General permits may be issued for the research, marketing, retail, wholesale, transport, storage, warehousing, display, distribution, cultivation or propagation of controlled plants under the following circumstances:

(1) General permits may be issued on a Statewide or regional basis for controlled plants where the controlled plants have similar characteristics and are capable of being cultivated, propagated, processed and controlled or eradicated in a similar fashion.

(2) General permits shall be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin effective upon publication.

(3) An applicant seeking a general permit under this section shall inform the department of the applicant's intended use of the general permit and complete an application for approval to operate under the general permit requirements. The application shall include a written plan establishing the practices and methods the applicant will utilize in order to assure compliance with the general permit requirements established by the department. In addition to the written plan, the application shall state, at a minimum, all of the information required under section 1514(5)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (vi), (vii) and (viii) (relating to individual permits).

(4) Before the approval and issuance of a general permit, the department may enter onto and inspect the land and premises, including buildings and conveyances, that will be utilized for the purpose of engaging in an activity authorized by the permit regarding a controlled plant. The inspection shall be conducted during normal business hours.