To be approved for installation in Baltimore City, appliances, accessories and equipment must: be listed by a nationally recognized testing agency such as the American Gas Association, Inc., Laboratories and Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., qualified and equipped for experimental testing and maintaining an adequate periodic inspection of current production of listed models and whose listing states that the appliance, accessory or equipment complies with nationally recognized safety requirements or has been tested and found safe for use in a specified manner; or comply with American National Standards Approval or Listing Requirements covering safe operation, substantial and durable construction and acceptable performance and be registered with the Commissioner of Housing and Community Development of Baltimore City. City Code, 1976/83, art. 13, §58(f) Ord. 82-642

Application shall be made to the Commissioner of Housing and Community Development of Baltimore City and the applicant shall furnish such information and certificates and cause such tests to be conducted as may be required by the Commissioner to secure proper registration and identification of any appliance, accessory, equipment, sample or model thereof; and before such application shall be approved by the Commissioner he shall determine whether such appliance, accessory, equipment, sample or model thereof described therein conforms to the rules and regulations and specifications hereinafter provided for in § 16-8(a)(1) hereof. In connection with such application, the applicant shall file evidence satisfactory to the Commissioner that such appliance, accessory, equipment, sample or model thereof has been examined and tested and found to comply with the rules, regulations, specifications, and requirements as provided for in § 16-8(a)(1). The Commissioner shall not register the appliance, accessory, equipment, sample or model thereof described in said application, unless it shall appear that it conforms to said rules, regulations and specifications, and meets such tests as the Commissioner may prescribe. All appliances, accessories or equipment shall bear an identification number or designation which may be the manufacturer’s regular trade name and model number, and when applied for by such manufacturer, it shall be stated in the application for registration, provided that nothing contained in this ordinance shall be construed to apply to appliances, accessories or equipment used for strictly experimental purposes or for strictly industrial use as may be defined in the rules, regulations and specifications, as provided for in § 16-8(a)(1) hereof. If the Commissioner determines that the appliance, accessory or equipment described in any such application for registration does not conform to said rules, regulations and specifications, or if he is not satisfied with the application, he shall notify the applicant forthwith, stating his reasons therefor. City Code, 1976/83, art. 13, §35 Ord. 80-025

The Commissioner of Housing and Community Development of Baltimore City may at any time cause an examination to be made of any appliance, accessory, or equipment. If it shall be found, upon such examination, that such appliance, accessory, or equipment does not comply with the rules, regulations, and specifications, as provided for in § 16-8(a)(1) hereof, or is otherwise unsafe the Commissioner shall notify the registrant, installer, or seller wherein said appliance, accessory, or equipment does not conform to said rules, regulations, and specifications, or wherein it is otherwise unsafe. The said registrant, installer or seller shall be accorded reasonable opportunity to conform the appliance, accessory, or equipment to said rules, regulations, and specifications, or to correct within a reasonable time the hazardous feature or features thereof. If the registrant, installer, or seller shall not within a reasonable time conform the appliance, accessory, or equipment to said rules, regulations, and specifications, or correct the hazardous feature or features of the appliance, accessory, or equipment, the Commission shall cancel the registration of said appliance, accessory, or equipment and notify the registrant, installer, or seller in writing that, after the expiration of 10 days, no such appliance, accessory, or equipment shall be installed, sold, or offered for sale in the City of Baltimore. Provided that any action of cancellation taken by the Commissioner shall not be construed to prohibit the former registrant from reapplying for registration, in which event all the provisions relating to original applications shall apply. City Code, 1976/83, art. 13, §36 Ord. 80-025

The Commissioner of Housing and Community Development of Baltimore City is authorized to cancel the registration of any model of appliance, accessory, or equipment if any of the rules, regulations, and specifications, as provided for in § 16-8(a)(1) hereof, are violated in the design or performance of any such model or sample. Provided that no cancellation shall be made without the registrant being first accorded an opportunity of a hearing and to show cause why the registration should not be cancelled and, upon the decision, after hearing by the Commissioner, that such rules, regulations, and specifications are being violated and the application should be cancelled, cancellation shall be effective 10 days after the decision of the Commissioner. City Code, 1976/83, art. 13, §37 Ord. 80-025

