Conceptual Inlet Hazard Zone Rules

The Division of Coastal Management took tentative steps toward new development rules around inlets by unveiling its preliminary conceptual rules in July.  The proposed rules, which are purported as a much needed overhaul, includes expanding the Inlet-Hazard areas (IHA), and limiting the size of structures and boosting setback requirements in the newly refined IHA areas.  Currently structures that are located in the Inlet Hazard Zone have stricter regulations pertaining to the size and overall placement of the structure.  Under the proposed rules which are still conceptual, no development larger than 5,000 square feet could be built within the expanded Inlet Hazard area except for structures associated with public access.  As far as setbacks, DCM is proposing to increase the current 60’ setback to a 90’ setback which will still be calculated by multiplying the setback factor times the annual rate of erosion.

Below is a table that was provided by DCM that shows the approximate number of structures that could be affected.

View a copy of the proposed Inlet Hazard areas.

15A NCAC 07H 0304 _24July2008_
15A NCAC 07H 0310 draft rules _24July2008_