What is the CPQ?

The Coastal Project Questionnaire, commonly called the CPQ, serves as the application for getting your project started in the ACMP consistency review process. A project in the coastal zone must receive an ACMP consistency determination, the end product of the consistency review process, before agencies can issue permits for the project. The CPQ also helps you identify which state and federal permits will be required for your project. In addition, your completed CPQ provides reviewers with a description of your project and serves as your certification that your project will be conducted in a manner consistent with the ACMP. The CPQ (and this guide) includes a list of state agency and coastal district contacts for your convenience. Who has to fill out a CPQ? Anyone proposing a project within or affecting coastal areas of Alaska must submit a CPQ, with the following exceptions:

1. Placer miners: submit an Annual Placer Mining Application to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
2. Aquatic farmers: submit a State of Alaska Aquatic Farm Permits Application to DNR.
3. Federal agencies should contact the Division of Coastal and Ocean Management (DCOM) for information on how the consistency review process is used to review federal activities.

How do I get a CPQ?

Copies of the CPQ are available from DCOM, state resource agencies, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (toll-free at 1-800-478-2712), other federal permitting agencies, and local coastal district offices.

What else do I need to know?

One of DCOM's Project Review Assistants will help you determine what you need to do and who to contact to get your project ready for the consistency review process. If your project is located within a coastal district, be sure to contact the district's ACMP coordinator and the planning department early to find out what will be required at the local level. Once you've determined what permits will be required, be sure to contact those agencies to learn their permitting requirements.

How do I apply for my other permits?

Alaska has streamlined the permitting process to provide developers with a single point of entry. Your CPQ packet will include applications and fees for the permits you will need. The consistency review process also serves as the permit review process for state resource agencies. How much does it cost? There is no charge for the ACMP consistency review process. However, agencies issuing permits for the project may require fees.

Is there anything I can do to pave the way for my project?

Before you finalize project plans or submit your CPQ and other information necessary for a complete application packet, the state can arrange a preapplication meeting with you and other review participants to discuss your draft plans. This meeting identifies concerns and information needs, helps you avoid 'pitfalls', and promotes a mutual understanding of your project. To arrange a preapplication meeting, contact the coordinating agency. In lieu of a meeting, the coordinating agency can distribute materials to review participants for preapplication assistance.

Fill in all the blanks

To complete the CPQ, fill in all the blanks and contact agencies as directed on the CPQ. Filling out the questionnaire properly is important and helps agencies process your project application without delays. If a question is not applicable then put "N/A." If you answer yes to a question and are not applying to that agency for a permit, explain why. Your signature on the CPQ certifies that you believe your project is consistent with the standards and enforceable policies of the Alaska Coastal Management Program. The standards and enforceable policies are available from DCOM and your local coastal district. If you need assistance, contact DCOM or your local coastal district.

Is your application packet complete?

Your CPQ package should include:

• The completed CPQ and signed Certification of Consistency;
• Copies of any necessary state and federal permit applications, topographic maps, and plan drawings required by the approving agency. DCOM encourages you to send original applications to the state or federal agency issuing the permit. Any fees associated with these permits also go to the issuing agency.
• Any additional pertinent information. Make sure you include a complete description of your entire project to minimize the need to provide more information later.