Appliances, accessories and equipment herein referred to shall be construed to include instruments for use in connection with gas tubing or appliances which affect the normal and regular use of such tubing or appliances without said device, such as economy devices, accessories, solid tops, and other such equipment which is intended to be used in conjunction with self-contained appliances and which cannot be considered as a gas consuming appliance. City Code, 1976/83, art. 13, §38 Ord. 80-025

Any person, firm, or corporation may, without charge, secure from the Commissioner of Housing and Community Development of Baltimore City, information regarding the registration with the said Commissioner of any appliance, accessory, or equipment. City Code, 1976/83, art. 13, §39 Ord. 80-025

There is hereby established a Board to be known as “The Gas Appliance Board of Baltimore City”, said Board to consist of 5 members:1 of whom shall be the Commissioner of Housing and Community Development of Baltimore City ex officio; 1 of whom shall be the Director of Construction and Building Inspection of Baltimore City ex officio; 1 of whom shall be the Commissioner of Health of Baltimore City ex officio; and 2 of whom shall be appointed by the Mayor. One of the latter 2 must be a representative of the Baltimore Gas & Electric Company of Baltimore, and the other must be a Master Plumber who must also be a Registered Gas Fitter of Baltimore City. The members of the Board shall receive no compensation for their services hereunder. The Mayor shall designate one of the members of the Board as Chairman. The Board of Estimates of Baltimore City has heretofore by Resolution recommended the creation of “The Gas Appliance Board of Baltimore City”. City Code, 1976/83, art. 13, §40 Ord. 80-025 Ord. 99-526

In order to safeguard and protect the health and safety of the people of Baltimore City, the Board is hereby authorized and empowered:subject to Title 4 {“Administrative Procedure Act – Regulations”} of the <cite data-path="|general">City General Provisions Article</cite>, to make, adopt and promulgate rules, regulations, and specifications governing the design, construction, and performance of all appliances, accessories, or equipment and/or samples or models thereof for use with, by, or for the combustion of gas as distributed and/or sold in the City of Baltimore, provided that all rules, regulations, and specifications so made, adopted, and promulgated shall be pursuant to but not in conflict with the provisions of this subtitle; to develop and administer examinations, testing applicants’ knowledge of the trade and work of gas fitting; and to require, in cases of specific types of gas appliances where the Board deems that public safety warrants it, that persons, including those already registered as Master Gas Fitters and Gas Fitters of Baltimore City, who engage in the installation of such appliances, shall qualify to the Board by additional examinations as having the necessary skill and facilities to perform such work. There shall be no charge for such additional examination. The Board in making and adopting said rules, regulations, and specifications may consider the rules regulations, and specifications established by the American National Standard Institute, or any other rules, regulations, and specifications relating to said subject. Whenever the Board shall determine that it is necessary and/or desirable to test in a laboratory or testing agency any appliance, accessory, or equipment offered for registration, in order to determine whether or not the same complies with the rules, regulations, or specifications prescribed by the Board under the authority of this subtitle, the Commissioner of Housing and Community Development of Baltimore City is hereby authorized to direct said tests to be made by the laboratories of either the United States Bureau of Standards, the Johns Hopkins University, the American Gas Association, or any other laboratory or testing agency approved by the Commissioner; and the Commissioner is hereby further authorized and directed to require the costs of such tests to be paid in advance by the applicant of registration. City Code, 1976/83, art. 13, §41 Ord. 80-025 Text Conformed 02/19/21 By authority of Ordinance 20-431, Section 5, the Director of Legislative Reference, in consultation with the Law Department, has conformed subsection (a)(1) to refer expressly to the requirements of the recently-enacted Administrative Procedure Act that, effective January 15, 2021, governs the proposal, adoption, and publication of administrative rules and regulations.

