Overview Departments Local Government State Legislators Meeting Info Tourism Economic Development Community Directory Contact Us Home Critical Area Dorchester County adopted their local “Critical Area Protection District” program on 8-23-1988 by Resolution No. 119. The current County Regulation can be found in County Code Chapter 155-38. The Critical Area regulations have changed significantly over the past few years, our local program language has yet to be updated to reflect these changes. In the event of conflicts between the local ordinance and state regulations, the stricter applies as stated in COMAR 27.01.01.03 The Critical Area means all lands and waters defined in Natural Resources Article 8-1907, Annotated Code of Maryland. They include; (a) All waters of and lands under the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries to the head of the tide as indicated on the State wetlands maps, and all State and private wetlands designated under Natural Resources Article, Title 9, Annotated Code of Maryland; (b) All land and water areas within 1,000 feet beyond the landward boundaries of State or private wetlands and the heads of tides designated under Natural Resources Article, Title 9, Annotated Code of Maryland; and (c) Modifications to these areas through inclusions or exclusions proposed by local jurisdictions and approved by the Commission as specified in Natural Resources Article, 8-1807, Annotated Code of Maryland. Planning & Zoning Site Plan Requirements Information for Site Plan Review FAQs Building Codes & Information Applications & Forms Services Provided by Dorchester County Fee Schedules Census Planning Commission Maps & GIS Data Complaint Policy Chesapeake TMDL Phase II Local Team Information Sustainable Growth Floodplain Information Critical Area Comprehensive Plan County Code Board of Appeals Planning Commission P&Z Staff Rental Registration License Form Planning & Zoning Home Meeting Information Meeting- Holiday Schedules Employment Opportunities For Employees Bid Invitations Forms/ Applications Circuit Court Public Notices © Copyright 2021 Dorchester County Government Location .