What if I perform a new activity in an existing developed area within 75 feet of the protected natural resource?
Generally, the Department will encourage new activities to take place in existing developed areas rather than allow any further development in otherwise undisturbed areas within the 75 foot setback from the protected natural resource. For example, building a garage on an existing parking area within 75 of the natural resource will be acceptable under the Permit by Rule program. However, the Department will discourage converting other developed areas, such as lawns, to structures because maintaining as much vegetation as possible within the 75 setback is important, even if the area is mowed lawn.
