Coastal Area Management (North Carolina General Statutes: Chapter 113A; Article 7) Country/Territory United States of America Territorial subdivision North Carolina Document type Legislation Date 1974 (2018) Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Sea, Water Keyword Coastal zone management Local government Governance Policy/planning Environmental planning Environmental standards Water quality standards Pollution control Protection of environment Standards Freshwater pollution Surface water Geographical area Americas, Arctic, East Pacific, North America, North Atlantic Abstract This article of the North Carolina General Statutes is known as the Coastal Area Management Act of 1974. It establishes a cooperative program of coastal area management between local and State governments. Local government shall have the initiative for planning. State government shall establish areas of environmental concern. With regard to planning, State government shall act primarily in a supportive standard-setting and review capacity, except where local governments do not elect to exercise their initiative. Enforcement shall be a concurrent State-local responsibility. The goals of the coastal area management system to be created pursuant to this Article are: (1) to provide a management system capable of preserving and managing the natural ecological conditions of the estuarine system, the barrier dune system, and the beaches, so as to safeguard and perpetuate their natural productivity and their biological, economic and esthetic values; (2) to insure that the development or preservation of the land and water resources of the coastal area proceeds in a manner consistent with the capability of the land and water for development, use, or preservation based on ecological considerations; (3) to insure the orderly and balanced use and preservation of our coastal resources on behalf of the people of North Carolina and the nation; and (4) to establish policies, guidelines and standards for: a. protection, preservation, and conservation of natural resources including but not limited to water use, scenic vistas, and fish and wildlife; and management of transitional or intensely developed areas and areas especially suited to intensive use or development, as well as areas of significant natural value; b. the economic development of the coastal area, including but not limited to construction, location and design of industries, port facilities, commercial establishments and other developments; c. recreation and tourist facilities and parklands; d. transportation and circulation patterns for the coastal area including major thoroughfares, transportation routes, navigation channels and harbors, and other public utilities and facilities; e. preservation and enhancement of the historic, cultural, and scientific aspects of the coastal area; f. protection of present common-law and statutory public rights in the lands and waters of the coastal area; and g. any other purposes deemed necessary or appropriate to effectuate the policy of this Article. Full text English Website www.ncleg.gov