2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan - Pitt County Government

2010 Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan ...................................................... A-47Planning Ordinances and Regulations ............................................................................ A-47Addressing Ordinance............................................................................................... A-47Adult Business Ordinance ......................................................................................... A-47Building Code Enforcement Ordinance.....................................................................A-48Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance .......................................................................A-48Manufactured Home Park Ordinance........................................................................A-48Outdoor Advertising Signs Ordinance.......................................................................A-48Pitt County Zoning Ordinance ..................................................................................A-49Riparian Buffer Protection Ordinance .......................................................................A-49Shooting Range Regulations.....................................................................................A-49Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance..................................................A-49Stormwater Management Ordinance ....................................................................... A-50Subdivision Ordinance .............................................................................................. A-50Water Supply Watershed Protection Ordinance ....................................................... A-50Existing Land Use ................................................................................................................. A-53Physical Conditions............................................................................................................... A-56Transportation...................................................................................................................... A-56NC Transportation Improvement Program..................................................................... A-57Pitt County Transportation Improvement Priority Projects....................................... A-58Highway Improvements ...................................................................................... A-58Highway Spot Safety Improvements................................................................... A-58Pitt County Comprehensive Transportation Plan (2005) ........................................... A-59Plan Recommendations ...................................................................................... A-59Bus and Mass Transit Services .............................................................................................. A-61Public Transportation ..................................................................................................... A-61Rail.................................................................................................................................. A-61Aviation ..........................................................................................................................A-62Parks and Recreation............................................................................................................ A-63Pitt County Community Schools and Recreation ............................................................ A-63Alice F. Keene District Park............................................................................................. A-63Pitt County Community Garden......................................................................................A-64Coastal Carolina Trail......................................................................................................A-64Pitt County Greenway Plan............................................................................................. A-65Pitt County Walking Trails .............................................................................................. A-65Water Supply and Infrastructure........................................................................................... A-57North Carolina Aquifers ..................................................................................................A-68Central Coastal Plain Capacity Use Area ...................................................................A-68Background.........................................................................................................A-68Reason for Establishing the CCP Capacity Use Area............................................A-69Major Concerns ................................................................................................... A-70Greenville Utilities........................................................................................................... A-72Neuse Regional Water and Sewer Authority................................................................... A-72Wastewater Infrastructure.................................................................................................... A-74Natural Gas........................................................................................................................... A-762030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Table of ContentsPitt County, North Carolinaiii

Electric Service ..................................................................................................................... A-76Natural Environment Conditions ...........................................................................................A-77Hydrology .......................................................................................................................A-77Floodplains ..................................................................................................................... A-79Flood Hazards.................................................................................................................A-68Water Supply Watershed Protection .............................................................................. A-81Wetlands ...................................................................................................................... A-81Stormwater Regulations....................................................................................................... A-83Neuse River Basin and Tar-Pamlico River Basin Rules..................................................... A-83Neuse River and Tar-Pamlico River Riparian Buffer Rules.....................................................A-86Critical Natural Areas............................................................................................................A-88North Carolina Natural Heritage Program ............................................................................A-89Soil Suitability ...................................................................................................................... A-91Appendix B: Public Forums1 st Series of Public Forums ...................................................................................................... B-12 nd Series of Public Forums..................................................................................................... B-2List of MapsMap 3-1 Future Land Use Plan Map .....................................................................................3-3Map A-1 Pitt County Planning Jurisdiction .......................................................................... A-5Map A-2 General Location Map ......................................................................................... A-12Map A-3 Growth by Townships.......................................................................................... A-37Map A-4 Existing Land Use................................................................................................ A-55Map A-5 Public Infrastructure............................................................................................ A-75Map A-6 Hydrology ...........................................................................................................A-80Map A-7 Water Supply Watershed/Wetlands ....................................................................A-82Map A-8 Soil Suitability ..................................................................................................... A-93List of FiguresFigure A Education Levels in Pitt County.....................................................................A-24Figure B Minority Populations in Pitt County............................................................... A-27Figure C Educational Attainment in Pitt County..........................................................A-28Figure D Per Capita Income in Pitt County................................................................... A-30Figure E Alice F. Keene District Park............................................................................A-64Figure F Central Coastal Plain Capacity Use Area........................................................ A-71Figure G Tar-Pamlico and Neuse River Basins.............................................................. A-85Figure H Neuse River Basin and Tar-Pamlico River Basin Riparian Buffers...................A-86List of TablesTable 1-1 Projected Population Growth 2010-2030..........................................................1-1Table 1-2 Projected Housing Needs 2010-2030................................................................1-1Table A-1 Municipal Population (2010 U.S. Census) ........................................................A-92030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Table of ContentsPitt County, North Carolinaiv

Table A-2 Indicators of Economic Growth in Pitt County - 1995-2010 ........................... A-13Table A-3 Workforce by Industry in Pitt County - 2009.................................................. A-15Table A-4 Average Quarterly Employment by Industry - Q2 2009-Q1 2010................... A-16Table A-5 Major Manufacturers in Pitt County - 2010 .................................................... A-17Table A-6 Major Non-Manufacturing Employers in Pitt County - 2000.......................... A-18Table A-7 Census of Agriculture for Pitt County - 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, and 2007...... A-19Table A-8 Farms by Size ................................................................................................ A-19Table A-9 Farm Operators by Principal Occupation - 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, and 2007 A-20Table A-10 Pitt County Crops - 2010................................................................................ A-21Table A-11 Pitt County Livestock - 2009.......................................................................... A-21Table A-12 Farm Cash Receipts – 2009............................................................................ A-21Table A-13 Retail Sales Activity in Pitt County 1995-2005 ...............................................A-22Table A-14 Taxable Sales Activity - 2005-2010 ................................................................A-22Table A-15 Educational Attainment for Population 25 and Over .....................................A-28Table A-16 Pitt County Income (2009 Inflation-Adjusted Dollars) ...................................A-29Table A-17 Average Price of Housing Sold in Pitt County - 1981-2010............................. A-32Table A-18 Population Growth Incorporated Vs. Unincorporated Areas of Pitt County -1950-2010 ..................................................................................................... A-34Table A-19 Population Growth in Pitt County 1980-2010 ................................................ A-34Table A-20 Growth by Township - 1970-2010 .................................................................. A-35Table A-21 Comparison of Population Growth Rates - 1980-2010................................... A-36Table A-22 Comparison of Net Migration Rates – April 2000-July 2009 .......................... A-38Table A-23 Comparison of Population Density Per Square Mile - 1980-2010................... A-39Table A-24 Comparison of Age Distribution - 2010..........................................................A-40Table A-25 Comparison of Median Age - 1990-2010........................................................ A-41Table A-26 Population by Race in Pitt County 1990-2010................................................A-42Table A-27 Average Household Size in Pitt County - 2009............................................... A-43Table A-28 Housing by Structure Type in Pitt County - 2009...........................................A-44Table A-29 Housing Occupancy by Household Size - 2009 .............................................. A-45Table A-30 Pitt County Ordinance Enforcement - April 2011........................................... A-52Table A-31 Pitt County Comprehensive Land Use Statistics............................................ A-53Table A-32 Existing Structures ........................................................................................ A-54Table A-33 Existing Land Use .......................................................................................... A-54Table A-34 Major Road Projects - 2009-2015 Transportation Improvement Program..... A-57Table A-35 Pitt County Walking Trails Inventory - Safety Features .................................A-66Table A-36 Pitt County Walking Trails Inventory - Park features ..................................... A-67Table A-37 Water Treatment Systems & Capacities in Pitt County - 2010 ....................... A-73Table A-38 Wastewater Treatment Systems & Capacities in Pitt County ........................ A-74Table A-39 Floodplain Acreage in Pitt County (in Acres) by Creek Basin ......................... A-78Table A-40 Animals and Plants North Carolina Natural Heritage Program - 2011............A-89Table A-41 Natural Communities and Animal Assemblages............................................A-90Table A-42 Soil Suitability Categories 2010 .....................................................................A-922030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Table of ContentsPitt County, North Carolinav

Section One: IntroductionWhy Plan Now?Pitt County adopted its first Comprehensive Land Use Plan in 1990. Twenty years later, theCounty has experienced rapid growth with the population increasing by nearly 66,000 persons– a 55% increase. By all measures, this population growth is expected to continue well into thenext twenty years. By 2030, Pitt County’s population is projected to exceed 250,000 persons –an increase of 136% over the 1990 population (Table 1-1).Table 1-1Projected Population Growth 2010 - 2030Year Population Population Growth Percent Growth1990 108,4802000 133,798 25,318 23.34%2010 168,148 34,350 25.67%2020 212,952 44,804 26.65%2030 256,529 43,577 20.46%Source: 1990, 2000, and 2010 US Census, NC State Data Center.With increased growth comes an increased demand for housing and employmentopportunities, as well as improved transportation facilities, increased public services, andavailability of recreational opportunities. As the population grows, new businesses andcommercial establishments will be needed to provide goods and services to the burgeoningpopulation.As per the 2010 U.S. Census, the average household size in Pitt County is 2.39persons/household. If this number remains unchanged for twenty years (an unlikely scenariogiven the nationwide trend to smaller household units), approximately 40,000 new dwellingunits will be needed to meet Pitt County housing demand between 2010 and 2030 (Table 1-2).Assuming that on average a new dwelling unit will consume ½-acre of land, then residentialgrowth alone will consume over 20,000 acres of raw land in the next twenty years.Table 1-2Projected Housing Needs 2010 – 2030Average ApproximateHousehold Number of HousingSizeUnitsUnitIncreasePercentIncreaseYear Population2010 168,148 2.39 70,3552020 212,952 2.39 89,101 18,746 26.65%2030 256,529 2.39 107,334 18,233 20.46%Source: 2010 US CensusAs raw land is developed and consumed, it decreases the land available for the County’spredominant land use: agriculture. Agricultural production is not only an economic benefit tothe County, but also provides other benefits such as the rural aesthetic of farm land and openspace, as well as providing a source of fresh and healthy fruits and vegetables to thecommunity. In addition, agricultural land uses do not typically require expensive public2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan IntroductionPitt County, North Carolina 1-1

infrastructure improvements such as water, sewer, roads, and other public services. Asdevelopment increases due to population growth, measures need to be taken to ensure thatthe County’s agricultural resources are protected.Another area of concern – one that is not typically associated with land use planning – iscommunity health. Over the last two decades, the rates of obesity have increased dramaticallyboth nationwide and locally. Much of this increase is due to the lack of accessible recreationalopportunities, as well as the proliferation of “unhealthy” land uses such as fast food restaurantsthat offer nutritionally deficient menu options and “super-sized” portions. Land use planningcan be utilized as a tool to help improve the overall health of the community by improvingaccess to markets that provide healthy foods, as well improving access to recreational facilitiessuch as walking/biking trails. Development regulations can be amended to incorporate“complete streets” which allow for multi-modal transportation options such as walking andbiking in addition to vehicular traffic. Proper planning can also provide safe routes to schoolsto allow children opportunities to walk or bike to school.Meeting future population growth and the associated demands is the challenge of the currentComprehensive Land Use Plan update, but the challenge of the past two decades of growthwas not unforeseen. In 1990, the County’s first Comprehensive Land Use Plan documentedgrowth projections for 1990-2000 and formulated a number of strategies to ensure that theCounty was prepared for growth. In 2002, the County updated the Comprehensive Land UsePlan which projected higher growth than was anticipated in 1990, and new goals andobjectives were developed to further manage growth. Significant progress on a number ofthese strategies has been accomplished since 2002:• In 2003, Pitt County adopted its first countywide Zoning Ordinance to regulate thelocation and types of land uses that are permitted within the County.• The Zoning Ordinance established regulations restricting the size and location ofvarious types of signs within the County.• The Zoning Ordinance also established Highway Corridor Overlay Districts for the NC11 North and US 264 East/West corridors. These districts require additional screeningand buffering to maintain the appearance of the corridors.• The public school system has expanded and upgraded to serve an enrollment of over23,000 students. Enrollment has increased by over 3,000 students since the 2001-02school year. Since 2002, Pitt County Schools has added five new public schools,including two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school:• South Central High School (2002)• Creekside Elementary School (2004)• Hope Middle School (2005)• Ridgewood Elementary School (2009)• Lakeforest Elementary (2011)• In 2005, the County developed its first Comprehensive Transportation Plan. The planrecommends improvements that are needed to provide an efficient transportationsystem during the 2005-2030 planning period.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan IntroductionPitt County, North Carolina 1-2

• Strengthening of the Pitt County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance by restrictingspecific activities within flood hazard areas and requiring elevation of structures toprevent damage from flooding.• New Flood Insurance Rate Maps were adopted in 2004. The new maps provided ahigher level of detail and accuracy over previous versions.• In 2010, a new Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan was adopted that aims tomitigate negative impacts and reduce future damages to both human lives andproperty. The plan discourages land uses and development activities in areas that aremost susceptible to natural hazards.• Creation of local programs for the enforcement of stormwater regulations and riparianbuffers within the Tar-Pamlico and Neuse River Basins.• The County supported construction of high-water bridge crossings over the Tar Riverincluding a new bridge along US 17 Bypass in Beaufort County, and a new bridgelocated just north of Grimesland which replaced an older, less functional drawbridge.• The Pitt County Subdivision Ordinance was amended to require new subdivisiondevelopments to provide stub-outs to adjacent land that has potential for futuredevelopment. This allows for greater interconnectivity between developments.• In 2005, Alice F. Keene Park was established as the first Pitt County district park. Thepark contains softball and soccer fields, 1.25 miles of walking trails, and is the site of thePitt County Community Garden.• A Greenways Plan was adopted in 2006. The plan was a joint effort between the PittCounty Planning Department and the East Carolina University Planning Program, andwill utilize nearly 215 linear miles of trails, mostly along creeks and streams, forrecreational use, open space conservation, and some urban uses.• The County prepared a plan to allow for the utilization of previously flooded propertiesacquired through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). The plan allows suchproperties to be leased by adjacent landowners and maintained as open space.Pitt County continues to be involved in several ongoing activities such as the bi-annualdevelopment of the NCDOT Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and maintainsinvolvement with the Mid-East Rural Planning Organization (RPO) and the Greenville UrbanArea Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).Pitt County must continue to adapt and change in order to accommodate growth. Thequestions that must be answered include how and where will growth occur and what growthpolicies will best protect the public health, safety and welfare of both current and futuregenerations? Through a comprehensive re-evaluation of policies, procedures, and ordinances,the County will be prepared to meet the challenges of future growth.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan IntroductionPitt County, North Carolina 1-3

The Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update ProcessThe Pitt County Planning Board served as the citizen steering committee for the developmentof the Comprehensive Land Use Plan update. The process of developing the update involved aseries of reports and forums conducted over approximately eighteen months from early 2010to late 2011.During the planning process, draft reports were presented to the Planning Board for reviewand comment. In late February and early March 2011, the Planning Board and staff held aseries of four public forums in several locations in the County. Citizens had the opportunity toreview reports and maps and to comment on land development issues and concerns. InSeptember and October 2011, the Planning Board and staff held a second series of five publicforums to gather citizen comments on the completed draft plan.The Planning Board held a public hearing on October 19, 2011 and voted unanimously torecommend approval of the draft plan to the Pitt County Board of Commissioners. OnDecember 5, 2011, the Board of Commissioners held a final public hearing and votedunanimously to approve the update to the Pitt County Comprehensive Land Use Plan.Planning PhasesThe land use planning process consisted of at least three distinct phases. The first phasewas the preparation of an inventory and analysis of historic demographic and economicdata and existing physical conditions that influence growth and development (Appendix A).Studying recent trends in population growth and the economy helped County leaders andcitizens understand how these forces impact growth and development.Appendix A identifies and maps natural physical conditions (hydrology - streams and rivers,floodplains and wetlands; soils; critical natural areas) and man-made physical conditions(private development – commercial, industrial, institutional and residential housing; andpublic infrastructure - water, sewer and transportation facilities; natural gas and electricityservice areas). County leaders relied on this background information to help plan for andproject where growth was most likely to occur.The second phase of the process involved developing draft goals, objectives andimplementation strategies for future growth (Section 2). Goals and objectives establishoverall direction for future growth while implementation strategies specify incrementalactions that County leaders and staff can take to ensure that plan goals and objectives areaccomplished. Implementation strategies specify how existing ordinances may need to berevised and if new ordinances should be considered.The final phase of the land use planning process involved the development of a future landuse map (Section 3). The future land use map delineates where different types of land usesare most appropriate by incorporating the physical features of the land with the goals andobjectives of the plan.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan IntroductionPitt County, North Carolina 1-4

Section Two: Goals and ObjectivesOverall Purpose of the Land Use Planning ProcessThe 2002 Plan Update included a purpose statement repeated below, that has been used asthe foundation and standard for developing goals and objectives.“Protect the public health, safety, and welfare by promoting reasonable, orderly,and efficient growth. Ensure that development includes a variety of land uses, issensitive to environmental and social concerns, and maintains the County’scharacter and assets.”Goals, objectives and implementation strategies were formulated after reviewing andconsidering several sources of information including:• Public input;• List of land use concerns and issues; and• Review of:• 2002 Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) Update;• Existing land use ordinances and regulations; and• Community health policies, reports, and statistics.Plan goals are based on planning principles in use by local governments in North Carolina andthroughout the United States, but are fashioned to specifically address issues and concernsparticular to the physical and social environment of Pitt County. During the planning process,this section was reviewed, discussed and revised as necessary to ensure that the final set ofgoals and objectives sought to achieve the greatest public good for all the citizens of PittCounty. Goals are organized into seven categories:1. Growth and Development2. Land Use3. Transportation4. Appearance5. Community Services and Facilities6. Natural Environment7. Housing8. Community Health9. Plan Implementation and AdministrationEach of the nine goals has an associated list of objectives. Following each objective is a list ofimplementation strategies that outline specific actions or mechanisms to be used to achievethe stated objective. In general, the implementation strategies recommend new or revisedplanning policies, procedures, and land use regulations.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Goals and ObjectivesPitt County, North Carolina 2-1

Growth and DevelopmentGoal: Manage the physical growth and development of Pitt County to preserve andprotect the County’s physical character and assets.Objective 1:Encourage future development in areas nearest existing municipal corporate limits andother currently developed areas to yield a more compact development pattern and toreduce suburban sprawl.Implementation Strategies:• Use the Comprehensive Land Use Plan consistently as a guide in planning for theextension of new public facilities and when approving proposed privatedevelopment.• Participate in long-range facility planning by making recommendations to theBoard of Commissioners, and continue to facilitate cooperation between utilityproviders with the goal of having all providers agree on common objectives and apolicy for extending new public facilities in a cost efficient manner to serveidentified primary growth areas.Objective 2:Establish a procedure for sharing land use information to ensure coordinated planning andgrowth.Implementation Strategies:• Monitor planning activities of local municipalities and adjacent counties to ensurethat planning and growth is coordinated between jurisdictions.• Establish a countywide commission to study the impact of growth and to develop amutually agreeable growth scenario for the County that ensures that all localgovernments are working toward a coordinated growth pattern that enhances theliving environment for all County citizens.Objective 3:Encourage development in areas where the necessary infrastructure – roads, water, sewer,and schools are available, planned or can most cost efficiently be provided and extended toserve development.Implementation Strategies:• Direct more intensive land uses to areas which have existing or plannedinfrastructure.• Develop policies including financial incentives such as transfers of developmentrights, grant funding (Communities Putting Prevention to Work), and theAgricultural Land Use Plan, to encourage public/private cooperation in providinginfrastructure to developing areas.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Goals and ObjectivesPitt County, North Carolina 2-2

Objective 4:Study and establish growth policies that encourage a balance of new growth anddevelopment to occur throughout the County to ensure a more balanced pattern ofgrowth.Implementation Strategies:• Assist the Pitt County Development Commission in developing growth scenarios forspecific areas of the County that have been lagging in economic development.• In conjunction with citizens, prepare detailed area or community plans tosupplement general land use recommendations as necessitated by developmentactivity.• Pursue the extension of public water and sewer to serve identified primary growthareas.Objective 5:Preserve and maintain the rural character of Pitt County, including historic sites andstructures, crossroad communities, and other physical features that reflect the County’sheritage.Implementation Strategies:• Maintain inventory of significant crossroad communities, historic sites andstructures, and other physical landmarks for preservation.• Develop land use policies that encourage the preservation and maintenance ofsignificant crossroad communities, historic sites and structures, and other physicallandmarks.• Coordinate with existing historic preservation societies (such as the Village ofYesteryear) to preserve and promote the preservation of the County’s rural cultureand features.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Goals and ObjectivesPitt County, North Carolina 2-3

Land UseLand use development goals include promoting a mixture of residential and non-residentialland use development while protecting prime agricultural areas from the adverse effects ofmore intensive development and protecting future development from natural hazards byidentifying and limiting development within flood hazard prone areas. The future pattern ofland development will have a tremendous impact on the viability of farm operations and on thelivability and quality of life within the county’s planning jurisdiction.The rapid pace of recent population growth and economic development has brought increasedprosperity to the County but land use conflicts and inappropriate land uses are also occurring.Many of these problems result from the location of suburban land uses immediately adjacentto rural farming operations.Residents of subdivisions adjacent to farming operations often complain about noise, odors,and other nuisances common to farming activities but objectionable for residents. Otherconflicts occur when residential and industrial activities are located in close proximity.Concerns also surround the location of different types of residential uses in close proximity –traditional site-built homes adjacent to manufactured homes and parks.Other problems arise when inappropriate or unsightly land uses detract from the appearanceor pleasantness of an area. Outdoor advertising signs (billboards), illegal trash dumps, autorepair areas that develop into salvage yards, and other junkyards all have a negative impact onsurrounding land uses and land values.Goal: Promote an orderly and efficient land use development pattern, which allowsfor a variety of land uses and is sensitive to environmental and social concerns.Objective 1:Maintain an effective, jurisdiction-wide land use regulatory program as the best means toimplement the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan update and as ameans to maintain control over growth and development in rural areas that are not readyfor urbanization.Implementation Strategies:• Review and amend as necessary all applicable land development ordinances toaddress goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan update.• Incorporate separate, freestanding ordinances into a unified developmentordinance (UDO) to increase comprehension and improve implementation.• Use the Comprehensive Land Use Plan consistently as a guide in reviewing andapproving rezoning applications.Objective 2:Minimize conflicts between incompatible land uses.Implementation Strategies:2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Goals and ObjectivesPitt County, North Carolina 2-4

• Monitor and appropriately manage a list of new land uses in the Zoning Ordinancethat may threaten or lessen adverse effects on the health, safety, or welfare ofCounty residents.• Amend the zoning ordinance to require transitional features between nonresidentialand residential areas, such as buffers, tree plantings, noise barriers,lighting reduction, etc.Objective 3:Preserve large tracts of prime agricultural land to ensure that farming remains a viable partof the local economy.Implementation Strategies:• Develop an agricultural preservation program to maintain areas most suitable foragricultural production. Explore all viable means to conserve prime agriculturallands, including zoning, conservation easements, voluntary agricultural districts,purchase of development rights, and fee simple purchase.• Through the use of voluntary agricultural districts, discourage non-farmdevelopment and the extension of infrastructure into identified prime agriculturalareas.• Include in the zoning ordinance, regulations regarding the siting of new large swinefarm operations to protect nearby land uses from the negative effects of such landuse.Objective 4:Maximize accessibility among living, working, and shopping areas.Implementation Strategies:• Discourage suburban sprawl by adopting policies that encourage development ofmixed land uses, as appropriate, to provide easy access, reduce travel time, andimprove convenience among uses near established urban areas.• Encourage large-scale, master-planned developments, which incorporate mixedland uses, including recreational areas and support services, to create a strongersense of community.Objective 5:Promote the development of high quality, planned industrial parks and appropriatelocations for light industrial uses.Implementation Strategies• Work with the Pitt County Development Commission to identify special needs ofindustry as industrial land use regulations are prepared.• Ensure the availability of public services and utilities for industrial uses. Review andrevise, as appropriate, the County’s policy regarding financial participation inextension of utilities to serve industrial development.• Identify non-residential development - office, commercial, and industrial - locationsbased on access and proximity to major transportation routes.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Goals and ObjectivesPitt County, North Carolina 2-5

Objective 6:Encourage well-planned commercial establishments to provide necessary goods andservices to area residents.Implementation Strategies• Promote the development and retention of small service-oriented commercialactivities at significant crossroad communities.• Discourage strip commercial development.• Ensure, through zoning regulation, that commercial development incorporatesstrategically placed driveway access to reduce traffic conflicts, and provides foradequate on-site parking and other design considerations.• Continue to coordinate and monitor driveway issues, especially along strategichighway corridors.Objective 7:Discourage undesirable or unattractive land uses, especially within high visibility areas.Implementation Strategies• Continue to monitor and enforce existing sign regulations for all classes and typesof outdoor signs and advertising.• Adopt and enforce appearance and dimensional criteria for manufactured homes.• Continue to enforce the existing ordinance regulating junkyards and junked motorvehicles.• Identify, improve, and maintain the appearance of major gateways throughappropriate regulations.Objective 8:Preserve regional agriculture and farmland as a source of healthy, local fruits andvegetables, as well as other foods.Implementation Strategies• Support the efforts to protect local farmland through development of new, diversemarkets for local foods and produce, such as additional farmers’ markets, grocerystores, community-supported agriculture programs, farm-to-institution programs,etc.• Support the development of local food processing, wholesale, and distributionfacilities to connect local agriculture to markets such as retailers, restaurants,schools, hospitals, and other institutions.• Work with the Pitt County Development Commission to utilize economicdevelopment incentives to attract and retain local food processing, wholesale, anddistribution firms.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Goals and ObjectivesPitt County, North Carolina 2-6

TransportationSince the 2002 CLUP was adopted, population growth has continued to put pressure on thetransportation system in Pitt County. The County continues to work with the NC Departmentof Transportation to ensure that the State is aware of local needs.Goal: Provide a transportation system, which will allow for the safe, efficient, andconvenient movement of people and goods.Objective 1:Coordinate transportation planning to ensure that adequate transportation options areprovided to serve existing, developing, and proposed activity centers and denselypopulated areas.Implementation Strategies:• Encourage the continued construction and improvement of limited-access strategiccorridors and other major highways.• Coordinate thoroughfare planning with all local governments.• Maintain a high level of involvement in the bi-annual preparation of the NCDOTTransportation Improvement Program.• Continue to monitor and enforce the airport overlay zone which places heightrestrictions on structures to ensure unobstructed flight paths for Pitt-GreenvilleAirport.• Continue involvement with the Regional Planning Organization (RPO) andMetropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to ensure transportation coordinationefforts continue throughout the County.Objective 2:Provide for the orderly development of major transportation routes such that disruption offree flow of traffic on major arteries is minimized.Implementation Strategies:• Protect traffic carrying capacities and promote public safety, by adopting an accessmanagement plan to limit access along major and minor thoroughfares.• Require reverse frontage lots for new subdivisions to orient lots toward internalsubdivision streets to minimize ingress/egress conflicts on major and minorthoroughfares.• For non-residential development, require use of frontage roads for access alongmajor thoroughfares.• Minimize commercial strip development characterized by numerous drivewayaccess points and disconnected uses.Objective 3:Protect planned and existing major transportation corridors from premature developmentand incompatible land uses.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Goals and ObjectivesPitt County, North Carolina 2-7

