Coastal resources and ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to the effects of urbanization. They have regulations specially tailored to protect them. These rules are targeted to specific areas that encompass sensitive soils and vegetation. They are also unique land forms like barrier reefs and wetlands that play an important part in the health and protection of upland areas. The following information was compiled to educate the development community about special restrictions and considerations in coastal areas.
Coastal Barriers Resource Act Training Module
Question: What and where are Coastal Barrier Resource System Units?
Answer: The linked training module has detailed guidance.
Question:
When must the environmental review give special consideration to the
protection and management of coastal areas?
Answer:
HUD assisted activities are subject to the requirements of Coastal Barrier
Resources Act and Coastal Zone Management Act. The environmental review
must give special consideration to the protection and management of
coastal areas if the HUD-assisted project is located:
- within a coastal barrier designated on a current FEMA flood
map or Department of Interior coastal barrier resources map, or
- within a coastal zone management (CZM) area designated by the
State CZM agency.
The Coastal Barrier Resources Act, as amended, (16
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) prohibits using Federal financial assistance
for properties if the properties are located within designated coastal
barriers of the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, or the Great Lakes.
For HUD policy, see 24
CFR 58.6(c) or 24
CFR 50.4(c)(1).
The Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Act of 1972 (16
U.S.C. 1451 et seq.) only applies to HUD assisted activities
proposing new construction, conversion of land use, major rehabilitation
of existing structures (including substantial improvement), or the
acquisition of undeveloped land. Projects that can affect the coastal
zone must be carried out in a manner consistent with the State coastal
zone management program under Section 307(c) and (d) of the Act,
as amended. For HUD policy, see 24
CFR 58.5(c) or 24 CFR 50.4(c)(2).
Question:
How do I determine whether a project:
- is located within designated Coastal Barrier Resources; and
- is consistent with the State's Coastal Zone Management (CZM)
Program?
Answer:
Information is available from the State and local government agency responsible
for implementing the coastal zone protection and management.
Coastal barrier resources are designated on maps issued by the Fish
and Wildlife Service of the Department of Interior. This information
is also provided on the flood insurance rate maps issued by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department
of Commerce, administers the CZM program in cooperation with the
covered State CZM agency. For general information on any State's
coastal zone management program consult the website.
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