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Rockville, MD Environmental Rules: Coastal Development (2026)

Heavy Restrictions

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Key Facts

Statute: Natural Resources 8-1801
Critical Area: 1,000 ft from tidal waters
Buffer: 100 feet minimum
Mitigation: Often 3:1 or greater
Penalty: Up to $10,000/violation

Maryland state rule: Rockville does not have a local ordinance for coastal development. This topic is governed by Maryland state law and applies uniformly across the state.

Summary

The Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area Protection Program, codified at Natural Resources Article 8-1801 et seq., restricts development within 1,000 feet of tidal waters and tidal wetlands statewide.

Full Breakdown

Maryland Natural Resources 8-1801 through 8-1817 designates land within 1,000 feet of the mean high water line of tidal waters and tidal wetlands as the Critical Area, divided into Intensely Developed, Limited Development, and Resource Conservation Areas. The 100-foot Critical Area Buffer prohibits most new structures and disturbance. Lot coverage caps, forest conservation, mitigation planting, and grandfathering rules apply. Local jurisdictions implement programs approved by the Critical Area Commission. Variances require demonstrating unwarranted hardship and minimum relief.

Violations & Fines

Critical Area violations carry civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation, mandatory mitigation at 3:1 or higher ratios, and removal of unlawful structures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Maryland's Critical Area Buffer?

A 100-foot vegetated buffer measured from the mean high water line of tidal waters and tidal wetlands. New structures and disturbance are generally prohibited within it.

Can I get a variance to build in the Critical Area?

Variances are possible only when strict application creates unwarranted hardship. Approval requires Critical Area Commission concurrence and substantial mitigation, and is rarely granted.

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Rockville, MD Environmental Rules: Coastal Development (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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