Pennsylvania Coastal Development (2026)

Key Facts

Coastal zones: Lake Erie and Delaware Estuary
Setback law: Act 91 of 1980
Lead agency: PA DEP coastal program
Federal nexus: Consistency review required

Full Breakdown

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 & Penalties

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Pennsylvania municipalities must adopt bluff setback ordinances?

Erie County municipalities along Lake Erie identified by DEP as having recession-prone bluffs must adopt setbacks meeting state minimums based on long-term recession rates.

Are inland Pennsylvania projects subject to the Coastal Zone Management Program?

Only projects within the designated Lake Erie or Delaware Estuary coastal boundaries trigger CZM review. Inland projects are governed by other DEP programs and Chapter 105 encroachment rules.

Pennsylvania Coastal Zone Management Program Permits

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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