<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" citation="COMAR 27.01.15.04" title_num="27" subtitle_num="01" chapter_num="15" heading="Fees and Penalties.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>These regulations are not intended to alter a local jurisdiction’s authority to assess fines, as provided under the Maryland Constitution or the Express Powers Act.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Each alleged violator who violates a provision of a local program shall be subject to separate fines for each offense in accordance with Natural Resources Article, §8-1808(c)(1)(iii)15, Annotated Code of Maryland, including:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Each violation constitutes a separate offense;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Each calendar day that a violation continues constitutes a separate offense; and,</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Fines for a continuing violation shall accrue without a requirement for an additional assessment, notice, or opportunity for hearing for each separate offense.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>In determining the amount of the penalty to be assessed, a local jurisdiction shall consider:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The gravity of the violation;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Any willfulness or negligence involved in the violation;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The environmental impact of the violation; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>The cost of restoration of the resources affected by the violation and mitigation for damage to that resource.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>A jurisdiction shall require a bond or other financial security for restoration or mitigation that exceeds 1,000 square feet or $1,000, or adopt procedures approved by the Commission that ensure the restoration or mitigation is properly completed.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>