Resolution Requesting Action

Transcription

TOWN OF OAK ISLAND
Agenda Item: Consent Agenda 2
TOWN COUNCIL
Date:
April 2, 2014
AGENDA ITEM MEMO
Issue: Merge Oak Island’s Hazard Mitigation Plan with Brunswick County’s Plan
Department: Development Services
Presented by: Steve Edwards, Building Codes Administrator
Presentation: N/A
Estimated Time for Discussion: none if item remains on Consent Agenda
Subject Summary: Staff has researched the possibility of including the Town’s Hazard
Mitigation Plan with Brunswick County’s Multi-jurisdictional plan. In joining the County’s Plan,
the Town would not lose its ability to apply for FEMA funding on its own behalf. The trend is
moving toward regionalization of such plans; twelve of the County’s municipalities are already
participants in the County’s plan, including Southport, St. James and Boiling Spring Lakes.
Attachments:
 Resolution for Council’s Consideration
 Information from the NCEM Hazard Mitigation Risk Assessment & Planning Branch
 Letter from Brunswick County confirming approval of Oak Island’s request to merge its
plan
 Letter from Steve Edwards requesting the merger
 Letter from FEMA dated May 6, 2011 approving Brunswick County’s plan (includes list
of municipalities already participating)
 Oak Island Hazard Mitigation Plan (April 2010)
Recommendation/Action Needed: Staff recommends that Council adopt the Resolution and
direct staff to complete the process of merging the Town’s Hazard Mitigation Plan with
Brunswick County’s.
Suggested Motion: I make a motion to adopt the Resolution Requesting Action to Merge the
Hazard Mitigation Plan for the Town of Oak Island, North Carolina, with the Brunswick County
Hazard Mitigation Plan and to direct staff to complete the process.
Funds Needed: none
Follow up Action Needed: If approved, staff will send the necessary documentation to the
appropriate local, state and federal agencies.
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING ACTION TO MERGE THE HAZARD
MITIGATION PLAN FOR THE TOWN OF OAK ISLAND, NORTH
CAROLINA, WITH THE BRUNSIWCK COUNTY HAZARD
MITIGATION PLAN
THAT WHEREAS, on October 30, 2000, the President of the United States signed into
law the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act of 1988 to reinforce the importance of pre-disaster mitigation
planning to help reduce disaster losses; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina Senate Bill 300 requires all local governments to have an
approved Hazard Mitigation Plan in order to receive state public assistance funds (effective for
state-declared disasters after November 1, 2004); and
WHEREAS, the Town of Oak Island Hazard Mitigation Plan (Plan) was updated and
approved in September 13, 2010 by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and
the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management (NCEM): and
WHEREAS, the Town of Oak Island now desires to merge said Plan with the Plan of the
County of Brunswick in accordance with the guidance provided to the Town of Oak Island by
FEMA, NCEM, and the County of Brunswick.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Town of Oak Island Council of the
Town of Oak Island, North Carolina in Town Council assembled this 8th day of April 2014.
SECTION 1. That the attached "Hazard Mitigation Plan for the Town of Oak Island" is
hereby forwarded to the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners for adoption as a merge to
the Hazard Mitigation Plan for the County of Brunswick said plan attached hereto as (Exhibit A).
SECTION 2. That upon adoption, said plan shall continue to serve as a guide for the
various departments of the Town of Oak Island Government in pre-disaster planning and postdisaster recovery.
SECTION 3. That said plan will be reviewed annually or immediately after a natural
disaster.
SECTION 4. That all reports and changes shall be submitted to the North Carolina
Division of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency every
five years.
Adopted this the 8th day of April, 2014
_____________________________
Betty Wallace, Mayor
Attested: _________________________
Lisa Sites, CMC
Town Clerk
Emergency Management
Why Join a Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan?
1. Shared Resources
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When included in a larger plan, less money may be needed by individual governments to update plan.
Improved Efficiency and Less work for local municipalities’ planning department
Expand Individual Capabilities
o For example: Can join in county’s Risk Assessment
When applying for projects, can team with other municipalities and may lower proportional share of the
match.
o Instead of having to produce 25% match (PDM), can share cost with neighboring partner
2. No Power is Compromised or Lost

As an included municipality in a FEMA approved multijurisdictional plan, all participants have the right
to apply to North Carolina Emergency Management for FEMA funding.
3. NCEM’s funding priority for planning grants recommends Regional and/or Multijurisdictional efforts

NCEM has recognized that multijurisdictional plans can be more cost beneficial.
o For example: Tropical Storm Hanna HMGP planning funds will fund only Regional Plans
(multiple- Multijurisdictional Plans combined) in order to further the goal of increasing quality
and efficiency of the planning and review process.
For more information, contact NCEM Hazard Mitigation Risk Assessment & Planning Branch
Leonard Holden: (919) 715-8000 x260
How to Join a Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
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Criteria:
Jurisdiction must be located within boundaries of area covered by multijurisdictional plan.
Multijurisdictional plan “owner” must agree to allow requesting jurisdiction to join.
Multijurisdictional plan’s risk assessment must include analysis of major natural hazards potentially
affecting all areas including requesting jurisdiction.
Option 1
(Plan recently approved or the municipality HAS been impacted by a major disaster event)
 Requesting jurisdiction must review multijurisdictional hazard analysis & determine additional
hazards. If none, document review process; if additional hazards discovered, appendix must be
added, analyzing new hazard.
 Requesting jurisdiction must document agreement with mitigation goals of original as well as
develop list of proposed mitigation projects and include one specific mitigation action.
 Must show involvement of general public & local government in planning process
 Final draft annex (or appendix) and letter of concurrence from multijurisdictional plan “owner” must
be submitted to NCEM for formal review.
 Requesting jurisdiction must provide an electronic copy of the single jurisdiction’s original plan to
NCEM for submittal to FEMA.
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Option 2
(Multijurisdictional plan approaching new update cycle)
Submit a letter of request on letterhead to the County and NCEM requesting a single jurisdiction to
be annexed to the county’s plan
Indicate that multijurisdictional plan has been reviewed and found to be current
Provide a statement that city/town has not been impacted by major disaster since plan adoption
Submit a resolution from the county allowing the single jurisdiction to be annexed into their plan
Provide documentation that the public was notified of request to join the county plan
Provide a statement that the single jurisdiction agrees with the stated goals of the county plan
Submit a Resolution of Adoption from the single jurisdiction adopting the current county plan.
The requesting jurisdiction must provide an electronic copy of the single jurisdiction’s current plan
on CD to NCEM for submittal to FEMA.
For more information, contact NCEM Hazard Mitigation Risk Assessment & Planning Branch
Leonard Holden: (919) 715-8000 x260
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
FEMA Region IV
3003 Chamblee Tucker Road
Atlanta, GA 30341
May 6, 2011
Mr. Chris Crew
State Hazard Mitigation Officer
North Carolina Division of Emergency Management
4713 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699
Reference:
Brunswick County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Dear Mr. Crew:
We are pleased to inform you that the Brunswick County Hazard Mitigation Multi-jurisdictional Plan is
in compliance with the federal hazard mitigation planning standards resulting from the Disaster
Mitigation Act of 2000, as contained in 44 CFR 201.6. The plan is approved for a period of five (5)
years, to May 6, 2016.
This plan approval extends to the following participating jurisdictions that provided copies of their
resolutions adopting the plan:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Brunswick Co, Uninc.
Town of Belville
City of Boiling Spring Lakes
Town of Bolivia
Town of Calabash
Town of Leland
Town of Navassa
City of Northwest
Town of St. James
Town of Sandy Creek
Town of Shallotte
City of Southport
Town of Varnamtown
The approved participating jurisdictions are hereby eligible applicants through the State for the following
mitigation grant programs administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):
•
•
•
•
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM)
Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL)
Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA)
A fifth program, Repetitive Flood Claims (RFC), does not have a requirement for a local Hazard
Mitigation Plan. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) participation is required for some programs.
We commend the participants in the Brunswick County plan for the development of a solid, workable
plan that will guide hazard mitigation activities over the coming years. Please note that all requests for
funding will be evaluated individually according to the specific eligibility and other requirements of the
particular program under which the application is submitted.
For example, a specific mitigation activity or project identified in the plan may not meet the eligibility
requirements for FEMA funding, and even eligible mitigation activities are not automatically approved
for FEMA funding under any of the aforementioned programs. In addition, please be aware that if any of
the approved jurisdictions participating in this plan are placed on probation or are suspended from the
National Flood Insurance Program, they may be ineligible for certain types of federal funding.
We strongly encourage each Community to perform an annual review and assessment of the effectiveness
of their hazard mitigation plan; however, a formal plan update is required at least every five (5) years.
We also encourage each Community to conduct a plan update process within one (1) year of being
included within a Presidential Disaster Declaration or of the adoption of major modifications to their local
Comprehensive Land Use Plan or other plans that affect hazard mitigation or land use and development.
When the plan is amended or revised, it must be resubmitted through the State as a “plan update” and is
subject to a formal review and approval process by our office. If the plan is not updated prior to the
required five (5) year update, please ensure that the draft update is submitted at least six (6) months prior
to expiration of this plan.
The State and the participants in the Brunswick County plan should be commended for their close
coordination and communications with our office in the review and subsequent approval of the plan. If
you or Brunswick County have any questions or need any additional information please do not hesitate to
contact Victor Geer, of the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Branch, at (770) 220-5659 or Linda L. Byers of
my staff, at (770) 220-5498.
Sincerely,
Robert E. Lowe, Chief
Risk Analysis Branch
Mitigation Division
2
Town of Oak Island Hazard Mitigation Plan
April 2010
Oak Island Town Council
Betty Wallace, Mayor
Dara F. Royal, Mayor Pro Tempore
Jim Medlin, Councilor
John Ramsey, Councilor
Bob Seidel, Councilor
Mary B. Snead, Councilor
Hazard Mitigation Planning Team
Jerry Walters, AICP, Town Manager
Chad Hicks AICP, Assistant Town Manager
Penny Tysinger, Development Services Director
Van Eddinger, Police Chief
John House, Fire Chief
David Kelly, Public Utilities Director
Gene Kudgus, Public Works Director
Scott McIntyre, Chief Building Inspector
John Michaux, Stormwater Director
Nancy Wilson, Customer Service and Relations
Planning Assistance Provided By
Bivins & Associates PA
Luther (Lu) Bivins, P.E., GISP
Southport, NC
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
FEMA Region IV
3003 Chamblee Tucker Road
Atlanta, GA 30341
September 13, 2010
Mr. Doug Hoell, Director
4713 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699
Attention:
Chris Crew
Reference: Local Hazard Mitigation Plan: Town of Oak Island, Brunswick, County
Dear Mr. Hoell:
We are pleased to inform you that the revisions to the Town of Oak Island Local Mitigation Plan
are in compliance with the Federal hazard mitigation planning standards resulting from the
Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, as contained in 44 CFR 201.6. The plan is approved for a
period of five (5) years, to September 13, 2015.
This plan approval extends to the following participating jurisdiction that provided a copy of its
resolution adopting the plan:
•
Town of Oak Island
The approved participating jurisdiction is hereby-eligible applicant through the State for the
following mitigation grant programs administered by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA):
•
•
•
•
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM)
Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL)
Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA
We commend the Town of Oak Island for development of a solid, workable plan that will guide
hazard mitigation activities over the coming years. Please note, all requests for funding will be
evaluated individually according to the specific eligibility and other requirements of the
particular program under which the application is submitted. For example, a specific mitigation
activity or project identified in the plan may not meet the eligibility requirements for FEMA
funding, and even eligible mitigation activities are not automatically approved for FEMA
funding under any of the aforementioned programs.
We strongly encourage each community to perform an annual review and assessment of the
effectiveness of their hazard mitigation plan; however, a formal plan update is required at least
every five (5) years. We also encourage each community to conduct a plan update process
within one (1) year of being included within a Presidential Disaster Declaration or of the
adoption of major modifications to their local Comprehensive Land Use Plan or other plans that
affect hazard mitigation or land use and development. When the plan is amended or revised, it
must be resubmitted through the State as a “plan update” and is subject to a formal review and
approval process by our office. If the plan is not updated prior to the required five (5) year
update, please ensure that the Draft update is submitted at least six (6) months prior to expiration
of this plan approval.
The State and the Town of Oak Island should be commended for their close coordination and
communications with our office in the review and subsequent approval of the plan. If you or the
Town of Oak Island have any questions or need any additional information please do not hesitate
to contact
Mary Margaret Jackson, of the Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Branch, at (770) 220-5234
or Linda L. Byers of my staff at 770-220-5498.
Sincerely,
Robert E. Lowe, Chief
Risk Analysis Branch
Mitigation Division
2
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
Executive Summary
4
SECTION 1: HAZARD MITIGATION PLANNING FOR OAK ISLAND
6
Section 1-1 The Hazard Mitigation Planning Process
6
Section 1-2 About Oak Island
9
Section 2-1 Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
13
Section 2-2 Nor’easters
20
Section 2-3 Flooding
21
Section 2-4 Tornados
23
Section 2-5 Thunderstorms
23
Section 2-8 Earthquakes
29
Section 2-9 Landslides
31
Section 2-10 Tsunamis
31
Section 2-11 Dam /Levee Failure
32
Section 2-12 Drought/Heat Wave
32
Section 2-13 Coastal Erosion
33
Section 2-14 Hazard Analysis for Oak Island
35
SECTION 3: ASSESSMENT OF HAZARD VULNERABILITY
37
1
Section 3-1 Inventory of Developed Facilities and
Undeveloped Land
38
Section 3-2 Critical Facilities Hazard Analysis in Oak
Island
39
Section 3-3 Storm Surge and 100-Year Flood Plain Areas
and Repetitive Loss Properties
41
Section 3-4 High Wind Damage
42
Section 3-5 National Flood Insurance Program and
Repetitive Loss Properties
44
Section 3-6 Future Hazard Vulnerability
44
Section 3-7 Vulnerability Assessment Summary
45
Section 3-8 Reducing Future Hazard Vulnerability
46
SECTION 4: CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT
47
Section 4-1 Introduction
47
Section 4-2 Legal Capabilities
48
Section 4-3 Fiscal Capability
60
Section 4-4 Technical Capability
62
Section 4-5 Effectiveness for Hazard Mitigation
65
SECTION 5: TOWN GOALS AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES
65
Section 5-1 Introduction and Hazard Mitigation Goals 65
Section 5-2 Hazard Mitigation Planning Objectives
67
Section 5-3 Hurricane and Flood Hazard Mitigation
Activities
68
2
Section 5-4 Tornado, Nor’easter, Thunderstorm and
Severe Winter Storm Mitigation Activities.
74
SECTION 6: PROCEDURES FOR IMPLEMENTING, REVIEWING,
AMENDING AND UPDATING THE PLAN
75
Section 6-1 Implementation of the Hazard Mitigation
Plan
76
Section 6-2 Review of the Hazard Mitigation Plan
77
Section 6-3 Procedure for Amending the Plan
78
Section 6-4 Planning Board Review and
Recommendation
78
Section 6-5 Town Council Review and Approval
78
APPENDIX
79
Community Rating System
79
Internet Resources
82
Legislative and Policy Issues
82
State Government, Programs and Organizations
84
Local Government, Programs and Organizations
85
National Organization
88
Research and Data Centers
88
For Business and Industry
90
Discussion of Public Involvement
and Plan Maintenance
90
91-135
Land Use Maps
3
136-151
Critical Facility Maps
152
SLOSH Maps
Executive Summary
This project completed an initial outline and draft of the Town of Oak Island
Hazard Mitigation Plan in August 2002. The draft document was then sent to the
members of the Hazard Mitigation Planning Team, comprised of members of the
town staff. This was a special subcommittee formed to provide additional data
and policy information for the plan. The Team also was charged with providing
input into the operations of town departments in response to different hazards,
and any special conditions or issues that need to be addressed within the town
government. The Team members met informally with the consultant, who
integrated their comments and data into the draft document. The subcommittee
reviewed the draft document and displayed it in the Town Hall for the public to
view until October 8th when the consultant presented it to the Town Council at
their regular monthly meeting. The consultant gave the Town Council a
presentation on the draft plan. After the brief presentation by the consultant, the
public made comments and asked several questions. Questions ranged from the
need for a Hazard Mitigation Plan, what it covered, and why the town needed to
adopt a plan. Participants also urged the town to use this plan to examine
liability and potential costs from disasters, and questioned its role in assisting
with efforts to improve beach renouishment programs and to support the
construction of a second bridge to Oak Island. Town Council then set two public
hearing dates to receive further public comment on the draft Hazard Mitigation
Plan.
The public hearings were advertised in the State Port Pilot in accordance with the
time frame and regulations spelled out in the North Carolina General Statutes.
The public hearings were held on November 12th and December 10th just prior to
the regular Town Council meetings. Attendance was good for both hearings;
however, the citizens offered little input or change to the draft plan.
The Town Council did not vote to approve the plan as a final document at this
time. Instead, the board accepted the plan (no motion or vote was needed) as a
draft, and sent it to the Planning Board for their review and comments prior to the
consultant sending the document to the State and Federal agencies for their
approval.
The Planning Board, comprised of appointed citizens who represent the
community of Oak Island, reviewed the draft Oak Island Hazard Mitigation
document at their December 11, 2002 meeting. Only one comment was made by
a Planning Board member about the draft proposal and no comments were
received from the public in attendance. The Planning Board recommended that
the Town Council encourage the consultant to move forward with soliciting
4
comments and approval from the State and Federal agencies on the draft
proposal.
The draft was then submitted to the State in January 2003. Comments were
returned from the State on August 11, 2003.
A draft with the changes recommended by the State Division of Emergency
Management was completed in January 2004. The Disaster Mitigation Act of
2000 requires that the public be invited to participate in at least two phases of the
process. The public was given seven opportunities to make comments during this
process, October 8, 2002 (Town Council meeting presentation), November 12th
and December 10th, 2002 (public hearings), December 11th, 2002 (Planning
Board meeting), January 28, 2004 (Planning Board meeting), February 9, 2004
(Town Council agenda meeting general comment session) and March 9, 2004
(Town Council meeting - public hearing). The citizens appointed to the Planning
Board served as the primary committee for review and comment on the amended
draft plan. Invitations were extended to the citizens, neighboring communities,
regulatory agencies, businesses, academia, and other private/non-profit
organizations to attend and make comments at the Planning Board review of the
final rough draft of the Oak Island Hazard Mitigation Plan on January 28, 2004.
Mandatory Update
Updating the Hazard Mitigation Plan began on May 1st, 2008. The first action
taken on the revised plan was to update data located throughout the plan. After
a comprehensive update of all data a review of the hazards and mitigation goals
and responsibilities was undertaken. Town staff, consisting of members from
Administration, Stormwater, Public Works, Police and Fire Departments, all
worked on gathering data and reviewing the plan. The Town Manager, Planning
Director, Fire Chief, Police Chief, Public Works Director, and Public Utilities
Director were all involved in this update. When appropriate, staff added new
information to this plan. Town staff reviewed the existing 1999 CAMA Land Use
Plan, the 2008 draft CAMA Land Use Plan as well as Town and State
Ordinances and Laws, such as zoning, flood, and building, to determine the need
to incorporate these plans into the 2008 update. Much of the data used in this
Hazard Mitigation Plan was found in both the existing CAMA Land Use Plan as
well as the new draft CAMA Plan under construction. The Capital Improvement
Plan, Floodplain Management Plan and goals from the CRS program were
incorporated throughout this mitigation plan. Each member of the team
contributed guidance in his or her area of expertise. Members of the public and
representatives from local governments and academia were invited to a pubic
hearing held on March 10, 2009. After receiving no comments from the public,
the updates were adopted by the Oak Island Town Council.
5
Section 1: Hazard Mitigation Planning For Oak Island
Natural hazards are all around us, and in coastal communities like Oak Island,
the effects of nature are never far from the minds of all the citizens. Though rare,
floods, hurricanes, nor’easters and tornados all affect the Town of Oak Island.
Since we cannot keep these events from happening, we must work to recognize
and adapt to these and other natural forces. Hazard mitigation is this process of
recognizing and adapting. The development of this plan seeks to reduce the
long-term risk to human life and property in Oak Island from natural hazards and
to establish goals and strategies for hazard mitigation.
Section 1-1 The Hazard Mitigation Planning Process
The hazard mitigation planning process identifies these hazards and assesses a
community’s vulnerability to hazards. In addition, the plan assesses the
community’s current policies and ordinances that affect hazard mitigation and
develops strategies for the Town to minimize future impacts of natural hazards.
This process consists of six steps:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Identification and analysis of natural hazards that could impact the
community
Assessment of the community’s vulnerability to natural hazards
Assessment of the Town’s capability to respond to a natural disaster
Assessment of the community’s current policies and ordinances that could
effect mitigation
Development of goals and strategies
Review, implement, evaluate and revise
This plan is designed to provide Oak Islanders with the goals, strategies and
plans for minimizing the future impacts of natural events. The Oak Island Hazard
Mitigation Plan has been developed to meet the requirements of new Federal
and State laws that require local communities to take steps to reduce
vulnerability to natural hazards 1. The State of North Carolina requires, among
other provisions, that each local government in North Carolina develop and adopt
a Hazard Mitigation Plan in order to receive public assistance funds for statedeclared disasters after November 1, 2003. The Oak Island Plan has been
developed using hazard mitigation planning criteria established by the State of
North Carolina.
A Hazard Mitigation Plan plays an important role in guiding development, both in
private land uses and community infrastructure since it identifies conditions that
1
Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (United States Public Law 106-390) amending the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act of 1998; and An Act to Amend the Laws Regarding Emergency Management (North Carolina
General Assembly, 2002).
6
are unique to the community. This is a plan based on Oak Island’s hazard
analysis, and the Town’s strengths and vulnerabilities, and provides a guide to
protect the property, citizens, visitors and natural environment from natural forces
in this unique coastal community.
The Hazard Mitigation Plan and the planning process is also an excellent method
to inform the community about the natural hazards and mitigation, increasing
public awareness of risks and educating the public about the resources available.
Public awareness of natural hazards will enable citizens to make informed
decisions on where to live or locate their businesses, and how to better protect
themselves, and their property. For the Town’s government, the plan provides
information for the officials to carry out daily activities in a manner that will
encompass mitigation strategies. It can provide the basis for the Town of Oak
Island to lead the community in mitigation efforts and put mitigation in the
forefront of planning. A Hazard Mitigation Plan identifies areas to site public
facilities away from hazardous areas, codes and ordinances to minimize impacts,
and town strengths and weakness in operations of mitigation strategies. By
demonstrating the need for mitigation planning and programs, the plan provides
the commitment from the government that becomes incentives for local landowners to carry out the goals and policies as well 2. In addition, in times of
emergencies, it provides critical blueprint for the government’s plan of action to
respond to natural hazards, thus minimizing time and resources wasted in
response to disasters when they occur. Finally, a Hazard Mitigation Plan
provides for compressive methods for review, analysis and updates. This
provides a critical link in the planning cycle, to ensure that potential hazards are
identified, and the goals and strategies are kept up-to-date and programs are
efficient as possible.
Public Participation for this Plan
The consultant for this project completed an initial outline and draft of the Town
of Oak Island Hazard Mitigation Plan in August 2002. The draft document was
then sent to the members of the Hazard Mitigation Planning Team, comprised of
members of the town staff. This was a special subcommittee formed to provide
additional data and policy information for the plan. The Team also was charged
with providing input into the operations of town departments in response to
different hazards, and any special conditions or issues that need to be addressed
within the town government. The Team members met informally with the
consultant, who integrated their comments and data into the draft document. The
subcommittee reviewed the draft document and displayed it in the Town Hall for
the public to view until October 8th when the consultant presented it to the Town
Council at their regular monthly meeting. The consultant gave the Town Council
a presentation on the draft plan. After the brief presentation by the consultant,
the public made comments and asked several questions. Questions ranged from
2
Keeping Natural Hazards From Becoming Disasters: A Mitigation Planning Guidebook for Local Governments. The
North Carolina Division of Emergency Management, Hazard Mitigation Section, Risk Management and Planning Branch.
November 2001.
7
the need for a Hazard Mitigation Plan, what it covered, and why the town needed
to adopt a plan. Participants also urged the town to use this plan to examine
liability and potential costs from disasters, and questioned its role in assisting
with efforts to improve beach renouishment programs and to support the
construction of a second bridge to Oak Island. Town Council then set two public
hearing dates to receive further public comment on the draft Hazard Mitigation
Plan.
The public hearings were advertised in the State Port Pilot in accordance with the
time frame and regulations spelled out in the North Carolina General Statutes.
