HB 1133 Summary

• Amends the Dennis L. Jones Beach and Shore Preservation Act by adding three new definitions: "upland structure" (any dwelling and its appurtenances), "vulnerable" (observed evidence of wave runup within 100 feet of an upland structure), and "wave runup" (maximum vertical extent of wave uprush above still water level).

• Changes Department of Environmental Protection authority from discretionary ("may") to mandatory ("must") to issue permits for present installations of rigid coastal armoring structures when private structures or public infrastructure is determined to be vulnerable to damage from frequent coastal storms or rising sea levels.

• Requires the department to issue permits for present installations of coastal armoring structures that are between and adjoin existing rigid coastal armoring structures, follow a continuous and uniform construction line, and are no more than 250 feet in length.

• Restricts the department's authority to order removal of permitted public structures built under this section only if they are determined to be unnecessary or interfere with beach restoration project installation.

• Effective date: July 1, 2021.