Wetlands and Waterways Permits - Lighthouse Piers - Permission of Owner of Private Wetlands
HB0775 would create a narrow exception in Maryland’s wetlands and waterways permitting law for certain piers associated with lighthouses. Under the bill, a person could not be required to obtain permission from the owner of private wetlands to construct a pier if the pier is located within private wetlands, is connected to a lighthouse, and is not connected to the shore. The bill does not eliminate permitting requirements altogether; it still requires all necessary approvals from the Board and the Department before construction.
The measure amends the Environment Article by adding a new section to clarify that, in this specific circumstance, private-wetlands ownership does not control whether a lighthouse pier may be built. It also retains existing statutory definitions of “pier” and “private wetlands,” and the bill would take effect October 1, 2026. In practical terms, the bill appears aimed at facilitating access or maintenance-related construction for lighthouse structures in tidal wetland areas while preserving state oversight through environmental permitting.
HB0775 would modify Maryland Environment Article Title 16 by adding a new provision that limits the ability of private wetlands owners to block construction of a very specific category of pier. The bill affects property rights in private tidal wetlands, wetlands permitting, and lighthouse-related waterfront construction, while leaving intact the requirement to secure approvals from the Board and the Department. Its impact is narrow but significant for any lighthouse pier project located entirely within private wetlands and not connected to shore.
Based on the bill text and available context, the bill appears to be a targeted, technical measure rather than a broadly controversial one. There are no recorded votes or committee transcripts provided, and the bill had only reached a House hearing. The framing suggests a practical purpose: resolving a permitting or access issue for lighthouse piers while keeping environmental review in place.
The main point of contention is likely the balance between private wetlands property rights and the ability to construct lighthouse-related piers without owner permission. Supporters would likely view the bill as a necessary clarification for lighthouse access or preservation, while opponents could argue it weakens private property control or creates an exception that could be expanded in future cases. Because the bill still requires Board and Department approvals, any debate would likely focus on whether removing the owner-consent requirement is justified in this limited setting.