The public hearings were held on November 12th and December 10th just prior to
the regular Town Council meetings. Attendance was good for both hearings;
however, the citizens offered little input or change to the draft plan.
The Town Council did not vote to approve the plan as a final document at this
time. Instead, the board accepted the plan (no motion or vote was needed) as a
draft, and sent it to the Planning Board for their review and comments prior to the
consultant sending the document to the State and Federal agencies for their
approval.
The Planning Board, comprised of appointed citizens who represent the
community of Oak Island, reviewed the draft Oak Island Hazard Mitigation
document at their December 11, 2002 meeting. Only one comment was made by
a Planning Board member about the draft proposal and no comments were
received from the public in attendance. The Planning Board recommended that
the Town Council encourage the consultant to move forward with soliciting
comments and approval from the State and Federal agencies on the draft
proposal.
The draft was then submitted to the State in January 2003. Comments were
returned from the State on August 11, 2003.
A draft with the changes recommended by the State Division of Emergency
Management was completed in January 2004. The Disaster Mitigation Act of
2000 requires that the public be invited to participate in at least two phases of the
process. The public was given seven opportunities to make comments during this
process, October 8, 2002 (Town Council meeting presentation), November 12th
and December 10th, 2002 (public hearings), December 11th, 2002 (Planning
Board meeting), January 28, 2004 (Planning Board meeting), February 9, 2004
(Town Council agenda meeting general comment session) and March 9, 2004
(Town Council meeting - public hearing).
The citizens appointed to the Planning Board served as the
primary committee for review and comment on the amended
draft plan. After reviewing the plan with the recommended
8
changes from the State Division of Emergency Management at
their January 2004 meeting, the board voted unanimously to
recommend the amended document to the Town Council for
their consideration for approval. At their March 2004 meeting,
the Town Council voted unanimously to direct the consultant to
pass the document to the State for final review and submission
to FEMA for a formal approval.
The Town of Oak Island sent invitations to The Town of Holden
Beach, Caswell Beach, Southport and to representatives from North
Carolina State University to attend our workshop and public hearing
on the updated plan document. An advertisement was also run for
two weeks in the State Port Pilot Newspaper advertising the public
hearing and requesting that interested parties attend.
Section 1-2 About Oak Island
Demographics
The Town of Oak Island has the second largest population of the 19
municipalities within Brunswick County as well as the largest beach community in
North Carolina, with a population of 6,898 as of July 2002. From 1990 – 2000,
Oak Island grew at a rate of 44.4 % 3 If growth continues at this rate, the
population will exceed 9,500 by 2010; and the 8.312 square miles of the town will
increase in population density from 796 to 1,149 people per square mile.
Based on the Consolidated Oak Island Land Use Plan and the official 2000
Federal Census population of 6,571, seasonal population escalates to 28,913
weekdays and approximately 39,426 on weekends. During the week of July 4th
the population escalates to 52,568 people
Table 1-2.1 Oak Island Population Growth 1990-2006
1990
1991
1992
3
4
Oak Island 4
4577
4625
4730
Long Beach
3837
3884
3976
North Carolina State Data Center; Demographics as of January 10, 2006.
Combination of Long Beach and Yaupon Beach; Caswell Beach is not included.
9
Yaupon Beach
740
741
754
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
4857
4960
5081
5229
5409
5552
5739
6571
6690
7033
7120
7369
7711
8093
4088
4180
4288
4423
4586
4783
4904
n/a






769
780
793
806
823
829
835
n/a






3
North Carolina State Data Center; Demographics as of January 10, 2006.
Approximately 204 businesses are located on Oak Island—most in the tourist
related business. The North Carolina Department of Revenue reports that total
retail sales have grown from $3.9 million in 2003 to 13.6 million in 2005. The
Median Family Income was $35,320 in the 2000 Census. As of March 2008 the
Oak Island Unemployment Rate was 5.4%.
Government
Incorporated in 1999, Oak Island is the combination of two previously
incorporated municipalities: Long Beach and Yaupon Beach, both originally
incorporated in 1955. The Mayor is a separately elected, non-partisan, nonvoting member of the Town Council that serves a 2-year term. The Town’s nonpartisan 5 Council Members are currently elected at large for various length
terms, but the goal is to move to 6 non-partisan, at-large Council Members
serving four-year overlapping terms. The Town Manager is appointed by, and
serves at the pleasure of the Town Council.
Natural Characteristics
Climate
Oak Island is a temperate coastal environment with a year-round temperature
average of 70 degrees Fahrenheit (F). Other Temperature statistics include the
following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Spring temperature averages 71 degrees F
Summer temperature averages 83 degrees F
Fall temperature averages 74 degrees F
Record low = -3 degrees (Dec 1989)
Record high = 103 degrees (Jun 1952)
The Town of Oak Island averages 60.99 inches of precipitation per
year.
10
Geography and Geology
Oak Island is uniquely situated along one of the "scalloped arcs" on the
southeast coast of North Carolina, so unlike most of the North Carolina coast, the
beaches of Oak Island face south instead of east. The Island is actually a portion
of a coastal barrier island and a portion of the original mainland coast. Oak Island
did not actually become an island until the Atlantic Intracoastal Water Way
(ICWW) was completed. The canal for the ICWW actually severed the island
from the main land. Oak Island consists of areas of high bluffs, maritime forests,
beach front, and complex dune and marsh structures. Oak Island is home to two
municipalities, Caswell Beach, on the smaller eastern side and Oak Island on the
larger western portion of the island. Big Davis Canal divides the western portion
of Oak Island, running from Montgomery Slough to its end at 40th Street.
The Town has two distinct geologic categories. The north side (parallel to the
ICWW) is an elevated relict mainland soils formation with heavy vegetation and
high bluffs. It is protected from open wind and water by the marshes of Big Davis
Canal, and by its higher elevation than the “beach area”. It extends eastward to
the Yaupon Beach area of Oak Island. In stark contrast to “wooded” area is the
beachfront, or southern side of the island that is a barrier island formation. This
portion of Oak Island runs the entire length of the town, before transitioning in
Caswell Beach to a combination of barrier island formation and accretion from
the Cape Fear River Inlet. In 2001, the Town’s Sea Turtle Habitat Restoration
Project was completed, along with an aggressive renouishment program to
rebuild the dune structure. This will provide protection for some storm effects.
The Town is also partners with the Army Corp of Engineers on the Wilmington
Ocean Harbor Channel Dredge and Renouishment Project. The Town must view
such projects as an ongoing commitment and continue to develop strategies that
minimize impacts of storms.
Soils
The surface layer is composed primarily of sand. Surfaces materials tend to
erode very quickly due to the area’s relatively flat topography and high absorption
rate. The coastal geography subjects the island to overwash; flooding and other
coastal processes that can affect land directly or indirectly over time. The
wooded area does have some organic materials in the soil, but it too is mostly
sand. The bluff areas are mostly sandy with some organic materials as well.
Water Resources
Oak Island relies on the Cape Fear River for its primary drinking water source.
Water quality is satisfactory for domestic use after it undergoes hydrated lime
softening with sulfuric acid pH adjustment; chloramine disinfection; fluoridation to
11
prevent tooth decay; and, corrosion inhibitor aeration, at the Brunswick County
211 Water Treatment Plant. The Town purchases the water from the County at a
wholesale rate then resells to properties on Oak Island. The portion of the
Atlantic Intracoastal Water Way adjacent to Oak Island has been classified by the
State of North Carolina as SC waters (see Table 1-2.2). The Elizabeth River and
Dutchman Creek have been classified as class SA;HQW. Davis Canal and
Montgomery Slough are SA and the Atlantic Ocean is SB.
Table 1-2.2 Classification of Water Resources
6
HQW
High Quality Waters. A supplemental surface water classification.
SA
Class SA Water Classification. This classification denotes saltwaters that have sufficient water
quality to support commercial shellfish harvesting.
SB
Class SB Water Classification. This classification denotes saltwaters with sufficient water quality
for frequent and/or organized swimming or other human contact.
Class SC Water Classification. This classification denotes saltwaters with sufficient water quality
to support secondary recreation and aquatic life propagation and survival.
SC
Sw
Swamp Waters. A supplemental surface water classification denoting waters that has naturally
occurring low pH, low dissolved oxygen and low velocities. These waters are common in the
Coastal Plain and are often naturally discolored giving rise to their nickname of “blackwater”
streams.
Natural Resources
Oak Island natural resources vary widely, but are consistent with a coastal
ecosystem. The Town has oceanfront with a sand dune system where sea oats
are the primary vegetation. In addition, the Town also has abundant areas of
maritime forest, wetlands and scrub pine vegetation. Principle vegetation types in
the area include the live oak, yaupon trees, yellow pine and other hardwoods. In
1999, the Town adopted a vegetation ordinance to protect the natural flora and
guide development to reduce impacts on the natural environment. This
vegetation ordinance was updated in 2009
Wildlife species include squirrel, red fox, sea turtles, and rabbits. Marine
populations are abundant in the town’s adjacent waters and include many
species of finfish and shellfish including flounder, bass, shrimp, crabs, and sea
turtles. Sea turtle populations include the Green, Loggerheads, and rare Kemp
Ridley turtles. The Town, in conjunction with the US Army Corps of Engineers,
completed in 2001 a Sea Turtle Habitat Restoration Project to restore sea turtle
habitat lost to erosion.
Recreation
The Town boasts an extensive recreation and parks program, with 20 park areas
covering approximately 20 acres, including baseball fields, gardens and habitat
6
A Citizen’s Guide to Water Quality Management in North Carolina. NC Department of Natural Resources, 2000.
12
areas, canoe docks, and a multi-use recreation center. The Town has a Nature
Center, Ocean Education Center, Teen Center, Skateboard Park, Regional Park
facility and several public education programs. Oak Island also has a unique
approach to beach and estuarine access.
Section 2: Hazard Identification and Analysis
This section of the Hazard Mitigation Plan provides details on the natural
disasters most likely to affect the Town of Oak Island. The State of North
Carolina Division of Emergency Management has identified 13 natural hazards
that affect communities across the State:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
Nor’easters
Floods
Tornados
Thunderstorms / High Wind
Winter Storms
Wildfires
Earthquake
Landslides
Tsunamis
Dam / Levee Failure
Drought / Heat Wave
Coastal Erosion
The geographic and geologic location of the Town of Oak Island creates unique
levels of vulnerabilities to each of these natural disasters in terms of potential
impact, frequency of occurrence, and likelihood of occurrence. Most of these
hazards could affect the entire Town of Oak Island. Only coastal erosion is
limited to properties located within a few hundred feet from major waterbodies.
Section 2-1 Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone, which is a generic term for a lowpressure system that generally forms in the tropics. The cyclone is accompanied
by thunderstorms and, in the Northern Hemisphere, a counterclockwise
circulation of winds near the earth's surface. Tropical cyclones are classified as
follows:
•
Tropical Disturbance/Tropical Wave: An unorganized
thunderstorms with little, if any, organized wind circulation
13
mass
of
•
•
•
Tropical Depression: An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms
with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38
mph (33 knots) or less
Tropical Storm: An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a
defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph
(34-63 knots)
Hurricane: An intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms
with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of
74 mph (64 knots) or higher 7
Hurricanes and tropical storms that affect North Carolina normally form in the
Atlantic Ocean off the coast of western Africa during the months of June through
November with the peak season occurring in early September 8.
Hurricanes are categorized according to the strength of their winds using the
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. A Category 1 storm has the lowest wind speeds,
while a Category 5 hurricane has the strongest. These are relative terms,
because lower category storms can sometimes inflict greater damage than
higher category storms, depending on where they strike and the particular
hazards they bring. In fact, tropical storms can also produce significant damage
and loss of life, mainly due to flooding.
Table 2-1.1 Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
Category
Barometric
Pressure
(mb)
Wind speed
(mph and
knots)
Category 1
Hurricane
(weak)
>980.2
74-95 mph
Category 2
Hurricane
(Moderate)
979.68965.12
Category 3
Hurricane
(Strong)
945.14964.78
Category 4
Hurricane
920.08944.80
Height of
Storm
Surge (in
feet)
4-5
Damage Potential
Examples
No real damage to buildings. Damage to
unanchored mobile homes. Some damage
to poorly constructed signs. Also, some
coastal flooding and minor pier damage.
Diana 1984
and Diane
1955
6-8
Some damage to building roofs, doors and
windows. Considerable damage to mobile
homes. Flooding damages, piers, and small
craft in unprotected moorings may break
their moorings. Some trees blown down.
Bertha
1996 and
Gloria 1985
8-12
Some structural damage to small
residences and utility buildings. Large trees
blown down. Mobile homes and poorly built
signs destroyed. Flooding near the coast
destroys smaller structures with larger
structures damaged by floating debris.
Terrain may be flooded well inland.
Bonnie
1998 Fran
1996
13-18
More extensive curtain wall failures with
some complete roof structure failure on
small residences. Major erosion of beach
areas. Terrain may be flooded well inland.
Hazel 1954
and the
1899 storm
(64-82 knots)
96-110 mph
(83-95 knots)
111-130 mph
(96-113
knots)
131-155 mph
(114-135
knots)
7
8
National Hurricane Center internet website: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov
State Climate Office of North Carolina, 2002
14
Category 5
Hurricane
<920.08
156+ mph
>18
Complete roof failure on many residences
and industrial buildings. Some complete
building failures with small utility buildings
blown over or away. Flooding causes major
damage to lower floors of all structures near
the shoreline. Massive evacuation of
residential areas may be required.
(135+ knots)
Camille
1969 (LA)
Hurricanes in North Carolina
“North Carolina has a long and notorious history of destruction by hurricanes.
Ever since the first expeditions to Roanoke Island in 1586, hurricanes are
recorded to have caused tremendous damage to the state. Reliable
classification of the intensity of tropical cyclones began in 1886. Since that time,
there have been 951 tropical cyclones that have been recorded in the Atlantic
Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Approximately 166 or 17.5% of those tropical
cyclones passed within 300 miles of North Carolina”. Table 2-1.2 contains the
number and percentage of tropical storms and hurricanes that made landfall in
North Carolina or made landfall in another state and later passed through North
Carolina. “The coast of North Carolina can expect to receive a tropical storm or a
hurricane once every four years, while a tropical cyclone affects the state every
1.3 years.” 9
Table 2-1.2 North Carolina Tropical Cyclone Statistics (1886-2008) 10
Number of storms
28
2.9
4
Tropical Cyclones that passed
through NC
82
8.6
1.3
0.25
0.74
Direct Land falling Tropical Cyclones in NC
Percentage of storms
Average number of years between storms
Average number of storms per year
Number and percentage of hurricanes
and tropical storms to make direct landfall
in North Carolina from 1886 through
1996. Number of years between storms
(period) and number of storms per year
(frequency) are also given. Data compiled
from the Colorado State Tropical Cyclone
database.
The state's protruding coastline makes it a favorable target for tropical cyclones
(TC) that curve northward in the western Atlantic Ocean. Not surprisingly, the
most favored location for tropical cyclones to make landfall in North Carolina is
Cape Hatteras. The other two protrusions in the North Carolina coastline, Cape
Fear and Cape Lookout, are also favored areas for tropical cyclones to make
landfall. Table 2-1.3 at the bottom lists all hurricanes and tropical storms that
have made direct landfall in North Carolina since 1800. The approximate location
of landfall and estimated wind speed and storm surge at landfall are also listed.
9
State Climate Office of North Carolina website www.nc-climate.ncsu.edu
10
15
Hurricanes affect North Carolina most often in the late summer and early fall, as
ocean temperatures are warmest during this time of the year in the North Atlantic
Basin. The 1940s and 1950s were active periods for tropical storms in North
Carolina. The most active time in North Carolina’s Hurricane History was from
1953 to 1956. During this time, six hurricanes made direct landfall in North
Carolina. In October 1954, Hurricane Hazel made landfall directly over Murrells
Inlet. It was the most powerful hurricane to hit the State (Category 4), and
destroyed over 95% of all the structures on the island.
Hurricanes were relatively quiet for the next few decades, but North Carolina saw
increased activity again in the 1990’s. The period from 1995-1998 was the most
active, with 53 named storms, 33 hurricanes and 15 major hurricanes. Of those,
3 made direct landfall in North Carolina – Bertha, Bonnie and Fran. The 1996
season was rare in the hurricane history of North Carolina. Tropical Storm Arthur,
Hurricane Bertha, and Hurricane Fran all made direct landfall on the North
Carolina coastline. It was the most active tropical cyclone season in the state
since 1955, when Hurricanes Connie, Diane, and Ione all hit the coast.
Hurricane Fran was one of the most costly hurricanes to ever hit North Carolina.
The landfall location of Fran near the City of Wilmington in 1996 and its
progression into the Raleigh-Durham area caused an estimated 1.275 billion
dollars in damage in North Carolina alone 11.
Hurricane Floyd made land fall at the Cape Fear in September 1999 with a total
financial impact is estimated at $4.6 billion. Although Floyd was a Category 2
hurricane and Fran was a Category 3, the impact of Floyd far exceeded that of
Fran. Hurricane Floyd caused the total loss of an estimated 4,000 homes, while
Fran destroyed an estimated 2,400. 12
Hurricanes in Brunswick County
Brunswick County has seen a number of storms that have made direct landfall or
have passed over since the Nineteenth Century. The following table lists the
storms with direct landfall over North Carolina since 1800’s. The Hurricanes that
directly affected Oak Island are in bold type.
Table 2-1.3
Direct Landfalling Hurricanes and Tropical Storms in North Carolina
Since 1800 13
Note: This list does not count storms that made landfall in another state, then moved into North Carolina. The list of
other storms that affected North Carolina is further below.
11
13
12
16
Approximate
Date of Landfall
Storm
Name
SaffirSimpson
Intensity at
Landfall
Approximate Location of
Landfall
Estimated
Wind Speed
(kt)
9/6/2008
Hanna
Tropical
Storm
Near Oak Island
52
9/14/2005
Ophelia
1
Outer Banks
75
8/15/2004
Charlie
1
Near Calabash
85
1-2
8/3/2004
Alex
2
Cape Lookout
100
3-6
9/19/2003
Isabel
2
Core Banks
145
6-8
9/16/1999
Floyd
2
Cape Fear
95
9/4/1999
Dennis
Tropical
Storm
Core Banks
60
8/26/1998
Bonnie
3
Cape Fear
100
6-8
9/6/1996
Fran
3
Cape Fear
100
8-12
7/13/1996
Bertha
Topsail Beach
90
5
Storm Surge (ft.)
6/20/1996
Arthur
2
Tropical
Storm
Morehead
35
8/18/1986
Charley
1
Morehead
70
9/26/1985
Gloria
2
Hatteras
90
6-8
9/9/1984
Diana
1
Long Beach
80
5-6
9/30/1971
Ginger
Atlantic Beach
65
4
8/27/1971
Doria
1
Tropical
Storm
Atlantic Beach
55
10/16/1964
Isabel
1
Morehead
65
9/11/1960
Donna
2
East of Wilmington
95
6-8
9/19/1955
Ione
2
Salter Path
90
3-10
8/17/1955
Diane
1
Carolina Beach
75
5-9
8/12/1955
Connie
1
Cape Lookout
70
7
10/15/1954
Hazel
4
Murrells Inlet
125
10-20
8/30/1954
Carol
2
Hatteras
85
8/13/1953
Barbara
Cape Lookout
90
Wilmington
60
6/25/1945
2
Tropical
Storm
Tropical
Storm
Hatteras
55
8/1/1944
1
Southport
80
9/18/1936
2
Hatteras
85
9/16/1933
3
Ocracoke
100
8/23/1933
2
Hatteras
85
12/2/1925
1
Wilmington/Hatteras
65
9/22/1920
Topsail Beach
65
Morehead
50
9/6/1916
1
Tropical
Storm
Tropical
Storm
Southport
35
9/3/1913
1
Hatteras
70
7/6/1946
8/25/1918
17
10
7/31/1908
2
Morehead
85
11/13/1904
3
Hatteras
100
7/11/1901
Hatteras
65
10/13/1900
1
Tropical
Storm
10/31/1899
1
Wrightsville Beach
80
8
8/16/1899
4
Tropical
Storm
Tropical
Storm
Hatteras
115
4-10
North of Hatteras
55
West of Hatteras
50
Southport
85
Cape Lookout
50
10/26/1897
10/22/1893
9/11/1883
9/21/1882
Hatteras
1
Tropical
Storm
9/9/1881
NA
Wilmington/Wrightsville
08/18/1879
4
Wilmington/Cape Lookout
120
10/23/1878
Morehead
90
9/17/1876
2
Tropical
Storm
NC/SC border
60
11/10/1875
NA
Long Beach
9/28/1874
NA
Southport
8/19/1871
NA
Southport
9/9/1857
NA
Hatteras
9/4/1856
NA
Wrightsville Beach
9/7/1846
NA
Hatteras
8/24/1842
NA
Ocracoke
7/12/1842
NA
Portsmouth
8/18/1837
NA
Cape Fear
9/4/1834
NA
NC/SC border
8/24/1827
NA
Hatteras
6/3/1825
NA
Morehead/New Bern
9/2/1821
NA
Cape Lookout
9/3/1815
NA
Wilmington/New Bern
9/28/1806
NA
Ocracoke Inlet
60
6-8
10
Table 2-1.4 Hurricanes and Tropical Storms that affected North Carolina 14
Date Storm Affected NC
Name
Saffir-Simpson Intensity
9/06/2008
8/27/2006
6/13/2006
Hanna
Ernesto
Alberto
Tropical Storm
Category 1
Tropical Storm
14
18
Estimated Wind Speed
(knots)
75
65
60
7/6/2006
9/25/2004
9/13/2004
9/2/2004
8/29/2004
8/11/2004
6/30/2003
9/26/2002
9/11/2002
7/26/2002
6/5/2001
9/19/2000
9/17/2000
10/18/1999
8/29/1999
9/2/1998
7/19/1997
10/8/1996
6/6/1995
8/31/1993
9/25/1992
8/19/1991
9/22/1989
8/29/1988
11/22/1985
7/25/1985
8/20/1981
9/5/1979
8/9/1976
6/21/1972
9/10/1969
10/20/1968
9/16/1967
8/29/1962
9/27/1958
9/11/1954
8/31/1952
8/20/1950
8/28/1949
8/24/1949
10/12/1947
10/9/1946
9/17/1945
10/20/1944
9/14/1944
8/11/1940
9/21/1938
9/5/1935
9/8/1934
9/12/1930
10/1/1929
9/18/1928
8/25/1924
7/19/1916
7/14/1916
10/19/1910
8/31/1908
7/30/1908
Cindy
Jeanne
Ivan
Frances
Gaston
Bonnie
Bill
Kyle
Gustav
Arthur
Allison
Helene
Gordon
Irene
Dennis
Earl
Danny
Josephine
Allison
Emily
Danielle
Bob
Hugo
Chris
Kate
Bob
Dennis
David
Belle
Agnes
Gerda
Gladys
Doria
Alma
Helene
Edna
Able
Able
Category 1
Category 3
Category 5
Category 4
Category 1
Tropical Storm
Tropical Storm
Category 1
Category 2
Tropical Storm
Tropical Storm
Tropical Storm
Category 1
Category 2
Category 2
Category 2
Category 1
Extratropical
Extratropical
3*
Tropical Storm*
3*
3
Tropical Depression
Tropical Storm
Tropical Storm
Tropical Storm
Tropical Storm
Tropical Storm*
Tropical Storm
Tropical Storm*
1*
Tropical Storm
1*
3*
Tropical Storm*
Tropical Storm
4*
Tropical Storm*
1*
Tropical Storm
Extratropical
Tropical Storm
Tropical Storm
3*
Tropical Storm
Tropical Storm*
Tropical Storm
Tropical Storm*
1*
Tropical Storm*
Tropical Storm
1*
Tropical Storm*
Tropical Storm
Tropical Storm*
Tropical Storm*
Tropical Storm*
19
65
105
145
125
65
55
50
75
85
50
50
60
70
95
90
85
70
45
40
100
45
100
100
20
45
45
55
40
50
40
35
70
45
65
110
60
45
115
40
65
40
25
40
40
110
40
60
40
60
65
40
40
65
45
55
35
45
55
9/17/1906
9/14/1904
9/15/1903
10/2/1898
10/20/1897
9/22/1897
9/29/1896
10/10/1894
9/28/1894
8/28/1893
8/23/1893
6/16/1893
9/24/1889
9/11/1889
11/25/1888
10/11/1888
10/31/1887
10/20/1887
8/20/1887
6/30/1886
6/20/1886
10/12/1885
8/25/1885
10/11/1882
9/10/1882
8/27/1881
9/12/1878
10/3/1877
9/29/1877
3
Tropical Storm
1
Tropical Storm
Tropical Storm*
Tropical Storm*
Tropical Depression
Tropical Storm
Tropical Storm
1
Tropical Storm
Tropical Storm
Tropical Storm
Tropical Storm*
Tropical Storm*
Tropical Storm
Tropical Storm*
Extratropical
1*
Tropical Storm
Tropical Storm
Tropical Storm
3
Tropical Storm
Tropical Storm
Tropical Storm
1*
Tropical Storm
Tropical Storm*
* Indicates that the storm passed off the coast
100
60
65
40
40
45
30
50
55
70
60
50
60
60
60
55
60
30
85
40
30
50
105
35
50
70
40
40
Section 2-2 Nor’easters
Nor’easters are similar to hurricanes in terms of impact, but are a different type of
storm. They form outside the tropics (extratropical) during winter months while
hurricanes and other cyclones form in the tropics during the summer months.
