Source: https://ecode360.com/7142946
Timestamp: 2019-04-23 10:12:56+00:00

Document:
§ 18:2-2 Rules of interpretation.
§ 18:2-4 Application of provisions.
§ 18:2-5 Amendments to regulations.
§ 18:2-8 Declaration of intent.
§ 18:2-9 Forest stand delineation (FSD).
§ 18:2-10 Forest conservation plan (FCP).
§ 18:2-14 Priorities and timing for afforestation and reforestation.
§ 18:2-15 Local Conservation Fund; fee-in-lieu.
§ 18:2-16 Payments by credits into an approved forest mitigation bank.
§ 18:2-17 Native tree species.
§ 18:2-20 Standards for protecting trees.
§ 18:2-23 Commercial timber harvests.
§ 18:2-24 Violations and penalties.
Construction Codes — See Ch. 10.
Environmental protection — See Ch. 14.
Housing — See Ch. 15.
Zoning and subdivision regulations — See Ch. 18:1..
Development impact fees — See Ch. 18:3.
Glossary of terms — See Ch. 18App.
Boats — See Ch. 20.
Roads — See Ch. 23.
Generally. In this Chapter 18:2, unless otherwise defined in this section, words and terms shall have the meaning assigned to them in the glossary set forth as Appendix A to Chapter 18.
Editor's Note: See Ch. 18App, Appendix A: Glossary.
Any recognized commercial farming activity related to the cultivating and harvesting of food or fiber products other than commercial logging and timber harvesting operations.
The transfer of land currently involved in agricultural activities in which the purchaser is willing to promise to keep the land in agricultural use for five full taxable years after the transfer.
Has received approval of a forest stand delineation or forest conservation plan.
That may operate as a protective agreement for forest conservation as described in § 5-1607(e) and (f) of the Natural Resources Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.
A portion of a single-family lot that may be disturbed for development and that is not dedicated to agricultural activities.
The diameter measured two inches above the root collar.
The largest tree of its species within the United States, the state, the County, or a municipal corporation.
Constitute habitat of the species which is considered critical under § 4-2A-06 or 10-2A-06 of the Natural Resources Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.
A habitat occupied by an endangered species as determined or listed under § 4-2A-04 or 10-2A-04 of the Natural Resources Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.
Does not conflict with the purposes of any other declaration of intent.
The grading or construction activities occurring on a tract of land that is 40,000 square feet or more in size.
If a development bond is required, the release of the development bond.
A biological community dominated by trees and other woody plants covering a land area of 10,000 square feet (0.23 acre) or more.
Areas that are being managed under an approved forest management plan but are not clearcut.
"Forest" does not include orchards, nurseries or Christmas tree farms.
The forestry board created for each state forestry conservancy district as provided in Title 5, Subtitle 6, of the Natural Resources Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.
The retention of existing trees or forest or the creation of new forest or planted areas at the conservation or afforestation levels set by the state or by the Department.
An agreement as provided under § 8-211 of the Tax - Property Article, Annotated Code of Maryland and COMAR 08.07.03.
A plan approved by the Department.
The Queen Anne's County Forest Conservation Technical Manual used to establish standards of performance required in preparing forest stand delineations and forest conservation plans.
A plan that establishes best conservation and management practices to guide a property owner in the assessment of the resource value of the forested property.
The intentional restoration or creation of forests undertaken expressly for the purpose of providing credits for afforestation or reforestation requirements with enhanced environmental benefits from future activities.
An agreement, entered into by an individual owning a forest mitigation bank and the Department, which commits the mitigation banker to certain procedures and requirements when creating and operating the forest mitigation bank.
A plan submitted for approval of a forest mitigation bank to the Department by an individual proposing to establish a forest mitigation bank.
The methodology for evaluating the existing vegetation on a site proposed for development, as provided in the Forest Conservation Technical Manual.
The period of consecutive frost-free days as stated in the current soil survey for the County published by the National Cooperative Soil Survey Program.
A stream in which surface water is absent during a portion of the year as shown on the most recent 7.5 minute topographic quadrangle maps published by the United States Geological Survey or as confirmed by field verification.
That is made part of an approved forest conservation plan.
