The coastal zone is home to more than half of the U.S. population and contains multiple resources and uses – from critical habitats for endangered species to essential infrastructure for the nation’s economy and public recreational facilities to exclusive private development.

Federal laws and regulations, including the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA), the Clean Water Act (CWA), the Rivers and Harbors Act (RHA), and the National Flood Insurance (NFIP) Act, and the agencies that enforce those laws, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recognize the environmental and economic importance of coastal areas as they oversee coastal development activities. Coastal states and municipalities have also adopted their own laws and regulations that apply to coastal development activities.

The regulation of activities in the coastal zone continues to evolve as government agencies become more conscious of the pace and extent of sea level rise and the growing risks of coastal storm surges on natural resources and existing and proposed development.

The complex requirements imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations on projects in the coastal zone present permitting challenges that call for experienced legal counsel. Our clients rely on us for legal advice, based on our decades of experience and always-current knowledge of those laws and regulations, to navigate their projects through the often-stormy seas of coastal zone permitting.

Our Services

We have considerable experience assisting clients with business and development interests in coastal areas. Our lawyers have extensive knowledge and proficiency in all aspects of coastal management, development, and permitting. We represent businesses, property owners, and government agencies in a wide range of coastal legal matters, including permitting and regulatory compliance and strategy, administrative hearings, and litigation. Our services include:

• Approvals for construction of seawalls, docks, pilings, bulkheads, and erosion management strategies such as living shorelines and beach nourishment
• Defense of enforcement actions alleging violations of environmental and permitting laws and resolution of private disputes involving littoral and riparian rights
• Permitting for ports, ferry terminals, and marinas
• Regulatory strategies and property rights considerations related to coastal regulation and coastal erosion management for property owners and prospective purchasers

Our Team

Our Coastal Resources + Sea Level Rise team uses a multidisciplinary approach in advising and representing clients on coastal management, permitting, and policy issues and in administrative and judicial proceedings associated with coastal property ownership, development, and business activities. We leverage the skills of lawyers, environmental analysts, and lobbyists from practice areas throughout the firm. Our clients benefit from the knowledge, experience and proficiency of diverse practice groups, including:

• Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications
• Construction
• Real Estate + Development
• Land Use
• Governmental Relations + Lobbying
• Finance + Public Finance
• Insurance + Reinsurance
• Business Transactions
• Litigation

Our Coastal Resources + Sea Level Rise practice group provides legal services for all development, management, and permitting projects related to coastal land use. You can turn to our multidisciplinary team of attorneys and industry professionals to achieve project outcomes that advance your business objectives.