CRC Seeking Input on Updated Erosion Rates

In 2011 the Division of Coastal Management completed its update of the long-term average annual erosion rates used in determining the ocean hazard setback factors initially established by the CRC under the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) in 1979. The long-term average annual erosion rates have been updated periodically since 1980, with the last update report completed in 2003.

The Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) seeks to amend its administrative rules 15A NCAC 7H .0304(1)(a) governing oceanfront development setbacks. The current statute contains the oceanfront erosion rates that were made effective in 2004. The proposed rule change would update these rates using new data. Please bear in mind that all of the Oceanfront construction setbacks are based on long-term average annual erosion rates and determine the extent of the Ocean Erodible Area of Environmental Concern (OEA).  Click here for more information on the proposed rules. 

Based upon our initial analysis of the proposed rates for the counties of Brunswick, New Hanover, Pender, and Onslow we have found very few significant changes with many of the changes coming into play near our areas’ inlets.  However due to the fact that these rates dictate the placement of residential and commercial structures we felt that it was important that we provide our members the latest detailed information.  Click here to review a County by County breakdown and review each beach community’s specific rates in very detailed .pdf maps.  These maps will show the 2004 set rate along with the new projected 2011 rate.

Through August 1, 2012 – October 1, 2012 the Division of Coastal Management (DCM) is accepting comments on both the rule language as well as the Fiscal Analysis.  If you wish to comment you may to do so by sending your comments to

Submit Comments Electronically:
Ken.Richardson@ncdenr.gov

Mail Comments To:
Comments on both the rule language and fiscal analysis should be mailed to:
Braxton Davis, Director
400 Commerce Avenue
Morehead City, NC 28557

At the same time the Division of Coastal Management will hold a series of public hearings, up and down the North Carolina Coast.  We have provided the list of these public hearings below.

August 28th, 2012
5:00 p.m.
New Hanover County Government Center
230 Government Center Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403

August 29, 2012
5:00 p.m.
Sea Trail Golf Resort and Convention Center
75A Clubhouse Road
Sunset Beach, NC 28468

September 5, 2012
2:00 p.m.
Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department
215 Back Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

September 6, 2012
5:00 p.m.
NC Division of Coastal Management
400 Commerce Avenue
Morehead City, NC 28557

September 11, 2012
3:00 p.m.
Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education
1160 Village Lane
Corolla, NC 27927

September 11, 2012
7:00 p.m.
Kill Devil Hills Town Hall
102 Town Hall Drive
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

September 13, 2012
3:00 p.m.
Surf City Town Hall
241 N. New River Drive
Surf City, NC 28445

September 18, 2012
5:00 p.m.
N. Topsail Beach City Hall
2008 Loggerhead Court
N. Topsail Beach, NC 28460

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