Hurricane Recovery Checklist

Hurricane Recovery Checklist for Local Governments

This checklist is designed to provide government officials and private citizens with a quick reference to the permits and authorizations needed to undertake recovery and rebuilding activities following a hurricane. For additional information, contact the nearest Coastal Management district office, or call 1-888-4RCOAST.

Recovery Need	Proposed Activity	Requirements	What to Do
Protection of imminently threatened structures (erosion within 20 feet of structure)	Install sandbags	CAMA and Corps of Engineers General Permits. Approval from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.*	Contact nearest DCM and COE offices.Note: DCM and Corps will contact Wildlife Resources Commission and Fish & Wildlife Service.
	Bulldoze beach seaward of mean high water line to rebuild dune or construct emergency berm	DCM determination of imminent threat. Corps of Engineers General or Individual Permit. Approval from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.*	Contact nearest DCM and COE offices.Note: DCM and Corps will contact Wildlife Resources Commission and Fish & Wildlife Service.
	Bulldoze beach landward of high tide line	DCM determination of imminent threat. Approval should be sought from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.*	Contact nearest DCM office, Fish & Wildlife Service and WRC sea turtle coordinator
Repairing frontal or primary dunes in front of non-imminently threatened structures	Bulldoze beach seaward of mean high water line	CAMA Major Permit. Corps of Engineers Individual Permit. Approval from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.*	Contact nearest DCM and COE offices.Note: DCM and Corps will contact Wildlife Resources Commission and Fish & Wildlife Service.
Damaged infrastructure	Replace road	CAMA Permit or Exemption. Other federal or state approvals may be needed.	Contact nearest DCM office for assistance and coordination.
	Replace utility lines or pipes	CAMA Permit or Exemption. Other federal or state approvals may be needed.	Contact nearest DCM office for assistance and coordination.
Sand on roads	Remove sand	CAMA Exemption.Note: Generally, sand pushed off road and contained in right-of-way is exempt. Other federal or state approvals may be needed.	Contact nearest DCM office for assistance and coordination.
Debris on beach	Remove debris from beach	No CAMA or Corps permit required. Consideration of potential sea turtle impacts.	Contact nearest DCM office or local permit officer and WRC sea turtle coordinator for assistance.
Damaged or destroyed septic system (damage greater than 50% of value)	Replace septic system	CAMA Minor Development Permit.Note: Vegetation line determination for required oceanfront setback will be made on a lot-by-lot basis.	Determine if the work is repair or replacement per criteria of 15A 07H .0210. If it is greater than 50% of the system’s value, then contact CAMA local permit officer or nearest DCM office to apply for a CAMA permit.
Damaged or destroyed home (damage greater than 50% of value)	Replace home	CAMA Minor Development Permit.Note: Vegetation line determination for required oceanfront setback will be made on a lot-by-lot basis.	Determine if the work is repair or replacement per criteria of 15A 07H .0210. If damage is greater than 50% of the home’s market value, then contact CAMA local permit officer or nearest DCM office to apply for a CAMA permit.
Damaged or destroyed piers, docks and boatlifts (greater than 50% of value)	Replace structure	CAMA Exemption, General or Major Development Permit. Corps of Engineers General Permit.	Determine if the work is repair or replacement per criteria of 15A 07H .0210. If damage is greater than 50% of the structure’s value, then contact nearest DCM office to apply for CAMA exemption or permit.
Damaged or destroyed decks and walkways	Replace structure	CAMA Exemption or Minor Development Permit.Note: Walkways conforming to certain dimensions are generally exempt from permit requirements.	Determine if the work is repair or replacement per criteria of 15A 07H .0210. If damage is greater than 50% of the structure’s value, then contact nearest DCM office to apply for CAMA exemption or permit.
Damaged parking pads and swimming pools	Replace pad or pool	If damaged less than 50% of value, a CAMA Exemption is granted. If damaged greater than 50%, a CAMA Permit is needed.	Determine if the work is repair or replacement per criteria of 15A 07H .0210. If damage is greater than 50% of the structure’s value, then contact nearest DCM office to apply for CAMA exemption or permit.
*Approval is required April 1-Nov. 15 during nesting season for piping plovers and May 1-Nov. 15 for sea turtles.
DCM contact information
Coastal county emergency management offices