(a) An application shall contain available information as to whether the proposed permit area is within an area designated as unsuitable for surface coal mining and reclamation operations or is within an area under study for designation in an administrative proceeding under parts 762, 764, and 769 of this chapter.

(b) An application in which the applicant claims the exemption described in § 762.13(c) of this chapter shall contain information supporting the assertion that the applicant made substantial legal and financial commitments before January 4, 1977, concerning the proposed surface coal mining and reclamation operations.

(c) An application that proposes to conduct surface coal mining operations within 100 feet of a public road or within 300 feet of an occupied dwelling must meet the requirements of § 761.14 or § 761.15 of this chapter, respectively.