The installation of gas piping and gas appliances shall be made by a “Master Gas Fitter of Baltimore City” or by a “Journeyman Gas Fitter of Baltimore City” under the supervision of a “Master Gas Fitter of Baltimore City”, both of whom shall be registered as specified below. Every person or at least 1 member of every firm, or 1 officer of every corporation doing or contracting to do gas fitting work shall be registered as a “Master Gas Fitter”. Every gas fitter working as a “Journeyman Gas Fitter” shall have a “Journeyman Gas Fitter” registration card. “Master Gas Fitter” cards shall be issued to individuals and not to a firm or corporation. A “Master Gas Fitter” may represent only 1 firm or corporation. Before being registered as a “Master Gas Fitter” the applicant must furnish satisfactory evidence that the applicant has worked at the gas fitting trade for at least 2 years as a “Journeyman Gas Fitter”. The applicant shall be required to take a written examination testing the applicant’s knowledge of the gas fitting regulations. If a passing grade of at least 75% is achieved the applicant will be subjected to an oral examination which may be accompanied by a practical demonstration. The applicant must pass both the oral examination and practical demonstration, if given, to qualify as a "Master Gas Fitter". Before being registered as a “Journeyman Gas Fitter” the applicant must furnish satisfactory evidence that:he or she has worked at the gas fitting trade for at least 2 years and has attended the gas fitting school sponsored by the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company or an equivalent school; or he or she has worked at the gas fitting trade exclusively for at least 1 year with a company that provides theoretical and practical training in an approved training program. The applicant shall be required to take a written examination testing the applicant’s knowledge of the gas fitting regulations. If a passing grade of at least 75% is achieved, the applicant will be qualified as a “Journeyman Gas Fitter”. In lieu of the above testing requirements, a Master Gas Fitter license or a Journeyman Gas Fitter license may be issued to an applicant:who has passed an examination, given by a county or municipality in the State of Maryland, which the Board deems requires the same degree of competency, skill and achievement in the gas fitting field that is required by Baltimore City; and who has an active license issued by the examining county or municipality and furnishes written verification from the county or municipality that he or she has been actively engaged in business for not less than 1 year immediately prior to the date of filing said application; and the county or municipality reciprocates by issuing licenses of a similar class to licensed gas fitters of Baltimore City, authorizing such licensees to do the same type of work within that county or municipality. City Code, 1976/83, art. 13, §42 Ord. 80-025 Ord. 82-703

The following charges shall be made to cover the cost of examination: <table class="layout-table"> <tbody> <tr> <td> (1) Master Gas Fitter License </td> <td> $25 </td> </tr> <tr> <td> (2) Journeyman Gas Fitter License </td> <td> $15 </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> The following charges for licenses are: <table class="layout-table"> <tbody> <tr> <td> (1) Master Gas Fitter License </td> <td> $75 </td> </tr> <tr> <td> (2) Journeyman Gas Fitter License </td> <td> $25 </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> The license year for all licenses shall run from January 1 through December 31 and renewal fees are as above. City Code, 1976/83, art. 13, §43 Ord. 80-025 89-308

All persons who are registered pursuant to the provisions of this subtitle shall have their gas fitter license for Baltimore City renewed annually on January 1 without the necessity for reexamination upon the payment of $75 for Master Gas Fitter or $25 for Journeyman Gas Fitter. City Code, 1976/83, art. 13, §44 Ord. 80-025 89-308

Any Master or Journeyman Gas Fitter of Baltimore City who allows his or her registration to lapse may reapply for reinstatement and at the discretion of the Gas Appliance Board of Baltimore City be reinstated upon the payment of the renewal fee. However, after a 6-month lapse, the applicant will be treated as a new applicant and will be subjected to the same examination as new applicants and be required to pay the same fees. Any person who has qualified for any gas fitter license but who has not applied for registration within 6 months of being tested shall be required to be retested before a license is issued and pay the applicable examination fee. City Code, 1976/83, art. 13, §45 Ord. 80-025

Whenever the work of a registered gas fitter of Baltimore City is believed to be unsatisfactory after inspection, or if a gas fitter shall violate any of the rules and regulations promulgated by the Board, his registration may be suspended or revoked by the Commissioner of Housing and Community Development of Baltimore City upon written notice by said Commissioner to such gas fitter that a hearing will be accorded him on a certain day to show cause why such suspension or the revocation should not be made, and after the hearing, the Commissioner may suspend temporarily or revoke permanently the registration of any such gas fitter. Provided, that whenever the license shall have been revoked permanently, the person shall not be prohibited from reapplying, but such new application shall not be made in a less period than that designated by the Commissioner from the date of permanent revocation, and all of the provisions for original applications shall be applicable. City Code, 1976/83, art. 13, §45A Ord. 80-025

Only registered Master Gas Fitters of Baltimore City may apply and receive permits to install gas piping and gas appliances. City Code, 1976/83, art. 13, §45B Ord. 80-025

