CLAY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

Community Input Summary

March 4, 2010 www.claycountycomp.wordpress.com

Clay County Comprehensive Plan Committee: Please Direct Questions To:

Kristy Carter, Project Coordinator

Dr. Gail Criss, Chair NC Department of Commerce
Joe Allen Davenport Division of Community Assistance
Ron Guggisberg Community Planning Program
Frank Leatherwood Western Regional Office
Tanya Long
Harrell Moore 31 College Place, Building B
Dennis Myers Asheville, NC 28801
Keith Nuckolls www.nccommerce.com/wro
Ed Roach kcarter@nccommerce.com
Elizabeth Rybicki 828.251.6917

Commissioner Harry Jarrett, Ex-Officio www.claycountycomp.wordpress.com

About the Cover:

The image on the front cover was developed using a word cloud
program (www.wordle.net), where each word recorded
throughout community input process was inputted into and
counted by the program. The count of each word is visually
represented in the image. The largest words in the image were
recorded more frequently, whereas the smallest words in the
imager were used less.
Community Input Process
Community input for the first phase of the Clay County Comprehensive plan Response Rate: Combined, 118 people participated in at least one type of
began in August 2009 with small group gatherings and focus groups and ended meeting.
in December 2009 with the close of the Community Opinion Survey.
Structure of This Report: The information in this report is a summary of all
Community Opinion Survey: The Clay County Community Opinion Survey was forms of input. The structure of this report follows the structure of the
available to residents of Clay County in electronic and hard copy format. The Community Opinion Survey. The Survey had three sections: Part One--
electronic survey link was posted on a variety of Clay County Comprehensive Questions One through Nine: Ranking Importance and Satisfaction; Part Two--
Plan promotional materials and it was advertised on posters distributed Household and Demographic Information; and Part Three: The Consumer
1
throughout the County. A link to the survey was reported in the Clay County Survey (results from this section are not included in this report). The survey
Progress, and a link was available on the Clay County Government and the also asked respondents to submit unstructured comments.
Comprehensive Plan websites. All 8,816 Blue Ridge Mountain EMC (BRMEMC)
customers who receive a paper power bill received a copy of the survey in their At each small group gathering, focus group, or community meeting, leaders
October 2009 bill. asked participants a similar set of questions. The charts that follow result from
the Community Opinion Survey and the summary of written comments are
Response Rate: Five hundred and sixty (560) individuals completed the combined from all forms of community input (survey comments, small group
Community Opinion Survey. Sixty-six percent of the survey respondents gatherings, focus groups, and community meetings, as well as written
completed the hard copy version while 34% responded to the online survey. comments submitted through the website or letters).
Survey respondents were not required to answer each question. Of the sixty-six
answerable items, there is a median of 538 answers per item—96% of people The Rule of Three: The Comprehensive Planning Committee is pleased with the
answered each question. large amount of written feedback received. However, in order to avoid a sixty
page report, the information contained in this summary report had been
Community and Small Group Meetings: In addition to the Community Opinion condensed using the Rule of Three. In order for a topic to be included in the
Survey, a series of community meetings and small group gatherings were held to summary report, the topic had to be named by three different people. All
solicit information from a wide variety of citizens. Community meetings were comments are important and the Committee reviewed and will refer to the
held at the Brasstown Community Center, Hayesville First United Methodist entire set of comments as they move forward. Please direct questions about
Church, and the Tusquittee Community Center. The first two meetings at the data and report to Kristy Carter at kcarter@nccommerce.com.
Brasstown and Hayesville Methodist were sparsely attended. The third meeting
at Tusquittee had better attendance, but the meeting was held in conjunction
with the Community Center’s regular monthly meeting and the community
input session was cut short. Additionally, Committee members hosted small
group gatherings and focus groups were conducted with realtors/developers, 1
The Consumer Survey was conducted in conjunction with the Community Opinion Survey in Partnership with the
ministers, the Hispanic community, school parents and high-school students. Clay County Communities Revitalization Association (CCCRA) and HandMade in America. These two organizations
are working with merchants in the Historic Hayesville area to complete a Historic Hayesville Market Analysis that
will assist with economic development efforts in the Historic Hayesville area. Without CCCRA and HandMade’s
assistance, the wide distribution of the Community Opinion Survey through the power bills would not have been
possible.
Clay County Comprehensive Plan Community Input Summary Page | 1
Quality of Life Values
Many of the comments received through the community input process had nothing to do with specific actions or things people would like
change or do. These comments describe what makes Clay County such a great place to live—they are the values that form Clay County’s
foundation.

