Following the passage of Hurricane Beryl, the Ministry of Sustainability & Climate Resiliency is reminding the public that reconstructions and repairs to existing Coastal Works structures, such as docks, seawalls, etc., require approval.

For permitted structures, reconstructions and repairs must be to the same dimensions and in the same approved location and footprint, and use the same materials as per the original Coastal Works Permit for the structure. There is no application fee or approval fees associated with rebuilding structures per the same conditions as outlined in the original Permit, such as the same location/footprint, utilising the same materials, and the same designs and dimensions.

The Reconstruction/Repair of Coastal Structures Application Form may be downloaded here: https://doe.ky/resources/brochures/

The Ministry requests that completed application forms be submitted via email to [email protected] for processing. Once received, applications may take one to two weeks (depending on complexity and number of applications) to be processed and approved.

Minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks has given an assurance that that this would be a smooth and efficient process.

The Minister stated: “I will ensure that any applications for repairs or reconstruction of docks or seawalls will be prioritised and should be a very easy process once the dimensions remain in the same location and footprint, and use the same materials as approved in the original Coastal Works Permit for the structure.”

The Ministry would like to advise the public that any unauthorised coastal works, including unapproved reconstructions and repairs to existing permitted structures, may attract fines or penalties in accordance with Section 21 of the National Conservation Act.

The Ministry also encourages the public to submit the necessary applications to the Planning Department for any land-based repairs or construction works. Please visit www.planning.ky for more information.