Summary of Session Law 2021-158 (Senate Bill 389)

• Modifies beach access property grants to require local governments dedicate acquired lands in perpetuity for public access rather than transferring title to the State, with reimbursement requirements if property is diverted to other uses.

• Modernizes Coastal Area Management Act notification requirements by eliminating mailing as a primary notice method and allowing electronic submittal, effective July 1, 2021.

• Extends the timeline for third-party permit appeal review determinations from 15 to 30 days under the Coastal Area Management Act, effective October 1, 2021.

• Amends stormwater permit program requirements to allow permit transfers without consent when original permit holder is deceased or dissolved, with conditions for successor-owners and compliance timelines varying by transfer date.

• Makes multiple technical changes including reducing sedimentation and erosion control penalty remission request deadlines (60 to 30 days), extending UST trust fund payment request deadlines (12 months), simplifying hazardous waste site notices, and revising basinwide water resources management plan requirements.