The appearance of our
community needs to be 43.8% 36.0% 12.5% 7.8%
improved.

(g) More industry is needed
to supplement existing 32.8% 21.9% 34.4% 9.4%
agricultural base.

(h) Should emphasis on future
growth be concentrated in 76.6%
existing communities 42.2% 34.4% 18.8% 3.1%
Example (South Mills,
Shiloh)

(i) The area needs more
agricultural related
industries. 26.6% 25.0% 32.8% 10.9% 3.1%

(j) The area needs more 34.4% 28.1% 15.6% 12.5% 1.6%
technical industries.

(k) The area's agricultural
lands are very important
and must be protected or
maintained from uncontrolled 32.8% 26.6% 26.6% 7.8% 3.1%
or unrestrained residential,
commercial or industrial
development.

2. Would you like to see more touris ts come to Camden County?
Yes 75.4% No 24.6%

3. What,.if any, type of tourist facilities do you think should be
developed in this area?

4. What, if any, additional recreational facilities would you like to
see in this area?

5. What is your attitude toward addressing the following:

Agree Disagree
Strongly Agree Neutral Disag. Strongly

As Provide Better
Housing for,the Poor 65.1% 25.4% 3.2% 3.2% 3.2%

B. Provide Better-
Housing for the Elderly 40.6% 53.1% 1 4.7% 1.6%

C. Provide Increased
Services to the 43.3% 38.3% 16.6% 1.6%
Elderly

D. It general Provide
More Recreational
Facilities and 71.4% 19.0% 9.5%
Programs

E. Develop More Natural
Parks, Forest, Pic-
nicking, Camping
Areas'or Biking 75.0% 11.6% 13.3%
Trails.

F. Promote a rehabilitation
program for existing 42.6% 26.2% 21.3% 9. 8%
sub-standard housing.

G.' Other'
Comments-.

6. In your opinion which of the following should the county adopt as its
policy for county population growth during the next 10 years.
(Circle One)

A. Rezain the same size 32.3%
B. Small increase 22.6%
C. Substantial increase 33.92
D. Reduce population 11.3%--

SPECIAL MEETING
May 10, 1976
8:00 P. M.

The Board of County Commissioners met in special session with the following present:

T. F. Leary, Chm.
Pranklin J. Williams, V. Chm.
M. J. Johnson
Jack Leary, Clark,
Approximately .50 citizens of the county attended this public hearing.
The chairman stated that the purpose of the special meeting was to hold a public
hearing in compliance with the Coastal Area Management Act and I am going to turn it
over to Mr. Howard Capps, who was sent down here by the state to help us prepare
our Land Use Plan.

Mr. Capps stated that this is a public hearing, an opportunity for you to become
f amilar with the proposals and to make recommendations and comments on these@ proposals
prior to the commissioners adopting the plan and it being sent to the Coastal Resource
Commission for their review. The land use plan process has been going on for
approximately one year. The County Growth Advisory Board, appointed by the
Commissioners have been working on this for several months. They put a
questionnaire together and distributed it throughout the county to get 1he citizens.'
input and 9ter reviewing issues and problems indicated by citizens throughout
the county, translated these concerns into recommended- Policies and Objectives
to be used by the county in directing future growth. These policies and objectives
were then recommended to the Planning Board and they reviewed the recommendations
and made several changes. The Planning Board then made their recommendations to
the County Board of Commissioners. The Commissioners adopted the Policies 'and
Objectives,' after reviewing the recommendations at a regular meeting of the
Commission.

1 1 SSUE, FUTURE LAND USE DEVELOPMENT IN THE COUNTY

Citizens of Camden County foal that future development of the county should be
orderly. They are also concerned that the rural atmosphere of the county be maintains
POLICY., Future growth should be orderly and the county should restrict large

scale development of either housing or mobile homes.

Obiectivel.
A. By use of the zoning ordinates, development with 50 units or more should

-be concentrated in existing communities.

B. Development'of .50 units or more should be required to provide for ce ntral

serwarage and water facilities..

2. ISSUE: LOCATION-OF FUTURE MAJOR DEVELOPMENT- IN THE COUNTY

Future major development taking place In the county should be concentrated in
or near existing communities. This would make extension of the South ML11a.w4ter

lines Into an area feasible if there is a concentration of development.

POLICY: 3=11 business and light industry should be encouraged to locate

in the county, specifically in or adjacent to existing communities.

