(A) The Town of Long Beach is committed to protecting and preserving life and property as well as enhancing the natural resources of the Long Beach Coastal Zone and the public trust lands of the State of Indiana in order to minimize to the greatest extent possible damage that may result from inappropriate development of environmentally sensitive areas. The Lake Michigan Shoreline Preservation Overlay Zoning District regulations are based on the town’s determination, as expressed in its 2016 Comprehensive Plan, that:
(1) The economic, environmental, and community well-being of the Town of Long Beach, Indiana depends upon the preservation of the town’s Lake Michigan shoreline;
(2) The Lake Michigan shoreline has unique natural physical, biologic, hydrologic, ecologic, cultural, historic, scenic, and recreational attributes that require protection and enhancement;
(3) Land development and redevelopment should not be conducted at the expense of these attributes; and
(4) Pollution, impairment, and/or destruction of the shoreline areas within the town’s jurisdiction must be minimized to conserve these attributes for future generations.
(B) The provisions of this subchapter are established with the following intent:
(1) Preserve traditional access to and the use of the public trust lands of Lake Michigan as a public recreational resource for the citizens of Long Beach and the State of Indiana;
(2) Protect the integrity of the shoreline area that is a distinctive and valuable feature of the Long Beach community;
(3) Recognize the potential for coastal hazards to adversely affect life and property;
(4) Protect coastal property values by maintaining the attractive natural landforms, character and environment;
(5) Protect the stability of the Lake Michigan shoreline in a manner that reduces coastal erosion and conserves the natural dune and beach environment. Prevent water pollution and damage to neighboring coastal properties and structures from activities and development that accelerate or contribute to erosion; and
(6) Maintain the high quality of life along the shoreline by maintaining and restoring native vegetation, landforms and wildlife habitat.
(C) The provisions of this subchapter, §§ 154.200 et seq., shall apply to the repair, maintenance, and construction of shoreline protection structures.
(Ord. 2018-04, passed 8-13-18; Am. Ord. 2021-13, passed 9-13-21)