Barrier beaches.

§ 218-79. Barrier beaches.

A. Findings of Fact. Coastal barrier beaches serve as a buffer zones for the salt ponds and the mainland located behind the ponds. The coastal barriers are low in profile and highly vulnerable to wind and wave erosion particularly during hurricanes. Hurricanes cause severe storm-surge flooding, and beach erosion. Debris from buildings on the barriers contributes to further damage to structures on the barriers, and can cause damage to properties on the mainland. All beaches within Charlestown have been classified by the RI CRMC. Portions of some beaches have been designated as undeveloped barrier beaches. The intent of this Section is to regulate development in these areas as they are subject to periodic flooding which can be damaging to abutting property owners and a danger to the health, safety and general welfare of the Town.

B. Policies. The Town of Charlestown supports the RI CRMC policies and programs to protect coastal barriers for benefits to the public's health, safety and welfare. This Section shall not be construed as an intent on the part of the Town to foster development on coastal barriers, but rather to allow the CRMC to promote its policies under its statutory authorization from the Rhode Island General Assembly.

C. Site Development Criteria. Except where prohibited in § 218-36, Land Use Table, all structures shall be permitted only by a special use permit obtained from the Zoning Board of Review provided all driveways and parking areas are landward of the building and do not cut into the dune feature and any construction activity that disrupts the dune feature restores the dune and revegetates it. The following uses shall not require a special use permit from the Board provided they meet all other local, state and federal requirements:

- (1) Boardwalks and steps by roll-out walkways to permit access across the dunes or berms to the ocean beach without damage to the dunes themselves.