An Act To Allow Year-round Placement of Cobble-trapping Fences behind Established Seawalls
Sec. 1. 38 MRSA §480-II is enacted to read:
§ 480-II. Cobble-trapping fence in a coastal sand dune system
This section applies to the placement of a cobble-trapping fence in a coastal sand dune system.
(1) Is not located on a naturally vegetated frontal dune;
(2) Is located seaward of the foundation of a building on the property and is no more than 15 feet in front of the building;
(3) On either side, does not extend more than 2 feet beyond the foundation of a building on the property;
(4) Does not consist of more than one row of fencing;
(5) Does not have openings smaller than 2 inches square;
(6) Is not higher than 4 feet above grade; and
(7) Is not supported by a permanent, continuous footing.
A cobble-trapping fence may be supported by permanent, small subsurface pipes or similar emplacements. Cobbles and sediment trapped by a cobble-trapping fence may be removed and placed immediately seaward of a frontal dune or seawall on the property.
summary
This bill authorizes the use of cobble-trapping fences on a year-round basis and sets conditions on their use.