NUISANCE FLOOD PLAN
Overview of Nuisance Flood Plans
In Maryland, the Nuisance Flood Plan is a legislative requirement for coastal jurisdictions to address hightide flooding, and it must be submitted to the Maryland Department of Planning every five years.
Definition:
Nuisance flooding refers to hightide flooding that causes public inconveniences, such as road closures and disruptions to daily activities. It is increasingly common due to rising sea levels and climate change.
Legislative Background:
The requirement for local jurisdictions to develop and submit a Nuisance Flood Plan stems from Maryland House Bill 1427 (2019) and Senate Bill 1006. These laws mandate that jurisdictions experiencing nuisance flooding create a plan to address it, publish the plan on their websites, and submit it to the Maryland Department of Planning (MDP).
Requirements for Local Jurisdictions
Plan Development:
Each coastal municipality and county must develop a Nuisance Flood Plan that outlines strategies for mitigating the impacts of nuisance flooding. This plan must be updated every five years to reflect new data and changing conditions.
Submission and Publication:
The plans must be submitted to the MDP and made publicly available on the local jurisdiction’s website. This ensures transparency and allows residents to understand the measures being taken to address flooding.