State and Private Wetlands - Nonwater-Dependent Project - Definition

SB 637 clarifies that registered vessels (under Maryland’s Natural Resources Article) are explicitly excluded from the definition of a "nonwater-dependent project" on wetlands. This change directly affects vessel owners and operators, as it removes vessels from a category that previously allowed certain construction permits on wetlands. The bill amends Maryland law to specify that vessels - regardless of use - do not qualify as projects that can be built on State or private wetlands without additional permits. Key provisions now prevent vessels from being treated as "nonwater-dependent" structures, streamlining regulatory clarity for wetland development. This focuses on defining scope, not altering permit requirements for other project types.