Nicole update 12: Coastal emergency measures

Posted On: November 11, 2022

First Directive on Emergency Measures

Due to the declared state of emergency for Hurricane Nicole, the County determined that it may be necessary to allow residents with structures on the beach that may have been damaged or destroyed or are at threat of erosion by Hurricane Nicole to access the beach through approved vehicle ramps for the purpose of surveying, damage assessment, debris removal, and clean-up through temporarily waiving the requirement for a Beaches and Dunes Permit.

The following measures will apply:

• The Beaches and Dunes Permit required under Chapter 72, Article Ill, Division 15 and Chapter 50, Article Ill, Division 9 is hereby waived for property owners of coastal structures damaged by Hurricane Nicole, and their agents, contractors, and engineers for the purpose of surveying, damage assessment, debris removal, and cleanup.

• Beach access locations and times shall be through vehicle ramps approved by the County and at times authorized by the County. Volusia County Beach Safety may limit, close, or restrict access if warranted by conditions pursuant to Section 20-176 of the Beach Code

• Beach access to Natural Beach Management Areas (NBMAs) as provided in the Volusia County Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) shall be pursuant to the terms of the HCP and with approval of the HCP Monitor and Protected Species Specialist. This Directive shall constitute limited approval for entry by the HCP Coordinator and Protected Species Specialist under Chapter 7 of the HCP.

• Nothing in this First Directive shall waive any other federal, state, or local requirement or permit, including those permits required authorized pursuant to Florida Department of Environmental Protection Emergency Final Orders 22-2602, 22-2740, and 22-2816.

This First Directive will expire on 4:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15, unless extended by a subsequent Emergency Directive.

For information on additional coastal questions, contact the following:

• Volusia County permit for vehicle access for closed beach driving areas: 386-238-4668 or 386-257-6000, ext. 21319
• Volusia County temporary permit: Jennifer Winters or Ryan Chabot, 386-238-4668
• FDEP field permit: Trey Hatch, 904-832-6757
• FDEP Coastal Construction Control Line permit: Doug Aarons, 850-245-7672

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