When used in this article, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings:
- (1) BEACH. A sandy shoreline area abutting to the Gulf of Mexico, characterized by low relief, generally of gentle slope, and some vegetation, extending into the abutting waters to a distance 1,000 feet seaward of the mean high tide line.
- (2) BEACH PROJECT. The placement and maintenance of sand and associated sand stabilization structures, vegetation, vegetation irrigation systems, and access structures on a coastal beach for the purposes of maintaining or restoring the beach and providing storm protection for upland properties.
- (3) COASTAL BEACH. Any beach that is located wholly or partially within the corporate limits of a coastal municipality and that abuts the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
- (4) COASTAL MUNICIPALITY. A municipal corporation whose corporate limits include or abut the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
- (5) GOVERNING BODY. The body in which the general legislative power of a coastal municipality is vested.
(Act 2000-676, p. 1365, §1.)