The bill S.303 seeks to amend the administration of the three-acre stormwater discharge permit by the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR). It requires ANR to conduct site visits to confirm the presence of three or more acres of impervious surfaces on identified parcels and to rank these parcels based on their impact on water quality. Only those in the top 10 percent of severity will continue to require a permit, and the current permitting schedule will be repealed in favor of a new one based on impact severity. The bill also clarifies that failure to obtain a permit will not create an encumbrance on property titles and mandates public hearings in each county to explain these changes.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions that ensure a property owner's noncompliance with the stormwater discharge permit does not affect the marketability of their property title. Property owners must disclose the permit status to potential buyers at least 72 hours before a sale contract is executed, and the Secretary of Natural Resources is tasked with preparing a disclosure form to assist sellers. The bill emphasizes public engagement by requiring the Secretary to conduct public hearings within 120 days of passage, providing a plain-language overview of the permit's history and implications for property owners. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-1264