The CRC proposes changes to its rules to add a definition of man-made ditches, and state that man-made ditches may not be considered public waterways or marshland, or designated as an Area of Environmental Concern. These changes conform the rules to recent amendments to the Coastal Area Management Act and the NC Dredge and Fill Law made by Session Law 2025-48.
Rule 07H .0308 defines the use standards for development within the Ocean Hazard Area of Environmental Concern (OHA AEC). Subparagraph (b)(2) identifies temporary erosion control structures as sandbags and provides use standards for these structures within the OHA AEC. the rule further defines the color and dimensions of sandbags allowable under 07H .0308(b)(2)((L). A new subparagraph .0308(b)(2)(O) will differentiate what is allowable for color and dimensions of temporary erosion control structures for the protection of public roadways. This amendment will allow broader color and dimension criteria to the protection of public roadways by the NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT). These changes are needed due to recurring erosion events prompting NCDOT to look at alternative sandbag designs that increasingly require NCDOT to seek variances from the existing rule.
The CRC is proposing to create a new General permit to allow installation of temporary structures on the beach to collect meteorological data during approaching storms. The CRC proposes these rules to address limitations in existing CAMA permitting procedures, which are not designed to accommodate the rapid, location-uncertain deployment of temporary weather monitoring structures needed to collect time-sensitive data at storm landfall.
To review all related materials for each proposed rule change, visit the CRC proposed rules website. https://www.deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/division-coastal-management/coastal-resources-commission/crc-proposed-rules.
Public Comment Period: October 1 - November 30, 2026
Public Hearing: October 19, 2026 5:00 p.m.
400 Commerce Ave., Morehead City
To submit electronic comments, email crcrulemakingcomments@deq.nc.gov
Or mail written comments to:
NC Division of Coastal Management
Attn: Tancred Miller
400 Commerce Avenue
Morehead City, NC 28557