<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".15" citation="COMAR 27.02.05.15" title_num="27" subtitle_num="02" chapter_num="05" heading="Solar Energy Generating Systems.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Definitions.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>In this regulation and in Regulations .15-1 through .15-3 of this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Terms Defined.</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>“Major solar energy generating system” has the meaning stated in COMAR 27.01.14.01.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>“Minor solar energy generating system” has the meaning stated in COMAR 27.01.14.01.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>“Modified buffer area” has the meaning stated in COMAR 27.01.01.01.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>“Planting plan” has the meaning stated in COMAR 27.01.14.01.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>“Project area” has the meaning stated in COMAR 27.01.14.01.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(f)">
        <text>“Solar energy generating system” has the meaning stated in COMAR 27.01.14.01.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Authority of the Public Service Commission; Applicability.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The provisions of this regulation may not be construed to limit the authority of the Public Service Commission under Public Utilities Article, §7-207, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The requirements of this regulation are applicable to major and minor solar energy generating systems.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>General Provisions.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A State agency may locate a solar energy generating system constructed or established in the Critical Area in accordance with Regulation .15-1 of this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A State agency may locate a major solar energy generating system in the resource conservation area in accordance with Regulation .15-2 of this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>A State agency may locate a solar energy generating system in a modified buffer area if the project is located over existing, legally developed lot coverage as described in Natural Resources Article, §8-1808.3, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Except for a regulated activity that is authorized by the Department of the Environment in accordance with COMAR 26.23.02, a State agency may not locate a solar energy generating system:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>In a habitat protection area designated under COMAR 27.01.09; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>On a steep slope or a highly erodible soil.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>