Considerations for control of house construction in coastal dunes

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine if maintenance of the integrity of coastal dunes as a form of storm protection should require restrictions on the types of buildings located within the dune zone. A properly built house does not appear to endanger the integrity of the dune to a point where the hazard potential is increased. Active human uses of the dune and programs of dune stabilization can play a more important role in changing the configuration of coastal dunes than elevated structures. Buildings constructed landward of the dune should be built in a manner which is compatible with an eventual location within the dune. Construction standards should be specified in land‐use controls along with regulations to control the active human uses such as sand stabilization programs.