Hyde County, in conjunction with the Ocracoke Planning Advisory Board, is hosting a public workshop for input on updating the Hyde County Land Use Plan at 5:30 pm on Thursday, Feb. 19, in the Community Center.
Hyde County Manager Kris Cahoon Noble is looking for as much community participation and input as possible.
In North Carolina’s 20 coastal counties, land use plans (LUPs) serve as legally mandated “blueprints” for how a community manages growth while protecting fragile coastal resources. These plans are required by the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) and are used by the state to determine whether development projects can move forward.
The following will be discussed.
Key Impacts for coastal counties
- Permit decisions: Every proposed project must be consistent with the local land use plan. If a project contradicts the plan’s policies, the Division of Coastal Management (DCM) cannot issue a CAMA permit.
- Protection of resources: Plans include specific maps and policies to safeguard environmental assets like wetlands, estuarine shorelines, and forests.
- Growth management: They designate where different types of development (residential, commercial, industrial) should occur to prevent urban sprawl and manage infrastructure capacity.
- Hazard mitigation: Plans address how to reduce risks from natural hazards, such as storm surges and shoreline erosion.
Core elements of the plans
Coastal land use plans must follow North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) guidelines, ensuring they address the following:
- Public Access: Policies to ensure continued public access to beaches and waters.
- Water Quality: Strategies to manage stormwater runoff and protect coastal surface waters.
- Land Use Compatibility: Ensuring new developments do not conflict with existing natural or cultural areas.
- Infrastructure: Planning for necessary services like wastewater and transportation to support future growth.
Why they matter to property owners
For residents and developers, these plans are not just suggestions; they act as the foundation for local zoning ordinances, the Ocracoke Development Ordinance and budgeting decisions. Failure to comply with these local regulations can lead to project denials, fines, or legal enforcement.