A project whose configuration is elongated with nearly parallel sides and used to transport a utility product or public service not otherwise contained in an application for subdivision or site plan, such as electricity, gas, water, sewer, communications, trains, and vehicles. Linear projects may transverse fee simple properties through defined boundaries or through easement rights.
The Queen Anne's County Local Conservation Fund, as provided in § 18:2-15 of this Chapter 18:2.
A unit of land, the boundaries of which have been established as a result of a deed or previous subdivision of a larger parcel, and which will not be the subject of further subdivision without an approved forest stand delineation and forest conservation plan.
A signed, short-term management agreement associated with afforestation or reforestation plans required under this Chapter 18:2 and § 5-1605 of the Natural Resources Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.
The division or redivision of land, including the creation of any required easements or rights-of-way, into no more than five lots.
A planting of a single species of trees (usually pine) over an area one acre in size or larger.
The natural establishment of trees and other vegetation with at least 400 woody, free-to-grow seedlings per acre, that are capable of reaching a height of at least 20 feet at maturity.
Net tract can also be interpreted as the portion of the total tract for which land use will be changed, plus all the forested area within the total tract area which is outside of the boundaries of the newly proposed lot(s).
The limits of disturbance as shown on an application for sediment and erosion control approval or in a capital improvements program project description.
Considered a nontidal wetland in accordance with the publication known as the "Federal Manual for Identifying and Delineating Jurisdictional Wetlands," published in 1987 and as may be amended and interpreted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
"Nontidal wetlands" do not include tidal wetlands regulated under Title 16 of the Environment Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.
The area outside the boundaries of a tract of land.
The area within the boundaries of a tract of land, including any area classified as a 100-year floodplain.
A flood that has a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. Except for Class III waters (natural trout streams), a body of water with a watershed of less than 400 acres is excluded.
An area along or adjacent to a stream or body of water, except tidal waters, that is capable of storing or conveying floodwaters during a 100-year frequency storm event or a 100-year flood.
A stream containing surface water throughout an average rainfall year, as shown on the most recent 7.5 minute topographic quadrangle maps (scale: 1 to 24,000) published by the United States Geological Survey or as confirmed by field verification.
An individual, or the federal government, the state, a county, municipal corporation, any other political subdivision of the state, or any of their units.
Includes the landscaping of areas if the landscaping is part of a reforestation plan approved by the Planning Director.
An activity that requires a sediment control permit.
The deliberate holding and protecting of existing trees, shrubs, or plants on a site according to established standards as provided in the Forest Conservation Technical Manual.
The transition zone between stem and root at the ground line of a tree or seedling.
The authorization of an activity regulated under a sediment control plan as provided in Title 4 of the Environment Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.
An unbranched woody plant, less than 24 inches in height and having a caliper of less than 1/2 inch, measured at two inches above the root collar.
The careful and planned removal of trees, shrubs, and plants using specific standards and protection measures under an approved forest conservation plan.
Any division or redivision of a parcel of land into two or more lots or parcels for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of transfer of ownership, sale, lease, or development.
"Timber harvesting" does not include grubbing and clearing of root mass.
The area of a Master Plan, planned unit development, or phased development plan subject to an application for grading or sediment and erosion control plan approval.
Relief from the provisions of this Chapter 18:2 or Title 5, Subtitle 16, of the Natural Resources Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.
"Variance" does not mean a zoning variance.
All land lying within an area described as a subbasin as provided in the water quality regulations adopted by the State Department of the Environment under COMAR 26.08.02.08.
In the interpretation of this Chapter 18:2, the provisions and rules in § 18:1-2 of this Chapter 18 shall be observed and applied, except when the context clearly requires otherwise.
In general. The intent of the Queen Anne's County Forest Conservation Program is to ensure that high-quality forested areas are retained and appropriate areas afforested by requiring consideration and protection of forest resources early in the design phase of development projects located outside of the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area.
Required under state law. The regulations in this Chapter 18:2 have been developed for the purpose of implementing the Queen Anne's County Forest Conservation Program as required under Title 5, Subtitle 16, of the Natural Resources Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. The goal of the regulations is to minimize the overall loss of forested areas due to development activities that result in land use change.
A local government agency, including a public utility or public works project, applying for a major or minor subdivision, (other than an administrative subdivision), major or minor site plan, grading permit, or sediment control permit on tracts of land 40,000 square feet or greater in size.