Family and Faith Oriented: Clay County is a good Small Town Feel, Quaintness: Clay County is a place
place to raise a family, with supportive activities through where you know your neighbors and someone is always
recreation programs, the schools, and churches. willing to help you out.

The People: The people of Clay County are vital to the Rural Feeling, Rural Character: When the slow pace of
quality of life in Clay County. People of Clay County: life, the farms and open land, and history and culture of
o Care for the Community and Have a Sense of the people are honored, the quality life in Clay County is
Pride: People in Clay County care for their home enhanced.
and want to take care of what they have.
o Volunteer and Get Involved in the Community: Natural, Scenic, and Environmental Beauty: The
People in Clay County offer their time and beauty in Clay County is abundant and is a non-
resources to maintain a high quality of life. renewable resource of which the people of Clay County
are stewards.
Sense of Safety: Clay County is a safe place to be and
live.

Education: Kids in the Clay County School System

receive a high quality education.

Clay County Comprehensive Plan Community Input Summary Page | 2

Community Input Results
PART ONE: IMPORTANCE AND SATISFACTION
Following are the results from Questions One through Nine from the Clay
County Community Opinion Survey. Questions One through Eight asked survey
respondents to rank 46 items from Very Important to Very Unimportant.
Question Nine asked respondents to rate their overall satisfaction with eleven
items. Five questions on the online survey were missing from paper survey due
to a printing error. These missing questions are noted below each chart.

Interpretation Guidance
A. These are the statements evaluated under each heading. Statements
Each section follows a similar format. There are nine topics that were in the chart have been shortened and abbreviated. Readers may refer
addressed: Human Services, Infrastructure, Housing and Buildings, Land to the Community Input Survey at the end of the document for the
Stewardship and Landscape, Community Space, County Government, Economic complete statements.
Development, Growth and Development, and Overall Satisfaction. These nine B. The number at the end of each statement represents the number of
topics set the structure for the overall summary. Following each chart are people that responded to the statement. Survey respondents were not
comments from the community input meetings and the survey. required to answer each statement or question.
C. There are several notes throughout the report. The N stands for note
and the number represents the note number. (N3) = the third note in
the document. Notes are explained immediately following the chart.
D. Because each statement had a different number of respondents, the
percentages represent the number of people who responded to that
statement. For example, 77% of 546 people who responded think it is
very important to implement water conservation programs. Sections
without a percentage listed are a small percent of the whole, generally
between 0% and 4%.
E. Rating Scales: Questions One through Eight: VI = Very Important, I =
Important, S = Satisfied with Current Effort or Level of Service, U =
Unimportant, VU = Very Unimportant; Question Nine: VS = Very
Satisfied, S = Satisfied, N = Neutral, D = Dissatisfied, VD = Very
Dissatisfied

Clay County Comprehensive Plan Community Input Summary Page | 3

1. Human Services: How important is it to increase services in the following categories?

HUMAN SERVICES
VI
Senior Citizens (544) 46% 28% 24%
Mental Health (534) 32% 34% 29% I
Physical Health (539) 41% 32% 25% S
Children and Youth (546) 46% 29% 22%
U
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% VU

Overall, the most important human service topics are the aging population and the need to match services to this group, and
access to medical care.
Senior Citizens
Population is getting older, need services to meet the needs of the aging Children and Youth
population More activities for children and youth
Things to consider include: transportation, housing (assisted living, nursing Need a strategy to keep young people in (or return to) the community
homes, low-income housing), medical care (home health care), and (addressed n more detail later in this report)
affordable services and activities
Other
Physical Health Better daycare/preschool options
Need greater access to medical services such as professional practitioners
(family practice doctors, medical specialists, dentists) and urgent care
Medical care is also an avenue for job creation

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2. Infrastructure: How important is it to increase, improve, or implement the following services or programs?

