Maryland's Forest Conservation Act (Natural Resources §5-1601 et seq.) requires reforestation and afforestation when developing sites over 40,000 square feet. Baltimore enforces the act locally and protects specimen and champion trees through its tree protection ordinance and Critical Area rules.
Under the Forest Conservation Act, developers in Baltimore must submit a Forest Stand Delineation and Forest Conservation Plan before disturbing sites over 40,000 square feet. Specimen trees, defined by diameter and species, receive priority retention. Removal triggers reforestation at ratios up to 2:1 either on-site or via fee-in-lieu to the Forest Conservation Fund. Within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area (1,000 feet from tidal waters), tree clearing is further restricted under MD §8-1801 et seq. Baltimore's Department of Planning reviews plans, and the Department of Recreation and Parks Forestry Division verifies compliance.
Civil penalties up to $1.00 per square foot of unauthorized clearing under FCA, plus replanting requirements. Critical Area violations carry separate fines up to $10,000 and mandatory restoration plans approved by the Critical Area Commission.
Baltimore, MD
Street trees in Baltimore parkways and tree pits are city property managed by Recreation and Parks. Residents may not plant, prune, or remove street trees wi...
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore regulates development within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area under Maryland's Critical Area Act, with a 1,000-foot buffer zone from tidal waters a...
See how Baltimore's protected tree species rules stack up against other locations.
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