A new N.C. Coastal Resources Commission rule [15A NCAC 7K.0213] exempts single-family houses in the High-Hazard Flood Area of Environmental Concern (AEC) from CAMA permit requirements. The High-Hazard Flood AEC covers coastal areas adjacent to the ocean that are subject to storm flooding. The rule took effect Aug. 1, 2002.

What the rule says

The rule [15A NCAC 7K .0213] exempts single-family houses and associated infrastructure from permit requirements as long as the development is consistent with other Coastal Area Management Act standards and the local land-use plan. Additions to existing houses also are exempt under the rule.

Any house to be built in the AEC has to meet certain requirements:

• It cannot also be located in the Ocean Erodible or Inlet Hazard AEC.

• It must be built on pilings and comply with the N.C. Building Code and local flood-damage prevention ordinance.

• The project must not require any other state or federal authorization.

To obtain the exemption, property owners must meet on site with a Division of Coastal Management field officer or local CAMA permit officer. They must sign an AEC Hazard Notice acknowledging that they are aware of the risks associated with developing in the High-Hazard Flood Area.

Property owners pay an exemption fee of $50 to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources or local permitting authority.

Why DCM proposed the rule

AECs are environmentally sensitive areas of the coast where the state requires permits for development. The High-Hazard Flood AEC is concurrent with the federal government’s special flood-hazard areas known as velocity zones. The CRC adopted development standards for this area to be consistent with National Flood Insurance Program regulations.

In response to hurricane activity during the 1990s, the Federal Emergency Management Agency updated flood insurance rate maps for many coastal barrier-island communities. This federal action added new areas to the velocity zones and simultaneously expanded the High-Hazard Flood AEC. As a result, properties that were several blocks from the ocean suddenly became subject to CAMA permit requirements.

DCM staff, responding to local government suggestions, developed the exemption for single-family houses that would be built solely in this AEC.