Inasmuch as the purpose of this subtitle is to safeguard the people of Baltimore City: the Commissioner of Health of Baltimore City is directed to report any condition which he believes to be hazardous due to the use of any appliance, accessory, or equipment with, by or for the combustion of gas as distributed and/or sold in the City of Baltimore to the Commissioner of Housing and Community Development of Baltimore City; and the Commissioner of Housing and Community Development is hereby directed to obtain the advice of the Commissioner of Health in any matter in which he deems that such advice may promote the safety and health of the people of Baltimore. City Code, 1976/83, art. 13, §45C Ord. 80-025

Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of this subtitle shall be subject to prosecution, and upon conviction shall be subject to a fine of not less than $5 nor more than $100 for each offense. City Code, 1976/83, art. 13, §45D Ord. 80-025

In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Master electrician” means any person, firm, and corporation engaged in the business of, or holding themselves out to the public as engaged in the business of, installing, erecting, or repairing, or contracting to install, erect, or repair electric wires or conductors, to be used for the transmission of electric current for electric light, heat, or power purposes, or moulding, ducts, raceways, or conduits for the reception or protection of such wires or conductors, or to any electrical machinery, apparatus, devices, or fixtures to be used for electric light, heat, or power purposes. “Master electrician, restricted” means any person holding a license limited to servicing and installing electrical services and allied components no larger than 150 amperes-110/220 volt capacity restricted to a single phase operation to be used for electric light, heat, or power purposes in dwellings that do not contain more than 3 dwelling units. “Restricted electrician” means any person holding a license, or applying for a license, entitling such person or applicant to install, maintain, and repair the particular type or types of electrical equipment specified in the license. “Maintenance electrician” means any person, firm, or corporation engaged in the work of maintaining, servicing, and/or repairing any kind of electrically operated or controlled apparatus, device, equipment, appliance, or machinery, after the original electrical installations have been made by a master electrician licensed by the Board and approved by inspection authorities. “Board” means the Board of Electrical Examiners and Supervisors of Baltimore City. City Code, 1976/83, art. 13, §76 Ord. 83-931

The Board shall be composed of 6 members and shall be a part of the Department of Housing and Community Development. Of the 6 Board members:1 shall be the Commissioner of Housing and Community Development or his representative, ex officio; 3 shall be practicing master electricians licensed in the City of Baltimore, 1 of whom shall be a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union No. 24; and 2 members shall be from the general public. The Commissioner or his representative shall not have a vote. All appointments to the Board shall be made without regard to political affiliation. Members of the Board shall be appointed by the Mayor under the provisions of <cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Charter" data-path="IV|§6">Article IV, § 6 of the Baltimore City Charter</cite>. Each member shall be a resident of Baltimore City during his entire term. The term of the members is 4 years concurrent with the Mayor’s term of office. Should any vacancy occur from any cause during the term of any member, the Mayor shall appoint a person from the categories above provided, to fill such vacancy. In no event shall any member of the Board be appointed for more than 2 consecutive full terms. The Mayor has the power to remove any member of the Board under the provisions of <cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Charter" data-path="IV|§6">Article IV, § 6 of the Baltimore City Charter</cite>. The Mayor shall appoint one member of the Board to act as chairperson to serve as chairperson at the pleasure of the Mayor. The members of the Board may elect other officers and adopt such rules and bylaws for the transaction of business of the Board as they may deem expedient. Each member of the Board shall receive compensation as provided in the Ordinance of Estimates. The Board shall meet at least twice a month and shall hold special meetings as frequently as the proper and efficient discharge of its business shall require. Subject to Title 4 {“Administrative Procedure Act – Regulations”} of the <cite data-path="|general">City General Provisions Article</cite>, the Board shall adopt rules and regulations for:the examination of master or maintenance electricians as herein defined; and the maintaining or servicing or the placing, installing; and operating electrical wires, appliances, apparatus, or construction in, upon, and about buildings in the City of Baltimore. The Board shall give timely notice of meetings. The Board shall give in writing to the chief of the municipal electrical inspectors of Baltimore City a detailed statement of all the licenses issued, renewed or revoked at any meeting of the Board. Subject to Title 4 {“Administrative Procedure Act – Regulations”} of the <cite data-path="|general">City General Provisions Article</cite>, the Board may adopt rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle. City Code, 1976/83, art. 13, §77 Ord. 83-931 Ord. 99-526 Text Conformed 02/19/21 By authority of Ordinance 20-431, Section 5, the Director of Legislative Reference, in consultation with the Law Department, has conformed paragraphs (2) and (5) of subsection (h) to refer expressly to the requirements of the recently-enacted Administrative Procedure Act that, effective January 15, 2021, governs the proposal, adoption, and publication of administrative rules and regulations.

