THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 20, 1995 TAG: 9508200064
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
LENGTH: Medium: 72 lines
To help homeowners with questions about repairs to buildings and septic systems damaged by erosion and heavy surf, the Division of Coastal Management has prepared a quick question and answer guide.
Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about storm damage and answers supplied by the division:
Can I use sandbags to protect my oceanfront home or septic system?
If the erosion scarp is within 20 feet of the foundation of your home or its septic tank, you are probably eligible for an emergency permit for temporary sandbags. Rules governing sandbag use changed significantly on July 1, so before you decide to seek a sandbag permit, you should remember that this will be the only sandbag permit you will be able to get for your property. The new rules limit sandbag use to one time per property. Sandbag use is limited to two years for buildings smaller than 5,000 square feet and five years for larger structures and for structures in communities deemed to be ``actively pursuing'' beach renourishment projects. After that time is up, you have to remove the bags.
Can I bulldoze the beach to create new dunes to protect my home?
If the foundation of your house or other building is within 20 feet of the erosion scarp, you may bulldoze only on the dry sand beach. You do not need a permit from the division to do this. But, if your home is farther than 20 feet from the erosion scarp or if you bulldoze on the wet sand beach, you do need a permit from the division. You also need a permit if you want to bulldoze on an undeveloped lot.
Can I repair or replace my septic system?
Septic tank repair and replacement is subject to both Coastal Area Management Act and public health regulations. If your septic system is damaged, contact your local permit officer. Do not begin other home repairs until you know whether you will be allowed to fix your septic system.
What if I want to move my home?
If effects from Felix have made you think about moving your home back from the ocean, you need to be aware of an important deadline if you want insurance to help you pay for the move. Oceanfront property owners who want insurance companies to pay to move or tear down buildings threatened by erosion must file flood insurance claims before Sept. 23 or lose their benefits. That's when the seven-year-old Relocation Assistance Program - commonly known as Upton-Jones - will end, according to state coastal officials.
Upton-Jones, named in part for the North Carolina congressman who provided crucial support for the plan, pays 40 percent of a property's insured value to move a building threatened by erosion or up to 110 percent to demolish a building threatened by erosion.
For more information on Upton-Jones benefits, contact the Division of Coastal Management or your insurance agent.
When can I begin work? Do not begin work before you have contacted the Division of Coastal Management to determine whether you need a permit. You may call the division office serving your county or your local permit officer.
How can I find out if I need a permit?
Local permit officers: Currituck County - Kim Ferrell at 919-232-3378 or 3055 in Currituck; Steve McMurray at 919-453-8555 in Corolla; Dare County - Jim Meads at 919-473-2143 in Manteo, or JoAnne Pullen at 919-995-4401 in Buxton; Nags Head - John Brabrand at 919-441-5508; Southern Shores - Mike Hejduk at 919-261-2394; Kill Devil Hills - Donna Elliott at 919-480-4054; Kitty Hawk - Chester Forrester at 919-261-3552.
Division of Coastal Management offices - Currituck and Dare counties are served by the Elizabeth City office at 919-264-3901. Ocracoke Island is served by the Washington office at 919-946-6481. MEMO: Source: Division of Coastal Management. by CNB