Dare County, NC
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Coastal Area Management Act
The Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) program manages development in coastal areas by requiring permits for development in Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs). AECs are coastal areas that contain natural hazards or important environmental, economic, or cultural resources. Development is defined as any type of construction, associated land clearing, or land alteration.
The NC Division of Coastal Management, under the direction of the Coastal Resources Commission, in cooperation with local governments in the 20-county coastal area has developed a program of permit review and coordination within these areas of environmental concern. Each county has a Local Permit Officer (LPO) on staff to assist its residents with the CAMA rules. As a rule of thumb, any development along the oceanfront or estuarine shoreline is impacted by CAMA regulations. Depending on the scope of development, either a minor, major or general CAMA permit may be necessary before commencing work.