TITLE 31.NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION

Part 4. SCHOOL LAND BOARD

Chapter 155. LAND RESOURCES

Subchapter A. COASTAL PUBLIC LANDS

31 TAC §155.1, §155.3

The School Land Board (Board) proposes amendments to §155.1, relating to General Provisions, and §155.3, relating to Easements. These amendments are primarily intended to streamline the process by which projects on coastal public land are authorized.

Section 155.1 is amended, first, to remove general coastal easements as a method of authorizing minor projects on coastal public land. It is replaced by provisions in §155.3, relating to Easements, that give the Commissioner of the General Land Office the authority to approve certain types of residential projects without Board authorization. Second, definitions for sensitive habitat and mitigation sequence are added. These are technical terms that appear in the chapter, but were not previously defined in the rule. In addition, the definition of the term "fill" is substituted for the term "landfill" and the definition modified to make it more accurately reflect the activity. Finally, this section is amended to include the provision that allows the Board to delay a decision on an application to consider comments from the public on a required Corps of Engineers permit. This provision currently applies only to easements. However, Corps permits may also be required on projects that require a lease or a permit. Consequently, incorporating it into the general provisions makes it applicable to all forms of authorization covered by this chapter.

The proposed amendments to §155.3, relating to Easements, first, delete the language from the rule that duplicates the statutory provisions. The most significant change to the rule, however, is that it allows the Commissioner of the General Land Office the authority to grant easements for existing residential structures and proposed residential structures that have minor environmental impacts or no impacts at all. The authorization process for such projects will be expedited by no longer requiring Board approval. In addition, it will allow the Board to focus their limited time on commercial projects and other large-scale projects. The proposed amendments also include a list of factors the Board or the Commissioner shall consider when making decisions on an application, including a mitigation sequence that applicants must consider and apply to projects that may have an adverse impact on coastal natural resources. Finally, the proposed amendments delete any superfluous language from the rule and, when appropriate, reorganize subsections to make the rule more readable and easier to follow.

Rene Truan, Deputy Commissioner of the Asset Inspection Division, has determined that for the first five-year period these rules are in effect the fiscal implications for the state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering these rules will be a reduction in the effort required by the state to authorize residential projects. This will in turn reduce the cost of administering the Coastal Easement program and allow staff to concentrate on projects with greater impact to coastal public lands.

Mr. Truan has also determined that for the first five-year period the rules are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of implementing these rules will be a reduction in the time and effort required to obtain authorization for certain projects on coastal public land. Mr. Truan has determined that there will be no adverse economic impact to small businesses or individuals.

The proposed amendments to §155.1 and §155.3 are subject to the Texas Coastal Management Program (CMP) §505.11(a)(1)(F) of this title, relating to Actions and Rules Subject to the CMP and must be consistent with the applicable goals and policies under §501.14(h) of this title, relating to Development in Critical Areas, §501.14(i) of this title, relating to Construction of Waterfront Facilities and Other Structures on Submerged Lands, and §501.14(j) of this title, relating to Dredging and Dredged Material Disposal and Placement. The General Land Office reviewed these proposed rules for consistency with the CMP goals and policies in accordance with the regulations of the Coastal Coordination Council (Council). The General Land Office has determined that the proposed rules are consistent with the applicable CMP goals and policies.

Comments may be submitted in writing to Melinda Tracy, Legal Services Division, General Land Office, P.O. Box 12873, Austin, Texas 78711, by no later than 30 days from the date of publication.

The General Land Office has prepared a takings impact assessment for the adoption of these amendments and has determined that adoption of these amendments will not result in the taking of private real property. To receive and copy of the takings impact assessment, please send a written request to Ms. Tracy.

These amendments are proposed under Texas Natural Resources Code Chapter 33, §33.064 which authorizes the Board to adopt procedural and substantive rules necessary for the management of coastal public lands.

Texas Natural Resources Code §33.111 is affected by the proposed amendments.

§155.1.General Provisions.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

Scope of rules. These rules set forth the practice and procedure for administration by the board in granting a lease, easement, permit, and the registration of a structure on coastal public lands. All grants of interest are subject to these rules and regulations. The board may grant the following interest in coastal public lands for the indicated purposes:

(1)

(No change.)

