Definitions. For the purpose of implementing this
policy, the following words have the following meanings. (In the case
of conflicts with other definitions, the stricter provisions shall
apply.)
ACCESSORY STRUCTURE
A structure that is detached from the principal structure,
located on the same lot and clearly incidental and subordinate to
the principal structure; or if there is no principal structure on
the lot, a structure that is customarily incidental and subordinate
to a principal structure.
BUFFER YARD
An area, at least 25 feet wide, located between development
activity and the water (or edge of wetlands or streams), planted with
vegetation consisting of native species and other appropriate plantings.
This area shall be maintained primarily for the purposes of wildlife
habitat and water quality and shall not be maintained in a manner
that conflicts with these purposes such as by mowing or the application
of herbicides.
DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY
The construction or substantial alteration of residential,
commercial, industrial, institutional, recreational or transportation
facilities or structures. Development activities include, among other
things, structures, roads, parking areas, and other impervious surfaces,
mining and related facilities, clearing, grading and septic systems.
For purposes of implementing this policy, development activity does
not include subdivision.
GRANDFATHERED PARCEL/LOT
A parcel of land or lot that was subdivided into recorded,
legally buildable lots where the subdivision received final approval
before December 1, 1985.
NATURAL FOREST VEGETATION
Vegetation consisting of canopy trees, understory trees,
shrubs, and herbaceous plants that are typically found in riparian
areas in Maryland. Areas of natural forest vegetation planted to meet
the mitigation requirements in this policy shall be designed to mimic
the structure and species composition of natural forests.
NEW DEVELOPMENT
A development activity that takes place on a property with
pre-development imperviousness less than 15% as of December 1, 1985.
PRINCIPAL STRUCTURE
For the purpose of establishing setbacks, the primary or
predominant structure on any lot or parcel. For residential parcels
or lots, the principal structure is the primary dwelling, excluding
utilities and the septic system.
REDEVELOPMENT
A development activity that takes place on a property with
pre-development imperviousness greater than 15% as of December 1,
1985.
SPECIAL BUFFER AREA
An area officially mapped by the local jurisdiction and approved
by the Critical Area Commission as a special Buffer area, where it
has been sufficiently demonstrated that the existing pattern of residential,
industrial, commercial, institutional or recreational development
in the critical area prevents the Buffer from fulfilling its intended
functions for water quality protection and wildlife habitat conservation.