Coastal Zone Management U.S. Virgin Islands > Activities Requiring a Permit

A CZM permit is required for any development activity in the first tier of the coastal zone. A CZM permit must be obtained prior to commencement of the following:

Alteration of the shoreline or submerged lands;

Construction of new structures for commercial or private use;

Discharge or disposal of waste materials;

Enlargement or expansion of existing structures;

Land clearing, grading or excavations;

Placement of permanent or temporary structures on submerged lands (e.g. moorings, docks, etc.).

While a formal CZM permit is not required for clearing vegetation for agricultural purposes, persons interested in agricultural clearing must notify the Division of Permits of DPNR and obtain written permission prior to such clearings.

The Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management Act (VICZMA) divides the permit system into two (2) categories: Major and Minor permits, both with different requirements and procedures. The distinction between major and minor projects allows DPNR to concentrate on minor projects such as single family dwellings or small piers that have a less significant effect on the coastal environment and the community. Major projects, such as large resort hotels or multifamily dwellings, docks and dredging all require an extensive application form, an Environmental Assessment Report (EAR), public notices/hearings and a decision by the appropriate committee of the CZM Commission (a citizen board appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Legislature).

Section 910 of the Act sets forth the standards which distinguish major and minor permits. All land projects (which must be substantially landward of the line of mean hightide) are treated as major projects, except the following which are treated as minor permits:

A subdivision or the construction of one or two single-family residences or a duplex; or
Improvements to an existing structure costing less than $52,000; or
One or more structures valued in their entirety at less than $75,000; or
Any other development, except the extraction of minerals, valued at less than $66,000; or
The extraction of minerals valued at less than $17,000.

The Act also stipulates that the Commissioner may require projects in the minor permit category to be treated as a major permit if significant adverse environment consequences are anticipated. (Section 910) (c)(e)

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