Beachfront Regulations
Regulations for New Beachfront Development:
The purpose of these regulations are to protect the threatened and endangered sea turtles that nest along the beaches of the town by safeguarding the adult female turtle laying her eggs and the hatchlings from sources of artificial light that cause disorientation and subsequent death. It is the policy of the town that no artificial light shall illuminate any area of the beaches of the town during the period of May 1 through October 31 of each year from dusk to dawn.
No building permit for construction of single-family or multifamily dwellings, commercial or other structures, parking areas, dune walkovers, or other project requiring lighting which can be seen from the beach, shall be issued, unless the electrical plans for such improvements comply with the following:
(1) Floodlights and wall-mounted light fixtures shall be fitted with hoods so that no light illuminates the beach;
(2) Low-profile luminaries shall be used in parking areas; such lighting shall be positioned so that no light illuminates the beach and such lights shall be bug lights of no greater than 50 watts;
(3) Dune walkovers shall utilize low-profile shielded luminaries. They shall be activated by a motion sensor for a maximum period of five minutes.
(4) Lights on balconies, porches, decks and beneath structures shall be shielded so that they will not illuminate the beach.
(5) Window treatments in windows facing the beach shall be used so that interior lights do not illuminate the beach. The use of draperies, screens or blinds are required so as to shield the beach from lights.
Ordinance Chapter 10- Sec.10-63.
State Beachfront Jurisdictional Lines
In accordance with Section 48-39-280(C) of the Coastal Zone Management Act, the following state beachfront jurisdictional lines have been adopted during the 2008-2010 revision cycle.
Inspections:
All inspections will be made by the town building officials. The general contractor is required to call for the proper inspections as work progresses. The building permit must be posted in a visible location from the street so that the inspector may initial and date this form after every inspection. Every attempt will be made to make inspections promptly but a minimum of 24 hours notice should be given for inspection requests.
No certificate of occupancy may be issued until final inspection has been made. The building may not be occupied, nor personal belongings delivered, until a C.O. has been issued by the town.