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Emmitsburg updates forest conservation code to comply with Maryland's HB1511
Summary
The board adopted ordinance changes to Chapter 16.48 to align the town's forest conservation program with the Department of Natural Resources model ordinance required by House Bill 1511; most changes are administrative but include updated mitigation, protection and notice rules.
The Emmitsburg Board of Commissioners on July 13 adopted amendments to the town's forest conservation ordinance to conform with changes required by Maryland House Bill 1511 and the Department of Natural Resources' updated model ordinance.
Town Planner (S4) told the board the changes are largely administrative—updated definitions, terminology, statutory references and procedural clarifications—but also implement state updates related to forest protection, mitigation, public notice and administration that became effective July 1, 2026. Planner S4 said the final DNR model ordinance was released June 22 and staff incorporated the state text into the town's code.
The Planning Commission reviewed the draft on June 29 and recommended forwarding it to the board by a 3-0 vote with one commissioner abstaining. During questions, a commissioner asked where the town's forest conservation funds are held and how much is available; staff said a restricted forest conservation fund exists, that it fluctuates as funds are used, and that historically the balance had been close to six figures though the current balance was not specified in the meeting. Staff also confirmed forest mitigation bank credits are typically purchased from county-level or private mitigation banks rather than owned by the town.
There were no public witnesses; the board closed the hearing and adopted the ordinance updates by voice vote. Staff said the revisions do not rewrite the town's policy but update local code to remain consistent with state requirements.
