Higher standards: Opportunities for enhancing flood resilience in the Eastern Shore of Maryland

This report was prepared by the Georgetown Climate Center (GCC) for the Eastern Shore Climate Adaptation Partnership (ESCAP). ESCAP worked with the Eastern Shore Regional GIS Cooperative to assess sea-level-rise vulnerabilities in Eastern Shore communities and, with GCC and the University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center to identify legal and policy options for enhancing flood resilience in ESCAP jurisdictions.

This report presents opportunities for enhancing flood resilience through local floodplain regulations, subdivision regulations, Critical Area programs, and other non-regulatory options including acquisitions, conservation easements, and public education and outreach programs. Case studies highlight how other jurisdictions have used similar approaches to enhance flood resilience. Example regulatory language is provided to help jurisdictions implement these approaches. The report also discusses legal and policy considerations, including the potential to earn points under the Community Rating System, to help jurisdictions assess the feasibility of different options.