SECTION 28.3. Permitting Assistance Group

(a) Each committee member representing an agency shall appoint a representative to the permitting assistance group (PAG). Each agency's PAG representative is responsible for submitting the information that his or her agency is required to provide under these rules. Other interested committee members not representing agencies may serve or appoint a representative to the PAG.

(b) The primary responsibility of the PAG is to conduct and coordinate preliminary consistency reviews. Preliminary consistency reviews are intended to create greater predictability in the permitting process by providing applicants with a non-binding, advisory set of preliminary recommendations and findings regarding a proposed action's likely consistency with goals and policies of the CMP.

(c) The preliminary consistency review process does not supplant the regular permitting process. Because the purpose of this process is to foster predictability and not reach a final result, preliminary consistency reviews may produce statements that must be qualified because the information provided by the applicant is incomplete, the review time is shorter, or the matter warrant additional public comment.

(d) The PAG may be convened to assist with the planning and development of regional general permits and general permits to support future beach management and nourishment, coastal restoration projects, and the continued development of the Coastal Management Program.

Source Note: The provisions of this §28.3 adopted to be effective October 7, 2018, 43 TexReg 6450; transferred effective December 1, 2022, as published in the Texas Register October 28, 2022, 47 TexReg 7301; amended to be effective July 10, 2023, 48 TexReg 3674