Authority: Executive Order No. 181.

Jurisdiction: Barrier beaches in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Applicability: Projects using state funds must avoid construction in hazard-prone areas and in velocity zones.

Regulatory Summary: To protect the state’s barrier beach system, Executive Order (E.O.) No. 181 directs state and federal land acquisition programs to give priority status to properties on barrier beaches; prohibits use of state and federal funding for projects that encourage growth and development in hazard-prone areas; requires the preparation of barrier beach management plans for state-owned beaches; prohibits development in velocity zones or on primary dunes; limits the use of coastal engineering structures on barrier beaches; and encourages use of appropriate dredged material for nourishment of barrier beaches. The Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) is charged with coordinating state agency management policy for barrier beach areas.

Review Process: Contact the closest CZM regional office to determine if the proposed location is on a barrier beach. Projects proposed on barrier beaches are reviewed in conjunction with the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (15), Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (16), Endangered Species (5), and CZM (22) reviews.

Forms: No additional forms for barrier beach review.

Fees: No additional fees for barrier beach review.

Website: CZM at www.mass.gov/czm/hazards/beach/barrierbeach.htm.

Contact: To view barrier beach maps, contact CZM Regional Coordinators:

• CZM North Shore (978) 281-3972.
• CZM Boston Harbor (617) 626-1064.
• CZM South Shore (781) 545-8026 x209.
• CZM Cape Cod & Islands (508) 362-1760.
• CZM South Coastal (508) 291-3625 x12.