​​Local jurisdictions are responsible for implementing and enforcing the Critical Area program for private development. Some jurisdictions have enacted requirements that vary somewhat from the Commission’s regulations in order to offer better program implementation. Therefore, we recommend that you contact your local planner for more specific questions related to development in the Critic​al Area in your town or county.

Click here for the list of counties and towns and their webpage and contact information.

​

​Critical Area Law Updates - Chapter 424/HB 233 Implementation Guide

Forms

• Program Committee Pre-Application Form
• Project Committee Pre-Application Form
• ​​ Formal Project C​ommittee Application and Checklist
  
• ​ Buffer Notification Form
• Consistency Report for Local Government Projects
• Conditional Approval Form
• Planting Agreement Form
• Shore Erosion Control Forms

Resources

• ​​Incorporating New Requirements for Climate and Equity into Local Growth Allocation Applications - Interim Guidance Document - Ma​y 2025
• County Model Ordinance
• Municipal ​Model Ordinance
• Critical Area Commission Staff Contacts
• 10% Compliance Information for IDA Properties
• Publications and Fact Sheets​
• ​Summary of Project Notification Requirements
• FAQs for Local Governments on Renewable Energy Regulations​

​

Coastal Resilience

• Coastal Resilience - Why Does it Matter?
• Coastal Resilience Efforts
• ​​ Coastal Atlas
  
• Maryland Coast Smart Council

Training Resources​

• Education
• Quarterly Planner's Meeting

​

Quarterly Planner's Meeting

• January 16, 2025
• July 17, 2025
• April 2024
• July 2024
• November 2024

​
​