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North CarolinaSB 4722025-2026 SessionSenate

Coastal Regulatory Reform.

Sponsored By: Steve Jarvis (Republican), Tom McInnis (Republican), Timothy D. Moffitt (Republican)

Signed by Governor

ADMINISTRATIVE CODEADMINISTRATIVE RULESCAMACOASTAL RESOURCESCOMMISSIONSDEFINITIONSDEQENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMN

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

60-day approvals for upland marinas

Starting July 2, 2025, a Major Development CAMA permit application for an upland basin marina also counts as a complete water quality application, unless the agency directors object in writing or ask for needed details. The agency can make one written request for more information within 30 days. Once the file is complete, or after you submit the requested update, the 60-day review clock runs. If the agency does not act within 60 days, the application is approved by law.

Faster state 401 water reviews

Beginning October 1, 2025, DEQ uses firm timelines for Section 401 water quality certifications. Within 5 business days of getting your application, DEQ must bill any fee or the fee is waived, and post the public notice. DEQ has 30 business days to list what is missing and 20 business days to review your fixes; if DEQ misses these, your file counts as complete. After that, DEQ must decide within 10 business days if there is no hearing, or 15 business days after the record closes if there is a hearing. If DEQ does not act in time, certification is waived unless you agree to extend up to one year. DEQ may add only limits needed to meet state water quality standards, must put any denial in writing, and cannot force you to withdraw your application.

New rules for upland basin marinas

Effective July 2, 2025, the law sets clear design and operating rules for upland basin marinas. A qualifying marina is dug above the high‑water mark and built for 10 or more boats. You must test dissolved oxygen about 50 feet (±5 feet) from each entrance before and after work, and inside levels must match or beat nearby waters. Wetland impacts are capped at 5% of the basin water area and 10% of the shoreline fringe, with a 30‑foot vegetated buffer; impacts over 125 feet of shoreline need mitigation. You must also meet Coastal Resources Commission marina standards. You may use innovative oxygen‑boosting technology with a North Carolina engineer’s certification, but you must secure funds or a bond equal to five years of estimated operation and maintenance when technology is needed. Projects that meet these rules are presumed to avoid major harm and meet antidegradation standards, and DEQ can require monitoring and fixes if water quality falls out of compliance.

Man-made ditches face fewer limits

Starting July 2, 2025, the law defines man‑made ditches as built or excavated features that move water, like ponds, culverts, canals, swales, storm channels, small drains, and roadside ditches. The Coastal Resources Commission cannot label these ditches as Areas of Environmental Concern, and they are excluded from estuarine‑waters AECs. The law also says marshland does not include any area inside a man‑made ditch.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Steve Jarvis

    Republican • Senate

  • Tom McInnis

    Republican • Senate

  • Timothy D. Moffitt

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 236 • No: 75

Senate vote • 6/25/2025

SB 472: Coastal Regulatory Reform.

Yes: 30 • No: 15 • Other: 5

House vote • 6/24/2025

SB 472: Coastal Regulatory Reform.

Yes: 66 • No: 45 • Other: 8

House vote • 6/24/2025

SB 472: Coastal Regulatory Reform.

Yes: 109 • No: 0 • Other: 8

Senate vote • 4/30/2025

SB 472: Amend 401 Certification Process.

Yes: 31 • No: 15 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Ch. SL 2025-48

    7/2/2025Senate

  2. Signed by Gov. 7/2/2025

    7/2/2025Senate

  3. Pres. To Gov. 6/27/2025

    6/27/2025Senate

  4. Ratified

    6/26/2025Senate

  5. Ordered Enrolled

    6/25/2025Senate

  6. Concurred In H Com Sub

    6/25/2025Senate

  7. Placed on Today's Calendar

    6/25/2025Senate

  8. Withdrawn From Com

    6/25/2025Senate

  9. Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

    6/25/2025Senate

  10. Special Message Received For Concurrence in H Com Sub

    6/25/2025Senate

  11. Special Message Sent To Senate

    6/25/2025House

  12. Ordered Engrossed

    6/24/2025House

  13. Passed 3rd Reading

    6/24/2025House

  14. Passed 2nd Reading

    6/24/2025House

  15. Amend Adopted A1

    6/24/2025House

  16. Added to Calendar

    6/24/2025House

  17. Cal Pursuant Rule 36(b)

    6/24/2025House

  18. Reptd Fav Com Sub 2

    6/24/2025House

  19. Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

    6/19/2025House

  20. Reptd Fav Com Substitute

    6/19/2025House

  21. Re-ref to the Com on Agriculture and Environment, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

    6/17/2025House

  22. Withdrawn From Com

    6/17/2025House

  23. Re-ref to the Com on Regulatory Reform, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

    6/16/2025House

  24. Withdrawn From Com

    6/16/2025House

  25. Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

    5/5/2025House

Bill Text

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