(A) Generally. The official zoning map indicates approximate locations within the town of areas of environmental concern (AEC) as defined by the State Coastal Resources Commission. Permitting under the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA), being G.S. §§ 113A-100 et seq., permitting procedures and use guidelines under 15A NCAC 7H, as well as provisions outlined in this section will be followed if a proposed structure or modification of an existing structure is determined by field inspection to be located within a conservation land class. The local CAMA permit officer in consultation with the state field representative will make the determination based on his or her field examination.
(B) Coastal wetlands.
(1) COASTAL WETLANDS are defined as any salt marsh or other marsh subject to regular or occasional flooding by tides, including wind tides, but not including tropical storm or hurricane tides.
(2) The purpose of this provision shall be to ensure protection and management of coastal wetlands so as to safeguard and perpetuate their biological, social, economic and aesthetic values. Only uses compatible to the conservation of existing coastal wetlands and/or uses that require water and cannot function elsewhere will be allowed. Examples of uses that may be permitted in coastal wetlands include utility easements, fishing piers, docks, agricultural uses and/or forestry drainage. All projects must comply with the current regulations of the State Department of Environmental Protection and the State Division of Coastal Management as well as any applicable federal statutes.
(C) Estuarine shorelines.
(1) ESTUARINE SHORELINES are those non-ocean shorelines that are vulnerable to erosion, flooding or other adverse effects of wind and water.
(2) All projects that include estuarine shorelines must comply with the current regulations of the State Department of Environmental Protection and the State Division of Coastal Management, as well as any applicable federal statutes.
(D) Public trust areas. Public trust areas located within the town limits include the waters of the Alligator Gut above the estuarine area except for privately owned lakes. The public has the rights of navigation and recreation in these waters. Only those uses compatible to public trust areas will be allowed on land adjacent to public trust areas.
(Ord. passed 2-10-2009, § 10.8; Ord. passed 2024)