1. Tools and Techniques for Management of Coastal Development
Introduction to Coastal Management

2. Zoning Zoning ordinances control land uses allowed
Used to restrict or prohibit development in high risk areas
Involve standards: setback, height, impervious surface, stormwater management

3. Setback Requirements
Insure adequate space for future roads and adequate light, access and separation of structures
Most useful to reduce development impacts on beaches and dunes and reduce losses due to storms along shorefront

4. Setback Examples North Carolina South Carolina
Small coastal developments must be located landward of the 1st line of vegetation by a distance equal to 30X the average annual erosion rate
South Carolina
Myrtle Beach delineated 50-year erosion line. Only certain uses allowed: sundecks, patios, gazebos, walkways, etc.

5. Community Character Ordinances to maintain community image
Wrightsville Beach
Family beach image protected by limiting “high rise structures”
Hilton Head
Special design review board imposes certain design standards

6. Subdivision Control Control configuration and layout of development
Establish requirements and standards for public improvements
Reserve recreation areas
Protect valuable resources (dunes, marshes)

7. Limitations of Zoning and Subdivision Controls
Separates uses and forces use of automobiles
Reduces social interaction
Reduces pedestrian activity
Sensitive coastal areas often require large lot sizes to minimize environmental degradation

8. Urban Growth Boundaries
Promote sharp boundaries between urban and rural
Useful in coastal settings to avoid wasting valuable land
Create “low-growth” and “high-growth” zones
Old coastal towns such as Atlantic City can be invigorated

9. Clustering
Concentrates units and increases density over part of a development
Reduce development in high-hazard areas
Increase development in low-hazard areas
Reduces costs for public services, sewer, water, roads, etc.

10. Traditional Neighborhood Development
Revives qualities and characteristics of traditional American towns
Encourages pedestrians
Supports mixed uses
Includes public spaces, parks, squares, etc.

11. Incentive Zoning
Allows developers to exceed limits in exchange for concessions
Additional units if project includes increased ability to withstand storms
Density bonuses on Hilton Head for dune restoration, beach access and drainage improvements

12. Planned Unit Developments (PUDs)
Plans for development are arranged for large area
Avoids lot-by-lot approval
Often lead to clustering within development
Provide economical services
Allow environmental protection of sensitive areas

13. Land and Property Acquisition
Fee-simple acquisition of undeveloped land
Acquisition of development rights
Transfer of development rights

14. Taxation and Fiscal Incentives
Differential Taxation
Special Assessments
Impact Fees

15. Public Infrastructure Policy
Coastal development influenced by road, sewers, and water services
Prevent location of services in high hazard areas
Encourage relocation of facilities after a hurricane
May encounter legal challenges

16. Information Dissemination and Community Awareness
Enlighten individuals concerning storm and erosion threats
Real estate agents to inform buyers
Place flood and erosion information on deeds and maps
Educate housing consumer
Pamphlets/brochures
Construction practice seminars

17. Impediments to Local Management of Coastal Development
Dislike of government control of private property
Lack of adequate financial resources to implement programs
More pressing local problems
Opposition of real estate and development interests

18. Impediments to Local Management of Coastal Development
Lack of trained personnel
Opposition of homeowners
Opposition of business interests
Absence of politically active people/groups

19. Property Owner Attitudes
Question: Now that you have experienced the effects of a hurricane, has this had any influence on your feelings about owning beachfront property?
Possible Responses
Frequency
Percentage
Yes, would not buy beachfront property again 8
6.1
Yes, would like to sell my property and buy property in a safer location 9
6.8
No, hurricanes are just a normal risk in beachfront areas 52
39.3
No, the benefits and enjoyment of beachfront living outweigh the potential risks 55
41.7
Other