Saturday, September 8, 2018

Facts About The Cafra Permit

By Carl Taylor


CAFRA is an abbreviation that denotes Coastal Area Facility Review Act. CAFRA permit is a United States policy that regulates the construction, and activities related to construction that fall in the CAFRA region. These activities include expansion, construction, relocation and or demolition of business, public, industrial or residential infrastructure and structures. Activities that relate to installing shore protection structures and site preparation like grading and excavation are covered by the act as well.

The policy also goes ahead to define what it refers to as the CAFRA area. In the definition provided by the state, the area starts at the confluence of Cheesequake Creek, including Raritan Bay, which is located in the County of Middlesex. It then extends all the way south to Salem County. Some of the areas and counties covered within this area include Ocean, Atlantic, and Monmouth, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland counties.

The inland boundaries of the region are unevenly marked. In many instances, the inland limit runs along public roads. It differs in width, ranging from between a few feet up to 24 miles. The maximum inland boundary is 24 miles from the ocean. Divided within the region are a number of zones, each having its own regulatory threshold.

As a result of the varying regulatory threshold, the applicable rules in one zone may be different from those in another. It is in light of this that individuals need to be aware of their zones and their respective rules. One is supposed to be issued with a permit prior to undertaking any construction activities in the CAFRA area. The permit id referred to as the CAFRA license. On the contrary, those outside this zone need no permit.

Generally, one needs a permit if they intend to engage in any construction-related work that is located on a beach or dune within the CAFRA area. Secondly, the authorization is necessary if the structure is placed within 150 feet of the mean high water line of a tidal waterbody. The water body may be natural or manmade. For people whose projects are located 150 feet from the landward limit of a dune or beach with no intervening development, the authorization is needed.

There are a number of exceptions, however, that are not subject to these requirements. For constructing porches, verandas, patios or porches, permits are not required. On the contrary, should the above mentioned structures entail beach excavation, grading or filling, authorization is necessary. Additionally, fitting the balcony, veranda porch or deck with a pool, enclosure or roof necessitates authorization.

Additionally, installation of a flower box, fence, satellite dish, garden or a landscape wall of one feet or less do not necessitate authorization. Should the installation occur on beach, dune or wetland, then the case shall be exempted. There exist a number of additional exceptions to this regulation that individuals need to read and understand what is required of them.

Today, there exist three major permit categories. These permits are the general permits, permit by rule and individual permits. Each permit has an entirely different scope of activity allowed and circumstances of application.




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