For all development activities and resource utilization in the Resource Conservation Areas, the applicant shall meet all the following standards:
A. 
RCAs are those areas characterized by nature dominated environments (wetlands, forests, abandoned fields) and resource utilization activities (agriculture, forestry, fisheries activities, or aquaculture). These areas shall have at least one of the following features:
(1) 
Density is less than one dwelling unit per five acres; or
(2) 
Dominant land use is in agriculture, wetland, forest, barren land, surface water, or open space.
B. 
Land use activities within the RCA will be managed in accordance with the land use policies of COMAR 27.01.02.05.
C. 
Development activity within the Resource Conservation Areas shall be consistent with the requirements and standards for Limited Development Areas as specified in COMAR 27.01.02.04 and this chapter.
(1) 
For the purposes of calculating limitations on lot coverage, it is as follows:
(a) 
When a site is mapped entirely as RCA, lot coverage is based on the entire site area; and
(b) 
When a portion of a lot or parcel is mapped as RCA, lot coverage is based on the area of the RCA.
D. 
Density.
(1) 
Land within the Resource Conservation Area may be developed for residential uses at a density not to exceed one dwelling unit per 20 acres. A local jurisdiction may not authorize a variance to the maximum density of one dwelling unit per 20 acres. In calculating the one-in-20-acre density of development that is permitted on a parcel located within the Resource Conservation Area, the City of Crisfield:
(a) 
Shall count each dwelling unit.
(b) 
May only permit the area of any private wetlands located on the property to be included when using transfer of development rights and the area of private wetlands shall be delineated when certifying development rights for transfer.
E. 
Nothing in this section shall limit the ability of a participant in any agricultural easement program to convey real property impressed with such an easement to family members, provided that no such conveyance will result in a density greater than one dwelling unit per 20 acres.
F. 
RCA uses.
(1) 
Existing industrial and commercial facilities, including those that directly support agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, or residential development not exceeding the one per 20-acre density, shall be allowed in RCAs.
(2) 
Expansion of existing industrial facilities and use in the Resource Conservation Area shall be subject to the non-conforming use provisions of this chapter and the grandfathering provisions in Article VIII and may require growth allocation.
(3) 
Additional industrial or commercial facilities may not be in the RCA.
(4) 
Institutional facilities may not be in the Resource Conservation Area.
(5) 
A commercial, institutional, or industrial solar energy generating system may be permitted in accordance with COMAR 27.01.14.
(6) 
New commercial, industrial, and institutional uses shall not be permitted in Resource Conservation Areas, except as provided for in the City's growth allocation provisions or as listed below, and Table 113.8:
(a) 
A home occupation as an accessory use on a residential property and as provided for in the City's Zoning Ordinance.
(b) 
A golf course developed in accordance with the official guidance adopted by the Critical Area Commission on August 3, 2005, excluding main buildings and/or structures such as the clubhouse, pro shop, parking lot, etc.
(c) 
A cemetery that is an accessory use to an existing church; provided lot coverage is limited to 15% of the site or 20,000 square feet, whichever is less.
(d) 
A bed-and-breakfast facility located in an existing residential structure and where meals are prepared only for guests staying at the facility.
(e) 
A gun club or skeet shooting range or similar use, excluding main buildings and/or structures, such as a clubhouse, snack bar, etc.
(f) 
A day care facility in a dwelling where the operators live on the premises and there are no more than eight children.
(g) 
A group home or assisted living facility with no more than eight residents.
Table 113.8. Permitted Uses
LEGEND:
P = Permitted if allowed in the underlying zoning district
PC = Permitted with conditions if allowed in the underlying zoning district
NP = Not permitted
Land Use Management Designation
Item
Use Description
IDA
LDA
RCA
1.00
RESIDENTIAL
1.10
Accessory dwelling unit
P
P
PC
2.00
INSTITUTIONAL
2.10
Existing institutional uses
P
P
PC
2.20
New institutional uses
P
P
NP
2.30
Cemetery
P
P
PC
2.40
Group home
P
P
PC
2.50
Day care
P
P
PC
3.00
COMMERCIAL
3.10
Existing commercial uses
P
P
PC
3.20
New commercial uses
P
P
NP
3.30
Home occupation
P
P
PC
3.40
Bed-and-breakfast facility
P
P
PC
4.00
RECREATION
4.10
Golf course
P
P
PC
5.00
INDUSTRIAL
5.10
Existing industrial uses
P
P
PC
5.20
New industrial uses
PC
PC
NP
5.30
Non-maritime heavy industry
PC
NP
NP
6.00
TRANSPORTATION/PARKING/COMMUNICATIONS/UTILITIES
6.10
Utility transmission facilities
PC
PC
PC
7.00
PUBLIC/QUASI-PUBLIC
7.10
Sanitary landfill; rubble fill
PC
PC
PC
7.20
Solid or hazardous waste collection or disposal facilities
PC
PC
PC
7.30
Sludge facilities
PC
PC
PC
8.00
OTHER (Reserved)
(7) 
Additional land may not be zoned or used for industrial, commercial, or institutional development, except as provided by the City's growth allocation provisions.