INFRASTRUCTURE
Water Conservation Programs (532) 36% 37% 22% 4%
Improve Recycling Efforts (543) 52% 28% 16%
VI
Improve Major TPort Corridors (536) 16% 29% 34% 12% 9%
I
Expand Water / Sewer Services (526) 24% 29% 35% 8% 4%
S
Expand Broadband Access (538) 39% 32% 21% 6%
Encourage Four-Lane Access (543) U
12% 16% 30% 20% 23%
Encourage Alt TPort Systems (537) 24% 34% 22% 13% 7% VU

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Overall, infrastructure was second most discussed topic. The County needs infrastructure systems that match
projected growth and economic development efforts.
Roads and Transportation
Recycling Feedback related to roads and transportation have been grouped in to one of
Increase recycling efforts by strengthening and better promoting the three categories: Overall improvement, four-lane access, and safety
existing recycling program
Provide an option to recycle glass Overall Improvement
Recycle other materials (white goods, construction waste) Road improvements that include widening, shoulder improvements,
Increase number of recycling points repaving, improved access, and improved maintenance
Better access in general, especially on some of the secondary roads
Solid Waste Improve traffic flow in some areas
Increase ability/flexibility to dispose of waste
Allow for disposal of white household goods and household hazardous Four Lane Access: More people were satisfied with the current level of road
waste Plan for the County to dispose of its own waste rather than access, however, some think four-lane access would benefit the community,
transferring garbage to Georgia particularly from an economic development standpoint

Safety: Some people are concerned about the safety of bridges, unsafe drivers
on mountain roads, speeding, and the number of car accidents

Clay County Comprehensive Plan Community Input Summary Page | 5

Water, Sewer, and Septic
Improve water, sewer and septic services
Expand and improve the public system (Clay County Water and Sewer
District)
Increase the water supply
Connect with Towns County
Improve the permitting of septic systems
Water and sewer access is tightly connected to economic development.

Broadband
Increase broadband access throughout the County
Expanded DSL, fiber, and cable internet access at affordable rates
Broadband access is tightly connected to economic development

Other Communications
Need for North Carolina television news coverage
Need for increased cell phone coverage

Alternative Transportation
Create bike paths and lanes, greenways, and trails that people can use for
recreation purposes, as well as a means to get from place to place

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3. Housing and Buildings: How important is it to increase services in the following categories?

HOUSING AND BUILDINGS

Increase Choices in / Variety of Housing (538) 15% 27% 42% 9% 7% VI
Increase Affordable Housing Supply (540) 23% 30% 34% 6% 6% I
Ensure Building Safety (539) 25% 32% 38% 4% S

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% U

Overall, compared to other topics, the housing and buildings category was not a much-discussed topic.

Housing and Buildings

Some need for more affordable housing
Need for more downtown apartments and living options
Concern about the overall housing market
Concern about the amount of dilapidated housing in the community and
the need for minimum standards to address dilapidated housing

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4. Land Stewardship and Landscape: How important is it to increase, improve, or implement the following services
or programs?