The main differences between hurricanes and nor’easters are:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Hurricanes and tropical systems have no fronts
Hurricane winds weaken with height
The centers of hurricanes are warmer than the surroundings
Hurricanes and tropical system form under weak high altitude winds
Air sinks at the center of a hurricane
Latent heat of condensation is the major energy source for hurricanes
Hurricanes weaken rapidly over land
Although both types of storms produce strong winds and may cause flooding,
nor’easters usually are less intense than hurricanes. Nor’easters occur more
frequently and cover a larger area than hurricanes, and may produce additional
hazards such as ice or snow as found with winter storms. The frequency of
nor’easters has increased over the years, and from 1987 to 1993, the east coast
20
of the United States has seen at least one nor’easter per year. Nor’easters have
occurred in this frequency only once before in the last 50 years15.
Oak Islanders know nor’easters have certainly affected their community, but we
have little data on the history of these storms. The National Climatic Data Center
does not list a history of nor’easters. Nor’easters are measured with an intensity
scale similar to the Saffir-Simpson Scale for hurricanes. It was developed in 1993
and is known as the Dolan-Davis Intensity Scale. In addition, it is not just the
nor’easters that can cause damage on Oak Island. Historically, Oak Island has
suffered the greatest erosion from “southwesters”, storms similar in intensity to
nor’easters, but the prevailing winds are from the southwest. There is no data
category specific for these storms.
Table 2-2.1 The Dolan-Davis Nor’easter Intensity Scale
16
Storm Class
1 (weak)
Beach Erosion
Minor Changes
Dune Erosion
None
Overwash
No
Property Damage
No
2 (Moderate)
Modest, mostly
to lower beach
Minor
No
Modest
3 (Strong)
Erosion extends
across beach
Can be
significant
No
Loss of many structures at
local level
4 (Severe)
Severe beach
erosion and
recession
Extreme beach
erosion
Severe dune
erosion or
destruction
Dunes destroyed
over extensive
areas
On low beaches
Loss of structures at
community-scale
Massive in sheets and in
channels
Extensive losses on a
regional-scale
5 (Extreme)
Section 2-3 Flooding
Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters in terms of
human hardship and economic loss. As much as 90 percent of the damage
related to all natural disasters (excluding droughts) is caused by floods and
associated debris flows.
Flooding is normally the result of a larger event such as a hurricane, nor’easter or
thunderstorm, but it can be from small summer storms or spring rains. Flooding is
caused by excessive precipitation and is considered in two categories: general
floods and flash floods.
Flash floods are localized, and form as the result of high-intensity precipitation in
a short time period over a small drainage basin, such as near small streams and
creeks. General floods are causes by precipitation over a longer time period and
15
16
Local Hazard Mitigation Planning Manual, NC Division of Emergency Management, 1998
21
over a given river basin. These occur in North Carolina most often over the late
summer and fall.
A combination of storm patterns, soil conditions, imperious surface, existing
vegetation and river basin physiography determine the severity of a flooding
event. Typically, flooding is most severe in areas of the flood plain immediately
adjacent to primary streams and rivers.
Areas susceptible to flood damage have been determined throughout the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood plain mapping program. The
economic and social impact of a flood depends greatly on how development has
occurred within the community. Development in areas of high risk or vulnerability
greatly increases the potential for property damage and loss of life. Because of
its proximity to water to the Atlantic Ocean and its coastal geography, flood
zones range on the island from low potential for flooding to very vulnerable/high
potential for flooding. Flood zones on Oak Island are as follows:
•
•
•
Zone X – outside the area of the 100-year flood zone
Zone AE – areas susceptible to flooding from slow moving water
Zone V – areas susceptive to flooding from high velocity water such as a
storm surge and storm related wave action.
Floods on Oak Island
In September 1999, Tropical Storm Dennis dealt Oak Island a double dose of
rain followed three weeks later by Hurricane Floyd. Rains from Dennis saturated
the ground and filled the waterways, and once Floyd made landfall, severe flash
and general flooding occurred with floodwaters overflowing streams and rivers for
over two weeks following the storm.
Both flash flooding, caused primarily by storm surge from Hurricane Floyd’s
landfall, and general flooding destroyed many homes on Oak Island. Over half of
the oceanfront homes were temporally condemned. Floyd resulted in over $3
billion in damage and $500 million in crop losses 17. Oak Island’s losses were
estimated at $100 Million. The City has critical buildings located in flood zones at
higher risk of flood than Zone X. The Street and Vehicle maintenance building,
and the new Town Hall / Police Station are located in AE zones. The new Town
Hall / Police Station is elevated above flood level. The Ocean Education
building, Fire Station 4 and Water Rescue Station 44 are located in a VE zone.
These buildings would be costly to replace should flood destroy them but the
town could continue to operate and provide services to the public should a flood
occur.
17
National Climatic Data Center website www4.ncdc.noaa.gov
22
Section 2-4 Tornados
A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to
the ground. The most violent tornadoes have rotating winds of 250 miles per hour
or more, and can produce a path of destruction from .01 mile wide to greater than
1 mile wide. Generally, they are less than .6 of a mile of width. Tornadoes are
created where warm moist air intersects with cold dry air. Tornados are much
more localized than a hurricane or a nor’easter and usually last less than 30
minutes. A waterspout is a tornado that forms over water. Waterspouts can
remain out to sea or come ashore.
Tornados are most likely to occur from March to June and tend to be the
strongest during these spring and early summer months. The most likely time for
tornados to occur is between 3 pm and 9 pm.
The destruction caused by tornados can range from light to severe depending on
intensity of the storm path. The Fujita-Pearson Tornado Scale is used to
measure tornado strength
Table 2-4.1 The Fujita-Pearson Tornado Scale 18
F-Scale
F-0
F-1
F-2
F-3
F-4
F-5
Damage
Light
Moderate
Considerable
Devastating
Severe
Incredible
Winds (mph)
40-72
73-112
113-157
158-206
207-260
261-318
Path Length (miles)
<1.0
1.0-3.1
3.2-9.9
10-31
32-99
100+
Mean Width (miles)
<. 01
0.01-0.03
0.04-0.09
0.1-0.3
0.32-0.99
1.0+
Tornados on Oak Island
Since 1951, four tornados have been reported on or very near Oak Island, the
most recent occurring in 2004. The relatively quiet history of tornados on Oak
Island may be misleading because tornados pose a strong threat to the Island.
North Carolina ranks 22nd out of the 50 States for frequency of tornados, 18th for
number of tornado related deaths, 17th for injuries and 21st for damage from
tornados. The North Carolina Division of Emergency Management has rated
Brunswick County as a “high” risk for tornados.
Section 2-5 Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms can occur alone, in clusters or in lines and affect relatively small
areas when compared with hurricanes and winter storms. The typical
thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter and lasts and average or 20 to 30 minutes.
18
Local Hazard Mitigation Planning Manual, NC Division of Emergency Management, 1998
23
Despite their small size all thunderstorms are dangerous. Some of the most
sever weather occurs when a single thunderstorm affects one location for an
extended time.
The National Weather Service (NWS) considers a thunderstorm severe if it
produces hail at lease three-quarters of an inch in diameter, has winds of 58
miles per hour or higher, or produces a tornado. Of the estimated 100,000
thunderstorms that occur each year in the United States, only about 10 percent
are considered severe.
Lightning is a major threat during a thunderstorm. It is the lightning that produces
thunder in a thunderstorm. Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which kills
more people each year than tornados. Lightning is very unpredictable, which
increases the risk to individuals and property.
Thunderstorms on Oak Island
A number of strong thunderstorms and high winds have occurred on Oak Island.
The National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) has a comprehensive list of
thunderstorms and high winds that were reported between 1950-2008. Prior to
1993, however, the events were listed by the county only. Table 2-5.1 lists
thunderstorms and high wind events reported for Oak Island since 1993. Table 25.2 lists reported hail events from 1993. The NCDC also reports lightning data for
the same time period, but no events have been reported specifically for Oak
Island since 1993.
Table 2-5.1 Thunderstorms and High Wind Events on Oak Island 19932008 19
Location
Date
Time
Type
Strongest Wind Gust
Long Beach
11/07/1995
18:12 PM
Thunderstorm Winds
N/A
Long Beach
11/02/1997
02:55 AM
Thunderstorm Winds
55 knots
Caswell Beach
03/09/1998
03:24 AM
Thunderstorm Winds
60 knots
Long Beach
09/03/1998
14:31 PM
Thunderstorm Winds
63 knots
Oak Island
03/07/2004
9:30 PM
High Winds
66 MPH
Table 2-5.2 Hail Storms on Oak Island 1993-2008 20
19
20
Location
Date
Time
Magnitude
Long Beach
05/14/1999
03:59 PM
0.88 in.
Caswell Beach
05/28/2000
03:22 PM
0.75 in.
Oak Island
03/11/2003
10:45 AM
1 in.
Oak Island
06/21/2008
08:23 AM
.88 in.
24
Table 2-5.3 Historic Data of Thunderstorms/Hail Storms in Brunswick
County 1962-2007 21
Location or County
Date
Time
Type
Magnitude
1 Brunswick
03/31/1962
2050
Tstm Wind
69 kts.
2 Brunswick
07/04/1962
1630
Tstm Wind
0 kts.
3 Brunswick
05/12/1965
1600
Tstm Wind
0 kts.
4 Brunswick
07/19/1966
1300
Tstm Wind
0 kts.
5 Brunswick
07/30/1967
1315
Tstm Wind
87 kts.
6 Brunswick
07/20/1971
1415
Tstm Wind
0 kts.
7 Brunswick
07/11/1973
1645
Tstm Wind
0 kts.
8 Brunswick
07/25/1978
2025
Tstm Wind
52 kts.
9 Brunswick
12/04/1978
2310
Tstm Wind
52 kts.
10 Brunswick
03/24/1979
0140
Tstm Wind
0 kts.
11 Brunswick
03/24/1979
0215
Tstm Wind
0 kts.
12 Brunswick
04/27/1980
1045
Tstm Wind
0 kts.
13 Brunswick
08/03/1982
1400
Tstm Wind
56 kts.
14 Brunswick
04/18/1983
1245
Tstm Wind
0 kts.
15 Brunswick
07/22/1983
1500
Tstm Wind
61 kts.
16 Brunswick
07/24/1983
1828
Tstm Wind
50 kts.
17 Brunswick
07/24/1983
1828
Tstm Wind
51 kts.
18 Brunswick
03/21/1984
0045
Tstm Wind
0 kts.
19 Brunswick
03/25/1984
0730
Tstm Wind
0 kts.
20 Brunswick
03/25/1984
0800
Tstm Wind
0 kts.
21 Brunswick
07/25/1985
0615
Tstm Wind
0 kts.
22 Brunswick
06/17/1986
1930
Tstm Wind
0 kts.
23 Brunswick
04/15/1987
1210
Tstm Wind
0 kts.
24 Brunswick
07/15/1987
1445
Tstm Wind
0 kts.
25 Brunswick
09/04/1988
1908
Tstm Wind
65 kts.
26 Brunswick
05/05/1989
2105
Tstm Wind
0 kts.
27 Brunswick
05/22/1990
1300
Tstm Wind
0 kts.
28 Brunswick
07/01/1990
1800
Tstm Wind
0 kts.
29 Brunswick
03/03/1991
1025
Tstm Wind
0 kts.
30 Brunswick
07/01/1992
1730
Tstm Wind
0 kts.
31 Brunswick
07/01/1992
1753
Tstm Wind
50 kts.
32 Shallotte
03/04/1993
0530
High Winds
0 kts.
33 Brunswick
05/08/1994
1300
Thunderstorm Winds
N/A
34 Near Holden Beach
09/18/1994
1655
Thunderstorm Winds
N/A
21
25
35 Near Long Beach
09/18/1994
1745
Thunderstorm Winds
N/A
36 Brunswick
01/07/1995
0500
Thunderstorm Winds
N/A
37 Brunswick
01/15/1995
0400
Thunderstorm Winds
N/A
38 Exum
03/23/1995
1915
Thunderstorm Winds
N/A
39 Brunswick
06/07/1995
1515
Thunderstorm Wind
N/A
40 Brunswick
06/12/1995
1805
Thunderstorm Wind 60 Mph
N/A
41 Brunswick
06/12/1995
1815
Thunderstorm Wind 65mph
N/A
42 Brunswick
06/12/1995
1820
Thunderstorm Wind/ Trees
N/A
43 Brunswick
06/12/1995
1830
Thunderstorm Wind/awning
N/A
44 Brunswick
06/12/1995
1845
Thunderstorm Wind 98 Mph
N/A
45 Brunswick
06/12/1995
1850
Thunderstorm Wind/ Trees
N/A
46 Leland
07/03/1995
1430
Thunderstorm Winds
N/A
47 New Hanover
07/03/1995
1620
Thunderstorm Winds
N/A
48 Sunset Beach
11/07/1995
1755
Thunderstorm Winds
N/A
49 Ocean Isle Beach
11/07/1995
1800
Thunderstorm Winds
N/A
50 Holden Beach
11/07/1995
1805
Thunderstorm Winds
N/A
51 Long Beach
11/07/1995
1812
Thunderstorm Winds
N/A
52 Southport
11/07/1995
1825
Thunderstorm Winds
N/A
53 Bolivia
11/11/1995
1950
Thunderstorm Winds
N/A
54 Winnabow
04/26/1996
02:20 PM
Tstm Wind
65 kts.
55 Leland
07/30/1996
04:20 PM
Tstm Wind
45 kts.
56 Southport
10/08/1996
05:20 AM
Tstm Wind
55 kts.
57 Supply
02/14/1997
11:50 PM
Tstm Wind
50 kts.
58 Shallotte
04/22/1997
11:15 PM
Tstm Wind/hail
0 kts.
59 Leland
07/05/1997
09:10 PM
Tstm Wind
50 kts.
60 Seaside
08/05/1997
03:00 PM
Tstm Wind/hail
0 kts.
61 Long Beach
11/02/1997
02:55 AM
Tstm Wind
55 kts.
62 Ash
03/09/1998
03:05 AM
Tstm Wind
65 kts.
63 Caswell Beach
03/09/1998
03:24 AM
Tstm Wind
60 kts.
64 Leland
05/07/1998
10:40 PM
Tstm Wind
55 kts.
65 Bolivia
05/07/1998
11:20 PM
Tstm Wind
65 kts.
66 Ash
05/27/1998
12:55 PM
Tstm Wind
60 kts.
67 Supply
06/19/1998
05:55 PM
Tstm Wind
65 kts.
68 Maco
07/31/1998
04:45 PM
Tstm Wind
65 kts.
69 Long Beach
09/03/1998
02:31 PM
Tstm Wind
63 kts.
70 Supply
09/03/1998
06:55 PM
Tstm Wind
65 kts.
71 Southport
01/03/1999
03:30 AM
Tstm Wind
60 kts.
72 Southport
07/06/1999
08:30 AM
Tstm Wind
60 kts.
73 Longwood
05/25/2000
05:10 PM
Tstm Wind
60 kts.
74 Shallotte
07/21/2000
03:57 PM
Tstm Wind
55 kts.
26
75 Ncz087 - 097 - 099>101
12/17/2000
08:30 AM
High Wind
52 kts.
76 Ncz097 - 100>101
03/06/2001
11:00 AM
High Wind
50 kts.
77 Winnabow
04/01/2001
02:30 PM
Tstm Wind
55 kts.
78 Longwood
08/29/2001
01:30 PM
Tstm Wind
52 kts.
79 Leland
05/10/2002
06:15 PM
Tstm Wind
60 kts.
80 Winnabow
06/14/2002
09:15 PM
Tstm Wind
55 kts.
81 Leland
07/20/2002
04:55 PM
Tstm Wind
56 kts.
82 Maco
08/24/2002
09:00 PM
Tstm Wind
55 kts.
83 Winnabow
02/22/2003
04:15 PM
Tstm Wind
55 kts.
84 Leland
07/09/2003
10:40 PM
Tstm Wind
60 kts.
85 NCZ096>097 - 099>101
04/07/2004
09:30PM
Tstm Wind
57 kts.
86 Leland
06/03/2004
01:50 PM
Tstm Wind
61 kts.
87 Southport
07/17/2004
04:15 PM
Tstm Wind
65 kts.
88 Leland
07/17/2004
12:5o PM
Tstm Wind
60 kts.
89 Lanvale
03/08/2005
10:36 AM
Tstm Wind
60 kts.
90 Longwood
04/15/2006
06/40 PM
Tstm Wind
52 kts.
91 Winnabow
04/17/2006
04:33 PM
Tstm Wind
52 kts.
92 Leland
04/15/2007
12:24 PM
Tstm Wind
NA
Section 2-6 Severe Winter Storms
Although we generally do not associate winter storms with the warmer climate of
southeastern North Carolina, Oak Island has at times experienced frozen
precipitation and winter weather. These storms are associated with nor’easters
that form off the coast. In 1989 over one foot of snow fell during a storm in
December, making this beach town into a winter wonderland. These events,
however are very rare, and although no data exists for Oak Island specifically,
according to the State Climate Office of North Carolina, recorded snow/storm
events for the nearby Southport recording station are as follows:
Table 2-6.1 History of Snowfall/ winter storms
Date
Amount of Snow in inches
February 1950
2.2
February 1958
1.6
March 1960
2
February 1968
3.3
February 1973
6
December 1989
15
January 2002
1
27
January 2003
2
Since these winter storms are rare to this area, Oak Island, like many other
communities in North Carolina is not prepared for such storms since purchase of
snow removal equipment is not cost effective for municipal budgets. When these
storms produce an accumulation of snow and ice, they can often down power
lines, resulting in loss of electricity and can tie up traffic by blocking
transportation routes. Mostly, these storms are seen as a hassle, and not more
than an inconvenience, but when power is lost, it can have serious impacts on
human life. Many homes on Oak Island have electric heat, so electrical loss
poses an immediate threat. In addition, loss of electricity and Impaired road
conditions can make travel during these storms extremely hazardous.
Section 2-7 Wildfires
Wildfires usually occur during the dry spring and summer months in North
Carolina. Wildfire potential in any area depends on certain conditions including
recent climate conditions, topography, fuel source and fire behavior. The
National Weather Service classifies wildfires by the following four categories:
Table 2-7.1 Types of Wildfires 25
Type
Description
Control
Ground
Burns in natural liter, duff (decayed organic
material) roots or highly organic soils.
Once started, difficult to control. Fire may
rekindle.
Surface
Burns in surface grasses, low shrubs, and
lower branches of trees.
May move rapidly. Ease of control depends
on fuel involved.
Crown
Burns in tops of trees.
Difficult to control. Wind plays an important
role.
Produced by crown fires, wind/topography
conditions. Large burning embers thrown
ahead of main fire.
Make fire difficult to control.
Spotting
In Brunswick County, over 2,832 fires, which have burned over 34,500 acres of
land, have been reported since 1980 through mid 2008. Debris burning and
incendiary (fire-starting) have been the major causes of fires1. Oak Island has
seen numerous small wildfires in vacant wooded areas. As development
increases, Oak Island will be at an increased risk of fire hazards. Wind is the
primary source of fuel for fires, so those structures built close to forested areas
will also become more susceptible. However, no data has been kept by the
National Weather Service for Oak Island.
25
1
National Weather Service Website http://www.seawfo.noaa.gov/fire/olm/firetype.htm
North Carolina Division of Forest Resources, Whiteville Office
28
Section 2-8 Earthquakes
By definition, earthquakes are the both sudden slip on a fault, and the resulting
ground shaking and radiated seismic energy caused by the slip, or by volcanic or
magmatic activity, or other sudden stress changes in the earth 22. Although we
tend to think of earthquakes as being in California and along the west coast of
the United States, the eastern seaboard does have its share of earthquakes.
However, the earthquakes on the east coast are much less intense and much
less frequent than those out west.
Earthquakes are measured by a combination of magnitude and intensity scales.
Magnitude is a measure of the strength of an earthquake or strain energy
released by it as determined by seismographic observations. This is a logarithmic
value originally defined by Charles Richter (1935). An increase of one unit of
magnitude (for example, from 4.6 to 5.6) represents a 10-fold increase in wave
amplitude on a seismogram or approximately a 30-fold increase in the energy
released. In other words, a magnitude 6.7 earthquake releases over 900 times
(30 times 30) the energy of a 5.7 earthquake. Except in special circumstances,
earthquakes below magnitude 2.5 are not generally felt by humans.
Intensity is a measure of the effects of an earthquake at a particular place on
humans, structures and/or the land itself. The intensity at a point depends not
only upon the strength of the earthquake (magnitude) but also upon the distance
from the earthquake to the point and the local geology at that point. Although
numerous intensity scales have been developed over the last several hundred
years to evaluate the effects of earthquakes, the one currently used in the United
States is the Modified Mercalli (MM) Intensity Scale (1931). This scale,
composed of 12 increasing levels of intensity that range from imperceptible
shaking to catastrophic destruction, is designated by Roman numerals. It does
not have a mathematical basis; instead, it is an arbitrary ranking based on
observed effects.
The Modified Mercalli Intensity value assigned to a specific site after an
earthquake has a more meaningful measure of severity to the nonscientist than
the magnitude because intensity refers to the effects actually experienced at that
place. The lower numbers of the intensity scale generally deal with the manner in
which the earthquake is felt by people. The higher numbers of the scale are
based on observed structural damage. Structural engineers usually contribute
information for assigning intensity values of VIII or above 23.
Earthquakes on Oak Island
2
National Earthquake Intensity Center, USGS Earthquakes Hazard Center http://neic.usgs.gov
National Earthquake Intensity Center, USGS Earthquakes Hazard Center
http://neic.usgs.gov/neis/general/handouts/magnitude_intensity.html
3
29
Earthquake vulnerability in North Carolina decreases from west to east since
epicenters that affect the State are generally centered along the Eastern
Tennessee Seismic Zone. This zone is one of moderate seismic activity and runs
from Charleston, South Carolina northwestward to eastern Tennessee. Although
there have been no earthquakes greater than a IV since 1928, the potential does
exist for more intense activity.
Brunswick County is located in a portion of the zone that is susceptible to
earthquake risks. In 1886, a strong earthquake in Charleston, South Carolina
killed 65 people, and damaged buildings as close to Oak Island as Whiteville and
Elizabethtown (each about 50 miles away). Since then, North Carolina has
reported damage from earthquakes in the 1920’s, 1950’s and 1970’s. No
damage has been reported in Brunswick County from earthquakes.
Table 2-8.1 Magnitude / Intensity Comparison 24
Magnitude
(Richter Scale)
Intensity
(Modified Mercalli)
1.0 - 3.0
I
3.0 - 3.9
II - III
Description
I. Not felt except by a very few under especially favorable conditions.
II. Felt only by a few persons at rest, especially on upper floors of buildings.
III. Felt quite noticeably by persons indoors, especially on upper floors of
buildings. Many people do not recognize it as an earthquake. Standing
motorcars may rock slightly. Vibrations similar to the passing of a truck.
Duration estimated.
4.0 - 4.9
IV - V
IV. Felt indoors by many, outdoors by few during the day. At night, some
awakened. Dishes, windows, doors disturbed; walls make cracking sound.
Sensation like heavy truck striking building. Standing motorcars rocked
noticeably.
V. Felt by nearly everyone; many awakened. Some dishes, windows broken.
Unstable objects overturned. Pendulum clocks may stop.
5.0 - 5.9
VI - VII
VI. Felt by all, many frightened. Some heavy furniture moved; a few instances
of fallen plaster. Damage slight.
VII. Damage negligible in buildings of good design and construction; slight to
moderate in well-built ordinary structures; considerable damage in poorly built
or badly designed structures; some chimneys broken.
