Tools and Techniques for Management of Coastal Development

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
• 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 8 6.1