LAND STEWARDSHIP AND LANDSCAPE

Protect Water Quality (546) 77% 18% 4%
Preserve Farmland (544) 52% 29% 17%
VI
Signs and Billboards (537) (N1) 5% 6% 28% 18% 42%
I
Preserve Trees (546) 62% 25% 10%
S
Additional Soil Erosion Tools (538) 55% 29% 14%
U
Protect Natural Resources (548) 74% 19% 6%
VU
Preserve Rural Character (192) (N2) 69% 22% 7%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Notes: (N1): This wording of this question caused confusion. Please refer to the section “Question Confusion” found in this document.
(N2) This question was not asked on the paper copy of the survey.

Overall, many comments about Land Stewardship and Landscape were received. The most common theme was the
need to be good stewards of the area’s natural resources in order to preserve Clay County’s sense of place, the
health and quality of life of residents, and to enhance the economic viability of the area.

Water and Air Quality Farmland Preservation, Agriculture (Also See Rural Character)
Water and/or air quality need to be protected and improved Relatively few comments about farmland preservation were made,
however, there is a large amount of support for preserving rural character;
Lake Chatuge both in the chart above and in written comments. The Committee
There is concern about the decreasing quality of water in Lake Chatuge discussed that the County’s rural character, in part, is defined by the
The Lake is important to the County’s scenic beauty and economy farmland found throughout the County.
Efforts are needed to improve the Lake’s water quality

Clay County Comprehensive Plan Community Input Summary Page | 8

Signs and Billboards Some also expressed the need for additional environmental controls, better
Less signs and billboards, some would like to see no billboards at all; Some enforcement of existing regulations and better environmental planning
suggested regulation as a solution Some expressed the need for less environmental controls
It was also noted that the area’s wildlife and the Nantahala National Forest
Natural Resources are important natural resources
Need a healthy environment and the area’s natural resources need
protection Rural Character, Scenic Beauty
The beautiful natural environment brings new residents and tourists to the The rural character (scenery, farms/animals, small-town feel, rural lifestyle)
area of Clay County needs to be preserved
The area’s natural resources and natural environment is a tool for economic Efforts to preserve rural character and scenic beauty need to be balanced
development—particularly in regards to the green economy with the need for economic growth and development

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5. Community Space: How important is it to increase, improve, or implement the following services or programs?

COMMUNITY SPACE
Expand Rec Center Hours (541) 26% 33% 33% 5%
Increase Rec Programs (545) 28% 34% 31% 5% VI
Tools to Protect Open Space (543) 41% 37% 18% I
Preserve Historic Buildings (546) 37% 35% 21% 5% S
Expand Rec Facilities (542) 27% 37% 31% U
Imp. Comm. Bldings and Facilities (192) (N3) 15% 44% 37% VU

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Notes: (N3): This question was not asked on the paper copy of the survey.

Overall, the elements of community space most discussed were comments were recreation, community appearance,
and arts/cultural activities, all of which are community assets and they are important to economic development.

Recreation Community Appearance

The wide variety of recreation opportunities are a valuable community Make community physically attractive (landscaping /hardscaping, establish
asset (County provided recreation services, outdoor recreation gateways, and apply building/business appearance standards)
opportunities, Lake Chatuge, etc.) Community appearance should reflect and honor the community’s
People would like to see expanded recreation center hours, a pool, a skate uniqueness and heritage
park, a rifle/shooting range, and trails/recreation paths (for biking, hiking,
off-road vehicles, canoe/kayak paths) to the list of recreation amenities Arts, Cultural Events, Activities
The variety of arts, cultural events, and activities found in the County are an
Some would also like to see the current County Recreation Center (space
asset
and activities) expanded
Some offerings, such as the Peacock Playhouse and the John C. Campbell
The array of outdoor recreation opportunities available can be used to bring
Folk School are unique. These resources can bring people more to the area
visitors, new residents, and jobs to the area
and enhance economic development efforts
The Peacock Playhouse needs financial support from local government
support
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 The number and variety of community activities and gatherings, the Other
presence of artists, and the availability of arts and cultural places/things are The library “is a jewel” that needs more funding for operations and
assets that enhance the quality of life in the area and can enhance improvements
economic development efforts The post office is congested and the parking can be dangerous,
Improvements are needed

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6. County Government: How important is it to increase, improve, or implement the following services or
programs?

COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Imp. Ordinance Enforcement (537) 33% 32% 30% 3%
VI
Increase Size of Commission from 3 to 5 (539) 28% 27% 26% 9% 9%
I
Increase Opp. for Pub. Involv. (540) 39% 40% 20%
S
Improve Efforts to Inform Citizens (547) 39% 39% 20%
U
Increase Info About County Services (190) (N4) 27% 46% 26%
VU
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%100%

Notes: (N4): This question was not asked on the paper copy of the survey.

Overall, the County Government topic became a catch-all category for topics that, if addressed, would fall under
County programming.
Animal Control Litter
Need for some type of animal control measures (mainly for dogs) Littering is a problem in the county
Concerns about animal neglect Solution may be some type of ordinance or a clean-up program
Concerns about animals (primarily dogs) that are allowed to roam
unattended (hunting dogs) County Commission, Commission Size
Change the commission size from three to five / Change the commission
Junk, Nuisances, Abandoned Buildings size to four or two.
Concerns about “junk yards”, abandoned vehicles, abandoned/dilapidated
County commissioners should have focused leadership and planning (a
manufactured homes, decaying buildings
vision)
Some want regulation
Clean up is recommended Some are satisfied with the work of the Board of Commissioners, some are
dissatisfied
Some are concerned that the Commissioners are perceived to be promoting
land use, some are pleased that the Commissioners are perceived to be
promoting land use

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 Some would like to see more communication and openness from the
Commissioners and from County Government
Create more opportunities for public involvement (community boards,
solicit community input on issues)

Clay County Government

More information from the County Government that is easily accessible (tax
records online, update citizens on emerging issues, better newspaper
coverage, newsletters)
Work for toward a responsive County Government
Smaller County Government
More progressive/forward thinking County Government

Taxing, Debt
Some felt that the tax rate is low, and needs to remain so; Some felt that
the tax rate is too high
Some are concerned about rising property taxes
Building the tax base will help the County in the long run
Some are concerned about the County’s level of debt

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7. Economic Development: How important is it to increase, improve, or implement the following services or
programs?

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Support Small Business/Entrepreneurship (542) 61% 28% 8%
Attract Business/Industry (539) 46% 32% 15% 4%4%
Promote Tourism (541) 39% 31% 20% 4%6% VI
Increase Availability of High Pay Jobs (541) 48% 37% 11% I
Attract Indust. Develop. (538) 36% 27% 20% 8% 9% S
Attract Retail/Commercial Develop. (538) 43% 33% 17% 4% U
Increase Empoly. Opportunities (545) 62% 30% 7% VU
Revitalize Dtown H'ville (188) (N5) 47% 33% 15% 4%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Notes: (N5): This question was not asked on the paper copy of the survey.

