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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has given the green light to the state’s request to no longer require a permit to fix or rebuild certain waterfront structures damaged due to weather or wear.
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The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management submitted its request Jan. 9, 2025, and NOAA issued the approval last week to change the state’s federally approved Coastal Area Management Program, which Coastal Area Management Act rules and regulations fall under.
At the direction of the North Carolina General Assembly during its 2023-24 session, the Coastal Resources Commission, which makes development rules for the state’s 20 coastal counties, began the rulemaking process to drop the requirement for a CAMA permit to repair or rebuild docks, piers and walkways damaged by natural forces, fire or wear, provided modifications are minor and structures meet specific size limits.
NOAA also authorized establishing a measurement line for dune-building and beach-planting projects in municipalities with permitted terminal groin construction, a directive of state lawmakers through the same session laws.
While the rules have changed regarding A CAMA permit, the state recommends contacting a local code official to determine if the existing pier can be safely repaired or altered without plans that are sealed by a registered design professional.
Materials and documents related to the decision may be examined at the DEQ Public Notices page.
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