Implementation Strategies:• Work with the NCDOT and other local governments to identify and protect plannedroad corridors.• Adopt a corridor protection plan to ensure that major new highway corridors areprotected from the adverse effects of inappropriate development.Objective 4:Ensure that streets within new developments are properly designed, built, and maintained.Implementation Strategies:• Integrate and coordinate existing and proposed subdivision streets to address suchissues as street jogs, block lengths, and dead-end streets.• Continue enhancement of interconnectivity requirements, and to discourage accesscontrol measures such as barriers, gates, etc.• In addition to requiring that roads be built to NCDOT subdivision standards,investigate with NCDOT the potential for requiring maintenance bond guaranteesfrom developers until maintenance is assumed by the State.Objective 5:Promote the implementation of a “complete streets” policy to provide for alternatemethods of transportation where appropriate and feasible.Implementation Strategies:• Encourage multi-modal transportation efforts, such as "complete streets" whichprovide multiple transportation options including pedestrian, bicycle, and vehiculartransit.• Require sidewalks or pedestrian paths where residential development is withinwalking distance of schools, parks, and other public facilities.• Work with NCDOT to implement a “complete streets” policy to allow constructionof biking and pedestrian paths as part of any new improvement along Statemaintainedroadways.• Encourage the expansion of public transportation options (ie. PATS, GREAT, etc.) toserve rural populations within the County.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Goals and ObjectivesPitt County, North Carolina 2-8

AppearanceGoal: Maintain and enhance the character and identity of the rural areas of PittCounty including farmland, woodland, historic sites, and other features thatrepresent the County’s heritage. Protect the appearance of major road corridors –US 264, NC 11, NC 43, and NC 33 - as community gateways.Objective 1:Establish design standards that ensure future development contributes to the aestheticappearance of the community while limiting development of unsightly uses that detractfrom community appearance.Implementation Strategies:• Identify significant crossroad communities, landmarks, and important historic andarcheological features. Work with the State to educate the public about theimportance of protecting these community assets.• Consider adopting appearance and dimensional criteria for modular andmanufactured homes.• Continue to enforce sign regulations for on-site signage and revise, as necessary,sign regulations for off-site signage (outdoor advertising) to address such issues asnumber, height, size, and spacing.• Regulate offensive land uses that create unsightly conditions and adversely affectadjacent property values.Objective 2:Protect the visual quality of major road corridors as “community gateways”.Implementation Strategies:• Continue to enforce and enhance overlay district regulations for major roadcorridors which establish additional requirements for setbacks, buffering, andaccess.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Goals and ObjectivesPitt County, North Carolina 2-9

Community Services and FacilitiesAlthough not a direct provider of water or sewer service, Pitt County works in partnership withutility service providers within the County. Most development within the County planningjurisdiction utilizes on-site individual waste disposal systems. The County has a financialparticipation policy that provides for participation in the extension of public utilities to serveindustry if the County can recoup the investment through property taxes within seven years.In the next several years, public water providers will be called upon to increase the availablewater supply to accommodate a growing population and economy. At the same time, waterproviders are being required to reduce reliance on ground water supplies and to developalternative water resources.The County operates a major, state-of-the-art transfer station in order to minimize the adverseenvironmental effects of waste disposal. In addition to standard landfill operations, theCounty operates a recycling program and maintains container sites for ease of disposal.To ensure sound growth, the decision-making process for water service extension must becoordinated countywide. Lack of sewer service will limit nonresidential uses in theunincorporated county and will generate inefficient, sprawled residential development. Newfamilies will demand adequate school facilities and population growth, especially among olderadults who have more leisure time, education, and income, will lead to increased demand forrecreational facilities.Goal: Provide efficient, high quality public services and facilities to serve plannedgrowth and development.Objective 1:Coordinate with utility providers for the phased extension of water and sewer serviceswithin the County planning jurisdiction.Implementation Strategies:• Support the Pitt County Development Commission and other local governmentswithin Pitt County by assisting with the preparation of grant applications for thefunding of infrastructure projects which serve as a tool to stimulate landdevelopment.• Continue to serve as an objective facilitator and work with major water providers inorder to facilitate interconnectivity of water supplies.• Continue to support efforts to implement the recommendations of the Pitt CountyWater Resources Management Plan.• Support and assist the Pitt County Development Commission with the prioritizationof economic development strategies to provide infrastructure to areas whereeconomic development opportunities are greatest.• Review current water and sewer financing and extension policies, including rates(main, tap, and acreage fees) and participation policies (current seven-year plan forindustrial development), and compatibility among various jurisdictions to ensure2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Goals and ObjectivesPitt County, North Carolina 2-10

maximum feasible financial support for growth and development of the County taxbase.• Support and facilitate cooperative ventures between water providers both withinand outside of Pitt County to create redundancy of water supply and access in orderto prevent loss of water quality and quantity to its citizens, businesses and industrydue to the loss of surface water levels (river levels), salt water intrusion, or any otherevents.Objective 2:Provide both passive and active recreational opportunities for County residents byprotecting natural resources that have recreational, environmental, or aesthetic value.Implementation Strategies:• Use land use regulations to protect and implement the County Recreation Plan.• Preserve natural resources, sensitive environmental areas, and scenic features ofthe landscape that have recreational, environmental, or aesthetic value.• Continue to provide assistance in developing long-term, recreational facility plans,and encourage opportunities to collocate facilities for ease of use and convenience.• Encourage the location of recreational facilities close to residential areas andtransportation nodes to increase public awareness and accessibility to thesefacilities.• Pursue opportunities to implement the Pitt County Greenway Plan in order toprovide recreational, conservation and scenic areas throughout the County.• Continue to utilize properties acquired through the Hazard Mitigation GrantProgram for private or public recreational activities.• Research the feasibility of requiring dedication of recreation and open space orpayment of fees-in-lieu for new residential developments.• Support the development and continued enhancement of the Pitt CountyCommunity Garden and identify potential locations for additional gardens.Objective 3:Coordinate with the Board of Education and Pitt County Schools for the planning of futurepublic school facilities.Implementation Strategies:• Work with the Board of Education to identify residential development patterns andto protect future school sites. Amend subdivision regulations to allow forreservation of school sites.• Work with recreation providers in the County to identify opportunities forcollocation of school and public recreational facilities.• Encourage the developers to create safe, convenient, and walkable routes to PittCounty Schools and recreational facilities (such as Alice F. Keene Park) fromsurrounding residential developments.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Goals and ObjectivesPitt County, North Carolina 2-11

Natural EnvironmentThe northern portion of Pitt County – approximately 60% – is located within the Tar-PamlicoRiver Basin. The southern 40% of the County is located in the Neuse River Basin. The NeuseRiver Basin and the Tar-Pamlico River Basin are both protected by water quality protectionrules recently adopted by the State of North Carolina. However, within the Neuse River Basinonly the riparian buffer rule must be enforced, while in the Tar-Pamlico both the riparian bufferand the stormwater rule must be enforced.A large percentage of the planning area, primarily along major drainageways, is susceptible toflooding. Over 92,000 acres countywide (76,000 acres within the County planning jurisdiction)are classified as being within the 100-year floodplain (see Table A-39).Floodplains can be seriously affected by construction and development, filling, and otheractivities which interfere with natural drainage conditions. Manmade changes can result inincreased water runoff volumes as well as runoff velocities, can alter existing drainagepatterns, and reduce floodwater storage capacity.Pitt County enforces a Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, which ensures that structuresbuilt in flood hazard areas meet certain development standards in order to qualify for federalflood insurance. The County also enforces a Soil Erosion and Sedimentation ControlOrdinance to minimize environmental damage due to land disturbing activities associated withdevelopment. A multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan adopted in 2010 outlinesimplementation polices to address and reduce susceptibility to natural hazards.Although portions of the County planning jurisdiction have soils that are quite suitable fordevelopment, the majority of the soils in the County have some development limitations. Soilcharacteristics mapped by the Soil Conservation Service identify prime agricultural lands. Keyprime agricultural lands exist in the northeastern part of the County between Stokes andBethel, in the region south of Grimesland and Simpson, in an area along Contentnea Creek inthe southwestern portion of the County, and in the district between Farmville and Falkland inthe western portion of the County.The Pitt County Health Department enforces state rules regarding the use of on-site sewagedisposal systems. The typical development site requires approximately 25,000 square feet ofland area (just over ½ acre) to accommodate an on-site septic system, but the required landarea and the type and cost of the on-site system can be greatly affected by the soil typepresent. There is a real potential for future environmental problems associated with failed onsitesewage disposal systems especially in soils which are marginal for such use.Federal regulations govern the use of identified wetland areas. Wetlands serve as floodstorage and water recharge areas, filter pollutants out of stormwater runoff and providehabitats for plants and animals. Potential wetland areas have been tentatively identified usinghydric soils and vegetation cover as indicators of potential wetlands.Goal: Protect water quality, significant natural features and other naturalresources that have ecological, recreational or other important values.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Goals and ObjectivesPitt County, North Carolina 2-12

Objective 1:Minimize soil erosion, stormwater runoff, and sedimentation to reduce negative effects onsurface and subsurface water quality, natural drainage systems, and private property.Implementation Strategies:• Consider and provide for the inclusion of Tar-Pamlico River Basins stormwater andriparian buffer rules regarding protection of water quality when updating thecountywide zoning ordinance.• Continue to utilize the soil erosion and sedimentation control ordinance as a meansto ensure that runoff generated by land-disturbing activities does not adverselyeffect lakes, watercourses, and other public and private property.• Maintain waterways and adjacent land areas in a natural state.• Reduce the amount of unpaved streets and roads.• Consider regulations for the retention or detention of stormwater runoff in newdevelopments, especially in environmentally sensitive areas.• Seek funding for stormwater-related studies.Objective 2:Provide an effective surface and subsurface drainage system to protect public health andsafety.Implementation Strategies:• Coordinate with Southeast Drainage District and monitor watershed managementprojects which provide for improved drainage and flood protection for agriculturalpurposes.• Require adequate and functional drainage improvements, maintenance guaranteesand other related measures in new developments.• Pursue the establishment of a long-term maintenance program for drainagesystems in new and existing subdivisions.• Continue the Beaver Management Assistance Program and continue to assist theUnited States Department of Agriculture with beaver management and removalservices.Objective 3:Protect floodplains from inappropriate development.Implementation Strategies:• Utilize land use regulations to undertake the mitigation actions of the Pitt CountyMulti-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan in order to reduce property damagefrom flood hazards.• Protect private investments and minimize public expense by promoting lessintensive and responsible development in floodplains so as not to create hazards orreduce natural flood storage capacities.• Strengthen existing development regulations to discourage land uses and activitieswhich create hazards or reduce natural flood storage capabilities.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Goals and ObjectivesPitt County, North Carolina 2-13

• Maintain open space, recreational, agricultural or other low-intensity uses withinfloodplains.• Continue to monitor any updates to the Pitt County floodplain maps by the State.Objective 4:Preserve significant wetland areas in a natural state to assure their ecological value.Implementation Strategies:• Coordinate development review with the US Army Corps of Engineers and theNatural Resource Conservation Service.• Identify and prioritize wetland areas for protection in an open space preservationprogram.• Incorporate the most valuable wetlands in an open space preservation program.Objective 5:Protect significant natural features such as the Tar River from the adverse effects ofinappropriate development.Implementation Strategies:• Develop a conservation district and/or buffer zone• Develop a greenway plan with the Tar River as a major plan element.• Require that new development consider the natural vegetative, drainage, andtopographic features of the land.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Goals and ObjectivesPitt County, North Carolina 2-14

HousingSince the first CLUP was adopted in 1990, the average price of homes sold in the County hasincreased from $79,596 to $152,738 (see Table A-17) – an increase of $73,142 or 91.9%. Risinghome prices make housing affordability even more difficult for low to moderate-incomeresidents.Goal: Promote a range of safe and affordable housing units to meet the diverseneeds of existing and future County residents, while maintaining a predominatelyrural/agricultural atmosphere.Objective 1:Strive for well-designed neighborhoods that provide a variety of housing types, densities,and price ranges.Implementation Strategies:• Adopt development standards for residential subdivision design and layout thatencourage clustering of homes to conserve open space, reduce infrastructureinstallation and maintenance costs, and reduce negative impacts of storm waterrunoff.• Place higher density residential development in locations where adequate publicinfrastructure is available or planned and where adverse effects on sensitiveenvironmental areas are minimized.• Coordinate public investment in infrastructure to allow for reduced lot sizes andincreased densities in preferred development areas to improve housingaffordability.• Continue to permit manufactured housing as a form of affordable housing in theCounty.• Identify opportunities to provide affordable workforce housing in areas of theCounty that are proximate to jobs and services.Objective 2:Ensure that housing meets all health and safety codes.Implementation Strategies:• Coordinate with Pitt County Inspections Department to assist with review andupdate of Inspections Ordinance.• Continue to enforce County policy to clean up abandoned properties and seek grantfunding to assist with efforts.• Work with Inspections Department to properly condemn residential structures thatare not fit for human habitation and ensure that such structures that are beyondcost-efficient repair are demolished and removed as safety and visual hazards.• Pursue community development funding opportunities from state and federalsources for rehabilitation or redevelopment of substandard housing.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Goals and ObjectivesPitt County, North Carolina 2-15

• Continue to provide assistance to low-income homeowners for the repair andrehabilitation of substandard housing to ensure safe and sanitary living conditions.Objective 3:Provide supportive housing and services to assist low-income residents and the chronicallyhomeless.Implementation Strategies:• Support the goals of the 10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness in Pitt County.• Support increased opportunities for workforce training and access to communitybasedservices to help low-income residents reach self-sufficiency and affordablehousing.• Promote and support the efforts of governmental agencies, non-profitorganizations, and the private sector to increase the supply of adequate, short-termhousing and supportive permanent housing for the homeless.• Support and assist with coordination between all public agencies and public housingauthorities that provide affordable housing and support services.• Ensure that the homeless and special needs populations have access to communitybasedsupport services (ie, healthcare, counseling, etc.) via public transportation orsafe, walkable routes.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Goals and ObjectivesPitt County, North Carolina 2-16

Community HealthCommunity and personal health are a growing concern in Pitt County. The 2010 State of theCounty’s Health Report, published by the Pitt County Health Department, outlines healthstatistics and concerns and establishes a vision to improve community health. The reportrecognized that improved community health must be carefully and purposely pursued usingthe resources of both planners and public health professionals.The 2010 Health Report listed obesity as a rapidly growing epidemic in Pitt County.Consumption of high-calorie and nutrient-deficient foods and inadequate physical activitywere listed as the driving factors. In Pitt County 33% of the population is obese – a figure whichis higher than the statewide average of 29% and the national benchmark of 25%. There aremany health risks associated with obesity, including diabetes and heart disease. In 2009, heartdisease was the second leading cause of death in Pitt County and diabetes was the sixth.According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), portions of fifteen southern states are“mired in the ‘Diabetes Belt’ – a wide swath cutting across the southern part of the US thatneeds better prevention and treatment methods”. Two of the main demographic factorscontributing to higher rates of obesity are lower education levels and concentrated areas ofnon-Hispanic African-Americans. People living in diabetes belt counties were more likely to beBlack (23.8% versus 8.6% nationally) and were more likely to be obese (32.9% vs. 26.1%). Asedentary lifestyle was also more common in diabetes belt counties than nationally (30.6%versus 24.8%). The CDC study also found that the number of people with a college degree waslower in diabetes belt counties than in the rest of the nation - 24.1% versus 34.3%.In 2011, the Pitt County Health Department received $1.6 million from the CDC for the“Communities Putting Prevention to Work” grant program. Using these funds, the HealthDepartment and the Planning Department have come together to create a Community HealthPlan to study the built environment and to encourage and assist residents in making easychoices for more healthy lifestyles. Based on the CDC study, the Pitt County CommunityHealth Plan focuses on increasing active lifestyles and access to healthy foods as way to battlethe obesity and diabetes epidemic.The purpose of the Pitt County Community Health Plan is to establish a framework forachieving the County’s vision of being one of the healthiest communities in North Carolina.This framework is intended to guide the County in developing conditions to improve theoverall health of the community – both physical and emotional.The Pitt County Community Health Plan examines existing conditions and proposes goals andobjectives to achieve better community health. Goals and objectives focus on four areas: 1)parks and recreational facilities; 2) access to healthy foods; 3) access to alternative modes oftransportation; and 4) complete neighborhoods in a rural context.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Goals and ObjectivesPitt County, North Carolina 2-17

Parks and Recreational FacilitiesAccess to parks, open space and recreational facilities can lead to an increase in healthylifestyles. Healthy lifestyles will prevent obesity, which is linked to both heart disease anddiabetes, two of the leading causes of death in Pitt County. Parks and recreational facilitiesalso have a social and mental health benefit by bringing communities together. The 2010State of the County Health Report reported that just over 40% of Pitt County adults meet therecommendations for physical activity. The County was recognized for a third time as one ofthe nation’s 100 Best Communities for Young People by the America’s Promise Alliance, whichrecognizes those communities that make youth a priority.Goal: Continue to plan, develop and operate a variety of indoor and outdoorfacilities to support programs, multiple activities, and active lifestyles throughoutthe County with respect to quality, quantity, size, and geographic distribution offacilities.Objective 1:Continue to ensure equitable distribution of parks and recreation facilities.Implementation Strategies:• Look for opportunities for the purchase and/or reuse of small mini-parks that arenot actively in use.• Expand parks and recreation opportunities throughout the County. Ensure facilitiesare located within comfortable walking distance of homes, schools and businessesin order to encourage physically and socially active lifestyles.Objective 2:Provide a diverse range of park types, functions, and recreational opportunities.Implementation Strategies:• Regularly review design and programming of County parks to expand and diversifyuses.• Seek to provide adequate indoor and all-weather facilities for a wide variety ofactive living choices for all generations.Objective 3:Create safe and sustainable public spaces and facilitiesImplementation Strategies:• Update the Parks and Recreation Master Plan to include a parks and recreationfacilities maintenance plan.• Update definitions of park-types to require appropriate types of seating, trashreceptacles, bike racks, lighting, and landscaping.• Provide child friendly parks and open spaces.• Incorporate sustainable design in development and management of park sites.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Goals and ObjectivesPitt County, North Carolina 2-18

Objective 4:Continue to collaborate with Pitt County Schools and other public and private partners todevelop innovative park arrangements and spaces that provide a diversity of recreationalfacilities.Implementation Strategies:• Seek and work collaboratively, as feasible, with other municipal, and state entitieson the joint use of publicly-owned properties.• Amend zoning and subdivision regulations to include provisions that encourage orrequire new residential developments to include open space, park areas, and greenspace.• Promote building community gardens on public and private properties.Access to Healthy FoodsHealthy communities have access to healthy foods. Areas where it is difficult or expensive toobtain healthy foods are called “food deserts”. The Economic Research Service of the USDepartment of Agriculture reported that in small towns and rural areas with limited foodaccess, the lack of transportation infrastructure is the most defining characteristic of a fooddesert. People living in rural areas often must rely on small grocery or convenience stores thatdo not carry or have limited quantities of foods associated with a healthy diet and also havehigher food prices than those found in larger chain stores.Community gardens and farmers markets are two ways to improve access to healthy foods.Pitt County owns and operates a Farmer’s Market in Greenville. A community garden, namedthe Making Pitt Fit Community Garden, is also located in Greenville.An emerging trend in healthy community planning is establishing virtual farmers’ marketswhere local farmers sell their products online. Internet sales provide a broader market forumwhich improves access to and awareness of the types of produce available locally.Goal: Promote the production of, access to, and consumption of locally producedfoods.Objective 1:Encourage more food co-operatives and business partnerships.Implementation Strategies:• Develop a “local food” collaborative organization comprised of educators, healthprofessionals, farmers, and other related professionals to unite farm and non-farmentities in finding ways to promote local farming and to expand the public benefitsof access to locally produced foods.• Seek funding for identified projects through the North Carolina Tobacco TrustFund, Golden LEAF Foundation North Carolina, the Center for Disease Control, andother funding agencies.• Open and operate a virtual farmers market. Encourage computer classes at PittCommunity College and find innovative ways, such as a donated computer loan2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Goals and ObjectivesPitt County, North Carolina 2-19

program, to help solve the problem of computer and internet access in the ruralportions of the County.Objective 2:Encourage community gardens.Implementation Strategies:• Identify open County-owned parcels that could be used for community gardens.• Encourage clustering of homes and the use of open space for gardening wherefeasible.• Encourage homeowner’s associations to create community gardens in commonlyowned open space.• Consider requiring developers to set aside public open space as a condition ofdevelopment.Objective 3:Collaborate with public health department to educate residents about buying local foodand adopting healthy lifestyles.Implementation Strategies:• Encourage use of computer classes for farmers and others that would like toparticipate in a virtual farmers market.• Create tax incentives for local restaurants and institutions to buy food locally.• Collaborate with Pitt County Public Schools to include healthy food curriculums andencourage school-based community gardens.• Use community gardens to engage youth in agri-entrepreneurial endeavors.• Continue to encourage collaborative programs such as Eat Smart, Move More;ARISE (A Real Integrated Sports Experience); and the Food Literacy PartnersProgram, funded by the Pitt Memorial Hospital Foundation.• Continue to partner with WITN-TV to host Growing Up FIT!, a monthly televisionsegment designed to promote fruit and vegetable consumption, cooking at homeand physical activity.Access to Alternative Modes of TransportationThe built environment affects the health of a community. A healthy community is designedand built to encourage more walking and bicycling. The Centers for Disease Control report thatmany counties in the Diabetes Belt are historically heavy agricultural areas and as the economyturned to more sedentary lifestyles residents did not adjust their diets to compensate for lessphysical exertion.Pitt County has worked hard to improve alternative modes of transportation throughout theCounty. Pitt County adopted the Pitt County Greenway Plan 2025 in 2005. The planrecommended the consideration of approximately 215 linear miles of greenway networkprimarily along some of the major, critical stream and rivers in the County. The proposedgreenways consisted of approximately 155 linear miles within the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction(ETJ) of county municipalities and an additional 14 linear miles within the city limits of county2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Goals and ObjectivesPitt County, North Carolina 2-20

municipalities. Approximately fifty-five percent (117 miles) of proposed greenways would bedesignated primarily as recreation; forty-two percent (90 miles) of proposed greenways wouldbe intended to serve primarily as conservation corridors, while the remaining three percent (8miles) would consist of primary sidewalk connectors in urban areas.The Greenville Metropolitan Planning Organization Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan wasadopted in February 2011. The plan identified and prioritized bicycle and pedestrianimprovements for the City of Greenville, Town of Winterville, Town of Ayden, Village ofSimpson, and portions of Pitt County. Priority Project #1, connection Pitt County RecreationCenter, Wintergreen Primary and Intermediate Schools, existing trails, senior center, andcommunity garden, will begin in Summer 2011.The City of Greenville also has the Greenville Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission, whose dutyis to advance Greenville as a bicycle and pedestrian friendly community and to encouragebicycling and walking among its citizens and visitors.Goal: Plan for and invest in infrastructure improvements to provide safe andconvenient alternate modes of transportation that help residents of Pitt Countylead more active and healthy lifestyles.Objective 1:Improve bicycle and pedestrian circulation choices.Implementation Strategies:• Continue with Pitt County Priority Projects as listed in the Greenville MPO Bicycleand Pedestrian Master Plan.• Construct and maintain safe and convenient pedestrian and bicycle facilities thatare universally accessible, adequately lighted, and properly designed to reduceconflicts among motor vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians.• Adopt a policy requiring complete streets, which provide for pedestrians, bicyclists,and motorists on the same street, when building new roads or repairing existingroads.• Provide continuous pedestrian and bicycle networks within and between existingand new developments to facilitate safe and convenient pedestrian and bicycletravel.Objective 2:Encourage more bicycle and pedestrian travel.Implementation Strategies:• Construct more walkways and bike ways.• Install more bike racks.• Sign bicycle and walking routes on low traffic neighborhood streets.• Extend existing walking trails to connect more uses.• Encourage businesses, schools, and residential developments to provide securebicycle parking to ensure this alternative mode of travel is more user friendly.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Goals and ObjectivesPitt County, North Carolina 2-21

Objective 3:Continue to educate residents about bicycle and pedestrian safety.Implementation Strategies:• Survey the community for a self-evaluation of bicycle and safety knowledge.• Continue to provide bicycle safety education through programs such as the bicyclehelmet program through Greenville Fire Rescue and PEDAL, a bicycle safetyinitiative to increase the awareness of bicycle safety and to decrease bicycle injuriesand fatalities.• Research other innovative programs to increase bicycle and pedestrian safety.Complete Neighborhoods in a Rural ContextNeighborhood-serving retail, parks, pedestrian connections, and other amenities cancontribute to neighborhood stability, greater social cohesion, and improved public safety.Goal: Promote complete neighborhoods that provide easy access to a range ofdaily goods and services and recreational resources within a comfortable walking orbiking distance of homes.Objective 1:Implement land use policies that encourage community gardens, passive open space, anduse of residential agricultural zoning.Implementation Strategies:• Adopt conservation subdivision development standards for residential design andlayout that encourage clustering of homes and include open space where feasible.• Support the establishment of local-serving commercial activities at crossroadcommunities that have historically served rural populations.• Encourage voluntary conservation easements to restrict future non-agriculturaldevelopment in favor of continuing agricultural and/or open space activities.Objective 2:Increase safety in neighborhoods and public spaces.Implementation Strategies:• Invest in improvements to public facilities that provide social, economic andcommunity benefits in under-served neighborhoods. Provide for parks,playgrounds, pedestrian-scale lighting, safe pedestrian and bicycle routes, andprograms for community gardens.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Goals and ObjectivesPitt County, North Carolina 2-22

Implementation and AdministrationThe Comprehensive Land Use Plan update will serve not only as a statement of policy but alsoas work program to ensure that the necessary studies, procedures, and standards aredeveloped to achieve Plan goals and objectives.Goal: Ensure that the Comprehensive Land Use Plan update is effectively used,implemented, monitored, and updated.Objective 1:Encourage active public participation in the planning process.Implementation Strategies:• Hold public meetings and workshops to inform, educate, and solicit input fromcitizens about planning issues.• Develop additional ways to publicize public meetings and hearings, and keepcitizens informed of new information and proposals through the use of the PittCounty website, newsletters, brochures, maps, and other publications.• Establish advisory or study commissions to assist with identifying and addressingnew planning issues.Objective 2:Allow for the involvement of special interest and neighborhood groups in the planningprocess.Implementation Strategies:• Include representatives of citizen groups on advisory or study commissions duringpreparation of plans, policies, and regulations.• Solicit participation from citizens who have a special interest or expertise to lend tostudy commissions.Objective 3:Coordinate planning activities and share information with all units of government, specialpurpose districts, agencies, and departments.Implementation Strategies:• Initiate and participate in joint planning efforts with other local governments.• Maintain a countywide inventory of developments, service areas, facilities, andrelated information, which can be used by all interested parties.• Hold joint meetings of elected and appointed officials and staff to discuss planningconcerns.Objective 4:Ensure that these goals, objectives, and strategies are supported and maintained.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Goals and ObjectivesPitt County, North Carolina 2-23