6.0 - 6.9
VII - IX
VIII. Damage slight in specially designed structures; considerable damage in
ordinary substantial buildings with partial collapse. Damage great in poorly
built structures. Fall of chimneys, factory stacks, columns, monuments, walls.
Heavy furniture overturned.
IX. Damage considerable in specially designed structures; well-designed
frame structures thrown out of plumb. Damage great in substantial buildings,
with partial collapse. Buildings shifted off foundations.
7.0 and
higher
VIII or
higher
X. Some well-built wooden structures destroyed; most masonry and frame
structures destroyed with foundations. Rails bent.
XI. Few, if any (masonry) structures remain standing. Bridges destroyed.
24
National Earthquake Intensity Center, USGS Earthquakes Hazard Center
http://neic.usgs.gov/neis/general/handouts/magnitude_intensity.html
30
Rails bent greatly.
XII. Damage total. Lines of sight and level are distorted. Objects thrown into
the air.
Impacts of earthquakes on town structures are difficult to analyze as it appears at
first that little danger exists. Building height limits of 35 feet, gradual elevation
changes, and history place far less attention on earthquakes than hurricanes or
other storm events. In addition, construction techniques used to protect buildings
from hurricanes and high winds also provide some structural protection from
earthquakes.
However, some town properties may be more prone to impacts of earthquakes
than others. Age of building, construction techniques, and location to
surrounding vegetation all can be factors in potential damage from an
earthquake. Only the water towers and the Ocean Education Building could be
considered medium to high risks. The water towers are a risk because of their
height and proximity to roads and waterways. The Ocean Education Building is a
risk because it is the town’s oldest facilities and was not built to modern versions
of the North Carolina Building Code.
Section 2-9 Landslides
Due to the relative flat topography, landslides are not a serious risk in Oak Island,
and there have been no reported occurrences of landslides in Oak Island.
Landslides occur often in conjunction with floods, where high precipitation or
changes in existing conditions can initiate movement. Areas are classified as
having low, medium or high probability for landslides based on soil composition,
geologic composition and geography of the area. Limited steep slopes
associated with the banks of major waterways, including the Atlantic Intracoastal
Waterway, could collapse under heavy rainfall to produce a localized landslide,
but the potential for damage to lives or property from landslides on Oak Island is
very low 25.
Section 2-10 Tsunamis
Tsunamis are very long waves generated by sudden displacement of ocean
waters resulting from an earthquake, landslide, volcano, or meteor impact.
Tsunamis travel extremely rapidly and lose very little of their energy during their
travel—damage is commonly great at locations far removed from the source of a
tsunami. Tsunamis are generally associated with the Pacific Ocean, but it is not
out of the question to consider a Tsunami. Tsunamis have hit Puerto Rico and
the Virgin Islands half-a-dozen times in recorded history (most recently in 1918,
25
Brunswick County Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2002
31
when 32 people died). There have been several landslide-generated tsunamis in
the Atlantic. The most recent was in 1929, when glacial debris dropped at the
edge of Georges Bank by the St. Lawrence River collapsed down the continental
slope of North America. Researchers at North Carolina State University have
studied the possibility of a large slide occurring off North Carolina. The possibility
of a tsunami, 2-3 m high has been suggested, but geographic location with no
volcanic activity, and low elevation (to preclude a landslide) make this a low risk
for Oak Island (NCSU, 2003). For this reason, tsunamis are not included in this
plan.
Section 2-11 Dam /Levee Failure
The sudden failure of a dam or levee from heavy rainfall, impacts from other
sources (like a plane or car crash) or from structural failure can pose a very real
danger for communities that have these structures. Oak Island does not have
any dams or levees, so this type of hazard poses a low threat to the island and
will not be considered in this plan.
Section 2-12 Drought/Heat Wave
The National Weather Service (NWS) defines a drought as “a period of
abnormally dry weather which persists long enough to produce a serious
hydrologic imbalance (for example crop damage, water supply shortage, etc.)”
The severity of the drought depends upon the degree of moisture deficiency, the
duration and the size of the affected area. The NWS uses the following four
different criteria to define a drought:
1. Meteorological - a measure of departure of precipitation from normal.
Due to climatic differences what is considered a drought in one
location may not be a drought in another location.
2. Agricultural - refers to a situation when the amount of moisture in the
soil no longer meets the needs of a particular crop.
3. Hydrological - occurs when surface and subsurface water supplies are
below normal.
4. Socioeconomic- refers to the situation that occurs when physical water
shortage begins to affect people.
At the time this document was updated in May of 2008, drought conditions do
exist in North Carolina. The United States Department of Agriculture has listed
Southeastern North Carolina as abnormally dry as of May 2008. The Town of
Oak Island has encouraged residents to conserve water. Residents were notified
32
of voluntary water conservation requests through both the town website and
through the public access television channel.
The National Weather Service will declare a heat wave when the heat index (HI)
is expected to exceed 105 degrees to 110 degrees F (depending on local
climate) for at least two consecutive days. Heat index" (HI), (sometimes referred
to as the "Apparent Temperature"), given in degrees F, is an accurate measure
of how hot it really feels when effects of the relative humidity (RH) are added to
the actual air temperature. While interior portions of North Carolina have heat
waves in the summer months, the ocean breezes and proximity to the water keep
Oak Island cooler than other parts of Brunswick County. Because of the low
hazard assessment for drought and heat waves, this plan will not address these
hazards in the strategies section.
Section 2-13 Coastal Erosion
26
Coastal erosion is the wearing away of the land surface by detachment and
movement of soil and rock fragments, during a flood or storm or over a period of
years, through the action of wind, water, or other geologic processes. Wind,
waves, and longshore currents are the driving forces behind coastal erosion. This
removal and deposit of sand permanently changes beach shape and structure.
Sand may be transported to land-side dunes, deep ocean trenches, other
beaches, and deep ocean bottoms. Additional factors involved in coastal erosion
include human activity, sea-level rise, seasonal fluctuations, and climate change.
The beach system is considered to be in dynamic equilibrium. This means that
sand is moved from one location to another, but it does not leave the system. For
example, winter storms may remove significant amounts of sand, creating steep
and narrow beaches. During the summer, gentle waves return the sand,
widening beaches and creating gentle slopes. Sand movement will not be
consistent from year to year in the same location, however, because so many
factors are actively involved in coastal erosion.
Episodic erosion is induced by a single storm event. Episodic erosion considers
the vertical component of two factors: general beach profile lowering and
localized conical scour around foundation supports. Episodic erosion is relevant
to foundation embedment depth and potential undermining. The term Erosion
Hazard Area (EHA) is defined as an anticipated area being lost to shoreline
retreat over a given period of time. The projected inland extent of the area is
measured by multiplying the number of years by the average annual long-term
recession rate.
26
Section 2-13 from North Carolina Hazard Mitigation Plan added in the 2008 update
33
North Carolina first evaluated long-term average erosion rates for the state’s 300mile ocean coastline in 1979. The Division of Coastal Management evaluates
these erosion rates about every five years. The most recent erosion figures for
North Carolina were generated in 1998. Of the 312 miles of shoreline mapped,
the 1998 update showed long-term average annual erosion rates of 2 feet per
year along 193 miles of shoreline. Of this figure, 99 miles of shoreline had
accreted (or gained) sand. The amount of severely eroding shoreline—areas with
erosion rates greater than 5 feet per year—decreased from 21 percent of the
coast in 1992 to 18 percent of it in 1998.
The erosion hazard was dramatized recently by the predicament of the Cape
Hatteras lighthouse in Dare County. When the lighthouse was constructed in
1870, it was situated 1,500 feet from shore. By late 1987, the lighthouse stood
only 160 feet from the sea and was in danger of collapsing, despite temporary
protective measures to reduce the rate of beach erosion. In 1999, the National
Park Service successfully moved the lighthouse back 2,900 feet, at a cost of $9.8
million.
Significant North Carolina Coastal Erosion Events (By Decade)
The following overview provides a synopsis of notable coastal erosion events
that have impacted North Carolina during the past 40 years:
1960s: The Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962 caused coastal erosion. In 1964,
wind-driven water from Hurricane Gladys caused severe erosion of the dunes for
half of the coastline of North Carolina.
1970s: In Feb. 1979, Wrightsville and Carolina Beaches experienced high tides,
which in turn caused a berm to cut back 5 to 12 feet. Bulkhead damage was
experienced on Shell Island and a fishing pier there was damaged. In April 1979,
a house on Shell Island experienced the effects of severe erosion. In Sept. 1979,
Hurricane David caused severe coastal erosion.
1980s: In June 1982, minor beach erosion was caused by a sub-tropical storm
hitting North Carolina. In March 1983, a nor’easter caused significant damage to
sand dunes, piers, and sea walls. Over-wash was significant, causing a major
highway to be closed. In Sept. 1984, Hurricane Diana caused 10 to 20 feet of
berm at Wrightsville Beach to erode, but this was a normal and expected
adjustment of the beach nourishment project for that area. Carolina Beach and
parts of Brunswick County experienced some erosion effects from the storm.
1990s: In Nov. 1994, Hurricane Gordon caused severe erosion to coastal areas.
In Dec. 1994, a pressure gradient caused the tide to cut an 8-foot ledge in the
sand on Wrightsville Beach. Carolina Beach’s sand dunes were breached by the
surf and caused some roads to be closed. In Sept. 1995, Hurricane Luis caused
6 to 12 feet of the frontal dune line to be eroded in the Bogue Banks. In 1996,
34
hurricanes Bertha and Fran caused coastal erosion. Bertha generated significant
erosion but the erosion caused by Fran was more severe, because the beaches
did not have sufficient time to recover from Hurricane Bertha. In Feb. 1998, a
nor’easter caused heavy surf and high tides 2 feet above normal at Wrightsville
and Kure Beaches. Four feet of dunes were eroded and minor over-wash
occurred. In Aug. 1998, Hurricane Bonnie prompted storm surges of 5 to 7 feet
and caused over-wash of the barrier islands.
2000s: On Sept. 18, 2003, Hurricane Isabel caused major ocean over-wash and
beach erosion along the Outer Banks, where waves up to 20 feet accompanied a
6- to 8-foot storm surge. Significant beach erosion occurred across the Outer
Banks at Currituck County. On Aug. 14, 2004, Tropical Storm Charley moved to
the northeast across the Coastal Plains of eastern North Carolina. Storm surge
values were highest along the Onslow County coastline, where a 2- to 3-foot
surge was estimated, and 8-foot waves caused minor beach erosion along southfacing beaches. On Sept. 12, 2006, Tropical Storm Ophelia caused beach
erosion, whereby a longshore current gouged a 5-foot escarpment along the
coasts of New Hanover and Pender counties.
The old Yaupon Beach section located on the east end of the Town of Oak Island
suffers from the highest erosion rate on the Island. Coastal erosion is a problem
island wide but the majority of erosion occurs along the Yaupon Beach section.
CAMA addresses this problem by increasing the annual erosion rate around this
area. In some cases this means that structures must be set back 150’ from the
established vegetation line in order to decrease the risk of being destroyed by
erosion.
Section 2-14 Hazard Analysis for Oak Island
The North Carolina Division of Emergency Management has assessed each
county within the State for vulnerability to natural hazards. Table 2-14.1 is the
assessment for Brunswick County, and applies to Oak Island as well.
Table 2-14.1 Natural Hazard Summary Assessment for Brunswick County /
Oak Island27
Natural Hazard
Vulnerability
Hurricane
Flood
Tornado
Nor’easter
Thunderstorm
High
High
High
High
Moderate
27
North Carolina Division of Emergency Management. Local Hazard Planning Manual.1998. Pages 84-85. See the
manual for more information on methodology used.
35
Severe Winter Storm
Wildfire
Earthquake
Landslide
Tsunami
Dam/Levee Failure
Drought/Heat wave
Coastal Erosion
Low
High
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Moderate
The State of North Carolina Has also estimated the potential impact of various
natural hazards for Brunswick County and is as follows:
Table 2-14.2 Potential Impact Data for Natural Hazards 28
Natural Hazard
Range
Brunswick County/Oak Island
Earthquake Vulnerability
Landslide Vulnerability
Frequency of all Hurricanes
Frequency of Minor Hurricanes
Frequency of Major Hurricanes
Nor’easter Vulnerability
Frequency of Tornadoes, 1953-1995
Extreme 1 day snowfall
Cold Air Damming Vulnerability
Wildfires, 1950-1993
Number of Acres Burned
Low=1 to High =6
Low=1 to High =6
Saffir-Simpson Class 1-5
1 = direct vulnerability
Number of tornadoes
In inches
1 = some vulnerability
Low = 1 Mod =2 High =3
Low =1 Mod=2 High =3
2
1
10
6
4
1
8
Greater than 12
0
2
3
The total potential impact of each type of hazard can be projected using a
combination of likely strength of the event, the size of the area affected, and the
density of human activity within the likely path of the hazard. The following table
gives each natural hazard a “hazard index” rating based on the combination of
three factors: likelihood of occurrence, size of potential area affected, and the
potential impact of the event.
28
North Carolina Division of Emergency Management. Local Hazard Planning Manual. 1998. Page 88.
36
Table 2-14.3 Natural Hazard Summary Assessment for Brunswick County /
Oak Island29
Natural Hazard
Likelihood
of
Occurrence
Potential Area
Affected
Potential Impacts
Hazard Index
(combined Raking)
Hurricane
Flood
Tornado
Nor’easter
Thunderstorm
Severe Winter Storm
Wildfire
Earthquake
Landslide
Tsunami
Dam/Levee Failure
Drought/Heat wave
Coastal Erosion
High
High
High
High
Moderate
Low
High
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
High
Large
Medium
Small
Medium
Small
Medium
Medium
Small
Small
Small
Small
Large
Large
High
High
Moderate
Moderate
Low
Moderate
Moderate
Low
Low
High
Low
Low
Moderate
High
High
Moderate
Moderate
Low
Moderate
Moderate
Very Low
Very Low
Very Low
Very Low
Low
Moderate
Section 3: Assessment of Hazard Vulnerability
This section measures the likelihood of personal harm and damage as the result
of a natural hazard event on Oak Island. Vulnerability to natural hazards exists
both now and in the future. Currently, levels of development and growth create
conditions that expose people and property to some degree of vulnerability to
natural hazards. As Oak Island grows and develops, that degree of vulnerability
will increase as well.
Methodology used to determine hazard vulnerability
Methodology for determining hazard vulnerability on Oak Island included the use
of historic data, geography, age of buildings, any unique features of structures
(historic value, design, replacement cost). The effects hazards would have on
buildings is the hazard vulnerability. The town ranked critical facilities as “high”,
“medium”, or “low. High hazard vulnerability is one that had a combination of
three or more of the following characteristics:
•
•
•
•
29
Being in a VE (fast surge, velocity wave) flood zone
Being in an AE zone if an older building that does not meet current
building elevation requirements
Is an older structure and does not meet the current North Carolina Uniform
Commercial Building Code for hurricane resistance structures adopted in
1998
Does not meet the National Flood Insurance Program policies for
elevation of structures in flood zones
North Carolina Division of Emergency Management. Local Hazard Planning Manual.1998,
37
•
•
•
Does not meet the high wind codes adopted by the State of North Carolina
in January 2003
Is an unusual, expensive, or otherwise hard to replace or repair design.
Examples include the wastewater treatment plant, the airport, and water
towers
Is in a heavily wooded / vegetated area or has other natural features that
may be dangerous during certain hazardous events
Medium hazards are those with one or two of the criteria and low hazards have
none. Some of the benefits of using these criteria is that the town focused on the
mechanisms that define a structure’s ability to withstand multiple hazards. For
example, the building code standards for high winds in coastal areas allows
structures to be resistant in several types of hazardous events including
thunderstorms, nor’easters, hurricanes, and possibly tornados. Limitations to
these criteria include the absence of quantifiable data or measurements at the
local level.
Section 3-1 Inventory of Developed Facilities and
Undeveloped Land
Table 3-1.1 Assessed Real and Personal Property Values on Oak Island 30,
1992-2007
Fiscal Year
Real Property
Personal Property
Public Service Company
Property
1992
346,915,467
20,079,929
4,920,999
1993
353,050,797
10,745,381
5,459,667
1994
439,645,916
6,870,700
6,942,839
1995
446,366,097
6,484,145
7,143,415
1996
455,473,695
4,092,924
7,211,024
1997
464,806,904
4,180,105
7,438,780
1998
476,763,680
11,222,781
5,964,888
1999
795,436,960
11,415,754
9,225,388
2000
829,310,754
11,441,096
9,225,388
2001
840,825,270
14,975,064
9,529,080
2002
870,010,960
25,277,140
9,856,584
2003
1,231,968,780
25,374,260
10,070,775
2004
1,277,107,403
26,467,782
9,973,170
2005
1,347,859,840
29,659,122
11,790,912
2006
1,403,618,416
24,614,886
12,946,463
2007
3,274,981,940
928,379,100
33,534,940
*Property values prior to 1999 are for the Town of Long Beach only
Total Assessed Value
371,916,395
369,455,845
450,459,455
459,993,657
466,777,643
476,425,789
493,951,349
816,078,102
849,977,238
865,329,414
905,144,684
1,267,413,815
1,313,548,355
1,389,309,874
1,441,179,765
4,236,895,980
Table 3-1.1 shows that real property values grew by 76.5% and personal
property value grew at a more rapid pace (115.7%) than public service company
property values (40.3%). The Total Assessed value growth was 76.6% for the
Town from its consolidation in 1999 to 2006. In addition to value of properties,
residential construction has been rapidly growing in Oak Island, putting even
more structures at risk to natural hazards.
Note: These percentages are based on the growth from 1999-2006 to reflect the consolidated Town.
30
Town of Oak Island Tax Department
38
Table 3-1.2 Building Permits Issued on Oak Island 31, 1992-2007
Fiscal Year
Number of
Value of
Commercial
Commercial
Construction
structures
Permits issued
permitted
1992
1
NA
1993
0
NA
1994
3
NA
1995
1
536,400
1996
2
84,000
1997
2
266,490
1998
0
0
1999
1
36,330
2000
18
3,056,613
2001
4
883,250
2002
10
1,426,020
2003
3
416,950
2004
13
4,933,800
2005
19
42,582,519
2006
20
26,592,672
2007
14
10,607,246
*Prior to 1999 are for the Town of Long Beach only
Number of
Residential
Construction
Permits issued
89
85
113
141
147
162
218
201
133
172
297
325
422
254
98
81
Value of Residential
structures permitted
Total
Permits
issued
Total value
of permits
issued
NA
NA
NA
10,539,681
10,078,630
10,608,004
15,923,228
17,327,552
12,528,476
16,943,185
30,456,485
36,704,222
49,763,221
42,263,400
19,730,136
12,172,187
90
85
116
142
149
164
218
202
151
176
307
328
435
273
118
94
NA
NA
NA
11,076,081
10,162,630
10,874,494
15,923,228
17,363,882
14,585,089
17,826,435
31,882,505
37,121,172
54,697,021
84,845,919
46,322,808
22,779,433
Section 3-2 Critical Facilities Hazard Analysis in Oak Island
Critical facilities are those necessary for the daily operation of the Town and
those that may be hazardous to Oak Island in the event of a natural disaster.
Certain critical facilities are vital to the response and recovery efforts in the wake
of a disaster resulting in a natural or technological hazard. These facilities include
government buildings; i.e., schools; fire, police and rescue buildings; hospitals;
major transportation facilities; communication facilities; and public electric, water
and sewer infrastructure.
Other public and private facilities that may pose special hazards to the public
health, safety, and welfare in the event of a natural disaster include industrial or
commercial sites such as marinas and gas stations with petroleum or other
hazardous materials, and major pipelines or chemical storage facilities. The
following is an inventory of critical facilities on Oak Island:
Table 3-2.1 Critical Facilities on Oak Island 32
Type of Facility
Location
Town Hall
4621 East
Drive
4621 East
Drive
3003 East
Drive
101 East
Drive
8500 E.
Drive
8500 E.
Oak
Island
Police
Department
Recreation Center
Fire Dept #1
Fire Dept #2 and
Development
31
32
Services
Value
Oak Island
Hazards that could
effect the facility
Hurricane
Hazard
Vulnerability
Low
Hurricane
Low
Oak Island
Combined with
Police Dept.
5,500,000
Oak Island
799,606
Hurricane
Low
Oak Island
721,391
Hurricane
Low
Oak
Island
2,900,000
Hurricane
Low
Oak
Island
368,406
Hurricane
Low
Town of Oak Island Development Services Department
Values come from insurance estimates and county tax data
39
Bldg
Volunteer EMS Building
Street
Maintenance
Building
Vehicle
Maintenance
Building
Drive
104 Elizabeth Drive
121 SE 48th Street
Waste Water Treatment
Plant
Ocean
Education
Building
Recreation
Office
Waste
Water
Lift
Stations
Midtown Fire Station 4
Water Rescue 44
Fire Station 3 South
Harbor
Water Tanks
88,530
322,895
Hurricane
Flood, Hurricane,
Low
Medium
Flood, Hurricane
Medium
4600 Fish Factory Road
Combined with
Street Maintenance
Building
1, 793,620
Flood, Hurricane
Medium
4902 East Beach Drive
186,940
Flood, Hurricane,
High
See next Table
Seen Next Table
Flood, Hurricane
Medium
46th Street SE
49th Street SE
4151 Vanessa Drive
112,320
103,170
1,697,000
Flood, Hurricane
Flood, Hurricane
Flood, Hurricane
Medium
Medium
Low
See next Table
Seen Next Table
Hurricane
Low
125 SE 48th Street
Table 3-2.2 Critical Facilities on Oak Island – Water Tanks and Lift
Stations 33
Type of Facility
Location
Value
300,000 Gallon Water
Tank
300,000 Gallon Water
Tank
Water Storage Tank
75,000 Gallon Water
Tank
Lift Station
Middleton St.
th
Lift Station
Lift Station
Lift Station
Lift Station
Lift Station
Lift Station
Lift Station
Lift Station
Lift Station
Lift Station
Lift Station
Lift Station
Vacuum Lift Station
Vacuum Lift Station
Vacuum Lift Station
Satellite Reuse Facility
Total Value
657,000
Hazards that could
effect the facility
Hurricane, High Wind
Hazard
Vulnerability
Medium
SE 56 St.
657,000
Hurricane, High Wind
Low
SE 31st St.
8500 E. Oak Island Dr.
871,129
380,370
Flood
Flood
Low
Low
Ocean at McGlamery
St.
Ocean at Sherrill St.
79th St.
Elizabeth at Womble St.
Elizabeth at Trott St.
Elizabeth at McGlamery
St.
10 Yaupon Way
Augusta Dr.
Pebble Beach Dr. at St.
Andrews
700 Oak Island Beach
Villas
56 Yaupon Way
59th St.
49th St.
SE 40th Street
SE 31st Street
E. Oak Island Drive
NE 54th Street
27,013
Flood
Low
27,013
14,644
18,934
18,934
18,934
Flood
Flood
Flood
Flood
Flood
Medium
Medium
Medium
Medium
Medium
18,934
14,644
14,644
Flood
Flood
Flood
Medium
Medium
Medium
25,584
Flood
Medium
17,932
57,794
23,117
1,552,666
1,552,666
1,552,666
4,773,000
26,888,496
Flood
Flood
Flood
Flood
Flood
Flood
Flood
Medium
Medium
Medium
Medium
Medium
Medium
Medium
Since hurricanes and floods are the highest ranked hazards for Oak Island, those
facilities susceptible to floods and hurricane damage are given a “high” ranking
for hazard vulnerability, if damage could be extensive, and a “medium”, if it is
33
Values come from insurance estimates and county tax data
40
either not in a high hazard area, or is structurally designed to withstand the
hazards that may effect it.
Section 3-3 Storm Surge and 100-Year Flood Plain Areas
and Repetitive Loss Properties
Storm surge areas are those immediately adjacent to the shoreline where the
direct impact of wave action will create rising water levels and exert extreme
amounts of water pressure upon structures and lands. The Federal Emergency
Management Agency has identified 100-year flood plain areas as areas
immediately adjacent to stormwater drainage channels that have similar
characteristics as storm surge areas. Although there are some differences, 100year flood plains correlate well with the storm surge areas on Oak Island for
category 1 and 2 storms. These areas are identified on Map 3. Differences do
exist in the delineation of fast surge and slow surge areas but for Oak Island, the
fast surge is more critical for Hazard Mitigation Planning. Since the Town is an
ocean front community, the properties along the Atlantic Ocean absorb the full
force of a hurricane storm surge. These properties receive not only rising
floodwaters but also the velocity of waves from the open ocean. All of the 17
severe repetitive loss properties in Oak Island border the Atlantic Ocean. The
value of these structures is $2,183,874 34. Flooding in this area is due primarily to
storm surge. The area in which these properties are located is used primarily for
single-family residential structures. This area continues to be developed at a rate
of approximately 5 to 10 units per year. Although the area is being developed,
new technology and North Carolina Building Code standards and Flood
Ordinance requirements should limit damages to new dwellings built in this area.
