Scenario

Scenarios

The following is a summary of the some of the key concepts in this chapter, followed by possible situations with which local officials, planning commissioners and others may be asked to deal.

What would you do? Imagine yourself in a real-life circumstance in which you are a part of the land use process. Once you have thought about what you would do, you can click on the "Response" section to see a possible response. Although the response should be accurate and help to reinforce chapter content it may not be the only appropriate response that could be provided.

Please refer to the full chapter for reference information and should you have any questions. Click here for a list of field representatives and Department of Land Conservation and Development staff.

Key Concepts

Coastal shorelands are subject to significant development pressures due to their proximity to the ocean shore and coastal water bodies.
The purpose of the coastal shorelands goal is to conserve and protect shoreland areas from activities that adversely impact unique or irreplaceable habitats.
Development in shoreland areas must include measures that protect life and property from landslides, erosion and flood hazards.
Communities must protect water-dependent shoreland areas from conflicting uses.
Local governments and state agencies are required to protect existing public access to shoreland areas.

A developer seeks to build a motel adjacent to a coastal lake in your community. The proposed site is zoned to allow this use but is also within the communities "coastal shorelands" overlay zone. What are some of the applicable local plan and zoning code considerations?

Possible Response...

The development must be designed and located so that it avoids impacts on significant resources such as coastal headlands, wetlands, and riparian areas. Depending on the nature of the area, the local government may require an assessment of hazards such as potential erosion, landslides, flooding, and storm-water run-off. Some areas of the site may be restricted from development.

A proposed development includes a request to vacate a street that has been platted but not improved. Currently, it is a small trail to the ocean shore. What should the local government require as part of its approval process?

Possible Response...

Existing public access to the ocean shore must be retained or replaced when development is approved. As the access does not have to be in the same location, the street in question may be vacated as long as an equivalent easement and trail are included in the development.