A highway construction activity that is subject to the requirements of § 5-103 of the Natural Resources Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.
Areas governed by the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area protection laws, Title 8, Subtitle 18, of the Natural Resources Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.
Is the subject of a declaration of intent as provided in § 18:2-8 of this Chapter 18:2 and which includes a sketch map of the property showing the area to be harvested.
Agricultural activities, including the construction of agricultural support buildings and other related structures using accepted best management practices, provided that if an activity results in the clearing of 40,000 square feet or more of forest within a one-year period a declaration of intent as provided in § 18:2-8 of this Chapter 18:2 and a sketch map of the property which shows the area to be cleared are required to be submitted. Agricultural activities do not include the construction of a dwelling or the building envelope associated with any newly constructed dwelling on a newly proposed lot.
Cutting and clearing of the forest is conducted to minimize the loss of forest.
Editor's Note: Article 78 was repealed by the Acts of 1998, c. 8, § 1, effective 10-1-1998. See now §§ 7-207, 7-208, and 7-205, respectively, of the Public Utility Companies Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.
Routine maintenance or emergency repairs of rights-of-way by a public utility that is licensed under Article 78, Annotated Code of Maryland.
Editor's Note: Article 78 was repealed by the Acts of 1998, c. 8, § 1, effective 10-1-1998. See now the Public Utility Companies Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.
The right-of-way's initial construction was approved under these regulations.
The cutting, clearing, or grading of a forest that is subject to the requirements of a previous forest conservation plan approved under this Chapter 18:2.
Strip mining or deep mining of coal regulated under Title 15, Subtitles 5 and 6, of the Environment Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.
Noncoal surface mining regulated under Title 15, Subtitle 8, of the Environment Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.
Is conducted in accordance with Chapter 18:1 of this Chapter 18.
A subdivision that has received preliminary approval of a grading or sediment control plan before January 1, 1991.
Meets minimum afforestation threshold requirements and protects the minimum afforestation threshold requirements through protective signage and long-term protective agreements.
The transfer is allowed under Chapter 18:1 of this Chapter 18.
Land surveys involving limited clearing necessary for the location of property lines or other points necessary for the preparation of submittal material.
Approval by Department of Natural Resources. The regulations in this Chapter 18:2 may be amended as required. All amendments to the regulations are subject to the approval of the Department of Natural Resources.
The Department, either on its own initiative or at the request of a third person, may develop amendments to the regulations. A proposed amendment shall be submitted by the Department to the Planning Commission for its review at its regularly scheduled monthly public meeting.
The Planning Commission shall develop a recommendation on the amendment. The Planning Commission shall recommend approval only if the amendment complies with the intent of the state forest conservation laws, Title 5, Subtitle 16, of the Natural Resources Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.
Upon a favorable recommendation, the amendment shall be submitted to the Forestry Division of the Department of Natural Resources for its review and approval.
Upon approval by the Forestry Division of the Department of Natural Resources, the amendment shall be submitted to the County Commissioners for adoption. The proposed amendment shall be advertised in accordance with the current procedures for amendments to Chapter 18:1 of this Chapter 18. The County Commissioners shall provide concerned persons an opportunity to make comments on the amendment at a regularly scheduled public meeting. If additional changes to the Department of Natural Resources approved amendment are requested by the County Commissioners, those changes must also be approved by the Department of Natural Resources prior to adoption.
An individual may be approved by the Department as a qualified professional if the individual is approved as a qualified professional by the Department of Natural Resources.
Use methods approved by the Department, as provided in the Forest Conservation Technical Manual, to protect retained forests and trees during construction.
Local government agency. If a local government agency or person using state funds makes an application to conduct a regulated activity, the provisions of COMAR 08.19.04.01D through G apply.
Purpose. The purpose of the declaration of intent is to verify that certain proposed activities are exempt from this Chapter 18:2.
Statement required. A declaration of intent is required for exempted activities described in § 18:2-4B(3), (4), and (11) of this Chapter 18:2.
The local Bay Watershed forester.
The Queen Anne's County Soil Conservation District.
Intrafamily transfer. A person seeking an exemption for intrafamily transfer as described in § 18:2-4B(11) of this Chapter 18:2 shall file a declaration of intent with the Department.
Period of effectiveness. A declaration of intent is effective for five years.
