Notwithstanding section 480-C, if the local code enforcement officer or a state-certified geologist determines that the integrity of a seawall, bulkhead, retaining wall or similar structure in a coastal sand dune system is destroyed or threatened, the owner of property protected by the seawall, bulkhead or similar structure may, without obtaining a permit under this article:

1. Protective materials. Place riprap, sandbags or other heavy nonhazardous material to shore up the threatened structure and replace, repair or leave the materials in place until a project designed to alleviate the threat is certified by the department and by the local code enforcement officer, and that project requires removal of the material; and

2. Strengthening of structure. Take such actions as are necessary to strengthen the seawall, retaining wall or other structure, including widening the footings and securing the structure to the sand with bolts.

3.__Emergency action exemption.__Notwithstanding section 480- C, if the local code enforcement officer, a state-licensed professional engineer or a state-certified geologist determines that the integrity of a seawall, bulkhead, retaining wall or similar structure in a coastal sand dune system is destroyed or threatened, the owner of property protected by the seawall, bulkhead, retaining wall or similar structure may perform or cause to be performed the following activities without obtaining a permit under this article:

A.__Place riprap, sandbags or other heavy nonhazardous material to shore up the threatened structure and leave the material in place until a project designed to repair or replace the structure is permitted by the department.__After such emergency action is taken and within 5 working days after the imminent threat, the property owner must provide written notice to the department of the date the emergency action was taken and a description of the emergency action taken.__Within 6 months following placement of any material pursuant to this paragraph, the property owner must submit to the department an application to repair or replace the structure.__The material placed pursuant to this paragraph must be removed within 18 months from the date a permit is issued by the department; or

B.__Make permanent repairs, to the extent necessary to alleviate the threat, to strengthen the seawall, bulkhead,