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General Questions

Coastal Zone Consistency does not issue permits. The coastal zone consistency is a certification triggered when an applicant submits for one (or multiple) federal funding, federal activities, federal permits, and state permits.

As stated above a CZC is a certification that is needed when an applicant submits for one (or multiple) federal funding, federal activities, federal permits, and state permits within the eight (8) coastal counties of South Carolina. This includes projects that have Auto Coverage through BOW - Coastal Stormwater - Projects that qualify for BOW CS Auto Coverage require a CZC Certification.

Coastal Zone Consistency staff reviews projects in the eight coastal counties to ensure consistency with the South Carolina Coastal Zone Management Program and associated enforceable policies. The review ensures balance of development and conservation of coastal resources such as wetlands, cultural resources, state endangered/threatened species, and shellfish beds.

At this time there is no fee for a CZC Review however, please check with your permitting agency for their applicable fees.

Please use the ePermitting portal to create account and submit new projects.

There is no “one size fits all.” Based on the different type of activities and site locations, submittal requirements may vary. Please visit ePermitting to create account and apply for submission requirements.

Yes, BOW - Coastal Stormwater NOI/ NPDES Auto Coverage still requires a CZC Certification. 

If the activity is exempt then no BOW CS Permit is required. If no permit is required, then there is no CZC Certification needed for that activity either.

If your project is located in one of South Carolina's eight coastal counties a Coastal Zone Consistency Certification may be required.

  • Beaufort
  • Berkeley
  • Charleston
  • Colleton
  • Dorchester
  • Georgetown
  • Horry
  • Jasper

The CZC is valid for the life of the permit, please contact that permitting agency.

For State CZC Certifications: 

State Permit certification (Stormwater, Water, Wastewater, Mining, Air, etc.): 

Please refer to this website for details: 

For all new applications involving energy projects please refer to this website: 

For Federal CZC Certifications: 

  • Federal Funding Determination – 30 days 

  • Federal Agency Activities on Federal Lands Determination – 60 days 

  • Federal Permit Certification – 180 days 

  1. Check the state’s federal consistency list of licenses and permits at coast.noaa.gov/czm/consistency/states.
  2. If the funding program is listed, submit consistency certification to the state.  

  • Determine if there are coastal effects.
    • If so, consult with the state enforceable policies.
    • Next, submit a consistency determination to the state. See 15 CFR 930.39.
  • If there are no coastal effects, determine if a negative determination is required. See 15 CFR 930.35.

Yes, CZC Certifications are part of the USACE NWP and Federal IP review process. Please see this link to ePermitting for all Nationwide Permits that require a CZC Certification.