Wetlands and Waterways Permits - Lighthouse Piers - Permission of Owner of Private Wetlands

SB 701 modifies Maryland law to remove the requirement for pier builders to obtain permission from private wetlands owners under specific conditions. It directly affects owners of lighthouses or structures connected to lighthouses seeking to build piers that are entirely within private wetlands, connected only to the lighthouse, and not linked to the shore. The bill achieves this by adding Section 16-105.1 to the law, which prohibits requiring such permission for these designated piers. However, builders must still secure all necessary approvals from the Board and Department before construction begins. The change takes effect October 1, 2026.