Coastal Access Toolkit
What planning process exists for securing access in waterfront towns? More...
Common Law & Statutes
For information about land ownership and More...
- • FAQs
- • Resources
- • Glossary A-H
- • Glossary I-P
- • Glossary Q-Z
Government & Public Entities
Municipalities and governments have unique tools available for creating and maintaining access, such as land use planning and regulations that protect natural resources and water quality. Governments have authority from several fundamental legal doctrines to use their regulatory power on behalf of the public, with restrictions.
How can state and local governments plan for coastal access?
Comprehensive planning and harbor planning ordinances can reduce the types of development that are incompatible with access, and provide incentives for developers to provide access to the public. See Plan and Regulate for Access.
How can we enhance existing or create new coastal access in our jurisdiction?
- Purchase land with water access, or acquire access rights from a willing seller. Go to the 'Acquiring Access' page
- Establish land use regulations to create or enhance access.
- Reduced assessed values are possible through enrollment in current use programs, selling development rights, or by placing enforceable deed restrictions upon a parcel.
How can we secure or manage existing public access?
- Re-establish rights of way.
- Acquire or secure an easement.
- Plan for access.
What is the role of land trusts as public interest entities in planning, enhancing, creating, securing and managing access?
Land Trusts and conservation organizations can serve as third party interests in addressing access issues. For more information, contact Maine Coast Heritage and Maine Land Trust Network, both at www.mcht.org, the Land Trust Alliance, and The Trust for Public Lands.