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Coastal Erosion Management Permit Program

ARTICLE 34, ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION LAW, Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas
6 NYCRR PART 505, Coastal Erosion Management Regulations

Coastal Erosion Management Permit

The Coastal Erosion Hazard Area (CEHA) Permit is the written approval required by 6 NYCRR Part 505 to undertake any regulated activity within erosion areas as shown on coastal erosion hazard area maps. DEC staff review permit applications for construction and other activities within specified coastal areas.

Under the Coastal Erosion Management regulations, development, or other actions in erosion hazard areas, should be undertaken in a manner that minimizes damage to property and natural protective features, other natural resources, prevent the exacerbation of erosion hazards, and to protect human life.

photo of house on a cliff
Endangered Home in Coastal Hazard Area

Some actions may be restricted or prohibited if necessary to protect natural protective features or to prevent or reduce erosion impacts.

You need a permit if:

You propose to undertake a regulated activity within a designated coastal erosion hazard area.

Information about how coastal erosion hazard areas are mapped, how to find out if your proposed work area is located within a coastal erosion hazard area, and how to appeal the designation.

Regulated Activities

  • Construction, modification, restoration, or placement of a structure or major addition to a structure
  • Any action or use of land that materially alters the condition of land, including but not limited to:
    • Grading
    • Excavating
    • Dumping
    • Mining
    • Dredging
    • Filling
    • Or other disturbance of soil

Information about regulated activities (see 505.7 and 505.8) within natural protective features.

Examples of Unregulated activities include:

  • Routine agricultural operations involving cultivation and harvesting,
  • Implementation of practices recommended in a soil and water conservation plan as defined in section 3(12) of the Soil and Water Conservation Districts Law, unless the agricultural operations and implementation of practices or activity involves the construction or placement of a structure.
  • Review full list of unregulated CEHA activities
Permits may be issued if the activities meet the following standards:
  1. the activity is reasonable and necessary; reasonable alternatives to the proposed activity have been considered, and the need of the proposed activity to have a shoreline location has been considered;
  2. the activity is not likely to cause a measurable increase in erosion at the proposed site or other locations; and
  3. the activity prevents, if possible, or minimizes damaging impacts to:
    • natural protective features and their functions and protective values as described in section 505.3;
    • existing erosion protection structures; and
    • natural resources including, but not limited to, significant fish and wildlife habitats and shellfish beds.

Other permits may be needed for your project

DEC may require other permits for the type of work or location of work you are planning. In addition to DEC permits, permits from other regulatory entities may be required for your project, these may include, but are not limited to, NYS Office of General Services and NYS United States Army Corps of Engineers.


More about Coastal Erosion Management Permit Program: