Shoreline erosion – including erosion caused by currents, flood, and wind or wave action – is a natural phenomenon associated with properly functioning shoreline environments. However, erosion can put existing structures and uses at risk. In some cases, shoreline stabilization is necessary to protect existing uses and development from naturally occurring erosion. Shoreline stabilization includes actions taken to address erosion impacts to property and dwellings, businesses, or structures. These actions include structural and nonstructural stabilization methods.

Nonstructural methods include building setbacks, relocation of the structure to be protected, groundwater management, enhancing vegetation, managing drainage and runoff, and other measures to avoid the need for structural stabilization.

This article establishes policies and regulations for structural shoreline stabilization measures. Structural shoreline stabilization measures can be “hard” or “soft.” “Hard” structural stabilization measures refers to those with solid, hard surfaces, such as concrete bulkheads, while “soft” structural measures rely on less rigid materials, such as bioengineered vegetation measures or beach enhancement.

Generally, the harder the construction measure, the greater the impact on shoreline processes, including sediment transport, geomorphology, and biological functions.

Shoreline stabilization measures and methods shall be consistent with the following policies and shall conform to the following regulations.