POLICY 11

BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES WILL BE SITED IN THE COASTAL AREA SO AS TO MINIMIZE DAMAGE TO PROPERTY AND THE ENDANGERING OF HUMAN LIVES CAUSED BY FLOODING AND EROSION.

Explanation of Policy

On coastal lands identified as coastal erosion hazard areas, buildings and similar structures shall be set back from the shoreline a distance sufficient to minimize damage from erosion unless no reasonable prudent alternative site is available as in the case of piers, docks and other structures necessary to gain access to coastal waters to be able to function. The extent of the setback will be calculated, taking into account the rate at which land is receding due to erosion, and the protection provided by existing erosion protection structures, as well as by natural protective features such as beaches, sandbars, spits, shoals, barrier islands, bay barriers, nearshore areas, bluffs and wetlands. The only new structure allowed in coastal erosion hazard areas is a moveable structure as defined in Section 505.3(u) of the regulations for ECL, Article 34. Prior to its construction, an erosion hazard areas permit must be approved for the structure. Existing, non-conforming structures located in coastal erosion hazard areas may be only minimally enlarged.

In coastal lands identified as being subject to high velocity waters caused by hurricane or other storm wave wash - a coastal high hazard area - walled and roofed buildings or fuel storage tanks shall be sited landward of mean high tide; and no mobile home shall be sited in such area. In coastal lands identified as floodways, no mobile homes shall be sited other than in existing mobile home parks.

Where human lives may be endangered by major coastal storms, all necessary emergency preparedness measures should be taken, including disaster preparedness planning.