15A NCAC 07H .0303      MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVE OF OCEAN HAZARD AREAS

(a)  The CRC recognizes that absolute safety from the destructive forces of the Atlantic Ocean shoreline is an impossibility for development located adjacent to the coast. The loss of life and property to these forces, however, can be greatly reduced by the proper location and design of structures and by care taken in prevention of damage to natural protective features particularly primary and frontal dunes. Therefore, it is the CRC's objective that development in ocean hazard areas shall be sited to minimize danger to life and property and achieve a balance between the financial, safety, and social factors that are involved in hazard area development.

(b)  The rules set forth in this Section shall further the goals set out in G.S. 113A‑102(b), to minimize losses to life and property resulting from storms and long‑term erosion, prevent encroachment of permanent structures on public beach areas, preserve the natural ecological conditions of the barrier dune and beach systems, and reduce the public costs of development within ocean hazard areas, and protect common‑law and statutory public rights of access to and use of the lands and waters of the coastal area.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 113A‑107(b); 113A‑113(b)(6) a.; 113A‑113(b)(6) b.;113A‑113(b)(6)d.; 113A‑124;

Eff. September 9, 1977;

Amended Eff. October 1, 1992; December 1, 1991; September 1, 1985; February 2, 1981;

Readopted Eff. December 1, 2020.