Coastal Areas Protection Q

Coastal Areas Protection Q A

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

HUD Guidance and Technical Assistance

Question:	What and where are Coastal Barrier Resource System Units?

Answer:	Coastal barriers occur on all the coastlines of the United States. They are unique land forms that provide protection for diverse aquatic habitats and serve as the mainland's first line of defense against the impacts of severe coastal storms and erosion. Costal barriers may be described by their relationships to the mainland as bay barriers, tombolos, barrier spits, and barrier islands. Consult 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.