What is the minimum distance from other coastal waters to the mean high-water mark?

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Multiple Choice

What is the minimum distance from other coastal waters to the mean high-water mark?

Coastal setback rules use the mean high-water mark as the reference boundary because it represents the highest tidal influence and marks the protective edge of upland buffers. The minimum distance to protect water quality and habitats is 50 feet from the mean high-water mark to any other coastal waters. Using the mean low-water mark isn’t appropriate since it varies with tides and doesn’t define the protective boundary the rules rely on. Larger distances (75 or 100 feet) are not the minimum, and 50 feet from the mean low-water mark would be the wrong reference. So the required minimum is 50 feet from the mean high-water mark.

Coastal setback rules use the mean high-water mark as the reference boundary because it represents the highest tidal influence and marks the protective edge of upland buffers. The minimum distance to protect water quality and habitats is 50 feet from the mean high-water mark to any other coastal waters. Using the mean low-water mark isn’t appropriate since it varies with tides and doesn’t define the protective boundary the rules rely on. Larger distances (75 or 100 feet) are not the minimum, and 50 feet from the mean low-water mark would be the wrong reference. So the required minimum is 50 feet from the mean high-water mark.

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