Pender County Comprehensive Land Use Plan Environmental Composite and Land Suitability Mapping
The Composite Map of Environmental Conditions classifies Pender County into 3 classes of areas that can be developed based on environmental conditions. Each class is defined below:
Class 1 –
land containing only minimal hazards and limitations that may be addressed by commonly accepted land planning and development practices;
Class 2 –
land containing development hazards and limitations that may be addressed by methods such as restrictions on types of land uses; special site planning; or the provision of public services; and
Class 3 –
land containing serious hazards for development or lands where the impact of development may cause serious damage to the functions of natural systems.
A significant percentage of the County (509,047 acres) is designated as Class 3 due to large portions of the County within Holly Shelter Gameland, Angola Bay Gameland, other conservation areas, hydric soils, coastal wetlands and jurisdictional wetlands. Class 2 makes up 3.6% (18,991 acres) and is generally located within Special Flood Hazard Areas and Areas of Environmental Concern. The remaining .2% (992 acres) is within a Class 1 and represents the highest suitable land for development.
These areas are located along the major highway
corridors where transportation is most efficient. In addition, water and wastewater infrastructure is either in place or planned within these areas, further increasing suitability for development.
The Land Suitability Analysis is a process for identifying land in the county that is most suitable for development. However, the analysis is not intended to exclude any land or site from development. It is intended to provide information to local decision-makers on land that may have fewer environmental and regulatory restrictions, land where services can be provided at lower cost, or land that is most attractive given its proximity to existing development or to the waterfront areas.
The Composite Map of Environmental Conditions is located on page D-11 while the Land Suitability Analysis is located on page D-12 of this section.
Appendix D: 3