Pennsylvania's federally approved Coastal Zone Management Program covers the Lake Erie shoreline and Delaware Estuary, requiring DEP review and consistency determinations for development affecting state coastal resources.
Administered by DEP under federal Coastal Zone Management Act authority and 35 P.S. Section 691 and 32 P.S. Section 5101 et seq., Pennsylvania's CZM Program reviews bluff recession, wetlands, dredging, and shoreline structures. The Bluff Recession and Setback Act (Act 91 of 1980) requires designated municipalities along Lake Erie to adopt setback ordinances meeting DEP minimums. Federal projects and permits in the coastal zone need a federal consistency review confirming compatibility with Pennsylvania coastal policies.
Violations of the Bluff Recession and Setback Act or Dam Safety and Encroachments Act may bring fines up to $10,000 per day plus mandatory restoration of altered shoreline.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
See how Williamsport's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
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