25-0302. Land-use regulation of tidal wetlands.1. Upon completion of the inventory the commissioner shall adopt land-use regulations governing the uses of said inventoried wetlands. In preparing such regulations the commissioner shall be guided by factors including, but not limited to, the public policy set forth in this act as well as the present and potential value of the particular wetland for marine food production, as a wildlife habitat, as an element of flood and storm control, and as a source of recreation, education and research. The commissioner shall determine what uses of inventoried wetlands may be compatible with any or all of the foregoing, and he shall prepare such appropriate land-use regulations as may permit only such compatible uses. These regulations shall be filed with the secretary of state and shall take effect thirty days after such filing. A copy of such regulations shall also be simultaneously forwarded by certified mail to the chief administrative officer of each municipality within whose boundary any such wetland or portion thereof is located. No permits may be granted by any local body, nor shall any construction or activity take place at variance with these regulations.
2. The placing of any tidal wetlands under a land-use regulation which restricts its use shall be deemed a limitation on the use of such wetlands for the purposes of property tax valuation, in the same manner as if an easement or right had been acquired under the general municipal law. Assessment shall be based on present use under the restricting regulation.
Last modified: February 3, 2019