(2)

easements for purposes connected with ownership of littoral property:

[(A)

a general coastal easement may be approved by the board under which projects with minor or negligible natural resource impacts may be authorized; ]

[(B)

approval or authorization of minor projects provided above may be evidenced by the issuance of a letter of authorization by the board or the commissioner in the manner provided in §155.3 of this title (relating to Easements); ]

[(C)

general coastal easements and letters of authorization may contain special conditions determined by the board to be necessary or appropriate to protect natural resources; ]

(3)-(4)

(No change.)

(c)

If a Department of the Army Corps of Engineers permit is required for a proposed project, the board may postpone a decision on the application pending receipt of comments on the work described in the Corps of Engineers public notice.

(d)

[ (c) ] Definitions. The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1)

Board--The School Land Board of Texas.

(2)

Breakwater--A structure of timber, cement, or other material, either fixed or floating, designed to protect beaches and harbor areas from wave action.

(3)

Bulkhead and riprap--Structures of timber, steel, concrete, rock, or similar substance erected parallel to the shoreline for erosion control purposes.

(4)

Coastal area--Refers to the geographic area comprising all the counties of Texas having any tidewater shoreline including that portion of the bed and waters of the Gulf of Mexico within the jurisdiction of the State of Texas.

(5)

Coastal public lands--All or any portion of the state-owned submerged lands, the waters overlying those lands, and all state-owned islands in coastal area.

(6)

Commercial structure--Any structure located on coastal public lands which is used directly for the sale of goods, wares, services on or property of any kind and includes any structure on coastal public lands adjacent to littoral property used commercially when said structure is used in conjunction with adjacent littoral commercial property.

(7)

Sensitive habitat--An area of submerged or emergent vegetation or reefs.

(8)

[ (7) ] Commissioner--The commissioner of the General Land Office.

(9)

[ (8) ] Dredged material disposal--The deposition of sand, gravel, shell, or other material generated by a dredging activity onto coastal public lands.

(10)

[ (9) ] Dredging--The moving of soil, sand, gravel, shell or other materials from its natural setting and thereby artificially altering the water depth, e.g., channels, basins, etc.

(11)

[ (10) ] Island--Any body of land surrounded by the waters of a salt water lake, bay, inlet, estuary, or inland body of water within the tidewater limits of this state and shall include man-made islands resulting from dredging of other operations.

(12)

[ (11) ] Jetties and groins--Structures of rock, concrete, steel, or other material designed to modify or control sediment [ sand ] movement along a shore.

(13)

[ (12) ] Fill [ Landfill ]--The deposition [ filling and creation of dry upland by the depositing ] of soil, sand, gravel, shell, or any [ and ] other materials on coastal public lands[ contiguous to littoral property, or the artificial alteration of waters levels for land reclamation purposes ].

(14)

[ (13) ] Littoral owner--The owner or leaseholder of any public or private upland bordered by or contiguous to coastal public lands.

(15)

[ (14) ] Marina--A combination of docks or piers floating or constructed on pilings, extending onto or over coastal public lands, which is used for purposes of storing or docking boats, pleasure crafts, shrimp boats, and similar structures and is available to the public and charges are made for any of its services, and which do not constitute wharves, docks, or piers as hereinafter defined.

(16)

Mitigation sequence--The series of steps which must be taken if sensitive areas are adversely affected.

(17)

[ (15) ] Person--Any individual, firm, partnership, association, corporation (public or private, profit or nonprofit), trust, or political subdivision or agency of the state.

(18)

[ (16) ] Pier and dock--Structures of timber or other material built onto or over coastal public lands which are used for fishing and recreational boating purposes and which do not constitute a wharf or marina as hereinbefore defined.

(19)

[ (17) ] Seaward--The direction away from the shore and toward the body of water bounded by such shore.

(20)

[ (18) ] Structure--Any structure, work, or improvement constructed upon, affixed to, or worked upon coastal public lands, including but not limited to, fixed to or floating piers, wharves, docks, jetties, groins, breakwaters, artificial reefs, fences, posts, retaining walls, levees, ramps, cabins, houses, shelters, landfills, excavations, land canals, channels, and roads.

(21)

[ (19) ] Submerged lands--Any land extending from the boundary between the lands of the state and littoral owners seaward to the low water mark on any salt water lake, bay, inlet, estuary, or inland water within the tidewater limits, and any land lying beneath such a body of water, but (for the purposes of these rules only) excludes beaches bordering on, and the waters of, the open Gulf of Mexico, and the lands lying beneath such waters.

