How to Request a Boating Regulation
Step 1. Submit to the Maryland Boat Act Advisory Committee, a petition signed by at least 25 people
Request for Boating Regulation
Change Petition Form
Boat Act Advisory Committee
Bob Lunsford, Regulation Coordinator
580 Taylor Avenue, E-4
Annapolis, MD 21401
Include the following
information on your petition or use this form:
Request for Boating Regulation Change Petition Form
- Name Address and phone number of contact person, dated
- Printed names and address of signers next to signatures
- Detailed description of area, with a map
- Why this action should take place
- Type of restriction 6 All times, 6 Sat Sun and Holidays, April 15 to Oct 15, or Other
- Any restrictions currently in the area
Step 2. The Department of Natural Resources will begin studying the area during the next Boating Season (Apr 15 – Oct 15)
- Boating Services Unit will set up a meeting with the contact person to review request and make
recommendations
- Boating Services Unit will place a buoy in the area to advise boaters that the area is under study
- Notices to boaters will be distributed in the area
- Vessel traffic surveys will be done
- Historical data on the area will be collected including shore erosion information
- Public comments will be solicited
Step 3. The Department of Natural Resources will summarize the data and present it to the Boat Act Advisory Committee (BAAC)
- The BAAC will review the study (Areas that have been
reviewed can not re-apply for 3 years)
- Visit areas if needed
- Hold a meeting for open public comments on the request
(Meeting dates will be advertised on the WEB)
- The BAAC will recommend that the requested regulation be proposed, not
proposed or modified, to the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources.
- The BAAC final recommendation is delivered to the Secretary of the
Department of Natural Resources.
Step 4. The BLA Reviews the Recommendation
- The BLA will forward the BAAC recommendation along with any comments to
the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources.
- The Secretary will then determine if a regulation will be proposed and
processed in accordance with established protocols.
- Publication in the Maryland Register is required and a public comment
period of not less than 30 days is mandatory. A public hearing may be
required.
- Adoption (45 days) and the effective dates (90 days) are determined.
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