Contents of statement for commercial logging and agricultural activities. The declaration of intent shall stipulate that the clearing of forest is exclusively related to exempted agricultural or commercial logging and timber harvesting activities and that any future activity on the site within five years that is not related to exempted agriculture or commercial logging and timber harvesting activities shall be conducted in full compliance with the provisions of this Chapter 18:2.
Contents of statement for intrafamily transfer. The declaration of intent shall stipulate that the intrafamily transfer is for the express purpose of constructing a dwelling for the use and occupation of the owner, a child or a grandchild, stepchild, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew of the owner, or a parent, stepparent, or grandparent of the owner and shall identify that specific relationship between current owner and future owner of the newly created lot. The declaration shall also stipulate that no more than 40,000 square feet of forest will be cut, cleared, or graded and that any and all activity occurring on site will be conducted in accordance with Chapter 18:1.
Enforcement. Failure to file a declaration of intent or violation of the terms of the declaration of intent may result in enforcement actions and penalties as provided in § 18:2-24 of this Chapter 18:2.
In general. A forest stand delineation (FSD) shall be submitted according to the schedule set forth in the Forest Conservation Technical Manual for all regulated activities that are not exempt under § 18:2-4B of this Chapter 18:2.
Preparation. The FSD shall be prepared by a licensed forester, licensed landscape architect, or a qualified professional who meets the requirements provided in § 18:2-6 of this Chapter 18:2.
Standard FSD timing and contents.
A standard FSD shall be submitted prior to or during the initial stages of subdivisionor site plan, before a grading permit application or before a sediment control application is approved for the tract being developed as scheduled in the Forest Conservation Technical Manual in order to determine the most suitable and practical areas for forest conservation.
The FSD shall contain the information required by the Forest Conservation Technical Manual and any other information the Department determines is necessary to implement this Chapter 18:2.
Simplified FSD. A simplified FSD may be submitted for projects not otherwise exempt when no forest currently exists on site or when no forest cover will be disturbed during a construction activity and is designated to be under a long-term protective agreement. The simplified FSD shall contain the information required by the Forest Conservation Technical Manual and any other information the Department determines is necessary to implement this Chapter 18:2. A simplified FSD may be submitted with a forest conservation plan and both may be placed on a single plat page, when appropriate.
Period of effectiveness. An approved FSD shall remain in effect for a period not longer than five years.
Within 30 calendar days after receipt of the FSD, the Department shall notify the applicant whether the FSD is complete and correct.
If the Department fails to notify the applicant within 30 days, the FSD shall be treated as complete and correct.
The Department may require further information or extend the deadline for an additional 15 calendar days under extenuating circumstances, in which case the Department shall notify the applicant at least five days prior to the end of the thirty-day deadline.
In developing a forest conservation plan (FCP), the applicant shall give priority to techniques for retaining existing forest on the site.
Where on the site in priority areas afforestation or reforestation will occur in compliance with § 18:2-11 and 18:2-12 of this Chapter 18:2.
If the applicant proposes to make a fee-in-lieu payment into the Local Conservation Fund or to purchase credits from a forest mitigation bank, the applicant shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Department that the requirements for afforestation or reforestation on site or off site cannot be reasonably accomplished. Fee-in-lieu payment into the Local Conservation Fund or the purchase of credits from a forest mitigation bank may be used in very limited instances, to be determined by the Planning Director on a case-by-case basis in accordance with § 18:2-15 of this Chapter 18:2.
Any area of forest in the net tract area, including forest in nontidal wetlands that is retained, shall be counted towards forest conservation requirements under this Chapter 18:2.
Nontidal wetlands and their buffers shall be considered to be priority areas for retention and replacement.
Subtracted on an acre-for-acre basis to the nearest 1/10 of an acre from the total amount of forest to be cut or cleared as part of a regulated activity.
Avoid delay in the approval process.
An FCP shall be prepared by a licensed forester, a licensed landscape architect, or a qualified professional who meets the requirements provided in § 18:2-6 of this Chapter 18:2.
Be submitted with the preliminary plat for subdivision, site plan, an application for grading permit, or an application for a sediment control permit.
Include other information the Department determines is necessary to implement this Chapter 18:2.
The review of the FCP shall be concurrent with the review of the major subdivision plat, site plan, application for grading permit, or application for a sediment control permit.