Implementation Strategies:• Prepare special studies and reports pertaining to land use, housing, population, andother planning topics to identify and respond to emerging trends.• Develop a review process to monitor implementation of the Comprehensive LandUse Plan update.• Provide an annual progress report on implementation of the Comprehensive LandUse Plan update.• Prepare small area plans for areas of the County that may require additionaldetailed study due to specific significant development activity, or that may havespecial conditions or needs that must be met to ensure appropriate developmentoccurs in these areas.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Goals and ObjectivesPitt County, North Carolina 2-24

Section Three: Future Land Use MapThe purpose of the Future Land Use Map is to graphically depict a general land developmentpattern that adheres to and seeks to achieve land use plan goals and objectives. The Map hasbeen developed using a planning horizon of 20 years. To be effective, the ComprehensiveLand Use Plan and the Future Land Use Map must be consistently consulted when reviewingand evaluating proposed rezoning requests and land development plans. Please note that theFuture Land Use Map cannot be interpreted independently from the written land use goals andobjectives.Agricultural/Open/Natural ResourceAgriculture, forestry, recreational uses; open space; resource conservation or criticalnatural areas, and very limited low-density residential uses. Most of the land area placedwithin this category is classified as being within the 100-year floodplain. Very limiteddevelopment with private septic tank systems. Development shall be restricted withinareas designated as a Floodway, or Non-encroachment Area, on the most recent FloodInsurance Rate Map.Rural Residential/AgriculturalLow-density residential (single-family site-built and manufactured homes); agriculture,forestry, churches; very limited commercial, office, or public/institutional uses meetinglocational criteria. Locational criteria for non-residential uses within this land use categorywould include frontage and access to a major State highway or secondary road, location ata major intersection, proximity to similar uses and spatial separation from non-compatibleuses such as existing residential development. Land uses within this category would beexpected to develop without public sewer, i.e., with private septic tank systems.Suburban ResidentialResidential land uses including single family and manufactured home subdivisions andmanufactured home parks at densities of 1-4 dwelling units per acre; limited multi-family,commercial, office, light industrial, and public/institutional uses meeting locational criteria.Locational criteria for non-residential uses within this land use category would includefrontage and access to a major State highway or secondary road, location at a majorintersection, proximity to similar uses and spatial separation from non-compatible usessuch as existing residential development.Land designated as Suburban Residential is distinguished from land designated as RuralResidential/Agricultural by the greater potential for development and the inclusion of abroader range of land uses. Land within this category could develop with or without publicsewer.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Future Land Use MapPitt County, North Carolina 3-1

Rural CommercialLimited commercial service land uses that are appropriate in a prevailing rural/agriculturalcontext. Appropriate land uses include a mix of residential, public/institutional, and limitedcommercial and service uses. Land uses within this category would be expected to developwithout public sewer, i.e., with private septic tank systems. This category is designated atprominent intersections located throughout the County where small, community-oriented,commercial land uses are already present, and/or where additional non-residential serviceswould serve surrounding residential populations. Designated at the followingintersections: Calico, Gardnerville, Pactolus, Venters, Ballards Crossroads, Rountree, andOld Creek Road/Whichard Road.Commercial Crossroad CommunityLimited commercial land uses that are appropriate to crossroads development.Appropriate land uses include a mix of residential, public/institutional, and commercialuses. Residential uses can be located near non-residential uses with appropriate buffers.Land uses within this category could develop with public sewer or private septic tanksystems. This category is designated at prominent crossroads locations throughout theCounty where existing commercial development provides goods and services to a largersurrounding population. Designated at the following crossroad communities: Bell Arthur,Belvoir, Black Jack, Chicod, Eastern Pines, Hollywood, Stokes, Worthington, and theintersection of US 264 and Old Washington Road.CommercialCommercial uses, office and public/institutional uses, light industrial, limited residentialuses. Moderate to large scale commercial uses should transition to office/institutional usesor higher density residential uses that would buffer surrounding lower density residentialareas. Designated at the following locations: US 264 East near intersection with MartinLuther King Jr. Highway, NC 30/US 264 East intersection near Pactolus, Mozingo Road/US264 West interchange, NC 33/Martin Luther King Jr. /US 264 West interchange, NC 43South Corridor near Bells Fork, US 13 corridor near Frog Level.Heavy Commercial/IndustrialHeavy commercial and industrial uses, wholesale, office and public/institutional uses.Surrounding residential uses should be spatially separated from high intensity commercialand industrial uses where noise, odors, or other negative effects could be expected.Designated at the US 264 East/Sheppard Mill Road intersection and near NC 33/BarrusConstruction Road intersection.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Future Land Use MapPitt County, North Carolina 3-2

Insert Map 3-1 Future Land Use Map(Note: All document maps are to be retained in separate large format form until the final draftdocument is complete.)2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Future Land Use MapPitt County, North Carolina 3-3

Section Four: Plan AmendmentsInitiation of Land Use Plan AmendmentsAny person or organization, including the Planning Department, may petition the Board ofCommissioners to amend the Land Use Plan. The petition shall be filed with the PlanningDepartment and shall include:(a) The name, address, and phone number of the applicant;(b) A description of the proposed text or map amendment, along with an explanation ofthe changing circumstances that necessitate consideration of the amendment; and(c) If the petition proposes an amendment to the land use map, a scaled map with theproperty affected by the amendment clearly depicted.Petitions for amendments shall be submitted to the Pitt County Planning Department at leastten (10) days prior to the date of the Planning Board meeting at which the petition will bereviewed.Planning Board Review and RecommendationUpon receipt of a petition for an amendment, the Planning Department shall forward therequest to the Planning Board for its consideration. The Planning Board shall review theproposed amendment, along with planning staff recommendation, and shall submit itsrecommendation on the proposed amendment to the Board of Commissioners. The PlanningBoard shall have forty-five (45) days within which to submit its recommendation. Failure of thePlanning Board to submit its recommendation within this time period shall constitute afavorable recommendation.Public Hearing RequirementsNo amendment to the Land Use Plan may be adopted until a public hearing has been held.Upon receipt of a recommendation from the Planning Board, the Planning Department shall,after consultation with the Clerk to the Board, schedule a public hearing before the Board ofCommissioners on the petition. The public notice shall be published one (1) time in anewspaper having general circulation within the County at least ten (10) days prior to thescheduled public hearing date. In computing this period, the date of publication shall not becounted but the date of the public hearing shall be.With respect to map amendments, the Planning Department shall provide first-class mailnotice of the public hearing to:(a) owners, according to county tax records, of all properties whose land use classificationis changed by the proposed amendment; and(b) owners, according to tax records, of all properties within 100 feet of the propertyaffected by the proposed amendment.The Planning Department may also post notices of the public hearing in the vicinity of theproperty affected by the proposed amendment and take any other action deemed by thePlanning Department to be useful or appropriate to give notice of the public hearing.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Plan AmendmentsPitt County, North Carolina 4-1

The notice required or authorized by this Section shall:(a) State the date, time, and place of the public hearing;(b) Summarize the nature and character of the proposed change;(c) If the proposed amendment involves a change in land use classification, reasonablyidentify the property whose classification would be affected by the amendment;(d) State that the full text of the amendment can be obtained from the Pitt CountyPlanning Department; and(e) State that substantial changes in the proposed amendment may be made following thepublic hearing.Board of Commissioners Review and AdoptionUpon receipt of a recommendation from the Planning Board, the Planning Department shallschedule a public hearing before the Board of Commissioners on the petition according to theprocedure outlined in Section “Public Hearing Requirements”.At the conclusion of the public hearing on the proposed amendment, the Board ofCommissioners may proceed to vote on the proposed amendment, refer it to a committee forfurther study, or take any other action consistent with its usual rules of procedure.The Board of Commissioners need not await the recommendations of the Planning Boardbefore taking action on a proposed amendment nor is the Board of Commissioners bound byany recommendations of the Planning Board that are before it at the time the Board ofCommissioners takes action on a proposed amendment.The Board of Commissioners is not required to take final action on a proposed amendmentwithin any specific period of time, but it should proceed as expeditiously as practicable onpetitions for amendments. Decisions by the Board of Commissioners on amendment requestsshall be filed in the offices of the Planning Department.Board Of Commissioners Action on AmendmentsIn deciding whether to adopt a proposed amendment to the Land Use Plan, the central issuebefore the Board of Commissioners is whether the proposed amendment advances the publichealth, safety or welfare. All other issues are irrelevant, and all information related to otherissues at the public hearing may be declared irrelevant by the Chairman and excluded. Whenconsidering proposed map amendments:(a) The Board of Commissioners shall consider whether the entire range of listed uses inthe requested land use classification are more appropriate than the range of uses in theexisting land use classification.(b) The Board of Commissioners shall not regard as controlling any advantages ordisadvantages to the individual requesting the change, but shall consider the impact ofthe proposed change on the public at large.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Plan AmendmentsPitt County, North Carolina 4-2

Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisHistory of Land Use Planning in Pitt CountyThe Comprehensive Land Use Plan update builds on earlier County planning efforts includingthe development of the first comprehensive land use plan in 1990. Rapid population growthduring the past decade increased interest in land use planning and in 1999 the County begantwo area planning efforts – the NC 11 North Corridor Plan and the Northwest Area Plan.1990 Comprehensive Land Use PlanIn early 1990, Pitt County adopted its first Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP). Acomprehensive plan subcommittee and staff developed the 1990 CLUP over an eighteenmonthplanning period. The subcommittee held more than 20 meetings to review draftdocuments and to solicit public input.The plan was prepared to “ . . . help government leaders, landowners, citizens, andnewcomers respond to potential growth and to address land use conflicts.” At the time theplan was adopted it was recognized that the factors that were considered during theplanning process would change over time and that community needs and desires wouldalso change. To remain useful for managing physical growth and development, a land useplan must be monitored and updated periodically.Among the factors considered during the development of the 1990 CLUP were projectionsfor population growth – projections that the County has far exceeded in the past twodecades. In fact, in the 2000 U.S. Census Pitt County exceeded the 1990 populationprojections for 2010.The development of the 1990 CLUP followed a five step process – collection of backgroundinformation, identification of land use problems and issues, preparation of draft goals andobjectives, presentation of a draft plan and adoption of the plan. The plan specificallyprovided for opportunities for public review and input including a series of public meetingsin April 1989. A public forum and two public hearings were held later before the plan wasadopted.The 1990 CLUP addressed six major topic areas – growth and development, land use,transportation, community services and facilities, natural environment andimplementation and administration.NC 11 North Corridor Planning AreaA series of related events in the late 1990s led Pitt County leaders to initiate the process ofcreating a land use plan for a 12,000 acre rural area along NC 11 North between the City ofGreenville and the Town of Bethel. To resolve a critical situation with a failing wastewatertreatment system, Bethel town officials requested approval from the City of Greenville andthe Greenville Utilities Commission (GUC) to discharge untreated wastewater to the GUCcollection system for treatment.Through a memorandum of understanding, Pitt County, the Town of Bethel, the City ofGreenville, and the Greenville Utilities Commission agreed to address the various2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-1

engineering, financial and land use planning issues that needed to be resolved beforepublic sewer service could be extended to Bethel. In the memorandum, the City ofGreenville agreed to relinquish authority to the County for sewer connections within theCounty’s planning jurisdiction provided the County developed a land use plan andassociated zoning regulations for the area to be served by the proposed sewer line.The Bethel sewer line construction project also coincided with the widening andimprovement of NC 11 North. The portion of the NC 11 North project from Greenville toBethel was completed in 2000. The remaining portion of the project – the NC 11 BethelBypass around the eastern side of Bethel - is currently under construction.After meeting nine times and holding three public forums in 1999-2000, the NC 11 NorthCorridor Planning Committee’s work culminated with a recommended land use plan andzoning ordinance on November 30, 2000. The Board of Commissioners has chosen not toadopt the plan or zoning ordinance. The NC 11 North Corridor Plan information will beincorporated in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan update.Northwest Planning Area Land Use Plan and Zoning OrdinanceThe Northwest Planning Area Land Use Plan and Zoning Ordinance were developed in1999-2000 by a citizen steering committee, endorsed by the Planning Board and adoptedby the Board of Commissioners in January 2001. The Northwest Planning Area Land UsePlan covered approximately 40,000 acres of land area along NC 33 in the northwest portionof the County. This area of the County had experienced rapid residential growth and washeavily impacted by flooding associated with Hurricane Floyd in September 1999.The Board of Commissioners adopted the Northwest Planning Area Land Use Plan andZoning Ordinance in January 2001 with an effective date of July 1, 2001 for the zoningregulations.2002 Comprehensive Land Use Plan UpdateIn 2002, Pitt County completed the first major update to the 1990 Comprehensive LandUse Plan. The Pitt County Planning Board, which served as the Plan Steering Committee,as well as Planning staff and consultants from The Wooten Company, developed the 2002CLUP Update over a period of several months from late 2001 to early 2002. In October2001, the Planning Board and staff held a series of four public forums at various locationsthroughout the County. The forums provided an opportunity to review maps and reportsand to comment on land development issues and concerns. A second set of public forumswas held in February 2002 and provided citizens an opportunity to review and comment onthe completed draft update.As with the 1990 CLUP, an important factor for the 2002 Update was population growth.Since the adoption of the 1990 CLUP, the County had experienced significant populationgrowth and had far exceeded the population projections indicated in the 1990 CLUP. The2000 U.S. Census for Pitt County found 133,798 persons in the County - more than 11,000persons more than the 2010 projection of 122,871 included in the 1990 CLUP.The development of the 2002 Update followed a nearly identical five step process as wasundertaken in 1990 – collection of background information, identification of land use2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-2

problems and issues, preparation of draft goals and objectives, presentation of a draft planand adoption of the plan.The 2002 CLUP addressed the six major topic areas from the 1990 CLUP – growth anddevelopment, land use, transportation, community services and facilities, naturalenvironment and implementation and administration – and added a seventh topic area –appearance.Pitt County Zoning OrdinanceIn 2003, the Pitt County Board of Commissioners adopted the County’s first countywidezoning ordinance. The ordinance initially established eight general zoning districts – RuralAgricultural (RA), Rural Residential (RR), Low Density Residential (R40), SuburbanResidential (SR), Multifamily Residential (MFR), General Commercial (GC), GeneralIndustrial (GI), and Light Industrial (LI) – as well as conditional use districts, and four overlaydistricts – Flood Hazard, Airport Height, Highway Corridor, and Water Supply Watershed.The zoning ordinance was amended in 2007 to add three new commercial zoning districts –Rural Commercial (RC), Heavy Commercial (HC) and Office and Institutional (OI) – andchanged conditional use district rezonings, which required a quasi-judicial hearing toestablish, into conditional zoning districts, which are established through a simplerlegislative process.The ordinance contains a Table of Permitted Uses to identify the land uses that arepermitted within each zoning district, and also establishes basic minimum lot areas, lotwidths, and minimum building setback requirements for all districts. An official zoningmap was adopted which designates the specific zoning district for each property within theCounty’s planning jurisdiction. Occasionally, the map may be amended in a process calleda “rezoning”. In 2005, the North Carolina General Assembly amended the General Statutesto require that all zoning map amendments must be in conformance with an adopted landuse plan. The Board of County Commissioners must adopt a statement describing whetherits action is consistent with the CLUP, and explaining why the Board considers the actiontaken to be reasonable and within the public interest.Preliminary planning for the zoning ordinance began in May 2002, shortly after the 2002CLUP Update was adopted. The first draft of the ordinance was presented to the PlanningBoard in August 2002, and the first zoning map was presented to the Board the followingOctober. In January 2003, the Planning Board and staff held a series of three public forumsto allow citizens an opportunity to review and comment on the draft plan and map. Asecond series of three public forums was held in March. In May 2003, the Planning Boardissued a resolution recommending approval and adoption of the draft ordinance. OnAugust 4, 2003, following a series of public hearings, the Board of Commissioners adoptedthe Pitt County Zoning Ordinance, and the ordinance became effective on November 3,2003.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-3

Pitt County Planning Jurisdiction (Map A-1)The NC General Assembly establishes local governments and determines the scope of localgovernment services, that is, local governments must have legislative grant of power beforedealing with any particular issues. Under the planning authority granted by the GeneralAssembly, Pitt County is authorized to study and plan for growth and to develop a land useplan for the County’s planning jurisdiction.The Pitt County Planning Jurisdiction consists of the total acreage of the County outside theplanning and zoning jurisdictions (corporate limits plus extraterritorial planning jurisdictions) ofthe ten incorporated municipalities. Approximately 70% of the land area within Pitt County iswithin the County’s planning jurisdiction.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-4

Insert Map A-1 Pitt County Planning Jurisdiction(Note: All document maps are to be retained in separate large format form until the final draftdocument is complete.)2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-5

Issues and ConcernsOne of the first steps in the land use planning process was to identify issues that are importantto citizens and the future growth of the County. This list is comprised of numerous issues thathave emerged in the County since the 2002 CLUP Update.• Ensure that zoning decisions are appropriately supported by and consistent with the statedgoals and objectives of the CLUP.• Ensure that commercial development along the US 264 East corridor is locatedappropriately and that access is appropriately managed to limit the number of drivewaysalong the highway.• Ensure that commercial development along the NC 43 South corridor is locatedappropriately.• Ensure that all existing, designated Rural Commercial/Crossroad Communities areappropriate for commercial/crossroad development, and reassess as necessary.• Reassess and delineate Agricultural/Open/Natural Resource areas based upon newfloodplain maps adopted in 2004.• Continue to monitor the development of the Southwest Bypass and ensure thatappropriate land uses are located at interchange areas.• Ensure development occurs in areas that are most suitable for on-site wastewatertreatment.• Ensure and promote interconnectivity between developments.• Minimize conflicts between new development and agricultural land uses such as intensivelivestock operations.• Support development of Voluntary Ag Districts and Agricultural Land Use Plan to preserveand protect prime farmland areas.• Continue to ensure that roads are developed in accordance with State standards for publicdedication and acceptance by the State for maintenance.• Continue to ensure that approved development is located appropriately to reduce potentialdamages from flooding.• Continue to ensure that riparian buffers are appropriately identified and maintained.• Continue to ensure that stormwater runoff is appropriately managed.• Ensure that land use patterns benefit community health by providing access to healthyfoods, biking/walking trails, etc.• Provide safe routes to schools from surrounding developments.• Ensure that Pitt County remains a vital target area for future economic developmentopportunities which would increase the County’s tax base as well as provide jobs for PittCounty residents.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-6

General Location and DescriptionPitt County is located in the central Coastal Plain section of eastern North Carolina. TheCounty covers 656 square miles of total area with three (3) square miles covered by water.County boundaries are defined by the seven surrounding counties - Beaufort County to theeast, Martin County to the northeast, Edgecombe County on the northwest, Wilson andGreene Counties on the west, Lenoir County on the southwest, and Craven County to thesoutheast. The City of Greenville, located approximately in the geographic center of theCounty, is the county seat.Roughly diamond-shaped, Pitt County is approximately thirty-four (34) miles long north tosouth and thirty (30) miles wide at the widest point. Topography is gently rolling with landelevations ranging from twenty (20) feet above sea level in the southeastern portion of theCounty to two hundred ten (210) feet above sea level in the extreme western portion of theCounty. Slopes are typically less than 4% except for the steeper southern banks of the TarRiver and its tributaries.The northern portion of the County (58.7% of the land area) is within the Tar River Basin, whichdrains into Pamlico Sound just east of the County line. The southern and extreme westernportions of the County (41.3% of the land area) are drained by Swift Creek and ContentneaCreek, which flow into the Neuse River at the southeastern tip of the County.Global TransPark Development ZonePitt County is located in a thirteen-county region organized as the Global TransPark (GTP)Development Zone by an act of the NC General Assembly in the early 1990s. GTPheadquarters is located thirty minutes south of Greenville at the Kinston Regional Jetportin Lenoir County north of the City of Kinston. The GTP is a combination air cargo airportand transportation, manufacturing, and distribution complex.The purpose of the GTP is to provide industries with direct access to multi-modaltransportation alternatives to enable industries to maximize efficient and reliabletransportation. The GTP also has an on-site education and training facility to providetraining opportunities. The GTP is designated as Foreign Trade Zone 214 where companiescan export and import products without many of the usual customs restrictions and tariffs.Although the initial projections for fast growth of employment opportunities associatedwith the GTP have yet to materialize, the GTP concept still holds promise as a long-rangeinfluence on the economy of the region.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-7

Short History of Pitt CountyThe British Colonial government created Pitt County in 1761 when the original Beaufort Countywas split into five smaller counties. Pitt County was named for William Pitt, Earl of Chathamwho was an English statesman and orator. William Pitt became secretary of state in 1756where he was a pro-freedom speaker in the British Colonial government.The county seat for Pitt County was first named Martinsborough and was located on NC 33about three miles east of the present site. In 1786, the county seat was named Greenville inhonor of General Nathaniel Greene, a Revolutionary War hero.Historic Timeline for Pitt County: 1696-18951696 Bath County established1705 Pamtecough County created from Bath1712 Beaufort County formed from Pamtecough1761 Pitt County created from Beaufort; line between Pitt and Craven left unresolved1764 Dobbs County (no longer in existence) line established, annexing part to Pitt1784 Original Edgecombe and Martin County lines established1785 Eastern portions of Pitt returned to its parent, Beaufort County1787 Southern portion annexed from Craven County (Swift Creek area)1801 Northern portion annexed to Edgecombe County1805 An adjoining northern portion annexed to Martin County1818 Craven County line finally decided and drawn1894 Edgecombe and Martin County lines redrawn (again)1895 Greene County (part of old Dobbs County) and Pitt County line drawnSource: Excerpt from "The Changing Shape of Pitt County, North Carolina: 1761-1895" by Elizabeth Ross.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-8

Municipalities within Pitt CountyThere are ten incorporated municipalities in Pitt County – the City of Greenville and the townsof Ayden, Bethel, Falkland, Farmville, Fountain, Grifton (partially in Lenoir County),Grimesland, and Winterville and the Village of Simpson. There are also a number of crossroadcommunities that hold special significance for County residents. The 2010 U.S. Censuspopulation for Pitt County was 168,148 persons which represents a 25.7% growth over 2000U.S. Census figures. All figures are based on corporate limits and extraterritorial boundarylimits as of April 12, 2011.Table A-1Municipal Population (2010 U.S. Census)MunicipalityCorporateLimits(squaremiles)PopulationwithinCorporateLimits (2010Census)Extra TerritorialJurisdiction (ETJ)(square miles)Number ofStructureswithin ExtraTerritorialJurisdictionPlanningJurisdictionPopulationEstimate 1Ayden 3.42 4,932 13.30 712 1,467Bethel 1.06 1,577 7.02 145 299Falkland 0.23 96 4.42 151 311Farmville 3.06 4,654 9.99 333 686Fountain 0.92 427 6.82 195 402Greenville 35.17 84,554 31.24 5,457 11,247Grifton 1.97 2,617 15.08 719 1,482Grimesland 0.68 441 4.10 347 715Simpson 0.37 416 4.33 1,357 2,797Winterville 4.50 9,269 6.27 439 905Subtotal 51.38 108,983 102.57 9,855 20,311Pitt County 168,148 38,854 21 ETJ Population estimates are based on number of structures within each ETJ multiplied by 0.90 (2010 U.S. Census occupancy rate) multiplied by2.29 (2009 American Community Survey Average Household Size).2 Estimated population within Pitt County Planning Jurisdiction calculated as total population minus populations within municipal corporate limitsand ETJs.Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Pitt County Planning Department.GreenvilleThe City of Greenville, incorporated in 1774, is the largest and oldest municipality in PittCounty. Greenville encompasses approximately 35 square miles of land area and had a2010 U.S. Census population of 84,554 – an increase of 39.8% over the 2000 U.S. Censuspopulation of 60,476. A mayor and six council members govern Greenville.AydenThe Town of Ayden, incorporated in 1891, is located in the southwest portion of theCounty. Ayden incorporates 3.42 square miles of land area and had a 2010 U.S. Censuspopulation of 4,932 – an increase of 6.71% over the 2000 U.S. Census figure of 4,622persons. A mayor and five commissioners comprise the town government.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-9

BethelThe Town of Bethel, a small town with approximately one (1) square mile of land area, wasincorporated in 1873. Bethel is located in the extreme northern portion of the Countyimmediately adjacent to the boundary with Martin County. During the past decade thepopulation of Bethel decreased from 1,681 persons (2000 U.S. Census) to 1,577 persons(2010 U.S. Census) – a decrease of -6.2%. A mayor and five commissioners govern thetown.FalklandThe Town of Falkland, located in the northwest portion of the County, was incorporated in1893. Falkland incorporates 0.23 square miles of land area and in the 2010 U.S. Census hada population of 96 persons – a decrease of -14.3% from the 2000 U.S. Census population of112 persons. A mayor and three commissioners govern the town.FarmvilleThe Town of Farmville, incorporated in 1872, covers a land area of 3.06 square miles. Thetown is located just south of US 264 in the western portion of the County near theboundary with Greene County. The 2010 U.S. Census population for Farmville was 4,654persons – an increase of 8.2% over the 2000 U.S. Census of 4,302 persons. A mayor andfive commissioners govern the town.FountainThe Town of Fountain, located near the intersection of NC 222 and NC 258 in the farwestern portion of the County was incorporated in 1906. The town incorporates 0.92square miles of land area and had a 2010 U.S. Census population of 427 persons – adecrease of -19.9% over the 2000 U.S. Census figure of 533 persons.GriftonThe Town of Grifton was incorporated in 1883 and is located on the extreme southernboundary with Lenoir County. Grifton is the only municipality not wholly within PittCounty. In the 2010 U.S. Census, Grifton had a population of 2,617 persons – an increase of26.2% over the 2000 U.S. Census figure of 2,073 persons. In 2010, the majority of thetown’s residents – 2,431 or 93% - lived in Pitt County and only 186 persons – 7% - lived inLenoir County. Grifton incorporates 1.97 square miles of land area and is governed by amayor and five commissioners.GrimeslandThe Town of Grimesland is located in the far eastern portion of the County on NC 33.Grimesland covers 0.68 square miles of land area and was incorporated in 1893. Thepopulation of Grimesland in the 2010 U.S. Census – 441 persons – represented a 0.2%increase over the 2000 U.S. Census figure of 440 persons. A mayor and four aldermengovern the town.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-10

