The bill amends various sections of the Revised Code to enhance coastal management laws in Ohio, particularly for Lake Erie. It introduces new definitions for terms related to coastal management, such as "coastal area," "coastal management program," and "coastal restoration," while also designating the Department of Natural Resources as the lead agency responsible for developing and implementing the coastal management program. The bill establishes a coastal management assistance grant program to support initiatives like habitat preservation and shoreline management, and it emphasizes public access to coastal areas. Additionally, it outlines a process for municipal corporations, counties, and private landowners to object to preliminary identifications of coastal erosion areas, ensuring community involvement in decision-making.

Further, the bill clarifies the rights of littoral property owners, ensuring they retain ownership of their lands landward of the natural shoreline, and prohibits state agencies from using coastal erosion area identifications to deny permits or take property through eminent domain. It establishes a framework for leasing submerged lands and outlines the permitting process for coastal structures, requiring applicants to submit a sediment impact analysis and a long-term sand monitoring plan. The bill also allows for streamlined permit applications for coastal restoration projects and includes provisions for emergency permits and maintenance of coastal structures. Overall, the legislation aims to improve the management and protection of Ohio's coastal resources while balancing property owner interests with environmental considerations.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 1506.01, 1506.02, 1506.06, 1506.10, 1506.11, 1506.40, 1506.41, 1506.44