I am placing a shed and/or pool in my backyard. Is there anything that I need to do to comply with the critical area program?
Yes, anytime that you add new lot coverage within the Critical Area, you must mitigate for that increase. The most effective way to off-set this increase is with landscaping. Very simply, for every 100 square feet of lot coverage that you add, you are required to plant 1 tree or 2 shrubs that are native to Maryland and are a certain size (3 - 5 gallon container for shrubs and 1.5 - 2" caliper for trees 5 - 6' in height). A Lot Coverage Form is provided to be completed and submitted with the permit. Check with the Department of Planning and Zoning at 410-638-3103 for more details. Download a Lot Coverage Form (PDF).

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1. What is the critical area, and can I build there?
2. I am placing a shed and/or pool in my backyard. Is there anything that I need to do to comply with the critical area program?
3. I have dead trees in my backyard that are right next to the water. Can I remove them? How about the healthy trees that block my view?
4. I own an undeveloped piece of land in a resource conservation area, can I build a home on this land?