During the different stages of the review process, the FCP may be modified, provided the Department approves of the changes.
Modifications affecting less than 40,000 square feet of forest may be submitted as amendments.
When modification to more than 40,000 square feet of forest is proposed, a new plan is required.
Modifications shall be reviewed by the Department for consistency with the intent and requirements of this Chapter 18:2.
Notification deadline or failure to notify.
Within 45 calendar days after receipt of the final FCP, the Department shall notify the applicant whether the FCP is complete and approved.
If the Department fails to notify the applicant within 45 calendar days, the plan shall be treated as complete and approved.
The Department may require further information or extend the deadline for an additional 15 calendar days under extenuating circumstances, in which case the Department shall notify the applicant of the necessary extension at least five days prior to the end of the forty-five-day deadline.
At the request of the applicant, the Department may extend the deadline under extenuating circumstances.
Changes in the development or in the condition of the site necessitate preparation of a new or amended FCP.
The Department may issue a stop-work order against a person who violates a provision of this Chapter 18:2 or a regulation, order, approved forest conservation plan, or maintenance agreement.
The following specific areas are considered priority protection areas and shall be left in an undisturbed condition unless the applicant has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Department that reasonable efforts have been made to protect the areas and the forest conservation plan for that regulated activity cannot be reasonably altered.
Trees, shrubs, and plants located in sensitive areas including the 100-year floodplain, intermittent and perennial stream buffers, steep slopes, nontidal wetlands, and critical habitats.
Contiguous forest that connects with the largest undeveloped or more vegetated tracts of land within and adjacent to the site.
Have been designated by the state or the Department as a champion tree.
Seventy-five percent or more of the diameter, measured at 4 1/2 feet above the ground, of the current champion tree of the state of the same species.
Areas classified as having priority forest structure by the forest structure analysis methodology as described in the Forest Conservation Technical Manual.
An applicant for any development activity that is not exempt from this Chapter 18:2 shall conduct afforestation on the lot or parcel in accordance with this subsection.
Medium density residential areas (E, SE, NC-1, NC-2, and NC-5 Zoning Districts).
Commercial and industrial use areas (SC, UC, SI, LIHS, SIBE, and AD Districts).
An applicant may not propose afforestation on newly created cluster lots.
An applicant must make every reasonable effort to place afforestation on a single lot.
Monocultures are not permitted when afforestation requirements dictate the planting of one or more acres of forest.
When cutting into forest cover that is currently below the afforestation percentages described in Subsection A of this section, the applicant shall comply with the requirements set forth in this subsection.
The required afforestation level shall be determined by the amount of forest existing before cutting or clearing begins.
Forest cut or cleared below the required afforestation level shall be reforested or afforested at a two to one ratio and added to the amount of afforestation necessary to reach the minimum required afforestation level, as determined by the amount of forest existing before cutting or clearing began.
Payment into the Local Conservation Fund in accordance with § 18:2-15 of this Chapter 18:2 or payment into an established, local forest mitigation bank in accordance with § 18:2-16 of this Chapter 18:2.
For all existing forest cover measured to the nearest 1/10 acre that is cleared on the net tract area above the applicable forest conservation threshold, the area of forest removed shall be reforested at a ratio of 1/4 acre planted for each acre removed.
Each acre of forest retained on the net tract area above the applicable forest conservation threshold shall be credited towards the total number of acres required to be reforested under Subsection B(1). The calculation of the credit shall be made in accordance with the criteria provided in the Forest Conservation Technical Manual.
For all existing forest cover measured to the nearest 1/10 acre that is cleared on the net tract area below the applicable forest conservation threshold, the area of forest removed shall be reforested at a ratio of two acres planted for each acre removed below the threshold.
Natural regeneration off site in limited instances as provided in the Forest Conservation Technical Manual.
Take advantage of opportunities to consolidate forest conservation efforts.
Priority areas. The following are considered a priority for afforestation and reforestation.
To establish or enhance forest buffers adjacent to intermittent streams to widths of at least 50 feet and those adjacent to perennial streams to widths of at least 100 feet.
To establish or increase existing forested corridors to a minimum of 300 feet where practical in order to connect existing forests within or adjacent to the site and to facilitate wildlife movement.
To establish or enhance forest buffers adjacent to critical habitats where appropriate.
