Shorefront Property Ownership-Coastal Engineering, Inc.
Before investing in coastal property, it is important to know how the property has fared during past seasonal storms and what measures have been taken to protect the shoreline and coastal bank. A wise first step is to perform a shoreline risk assessment, examining such factors as geographic location; flood zone profile; proximity to shoreline; existing erosion control structures; and the history of storm frequency/rate of erosion. Additionally, researching federal, state, and local wetland regulations is time well spent.
If you already own a beachfront home or live on any type of coastal bank, it is important to inspect your property and evaluate levels of coastal bank deterioration after storms and with each change of season.
If you have concerns about erosion, consider engaging an experienced professional
engineer to inspect your property and prepare a shoreline risk assessment. Should your property be prone to erosion and at risk, you may need to more forward with a shorefront protection plan. If so, your licensed marine engineer can also:
- design shoreline protection
- oversee environmental permitting
- provide construction oversight
- inspect the shorefront protection system upon completion and periodically
thereafter.
With an understanding of a property's historical response to erosion; knowledge of what is currently in place to protect the shoreline; details about what has been approved to stabilize the shoreline (and associated cost); and a desire to work cooperatively with the shorelines' natural cycles, the sandy shores of Cape Cod and the Islands can be enjoyed for many years.