Most repetitive loss properties are located bordering the waterfront. According to
FEMA in 2008, Oak Island had 256 records of repetitive loss properties with a
property value of $46,380,406.
The area shown on the Storm Surge Map for Category 1 and 2 surges is also a
very close correlation to the properties that have previous hazard occurrences.
Oak Island’s greatest threat from natural hazards is a hurricane, and as seen
during Hurricane Floyd, the vulnerable areas correlate with the areas that
experience storm surge effects.
Historically, a hurricane’s impact on Oak Island is from a fast moving hurricane,
even if it does not make landfall. One reason for this is the historic tracts of
hurricanes that place the strongest winds from the right-front quadrant of a
hurricane on a perpendicular, or near perpendicular path to the Island. The rightfront quadrant of an Atlantic hurricane typically contains the strongest winds and
thus, the highest storm surge. Keep in mind that the right-front quadrant is
always relative to the forward movement of the hurricane. Because most
34
This amount comes from FEMA in 2008
41
hurricanes that strike North Carolina approach from the south, the right-front
quadrant has also been the northeast quadrant as well 35.
In addition, tides play a major role in a storm surge. North Carolina has a
moderate tidal range so the difference between the mean tide level (the average
tide level) and high or low tide is only a few feet. However, this difference can
have dramatic consequences when a hurricane makes landfall.
Oak Island should incorporate both the slow-moving and fast-moving scenarios,
but planning and mitigation strategies should be based on the “worst case”
scenario, which is the fast moving hurricane. A fast storm surge will inundate a
larger portion of the island, and again, the velocities of the storm water will create
additional hazards.
The modeling programs calculate a fast moving hurricane to have a 15.1 mph to
35 mph forward speed and slow moving hurricanes to have a forward speed of 1
mph to 15.0 mph.
The meanings of the colors used on the maps are as follows:
The LIGHT BLUE coloring represents areas predicted to flood during category 1
and 2 hurricanes.
The PURPLE coloring represents areas predicted to flood during a category 3
hurricane. These areas are in addition to the areas flooded during a category 1
and 2 hurricane (BLUE coloring).
The DARK BLUE coloring represents areas that are predicted to flood during a
category 4 or 5 hurricane. These areas are in addition to the areas flooded in a
category 1, 2 and 3 hurricane (BLUE and PURPLE).
SEE SLOSH MAPS PAGE 152
Section 3-4 High Wind Damage
It is impossible to predict how high the winds will be, or where they will blow the
hardest during a storm. However, it is critical to protect buildings and people as
much as possible from potential wind damage through the use of building codes
and construction standards. Manufactured homes are much more vulnerable to
the damaging effects of high winds than are site built structures. Although these
structures are vulnerable to high winds, most of these homes are located in the
wooded section of the island. Some protection from wind damage is obtained
from the trees that are located in this area.
In 2008 on Oak Island, there were 809 manufactured home units, or 9.6% of the
total 8,450 residential units (units = those identified in the 2000 census + building
permits from 2000 through 2007). Since 1990, the percentage of units in Oak
35
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District and New Hanover County's Project Impact Program
http://www.ncstormsurge.com
42
Island is declining and yearly new mobile home permits, as percentages of total
home permits are far less than the overall percentage of mobile homes,
indicating a large population of older mobile homes.
Table 3-4.1 Residential Permits on Oak Island 1990 - 2007 36
Year
Total Residential
Permits
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
93
92
108
95
125
151
159
168
229
214
142
180
297
325
422
254
98
81
Permits for Single
Family Site Built
Structures
79
74
89
85
113
141
147
162
218
201
133
172
287
320
421
249
95
77
Permits for
Manufactured
Homes
14
18
19
10
12
10
12
6
11
13
9
8
10
5
1
5
3
4
Manufactured Home
Permits as a Percent of
Total Permits
15.0
19.5
17.6
10.5
9.6
6.6
7.5
3.5
4.8
6.1
6.3
4.4
3.4
1.5
0.2
2
3.1
5
Although the data does not show the number of permits for replacement homes,
or the age of the homes being brought into the town, manufactured homes made
before 1976 are not allowed in Oak Island as they do not meet the Housing and
Urban Development (HUD) codes. Manufactured homes do not have to meet the
North Carolina State Building Code, but they must be constructed to meet the
HUD standards. Manufactured homes built before 1993 are more susceptible
than newly manufactured homes since they do not meet the latest revisions to
wind resistance standards required by HUD.
Table 3-4.2 HUD Wind Resistance Standards for Manufactured Homes
Year
Wind Resistance
Weight
Anchor Requirements
Before 1993
75 mph
16,000
5-6 anchors per side
1993 to present
100 mph
40,000
11-14 anchors per side
North Carolina used the Southern Building Code (SBC) for the statewide codes
for many years, but recently has adopted the International Building Code (IBC).
As of January 1, 2003, all new construction must adhere to the IBC. The
following table compares the wind resistance standards for the two codes as will
be implemented in Oak Island. The 2004 North Carolina Regulations for
Manufactured Homes governs mobile home design and setup on Oak Island.
36
1999 CAMA Land Use Plan Update and the Oak Island Development Services Department
43
Table 3-4.3 Comparison of Wind Resistance Standards
Code
Barrier Island
Mainland
Southern
110 mph
100 mph
37
East of Highway 17
International
130 mph
Section 3-5 National Flood Insurance Program and Repetitive Loss
Properties
Oak Island is an active participant in the National Flood Insurance Program
(NFIP) and support hazard mitigation elements of the NFIP. The Town seeks
improvements in development standards that would result in lower insurance
premiums for local property owners. The Town also supports enforcement of
State and Federal wetlands development permit processes in areas susceptible
to flooding.
The NFIP provides insurance coverage for flood susceptible properties. Data on
current NFIP Insurance policies and recent claims within the Town are shown in
Table 3-5.1. According to the North Carolina Department of Emergency
Management, Oak Island has seventeen repetitive loss properties with three
claims filed 38. According to FEMA in 2008, Oak Island had 256 repetitive loss
properties. The Town of Oak Island considers the mitigation activities listed on
table 5-3.1 through 5-3.3 to be the highest priority for mitigating future loss on
these properties. The Town will also support securing both state and federal
grants to mitigate these structures from future losses. Oak Island will vigilant in
making sure that all development on undeveloped lands in the repetitive loss
areas will be in compliance with all applicable regulation and mitigation
strategies.
Table 3-5.1 NFIP Statistics for Oak Island 39
Category
Total Insured Value
Total Policies
NFIP Claims since 1978
NFIP Claims paid since 1978
Number or Value
$725,222,300
3,426
2,168
$18,862,045
Section 3-6 Future Hazard Vulnerability
37
Oak Island Development Services Department
NFIP RL Stats courtesy of the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management NFIP program
39
North Carolina Division of Emergency Management NFIP
38
44
Future Hazard Vulnerability is the extent to which people are expected to
experience harm and property damage by a hazard even if projected
development were to occur. If current development patterns continue on Oak
Island, vulnerability will increase accordingly. Vulnerability will increase
significantly as Oak Island is an area very susceptible to adverse impacts from
natural hazards. The following tables show population projections for the Town of
Oak Island for 2000-2025. These projections are a consolidation of the
population projections contained in the Land Use Plans for Oak Island, and the
US Census Data from 2000. For the permanent population projections, both
plans assume that the Town’s pro-rata share of Brunswick County’s projected
population will be maintained for the planning period. Growth trends for Oak
Island show its share of total County population increasing since 1980. These
projections assume this increase will continue.
Table 3-6.1 Population Figures and Projections for Oak Island 40
Year
2000
2010
2020
2025
Permanent
Population
7231
9,527
11,744
12,823
Seasonal
Population
23,630
30,486
35,956
39,753
Total Peak Population
30,861
40,013
47,700
52,576
The proportion of seasonal to year-round residents is a significant factor in
hazard mitigation for Oak Island, as plans must include the capability to address
the needs of a peak summer population in the event of a natural hazard. In Oak
Island, the seasonal population figures were estimated using a multiplier of 3.1,
which is the estimated ratio used in the CAMA Land Use Plan.
Section 3-7 Vulnerability Assessment Summary
As described in the previous section, current development in Oak Island has
considerable exposure to natural hazards due to the very nature of the location of
Oak Island on the coast. If the population continues to grow as rapidly as
predicted, then there will be a significant increase in exposure of people and
property to natural hazards over the next 20 years.
The 2008 CAMA Land Use Plan estimated permanent residents on Oak Island.
Estimated peak day population in the summer is estimated at about 3.1 times the
permanent residents or about 22,630 people. The estimated population for Oak
Island is projected to reach 9,527 by 2010 and 11,744 by 2020. Combined with
the projected rates for the seasonal peak day population, the projections would
reach 30,861 in 2000 for total peak population and that number would climb to
over 52,576 by 2025. Unfortunately, it is during these peak population months,
that Oak Island is most vulnerable to natural hazards.
The number of new residential and commercial structures necessary to
accommodate growth will increase rapidly in the next twenty years as well. The
40
2008 Consolidated CAMA Land Use Plan
45
following table summarizes data on the current number of structures and the
value of property in 2008 and projects estimates for the potential number of
structures and property value for the year 2020.
Table 3-7.1 Oak Island Vulnerability Assessment Summary41
Current Conditions (2008
Projected Conditions
County data)
2030
Number of
Current Value
Number of
Projected Value
Type of Development
Structures
Structures
(units)
Private Development
Residential
Commercial
Subtotal Private Development
State and Local Offices/Buildings
Airport
Fire, Police and Rescue Facilities
Waste Water Treatment Facility
Public Works Buildings
Sewer Lift Stations
Water Tanks
Recreation Center
Other Recreation facilities
Development Services building
Subtotal Public Buildings
42
Total
(units)
8,846
238
9,084
952,389,750
44,301,580
996,691,330
1
7
2
3
16
4
1
11
1
14,976,000
11,122,411
6,566,620
696,400
4,956,119
2,565,499
799,606
1,119,959
368,406
13,025
288
13,313
2
1
9
2
3
50
5
1
11
0
46
43,171,020
84
2,257,163,707
104,991,146
2,362,154,853
729,105
35,478,114
33,877,275
15,556,322
1,650,411
15,487,871
7,597,083
1,895,001
2,654,211
To be combined
with Fire Station
2
114,925,393
9130
1,039,862,350
13,397
2,477,080,246
Section 3-8 Reducing Future Hazard Vulnerability
Infrastructure Development
The development of the town sewer system will play a key part in the
urbanization of Oak Island. The provision of public sewer will increase the
opportunity for higher density on the island as more lots become eligible for
development. Currently, about 50% of the platted lots on Oak Island that remain
undeveloped are unable to support a septic system. As the sewer system that is
currently under design construction in portions of Oak Island reaches these lots,
more and more will be able to be developed. Additional infrastructure needs,
including a second bridge and additional utilities, will be critical components of
land use and Hazard Mitigation Planning.
Future growth on Oak Island must be encouraged in areas of low vulnerability
through the implementation of the 1999 CAMA Land Use Plan, and through the
use of existing and new land use policies and regulations. Additionally strict
enforcement of mitigation measures such as hurricane building codes, the
41
Projected residential and commercial values based on 4% annual growth. Projected residential and commercial
numbers based on regression model with 95% confidence level.
42
Projected values based on 4% annual growth
46
Stormwater Management Plan and flood hazard overlay zoning regulations must
continue to be used to decrease the Town’s overall vulnerability to hazards.
Redevelopment
Planning for redevelopment in the wake of a natural disaster also serves to
reduce future vulnerability. Redevelopment should be encouraged in a manner
that will result in lower vulnerability by restricting rebuilding within high-risk areas
and requiring, where building does occur, the use of mitigation measures such as
higher finished floor elevations and flood proofing. Should a natural disaster
destroy buildings in the Severe Repetitive Loss area, any new development in
these areas must meet all of the required regulations as it relates to new
buildings.
Urbanization
The level of general development on Oak Island will not immediately contribute to
the rise in the height of general flooding but as the town continues to urbanize,
flash flood levels within small drainage basins can be expected to increase
significantly if mitigation measures such as the stormwater management
regulations are not in place or are not enforced. Currently, the Town does have
problems with areas of standing stormwater and localized flooding after rain
events and this problem will only increase as development levels increase if
measures are not in place prior to construction to minimize the effects of
impervious surfaces.
Another significant problem with increasing urbanization is the reduced amount
of time between the rainfall event and the actual flooding. Without mitigation,
urbanization increases the likelihood of flash floods, increases the land
susceptible to flooding and reduces the warning time for evacuation of
susceptible populations. Evacuation time may be lengthened by heavy traffic
during peak season vacation periods.
Section 4: Capability Assessment
Section 4-1 Introduction
For Oak Island’s Hazard Mitigation Plan to be effective, it is necessary for the
Town to be able to implement policy and programs to support Hazard Mitigation.
This is accomplished throughout the legal, fiscal, and technical capabilities of the
Town. Oak Island is a local government with the Council/Manager form of
government. The elected Town Council is the decision making body for the
Town. The appointed Planning Board serves as an advisory body to the elected
Board on planning matters. The Town also has a number of professional staff
47
departments to serve the citizens of the Town and to carry out daily
administrative activities.
Section 4-2 Legal Capabilities
The Town of Oak Island has the statutory authority to plan for growth and
development including the power to make studies of the Town, to determine
growth objectives, to prepare and adopt plans for achieving those objectives, and
to develop policies, ordinances and the administrative means to implement plans.
Local government enabling legislation requires that zoning regulations, when
adopted by the Town, be made in accordance with a comprehensive land use
plan. The existence of a land use plan ensures that Town boards and staffs are
developing regulations and ordinances consistent with the overall goals of the
community.
Under the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA), Oak Island is charged with
developing and keeping current a Land Use Plan that establishes Town polices
on growth and development. The Town has also adopted a number of other
policies and ordinances that relate to or contain standard for land use. Each of
these Town ordinances and policies has a unique impact on hazard mitigation.
The polices and ordinances that have not been created specifically for hazard
mitigation purposes can be used to implement hazard mitigation initiatives.
Unless otherwise noted, all policies are effective in 2002. Those enacted prior to
1999 in the Towns of Yaupon Beach and Long Beach were consolidated and
updated in 2000 when the Town of Oak Island was incorporated. The dates for
any ordinances adopted or after consolidation are noted in parentheses.
The following plans, policies and ordinances with hazard mitigation implications
are as follows:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA)
CAMA Land Use Plan
Zoning Ordinance and unified development regulations
Subdivision Ordinance
Floodplain Management Plan
Stormwater Management Ordinance (2002) (Updated 2009)
North Carolina Building Code
Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan
Vegetation Management Program (2001) (Updated 2009)
Emergency Operations Plan
Beach Renouishment Policies
Second Bridge to Oak Island Policies/ Corridor Plan
Utility Extension Policies
CRS and Flood Ordinance (2006)
48
One of the purposes of the CAMA was to establish a state management plan
capable of rational and coordinated management of North Carolina’s coastal
resource. To accomplish this, CAMA required the formulation of local land use
plans articulating the objectives of local citizens and then translating these
objectives into future desired land use patterns. It also requires the designation of
areas of environmental concern (AEC’s) for the protection of areas of statewide
concern within the coastal area.
The NC General Assembly stated, when CAMA was passed in 1974 that “the
coastal area and in particular the estuaries, are among the most biologically
productive regions of this state and of the nation… but in recent years the area
has been subjected to increasing pressures which are the result of the often
conflicting needs of societies expanding in industrial development, in population,
and in the recreation aspirations of its citizens. Unless these pressures are
controlled by coordinated management, the very features of the coast which
make it economically, aesthetically, and ecologically rich will be destroyed” 43
CAMA Guidelines for Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC’s)
There are four categories of AEC’s
1. Estuarine System: Estuarine Waters, Coastal Wetlands, Public Trust
Areas, and Estuarine and Public Trust Shorelines
2. Ocean Hazard Area – Ocean Erodible Area, High Hazard Flood Area, Inlet
Hazard Area, Unvegetated Beach Area.
3. Public Water Supply – Small Surface Water Supply Watersheds, and
Public Water Supply Well Fields.
4. Fragile Coastal Natural and Cultural Resource Areas – Coastal Areas that
sustain remnant Species, Coastal Complex Natural Area, Unique Coastal
Geologic Formations, Significant Coastal Archaeological Resources and
Significant Coastal Historic Architectural Resources.
All development occurring in AEC’s must conform to state guidelines, which
serves to discourage inappropriate development in areas identified as being
environmentally sensitive.
The 2008 CAMA permit program involves categories of permits as “major” and
“minor”. Major Development Permits and / or Dredge and Fill projects are
administered directly by the Division of Coastal Management and the Coastal
Resources Commission. In general, major permits are required for development
projects that meet one or more of the following conditions:
•
43
Involve alteration of more than 20 Acres of land and/or water within an AEC
North Carolina Administrative Code (NCAC) T15A:07H.0102(e)
49
•
•
•
Involve a structure or structures covering ground area greater than 60,000
square feet on a single parcel of land
Propose drilling or excavation for natural resources on land in an AEC or
under water; or,
Require another state or federal permit, license, or authorization; i.e.,
wastewater discharge, dredging, sedimentation control. 44
Projects that meet none of those conditions are required to get a minor
development, with few exceptions. The Town of Oak Island administers the minor
permit program under authority of the Coastal Area Management Act and uses
standards set by the Coastal Resources Commission. 45
1998 and 1999 CAMA Land Use Plans with 1999 Consolidation policies
Prior to their merger, the Towns of Yaupon Beach and Long Beach each had
recently adopted CRC-certified CAMA Land Use Plans. The Yaupon Beach Plan
was certified in November of 1998 and the Long Beach Plan was certified in
March of 1999. As a result of the consolidation of the two towns in July 1999, it
was necessary to make amendments to the plans so that Oak Island would have
consolidated and consistent land use and development polices for the five-year
period covered by the land use plans. Changes included consolidated population
projections, recommended policy amendments, and amended implementation
strategies 46
The CAMA Land Use Plans establish growth and development policies for the
planning jurisdiction of the Town of Oak Island. In these plans, both Long Beach
and Yaupon Beach established local land use issues that need to be addressed.
The reader is directed to see the two Land Use Plans for a more detailed
explanation of these policies. The implementation strategies, objectives, and
actions from these plans are reviewed in Section 5.
Land Classification System
CAMA land use planning guidelines require that local governments classify areas
within the planning jurisdiction in accordance with the desired density, character
of development and extent of service provided and anticipated. Oak Island
adopted the land use classification system described in Table 4-2.1.
Table 4-2.1 Oak Island Land Use Plan Summary of Land Use
Classifications 47
Land Use Class
Conservation (CON)
Description
The Conservation Class provides for effective long-term management and
44
http://dcm2.enr.state.nc.us/Permits/types.htm
For more information on the CAMA permits, contact the Town of Oak Island Development Services or the NC Division
of Coastal Management.
46
Oak Island CAMA Land Use Plan Consolidation of Land Use and Development Policies for Long Beach and Oak Island,
1999.
47
1998 CAMA Land Use Plan Update for the Town of Long Beach, and the Oak Island CAMA Land Use Plan
Consolidation of Land Use and Development Policies for Long Beach and Oak Island, 1999.
45
50
protection of significant, limited or irreplaceable natural resources. The
management of these areas is designed to protect and enhance their natural,
cultural, recreational, productive and/or scenic values. In addition, management
is intended to reduce the risk to life and property from hazards in these areas.
Conservation- Provisional (CON-P)
Limited Transition (LT)
Developed – Residential Class (DR)
Developed – Commercial Class
Oak Island has four natural systems in the Conservation Class: coastal wetlands,
estuarine shoreline, estuarine and public trust waters, ocean hazard area, and
“404” wetlands. Development in each of these areas must be consistent with
CAMA use standards, policies in the Land Use Plan and local codes for the
Town of Oak Island.
This provides for the same management and protection of significant, limited, or
irreplaceable natural resources, but is reserved for the “404” Wetlands. This
subclass recognizes that mapping may not be reliable in some areas and that
the quality of the wetland resource is dependent on habitat type, the amount of
contiguous area and other factors.
The Limited transition class is intended for areas that will experience increased
development during the planning period and will have some services but not the
full range of urban services. Except for the AEC’s and the “404” Wetlands, all of
the Town’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction on the mainland is included in this class.
Uses permitted in the LT area include all residential types, community
businesses and services. A “village cluster” approach to development is
encouraged.
The major land use in the Developed Residential subclass is residential uses.
Most of these areas have urban services, except wastewater treatment
(Wastewater treatment will be in place by late 2010). Most of the residentially
zoned and subdivided land on the island is included in this class.
The DC class defines the retail and services in Oak Island, and this class is
served by all urban services, except for sewer (Wastewater treatment will be in
place by late 2010). The DC areas are concentrated in a commercial strip along
East Oak Island Drive. This area is consistent with the Town’s Zoning Map.
1998 and 1999 CAMA Land Use Plan Policies
The CAMA Land Use Plans for Long Beach, Yaupon Beach and the consolidated
amendments specifically state the policies of the Town of Oak Island regarding
future growth and development. An exhaustive restatement of the policies is not
included in this document as the complete policies can be found in the
aforementioned documents. The plans do include “Implementation Strategies”
that suggest actions to carry out stated policies. The suggested actions are not
all-inclusive, nor are they binding; additional actions may be added and others
removed as conditions change. The summary of polices and implementation
actions is reviewed in this document for the purpose of determining which
activities are being implemented and are impacting Hazard Mitigation Planning.
The goals and implementation strategies for the CAMA Land Use Plan that
impact hazard mitigation are included in Section 5 of this plan, which outlines the
Town’s Goals and Strategies.
Oak Island Zoning Ordinance
Oak Island adopted the unified Zoning Ordinance in 2001 after consolidation of
the Towns of Long Beach and Yaupon Beach. This ordinance is more than just a
combination of the two towns’ previous ordinances. It provides a layout of land
use guidelines for the future of Oak Island. Local Governments in North Carolina
can use zoning to help mitigate the impact of natural hazards.
51
The Town of Oak Island Zoning Ordinance states that the purpose of the
ordinance is to do the following within “…a well considered comprehensive plan”.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Promote the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare
Promote the orderly growth, expansion, and development of the Town of Oak
Island
Lessen congestion in the roads and streets
Secure safety from fire, panic and other dangers
Provide adequate light and air
Prevent the overcrowding of land
Avoid undue concentration of population
Facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water, sewerage, schools,
parks and other public requirements
The Town of Oak Island ordinance regulates the use of land and establishes
standards for off-street parking; driveways and curb cuts; nonconforming lots,
structures and uses; conditional uses; signs; and buffers. All property within the
Town of Oak Island and its Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) is divided into
zoning districts. The Zoning Ordinance establishes 14 zoning districts as
described in Table 4-2.2.
Table 4-2.2 Oak Island Zoning Ordinance Zoning Districts 48
Land Use Class
Description
R-20
Low Density Residential District- This district is established to provide areas for the
preservation and development of quiet residential neighborhoods and for lower density
residential development. The predominant use of the land in this district is for low density,
single-family dwellings and other compatible uses.
Moderate Density Residential District - This district is established to provide areas for
the preservation and development of quiet residential neighborhoods and for medium
density residential development. The predominant use of the land in this district is for
medium density, single-family dwellings and other compatible uses.
Moderate Density Residential District - This district is established to provide medium
density single-family residential areas and other required attributes of a neighborhood.
Moderate Density Residential District - This district is established to provide areas for
the preservation and development of quiet residential neighborhoods and for medium
density residential development. The predominant use of the land in this district is for
medium density, single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings and other compatible uses.
R-9
R-7500
R-7
R-6A
R-6B
R-6MF
48
Higher Density Residential District - This district is established to provide areas for the
preservation and development of quiet residential neighborhoods and for higher density
residential development. The principal uses in this district include modest sized singlefamily residences and other compatible uses.
residential development. The principal uses in this district include moderate sized singlefamily residences and other compatible uses.
residential development with a range of housing types. The principal uses in this district
include larger size single-family residences, multifamily residences, and other compatible
uses. Multifamily dwellings are allowed subject to a determination that they are
compatible with surrounding development, that adequate facilities are available, and that
they are compatible with the overall purposes of this district.
