Managing settlement growth toward existing communities and away from environmentally sensitive areas protects residents and natural habitats.
Coastal management issues — beach erosion, stormwater management, habitat protection, aging infrastructure, sea level rise, drought, storms and flooding — are being intensified by climate change.
Guidelines for sustainable and resilient coastal settlements:
- No structures seaward of 10 times the annual erosion rate;
- Allow only moveable structures seaward of 60 times the annual erosion rate;
- Permanent structures setback – a minimum of 60 times the annual erosion rate;
- Guide development toward existing communities;
- Encourage compact mixed-use development; and
- Acquire and preserve undeveloped land and critical environments.