Overall, Economic Development was the most discussed topic. Comments ranged from concerns about the current
economy to ideas on how to better support small businesses. Additionally, almost all other topics discussed in this
report relate to economic development in some way.
Support Small Business/Entrepreneurship, Support New/Existing Current Economy
Businesses The current economy and the resulting job loss is the top concern named by
Small businesses (new and existing) and entrepreneurs need unique community input participants
support for business growth and development Clay County’s economy was dependent upon the real estate and
Strive to find a balance that supports small locally owned business with the
construction sectors; the downturn has hit these sectors, and therefore the
franchise/chain businesses that people would like to have in the community
County, extra hard; employers in these sectors need support
Recognize that local businesses generate employment
Concern about the loss of small businesses
A strong Chamber of Commerce is critical for small business success.
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Locally Owned Businesses, Chain Businesses Increase Availability of High Paying Jobs
There are many who want to keep chain businesses out of the community Clay County needs more employment opportunities, the limited
so that locally owned businesses are supported and there are many who employment opportunities are a major concern
want to see chain businesses The lack of high paying jobs prevents people from staying in Clay County
Locally owned businesses add character to the community and feed the Economic development efforts should result in quality jobs that pay well
local economy and are from a variety of employment sectors
Chain businesses, particularly discount shopping stores and restaurants,
provide choice and are perceived to be more affordable Revitalize Downtown Hayesville
Revitalizing Downtown Hayesville is important for economic development
Business and Industry and for preserving the rural character and heritage of the area
Needs more employment opportunities through manufacturing and The businesses in the Downtown Hayesville need support from the local
industry, although the County’s size and location are limiters community and visitors
Recruit light, clean industry and small scale manufacturing Some think too much emphasis placed on Downtown Hayesville
This type of business will add to the tax base Improve the appearance of the area (improved storefronts, flowers, clean-
Support existing industry up, paint)
Use incentives to encourage businesses to locate in the County (tax credits, Restore the Historic Courthouse and use if for community activities,
rental assistance, training) entertainment and programming
Real estate and construction will remain as cornerstones of the economy
Youth/Young People Retention
Approach to Economic Development Concern about the number of youth/young people that leave the
Economic development and growth need to be balanced with rural community due to lack of employment opportunity
character and natural resources and should be done responsibly Develop a strategy that recruits and retains young people (things to do, high
Economic development efforts should result in a diverse economic base paying jobs, quality schools)
that is not too dependent on any one industry

Promote Tourism
Tourism is an economic driver
Promote tourism (things to do, natural beauty, recreation offerings, events,
places, etc.)
Balance tourism promotion and growth with rural character and natural
resources and ensure that the things that bring people here are preserved
(natural beauty, views, lakes, rivers, events)
Need more lodging options
Promote the County as a place to retire

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8. Growth and Development: How important is it to increase, improve, or implement the following services or
programs?

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Promote Develop to Protects N Resources (537) 54% 32% 11%
VI
Promote Develop. to Preserve Open Space (535) 48% 34% 14%
I
Allow Junkyards Anywhere in County (525) (N6) 10% 10% 19% 15% 46%
S
Address Steep Slope Develop. (536) 56% 28% 11%
U
Use Tools to Manage Growth (527) 46% 38% 13%
VU
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Notes: (N6): This wording of this question caused confusion. Please refer to the section “Question Confusion” found in this document.

Overall, there are some who don’t want to see growth management tools implemented while there are others who
would like to see a variety of growth management tools used to manage growth and development.
Steep Slope Development, Mountaintops, Ridges Those who want more our new tools to manage growth want
People were on both sides of the fence reading steep slope/mountainside Better land use through zoning and/or ordinances
and ridge top development; There were more comments in support of Land use planning, planning board
steep slope management that those who are against management Development rules and regulation (subdivision, land disturbance,
Concerns about clear cutting/gap tooth cutting, effect on water and guidelines)
environmental quality, view sheds, safety Coordination between building department, emergency services, and
Property rights need to be protected contractors
Appearance and lighting standards
Tools to Manage Growth Grandfathering if new regulations are implemented
Those who want no or less tools for growth management want
No new or less ordinances or codes Growth
To stop all zoning Comments about growth fell along a continuum from no more growth to
To protect property rights grow more
Keep unrestricted use of property
Clay County Comprehensive Plan Community Input Summary Page | 16
 Grow in a way that protects small town charm, rural character, natural
resources
Grow in a way that is controlled and planned
Make sure there is infrastructure to match growth

Real Estate Development and Public Safety (EMS, Fire)

