Oceanfront Shorelines & Setback: Interactive Mapping

Shorelines & Setback Factors:

Current Setback Factors illustrate average rates of shoreline change over approximately 50 years. The information presented here is not predictive, nor does it reflect the short-term erosion that occurs during storms.The erosion rates depicted in these data have been adopted (January-2004) by the Coastal Resources Commission for incorporation into oceanfront setback rules. These data are used as factors in determining setback distances for oceanfront construction. Please contact your CAMA Local Permit Officer or the nearest regional field office of the N.C. Division of Coastal Management for more information..

Historic Shorelines: These data represent historic oceanfront (1849 - present) and inlet (1930's - present) shorelines; and were digitized referencing a variety of sources (NOS-Topographic Sheets, LIDAR Mean High Water, and Photography Wet/Dry line).

Construction Setback Factors: DCM now has digital versions of current and historic setback factors, and can be viewed using this web mapping application or downloaded for use in your GIS.
Construction setbacks are based on erosion rates and conceptually increase the life of your building. For most single-family homes, regardless of size, setbacks are determined by multiplying the average annual erosion rate by 30. The minimum setback is 60 feet.

For buildings larger than 5,000 square feet, the setback is determined by multiplying the erosion rate by 60, with a minimum setback being 120 feet. In areas where the average annual erosion rate is greater than 3.5 feet, the setback is 30 times the erosion rate, plus 105 feet. All buildings must be behind the frontal dune and landward of the crest of the primary dune, where those exist. A state or local Coastal Management representative determines setbacks on a case-by-case basis when development is proposed.

Building in accordance with setbacks doesn't guarantee that the ocean never will threaten your house. But it reduces your risk of property loss, it reduces the encroachment of development onto public beaches, and it can reduce the amount of tax money spent responding to problems that are exacerbated by poorly sited development.

Mapping Tool Instructions:

The interactive shoreline & setback mapping tool is a web application that will allow you to interact with DCM's shorelines & setback data. This version does not require any downloads; however, the first time you use this tool certain files and cookies will be stored on your computer. If a site update occurs (last update: 07/10/2008) you will need to delete temporary internet files and cookies from your computer, then refresh your internet browser to see these updates.

Before printing, please tune your popup blocker to allow popups while visiting this site.

• To zoom in: select a location from the dropdown lists or select the "Zoom In" tool, then click on the map with mouse cursor (or draw "zoom-box" with mouse cursor; click and hold left-mouse button, drag cursor in any direction, then release button).
  
  
• Once you've zoomed in on the area of interest, you can retrieve additional information about a particular map layer by turning that layer on and making it "active." HELPFUL TIP: you can turn all map layers on at the same time, however, the map might become visually cluttered, making it difficult to distinguish certain features from others. Therefore, carefully limiting the number of layers drawn at any onetime is suggested.
  
  
• The "Identify" tool will allow you to click on the "Active" map layer and see related information. HELPFUL TIP: Be sure the layer is turned on and in "Active" mode (click both white square and circle next to layer name); click the "Identify" tool (from toolbar on top of map); then click mouse cursor on top of map layer.

Questions / Comments:

Questions or comments about setback rules and/or policy contact: Jeff Warren DCM Coastal Hazards Specialist.

Questions about Shorelines and Setback internet mapping tool? How do I use it? Report "bugs" or any technical concerns, or simply comment. Ken Richardson

More DCM Mapping tools/data:

• Coastal Wetland Mapping Tool
• Beach Access Mapping Tool
• Wetlands GIS Data
• Oceanfront GIS Data