Anne Arundel County is moving to crack down on property owners who build on sensitive waterfront land without permission.

The County Council will consider a proposal from County Executive John R. Leopold that would require those who violate the Critical Area law to sign a legal document admitting guilt before seeking retroactive approvals for work that's already been done.

And if the property owner refuses to sign the document, called a consent order, the county would move to demolish the offending structure.

County Council Chairman Cathy Vitale, R-Severna Park, introduced the bill on Mr. Leopold's behalf. She's also...