Consolidated Zoning Ordinance, 1999.
52
R-6MH
CB and CUCB
CR
C-LD
AD
O and I
OS
Higher Density Residential District – This district is established to provide areas for the
residential development with a range of housing types. The principal uses in this district
include modest sized one, two, and three-family residences, manufactured housing, and
other compatible uses.
Community Business District and Conditional Community Business District - The
CB Business District is established as a zone in which the use of the land is for
commercial and service uses for the surrounding urban market area.
Commercial Recreation District - The purpose of this district shall be to provide for,
protect, and encourage a grouping of beachfront enterprises providing accommodations
and recreation to persons wishing to lodge near the strand or participate in the various
water sports available to them.
Low Density Commercial District - Districts in this category are intended primarily to be
located in outlying areas, adjacent to a major thoroughfare, with yards and other
provisions for reducing conflicts with adjacent residential uses, and with substantial
setbacks to reduce marginal friction on adjacent major thoroughfare. These districts will
(1) serve requirements of residential neighborhoods for commercial facilities and (2) serve
requirements of highway oriented tourist business.
Airport District - The Brunswick County Airport is a significant resource for the Town.
The purpose of the provisions contained in this article is to ensure that the airport is
protected from incompatible uses and that uses surrounding the facility are compatible
with expansion of airport operations.
Office and Institutional- The purpose of the office and institutional district is to provide
standards for low-density office and institutional uses in close proximity to low-density
residential areas in order to ensure compatibility with adjacent development types. The O
and I district is intended to act as a transition zone between the more intense commercial
zones and developed or developing residential areas.
Open Space District - The purpose of this district is to preserve and protect the Areas of
Environmental Concern as identified by NCGS 113A-113 and 15 NCAC 7H.0200 and
other environmentally sensitive areas as may be identified by the Town Council. The OS
district is intended not to allow any uses by right but to allow them conditionally according
an approval by the Town Council.
Subdivision regulations control the division of land unto parcels for the purpose of
building development or sale. Subdivision regulations are a more limited tool than
zoning and only indirectly affect the type of land use or minimum specifications
for structures. Subdivision regulations provide for orderly growth and
development by setting standards for street construction, street layout and
design, utilities, and for other improvements that ensure the appropriate design
and layout of new development. These regulations also serve to protect natural
features and resource by not allowing or reducing development intensity within
sensitive environmental areas.
Flood-related subdivision controls typically require that development install
adequate stormwater and drainage facilities. These controls also design water
and sewer systems to minimize flood drainage and contamination. Regulations
typically prohibit the filling of floodways or the subdivision of land subject to
flooding unless flood hazards are overcome through filling or other measures.
The Town of Oak Island Subdivision Ordinance was adopted in 1999 during
consolidation. This ordinance is the combination of the subdivision regulations
from Long Beach and Yaupon Beach. It provides for regulations regarding the
design construction of major and minor subdivisions, lot design, easements,
streets, utilities, lights, stormwater controls, buffers and open space. Table 4-2.3
53
summarizes the sections of the Subdivision Ordinance pertinent to hazard
mitigation.
Table 4-2.3 Oak Island Subdivision Regulations 49
Section
Section 18-372
Purpose
and Authority
Section 18-376
Compliance
with official
plans and
policies
Section 18-412
Procedure for
Review of Minor
Subdivisions
Purpose
Commentary
This article is hereby adopted under the authority and provisions
of G.S. 160A-371 et seq. The purpose of this article is to
establish procedures and standards for the development and
subdivision of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the town. It
is further designed to provide for the orderly growth and
development of the town; for the coordination of streets and
highways within proposed subdivisions with existing or planned
streets and highways and with other public facilities; for the
dedication or reservation of recreation areas serving residents of
the immediate neighborhood within the subdivision; and rights-ofway or easements for street and utility purposes; and for the
distribution of population and traffic in a manner that will avoid
congestion and overcrowding and will create conditions essential
to public health, safety, and the general welfare. This article is
designed to further facilitate adequate provision of water,
sewerage, parks, schools, and playgrounds, and also to facilitate
the further resubdivision of larger tracts into smaller parcels of
land.
This general purpose statement
that covers the typical contents
of a subdivision ordinance.
All subdivisions shall comply with the principles, goals and/or
objectives for the Oak Island Land Use Plan and all other
officially adopted plans and policies of the Town of Oak Island
then in effect. Such plans and policies include but are not limited
to: The Thoroughfare Plan, the management plan for the Point,
the vegetation preservation plan, the stormwater management
plan, the Second Bridge Corridor Plan, and those adopted
hereafter.
This requirement ensures that
subdivisions comply with other
plans in the town.
This section lists the information for the approval of minor plats.
.
Section 18-413
Procedure for
Approval of
Major
Subdivisions
Sketch Plan
Review
This section lists the information needed for sketch design plan
approval. Refers to Section 18-474 for sketch requirements.
It does specifically require
delineation of the 100-year
floodplain boundary.
Section 18-413
Procedure for
Approval of
Major
Subdivisions
Preliminary Plat
Review
This section lists the information needed for preliminary plat
approval. Refers to Section 18-474 for plat requirements.
It does specifically require
delineation of the 100-year
floodplain boundary.
Section 3.3-2
Procedure for
Approval of
Major
This section lists the information needed for preliminary plat
approval. Refers to Section 18-474 for plat requirements.
49
2002 Oak Island Subdivision Ordinance
54
Subdivisions
Final Plat
Review
Section 18-441
Suitability of
Land
This section outlines several limitations to land division.
Land which has been determined by the Town Council on the
basis of engineering or other expert surveys to pose an
ascertainable danger to life or property by reason of its
unsuitability for the use proposed shall not be platted for that
purpose, unless and until the subdivider has taken the necessary
measures to correct said conditions and to eliminate said
dangers.
Areas that have been used for disposal of solid waste shall not
be subdivided unless tested by the Solid and Hazardous Waste
Management Branch of the North Carolina Department of Human
Resources, a structural engineer and a soils expert to determine
that the land is suitable for the purpose proposed.
All subdivision proposals shall be consistent with the need to
minimize flood damage and shall conform to the Oak Island
and/or Brunswick County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.
All lots, structures and utilities shall comply with any applicable
areas of environmental concern (AEC) standards, as amended,
in accordance with the state guidelines for AECs (15 NCAC 7H)
pursuant to the Coastal Area Management Act of 1974.
Applicants for subdivisions adjoining public trust waters and other
publicly owned water bodies are to provide for public access to
the water.
18-447
Easements
Utility Easements. Easements for underground utilities shall be
provided, where necessary, across lots or centered on rear or
side lot lines and shall be at least twenty (20) feet wide for water
and sanitary sewer lines and as required by the companies
involved, for telephone (telecommunications), gas or power lines.
The Town Council will determine whether one (1) easement is
sufficient or whether several easements are necessary to
accommodate the various facilities and the subdivider shall
provide the required easements.
Drainage Easements. Where a subdivision is traversed by a
watercourse or drainageway, either natural or manmade, an
easement shall be indicated on all plats of the subdivision. Said
easement shall conform substantially to the lines of the
watercourses or drainageways and shall be of sufficient width as
determined by the Planning Board. The Planning Board, at its
discretion, may require the subdivider to convey easements to
the Town providing access to and along watercourses or
drainageways traversing the subdivision for the purpose of
maintaining such watercourses or drainageways.
18-446 Streets
Type of Street Required
All subdivision lots shall abut on a public street. Subdividers are
required to provide street rights-of-way, street pavement widths,
and street cross sections to adequately serve the lots in the
proposed subdivision. The streets shall be consistent with the
following design principles:
(1) The street system shall discourage generation of excessive
through traffic in the subdivision;
(2) Rights-of-way and pavement widths shall be determined by
the traffic carried by the street;
(3) Access to adjoining property shall be considered in planning
for the street system;
55
References are made to
additional regulations including
the Flood Damage Prevention
Ordinance, CAMA regulations,
and the Zoning Ordinance.
However, the Town’s new
Stormwater Ordinance is not
noted.
(4)
(5)
Collector streets, local streets, and cul-de-sacs shall be
provided with sidewalks; and
Where cul-de-sacs are used, they shall be as short as
feasible.
All streets within the corporate limits of Oak Island shall be
dedicated to the Town of Oak Island; all streets in the Town’s
extra territorial jurisdiction shall be dedicated to the State of North
Carolina. All public streets shall be built to the standards of the
North Carolina Department of Transportation. Public streets not
dedicated to the Town that are not eligible for acceptance into the
State Highway System because there are too few lots or
residences shall, nevertheless, be dedicated to the public and
shall be built in accordance with the standards necessary to be
put on the State Highway System. A written maintenance
agreement with the provisions for maintenance of the street until
it is put on the State System shall be included with the final plat.
18-447 (a) Water
and Sanitary
Sewer Systems
Each lot in all subdivisions within the corporate limits of the Town
of Oak Island shall be provided, at the subdivider’s expense with
an extension of the municipal water and sanitary sewer systems,
where said systems are available to the subdivision according to
current Town policies.
Each subdivision in the extraterritorial area of the Town of Oak
Island may be connected at the subdivider’s expense to the
municipal water and sanitary sewer systems if approved by the
Town Council.
18-448
Stormwater
Drainage
System
Control Plan is
required.
The subdivider shall install a stormwater management system
constructed to the standards of the Town’s Stormwater
Ordinance and the Manual of Stormwater Management
Practices. In accordance with GS 143-215.1(d) and NCAC 2H
.0200, the subdivider is required to apply to the NC Department
of Environment & Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality
for a stormwater management permit if a CAMA major
development or a Sedimentation/Erosion Control Plan is
required.
Floodplain Management Plan
In 2002, the Town of Oak Island revised the Floodplain Management Plan as a
part of the Town’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP)
Community Rating System (CRS). This document not only satisfies the
requirements for the CRS, it will provide reasonable opportunity for the Town of
Oak Island to participate in state and federal funding efforts to reduce costs of
hazard mitigation.
The Town of Oak Island participates in the NFIP and is certified under the CRS.
The NFIP provides federally supported flood insurance in communities that
regulate development in their floodplains. The CRS reduces flood insurance
premiums in those communities that do more than implement the minimum
regulatory requirements. The Town has developed this plan in order to limit and
reduce property losses due to major floods.
The Plan addresses identified the following problems and issues associated with
flooding, and sets strategies to address these problems.
56
•
•
•
•
•
Traffic problems and increasing population in the summer months, which is
also the prime season for hurricanes and other hazards.
Evacuation planning from Oak Island
Stormwater runoff is becoming a more pressing issue for Oak Island as
population and growth continues throughout Brunswick County
Installation of town-wide sewer systems and wastewater effluent
Updating, implementing, and enforcing the Town’s flood damage prevention
ordinance
THE IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES FOR THE FLOODPLAIN
MANAGEMENT PLAN ARE INCLUDED IN SECTION 5 OF THIS
PLAN, WHICH OUTLINES THE TOWN GOALS AND MITIGATION
STRATEGIES.
Illicit Stormwater Management Discharge Ordinance
In 2002, the Town of Oak Island adopted the Illicit Stormwater Discharge
Ordinance to regulate stormwater discharges to the storm drainage system to the
maximum extent practicable as required by state and federal law. Many of the
plan’s objectives address the discharge of pollutants into the system, but in
addition to these the ordinance also has objectives relevant to hazard mitigation.
These include:
•
•
•
To regulate the contribution of pollutants to the Municipal Separate
Stormwater Sewer System by stormwater discharges by any user.
To prevent individuals and organizations from causing harm to the community
by activities which adversely affect water resources.
To protect natural systems and their uses in ways that does not impair their
beneficial functioning.
Keeping the Town’s Stormwater Management program maintained properly and
planning to accommodate future growth and stormwater discharge is a critical
part of hazard mitigation programs. These objectives have been restated in the
goals in a number of Town plans, including the CAMA Land Use Plan and the
Floodplain Management Plan. This ordinance also addresses applicable
regulations found in the Phase II Stormwater Regulations that are required to be
phased into local programs for many smaller communities in North Carolina,
including Oak Island.
Building Code Enforcement Ordinance
The Town of Oak Island adopted the North Carolina Uniform Residential Building
Code. The Code not only addresses building and construction standards, but
also addresses the need to minimize potential wind damage. The State of North
57
Carolina currently uses the NC State Building Code which is the IBC with North
Carolina amendments.
The Town enforces the Building Code Enforcement Ordinance in the corporate
Town limits and the extra territorial jurisdiction.
Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control
The purpose of the soil erosion and sedimentation control program is to regulate
land-disturbing activities to control accelerated erosion and loss of sediment. This
is a state program that is locally enforced as the Building Code is enforced.
Certain land disturbing activities must have an erosion control plan prior to the
start of any construction. Controlling erosion and sedimentation reduces the loss
of valuable topsoil and reduces the likelihood or water pollution and damage to
watercourses. These policies impact hazard mitigation policies as well. This
program does exempt smaller (under 1 acre) projects, but provides another tool
to minimize impacts of hazards such as flooding and heavy rains.
Vegetation Management Program
The Town of Oak Island adopted a Vegetation Management Program to
encourage the preservation of trees and native vegetation that are lost through
development and construction. Some of the objectives in this plan will have
impacts on hazard mitigation. They are as follows:
• To preserve unique and productive coastal habitats
• To reduce the impacts of development on the Town’s stormwater system
• To assist the Town in preserving and enhancing the quality of its estuarine
waters, and
• To help create and protect the protective dune systems
Enforcement of this program is ongoing and is a part of the development review
process. These objectives have been restated in the goals in a number of Town
plans, including the CAMA Land Use Plan and the Floodplain Management Plan.
Although this ordinance may appear to have mainly aesthetic values, protection
of natural flora is an important part of protecting the natural environment and
natural buffers that can help minimize impacts of flooding, stormsurge, and high
winds.
The Town of Oak Island established the Emergency Operations Plan with
Brunswick County “…to ready the Town and its citizens for a disaster…”. The
plan also helps mitigate the extent of actual damages to life and property by
having an action plan in place to prepare and then to respond to an emergency
situation. In addition to natural disasters the plan anticipates possibility of
58
manmade, technological and national security emergencies. 50 The plan
anticipates and plans for a number of potential emergency situations, including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Hurricanes/Tropical Storms
Tornados
Floods
Winter Storms
Civil Disorders
Transportation Accidents
Hazardous Materials
Nuclear Facilities
Nuclear attack/threat
Homeland Security
Emergency management mitigation activities include alerting the public to
impending danger, increased readiness actions as potential threat of injury and
damage escalates, orderly evacuation of threatened area and provision of shelter
for displaced persons. All of these purposeful actions serve to mitigate potential
damages to life and property.
Although the Emergency Operations Plan focuses primarily on preparedness,
response and recover, those who implement the plan are in the unique position
to observe and report on issues that should be addressed to strengthen policies
to help mitigate future damages.
Town of Oak Island Public Information Program
The Town maintains a public access television channel and an internet website
to give residents information on severe weather, shelter status, road closings,
evacuation orders, and to provide a link to the Brunswick County Emergency
Management. Information about the weather and emergency information can be
found on the Residents Page of the Town’s website and can be accessed at
http://www.oakislandnc.com/residents.htm. This page also links to information
on emergency preparedness, questions about emergencies, and information on
how to prepare for emergencies.
Second Bridge to Oak Island Policies
A second bridge to Oak Island has been secured from the NC Department of
Transportation. This bridge, to connect the island with the mainland at Middleton
Street, will provide a second route off the island in case of disaster – natural or
other. Traffic leaving Oak Island on a normal summer day is often bumper-tobumper and expected backups during a storm or evacuation event will create a
50
For more information, please read the Emergency Operations Plan
59
hazardous situation in themselves. As of May 2008 the new bridge is under
construction and will be completed by late 2009.
Beach Renouishment Policies
The Town of Oak Island supports an ongoing beach renourishment program to
provide protection to Island properties vulnerable to ocean overwash and storm
surge during a hurricane, tropical storm or nor’easter. The Town recently
completed a beach renouishment project in conjunction with the United States
Army Corps of Engineers that provides the added benefit of hazard mitigation by
protecting not only properties in a very fragile oceanfront area, but also provides
protection of the Sea Turtle Habitat.
Utility Extension Policy
The Town’s Utility Extension policy includes requirements for appropriate
placement of public utilities, requiring underground utilities to minimize storm
impacts, and placement of public facilities in areas that are less vulnerable to
hazard impacts. A town wide sewer project is currently under construction as of
May 2008. Approximately 30% of the project has been completed as of
November 2008. Island wide sewer should be available by 2012. Brunswick
Electric has completed the project of moving most electrical lines underground.
Section 4-3 Fiscal Capability 51
In addition to the legal capabilities for hazard mitigation, fiscal capability is a key
component to effectively developing and implementing a Hazard Mitigation Plan.
In addition to municipal revenue sources, such as taxes, non-profits and other
non-governmental organizations are often interested in helping to implement
hazard mitigation projects. Local governments can also apply for state and
federal funds to implement hazard mitigation initiatives.
Municipal Funds
In North Carolina and Oak Island, property taxes provide the primary source of
revenue. These taxes are typically used primarily to finance services that must
be available and delivered on a daily basis, such as planning, public utilities,
public works, emergency services, recreation, and administrative programs.
Often budgets are very tight leaving little for development and implementation of
hazard mitigation projects. Towns needing financial incentives can turn to the
state and federal funds that are available for hazard mitigation programs.
State and Federal Funds
51
NC Division of Emergency Management Local Government Planning Manual
60
There are a wide variety of Federal and State funding sources available to local
governments for the purpose of implementing Hazard Mitigation Plans. These
Programs include the following:
•
•
•
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
Flood Mitigation Assistance Program
Community Development Block Grants
In addition the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management has a listing
of over 300 funding sources available to communities. It is available on their
website at http://www.ncem.org/ Mitigation/additional_funding.htm.
Non-Governmental Funds
Another potential source of revenue for local mitigation efforts are the
contributions from non-governmental organizations, such as churches, charities,
community relief funds, the Red Cross, hospitals, businesses, and non-profit
organizations.
Ability to Pay
The Bond Rating has long been recognized as a measure of a town’s ability to
pay back money. A good bond rating will provide a town with a measure of its
economic standing that effects interest it is charged on bonds and loans. This, of
course, is dependent on a community’s economic health. Oak Island has been
rated by the North Carolina Municipal Council as being “bank eligible” for debt
finance, a positive indication of the Town’s financial condition and performance.
Acquisition
The power of acquisition can be a useful tool for pursuing mitigation goals. Local
governments may find the most effective method for completely “hazardproofing” an area susceptible to hazards. North Carolina General Statutes allows
cities “…to acquire property to public purpose by gift, grant, devise, bequest,
exchange, lease, purchase, or eminent domain” 52 . Public acquisition of property
removes the property from the private market and eliminates or reduces the
possibility of inappropriate development occurring.
Taxation
The power to levy taxes and special assessments is an important tool delegated
to local governments by North Carolina law. The power of taxation extends
52
NCGS §160A, Article 11.
61
beyond merely the collection of revenue and can have a profound impact on the
pattern of development in a community.
Towns also have the authority to levy special assessments on property owners
for all or part of the cost of acquiring, constructing, extending, or otherwise
improving beach erosion control or flood and hurricane protection works within a
designated area 53. This can serve to increase the cost of developing in
designated area, thereby discouraging development. Oak Island has used
several special assessments to share the cost of certain projects. Most recently,
the Town has adopted a special assessment for the Beach Renourishment
Program.
Because the usual methods of apportionment seem mechanical and arbitrary,
and because the tax burden on a particular piece of property is often quite large,
the major constraint in using special assessments is political. Special
assessments seem to offer little in terms of control over land use in developing
areas. Assessments can, however, be used to finance the provision of necessary
services with a Town (and they are useful in distributing to new property owners
the costs of infrastructure required by new development).
Spending
The final major power that has been delegated by the North Carolina General
Assembly to towns is the power to make expenditures in the public interest.
Hazard mitigation programs and planning should be made a routine part of all
spending decisions made by a local government, including adoption of annual
budgets and a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
A CIP is a schedule for the provision of a town's services over a specified period
of time. Capital programming can be used as a growth management technique
by committing itself to a timetable for the provision of capital to extend services.
This way, a community can control growth to some extent especially in areas
where the provision of on-site sewage disposal and water supply are unusually
expensive.
A CIP can also be used to create a timetable for the provision of services. A town
can regulate the extension and access to services. A CIP that is coordinated with
the extension and access policies can provide a significant degree of control over
the location and timing of growth. These tools can also influence the cost of
growth. One way is to direct growth away from hazardous or environmentally
sensitive areas to reduce environmental costs.
Section 4-4 Technical Capability
53
NCGS §160A-238
62
Having the legal and financial means to implement hazard mitigation is not
always enough to ensure a successful hazard mitigation program. The
implementation depends on a Town’s technical capabilities. This can also be a
limiting factor for many smaller communities that do not have the staff or
equipment necessary. However, there are several technical sources available
within the Town, and available at the county, state and federal level.
Town of Oak Island
The Town operates a GIS system that provides essential information and
technology and response for mitigation. The system has detailed information on
property owners, utilities, zoning, and land use. The Town’s GIS system provides
Town officials with a visual display of information for Hazard Mitigation Planning
and implementation.
Brunswick County
Brunswick County also has a GIS system with additional layers of information.
The County has shared much of this data for Oak Island’s programs and
planning, including in the development of this plan. The Brunswick County Data
provides additional information for Towns that can be used to provide data and
visual analysis of impacts of past storm events thereby assisting in planning for
mitigation of future natural disasters.
State and Federal
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the North Carolina
Division of Emergency Management provide numerous hazard mitigation
implementation manuals and other resource documents to Towns. These
manuals provide information on mitigation techniques for various hazards,
including hurricanes, floods, wildfires, tornadoes, and earthquakes. These
agencies also have extensive resources online at their websites to view or
download. A list of these sites is provided in the Appendix. The US Army Corps
of Engineers and the Natural Resource Conservation Service also provide similar
services.
The Statewide Floodplain Mapping Initiative is a major partnership initiative,
undertaken by the State of North Carolina through FEMA has been designated
as a Cooperating Technical State (CTS). As a CTS, the state will assume
primary ownership and responsibility for Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).
These flood maps were updated in 2006.
Brunswick County Airport
Another technical asset for Oak Island is the Brunswick County Airport located on
the causeway at the bridge to Oak Island. The Brunswick County Airport
63
Commission owns and operates the airport. It has a paved, lighted runway that
extends 4,000 feet with turnarounds, an apron, and a taxiway loop. The airport
has 35 corporate and individual t-hangers.
The airport is undertaking a multi-year development plan which includes the
expansion of the runway to a total of 5,500 feet, a full parallel taxiway, precision
instrument land system, apron expansion, land acquiring, and a new terminal
building. This 5-year plan will provide new opportunities for Hazard Mitigation
Planning. Among its objectives, this plan will provide:
•
•
Safe operation for the flying public including business people, tourists, and
recreational flyers
An access point in close proximity to the barrier islands and Intracoastal
Waterway for emergency personnel during natural disasters.
Utility Providers 54
BellSouth Telephone
Bell South Telephone has located major electronic switching station and
electronic remote terminals above the 100-year floodplain elevation. Where
distribution terminals are below the 100-year floodplain, protective domes have
been install to prevent floodwater from entering and damaging equipment. As a
rule, new telephone cable is being placed underground for protection from wind
and rain. BellSouth is also working to place existing aerial cable underground.
They also have an extensive system of portable generators, battery banks, and
fixed site generators to keep service to their customers during and after a natural
disaster.
Progress Energy
The Brunswick Nuclear Power Plant is located about 5 miles from Oak Island. It
is a dual-unit power plant that can generate over 1,600 megawatts to serve about
1 million homes. By its design, the plant can withstand a substantial force from
manmade and natural sources. The plant’s steel reactor vessels, sit inside
multiple layers of fortified containment structures built of reinforce concrete and
steel. The containment walls are four to eight feet thick and are designed to
withstand tremendous internal and external stresses. Although it is highly unlikely
that a nuclear emergency could occur at the plant, the primary risk to the public is
the release of radioactive material into the atmosphere. The US Nuclear
Regulatory Commission requires both on-site and off-site emergency
preparedness capabilities to ensure adequate protection of the general public. In
addition, the plant has emergency response plans and procedures for natural
hazards.
54
Brunswick County Hazard Mitigation Plan; telephone interviews
64
Brunswick Electric Membership Cooperative (BEMC)
BEMC has installed standby generators at BEMC district offices to ensure
computer systems and telephone stay on during and after natural disasters.