(22)

[ (20) ] Waste and/or garbage--Includes discarded food, refuse, and unwanted man-made degradable and non-degradable items such as containers, equipment, and other rubbish.

(23)

[ (21) ] Wharf--A structure of timber, cement, masonry, earth, or other material built onto or over coastal public lands, so that vessels can receive and discharge cargo, products, goods, any paying passengers, etc. This definition applies only to structures or portions thereof which are directly connected with and used for the loading and unloading of water borne commerce but specifically excludes such structures used only for commercial fishing purposes.

(e)

[ (d) ] Consistency with Coastal Management Program. Except as otherwise provided in §16.1(c) of this title (relating to Definitions and Scope), an action listed in §16.1(b) of this title (relating to Definitions and Scope) taken or authorized by the GLO or SLB pursuant to this chapter that may adversely affect a coastal natural resource area, as defined in §16.1 of this title (relating to Definitions and Scope), is subject to and must be consistent with the goals and policies identified in Chapter 16 of this title (relating to Coastal Protection) in addition to any goals, policies, and procedures applicable under this chapter. If the provisions of this chapter conflict with and can not be harmonized with certain provisions of Chapter 16 of this title, such conflicting provisions of Chapter 16 of this title (relating to Coastal Protection) will control.

§155.3.Easements.

(a)

Any easement granted to a littoral owner [ Littoral owner. The board may grant easement rights to the owner of adjacent littoral property authorizing the placement or location of a structure on coastal public lands for purposes connected with the ownership of littoral property. The granting of an easement pursuant to this rule, including the waiver below, ] will not be construed as recognition of a right existing in the littoral owner incident to the ownership of littoral property. [ The owner of littoral property may construct a pier which is not for commercial purposes, which does not exceed 100 feet in length nor 25 feet in width, and which requires no filling or dredging, without obtaining an easement from the board; however, the location and dimensions of any pier must be registered with the board as provided in §155.5 of this title (relating to Registration of Structures). ]

(b)-(c)

(No change.)

[(d)

Texas Department of Transportation. The board may grant an easement according to these rules to the Texas Department of Transportation; however, each such easement will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.]

(d)

[ (e) ] Application. An applicant desiring an easement must submit an application to the General Land Office on forms approved by the General Land Office, not less than 30 days prior to the desired approval date. If shoreline alteration is proposed, a survey plat and field notes may be required. In addition to submitting an application form, applicants are encouraged to present reasons why the easement should be granted. It is the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate affirmatively that the proposed structure is in the public interest. The board may request any additional information it deems necessary. [ A nonrefundable filing fee made payable to the General Land Office must accompany each application. ]

(e)

[ (f) ] Consideration of application.

[(1)

Upon receipt of a complete application form and additional information requested by the board, the board may circulate it for review and comment to any member agency of the interagency council on Natural Resources and the Environment.]

[(2)

If a Department of the Army Corps of Engineers permit is required for the proposed work, the board may postpone a decision on the easement application pending receipt of comments on the work described in the Corps of Engineers public notice.]

(1)

[ (3) ] Unless otherwise authorized by these sections, the board will hold a meeting to evaluate, consider, and hear testimony on an application. Upon receipt of an application and all requested information, the board may issue, deny, or issue with qualifications, an easement[ contract ].

[(4)

The decision on an application for an easement which requires the payment of fees that do not exceed $600 per year, which proposes no new dredging or filling, and to which there are no written objections, and in which there is no commercial/industrial activity, may be made by the commissioner or any staff member he designates without a meeting of the board.]

(2)

[ (5) ] Upon receipt of all necessary application information, the board or [ , ] the commissioner, as provided by subsection (f) of this section [ or a staff member designated under paragraph (4) of this subsection ], may issue, deny, or issue with qualifications, an easement contract.

(f)

The commissioner may approve an easement application without board approval if the application is for any of the following activities but not for commercial/industrial activity and is consistent with the criteria for decision as set forth below in subsection (g) of this section;

(1)

existing fill and associated bulkhead, riprap, dredged areas, groins, breakwaters, or other similar existing projects;

(2)

existing piers, docks, boatlifts, or other similar existing projects;

(3)

proposed piers, docks, boatlifts, or other similar projects provided such projects have been determined by the Land Office staff to have minimal unavoidable environmental impacts;

(4)

proposed fill and associated riprap or bulkheads provided such fill impacts less than two hundred (200) square feet;

(5)

proposed riprap which impacts the minimum amount of coastal public land to prevent erosion;

(6)

renewals or assignments of previously approved projects provided the project has not been altered; or

(7)

habitat creation not associated with another project on coastal public land.

