Every building permit and subdivision application filed with the Garrett County Office of Planning & Zoning shall be reviewed for compliance with the Garrett County Sensitive Areas Ordinance. This Ordinance focuses on six main areas of concern: steep slopes, stream buffers, rare, threatened and endangered species, flood-prone areas, wetlands and source water protection areas.
Steep Slopes
If slopes on the proposed building or subdivision application exceed 30 percent the applicant shall be required to submit a site plan.
Stream Buffers
Refer to the Generalized Sensitive Areas Map #1 to view the locations of "Streams" and "Growth Areas". Within the areas shown as Growth Areas, the minimum Stream Buffer shall include areas within 25 feet of each side of the top of the primary bank of a stream. Within areas not shown as Growth Areas, the minimum Stream Buffer shall include areas within 50 feet of each side of the top of the primary bank of a stream.
Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species
Federal and State designated sites of rare, threatened and endangered species can be viewed on the Generalized Sensitive Areas Map #1. A Building Permit shall not be issued for a development that would adversely affect a site known to have been officially designated as a habitat for Federally -designated Rare, Threatened or Endangered Species until the proper agencies have been notified and mitigation measures approved. Any applicant for a building permit for proposed development activity that would have a potential adverse impact on the habitat of a rare, threatened or endangered species officially designated by the State of Maryland will be refered to the appropriate division of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Flood-Prone Areas; Erosion Control
Compliance with the Floodplain Management Ordinance and Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance, as amended and as applicable, shall be required as a condition of permits. To view the Floodplain Management Ordinance click the link at the top of this page. For more information regarding the Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance or the Floodplain Management Ordinance please contact the Permits & Inspections Division at 301-334-7470.
Wetlands
All development activity shall comply with the Maryland Non-Tidal Wetlands Act (Title 5, Subtitle 9 of the Maryland Annotated Code).
Source Water Protection Areas
Refer to Generalized Sensitive Areas Map #1 to view the locations of "Source Water Protection Areas". Source Water Protection Areas provide water recharge for public drinking water systems. Minimum requirements to protect these resources from contamination that could threaten the safety of public water sources are established.
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