New Jersey Statewide Rule
New Jersey CAFRA Coastal Area Facility Review Act
Key Facts
- Statute
- N.J.S.A. 13:19-1
- Code
- N.J.A.C. 7:7
- Regulator
- NJ DEP
- Coverage
- Coastal zone statewide
Summary
The Coastal Area Facility Review Act gives the New Jersey DEP exclusive permit jurisdiction over development in the coastal zone, applying uniform statewide standards regardless of local zoning.
13:19-5. Development permits required 5. A permit issued pursuant to P.L.1973, c.185 (C.13:19-1 et seq.) shall be required for: a. A development located in the coastal area on any beach or dune; b. A development located in the coastal area between the mean high water line of any tidal waters, or the landward limit of a beach or dune, whichever is most landward, and a point 150 feet landward of the mean high water line of any tidal waters or the landward limit of a beach or dune, whichever is most landward, that would result, either solely or in conjunction with a previous development, in:
Full Breakdown
Under N.J.S.A. 13:19-1 et seq. (CAFRA), the Department of Environmental Protection regulates development in a defined coastal area stretching from Cheesequake to Cape May and up the Delaware Bay. Any qualifying residential, commercial, or industrial project requires a CAFRA permit applying uniform Coastal Zone Management Rules at N.J.A.C. 7:7. Municipalities may enforce stricter rules but cannot waive CAFRA review or override state coastal standards. The Waterfront Development Act and Wetlands Act create parallel state-level controls.
Violations & Penalties
Building without a required CAFRA permit can lead to DEP fines, removal orders, daily penalties, and restoration requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a CAFRA permit for a beach house addition?
Can a shore town let me skip CAFRA review?
Sources
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