27 Jan 2015
EPA Publishes Final Water Science Report , the main basis for Waters of the US Rulemaking
On January 23, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Research and Development released the final science report, Connectivity of Streams and Wetlands to Downstream Waters. You’ll remember that this Science Report, in draft form, was the basis for the Waters of the US Rulemaking which caused so much distress in 2014. Well, now the
22 Jan 2015
Sea-level rise policy top priority for coastal regulators
COASTAL N.C. | After political support eroded the first time around, North Carolina’s coastal regulators are again trying to develop a sea-level rise policy that can navigate the choppy waters between science and skepticism. Whether this latest attempt leads to the implementation of adaptation measures, such as limiting development in vulnerable coastal areas or increasing
14 Jan 2015
Holden Beach Clarifies “Building Height”
As many of you know, each municipality has a different/unique/confusing method of measuring building height. With the recent release of flood maps in our counties and the hubbub around flood insurance increases, the definition of building height has become very important for everyone. Measuring height to enable flood insurance savings and architectural features has become
13 Jan 2015
DENR announces leadership changes
RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Secretary Donald R. van der Vaart announced today the appointment of Tom Reeder as assistant secretary for the environment and Mary Joan Pugh as interim assistant secretary for natural resources. Reeder succeeds Mitch Gillespie, who will serve as a department liaison in the Asheville regional
09 Jan 2015
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TAKING ACTION ON FLOOD MAPS
In January, Wrightsville Beach voted to hire a firm to begin the process of challenging the new flood maps, specifically for Harbor Island. According to the Lumina News, the Board of Aldermen are concerned about “illogically high-risk flood zones for much of Harbor Island” and have been carefully and thoroughly exploring the possibility of an
07 Jan 2015
COASTAL RESOURCES COMMISSION DISCUSSES LAND USE PLANNING CHANGES
At the October and December Coastal Resources Commission meetings, DCM Staff presented proposed amendments to the 7B CAMA Land Use Planning Requirements and 7L Local Planning and Management Grants. The draft language was the result of comments and input gathered at two regional workshops held during the previous year in which input on the CAMA
07 Jan 2015
REMINDER: US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY TO SET NEW HOT WATER HEATER STANDARDS
The Department of Energy has made amendments to energy conservation standards on residential water heaters to go into effect on April 16, 2015. Energy output of water heaters are measured by an Energy Factor (EF) rating calculated by the DOE. The higher the EF, the more efficient the heater. The standards for EF ratings have
07 Jan 2015
BRUNSWICK COUNTY AMENDS UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE
After months of discussion, the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners approved a number of changes to the Unified Development Ordinance. Adopted in 2007, the County’s UDO was amended to make a number of changes that will facilitate investment in the County. The changes are specifically aimed to encourage economic development, allow flexibility of design and
07 Jan 2015
BUILDING CODE CHANGES IMPACT SOUTHERN YELLOW PINE
The North Carolina Code making process is an ongoing process regardless of the adoption dates of the current NC Codes. The NC Building Code Council continually adopts changes to the Codes between code cycles that are not in the printed volumes of the various codes. As part of the Rulemaking process, the Council assigns effective
07 Jan 2015
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM UPDATE
Prior to the holidays, FEMA announced the launch of the Interim Office of the Flood Insurance Advocate, which was required by the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act. The Interim Office will begin work on specialized assistance to citizens and policyholders on NFIP issues; as well as regional mapping outreach and education support. You can read