At its meeting on August 19, 2026, the Critical Area Commission for the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays granted the Commission staff permission to forward draft regulations to the Administrative, Executive and Legislative Committee (AELR) for review. These regulations are not final, but have only begun the formal rulemaking process. And insert in their place: The proposed regulations have published in the October 30, 2026 edition of The Maryland Register. Click here to access that site.

A copy of the draft regulations can be found here. These regulations constitute amendments to COMAR Title 27, Subtitle 01, Chapter 12, Variances. They are reflective of the updates to the Natural Resources Article that was amended by the Maryland General Assembly during the 2026 legislative session. Information of the bill​ can be found here​​.

The formal public comment period has begun and comments will be accepted through November 30, 2026. Comments may be sent to Lisa Hoerger, Regulations Coordinator, Critical Area Commission for the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays, 1804 West Street, Suite 100, or call 410-260-3478, or email to [email protected].

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