Thank you Liam, for the correction... CAFRA is indeed administered by the State... and not a separate entity... of course, once you deal with them, they do seem to be a force unto themselves...
Good luck and God bless us all in this crazy market... but have you ever seen a better time to buy waterfront property?????

With respect to my colleagues, out of area realtors are not equipped to advise regarding issues that are typically state-specific (although there are certainly federal guidelines that adhere as well). The EPA is a fedderal agency. The NJ department referrenced by one of my colleagues is actually the Department of Environmental Protection and CAFRA (Coastal Area Facilities Review Act) is a state legislative mandate not an agency or enforcment entity. CAFRA applications are tedious, time consuming and, in some cases, somewhat costly, but not invariably futile. I have handled several such transactions that were ultimately brought to a successful conclusion. My recommendation would be to contact the DEP before approaching either an agent or attorney for representation. The department may be able to advise you as to the logic (or lack thereof) of proceeding further.

Best of luck,

Liam R. O'Connell

Sorry to disagree with the previous postings, but if the property is in New Jersey and is designated wetlands, you chances of building are all but impossible... ask your REALTOR for a survey showing the wetlands area on the lot... you may have a buildable area to squeeze a house in, but forget pools, fences, decks, outbuildings or anything outside the building footprint... you would also be restricted in regard to disturbing the vegatation on the lot... the state EPA and CAFRA are unyielding in their protection of these wetland areas in NJ...
My advice is run, don't walk, away from that tract.

Dear Asteroid,

I agree strongly with the two previous answers. I would like to add that after following their advice, make sure the you allow that land to sit for a minimum of one year in order to settle. The bigest mistake I've seen over and over is that people build too soon. Also, whether using pilings or other forms to help support your structure, you still run the risk of ending up with a home that moves and/or sinks. You need to find out the history of the property, the type of soil etc. In many instances, you may end up with more money in the ground before you ever start building that the amount you are saving on the land is quickly reduced.

Also, you must ask about any future plans in the area. If these wetlands are near shorelines, you have a whole set of other restrictions.

Take the advice of the two previous answers seriously.

Linda S. Cefalu

You need to retain an attorney with expertise in wet land issues, before you consider buying a wetland lot. There are Federal Laws & Regulations as well as State Laws & Regulations in every state, which cover wedlands. You could be considering a very expensive, perhaps cost prohibitive, situation. (I am a Realtor in OH. In addition, I am an attorney, practicing law for 30 years in OH.)

First you have to check with the building dept on what their rules are. HOw is the soil? Will you have to construct the property on casons/pilings? Most likely the building dept will have you contact FEMA and the Army Corp of Engineers. Good luck, start with your building department and go from there. Make sure you have a knowledgeable engineer in your corner.