Before any person, firm, or corporation shall hereafter engage or continue to engage in the work or business of a master or maintenance electrician in Baltimore City, as defined in this subtitle, such person, firm or corporation shall apply to the Board for a license, and the Board shall provide the applicant with the prescribed forms. This section shall not apply to any person, firm or corporation engaged in the repair and maintenance of electrical appliances and electrical home utilities insofar as making minor adjustments and repairs necessary in connection with the installation and repair of electrical appliances and utilities. City Code, 1976/83, art. 13, §78(a), (e) Ord. 83-931

Applicants must be at least 21 years old. An applicant for examination for a master electrician license shall have been regularly and principally employed or engaged in electrical construction, maintenance, installation and repair of all types of electrical equipment and apparatus, all coming within the purview of and subject to all provisions of this subtitle, for a period of not less than 7 years preceding the date of his application, under the direction and supervision of a master electrician, 3 years of which he supervised or was actively in charge of the electrical installation work. The Board may credit the maximum of 3 years for formal course study or professional training in electrical installation which, in the opinion of the Board, provided comparable experience in training otherwise attainable under the supervision of a master electrician or while employed by a government agency. City Code, 1976/83, art. 13, §78(b)(1) Ord. 83-931

The application shall be filed with the Board at least 30 days prior to the examination months. A false, erroneous, or misleading statement made in an application is cause for rejection of the application or revocation of a license issued to the applicant. City Code, 1976/83, art. 13, §78(b)(2), (3) Ord. 83-931

Any person whose application for license shall have been rejected by the Board shall have the right to appeal to a board of arbitration, which shall consist of 1 person selected by the person making the appeal, 1 person selected by the Board herein created, and these 2 to select a 3rd person. The decision of said board of arbitration or a majority of them shall be final and binding upon all parties to said appeal. A reasonable fee toward covering the cost of arbitration shall be paid by the appellant but shall be refunded if the appellant prevails. City Code, 1976/83, art. 13, §78(b)(4) Ord. 83-931

The applicant shall pay the prescribed examination fee and shall appear before the Board at the time and place fixed by the Board. Any applicant who fails to appear for a scheduled examination is subject to filing a new application and the payment of the fee. Examinations for master, master restricted, or maintenance electricians shall be held on or about the 2nd Saturday of April and October. The examination will consist of written questions in practical electricity and the Baltimore City and <cite data-path="|building-codes|III">National Electric Code</cite>s. A grade of 70% is required for passing. An applicant who fails to pass an initial examination is eligible for any succeeding examination. An applicant who fails to pass 2 or more examinations is not eligible for another examination within 12 months from the date of the last failed examination. Separate applications and examination fees are required for each examination. City Code, 1976/83, art. 13, §78(c) Ord. 83-931

Any person, firm, or corporation who does not hold a master electrician license and rendering a service to the public to maintain, service, and/or repair any kind of electrically operated or controlled equipment, etc., must have at least 1 representative licensed as a maintenance electrician who is responsible to the Board for all employees under his supervision. Any person, firm, or corporation doing its own maintenance, service, and/or repairs, on its own premises, must have at least 1 representative so licensed who is responsible to the Board for all employees working under his or their supervision. Premises requiring a licensed representative unless they hold a master electrician license are: factories, industrial plants, department stores, theatres, public halls, office buildings, apartment houses, schools, arenas, and any other occupancy (other than private dwelling houses, doing their own maintenance service, and/or repairs) doing its own maintenance, service, and/or repairs. Each license so issued shall designate which kinds of apparatus or equipment the licensed representative is qualified to maintain, service and/or repair. City Code, 1976/83, art. 13, §78(d) Ord. 83-931