To establish or enhance forested areas on 100-year floodplains, when appropriate.
Slopes of 15% or greater if the slope has a soil K value greater than 0.35.
Adjacent to highways or utility rights-of-way.
To establish forest areas adjacent to existing forests to increase the overall area of contiguous forest cover, when appropriate.
To use native plant materials for afforestation or reforestation, when appropriate.
Time period for accomplishing afforestation or reforestation.
Final approval of other regulated activities.
Where subdivision plans are recorded in sections, a schedule shall be agreed upon if all afforestation or reforestation cannot be accomplished at the time of recordation of the first section. The schedule may involve a prorated amount of reforestation or afforestation in accordance with the time limits specified in Subsection D(1) based on the acreage of the section recorded.
Establishment of fund. There is established a Queen Anne's County Local Conservation Fund.
If a person subject to the regulations in this Chapter 18:2 demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Planning Director that requirements for afforestation or reforestation on site or off site (including payment into a forest mitigation bank) cannot be reasonably accomplished, the person shall contribute a payment into the Local Conservation Fund in lieu of the afforestation or reforestation.
The payment shall be $0.10 per square foot of the area of required planting.
Timing of payment. Payments contributed into the Local Conservation Fund shall be paid prior to subdivision recordation or issuance of any required permit.
Timing of afforestation or reforestation. The County shall accomplish the afforestation or reforestation for which a payment is contributed into the Local Conservation Fund within two years or three growing seasons, whichever is the greater time period, after receipt of the payment.
Payments contributed into the Local Conservation Fund shall remain in the Local Conservation Fund for a period of two years or three growing seasons, whichever is the greater time period.
At the end of that time, any funds that have not been used to meet the afforestation or reforestation requirements shall be returned to the person who provided the payments.
If, after approval of the subdivision or project plan or the receipt of a grading permit or sediment control permit, the applicant proposes off-site or on-site mitigation and has already made payment for fee-in-lieu, the fee-in-lieu payment may be refunded up to six months after is has been received. After six months, a request for refund is not permitted unless the funds remain unused for a period of two years or three growing seasons, whichever is the greater time period.
May not be reverted to the County general fund.
Location of afforestation or reforestation.
Except as provided in Subsection G(2) the afforestation or reforestation requirements under this section shall occur in the county and watershed in which the project is located.
If the afforestation or reforestation cannot be reasonably accomplished in the county and watershed in which the project is located, then the reforestation or afforestation shall occur in the county or watershed in the state in which the project is located.
Use of available forest mitigation bank.
If a person subject to this Chapter 18:2 demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Department that requirements for reforestation or afforestation on site or off site cannot be reasonably accomplished, the person may contribute credits from an available and approved forest mitigation bank within Queen Anne's County. A credit is required for each 1/10 acre of an area of required planting.
The credits shall be debited from an available and approved forest mitigation bank prior to subdivision recordation or issuance of any required permit.
Establishing forest mitigation banks on vacant land.
A person may create a forest mitigation bank from which applicants may purchase credits to meet the afforestation and reforestation requirements of this Chapter 18:2.
Afforest or reforest an area of land in accordance with a forest mitigation bank agreement.
Be protected by an easement, deed restrictions, or covenants which require the land in the bank to remain forested in perpetuity and are enforceable by the Department and the Department of Natural Resources.
Limit the use of the land in the bank to those activities which are not inconsistent with forest conservation, such as recreational activities, forest management under a forest conservation and management program under Tax-Property Article, § 8-211, Annotated Code of Maryland, or activities specified in a forest management plan prepared by a licensed forester and approved by the Department.
Editor's Note: Former Subsection B(2)(d), which required Planning Commission review and approval for commercial forestry in the AG and CS Districts, as amended 9-7-2004 by Ord. No. 04-34 and 6-12-2007 by Ord. No. 06-22, was repealed 8-13-2013 by Ord. No. 13-15.
Planting requirements for banks being created on vacant land.
The bank shall establish forest areas adjacent to existing forest to increase the overall area of contiguous forest cover, when appropriate.
Establishing forest mitigation banks on existing forested properties.
A person may create a forest mitigation bank on existing forest from which applicants may purchase credits to meet the afforestation and reforestation requirements of this Chapter 18:2.
Be in accordance with a forest mitigation bank agreement.
