.png)
CRMC Buffer Zone Permitting
Hanley is certified by RIDEM and CRMC to design and build within CRMC buffer zones, managing all permits to meet environmental standards.
What are CRMC Regulated Buffer Zones?
CRMC buffer zones are designated areas along Rhode Island's coast to protect natural resources and manage environmental impact. For properties within 200 feet of coastal features, the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) mandates buffer zones to filter runoff, control erosion, and safeguard habitats. Certified projects can manage up to 50% of this buffer with approved plantings and low-impact landscaping, while non-certified projects are limited to managing up to 25%. Hanley’s CRMC and RIDEM certification allows us to design projects that meet these standards fully, achieving up to 100% compliance and ensuring optimal environmental care.
How do I know if I need a buffer zone?
To determine if you need a buffer zone on your property, start by checking its proximity to coastal features. Properties within 200 feet of these features typically require a buffer, but it’s not as simple as measuring from the high tide line. According to the CRMC, coastal beaches are areas of loose, often unvegetated sediment regularly impacted by wave action. This zone stretches from the mean low water line to an upland rise, like the base of a dune, bluff, coastal protection structure, pilings, or even a building foundation. Sometimes, there are additional shoreline features further inland, such as dunes or bluffs. In these cases, the buffer is measured from the most inland edge of these features rather than just the beach.
​
To learn more about identifying these features, check out the CRMC Guide to Coastal Shoreline Features.
You can also review the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Program Redbook for detailed guidelines based on location and water type.
​
If you’re unsure, fill out our contact form or give us a call to identify the coastal features.