There is something magical about living on the water, getting a front row seat to stunning sunrises and sunsets, watching wildlife thrive in nature and hearing the sounds of waves rolling onto the shore. Watching the changing tides of the Chesapeake Bay from your dining room table is a dream of many homeowners. However, building or renovating a home along a protected waterway is a process which requires much more regulatory adherence as waterfront homeowners become stewards of the health of this precious natural resource.
Waterfront construction is guided by Maryland’s Critical Area Program. According to the Green Book for the Buffer, the Critical Area Program is a land use and resource protection program that affects approximately 11 percent of the State, or 680,000 acres. Through the Critical Area law and regulations, the Program affects land use, development, and the use and protection of natural resources on all properties that are located within 1,000 feet of tidal waters and tidal wetlands. This strip of land is called the “Critical Area” because of the “critical” role it plays in protecting Maryland’s water resources and tidewater-based ecosystems.
Hiring the right architect can save you thousands of dollars in costly mistakes and ensure that your project meets the many requirements of Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Patuxent Architects’ experience in waterfront development brings an unparalleled portfolio of carefully planned and executed projects that bring homeowners’ visions to life while protecting the natural habitat and water quality that is critical to preserving our coastlines and waterways. Their team of professionals help you to understand the many regulations associated with waterfront construction, the permit acquisition processes, inspection requirements, buffering and more.
Learn more about the Critical Area Program in The Green Book for the Buffer at
https://dnr.maryland.gov/criticalarea/Documents/GreenBook_Buffer.pdf
