§ 127-11. Nearshore area restrictions.

A. 

Nearshore areas dissipate a substantial amount of wave energy before it is expended on beaches, bluffs or dunes by causing waves to collapse or break. Nearshore areas also function as reservoirs of sand, gravel and other unconsolidated material for beaches. Sandbars which are located in nearshore areas control the orientation of incoming waves and promote the development of ice cap formations which help protect shorelines during winter storms. The roots of aquatic vegetation in nearshore areas bind fine-grained silts, clays and organic matter to form a fairly cohesive bottom that resists erosion.

B. 

The following restriction shall apply to regulated activities in nearshore areas:

(1) 

Excavating, grading, mining or dredging which diminishes the erosion protection afforded by nearshore areas is prohibited, except construction or maintenance of navigation channels, bypassing sand around natural and man-made obstructions and artificial beach nourishment, all of which require a coastal erosion management permit.

(2) 

Clean sand or gravel of an equivalent or slightly larger grain size is the only material which may be deposited within nearshore areas. Any deposition will require a coastal erosion management permit.

(3) 

All development is prohibited within nearshore areas unless specifically provided for by this chapter.