(a) A person may not construct, or cause to be constructed, a facility in the coastal area unless he first obtains a permit pursuant to this subtitle. However, facilities for which on-site construction, excluding site preparation, has legally begun prior to July 1, 1975 are exempt from the provisions of this subtitle.
(b) The Secretary after receiving the advisory comments of the Secretaries of Natural Resources, Business and Economic Development, and Transportation and the Secretary of the Department of Planning may adopt rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this subtitle.