15A NCAC 07H .0302      SIGNIFICANCE OF THE OCEAN HAZARD CATEGORY

(a)  Hazards associated with ocean shorelines are due to the constant forces exerted by waves, winds, and currents upon the unstable sands that form the shore. During storms, these forces are intensified and can cause changes in the bordering landforms and to structures located on them. Ocean hazard area property is in the ownership of a large number of private individuals as well as several public agencies and is used by a vast number of visitors to the coast. Ocean hazard areas are critical due to both the severity of the hazards and the intensity of interest in these areas.

(b)  The location and form of the various hazard area landforms, in particular the beaches, dunes, and inlets, are in a permanent state of flux, responding to meteorologically induced changes in the wave climate. For this reason, the siting of development on and near these landforms shall be subject to the provisions in this Section in order to avoid their loss or damage. The flexible nature of these landforms presents hazards to development situated immediately on them and offers protection to the land, water, and structures located landward of them. The value of each landform lies in the particular role it plays in affording protection to life and property. Development shall not diminish the energy dissipation and sand storage capacities of the landforms essential to the maintenance of the landforms' protective function.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 113A‑107(a); 113A‑107(b); 113A‑113(b)(6a); 113A‑113(b)(6b); 113A‑113(b)(6d); 113A‑124;

Eff. September 9, 1977;

Amended Eff. October 1, 1992;

Readopted Eff. December 1, 2020.