Code of Maryland Regulations Title 27 - CRITICAL AREA COMMISSION FOR THE CHESAPEAKE AND ATLANTIC COASTAL BAYS
Code of Maryland Regulations – Title 27: Critical Area Commission for the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays
COMAR Title 27 governs the Critical Area Program, which is designed to protect water quality, habitats, and natural resources along Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coastal Bays. It implements the Critical Area Law under Natural Resources Article, Title 8-1801 et seq., Annotated Code of Maryland.
These regulations focus on land use, development, and environmental protection within the designated Critical Area—the area within 1,000 feet of tidal waters and tidal wetlands.
General Scope
Title 27 regulations cover:
Land development and construction in the Critical Area
Resource protection, including forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitats
Water quality protection and pollution prevention
Local government implementation of Critical Area programs
Monitoring, enforcement, and penalties
It applies to:
Property owners and developers in the Critical Area
Local governments and planning/zoning authorities
State agencies implementing or enforcing Critical Area regulations
Businesses and contractors performing work in regulated areas
Organizational Structure of COMAR Title 27
Title 27 is divided into chapters, each addressing specific environmental and regulatory issues:
27.01 – General Provisions
Purpose and intent of the Critical Area Program
Definitions (e.g., “buffer,” “tidal waters,” “development”)
Applicability and exemptions
Administrative authority of the Commission
27.02 – Critical Area Program Requirements
Mapping and delineation of the Critical Area
Water quality protection requirements
Habitat and forest conservation rules
Buffer management and mitigation standards
27.03 – Local Government Implementation
Local Critical Area programs and zoning requirements
Permitting processes for development
Local review and enforcement procedures
Coordination with the Commission
27.04 – Development Standards
Land disturbance and impervious surface limits
Shoreline stabilization and erosion control
Vegetative buffers and reforestation requirements
Special rules for residential, commercial, and industrial development
27.05 – Resource Protection
Protection of wetlands, riparian areas, and wildlife habitats
Tree canopy and forest preservation
Management of stormwater and nutrient runoff
Conservation easements and land acquisition programs
27.06 – Enforcement and Penalties
Inspections and compliance monitoring
Violations and penalties
Corrective action and remediation
Appeals procedures
Key Notes
COMAR Title 27 is administrative law, implementing the Critical Area Law in Maryland.
The rules are legally binding for property owners, developers, and local governments within the Critical Area.
Chapters contain detailed technical standards for buffers, water quality, vegetation, and development limits.
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