What is the “buffer zone”?
The buffer zone is the area that extends 100 feet perpendicularly from one of the resource areas listed above (in Do I need to File?). The buffer zone is not a resource area itself, but rather buffers the above listed resource areas. Vegetation, pervious soils, and natural grades often serve to buffer a resource area from the impacts of development. Although, activities in the buffer zone require a filing with the Commission, many of these activities are allowed. Those with no impact to the adjacent resource areas usually require no mitigation measures. Those activities in the buffer zone that could potentially impact the adjacent resource area must be mitigated. Activities that cannot be mitigated, cannot be permitted. In short, the buffer zone buffers a wetland, stream, pond, dune, coastal bank, vernal pool or other resource area from potential impacts. The Commission reviews all activities in the buffer zone to ensure enough buffering occurs.