Consider fire and EMS access when building
Private roads to meet state codes

Clay County Comprehensive Plan Community Input Summary Page | 17

9. Overall Satisfaction: How satisfied are you with the following services, programs, place?

OVERALL SATISFACTION WITH PLACE AND SERVICES

Emergency Services (545) 33% 44% 19% 3%
Sense of Safety (546) 33% 51% 13%
Customer Service from County (539) 25% 43% 24% 6%
Value Received for Tax Dollars (542) 13% 38% 29% 14%
VS
Services Provided by County (542) 15% 45% 28% 10%
S
Schools (540) 44% 34% 18% 3%
N
Sense of Community (525) 32% 43% 18% 4%
D
Place to Work (510) 18% 22% 32% 20% 8%
VD
Place to Raise Kids (515) 48% 34% 16%
Place to Live (551) 54% 37% 7%
Overall Quality of Life (190) (N7) 35% 54% 8%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Overall, people are satisfied with life in Clay County and the services provided by the County.

Schools and Education Neighbor Relations

People are generally pleased with the quality of education, although a few Clay County is a friendly place to live, but some perceived tension between
expressed some concern “locals” and “newcomers”; some suggested more community conversations
The quality of the schools can enhance economic development efforts to ease this tension
School facilities need improvement/expansion (new primary school), a few
suggested that there is not a need for a new school Emergency Services (Police, Fire, EMS)
Balance emphasis on sports with arts and creativity Drugs and Crime Control: Concerns about drugs, crime, and speeding.
Fire Department: Would like a fully-staffed/paid fire department and a
hydrant system

Clay County Comprehensive Plan Community Input Summary Page | 18

Question Confusion

Based on feedback received in the comments section of the survey, the wording anywhere in the county. During the survey design process, the question was
of two questions caused confusion. The two statements were: designed to interpret a VI response to mean that respondent wants no
regulation of these activities. Likewise, a VU response was to mean that these
a. Continue to allow signs and billboards anywhere in the county activities shouldn’t be allowed to happen everywhere in the county, suggesting
(under Land Stewardship and Landscape), and some type of regulation might be needed. Many survey respondents made it
b. Continue to allow junkyard, concrete/asphalt plants and similar known that the statements were confusing and they used the comments section
business to be located anywhere in the county (under Growth and to clarify their thoughts. People who submitted comments were supportive of
Development). controls to regulate high-impact uses (junk yards, asphalt plants, etc.) and signs
and billboards.
Clay County does not regulate signs and billboards or high-impact businesses
(asphalt, junk yards, etc.). Therefore, these activities are currently allowed

Clay County Comprehensive Plan Community Input Summary Page | 19

PART TWO: DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (SR=SURVEY RESPONDENTS)

Ten demographic questions were included on the survey. Below are the results and accompanying notes from those
ten questions.
10. I work in the following counties: Clay, NC; Cherokee, NC; Macon,
NC; Towns, GA; Union, GA; Other. Where People Work--Outside of Clay County

Response: N = 288. 70% of SRs work in Clay County, 30% of which also work 75 52 32 21 16 10 9 6 544
outside of the County. Another 30% do not work in the County. .
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Where People Work Clay Only Cherokee County, NC Towns, GA Union, GA

Clay and Other Other GA County Out of State (Not NC or GA) Macon County, NC
49% 21% 30%
Not In Clay Jackson, NC Graham, NC Swain, NC
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Other Other NC County

NOTE: Some people work in more than one county; therefore, the total number of responses (234)
Those who work out of the County travel to a variety of locations in and out of
does not equal the number of people who work out of the county (148).
North Carolina. The following chart details to where out-of-county employees
travel. 11. Question: Employment Status (Check all that apply): Full-Time,
Self-Employed, Unemployed, Part-Time, Work from Home, In
School, Retired, Other.

Response: N = 477. The majority of SRs (51%) were retirees. 41% were
employed full or part time. The remaining 8% did not work due to
unemployment or by choice. Only 6% of SRs reported a primary status (full-time
or part time) plus an additional response, such as full-time and in school, or full-
time and work from home.

