Article V. Forest Stand Delineation

§31–5.1 Criteria

A. A Forest Stand Delineation shall be submitted at the sketch plan stage for a subdivision or project plan approval, as the sketch plan processes are defined in the Town of Easton's Zoning Code and before a grading permit application or before a sediment and erosion control application is submitted for the tract being developed.

B. The delineation shall be prepared by a licensed forester, licensed landscape architect, or a qualified professional who meets the requirements stated in COMAR 08.19.06.01A.

C. The delineation shall be used during the sketch review process to determine the most suitable and practical areas for forest conservation and shall contain the following components:

(1) A topographic map delineating intermittent and perennial streams, and steep slopes over 25 percent;

(2) A soils map delineating soils with structural limitations, hydric soils, or soils with a soil K value greater than 0.35 on slopes of 15 percent or more;

(3) Forest stand maps indicating species, location and size of trees and showing dominant and codominant forest types;

(4) Location of 100-year floodplains;

(5) Information required by the State of Maryland Department of Natural Resource’s Forest Conservation Technical Manual; and

(6) Other information the Department determines is necessary to implement this Ordinance.

D. If approved by the Department, a simplified delineation, a concept plan or plat, preliminary plat or plan, sediment and erosion control plan or other appropriate document, verified by a site visit, if appropriate, may substitute for the Forest Stand Delineation:

(1) When no forest cover is disturbed during a construction activity; and

(2) If designated to be under a long term protective agreement.

E. The Department shall consider a simplified Forest Stand Delineation, or other substitute plan described in §31-5.1D, complete if it includes:

(1) All requirements under §31-5.1C (1), (2), (4), (5) and (6) of this article;

(2) A map showing existing forest cover as verified by field inspection; and

(3) Other information required by this Ordinance.

F. An approved Forest Stand Delineation may remain in effect for a period not longer than 5 years.

G. Time for Submittal.

(1) Within 30 calendar days after receipt of the Forest Stand Delineation, the Department shall notify the applicant whether the Forest Stand Delineation is complete and correct.

(2) If the Department fails to notify the applicant within 30 days, the delineation shall be treated as complete and correct.

(3) The Department may require further information or provide for an additional 15 calendar days under extenuating circumstances.