Skip to main content
Center for Coastal Resources Management

Model Language

Living Shorelines Policy and Recommendations for Local Comprehensive Plans

Issue Statement

Coastal ecosystems occur at the interface between the land and water, and are naturally very complex. They perform a vast array of ecological functions, while also supporting significant economic, cultural, and recreational activities. Historically, the management of coastal resources has been fragmented, with separate programs for water quality, erosion control, and wildlife habitat.

The science behind coastal ecosystem resource management has revealed that traditional resource management practices limit the natural capacity of shoreline ecosystems to function properly. Hardened structures such as bulkheads, seawalls, and riprap revetments sever the connection between the riparian buffer and the aquatic system, eliminating intertidal habitat, reflecting wave energy, and exacerbating erosion on adjacent shorelines.

Beaches and dunes are diminishing due to a reduction in a natural sediment supply primarily from slumping or eroding banks that have been armored. In response to sea-level rise and coastal storms, shorelines naturally migrate inland unless impeded by artificial barriers.

In the 1980s, interest arose in the use of planted wetlands to provide natural shoreline erosion control. Today, a full spectrum of nature-based and living shoreline techniques exists, utilizing marsh plantings, sills, breakwaters, and beach nourishment.

Research continues to support that these approaches lessen shoreline erosion, minimize impacts to the natural coastal ecosystem, enhance water quality, and provide critical nursery habitat for commercially and recreationally important fish and shellfish species.

Policy Statement

In 2011, the Virginia Assembly passed legislation to amend § 28.2-1100 and § 28.2-104.1 of the Code of Virginia, establishing that living shorelines are the Commonwealth’s preferred alternative for stabilizing tidal shorelines. In 2020, legislation further strengthened this standard (Senate Bill 776):

“The Commission [VMRC] shall permit only living shoreline approaches to shoreline management unless the best available science shows that such approaches are not suitable.”

VIMS prepared Comprehensive Coastal Resources Management Guidance for localities in “Tidewater Virginia” for compliance with § 15.2-2223.2 of the Code of Virginia, which mandates that localities incorporate coastal resource management guidance into their comprehensive plans.

In addition, VIMS has prepared a compendium of resources pertaining to Living Shoreline functions, design, appropriate site suitability, and regulatory standards available through this portal.

Recommendations for Local Comprehensive Plans

  • Incorporate Commonwealth Policy: Adopt a policy statement in the local Comprehensive Plan reflecting Title 28.2, § 28.2-104.1 supporting living shorelines as the required shoreline management strategy unless site conditions dictate otherwise.
  • Acknowledge Best Available Science: If the best available science demonstrates that a living shoreline approach is unsuitable, acknowledge that VMRC and the local Wetlands Board may permit alternative approaches.
  • Utilize the Shoreline Management Model (SMM): Local Wetlands Boards and planning staff should consult the SMM recommendations to guide shoreline decisions and long-range planning.
  • Review Supporting Science: Reference The Science Behind Virginia’s Living Shoreline Standards and VIMS CCRM technical guidance during project review.
  • Consult Locality Portals: Utilize the comprehensive datasets and mapping tools available on the VIMS CCRM Locality Portals for planning and ordinance development.
  • Use Decision Tools & Decision Trees: Direct applicants and board members to the self-guided Decision Support Tools and Decision Trees for desktop evaluation of proposed projects.
  • Target Nature-Based Adaptation: Designate living shorelines and nature-based features as preferred adaptation strategies in local flood resilience and hazard mitigation planning.
  • Staff Training: Encourage continuing education for planners, engineers, and board members on VIMS decision tools and shoreline guidance.
  • Promote State General Permits: Ensure staff and board familiarity with state General Permits designed to expedite living shoreline projects.
  • Encourage Open Space Buffer Conservation: Preserve open spaces adjacent to tidal marshes to allow for inland marsh migration as sea levels rise.
  • Incentive & Financing Programs: Evaluate local tax incentives, permit fee waivers, or cost-share programs (such as the Virginia Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund or VCAP) to assist property owners in constructing living shorelines.