Frequently Asked Questions

These are environmentally sensitive areas which contain valuable wildlife and plant habitat and also help to protect the water quality of local streams and ultimately, the Chesapeake Bay. The Natural Resource District (NRD) includes non-tidal wetlands and the associated 75 foot buffer and slopes in excess of 25% for an area exceeding 40,000 square feet as well as streams and their associated 75 or 150 foot buffers. The NRD area is delineated on all record plats approved by the County. The Zoning Ordinance does not allow this area to be disturbed. This means that construction, grading, clearing and filling activities or intensive cultivation of the area for landscaping or garden use is not permitted. No sheds, garages, patios, decks, gazebos or swimming pools will be allowed within any area designated as a NRD. Over the long term, these activities may damage the resources intended to be protected. However, necessary utilities of water and sewer lines or roads may be permitted.

Subject to the requirements of your Homeowners' Association covenants, fencing is the only structure which will be permitted within this NRD area. You may also mow existing grass areas and perform normal yard maintenance. The planting of additional native trees, shrubs and plant materials is also permitted and encouraged, but it is recommended that the use of fertilizers and pesticides be limited due to the environmental sensitivity of these areas.

Determining wetlands may be difficult. It is recommended that a wetland delineation be conducted by a certified professional. However, the first step may be to look for a change in vegetation or pockets of water on your property. If any of these characteristics exist, you may have wetlands on your property. Steep slopes, streams and/or wetlands may indicate NRD on your property. Lots recorded after 1985 will show NRD on the final record plat. For more information contact the Department of Planning and Zoning.

Harford County requires a minimum buffer of 75 feet to streams and wetlands. Certain streams within the County receive a buffer of 150 feet on both sides of its banks. These buffers help keep dirt and other pollutants from entering the surface waters by employing the natural vegetation of the area as a filter. Stormwaters coming off developed areas are filtered through the natural buffers before these waters reach the stream in a buffered area. This provides a cleaner and healthier environment and protects the Chesapeake Bay.

The Chesapeake Bay Critical Area is the area 1,000 feet landward of tidal waters and tidal wetlands. In addition, certain park, floodplain and wetland areas beyond 1,000 feet from the head of tide are included in the Critical Area in Harford County. Development is permitted within the Critical Area, however, specific regulations restrict the intensity of development. Critical Area regulations require that specific resources not be disturbed by development and that others may be disturbed if mitigation is provided.

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 one tree or two 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 for more details.

Yes, the dead trees may be removed; however you need to complete a Buffer Management Plan. This Plan is necessary any time there is a disturbance to the Buffer. It includes information on the proposal and the long-term management of the area. If you remove a tree in the Buffer, you are required to replace it with another native species. Healthy trees must remain in place and removing them for a view is not permitted.

Yes, you may build a home on your land. Any lot that was created prior to the Critical Area Regulations is entitled to be developed, with at least one house, provided that these projects comply with certain remaining regulations and are consistent with the underlying zoning.