BEMC is also in the process of completing fiber optic cable system to enable
rerouting of electricity around substations during a natural disaster.
Section 4-5 Effectiveness for Hazard Mitigation
Existing Town of Oak Island policies, ordinances and capabilities are shown in
Table 4-5.1 as to their effectiveness for hazard mitigation.
Table 4-5.1 Effectiveness of Current Policies and Ordinances
Policies and Programs
Effectiveness for mitigation
(Low, Medium, High)
CAMA Land Use Plan
Zoning Ordinance and unified development regulations
Floodplain Management Plan / CRS
Stormwater Management Ordinance
North Carolina Building Code
Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan
Vegetation Management Program
Beach Renourishment Policies
Second Bridge to Oak Island Policies
Utility Extension Policies
High
Medium
High
Medium
High
High
High
Medium
Medium
High
High
High
High
Fiscal Capability
High
Technical Capability
High
Policies That Hinder Hazard Mitigation
Over all, Oak Island’s existing policies reflect an ongoing strong commitment to
Hazard Mitigation Planning. However, the numerous ordinances, policies and
plans require constant and thorough reviews and amended as needed to
strengthen the Town’s capacity for mitigating damage to lives and property from
future hazards. Community goals and recommendations are discussed in Section
5.
Section 5: Town Goals and Mitigation Strategies
Section 5-1 Introduction and Hazard Mitigation Goals
Other Sections of the Hazard Mitigation Plan outline the Town of Oak Island’s
vulnerability to natural hazards and the capability of the town to respond to a
natural disaster. With limited financial and staff resources to dedicate to hazard
65
mitigation, it is essential those hazards with the highest likelihood of occurrence
and the greatest potential impact receive immediate attention.
Based on analysis of potential hazard impacts (Section 2.14-1), the natural
hazards with the highest hazard index for Oak Island are hurricanes, tornadoes,
nor’easters, wildfires and floods (rated high). Disasters for which Oak Island was
listed as a moderate risk are coastal erosion, thunderstorms, earthquakes,
tsunami, drought, dam failure and landslides were rated low. Based on this
analysis, Oak Island‘s primary responsibility should be to take immediate and
sustained action to reduce the level of vulnerability of people and property to
future flooding, storm surges, wildfires and high winds.
The development of the hazard mitigation strategies sets the stage for the real
challenge- implementation, follow-up, and response to changes circumstances in
the coming months and years. In response to the challenge, the town has
developed several local mitigation goals. These statements are the guiding
principles or values, to which the town aspires when seeking to reduce its
vulnerability. The goals for this plan are as follows:
.
• Oak Island is not immune to natural hazards, and has a long history of
recovery from natural hazards. Natural hazards are a part of the natural
environment in which we live and we cannot alter the inevitability of their
occurrence. However, we also acknowledge that while we cannot affect
the hazards themselves, we can engage in activities and practices, both
as individuals and as a community, to mitigate the impacts of those natural
hazards.
• The natural system contains many features that protect humans and the
built environment from hazards, such as frontal dunes, wetlands,
floodplains, and other natural features. We will strive to develop our
community in such a way as to leave those protective features intact and
functioning as they were designed to function. We will also seek to repair
or rebuild these natural features that have been damaged by natural
forces.
We recognize that natural hazards result in disasters only when they
intersect with the built environment. We will strive to develop our
community in such a way that the built environment does not occur in the
known or predictable pathway of a natural hazard.
• We will strive to build our structures so that they are as resilient as
possible to the impacts of a natural hazard.
• We recognize that evacuation is an important part of mitigation. We will
strive to insure that population growth does not exceed the capacity of the
evacuation routes on which residents and visitors will depend to take them
to safety.
• We recognize that infrastructure often attracts development into particular
areas. We will strive to keep infrastructure out of undeveloped hazardous
areas, thus not actively encouraging development to occur in known
hazardous areas. We will also encourage future construction of
66
•
infrastructure that will provide safe routes of evacuation, protection of our
public utilities, to provide a safer environment for our citizens.
We recognize that all property owners have the constitutional right to put
their land to an economically viable use. We will honor this right while we
strive to encourage safe development in and away from areas that may
cause emergency workers to put their lives at risk to rescue someone from
a structure built knowingly in a hazardous area.
Accomplished Plan Activities
The following tables outline the tasks that were undertaken to reduce the risk to
life and property in the event of a disaster on Oak Island. All of the activities are
ongoing except for a few that have been completed. The completed items
included in the following lists have been completed or will be finished by the end
of 2010.
1. The Second Bridge to Oak Island
2. Island wide sewer
3. Updated CAMA Land Use Plan
4. Formation of a Stormwater committee and hiring a Stormwater
Management Coordinator
5. Development of a Stormwater Management Ordinance
These accomplishments will help the Town of Oak Island provide a safer
environment in which to live, work and visit.
Section 5-2 Hazard Mitigation Planning Objectives
Plan objectives are more specific statements that further define goals of the
Hazard Mitigation Planning process. Objectives specify general actions to be
undertaken without detailing how the actions will be achieved. The following
objectives are established for Oak Island:
1. Ensure that emergency services are adequate to protect public health and
safety.
2. Implement a public awareness campaign to educate citizens of the
possible hazards associated with structures and property located in
floodplains and of measures that can be taken to lessen impacts of future
floods.
3. Encourage growth in areas suitable for development while discouraging
high-density growth in environmentally sensitive or flood hazard prone
areas.
4. Minimize the extent of floods by preventing and removing obstructions that
inhibit water flow and increase flood height and damage.
The Town of Oak Island believes that the most cost effective mitigation strategy
is compliance with current North Carolina Building Codes, CAMA rules, flood
67
ordinance measures, and CRS policies. Because law requires these actions
there is no extra cost to the town to ensue compliance with these codes.
Compliance with North Carolina Building Codes, CAMA rules, flood ordinance
measures, and CRS policies are the top priorities of the town’s mitigation actions.
The planning committee decided that these strategies were the most cost
beneficial due to the fact that these requirements are already being met.
Because the mitigation actions from the past hazard mitigation plan are still
effective, no changes were made to those sections in this 2008 update.
Section 5-3 Hurricane and Flood Hazard Mitigation Activities
This section addresses the Town’s current implementation strategies and
programs that address Hazard Mitigation. This includes the Town’s
Implementation Strategies in the 1999 CAMA Consolidated Land Use and
Development Policies, and Oak Island’s participation in the Community Rating
System (CRS) of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Program,
including the implementation of a Floodplain Management Plan.
The Consolidated CAMA Land Use Plan includes separate implementation
strategies and a schedule of implementation. Its purpose is to permit the Town,
its residents and property owners to focus on the steps and actions required over
the next five years to implement the plan. These policies have an effect on
hazard mitigation efforts for the Town, and are included in the strategies for this
Hazard Mitigation Plan.
The programs and strategies from the Town’s CRS program are also included in
the mitigation strategies for this Hazard Mitigation Plan. These are found in the
Town’s Flood Plain Management Plan. The CRS program’s main objective is to
lessen, eventually eliminating, flood losses and prevent damages to
inappropriate new development. Any community that regulates development in
floodplains is able to join the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). In return,
the NFIP provides federally backed flood insurance for properties in the
community. The CRS provides opportunities to reduce flood insurance premiums
if the Town goes above and beyond the NFIP’s minimum standards for floodplain
regulation. The objective of the CRS is to reward communities for what they are
doing, as well as to provide an incentive for new flood protection activities.
The reduction in the insurance premiums is in the form of a CRS classification.
There are 10 classes, each providing an additional 5% premium rate reduction
for properties in a mapped flood plain. A community’s class is based on the
number of credit points it received for floodplain management activities. A
community that does not apply for the CRS is a class 10 community.
The CRS has 3 major goals: to reduce flood losses, to facilitate accurate
insurance ratings, and to promote awareness of flood insurance. There are 4
mitigation categories (Series 300, 400, 500, and 600) with a total of 18 creditable
floodplain management activities. Oak Island’s participation in the CRS program
68
and implementation of program mitigation activities rewards the citizens of Oak
Island with lower insurance premium rates.
Use of the CRS categories helps in the identification of hazard mitigation
strategies and who is the responsible party for their implementation. A brief
explanation of the four categories can be found in the Appendix.
A synthesis of all Oak Island’s strategies found for hurricane and flood hazard
mitigation activities are presented in three separate tables:
•
•
•
Table 5-3.1 Ongoing Activities
Table 5-3.2 Short Range (1-5 year) Activities
Table 5-3.3 Longer Range (5-10 year) Activities
Ongoing activities are those that are a part of current policies and procedures
within the town government. They are working, ongoing processes and rules
under which the Town operates. Short-range plans are those activities that the
Town will initiate after adoption of the plan, and targeted to be completed within
1-5 years. These are projects that cannot be completed immediately, as they
may coincide with the review of another plan (i.e. the state-mandated review of
the CAMA Land Use Plan in 2004), or may be awaiting budgetary planning (i.e.
stormwater controls) or approval from another governmental agency (i.e. the
second bridge to Oak Island being opened) Long-range plans are confined by
similar restraints, but will take longer to complete. These are generally large
projects subject to capital improvements planning, and require several years
funding (i.e. town wide sewer).
It is important to note that many of these activities will also mitigate conditions
that can be affected by other natural disasters. For example, the first strategy
listed, enforce building codes, will not only make buildings more resistant to
hurricanes, but will also provide the strength needed to withstand nor'easters,
winter storms and thunderstorms.
For many of the mitigation strategies, the action required is the enforcement of
current codes and ordinances. Unless otherwise specified, the Town’s Code
Enforcement Officers will continue to be the primary staff members charged with
this responsibility. Upon adoption of this plan, the code enforcement officers will
use this plan in conjunction with their daily job activities. As many of these
strategies are ongoing, so too will be the work of the Code Enforcement Officers
to integrate the Hazard Mitigation Plan into the other ongoing enforcement
procedures.
The responsible parties for ensuring that each activity is carried out are listed in
the far right column on each of the following strategy table, with the departmental
abbreviations listed below.
69
Short and Long range activities will be initiated by the Town Manager at the
direction of the Oak Island Town Council.
Table 5-3.1 Ongoing Activities for Hurricane and Flood Hazard Mitigation 55
Implementation Action (CRS Activity code in parenthesis – when applicable)
Building Codes
•
Building Inspectors will continue to enforce local codes on building and
development – zoning, subdivision regulations, NC State Building Code, Flood
Damage Prevention, Stormwater Regulations and Dune Protection Regulations.
•
These codes are the town’s basic plan implementation tools. Their proper
enforcement achieves several important land use goals:
o
Protection of sensitive natural areas;
o
Maintenance and improvement of water quality;
o
Elimination of unreasonable risk to lives and property in hazard
area;
o
Guiding community growth and development in a manner that
preserves its “small town atmosphere”; and
o
Creating land use patterns that recognize the values of the
community’s natural resources.
•
Continue enforcement of the following:
o
One- (1) foot freeboard above the FEMA required height above
base flood elevation as determined by the NFIP;
o
Requiring a survey and elevation certificate for all construction
within a VE zone;
o
Requiring that break away walls or flood gates be installed in all
enclosed areas in any flood zone; and
o
Requiring that no electrical, mechanical, or plumbing fixtures other
than those required by building code or the NEC be located below
base flood and the freeboard.
o
All other rules and regulations contained in CRS and flood
ordinances
NFIP/CRS Program
•
The Town will continue participation in CRS program. Continue program to
advise/assist property owners in retrofitting homes, businesses and institutional
facilities (320)
Strategy
Source
Responsible
Parties
CAMA LUP
DS, OITC,
PB, AD
CRS/FMP
DS
CRS/ FPM
DS, AD
CAMA LUP
DS, PB, TC,
AD
CAMA Program
•
•
The Town will continue the local CAMA development Permit Program using town
employees. A Local Permit Letting Officer will allow the Town to improve its
services to property owners and developers. However, it will also offer the Town an
opportunity to educate and inform property owners on alternative development
practices and techniques that will improve the overall environmental quality of
development and can focus on making development less vulnerable to natural
hazards.
The Town will continue to monitor and update the CAMA Land Use Plan in
55
Abbreviations used in this table are as follows: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); NC Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR); NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT); NC Division of Emergency
Management (NCDOT); NC Department of Emergency Management (NCDEM); US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE);
Oak Island Town Council (OITC); Oak Island Planning Board (OIPB); Oak Island Development Services Department
(OIDS). Oak Island Public Works (OIPW); Oak Island Public Utilities (OIPU); Oak Island Emergency Services, Police and
Fire (OIEMSPDF)CAMA Land Use Plan (CAMA), Flood Plain Management Plan (FMP), Community Rating System
(CRS). Administration Department (AD), Stormwater Committee (SC)
70
accordance with the state guidelines
•
All policies and actions listed in the CAMA Land Use Plan
Development Codes
•
•
The Planning Board will continue review of current zoning, building and
development codes to determine consistency with Land Use and Coastal
Management Policies. This process focuses on the codes adopted by the Town
Council --- zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, flood damage prevention
ordinance, and stormwater ordinance.
The Planning Board will make recommendations to the Town Council on any
required code adjustments needed to maintain consistency with the Land Use Plan
policies, and to minimize impacts of natural hazards.
CAMA LUP
DS, PB, TC
PB, TC
Public Services and Facilities
•
•
•
The town will continue with the instillation of the central wastewater treatment
system. The wastewater program involves multiple phases. Each phase will be
reviewed and approved by the Town council before proceeding to the next step.
Ongoing Stormwater runoff planning: actively implementing additional regulations
for limiting impervious surfaces, re-routing stormwater from public streets, and
maintaining natural watercourses for proper drainage.
The town is aggressively seeking and studying ways to expand and more efficiently
operate its biological wastewater treatment facility.
CAMA
OIPU, OITC
FMP
FMP
•
The Town staff will continue holding multi-government preparedness meeting
yearly to update, change, and clarify evacuation information. By cooperating with
the other local governments, Fire and Police Departments, Brunswick Electric
Membership Corporation, Progress Energy Carolinas, Inc., Brunswick County
Emergency Management, Brunswick County Sheriff’s Department, U.S. Coast
Guard, and the N.C. State Police we achieve the best possible evacuation and reentry plans possible for Oak Island.
FMP
OITC, OIPB,
AD,
OIPD,
OIFD
Transportation
•
The Town Council supports the TIP projects (Second Bridge and 211 Intersection
realignment) that help with evacuation of the island.
FMP
OITC, OIPB,
AD,
OIPD,
OIFD
FRM
OITC
Shoreline Protection
•
•
•
The code officers will continue enforcement of an ordinance that prohibits
structures on the public beach. It is the policy of the town to prohibit any structure
from landing on public property. Public property, in this case is defined as any
area seaward of the mean high tide line as surveyed and recorded by the USACE
prior to the commencement of the Sea Turtle Habitat Restoration Project and the
Section 933 Cape Fear River Dredging Project.
Continue enforcement of the other ordinances limit the construction of decks,
walkways, and steps of oceanfront structures. These steps were taken to minimize
damage created from debris and projectiles during storm events and storm surge.
These ordinances are reviewed as necessary, making changes that will better
protect the interests of the town and its residents.
The town will continue to participate in the Coastal Strom Damage Reduction
Project and the Wilmington Sand Management Plan
LPO
LUP
AD
OITC
USCOE
Capital Improvements Program
AD
•
Continue development of a strategic plan/ Capital Improvements program.
Hazard Awareness
•
Present these plans quickly to the public and make sure they are available at all
municipal buildings, libraries, and any other public site possible. The Town of Oak
71
FPM
AD
•
Island broadcasts these plans on the town-operated television and radio channels
as well as the local radio and news stations.
Plan activities to educate the general public of planning for floods, storm events,
and evacuations. Implement and assist staff in the organization of public
information meetings; holding question and answer forums on preparedness,
planning, hazards, development, and mitigation.
FPM
DS
FMP
OIPW, OIPD,
OITC,
DS,
SC
Flood Management Ordinance
•
•
Ongoing review and updates to the Floodplain Management Plan and Action Plan.
Assisting staffs with information gathering to better improve the town’s NFIP CRS
rating.
Table 5-3.2 Short Range Activities (1-5 Year Activities) for Hurricane and
Flood Hazard Mitigation 56
Activities (CRS Activity code – when applicable)
Building Codes
•
After any event that causes damages to structures located in what are considered
to be in repetitive loss areas, we encourage those people that must replace pilings
to raise their non-conforming structures out of the floodplain. As an incentive to do
this, the cost of the pilings is not calculated in their repair. The Division of Coastal
Management also utilizes these guidelines.
•
Continue enforcement of building codes.
Strategy
Support
Responsible
Parties
DS, OITC,
DS. PW, PU
DS
CAMA
AD, OIPB,
OITC
CAMA Program
•
Continue to monitor and update the CAMA Land Use Plan in accordance with the
state guidelines, preparing for the next update in 2004. (update underway 2008 )
Development Codes
•
Continue Planning Board review of current zoning, building and development
codes to determine consistency with Land Use and Coastal Management Policies.
This process focuses on the codes adopted by the Town Council --- zoning
ordinance, subdivision regulations, flood damage prevention ordinance (2006), and
stormwater ordinance (2009). The Planning Board will make recommendations to
the Town Council on any required code adjustments needed to maintain
consistency with the Land Use Plan policies, and to minimize impacts of natural
hazards.
•
•
•
•
.
Form an aggressive stormwater committee. (completed)
Fill the advertised position of Stormwater Management Coordinator. The
stormwater officer will be responsible for planning for and mitigating stormwater
runoff problems and implementing the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System Phase II permit. (completed)
The central business district will be receiving sewer within the end of the year.
(completed)
Initiate planning for a central wastewater treatment system, consisting of a
background information, a wastewater master plan, and system design. (under
FMP
AD, OITC,
OIPW
CAMA
AD, OITC,
OIPW
CAMA
AD, OITC,
56
Management (NCDOT); NC Department of Emergency Management (NCDEM); US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE);
Fire (OIEMSPDF). CAMA Land Use Plan (CAMA), Flood Plain Management Plan (FMP), Community Rating System
72
•
•
•
construction)
Develop a comprehensive stormwater program. (completed)
Develop a water quality improvement plan for Davis Creek.
Develop sub basin drainage improvement plan
OIPB
Transportation
•
Secure a second bridge to Oak Island. During the summer months weekend traffic
slows to a crawl creating a hazard for vehicles and pedestrians. By securing a
second bridge, evacuations, which at this time could take as much as twelve to
twenty four hours, could be cut in half. Safety of the residents before an
impending storm is the top priority of Oak Island. It is possible that the island could
be completely cut off from the mainland for weeks at the time if the current bridge
was damaged or became impassable. The Town will cooperate with Brunswick
County to develop a regional approval to implementation of the Second Bridge
Corridor Plan (done bridge under construction)
FMP
CAMA
OITC,
NCDOT
CAMA
OITC,
NCDOT
CAMA
OITC,
USACE
FMP
DS
FMP, CAMA
OIPB, OITC,
AD
Shoreline Protection
•
Implement a beach preservation plan including:
o
The implementation of an ongoing beach preservation program;
o
Implementation of the Sea Turtle Habitat Restoration Project; and
o
Develop a maintenance program for the long-term success of these
projects.
o
Continue participation in the Coastal Storm Damage Reduction
Project
o
Continue participation in the Wilmington Harbor Sand Management
Plan
Hazard Awareness
•
Complete Development Services Assessment to the hazards of flooding particular
to Oak Island.
Plan Implementation
•
•
Continue review and update procedures as provided in the Floodplain
Management and CAMA Land Use Plan.
Continue to review existing ordinances in regards to hazard mitigation.
Table 5-3.3 Long Range (5-10 Year) Activities for Hurricane and Flood
Hazard Mitigation 57
Category Goal/Action
Strategy
Source
Responsible
Parties
Building Codes
•
Continue to enforce local codes on building and development – zoning, subdivision
regulations, NC State Building Code, Flood Damage Prevention, Stormwater
Regulations and Dune Protection Regulations.
57
CAMA, FMP
DS
Management (NCDOT); C Department of Emergency Management (NCDEM); US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE);
Fire (OIEMSPDF), CAMA Land Use Plan (CAMA), Flood Plain Management Plan (FMP), Community Rating System
73
NFIP/CRS Program
•
Continue participation in CRS program. Continue program to advise/assist property
owners in retrofitting homes, businesses and institutional facilities (320).
CRS/FMP
DS
CAMA
DS. OIPB,
OITC
FMP
OIPW, AD,
OITC
CAMA, FMP
OIPW, AD,
OITC
CAMA Program
•
•
Continue local CAMA development Permit Program using town employees.
Continue to monitor and update the CAMA Land Use Plan in accordance with the
state guidelines
Development Codes
•
Continue Planning Board review of current zoning, building and development
codes to determine consistency with Land Use and Coastal Management Policies.
•
It is the goal of the town to have municipal sewer service available to the entire
island within ten to fifteen years. (Will be complete 2010)
Section 5-4 Tornado, Nor’easter, Thunderstorm and Severe
Winter Storm Mitigation Activities.
On Oak Island, the second greatest natural hazard threat is damage from high
winds. Hurricanes, tornadoes, nor’easters, sever winter storms and
thunderstorms all have the potential to cause high wind damage. For Brunswick
County and Oak Island, these hazards were rated as moderate risk in the hazard
index combined ranking. This section will address activities that can mitigate the
impacts of these moderate risks. In addition to the following table, it is important
to note that the previous activities listed for hurricane and flood mitigation will
also reduce the impact of hazards associated with tornados, nor’easters,
thunderstorms, and winter storms.
In 1997, the Federal Emergency Management Agency instituted a new program
called Project Impact. This project was in response to rapidly escalating disaster
costs and the growing need to assist communities in protecting lives and property
from the devastating effect of high wind hazards.
The Project Impact list of recommendations to reduce the effects of high winds is
shown below in Table 5-4.1. One note: any of these recommendations that go
beyond the requirements of the North Carolina Building Code (International
Building Code) may require the approval of the North Carolina Building Code
Council before the can be legally enforced.
74
Table 5-4.1 Tornado, Nor’easter, Thunderstorm and Winter Storm Mitigation
Activities 58
Responsible Parties
Activities
Early Warning System/ Dissemination of information regarding the need to seek shelter
in a safe room when high winds are expected.
OI Administration through
activation of Emergency
Management Plan
Adopt and enforce the latest model building code and national wind engineering
standards.
OI Building
Inspections/Development
Services
Ensure that manufactured homes are installed and secured properly.
OI Building
Services
Encourage insurance companies to offer lower premium rates to owners who install
manufactured homes on permanent foundations or who anchor homes securely.
Require residential construction to meet the latest wind-resistance standards;
encourage replacement of doublewide garage doors to improve wind resistance.
Require new masonry chimneys greater than 6 feet above the roof to have continuous
vertical reinforcing steel to help resist high winds. Retrofit existing chimneys.
Ensure doorframes are securely anchored, especially double doors that can be very
dangerous in high winds.
Make sure that architectural features are designed, manufactured and installed to limit
wind-borne debris.
Encourage the use of wind-resistant construction techniques used in coastal regions.
OI Building
Services
OI Building
Services
OI Building
Services
OI Building
Services
OI Building
Services
OI Building
Services
Section 6: Procedures for Implementing, Reviewing,
Amending and Updating the Plan
Periodic review and revision of the Hazard Mitigation Plan will help ensure that
local mitigation efforts include the latest and most effective mitigation techniques.
Periodic revision may also be necessary to keep the Town’s plan in compliance
with federal and state statutes and regulations. Additional development,
implementation of mitigation efforts and development of new mitigation
processes and changes in federal and state statues and regulations may all
affect the local Hazard Mitigation Plan. All annual periodic reviews of the plan
will continue to include public comment and involvement. Public input gathered
from planning board, city council, and various committee meetings will be
incorporated into this plan. The Planning Director is responsible for coordinating
these updates. The Hazard Mitigation Plan will be used as a guide when
amending or developing other planning documents. The provisions of this
58
Federal Emergency Management Agency
75
Hazard Mitigation Plan will be used for, but not limited to, the update or creation
of the CAMA Land Use Plan and all other planning documents used by Oak
Island. Risk assessments from this plan will be used by the planning department
to ensure that new policies adopted by other plans do not undermine the
intention of this document. The Community Development Director will be
responsible for analyzing new development policy proposals and comparing
them with the mitigation actions listed in this plan annually. All mitigation
strategies selected for this plan have been reviewed against the NFIP and CRS
system for compliance.