Oblective:

A. The county should prepare a list of properties that are available

and suitable for commercial or industrial development.

B. Land that is Identified as available and suitable for commercial or

industrial development should be tested for percolation and rezoned multi-use

if necessary and promoted as a development site.

C. Land zoned for commercial or industrial use would not be taxed as such

ii until It wa-s inurchased for that use.

SPECIAL MEETING

D. A brochure should be prepared to promote sites that meet percolation requirements,
zoning requirements, and are available for development.

3- ISSUE: TOURIST AND RECREATIONAL POTENTIAL OF THE AREA

Although citizens of the county desire. to see the area remain a predomi-hantly
rural area, they are also concerned with additional employment opportunities.

The recreation and tourist potential of the area is seen as one way of protecting

the rural atmosphere and at the same time allowing some economic expansion.

POLICY: The county should develop its vast recreational Potential and tourism.

to expand the economic bass.

ObJective:

A. The county should acquire property for public recreational use.

B. A survey should be conducted to determine the feasibility of developing

sites in the county for recreational use.

C. A brochure should be developed indicating points of interest in the county

such as historic sites and any future recreational' facilities including the Dismal

Swamp State Park.

4. ISSUE: PRESERVATION OF HISTORIC LANDMARKS

The county has. a large number of significant historic sites and based on citizen

desires these sites ,should be considered for preservation. These structures represent

a link with, the historic past of the area and should be protected if possible.

POLICY: The county should preserve existing historie landmarks.

ObJectivel

A. The county should determine which structures are of significance to the area
and have these structures considered for listing by the North Carolina Historic

commission.
B. Historic structures that are being restored as an historic site shouldbe
considered for a reduction in local taxes.
.5. ISSUE: PRESERVATION OF AGRICULTURAL AND TIMBER LAND
Agriculture is of great importance to the county's economic base. This important
natural resource@should be protected from unrestricted or uncontrolled growth.

POLICY. Larks portion of the county should be protected for agricultural and

timber use.

objective:

A. If during the 10-year planning period industrial or commercial development

takes place, the county should give consideration to reducing prime farm land taxes.

This should only be done if the other land uses can offset the taxes lost from fa.

land.

In answer to a quest ion concerning the questionnaires, Mr. Capps stated that the
Advisory Board sent out 2600 copies and that 560 of those were returned.

0 U J
411-1

SPECIAL MEETING

1@". Capps stated that the ultimate objective here is for the county to meet the guidlp-
@lines of the Coastal Management Act and if the coun.ty doesn't do this, then the state
-is going to do it for them. The only think that is required by law is that the areas o!
!Environmental concern be inforced, the land classification is not part of this plan.
IThe areas of Environmental concern must be set out and then you are required to develop
l
a permit system for these areas. Farmland and forestland are exempt from the Act at
Ze present.time. The Coastal Resources Commission is trying to have one. control
or trying to streamline the permit system.

Several citizens asked questions and made comments indicating that they were opposed
to the Federal and State Governments coming in here and tell them what to do
without the locals having anything to say about it. It was pointed out that this
'Act only included 20 Coastal counties and does not apply to the rest of the state
I and why are these things being forced on these 20 counties, just to satisfy the wishes
!of the people of the other 80 counties.who want to come here and use our land and
IresoQrces for their*own personal desires. It was the general consent of the citizens
'present that the Act ought to be tested In court and declared unconstitutional.
iThe Commissioners stated they were not,in favor of the Act, but, that they thought
that this was the best way to go, rather than have the state force a plan on us.
J:The only thing that
we are trying to do is to comply with the guidelines on a
local basis.

iMotion by Mr. M. A. Barnard, seconded by Mr. J. W. Millard, that the other nineteen.,
counties be polled to determine if a majority will join Camden County in filing a
suit in the courts to test the constitutionality of the Coastal Management Act.
,,We want to-fight this thing to the finish as long as we have an alternative.
:Mr. C. S. Bartlett ffered.an amendment, which was duly adopted, that Camden Countly
1. go into court on itso own if none of the other counties desired to join in. He
;stated that he would just like to see one time what the state can do to a county.
In the matter concerning polling,the other counties, letters were sent to each of
Ithe nineteen counties and also assistance was requested from ARPDC.

M6eting adjourned.

T. F. Leary, Chm. -6/"ck Leary', Clejok

Y(/// CAMDEN COUNTY

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