<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".15-3" citation="COMAR 27.02.05.15-3" title_num="27" subtitle_num="02" chapter_num="05" heading="Planting Plan Requirements.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Based on the constraints and opportunities presented by a project area, a State agency shall select from the following options to address the planting plan requirements of Regulation .15-1E and F of this chapter:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Plant on-site in one of the following planting areas:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The area within 300 feet landward from the mean high water line of tidal waters, from the landward boundary of a tidal wetland, or from the edge of each bank of a tributary stream;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Contiguous to or within a designated forest interior dwelling bird habitat; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>A wildlife corridor; or</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>If approved by the Commission:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Plant off-site and the planting options are in accordance with §A(1) of this regulation;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Create a wetland migration area, nonstructural shoreline stabilization measure, or other nature-based practice that naturally adjusts to changing environmental conditions through the lifespan of the practice and is designed to address future sea level rise, precipitation-induced flooding, or other climate change impacts;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Create, restore, or enhance a nontidal wetland that results in habitat and water quality benefits if it is authorized by the Department of the Environment; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Propose alternative mitigation options for Commission review.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>A State agency shall ensure that any general landscape screening requirements for construction of an energy generating system are not included as part of the mitigation or on-site or off-site planting required in Regulation .15-1 of this chapter.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>A State agency shall require a planting plan for:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The area under the solar panels; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Replanting required in Regulation .15-1D and F of this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>A State agency shall ensure long-term maintenance of the plantings.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>