Pursuant to COMAR 26.17.01.05, any land clearing, grading, or other earth disturbances shall require an erosion and sediment control plan approved by the soil conservation district, except the following activities that are exempt from this requirement:

1. Agricultural land management practices and construction of agricultural structures, including those regulated under COMAR 26.17.03.
2. Clearing and grading activities that disturb less than 5,000 square feet of land area and disturb less than 100 cubic yards of earth.

To satisfy the requirement for soil conservation district approval as part of St. Mary’s County development process an exemption form is issued if the activity meets the exemption criteria.

As of July 1, 2023, St. Mary’s SCD charges $75.00 to review and process an exemption.