Every person, firm, or corporation before receiving a master electrician’s license shall make, execute, and deliver to said Board a good and sufficient bond to be approved by said Board, in the name of the City of Baltimore, in the sum of $2,500, the bond to be conditioned upon the faithful performance of any and all work entered upon or contracted for by said master electrician, and to save harmless the owner, or real party in interest in the property for which any such material is furnished, or services performed against loss, damage, and injury which shall arise through want of skill, or through the failure to use suitable or proper material in the performance of any work contracted for or undertaken by said master electrician, or his or its agents or employees. An action may be maintained thereon in the name of such owner or real party in interest only if commenced within 1 year from and after the date of the installation of the materials furnished or performance of such work or service. Those licensees who are automatically “grandfathered” into City licensing from state licensing have 10 days from the date thereof (May 1, 1983 or July 1, 1983) within which to file the required bond, and their City license is valid during this period. City Code, 1976/83, art. 13, §79(i) Ord. 83-931 Ord. 84-010 Ord. 90-628

The first master, master restricted, or maintenance electrician’s license will be issued to a successful applicant upon payment of the proper license fee and receipt of a signed license application form. Renewals may be obtained by an application to the Board and payment of the renewal fee during a period of 3 months preceding the expiration of the license. All persons registered as electricians in Baltimore City on April 30, 1983, and on June 30, 1983, are automatically licensed under this subtitle for the period May 1, 1983, or July 1, 1983, through December 31, 1983, without payment of a fee, and are subject to all its applicable provisions. A licensee who holds a valid electrical license from the Board may be classified as inactive status, during which time he shall not install, maintain, service, or repair electrical wires, conductors, or apparatus for heat, light, or power purposes. The licensee may retain his license on an inactive basis upon payment of an annual renewal fee. A bond must be secured in order for the licensee to return to active status. All licenses expire as of January 1 of each year, and are subject to a renewal fee. Any person, firm, or corporation who desires to renew a license after the expiration date but prior to March 1 will be subject to a payment of a delinquent fee of $35. Any person, firm, or corporation who fails to renew a license by March 1 of any year shall be treated as a new applicant and will be subjected to the same exam as new applicants and be required to pay the same fees. Any person, firm, or corporation which renews its license between January 1, 1984 and March 1, 1984 shall not be subject to a renewal fee and shall not be required to take the same examination as a new applicant. The following charges shall be made: <table class="layout-table"> <tbody> <tr> <td> (1) Examination </td> <td> $35 </td> </tr> <tr> <td> (2) New Master and Master Restricted License </td> <td> $75 </td> </tr> <tr> <td> (3) New Restricted License </td> <td> $75 </td> </tr> <tr> <td> (4) New Maintenance License </td> <td> $50 </td> </tr> <tr> <td> (5) Renewal of Master and Master Restricted License </td> <td> $75 </td> </tr> <tr> <td> (6) Renewal of Restricted License </td> <td> $75 </td> </tr> <tr> <td> (7) Renewal of Maintenance License </td> <td> $50 </td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2"> (8) Reciprocal License: </td> </tr> <tr> <td> (i) Master </td> <td> $75 </td> </tr> <tr> <td> (ii) Master Restricted </td> <td> $75 </td> </tr> <tr> <td> (iii) Restricted </td> <td> $75 </td> </tr> <tr> <td> (iv) Maintenance </td> <td> $50 </td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2"> (9) License Transfer: </td> </tr> <tr> <td> (i) Master </td> <td> $35 </td> </tr> <tr> <td> (ii) Master Restricted </td> <td> $35 </td> </tr> <tr> <td> (iii) Restricted </td> <td> $35 </td> </tr> <tr> <td> (iv) Maintenance </td> <td> $25 </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> City Code, 1976/83, art. 13, §79(a)-(e) Ord. 83-931 Ord. 84-010 Ord. 90-628

Any and all persons granted a license or renewal of same shall display the same in a conspicuous place in the office or place of business of such licensee. City Code, 1976/83, art. 13, §79(g) Ord. 83-931 Ord. 84-010 Ord. 90-628

No license or renewal of same granted or issued under the provisions of this subtitle shall be assignable or transferable, and every license and renewal of same shall specify the name of the person, firm, or corporation to whom it is issued, and in the case of a corporation, the principal officer or the designated representatives of said corporation, through whom the application for the said license was made. City Code, 1976/83, art. 13, §79(h) Ord. 83-931 Ord. 84-010 Ord. 90-628

The Board shall have full power to suspend for not more than 90 days or revoke for proper cause any license or renewal of the same after a full hearing of all parties in interest. City Code, 1976/83, art. 13, §79(f) Ord. 83-931 Ord. 84-010 Ord. 90-628