(g)

Criteria for decision. [ An application for an easement on coastal public lands will be reviewed to insure conformity with the policies, practices, and procedures in these rules. ] Project proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the following factors [ guidelines ].

(1)

Fill projects for the sole purpose of land reclamation will not be approved; and

(2)

Any project that is determined by the board or the commissioner as unsafe or contrary to the established policies of the board and/or the Land Office will not be approved.

(3)

[ (1) ] Adverse impacts to coastal natural resource areas [ resources ] must be avoided to the extent practicable and minimized where unavoidable. Applicants may be required to provide appropriate mitigation , as set forth in subsection (b) of this section, for those impacts which are unavoidable. Where impacts to coastal natural resource areas are minimal, the payment of a resource impact fee may be required in lieu of undertaking a physical mitigation project where such project is not practicable.

(4)

[ (2) ] Docks and piers.

(A)

Piers and docks will be limited to the minimum size necessary to serve the purpose of the project and will be constructed in a manner that does not interfere with navigation or other authorized uses.

(B)

Piers and docks will be designed and constructed in a manner that avoids existing marshes, oyster reefs, seagrass vegetation or shallow water capable of supporting these habitats to the extent practicable. Impacts to sensitive habitats that cannot be avoided will be minimized to the extent practicable.

(C)

When constructed for private/residential use [ private/residentialuse ], only one pier or dock, with normal appurtenances, may extend from each defined parcel of littoral property. A pier or dock shall extend perpendicular from a point on the shoreline which is not less than ten feet from the adjacent littoral owner's property line, unless such a design would obstruct navigation or would unreasonably interfere with an adjoining littoral property owner's use of the waterfront.

(5)

[ (3) ] Dredged areas.

(A)

Propwashing is an unacceptable method of dredging and will not be approved.

(B)

Projects shall be limited [ are to be designed and constructed ] to the minimum size necessary to serve the project purpose. Joint use of access channels by multiple littoral property owners is preferred and encouraged rather than individual channels [ to be preferred to individual channels and will be encouraged ].

(C)

Extension of piers into deeper water is preferred to the dredging of access channels or basins whenever practical.

(D)

A channel or basin should be designed to insure adequate flushing and should [ to ] prevent the creation of conditions which are likely to cause stagnant water pockets.

(E)

The alignment of a channel or canal should make maximum use of a natural or existing channel. Design and alignment should minimize disruption of natural sheetflow, water flow, and drainage systems.

(F)

A channel proposed to be dredged through highly productive coastal public lands is discouraged and will be approved only in unusual circumstances.

(G)

Dredging should be conducted in a manner that minimizes turbidity and dispersal of dredged material.

(6)

[ (4) ] Dredged material disposal area.

(A)

All dredged material should be placed on and contained within suitable upland sites of relatively low productivity above mean high water and where adverse effects of such disposal are minimized.

(B)

Dredge material containing hazardous substances that [ , and which ] presents a threat to public health, safety or the environment, shall be disposed of only in compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations; further

(i)

dredge material shall not be disposed of in any place where such disposal would adversely affect municipal water supplies, shellfish beds, fishery areas (including spawning and breeding areas), wildlife, or recreational areas; and

(ii)

disposal of dredge material shall be in accordance with §501.14 [ §510.14 ] of this title (relating to Texas Coastal Management Program Policies for Specific Activities and Coastal Natural Resource Areas).

(C)

Open water disposal shall comply with subparagraph (B) and shall be considered only if upland alternatives are not available. Any disposal in open waters must be in compliance with all federal, state and local laws and regulations and shall be consistent with the goals and policies of the Texas Coastal Management Program.

(D)

Consideration of habitat creation and improvement should be made when environmental damage results.

(7)

[ (5) ] Jetty, groin, and breakwater.

(A)

No new groins will be authorized except under the most compelling circumstances upon request by a city, county, or other public entity for a public purpose.

(B)

Plans for construction of a jetty, groin, or breakwater must be analyzed to insure that the structure does not create adverse sediment transportation patterns that induce erosion or undesirable shoaling in adjacent areas.

