The 2017 Coastal Zone Conversion Permit Act amends the Coastal Zone Act to allow the reuse of 14 existing sites of heavy industry use within Delaware’s Coastal Zone. A process is now under way to revise the Regulations Governing Delaware’s Coastal Zone by October 1, 2019, to reflect that change.

An application for a Coastal Zone Permit is necessary for any new or expanded manufacturing activity that will have an impact on the environment, the economy, the aesthetics or neighboring land uses. A Coastal Zone Status Decision can help determine whether a proposed activity is considered heavy industry, or to determine if the proposed activity is exempt from having to obtain a Coastal Zone Permit.

A permitting flow chart tracks the Coastal Zone permitting process. If a project requires other permits from DNREC, the Coastal Zone permit generally takes precedence, although related permit applications may be processed concurrently.