Nothing in this subtitle shall be construed to prevent any person from doing or performing the kinds of work of master, master restricted, or maintenance electrician, as herein defined, provided that such work is performed under the direction and supervision of a duly licensed master or maintenance electrician; but no such work shall be performed excepting under such direction and supervision of a duly licensed master or maintenance electrician, and the said licensed electrician shall be responsible for any and all work so done under his direction and supervision. The provisions of this subtitle shall not apply:to journeymen electricians or apprentices while such journeymen or apprentices are practicing their trade of journeymen electrician or apprentice; nor to any public service companies subject to regulation by the Public Service Commission. City Code, 1976/83, art. 13, §80(a), (c) Ord. 83-931

Any person, firm, or corporation who shall practice or engage or continue in the work of a master or maintenance electrician without having complied with all the provisions of this subtitle, and any person not licensed as master or maintenance electrician who shall do or perform any such work except under the direction of a master or maintenance electrician, and any person having been licensed as a master or maintenance electrician and who shall fail to renew his license as herein provided and shall do or perform any such work, or who shall violate any of the provisions of this subtitle, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $500 or to an imprisonment not exceeding 90 days, or both, in the discretion of the Court, and any such conviction shall ipso facto revoke and annul any license that may have been issued to such person. City Code, 1976/83, art. 13, §80(b) Ord. 83-931

In this subtitle, the following terms have the meanings indicated. “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Housing and Community Development or the Commissioner’s designee. “On-site utility contractor” means any person doing or contracting to do any on-site utility work. “On-site utility work” means the installation of and operations on a building sanitary sewer, building storm water sewer, or water service pipe, and any of their appurtenances, on premises:from the connection at the property line or, for private water and sewage disposal systems, from the connection at the well or septic tank, to:a point at least 5 feet from the foundation wall of any structure on the property; or if the foundation wall is within 5 feet of the property line, to the foundation wall. “On-site utility work” does not include a single utility connection for a 1-family dwelling. Ord. 02-475 Ord. 22-125 For the Code-wide standard definition of “person”, see <cite data-path="|general">City General Provisions Article</cite>, <cite data-path="|general|1|1|1-107">§ 1-107</cite>.

There is an On-Site Utility Contractors Board of Baltimore City. The Board consists of the following 5 members:the Commissioner or designee; the Director of Construction and Buildings Inspection or designee; the Director of Public Works or designee; a member, appointed by the Mayor, who is an on-site utility contractor licensed by the City and resides in or has a place of business in the City; and a member, appointed by the Mayor, who is a master plumber licensed by the State, has at least 2 years’ experience in utility construction, and resides in or has a place of business in the City. Appointments to the Board are to be made without regard to the appointee’s political affiliation. The appointed members of the Board:serve without compensation; but are entitled to reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, as provided in the Ordinance of Estimates. The Commissioner serves as the Board’s chair. Ord. 02-475 Ord. 16-503

To safeguard the health and safety of the people of the City, the Board may: subject to Title 4 {“Administrative Procedure Act – Regulations”} of the <cite data-path="|general">City General Provisions Article</cite>, adopt rules, regulations, and specifications governing the qualification and licensing of on-site utility contractors in the City; develop and administer examinations to test an applicant’s knowledge of on-site utility work, if the Board considers testing necessary in a particular case; accept applications for licensure as an on-site utility contractor; issue, deny, suspend, and revoke licenses as necessary or appropriate; and hold hearings on proposed denials, suspensions, and revocations. Ord. 02-475 Text Conformed 02/19/21 By authority of Ordinance 20-431, Section 5, the Director of Legislative Reference, in consultation with the Law Department, has conformed item (1) to refer expressly to the requirements of the recently-enacted Administrative Procedure Act that, effective January 15, 2021, governs the proposal, adoption, and publication of administrative rules and regulations.

The Commissioner of Health or the Commissioner’s representative must consult with the Board as necessary from time to time. Ord. 02-475

No person may perform or directly supervise any on-site utility work in the City unless licensed to do so under this subtitle. Ord. 02-475

The license may be issued only to an individual and not to a firm or corporation. For every firm or corporation doing or contracting to do on-site utility work, a license must be obtained:by at least 1 member of the firm or 1 officer of the corporation; and by every on-site supervisor of the on-site utility work. Ord. 02-475

