Coastal Zone Management U.S. Virgin Islands

Occasionally, DPNR will arrange with federal agencies to hold joint public hearings where federal permits are also required. Documents can be reviewed by the public from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at DPNR's Division of Coastal Zone Management. Persons wishing to review files in progress should call the office to setup an appointment. Files cannot leave the office; however, copies can be made at DPNR for a fee.

Following completion of the public hearing and the comment period, the CZM staff will complete their analysis of the application and make a recommendation to the CZM Committee. The Committee's decision must be based on specific findings of fact relative to the goals and policies of the CZM. The Committee must make a decision on the application within 30 days of the Public Hearing whether to deny, approve, or approve with conditions.

In instances where DPNR shares authority with another agency, as is the case with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' dredge and fill permits, DPNR will forward the CZM Committee's decision to the Corps for its consideration. In cases where development is proposed on public trustlands, DPNR will forward the joint application and decision to the Governor for his approval. The Governor then submits the permit to the Virgin Islands Legislature for ratification.

The developer must notify the Division of Permits prior to commencing and on the completion of a project. The CZM staff will conduct regular site inspections and monitor all construction phases to ensure that conditions of the CZM permit are adhered to.