(1) Preapplication Meetings. In order to reduce the time required for processing applications, preapplication meetings are encouraged and should be arranged in accordance with the following:
    (a) If a meeting is requested by the applicant, the Department shall meet with the applicant at the earliest practical time or as otherwise agreed to by both parties.
    (b) These meetings are for the purpose of exchanging ideas and information and shall be nonbinding on either party.
    (2) Filing. Applications shall be filed with the Department in accordance with the following deadlines:
    (a) Conceptual plans. Conceptual plan applications shall be filed at least six months prior to beginning site preparation or mining operations, whichever occurs first. If the operator is required to prepare an Application for Development Approval (ADA) under Florida Statutes Chapter 380, the operator shall file the conceptual plan application within seven days of the submittal of the ADA.
    (b) Conceptual plan modifications. Modification applications incorporated by reference in Fl. Admin. Code R. 62C-16.0095, (Reclamation Forms) shall be filed with, and approved by, the Department prior to beginning activities that constitute a change to the approved conceptual plan. If the proposed modification would constitute a substantial deviation to the approved Development Order as determined by the Department of Community Affairs in accordance with Florida Statutes Chapter 380, then the conceptual plan modification application should be filed with the Department within seven days of filing the substantial deviation application with the Department of Community Affairs. Those activities listed in Reclamation Form No. 6 shall not constitute a change requiring a conceptual plan modification, but shall be reported to the Department by the operator on Reclamation Form No. 6 for approval by the Department as a field change.
    (c) Variances. Variance applications may be filed at any time; however, activities which require a variance shall not be initiated unless and until a variance is approved by the Secretary.
    (d) Notices of Disturbance. Notices shall be filed at least 30 days, but no more than one year, prior to initiating a disturbance in a reclamation parcel.
    (e) Annual Mining and Reclamation Reports. Reports shall be filed on or before March 1 of each calendar year subsequent to Department approval of a Conceptual Reclamation Plan.
Rulemaking Authority 378.205 FS. Law Implemented 211.32, 378.205, 378.212 FS. History-New 10-6-80, Amended 7-19-81, Formerly 16C-16.032, Amended 2-22-87, Formerly 16C-16.0032, Amended 5-28-06.