(C)

Existing but unauthorized groins may be authorized to remain in place until such groins are destroyed or damaged in excess of fifty percent under the following conditions:

(i)

no significant erosion of adjacent property has occurred or is occurring as a result of the presence of the groin;

(ii)

no significant adverse impacts to sensitive habitats have occurred nor are sensitive habitats threatened by the presence of the groin;

(iii)

no unnatural accumulation resulting in the deposition of sediments greater than five square feet per linear foot of the affected shoreline; and

(iv)

non-compliance with any of the above conditions will be sufficient cause for denial or termination of authorization and for removal of a non-conforming structure.

(v)

If a groin causes significant unnatural accumulation but the removal of the groin will cause severe adverse impacts to sensitive natural resources the boundary between state-owned submerged land and the adjacent littoral property must be established by a Licensed State Land Surveyor.

(D)

[ (C) ] In addition to minimizing adverse physical effects, the owner of [ care must be taken that ] a jetty, groin, or breakwater must ensure that the structure does not unduly interfere with public use of submerged land or the shoreline .

(8)

[ (6) ] Shoreline stabilization projects.

(A)

Vegetative cover is the preferred method of shoreline stabilization and shall be used where its use is practical. Impacts to sensitive habitat will be avoided whenever possible and minimized and mitigated when unavoidable.

(B)

Riprap is an acceptable method of shoreline stabilization if composed of interlocking brick, rock large enough not to be displaced by storms, or concrete rubble which is free of protruding rebar. Where possible, sloping riprapping should be used rather than a vertical seawall or bulkhead. Riprap material may extend seaward from the shoreline only as far as required to protect the shoreline.

(C)

The use of tires, automobile bodies or parts, appliances, trash and other unconsolidated material is not acceptable and shall not be approved.

(D)

Except in special circumstances, a bulkhead or seawall should be located no further seaward than the mean of the high water line, and designed so that reflected wave energy does not destroy stable marine bottom or constitute a safety hazard.

(E)

An application for the construction of a bulkhead on a significant coastal public marsh or grassflat, where such will lead to the destruction of this resource, will normally be denied. To avoid this, extreme care should be taken as to the location and type of construction planned for bulkheads in a wetland area.

(9)

[ (7) ] Marinas.

(A)

Marinas should be located in areas where the least dredging and maintenance will be required. Plans for a marina should minimize the disruption of currents and the need for excavation of the shore area. Dead end or deep canals without adequate flushing should be avoided.

(B)

Each marina shall provide adequate facilities to its users for the reception of waste and/or garbage. Failure to insure that the users of a marina have access to facilities necessary for the proper and lawful disposal of waste and/or garbage on an ongoing basis may subject the easement to termination and the easement holder to any applicable civil and criminal penalties.

(10)

[ (8) ] Deposition of fill [ Landfills ].

(A)

Deposition of fill [ Landfills ] proposed in marshes and submerged grass bed areas normally will be denied. Consideration will be given to a fill [ landfill ] proposal for a water dependent use or public use on relatively unproductive coastal public lands.

(B)

A shoreline fill should be designed and located so that significant damage to existing ecological values or natural resources, or alternation of natural currents will not occur.

(C)

The perimeter of fills should be provided with vegetation, retaining walls, riprap, or other mechanisms for erosion prevention.

(D)

Fill material should be of such quality that it will not cause water quality degradation. Submerged land should not be considered for a sanitary landfill or the disposal of solid waste.

(h)

Mitigation sequence. An applicant is responsible for identifying practicable alternatives or available sites for a proposed project with the fewest adverse impacts. For projects requiring mitigation for unavoidable adverse impacts to natural resources, review shall be based on the following sequence:

(1)

Avoidance. Projects must be designed to avoid critical area impacts to the extent practicable. Critical areas include, but are not limited to, a coastal wetland, an oyster reef, a hard substrate reef, submerged vegetation, or tidal sand or mud flat.

(2)

Minimization. Unavoidable impacts shall be minimized to the extent practicable through the use of structural or non-structural modifications.

(3)

Mitigation and Compensation. Each project approved without a separate mitigation requirement will be subject to a resource impact fee as set forth in §155.15(b)(2)(F).

