The purpose of a Floodplain District Permit (FPDP) is to control floodplain development in order to protect persons and property from danger and destruction and to preserve environmental quality.

WHEN DO I NEED A PERMIT?

A permit is required for any land-disturbing activity totaling 5,000 sq. ft. or more within the floodplain district (including associated 25' Building Restriction Line) and for temporary or permanent construction involving the placement of a structure, regardless of the size of the disturbed area.

WHAT TYPES OF ACTIVITIES ARE EXEMPT FROM FPDP?

A FPDP is not required for:

• Disturbance not exceeding 5,000 sq. ft. of ground surface which does not impede the flow of flood water, and is not for the placement of a structure.



• Agricultural practices, except for the construction of agricultural structures.



• Nursery operations



• Any federal or state project exempt under state or federal law.

WHAT IS THE PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS?

Submit a completed FPDP Permit Application with appropriate supporting information and appropriate application fees. Please refer to the second page of the FPDP Application for submittal requirements available on eDocuments at Application for Floodplain Study/Permit. An application for a permit must be accompanied by a Sediment Control Plan where applicable.

WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL?

A FPDP will be issued when the applicant, through his/her permit application, has successfully demonstrated that:

• No reasonable alternatives exist outside the floodplain



• Encroachment in the floodplain is minimized



• Any temporary or permanent structure will withstand the 100-year flood without significant damage



• Development will not aggravate downstream or upstream flooding or erosion.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR INSPECTION?

The permittee must notify the Department of Permitting Services 48 hours before commencing any land disturbing activities and, must also arrange a pre-construction meeting with the department, unless the department waives the meeting requirement. Please call (240) 777-6320 to arrange for your inspection request.

OTHER AGENCIES INVOLVED

A waterway construction permit from the State of Maryland Department of the Environment may be required.

WHAT WILL THE FPDP COST?

• FPDP review fee $803.00



• Extension $209.00

The above costs include the 10% Automation Enhancement Fee.

All fees are non-refundable and are not transferable.

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY FPDP?

• A FPDP associated with the total Engineered Sediment Control permit review typically takes approximately one to three months.



• All other permits take approximately four weeks for approval.

The permit is valid for two years. Actual processing time may vary according to workload/project complexity