18E.110.050 Buffer Requirements.
A. Determining Buffer Widths.
1. The buffer width shall be measured on a horizontal plane from a perpendicular line established at the edge of the active shoreline erosion hazard area limits. (See Figure 18E.110-3 in Chapter 18E.120 PCC.)
2. An undisturbed buffer of existing vegetation shall be required for an active shoreline erosion hazard area. The required standard buffer width is the greatest amount of the following distances:
a. Fifty feet from all edges of the active shoreline erosion hazard area limits;
b. A distance of one-third the height of the slope if the regulated activity is at the top of the slope and a distance of one-half the height if the regulated activity is at the bottom of the slope; or
c. The minimum distance recommended by the geotechnical professional measured from the edge of the active shoreline erosion hazard area.
B. Modification of Buffer Widths. The Department may require a larger buffer width than the standard buffer distance, as determined in subsection A above, if any of the following are identified through the geological assessment process:
1. The adjacent land is susceptible to severe erosion and erosion control measures will not effectively prevent adverse impacts.
2. The area has a severe risk of slope failure or downslope stormwater drainage impacts.