Georgia Coastal Marshlands and Shore Protection Statewide Permits

O.C.G.A. Title 12, Chapter 5, Article 4 (Coastal Marshlands Protection Act) and Article 5 (Shore Protection Act) require state permits before any building, dredging, filling, or alteration in marshlands or within the dynamic dune field of barrier islands. The Coastal Marshlands Protection Committee and the Shore Protection Committee, staffed by the DNR Coastal Resources Division, review applications. Single-family residences on highground may be exempt from marshlands review but still subject to local zoning and erosion control. Local governments cannot authorize uses that bypass state coastal permits.

Unpermitted coastal development can lead to civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation, restoration orders, and criminal misdemeanor liability per O.C.G.A. 12-5-295.