(i)

[ (h) ] Consideration of application by mineral interest holder. The board will review and consider an application for a channel easement to a mineral interest holder on coastal public lands to insure conformity with the policies, practices, and procedures in these rules and regulations. Environmental recommendations for certain development and production activities will be provided to the mineral interest holder on bay tracts and certain other tracts in the notice of bids booklet published by the General Land Office. Updates of these recommendations will be furnished on request. Development activities conforming with these environmental recommendations normally will receive favorable consideration by the General Land Office.

(j)

[ (i) ] Approval criteria. An easement, if granted by the board, will be approved subject to these rules in addition to such terms and conditions as may be prescribed in the contractual agreement. The board may waive a rule at its discretion. All structures on coastal public lands will be subject to inspection at any time by the board or their authorized representatives. Any easement contract will be for a specific purpose. If a change in the contractual agreement is desired, an amendment application must be filed. An applicant, by accepting an easement to occupy or otherwise place a structure on coastal public lands or water surface areas, agrees and consents to comply with and be bound by the following additional terms and conditions:

(1)

to keep the commissioner informed at all times of his or her address, and if a corporation, of the address of its principal place of business and the name and address of the officer or agent authorized to receive service of notice;

(2)

that the allowance of the easement will be subject to the express condition that the rights granted will not unduly prevent or interfere in any way with the management, administration of, or the granting, either prior or subsequent to the easement, of other rights by the board of any part of the area included in the easement;

(3)

that the structure authorized under contract will be maintained in proper order and will not be allowed to deteriorate to such a degree as to become a hazard or public nuisance;

(4)

that all of the surface estate of coastal public lands shall be worked, dredged, filled, or used in such a manner as to prevent pollution, and in the event of pollution, the easement holder shall use all reasonable means to recapture all pollutants which have escaped, whether by reason of a sudden and accidental release or any other means. The easement holder shall be responsible for all damage to public and private property which is the result of pollution arising from any use of the easement including, but not limited to, the easement holder's failure to provide adequate facilities for the reception of waste and/or garbage;

(5)

that the disposal or discharge of any waste or garbage into state waters from any marina, pier, dock, wharf, or any other structure located on coastal public lands is strictly prohibited.

(k)

[ (j) ] Renewals. A request for renewal of an easement shall utilize the contract form, rate schedule, and adhere to rules and regulations in effect at the time the renewal is made. Any person requesting a renewal must submit an application form as required in this rule and must include the easement number and date of expiration of the existing easement.

(l)

[ (k) ] Assignment. Assignment may be made of any interest rights granted in whole or in part subject to the written approval of the commissioner. Any such assignment must be filed in triplicate accompanied by a written request for approval in which the assignee agrees to comply with all rules and regulations contained herein and in the contractual agreement. A fee of $50 payable to the General Land Office must accompany the application for approval of an assignment. No assignment is effective to transfer any rights until approved by the commissioner, the grantee, and the assignee.

(m)

[ (l) ] Termination. Failure to comply with these rules and regulations or the terms and conditions of the easement shall subject [ subjects ] the easement to termination by the board.

(1)

Upon termination of any easement, the grantee will, at the option of the board, within 120 days from said termination, remove all of its personal property and all structures and manmade improvements authorized in the easement contract, provided all monies due have been paid. The grantee shall take whatever measures as are necessary to restore the area involved as nearly as practicable to the same condition that existed prior to placement of any structures thereon, except as otherwise approved in writing by the commissioner.

(2)

The board may consent to premature termination of all or part of any contractual agreement.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on April 23, 2001.

TRD-200102323

Larry R. Soward

Chief Clerk, General Land Office

School Land Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: June 3, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-9129


Chapter 155. LAND RESOURCES

Subchapter A. COASTAL PUBLIC LANDS

31 TAC §155.2, §155.5

(Editor's note: The text of the following sections proposed for repeal will not be published. The sections may be examined in the offices of the School Land Board or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The School Land Board (Board) proposes to simultaneously repeal and propose new §155.2, relating to Leases, and §155.5, relating to Structure Registrations. The rules are repealed and new rules proposed because the rules have been significantly rewritten and reorganized. The changes are primarily intended to streamline the process by which projects on coastal public lands are authorized. A change common to all the rules is the deletion of language from the rules that duplicates statutory provisions.

Section 155.2, relating to Leases, includes definitions for certain terms that apply only to this section. In addition, the new language results from the reorganization and simplification of the section by deleting redundant language and combining subsections into a new subsection of general provisions that apply to all leases. This results in a shorter and simpler rule.