An applicant for a license must furnish evidence satisfactory to the Board that the applicant meets the qualifications set by the Board. These qualifications must:be comparable to the prequalification criteria set for contractors in Baltimore City and neighboring jurisdictions; and include, but not be limited to, at least 2 years’ experience in the installation of building sanitary sewer, building storm water sewer, and water service pipe utilities. The Board may consider, but not give conclusive weight to, the fact that an applicant:possesses a current on-site utility contractor’s license, or its equivalent, issued by another political subdivision of this State; or is an officer or employee of a firm or corporation currently prequalified with the City to perform Category B utilities construction work. Ord. 02-475

Before any person may be issued an on-site utility contractors license, the person must deliver to the Commissioner a good and sufficient bond satisfactory to the Commissioner, in the name of the City of Baltimore. The bond must be:for the amount of $2,500; and conditioned on:the contractor’s faithful performance of all work done or contracted for by the on-site utility contractor; and the contractor’s indemnifying and saving harmless the City and the owner or real party in interest of the property for which any material is furnished or services performed against loss, failure to use suitable material, or failure to properly perform any work contracted for or undertaken by the contractor and any agent or employee of the contractor. An action may be maintained on the bond only if it is brought within 1 year after the date of the installation of the material or performance of the work or service. Ord. 02-475

The license fee is $150, payable at the time of application. The license expires annually on December 31. Ord. 02-475

A license may be renewed annually, on or before December 31, on payment of a renewal fee of $150. Ord. 02-475

A license issued under this subtitle is neither assignable nor transferrable. A licensee may represent only 1 firm or corporation at any one time. Ord. 02-475

Any person who allows his or her license to lapse may apply for reinstatement and, at the discretion of the Board, may be reinstated on payment of the renewal fee. However, after a lapse of 6 months or more, the former licensee will be treated as a new applicant, subject to the same requirements as new applicants. Ord. 02-475

The Board may suspend or revoke an on-site utility contractors license or deny the renewal of a license for just cause. Just cause for suspension, revocation, or denial includes, but is not limited to:failure to provide the required bond; violation of any material provision of the <cite data-path="|building-codes">Building, Fire, and Related Codes Article</cite> or of any other board, City, State, or federal law, ordinance, rule, or regulation; unsatisfactory work or negligence, incompetence, or misconduct in the performance of on-site utility work; fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation in the performance of any work or in obtaining or renewing a license, permit, or bond; selling, lending, or otherwise permitting any improper use of a license or permit; or failure to notify the Board of current address. Ord. 02-475 Ord. 13-093

Before suspending, revoking, or denying the renewal of a license, the Board must provide the licensee with an opportunity for a hearing on the matter. At least 5 days before the hearing, the Board must notify the licensee, by certified or registered mail, of:the nature of the alleged violation; and the time and place of the hearing. The Board must issue a written decision, stating its reasons, within 10 days of the hearing. In its decision, the Board may order that the license be:suspended for a specified term of up to 90 days; suspended indefinitely, until the licensee gives evidence satisfactory to the Board that the condition for which the license was suspended has been corrected and will not recur; revoked, in which case application for reinstatement may not be made until 6 months after the revocation; not renewed under the same conditions as those specified above for a suspension or revocation; or continued in full force. Ord. 02-475

In addition to any other remedy provided in this subtitle or otherwise by law, this subtitle may be enforced by the Commissioner in the manner provided in § 104{“Duties and powers of Building Official”} of the Baltimore City <cite data-path="|building-codes|II">Building Code</cite>. Ord. 02-475 Ord. 13-093

Any person who violates any provision of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is subject to a fine of not more than $500 for each violation. Each day that a violation continues is a separate offense. Ord. 02-475

In this subtitle, the following terms have the meanings indicated. “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Housing and Community Development or the Commissioner’s designee. “Service provider” means any person doing business in this City as:a master plumber; a gas fitter; a heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration contractor; or a home improvement contractor. Ord. 02-475 Ord. 22-125 For the Code-wide standard definition of “person”, see <cite data-path="|general">City General Provisions Article</cite>, <cite data-path="|general|1|1|1-107">§ 1-107</cite>.

Every service provider must: register with the Commissioner; provide the Commissioner with:the address of his or her place of business; and the name under which the business is carried on; and give immediate notice to the Commissioner of any change in that information. Ord. 02-475

For the registration of a service provider under this subtitle, the fee is as $25. Ord. 02-475

Any person who violates any provision of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is subject to a fine of not more than $500 for each violation. Ord. 02-475