Coastal Development & Regulations

Visit the Ohio Coastal Management Program Document webpage to download the 41 coastal management policies. Policies pertaining to coastal development include, but are not limited to: Policy 1 -Lake Erie Coastal Erosion Area Management Policy 2 - Shore Erosion Control Policy 5 - Shore Erosion and Flood Hazard Mitigation Assistance Policy 6 - Water Quality Policy 12 - Wetlands Policy 16 - Public Trust Lands Policy 17 - Dredging and Dredged Material Disposal Policy 26 - Preservation of Cultural Resources Policy 32 - Marina Facilities Policy 33 - Visual and Aesthetic Quality Policy 34 - Energy Facility Siting

Federal Regulations

• Under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may be required. A permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is required for the construction, excavation, or deposition of materials in, over, or under navigable waters of the United States and for the discharge of dredged or fill material into the waters of the United States, including certain wetlands.
  • Ohio Permit Application Form
  • Ohio Permit Application Instructions
  • Ohio Permit Application Checklist
• For further directions, information, or an application contact:

State of Ohio Regulations

• Under Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act, a Water Quality Certification may be required from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA). A Water Quality Certification is required to obtain a federal Clean Water Act Section 404 Permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, or any other federal permits or licenses for projects that will result in a discharge of dredged or fill materials into any waters of the State.
  • Ohio EPA Section 401 Water Quality Certification Information
  • Ohio EPA Section 401 Water Quality Certification Form
• For further directions, information, or an application contact:

• A Shore Structure Permit (Section 1506.40 Ohio Revised Code) may be required from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). A Shore Structure Permit is required to construct a beach, groin, revetment, seawall, breakwater, pier, jetty or other structure to arrest or control erosion, wave action, or inundation along or near the Ohio shoreline of Lake Erie (including the islands, bays, and inlets) or to construct a shore structure that will have an effect on the littoral system.
  • Shore Structure Permit Guidance Information (webpage)
  • Shore Structure Guidance factsheet as part of the Coastal Guidance Packet (PDF)
  • ODNR Coastal Regulatory Application Form
• For more information or an application contact:

• A Coastal Erosion Area (CEA) Permit (Section 1506.07 ORC) may be required from the Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. A CEA permit is required to erect, construct, or redevelop a permanent structure if the structure, or portion thereof, is located within the Lake Erie Coastal Erosion Area. A permanent structure is further defined as a residential, commercial, industrial, institutional or agricultural building, or a septic system, or an addition greater than 500 square feet at ground level to an existing permanent structure. For instructions, further information, or an application, contact the ODNR Office of Coastal Management at 1-888-OhioCMP.

• Under Ohio law (Section 1506.10 and Section 1506.11 ORC) a Submerged Land Lease must be entered into with the State of Ohio to place private improvements on Lake Erie submerged lands. A Submerged Land Lease is required for an improvement, or portion thereof, that occupies land lakeward of where the water's edge intersects the natural shore prior to placement of any fill or structures.

To enter into a Submerged Land Lease, the local authority must first pass a resolution declaring that the submerged lands specified in the application are not needed for any public improvements and that their use complies with any local waterfront plans. For more information or an application, contact the ODNR Office of Coastal Management

• A Coastal Consistency Certification is also needed.

Local Regulations

• Floodplain regulations may be included in local zoning or building codes, in subdivision regulations, or as special purpose regulations. Before developing in a flood hazard area, contact your local Designated Floodplain Administrator. ODNR may provide assistance in locating or contacting your Designated Floodplain Administrator. Contact the ODNR Floodplain Management Program at 614-265-6750.

• County or municipal ordinances may require a building permit be obtained or may place limitations on the construction. The local building authorities should be consulted before beginning any construction activities. If you are planning a construction or development project for your lakefront property, contacting each of the previously listed authorities ahead of time may facilitate the permitting process.

If you have already begun construction, please cease all work and contact each of the previously listed authorities to receive further instructions.