DPNR Coastal Zone Management, St. Croix

Coastal Zone Management is the Department of Planning and Natural Resources program that reviews development in the first tier of the territory, known as the coastal zone. Its permitting process, set by Title 12, Chapter 21 of the Virgin Islands Code, checks that projects are consistent with the goals of the coastal zone law, limit harm to coastal resources and do not interfere with public access to the sea. Applications are divided into major and minor permits for land, water, or both, and major permits are posted for public review. St. Croix buyers considering a shoreline lot or work near the water can use the interactive map on the program's site to see whether a parcel is in Tier 1. If a property already holds a CZM permit, the program has a form for assigning or transferring it. DPNR lists its St. Croix office at Estate Mars Hill in Frederiksted.