# COMAR Title 27 — Critical Area Commission for the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays

## Subtitle 01 — Criteria for Local Critical Area Program Development

### Chapter 04 — Shoreline Stabilization Measures

**Authority:** Natural Resources Article, §§8-1806, 8-1808(c), 8-1808.4(a), and 8-1811, Annotated Code of Maryland

**Administrative History:** Effective date: May 13, 1986 (12:24 Md. R. 2352)

**Administrative History:** COMAR 14.15 became effective upon the enactment of Resolution No. 37 (SJ 9), Acts of 1986.

**Administrative History:** COMAR 14.15.04 recodified to COMAR 27.01.04 in August, 1992

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01 amended effective March 6, 2023 (50:4 Md. R. 123)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01-1 amended effective March 6, 2023 (50:4 Md. R. 123)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02 amended effective March 6, 2023 (50:4 Md. R. 123)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03 amended effective March 6, 2023 (50:4 Md. R. 123)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03C adopted effective September 2, 2013 (40:17 Md. R. 1421)

#### Regulation .01 Definition.

*COMAR 27.01.04.01*

In this chapter, “shoreline stabilization measure” has the meaning stated in COMAR 27.01.01.01.

#### Regulation .01-1 Applicability.

*COMAR 27.01.04.01-1*

The provisions of this chapter do not apply to a structure that is, by necessity, associated with a water-dependent facility under COMAR 27.01.03.

#### Regulation .02 Policies.

*COMAR 27.01.04.02*

In developing and updating its Critical Area program, a local jurisdiction shall follow these policies when addressing shoreline stabilization measures:

A. Encourage the preservation of the natural shoreline.

B. Encourage public and private landowners to protect significantly eroding portions of the shoreline in the Critical Area; and

C. In order to conserve and protect plant, fish, and wildlife habitat, encourage the use of appropriate shoreline stabilization measures that effectively and practically reduce shore erosion.

#### Regulation .03 Criteria.

*COMAR 27.01.04.03*

In developing and updating its Critical Area program, a local jurisdiction shall satisfy these criteria when addressing shoreline stabilization measures:

A. In accordance with COMAR 26.24.04.01-1, adherence to the structural shoreline stabilization maps developed and maintained by the Department of the Environment;

B. In accordance with Environment Article, §16-201(c), Annotated Code of Maryland, and COMAR 26.24.04.01, prohibition of the use of a structural shoreline stabilization measure in an area where no significant shore erosion occurs;

C. Performance of mitigation measures applicable to the type of shoreline stabilization measure to be undertaken, as specified in the Commission form entitled “Shoreline Stabilization Measure Buffer Management Plan”; and

D. In accordance with COMAR 26.24.04.01-3 and 27.01.09.01-3, delivery to the Commission of an approved buffer management plan for each approved shoreline stabilization measure.