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.