Clay County Comprehensive Plan Community Input Summary Page | 20

 13. Question: Other Housing Information: a) I own my home, b) I live
Primary Employment Status on a working farm, c) I live in Clay County Full Time.
Retired

Full-Time Response: Most survey respondents owned the home in which they lived, did
51% 31% 10% 8% not work on a working farm, and lived in Clay County full time.
Part-Time
The responses for this three-part question are in the table below. Many people
Do Not Work
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% did not answer each question, as can be seen between the difference between
a) and b). The difference in responses may be due the fact that some people
may not have realized that a, b, and c should also be answered. It appears as if
12. Question: Which Best Describes Your Home (Select One): House,
respondents answered a) then moved on. For example, only 54 people stated
Apartment, Condo, Manufactured Home, Group Living, Other
that they did not live in Clay County full time. However, in question 15, 110
provided an answer to the question, “In which state do you live when not in Clay
Response: N = 546. The vast majority (89%) of survey respondents described County.”
their home as a house. The second most common type of home was a
manufactured home, at 8.2%. Very few respondents lived in other types of Yes No
housing. a) I own my home (N=538) 95% 5%
b) I live on a working farm (N=266) 11% 89%
c) I live in Clay County full time (N=392) 86% 14%
Type Of Residence
House (486) 14. Question: In which township do you live? Tusquittee, Sweetwater,
Manufactured Home (45) Brasstown, Town of Hayesville (in town limits), Hayesville (not in
Apartment (9) town limits), Hiawassee, Shooting Creek, Other
89% 8.2%
Other (3)
Condo/Townhome (2)
Group Living (1) Response: N = 534. Just under half (47%) of the SRs lived in the Hayesville
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% (outside of the town boundary) or Brasstown townships. The 3% in the other
category listed a specific road, where they live when they are not in Clay County,
or listed a subdivision name.

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 16. Question: Which Best Describes Your Race?: White or Caucasian,
Where Respondents Live American Indian/Alaskan Native, Black or African American,
Hispanic or Latino, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, or Other.

29% 18% 13% 10% 10% 9% 7% 3% Response: N = 536. The overwhelming number, (99%), of SRs were
white/Caucasian. 1% of SRs, or five people, were American Indian/Alaskan
native, Hispanic/Latino, or other.
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
17. Question: What is your family’s annual income?
Hayesville (Out of Town) Brasstown
Shooting Creek Tusquittee
Sweetwater Hiawassee
Response: N = 397. 73% of SRs who reported their annual income had an
Town of Hayesville Other
annual income below $75,000 per year. Incomes for those below $25,000,
those between $25,000 to $49,000 and those between $50,000 to $75,000 were
15. Question: In which state do you live when not in Clay County? fairly well distributed, representing between 21 and 24 % of those who reported
their income.
Response: N=110. 110 people listed where they lived when they were not in
Clay County. The distribution of where people lived is below. None of the SRs Income
listed a foreign country, however, on person stated that they lived on a ship
when not in Clay County. Under $25K
$25K to $49K
21% 28% 24% 13% 10% $50K to $74K
State of Residence When Not In Clay $75K to $99K
$100K to $150K1
Over $150K
51% 26% 12% 3% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Florida Georgia North Carolina

South Carolina Alabama New York
Ohio California Massachusetts
Michigan

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18. Question: How old are you? (Age of person completing survey). 19. Question: Counting you, how many in your household are in the
following age groups?

Response: N=501. The median age of SRs is 62. The youngest SR was 20 and
the oldest was 93. According to the NC State demographer, the median age of Response: N=471. The 471 people responded to this question. The total of all
the Clay County population in 2008 is 47. people in the 471 households is 720. The chart shows the age groups of the
total number of people in survey respondent households. 50% of all people are
age 55 and above and only 16% are below age 18.
Age of Person Completing Survey
20-29
30-39 Ages in Households
5% 9% 25% 37% 22% 40-49 Under 5
50-59 5 to 17
60-69 18 to 25
3% 13% 10% 28% 39% 26 to 39
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
40 to 54
55 to 64
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 65 and up

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