Editor's Note: Former Subsection D(2)(d), which required Planning Commission review and approval for commercial forestry in the AG and CS Districts, as amended 9-7-2004 by Ord. No. 04-34 and 6-12-2007 by Ord. No. 06-22, was repealed 8-13-2013 by Ord. No. 13-15.
Acquisition of an off-site protective easement for existing forest areas may not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the area of forest cover protected.
Plant and location requirements for a proposed mitigation bank on existing forested properties.
The bank shall be located in an area that will establish forest areas adjacent to existing forest to increase the overall area of contiguous forest cover, when appropriate.
Completed application, on a form approved by the Department, which has been signed by an authorized individual in conformance with COMAR 08.19.04.02I.
A forest stand delineation which meets the requirements contained in § 18:2-9.
For banks being created on vacant land, a detailed afforestation or reforestation plan shall be submitted, which shall include a timetable and description of the site and soil preparation needed, species, size, and spacing to be utilized. This plan must be prepared by a licensed Maryland forester, a licensed landscape architect, or a qualified professional who meets the requirements stated in COMAR 08.19.06.01A.
Copy of the deed to the property.
A title report or other assurances that the property is not encumbered by any covenants or other types of restrictions which would impair the property's use as a forest mitigation bank and there is legally sufficient access to the forest mitigation bank site which can be used by the Department and its assignees to inspect the forest mitigation bank.
A description of the system to be used by the person owning and operating the forest mitigation bank to identify and keep track of which portions of the bank have been debited to meet an applicant's off-site afforestation and reforestation requirements.
Two year maintenance agreement for banks being created on vacant land.
Addresses the requirements for a two-year maintenance agreement as outline in the Forest Conservation Technical Manual.
The approved system for marking and tracking which portions of the bank have been debited.
An acknowledgement that the bank may not debit any portion of the afforested or reforested land until two years of successful growth has been achieved (confirmed by the Department) unless the banker has planted 25% more area than the area of the debited tract and posted a bond or alternate form of security.
General requirements. Tree species used for afforestation or reforestation shall be native to the County, when appropriate, and selected from a list of approved species established by the Department or as approved by the Planning Director.
Exceptions. This section does not in any way prohibit the use of nonnative species for ornamental and landscaping purposes when the nonnative plantings are in addition to the required reforestation or afforestation. The Department may prohibit the use of species identified as invasive and/or exotic and listed in the Forest Conservation Technical Manual.
A person, other than a federal, state, or County agency, required under this Chapter 18:2 to conduct afforestation or reforestation or to contribute to the Local Conservation Fund shall furnish financial security in the form of a bond, an irrevocable letter of credit, or other security approved by the Department and as set forth in §§ 18:1-193 through 18:1-202 of this Chapter 18.
The surety shall assure that the afforestation, reforestation, and the associated management agreement are conducted and maintained in accordance with the approved forest conservation plan.
For cash deposits or letters of credit: cost of plant material multiplied by three. This number is then multiplied by 110%.
For bonds: cost of plant material multiplied by three. This number is then multiplied by 125%.
The surety shall be in a form and of a content approved by the Department.
The surety calculations shall be placed on the forest conservation plan.
If the plantings associated with the afforestation or reforestation meet or exceed the standards of this Chapter 18:2 and the Forest Conservation Technical Manual, the amount of the cash bond, letter of credit, surety bond, or other security shall be returned or released.
The area of the project is subject to a long-term management agreement.
An element of the afforestation or reforestation plan.
The Department shall notify the obligee, by certified mail, of the intention of the Department to initiate forfeiture proceedings.
The obligee has 30 days from receipt of the notice of forfeiture to show cause why the bond or other financial security may not be forfeited.
If the obligee fails to show cause, the bond or other financial security shall be forfeited.
The Department shall submit forfeited financial security to the Local Conservation Fund.
Long-term protective agreements are legally binding devices in effect at all times that will ensure those areas retained, afforested, and/or reforested are limited to uses that are consistent with forest conservation.
Long-term protective agreements associated with a subdivision or site plan shall only permit the harvesting of the protected existing or proposed forest which is protected under the agreement as outlined in a timber harvest plan which has been prepared by a licensed, professional forester and approved by a Department of Natural Resources Forester and/or the County Forestry Board, as appropriate.
