Coastal Area Management Act
CAMA
Protecting the environment for all
of us
CAMA Is an acronym for Coastal Area Management Act. New
Bern and all of Craven County waterfront property owners will need to contact
this agency if they are going to build a dock, bulkhead, or disturb any land
within a certain distance from the water.
CAMA was created through North Carolina General
Statues 113A-100 which establishes a cooperative program of coastal area
management between local and state governments. The Act, passed in 1974, has
been amended several times, states that local governments shall have the
initiative for planning.
In addition, CAMA establishes the Coastal
Resources Commission, CRS, within the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources. CRS duties include approval of Coastal Habitat Protection Plans and
designation of Areas of Environmental Concern. After designation of these areas
the commission is responsible for issuing all permits.
CAMA Permitting System
The CAMA permit system is divided into major and
minor permits, based on the size and possible impacts of a project. Major
permits are necessary for activities that require other state or federal
permits, for projects that cover more than 20 acres, or for construction covering
more than 60,000 square feet. Applications for major permits are reviewed by 10
state and 4 federal agencies before a decision is made to grant a permit.
Minor permits used for routine projects,
such as single family homes, that do not require major permits. They are
reviewed, issued, and administered to Coastal Resources Commission
standards by local governments under
contract with the Division of Coastal Management.
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