SimpsonThe Village of Simpson was incorporated in 1975 with a land area of 0.37 square miles. Thepopulation of Simpson in the 2010 U.S. Census was 416 persons – a decrease of -10.3% overthe 2000 U.S. Census population of 464 persons. A mayor and two council membersgovern the village.WintervilleThe Town of Winterville, covering just over 4.50 square miles of land area, wasincorporated in 1897. Winterville is located just south of the City of Greenville along NC 11.The Town of Winterville had the fastest population growth between 2000 and 2010 with a2010 U.S. Census population of 9,269 persons – an increase of 93.5% over the 2000 U.S.Census figure of 4,791 persons. A mayor and five aldermen govern Winterville.Crossroad Communities (Map A-1)Well-known crossroad communities within Pitt County include Black Jack, Chicod, Gardnervilleand Shelmerdine in southeastern Pitt County, Bell Arthur (on US 264 between Greenville andFarmville), Belvoir (intersection of NC 33 and NC 222), Stokes (intersection of NC 30 and NC903 northeast of Greenville), and Pactolus (US 264 east of Greenville).2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-11

Insert Map A-2 General Location Map with Municipalities and Surrounding Counties(Note: All document maps are to be retained in separate large format form until the final draftdocument is complete.)2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-12

Pitt County EconomyThe Pitt County/Greenville metropolitan area has become the commercial, educational andmedical center of eastern North Carolina. The area has been cited as one of the fifty “BestTowns in America" (1983), one of the Fifty Best Metro Areas for Quality of Life (1993), andamong the Fifty Best Places for Manufacturing (Industry Week, 1997 & 1998).The Pitt County/Greenville area is also one of the fastest growing urban centers in NorthCarolina. Pitt County consistently ranks among the top ten centers in North Carolina in dollarvolume of construction activity. The area is also a leading retail center in eastern NorthCarolina and ranks as one of only a dozen billion dollar retail markets in North Carolina.Leading Economic IndicatorsSome of the key indicators of economic growth are automobile and truck registrations,property tax levies, median family incomes, employment figures, and single-familyresidential building permits. All five of these indicators have shown considerable growth inthe last ten years.YearTable A-2Indicators of Economic Growth in Pitt County – 1995-2010Auto/TruckRegistrationsProperty TaxLevies (000’s)Median FamilyIncome 1Employment2000 88,100 $39,598 $45,600 66,9312001 90,036 $40,714 $46,300 65,1932002 93,115 $42,642 $49,100 64,5812003 94,547 $44,395 $49,800 66,8212004 97,641 $46,932 $49,800 67,9912005 99,468 $58,347 $49,800 69,6042006 101,880 $60,605 $49,600 72,4412007 104,274 $64,233 $48,500 74,8722008 $70,380 $51,600 75,8862009 $53,500 71,7302010 $53,5001 Median Family Income is reported for Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA’s). Beginning in 2004, the Greenville MSA was expanded toinclude Pitt County and neighboring Greene County.Source: Pitt County Development Commission.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-13

EmploymentThe civilian labor force in Pitt County expanded by 17.4% (from 69,869 to 82,020), comparedwith 10.4% for the state. Within this same period employment increased by 6,699, or 10.0% inPitt County versus a 2.4% gain statewide.Preliminary figures indicate employment in Pitt County increased from 73,630 in 2009 to73,804 in 2010; the labor force increased by 60 to 82,080. The overall rate of unemployment in2010 decreased to 10.1% from 10.2% the previous year. New and expanded industrialinvestments for 2010 included ASMO, Air Mania, Carolina Classics, CharmTex, and NACCO.These and other primary investments for 2010 total in excess of $5 million and will provide 68new jobs when the projects are completed.From 1990-2007, the average unemployment rate in Pitt County was 5.3%. In 2010,unemployment was 10.1%, slightly less than the State’s unemployment rate of 10.6% andhigher than the national rate of 9.6%.In 1988 the Pitt County community made a major commitment to insure continued economicgrowth of the industrial sector with the establishment of the Pitt County Industrial BuildingFund. The $1 million plus fund was created through a $500,000 matching grant from theCounty and private contributions and is being used to construct basic industrial “shell”buildings for sale to new or expanding companies.The first shell was constructed in the Greenville Industrial Park and was sold in 1993 to amedical products distribution company. A second building was built in Farmville CorporatePark in 2000 and sold to a regional beverage distributor. Money from the fund is also beingused to assist in the development of the Eastern Carolina Technology Center, a county-ownedsmall business technology center. (Pitt County Development Commission)Type of EmploymentTables A-3 and A-4 provide insight into the types of employment available in the PittCounty-Greenville area. The top three major employment categories include FoodServices and Drinking Places (7,109 persons), Ambulatory Health Care Services (5,169persons) and Administrative and Support Services (3,417 persons). Tables A-5 and A-6 listthe major manufacturing and non-manufacturing employers in Pitt County in 2010.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-14

Table A-3Workforce by Industry in Pitt County – 2009Avg. Weekly EarningsNumber Percentage County StateAgricultural, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting 689 0.76% $442.88 $524.17Mining 27 0.03% *** $973.50Utilities 501 0.55% $977.33 $1,359.42Construction 3,002 3.30% $640.97 $744.56Manufacturing 5,917 6.50% $938.76 $938.48Wholesale Trade 1,769 1.94% $768.42 $1,089.74Retail Trade 8,195 9.01% $442.02 $462.73Transportation & Warehousing 901 0.99% $718.06 $800.46Information 1,092 1.20% $707.32 $1,119.24Finance and Insurance 1,752 1.93% $929.51 $1,273.62Real Estate and Rental & Leasing 671 0.74% $463.96 $667.95Professional & Technical Services 1,503 1.65% $864.96 $1,192.32Management of Companies & Enterprises 691 0.76% $1,126.74 $1,520.61Administrative and Waste Services 3,327 3.66% $448.51 $549.31Educational Services 10,736 11.80% $924.64 $750.76Health Care and Social Assistance 16,543 18.18% $796.70 $783.54Arts, Entertainment, & Recreation 649 0.71% $313.77 $533.73Accommodation & Food Service 7,175 7.89% $216.18 $271.74Other Services (except Public Administration) 1,332 1.46% $413.51 $516.28Public Administration 3,226 3.55% $816.18 $818.50Unclassified 136 0.15% $833.13 $928.69Total Private Industry 69,834 76.76% $595.00 $755.00Government 21,147 23.24% $990.67 $906.67Federal 446 0.49% $1,086.00 $1,128.00State 7,846 8.62% $1,057.00 $849.00Local 12,855 14.13% $829.00 $743.00County Totals 90,981 100.00% $693.00 $765.00*** Data Suppressed.Source: Pitt County Development Commission.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-15

Table A-4Average Quarterly Employment by Industry – Q2 2009-Q1 2010Greenville, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) 1Type of Employment (NAICS) Employment Type of Employment (NAICS) EmploymentFood Services and Drinking Places (722) 7,109 Personal and Laundry Services (812) 487Ambulatory Health Care Services (621) 5,169 Crop Production (111) 478Administrative and Support Services (561) 3,417 Miscellaneous Store Retailers (453) 476Social Assistance (624) 2,636 Accommodation (721) 475Specialty Trade Contractors (238) 2,165 Educational Services (611) 440Nursing and Residential Care Facilities (623) 2,072 Real Estate (531) 436General Merchandise Stores (452) 1,784 Repair and Maintenance (811) 421Credit Intermediation and Related Activities (522) 1,681 Animal Production (112) 377Chemical Manufacturing (325) 1,596 Paper Manufacturing (322) 317Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (541) 1,515 Furniture and Home Furnishings Stores (442) 296Beverage and Tobacco Product Manufacturing (312) 1,169 Publishing Industries (except Internet) (511) 293Food and Beverage Stores (445) 1,140 Sporting Goods, Hobby, Book, and Music Stores (451) 279Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods (423) 933 Wholesale Electronic Markets and Agents and Brokers (425) 271Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers (441) 917 Truck Transportation (484) 241Clothing and Clothing Accessories Stores (448) 853 Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction (237) 233Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods (424) 815 Transportation Equipment Manufacturing (336) 229Machinery Manufacturing (333) 810 Couriers and Messengers (492) 190Management of Companies and Enterprises (551) 772 Nonstore Retailers (454) 182Building Material and Garden Equipment and Supplies Dealers(444)742 Rental and Leasing Services (532) 174Electronics and Appliance Stores (443) 710 Private Households (814) 161Health and Personal Care Stores (446) 662 Textile Product Mills (314) 153Construction of Buildings (236) 658 Miscellaneous Manufacturing (339) 132Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing (332) 617 Textile Mills (313) 129Gasoline Stations (447) 594Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and SimilarOrganizations (813)128Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation Industries (713) 579 Printing and Related Support Activities (323) 126Telecommunications (517) 569 Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing (334) 126Insurance Carriers and Related Activities (524) 526Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other FinancialInvestments and Related Activities (523)1251 Greenville MSA includes Pitt County and neighboring Greene County.Source: US Census Bureau, Center for Economic Studies2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-16

Table A-5Major Manufacturers in Pitt County - 2010Company City Product Staff EstablishedDSM (2 plants) Greenville Chemicals 1,100 1997NACCO Materials Handling Group Greenville Lift trucks 1,000 1974Alliance One International Farmville Tobacco processing 850 1907TRC, Inc. Winterville Metal fabrication 500 1978ASMO Greenville of NorthCarolinaGreenville Small electric motors 410 1995Attends Healthcare Products Greenville Paper products 275 1999Cooke Communications NC/TheDaily ReflectorGreenville Printing/newspaper 240 1882Mestek (Sterling Radiator) Farmville Gas & steam unit heaters 240 1974Eastern Carolina VocationalCenterGreenville Battery terminals 230 1965Metrics, Inc. Greenville Pharmaceuticals 230 1994Weyerhaeuser Co. Ayden Pine lumber 200 1989Grady-White Greenville Fiberglass boats 185 1959The Hammock Source Greenville Canvas products (hammocks) 150 1971Carolina Classics Ayden Catfish processing 120 1988AccuLink Greenville Commercial printing/binding 85 1980UNX, Inc. Greenville Laundry chemicals 65 1957Winterville Machine Works Winterville Machine assemblies, plating 65 1957Jack A. Farrior Steel Works Farmville Metal fabrication 60 1993Sag Harbor Industries Farmville Electronic components 60 1987CMI Plastics, Inc. Ayden Plastics thermoforming 55 2007Spectratex Farmville Textile dyeing 55 1996Coastal AgroBusiness Greenville Pesticides 50 1953Metallix Greenville Refining of precious metals 45 2003Package Craft, Inc. Bethel Corrugated containers 43 1982Pregis Farmville Honeycomb structural panels 40 1982Source: Pitt County Development Commission.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-17

Table A-6Major Non-Manufacturing Employers in Pitt County - 2010Employer Location Product Employment EstablishedPitt County Memorial Hospital Greenville Health care 7,868 1951East Carolina University Greenville Education 5,455 1907Pitt County Public Schools Greenville Education 3,111 1885County of Pitt Greenville Government 968 1760Pitt Community College Greenville Education 861 1961City of Greenville Greenville Government 743 1956Physicians East Greenville Medical care 500 1965Greenville Utilities Commission Greenville Public utilities 435 1905Wal-Mart Greenville Department store 400 1989Convergys Greenville Customer service center 400 1999Wachovia Sales Finance Center Winterville Financial services office 330 1922Overton’s Sports Center Greenville Mail order sales 300 1976Source: Pitt County Development Commission.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-18

Agricultural EconomyAgriculture in Pitt County contributes over $100 million to the local economy each year.Primary agricultural products produced in 2010 included tobacco, cotton, soybeans, corn, smallgrains, and peanuts while major livestock included hogs and broilers (poultry). According tothe U.S. Census of Agriculture, between 1997 and 2007 the number of farms in Pitt Countydecreased from 474 to 435 – an 8% decrease. During this same ten-year period, the total landin farms decreased 11% and the average farm decreased in size from 415 acres to 394 acres – adecrease of 5%.Table A-7Census of Agriculture for Pitt County 1 – 1987, 1992, 1997,2002, and 2007Category 1987 1992 1997 2002 2007Number of Farms 757 583 474 448 435Total Land in Farms (in acres) 213,831 194,015 193,377 185,776 171,525Average Farm Size (in acres) 282 333 408 415 394Harvested Cropland (in acres) 123,844 123,154 132,083 124,246 125,102Average Age of Farmers 50.6 51.8 52.2 53.3 55.2Average Value of Farm andBuildingsAverage Value of Machinery &EquipmentTotal Farm Production Expense(in $1,000’s)$364,144 $547,147 $766,717 $1,004,236 $1,338,293$54,330 $79,537 $111,642 $122,004 $154,469$74,162 $105,691 $143,677 $109,947 $139,164Average Production Expense $98,097 $181,289 $303,116 $245,965 $319,917Average Market Value ofProducts Sold1Total Area in County – 417,037 acres; dollar amounts have not been adjusted for inflation.Source: North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.$131,563 $229,986 $413,795 $268,088 $387,224Table A-8Farms by SizeCensus of Agriculture for Pitt County 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, and 2007Size in Acres 1987 1992 1997 2002 20071 – 9 50 35 22 25 5110 – 49 149 112 105 110 11450 – 179 244 163 131 129 112180 – 499 206 150 107 70 71500 – 999 73 82 53 52 291,000+ 35 41 56 62 58Source: North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-19

Table A-9Farm Operators by Principal Occupation – 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, and 2007Primary Occupation 1987 1992 1997 2002 2007Farming 536 388 318 301 262Other Occupation 221 195 156 147 173Source: North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.Tobacco ProductionSince the 1930s, federal tobacco quota and price support programs had kept prices artificiallyhigh in the United States by limiting how much tobacco could be grown. In 2004, the Fair andEquitable Tobacco Reform Act was signed into law and eliminated federal farm price supportfor tobacco at the end of the 2004 crop year. Beginning in the 2005 crop year, there were nolonger any restrictions on the number of farmers that could grow and market tobacco, wheretobacco could be grown, or the amount that could be grown and marketed.The Reform Act also established the Tobacco Transition Payment Program, otherwise knownas the “tobacco buyout”. As part of the buyout, approximately $9.6 billion in compensatorypayments are being paid to tobacco quota owners and active producers over a period of 10years to compensate for lost rents and to aid in the transition to a free market. It is estimatedthat the State of North Carolina will receive nearly $4 billion dollars in quota buyout paymentsby the year 2014, and Pitt County will receive approximately $220 million. Money to pay forthe buyout comes from assessments on tobacco products manufacturers and importers.Prior to the buyout, analysts anticipated that tobacco production would be consolidated ontolarger, but substantially fewer, farms located in the most economical regions. Total U.S.tobacco production was expected to increase, however it declined almost 37% in 2005 and hasfluctuated since then. Prior to 2005, Pitt County typically ranked #1 or #2 in tobaccoproduction in the State. Since the buyout, tobacco production has steadily decreased in theCounty, and in 2010, Pitt County ranked #11 in tobacco production in the State. In 2000, theCounty produced over 22 million pounds of tobacco on 9,200 acres of farmland. A decadelater, in 2010, production decreased to 13 million pounds on just 6,000 acres – a 41% decline inproduction and a 35% decline in farmland.The economics of tobacco production since 2005 have caused smaller farms to either transitionaway from tobacco to more profitable field crops or to discontinue farming altogether. Thishas increased the supply of farm land available for development in the County. As land usedevelopment occurs, farming in general should be protected as an essential component of thelocal economy. To do that, growth must follow a logical and sequential pattern to ensure thatthe agricultural community can continue to operate efficiently until growth reaches particularareas of the County.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-20

CropTable A-10Pitt County Crops – 2010AcresHarvestedYield perHarvestedAcreProductionRank withinNCFlue-cured Tobacco (in pounds) 6,000 2,165 13,000,000 11Cotton (in 480 lb bales) 23,000 918 44,000 6Soybeans (in bushels) 53,400 23.1 1,236,000 11Corn for Grain (in bushels) 23,900 37 884,000 25Peanuts (in pounds) 5,900 3,283 19,370,000 3Wheat (in bushels) 9,100 28.6 260,000 13Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.Table A-11Pitt County Livestock 1 - 2009Livestock Number Rank in NCHogs and Pigs 240,000 11Beef Cattle 1,700 59Broilers Produced (2009) 4,400,000 331 Statistics of less than 200 milk cows, 500,000 broilers or turkeys, or 50,000 otherchickens are not listed.Source: North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.Table A-12Farm Cash Receipts - 2009Category Cash Receipts Rank in NCLivestock, Dairy, andPoultry$66,656,000 25Crops $92,844,000 8Government Payments $23,481,778 1Total $182,981,778 13Source: North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-21

Retail TradeAnother major indicator of economic vitality is retail sales activity. Pitt County is the numberone retail trade center in central and northern areas of eastern North Carolina. Taxable salesactivity for fiscal year ending June 2010 ($1.5 billion) shows Pitt County ranked 11th in the statewith a 7.8% increase over the previous fiscal year.Table A-13Retail Sales Activity in Pitt County – 1995-2005YearGross Sales($ millions)StateRank% AnnualIncrease1995-1996 $1,420.1 11 9.7%1996-1997 $1,592.4 11 12.1%1997-1998 $1,740.9 10 9.3%1998-1999 $1,864.2 11 7.1%1999-2000 $1,944.5 11 4.3%2000-2001 $1,977.3 11 1.7%2001-2002 $1,855.8 12 -6.1%2002-2003 $1,914.2 12 3.1%2003-2004 $2,147.5 12 12.2%2004-2005 $2,235.0 13 4.1%Note: Gross Retail Sales information is no longer availableSource: Pitt County Development Commission.Table A-14Taxable Sales Activity - 2005-2010TaxableSales($millions)State Rank% AnnualIncrease2005-2006 $1,409.0 12 -2006-2007 $1,478.6 13 4.9%2007-2008 $1,496.9 12 1.2%2008-2009 $1,399.9 14 -6.5%2009-2010 $1,508.7 11 7.8%Note: Data not comparable to previous years due to a change in reportingformats beginning July 2005.Source: Pitt County Development Commission2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-22

EducationA local education system can provide citizens with opportunities that will enhance quality oflife by improving employment options and salaries and by attracting new business investment.Pitt County not only has a successful public education system but the County also hosts twohigher education institutions that provide additional education opportunities. Theseinstitutions not only serve local citizens but they also attract additional persons – many ofwhom will choose to stay and live in the area.Pitt County Public SchoolsA sound, successful public education system is often cited as a key component inmeasuring quality of life and overall economic vitality of a community. Pitt County PublicSchools have operated as a countywide consolidated system since July 1986. In fall 2010,total public school enrollment was approaching 23,000 students. Pitt County currently hasthirty-six public school campuses.Pitt Community CollegePitt Community College (PCC) is a key player in the educational environment in PittCounty. PCC, in conjunction with Pitt County Public Schools, offers one of the largestCareer Tech programs in the State. Career Tech is a curriculum guide that preparesstudents for technical careers.Pitt Community College, established in 1961, is the seventh largest college within theNorth Carolina community college system of 59 campuses. The college has more than 360full-time and 500 part-time employees. In the fall of 2009, the college had over 11,000curriculum students and over 10,000 continuing education and community developmentstudents enrolled. PCC offers 45 associate degree programs, 69 certificate programs, 27diploma programs, and 11 college transfer programs. More than 25 of these programs canbe taken entirely over the internet.The college offers a wide variety of business/industrial curriculum programs includingmachining, electronic servicing, industrial maintenance, and information systems. Thecollege has special training programs specifically designed to meet the start-up and upgradeskill needs of industry.Several capital improvement projects have been undertaken to significantly expand PCC’smain campus. Office and classroom space is expected to increase 20 percent by 2012 withthe addition of a new academic classroom facility, Construction and Industrial TechnologyBuilding and facility services headquarters.East Carolina UniversityEast Carolina University, located in Greenville, has had and will continue to have a strongimpact on local growth and development. With approximately 21,000 undergraduate and6,200 graduate students enrolled in the 2010-2011 academic year, East Carolina ranks asthe third largest of the State’s 37 private and 16 public 4-year colleges and universities.The university offers 201 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the liberal arts,sciences, and professional fields, including medicine. The university also operates several2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-23

service and research centers to assist local governments, business and industry in resolvingtechnical production problems, developing market strategies and improving the quality ofmanagement skills.The main campus encompasses over 400 acres in an urban setting within the city ofGreenville and contains over five million square feet of academic, research, and residentialfacilities. The Health Sciences Campus, located on 70 acres, houses the Brody School ofMedicine and is the hub of the university’s health sciences program. Recent growth on theHealth Sciences Campus has included the additions of the East Carolina Heart Institute in2008, the Health Sciences Building in 2006, and the Warren Life Sciences Building.In 2001, East Carolina University acquired the 550-acre Voice of America Site C located innorthwestern Pitt County. The university’s West Research Campus is now located on theproperty and houses the Physician Assistant Program and the North CarolinaAgroMedicine Institute. In addition, the site hosts a facility developed by the Office ofState Archaeology in cooperation with ECU’s Program in Maritime Studies. The lab servesas base for conservation work on artifacts recovered from the presumed wreck of theflagship of the pirate Blackbeard, Queen Anne’s Revenge.The university has a long tradition of excellence in teaching, research and creative activity,and public service. The university’s mission embodies a direct interaction with thecommunity, business, industry, and government.Figure AEducation Levels in Pitt CountyPost Graduate11%Non High SchoolGraduate15%College Graduate27%High SchoolGraduate/NoCollege25%Some College22%Source: 2009 American Community Survey.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-24

Brody School of Medicine and Pitt County Memorial HospitalAnother major catalyst for growth and development in Pitt County during the past 30 yearswas the creation of the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University in 1972.Following establishment of the medical school, construction began on a modern medicalcenter in 1976. As a result, Pitt County Memorial Hospital (PCMH) has emerged as aregional health care referral center serving a 29-county area with a variety of high levelmedical services.Another benefit to County citizens is that Pitt County has the third highest per capita ratioof physicians to population in North Carolina. PCMH is currently licensed for 861 beds – anincrease of 18% over the 2002 bed count of 731. In 2010, the hospital treated 108,343emergency room patients and served 42,375 in-hospital patients.In 1998, PCMH changed from a publicly owned hospital with a mission of regional serviceto a private, not-for-profit five-hospital regional health care system. The reorganizationenables the hospital and health system to compete more effectively with other healthsystems to ensure the availability of high quality care, clinical staff and physicians into theforeseeable future. PCMH remains the largest single institution of the system.PCMH serves as the teaching hospital for the Brody School of Medicine, and offers stateof-the-artcare through its services including the East Carolina Heart Institute, the Leo W.Jenkins Cancer Center, the Regional Rehabilitation Center, the Children’s Hospital, theBariatric Surgery Center, and the Women’s Center. PCMH also hosts a Level I TraumaCenter, one of only four in the State and the only one in the region.East Carolina Heart InstituteThe East Carolina Heart Institute opened in 2009 and offers one center of excellence forinnovations in cardiovascular disease research, treatment, prevention, and education.The Heart Institute medical staff is made up of more than 30 specialists and subspecialists drawn from both the private practice community and the Brody School ofMedicine.The Heart Institute has two primary facilities. The Heart Institute at ECU houses officesand research labs for cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, vascular surgeons, andscientists. The four-story, $60 million, 206,000 square foot building also housesoutpatient treatment facilities and educational facilities for students, physicians, andscientists. The Heart Institute at PCMH is a six-story, $150 million, 375,000 square foot,state-of-the-art cardiovascular hospital. The facility has 120 patient beds, operatingrooms, 13 intervention labs, diagnostics services, and patient and family supportservices.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-25

Community HealthPitt County ranked 41st in overall health outcomes for 2011 in the Robert Wood JohnsonFoundation County Health Ranking. The County ranked 47th in health behaviors, whichincludes adult smoking, adult obesity, excessive drinking, and other factors. The 2010 State ofthe County’s Health Report, the top three causes of death were cancer, heart disease, andstroke. Diabetes ranked sixth. The report stated that one in three Pitt County children, ages 2-18, are obese or overweight and that the number of obese adults had reduced from 6.9% in2009 to 6.2% in 2010. Other indicators of community health include 16.8% of Pitt Countyresidents report eating the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables everyday andmore than one in four residents report eating fast foods four or more times per week.Access to healthy foods plays a large role in community health. Areas where it is difficult orexpensive to obtain healthy foods are called “food deserts”. The Economic Research Service ofthe US Department of Agriculture reported that in small towns and rural areas with limitedfood access, the lack of transportation infrastructure is the most defining characteristic of afood desert. People living in rural areas often must rely on small grocery or convenience storesthat do not carry or have limited quantities of foods associated with a healthy diet and alsohave higher food prices than those found in larger chain stores. There are areas in Pitt Countythat lack convenient access to healthy foods. Buying groceries locally is a challenge in thecommunities of Bethel and Stokes to the north, Grimesland in the east, and Falkland andFountain in the west where citizens have close access only to small convenience stores. Largechain grocery stores are located primarily in Greenville and Winterville with the towns ofAyden, Farmville, and Grifton with access to one chain grocery store. One way to addressaccess to healthy foods is construction of community gardens. Pitt County recently started itsfirst community garde located adjacent to the Alice F. Keene Park. Pitt County also currentlyoperates one Farmer’s Market located in Greenville.DemographicsThe CDC has identified lower educational attainment and concentrated areas of non-Hispanic African-Americans as two of the main demographic factors impacting poor healthevidenced by increased rates of obesity and diabetes among these populations.Minority PopulationsAccording to the 2010 Census, Pitt County’s population was 168,148, of which 60% ofthe population is white and 34% of the population is black. In comparison, thestatewide ratio is 70.5% white and 21.1% black. The Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) Environmental Justice View Map of the County (Figure B) indicates areas of PittCounty with high levels of minority population concentrations. The EPA includes allraces except Hispanic or Latino as minority. Figure B depicts census tracts in PittCounty based on percent minority. The highest minority concentration areas of PittCounty are in the north and northeast around Bethel and Stokes respectively; the westnear Falkland; and in the central part of the County around Greenville and Ayden.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-26

Figure BMinority Populations in Pitt CountyEducational AttainmentEducational attainment is also an important factor in community health. Residentswith higher levels of educational attainment usually have better-paying jobs and havebetter access to and knowledge of healthy foods. The 2005-2009 AmericanCommunity Survey reported that 85% percent of the County’s population had a highschool diploma or some form of higher education, but only 28% had a bachelor’sdegree or higher (Table A-15). Those with a high school degree or equivalency made anaverage annual salary of $22,913 (in 2009 inflation-adjusted dollars); those with somecollege or an associate’s degree made $29,608; and those with a bachelor’s degreemade $41,539.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-27

Table A-15Educational Attainment for Population 25 and OverEducational AttainmentPercentLess than 9 th grade 45.3%9 th to 12 th grade, no diploma 9.6%High school graduate (includes equivalency) 26.5%Some college, no degree 20.7%Associate’s degree 9.1%Bachelor’s degree 18.0%Graduate or professional degrees 10.7%Source: 2005-2009 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates.Figure C depicts areas by census tracts from the 2000 Census with less than a 12 th gradeeducation. The highest percentage (40-100%) are concentrated in northern Pitt Countyaround Falkland, Bethel, Stokes, and parts of Greenville.Figure CEducational Attainment in Pitt County2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-28

IncomeBased on the 2009 American Community Survey data, the median family income forPitt County was $52,160 and the median income for non-family households was$20,482. Families are considered to be low-income if they were at or below 80% of themedian household income. The 2009 data estimates about 40% of the population livedbelow 80% of the median household income.Table A-16Pitt County Income (2009 Inflation-Adjusted Dollars)Married-couple Non-familyTotal Households FamiliesFamilies HouseholdsLess than $10,000 14.6% 8.0% 1.7% 25.0%$10,000 to $14,000 9.1% 5.6% 2.4% 14.0%$15,000 to $24,999 13.4% 10.4% 6.6% 17.6%$25,000 to $34,999 10.9% 9.6% 7.1% 12.4%$35,000 to $49,999 14.7% 13.8% 13.6% 15.8%$50,000 to $74,999 15.6% 19.9% 23.8% 9.3%$75,000 to $99,999 8.6% 12.0% 16.2% 3.3%$100,000 to $149,000 8.2% 13.1% 18.2% 1.7%$150,000 to $199,999 2.6% 3.9% 5.3% 0.7%$200,000 or more 2.2% 3.6% 5.1% 0.3%Source: 2005-2009 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates.Figure D depicts 2000 Census data for per capita income. Lowest income tracts arelocated in the central part of the County near Falkland, Fountain, and portions ofGreenville and in the southern part of the County near Grifton.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-29

Figure DPer Capita Income in Pitt CountyDemographic ConclusionThe statistics and graphics show a correlation between race, educational attainment, andincome. The northern part of Pitt County generally has lower levels of educationalattainment and income and higher percentages of minority populations. Initial efforts toimprove community health might be more effective if implemented in these areasidentified as higher risk.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-30

HousingHome prices in Pitt County suffered from the severe economic downturn that occurredbetween 2007 to 2010. For several years, reduced interest rates, followed by easy creditconditions, sub-prime lending, increased debt burden, incorrect pricing of risk, and a liquidityshortfall in the United States banking system had fueled a housing construction boom andcreated an unsustainable housing “bubble”. Loans of various types (e.g., mortgage, creditcard, and auto) were easy to obtain and consumers assumed an unprecedented debt load.Between 2007-2008, the decline of housing prices and the increasing rate of defaults andforeclosures caused the bubble to burst leading to a worldwide economic crisis.As housing prices declined, major global financial institutions that had borrowed and investedheavily in subprime mortgage backed securities reported significant losses. Falling prices alsoresulted in homes worth less than the mortgage loan, providing a financial incentive to enterforeclosure. The ensuing foreclosure epidemic drained wealth from consumers and eroded thefinancial strength of banking institutions. Defaults and losses on other loan types alsoincreased significantly as the crisis expanded from the housing market to other parts of theeconomy.Pitt County’s housing market has been affected by the economic crisis as well. Housing saleshave slowed considerably since 2007, however average home prices have remained relativelystable with no greater than a 5% change since the peak of the housing bubble. In 2010, theaverage price of a house sold in Pitt County was $152,738, based on the sale of 1,539 singlefamily homes, condos, townhomes, and manufactured homes sold through the real estatemultiple listing service. The average price of a residential lot was approximately $48,000.Foreclosure rates in Pitt County remain well below the national average. In May 2011, one inevery 1,590 homes in Pitt County received a foreclosure filing compared to one in every 605homes in the United States.Affordable HousingAccording to the 2009 American Community Survey (ACS), the median value of owneroccupiedhousing units in Pitt County was $133,700 - 28% lower than the national averageof $185,200. Median gross rental costs in Pitt County were $660 - 6% lower than thenational average of $702. By comparison, median household incomes were also 30% lowerin Pitt County than in the nation - $35,509 versus $50,221. Housing stock is split almostevenly between owner- and renter-occupied units, however housing affordability stillprevents many residents from obtaining safe, affordable housing.The 2009 ACS also found that over 37% of all households in Pitt County with annualincomes below $50,000 paid more than 30 percent of their income for housing. Over 20%of all households in the County pay more than 50 percent of their income on housing,leaving little money for basic necessities such as food, health care, or transportation. Manyof these households will require assistance in order to afford decent housing. Affordablehousing provides stability for families, improves opportunities for education and careeradvancement, and reduces the risk of homelessness for households that are dependent onlow wages or fixed incomes.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-31

Table A-17Average Price of Housing Sold in Pitt County – 1981-2010Year Average Price of Houses Sold Year Average Price of Houses Sold1981 $57,300 1996 $100,3041982 $59,600 1997 $99,7231983 $58,500 1998 $111,7661984 $59,000 1999 $103,7281985 $61,800 2000 $113,2271986 $65,400 2001 $121,2861987 $67,500 2002 $125,0241988 $70,004 2003 $128,4951989 $76,507 2004 $131,9171990 $79,596 2005 $138,4661991 $81,296 2006 $148,7421992 $87,638 2007 $153,8221993 $89,322 2008 $155,0881994 $90,013 2009 $147,1401995 $96,909 2010 $152,738Source: Greenville-Pitt Association of Realtors, Pitt County Development Commission.Housing Assistance ProgramsPitt County has a history of seeking federal and state grant funding to assist low-incomecitizens with rehabilitation and replacement of substandard housing. Financial assistancehas included public water, sewer and street improvements and private housingrehabilitation assistance in the Pug Moore community near Bethel. The County currentlyhas a $150,000 housing development grant pending to assist in the purchase of lots for newhousing.Dissolution of HOME ConsortiumThe Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) was created by the NationalAffordable Housing Act of 1990 to assist counties and towns in the rehabilitation andcreation of affordable housing for low-income residents. In 2010, the HOME Consortiumwas dissolved leaving Pitt County with limited rehabilitation and replacement options.Currently, rehabilitation and replacement activities are being provided under CommunityBlock Grant (CDBG-SS) Scattered site $400,000, NC Housing Finance (NCHFA-SFR) SingleFamily Rehabilitation $160,000, NC Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA-URP) Urgent RepairProgram $75,000. Total funding for Community Development in 2011 was $635,000. Tenpercent of the funding was allocated for Administration.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-32

Pitt County DemographicsPitt County’s demographics have been evolving rapidly over the last several decades. Sincethe 1980 U.S. Census, the County population has grown substantially but not equitablycountywide. Between 1970-1980, the unincorporated areas of the County saw a substantialamount of growth, and continued to experience high growth rates throughout the next threedecades. However, the 2010 U.S. Census showed that growth within the unincorporated areashas slowed considerably since 2000, while total municipal growth has continued to rise.However, population growth within towns and townships has not been constant across theCounty. Several municipalities such as Greenville and Winterville have experienced substantialpopulation growth, while others have lost population.Since 2000, net migration (new persons) has outpaced natural growth (more births thandeaths). Population density is increasing, racial makeup is becoming more diverse, and themedian age of the population is rising while average household size is decreasing.Population GrowthPitt County ranks number fourteen in population of the 100 counties within the State ofNorth Carolina. The population of the County has grown 86.5% since 1980 – a populationincrease of 78,002 persons in 30 years. Approximately 35% of the population lives withinthe unincorporated area of the County.In 1950, 58% of the County’s population was located within the unincorporated areas.Since that time, the unincorporated population has steadily decreased to just 35% of theoverall County population (Table A-18). Between 1980 and 2000, the unincorporated areasexperienced a 42% growth rate, increasing in population by over 16,000 persons. However,the 2010 U.S. Census showed that the rate of growth within these areas dropped by 14% asthe municipal growth rate increased by nearly the same margin. A significant portion ofpopulation growth between 1980 and 2010 occurred within municipalities, particularly theCity of Greenville, which has increased its population by 136.6% since 1980, as well as theTown of Winterville, which grew by 7,217 persons – a growth rate of 351% over 30 years.Other municipalities within the County either grew little or even lost population during thishigh growth period (Table A-19).2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-33

YearTable A-18Population GrowthIncorporated Versus Unincorporated Areas of Pitt County – 1950-2010TotalPopulationUnincorporatedPopulationPercentUnincorporatedUnincorporatedGrowth RateIncorporatedPopulationIncorporatedGrowth Rate1950 63,789 36,980 58.0% N/A 26,809 N/A1960 69,942 33,479 47.9% -9.5% 36,463 36.0%1970 73,900 31,123 42.1% -7.0% 42,777 17.3%1980 90,146 38,219 42.4% 22.8% 51,927 21.4%1990 108,480 44,341 40.9% 16.0% 64,139 23.5%2000 133,798 54,488 40.7% 22.9% 79,310 23.7%2010 168,148 59,351 35.3% 8.9% 108,797 37.2%Source: 1950 – 2010 U.S. Census.Table A-19Population Growth in Pitt County 1980-20101980 1990 2000 2010% Change1980-1990% Change1990-2000% Change2000-2010% Change1980-2010Pitt County 90,146 108,480 133,798 168,148 20.3% 23.3% 25.7% 86.5%Ayden 4,361 4,883 4,622 4,932 12.0% -5.3% 6.7% 13.1%Bethel 1,825 1,842 1,681 1,577 0.9% -8.7% -6.2% -13.6%Falkland 118 108 112 96 -8.5% 3.7% -14.3% -18.6%Farmville 4,707 4,446 4,302 4,654 -5.5% -3.2% 8.2% -1.1%Fountain 424 445 533 427 5.0% 19.8% -19.9% 0.7%Greenville 35,740 46,305 60,476 84,554 29.6% 30.6% 39.8% 136.6%Grifton 1 1,840 2,140 2,073 2,617 16.3% -3.1% 26.2% 42.2%Grimesland 453 469 440 441 3.5% -6.2% 0.2% -2.6%Simpson 407 432 464 416 6.1% 7.4% -10.3% 2.2%Winterville 2,052 3,069 4,791 9,269 49.6% 56.1% 93.5% 351.7%1 A portion of Grifton is in Lenoir County.Source: 1980-2010 U.S. Census.In the 2010 U.S. Census, the City of Greenville increased by 24,078 persons, and the largestpercentage of population growth occurred in the Town of Winterville – over 93.5%. Severaltownships within the County have shown significant population increases since 1970 as shownin Table A-20.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-34

Table A-20Growth by Township – 1970-2010Township 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010% Growth 1970- 1990% Growth 1990- 2010% Growth 1970- 2010Arthur 1,812 3,058 3,989 4,951 6,050 120.1% 51.7% 233.9%Ayden 5,444 6,156 6,677 6,785 7,525 22.6% 12.7% 38.2%Belvoir 2,376 4,597 6,768 8,389 9,334 184.8% 37.9% 292.8%Bethel 3,103 3,753 3,162 2,854 2,470 1.9% -21.9% -20.4%Carolina 1,925 1,490 1,747 1,854 2,070 -9.2% 18.5% 7.5%Chicod 2,614 3,232 3,680 5,300 6,645 40.8% 80.6% 154.2%Falkland 1,870 1,727 1,605 2,503 3,682 -14.2% 129.4% 96.9%Farmville 6,522 6,602 6,521 6,432 6,703 0.0% 2.8% 2.8%Fountain 1,443 1,369 1,300 1,411 1,356 -9.9% 4.3% -6.0%Greenville 30,486 34,557 37,483 41,436 49,564 23.0% 32.2% 62.6%Grifton 3,552 3,358 4,057 4,355 4,900 14.2% 20.8% 38.0%Grimesland 3,050 4,534 6,404 9,232 11,746 110.0% 83.4% 285.1%Pactolus 3,215 3,451 4,621 5,661 8,154 43.7% 76.5% 153.6%Swift Creek 1,076 1,171 1,252 1,402 1,669 16.4% 33.3% 55.1%Winterville 5,412 11,091 18,658 31,233 46,280 244.8% 148.0% 755.1%Total 73,900 90,146 107,924 130,947 168,148 46.0% 55.8% 127.5%Source: U.S. Census, 1970 – 2010.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-35

General Population CharacteristicsFrom 1980 to 2010, Pitt County has consistently set the pace for population growth in theeight-county region (Table A-21). In this thirty-year period, the population of Pitt Countysoared 86.5% while the total population of North Carolina grew from 6,632,448 persons to9,535,483 persons – an increase of 43.7%.Table A-21Comparison of Population Growth Rates - 1980-2010Pitt County and Selected Counties in the RegionCounty 1980 1990 2000 2010% Change1980-1990% Change1990-2000% Change2000-2010% Change1980-2010Pitt 90,146 108,480 133,798 168,148 20.3% 23.3% 25.7% 86.5%Beaufort 40,355 42,283 44,958 47,759 4.8% 6.3% 6.2% 18.3%Craven 71,043 81,812 91,436 103,505 15.2% 11.8% 13.2% 45.7%Edgecombe 55,988 56,606 56,692 56,552 1.1% 0.2% -0.2% 1.0%Greene 16,117 15,384 18,974 21,362 -4.5% 23.3% 12.6% 32.5%Lenoir 59,819 57,274 59,648 59,495 -4.3% 4.1% -0.3% -0.5%Martin 25,948 25,078 25,593 24,505 -3.4% 2.1% -4.3% -5.6%Wilson 63,132 66,061 73,814 81,234 4.6% 11.7% 10.1% 28.7%Source: 1980-2010 U.S. CensusPlanning ImplicationRapid residential growth has been the catalyst for growing public demands for additionaland improved County services including new schools, additional parks and an improvedtransportation system. Commuting patterns to and from work from outlying rural areasand suburbs have increased the pressure and stress on everyday commuting. However,lack of or slow population growth in certain areas of the County, particularly the Bethel,Fountain, and Falkland townships, indicates that these areas of the County areexperiencing slow economic growth compared to more prosperous areas of the County.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-36

Insert Map A-3 Growth by Townships(Note: All document maps are to be retained in separate large format form until the final draftdocument is complete.)2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-37

Net Migration RatePitt County had a relatively high net migration rate compared to the other counties withinthe region. Only Greene County with a net migration rate of 18.8% between 1990 and2000 exceeded the Pitt County rate of 15.8% net migration. This high net migration rateindicates that the County has been absorbing a tremendous influx of new citizens over thepast twenty years.Table A-22Comparison of Net Migration Rates – April 2000-July 2009Pitt County and Selected Counties in the RegionBirthsDeathsNatural GrowthNetMigration% NetMigrationPitt 19,651 10,063 9,588 15,146 11.3%Beaufort 5,534 4,991 543 1,892 4.2%Craven 14,790 8,204 6,586 2,239 2.4%Edgecombe 7,083 5,597 1,486 -5,782 -10.4%Greene 2,301 1,664 637 1,774 9.4%Lenoir 7,303 6,435 868 -3,295 -5.5%Martin 2,832 2,957 -125 -1,611 -6.3%Wilson 10,072 7,093 2,979 3,212 4.4%North Carolina 1,139,875 684,002 455,873 878,972 10.9%Source: 2009 Certified County Population Estimates – NC State Data CenterPopulation DensityPitt County also has a comparatively high population per square mile density compared tosurrounding counties. The 2010 population density of 260 persons per square mile was thehighest of the eight counties compared.A comparison of population density over the last twenty years shows that Pitt Countydensity has increased 88.4% while that of Edgecombe, Lenoir and Martin Counties hasstayed relatively unchanged or decreased. Wilson County showed the greatest densitygrowth over the thirty-year period with a growth rate of over 217%.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-38

Table A-23Comparison of Population Density Per Square Mile – 1980-2010Pitt County and Selected Counties in the Region1980Population Density(persons per squaremile)1990Population Density(persons per squaremile)2000Population Density(persons per squaremile)2010Population Density(persons per squaremile)Pitt 138 167 205 260Beaufort 49 51 54 58Craven 100 116 129 147Edgecombe 111 112 110 112Greene 61 58 72 80Lenoir 150 143 149 149Martin 56 54 56 53Wilson 70 178 199 222Source: 2010 U.S. Census.Age DistributionComparison of 2010 age distribution data across the eight counties (Table A-24) indicatesthat Pitt County has a relatively high percentage of college-age persons (20 to 24 years –12.8%). In addition, the County has a relatively lower percentage of retirement-agepersons (9.8%) especially compared with Beaufort (18.4%) Lenoir (16.0%) and Martin(17.5%) counties.Planning ImplicationThe percent of the population in the college-age category within Pitt County will continueto be significantly different from that of other counties within the region due to the strongimpact of East Carolina University and Pitt Community College. However, the presence ofcollege-age students has had and will continue to have little impact on land use within theCounty’s planning jurisdiction. Age distribution in the unincorporated areas of Pitt Countyshould remain similar to those of surrounding counties.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-39

Table A-24Comparison of Age Distribution - 2010Pitt County and Selected Counties in the RegionPitt Beaufort Craven Edgecombe Greene Lenoir Martin WilsonNumber Pct Number Pct Number Pct Number Pct Number Pct Number Pct Number Pct Number PctUnder 5 years 11,233 6.7% 2,781 5.8% 7,681 7.4% 3,706 6.6% 1,387 6.5% 3,800 6.4% 1,400 5.7% 5,450 6.7%5 to 9 years 10,401 6.2% 2,995 6.3% 6,503 6.3% 3,769 6.7% 1,362 6.4% 3,802 6.4% 1,467 6.0% 5,482 6.7%10 to 14 years 10,067 6.0% 2,946 6.2% 6,244 6.0% 3,791 6.7% 1,398 6.5% 4,021 6.8% 1,545 6.3% 5,633 6.9%15 to 19 years 15,443 9.2% 2,910 6.1% 6,555 6.3% 4,077 7.2% 1,317 6.2% 4,224 7.1% 1,646 6.7% 5,711 7.0%20 to 24 years 21,567 12.8% 2,288 4.8% 9,727 9.4% 3,459 6.1% 1,323 6.2% 3,243 5.5% 1,251 5.1% 4,882 6.0%25 to 29 years 13,064 7.8% 2,423 5.1% 7,426 7.2% 3,308 5.8% 1,458 6.8% 3,295 5.5% 1,180 4.8% 4,891 6.0%30 to 34 years 11,101 6.6% 2,627 5.5% 6,241 6.0% 3,196 5.7% 1,573 7.4% 3,238 5.4% 1,163 4.7% 4,893 6.0%35 to 39 years 10,456 6.2% 2,804 5.9% 5,762 5.6% 3,228 5.7% 1,546 7.2% 3,427 5.8% 1,369 5.6% 5,067 6.2%40 to 44 years 10,119 6.0% 2,796 5.9% 5,615 5.4% 3,547 6.3% 1,404 6.6% 3,579 6.0% 1,549 6.3% 5,410 6.7%45 to 49 years 10,379 6.2% 3,274 6.9% 6,597 6.4% 4,193 7.4% 1,624 7.6% 4,415 7.4% 1,768 7.2% 5,825 7.2%50 to 54 years 10,527 6.3% 3,659 7.7% 6,988 6.8% 4,357 7.7% 1,673 7.8% 4,727 7.9% 2,092 8.5% 5,890 7.3%55 to 59 years 9,300 5.5% 3,727 7.8% 6,373 6.2% 4,254 7.5% 1,463 6.8% 4,360 7.3% 1,965 8.0% 5,679 7.0%60 to 64 years 7,872 4.7% 3,747 7.8% 5,983 5.8% 3,563 6.3% 1,169 5.5% 3,850 6.5% 1,813 7.4% 4,904 6.0%65 to 69 years 5,371 3.2% 2,993 6.3% 4,929 4.8% 2,570 4.5% 827 3.9% 2,873 4.8% 1,339 5.5% 3,651 4.5%70 to 74 years 3,936 2.3% 2,180 4.6% 3,811 3.7% 1,988 3.5% 657 3.1% 2,303 3.9% 1,078 4.4% 2,848 3.5%75 to 79 years 3,012 1.8% 1,619 3.4% 3,019 2.9% 1,496 2.6% 495 2.3% 1,863 3.1% 828 3.4% 2,044 2.5%80 to 84 years 2,250 1.3% 1,072 2.2% 2,224 2.1% 1,098 1.9% 363 1.7% 1,392 2.3% 577 2.4% 1,587 2.0%85+ years 2,050 1.2% 918 1.9% 1,827 1.8% 952 1.7% 323 1.5% 1,083 1.8% 475 1.9% 1,387 1.7%Total 168,148 100% 47,759 100% 103,505 100% 56,552 100% 21,362 100% 59,495 100% 24,505 100% 81,234 100%Source: 2010 U.S. Census.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-40

Median AgeMedian age has continued to increase for all eight counties and for the State through theyear 2010. This follows a national trend related to the aging of the “baby boom” segmentof the population. It is worthy to note that the median age for Pitt County will remainsignificantly below that of most of the counties within the region and the State, againreflecting the influence of East Carolina University.Planning ImplicationThe median population age will likely continue to increase in line with other counties in theState over the next twenty years. It is anticipated that the aging population will demandspecialized services to meet retirement needs including independent and assisted livingfacilities, high quality health care, and both passive and active recreational opportunities.Table A-25Comparison of Median Age – 1990-2010Pitt County and Selected Counties in the RegionMedian Age In YearsCounty 1990 2000 2010Pitt 29.2 30.4 31.0Beaufort 35.7 40.2 43.8Craven 30.2 34.4 36.2Edgecombe 32.6 36.2 39.6Greene 33.5 35.5 37.7Lenoir 34.6 38.1 41.0Martin 34.6 38.7 44.0Wilson 33.7 36.2 38.7North Carolina 32.9 35.3 37.4United States 32.8 35.9 36.8*Source: 1990-2010 U.S. Census* 2009 American Community Survey Estimate2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-41

Population by RacePitt County is becoming home to a more racially diverse population. In the 2010 U.S.Census 58.9% of the population was classified as white compared to 62.1% in the 2000 U.S.Census. The percentage of Black or African American heritage population rose slightlyfrom 33.6% in 2000 to 34.1% in 2010, while the percentage of all other races grew from4.3% in 2000 to 7.0% in 2010.Table A-26Population by Race in Pitt County 1990-2010Race 1990 Percent 2000 Percent 2010 PercentWhite70,643 65.5% 83,061 62.1% 99,075 58.9%Black/African AmericanAmerican Indian/Alaska NativeAsian/Pacific Islander/NativeHawaiianOther RacesTotal35,921 33.3% 45,019 33.6% 57,257 34.1%214 0.2% 357 0.3% 582 0.3%709 0.7% 1,500 1.1% 2,710 1.6%437 0.4% 3,861 2.9% 8,524 5.1%107,924 100.0% 133,798 100.0% 168,148 100.0%Source: 1990-2010 U.S. Census.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-42

2009 American Community SurveyThe American Community Survey (ACS) is a nationwide survey designed to collect informationsuch as age, race, income, commute time to work, home value, veteran status, and otherimportant information. The ACS collects and produces population data every year instead ofevery ten years. This means of data collection provides up-to-date information throughout thedecade about the U.S. population at the local community level. The ACS produces one-yearestimates annually for geographic areas with a population of 65,000 or more, and three-yearestimates annually for geographic areas with a population of 20,000 or more.Average Household SizeThe average household size in Pitt County (2.29 persons) is smaller than the State andNational average household sizes. Average renter-occupied household sizes across theCounty are considerably smaller (2.10 persons) than are owner-occupied households (2.47persons).Table A-27Average Household Size in Pitt County - 2009TotalOwnerOccupantsRenterOccupantsPitt County 2.29 2.47 2.10North Carolina 2.49 2.56 2.36United States 2.63 2.71 2.48Source: 2009 American Community Survey.Housing by Structure TypeA comparison of housing by structure type indicates that Pitt County has a relatively highpercentage of multi-family units (28.7%). This percentage is heavily influenced by thepresence of college student populations that have little affect on land use within theCounty planning jurisdiction. The majority of the County’s population (57.5%) resides insingle-family detached dwellings or manufactured homes.Planning ImplicationLower income levels and larger families in certain portions of the unincorporated areas ofthe County indicate continued reliance on manufactured homes over more expensive sitebuiltor modular homes. Rural lifestyles have traditionally favored owner-occupied overrenter-occupied housing. As noted earlier, multi-family development to meet housingneeds of low and moderate-income families is not likely to be attracted to the County’splanning jurisdiction.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-43

Type of StructureSingle-FamilyTable A-28Housing By Structure Type in Pitt County - 2009Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied TotalNumber % Number % Number %1 Unit Detached 25,221 72.8% 5,312 16.5% 30,533 45.7%1 Unit Attached 1,730 5.0% 824 2.6% 2,554 3.8%Multi-Family2 Units 395 1.1% 4,627 14.4% 5,022 7.5%3-4 Units 0 0.0% 1,658 5.2% 1,658 2.5%5 or more Units 1,894 5.5% 17,253 53.6% 19,147 28.7%Manufactured Home 5,414 15.6% 2,485 7.7% 7,899 11.8%Other 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%Total Units 34,654 100.0% 32,159 100.0% 66,813 100.0%Source: 2009 American Community Survey.Owner-Occupied Versus Renter-Occupied Dwelling UnitsThe percent of owner-occupied versus renter-occupied dwelling units for the County arevery similar (Table A-29). It should be noted that the percentage of 1-person renteroccupiedhousing within Pitt County as a whole (37.7%) is significantly influenced by thepresence of college-age students.Planning ImplicationOwner-occupied and renter-occupied housing needs are relatively consistent across theCounty. However, the demand for low and moderate-income renter-occupied housingwithin the unincorporated areas is much more likely to be met by manufactured homeunits than by multi-family development.There is a need for land use regulations that permit a variety of housing structure types.Permitting both site-built and manufactured homes can promote home ownership,which is a key component to building wealth in low wealth areas.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-44

Table A-29Housing Occupancy by Household Size - 2009Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied TotalUnits Number % Number % Number %1 Person 8,934 25.8% 12,128 37.7% 21,062 31.5%2 Persons 11,881 34.3% 9,633 30.0% 21,514 32.2%3 Persons 6,368 18.4% 6,523 20.3% 12,891 19.3%4 Persons 4,887 14.1% 2,529 7.9% 7,416 11.1%5 Persons 1,577 4.6% 1,187 3.7% 2,764 4.1%6 Persons 582 1.7% 111 0.3% 693 1.0%7 or more 425 1.2% 48 0.1% 473 0.7%Total 34,654 100.0% 32,159 100.0% 66,813 100.0%Source: 2009 American Community Survey.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-45

