No person shall construct a beach, groin, or other structure to control erosion, wave action, or inundation along or near the Ohio shoreline of Lake Erie, including related islands, bays, and inlets, without first obtaining a shore structure permit from the director of natural resources.

The application for a permit shall include detailed plans and specifications prepared by a professional engineer registered under Chapter 4733. of the Revised Code. An applicant shall provide appropriate evidence of compliance with any applicable provisions of this chapter and Chapters 1505. and 1521. of the Revised Code, as determined by the director. A temporary shore structure permit may be issued by the director if it is determined necessary to safeguard life, health, or property.

Each application or reapplication for a permit under this section shall be accompanied by a non-refundable fee as the director shall prescribe by rule.

If the application is approved, the director shall issue a permit to the applicant authorizing construction of the project. If requested in writing by the applicant within thirty days of issuance of a notice of disapproval of the application, the director shall conduct an adjudication hearing under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, except sections 119.12 and 119.121 of the Revised Code. After reviewing the record of the hearing, the director shall issue a final order approving the application, disapproving it, or approving it conditioned on the making of specified revisions in the plans and specifications.

The director, by rule, shall limit the period during which a construction permit issued under this section is valid and shall establish reapplication requirements governing a construction permit that expires before construction is completed.

In accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the director shall adopt, and may amend or rescind, such rules as are necessary for the administration, implementation, and enforcement of this section.

Effective Date: 2007 HB119 09-29-2007.