Section 155.5, relating to Registration of Structures, is significantly rewritten and reorganized to eliminate superfluous provisions and streamline the process by which specific structures that do not require an easement are registered with the General Land Office.

Mr. Rene Truan, Deputy Commissioner of the Asset Inspection Division, has determined that for the first five-year period these rules are in effect the fiscal implications for the state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering these rules will be a reduction in the effort required by the state to authorize public projects and minimal residential piers. This will in turn reduce the cost of administering the Coastal Lease and Structure Registration programs, and allow staff to concentrate on projects with greater impact. Also other state agencies and local governments will have a reduction in the effort required to obtain leases for public projects.

Mr. Truan has also determined that for the first five-year period the rules are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of implementing these rules will be a reduction in the time and effort required to obtain authorization for certain projects on coastal public land. Mr. Truan has determined that there will be no adverse economic impact to small businesses or individuals.

The proposed amendments to §155.2 and §155.5 are subject to the Texas Coastal Management Program (CMP) §505.11(a)(1)(E) and §505.11(a)(1)(G) of this title, relating to Actions and Rules Subject to the CMP and must be consistent with the applicable goals and policies under §501.14(h) of this title, relating to Development in Critical Areas, §501.14(i) of this title, relating to Construction of Waterfront Facilities and Other Structures on Submerged Lands and §501.14(j) of this title, relating to Dredging and Dredged Material Disposal and Placement. The General Land Office reviewed these proposed actions for consistency with the CMP goals and policies in accordance with the regulations of the Coastal Coordination Council (Council). The General Land Office has determined that the proposed actions are consistent with the applicable CMP goals and policies.

Comments may be submitted in writing to Melinda Tracy, Legal Services Division, General Land Office, P.O. Box 12873, Austin, Texas 78711 by no later than 30 days from the date of publication.

The General Land Office has prepared a takings impact assessment for the adoption of these proposed rules and has determined that adoption of these rules will not result in the taking of private real property. To receive and copy of the takings impact assessment, please send a written request to Ms. Tracy.

The repealed sections are proposed under Texas Natural Resources Code Chapter 33, §33.064 which authorizes the Board to promulgate procedural and substantive rules necessary for the management of coastal public lands.

Texas Natural Resources Code §§33.105, 33.115, and 33.132 are affected by the repeal of these sections.

§155.2.Leases.

§155.5.Registration of Structures.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on April 23, 2001.

TRD-200102322

Larry R. Soward

Chief Clerk, General Land Office

School Land Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: June 3, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-9129


The new sections are proposed under Texas Natural Resources Code Chapter 33, §33.064 which authorizes the Board to adopt procedural and substantive rules necessary for the management of coastal public lands.

Texas Natural Resources Code §§33.105, 33.115, and 33.132 are affected by the proposed new sections.

§155.2.Leases.

(a)

Definitions. For purposes of this section:

(1)

Public recreational purpose means the use of coastal public land suitable for human use and enjoyment.

(2)

Estuarine preserve means coastal public land set aside for the protection of fresh-water and marine ecosystems.

(3)

Wildlife refuge means land set aside for habitat of native and rare species.

(b)

Application. In addition to the requirements set forth in Section 33.102 of the Texas Natural Resources Code, any person desiring a lease for the use of coastal public land shall include the following in the application:

(1)

the name, address, and telephone number of the person desiring the lease; and

(2)

the intended public purpose.

(c)

General Conditions.

(1)

Lessee shall be subject to all the terms and conditions of their lease.

(2)

Lessee shall be subject to all policies, provisions, terms and conditions applying to leased coastal public land by statute or administrative rule.

(3)

Lessee shall be subject to any additional policies, provisions, and conditions adopted by the board for the benefit of the public.

(4)

Lessee shall pay to the Land Office the necessary filing fees and all other fees determined by the board as adequate compensation for the use of coastal public land.

(5)

Lessee shall not unduly prevent or interfere in any way with the management, administration of, or granting of other rights by the board of any coastal public land included within its lease.

(6)

Lessee shall indemnify the lessor against any and all liability for damages to life, person, or property arising from the lessee's occupation and use of the coastal public land covered under its lease.

(7)

The Land Office, may at any time, inspect any structure located on leased coastal public land.

(8)

Lessee shall keep the Land Office informed at all times of the lessee's current telephone number and mailing address.

