Harford County, MD Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

01 at the county level under Title 4, Environment Article, Subtitle 1 of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Section 214-3 requires soil erosion and sediment controls for any land disturbance, but exempts agricultural land management practices and BMPs, clearing or grading under 5,000 square feet that disturbs less than 100 cubic yards of earth, and activity subject exclusively to state approval and enforcement. Section 214-4A bars grading without a plan approved by the District, reviewed through concept, site development and final plan stages; a concept plan must map highly erodible soils and slopes over 15%, and a final plan is not considered approved without the District's dated signature.

Approved plans stay valid for three years unless extended. Section 214-4B requires the plan to include a vicinity map, drainage area maps, predominant soil types, the limit of disturbance, cut and fill volumes, a construction sequence starting with a pre-construction meeting, and the code's standard stabilization note: perimeter dikes, swales and slopes steeper than 3:1 must be stabilized within three calendar days of disturbance, and all other disturbed areas within seven calendar days. Section 214-21 makes a violation a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 or up to one year of imprisonment per violation, with each day a separate offense, plus injunctive relief and permit withholding or stop-work orders. 4 hearing rules.