This section provides insight into essential terminology and things to consider when buying or living on waterfront property. Understanding these concepts can help you make informed decisions and maximize the enjoyment of your waterfront lifestyle. 1. Riparian Rights refer to the rights of landowners whose property borders a body of water. In Maryland, these rights give property owners the ability to use and access the water adjacent to their land for activities like boating, fishing, or swimming. If you own waterfront property, understanding your riparian rights can impact where you can build docks, install bulkheads, or access the water. 2. Bulkhead is a retaining wall or barrier built along the shoreline to protect against erosion and rising tides. It helps prevent soil erosion and preserves the waterfront edge. If your property is along a body of water susceptible to erosion, you may need to consider installing or maintaining a bulkhead to protect your land. 3. Mean High Water Line (MHWL) is the average point where high tide reaches the shore. In legal terms, it often defines the boundary between private waterfront property and public water. The MHWL is important for understanding where your property ends and public access begins. It can also impact building and zoning regulations for docks or piers. 4. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designates flood zones based on the likelihood of flooding. Zones are classified as high-risk, moderate-risk, or low-risk. If your property is in a high-risk flood zone, you may be required to purchase flood insurance, and building regulations may apply to mitigate flood risks. 5. An Elevation Certificate is a document that provides the elevation of a building in relation to the base flood elevation (BFE) in a flood-prone area. This helps determine the flood risk and insurance premiums. If your waterfront property is located in a flood zone, an Elevation Certificate can be crucial for determining your flood insurance costs and whether any modifications need to be made to protect your home. 6. Dockage refers to the space or structure where a boat can be moored or docked. It includes private docks, marina slips, and moorings.Owning or accessing dockage is a key advantage for waterfront living, allowing you to keep your boat close to home. 7. A storm surge is a rise in sea level caused by high winds and atmospheric pressure during storms. It can lead to temporary flooding of low-lying areas. Properties in areas vulnerable to storm surges may require specific measures like elevated foundations, bulkheads, or flood barriers to protect against damage. 8. Navigable waters are bodies of water that are deep and wide enough for boats and ships to pass through. If your waterfront property borders navigable waters, you may have more flexibility for boating activities. Properties on navigable waters can increase the value of your home, especially if you are a boating enthusiast. 9. Setback refers to the required distance between a structure and the water’s edge or property boundary. This is often regulated by local zoning laws to protect the shoreline and manage environmental impact. Setback regulations may impact where you can build new structures, such as a deck, pier, or boathouse. 10. Dredging is the process of removing sediment or debris from the bottom of water bodies to deepen the waterway. This is often done to maintain navigability or prepare for dock installation. If the water depth near your property is too shallow for boats, dredging may be required, but it can involve permits and environmental considerations.