Current Land Use Policies and OrdinancesPitt County has the statutory authority to plan for growth and development including thepower to make studies of the county, to determine growth objectives, to prepare and adoptplans for achieving those objectives and to develop policies, ordinances, and the administrativemeans to implement plans. The Board of Commissioners has created and appointed a PlanningBoard to serve as an advisory body on planning matters.The Planning Department guides long-range development and addresses land use issues inPitt County, including the preparation of land use plans and the administration of land useregulations. Pitt County has used its regulatory power to adopt and implement policies,programs and ordinances to guide land use and development. These ordinances establishdevelopment regulations for different types of land development including both subdividedand non-subdivided land uses. Pitt County provides planning assistance to severalmunicipalities within the County as noted in the descriptions that follow.Planning Policies• 2002 Comprehensive Land Use Plan• 2010 Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation PlanPlanning Ordinances and Regulations• Addressing Ordinance• Adult Business Ordinance• Building Code Ordinance• Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance• Manufactured Home Park Ordinance• Outdoor Advertising Signs• Riparian Buffer Protection Ordinance• Shooting Range Regulations• Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance• Stormwater Management Ordinance• Subdivision Ordinance• Water Supply Watershed Protection Ordinance• Zoning OrdinanceMunicipal Ordinances Administered by Pitt County• Town of Falkland Zoning Ordinance• Town of Grimesland Zoning Ordinance2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-46

Planning Policies2002 Comprehensive Land Use PlanIn 2002, Pitt County completed a major update to its Comprehensive Land Use Plan whichwas first adopted in 1990. The purpose of the Plan was to outline long-range growth anddevelopment policies for the planning and zoning jurisdiction of the County including thoseareas outside of municipal corporate limits and extraterritorial planning jurisdictions. The2002 Comprehensive Land Use Plan included a Future Land Use Map, which projectedappropriate areas for future growth and development.2010 Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation PlanThe 2010 Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan was the second update to the PittCounty Hazard Mitigation Plan which was first adopted in December 2000 and updated in2004. As part of the latest update, the Towns of Ayden, Falkland, Fountain, Grifton, andthe Village of Simpson joined Pitt County and the Towns of Bethel, Farmville, Grimesland,and Winterville as plan participants. The plan considers and evaluates the potential impactof thirteen natural hazards that could occur in North Carolina. The plan includes mitigationstrategies that the County can implement to reduce vulnerability to natural hazards and tospeed recovery and redevelopment following natural hazard events. This collaborative,multi-jurisdictional approach has resulted in a more comprehensive, countywide approachto hazard mitigation planning.Planning Ordinances and RegulationsAddressing OrdinanceThe Pitt County Addressing Ordinance was established to ensure that emergency servicescould be dispatched quickly and accurately when needed. To ensure this purpose, theordinance provides for a logical addressing system that includes an official process bywhich roads are named and signed and property addresses are assigned. The ordinancealso requires that addresses be displayed such that each structure can be easily, legibly anduniquely identified from the road right-of-way. Pitt County provides addressing servicesfor all areas within the County with the exception of the City of Greenville.Adult Business OrdinanceIn 2002, Pitt County adopted an ordinance to regulate adult establishments and sexuallyorientedbusinesses. The purpose of the ordinance was to prevent harmful secondaryimpacts such as neighborhood blight, increases in crime and decreases in property values.The ordinance establishes licensing requirements for the operators of such establishmentsas well as minimum separation distances from specific uses such as residences, churches,schools, etc. The ordinance also requires a minimum separation distance from other adultestablishments in order to prevent an over concentration of such businesses in one area.The ordinance is enforced only within the County planning jurisdiction.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-47

Building Code Enforcement OrdinanceIn 1981, Pitt County adopted a local building code enforcement ordinance thatincorporated the North Carolina State Building Code. The ordinance provides that anyrevisions, amendments, or additions to the state code are automatically included in the PittCounty ordinance. The State of North Carolina currently uses the 2009 International Codefor all state building codes.The County enforces the building code within the unincorporated areas of the County andalso has the authority to enforce the code in any municipality, which requests by resolutionthat the County do so. Currently, Pitt County enforces the building code within allmunicipal planning jurisdictions within the County except for the City of Greenville and theTown of Farmville.Flood Damage Prevention OrdinanceNorth Carolina General Statutes empower counties to regulate designated floodways forthe purpose of controlling and minimizing the extent of floods by preventing obstructionswhich inhibit water flow and increase flood height and damage and other losses (bothpublic and private) in flood hazard areas, and to promote the public health, safety andwelfare of citizens of North Carolina in flood hazard areas. Following Hurricane Floyd, onrecommendation from FEMA, the interpretation of elevation of lowest floor of a structurewas expanded to include all mechanical systems, i.e., heating, ventilation and airconditioning systems, and electrical and plumbing systems.The Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance (FDPO) regulates development withinfloodplains by providing for issuance of development permits for construction, and forperiodic inspections to ensure compliance with the permit. The ordinance also providesthe authority to issue stop work orders until problems are resolved or corrective actionshave been taken, and for revocation of permits in extreme cases.Pitt County enforces the FDPO for the unincorporated areas of the County, and within allmunicipal planning jurisdictions except for the City of Greenville and the Town of Farmville.Manufactured Home Park OrdinancePitt County initially adopted a Mobile Home Park Ordinance in 1972. This ordinance wasenforced without any major revisions for over 25 years. On February 1, 1998, a newManufactured Home Park Ordinance was adopted to provide for more orderly growth anddevelopment of parks. The 1998 ordinance set new standards for development byestablishing minimum space size requirements for individual spaces, review fees, improveddesign and construction standards, and construction plan submittal requirements. Theordinance is enforced only within the County planning jurisdiction.Outdoor Advertising Signs OrdinanceThe Outdoor Advertising Signs Ordinance was adopted in 1988 to preserve and improvethe roadside appearance along highways in unincorporated areas of the County. Theordinance prohibits outdoor advertising signs on freeways and controls outdoor advertisingsigns on all other highways. The regulations are intended to minimize visual distractions to2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-48

motorists, maintain roadside views of the rural countryside to enhance the attractivenessof the area for residents and visitors, protect property values, protect the public investmentin highways and promote the overall economic welfare of the County. The ordinance setsstandards for construction and maintenance of signs including height, size, setbacks andspacing between signs. The ordinance also provides for the maintenance ofnonconforming existing signs for the reasonable life of the sign. This ordinance is enforcedonly within the County planning jurisdiction.Pitt County Zoning OrdinanceIn August 2003, Pitt County adopted its first countywide zoning ordinance, which becameeffective on November 3, 2003. The zoning ordinance regulates development of all landwithin the County by establishing zoning districts, permitted uses, standard lot sizes andbuilding setbacks. This ordinance is enforced only within the County Planning jurisdiction.Riparian Buffer Protection OrdinanceIn 2007, Pitt County was granted authority by the Division of Water Quality to locallyenforce riparian buffer regulations. The Riparian Buffer Protection Ordinance requiresbuffers for intermittent or perennial streams, lakes, ponds, and estuarine waters that areshown on the most recent version of either the Pitt County Soil Survey or USGStopographic map, and that exist on the ground. These rules require protection andmaintenance up to 50 feet of the riparian area along the banks of waterways in both theNeuse and Tar-Pamlico basins. Riparian buffer regulations are currently enforced withinthe County planning jurisdiction and the Town of Winterville.Shooting Range RegulationsPitt County adopted Shooting Range Regulations in 1992 to regulate the establishmentand operation of outdoor shooting range facilities. At that time, the County noted thatnoise and public safety concerns warranted careful review of such recreational and trainingcomplexes to minimize adverse effects on adjoining properties. The regulations setstandards for the permitting, registration and compliance of new shooting range facilitiesincluding performance standards, development requirements, operational requirementsand a procedure for securing approval. Existing shooting ranges were given one year tocome into compliance with the new regulations. The County enforces these regulationsonly within the County planning jurisdiction.Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control OrdinanceThe purpose of the Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance (SESC) is to regulateland-disturbing activities to control accelerated erosion of soil and loss of sediment.Controlling erosion and sedimentation reduces the loss of valuable topsoil and reduces thelikelihood of water pollution and damage to watercourses.In 2000, the Pitt County Board of Commissioners amended the County’s Soil Erosion andSedimentation Control Ordinance (SESC) to incorporate revisions to reduce soil erosion.Revisions to the SESC included a reduction in the amount of time that disturbed soil areascan be exposed to erosion, the imposition of new civil penalty assessments for violations,2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-49

the establishment of new compliant activities for disturbances greater than one acre, andpermit fee increases to offset administrative costs.In addition to the County’s planning jurisdiction, Pitt County enforces the SESC Ordinancewithin the Towns of Ayden, Falkland, Grimesland, and Winterville, and the Village ofSimpson.Stormwater Management OrdinanceThe Stormwater Ordinance, which became effective in October 2004, sets standards forstormwater management. The ordinance seeks to achieve a 30% reduction, relative to predevelopmentlevels, in nitrogen loading and to limit phosphorus loading to predevelopmentlevels. The ordinance also requires control of peak stormwater flows toensure that nutrient processing functions of existing riparian buffers and streams are notcompromised by channel erosion associated with new development. In general, theordinance applies to any development greater than one acre in size.Subdivision OrdinanceSubdivision regulations control the division of land into parcels for the purpose of buildingdevelopment or sale. The regulations require that subdivision plans be approved prior tothe sale of land. Subdivision regulations are a more limited tool than zoning and onlyindirectly affect the type of use made of land or minimum specifications for structures.The Subdivision Ordinance provides for orderly growth and development by settingstandards for street construction, interconnecting street systems, and for otherimprovements that ensure the appropriate design and layout of new development. Theseregulations also serve to protect natural features and resources by not allowing or reducingdevelopment within sensitive environmental areas. Pitt County subdivision regulations arecurrently enforced within the County planning jurisdiction, the Towns of Falkland andGrimesland, and the Village of Simpson.Water Supply Watershed Protection OrdinanceThe Water Supply Watershed Act of 1989 instituted a statewide program to protectdrinking water supply watersheds from inappropriate development. The intent of theprogram was to protect the quality of surface water supplies from non-point sourcepollution, and to minimize stormwater runoff by regulating development densities and theamount of built-upon area within the critical and protected areas of affected watersheds.The ordinance applies within the areas designated by the North Carolina EnvironmentalManagement Commission as the critical or protected area of a surface water supplywatershed and as shown on the official watershed map for Pitt County. The Tar RiverWatershed, generally located in the northwest quadrant of the County, has been classifiedas WS-IV. The ordinance provides for the continuation of existing uses and thereconstruction of buildings and built-upon areas, and prohibits specific uses such as landfillsand storage of toxic and hazardous materials within critical and protected areas. Theordinance also establishes development restrictions for different types of streets systems(with and without curb and gutter).2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-50

The County enforces the ordinance within the unincorporated areas of the County and alsohas the authority to enforce the code in any municipality, which requests by resolution thatthe County do so. Currently, Pitt County enforces the water supply watershed protectionordinance within the County planning jurisdiction and the planning jurisdiction of the Townof Falkland.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-51

OrdinanceTable A-30Pitt County Ordinance Enforcement – April 2011JurisdictionPittCounty Ayden Bethel Falkland Farmville Fountain Greenville Grifton Grimesland Simpson WintervilleAddressing X X X X X X X X X XAdult Business XBuilding Code X X X X X X X X XFlood Damage Prevention X X X X X X X X XManufactured Home Park XOutdoor Advertising Signs XPitt County ZoningOrdinanceXRiparian Buffer Protection X XShooting Range XSoil Erosion andSedimentation ControlX X X X X XStormwater Management XSubdivision X X X XWater Supply Watershed X XX – Enforcement of ordinance in place.Source: Pitt County Planning Department, April 2011.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-52

Existing Land Use (Map A-4)As of July 2011, the Comprehensive Land Use Plan planning area consisted of 289,707 acres(453 square miles). (The planning area is defined as that area outside of municipal corporatelimits and extraterritorial jurisdictions (ETJs) and excluding the Northwest Planning Area that iscovered under a separate land use plan document.).Table A-31Pitt County Comprehensive Land Use StatisticsCategorySize/NumberComprehensive Land Use Plan Planning Area289,707 Acres(excluding Municipal Planning Areas)(453 sq. mi.)90,856 AcresMunicipal Planning Areas (corporate limits + ETJs)(142 sq. mi.)Planning Area StatisticsNumber of Parcels +/-15,000Number of Structures 20,378Source: Pitt County Planning Department, July 2011.The existing land use survey was conducted in 2010, and identified 17,383 residential structureswithin the planning area, of which 9,473 (54.5%) were site-built structures, and 7,843 (45.1%)were manufactured homes (Table A-32). The existing land use survey identified 813 nonresidentialstructures and 2,182 vacant or unknown structures within the planning area.The existing land use survey also revealed that 291,095 acres or 90.75% of the planning area isundeveloped/agricultural with only 6.1% of the planning area classified as developed (Table A-33). Non-residential land uses included commercial, industrial, institutional, andgovernment/utilities. Agricultural uses within the planning area consisted of row crops,intensive livestock operations, forestry and lumber production. Industrial uses includedsand/gravel pits, and salvage yards.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-53

ResidentialStructure TypeTable A-32Existing StructuresNumberPercent of TotalStructuresSite-built Homes 9,473 46.49%Manufactured Homes 7,843 38.49%Two-family Dwellings (Duplex)Multi-family Dwellings 67 0.33%Non-Residential** 813 3.99%Unknown/Vacant* 2,182 10.71%Total Units 20,378 100.00%Source: Pitt County Planning Department, July 2011.Table A-33Existing Land UseLand Use Acreage Sq. Miles PercentAgricultural/Undeveloped 291,094.98 455.41 90.75%Residential 22,499.54 35.74 7.12%Commercial 659.28 1.04 0.21%Industrial 2,241.99 3.22 0.64%Institutional 617.07 0.97 0.19%Recreational 726.39 0.53 0.11%Government/Utility 3,142.83 4.90 0.98%Total 320,982.07 501.81 100.00%Source: Pitt County Planning Department, July 2011.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-54

Insert Map A-4 Existing Land Use(Note: All document maps are to be retained in separate large format form until the final draftdocument is complete.)2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-55

Physical Conditions (Map A-5)The provision of or lack of public infrastructure has a tremendous impact on the pattern of landuse and development. In fact, there is probably no other single public expenditure thatinfluences growth and development as much as the infusion of public money into theextension or improvement of public infrastructure. Pitt County already has a significantinvestment in public infrastructure but where the County chooses to invest more public moneyin the future will have tremendous influence on where and when development occurs.TransportationThe County is a participating member of the Greenville Urban Area Metropolitan PlanningOrganization (MPO). The Greenville Urban Area encompasses the City of Greenville, the Townof Winterville, the Town of Ayden, the Village of Simpson and portions of unincorporated PittCounty. With citizen input, the MPO is responsible for developing a transportation priority listto promote projects and programs with the North Carolina Department of Transportation(NCDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). In December 2004, the MPOdeveloped the Greenville Urban Area Thoroughfare Plan which was adopted by the NorthCarolina Board of Transportation in February 2005. This plan combines the thoroughfare plansof Greenville, Winterville, Ayden and the urban portions of Pitt County (including Simpson)into one metropolitan area plan and updates the thoroughfare planning horizon to the year2025.In February 2002, Pitt County joined with Beaufort County and Martin County to form the Mid-East Rural Planning Organization (RPO). RPOs are intended to provide a cooperative unifiedvoice for rural entities to request projects and the funding needed for local and regionaltransportation projects. The RPO functions as a counterpart to the Greenville Urban AreaMPO.The adequacy of the transportation infrastructure is a key determinant in economicdevelopment and in quality of life. Providing transportation routes and options will promoteeconomic investment while inadequate infrastructure will slow economic growth. Inadequatehighway capacities also result in loss of economic productivity and lead to driver frustrationover long commuting times.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-56

NC Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)The preparation of the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is a multi-year process.Every two years, the State updates the TIP which prioritizes major transportation projects forconstruction. Local communities are given the opportunity to present local transportationpriorities to the State for funding consideration. Each community creates a list of needs withinthe following categories: highway improvements, safety improvements, bridgereplacements/improvements, rail, enhancements to bicycle and pedestrian facilities, publictransportation, and aviation. Based on funds available, these projects may be scheduled forplanning, design, right-of-way acquisition or construction within the seven-year fundingschedule or a project may be listed as an unfunded need. The 2009-2015 TIP for major roadprojects in Pitt County is shown in Table A-34.Table A-34Major Road Projects – 2009-2015 Transportation Improvement ProgramTIP# Route/City DescriptionConstructionStart DateR-2250 NC 11-903 Greenville Southwest Bypass, NC 11 to US 264 GreenvilleBypass. Four-lane divided facility on new location with abypass of Winterville. (12.2 miles)R-3308 US 258 Crescent Road in Kinston in Lenoir County to US 64 atTarboro in Edgecombe County. Multi-lanes on newlocation. (48.8 miles)R-3407 NC 33 US 264 Bypass in Greenville to US 64 southeast of Tarboro.Widen roadway to a multi-lane facility. (17.9 miles)R-4749 NC 43 Edgecombe County line to US 13-NC 11. Add two footpaved shoulders, turn lanes, milling, and shoulderreconstruction. (2.4 miles)U-2817 Greenville SR 1700 (Evans Street and Old Tar Road), SR 1711 (MainStreet) in Winterville to US 264A (Greenville Boulevard).Widen to a multi-lane facility. (3.8 miles)U-3315 Greenville Stantonsburg Road/Tenth Street Connector, MemorialDrive to SR 1702 (Evans Street). Multi-lanes, some newlocation with grade separation at CSX Transportationsystem. (1.2 miles)U-3839 Greenville Fourteenth Street, railroad grade separation at CSXTransportation crossing 641 614E.U-3430 Greenville US 264-NC 33 Connector. Four-lane divided freeway onnew location with bridge over Tar River. (2.9 miles)U-3613 Greenville SR 1708 (Fire Tower Road), SR 1128 (Davenport FarmRoad) to east of SR 1709 (Corey Road). Widen to a fivelanefacility, some new location. (4.2 miles)U-5006 Greenville Fire Tower Road extension, SR 1127 (Frog Level Road) toNC 11-903. Construct multi-lane facility, part on newlocation.U-5018 Greenville NC 43, US 264 to US 13-NC 11 (Memorial Drive). Widen toa four-lane divided facility.Source: NC Department of Transportation.UnfundedUnfundedUnfundedUnder ConstructionUnfundedFY 2013UnfundedUnfundedUnfundedUnfundedUnder Construction2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-57

Pitt County Transportation Improvement Priority Projects for 2011-2017 TIPIn 2009, Pitt County submitted a list of transportation needs to the State for consideration forfunding for the 2011-2017 Transportation Improvement Program. Those needs which arelocated outside or partially outside the Greenville Metropolitan Planning Area are outlinedbelow.Highway Improvements:1. Southwest Bypass (US 264) (R-2250)The Southwest Bypass will go from US 264 west of Greenville to NC 11 south ofWinterville. The Bypass is proposed as a four-lane divided highway with controlledaccess from US 264 near the Pitt County Memorial Hospital to existing NC 11/MemorialDrive south of Winterville. The Bypass will provide more direct access to Pitt CountyMemorial Hospital and reduce traffic congestion along NC 11/Memorial Drive. TheBypass will also improve north-south access to the Global TransPark in Kinston.2. Northeast Bypass including US 264/NC 33 Connector (U-3430)Construct connector on new location with bridge over the Tar River. This proposedfour-lane facility would have an approximate bridge length of 500 feet providing a fifthriver crossing within the Greenville Urban Area and the only crossing betweenGreenville Boulevard and the Town of Grimesland improving access from northeasternto southeastern Pitt County. The route will become increasingly more important asresidential development continues. The route will also provide an additional access tothe Industrial Park and reduce congestion at the NC 33 - Greenville Boulevardintersection.3. NC 33 West (R-3407)Widen roadway to a multi-lane facility from US 264 in Greenville to US 64 southeast ofTarboro (20.5 miles). NC 33 serves as a major transportation corridor between cities ofGreenville and Tarboro and as an alternative connection to I-95.4. Ivy Road (SR 2241), Tucker Road (SR 1759), and Ayden Golf Club Road (SR 1723)Widen roadways to meet tolerable lane width requirements including straightening andrealigning intersections. Improvements would allow these roads to serve as a corridorconnecting NC 102, NC 43 South, and NC 33 East, and would facilitate mobility betweenseveral highly populated areas of the County.Highway Spot Safety Improvements:1. D.H. Conley High School Safety ImprovementsImprovement safety on SR 1711 (Worthington Road) in front of D.H. Conley HighSchool.2. Forlines Road/Frog Level RoadImprove safety and capacity at the intersection of SR 1126 (Forlines Road) and SR 1127(Frog Level Road)2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-58

3. NC 43/Ivy RoadImprove safety and capacity at the intersection of NC 43 South and SR 2241 (Ivy Road)Pitt County Comprehensive Transportation Plan (2005)In 2005, Pitt County developed the Pitt County Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) incooperation with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). The CTPreplaced the 1993 Thoroughfare Plan, and recommends improvements that are needed toprovide an efficient transportation system during the 2005-2030 planning period. The planserves as an official guide to providing a well-coordinated, efficient, and economicaltransportation system utilizing all modes of transportation. The plan was unanimouslyapproved by the Board of Commissioners in October 2005, and subsequently received finalendorsements from the Mid-East RPO and NCDOT.Plan Recommendations:1. US 264 EastUpgrade US 264 from an Expressway to a Freeway. US 264 is designated by NCDOT asa Strategic Highway Corridor, and upgrading the facility to a Freeway will improveintrastate travel and access from the central part of the State to the coastal area.2. US 13/NC 11Upgrade US 13/NC 11 from a Boulevard to a Freeway. US 13/NC 11 is designated as aStrategic Highway Corridor and upgrading the facility will improve intrastate travel andaccess from I-40 to Virginia.3. NC 33Widen NC 33 to a 4-lane facility. NC 33 is classified as a Major Thoroughfare, andimprovement to a multi-lane facility will provide relief from future congestion andprovide a safer and more efficient roadway connection to US 17.4. NC 43Widen NC 43 to a 4-lane facility. NC 43 is classified as an Other Major Thoroughfare,and improvement to a multi-lane facility will provide relief from future congestion andprovide a safer and more efficient roadway.5. NC 903 EastImprove NC 903 to current roadway standards by realigning the existing left turn laneon the eastern side of NC 30. NC 903 is classified as an Other Major Thoroughfare, andimprovement will provide relief from growing congestion and provide a safer and moreefficient roadway.6. Widening Projects: NC 30, NC 118, NC 222, NC 102, NC 121, SR 1565 (Grimesland BridgeRoad)2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-59

Facilities have been identified as having travel lanes less than 12-feet wide. As travelvolumes increase on these roadways, it may be necessary to widen these facilities to12-feet wide lanes.7. Access ManagementThe CTP recommends adopting an access management policy that promotesdevelopment design that adequately manages accesses and reduces congestion levelson roads. The recommendation cites the County’s growth rate and limited amount offunding available to improve existing roadways.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-60

Bus and Mass Transit ServicesThe Greenville Urban Area MPO is currently conducting a Regional Transit Study to examinehow best to coordinate the services of public transportation providers including GreenvilleArea Transit (GREAT), Pitt County Pitt Area Transit Services (PATS), the East CarolinaUniversity Student Transportation System, and Pitt County Memorial Hospital bus system.Public TransportationThe City of Greenville mass transit bus system (GREAT) operates within the city.Greyhound provides daily inter-city bus service. Charter bus services and taxicabs are alsoavailable within Greenville.PATS is available primarily to persons referred for special transportation assistance byeither the Department of Social Services, the Council on Aging or Vocational RehabilitationServices. This service operates across the entire County providing transportation tomedical appointments, to school, and to Pitt Community College for qualified individuals.PATS currently maintains a fleet of 26 vehicles and provides more than 66,700 trips andover 500,000 miles of service each year.RailThe County has two major railroads – CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern Railway –as well as a local shortline railroad – Carolina Coastal Railway – providing freight rail serviceseven days a week. CSX bisects the County running north-south through Bethel,Greenville, Winterville, Ayden and Grifton. CSX provides rail transportation anddistribution services over 22,000 route miles in 23 states in the east, midwest, and south,the District of Columbia, and Ontario and Montreal, Canada. Direct shipments can behandled from Greenville to Miami, New Orleans, Memphis, St. Louis, Chicago, Detroit,Toronto, Buffalo, Montreal, and points in between without leaving the CSX system.Norfolk Southern Railway runs east-west serving Grimesland, Greenville and Farmville.Norfolk Southern Railway’s lines extend over 21,200 miles in twenty-two eastern US states,the District of Columbia, and Canada. Rail freight service is available between Greenvilleand many major cities including New Orleans, Birmingham, Memphis, Buffalo, Detroit,Chicago, St. Louis and Kansas City.Carolina Coastal Railway (CLNA) operates a 142-mile line from Raleigh to Plymouth, NCand a 17-mile line between Belhaven and Pinetown, NC. The lines are leased from Norfolk-Southern. Connections are made at Raleigh and Chocowinity to the East Carolina BusinessUnit of Norfolk Southern Railway, at Wilson and Greenville to CSX Transportation, and atBelhaven to a barge facility. In addition, CLNA provides the switching services at the Portof Morehead City, NC.The CSX and Norfolk Southern rail systems operate trains seven days a week and providedaily switching. The rail systems currently interconnect in Greenville. CSX operates apublic siding track for loading and unloading of rail cars. The siding can accommodate upto 10 cars and is located in Greenville. Due to traffic congestion that occurs during loadingand unloading, this siding is proposed for relocation to an area north of the City ofGreenville.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-61

The 2009-10 list of Transportation Improvement Priorities requests a feasibility/planningstudy for passenger rail service from Greenville to Raleigh. The 2009 North Carolina RailPlan indicates an anticipated need for intercity passenger service between Greenville andRaleigh by the year 2050.AviationPitt-Greenville Airport (PGV) is located on 890 acres along a four-lane section of NC 11.PGV is centrally located within Pitt County just ten minutes northwest of downtownGreenville and adjacent to the Greenville Industrial Park.The airport has three runways the longest of which is 6,500 feet in length. Navigationalaids are in place to allow night and inclement weather landings. The airport has dailyconnecting flights to Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, North Carolina.Air cargo service is provided by several air freight carriers including FedEx, USAir, and DHL.PGV has recently completed an expansion to the passenger terminal, and has seen asignificant increase in passenger enplanements in the last decade. In 2010, PGV servedover 127,000 total passengers – a growth of 48% over the level of service in 2000. PGVairport flight paths affect portions of the County planning jurisdiction.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-62