In the context of a Federal Disaster declaration, state and local governments are
allowed to update or expand an existing plan to reflect circumstances arising out
of the disaster. An updated plan in this circumstance might include a reevaluation of the hazards and the jurisdiction’s exposure to them, a reassessment of existing mitigation capabilities, and new or additional mitigation
recommendations.
Section 6-1 Implementation of the Hazard Mitigation Plan
Implementation of the Hazard Mitigation Plan will commence upon adoption of
the plan by the Oak Island Town Council. The Town Manager will be responsible
for directing the implementation to staff. The Town Manager will also direct the
activities within a time line as follows:
Within 12 months from adoption
•
•
•
•
Ongoing activities for high risks will continue (Table 5-3.1)
Short range activities will begin (Table 5-3.2)
Long range activities will begin (Table 5-3.3)
Strategies for moderate risks will begin and continue (Table 5-4.1)
Within five years from adoption
•
•
•
Short range (1-5 year) activities will be completed (Table 5-3.2)
Ongoing activities for high and moderate activities will continue (Table 5-4.1)
Longer range (5-10 year) activities will continue (Table 5-3.3)
Within ten years from adoption
•
•
•
Short range (1-5 year) activities will be completed (Table 5-3.2)
Ongoing activities for high and moderate activities will continue (Table 5-4.1)
Longer range (5-10 year) activities will be completed (Table 5-3.3)-
76
Funding Sources
The source of funding for the Hazard Mitigation Strategies will come from the
General Fund of the Town of Oak Island’s Annual Budget and any grants, bonds,
or other government funding that may be available. The budget is adopted
yearly, and funding will be authorized for the Town’s strategies within the
appropriate line items. For example, code enforcement activities will come from
the code enforcement department’s budget.
Public Input
The Public will be encouraged and invited to participate in the ongoing
implementation of the plan and the review process. All meetings regarding the
Hazard Mitigation Plan will be advertised in the papers, noted on the website,
and included in Town Council agendas. The meetings will provide for public
comment and copies of the Hazard Mitigation Plan will be kept at the Town Hall,
the Recreation Center and the Oak Island Library.
Section 6-2 Review of the Hazard Mitigation Plan
The Oak Island Town Council shall receive and review an annual report on the
implementation of the Hazard Mitigation Plan. The procedure for review and
updating the Plan should begin with a report prepared by the Town Manager and
submitted to the Planning Board for its recommendation to the Town Council.
The report shall include a summary of progress on implementation of hazard
mitigation strategies and a recommendation, as appropriate, for any changes or
amendments to the plan. The plan will be reviewed and revised by the State
Hazard Mitigation Officer and FEMA, and the review of the plan will be within a
five-year cycle.
The review should include an evaluation of the effectiveness and
appropriateness of the plan. All departments of the Town of Oak Island will be
expected to monitor the effectiveness of the plan. Primary review and monitoring
responsibility will fall on the Community Development Director. The evaluation
should involve the following specific topics:
•
•
•
A review of the consistency of daily land use decisions to determine if the
state policies are being implemented.
Recommendations if the plan needs amendments and/or revision to
regulatory tools; i.e., zoning, subdivision regulations, stormwater controls, etc.
are necessary to assist in implementing the plan’s policies.
If the Town Council determines that such report and recommendations from
the Planning Board raise issues that warrant modification to the plan, the
Board may either initiate an amendment as described in the next section, or if
conditions justify, may direct the Town Manager to undertake a complete
update of the plan.
77
Section 6-3 Procedure for Amending the Plan
An amendment to the plan should be initiated only by the Town Council, either at
its own initiative or upon the recommendation of the Planning Board, the Town
Manager, or any other person or agency. This plan shall be updated every five
years. Upon initiation of a text or maps amendment, the Town Manger shall
forward the proposed amendment to all interested parties including but not
limited to the following for a forty-five (45) day comment period:
•
•
•
United States Army Corps of Engineers
Natural Resource Conservation Service
At the end of the comment period, the proposed amendment shall be forwarded
along with all review comment to the Planning Board for its consideration. If no
comments are received from the reviewing departments or agencies within the
specified review period, such shall be noted in the recommendation to the
Planning Board.
Section 6-4 Planning Board Review and Recommendation
The Planning Board shall review the proposed amendment along with the Town
Manger’s recommendation and any comments received from the other
departments and agencies. The Planning Board shall submit its recommendation
on the proposed amendment as necessary based upon one or more of the
following factors:
•
•
•
There are errors or omissions made in the identification of issues or needs
during the preparation of the original plan.
New issues or needs have been identified which were not adequately
addressed in the original plan.
There has been a change in projects or assumption from those on which the
original plan was based.
Section 6-5 Town Council Review and Approval
Upon receiving the recommendation of the Planning Board, the Town Council
shall hold a public hearing. The Town Council should review the Planning Board
recommendation (including the factors listed above), the report or
recommendation of the Town Manager, and any oral or written comments
received at the public hearing. Following that review the Town Council should
take one of the following actions:
•
Adopt the proposed amendment as presented or with modifications;
78
•
•
•
Deny the proposed amendment;
Refer the amendment request back to the Planning Board for further
consideration; or
Defer the amendment request for further consideration and/or hearing.
Appendix
Community Rating System
The National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System
(CRS) was implemented in 1990 as a program for recognizing and encouraging
community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP
standards. The National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 codified the
Community Rating System in the NFIP. Under the CRS, flood insurance premium
rates are adjusted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from community
activities that meet the three goals of the CRS: (1) reduce flood losses; (2)
facilitate accurate insurance rating; and (3) promote the awareness of flood
insurance.
There are 10 CRS classes: class 1 requires the most credit points and gives the
largest premium reduction; class 10 receives no premium reduction. The CRS
recognizes 18 creditable activities, organized under 4 categories numbered 300
through 600: Public Information, Mapping and Regulations, Flood Damage
Reduction, and Flood Preparedness.
Credit points earned, classification awarded, and premium reductions given for
communities in the National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System
are as follows:
Credit Points
4,500+
4,000 – 4,499
3,500 – 3,999
3,000 – 3,499
2,500 – 2,999
2,000 – 2,499
1,500 – 1,999
1,000 – 1,499
500 – 999
0 – 499
Class
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Premium Reduction
SFHA*
Non-SFHA**
45%
5%
40%
5%
35%
5%
30%
5%
25%
5%
20%
5%
15%
5%
10%
5%
5%
5%
0
0
79
There are now over 900 communities receiving flood insurance premium
discounts based on their implementation of local mitigation, outreach, and
educational activities that go well beyond minimum NFIP requirements. While
premium discounts are one of the benefits of participation in CRS, it is more
important that these communities are carrying out activities that save lives and
reduce property damage. These 900+ communities represent a significant
portion of the Nation’s flood risk as evidenced by the fact that over 66% of the
NFIP’s policy base is located in these communities. Communities receiving
premium discounts through the CRS cover a full range of sizes from small to
large, and a broad mixture of flood risks including coastal and riverine.
Community application for the CRS is voluntary. Any community that is in full
compliance with the rules and regulations of the NFIP may apply for a CRS
classification better than class 10. The applicant community submits
documentation that it is doing activities recognized in the CRS. A community
applies by sending completed application worksheets with appropriate
documentation to its FEMA Regional Office.
A community’s CRS classification is assigned on the basis of a field verification
of the activities described in its application. These verifications are conducted by
the Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO), an organization that provides rating,
actuarial, and forms writing services to the insurance industry. ISO is the entity
that has been conducting community grading for fire insurance for many years
and is now performing the grading of communities under the newly implemented
Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule. This organization’s resources
provide an efficient means to carry out the field-work involved with the CRS.
It is important to note that reduced flood insurance rates are only one of the
rewards a community receives from participating in the CRS. There are several
other benefits.
The CRS encourages state, local, and private programs and projects that
preserve or restore the natural state of floodplains and protect these functions.
The CRS also encourages communities to coordinate their flood loss reduction
programs with Habitat Conservation Plans and other public and private activities
that preserve and protect natural and beneficial floodplain functions.
CLASSIFICATIONS AND DISCOUNTS
There are 18 activities recognized as measures for eliminating exposure to
floods, with credit points assigned to each activity. The activities are organized
under four main categories: Public Information, Mapping and Regulation, Flood
Damage Reduction, and Flood Preparedness. Once a community applies to the
appropriate FEMA region for the CRS program and its implementation is verified,
FEMA sets the CRS classification based upon the credit points. This
classification determines the premium discount for policyholders. Premium
80
discounts ranging from 5 percent to a maximum of 45 percent will be applied to
every policy written in a community as recognition of the floodplain management
activities instituted. This is a voluntary program for communities. The Town of
Oak Island will continue to comply with the NFIP Program. The town will analyze
which policies provide the most cost effective mitigation. The town will continue
to require the 1 foot freeboard requirement and continue the public information
and educational requirements of the program. The actions are believed to
provide the most cost effective mitigation activities. The CAMA Land Use Plan
and all Development Ordinances are designed to incorporate elements of the
NFIP in development regulations.
CRS PREMIUM DISCOUNTS
Class
Discount
Class
Discount
1
2
3
4
5
45%
40%
35%
30%
25%
6
7
8
9
10
20%
15%
10%
5%
---
SFHA (Zones A, AE, A1-A30, V, V1-V30, AO and AH):
Credit varies depending on class.
SFHA (Zones A99, AR, AR/A, AR/AE, AR/A1-A30, AR/AH
and AR/AO): 10% credit for Classes 1-6; 5% credit for
Classes 7-9. *
Non-SFHA (Zones B, C, X, and D): 10% credit for Classes 16; 5% credit for Classes 7-9.
Preferred Risk Policies are not eligible for CRS Premium
Discounts.
* For the purpose of determining CRS Premium Discounts, all AR and A99 zones are treated as
59
non-SFHAs
59
National Flood Insurance Program, FEMA from their website: http://www.fema.gov/nfip/crs.htm
81
Internet Resources
Legislative and Policy Issues
•
American Geological Institute
www.agiweb.org/environment/legislation.html
The AGI Government Affairs Program (GAP) serves as a link between the federal government and
the geoscience community. GAP proactively monitors and reports government and science policy
developments to the earth science community including the tracking of a wide variety of legislation.
•
American Planning Association
www.planning.org
This page maintained by the American Planning Association provides information on legislative and
policy issues.
•
Association of State Floodplain Managers
www.floods.org
•
Council of State Governments
ssl.csg.org
This site provides "Suggested State Legislation", assisting states in learning from legislation
passed in other states.
•
The Daily Digest of the Senate and House of Representatives
www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/aces/digest001.shtml
•
International Association of Emergency Managers
www.iaem.com/
The International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) is a non-profit educational
organization dedicated to promoting the goals of saving lives and protecting property during
emergencies and disasters.
•
National Association of County Engineers
www.naco.org/affils/nace/leg/index.htm
The NACE Legislative/Regulatory Alert provides information on selected legislation of interest to
NACE members.
•
National Association for State Community Services Programs
www.nascsp.org
•
National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies (NAFSMA)
www.nafsma.org/content/committees/floodplain/floodplainhome.html
The Floodplain Management Committee tracks and influences federal legislation and regulations
that affect NAFSMA member's floodplain management programs.
•
The National League of Cities
www.nlc.org/nlc_org/site/policy_legislation
Legislative activities of the NLC involve a continuous effort to inform NLC members of pending
actions in Washington, D.C. that have implications for cities and towns.
•
The Natural Hazards Observer
http://www.colorado.edu/hazards
The Natural Hazards Observer is the bimonthly printed newsletter of the Natural Hazards Center. It
covers current disaster issues; political and policy developments; new international, national, and
local disaster management, mitigation, and education programs; hazards research; and new
82
information sources.
•
NOAA Office of Legislative Affairs
www.legislative.noaa.gov
Internet home page of The Informer, a product of the NOAA Office of Legislative Affairs.
•
North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC)
www.ncacc.org/legislativeinfo.htm
View the 2001-2002 Legislative Goals, as adopted by the NCACC membership at its Legislative
Goals Conference, held Jan. 11-12.
•
North Carolina League of Municipalities
www.nclm.org/Legal/lega-leg.html
Legal and legislative information including NCLM Legislative Goals and Policies.
•
North Carolina Senate Bill 300
www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/billnumber/billnumber.pl?Session=2001&BillID=S300
Among other provisions, this legislation establishes a requirement for local Hazard Mitigation
Planning and participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
For more information on N.C. Senate Bill 300, contact Mike Christenbury (hyperlink to
[email protected]) at 919-715-8000 Ext. 270.
•
Seismic Legislation on the Web
www.eeri.org
This page provides links to various pieces of state and federal legislation addressing seismic
safety.
•
Small Business Administration (SBA)
www.sba.gov
This page provides information from the White House and Congress as well as Federal, state and
county resources.
•
THOMAS Legislative Information on the Internet
thomas.loc.gov
A service of the Library of Congress. Full text access to current bills under consideration in the U.S.
House of Representatives and Senate. The THOMAS World Wide Web system was created in
response to a directive of the 104th Congress to make Federal information freely available to the
public. THOMAS databases include three major areas: Legislation, Congressional Record and
Committee Information.
•
United States Environmental Protection Agency
www.epa.gov/wetlands
This web site includes legislation and policy related to wetlands.
•
U.S. Geological Survey
water.usgs.gov/nwsum/WSP2425/legislation.html
An article on Wetland Protection Legislation By Todd H. Votteler, University of Texas and Thomas
A. Muir, National Biological Service.
83
State Government, Programs and Organizations
•
Blue Sky Foundation
www.bluesky-foundation.com
The Blue Sky Foundation of North Carolina is a non-profit corporation chartered for the purpose of
encouraging hazard resistant construction.
•
Division of Community Assistance
www.dca.commerce.state.nc.us
A service of the North Carolina Department of Commerce.
•
Floodplain Mapping Program
www.ncfloodmaps.com
This website is a free service provided by the State of North Carolina. The latest information on the
Floodplain Mapping Program is provided here.
•
The Florida Alliance for Safe Homes, Inc. - Web Tool: Blueprint for Safety
www.blueprintforsafety.org
The Florida Alliance for Safe Homes, Inc. (FLASH) has unveiled a user-friendly web tool for
homeowners to estimate the cost of window protection.
•
Hazard Mitigation in New Hampshire
www.nhoem.state.nh.us/mitigation/default.htm
•
Housing and Business Redevelopment
www.commerce.state.nc.us
A service of the North Carolina Department of Commerce.
•
NCEM Public Assistance (PA)
www.ncem.org
The mission of the Public Assistance Section is to reduce loss of life and property and protect North
Carolina's infrastructure from all types of hazards through a comprehensive, risk-based, emergency
management program of mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.
•
N.C. Project Green
www.sustainablenc.org
Website linking hazard mitigation and sustainable development
•
North Carolina Association of Floodplain Managers (NCAFPM)
www.ncafpm.org
State chapter of the Association of State Floodplain Managers.
•
North Carolina Center for Geographic Information and Analysis (CGIA)
cgia.cgia.state.nc.us/cgia/
The North Carolina Center for Geographic Information and Analysis is the lead public agency for
GIS in the state. CGIA offers data, products, and services, administers the NCGDC and the state's
corporate geographic database, and staffs the GICC.
•
North Carolina Chapter of the American Planning Association
www.nc-apa.org
The purpose of this website is to increase awareness of the planning process, the planning
profession and the benefits that both can bring to the citizens of North Carolina.
84
•
North Carolina Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance
www.p2pays.org
The Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance seeks to protect the
environment and conserve natural resources by providing technical assistance on the elimination,
reduction, reuse and recycling of wastes and pollutants.
•
North Carolina Environmental Education Clearinghouse
www.ee.enr.state.nc.us/
The Office of Environmental Education serves a coordinating role among schools, colleges, state
and federal agencies, citizens groups, and the business/industrial community in promoting
environmental education and natural resource stewardship.
•
Preservation North Carolina
www.presnc.org
The mission of Preservation North Carolina is to protect and promote buildings, sites and
landscapes important to the heritage of North Carolina.
•
Small Business Administration (SBA), North Carolina District Office
www.sba.gov/nc
A resource for small businesses in North Carolina. This site also provides information on disaster
assistance.
•
State Climate Office of North Carolina
www.nc-climate.ncsu.edu
The State Climate Office of North Carolina is the primary source for NC weather and climate data.
Local Government, Programs and Organizations
•
Council of Governments, North Carolina
www.landofsky.org
Each of the 18 Councils of Government provides services which are more readily handled on a
regional basis rather than by individual local governments. Typical services include programs for
the aging, land-use planning, economic development, environmental protection etc.
http://www.ncem.org/Mitigation/ - top
Federal Government and Programs
•
Smart Communities Network, U.S. Department of Energy
www.sustainable.doe.gov
This center’s web site includes extensive sections on land use and disaster planning that offer
information on how long-term community sustainability can be incorporated into disaster
preparedness, mitigation and recovery.
•
Elevation Certificate self study (FEMA)
www.fema.gov/pdf/nfip/elvcert.pdf
This self-paced interactive training program on the new Elevation Certificate will allow agents to
skip over material that they already know and concentrate on the material they don't know.
•
EMI Floodplain Management Home Study Course (FEMA)
www.fema.gov/pdf/nfip/elvcert.pdf
85
The purpose of this home study course is to enhance the knowledge and skills of local officials
responsible for administering and enforcing local floodplain management regulations.
•
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
www.fema.gov
Homepage for the Federal Emergency Management Agency with current information and links.
•
Flood Mitigation Assistance
www.fema.gov/government/grant/fma/index.shtm
•
HAZUS (FEMA)
www.fema.gov/hazus
FEMA, under a cooperative agreement with the National Institute of Building Sciences, has
developed a standardized, nationally applicable earthquake loss estimation methodology. This
methodology is implemented through PC-based Geographic Information System (GIS) software
called HAZUS.
•
Mitigation Technical Assistance Programs (FEMA)
www.fema.gov/government/grant/fma/index.shtm
•
National Center for Appropriate Development
www.ncat.org
Championing sustainable technologies and community-based approaches that protect natural
resources and assist people, especially the economically disadvantaged, in becoming more selfreliant.
•
National Fire Protection Association
www.nfpa.org
The mission of NFPA International is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on
the quality of life by providing and advocating scientifically-based consensus codes and standards,
research, training, and education.
•
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
www.fema.gov
The NFIP makes Federally-backed flood insurance available in communities that agree to adopt
and enforce floodplain management ordinances to reduce future flood damage.
•
Natural Hazards Research and Applications Information Center
www.colorado.edu/hazards/wp/wp106/wp106.html
•
Network of State Hazard Mitigation Officers
•
NFIP Community Status Book (FEMA)
www.fema.gov/fema/csb.shtm
This site lists North Carolina communities participating in the National Flood Program.
•
NOAA Coastal Services Center
www.csc.noaa.gov/themes/coasthaz
The Coastal Hazards page includes current information on Center projects & activities, identifying
hazard impacts & solutions, and linking people, information & technology.
•
U.S. Department of the Interior - Natural Hazards Page
www.doi.gov
The DOI has devoted this portion of its web site entirely to natural hazards, with sections on
wildfires, volcanoes, earthquakes, floods, landslides, storms, tsunamis and other hazards.
86
www.hazmit.net/index.htm
•
U.S. Geological Survey
www.usgs.gov
The USGS web site provides lots of information on geologic hazards that include earthquakes,
landslides, volcanoes, floods and coastal storms.
•
U.S. Small Business Administration
www.sba.gov
The U.S. Small Business Administration provides financial, technical and management assistance
to help Americans start, run, and grow their businesses. The SBA also plays a major role in the
government's disaster relief efforts by making low-interest recovery loans to both homeowners and
businesses.
http://www.ncem.org/Mitigation/ - top
87
National Organization
•
American Red Cross
www.redcross.org
The American Red Cross provides extensive information on disaster mitigation, management, and
recovery.
•
Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM)
www.floods.org
The Association of State Floodplain Managers is an organization of professionals involved in
floodplain management, flood hazard mitigation, the National Flood Insurance Program, and flood
preparedness, warning and recovery.
•
FIREWISE
www.firewise.org
This website is a service of the National Wildland/Urban Interface Fire Program.
•
NEMA: National Emergency Management Association
www.nemaweb.org/index.cfm
NEMA is the professional association of state; Pacific and Caribbean insular state emergency
management directors.
•
Public Broadcasting
www.pbs.org/wnet/savageearth/
Information on earthquakes and other natural disasters. Great site for kids!
Research and Data Centers
•
Clemson University
www.clemson.edu
Clemson University presents information on this website on what homeowners can do to make
their homes stronger against high winds.
•
Dartmouth Flood Observatory
www.dartmouth.edu
Observations of flooding situations.
•
Earth Satellite Corporation
www.earthsat.com/
Site contains flood risk maps searchable by state.
•
ESRI Hazard Mapping and Information Site
www.esri.com/hazards
This interactive website allows users to query and display hazard data and to create custom
multi-hazard maps for their community.
•
Hazard Reduction & Recovery Center at Texas A&M University (HRRC)
hrrc.tamu.edu
The HRRC is dedicated to providing access to hazards information for homeowners,
professionals, business investors, and the academic community.
88
•
•
•
•
•
•
NASA - Goddard Space Flight Center "Disaster Finder"
ltpwww.gsfc.nasa.gov/ndrd/disaster/links/
A searchable database of sites that encompass a wide range of natural disasters.
National Climatic Data Center (NCDC)
www.ncdc.noaa.gov
World’s largest archive of weather data.
National Drought Mitigation Center
enso.unl.edu/ndmc
Information regarding drought mitigation.
National Lightning Safety Institute
www.lightningsafety.com
Information and listing of appropriate publications regarding lightning safety.
NWS Flood Awareness and Safety
www.nws.noaa.gov/er/gyx/flood_awareness.htm
Information on Flood Hazards and tips on flood safety
Natural Hazards Center at the University of Colorado, Boulder
www.colorado.edu/hazards/index.html
The Natural Hazards Center is a national and international clearinghouse for information on
natural hazards and human adjustments to hazards and disasters.
•
Natural Hazards.org
www.naturalhazards.org
This site provides quick access to basic information on all types of natural hazards.
•
North Carolina's Hurricane History
http://www.ibiblio.org/uncpress/hurricanes/
Jay Barnes on Hurricanes.
•
State Climate Office of North Carolina
www.nc-climate.ncsu.edu
The State Climate Office of North Carolina is the primary source for NC weather and climate
data.
•
Storm Data Search
www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/n/
Search the NCDC Storm Event Database to find historical data on hazards by county, including
property damage.
•
The Tornado Project Online
www.tornadoproject.com
Information on tornadoes including details of recent impacts.
•
USDA Forest Service Web
www.fs.fed.us/land -Information regarding forest fire and land management.
89
For Business and Industry
•
Blue Sky Foundation
www.bluesky-foundation.com
The Blue Sky Foundation of North Carolina is a non-profit corporation chartered for the purpose
of encouraging hazard resistant construction.
•
113 Calhoun Street: A center for sustainable living
www.113calhoun.org
The center demonstrates building methods and materials that can be used to strengthen homes
against natural hazards as well as focuses on sustainable building and living which reduces
landfill costs and saves natural resources.
Contingency Planning Association of the Carolinas (CPAC)
www.cpaccarolinas.org
Preparing the business communities of North and South Carolina to maintain critical functions
during a business interruption.
•
•
Disaster Resources Guide
www.disaster-resource.com/
Guide to business continuity planning.
•
FEMA: Emergency Management Guide for Business and Industry
www.fema.gov/library
Business emergency planning, response and recovery information for companies of all sizes.
•
Institute for Business and Home Safety
www.ibhs.org
The IBHS is a nonprofit association that engages in communication, education, engineering and
research to reduce deaths, injuries, property damage, economic losses and human suffering
caused by natural disasters.
•
Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC)
www.sbtdc.org
The SBTDC provides management counseling and educational services to help North Carolina
businesses meet challenges, manage change, and plan for the future.
•
U.S. Small Business Administration
www.sba.gov
The U.S. Small Business Administration provides financial, technical and management
assistance to help Americans start, run, and grow their businesses. The SBA also plays a major
role in the government's disaster relief efforts by making low-interest recovery loans to both
homeowners and businesses.
90
Discussion of Public Involvement and Plan Maintenance
The Town of Oak Island is committed to involving the public over the life of this
new updated plan. The previous plan was monitored by staff and made available
to the public for review. Town staff intends to provide more opportunities for
public involvement in the updated plan’s monitoring and annual updates. Based
of staff review of the current mitigation strategies, the Town of Oak Island has
decided to keep the same mitigation actions that were present in the 2004 plan.
91

Resolution Requesting Action

Transcription

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