The revised CSPA (RSA 483-B) regulates all property within 250 ft of the “reference line” of water bodies including; lakes, ponds, rivers, tidal waters, “designated rivers”, and fourth order streams. A brief summary:
- PERMIT REQUIRED: Most all work within the protected shoreland now requires a formal permit from the NH DES Shoreland Division (there are a few exceptions – see CSPA rules). Work in the bank that requires and receives a NH DES Wetlands Bureau Permit will not be required to seek a separate CSPA permit, but will be reviewed such that the project meets the CSPA standards related to the project…
- IMPERVIOUS LIMITS: All land within the protected shoreland is now subject to impervious surface limits of 20% or 30% coverage subject to varying levels of environmental protections and stormwater management (see above)…
- WATERFRONT BUFFER: All land within 50 ft of the reference line is now subject to tree cutting and groundcover impact restrictions based upon a 50 ft x 50 ft grid system and is called the “Waterfront Buffer”…
- UNDISTURBED AREA: All land in the “Woodland Buffer” (150 ft of the reference line) is now subject to a restriction on disturbance – 50% of the area outside the impervious area limits must be maintained in an “unaltered state” including temporary impacts (see amendment for less than 1/2 acres lots – see above)…see changes for smaller lots in amended SB-352…
- STATEWIDE 50 ft SETBACK: All new primary structures must be set back at least 50 ft from the reference line statewide (towns and cities cannot set lower limits, but may enact greater standards)…
There are many more changes contained in this legislation and these new regulations have a profound impact on what you can and cannot do with your shorefront property. Please post your questions and I or one of my staff will do our best to answer them!
Tags: Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act, CSPA, permitting, shoreland, waterfront