Parks and RecreationThe availability of parks and recreation sites and programs is essential to maintaining a highquality of life for County residents. The County recognizes that the recreation facilities mustbe improved and expanded to meet the growing community needs for recreational activities.Pitt County Community Schools and RecreationPitt County Community Schools and Recreation was created in 1977 in order to maximizeutilization of school facilities, to encourage greater citizen involvement with the schools,and to develop recreation programs and activities for citizens of all ages. The CommunitySchools is the primary provider of recreational opportunities within the County andcoordinates the use of facilities in thirty-six schools. The program provides for greatercitizen involvement through volunteerism; plans, implements, and coordinates recreationprograms for citizens of all ages; works cooperatively with agencies and organizationsthroughout Pitt County and North Carolina; coordinates an After-School Program in twelveelementary schools; and works collaboratively with schools and communities to developschool parks across the county.Participation in recreation programs has been growing along with the population. In 2000participants in three major programs – basketball, soccer and summer recreation – totaled3,060 – a 43% increase over the 1997 count of 2,140 participants. In this same time period,public use of facilities increased from 21,140 hours to 26,034 hours – a 23% increase. TheCity of Greenville and the towns of Ayden, Farmville, and Winterville also operate parksand recreation programs.Alice F. Keene District ParkAlice F. Keene District Park is the first district park in Pitt County. In order to construct thepark, the County received two major grants: $500,000 from the North Carolina Parks andRecreation Trust Fund; and $250,000 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Thesetwo grants were matched by $250,000 from the Board of County Commissioners. The parkwas developed on 23 acres of land located behind the Pitt County Recreation Center.Phase I of the park included a lighted softball field, four multi-purpose fields for soccer, flagfootball and lacrosse, a 1/4-mile walking trail, concession/bathroom building and parkingarea. Future phases include additional sports fields, playgrounds, outdoor basketballcourts, lawn games, extended walking trails, exercise stations, and nature areas.Phase II plans include a gymnasium/arena. This facility will be located adjacent to theRecreation Center and will include a competition size basketball court, a walking track,locker rooms, storage and two small offices.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-63

Figure EAlice F. Keene District ParkSource: Pitt County Community SchoolsPitt County Community GardenThe Pitt County Community Garden is located adjacent to the Alice F. Keene District Park.The garden contains 80 plots which provide Pitt County residents an opportunity to growtheir own vegetables. The goal of the garden is to encourage citizens to increase theirphysical activity and make healthy food choices. The garden also supports the nutritionalneeds of others by contributing surplus produce to local food banks or soup kitchens.Coastal Carolina TrailPitt County is a member of the 3-county Coastal Carolina Trail Committee, which hasdeveloped a master plan and feasibility study for the development of a 30-mile recreationaltrail along an abandoned rail corridor. The Coastal Carolina Trail project follows the formerrights-of-way of the historic Wilmington & Weldon Railroad from the City of Washington inBeaufort County, through Pactolus and Stokes in northeastern Pitt County and on throughParmele to Oak City in Martin County. Goals of the Coastal Carolina Trail project includeproviding:• A recreational trail in a region where none exists;• Access to nature and outdoor activities;• A heritage tourism resource targeting hikers, bicyclists and equestrian users;• An opportunity for nature study and cultural education for school children andpeople of all ages;• A linkage with the NC Department of Transportation bicycle routes and thus to theNC Mountains to the Sea Trail;• Alternative connections between rural and urban communities along the line;• For preservation of the rail corridor for future transportation or other uses.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-64

Pitt County Greenway PlanThe Pitt County Greenway Plan is intended to serve as a guide for the establishment of acountywide network of greenways and trails. It also supports County efforts to achieveother goals in maintaining the natural environment, wetland preservation, and floodplainprotection in the County. The plan will also help to link people to the County’s natural,recreational, cultural and commercial resources by connecting the waterways, open spacesand sensitive areas of the county with the existing recreation and greenway plans ofregional and local governments and organizations, such as the 2004 Greenville GreenwayPlan.The plan is the first greenway plan for Pitt County and it recommends the consideration ofapproximately 215 linear miles of greenway network primarily along some of the major,critical streams and rivers in the County. The proposed greenways in the plan consist ofapproximately 155 linear miles within unincorporated areas of the County, approximately45 linear miles within the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) of county municipalities, and anadditional 14 linear miles within city limits of county municipalities. Approximately fiftyfivepercent (117 miles) of the proposed greenways would be designated primarily asrecreation with the remainder intended to serve as conservation corridors or sidewalkconnectors in urban areas.An important aspect of the plan is the potential utilization of the travel-ways that parallelthe extensive system of drainage laterals within the County. The drainage laterals are thedredged and channelized segments of the major stream systems in the county. Almostforty-four percent (51 miles) of proposed recreation greenways in the plan are based ondrainage laterals that are virtually ready for conversion to use as greenways and wouldrequire relatively minimal costs to develop a bare earth or stabilized trail surface.Pitt County Walking TrailsThe Pitt County Community Schools and Recreation Department has made it a priority todevelop safe, accessible places where people of all ages and abilities can walk. There aremany trails throughout the County. An inventory of walking trails (Tables A-35 and A-36)shows that many of walking trails are not paved with hard surfaces and a number do nothave sidewalks.Many of the trails have limited sidewalks and lighting. Trails that do not have sidewalks arelocated on wide streets with limited or light traffic. Many of the walking trails in Pitt Countyalso have playgrounds, picnic shelters and benches but there are only two trails with accessto baseball, tennis or volleyball courts and one with access to a fitness center. The County isalso working to improve bicycling opportunities most specifically through the CoastalCarolina Rail-Trail project which is utilizing abandoned railroads for walking and bicycling.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-65

Table A-35Pitt County Walking Trails Inventory* – Safety FeaturesTrailAydenDistance(miles)Soft SurfaceHard SurfaceRoute 1 1.50 √ √ √ √Route 2 0.25 √ √ √ √Jack Collins Memorial Trail 0.75 √Natural SurfaceSidewalksNo Sidewalks/Wide StreetsLiberty Arms Walking Trail 0.40 √ √ √BethelRoute 1 1.00 √ √Route 2 0.25 √FalklandFalkland Elementary SchoolTrail 0.25Farmville√Route 1 1.00 √ √Route 2 1.00 √ √Oliver Murphey FitnessStations and Walking Trail 0.38FountainRoute 1 0.25 √ √Route 2 0.50 √ √Route 3 1.00 √ √GriftonRoute 1 1.00 √ √√Route 2 0.50 √ √Route 3 0.50 √ √St. David's Street Park 0.25 √ √Contentnea Creek OverlookPark 0.15Contentnea Creek RV andTrail Park 0.50GrimeslandRoute 1 1.50Route 2 0.33G. R. Whitfield School Trail 0.25 √PactolusRoute 1 1.50 √WintervilleRoute 1 0.65 √Route 2 1.00 √* Does not include the City of Greenville.√Some Lighting√Lighting√Some BrokenPavementCurb CutsLight Traffic2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-66

TrailTable A-36Pitt County Walking Trails Inventory* – Park FeaturesDistance(miles)Tennis/VolleyballCourtsAydenRoute 1 1.50Route 2 0.25 √Jack Collins Memorial Trail 0.75 √ √ √BethelRoute 1 1.00Route 2 0.25 √FalklandFalkland Elementary School Trail 0.25 √ √ √FarmvilleRoute 1 1.00 √Route 2 1.00Oliver Murphey Fitness Stations andWalking Trail 0.38 √FountainRoute 1 0.25Route 2 0.50Route 3 1.00GriftonRoute 1 1.00Route 2 0.50Route 3 0.50St. David's Street Park 0.25 √ √ √ √Contentnea Creek Overlook Park 0.15 √Contentnea Creek RV and Trail Park 0.50 √ √GrimeslandRoute 1 1.50Route 2 0.33G. R. Whitfield School Trail 0.25 √PactolusRoute 1 1.50 √WintervilleRoute 1 0.65 √Route 2 1.00 √*Does not include the City of Greenville.PlaygroundBaseball FieldPicnic ShelterBenchesFitness Stations2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-67

Water Supply and InfrastructureUnderground aquifers provide high quality water for the majority of public and private watersystems in Pitt County, while surface streams (most notably the Tar River) provide anadditional source of water, eliminating the need for massive water impoundments (lakes).North Carolina AquifersThe aquifers in North Carolina are highly varied in their character and water producingcapabilities. Several of these aquifers can be traced over large geographic areas and henceform principal aquifers which serve as significant sources of ground water for potable watersupplies and other agricultural or industrial interests in large portions of North Carolina.Aquifers, or more accurately, aquifer systems, are hydraulically connected materials (sands,limestone, and fractured rock) that provide water through wells. In the Coastal Plain, an aquiferis typically composed of one to several layers of eastward thickening, permeable sands orlimestone split by discontinuous, clay-rich materials.The upper and lower Cape Fear, Black Creek, Peedee, and Castle Hayne aquifers form regionalaquifers. In large portions of these aquifers, sands and limestone materials are so wellconnected that withdrawals cause water level pressure reductions miles from the pumpinglocation. This system provides high-yields, but affects water levels in other wells many milesbeyond the pumping location.Central Coastal Plain (CCP) Capacity Use AreaIn mid-2001, the NC Environment Management Commission enacted ground water userules for an extended area within the Central Coastal Plain. These new rules require waterusers to reduce reliance on ground water resources.BackgroundGround water is an essential natural resource. More than 50% of North Carolina'spopulation receives drinking water supplies from ground water. This includes 25% of alldrinking water from public water supplies, and 100% of all self-supplied domesticdrinking water supplies (as of 1995, more than one-third of the State's populationreceived domestic water supplies from private wells). In addition to being used fordrinking water, ground water resources are used extensively for irrigation and livestock,mining, and for privately-supplied commercial and industrial uses.Ground water pressure levels in the confined aquifers of the Central Coastal Plain havebeen declining for decades as ground water withdrawals have increased. Pressure leveldeclines are a normal and acceptable part of ground water use; however, if pressurelevel declines continue without stabilizing, it is an indication that ground water is beingwithdrawn faster than it is being recharged. This situation ultimately leads to areduction in water yields and damage to aquifers.The North Carolina Division of Water Resources (DWR) has been tracking Coastal Plainground water levels for several years. In early 1998, new monitoring data indicated thatthe water pressure level declines had increased somewhat faster than predicted, andthat in some areas de-watering of the top of the aquifers was occurring. In 1998, DWR2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-68

held a workshop with ground water users from the Central Coastal Plain in Greenville toreview the monitoring data and discuss what responses should be made to assure asustainable water supply for the Coastal Plain region of the State. Based on discussionswith water users and available scientific data, the State developed the following threepoint program to assure good ground water management in the Coastal Plain:1. MonitoringAn adequate ground water level monitoring network needs to be established,operated, maintained, and improved as necessary to provide accurate data on theamount and rate of ground water level declines in the Central Coastal Plain. Thisinformation is needed to guide management efforts to avoid damage to theaquifers and also to track progress in reversing water level declines throughimproved management.2. PlanningThe solution to the water supply problems in the Central Coastal Plain will involvecareful management of ground water to use sustainable yield while developingadditional water sources to meet needs beyond those which can be met fromground water resources. Communities in the Central Coastal Plain have a number ofoptions for additional or augmented water supply sources, including surface water,use of aquifers which are less stressed, water conservation, water re-use, andaquifer storage and recovery. Local government 20-year water supply plansdeveloped in 1998 will be used to provide an indication of the degree to whichsustainable water supply plans are being developed.3. RegulationThe Water Use Act of 1967 provides a basis for regulating water withdrawals bypermit in areas where water use is exceeding the capacity of water supplies. TheWater Use Act offers a method of preventing damage to the aquifers and ofassuring that all water users have predictable and fair access to water supplies.Reason for Establishing the CCP Capacity Use AreaEvidence of present and future ground water supply shortages exists within the areaencompassed by 15 North Carolina counties: Beaufort, Carteret, Craven, Duplin,Edgecombe, Greene, Jones, Lenoir, Martin, Onslow, Pamlico, Pitt, Washington, Wayneand Wilson. Within these counties, ground water from the Black Creek and Upper CapeFear aquifers is being withdrawn at a rate that exceeds the available recharge.Water levels in the Black Creek and Upper Cape Fear aquifers have been declining sincethe late 1960s. The decline in ground water resources - from free-flowing wells to waterlevels as much as 200 feet below land surface - indicates that current withdrawals ofwater from these aquifers exceed the available supply that can be used on a sustainablebasis. Regulating the use of water in this area fulfills the intent of the Water Use Act of1967 to protect the resource from depletion and to allow water uses that can besustained into the future.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-69

Because demand for water exceeds the safe yields of the Black Creek and Upper CapeFear aquifers, other sources of water must be brought on line by water supply systems.Surface water sources and other aquifers must be used to meet this deficit.Major ConcernsWater levelsMonitoring wells specifically designed to track water levels in the Black Creek anddeclines of one to eight feet per year. Those monitoring wells are distributedthroughout an 8,000 square mile area of the Central Coastal Plain.DewateringWater levels from water supply systems in several of these counties show water leveldraw downs below the top of the aquifer by as much as 200 feet. These draw downs,also known as de-watering, are known to cause irreparable harm to the aquifer's abilityto yield water.Current and projected water useCurrent and projected water use reported through the Local Water Supply Planningprocess considered in conjunction with water use by other users have been comparedto the estimated safe yield from the Black Creek and Upper Cape Fear aquifers.Projections through the year 2020 indicate a growing deficit Upper Cape Fear aquifersshow water level draw down trends ranging from in water supply.Land SubsidenceThe National Geodetic Survey has completed studies of land surface elevation data at86 geodetic monuments along a transect from Raleigh to New Bern. In general theground elevation falls from about 328 feet elevation in Raleigh to near sea level in NewBern. Total subsidence in the Kinston to New Bern area increased from 5.5 inchesbetween 1935-1968 to 8.7 inches from 1968- 1979.Studies indicate that the speed of subsidence per year increased dramatically from the1935-1968 study period to the 1968-1979 study period. The greatest deviation occurredin the Cove City area in Craven County where the subsidence increased from 0.17 inchesper year to 0.25 inches per year. This is explained by New Bern bringing the Cove Citywater supply wells on line in the late 1960s. Higher rates of land subsidence areassociated with higher ground water withdrawal rates.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-70

Figure FCentral Coastal Plain Capacity Use AreaSource: NC Division of Water Resources.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-71

Greenville UtilitiesGreenville Utilities Commission (GUC) is the largest water supplier in Pitt County. GUCcurrently operates a 22.5 million gallon per day (mgd) water treatment plant (WTP) which wasplaced in service in 1983 and significantly upgraded in 2001. The state-of-the-art upgradesincluded the addition of ozone treatment and chloramines for disinfection, a new computermonitoring and control system, sedimentation basin sludge removal equipment, and anemergency backup generator system capable of supplying power to the plant. The plant’scapacity is augmented by deep wells (2 mgd), bringing the total water available on any one dayto 24.5 mgd. Peak-day demand is approximately 10.8 mgd, thus leaving surplus capacity of11.7 mgd.GUC has a two-tank system consisting of 1.5 million gallon and 1 million gallon tanks, providingincreased water pressure. Total storage, including the two 3 million gallon ground storagetanks at the water treatment plant, currently amounts to 8.5 million gallons. Plans include theaddition of two more 3.0 mg ground storage tanks in the next five years to increase waterstorage capacity.GUC is developing an industry-leading Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project, the first of itskind in North Carolina. ASR is the storing of treated drinking water in underground aquifersduring low system water demand periods and recovering or using the water during the highsystem demand periods. This process allows GUC to store large volumes of treated drinkingwater for a fraction of the cost of storing water in above ground tanks. ASR has the potentialto provide in excess of 300 million gallons of stored drinking water for use in emergencies or forpeak shaving. To date, two 500-feet wells have been constructed at the site. GUC is currentlyin the process of constructing wellhead facilities that are necessary to provide infrastructure toinject and withdraw treated water.Neuse Regional Water and Sewer AuthorityNeuse Regional Water and Sewer Authority (NRWASA) is an organization that was formed in2000 by five Cretaceous Aquifer-dependent water systems in Lenoir County, including the Cityof Kinston, Deep Run Water Corporation, North Lenoir Water Corporation, and the Towns ofPink Hill and La Grange.The organization commissioned a regional water supply study to determine the best means ofmeeting future water supply shortages. The recommended solution was to utilize surfacewater withdrawn from the Neuse River near the City of Kinston. A state-of-the-art watertreatment plant has been constructed that produces up to 15 mgd, and the remainder of theindividual participants’ needs are met by utilizing individual groundwater well systems.Several water providers in Pitt County including Bell Arthur Water Corporation, Eastern PinesWater Corporation, and the Towns of Ayden and Grifton have joined membership of NRWASAin order to meet their future water supply demands.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-72

Table A-37Water Treatment Systems & Capacities in Pitt County 1 - 2010CommunityCapacity(in mgd)ElevatedStorage(in mg)Total Storage(in mg)SourceAyden 2.50 .80 .80 Deep Wells/Neuse RiverBethel 1.15 .60 .60 Deep Wells/Tar RiverFarmville 2.5 1.30 1.38 Deep Wells/Tar RiverGreenville 22.5 2.50 8.50Tar RiverGrifton 1.20 .26 .26 Deep Wells/Neuse RiverGrimesland .36 .08 .08Deep WellsWinterville .71 .50 .50 Deep Wells/Tar River1Other unincorporated areas of Pitt County served by rural community water systems include Bell Arthur,Eastern Pines and Stokes.Source: Pitt County Development Commission.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-73

Wastewater InfrastructureThe majority of unincorporated Pitt County utilizes private septic tank systems for wastewaterdisposal. The towns of Farmville, Fountain and Greenville have wastewater treatmentfacilities. Contentnea Metropolitan Sewerage District (CMSD) serves the towns of Ayden,Grifton, and Winterville. The Towns of Bethel and Grimesland have interlocal agreements withGreenville Utilities Commission (GUC) to send wastewater to GUC for treatment.Greenville Utilities Commission (GUC) operates a 17.5 million gallon per day (mgd) wastewatertreatment plant (WWTP) located on a 700-acre site east of Greenville. The GUC wastewatercollection and treatment system has over 464 miles of collection lines and thirty three sewerlift stations with force mains.Table A-38Wastewater Treatment Systems & Capacities in Pitt CountyCommunityCapacity(in mgd)Type of SystemAyden 1 2.85 Two-stage activated sludgeBethel 2 .75 Force main to GUC systemFarmville 3.50 Two-stage activated sludgeFountain .05 Land application (spray)Greenville 17.50 TertiaryGrifton 1 2.85 Two-stage activated sludgeGrimesland .80 Lift station to GUC systemWinterville 1 2.85 Two-stage activated sludge1Ayden, Grifton and Winterville are served by the Contentnea Metropolitan Sewage District (CMSD) which operates and maintains over 15miles of major collector and outfall sewer mains along the NC Highway 11 corridor from Grifton to Winterville, as well as the 2.85 mgdCMSD Wastewater Treatment Plant located south of Grifton. The treatment plant can be expanded to 3.6 mgd.Source: Pitt County Development CommissionThe GUC wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), located on the north side of the Tar River, wasplaced on-line in 1985 as a 10.5 mgd capacity facility and was expanded in 1995 to a 17.5 mgdtertiary treatment facility with nitrogen and phosphorus removal capabilities. The expandedfacility provides additional protection for the environment and public health while exceedingstate and federal regulations as well providing capacity for growth. The wastewater collectionsystem includes 464 miles of sewer mains and 33 pump stations with their associated forcemains. These pipes and pump stations collect and transport an average of 10.1 mgd ofwastewater to the WWTP where it is treated before the effluent is returned to the Tar River.A portion of land located on the WWTP site is used in a beneficial reuse/recycle program. GUCspray irrigates 301 acres of land surrounding the WWTP with treated sludge from the plant.This enriched soil grows a crop of coastal bermuda and rye grasses. The grass and the nitrogenbound up in the grass are removed either by cattle grazing or mowing and baling.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-74

Insert Map A-5 Public Infrastructure (Transportation, Water and Sewer)(Note: All document maps are to be retained in separate large format form until the final draftdocument is complete.)2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-75

Natural GasPiedmont Natural Gas and the Greenville Utilities Commission supply natural gas within PittCounty. These suppliers serve Greenville, Winterville, Ayden, Farmville, Grifton, and thePactolus/Grimesland area.Piedmont Natural Gas (PNG) supplies natural gas to Pitt County via a 4” high-pressuretransmission line, which runs east-west through the central portion of the County (Farmvillethrough Greenville to the Pactolus/Grimesland area). PNG also distributes gas in the Farmvillearea to residential and commercial customers. Greenville Utilities Commission receives gasfrom PNG and distributes gas in the Greenville area.The Greenville Utilities Commission system includes over 1,016 miles of pipeline across 88square miles of land, and serves 21,713 residential and commercial customers. In 1997, GUCbecame the first public utility in North Carolina to construct a permanent LNG facility to meetpeak demand. The satellite LNG facility increases the peak day capacity of the gas system andprovides another optional fuel source for industrial customers.Electric ServiceElectric service for portions of Pitt County is provided through several electric utilitycorporations including Progress Energy, Dominion North Carolina Power, Greenville UtilitiesCommission (GUC), Pitt-Greene Electric Membership Corporation, and Edgecombe-MartinElectric Membership Corporation. Municipal providers include Ayden, Farmville, Fountain,Winterville and Washington, which are members of ElectriCities, an organization comprised ofpublic power communities in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.GUC has a broad base of customers with demand allocation of 42.6% residential, 7.7% smallgeneral service and 49.7% medium/large general service. Such critical customers as WNCT-TV,Pitt County Memorial Hospital, and DSM Pharmaceuticals are provided with automatictransfer power should an emergency occur.In 1978, GUC was one of the first municipal utilities in the nation to implement loadmanagement (Beat-the-Peak) to control the demand component of its cost of power.Residential customers voluntarily allow GUC to install radio-controlled switches on theircentral air conditioning units, heat pumps, heat pump supplemental strips, electric furnacesand water heaters. During periods of peak demand, these devices are cycled off to lower totaldemand, significantly reducing wholesale power costs. A portion of these savings is crediteddirectly back to the participating customers; the remainder is reinvested and used to holddown overall electric rates. GUC currently has over 35,000 devices controlled.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-76

“There has been a tendency in the United States, and perhaps in most countries, to use up ordestroy many things that would have been of value to future generations. We have needlesslywasted, destroyed and burned up large portions of the forests that would have been of pricelessvalue even to the present generation. We have needlessly worn out and destroyed much of thenatural richness of soil and have allowed large quantities of it to be washed away. We havedestroyed most of the fur-bearing animals and the game that was once so abundant. We havedestroyed the fish in rivers and lakes. All of these facts are quite generally recognized andregretted, but we have not yet reformed.”O.C.Simonds, 1920.“To waste, to destroy, our natural resources, to skin and exhaust the land instead of using it so asto increase it’s usefulness, will result in undermining in the days of our children the very prosperitywhich we ought by right hand down to them amplified and developed.”Theodore RooseveltNatural Environment Conditions (Maps A-6, A-7 and A-8)The recognition and protection of unique natural environments have become importantpolitical and social issues in the United States. Over the last twenty to thirty years there hasbeen a growing realization that protecting sensitive environmental areas not only saves theenvironment but ensures that future generations will not be burdened with the cost of cleaningup or restoring damaged ecological systems.Hydrology (Map A-6)The Tar River and its tributaries – Barber Creek, Chicod Creek, Conetoe Creek, Green MillRun, Grindle Creek, Kitten/Otter Creek, Meeting/Hardee Creek, Moyes Run, Parkers Creek,Phillippi Branch, Sams Branch and Tyson/Lawrence Creek - drain the northern and centralparts of the County. The Neuse River and its tributaries – Contentnea, Little Contentnea,Swift Creek/Fork Swamp, Clayroot Swamp and Creeping Swamp – drain the southern partof the County.Floodplains (Map A-6)There are significant floodplains along major drainageways and the Tar River within PittCounty. There are almost 103,000 acres of land classified as within the 100-year floodplainand an additional 4,432 within the 500-year floodplain boundary. Within theComprehensive Land Use Plan planning area there are a total of 72,087 acres within the100-year floodplain.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-77

Table A-39Floodplain Acreage in Pitt County (in Acres) by Creek BasinZone A Zone AE AEFW NEAZone X(Shaded)Total 100-YearFloodplainBarber 759.39 2,211.25 16.19 2,970.64Chicod 3,873.42 2,071.35 519.19 185.43 6,463.96Clayroot 3,252.12 169.46 1,553.01 74.51 4,974.59Conetoe 4,642.62 5,222.02 2,470.74 969.44 3,143.71 13,304.82Contennea 7.18 7,008.06 3,255.97 1,695.86 925.75 11,967.07Creeping 873.17 873.17Green Mill 509.96 547.93 111.87 1,057.89Grindle 10,624.82 2,893.61 1,541.32 1,019.59 737.65 16,079.34Kitten 1,200.15 772.94 396.64 80.98 2,369.73Meeting 191.06 365.23 46.56 556.29Moye 2,729.53 678.06 312.08 3,407.59Parkers 6.72 2,255.57 1,608.05 1,631.16 3,870.34Phillippi 86.83 198.05 32.23 284.88Sams 691.23 1,145.88 13.49 31.08 1,850.60Swift 8,669.94 2,585.63 1,397.03 1,103.26 12,652.60Tranters 5,498.09 581.42 2,606.11 317.35 8,685.62Tyson 605.21 530.50 153.65 277.50 1,289.36TotalFloodplain in 15,281.34 46,319.36 20,733.78 10,324.01 9,027.31 92,658.49Pitt CountySquare Miles 23.88 72.37 32.40 16.13 14.11 144.78WithinCountyPlanningJurisdiction15,274.16 37,158.16 13,461.68 10,164.08 5,644.31 76,058.08Square Miles 23.87 58.06 21.03 15.88 8.82 118.84Source: Pitt County Planning Department.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-78

Flood HazardsA combination of river basin physiography, amount of precipitation, past soil moistureconditions and the degree of vegetative clearing determine the severity of a floodingevent. Protecting floodplains from inappropriate development will protect lives, reducelosses from future flood hazard events and save public dollars that would have to be spenton recovery and repair activities.The extent of flood hazard areas and the potential for destruction of lives and propertiesbecame tragically apparent in September 1999 when heavy rains associated withHurricanes Dennis I and II and Hurricane Floyd caused severe flooding in eastern NorthCarolina. Within Pitt County alone almost 3,400 residential structures were declareduninhabitable due to flood damage. Total property damages in Pitt County exceeded $346million including damages to residential structures, personal property, agriculturaloperations and public infrastructure.Debris in drainageways prior to Hurricane Floyd flooding exacerbated the flooding andstorm debris deposited by the flood waters pose an increased danger to the public. SinceHurricane Floyd, Pitt County and the Natural Resources Conservation Service have formeda partnership to provide administration for removal of storm-related debris from streamsand waterways. By the end of 2000, thirty-five miles of Contentnea Creek, LittleContentnea Creek, Bells Branch, Hardee Creek and other drainageways had been cleared.The devastation caused by Hurricane Floyd highlighted North Carolina's vulnerability tonatural disasters and the need for accurate, up-to-date floodplain maps. In 2002. the Stateof North Carolina partnered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) toproduce new floodplain maps for the State. This partnership designates North Carolina asa Cooperating Technical State and delegates the primary responsibility for the creation andmaintenance of all FIRMs to the State of North Carolina. In 2004, updated Flood InsuranceRate Map (FIRM) panels and a new Flood Insurance Study (FIS) Report became effectivewithin the County.The Pitt Count Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan states that the hazard index forflooding is categorized as “moderate” based on a “likely to highly likely” level ofoccurrence, “medium” range of impact, and “limited” level of impact. The plan furtherindicates that floods should be a major focus of local hazard mitigation efforts within theCounty.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-79

