§ 22-289. Findings of fact.

The board of county commissioners hereby makes the following findings of fact which support the establishment of a coastal building zone and the imposition of construction standards relating thereto:

(1)

Coastal areas play an important role in protecting the ecology and the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the county, but in recent years the county's coastal areas have been subjected to increasing growth pressures; and unless these pressures are controlled, the very features which make coastal areas economically, aesthetically and ecologically rich will be destroyed.

(2)

Coastal areas form the first line of defense for the mainland against both winter storms and hurricanes in that the dunes of coastal areas perform protective functions for public and private property, but placement of permanent structures in these protective areas may lead to increased risks to life and property and increased costs to the public. Coastal areas often protect lagoons, salt marshes, estuaries, bays, marine habitats and the mainland from the direct action of ocean waves or storm surges; absorb the forces of oceanic activity; protect calmer waters and stable shores; and are dynamic geologic systems with topography that is subject to alteration by waves, storm surges, flooding or littoral currents.

(3)

Coastal areas are one of the county's most valuable resources and have extremely high recreational and aesthetic value which should be preserved and enhanced. Coastal areas provide a unique habitat for birds, wildlife, marine life, and plant life and protect waters that are vital to the food chain.

(4)

It is anticipated that there will be a tremendous cost to the county and state for postdisaster redevelopment in the coastal areas, but the costs can be reduced by preventive measures which should be taken on a continuing basis in order to reduce the harmful and costly consequences of natural and manmade disasters or emergencies.

(Ord. No. 87-20, § 2)