Editor's Note: Former Subsection A(2)(a), which required Planning Commission review and approval for commercial forestry in the AG and CS Districts, was repealed 8-13-2013 by Ord. No. 13-15.
Other long-term protective measures that are approved by the Department.
Meet the requirements of Subsection B of this section.
May be amended periodically, as provided in Subsection B(4), if there is a change in site conditions or landowner objectives.
The Department of Natural Resources forester shall review the plan to ensure that it is complete and consistent with the local forest conservation program.
The Department shall notify the applicant whether the forest management plan has been approved.
Once approved, the applicant shall sign the amendment.
Protective devices. The County has adopted standards for the protection of trees from construction activity. These devices and procedures are defined and described in the Forest Conservation Technical Manual.
General requirements. Before cutting, clearing, grading, or construction begins on a site for which a forest conservation plan is required and prior to the issuance of any grading permit or sediment and erosion control permit, the applicant shall demonstrate to the Department that protective devices have been established.
When available. A person may request an administrative variance from the regulations in this Chapter 18:2 if the person demonstrates that enforcement would result in practical difficulty or unwarranted hardship.
Issue a written statement as to whether or not the applicant has met the requirements set forth in Subsection B(1).
An appeal of the Department's decision shall be filed with the Board of Appeals within 30 days after the signing of the Department's decision. The appeals process and requirements shall conform to the requirements set forth in Chapter 18:1, Part 7, of this Chapter 18.
Notice of a request for an administrative variance or of an appeal shall be given to the Department of Natural Resources within 15 days of receipt of a request for an administrative variance or appeal.
Authority of Department of Natural Resources. The Department of Natural Resources has the right and authority to initiate or intervene in an administrative, judicial, or other original proceeding or appeal brought in the state concerning an approval or an appeal of an administrative variance under this Section.
At any time the Department considers it necessary to carry out the provisions of this Chapter 18:2 or the provisions of other legal agreement that may be adopted.
Timber harvest plan; general requirements. Any commercial timber harvesting activity involving more than one acre of forest in a one-year period shall submit a timber harvest plan before the cutting begins.
Remains in effect for two years.
The proposed commercial harvest shall be outlined in a timber harvest plan that has been prepared by a licensed professional forester and approved by a Department of Natural Resources Forester and/or the County Forestry Board, as appropriate.
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Subsection D, Long-term protective agreements in association with approved subdivisions or site plans in the AG and CS Districts.
A person found to be in noncompliance with the regulations set forth in this Chapter 18:2, a forest conservation plan, protective agreement associated with a forest conservation plan, or a two-year maintenance agreement shall be assessed by the Department a penalty of $0.50 per square foot of the area found to be in noncompliance.
Money collected under Subsection A(1)(a) shall be deposited into the Local Conservation Fund for purposes related to implementing this Chapter 18:2. Money collected for noncompliance may not be returned to the violator.
In addition to the penalties specified in Subsection A(1), a person who violates a provision of this Chapter 18:2 or an administrative order adopted or issued under this Chapter 18:2 is liable for a penalty not to exceed $1,000, which may be recovered in a civil action brought by the Department.
Each day a violation continues is a separate violation.
Seek an injunction requiring the person to cease the violation and take corrective action to restore or reforest an area.
The Department may serve a written complaint on an alleged violator if the Department determines that the person has violated a provision of this Chapter 18:2.
Provide the person with an opportunity to request a hearing to contest the complaint.
The Department may issue an administrative order requiring the violator to take corrective action within a certain time period.
Restore or reforest unlawfully cleared areas.
Service of complaint, order, or other administrative advice.
By certified mail to the violator's last-known address.
An order issued under this section is effective immediately, according to its terms, when it is served.
Changes in site conditions, new information, or amended regulatory requirements necessitate preparation of a new or amended forest conservation plan.
The opportunity for an administrative hearing.
Statutory remedies. The provisions of these regulations may not be construed to limit or affect the authority of the Department to proceed against violators under § 5-1612 of the Natural Resources Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.
The Department may order the immediate suspension of a forest conservation plan if the Department finds that the public health, safety, or welfare imperatively requires the emergency suspension.
The Department shall give the violator written notice that the emergency action has been taken.
Notifying the violator of the violator's opportunity to be heard.

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