Insert Map A-6 Hydrology/Drainage Basins(Note: All document maps are to be retained in separate large format form until the final draftdocument is complete.)2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-80

Water Supply Watershed Protection (Map A-7)A portion of northwest Pitt County has been designated as being within the Tar River WS IVWater Supply Watershed. This water supply watershed drains into the Tar River justupstream of the water supply intake for the City of Greenville. The Tar River Watershed isprotected by a local ordinance adopted under the authority and at the direction of theState of North Carolina. There are 42,796 acres of protected watershed within theCounty’s planning jurisdiction.Pitt County water supply watershed protections establish a maximum density and percentof impervious surface coverage area for development within the protected and criticalareas of the watershed. The purpose of these development limitations is to reduce thenumber of pollutants entering the river upstream of the water intake. These protectionsare intended to reduce the cost for water treatment necessary to bring the raw river waterup to drinking water standards.The adoption of the Pitt County Zoning Ordinance in 2003 created a Water SupplyWatershed Overlay District which establishes additional zoning regulations fordevelopment with the Water Supply Watershed Overlay District. The regulations of thisdistrict essentially mirrors the regulations of the Water Supply Watershed Ordinanceadopted by the Board of County Commissioners in 1993.Wetlands (Map A-7)Wetlands are an essential component of the natural ecosystem of the environment.Wetland areas serve to protect water quality and are also important animal habitats.Wetland areas need to be identified and considered in land use planning to ensure thatthese fragile environments are not destroyed by inappropriate development.Historically, those areas with the best soils have been cleared by farmers for row crops andthose areas with less suitable hydric soils have been allowed to remain in or return to treecover. To ascertain the probability of wetland conditions, a map has been created byoverlaying digital information on hydric soils and vegetative cover.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-81

Insert Map A-7 Protected Water Supply Watershed/Wetlands(Note: All document maps are to be retained in separate large format form until the final draftdocument is complete.)2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-82

Stormwater RegulationsPitt County, along with a number of other local governments in North Carolina, was requiredby the State to implement a stormwater management program. The goal of this program is toimprove water quality in streams, creeks and rivers by reducing the amount of pollutants instormwater runoff.Neuse River and Tar-Pamlico River Basin RulesThe Neuse River Basin begins in the north-central Piedmont Region of North Carolina.Stretching 248 miles from the Falls Lake Reservoir Dam in the Piedmont flowing throughRaleigh, Goldsboro and Kinston to its mouth at Pamlico Sound near New Bern, the NeuseRiver is the longest river in North Carolina. At its mouth, it is the widest river in America —6 miles across.The Tar River collects stormwater flow from approximately 2,300 miles of freshwaterstreams before entering the estuarine Pamlico River at the City of Washington. The Tar-Pamlico River Basin begins in Person County in the Piedmont Region of North Carolina andextends approximately 180 miles through the Coastal Plain. The 5,400 square mile basinencompasses portions of eighteen counties, including the cities of Rocky Mount, Tarboroand Greenville as well as agricultural and forest land.Pitt County is one of a number of local governments within the Tar-Pamlico River Basinthat are subject to the Tar-Pamlico Riparian Buffer and Stormwater Rules. The six cities ofGreenville, Henderson, Oxford, Rocky Mount, Tarboro and Washington and five counties –Beaufort, Edgecombe, Franklin, Nash, and Pitt – are affected by the rules.The goal of the State water quality rules is to maintain phosphorus loading levels at preexisting1991 levels, to reduce nitrogen loading 30% below 1991 levels and to reduce thevelocity and to control the volume of storm water runoff within the basins. River basinrules are intended to be performance-based rather than prescriptive meaning there is achoice of best management practice options from which land users developers and localgovernments can choose.The North Carolina Division of Water Quality has developed similar rules for improvingwater quality within the Neuse River Basin. Although approximately 40% of Pitt County iswithin the Neuse River Basin, Pitt County was not subject to the Neuse River Basin Rules.However, the Pitt County Stormwater Advisory Committee recommended that thestormwater rules be enforced countywide, with the exception of phosphorus loadingrequirements in the Neuse River Basin.Despite the rural character of the basin, in the mid-1970’s the Pamlico River estuary beganto see increasing frequencies of harmful algal blooms, fish kills, and other nutrient-relatedproblems.By the mid-1980’s, the state began to consider actions to control nutrient inputs to theestuary. Those actions have included the following:Phase IIn 1989, the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission (EMC)designated the entire basin as “Nutrient Sensitive Waters”. The first phase of2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-83

management through 1994 focused primarily on point sources, establishing an annuallydecreasing nutrient loading cap for an association of dischargers, and an innovative“trading” program that allowed dischargers to achieve reductions in nutrient loadingmore cost-effectively.Phase IIModeling of estuary conditions showed that despite the gains made to that point,significant reductions in nitrogen and phosphorus loading were still needed to restorewater quality standards and minimize the recurrence of harmful algal blooms. Thesecond phase of the nutrient strategy, which runs through 2004, established abiologically based goal of 30 percent reduction in nitrogen loading from 1991 levels andholding phosphorus loading at 1991 levels. Load reductions were apportioned amongpoint sources and the major nonpoint sources. The point sources were given steadyannual nitrogen and phosphorus loading caps. A program was designed with thenonpoint sources to achieve the goals through voluntary measures. After two years ofvoluntary implementation, the EMC found insufficient progress and called for rules fornonpoint sources.RulesBeginning in 1998, DWQ staff conducted a lengthy public input process to evaluatesource categories and develop rules where needed. Over the course of 2000, theCommission adopted rules for agriculture, fertilizer application across all land uses,urban stormwater, and rules to protect the nutrient removal functions of existingriparian buffers. These rules were modeled after a similar set of rules recently adoptedin the adjacent Neuse River Basin. The Neuse rules were given extensive public reviewand modification, and the Tar-Pamlico rules similarly received extensive scrutiny. Theresulting rules provide increased flexibility for the regulated community whilemaintaining the focus of the nutrient reduction goals.In October, 2004, Pitt County Board of Commissioners formally adopted the Pitt CountyStormwater Ordinance for Nutrient Control. The four main components of the Ordinanceare:1. New Development Review/ApprovalNew development is required to meet the 30% reduction goal through site planningand best management practices. The rule imposes a 4.0 pounds per acre per year(lb/ac/yr) nitrogen loading limit and a 0.4 lb/ac/yr phosphorus loading limit on newdevelopment(Phosphorus limits are exempt in the Neuse Basin).New development must also avoid causing erosion of surface water conveyances.At minimum, post-development peak flows leaving the site may not exceed predevelopmentfor the 1-year, 24-hour storm event. The rule also provides PittCounty with the option of using regional stormwater facilities to help meet nutrientloading and attenuation requirements under certain circumstances.2. Illegal DischargesIllegal discharges are substances deposited in storm sewers (that lead to streams)and other drainage conveyances that should instead be handled as wastewater2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-84

discharges. Illegal discharges may contain nitrogen. Pitt County must identify andremove illegal discharges.3. Retrofit LocationsThere are a number of funding sources available for water quality retrofit projects,such as the Clean Water Management Trust Fund and the Wetland RestorationProgram that the NC General Assembly has recently established. To assisttechnical experts, Pitt County is required to identify sites and opportunities forretrofitting existing development to reduce total nitrogen and phosphorus loads.4. Public EducationCitizens can reduce the nitrogen pollution coming from their lawns and septicsystems if they understand the impacts of their actions and respond withappropriate management measures. Pitt County will develop and implement publicand developer education programs for the Tar-Pamlico and Neuse River Basins.Figure GTar-Pamlico and Neuse River BasinsSource: NC Division of Water Quality2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-85

Neuse River and Tar-Pamlico Riparian Buffer RulesState water quality rules include provisions for protection of riparian buffers along all waterbodies (rivers, lakes, ponds, and streams but not manmade ditches) and use of swales, createdwetlands and detention or retention ponds. Scientific studies have shown that riparian (orwaterside) buffers are highly effective at removing nitrogen before it reaches streams, rivers,ponds, lakes and estuaries. Research has shown that forested riparian buffers removebetween 50% and 80% of nitrogen before it reaches the water. Forest trees next to waterbodies play an especially crucial role in de-nitrification - the process by which harmful nitrogenin groundwater is converted to harmless nitrogen gas.Figure HNeuse River Basin and Tar-Pamlico River Basin Riparian BuffersSource: NC Division of Water Quality.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-86

Riparian buffers provide a number of economic benefits by:1. Removing pollutants, in particular sediment which is expensive to treat at water supplytreatment plants;2. Protecting stream banks from erosion which can cause expensive property damage;and3. Keeping buildings and other structures away from damaging floodwaters.The Riparian Buffer Rule establishes a 50’ wide riparian buffer in the Tar-Pamlico River Basin.The buffer protection rule requires that riparian buffer areas be protected and maintained onthe banks of all waterways within the river basin. The rule does not require the establishmentof new buffers unless the existing use of the buffer changes.The rule applies to existing intermittent and perennial streams, lakes, ponds and estuarinewaters shown on either Pitt County Soil Survey maps or U.S. Geologic Survey maps of theCounty. The rule does not apply to:a) manmade ditches other than modified natural streams except for water conveyancesthat have been constructed for navigation or boat access;b) manmade ponds and lakes that are outside natural drainageways; andc) ephemeral (stormwater) streams.Under the rule, Zone 1 - the 30’ closest to the water body - is to remain essentially undisturbed.Zone 2 – the next 20’ beyond Zone 1 - is to be vegetated. Any existing, on-going uses withinthe protected buffer are exempt from the rule. Existing uses may include, but are not limitedto, agriculture activities, buildings, industrial, commercial and transportation facilities,maintained lawns, utility lines, and on-site wastewater treatment systems.The buffer protection rule includes a table of uses, which may be permitted within the bufferarea. Specific activities are listed as either “exempt”, “allowable”, “allowable with mitigation”,or “prohibited’. A separate buffer mitigation rule establishes requirements for activities thatare allowable with mitigation. Under certain circumstances, a prohibited activity may beallowed by variance where complying with the rule will cause practical difficulties orunnecessary hardships.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-87

Critical Natural Areas (Map A-8)There are thirteen tracts designated as critical natural areas within Pitt County. These areaswere identified and mapped by the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resourcesunder the Natural Heritage Program. Areas identified under this program are consideredecologically significant natural communities or are habitat for rare species.• Belvoir Carolina Bays and Flats• Bethel/Grindle Hardwood Flats (2 sites)• Chicod Creek Swamp and Slopes• Harris Mill Run Slopes (Greenville)• Haw Creek Meanders• Jolly Old Field Natural Area• Lower Tar River Marshes and Swamp• Otter Creek Natural Area• Tar River Banks Farm Slopes• Tar River Floodplain• Voice of America Site B• Voice of America Site C2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-88

North Carolina Natural Heritage ProgramIn addition to the protected Critical Natural Areas, the NC Division of Parks and Recreation hasidentified a number of species of plants and animals and a number of natural communities ofsignificance within Pitt County. A listing of these special classes of endangered plants, animalsand natural communities is shown in Tables 40 and 41.Table A-40Animals and PlantsNorth Carolina Natural Heritage Program – 2011Category Common Name Scientific Name Status Observation 1Invertebrate Animal Triangle Floater Alasmidonta undulata Threatened CurrentInvertebrate Animal Reversed Roadside-Skipper Amblyscirtes reversa Significantly Rare CurrentInvertebrate Animal Golden Banded-Skipper Autochton cellus Significantly Rare ObscureInvertebrate Animal Mayfly Baetisca obesa Significantly Rare CurrentInvertebrate Animal Cape Fear Spike Elliptio marsupiobesa Special Concern CurrentInvertebrate Animal Roanoke Slabshell Elliptio roanokensis Threatened CurrentInvertebrate Animal Tar River Spinymussel Elliptio steinstansana Endangered HistoricalInvertebrate Animal Atlantic Pigtoe Fusconaia masoni Endangered CurrentInvertebrate Animal Yellow Lampmussel Lampsilis cariosa Endangered CurrentInvertebrate Animal Eastern Lampmussel Lampsilis radiata Threatened CurrentInvertebrate Animal Green Floater Lasmigona subviridis Endangered CurrentInvertebrate Animal Tidewater Mucket Leptodea ochracea Threatened CurrentInvertebrate Animal Eastern Pondmussel Ligumia nasuta Threatened HistoricalInvertebrate Animal North Carolina Spiny Crayfish Orconectes carolinensis Special Concern CurrentInvertebrate Animal Creeper Strophitus undulatus Threatened CurrentNonvascular Plant Liverwort Plagiochila virginica var. virginica Significantly Rare HistoricalVascular Plant Crowfoot Sedge Carex crus-corvi Significantly Rare HistoricalVascular Plant Beadle's Coreopsis Coreopsis helianthoides Significantly Rare HistoricalVascular Plant Showy Aster Eurybia spectabilis Significantly Rare HistoricalVascular Plant Grassleaf Arrowhead Sagittaria weatherbiana Endangered HistoricalVertebrate Animal Shortnose Sturgeon Acipenser brevirostrum Endangered ObscureVertebrate Animal American Alligator Alligator mississippiensis Threatened HistoricalVertebrate Animal Roanoke Bass Ambloplites cavifrons Significantly Rare HistoricalVertebrate Animal Eastern Henslow's Sparrow Ammodramus henslowii susurrans Special Concern CurrentVertebrate AnimalStar-nosed Mole - CoastalPlain populationCondylura cristata pop. 1 Special Concern CurrentVertebrate Animal Timber Rattlesnake Crotalus horridus Special Concern ObscureVertebrate Animal Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Threatened CurrentVertebrate Animal Southern Hognose Snake Heterodon simus Special Concern CurrentVertebrate Animal Least Brook Lamprey Lampetra aepyptera Threatened HistoricalVertebrate Animal Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus Special Concern CurrentVertebrate Animal Neuse River Waterdog Necturus lewisi Special Concern CurrentVertebrate Animal Carolina Madtom Noturus furiosus Threatened CurrentVertebrate Animal Red-cockaded Woodpecker Picoides borealis Endangered HistoricalVertebrate Animal Eastern Fox Squirrel Sciurus niger Significantly Rare CurrentVertebrate Animal Pigmy Rattlesnake Sistrurus miliarius Special Concern CurrentVertebrate Animal West Indian Manatee Trichechus manatus Endangered Current1 Current = seen within the county within the last 20 years: Historic = last observed in the county more than 20 years ago; Obscure = date last seenin county is uncertain.Source: North Carolina Natural Heritage Program.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-89

Table A-41Natural Communities and Animal AssemblagesNorth Carolina Natural Heritage Program – 2011Community Type State Rank Global RankColonial Wading Bird Colony S3 G5Coastal Plain Bottomland Hardwoods (Brownwater Subtype) S4 G5T5Coastal Plain Levee Forest (Brownwater Subtype) S4 G5T5Coastal Plain Semipermanent Impoundment S4 G5Coastal Plain Small Stream Swamp (Blackwater subtype) S5 G5Cypress-Gum Swamp (Brownwater subtype) S5 G5T5Dry Oak-Hickory Forest S4 G5Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest S5 G5Low Elevation Seep S3 G4?Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest (Coastal Plain Subtype) S2 G5T5Nonriverine Swamp Forest S2S3 G2G3Nonriverine Wet Hardwood Forest S1 G1Piedmont/Coastal Plain Acidic Cliff S2? G4Tidal Freshwater Marsh S2S3 G4Source: North Carolina Natural Heritage Program.Rank Explanation of Terms in Table A-40S1S2S3S4S5S#S#G1G2G3G4G5G#G#G#T#Critically imperiled in North Carolina because of extreme rarity or otherwise very vulnerable toextirpation (being totally destroyed) in the state.Imperiled in North Carolina because of rarity or otherwise vulnerable to extirpation in state.Rare or uncommon in North Carolina.Apparently secure in North Carolina, with many occurrences.Demonstrably secure in North Carolina and essentially ineradicable under present conditions.Numeric range indicating uncertainty about exact status.Critically imperiled globally because of extreme rarity or otherwise very vulnerable to extinctionthroughout its range.Imperiled globally because of rarity or otherwise vulnerable to extinction throughout its range.Either very rare and local throughout its range, or found locally in a restricted area.Apparently secure globally, although it may be quite rare in parts of its range (especially at theperiphery).Demonstrably secure globally, although it may be quite rare in parts of its range (especially at theperiphery).Numeric range indicating uncertainty about exact rank.Status of subspecies or variety; the G-rank refers to the species as a whole, the T-rank to thesubspecies.? Denotes inexact or uncertain numeric rank.Source: North Carolina Natural Heritage Program.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-90

Soil Suitability (Map A-8)Pitt County is located in the Coastal Plain region of North Carolina. The Coastal Plain ischaracterized by broad, flat uplands and broad, sandy drainageways. The predominant soilassociations within the County are Norfolk-Exum-Goldsboro, Roanoke-Lakeland-Altavista,Lynchburg-Rains-Goldsboro, Lenoir-Bladen-Craven, Coxville-Exum, Bibb-Portsmouth andBladen-Byars.A soil association is a landscape that has a distinctive proportional pattern of soils normallyconsisting of one or more major soils and at least one minor soil. A general soil map of PittCounty is included in the Pitt County Soil Survey published by the US Department ofAgriculture Soil Conservation Service in 1974.The soils of Pitt County are nearly level to gently sloping. The nearly level soils are in theeastern and southeastern portions of the County. The more sloping areas are located in thewestern part of the County and along the southern boundary of the Tar River and itstributaries. All of the soils are classified as acidic with mostly low to very low natural fertility.For the purposes of the land use plan, each soil series was placed into one of three categoriesaccording to overall suitability for development. The categories were based on five criteria –suitability for dwellings, light-industry, road fill, septic tank filter fields and flooding frequency.Table A-42 lists the soils and places each soil series within one of three categories - Category 1– soils most suitable for development, Category 2 – soils less suitable for development, orCategory 3 – soils least suitable for development.Category 1 and 2 soils are scattered throughout the County but are most likely to be found inthe northwestern, southwestern, and central eastern portions of the County. Category 1 soils,which have few development limitations, are also considered prime farmland. Areas ofCategory 1 soils along and within the Tar River floodplain would be most suitable foragricultural use rather than land development since these areas are susceptible to floods.Category 3 soils dominate the soil horizons of Pitt County. Category 3 soils are concentrated inthe southeastern and northern portions of the County and appear in pockets in the westernportion of the County.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-91

Table A-42Soil Suitability Categories - 2010Category Soil Name Symbol Dwellings Light Industry Road fill Septic Fields Flooding1 Alaga Ag Slight Slight Good Good None2 Altavista Al Moderate Moderate Fair Fair Infrequent/brief1 Aycock Ay Slight Moderate Fair Good None3 Bibb Bb Severe Severe Poor Bad Very frequent/brief3 Bladen Bd Severe Severe Poor Bad Frequent/brief3 Byars By Severe Severe Poor Bad Infrequent/brief3 Cape Fear Ca Severe Severe Poor Bad Frequent/brief2 Chipley Ch Moderate Moderate Fair Fair Infrequent/brief3 Coxville Co Severe Severe Poor Bad Frequent/brief3 Craven Cr Severe Severe Poor Bad None2 Exum Ex Moderate Moderate Fair Fair None2 Goldsboro Go Moderate Moderate Fair Fair None1 Lakeland La Slight Slight Good Good None3 Leaf Le Severe Severe Poor Bad Frequent/brief3 Lenoir Ln Severe Severe Poor Bad Infrequent/brief3 Lenoir Lo Severe Severe Poor Bad None3 Lynchburg Ly Severe Severe Fair Bad None1 Masada Ma Slight Slight Good Good None3 Nahunta Na Severe Severe Fair Bad None1 Norfolk Nr Slight Slight Fair Good None2 Ocilla Oc Moderate Moderate Fair Fair None3 Olustee Oe Severe Severe Poor Bad Frequent/brief3 Osier Os Severe Severe Poor Bad Frequent/brief2 Pactolus Pa Moderate Moderate Fair Fair None3 Pantego Pg Severe Severe Poor Bad Frequent/brief3 Portsmouth Po Severe Severe Poor Bad Frequent/brief3 Rains Ra Severe Severe Poor Bad Frequent/brief3 Roanoke Ro Severe Severe Poor Bad Frequent/brief3 Swamp Sw Soil features too variable for interpretation Very Frequent/Long3 Tuckerman Tu Severe Severe Poor Bad Infrequent brief1 Wagram Wa Slight Slight Good Good None3 Wickham Wk Severe Severe Good/Fair Fair Infrequent/briefNote: Areas classified as either gravel or water pits were placed in Category 2Source: Pitt County Soil Survey and Pitt County Department of Environmental Health.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-92

Insert Map A-8 Soil Suitability(Note: All document maps are to be retained in separate large format form until the final draftdocument is complete.)2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-93

Appendix B: Public ForumsThe Pitt County Planning Board and staff hosted two series of public forums which provided aninformal setting for property owners and interested citizens to review the existing plan, as wellas an opportunity to comment and provide input on the proposed update.1 st Series of Public ForumsThe Planning Board and staff hosted four public forums in late-February and early-March 2011.The public forums were held at the following locations:February 24 thMarch 1 stMarch 3 rdMarch 8 thChicod SchoolBelvoir ElementaryStokes SchoolArthur Christian Church in Bell ArthurAll of the forums were sparsely attended. The forums were conducted in an open houseformat, and included a formal presentation and question and answer session. Planning staffwas available at all of the forums and provided information to the attendees regarding the planupdate as well as general information on planning and development within the County.First Community Survey ResultsIn addition to providing comments at the forums, attendees were asked to complete acommunity survey. The survey was available in written form at the forums and was alsoavailable to be completed online on the Planning Department’s website. 15 written surveyswere received, and 321 surveys were completed online.The survey asked the following questions:1. What are your major concerns about the existing land uses and development patterns in PittCounty's planning jurisdiction (i.e. area outside municipal city limits and extraterritorialjurisdiction)?Several major concerns expressed by the respondents included:• Sprawl/commercial strip development• Traffic• Failing infrastructure• Too many apartment complexes• Not following existing land use plans• Intensive livestock operations• Loss of agricultural land• Water conservation/quality• Soil quality• Too many mobile home parks• Too many junkyards2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix B: Public ForumsPitt County, North Carolina B-1

2. What are some of your ideas about how this area should develop and change over the next 20years?Several ideas expressed by the respondents included:• Urban growth boundary• Infill development• More green spaces (Parks, bike trails, greenways, etc.)• Better public transportation• Sidewalks/crosswalks and bike lanes• Highway improvements• Countywide sewer• Better coordination with City of Greenville• Conserve farmlandSurvey respondents were asked to rank the following issues in order of importance from 1 to 5(1 being the most important and 5 being the least important):• Overall development in the County• Farmland protection• Environmental degradation (e.g. soil erosion, stormwater runoff)• Adequate public services (water supply, wastewater disposal, etc.)• School facilities• Transportation (e.g. road improvements, access management)• Community health (access to healthy foods and recreational opportunities)• Other (as specified by respondent)To determine the most important issue, points were assigned to each rank (1 = 5 points, 2 = 4points, 3 = 3 points, 4 = 2 points, 5 = 1 point), and each issue was assigned a score based uponthe rankings assigned by the survey respondents. Based upon the rankings given by therespondents, the three most important issues were determined to be:1) Environmental Degradation2) Community Health3) Transportation2 nd Series of Public ForumsThe Planning Board and staff hosted five additional public forums in September and October2011. The public forums initially scheduled to be held at the following locations:September 13 thSeptember 15 thSeptember 29 thOctober 11 thOctober 13 thArthur Christian Church (Bell Arthur)Belvoir Elementary SchoolAyden-Grifton High SchoolStokes SchoolChicod SchoolAll of the forums were again sparsely attended. The forums were again conducted in an openhouse format, and included a formal presentation and question and answer session. Planning2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix B: Public ForumsPitt County, North Carolina B-2

staff presented the entire draft plan and was available to provide additional information to theattendees.At the forum in Bell Arthur, officials from the Town of Farmville expressed concerns about theproposed changes to the Future Land Use Map surrounding the Town’s extraterritorialjurisdiction (ETJ). Staff had proposed that several areas surrounding the ETJ should bechanged from Suburban Residential, as shown on the 2002 Future Land Use Map, to RuralResidential/Agricultural. Subsequently, on September 27, 2011, the Town of Farmville’s Boardof Commissioners passed a resolution requesting that the proposed Future Land Use Map berevised to show the Suburban Residential areas around the Town’s ETJ as they were shown onthe 2002 map.Second Community Survey ResultsForum attendees were asked to complete another community survey. Again, the survey wasavailable in written form at the forums and was also available to be completed online on thePlanning Department’s website. Only 6 completed surveys were received - 3 written and 3completed online.The survey asked the following questions:1. What are your thoughts on the draft Comprehensive Land Use Plan? Are there additionalissues that you would like to have addressed in the plan?Several thoughts expressed by the respondents included:• More greenways for bicycles/pedestrians• More recreational areas• Greater emphasis on community and environmental health• More crosswalks for schools• Less development in flood-prone areas2. The goals and objectives of the draft plan are organized into NINE (9) categories. In youropinion, how well do the proposed objectives achieve the stated goals in each category?The respondents generally believed that the objectives worked well to achieve the statedgoals of the Plan. Other comments included:• Development already causes too much flooding.• Actually implement some recreational trails in the County.• More access to public transportation in rural areas.• Areas within the 100-year floodplain should have extremely limited development.3. What are some of your thoughts about the Future Land Use Map? Are there areas that youwould like to see designated differently (ie. residential instead of commercial, commercialcrossroad communities, etc.)?Several thoughts expressed by the respondents included:• Looks like a current land use inventory• Concerned about development in floodplains• Fix the land you have first2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix B: Public ForumsPitt County, North Carolina B-3

• Areas north of US Highway 264 and south of Rams Horn Road should not be zonedcommercial and should have extremely limited development due to the 100-yearfloodplain.• Further emphasis on creating trails, walkways, sidewalks, and bikeable/walkablecommunities.• Less development in flood-prone areas.4. There are SEVEN (7) proposed land use designations on the Future Land Use Map. In youropinion, how well do each of the proposed designations create an appropriate developmentpattern for the County?The respondents indicated that the proposed designations work well to create anappropriate development pattern. Other comments included:• Suburban Residential and Commercial designations are too vague, especially in areasadjacent to municipal limits - should be more specific (high or low density, limited, etc.)5. Do you feel like you received adequate information about the draft Comprehensive Land UsePlan and Future Land Use Map either online or at any of the public forums? If not, please tellus how we can improve and provide better information in the future.The respondents indicated that they received adequate information. One respondentexpressed disappointment in the lack of citizen participation and low turnout at the publicforums.6. Do you have any other comments on the draft plan or future land use map?Several comments expressed by the respondents included:• Does not show potential areas so much as existing.• Should show potential recreation locations (utilize existing drainage easements).• More input is needed from the citizens - it would be good if the citizens would attendthe public forums.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix B: Public ForumsPitt County, North Carolina B-4