(a) Amount required. The amount of afforestation required under this subtitle shall be determined according to the amount of existing forest cover as provided in this section. For purposes of this section, the term "site" excludes the 100-year floodplain. The amount required is as follows:
(1) a site that has less than 20% existing forest cover shall be afforested up to at least 20% of the site for agricultural and resource areas and medium density residential areas; and
(2) a site that has less than 15% existing forest cover shall be afforested up to at least 15% of the site for institutional development areas, high density residential areas, mixed use development areas or planned unit development areas, and commercial or industrial areas.
(b) Clearing below afforestation level. If existing forest cover is cut or cleared on a site that is below the afforestation levels set forth in this section, the site shall be reforested at a ratio of two acres planted for every acre cut or cleared, and this reforestation shall be in addition to the afforestation required by this section.
(c) Exception for linear projects. Afforestation is not required for the construction of linear projects where the utility crosses open, non-forested areas and the same use will continue on the site after the project is complete.
(Bill No. 3-05; Bill No. 68-19)