(9)

No lease may be assigned without prior written approval of the board.

(d)

Renewals. Renewals of leases will utilize the contract form and adhere to rules and regulations in effect at the time of the renewal.

(e)

Termination. Upon termination of any lease, the lessee shall, at the option of the board remove all of lessee's personal property and all structures constructed or maintained by Lessee and restore the area involved as nearly as practicable to the same condition that existed prior to the placement of any structure thereon within 120 days of the termination date, except as otherwise approved by the commissioner in writing. This obligation of removal and restoration shall survive the expiration of the lease .

(1)

The board may consent to the premature termination of all or part of a lease under any of the following conditions:

(A)

the intended public purpose is terminated by any other governmental agency action that is not related to lessee's action or failure to act;

(B)

the lessee has satisfied all conditions of the lease prior to the to date of termination, unless otherwise waived by the board; or

(C)

an emergency due to a change in topography.

(2)

Failure to comply with any rules, regulations or the terms of the lease may result in the termination of the lease by the board.

§155.5.Registration of Structures.

(a)

Pursuant to Texas Natural Resources Code §33.132, a littoral owner claiming any right in any structure, excluding a fixed or floating pier, which as of August 27, 1973, is situated in whole or in part on coastal public lands, shall have registered with the General Land Office the structure on or before January 1, 1974. Any structure not registered by January 1, 1974, shall require an easement or lease.

(b)

Pursuant to Texas Natural Resources Code §33.115, any littoral owner desiring to register a pier shall register such pier with the General Land Office by submitting a $25 non-refundable registration fee and an executed structure registration. The structure registration shall be on a form provided by the General Land Office and shall contain the following.

(1)

the name, mailing address, and telephone number of the littoral owner; the exact dimensions of the pier, including a drawing showing such dimensions;

(2)

the exact location of the pier, including a vicinity map showing the location of the pier on coastal public land;

(3)

a statement verifying that the littoral owner is the owner of the property adjoining the coastal public land on which the pier was constructed;

(4)

a statement verifying that the littoral owner has read and understands the terms and conditions set forth is this section;

(5)

a statement acknowledging that, if at any time it is discovered that the pier does not meet the requirements set forth in Texas Natural Resources Code §33.115, the littoral owner may be subject to penalties as prescribed by law; and

(6)

a statement verifying that the littoral owner will comply will all applicable local, state, and federal laws, ordinances, rules, orders, and regulations of governing agencies concerning use of the pier and adjacent coastal public land.

(c)

Upon receipt of the completed and executed structure registration form and the registration fee by the General Land Office, the pier shall be deemed registered.

(d)

Any person registering a structure or pier pursuant to this section agrees and consents to comply with and be bound by the following terms and conditions:

(1)

to keep the General Land Office informed at all times of his or her address;

(2)

to maintain the structure or pier in proper condition and not allow it to deteriorate to such a degree as to become a hazard or public nuisance;

(3)

to notify the General Land Office upon a change of ownership, or property interest, in the adjacent littoral property within 30 days of such change; and

(4)

to permit agents, representatives and employees of the General Land Office, at all times, to enter into and on a registered structure or pier and adjacent property of the littoral owner for the purpose of inspection of the structure or pier and for any other reasonable purpose necessary to protect coastal public land.

(e)

In the event a structure has been registered pursuant subsection (a) of this section and the littoral owner subsequently desires to make modifications or additions or rebuild the structure, the littoral owner is required to obtain an easement or lease in lieu of the prior registration.

(f)

In the event a pier has been registered pursuant to subsection (b) of this section and the littoral owner subsequently desires to make modifications or additions or rebuild such pier, the littoral owner is required to obtain in lieu of the original registration:

(1)

a new registration if the pier's dimensions or location are changed from the footprint outlined in the structure registration, or

(2)

an easement if such pier will be for commercial purposes, will require dredging or filling, will exceed 100 feet in length or 25 feet in width, or has been modified or rebuilt.

(g)

To the greatest extent possible, the littoral owner shall construct a pier, pursuant to Texas Natural Resources Code §33.115, in a manner that avoids existing marshes, oyster reefs, sea grass or shallow water capable of supporting these habitats. Impact to sensitive habitats that cannot be avoided shall be minimized to the greatest extent possible.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on April 23, 2001.

TRD-200102321

Larry R. Soward

Chief Clerk, General Land Office

School Land Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: June 3, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-9129